Saturday, April 24, 2010

The NBA’s postseason is just heating up, and Bill will have an update on the first round. Also, after years of irrelevance, the Atlanta Hawks are turning some heads around the NBA and are shooting for their first ever Finals appearance. Bill is joined by Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to discuss Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, and the Hawks’ chances in the playoffs.

The Broncos surprised everybody by picking Tim Tebow in the first round, and Bill has an update on the first two days of an exciting NFL Draft. Also, you’ve heard of the bench press and the 40-yard dash, but NFL scouts have another way to evaluate prospects: the Wonderlic intelligence exam. But is it the best way to determine an athlete’s know-how? Steve Goldstein of KJZZ Radio puts the Wonderlic to the test.

The Devils are out, the Sharks are still afloat, and the NHL’s two young stars are poised for a late-round matchup. Bill hits the ice for a Stanley Cup Playoff update.

Recent reports claim that members of the Washington Capitals and Nationals may have been dealt performance enhancing drugs, but the NHL has made little effort to investigate the matter. Sports Illustrated’s David Epstein, who broke the story this week, joins Bill to discuss the NHL’s steroid scandal.

What makes Albert Pujols the most feared hitter in baseball? How does Lebron James soar above the rim? Some say it’s natural talent, but author Matthew Syed disagrees. In his new book, Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success, he argues that with enough practice, anyone can be great. He joins Bill to discuss his theory.

The week in sports wouldn’t be complete without Bill and Only A Game analyst Charlie Pierce, and they’re ready to discuss the NFL Draft, some changes to March Madness, and the bad boy of sumo.

It’s officially springtime in New England, so break out your baseball bat, set up the lacrosse net, and be sure to unsheathe your kendo sword. Earlier this month, Harvard University hosted its annual kendo tournament, where teams from across the country compete. Only A Game’s Doug Tribou reports on the ancient art of Japanese fencing.