Throwbackz: Randy "Shaun" Livingston

Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, and Reggie Miller have all made the same mistake.

All three of these NBA on TNT analysts have accidentally referred to Golden State Warriors reserve guard Shaun Livingston as "Randy" Livingston.

Randy Livingston at famed Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, circa 1992

The casual basketball fan is aware of who Shaun Livingston is. He's Stephen Curry's backup and one of the best second-unit players in the NBA.

But who the hell is Randy Livingston?

Sadly, the idea of Randy Livingston that remains within the subconcious of NBA All-Stars from the 1990s never truly materialized in reality.

Randy made it to the NBA when he was drafted in 1996 out of Louisiana State University and was a professional basketball journeyman; playing for 12 different teams in 12 seasons, including stints in the Continental Basketball Association, D-League, and Turkey.

But before he arrived at LSU -- and devastatingly tore his ACL during his first official practice on campus -- Randy Livingston was touted as the best high school player in the country, and was destined for NBA stardom.  (Ironically, a gruesome knee injury derailed Shaun Livingston's career, although he has bounced back now with a solid niche roll off the Warriors bench.)

Livingston was the 2007 D-League player of the year, but was never what he could've been before the knee injury.

The 6-foot 4-inch point guard, who was the 1993 Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American, was featured in a national news story (video below) chronicling his early years growing up in the notorious Calliope projects in New Orleans, to starring at famed Isidore Newman School, where he was teammates with Cooper Manning; Peyton and Eli's older brother.

BLUNT COMMENTS: TUESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2011

- I hope the Indianapolis Colts draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the number 1 overall pick in next years draft.  That way, I can make a smooth transition of hating on talented but goofy and some what Downs syndrome looking quarterbacks.

Manning face to Luck face will be a smooth transition for Colts haters.

- The Heisman Trophy belongs to Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, with LSU cornerback/ punt returner/ gamebreaker Tyrann Mathieu a close second.

RG3 and Mathieu have been the biggest gamebreakers this season.

- I don't know who I want to punch in the face harder, Bernie Fine or Laurie Fine.



- In this year's NFL, I don't care what you can do, what you're good at, what you're bad at, how many 4th quarter comebacks or Pro-Bowlers you have . . . the only thing that matters is this: Can you stop the Green Bay Packers?

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have been so consistent, it's hard to see a loss in their near future.

- Yeah, Tim Tebow has been spectacular in the 4th quater, John Fox is a genius for tailoring the Denver Broncos offense so that Tebow can thrive in it, and the defense led by rookie linebacker Von Miller has been keeping games close so that Tebow can make his comebacks . . . but lets settle down and look at the teams the Broncos have beat in during this 6-1 stretch: Miami Dolphins (4-8), Oakland Raiders (7-5), Kansas City Chiefs (5-7), New York Jets (7-5), San Diego Chargers (5-7), Minnesota Vikings (2-10) . . . the only loss was to the Detroit Lions (7-5), 45-10.  Not hating on Tebow, I've liked him since his days in Gainsville, and I know its hard to beat any team in the NFL no matter what the record, especially on the road, but I'm just saying . . .

Tebow is a great closer, but let's face it; the Broncos haven't beaten any real contenders.

'No. 1, If By Air'

The college football season is coming to its climax and the games have been very exciting these past few weekends including a defensive battle between Southeastern Conference juggernauts LSU and Alabama, and huge upsets that have sent Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson, and Oklahoma basically out of the national championship picture.  That said, this Thanksgiving Day weekend serves up another dandy when No. 1 LSU (11-0, 7-0 SEC) hosts No. 3 Arkansas (10-1, 6-1 SEC) with obvious national title implications on the line.  The Tigers have dominated defensively all year, mostly due to the talent of the secondary.  The Razorbacks have put up big offensive numbers this year thanks to the passing attack.  It will be a battle of strength versus strength that will decide which one of these SEC schools comes closer to solidifying a spot in the BCS National Championship game.  Here are the top players to watch in that game.

Wright catches just about everything he gets his hands on.

Arkansas Razorbacks
#4 Jarius Wright - Wide Receiver
5-10 180 Senior Warren, AR
2011 stats:  61 rec., 1002 yds, 10 TDs

Wright is the most consistent threat for the Hogs pass attack and is quarterback Tyler Wilson's favorite target.  He has the ability to make the tough catches in traffic and frequently gets open in man coverage due to his precise route running ability.  The Texas A&M defense knows exactly how dangerous Wright can be as they were torched by #4 to the tune of 13 catches for 281 yards and two touchdowns on October 1.

Claiborne attacks the ball at its highest point.

LSU Tigers
#17 Morris Claiborne - Cornerback
6-1 185 Junior Shreveport, LA
2011 stats:  40 tackles, 4 INTs, 9 PD, 1 kick return TD

While teammate and fellow cornerback Tyrann Mathieu gets the national acclaim as the top LSU defensive back, Claiborne leads the team in interceptions and is probably the best NFL prospect in the Tigers secondary.  His interception in the second half of the so called "Game of the Century" against Alabama November 5th setup the game-tying field goal and he also deflected a pass in the end zone that could have been a Crimson Tide touchdown

Other key players:
S - Eric Reid - LSU
WR - Joe Adams - Arkansas
TE - Chris Gragg - Arkansas
WR - Colbi Hamilton - Arkansas
CB - Ron Brooks - LSU
DE - Barkevious Mingo - LSU
DE - Sam Montgomery - LSU
RB - Dennis Johnson - Arkansas