Carmelo is King

Syracuse welcomes back Carmelo Anthony this evening as his Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns in an NBA pre-season game at the Carrier Dome. I’m not going to the game, but as luck would have it, I got to see him anyway. I received a hot tip from a colleague that Melo would be in the building where I work doing some radio spots. When he rolled in I wasn’t able to get to the lobby fast enough. All I could do was wait, which is exactly what I did for about 20-30 minutes. So there I am standing in the lobby when out comes Melo with a small entourage. I had all I could to keep from hugging him and weeping at his feet for all of his fine contributions to SU Hoops. Instead, we did a cool handshake and chatted about his FU dunk against G-town in the BE Tourney back in the day. (See the :16 second mark of the above clip.) And then I got his autograph. Pretty much an all-around great experience.

I also had this email exchange with a co-worker today regarding a party featuring Melo tonight. I found it rather amusing and I hope you do to. Names were excluded to protect the innocent.

Me: So-and-so mentioned something about Melo, Prime and you this evening. Is this true? Open to the pubic? And if not, what favor will I owe you?

Her: Melo, Prime and Me – I like the sound of that. Yes, there is an after-party at Prime, starts at ten I think. Would love to see you there. Just so you aren’t surprised, there will be a sea of chocolate faces there … but there will certainly be some vanilla faces sprinkled in.

Me: That’s cool. I love chocolate. And besides, I’m used to playing the role of awkward white guy, even around other white people. Sounds fun, maybe I’ll see you there.

On to this week’s picks …

CRAVE vs. ICEMAN – WEEK 7

We missed posting two weeks worth of picks, but that doesn’t mean they were forgotten. The Race for the Case is heating up as we head into Week 7.

Crave – Tennessee -8, Buffalo +1, Pittsburgh -10, Miami -2.5, Dallas -7, Chicago -3.5, Carolina -3, NY Giants -11, Houston -9.5, NY Jets -3, Cleveland +7.5, Indy -1.5, Seattle +11, Denver +3

Last two weeks: 14-14
Season: 39-35-1

Iceman – KC +8, San Diego -1, Pittsburgh -10, Miami -2.5, Dallas -7, Minnesota +3.5, New Orleans +3, San Fran +11, Houston -9.5, NY Jets -3, Washington -7.5, Indy -1.5, Seattle +11, Denver +3

Last two weeks: 17-11
Season: 35-39-1