NBA Season and Predictions

By: Ian Dusoe Classof 2027

As were about three weeks into the NBA season this is my prediction for awards, standings and playoffs. The NBA is stacked this season with teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Warriors, Mavericks, in the Western Conference and the Celtics, Cavaliers, Magic, Pacers, and Knicks from the Eastern Conference. The East isn't as strong as the west obviously but there are still some real good teams. Let's look deeper at some teams from the East and West. As of right now the Cavaliers are looking very good as they are undefeated so they could be a real threat in this year's playoffs. The Warriors are looking for a redemption season as their 9-2. Another dangerous team from the west is the Thunder. Although they have one of the youngest rosters they have a lot of talent. 

Who will win MVP? Jayson Tatum from the Boston Celtics is on a revenge season after he got benched in the Olympics. He also is chasing that 2nd ring so he is looking solid and so is his stats. Anthony Davis is looking very good this season averaging over 30 points and 10 rebounds. And of course Nikola Jokic will always be in the MVP talk just because of his creativity he has when he plays and of course the triple doubles. But when it comes down to it I think Jayson Tatum will bring Boston the first MVP since the Larry Bird era. Now rookie of the year I think will be Zach Edey the 7 '4 center from the grizzlies. He has shown really good potential and excels around the rim with scoring, rebounding and blocks. He has also shown some skill with 3pt shooting. I think he could be a real threat behind the arc and will be rookie of the year. Now defensive player of the year I don't think it's much of a discussion. It's Victor Wembanyama. He is just an incredible rebounder blocker and is good at stealing the ball. There's no one who can really compete with him for this award. Now sixth man of the year. There are some good candidates for this award like buddy hield, benedict matherin, tree man but i'm going with another Celtics Payton Pritchard. His 3pt shot has looked incredible this season he's averaging 3.9 threes a game and is shooting 41% percent form three and this is all from off the bench. He's a key role in this Celtics team and will win sixth man of the year. Now finally the most improved player. I think there are some good players who have and will continue to make  a big leap from last year but Victor Webanyama will take the leap to get this award. 

Now for the top 3 best teams in the west and east at the end of the season. In the Western Conference the number 1 seed will be the Thunder with 60 wins and 22 losses. The second seed will be the Dallas Mavericks with 57 wins and 25 losses. The third seed will be the Minnesota Timberwolves with 55 wins and 27 losses. Now in the eastern conference the number 1 seed will be the Boston Celtics with 61 wins and 21 losses. The second seed will be the cavaliers with 57 wins and 25 losses and finally the third seed will be the Knicks with 52 wins and 30 losses. 

Who will make the NBA Finals in the 2024-2025 season?. It will be a hard road for both of these teams to get there but it will be a rematch of the 2022 season between the Boston Celtics and the Golden state warriors. It will be an interesting matchup with Steph Curry trying to get his 5th ring and Tatum looking for his 2nd but the Celtics will go back to back to win the series 4-2. Jayson Tatum will take the finals MVP averaging 33 points. That is my full NBA season and finals prediction for the 2024-2025 NBA season.

Disappointments of the NFL Season through Week 10 

By: Dylan Cerrati Class of 2028

This year in the NFL, there have been many surprisingly bad teams who had high hopes before the season started. Some teams have looked competitive but still lost, while others have looked flat out bad. There have been many causes for some teams' downfalls, such as injuries, player disputes, or bad management, but with the pieces they have, the following teams should not be as bad as they are. Every season always brings it’s predictions, and so far, these teams have underperformed them and look weak in the rankings. 

#1: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys fans, like always, said that it was “their year” and that the Cowboys and Dak Prescott were locks for the postseason. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Starting the season 3-2, the team didn’t look too bad. It was on track with their expectations, and being above .500 on the season when it’s early is always good. The Cowboys then proceeded to get decimated by the Lions on their home turf, 47-9. Since then, they have rung off 3 straight losses, with their most recent being a game in their division against the Eagles in which they fell 34-6. This game seems to have sealed the Cowboy’s season, once again getting blown out at AT&T Stadium. Jerry Jones looks as bad as ever in his GM position, choosing not to have the stadium blocking the sun, even though Ceedee Lamb dropped a wide open touchdown pass because he couldn’t see. The Cowboys have to make some kind of change this season, especially with 2 other teams in their own division looking like contenders. Everyone likes to joke how the Cowboys always think that the season will result in their long awaited 6th Super Bowl, but with the way things look, they might as well be competing for the highest draft pick they can get. 

#2: New York Jets

Last season, the Jets began hopefully with Aaron Rodgers. 4 snaps later, Rodgers' season was over. This season, Rodgers was back in full, giving the Jets’s fans a possibility of seeing their team be true contenders for the first time since Brady came into the league. 10 games through, the Jets sit at 3-7 and look terrible. From weeks 4-8, the Jets didn’t record a single win, dropping 5 straight. Their offense has looked rough, even with Rodgers linking up to his old Green Bay teammate Davante Adams. They simply have not been able to put up enough points so far and are one of only a few teams that are yet to score 25+  points in a game this season. The Jets haven’t been much of a contender throughout recent years, but thought they could be working towards something big. The Jets’ failures so far look even worse when you look at the Detroit Lions, currently arguably the best team in the entire NFL. Only 3 years ago, the Lions were sitting dead last in the NFC North at 3-13-1. Dan Campbell’s squad has had a much nicer overhaul than the Jets, but this could be a sign of how quickly the team could turn around if they do it right. Either way, the team doesn’t look anywhere near where it should be this season.

#3: Chicago Bears

The Bears are not as much of a failure this season as the 2 previous teams, but they haven’t lived up to expectations this season. Selecting Caleb Williams first overall in the most recent draft was meant to save their franchise from recent years of struggle. So far, Williams has been heavily outperformed by the quarterback the Bears could have had, Jayden Daniels, who went 2nd overall to the Washington Commanders. The Bears are currently 4-5, and being in the NFC North this season certainly doesn’t help. All 3 other teams have a winning record and throughout the next 8 games, the Bears have to play NFC North opponents 6 times. In order for the Bears to get back to a respectable record, they have to run through the gauntlet of opponents they are facing for the rest of the year. Along with the division rivals, the Bears also face the 49ers and Seahawks. Neither of these teams are as scary as the other 3, but they can still both be strong units who can certainly play past a weak looking Bears squad. Williams hasn’t had horrible play so far and it is his rookie season, meaning he is allowed some slack, but it hasn’t looked incredible for the USC QB. His counterpart Jayden Daniels was viewed as slightly worse in the draft, but has led the Washington Commanders to a strong 7-3 record, looking like one of the most unexpectedly good teams of this season. Bears fans can’t give up on Williams midway through his rookie season, but it’s hard for them to accept who they could’ve had thus far. The Bears outlook for the future certainly isn’t bad, but the future was meant to be now. They were projected to be quite a feared team, but they might have to wait for later years if they continue at this rate. 

How Can Music Shape Our Lives

By: David Cadrin Class of 2028

Music plays a massive role in shaping our daily experiences, influencing our mood, productivity, and social interactions. From the time we wake up to the time we fall asleep, music can serve as a powerful tool to enhance our emotional well-being. Whether it’s the energizing rhythm of a morning playlist or the calming melodies that help us unwind at night, music can shift our mindset and provide comfort, motivation, or relaxation. Research has shown that certain types of music can trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, helping us manage stress and improve overall happiness.

Music has become an essential companion for many people at work fostering creativity, focus, and efficiency. While some may find silence most conducive to concentration, others thrive with background music, especially instrumental genres like classical or ambient. Music with a steady tempo can affect how well we function, making tasks feel more relaxed and less nerve-racking. Furthermore, music can catalyze team bonding and collaboration, creating a positive atmosphere in shared spaces or during group activities.

Music also strengthens our connections with others, whether through experiences like concerts and festivals or personalized playlists shared among friends and family. It serves as a universal language, bridging gaps between people all around. The songs we listen to often reflect our identities, express our emotions, and provide a sense of belonging. As a form of self-expression, music offers an outlet for creativity and emotional release, while also helping us relate to and empathize with others. In this way, music becomes a very important piece of our daily lives, creating routines and bringing people closer together.

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