The silence in the Detroit Lions' locker room was so deafening it drowned out all but the most mundane of sounds.
No laughter, no post-game jokes, certainly no congratulations for a job well done. Just the occasional sound of luggage being zipped up at the close of a hideous season historic for all the wrong reasons.
And really, with derisive chants of "Oh-and-16! Oh-and-16!" still ringing in their ears, was there anything left to say?
"It's over now. We're 0-16," rookie running back Kevin Smith said. "I wish it was just a dream. I wish I could wake up and it'd be over. But it's not."
The Lions didn't even bother trying to put a brave face on this one. With a 31-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Detroit solidified its claim as the worst team in NFL history. Sixteen games, 16 losses.
"0-16," one sign read, "The Perfect Season."
[posted 2/1/09]
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Manti Te'o named Sporting News High School Athlete of the Year
Punahou senior Manti Te'o has been named Sporting News magazine’s national High School Athlete of the Year.
The announcement comes in the new issue of Sporting News, which features an interview with Te'o and Sporting News’ pro and college athletes of the year.
An award of this level for a Hawaii high school athlete is believed to be unprecedented.
"I've been thinking about it, and I can't recall anything like it," said Hawaii High School Athletic Association director Keith Amemiya.
Te'o played linebacker and running back for the Buffanblu, which won the state football championship Dec. 5. He also played on the Punahou basketball team last season.
He has not decided where to attend college next year, telling the Sporting News, “ I have gone on two official visits, to UCLA and Notre Dame. I had great experiences at both universities, but I have a few more visits to go on — Stanford, USC and BYU — so I’m not really ready because of my lack of knowledge of the other three.”
Te'o also won the inaugural Butkus Award for being judged the best high school linebacker in the nation. He is also the Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year in football, and is a candidate for Gatorade's national award.
[12/24] USA Today has named Punahou senior linebacker Manti Te'o as its Defensive Player of the Year on its All-USA first team.
The announcement comes in the new issue of Sporting News, which features an interview with Te'o and Sporting News’ pro and college athletes of the year.
An award of this level for a Hawaii high school athlete is believed to be unprecedented.
"I've been thinking about it, and I can't recall anything like it," said Hawaii High School Athletic Association director Keith Amemiya.
Te'o played linebacker and running back for the Buffanblu, which won the state football championship Dec. 5. He also played on the Punahou basketball team last season.
He has not decided where to attend college next year, telling the Sporting News, “ I have gone on two official visits, to UCLA and Notre Dame. I had great experiences at both universities, but I have a few more visits to go on — Stanford, USC and BYU — so I’m not really ready because of my lack of knowledge of the other three.”
Te'o also won the inaugural Butkus Award for being judged the best high school linebacker in the nation. He is also the Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year in football, and is a candidate for Gatorade's national award.
[12/24] USA Today has named Punahou senior linebacker Manti Te'o as its Defensive Player of the Year on its All-USA first team.
Sammy Baugh
People never forgot Slingin' Sammy Baugh.
Every day as many as four letters arrived at the West Texas ranch the pioneering quarterback called home.
Baugh, whose use of the forward pass took him to the Hall of Fame after a career with the Washington Redskins, died Wednesday night. He was 94.
The letters came from young and old. Some asked for an autograph from Baugh (pronounced Baw). But in the last several years of his life he couldn't oblige them.
His son David Baugh responded to each one, telling fans his father could no longer hold a pen.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett even wrote to Baugh, and like so many others "just talked about how he was an inspiration in their lives," David Baugh told The Associated Press. "He did a lot of things pretty good, not just as an athlete. He was a good rancher, roper. He was a pretty good man."
Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class of 1963.
After starring at TCU, "Slingin' Sammy" played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952, leading them to the NFL title in his rookie season and again in 1942.
Baugh was the best all-around player in an era when versatility was essential. In 1943, he led the league in passing, punting and interceptions. In one game, he threw four touchdowns and also intercepted four passes. He threw six touchdowns passes in a game twice. His 51.4-yard punting average in 1940 remains the NFL record.
Every day as many as four letters arrived at the West Texas ranch the pioneering quarterback called home.
Baugh, whose use of the forward pass took him to the Hall of Fame after a career with the Washington Redskins, died Wednesday night. He was 94.
The letters came from young and old. Some asked for an autograph from Baugh (pronounced Baw). But in the last several years of his life he couldn't oblige them.
His son David Baugh responded to each one, telling fans his father could no longer hold a pen.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett even wrote to Baugh, and like so many others "just talked about how he was an inspiration in their lives," David Baugh told The Associated Press. "He did a lot of things pretty good, not just as an athlete. He was a good rancher, roper. He was a pretty good man."
Sammy Baugh was the last surviving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class of 1963.
After starring at TCU, "Slingin' Sammy" played with the Redskins from 1937 to 1952, leading them to the NFL title in his rookie season and again in 1942.
Baugh was the best all-around player in an era when versatility was essential. In 1943, he led the league in passing, punting and interceptions. In one game, he threw four touchdowns and also intercepted four passes. He threw six touchdowns passes in a game twice. His 51.4-yard punting average in 1940 remains the NFL record.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sam Bradford wins Heisman
Oklahoma's amazingly accurate and quick-thinking quarterback won the Heisman on Saturday night after guiding the highest-scoring team in major college football history to the national championship game.
A year after Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman, Bradford became the second and kept the Florida quarterback from joining Archie Griffin as the only two-time winners.
Bradford, who leads the nation in touchdown passes with 48, received 1,726 points. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was second with 1,604 and Tebow — who received the most first-place votes — was third with 1,575 points.
"I was definitely surprised and I think it's everything I imagined," said Bradford, who raised the 25-pound bronze statue with his left hand still in a cast from a recent surgery. "I think it will take a couple weeks to set in."
It was the closest vote between the top two since Nebraska's Eric Crouch edged Florida's Rex Grossman by 62 points in 2001. The only other time the margin between first and third was smaller was also '01, when Miami's Ken Dorsey was 142 points behind Crouch.
Bradford and the No. 2 Sooners (12-1) will face Tebow and the No. 1 Gators (12-1) on Jan. 8 in Miami, marking the second time Heisman winners will play against each other. The first was in the 2005 Orange Bowl, when '04 winner Matt Leinart and Southern California beat '03 winner Jason White and Oklahoma for the national title.
The Big 12 South was the epicenter of college football this season, with both the national championship race and Heisman chase turning weekly on games played by its three powerhouse teams.
McCoy was the early Heisman front-runner after leading the Longhorns to the No. 1 ranking with a victory against Oklahoma in October. Texas Tech's Graham Harrell, who finished a distant fourth in Heisman voting, then moved to the forefront after he tossed a last-second, game-winning touchdown pass to beat Texas a month later.
But Bradford closed strongest, leading his team to a string of blowout victories, including one against Texas Tech, and a spot — even if it was somewhat controversial — in the BCS title game.
Bradford leads the nation in passer rating (186.3) and has thrown for 4,464 yards, directing the Sooners' fast-paced, no-huddle offense.
Oklahoma has already racked up 702 points to blow past the record of 656 set by Hawaii in 2006, and last week the Sooners became the first major college team in 89 years to score at least 60 in five straight games.
A year after Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman, Bradford became the second and kept the Florida quarterback from joining Archie Griffin as the only two-time winners.
Bradford, who leads the nation in touchdown passes with 48, received 1,726 points. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was second with 1,604 and Tebow — who received the most first-place votes — was third with 1,575 points.
"I was definitely surprised and I think it's everything I imagined," said Bradford, who raised the 25-pound bronze statue with his left hand still in a cast from a recent surgery. "I think it will take a couple weeks to set in."
It was the closest vote between the top two since Nebraska's Eric Crouch edged Florida's Rex Grossman by 62 points in 2001. The only other time the margin between first and third was smaller was also '01, when Miami's Ken Dorsey was 142 points behind Crouch.
Bradford and the No. 2 Sooners (12-1) will face Tebow and the No. 1 Gators (12-1) on Jan. 8 in Miami, marking the second time Heisman winners will play against each other. The first was in the 2005 Orange Bowl, when '04 winner Matt Leinart and Southern California beat '03 winner Jason White and Oklahoma for the national title.
The Big 12 South was the epicenter of college football this season, with both the national championship race and Heisman chase turning weekly on games played by its three powerhouse teams.
McCoy was the early Heisman front-runner after leading the Longhorns to the No. 1 ranking with a victory against Oklahoma in October. Texas Tech's Graham Harrell, who finished a distant fourth in Heisman voting, then moved to the forefront after he tossed a last-second, game-winning touchdown pass to beat Texas a month later.
But Bradford closed strongest, leading his team to a string of blowout victories, including one against Texas Tech, and a spot — even if it was somewhat controversial — in the BCS title game.
Bradford leads the nation in passer rating (186.3) and has thrown for 4,464 yards, directing the Sooners' fast-paced, no-huddle offense.
Oklahoma has already racked up 702 points to blow past the record of 656 set by Hawaii in 2006, and last week the Sooners became the first major college team in 89 years to score at least 60 in five straight games.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hula Bowl dies quietly
A date was secured at the stadium for a 2009 game, but the folks there haven't heard anything from owner Nick Logan in weeks.
"We don't have a contract," said Lois Manin, the facility's deputy manager.
No news of coaches or players being picked for the game on the wire or the Internet.
The game's Web site has nada about a 2009 event. Call the 800 number, and you get a full mailbox. Send an e-mail, it bounces back, "because the domain hulabowl.net does not exist."
Call Logan, his number is no good. But I reached his brother, Bruce, who helped him stage last year's game.
"I don't know. It's my brother's game. I don't have a number for him, either," Bruce said. "I would assume if there were a game he would let me know."
Or let somebody, anybody know.
"We don't have a contract," said Lois Manin, the facility's deputy manager.
No news of coaches or players being picked for the game on the wire or the Internet.
The game's Web site has nada about a 2009 event. Call the 800 number, and you get a full mailbox. Send an e-mail, it bounces back, "because the domain hulabowl.net does not exist."
Call Logan, his number is no good. But I reached his brother, Bruce, who helped him stage last year's game.
"I don't know. It's my brother's game. I don't have a number for him, either," Bruce said. "I would assume if there were a game he would let me know."
Or let somebody, anybody know.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Michelle Wie graduates from Q-School
Michelle Wie has been playing LPGA Tour events since she was in the seventh grade, drawing the biggest galleries because of her youth and power, but earning little respect from players because of her preferential treatment.
In the 62 tournaments she has played over the last seven years, Wie received 53 exemptions or invitations.
The next time the 19-year-old from Hawaii tees it up, she finally can feel like she belongs.
Wie opened with three straight bogeys before settling down in blustery conditions yesterday for a 2-over 74, easily finishing among the top 20 players at Q-school to become a card-carrying member of the LPGA Tour.
"It's a good feeling," Wie said. "I really earned it. I legitimately went through Q-school. I took my medicine. And I got it. It feels good. It's like high school graduation."
* * *
[12/9/08] Michelle Wie now has a clean slate.
In the 62 tournaments she has played over the last seven years, Wie received 53 exemptions or invitations.
The next time the 19-year-old from Hawaii tees it up, she finally can feel like she belongs.
Wie opened with three straight bogeys before settling down in blustery conditions yesterday for a 2-over 74, easily finishing among the top 20 players at Q-school to become a card-carrying member of the LPGA Tour.
"It's a good feeling," Wie said. "I really earned it. I legitimately went through Q-school. I took my medicine. And I got it. It feels good. It's like high school graduation."
* * *
[12/9/08] Michelle Wie now has a clean slate.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
De La Hoya beaten by Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines stunned 10-times world champion Oscar De La Hoya with an eighth-round TKO in their non-title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Moving up two weight classes for his first fight at welterweight, WBC lightweight champion Pacquiao dominated De La Hoya from the opening bell, defying the American's longer reach and picking him off with straight left hands to the face.
Clearly ahead after the first few rounds, Pacquiao backed De La Hoya up against the ropes and opened up with combinations in the seventh and eighth. At the end of the eighth round De La Hoya's trainer signaled he had seen enough and the referee stopped the fight.
Moving up two weight classes for his first fight at welterweight, WBC lightweight champion Pacquiao dominated De La Hoya from the opening bell, defying the American's longer reach and picking him off with straight left hands to the face.
Clearly ahead after the first few rounds, Pacquiao backed De La Hoya up against the ropes and opened up with combinations in the seventh and eighth. At the end of the eighth round De La Hoya's trainer signaled he had seen enough and the referee stopped the fight.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Manti Te'o receives Butkus Award
Punahou School senior linebacker Manti Te'o became the first high school recipient of the 2008 Butkus Award today during a gathering at the Hemmeter Gym on the school's campus.
The award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Dick Butkus and has traditionally been given to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
This year, the competition was expanded to include awards at both the high school and collegiate levels. The Butkus Award honors players who are both outstanding athletes and models of service to their community.
The award is named for Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Dick Butkus and has traditionally been given to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
This year, the competition was expanded to include awards at both the high school and collegiate levels. The Butkus Award honors players who are both outstanding athletes and models of service to their community.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Big 7-0
At the end of his 2003 autobiography, "The Big O: My Life, My Times, My Game," Oscar Robertson openly wonders if he and his contemporaries will be forgotten.
"As I write this, basketball has entered a strange new century," Robertson writes. "The game has become international; it has become computerized and wireless and fiber-optic. Nobody knows what the next five years will look like, what heights players will be capable of reaching, how brightly they will shine. Whatever happens to the sport, I hope that the men who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to build the league will be remembered. I hope that people will never forget that when any man reaches for previously unattainable heights, he does so only because he stands on shoulders of those who came before."
Robertson wrote those words when he was 65 years old and 29 years removed from his final game as an NBA player and it's not difficult to understand his concern. When he called it quits after the 1973-74 season, Robertson held the NBA record for assists (9,887), was second only to Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list (26,710) and was one of the top 20 rebounders with 7,804. Now, Robertson's fourth in career assists, eighth in scoring and barely hanging in the top 60 for rebounds.
But Robertson, born 70 years ago today on a snowy Thanksgiving Day in Charlotte, Tenn., shouldn't worry about fading away.
In fact, in the five years since he penned that paragraph, Robertson's stature has only grown. Thanks to the all-around excellence of players from today's generation such as Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Robertson's Hall of Fame accomplishments have become that much more magnificent.
From his days at Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School to when he retired from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1974, Robertson's playing career could best be described as a great river: a steady and consistent confluence of excellence flowed from him.
Much of his on-court steel was forged in the roiling racial cauldron of its day. Rightfully angered by the injustice he encountered off the court because of the color of his skin, Robertson mixed that internal fire with a cool control of every team he ever ran. Robertson wasn't flashy like Bob Cousy and was as fundamentally sound as any player before or since. When asked how he accumulated so many assists in his career, Robertson was said to reply: "I passed it to the open man."
Therein lay Robertson's genius. He made playing the point guard position seem simple.
And at the time, there was no precedence for what Robertson was doing: leading the first all-black team to an Indiana state high school title, averaging 33.8 points per game and winning National College Player of the Year in each of his three season at the University of Cincinnati, a feat not even his future teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar accomplished.
"I think he revolutionized the position because he was 6-5," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Oscar was very well built, a great example of physical fitness, and strong. He wasn't a wispy kind of guy. I think of another guard of his size, Dave Bing. Dave was not the physical presence Oscar was.
"You couldn't push Oscar around. It was impossible."
He lead a veritable All-Star team to gold in Rome in 1960, and then notched a triple-double during the 1961-62 season (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists) for the Cincinnati Royals.
Oscar Robertson's stellar career was highlighted by a championship in Milwaukee.
Walter Iooss Jr./NBAE/Getty Images
At the time, not even Robertson had known what he had done.
"There's a story attributed to baseball legend Willie Mays," Robertson wrote. "When Jose Canseco was honored in the 1980s for being the first man to hit forty home runs and steal forty bases in one season, Mays said, 'If I'd known that would be such a big deal, I would have done it a few times myself.'
"That comes close to expressing the bemusement I feel about all the attention on my triple-double season."
Imagine our bemusement, then, to know now that Robertson averaged a triple-double for the first five NBA seasons with 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game in 384 games. Stick that in your trophy case for a moment and gawk at it: 30, 10 and 10, every season for five years.
Could you imagine what ESPN would do with Oscar if he played today? They'd probably give him his own channel. He would own Nike ... and adidas. In this Internet world of today, how huge Robertson would be in Europe or China? And how many articles would be written about him opting out of his contract in 2010?
And there is another overlooked element of Robertson's storied legacy: free agency. If not for Robertson and the Player's Union filing a class-action suit in New York District Court in 1970 -- known as the "Oscar Robertson rule" because as the NBPA president, his name led the list -- and its settlement in 1976, we'd have no speculation regarding where Amar'e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh and LeBron James would go to chase an NBA title.
A title once eluded Robertson as well. Boston or Philadelphia always stood in Cincinnati's way and because of the reserve clause that kept a player with a team in perpetuity, Robertson was a Royal until the franchise either traded or released him. On April 20, 1970, four days after the NBPA suit was filed, the Royals traded him to Milwaukee, where he teamed with a young superstar in Abdul-Jabbar.
"I was very aware of Oscar's overall excellence," Abdul-Jabbar said, remembering the trade that brought Robertson to Milwaukee from Cincinnati. "I just didn't know how he'd fit in with our team. I should have known better. There was nothing to be apprehensive about. He was a great overall player and a great leader. He pushed us. He'd get on our case if we didn't do our assignments. Having that kind of leadership is a key element to any team."
The Bucks went 66-16 in the regular season, became the first team to shoot better than .500 from the field (.509), cruised through the postseason at 12-2 and capped that incredible run by sweeping the Bullets in the Finals.
"I think that was an exceptional season," Abdul-Jabbar said. "In terms of efficiency in the playoffs, that was one of the best teams that ever played. A lot of people don't remember that very accurately because of the way things happened with the Knicks and Lakers in the mix."
Robertson would make one more trip with the Bucks to The Finals in 1974 before retiring at the age of 35.
It was then one could see what the river of Robertson's career had carved: basketball's Grand Canyon. You could not help but be stunned by the depth, breadth and the sheer beauty and excellence of it all.
"I think Oscar was really special because of his ability to do so many different aspects of the game well," Abdul-Jabbar said. "There are very few people who have the ability to score, set people up to score, rebound and defend. He was a complete player."
When Kidd adds to his career triple-double total of 101 (still 80 shy of Robertson's career mark) or James finishes the season with 30 points, seven-plus rebounds and seven assists per game, they're like tourists who spend a couple days, take some photos and leave, gobsmacked by what they have seen.
And only by getting as close as they do to Robertson's excellence do Kidd and James know how much they have left to accomplish.
They, too, could look at what he's done after his player career ended -- owner of three companies and partner in a fourth or that he donated one of his kidneys to his daughter, Tia, which subsequently led to him being named a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation -- and see that in 35 years after he retired, Oscar remains to this day, a pioneer.
So, on this day, 70 years after that snowy Thanksgiving Day when Robertson was born, let us give thanks for Oscar Robertson.
Because of him we know what true greatness looks like.
"As I write this, basketball has entered a strange new century," Robertson writes. "The game has become international; it has become computerized and wireless and fiber-optic. Nobody knows what the next five years will look like, what heights players will be capable of reaching, how brightly they will shine. Whatever happens to the sport, I hope that the men who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to build the league will be remembered. I hope that people will never forget that when any man reaches for previously unattainable heights, he does so only because he stands on shoulders of those who came before."
Robertson wrote those words when he was 65 years old and 29 years removed from his final game as an NBA player and it's not difficult to understand his concern. When he called it quits after the 1973-74 season, Robertson held the NBA record for assists (9,887), was second only to Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list (26,710) and was one of the top 20 rebounders with 7,804. Now, Robertson's fourth in career assists, eighth in scoring and barely hanging in the top 60 for rebounds.
But Robertson, born 70 years ago today on a snowy Thanksgiving Day in Charlotte, Tenn., shouldn't worry about fading away.
In fact, in the five years since he penned that paragraph, Robertson's stature has only grown. Thanks to the all-around excellence of players from today's generation such as Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Robertson's Hall of Fame accomplishments have become that much more magnificent.
From his days at Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School to when he retired from the Milwaukee Bucks in 1974, Robertson's playing career could best be described as a great river: a steady and consistent confluence of excellence flowed from him.
Much of his on-court steel was forged in the roiling racial cauldron of its day. Rightfully angered by the injustice he encountered off the court because of the color of his skin, Robertson mixed that internal fire with a cool control of every team he ever ran. Robertson wasn't flashy like Bob Cousy and was as fundamentally sound as any player before or since. When asked how he accumulated so many assists in his career, Robertson was said to reply: "I passed it to the open man."
Therein lay Robertson's genius. He made playing the point guard position seem simple.
And at the time, there was no precedence for what Robertson was doing: leading the first all-black team to an Indiana state high school title, averaging 33.8 points per game and winning National College Player of the Year in each of his three season at the University of Cincinnati, a feat not even his future teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar accomplished.
"I think he revolutionized the position because he was 6-5," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Oscar was very well built, a great example of physical fitness, and strong. He wasn't a wispy kind of guy. I think of another guard of his size, Dave Bing. Dave was not the physical presence Oscar was.
"You couldn't push Oscar around. It was impossible."
He lead a veritable All-Star team to gold in Rome in 1960, and then notched a triple-double during the 1961-62 season (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists) for the Cincinnati Royals.
Oscar Robertson's stellar career was highlighted by a championship in Milwaukee.
Walter Iooss Jr./NBAE/Getty Images
At the time, not even Robertson had known what he had done.
"There's a story attributed to baseball legend Willie Mays," Robertson wrote. "When Jose Canseco was honored in the 1980s for being the first man to hit forty home runs and steal forty bases in one season, Mays said, 'If I'd known that would be such a big deal, I would have done it a few times myself.'
"That comes close to expressing the bemusement I feel about all the attention on my triple-double season."
Imagine our bemusement, then, to know now that Robertson averaged a triple-double for the first five NBA seasons with 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game in 384 games. Stick that in your trophy case for a moment and gawk at it: 30, 10 and 10, every season for five years.
Could you imagine what ESPN would do with Oscar if he played today? They'd probably give him his own channel. He would own Nike ... and adidas. In this Internet world of today, how huge Robertson would be in Europe or China? And how many articles would be written about him opting out of his contract in 2010?
And there is another overlooked element of Robertson's storied legacy: free agency. If not for Robertson and the Player's Union filing a class-action suit in New York District Court in 1970 -- known as the "Oscar Robertson rule" because as the NBPA president, his name led the list -- and its settlement in 1976, we'd have no speculation regarding where Amar'e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh and LeBron James would go to chase an NBA title.
A title once eluded Robertson as well. Boston or Philadelphia always stood in Cincinnati's way and because of the reserve clause that kept a player with a team in perpetuity, Robertson was a Royal until the franchise either traded or released him. On April 20, 1970, four days after the NBPA suit was filed, the Royals traded him to Milwaukee, where he teamed with a young superstar in Abdul-Jabbar.
"I was very aware of Oscar's overall excellence," Abdul-Jabbar said, remembering the trade that brought Robertson to Milwaukee from Cincinnati. "I just didn't know how he'd fit in with our team. I should have known better. There was nothing to be apprehensive about. He was a great overall player and a great leader. He pushed us. He'd get on our case if we didn't do our assignments. Having that kind of leadership is a key element to any team."
The Bucks went 66-16 in the regular season, became the first team to shoot better than .500 from the field (.509), cruised through the postseason at 12-2 and capped that incredible run by sweeping the Bullets in the Finals.
"I think that was an exceptional season," Abdul-Jabbar said. "In terms of efficiency in the playoffs, that was one of the best teams that ever played. A lot of people don't remember that very accurately because of the way things happened with the Knicks and Lakers in the mix."
Robertson would make one more trip with the Bucks to The Finals in 1974 before retiring at the age of 35.
It was then one could see what the river of Robertson's career had carved: basketball's Grand Canyon. You could not help but be stunned by the depth, breadth and the sheer beauty and excellence of it all.
"I think Oscar was really special because of his ability to do so many different aspects of the game well," Abdul-Jabbar said. "There are very few people who have the ability to score, set people up to score, rebound and defend. He was a complete player."
When Kidd adds to his career triple-double total of 101 (still 80 shy of Robertson's career mark) or James finishes the season with 30 points, seven-plus rebounds and seven assists per game, they're like tourists who spend a couple days, take some photos and leave, gobsmacked by what they have seen.
And only by getting as close as they do to Robertson's excellence do Kidd and James know how much they have left to accomplish.
They, too, could look at what he's done after his player career ended -- owner of three companies and partner in a fourth or that he donated one of his kidneys to his daughter, Tia, which subsequently led to him being named a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation -- and see that in 35 years after he retired, Oscar remains to this day, a pioneer.
So, on this day, 70 years after that snowy Thanksgiving Day when Robertson was born, let us give thanks for Oscar Robertson.
Because of him we know what true greatness looks like.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Sorenstam's career ends
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Standing in the center of a sun-drenched 18th green, as waves of cheers rippled from a packed gallery, Annika Sorenstam hugged caddie Terry McNamara and took the flag from his hand.
She held it high, like a conquering hero, then slammed it into the hole.
"It's over," she said.
Sorenstam's tour career presumably ended Friday afternoon, when she failed to qualify for the third round of the ADT Championship. She shot a 3-over 75, putting her at 5 over for the week - two shots away from surviving the cut from 32 down to 16 for Saturday, after which the field will be pared in half again before the final round battle for $1 million.
"All of a sudden, the time is here," Sorenstam said. "You're standing there on the 18th fairway and it's your last approach shot in an LPGA event. A lot of thoughts go through your head ... and what's been the coolest thing this week is all these people who showed up that I don't know, my fans."
She held it high, like a conquering hero, then slammed it into the hole.
"It's over," she said.
Sorenstam's tour career presumably ended Friday afternoon, when she failed to qualify for the third round of the ADT Championship. She shot a 3-over 75, putting her at 5 over for the week - two shots away from surviving the cut from 32 down to 16 for Saturday, after which the field will be pared in half again before the final round battle for $1 million.
"All of a sudden, the time is here," Sorenstam said. "You're standing there on the 18th fairway and it's your last approach shot in an LPGA event. A lot of thoughts go through your head ... and what's been the coolest thing this week is all these people who showed up that I don't know, my fans."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wakamatsu to manage Mariners
Don Wakamatsu is proud to be the first Asian-American manager in major league history. He's also keenly aware of what his grandparents endured, generations before he took over the Seattle Mariners.
During World War II, the United States government moved his Japanese ancestors across the country from one internment camp to another. Wakamatsu's father, an iron worker, was born in one.
"I'm proud to represent some of what they went through in their lifetime," Wakamatsu said. "If I can set a future stepping stone for Japanese-Americans and just the equality in baseball, I'm glad to bear that torch."
A fourth-generation Japanese-American, the former Oakland bench coach was introduced Wednesday as the new manager of the Mariners.
During World War II, the United States government moved his Japanese ancestors across the country from one internment camp to another. Wakamatsu's father, an iron worker, was born in one.
"I'm proud to represent some of what they went through in their lifetime," Wakamatsu said. "If I can set a future stepping stone for Japanese-Americans and just the equality in baseball, I'm glad to bear that torch."
A fourth-generation Japanese-American, the former Oakland bench coach was introduced Wednesday as the new manager of the Mariners.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
this pitcher throws like a schoolgirl
A 16-year-old schoolgirl is making a unique pitch to become the first woman to play professional baseball in Japan.
High school student Eri Yoshida was drafted by the Kobe 9 Cruise, a professional team in a new independent Japanese league that will start its first season in April.
"I always dreamed of becoming a professional," Yoshida, who is 5-feet (152-centimeters) tall and weighs 114 pounds (52 kilograms), told a news conference Monday. "I have only just been picked by the team and haven't achieved anything yet."
Yoshida throws a side-arm knuckleball and says she wants to follow in the footsteps of Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, who has built a successful major league career throwing a knuckleball.
Yoshida took part in a tryout held earlier this month and passed with flying colors. The right-hander held male batters hitless for one inning in the tryout and her successful outing helped her become one of the 33 players picked in the draft.
***
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The fraternity of knuckleball pitchers is small, and Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox is its active godfather.
Eri Yoshida hopes to expand that roster and break the gender barrier at the same time.
Yoshida, the petite 18-year-old who became the first female drafted by a Japanese professional team, Kobe 9 Cruise of the Kansai Independent Baseball League, made her pro debut on March 26, 2009, at the Osaka Dome. She learned how to throw a knuckleball as a young girl by watching video of Wakefield.
On Tuesday, at the Red Sox player development complex, Yoshida, wearing a gray Boston T-shirt with Wakefield's name and number on the back, met her idol and pitched with him.
"I'm impressed," Wakefield said. "She spun a couple, but for the most part it was very good. She was able to take the spin out of a lot of them and they had quite a lot of movement on them."
Yoshida, who stands 5-foot-1 and throws her knuckleball with a sidearm motion, is in the United States to pitch in the independent Arizona Winter League. She got her first win on Feb. 12, tossing four shutout innings for the Yuma Scorpions. But she admitted she was nervous working with the 43-year-old Wakefield.
"I think everything that he taught me is going to give me a chance to really work on what I need to work on," she said through Red Sox team translator Masa Hoshino. "But also, I got a chance to meet him and it really gave me some courage and the confidence I need to really get back to training hard."
Wakefield, who is entering his 18th major league season, made his first All-Star team last year. He was happy to share his knowledge with someone willing to try the knuckler.
"It's an honor to have somebody carry on a knuckleball tradition," he said. "And somebody that's doing it because she likes what I do. It's pretty cool to have someone come over to the States from Japan. I heard about her last year. I know she's pitching in independent leagues now. But for her to come all the way to Fort Myers and watch me throw, it was an honor for me to just talk to her and give her some tips."
***
The Golden League, dotted with former big leaguers and players with years of minor league experience, is not a good place for an 18-year-old to pitch.
Let alone an 18-year-old girl.
From Japan.
Say this about Eri Yoshida: she likes a challenge. With the spotlight of the media from both sides of the Pacific, Yoshida made her debut with the independent Chico Outlaws on Saturday night, becoming the first woman to pitch in a professional league in the U.S. since Ila Borders in 2000.
It didn't go that well, although you would never have known that by the throng of adoring fans cheering and begging for her autograph after the game.
High school student Eri Yoshida was drafted by the Kobe 9 Cruise, a professional team in a new independent Japanese league that will start its first season in April.
"I always dreamed of becoming a professional," Yoshida, who is 5-feet (152-centimeters) tall and weighs 114 pounds (52 kilograms), told a news conference Monday. "I have only just been picked by the team and haven't achieved anything yet."
Yoshida throws a side-arm knuckleball and says she wants to follow in the footsteps of Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, who has built a successful major league career throwing a knuckleball.
Yoshida took part in a tryout held earlier this month and passed with flying colors. The right-hander held male batters hitless for one inning in the tryout and her successful outing helped her become one of the 33 players picked in the draft.
***
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The fraternity of knuckleball pitchers is small, and Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox is its active godfather.
Eri Yoshida hopes to expand that roster and break the gender barrier at the same time.
Yoshida, the petite 18-year-old who became the first female drafted by a Japanese professional team, Kobe 9 Cruise of the Kansai Independent Baseball League, made her pro debut on March 26, 2009, at the Osaka Dome. She learned how to throw a knuckleball as a young girl by watching video of Wakefield.
On Tuesday, at the Red Sox player development complex, Yoshida, wearing a gray Boston T-shirt with Wakefield's name and number on the back, met her idol and pitched with him.
"I'm impressed," Wakefield said. "She spun a couple, but for the most part it was very good. She was able to take the spin out of a lot of them and they had quite a lot of movement on them."
Yoshida, who stands 5-foot-1 and throws her knuckleball with a sidearm motion, is in the United States to pitch in the independent Arizona Winter League. She got her first win on Feb. 12, tossing four shutout innings for the Yuma Scorpions. But she admitted she was nervous working with the 43-year-old Wakefield.
"I think everything that he taught me is going to give me a chance to really work on what I need to work on," she said through Red Sox team translator Masa Hoshino. "But also, I got a chance to meet him and it really gave me some courage and the confidence I need to really get back to training hard."
Wakefield, who is entering his 18th major league season, made his first All-Star team last year. He was happy to share his knowledge with someone willing to try the knuckler.
"It's an honor to have somebody carry on a knuckleball tradition," he said. "And somebody that's doing it because she likes what I do. It's pretty cool to have someone come over to the States from Japan. I heard about her last year. I know she's pitching in independent leagues now. But for her to come all the way to Fort Myers and watch me throw, it was an honor for me to just talk to her and give her some tips."
***
The Golden League, dotted with former big leaguers and players with years of minor league experience, is not a good place for an 18-year-old to pitch.
Let alone an 18-year-old girl.
From Japan.
Say this about Eri Yoshida: she likes a challenge. With the spotlight of the media from both sides of the Pacific, Yoshida made her debut with the independent Chico Outlaws on Saturday night, becoming the first woman to pitch in a professional league in the U.S. since Ila Borders in 2000.
It didn't go that well, although you would never have known that by the throng of adoring fans cheering and begging for her autograph after the game.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pete Newell
Pete Newell, the Hall of Fame basketball coach who won an NCAA championship and Olympic gold medal and later tutored some of the game's greatest big men, died Monday. He was 93.
The University of California confirmed his death. Newell coached the Bears to a national title in 1959. No details were available, but Newell had a serious lung operation in 2005.
Newell coached 14 years at San Francisco, Michigan State and California before doctors advised him to give it up because of the emotional toll. His final coaching job came in the 1960 Olympics, when he took a U.S. team led by Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Jerry Lucas to a gold medal in Rome.
Newell also ran a Big Man's Camp in Hawai'i.
The University of California confirmed his death. Newell coached the Bears to a national title in 1959. No details were available, but Newell had a serious lung operation in 2005.
Newell coached 14 years at San Francisco, Michigan State and California before doctors advised him to give it up because of the emotional toll. His final coaching job came in the 1960 Olympics, when he took a U.S. team led by Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Jerry Lucas to a gold medal in Rome.
Newell also ran a Big Man's Camp in Hawai'i.
Brock Lesnar defeats Randy Couture
Brock Lesnar stopped "The Natural" Randy Couture in the second round of their UFC 91 fight on Saturday night to become heavyweight champion.
Lesnar earned a TKO after the referee stepped in while he kept pummeling Couture, even after he went to the ground.
Lesnar has now become the first man ever to win a fake and real championship. The WWE and the UFC Heavyweight Championships. Lesnar is also a former NCAA Wrestling Champion.
Lesnar earned a TKO after the referee stepped in while he kept pummeling Couture, even after he went to the ground.
Lesnar has now become the first man ever to win a fake and real championship. The WWE and the UFC Heavyweight Championships. Lesnar is also a former NCAA Wrestling Champion.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Obama's brother-in-law has a big rebuilding job too
With a hint of 5 o'clock shadow and small bags under his eyes, Oregon State coach Craig Robinson took the basketball court to start a campaign that is nearly as daunting as the one he just helped to complete.
Now that the campaign is over Robinson is able to concentrate on coaching.For the past 20 months, Robinson assisted his brother-in-law Barack Obama's campaign for the presidency. Robinson stumped in Iowa, gave speeches in Washington State and did interviews about his childhood on Chicago's South Side with his younger sister, Michelle, who is married to Obama.
Now that the Obamas are preparing to enter the White House and Robinson can devote all his energy to his first season at Oregon State, Robinson and the president-elect can debate about whose task is tougher.
"Before this whole economy thing, I would have said that we had a bigger rebuilding job," Robinson said of Oregon State. "But this economy thing puts him over the top, hands down. He's got the economy, and you can throw in the housing crisis and the war. He's got more on his plate than I do."
Robinson simply inherited an Oregon State program that is coming off an 0-18 season in the Pacific-10, carrying a 21-game skid and looking for its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1990.
Now that the campaign is over Robinson is able to concentrate on coaching.For the past 20 months, Robinson assisted his brother-in-law Barack Obama's campaign for the presidency. Robinson stumped in Iowa, gave speeches in Washington State and did interviews about his childhood on Chicago's South Side with his younger sister, Michelle, who is married to Obama.
Now that the Obamas are preparing to enter the White House and Robinson can devote all his energy to his first season at Oregon State, Robinson and the president-elect can debate about whose task is tougher.
"Before this whole economy thing, I would have said that we had a bigger rebuilding job," Robinson said of Oregon State. "But this economy thing puts him over the top, hands down. He's got the economy, and you can throw in the housing crisis and the war. He's got more on his plate than I do."
Robinson simply inherited an Oregon State program that is coming off an 0-18 season in the Pacific-10, carrying a 21-game skid and looking for its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1990.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Chris Paul surpasses the Big O
Chris Paul couldn't leave New Orleans' locker room last night until he finished helping a friend with his tie.
Add another assist to the Hornets' point guard, who set an NBA record in leading New Orleans to a 100-89 win over Miami.
Paul finished with 21 points and 13 assists for his sixth straight double-double of at least 20 points and 10 assists to open the season, surpassing the mark set by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1968.
"That is very historical for him to be able to pass a name like that that's a Hall of Famer," New Orleans coach Byron Scott said. "If he stays healthy and keeps growing as a basketball player, obviously he'll be a Hall of Famer, too."
Add another assist to the Hornets' point guard, who set an NBA record in leading New Orleans to a 100-89 win over Miami.
Paul finished with 21 points and 13 assists for his sixth straight double-double of at least 20 points and 10 assists to open the season, surpassing the mark set by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson in 1968.
"That is very historical for him to be able to pass a name like that that's a Hall of Famer," New Orleans coach Byron Scott said. "If he stays healthy and keeps growing as a basketball player, obviously he'll be a Hall of Famer, too."
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Navy runs over SMU
Down to his third-string quarterback, with a hard rain falling and winds whipping, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo modified the game plan.
In came Ricky Dobbs, subbing for the injured Jarod Bryant, and Dobbs ran, ran and ran some more.
He ran for 224 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries as Navy became the first major college team in 11 years to go a game without attempting a pass in its 34-7 victory against SMU yesterday.
In came Ricky Dobbs, subbing for the injured Jarod Bryant, and Dobbs ran, ran and ran some more.
He ran for 224 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries as Navy became the first major college team in 11 years to go a game without attempting a pass in its 34-7 victory against SMU yesterday.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Kimbo Slice lasts 14 seconds
SUNRISE, Fla. — Late replacement Seth Petruzelli stopped hyped heavyweight Kimbo Slice in just 14 seconds last night, handing the former street fighter his first mixed martial arts loss.
Petruzelli, 28, had been slated to fight on the undercard against Aaron Rosa at the BankAtlantic Center. But he was bumped up to the heavyweight main event of the EliteXC "CBS Saturday Night Fights" card when the athletic commission sidelined Ken Shamrock. The UFC Hall of Famer needed six stitches over his left eye after an old cut reopened when he was bumping heads warming up earlier in the day.
Petruzelli (11-4), a graduate of Season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality TV show, had been training to fight at light-heavyweight and weighed in 205 1/2 pounds, 29 pounds lighter than Slice. He had also lost two of his last four fights before dispatching Slice.
Slice (3-1) declined to touch gloves in the cage before the fight and came forward at the bell, backing off Petruzelli.
But as Slice looked to block a front kick, he was toppled with a right. Slice fell forward and Petruzelli kept punching. Slice turned on his back and had taken almost a dozen unanswered punches before referee Troy Waugh stepped in.
* * *
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Life as a mixed martial artist will never be the same for Seth Petruzelli. What he accomplished last night at BankAtlantic Center will be remembered for many years.
Petruzelli, 28, had been slated to fight on the undercard against Aaron Rosa at the BankAtlantic Center. But he was bumped up to the heavyweight main event of the EliteXC "CBS Saturday Night Fights" card when the athletic commission sidelined Ken Shamrock. The UFC Hall of Famer needed six stitches over his left eye after an old cut reopened when he was bumping heads warming up earlier in the day.
Petruzelli (11-4), a graduate of Season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality TV show, had been training to fight at light-heavyweight and weighed in 205 1/2 pounds, 29 pounds lighter than Slice. He had also lost two of his last four fights before dispatching Slice.
Slice (3-1) declined to touch gloves in the cage before the fight and came forward at the bell, backing off Petruzelli.
But as Slice looked to block a front kick, he was toppled with a right. Slice fell forward and Petruzelli kept punching. Slice turned on his back and had taken almost a dozen unanswered punches before referee Troy Waugh stepped in.
* * *
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Life as a mixed martial artist will never be the same for Seth Petruzelli. What he accomplished last night at BankAtlantic Center will be remembered for many years.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
O.J. Guilty
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Thirteen years to the day after being acquitted of killing his wife and her friend in Los Angeles, O.J. Simpson was found guilty of robbing two sports-memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel room.
The 61-year-old former football star was convicted of all 12 counts late Friday after jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours. He released a heavy sigh as the charges were read and was immediately taken into custody.
Simpson, who went from American sports idol to celebrity-in-exile after his murder acquittal, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
[12/5/08] A broken O.J. Simpson was sentenced today to as much as 33 years in prison for a hotel armed robbery after a judge rejected his apology and said, "It was much more than stupidity."
The 61-year-old football Hall of Famer stood shackled and stone-faced as Judge Jackie Glass rattled off the punishment. Moments before, Simpson made a rambling, five-minute plea for leniency, simultaneously apologizing for the holdup as a foolish mistake and trying to justify his actions.
He choked back tears as he told her: "I didn't want to steal anything from anyone. ... I'm sorry, sorry."
Simpson said he was simply trying to retrieve sports memorabilia and other mementos, including his first wife's wedding ring, from two dealers when he stormed a Las Vegas hotel room on Sept. 13, 2007.
But the judge emphasized that it was a violent confrontation in which at least one gun was drawn, and she said someone could have been shot. She said the evidence was overwhelming, with the planning, the confrontation itself and the aftermath all recorded on audio or videotape.
Glass, a no-nonsense judge known for her tough sentences, imposed such a complex series of consecutive and concurrent sentences that even many attorneys watching the case were confused as to how much time Simpson got.
Simpson could serve up to 33 years but could be eligible for parole after nine years, according to Elana Roberto, the judge's clerk.
The 61-year-old former football star was convicted of all 12 counts late Friday after jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours. He released a heavy sigh as the charges were read and was immediately taken into custody.
Simpson, who went from American sports idol to celebrity-in-exile after his murder acquittal, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
[12/5/08] A broken O.J. Simpson was sentenced today to as much as 33 years in prison for a hotel armed robbery after a judge rejected his apology and said, "It was much more than stupidity."
The 61-year-old football Hall of Famer stood shackled and stone-faced as Judge Jackie Glass rattled off the punishment. Moments before, Simpson made a rambling, five-minute plea for leniency, simultaneously apologizing for the holdup as a foolish mistake and trying to justify his actions.
He choked back tears as he told her: "I didn't want to steal anything from anyone. ... I'm sorry, sorry."
Simpson said he was simply trying to retrieve sports memorabilia and other mementos, including his first wife's wedding ring, from two dealers when he stormed a Las Vegas hotel room on Sept. 13, 2007.
But the judge emphasized that it was a violent confrontation in which at least one gun was drawn, and she said someone could have been shot. She said the evidence was overwhelming, with the planning, the confrontation itself and the aftermath all recorded on audio or videotape.
Glass, a no-nonsense judge known for her tough sentences, imposed such a complex series of consecutive and concurrent sentences that even many attorneys watching the case were confused as to how much time Simpson got.
Simpson could serve up to 33 years but could be eligible for parole after nine years, according to Elana Roberto, the judge's clerk.
Friday, October 03, 2008
20 Years of UH Football
Bob Hogue looks back at moments in 20 years of University of Hawaii football
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gebrselassie breaks marathon world record
Haile Gebrselassie broke his own marathon world record today, becoming the first runner to finish under 2 hours, 4 minutes.
The Ethiopian clocked 2:03:59 to win his third straight Berlin Marathon, beating the mark of 2:04:26 he set last year over the same flat course. He also became the first runner to win the race three times.
The Ethiopian chose to skip the Olympic marathon in Beijing because of the city's pollution. However, he finished sixth in the 10,000 meters, a race he won in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.
The Ethiopian clocked 2:03:59 to win his third straight Berlin Marathon, beating the mark of 2:04:26 he set last year over the same flat course. He also became the first runner to win the race three times.
The Ethiopian chose to skip the Olympic marathon in Beijing because of the city's pollution. However, he finished sixth in the 10,000 meters, a race he won in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
why are men faster than women?
Women are slower than men in running, in swimming, in cycling. Whether it is a 100-meter race on the track or a marathon, a 200-meter butterfly swim or a 10-kilometer marathon swim, the pattern holds.
And even though some scientists once predicted that women would eventually close the gender gap in elite performances — it was proposed that all they needed was more experience, better training and stronger coaching — that idea is now largely discredited, at least for Olympic events. Researchers say there is no one physiological reason for the gap, although there is a common biological thread.
“To a large extent, it’s a matter of testosterone,” said Dr. Benjamin Levine, director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Presbyterian Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “That’s why systematic doping of women is even more effective than systematic doping of men. That’s why the East German women were so much more successful than the East German men.”
The hormone affects everything from muscle size and strength to the size of the heart to the amount of oxygen-carrying blood cells in the body to the percentage of fat on an athlete’s body. Every one of those effects gives men a performance advantage.
Testosterone, Levine said, gives men what he calls a bigger and better-fueled engine. Their skeletal muscles, which do the work during exercise, are bigger. And their hearts, which provide fuel for the work, are bigger, too.
And even though some scientists once predicted that women would eventually close the gender gap in elite performances — it was proposed that all they needed was more experience, better training and stronger coaching — that idea is now largely discredited, at least for Olympic events. Researchers say there is no one physiological reason for the gap, although there is a common biological thread.
“To a large extent, it’s a matter of testosterone,” said Dr. Benjamin Levine, director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Presbyterian Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “That’s why systematic doping of women is even more effective than systematic doping of men. That’s why the East German women were so much more successful than the East German men.”
The hormone affects everything from muscle size and strength to the size of the heart to the amount of oxygen-carrying blood cells in the body to the percentage of fat on an athlete’s body. Every one of those effects gives men a performance advantage.
Testosterone, Levine said, gives men what he calls a bigger and better-fueled engine. Their skeletal muscles, which do the work during exercise, are bigger. And their hearts, which provide fuel for the work, are bigger, too.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Don Haskins
EL PASO, Texas — Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Haskins, credited with helping break color barriers in college sports in 1966 when he used five black starters to win a national championship for what was then Texas Western, died today, Texas-El Paso officials said.
UTEP spokesman Jeff Darby said Haskins, who was 78, died Sunday afternoon. He had no other details.
Haskins was an old-time coach who believed in hard work and was known for his gruff demeanor.
That attitude was portrayed in the 2006 movie "Glory Road," the Disney film that chronicled Haskins' improbable rise to national fame in the 1966 championship game against Kentucky. The movie, which was preceded by a book of the same title, also sparked renewed interest in Haskins' hall of fame career.
UTEP spokesman Jeff Darby said Haskins, who was 78, died Sunday afternoon. He had no other details.
Haskins was an old-time coach who believed in hard work and was known for his gruff demeanor.
That attitude was portrayed in the 2006 movie "Glory Road," the Disney film that chronicled Haskins' improbable rise to national fame in the 1966 championship game against Kentucky. The movie, which was preceded by a book of the same title, also sparked renewed interest in Haskins' hall of fame career.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Skip Caray
ATLANTA - Skip Caray, a voice of the Atlanta Braves for 33 years and part of a family line of baseball broadcasters that included Hall of Famer Harry Caray, died in his sleep at home on Sunday, the team said. He was 68.
The cause of death was not immediately known, but various health problems had limited Caray to calling only Braves home games this season.
"We've all lost a very good friend," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "For me, he was a good buddy -- at the park and away from the park. We always had a lot of great laughs. He will be very sorely missed."
Caray was drawn into broadcasting by his father, Harry, the longtime voice of the Chicago Cubs and a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The family line has continued with two of Skip Caray's sons. Chip Caray is part of the Braves broadcast team and Josh Caray is working on the radio for the Class A Rome Braves.
The cause of death was not immediately known, but various health problems had limited Caray to calling only Braves home games this season.
"We've all lost a very good friend," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "For me, he was a good buddy -- at the park and away from the park. We always had a lot of great laughs. He will be very sorely missed."
Caray was drawn into broadcasting by his father, Harry, the longtime voice of the Chicago Cubs and a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The family line has continued with two of Skip Caray's sons. Chip Caray is part of the Braves broadcast team and Josh Caray is working on the radio for the Class A Rome Braves.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Waipio Wins World Series
Waipio not only won the Little League World Series yesterday with a 12-3 drubbing of Matamoros, Mexico; the local youngsters did it in record-setting style.
The victory was the largest margin by a U.S. team over an International opponent in the history of the championship game. Waipio is also only the second team in Little League history to score in every inning of the title match. The first team to do it was Taiwan in 1974.
It is the second time in four years a Hawaii team won the biggest title in youth sports, with teams from Georgia winning the other two in that title stretch.
The victory was the largest margin by a U.S. team over an International opponent in the history of the championship game. Waipio is also only the second team in Little League history to score in every inning of the title match. The first team to do it was Taiwan in 1974.
It is the second time in four years a Hawaii team won the biggest title in youth sports, with teams from Georgia winning the other two in that title stretch.
Waipio rallies to win U.S. Championship
Tanner Tokunaga doubled home two runs with the bases loaded with two outs to cap a dramatic six-run sixth inning that gave Waipio a come-from-behind, 7-5 win yesterday over Louisiana to advance to the Little League World Series title game.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Brian Clay captures gold
BEIJING — Hawai'i's Bryan Clay is on top of the world.
Clay, the Castle High graduate from Kane'ohe, led from start to finish to become the first American since 1996 to win the Olympic decathlon gold medal today as the "world's greatest athlete."
Clay is believed to have won the first individual gold by any athlete raised or born and raised in Hawai'i in more than 50 years. Ford Konno won an individual gold medal in swimming in 1952.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to have worked for something for so long, and finally accomplish it, and have my dreams come true," Clay said. "I'm very pleased with my score, of course I'm pleased with the medal and the title that comes with the medal."
Clay, the Castle High graduate from Kane'ohe, led from start to finish to become the first American since 1996 to win the Olympic decathlon gold medal today as the "world's greatest athlete."
Clay is believed to have won the first individual gold by any athlete raised or born and raised in Hawai'i in more than 50 years. Ford Konno won an individual gold medal in swimming in 1952.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to have worked for something for so long, and finally accomplish it, and have my dreams come true," Clay said. "I'm very pleased with my score, of course I'm pleased with the medal and the title that comes with the medal."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Phelps makes it eight
BEIJING -- A journey that started four years ago after his six gold medals in Athens and included 17 swims over nine days here ended triumphantly for Michael Phelps on Sunday.
Phelps earned his unprecedented eighth Olympic gold medal of the 2008 Olympics as he swam the butterfly leg of the Americans' world-record win in the 4x100m medley relay to close out the swimming competition at the Water Cube.
Phelps earned his unprecedented eighth Olympic gold medal of the 2008 Olympics as he swam the butterfly leg of the Americans' world-record win in the 4x100m medley relay to close out the swimming competition at the Water Cube.
Bolt shatters world record at Olympics
BEIJING - Track and field needs a new hero.
It got one Saturday night who can fly.
In the most outrageous display of speed to ever burn across the Olympic Games, Usain Bolt of Jamaica rocketed to gold in winning the men's 100m dash in 9.69 seconds -- not only a new world record but the first time in the history of human beings a man has run the distance under 9.7 seconds without a significant tailwind.
Incredibly, Bolt, 21, could have gone faster.
With a full seven strides to go, he dropped his arms and let them fall outstretched to his sides, appearing almost to run sideways as he played to the sold-out crowd of 91,000 at the Bird's Nest. Just before the finish line, he started high-stepping and, for good measure, executed a chest-thump.
All that, and still -- 9.69 seconds. Bolt simply ran away from the rest of the best of the world.
It got one Saturday night who can fly.
In the most outrageous display of speed to ever burn across the Olympic Games, Usain Bolt of Jamaica rocketed to gold in winning the men's 100m dash in 9.69 seconds -- not only a new world record but the first time in the history of human beings a man has run the distance under 9.7 seconds without a significant tailwind.
Incredibly, Bolt, 21, could have gone faster.
With a full seven strides to go, he dropped his arms and let them fall outstretched to his sides, appearing almost to run sideways as he played to the sold-out crowd of 91,000 at the Bird's Nest. Just before the finish line, he started high-stepping and, for good measure, executed a chest-thump.
All that, and still -- 9.69 seconds. Bolt simply ran away from the rest of the best of the world.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Favre traded to Jets
The Green Bay Packers agreed last night to trade quarterback Brett Favre to the New York Jets, a final surprising twist to a football soap opera that already had been full of them.
The Jets apparently outbid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the three-time NFL MVP, who retired in March but changed his mind in recent weeks. According to one source close to the trade talks, the Jets surrendered a fourth-round draft pick that can increase in value, potentially all the way to a first-round choice, based on the performance of Favre and his new team this season.
The Jets apparently outbid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the three-time NFL MVP, who retired in March but changed his mind in recent weeks. According to one source close to the trade talks, the Jets surrendered a fourth-round draft pick that can increase in value, potentially all the way to a first-round choice, based on the performance of Favre and his new team this season.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Parker McLachlin gets first PGA Tour Win
Honolulu's Parker McLachlin didn't expect to even play in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, let alone come away with his first victory on the PGA Tour.
Now he's secured a spot in this week's PGA Championship at Oakland Hill and, perhaps more important to him, an invite to the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship next January in his home state of Hawai'i.
"I used to go over there and work that golf tournament picking the range, spending the week over there when I was 13, 14 years old being a standard bearer," said McLachlin, 29, who held on with a 2-over-par 74 yesterday to win the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at 18-under 270 — seven strokes better than Brian Davis and John Rollins.
"I can vividly remember being a standard bearer for Fred Couples. I just idolized those guys and to be part of that fraternity, I just can't express it," McLachlin said. "It has been a dream of mine since I was about 12."
The Punahou School and UCLA alum, who is in his second year on tour, began the final round with a six-shot lead after tying the course record of 62 on Friday and setting a 54-hole mark of 20-under par at the 7,472-yard Montreux Golf & Country Club near Lake Tahoe.
He extended it to seven after three holes yesterday, but the nerves tightened when he saw it shrink to four with seven holes to play before escaping trouble several times down the stretch and dropping a 15-foot putt on the 18th for his lone birdie of the day.
"I was fortunate to have that big cushion because I needed it," McLachlin said. "Brian was putting the heat on and I was feeling it.
Now he's secured a spot in this week's PGA Championship at Oakland Hill and, perhaps more important to him, an invite to the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship next January in his home state of Hawai'i.
"I used to go over there and work that golf tournament picking the range, spending the week over there when I was 13, 14 years old being a standard bearer," said McLachlin, 29, who held on with a 2-over-par 74 yesterday to win the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at 18-under 270 — seven strokes better than Brian Davis and John Rollins.
"I can vividly remember being a standard bearer for Fred Couples. I just idolized those guys and to be part of that fraternity, I just can't express it," McLachlin said. "It has been a dream of mine since I was about 12."
The Punahou School and UCLA alum, who is in his second year on tour, began the final round with a six-shot lead after tying the course record of 62 on Friday and setting a 54-hole mark of 20-under par at the 7,472-yard Montreux Golf & Country Club near Lake Tahoe.
He extended it to seven after three holes yesterday, but the nerves tightened when he saw it shrink to four with seven holes to play before escaping trouble several times down the stretch and dropping a 15-foot putt on the 18th for his lone birdie of the day.
"I was fortunate to have that big cushion because I needed it," McLachlin said. "Brian was putting the heat on and I was feeling it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
baseball leans to the left
David Peters was born lefthanded. It took a few raps on the hand by his teachers, but like many in his generation, he switched to being a righty.
Maybe that's why Peters, now 61, became a scholar instead of a first baseman.
Peters is an engineering professor at Washington University in St. Louis who happens to be a baseball nut. He looked at baseball from an engineer's perspective and determined that southpaws have a decided advantage.
"Ninety percent of the human population is righthanded, but in baseball 25 percent of the players, both pitchers and batters, are lefthanded," Peters said.
"Do lefties have an advantage? They definitely do. The statistics bear that out."
Maybe that's why Peters, now 61, became a scholar instead of a first baseman.
Peters is an engineering professor at Washington University in St. Louis who happens to be a baseball nut. He looked at baseball from an engineer's perspective and determined that southpaws have a decided advantage.
"Ninety percent of the human population is righthanded, but in baseball 25 percent of the players, both pitchers and batters, are lefthanded," Peters said.
"Do lefties have an advantage? They definitely do. The statistics bear that out."
Shock signs Lieberman
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Shock came up with a way to distract some attention away from their skirmish earlier this week.
For one game at least.
The Shock signed 50-year-old Nancy Lieberman, a Hall of Famer and one of their former coaches, to a seven-day contract on Thursday and she expected to play only that night in Houston.
"It's really a one-game deal," Lieberman said in a telephone interview. "My motivation stems from the fact that I love this game and I never stopped playing it whether it's a pickup game with Deion Sanders and Tony Romo at a church or at a park with my son."
She became the oldest player in WNBA history at 39 while playing for the Phoenix Mercury in 1997, the league's inaugural season.
Shock coach Bill Laimbeer says Lieberman, an ESPN analyst, was impressive during drills during last year's WNBA All-Star game.
"This is not a gimmick," Laimbeer insisted. "I talked to her last year about this and again two weeks ago. This opportunity probably would've happened if we didn't have the incident the other night."
A spot opened up for Lieberman when standout forward Cheryl Ford suffered a season-ending knee injury Tuesday night when the Shock, assistant coach Rick Mahorn and the Los Angeles Sparks were involved in a skirmish.
Lieberman was the general manager and coach of the Shock from 1998-2000. During her professional playing career, she averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
She played at Old Dominion University from 1976-80, helping the school win two national titles, and played for the U.S. Olympic team in 1976 and 1980.
Lieberman was the first woman to play professionally with men as part of the USBL's Springfield Fame in 1986.
She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame three years later.
For one game at least.
The Shock signed 50-year-old Nancy Lieberman, a Hall of Famer and one of their former coaches, to a seven-day contract on Thursday and she expected to play only that night in Houston.
"It's really a one-game deal," Lieberman said in a telephone interview. "My motivation stems from the fact that I love this game and I never stopped playing it whether it's a pickup game with Deion Sanders and Tony Romo at a church or at a park with my son."
She became the oldest player in WNBA history at 39 while playing for the Phoenix Mercury in 1997, the league's inaugural season.
Shock coach Bill Laimbeer says Lieberman, an ESPN analyst, was impressive during drills during last year's WNBA All-Star game.
"This is not a gimmick," Laimbeer insisted. "I talked to her last year about this and again two weeks ago. This opportunity probably would've happened if we didn't have the incident the other night."
A spot opened up for Lieberman when standout forward Cheryl Ford suffered a season-ending knee injury Tuesday night when the Shock, assistant coach Rick Mahorn and the Los Angeles Sparks were involved in a skirmish.
Lieberman was the general manager and coach of the Shock from 1998-2000. During her professional playing career, she averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
She played at Old Dominion University from 1976-80, helping the school win two national titles, and played for the U.S. Olympic team in 1976 and 1980.
Lieberman was the first woman to play professionally with men as part of the USBL's Springfield Fame in 1986.
She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame three years later.
Greg McMakin is a friendly person
In the 30-step walk to the hotel elevator, McMackin spotted a maid. He said, "Hi," and, few minutes later, she was offering best wishes for the coming football season.
"I like people," said the first-year University of Hawai'i head football coach, who also engaged in conversations with a waiter and restaurant hostess.
These days, McMackin is a most happy fella.
It is six months since he succeeded June Jones, who orchestrated the most successful football season in school history.
McMackin's first recruiting class, constructed in a frenetic three weeks, drew raves from computer geeks.
And he is well liked. UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee mused that McMackin shakes more hands "than Obama." He has not met a speaking invitation he did not accept.
"I've always been a friendly person," McMackin said. "My wife is that way, too. And it's easier to be that way in Hawai'i because the people of Hawai'i are the same way. I'm amazed by the response we've received. I know I'm on my honeymoon. We haven't played any games, and we had a great season last year. There's a lot of enthusiasm. I feel really responsible to do a great job because of the faith of the administrators, coaches, players and fans. I take this as a very serious responsibility."
"I like people," said the first-year University of Hawai'i head football coach, who also engaged in conversations with a waiter and restaurant hostess.
These days, McMackin is a most happy fella.
It is six months since he succeeded June Jones, who orchestrated the most successful football season in school history.
McMackin's first recruiting class, constructed in a frenetic three weeks, drew raves from computer geeks.
And he is well liked. UH offensive coordinator Ron Lee mused that McMackin shakes more hands "than Obama." He has not met a speaking invitation he did not accept.
"I've always been a friendly person," McMackin said. "My wife is that way, too. And it's easier to be that way in Hawai'i because the people of Hawai'i are the same way. I'm amazed by the response we've received. I know I'm on my honeymoon. We haven't played any games, and we had a great season last year. There's a lot of enthusiasm. I feel really responsible to do a great job because of the faith of the administrators, coaches, players and fans. I take this as a very serious responsibility."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Woe is Wie
Just when he seemed that things were getting better...
Michelle Wie finished the third round of the State Farm Classic alone in second today — that is, if she hadn't already been disqualified.
Wie failed to sign her scorecard after yesterday's second round. She showed up today and shot 5-under 67 to finish alone in second at 17 under, one stroke back of Yani Tseng. That's when Wie learned of the LPGA's ruling.
The 18-year-old Wie, who appeared to have been crying, told reporters she made a mistake.
"I don't know how it happened," she said.
Wie, who is playing a part-time schedule while attending Stanford, was having by far her best tournament of the year. She opened with a 5-under 67 and followed with rounds of 65 and 67 — though the last two won't count.
Michelle Wie finished the third round of the State Farm Classic alone in second today — that is, if she hadn't already been disqualified.
Wie failed to sign her scorecard after yesterday's second round. She showed up today and shot 5-under 67 to finish alone in second at 17 under, one stroke back of Yani Tseng. That's when Wie learned of the LPGA's ruling.
The 18-year-old Wie, who appeared to have been crying, told reporters she made a mistake.
"I don't know how it happened," she said.
Wie, who is playing a part-time schedule while attending Stanford, was having by far her best tournament of the year. She opened with a 5-under 67 and followed with rounds of 65 and 67 — though the last two won't count.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Chestnut remains top dog
In one of the most exciting finishes in hot dog eating competition history, defending champion Joey Chestnut today defeated six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi in overtime to keep the Mustard Belt, $20,000 and the world's fastest hot dog eater title.
Both eaters downed 59 hot dogs in the regular 10-minute competition at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, forcing a speed-eating, five-dog overtime.
Both eaters downed 59 hot dogs in the regular 10-minute competition at Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hotdog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, forcing a speed-eating, five-dog overtime.
Nadal ends Federer's reign at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England — Rafael Nadal, grass stains on his white shirt and a Spanish flag tucked under his arm, scampered through the Centre Court stands to celebrate his first Wimbledon title with hugs and handshakes.
Roger Federer sat in his changeover chair, alone with his thoughts, alone with the knowledge that he had come so close to becoming the first man since the 1880s to win a sixth consecutive title at the All England Club.
Two points from victory, the No. 1-ranked Federer couldn't pull it out, instead succumbing to No. 2 Nadal, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7, yesterday in a 4-hour, 48-minute test of wills that was the longest men's final in Wimbledon history — and quite possibly the greatest.
Roger Federer sat in his changeover chair, alone with his thoughts, alone with the knowledge that he had come so close to becoming the first man since the 1880s to win a sixth consecutive title at the All England Club.
Two points from victory, the No. 1-ranked Federer couldn't pull it out, instead succumbing to No. 2 Nadal, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7, yesterday in a 4-hour, 48-minute test of wills that was the longest men's final in Wimbledon history — and quite possibly the greatest.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
NBA leaves Seattle
Clay Bennett finally found a dollar amount that would sever his contentious relationship with the city of Seattle — $75 million.
As a result, the SuperSonics are headed to Oklahoma City with Bennett leading the way, leaving behind the team name, colors and 41 years of history.
Oklahoma City will have an NBA franchise for the 2008-09 season after a settlement announced yesterday between the team and the city of Seattle, ending the clashing bond with the city that culminated in a six-day federal trial over terms of the team's KeyArena lease. The judge was scheduled to rule yesterday afternoon.
"We made it," Bennett said after stepping to an Oklahoma City podium featuring the NBA logo and the letters OKC. "The NBA will be in Oklahoma City next season."
As a result, the SuperSonics are headed to Oklahoma City with Bennett leading the way, leaving behind the team name, colors and 41 years of history.
Oklahoma City will have an NBA franchise for the 2008-09 season after a settlement announced yesterday between the team and the city of Seattle, ending the clashing bond with the city that culminated in a six-day federal trial over terms of the team's KeyArena lease. The judge was scheduled to rule yesterday afternoon.
"We made it," Bennett said after stepping to an Oklahoma City podium featuring the NBA logo and the letters OKC. "The NBA will be in Oklahoma City next season."
Friday, June 27, 2008
Aloha Stadium to be renovated
The estimated $185 million renovation of Aloha Stadium is expected to transform the rusting, 33-year-old facility into a "new stadium," a state official said.
"It'll be just like when you walked into the stadium the first time," state Comptroller Russ Saito said yesterday after a stadium improvements presentation at the monthly Aloha Stadium board meeting.
"The seats were all shiny. The colors were bright. The steps you walked on were all solid. All of that will be refurbished. It will be like a new stadium."
The renovation project — aimed at extending the lifespan of the 50,000-seat multi-purpose facility for another 30 years — will entail several phases.
The initial stage is aimed at fixing "the health and safety issues of the stadium," according to Stadium Authority Chairman Kevin Chong Kee.
Later stages, aimed at enhancing "the spectator experience" and generating revenue, will explore adding luxury suites and several other amenities.
Saito said the project will start in March, with major work being done between the end of the NFL's 2009 Pro Bowl and the University of Hawai'i football season. The makeover is expected to be completed in 2013.
"It'll be just like when you walked into the stadium the first time," state Comptroller Russ Saito said yesterday after a stadium improvements presentation at the monthly Aloha Stadium board meeting.
"The seats were all shiny. The colors were bright. The steps you walked on were all solid. All of that will be refurbished. It will be like a new stadium."
The renovation project — aimed at extending the lifespan of the 50,000-seat multi-purpose facility for another 30 years — will entail several phases.
The initial stage is aimed at fixing "the health and safety issues of the stadium," according to Stadium Authority Chairman Kevin Chong Kee.
Later stages, aimed at enhancing "the spectator experience" and generating revenue, will explore adding luxury suites and several other amenities.
Saito said the project will start in March, with major work being done between the end of the NFL's 2009 Pro Bowl and the University of Hawai'i football season. The makeover is expected to be completed in 2013.
Freshmen top 2008 NBA Draft
NEW YORK (AP) -- Derrick Rose is going home, and a record crowd of freshmen are following him to the NBA.
The Chicago Bulls selected Rose, who grew up on the city's South Side, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Thursday night, choosing the Memphis guard over Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.
With Beasley going second to Miami and Minnesota picking O.J. Mayo at No. 3, college freshmen made up the first three picks for the first time in draft history.
"We actually talked about this earlier," Beasley said. "We all grew up together and we all grew up playing against each other and we all made a pact together that we would all be here. Just to see it all fall into place and see it all happen is kind of crazy."
The Timberwolves dealt Mayo's rights to Memphis for the rights to Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick, in an eight-player deal after the draft ended. Minnesota also gets Mike Miller, Jason Collins and Brian Cardinal, and sent Antoine Walker, Marko Jaric and Greg Buckner to Memphis.
A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed it to The Associated Press, speaking on the condition on anonymity because the trade had yet to be officially announced.
Five of the first seven players selected and 10 in the first round were freshmen, both NBA records. It was also a big night for the Pac-10 Conference, which had five of the first 11 picks.
Rose led the Tigers to the national championship game in his lone college season. The Bulls opted for the point guard's playmaking ability over the scoring and rebounding of Beasley, who ranked in the top three in the nation in both categories.
"We talked so much about it. We really did," Bulls general manager John Paxson said. "Very honestly, at the end when we made our decision, it was unanimous with my scouts and coaches and myself. This was the direction we wanted to go in the end, and it has nothing to do with the talent of Michael Beasley. This had everything to do with the direction we felt was right for us."
Rose is the Bulls' first No. 1 overall selection since they grabbed Elton Brand in 1999. He's the second straight freshman taken with the top pick, following Portland's Greg Oden last year.
The 6-foot-3 guard put on a red Bulls cap, hugged some supporters, including Memphis coach John Calipari, and shook hands with Beasley, seated at a nearby table, before walking onto the stage to meet NBA commissioner David Stern.
"I was a little nervous when they came back out, but I always had that in mind that I want to be No. 1," Rose said. "So it was great hearing my name and being the No. 1 pick."
Rose should be an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, who now could be traded, and gives the Bulls another option if they don't re-sign guard Ben Gordon.
Expected to contend for a division title, the Bulls instead stumbled to a 33-49 record and eventually replaced two coaches. But with just a 1.7 percent chance, they won last month's draft lottery, giving them a chance to quickly return to the playoffs.
"It feels great to go in and compete," Rose said. "I'm just blessed to be in that position right now, because a lot of people aren't. And just knowing that we are a few pieces away from really contending as a team, it just makes me happy."
Miami settled for Beasley at No. 2, even though he wasn't sure if the Heat would go for Mayo instead. Beasley averaged 26.2 points, third in the nation, and topped Division I with 12.4 rebounds per game. But with questions about his size -- he may be 2 inches shorter than the 6-foot-10 he's listed at -- the Bulls may not have believed he could play the 4 spot in the NBA.
After Mayo's selection, UCLA guard Russell Westbrook was the first non-freshmen taken, going fourth to the Seattle SuperSonics -- with new teammate and reigning Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant standing and applauding the pick from the back.
Love gave UCLA consecutive picks and the New York Knicks followed at No. 6 with Italian forward Danilo Gallinari, whose father played with new coach Mike D'Antoni overseas. Fans in Madison Square Garden weren't impressed, booing loudly.
"It's part of the game, all the players have got to hear this," Gallinari said. "Not every time can you hear good things. It's normal."
Indiana guard Eric Gordon became the fifth freshman taken, going to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 7. West Virginia's Joe Alexander, whose stock began to rise after a strong run at Madison Square Garden in the Big East tournament, went to Milwaukee with the next pick.
Charlotte gave new coach Larry Brown a point guard, taking D.J. Augustin of Texas with the ninth pick. New Jersey took Stanford center Brook Lopez at No. 10, and Arizona's Jerryd Bayless joined fellow Pac-10 guards Mayo and Westbrook by going 11th to Indiana.
Bayless' rights were later traded to Portland along with Ike Diogu for the rights to Brandon Rush, the No. 13 pick from national champion Kansas, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts. Rush's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press about the deal shortly after Rush was taken.
The Pacers also had a proposed trade with the Toronto Raptors. Indiana would send six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined.
Sacramento pulled a surprise at No. 12 with Rider forward Jason Thompson, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the year and the first senior taken. Golden State grabbed LSU forward Anthony Randolph -- yet another freshman -- with the 14th and final lottery pick.
Robin Lopez joined twin brother Brook in the NBA when Phoenix chose him at No. 15. That started a run of big men in which Philadelphia took Florida's Marreese Speights, Toronto picked Roy Hibbert of Georgetown at No. 17, and Washington drafted Nevada 7-footer JaVale McGee with the 18th pick.
After taking guards earlier, Seattle and Charlotte both went big with their second first-round picks. The Bobcats selected French center Alexis Aninca at No. 20 and the Sonics took Congo's Serge Ibaka four picks later.
Darrell Arthur of Kansas was the final player in the green room, lasting until the 27th spot, where New Orleans grabbed him -- and dealt his rights to Portland for cash in a previously arranged deal. The Trail Blazers then traded his rights to the Houston Rockets, who shipped them to Memphis in another transaction.
NBA champion Boston chose J.R. Giddens of New Mexico with the 30th and final pick of the first round.
Mario Chalmers, Darnell Jackson (No. 52, Miami) and Sasha Kaun (No. 56, Seattle) were taken in the second round, giving the Jayhawks five players in the draft -- and all had their rights traded. Chalmers was picked by Minnesota but his rights were later dealt to Miami. Cleveland later acquired the rights to both Jackson and Kaun.
Joey Dorsey (Portland, No. 33, rights traded to Houston) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (New Jersey, No. 40) of runner-up Memphis also were picked. Texas A&M center DeAndre Jordan, considered a possible lottery pick, tumbled to the Clippers at No. 35.
Other well-known names going late in the draft included: UCLA's Luc Mbah a Moute (No. 37, Milwaukee); Georgetown's Patrick Ewing Jr. (No. 43, Sacramento); Kansas State's Bill Walker (No. 47, Washington, rights traded to Boston); and Kentucky's Joe Crawford (No. 58, Lakers).
* * *
2008 NBA DRAFT TRADES
Note: Proposed and pending league approval
1. Indiana traded F Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for G T.J. Ford, C Rasho Nesterovic, the rights to C Roy Hibbert and a player to be determined.
2. Indiana traded F Ike Diogu and the rights to G Jerryd Bayless to Portland for G Jarrett Jack, F Josh McRoberts and the rights to G Brandon Rush.
3. New Orleans traded the rights to F Darrell Arthur to Portland for cash considerations.
4. Detroit traded the rights F D.J. White to Seattle for the rights to F Walter Sharpe and the rights to Trent Plaisted f, BYU.
5. Minnesota traded the rights to G Mario Chalmers to Miami for two future second-round pick and cash considerations.
6. Washington traded the rights to F Bill Walker to Boston for cash considerations.
7. Portland traded the rights to G Mike Taylor to the L.A. Clippers for a 2009 second-round pick.
8. San Antonio traded the rights to F Goran Dragic to Phoenix for the rights to F Malik Hairston, a future second-round pick and cash considerations.
9.Houston traded the rights to G Nicolas Batum to Portland for the rights to F Darrell Arthur and F Joey Dorsey.
10. Houston traded the rights to F Darrell Arthur to Memphis for the rights to F Donte Greene and a future second-round pick.
11. Chicago traded the rights to G-F Sonny Weems to Denver for its 2009 second-round pick.
12. Chicago acquired the rights to F Omer Asik from Portland for its 2010 second-round pick, Denver's 2009 second-round draft pick and New York's 2009 second-round pick.
13. Miami traded the rights to F Darnell Jackson to Cleveland for a future second-round pick.
14. Seattle traded the rights to C Sasha Kaun to Cleveland for cash considerations.
Non-Draft Trade
New Jersey traded F Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for F Yi Jianlian and F Bobby Simmons.
The Chicago Bulls selected Rose, who grew up on the city's South Side, with the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Thursday night, choosing the Memphis guard over Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.
With Beasley going second to Miami and Minnesota picking O.J. Mayo at No. 3, college freshmen made up the first three picks for the first time in draft history.
"We actually talked about this earlier," Beasley said. "We all grew up together and we all grew up playing against each other and we all made a pact together that we would all be here. Just to see it all fall into place and see it all happen is kind of crazy."
The Timberwolves dealt Mayo's rights to Memphis for the rights to Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick, in an eight-player deal after the draft ended. Minnesota also gets Mike Miller, Jason Collins and Brian Cardinal, and sent Antoine Walker, Marko Jaric and Greg Buckner to Memphis.
A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed it to The Associated Press, speaking on the condition on anonymity because the trade had yet to be officially announced.
Five of the first seven players selected and 10 in the first round were freshmen, both NBA records. It was also a big night for the Pac-10 Conference, which had five of the first 11 picks.
Rose led the Tigers to the national championship game in his lone college season. The Bulls opted for the point guard's playmaking ability over the scoring and rebounding of Beasley, who ranked in the top three in the nation in both categories.
"We talked so much about it. We really did," Bulls general manager John Paxson said. "Very honestly, at the end when we made our decision, it was unanimous with my scouts and coaches and myself. This was the direction we wanted to go in the end, and it has nothing to do with the talent of Michael Beasley. This had everything to do with the direction we felt was right for us."
Rose is the Bulls' first No. 1 overall selection since they grabbed Elton Brand in 1999. He's the second straight freshman taken with the top pick, following Portland's Greg Oden last year.
The 6-foot-3 guard put on a red Bulls cap, hugged some supporters, including Memphis coach John Calipari, and shook hands with Beasley, seated at a nearby table, before walking onto the stage to meet NBA commissioner David Stern.
"I was a little nervous when they came back out, but I always had that in mind that I want to be No. 1," Rose said. "So it was great hearing my name and being the No. 1 pick."
Rose should be an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, who now could be traded, and gives the Bulls another option if they don't re-sign guard Ben Gordon.
Expected to contend for a division title, the Bulls instead stumbled to a 33-49 record and eventually replaced two coaches. But with just a 1.7 percent chance, they won last month's draft lottery, giving them a chance to quickly return to the playoffs.
"It feels great to go in and compete," Rose said. "I'm just blessed to be in that position right now, because a lot of people aren't. And just knowing that we are a few pieces away from really contending as a team, it just makes me happy."
Miami settled for Beasley at No. 2, even though he wasn't sure if the Heat would go for Mayo instead. Beasley averaged 26.2 points, third in the nation, and topped Division I with 12.4 rebounds per game. But with questions about his size -- he may be 2 inches shorter than the 6-foot-10 he's listed at -- the Bulls may not have believed he could play the 4 spot in the NBA.
After Mayo's selection, UCLA guard Russell Westbrook was the first non-freshmen taken, going fourth to the Seattle SuperSonics -- with new teammate and reigning Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant standing and applauding the pick from the back.
Love gave UCLA consecutive picks and the New York Knicks followed at No. 6 with Italian forward Danilo Gallinari, whose father played with new coach Mike D'Antoni overseas. Fans in Madison Square Garden weren't impressed, booing loudly.
"It's part of the game, all the players have got to hear this," Gallinari said. "Not every time can you hear good things. It's normal."
Indiana guard Eric Gordon became the fifth freshman taken, going to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 7. West Virginia's Joe Alexander, whose stock began to rise after a strong run at Madison Square Garden in the Big East tournament, went to Milwaukee with the next pick.
Charlotte gave new coach Larry Brown a point guard, taking D.J. Augustin of Texas with the ninth pick. New Jersey took Stanford center Brook Lopez at No. 10, and Arizona's Jerryd Bayless joined fellow Pac-10 guards Mayo and Westbrook by going 11th to Indiana.
Bayless' rights were later traded to Portland along with Ike Diogu for the rights to Brandon Rush, the No. 13 pick from national champion Kansas, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts. Rush's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press about the deal shortly after Rush was taken.
The Pacers also had a proposed trade with the Toronto Raptors. Indiana would send six-time All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined.
Sacramento pulled a surprise at No. 12 with Rider forward Jason Thompson, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference player of the year and the first senior taken. Golden State grabbed LSU forward Anthony Randolph -- yet another freshman -- with the 14th and final lottery pick.
Robin Lopez joined twin brother Brook in the NBA when Phoenix chose him at No. 15. That started a run of big men in which Philadelphia took Florida's Marreese Speights, Toronto picked Roy Hibbert of Georgetown at No. 17, and Washington drafted Nevada 7-footer JaVale McGee with the 18th pick.
After taking guards earlier, Seattle and Charlotte both went big with their second first-round picks. The Bobcats selected French center Alexis Aninca at No. 20 and the Sonics took Congo's Serge Ibaka four picks later.
Darrell Arthur of Kansas was the final player in the green room, lasting until the 27th spot, where New Orleans grabbed him -- and dealt his rights to Portland for cash in a previously arranged deal. The Trail Blazers then traded his rights to the Houston Rockets, who shipped them to Memphis in another transaction.
NBA champion Boston chose J.R. Giddens of New Mexico with the 30th and final pick of the first round.
Mario Chalmers, Darnell Jackson (No. 52, Miami) and Sasha Kaun (No. 56, Seattle) were taken in the second round, giving the Jayhawks five players in the draft -- and all had their rights traded. Chalmers was picked by Minnesota but his rights were later dealt to Miami. Cleveland later acquired the rights to both Jackson and Kaun.
Joey Dorsey (Portland, No. 33, rights traded to Houston) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (New Jersey, No. 40) of runner-up Memphis also were picked. Texas A&M center DeAndre Jordan, considered a possible lottery pick, tumbled to the Clippers at No. 35.
Other well-known names going late in the draft included: UCLA's Luc Mbah a Moute (No. 37, Milwaukee); Georgetown's Patrick Ewing Jr. (No. 43, Sacramento); Kansas State's Bill Walker (No. 47, Washington, rights traded to Boston); and Kentucky's Joe Crawford (No. 58, Lakers).
* * *
2008 NBA DRAFT TRADES
Note: Proposed and pending league approval
1. Indiana traded F Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for G T.J. Ford, C Rasho Nesterovic, the rights to C Roy Hibbert and a player to be determined.
2. Indiana traded F Ike Diogu and the rights to G Jerryd Bayless to Portland for G Jarrett Jack, F Josh McRoberts and the rights to G Brandon Rush.
3. New Orleans traded the rights to F Darrell Arthur to Portland for cash considerations.
4. Detroit traded the rights F D.J. White to Seattle for the rights to F Walter Sharpe and the rights to Trent Plaisted f, BYU.
5. Minnesota traded the rights to G Mario Chalmers to Miami for two future second-round pick and cash considerations.
6. Washington traded the rights to F Bill Walker to Boston for cash considerations.
7. Portland traded the rights to G Mike Taylor to the L.A. Clippers for a 2009 second-round pick.
8. San Antonio traded the rights to F Goran Dragic to Phoenix for the rights to F Malik Hairston, a future second-round pick and cash considerations.
9.Houston traded the rights to G Nicolas Batum to Portland for the rights to F Darrell Arthur and F Joey Dorsey.
10. Houston traded the rights to F Darrell Arthur to Memphis for the rights to F Donte Greene and a future second-round pick.
11. Chicago traded the rights to G-F Sonny Weems to Denver for its 2009 second-round pick.
12. Chicago acquired the rights to F Omer Asik from Portland for its 2010 second-round pick, Denver's 2009 second-round draft pick and New York's 2009 second-round pick.
13. Miami traded the rights to F Darnell Jackson to Cleveland for a future second-round pick.
14. Seattle traded the rights to C Sasha Kaun to Cleveland for cash considerations.
Non-Draft Trade
New Jersey traded F Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for F Yi Jianlian and F Bobby Simmons.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Celtics light up
By Dan Shaughnessy, Globe Columnist / June 18, 2008
They are not your old man's Celtics. No black canvas high-tops. No cigar smoke wafting toward the Garden rafters from the Boston bench. No behind-the-back passes from Cooz, and no Larry Legend smashing his face on the parquet floor.
But the 2007-08 Boston Celtics are champions of the world, worthy successors to the men your dad always told you about.
The Celtics returned to glory last night, winning their 17th NBA title - their first banner since 1986 - with a 131-92 Game 6 dismemberment of the soft-shell Lakers at the Causeway Street Gym.
No smoking laws were waived in the New Garden when NBA commissioner David Stern presented the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck at 12:03 this morning.
"Someplace, Red is lighting up a cigar," said Stern.
They are not your old man's Celtics. No black canvas high-tops. No cigar smoke wafting toward the Garden rafters from the Boston bench. No behind-the-back passes from Cooz, and no Larry Legend smashing his face on the parquet floor.
But the 2007-08 Boston Celtics are champions of the world, worthy successors to the men your dad always told you about.
The Celtics returned to glory last night, winning their 17th NBA title - their first banner since 1986 - with a 131-92 Game 6 dismemberment of the soft-shell Lakers at the Causeway Street Gym.
No smoking laws were waived in the New Garden when NBA commissioner David Stern presented the Larry O'Brien Trophy to Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck at 12:03 this morning.
"Someplace, Red is lighting up a cigar," said Stern.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Big Brown finishes last
Big Brown arrived at Belmont Park undefeated in five starts, winning all of them by a combined 39 lengths. His path to history seemed even more certain when unbeaten Casino Drive was scratched in the morning because of a bruised left hind hoof.
But he ran third most of the way until Desormeaux asked him for one of his explosive runs on the far turn of Belmont's 1 1/2 miles, the longest and toughest of the three classics.
When Big Brown turned for home, something wasn't right. Jockey Kent Desormeaux knew the big bay colt was finished. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., who guaranteed racing's first Triple Crown in 30 years, knew it, too.
Big Brown straggled home last Saturday, losing the Belmont Stakes to 38-1 long shot Da' Tara, who led wire-to-wire. Eased up in the homestretch, the 1-4 favorite was so far behind at the end that his margin of defeat wasn't even charted.
"He was empty. He didn't have anything left," Desormeaux said. "There's no popped tires. He's just out of gas."
But he ran third most of the way until Desormeaux asked him for one of his explosive runs on the far turn of Belmont's 1 1/2 miles, the longest and toughest of the three classics.
When Big Brown turned for home, something wasn't right. Jockey Kent Desormeaux knew the big bay colt was finished. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., who guaranteed racing's first Triple Crown in 30 years, knew it, too.
Big Brown straggled home last Saturday, losing the Belmont Stakes to 38-1 long shot Da' Tara, who led wire-to-wire. Eased up in the homestretch, the 1-4 favorite was so far behind at the end that his margin of defeat wasn't even charted.
"He was empty. He didn't have anything left," Desormeaux said. "There's no popped tires. He's just out of gas."
Saturday, June 07, 2008
MMA goes primetime
After coming on strong among young men in the last several years, the sport of mixed martial arts is headed for a clinch with mainstream pop culture.
This Saturday (5/31), CBS will become the first legacy network to show full matches in prime time. In the wee hours after "Saturday Night Live," NBC is airing a series with fighter profiles and bout footage. Two movies set in the MMA world hit theaters in recent months, including one by acclaimed writer David Mamet, and more are on the way.
But can the brutal sport of chokeholds and sharp elbows truly cross over?
[results]
This Saturday (5/31), CBS will become the first legacy network to show full matches in prime time. In the wee hours after "Saturday Night Live," NBC is airing a series with fighter profiles and bout footage. Two movies set in the MMA world hit theaters in recent months, including one by acclaimed writer David Mamet, and more are on the way.
But can the brutal sport of chokeholds and sharp elbows truly cross over?
[results]
Jim McKay
NEW YORK (AP) — Jim McKay, the venerable and eloquent sportscaster thrust into the role of telling Americans about the tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has died. He was 87.
McKay died Saturday of natural causes at his farm in Monkton, Md. The broadcaster who considered horse racing his favorite sport died only hours before Big Brown attempted to win a Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes.
He was host of ABC's influential "Wide World of Sports" for more than 40 years, starting in 1961. The weekend series introduced viewers to all manner of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events. The show provided an international reach long before exotic backdrops became a staple of sports television.
McKay — understated, dignified and with a clear eye for detail — also covered 12 Olympics, but none more memorably than the Summer Games in Munich, Germany. He was the anchor when events turned grim with the news that Palestinian terrorists kidnapped 11 Israeli athletes. It was left to McKay to tell Americans when a commando raid to rescue the athletes ended in tragedy.
"They're all gone," McKay said.
The terse, haunting comment was replayed many times through the years when the events of Munich were chronicled.
He won both a news and sports Emmy Award for his coverage of the Munich Olympics in addition to the prestigious George Polk award.
"In the long run, that's the most memorable single moment of my career," said McKay, an Emmy Award winning broadcaster who was also in the studio for the United States' "Miracle on Ice" victory over Russia. "I don't know what else would match that."
McKay died Saturday of natural causes at his farm in Monkton, Md. The broadcaster who considered horse racing his favorite sport died only hours before Big Brown attempted to win a Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes.
He was host of ABC's influential "Wide World of Sports" for more than 40 years, starting in 1961. The weekend series introduced viewers to all manner of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events. The show provided an international reach long before exotic backdrops became a staple of sports television.
McKay — understated, dignified and with a clear eye for detail — also covered 12 Olympics, but none more memorably than the Summer Games in Munich, Germany. He was the anchor when events turned grim with the news that Palestinian terrorists kidnapped 11 Israeli athletes. It was left to McKay to tell Americans when a commando raid to rescue the athletes ended in tragedy.
"They're all gone," McKay said.
The terse, haunting comment was replayed many times through the years when the events of Munich were chronicled.
He won both a news and sports Emmy Award for his coverage of the Munich Olympics in addition to the prestigious George Polk award.
"In the long run, that's the most memorable single moment of my career," said McKay, an Emmy Award winning broadcaster who was also in the studio for the United States' "Miracle on Ice" victory over Russia. "I don't know what else would match that."
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Usain Bolt: WFH
Like lightning out of nowhere, Usain Bolt is now the world's fastest man.
The Jamaican sprinter, who doesn't even consider the 100 meters his best race, set the world record last night with a time of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York, .02 seconds faster than the old record held by his countryman, Asafa Powell.
Bolt was using the 100 for "speed work" and to avoid having to run the more grueling 400, when, suddenly, he ran the world's second-fastest time a few weeks ago at 9.76. Even then, he said he wasn't sure if he would give up the 400 meters for the 100 for the Beijing Olympics.
Hard to imagine he has any choice now.
Springing from the starting block and unfurling his lanky frame — listed at 6 feet 4, but probably more like 6-5 and, either way, considered too tall for this kind of speed work — he created a big-time gap between himself and Tyson Gay at about the halfway point, then routed him to the finish line.
"I wasn't really looking for a world record, but it was there for the taking," Bolt said.
The Jamaican sprinter, who doesn't even consider the 100 meters his best race, set the world record last night with a time of 9.72 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York, .02 seconds faster than the old record held by his countryman, Asafa Powell.
Bolt was using the 100 for "speed work" and to avoid having to run the more grueling 400, when, suddenly, he ran the world's second-fastest time a few weeks ago at 9.76. Even then, he said he wasn't sure if he would give up the 400 meters for the 100 for the Beijing Olympics.
Hard to imagine he has any choice now.
Springing from the starting block and unfurling his lanky frame — listed at 6 feet 4, but probably more like 6-5 and, either way, considered too tall for this kind of speed work — he created a big-time gap between himself and Tyson Gay at about the halfway point, then routed him to the finish line.
"I wasn't really looking for a world record, but it was there for the taking," Bolt said.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Parade's All-America High School Basketball Team
2011 - Austin Rivers, Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Chase Fischer, Adonis Thomas, Rodney Cooper, Dantley Walker, DJ Gardner, Trevor Lacey, Wayne Blackshear
2010 - Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, Brandon Knight, Kyrie Irving, Deshaun Thomas, Tobias Harris, Cory Joseph, Terrence Jones, Reggie Bullock, Joe Jackson
2009 - Derrick Favors, Xavier Henry, John Henson, DeMarcus Cousins, Renardo Sidney, Lance Stephenson, Kenny Boynton, Ryan Kelly, Avery Bradley, Dexter Strickland
2008 - Brandon Jennings, Samardo Samuels, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Tyler Zeller, Al-Farouq Aminu, B.J. Mullens, Demar Derozan, William Buford, Greg Monroe
2007 - Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Kyle Singler, Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, Austin Freeman, Donte Greene, Nolan Smith, Nick Calathes, Jarryd Bayless
2006 - Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Brandan Wright, O.J. Mayo, Spencer Hawes, Tywon Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Kevin Love, Jonathan Scheyer, Chase Budinger
2005 - Monta Ellis, Greg Oden, Louis Williams, Josh McRoberts, Tyler Hansbrough, Martell Webster, Tasmin Mitchell, Richard Hendrix, Calvin Miles, Jr., Brandan Wright
2004 - Sebastian Telfair, Shaun Livingston, Al Jefferson, Dwight Howard, Joshua Smith, Glen Davis, Rudy Gay, Darius Washington, Marvin Williams, Malik Hairston
2003 - LeBron James, Luol Deng, Ndudi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Kris Humphries, Shannon Brown, Leon Powe, Davis Padgett, Chris Paul, Brian Butch
I couldn't find the teams before 2002, but statsheet.com has a section on past McDonald's All-Americans
2010 - Jared Sullinger, Harrison Barnes, Brandon Knight, Kyrie Irving, Deshaun Thomas, Tobias Harris, Cory Joseph, Terrence Jones, Reggie Bullock, Joe Jackson
2009 - Derrick Favors, Xavier Henry, John Henson, DeMarcus Cousins, Renardo Sidney, Lance Stephenson, Kenny Boynton, Ryan Kelly, Avery Bradley, Dexter Strickland
2008 - Brandon Jennings, Samardo Samuels, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Tyler Zeller, Al-Farouq Aminu, B.J. Mullens, Demar Derozan, William Buford, Greg Monroe
2007 - Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Kyle Singler, Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, Austin Freeman, Donte Greene, Nolan Smith, Nick Calathes, Jarryd Bayless
2006 - Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Brandan Wright, O.J. Mayo, Spencer Hawes, Tywon Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Kevin Love, Jonathan Scheyer, Chase Budinger
2005 - Monta Ellis, Greg Oden, Louis Williams, Josh McRoberts, Tyler Hansbrough, Martell Webster, Tasmin Mitchell, Richard Hendrix, Calvin Miles, Jr., Brandan Wright
2004 - Sebastian Telfair, Shaun Livingston, Al Jefferson, Dwight Howard, Joshua Smith, Glen Davis, Rudy Gay, Darius Washington, Marvin Williams, Malik Hairston
2003 - LeBron James, Luol Deng, Ndudi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Kris Humphries, Shannon Brown, Leon Powe, Davis Padgett, Chris Paul, Brian Butch
I couldn't find the teams before 2002, but statsheet.com has a section on past McDonald's All-Americans
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Patriots perfect season spoiled by Giants in Super Bowl
With the Super Bowl on the line, look who had the perfection thing down Pat: Eli Manning and the road-conquering New York Giants.
And what a beauty their 11th straight road victory was, a 17-14 Super Bowl win Sunday that shattered the New England Patriots’ unblemished season.
In one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, Manning, New York’s unlikely Mr. Cool, hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left. It was the Giants’ fourth consecutive postseason away win and the first time the Patriots tasted defeat in more than a year.
And what a beauty their 11th straight road victory was, a 17-14 Super Bowl win Sunday that shattered the New England Patriots’ unblemished season.
In one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, Manning, New York’s unlikely Mr. Cool, hit Plaxico Burress on a 13-yard fade with 35 seconds left. It was the Giants’ fourth consecutive postseason away win and the first time the Patriots tasted defeat in more than a year.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Lesnar 0-1
Former heavyweight champion Frank Mir spoiled former NCAA wrestling champion and pro wrestler Brock Lesnar's UCF debut, grabbing Lesnar's leg and securing a kneebar that forced him to submit at 1:30 of the first round.
"I wasn't worried about the fight being stopped," Mir said. "I had Brock Lesnar dropping elbows on the top of my head, but I still came through with the submission."
Lesnar looked impressive early but was unable to overcome the more experienced ground game of the former champion.
"I came out trying to pressure Frank but he's a world class jui-jitsu guy," Lesnar said. "You win some, you lose some."
"I wasn't worried about the fight being stopped," Mir said. "I had Brock Lesnar dropping elbows on the top of my head, but I still came through with the submission."
Lesnar looked impressive early but was unable to overcome the more experienced ground game of the former champion.
"I came out trying to pressure Frank but he's a world class jui-jitsu guy," Lesnar said. "You win some, you lose some."
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Bobby Fischer 1943-2008
REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Bobby Fischer, the reclusive chess genius who became a Cold War hero by dethroning the Soviet world champion in 1972 and later renounced his American citizenship, has died. He was 64.
Fisher died in a Reykjavik hospital on Thursday, his spokesman, Gardar Sverrisson, said Friday. Icelandic media reported that he died of kidney failure after a long illness.
Born in Chicago and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fischer was wanted in the United States for playing a 1992 rematch against Boris Spassky in Yugoslavia in defiance of international sanctions. In 2005, he moved to Iceland, a chess-mad nation and site of his greatest triumph.
Garry Kasparov, the former Russian chess champion, said Fischer's ascent in the chess world in the 1960s and his promotion of chess worldwide was "a revolutionary breakthrough" for the game. But Fischer's reputation as a genius of chess was eclipsed, in the eyes of many, by his idiosyncrasies.
Fisher died in a Reykjavik hospital on Thursday, his spokesman, Gardar Sverrisson, said Friday. Icelandic media reported that he died of kidney failure after a long illness.
Born in Chicago and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fischer was wanted in the United States for playing a 1992 rematch against Boris Spassky in Yugoslavia in defiance of international sanctions. In 2005, he moved to Iceland, a chess-mad nation and site of his greatest triumph.
Garry Kasparov, the former Russian chess champion, said Fischer's ascent in the chess world in the 1960s and his promotion of chess worldwide was "a revolutionary breakthrough" for the game. But Fischer's reputation as a genius of chess was eclipsed, in the eyes of many, by his idiosyncrasies.
Monday, January 07, 2008
June Jones leaves Hawaii
Saying he is looking forward to the "next challenge," June Jones today accepted an offer to become new head football coach at Southern Methodist University.
Jones said it was an opportunity he could not refuse.
"I'll always love Hawai'i," Jones said. "Hawai'i will always be a part of me. But it's time to move on."
Jones said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of e-mails and calls from UH supporters the past few days. He said he broke down and cried at least six times.
He said he turned off his cell phone last night at his Dallas hotel, and prayed for a decision.
"I woke up with such a peace," he said, realizing he would accept the SMU job.
Jones will receive a five-year contract worth $2 million annually.
* * *
out goes Frazier
* * *
McMakin accepts the job
Jones said it was an opportunity he could not refuse.
"I'll always love Hawai'i," Jones said. "Hawai'i will always be a part of me. But it's time to move on."
Jones said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of e-mails and calls from UH supporters the past few days. He said he broke down and cried at least six times.
He said he turned off his cell phone last night at his Dallas hotel, and prayed for a decision.
"I woke up with such a peace," he said, realizing he would accept the SMU job.
Jones will receive a five-year contract worth $2 million annually.
* * *
out goes Frazier
* * *
McMakin accepts the job
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