Basketball

2009-10 Mavericks

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:45:55 -0400

The Mav's just tipped off the 2009-10 season. Can anyone explain WHY Eric Dampier is still on the team and starting the game tonight?

John Wooden

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:48:57 -0400

John Wooden turned 99 years old today. What a great influence in the game of Basketball.

SFA Hoops best class ever?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:09:05 -0400

It also looks like Stephen F. Austin has gotten a pair of big commitments from 6'5 J.J. Thomas from Baton Rouge (Scotlandville) LA and 6'4 Amos Olatayo from Alief (Alief-Elsik) TX.

The former is a legitimate top 10-ranked senior in the state, played over the summer for the Brandon Bass Elite club team, and picked the Lumberjacks over schools like Louisiana Tech, Tulane, New Orleans, Louisiana-Monroe, Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana, and UT-San Antonio.

The latter is ranked #6 in the Houston area by Jim Hicks of RCS sports.com, played over the summer on the Houston Lynx Blue club team, and picked the Lumberjacks over schools like Colorado State, New Orleans, Air Force, Arkansas-Little Rock, Sam Houston State, UT-Arlington, Texas State, and The Citadel.

When you also add 5'9 Darius Gardner from Houston (Yates) TX, who also recently verbally committed to Stephen F. Austin, into the equation, it's easy to see why we have the Lumberjacks' recruiting class tied at #39, along with Liberty and St. Joseph's, on our list of the Top Recruiting Classes To-Date for the Class of 2010 and why we think Lumberjacks' assistant coach Ulric Maligi is one of the bright up-and-coming guys in the business

Talent & Wealth Doesn't = Class

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:25:27 -0400

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-j...o&type=lgns

Iverson to the Grizzlies....Thoughts anyone?

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:13:56 -0400

Now we all know Iverson is nearing the end of his career but I was wondering what people thought about him ending up in Memphis as the newest member of the Grizzlies. They might not be much better than usual, but at least they'll have some buzz and some nice jersey sales. They do have a very nice nucleus though with A.I., Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley Jr., Darrell Arthur and Hasheem Thabeet.

Craig Smoak

99.3 TALK FM Sports Department
Smoaky.com Vice President
csmoak@smoaky.com/craig@993talkfm.com

Dirk gets great news...

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:40:49 -0400

I bet he's going to celebrate tonight. I know I would.

Dirk's ex not pregnant

Craig Smoak

99.3 TALK FM Sports Department
Smoaky.com Vice President
csmoak@smoaky.com/craig@993talkfm.com

18-2a Basketball

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:09:52 -0400

I think it will be a bit closer race this year. as a card fan i think that Sabine is the favorite but other teams are catching up.

1-Sabine
2-White Oak
3-Winona
4-Harmony
5-New Diana
6-EF
7-Union Grove
8-Harleton

Let me here some noise on these predictions

2009 NBA Draft

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:53:23 -0400

I know there is already a thread about the Dallas draft, but I know that there more than just Maverick fans on this site so I made this thread to talk about other teams drafts or just the draft in general.

First, I just want to applaud my team the Oklahoma City Thunder for not drafting Ricky Rubio, and for picking (in my opinion) the second safest player in the draft after Griffin, James Harden. Especially after this morning since Rubio's father is saying that he might play in Spain for 2 more years. Not only does this show faith in Westbrook, the PG we drafted last year who developed very well throughout the season, but it helps us in one of the positions we needed most.

Second, I want to applaud the Thunder again for stealing Mullens from Dallas for some PG that I have never heard of.

Third, the Spurs have helped themselves alot in the few days, first by getting Richard Jefferson and second by possibly getting the steal of the draft Blair in the second round. Bad knees or not Blair will be a good of the bench player for the Spurs.

and finally 4th, What was Minnesota thinking! How could a team with 4 picks in the 1st round mess up so bad to passiby only really get one player.

Dallas Mavs Draft Day

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:30:46 -0400

Please... Someone explain why Dallas traded a 7'1 center for another guard

Dallas has a lack of big men. I don't understand what Cuban and the others are thinking?

Big NBA Trade

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:39:54 -0400

Apparently its a done deal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285489

LeBron James

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:37:53 -0400

I like Lebron James I also think he is good for pro basketball. I know many of you may not. List your reason's why. Either good or bad.

Orlando V.S LA Lakers

Sun, 31 May 2009 01:17:10 -0400

I think the Magic will win this seiers in 7.

do you think the NBA fix games?

Thu, 28 May 2009 21:25:01 -0400

y or y not

Orlando V.S. Cleveland

Thu, 21 May 2009 01:46:50 -0400

How about the Magic going into Cleveland and stealing one, hopefully Orlando can keep this up and take the East. I say Oralndo in 6

NUGGETS vs Lakers

Tue, 19 May 2009 21:20:55 -0400

Just wondering if anyone is still watching any of the playoffs....

Denver in 6. Puh-leeeeeeeeeease!!!!!

DMN: Mavs may go after Shaq

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:36:55 -0400

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/...amp;eref=fromSI

The rumored deal would send Dampier and Stackhouse to the Suns for Shaq. The Suns would then buy out Stackhouse's contract and release him. This would save the Suns enough money under the salary cap to sign Amare Stoudemire to a long-term extension and potentially go after another star in the loaded 2010 free agent class.

Dallas needs a physical big man in the middle, and Shaq proved this year that he can still bring it. I would not mind this trade considering Dallas would not be giving up much of anything.

What I would really like Dallas to do is work a deal with Atlanta to bring in Marvin Williams and Acie Law, who are both being shopped.

What are the chances...

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:55:05 -0400

that the Nuggets take out the Lakers, and it's a Nuggets vs Cavs finals?

Flagrant Call

Mon, 11 May 2009 23:13:01 -0400

You can argue how bad the call was at the end of game 3 all you want

but I just watched one even worse flagrant call on Terry at end of half was kind of like huh what game are you watching then he got a t for arguing led tp 5 nugget points at the end of the half

The Mavericks problem is inconsistency at Coach

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:53:03 -0400

Hey all. The Mavs will never get a Championship, until Mark Cuban lets a coach be a coach. If you look at most of the successful teams...well in just about all sports, SHORT-TERM coaches dont cut it. If the owners keep switching coaches at the drop of a hat, the players can never find a system that CAN be successful. It dosent help when your owner is very un-sportsman-like and constantly getting fined,cussing out officials on live tv, and he is actually HURTING his teams efforts. Yeah sure the missed call in game three was bad, but calls like that happen every year, to many teams...get over it! Cuban needs to keep Rick(coach) around, and let the players gravitate towards his system...this takes TIME. Even though they are out of the playoffs, the Spurs still have the Best system in the league. You can say what ya want about age,ache knees, whatever. The Spurs always have a system where you can add a few pieces, and its off to the playoffs, and possibly another title run. They also have a long-tenured coach in Popovich, which the Spurs owner has a lot of faith in. It took TIME for Popovich to get his system in place...years not months. Its no wonder Mike Brown of Cleveland copyed POPS system....cause it is successful! OWNERS ENJOY YOUR TEAM IN THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES, AND REMEMBER ITS NOT ABOUT YOU, ITS ABOUT THE FANS!!!! JJS

Woman arrested at Dirk's house...

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:52:44 -0400

Apparently Dirk Nowitzky has been dating a serial con artist. Absolutely horrible turn of events.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...t.2712b2a3.html

I feel much pain for the guy.

Rockets over Lakers

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:54:09 -0400

The Rockets beat the Lakers last night 100-92. Playing solid basketball right now. Hope they continue to "shock" what most feel will happen.

Lebron Named MVP

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:49:04 -0400

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/200...tory?id=4135263

Bulls vs. Celtics

Fri, 01 May 2009 21:45:16 -0400

What a great series. Is anybody else enjoying watching this one?

MAVS VS NUGGETS

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:45:20 -0400

I think this is going to be a close series but Denver will be to much. Hope I'm wrong.

Nuggets in 7

SPURS vs MAVS

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:55:41 -0400

As I was so politely reminded first thing this morning , my beloved SPURS are down in the series 1 - 0. I will admit that my boys look like I feel - old, tired, and worn out.... Even though Dirk looked okay..., I still hold onto the belief that anything can happen and usually does - hopefully, Dirk will choke.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the Mavs fans out there in Smoakydom!

NBA Finals

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:48:03 -0400

Who do you see in the NBA Finals and whats the outcome?

I see the Lakers over the Cavs in 6.

Mavericks

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:13:19 -0400

Ok, the Mavs are in the playoffs! My prediction is they will get the 6th seed and defeat Houston in the first round.
Hot topic in Dallas this week is free agents and trades concerning next year.

1) Shaq says he wants to play in Dallas next year. Mark Cuban has no comment and says Shaq isnt a "top priority" but, they WILL look at that possibility.
2) Cuban also says a large number of big names will become available after the season, and the Mavs are 1 of only 3 or 4 teams, willing to take on big contracts.
3) Apparently the Mavs, according to ESPN, offered New Orleans all of its expiring contracts in exchange for Chris Paul, Tyson chandler and Peja S. New Orleans' owner is VERY "thrifty" and considered it. This would have saved him millions. Apparently the Mavs are gonna offer the same deal again, after this season.

PG Chris Paul
PF Dirk Nowitzki
SF Josh Howard
SF Peja
C Tyson Chandler

Mavericks are back into the spending mood and I love it! This trade probably has a 2% chance of actually happening, but its a idea of how Cuban is thinking. The offseason will be VERY interesting, especially if the Mavs don't make it out of the first round again. Any thoughts?

May 15-17 Basketball Tournament in Orange, TX

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:12:05 -0400

Texas Flyers Spring Basketball Tournament

for School Teams

Ages: Boys currently in grades 5-11. Brackets of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade, as well as Junior Varsity and Varsity brackets

When: May 15-17, 2009

Where: Orange, Texas 77632

Little Cypress High School & Junior High Gymnasiums

Entry Fee: $225 per team, 3 games guaranteed

Registration deadline April 24, 2009

Late registration until May 1st ($25 late fee)

Registration available by email

cmbabcock@sbcglobal.net

or calling Chrissy Babcock at

409-883-7158

More information is available on our website � Check it out!

www.leaguelineup.com/texasflyers

Richland College D3 JUCO National Champs

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:04:47 -0400

Richland College out of the Dallas Metro Athletic Conference won the Division 3 JUCO National Championship. Congrats Coach Jon Felmet, a National Championship in only his 2nd year as a head coach.

LeBron James leaked 60 Minutes clip

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:29:00 -0400

This video was leaked for an upcoming airing on 60 Minutes. The shot is unreal. Here's the link - LeBron James 60 Minutes

SFA vs Syracruse

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:28:02 -0400

I dont even know if they can hang at all, but would love to see a major upset. What you think?

Smoaky.com's NCAA ESPN "Bracket Madness"

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:11:49 -0400

Dear Membership,

It's the most wonderful time of the year again with the incredibly popular NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!

Here's how to enter the Smoaky.com NCAA Tournament Challenge, sponsored by Papa John's Pizza, Better Ingredients, Better Pizza, and by The Four Seasons Resort & Club at Las Colinas.

***RULES AND ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS***

Here's how to enter your MAXIMUM TWO entries:

1. Go to espn.com's tournament frontpage http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage
2. Register & Sign in
3. Click "Create Entry"
4. Fill out all information that is required and click on "Submit Entry Settings"

Now you can either search for the smoaky.com group (click on create or join group
under your entry name)

OR

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/groupfind?entryID=201280

Group: Smoaky.com
Password: smoaky

Once again, no more than TWO entries per person, and if you enter more than twice, we will eliminate any additional entries or the first entries we find.

No more than two (2) entries per "HOUSEHOLD" unless the entries come from a separate I.P. Address, no exceptions.

If we receive a minimum of 400 entries, we will have a "Winner Take All" Grand Prize to include a "Weekend for Two" to the Luxurious Five-Star Four Seasons Resort & Club at Las Colinas.

Certificate will specify what is included during the weekend.

ESPN defines the deadline for entry, which is usually on the morning of the opening round on Thursday, March 19th.

Good luck and let's enjoy the upsets, buzzer-beaters, and a well-deserving National Champion, and Smoaky.com Bracket Madness winner.

David Smoak

Penn State won?!?!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:36:40 -0500

How did Battle actually make this shot?

Here's the clip if you missed it - Battle Penn State

Monster Dunk -- Jeff Teague

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:10:48 -0500

Did you see this dunk? I think Teague got a second date.

Here's the video link: Jeff Teague Dunk

Devin Harris 50 ft Buzzer Beater

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:31:21 -0500

Did you see this amazing shot? It looks like he was fouled and committed a self pass.

Here's the link Devin Harris 50ft Buzzer Beater

T-MAC

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:39:39 -0500

TRACY MACGRADY IS HURT AGAIN. SO WHAT'S NEW? IF YOU ADDED UP ALL OF THE MINUTES HE HAS ACTUALLY PLAYED AND DIVIDED THEM BY HIS SALARY, HE WOULD BE THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE IN HISTORY AS FAR AS DOLLARS PER MINUTE PLAYED. HE NEEDS TO JUST RETIRE AND LET THE ROCKETS GO OUT AND GET A PLAYER THAT WON'T GET HURT EVERYTIME HE WAKES UP IN THE MORNING. THE MEDIA NEEDS TO STOP CALLING HIM A "SUPERSTAR PLAYER"! HE ALWAYS CHOKED IN THE PLAYOFFS WHEN HE WAS HEALTHY ENOUGH TO PLAY.

Trade possibilities

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:10:37 -0500

Aside from the playoffs, this is my favorite time of the NBA year. ESPN.com has a very useful little tool, the trade machine, and it also shows how it could possibly affect the win column, tabulating the increase or decrease in projected wins as a result of the trade. I came up with 4 trades that would seriously help Dallas in their playoff push.

Dampier, Stackhouse, and Wright to Phoenix for Shaq. It results in a 4 win gain for Dallas, and 5 more losses for Phoenix, which would knock them out of the playoff hunt most likely.

Dampier and Wright to Toronto for Chris Bosh. A whopping +7 for Dallas and -8 for Toronto, who was going in the tank this year anyway.

Jason Kidd to the Clippers for Baron Davis and Marcus Camby would result in 3 gained wins for Dallas, and 7 lost wins for the Clippers.

Dampier and Wright to Chicago for Gooden and Ben Gordon, which would net 6 more wins for Dallas and 3 more losses for Chicago.

a special kind of stupid......

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:59:57 -0500

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (AP) - Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson was arrested in Scottsdale after police said he was driving 55 mph above the limit with his unrestrained 3-year-old son in the car.

A Scottsdale police officer first saw Richardson driving 67 mph in a 40 mph zone Sunday night and followed him, police said Monday. That's when the officer clocked him at 90 mph in a 35 mph zone and pulled him over.

Police said Richardson admitted to speeding and identified himself as a Suns player. The officer saw Richardson's son in the back seat of the car and that he was not in a child seat.

Richardson said he had taken his son to dinner and was on his way home.

He was arrested and charged with reckless driving, excessive speeding and failure to use a child seat. He was released from jail after a few hours.

Police said Richardson's wife responded to the scene of the stop and took custody of the boy.

i mean if you're that dumb and you want to endanger your own life, knock it out of the park. the 3 year old really didn't have much of a say in the matter though.

Big man's giant dunk

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:54:48 -0500

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin throws down a monster dunk
By Chris Chase LINK

In case playing for the No. 2 team in the country, earning front-runner status for National Player of the Year honors and widely being considered a lock to become the No. 1 pick in June's NBA Draft wasn't enough for Oklahoma's Blake Griffin, the 6-10 forward can now add monster-dunker to his r�sum�.

During Saturday's 77-72 Sooner win over Colorado, Griffin threw down (literally) one of the nastiest, rim-rattling jams you'll see all season:

---> Watch It

Throw a green jersey on Griffin and give him a hi-top fade, and you'd have thought that dunk was from Shawn Kemp.

It wasn't the only Griffin highlight of the afternoon. He had a windmill dunk on a breakaway that was pretty impressive as well.

need help

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:45:09 -0500

I would like to get my son in a summer league.If anyone knows of one I would appreciate the help.He will be a freshman next year.

Saturday Basketball

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:05:02 -0500

Two big games this Saturday at Wagstaff Gym!!

TJC vs Jacksonville.

Ladies at @ 2
Men @ 4

TJC men lead the North at 17-2 8-2
J'Ville men lead the South 17-4 9-1

Should be a good one.

and the Belles will perform at halftime!

Hope to see you there!

Durant snubbed from All Star team

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:45:20 -0500

Here's how Kevin Durant ranks among SF's in the West. Apparently not worthy of AllStar game consideration.

Points PG - 1
Rebounds PG - 1
Assists PG - 2
FG% - 3
FT% - 1
3 PT% - 4
Steals PG - 3
Blocks PG - 2
Double-Doubles - 1

Sabine Girls Basketbaell

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:13:56 -0500

I wanted to see how the Sabine Girls' team was doing this year. Also checking to see how Coach Bell is doing.

Favorite Basketball Player

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:51:19 -0500

Not neccessarily the BEST NBA player... Just your favorite!

Basketball Scores?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:02:36 -0500

Looking at Whitewright high school and need scores. Thanks.

Jacksonville College Jaguars

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:41:00 -0500

JC's men are now 6-0 in the very tough reigion 14. The have posted road wins at Blinn, and SanJac, and just this past Wednesday toppled the other undefeated team and cross town rival Lon Morris. The Jags are undersized but have blazing speed and alot of heart. Go Jags

on that note Coach Nabi's Lady Jags are playing much better ball than thier record would indicate right now. Had a big win vs Lon Morris Wednesday and recently took TVCC to OT on the road before falling.

Go Lady Jags

TJC womens basketball

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:39:51 -0500

What is going on with TJC women's basketball. They seem to be having a really bad season. Who are the better teams in the conference since they are down

Your Starting 5

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:59:21 -0500

I really enjoy these threads.

Name 5 people that you would want to start on your basketball team. They can be retired of still active.

You can name 5 point guards or 5 centers i dont care, As long as you have 5.

Greatest 3 Point Shooters Ever?

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:47:37 -0500

NBA- Reggie Miller

College-Kyle Mclarney

NCAA Mens BBall

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:01:24 -0500

North Carolina is AMAZING

Celtics

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:51:35 -0500

These guys are even better than last year... I don't want to start it yet but is it possible they could...

REPEAT

TJC Basketball

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:12:22 -0500

Men's and Women's basketball in action tonight at Wagstaff Gym vs Panola
The Ladies play at 5:30 and the Men at 7:30!

The men are off to a 11-0 start and Panola's men are 10-1. Should be a good one! Come fill the stands at Wag!

Go Apaches!!!!!!

UT TYLER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:12:45 -0500

How are they doing this year? There were suppose to be two girls from Winnsboro on this team. What happened that they are not on the team.

Mark Cuban in trouble

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:10:38 -0500

Charges filed against Cuban for insider trading.

Sabine Dominates Chapel Hill

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:54:16 -0500

Sabine Dominates Chapel Hill In Basketball. Last Night, In Chapel Hill.
Sabine Played Hard. So Did Chapel.
Total Domination In The Second Quarter.
Final Score 60 To 44.

Sabine Wins!!!!!

spurs

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:59:13 -0500

well sanantonio fell to 1-4 and now tony parker will be out at least 2 weeks i dont think the spurs will make the playoffs

TKG basketball 08-09

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:59:45 -0400

TKG going playoffs...looking well. Returning starters Nick Brunson(6'2), Stephen Ray(6'7), Alex Fergerson(6'0), Riley Floyd(6'3), and now Casey Allare(5'11) as the fifth man.

Nick Brunson avging last season-12 pts, 10 rebs, and 5 assists a game. Has made much improvement this summer athletic wise.

Stephen Ray avging last season- 10 pts, 10 rebs, and close to 6 blocks a game, is looking smooth as his game is progressing.

Other varsity players have made leaps and bounds this summer. Should be a great team.

Lakers off to Fast Start

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:25:29 -0400

On opening night, the Lakers smashed the Blazers 96-76 lead by Kobe's 23 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Bynum had 8 points and 3 rebounds in his 1st game since going down with a knee injury last year. The Lakers out scored Portland in all 4 quarters.

Last night, the Lakers made easy work of the Clippers, 117-79. Seven different Lakers finish with double digits in scoring, lead by Bryant's 16. Bynum had a much better game with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

The Lakers are 2-0 and will next play the Nuggets in Denver on Nov. 1st.

Who wins it all?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:20:43 -0400

I know it is only 3 days into the season but lets have some fun.

Who wins the NBA Championship???

Who is the MVP(for the season)???

2010 NBA All-Star Game

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:12:09 -0400

Sources: Mavs team with Cowboys to host 2010 All-Star Game

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com
(Archive)

The Dallas Mavericks and the NBA, in a joint venture with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, will announce Thursday that the league's 2010 All-Star Game will be played at the new stadium soon to be opened by the Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.

Sources told ESPN.com that a formal announcement has been scheduled at American Airlines Center before the Mavericks' season opener Thursday night against the Houston Rockets.

The league office declined comment Tuesday.

Said Mavericks owner Mark Cuban when reached by e-mail: "You will just have to show up and find out."

Word emerged during last season's NBA playoffs that the two Dallas franchises were interested in co-staging the event at the Cowboys' new $1.1 billion facility in Arlington, which is scheduled to open in time for the 2009 NFL season.

Cuban had maintained for years that he had no interest in the Mavericks serving as All-Star Game hosts because so many of his season-ticket holders would lose their seats to league control, as the NBA has historically used All-Star Weekend to entertain various sponsors. But in a football-sized stadium, those reservations wouldn't apply.

"It's important to me to find a venue that can support all of our season ticket-holders and all of the visitors who would come to Dallas for the game," Cuban told The Dallas Morning News in May. "We are exploring all of our options."

The Phoenix Suns will host the NBA All-Star Game this season. The league has not chosen a host city for any other games beyond 2010 and NBA commissioner David Stern recently backed off on the league's interest in staging an All-Star Game overseas.

"It would be neat from a player perspective, really neat, to play in either Paris or London or Berlin," Stern said last week of an All-Star Game in Europe. "But the logistics of it ... is at the moment causing us not to rush out and make plans.

"I'm not saying never, but we have sort of a domestic agenda to burn off for the moment in a positive way. So I didn't want to sort of suggest that something was in the offing that wasn't.

Dallas last hosted the All-Star Game at the soon-to-be demolished Reunion Arena in 1986. The last NBA All-Star Game to be played in a football-sized venue was in 1996 at San Antonio's Alamodome.

Not sure if I like it, but it should be an impressive sight if they sell out the venue. There would have to be close to 100k people in attendance.

Down Goes Oden! Down Goes Oden! Down Goes Oden!

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:01:16 -0400

Blazers rookie Oden leaves first NBA game with foot injury

By J.A. Adande
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden injured his right foot in the first half of the opening-night game against the Los Angeles Lakers and did not return. A Trail Blazers spokesman said Oden would have an X-ray on the foot.

Oden, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, had microfracture surgery on his right knee in September of 2007 and missed all of last season, As of Tuesday night, exactly one year and four months after he was drafted, he has yet to score his first NBA point. He missed four field goals and two free throws in 13 minutes of play.

Could this actually be the 2008 version of Sam Bowie? For his sake, I hope not. He had looked strong in the preseason.

Mavs This Season

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:41:20 -0400

Do yall think the mavs will have over or under 50 wins this season?? past few seasons this season looks like the weakest team yet, but the past few seasons the mavs have surprised everybody in every aspect...so who knows

Josh Howard

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:21:34 -0400

Did any of yall read or hear what this guy had to say. He stated that it was an idiot that was saying that stuff. WEll he may have taken the 1st step but it gonna take alot more to win me back to the Mavs and Josh Howard. I also think Cuban needs to come out and make amends for the things he did to the ones that sent him emails as well.

Jacob Holmen Whitehouse

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:01:17 -0400

East Texas get some recognition with Whitehouse senior included on the cover of Texas Preps Magazine. Congrats!!

http://www.texprepsbasketball.com/images/T...008%20Print.pdf

Josh Howard

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:06:09 -0400

Josh Howard has done it again according to ESPN. Clink the link to see just how stupid this guy really is.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3592734

Wills Point Basketball Clinic (September 20th)

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:59:25 -0400

Name: Jimmy Wallace
Email: jwallace_wp@yahoo.com
Message: I am the boys head basketball coach at Wills Point High School and I wanted to know if you could post an upcoming basketball clinic at Wills Point on Smoaky.com. The clinic will be on Saturday, Sept. 20th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The clinic speakers are Doug Boxell from Ponder High School and Jeff Lieberman from Thorndale High School.You can register online or fax-512-365-1315 http://championclinics.synthasite.com/
My email address is jwallace_wp@yahoo.com if anyone has any questions about the clinic. Thanks.

Nice Start Fellas

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:25:42 -0400

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3567481

Ron Artest: "I'm still ghetto..."

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:42:15 -0400

Report: Artest replies to Yao, seeks 'commitment' from Rockets

ESPN.com news services
Updated: July 31, 2008, 12:52 PM ET
Comment
Email
Print

The potential trade of Ron Artest to the Houston Rockets may have gotten off on the wrong foot over comments made by Artest's potential teammate, Yao Ming, about Artest's stormy past.

Hopefully, [Artest isn't] fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands.
--Yao Ming
A day after the Rockets and Sacramento Kings agreed in principle to a deal sending Artest to Houston for Bobby Jackson, Donte Greene and a first-round draft pick, Yao expressed concerns about team chemistry to the Houston Chronicle and referenced Artest's involvement in the 2004 brawl with Pistons fans.
"Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands," Yao said, according to the Chronicle.

When asked about those comments, Artest said Yao had bought into "all the propaganda" about him, according to The Sacramento Bee.

"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto," Artest said, according to the report. "That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about.

"If you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there," Artest added, according to the report. "Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed."
The agreed-to deal sending Artest to Houston cannot become official until Aug. 14. And Artest, who has one year remaining on his contract, also said he was looking for a long-term deal from the Rockets, according to the report.

"We've still got to make sure there's still a commitment [from the Rockets]," Artest said, according to the Bee. "That's the main thing, is to make sure there's still a commitment. When I speak to the powers-that-be of the Houston Rockets' organization, we're going to find out how much they really want me there. We'll find out. I'm still waiting to find out if this is just a trade or if this is like a long-term commitment-type thing. I haven't spoken to anybody yet. I'm still waiting."

That appeared to be a shift in Artest's outlook from earlier Wednesday, when he told ESPN.com of the trade, "I'll be a kid in a candy store … I'm going to dance with the stars."

He also said he's waiting for a phone call from Yao, according to the Bee.

"I guess once Yao Ming approves [the deal], I'll be a Houston Rocket," Artest said, according to the report. "[Yao] probably should've called me first. But at the same time, it's Yao Ming's team.

"Whatever Yao Ming wants me to do, I'll be there. Whatever Tracy McGrady tells me to do, that's how it's going to go down. Ultimately, whatever [Rockets] coach Rick Adelman tells me to do is exactly what I'm going to do."

I'm no big fan of the NBA, and Artest's comments represent one of the reasons why. This guy, like many others in the league, just doesn't get it. Why tarnish your on-court abilities by having this type of attitude about your reputation?

Mavs making moves

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:40:43 -0400

the mavericks sign SG Gerald Green...Green avg. 10 points with the celtics before being traded to minnesota in the kevin garnett deal. i think this is a great move by the mavs...Green is only 22 years old

also! the mavs have a verbal commitment from desegana diop to sign as a free agent on july 9th.

the mavs are making some smart moves this offseason.

Mavs sign former Houston HS Star

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:23:37 -0400

" target="_blank">Mavs sign SG

He has yet to do ANYTHING...but if he signed for vet minimum (which I don't think counts against the MLE) then I'm all for this.
You must surround Kidd with young athletic wing players and he at least fits those descriptions...maybe Rick can harness this talent.

PS: Looks like BDiddy will be playing for the Clippers.

Celtics

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:46:47 -0400

Beantown basketball gets another championship. I wonder what city has the most with all sports involved?

Traitor or not?

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:23:09 -0400

Is Becky Hammon a traitor or savvy capitalist?
Barbara Barker

This is not your father's Olympics. Nor is it your father's world. Nothing more drives that point home in sports than the fact that Becky Hammon will be competing for Russia in this summer's Olympics.

That's right. Becky Hammon, the blond WNBA point guard from America's heartland, is going to march into the Olympic Stadium in China under a Russian flag, wearing a Russian uniform. And perhaps the biggest irony of all is that Russia, a country that for years represented the antithesis if everything free market, bought her services - fast tracking her to a Russian citizenship after she signed a four-year contract for more than $2 million to play for CSKA, a Russian professional team, last winter.

Though Hammon received her citizenship several months ago, it wasn't until recently with the start of the WNBA season and the Summer Olympics approaching that her decision received a lot of attention. Suddenly, everywhere her San Antonio team goes she is being asked about her decision with cyber pundits questioning her patriotism.

Is Becky Hammon a traitor?

Or is she simply a savvy capitalist, trying to make the most of her opportunities in a global economy?

Your answer to this has much to do with your age as it does your politics.

That's because the Olympic plot line, like the world, used to be so simple. For years, it was the U.S. versus the Soviet Bloc, freedom versus the Big Brother, capitalism versus a state-run economy, good guys versus bad guys.

The Olympics never would have become the television spectacle they are today without the Cold War as a backdrop. Without it, we wouldn't have had some of sport's most dramatic moments. Would the 'Miracle on Ice' be anything more than a big win? Would the Soviet basketball team have taken the gold from the Americans in Munich? Would television announcers have spent so much time talking about what gymnastics and skating judges were from Soviet Bloc countries and debating how it impacted their scoring?

Yet, to most of today's athletes this is ancient history. Hammon wasn't even a year old when the U.S. Hockey team beat the Soviet Union. She was 12 years old when the Berlin Wall came down. Hammon's Russia is about as far away from a communist country as one can get: Forbes magazine recently estimated that there are 33 billionaires in Moscow, more than any other city in the world including New York which has only 31.

This is not the Russia many Americans grew up cheering against.

For years, Americans have played for other teams. Usually the vehicle for participation is some sort of family tie. More than half of the Greek Olympic softball players in 2004 were Americans, who meet the requirement of having at least one great-grandparent from Greece which had never previously fielded a softball team in international competition.

Hammon has no Russian ancestry and had never been to the country before singing a contract to play professionally there. Yet, under Russian rules, a player who has not played for another country internationally can become a naturalized citizen and then play for the Olympic team.

And that's what Hammon, who finished second in the WNBA's MVP voting last year, decided to do after she was not one of the first 23 players invited to contend for spots on the U.S. team. She decided she was going to go where she was wanted.

"I didn't say no to USA Basketball," Hammon recently told the Houston Chronicle. "The option for me to play for USA Basketball really wasn't an option. ... I don't think people would be as upset if I was playing for Switzerland. God loves Russia just as much as God loves America."

It's an idea we are all getting used to.

NBA dismisses allegations of rigging from ex-referee

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:58:34 -0400

By TOM HAYS

NEW YORK (AP) - NBA commissioner David Stern dismissed allegations from a former referee at the center of a gambling scandal that the 2002 playoff series was rigged by league referees and officials, calling the claims baseless.

"He turned on basically all of his colleagues in an attempt to demonstrate that he is not the only one who engaged in criminal activity," Stern said of Tim Donaghy before Game 3 of the NBA finals in Los Angeles on Tuesday. "The U.S. attorney's office, the FBI have fully investigated it, and Mr. Donaghy is the only one who is guilty of a crime."

The allegations about the 2002 series were contained in a letter filed by a lawyer for Donaghy, who pleaded guilty last year to felony charges alleging he took cash payoffs from gamblers and bet on games himself. Donaghy, 41, faces up to 33 months in prison at sentencing on July 14.

Without identifying anyone or naming teams, Donaghy also claimed the NBA routinely encouraged refs to ring up bogus fouls to manipulate results but discouraged them from calling technical fouls on star players to keep them in games and protect ticket sales and television ratings.

"If the NBA wanted a team to succeed, league officials would inform referees that opposing players were getting away with violations," the letter said. "Referees then would call fouls on certain players, frequently resulting in victory for the opposing team."

Donaghy's lawyer has sought to convince a federal judge in Brooklyn that Donaghy, of Bradenton, Fla., deserves more credit for coming forward before he was charged to disclose behind-the-scenes misconduct within the NBA. The letter, filed Monday, suggests prosecutors have hurt Donaghy's chances for a lesser prison term by downplaying the extent of his cooperation.

Both Donaghy's attorney, John Lauro, and prosecutors declined comment.

The league said the scandal was limited to Donaghy and two co-defendants, both former high school classmates who also pleaded guilty to gambling charges.

"The NBA remains vigilant in protecting the integrity of our game and has fully cooperated with the government at every stage of its investigation," Richard Buchanan, NBA executive vice president and general counsel, said in a statement. "The only criminal activity uncovered is Mr. Donaghy's."

Larnell McMorris, a spokesman for the NBA referees union, said in a statement that Donaghy "has had honesty and credibility issues from the get-go."

Donaghy's letter said that in the first of several meetings with prosecutors and the FBI in New York in 2007, he named names while describing "various examples of improper interactions and relationships between referees and other league employees, such as players, coaches and management." For example, it said, referees broke NBA rules by hitting up players for autographs, socializing with coaches and accepting meals and merchandise from teams.

In one of several allegations of corrupt refereeing, Donaghy said he learned in May 2002 that two referees known as "company men" were working a best-of-seven series in which "Team 5" was leading 3-2. In the sixth game, he alleged they purposely ignored fouls made by opponent "Team 6" and made phantom calls putting its players at the free-throw line.

"Team 6" won the game and came back to win the series, the letter said.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080611/D917RFNG0.html

Lakers - Celtics

Sat, 31 May 2008 13:51:24 -0400

What are your thoughts?

Baylor

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:20:40 -0400

Baylor signed Kendall Wright last football season to a full ride scholaship in both basketball and football.
He is the best athlete in texas and i dont see that changing at the next level. He will be a kick returner and inside reciever for the bears and a guard for the basketball team. Good luck to him and i hope he does well.

Im sensing school records to be broken

Sampson accepts position with Bucks

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:18:13 -0400

Kelvin Sampson wants to restore his reputation and continue his career, and hopes he took a step in that direction by accepting a job as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

But Sampson will pass on the chance to explain his version of a messy divorce with Indiana University until after an NCAA hearing in mid-June.

"More will come out, and I'll be more than happy to talk after that," Sampson said.

Sampson's new boss, Bucks coach Scott Skiles, cautioned people not to jump to conclusions about Sampson's character.

"Maybe when this all comes out, it will end up not being as serious as originally thought," Skiles said.

Sampson, who resigned from Indiana Feb. 22 and accepted a $750,000 buyout after an NCAA report charged him with five major rules violations, agreed to become an assistant to Skiles earlier this month and was introduced in a news conference Monday.

Sampson said his reputation is "very important" to him, but only knows one way to regain it.

"Just be who I've been my entire life," Sampson said. "Sometimes you take hits that you have to overcome, but that's something that I just work at as I go forward."

Skiles said Sampson deserved another chance.

"I've been the direct beneficiary of second and third chances in my own life, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to return the favor for some things people did for me," Skiles said.

But Skiles said that wasn't the main reason he hired Sampson.

"The big, big reason is that he's a hell of a coach," Skiles said.

Bucks general manager John Hammond said the team didn't have any concerns about Sampson's character.

"The circumstances that are involved in the NCAA are completely different from the NBA," Hammond said. "I don't want to say they're non-factors, but our game's a different game. Our rules are different, and how we handle things. So he's going to get a fresh start here in the NBA and I think he's going to be a great one."

Sampson wasn't willing to talk about the circumstances behind his exit from Indiana on Monday, but he and his legal team recently issued a 75-page response to the NCAA's allegations.

The main theme of Sampson's response was that the coach didn't knowingly - a word that appeared in italics in the text - violate the recruiting restrictions the NCAA put in place after the Hoosiers hired Sampson in 2006.

Sampson wrote that his life "has been a nightmare" and his family has "suffered profoundly" along with him.

"I have been judged by many in the media and public to be a cheat and a liar and I have lost my job - all long before I will have had an opportunity to present my case to you," Sampson wrote.

Indiana is scheduled to appear before the infractions committee June 14 in Seattle. Sampson and new Indiana coach Tom Crean both are expected to attend the hearing.

Sampson praised Crean, a close friend who left Marquette to become his replacement.

"Tom will do great," Sampson said. "He's an outstanding person, excellent coach. I think it's a great fit. Tom would do well anywhere, though. He's just really good at what he does, he's very conscientious, will get kids to compete and play."

Sampson took the Indiana job in March 2006 and two months later was penalized by the NCAA for making 577 impermissible phone calls between 2000 and 2004 while coaching Oklahoma.

The second wave of charges emerged in October when a university investigation found Sampson and his staff made more than 100 impermissible calls while still under recruiting restrictions. Sampson also was said to have participated in at least 10 three-way calls, another violation of the NCAA's punishment.

At the time, the school imposed additional sanctions upon itself but Sampson seemed likely to keep his job. But an NCAA report released in February by Indiana said Sampson provided false and misleading information to investigators.

He resigned, and now will try to resume his career in the NBA.

He'll be learning on the job, spending most of his career in college until he became an informal consultant to San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich in recent months.

Based on that experience, Sampson said he didn't see a huge difference between professional and college players.

"I think everybody wants to be coached," Sampson said. "That's the thing that really jumped out at me, watching 'Pop,' and he has an unbelievable staff. Just watching him on a daily basis, how eager from Tim Duncan to Jacque Vaughn and everybody in between, those guys really embrace being coached."

And Sampson's commitment to the NBA appears to be a long-term one.

"As far as a career path, I'm committed to doing this and learning it and being as good as I can at it," Sampson said. "And I consider myself fortunate to be on a staff with a veteran guy like Scott that's had a lot of success."

Sampson chuckled at the thought of traveling to Indianapolis to play the Pacers, knowing he'll likely face a harsh reception from Indiana fans.

"I hope we win," Sampson said.

2008 Burger King Classic

Mon, 19 May 2008 23:20:01 -0400

This years Burger King Classic is going to be one of the best classics with regards to competitive games and the highlight of the classic is going to be Avinger and Laneville in the nightcap on Sat. night.

SPURS and Lakers

Mon, 19 May 2008 23:12:06 -0400

I have to stay with my heart-attack boys!

SPURS in 6!!!!!

YIPPEE - I'll be in San Antonio this next weekend! I love the atmosphere of that city when playoff fever is in the air.

GO, SPURS, GO!!!!!

In the infamous words of the Rolling Stones - "Hey, you, get off of my cloud!" Don't be hatin....

3 Games to Play...

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:57:11 -0400

3 of the 4 conference semifinals series tied 2-2. These are 3 game series now. Who will advance?

East

Boston/Cleveland

West

San Antonio/New Orleans
LA/Utah

I've got Detroit and Cleveland in the East Final and New Orleans and LA in the West.

Kilgore College

Thu, 08 May 2008 19:15:58 -0400

KC Rangers Basketball Teams Holding Summer Skills Camps This June

The KC Rangers' men's and women's basketball programs will hold summer skills camps in June for ages 6-17. The boys' camp will run June 2-6, and the girls' will be held June 9-13. The camps will focus on development of beginning to intermediate basketball skills, ending with a basketball game 11:30 a.m. the last day of the camps.

Cost for the boys' camp is $120 and $100 for the girls'. A $50 deposit is required to hold a spot in the girls' camp, and $60 for the boys'. The full balance is due 8:30 a.m. on the first morning of each camp. Both camps will be run by Lady Rangers' assistant coach Brad Tindel and men's assistant coach Kenderick Franklin. Roy Thomas, head coach of the Lady Rangers, will also assist with the girls' camp.

Camps will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday � Thursday, and 9 a.m. to Noon on Friday. Campers will receive a camp T-shirt, KC basketball, awards and daily lunch. Registration will take place 8:30 a.m. the first day of both camps.

Application forms and more information are available on both men's and women's basketball Web pages on Kilgore.edu. For more information, contact Tindel at (903) 983-8691.

Celtics

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:20:17 -0400

Does Atlanta pushing a game 7 show Boston's weaknesses or did it wake them up and remind them it's the playoffs?

SPURS and Hornets

Sat, 03 May 2008 20:59:29 -0400

Any predictions?

SPURS in 6.

GO! SPURS! GO!

Mavs' new coach

Sat, 03 May 2008 11:50:13 -0400

Mavs looking to hire Carlisle

By PETER VECSEY and TIM BONTEMPS

May 3, 2008 -- Rick Carlisle won't be reunited with former boss Donnie Walsh with the KnicksNew York Knicks .

Sources told The Post last night that the former Pacer and Piston coach, who interviewed with Walsh for the Knick coaching job Wednesday, has agreed to terms with the Mavericks to replace Avery Johnson.

Johnson, who was 194-70 during the regular season and 23-24 in the playoffs over 31/2 seasons in Dallas, was fired after the Mavericks fell to the Hornets in five games in the first round of the playoffs - the second straight first-round exit for the team.

Maverick owner Mark Cuban wasted little time in his search for a new coach. After firing Johnson on Wednesday, Cuban quickly moved to interview, and then hire, Carlisle.

The 49-year-old Carlisle ran the Pistons from 2001-03, going 100-64 in the regular season and 12-15 in the playoffs. He also was named the 2001-02 NBA Coach of the Year.

After Carlisle was fired by Detroit and replaced by Larry Brown following the 2002-03 season, he was hired by Walsh to coach the Pacers. In four seasons with Indiana, Carlisle was 181-147 in the regular season and 18-17 in the playoffs.

Carlisle was fired by Indiana after the team went 35-47 in 2006-07, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season.
_______________________________________________________________________
It's gonna take a heck of a lot more than this coaching change to turn around the Mavs.

Mavs offseason....THE MOVEMENT?

Thu, 01 May 2008 02:53:31 -0400

First, I am sad that Avery was fired, I think he was a class act, but did not do well as far as structuring the teams offense. The offense was very stale at times because of the lack of movement mainley because of Avery wanting to iso dirk, which limits shots for other shooters and does nothing for them getting in a rythm.
Defensivley the team was just not smart and lacked mobilty at defending jumpshooters. They gave up too many points in the paint.

The problem before the trade was that Harris was injured and JJ barrea was not living up to the hype. It didnt help that the Lakers got Pau and the Suns got Shaq and that Kidd reportedly wanted out of the declining Nets, but also the fact that JT was 8-9 while as a starter. Something needed to be done and they acted quickly. The problem is that they did not think it through. Yes Kidd is a allstar and is not going to miss many games, but his supporting cast was not great as well, which brings me to my discussion. Just getting Kidd was not solving the problem. First, they probably wanted to trade JT but NJ did not want him as the PG of the franchise, or because Avery loves JT so much he didnt want to deal him away......Thats were all the trouble statred!

What do the Mavs do now!

1) Three way trade: Howard to Toronto; T.J Ford to Portland; Channing Frye, Jarret Jack and a 2nd rd pick. Toronto wants to part ways with the Ford and is looking for a 20pt perfomer with an elastic contract. It is important for Dallas to dispose of him in to a team with an immediate need and can afford him. Portland wants to find a true point guard that is going to lead the young team to promanace and who better than the speedster Ford. The Mavs have a chance to make something of Jarret Jack with Kidd as a mentior the 6'3 Jack could be the PG the Mavs could build around did I mention that he was only 24! Channing Frye is another young stud that could solve the Mavs inside problems, he blocks shots and he can score from the block he can replace Damp any time! The pick will come in hand especially to develop another big man or even scorer!

2) The JET must go....Yes he is a fan favorite as a cheerleader but not as a player. He is valuable as a trade guy...but the problem is who wants a 6'2 PG/SG that lacks the defensive motivation and offensive descion making skills...he is a great spot shooter only if he is hot! He is really good for about 15pts per game, but the problem is what game will he do it in. The eastern conf. is calling his name as he can be a true shooter in many systems....the problem is his contract the Mavs would have to try and get a couple of mid level guys on a rebuilding team thats lookin to clean house or maybe try and get draft picks!

3) Keep Stackhouse and resign Antione Wright....Stack gives you at least one vet. that yes can still score, with a different system that allows him to find a flow and run the floor and finish could mean that he still have something left besides you see what happen to our last vet. SG( Finley). He is tough minded and likes to scuffel he shows much emotion, thats what they need at times. Wright is another guy that has played along side Kidd that knows how to run with him, his upside is great.

4) The Mid-Level could be the real savior of this team if non of the above work out. The quality of players in the free agency could be over whelming for the Mavs. Guys like Mikeal Pietrus, Ricky Davis, Corey Magette and Shawn Marrion could opt for a larger contract than the mid level. The Marrion deal would only work if it was a staight up trade for players with his contract expiring next season and so is kidd's this would be very conveinent to offer to marrion after howard leaves and Mavs could offer a larger contract, but its only if marrion wants to take the risk he likes where he is in Miami and wants an extention we will see where his heart is this summer! Najaera and Quenten Ross are thw other two guys that could be avalible both guys hustle and are willing to play defense and would fit the roster great..With loosing Terry Najaera will be the fan favorite trust me we miss him, Ross is a Texas boy that played for SMU we love Texas people playing for Texas....Last but not least is Deven Brown is the one of the key guys that can make this thing work he has won a championship and knows his role on any team good guy to have on a winning team.

5) Deven George is a Vet that has won championships he would be very valuable to many teams thats looking to get over the hump, so I would resign him immediatly especially with a new coach that can get what Avery could not out of him, Tyronne Lue could be signed again to help the PG woes, but we really dont need him at the moment unless its for security or a sign and trade! Jamal maglore is a must to keep..even though he hasnt played, a 7ft that can score in the half court and can block shots could help us forget that Dampier even played for us he cant do any worse than Damp has done in four years. I like Malik Allens offensive game, he can shoot the J' and gives us an xtra body on the offensive end of the team you could flip a coin to resign him it wouldnt hurt either way!

Team Scenarios: As I think would happen?

PG-Kidd/Jack/Lue/Barrea
SG- Terry/ Ross/Stack
SF-Dirk/Najaera/George
PF-Bass/Allen
C-Frye/Maglore/Dampier

With This comes many combinations and I think that this will be a winner! Without dealing terry away you elevate his role and start him as the offensive threat he can score and that will be his only job, The toss up is at the SF I would shock the world and put Dirk there after all his mid range game is there and with Avery his outside shooting has suffered lets get back to being a combo threat, open his game up and let him drive and shoot as he pleases. This line up keeps the defense honest because both Bass and Frye can score in the paint and move well around the basket, it keeps that xtra defensive player from doubling Dirk, Finally we can score in the paint!!! The transition game will be fun because the slowest guy is of cousre your trail man in Dirk for the three, and your athlete is Bass he can go get it if Kidd passes it, Terry has the green light to shoot and he should get plenty of touches without him having to make descions he can focus on scoring in transition. The defensive end is the real deal...Frye of course is a step up as a young shot blocker and a much mobile threat thann Damp. Bass would have to guard the SF on most nights, which he can do because of his athletiscim, Kidd will of course get the SG and Terry the PG Dirk the PF and Frye The C. More athletes on the court makes the Mavs better in rotation and at rebounding and did i mention offensive rebounding!

The bench is more mobile with younger legs! Jack runs the floor similar to Kidd but he also has a better shot , but he is also a half court PG, Ross is a young defender that can run the floor and finish, but mainly his defense is needed he could squeeze into the starting line up occasionally, Stack can score but mainly he can finish very well for his age having him in the line up ensures that your offense won't slump provided that he finds his notch in the system, Najera is pure energy an can shoot the ball well at times, he has expanded his game since he has been away from Dallas and is not just hype but is offense and defense he can guard multiple positions well especially SF/PF and did I mention he Hustles every play! Maglore has to prove his self again he hasnt played in awhile but something tells me that he has something to prove, Lue is nothing more than a back up that can shoot and run your sets a Vet that you dont want to lose to another foe that can hurt you, George is the same way but he can shoot the three ball plus he knows how to defend when it counts I think Avery mis used this guy he is 6"8 , 30 and has won 3 titles you keep him and play him. Wright is just a fit another body to run the floor and hustle and he can shoot the three offseason could make the difference for this guy, Allen can score when other bigs cant, quality mins when needed for him when the Mavs need a boost think Robert Horry! Dampier is only on this team because no one else wants him he is like Shawn Bradley but shorter and softer its always good to have an xtra 7ft on the team for security and fouls...Last is JJ hopefully he can be what the Mavs have hoped he can shoot and he is fast and fearless look for him to come around if Lue doesnt resign or gets hurt.

I think this team is a 50+ win team only if they play to their strengths with Kidd pushing the ball the Mavs will score and be better defensively.....In all if they get smart they will bounce back quickly and more efficiently than ever!

mavs fire Avery Johnson

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:33:25 -0400

I just saw on ESPN.com that the Mavericks have fired Avery Johnson. Not shocked. A little surprised. They played the the series against New Orleans like the message from the head coach was getting a little stale. This is an old team though and moving Johnson out should be just the first move in the offseason for the mavericks.

LeBron vs. Wizards

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:43:16 -0400

LaBron James has gotten alot of help from his supporting cast...mainly Delonte West and Daniel Gibson...However, the highlight of this series has been James vs. the Wizards...Washington has taken several shots at king james...deshawn stevenson calling him overrated...two flagerant fouls in this series...and now Brendan Haywood has taken it a step further by saying in an interview that LeBron needs to "quit being a crybaby and just play ball" after hearing LeBron say "i guess thats what they are trying to do...Hurt LeBron James."

to me...james is so deep into the wizards head that they just cant control themselves. LeBron really has shown great composure and leadership in this series.

it is interesting to me that you could combine stevenson's and haywoods stats. and they still wouldn't be what LeBrons are...

washington has been beaten the past two years in the first round by cleveland...washington is down 3-1...it seems to me like they are the ones who need to quit crying and play ball...

OFFICIAL Game 2 In-Game Thread

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:23:56 -0400

A couple of early thoughts:

Avery still looks an inept coach.

New Orleans has classless fans, which is to be expected from that city. I understand booing certain players when there is a reason. For example, Mavs fans will always boo Michael Finley. The Hornets fans dont' have a history with any of the Mavs players yet they boo everyone one of them anytime the Mavs have the ball.

David West has an attitude problem and the NBA should deal with him.

With the exception of Kidd and Dirk, the Mavs don't seem to care too much about this game.

Official Game 1 Post Game Discussion Thread

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:02:34 -0400

Let's be honest, the Mavs lost this game--the Hornets did not win it.

The loss can be put on the shoulders of two people--Josh Howard and Avery Johnson.

Let's begin with the coach. Prior to the game, Avery gave the "aw shucks" routine when talking about Chris Paul. I don't want to hear the coach of MY team going on and on about how good the other teams point guard. Is Chris Paul good? Sure, but there have been better point guards in the NBA--one of them wears a Mavericks uniform. I want to hear my coach speak confidently about his team's chances. "We're going to try everything we have until we find what works in shutting him down. Paul is a good point guard, but we've seen guards just as good as him. He puts his shorts on just like the rest of us and he has weaknesses. We will find his weaknesses and exploit them. Is it possible that he goes off and has a run or two against us? Sure, but I am confident that we have the players and I have the game plan to neutralize his affect on the game."

Another fault I found in Avery's game, his rotation. I know it's the playoffs and you want the best-of-the-best on the court. Inevitably, some people are going to have their minutes cut. For most of the game, Avery used a 8 man rotation, which isn't unheard of, but it doesn't take full advantage of the Mavericks roster either. Bass was dominating off the bench, but got into early foul trouble. Avery should have taken a page out Byron Scott's playbook and left his hot hand in the game. When Peja got in foul trouble for the Hornets in the 2nd quarter, Scott opted to keep him in the game. Avery cut Bass' minutes and the Mavs missed his energy, athleticism and ability to drive the basket. Additionally, Malik Allen and Tyrone Lue have been effective off the bench and saw little or no playing time off the bench.

Let's move on to the most over rated player in the NBA--Josh Howard. I would be hard pressed to find Howard a roster spot on the Grizzlie's bench, much less a roster spot in the starting line-up for a playoff team. Does Howard have talent? Yes. How often does he play up to his ability? 5, maybe 10% of the time. The remaining 90% of the time he skips around the court; he is a messy dribbler, takes bad shots and causes careless turnovers. In tonights game, you can directly trace the change of momentum back to Josh Howard mistakes.

I love the Dallas Mavericks; I am the ultimate homer. I do not watch basketball to see pretty dunks, long range three pointers or defense. I don't care about LeBron, Chris Paul or Tracy McGrady. With the exception of Dirk, I could care less about any player in the league. I watch basketball for one reason--to see the Mavs. Like Seinfeld said, I am a fan of the uniform. Tonight, my uniform turned in one good half of basketball and then a half of poor shooting, sloppy play, bad coachinig and uninspired play by one lazy player.

With that said, the Mavs still have a shot to win this series. The Hornets have lost 12 straight games at the AAC and I don't see that changing. All we need to do is to steal one at whatever New Orleans' arena is called and we're in the clear. And if we lose the series, we will win in the long run because we will finally get rid of Avery Johnson, the source of the all the Mavericks' cancers.

In short, we got outcoached and played our primadonna too much. These are mistakes that we can correct. We simply need Dirk to step it up a notch and have some more jumpers fall. I'm frustrated, but not worried. I don't think the Hornets have the mental toughness to win the series. Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler are just a few of the hot heads on this team and eventually their emotions will cost them dearly.

I said at the beginning that the Mavs would win the series in 5 and I'm going to stick with that prediction.

Where is Yao?

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:00:17 -0400

Just curious - Yao's not suited out for the game. I thought he was supposed to be back in time for the playoffs. What have I missed?

Spurs and Suns

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:43:28 -0400

To be behind most, if not all, the game and WIN it in double overtime. I'm not going to live through this series!!!!

Game 1: SPURS

Mavs vs Hornets

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:16:26 -0400

I like the Mavs chances in this first round matchup. Hopefully last year was a wake up call.

Mavs in 6

Mavs in the playoffs.........nice shot, Dirk !

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:58:22 -0400

What a game and clutch moment by Dirk. 50 wins and a playoff berth and Don Carter in the house and Dirk hits the winner with .09 left........whew !!

Schumacher named Head Coach at North Dakota school of Science

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:06:11 -0400

Schumacher named head men�s basketball coach at NDSCS
Released: 4/08/2008

WAHPETON � Scott Schumacher, 13-year head basketball coach at Kilgore (Texas) College, has been named head men�s basketball coach at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Jane Passa, NDSCS athletic director. The appointment takes effect April 12.

Schumacher was selected from four finalists to take over the Wildcat program following the resignation of former head coach Craig Irwin. Irwin stepped down from the position in February after the Wildcats finished the 2007-08 season with a record of 25-6.

Passa said that Schumacher brings a wealth of experience and leadership to NDSCS. �Scott�s strong connections throughout the college basketball community will help recruit strong players, as well as sign student-athletes to four-year colleges after they leave NDSCS,� Passa said. �He�s very committed to education, and he�s excited about junior college basketball.�

Schumacher has 21 years experience as a basketball coach at the collegiate level. He started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyo., and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Schumacher then took over as head coach of Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas, where he led his team to a conference championship and was named Texas Eastern Conference Coach of the Year. After five years at Paris, Schumacher took over the Kilgore College basketball program, where he has been at the helm for 13 years.

During his tenure at Kilgore, Schumacher won another conference championship and coached seven NJCAA All-Americans. He remains the only coach to win the Texas Eastern conference championship at two colleges. The Kilgore Runnin� Rangers basketball team finished this season with a record of 15-15.

Schumacher is the president of the NJCAA Coaches Association. He is also the junior college representative to the USA Basketball Selection Committee.

The new coach earned a bachelor�s degree in education from Texas State University and a master�s degree in sports science from United States Sports Academy. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children.

John Richman, NDSCS president and former Wildcat football coach, said he believes Schumacher will be a positive addition to the campus community and NDSCS athletics.

�We are very excited Scott is going to lead our men�s basketball program,� Richman said. �With his experience at the junior college level, we are looking forward to Scott continuing the success of our program.�

NDSCS is a two-year, comprehensive, residential college in Wahpeton. The State College of Science offers degrees, certificates and diplomas in over 80 academic options in traditional career and technical studies and in the liberal arts. Last year, 98 percent of NDSCS graduates entered the workforce or continued their college education.

Unlike most two-year colleges, NDSCS offers a university atmosphere for its students, complete with residence halls, 35 affiliated clubs and organizations, music groups, theater productions, intercollegiate athletics, intramural athletics and numerous social activities.

East Texas Coaches Basketball Clinic

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:40:59 -0400

Place � Robert E Lee High School Tyler, TX

When � Saturday April 19th 9:00 a.m. Registration begins at 8

Price - $25.00 (includes meal and�..)

Speakers

Fred Griffen � Brownsboro Girls Basketball

Ken Hefner � North Mesquite Boys

Terri Deike � University of Texas @ Tyler Women�s coach

Mike McConnathay � Northwestern Louisiana State Head Men�s Coach

Robert Gill � SBOA (Ft. Worth Chapter)

Rick Flanagan � retired basketball coach

Brian Thompson � Basketball strength and conditioning expert

another small town tx boy

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:41:50 -0400

congrats to buzz wms. really deserves it and gets the opportunity to show everyone he can coach as well as he can recruit. good luck. j...

Dirk out

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:18:59 -0400

Not looking good for the Mavs in the home stretch and falling in the clutches of Golden State for the 8th and final spot in the West..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3309429

Dallas Mavs

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:19:23 -0400

Is there anyone out there who still thinks the trade was worth it? Kidd is a has been. They traded away the future for this.

BIG 12 Women rolling in March Madness

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:26:27 -0400

The Big 12 Women are playing well so far in the tourney. No upsets so far!!!

#2 Tx A&M rolls over #15 Tx-San Antonio ... advances to play #10 Hartford
#3 Baylor rolls over #14 Fresno State ........ advances to play #6 Pittsburg
#3 Okla St beats #14 E. Tenn St ................. advances to play #11 Fla State
#7 Iowa St beats #10 Ga. Tech ................... advances to play #2 Rutgers (TOUGH OPPONENT)

Sunday action --
#8 Texas will play #9 Minnesota ............. if win, they play #1 Connecticutt
#5 Kansas St will play #12 Chattanooga .. if win, they play winner of Iowa/Georgia

Brent Meaux from Jasper officiates Miami vs. Butler game

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:32:07 -0400

Brent Meaux an official from Jasper officiated the Miami vs. St. Mary's first round game at Little Rock this afternoon.

NCAA post season tournament

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:31:25 -0400

Who got shafted and who sneaked in. What are your final four predictions.

I think they got the two Arizona teams mixed up. How can Arizona be in when Aizona St. isn't especially when Az St beat them twice.
Dayton & Illinois St. should have been included with RPI's of 32 and 33 respectively

My Final four picks are:
North Carolina
Kansas
Texas
UCLA