Kyle Jordan Ferguson
Bio
Stories (21/0)
Goat Talk...
Kobe’s number 8 and 24 jerseys were retired earlier this year and straight from Magic’s mouth the words “Greatest Laker” were uttered. The greatest player in a franchise that saw Cap, Magic, Baylor, West, and many others, Bryant stands atop them. A legendary career ended a few years ago with a closeout game fit for a storybook 20 years in the making, in the form of a 60-ball from Bryant. Kobe gave us memories that will never be forgotten. From 81 points in a game to the lob to Shaq in game seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Trailblazers, he has given the fans something to remember. More than that he gave us a storyline to go with it. The great ones have something to cling to. Jordan had his maniacal competitive spirit, and Magic was the most likable man in sports with an infectious smile and personality.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Unbalanced
The Association's New Villain
Personableness can carry a lot of weight. Whether or not someone likes a player can determine the trajectory of the player's career. In sports, being likable impacts the athlete's legacy. That is what the great ones are playing for. How guys are remembered, whether fair or unfair, in a lot of cases is determined by things that occur off the field of play.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Unbalanced
One and Done
A new college football season has nearly come and gone without a familiar face. Bob Stoops shocked college football fans earlier this summer with his retirement. As a fan and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, I felt a few things: sadness, appreciation, but also uneasiness. It is hard to say a program that saw so much success in an almost 20-year period underachieved.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Unbalanced
What Next for American Soccer?
The game of futbol in America took a huge hit in October 2017. The United States Men’s National Team fell to Trinidad and Tobago 2-1, eliminating them from World Cup competition for the first time since 1986. This was more than a horrible loss for the United States; this was a catastrophic setback for the sport here in America. After reaching the round of 16 in the previous World Cup, falling to the eventual champion Germany, the game had finally gained some traction in the mainstream. It was expected that the United States would build upon that momentum, flaunting a new young savant in Christian Pulisic on their way to joining the rest of the world. Instead, they will not compete at all and instead will fall into two years of friendlies and meaningless soccer.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Cleats
- Top Story - November 2017
What Soccer Means to the World and Why Basketball Should Follow Its LeadTop Story - November 2017
The impact of globalization will continue to impact our world. American cultures and customs that once dominated in influence have seen a decline. Reports indicate that the United States has fallen to third behind France and the United Kingdom in regard to soft power. This decrease means that certain strongholds and cultural aspects are dispersed throughout the world. Culture as an element of soft power is important to global relevancy and the impact a nation can have tactfully on the world stage. Governments rely on social and cultural capital to resolve conflicts diplomatically. With that said, global interspersion is not particularly new. However, with an isolationist administration in the White House, the continued dispersion would likely decelerate until an inevitable change in leadership. There is a flip side. As influence stalls under a new regime, sports and culture serve as the subversive arm to that impediment. Sports remain an important force that unites nations. A steeper decline would mean that we become influenced by culture as opposed to remaining at the forefront.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Cleats
San Antonio Spurs: The Standard of Excellence
This hurts to write coming from a die-hard Laker fan. But, while the Spurs do not have the rings to contend with Boston and Los Angeles, they have etched their place as the third greatest franchise in NBA history. When Gregg Popovich is not busy becoming America’s favorite coach by lambasting the President of the United States, he is busy winning.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson6 years ago in Unbalanced
The Future Is Bright in Los Angeles
The Lakers are on their way back slowly but surely. After two seasons in the tank, perhaps both figuratively and literally, they have two young stars and a top five center to make a push for the playoffs in the Western Conference. A push meaning they won’t make it but they should make strides this season. What the Lakers lack in veteran leadership and talent they make up for in youth. With one of the youngest rosters in the NBA they have nowhere to go but up. Of the cards the Lakers hold, the best one this season is options. Brooke Lopez comes off the books and Paul George wants to be there. With that in their back pocket, it is important for this team to build an identity leading into next summer. The team will likely match whatever offer sheet is on the table for Julius Randle, further solidifying the roster. In a copycat league, Luke Walton may be able to bring what he learned up north to Los Angeles.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson7 years ago in Unbalanced
Same Thing, New Big 3
Okay, so we are here now. Super teams, while not new, are the new trend and everyone is looking to hook up with another Olympian and pursue a title. Teams are now attempting to jump the line in pursuit of Larry O'Brien. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the newest edition after winning this off-season and acquiring two top 30 players to join Russell Westbrook via trade. The Thunder locked up their MVP for another five years at 233 million dollars and acquired Carmelo Anthony to accompany Paul George rounding out the starting five. On paper, this is a team that should challenge the Warriors and contend for a Western Conference title. The last time the Thunder had a big 3 like this, they made it to the NBA Finals. An interesting fact, since Lebron left Cleveland for Miami in 2010, “super teams” are 3-4 in NBA Finals. What does that say about this phenomenon? Nothing is guaranteed. Injuries happen, players do not gel, etc. You still must play the games.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson7 years ago in Unbalanced