100 Most Likable American Athletes (30-21)

Weeks ago, I started looking at the most likable athletes in this country following the retirements of Derek Jeter and Champ Bailey. That continues today with the latest look at some awesome American athletes. First, let's look back at what we have gone over so far...
Preview
100-91
90-81
80-71
70-61
60-51
50-41

40-31

30. Venus Williams

Lynwood, California

Professional Tennis

Venus Williams is the second biggest American name in tennis (only slightly behind her sister). She also is a major force on the sport and nobody dislikes her. Williams has won 7 gland slam single titles and several more doubles titles with Serena. More importantly, to me at least, is the fact that she has 4 Olympic Gold Medals. 3 of these medals with her sister Serena and one single gold medal for 2000. For a long time, Venus was the #1 player in the world even ahead of her sister, but she has since fallen off that pace. Still, she is elite in the tennis world. Despite all her injuries and ailments, Venus is once again on the upswing and looking to head towards the top. Her records and achievements speak for themselves and there are quite a bit more of them than I mentioned. She will always be one of the biggest and most beloved tennis players in the world.

29. Serena Williams

Lynwood, California

Professional Tennis

Serena Williams is perhaps the most famous and likable female athlete around. She has dominated the tennis world in the past and is still a major force. In fact, she is still ranked #1 in the world. Her biggest claim to fame is that she has won more prize money than any female athlete in history. Williams has won more than 63 million in prize money already. All of this and she just turned 33 in September. She has also won an unprecedented 18 Grand Slam Singles Titles. That total is 11 more than even her spectacular sister. However, my favorite fact about Serena is that she has won 4 gold medals for tennis. Recently winning the singles and doubles championships in London. Additionally, Williams is famous for her charity work. Williams has developed a secondary school in Kenya, and has been involved in camps, and clinics for at risk youth here. She also has received an award for her work in promoting cancer research. Really from Serena on in this list they have a bit of an argument for the #1 overall spot on this list.

28. Chris Paul

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Current Team: Los Angeles Clippers

The current NBAPA president is very popular with fans. More than his popularity though, everyone loves CP3. I have been a CP3 fan since his days at Wake Forest and loved him on the Demon Deacons. I may have incorrectly picked the team to win it all in both of Paul's seasons. Anyway, ever since he was able to lead that team to a #1 ranking, I have been a fan of CP3. It is hard not to be as you watch his unselfish and spectacular play on that court. Yet, somehow he didn't go #1 in the draft. He should have been a lock to go to Milwaukee, but they selected Andrew Bogut. The rest is history as Chris Paul was just selected to his 8th all-star team. He is a fantastic player and probably the best point guard in the league. Paul also was a member of the redeem team that won the 2008 gold medal. That gold medal was his first, but not his last as he also won in 2012. Don't be surprised if he comes back and gets another one in 2016. Gotta love CP3.

27. Rickie Fowler

Murrieta, California

PGA Tour

Rickie Fowler was born in California, but currently resides in Jupiter, Florida. He is a professional golfer and one of the best Americans on tour. While he only has 1 PGA Tour Win he is known as a major force on the tour. Fowler didn't turn professional until 2009 and already has finished in the top 5 of 5 different major championships. Those top 5 finishes included four top 5s just last year. He was 2nd at the US Open, 2nd at The Open Championship, 3rd at the PGA Championship, and 5th at The Masters. You get the feeling that Fowler is just on the cusp of truly breaking through. Before turning pro, he was the #1 amateur golfer for 36 weeks in 2007 and 2008. Fowler has been on two Ryder Cup teams representing the US well in 2010 and 2014. Additionally, Fowler is a member of the "Golf Boys." It is easy to see his likability from the Golf Boys video posted below and from his play on the tour. Finally, the fact that he goes to weekly bible study and is just an all around great guy does not hurt his case.

26. Torii Hunter

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Current Team: Minnesota Twins

Torri Hunter is back with the team that he broke through with as he resigned in Minnesota. This makes Hunter incredibly likable in that he was able to return to the team he started with an maintain his fanbase in each of his three major league stops. The fact that he gives it his all everyday and is always smiling sure does not hurt his case. He has been selected to five all-star games and is admired for being one of the best right handed hitters in the game. More importantly though he plays great defense and has been rewarded for that defense with 9 gold gloves. In fact, his most memorable moment was robbing Barry Bonds at the All-Star Game (video below). He is probably most liked for his off the field pursuits. Hunter is involved in a great deal of charity work and received the Branch Rickey Award in 2009 for all of the great charity work that he has done. Torii Hunter is a happy guy that is always smiling that has made his community a better place.

25. Russell Wilson

Cincinnati, Ohio

Current Team: Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson has sure made a name for himself in the NFL early on. He has only been in the league for 3 seasons and already has been to the big game twice. Not only that, but he won in just his second year in the league. Nobody will complain about the success Russell Wilson has had as a 3rd round draft pick. A rookie of the year award and 2 trips to the Super Bowl is not to shabby for 3 years in the league. Add in the fact that he is incredibly humble and well liked around the league and you got yourself a keeper. Heck, I can't stand the Seahawks and I think the world of Russell Wilson. How can you not like a guy that makes weekly visits to his local children's hospital? A guy that visits soldiers as well. He is the National Ambassador for the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association and also has his own foundation. A great guy that looks like he will be racking in Super Bowl Championships.

24. Ashton Eaton

Portland, Oregon

Track and Field

Ashton Eaton is the highest ranked track athlete on this list and for good reason. He is the decathlete champion from the most recent Olympic Games. Being that the decathlon is the best measure we have of the ultimate athlete, him winning instantly makes him one of the greatest athletes in the entire world. The fact that he represented the United States while doing it instantly makes him beloved in this country. Including his triumph at the Olympics, Eaton has 4 gold medals and 1 silver. He has the Olympic win, the 2013 Moscow World Championship in the decathlon and 2012 and 2014 World Indoor Championships in the Heptathlon. His silver medal came in the 2011 World Championship decathlon event. He plans to retire after the 2017 World Championships in London at age 29, but he has a lot left in the tank before then.

23. Anthony Davis

Chicago, Illinois

Current Team: New Orleans Hornets

Anthony Davis has emerged as a superstar for the New Orleans Hornets. Many expect him to be the best player in the league moving forward especially as Durant (26) and LeBron (30) continue to age. Davis just turned 22 today and is scratching the surface of what he can do in the NBA. The league also has many more dominant wing players than big men. With Duncan retiring soon, the path is clear towards Davis' greatness. It helps that he was voted by the fans to start this all-star game and made his second appearance at the event. His experience in the 2012 Olympic Games does not hurt either especially considering it was fresh off him being selected in the NBA Draft. Happy Birthday to Anthony and we look forward to the amazing things he is going to do for the NBA.

22. Ryan Miller

East Lansing, Michigan

Current Team: Vancouver Canucks

Ryan Miller is one of the best known goalies in the NHL by the general public. He also happens to be the Olympic goalie for the last two Olympics which makes him more likable in this country. Back in 2010, he was the MVP of the Olympic Hockey Tournament where the US finished with the silver medal. Miller certainly played well enough for the US to win gold, but we couldn't score against Canada. Then in 2014, he only got one start, but the United States won his start. He is now also the 30th goaltender to win 300 games in the NHL. Going back to 2010 again, he won the NHL Foundation Player Award, the Vezina Trophy (top goaltender), and was NHL First All-Star Team. Miller has had an outstanding career which has taken place mostly in Buffalo and is continuing to do great things in Vancouver. Now that he has had his first child, Miller continues to get more and more likable.

21. Troy Polamulu

Garden Grove, California

Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Troy Polamulu is best known for his amazing play on the field. While that play on the field has dropped a bit, he still is fantastic. Nobody considers him the best player in the leaguue anymore as many did, but everyone still thinks he is very good. The way he plays and conducts himself makes him incredibly likable. Back in 2012, Polamulu was also found to be the NFL's most likable player. I believe that survey largely holds true today. However, I do think a few players have passed Polamulu in that department due to his drop in play. This guy is incredibly popular, but also soft spoken and a family man. Perhaps the fact that he doesn't run his mouth constantly adds to that likability. Troy has been on the cover of Madden and appeared in shampoo commercials. The guy is a straight icon. His 8 Pro Bowls and 5x as All-Pro do not hurt. Polamulu is simply a beast.

-Noland

Top 100 NBA Players

With all this talk about top 100 in my past few posts, I decided to start doing my own top 100 list for the 3 major sports. These lists will be based on value provided next year. For instance, Jason Kidd is not eligible because he will not play in 2014. It is a list for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Past accomplishments factor in, but it isn't an all-time list, so a guy like Kobe Bryant will not be in the top 10, eventhough he is arguably the best player of today over his career. Defense will factor in a great deal with these rankings. Finally, no players linked to steroids will be included, although they don't really catch people in basketball.

100. Bradley Beal                  Washington Wizards          SG
99. JR Smith                          New York Knicks               F
98. Raymond Felton                New York Knicks              PG
97. Samuel Dalembert             Dallas Mavericks                C
96. Eric Bledsoe                     Phoenix Suns                     PG
95. Jimmy Butler                      Chicago Bulls                   SF
94. Kosta Koufos                    Memphis Grizzles              C
93. Jarrett Jack                       Cleveland Cavs                  PG
92. Marcin Gortat                   Phoenix Suns                     C
91. Spencer Hawes                 Philadelphia 76ers               C
90. Kevin Martin                    Minnesota Timberwolves    SG
89. Gerald Henderson             Charlotte Bobcats               SF
88. Danilo Gallinari                 Denver Nuggets                 SF
87. JJ Reddick                        Los Angeles Clippers        SG
86. Jeff Teague                      Atlanta Hawks                   PG
85. Carl Landry                     Sacramento Kings               F
84. Derrick Favors                 Utah Jazz                           F
83. Omer Asik                       Houston Rockets                PF/C
82. Shawn Marion                  Dallas Mavericks               SF
81. Tyreke Evans                   New Orleans Pelicans        G
80. Ryan Anderson                 New Orleans Pelicans        PF
79. Monta Ellis                       Dallas Mavericks               G
78. JJ Hickson                        Denver Nuggets                 F
77. Paul Millsap                     Atlanta Hawks                    F
76. Nikola Pekovic                 Minnesota Timberwolves    C
75. Andre Drummond             Detroit Pistons                   C
74. Amare Stoudemire            New York Knicks              PF
73. Al Jefferson                      Charlotte Bobcats              C
72. Gordon Hayward              Utah Jazz                          SG
71. Nene Hilario                    Washington Wizards           PF
70. Jameer Nelson                  Orlando Magic                   PG
69. Nikola Vucevic                 Orlando Magic                   C
68. Tiago Splitter                    San Antonio Spurs             C
67. Chandler Parsons             Houston Rockets                F
66. Danny Green                    San Antonio Spurs             G/F
65. Jose Calderon                  Dallas Mavericks                 G
64. Kemba Walker                Charlotte Bobcats                PG
63. Luol Deng                        Chicago Bulls                     SF
62. Robin Lopez                     Portland Trail Blazers         C
61. Kenneth Faried                 Denver Nuggets                  F
60. Brandon Jennings              Detroit Pistons                   PG
59. Lance Stephenson             Indiana Pacers                   SG
58. Serge Ibaka                     Oklahoma City Thunder       F
57. Grevis Vasquez                 Sacramento Kings              PG
56. Kevin Garnett                    Brooklyn Nets                  F
55. Jeff Green                          Boston Celtics                 G/F
54. Anthony Davis                   New Orleans Pelicans       PF
53. DeAndre Jordan                Los Angeles Clippers         C
52. Ty Lawson                        Denver Nuggets                PG
51. Andre Iguodala                 Golden State Warriors        G/F
50. Dwayne Wade                  Miami Heat                       G
49. Tristan Thompson             Cleveland Cavs                 F
48. Larry Sanders                   Milwaukee Bucks              PF/C
47. Tyson Chandler                 New York Knicks              C
46. Pau Gasol                         Los Angeles Lakers            C
45. Joakim Noah                    Chicago Bulls                     PF/C
44. Jrue Holiday                     New Orleans Pelicans         G
43. Dirk Nowitzki                  Dallas Mavericks                 PF
42. Mike Conley                    Memphis Grizzles               PG
41. Thaddeus Young              Philadelphia 76ers               F
40. Ray Allen                        Miami Heat                         SG
39. Marc Gasol                      Memphis Grizzles               C
38. Carlos Boozer                  Chicago Bulls                     PF
37. Josh Smith                       Detroit Pistons                    F
36. Rudy Gay                        Toronto Raptors                 G/F
35. Blake Griffin                     Los Angeles Clippers          PF
34. David Lee                        Golden State Warriors         PF
33. David West                      Indiana Pacers                    PF
32. Ricky Rubio                     Minnesota Timberwolves     PG
31. Rajon Rondo                    Boston Celtics                     PG
30. George Hill                       Indiana Pacers                    PG
29. DeMarcus Cousins           Sacramento Kings                PF
28. Al Horford                       Atlanta Hawks                     PF
27. Klay Thompson               Golden State Warriors          G/F
26. LaMarcus Aldridge          Portland Trail Blazers           PF/C
25. Joe Johnson                     Brooklyn Nets                     SG
24. Chris Bosh                       Miami Heat                         PF/C
23. Greg Monroe                   Detroit Pistons                      C
22. Brook Lopez                    Brooklyn Nets                      C
21. Roy Hibbert                      Indiana Pacers                     C
20. Damian Lillard                   Portland Trail Blazers          PG
19. John Wall                          Washington Wizards            PG
18. Paul Pierce                        Brooklyn Nets                     F
17. Zach Randolph                  Memphis Grizzles                PF
16. Deron Williams                  Brooklyn Nets                     PG
15. James Harden                     Houston Rockets                G/F
14. Kawhi Leonard                  San Antonio Spurs               G/F
13. Kyrie Irving                       Cleveland Cavs                    PG
12. Kevin Love                        Minnesota Timberwolves     F/C
11. Tim Duncan                        San Antonio Spurs              F/C
10. Tony Parker                       San Antonio Spurs               PG
09. Dwight Howard                  Houston Rockets                 C
08. Carmelo Anthony               New York Knicks                SF
07. Paul George                        Indiana Pacers                    SF
06. Derrick Rose                      Chicago Bulls                       PG
05. Russell Westbrook             Oklahoma City Thunder        PG
04. Stephen Curry                    Golden State Warriors          PG
03. Chris Paul                           Los Angeles Clippers           PG
02. Kevin Durant                      Oklahoma City Thunder       G/F
01. Lebron James                     Miami Heat                          F

I Actually Feel Sorry For the Lakers

I do not feel sorry for the Lakers for the jokes. I find them funny. Especially this one.

I don't feel sorry for them about Dwight Howard. They should have known what they were getting into. I mean the guy said he would waive his opt-out, got a coach fired, and then demanded a trade anyway. How could they think it was a good idea to bring him on board? They could have gotten a better fit in place for Andrew Bynum.

I do feel bad for the circumstance though. Why do I feel bad about the circumstance? CP3. The Lakers had pulled off a move for CP3. They actually had a trade to which the Hornets agreed to bring in the best point guard in the NBA. A guy that would have paired brilliantly with Kobe and co. Perhaps the best team player in the league. Someone that would have given them a legit shot at a few title runs and set the team up for the future. Now, the Lakers are stuck with where they are at and it is all because David Stern nixed the move.

Don't get me wrong, I like Chris Paul on the Clippers. I love watching the Clippers play. Paul paired with Griffin is an absolutely thrilling tandem to watch. These guys are awesome. This whole thing is wrong though. The Lakers made the deal. The Hornets got better people in the deal with the Lakers. Yes, this deal helped the Clippers and made them an awesome team to watch, but it severely damaged two teams. It also led to the outside perception that David Stern is damaging the league. He is fixing the NBA to his terms and doing a bad job.

I do not like David Stern and I am actually with Lakers fans on this...Chris Paul should be a Laker. Unfortunately, we never will know what would have happened. We can just remember that the dictator of the NBA turned down a trade that would have greatly impacted the NBA. The ripple effect on the Lakers is just not fair. I do not like the Lakers, but this is a joke.

Pau Gasol has not been the same and has to wonder daily now whether he will get traded. All because our commish turned it down. It ruined the Lakers. It took away a contender. It is a shame.

I will never forget those two hours that Chris Paul was a Laker.

-Noland

USA Basketball Wins Gold

The headline isn't surprising, but how it happened might be. The United States won 107-100 over Spain in the Gold Medal game. Before I break down how it happened, I must first say that if Pau Gasol plays like this in the NBA next season the Lakers will be unbeatable. Gasol played one of the most amazing games I have ever seen, but as always America comes out on top. Now, how it happened....

Do not underestimate Mike Kryzewski's influence on this team. He has now delivered to gold medals for Team USA and gets a little credit, but not much. Kryzewki had these guys playing team ball when it mattered most and made the proper adjustments throughout the game. Don't forget who was coaching this team in 2004 before these two great performances. The 2004 team had LeBron, Wade, and even Tim Duncan in his prime, but was coached by Larry Brown. Do not underestimate how much a better coaching job Kryzewski has done in the last two Olympics over Brown. That 2004 team was loaded. However, Brown let Allen Iverson do his ball hogging and while leading the team to the bronze. They didn't play as a team and they didn't take advantage of the matchups (mainly that nobody could cover Duncan at the time). Kryzewski though took advantage of matchups and got Marc Gasol into foul trouble early. Great job by Coach K.

The passion and excellence brought to Team USA by Coach K will be hard to duplicate. This guy is a true professional eventhough he coaches college athletes. There is no man better for the job and he will surely be missed. The team truly loves him too and you can easily tell. 2016 will be a much more difficult task without Coach K. He will be more difficult to replace than any player on this team, but one.

Watching this game today, you noticed two things about one player. Chris Paul is the most important piece on this team, and he is clearly the best point guard in the NBA. Nobody can convince me that there was a player who played better than Paul today. The guy was lights out. Paul had that amazing drive to the basket at the end of the game that even Coach K went nuts over. I have never seen Coach K jump up and down like that. This guy is the key to the US repeating in 2016. What an amazing job by CP3.

Chris Paul helped lead this team to the promised land. He led them to the gold medal. Paul only had 11 points, but he made key plays. He got clutch baskets. He excited his teammates and coach. This guy started the runs and made the plays. CP3 didn't care about personal glory or being the guy that everybody gives praise to. Paul let James and Durant take all the praise. All Chris Paul wanted to do was make sure the USA got a gold medal. That is exactly what he did.

-Noland

Team USA Finalizes 2012 Olympic Roster

Perhaps the best coach in all of sports, Mike Krzyzewski, has helped finalize the 2012 roster. This is expected to be Coach K's last Olympics with this group. He ended up going for athleticism over size, especially given those that were unable to participate. The team only has three big men.

Here is the roster
PG Chris Paul
PG Russell Westbrook
PG Deron Williams
SG Kobe
SG James Harden
SF Carmelo Anthony
SF Kevin Durant
SF Lebron James
SF Andre Iguodala
PF Blake Griffin
PF Kevin Love
C Tyson Chandler

I probably would have gone Anthony Davis for the final spot on the team given the roster over either Iggy or Harden, but given the options, they really couldn't improve this too much. I would've like to see another big invited, but Davis was the only big cut so what can you do. You would have to assume Lebron is going to be playing a lot of PF.

The starting lineup will probably be
Paul
Kobe
Durant
Lebron
Love

I wouldn't be surprised if it was
Paul
Kobe
Durant
Carmelo
Lebron

I expect the latter 5 to get the bulk of the playing time. If I had to guess who will get the most minutes, I would say Lebron for sure. Paul is a close second in that regard.

Can't wait for this team to step on the court. I love USA basketball even if I don't love every player on this team. I do admire their desire to play for their country though. It used to be a given, but isn't anymore. It will be tough to repeat though. Spain, France, Argentina, and Brazil all have very tough squads full of NBA players. Before the Olympics, I will break down the rosters of the biggest threats to that gold medal. Good thing we got the mastermind Coach K on our side.

-Noland

Team USA

With all the craziness surrounding Dwight Howard I think it is safe to say he will not be a member of the 2012 Men's Olympic Team. The question is, who will be? There are few things I enjoy more than the Olympics and rooting for Team USA so I thought I would give my predictions. Coach K has some decisions on his hands.


Here are the 20 finalists for the Olympic roster.

Lamarcus Aldrige (Portland)
Carmelo
Chauncey Billups (LA Clippers)
Chris Bosh
Kobe
Tyson Chandler (New York)
Kevin Durant
Rudy Gay (Memphis)
Eric Gordon (New Orleans)
Blake Griffin
Dwight Howard
Andre Iguodala (Philly)
Lebron
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom (Dallas)
Chris Paul
Derrick Rose
D Wade
Russell Westbrook
Deron Williams

You have to figure if Kobe can play he is in. Durant, Lebron, Wade, Melo, Love, Griffin, Paul and Rose are all locks so who comes after that.

PG Chris Paul, Derrick Rose
SG Kobe, Wade
SF Durant, Lebron, Melo
PF Griffin, Love
Thats nine locks out of the 12 leaving three spots for the rest.
My guesses are Bosh, Westbrook, and a surprise selection of Bynum who was not a finalist. Either that or do the smart thing and take Duncan.

It will be interesting to see who we choose to bring home the gold.

-Noland