Ceblogger's Sports Blog

What Makes Jeremy Lin a Hit

ceblogger — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:35:54 +0000

Have you ever wondered what makes Jeremy Lin a hit in the NBA? If you are a sports fanatic especially that of basketball, the name does surely ring a bell. And it’s an underdog story that makes it into a Linsation and had a cult following that exemplifies Linsanity.

People love underdog stories and that does not exempt Jeremy Lin’s story. In fact his story is perfect for such kind of setting. He is a graduate in one of the top Universities of the world and posses a high level of IQ. However, life was not always good for him. Although he was good in basketball and lead his high school team to Division II state title, he never got any athletic scholarships.

What makes his story so interesting is that he never made any buzz or created any stir in the basketball community despite all of the awards and achievements he has made in the sport. Scouts find him as someone who is too thin and has a flawed jumper. However, what makes him different from other talents is that is a smart passer and has a high IQ with regard to the game.

Scouts who were looking for a player that can create immediate impact on the game do not find such thing on Lin. “I am a type of player that in order for you to see my facets of the game, you have to see me play several times”, Lin said of himself. During the 2010 NBA draft he went undrafted, but that did not discourage him from pursuing his goals and becoming better at his game.

His way on top was not easy. He was cut off several times by several teams and at times his contract is not guaranteed. He needs to fight for his spot on the roster. He was usually the 14th or 15th guy on the team. Then something happened that made a big turnaround on his career. While playing for the Knicks against the Celtics and uncertain whether his contract will be guaranteed, he was given a shot. It was a desperation move perhaps by their coach. What he did next was something that many did not expect. Soon after that game his coach gave him more minutes and each time he never failed to deliver. His superstar team mate, Anthony, noticed how good he was and suggested to their coach that he be given more playing time. Given the opportunity to start in a game he played extremely good. Each time he was given the starting spot he makes good of it is always in double digits. During this run, with him on the starting point, he turned his team from mere cellar dwellers to a playoff contender team.

His success to the top was never easy. He made a lot of sacrifices and has gone through a lot of hardships. But what really makes him a hit? And why do people really love this guy? One thing that differentiates him from the others is that he stays humble and keeps his feet on the ground despite of the sudden success and the attention that he has garnered. He plays own game without being too flashy. He also has high respects for his opponents which makes likeable among other players.

People find his story very interesting because they were taken by surprise. His rise to stardom was the least people expected. He did it extraordinarily and convincingly against top tier opponents and more so he became the go to guy during the absence of his superstar teammates. He was able to lift the standing of their team through his leadership at the point position. Jeremy Lin took the world by surprise through his breakout performance and became a world sensation especially with the Asian crowd.

Chelsea vs Barcelona UCL 2nd Leg Results

ceblogger — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:42:49 +0000

A few hours from now, we shall know of the results of the Chelsea vs Barcelona UCL 2nd leg game wherein Chelsea stunned the defending champion 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Can Chelsea withstand the pressure at Nou Camp? Or are they going to park the bus in front of the goal?

As we’ve seen on TV or read in the news about Chelsea’s victory at London despite limited possession and goal attacks, Drogba and his old pals Terry and Lampard are still a force to reckon with. Drogba is excellent when it comes to rattling defenders with his sheer presence alone. He’s also good at beating opposition when it comes to long balls. And he’s always have that shot at goal that wrecks havoc on the goalie.

Never mind their lack of a popular coach. It’s the players at Chelsea that makes the difference.

Barcelona on the other hand will rely on their attacks and quick-slick passing game. Messi will come again messing the defenders. Add to that Xavi, Fabregas and Sanchez. Then there’s the ever reliable Iniesta who always play hero on big games. Of course, the Barca crowd will play a big role.

Chelsea vs Barcelona Results Prediction

I wanted a Barcelona vs Real Madrid finals. But to be honest, I also wanted Chelsea to get their first taste of the trophy. They almost did it with Mourinho and Avram Grant. But luck was not on their side that fateful day. I’m sure it will be raining balls at Chelsea’s goal. But when you park the bus and seal it tight, who can penetrate it? For the 2nd leg results, my take is 2-1 victory for Barcelona. But Chelsea will progress on away goals.

Chelsea vs Barcelona Actual Results – Update

Chelsea survived the Barca onslaught at Nou Camp by drawing 2-2 and 3-2 on aggregate.

Down by 0-2 and Terry out on a red card before halftime, Ramires put in a goal that shocked the Catalans. Despite the numerous attack options of Barcelona, it was Busquet that made the first goal. Iniesta followed it up but Messi failed to convert a penalty.

Fernando Torres chipped in another goal at injury time to finally nail the coffin for the defending Champions.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich UCL SemiFinals Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:39:43 +0000

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich semifinals will definitely be a thrilling football match worthy of the finals. It’s not often that they both play against each other. But Germany’s most successful club in Europe refuses to back down while the Los Blancos aims to thwart a winless history against Bayern Munich on their home turf.

Madrid’s Jose Mourinho knows well the team he is facing for his Inter Milan Champion team of 2010 already played against the German side at the Finals.

On the other side, Bayern player Arjen Robben, played under Mourinho at Chelsea and he was also a Real Madrid player for two years. So he knows very well the mentality of their opponent. “We will give everything. You will see a great Bayern, I’m sure. We have no doubt that to eliminate Madrid, we will have to be at 120%, at our maximum, and play the perfect game.” Robben told Marca.

The front lines of both teams are equally talented. So there’s no question that there will be plenty of goal attempts and the goalies and defenders will be very busy.

Leg 1 Results Prediction

Since Real Madrid is the most hungry team at this moment, they will play at 150%, especially at Munich. Ronaldo will definitely play his best to prove himself worthy of the price his team paid to lure him to Spain. Mourinho and his team will surely attempt to erase that winless history against German teams on their own soil. My prediction: 1-0 for Madrid.

Actual Result

I thought a 1-1 draw would have been decent enough but Gomez came up with a late winner for a 2-1 advantage to the Germans. The game will be back at Bernabeu with Real Madrid needing 1-0 to win.

Manny Pacquiao’s Hennessy Commercial

ceblogger — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:15:11 +0000

Some say it’s controversial. Others say it is just part of the job. What would you have to say considering that Manny already proclaimed that he’s already a changed man and quotes Bible verses every now and then?

Here’s a glimpse of the commercial of Manny Pacquiao with Hennessy:

According to reports, the video is being aired mainly on digital screens in Times Square, New York, and is seen by thousands of locals and tourists everyday. There are also billboards relating to the campaign where Pacquiao appears.

Controversy

Where does the controversy lie? In an interview with ABS-CBN News on April 4, Pacquiao defended himself ”It’s not about the alak; it’s about inspiration on how to become successful.” Good thing he did not mention Jesus’ miracle at the wedding at Cana, where he turned water into wine. That would be out of context.

The controversy is in the association. Hennessy is a popular and expensive cognac brand. Its alcohol content is many times higher than that of the regular beer. Alcohol means vice. What has vice and alcohol got to do with a clean image Pacquiao is trying to set up?

On the other hand, an expensive wine (or cognac for this matter) is not to be drunk for the drunken sake. It is a symbol of prestige and power. And definitely not vice.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona at the UCL Finals

ceblogger — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:42:48 +0000

As of this writing, the semi-finals is yet to take place with Real Madrid facing Bayern Munich and Barcelona playing against Chelsea. But from the looks of it, we’re heading for a super El Classico at Europe’s largest stage – the UEFA Champion’s league finals. The Finals will be held in Munich on May 19, 2012

For diehard fans of either team, it is war. For the others, it a display of football only the world cup finals could equal.

Best Teams in the World

In the report by Deloitte on the richest football clubs in the world for 2011, Real Madrid sits on top while Barcelona closely follows. We all know what money can buy. No, not buy games, but players and managers of the highest quality. In terms of financial arsenal, these two are the best.

And how about their footballing record? Real Madrid won Europe’s top trophy for a record nine times, the last of which was in 2002. This year will be their tenth attempt to recapture the trophy. So just imagine their hunger.

For Barcelona, though they’ve won only four times, they won two titles in the last three years. There had been not much change in the current line-up so their winning team is still intact.

Best Club Managers in the World

Who would dare challenge the managerial qualities and recent achievements of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola? Mourinho boasts of two European trophies from teams who aren’t likely to win the Champion’s league. I’m referring to FC Porto of 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. Every time he coaches, he led the contenders to the top, making them champions. Look at Porto, Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid. Real Madrid is currently on top of the La Liga, and is poised to remain no.1 at the end of the season. His mission is definitely to hand in the Champion’s league trophy back to the Bernabeu.

For Guardiola, he won for Barcelona, 3 La Liga, 1 Copa del Rey, 3 Supercopa de España, 2 UEFA Champions League, 2 UEFA Super Cup and2 FIFA Club World Cup. These he achieved in 4 years as manager.

Best Footballers in the World

Lionel Messi is currently the best football player in the world. He won the last three of the FIFA World Player of the Year / Ballon d’Or awards. For this UCL season alone, Messi tallied 14 goals. It is always a joy watching the Argentine player when he zigzags towards the goal and shoots when least expected. Many goalies just stand in awe of this player. I bet Messi caught them in the state of shock.

But it’s not only Messi messing the opposition. There’s also Xavi and Cesc Fabregas putting in goals.

For the Los Blancos, who wouldn’t know Cristiano Ronaldo, the footballer who currently holds the record for the most expensive transfer? Real Madrid paid Manchester United £80m in 2009. The Portuguese repaid the compliment with smashing goals and wins for his team. He puts in 46 goals for Madrid in all competition this season. He has the speed, strength and creativity to make goals.

Aside from Ronaldo, Madrid has the best attacking trios in the world today. Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzima are making their marks too. Put along Kaka or Mesut Ozil in the middle and they have the most potent attack.

Best Rivalry in the World

The Barcelona vs Real Madrid rivalry actually goes beyond sport and football. Here’s what I gathered from the Wikipedia:

“The rivalry comes about as Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities in Spain, and the two clubs are two of the richest, most successful and influential football clubs in the world. Barcelona leads the count in official titles won with 75 trophies (plus three Inter-Cities Fairs Cups considered the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and recognized by FIFA), while Real Madrid has won 74 trophies. Along with Athletic Bilbao, they are the only clubs in La Liga to have never been relegated.

They are sometimes identified with opposing political positions, with Real Madrid viewed as representing Spanish nationalism and Barcelona viewed as representing Catalan nationalism. The rivalry is regarded as one of the biggest in world football.

…Barcelona had developed a reputation as a symbol of Catalan pride and identity, opposed to the centralising tendencies of Madrid.”

In the all time head-to-head match-up in all competitions, Barcelona led Real Madrid 104 to 90 wins and 55 draws.

Spoilers

Chelsea and Bayern Munich can spoil the fun of the Spanish teams. Both are hungry for titles and are always playing with fire and passion. But I do think that Real Madrid and Barcelona will waylaid all opposition to make way for that ultimate clash in Munich. As always, I will be rooting for Mourinho and whichever team he manages.

Manny Pacquiao – A Changed Man

ceblogger — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:22:20 +0000

The news came to my attention early this year. But because I was busy with other things, I wasn’t able to write about it. I read articles from various journalists and sportswriters. Some were even skeptical of Pacquiao’s newfound passion for the Bible. Is he for real?

A New Man

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Cor 5:17 (NKJV).

We heard that Pacquiao had quit gambling and womanizing. He even sold his fighting cocks and his shares in casinos and in other establishments that promote vices. Not only that, Manny shares bible verses every now and then. I witnessed him doing that in his “Manny, Many Prizes” show. In this country, it is not easy for famous men to accept they have sinned and changed their ways.

According to renowned journalist Ronnie Nathanielsz, “Manny has touched the lives of millions by his incredible achievements in the ring, earning respect and redemption for our country which was long denied the recognition it richly deserved. Beyond that, outside the ring, he has been a picture of humility and an individual, who cares for his people like very few others do. It somehow pains when people suggest that Pacquiao is using God and religion to further his political ambitions, because it does seem terribly unfair. If anything at all, we sincerely believe that God is using Manny to spread His word because whenever Manny speaks, a multitude listens.”

I think that some people are just allergic to God’s name being mentioned by famous athletes. Blasphemy may be alright to them but to credit God for the win, or for the opportunity of losing a game, it’s incredulous.

Some are asking, “Is he going to change religion?” Manny has not directly answered that yet, but as of this moment, I think he is comfortable with the fellowship of bible-believing believers.

Retirement Plans

Pacquiao said that in a dream, God told him to retire. “I will not stay long in boxing because He (God) said: ‘You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful,’” Pacquiao is quoted telling radio station DZMM.

The message sent chills to boxing fans who only cared for the Pacman’s fist and power in the ring. “What if he loses his killer instincts and go soft against his opponents?” they asked. We all know that this coming June 9, it will be a Pacquiao vs Bradley brawl at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

What about Mayweather? Isn’t a Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight we’ve all been waiting for? Is he going to retire without facing the ultimate boxer? For Pacquiao, he doesn’t need Mayweather to prove himself. We might just have to accept the fact that our hero may not kick the butt of Mayweather. The latter is just too evasive with his demands.

Future Plans

Some are saying that Manny wants to become President someday. Who are we to challenge that? But at this time, Manny held on to the famous verse in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

His mission now is very clear to him. It is no longer about boxing but in spreading the good news. And he doesn’t need to become the President of the Philippines to do that.

Brock Lesnar Returns to WWE

ceblogger — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:58:58 +0000

Is Brock Lesnar leaving the MMA world to return to his roots at the WWE? Here’s a video I found in Youtube and my oh my! Just listen to the fans reactions and witness what he did to John Cena.

Lesnar hasn’t been in WWE since 2004. His departure was said to be due to his desire to join profootball. He started his MMA career in 2007, and was signed by the UFC in 2008. He was given a title shot for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional fight. He defeated Randy Couture and wrested the title.

In 2009, it was confirmed that Lesnar was suffering from mononucleosis. It was also revealed that Lesnar was suffering from a serious case of diverticulitis, an intestinal disorder, which would require surgery. In January 2010, he went on to fight Shane Carwin and unified the title. In October that year, he defended his title against undefeated contender, Cain Velasquez. Lesnar lost by TKO. At the end of 2011, he fought Alistair Overeem but was overmatched. That latest defeat made him to announce his exit from the UFC.

Jeremy Lin Undergoes Surgery, Will Miss Season

ceblogger — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:24:06 +0000

Knicks famous point guard Jeremy Lin has had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and posted a picture of himself on Twitter and on his Facebook page while recovering in his hospital bed.

The procedure was performed by team orthopedist Dr. Answorth Allen at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The Knicks says Lin had a successful surgery.

Lin was upbeat on his condition and even tweeted and posted: “Praise God for a successful surgery. Now on the road to recovery! Lets gooo. Much love to the fans for your support and kind words.”

Lin is expected to be out for about six weeks and if the Knicks will survive deep into the playoffs, then we’ll see no. 17 again and his heroics for New York and the fans. The Knicks are currently two games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the last playoff spot. And we know that the last spot will most likely play the no. 1 team. Without Amare and Jeremy, surviving the first round is difficult.

Pacquiao vs Bradley Boxing Fight Results Prediction

ceblogger — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:17:21 +0000

Manny Pacquaio vs Timothy Bradley this coming June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas will be another exciting fight to watch. The two will go for each other’s head for the first time and sports fans’ predictions on the results are varied, though most are leaning toward the Filipino pound-for-pound king.

How Will Timothy Bradley Win?

How will Timothy Bradley win against Pacquiao? The 29-year old WBO Lightwelterweight Champion is undefeated at 29 fights, with 12 wins via KO. He fought and defeated boxers like Devon Alexander, Lamont Peterson and Joel Casamayor. The immaculate record will speak of itself and obviously posing a danger to the Filipino’s camp.

Timothy Bradley is hungry. He knows he is not yet up there in the pedestal of the boxing world with the likes of Pacquiao and Mayweather, but he is hungry for wins, recognition and of course, money. He will surely fight it out with all his heart as the reported $5 million pay is his biggest. Opportunity like this does not come by everyday. He has to make good or else he will be forgotten.

What do you say he’ll use his head? With Bradley notorious of charging head first, a head butt will most likely happen. Too many of them will result to an ugly fight, as sometimes, fights are ended prematurely due to head butts. Or maybe, Bradley has a plan. “I’m going to expose some things, other fighters haven’t done yet against Pacquiao… the difference is I have a plan,” Bradley told www.boxingsocialist.com in an interview last week.

Pacquiao’s Heart

They say that Pacquiao will no longer have those killer instincts that put many opponents to sleep because of his new found belief. Too soft, eh? But Freddie Roach is predicting that his fighter Manny Pacquiao will knockout unbeaten Timothy Bradley.

In an interview with Boxingtalk.com, Roach said “I think Manny will have a spectacular win. The fans want to see a knockout. I want to see a knockout. Bradley is aggressive; he comes to fight and will be fighting until the end but I think Manny will catch him coming in, and knock him out in the later rounds.”

Of course, no one knows a fighter better than his trainer. Or he could just be hyping it up just like he did in the recent Pacquiao – Marquez III. No trainer will say his fighter is going to lose.

Had Pacquiao dominated Marquez in their recent fight, most would have the fearless foreast of a Pacman domination. And do you think Pacquiao is serious in his coming fight against Bradley? Watch this video to find out.

Pacquiao vs Bradley Results Prediction

Bradley is slick, fast, young and hungry. Though it is hard to believe he passed up a chance to fight Amir Khan, he is surely up to something big in his coming fight with Pacquiao. Big bucks is most probably the reason. It’s due him, anyway.

As to Manny Pacquiao, there is still the usual distraction. It won’t be vices and women this time around. But I just hope he still keep his head and fist intact despite the challenges in politics and personal life. He should not be looking at Mayweather just yet because there is this other undefeated fighter in front of him.

My prediction is that Pacquiao will beat Bradley by unanimous decision. There will be lots of fists flying around from many angles. But both are intelligent fighters and will continue to size up each other until the bell at the final round sounds.

Ceblogger’s New Home and New Look

ceblogger — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:12:28 +0000

This site is still under renovation. I’ve already transferred to a new host after a couple of years of procrastination. Now, I have another couple of years locked in to this promising new host.

If you are a frequent visitor here, you must be wondering why it took me many weeks to recover. Well, blame busyness, procrastination and my lack of techie knowledge about site transfer, mysql, databases, etc… And then there’s pride.

I prefer to research than login to chat with customer reps. The later is a quicker route I know. The idea of starting over crossed my mind too. But how would I learn something new if I will not pursue this transfer? For sure I will be transferring my other sites too in the near future.

So friends, please be patient with me as I undertake a makeover of this sports blog. It will surely be for the better.