Montana, Gretzky and Smith on Same Team (not Joe, Wayne or Will)

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

All 3 sons seems to have a good future. The link to the full story is below.

Happy Gswede Wednesday!
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Quarterback Nick Montana is the son of Joe Montana, who led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His backup is Trevor Gretzky, whose father, Wayne, won four Stanley Cups and proceeded directly to the Hockey Hall of Fame after retiring as the N.H.L.’s career leading scorer.

One of Nick Montana’s favorite receivers is Trey Smith, a junior who is developing into a Division I prospect, Redell said. Trey’s father is the actor Will Smith, who has cleared his schedule so he can attend every game.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/sports/14oaks.html?emc=eta1

The Greatest Team You Never Heard Of

Kareem has always been an ispiration both on and off the court - this story is one of the reasons why. A few paragraphs and the link to the entire NY Times article are below.

Happy Gswede Thursday!
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Abdul-Jabbar’s Labor of Love

By HOWARD BECK
Published: September 30, 2009

Based on Abdul-Jabbar’s book of the same name, the documentary summons the musical, cultural and intellectual history of the Harlem Renaissance to tell the story of the Rens, an all-black New York team and, as Abdul-Jabbar calls it, “the greatest team you never heard of.”

The book was published in 2007. Abdul-Jabbar has been working on the film since then, with an expected release in February, during Black History Month. His mission is to convey the rarely told story of professional basketball’s roots.

“Everybody thinks it started in 1947, with the N.B.A., and they have no idea what professional basketball was like prior to the N.B.A.” Abdul-Jabbar, a Hall of Fame center who is now an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, said during an interview at the Armory. “In that era, it was a time when sports were segregated. A lot of people I talked to, interviewing them for the documentary, didn’t even know that the N.B.A. itself was segregated for its first three years of existence.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/sports/basketball/01jabbar.html?emc=eta1

Becoming President easier than Head College Football Coach?

You wouldn’t think that in 2009 it would be more likely for an African-American to become president of the United States than to be hired as head coach of a top-20 football program. But that seems to be the case.

Of 120 teams in the N.C.A.A.’s Bowl Subdivision, the top tier of play, only seven have black head coaches.
(Above is from the NY Times link below)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/opinion/20dungy.html?ref=opinion

Two African-Americans have won the Super Bowl in recent years yet the top level of college football has a weak record of black head coaches.

Why?

This paragraph, written by former Indianapolis Colts Coach and Super Bowl champion Tony Dungy sums up the why: (full article is on link above)

With the progress that has been made in terms of diversity in politics, in other collegiate sports and in professional football — Edwards, Smith and Tomlin all got top jobs in the N.F.L. — why is college football hiring so far behind? At a seminar last spring in Indianapolis with other N.F.L. and college head coaches and university athletic directors, I asked that very question, and was enlightened by the responses of those directors. The biggest factor, they said, was the involvement of other people associated with the universities. It was not just the president and the athletic director who made the hiring decisions — alumni and boosters were involved, and the presidents often felt pressure to hire coaches the boosters would support.

One reason colleges should improve in this area comes from the same article:

February is also the month that high school football players choose the colleges they will attend in the fall. While it’s an exciting day for those seniors, it’s a disappointing day for me. You see, many of those players who choose the top schools are African-American and yet almost none of them will get the opportunity to play for an African-American head coach. Of 120 teams in the N.C.A.A.’s Bowl Subdivision, the top tier of play, only seven have black head coaches.

Will they bold enough to do the right thing? I hope so as we don't want to see the great strides made in racial relations begin to go the other way.

Gswede

73 and Still Shooting Hoops!

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.

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

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:

• 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 a better thought for you Matt:

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

4 -2 Celtics - Correct Games, Wrong Team

In the early 90's, Dave Cowens at one of our events in Boston

I 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.

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…

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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.