Top 25 Detroit Sports #Trending for January
By: Dennis Fithian
This is the January's #Trending. Trending is a poll which ranks who is getting talked about the most on the Detroit sports scene. Last month's rankings are in parentheses. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
(Rankings are compiled after meetings with on-air hosts, producers and call screeners at 97.1.)
1. (18) Trey Burke: Nobody in the country is playing better for the undefeated Michigan basketball team.
2. (7) Martin Mayhew: Critical decisions ahead will effect the immediate future of the Detroit Lions franchise.
3. (8) Jim Schwartz: Had about as bad of a year that a coach can have and still have a job.
4. (NR) Henrick Zetterberg: Joins Nick Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman as DRW's newest captain.
5. (4) Matthew Stafford: If he changes his delivery like he did from last year to this year, he'll be throwing submarine style soon.
6. (NR) Jimmy Howard: 28 year old net minder should be at the top of his game. Will be a free agent after this year.
7. (25) Lawrence Frank: Pistons head coach looking for a go to scorer when games on the line.
8. (10) Mike Ilitch: Is there any more money for a closer?
9. (NR) Mike Babcock: No more Lidstrom and a 21 year playoff run on the line.
10. (13) Keith Appling: Has the Spartans team under the radar because of Wolverines top national ranking.
11. (12) Nick Stauskas: Effortless long range jumper. Reminds me of Kyle Korver.
12. (9) Andre Drummond: Pistons rookie big man playing above expectations.
13. (23) John Beilein: Wolverines coach must be pinching himself after watching his team play so far.
14. (1) Ndamukong Suh: Lions fans hoping only to see Suh's mug on commercials in the off season.
15. (NR) Nick Lidstrom: You can't replace the irreplaceable.
16. (NR) Tim Hardaway Jr.: Great complement to Burke for UM's dynamite backcourt.
17. (NR) Pavel Datsyuk: He's incredible on the ice and the Wings need him to be.
18. (NR) Denard Robinson: Combine awaits the future NFL RB, WR, KR, PR & wildcat performer.
19. (NR) Nick Kronwall: Wings will need more than big hits from Swedish defenseman.
20. (20) Glenn Robinson III: Maybe early NBA mock drafts picking GRIII in lottery next year weren't off their rocker.
21. (NR) Conner Cook: MSU back up qb plays well in bowl game. QB competition ensues in East Lansing.
22. (NR) Gary Harris: He's hurt. He's a five star. He continues to contribute.
23. (NR) Jarvis Jones: New fan favorite for the Lions pick at five in first round of NFL draft in April.
24. (NR) Manti T'eo: Lions fans wanted Irish LB at five in the draft till BCS title game.
25. (NR) Ray McCallum: One of the top players in country plays under radar playing at UD.
Dropping out of the top 25: Titus Young, Calvin Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, Scott Linehan, Tom Gores, Gary Bettman, Rafael Soriano, Scott Boras, Jim Leyland, Brandon Dawson, Bruce Rondon, Greg Monroe, Tom Izzo.
Also receiving votes this month: Mitch McGary, Derrick Green, Bjoern Werner, Ken Holland, Gunther Cunningham, Dominic Raiola, Al Borges, Brady Hoke, Mark Dantonio, Kyle Singler, Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter, and Devin Gardner.
