Feeling Melo

It’s a Melo Situation 

With the hiring of Phil Jackson as the president in March, it is clear the Knicks are on to a new era. However, it is a new era with the same concerns as before, which is whether Carmelo Anthony will sign a long-term deal or leave New York. It seems as if New York has no idea what they want to do because they have had little extension talks with Melo. Also, they never made any efforts to get significant pieces around him during the season. Knicks fans have to be concerned as to what direction the team will choose to go. The Knicks do not have a lottery pick in this year's draft so the chance to build toward the future is on hold. What does the Zen master have in mind? I will try to answer this complex question, but I am sure Phil has no idea what he wants to do.

If the Knicks sign Melo, they will stay squarely in a position to make the playoffs in a lackluster Eastern Conference. The Knicks want to pay Anthony, but still have spare change. In other words, they do not want to give him a max contract. Jackson will more than likely try to clear up more cap space by dumping Amare Stoudemire and Raymond Felton's contracts. Next, he will look for players that fit his triangle offense or have experience in it to help the transition flow smoothly. Lamar Odom should see significant playing time under rookie head coach Derek Fisher. That is of course if his skills are still there. If Jackson and Fisher struggle with implementing the triangle offense, the Knicks will run a more simplified offense predicated around Anthony's strengths. There are not many players that would seem to intrigue Jackson this offseason besides Jordan Hill and maybe Kyle Lowry. If Jackson learned anything under the late Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak, it is to keep your possibilities to yourself. This means that you Knicks fans should be excited at a possible blockbuster deal. Cough Rajon Rondo cough.

The other option involves letting Anthony walk away and pressing the "reset" button. This would not be a bad idea considering the fact that it is a new regime with Jackson and Fisher at the helm. The problem is finding teams that will take on the contracts of not only Stoudemire and Felton, but also JR Smith and possibly Tyson Chandler. It is very unlikely to get rid of all of these players especially Smith. However, you have to start over somewhere. Getting rid of these players will clear the landscape and allow the Knicks to go after a superstar in next year's offseason or potentially select a player in next year's lottery. Knicks fans are not patient so I do not foresee the Knicks betting it all on some 19 year old. Jackson hardly played rookies as a coach so this route is very unlikely. With or without Melo, Jackson will look to build New York into a championship team overnight. He will clear out enough players to have the money to do so. When we least expect it, Jackson will pull the trigger and control basketball headlines. Heck, he already did so with signing Fisher as his head coach. Strap your seat belts because this ride is barely getting started.

Bulls

They Rose Without Rose 

 The Chicago Bulls have been nothing short of miraculous in these last two seasons without their Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose. Rose has been sidelined with ACL and torn meniscus injuries to both of his knees. Joakim Noah and his teammates have continued to persevere through their superstar's misfortunes and the trading of Luol Deng. The Bulls’ personnel have been forced to step into roles by their stringent coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau has always been known for his suffocating defense as it takes a toll on teams during the course of a 48-minute contest. However, his ability to be a leader of men has been somewhat of an understatement. Thibs has morphed Noah from an energy-hustle player into a quality all-around player at the center position. Jimmy Butler has become one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. Taj Gibson might be on the verge of garnering a big contract and a starting role in Chicago by next season. Finally, D.J. Augustin has been the energy they have needed off the bench as Thibodeau has labeled him a "season saver." This is nothing new for Chicago because Thibodeau has taken productive players and made them consistent since he arrived in "The Windy City." The list of players that he has helped get paid in the NBA includes: Kyle Korver, Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, and Omer Asik.


There is no question that Chicago will compete, defend, and play hard for 48 minutes. However, Chicago is offensively challenged without Rose as this playoff series against the Wizards has shown us once again. This Bulls team is overachieving especially when you consider the talent on their roster. They are nothing more than a bonafide lottery team. What separates them from teams like the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks is their effort and will to win. As a spectator and a basketball purist, you have to respect the Bulls and the way they play. Until Derrick Rose is out on the floor and competing with his teammates, the Bulls are nothing more than a scrappy underdog and a feel good story.

Top 10 Int'l

Top 10 International Players of All Time

Today we see players from other countries like Marc Gasol, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anderson Varejao, and others. Ten, twenty, even thirty years ago there were not that many players from other countries. This is because players from other countries have taken a liking to basketball and have helped make it popular in other countries. These international players have brought their styles and have incorporated them into the game of basketball we see today. This list is to illuminate some of the greatest players from other countries that played in the NBA.

10. Detlef Schrempf

Detlef Schrempf was a versatile 6'10 forward who could play every position except the point guard spot. However, his passing ability would allow him to be a point forward. During his career, he would earn three trips to the All Star Game and he was a two time Sixth Man of the Year award recipient. His career would start off slow in Dallas as he could not get stable minutes and he was often injured. Indiana must have seen some potential in him as he was traded to the Pacers. In Indiana and Seattle, Schrempf would average well over 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. His solid shooting would help the Seattle Supersonics to a finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls where they lost in six games. He would go on to finish his final two seasons in Portland. 

9. Peja Stojakovic 

In addition to being one of the greatest shooters of all time, Peja Stojakovic was able to crack this list of all time international greats. He averaged 17 points per game and shot 40 percent for his career. His scoring ability helped open up the lane for players on his team and at 6'10 it was hard to defend him on the perimeter. He was never a defensive stopper, but his size allowed to him rattle other players. Stojakovic would average 20 points over a three-year span and earn a trip to three All Star Games. Along with Chris Webber and Mike Bibby, Stojakovic would help power the Kings to the Western Conference Finals where they lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers. They would earn their way into the hearts of many fans and show the NBA that small market teams could maintain success over the years. 

8. Dikembe Mutombo 

Dikembe Mutombo was more than a solid basketball player. He was the ultimate humanitarian in all of sports. He has traveled the world to spread the game of basketball to Africa, improved the living conditions in the Republic of Congo, and he is a longtime advocate of the Special Olympics. Mutombo's play on the court was sensational as well. He was a crowd favorite wherever he played. Standing at 7'2, Mutombo would block shots with ease, be a vacuum on the boards, and be enough of a threat to score off rebounds. He would experience a resurgence in his career in 2001 when he would help Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. They lost in that series, but Mutombo won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award that season. He was an eight time All Star and was even selected to the All NBA second team once. When he blocked a player's shot, Mutombo would often sway his finger and say, "No No No". 

7. Manu Ginobili 

Manu Ginobili is always mentioned as the third member in the Spurs trio of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. However, Ginobili's impact was as significant as the other two players because of his versatility and sacrifices. He is a good slasher and streaky shooter from beyond the arc and defensively he used to be able to guard the best players in the NBA. Ginobili is the main reason why teams in the NBA look for instant offense off the bench. Ginobili has bench a fixture in the Spurs second unit as he has sacrificed some of his production in order to help the Spurs maintain success. His sacrifices may have cost him millions and better numbers as a pro, but his career has lasted longer. With the Spurs, Gregg Popovich manages Ginobili's minutes well and has made sure he is ready for a postseason run.

6. Yao Ming 

Because of a multitude of injuries, Yao Ming's promising career was cut short as he was forced to retire. He was the face of China's nation and was the reason Chinese fans and players became interested in the NBA. Yao was the first rookie since Grant Hill to start in an All Star game. Yao was 7'6 and well over 250 lbs which made it hard for the Houston Rockets to pass him up. He had good skills for a player of his size as he could shoot 19 footers, easily post players up, and pass well enough. Yao did struggle his first year with the speed of the NBA, but was fine after about 15 games. He turned into a brick wall on defense and asserted himself well on offense. After his rookie year, he was mentioned as one of the best centers and could have gone down as one of the best centers of all time. Along with Tracy McGrady, Yao formed a dynamic duo that figured to be title contenders. Early playoff exits and injuries robbed the Houston franchise and have many fans wondering what could have been.

5. Tony Parker

The talent was always there for Tony Parker, but he lacked maturity as a young player playing for Gregg Popovich. Parker would learn the hard way playing under Coach Pop, as he would be benched for silly turnovers and playing out of control on offense. In the playoffs, he would always perform admirably as he helped the Spurs win three NBA championships and earned himself a Finals MVP. However, three years ago the switch seemed to turn "on" for Parker as if he finally got "it". Hypothetically speaking it seemed like the torch was passed from Tim Duncan down to Parker. He became the voice of the locker room and the focal point of a well-balanced Spurs attack. Over these past three seasons, Parker has catapulted himself in the discussion of many MVP, best point guard, and top 10 player talks. Last season, Parker led the Spurs to the Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games. He can most certainly fly up this list with more accolades. For Parker and the Spurs it is about winning not individual achievements.

4. Pau Gasol 

Pau Gasol is the most gifted seven footer in league history. Before an unexpected growth spurt, Gasol was a point guard. His days as a point guard are usually on display with his passing and ability to drive around bigger defenders. His size allows him to post smaller defenders, shoot over them, or find the open man. Early in his career he was scrutinized because he was thought to be the next Dirk Nowtizki. There were also rumors that Gasol did not like being the focal point of his team and opposing teams. As a result, the Lakers pulled off one of the greatest heists, at the time, as they traded the rights to Marc Gasol to Memphis for Pau. It was a great move as it sent shock waves throughout the league and made the Lakers instant title contenders. Gasol would help Kobe Bryant and the Lakers go to three straight finals as well as winning back-to-back finals. Pau has also been a part of those Spain teams that won two gold medals.

3. Steve Nash

Mavericks fans can only wonder what magic Steve Nash and Dirk Nowtizki could have made if Nash stayed in Dallas. Nevertheless, from a basketball resume standpoint, Nash's career benefited from his departure. He ended up being one of the faces of the NBA for a short span. In addition, he transformed himself into a two time MVP while making the Suns a perennial power in the Western Conference. He might have been the pioneer for Mike D'Antoni's uptempo offense that is still popular today. He even helped Canada gain respect as a basketball country. Nash has done everything there is to do as far as individual accolades, but he has never been able to win a championship. Or even get to the NBA Finals for that matter. His soccer background helped him run the show as a point guard with his nifty passing. He was always a threat to score 30 every night as well. Nash also was a great leader and competitor. His defense was always shaky, but that's one of the risks a coach would deal with. At this point in his career with the Lakers, Nash is more concerned with his health and one last run for a championship next year.

2. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon meant a lot to the people of Houston as he played his collegiate and professional career in that city. He brought two championships to the Rockets organization in addition to being a force on the low block. In his heyday, Olajuwon was an all around center as he could score, pass, rebound, and be a defensive anchor on the other end. His versatility made him extremely difficult to deal with because of his overall girth. His footwork was impeccable and his signature move, “The Dream Shake", was automatic. He might have been so gifted because of his days as a soccer player when he was a kid. Despite being a native of Nigeria, Olajuwon played for Team USA because of Nigeria's lack of immersion in the basketball world. Olajuwon is a forgotten star as he was a part of a draft and era that consisted of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. He continues to be an ambassador of the Houston Rockets organization.

1. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowtizki, when it is all said and done, will go down as the best international player to ever play in the NBA. His career averages are phenomenal at 23 points per game and 8 boards. Also, his resume speaks for itself as he has won a regular season and Finals MVP. Nowtizki has been to numerous All Star games and selected to many All-NBA teams. He is the Mavericks all time leader in scoring, a world champ, and not to mention he has single handedly carried Germany to a bronze and silver medal finish. It is hard to dispute Dirk as being number one on this list because he is a superstar that does it the right way. He is loyal to Dallas and has always found ways to extend the longevity of his career. Nowitzki's new found resurgence has him in a position to play for another championship for another three or four years. Dirk could also go down as one of the best shooters of all time.

Shooters

Deadeye Shooters

Today, I will take a look at some of the best shooters that the NBA has to offer. Some of these players are household names while others are hidden gems. They can shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, possess a good midrange game, or excel at both. Elite shooters are at an all time high in demand in the association. These players do have off nights and can go on cold streaks, but the good outweighs the bad for these marksmen. Having an elite shooter can be the difference between a deep postseason run or an early exit.

10. Danny Green

 
 






If it was not for Ray Allen's late game heroics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Danny Green might have been the Finals MVP. He broke the Finals record for three pointers made. His shooting display throughout the playoffs earned him the right to be recognized as one of the game's best shooters. His shooting is not flashy by any means. His career average of 41% beyond the arc is something opposing teams cannot overlook.

  9. Jamal Crawford

One of my favorite shooters in the league is Jamal Crawford. Crawford is a scintillating shooter because he has an array of moves. He can come off of screens and picks. Finally, my favorite, he can cross a defender and line them up for a contested look. He even shoots rainbows to get his shot over bigger defenders. Crawford does not get a lot of credit as a shooter because he can have dry spells. However, for his career he shoots 35% from beyond the arc and 41% overall. When Crawford digs into his bag of tricks before he shoots, it is definitely something to marvel. Defenders worry about getting embarrassed by Crawford.

8. Bradley Beal

Up until the Three Point Shootout, many had no clue of Bradley Beal’s shooting ability. Beal plays for the Washington Wizards who do not get much national attention. He has been compared to Ray Allen in regards to his pretty jumper and fast release. Beal is the beneficiary of being one of the only shooters on the Wizards. Basically, because teams load the paint to stop John Wall and Nene, Beal gets a lot of open looks. Come playoff time, Beal will solidify himself as a household name and one of the game's best shooters.

7. Ray Allen

At this point in his career, Jesus Shuttlesworth is nothing more than a supreme marksman. He is still up to his old antics as he comes off screens to knock down shots. He is still clutch from time to time. If you do not believe me, turn on Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Ray Allen is usually lost in the shuffle during games because he is not as lethal as Lebron, D-Wade, or Bosh. Allen has done a good job of mastering his craft as a shooter. It is very hard for even younger plays to keep up with Allen coming off of all those screens.

6. Carmelo Anthony  

People forget about Carmelo Anthony's ability to shoot because of his "bullish" mentality down in the paint. Never mind the word bullish that's my prerogative coming into this article. Melo likes to shoot the ball in many different ways. He likes to pull up or shoot threes as a trailer in transition. As far as his midrange game, Anthony will body his defender up then suddenly rise up and shoot. When he is hot, it is a sight to see and no one can stop him.

5. Klay Thompson

  









Since his arrival in the NBA, Klay Thompson has surpassed expectations as a professional. At Washington State, he was considered a bad shot taker and an underachiever. With the Golden State Warriors, Thompson has helped, prematurely, form one of the all time great shooting tandems in league history with Stephen Curry. Thompson is a volume scorer that likes to move around when he scores. He is a silent assassin because he is always emotionless when he is hitting his shots. He could be better on offense if he did not exert so much energy on defense. His full potential has yet to be reached.

4. Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver has made it possible for athletically challenged shooters that cannot play defense to last in the NBA. Coming out of Creighton, many did not think Korver would last in a league with such gifted athletes. Hard work and dedication has kept him in the league. He has floated from Philadelphia, Utah, Chicago, and now Atlanta, but his shooting always follows. Korver is the record holder for most consecutive games with a three pointer made. He comes off screens, but he is a stationary shooter. 

3. JJ Redick 

Playing in Orlando, JJ Redick never received any spotlight attention because of players like Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis. With the Clippers, Redick has shown his phenomenal shooting abilities. He plays in an offense Doc Rivers used to orchestrate for Ray Allen to run off screens and knock down shots. Basically, he is a shooter that prefers to shoot in motion. It certainly helps Redick when opposing defenses have to focus on Chris
Paul and Blake Griffin. This makes it easier for him to shoot a boatload of jumpers. 

2. Stephen Curry

  






Like his "Splash Brother" Stephen Curry is a high volume scorer. He tends to take a lot of jump shots during the course of the game. This could be due to his thin frame. Nevertheless, Curry can light it up with his three point shots and midrange game. Curry is a dancing shooter that means he likes to make a defender move to his rhythm and suddenly launch one over his head. Also, he prefers shooting after his big man sets a pick to free him up. This makes for entertaining basketball in the Bay Area.

 1. Kevin Durant 

 








"The Slim Reaper" holds the top spot on this list because he can go on a shooting streak like no one else in the NBA. Kevin Durant can pull up from anywhere and knock shots down with ease. Defenders try their best to stay in front of him and force him to take contested jumpers but to no avail. Two things separate Durant from the other shooters on this list. First, he is extremely efficient with the shots he takes. Shooting 39% from beyond the arc and 51% overall, Durant rarely takes a bad shot. Second, he is clutch. Durant is just too long and agile for defenders to deal with. As a result, most teams look to double team him late. Good luck with that.

 

March Madness

10 Teams Under the Radar

Stanford

The Cardinal is a team that is flying under the radar, nationally, because they are not a top three team in the Pac-12. They play consistent ball as they play consistently on offense and stifling defense. Four double-digit scorers in Chasson Randle, Dwight Powell, Josh Huesteis, and Anthony Brown lead them. Stanford is firmly in the field of 64 for the NCAA tournament. Unless they lose their last two games and get sent home early in the Pac-12 tournament, they should make the big dance. This will not be an easy team to beat because they manage to stay calm like their coach Johnny Dawkins. This team has upset ability as they beat Connecticut and Michigan earlier in the year.

 

BYU

BYU has big wins over Stanford and Texas. In addition, they played Iowa State, Wichita State, Oregon, and Massachusetts, which were all losses. The out of conference schedule and overall strength is there. However, the Cougars are firmly on the bubble and will more than likely have to play into the tournament. This team will have to win its final game and have to make a deep run into their conference tournament. Any losses would result in BYU missing the NCAA tournament. If they win out, this team is loaded with guys that can score the basketball. They are led by one of the nations best scorers in Tyler Haws as he scores well over 20 every game. Haws is a 6'5 guard that can score in many different ways. Matt Carlino, Kyle Collinsworth, and Eric Mika each do a good job at scoring and rebounding. With so much offensive firepower, this team will need to put the clamps down on defense. Nevertheless, the NCAA is built on elite guard play, which means Carlino and Haws can help BYU get a win or two. If Haws scoring ability translates to the tournament, think Stephen Curry at Davidson or Jimmer Fredette at BYU.

 

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys finally ended their seven game losing streak when Marcus Smart returned from his three game suspension. Although they slipped into quite a funk, they have a good chance of making the tournament. Markel Brown, L'Bryan Nash, and Phil Forte III are solid scorers that compliment Smart. These four players are volume scorers so they can get a little cold from time to time. The Big 12 is ultra competitive so the committee may be magnanimous and grant this team with a berth. If that is the case, no team wants to face a lowly seeded Oklahoma State team. They have too much firepower not to win a game and possibly go on a bit of a run like last year's Oregon team. Smart and Brown's ability to takeover can propel this team to a possible Sweet 16 appearance.

 

Oklahoma

Lon Kruger's ball club is an inconsistent ball club. They have the talent to compete with Kansas and Iowa State, but the youth to lose against a team like Texas Tech during conference play. Buddy Hield is he leading scorer for this Sooners team, but he is the most inconsistent player out of all of them. He can erupt in one half and go extremely cold in another. Jordan Woodard, Ryan Spangler, Cameron Clark, and Isaiah Cousins are double-digit scorers as well. Tyler Neal and Je'lon Hornbeak provide three point marksmen off the bench as well. This team probably seems inconsistent because of the overall depth in the Big 12. With that being said, this team is one of the toughest to prepare for because they have so much depth. It really comes down to how interested and if they view the other team as a threat for this Sooners team.

 

Arizona State

After their controversial win against Arizona, the Sun Devils have managed to climb their way up to an eight seed. Jahii Carson who scores a lot of points for this team leads them. In addition, Jordan Bachynski and Jermaine Marshall have proven to be consistent double figure scorers. The problem with this team, after those three players, is: Can they produce enough offense to win a game or two in the NCAA tournament? They have periods during the course of the game where they go on scoring droughts. Bachynski's defensive prowess can be key for Arizona State.

 

Ohio State

 This Buckeyes team has so much talent from top to bottom. With players like Aaron Craft, Lenzelle Smith Jr., Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott, LaQuinton Ross, and Amir Williams, this should easily be one of the top teams in the Big Ten and in the country. Somehow, they have struggled with all of this talent. One of the biggest concerns with this team is can they score enough points to win. They play ball-hawking defense, but they have guys that are offensively challenged outside of Ross and Smith Jr. Ohio State loves to play at a slow pace and get good shots to set up their defense. When they are making their shots, Ohio State is the most annoying team in the country to play for 40 minutes.

 

Harvard

Some spectators might remember this Crimson team from a year ago as they ruined most people's brackets. Wesley Saunders was the key to their upset over New Mexico in the NCAA tournament a year ago. Saunders returned for another year as he leads his team to, possibly, another NCAA tournament. His scoring numbers have dipped, but he has a lot of help. Harvard has six players that average more than nine points a game. With that kind of offensive balance, it is really hard to defend them because opposing players do not know where the scoring will come from. This makes Harvard a tough team to go against even if Saunders is struggling.

 

Providence

The Friars are not a deep basketball team as they have five players that play 30 plus minutes a game and a sixth play that plays 20 minutes. They are a talented team led by their senior point guard Bryce Cotton. Cotton scores over 20 points a game on a nightly basis. He also rebounds well at his size; he is a playmaker for his teammates, and an absolute bulldog on defense. LaDontae Henton, Kadeem Batts, and Tyler Harris are efficient scorers that can rebound. This is a veteran ball club that has a lot of players that are lanky athletes. If they make it to the NCAA tourney, this team's length can be their greatest asset defensively. With Cotton's elite play at point guard, this team can upset someone during the first weekend. Having a seven footer in Carson Desrosiers can be beneficial as he averages three blocks per contest. Another win over Creighton and a couple wins in the Big East Tourney should get them in the NCAA tourney.

 

Virginia

Checking this team's stat sheet can be depressing for a person that loves offense, but the Cavaliers make up for it on defense. After getting drubbed by Tennessee, Virginia has won 14 of their last 15 with their lone loss being to Duke. Also, they sit atop the ACC and broke the school record for conference wins. Joe Harris and Michael Brogdon lead this stagnant offense, but Justin Anderson provides valuable minutes with his intensity. Akil Mitchell is the X-factor for this team because he is a scorer who is underachieving dramatically this season. London Perrantes runs this team with no fear, as he never gets rattled despite being a freshman point guard. Virginia's defense and Harris's ability to take over games has many believing they can make a Final Four run. Despite those lofty expectations, many are still numb to the success of this team.

 

Michigan

Despite not having Mitch McGary, Michigan has been able to get on a bit of a roll, as they are in first place in the grueling Big Ten. Many wrote this team off after they lost Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke to the NBA Draft. In addition, when they lost McGary indefinitely, the experts doubted they would even make the NCAA tournament. Nik Stauskas and Caris LeVert have been the main reasons why the Wolverines are back in the national spotlight. Glenn Robinson III and Derrick Walton Jr. are no scrubs as they are certainly capable of big time performances. Head coach John Beilein should definitely be acknowledged for the tremendous job he has done as a coach because they are without three players from last year's championship game. With or without McGary, Michigan should make the Sweet 16.

Chasing History

Jesse Owens

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was a 5'10 165 pound Track and Field athlete from Oakville, Alabama. Owens had an illustrious career in Track and Field as he set many records and won many medals. He lived during a time when segregation was still rampant nationally and internationally. However, he was never deterred as he chased his dreams.

Owens family lived in Alabama until he turned nine. His parents decided to take part in the "Great Migration", which was when 1.5 million African Americans moved from the segregated south. They moved to Ohio where Owens got a job, as a student, to help his family financially. Owens was an outstanding track runner at East Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He only did it to bridge the time between work and school, but he realized how much he loved it. He received his first taste of the spotlight during the 1933 National High School Championship in Chicago. He equalled the world record in the 100 yard dash with the time of 9.4 seconds. In addition, he jumped 7.56 meters in the long jumping event.

Owens would go on to The Ohio State University where he ran track without a scholarship and lived off-campus because of segregation. He still had a part-time job to support his family. Owens was recognized as the "Buckeye Bullet" because of his supernatural speed. During his time as a Buckeye, he won eight individual NCAA championships. He had a career day during the Big Ten meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1935 where he set three records. He tied the record of 9.4 seconds in the 100 yard dash, set the record in long jumping at 8.13 meters, set the record at 20.3 seconds in the 220 yard dash, and set the record at 22.6 seconds in the 220 yard low hurdles event. However, his success did not stop there.

Owens would go on to the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. This was a time when Adolf Hitler was in control of Germany and believed German athletes would dominate every event. He also believed African Americans were inferior along with the Jews. Olympic officials gave Hitler a stiff ultimatum, which was to congratulate every medalist or do not congratulate anyone. Hitler stubbornly chose not to congratulate anyone. Nevertheless, Owens won four gold medals in the 100 and 200 meter events, long jump, and 4x100 meter relay race. Owens teamed up with Ralph Metcalf, Frank Wycoff, and Foy Draper as they set the world record in the relay event at 39.8 seconds. However, Owens was not commemorated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his efforts when he returned home. Roosevelt was afraid if he acknowledged Owens that he would lose votes from Southern voters. Later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower honored Owens as the "Ambassador of Sports" in 1955. 

Before Owens passed away, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1970. Also, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford in 1976. After passing away in 1980, the USA Track and Field team created the Jesse Owens Award in 1981. It was and still is awarded to the top Track and Field athlete. Finally, his alma mater, The Ohio State University, dedicated the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium for Track and Field events only.

African American QB

Marlin Briscoe

Today, we see Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, and others that are African American quarterbacks. Older generations used to watch Randall Cunningham and Warren Moon at quarterback, but the pioneer for black QBs was Marlin Briscoe. 

Marlin Briscoe was a 5'11 178 lb quarterback and wide receiver from Oakland, CA that played high school and college football in Omaha, NE. Briscoe was nicknamed "Marlin the Magician" because he could make incredible plays on the field when his team needed them. He played in the AFL and NFL from 1968 to 1976. Briscoe played for the Broncos, Bills, Dolphins, Chargers, Lions, and Patriots. 

Briscoe was drafted by the Broncos in the 14th round of the 1968 draft. He started out eighth on the depth chart for quarterbacks, but was switched to the other side of the ball to play defensive back. An injury to the Broncos starting signal caller forced Briscoe to go back to his natural position. He excelled as he accounted for 17 total touchdowns and rushed for over 300 yards. His 14 passing touchdowns is still a rookie record for the Denver Broncos. However, his success was short lived as the team had no intentions of letting him start at QB in the next season. As a result, he asked to be released and as he signed with the Buffalo Bills. Ironically, he did not play QB for the Bills as they had a star in Jack Kemp. Briscoe decided to play receiver as he led the team in receptions twice and receiving touchdowns three times. Also, he was named to the All-Pro team and was selected to the Pro Bowl during 1970. Briscoe was traded to the Miami Dolphins where he won back-to-back Super Bowls and was a part of the only undefeated team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in 1972. Following the 1974 season, he bounced around the league for the remainder of his career as he played for San Diego, Detroit, and New England.