Northwestern Basketball in the Big Dance

I just watched the Northwestern Wildcats loose in overtime to Illinois but for the first time Northwestern basketball is for real. In the past, the Wildcats have always been the Big 10 door mat but not this season. Juice Thompson got the steal at the end of regulation and barely made the half court shot to win the game. Right now the Cats should put this game behind them as they face Michigan State Spartans this weekend. I still believe the Cats will make the Big Dance this season spoiling one of the other Big 10 teams.

Speaking of the Spartans Kalin Lucas came off the bench and did exactly what the Big 10 POY was supposed to do against Texas-Arlington. Let's hope the Spartans don't overlook the Wildcats because this could be a bad loss on their NCAA tournament resume.

Well tune in tomorrow as I list my all decade team. 

Father of CE3 turns 33 - UK Assist Record

A majority of this blog has nothing to do with hoops but I want to wish a happy 33rd birthday to Champ aka Brain. Not only is this guy the greatest friend in all seven continents but he's soon to be the father of CE3. In case you're wondering 17 years from now CE3 will become the #1 prep player in the country. I stand by what I say and if you don't believe me ask Brain or Rasheda.

John Wall made it clear tonight that he'll be the clear cut #1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Mr. Wall dished out 16 assist against Hartford and also had a few highlight worthy dunks. The back door lob Mr. Wall's dunk was SportsCenter Top 10 worthy. What does that highlight have to do with Brain....simple CE3 will be doing those types of dunks by the time that child turns 15.

Rasheda everything was fantastic and for those following..hoops training for CE3 begins exactly one day after the 5th birthday.

Dunking On Reindeer

The Christmas game between the Cavs and Lakers was not that....a game. Was this a statement game......nope I always hated when the press states that a regular season game is a statement game. Unless those two teams meet in the playoffs and whoever wins...that's the statement game. Kobe & the Lakers know that they'll win the Western Conference but I can't say the same about Cleveland. The Cavs have to battle Eastern Conference supremacy with Boston & Orlando. Overall, LeBron dunked on Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Donner, and the rest of the Lakers.

With this being college football season, the bowl games have taken over the sports world especially with Urban Meyer taking a leave of absence. I would not be surprised if he had a change of heart and left for one the NFL coaching jobs. He has nothing left to prove in Florida. 

Here in Chicago the high school holiday tournaments are up and North Lawndale Prep won the Malcom X shootout and the Proviso West tournament kicked off this weekend. That tournament hasn't had the same flare since 1996 when Jimmy Sanders and Westinghouse pulled off the upset over Ronnie Fields and Faragut.

Well, that's it for now...until next time. Big O

What 2 Watch........

Tonight on ESPN 8PM (Central Time) tune in to watch Kansas play California as two of the top point guards in the country face off.  Both Sherron Collins and Jerome Randle were 2006 all state player from Illinois and I'm looking forward to see south side and west side go toe-2-toe. 

Xavier Henry and Cole Aldrich will also contribute as I predict Kansas should win this game without any problem. Check back tonight for my recap.

IT'S OFFICIAL BULLS LOOSE...AFTER LEADING BY 35

You're up by 35, shoot over 70%, no turnovers in the first half, then you blow the game and loose by 4. That's what happened to the Bulls tonight at the United Center against the Sacramento Kings tonight. When I wake up tomorrow morning, the first thing I hope to read is that Coach Del Negro has been let go replaced by Mark Jackson. After leading 79-44, the Bulls were outscored 58-19 and loose 102-98. Derrick Rose has never been a scorer but with the departure of Ben Gordon, Rose will have to dominate like Tim Hardaway, Kevin Johnson, and Isiah Thomas. Those guys were able to score and still distribute the ball.

That's all for now...Del Negro has to go!!!!!!!!

Sunday's Best Players

The star for Sunday was Zach Randolph for giving Denver 32 points and 24 rebounds. Zach has always been one of the most underrated power forwards in the League but doesn't get any recognition because of his troubled past or he's played on bad teams. With Dirk, Timmy, Melo, Odom, Al Jefferson all great forwards in the west Zach will not play in Dallas come February 2010.

Kendrick Perkins had a double double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. The best thing that happened in his career was KG coming to Boston and winning the chip while Perkins was on the team. Since winning the chip in '08, Perkins confidence and game has improved but if I'm playing with KG everyday, my game should improve.

Quentin Richardson...Q shot 7-7 from downtown but unfortunately the Heat fell to Portland. When left opened, Q is one of the better spot up shooters in the League and he still has the ability to rise above the rim. Plus he's from Chicago.

Johnathan Bender is back!!! It's good to see Bender back in the League who retired in 2006 due to several injuries. On NBA TV tonight he mentioned he had to give it another shot or else he would have been 37-38 wondering what if. Good for him and I hope he works out.

Harrison Barnes - Ames (IA) WIN BIG

The game just ended with Ames (IA) winning 87-59. Harrison Barnes just proved why he’s the nation best HS player in the land. He plays both ends of the court and did not take any plays off. I hope when they get back to North Chicago Jereme Richmond can lift his troops as they attempt to win a state title in his final season before heading down I-57.

HS Basketball Tonight

BREAKING NEWS: THE NATIONS TOP HIGH SCHOOL TEAM IN THE COUNTRY FINDLAY PREP LOOSES TO NORTHLAND HS FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO.


Currently on ESPN the nations top prep player UNC Bound Harrison Barnes is facing ILLINI Bound Jereme Richmond in the Old Spice Classic. At halftime Aimes (IA) is leading Waukegan (IL) 38-29. The real star of the game so far is Northern Iowa Bound Doug McDermott. Overall Richmond and Barnes have played solid games and as I type, Richmond just caught a baseline lob to finish the jam. Right now Aimes has an 11 point lead in the 3rd quarter with Barnes finishing the jam. 


Tune in after the game for my recap of the game and two of the nation's top players.

Let Shannon Dunk

I know the NBA Dunk Contest is not until February but it's time to start thinking about candidates that should participate. Personally I'm endorsing Shannon Brown to enter the dunk contest. Please click here to learn more about Shannon Brown's campaign to enter the dunk contest. Other players I would like to see enter the contest is Derrick Rose, Will Bynum, Nate Robinson, LeBron James, JR Smith, Gerald Henderson, and Vince Carter.

I'm pretty sure only one of the names mentioned above will enter but the League needs to make it interesting by offering $1 million dollars to the winner. I guarantee the elite dunkers would participate then.

Take my poll and let me know who should dunk come All-Star Weekend in Dallas.

AI RETURNS...BUT NOT IN BASKETBALL SHAPE

Allen Iverson made his return against his old team the Denver Nuggets tonight and tallied 11 points. Iverson appears to be in great shape....but not basketball shape. For any of my readers knows what it means to play ball but not be in basketball shape, then you know how AI feels tonight. One play Chauncey Billups drove right, crossed left between the legs which left Iverson flat on his butt. That is the below the rim highlight of the night.

With Elton Brand, Iggy, Thaddeous Young, Louis Williams, Jason Kappano and the return of AI, the Sixers have the slasher, shooter, youth & experience to nab the #4 seed come playoff time. Cleveland, Orlando, Boston will be the top 3 seeds out the Eastern Conference.

AI just wanted the respect and in a tough town like Philadelphia that booed Santa Clause they love AI just as they loved Ryan Howard, Charles Barkley, McNabb, and Mike Schmidt. Welcome back to the League AI now  go improve your team and teach the young guys how to play the game the right way.

Game Recap

It's been two days since I attended the Bulls/Pistons game which marked the return of Ben Gordon and the homecoming of Will Bynum. Kerry Wood was shown on the jumbo tron and the crowd booed him. This guy spent 10 years in this city and he did not deserved to be booed...he's one of my all-time favorite Cubs.

Now to the game...when Ben Gordon entered the game he was booed the first few possession he touched the ball but they didn't boo him the entire game. I thought more people would cheer for Bynum but then again only a small few followed him throughout his young career so far. Coming off a sprained ankle, Gordon was extremely passive but did lead his team in scoring with 16.

Watching Bynum and Rose guard each other was what I came to see. It was like watching Simeon vs. Craine all over. Rose had two highlight dunk and Bynum had a solid game and even threw a great lob pass to end the 3rd quarter which was taken away.

Overall the Bulls won but unfortunately they did not score 100 so no free Big Mac for me.

THE ANSWER IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bulls vs. Pistons Tonight

Tonight at the United Center the Detroit Pistons play the Chicago Bulls and I WILL BE THERE!!!!!! This will mark the first meeting between these two clubs this year but this game has a special meaning as it marks the return of Ben Gordon where he called the United Center home from 2004-2009. That's the national story behind this game.

From a local standpoint, Former Craine Star and fellow south sider Will Bynum will display his handles in front of the home crowd. I'm sure he'll get a pretty good ovation from those who followed him from Hales, Craine, Pro Amms, Azizona, Georgia Tech, D-League, Overseas, finally the NBA. Last year I took my nephew to the game and we ended up meeting Will after the game. The Bynum vs. Rose matchup should be interesting because I know Rodney Stuckey has no idea how to guard Derrick Rose. You can view the photos on my photo page here.

Well it's late and view my blog tomorrow for my recap of the game.

Iverson Retires...Jason Kidd #2

With all the Thanksgiving Tournaments televised on college basketball, the NBA has grabbed the headlines for this past week. Carmelo Anthony giving the New York Knicks 50 points would have been a huge story this week but two individual topped Melo for newsworthy stories of the week: 

• Jason Kidd: I've seen Hardaway, Thomas, Stockton, Jackson, Strickland, Anderson, Johnson (Magic & Kevin) all play in their prime but what separates Jason Kidd from the rest is that he periodically finishes the game with a triple double. A stat line of 15 points 12 assist and 11 rebounds is normal for Kidd. He's never been the quickest point guard he's the greatest passing point guard I've ever witnessed. Kidd is so good that under his leadership at the point guard slot, the New Jersey Nets had back to back NBA Finals apperences. He's been a winner every where he plays and is a guarntee lock for first ballot 6 years after he retires. 

• Allen Iverson - The Answer has decided he no longer wants to crossover other players after 14 season in the NBA. If Allen Iverson decides to hang turn over his crossover card after 14 seasons in the League then I'm disappointed. All the front office general managers refuse to put up with his late coming to practice, taking all the shots, not making his teammates better, and only concerned about his stats. On the positive side he has played with heart, passion, and talent ever since he stepped into the league 14 years ago. His role in Memphis should have been helping the development of Mike Conley and OJ Mayo become better NBA Guards not worrying about this guys stealing your shine. AI is at the stage in his career where he should help those fairly new to the League and teaching them not to make the same mistakes you made on and off the court. The Grizzlies won't win that many games this year but he had the respect from all the young ball players who honed their game after watching you crossover helpless defenders the past 14 season. AI has influenced this game pretty much the same way the Fab Five did. Multiple tattoos, braided hair, shoot first point guard with crazy hops, arriving to the game iced-out.  If those were the final three games of Allen Iverson's career then good luck with the next phase of your life.

Basketball Version - What are you Thankful For.....

With the holiday season kicking off this Thursday what are you thankful for from a basketball standpoint? With the season still very young here's what I'm thankful for..

• I'm thankful that the rest of the world can finally see the talent of Will Bynum that we have witnessed in Chicago since 1999
• I'm thankful that Earl Boykins is back in the NBA. He should have never been overseas
• I'm thankful that nine teams realized that made a mistake by passing up Brandon Jennings
• I'm thankful for NBA TV. That is the best cable channel and provides scores & highlights 24/7
• I'm thankful Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd & Steve Nash are still playing. They're up in age but I'd choose them over any new young PG in the L
• I'm thankful for all the upcoming games on all the ESPN Networks. Coaches vs. Cancer, Preseason NIT, Great Alaska Shootout, etc
• I'm thankful that Jokim Noah is playing at a high level and leading the League in rebounding
• And finally....I'm thankful that at 33 I'm still in good health and able to play ball 4 days a week

With the holiday season approaching us please remember to be careful if you're doing Black Friday

Kobe #2 on Lakers Scoring List - Gasol Returns

Congratulations to Kobe Bryant for becoming #2 on the Lakers all-time scoring list passing up Kareem. It was not a great night for Chicago guards on TV last night. Jerome Randle, Evan Turner, and Derrick Rose all suffered defeats last night.

ATTENTION NBA TEAM....THE LAKERS ARE AT FULL STRENGTH

With the return of Gasol, I'm scarred of the Lakers. It doesn't matter that they're weak at the point guard position they have a healthy Bynum, Gasol, Bryant, Odom off the bench, and a bunch of roll players (mostly Shannon Brown) I don't see why Phil Jackson should collect ring #11 come June.

Last week the rich just got richer. When North Carolina loses players, they just reload. Last week they landed the #1 recruiting class in the country by landing Harrison Barnes, Reggie Bullock, and Kendall Marshall. That's the #1 point guard, small forward, and shooting guard for 2010. With the potential departure of Larry Drew II and Ed Davis after this season, John Henson will have the best recruiting class around him which should keep North Carolina Final 4 bound for 2010-2011.

Well there's plenty to watch this weekend, please take my poll and visit my homepage here.

Chicago Guards on TV Tonight

Please tune in to watch Jerome Randle, Evan Turner, and Derrick Rose on TV tonight.

• Jerome Randle (Cal) plays Syracuse on ESPN 5pm central. Without Johnny Flynn I see Jerome having his way with the Syracuse guards.
• Evan Turner (Ohio State) plays North Carolina after the Syracuse/Cal game. Turner has the ball handling ability to play the point and we'll watch him all season long as he plays the 1. Larry Drew II has a tough assignment tonight.
• Derrick Rose - The second game on TNT tonight will feature the 2008 #1 pick as he picks apart Fisher, Brown, Farmer but not Kobe. Pooh refuses to get a haircut until he has a good game. Hopefully he'll be in the barbershop after tonight's game.

Good luck tonight and make our city proud. Congrats to Brandon Jennings for being named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week

Rookie Guards Stepping Up

With Blake Griffin out until his knee heals, the rookie guards have truly stepped up their efforts attempting to make a run for ROY 2009-2010. Several first years guards such as Stephen Curry, Johnny Flynn have done well for Golden State and Minnesota but the three rookie guards that have impressed me during the early season are Tyreke Evans, Ty Lawson, and ROY front runner Brandon Jennings.  Let’s concentrate on those three guards for now and here’s what I’ve scene:

• Ty Lawson - Former Tarheel guard will gain the most experience by learning the game from Chauncey Billups. With the tutelage of Billups, Lawson will learn when to shoot, breakdown the defense, and when to take the big shot which will pay off in the long run when Billups time is up. Two weeks into the season and he’s already developing when to attack the rim…….just ask DJ

• Tyreke Evans - Labeled as one of the “Chosen One” since HS. The Kings had no choice but to stick Evans into the starting lineup and as a result, four straight wins along with a scoring average over 20 ppg. Evans style of play has always been NBA ready and the transition has not been dificult thus far. He’ll take a lot of L’s this year but he’ll score a ton.

• Brandon Jennings - He’s a clone of Kenny Anderson & Nick Van Exel. Expect the Compton PG to lead all rookies in assist and challenge Derrick Rose as the best point guard in the NBA Central. Right now Jennings only knows one speed but once he develops a half court game….scary!!!!! Oh….if you don’t think he’s real just ask the Golden State Warriors.

Best College PGs hail from Da Chi

With College Basketball season getting starting and as a fellow PG with pots-n-pans from Da Chi, the top two PGs in  Division 1 Basketball hail from Chicago and they are Sherron Collins & Jerome Randle. Both Kansas & California are favorite to win there respective conference with Kansas predicted to cut down the nets in Indianapolis in 2010. 


Don't get me wrong, Kemba Walker, Kalin Lucus, and John Wall all have game and have an NBA future but the best point guards for the 2009-2010 are Randle & Collins. 


Sherron Collins possesses a strong handle, long range jumper, leaping ability, ability to take over a game but most importantly heart which is in typical 773 fashion. Expect Collins to shake David Stern's hand during the middle of round one in June 2010. 


Why Jerome Randle? Why not he does care that he's only 5'10 just ask the other Pac-10 guards (right Isiah). The senior returns to lead this Cal team which provides excitements which was last scene when Jason Kidd was running point in Berkley. Jerome also posses a sick handle (thanks Laren Foster) court vision, long range jump shot, and quickness which should make it too easy for other Pac-10 guards to guard him. I don't know if Randle has an NBA future but if he cathces on, Randle has a load of talent. 


Take my poll and let me know what you think?

What I've learned after week one

With the NBA season 7 days old, there are several things that I’ve learned since opening night

1. Cleveland has no chance beating Orlando or Boston for Eastern Conference supremacy
2. In the Western Conference it’s the Lakers, Nuggets, Spurs….then everybody else
3. John Salmon is no Ben Gordon. Salmon is an upgrade on defense but does not have the scoring output as Ben Gordon
4. Ben Gordon will lead the Pistons in scoring
5. Derrick Rose needs to score more with the departure of Ben Gordon
6. Trevor Ariza will average 20 ppg
7. Brandon Jennings has the making of being the next Kenny Anderson
8. Tyreke Evans and the Kings will loose a bunch but Evans will shine
9. Johnny Flynn has the makings of being the next Chris Paul
10. Brook Lopez will be an all-star

What have your learned? Let me know.....

Opening Nignt 2009

"WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP"                                           Doc Rivers before tonights game

Four games opened the brand new NBA season started with the debut of Shaq in Cleveland teaming with LeBron James as they faced off against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics steal this one in Cleveland and the highlight of the game was LeBron's block on Rondo as he thought he has a clear cut dunk. Boston is on a mission to win title #18 but Cleveland needs to add another scorer to take the load of LeBron.

Both Wizards & Trailblazers were also victorious and that's all you need to know. Gilbert Arenas is back and Greg Oden played a full game without getting hurt. 

Finally in Los Angeles......Magic, Kareem, Tex Winters, and Rick Fox were among the Laker greats who were present as Kobe collected ring #4 and the Laker franchise raised banner #15 overall. Without Blake Griffin for 6-8 weeks the best players on the floor for the Clippers were Eric Gordon & Sebastian Telfair. I think Telfair will be alright playing in LA backing up Baron Davis because if he fails, he's out the league like his cousin.

Just two more days until my Bulls open up the season at the United Center against the Spurs. Hope Pooh & Co. can pull this one out. Still can't believe Captain Kirk was named the team captian. Oh well......

NBA 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year is…..

With one week left to go before the NBA regular begins, Karl Malone in training aka Blake Griffin already has the Rookie of the Year trophy in his Los Angeles condo. Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings are nice and will also start but none will average a double double during the season as Griffin will. The 6′10 has the ball handling, strength, finess, back to the basket, and low post moves to become the next great power forward in NBA history. For the next 82 games, Griffin will have to deal with the likes of KG,  Duncan, Dirk, Brand, and company on a nightly basis. Expect Griffin to have a similar rookie year as former power forwards Derrick Coleman and Chris Webber whom also won Rookie of the Year back in 1990 and 1994.

Don't believe me...just ask DJ from the Lakers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CKqTyhR_sg

Will Bynum Credits Gilbert Arenas For Success

Will Bynum Credits Gilbert Arenas For Success

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Will Bynum NBA 2009-2010 6th Man of the Year

I’m sitting here watching the sorry Washington Wizards training camp on NBA TV and they’re talks that Gilbert Arenas is not 100% and might come off the bench. Common sense will tell you that won’t happen but that got me to think who will win the NBA 6th Man Award this season? Ben Gordon is now a starter with the Detroit Pistons the 6th man of the year will come from that organization. The winner is……..Chicago’s very own Will “The Thrill” Bynum. 


The Thrill came on very strong after the Allen Iverson’s “season ending injury”. Not Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, Bill Lambear, Rip, Chauncey, or ‘Sheed, Jerry Stackhouse but Bynum holds the franchise record for most points in a 4th quarter with 26. Coming out of Craine HS (aka Handles U…see Collins, Sherron) his ball handling skills have always been lethal and playing with a mad heart, he’s making Chicago very proud. Why Bynum for 6th man?


It’s simple the Pistons are in a rebuilding phase and with my prediction of Rip Hamilton being traded early in the season, that will move Ben Gordon into the starting lineup with Will Bynum being the first player off the bench. He’s become a better point guard since his stint overseas and should be able to penetrate and get to the rim with ease this coming season. Just a quick is TJ Ford, Derrick Rose, and Chris Paul, Bynum also has the springs like Ronnie Fields to dunk and any defender from 5′10 to 7′0. Mark my word that this prediction will come true with Jason Terry coming in second.


Stay tune to my next blog as I make updates to the upcoming seasons.  

I'm Sorry Ms. Jackson

We interrupt my basketball blog to concentrate on a personal matter concerning me. I hope this person reads this and hopefully we can talk soon. 


We have loved, broken up, gotten back together, then started all over again. The other day I left two hateful voicemails & text messages out of anger. I did not mean any of those words. 


When I left your grandmother's house last Tuesday, I followed you a few blocks out of anger. I have never been so upset with you that I was not in my right state of mind. We haven't been together in over a year but I've always valued your friendship and companionship. I calmed down that night and felt really bad I left those hateful messages on your phone. We were both pissed off each other that night and I hope you realize that I'm not a hateful person. 


Think what you want about me but your grandmother was not going to get that $20 until I finished work. When I leave early I have a certain time to get home (I was trying to rush home to get back to work). It was a coincidence that you called me right when I finished work. Had you arrived earlier you would have seen me knocking on every door because I could not remember which apartment was hers. Please forgive me as I did not means to say those mean & hateful words towards you. OK folks, next week I'll continue to breakdown the upcoming college & NBA season.

Training Camp Has Arrived

Finally NBA training camp has arrived and NBA TV is airing Real Training Camp. NBA TV has aired the  Lakers & Nuggets training camp with more teams to follow. Let's hope the show only contenders not Lottery bound teams. Putting a microphone on Larmar Odom was classic. Speaking of the Queens native............THE WEDDING!!!!!
Finally NBA training camp has arrived and NBA TV is airing Real Training Camp. NBA TV has aired the  Lakers & Nuggets training camp with more teams to follow. Let's hope the show only contenders not Lottery bound teams. Putting a microphone on Lamar Odom was classic. Speaking of the Queens native............THE WEDDING!!!!!

Lamar Odom recently married the unattractive Kardashian (Khloe) after only dating for one month. Report are that Odom tried to work things out with his baby mama but after she turned him down he met Khloe and the rest is history. I have two theories about this. The unattractive Kardashian caught the Queens forward right after he inked his new deal with the Lakers or this entire marriage is just another Hollywood marriage that's a sham and won't work. I believe my last though that this whole marriage is a publicity stunt and they'll be divorced by this time two summers from now.

Last night the Bulls played the Pacers in preseason action and it appears TJ Ford has lost his game. Simeon's own Derrick Rose played like it was a regular season game destroying Luther Head and everybody else that got in his way. Shaq & LeBron faced each other in practice today but the next time, they destroy the NBA Central and everybody in the Eastern Conference not named Boston or Orlando.

In the west, Kobe & Phil Jackson are already designing the parade route come June 2010. They're debating if they should start the route in Compton, Hollywood, South Central, Inglewood, or USC.

Meanwhile in college, Midnight Madness is around the corner and my early Final 4 prediction is Michigan State, Kentucky, Washington, with Kansas cutting down the nets.

BREAKING NEWS: DELONTE WEST ARRESTED!!!!

Delonte West was arrested this week in the DC Area for carrying two pistols and a shotgun while riding a motorcycle. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?!?!? This marks the second DC Area player to do something stupid this summer. First Michael Beasley who we’re all pulling for and now West. We don’t know if Delonte was high but he was more prepared for war in Iraq rather than Quicken Loans Arena.With training camp a few weeks away, I hope west can concentrate on the upcoming season rather than his potential gun case.


I have never heard of Michael Beasley Sr. until his son went into rehab. It’s funny now that his son is famous, Beasley Sr. is doing all the talking for his son. Sounds like a free loading family member to me (I’m just saying). Here’s hoping both DC Area players can get their lives together and concentrate on the season.

Still Moved by MJ HOF Speech

In the spirit of Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame Speech, I encourage you to purchase his cologne for a limited time. Bryon Russell appeared on ESPN’s Outside the Lines and has challenged his airness to a 1-on-1 game with Mitch Richmond as the referee with Mark Jackson as the announcer. Even at age 46 GOAT would still bust his ass. Just to make in interesting, G.O.A.T. wins as time expires.  Four years from now when G.O.A.T. turns 50 he still wins at the buzzard. 
Finally someone has signed Allen Iverson!! The Memphis Grizzlies gave the future first ballot Hall of Famer a 1-year deal worth $3 million. Hard to imagine The Answer had a hard time finding work. But then I realize other than scoring, will a 34 year old shoot first player help or hinder the development of young guards Mike Conley, OJ Mayo? With his career winding down, AI could teach OJ Mayo how to become a killer on the court and Conley how to attack the basket. Other than that, Conley will have to learn the point guard game from assistant coach Damon Stoudamire. Will Memphis make the playoffs? Nope but with the departure of Coach Cal to Kentucky the pro team is now offically the best basketball team in Memphis.Well training camp is around the corner and I can’t wait so my blog will be updated more often as the season begins. 

Greatest HOF Class Ever

There's no "I" in team but there's an "I" in win - Michael Jordan (Hall of Fame Speech)

On September 13, 2009 in Springfield, Massachusetts the basketball Hall of Fame inducted David Robinson, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan, Vivian Stringer, and Michael Jordan. This will go down as the greatest Hall of Fame Class in basketball history. The all-time assist & steals leader, one of the greatest centers of all-time, and the greatest player of all-time in the same class. Next year's class will have Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone headlining but let's breakdown this class:

John Stockton - At first I was surprised he chose Isiah Thomas to stand by him instead by him rather than Karl Malone but game recognize game...one point guard to another. Stockton ran the same pick-n-roll play almost 20 years plus he was and excellent defender. Well deserved 1st ballot. Overall his speech was nice as he thanked his teammates, coaches, family, and friends.

David Robinson - In 1994 The Admiral won the scoring title on the 82nd game by scoring 71 points. His Spurs team improved by 30 games his rookie year. The Admiral was an offensive & defensive presence for the Spurs from 1990 to 2003 but his speech was spiritual and pleasant.

Michael Jordan - G.O.A.T probably gave the greatest HOF speech ever. From saying shit to choosing David Thompson to stand by him. Money stated he grew up idolizing him which makes sense because if I were going to the HOF, I would ask Kenny Anderson to stand with me. MJ mentioned his high school coach made a mistake cutting him, Dean Smith should have placed him in the starting lineup, the players in the championship not the owners...and Byron Russell. MJ pretty much told everyone I'm the greatest and also expressed his "love" for John Starks. If he does comeback at the age of 50, Money could average 20 ppg.

HOF 2009

With training camp less than 1 month away, these past few weeks have been quite around the basketball world. Nothing has changed much. Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson are still without jobs, D-Wade, LeBron, Amare Stoudamire have not signed extensions with their ball clubs, and the Chicago Bulls still don't have a low post scorer.

Tyrone Lue had decided not to sign with Greece but instead try to catch on with another NBA team. Sorry but it's been a slow news week. He's has a great career but if I mention Tyrone Lue in my blog, it's a slow news day.

Only a few days away before David Robinson, John Stocktin are elected in the Hall of Fame. Stocktin & Malone ran the same pick-n-roll from 1988 to 2003. The all-time leader in assist & steals is well deserved as well as the 1995/1987 #1 overall pick Mr. Robinson.

The head of the class again is Michael Jordan Out of all the Chicago Bulls or North Carolina Tar Heels that could have introduced Mike, he chose David Thompson. After thinking about it, his choice make sense because MJ admitted that was who he followed as a kid. If I were heading into the basketaball HOF, Kenny Anderson would introduce me. Congrats to the 2009 Class and next year we get Pippen & Malone.

I can't wait for training camp to begin!!!!!!!

Johnny Wins!!!!! -The Answer Needs A Job

Congratulations to Johnny Flynn for winning the starting point guard position for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Flynn won this position because the 2009 5th overall pick Ricky Rubio has decided to stay overseas at least until 2011. Rubio has been dubbed the next Pistol Pete, Steve Nash, Bob Cousey....if he's that great, Rubio should bring his A game around A talent which is the NBA not the Euroleague. Don't get me wrong, there is talent in Europe but the talent does not match-up to the NBA. Just ask the Dream Team or the Redeem Team.

Rodney Stuckey was quoted saying not that the old guys are gone and with the addition of Ben Gordon, the Pistons will become a fast-break team. No disrespect to Will Bynum or Ben Gordon, but this Pistons team is headed to the 2010 NBA Lottery. The old guys (Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess) will still play relevant basketball come late May or early June while Joe Dumars is representing your team in Atlanta hoping to win the John Wall sweepstakes.

Allen Iverson is still a free agent. The Memphis Grizzlies are a potential team for The Answer. If Iverson signs with Memphis, between OJ, Gay, Conley, they need three balls on the floor just to make sure they get their 30 shot attempts per game. Why is the Answer still unemployed? Should he go overseas? I blog you decide

Happy 36th birthday to my sister and God Bless Ted Kennedy

Triple Play - Triple Thoughts

First things first I would like to give props to Phillies second basemen Eric Bruntlett for the unassisted triple play. Job well done. Now to my three topics & views for today.

Derrick Rose - I don't believe every NCAA Division 1 program cheats but I strongly believe in order to get the McDonalds All-Americans, you have to pay for play. These universities make millions of dollars of these kids but yet they're not allowed to profit. I've always had a problem with the S.A.T . because that test is biased for upper class families only. Those that do not come from upper, middle class, or two parent household usually struggle on those test. The only problem here.......Pooh got caught. Derrick Rose is in the NBA now and one of the top point guards in the League.

Allen Iverson - Having a bad reputation will keep you unemployeed (see Stephon Marbury Barry Bonds). I still can't believe this future Hall of Famer still doesn't have a team. Reports over the weekend that The Answer will sign with the Charlotte Bobcats this week. Reuniting with Larry Brown is the only positive out of this. With AI and Ray Felton in the backcourt, Gerald Henderson and DJ Augustine playing time will be cut down. At 33, Allen Iverson should be a mentor to Felton and Augustine but they'll porbably pick up bad habits and become shoot first point guards.

John Calipari - Two schools, two NCAA violations, UMASS, Memphis, two Final Fours. Calipari had an outstanding team during his UMASS days with Marcus Camby and even a better team with Memphis. Now the coach at Kentucky, Calipari has the #1 class led by John Wall whose projected to be the #1 pick in 2010. With his Memphis recruits not Wildcats, I hope his Kentucky program is clean. But if history has taught us anything, it's not.

Summer Hoops in Chicago

Many have claimed New York City is the basketball mecca of the world. Dime Magazine claimed Los Angeles is the new point guard capital of the world. They are wrong on both counts. New York City has the famous Rucker Park tournaments every summer but it reminds me of the And1 Streetball Mixtapes. Chicago has the Pro Amms in IIT and there motto is "Get Exposure of Get Exposed"!!!! That same theory applies to all outside parks in the city of Chicago.

Growing up in Da Chi I've always enjoyed that I can't go 1 mile without finding the nearest pickup games. This summer I've played at Foster Beach, Marquette Park, Hayes Drive, North Ave Beach, 43rd St Beach, and various X-Sports Fitness Centers.

Typical Chicago fashion everybody goes hard at one another (we're sore losers) and everybody wants to run the point. Ball hogs are everywhere but everywhere I played, some guys have talent while other guys had heart. The younger generation are more athletic but they lack fundamentals. The problem is players today are told they're the next coming of Kobe Bryant and they believe their own hype. Once they suffered the loss waiting to be picked up for the next run, they sit the sideline blaming their other teammates for the loss.

This summer players today travel to different parks with other ball players on their own 5. I travel alone just looking to get a good run and throw no look passes. Double rims are the new rims outside meaning this new generation will have a pure jump shot. I'm not a fan of the double rim because it's harder for shot to fall.

As the summer winds down, I'll still continue to play outside until Mother Nature tells us it's time to play indoors. When that time comes, you can find me in Foster Park or an X-Sports Fitness near you.

Mark Jackson Screwed Again - More Offseason Moves

Last week The Minnesota Timberwolves hired Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis over ESPN - ABC analyst Mark Jackson. Another NBA season gone by another team passing over Mark Jackson. The #2 assist leader of all-time would have been a perfect hire for the Timberwolves for three reasons because:

• Mark Jackson is not that far removed from the game and can relate to today's players
• Jackson would have taught Johnny Flynn or Ricky Rubio how to run the point in the NBA
• Minnesota is a young team that has an uptempo style which was Mark Jackson's style

I have nothing against Kurt Rambis, he'll turn Kevin Love and Al Jefferson into better power forwards but my personal choice is Mark Jackson.

It's good to see Maurice Cheeks back in the NBA this time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The former Blazers and Sixers coach has been around the League over 30 years therefore Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook should take serious notes. I also hope this works out for Shaun Livingston, he deserves it.

Quentin Richardson has been traded again to the Miami Heat. The good news is that Q has fellow south side native Dwyane Wade as a teammate.

After learning the power forward game from Kevin Garnett for 2 years, Leon Powe feels he's learned enough and signed with the Clevaland Cavaliers. Still new to the League Powe, Powe will continue his big man education with Professor Shaquille O'Neal and Big Z.

Still two months until preseason I'm stuck watching replays of the 2009 season on NBA TV.

Stay tune as I talk about summer ball in Chicago in my next blog.

Pro Amms 2009

Every summer in Chicago fans could gather to IIT and witness the Chicago Pro Amms. Here fans can witness there favorite local basketball greats past, present, and future play in this hot cramped gym and witness exciting games. NBA players, college players, and high school players participate and put on a great show.

Past participants include Michael Jordan, Horace Grant, Isiah Thomas, Tim Hardaway have all played in the Chicago Pro Amms. I remember back in 2001 when both Allen Iverson and Vince Carter played and put on a clinic.

Today Will Bynum, Sherron Collins, Shannon Brown, Imari Sawyer, Tyrone Kent, Antonie Walker, Bobby Simmons, Shawn Marion, Royce Parren, David Bailey, Pargo Brothers are the stars keeping the Pro Amms alive. The best part is when the crowd starts chanting WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT.....Translation: Destroy your opponent.

This summer, Chicago Pro basketball took place at South Suburban College and I did not attend a single game. When the Pro Amms were being held in IIT, there was never a fee but South Suburban College charged a $4 entry fee.

Next summer I hope the Chicago Pro Amms returns to IIT so we can see the likes of Will Bynum, Sherron Collins, Luther & Crandal Head, Derrick Rose, etc. Three of my favorite moments in the Pro Amms were watching Michael Hermon destroy Kendall Gill & Nick Anderson of crossover dribbles. Another was the the first time I witnessed Sherron Collins & Will Bynum destroy any player attepting to play defense.

I challenge Nike, NBA players, Addias to bring the Chicago Pro Amms back.