Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Good Morning, Hawks Revelers!
Just a short time ago, the team arrived with the Stanley Cup in Chicago. Let’s not waste any time getting to the top story 49 years in the making!

Whether hockey fans are aware or not, there’s still one more championship series up for grabs. Celtics captain Paul Pierce will play a big role in determining the outcome.

The Michigan State Spartans men’s hoops program possesses its own pedigree. How much of that is because of Tom Izzo? How satisfying is Izzo’s legacy at MSU? Those are a couple questions that loom as he mulls over an offer from the Cavs.

Meanwhile, it appears a move, in this case to the Big Ten, is indeed best in the minds of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Finally, a championship program takes a hit.

Thanks for visiting Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

The Final Slammin' Sam Final Four Post

Judging by America’s sports sections, fans aren’t quite ready to switch from college hoops to baseball. We understand. Only three college basketball games remain. Beginning Sunday, there will be beaucoup baseball. Our advice at Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media and Free Keon is to enjoy the Final Four while it lasts. With that in mind, here we go!

First, Indy Star writer Matthew Tully gives readers perspective about Butler’s drive to the Final Four.

Butler’s opponent, Michigan State, features a coach who somehow gets it done again and again, writes Drew Sharp.

While Butler plays for its city, and Izzo represents his home state of Michigan, Duke is in it for each other.

Bob Huggins and West Virginia? They can’t stop thinking about the great party they are going to have after work.

How can you think about March Madness without thinking about Billy Packer? Whether you like him or not, he’s still got plenty to say off the main stage.

Thanks for visiting Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links and Free Keon today!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam's Links Tourney Style

The time’s finally arrived, and it’s as if everything else slows to pay homage. Yes, the tourney tips off today, and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links has a report from each regional site. The good news is that the links are sound free. No need to listen to commentators jabber 24-7, right?

We start in New Orleans where Notre Dame and senior Luke Harangody picked the right time to pick up steam.

From a traditional power to an upstart in St. Mary’s, we head to Providence.

As far as I can tell, fans are firmly against tourney expansion. Some would argue March Madness is the best thing in sports. Why change it, writes the Mercury News.

Despite back-to-back NCAA titles, consecutive NIT appearances left Billy Donovan and Florida forgotten.

Eric Maynor’s shot to slay Duke, Nelson and West leading St. Joe’s, and Bob Knight’s final game as a Hoosier all took place in Buffalo.

Are you surprised that Jacksonville is still stuck on Tim Tebow? You might not realize the city has NCAA Tournament action this weekend by reading its paper.

Closer to home, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel features an article on the plethora of options to pursue between games at the Bradley Center.

And finally, Tom Izzo’s Spartans begin the 2010 run in Spokane.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your bracket!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Plenty of news to discover today, Free Keon readers. I’m certain I could double or triple my usual Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links Edition, but I’ll stick to the usual five.

Hop on for the ride! We’ll start with the aftermath of college football’s Signing Day. Florida reigned supreme in its recruiting efforts, and the Illini, well, that’s TBD.

And let’s not forget Rich Rodriguez and the Maize and Blue. It never hurts Illini fans to hear what misdeeds, miscues, and general pitfalls could be going on up in Ann Arbor. From the sound of things, observers closer to the action up there aren’t too sure about yesterday.

Carrying on, today’s links could have been all about Michigan. In case you missed it, the current Big Ten Player of the Year, Kalin Lucas suffered a high ankle sprain in last night’s first MSU blemish.

Giants Defensive End and catalyst Osi Umenyiora is hurting too. Except what's dogging him is his pride. He’s threatening to take his ball and go home.

Finally, on the lighter side, a collection of Who Dat parodies. May the best team win Sunday.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Pucker, Pucker, Pucker!!!

Michigan State’s stunning fourth quarter choooookkkkkkkkkke against Notre Dame on Saturday is yet another episode in what seems to be a nauseating reoccurring dream for Sparty and the East Lansing faithful.