Time to Draft

You may be curious as to why I'm talking about the NBA. Didn't the season just end? Well, yes, it did, but that doesn't mean everything basketball is done with. The 2011 NBA Draft will begin tomorrow, with teams keeping their fingers crossed that they not only score some raw talent but that the looming lockout stays far away as well.

Basketball is not an easy thing to keep track of and getting lost in the shuffle of endless teams and players is nothing to be ashamed of. That's why I'm going to make checking out some future NBA stars pretty brainless on your end. Here are 10 of the most talked about babes heading into the draft tomorrow...

1. Kyrie Irving, Duke

Irving is an Australian-American basketball star who is bypassing his final three years of college for the big leagues.

photo via The Locker Room

2. Derrick Williams, Arizona
Williams originally signed with USC but then changed his mind and moved over to AZ. He was the Pac-10 Player of the Year this season.

photo via Big Lead Sports

3. Brandon Knight, Kentucky
 This Florida-native frosh spent only one year playing college ball before declaring for the NBA draft.

photo via Bleacher Report

4. Enes Kanter, Turkey 
Due to receiving cash benefits, this 6'11" Turkish star is ineligible to play basketball in college and declared for the draft.

photo via World News Blog

5. Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania 
I have no idea how to pronounce this dude's last name or the team he plays for in Lithuania (Lietuvos Rytas), but I do know he's a top draft pick.

photo via Fiba

6. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State
 In high school this SDSU star was named "Mr. Basketball California". His father was shot and killed at a car wash in 2008.

photo via Fox Sports

7. Kemba Walker, UConn
Walker was born in the Bronx and is not only an amazing baller but a dancer and sociology major as well.

photo via Every Joe

8. Jan Vesely, Czech Republic
 The 6'11" Czech star is part of a family full of talented athletes. His father played basketball, his mother played volleyball and his sister is also a bball player.

photo via NBA Draft Insider

9. Bismack Biyombo, Congo 
Nicknamed "B-Smack", this Congolese stud was discovered at the age of 16 and plays in the Spanish ACB League.

photo via Pro Basketball Talk

10. Jimmer Fredette, BYU
This Mormon baller has acquired a hefty sum of awards throughout his career and actually played out all four of his college years.

photo via Fire Rick Reilly

If you haven't already, make some bets on who will go in the top 10 with your guy (or lady) friends. Enjoy draft day!

And do yourself a favor and check out this awesome take on the draft. 

Cosmo Clue:
The 2011 NBA Draft starts tomorrow.

Find out more about the actual draft here.

Drama Kings

Though girls are usually better known for being the more dramatic of the sexes, the guys competing in the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals over the past couple weeks really bitched it out. Both exciting and competitive series, the boys playing in the finals did not disappoint in the drama department.

The Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA Finals Sunday night and the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins are heading to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Dallas Mavericks celebrating their first championship

 picture via SB Nation

Some off-court fuss happened when Miami Heat's LeBron James and Dwayne Wade got caught mocking Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who had been sick in a previous game.

Dirk threw the comment in the overconfident gossipers face, taking not only the series and championship, but the MVP honors as well. 

There was also a little commotion between the two teams in the final game, with emotions running high and forcing the station to go to an immediate commercial break.

When it comes to the ice, this series has produced quite the frenzy when it comes to brawls and injuries. The NHL boys have played rough and have been going back and fourth trash talking all series.

 photo via All Live Sports

Game 7 (the final game) of the Stanley Cup Finals is on tomorrow at 8 pm ET. Winner takes all - don't miss it!

Ladies, the time has come for you to get your basketball and hockey-loving bf's attention back. Let's hope your boys aren't as dramatic as the athletes playing.


Cosmo Clue:
When it comes to drama, male athletes take the cake.

 More on Stanley Cup Game 7 here.

Championship Swag

While many of you ladies are celebrating Memorial Day with drinks, vacations and red white and blue, some sports junkies have been glued to their TVs on a weekend full of games.

From soccer, to lacrosse, baseball, basketball and finally hockey, I think I've broken a record for the amount of sporting events watched in a week. (Thanks in big part to my brother who is staying with me for the weekend and is too young to branch out to the bars.)

NHL and NBA playoffs have come to the peak of professional sports...the FINALS.

photo via Bleacher Report

The Boston Bruins (third seed) will take on the Vancouver Canucks (first seed) in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, only one team taking the Cup with them. Game 1 is on Wednesday at 8 pm ET. First to take four games wins it all. 

photo via Bleacher Report

When it comes to basketball, the Miami Heat will be battling the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Whichever team can pull off four wins first will be the 2011 NBA Champs. Game 1 is on Tuesday at 9 pm ET.

By now you should all know that the NHL champs get the Stanley Cup per winning, and the NBA champs get a championship ring. Trophies and jewels...what's the big deal, right? But that's not it. Let's take a look at what else comes with the championship honor:

• Most likely more $ in their near future, as many winners will get endorsement deals, sign larger contracts and their individual salaries may increase.
• Smack-talking reign. When you are the champs, you can run your mouth until the next season starts (and even longer if you remain on top).
• More $ again. (Bandwagon) fans would rather wear the jersey of a championship team and championship players, putting more in the bank with merchandise sold.
• Ladies. Obviously girls want to date champions. Like these athletes weren't getting enough before...
• More love from your city. The moment a team enters the playoffs, let alone the finals, people in the competing city go nuts. Sports fan or not, when your team is fighting for 1st, you'll become a fan (at least until they get knocked out). 
• Pride. Winning a championship isn't something that happens everyday, and most athletes go without ever sitting on top. Winning is literally the dream come true for these guys.
• A chance at MVP awards. On top of being a champ, a player from each team gets to be the best of the best. Doesn't get much better than that.

So beyond the legendary bling these winners get to call their own, they also take home the honor of being champions and making a whole city happy. 

Make sure to check out some games during the Finals, ladies. Good luck to all the teams and the fans rooting along!

Cosmo Clue:

NBA and NHL Finals are starting this week.

Want some predictions and more on the finals? Click here for NHL and here for NBA.

Boy Hunting

Single and ready to mingle?

No matter if you're looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now, knowing what's going on in the sports world can never hurt your chances at scoring a major babe.

It's Thursday and you know what that means - It's time to let loose, enjoy happy hour and count down the final day until the glorious weekend. With a lineup of jam-packed sporting events this weekend, clear your schedule and head to the sports bars. You're guarenteed to catch a game and maybe even a guy.

Let's see what's on tap for the weekend...

Hockey

There are four teams left in the NHL playoffs. Reppin' CA are the San Jose Sharks, who are down two games to the Vancouver Canucks. Out of Florida, the Tampa Bay Lighting are tied with the Boston Bruins at one game a piece. Whoever takes four games first in each series will head to the championship and play for the Stanley Cup.

photo via Fox News

Thursday
Game 3

Tampa Bay vs. Boston, 8 pm ET

Friday 
Game 3
San Jose vs. Vancouver, 9 pm ET

 Saturday

Game 4
Tampa Bay vs. Boston, 1:30 pm ET

Sunday
Game 4
San Jose vs. Vancouver, 3 pm ET

Basketball

The Miami Heat are tied with the Chicago Bulls, as both have won one game. The Dallas Mavericks are up a game over the Oklahoma City Thunder. First team in each series to win four games heads to the Finals to see who gets crowned NBA champs.

photo via CBC

Thursday 
Game 2

Dallas vs. Oklahoma City, 9 pm ET

(no games Friday)

Saturday
Game 3

Dallas vs. Oklahoma, 9 pm ET

Sunday
Game 3

Chicago vs. Miami, 8:30 pm ET


Grab the girls, grab some drinks and catch the games tonight and throughout the weekend.
Happy man hunting!


Cosmo Clue: 
NHL and NBA playoffs are happening all weekend.

Beat LA

In every professional sport there are the teams that everyone loves to love or loves to hate. If you are a die-hard (or bandwagon) fan, you rep these teams 'til your death. And if you're the opposite, the haters, you despise these teams more than anything. In the MLB, we have the Yankees, in the NFL, the Raiders, and in the NBA, we have the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Whether you're a purple and yellow loving follower, or you'd rather break every bone in your body before you watch the Lakers win a championship, you were watching the Lakers fail in the playoffs.

Kobe Bryant mourns the loss 

 photo via Lakers Blog

I'm neither a fan or foe, but even I got a glimpse of this desperate attempt and playoff end. The Lakers choked. Big time. (Sorry to all of my Laker-loving So Calers).

Kobe & co. lost in four straight games to the Dallas Mavericks, with last night's game sealing the deal of a semifinal sweep. And on top of that, long-time and influential Lakers coach, Phil Jackson, is retiring. Somebody get the Lakers some tissues - they are going to need them. 

Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson

photo via Sports World

After a farewell to the Lakers season and coach, there are still teams fighting to make it to the conference finals and beyond.

The Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls are tied at 2-2, and they will play Game 5 tomorrow at 8 ET. 

The Miami Heat is currently up a game over the Boston Celtics at 3-1. The next game is Wednesday at 7 ET. 

Oklahoma City Thunder is (as I type) down a game to the Memphis Grizzles at 2-1. The game is on right now, so we'll see who picks up Game 4. No matter who wins tonight, they'll play again later this week. 

Cosmo Clue:

The Los Angeles Lakers get swept in the semifinals, as other teams continue to battle. 

Everything playoffs here.

Playoffs and beyond

While hangin' at a sports bar last night, one of my not-so-into-sports girlfriends asked me a sincere question: "Wait..why is there a baseball AND hockey game on?!" 

This may sound ridiculous to some of you ladies in love with the game, but I can see where she's coming from. There is a lot going on in the world of sports right now, and it's not always easy to keep up. NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB regular season and an NFL Draft on the horizon...it's a busy, busy time.

Let's get caught up on all the latest sports buzz - short and sweet style.  

NBA Playoffs:

16 teams are currently competing in the first round of playoffs. The series lasts until the first team wins 4 games. More here.

Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics makes a game-winning shot in Game 1 vs. the New York Knicks

 photo via NBA

NHL Playoffs:  

Hockey is also in playoff mode and it runs a lot like basketball. 16 teams are dueling it out in Round 1, trying to win 4 games first. More here.

San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings in overtime in Game 3

 photo via Fox News

MLB: 

 The season is in full swing and the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the team with the most controversy so far. First, a San Francisco Giants fan was brutally attacked at a Dodger game, and the victim ended up in critical condition. Now, the Dodgers owner is leaving the team $400+ million in debt and in the hands of the MLB. More on the Dodger drama here.

Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt

photo via zimbio

NFL: 

Though the league is in a lockout, as I mentioned in my last post, there is still a draft. The draft will start Thursday, April 28th and will continue until the 30th. Stay posted for a blog post committed to draft day soon! If you want to get ahead of the game, look here.

One of the most talked about players going into the draft, QB Cam Newton

photo via Every Joe

Whether you're a football, baseball, basketball or hockey junkie, you're a happy girl right now. Plan your weekend around the TV and all the sporty goodness that spring has to offer. It doesn't matter if you're couch sluggin' in your favorite sweats, or being a social butterfly at the bar, just don't miss out.

(And by the way, my beloved San Diego Padres have been in somewhat of an early-season slump. Go ahead and say a pray for them tonight. Thank you.)

Cosmo Clue:

Baseball, basketball and hockey are all in season and the NFL Draft happens next week.

No Heat

March is HUGE for basketball. March Madness (I'll get to that in a later post if you are lost with it) is coming up, the NBA is starting to intensify - teams are gaining or losing confidence with their playoffs hopes, and fans really start to get rilled up.

The Miami Heat is an NBA team with a lot of potential but are stuck in a serious rut. They are home to major ballers like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh, but these tall dudes aren't pulling out W's. The Heat lost their 5th straight game last night to the Portland Trail Blazers, and the team is seriously confused. 

Heat's James & Wade frustrated after a loss earlier in the week

photo via PDXpipeline

The crazy thing about Miami is earlier this season these boys had a 12 game winning streak and were killing it. They remain high up in their conference standings, but they'll need to figure things out ASAP if they want to keep it that way. 

Next up for the Heat - the two-time defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. They will be playing in Miami tomorrow, giving the Heat home field advantage, which can't hurt. The Lakers are coming in looking to put the Heat's losing streak to a number six and Miami will be giving it their all to take down Kobe and his gang. Whose colors will you be sporting?

Game is on Thursday (ideal night for Happy Hour!) at 7:00 pm ET* - don't miss it.

The Heat's Dwyane Wade & Lakers star, Kobe Bryant

photo via Zimbio

P.S. I'm going to start adding a main point at the end of each post - summarizing the post in a nutshell. It's called the "Cosmo Clue" - props to my baby bro for this cute little slogan. Use it as a way to out shine your jock-of-a-brother, to seriously impress your old man, or to pick up babes at a bar. (I better be invited to any weddings that happen as a result of this possible convo starter.)

Cosmo Clue:

The Miami Heat has lost 5 games in a row, after having a 12 game winning streak earlier this season.

*Eastern Time - check your time zone, ladies!

Also, if you haven't already, please follow "Cosmos & Cleats" on Facebook, here.

The good, the bad & the ugly

One of my favorite things about my roommate is how she chooses the team she's rooting for. If we're watching a game that she doesn't know much about, it's pretty much guaranteed that she'll pick the team with the "cutest uniform" as her fave. 

In dedication to her keen fashion sense, I've picked the best and worst dressed teams in the pro sports world. 

WARNING: Some may be hard on the eyes

*NFL Best Dressed*

San Diego Chargers

Not only are the Chargers my #1 team, but they also look the best. The baby blues, the simple helmets and a lighting bolt - makes for a dream jersey!

photo via SI

*NFL Worst Dressed*

Cincinnati Bengals

I mean really, WHO wants to look like a tiger? Not I. No one looks good in Halloween themed stripes. 

photo via Bodog Beat

*MLB Best Dressed*

Philadelphia Phillies

The All-American color scheme and a classic pin stripe win my vote. (Not to mention, Cole Hamels is a gorgeous model for the uniform).

photo via Renovo Media

*MLB Worst Dressed*

Los Angeles Dodgers

Not sure if I hate these jerseys because of the blah grey or the fans that sport them. Either way, a Dodger jersey looks bad on all. 

photo via WGEM

*NBA Best Dressed*

Golden State Warriors

I like the coordinating colors and fresh design. I like the old school feel with a new school look. And I like the Bay Area. Warriors win.

*NBA Worst Dressed*

Los Angeles Lakers

I know Lakers fans won't be thrilled, but you can't be surprised. Kobe barely pulls of these blinding/clashing colors and he is pretty much flawless.

photo via Internet News

I tried to do a segment on the NHL boys too, but I honestly couldn't pick a hockey jersey worthy of "Best Dressed". The NHL needs a new stylist - ASAP.

Click here to pick up a new jersey, and fingers crossed that you're team isn't one of the worst.

Ballin'

Into basketball? Well, if you answered "yes" then you're in luck! Answered "no"? Well, you're out of luck - get into it. I'm not the worlds biggest bball fan, and I still get excited for  

**NBA All-Star Weekend**

photo via FanIQ

It's full of events, exhibitions, celeb sightings and the best part - it all takes place in one weekend. The NBA All-Star Weekend takes place every February and leads up to the All-Star game, which happens on Sunday night.This year, the jam packed weekend takes place in the City of Angeles.

photo via Benchwarmer Sports

Here's a line up of the weekends main events:

-Friday-

CELEB GAME

The name pretty much explains itself. It's a basketball game played by all sorts of celebs and retired players. The game also involves WNBA (Woman NBA league) and other athletes, which is pretty sweet.

Look here to see who's playing

ROOKIE CHALLENGE

This game is basically babies vs. toddlers. The newbies ("Rookies") compete against 2nd year players ("Sophmores"). 

More on the game here

D-LEAGUE (NBA's minor league) DREAM FACTORY FRIDAY NIGHT

These nighttime events include a dunk contest, a three-point shootout and a H-O-R-S-E competition (a fun, elimination game) all played by the minors.

-Saturday-

D-LEAGUE (NBA's minor league) ALL-STAR GAME

The top minor league players duke it out in a game. 

More on the D-Leauge game here

SLAM DUNK CONTEST

Probably my favorite event of the weekend. Do you like "Dancing with the Stars" and judging the talented dancers? Just like the dancers do, the boys gets judged on how insane their dunks are. They get a score of 1-10 after each dunk, and points are added up to see who the ultimate dunker is. Feeling extra basketbally? Get some girls (and boys, if they will cooperate) together to watch, make your own score cards, and get judging!

Check out this video on last years top dunks. Craaaazy right?

THREE-POINT SHOOTOUT

NBA's top 3-point shooters get five shots from different spots on the court. They get points per shot to determine which player comes out on top.

SKILLS CHALLENGE

Just like the old school obstacle courses we used to set up as kids, the pro's have to work around a course to shoot, dribble and pass. 

SHOOTING STARS COMPETITION

A NBA player, a retired player and a WNBA player compete together in a shoot competiton, while repping their city.

-Sunday-

NBA ALL-STAR GAME

The weekends final event lets NBA's best of the best compete in a game - East vs. West.

Full roster here

photo via News Daily Brief

Even if you're not basketball crazy, or aren't sure what a "dunk" really is - cozy up on this winter weekend and catch some ballers do their thing. Nothing like a bunch of ego's trying to show one another up! 

Want more? Click here for the weekends full schedule

Baby Dunks

Though I think it's one of the most exciting sports, basketball is one sport I don't know much about. Not because I don't like the sport, or enjoy watching it, but San Diego (where I grew up) doesn't have a team, and hasn't since before my birth. I've been sporting Chargers face tattoos and Padres gear since before I could walk, but without a hometown team, I never really caught on to bball.  I do catch a game here and there, but most of my basketball viewing consists of the clips I see on Sports Center. 

There is one name that I've been hearing OVER & OVER and some of the footage I've seen on this guy is INsane. No, it's not Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. This unbelievable athlete is Blake Griffin, a player for the Los Angeles Clippers.

photo via Opposing Views

 He's just a baby at 21 years old and is in his 2nd* season of the NBA. He attended the University of Oklahoma for only 2 years, before entering the NBA Draft in 2009. After having outstanding high school and college careers, it was no surprise when Griffin was selected first overall by the Clippers. He's KIND OF tall - 6'10 - no big deal - and weighs in around 250 lbs. His XL size isn't something that weighs him down though - he's known for his unreal dunks. He's breaking all kinds of records and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon!

Check out a few of my favorite clips of this beast of a baller:

He is NUTS, right??

Keep an eye out for Griffin at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Feb. 19!

White men CAN jump.

*It's his 2nd season, but he was out his whole 1st season, due to an injury. 2010-2011 is still considered his "rookie season".

Courtside Celebs

Basketball is in full swing and it seems to be the sport of choice for celebs. Here are some Hollywood favorites making courtside appearances.

Baby Biebs roots on the Lakers, sporting H20, a leather jacket & fist pumps. 

photo via LA Times

David Beckham catches a Lakers game solo. Am I the only one not diggin' the greasy, girlish haircut?

photo via LA Times

Lindsay Lohan takes a break from rehab/jail/cocaine/girlfriends to "watch" some ball. 

photo via LA Times

The Kardashians are now courtside regulars at Lakers games, with Khloe's husband playing for the team. Kim looks like she understands the game, but Khlo - not so much. 

photo via TMZ

Jack Nicholson is a huge Lakers fan and often catches games with his gorg daughter, Lorraine. 

photo via Huffington Post

Justin is all smiles at a recent Lakers game. Can't say the same for Jess though. Get the girl a drink!

photo via FanShots

This babealicious couple enjoys a beer and some hoops at a Lakers game.

photo via Global Grind

Jay Z and Beyonce are a regular powerhouse couple at New Jersey Nets games - J is part-owner of the team.

photo via GumBumper!

So the next time you find yourself courtside, don't forget your camera and pen for autographs - especially if you're in La La Land!


Check out the schedule for your team and catch a game!

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today is Thursday! Do you know what that means?! You're about to embark on a weekend full of fun, friends, and let's not forget football (basketball is on too, but that didn't start with an "F"). Make the most out of football & basketball season and catch a game! Even if you only watch a few minutes of one, you'll feel a little sportier already. The way I see it, most of us will spend our Thursday night at Happy Hour, in front of the T.V., or hanging with our man, so might as well know what's going on!

Here's the lineup of todays games:

Thursday, November 11th (Happy Veteran's Day!)

Basketball 

• 8:00 p.m. ET* - Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
• 8:00 p.m. ET* - Golden State Warriors (Bay Area!) vs. Chicago Bulls
• 10:30 p.m. ET* - Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Football (yes, there will games on Thursdays too!)

• 8:20 p.m. ET* - Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons

There are many other games between now and Monday as well. Go to the links to the right, under "Links to Love", depending on which sport you're interested in. You'll find a full schedule for the season of your choice, so mark your calendars accordingly!

So whether you're a Bay Area girl rooting for the Warriors, or a So Cal lady who loves the Lakers, have a great Thursday night watching some ballers sweat! And if you can't handle watching sports yet, this way you'll be able to plan around times you're boyfriend/husband will be M.I.A. 

*ET=Eastern Time. Sporting event times are almost always listed in the Eastern Time Zone, so don't be fooled. For those of you who live in CA, that means the game is actually on 3 hours ahead.