For this week's tidbits, we'll discuss everything from the latest in IU and PU recruiting to the Michael Vick finally signing with a team saga. Sit back, and enjoy your morning, and of course, these tidbits.
1. Tiger Falls in PGA, or did Yang Win?
Before we discuss the overall impact of Y.E. Yang's victory at the PGA Championship on Sunday over Tiger Woods, one thing should be said and understood: Tiger didn't lose Sunday's major, Yang won it.
Twist it how you like, and many will, but that's how the last major of the 2009 season happened. And even to the world's best, it should have happened sooner.
Heading into the PGA Championship this weekend, Tiger was a perfect 14 for 14 in majors won after owning or sharing a piece of the lead, heading into the final 18 holes. Now, the once eye-popping stat reads an impressive 14 of 15 major won.
The last major of the season turned out to be the best of the year, and Tiger didn't even win it. It was a major filled with excellent shot making, unlucky breaks, and suspense. I'm curious to see the overnight ratings on CBS, which will be released Monday morning. I bet it reaches a 7 or 8.
Most of the excellent shot making came from Yang, who on the final hole Sunday, probably hit one of the best approach shots on a final day of a major with the lead in history.
Who hits a 3-wood (excuse me, hybrid 3-wood) from 206 yards, over a tree and a few greenside bunkers, with the tournament on the line, to six feet? Tiger had to even be impressed.
Another impressive shot from Yang's came on 14 when he chipped in for eagle to go up for the first time in the tournament. At the time, this was the shot of the weekend, until the miraculous final approach on 18. These two shots kept the 37-year-old South Korean, and now first time major winner, somewhere not many have been before on Sunday against Tiger: on top of the leaderboard.
While Yang didn't falter like many before him against the world's number one, Woods couldn't seem to drop a putt. Without looking at the video or stat sheets, it's a fair to say Eldrick lipped-out (hit the side of the hole) on six or seven birdie and par putts on Sunday. If two of them fell, we would be talking about Tiger winning his 15th major title. As many golfers know, sometimes you're going to have days where nothing falls. It was just odd seeing miss after miss from one of the best players to ever play the game. For once, Tiger felt a regular golfer's pain on the greens.
In all, the win by Wang will be headline news in South Korea for days to come. CNN-Asia is likely showing around-the-clock coverage of the new champion's whereabouts. And they should.
As the announcers made clear all day Sunday, golf is a booming busniess over in Asia. In a few years, we will be seeing more and more players like Wang, playing on the PGA and winning regularly. One of those players could be Ryo Ishikawa from Japan. Remember that name (if you can pronounce it correctly) because many golf analysts across the pond are already dubbing him as the "Next Tiger."
While it's too early to tell if that prediction will come true, I don't think we'll ever see another Tiger Woods. Despite losing Sunday, I would put a lot of money and my 60* sand wedge on Eldrick surpassing Jack Nicklaus' all-time major of 18. Tiger needs four to pass the Golden Bear.
I'm guessing 2012 will be the year the record is broken. Funny thing is, by that time, Ryo may be the player looking to stop Tiger from achieving this feat. We'll see.
2. Michael Vick signs two year deal with the Eagles
The once dog fighting ringleader is back to leading an offense. It just won't be any time soon.
The former Atlanta Falcon quarterback has agreed in principle to a contract with the NFC runner-up from a year ago. The terms of the contract are two years, with the first year being 1.6 million and the second year adding up to 5.6 million. The second year entitles a team option, meaning the Eagles can release Vick if things go south and not pay a dime for year two. Basically, Vick has to show up, or it's back to the free agent market.
While Vick joining Philly is an interesting partnership, it's hard to see the former Virginia Tech standout taking naps behind center anytime soon. Pro Bowl quarterback and franchise player Donovan McNabb might have something to do with that, but also, it's unlikely Vick is in any type of football shape. When he is able to run a 4.4, 40-yard dash again, the Eagles must find a way to get him involved, even if that means drawing up certain schemes and running unique plays to have him run wild.
I'm curious to see if Philadelphia can design a few plays with McNabb, Vick, Brian Westbrook, Jeremy Maclin, LeShan McCoy and Deshaun Jackson all on the field at the same time. Defensive coordinators would be shaking in their Nike's.
3. IU Basketball recruiting updates
Mike Pegram from Peegs.com gave recent updates about a few visitors that will be making their way to Bloomington in the near future. One of those players is 6-11 center Marshall Plumlee out of Arden, North Carolina. We have discussed Plumlee in the past, but here is his profile from Rivals.com. The Hoosiers sit well with Plumlee at the moment, but don't discount recruiting efforts from Duke, Purdue or Notre Dame. While a long-shot, many Hoosier fans would love to see a Plumlee-Cody Zeller package committment.
Check out Plumlee in action.
The next visitor that will make his way to see Tom Crean and staff is Indianapolis Broad Ripple standout soon-to-be sophomore Ron Patterson. The visit was supposed to take place this past weekend, but it got moved back until this coming weekend. Instead, Patterson will head to Indiana and participate in its Elite camp this weekend, and take a visit around campus.
Internet reports a few months ago stated Patterson was on the verge of an Indiana committment, until more offers arrived at his doorstep soon after. Tennessee, Purdue, Illinois and Ohio State are now heavily in the mix, and it's assumed a few of these schools will get visits. Luckily for the Hoosiers, Patterson has been to Bloomington many times before for home games. We'll keep you updated on this story.
Check out Patterson in action.
(Video courtesy of Peegs.com)
4. Preseason Polls from the big Publications
The college football season is two weeks away, and many of the top sports publications have released their 2009 preseason polls. Here is a list of them.
USA Today
Sporting News
Sports Ilustrated
Rivals.com
Scout.com
5. Purdue Basketball Recruiting
In the last few recruiting cycles, Purdue head coach Matt Painter has cleaned up the best of the best from the state of Indiana. Now, he's taking his recruiting efforts across state lines to Illinois.
Nnana Egwu, listed as a 6-9, 205 pound center out of Chicago, officially picked up a Boilermaker offer earlier this month, adding to an already impressive offer sheet that includes Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Oregon State.
Egwu was offered a scholarship while on an unofficial visit to West Lafayette this summer. He had this to say to Brian Neubert of BlackandGold.com of the Purude coaching staff.
"I liked the way their campus was put together, how everything was close, and I like their coaching staff. They're nice and they've shown they know how to win. Coach Painter's done a good job building Purdue since he came there."
It's likely the 2011 prospect won't make a decision anytime soon. However, Boilermaker fans should remember Egwu's name, as he is blowing up on the recruiting scene nationwide.
Watch Egwu in action
6. Fort Wayne and Surrounding Area High School Football Season Preview
As mentioned in a previous tidbit section, most of my readers live and work in the Fort Wayne area. While high school basketball is still king in these parts, the Summit City loves its football. Who are the favorites to win the SAC, NHC, ACAC and NECC conference titles and make their way to the Dome?
Tom Davis of the Fort Wayne News Sentinel and Glenn Marini of WANE-TV break down the top five area teams coming into this fall.
Davis and Marini on 2009 season
Also, check out WANE-TV's season preview by conference.
SAC
ACAC
NHC
NECC
John's 2009 SAC Preseason Poll:
1. Bishop Dwenger
2. Snider
3. Harding
4. South Side
5. Bishop Luers
6. Concordia
7. North Side
8. Northrop
9. Wayne
10. Elmhurst
7. Ramblings
-The Washington Nationals have until midnight tonight to sign number overall pick Stephen Strasburg to a contact. If the two sides fail to reach a deal, the San Diego State phenom will have the option of heading back to college or playing for an Independent League this season. Reports suggests Strasburg and his camp want in the range of 15-20 million dollars a year, which is record money for a rookie. The current rookie contract record was dealt to former Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior for 10 million dollars a year back in 2002. Scott Boras, Stasburg's agent, think his client is a once in a lifetime pitcher, one that deserves top market value.
We'll know by tonight if a deal is reached. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the week!
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