Wally’s Holiday Wishlist »

I’ve been pretty good this year … okay, maybe just a bit better than average … so I have a pretty modest wish list for you. The great thing about this list is that you don’t have to rush the elves to GET ‘ER DONE by 12/25. Nope, this list can be accomplished over several weeks … even months, if not years. Okay … coming clean here … some of the items are nearly miracles, so you might want to get some help from YOU KNOW WHO. So this is what I want, in no particular order, but the most important stuff is definitely at the end:

Remembering Al Cervi »

News broke late yesterday of Al Cervi’s passing. The NBA Hall-of-Famer and long-time Rochester resident was 92.

Cervi was one of Rochester’s treasures who could be seen from time to time at various civic functions.

NBA Splinters | October 2nd, 2009 »

The Magic’s acquisition of Carter continues to be a head-scratcher. During last year’s playoffs, Orlando thrived on perimeter ball movement. In the past, Carter has demonstrated that he is one-man flow-of-offense hindrance. Should we guess as to the over / under on the number of times Van Gundy air their differences this season.

NBA Splinters | 09/09/09 »

Thompson’s shot in double overtime helped the Wolfpack end the seven-year reign of the UCLA Bruins and propelled NC State to its first national title in 1974. ‘Skywalker’ won back-to-back AP Player-Of The Year awards along with the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. Over a nine-year career in the NBA, Thompson averaged 22 ppg.

NBA Splinters | August 25th, 2009 »

But Carter will need to play a role supporting role with the Magic – something he has never seemed comfortable with in the past. Turkoglu’s biggest contribution to the Magic might have been his ability to let the game come to him. Rarely, did Turkoglu force a shot. Carter, on the other hand, might be responsible for single handedly exposing the limitations of the Iso set.

NBA Splinters | August 19th, 1979 »

Since leading Blazermania over the Philadelphia 76ers in the ‘77 series, Walton has been more a lightning rod of controversy than MVP center. Portland seemed poised for back-to-back titles when Walton went down with an injury. Portland streaked to a 50-10 record to open the ‘77-’78 season. Then, Walton’s problems began. Ultimately, Walton broke his foot in the conference semi-finals and Dr. Jack Ramsay’s squad lost to the Seattle Super Sonics.

NBA Splinters | August 11, 2009 »

With Kevin Garnett dressed to the nines the reigning champs struggled to survive the first round before bowing from the post-season.

NBA Splinters | August 4, 2009 »

Two seasons ago the Chicago Bulls seemed ready to make a run at the Eastern Conference crown. Third-year coach, Scott Skiles (he took over during the 03-04campaign) guided the Bulls to their first playoff series win in nine seasons. Led by young guns Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich the Baby Bulls swept the reigning champs, Miami, before falling to Detroit 4-2 in a hard-fought series.

When Will The Ivy League Produce Another NBA Talent? Part II »

On the whole, the Ivy League can still compete with the nation’s best teams, but probably not on a consistently high level. It’s been over a decade since one of the Ancient Eight have won a first round tournament game.

When Will The Ivy League Produce Another NBA Talent? Part I »

I thought of perhaps the greatest backcourt in Ivy League history, the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Allen and Matt Maloney. NBA fans remember Matt Maloney more than Allen because of his performances with the Houston Rockets in the late-1990s where he started all 82 games his rookie year.