Head Coach Jack Del Rio

Phoenix The major news to come out of the NFL meetings this week was the Oakland Raiders approval for relocation to Las Vegas. Following Mondays news, Head Coach Jack Del Rio sat down with the media in Arizona Tuesday morning to discuss a wide array of topics, primarily the newest additions to the Silver and Black.

Here are the quick hits from his media session:

Del Rio discussed the health of quarterback Derek Carr and how his recovery is going.

I dont think theres any reason to take it easy; hes fired up. I got to peek out and see him working out with the trainers last week, before we came down. Hes moving around very well, I think hes real excited about where he is, and how the rehab is going. We expect to have him for all of the OTAs [Organized Team Activities].

He talked about the addition of tight end Jared Cook, and how hell add another dimension to the offense.

Were really excited to have [tight end] Jared [Cook], hes developed. I mean, at this point youre getting a guy thats in his prime, hes physically grown from when he came out to where he is now. Hes really worked at his body, his strength, hes a guy that we think can do a little bit of everything. He blocks a little bit better than maybe hes given credit for. He definitely can be a matchup problem for defenses to deal with and handle.

Following the teams approval for relocation to Las Vegas, he commented on the news and expressed the team will continue working hard for the fans.

I think we have the best fans, the loudest fans, the most die-hard fans. I want to enjoy them here now, we want to make sure we put out a good product and play good ball to make them proud, now. Hopefully they have enough fun they might even show up on a plane to come see us in the future, but the here and now, theyre at their best when were at our best. Id rather acknowledge they give us tremendous support and we really appreciate it, and just continue to work to make sure that they are enjoying what theyre seeing.

The Raiders Head Coach shared his thoughts on the addition of John Pagano.

Really happy to have [Assistant Head Coach Defense] John Pagano join us, hes got a wealth of experience, comes from a great football family, hes a bright guy. Hes done a superb job, I think, of blending in with the staff and getting a feel for everybody, and how they work and how weve done things. Well be able to offer up a suggestion or two of where we can take we pull together and it becomes us. We have a lot of different experiences, and he brings a lot of that experience to the table, and hes a good communicator.

Del Rio expressed his excitement to have speedster Cordarrelle Patterson on the team.

Really excited about CP [wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson], hes a gifted athlete, once he touches the ball he can score from anywhere. Hes excited about what we plan on doing with him in our offense, and in our special teams. Hes not just a special teams guy, were going to integrate him into our offense and I think hes a dynamic playmaker.

He broke down what went into the decision to promote Todd Downing to offensive coordinator.

The interaction that I witnessed, the leadership that he provided over the last two years. I think the ability to communicate with his group, elevate the play of his group, the importance of that group, I saw all of that. I think overall, the ability to lead in the offensive staff room, the ability to direct, organize, and execute assignments that were given. He earned his way, its his time to get an opportunity, and I believe hes a really good, talented, young coach.

Del Rio said he believes safety Karl Joseph will take the next step of his development in his second season.

I think Karls going to take a big step forward this year as a player, and his development. Just with comfort and understanding whats expected of him, coming in and being healthy, having a full offseason of work. I just feel like a confident Karl Joseph is going to be a much more impactful guy.

See the original post here:
Quick Hits: Jack Del Rio Breaks Down Newest Additions To Roster And Coaching Staff - Raiders.com

Much like his boss suggested the day before, Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson confirmed Wednesday that the best thing his team has going for it is a young, dynamic quarterback it can build around.

That's been the plan since the day Carson Wentz was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.

That's also what has Pederson's juices flowing as he closed out the Annual NFL Meeting with praise for his quarterback and a whole lot of guys surrounding him.

What changes for Wentz, who started all 16 games as a rookie last season, is that he enters this season as the established leader, according to Pederson.

"He embraces that," Pederson said. "I think this [year] will be big the way he talks to and handles the guys around him. ... He's obviously capable of doing that.

"I think, too, by him going through 16 games last year, there's a level of maturity. You're always looking to improve and to get better there."

That Wentz can be considered a leader despite being one of the youngest members of the team is not a surprise to the coach. He noticed why immediately.

"He stepped in Day 1 last year and the guys looked at him and they said, 'OK, you're our guy,'" Pederson said. "He proved that by how he studied during the week, how he practiced during week. So I don't think there's much more, other than just, 'Hey, man, let's spend an extra five minutes throwing this route.' Those types of things. Sort of leading by example."

Although Pederson denies that throwing 607 passes, an Eagles rookie record, left Wentz with a sore arm, he did suggest the overall workload became a burden when heaped onto all his offseason activity coming in.

Not having a Senior Bowl or scouting combine to worry about this year should give Wentz the break he needed by locker cleanout day Jan. 2.

Pederson had similar praise for other 2016 rookies, particularly offensive linemen Isaac Seumalo and Hal Vaitai.

Vaitai, he said, "has a chance to be a dynamic tackle in this league," and Seumalo can play all five spots. Most impressive was the way he stepped in at right tackle against the Baltimore Ravens in December.

"Isaac obviously didn't train at tackle for us in practice," Pederson said. "He had some college experience at tackle, and for him to do what he did in that Baltimore game, on a week's preparation, just shows the athleticism, the desire, the want-to. Those are types of guys that we love to coach, who you want on your team.

"When you're evaluating players, it's not about necessarily what they do on the field, it's the desire, it's the heart, they sacrifice themselves for the team. The versatility he can really play all five positions."

Similarly, Pederson believes the backup quarterback spot was upgraded by the addition of Foles, which led to the Eagles granting Chase Daniel's request to be released.

"With a guy like Carson, going into his second year, you want somebody that's played in the National Football League, played some games and has had some experience," Pederson said. "He's been with Alex Smith the last year, another veteran player, and it just brings a lot of the same things that I saw in myself when I was a backup."

Pederson almost certainly understands that more will be required of his offense in 2017 after the addition of free-agent receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith.

Additions that came at least in part at the expense of the defense, which lost two starters defensive tackle Bennie Logan and cornerback Nolan Carroll to free agency and released two more defensive end Connor Barwin and cornerback Leodis McKelvin as salary cap casualties.

The Eagles this week did sign defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson, but they are far from filling the holes that exist on their roster. Even a great draft this year will leave them short.

"It can be hard [to have patience]," he said. "Again, it goes back to acquiring talent. You want all the holes filled. You want everything and have all the depth that you want. Patience is a virtue. And we have to trust our plan, we have to trust our process, we have to trust our coaches."

Ultimately, though, it comes down to the quarterback. If Wentz is successful, Pederson will be as well. If Wentz doesn't pan out?

"It's always the head coach and the quarterback, right?" he said "At this level? So I think that answers that. The success of Carson, then we all have success."

And Pederson likes his chances.

Nick.Fierro@mcall.com

Twitter: @nickfierro

610-778-2243

DOUG PEDERSON

Position: Eagles head coach

Record: 7-9

Born: Jan. 31, 1968 (age 49), Bellingham, Wash.

College: Northeast Louisiana

Playing career: QB for Dolphins, Packers, Eagles, Browns

Read the original here:
Eagles coach Doug Pederson excited for QB Carson Wentz's second season - Allentown Morning Call

CERRO GORDO -- Cerro GordoHigh School was built 88 years ago and now they say it's time to make some changes.

They're asking voters on Tuesday to approve a tax hike to help them achieve their goals. Thehigh school has kept up with necessary repairs.but what they're looking for now is an upgrade to provide students with a newer, safer campus. Superintendent Brett Robinson saysthe last time they had any additions was 2001. That was sixteen years ago. It's been a long time since the school has been remodeled and while students may be keeping up to date on their homework Robinson says the school is overdue on it's upkeep.

"Every 45 minutes throughout the day our students pass between the three buildings, and connecting the two buildings would certainly give the superintendent peace of mind that they're more safe and secure throughout the day."

Robinsonsays the new improvements will bring the school together. There are several things on the to-do list.

"New classrooms, there will be a new kitchen a new commons area a new cafeteria, a new regulation sized second gym, a renovated old gym into an auditorium."

The school was built in 1929 and while it may be old, much of the original structure is still in tact. But that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be updated.

"Our student's deserve 21st century learning environments just like students in other surrounding communities have been able to get."

They're hoping to make classrooms more accessible to handicapped students by adding elevator systems. They also want to add climate controls in the gym. The 8 million dollar bond referendum would cover the costs of these renovations. But if it gets turned down by voters, they won't be able to go through with the plans.

"The board would have to sell some health life safety bonds. What that would do is make all the necessary repairs and bring everything up to code but it would not improve the learning environment or upgrade security in the ways we're seeking to do."

Robinson says this will be the biggest renovation the school has ever had, if the measure gets passed in the election. Ifthe plan gets the green light, planning and design for the renovations will begin in January 2018 and construction will start soon after during the summer.

View post:
High school remodel in the works - IllinoisHomePage.net

Unofficially, Marcus Cooper's big NFL breakthrough came in Week 2 last season on an afternoon in which he aided a 40-7 Cardinals win with two interceptions of Jameis Winston. The first came as Cooper instinctively broke on a pass thrown behind Buccaneers receiver Vincent Jackson.

The second, off a deflection, sent Cooper scampering 60 yards for his first career touchdown.

Those plays showcased the vision Cooper prides himself on. But they also provided a welcome confidence lift for a young cornerback seizing his opportunity to become a difference-making starter.

Now Cooper is pushing to further his development in Chicago, one of the newest additions to a Bears defense that needs an injection of playmaking ability.

"He is a raw player who is still ascending," general manager Ryan Pace said Tuesday at the NFL's league meetings. "When you watch him each year he's gotten better and better the more he's gotten opportunities."

Those are exactly the kinds of bets Pace and the Bears are trying to cash in on as they try to reverse the fortunes of three consecutive last-place seasons. They need young, hungry players who can emerge when given a chance.

After a month in which the Bears have been especially active in free agency, Pace expressed optimism about what has been accomplished. As promised, the 40-year-old general manager used what he terms "a shotgun approach" in free agency. Rather than chasing one or two high-profile and high-priced prospects, the Bears opted to cast a wider net.

Pace has made 17 signings since the league year opened March 9, with 11 of those players new to the organization and three arriving to compete for starting roles in the defensive backfield.

"As a free-agent class in general, I really like the makeup and the character and the intelligence and the intangibles of the class," Pace said.

Now the hope is that the investments will pay dividends, particularly in the secondary, where safety Quintin Demps and cornerback Prince Amukamara will join Cooper, all arriving with designs on becoming impact playmakers.

Demps' six interceptions last season with the Texans were half of what all Bears defensive backs have made over the previous two seasons combined. Texans coach Bill O'Brien praised Demps' attitude and ball skills Tuesday.

"He's a very instinctive player," O'Brien said. "He studies a lot of tape. And he has a very good feel for what the other offense is doing. He was always very prepared going into games."

Amukamara, on the other hand, will join the Bears with heightened scrutiny over his lack of obvious big plays. He has made only seven interceptions in six NFL seasons. Earlier this month, the seventh-year veteran acknowledged that statistically, "I didn't look as sexy as everybody else." But Amukamara promised that a full library of his film would offer "the ultimate eye test." And he found at least one believer in Pace.

"Sometimes," the Bears GM said, "there is a lot of hidden production from him because he has his guy covered and they just don't throw at him."

Cooper will also be given every opportunity to lock down a starting role. Pace relied on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Ed Donatell for extra insight into Cooper's makeup. Fangio and Donatell were part of the 49ers staff that drafted Cooper in the seventh round in 2013. Both coaches laud Cooper's work ethic and shared Pace's belief in his upside.

"He has really natural ball skills," Pace said. "It's very easy for him to make a play on the ball. He has a great ability when he is playing off to read the quarterback but still have vision on the receiver. Some guys can't do that."

Time will tell if Pace's optimism is justified. But the Bears have been active in their efforts to improve the secondary and promise to remain so through next month's draft.

dwiederer@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @danwiederer

Continued here:
Ryan Pace hopeful secondary additions enliven Bears defense - Chicago Tribune

Two years after CTfastrak buses started rolling through central Connecticut, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said on Tuesday that the transit system is paying off by spurring new residential development.

Malloy and several senior state officials rode a bus from Hartford to the Elmwood section of West Hartford for a press conference at the site of 616 New Park, a planned four-story apartment complex next to the bus station.

"We are seeing new mixed-used developments being created all along the route, bringing life to neighborhoods where just a few years ago there were eyesores," Malloy said.

Malloy's administration contends that 616 New Park and the proposed Columbus Commons 160-unit apartment complex in New Britain are evidence that CTfastrak is fostering transit-oriented development.

The $20 million project on New Park Avenue is expected to create 54 apartments and 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, additions that West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said will help the growth of Elmwood.

"This transformative project will bring new energy, activity and most importantly customers to New Park Avenue," Cantor told reporters.

The state transportation department used the event to announce that CTfastrak has provided more than 5 million passenger rides since it opened on March 28,2015, and was reaching 20,000 rides on weekdays in the late summer. Last month's ridership was up about 20 percent over the same period a year earlier, the DOT reported.

"The business community and residents are excited about the economic development opportunities a successful transit system can bring," said Michael Sanders, the senior DOT manager who oversaw the busway's construction.

When committing in 2011 to build the roughly $567 million CTfastrak system, Malloy predicted that a modern rapid transit operation connecting Hartford, New Britain and the suburbs of Newington and West Hartford would draw developers to nearby properties particularly the vacant storefronts and abandoned warehouses along the route.

So far, there has been no flood of private funding or procession of construction vehicles. Lyle Wray, executive director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, cautions that transit-oriented development takes years or decades. He's confident that reasonably priced apartments close to CTfastrak stations with stores, entertainment and services conveniently nearby will appeal to young workers who don't want cars or the burden of suburban home ownership.

"If we are going to attract the next generation of skilled workers, these are the kinds of assets we need to have," Wray said.

Critics still contend the project was too costly and that its more than $20 million-a-year subsidy is unaffordable. Some are dubious about glowing ridership figures when many buses on feeder routes appear to run empty or nearly empty at off-peak times.

Republicans in the General Assembly are trying to pass a law requiring the DOT to publicly provide detailed annual figures on how many people are riding and precisely what the system costs.

Even after two years, the DOT reports complete construction costs are still unavailable. Senior DOT officials, however, anticipate the final figure will be somewhere in the $560 million range about 1 to 2 percent lower than the project's $567 million budget.

Malloy dismissed the lingering opposition Tuesday, saying he's not surprised that wealthy country club members don't think bus service is a priority.

"People who don't use buses don't understand that other people do," Malloy said.

Read more here:
Some Cities' Development Around CTfastrak Highlighted On Busway's 2nd Anniversary - Hartford Courant

Martellus Bennett's all-around game will bring a new look to the Green Bay Packers' offense.

In 2010, when the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, they ran 37 snaps with three tight ends.

In 2011, when they led the NFL in scoring and went 15-1, they ran 70 snaps with three tight ends.

In 2016, they didnt even have three tight ends on the roster.

That will change for the upcoming season, with veterans Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks joining Richard Rodgers.

Weve played with three tight ends on the field at the same time, and we played with them in the backfield, coach Mike McCarthy said on Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. Probably played them more displaced than we ever had. Im looking forward to playing more with the tight end on the line of scrimmage. Thats definitely something that will be different this year than weve done in the past.

Even two-tight-end sets vanished last year.In 10 games with Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers on the active roster, they lined up together only 51 times or 5.1 per game. In eight games with Rob Gronkowski and Bennett on the Patriots active roster, they lined up together 202 times or 25.3 per game.

Bennett is one of the premier all-around tight ends in the NFL. So while he might not offer the down-the-field threat that Cook delivered, hell give the Packers major impact as a blocker and receiver. Last season, he caught 75.3 percent of targeted passes and averaged 7.56 yards after the catch on his 55 receptions. That ranked second and first, respectively, among tight ends.

His ability to do everything as a tight end is rare, said Dolphins coach Adam Gase, who was Chicagos offensive coordinator in 2015, when Bennett caught 53 passes in 11 games. His variety on what he can do on his route tree is very impressive because he can stretch the field and hes very big. He causes a lot of problems when he goes up in the seam. Hes a big body and he doesnt have to be open to try and throw him the ball because he can get in front of the defender and they cant run through him. If you give him a chance to run after the catch, hes very tough to get down. He has very unique run skills for a guy his size.

Bill Huber is publisher of PackerReport.com and has written for Packer Report since 1997. E-mail him at packwriter2002@yahoo.com or leave him a question in Packer Reports subscribers-only Packers Pro Club forum. Find Bill on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PackerReport.

Read more from the original source:
Tight End Additions Will Mean Playbook Blast from Past for Packers - Scout

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Tim Warner/Getty Images

Houston Astros(FanGraphs' projected record: 90-72)

The Astrosbolstered their offense this winter, adding catcher Brian McCann, outfielder Josh Reddick and outfielder/designated hitter Carlos Beltran to a core that includes All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve and burgeoning superstar shortstop Carlos Correa.

They did little to improve their rotation, which posted a pedestrian 4.37 ERA, and are instead relying on a bounce back from 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel.

Keuchel's ERA rose from 2.48 in 2015 to 4.55 in 2016 as he battled shoulder inflammation.

The good news? He's surrendered just two runs in 12 spring innings while holding opposing hitters to a .220 average.

An ace-level Keuchel married to a deep, potent offense should be enough to send the 'Stros past the 90-win plateau and to their first division title since 2001.

Verdict: Overachieve

Los Angeles Angels(FanGraphs' projected record: 83-79)

The Angels made some decent if unspectacular ancillary additions around AL MVP Mike Trout, picking up outfielders Cameron Maybin and Ben Revere, infielders Danny Espinosa and Luis Valbuena and right-hander Jesse Chavez.

They're also banking on a return to form from Garrett Richards, who threw 34.2 innings last year while dealing with an elbow issue but has appeared healthy and flashed high-90s velocity this spring.

The Halos will likely be better than last season, when they finished 74-88 and 21 games out. With questions in the back of the rotation and bullpen, however, a return to .500 seems like a high-water mark, even with Trout doing Trout things.

Verdict: Underachieve

Seattle Mariners(FanGraphs' projected record: 83-79)

The Seattle Mariners made a flurry of trades this winter,adding shortstop Jean Segura, infielder Danny Valencia and outfielders Jarrod Dyson and Mitch Haniger, among others.They retain a robust middle of the order, featuring Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager.

That said, their season hinges on the right arm of Felix Hernandez.

King Felix tumbled from his throne in 2016, posting his highest ERA (3.82) and fewest innings pitched (153.1) since 2007. The six-time All-Star, who turns 31 in April, has looked good in the Cactus League, allowing three earned runs and one walk with 10 strikeouts in 11 frames.

That and a balanced lineup should keep the M's in the playoff mix and allow them to match or exceed last season's 86-76 finish.

Verdict: Overachieve

Texas Rangers(FanGraphs' projected record: 83-79)

The two-time division champion Texas Rangers have a sterling 1-2 rotation combo in Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, who is looking to stay healthy over a full 162-game grind.

They lost veterans Mitch Moreland and Carlos Beltran but added old friend Mike Napoli. An offense that scoredthe seventh-most runs in baseball last season should again produce.

The back of the rotation is unsettled, and Texas didn't do as much as Houston, Los Angeles or Seattle to remake its roster.

Still, they're coming off a 95-win season and deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Verdict: Overachieve

Oakland A's(FanGraphs' projected record: 78-84)

The Oakland A's and Moneyball guru Billy Beane have bucked expectations before, so be careful with scoffing at their status as postseason hopefuls.

Still, in a deep division, the A's will need things to break right to improve dramatically on 2016's 69-93, last-place showing.

Put the lat injury that has cost ace Sonny Gray most of the spring in the "things not breaking right" column, especially after he wobbled through an injury-depleted 2016.

Oakland could surprise, but the safe money is on Beane and the Athletics unloading at the trade deadline.

Verdict: Underachieve

Continued here:
Predicting If Each MLB Playoff Hopeful Will Overachieve or Underachieve in 2017 - Bleacher Report

Quick, tell a story about a hero. A hero rising to take on its greatest, unexpected and unusual foe: blankets.

Heres the catch. You have to tell it as part of a group, and each person can only say one word. And it has to be in the style of a film trailer.

Close to 20 students at Mountain View High Schools improvisation group took the plunge. Using one word each and a deep, dramatic trailer-style voice in between laughs, they crafted a tale of romance, tragedy and a hero emerging to take on a world of blankets.

The group wasnt alone. The members were telling an improvised story, creating split-second scenes with Adam Archer and Eve Krueger, two members of one of the most recognized improvisation troupes in the United States, The Second City.

Archer and Krueger stopped by Mountain Views auditorium to work with the students in between performances at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, where the troupe has been doing shows from Wednesday to Sunday evening.

Two other members of Chicago-based The Second City, Lauren Walker and Greg Ott, hosted a workshop at Colonial Forge High School for members of the schools own improvisation team.

The Second City has been called the Harvard of Comedy, no less due to its jaw-dropping list of alumni, including Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, Tim Meadows and Tina Fey among other household names.

The improv show at Wolf Trap, called Were All In This Room Together, is described on The Second Citys website as full of the live and in-your-face entertainment Netflix cant provide.

Tom Clark, a drama instructor at Mountain View and faculty sponsor for the improv group, called Sorry in Advance, had noticed that one Second City show would stop in Virginia when scanning the tours.

He contacted The Second City, and several members of the troupe volunteered to workshop at both Mountain View and Colonial Forge.

Krueger and Archer led the group through several activities familiar to fans of Whose Line is it Anyway? A film-noir skit, an activity called Three-Headed Expert, where three people link arms and answer complex questions each saying one word, and three-lined skits.

With each activity, Archer and Krueger offered different pieces of advice in collaborating with other group members and owning the stories and characters they create, even if they think they failed.

Improv is a good place where you can try something and fail miserably at it, Krueger said, noting there are no wrong answers in improv. Lets use this time to embrace failure to propel us to do this.

Archer and Krueger said they had both given improv workshops separately. Working in high schools is something Krueger enjoys.

You can actually watch transformation, discoveries happen with the kids, Krueger said.

Archer remembered his own experience with improv in high school, and was inspired by the students dedication.

[Improv] was transformative to me, he said. The fact that kids spend extra-curricular time with this. Its great.

Students with the Sorry in Advance troupe, which meets every Thursday, felt similarly transformed by the workshop.

I feel so much stronger, Stephen Balani, a Mountain View senior, said. Stronger upon our skills to build upon each other, to keep a scene going and help each other.

Meredith Speet, a junior, also felt inspired and was excited to work with Krueger and Archer.

Weve done workshops before, but not at this level, Speet said.

Abigail Merker, a senior, said she looks up to several performers on Saturday Night Live, and was excited to meet members of a touring improv group.

I learned a lot, had a great time, Merker said.

This has not been Clarks, or Mountain Views first run-in with The Second City. Some Mountain View alumni have gone on to work with the troupe. Alan Linic, a 2007 graduate, currently performs with The Second Citys 41st revue. He was not with the show touring Virginia, Clark said.

Clark hopes the workshop will open Mountain View and Colonial Forges student groups to new exercises and different ways to stretch their improv muscles.

With a black box theater being built at Mountain View among other additions, Clark is looking forward to having the students at Sorry in Advance leap into new possibilities.

Its good to shake things up once in a while, he said.

See the original post:
Members of renowned improv troupe visit Stafford students - Fredericksburg.com

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Timothy RappFeatured Columnist

Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson injured his ankle Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, and it is uncertain when he will return to action.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported Anderson will be out Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors and will miss the Rockets' three-game road trip, which will end April 2 against the Phoenix Suns. Feigen noted Anderson is expected back before the end of the regular season.

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters it will take two weeks for Anderson to return and that the team will be cautious.

Anderson, 28, was excellent for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2015-16, averaging 17 points and six rebounds per contest. Few players on the Pelicans were more productive, making Anderson an intriguing option once free agency hit over the summer.

The Rockets swooped in, signing him to a four-year, $80 million deal. He was a huge addition for a team that underwent an identity shift with D'Antoni taking over and the additions of shooting guard Eric Gordon (who was also on the Pelicans last year) and center-forward Nene. Dwight Howard also left to join the Atlanta Hawks.

Anderson was the perfect addition to the high-tempo, floor-spacing system D'Antoni installed. With James Harden as the focal point and Anderson putting pressure on defenses from his stretch-4 role, the Rockets have attacked teams and rank second in the league with 115.5 points per game.

Anderson's notched 13.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest this season while shooting 39.8 percent from three-point range, and Houston has emerged as one of the primary threats to the Warriors in the Western Conference. Golden State is averaging 116.1 points per game.

With Anderson sidelined, Montrezl Harrell will see more minutes, and Sam Dekker's role will likely expand as well. Certainly, the Rockets have options. But replacing Anderson's production will be difficult.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.

Read the original here:
Ryan Anderson Expected to Return from Ankle Injury Before End of Regular Season - Bleacher Report

The present owners of an antique colonial home that sits off quiet Low Road in Sharon, only about a mile or so from the central village area of this quaint and quintessential Litchfield County town, thought they had found their ideal second home, a place where they could retreat from their hectic weekday lives in New York City and allow their small children to enjoy the fruits and joys of rural living.

Well, the familys dream will have to be that of others as the young couple both changed jobs and will be relocating, making a weekend home in Sharon impossible.

They are very disappointed that they have to sell this home, explained Graham Klemm of Klemm Real Estate, as he showed the charming dwelling that is embraced by pines and other trees. They continue to spend time here when they can, but they wont be able to continue to do so with their new careers. They loved it because it has old world charm, but is also located on such a quiet road and is surrounded by nature.

The home is indeed charming and noble in character without being ostentatious. The grounds are lovely, with tall pines that hover near a huge screened in porch to the rear of the home, the trees backlit so as to give one the impression of being immersed in the woods. The six-acre property sweeps back to a small pond and wetlands beyond, while there is a mowed lawn below one side of the dwelling. As mentioned, mature trees, some of them specimen, give the home a protected feel and imbue the house with an atmosphere of being one with the surrounding countryside.

Klemm said that a portion of the home dates back to the 1800s, but the majority of the present structure was created in the 1930s during a major renovation and expansion.

A small piece of the house dates back to the 1800s, but the 1930s was when the house you see today took shape. We believe some features of the home, such as wide plank flooring and a fireplace in the study, could be original.

The home also underwent a fairly recent renovation and modest expansion under the talented guidance of former owner Nicholas Miles Pentecost, a famed New York-based interior designer, who brought the interior a new luster, while keeping true to original structure and the 1930s work. After a brief career in the financial industry, Pentecost joined the firm Parish-Hadley in 1975, where he remained for 10 years, leaving in 1985 to go out on his own.

One of the most interesting additions to the homes interior in recent years is unique wallpaper that graces a large family room on one side of the entryway. It appears silver in color at first glance, but as the light moves about the space it turns greenish and gold and is luminescent. This room is indeed quite pleasant, with a fireplace and several windows, including a bay window that lets afternoon light stream in to bounce off the somewhat magical walls. Outside one side of the room as a small, cozy patio that overlooks the propertys heated saltwater swimming pool.

The 2005 restoration included such state-of-the-art creature comforts as a custom kitchen, replete with a Subzero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and range, bar dishwasher and a full pantry. In addition to the kitchen, the first floor contains an 18-by-16 foot dining room, a 25-by-15-foot living room, a 10-by-15 foot study, and a 17-by-17 foot master bedroom, as well as a full bath.

The 3,447 square foot two story home, which rambles in a pleasing way due to the several renovations onto the existing structure, contains four bedrooms and three full and two half-baths in all, ideal for a family with children. The bedrooms are located so as to afford each occupant, or occupants, privacy and are quite attractive in scale and design. The bedrooms include a generously-sized ground floor master wing, which features a large master bath, a wood-burning fireplace, a spacious walk-in cedar closet, and a separate cedar shoe closet.

A graceful, winding stairway leads to the second floor and has some nice touches, such as built-in bookcases. It should be mentioned that the house features custom millwork and other high-end finishes throughout, in addition to those lovely walnut wide-plank floors.

The inviting three-sided screened porch referenced earlier overlooks the pool, lawn and backlit pine trees, which have been pruned so as to not distract the eye. A three-bay garage was designed to look like a carriage house when seen from the main home, another nice feature that is in keeping with the subdued presence of the house on one Sharons prettiest roadways.

One of the real nice qualities of the property is its location, said Klemm. You feel like you are living in the quiet of the woods, but its a short walk or bike ride to town and also to Mudge Pond, where there is a town beach. Low Road is one of the least travelled roads in town, which also makes for a special setting. And its only 80 miles from New York City, making it easily accessible on the weekends and other times.

The property is selling for $1.695 million. Contact Graham Klemm at 860-868-7313, extension 46 for a viewing or further information.

Link:
Sharon home exudes vintage charm - Litchfield County Times