One is a gifted scorer while the other is a major presence on defense. One is a 21-year-old who is starting his third NBA season while the other is a 20-year-old No. 1 pick who has yet to play an official NBA game. One is coming back from a broken kneecap while the other is … [Read more…]
Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon were always considered two of the best centers in the game and their induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008 officially cemented their place in history. But where does Ewing and Olajuwon rank among the greats? Who is the best center of all time? Wilt? Russell? Shaq? With … [Read more…]
Dick Vitale is the most influential figure in college basketball since John Wooden. Are you serious! Are you serious! Yes, I’m serious. Dickie V is more than just a TV commentator. He is the face and voice of college basketball for 30 years. What Michael Jackson was to MTV, Dick Vitale is to ESPN. Vitale’s … [Read more…]
The Armani suits. The slicked-back hair. The clenched fist. Everything about the man exudes class and confidence. But Patrick James Riley is much more than just a confident, well-dressed basketball coach. He is the quintessential leader of men and master motivator. He is a champion. Six times to be exact. Once as a player with … [Read more…]
In the greatest gold-medal game in the history of men’s basketball in the Olympic Games, Kobe Bryant proved beyond any reasonable doubt that he is the best player in the world. When Spain got within two points at 91-89 with about eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, the United States, a team loaded with … [Read more…]
Pau Gasol and his Spanish teammates was put in an embarassing position of having to explain why they agreed to pose for an advertisement that reflected a racist tone. The ad showed members of the Spanish team using their index fingers to stretch their eyes to make “slant eyes” as part of media day in preparation … [Read more…]
His name is Rodolfo Farres Fernandez but goes by one name on the back of his jersey: Rudy. Rudy Fernandez is considered by many as the best player in Europe having starred for DKV Joventut in Badalona. At 6 foot 5, he is listed as a shooting guard but can easily play three positions. He … [Read more…]
The sport of basketball was the biggest winner in the game between the United States and China. Many have suspected that the game, a 131-70 blowout in favor of the much deeper and talented U.S. squad, was witness by billions. That may be an exageration but the impact of the game will be felt in … [Read more…]
Jerry Colangelo and USA Basketball is painting this wonderful picture of how the 12-man U.S. men’s national team was constructed but take a closer because the picture is revealing something else. In a team photo, Dwight Howard – the Orlando Magic center who wears the adidas brand – is placed at the far left craddling … [Read more…]
Kobe Bryant was built for this. The reigning MVP of the NBA takes center stage at the Beijing Olympics. Now, all he has to do is play like the best basketball player in the world and lead Team USA to the gold-medal stand. Kobe would probably say, “no problem.” The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team … [Read more…]