Smurfs on Speed

Tune in to ESPN2 tonight, Sunday Nov. 23rd to see our Memphis Tigers take on the Xavier Mouseketeers.Those are Mouseketeers, by the way. I don't understand it either, but I want you to associate this picture with Xavier from now on. Done and done.

Speaking of brightly colored, goofy looking midgets, Dana O'Neil at ESPN referred to the Tigers as "Smurfs on speed". I'm all for equal opportunity in the workplace, but that's the kind of stunt that sets women back 10 years in the world of sports journalism and makes guys clamor for fewer female sports journalists and more scantily clad ring girls.Ok, my last statement may have been a little harsh, but I just needed a reason to post this picture.

Here a few more links to tide you over until tonight's game against the Mouseketeers.Good, you're catching on.

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The tidal wave of excitement over the signing of Xavier Henry is still riding high. Check out this ESPN/Scouts Inc. article on why Henry is a perfect fit at Memphis... beyond the fact that the Tigers are awesome and Xavier is awesome, so they naturally gravitate toward each other.

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Dan Wolken got his computer smashed into a bazillion pieces in Puerto Rico. Robinson has been the only Tiger in Puerto Rico to throw down a rim-shaking dunk, so why not blast a computer? Hulk smash!

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Beyond the Arc posted an early "Player of the Year" article talking a little bit about Stephen Curry. In the article, props are given to Curry, but the argument is quickly turned on its head, saying he can't win "Player of the Year" if his team doesn't win big games.

I tend to disagree. Of course, a Player of the Year should elevate his team to win a lot of games, but if a team totally sucks, an exceptional player shouldn't be penalized for that.

While the MLB isn't a stalwart of logical rules and procedures (WS home field advantage), they are fair in the assessment of the MVP. Oftentimes the MVP comes from a playoff team, but not always. Pujols won it this year and the Cardinals missed the playoffs by 4 games, minimum. GayRod won it in 2003 with the last place Rangers. The state of the surrounding team should not diminish the obvious talent of a potential MVP.

Furthermore, Curry's mom looks like Thandie Newton, which should make up for the lack of wins over Duke, Georgetown, etc.Enjoy the game.