Month: March 2022

Manu Ginobili is a first-ballot Hall of Famer as one of the best international players ever

Manu is an official all-time great.

The Spurs’ dynasty of five championships might be over but they’re far from done getting their flowers. It doesn’t stop at the steward of their run, Gregg Popovich, becoming the NBA’s all-time wins leader in early March.

The latest news concerns one of the more unique championship pillars ever to grace a court in any basketball sense: Manu Ginóbili.

A gifted and deft scorer for 16 years in San Antonio, it sometimes felt like Ginóbili wasn’t appreciated the way he should be. Those legendary Spurs teams that managed to beat Shaq, Kobe, and LeBron in so many big games never do so if they don’t have the Argentine on their side.

The folks with the Basketball Hall of Fame agree.

That’s why Ginóbili is being inducted on the first ballot.

Goosebumps. I have goosebumps

The Ginóbili announcement comes on the heels of the reveal of the entire Class of 2022, which also includes:

  • Swin Cash — four-time WNBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist
  • Tim Hardaway — five-time NBA All-Star
  • Bob Huggins — two-time NCAA Coach of the Year
  • George Karl — sixth all-time in NBA wins

With all due respect to these legends, it’s Ginóbili who is the unquestioned headliner.

Now at the age of 44 and since retired, Ginóbili entered the NBA game a little late. He wasn’t breaking the hearts of the Lakers in a black jersey until he was 22 — over three years after the Spurs drafted him. Instead of jumping to the United States right away, the Argentine decided to plug away a little longer elsewhere and play in Italy.

Oh and at the same time: His beloved Virtus Bologna won the EuroLeague in 2001 where he was crowned EuroLeague Finals MVP.

When Ginóbili finally decided to make the leap and join Tim Duncan and Popovich in 2002, it was all downhill from there. Not only was he an integral part of four championship teams, he was a player of unquestioned versatility:

  • Two-time All-Star 
  • Two-time All-NBA Third Team
  • Sixth Man of the Year (2008)

Sure, it might not seem like the most impressive ledger at first. But when you remember that Ginóbili most often came off the bench for the Spurs to light other teams up, you reconsider. He was a one-of-a-kind microwave scorer and the heart and soul of one of the NBA’s best-ever teams.

Ginóbili will enter the Hall of Fame in the conversation for the best international NBA player ever. Which, you won’t hear any argument for me. As a proud Argentine, he helped grow the league and the game on a worldwide scale, and then some. I’d even go as far as to say that his status as an international player comes before his esteemed reputation as a cog in the Spurs machine.

Manu Ginóbili is an all-time basketball great. It’s really heartening to see the powers that be give him, among all people, the flowers he truly deserves.

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2022 NFL draft: George Karlaftis scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Purdue edge defender George Karlaftis

A superstar defensive lineman from the moment he set foot on the college football field, Purdue’s Yoros “George” Karlaftis enters the 2022 NFL draft as one of the top edge defenders in a deep class at the position.

Here is everything you need to know about the Boilermakers’ do-it-all pass rusher:

Commanders under investigation for alleged ‘financial improprieties’

Congress is now looking into alleged financial improprieties by the Commanders.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he was “tired” of the outside noise and negative stories surrounding his team earlier this week from the NFL’s owner’s meetings.

Since that time, Washington has been in the news on back-to-back days — and not for football reasons. On Wednesday, former Washington quarterback Alex Smith went on the “Rich Eisen Show” and was asked about any advice he could give Carson Wentz and the conversation turned to Washington’s off-field drama.

On Thursday, more bad news for the Commanders as the Washington Post revealed that congressional committee overseeing the sexual harassment in Washington’s workplace, is also now looking into alleged financial improprieties, per Liz Clarke, Paul Kane and Mark Maske.

The allegations emerged as the committee reviewed over 80,000 documents into the toxic workplace investigation and interviewed numerous witnesses.

Details of the alleged financial improprieties were not revealed, but the investigation will continue to move forward.

“The investigation is going forward,” said Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, chair of the committee.

Congress’ investigation into Washington’s workplace culture and alleged financial improprieties comes at the same time as the NFL’s second investigation of the Commanders in less than two years.

Beth Wilkinson initially investigated Washington’s toxic workplace culture for 10 months before presenting her findings to the NFL. However, there were no written reports provided at the NFL and Washington’s request.

Earlier this year, new allegations emerged against owner Daniel Snyder, which is now a part of the NFL’s investigation, led by Mary Jo White.

2022 Cleveland Guardians World Series, win total, pennant and division odds

Looking at the 2022 MLB futures for the Cleveland Guardians, including odds for the World Series, pennant, division and projected win total.

The Cleveland Guardians enter a new era following their first losing season since 2012 and missing the playoffs in 2021 for the second time in the last three years.

Below, we look at the Cleveland Guardians’ MLB futures odds, including their projected 2022 win total and World Series odds at Tipico Sportsbook.

Cleveland’s history of being conservative continued this offseason when the Guardians made no notable upgrades to the roster. It had the fourth-lowest offseason spending, according to Spotrac.com.

The Guardians are relying on some of their young starters to take the next steps in their careers and for 2020 American League Cy Young SP Shane Bieber to regain his form after missing half of last season with an injury.

The bottom of Cleveland’s range is fourth in the AL Central and the top is a division crown. Let’s examine what’s likelier to happen.

Cleveland Guardians’ 2022 World Series odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 31 at 10:33 p.m. ET.

Odds: +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

PASS because both Bieber and 3B Jose Ramirez would both have to flirt with Triple Crown seasons for the Guardians to have a chance at winning the whole thing.

You could talk me into sprinkling on Cleveland’s futures to make the playoffs or to win the AL Central but the Guardians ain’t winning the World Series.

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Cleveland Guardians’ 2022 playoff odds

Will the Guardians make the playoffs: Yes +350 | No -500

PASS because the AL East has four teams better than the Guardians, the Chicago White Sox are rightfully heavy favorites to repeat as AL Central champions and the AL West has at least two better teams than Cleveland.

Even in the inaugural 12-team playoff format, the Guardians will most likely be the odd man out of the playoff race.

Cleveland Guardians’ 2022 win total

Over/Under: 76.5 (O: -115 | U: -110)

BET GUARDIANS OVER 76.5 WINS (-115) because they won 80 games last year with a below-average lineup, mediocre-to-subpar bullpen and an injury to their then-reigning AL Cy Young winner Bieber.

Granted, Cleveland’s lineup will still be league-average but Bieber will be on the mound Opening Day and is a top-3 starter in the AL. Also, the rest of Cleveland’s rotation has shown promise.

For instance, 2016 first-round SP Cal Quantrill was phenomenal in the second half of 2021. Quantrill was 7-1 after the All-Star game with a 1.94 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. The other 3 Guardians starters are in their mid-20s and Cleveland has a proven track record as a pitching factory.

Furthermore, organizational depth is more important than top-notch talent because injuries are unavoidable nowadays. Cleveland’s farm system is ranked ninth in the MLB with four top-100 prospects, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.

The GUARDIANS OVER 76.5 WINS (-115) is my favorite Cleveland future.

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Odds to win AL Central Division

  • Chicago White Sox -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Detroit Tigers +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
  • Minnesota Twins +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
  • Cleveland Guardians +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
  • Kansas City Royals +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

LEAN to the GUARDIANS (+1000) to win the AL Central since they should have the third-best odds to win the division so I see some value in this number.

The Minnesota Twins’ starting rotation is too suspect and the Detroit Tigers finished strong in 2021 but would need too many things to fall into place to win the division.

While I agree the Chicago White Sox should be the clear favorite, they have one of the weakest farm systems in the MLB and I’m not sold on Chicago’s rotation either.

But, it’s only a LEAN to the GUARDIANS (+1000) to win the division since the White Sox have a top-5 lineup and bullpen in baseball and should cruise to a second straight AL Central crown if they stay healthy.

Odds to win American League

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

PASS since Cleveland’s only path to the postseason would be stealing the worst division in the AL if Chicago significantly underperforms expectations.

Obviously, if that happens, we might shop for lines for the Guardians to win the pennant at a decent price in October.

Want some action on the 2022 MLB season? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Mookie Cook clarifies his recruiting class and when he will join the Oregon Ducks

In an interview with @AndrewNemec, Oregon’s Mookie Cook clarified that he will be staying in the 2023 class and not joining the Ducks this season.

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The thrilling news for Oregon Duck fans that 5-star SF Mookie Cook had committed to join Dana Altman’s squad was briefly overshadowed by the report that he would be reclassifying from the 2023 class and joining the Ducks in 2022.

The original report came from The Athletic, which said that Cook had decided to leave high school a year early and join the Ducks this fall. However, Cook went on 1080TheFan with Andrew Nemec, the Director of Recruiting at SBLive Sports, and clarified that he will not be reclassified, and will stay in the class of 2023, where he is the No. 4 ranked player overall.

Cook is just the second member of Oregon’s 2023 recruiting class, where West Linn’s Jackson Shelstad stood as the lone member until Thursday. Shelstad is a 6-foot point guard who is ranked as a 4-star player, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Oregon.

Contact/Follow us @Ducks_Wire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Joe “Big Hoss” Cryer gets Michigan State football offer

MSU is one of the first schools to extend an offer to Joe “Big Hoss” Cryer

Michigan State offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic has eyed Joe “Big Hoss” Cryer as someone that was deserving of a Michigan State offer, and that offer has been extended. Michigan State will join Lamar of the WAC in the FCS as the only two schools to offer the offensive lineman. It is no secret that Michigan State isn’t afraid to offer players very early in their recruitment, being a top school at evaluating talent early on in some recruiting processes.

Cryer is a native of Many, Louisiana, and is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman.

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Magic bring back Devin Cannady with 10-day contract

Cody Taylor: The Magic have signed guard Devin Cannady to a 10-day contract, the team announced. Source: Twitter @CodyTaylorNBA What’s the buzz on Twitter? Adrian Wojnarowski @ wojespn The Orlando Magic are signing guard Devin Cannady to a 10-day …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
The Orlando Magic are signing guard Devin Cannady to a 10-day contract, his agent @jaredmucha_ of Excel Sports tells ESPN. Cannady has been playing with Lakeland of the G League. – 10:11 PM
Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
The Magic have signed guard Devin Cannady to a 10-day contract, the team announced. – 10:10 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
News: The Orlando Magic are signing Devin Cannady to a 10-day deal. – 10:03 PM

More on this storyline

Clemson baseball vs. NC State series: Stream and radio info

How to tune in to Clemson baseball this weekend:

Clemson baseball heads into the weekend presented with a three-game series against NC State and an opportunity to reach .500 in ACC play.

After defeating Winthrop 9-3 on Tuesday, Clemson is now at a pivotal point in the season where conference victories are crucial in moving up in the standings.

The Tigers sit on a 17-7 record through the team’s first 24 games but are 1-4 in the ACC. With three victories over the Wolfpack, Clemson would even up the win-loss column in conference play, which would be a huge turning point for the Tigers, who have the second-worst conference record in the ACC.

Here’s how and when you can tune in to the games:

2022 NFL draft: Zion Johnson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson

A tough, versatile lineman who made the most of his week at the Senior Bowl, Boston College’s Zion Johnson enters the 2022 NFL draft as one of the top interior blockers in the class.

Here is everything you need to know about this dominant guard prospect:

Don’t listen to Brian Cashman, who wants us to feel pity for the poor Yankees

The Yankees want sympathy. Don’t listen to them!

I’m not one to talk about signs of the Apocalypse, but has anyone checked if Hell has frozen over yet? What about whether the earth’s waters have risen above the mountains? I mean, I know we can see those beautiful natural works of art from a distance, and they seem okay and still majestic, but are we sure the oceans haven’t eclipsed them?

I only ask these pressing questions because it looks like the Yankees are asking for sympathy. Yes, the New York Yankees, once famous for buying every good player seemingly every year in free agency en route to World Series after World Series and laughing about it, are having a rough go of it lately. And they want you to know it’s been hard.

Excuse me?

Brian Cashman, your table is ready. Let’s hear your grievances, buddy. Oh, you want to talk about the 2017 ALCS for some reason? Why not!

From The Athletic:

“The only thing that stopped us was something so illegal and horrific. So I get offended when we start hearing we haven’t been to the World Series since ’09.”

Those are some of Cashman’s thoughts on criticisms of an ongoing Yankees championship drought. The 2010s were only the second decade (behind the 80s) in the storied franchise’s existence where they didn’t win a title. And Cashman thinks his beloved “Bronx Bombers” were robbed by the cheating Astros … in a conference championship series.

Brian, please continue. I would say you have bigger problems to worry about, but I need to hear more before making a reasonable ruling that won’t upset Yankees, Lakers, and Duke Nation. It’s only fair.

More via The Athletic:

“Because I’m like, ‘Well, I think we actually did it the right way. The only thing that derailed us was a cheating circumstance that threw us off.'”

Okay. Look. I’m not about to downplay what the Astros did, which I don’t think I must elaborate upon. But does Cashman really want us to feel bad for the Yankees? The Yankees???

Sure, the Yankees have never necessarily broken the rules with their exorbitant spending that blows everyone out of the water. And yeah, nothing says it’s illegal for you to be self-righteous about having the largest coin purse, among other things. Both tenets are frowned upon by baseball fans (rightfully), but they’re not against the rules.

But if there were a team I would feel pity for in feeling the direct brunt of a cheating scandal; it would certainly not be a squad with 27 championships. Not the Yankees. Not the evil Empire of American professional sports. They might as well have John Williams’ classic deep organ following them around.

Not to mention that it’s worth noting Tipico Sportsbook has the Yankees at +1200 with the fifth-best odds to win the 2022 World Series. That’s pretty good! I think they’re okay!

Besides, Brian, can you expand upon what happened in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019?

Let me guess. Someone was cheating there, too, and that’s what prevented you from capturing glorious No. 28?

Let’s hear it. We’re all ears, good sir. What’s the next excuse?

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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