Watch Out Dickie V

Sorry I have been a little slack on the blog the last few days but I make a quick trip to the USA to attend the funeral of my college coach Dan Fitzgerald. What a great service and the speakers were fantastic to boot. It was great to see a number of former teammates and catch up and relive the "good ole times".

Since arriving over here I have been asked to do the colour commentating for the Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Santa Clara Broncos tonight.

I will have my head buried in stats and trivia for the next few hours so I can sound somewhat educated on air.

I will get back to you after I have enlightened the American audience with some Aussie slang in commentary. Is it possible to have subtitles on radio?

I cannot wait for this experience but its time for me to find out what Matt Bouldin and Bol Kong get up to at shoot round.

RIP Dan Fitzgerald

Marc Armstead and Marty Wall (both capped spectators) thinking how that used to be them "Fitz" was staring daggers at.

While Australian basketball is today deciding whether this new "High Stakes Hoops" will help or hinder the progress of the sport in the country, I cannot keep my mind off the fact that one of the most colourful human beings I have ever come across has passed away.

Former Gonzaga basketball coach Dan Fitzgerald dies at the age of 67.

Former teammate and Gonzaga alum Jeff Brown (former Adelaide 36ers import) wrapped it up very well in his interview.

"Fitz" did love the underdog, the walk on or anyone that he felt just needed a chance. I was one of those guys Fitz took a chance on.

Like Brown, there are many "Fitz stories" that are etched into my mind, but some more prominent than others. I actually think I have enough to write a book, so here are a couple for now.

He called me into his office once (and did not offer me the use of his phone to call my parents) and threatened to fine me $1000 if he heard I was playing pick up games anywhere around town (Spokane, Wa).

Now, I used to keep all my money tucked away in a sock draw in my Boone Apartment and I knew I did not have a lazy grand to spare so I thought I better sign off on this one.

But, as I looked at Fitz (with a freshly stitched eye due to a head clash suffered at the East Side Rec Centre the night before official practice kicked off), I really wanted to ask him if the boundary was Spokane because I knew North Idaho College had some good runs happening there.

I thought better of it so racquetball become my sport of leisure during this time.

One more before I go to bed because it includes fellow Aussie Paul Rogers.

We were hosting a few recruits on their visit and we go to Fitz's for dinner. We arrive at Fitz's house and he has some Vegemite there that Coach Don Monson had brought back from Australia with him.

In true Fitz fashion he goes, "Rillie and Rogers, how do you kangaroos eat this stuff?"

I reply, "on bread or a cracker, and you spread it on like peanut butter."

Well, out comes a plate full of crackers with Vegemite heaped on each piece. Rogers and I look at each other and laugh as Fitz hands out this Aussie treat to the recruits. There was enough "black paste" on one cracker to do the whole plate.

If you could have seen their (recruits) faces as they tried to eat it just to keep their potential head coach happy. Those poor kids. "Rogie" and I joked that none of those kids would sign after that experience but history shows that two did.

Oh how I have laughed about different Fitz moments throughout the day and one is not basketball related.

That was Fitz, the ultimate teacher in all facets of life and that is why everyone has a spot in their heart for him. He left a huge impression on me and he was never looking for anything in return.

Every time I returned to the States I always talked to him on the phone, trying to find out how he and his family were going but he had this unique ability of deflecting this. He always finished with, "well, you know if you ever need anything just give me a call".

He gave me all I needed, a chance and I will forever be grateful for that.

It saddens me to think was has happened but a smile comes to my face just thinking about the stories he would have been sharing at the restaurant on Tuesday evening. Was he telling his audience how, "(Geoff) Goss was the worst point guard in GU history", or was it, "Marc Armstead is the toughest son of a bitch I've ever coached."

RIP and my thoughts go out to your wonderful family.

Zags/Gaels and the Bogie Man

This should be you this afternoon!

If you're an avid hoops fan and you are stuck in the office, you need to fake a sickie right now.

Today on ESPN there is a plethora of college hoops and for me it is the 3pm game that holds the most interest.

It is the clash between the nationally ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Aussie laden St Mary's Gaels. My take on the game is the Zags will win but the 5 Aussies at St Mary's will all have productive games.

After that game is completed, you need to turn over to ESPN HD at 5.30pm and catch a special on Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut. It is an up and close look at how the former #1 draft pick lives life in Wisconsin.

Good luck slipping out of the office and enjoying your afternoon on the couch.

Wasting My Night Away

Well the Townsville Crocodiles and the Adelaide 36ers have just got underway. The only way for me to keep track of this game is through the live stats on the NBL website. So, to fill in my time in between "live" updates, I will link all articles that I read during this time.

- Australian basketball is not the only place finding it hard to get the required dollars necessary to start a new franchise. Southland in New Zealand are on the clock, in their quest to join the New Zealand NBL next season.

- Cairns Taipans were inconsistent against the mighty New Zealand Breakers.

- In case you have not heard, the NBL has come down heavily on the Melbourne Tigers after a courtside incident in last week's game at The Cage.

- "The Roar" blog gives us their option on how the Fox Sports television deal is impacting the sport.

Crocs up 18-15 at quarter time. Rolan Roberts has 7rebs for the Crocs.

- Gold Coast Blaze young gun Chris Goulding (Got it confirmed this week the "u" is silent so the Fox commentators are right in their pronunciation of "Golding".) has a whole lot of self belief.

- Boti Nagy weighs (not Stephen) in on the Heal/Groves saga. Here is some of the commentary that took place.

- Is the Cairns Taipans budget in trouble?

- The Wollongong Hawks are to do some "soul searching" before they head across the ditch next week.

- Another youngster ditches basketball for AFL shot.

- "They have some good ball-shooters like (Nathan) Herbert", Townsville Crocodiles Head Coach Trevor Gleeson tells the Townsville Bulletin as they prepare for the Adelaide 36ers tonight.

Crocs by nine at the half, 46-37. Crawford 14, Williams 12 for the Crocs.

- The Gonzaga Bulldogs headed to Hawai outside of the NCAA Top 25. After returning to the mainland as winners of the Maui Invitational, serious consideration must now be due.

- Check out Melbourne Tigers forward Mark Worthington and his "new edition".

- D2 Alaska-Anchorage defeated D1 school Nicholls St, 72-58. Besides being considered a huge upset, there where six Aussies in this game.

Crocs up ten at 3/4 time. Crawford 21, Williams 16 for the Crocs.

Charles Barkely and Jimmy Kimmel discuss losing weight.

I'm Stealing Again

Yesterday I felt really guilty just cutting and pasting from the boys at The Sport Count. Tonight I feel like a thief in the night as I take this John Stockton You Tube footage from A Stern Warning.

This is classic Stockton. Unassuming and spending time with his family as they stroll the streets of Barcelona during the 1992 Olympics. A team that Stockton was a part of.

This is a classic as the lady has no idea she is talking to a member of the "Dream Team" until Stockton's son points it out.

It's amazing how all Gonzaga guys can get around without drawing attention to themselves.

SEABL Kicks Off & News

The Townsville Crocs had their end of season Ball last night. MVP...Corey Williams, Players Player....Russell Hinder, Club Person of the Year...Rohan Short

Australia’s off season league, the SEABL commenced over this weekend so I thought for my readers I would prepare a summary of how the league and the teams are shaping up for 2009.

Recently the SEABL touted itself as the strongest it has ever been with the announcement of two large association teams (Sandringham and Dandenong) switching across from the Victorian State League (Big V). Whilst the league has made giant strides in repositioning itself on the basketball landscape it still is not where it was in the early 90’s when teams such as Newcastle, Adelaide, NE Melbourne and the West Sydney Slammers were tearing up the ABA competition.

The usual suspects with NBL experience still float around the league with the likes of Cam Rigby (Knox), Andrew Rice (Mt Gambier), Mark (don't call me Steve)Nash (Hobart), Matt Smith (Hobart) and Mick Hill (Knox) pulling the boots on again in 09’.

They are of course supported by a group of imports like CJ Massingale (Knox), David Gruber (Frankston) and Jamal Brown (Ballarat) who have all shown longevity in the league.

But for me it just doesn’t stack up to the times when guys like Eric Cooks (Ballarat), Andre Le Fleur (Mt Gambier), Matthew Neilsen (Sydney), Grant Keys (West Syd) and Mike Kelly (NE/Nunawading) were floating around the ABA. These guys were a cut above the rest, whereas at the moment the SEABL consists of a host of past fringe NBL players whose window into the top league shut swiftly with the demise of the competition in recent times.

Though the SEABL has made significant steps forward this year, 2009 will see the inclusion of a new ‘D League’ hopefully underpinning the semi professional competition and providing a breeding ground for young Australians. It provides junior associations with an incentive to provide a seamless pathway through to the elite level. A step in the right direction.

The future of the SEABL lies in promoting potential NBL rookies and returning college prospects from the USA.

This year there is no shortage of talent on the AIS roster with the likes of Brock Motum and Jason Cadee already catching my eye. But look for rookies Zane Reeves (Bendigo), Zac Carter (Ballarat), Oretsi Nitsios (Dandenong) and Sedalle Threat Jr (Sandringham) to fight it out for rookie of the year honors.

A host of new imports come into the league in 09'. Geelong Coach Mark Leader appears to have recruited well again. Saudi Arabia’s finest Ismail Muhammad and Clifton Lee, who played with the Chiba Badgers in Japan will suit up for the always strong Supercats.

I am keen to see how Pittsburgh University’s Keith Benjamin adjusts to the Australian game playing for Mt Gambier. But don’t overlook Matt Trannon from Bendigo as the surprise import for the year, with Coach Wayne Larkins always finding the right guy to fit his system.

Anthony Stewart taking over the reins of Conference Champions and National ABA finalists Hobart was the headline story in coaching circles during the off season. No doubt Stewie will soon learn that there is more to coaching than simply challenging his players to a shootout for a steak and chips meal at the local pub. (Stewie, you still owe me two.) I am not a believer in the playing coach situation, so the sooner he hangs up the boots and pulls on the suit the better chance his team has of back to back titles.

Finally there are a whole host of players looking to score a contract in the NBL next season with exposure in the SEABL competition. Former team mates Drew Williamson and Greg Vanderjagt will suit up for the Brisbane Spartans. I just can’t wait to see 213cm Vanderjagt and 221cm Sam Harris (NW Tassie) banging in the paint like two Giraffe’s mating on ice skates. Daniel Dillon (Sandringham), Nathan Herbert (Geelong), Shane McDonald (Nunawading) and Chris Goulding (Spartans) will all have something to prove as they try to hold onto an NBL deal. But for me it will be Ash Cannon (Spartans) and Hugh Greenwood (AIS) that all NBL coaches will be keeping their eye on.

My mail has the Knox Raiders to win the Championship. As long as the Spartans players stop playing dress up and get on the court, them and Bendigo may just give it a nudge as well.

Boxscore from Round 1

Hoops News

- I'm still on his bandwagon and maybe never getting off. Aussie centre Luke Nevill owned the Mountain West Conference tournament. Now if he has a breakout NCAA tournament, watch the Aussies flock and claim this guy as he prepares himself for a life in the NBA.

- South Dragons Coach Brian Goorjian thinks it is his best yet.

- We are all waiting now that it is over.

- What now for Joe Ingles?

- New Zealand's NBL kicked off this weekend. boxscores

- The Internet turned 20 the other day and blogger ASternWarning takes a look at what we may have seen on the web back then. I had a chuckle to myself over the Bill Cartright elbowing comments.

- Detroit Pistons owner dies at age 86.

- Don't forget Monday (Aussie time) is Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament. I'm waiting to see what type of seed my Gonzaga Bulldogs get. I'm guessing a #4 seed, but I'm hoping they stay out west so I will have a chance to see them in action.

Mills Injured & "Homicide" Talks It Up

- Today saw two heavy weights of the West Coast Conference go at it in college basketball. The Aussie sprinkled St Mary's College (featuring Pat Mills) ranked 22 headed up to Spokane, Washington to take on the #20 Gonzaga Bulldogs.

The first half lived up to the game's billing with the Gaels leading at the main break 39-33. However, the turning point of this game may just have been when Mills went down with a wrist injury three minutes before the half.

The Aussie was on fire from long range dropping 6-8 threes. Mills, who ended with 18pts, did not return in the second half as it is believed he has a sprained wrist.

In the second half the Gaels could not keep pace with the Zags scoring as the final scoreline read 69-62 Gonzaga.

Other Aussies involved in the game were point guard Carlin Hughes who was down on his season averages, had 2pts, 3rebs and 3asts.

Little used Ben Allen saw nine minutes of court time.

Mackay born freshman Clint Steindl, was not shy. He got up seven shots in his sixteen minutes but could not connected on any.

Tassie boy Lucas Walker had his best game of the season to date. His nine points and three rebounds were season highs.

I wish Pat a speedy recovery.

You can catch the replay of this game on ESPN Saturday night.

- Mills loves the idea of playing in Spokane. It is an experience.
- St Mary's and it's pipeline of Aussie talent.

- Tomorrow night will probably pull down the curtain on the North Queensland Derby. (Townsville/Cairns for those of you geographically challenged.)

It seems that the Cairns Taipans franchise are pretty much running on fumes at the moment and unless a White Knight answers the call and buys the team, the Snakes become extinct in a few weeks. Quite a shame for a franchise that has been around for 10 years in the national competition and showed promise.

On with the game though. My teammate Corey "Homicide" Williams has questioned Taipans Aaron Grabau's philosophies of the game.

I will let you read the article and draw your own conclusions.

Here's Cairns Taipans coach Mark Beecroft's response.

- Sydney Sausages, anyone?

- Melbourne Tigers make it eight in a row with a workmanlike 113-104 win over the Wollongong Hawks tonight.

- An article on Nathan Jawai's NBA start.

- Is this the best Newley in the game?

1993 NBL Dunk Competition

Learn to Shot The Rock From A Pro

Jeremy Pargo has my #9 Zags looking like Final Four contenders early in the season. Thanks Mr Pargo for staying in school.

About six weeks to a month ago fellow blogger Roger Taylor approached me about shooting some videos to help younger players improve their shooting. I agreed to help out a fellow hoops junkie with the fine art of shooting.

It starts with very basic stuff like hand placement and footwork for a shot. A complete technique makeover shall we say. As we move along we start to cover things such as using the correct footwork when coming off a screen.

I'm sure kids can grab something worthwhile from it.

Taylor has the videos up and ready for viewing in his members only section. Like any good salesman he gives you a sneak peak at what you can look forward to viewing in the members section.

Good luck with improving your shooting.

News

- Sydney Spirit's power forward Matt Knight picks up the club's first NBL Player of the Week award. "The OT" will be more than happy to present Knight with a cd, as we felt he was ripped off last week.

- Kirk Penney is gaining support from around the NBL that he should be in the NBA. Are some of these coaches looking at their own teams fortunes or do they really believe he should be there?

- Spirit players to decide if NBL rescue package is to their liking.

- Tigers centre Chris Anstey is ready to hear it from the Adelaide faithful.

- Geelong Supercats are getting ready for the 2009 Big V season.

- Kirk Penney is banged up! I might have to give that thumb a whack or two on Thursday night.

- Coach Geordie McLeod may coach in New Zealand again.

- #9 Gonzaga coasts to win the Old Spice Classic.

College - Those Were The Days

Someone loves their photo shop.

Today was a complete day away from the hardwood so today's blog will represent my day's laziness. It will still be quality reading, but a whole of cut and paste instead of using my brain.

I got the idea as I was scanning the Gonzaga Hoops Forum (thanks Zag Native), as I was seeing what the latest and greatest was in Zagland.

Author Dave Boling put together a book titled Tales from the Gonzaga Hardwood.

I was quite surprised to see that he dedicated a whole chapter to me. I'll take it as the book is a good but lighthearted read about some of the characters and moments in Zag basketball history.

Following are a few excerpts from my chapter:

Rillie Raining Threes

John Rillie was so hot, so dialed in, that his teammates were leery about even speaking to him, fearful they might disrupt the delicate calibration of his shooting mechanism. It was in Santa Clara, at the West Coast Conference Tournament in the spring of 1995, and Rillie’s uncanny jump shooting had led the Zags into the title game of the tournament against Portland. A berth in the NCAA tournament went to the winner.

Portland was aligned to defend Rillie, to double him every time he got the ball, to bump him, to jostle him, to beat him to his favored shooting spots. But Rillie just backed up a step or two and continued to shoot over the Pilots.

In the title game, he made eight of twelve shots and all 12 of his free throws for 34 points, setting a tournament record for scoring with 96 points in three games. In that three-game state of unconsciousness, Rillie sank 20 of 28 3-point attempts.

“When you get so involved in so many games and practice so hard, it eventually pays off,” Rillie explained. “And for me, that was a great time for it all to come together. You’ve heard people say that when you’re going really well, it seems like the game is being played in slow motion. That really was what it was like. Everything felt like I had so much time.

”At the time, he was appropriately delighted with the tournament MVP honor and the NCAA berth. But he didn’t fully comprehend the historical significance, the way his shooting lifted the Zags to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

“In all honesty, I was just so happy to be playing Division I basketball in the U.S., that I was pretty oblivious to a lot of the stuff that was going on,” he said. “I watch the NCAAs now and see all of Gonzaga’s success and I’m far more emotionally attached to it now than I was when I was playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t know what was going on. I was like that puppy in the window just waiting for somebody to pick me up and take me somewhere.”

Well, somebody took him to the NCAA tournament, a destination to which previous Zags had never ventured.

King (Gym) Rat

Generations of insomniac Zags have found their way to the court for late-night or all-night practice sessions. Stockton, Frahm, and countless others–lately Derek Raivio–have all had keys or figured alternative means of entry to accommodate their nocturnal hoop addictions.

John Rillie was different to a degree. It wasn’t just practice that was important to Rillie, it was the competition. Competition at any level, in fact. Rillie was seen riding his bike dozens of miles to find a pick-up game. He learned the public transportation schedules as they serviced every cracker box gym in the region.

“If I heard about a game somewhere, I tried to get there however I could,” Rillie said. “Day or night. Bike, bus, or if I could coax somebody into trusting me behind the wheel of their car. I guess you could call it being young and enthusiastic. I was fortunate enough to have a key to the gym at school and I ended up having a pretty good rapport with the night security guys ... good ol’ Smitty and the boys”

Coach Dan Fitzgerald loved the single-minded verve, although he used to tease Rillie. “

It’s not politically correct to say it,” Rillie said. “But one time he asked me, ‘Hey, what were you doing today when you should have been in class ... playing in a pick-up game with the five Asian guys in brown sox?”

Fitzgerald took it pretty seriously once, though, when his prized perimeter threat showed up with a nasty shiner.

“I was playing with some locals over at an eastside recreational center and one of the guys busted my eye open pretty well,” Rillie said. “It was maybe the day before regular practices were supposed to start, and when Fitz saw the damage, he told me that if he heard of me playing anywhere else outside the Kennel he would fine me a thousand dollar.”

Hoops News

- Over the USA summer Spurs Tony Longoria dropped an album and now it seems Jason Kidd is trying his hand at the rap game. This might have to become an off season project for me. Look out for my hip hop remix of "Never Smile At A Crocodile" dropping in June '09.

- The NBL slugs Melbourne Tigers four grand for playing import Ebi Ere. Ere suited up against my Townsville Crocs last weekend but he had yet to receive his clearance to play. I'm sure Tigers owner Seamus McPeake will not lose any sleep over this. He may just have to drink a cheaper wine at his next meal.

- Adelaide Advertiser's Boti Nagy writes about how the WNBL will be seen more on TV then the NBL. We men want equal rights! Staying with Boti, he breaks down the 36ers game on the weekend against the Dragons. And one last one on how the Tigers remain under the points system.

- New Tiger Sam MacKinnon believes the NBL title will not be leaving Victoria.

- My former teammate Luke Martin cannot catch a break. Luke, you need to call Chuck tomorrow as he will not be deciding how much to fine Seamus.

- Crocs imports ready to tear it up.

- A good piece on the life and times of former Brisbane Bullets owner Eddie Groves.

- Young LA Lakers centre Andrew Bynum is back to 100%.

- The "John Wayne" of basketball dies. Former Texas Western (UTEP) coach Don Haskins dies at the age of 78.

- European basketball power club Maccabi Tel Aviv BC is rich with tradition. My Philly Steak Mate has a in-depth look at their history and current squad.

- Want a breakdown of your favourite NBL team, then click here.

I Take Steve Nash's Challenge Head On

Do I have Steve Nash worried?

Preseason has caught up with me so I need to get a little rest tonight before the Crocs take on the Perth Wildcats tomorrow night. I need to be fresh as it is our first preseason game in front of the home fans.

I'm sorry about the lack of content but I'm sure you will be happy with the You Tube challenge I have presented.

I know the Steve Nash footage is a little old (4 months) but I have only come across this challenge a few days ago.

After liking the look of where this was going I thought I would give it a crack.

Please watch former Santa Clara Bronco and NBA MVP Steve Nash knock down free throws at a phenomenal rate.

I took his challenge head on, like a good Zag (Gonzaga University) does, so please watch how I faired in the Steve Nash challenge.

If I remember his wording correctly he says, "I guarantee I beat you".

I'm smelling OT Baby or a new challenge. This former Zag is ready, is the Bronco Alum up to it!

Steve Nash's Can't Miss Video

JR'S Free Throw Attempt Reply

I have a few people I need to thank for making this video possible; DJ Rod, Mili, Shortie and Undies.

Let me know what you think, or give it a crack yourself.