The greatest sports films of all time

Top Sports Films Michael Volitich

This blog looks at some of the best sports movies based on the lives of famous athletes. Even though the directors may have taken some liberties with the stories, these films are nonetheless masterfully made and brilliantly done, and extremely entertaining and moving. Michael Volitich.

Rocky (1976)

One would be hard-pressed to find a greatest sports movies list without “Rocky” on it. One of the most inspirational films ever made, this John G. Avildsen movie is one of the first great underdog films of the modern era of cinema. This is also arguably Stallone’s best film. Michael Volitich

Raging Bull (1980)

As great as “Rocky” was, Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” may have been better, if only for the grit and performance of the great Robert de Niro. Based on the life of slugger Jake LaMotta, “Raging Bull” showed just how human boxers are and how all their violence and hate, when released outside the ring, can cause catastrophic damage to everyone around them. Michael Volitich.

Rudy (1993)

Quite possibly the greatest football film ever produced, “Rudy” tells the story of Notre Dame football player Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger. Smaller than the rest, Rudy never stood a chance at making it to Notre Dame’s famed Fighting Irish football squad. But he never gave up. The film is a rollercoaster ride that takes our protagonist through trial after trial, which Rudy conquers. Michael Volitich

Which teams have the advantage these 2019 NBA playoffs?

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As of this writing, the 2019 NBA playoffs have just begun, and it’s promising to be a wild ride on the way to the Finals with sixteen hungry teams duking it out. But while defending champ Golden State is still the hands-down favorite this year, there are several formidable teams on both conferences that should give the Warriors a run for their money. Aspiring sports writer Michael Volitich lists down these top contenders.

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Houston Rockets

Arguably the second-best team in the West, the Rockets already took the Warriors to a Game 7 in last year’s conference finals. And there’s no reason to think they can’t beat Golden State if they meet again, especially with Chris Paul healthy and James Harden again posting MVP-like numbers. Center Clint Capela has also been a revelation in the post.

Boston Celtics

Despite the team’s inconsistency throughout the regular season, the Celtics still boasts of the most talented roster in the Eastern Conference. If Kyrie Irving manages to finally gel with other stars Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward, Boston should be on its way to another conference finals appearance.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks held the best league record during the regular season and are thus guaranteed homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs. While it doesn’t have the star power of certain other teams, Milwaukee is the most cohesive and most committed to defense in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo is unstoppable this year, too, and is likely to be crowned MVP.

Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs

Two wildcard teams that might just upset higher-seeded franchises are the Nets and the Spurs, adds Michael Volitich. Brooklyn barely managed to squeeze into the postseason but has already gotten an away-win over the Sixers, thanks to the stellar game of D’Angelo Russell. The Spurs have also beaten the second-seeded Nuggets in Denver, largely due to its teamplay and the talent of coach Popovich.

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student at the University of Florida. He likes to blog about books, sports movies, sports teams, and the lives of the greatest athletes. For more sports-related reads, go to this page.

Is the reign of the Golden State Warriors nearing its end?

Whether Golden State wins a third championship or not this season is not so much the dominant conversation surrounding the team as of late. For many, the Warriors are likely to three-peat, given its deep pool of talent. Instead, most thoughts are focused on whether the team will still continue its NBA dominance once the 2018-19 season is done, says sports buff Michael Volitich.


A lot of player contracts are in the air at the end of the season. Damian Jones and Shaun Livingston are destined for free agency if management decides it can do away with them after this year and lower its huge luxury-tax expenses. Former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala may just be on the same predicament, even with a guarantee to play until next season.

Image source: sfchronicle.com

But the bigger free agency issue come July has to do with most of Golden State’s key stars. Aside from its supporting cast of Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney, Jonas Jerebko, and Quinn Cook, also hitting free agency come July are Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kevin Durant.

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Cousins re-signing is highly unlikely even if the Warriors do win another title, given enforced salary cap restrictions. But it’s in keeping Thompson and Durant that the future of the franchise lies. Simply put, the Warriors cannot rely solely on long-term-signed Steph Curry to carry the offensive load should the two other superstars leave.

Moreover, even if they do choose to stay, Curry, Thompson, and Durant are already nearing or at their 30s. Draymond Green will also begin to slow down in just several more years, as all four goes past their prime. But optimistically speaking, the best team in modern NBA do have several more years to go. Surely fans would be deeply disappointed if they do break up at this point, adds Michael Volitich. Warriors management should give keeping them together the top priority, with or without graffiti falling on the Bay Area this postseason.

Michael Volitich is a University of Florida Creative Writing student focusing on sports writing. He likes to write about various sports teams and popular players. Visit this blog for related posts.

Team LeBron or Team Giannis: Which won the All-Star Game draft?

The revamped All-Star Game drafting is made televised this year for the first time, and NBA fans watched as LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo made their picks. James and the Greek Freak became the team captains of the respective squads because they topped the votes from media, fans, and coaches. But which composition turned out better? NBA fan and analyst Michael Volitich offers his two cents below.

Image source: sports.yahoo.com

 James took Kevin Durant first for his Feb 17 team in the All-Star Game in Charlotte. Antetokounmpo took Stephen Curry. Both picks are members of the Golden Warriors. It was the second consecutive year LeBron took Durant as first pick. Alongside James and Durant, other players comprising Team LeBron’s starters are Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden.

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Giannis picked Curry, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and hometown player Kemba Walker. In the second round, he took Bucks teammate Khris Middleton, Ben Simmons, Blake Griffin, D’Angelo Russell, Nicola Vucevic, and Kyle Lowry. LeBron picked Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Russell Westbrook, LaMarcus Aldridge, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Bradley Beal. Finally, James took friend Dwyane Wade while Antetokounmpo picked Dirk Nowitzki in the special third round of the pick to honor the two retiring players.

But which team is better? Obviously, James managed to get the better selection, despite trading Simmons for Westbrook in this first All-Star trade. Team LeBron’s starters are made up of four NBA champs and three league MVPs. Giannis’ team is significantly weaker and slower, despite being the taller five outside Curry. LeBron’s team is simply more explosive and is the hands-down winner, says Michael Volitich.

Creative Writing student Michael Volitich is finishing his degree at the University of Florida. He likes reading sports biographies and autobiographies as well as watching films that feature the intensity of athletic events. For more NBA-related reads, go to this page.

How to eat like a real backpacker and stay healthy

Backpacking takes a heavy toll on a person, especially if they’re just starting out on their year-long journey. This is why nutrition plays such an important role throughout the trip. Backpackers get to experience different types of meals as they move from one country to another. And as tempting as it is to walk into fancy restaurants every day, a backpacker’s budget simply cannot allow it.

Image source: backpackerguide.nz

Still, a backpacker needs to stay healthy and have enough energy every day for activities and leisure. According to aspiring traveler Michael Volitich, here are some ways on how to eat like a backpacker while staying healthy.

Get lots of fruits in: Fruits are usually inexpensive, filling, and nutritious. They are great substitutes for snacks for travelers who find themselves hungry after a long hike or just walking around the city. Fruit shakes or fruit drinks are also better than sodas or sweet tea, or other convenient beverage that are usually offered to tourists.

Image source: tripadvisor.com

Stay in hostels with an open kitchen: Knowing what’s in your food is a good way of being aware of the nutritional value of what you eat. What’s even better than knowing is being able to control what you have for meals. According to Michael Volitich, this is one of the reasons why it’s such a great option to stay at a hostel with an open kitchen. You can easily save money by buying ingredients at a local market and cook your own healthy meals.

Granolas, nuts, berries, and oats: For hostels that don’t have kitchens, a good alternative is always having a bag of mixed granolas, nuts, berries, and oats handy. Just add milk, yogurt, or even soy milk into the mix and you can have a healthy meal in minutes.

Michael Volitich a creative writing student at the University of Florida who is also interested in traveling and literature. To read more about traveling, visit this blog.

Ways to best prepare for your first international trip

Planning your first trip overseas is exciting for sure, but it can also get quite stressful, especially if you are not familiar with the country and its culture. It helps immensely to be extra-prepared and make sure that all bases are covered. I’m assuming that you already have a destination in mind; allow me then to help you better get ready and guarantee that your trip is hassle- and hitch-free, and one worthy of being a life event on its own.

Image source: travelzoo.com

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The first Michael Volitich- advice is to do thorough research on the place. Learn as much as you can about the local customs, its people, the food, and any special cultural or religious aspects of the culture, so you don’t embarrass yourself or come across as insensitive.

Know how long you will stay in the country and how you will get there. This will dictate your expenses and your budget in general. Are you backpacking? Taking advantage of a budget flight or mileage benefits? Will you be there for a week or a month? Make an itinerary of your trip and ensure that that reservations and bookings are done in advance, so you’d have a good estimate of the amount of pocket money you’d bring. It’s of course much better to transact electronically, but don’t just rely on credit cards.

It goes without saying that you’d need to secure a passport. Sometimes this itself isn’t easy, especially if you haven’t yet collated the documents needed to get one, from your birth certificate, citizenship, and even a lapsed previous passport. A Michael Volitich lesson for all of you: Apply way ahead at a passport agency as the processing line can at times take long.

Finally, apply for a visa if your country of destination requires one. You cannot legally enter a country that requires a visa from your own to travel to. Make sure you apply for the correct one, too; you either would need a student visa, work visa, or a fixed-term visit one.

Hi there. I’m Michael Volitich, a Creative Writing student, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. I’m currently studying at the University of Florida. For more of my writings and my interests, drop by this blog.

Backpacking tips: How to save money on flights

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If you’re planning on going backpacking, you have to understand that saving every dollar possible can extend your trip by weeks, maybe even months. In fact, for long-term backpacking, the biggest expense you’ll probably have are flight tickets. The rest of your budget you can allocate to hostels, food, sight-seeing, and other expenses. If you want to save money on flights, here are some tips to follow.


Use several websites

Aside from airline carriers’ websites, you should also check out those that compile airline ticket data and compare them with each other. If your trip is several months away, set up an alert to let you know if the prices are increasing or going down.

Image source: outofyourcomfortzone.net

Be flexible

Prices go up or down by a lot if you adjust the dates. For example, some flights cost more if you leave during the weekend or on a Friday. Sometimes, you just have to leave a day earlier than what you planned or stay two days longer to save hundreds of dollars.

This rule also applies to the airports. Direct flights to major hubs can be expensive. Try looking for airports near your destinations. For example, if you’re going to Tokyo, direct flights are expensive. However, you can enter through Narita or Osaka, then take a train to Tokyo. Not only will you save money; you also get to see more of Japan.

Use your miles

If you happen to be using a credit card that earns points convertible to airline miles, then, by all means, use it. Airlines would rather have someone occupy their seats and pay with miles than leave the seat empty.


Hello, I’m Michael Volitich. As a Creative Writing student focusing on sports writing, I need to find ways to better communicate what happens during a game to the people who will read my write-ups. To read more about traveling, visit this webpage.

What Jimmy Butler brings to the Sixers

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Finally, the drama surrounding Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves is over, with the Wolves trading Butler recently to the Sixers in exchange for Dario Saric, Robert Covington, and a future draft pick. While this allows Minnesota to now focus on developing Anthony-Towns and Wiggins, it’s the Sixers that will immediately benefit more.


For one, Butler’s feisty attitude and gutsy play suit the tandem of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. He can likewise provide a consistent third option on offense, as well as clutch shooting and sound late-game decisions. Everyone in the NBA knows that Simmons’ weakness is his lack of an outside shot; Butler addresses this need, allowing better spacing for the Aussie star to drive the lane and pass to open shooters like Redick.


Butler’s first game in a Philly uniform was not bad, but it was on the road, and the team gave up a sizable lead in the fourth on its way to losing against Orlando. In the succeeding game, now in Philly, he netted 28 points on an impressive 12-of-15 shooting clip and led the Sixers to a close victory over the Jazz.


What’s promising about how this game turned out was that Butler didn’t seem to impede the play of the team’s other two stars, with Embiid getting 23 points and Simmons almost recording a triple-double. Yes, it’s still too early to say exactly how much of an impact Butler will have, as the team has yet to play top-seeded teams in both conferences with him around. But it’s plain to see that “the process” seems more realized with him around.


Hello, Michael Volitich here, a University of Florida creative writing student and a huge lover of literature, films, sports, and travel. Check out this blog for similar reads.

Difficulties you might experience while surfing

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Surfing is one of those sports that looks easy if you’re watching it from a computer screen or from a distance. But when you try it out for yourself, you’ll experience first-hand just how hard surfing is. It’s only natural to fail several times given the condition you are put in. However difficult it may be, it does not compare to the feeling of catching your first wave. Here are some difficulties you might experience while surfing for the first time.


Unbalanced board: Water is not the most stable surface on the planet. Learning to balance your board as you paddle takes a while to get used to. Even if you’re just lying chest down on the board, even a small wave could easily force you to lose balance and topple over.

Image source: tygurneysurfschool.com

Tired arms from paddling: Your arms receive quite a bit of punishment during surfing. Paddling can get tiring at the beginning, but it’s not only that. We also use our arms to push up when standing while catching a wave. We also use them to hang tightly to our board if a big wave comes along.


Strong winds: Water isn’t the only factor that’s unpredictable in surfing. The wind can shift the direction of the waves, as well as affect how they break. Perfect waves don’t stay for too long. When the wind is strong, expect waves to get messy so don’t get frustrated.


Standing up: Think about it, you will be attempting to stand up on a flat surface floating in the sea while it’s in motion. Learn to stand up slowly and with limited movements then improve from there. Too much motion throws you off balance and off your board.


Hello, I’m Michael Volitich. As a Creative Writing student focusing on sports writing, I need to find ways to better communicate what happens during a game to the people who will read my write-ups. For more on my hobbies and interests, visit this page.

Why traveling is the best part about retirement

One of the things I find myself daydreaming about at work is going on an adventure in a faraway land, not unlike those found in Indiana Jones or Allan Quatermain movies.  But right now, I know I can’t afford the trip, paying off my student loans and all.  I know I’ll be able to do it someday.

I got to thinking about my grandparents who took that European trip last year, and I was happier for them than they were.  If you love to travel and you’re nearing your retirement, it’s best to save up for a trip or two. 

A few years ago, I saw how bored grandpa was staying at home all the time, and that made him kind of a grumpy pop.  Grandma, on the other hand, had her “bridge” friends to keep her company.  Then mom and dad suggested they go to the Grand Canyon, which they did.  Gramps enjoyed it a lot, and after that, traveling became a yearly thing for them. 

You see, retirement is a time for you to do anything you want (as long of course, as you’ve saved up for it).  And there’s no better way to spend your hard-earned money than to visit places you’ve always wanted to visit.  In a way, retirement is the fulfillment of that dream, and probably the best thing you can do with all the time you have. 

I’m Michael Volitich, a lover of sports and travel. Follow me on Twitter to learn more about me and the stuff I love.

The Best Gators Currently In The Nba

The Florida Gators are presently well-represented in the NBA. There is a handful of elite basketball players who call the University of Florida their alma mater, such as those discussed below.

Image source: orlandosentinel.com

Joakin Noah

Joakim Noah, a pivotal player during the Gators’ two-year championship run in 2006 and 2007 and 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, would have been included in this list. However, his time in the professional league is currently in limbo as injuries, and off-court issues have derailed his once-promising career.

Al Horford

Noah’s partner in the paint during his time in Florida was Al Horford, the third overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft. His statistical production may not show it, but the Dominican native has been one of the best big men for much of the past decade. He was one of the major reasons Atlanta Hawks were at the top of the Eastern Conference during the first half of 2010. Currently, he is playing for the championship-contending Boston Celtics.

Bradley Beal

Beal played just one year in college, but even during his brief time in Florida, he won the hearts of many Gators fans because of his scoring prowess. He has had no problem translating his offensive skills to the professional level, where he has joined forces with John Wall to form a dreaded backcourt combo for the Washington Wizards.

Image source: bleacherreport.com

Michael Volitich here, a University of Florida creative writing student and a huge fan of the Gators teams. Read more about them by subscribing to my blog.

Beckenbauer, the Kaiser of German football

The football greats of the ‘60s and ‘70s were the prototypes of the footballers we all see today. Guys like Pele and Johann Cruyff revolutionized their positions in ways that have never been done before. However, there is one player who not only changed the way a position was played. He was responsible for the creation of an entirely new, dynamic, ‘hybrid’ position that nobody had ever seen, and no footballer had ever tried before. 

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The man was Franz Beckenbauer. The position was the “sweeper.” 

Beckenbauer is the sort of footballer you’d want leading your team -- unwavering, innovative, and most of all, responsible. He was both a defensive master and an amazing playmaker. With his talents, he experimented playing at center midfield and dropping back down to allow himself to help on the defensive end. Then when his team gained possession, he would go back up the pitch, all the way to center midfield and even further to forward position. 

Beckenbauer facilitated team movement on almost the entire length of the pitch, leading the charge in almost all positions. This new role was adopted later on by many teams to much success. 

Every sweeper in the game today owe their position to Franz Beckenbauer, German football’s one and only Kaiser. 

Image source: esquire.com

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student from the University of Florida. He loves reading and writing about sports and sports biographies. Visit this blog for more posts on sports and athletes.

The One Place Michael Jordan Wasn’t a Hit

When people hear the name Michael Jordan, they immediately think of the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. They think of the Bulls dynasty, the six rings, all the MVPs, the game-winning plays, the high-flying dunks, the unstoppable fadeaway jumpers, and the immensely popular Nike line of sneakers.

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But there is a period not often spoken of in the life of MJ that fans would rather forget – the time between his first and second three-peats with the Bulls when he retired from basketball and went on to play baseball.

It was his late father’s dream, Jordan said. And so, he signed on to play with the Chicago White Sox in the minors. In March 1994, baseball training began for basketball’s greatest in Sarasota, Florida. He was then allowed to play for a lower league, suiting up for the Birmingham Barons, a team owned by the Chicago Bulls. Jordan batted .202 and had three home runs. He also batted 51 runs and stole 30 bases, while striking out 114 times and having 11 errors.

Next up for Jordan would be a stint with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League, where he was a bit more successful at-bat with .252. But that was about it.

Maybe he was tired of being mediocre. Or maybe he just missed the game. Whatever it was, MJ returned during the MLB strike and added to his legacy by winning three more NBA titles.

Image source: bleacherreport.net

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student at the University of Florida. He is a lit geek, sports writer and fanatic, and a film buff. Visit his blog for more film-related posts.

Traveling Within Your Means

Traveling seems to be on the rise, with cheaper airfare and lodging options. More and more individuals are getting on planes, trains, boats, motorcycles, and just about any form of transportation to live their best lives now. If these things aren’t planned out well, one could be drowning in debt than swimming in white sand beaches.

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The best thing to do to enjoy traveling is to save up for it. You are traveling well within your means if you have a savings plan for all your expenses before and during the trip. Allocating money for your future trips can ensure you of a journey that’s inexpensive and with zero debt. 

Living within your means can afford you that trip you’ve been dreaming of as you are spending less on daily expenses and allocating more money on investments and other savings. The time you spend saving up could also disguise as your season to look for the best deals for your money’s worth. Remember, you can always save up for the things you can’t afford now. 

Traveling can either be cheap or expensive. It only becomes costly if you don’t have the budget for it. There really isn’t an affordable, economical trip. Sure, you can get discounts and freebies with the best deals. To travel within your means signifies that you have a means to do it. Not saving for it might only afford you years of debt. While the world offers individuals many beautiful sights to see, it would be best to set one’s goals for a secure future. Put off that trip first and plan things out thoroughly. 

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Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student, sports writer and fanatic, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. He is currently enrolled at the University of Florida. For similar updates, click here.