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SALT LAKE CITY — Will it be Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah or Star Lotulelei? Or should the question more accurately be phrased: Will it be BYU or Utah?
This year's NFL draft is just one more thing BYU and Utah fans have to get after each other. Really, though, the respective fans should be happy to see stars from both teams get drafted high, especially after a less-than-stellar season on both fronts.
Both athletes have amazing stories leading them to where they are today. Ziggy couldn't even describe an end zone, let alone put on his football pads properly about three years ago. Star could have been your average moving guy, trying to make a living for himself and his family.
Instead, both are going to get paid Thursday night as NFL teams around the country decide upon their future with players like Ziggy and Star. Who will be selected first doesn't matter because the two will likely have successful careers and have made us bigger fans. Their stories and personal battles is what sports is all about. We tune in each Sunday to watch the best players in the world compete, but it's stories and personal hardships like theirs that keep us as devoted fans wanting more.
Best of luck Ziggy and Star, you've earned it. We all look forward to seeing your future success at the highest level.
Auburn player ejection
College football teams around the country are concluding their spring practices with scrimmage games. These games are mostly for the fans who celebrate and look forward to the upcoming season later this fall. If you've ever been to a spring game, it's not to be taken completely serious, but is just a fun environment to be a part of.
However, one Auburn player found a way to change the atmosphere very quickly with a hard hit to a teammate.
Defensive back Jonathon Mincy managed to blow by some backers in pursuit of receiver Dimitri Reese. Mincy delivered a crushing hit, leaving Reese on the ground for several minutes. The hit forced the refs to call a penalty — 15 yards for targeting the receiver above the shoulders. As a result, Mincy was ejected from the game.
Injuries are not something to take lightly, especially when the game is a "for fun" event.
Kevin Durant's stats
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Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is a true competitor, winning practically every season scoring title since being in the league. From the day he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics, to his run at the NBA Finals, Durant has given his all throughout his career. However, there is one player that is stopping Durant from getting what he wants: LeBron James of the Miami Heat.
Last year, the Heat outmatched the Thunder in the NBA Finals, giving LeBron James his first ring and redemption from all the haters. Since then, Durant has had his eye on the prize and is doing all that he can to finally overcome the talented Heat roster.
In an interview with Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated, Durant admitted to hiring a personal analytics expert to track James.
"Durant has hired his own analytics expert," Jenkins writes. "He tailors workouts to remedy numerical imbalances. He harps on efficiency more than a Prius dealer. To Durant, basketball is an orchard, and every shot an apple."
"I don't watch a lot of other basketball away from the gym," Durant tells Jenkins. "But I do look at LeBron's box score. I want to see how many points, rebounds and assists he had, and how he shot from the field."
The two have developed a friendship over the years, particularly during their time as teammates on the Olympic team, but Durant doesn't want to play second fiddle. With how the Heat are playing this season, it will be a difficult road, though, for Durant to get his wish of an NBA Title.
