Monday Grab Bag: ... still shaking off the post-4th hangover

Three weeks ago, I made a point of selecting the Colorado Rockies as a surrogate baseball team to follow while My White Sox surge towards true 'dumpster-fire' status.  Of course, since that announcement, the Rox have gone 5-14, slipping below .500, and into third place.  I offer a heartfelt apology to both the Colorado Rockies and their fanbase for bringing the stink of losing with me.

How about I make amends?  I'll reverse course, become a temporary 'fan' of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and drag them, kicking and screaming, into the cellar.  How does that sound?

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It's a Christmas Carol version of the bag, in which I talk Buffs past, present, and future. 

Click below for the bag...


Recruiting tidal wave - 

Since my post last Monday, CU head coach Mike MacIntyre has landed an additional three recruits, bringing the 2014 total to eight before a single down of real football has been played.  This is getting ridiculous. 

6-3 LB prospect Zach Brown was the first to commit, making his intentions known early on July 1st.  A three-star talent from San Diego, he is reportedly interested in majoring in aerospace engineering, which... my God, man!  Aerospace and football?  When will you sleep?

Dylan Keeney, a 6-6 product out of Granite Bay, CA, quickly followed on Brown's heels, becoming the second CU commitment on the day.  He's currently listed as a three-star TE by most services, but can play on both sides of the ball.

Evan White, cousin of former CU star JJ Billingsley, committed yesterday.  A three-star safety from Aurora,  White had been receiving some recent interest from power programs like UCLA and Nebraska, and is listed as the 6th best prospect in the state.

I'm usually not one for recruiting news.  In a normal year, I'd rather gnaw my arm off than wait with bated breath as 17-year-olds make their college choices, but this rapid-fire recruiting haul has my juices flowing.  It's almost enough to get me excited for football season.  Almost.

Welcome aboard Zach, Dylan, and Evan!


Spencer in Russia -

The World University games are off and running in Kazan, Russia, and CU's own Spencer Dinwiddie is leading the charge against some of the world's best on the hardwood.

Dinwiddie got the start yesterday against the United Arab Emirates, wearing #8 like old school Kobe, and showing off all the familiar skills.  Leading off the game with a wide-open three pointer, and following it up with a fluid command of the offense, he easily looked to be the best on the court for most of the 1st quarter (when the result was still in doubt).  In total, he put up 11/8/4 in only 16 minutes of play to help lead Team USA to a resounding 140-46 victory.

Spencer looked great through limited action in game 1 of the WUG.  From: USA Bsketball.

This morning saw another Spencer start, albeit with less impressive results.  Despite receiving an increase in minutes, the Mayor only put up 5/2/3 on the Czech Republic.  Still, Team USA rolled to an easy 96-53 win.

Tomorrow is an off day for Spencer and the Americans, with the next game coming Wednesday against Sweden.  Should you want to check out the action yourself, tape-delay coverage can be found on ESPNU at 5pm MT.  The remainder of the tournament's schedule, including broadcast information, can be found here.


Cope gets paid -

After an absurdly long journey to make an NBA roster, former Colorado forward Chris Copeland is about to cash in on his strong rookie campaign.  On Friday, he signed an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers - who pulled out all the stops to sign the 29-year old rookie - for two years and $6.12 million in guaranteed cash.

The Knicks technically have an opportunity to match the offer, but won't be able to because of salary cap limitations.  Consider this a done deal.

Copeland, a Knick no more.

Chris had hoped to stay with the Knicks, who had given the Euro League journeyman his first legitimate shot at making an NBA roster.  He understandably felt loyalty to the Knicks organization, and was open about his willingness to take less money to stay in New York.  They never made an offer, however, choosing to stick with Pablo Prigioni instead, and forcing Chris to jump at the pile of cash offered by Indiana.

Cope should fit in well with the Pacers, where his solid outside shooting will be a welcome addition off the bench.  Unlike in New York, where head coach Mike Woodson was loathe to trust him implicitly, I would expect the Pacers to try and squeeze full value out of their multi-year investment.  Look for Cope to see plenty of consistent run this winter for the Eastern Conference contender.

Congrats to Cope, no one deserves this kind of payday more.


Happy Monday!