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Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Celtics Made a Mistake in Perkins Deal
On February 22nd, the Boston Celtics dominated the Golden State Warriors for a 115-93 victory, improving their record to an astounding 41-14.
They had gotten to that point by sticking to the formula that has worked since 2008: work through Rondo, Pierce, Allen, and Garnett on offense and play lock-down defense.
Stars will be stars, but it was the supporting cast that really got the Celtics to the top of the Eastern Conference. This had included bench players like Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, an ensemble that had allowed the Big 4 to get necessary rest and keep them fresh for intense stretches of action in the last five minutes of games.
None was more important to this cast than center Kendrick Perkins. A tough-as-nails big man who wasn't afraid to bang bodies with stars like Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, Perkins was respected and feared across the league as a Celtic.
That is why, on February 24th, when the Celtics traded Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Thunder for forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic, the heart and soul of this team was ripped out.
Granted, there were logistical reasons for the move. At the end of the season, Perkins was set to be an unrestricted free agent and the Celtics had concerns about their ability to resign him. He has since signed an extension with Oklahoma City. Also, after Perkins' knee injury in Game 6 of last year's Finals, there was speculation that he could be injury-prone for the rest of his career.
Speculation aside, Perkins was important to this Celtics team because he allowed the other star players to play their style of game without fear. They could take risks defensively because Big Perk was always down near the basket to back them up. On the offensive end, he was a fundamental rebounder who extended possessions and let the stars go to work.
Since the trade, the Celtics are 9-6 and my concerns are aplenty heading toward the playoffs.
With Derrick Rose and the Bulls looking tough to beat, the Celtics could have used an enforcer like Perkins down low to give D-Rose something to think about when he drives into the lane. Yes, Green adds versatility as a swing forward and Krstic adds depth to a group of big men who are aging and injury-prone, but, ultimately, it is Perkins' tenacity that will be missed the most.
If the season ended today, the Celtics would play the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. That would be a favorable match-up because the Knicks can't guard a lawn chair defensively, but against many other Eastern Conference teams, the Celtics' lack of defensive aggressiveness and toughness could spell trouble.
An upstart team like Philadelphia, who has beaten Boston since the Perkins deal, could give the aging Celtics fits defensively with their athleticism and versatility.
I will go out on a limb and say it now: The Celtics will not make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
They had gotten to that point by sticking to the formula that has worked since 2008: work through Rondo, Pierce, Allen, and Garnett on offense and play lock-down defense.
Stars will be stars, but it was the supporting cast that really got the Celtics to the top of the Eastern Conference. This had included bench players like Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, an ensemble that had allowed the Big 4 to get necessary rest and keep them fresh for intense stretches of action in the last five minutes of games.
None was more important to this cast than center Kendrick Perkins. A tough-as-nails big man who wasn't afraid to bang bodies with stars like Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, Perkins was respected and feared across the league as a Celtic.
That is why, on February 24th, when the Celtics traded Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Thunder for forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic, the heart and soul of this team was ripped out.Granted, there were logistical reasons for the move. At the end of the season, Perkins was set to be an unrestricted free agent and the Celtics had concerns about their ability to resign him. He has since signed an extension with Oklahoma City. Also, after Perkins' knee injury in Game 6 of last year's Finals, there was speculation that he could be injury-prone for the rest of his career.
Speculation aside, Perkins was important to this Celtics team because he allowed the other star players to play their style of game without fear. They could take risks defensively because Big Perk was always down near the basket to back them up. On the offensive end, he was a fundamental rebounder who extended possessions and let the stars go to work.
Since the trade, the Celtics are 9-6 and my concerns are aplenty heading toward the playoffs.
With Derrick Rose and the Bulls looking tough to beat, the Celtics could have used an enforcer like Perkins down low to give D-Rose something to think about when he drives into the lane. Yes, Green adds versatility as a swing forward and Krstic adds depth to a group of big men who are aging and injury-prone, but, ultimately, it is Perkins' tenacity that will be missed the most.
If the season ended today, the Celtics would play the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. That would be a favorable match-up because the Knicks can't guard a lawn chair defensively, but against many other Eastern Conference teams, the Celtics' lack of defensive aggressiveness and toughness could spell trouble.
An upstart team like Philadelphia, who has beaten Boston since the Perkins deal, could give the aging Celtics fits defensively with their athleticism and versatility.
I will go out on a limb and say it now: The Celtics will not make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Japanese Basketball League Cancels Season (Radio)
Following the devastating natural disasters that have struck Japan, the economic aftershocks are just beginning:
Japanese Basketball League Cancels Season (Video)
Following the devastating natural disasters that have struck Japan, the economic aftershocks are just beginning:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Japanese Basketball League Cancels Season, Future Uncertain
Following the devastating natural disasters that have struck Japan, the economic aftershocks are just beginning. The blossoming Japanese Basketball League has decided to cancel the remainder of its season, including the playoffs. In a statement released by the league, spokesman Takeshi Itou cited safety, nuclear uncertainty, and electrical concerns as main reasons for the shutdown. In addition to the Japanese Basketball League, the bj-League, a more prominent league in Japan, has resumed its season tentatively after cancelling games in the wake of the disaster.
The cancellation has drawn criticism from some, including Ed Odeven of the Japan Times. In a Sunday editorial, he points the finger at the league, saying they did not “come up with an acceptable Plan B” to implement following the natural disaster.
While many areas in the northern part of the country have been literally swept away by devastating tsunami waters, many others have seen fewer problems. Northern prefectures, including the hard-hit cities of Sendai and Fukushima, have been brought to a near stand-still, making the long-term futures of teams like the Saitama Broncos, Tokyo Apache, and Sendai 89ers uncertain, Odeven speculates.
The bj-League is split into an Eastern and Western division. Since its creation in 2005, the league has expanded from six teams to its current sixteen team format.
Many American-born players have made their way to Japan to play professionally, including former University of Minnesota forward Damian Johnson, former Cincinnati Bearcat and Denver Nuggets point guard Kenny Satterfield, and the 39th pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Jerald Honeycutt.
With the possibility of a lockout on the horizon for the NBA come June 30th, the bj-League was in prime position to pick up American talent and move to the forefront of worldwide competition. But, this cancellation could make for a major set-back.
Fears of a mass exodus of international players following the disaster put the league in a tough situation and some repercussions are already taking shape.
As reported by Odeven, Oita HeatDevils head coach L.J. Hepp was fired after three American players, including former University of South Carolina forward Rolando Howell, broke their contracts and left the team.
This move highlights the importance of international players to the development of the Japanese game.
"I did not quit and I had no intention of quitting,” Hepp said in interview with the Japan Times. "Because of the imports leaving . . . they said I am not the head coach anymore,"
According to a source, the smaller Japanese Basketball League had plans to merge with the larger bj-League within the next two to three years. But, these recent disastrous events put the plan in jeopardy.
The bj-League plans on playing the remainder of its season, minus the Sendai 89ers, whose home prefecture was ravaged by the disasters.
Japanese Basketball Offers Chance to Focus Internationally
With news that the Japanese Basketball League is shutting down its season, a light is focused on international basketball that American fans don't often see.
Of course, most American fans could care less about what is going on in the basketball world internationally, because the United States features the premier basketball association. High-quality players come here to play against the best competition in the world. But, for American collegiate athletes not in the exclusive upper-echelon of players who make the NBA, the international basketball scene is where they can make their money.
Perhaps the most publicized recent example of an American going international is that of former Atlanta Hawk Josh Childress. In 2008, looking for a starring role and a bigger paycheck, the California native signed a 3-year, $20 million deal with a Greek club, Olympiacos. After averaging 19.7 points per game in four seasons in Greece, Childress has returned stateside and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
In terms of the Japanese professional leagues, they are still not regarded as top-flight international competition. Created in 2005, the young league (referred to as the bj-League) is gaining respect through international imports.
After starring for the Cincinnati Bearcats in college and playing a short stint in the NBA, guard Kenny Satterfield headed to Japan. The New York native led the Japanese bj-League in assists with 7.5/game.
In addition to stars like Satterfield, the league has a wealth of young American talent, including former University of Minnesota forward Damian Johnson, former University of South Carolina Gamecock Rolando Howell, and a players St. John's fans will remember, former West Virginia forward Wellington Smith.
We will soon see if much of this talent is scared off by the problems caused by natural disasters in the region. But, for the sake of the league, Japan hopes they will stick around.
Former Golden Gopher Johnson now plays in Japan. A highlight from his college days:
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Class Photos
Far Shot: Carey Hall at Dawn
As the sun rises in the morning, a far shot of Carey Hall is very scenic. People are on their way to class.
Close Shot Place: O'Connor Hall
Being that these dorms are relatively new, a close shot of the brickwork looks nice and this angle shows that.
People Pose: My roommate Dom with my other roommates in the background.
Dom enjoys getting pictures taken. His comedy comes through in this shot, as well.
People In Action: My roommates are enjoying a Tuesday night in the dorm.
My roommates are a fun group of guys to live with and I wanted to capture a typical night in our dorm.
Dan Martin Close-up: Taken outside of Century Hall
With the sunlight coming from my right side, this is an interesting shot. It also captures my early-morning sleepiness.
As the sun rises in the morning, a far shot of Carey Hall is very scenic. People are on their way to class.
Close Shot Place: O'Connor Hall
Being that these dorms are relatively new, a close shot of the brickwork looks nice and this angle shows that.
People Pose: My roommate Dom with my other roommates in the background.
Dom enjoys getting pictures taken. His comedy comes through in this shot, as well.
People In Action: My roommates are enjoying a Tuesday night in the dorm.
My roommates are a fun group of guys to live with and I wanted to capture a typical night in our dorm.
Dan Martin Close-up: Taken outside of Century Hall
With the sunlight coming from my right side, this is an interesting shot. It also captures my early-morning sleepiness.
The Next Great Rebounder: Kenneth Faried
When a lot of players get spots on Sportscenter and online mixtapes for their flashiness, Kenneth Faried is all about fundamentals.
The 6'8", 225 pound senior from Morehead State was a relative unknown before this year's NCAA Tournament began. But, after the Eagles' big upset victory over heavily-favored Louisville (game in which he had 12 points and 17 rebounds) in the Round of 64, people are beginning to take notice of the dreadlock-wearing rebounding machine.
On the season, Faried is averaging 17.3 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Where a lot of players nowadays get rebounds when the ball happens to fall to them, Faried is a throwback to old school fundamentals: find a man, box out, go get the ball at the highest point.
The Newark, NJ native is getting looks from NBA scouts and is projected to go in the first round of this year's draft. My question is, how did major tri-state area schools let this guy get away in the recruiting game? Morehead State? Really?
Coming out of Newark Tech, Faried was two inches shorter and forty pounds lighter than he is now, probably part of the reason for his low recruitment. ESPN Recruiting rated him at just a 75 out of 100, the 124th best player at his position. Could they be any more incorrect?
In my opinion, Faried would be a steal at the back end of the first round. His game reminds me a lot of Ben Wallace, a player of a similar size who was integral in the Pistons' run of success in the mid-2000s. More recently, he could end up like former Pitt star DeJuan Blair, who was picked up by the Spurs in the 2nd round and is now a key big man in their rotation on their contending squad.
Faried would flourish at the NBA if he is in a situation similar to Blair's; picked up by a contender with big men who can teach him the game, rather than go to a struggling team where he is thrust into a starring role to begin his career.
It took him four years at Morehead State to get the recognition he deserved, but I can promise you that Kenneth Faried will be around for a long time to come.
Check out his tough-as-nails block against Richmond in the NCAA Tournament.
The 6'8", 225 pound senior from Morehead State was a relative unknown before this year's NCAA Tournament began. But, after the Eagles' big upset victory over heavily-favored Louisville (game in which he had 12 points and 17 rebounds) in the Round of 64, people are beginning to take notice of the dreadlock-wearing rebounding machine.
On the season, Faried is averaging 17.3 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Where a lot of players nowadays get rebounds when the ball happens to fall to them, Faried is a throwback to old school fundamentals: find a man, box out, go get the ball at the highest point.
The Newark, NJ native is getting looks from NBA scouts and is projected to go in the first round of this year's draft. My question is, how did major tri-state area schools let this guy get away in the recruiting game? Morehead State? Really?
Coming out of Newark Tech, Faried was two inches shorter and forty pounds lighter than he is now, probably part of the reason for his low recruitment. ESPN Recruiting rated him at just a 75 out of 100, the 124th best player at his position. Could they be any more incorrect?
In my opinion, Faried would be a steal at the back end of the first round. His game reminds me a lot of Ben Wallace, a player of a similar size who was integral in the Pistons' run of success in the mid-2000s. More recently, he could end up like former Pitt star DeJuan Blair, who was picked up by the Spurs in the 2nd round and is now a key big man in their rotation on their contending squad.
Faried would flourish at the NBA if he is in a situation similar to Blair's; picked up by a contender with big men who can teach him the game, rather than go to a struggling team where he is thrust into a starring role to begin his career.
It took him four years at Morehead State to get the recognition he deserved, but I can promise you that Kenneth Faried will be around for a long time to come.
Check out his tough-as-nails block against Richmond in the NCAA Tournament.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Expansion Is Not the Answer
Last season, the NCAA mulled over the idea of expanding the field of 64 in the NCAA Tournament to a field of 96.
Much like my blog post a few months ago about the NFL moving the Pro Bowl to before Super Bowl Sunday, this potential move by the NCAA is all about money. It's not about featuring small schools and giving them an opportunity on the big stage. It's not about increasing competition and making a "true champion" win more games.
ESPN Personality Colin Cowherd explains:
As Cowherd explained, by expanding to 96 teams, the product is diluted. The relationship can be explained in economic terms:
There is an equilibrium that exists between the producer and what it is providing, and the consumer. This all depends on the quantity and quality of the item being produced. If the quantity is too high and demand is not there, there is a surplus. If quality is low, consumers will not buy in.
Applied to the NCAA Tournament, they want to expand revenue by adding more quantity, but people may not want that much quantity. One of the important things about the NCAA Tournament is the exclusivity. Fans appreciate how hard it is to get into the tournament, and the desire to watch goes up. As is seen in college football, useless bowl games have low ratings and they become the butt-end of jokes.
There is an NIT Tournament for a reason. It is for teams who did not perform well enough to get into the NCAA's. People still watch the NIT, but they recognize it is not on the same level as the NCAA. Ninety-six teams in the tournament would get rid of the NIT and mash them together, bringing the overall quality down. Who wants to watch an underperforming high-major take on a no-name mid-major in the round of 96?
Not me.
As the old adage goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The NCAA should heed that advice.
Much like my blog post a few months ago about the NFL moving the Pro Bowl to before Super Bowl Sunday, this potential move by the NCAA is all about money. It's not about featuring small schools and giving them an opportunity on the big stage. It's not about increasing competition and making a "true champion" win more games.
ESPN Personality Colin Cowherd explains:
As Cowherd explained, by expanding to 96 teams, the product is diluted. The relationship can be explained in economic terms:
There is an equilibrium that exists between the producer and what it is providing, and the consumer. This all depends on the quantity and quality of the item being produced. If the quantity is too high and demand is not there, there is a surplus. If quality is low, consumers will not buy in.
Applied to the NCAA Tournament, they want to expand revenue by adding more quantity, but people may not want that much quantity. One of the important things about the NCAA Tournament is the exclusivity. Fans appreciate how hard it is to get into the tournament, and the desire to watch goes up. As is seen in college football, useless bowl games have low ratings and they become the butt-end of jokes.
There is an NIT Tournament for a reason. It is for teams who did not perform well enough to get into the NCAA's. People still watch the NIT, but they recognize it is not on the same level as the NCAA. Ninety-six teams in the tournament would get rid of the NIT and mash them together, bringing the overall quality down. Who wants to watch an underperforming high-major take on a no-name mid-major in the round of 96?
Not me.
As the old adage goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The NCAA should heed that advice.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Madness of March: Big Schools or Small?
Mandatory before starting any discussion about March Madness:
Now that we've set the mood, we can properly discuss the NCAA Tournament.
This is the time of year with unequaled sports nerd lingo, when discussions abound of "bubble teams", "RPI", "quality wins", and the one area of study every geek wishes he could study: "bracketology".
One week from today is Selection Sunday, when we will know the Field of 68; who is in, who is out, who is seeded where, and why.
But, putting away all the specific numbers, stats, and breakdowns, there is one debate that comes up almost every year: who deserves to be in the Big Dance more, big conference schools with average records, or small conference schools who perhaps played weaker opponents, but have better records?
For me, watching big conference schools limp into the NCAA Tournament is not only embarrassing, but not entertaining. In previous years, we have seen teams from conferences like the Pac-10, ACC, and SEC sneak into the field of 65 despite sub-par seasons and showings in their conference tournaments.
Meanwhile, teams from smaller conferences like the Mountain West, Colonial, and Horizon are snubbed because of lack of exposure or recognition.
What is the best case for small schools going dancing? Look no further than 2006 George Mason Patriots.
Their at-large selection was much-criticized, but, little did the "experts" know, the Patriots would make a run all the way to the Final 4, beating such perennial powerhouses as UConn, Michigan State, and North Carolina. Is it not more exciting to see an energetic, unknown team make a run toward the championship? At some point, it is good to get some fresh teams into the mix to see what they can do.
And, who doesn't want to see a pep band like this at a tournament game?
Mid-major programs that make a run in the NCAA Tournament are usually full of experienced upperclassmen who bring a more polished, refined game of basketball than major conferences, who many are many times full of freshman and sophomore phenoms.
These smaller schools shouldn't be used to fill a quota or anything like that, but a better mix of high-majors and mid-majors would make for a more well-rounded, interesting NCAA Tournament.
Let the madness begin.
Now that we've set the mood, we can properly discuss the NCAA Tournament.
This is the time of year with unequaled sports nerd lingo, when discussions abound of "bubble teams", "RPI", "quality wins", and the one area of study every geek wishes he could study: "bracketology".
One week from today is Selection Sunday, when we will know the Field of 68; who is in, who is out, who is seeded where, and why.
But, putting away all the specific numbers, stats, and breakdowns, there is one debate that comes up almost every year: who deserves to be in the Big Dance more, big conference schools with average records, or small conference schools who perhaps played weaker opponents, but have better records?
For me, watching big conference schools limp into the NCAA Tournament is not only embarrassing, but not entertaining. In previous years, we have seen teams from conferences like the Pac-10, ACC, and SEC sneak into the field of 65 despite sub-par seasons and showings in their conference tournaments.
Meanwhile, teams from smaller conferences like the Mountain West, Colonial, and Horizon are snubbed because of lack of exposure or recognition.
What is the best case for small schools going dancing? Look no further than 2006 George Mason Patriots.
Their at-large selection was much-criticized, but, little did the "experts" know, the Patriots would make a run all the way to the Final 4, beating such perennial powerhouses as UConn, Michigan State, and North Carolina. Is it not more exciting to see an energetic, unknown team make a run toward the championship? At some point, it is good to get some fresh teams into the mix to see what they can do.
And, who doesn't want to see a pep band like this at a tournament game?
Mid-major programs that make a run in the NCAA Tournament are usually full of experienced upperclassmen who bring a more polished, refined game of basketball than major conferences, who many are many times full of freshman and sophomore phenoms.
These smaller schools shouldn't be used to fill a quota or anything like that, but a better mix of high-majors and mid-majors would make for a more well-rounded, interesting NCAA Tournament.
Let the madness begin.
Capture Your Voice, Capture the City, Capture the Storm
The spirit of St. John's University can be found in the voice of the students. The voice to bring about change, to speak out and help those in need, and to educate those around them. Through this unique voice, the Vincentian mission is fulfilled.
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