ESPN

THE PULSE

  (11:36 AM)

Hey SportsNation. It may be a holiday weekend but that doesn't mean we won't have a PULSE!! Saturday's show is already jam packed with great guests. Send in your questions to Bob Stoops, Charlie Villanueva, Kevin O'Connor or Jameel McCline using the fields below! You'll see your question answered on TV during Saturday's show!

jeremy

pulse r u people only having 4 guests or more?

THE PULSE

  (12:20 PM)

We'll definitely hhave more than four, but so far, these have been confirmed. I'll update the guest lists as soon as we get confirmation. In the meantime, send in your questions to these guys!

Miggie (Minneapois, MN)

is this baseball?

THE PULSE

  (3:36 PM)

Well, this just in Tim Kurkjian will be a guest here tomorrow talking Sheffield, Rogers, trade deadline and all kinds of MLB goodies. Send Tim your question now and you could see it (and your name) on TV tomorrow!

Keith (Portland, Ore)

Any free agency talks on this saturday's PULSE?

THE PULSE

  (3:39 PM)

Glad you asked, Keith. Marc Stein will be stopping in to answer all of those NBA free agency questions. Send 'em in to Marc -- NOW!

THE PULSE

  (6:29 PM)

Alright folks. T.G.I.F.! We'll be back here bright and early on Saturday. The PULSE is live on ESPNews from 1-4 ET. See you right here for the chat! Join us!

THE PULSE

  (10:21 AM)

Hey folks, it's Saturday morning and we're only a few short hours away from another edition of The Pulse on ESPNEWS. Anyone awake yet?

THE PULSE

  (10:22 AM)

Since hockey fans probably haven't had a good night of sleep since their sport went away, let's start there. E.J. Hradek will be one of the guests on today's show, but we want to hear your thoughts on the latest NHL news.

THE PULSE

  (10:23 AM)

The two sides seem to be close to a deal. Is it too little too late for you? Or are you ready to forgive if they'll just get back on the ice?

Dari Nowkhah

  (10:53 AM)

What's up SportsNation... good morning and good Holiday Weekend to all! You guys ready for THE PULSE? We are. Steve Bunin and I will be chatting with you folks all day today... let's have a good time. You've seen some of the guest list. It's a good one. It includes the head coach of the Pulse Poll #9 team in the nation... Oklahoma's Bob Stoops. Get your questions in for him and everybody else. The show is just a couple of hours away... get your coffee and get that PULSE racin'!!

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

hey dari did you see last night's nascar race that was a wicked big one?

Dari Nowkhah

  (11:06 AM)

Jeremy, I saw it and you're right... that's what you get with restrictor plates. But I gotta say, I think Truex could be a force next season on the Nextel Cup circuit. He knows what he's doing out there!

brian (bartlesville,oklahoma)

Coach Stoops what is your preception of this years team heading into the Fall compared to past years?

Dari Nowkhah

  (11:10 AM)

Hey Brian... What up in B-Ville! Go Bruins! Thanks for the question.

The Pulse

  (11:17 AM)

That's right, SportsNation, Dari Nowkhah and Steve Bunin will be chatting with you folks while they're hosting the show! How's that for interactive? So keep the comments coming.

The Pulse

  (11:20 AM)

And since it is a big holiday weekend, we're also looking for your favorite patriotic sporting moments. Tell us what made you proud to be a sports fan in America.

Ryan (Boston,MA)

Any NBA talk today?

Dari Nowkhah

  (12:07 PM)

Absolutely some NBA talk today... we've got Marc Stein and Jazz VP Kevin O'Connor! How you guys feelin' less than an hour from 'tipoff" of THE PULSE??

Oscar, N. Carolina

why wasn't jawad williams picked from unc? He was arguable there most consistant player.

Steve Bunin

  (12:15 PM)

Oscar - thanks for writing -- good question, but keep in mind, the best college players, or more specifically, the most productive NCAA guys, don't always excel at the next level. NBA is all about length and athleticism, and Jawad doesn't - in NBA GM's eyes - have enough of either to warrant a pick. He'll play summer ball, though, and could catch on as a 12th-man somewhere.

Steve Bunin

  (12:16 PM)

Ryan - I'll be chatting with Marc Stein. I'm gonna ask him what the odds are Paul Pierce WON'T be back in Celtic Green next season, plus, who'll be signing GP. Stay tuned...

greg (beckley)

who will the big name in MLB to be traded before the deadline?

Steve Bunin

  (12:21 PM)

Greg - that's exactly what I'll be asking our Tim Kurkjian during the PULSE. I won't put words in his mouth, but I'd say Bret Boone and Preston Wilson will be the biggest-name hitters on the market, with A.J. Burnett as a pitcher who could be on the move. Tune in to see what TK says. He's got the inside scoop.

Joey, Nj

Coach Stoops, do you ever plan on jumping to the NFL as a head coach or is the college the place to be?

Ben (San Jose)

Any NFL talk?

Dari Nowkhah

  (12:23 PM)

Joey, you know he just signed a new deal that he'll get 3 million bones if he stays at OU through 2008. Let's ask him how long he wants to stay in Norman... that may answer your question right there.

Steve Bunin

  (12:24 PM)

Ben - you tell me? I know you're plugged into the SaberCats, but what are you thinking about - the Raiders QB situation? The Niners trying to become this year's version of the Chargers - from worst to 1st? What's rockin' in the Bay Area today, and how killer is that traffic on the 680?

Jeremy (Lowell)

dari who do you think will make the chase for the cup?

Dari Nowkhah

  (12:27 PM)

Jeremy... let's start with Biffle. 5 wins, he's a lock. JJ is a lock too, he's so consistent. The big names, though, are definitely Gordon and Earnhardt. Both out right now but I think they'll both be in after Race 26... but each of those guys HAS TO come up big in tonight's Restrictor Plate track at Daytona... The Race to the Chase should be fun!!

Ryan Smith Baltimore maryland

What shsould the wizards do with Kwame brown

Dari Nowkhah

  (12:30 PM)

Kwame who? Never heard of him. :)

Steve Bunin

  (12:31 PM)

Jeremy - you writing from Lowell, MI? How bad is the traffic in and out of Brooklyn at MIS each summer? I'm chiming in, because I get to interview Jack Roush in a little bit on THE PULSE (bumm-bumm) ... I'm gonna find out why his drivers all qualied poorly at Daytona, and what's up with Matt Kenseth? Plus, his take on Mark Martin, back-flipping Carl Edwards, and a whole lot more.

Steve Bunin

  (12:34 PM)

Ryan - that move shocked me. The Wizz basically fired him at the end of last season (don't come near us!!) but the bottom line is, when you're 7-feet tall, you'll always have a place in the NBA. (see Jerome James, Eddie Griffin, Chris Mihm, etc....) Sometimes it pans out, sometimes it doesn't, but you'll always get a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th chance.

Joey, Nj

With the Zen Master back in LA, what moves will be made to turn the Lakers back into a playoff contender?

Joey, Nj

Steve, Dari, and to everybody at ESPNEWS, Happy 4th of July Weekend! :)

Steve Bunin

  (12:38 PM)

Joey - right back at 'ya. Zen will finally have to coach, and he might find life without 2 Hall of Famers ain't so easy. They need a big man; I wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Jerome James. Somebody will overpay for him, and it probably won't be Seattle (see: their draft). It's all about working WITH Kobe - not around him. They could use a PG, too, but don't count on GP returning. They need some quickness, an Earl Watson type. J-Wil might fit the bill, but he and Kobe might coexist about as well as Shaq and Kobe did. What do you think?

The Pulse

  (12:46 PM)

Now we're rolling in here. Anyone got some tennis questions for Luke Jensen? Fourth of July, three Americans in the finals at Wimbledon? Good stuff across the pond.

The Pulse

  (12:47 PM)

Isn't this one of those weekends when everyone is a tennis fan? At least a little?

Chase (East Meeadow, NY)

I have a question....is this where I send my questions to be used on the show?

The Pulse

  (12:50 PM)

This is the place, Chase. You've got Dari and Steve chatting throughout the show, and we'll stockpile the best questions and fire them at our guests.

The Pulse

  (1:02 PM)

Hey folks, we're live on ESPNEWS, so get ready to get interactive with The Pulse!

The Pulse

  (1:02 PM)

Luke Jensen is up next to talk tennis, so fire away on Roddick-Federer.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:03 PM)

And We're OFF!! Let's have some fun guys... Steve and Luke right now. What a win for Venus!

Dave (Neptune)

Venus and her sister will take over tennis again

Morgan (Midway Texas)

Do you think the win could get venus back to championship form?

The Pulse

  (1:06 PM)

That's what Luke's talking about right now.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:06 PM)

Roddick or Federer... who wins?

Dan Elgin

Roddick needs this more than Federer

The Pulse

  (1:07 PM)

Hey Dan, you just made it on TV!

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

federer

Ken (Richmond, VA)

Federer in straight sets. Not even close.

Eric (North Collins, NY)

Roddick. Americans always come out on top.

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Roddick

Morgan (Midway Texas)

Federer

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:08 PM)

Roddick is 1-8 lifetime vs Federer... why will he win this time?

The Pulse

  (1:08 PM)

Sounds like a split in SportsNation.

Frank (Albany)

Does Roddick match up poorly with Federer in style of play? Or has it just been mental?

Ken (Richmond, VA)

I like Andy but Federer just steamrolled Hewitt and I expect the same against Roddick.

The Pulse

  (1:10 PM)

Frank, Luke just took your Q, and gave it good marks!

The Pulse

  (1:10 PM)

Great stuff, folks, keep it coming.

The Pulse

  (1:11 PM)

All right, we've got NBA draft talk with Charlie Villanueva up next. Was he a reach, or are people being too hard on the Raptors for getting a big man?

Bradley Dubish (Minnetoka,Mn)

Toranto is so stupid

Calvin W. Boaz (Clearwater, FL)

McCants was not a reach. That was a very good pick for the Wolves.

The Pulse

  (1:13 PM)

Vote in the poll, Calvin, it's linked right below the chat screen.

The Pulse

  (1:14 PM)

And Villanueva is the early leader as biggest reach, Don't agree? Keep voting.

Dave (Neptune)

He was a reach because who did they draft last a bad big man and this year they drafted the same postion where there superstar player plays at I dont know what toronto is thinking they should of got Sean May

Calvin W. Boaz (Clearwater, FL)

I did vote, I voted for the high school kid the Lakers took.

The Pulse

  (1:15 PM)

There you go, Calvin knows how this works. Vote and then sound off right here.

Frank (Albert Lea,MN)

I don't even careabout Toronto with Vince Carter gone there not even close to being a contender.

jon (east brunswick,nj)

charlie may suprise us

Jarraa(Toronto,Ontario)

Charlie Villanueva is by far currently the second best big man in the draft and give him two years and he'll turn out to be the best big man in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:23 PM)

Here comes Tim Kurkjians... get those questions out... NOW!

The Pulse

  (1:24 PM)

Hey, we've got Tim Kurkjian up talking MLB. What do you guys think of the standings right now? Can the White Sox and Nats keep this up?

The Pulse

  (1:25 PM)

Anyone got thoughts on Sheff?

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

who will win the al central dari and steve

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:26 PM)

Steve's on with Tim in a minute, but I'll answer your question. It's got to be the Sox. It's not going to far out on a limb to say that, but with that lead and the consistency with which they've played over the course of the season, it's hard to pick against them. The race for the WC should be great! Cleveland, Minnesota, somebody from the East and Oakland... fun times in the 2nd half of the season!

Boomer (San Francisco)

It's a crime if MLB doesn't help the Nats at the deadline.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:28 PM)

Boomer, they say they will if WASH is still at the top of the standings. We shall see.. but this team may be good enough to make the playoffs without any help.

Calvin W. Boaz (Clearwater, FL)

Kenny Rogers will get traded to the Yankees.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:28 PM)

Yeah Calvin, just what the Yanks need. Another 40 year old starting pitcher!

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

Nats need offense. They have to make some sort of move.

Justin (Richmond)

The Orioles will win the World Series!

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:29 PM)

Justin, the O's have to make the playoffs first. But your optimism is nice.

Chris (Waco TX)

If Kenny Rogers gets traded to the Yankees, he and Randy Johnson can go after cameramen together!

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:30 PM)

Chris... DON'T TALK BACK TO ME, I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE!" -- RJ

JT (Lynchburg, VA)

How can Tim say Rogers can play in the AS game. But MLB can't possibly allow him to be selected.

Dan (Holmdel,NJ)

The Yankees will get Mark Kotsay if the price isnt to steep!

David (Michigan)

If Rogers is suspended, then how could he play in the All-Star game? If he can't play in it, then why would you choose him on the team? There are already Rangers on the team anyways!

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

How would they televise the AS game if Rogers plays? I mean, don't they need cameras to show it?

Matt (york)

Will the Orioles get a strong pitcher Dari?

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:34 PM)

Matt, that's a great question. They need pitching, we all know that. If it weren't for tremendous run support every time Ponson starts, they'd be another couple of games behind Boston. Who would YOU want them to go get?

Calvin W. Boaz (Clearwater, FL)

Andruw Jones started really slow. I cannot blame the fans because he only was 9th in voting for OF.

Justin (Richmond, VA)

The Yankees will miss the playoffs no matter who they trade for this season.

Casey (Boston, MA)

Maybe The Orioles Should Trade For Pedro?

John (Detriot)

Is Marc Stein there?

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:35 PM)

No way the Mets give up Pedro. Besides, he'd never want to play His Daddies 18 times a season.

The Pulse

  (1:35 PM)

He's up soon, John. Fire away with questions.

The Pulse

  (1:37 PM)

You guys have thoughts on Venus winning? Now's your chance to sound off. Is she better than Serena? Better than Sharapova?

Andrea (Palmer Point, CA)

When she's focused, Venus is still the best.

Jay (Neptune)

no she is not better than Serena

Erik (San Dimas, CA)

Venus is back, mark my words!!!!!!!

Steve Bunin

  (1:40 PM)

Keep in mind the Belgians - Justine and Kimmy Clijsters have major game, too. When those two, LD, and the Williams sisters are healthy, that's a heck of a glut at the top of the Ladies game.

Casey (Boston, MA)

I think Serena Will always be better, Sharapova is Young she is on her way to beinging better than both of the Williams sisters.

Shola (Central Islip, NY)

Venus' Wimbledon Championship will carry over to the U.S. Open.

Danielle (Reno, NV)

Davenport may have lost the fire to be a champ.

The Pulse

  (1:42 PM)

Big XII football up next. Got some thoughts on the Sooners? Will they handle the Longhorns?

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:43 PM)

Here comes Bob!! Sound off Sooner fans, Longhorn fans, Big 12 fans, or any college football fans. BOOMER....

Chuck (Dallas, TX)

Adrian Peterson would be the best RB in the NFL.

Dustin (Rapid City, SD)

Iowa State is going to win the BIG 12!

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:44 PM)

Dustin, nice Cyclone optimism... they may win the North... but come on, the Big 12?? Gotta love McCarney though.

Ben (Saginaw, Michigan)

I think that Texas will take the Sooners this year

Terry (Ames, IA)

The Big XII is the best this year, bar none.

james (corning. ca)

USC will whip all of them this year again. Look at how many starters returned!

Jay (Neptune)

Yeah as long as Adrian Peterson stays healthy they will be the champs...

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Big 12 won't be present in the title game, I can tell you that much.

Barry, Detroit, MI

Texas AandM will finish ahead of Oklahoma, and it will come down to a battle between the Aggies and the Longhorns for the Big 12. Reggie Mcneal has matured drastically plus Oklahoma is without a quarterback to even come close to beating Texas.

Erik (San Dimas, CA)

Oklahoma is the cream of the crop of the Big 12

Tak (Houston)

Texas is going to beat Oklahoma and also win the Championship!

james (corning. ca)

Bob Stoops hasn't had a great team since his brother left...

Steve Bunin

  (1:48 PM)

The real question is, whoever comes out of the Big 12 - do they have a shot against USC?

The Pulse

  (1:52 PM)

NBA up next, we need your thoughts on the free agents, the draft, everything!

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:53 PM)

All right Gang... Marc Stein is coming up... NBA thoughts and questions are more than welcome... in fact, they're mandatory!

Steve Bunin

  (1:54 PM)

Looks like our NBA viewers are out to pasture.....

NICK (WORCESTER)

WHY NO TALK OF THE BULLS THIS IS THERE BIGGEST OFF SEASON SENSE MR. 23 LEFT WE FINISHED 3RD IN THE EAST AND GET NO RESPECT

Evan Ritchey, Chandler, AZ

The Suns will win a championship this year!

Andrew (Pittsburgh)

Francisco Garcia WILL win Rookie of the Year.

Randy (Texas)

The Heat need to get more help for Shaq inside.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:56 PM)

If you were Michael Redd, would you stay in Milwaukee and be THE MAN or go to Cleveland where LeBron will always be THE MAN?

alan (pittsburgh)

charlotte needs to go after roy williams now

Mike (Europe)

LeBron and Ray can coexist even though they are not selfish!

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

go to chicago

Ken (Richmond, VA)

If I was Redd, I would go to Cleveland and become the best one two punch this side of Shaq and Wade.

Dari Nowkhah

  (1:58 PM)

Ken, good point. That could be nasty.

chris (buffalo, ny)

GO TO CLEVELAND! Milwaukee is never gonna win agian especially if they ruin their cap structure by giving redd the max. What happens when he wants out when they're still losing in 3 yrs?

Casey (Boston, MA)

I would give Andrew Bogut A chance In Millwaukee, Who knows it could work seeing as T.J. Ford Comes Back Healty. This Could Be A Good Bucks Team.

Eva (Austin)

Lebron will be out of Cleveland when his contract expires

Mike (Jackson)

Shaq needs to stop be greedy and take less more cause he is getting old.

Doug P. (Raleigh, N.C.)

Lebron out of Cleveland, no chance

Eric (San Bernardino, CA)

LeBron is a selfish player, he and Redd couldn't share with each other

The Pulse

  (2:01 PM)

Sorry about that, we lost Marc a little early. But we've got more NBA with Kevin O'Connor from the Jazz up soon. So keep soundig off on the NBA!

Casey (Boston, MA)

Paul Pierce is Coming Back To The Celtics, He is The Best Rebounding Guard In the NBA and as I see it right now, there isnt much value in the trade offers i see right now so.

Doug P. (Raleigh, N.C.)

Andrew Bynum is no Shaq

Dustin (Rapid City, SD)

Thanks Dari and Steve for taking our questions!

The Pulse

  (2:06 PM)

They'll be here all afternoon, pulling double duty, hosting and answering!

alan (pittsburgh)

you guys rule!

The Pulse

  (2:06 PM)

Hey, The Pulse is your show, so I guess you guys rule as well.

Mike (Bedford, NY)

Andrew Bynum will be a very good player in the NBA. People don't see it now, but this kid has the talent, the work ethic, and the tools to make it big in this league.

John (Detroit)

Doug P. I completly agree with you that Bynum is not Shaq.

chris (buffalo, ny)

MITCH KUPCHAK IS A FOOL! He's the biggest reason for the Lakers losing. Forget Kobe, Kupchak never makes and good trades and drafts horribly. LA needs Jerry West back if they want to win.

Dylan (Sparta, NJ)

How Bynum got drafted before Green is beyond me. He was the best high school player in the draft. Kudos to the Celtics for getting such at steal at no. 18

Ernest (Los Angeles, CA)

Deron Williams is a better pick because he is a winner and the Jazz need a winner.

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

I don't buy this mentality of "building on your players for the future", unless you get a Lebron or someone special. The future is now...why wait to get a title?

Eric (San Bernardino, CA)

Deron Williams is an overrated point guard. Chris Paul is the total package.

The Pulse

  (2:09 PM)

What do you guys think of Deron Williams ahead of Chris Paul?

Manvir (Whippany, NJ)

this is a great show

The Pulse

  (2:10 PM)

Glad you're digging it, Manvir. Plenty more good stuff to come.

Steve Bunin

  (2:10 PM)

I don't think Pierce is going anywhere either. You don't move a top-15 player unless you can get one in return. A-Walker might go somewhere. Got some Jazz news coming up. Here's my q for you all: Of the top 4 picks, who'll have the best ROOKIE season? Bogut, Marvin, Deron, or Chris Paul?

Brian (Winchester, VA)

I believe Deron will be a bigger impact with his team more immediately than Paul.

Mr. Sir (Atlanta)

Chris Paul is a better shooter and floor general

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Deron is certainly NOT overrated, but Paul is indeed the complete package, and should have been chosen earlier.

Dylan (Sparta, NJ)

Deron Williams is a much more mature player. He may not be better in the long run, but he's a good immediate improvement for the Jazz.

Andy (Cleveland)

It's the Curse of Carlos Boozer in Utah!

Chris (Atlanta)

The Jazz gave up to much to pick Deron Williams at #3

Tak (Houston)

Andrew does need alot of work

Tak (Houston)

Jazz are still going to have a losing season

Brian (Madison, VA)

Marvin Williams will be the superstar from this draft.

James (corning. ca)

paul is too small to guard nba points

Ben (Saginaw, Michigan)

Erik i agree that Chris Paul is the best PG in the draft

Nathan (Delano Minnesota)

Chris Paul is a better PG

chris (buffalo, ny)

Chris Paul may be the better point guard but the Jazz got the player they think better fits their system and the Hornets got the future star that team desperately needs.

John (Detroit)

Deron Williams is going to take Jazz to the playoffs if they keep away from their injuries like they had Kirelinko and Boozer injured this season.

Brian (Madison, VA)

No doubt about it the Jazz made the right pick! Williams is bigger stronger and he can play the pick n roll

alex st.louis MO

i think jazz had smart early round picks

Dave (Riverview)

AK 47 is a very underrated player. He just needs to improve his conditioning.

Jeffery (St. Louis)

That is exactly right. The best player at the position might not be the best player for your team.

Mr. Sir (Atlanta)

The Jazz DO NOT stand a chance in the west as long as the Suns and Spurs are there

Steve Bunin

  (2:19 PM)

Jazz taking Deron over Paul surprised me. My money is on Paul as the better long-term guy (I see an Isiah-type player), whereas I have Deron Williams more in the Chauncey Billups mold.

Mark (Minooka, IL)

This is the coolest show on TV it was a great idea.

Doug P. (Raleigh, N.C.)

Did you see what Paul did to Julius Hodge in college Mr. Bunin?

Casey (Boston, MA)

I agree Steve.

Eric (San Bernardino, CA)

Deron Williams isn't even in the same class as Chouncy.

Dave (Riverview, MI)

Steve, are you guy we see on TV hosting the show?

Pat (Saint Paul)

I think that Rashad Mccants and Luther Head and Gerald Green will make the most difference from the draft. What do u think

The Pulse

  (2:22 PM)

Yep, Dave. Dari and Steve are chatting live from the set.

Dari Nowkhah

  (2:23 PM)

See, we're live from the set. Wimbledon hilites are on now... see, live!

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

are there computers under that desk?

Dari Nowkhah

  (2:24 PM)

Next to the desk... you should be able to see them when we're both on camera. Okay, back to the conversation!

Steve Bunin

  (2:25 PM)

If you look closely, you can see Dari's makeup. Or the spots on my glasses.

Dari Nowkhah

  (2:26 PM)

What, makeup? Huh?

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

dari is there a nascar person as a guest today on the show

Dari Nowkhah

  (2:27 PM)

Jeremy, Jack Roush is on! You know... he's got Biffle, Edwards, Martin, Kenseth, Kurt Busch. Good stuff.

Steve Bunin

  (2:27 PM)

Deron isn't the same class as Chauncey? Sure he is! He makes huge shots, he's a big point guard (in size), he's got good strength, finishes well.... I'd say they've got some common game.

Steve Bunin

  (2:30 PM)

Time to catamount this into the next segment. We've got some Raptors stuff coming up. NASCAR, too. Keep the emails coming!

Eric (San Bernardino, CA)

Villaneuva is a Beast, he may pan out in the NBA

The Pulse

  (2:31 PM)

Could Bosh and Villanueva turn out to be a dynamic duo in the paint?

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

catamount now your talking my home language. be on the look out for Coppenrath and Sorrentine

Mike (Bedford, NY)

Villaneuva was such a bad pick at 7. He is a very good offensive player but he doesn't play any defense whatsoever. In the NCAA tournament Calhoun would have to substitute a good defensive player in for Villanueva in the final minutes.

Steve (Harford,CT)

Bosh was a very good pick but as seen in his rookie season canot take the wear and tear at C which he primarily played. The next year they draft Raffy Arraujo, give that time. Now they draft a PF with the 7th pick Villanueva, Babcock says hes versatile and is a 4 or 5, but thats what Bosh is

The Pulse

  (2:38 PM)

We've got Charlie Villanueva, NASCAR and more Tour de France coming soon!

chris (buffalo, ny)

The ESPN analysts (I think it was Stephen A. Smith and Greg Anthony) got it right - THE RAPTORS ARE LOST! They clearly have no idea what they're doing anymore.

Steve Bunin

  (2:38 PM)

I love what Coppenrath can do for a squad, but the NBA has consistently drooled over potential (a la Villanueva, Martell Webster, etc....) rather than past production. There's some wisdom in it (see: Battier, Laettner, JR Reid, etc...) but you can't tell me Coppenrath can't score a tad? I'm on board w/that.

Braylin (toledo)

charlie villanueva will shock a lot of people i gurantee it

Adrian (Ventura)

Is there any word why Taft fell from a projected lottery pick all the way down to a late second round pick?

Mark (Toronto)

Last time I looked, Charlie V had the same size stature as Amare Stoudamire. Also, Detroit has won a title with an undersized front court in sheed and ben. Raptors are a run and gun team who are clamping down on Defence (see Joey Graham). Raptors are not lost, they know what they are doing.

Mike (Bedford, NY)

How dumb are the Raptors to pass on Gerald Green not once, but twice!

Ronak (bohemia)

With Taft, I heard that he bombed the try-outs.

Steve Bunin

  (2:42 PM)

Adrian -- From what I've read, Taft apparently did not work out well, and was not in tip-top shape. The fact that other early entry tweeners haven't done so well (Chris Wilcox, Mo-Pete, etc) doesn't help him either.

Dustin (Rapid City, SD)

The Raptors will make the playoffs because the Eastern Conference is weak.

Mark (Minooka, IL)

Charlie Villanueva could be a #1 pick if he stayed in college 1 more year.

Ronak (bohemia)

Lets take a vote Whos going to have a better NBA carear? Deron Williams or Chris Paul?

Braylin (toledo)

do the lakers have any shot at getting Ray Allen

The Pulse

  (2:45 PM)

You got it, Ronak. It's the poll just below and to the right of this chat window!

Casey (Boston, MA)

Charlie Villanueva is Good But you can't compare him to Amare Stoudamire, Amare is More of an Athlete, and an All around Better Player.

Steve Bunin

  (2:46 PM)

Braylin - the day Kobe agrees to play with Ray Allen is the day monkeys fly out of ....... Those guys hate each other, plus they play the same position. That, and LA's lack of salary-cap room make it extremely unlikely. They'd have to deal Kobe to make it work.

chris (buffalo, ny)

Yeah, I agree I'm not sure why Villanueva left early, he didn't really have great year and the same goes for all those SEC players who left early and didn't get drafted.

Matt (Bangor, Me)

Charlie Villanueva would have been around for Torontos #16 pick. If they hadnt used there #7 pick on him they could have had Gerald Green, Sean May or Rashad Mccants. I hope everything works out well But I am not so sure. What do u guys think?

Steve Bunin

  (2:48 PM)

Couldn't agree more, Chris. What were Roberson and Walsh thinking? The Gators could have been a top-3 team, a near Final-Four lock, and instead, those guys will be playing in the NBDL or MAYBE as a 12th-man somewhere... Bad bad decisions by two guys who had no real chance of going in the draft, let alone in the first round. Villanueva, with one monster season, could have gone #1.

Ronak (bohemia)

Will Larry Brown go to the Knicks?

Steve Bunin

  (2:51 PM)

Ronak, from everything I've heard, and the NBA folks we have here in Bristol, they say NO WAY. If Brown is healthy, he's in Detroit. If he's not, he retires from the bench and moves into a front office.

Mark (Minooka, IL)

Why did Gilcrest come out. He and the Florida kids will have a good NBDL team.

Steve Bunin

  (2:52 PM)

There were some rumors of Gilchrist having some issues with the coaching staff at Maryland, but a la Marcus Taylor at Michigan State a few years back, you gotta stick it out, don't you? Randolph Morris, Kelenna Azubiuke, the list goes on .... stay in school, gentlemen!!!

Adrian (Ventura)

Haha, I was hoping the Lakers would take him with their 39th pick, but I guess they saw something...special...in Von Wafer.

Dave (Riverview, MI)

School is cool!

Steve Bunin

  (2:54 PM)

Von Wafer - that was a shocker, for sure. There aren't enough good shooters in the NBA, but Wafer really faltered towards the end of his time in Tallahassee. Maybe Phil thinks Wafer can be a Buechler/Shaw/Kerr type of shooter in the triangle.

Luke (Baldwin)

Why did McCants fall to #14?

Steve Bunin

  (2:56 PM)

Luke, I am your father. McCants, as Jay Bilas said, the next time he really plays defense will be the first. He slid b/c GM's fall in love with length (Bosh, Tayshaun, Rashard Lewis), which McCants doesn't have. What he DOES have is a major-league muscular situation. He'll be able to grind PHYSICALLY over 82 games, but mentally? That's why he slid, I hear.

Braylin (toledo)

McCants was not the best. Teams are looking for small point guards that can lead a team that can pass the ball nnot be the team leader in points and shots taken this is why i dont think McCants wont go good with Garnett

The Pulse

  (2:59 PM)

Don't forget, Jack Roush is also up soon. Fire away with racing thoughts and questions!

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:06 PM)

Guys... Jack Roush is next! Great NASCAR guest. He's got 5 guys who might all be in the Chase for the Cup... Kenseth at 20th has the biggest fight to get in. Get your questions in for him. But my question for you guys is this... Who is Roush's best driver... Biffle, C Edwards, M Martin, Kenseth or Kurt Busch?

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Go Roush!!!

Dustin (Rapid City, SD)

NASCAR drivers are the most underrated athletes!

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

At tis point it has to be biffle he just keeps winning

Braylin (toledo)

who care talk about sports that matter!!!!!!!!!

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:08 PM)

Braylin - NASCAR is one of the 2 most popular sports in America. It's booming. I'll tell you this... I wasn't a fan until a couple of years ago and somebody said "Just sit down and watch a couple of races." I did... and now I'm a fan. There's a lot to this sport that's easy to get into.

Scott (Spokane, WA)

Kenseth is his best driver.

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

carl "flipper" edwards

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

Tony Stewart will make it 2 in a row tonight!

Dustin (Rapid City, SD)

Mark Martin will win the "Chase For The Cup!"

Mark (Minooka, IL)

I watchted one race in the Indy Car series this year now i am hooked on it.

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:11 PM)

Mark, I know why you're hooked on the Indy Car Circuit. haha

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:11 PM)

Mark, I know why you're hooked on the Indy Car Circuit. haha

Dan In Orlando

Biffle is the best of Roush Racing now...but Carl Edwards is going to be huge someday. Just needs more races

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

I'm with dustin they are under appreciated. I'm not that big a race fan like everyone else I watch for the crashes, but you have to respect what they do. It takes an unbelieveable amount of strenght and endurance to maintain controll of that car at 200 mph while weaving in and out of what is it 70 competitors. And aren't strenght endurance and perservience what sport is all about?

Adrian (Ventura)

I can understand why people might not be interested in Nascar. It's harder to relate to the drivers when you don't actually see them when they are "performing."

Erik (San Dimas, CA)

Biffle is the best in NASCAR

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

stewart best in nascar

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

Tony Stewart will finally win at Daytona tonight!

Ken (Richmond, VA)

Good point Adrian. It's hard for people to view it as more than just cars going around in circles when all tv shows is them going around in circles. They need to show more in car shots so people can see how hard the drivers are working.

Zach (TheIowan25) (Montezuma, IA)

Jeff Gordon is the Yankees of NASCAR!

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:16 PM)

Ken and Adrian, you 2 have great points. I can understand the difficulty in following a particular driver when all you see is his car during a race. I've never personally been to a NASCAR race, but many around here say it's a must to attend one. You go, you're hooked they say.

The Pulse

  (3:16 PM)

Jack Roush is taking your questions!

Adrian (Ventura)

It also seems as if much of the success in Nascar is based on the vehicle. I know that there's plenty of strategy involved with pit stops and what not, but it's hard to control a busted tire or a blown engine.

Nathan ((Delano, MN))

Jeff Gordon will come back to be points leader!!!!

Randy (Altus, OK)

Have you ever had a chance to meet owners in other pro sports? How do you compare your role to someone like Bob Kraft of Steinbrenner?

The Pulse

  (3:18 PM)

You're on the air, Randy!

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Jeff Gordan the Yankees of NASCAR? That must mean he is not good

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:18 PM)

ha! Doug, that's funny. Jeff Gordon hanging around .500. But I think even he would beat Tampa Bay!

Adrian (Ventura)

What does Roush suggest to the non-racing fan? What should I watch that might get me interested in racing? Are there any good magazines/books for beginners that might teach me more about the sport and how to appreciate it?

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:20 PM)

Adrian, I don't know about any books, but nascar.com is great. You can get bios on the racers, see current standings, see who won any race the last few years. You can see who is on who's team... etc. It's great if you're just beginning to follow the sport.

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

Dari there's nothing better you could say to please the ear of a red sox fan

The Pulse

  (3:21 PM)

Nobody can say Jack Roush short-changed the fans. Those were some in-depth answers to your questions!

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

and trackpass on nascar.com

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Good job Jack Roush I enjoyed it

The Pulse

  (3:23 PM)

Don't forget, E.J. Hradek is up shortly to talk about a possible resolution to the NHL labor strife ... and if fans will forgive.

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

props to Roush a true proffesional

Nick (Temecula, CA)

I'm not a hardcore fan, I just would watch a few Mighty Duck games but after this labor dispute I feel like I can care less if I ever see another hocky game again

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Of course we'll forgive...if we can have our sport back and they promise not to pull that crap again! We only want to watch...and we will be happy.

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

Living near the Columbus Blue Jackets, I miss the games greatly

Dan (Orlando)

Interesting, we got a NHL guy after a racing guy. I watch motor sports more now because the NHL shafted me. At least the Tampa Bay Lightning are still champs!

Adrian (Ventura)

I sure hope so. There are few things that beat the excitement of playoff hockey.

Bryan (Marion)

The players are not at fault here

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Hockey continues to fall down the ladder of sports and this lockout surely is not helping at all.

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:28 PM)

What is the one proposed rule change you would support the most... no red line, bigger goals, less goalie equipment, or a shootout?

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

Once they come back, they will climb back up the ladder and be stronger than ever

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

I hope and pray for a shootout

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Bring on the shootout!

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Always been my only complaint about hockey...games ending in ties. What's competitive about that?

Ken (Richmond, VA)

The red line is the most idiotic rule in hockey. There's no reason that a two line pass should be illegal.

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Rule changes who said anything about rule changes we just want hockey back

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

nhl is stupid just take hockey to japan

Nathan (Delano, MN)

Because of the hold out I dont care if the NHL comes back

Chris (Youngstown)

the only way to go is bigger goals, all the other stuff will ruin the game

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:32 PM)

Chris, why would losing the red line hurt hockey? And what's wrong with a shootout, do you like ties? You know what they say ties are like... ?

Javy (San Fernando, CA)

Hockey is dead in Los Angeles just like the XFL.

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Hockey to Japan that is a funny sight

Bryan (Marion Ohio)

I will forgive hockey 100%, once it comes back it will be just as strong if not stronger

Ken (Richmond, VA)

Losing the red line would be great. It would help speed the game up. Less whistles equals faster pace hockey.

Scott (Spokane, WA)

Hockey sucks, shut it down for good...Jeremy sealed it completely for me.

Mike (Grand Rapids, MI)

I hope this thing gets settled because I couldn't take another winter of just basketball on television. I did have the AHL to fall back on but the Wings need to get back on the ice.

steve-cleveland

Hey I can't blame the sport for this. I hope they get something done and I'll pay anything to see the game again. I am a true fan.

Dan (Orlando)

Adrian.....there is a book by Larry McReynolds (Fox NASCAR commentator and Dale Earnhardt's former crew chief)that really discusses NASCAR and his time with DE Sr. I wish I could remember the title, but a great book on the sport

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

Aside from what the fans will think about all of this, how will the PLAYERS deal with being back in the league? Do you think it will take some heart for the game out of them?

Mike (San Diego)

hockeys not dead in los angeles

jeremy (kalamazoo, MI)

the NHL needs to be more like the olympic style...no fighting, no toothless morons just knocking the crap out of each other, and more scoring

Darren White (South Strafford Vermont)

Seriously I have to go. But this is a terrific program you guys are running here. It's awesome that an average guy like me can feel like a sports reporter for 3 hours a week. It's good stress relief after I watch your programs all week long and yelling my opinions at the picture box (that's backwoods hick talk for tv) Thank you to everyone at espn that makes this possible and I look forward to seeing you guys next week

The Pulse

  (3:37 PM)

All right, we've still got lots of good stuff to finish out the show today. Keep your comments coming. Anyone grilling out for the holidays? We've got competitive eaters coming up later!

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:37 PM)

Darren, you got it! Thank you for playing along!

Matt (Danville Kentucky)

I think I should compete in eating...I've never been full in my life...and yes, you'd better believe I'm grillin' and chillin'!! Don't forget the brewskis!!

The Pulse

  (3:41 PM)

It's the sport everyone thinks they can play.

Jeremy (Lowell,IN)

wat the hot dog guy name

The Pulse

  (3:42 PM)

Timothy Janus -- champion eater.

Nathan (Delano, MN)

i can eat 3 hot dogs and fries then i think im about to die!!

The Pulse

  (3:43 PM)

Anyone got questions for Timothy?

Bryan (Marion)

Oklahoma will win the National Title this year

Zach (TheIowan25) (Montezuma, IA)

Timothy, do you have a favorite brand of hot dogs?

The Pulse

  (3:48 PM)

I think these guys are all pretty loyal to Nathan's ...

Tyler (Lufkin, TX)

Nothin says good eats like 8 Lbs of mayo

The Pulse

  (3:48 PM)

That's one of the records. Click on the link below the chat to vote on the most impressive/disgusting.

The Pulse

  (3:50 PM)

The eaters are up next!

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:50 PM)

Hot dog eaters are next! Questions and opinions... NOW!

Steve Bunin

  (3:51 PM)

If you all don't love this segment, you're crazy. I'm hoping we see something come out of somebody's nose.

Doug P. (Mooresboro, N.C.)

Let's see i can eat about 30, 40...about 3 hot dogs at one setting.

Steve Bunin

  (3:52 PM)

No way Doug, really? That's a lot of mustard.

Bryan (Marion)

Nothing like a nice grilled hot dog to set the mood!

Scott (Spokane, WA)

Beef hot dogs are nasty. Chicken and Pork all the way baby!!!

Adrian (Ventura)

I'm honestly curious to know how they feel after a contest. Do they ever get sick and...you know.

Ben (San Jose)

I might be able to eat 29.

Dari Nowkhah

  (3:55 PM)

Guys and gals.. you all rock. Another record-setting day in the chat room. Great day of emails, great questions, great instant inputs. It's been another great Pulse. Thanks, Happy 4th and see you in a week!

Bryan (Marion)

I will be here again next week!

The Pulse

  (3:57 PM)

Thanks, folks! Another great show. Check back next week for more!