Daemen Not Fooling Around

I remember watching the news around March of last year and the short three minute segment that the station set for sports had arrived.

The anchor, whom I cannot not recall his name, started talking about the Buffalo Sabres and then switched to local high school sports.  He then spent the final 20 seconds or so mentioning that the Daemen men's basketball team had won their conference championship and would be heading to the NCAA Tournament.

There's only one problem... Daemen isn't even a part of the NCAA!

The station thought it would take the time to give Daemen a slight spot on the news yet they couldn't even get the part of college athletics they play in correct.  They would have been better off not mentioning them at all.

The fact is that Daemen athletics and men's and women's basketball in specific, have been disrespected for too long.

I'm not writing this article as fan nor as a former athlete at Daemen, rather as someone who has seen these teams play, coaches coach, and members of the local fan base and media overlook the Wildcats.

When people hear NAIA, they automatically tune out and discredit any accomplishment or records.  Not many know what the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is and what it's all about.  It is another section of college athletics that features over 60,000 student-athletes.  It sponsors 13 different sports with 23 national championships.  It consists of nearly 300 schools.  Lastly, it rewards those 60,000 student athletes with $450 million in athletic scholarships.

But I'm sure everyone knew that right?  Especially the people who say it's the same as NCAA Division III?  Please tell me when NCAA Division III had a scholarship athlete.

That is not to disprecpect any NCAA Division III student-athlete because there is quite a few very talented athletes in that division.  What I'm saying is that people need to understand what they're commenting on before they do so.

Daemen men's head basketball coach Don Silveri has won 366 games at Daemen since he started in 1989 and has over 500 wins in his 36 total years of coaching.  Women's coach Dave Skolen has won 410 games in 20 seasons.

Skolen has made the women an every-year contender not only in their conference but in the nation as well.  He has led ten consecutive 20-win seasons and looks to be on his way to another as his Lady Wildcats are currently 13-4.  Skolen has also captured four AMC (American Mideast Conference) championships and have made nine trips to the NAIA National Tournament.

Silveri has certainly made his impact on the Wildcat program as well.  In his four trips to the NAIA National Tournament, Silveri advanced to the "Elite 8" in 2004.  In his 36 year coaching career, Silveri has coached five Junior College All-Americans and eight NAIA All-Americans.

They may not be part of the all-mighty NCAA Division I, but both basketball teams at Daemen have shown that they have more than viable programs.

Currently, the athletics program is making the move to NCAA Division II.  It is a three year process which has resulted in Daemen joining the USCAA for that time in order to be eligible for postseason play.

In that time, the Wildcats have captured three national championships in golf, women's volleyball, and women's soccer.  The women's and men's basketball teams are hoping to increase that number by two.

Don Silveri (www.daemen.edu)

They are ranked first and fourth respectively in the latest USCAA national polls.  Both teams poses players who can match-up against those at any level.

Both teams have a make up of players who can shoot, score, pass, rebound, but most importantly, work hard.  They have plenty of players who are versatile and can play many different positions.

The point guard play of Mark Coppola and Ellie Allen are the centerpieces of each team.  They control the pace and know where everyone is on the floor.  Jordan Greene and Chelsea Andorka can do it all.  They can play guard or forward.  They score inside and outside and they can really get the defense on their heels.  Gerald Beverly, the 6'7" sophomore from Rochester, along with guard Casey Sheehan, have freakishly high levels of athleticism.  The unspoken part of each team is the contributions off the bench.  The men rely on players such as Alvin Satram  and Aaron Davis and the girls, poses weapons such as shooter Lia Zahn and rebounder Jill Fitzner.

Again, it's tough to write a piece with such a strong connection to the Daemen community but this is how it is.  It's not an article to say Daemen can beat the likes of Canisius and St. Bonaventure, but they should be mentioned in the same breath.  They should be given a chance to play these "big 4" schools but the odds are slim and the reality is harsh but true.

They don't want to get beat.

Four years ago, Daemen scrimmaged The University at Buffalo.  The Wildcats hung with the Bulls for most of the game and cut the lead to single digits with just under three minutes to go.  The Bulls ended up winning the game 82-67.  Needless to say none of the "big 4" teams have faced off against Daemen since.


It's time for the people of Western New York, the local media, the newspapers, and everyone else, to give Daemen athletics and the basketball programs it's long overdue respect.  It is a program that won't back down from anyone and won't certainly back down from a game, and from the looks of the last 20-plus years, they feed off the lack of support.

Fighting Irish Have an Unfamiliar Bond

Manti Te'o leads the Notre Dame defense

LeBron James and Notre Dame football.  One is a professional player, the other a collegiate football team.  One is the most recent world champion, the other hasn't been a champion of anything since 1988.

You're probably thinking they're not similar in any way, but beyond the surface, they have one major similarity that pits them closer than you would ever think

It's no secret that I am a huge LeBron James fan, and have been every since he came into the league over nine years ago.  Unfortunately, there is a price one must pay if they wish to root for the man who some label as "the most hated player in sports."

Notre Dame has fans too... and a lot of them.  The stereotype may not be what some of the long tenured fans want it to be. 

It seems like everyone is a Notre Dame fan and their "passion" is being displayed now more than ever.  It just so happens the Fighting Irish are one win away from playing for a National Championship.

I for one despise the typical Notre Dame fan.  Cocky, arrogant, and blind to the realization that their team has won nothing for over two decades and just because you are Notre Dame doesn't entitle you to anything.

It;s very tough to say anything different about the typical LeBron James fan.  They only like him because he's the best and now he has finally won. 

Have you made the connection yet?  The similarity between James and the Irish are their fans.

They are two of the most polarizing athletes/teams in all of sports and they cannot help but to be scrutinized constantly.  But what about the true fans?  What about the fans who have been there through the losses, the disappointments, and the headaches?

I'm not here to bash the fans of Notre Dame, but rather to relate to them.

As a LeBron fan, I'm always being labeled as a band-wagoner or someone who only roots for the best.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  In fact, I've consistently been a fan of his for ten years now.  I've seen him three times live.  Heck, I have to watch the fourth quarter of his playoff games by myself!  During the finals, I have to watch the entire game by myself with no one even around me because I'm so paranoid.

Weird, I know right?

The vast amount of LeBron James fans are uneducated and irrational when it comes to him.  They give his fans as majority, a bad reputation and a bad image.

LeBron James

The same goes for the Notre Dame fans.  The ones running their mouths and bragging about "their team" are the ones who didn't watch them in 2007 when they struggled to a 3-9 record.  They also didn't suffer through the 2003 season under Tyrone Willingham when they finished 5-7.  They're the same fans who can't tell you who Lou Holtz is.

Even with that, I'm not implying you have to know every stat of your team, or have to know the players at every position.  Being a fan consists of three major criteria.

A real fan sticks with their team through thick and thin and doesn't just choose when they will care.  A real fan is rational and humble enough to talk about their team or player with a sense of fairness.  Third and most importantly, a real fan can put their player or team in perspective and understand that at the end of the day it's just football, or it's just basketball, or it's just a game.

Bashing the opponent or bashing other players doesn't make you a fan.  It makes you look foolish. 

Too many times, fans of LeBron and Notre Dame are stereotyped incorrectly.  There are a fair share of these irrational joker and it's too bad that they ruin the perception of the rest of America if their team or player wins.

I can't tell you the exact number of points LeBron James scored in game 5 of the 2011 NBA Finals and most of the Notre Dame fans can't tell you how many passing yards Jimmy Clausen had in his senior season, but that isn't what defines a true fan.

It's not about how much trash you can talk.  It's not about how long you tailgate before games.  It's not about how loud you can scream in an opposing fans face after a meaningless regular season win.

These fans who ruin the reputation of many of us will not stop what they're doing.  I feel your pain Notre Dame nation.  Every time I tell someone I love LeBron, a typical response will be "oh so when Oklahoma City wins is your favorite player going to become Kevin Durant?"

No it's not.

That's what people have come to know a LeBron James fan or Notre Dame fan to be.

This weekend, a win over USC will mean we will have to listen to over six weeks of all these "fans" bragging and boasting while the true fans will be so filled with excitement, their reactions are unpredictable.

LeBron won his first championship after nine years of being in the NBA.  That night on June 21st, I could have taken to social media to brag.  I could have called all the people I know who don't like the Miami Heat star.  I could have done all of that.  I didn't.

When I realized he had finally won, I felt like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders and I wasn't even the one playing.  When I saw him celebrating on the floor as the clock hit zero, I remember my reaction precisely.

I clapped for a few seconds with a grin from cheek to cheek.  I stood up, sat back down, (unsure why I did that) and laid my head back on the couch.  I felt like I just won the NBA Championship, but there was no confetti in my living room.  There wasn't thousands of fans, rather it was just me.  I stood up pumped my fists in the air and whispered "yeah!" to myself because I wasn't sure what else to do.  The only thing I was sure about was the fact I was ecstatic.

I had to listen to people say irrational things about him like "he's the best player of all time" and "he's going to win ten in a row."  I knew I wasn't going to be one of those people.  I don't need to let people know how good he is.  I don't have to let people how happy I am.

If the Fighting Irish come out of The Coliseum tomorrow evening 12-0, they will be playing for a National Championship.  There will be plenty of "fans" that won't wait long to voice their opinions while I know the real fans will be chomping at the bit to watch their Irish on January 7th take on the deserving challenger in a game some have been waiting for for 24 years.

Changes Needed at the Top

When you eat an ice cream sundae, what's the first part that is devoured?  The top covered with hot fudge, sprinkles, and occasionally whip cream.

If the Buffalo Bills expect any improvement on their dismal output over the past decade, they must attack their franchise like the offensive line would do a sundae.

Start with the top.

You can say what you want about general manager Buddy Nix's ability to draft talented players but it’s clear that his system isn't producing wins.  Since taking over as general manager in 2009, the Bills are 13-26.

There is no sense of improvement.  There is no hope for change.  But more importantly, there is no accountability at any position within the organization.

Year after year, it's the same hype but the same sad results.  

Team CEO Russ Brandon, along with Nix has shown they cannot produce a winner.  They're time is up.

There needs to be change in power.  There needs to be a change in thinking.  More importantly, there needs to be a change in philosophy.  

Since 2001, the Bills have drafted nine offensive skill players in the first two rounds.  Eight of those nine players no longer play for the Bills.

Drafting poorly would be an understatement, but poor coaching and development would be correct.  There have been five head coaches since the beginning of the 2001 season and only once has the team had a winning record (9-7 in 2004).  They have the league's longest playoff drought of 12 seasons.

Even through all the history, the fans are still forced to hear how this is a "new year."  It will never be a "new year" under this management.

Buffalo seems to not only be the town of football disappointment, but it's also the gold mine for other NFL teams to snatch away our un-developed talent.

Marshawn Lynch was drafted with the 12th pick in 2007.  Just three years later, C.J. Spiller was picked ninth overall.  Spiller is now a talented running back but still a backup.  Lynch is going "beast mode" in Seattle as one of the best running backs in the league. 

Donte Whitner; a safety drafted eighth overall in 2006 was let go in 2010 due to differences in money and the Bills not wanting to pay him what he thought he was worth.  However the San Francisco 49ers thought he was worth the money, making him starting safety on the best defense in the NFL.  

The Denver Broncos are another team who possess a former Bills star.  Drafted in 2003, Willis McGahee was unfit to be in Buffalo so he too was let go.  He now starts and helps bolster a strong running game in Denver for a winning football team.

Through all of these players leaving, the Bills have kept the likes of Leodis McKelvin, Aaron Williams, Terrence McGee and Roscoe Parrish, all of which have produced as much as any one of the 73,079 fans in attendance each home game.

It’s not that the Bills are losing; rather it’s the way and consistency in which they do it.  The Bills haven’t been relevant since the late 90’s and it’s not necessarily a surprise.  No one is under pressure.  No one feels any heat.  No accountability within the organization will lead to what the organization is experiencing now.

There needs to be firm leader in place and I’m not talking about the guy throwing the ball on the football field, even though it would be nice to have a good one of those too.  Brandon and Nix’s time of mediocrity is over. 

Ralph Wilson must eat his sundae the way all of us at home want him to… start at the top.

Bills Head Back to Drawing Board

No one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.

That old saying hasn’t been used in the right context in over a decade.  It has been 12 years since the Buffalo Bills last made the playoffs and their 48-28 opening day loss to the New York Jets isn’t going to help end that drought.

"We're not going to go around like the sky is falling," said Bills head coach Chan Gailey. "I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to let them do that."

Falling behind by as many as 34 points, 41-7, the Bills failed to stop the Jets offense or get any pressure on quarterback Mark Sanchez as he threw for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns while the offense as a whole gained 384 yards including 10-14 on 3^rd down

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The game wasn’t the only thing the Bills lost Sunday as they watched running back Fred Jackson and wide receiver David Nelson leave with injuries.  Jackson was diagnosed with a strained LCL and will miss anywhere from 3-8 weeks and Nelson will miss the entire season with a torn ACL in his knee.

A sluggish start by Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick dug them into a hole they couldn’t get out of.  He knows he will have to bounce back next week from his three interception performance.  “For me, you move on and shake it off. It is the same with the great game,” said Fitzpatrick.  “You gain some momentum from that stuff, but next week there is a new challenge out there. There is a new team and that is part of the great thing in the NFL. You are able to put it behind you and go to the next one.”

For the Jets, this win was gratifying in part because of all the criticism they took during the offseason.  Sanchez was pleased with his team’s performance but knows to keep it in perspective.  "It's a great win, there's no doubt about it," Sanchez said. "But, we've got lots of work to do."

Rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill ended the game with 89 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns while Jeremy Kerley caught the other Jet touchdown. 

Also, for those unaware, Tim Tebow plays for the New York Jets now… Tebow was in on select plays as he rushed for just 11 yards and ran the wildcat a handful of times so most headlines may read Tebow Leads Jets to Big Victory.

Much was made after the game on Bills defensive end and offseason signee Mario Williams.  Williams complained after the game about Jets left tackle Austin Howard using his hands illegally to his face throughout the game.  "Pass blocking doesn't consist of illegal hands to the face just about every play,” said Williams.  “You’re getting off the ball and getting punched in the face, literally — not by accident — just about every other time, and that’s a penalty, last time I checked, unless they changed it with the new CBA or something. Last time I checked, that’s a penalty."

For a man who is making $100 million dollars to whine about a player who four weeks ago was on the practice squad is like a grown adult complaining about a 1^st grader taking their lollipop.  It just doesn’t happen.

Rodney Harrison caused a stir in Buffalo as well Sunday night on NBC Sunday Night Football when he said he felt bad for Mario Williams.  “They're not very good," Harrison said. "They don't have a franchise quarterback. The Patriots will always dominate that division. The Jets will always be second. My point here is, you go out and get a $100 million deal, wouldn't you have taken $80 million and gone somewhere where you could have been competitive every week? I think this is a huge mistake for Mario Williams. Mark my words, he will get lost in the shuffle. He will probably fall off the face of the earth."

Through all of the negativity, if the Bills end up making the playoffs this will all is irrelevant.  If not, what excuses will they make then?

2012 NFL Season Review

It seemed like just yesterday, the New York Football Giants won Super Bowl 46. The Giants look to repeat as champions, but they have lost a few options on their team. People have changed teams and coaches have moved around. It's all going to be previewed in the 2012 NFL Season Review.

AFC

In the AFC East, the Patriots look to continue their ways as being a Super Bowl contender. While the Buffalo Bills added free agent favorite Mario Williams, along with Mark Anderson, their offense seemed to have a few issues this preseason. The New York Jets seemed to be a part of a soap opera, instead of a football team, while at training camp when ESPN covered them. They have only scored one touchdown in the preseason, as this could be Mark Sanchez's final shot to be a Jet. The Miami Dolphins look to improve with new head coach Joe Philbin, and hopefully find a QB that can last for them.

Patriots 13-3
Bills 10-6
Jets 7-9
Dolphins 4-12

The AFC North, possibly the toughest division in the NFL, saw many surprises last year. The Ravens look to repeat as division champions, and to improve on making it to the AFC Championship again. The Steelers want to prove to everyone that they are not aging, and can still continue to impress fans as a contender. The Bengals were a surprise playoff team with rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green leading the way. They also want to improve on winning the divison. The Browns have drafted rookies QB Brandon Weeden and RB Trent Richardson, and hope that Weeden can that fit their system.

Ravens 12-4
Steelers 10-6
Bengals 8-8
Browns 4-12

In the AFC South, the Texans look to dominate still with their offensive power and show that their back ups can perform very well. The Titans look forward to QB Jake Locker to be a leader and will hopefully be a franchise QB in the future. The Jaguars look to have new coach, Mike Mularkey, rise them from the cellar, and lead them back to playoff contention. RB Maurice Jones Drew also hopes to have a repeat of last season. The Colts are looking towards the future with the first pick of the 2012 NFL Draft Andrew Luck, and also coach Chuck Pagano. They hope that Luck is another Peyton Manning.

Texans 11-5
Titans 9-7
Jaguars 5-11
Colts 3-13

Speaking of Peyton Manning, he found a new home. The Denver Broncos. The Broncos look to repeat as AFC West Champions also. The Chargers want to improve on a very bad year, and this could be Norv Turners last year in San Diego if they can not make the playoffs. The Oakland Raiders look to new coach, Dennis Allen, to lead them to victory. They also look to veteran QB ,Carson Palmer, to show that he can still play. The Chiefs fired their ex-coach,Todd Haley, near the end of their disastrous season. They have kept intern coach Romeo Cornell. The Chiefs could possibly be good, since all of their starters are back and healthy.

Broncos 10-6
Chiefs 9-7
Chargers 9-7
Raiders 8-8

NFC

The NFC East was a division to watch last year. The New York Giants, as I said, look to repeat their success as a Super Bowl Champion. The Philadelphia Eagles were a huge let down last year, after the big hype of their "Dream Team". With injuries that plagued them all year round last year, the Eagles look to be the favorite to win it this season. The Cowboys seem to be ether a team that is good, or just all hype. They were in the "all hype" area last year. Tony Romo might have his last shot as a Cowboy, and they need him to perform well this year. The Redskins look towards the future. Like the Colts and Browns, they drafted a QB in the draft in the first round. They drafted Robert Griffin III. And by the looks of it, it might be the future for the Redskins.

Eagles 11-5
Giants 10-6
Cowboys 9-7
Redskins 3-13

In the NFC North, the Packers were one of the best teams. Their record, 15-1, can be expected again next season. Also, we saw a team make history. The Lions finally made the playoffs, and we might be able to see them do it again. The Bears look to improve by getting Brandon Marshall. A target that could be great for his ex-teammate Jay Cutler to throw too. The Vikings will lean on Christan Ponder, as he could be the future QB for them. They also hope to have RB Adrian Peterson back to normal.

Packers 14-2
Lions 10-6
Bears 9-7
Vikings 3-13

The NFC South could be up for grabs. The Saints have a lot to get over. After what happened in the bounty scandal that lead to the suspension of head coach Sean Peyton. Defensive Coordinator, Greg Williams, was suspended indefinitely. This could derail the Saints power heavily. Mike Smith wants his Falcons to finally get a playoff win, if they can get to the playoffs again this year. Cam Newton was a huge star QB, as he put up huge numbers threw the air and on the ground.  He did it all as a rookie. Look for him to do the same again. The Bucs want to improve on a bad year. They have a new coach, and possibly a new star on the team, they look to have a bright future.

Saints 10-6
Falcons 9-7
Panthers 7-9
Bucs 6-10

The wild west of the NFC West saw some odd things. Jim Harbough might have brought back the glory days in San Francisco, as the 49ers were so close to that Super Bowl trip. While the Seahawks look to the future with QB Russell Wilson, they look to also have a future with on and off RB Marshawn Lynch. The Arizona Cardinals somehow made a .500 season last year despite QB issues. They look to improve on it. The Rams might have found a great coach for the future in Jeff Fischer, as he looks to guide QB Sam Bradford and veteran RB Steven Jackson to victory.

49ers 11-5
Seahawks 9-7
Cardinals 7-9
Rams 6-10

Time for Bills to Embrace Expectations

It has been 13 years since the Buffalo Bills last reached the playoffs and with the much improved roster and easier schedule, it is time for the Bills to end that drought.

With so many players coming back from injury and the additions of so many key players on both sides of the ball, the time to make excuses in Buffalo is over. Defensive end Mario Williams was the biggest offseason signing as the Bills gave him a $100 million dollar deal.  Williams will make a defense who was putrid against both the run and pass last season more potent.  His ability to get to the quarterback along with newly acquired Mark Anderson will force opposing teams to respect them more.

Williams and Anderson by default will make the secondary better by relieving them of some of the pressure they had last year.  Too many times, they were left out to dry due to the pass-rush, or lack there of. 

The Bills still added talent to their secondary when they drafted cornerback Stephon Gilmore from South Carolina with the 10th pick in last April's draft.  Cordy Glenn was also an addition to the defensive line in the second round out of Georgia.  In the third round, the team picked their only offensive skill player of the draft as T.J. Graham of North Carolina State was taken.  Graham will look to add depth to the thin line of receivers the Bills have.

Here is a breakdown of the Bills team as a whole:

Quarterback play: (B-) The play at the quarterback position just hasn't been consistent enough over the past two years to warrant any grade better than a B-.  Consistency from this position is what the Bills are going to need, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to have to deliver if they want to contend in the division.

Running backs: (A-) Fred Jackson is coming back healthy.  C.J. Spiller looks to make more of an impact than he ever has before.  If this tandem can produce the way it looks like they will not only rushing the ball but contributing in the passing game, it will pay large dividends.

Wide Receivers: (C-) After Stevie Johnson, the Bills are very weak in the receiving core.  David Nelson, T.J. Graham, and others will have to step up to give Fitzpatrick enough targets.

Tight Ends: (B) If Scott Chandler can play consistently like last year, the Bills will have themselves a solid option in the red zone.

Offensive Line: (C+) The reason this grade isn't higher is because as talented as the line is, they haven't been able to stay healthy.  Until they can for an entire season, C+ is a fitting grade.

Defensive Line: (A-) The preseason hasn't been the kindest to the defense as they have had flashes of greatness and flashes of mediocrity.  I do think they will find their stuff and be fine during the season.  Pass rush seems to be potent.

Linebackers: (B-) If they get to the quarterback more than last season, it's already an improvement.

Secondary: (A-) The secondary without adding anyone would have already improved when Mario Williams signed, but with the addition of Stephon Gilmore, they will be even better.

Special Teams: (B) Special teams have always been average for the Bills and I don't anticipate anything different this season.

Coaching: (B) Chan Gailey seems to have his ducks in a row this season but in his third season, he must show significant improvements or he automatically goes under fire.  There are no more excuses.

My prediction for the 2012-2013 Buffalo Bills: 9-7 (3-3)