Without Doubt, Heat Reach NBA Finals

May 27, 2011

Three minutes left. Ten points down. And all fingers pointing to a trip back to Miami for game six.

Then, we witnessed the magic that two NBA superstars can orchestrate in the clutch. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James grabbed their capes and tightly strapped them around their necks to lift Miami to an unexpected series-clinching victory. One could say "where there's a will, there's a Wade (and a James)." It was a spectacle that shocked the city of Chicago, infuriated the Heat haters and set off celebrations across South Florida. Most of all, it was a moment that took Pat Riley's vision one step closer to fruition.

Chicago scored more points in the paint, secured more rebounds and dished out more assists than Miami. Given these three stat points one would believe that the Bulls emerged victorious. However, the Heat defied the odds and overcame adversity when it counted most. In essence, Miami has overcome adversity all season long and this was just another notch on their belt.

Now what separates Miami from it's second title is a heated Finals rematch against the Dallas Mavericks. Best of all, the Heat will be able to avenge their two regular season losses to the Mavs and silence the outspoken mouth of Mark Cuban.

Do not doubt for one second that Miami remembers the billboard-sized poster that Dallas plastered outside their arena, which proclaimed "Beat the Heat" back in their November match-up. Do not doubt for one second that the Heat took note of Cuban's comments on how "great" Miami's early season struggles were.

When it comes to Miami's determination to beat the Mavericks and take the title, there is no doubt.

No Stopping Them Now

May 12, 2011

With an emphatic breakaway dunk to seal a series win over the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat made a strong statement to the basketball world: "We are the new beasts of the East." The Heat knew that in order to take the next step toward becoming elite they would have to defeat the reigning Eastern Conference Champions first. There may be plenty of basketball to be played before Miami can hoist up that Larry O'Brien trophy but their destiny is already clear.

As arrogant as this may sound, there is no stopping the Heat now. After all of the turmoil, criticism and pressure-packed experiences Miami went through this season they will make sure their success won't go to waste.

These players did not take less money to lose in the Eastern Conference Finals nor in the NBA Finals.

These players did not sacrifice fame and ego to falter now.

These players did not come this far to go home now.

Sorry Chicago and Atlanta, the Heat are an unstoppable freight train right now that not even Denzel Washington can bring to a screeching halt. Same goes for Dallas, Oklahoma City and Memphis. As great of a run those teams have had, none of them have been motivated and tested as much as the Heat by swarms of haters and doubters.

Dwyane Wade once said, "doubt me, I love it." That has become a phrase that the entire team has embraced and used as fuel for their fire. And right now, that fire has become a full blown inferno.

This inferno is burning away all the doubts that many critics fasted onto Miami from the moment of LeBron James took his talents to South Beach, creating the new Big Three. They wont be able to set aside their egos. Their bench is too thin. They can't win close games. All of these criticisms have now been burned.

And this is only the beginning. The blaze has just ignited and Miami is prepared to leave a trail of destruction on their path toward the title. I will say it again, there is no stopping them now.

Recap: South Florida Prospects Drafted to the NFL

May 4, 2011

The 2011 NFL Draft came with plenty of anxiety and excitement, not only for the draft prospects but for the teams that knew this particular draft held more weight than usual. With the NFL lockout still looming as the owners and players clash in court, there still isn't any free agency or player trading in place. Hence, the importance of drafting players that will impact your team in the short-term as well as the long-term.

With that said, let's set aside the frustration of this lockout and take a moment to appreciate the South Florida prospects that made it to the NFL this year. We begin by looking at the University of Miami's nine draftees, marking the third most players drafted from a university.

Next Generation of Canes in the Pros

The first Miami Hurricane picked in the draft was offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, selected by the Denver Broncos in the 2nd round (46th overall pick). Franklin was touted as a top 10 offensive linemen in the draft by many analysts. His 6'6, 316-pound stature makes him a human wall and in the trenches. Whether it's Kyle Orton or Tim Tebow calling the shots as the Broncos' QB, I'm sure they'll feel a bit safer with Franklin in front of them. And so will Denver's running backs.

Brandon Harris was next to come off the board as the Houston Texans snatched him up late in the second round (60th overall). The cornerback was expected to go higher in the draft and can be technically labeled a steal for the Texans. Harris is a high energy athlete with great instincts. What he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and ability to close in on receivers. For a team that was hurting in the secondary, the Texans should get a boost from this draft pick.

Next up was Leonard Hankerson, who was The U's number one receiver last season and improved each year as a Cane. As a third round pick (79th overall) by the Washington Redskins, this is perhaps the biggest steal out of Miami's draft class. Many thought Hankerson would get picked in the late-first or early-second round. While that guess was wrong, the Redskins still got their value's worth with this 6'2 receiver that recorded over 1,100 yards and 13 TDs in 2010. He reminds me of a smaller Andre Johnson. He will now line up alongside former Cane Santana Moss, creating a dual deep threat in the nation's capital.

The fourth Cane to go was defensive back DeMarcus Van Dyke. This guy has blazing speed and he proved it at the NFL Combine by posting the fastest 40-yard dash time among all prospects (2.28 seconds). In typical Oakland Raiders fashion, they used their third round pick (81st overall) to add more speed to their roster. He lacks in physicality and isn't a ball hawk, but he can help brake up deep passes and contribute as a role player.

Allen Bailey became the fifth UM player to make it pro after the Kansas City Chiefs took him in the third round (86th overall pick). Bailey is a defensive lineman that can play the DE and DT spots, making him a dynamic option for the Chiefs. Bailey tallied 14 sacks in his last two seasons at UM and recorded 78 total tackles. He's a decent D-lineman that should be able to contribute immediately, particularly on run defense.

As for the last three Canes to get selected in the draft, here they are:

• Colin McCarthy (LB) - 4th round, 109th overall pick (Tennessee Titans)
• Richard Gordon (TE) - 6th round, 181st overall pick (Oakland Raiders)
• Matt Bosher (K) - 6th round, 192nd overall pick (Atlanta Falcons)

FIU Prospect Gets Drafted

Florida International University had one of their own taken in the draft. Conerback Anthony Gaitor was drafted in the seventh round (222nd overall pick) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gaitor was FIU's standout player on defense, averaging 49 tackles per season and raking in a combined 11 interceptions  throughout his four-year stint with the Golden Panthers. He was expected to go much higher than the seventh round, but now he's a pro football player nonetheless. Gaitor becomes the third FIU football player to make it to the NFL. 

Representing the Hialeah High Thoroughbreds!

Shout out to a former classmate of mine who made it big after being drafted 22nd overall by the San Diego Chargers - Corey Liuget. He attended Hialeah Senior High, as did I, and definitely showed his great potential back then.

Now, I didn't know Corey personally but I'm still proud to have graduated in the same class as him. He's representing my alma mater at the highest level now. Go T-Breds!

Check out a nice article written about him in The Miami Herald.