Thoughts on Steelers 2018 Draft

This past weekend, the NFL hosted the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T stadium. The Steelers, had pick number 28 since they made it to the playoffs and Divisional round. Initially, I hoped that they would select linebacker Rashaan Evans out of Alabama or Leighton Vander Esch out of Boise State but, they got picked ahead of the Steelers, respectively. When I saw that the Steelers were out of options in the first round in terms of drafting a linebacker, my thoughts shifted towards drafting a Cornerback, preferably Josh Jackson, or a Quarterback, preferably Lamar Jackson. When our pick came around and we didn't select either of them and instead selected Terrell Edmunds, who was projected to go into the third round I was furious. To top it off, we let a talent like Lamar Jackson go to the Baltimore Ravens. I was not thrilled with the organization after day one but they quickly gained my trust back in the following rounds. Drafting guys like, Mason Rudolph and James Washington made me excited for this upcoming year and other years to come, to see how these guys will develop in our system and hopefully become contributors. Overall, I think the Steelers did a pretty good job drafting this weekend, and I can't wait to see what these young guys can do!

Indiana Was The Better Team

I already have come to terms that I may receive backlash from this post but hold tight.

This has by far been the worst team I have seen LeBron James on since he first went to the NBA Finals in 2007. Kevin Love is a no show, Tristan Thompson rarely gets rebounds, and the rest of the supporting cast is either way too slow or lacks playoff experience. Indiana wanted it more than the Cavaliers team since Game 1. Victor Oladipo and others finally put Indiana back on the map with their series against Cleveland. If LeBron wasn't as great as he is, we would be sitting here congratulating the Pacers. The Pacers did not lose to the Cavs, they lost to LeBron James who is going to have to carry the rest the team the rest of the way if they even want a shot at the Finals.

Eric Bledsoe Meets Terry Rozier

Those following the series between the Celtics and the Bucks already understand that there is beef between their two point guards, Eric Bledsoe and Terry Rozier. After Rozier had multiple break out playoff performances in the early stages of the series, Bledsoe went on to ask the question "Who is he?'. Well finally, after the bickering after games, the two finally got into it. It was nothing huge but I think it is safe to say that Terry Rozier held his ground and made it on Bledsoe's radar. Rozier and the Celtics got the last laugh, temporarily, winning the game 92-87, making the series 3-2 in the Celtics favor. We'll find out if Bledsoe and the Bucks respond well to the loss when they play next on 4/25/18 at 8 pm.

32 Year Old Rookie Shines In Debut

It took Andre Ingram 10 years to finally live his dream. Having played approximately 10 seasons in the D/G-League and being one of the top three point shooters in the league, Ingram finally got his call to the big league. The Los Angeles Lakers signed the 32 year old for the remaining two games of the season to showcase his skills. In the game with the Houston Rockets last night, Ingram made his presence known as he scored 19 points, including going 4-5 behind the arc. The crowd certainly loved seeing the rookie drain multiple shots from downtown. Only the Lakers organization knows if they will bring Ingram back for a longer deal but, if he continues to sink three point shots, he will get another opportunity with a NBA franchise.

Pirates Off To Unexpected Great Start

If you would've told majority of Pirates fans that their team would be sitting at 5-1 right now, they would probably laugh in your face. After trading away key pieces from their previous playoff runs, Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole, the team seemed to lack the key pieces to win ball games. The team has surprisingly been able to manage to score runs and pitch well in the first six games. With Josh Bell and Jameson Taillon leading the way, the team seems to be very intriguing to watch as the season progresses. Only time will tell if the Pirates will actually make a playoff push this season but as of now, they are on pace for a 161-1 season!

Ogunbowale Does It Again!

With the game being tied up, 58-58, the  Notre Dame Fighting Irish called upon Arike Ogunbowale for the second time in three days. Just two days prior, Ogunbowale hit the game winning shot to stun heavily favored UConn to go into the Women's Championship game. Even while being heavily contested, Arike put up what seemed to be a prayer from the three point line, and to everyone's surprise it went in. The made shot marks the second time she's hit the game winner for her team. The junior guard has since amassed a significant amount of fame for her two game winning jump shots. As of recently, she will be appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, made it to the front cover of Sports Illustrated, and won the Most Outstanding Player Honors in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. It's safe to say that her play will go down in history as one of the most clutch moments in all of March Madness but, the real question is: Will the repeat?

Randle Proving His Worth

The Los Angeles Laker forward, Julius Randle, has seen a tremendous improvement in his game since the all-star break. What first looked like a lost season for the big man, Randle was down in the Laker lineup. With the emergence of rookie Kyle Kuzma and Larry Nance getting the starting minutes, there wasn't enough basketball for Randle to get the minutes. Since trading away Larry Nance, relatively shockingly as fans thought it would have been Randle, the Lakers now have had an open spot for a starting Power Forward. Many thought it would be Kuzma and he has started a few games, but now Julius Randle has gotten the minutes to prove what all Lakers fans have been missing out on this year. In the chart below you can see that the former seventh overall pick back in 2014 is averaging all-star like numbers, making it difficult for the Lakers in the long run when it comes down to free agency. Will they pay Randle or let him walk? Either way the young Julius Randle is proving his worth on a young team and will get paid the money he deserves when the season is over.