NBA Twilight Zone

ponedjeljak, 30.06.2008.

LET'S REWIND: Utah Jazz select Kosta Koufas with 23rd pick and Ante Tomic with 44th pick..

Utah Jazz GM Kevin O'Connor Talks About Drafting Ante Tomic in the 2nd round of 2008 NBA Draft.
THE INTERVIEW/Jasmin Repeša, Team Croatia Head Coach
TOP 100 Dunks Of All Time by Ilkkan (Turkey)
CRO-FUTURE/KK Ogulin vs KK Cedevita II


Dio jučerašnjeg obiteljskog poslijepodneva proveo sam u društvu Rođaka Divljeg Kestena u caffe baru "Balon", u mojem ex-kvartu, ZG Prisavlju. Uz teško zarađenu pivicu na stolu prokomentirali smo sve aktuelne vijesti i vijestice. Političke? Ekonomske? Nogometne? Košarkaške, dakako!

Iz cijelog buketa tema izdvojio bih par segmenata koji će Vas vjerujem zanimati. Kako se samo radi o glasnim razmišljanjima dva prilično subjektivna košarkaška promatrača, zaista ne snosim odgovornost za daljnji tijek vaše karijere nakon što pročitate štivo ispod.

Dakle kao što svi znate najperspektivniji košarkaš naše nogometne države prije manje od tjedan dana izabran je na NBA Draftu u znamenitom Madison Square Gardenu. Kvalitete skromnog dečka koji stvarno nije kriv što je iznimno visok i što iznimno dobro zna s loptom za igrača te visine bile su prepoznate od strane jednog od elitnijih NBA klubova.

Jazzeri su imali sluha za Tomićevu želju da još koju godinu ostane "rudariti" u Europi. Njegove kvalitete su već odavno izložene i zaista nisu bile strane niti jednom od klubova. Pitati ćete se kako je to onda naš Ante završio na tek 44/60 draft poziciji. Radi se o čak 21 poziciji zaostatka za Kostom Koufasom, grčkim centrom za kojega prije lanjskog EP-a za starije kadete 95% košarkaške javnosti zaista nije nikako znalo.

No pristojni seven-footer iz Grčke je kupio kartu za Ameriku, te u dresu Ohio Statea zamijenio glasovitog T-Blazera Grega Odena. Imao je prilično uspješno NCAA sezonu, no daleko od toga da je bila spektakularna. Ne samo da je ispao smiješan pored jednog Kennya Georgea, već...OK, napisati ću: dajem ruku u vatru da je naš Ante bolji, vještiji, inteligentniji i što-god-još-poželite košarkaš od jednog Koufasa.

In fact, ne kupujem stock niti jednog američkog Big Mana na Draftu. Come on, da se svi oni nađu sutra ujutro u Rucker Parku dajem (po drugi put, I'm burned) ruku u vatru da bi ih Nikola Peković sve sam slistio za doručak. Lowa, Lopez Brotherse...

Zašto je onda Peković izabran tek 30., a naš Tomić tek 44.? Ne radi se nikakvoj grešci international scouting službe prebogatih NBA klubova; McHale je osobno došao promatrati Pekovića iste večeri kada je započeo NCAA Sweet 16. Radi se o tome, da su NBA klubovi, u našem konkretnom primjeru Utah Jazz, itekako dobro svjesni i informirani o globalnim košarkaškim tijekovima, te su Koufasu odlučili pokloniti apsolutni Draft prioritet nad Tomićem iz dva razloga:

1.) Odigrao je O.K. jednu jedinu NCAA sezonu i svojim ponašanjem na terenu i izvan njega dokazao da nema nikakvih problema s američkim načinom života
2.) Spreman je produžiti radnu dozvolu i živjeti par godina u mormonskom društvu

Možda je i Ante mogao proći bolje - viša pozicija na draftu u krajnjoj liniji znači i više novaca u džepu, makar nije pravilo. Možda je Ante imun na materijalizam oko svih nas. Možda je oko njega bilo glasova poput "što će ti to" ili "udebljati će te na silu" ili "ubiti će igrača u tebi" ili "neće ti dati da igraš" ili "napraviti ćemo od tebe regionalnu vijest". Yes, sure...




MOLIM POŠTENOG NALAZNIKA SLIKE "TOMIĆ & STERN 26-06-08" DA ISTU PROSLIJEDI U FORMI ATTACHMENTA NA E-MAIL MARJAN.CRNOGAJ@GMAIL.COM


Dajte ljudi...to što se ovaj blog zove "NBA" ne znači da mu je primarna svrha promicati američki način života. Ne sjećam se kada sam zadnji put jeo hamburger, ali se dobro sjećam kada sam jeo mamim čušpajz, if you get my point. Duboko sam svjestan Bowieve "This is not America"...makar je neki od Nas previše slušaju.

Stvari se mijenjaju i ovaj kutak kugle zemaljske je sve više Amerika, kao i svaki drugi. Iz tog aspekta mi nije baš najasnije zašto neki naši igrači koji vide Draft kao odskočnu dasku u svojoj (europskoj) karijeri ne žele otići tamo na koju godinu, vidjeti Ameriku, zaraditi koji dolar i barem se družiti s najboljima od najboljih.

Da li biste Vi išli igrati u NBA za novac? Retoričko pitanje do boli...

Izgovor da je to zbog umjetne hrane i skupih zubara je samo tepih na priči o neznanju engleskog jezika i neshvatljivoj želji da se ne upozna američka kultura, jer su nas u školi učili da takva ne postoji. Rijetke iznimke, poput Zorana Planinića i Damira Markote, potvrđuju da se u najmanju ruku barem ekonomski isplati nositi ručnike i torbe, krafne i novine svojim nadređenim suigračima. Pogledajte samo koliko je CSKA platio Planinićeve usluge, uz djelić dodatnog obrazloženja - "bitno nam je bilo i njegovo NBA iskustvo"...

Naravno da jest, kada je TRI GODINE lovio Kidda na treninzima, pokušavao čuvati Cartera i Jeffersona. Iskoristio je svaku minutu koju je dobio, vidio NY & Ameriku, a u EU se vratio staloženiji/iskusniji/pametniji, na terenu i izvan njega. Da ne govorimo o increased shooting rangeu sa kojih 10-12 metara...

Ne znam što bi to Tomiću falilo da čuva Kirilenka na scrimmageu SVAKI DAN, dok njegov matični klub s druge strane Atlantika nažalost muku muči s dobivanjem NLB wild carda. Sigurno bi puno toga naučio, a Koufasu bi pokazao kako se igra košarka u pravom smislu riječi.

Roko Ukić je 2005. godine unatoč prilično dobrim preporukama završio u drugoj rundi Drafta. U dogovoru s ljudima iz Toronta odlučio se za Europu, te je proteklu sezonu proveo na tečaju "playmakerskog oplemenjivanja" iliti "napravi-što-više-sa-što-manje-udaraca-s-loptom". On i jedini španjolski startni NBA play Jose Calderon su tada imali jednake startne pozicije. I dok je Calderon dočekao svojih pet minuta i ušao u povijest NBA s najboljim assist-to-turnover ratiom svih vremena (prestižna statistička kategorija znana svima onima koji su ikada sanjali voditi u napad jednu NBA ekipu), Roko je tri sezone tražio sebe i trenera i rezultat i na kraju pronašao - put u NBA.

Isti onaj koji mu je bio otvoren prije tri godine. Da je onda otišao sada bi već znao da li je NBA kalibar ili nije. Istina, isto saznanje imali bi i NBA GM-ovi i treneri, a mi bismo znali na čemu smo u smislu njegovog reprezentativnog potencijala.

Vjerujem da bi momak njegovih kvaliteta i unatoč mladosti tada ostavio solidnu impresiju i na neki način zaradio drugi poziv iz NBA u zrelijim igračkim godinama. Isti onaj koji će jednoga dana možda primiti Planina (zašto ne?) i Šveđo.

Bottom Line:

Zašto se prijavljivati za NBA Draft ako mislite da niste spremni za NBA Ligu?


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

nedjelja, 29.06.2008.

The History of Basketball Video Games...

OVO JE BILA JORDANOVA IGRICA/NBA FINALS 1991/CHICAGO @ L.A./GAME 5: MJ sealed his first ring with yet another brilliant performance. While this version of MJ could have taken over an entire series with his athleticism alone, he put a lid on his individual superiority perhaps because he was too busy out-Magic-ing Magic's all-around game. MJ balanced his own dominance with a superb, team game that was reflected in his near triple-double numbers for the series. With beautiful drives, a faaadeaway at the end (this is what a true fadeaway is, not the turn-around shots that are mistakenly called fades today) and the mustard shot (although it did not count), MJ completed his last step to the top of the mountain from where he would remain forever. The rest of this series is uploaded in succession except Game 2 which was uploaded last year. You can find it here. For the record, MJ would end the series with some preposterous numbers: 31.2ppg, 6.6 rebs, 11.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 56.64% FG, 50% 3FG and 85% FT). - hoopsencyclopedia.blogspot.com
PHX SUNS/ Goran Dragic Workout, June 22, 2008
TOP 20/All-Time NBA Playoff Dunks


The History of Basketball Video Games


Krajem 70-ih godina prošlog stoljeća su se pojavile prve igraće konzole i prvi kompjuteri za masovnu proizvodnju, a pojavila se i prva košarkaška video igra zvana…



Atari Basketball(ATARI-Atari XL/XE,2600)

Prva košarkaška video igra je bila 1-na-1 na dva koša. Ništa naročito ali ipak i nije tako loše s obzirom da je ovo bio novi sport u svijetu igara. Evo što drugi kažu o ovoj igri:

This primitive game is best known for its hilarious graphics depicting a square ball and players with one stationary leg and one blinking leg. Despite its sorry appearance however, the potential for fun does exist. Basketball is a one-on-one free-for-all where you race up and down the court, trying to steal the ball before your opponent can get off a shot.

Its rules and controls may be minimal,but you can always use your imagination. I like to execute this killer zigzag move (AKA my "cross-over dribble") against my buddy Steve. One time I thought I broke his player's ankle, until I realized that it always blinks like that! In retaliation, Steve would perform his patented "alley-oop", which involves passing the ball to himself.

Basketball's frantic pace and absurd gameplay will make you laugh, and even the computer opponent provides a worthy challenge. This game was notably featured in the movie "Airplane", where air traffic controllers could be seen playing it. So before you write this one off, give it a try. There's something to be said for simplicity (and silliness) in sports video games.


80-te godine prošlog stoljeća: možda zlatno doba video igara i kompjutora je donijelo pregršt igraćih konzola i kompjutora od kojih je najznačajnija pojava najrasprostanjenijeg kompjutora današnjice - PC računala. Vlasnici računala sa pravom su mogli biti sretni jer se 1983. dogodio North American video game crash kada su mnoge kompanije koje su proizvodile konzole bankrotirale zbog premalog tržišta pretrpanog relativno lošim igrama što je bio znak proizvođačima igara da počnu programirati igre za prava računala, no Japanci(Nintendo) su krajem 80-ih povratili vjeru u igraće konzole, ali to je već druga priča.



One On One: Julius Erving vs. Larry Bird (ELECTRONIC ARTS/ARIOLASOFT-Amiga,Amstrad/Schneider CPC,Apple II,Atari XL/XE,Atari 7800,Commodore 64/128,plus/4, Coleco Vision,Macintosh,PC,Tandy TRS-80 CoCo,ZX Spectrum 48/128 K)


Što reći o ovoj igri: postavila je visoke standarde za ono vrijeme za sportske simulacije, godinama je bila najbolja košarkaška simulacija. Electronic Arts je ostvario uspješan debi u žanru sportskih simulacija. Igra je nudila puno toga novog:licencirane igrače, prekršaje u napadu i obrani, skokove, umaranje igrača, korake, razbijanje table, trice, klasičan hakl (do 21)…

Igrica je iako nije imala neku fenomenalnu grafiku za ono vrijeme imala ono najbitniju komponentu što čini dobru igru, a to je igrivost. Igra je igriva čak i za današnje vrijeme jer su se autori potrudili što vjernije prenijeti prednosti i mane oba igrača. Evo što drugi kažu o ovoj legendarnoj igri.

Take the two best players in U.S. basketball today. Interview them. Photograph them in action. Study their moves. Study their stats. Study their styles.

* Then, with their help, bit by bit craft a scenario on computer disk. Create in the machine an event which may never happen in real life. Put the two together on a dream court for an electronic afternoon of one-on-one.

* Make it real, sure - with fatigue factors, hot and cold streaks, fouls, a shot clock. But maybe throw in a little whimsy, too - a funny referee, a shattering backboard, even instant replay.

* The name of the game is One-on-One. You're Larry Bird or you're Dr.Julius Erving. That's the last decision you'll have plenty of time to make.

Player characteristics:
The capabilities of the on-screen players reflect those of their real life counterparts. Dr. Julius Erving is the player in the all blue strip. Larry Bird is the player in the white shirt.
Dr. Julius Erving is programmed to be a step quicker driving to the basket. His moves in close are fancier and he can stretch higher and farther and hang in the air longer.
Larry Bird is bigger and stronger, so he's better rebounder and plays more physically intimidating defensive game. Hs also got the better outside shot.

Fatigue:
Continuous running and jumping tires a player out; dribbling slowly and in place gives a little energy back to both players; calling time out gives everyone a full rest.
All this is reflected by changes in each player´s fatigue bar along the bottom of the screen. The longer the bar, the more fatigued the player. Tired players don´t move as quickly as, or defend and shoot as well as, fresh or rested ones.

To call a time out press [J] for Dr. Julius Erving or [B] for Larry Bird prior to restarting play after scroing.

Collecting Fact: One on One is not only the first game to have an athlete (or two) put his name on the cover, it is also the first PC sports program to sell over 100,000 copies. Therefore it is a relatively common collectible.

Summary: Way back in 1983 -- before their current dominance of the action-oriented sports category -- Electronic Arts released a gem of a game called One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird. In many ways, this simple 8-bit game changed everything. No one had ever done a graphical game that featured real-life pro athletes, let alone of the caliber of these two hall-of-fame players. The list goes on and on: the three-point line; backboards that shattered, and a janitor who cleaned it up; a referee who called fouls; a fatigue model that necessitated time-outs; and most importantly, a game that somehow managed to capture the essence of one-on-one hoops.

Even EA Sports' NBA Live 2001, which features a one-on-one mode, can't capture that. This is one game you owe it to yourself to collect or play, both for the on-court action as well as chance to play as two of the best players to ever grace the hardcourt. - George Jones




One On One: Michael Jordan vs. Larry Bird(ELECTRONIC ARTS-Commodore 64/128,PC,Sega Genesis/Megadrive,Nintendo)


Nastavak igre One on One:Julius Erving vs. Larry Bird je osim bolje grafike, donijela i novosti kao što je natjecanje u tricama i zakucavanju, statistiku i sve ostale načine igranja iz prethodnog nastavka, a Larry Birda je zamjenio najveći košarkaš svih vremena - Michael Jordan. Evo što drugi kažu o ovoj igri.

The computer-generated characters you're about to see were originally created with the help of Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. If you're a fan of Larry and Michael, you probably know how, when, and where they like to shoot. So does the computer!

Each player's approximate sweet spots, weak spots and shooting percentages (guarded and unguarded) have been programmed in. Your score will depend on whether you're Michael or Larry, you timing, how well you're being guarded, and where you're shooting from.

The Shooter: Larry Bird. His turnaround and fadeaway jump shots leave a colorful blur of rainbows in your eyes. Nearly a decade into his award-laden pro-basketball career, Bird continues to prove himself an all-star performer who can swish the ball from almost anywhere on the court. Going shirt-to-shirt with the Shooter means battling one of basketball's best!

The Slammer: Michael Jordan. His aerial show seems to defy the laws of physics. But he's also a stealing, rebounding and point-making machine. Jordan's fast hands, devastating drives and all-around aggressive play make him one of basketball's most respected and entertaining players. It'll take a real shooting star to hammer the Slammer!

Pozdrav,


Krešimir Šimunović, video-koordinator
KK Zapad

petak, 27.06.2008.

THE DAY AFTER THE DRAFT: Utah selects Tomić with 44th pick, Kasun on his way to Greece...

NBA DRAFT 2008 RECAP


Trades:

The Grizzlies acquired OJ Mayo (No. 3) from the Timberwolves for Kevin Love (No. 5) in a multi-player deal.
The Blazers acquired Jerryd Bayless (No. 11) from the Pacers for Brandon Rush (No. 13) in a multi-player deal.

The Pacers obtained (No 17) from the Raptors before the draft in Jermaine O'Neal trade.

The Bobcats obtained the 20th pick from Denver for a future protected first rounder.

The Blazers acquired the 27th pick before the draft from New Orleans for cash.

The Blazers acquired Nicolas Batum from the Rockets for the rights to Darrell Arthur (No. 27) and Joey Dorsey (No. 33).

The Grizzlies then acquired Darrell Arthur (No. 27) from the Rockets for Donte Greene (No. 28), and a future second-round pick.

The Sonics acquired D.J. White (No. 29) from the Pistons for Walter Sharpe (No. 32) and Trent Plaisted (No. 46).

The Heat acquired Mario Chalmers (No. 34) from the Timberwolves for cash and two second-round picks in 2009.

In a three team deal, the Bulls acquired the draft rights to Omer Asik (No. 36) from Blazers, the Blazers recieved a (Knicks) 2009 2nd rounder (from Bulls), and 2009 (Warriors) 2nd rounder from (from Nuggets). The Nuggets received Sonny Weems (No. 39).

The Raptors selected Nathan Jawai (No 41) after acquiring the pick from the Pacers in the Jermaine O'Neal trade.

The Suns acquired Goran Dragic (No 45) from the Spurs for Malik Hairston (No. 48), a future second-round pick and cash.

The Celtics acquired Bill Walker (No. 47) from the Wizards for cash considerations.

The Clippers acquired the draft rights to Mike Taylor (No. 55) from the Blazers for a second-round pick in 2009.


NBADRAFT.NET

četvrtak, 26.06.2008.

DRAFT DAY 2008: Rose u Chicago, Beasley u Miami...ili obrnuto??

SUPERKOŠARKA LIPANJ 2008/BASKETBALL IS LIFE by DANKO CVJETIČANIN


Extra zanimljiv članak s jasno izdvojenim Dankovim kandidatima za prve tri pozicije. Beasley Rose & Lopez...očito O.J. ipak (još) nije novi LeBron...

No moram priznati da postoje izvjesne sličnosti ove klase s onom ekstra nadarenom iz 2003. Ako uspoređujemo O.J.-a s LeBronom, možemo govoriti i o fizionomijskim/igračkim sličnostima Rosea & Wadea, te Beasleya & Anthonya. Nameće se pitanje - tko bi u tom kontekstu mogao biti nasljednik Free Darka MIličića??





Moram primijetiti da je NbaDraft.net kompletno promijenio design stranice, dok su se na DraftExpressu pojavili i banneri za Sprite & Levis...! Apsolutno razumljivo s obzirom na dnevni milijunski auditorij navedenih webova.

Toliko od mene za sada,


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

srijeda, 25.06.2008.

24 Sata do Drafta...

DAMJAN RUDEŽ NBA DRAFT HIGHLIGHTS (SENDSPACE: http://www.sendspace.com/file/0n5c6p)
ANTE TOMIĆ NBA DRAFT HIGHLIGHTS (SENDSPACE: http://www.sendspace.com/file/s3t7dx)
NBA DRAFT 1987/#5 SCOTTIE PIPPEN
LARRY JUMPS OVER ANTE TOMIĆ!


Ne bi bilo fer da naše dečke ispratimo u NY gladne, žedne i bez youtube.akreditacija. Zar ne?

Ništa spektakularno, samo moj malen doprinos potencijalno velikim događanjima za njihove karijere.

Držimo palčeve...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

utorak, 24.06.2008.

U.S. 2008 Olympic Team Announced...

Opširniji post u pripremi...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

ponedjeljak, 23.06.2008.

NBA FINALS AFTERMATH by David Friedman: Big Three vs Big One and a Half...

HE WAS NOT MENT TO BECOME ONE OF KOBE'S CREW: Some still wander if KG is really The Big Ticket for winning championships? (picture sent in by Eldar a.k.a. Sole, special to nba.blog.hr)
VIDEO: CANDACE PARKER BECOMES SECOND PLAYER TO DUNK IN WNBA GAME!!


In my season preview I was skeptical that the Celtics could jell so quickly. I also had concerns about their bench and about what kind of defense Pierce and Allen would play. However, after I saw them play early in the season I realized that Boston was going to be a lot better than I expected.

With San Antonio winning multiple titles with a Big Three and the Celtics just winning a championship now is probably not the time to assert that a Big Three scenario does not work. The reality is that a lot of teams will probably try to go that route, assuming that they can get three great players.

The Lakers havea Big One and a Half with Kobe and Gasol, who only plays big some of the time. If they could have even ratcheted that up to a legit Big Two they could have possibly won the series. I would not take Odom over the third guy on any of the recent championship teams except for Antoine Walker on the 2006 Heat.



CELTICS PRIDE ALIVE AGAIN (picture sent in by Robert a.k.a. R31, special to nba.blog.hr)

Rondo is athletic and defensive-minded, so he fits in well with the Celtics. I think that he could be special if he improves his shot. He definitely had an impact in game six but part of the problem for the Lakers is that Gasol is so soft.

I'm sure if Barkley had been covering the game the first thing that he would have said is that if a little guy comes around the post and tries to steal the ball from you then you have to elbow him in the head and tell him get back outside where you belong.

I'm not saying that Gasol should have elbowed Rondo in the head but he should have had his elbows up to protect the ball; when you are 7 feet tall you can't let a 6-1 dude REPEATEDLY steal the ball right out of your hands. That's just weak.


Exclusively for nba.blog.hr,


David Friedman, 20sectimeout
via Tomislav Pakrac, SuperKošarka

nedjelja, 22.06.2008.

NBA DRAFT IN 96 HOURS: Wolves send SEVEN TO WATCH MAYO work out in Chicago...

NBA FINALS 1991/L.A. vs CHICAGO, GAME 3, JORDAN 28PTS: MJ entered this game with a severely bruised toe which he suffered at the end of Game 3 on a miraculous clutch shot over Vlade Divac. Limited in overall mobility, one would have thought MJ would take more jumpers. But of course not. MJ picked his spots and opponents and attacked the rim as usual with gorgeous, spectacular moves to the hole. Shooting 11-20 and dishing 13 assists, it was a supreme performance on the greatest stage. In addition, he and Scottie switched on Magic throughout the game. With an intense LA crowd, MJ was in steely control with crisp passes to teammates, calm aggressiveness and confident poise. And as Marv caps it perfectly at the end, it's a good thing LA didn't see a healthy MJ that night. - Hoopsencyclopedia
NBA FINALS 2001/L.A. @ PHILADELPHIA, GAME 5 - PART 1/3
NBA FINALS 2001/L.A. @ PHILADELPHIA, GAME 5 - PART 2/3
RINGOLOGY/KB8 HAD SHAQ, MJ23 NEVER DID!
AIR JORDAN BRAND/It's Gotta Be The Shoes
ZONE DEFENCE? GIVE THE BALL TO MJ
NBA FINALS 2008/TOP 10 PLAYS
NBA 1995-96/CHICAGO BULLS


WNBA UPDATE
The Good, Bad & Ugly in the 1st Month of the 2008 Season


The WNBA's 12th season has arguably been its most successful one to date. The crazy thing is we're only a month in. Ever since the campaign tipped off on May 17, fans have been witness to the birth of a team, the rebirth of players, a myriad of surprises and flat-out great individual performances.

There's no doubt that the upcoming months promise to up the ante, but before we move ahead, let's take a moment to catch our breath and look back at the top story lines from an action-packed month of hoops.


Defending champs disappoint

Maybe it’s normal to expect a bit of a hangover after winning the title. For one thing, when you’re the champs, suddenly everybody’s gunning for you. But would somebody wake the Mercury and tell them, as Yogi Berra would say, that it’s getting late early? Off to a 3-6 start, Phoenix is feeling the effects of losing its head coach (Paul Westhead) and one of its top players (Penny Taylor) from last season. Sure, the Mercury, under new coach Corey Gaines, are still leading the league in scoring at 86.3 points per game, but they’re also allowing 87.3 points per contest, which is the worst clip in the league. Granted, the schedule has been tough, but it’s not going to get much easier with an upcoming five-game East Coast road trip that starts Sunday.


Change does the Sun good

Not much was expected of Connecticut as it headed into 2008 without Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek and Nykesha Sales. In fact, WNBA.com put the Sun at No. 10 in the preseason power rankings. They have since moved up to No. 2 in those rankings (after a brief stay at No. 1) with an impressive 9-3 start that has stunned even the more savvy basketball observers. How have they done it? First, point guard Lindsay Whalen is playing the best hoops of her career, leading the team rebounding, assists and steals and trailing only Asjha Jones in scoring. And Coach Mike Thibault and his staff picked the right time for a roster shake-up and acquired the right personnel to make the mix not only competitive, but an upgrade, adding Tamika Whitmore and Barbara Turner among others. Considering how well this team is playing on the road (4-2), the team’s hot start is likely no fluke.


Perennial East powers hold their ground

With the Sun once again a force in the East, not much has changed in the conference in terms of the balance of power. As expected, the steady Shock are right there, despite a recent 2-2 road trip out West. The core of Katie Smith, Deanna Nolan, Cheryl Ford and Plenette Pierson has quietly been going about its business and leading the team to an 8-3 mark while other squads have been garnering the attention. The Fever (sans Tamika Catchings for most of the year) and the Liberty are the only other teams playing above-.500 ball in the conference, meaning the four teams that made the playoffs last year are holding those top four spots in the standings again. Those breakout years for the Sky and Mystics haven’t gone as planned so far, but they’re within striking distance and it’s early. As for the Dream, well…


Atlanta embraces the WNBA, but Dream can’t break through

So it’s safe to say the expansion Atlanta Dream aren’t exactly happy with their 0-11 start. But there are positives to take away from their inaugural month. There’s no doubt the team has the support of the Atlanta community as the energetic Philips Arena crowds have been some of the best in the WNBA this season. Betty Lennox is turning in a career year and is among the top scorers in the league at 19.0 points per game. Second-year guard Ivory Latta has been blossoming of late, reaching double figures in scoring in seven of her last eight games. First-round pick Tamera Young has a promising future as a scorer in this league. And near-wins against Washington, Minnesota and New York show this team is on the cusp of capturing win No. 1 soon.






ZAGREB (IPAK) IMA SVOJE KOŠARKAŠKE PRVAKE: jučer su košarkaši KK Zapada iz Španskog roštiljadom na Jarunu proslavili naslov regionalnog B2 prvaka, te plasman u B1 ligu. Da je popularnost košarkaša KK Zapada sve veća, barem u zapadnom dijelu metropole, posvjedočila je i želja nekih od brojnih posjetitelja jarunskog jezera da se slikaju s Prvacima.


Teams adjust as injuries take their toll

Despite being without their best player -- Catchings -- for the first eight games, the Fever managed to grind out a 5-3 record. That's thanks in large part to the tremendous start of Douglas, whose acquisition in the offseason has proven to be pivotal in keeping Indiana among the East's elite. Douglas currently leads the team in scoring (18.4) and assists (3.7), and the team should only get better when Catchings is back at full strength. The Lynx have gone 6-4 without point guard Lindsey Harding (knee) and the Liberty have also found ways to make up for the absence of their starting point, Loree Moore, who has missed five games with back spasms. Rookie and fan favorite Leilani Mitchell has done an admirable job filling in for Moore, including posting 18 points and seven assists against Houston back on June 6.

But while Indiana and New York have stayed competitive through the setbacks, others haven't been as fortunate. Erika Desouza averaged 11.0 points and 9.0 rebounds through three games for Atlanta before going down with a leg injury that will likely sideline her for another month. It was a crushing blow for the Dream considering they can use all the help they can get. But the loss that has perhaps been most devastating is that endured by the Sky, who saw franchise cornerstone Sylvia Fowles go down with a knee injury in just her fifth game with the team. Prior to the setback, Fowles had been averaging 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 53 percent from the floor. Chicago is just 3-6 on the season, with two of its victories coming against the expansion Dream, and finds itself in danger of fading further from playoff contention with Fowles expected to miss another couple of weeks.


Mixed results for star-studded Storm

Seattle’s revamped starting lineup of WNBA greats shouldn’t be compared to the 1996-97 Houston Rockets trotting out Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon in the latter stages of their careers. Sure, Yolanda Griffith and Sheryl Swoopes are carrying a lot of miles, but Lauren Jackson is the reigning MVP and Sue Bird and Swin Cash are as productive as ever. This should be closer to the 2007-08 Boston Celtics with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen because a title is a realistic possibility. Yet, the Storm are headed in the wrong direction at the close of a busy first month. After a 5-1 start, the team has lost five of its last seven games and recently had its home win streak snapped. The defense is there, but the scoring isn’t. The team is averaging just 71.2 points per game and shooting only 40.5 percent from the floor.

But along with the team’s additions, which also include new coach Brian Agler, you must also take into account the subtractions. People forget that Lennox and Iziane Castro Marques -- both with Atlanta now – combined for 25.7 points per game last season, and Janell Burse (out for the season) was a force in the post. It’s not time to panic in Seattle; the cohesion process just might take longer than anticipated.


Surprising Lynx rocket to 5-0 start

Few pegged Minnesota to be the last undefeated team in the league, probably because just last season the team started off 0-7 and endured a 10-game losing streak. But that’s just how things played out after the Lynx captured their first five games of the season. To no one’s surprise Minnesota’s start has been spearheaded by scoring machine Seimone Augustus, but it’s the contribution from a trio of first-year sensations that proved to be the x-factor. Third overall pick Candice Wiggins has provided a scoring spark off the bench, averaging a rookie-best 17.3 points per game, while Nicky Anosike and Charde Houston have given the squad some much-needed lively bodies and depth up front. The Lynx have since come back to Earth a bit, losing four of their last five contests, but they remain the second-highest scoring team in the league and the most efficient in terms of field-goal percentage.


Candace Parker better than advertised

We’re already becoming jaded to Candace Parker’s greatness just 10 games into her WNBA career. Perhaps it’s unfair, but blame Parker for scoring 34 points and coming up just two assists shy of a triple–double against Phoenix in her WNBA debut. Blame her for averaging 16.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Read that last sentence again. And blame Parker for owning the top spot in WNBA.com’s Rookie Rankings all season and also capturing the Hanns-G Rookie of the Month honor for May. Things do promise to get tougher though for the rook, who is playing a WNBA season on the heels of a championship campaign with Tennessee and will also take part in the Beijing Olympics. That’s a lot of basketball and L.A. fans can only hope she has enough left in the tank come late September and early October.


Lisa Leslie picks up where she left off

It’s as if she never left. Lisa Leslie, who missed all of 2007 due to the birth of her child, has shown no signs of rust from her one-year hiatus, leading the Sparks to the league’s best record (8-2) after the first month. The three-time MVP is averaging team-bests of 17.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.70 blocks and 2.2 steals per game for the season and she has already captured one Western Conference Player of the Week honor. She’s scored in double digits in every game and posted six double-doubles. On top of all that, she’s acting as a sage mentor to Parker, and together the two are proving to be the most lethal tandem going in the WNBA right now.


Mark Bodenrader
WNBA.com

četvrtak, 19.06.2008.

Remembering Len Bias..

R.I.P. LENNY (18/11/1963 - 19/06/1986)
LBJ/2007-08 MIX


Please feel free to download original video at: http://www.sendspace.com/file/u8gd1t

Please inform me if you have any knowledge of Lenny's involment in U.S. national team activities during his NCAA carrer.

R.I.P. Lenny


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

srijeda, 18.06.2008.

CELTICS TAKE IT ALL: 17TH Title in The History, 1ST from 1986...

NBA FINALS 2008/CELTICS 4, LAKERS 2/GAME 6 HIGHLIGHTS
IVERSON/NCAA 1995-96/Reverse Alley-oop Dunk vs St. John's
FLIGHT/Demario Butler Insane Dunk


Dakle da rezimiramo prije spavanja...

Prvi naslov za GM-a Aingea, trenera Riversa, Raya Allena a.k.a. Jesusa Shuttleswortha, Kevina Garnetta a.k.a. Big Ticketa, Paula Piercea a.k.a. The Trutha...Cassell teško da će uhvatiti ex-suigrača Horrya s trećim naslovom u 39-toj godini života...BTW, speaking of KG and Sam I Am, have anyone seen Spree lately?

Vjerujem da se radi o jednom od vrlo rijetkih povijesnih primjera da je ekipa sklepana brže od Big Maca osvojila naslov NBA prvaka. Obično takvi instant pokušaji završavaju instant neuspjehom.
Ispravite me ako nije tako...

MVP ponovno nije imao sreće, unatoč odlučnom naporu da će podijeliti loptu s ostalim Lakersima...sigurno motiv više za ponovno dokazivanje cijelom svijetu u Pekingu...

Sandro Nicević u cro-repki? Go Sandro! Go Croatia!


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

utorak, 17.06.2008.

NBA FINALS 2008 @ OBN: Boston Celtics vs L.A. Lakers, Game 6 (02.30 CET)...

NBA FINALS 2008/CELTICS 3, LAKERS 2/GAME 6 @ BOSTON PREVIEW
JAMES POSEY/THREE COLOURS MIX


MOVING ON UP:
KK Zapad, Špansko


Vrijeme je da posvetimo malo medijskog prostora mojim Suigračima iz KK Zapada, koji su još prije dva tjedna zacementirali B1-status, i to proslavili na adekvatan način.

Kao što mnogi od Vas i znaju radi se o malenom, ali perspektivnom klubu iz ZG-naselja Špansko. Osnivačkoj skupštini kluba su prije 2 godine nazočila imena poput Nikole Plećaša & Gordana Giričeka.

Zapad je na svoj košarkaški put krenuo sitnijim koracima nego susjed iz Podsuseda mnogo zvučnijeg imena, te se oslanjajući isključivo na svoj, da ne kažem "kvartovski" igrački pogon u samo 2 sezone sigurnim koracima popeo iz "B2-močvare" u već mnogo respektabilniju "B1-tundru".

Ove sezone su momci trenera Poredoša, nakon što su se očeličili na treninzima pomoćnog trenera Horvata, za doručak doslovno popapali sve raspoložive konkurente uz koš razliku od nekakih +500!



NA SLICI (s lijeva na desno): Radnić, Čop, Džidžić, Beg, Valinčić, Zubčić, Duždagić, Biočić, Prebeg, Šimunović, Vukadinović, Boro, Lovrić(nije licenciran). Igrači koji su bili licencirani, a nema ih na fotografiji su: Perković, Oroz, Konjević i Jošić.

Nedavno je stručni stožer KK Zapada, zajedno sa nezaustavljivom vanjskom linijom i neprikosnovenom unutrašnjom linijom predstavljen i u košarkaškom magazinu "Hrvatska košarka". Slobodno provjerite...

Cijenim sve igrače KK Zapada. No ipak, moram napomenuti da je ovu sezonu maestralno odigrao play Danijel Prebeg a.k.a. Suhi. Živi je dokaz da ćete igrati bolju košarku ako ste FIT. Ne samo da je zabio 78 poena zanimljivom klubu iz Odre, nego je i povezao redove kada je najviše trebalo, vs Sesvete & ZG '79.

Neću duljiti s hvalospjevima. Za budućnost KK Zapada je apsolutno ključan ostanak PF Bore, jedinog igrača sa skoro-prvoligaškim iskustvom, te dovođenje barem jednog defanzivnog pojačanja na poziciji centra. Unatoč činjenici da su loaded na vanjskim pozicijama KK Zapad je pokazao određeni interes za jednim mladim i zanimljivim free agentom...

U svakom slučaju tko bi dolje, sad je gore, jedino mjena vječna jest...

Bravo Suigrači moji!


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

ponedjeljak, 16.06.2008.

LAKERS PRIDE: Gasol&Odom kombinirano 39pts/24reb/6blk, prednost Celticsa smanjena na 3:2...

VARSITY BASKETBALL: Skip 2 My Lou, The Matrix and Starbury clips from early days of their basketball carrier.
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 1/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 2/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 3/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 4/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 5/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 6/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 7/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 8/14
TELFAIR/THROUGH THE FIRE - PART 9/14
NBA FINALS 2008/GAME 5 HIGHLIGHTS


The Jonathan Hock documentary "Through the Fire" tracks the Coney Island product's evolution from high school phenom to NBA lottery pick.

Along the way, Telfair contemplates a scholarship offer from Rick Pitino at the University of Louisville, struggles with the violence of his Brooklyn neighborhood and consumes himself with the desire to get his family out of the projects.

Having seen cousin and NBA star Stephon Marbury make it, Telfair knows big league dreams are within reach. However, Telfair's greatest source of inspiration is his older brother Jamel Thomas, who serves as a cautionary tale of just how elusive an NBA career can be.


Theehibachi
Youtube.com

nedjelja, 15.06.2008.

NBA FINALS 2008 @ OBN: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics, Game 5 (02.30 CET)...

NBA FINALS 2008/LAKERS 1, CELTICS 3/Playoff Preview June 15th
RALPH SAMPSON'S SON/Ralph Sampson III Highlights
TOP 10 NCAA SHOOTERS/Pete Maravich #2
NBA EVOLUTION TEAM/Vince Carter/Why
TOP 10 NCAA SHOOTERS/Larry Bird #1


Reprizu noćašnje Tekme možete u skraćenom obliku vidjeti na DSF-u, u utorak @ 18.30...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

subota, 14.06.2008.

Jabba Street Jam...

NEW PHOENIX SUNS COACH/Porter Leaps Over Laimbeer!
CHARLES BARKLEY/Philadelphia Days..




Jabba Street Jam after-party u Aquariusu


Jabba Street Jam after-party u AquariusuU subotu 14. lipnja, u sklopu trećeg po redu neprofitabilnog jednodnevnog zagrebačkog događaja Jabba Street Jam 2008 (na igralištu OŠ A.G. Matoš na Ravnicama) nakon raznolikih i zanimljivih dnevnih sadržaja, u klubu Aquarius najavljen je službeni after-party JabbaTon i prijatelji.

Na after-partyu s početkom u 22h nastupit će:
DJ Phase (Velika Britanija)
DJ Eyez (Velika Britanija)
DJ Floydcide (Velika Britanija)
MC Scott T. Dog (Velika Britanija)
DJ Corea (Zagreb)
MC Kandžija (Osijek)
Yesh & Rea (Zagreb)
DJ Venom (Zagreb)
Kodin live (Zagreb)


WWW.JABBA-CREW.COM via R31

petak, 13.06.2008.

KORAK DO PRSTENA: Celtics overcome 24-point deficit, take 3-1 series lead...

NBA FINALS 2008/LAKERS 1, CELTICS 3: Celtics stars Paul Pierce & Ray Allen teamed up to engineer the biggest comeback in Finals history. Cijena karte za Staples? Prava sitnica - according to HRT dosegnula je vrtoglavih 3.500,00 US$.
MOST UNDERRATED DUNKER/Elevator Dunk Mix
TFB:: Dunks of the Day::Jonsey TFB Debut 6'0"
PHX SUNS/Pre-Draft Workouts Continue
PXH SUNS/Interview With Terry Porter
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE/Compilation


WAY TO GO ŠVEĐO!
"Auf wiedersehen Deutschland" - orilo se Cvjetnim Naseljem


Damir Markota, hrvatski košarkaški reprezentativac “okrenuo” je rundu za 70 ljudi u caffe baru Ferax u Zagrebu, nakon što je Srna zabio gol. Popilo se tri gajbe Ožujskog piva, a Jagger se točio na litre.

Veseloj navijačkoj ekipi iz Cvjetnog naselja, pridružio se i malonogometni reprezentativac Jakov Grcić.


Jutarnji List via Iggypop
Nba.blog.hr

srijeda, 11.06.2008.

2-3-2 NBA FINALS 2008: Lakersi smanjili na 1:2...

NBA FINALS 2008/LAKERS 1, CELTICS 2: L.A. has never recovered from 0:2 to win the NBA Finals...Kobe Bryant 36...
STILL THE BEST IN THE WORLD? Rafer Alston 2007/08 mix
REEBOK EUROCAMP/Alexey Schved 3pt shooting
REEBOK EUROCAMP/Jonas Jerebko 3pt shooting
REEBOK EUROCAMP/Shooting sessions
NBA LEGENDS/Kareem Abdul Jabbar


Dok je 37992 očiju(+Jack u naočalama) uživo pratilo što će gospoda suci odlučiti Lakersima u L.A.-u, obesčašćeni Tim Donaghy uzeo je "mikrofon" u ruke i otvoreno objavio rat Sternu riječima:

Iako je Stern očekivano odlučno porekao apsolutno sve navode, ispada da se NBA ovom prilikom opekla jer je prije nekoliko dana tražila od Donaghya da im uplati odštetu u visini od čak MILIJUN DOLARA!

Na divljem zapadu, tijekom obračuna revolveraša, ova je pojava s zalutalim metkom u glavnoj ulozi bila poznatija kao rikoše...

BTW, ako su Vam termini NBA finala na OBN-u prekasni, reprizu je uvijek moguće uhvatiti sljedeći dan tijekom kasnog poslijepodneva na njemačkom DSF-u...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

utorak, 10.06.2008.

COACHING CHANGES: Michael Curry takes over Pistons, Vinny Del Negro over Bulls...

LAKERS vs CELTICS - WILL THE LAKERS HOLD SERVE: I felt like making a quick vid. Took a few hours, nothing special. Let's see if the Lakers can hold serve at home, the same way Boston did...(video by JediChris, Youtube.com)


Problem sa sucima NBA finala adresiran u izloženom youtube.uratku prije par dana odlično je okarakterizirao i kolega ZČ iz Jutarnjeg.

Košarka ipak nije nogomet, teren je puno manji, aktera je također manje, dok je sudaca koji odlučuju više. Njihovih je zvižduka nekada previše (kao da i sami pokušavaju postati akteri), a ponekad premalo.

U svakom slučaju sve brojnija svjetska mixmakerska zajednica neće mirno sjediti i pustiti "sive eminencije" da kroje igru i rezultate sukladno svojim kratkoročnim osjećajima i stavovima...

Jer za one na terenu, i nas koji pratimo svaki njihov pokret,
Igra je sveta stvar...


Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

ponedjeljak, 09.06.2008.

Leon Powe becomes Leon PoweR, Terry Porter becomes The Suns head coach...

NBA FINALS 2008/CELTICS 2, LAKERS 0/LEON POWE(R): Leon Powe erupted for 21 points off the bench to help the Celtics hold off the Lakers for a thrilling Game 2 win Sunday.
HE WAS READY/Ray Allen Hits the practice Halfcourt Shot
REEBOK EUROCAMP MORNING SESSION 09-06-08


SOUTHSIDE STORY
(NI)šta je novo u Bosni?!


BiH....Finale starta u utorak. Sarajevo će ugostiti ovih dana velikog rivala Igokea Partizan iz Aleksandrovca. Sezona kao sezona, predvidiva i bez mnogo uzbuđenja. Par bljeskova i pobjeda autsajdera nad Bosnom ili Širokim i to je to. Igračka struktura šarolika i ne previše zanimljiva.

Dosta Amerikanaca u ponekim ekipama (Bosna, Igokea, Siroki) koji se nerijetko od domaćih igraca razlikuju samo po boji kože. Istina ima i nešto zaista za naše uslove dobrih koji dižu kvalitet ali baš po ČETIRI u ekipi, to je previše za BiH prilike. Šta na to kažu juniori pitam se?

Polufinale je donijelo realnost da Sloboda Dita je maximalno četvrta i to je to, te da za više treba ili dublji džep (teško) ili jači oslonac na domaće snage (u poslednje vrijeme vrlo zanemareno). Gubitnici sezone se zovu Široki.

Povreda Šimeta Špralje, par poraza na kraju sezone, 3 mjesto, ispadanje od Igokeae 2-0, te gubljenje odskora vraćenog drugog mjesta za BiH u NLB.

Zoran Sretenović je nakon par poraza ekspresno dobio izlaznu kartu u jednom smjeru od Milorada Dodika tako da je novi trener Karalić sada pokupio ordenje za ulazak u NLB ligu kao finalista.

Najskoriji poraz Bosne u Aleksandrovcu prije 20-ak dana je bio pun bljuvotina s obje strane. S tribina pljuvanja Amerikanaca i njihovo (Bosnini Amerikanci) razračunavanje s publikom.

S Bosnine strane optužbe da su ih sudije pokrale u nemogucim
uvjetima, a onda isti ti čelnici Bosne na sjednici mirno prihvate zakljucke da je prvenstvo najregularnije i najbolje do sada. Dakle, same old story...



PRESS KONFERENCIJA - IGOKEA vs BOSNA: Izjava Zorana Sretenovića nakon utakmice Igokea Partizan - Bosna ASA BHT i interpretacija incidenta.


po onoj staroj ISPECI PA (NE) RECI......

BiH Finale, jedino koje se do sada (od meni poznatih finala u Europi) konstantno igra u 2 dobivene, počinje sutra. Vjerovatno bi se ovo igralo u 3 da je broj 1 Igokea. Ali pošto je Bosna vjerovatno je opet Best of 3.

Da li to simbolizira Kosarkaški Savez BiH i riječ OTALJAVANJE, to je stvar individualnog mišljenja? Bilo kako bilo, isti ljudi i dalje griju futrovane fotelje u sarajevskim prostorijama, a nisam bas siguran da smo "miljama" daleko od NOGOMETNE SITUACIJE u BiH ovih dana.

Svako ko je čuo za ime Meho Kodro ovih dana u BiH ili šire zna o čemu se radi? Ali dosta o tome - pa fudbalska situacija u BiH nema dodirnih tačaka sa košarkaškom. Za sada. Sutra?

Hmmmm.....


Eldar a.k.a. Sole
Nba.blog.hr

nedjelja, 08.06.2008.

NBA FINALS 2008 @ OBN: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 2 (02.30 CET)...

TOP 10 HIGHSCHOOL DUNKS OF ALL TIME by MIXSTEALER300: The craziest top 10 yet. The top 10 contains some of the rarest and most amazing basketball plays you will ever see. The countdown includes an ally oop windmill, an ally oop over the defender's head, two vc over weis style dunks, a few backboard breakers and some unbelievable ally oops. This is a must watch, just a sick compilation.
Kevin Garnett gets personalized soccer jersey


Kad sam bio prošle godine u 10 mjesecu na apsolventskom na Santoriniju, uslikao sam ovu sliku upravo imajući tebe na umu, ali nikako da ti pošaljem...



Evo kako izgledaju košarkaški tereni u Santoriniju...jel' su im to možda pozicije za šutiranje neke igre poput "Puta oko svijeta"?


R31
Nba.blog.hr

subota, 07.06.2008.

LEGEND LIVES ON: Dražen Petrović passed away 15 years ago, stayed in our hearts

NETS SHOOTING STAR: sjećam se da je na večernjem treningu prije utakmice protiv selekcije SAD-a na SP-u u Španjolskoj 1986. Dražen gađao trice nevjerojatnih 30-30.


What we do in our livetime echoes for an eternity...

Mislio sam stati na ovom često upotrebljavanom aforizmu iz među košarkašima omiljenog filma "Gladijator", ali ne bi bilo fer prema Draženu. Jer on nikada ne bi stao za nas. Nikada.

Iako je Dražen bio istinska legenda hrvatskog, europskog i svjetskog sporta i njegov životni put iz tog konteksta treba promatrati onakvim kakav je bio i koliko je trajao, ipak vrijedi zapisati da je život barem u jednom odlučujućem trenutku njegove karijere bio okrutan prema njemu i tako vjerojatno utjecao na njegovu konačnu sudbinu.

Ključni trenutak životne (ne)istine tj. nepravde za Dražena nastupio je u njegovoj četvrtoj, posljednjoj NBA sezoni. Naime Dailyevi Netsi su do all-star poluvremena sezone 1992/93 stali na 29 pobjeda i 20 poraza (59% uspješnosti). Iz gosta su se 13 od 25 puta vratili kao pobjednici.

Nakon što se izvukao s Adelmanove dijete minutama, te svojim sjajnim nastupima zdušno pokazao Amerima u kojem kutu globusa se nalazi malena zemlja koja je žrtva agresije, ponajbolji košarkaš "ostatka svijeta" imao je na svojoj radničkoj NBA agendi još samo jednu točku:
- izboriti all-star nastup u Utahu

Uz potporu ljevorukog playa Andersona, te vjerojatno najtalentiranijeg frontlinea istoka Morris-Coleman-Bowie, Dražen se mogao u potpunosti koncentrirati na ono što je radio najbolje - šutiranje. Vidjevši na OI u Barceloni što hrvatski "stroj za koševe" može napraviti čak i protiv najboljih od najboljih, Daily mu je dao sve ovlasti, dok je Dražen kao i uvijek bio u najmanju ruku korektan u obranbenoj fazi.

Rezultati Draženove kampanje bili su ništa drugo nego all-star. Tih dana nije bilo stvari na svijetu koju Dražen ne bi uspjeo napraviti ako je zaista naumio. OK, možda nije mogao čuvati Jordana, ali koliko ljudi na svijetu može čuvati Jordana, još i danas. Ameri uvijek kažu da brojevi ne lažu, pa vrijedi zapisati da je Dražen u borbi da se "ukrca na all-star brod" trenera New Yorka Pata Rileya ostvario čak 23,4 poena uz 51,5% šuta (trica 47,2%)!

Ipak čast da postane prvi Europljanin ikada izabran na NBA all-star utakmici pripala je njemačkom internacionalcu Detlefu Schrempfu. Iako je Schrempf bio nesumljivo svestraniji igrač od Dražena, njegovih 19,9 poena uz 46,7% šuta (uz tek 14,3% za tricu) činili su se definitivno lošijima od Draženovih brojeva. Tijekom godina razmišljali smo nije li možda presudila činjenica da je Schrempf zavšio sveučilište Washington State, a Dražen odbio školarinu Notre Damea koju mu je nudio legendarni NCAA trener Digger Phelps?

Svjetlo na cijelu tu all-star priču baca nedavno objavljeni članak kolege Tomislava Pakraca iz magazina "Superkošarka". Zaboravite Schrempfa, čini se da Petru nije bilo suđeno i iz nekih drugih razloga koje je mogao samo pasivno promatrati:



R.I.P. Dražen Petrović & Reggie Lewis, Nets vs Celtics 25-03-92: Boston Celticsi su na McDonalds Open turniru 1988. postali prva NBA momčad protiv koje je Dražen ikada igrao.
REMEMBERING DRAŽEN PETROVIĆ by SOLE
HRVATSKA/KADETI/OGULIN vs BOSCO

Dražen je živio za taj all-star nastup. On bi na neki način za njega bio kruna karijere, s obzirom na limitirane play-off sposobnosti Netsa. Uslijedio je psihološki pad zbog gubitka povjerenja u NBA sustav - Dražen je tijekom posljednja dva mjeseca sezone 1992/93 igrajući pod ozljedom koljena zabilježio prosjek od tek 19,9 poena (još uvijek bolje od Schrempfa!), uz za njega blijedih 38,1% šuta za tricu.

Netsi su opet ispali u prvoj rundi doigravanja od Cleveland Cavaliersa, uz bitno smanjenu ulogu Dražena na terenu. Tako je u ključnoj 5. utakmici serije u Clevelandu tijekom 30 minuta igre na koš uputio tek 10 lopti, te postigao za njega mizernih 11 poena...

Iako se često pitamo da li bi Dražen nakon all-star izostanka svoju karijeru odlučio nastaviti u NBA ili u Europi, budućim NBA finalistima Houstonu ili New Yorku, prilično smo sigurni u jednu stvar - njegova karijera trajala bi još dugo i bila bi uspješna.

Da je među nama Dražen bi Dražen danas barem rekreativno igrao košarku. Što bi radio? Pobrinuo se da nam košarka ne bude tamo gdje jest...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

PRVAK HRVATSKE 2007/08: KK ZADAR

NBA FINALS 2008/CELTICS 1, LAKERS 0: Junak uvodne pobjede Celticsa bio je Paul Pierce koji je nakon što je ozlijedio koljeno u 3. četvrtini stisnuo zube, vratio se na teren, te sa 11 od svojih ukupno 22 poena podsjetio L.A. Lakerse da igraju NBA Finale.


Više o hrvatskom finalu, sutra tj. danas, nakon što svi zajedno malo prespavamo.

Naravno, svi osim Zadrana koji će s punim pravom slaviti cijelu noć...

Spomenuti ću sutra i par INside detaljčića koje ste mogli i sami zamijetiti na vašim TV ekranima...


Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

četvrtak, 05.06.2008.

NBA FINALS 2008: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 1 (OBN, 02.30 CET)...

NOVI JUNIORSKI PRVACI HRVATSKE - KK CIBONA. Video by Davorin, Ogulin.
NBA FINALS 2008/GAME 1 PREVIEW
WEST FINALS/Top 10 Plays
EAST FINALS/Top 10 Plays


Ne znam da li je zbog Garnettove love, ali Rudež je igrom i zalaganjem u doigravanju ne samo opravdao Jaskovu pozivnicu, već nas i natjerao da mobiliziramo imaginaciju:

Zvuči neloše, rekao bi Kuki...

Ako će Raya Allena noćas trica ići kao Rudeža jučer, Lakersi mogu odmah razmišljati o drugoj utakmici...


Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

srijeda, 04.06.2008.

CROATIAN LEAGUE FINALS: Split vs Zadar, Game 4 (HRT2, 20.00 CET)...

NJEGOVO IME JE BILO SINONIM ZA GRAD SEATTLE: ex-Sonic Shawn Kemp showed his support for the Rip The Cut Tournament 2008. The "Reign Man" came and Represented!!!


Što se tiče večerašnjeg spektakla na Gripama vrijedi spomenuti da je Splitov Marlon Garnett nesebično odlučio razbiti svoju euro-kasicu prasicu, te nagraditi svakog suigrača (ako sam dobro shvatio) sa 10.000,00 KUNA u slučaju osvajanja naslova Prvaka Hrvatske.

Naravno, radi se o motivu više za Zadrane...

Neka bolji pobijedi,


Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

utorak, 03.06.2008.

WINNING IS NOT ENOUGH?? Spain sacks gold-medal winning coach Pepu Hernandez...

BALLIN' IN SEATTLE: Brandon Roy, part of the Home Team Championship squad in the Rip The Cut Tournament in Seattle.


No way...


Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

ponedjeljak, 02.06.2008.

Some original Magic stuff...

TRULY ULTIMATE MAGIC JOHNSON TRIBUTE: prema mojoj slobodnoj procjeni ovaj mix sadrži barem TRIDESETAK akcija Earvina "Magica" Johnsona koje nikada prije niste vidjeli.
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT - HAKL NA HORVATIMA '06
KERRY KITTLES MIX


OK.

Napisati ću sljedeće, makar znam da se nekim mojim kolegama & suradnicima moje večerašnje riječi nimalo neće svidjeti...

Ovo što radi HRT u eri nogometne groznice prešlo je svaku granicu kvalitetnog sportskog ukusa. Provjerite samo što je na TV rasporedu danas u 20.00, i to u trajanju od više od sat i pol...

Kao da je već palo kolektivno "veni, vidi, vici"?

Dakle nogometno šopanje nacije se nastavlja u punom smislu riječi. A svi znamo kako reagiramo kada pojedemo nečega previše, pogotovo kada je vani globalno vrućeee...

+još koja piva...ma kakav Mr.Creosote iz Montya Pytona...

Have fun!! Biti će još zabavnije gledati ako repka ne poluči rezultat i svi se još prije kraja prvenstva okrenu traženju krivca...karte skupo plaćene, listići poderani, piva polokana, nema se za godišnji na domaćem moru...

Kao da to već nismo vidjeli više puta u ovom milenijumu?

Državna TV će u svakom slučaju ispasti GENIJALNA jer će se (e)misija "traženje krivca" pretvoriti u full-time analitički talk-show, možda i pod paskom Danijele Trbović...ona bi bila idealna za tu ulo..palicu, zar ne?

Ako želite kupujte i dalje, a ja ću se i dalje držati narodne:

"Nikad sva jaja u istu košaru"...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr

nedjelja, 01.06.2008.

ULTIMATE BATTLE @ JAZINE: Zadar vs Split, Game 3 (HRT2, 20.00 CET)...

RICKY DAVIS MOVE OVER - BILL WALKER HIGHLIGHT REEL
COREY BREWER HIGHLIGHT


Iako HRT neće izaći s konkretnim brojevima, čini se da košarka u udarnom terminu nikada nije bila gledanija posljednjih godina...

Večerašnji termin je zaista odlično izabran, ne poklapa se s drugim sportskim događanjima, pa čak niti s "blockbusterima".

Samo košarkaši Zadra i Splita, koji će uzavrelom hramu košarke u Jazinama dati vrlo bitan dio odgovara na pitanje "Tko će biti novi Prvak Hrvatske?".

Ulozi su veliki, naboj itekako postoji. Najviše elektriciteta se, pogađate, osjeća na relaciji Hrvoje Perić - Corey Brewer.

Play po dekretu, Hrvoje Perić, drugu je utakmicu na Gripama odigrao zaista maestralno (25min:17pts/3reb/5ast/6stl). Reprezentativno izdanje, već sam se pobojao da ga nemamo navedenog u anketi za repku (4.79% vaših glasova).

Pobojao sam se s razlogom. Iako njegove dionice u trenucima kotiraju sjajno, Perić u rijetkim momentima prekida utakmica zna pokazati nekontroliranost specifičnu jednom i jedinom - Ronu Artestu.

Još se jasno sjećam kada je prošle sezone bez nekog većeg razloga pokazao srednji prst gledateljima u Draženovom Domu, među kojima je zaista bio i brojni kontingent navijača Splita.

Naravno da su Aco i njegova produžena ruka Corey svjesni Perićevih psiholoških padova. Brewer ga je na Gripama svjesno pokušao uvući u incident koji je mogao odlučiti Finale, ili barem današnju utakmicu u slučaju da je HKS suspendirao Perića.

Speaking of HKS, žao mi je što su morali potrošiti 75.000 EURA za ubrzanu doping kontrolu, ali zaista sve pohvale i čestitke na tom svrsishodnom potezu.
Kad je bal, nek' je bal...


BUDUĆI REPREZENTATIVNI KOLEGE? Hrvoje Perić & Nikša Prkačin @ Divlja Liga 2006.

Iduće područje na kojemu HKS instantno treba reagirati je da se u slučaju budućih incidenata na tekmama diskvalificiraju i kazne svi treneri & rezervni igrači koji se imalo približe mjestu incidenta, pređu zadanu liniju.

Aco, znam da Tebi to izričito neće svidjeti, ali dobro znamo koliko su kazni pobrali Pistonsi & Pacersi nakon The Brawla 2004., uopće nećemo komentirati...a da nisu, Liga bi mogla zatvoriti vrata gledateljima na malo duže razdoblje!

Vratimo se na slučaj Perića. Zaboravimo iskrice, vrijedi spomenuti da je Hrvoje kod 50:50 zabio psihološki vrlo bitan na-brzinu-izbačen šut s krila za 52:50, koji je bio indikacija da je više sreće i strpljenja u žutim rukama...

Ako ovako nastavi Perić bi se najvjerojatnije trebao vratiti na Jaskov reprezentativni popis, ali bih ga zamolio da ipak malo pažnje posveti svom zapaljivom temperamentu, te da nam svima pokaže da je košarku počeo igrati u gradu s najbogatijom kulturnom tradicijom u Hrvatskoj - Dubrovniku.

Ostali vitalni momenti utakmice br.2 koje bih izdvojio:
- 5 osobna Coreya Brewera cca minutu prije kraja
- promašeno otvoreno polaganje Stipčevića u zadnjem napadu

Gečevski & Ivanov u sjeni svih spomenutih događanja biju zaista ljuti boj pod obručem, uz napomenu da je Ivanov i protiv Cibone i protiv Zadra demonstrirao da može pogoditi tricu, te poprilično iznenadio suparničke scouting stožere.

Iako Batina (još) nije pokazao da može biti konstantna prijetnja s distance, u mnogim segmentima igre, pogotovo u obrani & kretanju bez lopte, u trenucima asocira na mladoga Giričeka.

Toliko od mene, uživajte večeras "u ljepoti loptanja pod obručima"...


Marjan Crnogaj a.k.a. Muraya
Nba.blog.hr