Cole checking out Dunbar - Trotwood game recently (Courtesy of Dayton HS Sports)
Norris Cole name has been thrown around a lot in the Ohio area, especially in the Cleveland and Dayton area as a guy who should be on a NBA roster.
Right now.
In the fall Cole shocked the hoop world when he decided to take a deal to go over in China. He averaged over 10 points and 4 assists a game in 23 starts and 46 games played with the Pelicans last season.
While most thought this would doom his career, it merely was a business decision that would benefit the Cole brand tenfold.
Cole knew that he wasn't going to get the contract he wanted, so he took a risk, and took the offer across the water and snatched up a cool 5 million, all the while establishing his clothing brand, and staying on the NBA Radar.
While most thought he'd end up in the Land after it was clear the Cavaliers were in search of the PG, it was Deron Williams who grabbed that spot.
So without hesitation, the Oklahoma City Thunder signed the 2-time NBA Champion for the rest of the season.
While his salary will be pro-rated, he will now get a chance to play alongside a guy who is the frontrunner for MVP In Russell Westbrook.
And don't be surprised that by playoff time Cole is playing alongside the Future MVP when it comes to crunch time.
Cole wit fit seamlessly with the team, being the ultimate glue guy, & dont be suprised as you could see a blossoming Cole come into his own.
There was a Cole sighting at the Dunbar - Trotwood match-up a while back, but nothing was said about the options of coming back to the NBA.
Cole will join fellow Dayton Alum and Trotwood legend Chris Wright as local guys on the Oklahoma City roster.
When it was first reported that Cincy native & 3-time boxing champ Adrien "The Problem" Broner would be making an appearance in the 4th Annual Local Legends Hoop Challenge, it created a lot of buzz and anticipation in Southwest Ohio.
Could "The Problem" actually hoop?
Would he be able to take a hit and not wanna knock the hell outta somebody?
What does his "J" look like?
Does he have handles?
Would he be able to coax fellow rising boxer Chris Pearson to grab his hoop gear and go at it 1 on 1 on the court?
With all these questions in tow, we knew the entertainment would be on point.
Lets get back to hoop for a minute shall we?
When former NBA 3-pt champion Daequan Cook decided to play this year he requested one player to join his squad.
That would be Aaron Pogue, the former Dunbar and Cleveland St big man who he and Norris Cole played so well with as they accumulated State Championships in their high school era.
With Pogue and Keith Wynn Jr. controlling the offensive boards, Cook, Steve Wright (Last Years MVP), Keith Wynn Jr., and Darion Capers was able to get open 3's all nite long as the Cook squad came back from a 22 pt deficit in the first half and down four with 2 mimutes left in game to win a thriller 108-107.
Cook continues his dominance in the event- he is now 4 for 4 in being the General Manager / Captain of the "Cook Squad". And it was heard that he might be retiring from the event because of his 4-peat.
However for most of the game, it looked as if the Cole Squad would be able to win the game and end the skid.
Former Cincy Bearcat Deaonta Vaughn hit 3 3 -balls early, and set the tone for the first half. The Cole Squad also led by Dunbar grad and Clippers summer league guard Geron Johnson. The former Memphis Tiger guards acrobatic drives and dunks, fiery defense, and desire to win seemingly would lead the Cole Squad to a W. The Cole squad led by as many as 23 and seemed to be cruising.
But as time waned on, late in the first half the Cook squad started to find its rhythm, and went on a huge run (led by Cook and Wright) to cut the lead down to 3 at half.
Game on.
New half, but the Cole squad was still in control until the last 4 minutes of the game.
But the Cook squad hit some huge 3's and Pogue came up with a couple of big rebounds and contributed on the final play defensively as well to snatch the victory.
After Cook hit a 3 to put his squad up by 1, (105-104) the Cole squad immediately retaliated with a 3 of their own to take the lead back 107-105.
Cook hit the final backbreaking three after a Pogue rebound, and after 3 Steve Wright Free throws, the final stage was set.
After a Carlos Knox (Meadowdale, IUPUI) miss, there was a huge scramble in which Geron Johnson came out with the ball.
After some contact, Johnson couldn't get the shot he wanted, and felt he was fouled as bodies were all over the place in the paint on the possession.
After a Cook squad turnover, the Cole squads final attempt was thwarted by good D.
And the Cook squad celebration was on. Cook was mobbed by his teammates and Fans. Norris Cole? Not a happy coach. Coach Darren Powell felt his team was robbed, and didnt want to speak to the media.
Cook, Wright, Aaron Pogue and Wynn Jr led the Cook squad while Deonta Vaughn, Josh Benson, Broner and Carlos Knox led the Cole squad.
As far as Broner is concerned?
Broner showed he does have hoop skills, and although he didn't score a lot, he had a major influence on the game.
Broner gave Chris Pearson such a ribbing about not playing that even though Pearson is set to fight next month in Vegas, he contemplated grabbin the sneaks and gettin it in.
Broner, danced, talked trash, dropped a 3 ball, and did everything on the court he could to get his team the win.
Then he casually switch sides and accepted the MVP trophy on behalf of the Cook squad-
although he was on the Cole squad. Cincy buddy Deonta Vaughn watched in disbelief.
But make no mistake, Broner can hoop. And entertain. And he feels like he ready to take the
next step towards being the best pound for pound boxer in the world.
Last but most importantly, the event raised enough money in which the Local Legends Scholarship Foundation was able to give away the first ever scholarship to High School senior Iya Bazar. Bazar held above a 3.5 average and will be studying Biology at The Ohio State University.
On Saturday Night (7pm) the Dunbar Wolverines legends and NBA hoopers Daequan Cook and Norris Cole will host the 4th Annual Local Legends Hoop Challenge presented by ELITE Sports and Entertainment.
Last year Daequan "Cooks squad" got the best of Norris' "Cole Squad."
Former Colonel White, Bowling Green, and Overseas star Steven Wright dropped a 30 spot and hit back to back 4-point plays (yes you read that right) to lead coach Tony Dixon to his second consecutive coaching win over Cole Squad coach Darran Powell.
And with that message coach Dixon promptly said in the interview this week (At the Norris Cole camp no less) sending a statement to Norris Cole, Coach Dee Powell and the team that : "He wants three in a row" & "He feels good about his "Cook Squad" teams chances;"
With a few new star studded faces in the game this year it is sure to make it interesting.
With the likes of Dunbar and Ohio State legend Mark Baker lacing em up, this is sure to be a great affair.
Some other key notables who will be displaying their talents to the DYT Saturday night;
Adrien Broner - Professional Boxer
Broner, the high profiled young boxer nicknamed "The Problem", has won 3 World Titles to date and will look to stake claim as the best pound for pound fighter in the near future. Haven't seen him on the court, so his appeal to the game is very intriguing. Can Cincy-boy Broner be a "Problem" like he is in the ring?
Carlos Knox - IUPUI and CBL Head Coach
Knox, known around these parts as one of the greatest hoopers from Dayton to not stick in the NBA, will also bring his uncanny jump shot and competitive fire to the game. Knox, who had a very successful year coaching the Pros up in Canada, will look to give fans some oohs and aaahs like he did at Meadowdale and at IUPUI. Knox also does his highly successful Pro-Am every summer in Indianapolis.
Daequan Cook - NBA & Overseas
Cook didn't play last year, & he might end up doing more General Managing than actual playing, but make no mistake-
Cook could be back in the NBA again as a couple teams have shown interest in the former NBA 3-pt Champion.
If Cook plays , it'll be all eyes on him as people want to see if Cook still has what it takes to get back where he belongs-
on a NBA roster.
Dee Capers - Capers didn't play last year as he was on the road with his former teams (Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals).
Capers is now free and clear and will look to showcase his talent.
Capers can shoot from deep and can fly with the best of em so it will be interesting to see how he plays in this event. Could it be a surprise MVP performance? Well see.
One qualified student (High School Senior) will be announced for winning a College scholarship with the Local Legends Scholarship Foundation.
The Local Legend Scholarship Foundation looks to give (1) College Scholarship to someone in the Dayton Area for qualified High School Seniors who have excelled in the classroom and in the community.
The winner will be announced during the game and is something that both Cole and Cook will like to do each and every year.
There were numerous students who applied for the great opportunity and met all the criteria in order to receive the scholarship.
To fund out more about this Scholarship you can Email them here:LocalLegendsShootout@gmail.com
Here's the Rosters for the Local Legends Game:
Cook Squad (Blue):
Daequan Cook: Player / GM
Tony Dixon: Head Coach
Steve Wright - Col White & Overseas
Yancy Gates -Cincy, NBA & Overseas
Keith Winn Jr. - Dunbar, Tuskegee
Daequan Walker - Dunbar / Ohio Flash
Mark Baker - Dunbar, Ohio St, NBA
Tommy Dunson - Colonel White
Dee Capers - Harlem Globetrotters, Washington Generals (Formerly)
SportsEffectLive.com brings you the hottest events going down this past weekend.....With NFL week 1 goin down, the Knox vs Indy Challenge along with the Dayton Revival Festival, there was plenty of great things to do in the Miami Valley and beyond.
Heres our SELIVE HOT 5 SPORTS WEEKEND RECAP
1st Annual Knox Pro Am Indy vs Ohio Challenge a HUGE Success
With local NBA ballers such as Norris Cole, Daequan Cook, and Chris Wright flexing their hoop games, the hoop challenge at Trent Arena was a battle down to the finish. With thousands in attendance, the people was treated to great basketball from not only the Ohio legends, but from the Indy ballers as well. There were live music performances, raffles and giveaways from all of the NBA players in between TV timeouts, with Wolfie Mr. Sportsknowitall providing the commentary. President Carlos Knox felt like that it was a success as well, and looks forward to this being a yearly event in the city.
Look for the SELive TOP 5 plays from the event coming this weekend.
NFL Week 1 goes down
NFL week 1 is over, and it brought some of the biggest suprises - and dissapointments - to ever start a season in history. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of the week:
Highlights: Cowboys set the tone: Dallas is the one franchise who has supposedly wasted the most money and talent in trying to get to the elusive Super Bowl. However, with a revamped secondary, they shut down the Giants and won 24-17. Can they do it at the end of the season when it counts?
Highlights: Mark Sanchez, Jets - Sanchez, who has been ridiculed to no end since having a sub-par last season, and pre-season; However Sanchez led the Jets to a 48-point outburst, leaving the haters in the rear view, for a week at least.
Lowlights: Bengals get smashed by Ravens
This is the season that the Bengals can change their culture, but if they play like they did against the Ravens Monday night, the only thing that will be changing is their fanbase. Now granted, the Ravens are Super Bowl contenders, but even without Terrell Suggs in the lineup the Ravens snatched the Bengals up and tossed them around like a fresh salad. The Bengals will have to bounce back next week. Or they could be in some real trouble this season.
Lowlights: Browns Rookie QB Brandon Weeden
I guess you could say that Weeden looked lost from the start, as he inexplicably got swallowed up under the Flag on the field during the pre-game ceremonies. Once the game actually started, looks like Weeden never found his way out. His stats? 12 -34, 4 INT's and a fumble. And when he had a chance to take the Browns down for a Game Winning FG? No chance. Management feels he will get better. I hope so. Because you have a better QB (Colt McCoy) sitting behind him wondering why he didn't get the chance.
Highlights: RG3 lights up scoreboard, beats Saints
The only thing Robert Griffin III didn't do on Sunday was wear his Sunday's best at the press conference; He decided that his first interview would be done in his Skins uni, which was fine considering the day he had in it; 19-26, 320 yards, 2 TD's and 0 INT's, and most importantly, leading the Skins' to a 40-32 win over the Saints. In watching RG3 you seen a confident, cool customer who looks like a franchise QB. And yes he will have bad days, but on this day? He showed his worth, outlasting future hall of famer Drew Brees. Redskin fans are foaming at the mouth right now....He definitely outshined #1 pick Luck and his other rookie QB counterparts...And was the only one to get a W as well.
Highlights: Referees do a good job.
When it was first announced that there would be "scab" refs due to discussions about the new agreement for the refs, most thought it would be settled by Week 1. Not so. And after all the complaining and whining, it seems that Principal - I mean Commissioner - Goodell is deciding to stick with the new blood. Although everybody and they mama feels like the old refs are better, the new refs (which includes female refs as well) have been steadily getting better. Question is, how long will Goodell go with the newcomers, as the longer it goes, the more antsy the other refs, along with the coaches and players, get?
Lowlights: Referees do a bad job.
Although some of the refs did a good job, there were a few instances that were not as good. Like Victor Cruz being held on a obvious play in the Cowboys game, which might have cost them a TD; like the refs giving the Seahawks a extra timeout during crunch time against the Cardinals; And so on; The point is this: The refs are HUMAN, therefore they will make mistakes. It happens. As long as they man (or woman) up, and don't make any amazingly bad mistakes, then the replacement refs will and are doing a good job.
Highlights: Fantasy star RB's get their money
If you took one of the 3 best RB's in the game (Arien Foster, Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson) you did well....All three of those performers did their thing and scored TD's and ran for a lot of yards, and caught for plenty of yards. Look to add Maurice Jones-Drew to that list for next week.
Lowlights: Fantasy Star QB's dissapear
If you took the likes of Mike Vick, Matt Stafford, or Eli Manning in fantasy, then it was a uneasy day for you. Although Stafford and Vick were in Top 5 in yards, they both threw too many INT's for you to capitalize on it. And although Eli was solid, he wasn't spectacular. Vick and Stafford tled their teams to comeback W's, so they will probably come back with vintage games. I'd definitely play em.
Highlights: Serena Williams, Andy Murray hoist US OPEN trophies
Serena Williams is showing why she could be considered the GREATEST FEMALE TENNIS PLAYER EVER. Williams continued her amazing season with a comeback win over #1 Ranked Victoria Azarenka, giving her another Slam this season.On the other side of the spectrum, Andy Murray held off former US champ Djokovic in five sets, giving him his first ever Major Championship, and second consecutive major victory (if you count the Olympics); when Murray lost Wimbledon to Federer, he told the English faithful "im getting close"...well he wasn't playing, and this could lead to Murray making his own spectacular run.
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With the Summer almost over, now is the time where NBA players are getting ready to get into shape and head back to training camp in a few weeks. However, the people in Dayton and the Miami Valley will get to see the last BIG NBA Showcase today (6pm @ Trent Arena, Fairmont High School).
Carlos Knox, one of the legends of Dayton and Indiana basketball (Meadowdale HS, IUPUI) will be bringing his Knox Indy Pro Am on the road back to his hometown, as the best of Indianapolis will battle the best of the DYT in this Sunday Showdown.
The Indy players will feature starting Pacers PG George Hill, reserve G Lance Stephenson (former Cincy Bearcat) and Starting PG for the Champion Miami Heat Mario Chalmers. The Dayton NBA players will be Miami Heat G Norris Cole, Oklahoma City Thunder G Daequan Cook, and Toronto Raptors F and former UD Flyer Chris "Flight" Wright.
There will be one surprise player, as legend Dwight Anderson (all 50+ years of him) will be battling on the court with the Dayton squad as well. Just the fact that he can still play (and yeah he can STILL BALL with the best of em) out there is a testament to his skills.
Knox, who has the best summer league in Indy, has been quoted as being "blessed and excited" to bring this opportunity to Dayton. The buzz has been tremendous, the event should be sold-out and he is looking forward to the atmosphere and show.
This is definitely SOMETHING YOU DONT WANT TO MISS.
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What up Peoples!! SportsEffectLive back to give you the updates on the hottest sports issues of the week / weekend...Heres the SELive HOT 5 ISSUES of the WEEK:
1) Olympic Talk SELive VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Heading into end of Olympics, we have seen the Women step up in some crucial areas (gymnastics, water polo, volleyball, soccer, basketball) to help the USA surge to a 10 medal lead (90-80 over China) into the weekend...Usain Bolt wins the double 100 & 200 to do what NOBODY has ever done; win both events in back to back Olympics....And the mens USA hoops squad looks to bring home the gold this weekend....Has been a great Olympics, and should be a great closeout weekend for the USA squad.
2) Dwight Howard gets traded to Lakers
Finally the Dwightmare is over!! Howard was traded to the Lakers in a four team trade in which Bynum will head to Philly, Andre Iguadola to the Nuggets and Aaron Affalo and Al Harrington to the Magic; Id have to say the Magic gave up the MOST in this trade and got the LEAST...They did get some 1st round picks, but they should have gotten more than they did. And on top of that,the Lakers was able to keep Pau Gasol, in which Kobe is still doing backflips about.
3) NFL PreSeason Action, Signings
Pre-Season action has kicked off this week with the Hall of Fame game, and now with the first week of games heading into this weekend...RG3, Peyton, and Mike Vick all got some action thursday...The Bengals will take on the Jets, who have been the Super Bowl champs of MEDIA COVERAGE....After months of pleading, Terrell Owens signs a 1-yr deal with the Seahawks...Word is that Plaxico Burress could be headed to Cowboys..hmmm
Norris Cole and Daequan Cook will be headlining a Charity Hoops Event Saturday at Stivers High School. The Charity event is Cook's, and will feature some pros on exhibition as Cook raises money for his foundation to get kids into college. Doors open at 6 and will start at 7.
5) Reds Recap
After winning 10 straight and accumulating the best record in baseball, the Reds have lost 3 in a row; They still lead the division, but mounting up losing streaks during this time won't help the cause...Votto is a few weeks away, but I think that the Reds got a little bit of luck by running all those W's without missing Votto. Its starting to seep in, but Reds must continue to have a killer instinct in order to hold off pesky Pirates or late charging Cardinals.
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Since the NBA Finals, SportsEffectLive.com Staff have been looking forward to seeing the offseason free agency, waiting for moves such as Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, and Jeremy Lin; By the time Summer League Time rolls around, normally we're not really interested (as is most NBA fans). But with so many players in the NBA coming from Dayton and the surrounding colleges, its a great time to watch any NBA hoops. Anytime. Which has brought me to keep a update of some of the guys who are making a impact on the NBA Summer League with ties from the DYT.
G- Brian Roberts, New Orleans Hornets (Former UD Flyer)
When Roberts left UD he was basically "the guy" to helped lead the Flyers to a Top 15 ranking for the first time in decades; then he went to Germany and in short time he became the best player in Germany, prompting the Hornets to give him a look. He has taken full advantage, leading the Hornets to a win and scoring in double figures in his last two games...His ability to score from deep and run a offense could be the key to him sticking this year. He's averaging 13 ppg during the Summer League
See Roberts lead Hornets in scoring to win here below: http://sports.yahoo.com/video/player/nba/Daily_Highlights/30024805
G- Norris Cole, Miami Heat (Dunbar grad)(Cleveland St. alum)
Cole playin D
Like the old hit "Cheers" everybody knows who Norris Cole is now; amazing what a year makes. One minute, he's hoping to be drafted; Next he's being a key part of a NBA Champion. But not resting on his achievements, Cole has come out in the Summer League looking like one of the best, if not THE best, player in the Summer League. He led his Heat squad give the Lakers their biggest beatdown in SUMMER LEAGUE HISTORY.
SG-SF Chris Johnson, Philadelphia 76ers (former UD Flyer)
Johnson was offered a chance to join the Sixers team and has not dissapointed; He averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds, with a team leading 11 rebound, 2 block effort in one game; Johnson never fully reached his potential, but hes a stat sheet stuffer who could find a home - possibly near his home - in Philly.
PF-C Devin Searcy (former UD Flyer)
The Detroit native and former big man for the Flyers never had the career he quite wanted at UD, but he was definitely one of the better surprises for the Sixers as well. Searcy averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds and had two double figure rebound games and was a presence for the Sixers. Another reason he may stick: His + / - in the last two games was +22 and +8, which im sure will make any coach, GM, and NBA President look twice.
SF-PF Chris Wright (Trotwood grad & former UD Flyer)
Wright was able to get into the NBA last year (Golden State) thanks to the lockout, which granted him a chance to get to work on a daily basis with NBA'ers, which has been invaluable. Wright started with Warriors, then was sent to the Raptors, and looks to found a landing spot. Wright has averaged almost 10 points and 6rebounds as a starter on the Raptors team, and has had a few highlight reel slams (video here)to go along with it; But one sign of his true potential was revealed in his last game in which he dropped 15 pts with 6 boards and hit a 3-ball as well, indicating that he has worked on his shooting range. Raptors execs are pleasantly surprised with Wright, and look for him to get some time on the Raptors squad come next season.
PG-SG Kenny Hayes (Northmont Grad & former Miami Redhawk)
Hayes is a scorer who played on the NBDL Select Team that went against the NBA squads. Although a little short for a 2-guard (6'1) Hayes can flat out put it in the basket. He's averaging 7 ppg, shooting over 50% from three, which is sure to give him a long look on somebodys squad.
NEXT ARTICLE: TOP 10 PLAYERS OF THE NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
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When you think about Dayton Dunbar, 2 things come to mind: (1) A Winning tradition of sports (especially basketball) that has produced Legendary teams, players, and coaches that has lasted over decades, and (2) One of the most dominant programs to come out of the Miami Valley. However, the 2011-12 Wolverines will look to do one thing that has NEVER been achieved.
Deontae Hawkins slams it down
Win the State Title with the first ever undefeated record in Dunbar history.
Now when you look at all the great teams that have came out of Dunbar such as: (1) 70's teams with Corneilius and Lorenzo Cash, "Wild" Bill Higgins, Richard Gates and Skip Howard, (2) to the late 80's with Mike Haley coaching and son Jr. playing with Mark Baker-led teams to the 90's where (3)Richard "TuTu" Brown and Co. steamrolled competition, all the way up to the (4)Daequan Cook - Norris Cole - Aaron Pogue trio of dominance just a few years ago. One thing none of those talented teams were able to do was, go undefeated.
Dunbar's Cook winning NBA 3pt Contest
Seniors Gary Akbar (D-2 State Player of the Year), Deontae Hawkins, and Andre Yates will take one step closer to making not only an undefeated season, but a State Title as well. The Wolves have ran roughshod over almost every opponent, and will face on Mentor State Catholic today (10:45 AM) in the early game of the day. However, make no mistakes as this will be the Featured Game as the Wolverines look as focused as ever, with the help of a great coach in Pete Pullen, who's established himself as a legend in the making.
In the City League, everybody is gunning for the top team, and for the last few years, Dunbar and Thurgood Marshall has shared that label. If Dunbar wins the State Title (and they are HEAVILY favored) that'll be one more notch on the belt for the TOP HIGH SCHOOL in the MIAMI VALLEY when it comes to basketball. And right now, for the past 10 years, I'd have to say the TOP HIGH SCHOOL in the STATE. And maybe top 10 in the COUNTRY.
Dunbar IS THAT GOOD. And you will see it this weekend. Wolverine Nation will be in full effect.
Comments are welcome..
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The labor lockout this year has turned this NBA season into a Autobahn, where teams are having to play, think, revise its roster, practice, add / release players, and travel at a rapid, record setting pace. The offseason, while short, was memorable and the 2 preseason games? C'mon man!! As a whole the NBA games have been slightly under par, but most of the players are in shape. Finding out where your favorite role player is now who was on your team last season? Not so easy....No matter what, you gotta love the NBA and its great that its back, even if Principal Stern (oops, Commissioner Stern) threatened to send all the players to China and Turkey...
Anyways, here are SportsEffectLive.comTOP 10 STORYLINES of the NBA 2011-12 season. Enjoy!
(1) Can the Heat rebound? (Norris Cole Effect, Humblization of Lebron)
Not 1, not 2, not 3....
Last year the Miami Heat was the overhyped bullies of the league, figuring that if they team up, instead of going solo aginst the likes of Boston and LA, that they would have a better chance to win not 1, not 2, not 3 championships...etc. and so on...However, that fairytale ending ended with a suprised thud the size of Dirk Nowitzki's arc on his jumper every time it left his hand. The Heat had lost to the Mavs in classic meltdown fashion (after being up 1-0 & 2-1), had looked unclassy in the process (imitating Nowitzki's cold) and with it had Bosh on instant meltdown with LeBron going in hiding for a month or two. After workin' on his game this summer with Akeem the Dream, LeBron seems more at peace than ever before. Miami did do well in the draft, getting sleeper Norris Cole and aquiring Shane Battier through free agency, and looking at their early gallop out the gates, they could be headed back to the NBA Finals; Getting there won't be enough as they are win or bust this season.
Can LeBron get a ring ring?
(2) Will Lakers get over Paul trade block? (New coach, Odom traded, DHoward to LA?Kobe divorce)
The Lakers tried to pull off the deal of the brief NBA offseason by doing a huge trade to get Chris Paul a few weeks ago; However, principal (I meant commissioner) Stern disallowed the trade AFTER ALL TEAMS in the trade had given it the stamp of approval, making it feel like the Lakers had pulled another doozie, only to be Kevin McHaled (SELivedefinition: up and under pump fake) by Stern and swooped on by the LA Clippers. Although the Lakers lost Lamar Kardashian Odom (Mavs) and Coach Phil Jackson (meditation school), they still have enough talent to win a NBA Championship. They are still on the Howard bandwagon, and dont be suprised if Superman ends up in Hollywood. However, will Kobe be able to play at the level he always has, with a (1)new coach(2)a divorce on the way and (3) Father time catching up with his leaping ability?...We think he will, as he always has. So look for the LakeShow to be in the Title Mix.
(3) Where will Dwight Howard end up?
Superman to Hollywood?
Superman has one year left on his contract, and the Magic have tried (to no avail) to get Howard a second star to help them get to a championship; They lost in the Finals a couple years ago, only to move backwards since, while aquiring Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and others; Seems like the Magic aren't sure what to do, as trade rumors had Howard going from Jersey all the way to LA...I think he will eventually be traded, although Howard has said if we get another primetime player that he would be willing to stay. One things for sure - wherever he goes, the shift in power will go as well.
(4) Can the Mavs repeat?
Dallas had a dream season last year, starting fast, and finishing strong with a dramatic Championship run; The hard part is that because of the new labor agreement, the Mavs had to let go of a few players who were catalysts in the championship run (JJ Barea, Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler, Deshawn Stevenson). Grabbing Odom, Vince Carter, and Shawne Williams were good moves, but will it be enough to get them back to back Titles? Not so sure....Word is that the Mavs are in the hunt to get Dwight Howard, but that looks like a longshot.
(5) Can the new BIG 3 make it happen in New York?
New York Knicks hasn't been relevant since the Pat Ewing days and one magical year with Larry Johnson,(I do miss the grandmama ads) Allan Houston, LaTrell "choke em out" Sprewell and company; Now with Tyson Chandler joining Melo and Amar'e, the Knicks look like a team headed in the right direction. If they get any production from the guard spots, they will be a Top 4 Team in the East (along with Chicago, Boston and Miami). They had a winner in Billups, but didn't wanna pay 14 Million to the vet, so they let him go. Will that hurt them in the long run?
(6) Does the Old BIG 3 in Boston have anything left in the tank?
Boston's Big 3 (now BIG 4 with Rondo) has won a Championship, lost a championship, and now looks like they have 1 last title run left; PaulPierce is now back and playing good nontheless, which means they still will be a player for the East; Will they be able to muster enough energy in a short compressed season to challenge the Heat, Bulls, or Knicks with all 3 of those rosters having young hungry talent?
(7) Miami Valley Local Lookout...(Daequan Cook, Norris Cole, Derrick Brown, Chris Wright)
DCook with NBA 3pt Trophy
For the first time ever, Dayton, Ohio has 4 guys, born and raised in the DYT, on NBA rosters; While Daequan Cook is the elder statesman of the group, he's only 24 with a NBA 3-pt Crown to his achivements; Norris Cole (Miami) has burst onto the scene stealing the Heatles show in his second game (14 of his 20 pts in the 4th quarter to seal the win) and will be a Rookie of the Year Candidate; Derrick Brown is now in the rotation in Charlotte and Chris Wright is on the practice squad in Golden State, but making great strides and im willing to bet that he will be in uniform before the end of January. This is a GROUNDBREAKING year for Dayton, and hopefully all the youngsters in the Miami Valley will realize, with hard work, patience, and a little luck, they can too be on a NBA roster.
(8) Will the Cavs look good or bad about their draft decisions? (Rookie of Year talk)
Irving and Thompson
Cleveland had 2 of the top 4 picks in the Draft, and went with Duke Guard Kyrie Irving and Texas big man Tristian Thompson; Irving has a load of potential, but due to the fact he only played in a handfull of games at Duke, this season will be paramount to him and the Cavs. Thompson is a athetic 6'10 who is in the LaMarcus Aldridge mold...The Cavs passed up on Arizona's Derrick Williams (Minnesota), will they regret that?...Meanwhile Cavs Coach Byron Scott loves the way Irving plays, and feels he will be a star in the league. Until that happens though, the Cavs will pray for 30 wins and continue to rebuild.
(9) Can the Clippers join the NBA Elite? Blake Griffin / Chris Paul MVP?
Rookie of the Year Clownin'
The Clippers, up until this year, has been the JV team in the City of Los Angeles. No doubt about it. After decades of penny pinching by the owner (Sterling), and horrible front office moves, they finally got it right by drafting Blake Griffin, aquiring athletic young stud and horrible FT shooter Deaundre Jordan, trading for Chris Paul (giving up Eric Gordon sucked) and aquiring Caron Butler and Chauncy B-B-B-Billups through free agency..Now they look like a team ready to make a move from the JV and share the spotlight - or dare we say - take it over from the Lakers. Should be a special year for the Clip Joint.
(10) Is this the Year of the Thunder?
Durant Westbrook combo must work to win Title
Anybody who watched the Oklahoma City Thunder last year in the playoffs KNEW two things; One, that this team has the talent to win it all and (two) can Westbrook and Durant get along? We feel like Durant will be MVP this season, only because it is CLEAR that he is "the man" on this team, the Batman, the lead guy, the Superstar. Russell Westbrook is the x-factor that seemed to be pouting during crucial moments of the playoffs, during nitty gritty parts of key games against the Mavs. If Westbrook can accept the fact that he is playing with one of the GREATEST scorers (and soon to be players) in NBA history, then the Thunder will have a great chance to win a NBA Title. This season. If not, it could be a stormy end of year. Westbrook and Durant have already been arguing this season and if they can't iron it out, either a blockbuster trade or a unsettling situation will be the final result in OK City. They have all of the pieces to win a Title; Two great 1 on 1 players, athletic bigs who can guard and rebound, wing players of all sorts, and speed and defense at the top of the League. But can they get that cohesion that will lead you there? If you looked that the Mavs last year, their teamwork and team first mentality was unparalled in the NBA. Can the Thunder get to that level?
Comments are welcome...
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Four years ago around this time Chris "Flight" Wright was making a splash onto the college scene by helping the Dayton Flyers get to the highest national ranking (13) they had in decades, maybe ever. He averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds and a block as a Faboulous Frosh, and with his high flying dunks, aggressive blocks, and high energy demeanor, he look like a SURE FIRE future 1st-rounder and guy who could lead the Flyers to a possible deep run into the NCAA tournament. However, in a twist of cruel fate, he hurt his leg after one of the Flyers best starts in team history (14-1) and the team never recovered.
Wright would continue to do what he did best in his next three years, which is rebound, fly high, bring energy and dominate on defense. Standing at a legit 6'8 with crazy hops and a NBA body, the knock was that he needed to develop a consistent 15-20 ft. jump shot, and work on his ball handling so that he could make himself more valuable to the NBA as a small forward along as a undersized power forward.
However it didn't look like he developed the consistent perimeter "J" that would take him from a prospect to a 1st rounder. And so as the experts, the so-called experts, ballers, non-ballers who have opinions, and the rest of the world spoke on Wrights' inability to drop 3's consistently, it seemed that Flight Wright would be on a flight forreal - to play overseas.
But then something insane happened. The owners decided to play hardball; therefore, a NBA lockout created.
Now at first everyone had questions such as: Will there be a NBA this year? Should he just do the smart thing and go overseas off jump? Why wait for a chance to get into a training camp, only to be sent to the D-League or be cut? What is the chances of him even getting to the NBA after a strike? Slim to none?
Looks extremely good I would say.
"Flight Wright" in motion
A few days before the draft Wright had admitted that he had not put the time in to make himself a better shooter. Could it had been that former Dayton coach Brian Gregory didn't utilize Wright properly or help him develop his skills? Could it had been that Wright thought he would get to the NBA anyway despite the shortcomings as a shooter? Whatever the case was, he was honest with himself and the media. So he went into the gym. And put shots up. Hundreds and thousands of shots. And continued to work. And with the supreme dissapointment embedded in his head of not getting drafted to the NBA - and then having to watch a friend and localballer (Norris Cole) get drafted - in the 1st round no less - had to be as humbling a moment as Wright has ever had.
Now most players would have accepted his fate of being a good college player who couldn't really shoot. Not Chris. He remained positive, continued to work on his negatives and was rewarded. He was the 3rd player drafted in the NBDL (behind Jamaal Tinsley & Alando Tucker, both NBA vets) by the Warriors organization. And once the NBA owners decided that they were ready to play ball, they had waited so long that it put most GM's and Coaches in a frenzy. Normally, Wright would have been on a summer league team, trying to make the team, which would have been small chance (at best). But because of the strike, the league schedule was pushed back, money was taken from the players, a soft cap was revealed and other little tidbits had been changed, making room at the end of the bench for players who are high energy,a good skill set, excelled in college, and have room for development. Like Chris Wright. Wright was signed this past week to the Golden State Warriors squad and is in training camp trying to secure a spot in the NBA. The Warriors currently have only 11 players signed, so he has EVERY opportunity to prove himself worthy - which I have no doubt he will.
Once I heard this news, I was extremely happy. He's a humble great young guy. He deserved it. Never been in trouble or doing the wrong things. Im cool with the Wright family all the way back to high school. But hopefully Chris Wright has learned a valuable lesson. No matter how much talent you have, you must work on your weaknesses to be able to take that rainbow all the way to the pot of gold. And oh yeah, it doesn't hurt when the owners hold out so you can sneak into training camp. To get to the NBA, no matter how much skill you have, it still takes a little luck somewhere along the way. Its how prepared you are that will decide how big that pot is when you get that chance.
Remember, Preparation + hard work + opportunity = Success.
