George goes to LBJ School

The NBA Playoffs continue to play out like a best selling page-turner that you just can’t put down. Some may argue that it’s actually scripted, but that’s doubtful. Fans are walking into their offices groggy and tired the next morning but still incredibly hyped following night after night of OTs and double OTs and game-extending threes following by game-winning layups. We can’t stop watching.

SUBSTANCE: LBJ is Clutch

There was no doubt about Wednesday’s biggest sports story – possibly the best story of the week. It is the LeBron James Buzzer Beater against a tough Indiana Pacers team. The sub-stories in this single game are endless.

• LeBron gets his 9th triple double – and he didn’t even smile for the cameras at the end.
• Neither team led by more than seven (7) points and there was never more than a five-point differential for the final 30 minutes of the game.
• Roy Hibbert sits out the two most important plays as part of the coach’s strategy.
• Paul George started slowly, threw at the invisible man in the corner (Peter Vescey said it was Chris Webber), redeemed himself by keeping the game alive with the 3-pointer over LeBron but then couldn’t stop the determined King James on the winner. But now I know who he is.
• Bird Man is clutch, going 7-for-7 adding 16 pts. to the Heat’s total.

Those are just a few of the facts that are swirling around Twitter and every sports outlet except the Golf Channel and fishing networks.

If the league is trying to increase its fan base then it’s certainly well on the way. I love my NFL, God knows I do, but the NBA is pushing for first love status if it continues at this pace. (Just kidding, Commissioner Goodell.)

STYLE: Paul George Takes Time Machine Back to the 70′s

Paul George – Game 1 Eastern Conf Playoffs

Before Game 1,  the Game Changers Live (GCL) crew interviewed Calyann Barnett, one of the top NBA stylists. Most recently Calyann made news by pushing Dwyane Wade fashion forward with some interesting choices. Fans weren’t thrilled with the look, but they are consistently intrigued by his look. The league has even launched NBA Style  its own “style” blog (can you believe it?!) Seriously, social media is full of fans asking, “what was he wearing?” as often as they ask for the score.

[Listen to the GCL Podcast for more on Dwyane Wade's style and fashion tips from Calyann]

We went there and asked Calyann about the capris, but we also found out about her impressive list of clients that grows and grows as her clients make the news for their pre-game and post-game attire. Fans take note of the players as they enter the building or take the podium in the post-game presser.

Last night, it was Paul George who made the headlines with his wardrobe choice. As always, fan comments were hilarious as many were confused by the choice. The look had a 70′s feel. All he needed was the faux fur collared coat and we could have struck up Curtis Mayfield’s Super Fly.  George pushed limits on and off the floor for Game One.  Dwyane Wade and LeBron were a bit more sedated, with Wade looking quite Miami Vice-like. Dug it.

What fans can surmise after game one is that this series will take us on a serious ride. It will be thrilling with spectacular play.

Let’s discuss the first major change for the Grizzlies, the trade of Rudy Gay, their leading scorer, to the Toronto Raptors. I am pretty sure the heads of just about every sports commentator, as well as writer, practically exploded. After a tremendous season with a great showing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in 2012, which showed OKC to the door, the Memphis Grizzlies franchise decided to revamp. Enter new owner and to my understanding several new executives.

With the trade of Gay to Toronto, this Grizzlies team has been reborn. Rob Mahoney from Sports Illustrated gave the following comparative stats for Memphis this year versus last year with Gay:

 “…the Grizzlies have scored 105.5 points per 100 possessions in this year’s playoffs compared with 99.6 in the 2012 postseason …”, “…they’ve posted an playoff effective field-goal percentage of 47.3, up from 44.9 last year…”

Grizzlies at Spurs, January 2013. Photography by CBS Sports.

Those stats make this current Grizzlies team more consistent as well as accurate. Mahoney goes on to explain that Gay wasn’t by any means a selfish player or that this 2013 Grizzlies team is astoundingly better without him around, he was a huge factor in making last year’s Grizzlies team what it was, but it was time for a change.

Big man Marc Gasol and play-making point guard Mike Conley became that change during the Grizzlies transition. Complacent in their rolls as sidekicks to Gay, they are now leaders with Rudy out of the picture. Conley averages 14.6 pts, 2.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists, while Gasol pulls in 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists on average. Both players have improved since last season, making their presence felt during the regular season. Conley and Gasol have help with access to a great defensive asset  in Zach Randolph who averages 15.1 points and 11.2 rebounds, Tony Allen and Jerryd Bayless contributing.

The true test will be getting past the seasoned San Antonio Spurs, who are playing like a bunch of All Star college kids. The Memphis Grizzlies suffering a Game 1, 22-point loss doesn’t bode well. They are going to need to dig deep if they plan on making this a series to remember.

LINK:

I won’t waste your time. We’re starting with Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks, Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder and J.J. Redick of the Milwaukee Bucks. Enjoy ladies!

More about the fellows:

Tyson Chandler is a 7’1″ Center for the New York Knicks. He wasn’t always the stylish city boy. For his first ten years he was living in California on a farm and then his family chose to move to Compton. Talk about a shift. But his talent was always evident. As the second pick in the 2001 NBA draft, he started in Chi-Town with the Bulls, won a ring with the Dallas Mavericks in ’11 and has been a Cali boy in NY ever since.  We like looking at Tyson no matter where he is. That strong jaw, those long lean legs and a sexy smile to bring it all together.  You’ll always see him in great pics with his wife Kimberly who helps him stay on top of the fashion scene.
His pics in last year’s ESPN Body Issue were all that as you can see. Thank you ESPN.

Serge Ibaka – the Serge Protector – as his teammates call him. He plays out there in Oklahoma City with windy plains beside boy wonder Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
He’s an international lover ladies. Born in the Republic of the Congo then moving on to Spain as a teenager, he’s a worldly fellow.  He also knows how to stand out – he had no choice. What else is there to do as the 3rd youngest of 18 kids.

The man spoke no English when he moved to the United States to play for NBA – but what do we know about Serge? He’s a hard working man. He learned and now Ibaka speaks five languages: Lingala (Ibaka’s tribal language), French (the official language of Congo), English, Catalan, and Spanish.

This 6’10″ boy wonder is potent and was the 2x NBA Blocks leader.  So what he couldn’t say with words, he was more that clear with this hands.  He is forever styling and you’ll seen him on the cover of the world’s style magazine. But he loves to take that shirt off and show us the abs. Rippling. Rip-pling abs. Thanks to Miss Ivory for suggesting Serge for the cuties list.

J. J. Redick  – Here’s what he lists on his Twitter description:
“Christian. Husband. Foodie. Music Lover. I also play basketball.”
The country has watched Redick grow from a hated, irritating Duke star to a first round NBA draft pick to a handsome, self-aware young man. He admits to being a bit of a prick during the glory days at Duke but says that’s not the man he is today. In 2006 he was the John Wooden Player of the Year – that’s high praise. In 2007 they retired his jersey at Duke University. Now that’s what you call respect from the man they call Coach K.

During the draft, they said he may not be tall enough. He may not be strong enough. But we’re telling you, he’s certainly fine enough. The 28 year-old 6’4″ is still finding his place in the NBA.
He worked hard to remain on the team and pushed his way to more playing time.
Why is he in a Magic jersey? He was traded to Milwaukee just in February, so there are very few of his cutest looks in Bucks jersey. We expect them by next season.

What do fans know Redick for in addition to his on-court play? The man’s hair is so beautiful he should be in a commercial (hint, hint.)

Got a Cutie suggestion? Send ‘em to us!

Unless something major happens, it’s likely that both the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers will be eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. It is no surprise. Both teams are playing without their best players and both are aging squads at the end of long successful runs.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are two of the greatest players in NBA history.

It must be remembered that these two teams are the NBA. Between them, they have 33 NBA championship trophies (Celtics – 17; Lakers – 16). The next closest team is the Chicago Bulls with the six titles they won courtesy of Michael Jordan. The Celtics have 21 retired numbers; the Lakers have 9 and expect  another when Kobe Bryant retires (maybe two as Kobe wore both 8, and 24, during his Laker career).  They have a most impressive 52 appearances in NBA title series between them.

The teams’ top players are also synonymous with the greatest players in the history of the league. Wilt Chamberlain. Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Bill Russell. Magic Johnson. Larry Bird. Jerry West. Kobe Bryant. Paul Pierce.

Yet, the 2012-13 season is evidence that the gig is up for these current distinguished teams. They tried to add parts. The Celtics attempted to reload by giving Rajon Rondo  more firepower to work with during the game. It worked for a bit but then Rondo busted his ACL, and went out for the season. Boston then had to rely upon Doc Rivers’ expert coaching along with the shooting and decision-making of Paul Pierce.  It is not a formula for success when you have an aging roster and when Pierce is naturally a shooter, not a distributor. The Celtics finished in the middle of the pack in the East and drew the New York Knicks, a younger, popular team, which has a rising superstar in Carmelo Anthony and a tough-minded defensive coach in Mike Woodson.

The Boston Celtics have 21 retired numbers.

It would be a huge surprise if the Celtics win this series. They are down 2-0 already but who knows. Even if they were to survive, the Celtics are at the end of the road for this era. The Big Three, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, split up when Allen went to Miami in the off-season. Boston’s remaining Big Two are older now – especially Kevin Garnett who has a lot of miles on his wheels. This group as is, barring some major trade, will not win another title. The drought years have arrived in Boston. People forget that after Bill Russell retired, the Celtics did win again but never had the run of Championship wins as the Russell-led teams did. The Havlicek teams also won a two titles post-Russell. Larry Bird secured three rings for them. The Big Three got one more.  Considering the rising dominance of LeBron James of the Miami Heat and the young stars seeking to unseat James, the Celtics are unlikely to win another anytime soon.

The Lakers also sought to reload with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash this year to help out league star Kobe Bryant. Poor management resulted in disaster. A major mistake by the Lakers was firing Mike Brown, their coach heading into the season. They made it worse when they hired Mike D’Antoni who is in over his head in Los Angeles. The Lakers never jelled and never developed a solid personality as a team. Their defense was weak and their offensive schemes made poor use of their talent and the team skills of their players. Injuries sealed the team’s fate as Steve Nash missed a major part of the season with a fractured leg, followed by other significant injuries to Gasol and Bryant.

Truthfully, it would have hardly mattered. Coming into the season, the Lakers’ strength was post-play but Mike D’Antoni had Paul Gasol playing high and shooting three-pointers.  They tried to fast break teams even though the team overall has slow feet.  It was a disaster. Add to this Dwight Howard’s bad back in healing mode, Gasol’s foot injury, Nash, and finally, at to end the regular season, Kobe Bryant’s torn Achilles, and the season was doomed. The fact that they made the playoffs is a testament to the leadership of Bryant and Howard’s physical prowess even with a bad back.

The Lakers are also proud of their strong legacy.

But, as with the Celtics, it is unlikely this team will make another championship run. They have an outside chance next year if Bryant returns sharp but with Mike D’Antoni running the show, it looks bleak.  The Lakers organization has been here before. After Magic Johnson and Kareem retired and Showtime ended, there was more than a decade drought until the next title. Michael Jordan took over and dominated the league.  The Lakers reloaded with Shaquille O’Neal and Bryant and were good again. When Shaquille O’Neal departed, there was another short drought but Pau Gasol arrived and they captured two more titles. But this unit – the disoriented, old, and chaotic unit of Mike D – is not likely to win an NBA title.  The Lakers need to rebuild and do so around Dwight Howard.

Regardless, the Lakers and Celtics will be back. These teams are the NBA. They are its history and soul. There are more great stories for them to write. Right now, the next great Lakers and Celtics are probably somewhere playing in an AAU league not knowing that they shall soon become part of the two greatest professional basketball organizations on the planet.

by Deborah “DJ the Football Mom” Johnson

Our SP Mia is totally loving this Stanford Polo by Meesh & Mia.

I can still remember attending my first football game as an Ohio State parent.  I spent the week trying on clothes to see what would best go with the OSU Jersey I would be wearing.  I settled on a pair of cropped pants and putting a “Block O” face art transfer on my cheek.  When I got to the stadium, I saw so many young women with cute outfits but they were not appropriate for moms to wear.  Some had on attractive midriff tops, shorts (very short) with rhinestone embellishments and other clothing that was a bit too revealing for a mom to wear to a game.

That was 10 years ago and I am happy to report that Meesh and Mia (meeshandmia.com) has finally come up with a line of clothing for all women.  They have started what is being called “the Female Fanwear Revolution.”  Their goal is for women to show their collegiate or team loyalty without giving up their style.  It is team spirit with an edge and it makes you feel good wearing it!

Deb wore this cute cocktail dress with “Ohio State” tastefully at the hem.

The clothing lives up to the company goal.  They are stylish, incredibly comfortable and can be worn at a game, in the office or out on the town.  I attended an Ohio State cocktail party and was the only woman there with a cocktail dress that was embellished with Ohio State in rhinestones on the hem. It was flirty and really cute. I have one in black and red.  All the clothing is available with or without the logo so you can really get a lot of use from them.

Check out their complete line of clothing at meeshandmia.com.  If you see something you like, use coupon code: FOFMMDJ20 and get 20% off!  This offer expires on April 30, 2013.

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 Houston Rockets

It’s Showtime at the OKC corral! The Thunder earned the top  spot in the West.  Be prepared for a high-scoring, sho ’nuff showdown with the typically energetic Houston Rockets, although HOU looked anything but in their final regular season game.. The Thunder core is back –  Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden. Oh wait! Harden is on the opponent’s squad now! Will that make a difference in the path to a 2nd NBA Finals for the Thunder? It would have. But OKC has a new 6th Man, Kevin Martin, who likes to knock down threes like the Beard did, just maybe not as dramatically. You’ve also got Derek Fisher who lives for the playoff spotlight but more importantly can be a coach on the floor as the Thunder’s young team move through the West. Durant will be Durant, Mr. Money no matter where he takes the shot.  For Houston to have any chance in this one, Linsanity would need to reappear (not happening.) It’ll be a respectable series. The stat line will have a steady trajectory as these guys love to shoot. The combined regular season average is 106 pts per game. But Houston lacks a potent defense. That’s the deal breaker.

Mia’s Pick: Thunder in 5

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

Well now, just two months ago there was absolutely no way on earth that the Lakers could be a threat to the super skin tight, no cracks Spurs machine. As a matter of fact, no one but Kobe thought the Lakers would be in the position to threaten any team. Instead, the Lakers led us on an exhilarating race for 8th, losing Kobe along the way. Coach Mike D’Antoni finally accepted that this was not the rise of Phoenix2 and he let these players play their game. That means Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard can play big. With Mamba sitting at home coaching on Twitter, the stage is set for Dwight Howard to prove that he’s ready to wear the Laker crown. But remember, the Spurs are the Spurs. I never doubt Coach Gre-double-G Popovich and I believe that Duncan, Ginobli and Parker will be rested and dangerous. Parker is not back to his old self after that ankle injury, but neither is Steve Nash who could, if he makes it on the court for an extended period of time, be key. My brain is telling me Spurs in 6. That’s the logical answer; that’s the smart answer. But I’m going with one for the Buss-Man who’s watching from the best courtside seat in the house.

Mia’s Pick: Lakers in 6

#3 Denver Nuggets  vs. #6 Golden State Warriors

The Denver Nuggets are the quintessential definition of homebodies. Their home record at the Pepsi Center was a remarkable 38-3. There’s something in the air up there. Last year’s first round exit was tough but the team proved to the basketball world that they deserved to be mentioned with top teams, pushing the Lakers to an exciting 7 games. That series did more for their confidence and set the stage for their eventual dominant play, although they started rusty. George Karl knows how to coach, there’s no doubt about that. Despite game-impacting injuries to Kenneth Faried, Karl will be ready for the boys from The Bay. But Denver’s missing Danilo Gallinari who was critical in the regular season games against GSW, may add one more game to mix. Mark Jackson has the Warriors believing and stepping up behind Stephen Curry, arguably the best pure shooter in the NBA. Andrew Bogut looks healthy enough to contribute but it still won’t be enough.

Mia’s Pick: Nuggets in 5

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies

It’s that 4-5 thing that always throws everything off. Flipping a coin could be easier than breaking down a winner in this series. Identical regular season records of 56-26 and both teams set franchise records with their significant wins. The teams play differently and this is where the Hollywood team and the Beale Street set themselves apart. In their last game of the season, the Clippers were able to beat the Grizzlies to secure home court advantage (a big deal for sure in this one.) But as they step into the Playoffs,  it’s deja vu. LA and Memphis went against each other in the 1st round of the playoffs, with the Grizzlies losing in 7. But this year’s Grizzlies have a guy named Prince. Not the Purple Rain guy but Tayshaun Prince the Detroit baller who brings with him a lot more defense and attitude. It appears that Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph settled down when Prince arrived.  Lob City will be ready for him, though. Blake and CP3 will do what they do, Caron Butler off the bench is a difference maker. Flipping the coin.

Mia’s Pick: Clippers in 7

Looking forward: The Oklahoma City Thunder will take on San Antonio for the chance to head to the NBA Finals. The Thunder will go again.

Don’t forget to check out Nelly’s picks: Nelly Picks ’13.

NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs begin Saturday!

#1 Miami Heat vs. #8 Milwaukee Bucks

You can count the number of games in this series on one hand, preserving your thumb to point directly down at Milwaukee’s chances of even making one of them competitive. Double-digit victories will come as easy for the Heat as hit records to Lady Gaga. Don’t need to say much more about this one, folks. No need to DVR it. Sports Center Top 10 may tell this story as easily as four 48-minute sessions. Wade alley-oop to James, James alley-oop to Wade. Don’t look now – Chalmers just hit a three pointer and Miami’s up by twenty-five. This series may see minutes for Fab-Fiver Juwan Howard, a small consolation for Michigan fans who saw their Wolverines come up just a little short in the NCAA Men’s Final. Miami in 4, getting some rest for the second round early.

Nelly’s Pick: Miami in 4

#2 New York Knicks vs. #7 Boston Celtics

Paul Pierce has owned the Knicks for nearly a decade and a half, but like all things, this too must end. Reggie had his days, Michael had his. Paul has arguably been New York’s greatest nemesis in the days since. This time, however, Melo, JR, Coach Woody & Co are prepared with a high-octane offense and veteran savvy from the likes of future-hall-of-famer Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin.  Furthermore, this series, which I see going six potentially exciting games will be the swan song for Kevin Garnett. Though he still has time remaining on his contract and something left in the tank, the days of his Celtics being competitive in the East or anywhere else are over. It’s time for them to close this chapter and move on to Jeff Green and the draft. Excuse my New Yorker bias. Add a little home court advantage, some rest, good health for the stars, and momentum from a late season winning streak and you have a recipe for the Knicks advancing to Round Two.

Nelly’s Pick: New York in 6

#3 Indiana Pacers  vs. #6 Atlanta Hawks

I can’t believe TNT is willing to carry Game 1 of this series. Get ready for record (low) ratings, the count of televisions tuning in to these games may be exceeded by the team fouls and number of injured players. Indiana should be able to advance despite their poor play of late, but only because their opponent – Wait a second! The Hawks are in the Playoffs? I’m spending more time writing this paragraph than I will be watching this series. Moving on…

Nelly’s Pick: Indiana in 5

#4 Brooklyn Nets vs. #5 Chicago Bulls

Now this one is potentially interesting. Coach Tibs has always managed to get good play from his teams when former league MVP Derrick Rose has been sidelined by injury, except in the postseason. This is when the stars shine, and with all due respect to Luol Deng, the Bulls lack the luster. I expect The Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn to be raucous as the city of New York rejoices the fact that it has two teams in the tournament. This could be one of those instant classics that involves a triple overtime nail-biter, but in the end I feel that the Nets have the advantage. In the clutch they can rely on guys who have been here before like Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. Throughout the game they can throw bodies like Andray Blatche and Gerald Wallace at the thin Bulls roster and wear them down. Did I mention that Brooke Lopez is ballin’?

Nelly’s Pick: Brooklyn in 7

Looking ahead…

NBA Playoffs Round 1

The New York Knicks will play the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Not only will they give Miami their first loss of the postseason, they will take a 2-1 lead in the series and cause the entire sports world and especially the Big Apple to prematurely celebrate before the Heat rally back and restore order to march on to the Finals in pursuit of a repeat. Le sigh…

They didn’t even have color in articles when Griffith won decades ago.

I bear witness that I saw the first two Louisville NCAA Men’s Division I Championship victories. In 1980, it was Darrell “Dr. Dunkenstein” Griffith leading the Cardinals to glory and in 1986, the star of the show was “Never Nervous” Pervis Ellison as he put down the Duke Blue Devils and Johnnie Dawkins (current head coach of Stanford University men’s basketball team.) There are no clever nicknames for this year champion Cardinals. The 2013 champs are just some gritty relentless, Big East-style ballers, with a heck of a ball coach, Rick Pitino, getting it done again like he has so many times before. [We'll now have to put HOF'er in front of coach's name.]

Michigan had the talent and the stars to win this: Tim Hardaway, Jr., NCAA Player of the Year Trey Burke, and Glenn Robinson III. However, it was an unknown star who almost got Michigan to the promised land – Spike Albrecht. Trey Burke, the College Player of the Year, got into early foul trouble, and Albrecht rained three pointer after three pointer on Louisville in relief. It was quite a display of shooting. Before you knew it, Michigan was ahead by a dozen and one had to ask: Burke is not even playing and they are up 12, can Louisville come back?

Hancock continues prove why he was a team captain and why his teammates listen. He’s a winner.

But Louisville’s Luke Hancock has been a cool customer all tournament. John Thompson, former coach of Georgetown, noted during his radio coverage of the Louisville-Wichita State battle the other night that Hancock makes smart basketball plays. He does. But what he did in a 2-minute stretch before the half was not just smart; it was really the key to the game for Louisville. The Cardinals were down and out and Hancock made 4 three pointers in a row, and two free throws, and next thing you know, the game was a wash – Michigan led by one at the half but all of that advantage they had with Albrecht’s shooting and better play, was gone. Luke Hancock, as he did against Wichita State, answered the bell when his team was on the ropes.

The second half wasn’t all Louisville but it was more their game. They had survived an assault by Michigan and were now ready to play for the win. Peyton Siva, their celebrated point guard, controlled the tempo of the game from baseline to baseline. Louisville got out-rebounded in the first half; in the second half, they simply attacked the glass like maniacs and were not to be denied. Chane Behanan had 15 points, 12 rebounds. Gorgui Dieng, their defensive stopper, had 8 points, 8 rebounds. They did not let Michigan rest. They pounded the boards and scored or got fouled. Then they pressed. And trapped, and never let the Michigan backcourt get into a rhythm. Burke hit some key shots but the pressure was constant. Michigan expended an enormous amount of energy just trying to get up the court and into their offense.

Siva and Hancock were both extra cool when it counted, too. As Thompson noted they always made the smart basketball play. Hancock was in the middle of all of the big plays. He hit shots, drew fouls, even tossed a wonderful alley oop to Siva at a critical juncture of the game. Russ Smith hit him for a backbreaking three pointer in the clutch.

To demonstrate the relentless nature of Louisville approach, know that Michigan shot 53 percent from the field, 25-48. No one shoots like that on Louisville. However, Louisville had 61 shots, 28-61, only 44 percent, but the higher number of shots is the key. It was a product of pounding the glass and steals in the half court. Again, the pressure on all fronts.

What could Michigan have done differently? For one, Glenn Robinson III was 3-4, and was a hard cover for Louisville because of his size and raw offensive skills. Maybe some of the shots Hardaway missed (5-13), could have gone to him. Secondly, at the end of the game when they had a chance to extend the game, they failed to foul quickly and get Louisville into the bonus. This loss of time was damaging to their chances. It reduced the game to two or three possessions. Was it a coaching error? It is hard to say. Other than that, Michigan was over-matched in the post. Their post defense has been soft all year, and a great coach like Rick Pitino was hardly going to not exploit it. Pitino knows Berlein too.

Back in 2005, in the Elite 8, West Virginia coached by Berlein played Pitino’s Cardinals. West Virginia, like Michigan tonight came out, bombing three pointers, and went up 20. At half time, Pitino famously threw out his scouting report, and told his players to just get after the West Virginia players and attack. Down 13 at the half, Louisville won by 8 in overtime with relentless helter skelter ball.

Pitino’s Cardinals again took Berlein’s best punch tonight again and then out pointed Michigan in a gritty, tough, and classic men’s final.

Brian Gilmore is a poet, and writer; his blog is the Chocolate City Review. http://chocolatecityreview.wordpress.com/

Director Michelle Major at the Dallas International Film Festival.

At the opening of this documentary “Venus and Serena” Chris Rock tells us that the sisters are black. He goes further and says, “black black – like the people I know.” It had some to do with the actual color; moreso, it was about their unwillingness to blend in or tone it down. That fact frightened many as they began to win, thwarting the notion that only country club courts produced tennis stars. But there they were. Soon they reached #1 and #2 in the world as predicted by their parents.

To think, their family actually believed that they could dominate the tennis world. Really not just the sport alone but the whole world. Not since minute one when they landed on national news publications with beaded, braided hair have we had to wonder what they would mean to the game. What filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major do brilliantly is let the sisters show us exactly what tennis means to them.

The year that the crew followed Venus and Serena, 2011, was perhaps the most tumultuous, painful and adverse of both of their careers. Fighting their way back to the top, the film captured the blood, sweat and tears – literally!  The vivid scenes of both sisters dealing with their respective illnesses, in some cases life-threatening, and working their asses off to get back to Venus/Serena form had the audience wincing, tensing up and ultimately cheering. Nothing was off limits. Not the outbursts, not the obsessive diversions they chose to keep them from going absolutely crazy as they couldn’t be on the court and not even their insecurities.

There were poignant moments and candid conversations with their parents, siblings and trainers about their home life and personality quirks. We get to learn more about their parents, even finding out a heinous event that happened to Richard Williams in Shreveport, Louisiana that added to his moxie and his craziness. You feel the love of their mother Oracene as she raises children and later grandchildren to be proud and strong.

Former President Clinton weighs in as does tennis champion John McEnroe and the grand diva Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. The mere fact that politicians, comedians, and fashion icons all have something to say illustrate just how far past the courts their reach extends.

The documentary takes watchers back through tough moments in their careers like Indian Wells and the death of their sister, letting the moments speak for themselves. No need for melodramatic songs or dramatic transitions, revealing the trained journalists’ experience. Viewers get to relive the highlights of tournament victories just as they were. Every major step is there from the concrete courts of Compton to the stands of Wimbledon ‘13.

Following the screening of Venus and Serena, Director Michelle Major explained what they expected when they dreamed up the project and why it ultimately far exceeded all of that.  It certainly did.

Ed Rush Resigns as Pac-12 Head of Basketball Officials

Ed Rush resigns amid controversy.

The final whistle blew on Ed Rush, the Pac-12 Head of Basketball Officials. Initially, Conference Commissioner Larry Scott and the Pac-12 threw their full support behind Rush saying that they’d investigated the matter and that his, although ill-timed, was not a “fireable offense.”

But now, it sounds more and more like Ed was a big bully. According ESPN’s Andy Katz, the referees didn’t like working for the guy, calling him “intimidating.” The anonymous refs in the room claimed that Rush wasn’t joking about targeting Arizona head coach Sean Miller during the Pac-12 tournament, a claim Rush continues to deny.

According to Rush:  I went into my jesting mode: What does it take? How about a trip to Cancun or maybe $5,000? There was laughter. I thought there was humor. ‘I know you guys would probably take the $5,000, you want the money.’ That was the end of it. ”I’ve done a lot of dumb things,” he told ESPN.com. “This was top 10.”

You’re right, Ed. This was as dumb as it gets. In officiating, you make your reputation on your integrity and objectivity. Twice offering your crew a $5,000 bounty or a trip to Cancun to T up a coach flies in the face of the game’s integrity.

Maybe he’ll take that trip to Cancun himself now.

Rutgers University Basketball Mike Rice Fallout

Tim Pernetti steps aside in the best interest of Rutgers according to some, not all.

Rush wasn’t the only one who had to pack his bags. Rutgers University Athletic Director Tim Pernetti resigned under tremendous pressure from the university and the national sports community. More than 50 Rutgers faculty members drafted a letter calling for the firing/release of Pernetti. Eventually, he would oblige.

There’s fallout though.  Donors are backing out at the absolute wrong time because money for the university is tight. Many wanted Pernetti to remain as AD. Tom Mendiburu’s company paid $6 million for the naming rights to Rutgers football stadium, a deal he credits to his relationship with Pernetti.

We’ve invested so much in to #RU and now i’m not even sure who we turn to.Very sad day and I’m sorry the Pernetti’s had to go through this

— Tom Mendiburu (@Tommykid1) April 5, 2013

President Robert Barchi read his prepared statement. He called the university’s recent happenings “a failure of process.” Of course, he said, the outcome would have been different if he’d seen the interview. He simply didn’t ask to see the video instead trusting his colleagues to describe it accurately.

The president’s statement had apologies for everybody – students, players, LGBTQ – I think he even apologized to iPhone users for the latest system upgrade. (Somebody needs to!)

There are lots of should haves in this case. President Barchi said that he should have asked to see the tape when Pernetti told him about it. Now, Tim says he should have fired Coach Rice when Murdock told him. Coach Rice said he should have done better.

They all asked the General Counsel if everything was fine – he said yes. Of course, General Counsel John Wolfe has resigned, too. This feels like accountability musical chairs. Will anyone be left standing when the music stops?

Rangers Baseball – the Prodigal Hitter Comes Home

No welcome home for Josh.

Yesterday Josh Hamilton, one of the hottest, but streakiest hitters in baseball returned to Arlington, Texas. He was the Rangers hero for the last few years. But the chorus of boos that rained down on him every at bat was just a bit eerie. He didn’t perform well, either, which made it even worse (or better, depending on your point of view.)  He struck out twice and went 0-for-4. Yikes.

How quickly the masses forget. Literally a year ago – April 2012 – the man was the American League Player of the Month. He was absolutely tearing it up for the Rangers: 9 homers, 25 RBIs and hitting .395.  Then something happened on the way to a third world series. He began to slump and develop very strange diseases that kept him out of the lineup. Skipper Ron Washington tried to shield him from media and fan criticism but this is a tough sports town. The team didn’t make it back to the post season. The breakup began.

The Dallas relationship with Josh Hamilton is like a bad relationship. His first at bat was akin to seeing the boyfriend who broke your heart with his new girlfriend. Yes, you loved him, wore his jersey, made him an All Star and forgave his drugs & women scandals. But that was then. Before he took the contract with the flush Angels of Anaheim, LA Angels – whatever their name is.

Now, the Rangers ballpark will boo Josh. They will celebrate any of the wins over Hamilton’s new Angels as if they were playoff wins. Maybe one day they will get past the pain and they will be able to look back at old videos, pictures and jerseys of the best of Josh in the DFW. Just not today.