Common Sense Isn't Common

It Had To Be Done

2006-08-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

I've been slacking on my duties with this whole blogging thing. Things like a job seem to hold precedence. But just like I made it my business to be at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 5th, 2006, I'm making it my business to blog about it.

I've already touched on the story of why Teresa Weatherspoon and John Starks are my two favorite athletes of all time, time and time again. Here, I'll give you a chance to read it and then come back to us.

The general gist is that stats, lists and numbers really mean nothing to me. Those thing pass, records get broken, numbers lose their value due to an ever changing game and time moves on. But John Starks and Teresa Weatherspoon represented what sports is about for me.

As has been told many times over, I don't do autographs...the times I've gotten John's and Spoon's were for other people, so I don't even have theirs. I prefer conversation. Since this post is about Spoon Night, we're going to focus on her, but you can just take a lot of it and apply it to Starks as well.

Anyway, like I said, I prefer conversation. That's one of the reasons I find Spoon to be so great. This year, Spoon has attended many a Liberty game...and seemed just as disappointed as the rest of us fans...but any and everytime I've glanced over to wherever she's sitting, I always find Spoon 10 seconds away from being tapped on the shoulder by a fan walking on eggshells and tippy toes hoping they won't get the same death glare once reserved for opponents for invading her personal space or swept up and away by security for having the audacity to want to be in the presence of greatness.

Without fail...and I mean every. single. time...I have seen Spoon come out of her thoughts...hopefully of how to improve the Liberty...and glance up at the anxious individual, male, female, young, old...smile, make eye contact, take her time, sign whatever it is while making idle conversation, reach out her hand, and get this...thank them while breaking the barrier between legend and fan.

I've seen Spoon calmly but authoritavely tell security to chillax, always without embarassing them...in order for a fan to get whatever it is they want from her.

Even on her very own night, where emotion and anticipation was visibly boiling inside her, I watched as she embraced many a fan to the point where Blaze lept from her seat, raced down to the court, demostratively admonished security and commanded one poor fellow to sit in the aisle and be Spoon's own personal shadow.

I've seen Spoon stop conversations with family, friends, peers, celebrities, politicians, or people with power and money...to turn around, sign an autograph, pose for a picture and thank a fan for being a fan.

I've seen times where Spoon might have been in a tremendous amount of pain, be it physical or emotional, but still come out of the employee entrance at Madison Square Garden, just to be mobbed for her Hancock. And would make sure every single person got what they wanted. Would make sure that no one got trampled.

I've been at that same employee entrance on nights when the Liberty would pull off a big win and Tari Phillips would be holding court discussing NYC cabbies with fans, Tamika Whitmore would be in the mix telling it like it was, while Spoon would be at the front of the semi circle comprised of Liberty fans, MSG employees, homeless, police officers on their beat, people on their way to Penn Station and just random people who happened to walk by wondering what the commotion was. Spoon would be standing there amazed at the magic tricks of a dude who was probably doing this as a hustle just to eat that night. But both he and Spoon seemed to be in the same place at the same time, in awe of each other, enjoying the moment, while fans realized you just don't get this anywhere else or with 98% of the professional athletic population.

When the magician was done...usually after Spoon figured out the trick, he got a smile and a hug just like everyone else and it seemed that instantly, the comfort level was so high on this NYC street that everyone was family. Everyone, including the person everyone stopped to see in the first place. Here's a hint...it wasn't the David Blaine wannabe.

You could see the mentality shift in the eyes of the people standing on that corner. Instantly, it went from "can I have your autograph" to conversations about magic, basketball and pretty much anything else with getting the autograph as an afterthought as proof the meeting ever occured because the fan knew no one would believe he/she was on the corner talking with Teresa Weatherspoon. No one would believe that a pro athlete would play 34 minutes that night, work a crowd of 14,000 and come out of the employee entrance at 10:30pm to chill with fans until almost midnight.

So when I entered the arena on August 5th, I realized tonight wasn't about being the team's all-time assist and steals leader or holding the record for most steals in a season of any WNBA player ever, a 2 time defensive player of the year, Olympian, all-WNBA second team selection or any other acquired accolade.

This night was about celebrating the one professional athlete who celebrated us.

This night was about all those times I bumped into Spoon at a community event, a basketball camp, a street fair, a summer tournament or a high school basketball game. It was about Father's Day 2003. It was about being my mother and I's favorite player...something for us to bond on. It was about my brother and I being able to laugh at Spoon ripping some unsuspecting guard in backcourt and then laughing with Spoon about the ketchup stain on my brother's jersey a couple of hours later. It was about the conviction, passion, exuberance and pride that fills Spoon's voice almost everytime she speaks. It was about me, on the other side of the country, telling her a story of how she inspired something in my life and watching her get choked up and tell me repeatedly how much she really appreciated it.

People will complain that Spoon's jersey wasn't raised as if there's some statute of limitations on things of that nature. They'll complain about the front office's inability to put together interviews with people who actually shared the home court with Spoon other than Whitmore. They'll complain that Sue and Kym weren't given the mic. They'll complain that Spoon's name in the court means less because the Liberty have their own court and you won't see it but 18-25 times a year if they ever make the playoffs again. They'll complain that Spoon shouldn't have been in the postgame huddle, but on the bench in place of Patty, Marianne, Nick and Lisa or in section 55 in place of Blaze.

They'll complain that the game was scheduled against the Chicago Sky, a terrible expanision team with absolutely no ties to Spoon other than Bernadette Ngyoisa although every Sky player would stick around for the ceremony and make it their business to hug and embrace Spoon after the game. They'll complain that Dolan doesn't care about Spoon's legacy as if Camille Cooper and David Wingate's names also grace the Hall of Fame, walls and windows of his building. They'll complain that the 2 minutes spent giving the bio of Blaze were completely uneccessary and only done to combat the expected audible boos throughout the arena when she was announced. And hey, with some of them I agree...especially that last one.

I'm so bold, I'd have raised Spoon's jersey to the rafters during her first game back with the Sharks in 2004 and played "Never Can Say Goodbye" by the Jackson 5 while doing it. But don't for a minute think that the Liberty Front Office or Madison Square Garden brass or the Dolan Family were trying to slight Teresa Weatherspoon in any way. There are plenty of reasons to be mad, angry, disgusted, disgruntled, out for blood and vicious to many of them...this isn't one of them. This wasn't one of those nights.

This was bigger than the obvious All-Decade slight. It was bigger at the veiled shots Richie Adubato would spend 2003 and 2004 taking at the only point guard who made him a winner as a head coach. It was bigger than Blaze's half hearted letter after Spoon signed with the Sparks. It was bigger than Blaze even letting that happen. It was bigger than half a season spent with a towel over her head and the next spent on a beach and a bench miles away on a team that loved her, but not like we did.

This night was again, about the one athlete who celebrated us.

Lil T, the girl who presented Spoon with the plaque at half court on Spoon Night, represented all of us. She represented those of us who walked away with not just a piece of paper and a memory, but a smile, a wink, a nod, a hug, a word of inspiration and a conversation feeling like we could always come back and continue right where we left off.

The 11 Weatherspoon printed on the Liberty court represented in my mind, the barrier between fan and player that Spoon always broke. The print isn't between the 4 lines...it's right in front of the fans, resting right where Spoon used to run up the sidelines hi-fiving the entire first and second rows after a crucial basket or on the way to the huddle for a timeout.

The plaque on the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame represents the trancendance of sport, race, gender and class that Spoon accomplished in that very building. It exemplifies the fire, passion, grace and thousands of people that she brought to the arena every night.

The backboard represented all of the times you'd see Spoon holding the hand of an injured teammate writhing in pain on the court. It represented her sticking up for Rebecca Lobo in the media when everyone wanted to label her an overrated, injury prone bust. It represented her calling Vickie Johnson the most underrated athlete in sports. It represented all the times she intentionally fouled an opponent in the closing minutes of a game to get some minutes for yet another combo guard masquerading as her back up. It represented all of the teammates whose arms she lept into after they converted a big play.

It represented all of the times she threw a great, yet unexpected pass only to watch it sail out of bounds...but would still raise a hand, say it was her bad and pat Sue, Tari, Tamika or Kym on the back on the way down the floor telling them she'd get it to them next time down. It represented all of the times she and VJ looked like the most intimidating backcourt at Madison Square. It represented the hope and celebration of The Shot. It represented Spoon as always...inspiring, celebrating, motivating and believing in others as well as herself.

The post game huddle and acknowledgement of the fans with a signature fist pump or three, hopefully represented the future of this organization. The hugs and words delivered to the likes of Sherill Baker hopefully represented hugs we'll see after a big playoff game some day. For one night this season, the Liberty looked like The Liberty. It was no coincidence it was on account of Teresa Weatherspoon. It was no coincidence that Teresa Weatherspoon gets it. It's no coincidence that people looking for a cliche will tell you ten times over that she has a special relationship with the fans, but can't explain to you just what that relationship is.

August 5th, 2006 represented all of the things they try to tell us Liberty basketball still is, but we all know better. Spoon raised the game, the kids, the roof, the expectations and the intensity for 7 years. She was pure heart, pure passion and pure basketball. August 5th also represented what we all hope the current and future Liberty can take transform themselves into...a team that plays for pride...for New York...for the jersey on their backs, the name on the front and the fans in the stands. Count me as one fan who wouldn't mind if it took Teresa Weatherspoon herself to preside over this team and instill it into each and every one of them personally.

2006 WNBA All-Star Game

2006-07-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

The WNBA's having its All-Star celebration in NY at Madison Square Garden....again for the 4th time in 8 years.

Why not just name Madison Square Garden as its official venue?

Anyway, I've thought long and hard about this year's game and who I'd like to see out there on the court for what is usually an anti-climactic free for all on the court and time well spent for the 21 and over off of it....which is why I'm not feeling this whole Wednesday night deal by the friggin way.

I'm not getting my hopes up since they screwed up the All-Decade Team, but here are my picks for the 2006 All-Stars:

East

Starters:

Alana Beard - Washington
Katie Douglas - Connecticut
Tamika Catchings - Indiana
Tamika Whitmore - Indiana
Cheryl Ford - Detroit

Bench:

Chasity Melvin - Washington
Candice Dupree - Chicago
Becky Hammon - New York
Nykesha Sales - Connecticut
Taj McWilliams-Franklin - Connecticut

And that's about it. I really can't find any other players I feel have played like All-Stars in the East this year except maybe the injured Delisha Milton-Jones and I guess you could throw in Deanna Nolan or Katie Smith and I wouldn't be mad. Thanks, New York and Charlotte. Thanks.

West

Starters:

Diana Taurasi - Phoenix
Cappie Pondexter - Phoenix
Seimone Augustus - Minnesota
Tina Thompson - Houston
Lisa Leslie - Los Angeles

Bench:

Vickie Johnson - San Antonio
Erin Buescher - Sacramento
Sheryl Swoopes - Houston
*Dominique Canty - Houston
Sophia Young - San Antonio
Lauren Jackson - Seattle

And add either Michelle Snow or Chamique Holdsclaw...Mique would have easily been on my list had she not missed half of the first half of the season. But I guess you can add them both since Canty is hurt.

Top 25 - July 1, 2006

2006-07-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

Movies

1. 25th Hour

2. A Bronx Tale

3. American History X

4. Big

5. Blow

6. Boyz N Da Hood

7. Casino

8. Citizen Kane

9. Coolie High

10. Cornbread, Earl & Me

11. Do The Right Thing

12. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

13. Friday

14. Hoosiers

15. Kids

16. Lean On Me

17. Love & Basketball

18. Malcolm X

19. On The Outs

20. Raising Victor Vargas

21. School Dayz

22. Shine

23. Slam

24. Sugar Hill

25. The Usual Suspects

Honorable Mention

All About Eve
A Streetcar Named Desire
Bojangles
Death To Smoochy
Hoop Dreams
Set It Off
Soul In The Hole
The Basketball Diaries
What I Want My Words To Do To You

Top 25 - June 24, 2006

2006-06-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

Athletes

1. Andre Agassi

2. Tamika Catchings

3. Cynthia Cooper

4. Gail Devers

5. Patrick Ewing

6. Kevin Garnett

7. Tim "Headache" Gittens

8. Bernard Hopkins

9. Magic Johnson

10. Marion Jones

11. Michael Jordan

12. Florence Griffith Joyner

13. Pedro Martinez

14. Tino Martinez

15. Cheryl Miller

16. Martina Navratilova

17. Charles Oakley

18. Hakeem Olajuwon

19. Jerry Rice

20. Ronaldinho

21. John Starks

22. Sheryl Swoopes

23. Teresa Weatherspoon

24. Dominique Wilkins

25. James "Speedy" Williams

Making Up For Lost Time

2006-06-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know. I'm just full of posts today after a rate of about 1 every blue moon.

But by request (after the TV shows post)...I'm starting a new weekly (maybe) segment on this blog. The top 25. It'll be the top 25 anything...whatever's on my mind.

This Week's Top 25? Athletes.

The Knicks

2006-06-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

I'm glad Larry Brown is gone.

That's it. Period.

I'm glad he's gone and between the Knicks and Liberty, this means 1 down, 3 to go as far as I'm concerned and 4 if you count the owner.

But my dislike for Isiah Thomas (and him being one of the 3) is not going to prevent me from rooting for the Knicks next year.

Sure, I want Thomas as far away from my team as possible for the simple fact that if I messed up my job as much as he has in the last 30 months...I'd have been fired 29 months ago. Unless you work for Madison Square Garden, I'm sure you would have been canned too.

But I'm still a Knicks fan. The Knicks existed before Isiah Thomas and they will exist long after he's finally been shown the door.

My anger at his "management" of my team does not mean I won't be happy if he gets 41 wins out of this team next season and makes the playoffs.

Just like if Blaze hiring a real coach and really rebuilding my beloved Liberty means she keeps her job (and yes, she is one of the 3), I won't be terribly upset.

Do I believe either of these things will happen...absolutely not. Thus, 1 down...3 to go.

It's Just Not Worth It

2006-06-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

This seemed to be the week where almost everyone I encountered decided they wanted to convince me otherwise of some particular thing or idea. As my mother would probably be happy to tell anyone...you all wasted your time.

Someone once said to me, "The only time someone argues with your opinion is when they are trying to convince themselves of their own. If they really believed that strongly in their stance, why would your belief which is in their mind incorrect, matter so much?"

I'm not going to wholeheartedly commit to that statement, but I can feel where the man was coming from...especially on the first part. I went through this week feeling like I needed armor every time someone asked me a question.

My opinions are going to change when I come to a realization or conclusion that forces me to question my previously held notions on the subject. My opinion is not going to change because you try to pluck at my heart strings, type me an essay, give me anecdotes from your life, storm off in a huff, stop talking to me, or withhold something I want.

If I don't like something and I happen to volunteer that information, don't assume that just because I don't like it...that means I believe no one else should, thus making me some bitter know it all who thinks I fart roses.

I don't expect anything from anyone...and I definitely don't expect anyone to think like me...nor do I want anyone to.

Since when does expressing your own opinion mean you want to change the world?

There are many things that I don't like, don't see the need for and don't understand...I don't need anyone's help in changing that. I don't need anyone to help me see the light. I don't need anyone to make me a believer.

If it's meant for me to change the way I feel...I will...on my own.

So please...save the violins, the anger, the misunderstanding, the namecalling, the disclaimers, the conclusion jumping and the prognosticating.

I don't understand why people get so wrapped up in other people's opinions but then want to complain about people judging them.

Or why people say something like "everyone's entitled to their own opinions" while trying to change someone else's. Obviously, everyone's not entitled to their opinion if they can't have one without having to defend it.

All week, it's been:

Me: I don't like such and such or so and so.

Person 1: Well, I like it. Let me tell you why I like it. Let me tell you why you shouldn't feel that way. Everybody likes it. It's great. After hearing all of that, how can you not like it? How could you possibly have that opinion?

Person 2: *all up in the convo for no reason* Co-sign Person 1. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean no one else can. Who do you think you are? Maybe one day you will realize how wrong your opinions are. Let me assume that you feel a certain way and then label you. And then I'm going to tell you what you are.

Me: *staring rather perplexed at this point and wondering when I ever said any of that* Relax, it's just my opinion. I'm not trying to make you feel any different.

Person 1: Well there must be something wrong with you. Because I don't know how you could possibly still feel that way after I felt strongly enough to refute points that you didn't even make.

Person 2: Right again, Person 1. She thinks she knows everything. She thinks everyone thinks like her. She's just trying to force her opinions on others.

Me: But I never said any of that. All I said was I didn't like something. You know what...$#@% it. It's not even worth it.

I'm tired of people assuming I mean something when I make it a point to say exactly what I mean.

You don't have to think.

You don't have to guess.

You don't have to read between the lines.

It is all right there. It's either going to be obviously sarcastic or dead ass serious.

If I say the sky is green...I mean the sky is green. All I said was the sky is green. Don't read that as, "the sky is green and if you don't see the sky as green, you're an idiot and I'm going to call you an idiot," and then argue with me that the sky is really blue and I shouldn't call people idiots.

I swear...it's a good thing it was a pay week and the World Cup is heating up.

Who knew not liking Beyonce, Curt Schilling, Larry Brown, autographs, tight uniforms, tabloids, E-pills, Mark Cuban, and the management of a 3-9 Liberty team would cause such an uproar?

One Wish

2006-06-10T19:11:00.000-04:00

Since James Dolan won't do the right thing and sell Madison Square Garden and its tenants to someone who actually cares about preserving the Mecca of basketball, can he just fire everyone responsible for the current laughingstock state of the New York Knicks and New York Liberty?

Just in a fit of rage get rid of both GM's and both coaching staffs?

Just fly off the handle for the right reasons for once and get rid of all of the incompetent front office staff members? There aren't many in the Knicks office on the business side of things who need to go...but the Liberty?...drop the axe on all of them.

I for one, might even forgive the man for all of the terrible, horrible, inexcusable things that have happened on his watch if he can somehow just rebuild the whole place by getting rid of the dead weight. Since he's not going to fire himself, it's the least he can do.

Even he can't be taking pride in the year round mess that building has become. Can he?

Great Opportunity

2006-05-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

Hey you...YOU!!!

The Greater NY Women's Pro-Am is looking for small businesses that are interested in promoting their local/regional companies/organizations over a 9 week period in the heart of Queens.

This is a tax deductible donation.

There are numerous options for involvement. You can even sponsor a ref if you'd like. Or you can go the more conventional route and sponsor commemorative t-shirts worn by the staff, players and spectators. You can sponsor a team's uniforms or the championship awards and plaster your company name and logo all over them.

I'm flexible. I will try to accommodate any reasonable sponsorship ideas you may have.

This offer is open to all individuals, businesses, organizations and corporations, but is specifically targeted toward small business owners looking to promote themselves and make an impact in their community. We're also looking to build a relationship with these companies.

If you or someone you know owns a small business or is interested in getting its name out there into the community, drop a comment or send an email to proam_women@hotmail.com and I will send you the complete sponsorship proposal.

This is too good an opportunity to pass up.

I figured I would talk about something positive instead of how bad the Liberty have looked their first 2 games of the season. Or go on some rant about how it just wasn't supposed to be this way.

All Decade Team

2006-05-08T20:19:00.000-04:00

Oh snap...look who's finally updating her blog.

The W had this whole good but flawed idea to have an all decade team in honor of its 10th Anniversary.

It was a great idea to allow fans to vote, but flawed in the sense that fans...as usual...can't read.

The criteria from the W's site says, "Consideration for the team will be based on ability and on-court performance, leadership, sportsmanship and community service as well as contribution to team success and the growth of women's basketball."

It does not say rattle off a bunch of stats or ask who has done what in college, USA Basketball or overseas. Read it again:

Ability
On-Court Performance
Leadership
Sportsmanship
Community Service
Contribution to Team Success
Contribution to the Growth of Women's Basketball

So basically, here's how I determine who belongs on this team:

Ability - Does Jane Player have the athletic capacity to play the game of basketball? Well gee, I hope so.

Who makes the cut: all 30

On-Court Performance - Is Jane Player one of the best players to play in the W at her position in the last decade? Most of the 30 nominees can make a case at least partially.

Who makes the cut - the year(s) they could be considered one of the best (22 out of 30)

Bird - 2003 - Current
Cash - 2003 - Current
Catchings - 2002 - Current
Cooper - 1997 - 2000
Gillom - 1997 - 1999
Griffith - 1999 - Current
Holdsclaw - 1999 - Current
Jackson - 2002 - Current
Leslie - 1997 - Current
Mabika - 2002 - 2004
Milton-Jones - 2000 - 2003
Nolan - 2003 - Current
Penicheiro - 1998 - 2004
Sales - 1999 - Current
Smith - 2000 - 2005
Staley - 1999 - 2002
Stinson - 1997 - 2001
Swoopes - 1997 - Current
Taurasi - 2004 - Current
Thompson - 1999 - Current
Weatherspoon - 1997 - 2001
Williams - 1999 - 2003

Leadership - Well that's simple and here's where the list gets shorter. Almost half the Jane Players on the list get knocked off when you start comparing their leadership abilities on an all decade level. Sure most of the players on the list are leaders...20 out of the 30 by my count...but some are just born leaders. If they weren't leading a basketball team, they'd still be leading somthing (and most are to my knowledge)...hopefully good.

Who makes the cut: 17 out of 30

Bolton
Cash
Catchings
Cooper
Gillom
Griffith
Jackson
Leslie
McWilliams - Franklin
Milton - Jones
Penicheiro
Staley
Swoopes
Taurasi
Weatherspoon
Williams

Sportsmanship - Now see, this is the tough one because right away Lisa Leslie gets 86'd but how can you have an all-anything list regarding the W without Lisa Leslie? Other than Sparks who were in LA for more than a year, I don't see anyone on the list that doesn't meet the sportsmanship requirement.

Who makes the cut: anyone but a Spark with over a year of tenure.

Community Service - Almost everyone in the W seems to have the right approach to community service whether forced by the number of required appearances or motivated by genuine interest. However, some are just better than others in this category. Some have gone above and beyond the W.

Who makes the cut: 13 of 30

Bolton
Cash
Catchings
Cooper
Griffith
Sales
Staley
Stinson
Swoopes
Taurasi
Thompson
Weatherspoon
Williams

Contribution to team success - If your team sucks, has always sucked and will continue to suck...you shouldn't be on this list. If you contributed to the turmoil on an underachieving team you should not be on the list.

Who makes the cut and why: (24 out of 30...well, 22 out of 30 really)

Arcain - 4 championships
Bird - 1 championship
Cash - 1 championship
Catchings - has always led her team in almost every single statistical category...even the unsuperstar-like ones
Cooper - 4 championships
Dixon - 2 championships + 1 finals appearance
Gillom - 1 finals appearance
Griffith - 1 championship
***Hammon - eh, not really...her playoff performances have left a lot to be desired, but she did have 3 appearances nonethless, although in a supportive role
Jackson - 1 championship
V. Johnson - 4 finals appearances
Leslie - 2 championships
***Lobo - see Hammon minus 1
Mabika - 2 championships + 1 finals appearance
McWilliams - Franklin - 2 finals appearances
Milton - Jones - 2 championships + 1 finals appearance
Nolan - 1 championship
Penicheiro - 1 championship
Sales - 2 finals appearances
Staley - 1 finals appearance
Stinson - 1 finals appearance
Swoopes - 4 championships
Thompson - 4 championships
Weatherspoon - 4 finals appearances

Contribution to the growth of women's basketball - Same explanation as community service. I'm a firm believer that you can contribute to the growth of the game in more effective ways than filling a box score. However, this is 2 fold. Are you contributing by being cute/popular...ridiculously talented/popular...charasmatic/popular OR are you an ambassador who never wastes an opportunity to be a role model or promote the game? There's nothing wrong with either, FWIW.

Who makes the cut:

Reason 1: 11 out of 30
Bird
Cooper
Hammon
Holdsclaw
Jackson
Leslie
Lobo
Swoopes
Taurasi
Weatherspoon

Reason 2: (15 out of 30)

Bolton
Cash
Catchings
Cooper
Griffith
Leslie
Lobo
McWiliams-Franklin
Sales
Staley
Stinson
Swoopes
Taurasi
Weatherspoon
Williams

Who met each requirement?

Cash
Catchings
Cooper
Griffith
Staley
Swoopes
Weatherspoon

Who makes my team?

Catchings
Cooper
Griffith
Staley
Swoopes
Weatherspoon

+ 4 you can't leave off regardless

Leslie
Thompson
Jackson
Williams

IMO...those who just missed the cut:

Sales
Penicheiro
Smith
Stinson
Holdsclaw
Cash...in that order.

And if I had to rank all 30:

1) Swoopes
2) Cooper
3) Leslie
4) Griffith
5) Jackson
6) Thompson
7) Catchings
8) Weatherspoon
9) Williams
10) Staley

11) Sales
12) Penicheiro
13) Smith
14) Stinson
15) Holdsclaw
16) Cash
17) Bird
18) Gillom
19) V. Johnson
20) Arcain

21) Milton-Jones
22) Bolton
23) Taurasi
24) McWilliams-Franklin
25) Mabika
26) Nolan
27) S. Johnson
28) Dixon
29) Hammon
30) Lobo

Come On Down...

2006-04-26T07:48:00.000-04:00

What: Greater NY Pro-Am Women's Summer League

Where: Louis Armstrong Activity Center @ Elmcor...Corona, NY right behind Shea Stadium

When: Tuesdays 6:00pm and 8:00pm, June 20th - August 15th

Entry Fee: $650 (approx. $55 per player) includes uniforms, ref fees, facility fees and all that good stuff

Entry Deadline: June 12th (Deposit to hold your spot due by June 5th)

The league is unlimited, but college players must have written permission to participate.

Admission: There is no admission. You get to see a doubleheader of basketball for free. All games are FREE and open to the public in the heart of Queens.

For more information or if you want to put a team in, let me know...nationalproam@hotmail.com

Women's Summer League

2006-04-17T14:41:00.000-04:00

If you sent me an email or left a comment at any point in regards to the summer league, then that was me that emailed you back on Monday with the information.

It looks like the on again, off again league is definitely on again permanently thanks to the demand for it.

So if you got at me either through the internets or personally, then thank you.

Supply and demand...supply and demand.

We still need a few more teams, so if you're interested, let me know.

And yes, sponsorships are always welcome. All forms...product donation, financial, signage, product placement, giveaways...whatever, no matter the size or quantity. Just leave and email or a comment with your info.

Yesterday

2006-03-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

I did go to the PSAL championships at Madison Square Garden yesterday. I'll have something on that soon.

I also went to the CHSAA girls championships at St. John's. Eh...it was aiight I guess.

Unfortunately, I came home to the news that Bill Beutel passed. For those that don't know, Beutel was a newscaster on ABC 7 in NY for a loooooooong time.

Mr. Beutel was my tv grandfather. It might sound craazy, but he was. I watched Eyewitness News every day with my grandmother for as long as I can remember even up until Beutel's last day in 2001.

My aunt and mother would come busting through the door from work yakking about their days, but as soon as they saw Mr. Beutel on the screen, they'd pipe down and sit on the bed with Grannyma and I to watch the news. Mr. Beutel practically had a hand in raising my mother, aunt and I.

I'm sure many other NYers can say the same. Condolences to his family.

I Had A Dream

2006-03-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

I had this really weird dream while I dozed off around 7pm.

I dreamed that I was watching a Laker game and the Lakers lineup looked like this:

PG - Stephon Marbury
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - David Lee
PF - Kevin Garnett
C - Andrew Bynum

I really should sleep at night. Maybe I need to change my diet. And yes, Phil Jackson was the coach.

Spoon in Nawlins

2006-02-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

And you wonder why I'm an admittedly biased Spoon fan. Reason #682.

What do you do when...

2006-02-27T19:31:00.000-05:00

...you can't think of anything to write?

Make a list.

Today it's tv shows...tomorrow...who knows?

So what does a nut like myself watch on television? You may actually be surprised. 21 years, 21 shows.

(21)The Apprentice

Yeah, I'm Black. Yeah, I'm a Black woman. Yeah, I'm a New Yorker. Yeah, Trump repulses me. But I happen to like the show. I don't know how much longer now that it comes on Monday nights opposite the unmissable 24, but I like the show as corny, scripted and obvious as it may be.

(20)American Idol

Nothing more than a guilty pleasure. Don't laugh. You watch it too. The ratings don't lie.

(19)The Boondocks

I can't stand the fact that Regina King is doing both Huey and Riley's voices and I like the comic strip better, but when I watch, I usually enjoy.

(18)Flavor of Love

If this show weren't so stupid and I weren't so embarrassed to admit that I never miss an episode going so far as to watch the early Sunday noon premiere of each episode...the show would have been ranked much higher on my list.

You can't tell me Pumkin (that's how Flav spells it) bringing the flem up from her chest and hurling a vicious loogey at an unsuspecting Ms. New York was not disgustingly funny television...as is the entire show.

(17)Extreme Home Makeover

*Sniffle*

Loud annoying dude aside...if the first 5 minutes and the last 10 minutes of this show don't move you, you're heartless.

(16)Law & Order Criminal Intent

They're confusing me with the 2 sets of partners with different story lines. I like the crazy dude and the emotionless lady set of partners better than "he and she have been on everything" set. However, it's still Law & Order and I never...ever miss Law & Order. Unless it's a rerun of that mercifully cancelled Trial By Jury mess.

(15)Curb Your Enthusiasm

Larry David is a comedic genius.

(14)Inside the NBA

EJ, Kenny and Charles are the only reasons to watch some of these boring NBA games. I love them even more every time I sit through the annoying wannabes on ESPN who add nothing of substance to the equation. Charles loses me sometimes with his nonsense, but then I remember it's Charles.

(13)Real Time with Bill Maher

It's the only way I can stand to watch politics on tv. Normally, I'd just rather read about it or listen to NPR. And no, I'm not usually home on Friday nights watching people discuss politics...okay, most Friday nights. I catch it on the re-run during the week thank you very much.

(12)Dateline

Always something interesting and informative. And I've liked Stone Phillips since I was little.

(11)Entourage

I can do without some of the acting. But the writing and Ari make up for it. Hug it out.

(10)Law & Order

Jesse L. Martin irks and annoys me. There...I said it. Still, it's Law & Order and I never...ever miss Law & Order. I'd be glad to hum the theme song for you.

(9) Everybody Hate Chris

Exactly what tv needed...a mostly realistic black family. Watching BET, it'd be hard to know they existed.

(8)The Sopranos

I have one thing to say...March 12, 9pm. Period.

*Got myself a gun*

(7)Will & Grace

Should be named Jack & Karen. I've loved this show since the beginning and I might even miss it when it's gone.

Just Jack!

(6)Project Runway

Why is Santino still there? What gives? The man has had his poor model walk out on the runway looking like a turkey, a clown and a cupcake. Why is he in the top 3? I was upset when Nick left and something about Chloe rubs me the wrong way, so I'm rooting for Daniel V. Aaaandre.

Make it work.

(5)Family Guy

Hands down the funniest thing on tv. Stewie is the white, male, infant version of me. I could quote Stewie lines all day. Thankfully, I don't have all day. If you can't laugh watching this show, you may just be severly depressed or just totally incapable of enjoying life. What The Deuce?!

(4)24

Normally, I couldn't care less about suspense or a gimmick such as chopping a season into a day. I thought I wasn't really going to be feeling the show but I'd give it a chance anyway. Now I never miss an episode as if something in my life is really going to be any different if I miss what happened between the hours of 8 and 9.

(3)Law & Order: SVU

Easily the best of the Law & Order family. Benson, Stabeler and Munch make even Ice-T's "acting" bearable. Well written, creative, witty, usually unpredictable and very New York. Once again, I will hum the song for you.

(2)Grey's Anatomy

I love this show. I love the fact that it doesn't take itself as seriously and uptight as ER. All that drama is only good but for so long. Even doctors laugh occassionally. I liked Sandra Oh in Sideways...see it if you haven't...and she does a great job on the show. I can find something to like in all of the characters which is rare. It doesn't dwell on one storyline for too long and the pace is quick enough to keep me interested week after week. It's well written, well acted and entertaining.

(1)The Wire

THE BEST SHOW ON TV. WHY AREN'T YOU WATCHING IT? Watch the show when it starts back up on HBO some time this year. Rent the previous 3 seasons on DVD if you can. The show has everything. It's gritty, realistic...forget it...do your own research. WATCH THE SHOW.

Honorable mention: Arrested Development - people don't appreciate good tv. I think I was one of 5 people who watched the show before it was cancelled.

Deal or No Deal; Real World, Road Rules Challenge: The Gauntlet 2; MTV's True Life series

All-Star Weekend

2006-02-16T18:09:00.000-05:00

First of all, the other site has been updated.

I'm not all gung ho about this year's All-Star game like I usually am for some reason.

But the W is doing a great job of keeping everyone updated on the league's presence at the festivities.

I had a choice between going to this year's game or next year's in Vegas. No disrespect to Houston but...

Last (Wo)Man Standing

2006-02-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

With the exit of Vickie Johnson, everyone associated with the Liberty's inception is gone...except for Carol Blazejowski. Happy 10th Anniversary.

I mean, I'm just saying.

+

=

Wanted: Female Ballers

2006-01-31T19:02:00.001-05:00

I'm in the process of developing a women's unlimited league for Summer 2006 in NYC.

It's in its beginning stages right now (I'm talking not even a fetus yet), but it's backed by one of the leading grassroots basketball organizations in New York. For legal purposes, I'm not able to give the name of the organization yet. In the coming weeks I'll be able to put it on blast.

Right now I'm handling the logistical aspects of the program (location, facility, insurance, so on and so forth, but pretty soon, I'm going to be contacting teams. So if an indoor women's unlimited summer basketball league sounds like something you'd be interested in, click the link to the summer league's blog for more information.

#1 vs. #2 at The Mecca

2006-01-15T19:04:00.000-05:00

My Knicks and my Colts lost but I couldn't be happier.

Today was the showdown at Madison Square Garden.

Christ The King vs. Murry Bergtraum

The Royals vs. The Lady Blazers

Tina Charles vs. Epiphany Prince

Queens vs. Manhattan

The Public School Athletic League vs. The Catholic High Schools Athletic Association

The future of UCONN vs. the future of Rutgers

#1 in the country vs. #2 in the country

8th Avenue side of The Garden vs. the 7th Avenue side

It lived up to all of the hype.

Here's my as-it-happened game report.

Live From Section 88

I don't know who to root for. I'm from Queens so I should be going for Christ the King. But I graduated from public school and played PSAL ball.

For those that don't know, us PSAL kids have always stuck together because we're always the underdogs. We're always assumed to be the kids who couldn't handle strict rules and authority, couldn't make the grades, couldn't afford to attend, or weren't good enough athletes to go to a good Catholic school or play CHSAA ball. The CHSAA and PSAL kids all live in the same neighborhoods, all grew up playing with and against each other in the parks and are all aware of the stigma that surrounds PSAL schools and the expectations of CHSAA schools.

So whenever the PSAL plays the CHSAA, it's just that. Us vs. Them. Not Bergtraum against Christ the King. Us vs. Them. It doesn't matter if it's a non league Nike sponsored exhibition or the New York State Championships at Glens Falls.

With my high school days in mind, I decide that I'm Bergtraum all the way as the Long Island Railroad train pulls in to Penn Station.

I walk upstairs to The Garden making a point to notice the huge column at the entrance with a larger than life picture of Teresa Weatherspoon and the list of Liberty accomplishments since 1997.

Although I get carded and eyeballed like I'm lying through my teeth when I'm at the club because I don't look like I'm about to graduate college, I've been in this building so many times, security knows me.

I say what's up to my favorite security guys who's names I've never gotten and I walk past the wand waving individuals like a diplomat while all of the high schoolers get searched and wanded like we're at a 50 Cent concert. Don't miss that at all.

Thanks to Donald Douglas and the PSAL for the comp seats about 6 rows behind the visiting bench.

It's not like I needed my seat printed on my ticket because no one is sitting in assigned seats. My 8th grade English teacher would be tight if she saw this.

Fitting that someone is sitting in my seats. But rather than fret, throw a tantrum or call an usher, I let the culprits live and sit a row closer.

We've got the finest in New York City School Safety scattered throughout the building. Because we all know, they are a lot more prepared than the undermanned Garden ushers for an event like this.

As usual, every high school event is a fashion show. See and be seen.
Even the grown a$$ adults are getting in on the act. I haven't seen this many dead animals in a while.

It's a 25 degree, 50 miles per hour wind gust, bone chilling day, and there are a good 11,000 people according to my naked eye guestimation. Purple seats are filled and the teenage disease - can't sit the &^%* down-itis - is in full effect throughout the arena.

Unfortunately we're all yawning through the Grady vs Boys and Girls boys game. I cannot wait until the PSAL puts in the shot clock for the guys games.

Grady wins although I was privately rooting for the female head coach led Boys and Girls High. (Post Game Note: That would be the 8-1 Ruth Lovelace) I haven't cheered for Grady since Quincy Douby left for St. Thomas Moore Prep/Rutgers.

Three point shootout - these kids are either nervous or terrible. A young lady from Francis Lewis ties with some dude from some other school. Instead of shooting it out, announcer dude just envokes the sharing is caring rule and moves on.

DJ Kut from Power 105 is dj'ing throughout the afternoon. All games should have a DJ instead of some out of touch music director.

Tierra Marie - Ashanti '05 - performs that horrendous "No Daddy" song, some other nonsense and "Make Her Feel Good" to the warm delight of impressionable young sponges who think they just witnessed a singer. The best part was the dude from Grady still in his warm ups, fresh off of a win, being pulled out onto the court by Tierra and outperforming her.

Kut announces Jay-Z's in attendance, the crowd roars. Kut announces he was just playing, the crowd sighs.

The requisite "where's Brooklyn at?" Mass pandemonium as usual. I've learned from personal experience, that you can ask that question Anywhere USA and get that same reaction.

Christ the King comes out from under the tunnel, organized better than the Bloods and Crips, runs around the entire length of the court like the old Liberty used to do and get booed and ignored by all except their supporters behind the opposite basket.

Murry Bergtraum scatters out unorganized, takes a seat to begin their stretches and a thunderous roar booms through the arena led by the Bergtraum students seated behind the basket where Christ the King is warming up.

There's no question that Bergtraum is not the visiting team, no matter what color they're wearing. I was also feeling the 7-peat PSAL champion t-shirts.

Christ the King's cheerleaders try to do a little something and no one notices. Bergtraum's cheer/step hybrid on the opposite side of the court, gets up, does their thing, stares across the court with a collective attitude and intimidates the hell out of Christ the King's squad. Everybody notices.

Nothing beats high school warm ups.

The crowd is hyped and just like that, an MSG coming attractions promo sucks the life out of the room.

The legendary Ron Naclerio is in the building. (Post Game Note: Head coach of Cardozo boys for the uninitiated.)

The game begins and Bergtraum starts off fast. On offense, Erica Murrow is making her presence felt. On defense, they put two on Tina Charles, front and back, all over the floor.

Bergtraum soon finds out something they've known for at least 10 years...Christ the King has never been a one woman show. Charles is getting nothing, but Sky Lindsay is wetting jumpers from outside and Lorin Dixon is breaking down the defense with ease.

Charles looks frustrated when she finally does get the ball for the first time, misses a 15 footer.

Epiphany Prince is gangsta. She is unguardable. She's got the crowd on her side as soon as she cuts a CTK defender with a mean crossover. The 200 remaining people who weren't pro-Bergtraum and didn't arrive with Christ the King have already swayed and there are 38 minutes left in the game.

The only women to play in this arena and get more love are Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon. Seriously.

Prince is a problem. She's big, strong and quick. She's got legal streetball handle. She gets into the lane at will. She's got a Marbury-Iverson-esque ability to change her shot mid-air that you rarely see in the women's game.

On the other end, Tina Charles' first basket is fittingly an And 1. She's smooth. She reminds me of a better offensive version of Delisha Milton Jones.

A couple of possessions later, Charles comes down on the break in full stride and the crowd wants a dunk. Charles gracefully swoopes in and lays it up. The crowd sucks their teeth in disappointment and finally, after a little thought, applauds and gives her a break.

Bergtraum draws 2 quick fouls on Charles and Bob Mackey takes her out. (Post Game Note: So don't blame me that most of the notes until the second half are about Bergtraum.)

Then it becomes the Lorin Dixon show. She's all hops and handle. She's not as flashy as Prince, but she's getting the same end result. She gets her share of ooh's and aah's from the crowd.

Murrow and Prince alternate between the 1 and 2. The offense flows better with Murrow at the 1.

Mid-way through the second quarter, the whole arena is scratching their heads, wondering if Epiphany Prince notices those other 4 players in black jerseys.

On the one hand, you can feel the energy of the crowd when she has the ball in her hands on offense. On the other, you know she alone can't possibly score the 70 it usually takes to beat CTK. Or can she?

Just then, Prince goes on a streak of 5 incredible passes on the break and in the half court set to set up easy baskets. You're gonna have to play like that more often next year for Coach Stringer if you want to keep your sanity, kid.

It looked like she took off her Kobe Bryant jersey once she realized she could get whatever she wanted, and revealed her Jason Kidd jersey underneath. Or maybe she heard the scattered shouts of "PASS" around the arena.

It looks like Bergtraum is dominating the game until I look up at the scoreboard and CTK is only down 4 without their best player.

Dixon and Lindsay are keeping CTK in it by hitting timely shots and working the ball around, finding wide open teammates.

Buckwild from the Star and Buckwild morning show is announced as being in the building, he comes out to half court, asks which hood is the loudest and shouts out Brooklyn, Yonkers, the Bronx and Manhattan to respective cheers from those repping those hoods...the crowd stares waiting for him to finish...he never does. Note to Buc: when you do the neighborhood/borough shout out...you can't leave out 2 of the 5 boroughs (Queens being the biggest and Staten Island) altogether, shout out Manhattan without saying Uptown or Harlem (Manhattan is not the same to a real NY'er), shout out Yonkers and the Bronx separately without doing the same for Brooklyn and Bed Stuy or have the blasphemous nerve to forget all of the above yet ask if Jersey is in the building.

CTK goes on a run to end the half in the lead.

40-36 Halftime

CTK has a balanced attack, with Dixon, Charles and Lindsay all having between 8 and 12.

Bergtraum is all about Epiphany with 19. Murrow's a good Robin, but after that there isn't much else. It takes a gang to beat CTK. After Prince and Murrow, Bergtraum's only equipped with a couple of pocket knives.

Christ the King is smooth and steady with a lot of substance.

Bergtraum is full of flash with a lot of substance.

Again, CTK's cheerleaders get served by Bergtraum's. I wonder to myself if Gabrielle Union's going to pop out and yell "Bring It" any moment now.

An anti-climactic Slam Dunk contest at halftime - "booooooooo," yells the crowd to 5 of the 6 poor high school contestants.

106th and Park Freestyle Friday winner Big Will gives a freestyle - "booooooooo" yells the crowd from the birthplace of hip hop.

Gotta love NY. We are a bunch of proud haters.

DJ Kut is killing the 1's and 2's, keeping the crowd hyped.

The 3rd begins and Prince crosses up anyone who got burn for CTK. She's been doing it all game, but now they're becoming even nastier. Every CTK defender that gets left in her rear view only seems to pump her up even more. She gets more aggressive. The crowd gets louder.

The unthinkable happens as she crosses up her defender and the defender 3 feet away from her (guarding someone else no less) falls. How do you make someone who's not even guarding you fall?

Bucwild gets on the mic again and proves to be as useless as he is on the radio.

Prince picks up a cheap 2 fouls in a row, giving her 3.

CTK doesn't go at her at all for the rest of the game even though she is all Bergtraum has at this point.

CTK remains steady and goes on a decent run led by Charles and Dixon. Charles is crashing the boards, changing shots, fighting through double and triple teams and finding open teammates.

At the end of the 3rd quarter, CTK is leading and I decide to do some crowd scanning.

Not so super, but still Brooklyn's own - Zab Judah, Vince Carter and Juelz Santana are in attendance. White Trash Helene from the Star and Bucwild morning show has just entered the building. Her, Bucwild and DJ Kut get into some small talk on the mic and no one cares. (Post Game Note: Yes, that's what they call her on the show)

I look up to see the Knicks have lost to the Raptors and I notice an American Express ad on the 33rd and 8th scoreboard:

The 94 Rangers.

The 70 Knicks.

The 97 Liberty.

I immediately break out into mental song:
One of these things is not like the others.
2 of these things are kind of the same.
Which of these things is not like the others?
Now it's time to play our game.
It's time to play our game.

This ad also reminds me that there are no Liberty players or representatives visibly present and I have only seen 1 Liberty ad up on the far scoreboards and heard 1 announcement that was drowned out by poor timing during this entire game.

I shake my head at the Liberty's continuing ability to ignore the young urban crowd.

There are 11-12,000 screaming teens in attendance (the W is the family friendly league, remember) who paid the same amount of money they would pay for a Liberty game. They are watching and actively participating in a girls high school basketball game and the Liberty drop the ball in their own building.

At the start of the 4th, Prince can't throw the rock into the Hudson while CTK is continuing their balanced attack. Prince is obviously fatigued from carrying an entire arena on her back, but she's fighting through it stubbornly. Ed Grezinsky couldn't take her out even if he wanted to.

Instead of switching up her game in the 4th like she did in the 1st half to offset her tired legs, she becomes a bonafide chucker. Fortunately for her, all of the calls she wasn't getting earlier, she's getting now.

Not that it should dramatically change the game for these 2 semi-pro teams, but let's not forget that we're on a pro court here. Prince's fatigue looked to be related to effort rather than lack of preparation, but some of the secondary players on both teams looked to be a bit winded. (Post Game Note: As did some of the guys in the first game.)

CTK looks to be in full control of this game while Bergtraum misses opportunity after opportunity.

The 3 headed monster of Charles, Dixon and Lindsay are all in double figures and stifling Bergtraum on both ends.

Bergtraum/Prince cut the lead to 5 and Tina Charles gets fouled on a shot attempt. She misses the first free throw that from the feel of it, could have closed the door on Bergtraum's newfound momentum had it went down.

I look up at Garden Vision and Epiphany Prince has 35...on a bad day.

Just then, she gets fouled by Dixon with a minute left, steps up and hits 2 huge free throws to put Bergtraum within 4.

The entire arena is on its feet roaring with approval. They wouldn't sit down until the final buzzer.

The next possession she drives through the lane and gets fouled. 2 more free throws all net. Nothing but ice in her veins.

That was Dixon's 5th and final foul. Ouch.

The crowd has a playoff energy...Knicks, Liberty, Rangers, whoever. Everyone is standing, all eyes on CTK as they bring the ball upcourt against Bergtraum's press.

The ball gets worked around. The crowd reacts with every bobbled catch or missed steal.

Bergtraum is playing their notorious scrambling defense.

Somehow, Tina Charles gets left under the basket with a much smaller defender.

She goes up for the shot.

Out of nowhere from the weak side comes #10 in black. 5'9" Epiphany Prince with the huge rejection on the 6'4" Tina Charles. Everyone in the building knew Charles was going to score the nail in the coffin bucket and Prince came from Jersey with the block.

Bergtraum comes down at full speed, Prince finds Murrow who takes the shot and misses. Randall grabs the rebound, gets fouled. She proceeds to miss a huge free throw. CTK would return the favor by missing 2 with 22 seconds left.

The game remains tied at 63.

Bergtraum has the ball as Prince comes down the court with it, crowd expecting something big.

Everybody is up. Even Vince Carter.

Prince comes down the lane, bobbles the ball on the way up and a held ball is called.

Possession - Christ the King.

The worst rule in basketball.

CTK comes down the other end with the ball and 11.5 on the clock. The ball goes in to Tina Charles who misses. With 1 second left, she gets the ball back...

puts it back up...

and the buzzer sounds as the ball goes through the net.

Any doubts about it counting were gone when the ref emphatically signaled it good.

65-63 Christ the King.

Christ the King is running around the court going crazy, the crowd is pissed, Bergtraum looks like they just lost the State Federation title all over again.

Tina Charles ends up in the stands celebrating with the Christ the King faithful and Bergtraum sits dejected on the bench in disbelief.

As Tina Charles conducts 3 interviews, the crowd loudly cheers for the great show they've just witnessed.

The Player of the Game is announced and Tina Charles finished with 20 points and 24 rebounds.

Vince Carter is announced as the presenter of the award...nobody cares.

Charles is busy giving tv interviews when her name is announced and has to be coaxed away from the camera to get her Nike trophy.

She laughs it up with Vince and poses for pix. The girl is a star.

Prince is announced as the winner of the Sportsmanship Award, and the whole crowd, still standing, gives her an ovation. She would finish with 39 points on a day where she didn't even have her B+ game.

She poses with Vince and the NY branch of Nike execs, unfazed by their presence and still seething from the loss.

Vince goes over to the possible future of Nike's women's basketball line, Charles to give her props again. (Post Game Note: So what she's still in high school. She's going national next year. It ain't that far fetched.)

The crowd is beginning to die down when all of a sudden the familiar sound of the Dip Set comes through loud and clear. Teenage girls storm the front rows of the arena as Juelz Santana comes out and does "Oh Yes," "The Whistle Song," and "S.A.N.T.A.N.A."

Now I ain't really one for the rappers, nor do I like Dip Set, but he rocked the crowd.

School Safety and Madison Square Garden's Finest were no match for screaming teenage girls with their eyes and hearts fixed on getting as close to Juelz as possible.

School Safety did their best by boxing the hormones out along the baseline.

After Santana, me and about 6,000 other people headed for the exits.

All agreed that there was nothing the Rice and St. Patrick's boys could do to top Bergtraum, Christ the King or Juelz.

6-1 in '06

2006-01-15T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Knicks went on a 6 game winning streak and I wrote absolutely nothing about it. Now it's over. Oh well.

The 9 year old Knick fan in me says they lost because I wasn't watching the game.

The 21 year old retired baller in me says they lost because they ran out of gas and couldn't get up the energy to play the Raptors.

Kudos (I hate that word) to Stephon for inviting Minnesota Marbury to the last 8 games. I hope the guy is here to stay.

He's been the second best point guard in the league for two weeks.

I've said it before and I'll say it until I am green...Marbury not being able to play the point is nonsense. He did it in Minnesota, he did it in spurts in Phoenix, and he's doing it now for the Knicks.

He just needs to keep New Jersey Drive Marbury locked away somewhere.

Jamal Crawford is keeping the expletive inspiring shots to a minimum.

David Lee is the light skinned Charles Oakley/Anthony Mason hybrid.

Eddy Curry is on his way to being dominant once he learns to pass out of a double team.

Channing Frye is steady when he gets minutes.

Nate Robinson is the happiest guy in the NBA.

Mo Taylor is no longer useless. That title belongs solely to Jerome "Jesse" James.

Being a Knick fan isn't as embarassing these days.

Thanks guys.

My Bad

2006-01-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

I asked recently if it's the new trend to not announce your retirement. My bad.

Evidently it's not all the rage.

Teresa Weatherspoon's not retired. No way, no how according to some real official people who get paid to know these things and how you say...know her very well. The hints are all right there people.

I could tell you more but then I'd have to kill you and the person who told me would attempt to take me out Marcus Vick style.

I don't have any feelings one way or another about it right now. I mean...it's only January. I guess it depends on where she ends up if she plays. It's good to finally have a concrete answer about her plans though. It didn't sound right that someone of that stature would just fade into oblivion.

A thumbs up to Weatherspoon for not handling her desire to still play like some other athletes who have been in limbo recently. I guess she has enough money to feed her family unlike some people...no names.

How interesting would that be to see the return of #11 in 2006? Stacey Dales-Schuman, The Fugees, Jay-Z as a rapper...T-Spoon?

Stay tuned.

High School Basketball

2005-12-31T12:40:00.000-05:00

If you're in New York and like high school basketball, here is my New Year's gift to you:

Saturday, January 7

Event: LI MLK Classic (BOYS)
Gym: Island Garden Arena (where the Knicks and Liberty used to practice)
Location: West Hempstead, NY
Tip off: 12:00pm

Upper Room vs. Campus Magnet
East Meadow vs. Hempstead
Long Beack vs. Martin Van Buren (we are the mighty mighty vee-bees)

Event: 2006 Girls Basketball Invitational Classic
Gym: York College
Location: Jamaica, NY
Tip off: 11:00am

Lincoln vs. Holy Trinity
Midwood vs. Massapequa
Francis Lewis vs. St. Michael's Academy

Note: In the second game, Midwood is the team to watch or should I say Melanie Murphy is the player to watch. She's on her way to Stanford next year. In the third game, Francis Lewis lost to Bergtraum in last year's PSAL Championship but everybody loses to Bergtraum. Francis Lewis is one of the best programs in the city. "Queen V" Vionca Murray is on her way to Va. Tech next year. She had 34 against Cardozo recently and looks unstoppable against the high school crowd.

Players to watch:
Lincoln: Marissa Austin, Charmon Watt
Francis Lewis: Vionca Murray, Diatiem Hill
Midwood: Mesha Joseph, Melanie Murphy

Event: The Borough Challenge (BOYS)
Gym: Lehman College
Location: Bronx, NY
Tip off: 1:00pm

The Bronx vs. Queens (Lehman vs. Springfield Gardens)
Brooklyn vs. Staten Island (Robeson vs. Curtis)
Manhattan vs. Brooklyn (Wadleigh vs. Boys & Girls)

Sunday, January 8

Event: 2006 Girls Basketball Invitational Classic
Gym: Lehman College
Location: Bronx, NY
Tip off: 10:00am

Manhattan Center vs. Malverne
Cardozo vs. Paterson East Side
Grand Street Campus vs. North Babylon
John F. Kennedy vs. Shabazz

Note: Manhattan Center looks sick this year. They've always looked really good and were always well coached but this year they look elite good. Francis Lewis, Bergtraum, Christ the King good. Ashley Cox is unbelievable when she's on.

Players to watch:
Manhattan Center: Ashley Cox, Chena Parker
Cardozo: Marissa Flagg, Lekesha Harris, Adenike Oyesile
Grand Street Campus: Kenya Kirkland
Shabazz: Jania Sims, Kellindra Zachery, Iasia Hemingway
Paterson East Side: Shadisha Green, Davina Yacab

Saturday, January 14

Event: 3rd Annual Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational (BOYS)
Gym: Baruch College
Location: New York, NY
Tip off: 11:30am

Uniondale vs. Boys & Girls
St. Andrews vs. Bloomfield Tech
Bellaire vs. Grady
Notre Dame Prep vs. St. Thomas More

Sunday, January 15

Event: Nike Super 6 Invitational
Gym: Madison Square Garden
Location: New York, NY
Tip off: 1:00pm

Grady vs. Boys & Girls (BOYS)
Murry Bergtraum vs. Christ The King (GIRLS)
Rice vs. St. Patrick's (BOYS)

Note: Grady vs. Boys & Girls should be excellent and you know both will bring all of Brooklyn to The Garden for this showdown. But the game to really watch is Bergtraum vs. Christ the King. Their games put some WNBA matchups to shame. Finally, us city dwellers don't have to go all the way to Glens Falls or wait until the State championship in March to see it. Tina Charles is leading the way for Christ the King in her senior year before she blows up on the national scene at UCONN. Of course, there's the player averaging 40 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds a game before she heads to Rutgers to rule the Big East with Matee Ajavon and Kia Vaughn. EPIPHANY PRINCE!!!!

Players to watch:
Bergtraum: Epiphany Prince, Tasha Bartlett, Erica Morrow
Christ the King: Tina Charles

Event: 3rd Annual Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational (BOYS)
Gym: Baruch College
Location: New York, NY
Tip off: 1:00pm

Thomas Jefferson vs. Poly Prep
Patterson Catholic vs. Our Savior Lutheran
Newark East Side vs. All Hallows
Niagra Falls vs. Robeson

Monday, January 16

Event: 3rd Annual Big Apple Basketball High School Invitational (BOYS)
Gym: Baruch College
Location: New York, NY
Tip off: 12:00pm

Bellaire vs. Our Savior Lutheran
Niagra Falls vs. St. Dominic's
Woodmere Academy vs. Benjamin Banneker
West Milford vs. Cardozo
Patterson Catholic vs. Bishop Loughlin

Sunday, January 22

Event: Queens MLK Invitational (BOYS)
Gym: McClancy High School
Location: East Elmhurst, NY
Tip off: 12:00pm

St. John's Prep vs. Samuel Gompers
Woodmere Academy vs. Hempstead
Long Island City vs. McClancy

Sunday, January 29

Event: Long Island/New York Invitational Classic (BOYS)
Gym: Elmcor
Location: Corona, NY
Tip off: 12:00pm

Bronx High School of Science vs. McClancy
Telecommunications vs. Forest Hills
Kingston vs. Chaminade

Wednesday, February 8

Event: PSAL Regular Season Game (GIRLS)
Gym: Manhattan Center High School
Location: Harlem, NY
Tip off: 4:30pm

Murry Bergtraum vs. Manhattan Center

Note: Fittingly, this is the final game of the regular season for both teams. One can only hope they'll end up battling it out at The Garden for the City championship in March.

Players to watch:
Manhattan Center: Ashley Cox, Chena Parker
Bergtraum: Epiphany Prince, Tasha Bartlett, Erica Morrow

Ticket prices vary. Just bring some dough. I only did notes on the girls games because the boys games would take forever.

Hi Larry

2005-12-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

Larry Brown reads my blog.

I hope he saw the part about finding a rotation too.

Last night's game against Milwaulkee was Exhibit A as to why Marbury is not the real problem with the Knicks. 23 points, 12 assists, 3 steals, decent defense, good body language, great hustle and still the Knicks lose.

I hate to say it, but the Knicks collectively, have the basketball IQ of a hockey player. They remind me of the Houston Rockets after The Dream and before Yao. A team that didn't have the mental fortitude to play the game at a high level if their athleticism was neutralized.

The bright spot of being 7-21 at the end of the year is that last season the team was 16-13 and came out and bombed the rest of the way. Maybe this year, it'll be the other way around. Riiiiiight.

Marbury

2005-12-26T23:49:00.000-05:00

Whenever I think of great point guards, I think of something Sue Wicks once said about Teresa Weatherspoon. It went something along the lines of Wicks being open, but not knowing how open she was, Weatherspoon passing her the ball in perfect position to score what was at the time a much needed basket, and Wicks somehow messing up the play. Wicks recalled being upset with herself for messing up the play and in turn, the run, and looking up and seeing Weatherspoon, who gave her a pinpoint pass, gesturing to herself as if to say it was her fault instead of Wicks'.

Ask anyone what Weatherspoon's greatest attribute was as a player and they probably wouldn't hesitate to say her leadership.

This was most evident ironically in 2003. Weatherspoon seemed to be frustrated with her own play and the Liberty's season. When she allowed her frustration to be written all over her face, the team struggled. When her energy dropped and the disappointment escalated, the entire team followed suit. When she went out of games and went to the bench moping, the collective air was sucked out of the building. When her body language let everyone know she wasn't comfortable and she got snippy, so did everyone else.

There was a marked difference from the never out of it cheerleader that she once was, to the upset towel over the head point guard she became. As she struggled with her role and seemed to lose her passion, so did the team.

Thankfully, for Weatherspoon, eventually, the towel came off the head, the cheerleader returned. Eventhough the team couldn't dig themselves out of the hole they created and she couldn't get on the same page as the coach who also handled the situation incorrectly, she stopped sulking. Even as she went to LA, she looked like she enjoyed the game again and went back to being the positive Spoon we all know and love.

Even at the end of her career with the minutes and production almost non existent, Sparks teammates and opponents like Sheryl Swoopes commented on how the work ethic, energy and leadership never waivered and how her attitude toward the game was infectious.

It's not about being one of a miniscule group of WNBA players to have 1000 point and assists to go with 600 rebounds and 400 steals. That didn't make her a great point guard. The stats didn't help lead the Liberty to the finals 4 times. The stats didn't endear her to the fans. The passion, energy, intensity, leadership and effort with which she played every game did.

.................

Which leads me to Stephon Marbury. Against the Nets, Marbury had 21 points and 5 assists through 3 quarters. Decent numbers. But the team was getting blown out. Enter Nate Robinson. Yes, Robinson scored 13 points in the 4th quarter to spark a semi comeback. But his energy and intensity regardless of the score was what got the Knicks back into the game. When he came in, everyone else's energy went up. Robinson was out there hustling on both ends, clapping for and high fiving teammates through mistakes and playing as if the game was still winnable. Marbury comes back into the game after Robinson fouls out and gets resoundingly booed.

Marbury didn't get booed because of the stat sheet. He got booed because fans are tired of the lack of passion with which he seems to play if his team isn't winning. It was as if to say, had Marbury played with the intensity of Nate Robinson and led his team by example instead of having a negative disposition, the Knicks may not be in this situation in the first place.

I don't believe for a minute that Marbury doesn't play hard. It would take a lot to convince me that he's just in it for the check or doesn't want to win as bad as the next guy. If anyone in that locker room wants to see the Knicks succeed as much as the fans, I'd have to believe it would be the life long Knick fan and native New Yorker...a guy who remembers the good Knicks.

But sometimes it takes more than knowing you want something. You've got to show it. I empathize with Marbury sometimes, because I'm known for not being the most outwardly expressive person in the world, which upsets the people around me from time to time. I've had prospective interviewers tell me they can't really tell that I actually want the job due to my laid back, unexcitable demeanor. I really don't see the need to be "on" 100% of the time, or phoney. But if it means pleasing my mother or getting the job that I really do want, I will do what I have to. Even if it means being a little extra and showing emotion that I normally don't.

If basketball were an individual sport, Marbury would be a top 5 player. He really would be the best point guard in the league. But basketball is a team sport last I checked. I think part of Marbury's problem is that he's never been less than a second option or a go to player. So he doesn't understand the importance of the best players being the most positive and trusting. He doesn't understand how much his body language and demeanor alone impact the confidence and outlook of the lesser players.

Sure, great players are looked to to get into teammates' faces when they're not performing up to par. However, great players earn that right by leading when things are going well too. Marbury's ice grill of an unfocused teammate who drops a pass wouldn't be so bad if he also congratulated said teammates consistently when they do well. One example was during today's game, Marbury shoots and misses. Frye gets a great rebound and dunks it for the putback. Cut to a shot of Marbury running back down court shaking his head disgustedly at his missed shot. It just seems like every bad thing is a catastrophic, slumping, storm off, eye rolling event for him.

It's just as obvious to many of us as it is to him that he doesn't get nearly as many calls as he should, but complaining to the refs instead of hustling back on defense isn't going to win much sympathy.

Marbury is hardly the biggest problem with the Knicks. Anyone who thinks he is, is crazy. Their lack of defense, patchwork rotation, terrible roster and lack of experience are. Trading him isn't going to change much of that unless a superstar is coming back in return.

But you can't have your best player acting distant and aloof on the court. It doesn't help that this only seems to be the case when things are going wrong.

When Marbury was in Minnesota, not only was he a real point guard, which shoots the theory that he isn't and can't be out of the window. He was also high energy and positive until he decided Minnesota wasn't where he wanted to be.

It was the same way when he first got to Jersey. Until one too many injury prone, ice cream soft, hard handed teammates left him feeling All Alone.

He seemed to be on the right track in Phoenix, especially during the run that had them standing on San Antonio's throat, just unable to close it out. Then when they started losing, his attitude turned sour. Which comes first...the tude or the losses? Now with the Knicks, wash...rinse and repeat.

Much of this is media created. Every little thing is mangified and blown out of proportion. We rarely get articles about the great things he does for his team and his community. It's not like there aren't many examples of both. The notion that Marbury never smiles is a truck load of nonsense. The sports media, especially in NY will kiss your behind as long as you show them some attention. They have a supreme ugly chick complex. On the other hand, if you just go out and do your job, and keep them at arms length like the vultures they are, you become the proxy for their stupidity. If I were Marbury, I'd react the same distant way. If you want introspection, watch Oprah.

However, my problem isn't about his relationship with the media. Anyone who has ever played a team sport knows how important it is for your leaders to lead by example. By Marbury's body language signifying indifference and disappointment, and his decision making showing a lack of trust in his teammates, players that aren't on his level skill wise have no incentive to follow in his footsteps. At this level, yes, grown men should be able to inspire themselves and Marbury's attitude shouldn't determine how another man plays his game in terms of effort, but that isn't human nature. Team sports can be a classic example of the difference between social loafing and social incentive.

He's almost hard to watch. I truly believe that Marbury wants to lead and enjoys the game and his teammates. I just don't think he realizes that no matter how you may feel, appearance is everything. Even simple things like thinking a positive thought after a mistake, smiling after a turnover or running with your head up can change your whole attitude on the court. A positive attitude can lead to better focus and less compounding of mistakes.

Like I said, it's something I've had to learn the hard way. Just like I can be more qualified and still lose the job to someone with more spunk...a team can win more games with a less talented, but better intangibles leader at the point.

I'm not saying be a phoney brown noser. I'm saying let the energy, passion, intensity, and heart that you know you have on the inside show on the outside. It's not like Marbury doesn't have all of the above. He wouldn't have made it this far if he didn't.

It's Tough

2005-12-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

Allow me to put on my Captain Obvious cape for a minute:

It's difficult being a Knick fan these days.

I don't know where to begin. I know I never saw the truly great Knicks of the 70s as my father would say, but I do remember the Knicks of the 90s. I lived and died with those Knicks.

The Knicks of the 2000s have been an embarassment.

Larry Brown is killing me. A couple of weeks ago he said he was going to shorten the rotation. Brown must be using the fuzzy math because 12 still equals 12 for the rest of us. His 12 isn't even the right 12.

David Lee gives the team great energy, a high basketball IQ, hustle, and effort every time he plays. Too bad he's usually in a suit.

Instead, we get to watch Maurice Taylor, Malik Rose, Jerome James and Antonio Davis. None of them should be playing ahead of Lee or Butler. I could see if the team was contending and Brown didn't want to play young players. But the team readily admits they're rebuilding and still keeps the pieces they should be rebuilding with on the bench. What sense does that make? If we have to watch the team struggle and lose, why not watch the guys who play with some heart and intensity? Why not watch the team grow in that struggle so that we can pacify ourselves into believing that our young guys are learning and will be better for it?

If Rose, Taylor, Davis and James are being showcased as trade bait...I have some bad news for Brown and Thomas. Nobody wants them and their stock decreases everytime they play. Hate to break the bad news.

I admit it is a little unfair to lump all 4 together. Rose and Davis seem to provide great leadership. Davis even seems to be serviceable on the court in spurts. Rose's problem is that Brown seems to think he's Rip Hamilton. Rose would be decent if he could just go in for 8 minutes, rebound and play solid post defense instead of coming off screens and spotting up for jumpers that don't go in.

On the other hand, Taylor is the most unecessary player on the roster and James is an abyss whenever he touches the ball unless he's 2 feet away from the basket. However, James is 7 feet and does change shots on the defensive end.

It looks obvious to a whole heck of a lot of people, except Larry Brown, that the post rotation should include Curry and Frye as the starters with Lee, James and Butler coming off the bench.

The Knicks need a small forward. I love watching Trevor Ariza play. Trust me, I do. But he would be great coming off the bench. In a couple of years, he may end up being a solid role player at the 3. Right now, he really doesn't do one thing extremely well. He just does everything on a mediocre level skill wise. His game hasn't caught up to his intangibles and athleticism yet.

Qyntel Woods just got here so I'll spare him.

If I were the Hall of Fame head coach who I am not second guessing, I'd put Lee at the small forward position. Can't be any worse than what's been going on. He's great at moving the ball and it would give the team an added rebounding presence.

Then there's the backcourt. I'm going to give Stephon Marbury a whole separate post, so we'll skip him for now.

I'm no Jamal Crawford fan, but you must admire his effort. He takes bad shots and makes dumb mistakes but it's usually because he's trying to do too much. Sometimes I get the feeling he's trying to play hero too much but at least he's actually trying and isn't afraid to be the goat as well. His inconsistency is what prevents me from wanting to keep him here. At 25, I wonder how much he'll be able to improve. But...at least he's trying. As long as he's trying, at best, he'll turn into John Starks. At worst, he'll up his trade value.

If Nate Robinson was 6 feet tall, he'd be incredible. He's incredible now, but he'd be even better. He plays with heart, effort, toughness, passion, intensity and energy. He infectious. He's a leader. Players like Nate Robinson are the reason why basketball is a team sport. He uplifts the players around him when he's in the game. Even when he does the dumbest things you can think of on a basketball court, he's not getting down on himself or his teammates. You know that he'll put the mistake behind him and move on instead of compounding it by moping.

I really do not know why Quentin Richardson is here. I'm not trying to be mean...I just don't see what purpose he serves. The Knicks don't play the run and gun, three point shooting style that Phoenix did, nor do they use Richardson's post up game which is his best strength. He's not a small forward and he doesn't really seem to have a role on the team. He looks completely out of place. As a fan of his game, it's difficult to watch him look so out of character. Either he or Crawford need to go to make room for the other or the team needs to find a way to highlight Richardson's strengths.

The Knicks need a resolution. They may want to start with a rotation.

Feels Good

2005-12-23T17:30:00.000-05:00

I rode the E train today.

I never in life thought I'd miss the smell or sound of an overcrowded train station during the morning rush hour.

It was hot. It smelled like feet and sewage. Everyone was ice grilling and mean mugging each other.

It was just perfect and beautiful.

If you're looking for something to do next week, the Junius Kellogg Memorial High School Classic basketball tournament is going on at Park West High School in Manhattan beginning at Noon on Tuesday, December 27th and Wednesday, December 28, 2005.

$5 to enter, $3 for students.

Merry Holiday.

She Lives

2005-12-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

The good folks at the vastly improved wnba.com caught up with Teresa Weatherspoon.

Her career is mentioned in the past tense throughout the article so I guess this means it's over.

As usual, her commitment to community and youth is strong as ever.

I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the timing of the dot com article has no significance to anything so when does the inevitable announcement that she's back with the Liberty organization in some capacity occur?

In other related news, is it the new trend to not announce your retirment? Not that I care, I'm just wondering.

Stuck in the House

2005-12-21T10:46:00.000-05:00

The TWU sure knows how to pick a great time for a strike. It's not like it's 31 degrees outside in the middle of the work week during the holiday season in the busiest city in the world. Nah, not at all.

I move back home from Richmond, VA after 3 and a half years of school in the mid Atlantic...3 and a half years of inferior public transportation, only to come home and be stuck in the house because the trains and buses in NYC aren't running.

I don't blame the TWU for sticking it to the MTA...but why do the rest of us have to suffer? I know, I know...it's the only way they'll get their point across. But why now? Why not in a month like May when I don't have to worry about not being able to feel my fingers?

I'm not about to walk to the city from Queens or overpay for a crazed cabbie to take me to the brink of death. The Long Island Railroad trains to Manhattan look like someone announced there's free iPods waiting for all riders in Penn Station. I love my fellow New Yorkers, but I don't need to get that close to them.

The Long Island buses would be a great option if I didn't have to walk a half hour to the nearest one. I stopped riding in Dollar Vans during rush hour after I realized I enjoyed life.

My driving options don't exist since like the stubborn New Yorker I am, I've put off getting my license for "one of these days" or when I can actually afford the car I need a license for. My mother needs her car to drive to work, a commute that has increased by an hour thanks to the TWU and MTA. My father lives on the other side of town and has a car that operates on its own terms, preferrably not in the winter.

I can't help but to wonder why this needed to happen in the first place. The MTA has been stiffing riders for years. I wouldn't have a problem with paying the fare that always seems to be going up if the money was being spent to keep the trains, buses and stations clean and efficient. I wouldn't have a problem if on Monday the MTA cries broke and on Tuesday they have a $400 million surplus if on Wednesday, I'm not waiting a half hour for a train that should have been here 20 minutes ago.

There's a $400 million dollar surplus thanks to overcharging riders and underpaying workers and the turnstiles barely work without having to swipe 71 times, the Metro Card vending machines either don't have change, only take exact change or plain don't like you and then have the nerve to give you some dollar coin as change that the dude in the bodega would rather bathe himself in acid than take as payment.

It's bad enough you've got to deal with the 37 year old high school kid selling $4 M&M's so he can pay for his basketball uniform. The least the MTA could do is appease its workers and use real soap to clean the train.

At any rate, I'm stuck in the house, unable to will myself to walk a half hour, than ride for another 2, to get somewhere that normally takes me 40 minutes.

For the sake of all New Yorkers, I hope there's no rain in the forecast.

Welcome

2005-12-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

I decided to pack my things and bounce to a new home.

I needed a change. A new beginning.

The subject matter will remain the same, I guess.

The updates should be more frequent now that I'm done with school and am back in my more favorable NYC surroundings without papers to write, test to study for and useless textboks to use as place mats and coasters.

I have less design options over here so if anyone knows how I can hook this thing up and get rid of the generic template, let me know.