State of the Sport World: NFL

Well, we're starting to get into the nitty-gritty of the sporting schedules. Although there is no baseball to really discuss, the other three main sports organizations are in full swing. The NFL is the closest to ending, even with a drawn out playoffs schedule. The NBA is starting to get interesting as it approaches the one quarter mark of the season. The NHL is one third of the way through it's regular season as we approach the most wonderful time of the year. Let's dive right into the fun things I've seen or been told about from the NFL!

Blazer Team Review

Following a five game winning streak to end the preseason, the Blazers are ready to start the 2013-14 regular season against the Phoenix Suns tonight at 7 p.m. PT. Here is a short review of the team. Enjoy!

Blazer Player Review: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard is one of the most important pieces of the Blazers long term future. Paired with Meyers Leonard after the 2011 draft, the Blazers look to build for the future and show that Portland is a place for rookies and free agents to want to go. After winning Rookie of the Year last year, a lot of people wonder what does Lillard has to offer? It’s quite obvious really, everything.

Blazer Player Review: LaMarcus Aldridge

The most important Blazer in the immediate future is LaMarcus Aldridge. Now, some might say no it’s Damian Lillard. Although you could make a great case for Lillard being the most important, it’s a moot point. Aldridge sets the pace on offense, and he needs to be an anchor on defense. Lillard may run the point and set up the offensive plays, but Aldridge will be the reason this season that the Blazers rise or fall.

Blazer Player Review: Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum is the final and most important international Blazer on the team. He has been with the Blazers since he was 18. Four games into his rookie year, Batum replaced Travis Outlaw as the starter and never looked back. Each year since coming to Portland he has improved in every facet of his game.

Blazer Player Review: Wesley Matthews

Remember when Wesley Matthews came over from Utah and took over for Brandon Roy? That’s what I thought, it’s still a tough memory to deal with, especially because he hasn’t had the same impact as Roy. How can the two be compared though? Trying to compare Matthews to Roy is just unfair to Wesley. Although he is not Brandon Roy, Matthews has done more than Roy in some respects.

Blazer Player Review: Victor Claver

Another Blazer from across the Atlantic made his debut last year. Victor Claver of Spain joined the Blazers after being drafted by the team in 2009 with the 22^nd overall pick. Similar to Joel Freeland, Claver plays on his home country’s national team. However, Claver is a little more decorated than Freeland.

Blazer Player Review: Joel Freeland

The biggest Blazer from across the pond, Joel Freeland is looking to show what he can do in his second season with the Blazers. Listed as a Forward/Center, Freeland stands at 6’10” and he played in England for 6 years before joining the Blazers last season. He was drafted with the 30^th overall pick in the 2006 draft; yes the same draft the Blazers acquired Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, after he was drafted the Blazers encouraged him to continue learning and honing his skills in the European circuit.

Blazer Player Review: Meyers Leonard

The big man in the middle, Meyers Leonard has had some interesting talk from the media this off-season. John Canzano, columnist for the Oregonian, has said Leonard is the key to the Blazers return to the playoffs and a deep run at that. Leonard is still pretty far out from being the player the Blazers need in the middle, but that’s why GM Neil Olshey went out and grabbed Robin Lopez. With time and wisdom, Leonard will become the Blazers answer at the five spot.

Blazer Player Review: Will Barton

One of the more high-flying, high-energy players on the Blazers is fan-favorite, Will Barton. Better known for his nickname Will “The Thrill” Barton, the Memphis product has been showing the NBA how big he can be. Taken with the 40^th pick overall in the 2012 draft, Barton has been a great player since high school. Coming out of Brewster Academy he was a highly touted recruit. ESPN and Scout.com had him listed as the BEST shooting guard in 2010.

Blazer Player Review: Mo Williams

Mo Williams is probably the most unexpected addition to the Blazers. He was a late addition on August 8^th. After spending time with four other franchises Williams found his way to the Pacific Northwest. He has spent two separate stints in Utah, four years in Milwaukee, two and a half with Cleveland and one and a half with the Clippers.

Blazer Player Review: Dorell Wright

For the next addition of Blaze to Glory, I’ll be discussing another newcomer to the Blazers, Dorell Wright. The nine-year veteran has played for three other teams before signing with the Blazers this off-season. He played six years for the Miami Heat, two for the Golden State Warriors and one for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Blazer Player Review: Thomas Robinson

Another Blazer newbie is a young-gun, Thomas Robinson. An ESPN top 100 player out of high school has been with two other teams before the Blazers and he is only in his 2^nd year! Robinson was a top five draft pick in last year’s draft, which means the Blazers have three of the top 11 players from that draft, Robinson at 5, Damian Lillard at 6 and Meyers Leonard at 11.

Blazer Player Review: C.J. McCollum

C.J. McCollum, the player that some Blazer fans are calling and hoping will be a “second coming” of reigning Rookie of the Year, Damian Lillard. He has almost all the makings of a Dame 2, however he probably won’t be afforded the same opportunities. Let’s get to know McCollum first.

Blazer Player Review: Robin Lopez

            The biggest (at least height-wise) addition to the Blazers this season is C Robin Lopez. Mostly known for his college days at Stanford, the 5-year vet comes to Portland ready to prove himself and show that he belongs in the NBA. Unfortunately for Robin, his twin brother Brook has been a stellar center for the Brooklyn Nets, and Robin has never really lived up to the same expectations. He plans to make his mark in Portland starting this year.

Blazer Player Review: Allen Crabbe

            One of the newest, and it seems least known, members of the Portland Trail Blazers is rookie SG Allen Crabbe. If you followed the PAC-12 the last three years then you know Crabbe has been one of the best shooters in the entire conference.

College Football is back, baby!

After seven months, college football fans can come out of their respective holes and ruts. It's time to proclaim your team number one in the country again, even if they have no business up there. Time to show your pride, time to let it all hang out. Painted faces and chests will once again flood the stadiums. The gladiators will don their respective colors and enter the arena to wage war on their opponents. With the first night in the books, it's time to take a look at what we can expect out of this college football season. I know what you're thinking, "One night? How can we know?" Well, we can't. But it's always fun to try and predict the future. Looking at the three games played last night it is evident that this season will be no different than years past. No one is safe, all games are up for grabs. Players and fans throughout the country have been waiting to see what can happen this year. Will Alabama win a third straight BCS Championship? Will Ohio State return to prominence after their one year bowl ban? Will Oregon be able to "survive" without Chip Kelly? Can USC figure out how to win a dang game?

Blazer Player Review: Earl Watson

            Welcome to the first installment of "Blaze to Glory"! For my first several blogs I will be doing player reviews for the players I think will make the roster. If I leave someone out who you would like me to review let me know. I am starting from the "bottom" of the roster with 12-year pro Earl Watson.