The U.S.A. basketball team beat Spain the Olympic final to regain its perch as the best team in world when it comes to basketball. Seeing the players soo excited and happy (like how they look when they win a NBA championship) was awesome. Kobe was hugging D Wade, Chris Paul was giddy, Lebron satisfied. It was just great all around.
The game was a close one all the way through. The first seven games the U.S. played were pretty much blowouts. They had beat Spain by 32 a week before. So a lot of people thought this might be a repeat performance. But Spain was resilient and played tough all game long.
D Wade kept the U.S. slightly ahead in the first half by scoring 21 points and hitting every shot he was taking. He was in a zone just like he was when they Heat beat the Mavs in the NBA finals in 2006. Then came the fourth quarter. When the Dobermamba, Doberman, Black Mamba aka. KOBE BRYANT took over the game. This is exactly the reason for him to be on the team. To take over when needed and he did. He hit a long three and got fouled to silenece the crowd and give the U.S. some breathing room and was involved in numerous important plays during the final quarter.
I was elated to see U.S. basketball back on top and to see how happy the players and coaches were of their achievement. The players were "redeemed" as well which made it such a great feeling for them and fans alike. I feel this experience, and the way the players carried themselves throughout the entire olympics where they were involved in cheering on other U.S. athletes and being visible will rub off on other U.S. NBA players and make them want to be a part of it as we go forward to the next Olympics.
Great job by everyone who was associated with the U.S. National Basketball team!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Lightning Bolt
Track and field has always been a favorite of mine. Whenever it is on television I always try to catch it and see who the up and coming stars are of the sport. I just love seeing the speed of the men and women competing in the sprint events.
Flash forward to the Beijing Olympics and a star was born these past couple weeks. His name is Usain Bolt a.ka. Lightning Bolt.
First event: the 100 meters. Tyson Gay from the U.S. did not make the final as he just wasn't able to come back physically from his pulled hamstring at the trials in the 200 meters. Thus Bolt was the favorite going into the 100m final. When the gun went off Bolt was out like a flash. The race was over at the 60m mark. He was celebrating with 40m to go! That's how far he was ahead of the field. He then slowed down with 30m to go. In the race. It was incredible to see! He broke the world record with a 9.69. But if he had run through the line he could have probably run a 9.5.
Second event: 200m. Bolt was the favorite but was going against the 2004 olympic champion from the U.S. Shawn Crawford, who by the way is one of my favorite sprinters. Usain ran a great turn and demolished the field in the straighaway. This time he ran through the line and broke Michael Johnson's record of 19.32 by running a 19.30. No one ever though Johnson's record would be broken but this guy is the Lightning Bolt..His speed was phenomenal in this race and it was amazing to see him blow away a field of great runners. Incredible..
Third event: 4 by 100m relay. Jamaica was favored in this event because the American's botched the baton handoff in an earlier round and did not advance. Bolt ran the third leg and the Jamaican's blew away the field and set a new world record in the process.
Usain Bolt was the other story of these olympics besides Michael Phelps. He won three golds and set three world records. A star was born and it will be great to see just how far Bolt goes!
Flash forward to the Beijing Olympics and a star was born these past couple weeks. His name is Usain Bolt a.ka. Lightning Bolt.
First event: the 100 meters. Tyson Gay from the U.S. did not make the final as he just wasn't able to come back physically from his pulled hamstring at the trials in the 200 meters. Thus Bolt was the favorite going into the 100m final. When the gun went off Bolt was out like a flash. The race was over at the 60m mark. He was celebrating with 40m to go! That's how far he was ahead of the field. He then slowed down with 30m to go. In the race. It was incredible to see! He broke the world record with a 9.69. But if he had run through the line he could have probably run a 9.5.
Second event: 200m. Bolt was the favorite but was going against the 2004 olympic champion from the U.S. Shawn Crawford, who by the way is one of my favorite sprinters. Usain ran a great turn and demolished the field in the straighaway. This time he ran through the line and broke Michael Johnson's record of 19.32 by running a 19.30. No one ever though Johnson's record would be broken but this guy is the Lightning Bolt..His speed was phenomenal in this race and it was amazing to see him blow away a field of great runners. Incredible..
Third event: 4 by 100m relay. Jamaica was favored in this event because the American's botched the baton handoff in an earlier round and did not advance. Bolt ran the third leg and the Jamaican's blew away the field and set a new world record in the process.
Usain Bolt was the other story of these olympics besides Michael Phelps. He won three golds and set three world records. A star was born and it will be great to see just how far Bolt goes!
The Greatest Olympian Ever
Michael Phelps. Enough said..Mister Phelps had a goal coming into the Beijing Olympics. To win eight gold medals and set 8 world records. He wound up winning eight golds and setting seven world records while becoming the the greatest olympian ever with 14 gold medals. He's only 23 everyone. That means he can compete again in London in 2012 and even after that if he so desires.
I was looking forward to seeing Phelps compete in these olympic games and made sure to catch everyone of his gold medal races. It was history in the making seeing him win each one and I am really glad I was able to witness the historic event unfold. Seeing him competing at such a high level and reaching all of his goals while being cheered on by all of America was a great thing to see.
What Michael Phelps accomplished definitely brought swimming to the forefront of America for a couple weeks in Beijing. Will swimming become a big sport in America? I personally don't think it will ever be able to compete with the likes of basketball, football and baseball but with Michael Phelps as an icon and ambassador for the sport anything is possible..
I was looking forward to seeing Phelps compete in these olympic games and made sure to catch everyone of his gold medal races. It was history in the making seeing him win each one and I am really glad I was able to witness the historic event unfold. Seeing him competing at such a high level and reaching all of his goals while being cheered on by all of America was a great thing to see.
What Michael Phelps accomplished definitely brought swimming to the forefront of America for a couple weeks in Beijing. Will swimming become a big sport in America? I personally don't think it will ever be able to compete with the likes of basketball, football and baseball but with Michael Phelps as an icon and ambassador for the sport anything is possible..
Monday, August 11, 2008
Beijing Olympics Update
So this weekend was my birthday. Great time I must say with a few close friends and my younger bro. They definitely made it a memorable one for me so I am appreciative of that.
NOW onto the the Beijing Olympics. I have mainly been focused on gymnastics, swimming and basketball.
Gymnastics-I have to say this is one of the most impressive sports when it comes to strength and balance. To see the strength the men posses on the still rings is ridiculous and the way the women are able to swing on the uneven bars and jump up and down and all around on the balance beam is unreal as well. One observation I made over the first two days of gymnastics is how strong and well drilled at their routines the Chinese gymnasts are. Granted the men have a more solid team than the women but both teams could potentially win the gold medal. The USA women's team looked decent the other day and it was enjoyable to watch the USA men compete hard and well as they are underdogs. But they are doin their best and not listening to the criticism and are doing awesome thus far.
Swimming-Well it all begins and ends with Michael Phelps. Phelps won his first gold in the 400m individual medlay where he was supposed to be rivaled by his teammate Ryan Lochte. However Phelps smoked him on the last turn and that was it. Then last night was the best race of this Olympics thus far...the 4*100m freestyle relay. France earlier in the day said how they were going to smash the Americans in this race. The Americans were losing going into the last 50m when their anchor Jason Lezak turned in an incredible split and smashed France's dreams of gold and kept Phelps hopes of 8 gold medals on track with 2/2 thus far. What a great race, I watched it 3 times on DVR it was soo good!
Basketball-As you know this is my favorite sport. Seeing Team USA playing their first game on the Olympics as the REDEEM TEAM was pretty cool Going against China the atmosphere was surreal with dignitaries including George Bush in attendance. USA started out slow and China hit a ton of threes to keep it close. However starting mid second quarter team USA turned this game into one full of dunks, HARD DUNKS, and steals. It was like going down to Rucker Park and total dominance on the defensive end of the floor followed by a dunkathon. Straight Gangsta!! Loved it Man.
Anyways thats all for my take on the Olympics thus far. I hope everyone is enjoying them as well!
NOW onto the the Beijing Olympics. I have mainly been focused on gymnastics, swimming and basketball.
Gymnastics-I have to say this is one of the most impressive sports when it comes to strength and balance. To see the strength the men posses on the still rings is ridiculous and the way the women are able to swing on the uneven bars and jump up and down and all around on the balance beam is unreal as well. One observation I made over the first two days of gymnastics is how strong and well drilled at their routines the Chinese gymnasts are. Granted the men have a more solid team than the women but both teams could potentially win the gold medal. The USA women's team looked decent the other day and it was enjoyable to watch the USA men compete hard and well as they are underdogs. But they are doin their best and not listening to the criticism and are doing awesome thus far.
Swimming-Well it all begins and ends with Michael Phelps. Phelps won his first gold in the 400m individual medlay where he was supposed to be rivaled by his teammate Ryan Lochte. However Phelps smoked him on the last turn and that was it. Then last night was the best race of this Olympics thus far...the 4*100m freestyle relay. France earlier in the day said how they were going to smash the Americans in this race. The Americans were losing going into the last 50m when their anchor Jason Lezak turned in an incredible split and smashed France's dreams of gold and kept Phelps hopes of 8 gold medals on track with 2/2 thus far. What a great race, I watched it 3 times on DVR it was soo good!
Basketball-As you know this is my favorite sport. Seeing Team USA playing their first game on the Olympics as the REDEEM TEAM was pretty cool Going against China the atmosphere was surreal with dignitaries including George Bush in attendance. USA started out slow and China hit a ton of threes to keep it close. However starting mid second quarter team USA turned this game into one full of dunks, HARD DUNKS, and steals. It was like going down to Rucker Park and total dominance on the defensive end of the floor followed by a dunkathon. Straight Gangsta!! Loved it Man.
Anyways thats all for my take on the Olympics thus far. I hope everyone is enjoying them as well!
Friday, August 1, 2008
U.S.A. Men's Olympic Basketball Team
The U.S.A. men's olympic basketball team has played a a few games in its tuneup for the Beijing Olympics and they are looking pretty good. They easily handled Canada back in the States and have handled Turkey and Lithuania in Macau with relative ease in exhibition play.
A few observations:
1) No one player is trying to take over the game. Everyone is playing well together and sharing the ball and playing team defense which is important in international play.
2) Kobe Bryant has labeled himself as the defensive stopper on the perimeter for this team. He always wants to guard the opponent's best perimeter player. He has given himself the nickname "the Doberman". HILARIOUS. I love the nickname. He is like a guard dog.
3) Dwayne Wade is back. He looks to be in great shape and is playing very well. Wade stated that he is feeling great and next season he will be abusing players in my opinion.
4) Coack K is playing everyone at the right time thus far and seems to be making the right calls regarding the team.
5) Bron Bron James is the key to this team. He poses soo many mismatches on offense and is very explosive.
It's been great watchin the team thus far and I look forward to the GAMES!
A few observations:
1) No one player is trying to take over the game. Everyone is playing well together and sharing the ball and playing team defense which is important in international play.
2) Kobe Bryant has labeled himself as the defensive stopper on the perimeter for this team. He always wants to guard the opponent's best perimeter player. He has given himself the nickname "the Doberman". HILARIOUS. I love the nickname. He is like a guard dog.
3) Dwayne Wade is back. He looks to be in great shape and is playing very well. Wade stated that he is feeling great and next season he will be abusing players in my opinion.
4) Coack K is playing everyone at the right time thus far and seems to be making the right calls regarding the team.
5) Bron Bron James is the key to this team. He poses soo many mismatches on offense and is very explosive.
It's been great watchin the team thus far and I look forward to the GAMES!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Stadium
On Friday I went with my friend Dave to "the House that Ruth Built." On our way over to Yankee Stadium we both talked about how much history the stadium has and that we couldn't believe this will be the last year baseball will ever be played in the historic Yankees Stadium ever again. Granted the Yankees have a new stadium across the street but it's just not the same..
It was great to watch the Yanks play at the Stadium. We soaked in the history and smiled knowing that at least we got this memorable time to watch a Yankees game in this great place one more time. I know I am definitely going to try to make some more games this year. Such a good time. Oh, and by the way, it's really hard to take a "piece" of history with you. Those stadium seats are bolted tight into the cement. I was trying to figure out what else one would want to take but couldn't quite figure out what else there is worth taking in the stands besides old beer cans. Haha.
Yankee Stadium. What a great place full of history and where legends were made.
Yankee Stadium. What a great place full of history and where legends were made.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Nadal vs. Federer
What a finals match at Wimbledon between the top two players currently in the world. I believe the rivalry Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have at the moment is currently the best one we have in all of sports at the moment and continues to grow to one of the best of all time.
On Sunday the two squared off in the Wimbledon finals in a match that will go down as one for the ages if not the best one has ever seen. I began watching the match when Nadal was up 2 sets to none and was on serve in the third set and I figured Nadal would win the third set and show the world he should be ranked #1 as he had just beaten Federer in the French Open and winning Wimbledon would a feat that hadn't been accomplished since Bjorn Borg did it in 1980.
I was wrong to think there would be such a speedy outcome..Federer was able to win the tie break in the third set and extend the match to the fourth set which the crowd and television audience wanted to see. Who wouldn't want to see the two best players in the world play against one another for as long as possible?
In the fourth set both players held serve again and it came down to the tiebreaker yet again. Federer has been much better in tiebreaks than Nadal in his career and again was able to beat Nadal in the tiebreak and win the fourth set. On to the fifth set...
Both players held serve to 6-6. However at Wimbledon there is no tiebreak to decide the match. Instead one player must win two games more than the other to win the set and ultimately the match. With both players trading sets to set the score at 7-7 in the fifth set, Nadal was able to break Federer and take an 8-7 games lead and have a chance to serve for the match. Nadal ultimately was able to win the 16th game and his first Wimbledon title and keep Federer from winning his 6th straight Wimbledon title.
Both of these players were incredible and I have to say this was the most exciting tennis match I have ever seen. I think this rivalry and especially this match today will do wonders for the sport in regards to sparking interest as these two play in more grand slam tourneys and will most likely face off again in the future. Congratulations must go out to Nadal though. He has worked soo hard to restructure his game to beat Federer and he finally has beaten Federer at Wimbledon which is an accomplishment for the ages. Seeing him fall to the court and Federer hit the ball into the net and lost the match was priceless. The happiness and joy he had and the way he leaped into the stands to hug his parents was a great sight to see. Will this be the changing of the guard in men's tennis? I think it very well could be.
On Sunday the two squared off in the Wimbledon finals in a match that will go down as one for the ages if not the best one has ever seen. I began watching the match when Nadal was up 2 sets to none and was on serve in the third set and I figured Nadal would win the third set and show the world he should be ranked #1 as he had just beaten Federer in the French Open and winning Wimbledon would a feat that hadn't been accomplished since Bjorn Borg did it in 1980.
I was wrong to think there would be such a speedy outcome..Federer was able to win the tie break in the third set and extend the match to the fourth set which the crowd and television audience wanted to see. Who wouldn't want to see the two best players in the world play against one another for as long as possible?
In the fourth set both players held serve again and it came down to the tiebreaker yet again. Federer has been much better in tiebreaks than Nadal in his career and again was able to beat Nadal in the tiebreak and win the fourth set. On to the fifth set...
Both players held serve to 6-6. However at Wimbledon there is no tiebreak to decide the match. Instead one player must win two games more than the other to win the set and ultimately the match. With both players trading sets to set the score at 7-7 in the fifth set, Nadal was able to break Federer and take an 8-7 games lead and have a chance to serve for the match. Nadal ultimately was able to win the 16th game and his first Wimbledon title and keep Federer from winning his 6th straight Wimbledon title.
Both of these players were incredible and I have to say this was the most exciting tennis match I have ever seen. I think this rivalry and especially this match today will do wonders for the sport in regards to sparking interest as these two play in more grand slam tourneys and will most likely face off again in the future. Congratulations must go out to Nadal though. He has worked soo hard to restructure his game to beat Federer and he finally has beaten Federer at Wimbledon which is an accomplishment for the ages. Seeing him fall to the court and Federer hit the ball into the net and lost the match was priceless. The happiness and joy he had and the way he leaped into the stands to hug his parents was a great sight to see. Will this be the changing of the guard in men's tennis? I think it very well could be.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wedding at the Fronny Homestead
Last weekend I headed upstate New York to go to the wedding of one of my suitemates from freshman year at Cornell. It was a weekend that brought back together the Floor 4, suite 5 of Jamison Hall that came to be in the Fall of 2000. This group consisted of the individuals Dan Fronhofer (Fronny), Keith Jamison, Dave Mikulik, Brad Hilton and myself.
I met Dave at Penn Station on Saturday and was really excited to see him as I hadn't seen him in a couple years. After an initial greeting we started telling each other jokes and just goofing around on the subway on our way to meeting Keith in Brooklyn. It was just like old times, sort of like riding a bike, when we were exchanging stories and just catching up in general.
When we got to Brooklyn that morning seeing Keith brought a big smile to my face. I hadnt seen him in over four years and it was just really nice to see the formation of the group reunion taking form. Along with Keith and his girlfriend, we all headed upstate on our way to see Dan and to share in the celebration of his marriage to Melissa.
On the way upstate it was quite an interesting ride. Along the way we saw a kayak fall off of a vehicle. It was basically just laying in the middle of the road with the owner trying to manuever his way back to retrieve it. I then spoke to Dave about some new terms that I currently use. Ever since we were freshman at college the group of us always had funny terms/words that were the basis for inside jokes. It was all in good jest and was a way that we bonded at times. Fast forward to today and my co-workers have now taken part of my interest in coining terms for usage at times that just make us all laugh. Anyways I told Dave how I came up with word carpetbagger when describing someone who is dishonest. He replied, "so sorta of like a carpetbagger?" This began quite an interesting conversation which led to me posting a blog about scallywags and carpetbaggers recently. So by all means make a point to read and enjoy.
When we were nearing the Econolodge we were staying at close to Glens Falls it really brought back vivid memories of ten years ago when my high school basketball team took two trips upstate to play in the state and federation finals respectively. Basically gave me goosebumps seeing signs for Glens Falls etc and it also brought a smile to my face to remember those good times.
When we reached the Econolodge and saw Brad again it just made me plain ole smile. Brad was the first of my suitemates that I met and was just soo nice in helping me move in freshman year after my parents dropped me off at Cornell that Saturday afternoon. It was different to be living away from home for the first time in a new place and he really put me at ease that first day. Also we had a common bond in that his chinchilla liked to sleep in my bed at times lol. Anyways after we all caught up and dropped our stuff off it was off to the Fronny Homestead in Fort Edward for the big day!
It was really scenic on our way to Fronny's house. Rolling hills and just soo much green around made it seem like such a peaceful place and one where relaxation would be enjoyable. When we reached Dan's place it was really cool to see. I really enjoyed the bar Dan's dad had built in the back behind the house. It was rustic in a sense from what you would see out of a western movie but to experience one in person that was such a cool thing. Seeing Dan was awesome. I hadn't seen him since graduation as well and it was nice to see him on his wedding day and to share in his special day with Melissa.
It felt soo good to finally have the whole group back together again. Conversing with one another was just like second nature and it really just felt like yesterday that we all were back at Cornell hanging out and enjoying ourselves together. The wedding was great. Sharing the day with the guys that were my first support group and group of friends at Cornell and seeing the first of us get married was priceless.
After leaving the wedding and saying goodbye to Dan and Melissa late that night we headed back to the Econolodge where we were all starving. Nothing was open except for Taco Bell. So off we went to get some food before we went to sleep. Eating and just hanging out before heading off to sleep was soo enjoyable as it was something the group of us hadn't done in more than 4 years.
As we headed back to our lives as they currently are we all made a pact that once a year we need to get together for that Jamison Hall, Floor 4, Suite 5, Class of 2000 reunion. After Keith dropped Dave and I off at the PATH station in Jersey and Dave's train came I just smiled and told him we'll definitely be hanging again soon.
Life sometimes takes you in directions you never would have expected. But being able to relive memories and good times with friends is priceless and personally having Dan, Dave, Brad and Keith as a part of my live from the onset of college until now has been really special and is something I will always value going forward. Thanks guys.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Beijing Olympics
8.8.08 is when it all comes to a head when the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Beijing commences. But right now are the Olympic Trials which are exciting as ever. The reason I enjoy the trials is because no one is guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team without competing no matter how good they are. Take track and field. If you qualify for the trials and are the best in the world but do not finish in the top three in the 100 meters then guess what, you are not going ot the Olympic games. I like this because it makes the top athletes perform under pressure to just make the Olympic team.
I am excited to see the Olympic games come August. It's always cool to see the top athletes from the U.S. compete against the world's best. It gives me a sense of pride when the American athletes are out there competing for this country. Some of my favorite sports to watch at the Olympics are basketball, swimming and track and field.
Basketball for obvious reasons as it dominated my life for a while. Though I don't play that much anymore I still follow the NBA and college game closely and really enjoy seeing the top players on a day in and day out basis in the NBA season. The Olympics are great in that you get to see the top american players from each NBA team play with one another for the Olympic games.
Swimming is also a favorite of mine because it's amazing to see how fast these guys/girls swim in these different events. I don't know a lot of the swimmers right now except for Michael Phelps so I will be following his performance closely in the Olympic Trials as well as the Games in Beijing. I have heard though that if he wins a few more medals that he will be the most decorated Olympic athlete from the U.S. ever. Also I feel if he swims well and brings home some medals again that he will become more of a household name. However swimming is rarely ever on TV except for the the Olympics once every four years.
Track and field is by far my favorite sport to watch in the Olympics. I love the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters and the 800 meters. I also love the hurdles. The reason why this sport is soo great to watch is because it's basically mano on mano with the best man winning. If you are faster you win, simple as that. Also the races I mentioned are fast and short so they have a lot of drama. Some athletes I am looking forward to seeing are Tyson Gay in the 100m and Bershawn "Batman" Jackson in the 400 meter hurdles. I am also excited to to see the U.S.A. 4 by 100 meter and 4 by 400 meter relay teams as well. Some of the female athletes I am excited to see are Allyson Felix in the 200 meters and Tori Edwards in the 100 meters.
So sit back and enjoy the Olympic Trials and Games. It should be a great one!
I am excited to see the Olympic games come August. It's always cool to see the top athletes from the U.S. compete against the world's best. It gives me a sense of pride when the American athletes are out there competing for this country. Some of my favorite sports to watch at the Olympics are basketball, swimming and track and field.
Basketball for obvious reasons as it dominated my life for a while. Though I don't play that much anymore I still follow the NBA and college game closely and really enjoy seeing the top players on a day in and day out basis in the NBA season. The Olympics are great in that you get to see the top american players from each NBA team play with one another for the Olympic games.
Swimming is also a favorite of mine because it's amazing to see how fast these guys/girls swim in these different events. I don't know a lot of the swimmers right now except for Michael Phelps so I will be following his performance closely in the Olympic Trials as well as the Games in Beijing. I have heard though that if he wins a few more medals that he will be the most decorated Olympic athlete from the U.S. ever. Also I feel if he swims well and brings home some medals again that he will become more of a household name. However swimming is rarely ever on TV except for the the Olympics once every four years.
Track and field is by far my favorite sport to watch in the Olympics. I love the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters and the 800 meters. I also love the hurdles. The reason why this sport is soo great to watch is because it's basically mano on mano with the best man winning. If you are faster you win, simple as that. Also the races I mentioned are fast and short so they have a lot of drama. Some athletes I am looking forward to seeing are Tyson Gay in the 100m and Bershawn "Batman" Jackson in the 400 meter hurdles. I am also excited to to see the U.S.A. 4 by 100 meter and 4 by 400 meter relay teams as well. Some of the female athletes I am excited to see are Allyson Felix in the 200 meters and Tori Edwards in the 100 meters.
So sit back and enjoy the Olympic Trials and Games. It should be a great one!
USA Basketball
Soo... The time is year for the USA Men's basketball team to show the world if they have what it takes to bring home the gold from Beijing. It will be very interesting in my opinion. The USA team has a great nucleus of players like Lebron ,Kobe, Melo, D Wade, D Howard. However, who knows how they will perform when the game is on the line and they are in a tough battle.
I think the team will win the gold but I am a little worried that they only brought along three big men (Carlos Boozer, Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh). So if any of those players get hurt or in foul trouble the U.S. will be at a disadvantage size wise against big teams like Argentina.
However this will be exciting to see all of the great basketball players on the same court playing together. Kobe Bryant I believe will be the face of this team but Carmelo Anthony always plays well in the Olympics and Lebron and Dwayne Wade will be a great supporting cast on the perimeter. Carlos Boozer will be a big help inside to Howard and Bosh and Michael Redd will have free reign to hit three after three from the perimeter.
So now that the U.S.A. basketball team is assembled its time to sit back and watch them play against the rest of the world and hopefully bring home the gold medal. Best of luck guys!
I think the team will win the gold but I am a little worried that they only brought along three big men (Carlos Boozer, Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh). So if any of those players get hurt or in foul trouble the U.S. will be at a disadvantage size wise against big teams like Argentina.
However this will be exciting to see all of the great basketball players on the same court playing together. Kobe Bryant I believe will be the face of this team but Carmelo Anthony always plays well in the Olympics and Lebron and Dwayne Wade will be a great supporting cast on the perimeter. Carlos Boozer will be a big help inside to Howard and Bosh and Michael Redd will have free reign to hit three after three from the perimeter.
So now that the U.S.A. basketball team is assembled its time to sit back and watch them play against the rest of the world and hopefully bring home the gold medal. Best of luck guys!
Monday, June 30, 2008
NBA Draft 2008
So three out of the four past years my co-workers and I have made it a yearly ritual to go to the NBA Draft which is held at Madison Square Garden in the Theatre. This year the draft was going to be an exciting as all of last year's top prospects from high school had to go to school for a year to be eligible for the draft under the new NBA guidelines. So all the superstars were in the draft this year that might have otherwise been in it last year.
One of the reason I love the NBA Draft is because all of the top players are in one place at one time and you get to see the whole draft unfold live. You get to see Jay Bilas, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Stuart Scott and Stephen A. Smith talk to/about the players live while the draft is going on and the suspense as to who will be selected is breathtaking.
The first few picks went as I expected. Derrick Rose to the Bulls, Michael Beasley to the Heat and O.J. Mayo to the Timberwolves. However when it came to the sixth pick the Knicks were up and the crowd was excited. I really thought the Knicks would take Jerryd Bayless from Arizona as he was an explosive guard who could really help them out. Instead they went with Danilo Gallinari. He is an Italian who supposedly is going to be a great player in the league but he is unproven. The crowd, me included, booed the pick loudly. After all the discontent from the crowd I felt kinda bad for the guy in a sense but if he proves himself New Yorkers will suppport him like no other.
We stayed for the rest of the first round of the draft and watched the remaining picks. The next day I turned on Sportscenter and saw the reaction of the crowd when Gallinari was picked. Long behold there was Dave and I on the screen caught booing the poor guy. However, it was pretty neat to be on TV at the draft and all in all it was a great experience with the fellow co-workers once again. I look forward to next year's draft already!!
U.S. Open Drama
A few weeks ago Tiger Woods added to his already phenomenal career with an incredible win at the U.S. Open. I began watching the tournament on Friday. Because it was at Torrey Pines on the West Coast I had the luxery of being able to take advantage of the 3 hour time difference to watch most of the round in full at night on the east coast. Tiger had a few incredible birdies on the back nine to put himself in contention. Mind you he was playing on bad knee and leg...Saturday was more of the same. Woods held strong and stayed in contention by continuing to hit incredible shots at opportune times.
Then we come to Sunday...Woods was on the 18th hole and was down one stroke to Rocco Mediate. If he made the birdie they would go to a playoff round the next day and if he missed the birdie putt Rocco would be the U.S. Open champion for 2008. Talk about pressure!! Anyways Tiger took his time, studied the putt and buried it. The roar that he let out along with the crowd was priceless. Seeing him yet again in the clutch come through really brought a smile to my face. It's really awesome to see great athletes perform at their best under pressure. Rocco said as the putt went in, " I knew he'd make it." Tiger just has the knack for making the key shots time and time again.
Watching the playoff round on Monday was soo exciting. Tiger was in control for most of the round until Rocco started hitting key shots on the last few holes and Tiger had some bogeys. With a couple of holes to play Tiger was down one to Rocco. Yet again Tiger made a key putt on the 18th hole to push the playoff into a sudden death overtime where Tiger was able to beat Rocco on the first hole.
Rocco put up a valiant effort and for that he should be applauded. However Tiger should be applauded as well. He basically won the U.S. open on a broken leg. It's incredible that he was able to fight through it and still beat the best players out there when he was far from at his best. It just shows the true champion and how much better he really is than everyone else on the tour.
Tiger announced he will be getting surgery to fix his leg/knee and will be out the rest of the season. This is sad in a sense because Tiger is such a big draw for the Tour and him not playing for the rest of the season will definitely hurt TV ratings. However it is a chance for others to step up and make a name for themselves in his absence.
This surgery will only make Tiger better as he stated he hasn't felt healthy in 10 years! He really is an exciting player to watch and I enjoy every moment of it. I liken him to Michael Jordan as he has that "it" presence about him where you become entranced by every shot he take and it can be really exciting when he is in contention for a major.
Then we come to Sunday...Woods was on the 18th hole and was down one stroke to Rocco Mediate. If he made the birdie they would go to a playoff round the next day and if he missed the birdie putt Rocco would be the U.S. Open champion for 2008. Talk about pressure!! Anyways Tiger took his time, studied the putt and buried it. The roar that he let out along with the crowd was priceless. Seeing him yet again in the clutch come through really brought a smile to my face. It's really awesome to see great athletes perform at their best under pressure. Rocco said as the putt went in, " I knew he'd make it." Tiger just has the knack for making the key shots time and time again.
Watching the playoff round on Monday was soo exciting. Tiger was in control for most of the round until Rocco started hitting key shots on the last few holes and Tiger had some bogeys. With a couple of holes to play Tiger was down one to Rocco. Yet again Tiger made a key putt on the 18th hole to push the playoff into a sudden death overtime where Tiger was able to beat Rocco on the first hole.
Rocco put up a valiant effort and for that he should be applauded. However Tiger should be applauded as well. He basically won the U.S. open on a broken leg. It's incredible that he was able to fight through it and still beat the best players out there when he was far from at his best. It just shows the true champion and how much better he really is than everyone else on the tour.
Tiger announced he will be getting surgery to fix his leg/knee and will be out the rest of the season. This is sad in a sense because Tiger is such a big draw for the Tour and him not playing for the rest of the season will definitely hurt TV ratings. However it is a chance for others to step up and make a name for themselves in his absence.
This surgery will only make Tiger better as he stated he hasn't felt healthy in 10 years! He really is an exciting player to watch and I enjoy every moment of it. I liken him to Michael Jordan as he has that "it" presence about him where you become entranced by every shot he take and it can be really exciting when he is in contention for a major.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Scallywags vs. Carpetbaggers
On my way to my friend Dan's wedding upstate New York this weekend I used the word "scallywag" when talking to my friend Mister David Mikulik about about girls who are conniving act. He laughed and was like, "Mister Martin where did you get that word from." So I decided to give him the originations of my word selection.
If you have ever watched the Irv Gotti reality TV show you would know what I'm talking about. But in case you haven't here you go. Irv and his wife are separated. He lives in New York City and she lives in New Rochelle with the 3 kids. Anyways one night Irv comes over and they get in a huge fight and his wife says you would rather choose your scallywags then your wife and kids so go be with them. I took a liking to the nature and feeling that came from the word. It just felt like a good way to describe a dishonest person :) Thus my use for the word scallywags came to be.
Dave and I decided to get the real definition of the word so we looked it up. A scallywag was a white southerner who supported Reconstruction policies after the American Civil War (usually for self-interest). Dave then was like so they can also be like a carpetbagger. When he said this it cracked me up because again here was a word that would be good to describe a dishonest person as well. A carpetbagger is an outsider who seeks power or success presumptuously. After the Civil War the carpetbaggers from the North tried to take over the South.
Thus Mister Mikulik had coined the word carpetbagger for use in describing dishonest, conniving people. The great thing about these two words that they describe the dishonest people of the North and South after the Civil War. I told Dave there is nothing like building the ever growing vernacular we use with each other on a daily basis with our group of friends. So I urge you all to enjoy the usage of these two words when dealing with dishonest people. I guarantee you that if you use this word it will make the person stop and really think about what it means in relation to them. Thus thats part of the enjoyment! haha.
If you have ever watched the Irv Gotti reality TV show you would know what I'm talking about. But in case you haven't here you go. Irv and his wife are separated. He lives in New York City and she lives in New Rochelle with the 3 kids. Anyways one night Irv comes over and they get in a huge fight and his wife says you would rather choose your scallywags then your wife and kids so go be with them. I took a liking to the nature and feeling that came from the word. It just felt like a good way to describe a dishonest person :) Thus my use for the word scallywags came to be.
Dave and I decided to get the real definition of the word so we looked it up. A scallywag was a white southerner who supported Reconstruction policies after the American Civil War (usually for self-interest). Dave then was like so they can also be like a carpetbagger. When he said this it cracked me up because again here was a word that would be good to describe a dishonest person as well. A carpetbagger is an outsider who seeks power or success presumptuously. After the Civil War the carpetbaggers from the North tried to take over the South.
Thus Mister Mikulik had coined the word carpetbagger for use in describing dishonest, conniving people. The great thing about these two words that they describe the dishonest people of the North and South after the Civil War. I told Dave there is nothing like building the ever growing vernacular we use with each other on a daily basis with our group of friends. So I urge you all to enjoy the usage of these two words when dealing with dishonest people. I guarantee you that if you use this word it will make the person stop and really think about what it means in relation to them. Thus thats part of the enjoyment! haha.
Tucson, AZ
Recently the associates attended a conference in Tucson, Arizona at the West Paloma Resort and Spa. Upon landing in Tuscan, we look out the window and realize there is a huge air force base in Tuscan where the U.S. fighter jets leave out of. It was really cool to see all the different planes and seeing them in the air later on doing practice manuevers.
Now I had never been to Arizona before but I do have one thing to say. It is HOT!! Probably a tad bit too hot for me. It was a very dry heat while we were there for the conference but as always we made sure to make the best of the time spent there and to enjoy our stay.
One of my co-workers Dave is a really good golfer and he told me we'd go play some golf while out in Arizona especially since they have some nice golf courses. This was my first time playing golf and it was weird because I have pretty much played every other "main" sport at least a few times, from volleyball to horseshoes, to soccer. You get my drift. Granted I stink at a lot of them but I had NEVER played golf before on a course so it was a new situation to me.
My co-worker Victor was kind enough to take me to the practice range where he gave me some pointers on how to hit the ball and what clubs to use when doing different types of shots. He was a good teacher and gave me a good understanding for how to hit a golf ball correctly. The one thing I realized is that its VERY HARD to keep your arms straight as you pull the club back to hit the ball. I wound up hitting a lot of ground balls and wild shots while on the practice range but hitting a few nice drives and chips felt really good!
Now to the golf course. Hole 1. I was kind of nervous. Like I said before, first time playing golf on a real golf course. I started out a little rusty hitting some unplayable shots, mishits, etc but as we progressed through the course I started hitting the ball better and getting a better feel for the game. After we played the 18th hole I was kind of tired but there are some things I took away from my first experience on the course.
1) my co-workers were really helpful and encouraging which made me feel comfortable and enjoy learning to play the game.
2) the views on the course were magnificient and I realized playing golf on a lazy afternoon can be really relaxing and fun.
3) it is really hard to play golf. it takes a lot of talent and the pro's are phenomenal. I now have a new found respect for the shots they are able to make on the course.
All in all my first experience on the golf course was a memorable one and I thank my co-workers in full for that.
The Boston Celtics
Well I was a little sad that the Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. However, part of me is happy for the Big Three in Boston. Kobe already has three rings and none of the Celtics Big Three had any. When the final buzzer sounded in Game 6 it was really sweet to see Kevin Garnett full of emotion screaming at the top of his lungs "anything is possible." Over the years I have watched KG play a lot and he always has that fire burning on the court. I really feel that he sincerely loves to play the game of basketball with a ton of passion and he works so hard at it that you cant be but happy for him finally making the NBA finals and winning a championship ring. Ray Allen, another great player. Has had a great career with the Bucks and the Sonics before he became a Celtic. Seeing him in the boston green this year was different but he again is another player who really works hard as his craft. Consistently the first one out on the court shooting jumpers before games and just putting the time in needed to be a star even in the latter stages of his career is very impressive. So I was really happy to see him finally break through and get a ring as well. Then we have "The Truth" Paul Pierce. He has been the leader of this franchise for awhile now. Enduring the good times and the bad. He is a special player and the MVP performance he put up in this Finals was one for the ages. Kobe Bryant is the best player in basketball at the moment but Paul Pierce outplayed him consistently in the Finals.
The Lakers will be back and will be a contender in the West once Andrew Bynum comes back as long as he successfully recovers from surgery. I still feel the Celtics have one or two more years in them to contend for a title. It's easier for a team to advance out of the East compared to the powerful Western Conference and I feel the Big Three are now even hungrier to win because they have finally had a sweet taste of what it feels like to be a champion.
The Lakers will be back and will be a contender in the West once Andrew Bynum comes back as long as he successfully recovers from surgery. I still feel the Celtics have one or two more years in them to contend for a title. It's easier for a team to advance out of the East compared to the powerful Western Conference and I feel the Big Three are now even hungrier to win because they have finally had a sweet taste of what it feels like to be a champion.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tha Finalz
Ok folks. The time has come. Tonight is the first game of the NBA finals my friends. This is what everyone has been waiting for. The Lakers and the Celtics. The most storied franchises in the existence of the NBA. David Stern is smiling right now because the history of these two teams, now playing each other again in the finals is a dream come true for TV Ratings and ultimately money in his pocket.
This series has all the drama one could ask for. You have the superstars also known as the big three on Boston. Mister Big Ticket, KG (Kevin Garnett) followed by the Truth (Paul Pierce) and completed by the sharpshooting guard Ray Ray Allen. On the Lakers side only one thing needs to be said. You have the Black Mamba, tha Killa, tha Asassin Mister Kobe Bean Bryant. I am very interested to see how Boston covers Kobe. Granted they could focus the defense on him but the Lakers have a very good supporting cast that can light up opposing teams given the chance.
What an exciting series it will be. I believe the Lakers will win because they have a better bench and they have the best player in the world and the team is peaking at the right time. But this is why they play the games. To figure out a true champion so sit back, relax and enjoy!
This series has all the drama one could ask for. You have the superstars also known as the big three on Boston. Mister Big Ticket, KG (Kevin Garnett) followed by the Truth (Paul Pierce) and completed by the sharpshooting guard Ray Ray Allen. On the Lakers side only one thing needs to be said. You have the Black Mamba, tha Killa, tha Asassin Mister Kobe Bean Bryant. I am very interested to see how Boston covers Kobe. Granted they could focus the defense on him but the Lakers have a very good supporting cast that can light up opposing teams given the chance.
What an exciting series it will be. I believe the Lakers will win because they have a better bench and they have the best player in the world and the team is peaking at the right time. But this is why they play the games. To figure out a true champion so sit back, relax and enjoy!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Western Conference Champs!!
For the first time since 2004 the Los Angeles Lakers are heading back to the NBA Finals!! Oh what a show it's going to be. Last night's game was one to remember. I went to the gym for a bit and while watching the game there the start of the game for the Lakers was brutal. Spurs jumped out to a 15 point lead and the Lakers couldn't hit a shot or stop the Spurs. This being game 5 i wanted the Lakers to end the series now and not have to go back to San Antonio for a game 6.
Then as the end of the first half was approaching the Lakers went on a run which they have seemed to do all series and got to within 6 points of the Spurs by halftime. The Lakers stayed close in the second half and then the one and only entered the mix..Kobe Bean Bryant aka the Mamba. Kobe started demanding the ball each time down the court. First a long three over Bruce Bowen, driving layup around duncan, then an impressive fadeaway over Duncan where he seemed to stay in the air forever. Kobe willed the Lakers to this decisive win with his play in the fourth quarter. That is why he is the best player in the league. It is awesome watching a great player take over games. No one does it like Kobe. He has that killer instinct.
The finals will be great. Whether its the Lakers or the Pistons I think ratings will be high. And of course it will be great to see Kobe fighting for another championship. He is soo close now that he will elevate his game to yet another unseen level and it is something I am really looking forward to seeing.
Then as the end of the first half was approaching the Lakers went on a run which they have seemed to do all series and got to within 6 points of the Spurs by halftime. The Lakers stayed close in the second half and then the one and only entered the mix..Kobe Bean Bryant aka the Mamba. Kobe started demanding the ball each time down the court. First a long three over Bruce Bowen, driving layup around duncan, then an impressive fadeaway over Duncan where he seemed to stay in the air forever. Kobe willed the Lakers to this decisive win with his play in the fourth quarter. That is why he is the best player in the league. It is awesome watching a great player take over games. No one does it like Kobe. He has that killer instinct.
The finals will be great. Whether its the Lakers or the Pistons I think ratings will be high. And of course it will be great to see Kobe fighting for another championship. He is soo close now that he will elevate his game to yet another unseen level and it is something I am really looking forward to seeing.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
One Liners
So I have decided to compile a list of one liners that my friends, co-workers and me have come to enjoy over time.
1) "That's my teammate, that's my quarterback"-Terrell Owens after losing to Giants in playoffs
2)"I see a train coming through the tunnel, chugga chugga chugga chugga"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
3)"Eyes and Teeth, Eyes and Teeth"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
4)"I got darkness on my hands"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
5) "Somewhere where along the way you ceased being Jim and became Chris"- Jim Rome telling Jim Everett he is now known as Chris Everett
6) "I still love ya buddy"-Anonymous
7)"Ya buggin me"-Anonymous
8) "Both teams played hard"-Rasheed Wallace's answer to every question after a frustrating loss
9) "Straight Cash Homie"-Randy Moss's response to a reporter regarding how he will pay his fine to the NFL
10)"Greeeeeeeetings"-from the one and only HIGHwaters
11)"Allegheny"-Parsons school of Design
12)"I bet I do...Chris..."-Jim Rome calling Jim Everett Chris Everett for the last time
13)"It's a 5 min segment of a 5 segment show. We have a long way to go. I'll get a couple segments out of you"-Jim Rome
14)"Long Teeeeeeeeeeeee Shirt"-Anonymous T shirt lover
15)"You my friend are the winner of the DF Plaque"-the associates saying for unacceptable mistakes.
16) "I hope it don't mess you up for tomorrow!!"-Gilbert Arenas said this when he beat Deshawn Stevenson in a shooting contest and won a $20,000 bet.
17) "Client 9"-the one and only E Spitz
18)"The Bears are who we thought they were, and we let em off the hook!"-Dennis Green after the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Chicago Bears.
19)"We talking about PRACTICE, not a game, not a game, PRACTICE"-AI after missing a practice with the 76ers.
1) "That's my teammate, that's my quarterback"-Terrell Owens after losing to Giants in playoffs
2)"I see a train coming through the tunnel, chugga chugga chugga chugga"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
3)"Eyes and Teeth, Eyes and Teeth"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
4)"I got darkness on my hands"-Charlie Murphy-Dave Chapelle Show
5) "Somewhere where along the way you ceased being Jim and became Chris"- Jim Rome telling Jim Everett he is now known as Chris Everett
6) "I still love ya buddy"-Anonymous
7)"Ya buggin me"-Anonymous
8) "Both teams played hard"-Rasheed Wallace's answer to every question after a frustrating loss
9) "Straight Cash Homie"-Randy Moss's response to a reporter regarding how he will pay his fine to the NFL
10)"Greeeeeeeetings"-from the one and only HIGHwaters
11)"Allegheny"-Parsons school of Design
12)"I bet I do...Chris..."-Jim Rome calling Jim Everett Chris Everett for the last time
13)"It's a 5 min segment of a 5 segment show. We have a long way to go. I'll get a couple segments out of you"-Jim Rome
14)"Long Teeeeeeeeeeeee Shirt"-Anonymous T shirt lover
15)"You my friend are the winner of the DF Plaque"-the associates saying for unacceptable mistakes.
16) "I hope it don't mess you up for tomorrow!!"-Gilbert Arenas said this when he beat Deshawn Stevenson in a shooting contest and won a $20,000 bet.
17) "Client 9"-the one and only E Spitz
18)"The Bears are who we thought they were, and we let em off the hook!"-Dennis Green after the Arizona Cardinals lost to the Chicago Bears.
19)"We talking about PRACTICE, not a game, not a game, PRACTICE"-AI after missing a practice with the 76ers.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Black Hills, South Dakota
This past week I went to the Black Hills of South Dakota for a Housing Conference.
Day 1
My coworker Kevin and I got in around 8ish at night and we were starving. So we start driving around looking for a place to eat. I joked with him that we could go to McDonalds but then he saw a place called the Golden Corral and was like we can go there Bronson just let me know. So I agreed and boy was it a good decision. It was an all you can eat buffet place so we filled our famished selves and probably tried everything they had there. I probably put on 5 lbs from that meal alone. haha.
Day 2
We got up early as we had to head to Sylvan Lake Lodge to meet the rest of the attendees for the conference. On the way however we decided to stop at Mt. Rushmore. It was a beautiful day and when we got there it was just soo amazing to see the site. We took the walking tour and were able to see the faces from different angles and take numerous pics. It was just a really enjoyable experience.
After seeing Mt. Rushmore we headed up to Sylvan Lake Lodge where our conference was being held. There was a 6.5 mile hike scheduled for the afternoon on Harney Peak so we were looking forward to that. I had never really hiked before so I didn't know what to expect. Boy was I in for a rude awakening. Besides trekking through slippery snow for 5 hours and having to always be careful not to fall down a cliff or bust my butt too bad I had to navigate my way down the mountain. My partner and I in the hike almost got lost..Luckily there was someone with much more knowledge who we ran into that helped us find our way back down in due time. I really enjoyed the experience though because reaching the Harney Peak summit was a real challenge and it felt great to accomplish that while dealing with adversity a lot of the way.
Day 3
We went to the Crazy Horse memorial. This was incredible. We were able to drive up onto the arm of Crazy Horse and see the face of the monument which is now pretty much complete in full. To give you an idea of how big this monument will be the Mt. Rushmore monument could fit inside the head of the Crazy Horse Memorial. Usually people are only able to walk out onto the arm of Crazy Horse one day a year in June so its flooded..We were able to go out on the arm by ourselves in our own group which was really special.
Also the Mercury Morris discussion at dinner was HILARIOUS!! If you would like to know the story please contact me personally :)
All in all our stay in the Black Hills was great. In addition to meeting new people from the midwest states and discussing housing issues, we were able to see sites that were incredible and that were a joyful experience.
Kobe wins MVP
It's official. Kobe Bryant has finally won an MVP in the Association. I think it is fitting the best player in the league has finally received the award. This season he put up great numbers all around and more importantly led his team to the best record in the western conference. He has trusted his teammates more this year and made them all better players individually and as a whole with his sharing style of play.
The Lakers are doing quite well as we speak. Up 2-0 on the Jazz and playing well as a team I really feel they have a chance to win it all this year. Along with the New Orleans Hornets who are playing great with the best point guard in the league (Chris Paul) I think these two teams have the best shot to win it all.
The Lakers are doing quite well as we speak. Up 2-0 on the Jazz and playing well as a team I really feel they have a chance to win it all this year. Along with the New Orleans Hornets who are playing great with the best point guard in the league (Chris Paul) I think these two teams have the best shot to win it all.
Great One-Liner
Ok so I have to tell you what one of my favorite one liners has been in the recent past. I watched the Deion & Pilar Sanders show and Mister Deion "Primetime" Sanders said the following:
"If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good you play good, if you play good they pay good, if they pay good you live good. "
HILARIOUS.
"If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good you play good, if you play good they pay good, if they pay good you live good. "
HILARIOUS.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Deion & Pilar Sanders Show
I have to say this is my new favorite reality show. I am not huge on reality shows but when I saw the first episode I just could not stop laughing. Deion Sanders is just a funny guy. His wife Pilar tried to get him to make the bed and Deion was like "I'm tired, gotta rest up for work" His wife proceeded to say his job of picking a NFL teams for the upcoming week's games was not hard. They wound up making a bet to see who picked the winner in more of the games for the upcoming week. One funny thing was when Pilar said I pick the Bengals because I like Ocho Cinco(Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson). Deion responded by saying "You better watch yourself before I go Ike Turner on you." Pilar responded saying "I'll go Lorena Bobbit on you."
Another funny scene on the Deion & Pilar show was when his daughter was going on a date and her date showed up. Deion answered the door with a baseball bat and said "I haven't swung a bat in years." It was funny to see how Deion was all protective of his daughter.
Anyways future episodes should be quite interesting.
Another funny scene on the Deion & Pilar show was when his daughter was going on a date and her date showed up. Deion answered the door with a baseball bat and said "I haven't swung a bat in years." It was funny to see how Deion was all protective of his daughter.
Anyways future episodes should be quite interesting.
My Name is Josh Howard
Ok. So each year there are a few "DF" plaques that I hand out. DF stands for Dumb and a word that rhymes with truck...get my drift? haha.
Anyways I have to say the most recent winner of this award is Josh Howard, small forward of the Dallas Mavericks. Late last week Josh Howard decides to go on a radio show to CONFIRM that he does smoke marijuana during the offseason as was reported by someone in a newspaper article.
First off why would you go on air and confirm that you do something that is illegal? It makes no sense. Howard should have just ignored the allegation and said that the reporter was making things up and over time the story would have dissolved. Instead he goes on the Michael Irvin radio station and confirms he does marijuana during the offseason. It's illegal Josh? Do you not get it? Now he is going to have to answer to the NBA office with more stringent drug testing for him and maybe entering a rehab program. Also when he plays on the road fans now have something to heckle him about and when he plays bad at home he will be booed. Basically any bad performance will be attributed to him smoking marijuana for some time until fans "forget" about it.
Secondly the other issue that didn't make sense to me is that he said there are a lot of other players in the NBA that he knows that smoke marijuana as well. It's fine for you to implicate yourself Josh but to also throw others under the bus is just not cool. This will hurt the image of the NBA which has a predominantly black player base.
Overall I think the way Josh Howard handled the situation made no sense and rightfully so he was deserving of a DF plaque.
Anyways I have to say the most recent winner of this award is Josh Howard, small forward of the Dallas Mavericks. Late last week Josh Howard decides to go on a radio show to CONFIRM that he does smoke marijuana during the offseason as was reported by someone in a newspaper article.
First off why would you go on air and confirm that you do something that is illegal? It makes no sense. Howard should have just ignored the allegation and said that the reporter was making things up and over time the story would have dissolved. Instead he goes on the Michael Irvin radio station and confirms he does marijuana during the offseason. It's illegal Josh? Do you not get it? Now he is going to have to answer to the NBA office with more stringent drug testing for him and maybe entering a rehab program. Also when he plays on the road fans now have something to heckle him about and when he plays bad at home he will be booed. Basically any bad performance will be attributed to him smoking marijuana for some time until fans "forget" about it.
Secondly the other issue that didn't make sense to me is that he said there are a lot of other players in the NBA that he knows that smoke marijuana as well. It's fine for you to implicate yourself Josh but to also throw others under the bus is just not cool. This will hurt the image of the NBA which has a predominantly black player base.
Overall I think the way Josh Howard handled the situation made no sense and rightfully so he was deserving of a DF plaque.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Quote of the NBA Playoffs Thus Far
"Better learn not to talk to me," Bryant said of Smith's jabbering. "You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."
This quote was initiated by the following:
Kobe Bryant had just hit a three pointer to give him 46 points for the game and put the Lakers up by 17 with two plus minutes remaining in the game. While Carmelo Anthony was shooting free throws Kobe walked by Marv Albert and Reggie Miller (the sideline announcers) and pulled out his imaginary six-shooters and blew them off. He was trying to cool himself off as he had been torching the Nuggets all game.
Well JR Smith a.k.a Mister Smiff said something to Kobe which only made Kobe mad. On the next possession Kobe went at Smiff and got a layup and one to get to 49 points.
Moral of the story is when a superstar like Kobe or Lebron are scorching hot. Don't say nothing to them. How much more you want to be embarassed?
This quote was initiated by the following:
Kobe Bryant had just hit a three pointer to give him 46 points for the game and put the Lakers up by 17 with two plus minutes remaining in the game. While Carmelo Anthony was shooting free throws Kobe walked by Marv Albert and Reggie Miller (the sideline announcers) and pulled out his imaginary six-shooters and blew them off. He was trying to cool himself off as he had been torching the Nuggets all game.
Well JR Smith a.k.a Mister Smiff said something to Kobe which only made Kobe mad. On the next possession Kobe went at Smiff and got a layup and one to get to 49 points.
Moral of the story is when a superstar like Kobe or Lebron are scorching hot. Don't say nothing to them. How much more you want to be embarassed?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Life
As I look at life up to this point its been a journey filled with choices and unexpected paths. When I look at the the experiences I've had I'm thankful because they have helped mold me into the person I am today.
When I was a kid I remember I loved to play baseball. I used to play everyday with Jeremy, my neighbor and still great friend today, and my brothers. However one day I started playing basketball and I just loved it. Its funny that I used to tell everyone that I didn't want to play baseball so that I could just shoot baskets in Jeremy's backyard. It was a way for me to just do something that made me really happy and was a ton of fun. My brothers and friends always thought it was weird and boring just to shoot jumpshots by yourself but I'm a pretty independent person so I felt right at home. So the first part of my life was pretty much filled with playing sports all the time with my friends and brothers and doing mandatory schoolwork :)
When it was time to go to college another decision had to be made. Which college should I choose? When I look back on that decision, it's one that definitely shapes your life in a significant manner. The friends you develop, the people you meet are pretty much dictated by this one decision for about 4 years of your life and also growing up and gettting prepared for the "real world" is affected by this decision. I chose Cornell University because on my basketball recruiting visit I felt comfortable and at ease with the students and I loved the campus. As I look back on my time there I am really happy I made the decision I did. I met some great people and was continually challenged in my studies.
After college another significant decision had to be made. Where should I work? That was probably one of the toughest decisions for me to make because it was going to be my first job and my first time being out in the real world working for a paycheck and paying my bills. There were a few things I knew I wanted. A challenging job, nice work environment and an place where I could learn a lot. I eventually chose to work at a small financial advisory firm in New York City that I still work at since graduation. My job has been continually challenging, I have great co-workers and feel like I am still learning each and everyday.
The times I had as a kid were fun and carefree. Playing basketball into the wee hours every summer day were something I loved. I didn't have a care in the world. As a kid you don't have a lot of responsibility and that is something I really enjoyed. Having to focus on school and play basketball was easy.
As a young adult things are different now. Priorities change. Now in a position to use my education to work I always try to work as hard as I can and just challenge myself each and every day. I look at life now as an everyday challenge. From work to dealing with different situations I've learned you have to be able to adapt quickly and make adjustments. At times this can be difficult but I look at life as one day segments.
When I was a kid I remember I loved to play baseball. I used to play everyday with Jeremy, my neighbor and still great friend today, and my brothers. However one day I started playing basketball and I just loved it. Its funny that I used to tell everyone that I didn't want to play baseball so that I could just shoot baskets in Jeremy's backyard. It was a way for me to just do something that made me really happy and was a ton of fun. My brothers and friends always thought it was weird and boring just to shoot jumpshots by yourself but I'm a pretty independent person so I felt right at home. So the first part of my life was pretty much filled with playing sports all the time with my friends and brothers and doing mandatory schoolwork :)
When it was time to go to college another decision had to be made. Which college should I choose? When I look back on that decision, it's one that definitely shapes your life in a significant manner. The friends you develop, the people you meet are pretty much dictated by this one decision for about 4 years of your life and also growing up and gettting prepared for the "real world" is affected by this decision. I chose Cornell University because on my basketball recruiting visit I felt comfortable and at ease with the students and I loved the campus. As I look back on my time there I am really happy I made the decision I did. I met some great people and was continually challenged in my studies.
After college another significant decision had to be made. Where should I work? That was probably one of the toughest decisions for me to make because it was going to be my first job and my first time being out in the real world working for a paycheck and paying my bills. There were a few things I knew I wanted. A challenging job, nice work environment and an place where I could learn a lot. I eventually chose to work at a small financial advisory firm in New York City that I still work at since graduation. My job has been continually challenging, I have great co-workers and feel like I am still learning each and everyday.
The times I had as a kid were fun and carefree. Playing basketball into the wee hours every summer day were something I loved. I didn't have a care in the world. As a kid you don't have a lot of responsibility and that is something I really enjoyed. Having to focus on school and play basketball was easy.
As a young adult things are different now. Priorities change. Now in a position to use my education to work I always try to work as hard as I can and just challenge myself each and every day. I look at life now as an everyday challenge. From work to dealing with different situations I've learned you have to be able to adapt quickly and make adjustments. At times this can be difficult but I look at life as one day segments.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
40 Games in 40 Nights
Soo...It's approaching! TNT extravangza. 40 games in 40 nights. The basketball playoffs are here come Saturday! This is the best time of year I must say. And it's even better this year as the western conference is gonna be one huge battle. The Golden State Warriors didn't make the playoffs and they won 49 games!!!Its gonna be a barn burner. The reason the playoffs are great in basketball is because its when the the superstars decide to show up and do their thing each and every night because they know its do or die. There is no second chances as the losers go home and then on the TNT show Charles Barkely, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson do the "Gone Fishing" skit for each team as they get knocked out. Seeing Lebron, Garnett, Kobe, Dirk, Shaq, Amare aka Standing Tall and Talented (S.T.A.T.)and a cast of other characters is always a good time. So sit back and enjoy. I know I will!
Eating Healthy
So I'm the type of guy that used to eat burgers, fries, drink soda and all that good stuff that we all love to have at times. I used to validate my eating habits by working out hard. I felt like if I worked out hard I could eat what I want and still maintain a decent fitness level. However one day I decided to challenge myself. My main goal was just to eat healthier. I didn't want to go on any crazy diet but I just wanted to challenge myself to eat healthier and see what would come of it.
At first it was hard. I must admit. Lets start with lunch. Usually for lunch I would eat a burger or something that was meat dominant. I changed over to eating more salads and fish(I love salmon and shrimp). The change from meat to more fish was easy because I enjoy fish a lot. However having salads some days was hard because I would still feel hungry. So I started getting chicken caesar salads which satisfied my meat craving. However I still feel like I am eating healthy for lunch which is good.
For breakfast I try to eat oatmeal or having healthy cereal, some type of fruit like a banana or a nutra grain bar. I feel its get me going and satisfies my hunger in the morning.
Dinner used to be my biggest meal but now lunch is. For dinner I will have a salad or make myself an omlette. It's usually nothing too big. I used to eat big meals at night and then go to sleep and it felt like there was a lead pipe in my stomach at times..haha.
Snacks are my favorite meal of all. In the past I used to eat more candy bars, potato chips, etc. Now I try to eat more healthy alternatives instead. Some of the main things I love to have are any type of nuts, smoothies, pineapple and celery. I also love raspberry sorbet. I have to say it's one of the best tasting things I've had and it's healthy.
Don't get me wrong though I still splurge once in awhile but I think I have been doing a really good job overall. So what have I learned from changing my eating habits? Well I feel that it's not hard to eat healthy as long as you find healthy foods that you like. That's the key. And you also need to have the healthy choices available on hand when you are hungry so you don't wind up making an unhealthy choice to satisfy hunger pangs. I never thought I'd think this but it's actually enjoyable to shop and eat healthy.
At first it was hard. I must admit. Lets start with lunch. Usually for lunch I would eat a burger or something that was meat dominant. I changed over to eating more salads and fish(I love salmon and shrimp). The change from meat to more fish was easy because I enjoy fish a lot. However having salads some days was hard because I would still feel hungry. So I started getting chicken caesar salads which satisfied my meat craving. However I still feel like I am eating healthy for lunch which is good.
For breakfast I try to eat oatmeal or having healthy cereal, some type of fruit like a banana or a nutra grain bar. I feel its get me going and satisfies my hunger in the morning.
Dinner used to be my biggest meal but now lunch is. For dinner I will have a salad or make myself an omlette. It's usually nothing too big. I used to eat big meals at night and then go to sleep and it felt like there was a lead pipe in my stomach at times..haha.
Snacks are my favorite meal of all. In the past I used to eat more candy bars, potato chips, etc. Now I try to eat more healthy alternatives instead. Some of the main things I love to have are any type of nuts, smoothies, pineapple and celery. I also love raspberry sorbet. I have to say it's one of the best tasting things I've had and it's healthy.
Don't get me wrong though I still splurge once in awhile but I think I have been doing a really good job overall. So what have I learned from changing my eating habits? Well I feel that it's not hard to eat healthy as long as you find healthy foods that you like. That's the key. And you also need to have the healthy choices available on hand when you are hungry so you don't wind up making an unhealthy choice to satisfy hunger pangs. I never thought I'd think this but it's actually enjoyable to shop and eat healthy.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Exciting Western Conference
Seriously, can the NBA get any more exciting than what it is right now in the Western Conference? There has never been a time when soo many key games are being played on a nightly basis as the season winds down. You have three teams: the Mavs, Nuggets and Warriors and one of these teams will not make the playoffs..But hey only 8 can get in so thats the way it goes. I am just soo excited for the playoffs to begin in two weeks. Each of the first round matchups in the west will be a thriller in my opinion. Not that the Eastern Conference isn't fun to watch but the West is the West. Enough said.. So buckle up and get ready for upcoming playoffs which should be memorable!
Harlem Wizards Game
So a few weeks ago that 98 state championship team from westhampton beach gathered once again for a charity basketball game at the local high school against the Harlem Wizards. Now we really didnt know what to expect..All we knew was that we would be playing one quarter against the Harlem Wizards while the rest of the game would be the Wizards playing around with the westhampton beach teachers and students.
Personally it was my goal to not embarass myself. haha. I just wanted to fit in and put in a serviceable effort as I had really not been playing ball much more than once a week and that had only been for the past couple months. However I knew my game was good enough to play with these guys somewhat.
Jermain and I headed out to the Hamptons early and most of us got to the high school early to get some shots up. So by the time game time rolled around I felt pretty comfortable with my shot. I couldn't believe how many people came to the game. Literally there were people sitting on the baselines 3 deep and also the stands were packed. The place brought back memories of how we used to pack the gym back in the day when we played.
When we all got on the court for that quarter against the Harlem Wizards I was a little nervous. But once the ball was thrown in the air i felt a sense of relief come over me. Maybe it was because I was playing with my old teammates or because I was in a familiar environment. Granted we weren't in the best of basketball shape but getting that first pass from Dwayne and hitting a long three and hearing the crowd go crazy and see my teammates excited just like old times was priceless. It was a feeling I cannot describe, just one full of enjoyment. Seeing Jermain hit Dwayne with that alley-oop pass for the throw down and hearing the crowd roar was awesome. Seeing Mike Ford bang down low and score and Jeremy do his thing with ball was just awesome to experience again.
It was such a great time. Great to see everyone and play for a charitable cause. Lots off money was raised which was most important but for an experience I would have to say this was one I will remember the rest of my life.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
NBA All Star Weekend-Nawlins!
I have to say watching the NBA All Star Festivities this past weekend was great. Friday night the Rookie vs. Sophomores game was held and it was nice getting to see the young up and coming stars in the NBA go at one another. Brandon Roy, who also played in the All-Star game on Sunday, played soo well. He is always under control and I really believe he is going to be a superstar in this league for years to come...
Saturday night...What a night. First off Jason Kapono shot lights out in the three point contest and retained his title as champion. It would be nice to see him go against Ray Allen as I believe these are the two best three point shooters in the league right now. Now to the dunk contest..I went on youtube earlier in the week and saw a preview of some dunks Dwight Howard was going to do and I was quite impressed. But what he pulled off in the actual contest was unreal
Dunk 1
Standing behind backboard Howard throws it off the back of the backboard, jumps in bounds and does a windmill left handed. very nice..
Dunk 2
Howard puts on the SUPERMAN cape and the crowd is going wild. He receives a pass from Jameer Nelson from behind the backboard catches it in his right hand while at the beginning of his jump, just inside the foul line, then as he begins his flight to the basket, he becomes parallel to the ground and THROWS it through the hoop. This was an incredible dunk and as Kenny Smith said, "You win young fella, superman is in the building" Top 5 dunk of all time in my opinion
Dunk 3
Howard throws himself a self alleyoop, catches the ball in his left hand while in the air, taps it off the glass and then flushes it with his right hand. A very creative dunk that I have never seen before. Top 5 dunk of all time as well.
There was one other competitor who made this contest interesting and his name is Gerald Green. He had a dunk called the "birthday cake" where he put a cupcake on the back of the rim, blew out the candle while in the air and dunked the ball. It was very creative and impressive. Green also did a between the legs dunk with NO SHOES on. I don't know if people really understand how hard that dunk is to do in no shoes but Julius Erving made it clear to everyone which was nice.
All in all the All Star Weekend was one of the best I have seen in awhile.
Saturday night...What a night. First off Jason Kapono shot lights out in the three point contest and retained his title as champion. It would be nice to see him go against Ray Allen as I believe these are the two best three point shooters in the league right now. Now to the dunk contest..I went on youtube earlier in the week and saw a preview of some dunks Dwight Howard was going to do and I was quite impressed. But what he pulled off in the actual contest was unreal
Dunk 1
Standing behind backboard Howard throws it off the back of the backboard, jumps in bounds and does a windmill left handed. very nice..
Dunk 2
Howard puts on the SUPERMAN cape and the crowd is going wild. He receives a pass from Jameer Nelson from behind the backboard catches it in his right hand while at the beginning of his jump, just inside the foul line, then as he begins his flight to the basket, he becomes parallel to the ground and THROWS it through the hoop. This was an incredible dunk and as Kenny Smith said, "You win young fella, superman is in the building" Top 5 dunk of all time in my opinion
Dunk 3
Howard throws himself a self alleyoop, catches the ball in his left hand while in the air, taps it off the glass and then flushes it with his right hand. A very creative dunk that I have never seen before. Top 5 dunk of all time as well.
There was one other competitor who made this contest interesting and his name is Gerald Green. He had a dunk called the "birthday cake" where he put a cupcake on the back of the rim, blew out the candle while in the air and dunked the ball. It was very creative and impressive. Green also did a between the legs dunk with NO SHOES on. I don't know if people really understand how hard that dunk is to do in no shoes but Julius Erving made it clear to everyone which was nice.
All in all the All Star Weekend was one of the best I have seen in awhile.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Mamba's Finger/Slam Dunk Contest Prediction
Soo..as we go into All-Star Weekend in New Orleans the NBA full of news. Proposed trade involving Jason Kidd up in the air and all of the big moves in the West (Shaq and Pau Gasol). Well the most recent piece of news is Kobe Bryant's finger. Word is that he has a torn ligament in his pinky finger on his right hand. This will keep him out of the three point contest. If he opts to get surgery now he will be out 6-8 weeks. Kobe is opting to play through the injury currently as he doesn't want to miss any time. I can't blame him..It's his first time since Shaq left LA that Kobe has a legit chance to win a championship with "his" team.
Now onto the slam dunk contest. It's gonna be a great contest with Gerald Green, Jamario Moon, Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay. My co-worker David Axelrod has put his prediction with J. Moon winning the contest because he was a past Harlem Globetrotter and has sick hops and you will see things you have never seen before in a slam dunk contest. I think it will be interesting to see who wins..
Now onto the slam dunk contest. It's gonna be a great contest with Gerald Green, Jamario Moon, Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay. My co-worker David Axelrod has put his prediction with J. Moon winning the contest because he was a past Harlem Globetrotter and has sick hops and you will see things you have never seen before in a slam dunk contest. I think it will be interesting to see who wins..
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Southampton Press Basketball Reunion Article
When most people look back to the year 1998, many remember sporting events such as the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and the great run to an NBA championship by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. When sports fans on the East End think back to that year, they will most certainly recall the Westhampton Beach boys basketball team.
The Hurricanes of ’98 were one of the best teams the East End, or Long Island for that matter, has ever seen. They compiled a perfect season of 28-0 for the first championship in Westhampton Beach school history.
On Friday, February 8, Westhampton Beach High School held a 10th year reunion of the team on Senior Night before the current boys team faced Shoreham-Wading River.
“The best experience I’ve ever had as a coach,” said coach Bill Hempfling, who was an assistant on the 1998 team and organized the reunion with athletic director Kathy Masterson. “That season for me was, in one word, ‘incredible.’”
Many of the players, coaches, and fans around the community, have the exact same feelings about that season.
Westhampton Beach was actually one of two teams that won a New York State public school championship that year. The Bridgehampton Killer Bees won the Class D title in the same season, bringing two titles to the East End.
Hempfling, assistant coach Jack Vivonetto, who returned to the Westhampotn Beach bench as an assistant this season, and former head coach Rich Wrase all took part in the festivities on Friday night, along with a handful of former players from the team.
Wrase compiled a record of 168-26 during his career at Westhampton Beach, including eight straight league championships, three county championships, and, of course, the state title. Wrase helped mold 13 all-county players and 10 all-state players.
“In every big game that we played,” he said, “it just seemed like someone always came up big for us.
With half of the team growing up together, literally on the same block, chemistry became almost second nature. Jeremy Liggon, Mike Ford, Jason Ritchie and Bronson Martin, Westhampton’s reigning career leader in points with 1,708, all lived on Hazelwood Avenue and played basketball together. Jermaine Hollman, who lived just a few streets over, would join them.
“I remember playing basketball in Jeremy’s backyard at 9 years old,” said Martin, “and us dreaming about winning a state title together.”
The five of them would go on to play together through junior high and then in high school. Dale Menendez, MVP of the Public School tournament, and Dwayne Sanders joined them and thus became the nucleus of one of the greatest teams on the East End.
“We were seven deep,” said coach Vivonetto. “No matter who other teams tried to take out, there was always someone to fill in that spot.”
The fire for the team was lit the season before the championship run when they ended the 1996-97 season with a loss to Amityville in the Class B county championship.
“The following year we didn’t want that feeling and it brought us together,” said Jermaine Hollman, who became MVP of the Federation tournament in 1998.
The road to the championship was definitely a long and hard one. The Hurricanes had to face North Babylon in the county championship, the only team that gave them trouble in the first game of the 1997-98 season. In the playoffs, the Canes had no trouble breezing past them. Then came the Long Island championship game against Southside, which was one of coach Hempfling’s most memorable games. Hempfling, along with coach Vivonetto, went to go scout Southside in the Nassau County championship game against Hempstead. They were a good team and both were very impressed.
“I remember talking to Jack on the car ride home,” said Hempfling, “and we both agreed that they were very good. We paused, looked at each other, then, almost at the same time, we said ‘so we should beat them by 20 points.’ That’s how confident we were.”
The Hurricanes actually won by 19 and missed the 20-point mark because Hollman missed a dunk at the end of the game.
By winning the Long Island title, Westhampton Beach advanced to the state final four in Glens Falls, New York. The Canes blew out Rochester area Penn Yan Academy before advancing to meet Westhill for the state championship. On paper, Westhill entered the game as an obvious favorite. The Warriors had gone 27-0 to win the Class B state title the year before and hadn’t lost a game in almost two years.
But the Hurricanes’ well known and well regarded trap defense was just too much for Westhill as the they upset the favorite. Southampton head coach Herm Lamison was one of the few who believed Westhampton would win.
“They had a great nucleus of talent and great coaches,” said Lamison. “I am a defensive oriented coach and any team that can play with the energy and passion on defense is critical to a championship team. They were one of the best teams.”
On their way home from Glens Falls, after the state championship, the team was escorted from Sunrise Highway to the high school by the fire and police departments and greeted by an estimated 800 people. It was something that almost every member of the team has fond memories of .
But it was not only the players and coaches who appreciated the gesture.
“It seemed like thousands of people would show up to every game, whether it was home or away,” said Enoch and Lillian Martin, parents of Bronson Martin. “The community helped the boys out so much it was unbelievable.”
One person in particular who was very close to the team and community was Laurance Makransky. “Big Larry” was owner of The Sandwich Club and the Circle M Beverage Barn and a school board member who earned the nickname as the “Godfather” of Westhampton Beach basketball. Makransky died in a 2001 car accident in North Carolina.
Makransky helped out a lot of the players while they played on Police Athletic League teams. Wrase said he also used to send at least two kids a year to a five-star basketball camp in Pennsylvania, something not many in the community knew of before his death.
The Larry Makransky Tournament is usually held every year at Westhampton Beach High School. Although the girls team held the tournament this year, the boys tournament could not be held. The event will be renewed next year, according to Wrase.
The Federation tournament includes champions from the Catholic High School Association, the New York City Public School Athletic Association and the Independent Private School Athletic League along with the Public School Athletic Association. The Hurricanes had to make a second trip to Glens Falls during a massive winter storm to partake in the tournament. When they got to the championship, Wadleigh from Harlem was waiting for them. The Hurricanes took the championship with astonishing ease and shocked not only themselves but the entire state.
It was not too long after winning the championship that the players and coaches had to move on. Bronson Martin graduated and went on to Cornell University, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in economics and management. He now works in New York as an associate at a financial services firm. Jermaine Hollman graduated and played basketball for four years at the New York Institute of Technology and was, for a short time, a graduate assistant coach. He now works in Manhattan at Scholastic Publishing. Wrase moved on to Suffolk County Community College in 2003 where he became head coach of the men’s basketball team. According to the SCCC website, coach Wrase’s record is 110-13 and he has won two regional championships. In his first year as coach, he finished the season 34-0.
Coach Wrase perhaps summed up the Hurricanes’ accomplishment best when he spoke to his team after the after the Federation championship.
“No one can ever beat it, they can only tie it,” he told them.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Basketball Reunion
Ten years ago the Westhampton Beach High School boys basketball team made history. They went 28-0 winning the class B state and federation titles in New York State. This past friday the team gathered at the high school to be honored before the last home game of the season for the high school team.
What a great time it was. Getting to see old teammates and coaches was soo great. It gave me chills to be back on that court after ten years and having people applaud you when your name is mentioned. During the high school team's game we sat as a group and cheered the boys on. Two of the assistant coaches when I played (Jack and Bill) currently coach the team and they were running some of the same plays we ran 10 years ago. Dwayne said, "they are running the trap and it is giving me chills!" I knew exactly what he meant because it brought back memories (great memories) from a decade ago.
Sitting in the coaches locker room before the game and reminiscing with my old teammates and coaches was priceless. We talked about anything and everything and soo much excitement filled the air. All of us know how special a bond we have. Being the only team in long island history to ever go undefeated and win everything is an amazing accomplishment that all of us are soo proud of and knowing we did it with childhood friends makes it that much more special. With most of us growing up together and playing together from the age of 8 and 9 accomplishing what we did on the basketball court was special.
After the game we shot around a little bit on the court. I was shooting threes from halfcourt, dwayne and lucion were throwing down nasty dunks. Roc was hitting his threes and talking smack and everyone was just having a good time. After a bit we headed to Finn McCools and hungout some more and just caught up with one another.
As the night ended I had a huge smile on my face. It was probably one of the most happy days in my life thus far because seeing everyone together and soo happy to see one another after all of these years was priceless. What a great night we had and I look forward to our next get together in the future.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Rivalry
Duke and North Carolina. A storied rivalry. The biggest in college basketball and one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports was resumed tonight. Duke pretty much held the lead the whole game and wound up beating Carolina which is always great. Regarding the game I have a few observations:
1) Duke won the game but Ty Lawson didnt play because of a sprained ankle. He is Carolina's floor general and without him in the game Carolina is just not the same team. Thus even though Duke won I feel they should have because Carolina was missing their star point guard.
2) Duke's inside presence is drastically lacking. Tyler Hansbrough just manhandled the Duke big men as did the other bigs on Carolina. Granted Duke played them tough but I really feel that their lack of an inside presence might hurt them down the road in the NCAA tourney..
3) Greg Paulus is playing great. He is hitting most of his threes and just playing great basketball right now. Lets hope he keeps it up!
4) Duke's perimeter game is probably the best in all of college basketball. They spread the floor soo well, can all shoot and dribble and play soo well together. This is what will carry Duke for the rest of the year.
Anyways I'm glad Duke won this game. Now they are in the driver's seat for the ACC regular season title.
1) Duke won the game but Ty Lawson didnt play because of a sprained ankle. He is Carolina's floor general and without him in the game Carolina is just not the same team. Thus even though Duke won I feel they should have because Carolina was missing their star point guard.
2) Duke's inside presence is drastically lacking. Tyler Hansbrough just manhandled the Duke big men as did the other bigs on Carolina. Granted Duke played them tough but I really feel that their lack of an inside presence might hurt them down the road in the NCAA tourney..
3) Greg Paulus is playing great. He is hitting most of his threes and just playing great basketball right now. Lets hope he keeps it up!
4) Duke's perimeter game is probably the best in all of college basketball. They spread the floor soo well, can all shoot and dribble and play soo well together. This is what will carry Duke for the rest of the year.
Anyways I'm glad Duke won this game. Now they are in the driver's seat for the ACC regular season title.
Super Bowl Champs Parade
Unfortunately I was not able to attend the Giants ticker tape parade for winning the Super Bowl because of a thing called work...However I have to say it was great to see the players and coaches on the floats and all the supporters and fans lining the streets and screaming in delight as I watched the parade on the television. The best part of the whole thing was the ceremony that took place at the end of the parade, and the star was Michael Strahan..
The star defensive end of the New York Giants fired up his team with a leap that he calls "stomping you out." And with that, Strahan jumped skyward on the podium at a Super Bowl rally Tuesday, lifting his knees to his shoulders.
"We would like to extend this to every other team in the NFL and particularly for the last team we defeated, the New England Patriots," he said, his teammates standing behind him. "Because you know what we did to you? We stomped you out!"
Simply put this was straight gangsta!! He just put it out there. "We stomped you out!!" I loved his speech and it was great to see the team get keys to the city at the end of the ceremony. What a great day in New York sports history.
The star defensive end of the New York Giants fired up his team with a leap that he calls "stomping you out." And with that, Strahan jumped skyward on the podium at a Super Bowl rally Tuesday, lifting his knees to his shoulders.
"We would like to extend this to every other team in the NFL and particularly for the last team we defeated, the New England Patriots," he said, his teammates standing behind him. "Because you know what we did to you? We stomped you out!"
Simply put this was straight gangsta!! He just put it out there. "We stomped you out!!" I loved his speech and it was great to see the team get keys to the city at the end of the ceremony. What a great day in New York sports history.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Bobby Knight
So a legend has decided to retire. Bobby Knight stepped down yesterday as head basketball coach at Texas Tech, handing the job over to his son Pat Knight. Coach Knight has meant soo much to college basketball. He has taught great coaches of today like Coach K at Duke soo much about the game. Currently I am reading a book about Bobby Knight to get a better understanding of the type of person he was and is. A lot of people look at him as a harsh individual for his demeanor on the court and in press conferences but as a coach he has done a great job with his players. For the most part they remain loyal to him and he has always had a high graduation rate with his players. Lastly Coach Knight prepared his players for the real world and for that I'm sure they are forever grateful.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Words to Live By
"If you hoot with the owls at night you cannot soar with the eagles in the morning"
Super Bowl Champs!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I have been saying this for the past couple hours but I still cannot believe the Giants are Super Bowl champs!! This has to be the biggest upset in Super Bowl history considering the fact that the New England Patriots were UNDEFEATED heading into the Super Bowl. This was a game for the ages.
The Giants defense was incredible. I had not seen Mr. Tee Brady get hit like this all season. Justin Tuck was incredible. His pass rush was soo instrumental in the Giants defense manhandling the pro-bowl laden front line of the New England Patriots. Also the Giants secondary played well. They minimized the big plays the Patriots receivers were able to get. Wes Welker played well for the Patriots but this is ALL about the Giants. Hahaha. GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Men!!
Eli Manning. Plaxico Burress. The Giants Defense. I dont think anything else needs to be said...Well I am going to continue saying things. Eli Manning was incredible. His poise on the game winning drive is what you see from great quarterbacks like his brother Peyton and Tom Brady. He was cool, calm and collected and when Plaxico caught that touchdown pass for the lead it was surreal. Plaxico played hurt all year and his dedication and hard work and impressive play should be commended. I hope all the critics realize now how good Eli is and how valuable he is to the Giants. He is a legend in the making and winning the Super Bowl and being named the MVP is evidence to how far he has come. I could not be happier for him and the Giants team as a whole. They have been doubted all year. Lastly the Giants defense. They played incredible like I said before and the pressure they put on Brady all game long was awesome. I just feel the Giants wanted this game more than the Patriots and they played like it.
Personally I am soo happy for the Giants. They have come soo far this year and to finish off the season with a Super Bowl title is priceless. This is soo exciting. As I write this, hearing the cheers, cars honking out in the new york city streets from my apartment is priceless as well. Go Giants. We all are soo proud of you and your parade on Tuesday is soo well deserved. Thank you for a season full of great memories and for showing the world how a team can achieve anything if they believe in themselves when no one else does.
The Giants defense was incredible. I had not seen Mr. Tee Brady get hit like this all season. Justin Tuck was incredible. His pass rush was soo instrumental in the Giants defense manhandling the pro-bowl laden front line of the New England Patriots. Also the Giants secondary played well. They minimized the big plays the Patriots receivers were able to get. Wes Welker played well for the Patriots but this is ALL about the Giants. Hahaha. GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Men!!
Eli Manning. Plaxico Burress. The Giants Defense. I dont think anything else needs to be said...Well I am going to continue saying things. Eli Manning was incredible. His poise on the game winning drive is what you see from great quarterbacks like his brother Peyton and Tom Brady. He was cool, calm and collected and when Plaxico caught that touchdown pass for the lead it was surreal. Plaxico played hurt all year and his dedication and hard work and impressive play should be commended. I hope all the critics realize now how good Eli is and how valuable he is to the Giants. He is a legend in the making and winning the Super Bowl and being named the MVP is evidence to how far he has come. I could not be happier for him and the Giants team as a whole. They have been doubted all year. Lastly the Giants defense. They played incredible like I said before and the pressure they put on Brady all game long was awesome. I just feel the Giants wanted this game more than the Patriots and they played like it.
Personally I am soo happy for the Giants. They have come soo far this year and to finish off the season with a Super Bowl title is priceless. This is soo exciting. As I write this, hearing the cheers, cars honking out in the new york city streets from my apartment is priceless as well. Go Giants. We all are soo proud of you and your parade on Tuesday is soo well deserved. Thank you for a season full of great memories and for showing the world how a team can achieve anything if they believe in themselves when no one else does.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Trade Alert!
So word on the street is that Pau Gasol has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Javarus Crittenton, Kwame Brown and two future 1st round draft picks. I believe this is a good deal for the Lake show. Kwame Brown is a terrible basketball player and the Lakers still have Jordan Farmar and Derrick Fisher so I feel like Crittendon is not a big loss either.
Now the Lakers will have a very nice starting lineup when all players are healthly. Andrew Bynum at the 5, Gasol at the 4, Luke Walton at the 3, Kobe Bryant at the 2 and D ee Fish at the 1. Off the bench they have Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Vladamir Radmonovic and a couple others. I'm telling you if this team is healthy come playoff time they are going to be hard to beat...
Now the Lakers will have a very nice starting lineup when all players are healthly. Andrew Bynum at the 5, Gasol at the 4, Luke Walton at the 3, Kobe Bryant at the 2 and D ee Fish at the 1. Off the bench they have Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Vladamir Radmonovic and a couple others. I'm telling you if this team is healthy come playoff time they are going to be hard to beat...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Holly and Colin's Wedding
So my sister Holly got married this past weekend. It was a really nice ceremony. It was my first time meeting her husband Colin. I have to say he is a really cool dude. He thinks he can beat me one on one in basketball. Now, I can count on one hand how many times I have lost a one on one game...Granted I haven't played ball in awhile except some intramural games here and there around the city where I torched a few unlucky individuals at times but I believe I still have some game. It's just matter of me getting into shape to play him so I don't get tired because I still have a decent jumper and a quick first step. Who knows if we will ever play but I have to say he is gonna be a cool brother-in-law and I look forward to getting to know him more.
Anyways congratulations to Holly and Colin on a fun-filled wedding and I wish you guys love and happiness forever.
Corporate Retreat in Mexico
Our company took a corporate retreat in mid January to Akumal,Mexico. This being my first time out of the country I really didn't know what to expect. On the flight to Cancun I slept most the of the flight(except for the last 20 minutes or so). This is what usually happens whenever I am on any type of transportation, whether train, bus, airplane, passenger in a car,etc. I just get really comfortable and just doze off...When we landed we went to Avis and got our rental car and headed down to Akumal from Cancun. And the following is how our trip proceeded:
Day 1: We got to the villas we were staying at in Akumal about 2pm. The weather wasn't that great but the villas were beautiful. They had this relaxing feel to them and scenary was beautiful. They were located right on the beach and the view was picturesque. Our co-workers from our other office got to the villas later that evening so we all had dinner together and then chatted and headed off to get some rest.
Day 2: This was a fun day. We went out on a catamaran and did some fishing. Now I have been on boats before but this boat was rocking back and forth with the waves and made me a little woozy. Seeing Dave throw up didnt help the sea sickness that I was starting to get but luckily I got through it without heaving. We later went to a beautiful cove where the water was acqua blue and the view was amazing. It was just soo beautiful.Relaxing on the beach and having a quite tasty lunch were a plus.
Day 3: Today was "survivor" day for me. See we went to the mayan village where I thought we were just going to go hiking. However extreme sports got thrown into the mix and we had the option to do zip lining across a cenote and rapelling down a cenote. The former was too scary for me. I hate heights so everyone else went except me. I felt bad for not going but hey man my fears of heights are too great. Now when we got to rapelling down into a cenote I felt bad about not doing the zip lining so I did it. My heart was racing but everyone was supportive and I have to admit the rush of adrenaline I felt whiling heading downward into the cenote was a great experience. It was the first time I ever tried something like that.
Day 4: This day was a lot of fun because we were able to go off and do whatever we wanted. So a group of us went to the crocodile zoo which was quite the experience. We walked down a path where there were crocodiles on either side and they could've come up to us and bitten us or taken a leg off if they wanted to. I was scared out of my mind but having the other people there walking down the path made it a lot easier. After the zoo we went to Playa del Carmen. What a beautiful place..We walked down fifth Street which is the main shopping/tourist area which was fun. It ran parallel to the beach which was beautiful. After some walking we wound up going to a lounge place to watch the Packers game against the Seahawks in the snow.
Day 5: We hungout around the villas until about 11 and then headed to Cancun airport. Our flight was great in that we were able to see the Giants vs. Cowboys playoff game in its entirety on the flight. Was definitely a nice way to end a beautiful corporate retreat.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
We Goin to the Super Bowl!!!!
So the Giants just beat the Packers at Lambeau field in a historic game. Oh man. What a game!! My heart was in my throat numerous times. When R.W. McQuarters fumbled towards the end of the fourth quarter, when Lawrence Tynes missed two field goals,the list goes on..The way Eli led this team tonight in the frozen tundra was phenomenal. I think everyone should have more appreciation and congrats for him as he has really come of age in the playoffs this year. Seeing Tynes hit that 47 yarder in overtime was surreal. First off he had already miss two field goals and now he was having to take a much further one in a stadium where the longest field ever made in the postseason was 40 yards. Well, now its 47 yards. hahaha.
Anyways I am just soo happy for the New York Giants. They have played with soo much heart and have believed in themselves when no one in the media did and they have never doubted themselves. So I give them all the credit in the world and I can't wait until they play New England in two weeks. They will be healthier and I think they will play the Patriots hard. Who knows what will happen in the game. All I know is the Giants are on a roll!!
Anyways I am just soo happy for the New York Giants. They have played with soo much heart and have believed in themselves when no one in the media did and they have never doubted themselves. So I give them all the credit in the world and I can't wait until they play New England in two weeks. They will be healthier and I think they will play the Patriots hard. Who knows what will happen in the game. All I know is the Giants are on a roll!!
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