2017-18 Edition Of College Football Playoff

Well just like we've seen in the NBA : Golden State vs. Cleveland for 3 straight years in the NBA Finals. We will see Clemson vs. Alabama for the 3rd straight year in the College Football Playoff.
They played each other in the last 2 National Championship Games. Clemson winning last year and Alabama winning the previous year. The rubber match takes place in the Semifinals in New Orleans. The Superdome will be the site in the Sugar Bowl. The rubber match winner will head to Atlanta next week and play for all the marbles. Meanwhile across the country in Pasadena, the Rose Bowl will host Oklahoma vs. Georgia. The Big 12 is represented as well as the ACC and of course the SEC times 2. This is now the 4th year of the College Football Playoff. Ohio State won the first version followed by Alabama, then Clemson. What's the slogan "Who will it be?" Only time will tell.

Giancarlo Stanton Traded To Yankees

Former New York Yankee shortstop and future Hall Of Fame player Derek Jeter and group of investors purchased the Miami Marlins. Shortly after reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton was traded to the New York Yankees. Stanton will take his .281 Batting Average / 59 HR's / 132 RBI's to the Bronx. Where he will join reigning American League Rookie Of The Year Aaron Judge. Last season Judge numbers were : .284 Batting Average / 52 HR's / 114 RBI's. The Yankees will look to improve on last season where they made the postseason as a Wild Card. Knocked off Minnesota in the AL Wild Card game. Then took a 3-2 series lead in the ALCS vs. eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. However the Yankees eventually fell in 7 in the League Championship Series.

Mitchell / Simmons / Tatum Race For NBA ROY

As of January 1, 2018 here are the statistics for each of these 3 rookies / Rookie Of The Year candidates : Donovan Mitchell of Utah 18ppg 3rpg 3apg - Ben Simmons of Philadelphia 16ppg 8rpg 7apg - Jayson Tatum 14ppg 5rpg 1apg. Here are the records for each of their teams as of January 1, 2018 : Jazz 16-21 - 76ers 17-19 - Celtics 30-10. Each rookie has made their mark on their respective teams and have become major contributors out the gate. Simmons basically had a red shirt year last season for Philadelphia after being drafted 1st overall in 2016 out of LSU. During the 1st round of the 2017 NBA Draft Boston took Tatum from Duke. Meanwhile the Jazz to Mitchell from Louisville. This co be a year of co NBA Rookie Of The Year winners. Hopefully each of these young man can keep playing well and more importantly remain healthy. The award at the end of the season will take care of itself. Nonetheless it is certainly to watch these young guys.

Lakers Retire 8 & 24

From 1996-2003 Kobe Bryant wore number 8 for the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time period along with Shaquille O'Neal the Lakers won 3 championships, during 4 Finals appearances. Which included a 3 peat in June of 2000, June of 2001 and June of 2002. From 2003-2016 Kobe Bryant wore number 24 for the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time period along with Paul Gasol the Lakers won 3 championships, during 3 Finals appearances. Which included winning back to back championships, in June of 2009 and in June of 2010. In April of 2016 Kobe Bryant played in his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers. At halftime of a December 2017 game vs. Golden State, the Lakers retired both jerseys for Kobe Bryant 8 & 24. Both numbers will hang above Staples Center along with other Laker greats. Mamba is officially out, times 2.

Adidas Samba

In 2003 Sports247365, late mother gave him birthday money for sneakers. Took a trip to Center City Philadelphia to City Sports. That June day purchased the Air Jordan XIII black/grey/chrome. However they had a sale and with that sale was able to purchase first pair of Adidas Samba black version. As years would go on, black and white Samba soccer shoes by Adidas would become staple pieces. They too could be dressed up and down and are extremely comfortable. Actually need a new a pair of both the black and white Adidas Samba sneakers currently !

Black Converse All Star (High Top)

We know how far the Converse All Star High Top goes back. A really long long long time ! For Sports247365 growing up, personally thought due to my shoe size they would make my feet look  extremely long. Around 2007 picked up a pair via Urban Outfitters website yet it wasn't a traditional color. Fast forward to about 4-5 years ago, picked up the traditional Black Converse All Star High Top. Which quickly became a staple piece, that can be dressed up or down fashion wise. However not much support in the sole if walking around in them for hours ! Yet they are extremely cool, weather they are new or old. They will continue to be a staple piece type of footwear for me now and in the future.

New Balance 574

As a kid, here at Sports247365 used to think the 'N' on these running shoes were for Nike. It was the early 90's and several people in the neighborhood had New Balance 574 sneakers in various colors. As time went on I begin to understand the 'N' was Nike it was for New Balance. New Balance is a running company based out of Boston. My first pair of 574 came a few day's shy of my 23rd birthday in June 2004. While my favorite colorway of the New Balance 574 is the navy/teal/gray edition. Since 2004 these have become a staple piece of my personal sneaker collection. They are extremely flexible, they can be dressed up or down. They can be worn with a blazer. Of course they can be used to workout in. They look great new, fresh and crispy. Yet the look just as good old and worn. New Balance 574 for life !