Timothy's Rants: Do Men These Days Know How To Be A Man??????????

Timothy's Rants: Do Men These Days Know How To Be A Man??????????: This question or some version of it is being asked on the radio today in wake of Jovan Belcher, Kansas City Chief linebacker who murdered hi...

Do Men These Days Know How To Be A Man??????????

This question or some version of it is being asked on the radio today in wake of Jovan Belcher, Kansas City Chief linebacker who murdered his girlfriend and then committed suicide. I do believe there is a disconnect here, and the disconnect is single parent homes. Now I come from a single parent home and my mom did the best she could to make me a man. Even I think she would admit she could not raise a man, that she needed help. Apparently Belcher was upset his girlfriend was out late at a concert. One thing there are too many guns out there but that's for another conversation. Another thing is babies having babies and these young parents have no clue how to raise a man, or a woman. Some still want to be out partying and not home taking care of the kids in the house. Men are to blame also that abandon their kids. Alot of this is Willie Lynch syndrone that has been perpetuated by the white man for centuries. I believe that boys being raised by these single parents don't know how to discipline them nor do they have a clue what a man is. Now I know some of my relatives and friends that have raised boys as single parents are going to get upset at me. The thing is sometimes the truth hurts and this is a lot of the problem, especially in the black community. These young men have no clue about how to handle adversity nor do they know how to deal with a woman. A good way to deal with this issue is the church. I was raised in the church knowing Jesus Christ, and I think that helped my mother tremendously in raising my brother and I. If we don't step forward as men and try to fix the issue, more and more of these domestic violence incidents will happen. Also women need to help also and not hold on so tight to their boys, try big brother programs and other programs in the community. We need to stop these young men from acting cowardly to solve a problem in their life, my only thing is with Belcher, if she did something so terrible to you for you to shoot her why not just leave her and start all over? Take care of your child and be there but breaking up with her is better than what you did to her by killing her and then yourself. So in conclusion men and women need to partner together to fix this issue. Let's hope these kind of things don't happen anymore. Men and women we need to step up and teach these young men how to be a man. Women you need to get out of the way and let other men teach your young men how to be men. This is my rant fotr today. God Bless and Peace to the Creatures. See you next time.

Illinois High School Pre Season All-State Team

My All-State team has 10 players on it, yes most have 5 on 1st team, and 5 on 2nd team. I will have both put together for my All-State team:     JABARI PARKER 6'9"SENIOR SIMEON(CHICAGO)-To me he's the best high school player in the country period, makes the big play(stole ball from Sterling Brown of Proviso East in 4A State Title Game),leader, can play 5 positions and play all of them well,winner(3 consecutive 4A State Titles),defends,handles, shot out to 25 feet. Whatever school he goes to is getting a great one, I think he's going to be legendary in the game of basketball, he's already a legend in the State of Illinois. JAHLIL OKAFOR 6'10"JUNIOR WHITNEY YOUNG(CHICAGO)-Has a chance to be one of the best big men of all time to come out of Chicago, overshadowed a bit by Parker, he is probably the best player in the Class of 2014 nationally. Very advanced skills for a big man, back to the basket game, good free throw shooter, can get better as a defender. Will try and challenge Simeon this year for the big trophy. KENDRICK NUNN 6'2" SENIOR SIMEON(CHICAGO)-Illinois commit has been Pippen to Parker's Jordan for 3 years now, also looking for his 4th consecutive State Title. Good three point shooter, can slash, jump out of the gym and dunk on someone, great defender. Ball handling has improved, he can also run some point guard. Could help his team to a historic season. CLIFF ALEXANDER 6'9" JUNIOR CURIE(CHICAGO)-A monster on the interior, tries to dunk anything within miles of the rim. Always on the attack, blocks shots, rebounds, very athletic, has extended his shooting range to 15 feet. He's a Top 5 National Class of 2014 player. Has potential to surpass Okafor in the future, hopefully his teammates get him the ball this season. MALCOLM HILL 6'5"SENIOR EAST(BELLEVILLE)-Illinois commit a very good wing player, good athleticism, can shoot out to 3, handles have improved. Has to step it up defensively and gain strength but that will come. BILLY GARRETT JR 6'4"SENIOR MORGAN PARK(CHICAGO)-DePaul commit(his father is an assistant there) has learned over the past 3 years to play point guard but might be more of a combo. Passing has improved, leadership,intangibles are very high. Good three point shooter, not very athletic but good enough. Will lead a very talented team this year. KEITA BATES-DIOP 6'7" JUNIOR UNIVERSITY(NORMAL)-Has improved leaps and bounds over the last year, very athletic, can handle the ball, has range to 3 point line. Needs to rebound better on the high school level and gain strength. His upside is higher than anybody in Class of 2014. Top 30 player nationally in aforementioned class. Can he put his team over the top? Class 2A runner-up last year. KENDALL STEPHENS 6'5" SENIOR EAST(ST CHARLES)-Purdue commit is possibly the best shooter in state of Illinois. Can fill it up from 3 point range, do not leave him open. Also a very good midrange shooter, needs strength as he is very skinny. Also has to become a better defender, ball handling is above average. You need to keep a man on him at all times on the perimeter. DAVID COHN 6'2" SENIOR YORK(ELMHURST)-Colorado State commit can shoot it with range, also can jump out of the gym which surprises some people(maybe because he's white?),leader, can handle the ball pretty well and defense is above average. Will try to lead his high school team deep into the playoffs.   PAUL WHITE 6'9" JUNIOR WHITNEY YOUNG(CHICAGO)-Let's hope the light has come on for him. Very versatile can play multiple positions on the floor. Could be a big two guard at the next level, handles the ball very well, adequate three point shooter, Top 50 nationally in Class of 2014. Can dominate but has to develop that killer mentality.     I AM SURE THERE ARE SOME PLAYERS I MISSED FOR SOME FOLKS, BUT THIS STATE IS LOADED WITH TALENT. THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Can Simeon(Chicago) Go Undefeated This Season?

Simeon(Chicago) has won 3 straight state titles in Illinois. They have won 5 state titles in the last 7 years. It has been a dominant run for the school on the South Side of Chicago. They have not lost a game in the State of Illinois since losing to Benet(Lisle) in February of 2011. It was the second of 2 losses in row, losing to Whitney Young(Chicago) three days before that. This team 2012-2013 might be the best the school has ever had. This team has at least 15 Division 1 prospects, probably the most I have ever seen on one team. This team has a good chance of winning a mythical National Title. This team will play like they did two years ago, substituting like a hockey team does a line change. STARTERS: JABARI PARKER(6'8" SENIOR GUARD-FORWARD-CENTER)- Yes this kid can play all 5 positions on the high school level, and play all of them very well. He is the Number 1 player in the country by ESPN.COM. He will choose between Michigan State or Duke. He will be the ring leader for a run at a 4th Straight State Title. KENDRICK NUNN(6'2" SENIOR COMBO GUARD)-He just committed to Illinois, also will be going for a 4th Straight State Title. Can jump out of the gym, is quick, a knockdown 3 point shooter, and ferocious defender. Can play either point or two guard position. JAYLON TATE(6'2" SENIOR POINT GUARD)- Also just committed to Illinois, will team with Nunn for 4 years, they were teammates on Meanstreets AAU Team. Pure point guard very underrated, makes good decisions and makes other players better. KENDALL POLLARD(6'6" SENIOR SWINGMAN)- Dayton commit this kid has greatly improved his offensive game over the past year. Does the dirty work defensively for this team. Another Division 1 prospect who can play multiple positions.  RUSSELL WOODS(6'8" SENIOR FORWARD-CENTER)- Transfer from Leo(Chicago) who was a 3 year varsity performer for them. He is the low post player that this team needed, he blocks shots and rebounds well. Is raw offensively but yet another Division 1 prospect. BENCH: RICKEY NORRIS(6'3" SENIOR POINT GUARD)-Deep reserve player last year has turned himself into a bonafide Division 1 prospect, holds an offer from Chicago State. He showed this summer that he can run an offense, also a much improved outside shot, will be the floor leader off the bench. QURON DAVIS(6'8" SENIOR FORWARD)- Chicago State commit did not play much last year because of a broken ankle, played well this summer and in open gyms, is pretty good ball handler and shooter from 15 feet, yet another Division 1 player. DENNIS "DJ" WILLIAMS(6'7" SOPHOMORE SWINGMAN)-Played mostly freshman-sophomore team last season, came on big time this summer. Is the next big time Simeon star who can do a little bit of everything. Versatile and a Top 25 National prospect in Class of 2015. Already holds an offer from Illinois and a couple of other schools. DANTE INGRAM(6'5" JUNIOR SWINGMAN)-Transfer from Danville can play any position from point guard to small forward. Also can defend all 3 spots on the court. He is a very versatile and above average athlete. Will play a lot because of his versatility and holds offers from a number of Division 1 schools. JAYCEE HILLSMAN(6'5" JUNIOR SWINGMAN)-Transfer from St Thomas Moore(Champaign) similar skills to Ingram, might not be quite as good defensively, but still very versatile. He also holds a number of Dvision 1 offers from colleges. . EDWARD MORROW(6'7" SOPHOMORE FORWARD)-This kid is a monster on the glass, and can post up very well on the inside. Will help off the bench inside, also can block shots. He is also getting Division 1 looks, will have to improve ball handling and outside shooting to move to major D1 consideration. SEAN MOORE JR(6'2" SENIOR COMBO GUARD)- Transfer from Leo(Chicago) he will spell Nunn at the 2 but can play point, he is yet another who has Division 1 offers, 3 year varsity performer at Leo. These next two are Division 1 prospects but might be stuck on freshman/sophomore team because varsity is so loaded.   BEN COUPET JR(6'6" FRESHMAN GUARD-FORWARD)-Has shown in open gyms and at camps throughout the summer that he is one of the top 10 players in the nation in the Class of 2016. Very athletic, good passer, good dribbler, and has range out to 15 feet. Can jump out of the gym. Has shown he might fight for a spot on varsity with performances in the open gyms. Look out for this outrageous talent in the future. Received invite to train at USA Training Center with other top freshman and sophomores this past weekend. Division 1 prospect already. ZACHARY NORVELL JR(6'4" FRESHMAN SHOOTING GUARD)-This freshman has deep range on his jumper, the lefty also can slash to the basket and has shown himself to be a good passer. He is already getting Division 1 looks. Problem is no room for him on varsity so he will star for freshman/sophomore team.  IN CONCLUSION THIS IS A LOADED TEAM AND WATCH OUT FOR THEM NATIONALLY!!!!! A FEW OF THESE GUYS WILL BE HOUSEHOLD NAMES IN A FEW YEARS. My prediction the household names will be: PARKER,NUNN,WILLIAMS,COUPET JR, AND NORVELL JR!!!!!!!! 

Top 10 Illinois Top High School Basketball Teams 2012-2013

This should be an interesting season coming up, strong players in each class and a lot of loaded teams. It will be an entertaining season to watch:  1) Simeon(Chicago)- This team will once again be one of the best teams in the Nation. Simeon will be going after their 4th Straight Class 4A State Title this winter. Ring leader once again will be Jabari Parker(6'8" senior forward) widely considered the best high school player in the country and will be going after a 4th Straight Title. Also Illinois commit Kendrick Nunn(6'2" senior guard) will also be going for #4. This all-senior starting lineup will also include Jaylon Tate(6'2" point guard), Kendall Pollard(6'5" forward), and Leo transfer Russell Woods (6'8" forward-center) all big time Division I prospects. If that isn't enough for Division 1 players check out Simeon's bench Quan Davis(6'8" senior forward),Ricky Norris (6'3" senior point guard),DJ Williams(6'7" sophomore guard/forward) the next Simeon star, Leo transfer Sean Moore Jr( 6'2" senior guard),Brandon Hutton(6'4" sophomore guard/forward),Edward Morrow(6'7" sophomore forward/center), Danville transfer Dante Ingram( 6'4" junior guard/forward). Also another transfer St Thomas More Jaycee Hillsman(6'4" junior guard/forward) And as if they don't have enough talent add Ben Coupet( 6'6" freshman forward) and Zachary Norvell Jr(6'3" freshman guard). This team will be hard to beat. 2) Whitney Young(Chicago)-Another wildly talented team who will get votes nationally this Sectional Semi Finalist(eliminated by Simeon) is led by 4 Top 50 National ranked junior's Jahlil Okafor(6'10" center) who is a monster in the paint. Paul White(6'9" guard/forward),Miles Reynolds(6'3" point guard),and Gaffney,SC transfer LJ Peak(6'5" guard/forward) all Division 1 prospects. The other starter will probably be athletic sophomore Joseph Toye(6'5"guard/forward) another contributor will be Rodney Herenton Jr(6'1"freshman point guard) and Miles Baggett( 6'2" freshman guard) will help with depth. They have had some guys transfer out but still have a lot of talent to compete in Public League.  3) Proviso East(Maywood)- This team took Simeon to the wire in 4A Title game last season in one of the best championship games in memory. Took their only loss in 32-1 season last year. As always they have talent to burn with Sterling Brown(6'5" senior guard/forward) who is a jack of all trades talent, also Illinois State commit Paris Lee(5'10"senior point guard) also talented Brandon Jenkins( 6'4" senior guard/forward). A lot of talent from undefeated sophomore team Joshua Funderwhite(6'3"junior forward),Jevon Carter(6'1" junior guard),Malik Carter(5'9"junior guard),Shaqull Millins(6'3" junior guard).also Rashard Williams(6'6" 250 pound senior center). Add two transfers Paris McCullum(6'5" senior forward) from St Patrick, and Kalen Fisher(6'2" sophomore guard)  from Downers Grove South. Look for them back at the State Finals. 4) Morgan Park(Chicago)- This talented team will certainly be the favorite in Class 3A by far. They are led by DePaul commit Billy Garrett Jr(6'4" senior point guard) a Top 50 National player, Dayton commit Kyle Davis(6'1" senior guard),Markee Williams(5'10" point guard) transferred back from Crane,Josh Cunningham(6'7" junior forward), and Xzavier Taylor(6'9" senior center) all Division 1 recruits. Also Kain Harris(6'3" sophomore guard), is talented off the bench,along with Torry Johnson (6'3" junior guard). They could have a contribution from Alonzo Chatman(6'6" freshman forward). Will be a threat to Simeon in the Red South). 5)St Rita(Chicago)- Best team in Chicago Catholic League will be led by a Top 25 National sophomore Charles Matthews(6'5" sophomore point guard) along with his brother Dominique Matthews(6'3" junior guard) the best brother backcourt this side of the Harrison's(Andrew and Aaron). also Victor Law(6'5" junior forward) along with Myles Carter(6'8" sophomore forward/center).Eddie Randle(6'6" junior forward) could help off the bench. This team could be a year away but the talent is there. 6) St Joseph(Westchester)-Another talented team that will compete with Morgan Park in 3A. AJ Patty(6'8" senior forward) is getting looks from Division 1 colleges, also Paul Turner(6'4" junior forward) Karriem Simmons(6'2" junior guard), look for Glynn Watson(5'10"sophomore point guard) and Jordan Ash(6'0" sophomore combo guard) along with Notre Dame transfer Johnathan Johnson(6'7" junior center) this team has a chance to come together for a special season. 7) Hyde Park(Chicago)- This team has been an enigma,with coaching changes, transfers,etc. They still have some talent with Moshawn Thomas(6'8" senior center), and Phillip Lee(6'2" senior combo guard) will lead an unknown group of talented players who will soon be known. Another Red South power. 8) Curie(Chicago)- Another talented Public League power led by Top 5 National Junior Cliff Alexander(6'9" junior forward/center) who is a monster in the paint. Now if Curie's guards learn to get him a touch every time down the court would be nice. They have two nice additions in the Stamps brothers Joshua(6'2"junior shooting guard) and Joseph(6'3"sophomore swingman) that will help them win the Red Central once again. 9)Marist(Chicago)- The favorite in the East Suburban Catholic upset Bogan(Chicago) and Curie(Chicago) in the 4A playoffs last year has some talent back for another run. Start with Utah commit LJ McIntosh( 6'2" senior guard), Lexus Williams(6'2" senior guard),Nic Weishar(6'5" junior forward), this team shoots a lot of three point shots. Can they survive throughout the season with this dependence on 3 point shooting? 10) Niles North(Skokie)-  Best team in the North Suburbs made it to Sectional Final level for 2nd straight season last year. This year they are expected to have Lorenzo Dillard(6'2" senior point guard) for the whole season. His sidekick Malachi Nix(5'8" senior point guard) should make for one of the best backcourts in the state. The other 2 returning starters are BJ Beckford(6'2" senior swingman) one of the best 3 point shooters in the state along with Billy Vojtik(6'4" senior center). This is a small and quick team who will have to survive on their pressure denfense.  Others to watch: Seton Academy(South Holland),St Viator(Arlington Heights),Notre Dame(Niles),Mundelein,Bogan(Chicago), North Chicago, and Waukegan.                                                                                               

RIP To Dan Roundfield My Good Friend

This is one of the hardest rants I have ever had to write. This is a tribute to my friend who passed away yesterday in Aruba, Dan Roundfield. He played high school basketball for Chadsey High School in Detroit,Mi, went on to play at Central Michigan University. He is considered by most to be the best player ever to come out of Central Michigan University. Some might say Dan Majerle but I beg to differ, of course I am biased. He went on to play 13 years in the NBA most of his time was spent with the Atlanta Hawks. He's one of the most underrated power forwards in NBA history. He averaged close to a double double for his career 15 points 9.5 rebounds. I would say most would take those numbers for a career. As great an NBA player he was, he was a better human being. I met him through my wife who went to college with him and his wife Bernie at Central Michigan. We hit it off right away, not just because of our common interest in basketball, but we were alike in a lot of ways. We both did not have a lot of tact, Danny told it like it was, no BS, no sugar coating it. We would have dinner whenever he was in town, for a Golf outing, or business. We usually had breakfast with Danny and Bernie whenever we were in Atlanta over Thanksgiving, usually the Friday after. Danny loved his family, especially his grand children. We met them when he and Bernie took a trip to Chicago a couple of years ago. I am not surprised he gave his life trying to save his wife from harm's way. He was that kind of man and one of the greatest men i have had a pleasure to meet and call a friend. He loved the Lord and I am convinced he is in heaven. I am going to miss the brunches we had the Friday after Thanksgiving. Maybe we will try to have them with Bernie but it might be too much for her. She needs the support of friends and family at this time. I still can't believe Danny is gone,my wife is just as much in shock as I am. Love you Rounds RIP see you on the other side in heaven. This is my rant for today, God Bless everyone. One other piece of advice: enjoy life while you are here because you never know when it is the end for you. Peace to the Creatures.  

Joe Paterno And Hi Complcity in Jerry Sandusky Case!!!!!!!!!!!!

ESPN just had a program with the family spokesman for the Paterno Family. He was trying to cover for Paterno by calling him essentially a coward. ESPN was asking folks on twitter what you think of Joe Paterno's legacy? As for me I think it is tarnished and rightfully so. Emails have come out this week showing the possibility of a coverup between the AD Schultz,President Spanier, and Joe Paterno. To me I think this goes deeper than what has already come out. The District Attorney of this case mysteriously disappeared in 2005, he was just declared legally dead earlier this year. No body was ever found, I suspect it was buried in the hills in Central Pennsylvania. This has not been discussed as to who might have killed him, how much did he know about the abuse claims, and who stood to lose a lot of money if Second Mile shut down. I believe it comes back to Joe Paterno and the Board of Directors. They stood to lose millions of dollars if the Sandusky child molestation claims ever came out. It to me is very suspicious and also suspicious that the media has conveniently covered up this part of the story. My opinion of this is that Second Mile was a cover for a child sex ring run by Sandusky and Joe Paterno  knew what was going on. Of course Jerry Sandusky was found guilty(surprisingly to me) of 45 of 48 counts of child molestation. I am surprised he wasn't acquitted because the trial was in Central Pennsylvania and those yahoos don't want to do anything to tarnish the reputation of Joe Paterno. I also believe there are more victims of Sandusky over 40 years of abuse, not all of them came forward I believe. Also I think there is more to come and I hope it all comes out. Penn State football program to me was a fraud and so was Paterno. I also believe they should shut the program down entirely for a year. It won't ever happen because of too much money to be lost. Once again it comes back to money, I wonder how much money people are going to lose if Second Mile is shut down? Also they should tear that statue of Joe Paterno down on the Penn State campus brick by brick. This is my rant for today. God Bless and Peace To The Creatures. See you next time.