Gerald Henderson flies high

Dwight Howard on the wrong end of a posted…Gerald Henderson throws one down!!!

Until next time, live out your DREAMS with some Determination. Put forth Real Efforts. Given your Abilities Means you will have Success.

The 2nd coming of Jeremy Lin

When you’re first at anything, like graduating from college in your family, being the oldest sibling, or even carrying an entire country on your back for basketball, naturally the bar is set high.   Let me ask you this: how difficult is it to come second behind the greatness of that person or even third. In most cases being compared to those who came before you is inevitable. There is no place where this is more visible than in sports.  You can’t have Kobe without comparison to Jordan, Chris Paul to Isaiah Thomas, LeBron James to, well LeBron James, or Chris Tang to Jeremy Lin.

Oak Hill Academy, a little preparatory Baptist affiliated high school, in Mouth of Wilson, VA just might have another special player.  Never heard of this prep school before?  Allow me to assist you with a few names: Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, and Brandon Jennings, even Jerry Stackhouse.  All are products of this basketball powerhouse with a school principle:

Deep down inside, all children are good.  Regardless of academic ability, every child is capable of success.  All children would rather succeed than fail.  Once a child gets a taste of success, he or she will want more.

Now I’m sure you’ve heard of Oak Hill Academy, right?

Chris Tang. Have you heard of him? Well, his basketball “hoop dreams” was set in motion from the love he found in watching the great Yao Ming.  While growing up, Tang fell in love with the game and like most Asian kids he went to the playgrounds around his neighborhood to master Ming’s moves.  In a recent interview Tang had this to say about watching Yao playing for the Houston Rockets;

“When I got out of school, I’d go straight to watching the Rockets on the internet.  My dad used to get mad at me because I would skip meals sometimes to watch the fourth quarter of a game, but I couldn’t stop.  It was crazy just how much I loved to watch those guys play”.

 

In China, like most overseas countries, if a basketball player has the talent and skill-set he can turn pro at a very young age, and earn money for his family.  Unlike here in the States you must play at least one year of college basketball or be removed from high school at least one year after your graduating year.  I hear Tang was that good to have the option of entering the Chinese National basketball program or play for a local club team. 

 

Fast forward a few years and Chris Tang now plays for Oak Hill Academy.  The comparisons to Lin will only increase now that he’s at a more visible Prep School.  Currently, Tang has several colleges with strong interest in signing him from Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, to Stanford, Oregon and even Jeremy Lin’s former college Harvard. 

Transitionally, Oak Hill Academy basketball program attracts local kids from around the country.  Most of them come with very high potential and the ability to play Division I college ball; they just need polishing.  However, with the increase of basketball being more globalize stories of international kids, like Chris Tang, coming to play for Prep Schools shouldn’t be a shocker.  What is shocking, to me perhaps, is that we are quick to find the next ‘whoever’ because it’s a great story.  Should I not be so surprised by sports comparison being made because, like the phrase goes, history often repeats its self, we all pattern our games after somebody, right?   So for the 2^nd coming of...enter a name here I’m sure it won’t be hard...keep working to mimic your favorite player because your time will soon come.

Until next time, live out your DREAMS with some Determination. Put forth Real Efforts. Given your Abilities Means you will have Success.

The New Mr. 30,000

In sports ‘real’ milestones occur every so often.  And they are often made a big deal.  This recent milestone has only four NBA players who have reached the 30,000-point club.  Kobe Bryan is the newest.  Kobe Bryant’s legacy amongst the basketball greats will always be debated around the league, and in barbershops.  At the age of 34 years old, Bryant is the youngest to reach this mark.  However, it took him the longest to achieve such a mark.   

Making the jump from high school to the NBA, by far the best to ever do it, has allowed him the most opportunity to pursue this record.  Now, with him playing in his 17^th season with the Lakers, he will truly go down as one of the greatest Lakers of all time.  I’m sure that too will be debated.  The other NBA greats that Bryant joins in the 30,000-point club are Chamberlain, “The Captain” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, “The Mail-Man” Karl Malone, and His Airiness Michael Jordan.  Those five I’ll match up against any five you can get any day!

What makes this more remarkable is that Bryant’s numbers are up even at this age.  Yes, the Lakers’ season hasn't gone as planned, thus far, but Kobe has seemed to be improving.  His free-throw attempts are higher, and the stat that stands out to me the most is he is assisting on a higher percentage of his teammates baskets.  That means he’s passing the ball more.  I’m sure Bryant would like to see more wins and championship rings to catch Jordan, and his six.

I notice Bryant’s skills are far from declining.  That’s great for Lakers fans, maybe not so great for other teams around the league.  The rumors of him retiring are no longer heard of.  I think those retiring rumors only had legs because Bryant seemed to struggle throughout last year.

Bryant had this to say on joining this elite group

“I really just love what I do. I just have a passion for it. I thoroughly enjoy it and this is my 17^th year but for some reason that passion hasn't gone down.  It’s been quite the opposite and I really have no explanation for it; it’s actually increased.

I have so much love for the game and I just enjoy working hard and doing what I do best”    

It’s not surprising that Bryant spoke about working hard.  He has a work habit second to none of any current NBA player. He truly has no off season. 

Will Bryant win another ring or two, catch Kareem for the all-time scoring leader, and more importantly keep his sanity with this current Lakers roster? Only time will tell and if we know anything about Kobe Bryant he will down taking a shot. 

Until next time live, out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success. 

NBA Fathers' New Favorite Sons

I believe it’s only appropriate that since the holiday seasons is upon us that I take this time to write about a feel good sports family story.

Let me start off by saying I was sold on this University when Rumeal Robinson hit those two free-throws to clinch their first National Championship. That sharp shooting of Glen Rice only made it better. If you haven’t guessed it, I’m talking about University of Michigan. Not only do they have a growing basketball program but their football program isn’t too shabby.  I can remember like it was yesterday Heisman trophy winner, Desmond Howard posed after a punt return against rival Ohio St. in 1991.

The next generation revolutionized the game of basketball by creation of the “Fab 5” Webber, Rose, Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson played at a level that no other group of freshman had ever played.  During their time at Michigan basketball was buzzing from their style of play, confidence, and swagger.  Although the “Fab 5” had swagger before Kanye West made it a popular phrase there was another guy creating his own buzz at Purdue University. Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson the All-America well-built 6’8” forward, who had scoring ability anywhere on the court, lead all college players in scoring with 30.3 points per game.

While in the National Basketball Association (NBA) there was a point guard with a ‘mean’ cross-over dribble that dub the name UTEP Two-Step, after attending the University of Texas – El Paso, Tim Hardaway had Golden State Warriors fans coming out in droves to see him play.

Having a son myself its nothing more rewarding to have you son (or daughter) playing the game you love.  This is what both “Big Dog” and Hardaway Sr. are experiencing with their sons Robinson III and Hardaway Jr.

The connection to Michigan is that they both are restoring the glory days of Wolverine basketball.  They have Michigan rank #4, in the AP Polls, and once again Michigan is viewed as more than a power house football program.

Michigan basketball program is finally recovering from minor setbacks from the “Fab 5” era (scandals) these two sons are putting up numbers that drawing positive news coverage. Hardaway Jr. leads the teams in scoring 18.2 points per game and Robinson leads the team with 7.6 boards per game.

Not having a famous father, I can only imagine its pressures and difficulty to live up to a famous father’s reputation, ask Marcus Jordan son of Michael Jordan. However, Hardaway Jr. had this to say when ask about being compare to his father “I realized I don’t have to do it for my dad, I can do it for myself”           

These two Wolverines are from very different environments but share a very unique bond.  Heck they are similar in built both 6’6’’ and only 5lbs separating them.  It’s no wonder that when Robinson III took his official visit to Michigan Hardaway Jr. was his tour guide.  Having their fathers’ athleticism maybe the ingredients needed to get the team to the Final Four; as a Michigan fan my fingers are crossed.  Robinson III and Hardaway Jr. are more than just sons of famous NBA players. They are young kids enjoying life as a collegiate athlete, trash talking each other, and supporting each other on and off the court with the goal of making it to the NBA.

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success.

D'Antoni You Are Next...

It’s appropriate that the latest news in the NBA is coming out of Los Angeles home of Hollywood, right?  With the recent dismissal of Mike Brown after only five games, where he went 1-4, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak felt it was time for someone new to breathe life in this rich franchise.  So next in line is offensive guru Mike D’Antoni.  I know you thought I was going to say Phil Jackson.  Well I didn’t.  Jackson isn’t walking through those doors anytime soon.  D’Antoni, 61, who is coming off knee surgery will take over the rein after the negotiations with Phil Jackson, broke down.  

Not only did Mike Brown get shown the door but, so did the Princeton offensive which was suppose to restore the glory days of the Lakers offensive power.  Even with arguable one of the top three players and high scoring Kobe Bryant, last year the Lakers were the 10^th highest scoring team in the NBA (106 per game). 

I like the hiring of D’Antoni as the coach for this Lakers roster and here’s why:

D’Antoni is known for the pick-and-roll and up-tempo offensive.  As the coach of the Phoenix Suns; Steve Nash won back to back MVP awards. Now Nash will run point guard for the Lakers, when he returns from his injury. 

This pick-and-roll system is also more effective when having a big guy who is very athletic the Lakers have two of them in Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard.  Nash with those two big guys will have more dribble handoffs, back-cuts and most importantly flood space for Kobe to go to work.

Kobe, more so then ever will be able to freelance and have more isolation in this system where as before in the triangle offensive, Phil Jackson’s system, it was more pattern oriented.  Another key element to why I love D’Antoni as the Lakers coach is his reputation is regarded as a player’s coach.  He allows his players to just play and don’t pull back on their offensive freedom. Dependability is with Nash which stems from him coaching Nash in Phoenix.  Coaching Kobe won’t be completely foreign.  As an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic in 2008 and ’12 D’Antoni and Kobe relationship became stronger as player and coach.     

So for all you Lakers fans who wanted Phil Jackson on the bench, sorry!  Look at it this way if they don’t defend better, and play harder night in and night out there isn’t a coach who can save them.  And Phil won’t be criticized for having a loaded team like he’s always had and not win a NBA title. 

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success.   

     

Who Will Win the Western Conference

“I feel healthy, I feel strong. I feel ready.” Kobe Bryant. Is he implying trouble for the rest of the league?

Where did the summer go? Better yet, what players went where? With so many players swooping teams this season should be more exciting than years past.  No discussions of a lockout, no Collective Barraging Agreement worries and a full 82 game season slated, waiting for this season has add a few more gray hairs.

Let’s start with the Western Conference.  Last season showed us that Kevin Durant and the Thunder will be title contenders for years to come.  Will they represent the West in the NBA Finals over the next few seasons?  The way they stomp over the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, it’s not a bad guess.  If they sign James Harden, there’s no earthly reason why they shouldn’t, this team will be great for years to come. 

Speaking of the Spurs, Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker are far from spring chickens but one thing is for certain their productive will be there.  Coach Greg Popovich will once again develop a solid bench to offset the scoring power once had by the Spurs version of the big three.

With two major signees, Nash & Howard, the Lakers once again leap to the top of everyone list of title contenders.  Even with those two future Hall of Famers there are questions, of course.  What will the chemistry be like with Kobe and his new teammates? Will the bench be strong enough? Teasing but, will Phil Jackson need to come coach this team to win a ring?  One thing is for sure the Lakers will once again be must see TV, and yes I see them being there at the end battling the Thunder.

Another team out West on the come up is the Memphis Grizzlies. Their two-man frontcourt of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol will give teams nightly nightmares.  Having a healthy Rudy Gay will be an additional benefit.  Can you say second round in the playoffs? I can.

With the Lakers once again returning as L.A’s favorite team, the Clippers will take their familiar place as the “other” team in L.A.  Chris Paul and Blake will lead the NBA in highlights on Sports Center. Yes, that’s a stat.  If Billups is healthy and with the addition of Duke great Grant Hill, and the return of Lamar Odom the Clippers will be prime to make a deeper run in the playoffs. 

Speaking of running, the Denver Nuggets will do a ton of that.  Coach Karl’s brand of basketball with this team is run-baby-run.  They never saw a 3-pointer they didn't like and with Andre Miller running point there most certainly will be 3-pointers available.  JaVale McGee has a bright upside.  Having a defender in Iguodala should help on the defense side of the ball.  First round playoff team but I don’t see anything beyond that.

 

Remember the good ol days when Dirk was the best player in the league? Yes, those days are long gone.  Also, gone is the talent that Mark Cuban Mavericks once had. Dirk and a host of role players will only get them so far unfortunately; it’s nowhere near the top of the Western Conference.  The best thing about this season after playing 88 games (that’s 82 regular season and 6 playoff games) Dallas will have plenty salary cap space for a big-time free agent this summer. 

David Lee and the Golden State Warriors will bank on Bogut returning strong from his injury last year.  Having Bogut as the anchor in the middle the Warriors defense will be much improved.  Stephen Curry will hold down the scoring, and with support from Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack the Warriors will have a solid team. 

Don’t be surprise but the Minnesota Timberwolves will be in the middle of the playoff race again this year…barring any injuries.  Rubio is back. Kevin Love will continue to be the most consistent power forward in the league.  If Brandon Roy has anything left in the tank this Timberwolves team will win enough games to earn Coach Rick Adelman coach of the year. 

You know what you’ll get in the Utah Jazz.  Now will it be enough to push them pass the first round of the playoffs.  Their defense will again be their strength, last year only allowing 97 points per game, offense will need a boost.  Their young cats Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward will be a key ingredient to their success.

In the ‘Big Easy’ easy victories won’t be the story line for the New Orleans Hornets. However, they have a very bright future with Anthony Davis, who will be the favorite for rookie of the year, and a solid guard in Eric Gordon. No playoffs this year or next year, but I’m sure their bandwagon will grow when they begin to win.

Jeremy Lin we have a problem Houston.  The Rockets are young and Jeremy Lin will bring some excitement but it won’t equivalent to enough wins for a playoff spot. 

The Sun has already set in Phoenix even before the season starts.  The Suns will also have sufficient amount of salary cap space after this year.  The big question is will they have the surrounding parts to draw a ‘big name’ free agent to the land of the Sun.

Portland is a solid team all around.  LaMarcus Aldridge is a bon-a-fide star, with wing players in (Nicolas) Batum and Wesley Matthews they will in the hunt once again. 

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

The Natives Have Grown Restless

“…I get emotional about it because these guys, they work their butts off. Matt Cassel hasn't done anything to you people.” – Eric Winston, KC Chiefs

Emotion can drive a humbled man to the edge of insanity. Emotion is what drives 200 to 360 pound men to run into one another and bash each other’s brains out; well emotions and potentially millions of dollars in salary, but I digress. Emotion can justify ignoring what’s right, and reverting to do wrong. Finally, emotion can take the small incident, and blow it completely out of proportion. Today, I bring you a tale of a city that has been craving a championship NFL franchise since 1969, the administration, players, and mentality that has done everything in their power to make sure that does not happen. This is Kansas City.

In a season that many thought that the Kansas City Chiefs would contend for the AFC West division title, the team has looked like everything but a winner. Aside from a come from behind 27-20 victory against the New Orleans Saints, the Chiefs have been throttled only to submit to the will of their opposition. During this five game period of losses in all but one game, starting Matt Cassel has thrown eight interceptions. In this past Sunday’s game against the Ravens, Cassel had three interceptions, preventing the Chiefs from conjuring up any offense against a Ravens team that could only produce nine points themselves.

As badly as Cassel had played, a sudden spark of offense could possibly ignite the Chiefs to snatch victory from the hands of defeat. With the help of a Haloti Ngata pass rush, Chiefs fans may have found the change that they had longed for. A bruise from Ngata left Cassel initially motionless, but seconds later struggling to gather himself as he was obviously in pain. According to Winston, in his first year with the Chiefs after signing a 4 year, $22 million contract, this is when cheers reigned down from “70,000” in the crowd. Quite frankly, 70,000 fans would have been impressive to hear considering Sunday’s attendance was 68,803 according to ESPN’s box score totals.

Yet it is hard to imagine a full house would all cheer their starting QB laid out during the game. As badly as fans in Kansas City have wanted the benching of Cassel, as well as the firing of Scott Pioli; the Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, is an on-the-field injury the reason for fans to rejoice.

Personally, I believe an injury to an opposing team member or the home team should never be cheered. While Pro Football is the most popular sporting event in America, the long-term effects that many of its alumni suffer is quite depressing. Dementia, memory loss, joint damage, severe arthritis, and other ailments rob many from enjoying life after retiring from the game. With the speed of the game today, a single hit can escalate the arrival of retirement for players. So for the many who pursue this career, quite frankly, I admire their courage. I, in no way, am ignorant to the fact that they one of the benefits for such valiancy is immediate wealth; in many instances generational wealth. So, as a professional these players subject themselves to abuse from their opposition, as well as from upset fans and media. But somewhere in this connection between athletes and fans, don’t we have to separate are expectations of winning at all cost from the humanity of our fellow man? I believe so, but I can’t fault those who do not.

In the case of Chiefs Fans, I have been a witness for the last 15 years to the growing frustration of supporting an organization that has profitability before championships. While Pioli has not been here for that full period of time (former GM Carl Peterson prided himself on earning previous team owner Lamar Hunt a whole lot of money, even if it only produced one AFC Championship appearance under his regime), many of his decisions have been questioned with the intensity of an Internal Affairs interrogation. None more scrutinized more than the signing of Matt Cassel in 2008 to a six year, $63 million contract ($28 million guaranteed). What was the reason for such a lofty contract? In his first season starting at QB since high school (yes, HIGH SCHOOL), Cassel lead that New England Patriots to a 10-6 season. That’s it. A franchise put its hopes on the potential of a QB who hand a period of eight six years between starts.

While the Cassel experience started off nicely (10-6, AFC West Champs), the team’s progress has deteriorated each season since. Coaches have lost their jobs during this period and Cassel has continued to underwhelm, but he “gave the Chiefs the best chance to win”; the mantra being spewed from Pioli all the way down to the equipment manager. The fact of the matter is fans have grown tired of waiting for the potential that Cassel supposedly has to come to fruition. So Sunday’s cheers, whatever few there may have been, may not have been because of Cassel’s injury, as much as the Chiefs organization being put into the position that the fan’s wishes HAD TO BE MET!!!  So I don’t think Winston heard a stadium full of disgruntled fans cheering an injury (he would later be quoted as saying he did not mean all in attendance cheered) but the what he was hearing was the consumer getting what they wanted at the chagrin of a franchise that has wanted to give them only so much.

Dwight Mannery Thomas – Follow me on Twitter @UrbanSportsSpot