Full 90: World Cup Roundup

We are 27 days away from the World Cup. Here’s what you need to know:      

• Petr Cech, Gareth Bale, Robert Lewandowski, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Samir Nasri, Isco, and Carlos Tevez will not be featured in the World Cup.
• 31 MLS players have been featured on the shortlist of World Cup teams, up from the 6 MLS players who played in South Africa.
•  NIKE v. Adidas v. Samsung: The Battle for World Cup Supremacy

Best Athletes of 2013

Basketball:

The best player in the NBA is clearly LeBron James. After winning back-to-back MVP’s and NBA Championships it seems almost impossible to not label LeBron as the best player in 2013. In the 2012-2013 season, LeBron averaged 26.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. This year he is averaging 25.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Almost remarkable numbers from a player at his position, but we have all come to expect that from LeBron.

On the women’s side I’d have to say the best player of 2013 was Candace Parker. Parker was the 2013 MVP of the WNBA, so it is hard to really argue that she wasn’t the best player in her league. Parker averaged just below 18 points per game with 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists. In the playoffs, Parker averaged 25.7 points per game with 8.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists.  Although Maya Moore also had a great season, Candace was able to edge her out in the race to be MVP, which earns her my pick as the best WNBA player of 2013.