Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern
- RAY LEWIS: Gary Graves of USA Today wrote that Ray Lewis thinks the NFL's crackdown on defensive hits is counter-productive and will cause the League to become diluted with mediocre play. "My opinion is, play the game like the game like it is supposed to be played and whatever happens, happens," Lewis said Wednesday, a day after the NFL fined three players for violent hits, including one by New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather who lit up teammate Todd Heap on Sunday. If the NFL chooses to ride this slippery slope, highly passionate defensive players like Ray Lewis, who play at 100 % every time will be affected---mostly likely monetarily.
- OSI UMENYIORA: OU recently told ESPN that nothing has changed about his work ethic and that his surgically repaired knee feels 100% rejuvenated. Umenyiora has amassed over seven tackles in the last three games. Still, Osi isn't gloating over his success. "A sack is nothing but a tackle for a loss," Umenyiora said. "That is all it is, a glorified tackle for a loss. But if you are able to get the ball out and force a turnover, it puts the offense in position to really help the team win, and that is really where my focus is."
- YAO MING: The Rocket's center is still a little concerned about his surgically repaired knee. "It's still a little bit (of a concern for) me, honestly," Yao said. "I get into (physical situations with) a lot of guys in a small area. I'm a little bit afraid people will step on me or I will jump in the air to try to get a rebound and land on somebody. That gives me a little to worry about. That goes slightly away day-by-day."
- RAJON RONDO: Coach Doc Rivers recently stressed the fact this his PG needs to reach the free throw line more---at least 7 to 8 times per game. Rondo shot 2 for 4 from the line against the Knicks last week; and did not shoot any free throws last night in Boston's final pre-season game win against the NJ Nets. Rondo only shot 62% percent from the line last year---a stat he must improve to be considered an all-around PG.
- STEVE NASH: The PHX Sun's PG dropped 16 points along with Robin Lopez who accounted for 14 points and 10 boards to propel the Suns to a 92-87 win over the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday. The PHX Suns move to (2-5) in pre-season; their first losing pre-season since 2003, according to USA Today.
- BRANDON JENNINGS: Milwaukee basketball is back on the map because of the realest PG in the NBA---Brandon Jennings. After starting every game last season, winning Rookie of the Month four times, and becoming the youngest to score more than 50 points, Young Buck is anxious to do work this season. "Last year was amazing," Jennings said. "I worked hard to try to be the best every night. The biggest thing I learned was how to win, and now I want to improve on that."
- HELIO CASTRONVES: Throwback video---Helio Castroneves wins the 2009 Indy 500; see the Brazilian Spiderman climb the fence.
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