Going into this draft I did not have high expectations. Coming off their 17th title and picking 30th what players of any consequence would be available? When Mario Chalmers and Chris Douglas- Roberts were still available at 30, my thought was ,which one will they take?
To my surprise and initial outrage, The Celtics took JR Giddens. I rememberd the name, vaguely,from his stint as the "next big thing at Kansas" but have not really seen or heard much about him other than that. So I looked up the history on this kid, Recriuted by Roy Williams ( Roy left for Tar Heels gig shortly thereafter). Played two seasons under the tutaledge of Bill Self at Kansas and showed great promise, if not good judgment. There was no questioning this kids abilities but in the two years there he was considered by many to be a head case with a bad attitude. His problems came to a head in Lawrence when he was stabbed in the leg during an altercation at a club, opening a wound that required 30 stitches. JR transfered to New Mexico in 2005. He was forced to sit out 05-06 as a transfer.
2006-07 JUNIOR SEASON Saw action in 26 games with 22 starts • Led the team in scoring with 15.8 ppg • Second on the team in rebounds with 6.5 rpg • earned honorable mention All-MWC honors • third on the team in assists with 60 • 2006 Las Vegas Classic All-Tournament team with14 points and six rebounds in an upset win over No. 8 Wichita State • MVP of the 2006 Comcast Lobo Invitational...26 points and nine rebounds in the championship game against Pepperdine • Scored 20+ points seven times and had three double-doubles on the year • Shot 44.1% from the floor, 30.1% from 3-pt. range and 59.0% from the FT line.
Giddens was suspended in 06-07 for "attidude problems" ( fighting with teammates).
In 07- 08 Former Indiana HC Steve Alford took over the reins for the Lobos. This seemed to be just what JR needed as he went on to have his best season ,with no on or off court incedents.
2007-08 • SENIOR Season Named MWC co-Player of the Year...AP Honorable Mention All-American...USBWA District VIII Player of the Year...NABC 1st Team All-District...CollegeHoops.net 3rd Team High-Major All-American • Started all 33 games • Led the team in scoring (16.3), rebounding (8.8), steals (47) and blocks (39)...2nd in assists (3.1) • Selected to participate in the State Farm Slam Dunk Contest at the Final Four • MWC Ranking - All Games - 16.3 ppg - 4th - 8.8 rpg - 1st...first guard to lead the MWC in rebounds - 51.6 FG% - 4th (make 5/game to qualify) - 1.42 spg - T7th - 1.18 bpg - 3rd - 3.12 apg - 9th • MWC Ranking - MWC Games Only - 18.3 ppg - 1st - 8.3 rpg - 1st - 52.9 FG% - 3rd (make 5/game to qualify) - 3.38 apg - T7th - 1.50 spg - 6th - 1.31 bpg - T3rd - Joined Utah's Andrew Bogut (2005) as the only two players to lead the MWC in scoring and rebounds in league play in the same year • Only player to rank in the top-5 in scoring and rebounds in MWC games • Only player to rank in the top-10 in points, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists in MWC games • Only player in the MWC with multiple 30-point games in league play...36 vs. Wyoming and 30 vs. BYU • Very efficient on the offensive end... the only player to rank in the top-5 in scoring and FG% in MWC games • Only player in the MWC with at least 100 assists, 30 blocks and 40 steals • Had 103 assists and 73 TOs...first season with more assists that TOs • Set career highs for a season in points, rebounds, FG%, assists, blocks and steals • Led the MWC with 11 double-doubles • 290 rebounds this season is the most by a guard in UNM history...12th all time at UNM overall ( from http://golobos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/gidde ns_jr00.htm)
Giddens has all the tools to become a very good NBA player. He is a good shooter, an above average defender, and can post up most two's with his height,length and superior athletic abilities. He also rebounds extremely well. The only thing that can stop him from realizing his potential is his attitude.
Danny Ainge has a history of finding good talent late in the draft (Tony Allen, Delonte West,Leon Powe,Ryan Gomes). Giddens has the potential to be a better player than any of them. Grabbing KSU's Bill Walker,a Paul Pierce clone(he even looks like him),with a history of knee problems could turn out to be a coup as well. Walker played along side Mike Beasley at KSU and averaged 15pts. and 6rbs.
A lot of experts are quoted as saying Giddens was a reach at 30. Are there any locks picking that high. Sure it's a risk but these two players have to much "potential to pass on
If nothing else Ainge,with these picks, gaurantees the Celtics will be properly represented in the tedious NBA slamdunk contest.
And besides,in Giddens now P-squared has somone to compare knife wounds with.
Earlier today on JDizzles blog I guaranteed a Celtic win in game four. By half time I had set the oven for 350 and was preparing the "crow" for a late nite dinner. A funny thing happened on the way to the series being 2 apiece.The Celtics decided to play defense the way they are capable of , and to attack the rim with a vengence on offense. after being totaly dominated offensivly in the first half the Celtics returned the favor in the second. shooting 53% and erasing an unprecedented 24pt first quarter deficit to beat the Lakeshow on thier home floor
Ray Allen was 100% man. 48 minutes of balls to the wall. an amazing wire to wire performance offensivly and defensivly 19pts, 9rb, 2 dimes, 3stl, 1 blk.
Rondo ineffective? How about Eddie House with some big shots
Perk goes down? Up steps Posey shutting down a red hot Odom and knocking down three point daggers
Doc Rivers having Paul Pierce gaurd Blobe one on one in the second half was a great adjustment. This allowed the help defense to get in the passing lanes and limit Blobes ability to distribute. They sagged off the screener on the pick and roll with Blobe and Pau to take away the bigmans cuts to the basket and easy layups.
I expect this game to have the same effect on the Lakers, as their 20pt comback in the conference finals had on the Spurs.
Gutsy, Gutsy, Gutsy comeback by the toughest team in the NBA . This was the greatest comback in playoff history.
Incredible!
Did anyone see the look on Phil Jacksons face when the Celtics cut the lead to two pts?
He looked like he found out Jeannie had lined the cat box with his autographed 8x10 of the Dali Lama.
Floor seats to the game $22,000.
NBA throwback game jersey (Kobe #8) $350
The stunned silence in the staples center.... Priceless
There is no way I thought the Celtics could win this game after that first half. I had to take half a bottle of Xanex to save my new flat screen from an untimly demise.
Red is firing up a Cuban in that big cigar bar in the sky.
This one was for you big guy
As for me I shall be having the Surf and Turf. (Lobster and "Kobe" beef)
At first glance you would think the officials handed the Celtics the game last night.
Team Green took 38 freebies to the Lakers 10.
the zebras robbed the Lakers right?
WRONG!
The Lakers were whistled for 28 fouls, theCeltics 21
Two of the Lakers 28 fouls game at the end of the game, where because of the situation they were forced to foul
Not quite the bag job we've been led to believe
I'm going to explain to the sour Laker fans and coach Phil (the genius) the reason the LA did not get to the line.
The Lakers had the Celtics in the penalty in the 2nd qtr at the 4:22 mark and 5:44 in the third
These are the shot sequences for LA while in the bonus situation.
2nd quarter:
3:32 Lamar Odom misses 15-foot jumper
2:42 Derek Fisher misses 25-foot three point jumper
2:05 Vladimir Radmanovic makes 24-foot three
1:37 Pau Gasol makes 5-foot two point shot
1:07 Rajon Rondo blocks Vladimir Radmanovic's 25-foot three
0:50 Pau Gasol misses 4-foot hook
0:23 Derek Fisher shooting foul (on Rondo)
0:01 Pau Gasol misses layup
3rd quarter:
5:43 Pau Gasol makes dunk
5:05 Kobe Bryant makes 17-foot two point shot
4:31 Pau Gasol makes 15-foot jumper
3:55 Vladimir Radmanovic misses 22-foot jumper
2:42 Kobe Bryant misses 19-foot jumper
2:14 Kobe Bryant misses 25-foot three point jumper
2:03 Jordan Farmar misses layup
1:54 Luke Walton misses 20-foot jumper
0:23 Sasha Vujacic makes 19-foot two point shot
With the Celtics in the penalty for over 10 minutes combined in these two quarters, the Lakers attempted 11 shots from beyond 15ft and made 4. They took 5 shots in the paint made 2 and drew a foul on a 3rd,resulting in 2 points
This tells me one of two things
1. The Lakers were lazy and settled for low percentage shots
2. The Celtics shut down the paint and forced the Lakers into low percentage shots.
Either way you want to spin it the end result is the same
By comparison The Celtics drove to the hoop aggressivly and and made the Lakers commit fouls.
So no more crying about fouls.
The reason LA lost this game and inevitably will lose this series is defense
The Celtics play it. La doesn't.
This Laker team is softer than a sneaker full of ####
A glaring example was Powe driving the length of the court for a two hander while Rad watched and Pau Gasol got out of the way. absolutly pathetic.
Phil Jackson should have called a timeout,walked out on the floor grabbed Gasol by the ear and dragged him off the court.
If I coached Pau Gasol and he pulled that ####. I'd bury him so deep on the bench he'd have to dig his way out with a combat shovel.
Until the Lakers decide to put some effort in defensivly this is going to be a very short series.
With a victory over the Celtics in the finals, Phil Jackson will displace Red Auerbach as the NBA coach with the most championships.
Is Phil Jackson the Great coach the media has made him out to be ?
Or is he the biggest fraud perpetrated on mankind since dinosaurs , the Lunar landing and Jesus Christ's bachelorhood?
Let us examine the facts. We'll pick it up with with the Bulls, because let's face it , Phil was a total stiff as a player, and frankly no one gives a #### what his CBA record was.
After two years as an assistant, Phil took over the reins as HC of the CB with all time #1 player Michael Jordan ,a young Scottie Pippen and a team of complimentary players.
He Imedeatly installed the "Triangle Offense" innovated by Kansas state coach Tex Winter, which he had read about while sitting on the #### one saturday, following a rigorous morning of meditation , watching cartoons, and a little to much bran.
Starting with the 90-91 season ,Jordan.....I mean Jackson led the Bulls to three straight titles.
MJ called it quits in 93 to pursue a baseball career and the Bulls did not make the finals in 93-94. not to worry for Phil though,due to his failure to hit the curve ball ( he should have consulted with Jobu), Jordan un-retired in March of 95. They lost in the div. championship to Miami in 6 games but went on to another "three peat" from 95-96 thru 97-98 after which MJ retired again.
Alone and "ascared" without his binky, Phil retired as well.
Amazingly, after one year of struggling as a broadcast analyst, good fortune smiled again on Phil, as he took over a Laker squad with not one but the TWO best players in the NBA, Kobe and Shaq. Given the keys to yet another Caddilac , the "Zen Master" hopped off his prayer rug ,into the back seat and caught a ride to Three consecutive titles.
Even the most eggregious Phil apologist would have to admit it would have taken a village #### of cosmic proportions not to win three straight with that team.
In 2004 Shaq went to Miami to win another title and Phil retired to write a book in which he badmouths his meal tickets and writes about Karma and Shakra and things of that ilk.
Which brings us to now, All Phil has to do to pass Red and cement his legacy as "luckiest sum #### to ever walk gods green earth" ,is win one series against a coach making his first finals appearance, with the greatest player to ever lace -em up.
I'm taking some time off from Laker bashing (not long though) to blog about my favorite sport ,MMA. If anyone watched last nights debacle with Kimbo Slice, don't be too disappointed. Tonites WEC fight card on VS.network, is shaping up to be a very good one. Lets start with the Main Event. Current champ Urijah "the California kid" Takes on former UFC lightweight champ Jens "Little Evil" Pulver,for the WEC featherweight title. For those of you who havn't seen Faber fight ,he is perpetual motion. Faber is a great wrestler with outstanding submissions.His hands are lightning fast and he strikes from all angles. Urijah's takedowns are fast and brutal . He has the strength and skill to finish an opponent from any position and has an aresenal of unortodox moves and strikes that are amazing to watch.
Jens Pulver is one of the pioneers of modern MMA an excellent grappler with a punishing left hand and loads of experience. Pulver has fought better competition. He has a decision victory over current UFC lightweight champ BJ Penn ,who many consider to be the best pound for pound fighter in MMA (Penn submitted Jens in their rematch).
This should be an exiting fight These two are both in top condition and this should be a very fast paced fight. Pulver needs to keep this one standing to have a chance. Jens is a good grappler but is not on the level of Faber. I'll be pulling for "Little Evil" But I have to think Faber finishes this by submission in th 2nd round.
The Celtics and pistons play a pivotal game 5 tonite at the TD Banknorth Garden. The C's are 9-1 postseason at home,with their sole loss coming to the Pistons in game 2. This is a MUST win game for the Celtics. The prospect of having to go back to Detroit down 3-2 is extremely unpalletable.
Here are the 5 keys to a Celtic victory
1. Ray Allen CAN NOT gaurd Rip Hamilton. The two former UConn Huskies going at it is a nice story and all but Rip is eating Rays lunch. Although he has played better this year Allen has never been known as much of a defender. If his shooting woes continue The Celtics can ill afford his defensive shortcomings.
2 Get to the line early and often. The Celtics took 39 freebies in game 4 and are shooting over 80% for the series The way the Pistons play the physical D they are suseptible to fouls. This means attack the basket,be aggressive you don't always have to settle for jumpshots or make the extra pass.
3. Ray Allen has to play better. I love the guy but he's in a shooting funk like I've never seen. Allens best game was game 2 when he went for 25 alot of which came on drives and cuts to the basket.This will also get him to the line more.
4. Don't forget about Antonio McDyess. Outside of Rip ,he's been Detroits best player. I give him credit ,he's got that jumper going but he is getting ALL open looks. The secret is out The Celtics need to make defending him a priority not an afterthought.
5. Benchplay. The Celtics bench, with the exception of PJ Brown has been hit or miss. Sam Cassel, whom they picked up for exactly this type of situation has been a non factor. with Rajon Rondo's up and down play the Celtics need Sam to step up big. some of this I have to believe lies with Doc Rivers. Leon Powe, gave Doc good minutes off the bench in the second half of the season, yet has barely been seen in this series.
Bottom line, Celtics need this one more. I see them starting out fast , feeding off the home crowd energy and coming away with a double digit win
With a convincing win tonite,the Celtics put to bed the notion that they can't win on the road. Boston regained home court advantage with a bigtime defensive effort and by dominating in the paint . Detroit has no answer for the Big Ticket, who had his way with every one the Pistons sent his way to the tune of 22-13-6. Kendrick Perkins was a force with 12pts. 10 rbs. and stellar defensive play. The Celtics outrebounded the Pistons 44-28. Bostons bench played much better than game two.Garnett and Allen picked up 2 quick fouls in the first and the bench players, notably Posey and Cassel stepped up and squashed the only real threat made by the Pistons all night. Detroit is in trouble if they don't find a way to slowdown KG. This one had to hurt Detroits psyche, not because they lost but how they lost. If the Celtics don't hit the cruise control in the fourth quarter, they win this game by 30.
Just gonna throw in my 2 cents here but,dosn't it kind of negate the whole "home court advantage" thing when you boo the home team and the leave halfway through the 3rd quarter. Nice going, you bunch of fair weather marys. nothing like home cookin..............NOT!
Please do enjoy the music player I've installed. I tried to put something everyone. If you don't find anything to your liking make a suggestion and I'll try to accomodate.
Today My wife and I took my daughter to her first playoff game. She's a huge Celtic's fan and has been to quite a few games with us. But nothing compares to a Playoff game at the Garden. Though the outcome was not what we would have liked, it was a great game , The joint was ROCKIN!! and we had a blast . We sat up in the nosebleed seats and cheered until we were hoarse, booed every bad call and laughed our #### off at the drunk guy next to us(this guy was priceless).
I was planning to blog about the the Celtics poor defensive effort or Jesus Shuttleworth finally breaking out of his shooting funk. I could lament the Celtics loss and #### and moan about the officiating but I won't.
Tonite, sitting with my wife and daughter , cheering and laughing ,I realized thats not really important to me right now. With my wife and I working and my daughter with school and work and friends ,it has been a while since we've done anything together.
eddie's in da house!
I look at my kid all grown up (17) and I wonder " where the hell was I when this happened " it went by to fast. Somehow time jumped from teaching her to ride a bike to teaching her to drive a car in the blink of an eye.
I would like to thank my wife and kid for a great evening that I will cherish forever and reminding me what is really important . Next time lets not wait so long.
As everyone who's watched the Celtics in the playoffs knows, Ray Allen has been MIA . Allen aka Jesus Shuttleworth has lost his faith. Since game one of the Cleveland series, the 40% career 3pt. marksman is an anemic 4-25 from beyond the arc and 32% overall. I can't remember a guys game dropping off this much, for this long. His 3pt. attempts have not even been close. He's been doubled alot, especialy in the Cleveland series,but has had open looks and has not been able to capitalize.
Its gotten so bad Boston fans gave him a sarcastic cheer when he drained an uncontested 3 after a Pistons foul. Ray needs to come out of his funk in order for the Celtics to have a shot at the title. I still believe in Jesus,after all, "He got game"
My prediction is Allen busts out big time, Thurs. night what do you think?
Lemme tell ya a little story ,gonna tellya bout my town, The city that never sleeps the city that never weeps the city that never "and the Rock means never" loses. Pats ,Sox ,BC, Celtics Hell lets even through in the Bruins (for now)
We're sweet ,we cheat ,our teams cannot be beat, we never beat our meat, unless we are discreet.
Grab a glass of Haterade and please pass the Hater-Tots We're the boys from Beantown Don't Hate us cause your not
Greg Oden entering the NBA draft is pretty much a forgone conclusion wether OSU wins or loses this evening. He is the consensus #1 pick and doesn't stand to gain much by returning for his sophmore year.
Let me throw this out there, just for a goof.
Say OSU manages to pull off the upset and beat the Gators tonite. Does anyone besides myself think ConleyJr might declare himself eligible for the NBA draft.
Here is my reasoning for bringing this up. If Conley Jr enters this years draft I believe he will be the first PG taken. Acie Law is more mature and a better shooter but Jr. sees the floor better is a much better defender and has more"upside". He would surely be a lottery pick and I could see him going as high as 3rd especially if the Celtics or Grizzlies fall out of the top 2 picks. Either team could use a point guard. (and another shooter and a defensive presence and a clue).
Another thing to consider is that Conley Jr. has played with Oden since high school and are reportedly good friends. He may want to follow his boy into the NBA
I would like to know what your thoughts on this subject are although I think I can guess what the OSU fans on this sites reaction will be.
Speaking of OSU fans get well Marty Walker so we can debate this.
It's here , The matchup I've been looking forward since the brackets were set
Georgetown vs BC a battle of former Big East Rivals.
I've always had mixed feelings on BC leaving the Big East for the ACC. A Great move for the football team (more TV exposure ,easier to recruit),not so for basketball.
I miss Big East hoops . this is in no way a knock on the quality of ACC teams. I happen to think that the ACC is the toughest conference. it 's just a different brand of basketball . I miss the old rivalries with Uconn , PC , and especially Georgetown. those games were always PHYSICAL! hard fought battles regardless of either teams record
Back in the early 80's those Patrick Ewing led squads and Boston College became bitter rivals. Although the Hoyas won most of the games , I have to give the edge to BC in the trash talking department. I can remember when the Hoyas would come to Boston , BC fans made up signs that read "Patrick kant reed " in reference to Ewings alledged lack of academic prowess.
I'm looking forward to a good old fashioned Big East slugfest saturday.
I'm a rabid boston sports fan.
Pats,Sox,Celt s and will support the Bruins again when Jeremy Jacobs is playin ice hockey in HELL.
Also a HUGE! M.M.A fan especialy UFC and PRIDE.
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Its gotten so bad Boston fans gave him a sarcastic cheer when he drained an uncontested 3 after a Pistons foul. Ray needs to come out of his funk in order for the Celtics to have a shot at the title. I still believe in Jesus,after all, "He got game"
I would like to know what your thoughts on this subject are although I think I can guess what the OSU fans on this sites reaction will be.
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