When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want they bury me upside down, and my critics can kiss my ####!
This time on HE SAID SHE SAID, we have picked a very controversial character. You either love or hate this man….there is no in-between. Would you allow your son to play college basketball for the infamous Bobby Knight? Those of you that know me know I am a college basketball freak so I am more than happy to debate anything that has to do with my passion. The problem is there is more bad news covering Coach Knight than there is good. We all know of the chair throwing incident or grabbing of players and of course deriding the press. So, where does one go to find the good in Bobby Knight? Believe it or not, I didn’t have to go very far. While I only have 2 daughters, would I allow my child or children to play for Bobby Knight? The answer is simple….yes, I would.
Robert Montgomery Knight was born on Oct 25th, 1940 in Massillon, Ohio. He grew up in nearby Orrville where he played basketball, football and baseball for the Orrville Red Riders. He played three seasons at Ohio State University (1960-1962) where he served as the sixth man on OSU’s National Championship team. After coaching high school basketball in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Knight joined the Army and coached the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Knight developed his coaching antics while at West Point. Although he has a reputation for physical intimidation, he dictates more with an acid tongue. Knight was only 24 years old when he took the reigns at West Point. While there he took Army to the semifinals of the NIT three times. This may not seem like a great accomplishment until you consider that no player was over 6’6” because of West Points’ height requirements. Throughout the years, Knight has remained the consistent drill sergeant who fiercely taunts his players while demanding total obedience.
Bob Knight coached at Indiana University from 1971 to 2000 where he led the Hoosiers to 3 NCAA titles (1976, 1981, and 1987) as well as 11 Big Ten championships. He coached U.S. teams to gold in the 1979 Pan American Games and the 1984 Olympics. On Sept. 10th 2000 Bobby Knight was fired by IU president for a continuing pattern of “defiant and hostile” behavior. 3000 protesters marched to IU president’s house, Myles Brand, on campus and downtown Bloomington in reaction to his firing. Knight bid farewell during a rally held the next day to 8000 supporters. Coach Knight signed with Texas Tech on March 23, 2001. It was reported to have been a 5-year deal worth $1.25 million dollars with no extra behavior clauses in the contract. Knight surpassed Dean Smith on Jan. 1st, 2007 with 880 wins and became the winningest basketball coach in NCAA men’s division 1 history.
So what makes Bobby Knight, well, Bobby Knight? To me, it is the passion and love he has for the game of basketball. He is nicknamed “The General” and rightly so. His competitiveness reminds me of another famous General, George Patton. This commander also had a winning record and was known for coming close to destroying a lustrous career for slapping shell shocked soldiers in Army hospitals. Patton accepted no less from one soldier than he did from another. Bobby Knight can be described in the same manner. He expects high principles and demands not only from his players but from his coaching staff as well. However, Bobby Knight is first and foremost an educator. Every young man who has had the privilege of playing under Knight can take the lessons taught to them while playing ball and use them throughout their lives.
Coach Knight’s demand for excellence doesn’t exclude the classroom. While at IU Knight’s graduation rate was nearly 98 percent. Around 65 percent of college student/athletes will fail to graduate. Under the hard-love of Bobby Knight, Indiana University’s men’s basketball squad was an academic success. Only a handful of NCAA schools combine basketball excellence along with a high level of graduation among athletes. Knight has an ability to motivate, teach and push his kids to success. There are a number of assistant coaches and former players that have gone on to become successful head coaches. Perhaps the most famous is the current head coach of Duke, Mike Krzyzewski.
The General is a fiery coach who leads through discipline and intimidation. His in-your-face approach has been the subject of much criticism and sometimes rightly so. His passionate approach seems to follow generational lines. The younger generation sees Knight as a bully while the older generations say they do their best under strict guidance like that of Knight. In August of 2003 Knight was honored as the very first inductee in the Vince Lombardi Titletown Legends. This induction pays tribute to individuals that possess characteristics passed down by Vince Lombardi; these include dedication, teamwork, respect, love, family, and discipline.
Bobby Knight’s name is synonymous with greatness. His accomplishments far outnumber the mistakes he has made out of passion. His numbers speak for themselves and his integrity by not recruiting in the wrong way is very admirable especially in this day and age. If you have a son ready to leave home for work or school, you will not be there to protect or take care of him. If your child were good enough to play division 1 basketball you would want someone to take care of them in your absence. To that parent Bobby Knight represents everything you would want in a person shaping your son’s early adult life.
What would I want for my child in their college career?
I want discipline.
I want leadership.
I want knowledge.
I want them to be taught by the best.
I want academics.
I want someone who will be there for them during and after their college career.
Around this time every year we, the fans, know it is time for pro-football when we hear Hank Williams, Jr. sing “Are You Ready for Some Football.” Apparently Hank is serenading the wrong crowd! He should aim his vocals towards the rookies drafted by the NFL months ago but who have yet to step foot on the field. Until recently approximately 20% of the first round draft picks had not signed their contracts. For a league as well run and as well respected as the NFL, this is absolutely ridiculous! It is time the NFL takes some advice from the NBA and enforces strict salary caps. Rev will try to persuade you this is a bad thing but I have listed just a few reasons enforcing a salary cap like that of the NBA would be good for the NFL.
ROOKIE HOLD_OUTS:
The Oakland Raiders knew long ago they would draft JaMarcus Russell as the #1 overall pick. The draft occurred back in April and Russell has yet to ink the agreement. Why? MONEY! Russell is holding out for more money. He is holding out for guarantees even though he hasn’t suited up for one game. Others that held out for bigger contracts include Calvin Johnson, Levi Brown, Darrelle Revis, Brady Quinn, Dewayne Bowe, and John Beason. A strict salary cap would all but eliminate rookie hold-outs.
DRAFT FOR NEED RATHER THAN AFFORDABILITY:
The top picks are eating away larger and larger portions of their prospective team’s salary. This leaves less for resigning veterans or adding free agents. The draft is supposed to assist the bottom teams from the previous year however it has become more o####amble than an investment. Remember Ryan Leaf? Russell could be signing what will be the largest contract in the history of the Oakland Raider’s. It is reported to be around $60 million dollars with $30 million of it guaranteed. If he turns out to be another “Leaf” the Raiders will have their hands tied for the next several years and efforts to better the team will be close to impossible. Russell is justifying this huge amount because it is a percentage increase from last years #1 draft pick. If future rookies continue to follow this logic by 2008 the overall #1 pick will be expecting $65 million and in 2015 the “chosen one” will be earning $100 million dollars! Teams would never be able to draft according to need but would have to try to improve the squad with who they can afford.
ROOKIES WOULD HAVE TO PROVE THEIR WORTH:
How many teams have invested huge lumps of money towards their futures only to have their choices bomb? The Chargers drafted Ryan Leaf as the #2 pick overall. Tim Couch was drafted #1 overall by the Cleveland Browns. Both teams gambled millions of dollars only to lose. Neither Leaf nor Couch ever lived up to their huge salaries and those teams are still paying for their mistakes. The Browns have never been able to overcome the drafting of Couch. Some rookies start out making more than many of veteran players will receive during their entire career without having stepped one foot on the field. The salary cap would make rookies prove themselves for the first couple of years thereby preventing hold-outs and the gambles teams are forced to make.
GOOD FOR OWNERS, VETERAN PLAYERS AND COACHES:
General Managers and Coaches have to have control of the money in order to build their teams and complete the roster. The more control they have over the money, the more creative they can be in building towards the future. Owners would no longer be taking a big gamble with their team’s futures by signing an untested player and overloading their future salary cap. As it stands now, owners must debate with greedy agents rather than know exactly what they would be spending. This takes the control of one’s team completely out of their hands and ultimately out of the hands of the coach. Only a few players take up the bulk of the salary cap and these are often recently drafted rookies rather than proven veterans. This makes no sense. Proven veteran players should be taken care of first and foremost. Agents would, of course, object to a strict salary cap because they would no longer be able to use kids just out of college to fatten their pocket and egos.
Huge rookie contracts should not be the norm for the NFL but they are. Because more and more rookies cannot come to an agreement on their contracts, more and more are reporting late for training camp. The NFL should give the NBA a call. Greg Oden signed with the Portland Trail Blazers almost immediately because the pro basketball league dictates how much money each rookie will make. Oden will start out at around #4 million a year. Unlike Russell, Oden will not be the highest paid player in the NBA; this is saved for the veterans of the game. There are no hold-outs or heated debates about money. The rookie player can focus on his new career as a pro.
I am not saying that players like JaMarcus Russell don’t deserve to get rich, but his pay demonstrates just how seriously insane the salary structure is of the NFL. The salary cap should remain at the same level with a smaller slice going to rookies and the bigger portion awarded to proven veterans; in other words, a strict rookie salary cap. In a few years Russell just might be worth the $30 million dollar payday. Until then, the NFL needs to reserve that kind of money for the players that have proven their worth on the field. The NFL might be the top sport in the country but would someone tell them to put the lid down before they flush more money down the toilet!
I was running blindly, in a panic….searching for something but didn’t know what. My heart was filled with sadness as I ran towards nothing yet feeling something important behind me; something I could never turn back towards. Suddenly, there was what I was looking for. I knew it as soon as I lay eyes on it. It was a sports’ arena. As I entered, the scenes changed before my very eyes - one minute it was a gym, the next a baseball diamond and then a football field. There was destruction in each; cobwebs and dust filled the air and clouded my vision as I looked around. There were tattered banners hanging from the rafters while moonlight shone through giant holes in the ceiling. Goals and scoreboards lay shattered and broken. Bleachers were lop-sided with many completely missing. Sounds from the past were deafening in the stillness consuming me. I was surrounded by ghosts; of fans who once believed in the game, coaches screaming change-ups in their D from sidelines long gone, and players who played their sports for the pure love they felt for the game. They whispered to me, “We were the WildCats, the Steelers, the Celtics. We were the Gators, the Yankees, the Bulls. We were all sports. We exist no more.” As I began to weep, I realized I was standing in a cemetery, a cemetery of sports that was, sports that is and sports that will never be.
When I awoke, I was sitting straight up in bed with real tears streaming down my face. I looked around and knew I was safe. “It was only a dream,” I told myself. “Only a dream.” …really?
There are those that predict a future without sports. With all the scandals surrounding sports they just might have a point. Are fans getting to the point they don’t care anymore or are indifferent to cheating which is infiltrating every single sport? If the numbers of the last NBA playoff games are any indication of what is happening with the fan base then the future of sports looks bleak. During game 1 of the Cleveland Cavs VS the Spurs the 6.3 rating amounted to a 19% drop from last year, setting a record low for an NBA Finals opening game in primetime. Game 2 faired no better as the earned a 5.6 national rating and a 10 share Sunday night. They sank 30% from numbers of 8.0 and a 14 draw in the finals of the previous year.
What’s going on and what is the mentality of the sports’ fan? Let’s take a look at the different areas of cheating and different outlooks of fans.
* Built up a tolerance to cheating: We have athletes who are ####s, murderers, drug dealers, addicts – cheating just doesn’t seem that bad anymore. Who cares!! All of this happens in every aspect of life. We are taught from an early age that if you see something you want, GO FOR IT!! And if genetics stands in the way of your success…cheat. Win at all costs. Isn’t this what society tells us to do? Do the majority of fans care if Bonds is taking steroids? No! They pay to see him hit homeruns. What goes on between the lines will make you forget what happens outside the lines.
* Cheating has always been around. It is just a part of sports: Yes, cheating is a part of human nature. Everyone wants to get a head of the “Jones” and to have their slice of the American Dream. If someone offered a janitor a way to become the boss and make millions and all it took for him was a little pill. What do you think he would do? When people see a way, they will take advantage. We Americans love a shot-cut to the top. Taking HGH could make a difference between being a practice dummy and making millions per year. Athletes have million-dollar incentives to cheat and scientist readily available to help them beat drug screens. Sports will never be drug-free. Athletic endowments far out way humanity. How many of our records are held by players who cheated? Will we ever know? Do we REALLY want to?
*Head in the sand – if we don’t see it then it doesn’t exist: Why care if the game is decided by forces we cannot see? Fans watch sports to be entertained. If this is so, why make a distinction between athletes who do or who do not use drugs? Roids mean more balls knocked out of the park. Now THAT’S entertainment!!
*So many ways to influence the outcome o####ame: Sometimes it isn’t about winning or losing, it is about the point spread. Players, coaches, the media, game officials and boosters can make things happen…things we may never discover. Let me ask you a question. If you are a member seeding the NCAA college basketball championship, would a teams’ fan base play a factor in your decision? Of course it would! Neither you nor the media want to show a game with very few fans in the stands!
*All cheating is not equal: There’s real cheating and then there’s “dirty” play. For example, stepping on a player’s foot during their lay-up is cheating but would be considered dirty. After all, isn’t that the Ref’s job? In former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian's 2005 memoir, Runnin' Rebel, he wrote, "In major college basketball, nine out of 10 teams break the rules. The other one is in last place." We live in a world of “What have you done for me lately.” Winning means bigger and better contracts….losing means finding a new job.
*Does “Best Recruiter” = “Best Cheater?”:The NCAA's Division I Manual is 427 pages long, very complicated, and yet still inadequate at controlling the recruiting scene. "Believe me," said one current D-I assistant who requested anonymity, "Coaches will talk publicly about the rules being excessive and hard to understand, but all the good ones are fully aware of how to exploit every loophole in the book." There is a thin line between cheating and not cheating. I have listed five examples from college basketball below:
1a) CHEATING: Excessive phone calls to recruits.
1b) NOT CHEATING (yet): Sending excessive text messages to recruits.
2a) CHEATING: Lining up outside employment for a family member of a recruit.
2b) NOT CHEATING: Hiring a family member of a recruit for a job within the basketball program.
3a) CHEATING: Providing improper benefits to high-school coaches of a recruit.
3b) NOT CHEATING: Paying high-school coaches of recruits to speak at a university's summer camps.
4a) CHEATING: Head coaches running mandatory summer workouts -- or being present at voluntary summer workouts.
4b) NOT CHEATING: Having an office in the school's basketball complex that happens to overlook or is adjacent to the practice court where off-season workouts are held.
5a) CHEATING/AGAINST NCAA RULES: Putting recruits through shady prep schools to raise their GPAs and thus gain NCAA eligibility.
5b) NOT CHEATING: Getting recruits designated as "learning disabled," thus exempting them from the core-class limits at prep schools.
Cheating is blind to race, age, sex and sport. Yes, it happens in all sports and all age groups. Are the fans to blame? To some degree, YES. Until fans stop watching sports because of the scandals, players will continue to do anything to get that competitive edge, legal or otherwise. After all the screaming and all the negative press about Barry Bonds, MLB has suffered no consequences from the scandal. If we really knew all of the cheating that has happened, is happening and will happen sports would be crippled. Fans are either immune to the cheating or just don’t care anymore.
The only people that have the power to change our tolerance to the wrong doings in sports are the fans. So far, there has nothing been done by the fan to prove to me they care. I sadly have concluded fans no longer care about cheating in sports as long as they are entertained. This has gone as far back as the Gladiators – win at all costs. I am afraid the cost will be high and my dream will one day become reality.
On July 1st, 2007 Grant Hill became a free agent. After his 7-year $93 million contract with the Orlando Magic expired, Hill was said to be considering retirement or returning to the Magic. Seven years spent fighting injuries and healing from surgeries, Hill decided to end his career on a different note and signed a 2-year deal with the Phoenix Suns worth around $1.8 million the first year with a second year player option for approximately $2 million.
According to his agent, Lon Babby, the 34-year old forward was romanced by several other teams which included more money. However, after 7 NBA All-Star teams and 2 NCAA Championships, Hill is hungry for a NBA title. "There's no question he could've gotten considerably more money elsewhere, but that was not the principle," Babby said. "I think the most important factor for him was the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a team competing for the championship."
Hill has been one of the best all-around players of his generation. But toward the end his time in the league has been hampered with career threatening injuries. With the Suns, Hill has a chance to return to greatness by joining two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and All-Star Amare Stoudemire.
Hill’s career is full of accolades including Rookie of the Year and an Olympic Gold Medal. He and Wilt Chamberlain are the only 2 players in NBA history to lead their teams three times in scoring, rebounding and assists per game. Hill joined the Magic in 2000 in what appeared to be a deal that greatly favored Orlando. But ankle injuries would sideline Hill playing in only 4 games his first season, 14, his 2nd and 29 his 3rd. He ended up having to sit out the entire 4th season and underwent major surgery in 2003.
During the 2004-05 season, Grant played in 67 games for the Magic and was named the Eastern Conference player of the week for the week of Nov. 15-21, 2004. During that season fans once again voted him a starter for the All-Stars where he led the Eastern Conference All-Star Team to victory over the West. That year, Hill was also awarded the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the NBA Sportsmanship Award Winner.
Orlando is no longer Grant Hill’s team; it is Dwight Howard’s team. With the Magic experiencing a “youth movement,” it was time for Hill to move on. His departure in no way effects whether or not Orlando takes the next step to becoming a playoff team. By going to the Suns he has increased his own chances of winning a NBA championship.
You cannot blame the guy for taking the huge contract offered to him in 2000. That is the fault of Orlando. Grant Hill could not help the injuries that plagued him during the duration of his Orlando stay. The move to Phoenix is in the best interest of a player who could possibly be on the down-side of his career. What does Hill owe Orlando? The answer is Nothing. The fact that they paid him a lot of money and he was really unable to earn it is just a part of professional sports. He does owe this move to himself and to the end of what was pre-Orlando, a great career. This in no way reflects on the man’s character. Grant Hill is and always has been a class act. Believe me, that is hard for a WildCat fan to say about a former Dukie!
If Florida fans have anything to be sore about it should be the fact they let Shaq get away. These fans are supposedly forgiving; at least that is what was said after the Billy Donovan/Magic incident. I guess their true colors will be seen when Hill steps on the Orlando court in a Sun’s uniform. Personally, I hope he can end his career with an NBA championship. This feat just could not have happened for him had he stayed with the Magic. Besides that, I think the Orlando Magic will be just fine without Grant Hill.
So begins a series that should prove to be fun. I will be participating in “He said, She Said” with ReverendRhythm and I can not think of a better person to debate with. This has been my “She Said.” Be sure and check out the Rev’s “He Said.” While I am sure most of you will side with me….do try and be nice ;)
Billy Gillispie’s remains focused on lifting Kentucky Basketball back where it should be…the top. Apparently it is never too early to recruit talent. High school sophomores Ross-Miller and Dakotah Euton have both committed to play for UK. Hoop Scoop ranks Ross-Miller as the 5th best player from the class of 2010 and ranks Euton 11th. This has placed the WildCats second (behind Ohio State) among the nation’s best recruiting class of 2010.
With incoming freshman Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion, Ross-Miller becomes the 6th player to either sign or commit to Kentucky since Gillispie was hired. Other commitments are from high school senior to be DeAndre Liggins and junior to be G.J. Vilarino. With the number of prospects that have visited UK more help could be on the way for the 2007-08 season. Included among the visitors are forward Leonard Washington, who originally signed with Southern Cal, and Mike Jones, who transferred from Syracuse to Indian Hills Community College.
Former Kentucky Women’s head coach, Mickie DeMoss has come out of retirement after only 3 months. DeMoss announced she will be joining Texas as an assistant coach. However, it might not be that easy to do. The new job could violate UK’s buyout clause which was part of DeMoss’ previous contract with the WildCats. Less than a year before resigning DeMoss signed a 5-year deal with Kentucky which would have paid her $350,000 per year. Included was a buyout clause that said if the coach left Kentucky to take another coaching job she would have to pay the university $200,000 for each year remaining on the deal, totaling $800,000. It is not clear how long DeMoss would have to stay out of coaching before being allowed to return without having to pay the big bucks. So far, the University of Kentucky has no comment. Walter McCarty replaces Marvin Menzies and joins Rick Pitino’s staff as Louisville’s assistant basketball coach. "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be back with Coach," McCarty said. "To be back here with him, it means a lot." McCarty was Pitino’s starting forward on the 1996 National Champions, the Kentucky WildCats. Pitino also coached McCarty when he played for the Boston Celtics. "All young people today overestimate their abilities and what they need to work on," Pitino said. "They'll get an honest answer from Walt. They'll be able to understand what it takes to be a pro." Marvin Menzies left Louisville to become the new head coach at New Mexico State. The Maxwell Award is given each year to the most outstanding player in college football. UK’s senior quarterback, Andre Woodson was named to the pre-season watch list for this prestigious award. The Chuck Bednarik Award is given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Wesley Woodyard, the WildCats’ senior linebacker, was named to this pre-season watch list. Woodyard’s name also appears on the watch lists for the Ronnie Lott Trophy (national defensive player of the year/character) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year). The SEC is still working to get the Sept. 15th Louisville/Kentucky college football game televised. While CBS, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU have no openings for that date, the league is still working with the Big East and television networks to get the largest distribution possible. Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner Mark Womack said there is some flexibility in the league’s television contract which could mean that the game will be shown live in the Lexington and Louisville markets. UK’s Athletics Director remains confident everyone in the state will be able to watch the game."We know that's important to the fans, and we'll work with the league to get it done in the best way possible."The Minnesota Twins selected Ben Revere as the 28th overall selection in the First Year Player Draft. 19-year-old Revere was ranked as the 42nd best high school prospect by Baseball America. Most in the baseball world expected the young man to go somewhere in the second round. "My advisor called me at 3:30 and said the Twins were really interested in me for the 28th pick, and my heart started pounding big-time," Revere said. "I just never thought I would go in the first round. And when the moment it came, well, it's just been a blessing, definitely." During his senior year at Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Kentucky, Revere batted .516 with 10 doubles, five triples, and 41 RBIs. This, along with 9 HRs and 24 stolen bases earned Revere the 2006-07 Gatorade Kentucky Baseball Player of the Year.
A lot of time and money goes into a franchise's choice of a number 1 overall draft pick. This decision can make or break the team. Below I have listed these no. 1 picks of the various NBA teams. This list begins when the lottery was adopted in 1985. I have chosen those I believe to be the best or the worst of the NBA number 1 draft picks. I based my picks on the impact or lack-there-of, the players had during their rookie season.
Year - Name - Team - School/Country
2007 - Greg Oden - Portland - Ohio State
2006 - Andrea Bargnani - Toronto - Italy
2005 - Andrew Bogut - Milwaukee - Utah
2004 - Dwight Howard - Orlando - SW Atlanta Christian Academy (GA)
2003 - LeBron James - Cleveland - St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (OH)
2002 - Yao Ming - Houston - China
2001 - Kwame Brown - Washington - Glynn Academy
2000 - Kenyon Martin - New Jersey Nets - Cincinnati
1999 - Elton Brand - Chicago Bulls - Duke
1998 - Michael Olowokandi - Los Angeles Clippers - Pacific (Cal.)
1997 - Tim Duncan - San Antonio - Wake Forest
1996 - Allen Iverson - Philadelphia - Georgetown
1995 - Joe Smith - Golden State - Maryland
1994 - Glenn Robinson - Milwaukee - Purdue
1993 - Chris Webber - Orlando - Michigan
1992 - Shaquille O'Neal - Orlando - Louisiana State
1991 - Larry Johnson - Charlotte - Nevada-Las Vegas
1990 - Derrick Coleman - New Jersey - Syracuse
1989 - Pervis Ellison - Sacramento - Louisville
1988 - Danny Manning - L.A. Clippers - Kansas
1987 - David Robinson - San Antonio - Navy
1986 - Brad Daugherty - Cleveland - North Carolina
1985 - Patrick Ewing - New York - Georgetown
Worse Pick
Michael Olowokandi Was drafted in 1998 by the Clippers. The Clippers passed up the likes of Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison for a lazy 7-footer who was prone to turnovers. While their record pre Olowokandi was a dismal 17-65, AFTER drafting the big guy they fell even lower ending at an embarrassing 9-41. Olo played in 45 games, averaging 7.9 rebounds and 8.9 points.
Best Pick
*Tie between David Robinson and Tim Duncan
David Robinson was drafted by the Spurs in 1987 but played his rookie season in 1989-90 once he completed his commitment to the U.S. Navy. The Spurs went from a losing record of 21-61 the year before to 56-26 Robinson's first season. Robinson played in 82 games, averaging 12 rebounds and 24.3 points.
Tim Duncan was drafted in 1997 by, guess who?...the Spurs! They finished the season the year before with a 20-62 record. Duncan's rookie season the Spurs record improved to 56-26. Duncan played in 82 games, averaging 11.9 rebounds and 21.1 points.
Time will tell if Portland's choice of Oden as the number 1 overall draft pick for 2007 was the perfect fit for their squad. San Antonio seems to have this task perfected. Who are your choices for best and worst NBA number 1 draft picks?
"Being with a woman never hurt no professional ball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." - Casey Stengel
Abstinence the night before a sporting event is preached by many coaches and practiced by some athletes. It has long been believed that sex before any competition zaps one’s energy while no hanky-panky can build up aggression. There are some examples that seem to prove this theory. Muhammad Ali abstained from sex for six weeks before climbing into the ring. Rickson Gracie refused to do the “mess-a-round” for at least 2 weeks before his bouts. Champion race horses are virgins until retirement when they are sent out to stud. Even Mickey, Rocky Balboa’s trainer said, “Women weaken the legs.”
But does sex the night before the big game really have any negative impact on the athlete? According to scientists, the answer is NO! There is simply no evidence to support this myth. In fact, there are studies that show pre-sports whoopee may actually raise testosterone levels. Emmanuele A. Jannini of the University of L'Aquila in Italy is a professor of endocrinology, the study of bodily secretions. After studying the effects of sex on the performance of an athlete, Jannini found that sex in fact boosts aggression by stimulating the production of testosterone. "After three months without sex, which is not so uncommon for some athletes, testosterone dramatically drops to levels close to children's levels," he said. "Do you think this may be useful for a boxer?"
The news gets even better for the ladies! Barry Komisaruk, a psychology professor at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey says women who are sexually active produce a powerful pain-blocking effect which can combat muscle pain and other sport’s related injuries. "At least one of the mechanisms by which [sex] blocks pain is that it blocks the release of [a neuropeptide called] substance P, which is a pain transmitter," he said. The block can last up to 24 hours!
Maybe coaches use this line to make sure their athletes get the rest they need before the sporting event. But, come on…..even a great “roll in the hay” doesn’t burn THAT many calories so how tired could you be? I think it is just like anything else; use common sense!! If your body needs the rest then voedee-oh-doe early! Otherwise, unless you are a race horse, BLANK your brains out and you will still be good to go the next day!! Now, if you will excuse me, I have a basketball game tomorrow! ;)
My how the tide has changed in Florida!! Billy Donovan leaves Gator-Land for greener pastures and by “greener” I do mean “GREENER!” to the tone of 27.5 million dollars for a five year contract. According to ESPN, Billy the Kid will hold a press conference tomorrow, 6-1-07, at 11 A.M. to announce his intention of moving to the pros as head coach of the Orlando Magic. On May 23rd, Orlando fired Brian Hill after 2 losing seasons and this year’s first round sweep in the playoffs.
Gator fans were practically crowing when Donovan turned down Kentucky to stay in Florida. With 2 back-to-back National Championships under his belt and 2 McDonald All Americans heading his way next year, it looked like FL would begin a new tradition. However, when the Orlando waved their Magic wand, Donovan found their offer too sweet to turn down. Apparently the location played a role in his decision as well. (sure Billy!!) The ESPN source reports former Florida assistant, Anthony Grant will take over the head-less program. Grant, if you remember, led VCU to the second round of the NCAA tournament beating Duke along the way.
"Billy Donovan has been here 11 years and has won two national championships," Florida president Dr. J. Bernard Machen told ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach. "We'll always love Billy Donovan, whether he was here 11 years or 21 years. I don't think the University of Florida has to worry about who their next coach is." It had been reported Donovan would remain at Florida and was negotiating a 7-year extension which would pay him around $3 million in the first year rising to $3.75 by 2013-2014. This was presented to Billy May 17th but by the 25th the contract was yet to be signed.
It will be interesting to see if 6’5” shooting guard Nick Calathes and 5’10” point guard Jai Lucas will honor their intentions to wear the orange and blue seeing that Billy’s favorite color is now GREEN!! Let's hope he hasn't made the same mistake Pitino made!
After I had written “The Greatest Game Ever Played,”, Rev gave me a great idea. I know what you are thinking….”a great idea from Rev???” Well, I've got to give the man credit! His idea was for me to write a top 10 list consisting of NBA players that had played for the University of Kentucky. Anytime someone asks me to write a piece about my WildCats I jump at the chance!!
I really enjoyed writing this one! It brought back some great memories and a few sad ones as well. Kentucky basketball has put out some pretty awesome players. One of my favorites did not make the list. Sam Bowie was drafted number 2 before Michael Jordan in 1984. Because of his injuries, he did not turn out to be the player he could have been.
Let me make this point perfectly clear; these are not necessarily my favorite UK players of all time. This is a list of the top 10 former and current NBA players that once had the honor of wearing the WildCat uniform.
BGL’s Top 10 NBA Players Formerly UK WildCats
10) Ralph Beard – If it hadn’t been for the point shaving scandal, Ralph Beard would have been ranked #1 on this list. Beard was a member of Adolph Rupp’s “Fabulous Five” and a gold medal Olympian in 1948. He was drafted in the second round of the 1949 NBA draft in 1949 by the Chicago Stags. After the 1951 pro season, Beard was suspended from the NBA for life when he admitted shaving points during his college career.
9) Rex Chapman – It was hard to forgive Rex for abandoning Kentucky and add him to this list but that’s just the kind of gal I am. During his 14 NBA career, Chapman played for 4 different teams. He was selected 8th overall in the 1988 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He was the first player ever signed by the franchise. During his first season, Rex averaged 16.9 points per game. Midway through the 1991-1992 season, Chapman was traded to the Washington Bullets. Due to an injury he could not play in the Bullets’ final game of the season. This would be one of many injuries to plague Chapman. He would be traded back to the Bullets, then to the Miami Heat and finally to the Suns. During the 1997-1998 season with the Suns, Rex Chapman played 68 games, scoring almost 16 points per game. It was during the 1999-2000 season that Chapman would become re-injured and retire from the NBA. He had played a total of 666 regular season games, scoring 9,731 points, with 1,798 assists and 1,645 rebounds.
8) Kevin Grevey – In 1975 Grevey was selected in the first round by the Washington Bullets. This 6’5” swingman, played back-up his first 2 seasons but started during the 1977-1978 NBA season. That year he averaged 15.5 ppg and played on the franchise’s only NBA championship team. During the 1982-1983 season, Grevey was sidelined due to an injury which reduced him to a reserve once again. He finished his career playing for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1983-1985. During his 10 years with the NBA, Grevey played 672 games and scored 7,364 points, for an average of 11.0 points per game.
7) Frank Ramsey – A 6’3” guard, Frank Ramsey played his entire nine year pro career with the Boston Celtics. After his rookie season, Ramsey spent a year with the military before rejoining the team. The 8 years to follow, he was a member of 7 championship teams. The great Red Auerbach was Ramsey’s coach and is given credit for creating the “sixth man.” Although Ramsey was one of the Celtic’s best players, he felt more comfortable coming off the bench. He would be first among the many of sixth men who won championships with the Celtics. In his 623 NBA games Ramsey scored 8378 points for an average of 13.4 points per game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981. His #23 is retired by the Celtics. He also served as head coach in the ABA for the Kentucky Colonels.
6) Tayshaun Prince – While Prince was a star at the University of Kentucky he was not in the playing rotation of the Detroit Pistons during his rookie season. During the 2003 NBA playoffs Detroit trailed the Orlando Magic 3 games to 1. Head coach, Rick Carlisle decided to make some changes and Prince was inserted into the lineup. The decision paid off as the Pistons came back to win the series. Prince scored 20 points in 24 minutes during the 7th and final game. His wingspan of 7’2” makes him a excellent defensive player with the ability to shoot in the paint without getting blocked. This left-handed ball handler is a good passer averaging 2.3 assists per game. Prince is now an emerging star in the NBA.
5) Pat Riley – Pat is on this list as a coach in the NBA. His NBA career spans 38 years as a player and coach. He has a .661 winning average leading the Lakers, Knicks and the Heat. Riley’s coaching record is one of the most impressive in all sports. He has 1,151 regular season wins, 171 postseason (ranking him 2nd in NBA history,) 278 postseason games coached (1st in the league,) 5 NBA championships as head coach (3rd highest in the history of the NBA,) and finally Coach Riley averages over 52 wins per season. In 1996-1997 the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary. A panel of media named Pat Riley one of the top 10 coaches of all time.
4) Louie Dampier – Dampier was selected 4th in the 1967 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings.) Eventually he signed with the Kentucky Colonels. Dampier played all 9 seasons in the ABA with the Colonels. During the first 3 seasons of the ABA, Dampier averaged at least 20 points per game. He became known as a 3-point specialist as he sank 500 in three years and set a record during the 1968-1969 season with 199. This record stood as an ABA and NBA record until the 1994-1995 NBA season. His records speak for themselves….
ABA All-Time Team (1997) Seven-time ABA All-Star All-ABA Second Team (1968, 1969, 1970, 1974) ABA All-Rookie team (1968) ABA Championship with Colonels (1975) ABA career leader in games and minutes played, points, field goals made and attempted, three pointers made and attempted, and assists.
3) Jamal Mashburn – There is so much to write about “Mash” I am not sure I can fit it into the list! The same can be said for all named. However, “The Monster Mash” was one of my favorites of all time. During his 12 year in the league, he averaged 19.1 points per game. Mashburn was selected 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The small forward didn’t waste anytime as he led all rookies in scoring, broke 7 Mavericks rookie records and was selected to an All-Rookie Team. He is the 3rd youngest player to score 50 points in a game and broke many franchise records. Plagued by injuries, Mashburn was traded to the Miami Heat. In 2000, Miami traded him to the young Charlotte Hornets where he regained his scoring load and in 2003 was selected to the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Due to injuries, Jamal decided to sit out the 2004-2005 season hoping to recover. Despite the decision, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Monster Mash never recovered from the knee injury and never stpped on the court for the 76ers. He announced his retirement in 2006.His career averages were 19.1 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Mashburn is one of only 6 players since 1970 to average at least 20 points per game during his final NBA season.
2) Cliff Hagan – Cliff Hagan was drafted by the Boston Celtics however, he served 2 years with the military after the NBA draft. While in the service, Hagan won Worldwide Air Force basketball championships. After his 2 years with the air force, the Celtics traded Hagan to the St Louis Hawks for the draft rights to Bill Russell. During the 1958 NBA season he led the Hawks to a NBA championship defeating the Boston Celtics 4 games to 2. Cliff Hagan played his entire 10 year pro career with the Hawks, winning 5 Western Conference titles during this time. He was named to 5 All-Star Games. Hagan played 745 games and scored 13,447 points. The Dallas Chaparrals hired Hagan as a player/coach in 1967. He scored 40 points in their first game and played in the very first ABA All-Star Game. Hagan was first player to play in both the NBA and ABA All-Star Games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978 becoming the very first WildCat to be honored. Hagan was not only a great college player; he was a great pro-basketball player.
1) Dan Issel – “The Horse,” is a legend not only in the state of Kentucky but to the entire basketball community. Playing only 3 years, he still remains the all-time Leading scorer and rebounder. Issel was 1st team All-American and selected as one of the 5 greatest players in the history of the SEC. He was a 1st-round draft pick of the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA, leading them to the ABA Championship in 1975 before he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He finished out his career as a NBA All-Star with the Nuggets. Issel will forever be known as one of the greatest shooting “big men” to have ever played the game. He retired in 1985 as the 5th all-time combined ABA/NBA scorer with 27,482 points. In 1993 Issel returned to the Nuggets as the head coach and orchestrated one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history. Ladies and Gentlemen….this is my number one of the Top 10 NBA Players Formerly UK WildCats.
Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993); NBA All-Star (1977); J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1985). ABA Honors: ABA champion (1975); All-Star First Team (1972); All-Star Second Team (1971, '73, '74, '75); co-Rookie of the Year (1971); Six-time All-Star (1971-76); All-Star MVP (1972).
character. You either love or hate this man….there is no in-between. Would you allow your son to play college basketball for the infamous Bobby Knight? Those of you that know me know I am a college basketball freak so I am more than happy to debate anything that has to do with my passion. The problem is there is more bad news covering Coach Knight than there is good. We all know of the chair throwing incident or grabbing of players and of course deriding the press. So, where does one go to find the good in Bobby Knight? Believe it or not, I didn’t have to go very far. While I only have 2 daughters, would I allow my child or children to play for Bobby Knight? The answer is simple….yes, I would. 
grew up in nearby Orrville where he played basketball, football and baseball for the Orrville Red Riders. He played three seasons at Ohio State University (1960-1962) where he served as the sixth man on OSU’s National Championship team. After coaching high school basketball in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Knight joined the Army and coached the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 
reputation for physical intimidation, he dictates more with an acid tongue. Knight was only 24 years old when he took the reigns at West Point. While there he took Army to the semifinals of the NIT three times. This may not seem like a great accomplishment until you consider that no player was over 6’6” because of West Points’ height requirements. Throughout the years, Knight has remained the consistent drill sergeant who fiercely taunts his players while demanding total obedience. 
Hoosiers to 3 NCAA titles (1976, 1981, and 1987) as well as 11 Big Ten championships. He coached U.S. teams to gold in the 1979 Pan American Games and the 1984 Olympics. On Sept. 10th 2000 Bobby Knight was fired by IU president for a continuing pattern of “defiant and hostile” behavior. 3000 protesters marched to IU president’s house, Myles Brand, on campus and downtown Bloomington in reaction to his firing. Knight bid farewell during a rally held the next day to 8000 supporters. Coach Knight signed with Texas Tech on March 23, 2001. It was reported to have been a 5-year deal worth $1.25 million dollars with no extra behavior clauses in the contract. Knight surpassed Dean Smith on Jan. 1st, 2007 with 880 wins and became the winningest basketball coach in NCAA men’s division 1 history. 
love he has for the game of basketball. He is nicknamed “The General” and rightly so. His competitiveness reminds me of another famous General, George Patton. This commander also had a winning record and was known for coming close to destroying a lustrous career for slapping shell shocked soldiers in Army hospitals. Patton accepted no less from one soldier than he did from another. Bobby Knight can be described in the same manner. He expects high principles and demands not only from his players but from his coaching staff as well. However, Bobby Knight is first and foremost an educator. Every young man who has had the privilege of playing under Knight can take the lessons taught to them while playing ball and use them throughout their lives. 
Knight’s graduation rate was nearly 98 percent. Around 65 percent of college student/athletes will fail to graduate. Under the hard-love of Bobby Knight, Indiana University’s men’s basketball squad was an academic success. Only a handful of NCAA schools combine basketball excellence along with a high level of graduation among athletes. Knight has an ability to motivate, teach and push his kids to success. There are a number of assistant coaches and former players that have gone on to become successful head coaches. Perhaps the most famous is the current head coach of Duke, Mike Krzyzewski. 
your-face approach has been the subject of much criticism and sometimes rightly so. His passionate approach seems to follow generational lines. The younger generation sees Knight as a bully while the older generations say they do their best under strict guidance like that of Knight. In August of 2003 Knight was honored as the very first inductee in the Vince Lombardi Titletown Legends. This induction pays tribute to individuals that possess characteristics passed down by Vince Lombardi; these include dedication, teamwork, respect, love, family, and discipline. 
outnumber the mistakes he has made out of passion. His numbers speak for themselves and his integrity by not recruiting in the wrong way is very admirable especially in this day and age. If you have a son ready to leave home for work or school, you will not be there to protect or take care of him. If your child were good enough to play division 1 basketball you would want someone to take care of them in your absence. To that parent Bobby Knight represents everything you would want in a person shaping your son’s early adult life. 
Hank is serenading the wrong crowd! He should aim his vocals towards the rookies drafted by the NFL months ago but who have yet to step foot on the field. Until recently approximately 20% of the first round draft picks had not signed their contracts. For a league as well run and as well respected as the NFL, this is absolutely ridiculous! It is time the NFL takes some advice from the NBA and enforces strict salary caps. Rev will try to persuade you this is a bad thing but I have listed just a few reasons enforcing a salary cap like that of the NBA would be good for the NFL.
draft is supposed to assist the bottom teams from the previous year however it has become more o
have their choices bomb? The Chargers drafted Ryan Leaf as the #2 pick overall. Tim Couch was drafted #1 overall by the Cleveland Browns. Both teams gambled millions of dollars only to lose. Neither Leaf nor Couch ever lived up to their huge salaries and those teams are still paying for their mistakes. The Browns have never been able to overcome the drafting of Couch. Some rookies start out making more than many of veteran players will receive during their entire career without having stepped one foot on the field. The salary cap would make rookies prove themselves for the first couple of years thereby preventing hold-outs and the gambles teams are forced to make. 
more and more rookies cannot come to an agreement on their contracts, more and more are reporting late for training camp. The NFL should give the NBA a call. Greg Oden signed with the Portland Trail Blazers almost immediately because the pro basketball league dictates how much money each rookie will make. Oden will start out at around #4 million a year. Unlike Russell, Oden will not be the highest paid player in the NBA; this is saved for the veterans of the game. There are no hold-outs or heated debates about money. The rookie player can focus on his new career as a pro. 
pay demonstrates just how seriously insane the salary structure is of the NFL. The salary cap should remain at the same level with a smaller slice going to rookies and the bigger portion awarded to proven veterans; in other words, a strict rookie salary cap. In a few years Russell just might be worth the $30 million dollar payday. Until then, the NFL needs to reserve that kind of money for the players that have proven their worth on the field. The NFL might be the top sport in the country but would someone tell them to put the lid down before they flush more money down the toilet!
contract with the Orlando Magic expired, Hill was said to be considering retirement or returning to the Magic. Seven years spent fighting injuries and healing from surgeries, Hill decided to end his career on a different note and signed a 2-year deal with the Phoenix Suns worth around $1.8 million the first year with a second year player option for approximately $2 million.
several other teams which included more money. However, after 7 NBA All-Star teams and 2 NCAA Championships, Hill is hungry for a NBA title. "There's no question he could've gotten considerably more money elsewhere, but that was not the principle," Babby said. "I think the most important factor for him was the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a team competing for the championship." 
named the Eastern Conference player of the week for the week of Nov. 15-21, 2004. During that season fans once again voted him a starter for the All-Stars where he led the Eastern Conference All-Star Team to victory over the West. That year, Hill was also awarded the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the NBA Sportsmanship Award Winner.
the duration of his Orlando stay. The move to Phoenix is in the best interest of a player who could possibly be on the down-side of his career. What does Hill owe Orlando? The answer is Nothing. The fact that they paid him a lot of money and he was really unable to earn it is just a part of professional sports. He does owe this move to himself and to the end of what was pre-Orlando, a great career. This in no way reflects on the man’s character. Grant Hill is and always has been a class act. Believe me, that is hard for a WildCat fan to say about a former Dukie!
Hoop Scoop ranks Ross-Miller as the 5th best player from the class of 2010 and ranks Euton 11th. This has placed the WildCats second (behind Ohio State) among the nation’s best recruiting class of 2010.
retirement after only 3 months. DeMoss announced she will be joining Texas as an assistant coach. However, it might not be that easy to do. The new job could violate UK’s buyout clause which was part of DeMoss’ previous contract with the WildCats. Less than a year before resigning DeMoss signed a 5-year deal with Kentucky which would have paid her $350,000 per year. Included was a buyout clause that said if the coach left Kentucky to take another coaching job she would have to pay the university $200,000 for each year remaining on the deal, totaling $800,000. It is not clear how long DeMoss would have to stay out of coaching before being allowed to return without having to pay the big bucks. So far, the University of Kentucky has no comment.
Louisville’s assistant basketball coach. "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be back with Coach," McCarty said. "To be back here with him, it means a lot." McCarty was Pitino’s starting forward on the 1996 National Champions, the Kentucky WildCats. Pitino also coached McCarty when he played for the Boston Celtics. "All young people today overestimate their abilities and what they need to work on," Pitino said. "They'll get an honest answer from Walt. They'll be able to understand what it takes to be a pro." Marvin Menzies left Louisville to become the new head coach at New Mexico State. 
football. UK’s senior quarterback, Andre Woodson was named to the pre-season watch list for this prestigious award. The Chuck Bednarik Award is given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Wesley Woodyard, the WildCats’ senior linebacker, was named to this pre-season watch list. Woodyard’s name also appears on the watch lists for the Ronnie Lott Trophy (national defensive player of the year/character) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year). 
game televised. While CBS, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU have no openings for that date, the league is still working with the Big East and television networks to get the largest distribution possible. Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner Mark Womack said there is some flexibility in the league’s television contract which could mean that the game will be shown live in the Lexington and Louisville markets. UK’s Athletics Director remains confident everyone in the state will be able to watch the game. "We know that's important to the fans, and we'll work with the league to get it done in the best way possible."
Year Player Draft. 19-year-old Revere was ranked as the 42nd best high school prospect by Baseball America. Most in the baseball world expected the young man to go somewhere in the second round. "My advisor called me at 3:30 and said the Twins were really interested in me for the 28th pick, and my heart started pounding big-time," Revere said. "I just never thought I would go in the first round. And when the moment it came, well, it's just been a blessing, definitely." During his senior year at Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Kentucky, Revere batted .516 with 10 doubles, five triples, and 41 RBIs. This, along with 9 HRs and 24 stolen bases earned Revere the 2006-07 Gatorade Kentucky Baseball Player of the Year.
A lot of time and money goes into a franchise's choice of a number 1 overall draft pick. This decision can make or break the team. Below I have listed these no. 1 picks of the various NBA teams. This list begins when the lottery was adopted in 1985. I have chosen those I believe to be the best or the worst of the NBA number 1 draft picks. I based my picks on the impact or lack-there-of, the players had during their rookie season.
Michael Olowokandi Was drafted in 1998 by the Clippers. The Clippers passed up the likes of Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison for a lazy 7-footer who was prone to turnovers. While their record pre Olowokandi was a dismal 17-65, AFTER drafting the big guy they fell even lower ending at an embarrassing 9-41. Olo played in 45 games, averaging 7.9 rebounds and 8.9 points.
David Robinson was drafted by the Spurs in 1987 but played his rookie season in 1989-90 once he completed his commitment to the U.S. Navy. The Spurs went from a losing record of 21-61 the year before to 56-26 Robinson's first season. Robinson played in 82 games, averaging 12 rebounds and 24.3 points.
Tim Duncan was drafted in 1997 by, guess who?...the Spurs! They finished the season the year before with a 20-62 record. Duncan's rookie season the Spurs record improved to 56-26. Duncan played in 82 games, averaging 11.9 rebounds and 21.1 points.
"Being with a woman never hurt no professional ball player. It's staying up all night looking for a woman that does him in." - Casey Stengel 
practiced by some athletes. It has long been believed that sex before any competition zaps one’s energy while no hanky-panky can build up aggression. There are some examples that seem to prove this theory. Muhammad Ali abstained from sex for six weeks before climbing into the ring. Rickson Gracie refused to do the “mess-a-round” for at least 2 weeks before his bouts. Champion race horses are virgins until retirement when they are sent out to stud. Even Mickey, Rocky Balboa’s trainer said, “Women weaken the legs.”
athlete? According to scientists, the answer is NO! There is simply no evidence to support this myth. In fact, there are studies that show pre-sports whoopee may actually raise testosterone levels. Emmanuele A. Jannini of the University of L'Aquila in Italy is a professor of endocrinology, the study of bodily secretions. After studying the effects of sex on the performance of an athlete, Jannini found that sex in fact boosts aggression by stimulating the production of testosterone. "After three months without sex, which is not so uncommon for some athletes, testosterone dramatically drops to levels close to children's levels," he said. "Do you think this may be useful for a boxer?"
professor at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey says women who are sexually active produce a powerful pain-blocking effect which can combat muscle pain and other sport’s related injuries. "At least one of the mechanisms by which [sex] blocks pain is that it blocks the release of [a neuropeptide called] substance P, which is a pain transmitter," he said. The block can last up to 24 hours!
before the sporting event. But, come on…..even a great “roll in the hay” doesn’t burn THAT many calories so how tired could you be? I think it is just like anything else; use common sense!! If your body needs the rest then voedee-oh-doe early! Otherwise, unless you are a race horse, BLANK your brains out and you will still be good to go the next day!! Now, if you will excuse me, I have a basketball game tomorrow! ;)
greener pastures and by “greener” I do mean “GREENER!” to the tone of 27.5 million dollars for a five year contract. According to ESPN, Billy the Kid will hold a press conference tomorrow, 6-1-07, at 11 A.M. to announce his intention of moving to the pros as head coach of the Orlando Magic. On May 23rd, Orlando fired Brian Hill after 2 losing seasons and this year’s first round sweep in the playoffs.
would have been ranked #1 on this list. Beard was a member of Adolph Rupp’s “Fabulous Five” and a gold medal Olympian in 1948. He was drafted in the second round of the 1949 NBA draft in 1949 by the Chicago Stags. After the 1951 pro season, Beard was suspended from the NBA for life when he admitted shaving points during his college career.
him to this list but that’s just the kind of gal I am. During his 14 NBA career, Chapman played for 4 different teams. He was selected 8th overall in the 1988 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He was the first player ever signed by the franchise. During his first season, Rex averaged 16.9 points per game. Midway through the 1991-1992 season, Chapman was traded to the Washington Bullets. Due to an injury he could not play in the Bullets’ final game of the season. This would be one of many injuries to plague Chapman. He would be traded back to the Bullets, then to the Miami Heat and finally to the Suns. During the 1997-1998 season with the Suns, Rex Chapman played 68 games, scoring almost 16 points per game. It was during the 1999-2000 season that Chapman would become re-injured and retire from the NBA. He had played a total of 666 regular season games, scoring 9,731 points, with 1,798 assists and 1,645 rebounds.
Washington Bullets. This 6’5” swingman, played back-up his first 2 seasons but started during the 1977-1978 NBA season. That year he averaged 15.5 ppg and played on the franchise’s only NBA championship team. During the 1982-1983 season, Grevey was sidelined due to an injury which reduced him to a reserve once again. He finished his career playing for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1983-1985. During his 10 years with the NBA, Grevey played 672 games and scored 7,364 points, for an average of 11.0 points per game. 
career with the Boston Celtics. After his rookie season, Ramsey spent a year with the military before rejoining the team. The 8 years to follow, he was a member of 7 championship teams. The great Red Auerbach was Ramsey’s coach and is given credit for creating the “sixth man.” Although Ramsey was one of the Celtic’s best players, he felt more comfortable coming off the bench. He would be first among the many of sixth men who won championships with the Celtics. In his 623 NBA games Ramsey scored 8378 points for an average of 13.4 points per game. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981. His #23 is retired by the Celtics. He also served as head coach in the ABA for the Kentucky Colonels. 
was not in the playing rotation of the Detroit Pistons during his rookie season. During the 2003 NBA playoffs Detroit trailed the Orlando Magic 3 games to 1. Head coach, Rick Carlisle decided to make some changes and Prince was inserted into the lineup. The decision paid off as the Pistons came back to win the series. Prince scored 20 points in 24 minutes during the 7th and final game. His wingspan of 7’2” makes him a excellent defensive player with the ability to shoot in the paint without getting blocked. This left-handed ball handler is a good passer averaging 2.3 assists per game. Prince is now an emerging star in the NBA. 
years as a player and coach. He has a .661 winning average leading the Lakers, Knicks and the Heat. Riley’s coaching record is one of the most impressive in all sports. He has 1,151 regular season wins, 171 postseason (ranking him 2nd in NBA history,) 278 postseason games coached (1st in the league,) 5 NBA championships as head coach (3rd highest in the history of the NBA,) and finally Coach Riley averages over 52 wins per season. In 1996-1997 the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary. A panel of media named Pat Riley one of the top 10 coaches of all time. 
Cincinnati Royals (now the Sacramento Kings.) Eventually he signed with the Kentucky Colonels. Dampier played all 9 seasons in the ABA with the Colonels. During the first 3 seasons of the ABA, Dampier averaged at least 20 points per game. He became known as a 3-point specialist as he sank 500 in three years and set a record during the 1968-1969 season with 199. This record stood as an ABA and NBA record until the 1994-1995 NBA season. His records speak for themselves…. 
can fit it into the list! The same can be said for all named. However, “The Monster Mash” was one of my favorites of all time. During his 12 year in the league, he averaged 19.1 points per game. Mashburn was selected 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The small forward didn’t waste anytime as he led all rookies in scoring, broke 7 Mavericks rookie records and was selected to an All-Rookie Team. He is the 3rd youngest player to score 50 points in a game and broke many franchise records. Plagued by injuries, Mashburn was traded to the Miami Heat. In 2000, Miami traded him to the young Charlotte Hornets where he regained his scoring load and in 2003 was selected to the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Due to injuries, Jamal decided to sit out the 2004-2005 season hoping to recover. Despite the decision, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Monster Mash never recovered from the knee injury and never stpped on the court for the 76ers. He announced his retirement in 2006.His career averages were 19.1 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 4 assists per game. Mashburn is one of only 6 players since 1970 to average at least 20 points per game during his final NBA season.
served 2 years with the military after the NBA draft. While in the service, Hagan won Worldwide Air Force basketball championships. After his 2 years with the air force, the Celtics traded Hagan to the St Louis Hawks for the draft rights to Bill Russell. During the 1958 NBA season he led the Hawks to a NBA championship defeating the Boston Celtics 4 games to 2. Cliff Hagan played his entire 10 year pro career with the Hawks, winning 5 Western Conference titles during this time. He was named to 5 All-Star Games. Hagan played 745 games and scored 13,447 points. The Dallas Chaparrals hired Hagan as a player/coach in 1967. He scored 40 points in their first game and played in the very first ABA All-Star Game. Hagan was first player to play in both the NBA and ABA All-Star Games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978 becoming the very first WildCat to be honored. Hagan was not only a great college player; he was a great pro-basketball player. 
the entire basketball community. Playing only 3 years, he still remains the all-time Leading scorer and rebounder. Issel was 1st team All-American and selected as one of the 5 greatest players in the history of the SEC. He was a 1st-round draft pick of the Kentucky Colonels of the ABA, leading them to the ABA Championship in 1975 before he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He finished out his career as a NBA All-Star with the Nuggets. Issel will forever be known as one of the greatest shooting “big men” to have ever played the game. He retired in 1985 as the 5th all-time combined ABA/NBA scorer with 27,482 points. In 1993 Issel returned to the Nuggets as the head coach and orchestrated one of the biggest upsets in NBA playoff history. Ladies and Gentlemen….this is my number one of the Top 10 NBA Players Formerly UK WildCats.