Please Note: “Vic’s Picks” will be posted every Saturday that will include whatever Victor from the “Victor and Matt” show has on his mind. Whether it be a prediction, an event you must watch this weekend, linking his favorite story on the web or giving kudos to a great game or play. Here is this week’s installment of Vic’s Picks:
- Since Larry Scott became the Commissioner of the Pac-10 almost two years ago, Scott has made headlines. It began last summer with the talks of conference expansion and Scott coming so very close to landing Texas and forming the first mega-conference in NCAA history. They continued into the fall when the Pac-10 announced a bi-coastal football media day, one in New York and the other in the traditional Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Once again, they made news this week when Scott announced the new Pac-12 TV deal with ESPN and Fox for 12-years worth close to $3 billion. Scott and his staff continue to work tirelessly to promote the Conference and grow its exposure. With this new deal, beginning in 2012-13, more football and basketball games will be available for markets outside just the west coast. Olympic sports such as baseball and softball may have a handful of games televised. And probably the most important factor, each school in the conference will nearly triple or quadruple their earnings from the current television deal. Sounds like winners all around.
- Minnesota Twins LHP Francisco Liriano threw a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, marking the 248th official major league no-hitter, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. While Liriano can make claim that he threw a no-hitter, the fact he walked six batters takes a little something away. Obviously, not every pitcher can say they achieved a no-hitter, but what is the difference if a pitcher gives up four hits and walks two and still wins the game 1-0? Not trying to rain on Liriano’s parade, but a questionable call by the umpire adds to the fact that celebrating this no-hitter is not something I will take part in.
- With somewhat of a surprise, Gary Williams, Maryland’s basketball coach, announced that he would be retiring this week. For 33 years, college basketball fans have witnessed a coach with so much passion and intensity that Williams probably sweats as much as his players throughout the game. Being able to coach at your alma mater is something special, but winning the national championship, like Williams’ team did in 2002, has to be the icing on the cake. When you think of ACC basketball, Duke and North Carolina are the first teams thought of, however Williams made Maryland relevant and competed year in and year out against the Blue Devil and Tar Heel teams filled with McDonald’s All-Americans. Williams will be missed by college basketball and especially by Terp fans.
- If you have been following Vic’s Picks and the Victor and Matt podcast show on RadioExiles.com, one might have noticed the winners that are being predicted have been ending up in the losers circle, especially with NBA playoff games. Naturally, predicting a different sport may be wise, right? Following the adage of once you fall off the horse, just get right back on the saddle. So taking another crack at an NBA games sounds like a good idea. Down 0-2 and their backs against the wall, the Boston Celtics return home and try to climb out of this hole. Throughout the first two games, the Miami Heat have been more aggressive. The Celtics will need to come out and play more aggressive, taking the ball to the basket and getting to the free throw line instead of settling for jump shots like they did in Games 1 and 2. The crowd in Boston will be electrifying and maybe worth a game or two. Regardless of whether Shaq plays or not, the Celtics figure out how to hold serve and win a close one: Boston 88 Miami 85.
- Also, don’t forget to listen to our latest (5.4.11) podcast show with Utah head football coach, Kyle Whittingham.
Thanks for reading the Victor and Matt blog. Contact Victor by email at victor(at)radioexiles(dot)com. You can also follow the show (@victorandmatt) on Twitter.