ws in the logic of those who reject the Biblical Exodus or assign it to unnamed writers many centuries later. He notes that the price of 20 shekels is

s BC.Another Biblical reference used to date the Exodus is found in Judges, where Jephthah tells the Ammonites that Israel had been in the land for 300 years (Jgs 11:26). Again, there is acceptance among the experts that Jephthah’s victory over the Ammonites took place around 1100 BC. This would place the arrival of the Israelites in Canaan near 1400 BC, precisely 40 years after the Exodus. Thus both Biblical dates for the Exodus agree.In spite of this Biblical evidence, most minimalist scholars believe the Exodus took place around 1260 BC, a date that contradicts the Biblically-derived dates by almost two centuries. Minimalists generally give three main reasons for this later date of the Exodus: (1) the mention of the Israelites’ building of the city of Rameses (Ex 1:11); (2) the archaeological evidence that no sedentary population lived in the Transjordan and Negev regions between 1900 and 1300 BC; and (3) the widespread devastation of cities and towns of central Canaan during the 1260s BC.Let’s consider whether these reasons are grounds for a date that contradicts the Bible.The City of RamesesMany archaeologists assume the city of Rameses was named after Rameses II, a famous Pharaoh who was a great builder. Yet the term Rameses simply means “born of the god Ra” (or Re) and had been used in monuments centuries before the time of Pharaoh Rameses II. The Bible itself mentions the same name when it speaks of Joseph’s sojourn in Egypt, hundreds of years before the reign of Rameses II:So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed (Gn 47:11).So the argument that Moses lived in the 1200s because the Israelites helped build a city with the name Rameses is not convincing.In fact, Manfred Bietak, the excavator of Rameses (Tell el-Dab’a), has determined that the name of the site at the time the Israelites were there was at first Rowaty, and then later changed to Avaris. The name Rameses was not used until the city was rebuilt by Rameses II in the 13th century. Thus the use of the name Rameses in Exodus 1:11 and Genesis 47:11 is a case where a later Biblical writer updated the text to reflect the changed name of the city, as we see in some other Biblical passages. We have the same situation with regard to Pithom, the other store city named in Exodus 1:11. That name was not in use until the Saite Period, ca. 600 BC.Column fragment with the cartouche (oval with royal name inside) of Rameses II, Qantir, Egypt. Rameses II built a royal center here in the 13th century BC, and from that time on the location was known as Rameses. Earlier, when the Israelites lived there, the city had several different names. When the Biblical text was updated, the older, forgotten, names of the city were replaced with the newer, more familiar, name of Rameses. Bryant Wood.Evidence for SettlementsThe second argument against the traditional date for the Exodus is based mainly on the work of archaeologist Nelson Glueck in the 1930s, which failed to find evidence of permanent



settlements in the Transjordan and the Negev regions
between 1900 and 1300 BC. This region should have shown a sizable presence of Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites at that time, since the Biblical account mentions their strong opposition to the Israelites.However, more-recent excavations have shown many settlements in the area that Glueck did not find. Archaeologist John Bimson notes thatGlueck’s initial conclusions were definitely wrong [indeed he later retracted them], and it is disappointing to find scholars citing them as if they were still valid evidence. All too often the 13th century date for the Exodus has been perpetuated by the baseless repetition of outmoded views (Bimson and Livingston 1987:44).Widespread DestructionThe third argument used to date the Exodus to the 1200s BC is the archaeological evidence for the destruction of several Canaanite cities during this period. Scholars believe this took place when Joshua invaded and conquered Canaan.Yet, if the traditional 1400s date for the Exodus is maintained, the archaeological evidence seems to fit much better, for destruction levels in Canaanite cities such as Hazor and Jericho also date to the 1400s. If Joshua conquered Canaan after 1400, this would have given the Israelites time to eventually take over much of the land during the 300 years of the judges. The Bible is clear that there were many cities the Israelites didn’t conquer during Joshua’s time or even during the time of the judges (Jos 13:1; Jgs 3:1–6). The archaeological record does support such a gradual process.Dealing with the present findings, archaeologist Randall Price concludes:The signs of widespread destruction at certain sites should not be considered as archaeological evidence against the Biblical chronology and for a late date for the Conquest [by Joshua]. These destructions better fit the period of the Judges, during which ongoing warfare was commonplace (1997:147).Dr. Merrill adds:Signs of major devastation in the period from 1400 to 1375 would be an acute embarrassment to the traditional view because the Biblical witness is univocal that Israel was commanded
to annihilate the Canaanite populations, but to spare the cities and towns in which they lived. And the record explicitly testifies that this mandate was faithfully carried out. The only exceptions were Jericho, Ai, and Hazor (1996:73).We find, then, that the archaeological evidence better fits the traditional date of the Exodus backed by the Bible.Aerial view of Khirbet el-Maqatir, Israel, looking north-northwest. Excavations here by the Associates for Biblical Research have produced evidence of a small fortress that matches the Biblical requirements for the Ai conquered by the Israelites. Randy Cook.Recent DiscoveriesAnother argument that the Exodus never occurred is that there are no signs that the Israelites wandered in the Sinai desert for 40 years. However, we must remember that during the Exodus the Israelites were forced to live nomadic lives. No longer did they reside in villages with sturdy houses and artifacts that could have survived as evidence. Instead, in the wilderness environment, every item language learning

Millard (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), 1

The Rise and Fall,” 478; Kitchen, Reliability of the OT, 255. 31. William Shea, “Amenhotep II as Pharaoh of the Exodus,” Bible and Spade 16:2 (Spr 2003), 43. Shea compares such updating to that which occurred with Moses’ reference to Dan (Gen 14:14), which was called Laish until sometime after Moses died. He likely implies that this divinely-overseen updating was accomplished long before the OT canon closed, though this is not stated. Wood criticizes Kitchen for allowing an editorial updating for Dan in Gen 14:14, and for Rameses in Gen 47:11, but not for Raamses in Exod 1:11 (Wood, “The Rise and Fall,” 479). Kitchen’s inconsistency is both troubling and unexplainable. 32. Benjamin Edidin Scolnic, “A New Working Hypothesis for the Identification of Migdol,” in Future of Biblical Archaeology, 91. 33. Kitchen, Reliability of the OT, 203. 34. Hoffmeier, Israel in Egypt, 125. 35. Kitchen, Reliability of the OT, 308–309. The nine, 40-year periods include the following: (1) the journey from Egypt to Sinai to Jordan (Num 11:33); (2) Othniel’s rule (Judg 3:11); (3–4) 80 years of peace after Ehud’s victory over Moab (Judg 3:30); (5) peace after the deeds of Deborah (Judg 5:31); (6) peace after the deeds of Gideon (Judg 8:28); (7) Eli’s judgeship (1 Sam 4:18); (8) Samson’s judgeship and Samuel’s floruit (Judg 15:20; 1 Sam 7:2); and (9) David’s reign (1 Kgs 2:11). The five aggregate periods include the following: (1) 48 years for Abimelek, Tola, and Jair; (2) 31 years for Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon; (3) 32 years for Saul’s reign, (4) four years for Solomon’s reign; and (5) five proposed years for the rule of Joshua and the elders of his era. 36. John Rea, “The Time of the Oppression and Exodus,” Grace Journal 2:1 (Win 1961), 11. 37. Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel, 259. 38. Umberto Cassuto, The Documentary Hypothesis and the Composition of the Pentateuch (Jerusalem: Magnes, 1961), 52. 39. Wood, “The Rise and Fall,” 482. 40. The 18th Dynasty of Egypt (ca. 1560–1307 BC) not only saw the reunification of Egypt after an era of foreign rule under the Hyksos, but it initiated a radically new era. The northward thrusts of these Theban dynasts continued until Thutmose I crossed the Euphrates River in ca. 1524 BC. Egypt also expanded into Sudan, building temples on a grand scale at Gebel Barkal, about 1,280 mi south of Memphis. The vast riches that the state accrued through these foreign expeditions changed the fabric of Egyptian society. No longer did the nation function in isolation, but in an age of intense political and diplomatic activity, Egypt interacted with Mitanni, the Hittites, Assyria, Babylonia, and a host of principalities in Syria and Palestine (William W. Hallo and William Kelly Simpson, The Ancient Near East: A History, 2nd ed. [Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1998], 253). 41. William A. Ward, “The Present Status of Egyptian Chronology,” BASOR 288 (Nov 1992), 58, 59. Not all scholars are convinced that astronomical evidence provides “benchmark dates” for the reigns of given pharaohs. “The absolute chronology of Egypt has been one of the major time-frames for ancient chronology in general, and it is important that scholars in other disciplines understand that absolute dates for Egypt are not as clear and well established as they are often thought to be” (Ibid., 53). Ward suggests that “as long as there is uncertainty as to whether any given coregency of the New Kingdom existed, and if so, how long it lasted, any system of absolute dates must remain inexact” (Ibid., 54). Uncertainty about dates, however, does not characterize all regnal dating, but rather only that of selected rulers. Direct evidence of co-regnal lengths often exists, providing a greater level of certainty about the exact regnal lengths of many rulers. Therefore, if an absolute date that is fixed to a time in the reign of a pharaoh is connected to a series of predecessors or successors whose regnal lengths are certain, benchmark dates can be assigned to their reigns. 42. Ibid., 59. 43. Ibid., 56. Egypt’s New Kingdom (ca. 1560–1069 BC) consists of Dynasties 18–20. 44. Ibid. 45. Egyptologists disagree over the year of Thutmose III’s accession, with three views predominant: the “high chronology” dates it to ca. 1504 BC; the “middle chronology” dates it to ca. 1490 BC; and the “low chronology” dates it to ca. 1479 BC (Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel, 104). The high chronology is preferred here because of its exclusive agreement with the Ebers Papyrus when assuming a Memphite point of observation for the rising of Sothis. Shea also asserts that the high-chronology view is correct (Shea, “Amenhotep II as Pharaoh,” 43). The high-chronology date used by the present writer dates back two years from the standard number, due to the need to harmonize it with the second Palestinian campaign of Amenhotep II, which will be discussed subsequently. This alteration is justified both by the uncertain regnal length of Thutmose II, whose reign lasted no less than four years or more than twelve years (Amélie Kuhrt, The Ancient Near East ca. 3000–330 BC, vol. 1 [London: Routledge, 1995], 191; Sir Alan Gardiner, Egypt of the Pharaohs [New York: Oxford University Press, 1976], 191), and by the existence of a variable of ±6 years after calculating the date for the rising of Sothis (W. S. LaSor, “Egypt,” in ISBE, vol. 2 [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982], 40). 46. Redford, “Coregency of Tuthmosis III,” 109. 47. Der Manuelian, Amenophis II, 19. 48. Redford, “Coregency of Tuthmosis III,” 108. 49. Der Manuelian, Amenophis II, 40. 50. Redford, “Coregency of Tuthmosis III,” 111. 51. Ibid., 110. 52. Upon Amenhotep I’s death, Thebes was the most prominent city of the native Egyptians, who recently had regained control of their land and embarked on what would become over 150 years of unbroken prosperity. Yet Thutmose I, who did not descend from his predecessor, moved the chief residence of the Egyptian court from Thebes to Memphis, where he constructed a royal palace that was used until the reign of Akhenaten (ca. 1369–1352 BC). Memphis also became the headquarters of the pharaonic braintrust, where the great military campaigns were planned, and Egyptian soldiers were “armed before pharaoh.” In fact, all of the Asiatic military campaigns of Thutmose III and Amenhotep II were launched from Memphis, which had become the residence for pharaonic successors who came into office as coregents (Kuhrt, Ancient Near East, vol. 1, 177). Regarding Amenhotep II’s youth, Grimal notes, “That the young prince should have been active at Memphis is no surprise, for it was there that all young heirs to the throne had been brought up since the time of Thutmose I” (Nicolas Grimal, A History of Ancient Egypt, trans. Ian Shaw [Oxford, UK: Blackwell, 1992], 220). This makes Thutmose I an excellent candidate for the pharaoh who personally spoke with the chief Hebrew midwives and instructed them to execute the newborn Israelite boys (Exod 1:15). The numerous summonings of these midwives, whose authoritative rank necessitates their having resided among the core of national Israel in Goshen, also implies an extremely close proximity between them and pharaoh. This requirement can be satisfied easily if pharaoh resided in Memphis, but not if he resided in Thebes. “The journey from Memphis to Thebes [alone] would have been a slow one of perhaps two to three weeks” (Joyce Tyldesley, Hatchepsut: The Female Pharaoh [London: Viking, 1996], 36). Even if one traveled at a similarly slow pace from Goshen to Memphis, which did not entail the same grade of ascent as did a trip to Thebes, the journey could be made in a mere 1½ to 2½ days. At a more realistic pace, the trip would be even faster. Pharaoh’s messengers probably traveled to Goshen on horseback, which would shorten the travel time even more.



Rosetta Stone Japanese

Wood identifies Ezbet Helmi,

located just over one mile southwest of Pi-Ramesses, as the royal residence of the exodus-pharaoh during the Israelites’ stay in Goshen (Wood, “The Rise and Fall,” 482). Though this site indeed may have possessed two palace structures of the 18th Dynasty (Ibid., 483; Manfred Bietak, Avaris: The Capital of the Hyksos [London: British Museum Press, 1996], 68–72), there is no epigraphical evidence confirming that Amenhotep II ever resided there, even periodically. Moreover, the discovery of a scarab there with his royal cartouche no more proves his personal occupation of the city (Wood, “The Rise and Fall,” 484) than the discovery of a scarab with his cartouche at Gibeon proves he resided on the Central Benjamin Plateau (James B. Pritchard, Gibeon: Where the Sun Stood Still [Princeton, N. J.: Princeton University Press, 1962], 156). Memphis, a known royal residence of Amenhotep II and the headquarters for all of the Asiatic military campaigns of the era, is currently a better candidate for the site where the exodus-pharaoh resided, though Ezbet Helmi does remain a legitimate candidate. 53. Other New-Kingdom princes who were sm-priests also functioned as chief pontiffs at Memphis, such as “the king’s son and sm-priest, Thutmose,” who appears with his father, Amenhotep III, at his burial in the Serapeum. This prince is attested on a canopic box, where he is called “the king’s eldest son, his beloved, high priest of Ptah and sm-priest.” He doubtlessly is to be identified with the king’s son and sm-priest, Thutmose, who appears on a statuette in the Louvre (Redford, “Coregency of Tuthmosis III,” 111). 54. Ibid., 112, 114. 55. Ibid., 114. 56. Ibid., 110, 114. 57. Ibid., 114. 58. In Tomb 64 of the Theban necropolis is an important wall painting that displays two royal tutors: Hekreshu and his son, Hekerneheh, who are in the company of their princely charges: Thutmose and Amenhotep. Hekreshu is seated, facing right, with the young heir apparent, Thutmose, on his lap. Standing before him is Hekerneheh and a small Prince Amenhotep, who is carrying a bouquet. Hekreshu is specifically stated to be a “tutor of the king’s eldest bodily son, Thutmose,” whose nomen is represented in a cartouche. Hekerneheh’s title is “tutor of the king’s son, Amenhotep.” Behind Hekerneheh appear six other princes, originally all named, but the hieroglyphs are now almost completely destroyed. One name alone can be made out, that of a certain Amenemhet. All of the princes, including the seated Thutmose, wear pectorals bearing the nomen and praenomen of Thutmose IV (Ibid., 114, 115). The presence of the birth name and throne-name of Thutmose IV on each of the princes drove Newberry to conclude that the child on Hekreshu’s knee was undoubtedly the later Thutmose IV, and that the other princes, including Amenhotep, were his sons. The prince named Amenhotep, according to Newberry, eventually ruled as Amenhotep III (Percy Edward Newberry, “Akhenaten’s Eldest Son-in-Law ‘Ankhkhe-prure’,” JEA 14 [1928], 83–84). Redford points out that Newberry’s argument is not compelling, as all of the others in the scene could easily be wearing the cartouche of Thutmose IV out of deference to the son who succeeded to the throne. He further suggests that perhaps the six princes in the background are sons of Thutmose IV, while Amenhotep could be a brother, and for that reason was singled out to be depicted in a position of honor (Redford, “Coregency of Tuthmosis III,” 113). The problem, however, with the suggestion that the six princes are the sons of the seated Thutmose is that Thutmose and Amenhotep themselves, whoever they might be in reality, are depicted in the scene as children, and it would be odd to depict in the same scene both a father and his children as children. A possible rebuttal against Redford’s suggestion that Thutmose and Amenhotep are brothers might take the following form: Hekreshu is specifically stated to be the tutor of the king’s eldest son, Thutmose, while Hekerneheh is the tutor of the king’s son, Amenhotep. Since a father-son relationship existed between the tutors, perhaps a father-son relationship existed between their charges. Redford dismisses this idea by offering a parallel depiction found in graffiti from Konosso. A king’s son, Amenhotep, is mentioned twice at Konosso, once with Hekreshu and a second time with Hekerneheh. The presence of the cartouches of Thutmose IV in the immediate vicinity lends support to the dating of the graffiti to his reign. More importantly, Amenhotep’s name is accompanied by that of another prince, Okheprure, and the parallelism in the graffiti between the two names strongly suggests a fraternal relationship. Okheprure again is shown on the knee of an unidentified scribe in Tomb 226 of the Theban necropolis, along with three of his brothers. If, as his name would indicate, he was a son of Amenhotep II, then most likely Prince Amenhotep was also his son. On the wall painting from Tomb 64, therefore, Prince Amenhotep also should be considered a brother to Thutmose IV, and not a son (Ibid.). If Princes Thutmose and Amenhotep from Tomb 64 are indeed brothers, who are the six princes in the background? Certainly the fact that all of the princes, including the seated Thutmose, are wearing pectorals that bear the nomen and praenomen of Thutmose IV seems to indicate that the princes are all on the same level, and therefore brothers, as was the case with the Konosso graffiti and Tomb 226. The problem that remains, then, is that Thutmose IV is universally accepted as not having been the firstborn child, which is both confirmed by Thutmose IV’s own account on the Great/Sphinx Stele and by the fact that Prince Amenhotep was shown to be the rightful heir to the throne of Amenhotep II before Thutmose IV. Thus one of two options must be true: either (1) the Tomb-64 painting is falsifying the truth by assigning Thutmose IV the status of “the king’s eldest son,” or (2) the Thutmose who sits on the lap of Hekreshu is intended to portray a different Thutmose. The former option hardly seems possible, since the tomb-wall painting is located in a deeply secluded place, not at all prominently displayed whereone would expect to see propagandistic depictions of a king’s grandeur. If Redford is correct that Prince Amenhotep, who never is called “the king’s eldest son,” was not the eldest son of Amenhotep II, and that by custom a king named “Amenhotep” would name his first son “Thutmose,” and thus that Amenhotep II did name his first son “Thutmose,” the Thutmose sitting on the lap of the royal tutor indeed may be “the eldest son” of Amenhotep II, who could have died a premature death during the tenth and most gruesome of the plagues on Egypt. The painting may be depicting the entire entourage of Amenhotep II’s sons during the time when his firstborn son was still alive. The presence of Thutmose IV’s praenomen on the pectorals of all of the princes, even on that of the long-deceased plague-son, may indicate that the painting was made during the reign of Thutmose IV. Newberry, for one, was convinced that Tomb 64 was constructed for Hekerneheh during the reign of Thutmose IV (Newberry, “Akhenaten’s Eldest,” 82). The reason for the cartouche of Thutmose IV next to each of the princes, which could be a later addition to the painting if instead it originally was painted during the reign of Amenhotep II, may simply be that the painter wanted to demonstrate the sovereignty of Thutmose IV over all of his brothers, being that he was the only one from among them who rose to the position of pharaoh. Certainly this interpretation would better explain why Amenhotep, who was in line for the throne before his younger brother Thutmose IV, was being depicted as smaller in stature than the Thutmose who sat on his tutor’s lap. This detail is highly problematic for any view that instead purports Thutmose



Rosetta Stone German

hinar built a great tower, so God confounded their speech. And that tower, most probably a ziggurat, can best be dated according to our current archa

as “Assyrian” (Smith 1876:160), the legend tells of the destruction of a building on a mound in Babylon by a god. The god also confounded the speech of the builders (Boscawen 1877:303; Smith 1880:166). The badly damaged tablet has been translated as follows:... he the father of all the gods had repudiated; the thought of his heart was evil. ... of Babylon he hastens to the submission (?), [small] and great he confounded (on) the mound. ... of Babylon he hastens to the submission, [small] and great he confounded (on) the mound. Their walls all the day he founded; for their destruction (punishment) in the night ... he did not leave a remainder. In his anger also (his) secret counsel he pours out; [to] confound (their) speeches he set his face. He gave the command, he made strange their counsel ... (as revised by Sayee in Smith 1880:164; cf. Smith 1876:160–61; Boscawen 1876:131–132, 1877:304–308).A strong link between the Assyrian tradition and the Biblical Tower of Babel account is the use of the word uballu, translated “confounded.” This is the same word as Hebrew balal used in Genesis 11:7, meaning to confound, confuse, or mix (Boscawen 1877:311; Smith 1880:166).In the conclusion, what is important to note here is that when we theorize and do research on historical problems we need to take the biblical account of history seriously, rather than ignoring it or attempting to explain it away. In many cases, such as the Sumerian Problem, the Bible can provide solutions to otherwise vexing difficulties of historical interpretation.(Reprinted by permission from the Spring 1993 issue of Artifax, with new material added.)Editorial Footnote:1. It is ABR's view that there is no such thing as pre-history in the modern, long-age, evolutionized sense of the term. Mankind has been able to write since Adam, and was created at "the begininning of creation," as Jesus himself affirmed (Mark 10:6). Additionally, ABR does not accept all of the conventional dates attributed to the early cultures of Mesopotamia. All cultural artifacts are post-Flood, and should probablybe dated to around 3000 BC or later. Notes: 2. On these cultures, see the first volume of the Cambridge Ancient History; Perkins 1949; Mellaart 1965; Nissen 1998; Roux 1992.BibliographyBoscawen, W. St. Chad1876 The Legend of the Tower of Babel. Records of the Past 7:129–32.1877 The Legend of the Tower of Babel, Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology 5:303–12.Cohen, Sol1973 Emmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, Ph.D. dissertation, University of Pennsylvania.Jacobsen, Thorkild1997 Emmerkar and the Lord of Aratta (1.170). Pp. 547–50 in The Context of Scripture vol. 1: Canonical Compositions from the Biblical World, ed. William W. Hallo, Leiden. The Netherlands: Brill.Jones, Tom B.1969 The Sumerian Problem. New York: John Wiley and Sons.Kramer, Samuel N.1968 The “Babel of Tongues”: A Sumerian Version, Journal of the American Oriental Society 88:108–111970 Enki and His Inferiority Complex, Orientalia 39:103–10.Mellaart, James1965 Earliest Civilizations of the Near East,



The Walls of Jericho
This article was first published in the Spring 1999 issue of Bible and Spade.When one hears the name “Jericho” one naturally thinks of Israelites marching, trumpets sounding and walls falling. It is a wonderful story of faith and victory that we enjoy reading and telling in Sunday School class, but did it really happen? The skeptic would say no, it is merely a folk tale to explain the ruins at Jericho. The reason for this negative outlook is the excavation carried out at the site in the 1950s under the direction of British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon. She concluded, It is a sad fact that of the town walls of the Late Bronze Age, within which period the attack by the Israelites must fall by any dating, not a trace remains.…The excavation of Jericho, therefore, has thrown no light on the walls of Jericho of which the destruction is so vividly described in the Book of Joshua (Kenyon 1957: 261–62). Thomas A. Holland, who was editor and co-author of Kenyon’s excavation reports, summarized the apparent results as follows: Kenyon concluded, with reference to the military conquest theory and the L[ate] B[ronze Age] walls, that there was no archaeological data to support the thesis that the town had been surrounded by a wall at the end of LB I (ca. 1400 BCE...) (Holland 1997: 223). H.J. Franken, a member of the Jericho excavation staff, stated, Miss Kenyon’s work has presented scholars with the hard fact that if Joshua was active with the incoming Israelites either c. 1400 or c. 1200 B.C. he would not have been able to capture a great walled city of Jericho, because there was no city of Jericho in these periods…the huge ruins of the Hyksos city gave rise to the folktale attached to the hero Joshua (1965: 190, 200). According to Kenyon’s dating, there was no city for the Israelites to conquer at the end of the 15th century BC, the Biblical date for the event. The Jericho of Joshua’s time could not be found-it was lost! Through our research, however, we have found the lostas “Assyrian” (Smith 1876:160), the legend tells of the destruction of a building on a mound in Babylon by a god. The god also confounded the speech of the builders (Boscawen 1877:303; Smith 1880:166). The badly damaged tablet has been translated as follows:... he the father of all the gods had repudiated; the thought of his heart was evil. ... of Babylon he hastens to the submission (?), [small] and great he confounded (on) the mound. ... of Babylon he hastens to the submission, [small] and great he confounded (on) the mound. Their walls all the day he founded; for their destruction (punishment) in the night ... he did not leave a remainder. In his anger also (his) secret counsel he pours out; [to] confound (their) speeches he set his face. He gave the command, he made strange their counsel ... (as revised by Sayee in Smith 1880:164; cf. Smith 1876:160–61; Boscawen 1876:131–132, 1877:304–308).A strong link between the Assyrian tradition and the Biblical Tower of Babel account is the use of the word uballu, translated “confounded.” This is the same word as Hebrew balal used in Genesis 11:7, meaning to confound, confuse, or mix (Boscawen 1877:311; Smith 1880:166).In the conclusion, what is important to note here is that when we theorize and do research on historical problems we need to take the biblical account of history seriously, rather than ignoring it or attempting to explain it away. In many cases, such as the Sumerian Problem, the Bible can provide solutions to otherwise vexing difficulties of historical interpretation.(Reprinted by permission from the Spring 1993 issue of Artifax, with new material added.)Editorial Footnote:1. It is ABR's view that there is no such thing as pre-history in the modern, long-age, evolutionized sense of the term. Mankind has been able to write since Adam, and was created at "the begininning of creation," as Jesus himself affirmed (Mark 10:6). Additionally, ABR does not accept all of the conventional dates attributed to the early cultures of Mesopotamia. All cultural artifacts are post-Flood, and should probablybe dated to around 3000 BC or later. Notes: 2. On these cultures, see the first volume of the Cambridge Ancient History; Perkins 1949; Mellaart 1965; Nissen 1998; Roux 1992.BibliographyBoscawen, W. St. Chad1876 The Legend of the Tower of Babel. Records of the Past 7:129–32.1877 The Legend of the Tower of Babel, Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archaeology 5:303–12.Cohen, Sol1973 Emmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, Ph.D. dissertation, University of Pennsylvania.Jacobsen, Thorkild1997 Emmerkar and the Lord of Aratta (1.170). Pp. 547–50 in The Context of Scripture vol. 1: Canonical Compositions from the Biblical World, ed. William W. Hallo, Leiden. The Netherlands: Brill.Jones, Tom B.1969 The Sumerian Problem. New York: John Wiley and Sons.Kramer, Samuel N.1968 The “Babel of Tongues”: A Sumerian Version, Journal of the American Oriental Society 88:108–111970 Enki and His Inferiority Complex, Orientalia 39:103–10.Mellaart, James1965 Earliest Civilizations of the Near East,



The Walls of Jericho
This article was first published in the Spring 1999 issue of Bible and Spade.When one hears the name “Jericho” one naturally thinks of Israelites marching, trumpets sounding and walls falling. It is a wonderful story of faith and victory that we enjoy reading and telling in Sunday School class, but did it really happen? The skeptic would say no, it is merely a folk tale to explain the ruins at Jericho. The reason for this negative outlook is the excavation carried out at the site in the 1950s under the direction of British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon. She concluded, It is a sad fact that of the town walls of the Late Bronze Age, within which period the attack by the Israelites must fall by any dating, not a trace remains.…The excavation of Jericho, therefore, has thrown no light on the walls of Jericho of which the destruction is so vividly described in the Book of Joshua (Kenyon 1957: 261–62). Thomas A. Holland, who was editor and co-author of Kenyon’s excavation reports, summarized the apparent results as follows: Kenyon concluded, with reference to the military conquest theory and the L[ate] B[ronze Age] walls, that there was no archaeological data to support the thesis that the town had been surrounded by a wall at the end of LB I (ca. 1400 BCE...) (Holland 1997: 223). H.J. Franken, a member of the Jericho excavation staff, stated, Miss Kenyon’s work has presented scholars with the hard fact that if Joshua was active with the incoming Israelites either c. 1400 or c. 1200 B.C. he would not have been able to capture a great walled city of Jericho, because there was no city of Jericho in these periods…the huge ruins of the Hyksos city gave rise to the folktale attached to the hero Joshua (1965: 190, 200). According to Kenyon’s dating, there was no city for the Israelites to conquer at the end of the 15th century BC, the Biblical date for the event. The Jericho of Joshua’s time could not be found-it was lost! Through our research, however, we have found the lost

the agreement with the Sabbatical and Jubilee data and the evidence of the Tyrian king list

ranted, then, that the reign length data of Kings and Chronicles are historically accurate, could it be that some ancient editor was astute enough to add up the numbers and derive a 480-year figure in a fashion something like that of Wellhausen or Barnes, and then project this 480-year figure back into the time between the exodus and the start of Temple construction? In other words, those who are seeking ways to show that the Bible is not to be trusted in historical matters could say that the 480 years were deduced somehow from the regnal data, which can be accepted as historically correct. They would claim that the editor decided to stop counting either after the thirty-seventh year of Jehoiachin’s captivity (Barnes) or after the return under Cyrus (Wellhausen, Burney, and Hawkins). Then this late-date redactor, once he or she had discovered a 480-year sum in the regnal data, imposed it on the time between the exodus and the start of construction of Solomon’s Temple. One would wonder what purpose this might serve, since the pattern had to wait to modern times to be discovered. It would also imply that this editor knew nothing about the proper methods of interpreting the dates, but merely added numbers from various starting and stopping places until a nice sum was found. But let us, for now, consider this option as a possibility: namely, that the 480 years of 1 Kgs 6:1 were extracted somehow from the regnal data. This idea cannot be right because it cannot be reconciled with what has just been established. Since the regnal data of Kings and Chronicles, covering a period of over four centuries, have been demonstrated by careful scholarship to have every mark of authenticity,[28] then how could it be that when we come to 1 Kgs 6:1, the chronological data there are suddenly no longer historical, but contrived and mythical? For those who prefer redaction criticism, if we grant that the surrounding numerical figures, including the “fourth year” of Solomon, are to be taken literally, then could any judicious approach that deals with literary genre say that the 480 years in the same verse are to be taken as unhistorical? This is particularly pertinent if we accept Cassuto’s argument that the very form in which the number is written is meant to convey exactness.[29] Some numbers in the Bible clearly are not to be taken in a strictly literal sense (the “seventy times seven” of Matt 18:22, for example). The context and literary convention being followed are usually plain enough in such cases, however, to show that a non-literal interpretation is intended. For 1 Kgs 6:1, similarly, the context and literary convention being followed dictate that the 480 years must be taken as literal in intention. There is no indication that ancient readers would have understood it in any other sense. To treat it as other than literal would open the door to the radical revisionism that no interpreter with a high view of the inspiration of Scripture could accept: the forty years of Israel in the desert would not be literal, nor the forty days of the temptation of Jesus, nor his three days in the tomb, and so on without end, so that we would no longer be able to understand the plain meaning of any factual statement in Scripture. d. The Jubilee and Sabbatical cycles show that the 480 years are literal years. Redaction criticism, such as would seek to impose a non-literal 480 years in the midst of an otherwise historical account, has been shown by its practitioners to be a very subjective methodology. It can be, and has been, bent to favor propositions that fly in the face of archaeological or historical facts. Fortunately we do not need to use this unreliable method in order to investigate whether the 480 years of 1 Kgs 6:1 are authentic. A proper way of determining their validity is to examine their agreement with the Jubilee and Sabbatical cycles. Once we accept the small adjustment that Solomon died before Tishri 1 of 931 bc, instead of on or after Tishri 1 as Thiele assumed, then we not only have a correction for Thiele’s problems with the reigns of the Judean monarchs that he was never able to resolve,[30] but also, by placing the start of Temple construction in 967 bc instead of 966 bc, the Sabbatical and Jubilee years all fall into place with precision and harmony. This precision and harmony cannot be explained as the interpolations of a late-date deuteronomist and his supposed daughters (dtr1, dtr2, etc.) who were interspersing into their account the various allusions to these events in order to fool readers into thinking that the Jubilee and Sabbatical cycles were observed in Israel’s past. Although interpolations by a “deuteronomist” are the standard wisdom of rationalist scholarship, it is clear that any deceiver who was interspersing allusions in this fashion could never have gotten all the dates right. The principle of the Jubilee years, first presented in JETS in 2003,[31] was cited in Wood’s “Rise and Fall” article (pp. 477, 488) and by Steinmann in the same issue of JETS[32] as an important argument in favor of the early date for the exodus. It is also important in demonstrating the integrity of all the chronological data of Kings and Chronicles and in establishing the date for the composition of Leviticus. The argument, however, has never been addressed by advocates of a thirteenth-century exodus, even though there have been several expansions of the basic thesis and additional information in its support since the original presentation in JETS. These later articles have provided new evidence to show that Israel’s priests were keeping track of the Jubilee and Sabbatical cycles all the time that Israel was in its land, and that the start of counting must have been in 1406 bc. Since these various later articles dealing with the Sabbatical and Jubilee cycles may not be readily available to all readers, a summary will be given here of their findings. This will be a brief summary only; for more complete information the articles referenced must be consulted. The reader may also wish to compare the dates that will be given with the dates for the kings of Judah given in Young’s “Tables of Reign Lengths” article.[33] The simple thesis that Israel’s priests began counting for the Sabbatical and Jubilee cycles when they entered the land in Nisan of 1406, as they were commanded to do in Lev 25:1–10, explains the following facts: First, for the Jubilee years: The Hebrew text of Ezek 40:1, by saying that it was both Rosh HaShanah (New Year’s Day) and the tenth of the month, establishes that Ezekiel saw his vision at the beginning of a Jubilee year. Only in a Jubilee year did the year start on the tenth of the month (Lev 25:9). The date was the Day of Atonement, Tishri 10 of 574 bc.[34] Since the Jubilee year was identical to the seventh Sabbatical year,[35] the first year of this cycle must have been forty-eight years earlier, starting in 622 bc. 1406 bc, the year that Israel entered Canaan that can be derived from the chronological note of 1 Kgs 6:1, was 784 years, or sixteen Jubilee cycles earlier than this date, thus showing that 1406 would have been the first year of a Jubilee (and Sabbatical) cycle. This is in agreement with an entry into Canaan in that year, since Israel was to start counting the cycles when they entered the land of Canaan (Lev 25:1-10).[36] Entirely consistent with this, the Talmud and the Seder ‘Olam explicitly state that Ezekiel’s Jubilee was the seventeenth Jubilee.[37] The Seder ‘Olam, the older of these sources, does not cite the fact that Rosh HaShanah was on the tenth of Tishri in Ezek 40:1 as an argument establishing that it was a Jubilee year. Rabbi Yose simply states that Ezekiel saw his vision at the beginning of the seventeenth Jubilee, apparently based on historical remembrance. The Seder ‘Olam and the Talmud state that another Jubilee was observed in the eighteenth year of Josiah.[38] According to Judean Tishri-based reckoning, Josiah’s eighteenth year began in Tishri of 623 bc, which was forty-nine years, or exactly one Jubilee cycle, before Ezekiel’s Jubile

language learning

10 Mar 11 Gauge Control For Asp Net

Gauge Control For Asp NetBy: Huong Nguyen .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet ASP. Net gauge control is an innovator in this area of data manipulation. People want their work in distinguishing colours, to be attractive and enhance their presentations. ASP. NET gauge control offers the entire key software options to do this. What ASP. NET gauge control really?Asp net gauge control is a very useful skill in data manipulation. Here's an explanation on the illustrations seen on the Asp net gauge control. The ASP.net gauge control is a gauge chart that represents the values of the needles on a semicircular surface. The use of the ASP.NET gauge control wonderfully allows for the enabling of the dial surface area whenever the numbers are cut, your report is then able to show the flat bottom circle. A drop shadow effect is then shown as the gauge then settles on the grey marker. Industry employees, who use ASP. NET gauge controls are able to distinguish where the axis level can be added along with the display gauge on the gas pump. Finally the ending block displays an alternative shading effect. This is a very useful indicator for persons who use this gauge as it makes the data very clear as it separates one data from another with its amazing use of different colours.It supports the multiple dials or gauges on one chart alongside the single gauge or the dial per chart. It also acmodates the needles on the single chart and the extensive array of customized options. The elements or the points that are indicated in the wfp asp.net is included in the over-all report. The ASP.net gauge control also demonstrates the value that is sent hrough the blue needle. The axis tick the marks that were customized with the arrow point. It is displayed with a thick bold appearance. The axis markers are the custom background color and the hatch styles that can be highlighted to indicate the two areas of the gauge. Those who use the ASP.net gauge control can also enable the areas of the dial surface if the numbers are cut. This leads to the flat bottom circle that is visible in the chart. The gauge then sits on the grey chart to give off the slight drop shadow effect. The representation of these reports really depends on your preference as the person making the report. The axis maker can be defined with the red background color that will highlight the first quarter of the gauge. The gauge clipping can then enable the results that will lead to the attractive looking quarter gauge chart. Those who use this asp.net gauge control can tell whether the axis levels of the gas pumps can be added alongside the displays of the gauge. This ends with the alternative shading effect that is also displayed with the ending block. They use this to separate one data from another so that it is clear for people. They can understand the report better if there are different colors. This is what the asp.net gauge control provides. Axis markers have good use as well. They offer the customized background color and the hatch styles so that they can highlight the areas that are separate from the gauge. With the 3D glass highlight effect, they can add this to the surface of the gauge. They just have to see if the axis is customized with the dashed grey line. If so, then this will make it easier for the audience to separate the data from a previous report to the one that they are seeing in front of them. Finally, the shading effect of the asp.net gauge control allows the report to show the needle on top of the center if it is very important information. When presented in a report, this is illustrated as a grey chart area that has a slight drop shadow effect. The asp net gauge control may be a very colorful report but there is more than meets the eye. The manual that es with this software explains what one picture means and by mastering these can one understand what this program can really do for them. If you are preparing for a report, then you have to learn as much as you can on this particular software.ASP. NET gauge control final feature is the shading effect that show the needle on top of the centre whenever the information is very important. This gauge is without doubt very colourful and exciting to use, remember however that mastering the use of this gauge can and will truly enhance your work. Please take the necessary time to carefully read and study the attached manual to fully manipulate the various features within the programme.Article Source: abcarticledirectoryFind Programmers VietNam and more useful information about outsourcing, offshoring on Software Outsourcing.Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Huong NguyenRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About ASP via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home Web Development AspWedding Shower Decorations with the Bride-to-be and Expense in Mind- By : minerva97miChoosing Your Wedding Invitations to Create a Permanent Impression- By : minerva97miHire ASP NET Web Developer, ASP NET Programmers- By : Rishi MandloiUseful Social Networking Site Development with ASP Dot NET Development- By : Jessica WoodsonThe Benefits of ASP.Net Excel- By : Mark FitsenAll about Dotnetnuke- By : Dave Bush5 Dave Bush5 Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!

5 Mar 11 DONa€?Ts in Earning Money Online

DONa€?Ts in Earning Money OnlineBy: MN_Nikk .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet Not all the things in the Internet really make money. You might end up wasting time and having difficulty in gaining the revenue you want. If you really want to earn a good Hockey Jersey
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24 Jan 11 Notre Dame-Boston College: Irish Come Away with Another Close Loss

Elsa/Getty ImagesThis Saturday the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they head to Alumni Stadium to take on the Boston College Eagles.The Fighting Irish were no match for Stanford last week, as the Cardinal crushed them 37-14.The Eagles had a rough go against Virginia Kansas City Chiefs jersey
Tech in their last game, as they were shutout 19-0 on their home field. Notre Dame snapped the Eagles six-game win streak in this series with a 20-16 win last season, but will have its work cut out to beat the Eagles on their home field this weekend.If you are thinking about placing a bet on the game this weekend, the current college football odds have the Fighting Irish favored by 2.5 points over the Eagles on the road.Notre Dame (1-3) It has been a rough three weeks for new head coach Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish, as they had to feel they could have easily won against both Michigan and Michigan State, and then last week they just got their butts kicked at home by Stanford. In the loss against Stanford the Irish couldnfind ways to put points on the board. Notre Dame managed just two field goals until finally scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand.Quarterback Dayne Crist did everything he could to help his team win, as he threw for 304 yards and a touchdown in the loss. But it was the Miami Dolphins jersey
running game that didnshow up, as the Irish had just 44 rushing yards on the day.The defense actually played pretty well considering they were on the field for over 36 minutes of the game. The Irish held the Cardinal to five field goals, or this game could have gotten way out of hand.Boston College ( 2-1, 0-1 ACC)The Eagles ran into a hungry Virginia Tech team last week, but a few things really hurt this team or this game could have been much closer than what it was.The Eagles were intercepted in their own end zone and stopped short of the goal line as time expired. It was a bad day for quarterback Dave Shinskie, as he was responsible for the interception that cost the Eagles their first score, and then later had a fumble and another interception in the second half. Shinksie would eventually be pulled from the game in favor of backup Mike Marscovetra.Running back Montel Harris had a nice day on the ground with 111 yards on 19 carries, but most of those yards came early in the game.The defense actually played extremely well considering how little the offense did in this game. They held the Hokies to just one touchdown and four field goals, as they did everything they could to keep their team in the game. If the defense continues to play like they did against Virginia Tech, the Eagles are going to be just fine this season.Looking at the Odds I think you have to take the Eagles at +2.5 in this game. Their defense is strong enough to really slow down the Notre Dame offense, and I think we will see the offenseMinnesota Vikings
take off as the Fighting Irish are giving up nearly 28 points a game. As much as I like the Eagles to cover the spread in this game, I think you also have to play the UNDER 45 in this one, as these two teams have averaged just 37 points in their last eight meetings.My final score prediction is Boston College 20, Notre Dame 17.Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.

22 Jan 11 USC-Minnesota: Trojans Finally Get It into Third Gear in Defeat of Gophers

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesLike a car with balky manual transmission and a worn clutch, USC heads into Minnesota looking for some newfound rhythm to counter two games of jerking and stalling.The game opens with Minnesota probing the Trojan defensive center and finding six-pack abs where they expected a soft underbelly.Jurrell Casey and DaJohn Harris absolutely buckle the center of the Gopher line, raising eyebrows among the Minnesota coaching staff. Damn, this wasn't in the films.USC dodges its 3rd-and-long nemesis, due more to a drop than any secondary coverage, but it's still a three-and-out, and USC isn't in a position to turn up its nose at any assistance.Matt Barkley and David Ausberry continue to have the type of chemistry that results in laboratory insurance premiums being sky-high. The 6'4" Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
Ausberry breaks free down the sideline, but Barkley throws it as though Jack was open halfway up the beanstalk. Later, seeing a 10-inch mismatch on the outside, Barkley smartly audibles to a quick fade but manages to get the ball no higher than Ausberry's sternum.I'm getting the feeling that if Barkley was the table setter for Wilt Chamberlain, the Dipper would have averaged about eight a game.USC's defense returns to its early season form, allowing a huge gain on 3rd-and-long, allowing two other 3rd-and-long conversions, and then finally holding in the end zone on a third down bleacher throw to guide Minnesota gently and inevitably into the end zone. Offensive coordinators throughout the country are thinking about taking a knee on first and second down just to set up the Trojan nightmare of down and distance.Allen Bradford motors around right end and over defenders, racking up about 30 yards in three carries in a startling display of size and speed. Before anyone can ask why this guy hasn't been playing, he's quickly ushered off the field, and the awkward questions are postponed.Marc Tyler plunges in on an insistent touchdown run that darn near needed a commercial break due to its sheer duration. If Sisyphus has cable down in Tartarus, he's pushing that rock with renewed confidence after watching Marc struggle and strain for about a 10 count before eventually barging into the end zone.Barkley finds Ronald Johnson steaming behind the secondary and lays the ball perfectly in his lap for a score. Maybe it's just tall receivers that screw with Matt's depth perception. The Trojans celebrate a strengthening pulse, but a two-point conversion attempt looks like a bunch of guys late for work trying to crowd into a packed elevator, and they're left contemplating the stairs.Jawanza Starling breaks with recent Trojan safety tradition and makes a play on a wobbly, underthrown football. The ball clangs off his hands as though he were ringing accompaniment to Quasimodo's cry of "SANCTUARY!", but he manages to haul in the rebound. If Jawanza has a Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
girlfriend and he's inclined to give shoulder rubs, he might be flirting with a domestic abuse charge.The pick gives the Trojans a chance to grab a working margin before half, but the only thing more predictable than USC throwing on 1st-and-goal inside the five is USC going deep after a change of possession in plus territory. Barkley waits, waits, finds nobody open, and inexplicably does a blind fouette turn into a well-blocked defensive end, aborting an end of half drive.The second half starts, and the USC offensive machine isn't running any smoother. Under pressure, Barkley lobs a prayer into the middle of the Gopher secondary, forgetting that that particular tactic only seems to work against USC. Predictably, the ball is gobbled up, and the Gophers have much-needed momentum.Minnesota takes a 14-13 lead, and somewhere the South Dakota State A.D. is frantically trying to get Pat Haden on the phone to schedule a home and home. It may not be time to panic for USC, but after ten-and-a-half quarters of frequent stalls, the people pleading for calm are looking a bit like Kevin Bacon at the end of Animal House.It's time for senior leadership, time for the people who have been through the wars to stand up and make a statement. Okay, they weren't answering their cells, so freshman Robert Woods, USC's most consistent and soon to be best player, runs the kickoff back for a nerve-soothing touchdown.Just like that, the Trojans suddenly get the feel for the soggy clutch and find third gear without sounding like the cat chased the silverware down the garage disposal. For a 15-minute stretch USC plays tough, physical, and smart. The line blocks ferociously, the defense swarms, and shockingly even the flags stop falling.Minnesota, once dreaming upset, is now faced with a reasonable facsimile of an actual USC football team. They don't like what they see.Barkley connects with Ausberry on a back shoulder fade, and the two immediately get together to find out what went wrong. Bradford, a horse all day, pops free for a touchdown sprint, and those deferred questions bubble up again. Very quickly the game becomes a rout, and for the first time the Trojans get to cruise with the top down and give the little finger wave to pretty girls on the sidewalk.It's not all hair blowing in the breeze and designer sunglasses Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
for USC. The front four still can't get pressure on the quarterback without a linebacker riding shotgun, and Barkley's ability to spin the football seems to degrade with every second he stays in the pocket. The penalties are still an issue, it being uncertain whether the Trojans played a relatively clean half or the officials lost interest after the game got out of reach.But at least for a quarter, USC shows that it still has a high gear. Perhaps the engine just needs to be broken in slowly. Maybe they'll up the RPMs for a half against Washington State, the last tuneup before the real season begins. With Oregon, Stanford, and Arizona on the horizon, USC needs to be revving for 60 minutes.

18 Jan 11 Kentucky Wildcats Tackle Florida Gators: UK Seems Prepared to Go Streak-Busting

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesOver the years, it has become almost a foregone conclusion that Kentucky will lose to Florida in football. In fact, the Wildcats have not beaten the Gators since 1984. Yet, all streaks must eventually come to an end, and Kentucky finally appears to have a legitimate shot at ending this particular New England Patriots jersey
one on Saturday. When comparing Kentucky and Florida, two things are immediately clear. Kentucky is entering the game with more momentum, while Florida has been more battle-tested. The statistics going into Saturday's game weigh heavily in Kentucky's favor, at least offensively. Nationally, Kentucky is ranked 32nd in passing yards, 15th in rushing yards, and 11th in points scored. On the other hand, Florida is ranked 103rd, 52nd, and 32nd, respectively. Florida does have a slight edge on the defensive end as it's ranked 16th compared to Kentucky's 34th in points against. Yet, these statistics may be a bit misleading. Kentucky's first three opponents were significantly weaker than Florida's. Thus far Florida has faced Miami of Ohio, South Florida, and Tennessee. Conversely, Kentucky has faced Louisville, Western Kentucky, and Akron.Statistically speaking, Western Kentucky and Akron are two of the worst teams in the nation and are both still searching for their first victory of the season. Nevertheless, Kentucky cannot be faulted for its quality of opponents. The 'Cats have beaten the teams they were supposed to beat and have done it in a convincing fashion, including a 63-28 win against Western Kentucky and a 47-10 thumping of Akron. The biggest concern for Kentucky against Florida will be the defense, specifically the secondary. Kentucky's cornerbacks were torched time and time again against Akron. Fortunately for the Wildcats, the Akron receivers were simply unable to catch the ball. The secondary will not be so lucky against Florida. The Gators' receivers are much more talented than anyone the Wildcats have seen so far this season and are known for making big plays much more often than they do mistakes. However, Kentucky does have a few things working in its favor against Florida. First of all, New Orleans Saints jersey
Florida will be without its best receiving threat, Chris Rainey. The junior wide receiver was dismissed from the team after being arrested on charges of aggravated stalking. The loss leaves Florida with one proven receiver in junior Deonte Thompson, but otherwise a lot of inexperience.Also, Florida quarterback John Brantley has been somewhat disappointing in his debut as a starter. His numbers are solid, but he has often looked uncomfortable in the pocket and has not shown the same sort of big play potential that Florida fans were accustomed to with Tim Tebow behind center. This is evidenced by his pedestrian 5.72 yards per passing attempt and lack of running ability. Yet, even if the defense fails to contain Florida, Kentucky will still have a fighting chance because of its offense. The Wildcats have high-scoring aspirations primarily because of wide receiver Randall Cobb and running back Derrick Locke. Although Cobb gets most of the publicity, Locke leads the SEC and is 12th in the nation in rushing yards with an eye-popping 6.1 yards per carry. Yet, not only are New York Giants jersey
the Wildcats explosive offensively, they also make very few mistakes. In fact, they are the only team in the SEC that has not yet committed a turnover on offense. If Kentucky can continue this mix of efficiency and productivity on offense, it should be able to hang with the Gators, even if the game comes down to a shoot-out.

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams "Courtroom Drama" Commentary

The St. Louis Rams' season thus far has played out like your favorite television courtroom drama.St. Louis opened its season in spectacular fashion, trotting out a surprise witness in its defense against the Broncos and harassing Jake Plummer on the stand until he all but conceded the game with turnovers. Jeff Wilkins posted bail for the stalling offense, and the Rams beat an exceptional Denver team.The Rams' offense was again cited for Failure to Appear against San Francisco, and St. Louis dropped an embarrassing third straight loss to a 49ers squad that always seem to be up for the Rams, despite its inferior talent. After two games, the Rams finally knocked the rust off their offense and began producing consecutive wins. The Rams' all-star prosecution team of Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and San Francisco 49ers jersey
Steven Jackson found their rhythm and started posting numbers Rams fans have grown accustomed to. Unfortunately, it was about this time that the Rams began mustering their defense, utilizing the services of the Public Defender's Office. Despite high-profile signings such as La'Roi Glover and Will Witherspoon and the acquisition of coordinator Jim Haslett, it seemed the Rams' offense would once more need to outscore their opponents to win. Despite the apparent holes in their defense and having had clear-cut losses overturned on technicalities by Brett Favre and Kurt Warner, the Rams were sitting pretty at 4-1. Along the way they met up with ex-hostile witness, and current Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The courtroom was set alight by offensive theatrics and the Rams pulled out a hard-fought victory in a 41-34 fireworks display. The offense was finding its rhythm and protecting the football while the defense was regressing, but still forcing turnovers and doing just enough to win. However, the Rams would then face a veritable Murderer's Row of Seattle Seahawks jersey
opponents (Seattle, at San Diego, Kansas City, at Seattle and at Carolina), and whether they are a good football team would truly be put to the test.The jury's still out.The Rams were outmaneuvered in the closing moments of a titanic struggle with the Seahawks and suffered defeat against LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman - at the time enjoying a suspended sentence - in what proved to be an open-and-shut case.Hoping that the extraordinarily poor run defense against Tomlinson was just an aberration, the Rams' defenders dedicated a week to tackling technique to find out if they could truly stop the run against Larry Johnson.The Rams can't handle the truth.St. Louis' defenders have been found guilty of being unable to stop the run and being ineffectual in pressuring the quarterback (with Leonard Little receiving the lone acquittal). The Rams' offense has begun turning the ball over and the unit's three fumbles make it an accessory in the loss to Kansas City. The Rams must shore up their defense and prove that the offensive turnovers are merely temporarySt. Louis Rams jersey
insanity in order to make a run to the playoffs. This brings us to this Sunday, and Judgment Day in Seattle. A victory will mean a reprieve and a probable season long battle for the NFC West. A defeat will result in the harshest sentence possible: "Wait 'til next year."Follow the St. Louis Rams drama all season long (4)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "Will Mike Holmgren retire or return? He has reasons to do either"

So is this really how Mike Holmgren is going to go out -- with an embarrassing blowout loss at the hands of the franchise that he once led to glory? What an inglorious end that would be to his successful but unfulfilled tenure in Seattle.A legendary coach in Green Bay, Holmgren has yet to bring Seattle the title everyone hoped he could secure. And a 42-20 loss to Brett Favre and the Packers on Saturday showed that Holmgren's Seahawks have some things to fix if they are going to get back to the Super Bowl.But will Holmgren decide he wants to try it one more time? He has one season left on his contract and has hinted for the past couple of years that his time is nearing an end. He said he will evaluate his future over the next month and decide whether he wants to continue as the Seahawks' coach. It's hard to Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
say whether he will come back, but you can make a case for either decision, and Holmgren surely will be considering the reasons for retiring and returning.Reasons to retire Holmgren has said he needs to make sure he still has the fire, but he also has said losing hurts more now than it used to. He obviously has the fire -- one look at his sideline demeanor tells that -- but if he decides it has become detrimental to his mental wellbeing, that will be a reason to retire.Holmgren also has said he wants to make sure the team is still listening to him and his message is getting through. Based on the team's complete collapse against the Packers, there would seem to be some question about that. That might be a reason to retire.Holmgren has said on more than one occasion that he would like another chance to be a team's general manager again. He was stripped of those duties after the 2003 season, and he has no chance of getting them back in Seattle because Tim Ruskell is firmly entrenched as the team president in charge of football operations. Leaving so he might later become some other team's GM might be another reason to retire.While Holmgren and Ruskell got along well in 2005, when Ruskell first arrived and helped configure the roster into a Super Bowl team, the two have had some disagreements over the past two San Diego Chargers jersey
offseasons. First, Ruskell made the mistake of not putting the franchise tag on All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson -- a blunder that incensed Holmgren (along with the entire fan base). Then Ruskell traded Darrell Jackson, a Holmgren draftee who had been the team's top receiver. Holmgren made it clear he was opposed to that move, particularly because Ruskell sent Jackson to division rival San Francisco for a mere fourth-round pick. Then Ruskell focused the 2007 draft on defense and failed to bring in much-needed line help or a good tight end for Holmgren's offense -- both problems that plagued the team all season and were especially glaring weaknesses against the Packers. The philosophical chasm between Holmgren and Ruskell seems to be widening, and that might be yet another reason to retire.Reasons to returnSo, with so many reasons to retire, what might entice Holmgren to return?For starters, he still has a pretty good team -- one capable of contending for at least another couple of years. He has a Pro Bowl quarterback, the best left tackle in the game and a good fleet of receivers (if they can stay healthy). And Holmgren has the best defense the Seahawks have had since he has been in Seattle. All reasons to return. But Holmgren probably won't return unless Ruskell assures him that they will bring in some help up front on offense and try to find a good tight end. Aside from left tackle Walter Jones, who himself is aging, the entire line is full of question marks. If Ruskell brings in some help there, it would be a reason to return.Lastly, Holmgren might just San Francisco 49ers jersey
choose to honor the final year of his contract. Holmgren might decide to return for one last year, then sit out a season or two before returning as a GM somewhere -- if anyone would gamble on his ability to perform that job better than he did in his early days with the Hawks. In the end, it might be as simple as finishing what he started. That certainly would be a reason to return.

13 Jan 11 San Antonio Spurs' Bench Could Help Close Gap Against Los Angeles Lakers

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe real test for the revamped San Antonio Spurs will come next month at the Staples Center, when the Lakers should have Pau Gasol back.With a hobbled Kobe Bryant, who did not play in the fourth quarter after experiencing back spasms in addition to a broken finger on his shooting hand, and no Gasol,Tuesday's gamedid not amount to a fair litmus test for San Antonio.The Spurs will take the 105-85 win nonetheless. Do not expect Gregg Popovich to call the league office tomorrow asking for a replay of the game when both Detroit Lions
squads can suit up their full compliments.Finally, this $80 millionroster grabbed a signature win against a foe not from Texas.Finally, the Spurs put a collective foot on the gas pedal late in the fourth quarter and ran away from a team they might face in the postseason.Waxingsub-.500 opponents was no fun for South Texas' championship hopeful. The Spurs needed this contest a lot more than the Lakers, and that will be reflected when the squads meet again in L.A.They needed it, and they snatched it like a dog wrestling its favorite toy from its owner.Popovich knows he cannot expect toreplicate a58 percent shooting performancein the remaining three meetings with the Lakers. If someone figures out how to Xerox such things, he won't race to the phone to find the brilliant inventor.The Spurs coach values defense too much to ever condone a steadyreliance on putting the ball in the hole at a high percentage.He also should not anticipate or want to face a Bryant at 50 percent again.There is a reason sports writers often joke about him someday scoring 30 with a severed leg. Bryant would not have headed to the locker room multiple times for a minor ailment.If Bryant left the court for good with 12 minutes still to play, the pain must have been excruciating.There is, however, one thing the Spurs can count on happening again.The Spurs reserves outscored their Lakers counterparts 42 to 20. Many of those 20 bench points for L.A. came with Bryant out and San Antonio in a brief daze.At one point, the guys in white enjoyed a 25-2 advantage in points scored by players off the pine.The Spurs boast the NBA's highest scoring bench. Tuesday night, in a game San Antoniohad to have, the reserves hit their season average.George Hill led the charge with 13 points. He cut the baseline and dunked off a pinpoint Green Bay Packers jersey
feed from Antonio McDyess. Hestripped Bryant at midcourt and sprinted to the other end for a two-handed slam to electrify the ATT Center crowd.McDyess came to play early, nailingtwo mid-range jumpers and cutting to the rim for two layups.His eight points and five rebounds helped San Antonio erase an early 12-4 deficit.Manu Ginobili delivered six gorgeous dimes to go along with nine points. He drilled a pair of three-pointers and sliced to the rim just after Duncan corralled an offensive rebound for a backbreaking layin to swing back the momentum to the Spurs side.Roger Mason Jr. looked sharp from long distance early, swooshing several20-foot jumpers and draining a trey for nine points.Even Marcus Haislip hit a three-pointer in his brief minute or so of mop-up duty.The Spurs bench has produced at this level on most nights, and it would be reasonable to expect similar production in a potential playoff matchup.The Lakers have struggled to get consistent contributions from the bench brigade outside of Lamar Odom and what Shannon Brown can do on some nights.Even with Gasol, the reserve corp for the champs remains a concern.It could remain a boon for the Spurs.Duncan played 39 minutes Tuesday, but Popovich can afford to play his franchise star that many minutes in big games.Continued terrific outings froman upgradedsupporting cast will help Duncan keep his minutes at a career-low level. This will allow him to be fresher for jousts with the Lakers and other contenders.Meanwhile, Bryant has logged several 40-plus minute games againsta fewsub-.500 outfits.Duncan can rely on one of the other bigs to produce a double-figure effort at least once a week. Dejuan Blair and McDyess have each lit up defenseless teams more than once this season.I have not mentioned the injured Matt Bonner or Michael Finley. Finley is a clutch scorer oozing veteran savvy, and Bonner stretches interior defenses with his long-range bombing.Even Ian Mahinmi produced in the last week. After two years spent donning sport coats, Mahinmi wore a jersey Sunday nightand scored 15 points to help San Antonio pull away from the woeful New Jersey Nets.Tuesday, there were glimpses of problems the Spurs still need to fix, with five turnovers to start the fourth quarter at the top of Houston Texans jersey
the list. They have a long way to go to get to the Lakers' level.A healthy Gasol and a semi-healthy Bryant available in clutch time will provide a more sufficient test of the Spurs' titlemoxie.For now, a victory against an elite foe, really anyone with more wins than losses, will do.The Spursbench closed an early gap Tuesday night; it could do the same in May andJune.

12 Jan 11 Pivot Points: Andrew Bynum Is the NBA's Next Great Center, Why Trade Him?

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesTrue centers are a rare commodity in the NBA, which makes it?hard?for me to?comprehend why?the Los Angeles Lakers would even consider parting with Andrew Bynum.The approaching NBA trade deadline has increased speculation on every spectrum as to where certain players may end Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
up and?which teams can improve with a move, but it's just as?important to note the deal you choose to decline may be the smartest.Numerous names have surfaced as possible targets for the Lakers including Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, and Kirk Hinrich, and all involve trading Bynum, who?seriously has a chance to be the NBA's next great center.Of course, there are numerous obstacles in his path to reach that destination, but the positives in his case far outweigh the negatives, and some?opinions which are held about Bynum may not be true.The biggest fear about Bynum is that he will eventually suffer another knee injury and his career will become like Portland's Greg Oden's, one that is defined by the body's failure to hold up under duress.My opinion on Bynum's injury issues differs from the norm because I feel he has been more a victim of coincidence rather than a harbinger of a perpetually injured reserve player.The injury in 2008 was scary but it could have been worse, and the one in 2009 was caused by Kobe Bryant inadvertently falling into Bynum's knee while off balance.This is hardly something that's habitual, and his ability to stay relatively injury free this year may stand as a testament to that. Plus, if that's the single biggest concern about Bynum, then trading him would be insane.Bynum is only 23 years old, in his fourth season in the league, and is trying to master one of the most difficult positions in basketball, and his progress has been exceptional thus far.Bynum had the privilege of learning the nuances of the game from Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and not only has he accepted Kareem's instruction, he has proved to be a quick study as well.He?was blessed with great size and athleticism, but it's been his aptitude in the paint that has been impressive. He has great footwork, can pivot to eitherReebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
hand, and is developing a decent mid-range shot.He's also a competent passer in the post and seems to understand the Lakers' scheme, although he does have occasional lapses in judgement and his post defense could use some work.Bynum's upside is phenomenal, though, as his averages of 15.8 points and 8.4 rebounds?this season will attest, and in the absence of forward Pau Gasol, he has?at times looked dominant.This makes me wonder why the Lakers would be interested in dealing a player into whom they have invested so much time and effort, especially one that is making decent strides to return the investment.Chris Bosh is the most intriguing option for the Lakers and I am a fan of his talents, but what benefit would a move for Bosh really serve the Lakers other than to say another player is needed to repeat as champions?It's not worth trading a player like Bynum, who has the chance to be a legendary player, for someone like Bosh, who is a great player but has little chance to be held in that light.Furthermore, why should the Lakers make a move at all considering they are the defending champions and they won the title with basically the same roster as they have now?The deadline is for teams looking to improve their rosters in hopes of elevating their chances for a postseason run, so it makes sense for the handful of other teams with championship aspirations, but not the Lakers.Los Angeles has shown the ability to be dominant at times this season, and much of that has occurred while Bynum was in the game. ?So in truth, the solution for the Lakers lies outside of making a deal.Bynum does at times look?lost in the?flow of the Lakers' scheme and there are some areas that could use improvement, but those are problems caused by thralls of youth and are ones that can be corrected.Remember, Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
he is only 23, so imagine what his game could resemble barring another injury in the next three or four years? We could be witnessing the roots of greatness sprout before our very eyes.It would be much better to watch those roots blossom into trees in Los Angeles than to see another team receive the fruits of the Lakers' labor because of an ill-fated and unnecessary trade.

10 Jan 11 NBA Trade Rumors Come True: Knicks Trade for Tracy McGrady and Cap Room

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesA trade months in the making finally became official as the NBA neared its trading deadline, but not without a couple of speed bumps.The Knicks acquired Tracy McGrady Thursday in a three-team trade with the Kings and Rockets.Late Wednesday night many sources reported the Rockets had agreed to trade McGrady to the Kings in exchange for Kevin Martin. However, the Knicks were still able to prevail in their quest to acquire the former All-Star with a little help from McGrady agent, Arn Tellem, who declared potential fireworks Cleveland Browns jersey
should T-Mac have been traded to the Kings.Tellem represents several Kings players, and one can only bet Kings brass didn care to find out what he meant by fireworks.Also coming to New York will be Sergio Rodriguez via Sacramento. Jared Jeffries and Jordan Hill will be heading to Houston with Martin, while Larry Hughes, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey will join Sacramento.The Rockets will also receive protected draft picks from the Knicks.In acquiring McGrady, not only do the Knicks receive a major scorer and gifted passer, but, by trading Jeffries, they will be able to offer two free agents maximum contracts this summer.As McGrady opportunities in New York have been discussed for days now (bring the competitive spirit back to the Garden, and in return rejuvenate his career as he looks for a new contract of his own this summer), let take a look at where the Knicks stand going forward.Essentially, the team has gone all in. In an all or nothing hope, the Knicks surrendered some of their youth (present and future) for a chance at revitalizing the entire franchise this summer via free agency.Many around the league have considered this a trade of Jordan Hill and a future draft selection for a chance at two maximum-contract All-Stars.The key to the deal is the Knicks being able to convert that coveted Dallas Cowboys jersey
cap room into two highly coveted players.While this move could pay major dividends, it could also be costly for the Knicks.In order to be happy with this move, fans need to start coping with the fact that LeBron James may not sign with the Knicks.That right. Ive said it before, and now Im saying it again.This cap clearing move was not a "LeBron or bust" move. It was made to give Donnie Walsh the best opportunity to improve the team this summer.The fact of the matter is, with the Cavs recent acquisition of Antawn Jamison, James may not want to leave his hometown. Instead, the Knicks could be welcoming Joe Johnson along with his former teammate Amare Stoudemire, or even Chris Bosh. Dwyane Wade also remains an outside possibility.If fans are hanging on to the hope that James will be a Knick as the only option, they may end up sorely disappointed come this summer.While James may be the best of options, he is certainly not the only one. Walsh has recognized this and is prepared with Plan B options.As far as which two major Plan B free agents the Knicks are able to sign, it is going to be a win-win situation. Frankly, any of those signings would give the Knicks a lot more hope than the team currently has.If Walsh is able to secure James, then the ground he walks on should be worshipped by Knicks fans. He will have accomplished the seemingly impossible, luring James away from a championship contender to start over to build something special in New York.The Cavs should be content that Danny Ferry has done everything he can thus far Denver Broncos jersey
to show King James he means business, and by business, I mean winning a championship.If I were LeBron James, I wouldn want to leave Cleveland.Nevertheless, if Walsh is able to lure any two of the aforementioned free agents, he will still have done his job quite well.While there is no guarantee James will come to be king in New York, with $30 million in cap space this summer, signing two high-profile free agents is a strong possibility for the Knicks.Walsh just needs to make it happen.

9 Jan 11 Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesHere a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.Courtney Lee, New Jersey Nets Lee had 21 points for the Nets. He averaging 19.5 points over the past four games.Marquis Daniels, Boston Celtics Daniels had 16 points for the C. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
He a decent play while Paul Pierce (thumb) is out.Jerry Stackhouse, Milwaukee Bucks Stack had 16 points for the Bucks. He been in double-figures the past three games, averaging 13.3 points.Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls Taj had 14 points and 9 rebounds. Joakim Noah was unable to go.Dahntay Jones, Indiana Pacers Jones had 17 points against the Bulls. He been spotty of late, and is no long a fantasy option.Eddie House, New York Knicks House had 15 points for his new squad. He had four in each of his previous two games so you can trust him.Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers Batum erupted for 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. Id love to say he can build on this game, but I wouldn chase this box score.Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers Fernandez dropped 18 on the Wolves. He way too inconsistent.Chase Budinger, Houston Rockets Chase had 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. He was also in the starting lineup. Budinger has been solid lately, and is a decent option in daily leagues.Wesley Matthews, Utah Jazz Matthews had 18 points against the Rockets. He been in double-figures in four of the last five games.Anthony Tolliver, Golden State Warriors Tolliver had a monster game with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. Great game, but Id want to see more like it before adding him.C.J. Watson Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
and Anthony Morrow, Golden State Warriors Watson had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Morrow had 15 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals. Both are playing great and should be in your lineups.

8 Jan 11 New Jersey Nets: A Look Ahead at Draft Prospects

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe Nets are on a countdown to 10 wins to avoid the fate of the worst record ever. In light of their historic failure, there are essentially guaranteed to finish with the worst record in the NBA. For the Nets, the good news is that there really are some major talents available in this draft who would fit nicely.With the worst record, the Nets are guaranteed to get at least one of the top four picks. Right now, the top four prospects are:John WallEvan TurnerDerick FavorsDeMarcus CousinsThe difference Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
between Favors and Cousins is relatively small. So it would come down to a matter of preference as to style and team fit.The top pick is John Wall. He is the next Jason Kidd. He has incredible floor vision and is fearless. He is clutch and has shown the ability to score in the paint. He needs to work on his jump shot and cut down on his turnovers. There is no one who does not think that Wall is the best player.Evan Turner is a 6'7" stud wing who can play either shooting guard or small forward. He has a great handle and has shown the ability to come through in the clutch. Ohio State is a title contender with him and only average without him. Even though Wall has the better potential, Turner has been the better player this year. The only real knock on Turner is that he needs to improve the range on his jump shot.Derrick Favors is a power forward. He is explosive athletically. He rebounds and blocks shots with ferocity. He is smooth around the basket and defends well. He will only improve as he gets older and stronger. The only real knocks on him are that he needs to do a better job of setting up in the post and that he is only 6'9".DeMarcus Cousins is thick and strong. He is dominating in college because there are no players capable of defending him in the SEC. He is relatively quick as well. He has excellent rebounding instincts and a soft touch in the paint. Cousins has the ability to play both PF and center.Among these four prospects, the only one who does not fill a need is Wall. However, he would enable the Nets to trade Harris for a scoring Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
wing such as Rudy Gay. Or the Nets could play both Harris and Wall together. Wall is 6'4" and strong. He could guard opposing shooting guards. No matter what, the Nets are guaranteed to get a tremendous athlete who can play in this year's lottery.However, that is not all. The Nets also have the 26th pick and the 31st. The biggest problem with projections is that a lot can change in the NCAA Tournament. Some players who could declare might stay. However, with a little educated guess work, here are some of the potential prospects at 26:Devin Ebanks, SFQuincy Poindexter, SFPaul George, SFWillie Warren, GGordon Hayward, SFDamion James, SFElliot Williams, GIt appears that most of the players currently ranked in the 20s are small forwards. The good news is that the Nets need a small forward. The bad news is that none of these players are sure things. Of this group, I would hope that Quincy Poindexter is available. He is a great athlete who already understands the difference between a good shot and a bad shot.At 31, the Nets should look for a player with a legitimate NBA skill. A great rebounder or a pure shooter should be the target with this pick. Keep an eye out for someone like Trevor Booker or Gani Lawal. Both are very good on the boards and good athletes. Booker is a little Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
short and Lawal has no jump shot. As such, they are exactly the type of talented players who fall to the second round.The great news for Nets fans is that with a stud rookie and a smart free agent signing, the Nets can immediately become playoff contenders in the East.There is some hope.