Are we ready?

The link to Jeremy Bloom’s picture and the 2005 King of the Hardwood thread last week made me think about the 2006 competition.

KOTH March Madness selection time is only a couple of months away so it’s time to start thinking about nominations for this year’s tournament. Think of it like those pre-Oscar nomination ads that studio's submit. “For your consideration...”

For all you new readers, the King of the Hardwood tournament is run like the NCAA basketball tournament. We have a field of 64 men, divided into four regions and seeded from 1-16 in each region. I do the seedings, but I try to seed the guys based on the “feel of the board”. Usually, I’ll try to pick a representation from a variety of sports (aussie football, rugby, figure skating, bmx, diving, volleyball, etc…). I try to be as fair and impartial as possible, but there is never total agreement on seedings. But when is there ever total agreement on this board!

I would say that about half of the field of 64 are a lock – and you can probably rattle off the list of names. Last year’s final eight have an automatic pass into this year’s tournament. And if Jeremy Bloom threepeats, he will be officially retired from the competition.

Some new names that are pretty much a lock for this year’s tourney: Alex Smith and Brady Quinn.

I deleted my old marinerduckboy account from yahoo so I also lost all my individual athlete folders with pictures. So, I will have to set-up another online photo album once the field of 64 are announced.

So, if you think you have someone who should be considered, post it here. Especially if it’s someone that has not been mentioned much on this board. And for those of you calling for swimmer Andy Grant last year, I have not forgotten his name.

One more thing. ASSISTANCE NEEDED: I do need to ask if anyone has a recommendation of a free site where I can post the folders of the pictures of athletes. I can set up the folders in my yahoo photo album again, but I was hoping to find a site where posters can add their favorite photos of their guy into the respective photo folder to plead his case. Setting up the individual folders was easy, but adding pictures to the folders took a while. So this year, I’m soliciting the help of you guys/gals!

******
3.12.06: EDIT THREAD TITLE: The Brackets are now released!

[ March 12, 2006, 07:09 PM: Message edited by: Mariner Duck Guy ]

I can't remember if Cristiano Ronaldo was in it last year, but I nominate him. David Beckham, Michael Owen, Landon Donovan- I think they were all in it last year. Maybe Adriano?

MDB- you could create a Yahoo account solely for the tournament and put the username and password on the board here...I don't know if that's the greatest idea though...

I hereby nominate Brodie Croyle for his dark features, deep voice and his love of the jockstrap.

God speed, Brodie...

http://tinypic.com/jp7cx4.jpg

http://tinypic.com/jp7e3t.jpg

Furthermore, I move that Atlanta Brave Jeff Francoeur make his King of the Hardwood debut this season.

http://tinypic.com/jp7g1y.jpg

[ January 03, 2006, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: High Tyde ]

Koji, Koji, Koji!!! He needs to make the list. Lovely young man.

They were all in the tournament last year! I recall Christiano was one of the disappointments of the tournamet and I believe he lost in the first round. I had much higher hopes for him.

Becks was also an underachiever.

And John King...yes, I totally agree. Koji Murofushi is the man! You need to find some shirtless shots of that guy. That might advance him further in the competition

[ January 03, 2006, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: Mariner Duck Guy ]

I nominate Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn and
WWE superstar Randy Orton!

and the winner of this contest and my future husband is....Bode Miller, World Champion US Skier.
www.bodelicious.net

http://www.bodelicious.net/gallery/details...9bb1498e52f0adb

picture of bode shirtless.

I also would like to nominate a man who gets hotter as he gets older, john leclair...
http://john.leclair.fanmemories.com/FotoDi....cfm?FotoID=119

Hey MDG, have you ever tried Flickr? Just go to
Flickr.com and check it out. I use it to upload photos for my blog about The Beauty of Men and so far I've uploaded more than 200 images. It's really easy and free. And I haven't used this particular feature, but it says you can create public groups that people can visit and join and then add photos to folders you create.

OK, so what do I get for being the only guy with a "technical" suggestion as opposed to nomination? Can my vote count as 10? wink

I am boycotting this year's competition...still hurting after Alexandre Despatie lost last year.

i nominate hottie, dave thomas

I will second the nomination for David Thomas of the Longhorns!

I will third that nomination!

watching a bit of figure skating last night, I saw the hunky-assed Stephan Lamiel--should be considered for nomination. anyone to second? anyone find a pic--I just don't know how to do that name thing.

It's Stephane Lambiel.

Ben Cohen the Brit rugger, Steven Gerrard the footballer, and ultimate fighters Mike Swick, James Irvin, Andrei Arlovski, Forrest Griffin and Matt Hughes.

I'd like to nominate Simon Gagne and Peter Forsberg of the Flyers.

Really, though, I think this is the real \"King \" of the Hardwood!

Awwwwwww. Thanks JIP, I'm blushing.

I would like to again nominate Philadelphia Phillies outfielder -- and perennial "Hardwood" favorite -- Pat Burrell.

Tennis players Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez and Paradorn Srichaphan

I'd like to nominate:

Chris Mihm

Patrick Kerney


Brian Finneran

Ray Lewis

[ January 07, 2006, 09:33 AM: Message edited by: Theo ]

For your consideration:

Keith Brooking, Atlanta Falcons

Thrusting
Getting ready for golf

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Theo:
[QB] I'd like to nominate:
Brian Finneran

I don't believe I've seen Brian Finneran before.Wow!

I would like to nominate:

Baseball:
Aaron Rowand
Alex Gonzalez
Brian Roberts
Chase Utley
Kyle Farnsworth
Jon Garland
Mark Mulder
Rich Harden

Football:
Alex Smith - Niners QB
Brady Quinn
Chris Leak
Chris Simms
David Carr
Drew Brees
Drew Stanton - MSU QB
Joey Harrington - Maybe he can win something
Mike Nugent
Patrick Kerney
Reggie Bush
Terrell Owens
Tim Tebow - Florida Freshman-to-be-QB

Basketball:
Dwayne Wade
JJ Redick
Kyle Korver
Luke Ridnour
Ray Allen
Wally Sczerbiak

Hockey:
Sidney Crosby

That should cover the four majors.

Only one hockey nomination? wink

Ummm... hahaha.... Caption please LOL

Rafael

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kick:
[QB] Ummm... hahaha.... Caption please LOL

Practice makes perfect????

[ January 08, 2006, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: eddiecat ]

Please excuse my ignorance...but since i am fairly new to this place i hope that will justify my stupid question(s). Anywayz...what requirements do these nominations have to meet?

Making your wood hard. wink

hmm..then i better get to nominating. this could be an all day thing...

Alright ladies and gentle ladies... I have to agree with some of RolenOver's choices. Such as Patrick Kerney, Brady Quinn, Kyle Korver, and Wally Sczerbiak.
However I feel the need to add these NBA players Allen Iverson, Boris Diaw, Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin, and Chris Webber.
As for the others nominations...well they are ok...but i am not all that familiar with them so i will leave it up to all you experts to decide their fate. (haha) Ok...all for now

whoops..i am a douche bag. i messed up on RolenLover's screen name.. i am so sorry...

Maybe he would be "RolenOver" for the right man!

Don't worry, you can always edit a post (click on the little icon that looks like a pencil and paper).

Good to see some diversity among the nominations. Hopefully should make for more of an interesting KOTH.

A few names to consider

If ya like 7 footers, a good basketball player threesome would involve Chris Mihm of the Lakers, and Joel Przybilla, an under the radar stud that plays decent minutes on a woeful Portland team. Joel doesn't get much coverage cause Portland sucks and he is a defensive center, but he is pretty damn cute, tons of pictures and video of him on the trail blazer's website under 'fun stuff'

I also have to nominate Brad Miller of Sacramento, f**kin' woof.

The UFC has many hot men, but none come close to Matt Hughes in my mind.

As far as football, I'm sure most of the right hunks will be there, but one that might be overlooked is Brandon Stokley. He's a late string Indy reciever that had a 1000 yd 10 TD season last year, but is a quiet threat now that Peyton isn't dishing it out like he used to.

The last nominee I will suggest would be Eric Lindros of hockey. He's off broken somewhere right now in Toronto, and I don't really care much for him as a person, but hot damn if I wouldn't tap it.

-Kevin

Two from the University of Iowa:

Drew Tate ( football)

Jeff Horner ( basketball)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Joe in Philly:
I'd like to nominate Simon Gagne and Peter Forsberg of the Flyers.QUOTE]

I'd like to nominate the OTHER Gagne hockey player who also happens to wear a Dodger uniform and possesses the most wicked pitch in the game...Monsieur Eric, s'il vous plait.

Someone upthread wanted a pic of Stephane Lambiel. Here's a cute one. And judging by this one, it looks like he might really fit in around here.

Thanks for the nominations...keep them coming

And just so you don't forget, our 2 time champ is currently on the cover of Cargo magazine. There are a couple of shots inside the magazine of athletes to watch for at the upcoming Olympics. Some of the guys could also qualify for our little tournament.

But for now, here's our 2 time reigning champion.

A lovely Bloom courtesy of cargo magazine

Thanks to Towleroad for posting this picture!

Puddy, thanks for posting Lambiel's pic; the one in western gear could be the ice skating version of Brokeback.

And that backside view of Dave Thomas is too hot. Any front shots?

[ January 10, 2006, 06:19 AM: Message edited by: shore ]

Some people to consider who haven't been mentioned yet...

From hockey, Vincent LeCavalier

Vincent is a tall drink of water, but unfortunately you can't tell with this girl on him. Get off!

Often overlooked in tennis, Tommy Robredo.

Another tennis hunk, Robby Ginepri who totally made sleeveless shirts hot.

Those Amex commercials reminded me of how hunky surfer Laird Hamilton is.

[ January 10, 2006, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: batboy ]

I also would like to nominate barry zito - baseball, brett favre - american footballfootball, michael owen - soccer, jason maas, canadian football, chris cooley, patrick ramsey, american football redskins, eric goddard and rick dipetro hockey ny islanders

i almost forgot the hottest skater alexi yagudin

My dream man, tennis player Robby Ginepri

I'd like to nominate Peja Stojakovic. I love his hairy chest and creamy skin. I'd also like to add my support for Koji Murofushi. Truly one of he most beautiful men I've seen.

Jeremy Warner, Alex Smith, Steve Nash,

Yeah, I agree with Puddy. Peja is hot and I don't know who the other guy is, but he is hot.

Koji is the Athens Olympics Gold Medalist hammer thrower from Japan. He was my dark horse addition to the tourney last year.

In looking at a preliminary list, there may be a lot of new faces in the tournament this year.