One thing that I WILL NOT be doing is playing basketball (heck, I don't play now) at 73 but this story is inspiring for those who do wish to be active at at any age.
This man has obviously taken tremendous care of himself and he is reaping the "Hoop Dreams" fruits of his labor!
Remember, it is never too late to exercise and get that body moving. Since my half-marathon on September 6 in Sweden, I have been less than stellar in my running workouts. That will soon change.
A few paragraphs from the article are below. You can click on the link for the full story.
Gswede
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/10/sports/ncaabasketball/10player.html?ref=sports
For a guy Mink’s age, two-a-days are a likely reference to multivitamins, not double practices. But while shooting around in a neighbor’s driveway in the summer of 2007, he realized he still had his shooting stroke. So he sent e-mail messages to eight tiny colleges near his home in Knoxville, Tenn. Perhaps a small school could use a guy with an old-school push shot.
Mink said he joined the Air Force in November 1956 and played regularly in military tournaments for four years. He then went on to a career as a newspaper editor, continuing to play basketball in recreation leagues. Since retiring in 1999, he and his wife said, Mink has kept active by playing golf, walking, hiking, skiing, even hang gliding. He has published a book, “So, You Want Your Kid to be a Sports Superstar,” and along with his wife, edits an online travel magazine
Late in that game, Mink entered and found himself open in the corner. He gave a pump fake, and the defender ended up draped over him like raccoon coat. Calmly, he hit both free throws. The Hack-a-Mink strategy had failed.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Boston Celtics - Right Frame of Mind
Last year was the right TIME
This year, they seem to have the right FRAME OF MIND
Will there be a 2nd Consecutive NBA Title for the Celtics in June 2009?
I wouldn't bet against them although I hope my Lakers can battle their way back to the NBA Finals.
Below is a paragraph (and link) from a NY Times article on the cohesiveness of the Celtics.
Gswede
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Garnett also reminded the team of ubuntu, a South African concept introduced by Coach Doc Rivers last season to underline the importance of selflessness, unity and teamwork: When the team is elevated, the individual is elevated; when the team is diminished, the individual is diminished.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/sports/basketball/05rhoden.html?ref=sports
This year, they seem to have the right FRAME OF MIND
Will there be a 2nd Consecutive NBA Title for the Celtics in June 2009?
I wouldn't bet against them although I hope my Lakers can battle their way back to the NBA Finals.
Below is a paragraph (and link) from a NY Times article on the cohesiveness of the Celtics.
Gswede
-----
Garnett also reminded the team of ubuntu, a South African concept introduced by Coach Doc Rivers last season to underline the importance of selflessness, unity and teamwork: When the team is elevated, the individual is elevated; when the team is diminished, the individual is diminished.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/sports/basketball/05rhoden.html?ref=sports
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Bradyless Bunch
This is sort of like going to a Springsteen concert, waiting for the Boss, then hearing a bow-tied announcer tell you, "Bruce cannot be here tonight. Someone else will be fronting the E Street Band."
Dan Shaughnessy from the Boston Globe head the nail on the head with the above paragraph. "Sunday, Sept 7, 2008 goes down as the day the music died at Patriot Place", as he so honestly put it. The full article can be found on link: (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/09/08/welcome_to_life_without_tom/)
Brady's injury immediately made me think of the time my golfing buddy (16 handicap), lost his swing for an 8 week period. I (27 handicap) had never beaten him before but I seized on his unexplained weakness and battered him relentlessly 6 straight times and made sure he never forgot it during those wonderful weeks. After he regained his touch, I never came close to winning again but those times were awfully sweet.
Opponents of the Patriots should have a similar mindset and take the opportunity to put a profound beating on the Bradyless Bunch and let them know in no uncertain terms just how mortal they now are. In football, all that matters is winning so "kicking someone when they are down" is okay in this instance. An NFL career is short, and opportunities like this are rarely gift wrapped with a silver bow like this one.
I like Tom Brady and feel for him but the bad karma around Bill Belichick and the videotaping has now come back to bite them. As I believe, when you do good, good things usually happen but when you deliberately do bad or illegal things, it is just a matter of time before fortune frowns on you.
Fortune may not smile on the Patriots again for a long, long time.
Patriot Fans, don't for one minute think your team is going to be any good this year! Not a chance. Emotion and Loyalty may cloud your judgment but you know in your heart that this team will be lucky to be a shade above ordinary.
I played college sports at the highest level, (Division 1 basketball ) and the MAIN reason were my shooting skills. If not for my wicked jump shot, I would have played no higher than Division 2. Like me, Brady's Patriots had the luxury of playing at the top of their sport, the NFL. Without him, the Bradyless bunch has zero possibility of wearing that championship ring.
I am sure fans of the Patriots will rally around the new sheriff in town, QB Matt Cassel.
Matt may even have these thoughts about himself:
I have seen Tom Brady play,
Tom Brady's leadership skills and greatness are unquestionable,
Tome Brady seemed to be a friend to everyone,
Matt Cassell, you are no Tom Brady.
Gswede
Dan Shaughnessy from the Boston Globe head the nail on the head with the above paragraph. "Sunday, Sept 7, 2008 goes down as the day the music died at Patriot Place", as he so honestly put it. The full article can be found on link: (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/09/08/welcome_to_life_without_tom/)
Brady's injury immediately made me think of the time my golfing buddy (16 handicap), lost his swing for an 8 week period. I (27 handicap) had never beaten him before but I seized on his unexplained weakness and battered him relentlessly 6 straight times and made sure he never forgot it during those wonderful weeks. After he regained his touch, I never came close to winning again but those times were awfully sweet.
Opponents of the Patriots should have a similar mindset and take the opportunity to put a profound beating on the Bradyless Bunch and let them know in no uncertain terms just how mortal they now are. In football, all that matters is winning so "kicking someone when they are down" is okay in this instance. An NFL career is short, and opportunities like this are rarely gift wrapped with a silver bow like this one.
I like Tom Brady and feel for him but the bad karma around Bill Belichick and the videotaping has now come back to bite them. As I believe, when you do good, good things usually happen but when you deliberately do bad or illegal things, it is just a matter of time before fortune frowns on you.
Fortune may not smile on the Patriots again for a long, long time.
Patriot Fans, don't for one minute think your team is going to be any good this year! Not a chance. Emotion and Loyalty may cloud your judgment but you know in your heart that this team will be lucky to be a shade above ordinary.
I played college sports at the highest level, (Division 1 basketball ) and the MAIN reason were my shooting skills. If not for my wicked jump shot, I would have played no higher than Division 2. Like me, Brady's Patriots had the luxury of playing at the top of their sport, the NFL. Without him, the Bradyless bunch has zero possibility of wearing that championship ring.
I am sure fans of the Patriots will rally around the new sheriff in town, QB Matt Cassel.
Matt may even have these thoughts about himself:
- When Drew Bledsoe was injured, Tom Brady got his chance and became a star. Why can't I?
- I have always been a leader and I can lead this team.
- I am a good friend and people will respect me.
I have seen Tom Brady play,
Tom Brady's leadership skills and greatness are unquestionable,
Tome Brady seemed to be a friend to everyone,
Matt Cassell, you are no Tom Brady.
Gswede
Thursday, June 19, 2008
4 -2 Celtics - Correct Games, Wrong Team
In the early 90's, Dave Cowens at one of our events in BostonI predicted a Patriots Victory. Wrong.
I predicted a Celtics Loss. Again, wrong. The only thing I got right were the games, 4-2.
Can it get any better for the BEST sports city in America? Almost 3 in a row with the Red Sox winning last year.
The way MY Lakers crushed the Spurs and cruised through the playoffs, I had no doubt that Boston would be a similar victim. Waking up at 5am during the third quarter of Game 6, I nearly turned off the tv. 30 points down. I was as angry as I was stunned.
The Lakers were woefully bad on defense during the series (game 4 with a 24 point lead was one display) and Kobe couldn't get into that Jordan 64 Chevy level.
Don't dare compare Kobe to Jordan especially after his uninspired play. I hear and read talk of this constantly and it is an insult to MJ. For those that think Kobe is better, just imagine for a minute if Jordan had Shaq during his career! And Kobe barely won 3 rings with Shaq, one of the greatest centers in NBA history. (Portland in the 2000 Western Finals should have beaten them with a double digit lead in the 4th quarter of the 7th game).
The Celtics showed everyone what is essential to winning a championship. Red Auerbach would be extremely proud.
a) Talent - Kevin, Paul and Ray. A luxury to have those three scorers that put TEAM first.
b) Bench and Rondo - Boston's bench was clearly superior. Aggressive and unafraid. Rondo came alive in game 6.
c) Team - Like the 1985/86 club with Larry Bird, this is a well-rounded TEAM and that is quite special being together for only a year.
d) Coach & GM - Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge were exceptional in molding this team into a cohesive unit.
e) DEFENSE - They mauled the Lakers in Game 6. The score is embarrassing to print.
The Atlanta series gave doubters reason to criticize but they bounced back in Game 7 and thumped them vigorously. Boston probably gained a lot of confidence from that battle.
The Celtics actually got better as the playoffs progressed. That can take many years with a new cast of players but they were on a mission.
The Spurs might have played the Celtics tougher because their defense would have been better.
I predicted a Celtics Loss. Again, wrong. The only thing I got right were the games, 4-2.
Can it get any better for the BEST sports city in America? Almost 3 in a row with the Red Sox winning last year.
The way MY Lakers crushed the Spurs and cruised through the playoffs, I had no doubt that Boston would be a similar victim. Waking up at 5am during the third quarter of Game 6, I nearly turned off the tv. 30 points down. I was as angry as I was stunned.
The Lakers were woefully bad on defense during the series (game 4 with a 24 point lead was one display) and Kobe couldn't get into that Jordan 64 Chevy level.
Don't dare compare Kobe to Jordan especially after his uninspired play. I hear and read talk of this constantly and it is an insult to MJ. For those that think Kobe is better, just imagine for a minute if Jordan had Shaq during his career! And Kobe barely won 3 rings with Shaq, one of the greatest centers in NBA history. (Portland in the 2000 Western Finals should have beaten them with a double digit lead in the 4th quarter of the 7th game).
The Celtics showed everyone what is essential to winning a championship. Red Auerbach would be extremely proud.
a) Talent - Kevin, Paul and Ray. A luxury to have those three scorers that put TEAM first.
b) Bench and Rondo - Boston's bench was clearly superior. Aggressive and unafraid. Rondo came alive in game 6.
c) Team - Like the 1985/86 club with Larry Bird, this is a well-rounded TEAM and that is quite special being together for only a year.
d) Coach & GM - Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge were exceptional in molding this team into a cohesive unit.
e) DEFENSE - They mauled the Lakers in Game 6. The score is embarrassing to print.
The Atlanta series gave doubters reason to criticize but they bounced back in Game 7 and thumped them vigorously. Boston probably gained a lot of confidence from that battle.
The Celtics actually got better as the playoffs progressed. That can take many years with a new cast of players but they were on a mission.
The Spurs might have played the Celtics tougher because their defense would have been better.
Below is analysis of the finals from two friends that grew up in Boston. The first comes from a former Division 1 basketball player and the 2nd comes from an athlete that is knowledgeable about many sports including hoops.
One of my favorite sports writers from the Boston Globe, Bob Ryan, called the #17 team the 2nd greatest to ever wear the Green and White. The first is below and I remember them well. 50-1 at home says it all! Click on the link for Ryan's top 10 Celtics teams.
1985-86
Record: 67-15
Playoff record: 15-3
Result: Championship
Bird was at his peak. The greatest team ever if you consider no other club has ever brought anything resembling a healthy Bill Walton off the bench. This squad was 50-1 at home, regular season and playoffs combined. This Lost Generation of Celtics fans need no longer slap on their headphones and begin rolling their eyes when the smug followers of champions 1 through 16 begin rhapsodizing about the virtues of their favorite Celtics squads of yore. Their team, No. 17, can compete with any that has ever worn the Green and White.
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/06/19/greatest_of_the_green/
I welcome your analysis. Feel free to post it below.
LA and Boston in 2009? Would love to see it.
Gswede
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Thoughts about The Celtics winning #17
1. Kevin Garnett – if he is not on the team, they don't win it.
2. Ray Allen – needed to end his slump. He did.
3. Paul Pierce – Mr. Consistency. When it counted, he played well throughout the playoffs.
4. Role players – across the board the role players played extremely well. Brown and Posey in particular.
I don't think I have seen a finals game so thoroughly dominated. It was over about mid way through the second period. This is the best defensive team I have ever seen – possibly rivaled by the Pat Riley Knicks…
Regarding the Lakers – I emailed this thought to you before – not sure if it is Kobe but the team looked disjointed to me. They didn't look together – small things like communication looked strained – Bryant barely opened his mouth to speak to other players or the coaches… what is that about?
The spirit was gone quickly when they went down 0-2 and didn't really recover – they were broken for good when the Celtics won the game in LA…
---------------
Here's my analysis on the series.
A major turning-point was the Paul Pierce 'Rocky' style comeback after the knee. Whether it was staged or real, it was significant because it was emotional. This lifted the team, the city and changed the tone of the team. It ignited them because while he was off the court, they came together and still maintained the lead and intensity. Add to him coming back and they knew with him they could do it, but they now knew without him they could do it.
Rondo was the best kept secret. I've always wondered if Doc gave him the green light or not. At times the kid just plain took over. But then it was as though he was told not to be aggressive at times. So I was a bit confused, but knew he was the real deal even while reporters were questioning his ability.
I believe everybody got duped by the Atlanta series. Every opponent Boston faced in the series believed after the Atlanta series they were vulnerable. What nobody knew, which we now know, is that there were more than just the big three that can contribute. What people have to realize and the Lakers know it best, is that when the starting five for the Celtics DECIDE to lock you down, there is nothing you can do about it.
Their offense is always going to be there for them because they have four legitimate scorers. You may think Rondo can't score, but he's quicker than most guards he faces. When he wants to penetrate he can. But more importantly he can defend. Billups is the only guard who really got physical with him. But Rondo never really backed-down.
So in this particular series it was made evident that when they decided to play defense it was a wrap. You can criticize Phil or Gasol etc, but the reality is that this is one of the most dominating defensive team in the NBA. The Pistons were like that when they won their championships. Even San Antonio has good defense. But I guess on top of all of that, they were a team. These guys are 10+ in the league and they won all the personal accolades they could win. They have basketball knowledge, so as mature individuals they were able to put that basketball knowledge together and forego the egos to win an NBA Championship.
The only thing that really could have stopped this team from winning it all was injuries.The interesting thing about them versus San Antonio as a team concept type organization is the passion shown by Pierce and Garnett. If those two were more like Rondo and Allen, they would've been boring like San Antonio, but still won. These guys were emotional, but they played like a team.
Kobe keeps receiving all these accolades for being the greatest player and he has won his rings. But he nor can anybody else, including MJ win a championship without a team. And of course, without defense. Utah is the perfect example with Stockton and Malone. They looked great but there's no defense. Look at Nash and Phoenix. It ain't brain surgery. The Lakers lost because it's all about Kobe and they don't play defense. That drive by Ray Allen in game four at that time in the game with that much on the line is absurd. Rondo did it last night when he drove the length of the court and nobody picked him up.
Doc gets a lot of credit for making that the mantra of the team. Pitino tried doing that with them but was only playing full court press the entire game with guys who couldn't play defense. KG is personal when it comes to defense. That's why he blocks shots from going into their hoop after the whistle is blown. He's letting you know we will defend this rim. The offense is guaranteed after the defense because they can all go to hole.
And one last thing, I'm sick and tired for hearing how Garnett is soft inside. What people don't understand is that he doesn't have to go inside to score that's what makes him great. It's equivalent to saying Sugar Ray Leonard couldn't take a punch. HE DIDN'T HAVE TO BECAUSE HE WAS SO QUICK!!! When Sugar fought Duran and lost it was because he tried to prove to critics he could take a punch. Then he realized the error of his ways and beat Duran so bad we started saying 'No Mas' as a joke. KG went inside last night to let the critics know he could go inside, but why shorten your NBA career to prove a point. The critics don't know because they never competed on any level.
There you have my analysis. Red Sox 4-0 sweep, Patriots the undefeated regular season, 18-1 OVERALL, Celtics 4-2 with a championship game slaughter of all time. It's been a lot of fun, gentlemen. A lot of fun.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Man, The Legend, The Monster
Rocco Mediate said that he was "playing a Monster today". He was right!
Let's give Rocco serious credit for actually having a chance to beat Woods. We all knew that he wouldn't make that put on the 18th for victory. Having never been in that position before and playing the world's best, his nerves got the best of him. He was man enough to admit it afterwards.
By all accounts, Rocco is a great guy and popular with his peers. Being loose on the course and having fun is his tradmark. Most importantly, he has never been intimidated by the Tiger mystique or been afraid to talk about TW's, greatness. The other tour professionals could learn a thing or two from Rocco on how to deal with the Monster.
Tiger Woods roared loudly and showed the world once again how mentally and physically tough he is.
14 for 14 when leading or sharing the lead in Major Championships.
"He has won four Masters titles, the first one by 12 strokes. He has won three United States Opens, the first by 15 strokes. He has won three British Opens, the first by eight strokes. He has won four P.G.A. Championships, one of them by five strokes."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/sports/golf/17golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin#)
It is near miraculous what he did today and all weekend with a knee that was obviously hurting. Broadcaster Johnny Miller indicated that Tiger looked like he was close to packing it in yesterday during the 4th round of golf's US Open.
I don't think people realize what a dominant force he is. There is no other athlete in their sport even close to doing what he has done. After this win, one could make a case for calling him the BEST EVER regardless of sport.
If you haven't read my article from last year, take a moment to do so. You can click on the Blog Archive (August 13, 2007) on the bottom right. It will tell you all you need to know about why "No Athlete can Compare".
Even though I don't like the US Open 18 hole playoff format, this Tiger moment was an absolute thrill to watch.
Will we see similar drama at the next Major, the 2008 British Open?
I hope so.
Gswede
Let's give Rocco serious credit for actually having a chance to beat Woods. We all knew that he wouldn't make that put on the 18th for victory. Having never been in that position before and playing the world's best, his nerves got the best of him. He was man enough to admit it afterwards.
By all accounts, Rocco is a great guy and popular with his peers. Being loose on the course and having fun is his tradmark. Most importantly, he has never been intimidated by the Tiger mystique or been afraid to talk about TW's, greatness. The other tour professionals could learn a thing or two from Rocco on how to deal with the Monster.
Tiger Woods roared loudly and showed the world once again how mentally and physically tough he is.
14 for 14 when leading or sharing the lead in Major Championships.
"He has won four Masters titles, the first one by 12 strokes. He has won three United States Opens, the first by 15 strokes. He has won three British Opens, the first by eight strokes. He has won four P.G.A. Championships, one of them by five strokes."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/sports/golf/17golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin#)
It is near miraculous what he did today and all weekend with a knee that was obviously hurting. Broadcaster Johnny Miller indicated that Tiger looked like he was close to packing it in yesterday during the 4th round of golf's US Open.
I don't think people realize what a dominant force he is. There is no other athlete in their sport even close to doing what he has done. After this win, one could make a case for calling him the BEST EVER regardless of sport.
If you haven't read my article from last year, take a moment to do so. You can click on the Blog Archive (August 13, 2007) on the bottom right. It will tell you all you need to know about why "No Athlete can Compare".
Even though I don't like the US Open 18 hole playoff format, this Tiger moment was an absolute thrill to watch.
Will we see similar drama at the next Major, the 2008 British Open?
I hope so.
Gswede
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Lakers vs Celtics - Kevin Garnett is no Larry Bird
My favorite player is Magic Johnson although nothing about his game has ever resembled mine other than the fact that we both played Division 1 basketball.
The Bird/Magic era was special and the NBA will never see years like those when everyone seemed to play for the love of the game and not the money! (See quotes and link from a good article about the history of the LA/Boston rivalry below)
I will always fault Kobe Bryant for pushing Shaq out of LA. Magic, the ultimate team player would have never done that.
No one is happier than me about the Lakers (my favorite team) being back in the NBA Finals! Mr. Bryant is the reason why.
Since MJ retired, we have not seen anyone come close to taking his place either in dominating games or marketing. In terms of talent, drive and ambition, Kobe is a close second. Even if he ends up having more NBA titles than Mike's 6 (not likely), he will never be on the same level because of his arrogance and desire to be the center of attention.
If he could have co-existed with Shaq, he would probably have 5 rings like Magic instead of 3.
Kobe will be the difference in this series since I cannot see the Garnett (will he shine in his first "moment of truth"?) Celtics beating the Lakers. Winning a NBA title with a brand new nucleus is never easy and these Celtics have not paid their dues. The Lakers are younger, more athletic and have strong reserves. In addition, Kobe is in a league of his own and has been here many times before like his coach, Phil Jackson!
The late Red Auerbach was not fond of Phil Jackson's coaching:
Critics — notably Red Auerbach — used to chide Jackson for taking over ready-made teams, rather than developing them. But Jackson has reached this point with an overhauled, decidedly youthful roster. His rotation has featured five players drafted since 2003 — guards Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar, forwards Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf and center Andrew Bynum. The Lakers lost Bynum, 20, to a knee injury in January.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/sports/basketball/29lakers.html?ref=basketball
Phil should get a little more respect now for his 2007/08 work of art. Passing Red's 9 titles as coach with a victory in this year's NBA finals should be enough to silence any critic.
For Boston , the Big Three (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) have only watched the NBA Finals up until this point. That inexperience will hurt them. Any comparison to the "real deal" BIG THREE, Bird/Parish/McHale is a insult to that magnificent trio.
My prediction is 4-2 Lakers.
The Lakers will be back on top once again and with their youth, a few more titles before Kobe's 34th birthday wouldn't surprise me.
Gswede
-----
From 1970 through 1983, Boston-L.A. went into cease-fire mode. Then in 1984 the league's newest mega-stars, Bird and Magic, turned the Finals into an event, with Bird winning a classic seven-gamer. The next June, Magic got the better of Bird, celebrating on the famed parquet, just 13 days after the Lakers suffered a 34-point trouncing at Boston Garden on Memorial Day. Two years later, Magic again claimed victory, hitting his legendary junior sky-hook in the final seconds to win the series-changing Game 4 in Boston.
Just like the Finals matchups in the '60s, the games of the Bird-Magic Era were memorable, and so were the players. Bird anchored what is considered the greatest front line in league annals, playing alongside fellow future Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Robert (Chief) Parish. Magic's Lakers countered with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had arguably the greatest weapon in league annals in his skyhook; along with James (Big Game) Worthy.
"We came along at the right time," Johnson recalled. "I needed Larry and he needed me. We pushed each other, we meant so much to each other and we meant so much to the game. It was a fun time."
And since they're again chanting "Beat L.A." in Boston, you know the fun times are back.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/05/31/2008-05-31_after_21year_hiatus_boston_la_renew_nbas.html?page=0
The Bird/Magic era was special and the NBA will never see years like those when everyone seemed to play for the love of the game and not the money! (See quotes and link from a good article about the history of the LA/Boston rivalry below)
I will always fault Kobe Bryant for pushing Shaq out of LA. Magic, the ultimate team player would have never done that.
No one is happier than me about the Lakers (my favorite team) being back in the NBA Finals! Mr. Bryant is the reason why.
Since MJ retired, we have not seen anyone come close to taking his place either in dominating games or marketing. In terms of talent, drive and ambition, Kobe is a close second. Even if he ends up having more NBA titles than Mike's 6 (not likely), he will never be on the same level because of his arrogance and desire to be the center of attention.
If he could have co-existed with Shaq, he would probably have 5 rings like Magic instead of 3.
Kobe will be the difference in this series since I cannot see the Garnett (will he shine in his first "moment of truth"?) Celtics beating the Lakers. Winning a NBA title with a brand new nucleus is never easy and these Celtics have not paid their dues. The Lakers are younger, more athletic and have strong reserves. In addition, Kobe is in a league of his own and has been here many times before like his coach, Phil Jackson!
The late Red Auerbach was not fond of Phil Jackson's coaching:
Critics — notably Red Auerbach — used to chide Jackson for taking over ready-made teams, rather than developing them. But Jackson has reached this point with an overhauled, decidedly youthful roster. His rotation has featured five players drafted since 2003 — guards Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar, forwards Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf and center Andrew Bynum. The Lakers lost Bynum, 20, to a knee injury in January.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/sports/basketball/29lakers.html?ref=basketball
Phil should get a little more respect now for his 2007/08 work of art. Passing Red's 9 titles as coach with a victory in this year's NBA finals should be enough to silence any critic.
For Boston , the Big Three (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) have only watched the NBA Finals up until this point. That inexperience will hurt them. Any comparison to the "real deal" BIG THREE, Bird/Parish/McHale is a insult to that magnificent trio.
My prediction is 4-2 Lakers.
The Lakers will be back on top once again and with their youth, a few more titles before Kobe's 34th birthday wouldn't surprise me.
Gswede
-----
From 1970 through 1983, Boston-L.A. went into cease-fire mode. Then in 1984 the league's newest mega-stars, Bird and Magic, turned the Finals into an event, with Bird winning a classic seven-gamer. The next June, Magic got the better of Bird, celebrating on the famed parquet, just 13 days after the Lakers suffered a 34-point trouncing at Boston Garden on Memorial Day. Two years later, Magic again claimed victory, hitting his legendary junior sky-hook in the final seconds to win the series-changing Game 4 in Boston.
Just like the Finals matchups in the '60s, the games of the Bird-Magic Era were memorable, and so were the players. Bird anchored what is considered the greatest front line in league annals, playing alongside fellow future Hall of Famers Kevin McHale and Robert (Chief) Parish. Magic's Lakers countered with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who had arguably the greatest weapon in league annals in his skyhook; along with James (Big Game) Worthy.
"We came along at the right time," Johnson recalled. "I needed Larry and he needed me. We pushed each other, we meant so much to each other and we meant so much to the game. It was a fun time."
And since they're again chanting "Beat L.A." in Boston, you know the fun times are back.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2008/05/31/2008-05-31_after_21year_hiatus_boston_la_renew_nbas.html?page=0
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Western Kentucky - Thanks
If you haven't heard the story of Western Kentucky, see the quotes and link below.
As an ex Division 1 player, I am thankful that they had the courage to break racial barriers.
Even though my college coach (fired my senior year) made my 4 years draining and joyless, I realize that it was easy compared to what the players and coaches went through in the 60's.
We need more courage like that in the world!
Gswede
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/sports/ncaabasketball/27western.html?pagewanted=1&ref=sports
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — With 20 N.C.A.A. tournament appearances, a Final Four berth and a spot among the top 10 in victories by a Division I program, Western Kentucky has an unusually strong résumé for a team regarded as a tournament darling.
The No. 12 Hilltoppers play No. 1 U.C.L.A. in a West Region semifinal Thursday night, a matchup of two of the most storied programs in college basketball.
U.C.L.A.’s history with John Wooden, Lew Alcindor and 11 national titles is often romanticized, but memories of Western Kentucky’s run of dominance in the 1960s seem to have faded with the set shot and canvas sneakers. In part, the run came about because of Western Kentucky’s willingness to integrate its team at a time when such a policy was still taboo in the South. Those involved with Western Kentucky still take great pride in the university’s breaking of racial barriers.
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And another: “I can also tell you that Western will never advance to any high finish in the upcoming N.C.A.A. tournament simply because you can’t win the big games with five Negro players. They don’t possess the intelligence nor stability to meet such a challenge.”
As an ex Division 1 player, I am thankful that they had the courage to break racial barriers.
Even though my college coach (fired my senior year) made my 4 years draining and joyless, I realize that it was easy compared to what the players and coaches went through in the 60's.
We need more courage like that in the world!
Gswede
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/sports/ncaabasketball/27western.html?pagewanted=1&ref=sports
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — With 20 N.C.A.A. tournament appearances, a Final Four berth and a spot among the top 10 in victories by a Division I program, Western Kentucky has an unusually strong résumé for a team regarded as a tournament darling.
The No. 12 Hilltoppers play No. 1 U.C.L.A. in a West Region semifinal Thursday night, a matchup of two of the most storied programs in college basketball.
U.C.L.A.’s history with John Wooden, Lew Alcindor and 11 national titles is often romanticized, but memories of Western Kentucky’s run of dominance in the 1960s seem to have faded with the set shot and canvas sneakers. In part, the run came about because of Western Kentucky’s willingness to integrate its team at a time when such a policy was still taboo in the South. Those involved with Western Kentucky still take great pride in the university’s breaking of racial barriers.
-----
And another: “I can also tell you that Western will never advance to any high finish in the upcoming N.C.A.A. tournament simply because you can’t win the big games with five Negro players. They don’t possess the intelligence nor stability to meet such a challenge.”
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tiger........Let the Legend grow
I was way off point when I predicted the Patriots would beat the Giants although having lived in NYC for over a decade, I was happy for the Giants stunning victory.
One thing that was ON POINT was the article I wrote last summer (a must read, see below called "Tiger - No athlete can compare") which is even more telling now with Mr. Woods winning another title, his 5th in a row.
Do you realize that some golfers have not won 5 times in a career?
As a good friend told me recently, "Woods is the most dominating force in any major professional sport to date". No argument there.
What he is doing is bordering on the miraculous. My favorite golf announcer and major title winner Johnny Miller said, "The guy is not even human". Those of you who play golf understand that. If you don't play, you probably have no clue how great this guy is.
Let's look at some facts courtesy of the NY Times article on March 17 (link is below) :
"Woods continues to defy belief. He has won 16 of his last 25 PGA Tour events.
-----
At 32, he has as many victories as Hogan had at 46, which is unbelievable even to him.
-----
"Yeah, well, tying Mr. Hogan, when I first started my career, there's no way I could have ever dreamt I would be here right now," said Woods, who now trails only Jack Nicklaus (73) and Sam Snead (82) in career victories.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/sports/golf/17golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
-----
Gswede
One thing that was ON POINT was the article I wrote last summer (a must read, see below called "Tiger - No athlete can compare") which is even more telling now with Mr. Woods winning another title, his 5th in a row.
Do you realize that some golfers have not won 5 times in a career?
As a good friend told me recently, "Woods is the most dominating force in any major professional sport to date". No argument there.
What he is doing is bordering on the miraculous. My favorite golf announcer and major title winner Johnny Miller said, "The guy is not even human". Those of you who play golf understand that. If you don't play, you probably have no clue how great this guy is.
Let's look at some facts courtesy of the NY Times article on March 17 (link is below) :
"Woods continues to defy belief. He has won 16 of his last 25 PGA Tour events.
-----
At 32, he has as many victories as Hogan had at 46, which is unbelievable even to him.
-----
"Yeah, well, tying Mr. Hogan, when I first started my career, there's no way I could have ever dreamt I would be here right now," said Woods, who now trails only Jack Nicklaus (73) and Sam Snead (82) in career victories.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/sports/golf/17golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
-----
Another article I read this week has some interesting points (link below) about Tiger's dad:
YOU THINK of that comment by Earl Woods, a long while ago, and maybe everything starts to make sense, the way his son is doing in golf what nobody, not Bobby Jones, not Ben Hogan, not Jack Nicklaus ever has done.
He's taken the game over, Tiger Woods has, body and soul, getting into his opponents heads and no less significantly getting the ball into the cup. He has us reaching into the past for comparisons, peering into the future for possibilities.
"I wanted to make sure," Earl Woods said shortly after Tiger turned pro, "he'd never run into anybody who was mentally tougher than he was."
Earl left us two years ago. The words never will leave.
-----
Tiger has reached that most intriguing point in his career, where having caught Hogan and Palmer, having stepped ahead of Nicklaus at a similar age, the only competition is from Woods himself. It is a game he dare not lose. And will not lose.
He's done everything before. He will do everything again. As Earl Woods somehow understood.
When in 1994 Tiger left the clubhouse for his first U.S, Amateur final, Earl whispered to him, "Let the legend grow."
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_8610291
-----
Even though Jack Nicholas has more major titles, I now call Woods the BEST EVER. Jack's record may be shattered by the time Tiger is 35 (only in his prime by the way). One thing is clear, it will be passed sooner rather than later.
Enjoy this ride. Like MJ in basketball, you will never see another like him.Gswede
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NY Knicks - Sad, very Sad
Having worked at Madison Square Garden in the 90's (Van Gundy and Pat Ewing era), it saddens me to see the Garden these days.
Back then, the ticket was hot and the electricity in the arena was powerful especially when MJ came to town!
Unfortunately, the Knicks have become a joke and it is sad that the powers that be don't seem to care.
For any NY Knicks fan, the phrase "wishing for the good old days" has never been more appropriate.
Enjoy the article below by Dave Anderson of the NY Times. He is one of my favorite writers. (NY Times link is at end of article)
Gswede
---------
February 24, 2008
Sports of The Times
Better Days for the Knicks? Dream On
By DAVE ANDERSON
I had a dream the other night, a dream that was too good to be true.
I was in an otherwise empty Madison Square Garden that was set up for a Knicks game, only me and a rumpled little man sitting in the front row who looked like James L. Dolan, the cable guy, and he was babbling about what he had finally decided to do about his alleged professional basketball team.
“I’m returning the New York franchise to the National Basketball Association,” he said. “As of now, the Knicks no longer exist.”
I was tempted to tell him that the Knicks have not really existed for several seasons, not the Knicks that New York knew and loved, the Knicks of Red Holzman and Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett and Earl Monroe that won two championships, or even the Knicks of Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy and Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Allan Houston and Larry Johnson that twice went to the finals. But he kept babbling.
“As of now the Knicks no longer exist,” he repeated.
I told him that a pro basketball franchise and a team can’t simply cease to exist in the middle of the season.
“I don’t care. I’m canceling the rest of the season.”
You mean you’re forfeiting the remaining games?
“Home and away,” he said. “Anybody who bought tickets for any of those games will get refunds. Home and away.”
•
What happens to the players?
“I’ll pay them whatever millions remain on their contracts for whatever number of years, and they’ll be free to go anywhere else.
“If any other team wants them,” he added, with a smirk.
“The last time I watched them play, whatever five guys were on the court, they looked like they were five strangers we had hired off Eighth Avenue that night. No teamwork on offense, no rebounds, no defense.”
What happens to the assistants?
“The assistant coaches and everybody in the front office get all the money that’s coming to them, too.”
What happens to Isiah?
“Who’s Isiah?” he said.
Isiah Thomas, your coach and president for basketball operations.
“Oh, that Isiah.”
Yes, that Isiah.
“I thought Isiah was his last name. When all those fans were yelling, ‘Fire Isiah,’ I thought they were cheering for him. I thought Fire was his first name.”
But what happens to Isiah?
“He’s on the Cablevision payroll now. I thought about using him as a repairman, but that’s what I thought I was getting when I hired him to fix the Knicks more than four years ago. If he couldn’t fix the Knicks, I doubt he could fix somebody’s cable TV if it’s not working. So maybe I’ll just let him work off the rest of his contract as a consultant.”
Will you consult him?
“Not if I can help it.”
Does all this mean that there won’t be a New York franchise in the N.B.A. next season?
“No, somebody probably will buy the New York franchise by then.”
In returning the franchise to the N.B.A., does that mean you’re putting the Knicks up for sale?
“Not me.”
Then who?
“Commissioner David Stern told me he’s willing to broker the sale. When we didn’t settle that sexual-harassment case before it went to trial and we lost, eventually settling it for $11.5 million, he said that the Knicks were ‘not a model of intelligent management.’ Imagine that. Doesn’t he know that Cablevision is a billion-dollar business?”
But on your watch, the Knicks have been nowhere near as successful as Cablevision?
“Let me remind you that, according to Forbes magazine, the Knicks, with a net worth of $608 million, are pro basketball’s most valuable franchise.”
But that $608 million hasn’t bought a playoff berth in what will be seven seasons, much less a championship.
“Playoffs, championships. They’re not the bottom line. The dummies who kept buying Knicks season tickets at ridiculous prices, they’re the bottom line. And in returning the Knicks franchise to the league, David Stern has assured me that he’ll start the bidding for the franchise at $608 million. Now that’s a bottom line.”
•
Will you let the new owner’s team play in the Garden?
“Under the deal I made with David Stern, the new owner can rent the Garden for every home game for the same amount that the Knicks paid. Whatever amount that was. To tell you the truth, I don’t know what it was.”
To tell me the truth?
“Of course,” he said.
With that, I woke up. Not wanting to forget anything, I hurriedly wrote down everything that this rumpled little man who looked like James L. Dolan had told me in the dream. And as crazy as that dream was, the next night, I dreamed that I had to tell the commissioner about it. When I did, he laughed.
“I’ve had the same dream,” he said.
Link is http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/sports/basketball/24anderson.html?ref=basketball
Back then, the ticket was hot and the electricity in the arena was powerful especially when MJ came to town!
Unfortunately, the Knicks have become a joke and it is sad that the powers that be don't seem to care.
For any NY Knicks fan, the phrase "wishing for the good old days" has never been more appropriate.
Enjoy the article below by Dave Anderson of the NY Times. He is one of my favorite writers. (NY Times link is at end of article)
Gswede
---------
February 24, 2008
Sports of The Times
Better Days for the Knicks? Dream On
By DAVE ANDERSON
I had a dream the other night, a dream that was too good to be true.
I was in an otherwise empty Madison Square Garden that was set up for a Knicks game, only me and a rumpled little man sitting in the front row who looked like James L. Dolan, the cable guy, and he was babbling about what he had finally decided to do about his alleged professional basketball team.
“I’m returning the New York franchise to the National Basketball Association,” he said. “As of now, the Knicks no longer exist.”
I was tempted to tell him that the Knicks have not really existed for several seasons, not the Knicks that New York knew and loved, the Knicks of Red Holzman and Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett and Earl Monroe that won two championships, or even the Knicks of Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy and Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks, Allan Houston and Larry Johnson that twice went to the finals. But he kept babbling.
“As of now the Knicks no longer exist,” he repeated.
I told him that a pro basketball franchise and a team can’t simply cease to exist in the middle of the season.
“I don’t care. I’m canceling the rest of the season.”
You mean you’re forfeiting the remaining games?
“Home and away,” he said. “Anybody who bought tickets for any of those games will get refunds. Home and away.”
•
What happens to the players?
“I’ll pay them whatever millions remain on their contracts for whatever number of years, and they’ll be free to go anywhere else.
“If any other team wants them,” he added, with a smirk.
“The last time I watched them play, whatever five guys were on the court, they looked like they were five strangers we had hired off Eighth Avenue that night. No teamwork on offense, no rebounds, no defense.”
What happens to the assistants?
“The assistant coaches and everybody in the front office get all the money that’s coming to them, too.”
What happens to Isiah?
“Who’s Isiah?” he said.
Isiah Thomas, your coach and president for basketball operations.
“Oh, that Isiah.”
Yes, that Isiah.
“I thought Isiah was his last name. When all those fans were yelling, ‘Fire Isiah,’ I thought they were cheering for him. I thought Fire was his first name.”
But what happens to Isiah?
“He’s on the Cablevision payroll now. I thought about using him as a repairman, but that’s what I thought I was getting when I hired him to fix the Knicks more than four years ago. If he couldn’t fix the Knicks, I doubt he could fix somebody’s cable TV if it’s not working. So maybe I’ll just let him work off the rest of his contract as a consultant.”
Will you consult him?
“Not if I can help it.”
Does all this mean that there won’t be a New York franchise in the N.B.A. next season?
“No, somebody probably will buy the New York franchise by then.”
In returning the franchise to the N.B.A., does that mean you’re putting the Knicks up for sale?
“Not me.”
Then who?
“Commissioner David Stern told me he’s willing to broker the sale. When we didn’t settle that sexual-harassment case before it went to trial and we lost, eventually settling it for $11.5 million, he said that the Knicks were ‘not a model of intelligent management.’ Imagine that. Doesn’t he know that Cablevision is a billion-dollar business?”
But on your watch, the Knicks have been nowhere near as successful as Cablevision?
“Let me remind you that, according to Forbes magazine, the Knicks, with a net worth of $608 million, are pro basketball’s most valuable franchise.”
But that $608 million hasn’t bought a playoff berth in what will be seven seasons, much less a championship.
“Playoffs, championships. They’re not the bottom line. The dummies who kept buying Knicks season tickets at ridiculous prices, they’re the bottom line. And in returning the Knicks franchise to the league, David Stern has assured me that he’ll start the bidding for the franchise at $608 million. Now that’s a bottom line.”
•
Will you let the new owner’s team play in the Garden?
“Under the deal I made with David Stern, the new owner can rent the Garden for every home game for the same amount that the Knicks paid. Whatever amount that was. To tell you the truth, I don’t know what it was.”
To tell me the truth?
“Of course,” he said.
With that, I woke up. Not wanting to forget anything, I hurriedly wrote down everything that this rumpled little man who looked like James L. Dolan had told me in the dream. And as crazy as that dream was, the next night, I dreamed that I had to tell the commissioner about it. When I did, he laughed.
“I’ve had the same dream,” he said.
Link is http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/sports/basketball/24anderson.html?ref=basketball
Monday, January 28, 2008
Why Pats will be 19-0 soon!
See article below which will give you great insight on why the Pats will be 19-0 on February 3.
In my book, the Giants simply have no chance unless Brady is hurt. If Bill Parcells (Tuna) was coaching the NY team, they might present a challenge.
I don't think the game will be as close as some believe. I look forward to the kickoff which will be around midnight here in Europe!
It has been a remarkable run. Everyone (business, individuals,etc) can learn from the results- focused Patriots.
Like I always say, "Life is all about Results".
Gswede
-----
Eighteen reasons why the Patriots are a perfect 18-0
By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
Is it their talent, their chemistry or is it just their time? A variety of factors help to explain why the New England Patriots are 18-0 heading into Super Bowl XLII on Sunday against the New York Giants. USA TODAY identifies 18 of them:
1. Ownership: Success always starts at the top. Robert Kraft rolled the dice when he hired Bill Belichick before the 2000 season after the former defensive coordinator went 36-44 with the Cleveland Browns from 1991-95 in his only previous head coaching stint. Kraft is a supportive owner who wants to win but doesn't meddle.
2. Coaching: Belichick can tie former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll by winning his fourth Super Bowl. His .833 postseason winning percentage (15-3) trails only Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi (.900, 9-1). Belichick might not win any popularity contests in the NFL, but he gets results.
3. Quarterbacking: More than a GQ cover boy and the boyfriend of supermodels, Tom Brady is putting up Hall of Fame numbers. He set an NFL single-season record with 50 touchdown passes and franchise marks for passing yards (4,806), completion percentage (68.9) and passer rating (117.2).
4. Leadership: New England is loaded with veterans who buy into Belichick's insistence on an unwavering next-game focus and who refuse to allow a letdown. Brady, safety Rodney Harrison, running back Kevin Faulk and linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Junior Seau are all praised as exceptional leaders.
5. Ball security: No team in the league was stingier with gifts to the opposition. The Patriots set a franchise record by committing only 15 turnovers — nine interceptions and six fumbles. That represented the fifth-lowest turnover total in franchise history. Belichick regards turnovers as the most important number after the score.
6. Record-setting Moss: Although Randy Moss has been held to one catch in each of two playoff games, his enormous contribution in the regular season cannot be overlooked. After two dismal years with the Oakland Raiders, Moss showed the difference he can make with 23 touchdown receptions, one more than the previous single-season mark set by Jerry Rice in 1987.
7. Record-setting Welker: With teams forced to give Moss so much attention, the undersized Wes Welker (5-9, 185-pound) capitalized with 112 catches during the regular season, most in NFL history by a player with a new team. New England all but swiped Welker when it acquired him from the Miami Dolphins, who had him in a limited role, for second- and seventh-round draft choices.
8. Outstanding offensive line: The big boys up front are the ones responsible for giving Brady the time to pick apart defenses for those 50 touchdowns and Moss the chance to get deep for many of his 23 scores. They allowed just 21 regular-season sacks. The reward: Center Dan Koppen, tackle Matt Light and guard Logan Mankins will all enjoy the sun and sand in Hawaii as selections to the Pro Bowl.
9. Outstanding defensive line: With so much attention paid to an oldie-but-goodie linebacking corps, linemen Richard Seymour and Ty Warren and space-eating nose tackle Vince Wilfork tend to be overlooked. They are the ones, however, who create so much havoc up front that the linebackers are free to swoop in and make tackles.
10. Scoring threats everywhere: An NFL-record-tying 21 players reached the end zone at least once en route to league marks for points (589) and touchdowns (75). The 2000 Denver Broncos are the only other team to have so many players score in a non-strike year.
11. Omnipresent Harrison: Even at age 35, punishing safety Rodney Harrison sets the defensive tone. He is the only player in league history to record at least 30 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career (30½ sacks, 33 picks). He owns seven interceptions in eight playoff games since joining the Patriots in 2003.
12. Maroney's surge: Second-year running back Laurence Maroney was hurt early in the season and started slowly. But he has come on to surpass 100 yards in four of the last five games, including 122-yard efforts in both postseason games. He enters Super Bowl XLII having scored at least one TD in each of his last five starts.
13. Bringing the heat: The combination of talent and defensive creativity allowed New England to produce an AFC-high 47 sacks, five more than the runner-up San Diego Chargers. The Patriots trailed only the New York Giants (53) for the NFL lead. It was the Patriots' highest sack total in 21 years.
14. Fast starters: New England scored a league-high 71 points on their opening possessions while allowing only 10 points. They outscored opponents 134-41 in the first quarter and never looked back.
15. Strong finishers: New England has won 22 of 25 games played between Christmas and the end of the postseason since Belichick became head coach in 2000, including a 14-2 postseason mark.
16. Vinatieri's replacement: When the Patriots allowed clutch-kicker Adam Vinatieri to leave for the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent two years ago, there was much hand-wringing among fans about how whether he could effectively be replaced. Stephen Gostkowski, a fourth-round draft choice in 2006, provided the answer. He hit 21 of 24 regular-season field goal attempts and finished third in the NFL in scoring with 137 points. He's 9-for-10 in the postseason.
17. Ball control: The Patriots converted a first down when faced with third-and-3 or fewer yards 71.9% of the time. They put together 41 drives of at least 10 plays. They had 38 drives that consumed five minutes or more. It's called moving the chains.
18. Continuity: The Patriots have had a core (Brady, Faulk, Seymour, Bruschi) through their run of Super Bowls.
In my book, the Giants simply have no chance unless Brady is hurt. If Bill Parcells (Tuna) was coaching the NY team, they might present a challenge.
I don't think the game will be as close as some believe. I look forward to the kickoff which will be around midnight here in Europe!
It has been a remarkable run. Everyone (business, individuals,etc) can learn from the results- focused Patriots.
Like I always say, "Life is all about Results".
Gswede
-----
Eighteen reasons why the Patriots are a perfect 18-0
By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
Is it their talent, their chemistry or is it just their time? A variety of factors help to explain why the New England Patriots are 18-0 heading into Super Bowl XLII on Sunday against the New York Giants. USA TODAY identifies 18 of them:
1. Ownership: Success always starts at the top. Robert Kraft rolled the dice when he hired Bill Belichick before the 2000 season after the former defensive coordinator went 36-44 with the Cleveland Browns from 1991-95 in his only previous head coaching stint. Kraft is a supportive owner who wants to win but doesn't meddle.
2. Coaching: Belichick can tie former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll by winning his fourth Super Bowl. His .833 postseason winning percentage (15-3) trails only Green Bay Packers legend Vince Lombardi (.900, 9-1). Belichick might not win any popularity contests in the NFL, but he gets results.
3. Quarterbacking: More than a GQ cover boy and the boyfriend of supermodels, Tom Brady is putting up Hall of Fame numbers. He set an NFL single-season record with 50 touchdown passes and franchise marks for passing yards (4,806), completion percentage (68.9) and passer rating (117.2).
4. Leadership: New England is loaded with veterans who buy into Belichick's insistence on an unwavering next-game focus and who refuse to allow a letdown. Brady, safety Rodney Harrison, running back Kevin Faulk and linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Junior Seau are all praised as exceptional leaders.
5. Ball security: No team in the league was stingier with gifts to the opposition. The Patriots set a franchise record by committing only 15 turnovers — nine interceptions and six fumbles. That represented the fifth-lowest turnover total in franchise history. Belichick regards turnovers as the most important number after the score.
6. Record-setting Moss: Although Randy Moss has been held to one catch in each of two playoff games, his enormous contribution in the regular season cannot be overlooked. After two dismal years with the Oakland Raiders, Moss showed the difference he can make with 23 touchdown receptions, one more than the previous single-season mark set by Jerry Rice in 1987.
7. Record-setting Welker: With teams forced to give Moss so much attention, the undersized Wes Welker (5-9, 185-pound) capitalized with 112 catches during the regular season, most in NFL history by a player with a new team. New England all but swiped Welker when it acquired him from the Miami Dolphins, who had him in a limited role, for second- and seventh-round draft choices.
8. Outstanding offensive line: The big boys up front are the ones responsible for giving Brady the time to pick apart defenses for those 50 touchdowns and Moss the chance to get deep for many of his 23 scores. They allowed just 21 regular-season sacks. The reward: Center Dan Koppen, tackle Matt Light and guard Logan Mankins will all enjoy the sun and sand in Hawaii as selections to the Pro Bowl.
9. Outstanding defensive line: With so much attention paid to an oldie-but-goodie linebacking corps, linemen Richard Seymour and Ty Warren and space-eating nose tackle Vince Wilfork tend to be overlooked. They are the ones, however, who create so much havoc up front that the linebackers are free to swoop in and make tackles.
10. Scoring threats everywhere: An NFL-record-tying 21 players reached the end zone at least once en route to league marks for points (589) and touchdowns (75). The 2000 Denver Broncos are the only other team to have so many players score in a non-strike year.
11. Omnipresent Harrison: Even at age 35, punishing safety Rodney Harrison sets the defensive tone. He is the only player in league history to record at least 30 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career (30½ sacks, 33 picks). He owns seven interceptions in eight playoff games since joining the Patriots in 2003.
12. Maroney's surge: Second-year running back Laurence Maroney was hurt early in the season and started slowly. But he has come on to surpass 100 yards in four of the last five games, including 122-yard efforts in both postseason games. He enters Super Bowl XLII having scored at least one TD in each of his last five starts.
13. Bringing the heat: The combination of talent and defensive creativity allowed New England to produce an AFC-high 47 sacks, five more than the runner-up San Diego Chargers. The Patriots trailed only the New York Giants (53) for the NFL lead. It was the Patriots' highest sack total in 21 years.
14. Fast starters: New England scored a league-high 71 points on their opening possessions while allowing only 10 points. They outscored opponents 134-41 in the first quarter and never looked back.
15. Strong finishers: New England has won 22 of 25 games played between Christmas and the end of the postseason since Belichick became head coach in 2000, including a 14-2 postseason mark.
16. Vinatieri's replacement: When the Patriots allowed clutch-kicker Adam Vinatieri to leave for the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent two years ago, there was much hand-wringing among fans about how whether he could effectively be replaced. Stephen Gostkowski, a fourth-round draft choice in 2006, provided the answer. He hit 21 of 24 regular-season field goal attempts and finished third in the NFL in scoring with 137 points. He's 9-for-10 in the postseason.
17. Ball control: The Patriots converted a first down when faced with third-and-3 or fewer yards 71.9% of the time. They put together 41 drives of at least 10 plays. They had 38 drives that consumed five minutes or more. It's called moving the chains.
18. Continuity: The Patriots have had a core (Brady, Faulk, Seymour, Bruschi) through their run of Super Bowls.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tiger's year to win a Grand Slam?
Tiger Woods has always been a confident player but he is super smart when it comes to sending a message and putting more fear into his fellow PGA players.
His quote below that he could possibly win all 4 Golf Majors in 2008 was a great first move. As we all know, it is only possible for him to do it and I believe he will one day.
I am looking forward to seeing one of the greatest athletes of any generation compete this year. It is always a treat!
Gswede
-----
By LARRY DORMAN
Published: January 24, 2008
This scenic golf course set on the cliffs above Black’s Beach, believed to be the only municipally approved nude beach this side of the French Riviera, takes on added significance because it is also the site of the United States Open in June. Coming off a seven-victory year, Woods recently wrote on his Web site that he believed sweeping the four major championships during the 2008 season was “easily within reason,” serving notice to his already beleaguered Tour colleagues that he has penciled in another undoable feat on his to-do list under “Win Grand Slam.”
“Well, he’s obviously a very confident player, and he should be,” Mickelson said. “He’s won countless events and double-digit majors — how many is it? — 13, there you go. So he should be confident.”
“I’m certainly stronger,” Woods said. “I can’t run five-minute miles like I could in high school, but everything feels pretty good. It’s just a matter of getting out here and competing again. I’ve been playing and practicing to get my speed back and just really look forward to teeing it up. Playing money games back home isn’t quite the same as being out here with the best players in the world".
Click on Full article below
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/sports/golf/24golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
His quote below that he could possibly win all 4 Golf Majors in 2008 was a great first move. As we all know, it is only possible for him to do it and I believe he will one day.
I am looking forward to seeing one of the greatest athletes of any generation compete this year. It is always a treat!
Gswede
-----
By LARRY DORMAN
Published: January 24, 2008
This scenic golf course set on the cliffs above Black’s Beach, believed to be the only municipally approved nude beach this side of the French Riviera, takes on added significance because it is also the site of the United States Open in June. Coming off a seven-victory year, Woods recently wrote on his Web site that he believed sweeping the four major championships during the 2008 season was “easily within reason,” serving notice to his already beleaguered Tour colleagues that he has penciled in another undoable feat on his to-do list under “Win Grand Slam.”
“Well, he’s obviously a very confident player, and he should be,” Mickelson said. “He’s won countless events and double-digit majors — how many is it? — 13, there you go. So he should be confident.”
“I’m certainly stronger,” Woods said. “I can’t run five-minute miles like I could in high school, but everything feels pretty good. It’s just a matter of getting out here and competing again. I’ve been playing and practicing to get my speed back and just really look forward to teeing it up. Playing money games back home isn’t quite the same as being out here with the best players in the world".
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/24/sports/golf/24golf.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin
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