October, 2022 Athlete of the Month

September

Bryce Harper.  Runners-up: Jeremy Pena, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes

2 months remain - here are the current contenders for 2022 Athlete of the Year.  

January-Cooper Kupp

February-Aaron Donald

March-Aliyah Boston

April-Auston Matthews

May-Connor McDavid 

June - Steph Curry

July - Aaron Judge

August - Albert Pujols

September - A'ja Wilson

October - Bryce Harper

256 Team NFL Tournament Round 1/Region 15: 1990 New York Giants v. 1985 San Francisco 49ers

 '69 Chiefs v. '60 Eagles

9. 1985 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 8. 1990 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

8. 1990 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 15th

Def: 1st

1st NFC East

d. Bears Div Rnd 31-3

d. Niners NFC Title 15-13

d. Bills Super Bowl 20-19

HC Bill Parcells OC Ron Erhardt DC Bill Belichick

Giants Stadium: 50 degrees

Jim Gordon/Dick Lynch

Offense

QB Phil Simms 35  Moorehead St

RB Ottis Anderson 33 Miami

RB Maurice Carthon 29 Ark St

WR Stephen Baker 26 Fresno St

WR Mark Ingram 25 Mich St

TE Mark Bavaro 27 NDame

LT Eric Moore 25 Indiana

LG William Roberts 28 Ohio St

C Bart Oates 32 BYU

RG Bob Kratch 24 Iowa

RT Doug Riesenberg 25 Cal

Defense

LDE Eric Dorsey 26  NDame

NT Erik Howard 26 Wash St

RDE John Washington 27 Oklahoma St

LOLB Carl Banks 28 Mich St

LILB Steve DeOssie 28 BCollege

RILB Pepper Johnson 26 All Pro Ohio St

ROLB Lawrence Taylor 31 UNC

LCB Mark Collins 26 Cal St Fullerton

RCB Everson Walls 31 Grambling

SS Greg Jackson 24 LSU

FS Myron Guyton 23 EKentucky

K Matt Bahr 34 Penn St

P Sean Landetta 28 All Pro Towson

KR/PR Dave Meggett 24 Towson

It's the second of the Giants 4 Super Bowl Champs (we'll see the other two in region 16; every Super Bowl Champ is at least in a play in game, including this team, 10 are still to come, they are flooding the last two rounds).  The '90 Giants knocked out the '90 Niners in the NFC Title game - and the '85 Niners fell to the eventual Super Bowl Champs - the '85 Giants, in the playoffs.  Top defense in football - 26 year old Pepper Johnson is an All Pro, 31 year old LT had 10.5 sacks (Sean Landetta's 28, he was also an All Pro).  There's a decision to make at QB, it was 29 year old Jeff Hostetler who was the winning QB in the Super Bowl - but he'll start on the bench, 35 year old Phil Simms had a solid season pre-injury, in 14 starts he had 16 scores and 4 picks. 33 year old Ottis Anderson ran for 11 TDs in 11 starts.  

9. 1985 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 5th

Def 2nd

2nd NFC West

lost WC Giants 17-3

HC Bill Walsh DC George Seifert

Offense

QB Joe Montana 29  NDame

RB Wendell Tyler 30 UCLA

RB Roger Craig 25 Nebraska

WR Dwight Clark 28 Clemson

WR Freddie Solomon 32 Tampa

TE Russ Francis 32 Oregon

LT Bubba Paris 25 Michigan

LG John Ayers 32 A&M

C Fred Quillan 29 Oregon 

RG Randy Cross 31 UCLA

RT Keith Fahnhorst 33 Minn

Defense

LDE Jeff Stover 27 Oregon

NT Michael Carter 25 SMU 

RDE Dwaine Board 29 NCA&T

LOLB Todd Shell 23 BYU

LILB Riki Ellison 25 USC

RILB Mike Walter 25 Oregon

ROLB Keena Turner 27 Purdue

LCB Ronnie Lott 26 USC

RCB Eric Wright 26 All Pro Missouri

SS Carlton Williamson 27 Pitt

FS Dwight Hicks 29 Michigan

K Ray Wersching 35 Cal

P Max Runager 29 S Carolina

KR Carl Monroe 25 Utah

PR Dana McLemore 25 Hawaii

The Niners stand alone with 10 teams currently headed to round 2 - if they win this one, they'll make it 11.  2nd in defense, 5th in offense. 26 year old Eric Wright is an All Pro, 26 year old Ronnie Lott had 6 picks.  21.5 combined sacks for 27 year old Jeff Stover, 29 year old Dwaine Board.  30 TDs and 13 picks for 29 year old Joe Montana. 25 year old Roger Craig had over 2000 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 times. 10 TDs for 28 year old Dwight Clark.  

We get Walsh vs Parcells/Belichick - the Niners trying to get a little bit of payback for both the 1990 and 1985 squads - couple of top defenses going at it in this one, lets head to the Meadowlands for the kick.

1st Qtr

Niners start at the 25.

1/10 - Joe Montana quick strike to the rookie, Jerry Rice, for 12.

1/10 - Wendell Tyler buried in the backfield.  

2/13 - Montana to Dwight Clark - 3 yards.

3/10 - Montana finds Roger Craig in space - Craig's got a step -- that's a 16 yard pickup and the Niners cross midfield.  

The drive ends here - and Dave Meggett returns the punt back to the 47.  Giants in good shape.

1/10 - 3 yards for Ottis Anderson.

2/7 - Anderson is stopped at the line.

3/8 - Phil Simms hits Mark Bavaro, sits down at the sticks, the Giants are at the Niner 44.

1/10 - A yard for Maurice Carthon.

2/9 - Ottis Anderson gets 4 - false start takes them back 5. 

3/10 - Phil Simms finds Mark Ingram - 15 big yards it is a first down at the 29 yard line.

The drive ends - Michael Carter busts through the line and sacks Simms - Bahr FG puts the Giants on the board.  

Niners at the 25 - they'll get a first down on a 16 yard Roger Craig gallup, but the drive ends - Giants at the 20.  2 plays net 2 yards and the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr: Giants 3 Niners 0

The Giants had the top defense in 1990, San Francisco the number 2 defense in 1985, we may see a rock fight here.

They don't pick it up - Niners take over at the 43; two plays later, Montana gets Picked Off by Pepper Johnson -- Johnson runs it back to the Niner 42 and New York is in business with a first down.

1/10 - 13 yards for Dave Meggett - Meggett scampers to the 29.  Fred Dean sacks Simms - Bahr hits another FG and it is 6-0.  This feels a lot like the 1990 NFC Championship.  

Niners at the 29.

3 and out.  Giants up 6-0 and starting at their own 40, another good Meggett return.  

3 and out.  Niners at the 23.  

1/10 - A yard for Tyler.

2/9 - Montana 5 yards to Craig.

3/4 - Montana forced to run - he picks up 6 yards to the 35.

1/10 - Wendell Tyler busts one.  44 huge yards - plus a 5 yard bump on a facemask and the Niners are down to the Giants 16 yard line.  Wendell Tyler finds a seam and goes for 44 yards, the Niners are in business.  

1/10 - Craig gets a yard.

2/9 - Craig stopped at the line.

3/9 - Montana knifes in a ball to Rice, he's got a first down.

1/goal - Nothing for Tyler

2/goal - Montana -- Montana fires -- Russ Francis --- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - Joe Montana 6 yard bullet to Russ Francis - we are at the 2 minute mark and the 49ers have taken the 7-6 lead.

Giants deep in their own end at the 9.

1/10 - Simms to Bavaro - fights for 12 yards.  

1/10 - Simms to Howard Cross, he goes for 13, the Giants stop the clock with 1:42 to go in the half at their own 34.

1/10 - Simms to Mark Ingram - 16 yards, right on the sideline, he goes out of bounds at midfield,  1:15 left in the half.  

1/10 - Simms just flinging it on this drive - 22 yards to Stephen Baker - New York stops the clock with a little more than a minute left at the Niner 28 yard line.

But -- that's where the drive dies - at the end of the half, Bahr hits his 3rd FG and it is 9-7.

3rd Qtr: Giants 9 49ers 7

This game feels like a battle between these two teams, tough, taut - physical - the 3 Bahr FGs tell this story.  

Dave Meggett is really doing it today - takes the kick back to the 49er 40 yard line.

But -- there is no drive -- and Matt Bahr hits his 4th FG of the day to give New York the 12-7 lead. 

Niners at the 34 - 3 and out, Leonard Marshall with the sack - after the punt, NY will take over at the 49er 37, Dave Meggett continues to put pressure on San Francisco.

3 and out -- and when Bahr....Misses....a 50 yard FG - the Niners regain possession at their own 40.

3 and out.  New York's defense really controlling the line of scrimmage now.  

Giants starting at the 19.  3 and out.  Niners at the 29.

3 and out including a vicious LT sack of Montana.  With a minute left in the quarter, the Giants have the ball at midfield.

2 plays net 5 yards and it's 3rd and 5 at the San Francisco 45 when the quarter ends.

4th Qtr: Giants 12 49ers 7

Doesn't feel like it should be this close - the Niners didn't get a first down in the quarter, the game has almost entirely been played on the 49er side of the field - New York unable to find the end zone.  3rd and 5.

They pick it up on an Ingram reverse, 13 yards to the Niner 32 -- but a Dwaine Board sack ends the drive, knocking New York out of FG range - after the punt, it's San Francisco ball at their own 12, 13 minutes left in the game.

1/10 - Montana to Tyler, 10 yards.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Roger Craig goes for 10 yards, Niners at the 32.

1/10 - Montana dumps to Francis, 3 yards.

2/7 - Incomplete

3/7 - Montana finds Clark, toe taps the sideline and he's got the first down at the Niner 43.  

1/10 - Tyler gains 6

2/4 - Roger Craig goes for 11 yards and the 49ers are now at the Giants 40 yard line, 8 and a half minutes left.  

But -- the drive ends with Lawrence Taylor's second sack - great Runager punt, with 6 and a half left, the Giants are at their own 10.  

New York up 5, at their own 10.  6 and a half to play.

1/10 - Rodney Hampton gets nothing.

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Simms - Looking for --- Picked Off By Eric Wright!  Picked Off by Eric Wright!  Wright is down at the New York 17 yard line!  Eric Wright intercepts Phil Simms and with 5 and a half minutes to go the 49ers are at the New York 17 yard line!

1/10 - Wendell Tyler bursts through to the 5 yard line!  First and goal for San Francisco at the 5 yard line!

1/goal - Tyler again -- Wendell Tyler Goes Into the End Zone --- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - San Francisco has the lead -- and when Montana finds Craig for the 2 point conversion the score is 15-12 San Francisco.  

Big turn of events - the Wright pick - Tyler goes in - the Niners are up 15-12 with less than 5 to play.

Giants at the 27.

1/10 - Anderson gets 3.

2/7 - Hampton is stopped at the line.

3/8 - Simms finds Hampton -- Hampton just bulldozing his way to the first down - they are at their own 43.  

1/10 - Anderson gets 1.

2/9 - Anderson gets 3.  

3/6 - Hampton gets 2 yards - the Giants very conservative here, staying on the ground on that third and 6 - and we are at the 2 minute warning.

So - it's 4th and 4.  Giants down 3 - at their own 49.  

And they're gonna go for it -- this is it.  

4/4 - George Seifert dials up the safety blitz and Carlton Williamson Sacks Simms!  Williamson sacks Simms and with 1:51 left to go in the game - the Niners take over at the NY 44.

The Niners run 3 times, gain 5 yards - New York uses all 3 of its timeouts.  The Niners punt - the Giants get one more shot - there's 1:12 left and the Giants are at their own 12.

Can Simms lead them down the field - no timeouts, they need a FG to force OT.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Fred Dean gets his second sack of the day - the Giants are backed up at the 5 - the clock is running, it's 3rd and 17.

3/17 - Simms -- Looking for Bavar --- Picked Off by Ronnie Lott!  Picked off by Ronnie Lott!  Picked off by Ronnie Lott and the San Francisco 49ers will be able to run out the clock - the 49ers have beaten the New York Giants and move their 11th team to Rnd 2.

Final: 49ers 15 Giants 12

24 combined first downs in this one - it's the Niners who survive the slugfest and advance.

Montana: 16 for 29 100 yds 1 TD 1 INT

Simms 8 for 24 109 yds 2 INT

Tyler: 13 carries, 76 yds TD

Anderson: 16 carries, 44 yds

Craig: 5 catches, 36 yds

Ingram: 2 catches, 32 yds

Dean/LT: 2 sacks

Bahr: 4 FGs

Player of the Game: Fred Dean

256 Team NFL Tournament Round 1/Region 15: 1969 Kansas City Chiefs v. 1960 Philadelphia Eagles

 '60 Eagles v. '03 Packers

16. 1960 NFL CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at 1. 1969 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

1. 1969 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 2nd

Def: 1st

2nd AFL West

d. Jets Div Rnd 13-6

d. Raiders AFL Title 17-7

d. Vikings Super Bowl 23-7

HC Hank Stram 

Municipal Stadium: 50 degrees

Tom Hedrick

Offense

QB Len Dawson 34 Purdue

RB Mike Garrett 25 USC

RB Robert Holmes 24 Southern

WR Frank Pitts 26 Southern

WR Otis Taylor 27 Prairie View

TE Fred Arbanas 30 Mich St

LT Jim Tryer 30 All Pro Ohio St

LG Ed Budde 29 All Pro Mich St

C EJ Holub 31 TTech

RG Mo Moorman 24 A&M

RT Dave Hill 28 Auburn

Defense

LDE Jerry Mays SMU

LDT Curley Culp 23 Ariz St

RDT Buck Buchanan 30 All Pro  Granbling

RDE Aaron Brown 26 Minnesota

LLB Bobby Bell 29 All Pro Minnesota

MLB Willie Lanier 24 Morgan St

RLB Jim Lynch 24 NDame

LCB Jim Marsalis 24 R Tenn St

RCB Emmitt Thomas 26 Bishop

LS Jim Kearney 26 Prairie View

RS Johnny Robinson 31 All Pro LSU

K John Stenerud 27  Montana St

P Jerrell Wilson 28 So Miss

KR/PR Willie Mitchell 29 Tenn St

The 15th overall seed is the '69 Champs - both Chiefs Super Bowl winners are here, in Region 15, the 2019 squad is in the bottom half.  Best defense in football, second best offense. 3 All Pros on defense, 30 year old Buck Buchanan, 29 year old Bobby Bell, 31 year old Johnny Robinson, he had 8 picks and 26 year old Emmitt Thomas had 9. 34 year old Lenny Dawson had 7 starts, 9 scores and 13 picks. The left side of the line is two All Pros, 30 year old Jim Tyrer, 29 year old Ed Budde. 

16. 1960 NFL CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Record: 10-2

Pythag: 8-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 7th

1st NFL East

d. Packers NFL Title 17-13

d. '03 Packers 37-30

HC Buck Shaw 

Franklin Field: 50 degrees

Bill Campbell/Ed Harvey/Russ Hall

Offense

QB Norm Van Brocklin 34 All Pro Oregon

RB Clarence Peaks 25 Mich St

RB Billy Ray Barnes 25 Wake

WR Tommy McDonald 26 Oklahoma

WR Bobby Walston 32 UGA

WR Pete Retzlaff 29 S Dakota St

LT Jim McCusker 24 Pitt

LG Jerry Huth 27 Wake

C Chuck Bednarik 35 All Pro Penn

RG Stan Campbell 30 Iowa St

RT JD Smith 24 Rice

Defense

LDE Joe Robb 23 TCU

LDT Jess Richardson 30 Alabama

RDT Ed Khayat 25 Tulane

RDE Marion Campbell 31 UGA

LLB Bob Pellegrini 26 Maryland

MLB Chuck Weber 30 W Chester

RLB Maxie Baughan 22 R GTech

LCB Jimmy Carr 27 Charleston WV

RCB Tom Brookshier 29 All Pro 

LS Don Burroughs 29 Colorado

RS Gene Johnson 25 Cincinnati

K Bobby Walston 32 UGA

P Norm Van Brocklin 34 Oregon

KR/PR Timmy Brown 23 Ball St

2 Philly teams left - the '60 Champs look to move into round 2  in region 15.  Philly had the third best offense in football; Norm Van Brocklin is a 34 year old All Pro, 24 scores and 17 picks. 35 year old Chuck Bednarik is also an All Pro. On defense, 29 year old Don Burroughs had 9 picks and 29 year old Tom Brookshier was an All Pro. The Eagles picked off Brett Favre 3 times and knocked off the '03 Pack in the play in game.

Couple of championship teams from the 60s about to hook it up in a 1/16 game - lets go to Kansas City.

1st

Chiefs at the 26.

3 and out.  Eagles at the 42, nice runback by Brown.  

1/10- Clarence Peaks for 4.

2/6 - Peaks loses 2.

3/8 - Norm Van Brocklin finds Pete Retzlaff - he's got a step - and he's got a first down, 15 yards to the Chief 41.

1/10 - Billy Ray Barnes breaks a dozen yard run - the Chiefs have a ferocious, all time defense - but the Eagles are off to a good start, at the 29.  

The drive stops - they settle for a FG, it's the Eagles who score first.

Chiefs at the 28. 

1/10 - Maxie Baughan had a pick in the play in and he sacks Lenny Dawson here.

2/14 - 5 yards for Robert Holmes

1/10 - Dawson feathers a ball to Gloster Richardson - 12 yards to the 41.

1/10 - 3 for Holmes

2/7 - Dawson dumps to Mike Garrett, just a yard.

3/6 - Dawson catches Otis Taylor in stride - Taylor's got green grass, it's a 30 yard pickup until he's dragged down at the 6 yard line

1/goal - Nothing for Holmes.

2/goal - Dawson - Holmes, breaks a tackle and He Is Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - 72 yards in 6 minutes for Dawson and KC takes the lead.

Eagles at the 32.

3 and out - Chiefs will start at the 36, a Mike Garrett run gains 7 and the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr: Chiefs 7 Eagles 3

Nice scoring drive by the Chiefs takes up most of the back half of the quarter - KC second and 3 at their own 43.

They don't pick it up - after the punt, Eagles at the 18.

3 and out.  Chiefs in great field position at the Eagle 41.  

1/10 - Holmes for 12.

1/10 - Dawson to Garrett, 5 yards to the 24.

2/5 - Dawson 3 to Taylor.

3/2 - Holmes busts an 11 yarder and it is a first and goal at the 10.

The drive stops - Marion Campbell had two sacks in the play in and gets 1 here - Stenerud kick makes it 10-3.  

Eagles at the 21.

3 and out including a Buck Buchanan sack.  

Chiefs at the 37, less than 6 to go in the half.

3 and out.  Eagles at the 21.

1/10 - Van Brocklin to Peaks, 17 yard pickup.

1/10 - Nothing for Barnes.

2/10 - Peaks gets 7.

3/3 - Van Brocklin finds Tommy McDonald, it's an 18 yard pickup - we are at the 2 minute warning and the Eagles are at the KC 37.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Van Brocklin hits Retzlaff -- that is a 19 yard gain - the Eagles are at the Chiefs 18 yard line.

And that's where the drive ends - again, it's a Walston FG, with a little less than a minute left in the half it's 10-6.

The Chiefs do get a first down, 12 yard Garrett run - the half ends on a Chuck Bednarik sack.

3rd Qtr: Chiefs 10 Eagles 6

Possible 1/16 upset here; the Chiefs are the top seeds in the region and they're up by just 4 at the half.

Eagles at the 23.

They go back 5 on an illegal motion.

1/15 - Incomplete

2/15 - Incomplete

3/15 - Van Brocklin - downfield to McDonald, 30 yard pickup near midfield. 

1/10 - Peaks busts for 27 yards to the 25.  

1/10 - Barnes gets 2.

2/8 - Peaks gets 4.

3/4 - Peaks picks up the first down, 7 yards to the 12 yard line.

1/10 - Barnes is stopped at the line, offsides moves the Eagles up 5.

2/5 - Peaks -- Peaks trucks his way -- Into The End Zone --- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - and the 16th seeded Eagles take the lead over the Super Bowl Champs from 1969, Peaks with the 7 yard score and it's 13-10.  

Chiefs at the 23.

1/10 - Mike Garrett busts one - 31 yards of striding across midfield.  

1/10 - First carry for Wendell Hayes, 10 yards to the 36. 

1/10 - Elijah Pitts gets his first carry, 6 yards.

2/4 - Garrett's just short.  But the Eagles jump offsides on a Dawson hard count and the Chiefs are at the 22.

1/10 - Holmes goes for 10 yards, KC first down at the 12.

1/10 - Warren McVea gets his first carry, 6 yards.

2/4 - Garrett finds a huge hole and just strollllls into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - KC goes right down the field after that Eagle score and they retake the lead at 17-13.  

Eagles at the 24.  

A false start backs them 5 yards.  

1/15 - Barnes is stacked up - an offsides call makes it 2nd and 10.

2/10 - Peaks gets 7.

3/3 - Van Brocklin to Retzlaff - it's an 11 yard pickup, Eagles at the 42.

1/10 - Barnes gets 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/6 - Van Brocklin - screen to Peaks - oh - oh --oh Peaks has a convoy - Peaks has a convoy - Peaks to the 40--30---20 --- Clarence Peaks is Gonna Go!  TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - a 56 yard catch and run -- Clarence Peaks -- Clarence Peaks is Into The End Zone and the Eagles, with 3 minutes left in the third, take the lead 20-17!!!  

Chiefs starting at their 20 - they get one first down - it's a 50 yard Holmes home run -- a huge, huge play - this has become a wild game - but Campbell's second sack ends the drive -- great KC punt and with about a minute left in the third, Philly starts at the 3.

2 plays net 5 yards - Eagles have a third and 5 at the 8.

4th Qtr: Eagles 20 Chiefs 17

We are 15 minutes away from seeing the second top seed fall, Eagles lead 20-17. Third and 5 at their own 8.

They don't pick it up, Eagles punt gives the Chiefs field position at the Philly 41.

1/10 - 16 yards for Holmes and the Chiefs are at the 25.

1/10 - 12 more for Holmes - KC now knocking on the door at the 13.

But the Eagle defense turns KC away - Stenerud ties the game - there's less than 11 minutes in regulation and we are tied at 20.  Great one here to start region 15.

Eagles at the 20 - 3 and out.  The Chiefs defense needed a stop and they got one.

Willie Mitchell nice return here, Chiefs at their own 46.  

1/10 - Holmes for 1.

2/9 - Garrett for 4.

3/5 - Dawson -- big pickup, 12 yards to Otis Taylor, first down at the 37.  Midway through the 4th.

1/10 - 3 for Garrett

2/7 - Holmes is stuffed, another big third down for Dawson/

3/8 - Dawson to Richardson, right at the sticks...there's a measurement -- first down Kansas City. 

1/10 - 2 for McVea.

2/8 - 6 for Garrett, Chiefs have third and short at the 19.

3/2 - Big run for Holmes - 15 yards -- Holmes all the way to the 4.

1/goal - Holmes Goes Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS -- Kansas City scores the go ahead TD, with 3 and a half minutes left, KC leads 27-20.

Eagles at the 34.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Peaks gets 4.  3rd down with 2 and a half left.

3/6 - Van Brocklin to McDonald -- 21 yards, the Eagles are into KC territory.

1/10 - Van Brocklin to Walston - it's Walston's first catch of the day - 19 yards and at the 2 minute warning, Philly is at the 22.  A false start backs them up 5.

1/15 - Peaks -- Clarence Peaks breaking Tackles -- Clarence Peaks Is Going Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - and with 1:45 to play in regulation - again, again we are all tied up, it is 27-27.

Lenny Dawson gets the ball - the 15th overall seeded Chiefs are all tied up with under 2 to play, can they drive down and win this in regulation?  KC at the 24

1/10 - Bednarik sacks Dawson - huge spot here, Chiefs call timeout.  

2/15 - Incomplete

3/15 - Dawson finds Otis Taylor, Taylor in space - Taylor fighting to the sticks, he's got the 15 and the big first down.  

1/10 - Incomplete, we are under a minute to go.  Chiefs at their own 39.

2/10 - Give to McVea - doesn't fool the Eagles, 3 yards and KC has to use its second timeout.

3/7 - Dawson to Garrett - Garrett's got 10 yards, that's a first down - clock moving.

1/10 - Incomplete.  40 seconds left in the game, Chiefs at the Eagle 48 - they probably need one more first down for any sort of a FG shot.

2/10 - Dawson to Pitts -- Pitts picks up 7, clock continues to move.

3/3 - Dawson finds Fred Arbanas - it's the tight ends first catch of the day - it's 11 yards, it's a first down - huge, huge play there and KC uses their final timeout, there are 22 seconds left in the game, the Chiefs are at the 30 yard line.

1/10 - It's a draw - Holmes - and Holmes breaks it -- Holmes goes all the way down to the 9 yard line -- huge play - Dawson runs to the line, spikes the ball -- there are 6 seconds left in the game whrn Stenerud comes out to attempt a FG to end it.

Snap.  Kick....

GOOOOOOOD!!!!  GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!  Jan Steneurd with the kick at the gun -- the Kansas City Chiefs survive the upset bid and will advance to Round 2.

Final: Chiefs 30 Eagles 27

The 16th seeded Eagles gave the top seeded Chiefs all they could handle - but a Jan Stenrud FG at the final gun ends the threat and KC moves on.

Dawson: 15 for 25, 155 TD

Van Brocklin: 12 for 23, 244 TD

Holmes: 15 carries, 164 yds, TD

Peaks: 14 carries, 94 yds, 2 TD, 2 catches, 73 yds TD

Taylor: 5 catches, 64 yds

Retzlaff: 4 catches, 88 yds

Campbell/Bednarik: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Robert Holmes

 

256 Team NFL Tournament Round 1/Region 15: Play in Game

Region 14 

16. 2003 GREEN BAY PACKERS at 16. 1960 NFL CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

16. 1960 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Record: 10-2

Pythag: 8-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 7th

1st NFL East

d. Packers NFL Title 17-13

HC Buck Shaw 

Franklin Field: 50 degrees

Bill Campbell/Ed Harvey/Russ Hall

Offense

QB Norm Van Brocklin 34 All Pro

RB Clarence Peaks 25

RB Billy Ray Barnes 25

WR Tommy McDonald 26

WR Bobby Walston 32

WR Pete Retzlaff 29

LT Jim McCusker 24

LG Jerry Huth 27

C Chuck Bednarik 35 All Pro

RG Stan Campbell 30

RT JD Smith 24

Defense

LDE Joe Robb 23

LDT Jess Richardson 30

RDT Ed Khayat 25

RDE Marion Campbell 31

LLB Bob Pellegrini 26

MLB Chuck Weber 30

RLB Maxie Baughan 22 R

LCB Jimmy Carr 27

RCB Tom Brookshier 29 All Pro

LS Don Burroughs 29

RS Gene Johnson 25

K Bobby Walston 32

P Norm Van Brocklin 34

KR/PR Timmy Brown 23

2 Philly teams left - the '60 Champs look to move into the field via the play in game in region 15. They beat the Packers to win the title and play the 4 decades in the future version of them here.  Philly had the third best offense in football; Norm Van Brocklin is a 34 year old All Pro, 24 scores and 17 picks. 35 year old Chuck Bednarik is also an All Pro. On defense, 29 year old Don Burroughs had 9 picks and 29 year old Tom Brookshier was an All Pro

16. 2003 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 11th

1st NFC North

d. Seahawks WC 33-27

lost Div Rnd Eagles 20-17

HC Mike Sherman OC Tom Rossley DC Ed Donatell

Offense

QB Brett Favre 34

RB Ahman Green 26

FB William Henderson 32

WR Donald Driver 28

WR Robert Ferguson 24

TE Bubba Franks 25

LT Chad Clifton 27

LG Mike Wahle 26

C Mike Flanagan 30

RG Marco Rivera 31

RT Mark Tauscher 26

Defense

LDE Aaron Kampman 24

LDT Gilbert Brown 32

RDT Cletidus Hunt 27

RDE Kabeer Gbaja Biamila 26

LLB Hannibal Navies 26

MLB Nick Barnett 22 R

RLB Na'il Diggs 25

LCB Mike McKenzie 27

RCB Al Harris 29

SS Antuan Edwards 26

FS Darren Sharper 28

K Josh Bidwell 27

P Ryan Longwell 29

KR Najeh Davenport 24

PR Antonio Chatman 24

If the Pack wins here and then knocks off the '69 Chiefs they'll have their record tying 10th team into the second round, with another team still to come in region 15. 4th best offense in football. Brett Favre is 34, 32 scores and 21 picks. Big year for 26 year old Ahman Green, nearly 1900 yards rushing and 20 TDs.  On defense, 10 sacks for 26 year old KGB.  

Winner heads to Kansas City to face the top seeded Chiefs - let's go to the kick.

1st Qtr

Pack at the 25.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Brett Favre slings to Donald Driver, 15 yards.  

1/10 - Favre- - Picked off By Don Burroughs!  He had 9 picks in the regular season and here's 10 - Burroughs at midfield.

3 and out including a KGB sack - and the Eagles kick.

Packers at their own 24.

1/10 - Ahman Green stopped at the line.

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Pitch to Green - Green is through the line - one cut - Green breaks a tackle -- And Ahman Green Has Open Field -- Ahman Green streaking home for a 76 Yard TOUCHDOWN PACKERS - The Packers offense are tumbling atop Green in the end zone -- Ahman Green with a 76 yard lightning bolt and the Pack takes the lead.

Eagles at the 31.

They get a first down - Clarence Peaks takes a swing pass from Norm Van Brocklin 28 yards - but the drive ends in a missed FG and the Pack gets it back at the 37.

They get a first down - Green busting a 20 yard run and tack on 15 more for a face mask.

But a Marion Campbell sack stops the drive - Longwell FG makes it 10-0.

Eagles at the 32.  

1/10 - Van Brocklin to Peaks, 10 yards.  

1/10 - Ted Dean stuffed at the line.

2/11 - Van Brocklin to Pete Retzlaff, 4 yards.

3/8 - Van Brocklin to Retzlaff again, that's 14 and the first - Eagles at the Pack 41.

1/10 - Billy Ray Barnes for 3.

2/7 - Van Brocklin to Bobby Walston, 13 yard pickup to the 25.  

1/10 - Van Brocklin to Retzlaff - 8 yards.

2/2 - 6 for Peaks, that's the end of the qtr, Eagles have a first down at the 11.

2nd Qtr: Packers 10 Eagles 0

Ahman Green the story so far, he's got nearly a hundred yards - Eagles threatening.

The drive ends - short FG makes it 10-3.

Touchback.

1/10 - Green is stopped at the line.

2/10 - Favre....Picked Off by Maxie Baughan -- Baughan running down the sideline -- Baughan knocked out of bounds at the Green Bay 3 -- the Eagles nearly with the pick 6, the second Favre INT of the day - Eagles with a first and goal.

1/10 - Barnes stopped at the line.

2/10 - Van Brocklin - End Zone -- Walston -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - Van Brocklin 3 yards to Bobby Walston and we are tied.

Pack at the 22.

1/10 - Green gets 2

2/10 - Incomplete

3/8 - Favre finds William Henderson in space, it's a 13 yard pickup, Pack reach the 37, offsides on the next play makes it first and 5.

1/5 - 2 for Green.

2/3 - Najeh Davenport explodes into the line - cutting down the left sideline and long striding 56 yards all the way for the TOUCHDOWN PACKERS - we've got a wild one here - Packers up 17-10.

Eagles at the 23.  

They get one first down on a monster run of their own - Peaks up the gut for 57; the Eagles will then have a TD pass to Tommy McDonald nullified by a hold and settle for the FG.  17-13

Pack at the 23.

1/10 - Favre finds Bubba Franks, 7 yards.

2/3 - Nothing for Green

3/3 - Favre forced out of the pocket, he runs and he gains 17 yards, big play for Green Bay.

1/10 - Favre 3 yards to Franks.

2/7 - 10 yard run for Green, Pack at the Eagle 40 at the 2 minute warning.

The drive ends right here- Green Bay doesn't try to kick the long FG - instead the Eagles take over at the 12 with 1:32 left in the half.

1/10 - 10 for Peaks

1/10 - 1 for Barnes, Eagles use their first timeout.

2/7 - NVB to Retzlaff, 9 and the first.  

1/10 - Yard for Barnes

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Van Brocklin to Dick Lucas, 14 yards, Eagles at the 48 and they stop the clock with 41 seconds to go.

1/10 - 10 yards for Peaks, offsides on the next play gives Philly a first and 5 at the Packer 47 with 32 seconds to go.

1/5 - Barnes gets 2

2/3 - Incomplete

3/3 - Van Brocklin to McDonald, his first catch of the day, it's 14 yards and Philly uses their final timeout with 6 seconds left - they hit the FG at the whistle and it's 17-16.

3rd Packers 17 Eagles 16

Couple of long TD runs for the Packers, Eagles have a couple of picks and we are tight headed to the second half.

Eagles at the 24.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10- Peaks busts one 29 yards across midfield.

1/10 - 2 for Barnes.

2/8 - Van Brocklin hits McDonald in stride, 22 yard pickup to the Packer 23.

1/10 - 11 for Peaks.  Eagles at the 12.

1/10 - Dean is stacked up.

2/10 - Barnes -- Barnes busts through the line - breaks tackles -- Billy Ray Barnes is Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - Philly has taken the 23-17 lead on the Barnes 12 yard TD run.

Pack at the 12.

1/10 - Green gets 4

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Favre dump to Green, he fights to the sticks and it's a first down.

1/10 - 21 for Green, big game for Ahman Green.

1/10 - 6 for Davenport

2/4 - Incomplete

3/4 - Favre to Donald Driver, that's 21 yards and it's his first catch, the Packers are at the Eagle 30.

The drive stalls, Chuck Bednarik rattling Favre's teeth with a bone crushing sack -  Longwell kick makes it 23-20.

Eagles at the 22.  3 and out.

Packers in great field position at their own 49.  Craig Nall is on the field - Favre being checked out on the sideline after the Bednarik shot. Seldom used backup QB Nall has to take over, Pack down 3.

1/10 - 13 for Green.

1/10 -13 more for Green, Ahman Green running wild today against the Eagles.

1/10 - Craig Nall throwing the ball.  5 yards to Davenport.

2/5 - Green gets 8 yards and the Packers are at the 12. 

The drive dies - Longwell kick ties the score, there's less than a minute to go in the third and it is 23-23.  

Eagles at the 26, a run gets 2 and the qtr ends.

4th Qtr: Eagles 23 Packers 23

Favre's on the sidelines, 15 minutes left, winner heads into the field to face the top seeded '69 Chiefs.

An offsides gives the Eagles 2nd and 3 at the 33.  

1/10 - Van Brocklin finds Walston, 11 yards to the 44.

1/10 - Barnes is stacked up.

2/10 - Van Brocklin's going deep -- Van Brocklin's going deep -- He finds Tommy McDonald -- McDonald Goes Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES -- Norm Van Brocklin with a 56 yard bomb - a 56 yard strike to McDonald -- the Eagles go up 30-23 - what a throw by Van Brocklin!

Packers at the 36.  Favre is back on the field.  

1/10 - Green is stopped.

2/10 - Favre to Henderson, 10 yards to the 46.

But -- that's it - and with 10 left in the game - the Eagles will get the ball back at the 30.

They get a first down, Van Brocklin 11 yards to Retzlaff ---- but that's it - and with 6:45 left in the football game the Packers, down 7, get the ball.  Favre is on the field.  Pack at their own 17, they need to go 83 yards.  

1/10 - Ahman Green - what a game - a 39 yard run for Ahman Green - the Packers are at the Eagle 44.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Favre finds Driver, 11 yards.  First down at the 33.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Favre finds Robert Ferguson, that's his first catch, its a 12 yard pickup to the Eagle 20 yard line!

1/10 - 3 for Green.

2/7 - Ahman Green rumbles all the way to the Eagle 3 yard line!  The Packers with 1st and goal to go - 3 minutes left.

1/goal - incomplete

2/goal - Favre - back shoulder fade -- Javon Walker --- TOUCHDOWN PACKERS - Favre takes the Packers down the field, 83 yards - 3 yard score to Walker and a little more than 2 minutes to go - it is 30-30.

Eagles at the 21.  

1/10 - Peaks goes for 2.

2/8 - Dean for 3, that's the 2 minute warning.  Big 3rd down here.

3/5 - Van Brocklin finds Peaks - 10 yards, Eagles at the 36.

But the drive ends here - and with 1:12 left, the Packers take over at the 16, can Favre take them down the field and win this game?

1/10 - Favre to Green, 5 yards, Pack stop the clock.

2/5 - Incomplete

3/5 - Favre throwing over the mid --- Picked Off by Bednarik!  Bednarik steps in front of Franks -- Bednarik Has a Lane -- Bednarik has Green Grass -- CHUCK BEDNARIK IS IN THE END ZONE --- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - TOUCHDOWN EAGLES -- Chuck Bednarik intercepts Brett Favre with less than a minute to play and the Eagles are up 37-30 - 37-30 Eagles!

Just 34 seconds left, Pack at the 21. Couple of short passes get a first down - but Campbell's second sack ends this one -- the Philadelphia Eagles win the Play In Game, 37-30.

Final: Eagles 37 Packers 30

3 INTs, including a game winning Pick 6 by Bednarik - the Eagles are into the field as the 16th seed of region 15.

Van Brocklin: 17 for 27, 228 yds, 2 TDs

Favre: 17 for 36, 128 yds, 1 TD/3 INT

Peaks: 17 carries, 148 yds, 3 catches, 48 yds

Green: 21 carries, 223 yds, TD

McDonald: 4 catches, 94 yds, TD

Driver: 4 catches, 46 yds 

Bednark: INT/sack/TD

Campbell: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Chuck Bednarik

This Is Not a 16 Team All Time NBA Tournament

 I'm nearing the end of round one of the 256 team NFL tournament, I won't be moving to something else.

However - I recently ranked the top 150 players in NBA history, and that makes it easy to create 16 all time rosters.  I'l leave it fluid, so say when the next 16 guys reach the 75 regular season WS threshold to be considered, they become eligible to join these teams.  I'll designate one player from each roster as "at risk"

These rosters were created by snake draft, with some swapping post draft just for competitive balance purposes; there was not an attempt to place specific players with each other, the chips fell where they fell.

Team 1

C Moses Malone           Petersberg High              (75th)

C Robert Parish             Centenary                       (75th)

F Pau Gasol                  Spain

F LeBron James           St Vincent St Mary High  (75th)

F Jerry Lucas                Ohio St                             (75th)

F Peja Stojakovic         Croatia

G Allen Iverson            Georgetown                     (75th)

G Jeff Hornacek           Iowa St

G Dennis Johnson        Pepperdine

G Walter Davis            North Carolina (at risk)

-a pioneer of the HS to pro basketball leap, Moses, playing with LeBron.  LeBron also playing with Jerry Lucas, an Ohio legend from a prior generation.  DJ and the Chief, Celtics teammates, both on the second unit.  

Team 2

C Artis Gilmore           Jacksonville

C DeAndre Jordan       Texas A&M (at risk)

F Horace Grant            Clemson

F Paul Pierce               Kansas              (75th)

F Vern Mikkelsen        Hamline

F Bob Dandridge         Norfolk St

G Russell Westbrook   UCLA               (75th)

G Michael Jordan        North Carolina  (75th)

G Deron Williams       Illinois

G Sam Jones                NC Central     (75th)

Jordan gets to play with his champship teammate Grant - and also with Gilmore, who returned to Chicago for a late career stint.  One could imagine Westbrook getting a lot of second unit run to add firepower to the bench (and maybe get him away from Jordan; a Williams/Jordan backcourt might make more sense).

Team 3

C Wilt Chamberlain      Kansas             (75th)

C Neil Johnston            Ohio St

F Bailey Howell           Miss St

F Scottie Pippen           Central Ark       (75th)

F Bob McAdoo            North Carolina  (75th)

F George Gervin          East Michigan   (75th)

G Damian Lillard        Weber St            (75th)

G Ray Allen                  UConn             (75th)

G Andre Miller             Utah   (at risk)

G Andre Iguodala          Arizona

Johnston was the Warriors All Star center in the 50s - they drafted Wilt and that was the end of Johnston, they're together here.  Wilt has to like the composition of the team - Allen to shoot from outside, Lillard to handle to ball, Pippen the all court player; Gervin and McAdoo with the bench firepower.  

Team 4

C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar     UCLA      (75th)

C Bill Laimbeer                  N Dame

F Elton Brand                     Duke

F Shawn Marion                UNLV

F Sam Perkins                    North Carolina

F Bernard King                  Tennessee  (at risk)

G Jason Kidd                      Cal            (75th)

G Dwyane Wade                Marquette  (75th)

G Mike Conley                  Ohio St 

G Eddie Jones                    Temple

Lot of defense here - Marion and Jones and Brand - Kidd/Wade as Kareem's backcourt is strong - Jones and Wade reunite from their Miami days.  King as bench offense. 

Team 5

C Walt Bellamy                Indiana                Hall of Fame

C Marc Gasol                   Spain

F Tim Duncan                   Wake Forest        (75th)/Hall of Fame

F Kawhi Leonard              S Diego St          (75th)

F Amar'e Stoudemire        Cypress Creek High

F James Worthy                North Carolina    (75th)/Hall of Fame

G Kevin Johnson              Cal

G Chauncey Billups          Colorado

G Mark Jackson               St Johns (at risk)

G Dan Majerle                 C Michigan

Teammates really mark Team 5 - Duncan and Kawhi are together and the Suns, KJ and Thunder Dan. 

Team 6

C Dan Issel                       Kentucky    Hall of Fame

C Vlade Divac                  Serbia

F Karl Malone                  La Tech       (75th) Hall of Fame

F John Havlicek               Ohio St       (75th) Hall of Fame

F Anthony Mason            Tenn St

F Dominique Wilkins        Georgia      (75th) Hall of Fame

G Steph Curry                   Davidson   (75th)

G Paul George                   Fresno St 

G Tony Parker                    France

G DeMar DeRozan           USC (at risk)

Malone and Issel on the inside; Steph on the outside, Havlicek as the all court wing; 'Nique providing points off the bench.  

Team 7

C Nikola Jokic                    Serbia

C Alonzo Mourning           Georgetown   Hall of Fame

F Bob Pettit                        LSU              (75th)/Hall of Fame

F Rick Barry                      Miami           (75th)/Hall of Fame

F LaMarcus Aldridge         Texas             

F Grant Hill                        Duke             Hall of Fame

G Chris Paul                       Wake Forest  (75th)

G Tracy McGrady              Mt Zion Academy High  Hall of Fame

G Lenny Wilkens                Providence    (75th) Hall of Fame

G Byron Scott                     Arizona St (at risk)

It's CP3 getting the ball to the frontcourt scorers - Jokic/Pettit/Barry.  

Team 8

C Dwight Howard            SW Atl Christian Academy High

C Dave Cowens                Florida St            (75th) Hall of Fame

F Ben Wallace                  Virg Union           Hall of Fame

F Adrian Dantley              N Dame               Hall of Fame

F Larry Nance                   Clemson

F Andrei Kirilenko            Russia

G Magic Johnson              Mich St              (75th) Hall of Fame

G Clyde Drexler                Houston            (75th) Hall of Fame

G Sam Cassell                   Florida St

G Mitch Richmond           Kansas St (at risk)  Hall of Fame

Magic will look to get the ball into Howard, with Dantley and Drexler the wing scorers - AK47 gives you bench points.  

Team 9

C Hakeem Olajuwon         Houston              (75th) Hall of Fame

C Al Horford                      Florida

F Anthony Davis                Kentucky           (75th)

F Elgin Baylor                    Seattle               (75th) Hall of Fame

F Buck Williams                Maryland

F Dennis Rodman              SE Oklahoma St  (75th) Hall of Fame

G John Stockton                 Gonzaga              (75th) Hall of Fame

G Vince Carter                   North Carolina      

G Calvin Murphy               Niagara  (at risk)   Hall of Fame

G Hal Greer                        Marshall            (75th) Hall of Fame

This team - this team looks like a problem.  Look at that front line - Olajuwon, AD, Baylor.  With Stockton getting them the ball.  Williams and Rodman are a little duplicative, if they wanted to move one of them into the starting lineup and have Davis lead the second unit, that makes sense.  

Team 10

C David Robinson               Navy          (75th) Hall of Fame

C Ed Macauley                    St Louis      Hall of Fame

F Elvin Hayes                      Houston    (75th) Hall of Fame

F Paul Arizin                        Villanova (75th) Hall of Fame

F Kevin Love                       UCLA

F Glen Rice                          Michigan

G Gary Payton                     Oregon     (75th) Hall of Fame

G Reggie Miller                   UCLA       (75th) Hall of Fame

G Bob Cousy                        Holy Cross   (75th) Hall of Fame              

G Lou Hudson                      Minnesota (at risk) Hall of Fame

Smooooth, maybe a little too smooth. Admiral, Big E, Love and Rice and Reggie Miller.  Smoooth.  GP is here to provide the grit.  Cousy and Macauley, old teammates, on the second unit.

Team 11

C Shaquille O'Neal              LSU          (75th)  Hall of Fame

C Rudy Gobert                     France

F Chris Webber                    Michigan   Hall of Fame

F Julius Erving                     UMass      (75th) Hall of Game

F Blake Griffin                     Oklahoma 

F Carmelo Anthony              Syracuse  (75th)

G Walt Frazier                      S Illinois   (75th) Hall of Fame

G Sidney Moncrief               Arkansas   Hall of Fame

G Jason Terry                       Arizona

G Michael Finley                 Wisconsin (at risk)

Like Team 10, lots of guys who primarily exist to get buckets, Dr J, Melo and Blake, CWebb - but there's also Shaq, dominating the middle, and Gobert, an all time great defensive big man - Frazier to run the show, Moncrief, so consistent.  

Team 12

C George Mikan                   DePaul            (75th) Hall of Fame

C Dikembe Mutombo          Georgetown     Hall of Fame

F Kevin McHale                  Minnesota        (75th) Hall of Fame

F Kevin Durant                    Texas               (75th)

F Detlef Schrempf                Washington

F Cedric Maxwell                UNCC

G Maurice Cheeks               W Texas A&M   Hall of Fame

G James Harden                   Arizona St        (75th)

G Stephon Marbury              Geo Tech (at risk)

G Bill Sharman                     USC                 (75th) Hall of Fame

KD and Harden, together again - as are McHale and Cornbread, with Sharman, a Celtic from a prior generation.  

Team 13

C Bob Lanier                        St Bonaventure Hall of Fame

C Jack Sikma                        Illinois Wesleyan  Hall of Fame

F Charles Barkley                Auburn (75th) Hall of Fame

F Giannis Anteotokounmpo Greece  (75th)

F David West                        Xavier (at risk)

F Chris Mullin                      St Johns          Hall of Fame

G Kyle Lowry                       Villanova         Hall of Fame

G Kobe Bryant                      Lower Merion High (75th)

G Tim Hardaway                   UTEP             Hall of Fame

G Steve Smith                        Michigan St

Whoa.  This might be unfair.  Kobe.  Barkley.  Giannis.  Look and Mullin and Hardaway, together in the second unit.  It might take a minute for Giannis and Kobe to work together on the floor - like if Mullin made more sense in the first unit and Giannis takes over the second string - I don't know, there's a lot to work with here.

Team 14

C Bill Russell                       San Francisco                   (75th) Hall of Fame

C Chris Bosh                        Georgia Tech                    Hall of Fame

F Kevin Garnett                    Farragut Academy High   (75th) Hall of Fame

F Chet Walker                       Bradley                            Hall of Fame

F Paul Millsap                      La Tech

F Rashard Lewis                  Alief Elsik High                

G Steve Nash                       Santa Clara                        (75th) Hall of Fame

G Manu Ginobli                   Argentina                           Hall of Fame

G Rod Strickland                  DePaul (at risk)                  

G Hersey Hawkins               Bradley

You want the team that plays the "right way"?  Here's Bill Russell and KG and Nash and Ginobli.  The Bradley Braves are represented here by both Walker and Hawkins.  

Team 15

C Patrick Ewing                   Georgetown       (75th) Hall of Fame

C Willis Reed                       Grambling          (75th) Hall of Fame

F Dirk Nowitzki                   Germany            (75th) Hall of Fame

F Larry Bird                         Indiana St          (75th) Hall of Fame

F Bobby Jones                     North Carolina    Hall of Fame

F Alex English                     South Carolina    Hall of Fame

G Isiah Thomas                   Indiana                 (75th) Hall of Fame

G Jimmy Butler                   Marquette        

G Derek Harper                   Illinois  (at risk)

G Joe Dumars                      McNeese St          Hall of Fame

Here's a fun team - it's Bird and Dirk shooting the lights out - it's Zeke and Dumars on the same club; it's the Knicks centers, Ewing and Reed.  I sort of love the Jones/English second string frontcourt pairing.  

Team 16

C Wes Unseld                      Louisville                     (75th)  Hall of Fame

C Zelmo Beatty                   Prairie View                  Hall of Fame

F Dolph Schayes                 NYU                             (75th) Hall of Fame

F Marques Johnson             UCLA                            

F Rasheed Wallace              North Carolina              

F Cliff Hagan                       Kentucky                      Hall of Fame

G Oscar Robertson              Cincinnati                      (75th) Hall of Fame

G Jerry West                        W Virginia                      (75th) Hall of Fame

G Terry Porter                      Wisc Stevens Pt              

G Earl Monroe                     Winston Salem (at risk)  (75th) Hall of Fame

This team's about that starting backcourt, they go as far as Oscar and West will take them.