Keep Josh Smith Day

With the NBA trade deadline inching closer and nerve-rackingly closer, I have decided to make February 19, 2013 Keep Josh Smith Day. The former McEachern and Oak Hill Academy star has become the most exciting Atlanta Hawk since the days of Dominique Wilkins. His gravity defying dunks and tremendous shot blocking prowess consistently transform Philips Arena into the Highlight Factory. But, it is highly speculated that the Hawks are exploring trade possibilites revolving around J Smoove. So, I'm campaigning for the Hawks to keep Josh Smith.

The AJC's Jeff Schultz recently wrote, "Smith hardly is the Hawks' biggest problem. They need a center. They need consistency at point guard. They need more players to build around. Moving past years of being a punchline isn't easy."

Although the Hawks have made great strides over the past 5 seasons, Schultz is right. There is still a lot of work to be done, as far as tuning up the roster. But, trading your best player ain't the answer. As a fan, I hope to see #5 continue to deliver an exciting brand of basketball to the hometown Hawks. Josh Smith is the heart and soul of the Highlight Factory. Without those elements, what remains?

To Hawks GM Danny Ferry, I offer a few simple words. Keep Josh Smith.

Check This

Chip Towers posted an interesting article on the AJC yesterday. In case you haven't read his post titled "Richt laughs at label of 'Hot Seat Bowl' vs Ole Miss, here's a link. Click on the title of this post.

I'll be back later with some original thoughts and picks for this week in the SEC.

Clean, old fashioned me

Bulldog fans, you've got to admit one thing...you love this site. And who can blame you? The kid (yours truly) is pretty dang good. Humility aside, nobody covers Georgia sports better than the talented writers over at the AJC. In today's Tim Tucker article, Dawg QB Aaron Murray is quoted as saying, "If I had a broken leg, I'm going to play in this game."

Now, that's not a shot at the institute of technology's Josh Nesbitt, who is currently sidelined with a broken arm. But if it was, this post would be a lot more fun to write. However, there's no mud slingin' here. Not yet, anyway. Keep reading...

At this point in their 5-6 season, you might ask, "What makes Senior Night at UGA meaningful?" Georgia Tech does. Not because Paul Johnson's jackets are some sort of powerhouse program. They ain't. Look no further than their 6-5 record, which includes 4 Atlanticly Crappy Conference losses and one to (gasp) Kansas.

Records and lame jokes temporarily put aside, tech seems to bring out the best in Mark Richt's Dawgs (8-1 vs gt). Oh, and there's some kind of an old fashioned hatred thing involved, as well.

Georgia is fighting a desperate battle towards bowl eligibility and looks to continue its dominance over the Screech-like kids from the flats. On the flip side, those pesky jackets would love to make sure that the only bowling the Bulldogs can do, is at the Brunswick lanes in Athens.

So, who's gonna win? Click on the title of this post. Okay, that video could be considered inconclusive. Georgia wins, because that's what they do best... BEAT GT!!

RB Busted

Georgia's leading rusher allegedly had some issues with the law this morning. I've read some opinions and heard the "news" on local sports radio. I even saw the "headline" on the ESPN ticker.

But, I still don't have all the facts regarding the situation. So, I'll refrain from making any more comments about a certain UGA tailback being arrested.

Ya'll can get more details (via Tim Tucker of the AJC) by clicking on the title of this post.

Go Dawgs!

Lorenzen Wright

Just wanted to spend a few moments, writing about one of my favorite Atlanta Hawks. He wasn't an All Star, an MVP, or a Hall of Fame player. But, Lorenzen Wright was a man whose smile transcended through the TV. There was something very charismatic and endearing about this man. Although I never met him, I wished to see him succeed. His energy, emotions, and hustle on the court were characteristics I admired most in an athlete.

Sekou Smith, formerly of the AJC, wrote an article on February 11, 2008 that showcased the prankster side of Lorenzen Wright. Click on the title of this post, to read Smith's column.

During his 13 year career in the NBA, the Tennessee native averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He scored over 6,000 points and blocked 572 shots. As a fan of Lorenzen Wright, I'm saddened to hear of his passing.