By Paul Gotham Quick – what do Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, and Wilt Chamberlain have in common? Yeah, yeah, yeah basketball, I know. Guess I had that one coming. If you also said those three all played on teams that won an NBA championship, you would again be right. They are also all enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Beyond that none of them played … [Read more...] about Calhoun, Krzyzewski and the brave new world
Archives for March 2008
Why sports needs more stories like that of Davidson
Call it improbable. Call it Cinderella-like. Call it over when they play #1 seed Kansas tomorrow. The NCAA tournament and sports in general need more stories like that of the Davidson Wildcats. In an era where on-court posturing and post-dunk celebrations have risen above the primary focus of the game: to win, Davidson’s approach is refreshing. Rather than looking like a … [Read more...] about Why sports needs more stories like that of Davidson
Great Broadcasting Calls II
Something I have always enjoyed is the occasional one-liners by TV analysts: “He must have gotten lonely. That’s the first open opportunity he had all night, and he drilled it.” “You’ve got to box out Tyler Hansbrough. He plays like every rebound is his.” “He (Roy Williams) is shopping from the top shelf at a high-end store.” “Air is a precious commodity for those on the … [Read more...] about Great Broadcasting Calls II
Tuesdays with Smitty: Forecasting the American League
When Casey approached me about doing Tuesdays with Smitty, I jumped at the idea.. Great, my own weekly pseudo-column. Then I said, "Great, what the hell am I going to write about this week? ". Well out of the Land of the Rising Sun arose my column. Almost as ritualistic as Groundhog Day, the end of the winter's blues comes with the famous words, "Play Ball". And with the … [Read more...] about Tuesdays with Smitty: Forecasting the American League
NCAA Hoops: the power of 24
As if we needed any reminder of the dizzying fervor that can be created by college hoops, this weekend packed a flurry of action capped by five games on Sunday decided by a total of 24 points. The Miami Hurricanes made a dramatic comeback, but the Longhorns of Texas held on for a three point victory, 75-72. Memphis continued to spurn everything free but managed a 77-74 … [Read more...] about NCAA Hoops: the power of 24