Loyola, a Chicago basketball actually trying to win

Image Courtesy of Bing

The biggest sports news in Chicago is coming from an unexpected source, the Loyola Ramblers. I generally don't take much note of NCAA basketball, except maybe watching a little bit of tournament action. This year, however, the Ramblers are one of the biggest stories in Chicago sports. It's refreshing to see a Chicago basketball team actually trying to win games. What a concept.

Who are those guys?

The Ramblers play an aesthetically pleasing, share the ball style which speaks well of both the coaching and discipline of the team. I hate to admit that I can actually remember Vic Rouse tipping in the game winner in overtime as Loyola defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 1963 championship game. At the time, I had no idea of what an oddity that would be for an Illinois basketball team. Amazingly, a 98 year old nun is probably better known than any player on the team. Frankly, I don't see any future NBA players on Loyola's roster. That makes Loyola's run even more remarkable.

Grizzlies meet a grizzly fate

I've written about the Bulls tanking efforts, but when it comes to tanking, the Memphis Grizzlies have apparently told every other NBA team, “Hold my beer.” Thursday night the Grizzlies lost to that juggernaut, the Charlotte Hornets, 140-79. That's the type of thing that might worry NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, if he was concerned about the league losing it's credibility. Of course, at this point, that's like Madonna worrying about losing her virginity.

Where have you gone, Corey Crawford?

The Blackhawks recorded a rare win Saturday. The Hawks were 3-1 winners over the Islanders. The Hawks were the beneficiaries of a good game in the nets from Anton Forsburg. Forsburg might be adequate as a backup goalie, but he's lacked the consistency to be the number one guy in the nets.

By the way, for those of us (that includes me) who thought Scott darling could be the Hawks number one goalie instead of Corey Crawford, Darling's record sits at 12-18 with a save percentage of 88.5% with the Carolina Hurricanes. My bad. 

Nothing personal

There hasn't been a lot of suspense as to who would be on the Cubs opening day roster, but there has been what may be classified as a mild surprise. Victor Caratini will be the backup catcher. Yu Darvish's former personal catcher, Chris Giminez seemed to have had the inside track to that job. Apparently Darvish and Willson Contreras have hit off to the point that Darvish's need for a personal catcher.

You might also enjoy my baseball book, Baseball Players Remembered.

In addition, check out my cartoons.