Thabeet Seeks Boost From D-League Stay

Thabeet Seeks Boost From D-League Stay, The plush surroundings of all those Ritz Carltons and Four Seasons have disappeared. These days, Hasheem Thabeet(notes) rests his head in a two-star motel in chilly Bismarck, N.D. Gone, too, are the charter flights and all the legroom they afforded. Eight months ago Thabeet was celebrating his selection as the second overall pick of the NBA draft. He now holds a new distinction: the highest pick ever to be sent to the NBA's Development League. That's not to say Thabeet has lost all his star power: In honor of his arrival, the Dakota Wizards discounted general-admission tickets for Wednesday's game to $2. For Thabeet, the D-League is home, at least for a little bit, and he's determined to make the best of it.

People in the NBA are "definitely looking at it negatively," Thabeet said. " 'He's the No. 2 pick. He's not supposed to be there. I can't believe that guy is over there and he's the second pick.' But you got to go and work your way up there. I'm working my way up here, working on my confidence.

"When the time comes, I'll be able to answer the call."

The Memphis Grizzlies decided they couldn't pass on Thabeet's potential to become a shot-blocking giant when they drafted the 7-foot-3 center. A second-team All-America from the University of Connecticut, Thabeet drew comparisons to former NBA defensive great Dikembe Mutombo(notes). In doing so, however, the Grizzlies passed on more NBA-ready prospects like Tyreke Evans(notes), James Harden(notes), Jonny Flynn(notes) and Stephen Curry(notes).

Thabeet's high draft selection earned him a $4.5 million salary for his rookie season, and he admits to feeling immense pressure to succeed immediately. His contributions, however, were much more modest: Before being sent to Dakota, he was averaging 2.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and two fouls in 10.3 minutes per game. He's struggled to adjust to the quicker pace of the NBA and his offensive skills still need considerable refining.

"People are expecting a lot from you," Thabeet said. "Your teammates back from high school and college. Your college coaches, everyone that knows you. They're all expecting a lot from me. That's a lot of pressure. But now I have to look at it as motivation to work even harder. They sent me out here. I got to show them, 'OK, this is not where I belong.' I just have to keep working hard and my time will come."I put myself into this situation. Now I got to deal with it."

Thabeet's rookie season reached a low point when he recently lost his place in the rotation to second-year center Hamed Haddadi(notes). Thabeet's confidence needed a boost, and for that, he needed minutes. So the Grizzlies decided to send him to the D-League for six games. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Haddadi benefited from his stay in the D-League last season, and the hope is that Thabeet will do the same.

"We're looking to give Thabeet playing time and experience," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said. "We're looking for development."

In Dakota, Thabeet is playing for the league's smallest-market team in a city with frigid temperatures and a black population of .28 percent. After playing two games in Fort Wayne, Ind., the Wizards flew to Detroit and then to Minneapolis on commercial planes before finally reaching Bismarck. Not quite the posh non-stop charter flights Thabeet was accustomed to taking with the Grizzlies. If Thabeet gets bored, he has the Kirkwood Shopping Mall and Dakota Zoo nearby to hang out.

"It's pretty cool, but there is not much really to do," Thabeet said. "I'm just focused on what brought me here. I'm on a mission and I want to show people what I've been working on."

Thabeet's arrival has generated some interest in Bismarck.

About 20 media members showed up for his introductory news conference. Ryan Carlson, the Wizards' director of group sales and media relations, had 40 ticket requests from friends for Thabeet's home debut, which drew a crowd of 2,544, about twice as large as normal. Thabeet didn't disappoint, totaling 18 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in a 109-81 win over Albuquerque. Afterward, he was greeted by several fans waiting in line for his autograph. Through three D-League games, Thabeet has averaged 15 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.7 blocks while shooting 68 percent.

Dakota coach Rory White said Thabeet remains a "work in progress." "Right now, it's all about getting him some confidence, and the only way to do that is to get him some minutes in a real game," White said.

Thabeet hasn't grumbled about his D-League assignment. Born in Tanzania, he hasn't forgotten that he began playing organized basketball just seven years ago. It's not too long ago that he was emailing coaches and schools, begging for an opportunity to play in the United States. To Thabeet, this is just another stop in his long, unusual journey."This is my job," Thabeet said. "I just got to come out here and do what they want me to do � my job. I got to continue to work on my weaknesses and get better on them. "I'm excited and I can't wait to go back up there."

Final Four Game Times

Final Four Game Times, NCAA Final Four 2010 Basketball Schedule and Game Times: The Final Four 2010 game times have not been announced yet but Butler (32-4) is playing Michigan State and Duke (33-5) is playing West Virginia (WVU) on Saturday at sold-out Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Interestingly, the March Madness Final Four is featuring traditional powers and smaller upstart teams,

because the 64-team tournament 2010 had been full of spectacular upsets.

The Michigan State vs Butler game features a traditional power (Michigan St) facing a smaller upstart team (Butler) whose campus is just six miles from the site of theFinal Four.

Also, West Virginia faces South Region top seed Duke.

This is WVU's second appearance in the Final Four in school history.In 1959 West Virginia played in the national championship game. The team lost by one point.

In more than 50 years, no other WVU team has reached the same level in NCAA tournaments.

It is expected that the game time against number one seed Duke on Saturday evening will be just before 9 p.m. EST.

On Friday April 2 at 12PM there is Semifinals Off-Day Press Conference. The coaches and players will share with the media what they have to say a day before theFinal Four tips-off.

Then between 12 noon and 4Pm is the Final Four Team Practices. The final four teams will go in action as they take the court at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Maurkice Pouncey

Maurkice Pouncey, Most mock drafts had Florida center Maurkice Pouncey going to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 18, and those evaluations prevailed Pouncey became the second Gators player drafted in the first round. Will Tim Tebow be next?

Pouncey was a three-year starter at UF who won the Rimington Trophy awarded to the nation's best center. His bruising style of play will fit perfectly with the Steelers' tough offensive line.

Pouncey, the second interior lineman off the board Thursday, is the fifth offensive lineman in Gators history to be selected in the first round.

PCB Arbitrator Lifts Ban on Younis Khan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appellate tribunal lifted indefinite ban on former Pakistan captain Younis Khan in a hearing on Saturday.

The tribunal has also completed hearing of the appeals of Akmal brothers against imposition of fine by the board.

Younis has been included in a preliminary squad of 35 for the Asia Cup and the tour of England.

Earlier, the counsel of Younis Khan had ruled out any compromise with the cricket board over the ‘indefinite’ ban on the former skipper.

Pakistan Cricket Board

Asia Cup Cricket 2010

Latest Update News About Asia Cup Cricket 2010, Asia Cup 2010 Cricket Schedule, Asia Cup Cricket 2010 Schedule, Asia Cup Cricket 2010 Live, Asia Cup, Cricinfo: The most awaited 2010 Asia Cup Cricket Series will take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from 15th to 24th June, 2010. Asia's top four Test playing cricket Teams Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are going to participating in this event this time.

Singapore based Nimbus Sport International has got the rights to broadcast the Asia Cup 2010 Cricket Series & NEO CRICKET carrying the LIVE Telecast while National Television "Channel EYE" will also telecast the live coverage for its Terrestrial users.

Asia Cup 2010 will be the 10th edition of the tournament since it's started in 1984 in Sharjah, UAE.

Here the complete schedule of 2010 Asia Cup Cricket Series

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan � Jun 15, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Bangladesh vs India � Jun 16, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh � Jun 18, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

India vs Pakistan � Jun 19, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Bangladesh vs Pakistan � Jun 21, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Sri Lanka vs India � June 22, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Final � June 24, 2010 at 14:30 local (09:00 GMT)

Please note: NEO Cricket Channel is available in Sri Lanka through pay television providers Dialog TV and LBN only.

India Vs Srilanka Live

India Vs Srilanka Live, India takes on SriLanka today in the Asia Cup Finals today. India lost to Sri Lanka very badly in the unimportant match before the finals.India? aims to sort out their problems and take on SriLanka to win Asia Cup 2010 while Sri Lanka aims to win over India and claim they are the top team in Asia. Follow the links below to Watch India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2010 Finals Live.

Watch Ind vs SL Asia Cup Final Cricket 2010 Live Scores: Click Here

The link given above for India vs SriLanka Asia Cup 2010 match is from Cricinfo. You can know Ind vs SL Live Score and also Watch India Vs SriLanka Asia Cup Live commentary.

World Cup Extra Time Rules

World Cup Extra Time Rules, No Golden Goal or Sudden Death in the 2010 World Cup. What you have seen in the USA vs Ghana game today was two periods of 15 minutes each were added.
So what are the World Cup Extra Time rules? If the game is tied after 90 minutes of play, then a 15-minute period is added. If they are still tied, another 15 minutes is added. If they are still tied after the second 15-minute period, penalty kicks are given to break the tie.
There is 15 minutes left , if the US don't score they are out , if they score and it remains 1-1 , then it goes to penalties.
Ghana scored in the 3rd minute of extra team after the full 90 minutes had played because they are in the knockout stages and there can't be a draw.
If the game is still a tie after the full 90 minutes , it goes to 30 minutes of extra time which is being played now.

No Golden Goal or Sudden Death in the 2010 World Cup. What you have seen in the USA vs Ghana game today was two periods of 15 minutes each were added.

So what are the World Cup Extra Time rules? If the game is tied after 90 minutes of play, then a 15-minute period is added. If they are still tied, another 15 minutes is added. If they are still tied after the second 15-minute period, penalty kicks are given to break the tie.

There is 15 minutes left , if the US don't score they are out , if they score and it remains 1-1 , then it goes to penalties.

Ghana scored in the 3rd minute of extra team after the full 90 minutes had played because they are in the knockout stages and there can't be a draw.

If the game is still a tie after the full 90 minutes , it goes to 30 minutes of extra time which is being played now.

Carlos Boozer

The Chicago Bulls aren’t ready to be out of the LeBron James race. And after landing free agent forward Carlos Boozer late Wednesday afternoon, they might not be after all. A source close to the process confirmed that Boozer and the Bulls have agreed on a five-year deal. Yet the source said it’s for lower than the reported $80 million and even lower than the $77 million reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Boozer’s agreement with the Bulls was first reported by ESPN.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that the Bulls still have room for a maximum contract to give to James no matter the exact figure of Boozer’s deal. The addition of the 28-year-old who averaged 20.5 points and 11.2 rebounds last season for Utah only adds to the building intrigue just one day before James is scheduled to announce his decision on national television Thursday night.

If James is simply looking for the best chance to win a championship, it’s hard to argue against Chicago. Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah provide quite the point guard-center combination, with no shortage of pieces in between that could lighten James’ load and make for quite the formidable squad in the Eastern Conference.

Share9 Of course nearly every James suitor now has a legitimate pitch: New York with newly-added forward Amar’e Stoudemire, Miami with the recently-returned Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Cleveland with a roster mostly intact after leading the league in wins, and the Nets with the likes of Devin Harris and Brook Lopez as a talented young core.

Mark Ingram Injury

Latest News Update About Mark Ingram Injury: The Alabama Crimson Tide’s Heisman-winning tailback Mark Ingram went down with a knee injury Monday.

Ingram is out indefinitely and certainly won’t play in ‘Bama’s season opener against San Jose State. Nick Saban said that Ingram would be back in a “relatively short time.” How should Alabama deal with the temporary loss of Ingram? Will it have an effect on the Tide’s success?

Fortunately, ‘Bama has a loaded backfield, with touted sophomore Trent Richardson now leading the way. Behind him is pile-driver Eddie Lacy, who has generated a lot of hype from the practice field. Demetrius Goode also stands ready to carry the ball, and he more than proved himself with impressive performances in backup duty.

The Alabama offense shouldn’t be thrown off-balance by the loss of Ingram or forced to throw the ball more than needed, with Richardson and Lacy capable of starting on nearly every other SEC team.

The big question that remains is: Can Alabama still win a national championship without Ingram?

Well, it would be ridiculous to say that loss of a Heisman winner wouldn’t at all affect a team, but with Alabama, it won’t hurt as much as it would most schools.

The Tide loses a key offensive component, at least for the first few games. Let’s say Ingram misses the first three games of the year. That means he would be out against San Jose State, Penn State and Duke.

Penn State is obviously the biggest game of the trio, so Ingram would be most missed in that game. But again, Richardson helps to ease the pain. The fourth game of the year is against Arkansas, which is a fairly big game, so the Tide would like to have Ingram back by then.

So, the temporary loss of Ingram shouldn’t affect Alabama’s national championship hopes very much, as long as he returns by at least the Arkansas game.

UFC 119 Results: Antonio Nogueira Vs Ryan Bader Match Results

Latest News Update About UFC 119 Results: Antonio Nogueira Vs Ryan Bader Match Results: UFC 119 Fight Card: Frank Mir vs Mirko Cro Cop – The event is almost an hour away to start final and main feature of another MMA season for this month. The UFC fans will once again witness different set of world class fighters as the UFC 119 begins with its preliminary fight cards. The preliminary fights are already done and the Spike TV is underway.

The UFC tonight will feature a strong card as it take place at the Conceco Fieldhous in Indianapolis, Indiana. The UFC 119 will showcase a top bill heavyweight showdown between the former UFC Champion Frank Mir and the 2006 PRIDE Open Weigh Grand Prix Champion Mikro Crop Cop.

Also on the docket is a high profile lightweight clash between former champ Sean Sherk and the undefeated Evan Dunham. Dunham may be the most dangerous fighter no one has ever heard of as he enters this evening's scrap with Sherk a perfect 11-0. Apparently, the Eugene, Oregon native is also 4-0 in the UFC with wins over Per Eklund, Marcus Aurelio, Efrain Escudero, and Tyson Griffin.

The big fight obviously comes with Mir and Cro Cop where Mir is favored. Melvin Guillard takes on Jeremy Stephens and he also takes the favor to win the fight. The fight between Nogueira and Bader leans toward Bader as a winner with odds of -175 or possible even better. Matt Serra and Chris Lytle aren't considered main event fighters, however, they are popular and Lytle does pull the favorite here

The UFC 119 Fight Cards for Main event is given below for your reference in watching the game:

Melvin Guillard vs.? Jeremy Stephens (Lightweight bout)

Sean Sherk vs.? Evan Dunham (Lightweight bout)

Matt Serra vs.? Chris Lytle (Welterweight bout)

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Bader (Light Heavyweight bout)

Frank Mir vs. Mirko Filipovic (Heavyweight bout)

Witness the main event via Pay-per-view and thru the Spike TV. You may check your local channel listings for the availability of the airing schedules at your place now. Be more updated, please standby here for the UFC 119 Results, UFC 119 Play-by-Play and UFC 119 Video Replays in just a short while. Enjoy watching the UFC 119 now!

GAME RESULTS:

Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard vs. Jeremy Stephens � Guillard defeated Stephens via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27).

Lightweight bout: Sean Sherk vs. Evan Dunham – Sherk defeated Dunham via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

Welterweight bout: Matt Serra vs. Chris Lytle � Lytle defeated Serra via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Light Heavyweight bout: Ant?nio Rogério Nogueira vs. Ryan Bader � Bader defeated Nogueria via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Heavyweight bout: Frank Mir vs. Mirko Filipovic � Mir defeated Filipovic via KO (knee) at 4:02 of the third round.

The video replays of the fight cards is already available in UFC official website. You may check out the said fight replays specially for those who have not watched the event.Souce

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Latest news Detroit Lions: Apparently the Detroit Lions are dedicated to getting out the cellar. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson have both signed with the woeful Lions in the … Instead, the NFL star agreed to a $5 million 5 year contract ($11 million guaranteed) with the Detroit Lions. Many are surprised that Burleson decided to go … By Tom Kowalski ALLEN PARK ― Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said that Detroit sent a fifth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns in …

By NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA Offensive tackle Jon Jansen has agreed to a one-year, $850000 deal to remain with the Detroit Lions. Jansen, who played at Clawson …

Every offseason I approach my free agent and draft board as if I were a member of the Lions front office. I try to factor in resources, time limits and other teams interest in my free agent rankings.

Related searches:

kyle vanden bosch, nate burleson, nate burleson stats, corey williams, detroit lions rumors

Ncaa Championship Game 2010

Ncaa Championship Game 2010, The 2010 NCAA Championship will begin on Monday, April 5, 2010 at 9:21 PM EST in Indianapolis. The game also will be broad cast on CBS. After a long memorable in the NCAA this year 2010, we are finally two teams competing in the 2010 National Championship Game: vs. Butler Duque.

The NCAA championship game 2010 will be held in

Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Odds Duke have is a favorite of

seven points. Duke had a 34-5 record going into the NCAA Tournament, while Butler had a record of 33-4.

Here are the lists of Duke and Butler:]

2010 Duke Playlists:

2 Nolan Smith

3 Seth Curry

5 Mason Plumlee

12 Kyle Singler

20 Andre Dawkins

21 Miles Plumlee

30 Jon Scheyer

34 Ryan Kelly

41 Jordan Davidson

42 Lance Thomas

51 Steve Johnson

52 Todd Zafirovski

53 Casey Peters

55 Brian Zoubek

Butler 2010 Rosters:

1 Shelvin Mack

2 Shawn Vanzant

3 Zach Hahn

5 Ronald Nored

11 Alex Anglin

14 Nick Rodgers

20 Gordon Hayward

21 Willie Veasley

22 Grant Leiendecker

24 Avery Jukes

30 Emerson Kampen

32 Garrett Butcher

33 Chase Stigall

44 Andrew Smith

54 Matt Howard

Undrafted Free Agents 2010

Undrafted Free Agents 2010, Just because the draft is over, it doesn't mean the work is. There are many gems to be found from the undrafted ranks. Bruce Johnson made the team as an undrafted free agent last year, and played pretty well. The Giants are already signing some players. Here's who we know:

Leon Wright, CB, Duke

Jim Cordle, OL, Ohio State

Nate Collins, DT, Virginia… I know Jesse Bartolis is a huge fan. His prospect profile is here.

Duke Calhoun, WR, Memphis

Ayanga Okpokowuruk, DE, Duke (seriously, two players from Duke? Interesting)

We'll update this as more come in.

ICC Says Sri Lanka World Cup Venues On Track

COLOMBO : Sri Lanka’s new venues for next year’s World Cup are on track but the refurbishment of an existing stadium is behind schedule, the International Cricket Council said on Monday. Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament with India and Bangladesh, is set to stage 12 matches at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo and at the newly built grounds in Pallekele and Hambantota, outside the capital.

“With the exception of the Premadasa stadium, others are on track to play a few first-class and international matches before the tournament starts next February,” ICC’s structural engineer, Eugene van Vuuren, said.

Sri Lanka Cricket is spending around eight million dollars to renovate and re-lay the pitch at the Premadasa stadium, an existing international venue.

“Premadasa is a worry for me,” added ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson at the end of a three-day inspection trip.

“I would like to get some games in to try out the pitch conditions before the big show next year.”

Of the two new stadiums, the 10-million dollar Pallekele stadium in the central district of Kandy has hosted an under-19 match.

The Suriyawewa Stadium in Hambantota, in the deep south, is due to play its maiden first-class domestic match in July.

The Suriyawewa Stadium will host its maiden international game when Sri Lanka play Canada in the World Cup on February 20. The other match at the venue is between Pakistan and Kenya on February 23.

There are few hotels in the coastal Hambantota area and the authorities plan to charter a cruise ship to be anchored offshore to accommodate fans.

Dhiraj Malhotra, the ICC’s World Cup co-ordinator, said it was heartening that Sri Lanka was preparing three venues in the short space of a year.

“I don’t see much of an issue with the Sri Lankan facilities, everything is slowly falling into shape,” Malhotra said.

Officials said they were installing high-intensity floodlights to enable high-definition television broadcasts.

The 43-day tournament will be played across 13 venues in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and ends with the final on April 2 at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium.

Pakistan, the fourth Test-playing nation in South Asia, were removed as co-hosts due to security concerns in the volatile country.

Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan By 16 Runs

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 16 runs in the opening match of cricket’s Asia Cup at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium on Tuesday. Sri Lanka made 242-9 in 50 overs then despite an outstanding 109 from Shahid Afridi, Pakistan was all out for 226 with three overs to spare.

Scores:

Sri Lanka 242-9 in 50 overs (Anjelo Mathews 55 not out, Mahela Jayawardene 54, Kumar Sangakkara 42, Shoaib Akhtar 3-41), def. Pakistan 226 in 47 overs (Shahid Afridi 109, Lasith Malinga 5-34) by 16 runs.

Uruguay Vs Korea Republic

Uruguay Vs Korea Republic, Watch Uruguay vs Korea Republic Live Streaming Online World Cup 2010, Uruguay vs Korea Republic live online, Uruguay vs Korea Republic Live Streaming FREE, Watch Live Streaming Uruguay vs Korea Republic, south africa football live, Uruguay vs Korea Republic tv, football tv, Uruguay vs Korea Republic soccer tv, Uruguay vs Korea Republic fifa espn live , Uruguay vs Korea Republic fifa 2010

Saturday June 26, 2010

Kick off: 15:00

Last 16

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Uruguay

vs

Korea Republic

Countdown: Today – 15:00

Brazil Defeat Chile 3-0, Face Dutch in Last Eight

Brazil set up a mouth-watering World Cup quarter-final clash against the Netherlands with a convincing 3-0 win over Chile on Monday at Ellis Park.

First-half goals by centre-back Juan and striker Luis Fabiano gave Dunga-coached Brazil a 2-0 lead before Robinho made sure of their quarter-final berth with the third goal after an hour.

Brazil will face the Netherlands, who earlier saw off Slovakia 2-1, in Port Elizabeth on Friday. This was Brazil’s 47th win in 66 matches against Chile, who have only seven wins – and third in three World Cup meetings after 1962 and 1998.

“We are on the right road and we played well, but we still have to iron out a few minor things,” Robinho said afterwards.

Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo said Chile had given it their best shot but came up short.

“We have been beaten by one of the best teams in the world. We gave everything but we came up against a team that was very solid and played good football.

We are good going forward but we have a fair bit of progress to make when it comes to defending,” Bravo admitted.

Chile made a bright start, but Brazil quickly got into their stride as Luis Fabiano and Gilberto Silva both forced goalkeeper Claudio Bravo into early saves.

Brazil had a loud appeal for a penalty on 27 minutes when defender Pablo Contreras took away Lucio’s legs, but referee Howard Webb waved play on.

Real Madrid’s Kaka, back in the side after serving a one-match ban for his red card against the Ivory Coast, picked up the first yellow card when he went for the ball, but caught Chile’s Arturo Vital on the ankle on 30 minutes.

Brazil took the lead on 34 minutes when Maicon swung in a corner and Roma defender Juan rose the highest to head past Bravo.

Luis Fabiano made it 2-0 four minutes later after Kaka took a pass from Robinho on the left wing and slid the ball through for the Sevilla star to draw Bravo and slot home.

Chile’s Vital repaid the foul on Kaka and earned a yellow card on 47 minutes.

Brazil then grabbed their third goal after Benfica’s Ramires ran from the halfway line to the edge of the penalty area where he laid the ball off for Robinho to fire home on 59 minutes.

Chile refused to give up and substitute Jorge Valdivia fired over the crossbar on 67 minutes before team-mate Ismael Fuentes was booked for a foul on Luis Fabiano moments later.

Ramires will miss the quarter-final with the Dutch after earning his second yellow card of the tournament for a foul on Alexis Sanchez on 71 minutes.

Suazo forced Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar into a rare save on 75 minutes, just before Robinho had a second goal ruled out for offside.

With ten minutes left, Chile substitute Rodrigo Millar picked up a yellow card and Kaka earned a vuvuzela-fuelled fanfare of appreciation from Brazil’s fans when he went off.

Anthony Randolph

Latest News About Anthony Randolph, Would you like the Warriors acquiring David Lee if they could also keep guard Monta Ellis? That is a distinct possibility depending on LeBron James' decision tomorrow. Multiple sources told me the Warriors have an offer on the table that sends forward Anthony Randolph and other pieces to New York in a sign-and-trade deal for Lee.



If LeBron announces he is going to New York, in order to make room for his max contract, the Knicks would have to renounce Lee to free up the cap space. That would end the sign-and-trade possibility and the Warriors' chances at Lee. But if LeBron doesn't say the Knicks when he announces his decision …

… Then the Warriors are "in the game" for Lee. One source said the Knicks have at least three sign-and-trade offers on the table in case LeBron opts to play elsewhere. But the Warriors like their chances, considering Randolph is a hot commodity. The Knicks really like Randolph and weren't so high on Ellis. Certainly, the contracts have something to do with it.

I have not confirmed who the other players are, but the obvious candidates are center Ronny Turiaf, swingman Kelenna Azubuike and forward Brandon Wright. It's possible an expiring contract is in there (Vladimir Radmanovic). But, from what I'm told, the Warriors advantage is that they can offer players, which the Knicks' need.

Of course, Golden State would have to work out a deal with Lee for a sign-and-trade to happen, even if the Knicks like the Warriors' offer better. One source said the Warriors will not offer a maximum contract, but the Warriors could go as high as $13 million in the first year of a six-year contract (that would be $78 million excluding raises). With Chicago signing Carlos Boozer, that is one less team the Warriors have to worry about. However, New Jersey can still outbid the Warriors. Plus, Lee could, in the end, prefer to land elsewhere.

Warriors' management, I'm told, is excited at the prospect of adding Lee to Ellis, Stephen Curry and center Andris Biedrins. That would give them four positions set and address their rebounding disparity.

Definitely risks involved. If the Warriors gave Lee $10 million a year, no raises, that is $60 million committed. To do that and give up Randolph, whew, that is a lot. But, Lee is a 20-10 guy who has proven himself. He is more of a win-now guy than Randolph. I think Randolph has star potential, but I understand if the team wants to cash in potential for certainty. Still, if Lee isn't a 20-and-10 guy … I'll just say it's risky. But I definitely like Lee with Monta than Lee inexchange for Monta. The effectiveness of Lee will depend a lot on Biedrins. If he gets back to what he was, and he would have help on the boards, that would go a long way to helping this potential Lee deal pay off.

Oddly enough, one source was convinced the Warriors can pull off this big a deal without onwer Chris Cohan pulling the plug. With the sale pending, it would seem adding such a big contract is off limits. But I was assured it was not, and if everything falls in place the Warriors will do this deal. The belief is that getting Lee does not hurt the value of the franchise.

Why not?

* Because they aren't giving away one of their big draws (Curry, Ellis), though one could argue Randolph is a big deal to Ws fans

* Because they are getting an All-Star. I'm told president Robert Rowell and even Cohan are excited about adding Lee

* Because all they really did was replace Maggette (and whoever they threw in) with Lee, so it is pretty much revenue neutral for this season

Nike Pro Combat Uniforms

Latest News Update About Nike Pro Combat Uniforms: Nike held a press conference this morning in New York to unveil the 2010 Nike Pro Combat uniforms, and the latest worst-kept secret in Virginia Tech football was revealed: the Hokies will sport all-black uniforms Monday night when they kick off at FedExField against the Boise State Broncos.

Ten schools will wear this year's edition of the Nike Pro Combat uniforms throughout the season, including Virginia Tech's opening-weekend opponent, Boise State. BSU's uniforms are less of a departure from the norm than Virginia Tech's and can be seen here. The most striking feature of BSU's uniform is the wraparound bronco logo on the helmet.

Love it or hate it ― and most comments leading up to the official unveiling hated it ― the uniform has drawn a ton of comments from Hokie fans. Check out what our readers are saying on the message boards.

Fifa 11 Psp Download

Latest News Update About? Fifa 11 Psp Torrent; The first video gameplay of FIFA 11 on the xbox 360 (demo version) Developer(s) EA Canada (Xbox 360, PS3)

HB Studios (PC, PSP, PS2)[1] Sumo Digital (Nintendo Wii) Exient Entertainment (Nintendo DS) Publisher(s) EA Sports Designer(s) David Rutter (PS3 and Xbox 360) Kaz Makita (Wii) Paul Hossack (PS2, PSP, DS, PC, iOS) Series FIFA Version PASK Platform(s) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Read (More)