Wednesday was a great day to be Glen Robinson III. Michigan's sophomore forward sank six of his last eight shots, including a game winning kiss off the glass in overtime to beat Purdue. GR III, an Indiana native, not only balled out and won the game, he did it at the Mackey Arena. You know, the place that his father...Glen "Big Dog" Robinson built as a Boilermaker in the early 90's? The number one overall pick in the NBA draft. The one that was in attendance...looking as proud as can be. It must have seemed like a fairy tale as his peers sprang from the bench to mob him on the court....in his home state...with his family in attendance.
But folks in Ann Arbor are quietly asking....is this the best moment we'll ever see from GR III?
There's no question that Glen Robinson III is talented. He is naturally gifted and can do things on the court with so much ease...it almost looks as if he's not trying. Sometimes that same demeanor comes across on the court during games. To say that he lacks passion is unfair, but it is fair to suggest that he seems uninterested on the court at times, and at other times can look completely dominant. GR III has to understand the high expectations that are placed on him, whether it's the name he carries..or the tools that he brings to the table...or both. He also must understand how fans can become frustrated when he seems ok with being a ghost on the court. Fair or unfair, that's life in B1G big time basketball.
GR III's inconsistencies have gone largely unnoticed by the masses...and that's because Michigan continues to find a way to get it done. Let's not forget, with the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr, coupled with the season ending injury to pre season All American Mitch McGary, Robinson III was expected to lead this young and inexperienced team this year.
Instead, we've watched the emergence of Nick Stauskus and Caris LaVert. Those two have primarily carried the team offensively this year. Folks in Ann Arbor have been screaming for GR III to use his athleticism and become more aggressive. To slash to the paint and get easy points from the line. And that's just it...he can do it every game..just like this last one...he just doesn't...for some reason.
The most optimistic Wolverine fan will see this as a coming out party for GR III. I'm sure the team hopes that it was. For others that decide to take a wait and see approach, their stance is valid as well.
We won't have to wait long to find out. Michigan's next game is in the prime time Saturday evening slot. And all eyes will be on GR III. Will he use this new found fame as an opportunity to re-write his legacy? Or was Wednesday night GR III's legacy moment?
follow @plcolter
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
The NFL...and the other N Word
Every year the NFL's Competition Committee meets to discuss the various rules that players and organizations must abide by. The past few years the committee has introduced a controversial new wrinkle to the country's most popular sport. But this year's proposed penalty for using the n-word has me scratching my head. In fact, the only n word the NFL should be uttering right now, as it relates to this topic, is NO!
With the recently concluded Richie Incognito /Jonathan Martin / Miami Dolphins investigation, there is a heightened sensitivity to the use of the word, and more specifically....bullying. If you are unfamiliar with this topic, Google it. You should be caught up within the first few lines.
The NFL is proposing that a 15 yard penalty be assessed to the team who's player uses the word. A second infraction would lead to a fine. While I am all for cleaning up the game, I wonder what the ramifications of this rule change would be....from a public relations stand point. I just don't know if the NFL is ready to be the face of the word, because let's face it, it's going to happen.
You can almost feel the nervous tension from local bar owners, when the first game is stopped and the referee says something to the point of..."personal foul on the defense....the nose tackle just called Cam Newton the n-word!" Now picture that same bar owner scanning the tables and watching some fans (of all races) squirm in their seat, while other fans (of all races) take the n-word topic away from the world of sports. By the way, they're all drinking. That bar owner is praying that somebody...anybody scores on the next play.
Or even worse, a fan of the visiting team is sitting in the stadium, and a player on their team commits the n-word infraction. Taunting, and everything that comes along with that, is sure to ensue....and will escalate....eventually. Is the NFL ready to bear the brunt if something, God forbid, tragic happened specifically related to this topic at one of their venues?
And what about the teams? Will there be a human resources seminar to the most fined team? And will the players have to complete sensitivity training before returning to the field? If I'm making this sound like a joke, it's because it is. People (of all races) looking for an easy outlet to voice their political beliefs will be all over this like ants at a picnic. And is the fine worse if it's said to a black player...from a white player? You laugh now but someone will ask that, in front of millions of people.
If the NFL wants to police the use of the n-word I'm all for it. But I would suggest for it to be handled privately, and internally...like other fines that teams give their players. Making it public to prove a point is cutting off your nose to spite your face. The weekly talk shows, for the foreseeable future, would be running a weekly n-word report before the injuries. The topic would never go away. And you just wait until this rule costs someone a game...no, a playoff game. You just wait. I hope the NFL really considers this rule change before ultimately implementing it. Because a change of this magnitude can never be undone.
Even if it turns out to be a public relations nightmare. follow @plcolter
With the recently concluded Richie Incognito /Jonathan Martin / Miami Dolphins investigation, there is a heightened sensitivity to the use of the word, and more specifically....bullying. If you are unfamiliar with this topic, Google it. You should be caught up within the first few lines.
The NFL is proposing that a 15 yard penalty be assessed to the team who's player uses the word. A second infraction would lead to a fine. While I am all for cleaning up the game, I wonder what the ramifications of this rule change would be....from a public relations stand point. I just don't know if the NFL is ready to be the face of the word, because let's face it, it's going to happen.
You can almost feel the nervous tension from local bar owners, when the first game is stopped and the referee says something to the point of..."personal foul on the defense....the nose tackle just called Cam Newton the n-word!" Now picture that same bar owner scanning the tables and watching some fans (of all races) squirm in their seat, while other fans (of all races) take the n-word topic away from the world of sports. By the way, they're all drinking. That bar owner is praying that somebody...anybody scores on the next play.
Or even worse, a fan of the visiting team is sitting in the stadium, and a player on their team commits the n-word infraction. Taunting, and everything that comes along with that, is sure to ensue....and will escalate....eventually. Is the NFL ready to bear the brunt if something, God forbid, tragic happened specifically related to this topic at one of their venues?
And what about the teams? Will there be a human resources seminar to the most fined team? And will the players have to complete sensitivity training before returning to the field? If I'm making this sound like a joke, it's because it is. People (of all races) looking for an easy outlet to voice their political beliefs will be all over this like ants at a picnic. And is the fine worse if it's said to a black player...from a white player? You laugh now but someone will ask that, in front of millions of people.
If the NFL wants to police the use of the n-word I'm all for it. But I would suggest for it to be handled privately, and internally...like other fines that teams give their players. Making it public to prove a point is cutting off your nose to spite your face. The weekly talk shows, for the foreseeable future, would be running a weekly n-word report before the injuries. The topic would never go away. And you just wait until this rule costs someone a game...no, a playoff game. You just wait. I hope the NFL really considers this rule change before ultimately implementing it. Because a change of this magnitude can never be undone.
Even if it turns out to be a public relations nightmare. follow @plcolter
Saturday, February 15, 2014
From Black Quarterback to Quarterback
Enrique Robles, a friend and colleague of mine, sent me a very interesting piece on the late Steve McNair, and the evolution of the black quarterback. The article, which is a great read by the way, depicted the HBCU's (Historically Black College University) diminishing role in developing black quarterbacks for the professional level. Steve McNair, the last great HBCU qb to excel on the professional level, only played at Alcorn State because the powerhouse programs wanted him to play defense. Today, the black quarterback is given the chance to play qb at the best programs in the country, thus leading to the gift and the curse of the HBCU's quandry. Black qb's no longer have to attend those schools to play qb.
Reading that article made me think of Russell Wilson, and his Super Bowl victory. But not of him being only the second qb of African American decent to win a Super Bowl, but that...to my knowledge...was not dubbed a "black" qb...even with hours and hours of non stop news coverage leading up to the game.
As an African American coming up during the rise of the "black" qb, I can vividly remember those players...most notably Warren Moon, wanting to be known as just a "qb". As a born and raised Nashvillian, I vividly remember Steve McNair's Super Bowl run in 99, and the topic of his race at the position becoming draining to him as the game approached.
In this messy media savy world that we live in, it was refreshing to see the topic of the "black" qb become old and boring. Credit sports fans of all races for not "pitting" Manning vs Wilson, but embracing the game as just that...a game where players of all races are 60 minutes away from reaching a life long goal.
If, as a society, we are quick to point out when the media get's it wrong, then we should also give credit where credit is due.
follow @plcolter.
Reading that article made me think of Russell Wilson, and his Super Bowl victory. But not of him being only the second qb of African American decent to win a Super Bowl, but that...to my knowledge...was not dubbed a "black" qb...even with hours and hours of non stop news coverage leading up to the game.
As an African American coming up during the rise of the "black" qb, I can vividly remember those players...most notably Warren Moon, wanting to be known as just a "qb". As a born and raised Nashvillian, I vividly remember Steve McNair's Super Bowl run in 99, and the topic of his race at the position becoming draining to him as the game approached.
In this messy media savy world that we live in, it was refreshing to see the topic of the "black" qb become old and boring. Credit sports fans of all races for not "pitting" Manning vs Wilson, but embracing the game as just that...a game where players of all races are 60 minutes away from reaching a life long goal.
If, as a society, we are quick to point out when the media get's it wrong, then we should also give credit where credit is due.
follow @plcolter.
NBA All Star Break Review.....
With the NFL just getting out of our veins, sports fans are lukewarmly turning their attention to the NBA. Sundays that were filled with grid iron greatness will now be replaced by the nationally televised NBA double header. To kick off their reintroduction to the world, the NBA will host it's annual All Star event this weekend in the Big Easy, culminating with the game itself Sunday night. Whether you are a passer by...looking to keep your basketball pulse until March Madness, or a casual fan that prefers football, but will tune in when it's over...we'll get you caught up on the first half of 2013-14 NBA season.
The Miami Heat:
Outside of the first place Indiana Pacers, there is virtually no threat to the Heat and their quest for a fourth straight Eastern Conference Title. Indiana and Miami have separated themselves, and...barring a catastrophic injury...should finish 1 and 2 in the standings....setting up another epic Eastern Conference finals showdown.
The Wild Wild West:
The Western Conference is it's usual dog fight, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the pack. The West can be summed up by three playoff races....as the conference is divided into three clear tiers....The seed contenders, the playoff contenders, and the lottery contenders. OKC and San Antonio...barring any more injuries, should secure a top 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round of this year's playoffs. The race for the other two spots is fierce...and wide open. Houston, The LA Clippers, and Portland (currently 3rd, 4th, and 5th,) have started to separate themselves, and are all basically tied record wise. One thing's for sure, whoever finishes 4th will have a tough opponent in the first round. The second tier of teams have also started to separate themselves from the third, and are in a fierce dog fight for the final three playoff spots. Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, and Memphis (currently 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) are all playing well, and are all within two games of each other with approximately 30 or so to go. The third tier of teams are fighting for lottery ping pong balls...and a stud college freshman.
So I'll digress.
Big Market Meltdown:
If last week is any indication, the NBA is in a real tough spot this spring. It's biggest markets (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia) boasts some of the worst teams in the league this year. These games were scheduled way in advance, and with no flex scheduling that I can think of, we may be forced to watch a 20 win team get throttled Sunday after Sunday.
Point Well Taken:
This has been, by far, the year of the point guard....and for all the wrong reasons. Several high profile point guards (Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley, Deron Williams) have all missed considerable time due to injury. And that's not even counting Kobe, who can technically be listed because he runs his team's offense. With the exception of Rose, all should be back at some point to finish the season.
Trade Deadline:
With so many bad teams, and so much projected first round talent coming up in the draft, look for cellar dwellers to maybe ship off a veteran or two to a contender to position themselves. More importantly, we all know this is the year LeBron can opt out of his deal. What teams will do what to position themselves for a crack at King James? Something to look out for.
Enjoy the All Star festivities, and the rest of the season. follow @plcolter
The Miami Heat:
Outside of the first place Indiana Pacers, there is virtually no threat to the Heat and their quest for a fourth straight Eastern Conference Title. Indiana and Miami have separated themselves, and...barring a catastrophic injury...should finish 1 and 2 in the standings....setting up another epic Eastern Conference finals showdown.
The Wild Wild West:
The Western Conference is it's usual dog fight, with Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the pack. The West can be summed up by three playoff races....as the conference is divided into three clear tiers....The seed contenders, the playoff contenders, and the lottery contenders. OKC and San Antonio...barring any more injuries, should secure a top 4 seed and home court advantage in the first round of this year's playoffs. The race for the other two spots is fierce...and wide open. Houston, The LA Clippers, and Portland (currently 3rd, 4th, and 5th,) have started to separate themselves, and are all basically tied record wise. One thing's for sure, whoever finishes 4th will have a tough opponent in the first round. The second tier of teams have also started to separate themselves from the third, and are in a fierce dog fight for the final three playoff spots. Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, and Memphis (currently 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) are all playing well, and are all within two games of each other with approximately 30 or so to go. The third tier of teams are fighting for lottery ping pong balls...and a stud college freshman.
So I'll digress.
Big Market Meltdown:
If last week is any indication, the NBA is in a real tough spot this spring. It's biggest markets (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia) boasts some of the worst teams in the league this year. These games were scheduled way in advance, and with no flex scheduling that I can think of, we may be forced to watch a 20 win team get throttled Sunday after Sunday.
Point Well Taken:
This has been, by far, the year of the point guard....and for all the wrong reasons. Several high profile point guards (Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Mike Conley, Deron Williams) have all missed considerable time due to injury. And that's not even counting Kobe, who can technically be listed because he runs his team's offense. With the exception of Rose, all should be back at some point to finish the season.
Trade Deadline:
With so many bad teams, and so much projected first round talent coming up in the draft, look for cellar dwellers to maybe ship off a veteran or two to a contender to position themselves. More importantly, we all know this is the year LeBron can opt out of his deal. What teams will do what to position themselves for a crack at King James? Something to look out for.
Enjoy the All Star festivities, and the rest of the season. follow @plcolter
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sorry folks...LeBron ain't doin it...nor should he
The NBA's All Star Weekend is rapidly approaching, and once again, the subject of Lebron James and the Slam Dunk Contest is heating up. LeBron, a ferocious in game dunker, has repeatedly turned down the opportunity to take his talents to the contest itself, electing to enjoy a front row seat with his peers instead.
You can't blame the NBA, and it's sponsors, for desperately wanting LeBron to compete. After all, the Slam Dunk contest has become a shell of itself lately...and public interest is continuing to plummet. When asked about why he doesn't want to compete, James usually offers up some carefully crafted PR line, embracing the past and praising the current participants....all while avoiding to answer the question directly. The real reasons that LeBron doesn't want to compete are the very reasons he shouldn't.
For starters, he has absolutely nothing to gain, in any area, by competing. When MJ competed, he was using the contest to build his brand, to show the world what he could do. There was no YouTube or Twitter, there was no world wide web to the masses yet. Jordan was on the ascent at the time, and the great participants that followed him (Kobe, Vince Carter) used that same format to boost their marketability at an early stage of their careers.
LeBron signed several endorsement deals in excess of 100 million dollars....before he ever scored a point in the NBA. By the time he finished his rookie deal, he was a global icon. LeBron doesn't need a Saturday night slam dunk contest to build his brand. And that's no shot at the above mentioned participants, they just came along in a different era. Besides, he would have to do something insane, dangerous, or both to impress today's "seen it all" audience. After all, you sposed' to be King James!
And let's talk about the fall out if LeBron tanks it and fails miserably.
No...wait...let's not...you're an intelligent audience.
Ever the opportunist, James released a video last night of him reeling off some grown man dunks after practice. The kind that would make me break my plans that Saturday night to watch it live. But no worries, I should be safe on those plans.
At least for another year. follow @plcolter
You can't blame the NBA, and it's sponsors, for desperately wanting LeBron to compete. After all, the Slam Dunk contest has become a shell of itself lately...and public interest is continuing to plummet. When asked about why he doesn't want to compete, James usually offers up some carefully crafted PR line, embracing the past and praising the current participants....all while avoiding to answer the question directly. The real reasons that LeBron doesn't want to compete are the very reasons he shouldn't.
For starters, he has absolutely nothing to gain, in any area, by competing. When MJ competed, he was using the contest to build his brand, to show the world what he could do. There was no YouTube or Twitter, there was no world wide web to the masses yet. Jordan was on the ascent at the time, and the great participants that followed him (Kobe, Vince Carter) used that same format to boost their marketability at an early stage of their careers.
LeBron signed several endorsement deals in excess of 100 million dollars....before he ever scored a point in the NBA. By the time he finished his rookie deal, he was a global icon. LeBron doesn't need a Saturday night slam dunk contest to build his brand. And that's no shot at the above mentioned participants, they just came along in a different era. Besides, he would have to do something insane, dangerous, or both to impress today's "seen it all" audience. After all, you sposed' to be King James!
And let's talk about the fall out if LeBron tanks it and fails miserably.
No...wait...let's not...you're an intelligent audience.
Ever the opportunist, James released a video last night of him reeling off some grown man dunks after practice. The kind that would make me break my plans that Saturday night to watch it live. But no worries, I should be safe on those plans.
At least for another year. follow @plcolter
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Tips for the casual Super Bowl fan
Ah yes, the unofficial holiday known as Super Bowl Sunday is finally upon us. If you are a fan of the Broncos or Seahawks, then you must be ecstatic! If you are a football fan in general, then you love the match up. And if you don't know a tight end from an end zone, or a first down from the first quarter, then have no fear. You too...yes you...the non football fan being forced to watch this game like many of you are...can enjoy your evening. Do not let the mindless chatter about blitzes and man coverage, replays and coaching strategies intimidate you. You can contribute conversationally to your Super Bowl Party without mentioning a single play on the field. OK non sports fan, get your Google ready. These four tips should get you through this year's party with flying colors.
Peyton Manning: If you are at least familiar with Manning, then you should be fine. But make sure you are talking about the right Manning. Peyton's brother Eli plays in New York. The Super Bowl is also in New York. But there's a big difference there! Nothing will get you tuned out quicker than a random Eli based stat while Denver has the ball....that's research gone wrong. You can keep Manning to a single sentence..."If he wins...I think he should retire". The die hard fans will take the topic from there. Just sit back and enjoy the banter, knowing you contributed to a spirited Super Bowl party sports debate....without even knowing who's winning.
Richard Sherman: Be prepared, casual fan, for the Richard Sherman topic to come up several times throughout the night. If you are unfamiliar with what he did two weeks ago, then Google it. This topic though, could become divisive. So if you're at a party as the guest of a guest, then it might be best to sit this one out. You can express your thoughts privately on the way home. Nothing ruins a good time like an awkward joke / comment made in a room full of people who don't "know you like that".
Halftime: Bruno Mars is this year's halftime entertainment. He has a ton of cross over hits, and is also a great live performer. You should be OK there. More importantly, the halftime show buys you a whole third quarter of not having to pay attention to the game. This is the time that you visit your social networking site of choice, and scroll through the endless...and often entertaining half time reviews from your peers. And the die hard fan will hardly notice your absence. After all, the game is back on.
Commercials: You can never go wrong by just commenting on the commercials. That's actually the safest way to play it. That way you don't get that "death stare" for asking..."Didn't Peyton's dad or uncle or something play in the Super Bowl too?"...right at the two minute warning.
And if all else fails...just watch the damn game! Should be a classic. follow @plcolter
Peyton Manning: If you are at least familiar with Manning, then you should be fine. But make sure you are talking about the right Manning. Peyton's brother Eli plays in New York. The Super Bowl is also in New York. But there's a big difference there! Nothing will get you tuned out quicker than a random Eli based stat while Denver has the ball....that's research gone wrong. You can keep Manning to a single sentence..."If he wins...I think he should retire". The die hard fans will take the topic from there. Just sit back and enjoy the banter, knowing you contributed to a spirited Super Bowl party sports debate....without even knowing who's winning.
Richard Sherman: Be prepared, casual fan, for the Richard Sherman topic to come up several times throughout the night. If you are unfamiliar with what he did two weeks ago, then Google it. This topic though, could become divisive. So if you're at a party as the guest of a guest, then it might be best to sit this one out. You can express your thoughts privately on the way home. Nothing ruins a good time like an awkward joke / comment made in a room full of people who don't "know you like that".
Halftime: Bruno Mars is this year's halftime entertainment. He has a ton of cross over hits, and is also a great live performer. You should be OK there. More importantly, the halftime show buys you a whole third quarter of not having to pay attention to the game. This is the time that you visit your social networking site of choice, and scroll through the endless...and often entertaining half time reviews from your peers. And the die hard fan will hardly notice your absence. After all, the game is back on.
Commercials: You can never go wrong by just commenting on the commercials. That's actually the safest way to play it. That way you don't get that "death stare" for asking..."Didn't Peyton's dad or uncle or something play in the Super Bowl too?"...right at the two minute warning.
And if all else fails...just watch the damn game! Should be a classic. follow @plcolter
Injuries: A blessing in disguise for Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Winners of five in a row, and ten of it's last eleven, Memphis has transformed themselves from Western Conference cellar dweller to playoff contender...all in a matter of weeks. And the Grizzlies can thank an odd contributor....
Injuries.
Memphis, last year's Western Conference Finals participant, had an awful start to the 2013-14 campaign. Injuries played a huge factor. Starting center Marc Gasol was lost for seven weeks with a knee injury. Reserve guard Quincy Pondexter was lost for the season with an injury. That loss was devastating since he is one of the few perimeter shooters the Grizzlies could rely on. Starters Mike Conley (pg), Zach Randolph (pf), Tayshaun Prince (sf), and Tony Allen (sg) have all missed time early in the season. The results were disastrous, as make shift lineups failed to compete against the tough Western Conference.
Then the Grizzlies started making moves.
For starters, they struck gold when they brought up swing man James Johnson from the D League. Now...you know you're desperate when you're ravaging through D League talent in December.
But I digress.
Johnson has made an immediate impact, on both ends of the floor. His versatility allows him to be used in a myriad of ways. He's also proven to be clutch, often finding himself on the floor late in games. His tenacious energy has already made him a fan favorite in Memphis. After all, they do play in the Grind House.
The loss of Pondexter forced Memphis to make another move, trading reserve shooting guard Jared Bayless to Boston for Courtney Lee. With no Gasol, and no outside shooting threat, defenses were able to make life miserable for Z-Bo. Lee was brought in for one reason...to shoot the three. He's adapted nicely, averaging 14 points a game while shooting 44% from beyond the ark. Since Lee's arrival, Z-Bo has been a walking 20/10 guy (points / rebounds).
Gasol's seven week injury also turned out to be a blessing in disguise for reserve big men Ed Davis, Kosta Koufos, and Jon Leuer. Each saw considerable playing time....and each one continued to improve as the season progressed...and the injuries mounted.
The end result?
On January 14, Gasol returned to a lineup that now had a consistent outside scoring threat in Lee, a high octane swiss army knife in Johnson, and quality reserves behind him. Something Gasol didn't have during last year's playoff run. The Grizzlies are 8-1 since his return.
As a team, Memphis is now clicking on all cylinders...knocking off OKC, Portland, Houston (twice), and Phoenix during their recent run. Anchored by Gasol, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, the Grizzlies are once again one of the most dominant defensive teams in the league. To put it in perspective, Memphis has yet to score 100 points during their eleven game stretch. And this unit will only get better when Tony Allen...aka the Grind Father...aka reigning all defensive first team guard..returns from a wrist injury.
The Grizzlies now sit just a half game back in the Western Conference playoff race, with plenty of games to go. Somehow, someway, they're right back in it.
And of all things to thank....injuries. follow @plcolter
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