What's in a name?

I checked the computer and, well…the “something” that I forgot was John R. Wooden. Yes, I flunked on basketball’s most respected and honored man, ever.

John Wooden is a legend in the basketball world. Sometimes it's a shame the 94-year-old always has to be top news.

The latest on CollegeHoopsNet.com:

What's in a name?
- R. Nelly

My pumpkin: my universe

It’s better on the dirt never knowing where
the pumpkin is going to end up: Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn
a ball through a ring

Just take a step out of your normal day routine for a moment. Drop everything you carry around with you. Leave it all...except for two things: your basketball and this poem. Now walk with me. Peace.

The latest poetry on Suite101.com:

My pumpkin: my universe

- R. Nelly

Michael Finley sweepstakes

Can you picture it?
- R. Nelly

Being the sly reporter that I am, I taped a micro-microphone in the room where Michael Finley and his suitors would be doing their buizznesss. And, boy, do you have to see this on TheSportsCritics.com:

Michael Finley sweepstakes

Beyond reasonable doubt

Ever think Maurice Evans (above, in college uniform), thought his first guarenteed NBA contract would come at age 26?
- R. Nelly

Only a couple days ago, the Pistons were in the Finals. Only this time, Detroit was competing for free agent Michael Finley. They didn't land Fin, but the Pistons still were winners this offseason.

By first column for MotownSports.com:

Beyond reasonable doubt

Summer 2005 movie rankings!

Got movie ticket stubs?
- R. Nelly

What’s a summer without movies?

Well, don’t ask the popcorn business! (I know, I know, terrible joke). I saw 23 movies this summer and ranked them all!

Unfortunately, the University of Illinois doesn’t have a movie theater on campus for us vehicle-less students, so I had to miss all of this weekend’s releases (I know, I know 40- Year-Old Virgin was a total knee-slapper!). However, the rest of the summer had more than enough good (and bad) films to keep things interesting. I’d doubt it if any of them won Best Picture, but here’s a list, starting at 1 and ending at 23, of which movies have the best chance.

Once again:

Orange means recommend

Green means unrecommended???

1. Cinderella Man – First time in a long time I’ve actually, truly smiled when an actor playing an athlete won. With Russell Crowe and Ron Howard, this movie was made for magic. But would I buy it for my collection?

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – I’m sure plenty of you are saying this is way too high. And I’m sure plenty of you are saying this is way too low. My rationale for this movie’s placement: Johnny Depp.

3. Batman Begins – I guess I have something against comic book movies. Otherwise, this would be at the top.

4. Crash – Still getting used to Ludacris without the sideburns…just something about this expose on racism that really hit it home for me. It seemed as though the script could have been better…There were too many plots going on at once – should have focused on something more manageable, like only three plots.

5. The Island – This was much better than expected. This thriller has you on the edge of your seat after the first half-hour as two human clones fight for their freedom.

6. Bewitched – Pisses me off that I missed Kicking and Screaming. Will Farrell seems incapable of making a movie that I don’t like. Much better than the reviews.

7. War of the Worlds – First off, let me say this could have gone anywhere. There where times when I thought it was by far and away the summer’s best. But, ultimately, I guess the unbelievable Sci-Fi plot turned me off a bit. Then again, you expect that with those movies. Anyway, it was very good, and here’s some notes: The most awesome science fiction film I’ve ever seen…Was on the cutting edge of digital effects…Acting was great…Ending sucked, and man lives on, after aliens wipe out one-third of the population…A must-see for any science fiction fan.

8. Star Wars – The Return of the Sith – some people didn’t like this because of the poor script, but we don’t really care what other people think here. Star Wars was good, not epic. Special effects, once again, are superb. Ties the first trilogy to the second very well.

9. Hustle & Flow – Man, Say what you want about this movie…but that ain’t changing what I’m going to say about it, man. You all might not relate man, but look at the great storyline and the quality acting, man. This movie depicts a story so different and moving, you have to see it, man.

10. Must Love Dogs – This is one of those feel good, romantic comedies where the old lady sitting next to you starts giving you information about her personal life after the movie’s finished…um, let me start over. Besides the let’s-pick-the-first-three-words-that-pop-into-our-head title, Diane Lane and John Cusack make Must Love Dogs a must-see…but not a must-see, again….Honestly, man, the whole place smelled like a self-help home, and it wasn’t because of the cleaning crew!

11. The Four Brothers – Felt like I was on one big WFF tour…I like that!

12. Unleashed – D*mn good martial arts movie…Jet Li’s accent was the only thing that threw me off.

13. Mr. and Mrs. Smith – seemed a little too Spy Kids Grown Up for me. Good movie, though. Take away Jolie and Pitt and the movie’s lucky to gross as much as it did in the first couple hours.

14. Stealth – How can you take Jamie Foxx out of the movie in the first half!? The action was great, but the story was absent, as it is for most of these action thrillers.

15. Wedding Crashers – I completely agree with the reviews: this movie could’ve been a lot better. Vince Vaughn was the bald spot (WHOPS! I meant bright!). Owen Wilson just wasn’t funny. And Jane Seymour going topless is just wrong! What happened to you, Dr. Quinn??

16. Fantastic Four – Went with the entire family to see this one…Went just like any other super hero movie, except worse. Like Batman Begins, the confrontation was lame. But Jessica Alba made the whole movie worth watching.

17. The Longest Yard – Pretty funny, but the whole thing looked like they were using fake Disney props. Was this movie even Disney?

18. The Dukes of Hazard – Was this movie worth a combined one half star between both the Chicago Tribune and The Naperville Sun? Yeah. Was it worth seeing again? Hell yeah!

19. Monster-in-law – Well, I only got up a couple times during the film.

20. Bad News Bears – Can someone please tell me what audience this movie is aiming toward? The kids swear too much for it to be a kids movie, and teens/adults don’t want to watch little league baseball players goon it up for two hours.

21. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – The whole time I was watching this, I was trying to figure out if it was a bigger chick flick than Monster-in-law. Well, Sisterhood won and got the lower spot on my list.

22. Dark Water – My brother and I picked up our friend Kushal to go see this movie. On the way there, I ran a flashing red, hit another car and spent $75 on a ticket…Oh yeah, terrible movie.

23. The Honeymooners – a distant last

Notable movies I missed:

Madagascar

George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead

The Skeleton Key

Sky High

Kicking and Screaming

McKie's key

Well...at least we know Derek Anderson would'a looked good in gold and purple?
- R. Nelly

Aaron McKie may not be an impact player on the court anymore. But this offseason, McKie is undoubtedly an important player for the Lakers and everyone else.

Check out the latest on HoopsVibe.com:

McKie's key

Also seen on LifeOfSports.com

And...also seen on SportsColumn.com!

The Nike brainwash effect

Chicago Bull Luol Deng (right) with the NBA's next point guard phenom (and Illinois product) Shaun Livingston.
- R. Nelly


Nike rep: "Greeeaaat Britain! We present to you England's next athlete to bring your country awesome glory and fame. London's very own, the one, the only...LUOL DENG!!!"

Check out the latest on Chicago Sports Review:

The Nike brainwash effect

Also seen on SportsColumn.com

Late Night Hoops: A Constant Purgatory

Nothing but a ball and a goal
In the serenity of darkness
Creates a portal to Peace.
Nothing but a ball and a goal
In the serenity of darkness
Creates a barrier to Peace.

My first intallment of weekly basketball poetry on Suite101.com:

Late Night Hoops: A Constant Purgatory
- R. Nelly

Summer 2005 album rankings!

Chicago and Kanye West (above) top this summer's list of Top Albums.
- R. Nelly

Three months. One-hundred and five days. Fifteen Tuesdays.

One summer.

It was like a church pilgrimage every Tuesday to my local Best Buy for the newest joint on the racks. Labels released over 30 hip-hop or R&B albums this summer. I caught up with cool 29.

After hours upon hours of listening and paycheck after paycheck, I ranked every summer 2005-released album. It seems only fitting the top two albums are by rappers from the country’s fastest going music city in the fastest growing music region: Chicago.

A couple quick points before I begin:

• Albums in orange are endorsed by me! Albums in green do NOT get the Ryne Nelson seal of approval. Albums in black will be released sometime after today.
  
• Cassidy really stepped up his game and Bow Wow really sounds like a legit rapper (although he’s still about 5 ft. tall).
• You also may notice a couple albums haven’t been released yet. That doesn’t mean I just closed my eyes and placed them randomly on the list. Just take it as a review for when the album finally drops.
• Mike Jones, Bobby Valentino and 50 Cent are not listed because their albums were released just before May 10.

Enjoy!

1. Late Registration – Kanye West

Not just the best album of the summer but – baring a very unforeseen release from Hov – the best album of the year.

2. Be – Common

Kanye West produces an album for a very underrated, fellow Chi-town native, Common. Every track is so smooth and different, complete with thoughtful lyrics (which are the true barometer of a good hip-hop album). Instant classic.

3. Grown and Sexy – Babyface

I wasn’t sure about this album when I saw it on the Tuesday it arrived at Best Buy because I never heard any Babyface before. But when I read on this sticker this was “his life’s work,” I had to give it a chance. It turned out the sticker was right.

4. I’m a Hustla – Cassidy

Cassidy really grew up with this album. You wouldn’t know it was the same guy listening to both his albums, one after another. The beats are absolute fire. His lyrics are a complete improvement (although all he still spits about how he’s better than everyone). The surprise of the summer!

5. Wanted – Bow Wow
   As dude grows up, so does his music. I’d actually compare this to a mellow Cassidy album. Bow Wow has really stepped up his game.
   
6. TP.3 Reloaded – R. Kelly

You have to give the man mad props for the Trapped in the Closet series…Plus, a R Kelly again breaks ground by bonusing a DVD with all five videos!

7. Naked – Marques Houston

Finally found himself with this album. Every song is tight. I’m convinced it didn’t get much play on the radio because he’s not supposed to be wearing clothes! C’mon Marques, remember these things!

8. All Or Nothing – Fat Joe

I was never a fan of Lean Back, but I am a fan of Joe’s new album. He’s got some real quality tracks on here. Joe’s response to 50 Cent, “My Fofo,” is a must-listen for everyone.

9. The Cookbook – Missy Elliot

Great stuff by the hip-hop queen. There’s a hidden gem on the album: “We Run This” which is a to “Jump On It” as “Let’s Go” is to “Crazy Train.” Missy’s still got it. Besides Alesha Keys, she’s the most talented female artist in the business.

10. 534 – Memphis Bleek

This album is legit. Besides Jay and Kanye, the only other member of Roc worth supporting. Surprisingly deep lyrics.

11. Untold Story: Volume II – The Game

All the rap is tight, although I was expecting more Game since it is his album and everything. It seemed like a quick attempt to separate himself from G-UNot.

12. Pleasure and Pain – 112

Was such a toss up between 112’s album and Trey Songs’. I’d like to call it a tie. 112 sounds a lot like Boys II Men…Their collaborations with rappers are utter abominations.

13. Just Gotta Make It – Trey Songs

Every track is in predictable, and Trey Songs shows no extraordinary R&B talent. The first half of the album it’s pretty bad – lyrics…refrain…lyrics…refine…next song…lyrics…refrain…lyrics…But the second half of the album picks up a bit, moving Trey Songs up a bit on the list

14. Searching for Jerry Garcia – Proof

Although I seriously doubt the dude from Motor City knows who Jerry Garcia was, he does know how to make some raw tracks. Could be the face of Motown hip-hop very soon.

15. Already Platinum – Slim Thug

I went crazy when I heard the beat to 107.1-FM WGCI’s Mike Love and the Dizz on this album. Our boy finally made it! The rhythms on this album are premium and the lyrics are quality. Only rap *sic* on his rap is shallow lyrics. Every rapper can make words rhyme, add some meaning!

16. Savage Life – Webbie

“Crank It Up” is a hit no one knows about. “Give Me Dat P****” is a hit everyone knows about. “Savage Life” is an album hip-hop enthusiasts should all own.

17. Boyz N Da Hood – Boyz N Da Hood

We may look back one day when Jeezy, Jody, Big Gee and Duke all have successful solo careers, and laugh at ourselves for sleepin’ on dudes.

18. A Day in the Life – Jody Breeze

I feel like it’s all the same with the Southern rappers…they all moan, “Yeeeeeeahh” and “Heeeeeeeey” and colab with Lil’ Jon. Although, Breeze does all that of a typical southern rapper, he manages to change up his sound, scoring him a spot above his BNDH partner, Young Jeezy.

19. Let’s Get It – Young Jeezy

This album has some legitimate hits, but you can only take so much dirty south in one sitting. And Jeezy is the personification of a dirty south gansta. Plus, Young Jeezy sounds like a poor man’s T.I….I never really cared for T.I.

20. United State of Atlanta – Ying Yang Twins

Tuesday, June 30. I walk into Best Buy, look at the new Ying Yang Twins album…I’m tempted to take it, but a small voice in the back of my head tells me to hold off. I’ve never been a fan of crunk music anyway.

Tuesday, July 5. I walk into Best Buy, look at the old Ying Yang Twins album…I complete forget that I saw it last week and pay $4 more than I would have a week before.

Album’s got enough skits to be a sitcom.

21. Thoughts of a Predicate Felon – Tony Yayo

That time behind bars must’ve really messed up his mind. The name somehow got much bigger than the actual quality.

22. Bluestars – Pretty Ricky

Can somebody tell me two things:

1. What genre is Pretty Ricky?
2. What’s a Bluestar?

23. The Way It Is – Keyshia Cole

This isn’t a bad album. One of those your burn for your friends. There isn’t one thing special, but – unlike Teairra Mari (below) – she at least made up her mind on a genre. Good choice on choosing R&B, Keyshia!

24. B5 – B5

P. Diddy’s attempt at finding the next Jackson 5 (although none are related) is a total failure! I guess it’s actually a good thing the album’s only 12 tracks…these dudes sound more like young girls than young men. C’mon P. Diddy, can’t you do better than this?

25. Hustle & Flow Soundtrack

This only gets this high because of the three DJay songs from the movie.

26. Longest Yard Soundtrack

With Nelly, Eminem, Akon and Murphy Lee this album ranks up there on the lists of soundtracks…which, of course, isn’t saying much for soundtracks.

27. Brothers From Another – Young Gunz

I’m just glad my brother bought this. “Set It Off” is the most annoying single to get spins ever!

28. Teairra Mari – Teairra Mari

This album’s total nationwide radio spin time was equal to amount of music on Teairra’s debut album: 45 minutes.

29. Hanni Cap Circus – Bizarre

The most messed up album of all time! After listening to the first minute, you not only know he was high the entire album, but this dude never graduated second grade.

Stuff I missed:

Twelve Eighteen Part I – Lil’ Rob

Album II – Kem

Win Lose or Draw – Pras Miche

First Lady – Faith Evans

Soulife – Anthony Hamilton

Trap House – Gucci Mane

Lyfe 268-192 – Lyfe

University sixth sense

What if we could sense another person without looking, hearing, touching or smelling them?
Like a dream.

There is a human sixth sense, but it has absolutely nothing to with seeing dead people. Problem is we can't comprehend its depth or implication. At the American University, the sixth sense is teaming enough for the astute to heed notice.

The latest on CollegeHoopsNet:

University sixth sense

Also seen on SportsColumn.com
- R. Nelly

2005-06 Illini Hoops schedule!

The schedule is finally out, and Illini fans couldn't be more dissappointed. With a schedule packed with Illinois Wesleyan's, South Dakota's and Southeast Missouri State's, Illinos better hope to go undeafeated (or pretty darn close to it) again next season.

Anyway, without futher ado, the Illinois men's basketball 2005-06 schedule:

Date Opponent Time (TV)

Oct. 28 Orange & Blue scrimmage TBA
Nov. 3 Illinois Wesleyan (exhibition) 7 p.m.
Nov. 9 Quincy (exhibition) 7 p.m.
Nov. 18 South Dakota State TBA
Nov. 20 South Padre Invitational TBA
Nov. 22 South Padre Invitational TBA
Nov. 25 at South Padre Invitational TBA
Nov. 26 at South Padre Invitational TBA
Nov. 29 at North Carolina 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Dec. 3 vs. Xavier* TBA
Dec. 5 Arkansas-Little Rock TBA
Dec. 8 Georgetown 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Dec. 10 vs. Oregon^ TBA (ESPN)
Dec. 18 Coppin State TBA
Dec. 21 vs. Missouri# 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Dec. 28 Southeast Missouri State TBA
Dec. 30 Tennessee-Martin TBA
Jan. 5 Michigan State 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
Jan. 7 at Iowa 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Jan. 14 Michigan 3:30 p.m. (ESPN Plus Regional)
Jan. 17 at Indiana 6 p.m. (ESPN)
Jan. 21 at Northwestern 3:30 p.m. (ESPN Plus Regional)
Jan. 25 Minnesota 8 p.m. (ESPN Plus Local)
Jan. 28 Purdue 3:30 p.m. (ESPN Plus Regional)
Jan. 31 at Wisconsin 6 p.m. (ESPN)
Feb. 4 Penn State 8 p.m. (ESPN Plus Local)
Feb. 12 at Ohio State Noon (CBS)
Feb. 15 Northwestern 7 p.m. (ESPN Plus Local)
Feb. 19 Indiana 2:30 p.m. (CBS)
Feb. 21 at Michigan 6 p.m. (ESPN)
Feb. 25 Iowa 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Feb. 28/March 1/March2 at Minnesota TBA
March 4 at Michigan State TBA
March 9-12 Big Ten tournament%

* – United Center, Chicago
^ – Rose Garden, Portland
# – Savvis Center, St. Louis
% – Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

Yahoo! syndication!

If you ever search your name on the internet, good things can happen. I, for one, discovered Yahoo! Sports has been publishing my Daily Illini work! I found some links:

COMMENTARY: From CLANK to SWISH
COMMENTARY: BAM some other time

Um, do you think that Google search bar...naw!
- R. Nelly

NBA amnesty reactions

I caught up with nine of the 18 players whose contracts were claimed by the new CBA's amnesty provision. Needful (note this is NOT needless) to say, Reggie Miller and the rest had a lot on their mind. Check out SportsColumn.com:

NBA amnesty reactions
- R. Nelly

Attempt to Keep Duhon More for Show

The Bulls hope overpaying Chris Duhon will help their chances in signing free agents Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry. Read the latest on ChicagoSportsReview.com:

Attempt to Keep Duhon More for Show
- R. Nelly

The street poet

Where's your peace on a Sunday morning? Is it in the car or in church? How 'bout while on the driveway, shooting hoops? Check out some poetry on CollegeHoopsNet.com:

In The Morning: A Basketball Poem
- R. Nelly

No Love For Doug

This should get some real heat from readers...just as Sam Cassell is getting it from Doug Christie (above). Check it out on HoopsVibe.com:

No Love For Doug
- R. Nelly

Stop. Rewind. Pause. Play.

Check out the latest about Brandon Rush and Chris Duhon (above) on HoopsVibe.com:

Forget Chris Duhon: Illinois Is My Team

- R. Nelly

Top Games? BS!

When Antoine Walker returns to the Fleet Center in another uniform next season, no one is going to care.
- R. Nelly


Instead of creating a list of games to watch next season, I picked apart the NBA's instead. It's much more fun that way.

The latest on SportsRant.com:
Dissecting the NBA schedule

NCAA mascot ban racist!

The headline: NCAA bans Indian mascots in playoffs

The cause: Hostility and abuse towards Native Americans

The effect: Racism against University students

The article (CollegeHoopsNet): NCAA ban on Indian Mascots: Racist?
- R. Nelly

Truth In Numbers

Check what's up on TheSportsCritics.com, baby! Shaq Diesel happens to get some love, while exposing some reason for hate.

Truth In Numbers
- R. Nelly

Real good effort, Rich. Real good effort.
- R. Nelly

People are already declaring the national runner up Fighting Illini a team on the decline. Well, guard Rich McBride will be the one to shut them all up...or prove them exactly right. My latest in The Daily Illini:

From CLANK to SWISH

Money or love?

This is controversy! I contend money makes following the NBA much better than following college basketball...well, for 11 months out of the year, at least. Read my latest on CollegeHoopsNet!

College basketball: 11 Months of Suckage?
- R. Nelly

Ele8ing the similarities

Sometimes it just takes a step back to realize what the NBA offseason is all about.

My latest on SportsRant.com:

Kobe: Offseason's BIGGEST name
- R. Nelly