Filling big shoes

Eli Manning / Marianne O'Leary - WikiCommons

Eli Manning is the franchise quarterback of the New York Giants. He has won two Super Bowls and was named finals mvp with the Giants. He has played with them since his 2004 rookie year..

Manning has faced a lot of pressure to fill the shoes of his elders, namely his father Archie Manning and older brother Peyton. While his dad never pressured any of his sons to play football, they all found their way to it one way or another.

In high school Manning attended the same school as his older brother Peyton, who was the star quarterback of the football team before Eli. There was a lot of talk if [Eli] Manning would be the same as his older brother, but he did not disappoint. He broke and set several records in the Isidore Newman High School’s history. His achievements earned him his own memorial at the school that is there to this day.

Manning has done quite a bit of charity work in his career. In 2007 Manning raised 2.5 million dollars to fund the construction of “The Eli Manning Children’s Clinics” at Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. The clinic focuses on cancer treatment for children.

Manning had predicted his brothers success in his quote for his senior yearbook.

"Peyt - We had our fun times, and our serious times (watch out world, you ain't seen nothin' yet.)"

"That doesn't sound like Eli,” said Cooper Manning in response to the senior quote in a 2008 Daily news article. It was a change for the usually easy going Manning, but was true all the same. He went on to great success that he still sees today.

Franck 'The Great' Ribery

Franck Ribery / commons.wikimedia.org

On March 17, 2014 an article was released on Bayern Munich and the top 30 players the team has ever had. Franck Ribery came out on top of them all, but in Stefan Bienkow’s opinion, Ribery deserves a greater title than just the best player for Bayern Munich.

“Franck Ribery is one of the best players in the world at the moment,” Stefan Bienkow said in a 2014 BleachReport article.

Recognized as one of the best players in the world, he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or (World Player of the Year Award). Sadly losing to Cristiano Ronaldo, on January 13th, 2014, the argument still remains about who is the better player between the two. Officials still believe it should be Ribery.

“He showed balance, technique, confidence in either foot, losing markers with a dropped shoulder and a flick of acceleration to dribble into the box, creating chances for team-mates or finishing himself,” said Henry Winter in a 2014 Telegraph article.

As well as being famous for his playing style and his techniques on the field, Ribery is known for his features, especially the large scar running down the right side of his face. From his childhood, Ribery was involved in a major car accident when he was only two years of age. Ribery feels the scar is more than just a wound, but rather assists him when playing on the field and brought him to where he is now.

“I’m proud of my scar, It gave me strength and forged my character,” Ribery said in a Football Deluxe article by Antoine Martin.

Being such a successful, recognized player, Ribery is in his early 30s at the moment and leaving a mark on Bayern Munich's and the French National Team's history.                                                     

Jabari Parker’s questionable future

Jabari Parker/Adam Glantzman/Flickr.com

Jabari Parker was one of the most popular and talked about college basketball players this past season, but no one knows when he will enter the NBA draft. Duke was eliminated in the first round of the 2014 NCAA tournament. This gives Parker a reason to stay at Duke for another year. The question that now comes up is when will Parker enter the NBA draft. As of right now it seems that he is leaning towards staying at Duke for another season; however, Parker is not worried about the NBA.

“We honestly don’t know. After the season, we’ll talk about it,” his father Sonny Parker said in a 2014 SlamOnline interview.

Parker has the potential to be a great professional basketball player, but he needs more time to develop his raw talent into skill. The fact that Duke was eliminated so early in the tournament, as well as the fact that highest rated high school player in the country, Jhalil Okafor is coming to Duke, only adds to him wanting to play another season of college basketball.

The 2014 NBA draft is loaded with prospects including Kansas' small forward Andrew Wiggins, a player that is often considered to be the rival of Parker. In late March, Wiggins declared that he was joining this year’s NBA draft and this decision could impact whether Parker returns next season. If Parker stays another year at Duke and enters the next year's draft, he would stand out more in the draft class of 2015; however, if he enters this year he could get paid sooner and have a guaranteed contract for the 2014-2015 NBA season.

An extra year playing in college would help Parker gain more experience and to develop his skills; however, there is also a possibility of injury that could damage his career. Only time will tell where Parker will choose to take his career and the choice is entirely up to him.

Clyde Frazier's styling and profiling

Walt "Clyde" Frazier/ Scott Mecum - flickr

Walt “Clyde” Frazier is one of the most recognizable figures in the history of the New York Knicks. He played with them for 10 years, helping them to win their only two championships, and stills continues bounding and astounding his fans. Although he is very well known for his playing career, his achievements after his retirement are just as recognizable. 

Frazier's time playing is nothing to be overlooked. He was born in Atlanta on March 1945, went to Southern Illinois University in 1964 and was the fifth draft pick in the ‘67 NBA Draft. His effervescent playing helped the Knicks win a championship in 1970, and then again in ‘73. Clyde’s swishing and dishing skills were like no other. After his voyage with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he retired three games into '79-'80 season. Only a few months later in December 1979, the Knicks retired his number ten and it is hanging for the rafters in Madison Square Garden every night. 

Clyde was Frazier's nickname, and it was given by a Knicks trainer when Frazier wore a Borsalino hat made of brown velour which resembled the hat Clyde Barrow wore in the movie Bonnie and Clyde. The nickname has stuck with him ever since.

Frazier also designed his own style of shoe for Puma. 

“The Puma Clyde. They came out with a suede shoe. The

The Puma Clyde/ Stephen Michael Barnett - flickr

other shoes were canvas [and] blue suede with a white stripe. Even before that, when I wore my Converse, I had one orange string and one blue string in the sneakers. Nobody else was doing that.” Frazier said in a 2013 interview with GQ magazine.

Frazier is very well known for his announcing. He is currently an announcer for the Knicks on the MSG network. Much like Craig Sager, another NBA announcer who wears bright outfits, Frazier is recognized for wearing amazing, expensive and fashionable suits. Style and fashion is a big part of being an announcer to Frazier. He has every style of suit from cow print to bright green and beyond. 

“I like unusual combinations,” Frazier said in a 2011 interview with the New York Times “I have to entertain myself. I like combinations that people wouldn’t think would go normally together.” 

Frazier is also known for his outstanding vocabulary while commentating games. He has a prodigious vocabulary and is known for using words that seem as if they would be on the SAT. “Hustling and Bustling,” “Posting and Toasting,” and “Wheeling and Dealing” are a few of his many used rhymes.

Not only is he a figure for Just for Men hair products, he also has his own restaurant. Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine is located in Manhattan. It is a fancy bar / restaurant that actually has a mini basketball court inside! New Yorkers love going there especially when Frazier makes a guest appearance. 

Frazier is known as much for his career off the court, as well as on. It is incredible how he was able to style and profile his way from a town in Atlanta with eight siblings all the way to the NBA and above. He was dressed in a white pullover and sweatpants going into his first game announcing for the Knicks and his style has changed much since then. Two rings and several suits later, he is still grooving his way around the NBA and New York. 

Serena Williams and her hardships

Serena Williams / Edwin Martinez - Flickr.com

Serena Williams is one of the top women’s tennis players in the world, ranking first in women’s singles on six separate occasions. Becoming the successful player that she is today has been an uphill battle, overcoming many challenging obstacles in her career.

At the age of three, Serena and her sister Venus started playing tennis with her father's instructions on the courts of Compton, California. The courts there weren’t in the best condition, riddled with potholes and sometimes even missing a net. This challenge helped her to get a better understanding of the game and staying determined in tough climates.

Another hardship that Williams had to overcome was the loss of a loved one. Serena Williams’s sister Yetunde Price was murdered in Los Angeles, California in 2003. Losing her beloved sister wasn’t easy for her to cope with. She lost her drive and motivation to play tennis in the time period following this tragedy and had to go to therapy to overcome her death.

“It real dark period in my life. I went through a depression. I never even talked about it to my Mom,” Williams said in a 2014 article on The Telegraph.com.

Furthermore, Williams career has been riddled with injuries. Most recently she injured her back in the 2014 Australian Open between her second and third round matches. As a result, she had to withdraw from the Qatar Open. This isn’t the first time she got injured in this tournament. For three consecutive years Serena Williams has managed to injure herself during the Australian Open. In 2012 and 2013 she was out with ankle injuries.

“I think I was really, really close to panicking because a similar thing happened to me last year, almost on the same side, same shot. I just had to really remain calm and think things through.” Williams said in a 2013 article on bleacherreport.com.

She didn’t let that injury slow her down, and she played through the pain showing her dedication and determination.

Williams has had to endure her sister’s murder and the lack of motivation that followed. She also had to deal with the aftermath of injuries and recovering from them. Nevertheless, she overcame all of these obstacles and is now still one of the best women’s tennis players of her generation.

The controversies of Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman / Tuomas Venhola-Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a basketball fan, a die-hard enthusiast or just someone who watches the game because nothing else is on, you’ve heard of “The Worm.” Dennis Rodman is known for being arguably the greatest rebounder of all time in NBA history, with 11,594 rebounds to his name during his 14-season career; however, if you know Rodman, then you also know about his flashy looks and wild antics on and off the court.

Growing up in Dallas, Rodman had a difficult childhood. He was raised in a poor surrogate family in the projects, and did not get things in life so easily.

“I think back to times like that and realize how easy everything is for me now,” Rodman said, in his 1996 autobiography “Bad As I Wanna Be”. “I think that's why I strive to make my life so difficult now. I'm not comfortable being comfortable.”

At only 5’6” in high school, Rodman was the last person you would expect to be drafted into the NBA. After getting an invitation from Cooke County Junior College, he flunked out after a year because he couldn’t keep up with the schoolwork. He was later enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State, the only college that accepted him. While Rodman was on the college basketball team, he was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 26 points and 16 rebounds per game.

The Detroit Pistons drafted Rodman as a second round pick in 1986. Throughout his 14-year NBA career, Rodman has played for multiple teams, and won five championships en route to his 2011 enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For all his success, trouble and criticism were never far behind. He racked up quite a few fines for being physically aggressive toward referees and in 1997, he paid $200,000 to settle a case that he had kicked a cameraman in the groin. He frequently dyed his hair, and wore outfits that can be deemed questionable. For example, during the Legends of Basketball Tour 2014 in Argentina, he played while dressed as a drag queen, with a blonde mohawk, purple lipstick and a face full of makeup.

“From his outward appearance, it was clear that Rodman would lose no opportunity to express himself,” said Joseph Edwards in a 2014 AirAlamo.com article.

The sense that he was wild was something he accepted as part of his on-court persona. Despite his track record of breaking rules, it was clearly seen through his performance that he would never deny his self-expression.

“You can like me or you can hate me, all I know is one thing; when I step on this floor I’m gonna get things poppin,” said Rodman in a 2014 AirAlamo.com article.

Tim Hardaway Jr. the new face on the Knicks

Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) playing defense /
Matthew D. Britt-flickr.com

Tim Hardaway Jr., a rookie shooting guard for the New York Knicks, was the 24th overall pick in the 2013-2014 NBA Draft. The Knicks were searching for a reliable scorer and felt that Hardaway Jr. could fill that position. After playing on the Knicks for a little more than half of the 2013-2014 season, he has shown that he can be a great offensive player and potentially be an All-Star.

Hardaway Jr. is an efficient scorer, and taking a look at his college stats when he played on the Michigan Wolverines, he averaged 14.3 points per game with a 50% two-point field goal rate. He gives the Knicks another scorer besides Carmelo Anthony, especially since the Knicks were plagued by injuries to Amare Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani for a good portion of the year.

Hardaway Jr. started the season slowly, but improved quickly. After the All-Star break, Hardaway Jr. averaged more than 10 ppg. He is becoming more comfortable with his position on the team and is taking more shots. His improvement over the course of the year has placed him among the top performing rookies this season.

Analyst Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report speculates that Tim Hardaway Jr. is a better shooting guard than J. R. Smith. He can score more efficiently than Smith, which furthers his case for increased minutes.

“He [Tim Hardaway Jr.] should be playing the more efficient 2 [Shooting Guard]”, Bailey said in a 2014 article from Bleacher Report.

Typical of a rookie, Hardaway Jr's season has been plagued by inconsistency. On the days where he did not score over 10 points, he is shooting close to 35%. It also seems like he finds it hard to contribute to anything else besides scoring. He averages only 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. He is going to need to work on his other offensive and defensive abilities for the next season if he wants to have a greater impact on the team.

“Tim isn’t your ordinary rookie. He’s a bit ahead of the game,” Mike Woodson said in a 2014 article from Metro.us. “Once he gets stronger, he’ll be even better on defense.”

Fortunately Hardaway Jr. has many years to work on his game. Hopefully, the Knicks will make the playoffs this season and have a good run with Hardaway Jr. getting some playoff experience to top off the end an encouraging rookie season.

The fate of Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski carted off after injury/ blacksportsonline.com

Rob Gronkowski, tight end for the New England Patriots, has been repeatedly injured during his career and his durability issue may lead to his departure from the team in the 2015 season. Now facing a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, he might not even make it onto the field until December 2014. With these factors coming in to play, the Patriots could be looking for a new tight end this coming season.

The injury-prone Gronkowski suffered sprained ligaments in his ankle during Super Bowl XLVI which required him to have surgery. In the 2012 season he broke his left forearm and then re-injured it in a playoff game that same season.

Gronkowski’s right knee injury occurred when he got hit by T.J. Ward from the Denver Broncos. Ward spoke out about this hit and how everything he did was legal, and the league is forcing him and other players to hit in this legal manner.

“But we have to play this game the way that they force us to, and unfortunately it [resulted] in an injury for him ... I honestly prayed for him 'cause it looked bad the way they were over there,” Ward said to Marc Sessler after the December 9, 2013 game.

For the last two seasons, Gronkowski only played in 18 of the 32 games. All of this missed playing time was a result from his injuries. The only way for a player to be of use to a team is if he is on the field playing. The Patriots have a difficult decision whether to drop him or keep him on the team. He is an amazing player on the field setting many records while playing for the Patriots in just four seasons.

The Patriots gave Gronkowski the highest salary for a tight end in the league and he deserves that contract while he is playing. When he is playing, he is a hard person to defend on the field. Due to his injuries of the last couple of seasons, does this mean that his place as the starting tight end for the Patriots is in jeopardy, or does his record the past four years influence the choice as to whether the Patriots want to keep him?

Katie Ledecky's journey to success

Katie Ledecky / Geoff Livingston

Although she is just 17 years old, Kathleen Ledecky is currently one of the most outstanding long distance swimmers in the world. Growing up in Bethesda, Md., Ledecky put in lots of hard work into her training. She started swimming at age six with her older brother Michael, and her mother, Mary Gen, who swam for the University of New Mexico. 

“My family is great … [and] is largely the reason I got involved with swimming in the first place. I owe them all a lot for what I’ve accomplished,” Ledecky said to Mike Watkins in a 2013 interview. 

Ledecky had the wonderful opportunity to swim with Olympic swimmers all around the world and the U.S. Olympic team. Meeting many Olympic swimmers has further encouraged Ledecky to swim more and try harder to break her times. She won her first international gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics for the 800 meter freestyle. Currently swimming for Nation’s Capital Swim Club, training about two and a half to five hours a day, Ledecky strives to continue taking the gold. Ledecky demonstrates her love for swimming by dedicating many hours to the pool.

 “Sometimes I have morning practices, where I’m up at 3:55 a.m. I’m in the water at 4:45,” Ledecky said in a 2012 interview with Julia Rasicot of Bethesda Magazine.

Holding many American records, Katie Ledecky is best known for her World Records in the 800 meter and 1,500 meter freestyle. On top of all her underwater accomplishments, Ledecky also won the 2013 FINA Athlete of the Year award for swimming for her high achievements. Ledecky’s many hours of training have certainly paid off and shown through her success.

 “It’s been a goal of mine to break 4:30, I’ve had my eye on that for a while and it feels really good to get that done,” Ledecky said in a 2014 interview with Jennifer Beekman of Maryland Community News.

 It is amazing how Ledecky is able to compete in the Olympics, World Champs, Duel in the pool, U.S. Nationals, and qualify for Olympic trials, and at the same time attend school. Correspondingly being on a swim team, as well as being a student, requires a lot of time, studying, training, and hard work.

 “I only train in the morning twice, maybe three times a week. And then from there I go to school. And then I have afternoon practice, right after school until 6. Then I get home and I eat and I do my homework,” Ledecky said to Rasicot.

 Ledecky has a tight schedule yet she still finds a way to manage both swimming and school. She continues to display her commitment to balancing the sport of swimming along with being a student and follows her passion for swimming.

From war to World Cup for Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko / Ulicar Streets - Flickr

Edin Dzeko now hears the roar at the end of soccer games. From a league victory with his club Manchester City, to entering the World Cup with his country Bosnia, the Bosnian diamond often sees himself as the center of celebration. About 20 years ago, these roars were that of a bloody war which surrounded his everyday life.

Dzeko was younger than 10 years old when war broke out in Bosnia. Living in the capital while it was under siege didn’t help. War dominated everyday life for the people in Sarajevo. Anyone could die at any given moment.

"The conflict started in my country just as I was born and my early life was nothing but fighting, war and bullets in the walls of the buildings," Dzeko was quoted as saying in a December 2011 thenational.ae article.

Every now and then, the war calmed and he went out to play soccer. In one instance, his mother Belma called him home right before a bomb landed where he played soccer moments before.

“My gut feeling saved my son’s life,” she was quoted as saying in a 2011 DailyMail.co.uk article.

Fast forward 20 years and Dzeko is part of the Bosnian national team headed to the World Cup. He helped secure his country’s first major tournament entrance, scoring 10 goals in qualifications.

"I wish to send my regards to Brazil and say that we will show how mighty Bosnia is," he said in an October 2013 EspnFC.com article.

Every Dragon faced the war in their own way. Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic grew up in Canada after spending a few years in Germany away from the war. Like the rest of the team, Begovic is looking forward to playing in his nation’s first major tournament.

"It's what dreams are made of,” he said in a February 2014 newstalk.ie article.

On June 15, 2014, the Dragons will play their first World Cup game against Argentina. Win or lose, the match will be one to remember for athletes like Dzeko, who, only two decades ago, were uncertain if they’ll live to see the next day.

Tom Brady, from adversity to applause

Tom Brady / Kieth Allison-flickr.com

Many professional athletes must overcome immense adversity throughout their career. One prime example is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Apart from his three Super Bowl Championships and illustrious career, Brady struggled through much of his early years of football.

Brady didn't have the greatest college career, he actually had a mediocre run with the University of Michigan. His first two years he played as a backup to future NFL quarterback Brian Griese. He ended up as the seventh player on the depth chart and had to battle Drew Henson for a starting job, leading him to frustration and anxiety.

Greg Harden, a sports psychologist at the University of Michigan, was approached by young Brady. Brady said that Harden kicked him into a higher gear mentally.

“Your whole life, people have always told you how great you are as an athlete,” Brady said in a 2014 Detroit Free Press article. “He’s probably the first person in your life that says, ‘Well, you don’t deserve to really be on the field.’”

At the beginning of his junior year, Brady spent many hours studying film and practicing every throw on the field, something he would become known for in his later career. During his third year, he beat out Henson for the starting position and led the Wolverines to a 9-2 record in his senior year, en route to a victory against Alabama in the Orange Bowl, 34-33.

After two years of being overlooked, Brady changed his own life. He became the player that would be the first one to practice and the last one leaving the film room. Football went from a game he played, to what he loved. He was able to change his state of mind and become the calm and collected future Hall of Fame player he is today.

"He always believes there is someone behind him that is going to take his job," Temple University’s offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler says. "He is 34 years old and approaches the game like he just got drafted in the sixth round."

Is the new Face of the MLB the Wright choice?

David Wright / Keith Allison

David Wright is the obvious choice to be the new “Face of the MLB.” Whether you support the competition or not, Wright’s long career with the New York Mets is studded with records and achievements, while his charity foundation continues to contribute to numerous causes. He epitomizes the characteristics that are worthy of his new title: loyalty, skill and humanity.

The “Face of the MLB,” needs to be someone who is devoted to the team he is playing for. On that team, they can demonstrate an ability to lead. Wright is exactly that person. As captain of the Mets, he will help his team get back to the World Series, no matter how many obstacles lie in their path.

“If my goal was to win right this second, then obviously, I would’ve been a free agent,” Wright said in a 2014 NorthJersey.com article. “To me, it was more important to show loyalty to the Mets. I grew up rooting for them, they drafted me when I was 18, they’re the only team I’ve ever played for.”

While on the Mets, Wright has put many accomplishments under his belt, including seven all-star games, two Gold Gloves, and the opportunity to play alongside baseball legend Derek Jeter in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Jeter, considered to be the current “Face of the MLB” until he retires at the end of this season, is a person that Wright watched to learn how to be a better player and a better leader.

“Derek, whether he knows it or not, and he probably doesn’t, he’s a guy that being a young athlete in New York, you can not only mold your game after but his leadership skills as well,” Wright said in a 2014 ReviewJournal.com article.

It may seem petty or disrespectful to hold a competition over who gets to be the “Face of the MLB” before Jeter has his last game or like such a prestigious title should be given out with more care, but Wright’s clear place as one of the game’s elites and his familial leadership should be sought after by all athletes. Those skills are worthy of being plastered as the "Face of the MLB."

Good news for boys' volleyball team despite outcome

Dobranov (left), Hamade (14) / Din Islam

The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering boys’ volleyball team scrimmaged against Hillcrest High School on March 20, 2014 at City College's Nat Holman Gymnasium. Despite losing in all four sets, the Dragons demonstrated they have the capability for success in the upcoming season.

The Dragons struggled to find a rhythm early in the first set. The biggest problem seemed to be their defense. The Hawks went on several runs including a seven point streak in the first set. In fact, many of the Dragons points in the first round came from the few mistakes by the Hawks.

“I feel like our team has more experience,” senior Hawk captain Tsetan Namgyal said. “I think the team we played right now can improve more. ... They could get better at the basic stuff.”

During the second set, the Dragons had more control on offense. Senior setter Spencer Sharp did a better job finding teammates for kills, but there was still something missing. There was a clear need for better communication, as Hillcrest was easily audible on each play, yet the Dragons were surprisingly silent.

The third round was like a whole new game for the Dragons. They opened up on a 10-4 run and seemed to finally click as a team. Passes seemed more fluid and the Dragons reduced their mistakes. In fact, the score ended at an impressive 25-23, just in favor of the Hawks.

“We just found the sweet spot,” Sharp said. “All of a sudden I just knew how to set well and we got that synergy. Once we started to get closer, the intensity increased so everyone wanted to do better.”

The final set was a great spectacle, as both teams used this as an opportunity to play their back-ups. The scoring back and forth, resembling a basketball game, with the lead changing hands multiple times during the set. The 25-22 score was a great demonstration of how the Dragons second team fought hard and put all their energy into the last round.

The improvement during the game wasn’t the only surprise. Two players made unexpectedly huge contributions to the game. Throughout the game, junior libero Evgeni Dobranov displayed amazing focus and determination defensively. His efforts on the court earned him the nickname “Delibero” by the other team.

“Delibero stood out to me,” Hawks coach Gisele Ruiz said. “He was hustling. He picked up a lot of balls that we could have put down. So [he] made a really good impression on me.

Also noted by Hillcrest's coach was sophomore middle blocker Hussein Hamade.

"[He] was very impressive," she said. "He had really good hands for such a young age.”

The season hasn’t even started and rookie sophomore Hamade is demonstrating valuable skills. Hamade did splendid on offense. His attacks improved as the game progressed and he was a big part of the Dragons’ offense.

“Hussein played really well,” Dragons coach Nick Diunte said. “He got some blocks and kills. I mean he wasn’t even in the plan. I thought he was going to be the backup. He’s really filled that role nicely and is learning everyday, and showing it too.”

With more practice and games, the team will only improve their fundamentals and stop the mistakes that plagued the early sets of this match. It is still possible for the Dragons to continue their successes, despite being placed in the A-Division.