By: Lucas Kochevar

       Anyone that knows me has an idea that I love to wear and collect jerseys. With all good collections, you have to start somewhere. With my basketball jerseys the purple and gold 24 that read "Bryant" on the back was my start into loving the sport of basketball. Kobe Bryant was my generations Michael Jordan. There is the common story everyone is sharing of them in their driveway practicing shots that Kobe made routinely. This same story can be made for myself. I remember in the early 2010's being in my driveway counting down "3...2...1..," and fading away with a jump shot. I know for a fact I never looked nearly as good as Kobe did shooting that same shot, but I wanted to resemble his greatness. That's what he was - Greatness. 

       He wasn't just a basketball player either, he was an icon. He was the embodiment of hard work and taking what you love and being engulfed in it. He did this with everything in his life from basketball to winning an academy award to being a dad. Seeing the countless videos of him in a gym and reading the stories about him can only make you appreciate his work ethic. As I grow older, I can only hope to have 1/2 of his drive and motivation. It seems crazy to think that someone that I have never met would have this type of impact on me. 
 
        I think one reason this is hitting hard is because Kobe wasn't the only one affected. Sadly, his daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, 13, was also with him. It hurts because you know that she had so much life ahead of her and the sky was the limit. She had an energy that made you believe she would have taken on the world head on. The others involved should not be forgotten either. John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and his daughter Alyssa. Christina Mauser. Sarah Chester and daughter Payton. Ara Zobayan. The thoughts and prayers are with these that are affected. 

        As I finish this, I don't want to just mourn the death of Kobe, but I want to celebrate his life. He was one of the most inspiring human beings and I can hope that he is at peace now.

By: Lucas Kochevar 

       Jimmy "GQ" Garoppolo and the 49ers have started out the season 8-0 and it hasn't been because of his stellar play. It has been a very strong balanced attack with a brilliant offensive attack and a defense full of talent, but Jimmy G has been playing very well and should be one of the next great QB's. He has been very precise in the last couple games, especially after his last win on Thursday Night Football. He threw for 317 yards and 4 TD. The most impressive part of this was that he didn't turn the ball over. That has been an issue for him in the past games as he has thrown at least one interception in 6 out of their 8 games. The knock I would have on him is the fact that he can tend to be sloppy with the ball. 
        He has been the perfect QB for Kyle Shannahan with his execution of play action. George Kittle has also made his life very easy by being one of the best TE in the league. One move that will be looked back on as a big move will be the trade for WR Emmanuel Sanders. He has already made an impact in this offense. He tends to be a good go to guy whenever Jimmy G needs to get it to him. Sanders torched All-Pro CB Patrick Peterson.

         Going back to Jimmy G, he has completed 70% of his passes this year and has made some really good throws in the medium section of the field. He has a really good release point and can fire it off quickly when he is under duress. He also throws a good deep ball and can execute those plays very well in his scheme. One thing he has that seems to be a cliche is that he has moxy. He has the "It" factor and a certain confidence where you can tell the team is behind him and is willing to do whatever with him. Jimmy G is still growing as a QB but he has displayed all the tools you want to see from a franchise QB.

By: Lucas Kochevar

     The most shocking move the NFL has seen in years happened on Saturday night. MVP candidate Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts has retired. The 29 (!) year-old QB decided to retire after multiple injuries has taken away his love for the game. This story catches many off guard as the Colts were widely regarded as an underdog to compete for a Super Bowl. It makes sense though as Luck has had to battle his way back from injury after injury.
   
      He stated that his injuries have taken a toll mentally on him. Luck is one of the smartest QBs in the league from Stanford and as this must have been a brutal decision, he understands that it is probably best for him to step away. He can always come back too if he decides to. 

      The Colts now turn to Jacoby Brissett to lead their offense. Brissett should get a chance to show what he can do as he goes into a contract year. He will take the reigns of an elite offensive line, young running back, and talented receiving core. It will be interesting to see if the Colts can make a push for a wildcard spot 

By: Lucas Kochevar

        Kevin Byard and the Titans agreed to a 5-year, $70.5 million deal that includes $31 million in guarantees. He becomes the highest paid safety in NFL history. This deal gets done as Byard enters his fourth year in the league. Tennessee keeps a key piece of their defense in the secondary with this move. He was selected to a pro bowl and a first team all-pro honor in 2017 after leading the league in interceptions. In 2018, he didn't have as good a season but still was impressive after recording 4 interceptions and 62 solo tackles. 

        Byard was in line for an extension and he truly deserves it. He has flown under the radar due to being on a quiet Titans team. He has been a ball hawk as he fly's around on that defense and provides leadership. He will be the one of core leaders on a Titans team that looks to make it back to the postseason under second year coach Mike Vrabel. Under Vrabel,  expect to see a defense that relies on toughness and speed from the safety position. Byard fits the mold perfectly and that is why he earns himself a stay in Nashville. Best of luck to Byard and the Titans. 

By: Lucas Kochevar

       The NBA stole headlines on Thursday night with the news that Houston had a new sheriff in town. The Rockets traded for star PG Russell Westbrook. The Rockets sent away Chris Paul, two future first round picks, and two pick swaps for the future. The news comes about a week after the Thunder traded Paul George to the Clippers. Once that move was made it was clear that the Thunder and Westbrook were heading towards a divorce. This trade adds to an already crazy off-season where we have seen multiple superstars changing teams.

        The analysis on this is that the Rockets offense will depend on if Russ and Harden can share the ball. Westbrook over the last three seasons has averaged a triple-double which is incredible, but that means he controls the ball an enormous amount of time. The problem with that is Harden controls the ball even more as he easily lead the NBA in isolation plays last year. It will be interesting to see what happens in their offense that depends on fast pace plays and shooting. 

        Westbrook has been plagued with the reputation as a ball hog and shot-chucker. He has often taken a number of jump shots at a high volume and low percentage. He has to realize that this is James Harden's team and he has to fit in there. He has to carve his role as a number two to Harden. Some might think this would be a hard concept, but I believe this transition will be easier than most as they are still good friends from their days together on the Thunder. It will be interesting to see how this duo will play together. 

         As for the Thunder, its simple. They are in rebuilding mode. They have officially left their glory days in the past and look forward to building their future. They have Chris Paul now, but do NOT get comfortable with him there. I would bet money that he does not start the season off with a Thunder uniform on. Different analysts have reported that Miami would most likely be the front runner for him. 

By: Lucas Kochevar

     That's right folks, I am back. I think so at least. On a real note, I am back to deliver analysis on certain players and their impact. I wish to highlight players as if I am a scout. The reason for this is because once I leave college or even intern, I want to be a professional scout for any sport. I believe that this site can help me acheive that goal. I hope to keep consistent post. I will be gone for the next week, however. Lets have a strong year!

By - Lucas Kochevar

1. New Orleans Saints 
   The Saints remain to be the team to beat even after and ugly win on the road at Carolina. They come even closer to clinching home field with the Rams losing to Philadelphia. If the Saints are in that dome come January, I expect them to have the easiest path to the Super Bowl. The Saints will have an interesting game coming up against Pittsburgh. 

2. Los Angeles Chargers
   The best team in LA is the Los Angeles Chargers led by Phillip Rivers. It is even more incredible that they are the least talked about team in LA. Even the Kings are getting more attention. Okay maybe not, but they are still flying under the radar as the postseason comes up. They even have a chance to steal that one seed if Kansas City slips up. The biggest concern for the Chargers should be getting Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon, and Austin Eckler healthy. Luckily they are all expected to play against a rising Baltimore team this Saturday. 

3. Kansas City Chiefs
   The Chiefs still hold the top spot in the AFC and the MVP favorite, but the Chiefs will remain questionable with a poor run game, a very average defense, and a shaky playoff history. I am a firm believer in the Chiefs and Pat Mahomes as I think he adds a new element to that team. He makes at least one incredible throw every week and I tend to look back at that game against the Ravens where it seemed they were destined to lose that similar to how the old Chiefs would, however, they overcame the adversity and made big plays when they needed it. The Chiefs face off against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks this Sunday night. 

4. Chicago Bears
    This Bears defense is full of playmakers and Trubisky is getting his shoulder back. The Bears may not pass the Rams, but they are surging right now and they are a fun team to watch. The Bears were not considered a threat at all in the NFC North, but Khalil Mack added an identity to this team and has lead them back to relevance. The funny part is that Mack has totaled around 12 sacks this season and the Raiders whole team has 11. He is showing that he was well worth those draft picks. On the offense, Tarik Cohen has been their explosive player and I believe that he is going to be crucial for that offense when they make it to the postseason. 

5. Los Angeles Rams 
   The Rams were one of the most productive teams on offense through many weeks, but their defense floundered. Now, Jared Goff is struggling and he can't lean on his defense. Goff has thrown several picks dating back to their win against the Lions. They are still an elite team with elite talent. Todd Gurley has to have more runs though. It seems as if he isn't getting the ball nearly as much as he did early on. They need to find a way to control elite defensive lineman like Fletcher Cox and Khalol

By: Lucas Kochevar

      The football season is in full swing as we have just finished up the 14th week in the NFL and College Bowl season is right around the corner. I am returning to the scene of sports writing as a hobby and something to focus my time as I need to speak on the crazy year that we have had. I want to cover both the NFL and college, even with the main photos being NFL players only. I plan to start back writing soon.

      In "Playoff Contenders" I am gonna cover the teams that are legit in their respective sport. Examples include one of my favorite players, Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs, and then Alabama facing off against Oklahoma, etc. In "Middle of the Pack", I cover the alright teams that need a couple more pieces like the Titans and Panthers. In "Up and Coming" I talk about the teams are on their way their way to being playoff teams, like Baker and the Browns. In "Need a Change" is the spot where the teams need to change something. You could say this is where the Falcons belong. In "Spotlight Players" I pick out a player or two that particularly shined. Last but not least, the Overtime: The Fifth Quarter Podcast where I go over the five biggest stories in football for each week. I can't wait to get back to producing quality content. 

By: Lucas Kochevar

      The NBA has come and go and we see ourselves on the doorstep of the NBA Finals. The same Finals that some consider as good for the sport while others hate it. The Cavs battled their way through the East on the shoulders of LeBron. They went to game seven two times in their run against the Celtics and Pacers. They took care of the Raptors, however, in four games. The run by James has been appalling as his inconsistent play from his teammates caused him to carry the load on offense and defense. This is the greatest performance I have ever seen from a single player. The Warriors are returning to the Finals after a tough series with Houston where Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson carried the load. The Finals Game one took place on Thursday with GS taking the win in OT after a crucial mistake by J.R. Smith costs them the game. Their next game occurs tomorrow. 

By: Lucas Kochevar

        The NBA is full of excitement and joy as we get TWO game sevens. The Cavaliers and Celtics have had a lackluster series as most of these games have been blowouts. The Cavs travel to Boston in this crucial game with the King, LeBron James. James has carried the Cavaliers here as he has dropped 40+ in several games. The Celtics have been characterized by their young core of Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The other game seven that is going down is on the West side of the NBA between the reigning champs, Warriors and Rockets. This game is a showdown between titans as they have both been very competitive.