The State of the Valley

8-7, not quite the Valley heyday, but a winning record against BCS-conference foes is a great step for a conference who expects an abundance of early-season success.

Once considered the hands-down top mid-major conference in the country, the MVC’s recent plight as a single-bid league in the NCAA tournament could finally end in 2011-2012.

Proving the conference’s worth has become the focus for MVC and league commissioner Doug Elgin (good interview in the Examiner from August)

“I think our people understand that they simply have to prove they are worthy of an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, and they cannot accomplish that without playing strong non-conference schedules.  Our teams have to be better than teams from higher-profile leagues, and the best way to make that point it is to schedule strategically… early-season tournaments provide the best opportunity to play NCAA Tournament-caliber teams at neutral sites.”

Solid wins (WSU over UNLV, Evansville over Butler, etc) and a combined 46-23 non-conference clip (through Dec.4), may just push the Missouri Valley conference back toward mid-2000 prominence.

Creighton and Wichita State are carrying the torch, but look who is making an appearance in the top-five of CBS’s early season RPI Report (Sorry Panther fans, but I’m not sure it’s quite deserved).

Irrespective of your feelings on early-season ranks (please see BCS issues), there’s little question that the powers-that-be in the national media are starting to take notice.

Heck, Valley-friendly media like Joseph Book are already throwing out Doug McDermott’s name for All-American contention (Joseph Book’s MVC ranking at the Examiner).

And it’s hard to argue. Not only is Dougie McD in the top-5 in scoring, but his leadership and clutch play have Creighton in the national rankings.

Where the final record falls as conference season draws closer remains to be seen.

Most likely, Evansville will not be able to put-away fourth-ranked North Carolina on the road.

(8-8).

But I do expect UNI to take care of business at home against the lowly Hawkeye (5-3 against a very weak schedule).

9-8.

Missouri State hosting an Oklahoma State team yet to garner a solid win deems this one a toss-up, slight edge going to MSU at home.

10-8. At worst. 9-9 (a vast improvement over last year’s 11-22 mark).

Give the commissioner and the league’s coaches some credit. This year’s MVC is playing at a higher level and certainly giving fans around the Midwest cause for excitement.

Now if only we can Jim Nantz on board…

Game 1: Pound the Peacocks

W: Home vs. Upper Iowa, 83-58

Box Score

POTG (Player of the Game): Jordan Clarke

Jordan Clarke with a tough left-shoulder drop-step finishes for two.

And the 2011-2012 season is underway for the Drake Bulldogs. After a disappointing exhibition loss to DII Quincy, Drake started off the games that count with a victory. It wasn’t pretty, but 1-0 is 1-0.

Slow starters again, Drake remained pretty inconsistent. Similar to last season, a mid-second half lull allowed their opponent back in the game. I know this team is still young, but developing that killer instinct to crush the confidence of lesser opponents is a big step in learning how to win consistently.

The Offense

All the stats look good – 83 points, 52% from the field, 42% from three, but the Bulldogs still have a long way to go.

I am encouraged by the way they started the game, not because they were making shots, but because of the movement. Even better, movement with a purpose. Players were flowing and the ball skipped from side-to-side. It didn’t lead to a lot of points, but this is the type of offense Drake must run in order to compete with better teams.

People often underestimate the importance of everyone getting touches on offense. For guys like Clarke, Kraidon Woods, and Ben Simons, touching the ball everytime down the floor will drastically increase their efficiency.

Look, we know the point guard brings the ball up the floor and Rayvonte Rice is the focal point of the offense. As it should be. But to get more out of the other players, touches are a must.

Simons has a great offensive skill set, but he is a not a shot creator (yet). He’s a flow guy – someone who can get hot and put up 20 in a hurry. How can he do that? Running off screens and staying in the flow of the offense. Shooters need touches. Moving. Getting kickouts. Touches.

Same goes for Clarke and Woods. Neither guy will carry the team offensively, but both provide a mentality and toughness this Drake team needs. Keep these guys involved on the offensive end, touching the ball and actively moving – its funny how offensive rebound totals and efficiency will magically increase.

As encouraging as the ‘flow’ was in the first half, I was disappointed to see ‘same old, same old’ in the second. We saw perimeter passing, ball screens, and standing.

Passing and ball screens are good, but each player isn’t putting pressure on the defense. Back cuts, movement, and putting people in a position to score exhaust defenses and lead to easy looks. You don’t always reap the benefits in the first 10-12 minutes. Sometimes it takes 30-35 to get those easy buckets.

Game-high scorer Aaron Hawley slams in two of his 23.

Now, true, the Bulldogs scored more points in the second half. As they should. Drake has superior athletes, size, and skill. Against a team like Upper Iowa, it takes time to impose your will. But scrapping movement for 1-on-1 play is almost too easy for a talented DI.

Regardless, I am encouraged. I thought Karl Madison played well. He did the simple things necessary for Drake to win. Kept his turnovers in check, scored a little, played good defense. All great attributes for a point guard. As his career progresses, I’d like to see him create shots for others more consistently. For someone with Karl’s skillset, a three-point bomber like Ben and an athletic big like Kraidon should lead to a plethora of assists.

The Defense

The return of David Smith, Clarke, and Woods proved invaluable on the defensive side of the ball. That being said, I wasn’t overly impressed with how Drake finished possessions.

The Bulldogs forced some turnovers and at times were very committed to stopping the opponent. Unfortunately, periodic breakdowns and mental lapses led to a few easy baskets from inferior opponents.

Again, allowing “bunnies” may not be the difference against a D II opponent. Valley games on the road are a different story.

At least the effort was there. The team stayed intense and wanted to compete on defense. My hope – as players continue to get healthy, defensive focus and intensity will become a mainstay for Phelps’ bunch.

POTG

Eleven points, eight rebounds, three steals (an underestimate IMO) and a whole lot of toughness. Jordan physically imposed his will on both ends of the floor.

He receives my POTG vote, not for his statistics, but the mentality you expect from a team captain.

Outlook

This Drake team has cause to make excuses: injuries, suspensions, adjusting to a new coaching staff, inexperience, etc. Unfortunately, excuses only lead to emptiness and dejection.

What I’m looking forward to is an improvement in attitude. These players have always been part of someone else’s’ team. Two years ago, they rode the Josh Young express. Last year, freshman and sophomores followed Ryan Wedel.

Now, these Drake players look the part. They are bigger, stronger, faster. The starting lineup last night went 5’10,” 6’7”, 6’8”, 6’7”, 6’9”. That is not a mid-major ballclub.

The size and the talent are in place. Yes, there are injuries. Yes, the last two games were unfortunate situations. But if you have a winning attitude, excuses won’t matter.

We saw progress from exhibition 1 to season’s beginning. Continued progress is all we can ask.

Tuesday night will be a great test of the Bulldog’s resolve.

Contest Time

Monday was just a regular day. The sun was shining. The weather was warm (second warmest city in the US that day). I, like many others, was slowly adjusting from weekend bliss back to the workday grind. And the WebMaster? The WebMaster was doing what he does best — scour the internet.

By mid-afternoon, the chase was on. I received an email with a link to a facebook site. (For those familiar with large corporations, facebook is often on the list of unnavigable websites). Knowing this, the WebMaster put together a short description of his find.

“ESPN is hosting a best sandwich named after an athlete contest.”

A true statement, but not exactly descriptive. I asked for a little more detail. WebMaster proceed to tell me that ESPN is hosting a Fanwich facebook challenge. People/restaurants submit photos and a description of their athlete-named sandwich for facebookers to vote a winner. However, he did give me the disclaimer that only REAL athletes had sandwiched posted at that time.

I couldn’t argue with him. The names on the list are a who’s who of professional athletes. I certainly don’t belong in that league. However, the partnership with Jethros and our Man vs Food success means maybe, just maybe our overweight-yet-underdog sandwich has a chance.

What do you think?

Vote here

Check out some great work from Andy Garman (link 1, link 2) and Sean Keeler. Also look to the Jethro’s Homepage for more detail.

Thanks for your support!

Food wins!

The verdict is in.

At a packed Jethro’s BBQ in the Drake area it was pure jubilation. When the premier began everyone in the restaurant was clapping and cheering. I’ve never seen so many people united for such an event in a restaurant.

(Thanks again to everyone for being there to enjoy the moment. Check out some DSM Register and Drake photos (article). And to the 12 people taking the challenge after the show – all valiant efforts, including one within a few bites of glory. Sadly, the end result is more pictures on the Wall of Shame. Sorry guys, better luck next time.)

 

Delicious meat awaits the 12 contestants after the Man vs Food viewing part at Jethros

 

The show went well, but there was certainly more to the filming than meets the eye.

For instance – the real Adam Richman.

I’m not insinuating what you see is a fake Richman, but off-camera is slightly different than when you tune into the Travel Channel. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was he going to be funny? Serious? Light-hearted? A plain and simple get-after-it eater? Maybe a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fun-loving guy?

Instead, I saw a TV professional. Not in a bad way, but it certainly wasn’t his first rodeo. He had a very calculated approach to the show. He considered every step in the process. The setup. The end result of camera shots. What to say. When to say it. And even though he threw in his share of improv and witty comments, this was a TV production.

Before the taping began, Richman appeared from his mobile home (like any other TV/movie star) to address the crowd. I’m not actually quoting him, but here’s the general idea of his opening comments–

“Everyone. Thanks for coming out tonight. I’m so excited to be in Des Moines and wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of you. My fans have been awesome and really given this show a life of its own.

That being said, I wish I had the chance to spend time with all of you. I am going to take pictures and talk to you as much as time allows before we begin.

However, I am asking you for your consideration afterwards. This is a lot of food and I probably will not be feeling well. So please understand if I am not available. And please do not slap me on the back. That does not feel good.

So thanks again everyone for coming out. I appreciate your patience and excitement.”

Not an exact quote, but you get the jist of it. The man was about to eat a five-pound sandwich. This is his livelihood

Understandable though. I mean, if you were eating five pounds of food, how would you be feeling afterward.

Richman retreated to his trailer as we waited for sandwich assembly and the production crew to set up. They informed the audience of the “rules” – Clap. Be loud. Show excitement. But when we get the sign, Richman will be speaking.  Transition into the golf clap – low noise, no talking.

Just another one of those things I never saw coming.

When Richman reemerged from the shadows, the place went crazy. It still wasn’t time for the challenge. Ipod in hand, Richman took his seat while rules came again.

Richman retreated to the trailer one last time, before coming back 10 minutes later. Finally, it was time.

Action.

Full of energy, Richman sprints through the crowd. Slapping hands. Dancing.

He sits down.

Here comes the monstrous mound of meat. Pandemonium in the ranks.

The challenge begins.

Chants . Lots of clapping. Yelling.  Cheering to encourage Richman’s eating frenzy.

Every few minutes, we went into the golf clap as our Man vs Food star gave his state-of-the-challenge addresses.

Various people were summoned to speak with the producer, and asked to offer a few words of encouragement. Even a kiss on the cheek (this didn’t make the final cut apparently).

The trend continued for the first 10 min of the competition.  (By the way, clapping and cheering for that long continuously is exhausting. Ask anyone who was there. I’m glad I wore # 15 in college and not 40.) At the 5 min mark, I was asked to come up and offer support. Receiving direction from the producers, I made my entrance, said my line, and sat my butt down.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite time for that. Too much background noise made it difficult to hear on film. Fantastic. I get a redo.

Back through the previous process. A slightly different form of encouragement. Regardless, the second try made the final cut.

After that? Well you know the rest. Two pounds remained on the plate. Food wins.

End result – I have a new appreciation for Mr. Richman and his chow-devouring prowess. He’s not a freak-show. He is a professional. That’s why the show has been so successful. That’s why it now has a cult-following. And that’s why I was so excited for the show to come to Des Moines.

Richman was funny. He had a lot of energy and made the show fun. But at the same time, do not dismiss him as being some clown/amateur/frat guy living on a couch going around eating ridiculous amounts of food with a camera in his face. He knows what he’s doing.

Hours after the show, I experienced another side of Richman. Since I did not get a chance to speak with Richman prior to the taping, he asked if we would hang around for a few minutes afterward.

The crowd dispersed and a few people remained. But, true to his word, he came out to talk. The hour approached 10 PM, nearly 12 hours after they setup shop at Jethro’s. Richman was obviously a little tired after a long day of filming and a full belly. He signed a menu and took a few pictures.

He was very genuine in conversation. He talked about wanting to take his mom to a restaurant in Alaska. Asked about where to get Drake merchandise for his nephew. Still witty and enjoyable, but he was just a normal guy.

Thanks again Man vs Food. Thanks for opening my eyes and helping me gain a newfound respect for your star and show. Thanks for treating everyone so well. For your gracefulness in making all these new people feel like your friends. And thanks for earning a new cult-follower.

 

Adam Richman and I pausing for a photo after the show. He signed a menu for me. I presented him with a Drake basketball T.

 

Klayton Korver And I Interrupt Our Busy Lives For A Little Chatterbanter

New exciting news! I have a new undertaking and a new partner. Joining the WebMaster and I in this blog, we’re planning on incorporating one Mr. Klayton Everett Korver. Hopefully the excessive banter Klayton and I exchange in real life will translate well into the written format. For a little opening and background on Mr. Korver, we exchanged the following emails.

Ok Klayton, to start, what are you doing now?

Newbie Klayton Korver:

Well Adam, I am planning to pick up Kyle’s car from the dealership after some minor problems. Then, hopefully I will get to catch a few minutes of Bill Raftery doing Big East games today. Which brings me to something I have been thinking about for some time now. We discussed this for a minute the other day, the NBA is so much better to watch than College Basketball. Now I feel like I am a decent judge here, as I played five years at Drake and saw plenty of college games. Now that I live with Kyle, see him everyday, and watch nearly 100 games, I can’t help but notice the skill level of NBA players. Their skills are so much better it makes it difficult to watch the college game.

I love the passion you see in college. But, even those guys can’t sustain it night in and night out. The major complaint about NBA players, “They don’t care til the 4th quarter”… may be valid, but there is a reason. Many times they played the night before, then flew for a few hours, arrived home around early in the AM, and have practice in morning before heading back to the gym for game time. I don’t know about you Adam, but when I fly it can take a lot out of me. My joints get swollen and sore worse than they normally would. It just takes a little bit more to feel healthy and energized again. These guys do it everyday. And they do it against the best athletes in the world. They don’t miss open jump shots. They are all physical freaks. When you sit close, you see just how fast the game is. So… that’s my start, what do you have to say, you with me or against me old friend?

Blogger:

Well here’s the thing Klayton, I wasn’t asking what you were doing at this moment. To be honest, I really don’t care. I was more looking for an update of what you were doing in Mormon country out in Salt Lake City Utah. I mean, if you’re going to be mentioned, I think people will at least want to know why they don’t see your pretty face on the streets of Des Moines. So please, inform our audience (or just humor me because we don’t exactly have an audience) what you’ve been up to since college. You know, a little background. You do that and maybe, just maybe, I will tell you my thoughts. Your move.

KEK:

Well Adam.. I first went overseas to Treviso, Italy, to tryout for some teams in Europe. I had a few offers, the best being in Serbia, but decided that my knees would not be able to handle the daily grind. As you know we didn’t practice a ton our senior year because of injuries (Adam’s note – For those unfamiliar with Klayton’s injury history, the kid’s had more knee surgeries than most people have doctor’s appointments. He spent his entire career, well last three years anyway, dealing with swelling and chicken legs. In his defense he couldn’t really lift, but still.)

So I decided to hang up the sneakers and join the rec- ball leagues. Kyle asked me to move out to Utah and help him with his foundation work, and also a clothing line he was starting up. About halfway through last year, we started Seer Group, a non-profit construction group providing labor and materials to families in desperate need of home repairs. We have done roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, doorways, window wells, pretty much anything necessary. Now, we are finding our passion is in handicap ramps and making homes handicap friendly.

All while we were going through the paperwork on that, we also threw a Dodge Barrage with Deron Williams and his foundation, Point of Hope. We had 40 teams join in, one with Kyle, Deron, and Ronnie Price, and raised over $20,000 for the Christmas Box House, a group assisting in housing children who have been taken from their homes because of dangerous situations with their parents.

In December of this year, we started up Seer Clothing, a for profit clothing line. Even though the clothing line is for profit, we donate all the proceeds to the Kyle Korver Foundation. We have 8 guys shirts and 8 girls shirts, all with different meanings. My personal favorite is Strength, not being the bully on the block, but its being confident in who you are, and being able to stand for what you believe when times are tough. Inspiration for many of the T-shirts comes from Kyle’s experience with the ministries in Philly. Located on the North side with a lot of under-privelaged inner-city kids, Kyle had themes he wanted to get across to them. I’m really excited about what we are doing and the direction of Seer Clothing. Check it out.

So that’s about what I have been up to, catching a lot of NBA games too, and enjoying the mountains, which is a little change from the hills of Iowa, aka “God’s Country”.

Blogger:

Klayton, thanks for finally answering my question. From what I hear you are quite a roofer. But believe me, after talking to you the other day as you were staring at a leak I’m not so sure. Anyway, onto your first message…

I agree in a way with your opinion of the NBA, but college basketball is still more exciting. Playing professionally opened my eyes to the difficulties associated with playing so many games. Mentally and physically it is without question much more difficult than high school or college. That being said, the college game represents a dynamic all its own. Players play hard every game (good ones do anyway). They play hard because they want to be there. They play hard because of the love of it sport. Even during my professional endeavors my love for the game suffered.

Now it is true, watching the NBA is amazing. No one misses. Even the people that can’t shoot don’t miss open looks (unless your name is Bruce Bowen or you are a member of the Detroit Pistons this year. Oh wait, they don’t get open looks). Athletically, its unbelievable watching such large, physical specimens devour the open floor. I get that. And my background now allows me to understand just how great it is. However, there is nothing better than college basketball. If nothing else, the fans make it a better game. The NCAA tournament is the best sports action on television. Period.

Next up for Korv and I will be our attempts to podcast. We’re both working on it, but found out through the WebMaster that posting on wordpress is not the way to go. Hopefully we can figure this out (Three Drake degrees later its still a struggle. Maybe after the tournament is over we’ll get this moving.)

Mailbag!

Lyonel Trandor (19:18:31) :

How do you feel about Ali being said to comparatively be the next You? What does being the next Adam Emmenecker entail? Is it possible? How can one get a sandwich named after them

Lyonel, thanks for the comment. To be honest, I’m pretty flattered that people are discussing similarities between Ali and myself. I think we play drastically different styles, but the thing I’ve been most impressed with is his ability to make plays late in games. No matter the situation or how well/poorly he played through the first 38 minutes, he is going to help his team win in the last two. You have to respect that. People across the country now saw what anyone who watched UNI over the last two year’s already knew: Ali Farokhmanesh (yes I put a link to his name to make sure I spelled it right) is one of the best late game players in the country. Period.

As far as being the next Adam Emmenecker… I think thats the furthest thing from Ali’s mind. Playing in the Sweet Sixteen is something I never accomplished. Two NCAA tourney appearances, likewise. Shoot, even starting for two years gives him a leg up on me. The only thing making my situation special (yes this is referring to the sandwich) is having the support of the Drake community. Since our success was so well documented for a variety of different reasons (down year for basketball in the state, it’d been awhile since Drake played in the postseason, etc), it opened up a lot of doors. I’m not sure anyone will put a Farokhmanesh on a menu, but if it happens, just like the Emmenecker, I bet it will be a mouthful.

Catch me in the Galleria, Plaza, Chesterfield

Congrats to the Drake seniors – Bill Eaddy, Craig Stanley, Adam Templeton, and Josh Young for completing their Drake careers. Despite an up-and-down senior season, I’m proud of each of these guys for their hard work, determination, leadership, and career success. Each brought valuable qualities to the team and will be missed next year. I was especially happy about the gritty performance they showed against Southern Illinois Thursday night, ensuring that the team did not go quietly. Congrats on your careers fellas!

I was fortunate enough to view this victory first hand. For the first time, I attended the MVC tournament as a fan – well, kind of. After four years wearing P (Participant) credentials I flipped to the “dark side” (a term a lot of my “peers” used this weekend when asking about my experience) and wore an M (Media). To be honest, it was an amazing experience.

Traveling with KXNO’s Matt Perrault and Ken Miller, I sat in press row and assisted on Thursday and Friday during their sports talk program. Both guys made me feel very comfortable and led me around, both on and off air until I could figure things out for myself. I reunited myself with Dick Enberg and even got to meet a man with a cult-following, Bill Raftery (Note: Klayton Everett Korver was justifiably insanely jealous. Maybe he should have listened to me when I told him to go to St. Louis!)

The weather was great and the tournament was equally impressive. I’ve never been able to enjoy how well both St. Louis and the ScottTrade Center cater to Valley fans. The entire downtown area is adorned with Valley paraphernalia making for a very festive atmosphere. Different areas and hotels represent different teams, with common areas for all to enjoy. In the arena, the excitement and entertainment was geared toward all – getting fans excited with various questions, contests, and rallying cries. Someone even won four Cardinal tickets for spelling my name correctly. Sadly, they did not ask me this question. However, on the videoboard, the question clearly asked “How do you spell the last name of Drake University’s former MVC MVP and conference tournament MOP Adam Emmenecker?” (One kinda fun thing about the tournament is the questions were almost rudely obvious to ensure no wrong answers. Help was encouraged.) Maybe that wasn’t the exact question, but it was something to that effect. Needless to say, a female Drake fan answered the question correctly and has yet to ask me to attend the Cardinals game with her. I’m still hopeful.

Wichita State fans seemed the most abundant, but most schools were well represented. Sadly, the two schools with the least fans were Drake and Evansville. After such great support two years ago, it seems many Drake fans were not willing to make the trip. I was very happy with those who attended, however. Despite smaller numbers than Southern Illinois, Drake fans were loud and supportive, making their presence felt.

As they did through most of the regular season, UNI dominated the tournament. It was one of the more impressive basketball displays I’ve seen in person. Their defense as phenomenal and they had 10 guys make big plays over the course of the weekend. They seem to be getting stronger and stronger in preparation of the NCAA Tournament. Right now, I see them as a 6 or 7 seed, with the potential to make a splash against some powerhouses. I wish them the best of luck, as many Panther fans did for us two years ago. Make the conference proud!

Who want to buy some DVDs?

Lately, I’ve been busy finding things to do. My father came into town for a week – a much needed visit for the both of us where we got to see two Drake games and hop around town finding things to do. I’ve been heading to the gym regularly. I’m fortunate to have Drake’s strength and conditioning coach Mike Burch help whenever he can. And then of course spending time with Lindsay and my friends. However, instead of watching TV or movies, I’ve made a conscious effort to read.

What has that meant so far? Well I’’ve read a few books – all of which I recommend – which span widely different interests. Especially considering I haven’t been much of a reader in the past, this is a very welcome change to my lifestyle. Completed titles from my list include: Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons and The Lost Symbol, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Game of Shadows by Fainaru, Wada and Williams, and my current undertaking, THE 700-plus page synopsis of the NBA called The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons.

Each book represents a different challenge, but Simmons is unbelievable. He is such a perceptive writer with an uncanny ability to relate sports-moments and pop-culture without watering down his sports analogies. He is almost always dead-on and doesn’t seem to leave out a single fact since the beginning of his experience with the NBA. This type of sports writing has changed athletics journalism and introduced “color” writing (not black-white color but creativity, think color commentary) in a new form.

So far, I’ve been flying through the book, completing almost 400-pages in just over a week. I love the attention to detail. I’ve learned more about the history of the NBA with this book than ever before. The insight is insightful (and my redundancies redundant). The footnotes are hilarious. It’s really a hard book to put down. Simmons has some sort of innate ability to turn casual NBA fans (like myself) into rabid NBA fans (I think the transition is beginning). His comments make you want to watch the games just to see how players like Vince Carter mail-in performances (Simmons is not a big fan of Vince). Or how his season-tickets for the Clippers and distrust for Isiah Thomas’s General Managing abilities could turn into the perfect storm if LA can entice Thomas away from FIU. Simmons just makes the NBA more interesting.

With such a large following, Simmons needs to start getting more credit for fans interest in the NBA. Yes we have LeBron and Kobe, ESPN highlights, and a ton of games on TV. But, Bill Simmons does something that the NBA doesn’t have otherwise -– he makes millions of readers care about the teams he cares about. He has thousands of fans write to him about their hometown teams. Who else can do that? It makes people care on a personal level. It makes the game theirs.

Brent Heemskerk, the Webmaster, and I follow Simmons so much that he even influences our television choices. When Bill said MTV’’s Jersey Shore would be a fantastic show to watch, we knew we had to tune in to the premier. And what happened? We watched Jersey Shore episodes every week (sometimes every day), taking phrase like “the situation” and getting “fresh”, applying them to our everyday lives.

Bill Simmons has not only become the best and most sought after sportswriter for ESPN, he’s become a cultural icon who influences the everyday lives of thousands if not millions of people. By the way, read his book.

Big Z. Great MVPuppet, or the Greatest?