A comment by "anonymous" on the NBA draft post got me to thinking about the good ol' days of heading out to the arcade and playing some NBA Jam with friends. I'd hate to think about how many quarters I threw into that thing, tho it was probably worth it, since I couldn't buy beer yet. My favorite combo to play with was the Charlotte Hornets duo of Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. LJ had a crazy inside/outside game on offense and Zo could block dunk attempts by just about anyone.

Anyone else old enough to remember this game? (Was it really 13 years ago?) If so, who were your favorite combos?

Labels: He's On Fire

I haven't really had a chance to start following Wimbledon yet. It might have something to do with the 5 am PST starts. Fortunately, there's a video which does a good job capsulizing the experience of watching the women's side of the bracket:



...Add in some red knickers, and you're pretty much caught up going into the weekend.

Labels: If You Let Them Play, Tennis, Videos

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Here's all I know about Koponen. He's 19 years old and played for the Playboys in Finland. So I guess he

Reminds me of:

The first Finnish Playboy Playmate, Miss December 1988, Kata Karkkainen:



Sorry, but that was the only remotely safe for work pic I could find.

That wraps up the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft. I know it couldn't have possibly matched the entertainment of Steven A Smith and Dick Vitale yelling at each other via satellite, but thanks for indulging me nonetheless.

Now if you'll excuse me, I hear there's a young prospect out of Argentina that deserves my attention.

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
One of the most experienced players in the draft.
Great motor, but lacks range.
Great player at amateur level, but questions remain about ability to perform in pros.
Probably will be little more than a role player in the NBA.

Reminds me of:

Heather Graham

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Brazilian native with great international game.
Is a tremendous physical specimen.
Long.
Likely to have big contract demands

Reminds me of:

Adriana Lima

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Not the flashiest player, but a great leader.
Very successful player.
Somewhat limited physically, but gets the most out of his natural abilities.
Willing to do the dirty work to win.

Reminds me of:

Natalie Portman

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Very small for his position but has never let being undersized stop him.
Teams he plays on always seem to be winners.
Great athlete.
Very focused player.

Reminds me of:

Elisha Cuthbert

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Has been on the scene for awhile, but doesn't get much television exposure because of where he plays.
Somewhat one-dimensional, but he excels in that dimensions.
Specializes in a skill that is long on supply.

Reminds me of:

Valentina Vaughn

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Has been a star in Spain since teenage years.
Sensational talent that transcends nationality.
Contract issues could be a concern.

Reminds me of:

Almudena Fernandez

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Under the radar coming into the draft.
Spike Lee loves the pick.
Good size with plenty of room to develop.
With a few breaks, could become a star.

Reminds me of:

Justine Jaro

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Good contributor, but will never be a superstar.
Solid body.
Always gives great effort.

Reminds me of:

Amanda Bynes



(Update: Thanks to Anonymous for noticing the gaffe with Charlotte's mascot, tho I was shocked to see that anyone was actually "reading" any of my draft coverage. I suppose that's what happens when I choose Amanda Bynes for the photo.)

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Able to contribute right away.
Great experience in high level situations.
Very high ceiling.
Good team player.

Reminds me of:

Katherine Heigl

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Relative unknown, but those that have seen him are very impressed with his talents.
Developing upper body strength.

Reminds me of:

Jennifer Ellison

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Still young and raw, but shows promise of greatness.
A few years away from being a major contributor.
Breaks the mold at his position.

Reminds me of:

Vanessa Hudgens

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Great Italian export.
Top player in interational scene.
Nice, smooth stroke.

Reminds me of:

Monica Bellucci

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Major off the court issues.
Has shown flashes of greatness.
Bomb or Bust type.
Never sure what you're getting.

Reminds me of:

Lindsay Lohan

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Perfect body type for a #2 guard.
Relies on natural gifts rather than developing new skills.
Major academic issues.

Reminds me of:

Jessica Simpson

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:
Dynamic individual.
Hasn't received enough exposure.
Hasn't been seen much against hi level competition.

Reminds me of:

Marissa Miller

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:

Likes to fill the hole.
Streaky.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Reminds me of:

Paris Hilton

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Great athleticism.
Great "measurables."
Tends to disappear at times.

Reminds me of:

Brooke Burke

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:

Long.
Long.
Long.

Reminds me of:

Stacy Keibler

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player notes:

Has been around forever, but always gets the job done.
Will immediately become a veteran leader in a young league.

Reminds me of:

Diane Lane

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Has the individual components of what you look for in a franchise player, but has yet to put it all together.
Occasionally seems uncomfortable in spotlight.
Questionable footwork.

Reminds of:

Carrie Underwood

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Captivating, but does he do anything well, other than dance?

After seeing his hair on draft day, we're going with...

Reminds me of:

Shakira

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:

Entered the league with a ton of hype, but team underachieved.
Tends to disappear at times.
Prototype body.
Needs to show he can take his game to next level.

Reminds me of:

Jessica Alba.

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Became known because of greatness of supporting cast.
Hasn't been asked to contribute much individually.
Has shown flashes, but still has plenty to prove.

Reminds me of:

Kristin Cavallari

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:

I don't know anything other than: is Asian, and people seem to like his body and potential.
Language barrier could be an issue.

Reminds me of:

Reon Kadena

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Looks good enough, but can't you find players like this anywhere? Yet somehow still considered a superstar.
Needs to maximize potential in order to be solid contributor.

Reminds me of:

Kirsten Dunst

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Burst on the scene quickly.
Overhyped, and may be the product of people being desperate to create a new star.
Needs to ride momentum and develop quickly or will be relegated to obscurity.

Reminds me of:

Hayden Panettiere

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Worked mostly in ensemble casts where talents were largely overlooked until recently.
Just beginning to show abilities to lead on own.
Incredible lower body strength.

Reminds me of:

Jessica Biel.

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics. You can find all the posts by following this link.)

Player Notes:
Born to be a superstar.
Incredibly versatility.
Once in a generation type player.
Should make a ton in endorsements.

Reminds me of:



Scarlett Johannson

Labels: Draft Slots

(What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't live blog the NBA draft? With all of the valuable analysis available throughout the net, I'll be answering the only question that really matters: What model/actress does each pick remind me of? It won't be insightful, but it should have great pics.)

Player Notes:
Consensus top 2 player.
Doesn't have a wide variety of moves, but what he does have is dominating.
Prototypical body.
Blossomed early and has looked like an adult since a very young age.
Might be over 30, but who cares?

Reminds me of:

Angelina Jolie

Labels: Draft Slots

With the NBA draft starting in a few hours, it's a little late for me to put a mock draft up. My only prediction is that when everything is over, Arron Afflalo may wish he'd stayed for his senior year at UCLA. If you need more picks, I'm pretty sure you can find one or two mocks somewhere on the internet. One of the more entertaining mocks was posted yesterday by Chad Ford and Bill Simmons on ESPN.com. They combined logical picks with some pretty good banter to make for a very enjoyable column. Maybe that's what Simmons needs now to keep things fresh- someone to volley with who will also call him on some of his recycled material.

One of the draft evaluations that stood out to me was this analysis of Greg Oden by Ford:

"Taking Oden is like marrying the girl you don't want to date, but the girl you want to spend the rest of your life with. She's responsible. She looks out for you. She helps you be the best person you can be. She's not hot on the outside. But inside she makes your life worth living."

My first thought was that I hope his wife doesn't read his columns. One also has to wonder if his logic for draft evaluations extends to other areas of his life. Perhaps he'll also scout potential dating prospects for his son:

"Only measured out as a B cup, but with that frame, has the potential to develop into a full C."

"A sexy pick, although real age remains a concern."

"Lacks experience, but shows early signs of promise and is very coachable."

"Very impressive ball handling skills."

"Foreign exchange student, so the data on her is limited, but I'm always intrigued by Czech girls."

"Lacks ideal looks, but is willing to do all the dirty work."

"Drug history and family issues have caused her to already make the rounds with many different suitors, but she might still be attractive for someone looking to fill a need."

"Willingness to take on the double-team is both intriguing and concerning at same time."

"The consensus #1 on campus, but will cost too much to keep for the long haul if you have salary cap issues."

Labels: Hoop Dreams, NBA Draft

(Thanks to BruinsNation for first coming across this story...)

What is the penalty handed down by the Fates for wreaking havoc upon the fans of a storied athletic program for seven years and then using that experience to wreak havoc on sports fans everywhere by becoming a cliche factory for ESPN? Apparently, it's a crap load of cash, a luxury home and smoking hot wife. Sometimes life pisses me off.

Former UCLA head coach Steve Lavin is looking to buy a home in Brentwood or Coronoa del Mar, and as such, has put his Newport Beach home up for sale. The 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home is being listed for $3,995,000. According to the listing, the home located at 1906 Port Bristol (note: I've included the address for informational purposes only. I'd hate to see anyone use this for anything untoward.) features real distressed timbers, hand molded clay roof tiles, custom wrought iron work, and Venetian plaster. Although rumor has it that while it has all of the individual components of a landmark home, Lavin was never able to piece it together into even one of the final four best houses in the neighborhood, and most brokers would annually barely put it within the top 16.

While not listed in the brochure, other features are likely to include:

- Unused, like new, custom built trophy room.
- All bathrooms equipped with hair gel dispensers.
- Wine cellar filled with unopened bottles of champagne.
- Walk-in closets big enough to hold 200 pit-stained dress shirts.

One photo from the listing shows that the bonus room was decorated with a card table. How great would it be to sit down at a poker table with Steve Lavin? You could give him every ace in the deck, and still get him to fold before the showdown.

Presumably, Lavin is selling now so he'll have time to get another home for his new wife, actress Mary Ann Jarou (pictured), who according to Neiman Marcus, he will be marrying August 17. Looking at her picture, it's obvious that Lavin still has a knack for courtship, tho it will be interesting to see how successful the marriage itself will be.

Bruin Nation's UCLA Class of 86 has his own prediction:

She's a good recruit for Steve Lavin, but four years from now she will leave him, looking disheveled and disoriented, wondering why she wasted her time with a guy who promised her the moon and only delivered cheese.

Meanwhile, fellow BN contributor Meriones has a good feel for the statement Lavin will release to the press following their divorce:

"You know, marriage is a marathon, not a sprint (1) . There's always a lot of give and take (2), and sometimes people don't always see eye-to-eye (3). In the end, there was nothing wrong with her, it was me (4). We just drifted apart (5). I will always love her (6) and we've decided that we will still remain friends (7). They say that 50% of all marriages end in divorce (8) and we gave it our best shot (9), but we just couldn't overcome the odds (10). Overall, though, I wish her nothing but the best (11) and she deserves someone who can truly make her happy (12)."

Brilliant stuff, guys. That was so funny, it made me cry. Or maybe it was just remembering the Lavin era that brought on the tears. Either way, nice work.

Labels: Coaching for Dummies, ESPN Talking Heads, UCLA

I'll have some new content up sometime this evening. And by "new," I mean stuff you can only find on like 20 or 30 other sports blogs.

Thanks for your patience...I hope you can forgive me.

This week, my place of residence is the 7th floor, the pediatric ward, of the hospital while Tyler gets some treatments. We've got our own 7th floor crew rollin' up in this joint:

(What's your name?)
T-money, yo
(What you do?)
Rock the chemo
(How you do it?)
Straight to the vein, then chill with Finding Nemo
...
Sorry about that. I'm even more sleep deprived than usual. Anyway, I've got a brief break, so I thought I'd catch up on what I've missed in the wide, wide world of sports:

Sammy Sosa hit HR #600 in Texas last night, and the organization had the audacity to play "The Natural" as he rounded the bases. To be fair, I'm not aware of a song called "Ballad of the man from the land of needles and cork who forgot how to speak English and fled the country to escape persecution." But then again, I don't really follow country music much.
...

Meanwhile, in an interview with local radio, Rangers owner Tom Hicks was asked about any decisions he regretted since becoming owner of the team. He responded with, "Juan Gonzalez for $24 million after he came off steroids, probably, we just gave that money away." Since we're talking about drugs, I have to wonder: is Mr. Hicks on crack? That's not even close to most regrettable decision Tom Hicks has made in his tenure as owner. To recap:

Signed ARod to 10 year, $250 million deal.
Traded ARod and $67 million to Yankees for Alfonso Soriano and player to be named.
Traded Alfonso Soriano to Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Termel Sledge, and Armando Galarraga.
Traded Termel Sledge, Chris Young, and Adrian Gonzalez to Padres for Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka, and Bill Killian.

Compared to that debacle, failing to hook Gonzalez up with the right steroids manufacturers was a rather minor oversight.
...

The NFL has said that it is serious about dealing with concussion injuries amongst its players. Because of the sports' physical nature, it's impossible to completely prevent concussions from occurring. However, the league can be more responsible in the way players are treated after incurring a concussion, both while active players and just as importantly, after retirement. Concussions may increase the likelihood of a person suffering serious brain disorders in later life, such as depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

While the Federal government has shown an interest in baseball's steroid involvement, the NFL won't be helping with the treatment of retired football players. Many researchers believe that people who suffer from Parkinson's disease will be among the first to benefit from advances being made in stem cell research. Yesterday, the President vetoed a stem cell research bill saying,
"Destroying human life in the hopes of saving human life is not ethical."

I'd have a little easier time digesting that statement if it wasn't made from the same person who entered a nation into war. Oh well, at least he made Kurt Warner happy.
...

Joe Girardi has turned down an offer to manage the Baltimore Orioles. While Girardi has probably accepted that he won't be the next Joe Torre (that position is being kept warm for Don Mattingly), he's realized that he doesn't want to end up being the next Lee Mazzilli either.
...

Finally- Tim Floyd signs an 8th grader to a verbal commitment to USC, and it's seen as aggressive recrutiing, and yet if I tell the girl at Jamba Juice to call me when she turns 18, I'm a creep? That just ain't right.

Labels: Hypocrisy, Nightcap, Roid Rumors

Now that Kobe Bryant has gone 24 straight hours without retracting his latest trade demand, I feel it's somewhat safe to actually discuss it. It's hard for me to imagine Kobe sitting out the entire season, which is really the only leverage he has until 2008. But I guess I wouldn't put it past him to pull a Vince Carter and just give 50% effort and fake some injuries until the Lakers relent and trade him. The problem for the Lakers is that it's impossible to get fair value in return for any deal involving Kobe.

Or at least it was until Lakers' scouts stumbled across an unknown diamond in the rough. Expect to hear an announcement in the next few days. Kobe Bryant will be traded to Chuck E Cheese's in exchange for this guy:

Yeah, that's 1,000 points right there. Try to slow that down, Greg Popovich.

Labels: Hoop Dreams, LA Lakers, Videos