Stinging Style Sparks Smiles

For all its glitz and glamour, basketball is still a game created for the fundamentally-sound. James Naismith, who was born on this day in 1861 would, at the very least, smile at that notion. The rest of the professional game is all together “cringe-worthy”, some might argue. But there’s still that elementary excellence about the game that keeps people interested. It’s exhibited just enough to overlook a sport entwined with rap stars, unprofessionalism and showy slam dunk contests. Basketball is still, at its core, a game of agility, touch and balance. It’s a game of defense (although it’s been downplayed this decade), anticipation and footwork. Passing is paramount because basketball is a team sport. Last night the New Orleans Hornets won a team game. In my opinion, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul represent what basketball is all about. Paul was on display last night against the Miami Heat. Here’s a recap:
All Star Paul is the epitome of a point guard. He spreads the ball around to the offense and engages him teammates. The Hornets are off to a sizzling start, due in part to Paul’s incredible scoring and defensive abilities. The other part of the story is how New Orleans is playing basketball how the game is meant to be played. The Hornets are coming off a season in which they missed the post-season and are under the direction of a rookie coach. New Orleans defeated Miami 96-93 at home last night to improve to a franchise best 5-0 start. Emeka Okafor scored a team high 26 points for the Hornets. Okafor contributed 13 rebounds as the former UConn star evoked memories of his dominant college days. The 6’10” center went 12-of-13 from the field. Paul’s unique ability to distract defenders and his speed during the dribble enabled Okafor a big night. Paul finished with 19 assists, bucketing 13 points along the way. Five New Orleans shooters finished in double digits, proving team ball is the name of the game.
The Heat, propelled by Dwayne Wade’s 28 points, did not lead until late in the final quarter when LeBron James’ free throw put them up 90-89. James poured in 20 points in 41 minutes and Chris Bosh completed the Big Three scoring with 15 points. Wade also pulled down 10 rebounds in the loss. James dominated the assists column for Miami, with ten. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas added a dime in points for the 4-2 Heat, who tried in vain to take the sting out of New Orleans. The Big Three’s tremendous efforts couldn’t overwhelm the opponent on Friday night. Paul set the game’s tempo from the beginning with repeated drives to the basket. He slipped through screens and stayed ahead of the defense with crossover dribbles most of the game. Miami’s rebounding was inconsistent, and Okafor proved too much for the Heat’s defense. The Heat rallied from 14 down and had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. Eddie House missed a shot off the rim, preserving the Hornets’ honorable unblemished record.
The outlook for the Hornets looks supreme, especially if New Orleans can lessen Paul’s burden. Paul is shooting nearly 52% this season and the offense behind him has been solid. But it’s the defense that has New Orleans thriving. The Hornets are among league leaders in defensive efficiency. They have discouraged opponents from shooting by protecting the paint. The team-wide commitment and strategy is effective and plays to Okafor’s strength and size. The Hornets are also cleaning up on the glass. Rebounding is so fundamental to basketball and Monty Williams’ team ranks as one of basketball’s best. Marco Belinelli, Paul and backups Marcus Thornton and Willie Green are rebounding well above their career averages at this point in the season. Paul’s presence causes opponents to be weary of passing, and that usually results in careless turnovers. Opponents are paying attention to the aggressive Paul and the protection on the outside discourages penetration down the baseline. New Orleans’ defense has vastly improved from a season ago. The Hornets are a force to be reckoned with and nobody should be smiling about their style more than Mr. Basketball himself. Happy Birthday, Naismith.

Parting Points: Dismal Devils, just dismal!

Add to Heisman hopeful players involved in scandals: Cam Newton

Who is more aggravating than Nick Saban? Perhaps Brad Childress…

Speaking of Nick’s: Congrats to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. Wedding bells will be ringing. But why does the media insist on referring to (my baby) Nick as “Jessica Simpson’s ex?” Give the guy the respect he deserves, please.

Michael & Mario Mend Miami

Forward Michael Beasley and guard Mario Chalmers covet getting their feet wet for the Miami Heat this stellar season. The two NBA novices hail from Kansas State and Kansas, respectively. If you scan the college hoops highlight reels from 2007-08, a heavy emphasis was placed on these big game players. Beasley was arguably the most prominent player in college basketball despite playing for small-time Kansas State. He was Miami’s number one selection during the draft, and second player chosen overall. Beasley was one of the hardest workers on his team in college. When he applies himself, there is nothing he can’t do on the court. From in-game ploys and strategy, he is a student of the game. The sky is the limit for the former Wildcat. He brought so much to the table for an unforgettable four years at Kansas State. Beasley set the single season points, scoring average, rebounds, free throws and field goals records. He had a total of 13 30-point games during one year. Three times in one year he scored 40 points in a game. Rebounding is where the Heat will see rewards with Beasley on the roster. His left-handed, leaping quickness fosters his rebounding aptitude.
Bill Self’s Kansas team won the national championship last year with Mario Chalmers at the helm. The 22 year old 27th overall draft pick is an aggressive strong man who earned a reputation as a player who takes advantage of loose balls and finding the open basket. He scored the decisive game winning basket during March Madness. The three point shot stymied the opposition, sending the game into overtime. Chalmers is a complete delight to catch sight of on the hardwood. I remember watching him come up as a freshman in Kansas and finish second on the team in points per game. From that season, he only improved. I will feel an emptiness watching the Jayhawks this year without Chalmers. I considered him the best overall player at Kansas. He just makes everyone around him better.
The Jayhawks’ Super Mario should be an impact player in Miami. Beasley and Chalmers can mimic Mario and Luigi dodging opponents, dashing to the basket and launching the pick-and-roll. I am looking forward to their production with the combination of shooting guard, Dwyane Wade. Chalmers will most likely not start. He is slated to backup veteran PG, Marcus Banks. And Beasley might have to sit on the bench before replacing PF Udonis Haslem for some time. The Heat having nothing to lose by trying out their rated rookies. Give Beasley a chance to work with Wade and throw in a little Chalmers. The Heat will be successful once the formula is formed.
The Miami Heat are coming off a disgraceful 15-67 2007 season. They are desperate to rise again in the East. I like the second year guard, Daequan Cook, from Ohio State, and the recent pickup of Shaun Livingston. Livingston is a gifted passer. Former UNLV’s Shawn Marion will also be of assistance to Wade and company. He is great in the steals and rebounds department for sure. Center, Jamaal Magliore, could miss some time with a hand injury early in this season. Mark Blount will likely start at center for first year coach Erik Spoelstra’s famished team. David Padgett might be the better choice at the position.


Parting points: It was another wild weekend in the college football world. LSU was creamed by Florida, USC demolished Arizona State and Texas did pull off the upset at the Cotton Bowl. There will be a new number one now that the Sooners have one loss. Missouri certainly didn’t help their ranking by losing the Oklahoma State. I can’t see the pollsters picking Penn State as number one. They are 7-0 but an SEC, Pac-10 or Big 12 team will be chosen ahead of any Big 10 team. I was very impressed with Texas’ win, but doubt they will rise to the premier position either. Either way, it will be interesting come Monday’s new AP Poll.