Bleacher Report - Articles by Evan Cohen

Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now: The Road To The Kentucky Coaching Job

Evan Cohen — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:04:13 -0400

Many analyst will try to predict who will take what job and who will be fired, but one school everyone is looking at is the University of Kentucky.

After the firing of Billy Gillispie, the names of two coaches were at the top of their list—Sean Miller and John Calipari. These two coaches coach the two elite programs.

The big question they will ask themselves is, "Should I stay or should I go?"

In each situation there are many reasons for each.

In John Calipari's situation he could stay at Memphis. He would be able to coach the program he created, but if he does leave he will be able to coach at one of the most storied programs in college basketball.

In Sean Miller's case he could stay at Xavier and coach a team he has taken to two elite eight appearances. He also has a bright future with many returning players. If he does leave he could go to Kentucky or Pittsburgh if that job opens up.

In my opinion John Calipari will go to Kentucky and lead them to many Final Fours and National Championships.

Also Sean Miller will stay at Xavier and lead to them over the hump into the Final Four.

Breaking Down Michigan's 22 Recruits on Signing Day

Evan Cohen — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:04:15 -0500

After a tough year in 2008, Rich Rod and his staff was back on the recruiting trail. They have landed a top ten class this year, featuring a star studded cast. Michigan picked up some late commitments from highly touted prospects Je'Ron Stokes and Denard Robinson. Could these playmakers be the difference between Bowling or not Bowling

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What Has Michigan Done For Me?

Evan Cohen — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:23:03 -0500

Many people ask you, "What has your team done for you?"

Even though Michigan has lost to Appalachian State and Toledo the past few seasons, I still believe in the Wolverines. The true fans show their true colors during the rough times.

The Cubs still sell out every game and they have not won a World Series in 100 years.

Michigan has not beaten Ohio State in five years, but Michigan fans still show up every game.

So, "What has Michigan done for ME?"

Michigan has won the Little Brown Jug three times in a row. The Wolverines have beaten Penn State four times in five years.

Michigan has won 23 straight Big Ten openers, and 33 winning seasons in a row is nothing to sneeze at.

Michigan also has won the most games in college football history. They also have had 214 games in a row with more then 100,000 in attendance.

The Victors (Michigan's Fight Song) is in the Hall of Fame. Michigan has not been shut out in more then 287 games.

That is what Michigan has done for me. That is why Michigan is the greatest football program in the nation.

Xavier Musketeers: Still a Mid-Major?

Evan Cohen — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:36:45 -0500

Since Thad Matta left and Sean Miler was hired, Xavier has been to the big dance three years in a row, making to the Elite Eight two times in five years. Xavier is one of just nine teams to accomplish that feat, along with North Carolina, UCLA, Kansas, Memphis, Louisville, Texas, Florida, Connecticut.

Those dont sound like Mid-Majors to me.

So, if Xavier's superb play has placed them in a group with basketball powerhouses, then why are they still considered a Mid-Major?

Simply, people do not respect them.

They say they are not playing a tough enough schedule. Memphis, Duke, Butler, and Virginia Tech sound like tough opponents to me, but Xavier does not get too much respect from the nation.

However, based on their play, they have been ranked as high as seven in the polls.

People do not consider Memphis or Gonzaga Mid-Majors anymore, so why doesn't Xavier who has had just as much, if not more, success then those two teams in the past five years, get the same attention?

After coming off a nine game winning streak, with eight of those nien wins by double digits, I believe Xavier is a team to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Marcus Hall Not Going to Be a Wolverine

Evan Cohen — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:10:09 -0500

I was reading about Michigan recruits online, and I came across Marcus Hall naming Miami-FL and Ohio State as his two schools he is choosing from.

This comes after his visits to both of the schools. He still has Tennessee left to visit.

Michigan has two commits for the offensive tackle position in Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. The Wolverines had an injury-prone offensive line last year, and more depth at that position would be a big boost.

The pickup of OG Quinton Washington would help boost the already excellent recruiting class.

Young Players, New Additions, and Strong Pitching Staff Are Keys for Reds

Evan Cohen — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:04:24 -0500

With Spring Training just around the corner, the Reds are ready to start a new season. After a long and productive off-season, will the Reds have enough to make a run at the NL Central title?

Walt Jocketty, the Reds' GM, signed center fielder Willy Tavarez and traded utility man Ryan Freel for catcher Ramon Hernandez.

Hernandez played catcher for the Baltimore Orioles last season. He is a career .262 hitter and has 137 home runs. He will be a major key in helping the Reds contend this year.

With the key addition of Tavarez, the Reds got a great leadoff hitter, a speedy base runner, and a great center fielder. He will play center field this year so Jay Bruce can move back to his old stomping grounds in left field.

The pitching staff will actually be a bright spot this year. It will be led by veterans Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo with support from Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and Micah Owings.

Francisco Cordero is coming off a great season. Also, with the addition of Arthur Rhodes and the re-signing of David Weathers and Mike Lincoln, the bullpen could be the dark horse of the Reds team.

Brandon Phillips, coming off his Gold Glove, leads a young but strong group of infielders into the new year. Joey Votto and Jeff Keppinger are both coming off excellent years and the emergence of Edwin Encarnacion as a strong third baseman will help.

I believe the Reds will go 86-76, win the Wild Card, and get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

A Diamond In The Ruff: The Michigan Recruiting Class

Evan Cohen — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:01:59 -0500

As all Michigan fans know, Tate Forcier, William Campbell, and Anthony LaLota are the big names in another Michigan top 10 recruiting class.

Rich Rodriguez doesn't have a recruiting class with that many big name players, but the players he has have plenty of upside.

With the likes of Craig Roh, Jeremy Gallon, Justin Turner, and Fitzgerald Toussaint. These players could be immediate impact players. Justin Turner will help a depleted group of defensive backs. Jeremy Gallon is a strong player. He can play as a slot receiver or as a running back along side underrated Fitzgerald Toussaint.

Even though after Kevin Newsome and Shavodrick Beavers' decommitments, Michigan still has a top 10 class and is in the running to get Sam Montgomery, the number two DE, Quinton Washington number six OG, QB Denard Robinson, and number eight WR Je'Ron Stokes.

If Rich Rod and the Michigan coaches can land three or four more highly rated recruits, Michigan quite possible could have a top five class.

Xavier the Brightest Gem in the A-10

Evan Cohen — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:38:32 -0500

With conference play in the A-10 just beginning the Xavier Musketeers have to hold tough versus unproven teams like Dayton Flyers and the Rhode Island Rams.

After having a great non conference run with wins against Missouri, Virginia Tech, Memphis, Virginia, and Auburn. Even though Xavier had two tough losses against Duke and Butler who are each respectively ranked.

Xavier has senior leadership from B.J. Raymond (above), and C.J. Anderson. The Musketeers also are lead by explosive junior Derrick Brown, and a young nucleus of players.

After a 14-2 start Xavier has big games coming up against Dayton, LSU, and Temple. Xavier has one of the best resumes for the big dance. I will be surprised if Xavier is not on top of the platform in Detroit.

Five Reasons Michigan Will Make a Bowl in 2009

Evan Cohen — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:44:14 -0500

This was a very disappointing year for the Wolverines, finishing 3-9, not making a bowl, and losing to Toledo. Michigan should never be losing to Toledo. All of Wolverine nation is in desperate need of a winning season, a bowl game, and beating Ohio State. Now the real question is How will they do it?

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Could This be the Year for Xavier to Go All the Way?

Evan Cohen — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:17:43 -0500

Xavier is ranked number 10 in the AP poll, and has a record of 22-4 (10-1 A-10).

The Musketeers are on an eight-game winning streak going into the last two weeks of the season, and are led by three seniors: Drew Lavender, Josh Duncan, and Stanley Burrell.

Xavier has one of the most well-rounded teams in America, with six guys averaging double-digits in points.

Their starting five is: Derrick Brown, a 6'7" forward; C.J. Anderson, a 6'6" forward that can shoot the three-ball; Jason Love, a 6'9" center; and guards Drew Lavender (5'7") and 6'3" Stanley Burrell.

Xavier also has two key players coming off the bench—B.J. Raymond and Josh Duncan—who both average double-digits. Xavier shoots 47.9 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the three-point line. They also shoot 75.9 percent from the free throw line which will help them in the tournament.

This is Xavier's year to go the distance. They have the leadership, the bench, and the players. They have it all, now they just need to perform.

Reds Future Lies with Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, and Homer Bailey

Evan Cohen — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:32:49 -0500

The Cincinnati Reds' future looks bright, having one of the best farm systems in the MLB. Their top four prospects are ranked in the top 50 of MLB.

Homer Bailey was drafted seventh overall in the '04 draft. Bruce was drafter 12th overall in the '05 draft. Votto was drafted 44th overall.

These three prospects are soon to be day-to-day starters in the Reds' lineup.

With Dusty Baker as manager, I can see him using his younger players a lot more then the likes of Scott Hatteberg, Ryan Freel and Matt Belisle.

In the next two to three years, the Reds will be revamped in every position, and they will have the old meet the new. Votto, Bailey and Bruce will make a big, big impact in the upcoming years.

They will lead the Reds to more then one playoff berth. Along side of these three young players, the Reds also have Jeff Keppinger, Brandon Philips, Norris Hopper, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and the great Ken Griffey, Jr.

If you do not know any of these players right now, I guarantee you that you will know their names by the end of the year.

The Reds will be a playoff contender by the end of the year so be sure to check them out.

Boston Bandwagon: Are the Celtics the Best Team Ever?

Evan Cohen — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:48:14 -0500

After 38 games, the Boston Celtics are 32-6. Any team with that record is going to have a bandwagon.

But don't be so quick to call them the best ever.

The losses they've accumulated are against the Detroit Pistons, the Wizards twice, the Bobcats, the Cavs and the Magic. With the exception of Charlotte, these are some of the elite teams in the East.

So, they might have the greatest players ever put together on one team, but mighty Boston has already shown it is beatable.

The Celtics' roster consists of young point guard Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen in the backcourt. Allen is inarguably one of the deadliest shooters the NBA has ever seen, and Rondo is a very gutsy and quickly improving player.

Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Kendrick Perkins make up the Boston frontcourt. Pierce has been a the horse for the Celtics for years. Garnett is now in his ideal situation: a championship caliber team where he can lead by example.

The Celtics have three perennial All-Stars, but none of them have even sniffed the promised land of an NBA title.

Also, Ray Allen and KG might be too old to keep playing at a high level for the rest of the season, not to mention a deep playoff run. They haven't really showed any signs of slowing down yet, but we're still not at the All-Star Break.

So are the Celtics the best ever?

The teams that can be included in the argument are the Chicago Bulls during the Jordan Era, the Los Angeles Lakers during the 80's led by Magic and Kareem, and the 80's Celtics teams with Bird and McHale.

Personally, the only team that can contend with the high powered offense of the Celtics is the Bulls. That team had Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman to carry them through the years, and role players like Kerr and Kukoc in later years to give them depth.

If the Celtics lack any one thing right now, it is a bench.

During the Bulls' era of dominance, they set the record for the most wins by a team in a season, going a shocking 72-10.

The Boston Celtics have been impressive enough already this season to warrant inclusion in this discussion. Don't jump to any conclusions just yet, though.

If the Bobcats can beat you on your own floor, there's always room to improve.

Terrelle Pryor: Michigan or Ohio State?

Evan Cohen — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:13:30 -0500

Terrelle Pryor is the top recruit in the nation.

He is sought by Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, and Florida.

Terrelle is 6'6'' and weighs 220 lbs. He has been compared to Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young.

Pryor has an official visit this weekend at Michigan. Rich Rodriguez will try his hardest to sway his opinion from the hated OSU.

Terrelle is scheduled to go to the Michigan basketball game tonight vs. Iowa. Terrelle is also a star basketball player, so Michigan might show him the best of both worlds at the Chrysler Arena, right across the street from "The Big House."

Terrelle would fit in well with Rich Rodriguez' style of offense. He would also be playing next to Sam McGuffie, and the relatively unknown, but still-great Junior Hemingway.

I really don't think Pryor would fit in well at OSU. The Buckeyes run a pound-the-ball offense, which wouldn't fulfill Terrelle's wishes at all. He wants to go to a school were he can start early, and play in a spread offense.

If he goes to Michigan he can play with his cousin Toney Clemons who is a sophmore wide receiver on the Wolverine football team.

Personally, I think Terrelle will be in Maize and Blue for the 2008 season.