Marquette Recruiting Class 2009 Review

With Tom Crean skipping town for Indiana, much speculation was left as to how Buzz Williams - the recently promoted head coach - would fare on the recruiting class for 2009. Needless to say he did not disappoint. With the three amigos and Dwight Burke graduating in the class of '08 along with a left over scholarship from '07, Buzz had a chance to remake the face of the team with five scholarships available for the 2009 class.

One of Buzz' first acts as head coach was to resolidify the Erik Williams commitment that he recieved last fall.

Erik Williams 6'7'' 190lbs Shooting Guard / Small Forward Four Star
Erik is a four prospect that is found on ranking sites' top 100 including Scout.com, Rivals.com, and ESPN.com. Before an injury sidelined him for most of his junior season, Erik shot up the ranks in both the state of Texas and in the nation. Erik's strengths include slashing towards the basket and pushing the ball in transition. His height should create matchup problems for the defense and will either be a starter at the two or contribute significantly from the bench.

Buzz' next big grab came from instate when he signed Mr. Wisconsin winner Jeromme Maymon.

Jeronne Maymon 6'6'' 235lbs Small Forward / Power Forward Four Star
Earlier this year, Jeronne Maymon destroyed the competition on way to leading his Spartans to the championship of the WIAA state tournament. Although he scored 33 points and 17 rebounds his team fell short to Tosa East in overtime. Jeronne shows an enormous amount of energy around the basket and rebounds well for his size. Jeronne will start at the fourth and will be a great combo with Lazar Hayward in 2009.

More to come in the near future

Fantasy Football Anyone?

As the football season looms in the distance and the blog becomes more populated my question for readers is if anyone is up for a fantasy football league? We really can do whatever we want: keeper or regular, free or prize, its all up to you guys so just reply if you interested

Second Half Expectations

The first half of the season for the Brewers had its up and its definite downs. The season started bleak as the much hyped bats failed to perform to expectations while talks of failed contract extentions with the world's biggest veggie led the headlines in the press. After the loss of YoGa in early May, many fans wrote this team off as destined to another year of disappointment. Then the Brew Crew finally heated up. After starting the year slowly out of the gates the Brewers finished the first half going 29-15 over their finally 44 games.

Enter CC. Having had countless years of playing seller at the midway point, the Brewers surprised everyone when they dealt Laporta, one of the team's top prospects, for the reigning AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia. Although he is the definition of a midseason rental with his contract expiring at the end of the year, Doug Melvin showed Brewer fans the club's desire to win now. CC's arrival sparked a new surge for the Brewers and the city of Milwaukee, igniting fans and players alike. In his two starts for the Brewers before the All Star game, CC tossed a complete game and gave up 3 earned runs in seventeen innings of work while also contributing with the bat, hitting a monster home run in his second start. As the Brewers entered the All Star break, the city of Milwaukee carried the feeling a playoff like atmosphere for the first time in years.

Looking towards the second half of baseball things look promising. The Brewers have what many deem to be the easiest schedule in the National League with only 23 of the team's final 63 games comming against teams with a record of .500 or better. This coupled with idea of a rotation starting with CC, Sheets, and Parra at the front gives Brewer fans hope for baseball in October. Here are a few things to look for in the upcomming half of baseball.

• Ned Yost's ability to manage the bullpen. The two or three games given up or saved by the bullpen could be difference between playing in October or an early exit for the team. PS Ned, keep Mota away from the mound.
• Rickie's success at the plate. Late last season Rickie showed an approach at the plate that many hoped would transition over to this season. Rickie has failed to show the talent worthly of the number one selection and needs to step up by swinging for average. A team with a lead off man hitting around .200 will not succeed.
• The power of the Prince. Many have blammed Prince's mediocre showing of power in the first half on his new diet but whatever is to blame Prince needs to fix the problem. If Prince can actually heat up and help Braun this offense will be a feared force in the NL.
• The outcome of the Bush/McClung platoon in the fifth spot. With Bush looking dominant at home and spotchy on the road this change could garner success or the doom of the team this year.
• WILD CARD: Yovani Gallardo. Reports show YoGa rehabing well and could be able to contribute in September. My crazy idea is possibly having him close? Just throwing it out there.

My prediction is for the Brewers to make a run for the NL Central Division but eventually settling in the Wild Card. As for the Playoffs the team in the playoffs, only time will tell.

Here is the link to Brewers.com second half preview

A Tribute

It has come to my attention that nobody has found it compelling enough to write a tribute article to Brett Favre after his retirement. He touched millions of lives, not because he was a great player, but how he played the game. The passion that he put into it, playing through so much adversity made you feel like there was still hope, if not in professional sports, then in the world. To think that somebody cared so much about what he did made you wish you found something you enjoyed as much. He was the reason that many people actually turned on a television on Sundays. Favre will be sorely missed next season. I have spent my whole life watching number 4 take snaps from the center, whether it was Frank Winters, Mike Flannagan Grey Ruegamer or Scotty Wells. He was the one constant. The duribilty that he showed was probably the thing that Green Bay will find the biggest whole in. Sixteen years without missing a game will never happen again.

Morning After

When I was watching the unveiling of the brackets last night I was shocked by some of the teams left out as well as the seedings of a few of the teams. Here are my reactions:

Likes:

• I have no problems with any of the number one seeds, although Tennessee getting the last number two seed may screw North Carolina over. I think that the committee was a little too excited over the prospect of a Duke, UNC match up in the finals.

• Clemson and Drake each getting love with a five seed.

• Marquette vs. Kentucky - Remember the last time this happened?

Dislikes:

• Indian with an eight seed? Seriously, I have no idea what was going through the committee's minds. Must be something in the water, but this team definitely deserved at least a six. At least they are up against an OK Arkansas team at best. But once again, UNC getting hurt by the committee.

• Although it is going to be a great side story and match up to watch, the committee obviously was going for big ratings with the USC, Kansas St. match up (Mayo vs. Beasley).

• Wisconsin with at 3? Big ten prestige isn't what it once was.

• As always the non-BCS teams getting snubbed.

What to Watch for:

• MU seems to be a hit or miss in the tourney. If they get past the first round in Kentucky history shows they are a lock for the final four (a little jest).

• Clemson may have nine losses but five of them were very close games to two of the top five teams in the nation, Duke and UNC. They are my dark horse team. Look for them to upset Kansas and then Wisconsin to make it to the final four.

• Hansborough is the man, but Duke will get it done. I always pick Duke to go to far, and I am doing it again. Duke with the hot hand will three ball everyone to kingdom come.

Greatest NFL Game Ever?

Versus

For the next two weeks we can dream.

Recaping An Amazing Sports Weekend

After not having posting for the weekend I think it would be best to recap it all in one amazing post.

Starting early Saturday afternoon the Warriors took on the Golden Domers in the BC in a game that had the makings of a classic in the heated rivally. What we go was a blow out. While the Domers hung around within ten for the first half MU blew the game wide open in the second half under the lead of Jerel McNeal who had a team high 18 points and Lazar Hayward with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Say what you will but Lazar is the bread and butter of this team. He started the game with nearly a double double in the first ten minutes of the game and with his 3 point shooting around 45% this year you have to think that he has a future in the NBA following college. The game moved MU's record to 12-2 (2-1) and snapped the Domer's ten game winning streak in their first true road game of the season.

Looking foward if MU can manage to win at Louisville or Conneticut or possibly both the schedule looks managable up to the battle for first in the Big East when Georgetown comes to the BC next month. The win also should shift the Warriors up a few spots in the rankings with losses to Michigan State (6th), Texas (12th), and Vanderbilt (13th).

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280120269

Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game couldn't have started worse for the Packers: the first three plays from scrimmage yielded two fumbles from Ryan Grant and fourteen points for the Seahawks in the first five minutes of the game. From their the Packer offense and a refocused Ryan Grant ran their way to a 42-6 run to finish the game and a 42-20 win in Snow globe Lambeau Field. Ryan Grant redeemed himself rushing 27 times for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns (both Packer playoff records).

The Packers proved today to the G-Force that they could in fact play with snowy weather as the snow came down big and thick during the second half of the game. After the first five minutes the Packers dominated every facit of the game and showed the team in Foxburough that they aren't one to be taken likely. This team is going on all levels: Passing, Rushing, Defense, and Special Teams. I can't wait for next week.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280112009

Possibly the biggest sports news of the week though didn't come from the Wisconsin United Roster though. In the other NFC Divisional Playoff game Eli Manning and the Giants nocked off the number one seeded Cowboys in Dallas giving the NFC championship to the Packers in Lambeau. The win for the Giants gives the Packers the inside edge to Arizona and a Tom Brady-Brett Farve which could be the greatest Super Bowl, no, game ever.

You have to think that an Eli Manning against our deep defense line is a huge plus for us with our secondary being able to lock down a mediocre recieving squard hampered by injuries. Also Brett Farve should be able to destroy the suspect Giants secondary which has been the team's achille's heal all year long and now lost their biggest cb with a shoulder injury in Aaron Ross. And does any one remember week three when the Pack traveled to New York and embarrassed them in the Medowlands?

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280113006

Way to go Wisconsin United!

Wisconsin Badgers

Anyone who has watched the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team play this year has noticed that they lack a true “star” performer. However, that has not stopped them from having a successful season to this point. Home court advantage has remained a positive for the Badgers, where they have only one loss. Sophmore Trevon Hughes has vastly increased his scoring output to 14.2 points per game, and is a big reason why the Badgers have been successful. Also, Brian Butch has become the main scoring option, replacing All-American Alando Tucker and guard Kammron Taylor in a team that was ranked #1 last year for a brief stint. Marcus Landry has continued to improve, and Michael Flowers brings senior leadership to a young team. Fan favorite Joe Krabbenhoft has continued his scrappy play as well, continuing to earn minutes based on hustle and court intelligence. At this point in the season, the Badgers have suffered only two losses, both to impressive ranked teams in Marquette and Duke. They were able to knock off #9(at the time) Texas in a thrilling game that Wisconsin played without guard Trevon Hughes. Currently, the Badgers are 13-2, and face a Big 10 that will most definitely test them, especially with teams like Indiana and Michigan State playing so well. Despite the challenges of this years Big 10, we can be sure that Bo Ryan will have this team ready to play come tourney time.

Milwaukee Bucks

The few remaining fans of the Milwaukee Bucks have been growing impatient since the days of the "Big Three" in Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell. All three are long gone, as are any hopes of contending for a championship. Larry Harris has built a roster that most definitely has some talent, just not enough to win big games. Coaching is also an issue, with Milwaukee unable to recruit a bigname coach to turn the franchise around. However, I urge the people of Milwaukee to give this team a chance, as they have won 4 out of their first 5 games in 2008, bringing their record to 15-20. Also, rumors of trade are abound, with the Bucks mentioned as potential destinations for players such as Tracy McGrady, Zach Randolph, and Mickael Pietrus. Add a player like McGrady or Randolph while giving up overpaid Dan Gadzuric, underproducing Bobby Simmons, and seldom-used Michael Ruffin and maybe a draft pick or two and you would instantly turn the Bucks into a contender. Picture a lineup of Andrew Bogut, Yi Jianlian, Tracy McGrady, Michael Redd, and Mo Williams. That team would make a run in the weak East, with their only real competition being the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.Their reserves would also be greatly enhanced with Desmond Mason, Charlie V, and Charlie Bell all capable of starting. I urge you, don't give up on the Bucks now, because they will turn it around.

A Note to Readers

Although I am alright with everyone not actually blogging on the site, it would be nice for feed back within the comments section to know I am not writing this to myself.

Thanks

Bringin' Sexy Back

Brett Favre is a stud. And the Packers are bringin' sexy back. Aren't you glad you invited me to contribute to your blog Zach?

Marquette goes down in Morgantown

While the score is not indictive of the play seen in Morgantown today, it still was far from pretty. The Marquette Golden Eagles (11-2) (1-1) fell to the Mountainers on the road today snapping the seven game winning streak and the undefeated mark in conference play. Marquette fell into early foul trouble with Lazar picking up his second five minutes into play and setting the tone for what was to be a very very long day. Although Marquette made a few counter runs against the hot-cold Mountaineers, West Virginia shot a sizzling 48% from both the floor and the three point line and over 70% for the second half.

While many different problems led to the lopsided victory, I believe the main issue arose with Lazar on the bench for most of the games. Most of WVU runs came with Lazar on the bench for extended periods of time only for Lazar to reenter and attempt to bring the Eagles back into the game. While the big three recieves most of the credit for Marquette's success Hayward's presence down low both in scoring and rebounding is a much more valuable asset to the team, maybe the biggest of all.

While no one at the beggining at the season pegged this as a "sure win" it still would have been nice to start conference play at 2-0, but you can't win them all. Next game is Tuesday in the BC against Seton Hall.

Here is the game recap from ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280060277

Ring Out Ahoya!

Same Man New Team: Preview Marquette vs. West Virginia

Bob Huggins. The man who served as the icon for the evil Bearcats in Conference USA during the 90s. Although he no longer walks the sidelines for the Cincinnati Bearcats he is still very familar with Tom Crean and the Marquette Program. Many epic battles took place between the two programs throughout Marquette's tenure in CUSA and look for Huggins signature tuffness to make itself apparent with the Mountainers of West Virginia in Sunday's game.

Huggins now coaches a new team in West Virginia and has resurrected some of his old magic this season leading the Mountaineers to a 10-3 record on the year. Tip off is set for 1 o'clock in West Virginia and looks to be a challenging game as Marquettes looks to take an early lead in conference out of the gates. Looking ahead to the rest of the week MU will also be playing to more opponents at home with Seton Hall coming to town Tuesday and then the big showdown with Notre Dame on Saturday.

As with most games this season Sunday's game should come down to who can impose their style of basketball upon the other team. Being one of the most athletic teams in the nation Marquette will look for transition baskets while West Virginia will work primarily out of the half court set. While the Big Three remain consistent leaders on the offensive end the front court led by Sophomore Lazar Hayward and company has carried its own as well helping Marquette control the boards in the majority of the games this season.

My prediction 73-65 in a game with plenty of scoring and sloppy play.

Here are a few previews from ESPN and a great MU blog Cracked Sidewalks

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=280060277

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/

Ring Out Ahoya!

Playoff Matchup is Set

With Seattle's win tonight over red hot Washington, the Packers will meet Seattle in Green Bay for the Playoffs for the second time in five years (We all know what happened last time).

Looking at the Seattle team nothing really scares me because they appear just ok at every position. If we are able to control the line of scrimage against Patrick Kearney and give Brett time to throw against the solid Seattle secondary I believe that we have a very good chance of winning this game. Bottom line: To win this game next Saturday we need to win the turn over battle.

That's all for now with more to come as the week progresses.

Go Pack Go!

Bucks Continue Their Slide to the Draft

The Bucks outdid themselves again Friday night getting pummeled by the Gilbert Arena-less Washington Wizards 101 - 77. The Milwaukee Bucks (12-20) shot a dismal 3-18 (.167) and continued their lack of effort on the defensive side of the ball.

As we continue in this season one must ask himself how long until Herb Kohl fires someone and who goes first: Larry Harris or Coach K? Or is the issue possible at the top with the Herb family just as the Selig family destroyed the Milwaukee Brewers franchise.

The only good thing I have heard about this team all year is the potential Michael Redd, Charlie Villaneuva, and 1st Round Draft Pick for Tracy McGrady and Bonzi Wells. Although that may end up being a big price to pay Michael Redd obviously does not have the killer mentality or the ability to take the ball and create with it. While the trade would probably mean spending more on the team's salary the overall revenue of Tracy McGrady would fill the empty Bradley Center.

Here is the link to the game along with Michael Hunt's rantings on the terrible season

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280104015

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=703313

Go Does

Milwaukee Brewers Off Season News

News from the office states that Luis Gonzalez would like to play for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 (First time you've heard that in a while huh?). Gonzo told his agent he believes he would be a perfect match to fit the need of a left batting left fielder for a couple of years.

Although in his prime Gonzo was one of baseball's most feared hitters I believe that the price tag may be too high for a transaction to go through. I also heard that the Brewers showed interest over the offseason to acquire Kenny Lofton from Free Agency as well. So when it comes down to it who do you want more on your team: Gonzo or Loften?

http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/01/04/gonzo-wants-to-play-for-the-brewers.aspx - Link to the Gonzo news

Brewers Brewers Keep Turning Up the Heat!

Packers News: Preparing for the Playoffs

In Packers related news Coach Mike McCarthey came in second to Bellicheck of the Patriots* showing that sometimes cheaters to prosper. I really do think that McCarthey deserves the award based on his ability to turn this team around in from the bottom of the league in only two season as well as the reemergence of Brett Farve and the development of this young team, I guess you don't win them all though.

Also Atari Bigby won the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after recording 4 interceptions in the in month of December. He may have won the award but I still believe he is a big liabity in coverage.

Lastly Tackle Guard Junius Coston was placed on the IR after injurying his calf muscle in the Detroit game leaving the Packers to sign Orrin Thompson from the Packers' practice squard. It will be interresting to see the effect this will have on the line come next Saturday.

I read recently that the Packers could either play Seattle, New York, or Tampa Bay in the second round of the playoffs. I am really ok with any of them but I think we have the best chance against Tampa Bay, Which team do you think gives the Pack the best chance of winning?

Here's the links to the articles in order

http://greenbaypressgazette.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/PKR01/80104009/1058/PKRFeatures

http://www.todaystmj4.com/sports/local/13017562.html

http://greenbaypressgazette.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/PKR01/801040565/1058/PKRFeatures

Go Pack Go!

Marquette Sends a Message in Big East Opener

The Warriors opened Big East action last night with a resounding 96 - 67 win over the Providence Friars. The win brough Marquette to 11-1 on the year and 1-0 in coference while dropping the Friars to 9-4 and 0-1 in conference play.

The win served as payback for the Warriors who started Big East play last year with an embarassing loss against the Friars in Providence. Dominic James led all scorers with 21 while Lazar Hayward chipped with 17 and Ousmane Barro surprised all with 14 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.

All in all a great win to start off Conference play and I really do believe this win sent a message to the entire conference that MU is hungry for a conference title.

Looking foward to the next of four games in ten days the Warriors travel on Sunday to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers fresh off a loss at Norte Dame

Here are a few links from the game

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280030269

http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2008/01/04/wrapping-up-providence.aspx

http://gomarquette.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/010308aaa.html

Ring Out Ahoya!

Welcome to Wisconsin United

So After finally sitting around and attempting to search the internet for good Wisconsin sports blogs I finally decided enough is enough and that it was finally time to start my own web blog.

I'll be following all of Wisconsin's best throughout their respectives seasons as well as shedding light on big transactions and recruiting news in the offseason.

If you feel like adding to Wisconsin United just email me and I'll make you part of the staff. I am always looking for people who can follow one team throughout their season and offer news and insight on their favorite teams.

Lastly although this site is intitled Wisconsin United: A tribute to Wisconsin Sports, I will also be talking about other big sports related news so do not feel limited on topics on this site.

Well thats all for now, welcome and enjoy!