An Open Mic on The World of Sports

Donald: I'll begin with the WNBA and the Chicago Sky. A new addition to the team, Katie Lou Samuelson, is hoping to bring to the team what she was known for in Europe: a lot of points, assists and takeaways. She was known as a shooter with amazing defense in regard to steals and getting to loose balls. And her rebounding was nothing to sneeze at either. I am excited to see how she does.

John: Over to football for me. Jimmie Johnson, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for many years, was an integral part of a trade with the Minnesota Vikings--arguably the biggest trade in NFL history- -that was known as the Herschel Walker Trade. Herschel was sent to the Vikings for a slew of players--all of whom the Cowboys were planning to shed. Jimmie and management were able to deal the cast-off players for other draft picks, and Jimmie led the Cowboys to multiple championships. This is why he has earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Russell: Now that the college football season has ended, and the NFL season is nearing its end, I've been thinking about what I'm going to do for my sports watching. It's time for college basketball.

Patrick: Yes, March Madness is on the horizon.

Russell: Right, right. The Illinois Fightin' Illini is a good way to begin as they are ranked in the top 25 (24th) for the first time since the 2014-15 season. I am so looking forward to college basketball this season.

Patrick: I am as well, Russ. Before this year, I never paid much attention during the regular season; this year, my goal? Lock in, baby. Especially with the way the De- Paul Blue Demons' men have played. I'm ready to get back to the winning ways over there. Two other things I'm anticipating are the NBA All-Star Game and the NFL Playoffs. The All-Star game would have been, in years past, a grand slam for the West; however, with the new process of 2 players choosing teams, it makes for a more fair and exciting game. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetkounmpo to begin with, it'll definitely be fun. As for the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs over the Green Bay Packers.

John: In a close game for the NFC Championship, the Packers will edge the San Francisco 49'ers. Only way San Fran wins is if they blow out the Pack. On the other side of the league, the Tennessee Titans could take out Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs; however, I would love to see KC win for one reason only: the exciting play of Mahomes.

Russell: I agree, John. All week following that Houston/KC game, my customers talked about the Chiefs' comeback dominance. Mahomes told them, "Calm down, I got this. We can come back." And come back they did--in history-making fashion. Amazing. So, never, ever, give up, kids. I'm taking the Chiefs and the Packers in the Super Bowl, but no pick from me. It'll just be a good one.

John: KC over Green Bay.

Donald: I have Green Bay over KC. Aaron Rodgers of the Packers will prove his point.

Patrick: After listening to the fellas' expertise, I'm flipping: I'm taking Green Bay over the Chiefs.