Once again I must pay homage to the god of basketball gods, Michael Jordan. He, in his capacity as the greatest player ever, in tandem with Scottie Pippen, will lead the Bulls to their sixth championship in eight years. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Portland Trailblazers will issue a strong challenge in the west to the fast-rising Los Angeles Lakers. In the east, the slowly sinking Knicks will fall again to the Heat. Atlanta is another solid team in the east who could make some playoff noise.
College basketball is next.
Iowa State will become the Arizona of 97-98. Martin Rancik, Jerry Curry, Lee Love, Marcus Fizer and, of course, Stevie Johnson will lead the 'Clones to the NCAA title in much the same way as Mike Bibby, A.J.Bramlett and Miles Simon did for the Wildcats. The Cyclones will defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels for the title. The women's team will win the Big 12, led by Janel Grimm and Jayme Olson. Now it's time for tennis.