As a Clemson alumnus and fan, there have been no shortage of huge disappointments in their recent football history. A program that once dominated the ACC has not won a conference title in 20 years despite having rosters stocked with NFL talent. The Tommy Bowden era was rife with disappointment as his teams were renowned for being preseason darlings and flopping down the stretch. So, in just the last 10 years, what have been Clemson football's biggest disappointments?
10.) 2010 season
No one was predicting the Tigers to be a great team, but coming off of a berth in the ACC Championship game, the reigning Atlantic Division Champions were returning the majority of the offensive line and virtually its entire defense. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Parker was returning after being a 1st round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies, which many had called head coach Dabo Swinney's biggest recruiting victory to date. Everyone knew that replacing all-everything running back C.J. Spiller and 2009's leading receiver Jacoby Ford would be difficult, but the offensive implosion that resulted was unexpected. The team finished 6-7, the first losing record for the Tigers since 1998, and offensive coordinator Billy Napier was dismissed following the season after his unit finished 84th in points per game and 88th in yards per game. Increasing the frustration was the outstanding defense fielded by the Tigers (19th in total defense, 13th in points allowed, 10th in tackles for loss) and the excellent season by first-team All-American defensive end Da'Quan Bowers who led the nation in sacks with 15.5.
9.) Back-to-back losses to South Carolina (2009, 2010)
Face it....beating South Carolina has become commonplace for Clemson. The Tigers lead the series 65-39-2 and had not previously lost to the Gamecocks two years in a row since the 1970s. In 2009, the Tigers likely had the better team, per ESPN's Heather Dinich, but went into Columbia and got smacked. Then, in 2010, when the Gamecocks had already wrapped up their first SEC East title, they came in to Death Valley and easily snuffed out the woeful Tigers, 29-7. This helped lead to a tumultuous offseason for the Tigers and spawned all sorts of uproar among the Tiger faithful.
8.) 2004 season
Coming off of a 9-3 season in 2003 which was capped by a 63-17 demolition of rival South Carolina and a Peach Bowl victory over Tennessee, expectations were high for the 2004 Tigers. However, with an entirely new offensive line, things fell apart rather quickly. Record-setting quarterback Charlie Whitehurst stumbled to a woeful 7-17 TD:INT ratio after throwing for a then-school record 21 TDs in the previous season. The season started with an unsettling overtime victory over Wake Forest, followed by an especially painful, last second loss to Georgia Tech at home. Despite being ranked as high as 11th in the preseason, the team fell to 1-4 before rallying to win four in a row including a win at #10 Miami. The season ended with a 29-7 win over South Carolina, but neither team accepted their bowl bids following the sideline-clearing brawl that occurred during the game which made national headlines. The team finished a lackluster 6-5.
7.) Duke (2004)
There is no shame in losing to Duke in basketball at Cameron, but there is in losing to their football team at Wallace Wade. Nevertheless, Clemson dropped their 2004 contest with the Blue Devils 16-13 on a 53-yard field goal. Sandwiched between a road victory over 10th ranked Miami and a home victory marred by a brawl with South Carolina, this game was an unexpected blemish on the Tigers schedule.
6.) 2001 season
Following a 9-3 season and led by Heisman-contending quarterback Woody Dantzler, the 2001 Tigers again had high expectations. In Tommy Bowden's third season, much was expected out of his fast-paced offense and it's fleet-footed signal caller. Despite losing heralded offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez, who left to become the head coach at West Virginia, the team was ranked in the top 20 heading into the season. After two unimpressive wins to start the season over Central Florida and Wofford, the Tigers dropped a road game at Virginia. Despite Dantzler becoming the player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, the team sputtered to a 7-6 record and a Humanitarian Bowl win.
5) Roscoe Crosby
Crosby, a 6'3" 200 lbs. receiver, was the top-ranked player at his position in the nation by many recruiting services and a top-rated baseball player who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the second round. He set a Clemson freshman receiver record (since broken), hauling in 27 receptions for 465 yards in 2001. However, he missed the 2002 season after having Tommy John surgery and never wound up playing football again. He fell behind academically and suffered some personal tragedies as well and was soon out of school. He made a brief attempt at both the NFL and MLB but neither panned out.
4.) Willy Korn
One of the more celebrated recruits to ever come to Clemson, Willy Korn was a record-setting quarterback at nearby Byrnes High School. Rated as the #5 dual-threat quarterback in the country by Rivals.com and the #8 quarterback overall by Scout.com, many expected Korn to unseat untested junior Cullen Harper as a true freshman. Despite throwing for 125 touchdowns in his career, eighth-most in high school football history, Korn would only throw 3 at Clemson. Korn injured his shoulder initially against Furman in 2007, he would suffer a more significant injury to his shoulder against Georgia Tech in his first college start in 2008 which required surgery. He was then beaten out by Kyle Parker in the fall of 2009. He later transferred to Marshall and again to North Greenville (Division II), where he led the Crusaders to the unofficial national championship of the National Christian College Athletic Association.
3.) 2008 season
The Tigers came into 2008 with lofty expectations after a 9-4 season in 2007 and were ranked 9th in the preseason. Senior quarterback Cullen Harper was the preseason ACC Player of the Year and had a record setting junior year (282-433, 65.1%, 2,991 yards, 27-6). He would be throwing to experienced receivers and handing off to the powerful combo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller. In addition, the defense featured several future NFL-ers. However, the one concern was an inexperienced OL and LB corps. In the first game of the season, Alabama dominated the Tigers on national television, 34-10 in the Georgia Dome. After disposing of The Citadel, NC State and SC State, the Tigers fell to Maryland and Wake Forest in consecutive weeks. Tommy Bowden was fired shortly thereafter, leaving Dabo Swinney as the interim coach. The team rallied to finish 7-6, ending the regular season with a 31-14 over South Carolina and a loss in the Gator Bowl to Nebraska.
2.) Second half of the 2006 Season
The 2006 Clemson Tigers were explosive on offense, averaging 42.2 ppg in the first 8 games. The peak of the Tigers season came in a 31-7 victory over 13th ranked Georgia Tech with Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and College Gameday in Tigertown. The following week the Tigers took their 8-1 record and 11th overall national ranking into Blacksburg, VA and were embarrassed, dropping a one-sided contest 24-7. Despite a senior-laden and physical offensive line, the Tigers averaged only 17.4 ppg from the Virginia Tech game on. The season ended with a loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in the Music City Bowl against a Wildcat team that had one of the worst rush defenses in the country.
1.) Aaron Kelly's drop vs. Boston College; 2007
In one of the biggest games in Clemson Memorial Stadium's history, the ACC's all-time leading receiver Aaron Kelly dropped what would have been a sure touchdown and probable victory over Boston College. The winner of this game would go to the ACC title game, simple as that. Quarterback Cullen Harper threw a perfect pass to Kelly who had beaten the corner badly. Kelly, however, slipped and the ball bounced off his hands at the goalline. This game probably ended Tommy Bowden's career, although the Alabama game to start the 2008 season likely nailed the door shut. The entire stadium seemed to deflate as the ball ricocheted off of Kelly's fingertips, and the disappointment was palpable on an otherwise electrifying night in Death Valley.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
More NBA: Who would win in 3-on-3?
I think it's pretty fair to say that Miami's Big 3 are the best trio the NBA has seen since Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish manned the Celtics frontcourt in the 1980s. With all of the talk of 'LeBron is the next great (insert star)' it's looking more and more apparent that he and Dwayne Wade are 1A and 1B, depending on the night, with Chris Bosh a solid 3rd option. I know this trio does not have a ring together yet, but that appears imminent. Will this be a dynasty? Possibly. Will they win 6-7 rings? Doubtful, just because of how hard it is to achieve that, and the fact that these guys have ALOT of mileage on their tires despite their relative youth (mid-late 20s). How does this trio stack up to other great threesomes in NBA history? Let's see how a fictional match-up with great trios in history might pan out.
Cousy-Havlicek-Russell.
Bob Cousy, John Havlicek and Bill Russell combined to win eight NBA championships for the Boston Celtics in the 1960s and 70s. That being said, Cousy was 6'1" (which may be generous), Havlicek 6'5" and Russell 6'9". The 6'4", 6'8" and 6'10" (Wade, James, and Bosh) would just be too long and athletic for this trio to overcome. Advantage: Heat.
Bird-McHale-Parish
While the Heat have a size advantage over the original Celtics trio, they are significantly smaller than this group of Bostonians. Bird was 6'9", McHale 6'10" and Parish 7'0". For all of the LeBron being compared to Jordan, which really isn't accurate, he is more of a Bird-type player. More athletic obviously, but not nearly as good a shooter as the Hick from French Lick. Don't believe me? Compare career numbers (through their first 7 seasons):
Larry Bird: 23.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 5.9 APG,
LeBron James: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
Bird would give LeBron/Wade serious trouble with his size and shooting range, and very underrated passing skills. However, James or Wade would be much too quick for him to handle. McHale could never guard LeBron on the perimeter, but Parish would provide some around-the-basket interference as a 7-footer, which is not something Wade, Bosh or LeBron have faced often in this shorter, quicker NBA era. While Wade or LeBron could beat Bird or McHale off the dribble, Parish and McHale would give Bosh considerable trouble. Meanwhile, the Celtics trio would clean up on the boards. Advantage: Even
Magic - Worthy - Kareem
Instead of using last names, Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar need no introduction. These Lakers combined for three championships together as the "Showtime" Lakers. While LeBron is frequently compared to Magic, I still contend that the Bird comparison is more appropriate, at least statistically:
Magic (through 7 seasons): 18.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 12.3 APG
LeBron: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
Surprisingly, a backcourt player (Magic) without great hops (30" vertical), has more rebounds than a frontcourt player (James) and far more assists. Kareem vs. Bosh is a virtual no-brainer, as Kareem is easily going to win that match-up. Magic is the same height as LeBron (6'8"), but not as big (215 lbs. vs. 240+ lbs.) or athletic. However, he was a better passer and had very quick hands (twice lead the league in steals). James Worthy, at 6'9" 225 lbs., is an imposing match-up for either James or Wade. Neither trio features any real lights out shooters, but Kareem's patented sky hook was unstoppable/unblockable. Advantage: Magic-Worthy-Kareem
Chamberlain-West-Goodrich
Going back in the day once more, the trio of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Gail Goodrich won a league-record 69 games (which has since been surpassed) and won the NBA Championship. West averaged 25.8 ppg and 9.7 apg, while Goodrich led the team in scoring (25.9 ppg). An aging Chamberlain averaged 14.8 ppg but 19.2 rpg. This trio, while formidable, is small compared to what the Heat have now. Goodrich was only 6'1", West 6'2" and Chamberlain 7'1". Even in his later years, Chamberlain would have been able to control Bosh, but West and Goodrich would likely get swallowed by Wade and James. Advantage: Heat
Jordan-Pippen-Rodman/Grant
Since the Bulls won 3 titles, Jordan retired, and then 3 more with a different member of the trio, I have to include both Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman. Michael Jordan, who LeBron has been most commonly compared to, would have his way offensively with either Wade or James, and could defend either of them, although LeBron's strength could be a problem. However, James has yet to develop a solid post-game, so Jordan's superior quickness (lead the league in steals 3 times) could offset the size difference. In addition, Jordan and Pippen's mid-range shooting is superior to that of Wade or LeBron. Perhaps most intriguingly is Pippen's defense on LeBron, which would be much more difficult for LeBron than most realize. Pippen, himself at 6'8" 210 lbs., had incredibly long arms and significant hops (40+ inch vertical). Bosh would have his way with Grant, but Rodman would frustrate and outrebound Bosh as he did Karl Malone and Shawn Kemp in their NBA Finals match-ups. Advantage: Jordan-Pippen-Rodman/Grant.
One last comparison between Jordan and James (through 7 seasons, including Jordan's 2nd season in which he only played in 18 games due to a broken foot):
Jordan: 31.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.6 APG
James: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
As suspected, more points for Jordan, more rebounds and assists for LeBron. When Jordan's first 7 full seasons are included, the following averages result:
Jordan: 32.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.0 APG.
Through their first full 7 seasons, Jordan has a signficant lead in points per game, and James's advantage in rebounds and assists is lessened. Also, just for argument's sake, Jordan averaged 2.7 steals per game, compared to James's 1.7 spg. Again, this is more similar to Larry Bird (1.8 spg) than Jordan or Magic (2.28 spg).
Cousy-Havlicek-Russell.
Bob Cousy, John Havlicek and Bill Russell combined to win eight NBA championships for the Boston Celtics in the 1960s and 70s. That being said, Cousy was 6'1" (which may be generous), Havlicek 6'5" and Russell 6'9". The 6'4", 6'8" and 6'10" (Wade, James, and Bosh) would just be too long and athletic for this trio to overcome. Advantage: Heat.
Bird-McHale-Parish
While the Heat have a size advantage over the original Celtics trio, they are significantly smaller than this group of Bostonians. Bird was 6'9", McHale 6'10" and Parish 7'0". For all of the LeBron being compared to Jordan, which really isn't accurate, he is more of a Bird-type player. More athletic obviously, but not nearly as good a shooter as the Hick from French Lick. Don't believe me? Compare career numbers (through their first 7 seasons):
Larry Bird: 23.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 5.9 APG,
LeBron James: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
Bird would give LeBron/Wade serious trouble with his size and shooting range, and very underrated passing skills. However, James or Wade would be much too quick for him to handle. McHale could never guard LeBron on the perimeter, but Parish would provide some around-the-basket interference as a 7-footer, which is not something Wade, Bosh or LeBron have faced often in this shorter, quicker NBA era. While Wade or LeBron could beat Bird or McHale off the dribble, Parish and McHale would give Bosh considerable trouble. Meanwhile, the Celtics trio would clean up on the boards. Advantage: Even
Magic - Worthy - Kareem
Instead of using last names, Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar need no introduction. These Lakers combined for three championships together as the "Showtime" Lakers. While LeBron is frequently compared to Magic, I still contend that the Bird comparison is more appropriate, at least statistically:
Magic (through 7 seasons): 18.5 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 12.3 APG
LeBron: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
Surprisingly, a backcourt player (Magic) without great hops (30" vertical), has more rebounds than a frontcourt player (James) and far more assists. Kareem vs. Bosh is a virtual no-brainer, as Kareem is easily going to win that match-up. Magic is the same height as LeBron (6'8"), but not as big (215 lbs. vs. 240+ lbs.) or athletic. However, he was a better passer and had very quick hands (twice lead the league in steals). James Worthy, at 6'9" 225 lbs., is an imposing match-up for either James or Wade. Neither trio features any real lights out shooters, but Kareem's patented sky hook was unstoppable/unblockable. Advantage: Magic-Worthy-Kareem
Chamberlain-West-Goodrich
Going back in the day once more, the trio of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Gail Goodrich won a league-record 69 games (which has since been surpassed) and won the NBA Championship. West averaged 25.8 ppg and 9.7 apg, while Goodrich led the team in scoring (25.9 ppg). An aging Chamberlain averaged 14.8 ppg but 19.2 rpg. This trio, while formidable, is small compared to what the Heat have now. Goodrich was only 6'1", West 6'2" and Chamberlain 7'1". Even in his later years, Chamberlain would have been able to control Bosh, but West and Goodrich would likely get swallowed by Wade and James. Advantage: Heat
Jordan-Pippen-Rodman/Grant
Since the Bulls won 3 titles, Jordan retired, and then 3 more with a different member of the trio, I have to include both Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman. Michael Jordan, who LeBron has been most commonly compared to, would have his way offensively with either Wade or James, and could defend either of them, although LeBron's strength could be a problem. However, James has yet to develop a solid post-game, so Jordan's superior quickness (lead the league in steals 3 times) could offset the size difference. In addition, Jordan and Pippen's mid-range shooting is superior to that of Wade or LeBron. Perhaps most intriguingly is Pippen's defense on LeBron, which would be much more difficult for LeBron than most realize. Pippen, himself at 6'8" 210 lbs., had incredibly long arms and significant hops (40+ inch vertical). Bosh would have his way with Grant, but Rodman would frustrate and outrebound Bosh as he did Karl Malone and Shawn Kemp in their NBA Finals match-ups. Advantage: Jordan-Pippen-Rodman/Grant.
One last comparison between Jordan and James (through 7 seasons, including Jordan's 2nd season in which he only played in 18 games due to a broken foot):
Jordan: 31.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.6 APG
James: 27.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 7.0 APG
As suspected, more points for Jordan, more rebounds and assists for LeBron. When Jordan's first 7 full seasons are included, the following averages result:
Jordan: 32.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.0 APG.
Through their first full 7 seasons, Jordan has a signficant lead in points per game, and James's advantage in rebounds and assists is lessened. Also, just for argument's sake, Jordan averaged 2.7 steals per game, compared to James's 1.7 spg. Again, this is more similar to Larry Bird (1.8 spg) than Jordan or Magic (2.28 spg).
Monday, May 30, 2011
All-Time NBA Team
I heard Dari Nowkhah and Jalen Rose pick their all-time NBA starting fives today on Mike and Mike and it made me think about my own. One of the caveats of the decision was to pick a team that would play well together, and not just one that had the best players per se. Since I'm not debating anyone on this, I'm going to put together a complete 12 player roster for what would be my all-time NBA team.
Starting Lineup:
C - Hakeem Olajuwon; 7'0" 255 lbs. - Career averages: 21.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 3.1 bpg, 1.7 spg. .512 FG%, .712 FT%
F - Tim Duncan; 6'11" 248 lbs. - 20.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 3.1 apg, .508 FG%, .688 FT%
F - Larry Bird; 6'9" 220 lbs. - 24.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.7 spg, .496 FG%, .376 3P%, .886 FT%
G - Michael Jordan; 6'6" 195 lbs. - 30.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2.3 spg, .497 FG%, .327 3P%, .835 FT%
G - Magic Johnson; 6'8" 215 lbs. - 19.5 ppg, 11.2 apg, 7.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, .520 FG%, .303 3P%, .848 FT%
Bench:
C - Shaquille O'Neal 7'1" 325 lbs.: 23.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.7 bpg, .582 FG%
F - Charles Barkley 6'6" 252 lbs.: 22.1 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.5 spg, .541 FG%, .735 FT%
F/G - LeBron James 6'8" 240 lbs.: 27.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 7.0 apg, 1.7 spg, .479 FG%, .329 3P%, .744 FT%
G - Reggie Miller 6'7" 185 lbs.: 18.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.1 spg, .471 FG%, .395 3P%, .888 FT%
G - John Stockton 6'1" 170 lbs.: 13.1 ppg, 10.5 apg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 spg, .515 FG%, .384 3P%, .826 FT%
G/F - Scottie Pippen 6'8" 210 lbs.: 16.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg, .473 FG%, .326 3P%, .704 FT%
C/F - David Robinson 7'1" 235 lbs.: 21.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.0 bpg, .518 FG%, .736 FT%
This team is pretty much the greatest players I've ever seen play, but I nearly added Bill Russell to this squad. The only reason I didn't is because of his low FT%, and since I didn't see him in person, I felt compelled to only include one free throw line bricklayer on the team (Shaq at 52.7%). Another glaring omission is Kobe Bryant, but that is only because there is no way his ego would mesh with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. On top of that, Kobe is (and I mean this as no slight to him) a poor man's MJ. It seems as if he does everything Jordan did, just not quite as well.
The versatility on this team is it's strength. The starting line-up can run; even Larry Bird and Tim Duncan ran the floor well in their prime. In addition, Jordan would undoubtedly be the primary offensive weapon, and none of the bigs in the starting five would clog the lane and would allow for a well-spaced floor to operate. In addition, nearly everyone on this team save Barkley and Stockton, can play 2-3 positions. This team can go small, with Duncan at the five, James and Pippen at the forwards and Jordan and Stockton at the guards. Conversely, it can bang in the paint, with Shaq, Barkley, Bird, LeBron and Pippen on the court together. The possibilities for this team are, in my opinion, endless.
Starting Lineup:
C - Hakeem Olajuwon; 7'0" 255 lbs. - Career averages: 21.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 3.1 bpg, 1.7 spg. .512 FG%, .712 FT%
F - Tim Duncan; 6'11" 248 lbs. - 20.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 3.1 apg, .508 FG%, .688 FT%
F - Larry Bird; 6'9" 220 lbs. - 24.3 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.7 spg, .496 FG%, .376 3P%, .886 FT%
G - Michael Jordan; 6'6" 195 lbs. - 30.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2.3 spg, .497 FG%, .327 3P%, .835 FT%
G - Magic Johnson; 6'8" 215 lbs. - 19.5 ppg, 11.2 apg, 7.2 rpg, 1.9 spg, .520 FG%, .303 3P%, .848 FT%
Bench:
C - Shaquille O'Neal 7'1" 325 lbs.: 23.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.7 bpg, .582 FG%
F - Charles Barkley 6'6" 252 lbs.: 22.1 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.5 spg, .541 FG%, .735 FT%
F/G - LeBron James 6'8" 240 lbs.: 27.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 7.0 apg, 1.7 spg, .479 FG%, .329 3P%, .744 FT%
G - Reggie Miller 6'7" 185 lbs.: 18.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.1 spg, .471 FG%, .395 3P%, .888 FT%
G - John Stockton 6'1" 170 lbs.: 13.1 ppg, 10.5 apg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 spg, .515 FG%, .384 3P%, .826 FT%
G/F - Scottie Pippen 6'8" 210 lbs.: 16.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg, .473 FG%, .326 3P%, .704 FT%
C/F - David Robinson 7'1" 235 lbs.: 21.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.0 bpg, .518 FG%, .736 FT%
This team is pretty much the greatest players I've ever seen play, but I nearly added Bill Russell to this squad. The only reason I didn't is because of his low FT%, and since I didn't see him in person, I felt compelled to only include one free throw line bricklayer on the team (Shaq at 52.7%). Another glaring omission is Kobe Bryant, but that is only because there is no way his ego would mesh with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. On top of that, Kobe is (and I mean this as no slight to him) a poor man's MJ. It seems as if he does everything Jordan did, just not quite as well.
The versatility on this team is it's strength. The starting line-up can run; even Larry Bird and Tim Duncan ran the floor well in their prime. In addition, Jordan would undoubtedly be the primary offensive weapon, and none of the bigs in the starting five would clog the lane and would allow for a well-spaced floor to operate. In addition, nearly everyone on this team save Barkley and Stockton, can play 2-3 positions. This team can go small, with Duncan at the five, James and Pippen at the forwards and Jordan and Stockton at the guards. Conversely, it can bang in the paint, with Shaq, Barkley, Bird, LeBron and Pippen on the court together. The possibilities for this team are, in my opinion, endless.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Top 10 Television Sitcoms
This list isn't really my Top 10 favorite television sitcoms, but rather what I consider to be the 10 most successful, most significant, and important television sitcoms of all-time. I will briefly describe my point of view on each and welcome further discussion and input.
1.) The Andy Griffith Show: This wildly successful program never finished below 7th in the Nielsen ratings and ended its eighth (and final) season at the top of the ratings. This show brought viewers pop culture icons Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), Aunt Bea (Frances Bavier) and Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knots), and the show successfully intertwined humor and morality. In addition, the show led to two spin-off sitcoms (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Mayberry R.F.D.). TV Guide ranks the show 9th in their list of "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time" and received three Emmy-award nominations for "Outstanding Comedy Series"; Knotts won five Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series".
2.) I Love Lucy: One of the most popular television shows of all time, this was also the first (to my recollection) with a female star. This series won two Emmy awards for "Best Situation Comedy" and was ranked the second greatest TV show of all-time by TV Guide. In addition to its success, it also highlighted an inter-cultural relationship and pregnancy, which were both taboo in its era. The show was ranked in the top three of the Nielsen ratings in each of its six seasons, and was first in four out of those six.
3.) The Honeymooners: Jackie Gleason's immortal Ralph Kramden became the template for the sitcom husband, as the overworked, bumbling but good-natured 'man of the house', and was joined by sidekick Ed Norton (portrayed by Art Carney), who was essentially the original Cosmo Kramer. This show primarily used only four characters (Gleason, Carney and their wives (Pert Kelton/Audrey Meadows as Alice Kramden and Joyce Randolph as Trixie Norton) and was only on air for one full season. It did become a regular fixture on The Jackie Gleason Show, however and was ranked as the 3rd greatest television show of all-time by TV Guide.
4.) Sanford and Son: A hugely successful show during the majority of its 6-year run, Sanford and Son effectively ran The Brady Bunch off of the air in 1974 after going head-to-head at the same time slot. The central theme of the show were the misadventures of Fred (Red Foxx), and his son, Lamont Sanford (Desmond Wilson) who sold miscellaneous junk out of their salvage store in the Watts neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, California. Originally airing in 1972, this predominantly African-American cast blazed a trail for future successful predominantly African-American sitcoms such as The Cosby Show, and The Jeffersons.
5.) The Simpsons: Currently in its 22nd season, this adult-themed animated sitcom is the longest running American sitcom, American animated program, and the longest running American primetime entertainment series. This series has contributed many pop cultural phenomenons from the fictitious mouths of Bart ("Don't have a cow, man!"; "Eat my shorts!", "Ay Carumba!", etc.) and Homer ("D'Oh!") as well as spawning a full-length feature film. Simpson follows the template of Gleason's Ralph Kramden and Fred Flintstone, but has grown beyond his predecessors in terms of cultural impact and notoriety. This decorated show has earned 27 Primetime Emmy Awards; was named the century's greatest television series by Time and greatest TV show of all-time by Esquire and 8th by TV Guide.
6.) Seinfeld: The top television show of all time as ranked by TV Guide, Seinfeld aired for 9 seasons on NBC. This critically acclaimed program earned an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in 1993, Golden Globe Award for "Best TV-Series (Comedy)" in 1994, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for "Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series" in 1995, 1997, and 1998. After a slow start in the Nielsen ratings (unranked in the first two seasons, 42nd in the third and 25th in the fourth) it became one of the highest rated shows on television, finishing in the top 5 from seasons 5-9 and was first in the ratings in sixth and ninth. The "show about nothing" found hilarity in common, daily occurrences, and cemented the foursome of Jerry Seinfeld (as himself), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) into the American pop culture.
7.) M*A*S*H: I will readily admit that this is a show I have rarely watched and I would not consider myself a fan, but the success of the program warrants its inclusion. Adapted from a 1970 film, M*A*S*H aired for 11 seasons, earning an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in 1974. The final episode remains the most-watched television episode of all-time and the show ranked in the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings nine of its eleven seasons. In addition, M*A*S*H managed to be successful as a military comedy during the highly contentious Vietnam War, which was certainly no small feat.
8.) Frasier: This is a personal favorite of mine, so it is probably higher on this list than others. Still, it was ranked 34th in TV Guide's list and was the top-rated sitcom of all-time in a British poll. Frasier is one of the few spin-off sitcoms to rank higher than the show it originated from (Cheers). While not quite the ratings darling of some of the shows on this list, the show was in the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings in four out of its 11 seasons, peaking at #3 in its sixth season. Frasier is however the most decorated sitcom of all-time, hauling in a record-setting 37 Emmy awards, and also holds the record for Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, winning five from 1994 to 1998. Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier on both Cheers and Frasier, won an Emmy for "Outstanding Lead in a Comedy Series" four times and two Golden Globes. David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier's brother Niles, was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Emmy a record-breaking 11 consecutive times, winning four.
9.) Cheers: The Boston-based sitcom about a bar and its patrons is one of the most beloved American sitcoms of all-time. Like it's successor, Cheers also aired for 11 seasons. Somewhat surprisingly, it was nearly cancelled following its initial season, in which it finished dead last in the Nielsen ratings. It would go on to finish in the top 10 in eight of its eleven seasons. Ted Danson played the owner of Cheers, ex-Major League pitcher, alcoholic and consummate ladies' man Sam Malone. Cheers is very unique in that it used an ensemble cast but only one primary set, with very little of the scenes occurring outside of the bar itself. Cheers earned a record-setting 111 Emmy nominations, winning 26 times, and 31 Golden Globe nominations with six wins. Cheers won the Emmy for "Most Outstanding Comedy Series" four times.
10.) The Cosby Show: This was one of the first shows to transform a stand up comedians' material (Bill Cosby) into a television show, setting the stage for Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Roseanne, Home Improvement, and The Drew Carey Show. In addition, the show featured an African-American family, which paved the way for further shows featuring African-American families. The Cosby Show finished atop the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons (1985-1989), which is only the third sitcom to achieve this. This was also the first show to portray a highly successful African-American family, as Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) was a medical doctor and his wife Clair Olivia Hanks-Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) was a lawyer. This earned the show accolades for showing educated, wealthy African Americans and criticism for not being applicable to many black families. TV Guide ranked the show 34th all-time and won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series (1985).
Honorable Mention: All in the Family, Arrested Development, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Flintstones, Married with Children, Roseanne, The Jeffersons, The Office.
1.) The Andy Griffith Show: This wildly successful program never finished below 7th in the Nielsen ratings and ended its eighth (and final) season at the top of the ratings. This show brought viewers pop culture icons Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Opie Taylor (Ron Howard), Aunt Bea (Frances Bavier) and Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knots), and the show successfully intertwined humor and morality. In addition, the show led to two spin-off sitcoms (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., Mayberry R.F.D.). TV Guide ranks the show 9th in their list of "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time" and received three Emmy-award nominations for "Outstanding Comedy Series"; Knotts won five Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series".
2.) I Love Lucy: One of the most popular television shows of all time, this was also the first (to my recollection) with a female star. This series won two Emmy awards for "Best Situation Comedy" and was ranked the second greatest TV show of all-time by TV Guide. In addition to its success, it also highlighted an inter-cultural relationship and pregnancy, which were both taboo in its era. The show was ranked in the top three of the Nielsen ratings in each of its six seasons, and was first in four out of those six.
3.) The Honeymooners: Jackie Gleason's immortal Ralph Kramden became the template for the sitcom husband, as the overworked, bumbling but good-natured 'man of the house', and was joined by sidekick Ed Norton (portrayed by Art Carney), who was essentially the original Cosmo Kramer. This show primarily used only four characters (Gleason, Carney and their wives (Pert Kelton/Audrey Meadows as Alice Kramden and Joyce Randolph as Trixie Norton) and was only on air for one full season. It did become a regular fixture on The Jackie Gleason Show, however and was ranked as the 3rd greatest television show of all-time by TV Guide.
4.) Sanford and Son: A hugely successful show during the majority of its 6-year run, Sanford and Son effectively ran The Brady Bunch off of the air in 1974 after going head-to-head at the same time slot. The central theme of the show were the misadventures of Fred (Red Foxx), and his son, Lamont Sanford (Desmond Wilson) who sold miscellaneous junk out of their salvage store in the Watts neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, California. Originally airing in 1972, this predominantly African-American cast blazed a trail for future successful predominantly African-American sitcoms such as The Cosby Show, and The Jeffersons.
5.) The Simpsons: Currently in its 22nd season, this adult-themed animated sitcom is the longest running American sitcom, American animated program, and the longest running American primetime entertainment series. This series has contributed many pop cultural phenomenons from the fictitious mouths of Bart ("Don't have a cow, man!"; "Eat my shorts!", "Ay Carumba!", etc.) and Homer ("D'Oh!") as well as spawning a full-length feature film. Simpson follows the template of Gleason's Ralph Kramden and Fred Flintstone, but has grown beyond his predecessors in terms of cultural impact and notoriety. This decorated show has earned 27 Primetime Emmy Awards; was named the century's greatest television series by Time and greatest TV show of all-time by Esquire and 8th by TV Guide.
6.) Seinfeld: The top television show of all time as ranked by TV Guide, Seinfeld aired for 9 seasons on NBC. This critically acclaimed program earned an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in 1993, Golden Globe Award for "Best TV-Series (Comedy)" in 1994, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for "Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series" in 1995, 1997, and 1998. After a slow start in the Nielsen ratings (unranked in the first two seasons, 42nd in the third and 25th in the fourth) it became one of the highest rated shows on television, finishing in the top 5 from seasons 5-9 and was first in the ratings in sixth and ninth. The "show about nothing" found hilarity in common, daily occurrences, and cemented the foursome of Jerry Seinfeld (as himself), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) into the American pop culture.
7.) M*A*S*H: I will readily admit that this is a show I have rarely watched and I would not consider myself a fan, but the success of the program warrants its inclusion. Adapted from a 1970 film, M*A*S*H aired for 11 seasons, earning an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in 1974. The final episode remains the most-watched television episode of all-time and the show ranked in the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings nine of its eleven seasons. In addition, M*A*S*H managed to be successful as a military comedy during the highly contentious Vietnam War, which was certainly no small feat.
8.) Frasier: This is a personal favorite of mine, so it is probably higher on this list than others. Still, it was ranked 34th in TV Guide's list and was the top-rated sitcom of all-time in a British poll. Frasier is one of the few spin-off sitcoms to rank higher than the show it originated from (Cheers). While not quite the ratings darling of some of the shows on this list, the show was in the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings in four out of its 11 seasons, peaking at #3 in its sixth season. Frasier is however the most decorated sitcom of all-time, hauling in a record-setting 37 Emmy awards, and also holds the record for Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, winning five from 1994 to 1998. Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier on both Cheers and Frasier, won an Emmy for "Outstanding Lead in a Comedy Series" four times and two Golden Globes. David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier's brother Niles, was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Emmy a record-breaking 11 consecutive times, winning four.
9.) Cheers: The Boston-based sitcom about a bar and its patrons is one of the most beloved American sitcoms of all-time. Like it's successor, Cheers also aired for 11 seasons. Somewhat surprisingly, it was nearly cancelled following its initial season, in which it finished dead last in the Nielsen ratings. It would go on to finish in the top 10 in eight of its eleven seasons. Ted Danson played the owner of Cheers, ex-Major League pitcher, alcoholic and consummate ladies' man Sam Malone. Cheers is very unique in that it used an ensemble cast but only one primary set, with very little of the scenes occurring outside of the bar itself. Cheers earned a record-setting 111 Emmy nominations, winning 26 times, and 31 Golden Globe nominations with six wins. Cheers won the Emmy for "Most Outstanding Comedy Series" four times.
10.) The Cosby Show: This was one of the first shows to transform a stand up comedians' material (Bill Cosby) into a television show, setting the stage for Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Roseanne, Home Improvement, and The Drew Carey Show. In addition, the show featured an African-American family, which paved the way for further shows featuring African-American families. The Cosby Show finished atop the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons (1985-1989), which is only the third sitcom to achieve this. This was also the first show to portray a highly successful African-American family, as Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) was a medical doctor and his wife Clair Olivia Hanks-Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) was a lawyer. This earned the show accolades for showing educated, wealthy African Americans and criticism for not being applicable to many black families. TV Guide ranked the show 34th all-time and won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series (1985).
Honorable Mention: All in the Family, Arrested Development, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Flintstones, Married with Children, Roseanne, The Jeffersons, The Office.
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