2012 College World Series Update 6/22/12

Arizona SP Konner Wade has had the performance of the CWS so far, pitching a complete game shutout against UCLA.  The Wildcats have already claimed their place in the CWS Championship Series.  Who will join them, Arkansas or South Carolina?

Check out the video below for a Series recap, where I discuss the following:

• Mike Martin: 21 trips to the CWS and 0 national titles
• Florida chokes again; Kent State surprises
• UCLA doesn't get the job done
• South Carolina/Arkansas winner take all preview!

2012 College World Series Preview and Predictions

Stony Brook will get the majority of the press, but can they shock the world and win the National Championship?

Here is my preview of the 2012 College World Series, complete with team-by-team analysis and overall predictions.  My "Cut Half My Face Off" video technique is in full force here as well.  If it's too annoying, just listen to the video and pop up another window while you listen.  I guess I may have to fire my tech guy...

What do you think about the 2012 CWS?  Are you buying the Stony Brook hype?  Can Mike Martin finally win the big one?  Drop me a comment in the box below, I love talking college baseball!

Braxton Ogbueze, Rare Footage of this Elite High School Prospect

Scout.com ranks Braxton Ogbueze in the top 40 high school prospects overall in the nation. While this is a high ranking, Ogbueze would be a top 5 or 10 prospect if he was 6'3." On a YouTube video I posted, I expressed my thoughts that Ogbueze was not quite six foot. A family member of Ogbueze posted a comment in response to my estimation of his height,

"Braxton is actually measured at 6'1 (shoes) and 175"

KOgbueze22

The "6'1(shoes)" comment proves my point Ogbueze is not a big guard, but that is his only glaring weakness. Ogbueze is a player and has everything you want in a guard except for height. Ogbueze is quick, strong, athletic, and aggressive. You can see from the footage that Ogbueze is impressively build from head to toe, the 175 lbs. is most likely accurate. He seems to be a leader on and off the floor, as well. I wasn't blown away by Ogbueze court vision, but Ogbueze seems to be more of a scoring point guard. He also, can make good things happen for others and himself with his ability penetration. So, Ogbueze has the talent and the intangibles to match. The question that puzzled me about Ogbueze was why did he choose Florida when #3 PG, Kasey Hill(Class of 2013) is committed to the Gators. So, I asked his family member that very question,

"Thanks for the update, Scout.com must not be up to date, they have Braxton listed at 6-0 & 160 lbs. I saw Braxton play and was very impressed! I felt Braxton should have been a McDs' All-American, instead of Tyler Lewis who is going to State. Plus, I saw how well Braxton played head to head against the bigger Rodney Purvis who is a McDs' All-American. I was wondering if you could shed some light on why Braxton picked Florida when Kasey Hill who is #3 PG of 2013 has committed to Flordia, as well?"
NCSportsGenius1 ("Middle Class" Matt)

So, Ogbueze family member wrote me back. This comment from a family member shows me Ogbueze is one of these young athletes who is being bred for success. This could be a really good thing, which could mean Ogbueze will be mature beyond his years. It also, could backfire and cause problems, like we have seen so many times in sports. Here is the response they sent me, it reads like a press release and never mentions Hill,

"Braxton committed first but there are no worries. As you have seen Braxton will compete with anyone and will earn everything that is given to him. We appreciate your support."

KOgbueze22

In these highlights Braxton Ogbueze(red jersey #3) is many times, going one on one with Rodney Purvis(white jersey #5). Purvis is a McDonalds All-American, who is a 6'4" 205 pound guard, who is committed to N.C. State. Ogbueze not only has no problem with the bigger Purvis, he destroys Purvis on the offense and defensive side of the ball. Even though Obgueze is four inches shorter(at least) and gives up 30 pounds, he outduels Purvis head to head and gets the win on Purvis' home court.

For more video highlights and in depth comments on Braxton Ogbueze, Rodney Purvis, and others go to http://www.youtube.com/user/NCSportsGenius1?feature=watch and follow on Twitter @NCSportsGenius1

Grow Your Roll: Jan.2 Bowl Edition!

Here are some plays to help you make some cash today while you watch the bowl bonanza!

GEORGIA (-3) over Michigan State:

Unlike last year's Dawg squad, this year's group has been ready to play every week.  There will be no repeat of the3 lethargic embarrassment against UCF in last year's Liberty Bowl.  Michigan State is a great team, but they were soooo close to smelling the roses in Pasadena.  Do they want to be in Tampa?

GEORGIA 27, MICHIGAN STATE 20

OHIO STATE (+2.5) over Florida:

The Gators are playing a de facto home game in Jacksonville, but can the Gators or their fans get fired up for this game?  Obviously, we will hear the Urban Meyer angle ad nauseum throughout the day, but it'll be the Buckeyes who are playing to please their new coach.  The Gators will look to right the seemingly sinking ship.  The only reason I would pick them is Ohio State's poor history versus the SEC, but you and I both know Urban has been coaching the Buckeyes up for the last month, even though he won't be on the sidelines today.

OHIO STATE 24, FLORIDA 23

Enjoy all the games today!