Every year among the hundreds of good high school basketball players, a few start looking like stars even before they get a chance to prove themselves beyond the high school hardwood. One of the Class of 2009 stars is John Wall (PG, 6, 2009), a lightning fast point man who is a one man fast break. Ive written about Walls basketball recruiting journey quite a bit in the past on ACCBasketballRecruiting.com for a couple of reasons. First, hes a North Carolina player. Second, he still lists his hometown NC State Wolfpack as an option for his likely one-and-done college career. Third, well, its hard to ignore a player who could be a lottery pick in another year.
The facets of Johns game are pretty well known. Hes incredibly explosive and athletic. Hes very, very fast up and down the floor. How fast? NBA scorch mark fast. There is no doubt that John Wall is athletic enough, explosive enough and downright speed-racer quick enough to play in the NBA.
The knocks on Wall are often related to his attitude. He sometimes seems to take plays off or disappear. He isnt known as a deep shooter and despite sometimes playing great defense, he needs to do it much more often. I think Wall is probably the kind of player who probably will get drafted after his Freshman year, but in reality it would be nice to see him play three years in college, develop a shooting touch and a brand name before heading into the NBA. But, thats a subject for another post on another day and has less to do with John Wall and a whole lot to do with the NBA.
So, maybe you watched Wall in the Rucker Park melee on ESPN and wondered what all the fuss was about, with one or two big time highlights in a very ragged game. Well, watch the video and wait for the breakaway dunk by Wall, who goes from what seems like a leisurely breakaway into a Dr. J leaping dunk in a fraction of a second (around the 0:50 mark).

Similar posts: basketball

Coaches,

I was planning on traveling to the Read and React Basketball Coaching Clinic to check it out this weekend and give you a up close review on this offense. I have only seen some notes on the subject and haven't viewed the dvds yet. It is really intruiging to be and you know the I am a HUGE Dribble Drive Motion Offense guy, but I am always will to learn new stuff and be open.

If anyone is going to this clinic then email me and let me know what you think. I had a family emergency arise and can't travel this weekend. Here is the information on it and you can check out http://www.betterbasketball.com/ for more information.




2008 READ AND REACT FALL COACH'S CLINIC

September 26th-28th, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia
Better Basketball invites you to attend this unique and exciting event, at which you can learn the entire Read and React Offensive System. Highlights include:

- The RR Offense taught to real players from the ground up
- A youth team running the basic layers, and a college team running the whole RR
- Variations, adjustments, and ways you can fine tune the Read and React Offense
- Time for you to consult with those coaches already running the Read and React System
- Time for you to speak directly with the Read and Reacts creator, Coach Rick Torbett

If you have questions, or would like to attend, please call 1-800-BETTER-B, extension 0, or email us at readandreact@betterbasketball.com. Space is limited.

COST: $165.00. In addition, there is a $25.00 discount for additional coaches from the same program.
We will be providing breakfast and lunch at no cost on Saturday, September 27th.


LOCATION: Buford High School, which is located about 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, at 2750 Sawnee Avenue in Buford, Georgia 30518.


HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:
There are a over a dozen hotels within a few miles of the school for you to choose from, but we have obtained group-rate discounts at the following hotels. To obtain the discount, call and ask for the Better Basketball Clinic discount:

Holiday Inn Express. 2499 Satellite Blvd NE. Phone: 678-318-1080. $89 per night
Days Inn. 4267 Buford Dr NE. Phone: 770-932-0111. $69.99 per night


CLINIC SCHEDULE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th

5:00pm 8:00pm REGISTRATION AND DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES
Coach Torbett and a few coaches running the system will be there to greet you, and answer your initial questions about the Read and React.


8:00pm 10:00pm SESSION 1
Coach Torbett will take a youth team (12 year olds) through the foundation layers of the RR Offense. The build up drills and teaching techniques will be emphasized. The goal will be to demonstrate that a youth team can have a working, practical, principled offense with only the foundational layers of the Read React Offense, and to see the foundation layers inserted with great detail. Much of the theory of the Read and React will be discussed.





SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th

8:00am - 9:30am
EAKFAST (provided) AND DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES

9:30am - 12:30pm SESSION 2
The Read React Offense will be taught and implemented with a real college men's team. Emphasis will be on HOW to teach the offense in a practical setting, along with how to get a pre-season head start.



12:30pm 1:30pm LUNCH (provided) AND DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES

1:30pm 7:00pm SESSION 3 (with short breaks)
Completion of the Read React, along with tips, variations, and teaching points from those coaches who have experience running the Read React Offense. Well also explore the variety of looks and sets depending on the strengths, weaknesses, types of players, and coaching philosophy. Again, a men's college team will be used.



7:00pm 8:30pm DINNER (optional)

8:30-10:00 COACHES SOCIAL (optional)



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th



11:00am - 2:00pm SESSION 4
Well begin late to allow those who wish to worship on Sunday to do so. Clinic topics to be covered will include: attacking zones, implementing quick hitters, collapsing practice time frames, sharpening both defense and offense at the same time, how shell defense fits the Read React, delay games, and more. Again, a men's college team will be used to demonstrate the Read and React Offense.


2:00pm 6:00pm CONTINUED DISCUSSION FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS
This time will allow for an extension of session 4. And Coach Torbett will remain as long as needed to make sure no questions go unanswered, and no topics go unresolved.

Similar posts: basketball

Thursday afternoon I was recruited to play on the Kathmandu University faculty basketball team. The term is used pretty loosely since it includes teaching assistants with BS degrees and lecturers with MS degrees. I was the only professor on the team and therefore more than twice the age of anyone on the court. My only advantage was my height (6) and the fact that I vaguely remember playing in high school 35 years ago. The only player as tall as me was Anuroop Manandhar who, fortunately, was also on my team and is an excellent basketball player. Of my six teammates, two were excellent players, one was pretty good and the other three were, how should I say, "less experienced."

The outdoor court at the main campus in Dhulikhel has great views of an expansive, emerald green rice field to the west and the mist shrouded Himalayan foothills to the east. I stopped a minute before the game began to wonder what the odds were that Id ever be playing basketball in this kind of setting! After helping the others shoo away some cattle and goats from the court, the game got underway.

We took a decisive 12 point lead in the first quarter. Anuroop and I were able to clog up the middle of the lane on defense so that they couldnt get off any good shots. He and our pint-sized point guard did most of the scoring while I concentrated on rebounding, defense and handing out assists. I knew that my shooting needed practice so I only took four shots the entire game, making two of them. Our big lead continued into the fourth quarter, so in the spirit of letting everyone play we let the "second-string" members of our team play a nearly fatal decision since they turned the ball over on nearly every possession and couldn't score any points. Within a span of five minutes the other team had pulled to within 2 points, mostly from steals and fast breaks. Anuroop signaled for me to come back in and we were able to stem the blood flow. We had been playing a zone defense, but I decided to go man-to-man on their best player who was scoring all their points. Between that and a few buckets by Anuroop, we held on for a 30-28 victory. Not having played for 8 months, my legs felt like rubber after the game, but I still had to find my way back home (20 miles away).

One of my teammates also had to go back to Kathmandu, so we walked to the bus stop at the main road. A local bus came by within a few minutes. We paid our 40 rupee fare (about 60 cents) and settled back for the 1 hour ride. Unfortunately, we hit a terrible traffic jam caused by a line of trucks and buses waiting for a diesel station to open along the very narrow road. There just wasnt enough room for them and two more lanes of traffic, so a few trucks had become wedged together and couldnt move. Everyone got off the bus and started walking the mile to Banepa hoping to catch another bus there. By this time it was 6:30 pm and completely dark. We waited for at least 30 minutes but no bus came along. Emsar, my teammate, then commenced to flag down passing trucks and vans, hoping that we could negotiate a reasonable fee for passage to Kathmandu.

A small covered truck finally stopped at 7:30 and Emras was able to negotiate a 500 rupee fee ($7) for us and the freshman girl who had latched on to us for protection. Im sure it would have been much less, but the driver saw my pale face and jacked up the price. In Nepal there are always two prices for everything: a Nepali price and a foreigner price. We three wedged into the front seat with the driver while three men jumped into the bed. Along the way we picked up another 4-5 people, so the driver was making a good wage that night. While stopping to pick someone up, the girl next to me looked like she was going to upchuck, so I hurriedly let her out to do her business. She had to get out one more time along the way. She was either car sick or I really smelled bad.

It was kind of eerie driving at night on the dark, poorly maintained, and deeply potholed road that is the major thoroughfare between Kathmandu and Tibet. There is a significant amount of smuggling that goes on along that route. We were stopped twice at police checkpoints, but they let us through quickly one look at me and they knew I wasnt Tibetan. Police usually dont give foreigners a hard time, except for the few crooked ones who try to entrap them in order to extort money. Weve had no trouble at all, though.

Finally, we reached Kathmandu at 8:30 but the driver let us off more than 3 miles away from my apartment. Emras and the girl waited for a minibus to get home, but I knew it would take more than an hour for me to make it home that way. Instead, I took off walking through the dark streets (the power was off again). As long as you stick to the main streets and stay out of the alleys at night, weve found Kathmandu to be a very safe place. I eventually got home at 9:10. My average speed from the bus stop in Dhulikhel to my apartment was a turtle-like 8 mph, but well worth the hassle to get in a good game of basketball.

Similar posts: basketball

In 2002, 2004 and 2006, USA Basketball featured the most talent, but failed to win the international championships. USC arguably has featured the most talented college football teams in the past three seasons, but failed to win the BCS Championship.

There are many arguments to explain their failures. However, like those USA Basketball teams, USC appears to lack an identity.

USA Basketball played like an AAU team. They gathered right before the tournaments and played a lot of 1v1 basketball without any off the ball motion. They tried to overwhelm teams with their athleticism and talent, but when that failed, they had no plan or continuity or system to use.

USC tried to overwhelm its opponents with their talent and athleticism. When they make the big play and force turnovers, they destroy opponents. However, wen the opponent protects the ball and USC does not get a game-breaking big play, lesser opponents beat them.

This summer, Coach K organized Team USA's attack. They had a little bit of a system. They used role players in situations rather than relying strictly on talent. They created and exploited match-up problems by playing Carmelo Anthony and LeBron james as "power forwards" and getting them the ball closer to the basket, rather than having them create from half court.

USC has the defense, offensive line and running backs to win games ugly. However, it seems to want to win big and win pretty, like in the Norm Chow, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush days. USC has so many weapons on offense, it seems like the staff feels the need to showcase all of them. They play four running backs; throw to several tight ends, the full back and a bevy of receivers. While the depth of talent is remarkable, is it the best way to win?

I am not a football expert. However, it seems like USC substitutes for a hot running back rather than giving him the lion's share of the carries. Rather than throwing passes to move the chains, they look for the home run ball.

When it works, it's great. It's pretty. It's exciting.

However, USC's defense has at least four potential 1st Round NFL draft picks. USC's defense could carry most college programs with a below average offense.

But, rather than win by pounding the ball and playing defense, USC showcases its talent, much like a basketball team playing nothing but 1v1 basketball.

Oregon State is fast. I like their program. They almost always overachieve. But, they should not be in the game with USC. However, in 2002, New Zealand had no business finishing ahead of Team USA. It happens. Teams lose. But, when the same thing happens over and over, it's not an event, but a trend. And, the trend for USC appears to be that it values overwhelming its opponents with their athleticism and showcasing their talent rather than doing what it takes to win an individual game.

USA Basketball solved its problems at the Senior Men's National Team level. Will USC.

Similar posts: basketball

EMMANUEL CHAVEZ

Sports has always been a top-drawer not only for its excitement but also for its numerous health benefits. These sports activities, however, can also bring risks to one's health. Those who engage in contact sports like basketball, football, and the martial arts are usually at high risk of sustaining injuries. These injuries are usually found on the knees, legs, ankles, and feet all of which support the entire weight of the athlete's body.

Acute damage or repetitive stress associated with sports activities may affect the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Acute sports injuries can be treated with first aid remedies and over the counter muscle relaxants. Chronic injuries, on the other hand, may require medical assistance. Understanding these injuries is essential in preventing its development and avoiding any hindrances to one's health.

Here are the five most common sports injuries and how to prevent them:

1.Ankle Sprains and Strains
Sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligaments while strain is the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Ankle sprains or strains may occur because of poor technique, uneven terrain, and wearing inaapropriate footwear. Running on smooth and even terrain, running in proper form, and wearing the right foot wear is essential in preventing injury. Wearing orthotic gear may add more stability and balance and prevent re-injury.

2.Shoulder Injury
The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body. Because of its flexibility, the shoulder is essential in many sports activities. Individuals who engage in sports that involve frequent swinging of arms like swimming or basketball are at high risk of developing this injury. Pitchers, tennis players, weightlifters are some of the individuals who may be prone to shoulder injuries.

3.Elbow pain
Lateral epicondylitis also called tennis elbow pain and is one form of overuse injury. It is an inflammation of several structures of the elbow which includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments and many more. People that engage in activities with strenuous or repetitive forearm movement forearm movement have heightened risk of developing this injury. Occupations that include mechanics or carpentry may also pose risks for certain individuals.

4.Knee Pain
Sports related knee pain may be a result of ruptured ligament or torn muscles. Because it is the largest joint in the body, it is one of the most easily damaged joint. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common problem the involves the knee. Medical studies show that many ACL injuries are caused by sports activities that require frequent change in direction, twisting, slowing down when running, or landing from a jump. Individuals who play football, soccer, wrestling, and rugby are prone to this kind of injury. Proper execution of techniques, wearing orthotics, and training in moderation may help prevent the development of this condition.

5.Lower back pain
Many backaches are caused by strains or sprains in the muscles or ligaments. These injuries often occur because of heavy lifting or twisting. Back spasms caused by disk, joint, or muscle injuries may also lead to the development of excruciating pain. In addition to these factors, improper posture, fatigue, and improper alignment may also lead to the development of back pain.

These five common injuries can be prevented by engaging in proper training which includes warm ups, stretches, and cool downs. Warming up and stretching are essential in preparing the body for strenuous activity that can be experienced in training. Cooling down, on the other hand, is essential in reducing the temperature of the muscles and reduce muscle injury, stiffness, and soreness. Using orthotics is also essential in preventing sports injuries. Engaging in proper exercise routines and executing exercise techniques are essential to prevent injuries. Individuals who want to engage in physical exercise and other strenuous activities should seek the approval of doctors to achieve health goals and avoid fitness obstacles.

Emmanuel Chavez is a sports writer and holds a graduate degree in Sports Nutrition. He is active in promoting weight loss programs and healthy lifestyle among inner city youth. CheapDrugsOnline.Ca offers a large variety of discount prescription drugs and medications that you can order directly using an online order form without a prior prescription. This items also come up with Big Discounts. And upon approval of your order, you will be issued with a prescription which will be dispensed without delay. Order now!VisitCheap Drugs Onlineand avail great big discounts.

Similar posts: basketball

And then there's that tricky issue of race. Look, I know why Obama played up the basketball thing. It earned him cred in the black community, and made him seem young and hip. But even if the sport's no longer highly toxic on the identity politics front, it's still seen as a black game—unless you're laundered by a Big 10 program, or grew up playing in a lunch box. This News One piece by Drew Ricketts is a little strident for me, but it has a Dwyane Wade quote that, while it thrills me, is exactly why Big O's basketball identification could subtlely drag him down:

Wade: Wooooowww.... One thing about Obama is that he has his own style... and that's what we love. He's not the typical presidential candidate. Anyone else who's been in office before him knows that. He's not afraid to showcase his style. He loves to play basketball. He hoops and that's how he stays in shape. He doesn't run on a treadmill. You can go on and on about the arguments of policy and experience, but at the end of the day, hopefully he becomes our president. We'll all be better for it.

All I'm saying is, that's not going to hit voters the same way "that call sucked" is. It might even come across as alien or alienating. So while sports could win this election for someone, in Obama's case, it's going to involve some back-pedalling on his First Baller image. Or least an attempt to reach across the aisle and show that this kind of relationship with sports dones't mean he's shut out of discussing just what's going on with Favre on the Jets. Also, never mention the Chargers. Yeah, on second though, Big 10 alum seems almost as important as religious background when picking national candidates. Because that's what the people are buying: Not an echo of themselves, or someone who feels their pain, but someone who isn't about to feel joy or pain over that high-falutin' stuff outside their purview.

I could see Obama comparing the Bears QB situation to Bush's advisors, or McCain conflating Michael Vick and Jason Campbell. The smart move, though, is to leave all politics and policy behind. Just turn this into a contest to see who can talk sports better. Not more knowledgeably, or passionately, but just who can prove how much football they're really made of.

Similar posts: basketball

Team USA Men and Women have made their mark once again proving that they are the best in the world by just dominating the competition in the Beijing Olympic Basketball Tournament. The Redeem Team just blew out rival team Argentina by 20pts in an effort to change the past and get back the glory of being in the Olympic Finals once again. Lebron James and Kobe Bryant both promised their teammates that they would not let them down and would be in the Olympic Finals for a GOLD MEDAL ONLY.
Mens USA Basketball Team will face a young energetic Spain National Team who defeated Lithuania in the seminfinals by 5pts (91-86). In an earlier meeting, Team USA dominated Spain and took an easy win during the preliminaries.
On the womens side, both USA and Australia the only two undefeated teams during the Olympic Beijing Basketball Tournament will face off in another rivalary match up. USA defeated Australia in the last Olympic Finals in Athens and they hope to repeat. It will not be easy as the last game against Russia, the USA failed to make shots and dominate. On the other hand, Australia cruised in their victory over China in the semifinals and will have received more rest than the USA. It will be a good match up on Saturday.

Similar posts: basketball

ve been a student of basketball betting design for almost 20 years now, said Bonadurer Legier, and employee and share holder of Sierra Primos INC, and I cant say Ive ever been more excited than now. Our new director, Kecia Siska, promises to bring things to a much higher level and increase our output. I realize this will mean more basketball betting design hours, but this also means more money for all of us. Many basketball betting artists, especially those under the age of 30, have never known any other medium except for digital design. Stjuste Favorito, fellow of the Drewer Wissler Institute, remarks: The fact that most of todays up and coming designers have never used charcoal and a pad of paper doesnt bother me in the least. Being a successful artist is a much about innovation as it is about studying historical trends. If charcoal and paper doesnt fit the bill anymore, why should we expect basketball betting design professionals to use such antequated techniques Along with basic art training, basketball betting pictographs can be individually studied and critiqued. We look at the work of others not because we want to copy it, reports Drayer Sarmento, but because we want to take away the best aspects of each basketball betting design and apply them to our own work. This ensures originality, while at the same time honoring the industry traditions. And, with this unprecedented growth in the private sector, demand for higher basketball betting education will increase. This will allow for broader funding of top basketball betting design schools, like the local Englehart Dienhart College of Art, and also decrease smaller schools need of public funding. re really psyched about the coming years, says Abnet Mackinnon, an artist and teacher, because as interest and corporate demand for basketball betting art grows, so will the talent base. Were going to see some great work from some of the top up and coming names in the business! The key to working on good basketball betting design pieces is patience and rote talent, says Beata Kabanuck. Like many of our employees, I started with classical art training and drawing, and slowly moved into the post modern area. This succession greatly improved my basketball betting art and drawing skills. Members of the Maryjane Friedlander Partnership LLC, a basketball betting graphic arts firm, were recently over joyed when they won several major national level contracts that could bring as much as $2 Million in profits this year. proclaimed Wimberly Schwarzer, chief designer and a member of basketball betting sales team, This means a lot to me personally. Weve worked so hard in this industry for years, and finally, it is starting to pay off big! Soder Wolinski, CEO and lead partner of the Estrada Juncker basketball betting Design firm Petri Staffieri Partners, had this to say about digital design in the new millenium: The use of computers in our firm has accounted for a five-fold increase in productivity, quality, and sales volume. Computers allow our basketball betting design specialists a much a higher degree of efficieny and output. Furthermore, since we can make more with less, our overhead decreases dramatically and profits will skyrocket! Overall, the basketball betting industry has not reached its maturity, which continues to boost the enthusiasm of most digital artists, like Potolsky Cool. Potolsky Cool believes that in time, demand will greatly outstrip supply producing a huge opportunity for good artists to get in and make some fast cash. I know there is no such thing as a quick buck, but in 5 years, when this basketball betting industry blossoms, were going to see a lot of new rich people. I hope to be one of them myself, which is why I work at the prestigious Bowin Phagan Firm, located next to the Book Wessinger Memorial Design Museum. If you want to find out more about starting your own basketball betting career, try contacting the Tepler Atwill Fellowship for basketball betting Arts and Design, located by the Gaerlan Razey Memorial Library. Simply show up in person or call 1-800-Gaerlan Razey to enroll in any of the beginner classes which operate on a rolling schedule, with matriculation opening every 2 months. Intermediate and advance basketball betting level classes begin every six months, with matriculation for each respective group on Jan. 5 and July 11.

Similar posts: basketball

The SMU women's basketball team released its 2008-'09 schedule tonight.
The Mustangs, fresh off their 2008 NCAA tournament berth, begin the regular season at home against UT-Arlington on Nov. 14. SMU visits Texas A M, which reached the Elite Eight last season, on Dec. 7.
SMU 2008-'09 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Tues., 11/04/08, Houston Jaguars, (Exhibition), 7 PM
Fri., 11/14/08, UTA, 7 PM
Fri., 11/21/08, @ Arkansas, 7 PM
Tues., 11/24/08, @ Eastern Illinois, NOON
SMU TOURNAMENT
Fri., 11/28/08, Fresno State vs. UNC-Charlotte, 5 PM
SMU vs. SAM HOUSTON, 7 PM
Sat., 11/29/08, Consolation/Championship, 5 PM / 7 PM
Tues., 12/2/08, TEXAS A M-CORPUS CHRISTI, 7 PM
Sun., 12/7/08, @ Texas A M, TBA
Sun., 12/14/08, NORTH TEXAS, TBA
Tues., 12/16/08, DARTMOUTH, 7 PM
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND TOURNAMENT
Fri., 12/19/08 Virginia Tech vs. IUPUI, 5 PM
SMU vs. Jacksonville State @, 7 PM
Sat., 12/20/08, Consolation/Championship, TBA
Sun., 12/28/08, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF, 2 PM
Tues., 12/30/08, @ TCU, 7 PM
Sat., 1/3/09, TULSA, 2 PM
Thurs., 1/8/09, MARSHALL, 7 PM
Sat., 1/10/09, ECU, 2 PM
Sun., 1/18/09, @ Tulsa, TBA
Thurs., 1/22/09, @ Tulane, TBA
Sat., 1/24/09, @ UTEP, TBA
Thurs., 1/29/09, HOUSTON, 7 PM
Sat., 1/31/09, RICE, 2 PM
Thurs., 2/5/09, @ Southern Miss, TBA
Sat., 2/7/09, @ UCF, TBA
Thurs., 2/12/09, @ Memphis, TBA
Sun., 2/15/09, UAB, 2 PM
Fri., 2/20/09, @ Houston, TBA
Sun., 2/22/09, @ Rice, TBA
Thurs., 2/26/09, TULANE, 7 PM
Sat.

Similar posts: basketball

Want to know what makes AAU basketball such a breeding ground for corruption? In the Amateur Athletic Unionanything goes. There are no special qualifications needed to become an AAU coach, you just do it. Want to start your own AAU team? Go right ahead. Want to have a kid play for you from another state? No problem. There are no rules against recruiting in AAU. Its these types of things that make the game so crooked. The summer AAU circuit has replaced the shoe camp as the most important event in a kids summer. And the AAU coach has replaced the HS school coach as the person with the most say so in the early stages of a kids basketball career.  This is what gives Omhar Carter so much influence. People like him have become power brokers in the world of amateur athletics. College coaches and pro scouts know that theyre prohibited from having direct contact with HS players, so nowadays if they want to get to a kid they just go through his AAU coach to do it. If an AAU coach has a star player like Omhar does in LaQuinton Ross, that relationship gives that coach the leverage and the ability to get anything that he wants for himself. Thats when the kid gets taken advantage of and he becomes a commodity; a product to be on the open market to the highest bidder.
Im not implying that all AAU coaches are bad people. The things that Ive written about can happen anywhere and at the same time they happen everywhere. There are a number of AAU coaches and organizations out there that really care about giving kids an opportunity to live out their dreams and they have programs that are run the right way. Omhar Carter said that the people who talk bad about him are just haters. To that I say where theres smoke, theres fire. People just dont go around calling you and your partner a liar and a thief if there wasnt some truth in there somewhere. Yes, if youre doing something good you will have haters, thats just the world we live in; but if your first order of business or the primary principle in your life is to always operate from a standpoint of integrity, then with that comes trust and respect and it makes it easier to separate the haters from everybody else. With that being said, and after everything that Ive written about him, I dont think that Omhar Carter is a bad person. I think that what hes done with making into what he is and what hes done with the MBA Hoops organization is something to be admired. I just think that he got caught up in himself and the success that hes seen so far has gone to his head and at times has affected his better judgement. The only things that you have thats worth anything in this world is your name, your reputation and your word. You dont want those three things to be associated with anything thats negative. Hopefully he realizes that and takes the steps necessary to get them cleaned up.
Parents, do your homework. Find out everything that you can about an organization before allowing your child to play. Educate yourselves and then educate your kids. I hope that what Ive written has helped both parents and players alike; I did this for you. I would like to personally thank everyone who has followed this story and those who have helped contribute to it. The support is greatly appreciated.

Similar posts: basketball

This was the only blemish for Spain during the opening rounds of Euro '07, where they were crushing all comers. Spain definitely turned the defensive intensity off for Croatia game, and Croatia's stellar outside shooting from Tomas, Kus Popovic was a huge plus. While Spain could be missing Marc Gasol for this game, Croatia could take a bigger hit by probably missing Marko Popovic, and possibly Planinic.

Have to say, I'm not loving the way Spain is playing so far. We know about the U.S. game, but Spain did not look particularly good vs. China or Germany. Granted, they are still 4-1, but maybe I'm expecting more after they played so well the previous two summers during the early rounds. Think some of the uneven play might have to do with the coaching change, something my partner alluded to earlier. They are clearly not hitting their 3pts., reverting back to their dreadful '04 shooting ways--30% from deep in group play (worst in the Olympics). Their outside shooting has really improved the last few years, and has been a key for their emergence as a top threat.

Coach Aito's distributing of minutes has probably helped his young guns like Rubio, Rudy, Marc Gasol prosper. But I think it's come at the expense of lackluster play from veterans like Calderon, Navarro, Garbajosa. Particularly Calderon. You have to remember Calderon was tearing it up last summer at Euros. He was running the Spanish offense to perfection (Coach Pepu was letting him push the pace in transition at his own discretion) really broke out as an outside shooter--he finished 2nd overall in FG% at 55%, and was 19/38 behind the arc for the Euros, 5th best.

But this year, I really think the substitution pattern has hindered Jose's effectiveness verve, not to mention the entire team. This Spanish team rolled thru the '06 Worlds, with only the Argentina game being competitive, last year they cruised thru the Euros besides the hiccup vs. Croatia, and then the shocking loss to Russia. Jose only has five assists total for the Olympics. Yes, five assists. And he's shooting 34% from the floor 5/19 from 3pt range.

One thing is for sure, Aito has to stop playing Raul Lopez give his minutes to Calderon--Jose has to be getting close to 30 minutes per. Maybe Coach Aito is playing possum and just messing with the advance scouts of the other nat'l teams, but he also seems to be messing with the heads of some of his players as well. Also, think he needs to get Garbajosa on the floor more, hand him some minutes alloted for Mumbru Berni. He's still a factor as a help defender.

The one guy who has not been affected by the change in coaching is Pau. Pau is playing nearly as well as he played the two previous summers. The only minus for Pau has been his foul shooting turnovers--actually two things that cost him down the stretch vs. Russia last year.

Not surprisingly, Croatia's fortunes seem to tilt depending on how well they shoot their 3pts. In their three wins, they are 30/48 from deep, and 8/32 in their two losses. Not a huge sample size, but this team has always been reliant on their outside shooting, and beat Spain last year mostly because of a very strong shooting night by some nice offensive rebounding.

Croatia's primary plan of attack is to run their guards off screens play off that action. Roko Ukic Planinic are more dangerous getting in the lane, and don't always need screens to free themselves. Though, Planinic has been shooting the ball well in the Olympics. Meanwhile Davor Kus Marko Popovic are much more potent as shooters, and can drill coming off screens.

Swingman Marko Tomas continues his solid play this summer and is a deft shooter, but also is a good athlete that can make his way to the basket on occasion. But the loss of Popovic is a significant blow to the Croatian offense, and if Planinic can't go, it puts a ton of pressure on Ukic Tomas to produce.

Croatia's frontline players get less pub than their nice collection of guards, but the frontline is actually pretty solid. They won't overwhelm you offensively, but all their bigs give a good effort defensively, especially helping on screens, will board hard. Actually, Croatia is hitting the glass very well in the Olympics--they've outrebounded each opponent by at least 5 per game. And they're very dangerous on the offensive glass.

Bruising big Nikola Prkacin likes to methodically back-in his defender, a la Barkley, often looking to finish with an old-school lefty hook. He teams with Marko Banic, another physical interior option who is a solid defender rebounder. Valuable reserve Kresmir Loncar has continued his strong play from the pre-Olympic qualifier by crashing the boards will look for elbow jumpers much like 7-foot Stanko Barac. S. Nicevic has decent footwork to get some low box points, and is another good help defender.

Spain's main concern has to be to shutdown Croatia's outside shooting. Then to try to keep Croatia off the off. glass. Expect Croatia to bring their physical defense, and anticipate Spain heading to the free throw line quite a lot. My partner feels the Spanish are ripe for an upset, mainly because of Aito's peculiar game management, and I'm seeing Croatia having a great shot in this game. But the Popovic Planinic injuries are making me feel Spain's chances of moving forward more likely. Though, Croatia could hurt Spain on the glass, especially with Marc Gasol out. Think Spain might be able to get by a depleted Croatia with the herky-jekry lineups, but think Spain will have cut down their rotation if they face Lithuania in the semis.


LITHUANIA vs. CHINA:
These teams met in the quarters at the last Olympics when Lithuania was a # 1 seed, and China a #4, and Lithuania rolled by 20. But one factor working in China's favor this time--the '04 game was in Greece, this one is of course in Beijing.

Kleiza has been a stud for the Baltic Bunch, instant offense coming off the bench. Linas is averaging 14 ppg 6 rpg on 54% in only 20 mins per. Linas put the Croatia game away by burying three 3pts early in the 4th after sitting the entire 3rd quarter. As usual, Lithuania has been shooting the ball well, and the patented ball-movement has been there as well.

Jasikevicius has not been quite as superb as last year, but he's still played pretty well. Running his team's offense as well as any point in this tourney. Still turning the rock over too much, but still a playmaker deluxe in pick/rolls.

K. Lavrinovic Javtokas have done a solid job protecting the rim hitting the glass for Lithuania. Javtokas is dangerous working pick/roll with Saras, where he's always capable of dunking on your skull. Not sure you should put much stock in Australia's spanking of Lithuania. Lithuania has a tendency to float thru games that have no meaning.

Think China will have to get their normally reliable outside shooting on track if they want any shot at this upset. Need this aspect to play off Yao in the post. Only shooting 32% thru five games, and this is supposed to be a strength. Though, PG Liu Wei Zhu Fangyu have shot the ball fairly well.

Just have a feeling China can keep his game competitive. They're at home and very well could have the benefit of favorable refs (see Germany game). Also, Lithuania can come out flat vs. teams they don't consider as threats. Lithuania fouls a lot, and China is shooting their free throws well. Lithuania is actually turning the ball over more than China, who usually has a mighty hard time holding onto the ball. (This game could be a TO-fest). China also is coached by Jonas Kazlauskas Donnie Nelson, who have both coached for Lithuania in the past, and should be very familiar with Lithuania's personnel. But think all these factors will have play out perfectly for a China upset.

Similar posts: basketball

adidas Originals Mens Superstar II Basketball ShoeThe adidas Superstar was introduced in 1969 as the first low-top basketball shoe to feature an all-leather upper and the now-famous rubber shell toe. It quickly became a favorite of NBA players and has been in production ever since. This updated version features new materials, colors and stripe executions. Leather upper with rubber herringbone-pattern outsole.
adidas Originals Mens Superstar II Basketball ShoeThe adidas Superstar was introduced in 1969 as the first low-top basketball shoe to feature an all-leather upper and the now-famous rubber shell toe. It quickly became a favorite of NBA players and has been in production ever since. This updated version features new materials, colors and stripe executions. Leather upper with rubber herringbone-pattern outsole.The Superstar was introduced in 1969 as the first low-top basketball shoe featuring an all-leather upper and the now-famous rubber shell toe. By the mid 70s, three-quarters of all NBA players were wearing the new shell toe shoes from adidas, and the Superstar has been in production ever since. Truly a classic, the Superstar II features a soft tumbled leather upper, a rubber cupsole with herringbone traction design, and a die-cut EVA insert for added comfort.

Similar posts: basketball

Then, it is necessary to consider the end game. Basketball betting investing is risky, but becomes more so when money is needed for basic needs. Give yourself a nice cussion of cash and retirement income, suggests Kobayashi Malakai of www.chiron.com, Personally, I save about 10% each month for retirement, 20% as liquid cash for everyday needs, and another 40% for investing. This may sound very demanding, especially with regard to basketball betting investments, but in actuality it is really a reflection of what you want for your future, not necessarily what you want now. All the while, weve always wanted answers about basketball betting and how to better manage such issues. Now, for the first time in ages, Glasscock Brocks will supply you with exclusive basketball betting commentary that cant be beat! Another tip is based on the idea of dollar cost averaging basketball betting portfolios, which is a strong modus operandi in the stock field. The theory is simple and it can payout nicely if investment is done on a consistent basis. Dollar cost averaging for basketball betting investments is best leveraged over a 3 year period, where the investor can choose to buy more shares monthly or bi-monthly. Second only to this idea is the wealth factor, a key indicator showing ones ability to actually breach the basketball betting market and get in while the s good. The wealth factor is simply an expression of ones income and disposable figured by a basketball betting tolerance or risk factor. Then, based on this tolerance level, an appropriate amount of startup basketball betting capital can be allocated. All in all, success with investments in the basketball betting industry come with time. Rarely do people see quick returns, and rarely do people with basketball betting portfolios lose a lot either. remarked Carsen Bilbao, re looking at the long term here. Quick wins are for lotteries and penny poker games, not the basketball betting investment market. I think, given enough time, those who invest in this area will see good returns for their basketball betting money. Further information about the basketball betting industry can be obtained by writing Wilmer Tripplett@www.gpoaccess.gov, or by searching the net with your favorite search engine. Winger Mcalphin of the HOQYT facility recommends starting out slowly with basketball betting purchases and moves, and then moving more aggressively into the market once substantial basketball betting real estate has been acquired. Pedroni Lovette from www.imagemagick.org states it best: We want all of this to be simple and risk to be nominal. The main area in which people have difficutly is assessing their wealth and risk factors. Far too often, we see basketball betting investors jumping into a portfolio that is far too aggressive. The end result can be disasterous, invoking many to file bankruptcy. Be sure to also look at other active markets aside from the basketball betting sector you may follow. By diversifying your portfolio, you diversify your risk and hence can tolerate losses in one basketball betting area by making gains in another. Peppler Difeo of www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com recommends diversifying with three to six various basketball betting companies, and as many different basketball betting mutual funds. I invest heavily in areas that look promising, but also proportionately balance my risk by putting some money in standard investments, such as stocks, bonds, and money market funds, states Peppler Difeo. My top tip is making baby steps before giant leaps, reports Gunnells Eitniear a top analyst from www.nationalacademies.org, By starting slowly, your risk factor is greatly diminished, and financial commitment is much lower. You can get out at any time with minimal losses, or move forward into more risky basketball betting areas with good fundamental knowledge. The motivation to have money from a basketball betting portfolio in the future is great, counters Barnhardt Myles, but dont forget that you cant live in the future forever. Many people fall into the trap of not meeting basic needs in the present, which, logically means that their future will become progressively more difficult. Barnhardt Myles is author of the the famous basketball betting How-To guide Make basketball betting investments work for you, and retire wealthy, recently seen in magazines across the country.

Similar posts: basketball

Casting a line gets less attention than throwing a football. But the OSU bass fishing team proves it doesn’t necessarily take a huge stadium to win games.
OSU’s rising fame in the sports world is not only on the basketball court — bass fishing is also on the rise.
Since late 2006, the team has been competing with schools from coast to coast and colleges closer to home in the Big 12 conference. The fierce rivalry between OSU and OU continues out on the boats where the bigger the bass caught means bragging rights and potential scholarships.

Similar posts: basketball

Once again there was entertainment galore at the Tuks indoor stadium this past Sunday. This round of fixtures started with the girls games that were a bit uneven in terms of team quality. Then the boys took over with some exciting brand of basketball.
Raptors vs. University of Johannesburg – GBL ladies
During the week prior to this round of games, I decided it was high time to cover a Raptors’ team of girls that has been setting the league alight with their performances. Unfortunately this was not the show piece event that I was hoping for. It was another mismatch of big proportions.

Similar posts: basketball

Similar posts: basketball

Similar posts: basketball

Similar posts: basketball

Five of Tennessee's six incoming men's basketball players are enrolled in classes while the other is expected to start school this fall.
Freshmen Phillip Jurick (post) and Renaldo Woolridge and Emmanuel Negedu (forwards) enrolled in the second term of summer school Monday, according to UT assistant coach Jason Shay.
Point guard Bobby Maze, a transfer from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College is finishing up his junior college education and will join the team this fall, Vols' assistant Steve Forbes said.

Similar posts: basketball

Similar posts: basketball