NEXUS ISSUE 19 2014

nexus magazine
WORLD SERIES
PREDICTION
SPORTS GUY
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FIBA WORLD CUP
POSITIVES AND
NEGATIVES AS A
SPECTATOR
SPORTS GUY - OPINION
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For those of you who actually take the time to read my thoughts every
week, it should come as no surprise that I am a massive basketball fan.
So I’m pretty stoked that the basketball world cup is on at the moment.
However, I couldn’t help but be disappointed for various reasons during
certain games or at certain team lists (I’m looking at you, France). But
there are plenty of positives too, so here are a few of my personal FIBA
world cup positives and negatives.
With the Major League Baseball season gunning down the home stretch, a
lot of talk is surfacing about who will be playing in the World Series come
the end of the playoffs. Here are my predictions for who will feature in the
post-season from each league and who will come out on top.
American League:
The American League will feature the LA Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit
Tigers and Oakland Athletics. For me, the LA Angels will be far too strong
for the rest of these teams. They have immense talent and power in their
batting line up and a rotation that can back that up.
National League:
From the National League, I’m picking the LA Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals,
Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants. As much as I’d like to see
the Cardinals play in the World Series again, I’m tipping the Dodgers to get
up and take the National League pennant.
That’s right – I’m picking the 2014 World Series to be a Freeway Series. This
would make for an interesting matchup because it essentially eliminates
hometown advantage. Bring on post season action!
Negatives: NBA players nursing injuries and not being named in their
country’s squad. For example, Ersan Ilyasova (Turkey/Milwaukee Bucks)
missed most of the 2013/14 NBA season with injury. He’s near being
back at a good health level, but was not risking it in the world cup.
Secondly, NBA teams not allowing their players to compete for whatever
reason. From what I’ve gathered, this was the case for French
stars Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) and Joakim Noah (Chicago
Bulls). These two would tear a number of teams in the competition
to pieces and would make a formidable duo, giving France the lift to
potentially upset team USA – but that won’t be the case. We also have
to go through the painful process of watching how all of Ricky Rubio’s
offseason shooting training has done absolutely nothing for him sooner
than normal.
Positives: Pau Gasol goes off playing for Spain. I admire the way Pau
plays, and it’s great to see him thrive in his nations colours. I also enjoy
getting to watch the Kiwi boys get to work against some of the world’s
best. And, of course, there’s watching Team USA absolutely rip everyone
in their pool to shreds (which, sadly, will include the Tall Blacks).
Even without bringing a bunch of all stars, the USA team will be tough
to topple.
Hooray for a bunch of basketball over the coming weeks. I’ll be watching
as many games as I can and suggest you do the same.
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