The NBA announced today that the Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James has won his first Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the 2008-09 NBA Most Valuable Player.
WHY HE WON:
Started a career-high 81 games.
Set personal bests in blocked shots (93), as well as field-goal (49) and free-throw (79) percentages.
The second player to post five straight seasons of at least 27 points, six rebounds and six assists. Oscar Robertson is the only other player.
Helped Cleveland to an NBA and Cavs franchise best 66 win, 16 loss season – a 21 game improvement over last season.
2008/09 Cavs mark just the 12th time an NBA team has reached 66 regular season wins.
The Cavs also finished with 39 wins and two losses at home.
Led the league in triple-doubles finishing with seven.
Became the 12th player in NBA history to record three consecutive triple doubles on March 7th, 10th and 12th, respectively.
Finished second in voting for defensive player of the year.
Led Cleveland in scoring with 28.4 ppg (second in the NBA) as well as boards (7.6 per), dimes (7.2), and steals (1.7).
Became only the fourth player to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals while also leading his team to 50-plus wins since steals became an official stat in 1973/74. Others were Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird in 1985-86; Detroit Piston Grant Hill in 1996-97; and former Minnesota standout Kevin Garnett, who accomplished the feat during his 2002-03 campaign.
In just his sixth season, James also became the ninth player in NBA history with at least five consecutive 2,000 point seasons.
At 24 years, 106 days, James is the youngest player to win the award since Moses Malone was 24 years, 16 days at the conclusion of the regular season in 1978-79. The youngest? Wes Unseld in 1968-69, when he was just 23 years old.
James becomes the first Cavalier to ever win the MVP award.
THE FINAL VOTING RESULTS.
James totalled 1,172 points, including 109 first place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. As part of its support of the Most Valuable Player Award, Kia Motors America will donate one of their automobiles (either a new Borrego SUV or Sedona minivan) on behalf of James to The Urban League of Akron.
Players are awarded 10 points for each first place vote, seven points for each second place vote, five for third, three for fourth and one for each fifth place vote received. LeBron James collected the award at his former High School in Akron, Ohio where his Cavaliers team mates and Head Coach Mike Brown were also in attendance.
ELITE COMPANY. 25 YEARS OF NBA MVP AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1985-86 // Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1986-87 // Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
1987-88 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1988-89 // Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
1989-90 // Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
1990-91 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1991-92 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1992-93 // Charles Barkley, Phoenix Suns
1993-94 // Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
1994-95 // David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
1995-96 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1996-97 // Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
1997-98 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1998-99 // Karl Malone, Utah Jazz
1999-00 // Shaquille O'Neal, Los Angeles Lakers
2000-01 // Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
2001-02 // Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
2002-03 // Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 // Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
2004-05 // Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2005-06 // Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2006-07 // Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
2007-08 // Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers 2008-09 // LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
The NBA MVP trophy is named in honour of the late Maurice Podoloff, the first commissioner of the NBA who served from 1946 until 1963.
RECAP. OTHER 2008/09 NBA AWARD WINNERS.
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR. JASON TERRY // Dallas Mavericks.
WHY HE WON:
No one was as deadly off the bench or able keep his team in games quite like Jason Terry. The Mavericks surged late in the season and that rise in the standings came in large because of the play of The Jet.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. DERRICK ROSE // Chicago Bulls.
WHY HE WON:
Led first-year players in assists with 6.3 apg.
Second among rookies in scoring with 16.8 ppg.
Averaged 3.9 rebounds in 37.0 minutes per
Shot .475 from the field and .788 from the free throw line.
Finished the season third among all-time for Bulls rookies for total points (1,361), scoring (16.8 ppg) and assists (6.3 apg).
Named T-Mobile Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month three times: November, 2008; December 2008 and March, 2009.
Scored in double digits 71 times.
Scored 20 or more points 32 times.
First rookie to win the PlayStation Skills Challenge.
Guided Chicago to the seventh seed in the East.
Rose received 111 first place votes, five second place votes and four third place votes for a total of 574 points from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Memphis Grizzlies’ O.J. Mayo finished second with 246 points and the New Jersey Nets’ Brook Lopez tallied 127 points. Other rookies who polled included Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (73 points); Los Angeles Clippers gunner Eric Gordon (22 points); forgotten Minnesota Timberwolves’ big man Kevin Love (16 points); Second overall selection in the 2008 draft, Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (7 points); Spaniard Marc Gasol (4 points); Phoenix Sun Robin Lopez (3 points); Portland Trail Blazers’ swingman Rudy Fernandez (3 points); former NCAA champion, Miami Heat guard Super Mario Chalmers (2 points); Surprising Orlando Magic shooting guard Courtney Lee (2 points) and the French born, baby faced Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trail Blazers (1 point). Lastly, Greg Oden: 0 points. Rose became the third Bulls rookie to win the award following Elton Brand in 1999-00 (co-winner with Houston’s Steve Francis) and Michael Jordan in 1984-85.
Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.
ELITE COMPANY. 25 YEARS OF NBA ROY AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1985-86 // Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks
1986-87 // Chuck Person, Indiana Pacers
1987-88 // Mark Jackson, New York Knicks
1988-89 // Mitch Richmond, Golden State Warriors
1989-90 // David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
1990-91 // Derrick Coleman, New Jersey Nets
1991-92 // Larry Johnson, Charlotte Hornets
1992-93 // Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic
1993-94 // Chris Webber, Golden State Warriors
1994-95 // Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons + Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
1995-96 // Damon Stoudamire, Toronto Raptors
1996-97 // Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
1997-98 // Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
1998-99 // Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
1999-00 // Elton Brand, Chicago Bulls + Steve Francis, Houston Rockets
2000-01 // Mike Miller, Orlando Magic
2001-02 // Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
2002-03 // Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
2003-04 // LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
2004-05 // Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats
2005-06 // Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
2006-07 // Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
2007-08 // Kevin Durant, Seattle SuperSonics 2008-09 // Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
The Eddie Gottlieb Trophy is named in honour of Eddie Gottlieb, coach of the 1946-47 NBA champions Philadelphia Warriors.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. DWIGHT HOWARD // Orlando Magic.
WHY HE WON:
Led the NBA in rebounds with 13.8 boards per.
Led the NBA in blocks with 2.92 blocks per.
Recorded nine 20-point/20-rebound.
Led his team in rebounds on 69 occasions.
Helped the Magic secure its second consecutive Southeast Division title.
Helped the Magic to a 32win, nine loss record at home.
Helped the Magic hold opponents under 100 points 54 times, compiling a 43-11 record.
Helped Orlando allowed just 94.4 ppg sixth in the NBA.
The Magic finished in the top 10 in seven defensive categories.
Howard became just the fifth player in NBA history to finish the season leading the league in rebounding and blocks since blocks became an official stat in 1973-74. Others include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-76), Bill Walton (1976-77), Hakeem Olajuwon (1989-90) and Ben Wallace (2001-02).
Howard received 105 first place votes out of a possible 119 from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James finished second with 148 total points and Miami’s Dwyane Wade was third with 90 total points. Players were awarded five points for each first place vote, three points for each second place vote and one point for each third place vote received. Others who polled included Houston Rocket stopper Shane Battier (71 total points); his team mate Ron Artest (54 total points); the New Orleans Hornets Candyman Chris Paul (49 total points); Los Angeles Lakers do it all Kobe Bryant (43 total points); last year’s recipient, Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (31 total votes); the Denver Nuggets’ Birdman Chris Andersen (10 total points); as well as Rajon Rondo; Tim Duncan; Raja Bell; Anderson Varejao; Andre Iguodala; Ronny Turiaf; Trevor Ariza; Marcus Camby; Grant Hill; Joel Pryzbilla; Josh Smith and Hedo Turkoglu
ELITE COMPANY. 25 YEARS OF NBA DOY AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Mark Eaton, Utah Jazz
1985-86 // Alvin Robertson, San Antonio Spurs
1986-87 // Michael Cooper, Los Angeles Lakers
1987-88 // Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls
1988-89 // Mark Eaton, Utah Jazz
1989-90 // Dennis Rodman, Detroit Pistons
1990-91 // Dennis Rodman, Detroit Pistons
1991-92 // David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
1992-93 // Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
1993-94 // Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
1994-95 // Dikembe Mutombo, Denver Nuggets
1995-96 // Gary Payton, Seattle SuperSonics
1996-97 // Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta Hawks
1997-98 // Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta Hawks
1998-99 // Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
1999-00 // Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
2000-01 // Dikembe Mutombo, Philadelphia 76ers
2001-02 // Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
2002-03 // Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
2003-04 // Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers
2004-05 // Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
2005-06 // Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
2006-07 // Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets
2007-08 // Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics 2008-09 // Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
COACH OF THE YEAR. MIKE BROWN // Cleveland Cavaliers.
WHY HE WON:
Guided the Cavaliers to a franchise and NBA best 66 win, 16 loss season.
Finished with a winning percentage of .805.
Only the 12th time an NBA team has won at least 66 games.
Cleveland started the season with a franchise best 23 straight wins at Quicken Loans Arena.
Finished with the best home record: 39 wins, two losses.
Cleveland is the sixth team in NBA history to record 39 home wins. The first to do so since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls.
The Cavaliers’ 21-game improvement over last year’s 45-37 record tied the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the second biggest improvement all-time among teams with at least 45 wins in the previous season.
Named NBA Coach of the Month for December, February and March.
At the All-Star break, Cleveland owned the highest winning percentage in the Eastern Conference (36-9).
Brown was named as the head coach for the Eastern Conference All Stars in Phoenix. Brown’s first appearance was only second in franchise history behind Lenny Wilkens in 1989.
With a combined regular season record of 211-117 through four seasons, Brown has the highest winning percentage of any head coach in Cavs’ history.
Mike Brown finished with 55 first place votes, 21 second place votes and 17 third place votes for a total of 355 points. Others who polled included Houston Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman (151 total points); Stan Van Gundy (150 total points); Nate McMillan (127 total points); George Karl (117 total votes); Jerry Sloan (78 total votes) and Miami Heat rookie coach Erik Spoelstra (53 total votes).
ELITE COMPANY. 25 YEARS OF NBA COY AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Don Nelson, Milwaukee Bucks
1985-86 // Mike Fratello, Atlanta Hawks
1986-87 // Mike Schuler, Portland Trail Blazers
1987-88 // Doug Moe, Denver Nuggets
1988-89 // Cotton Fitzsimmons, Phoenix Suns
1989-90 // Pat Riley, Los Angeles Lakers
1990-91 // Don Chaney, Houston Rockets
1991-92 // Don Nelson, Golden State Warriors
1992-93 // Pat Riley, New York Knicks
1993-94 // Lenny Wilkens, Atlanta Hawks
1994-95 // Del Harris, Los Angeles Lakers
1995-96 // Phil Jackson, Chicago Bulls
1996-97 // Pat Riley, Miami Heat
1997-98 // Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers
1998-99 // Mike Dunleavy, Portland Trail Blazers
1999-00 // Doc Rivers, Orlando Magic
2000-01 // Larry Brown, Philadelphia 76ers
2001-02 // Rick Carlisle, Detroit Pistons
2002-03 // Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 // Hubie Brown, Memphis Grizzlies
2004-05 // Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix Suns
2005-06 // Avery Johnson, Dallas Mavericks
2006-07 // Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors
2007-08 // Byron Scott, New Orleans Hornets 2008-09 // Mike Brown, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Coach of the Year Award is named after legendary coach and Hall of Famer Red Auerbach who guided the Celtics to nine NBA Championships.
NBA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR. MARK WARKENTIEN // Vice President of Basketball Operations, Denver Nuggets
WHY HE WON:
On November 3, 2008, Warkentien netted four-time All-Star and Denver native Chauncey Billups via trade with Detroit.
Nuggets just completed their fifth 50 win season.
Denver won its sixth division title since joining the NBA in 1976.
The Nuggets finished the 2008-09 regular season tied for the second best record and earned the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Since his arrival in Denver in ‘05 as Director of Player personnel, the Nuggets have orchestrated numerous transactions while maintaining a high level of success.
During Warkentien’s tenure, the Nuggets also signed two-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony to a contract extension, re-signed Nenê and J.R. Smith, signed free agent Chris Andersen, and acquired Renaldo Balkman.
Warkentien received nine of a possible 30 votes from a panel of his NBA Executives. Cleveland’s Danny Ferry finished second with seven votes, Orlando’s Otis Smith was third with six votes while the Los Angeles Lakers’ Mitch Kupchak and Chicago’s John Paxson tied for fourth. Rex Chapman, Darryl Morey, Kevin O’Connor and Sam Presti each received one vote.
ELITE COMPANY. 25 YEARS OF NBA EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Vince Boryla, Denver Nuggets
1985-86 // Stan Kasten, Atlanta Hawks
1986-87 // Stan Kasten, Atlanta Hawks
1987-88 // Jerry Krause, Chicago Bulls
1988-89 // Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix Suns
1989-90 // Bob Bass, San Antonio Spurs
1990-91 // Bucky Buckwalter, Portland Trail Blazers
1991-92 // Wayne Embry, Cleveland Cavaliers
1992-93 // Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix Suns
1993-94 // Bob Whitsitt, Seattle SuperSonics
1994-95 // Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers
1995-96 // Jerry Krause, Chicago Bulls
1996-97 // Bob Bass, Charlotte Hornets
1997-98 // Wayne Embry, Cleveland Cavaliers
1998-99 // Geoff Petrie, Sacramento Kings
1999-00 // John Gabriel, Orlando Magic
2000-01 // Geoff Petrie, Sacramento Kings
2001-02 // Rod Thorn, New Jersey Nets
2002-03 // Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons
2003-04 // Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies
2004-05 // Bryan Colangelo, Phoenix Suns
2005-06 // Elgin Baylor, Los Angeles Clippers
2006-07 // Bryan Colangelo, Toronto Raptors
2007-08 // Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics 2008-09 // Mark Warkentien, Denver Nuggets
NBA CITIZENSHIP AWARD WINNER. DIKEMBE MUTOMBO // Houston Rockets
WHY HE WON:
Mutombo solicited contributions for the $29 million, 300-bed facility and personally donated approximately $19 million. The staggering costs of continuing to provide care to women and children in that region and to acquire medical equipment and supplies has kept his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation busy and focused, with a goal of reaching 100,000 grass-roots donors ($20 or more a year) by the end of June 2009. Those interested in the project or in donating can sign up through the Web site (www.DMF.org) or call 1-877-funddmf. One avowed goal of Mutombo’s hospital project is to fight malaria, which he said killed more than 300,000 children last year. “The treatment will cost no more than $10,” Mutombo said. “If we can come up with $2 million in treatment…there is a chance for us to really eradicate malaria in that particular area.”
In his 18th NBA season, Mutombo becomes the award’s first two time winner. The five finalists this season were Mutombo, Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs, Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls, Devin Harris of the New Jersey Nets and Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.
ELITE COMPANY.
25 YEARS OF NBA J. WALTER KENNEDY CITIZENSHIP AWARD WINNERS.
1984-85 // Dan Issel, Denver Nuggets
1985-86 // Michael Cooper, Los Angeles Lakers + Rory Sparrow, New York Knicks
1986-87 // Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons
1987-88 // Alex English, Denver Nuggets
1988-89 // Thurl Bailey, Utah Jazz
1989-90 // Doc Rivers, Atlanta Hawks
1990-91 // Kevin Johnson, Phoenix Suns
1991-92 // Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers
1992-93 // Terry Porter, Portland Suns
1993-94 // Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons
1994-95 // Joe O’Toole, Atlanta Hawks
1995-96 // Chris Dudley, Portland Trail Blazers
1996-97 // P.J. Brown, Miami Heat
1997-98 // Steve Smith, Atlanta Hawks
1998-99 // Brian Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
1999-00 // Vlade Divac, Sacramento Kings
2000-01 // Dikembe Mutombo, Philadelphia 76ers
2001-02 // Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
2002-03 // David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs
2003-04 // Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers
2004-05 // Eric Snow, Cleveland Cavaliers
2005-06 // Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
2006-07 // Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2007-08 // Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons 2008-09 // Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets
The J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award is presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association. The award is named in honour of the second NBA commissioner and pays tribute to an NBA player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.
NBA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNER. CHAUNCEY BILLUPS // Denver Nuggets
WHY HE WON:
For the fifth consecutive year, NBA players voted on this award, with eleven points given for each first place vote, nine points for each second place vote, seven points for third, five points for fourth, three points for fifth and one point for each sixth place vote received. Each team nominated one of its own players for the award. Former NBA players Mike Bantom, John Crotty, Eddie Johnson, Jalen Rose, Tom Sanders, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber then selected the six divisional winners. Billups was one of six divisional winners, which also included Boston Celtic Ray Allen, Detroit Piston Antonio McDyess, Golden State Warrior Ronny Turiaf, San Antonio Spur Michael Finley and Washington Wizard Antawn Jamison. Billups received 82 first place votes out of a possible 336 for total of 2,478 points.
ELITE COMPANY.
14 YEARS OF NBA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS.
1995-96 // Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons
1996-97 // Terrell Brandon, Cleveland Cavaliers
1997-98 // Avery Johnson, San Antonio
1998-99 // Hersey Hawkins, Seattle SuperSonics
1999-00 // Eric Snow, Philadelphia 76ers
2000-01 // David Robinson, San Antonio
2001-02 // Steve Smith, San Antonio Spurs
2002-03 // Ray Allen, Seattle SuperSonics
2003-04 // P.J. Brown, New Orleans Hornets
2004-05 // Grant Hill, Orlando Magic
2005-06 // Elton Brand, Los Angeles Clippers
2006-07 // Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls
2007-08 // Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns 2008-09 // Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
The annual award reflects the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical behaviour, fair play and integrity in amateur and professional basketball. The trophy is named for former Detroit Pistons guard and Hall of Famer Joe Dumars, the award’s first recipient.
05/05/09 press release
Courtesy of the Victorian State Government.
$7 MILLION BOOST FOR NEW STATE BASKETBALL CENTRE
Victorian basketball will have a new world-class home in Knox thanks to a $7 million Brumby Government State Budget funding boost, Sports Minister James Merlino said today.
Mr Merlino said the new state-of-the-art facility would provide a home base for aspiring basketballers and create more than 350 jobs during construction and a further 50 ongoing jobs for sporting organisations and stadium management when complete.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver jobs now and support Victorian families through the Global Financial Crisis, while keeping the budget in surplus and delivering more jobs, world-class infrastructure and services for Victorians,” Mr Merlino said.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will provide a much-needed base for our aspiring basketballers in a region recognised for having the highest player participation rates for basketball in Australia.
“But it will also provide a boost for Victorian jobs during the planning, design, management, construction and maintenance phases of the facility.”
Mr Merlino said the centre would be home to Basketball Victoria and a regional base for Football Federation Victoria and include multi-purpose indoor sports courts, outdoor synthetic soccer pitches to host local and regional competitions.
It will also be the new home for the Knox Basketball Association.
“Melbourne’s south-east has the highest rate of basketball participation in the country and the new stadium would help harness and develop our basketball talent for the future,” he said.
Mr Merlino said the Eastlink corridor was home to 35 per cent of Victoria’s basketballers with 43,000 registered players and key regional basketball associations.
Mr Merlino said the Brumby Government was working shoulder to shoulder with the Rudd Federal Government to make the right investments to see Victorians through the Global Financial Crisis.
“We will continue to discuss this project with the Rudd Federal Government, as Melbourne’s south east is the basketball capital of Australia. There is no better place to nurture and develop Victoria’s junior and senior basketballers,” he said.
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Leane MLA said the new centre would be a major was a boost for the Knox area.
“The Brumby Labor Government is delivering world-class infrastructure and services for Victorians and the new State Basketball Centre will not only provide a state-of-the-art home for basketball but deliver jobs and support Victorian families,” Mr Leane said.
“We understand that supporting Victoria’s sporting culture and precincts are the key to building stronger and more liveable communities.
“Grassroots sport is thriving in Victoria and the Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing first-class facilities like the State Basketball Centre to keep people active.”
Mr Leane said Basketball Victoria and Football Federation Victoria identified significant regional, state and national events that will attract players and spectators to the state.
30/04/09 web editorial words: brad graham
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE 2009 NBA PLAYOFFS.
Our friends from the International Communications department at NBA Asia sent through the following quotes from the top US sports writers. Enjoy.
"The end results may still be all too predictable, but getting there has been something of a thrill ride so far for the NBA. And nothing we've seen this year, at any level of basketball, has been as dramatic as Celtics vs. Bulls, which has had more incredible shot-making through four games than most great series have through seven."
Michael Wilbon, The Washington Post.
"These are not your father's Denver Nuggets, not with Chauncey Billups setting the tone in the locker room and defensive stalwarts like Dahntay Jones and Kenyon Martin adding some substance to all that style, and they took care of business again Monday night. Denver looks for all the world like a legitimate conference finalist ... They're deep, they're talented, and they have just enough quality size to play with the big boys."
John Hollinger, ESPN.com.
"If the NBA needs some fresh footage for its 'The Playoffs: Where Amazing Happens' shtick, it better have a camera crew in Boston for Game 5 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. This is the series where everything happens. Overtimes. Ben Gordon and Ray Allen. Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo. Goose bumps."
Gene Wojciechowski, ESPN.com.
"We've seen great point-guard matchups in postseasons past ... Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas ... John Stockton vs. Gary Payton, Steve Nash vs. Tony Parker and Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams all have been obvious draws. But is it grossly premature to add Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose to the short list? It sure doesn't feel like it ... The thrills in watching them so far are rivaled only by the showdowns imagined over the next 10 or 12 years in the Eastern Conference."
Steve Aschburner, SI.com.
"Everybody else lost confidence in Hedo Turkoglu. You did, I did, we all did. Stan Van Gundy did not. And that's why the Magic are alive and kicking in this playoff series. Because Stan Van Gundy did not." Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel on Turkoglu's game-winning shot.
"One year after yet another first-round whisking from the NBA playoffs, one year after yet another coaching change that seemed to leave them at an uncertain crossroads, the Mavericks have us both dazed and fascinated again. Ahead three games to one in the best-of-seven first-round series, the Mavericks finished the job in convincing style Tuesday night, eliminating rival San Antonio on the Spurs' home court 106-93."
Gil Lebreton, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"Throw out that aberrational thing last Thursday and we've had four dazzling, exhausting, and draining exhibitions of NBA greatness in what may have begun as a relatively innocuous 2-7 matchup but has turned into instant history. In 63 years of NBA playoff competition, no teams had ever played three overtime games in one series, of any length. They have now. And we're far from done."
Bob Ryan, The Boston Globe.
30/04/09 web editorial words brad graham
Submit your best photo in NBA team gear and you could find yourself sitting pretty at the 2009 NBA Finals.
Sit down and strap yourself in because we have BIG news. Adidas has announced that they’ll be hosting the "Rep Your Brotherhood" competition, which is their quest to see and hear from you, the NBA fan. Along with the fore mentioned photo, you will also be asked to submit a quick 100 words on why and how you love this game. The top 20 submissions will then be in the running for an online vote. We are encouraging fans to go all out to try and land the trip and tickets to Game Three of the NBA Finals and $500 worth of adidas fan gear.
HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO WIN A TRIP TO THE NBA FINALS: WHO: NBA fans seeking tickets to the 2009 NBA Finals. WHAT: Enter "REP YOUR BROTHERHOOD" Ultimate Fan Contest START: Competition runs from April 28th – May 15th, 2009. VOTE: Top 20 submissions go head-to-head in on-line voting May 18th –29th, 2009. WINNERS ANNOUNCED: June 1st, 2009.
WHERE: http://adidas.promo.eprize.com/brotherhood/?affiliate_id=2h GRAND PRIZE: Trip for two to Game Three of the NBA Finals and $500 in gear. SWEEPS PRIZE: $500 in adidas gear
Fans permitted to vote once a day throughout the online voting period; Each vote is included in the draw for the Sweeps Prize. During the Submission phase, visit http://adidas.promo.eprize.com/brotherhood and follow the links / instructions to complete and submit the registration form. After registering, upload one photo of yourself in NBA gear along with a title and description (do not to exceed 100 words).
Image guidelines:
The Photo must be in .jpg, .png or .gif format and must not exceed 5 MB in size.
The Photo must contain a caption and description.
The Photo cannot have been submitted previously in a promotion of any kind or exhibited or displayed publicly through any means and the photo must not contain brand names or trademarks, except for sponsor's trademark for which entrant has a limited license to use for the sole purposes of creating and uploading a photo into this contest.
The winners will be determined by the following judging criteria: Creativity, Originality and Demonstration of passion for adidas, respectively. Every person to vote in this contest will also be in the running to win a triple stripe gift pack valued at $500 USD.
Enter now, or vote for the existing entries. For more information on the adidas Brotherhood and the 2009 NBA Playoffs check out: www.adidasbasketball.com
30/04/09 web editorial words: brad graham
The Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose was recently awarded the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2008/09 T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year. To celebrate, adidas unveiled an official commemorative T-Shirt. Rose received 111 first place votes finishing with a total of 574 points from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Players are awarded five points for each first place vote, three points for second place votes and one point for third place votes. The Derrick Rose ROY commemorative T-shirt is available at the adidas Sport Performance Store in Chicago, naturally, as well as online at the NBA Store.com and the Chicago Bulls team website. The commemorative tee retails for $19.99 USD. Given the kind of season Rose has had, the handle team will be getting theirs. We recommend you get yours.
2/04/09 NBA news. all subscribers please read post from 25/03/09
NBA AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENCE COUNCIL PARTNER FOR LEAGUE'S FIRST-EVER GREEN WEEK
The National Basketball Association (NBA), in partnership with the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC),
today announced that its inaugural NBA Green Week 2009 will tip off on
April 2 and run through April 10. During Green Week, the entire NBA
family will team up to generate awareness and funding to protect the
environment through special oncourt apparel, auctions to support
environmental preservation organisations, hands-on community service
projects, and the launch of a public service announcement featuring
Hollywood icon, noted environmentalist and NRDC Trustee, Robert
Redford. In addition, NBA.com will launch a new micro site, www.nba.com/green, featuring everything from greening tips for fans to
interviews with NBA players.
As part of NBA Green Week 2009, adidas will outfit all players with
100 percent organic cotton adidas shooting shirts featuring the NBA
Green logo. The Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Bobcats, and the Chicago
Bulls will wear green-colored uniforms and socks made from 45 percent
organic cotton during select home games throughout the week to raise
additional environmental awareness. NBA.com will also host an online
auction of Spalding basketballs, made from 40 percent recycled
materials and autographed by NBA players. The auction will tip off on
April 2 and continue through April 16, with all proceeds benefiting
the NRDC.
"The NBA's commitment to reduce its ecological impact and to help
educate basketball fans worldwide about the importance of
environmental protection confirms why this league is regarded as one
of the world's most responsible sports organisations," said NRDC
Senior Scientist Allen Hershkowitz, who coordinated the organisation's
development of this work. "Besides the tangible public health
benefits that this initiative will advance, having the NBA embrace
ecological criteria in its operations represents a watershed in our
nation's movement toward environmental progress."
Each of the league's 30 teams will encourage fans to participate in
greening efforts by hosting community service events, including tree
plantings, recycling drives, park clean-up days, the creation of
'green' Reading & Learning Centres using environmentally friendly
materials, and putting on in-arena Go Green Awareness Nights featuring
auctions to support environmental protection programs and promotions
to encourage fans to implement green habits.
"With the guidance and support of NRDC, the league and our teams are
implementing new and innovative measures to offset energy usage and
waste production in our offices and arenas and at all of our events,"
said NBA Executive Vice President of Social Responsibility and Player
Programs Kathleen Behrens. "NBA Green Week 2009 serves as a reminder
to fans that we can all work to reduce our environmental footprint."
Last season, the NBA and NRDC launched the NBA Team Greening Advisor, www.greensports.org/nba, a Web-based environmental resource guide
customised to help teams and arena operators identify ways to employ
sound environmental practices. Green modifications are currently
underway in many team arenas, including the US Airways Centre, Staples
Centre, AT&T Centre and Air Canada Centre. Modifications include
installing solar panels and wind-powered energy sources to minimise
energy consumption, putting in water-saving fixtures, purchasing
energy credits and carbon offsets, and implementing recycling
programs. The American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, is
currently being considered by the U.S. Green Building Council for a
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building
certification. Several other NBA team arenas are in the process of
applying for LEED green building certifications.
To further encourage fans to reuse and recycle during NBA Green Week,
the NBA Store in New York City will host 'Recycling Dreams,' a
footwear drive to collect gently worn athletic shoes. Customers who
bring in shoes will receive a 20 percent discount on their purchase of
new athletic shoes. All donated footwear will go to Hoops 4 Hope, a
global not-for-profit organisation that supports youth development
throughout southern Africa with programs that teach life skills
through the game of basketball. In addition, the NBA Store,
NBAStore.com, Dick's Sporting Goods and select team retailers will
feature the 100 percent organic cotton adidas shooting shirts,
recycled Spalding basketballs, and Team Bean reusable shopping bags
made from recycled materials, in addition to more environmentally
friendly items, giving fans the opportunity to 'buy green.'
This season, the NBA is taking steps to become a more environmentally
responsible organisation and will continue to explore ways of
improving in this area. As part of its greening efforts around its
signature events, the NBA recently purchased green energy credits to
offset power usage for NBA All-Star 2009 and plans to implement
additional eco-friendly measures while in Dallas for NBA All-Star
2010. To learn more about what the NBA and its teams are doing to 'Go
Green', please go to www.nba.com/green.
25/03/09 handle forced to close
It is with great regret that handle has had to close its doors. After three years of operating as Australia’s only basketball magazine, bringing you all the latest basketball news from here and abroad, handle has been forced to stop press.
We’d like to thank you for your support throughout the years, whether you were a subscriber, a regular visitor to the website or a passing fan.
If you have a current subscription, you will shortly be receiving a letter from us explaining the closure and what we’re doing now. The Handle website will continue to stay live in the foreseeable future, with regular updates. If you'd like to purchase any back issues, please give us a call on 02-9389 7855 or go here http://handlemag.com.au/back_issues.htm. For any inquiries, please email Dina on dina@handlemag.com.au.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the magazine as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you.
20/03/09 Web editorial words: Brad graham
GOING FROM MADNESS TO CRAZY.
It’s not enough that every hoop head goes crazy this time of year because of the NCAA’s March Madness; now fans all across the globe can watch live streams and track their favourite collegiate team online. With quicker, clearer and better net nowadays, it’s little wonder any actual school or office work gets done during the Tourney- oh wait. The other major dominating headline this time of year centres around the respective alumni enjoying one more ride on the Tourney-coaster. It’s no secret that NBA stars like the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose are still attached to his collegiate experience. In fact, along with Rose, this year’s crop of one and done collegiate kids are as synonymous with their former colours as the current NCAA standouts. So, does Rose like the University of Memphis’ chances to return to the big dance? How will he juggle his NBA responsibilities and desire to watch his former team play? What would it have happened if he had remained at Memphis? Well, knowing that questions need answers, Adidas have decided to work with their 2008 rookie roster and let the players blog about all the Madness. First up is Derrick Rose. He will be followed by Michael Beasley, Eric Gordon and Jarryd Bayless. Accompanying these rooks will be ex-UCLA standout, current Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar and the University of Louisville Head Coach, Rick Pitino. For more, check out: www.adidasbasketball.com
19/03/09 web editorial words: anthony roberts
IT’S TIME TO GET MAD! NCAA TOURNAMENT PREVIEW.
With NCAA tournament predicability going the way of the Dodo, bracket crapshoots are now king. In what appears to be one of the most wide open tourneys in recent memory, 2009’s March Madness is shaping up as one to truly remember. In a crazy turn of pre-tournament events, three number one seeds – Pittsburgh, Connecticut and North Carolina – didn’t qualify for their own conference final. It’s anyone’s guess who will land in the Final Four, so we’ve made a vain attempt to make sense of the next three weeks of unadulterated madness.
FIVE TEAMS THAT COULD WIN IT ALL.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
28-4 regular season record // #1 seed // East Region
The Big Beast conference features seven teams in the tourney, and many argue Pitt is the cream of the crop. The Panthers started the season with 16 straight wins, their first loss coming to eventual Big East champs, the University of Louisville, on the road. They knocked off the University of Connecticut twice, both times when the Huskies were ranked the top team in the nation. The perfect tournament team, Pitt features power forward DeJuan Blair, the explosive scoring of senior forward Sam Young, and the inspired point guard play of Levance Fields, who led the Big East in assists. Possible Danger Games: Villanova (Elite Eight).
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
27-4 regular season record // #1 seed // West Region
The Huskies, like Pitt, earned their number one seed despite an early exit in the Big East tournament. But what an exit it was, their loss to the University of Syracuse in a six overtime classic is one of the greatest college games in history. The Huskies featured the most dangerous quartet in college hoops before Jerome Dyson went down with a season-ending knee injury. Still, with the trio of A.J Price, Hasheem Thabeet, and Jeff Adrien, with support from Stanley Robinson and freshman Kemba Walker, the Huskies are sure to make a deep run in the West region. Possible Danger Games: BYU or Texas A&M (Round 2).
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
28-4 regular season record // #1 seed // South Region
It’s funny how a team can go 28-4 and still be considered underachievers. With a flock of returning studs, most notably, Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough, the Tarheels were expected to roll through the Atlantic Coastal Conference. But with early losses to Boston College and Wake Forest, UNC fell off the national number one radar. They finally got back on track late in the season, doing enough to earn their number one seed in the South. They face the hardest run to the Final Four, but with oodles of depth, who knows how far they can and will go. Possible Danger Games: Butler (Round 2), Gonzaga (Sweet Sixteen).
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
28-5 regular season record // #1 seed // Midwest Region
Titles often differ from conference to conference. Mississippi State University winning the South Eastern Conference title was reflected by their 13 seeding in the tourney. Louisville on the other hand, who took out the Big East title in what is regarded as the best conference we’ve seen this decade, saw the Cardinals land a number one seed. Hitting form at the right time – running a 10-game winning streak into the first round – L’Ville are led by Earl Clark and the always fierce Terrence Williams. Looking to make their first Final Four since Deron Williams and the University of Illinois eliminated them in ’05, the Cards appear on most favourites lists. Possible Danger Games: Ohio State (Round 2), Wake Forest (Sweet Sixteen).
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
31-3 regular season record // #2 seed // West Region
Memphis faced two major obstacles this season. The first was recovering from the utter deflation that was their 2008 NCAA Championship loss in OT to Kansas. The second, finding a way to win without their three best players from ’08: Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey. They have seemingly overcome both and carry a 25 game winning streak into the tourney. Though they play in Conference USA, considered a weak conference, Memphis did their utmost to gain national respect by destroying teams rather than beating them. Freshman Tyreke Evans has been the true standout, while Robert Dozier, Shawn Taggart and Antonio Anderson have all been strong contributors on a team with something to prove. Danger Games: California (Round 2), Missouri or Marquette (Sweet Sixteen).
FIVE TEAMS THAT WILL SURPRISE.
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
26-7 regular season record // #3 seed // East Region
If any team is going to shake up the Final Four it’s the Wildcats. They’ve already proven themselves, scalping the best of the Big East – Pittsburgh, Marquette (twice) and Syracuse (twice). Led by Scottie Reynolds, one of the most explosive scoring guards in the country, and big man Dante Cunningham, the Wildcats play their first two games at the Wachovia Centre in Philadelphia Pennsylvania – one of their home courts. To steal a line from AP writer Jim O’Connell, “The Wildcats could take cabs to the game at the “other” home court and still have money for a hot dog.”
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
26-5 regular season record // #4 seed // South Region
The Zags were once everybody’s favourite Cinderella team. Now a four seed in the South, the West Coast Conference champions have a legitimate shot at making their first ever Final Four. Gonzaga are arguably the hottest team in college hoops right now, winning their last 3 games by an average margin of 37 points (including a 25 point whooping of Patty Mills and his St Mary’s Gaels in the WCC tournament final). What makes Gonzaga so dangerous is that they have six players capable of dropping 25 points on any given night – Austin Daye, Jeremy Pargo, Matt Bouldin, Josh Heytvelt, Steven Gray or Micah Downs.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
21-12 regular season record // #10 seed // Midwest Region
The Trojans needed to win the Pac-10 tournament to gain a place in this year’s tourney. And with a 15 point halftime deficit to Arizona State in the Pac-10 final, a high-seed in the NIT was looking probable. But they rallied, much to the chagrin of those teams on the bubble, and now appear to be one of the most dangerous low seeds in the tourney. USC very much rely on their starters to win games – Taj Gibson, Daniel Hackett and Dwight Lewis – but it may very well be freshman Demar DeRozan who causes the most angst for opponents in the Midwest region. One of the most hyped college freshmen, DeRozan took a while to find his feet. But with 25 points in the Pac-10 final to go along with tournament MVP honours, the kid could really bust open some brackets.
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
22-11 regular season record // #11 seed // East Region
The Owls had a horrendous 5-6 start to the season, albeit playing a tough non-conference schedule with games against Kansas, Villanova, Clemson and Miami. They rebounded well and appear to be peaking at the right time, taking down Xavier in the semi-finals and then going on to capture the Atlantic-10 title. There is no doubt that Temple’s run is contingent on the play of Dionte Christmas, who shared the conference scoring title and has been the supreme player in the A-10 for the last three years. He, along with Lavoy Allen and Ryan Brooks, have two very winnable games against Arizona State and Syracuse, the latter still feeling the effects of a brutal Big East tournament campaign.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST VIRGINIA
23-11 regular season record // #6 seed // Midwest Region
A recent win over Pittsburgh in the Big East tournament quarter-finals might be just enough momentum to propel the Mountaineers to a deep Cinderella run. The experienced outfit isn’t the flashiest team in the game, but they always play smart and bring it on the defensive end. They led the Big East in opposition scoring, allowing opponents 61.2 points a game. They are led by junior forward De’Sean Butler, a scoring machine who dropped 43 points on Villanova only a month ago. Another vital cog is freshman forward Devin Ebanks, whose scoring and rebounding output has dramatically increased over the last month.
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS MARCH.
TYREKE EVANS // G // University of Memphis
It’s pretty hard to forget a player like Derrick Rose, but Evans did his best to ease the fears of the Memphis faithful who believed their team would struggle without Rose. The best freshman in college finally has the national audience he deserves, and people will undoubtedly be blown away. Averaging close to 16 points, as well as five and a half boards, four dimes and over two steals per game, Evans has shown he is a natural scorer who can create his own shot or distribute in traffic. Constantly drawing contact in the paint, Evans loves pulling down big rebounds and operating in the open court.
SCOTTIE REYNOLDS // G // Villanova University
The explosive and multi-purpose guard is seemingly primed for a breakout during March Madness. His 25 point, eight board and five dime showing against Siena in last year’s tourney propelled Villanova into the Sweet Sixteen as a 12 seed, so you know Reynolds knows what time it is in the big situation. A great shooter, he can also blow up and take over a game, as evidenced by his 40 points against Seton Hall earlier in the year. He also loves playing up-tempo, and will look to push the ball at every opportunity.
WILLIE WARREN // G // University Of Oklahoma
Freshman guard Willie Warren has gone relatively unnoticed thanks in part to headlining team mate Blake Griffin. Quietly developing into one of the best freshmen in the country, Warren has constantly improved with every game he plays. He can create his own opportunities, has a quick first step and amazing body control. Oh, and his crossover is just nasty. Warren hung 35 points and 7 treys on Arkansas and 27 points and 6 treys on Texas – he’s that good.
TONEY DOUGLAS // G // Florida State University
ACC tournament viewers know that Douglas is for real. Runner-up for ACC Player of the Year, Douglas dropped 27 points on UNC in the semi-finals and followed that up with 28 more on Duke. Averaging 21.3 points per this season, Douglas has been near unguardable at times with a repertoire of jumpers, floaters and long threes, to go along with impressive quickness and outstanding handles. He also led the Seminoles in assists and steals.
SAM YOUNG // F // University Of Pittsburgh
The senior forward has been the standout scorer on arguably the best team in the country, averaging 18.7 points and 6.1 rebounds this season. He’s shooting at nearly 50% from the field and doing it in a variety of ways. One of the best ball fakers in the game, he also has a strong body, can hit the glass and doesn’t mind contact. He is the perfect compliment to power forward DeJuan Blair.
FIVE FIRST ROUND UPSETS.
West Kentucky (#12) over Illinois (#5)
West Kentucky went to the sweet sixteen last year, so they know how to win.
Temple (#11) over Arizona State (#6)
Dionte Christmas vs James Harden may be the best first round match up.
VCU (#11) over UCLA (#6)
VCU have Eric “Duke Dagger” Maynor, one of the best guards in a non-BCS conference.
Utah State (#11) over Marquette (#6)
The game is in Idaho, which is a long way for the Golden Eagles to travel.
USC (#10) over Boston College (#7)
Beware Demar DeRozan and the PAC-10 champs.
… AND THE FINAL FOUR WILL FEATURE…
While our picks will chop and change a dozen times over the next fortnight, we’re going with: EAST REGION: Villanova SOUTH REGION: Oklahoma WEST REGION: Connecticut MIDWEST REGION: West Virginia
2009 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Villanova Wildcats over the Connecticut Huskies.
18/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
AWARD SEASON IS UPON US.
ALL-NBL TEAMS.
It was announced today that the Melbourne Tigers’ Chris Anstey has been selected to his fourth consecutive All NBL First Team. Joining Anstey on the first team is his team mate, scoring dynamo Ebi Ere; the South Dragons’ captain Mark Worthington; National Team point guard C.J. Bruton and his back court running mate, the newly crowned league MVP, New Zealand Breaker Kirk Penney.
Penney polled 81 votes to lead the chart, followed by Anstey’s 73, Bruton’s 71, Ere’s 70 and Worthington’s 65. The head coach, one assistant coach and the respective team captain vote on the award. Voting takes into account regular season performances only.
Unlike the NBA, which adheres to some semblance of traditional basketball positioning, the All NBL teams are comprised of what the league calls three outside players and two inside players. If Ere, Penney and Bruton are primarily outside players, where does that leave Anstey, who seemingly likes the arc more than the paint? Which begs the question, who are the outside guys in the second team? Corey Williams does all his damage getting to the cup, Ballinger likes shooting from deep and Redhage is a mid range guy. More so, how can one justify the third team with only one so-called “inside” player? Anyways, without further ado, here are the official teams:
All-NBL First TeaM C – Chris Anstey // Melbourne PF – Mark Worthington // South Dragons SF – Ebi Ere // Melbourne Tigers SG – Kirk Penney // New Zealand Breakers PG – CJ Bruton // New Zealand
All-NBL Second Team C – Luke Schenscher // Adelaide 36ers PF – Adam Ballinger // Adelaide 36ers SF – Shawn Redhage // Perth Wildcats SG – Glen Saville // Wollongong Hawks PG – Corey Williams // Townsville Crocodiles
All-NBL Third Team C – Matthew Knight // Sydney Spirit PF – David Barlow // Melbourne Tigers SF – Joe Ingles // South Dragons SG – James Harvey // Gold Coast Blaze
PG – Adam Gibson // South Dragons
17/03/09 web editorial wors: brad graham
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: NBA
Monday, March 9 – Sunday, March 15
EASTERN CONFERENCE
LeBRON JAMES // SF // Cleveland Cavaliers
March 10 @ L.A. Clippers: 32 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, two blocks and two steals.
March 12 @ Phoenix: 34 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.
March 13 @ Sacramento: 51 points, nine assists and three blocks.
March 15 vs. New York: 19 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, four steals and three blocks.
King James landed his sixth Player Of The Week award as he ranked second in the league in points per with 34 while averaging 10.8 assists and nine rebounds per contest. The Cavaliers went a perfect 4-0 during the week and clinched the Central Division title for only the second time in franchise history. James became the 12th player in NBA history to have three consecutive triple doubles while also notching up his eighth career 50+ point game. Cleveland improved to an Eastern Conference best 22-4 against the Western Conference. Other Eastern Conference nominees: Joe Johnson, Mo Williams, Dwyane Wade, Nate Robinson and Thaddeus Young.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
KOBE BRYANT // SG // Los Angeles Lakers
March 9 @ Portland: 26 points and three assists.
March 11 @ Houston: 37 points, six assists, five rebounds and four steals.
March 12 @ San Antonio: 23 points, six assists and four rebounds.
March 15 vs. Dallas: 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Kobe Bryant wins his third POTW award this season as he paced the Western Conference in scoring with 28.5 points per game and added five boards to compliment his five assists. He led his Lakers to a three win, one loss week. On March 12, in a game that saw Bryant record 23 points and six assists, he helped the Lakers clinch their 20th Pacific Division title, which also marked their 56th postseason appearance in 61 NBA seasons. Other Western Conference nominees: Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul and Brandon Roy.
17/03/09 web editorial wordS: beau McKenna
NBL FINAL SERIES RECAP
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008/09 NBL Champions: the SOUTH DRAGONS.
In a season riddled with turmoil, a la the 1999 NBA Lockout season, the South Dragons provided a shimmer of light for the NBL after claiming their first crown. Despite finishing bottom of the ladder in 2007/08, the 2008/09 edition – complete with National Team Head Coach Brian Goorjian, rising star Adam Gibson, MVP candidate Mark Worthington, savvy veteran Mika Vukona, and a stellar import pairing of Donta Smith and Tremmell Darden – took home the minor premiership en route to claiming their first NBL chip. Facing cross town rivals, the Melbourne Tigers, the Dragons were pushed to five games, with home court ruling proceedings. In what could only be described as a coup for the local league, this year’s NBL finals provided sell out crowds, a seesawing ascendancy, top shelf talent, standout imports, coaching arm wrestles, and player notoriety. So without further ado, here is our complete NBL Final Series wrap up.
GAME ONE.
Taking place on a Wednesday night, the Dragons lair, Hisense arena, only managed to attract 4211 fans. Led by Mark Worthington, the Dragons broke the game apart in the final term outscoring the Tigers 33-18 to take the opening game 93-81. The Dragons’ defensive pressure held the Tigers to 34% from the field, while the Dragons had contributions from across the board. Worthington posted 23 points and grabbed 10 boards; Joe Ingles scored 19 of his own; big man Matt Burston collected 13 points and seven rebounds while import Donta Smith dropped 19 points off the bench.
GAME TWO.
Everything came up tiger stripes in Game two. No matter where you looked, there was a Tiger poised to score. With the emphasis on controlling offensive powerhouses Chris Anstey and Ebi Ere, respectively, Al Westover deflected responsibility to his other stars, namely David Barlow who stepped up with 26 points, including four from nine from three point range. Leading comfortably throughout most of the game, the Tigers seemed to come undone when the Dragons upped their defensive intensity, leading to consecutive turnovers. Suddenly the Tigers fell back to earth, as the Dragons managed to cut their 16 point lead down to just 3 with a few minutes left to play. Luckily for the Tigers they prevailed, keeping the Dragons at arm’s length when it mattered most, registering a five point victory to tie the series at one apiece. Final score: Tigers 88, Dragons 83.
GAME THREE.
Back at Hisense Arena, the Dragons took to the court in front of 8201 vocal fans. Despite standout individual performances and terrific team defence by the Dragons (keeping the Tigers to just 33% shooting from the field) the game will be remembered for Chris Anstey’s brain explosion when he levelled point guard Rhys Carter. The ensuing scuffle saw several players ejected and created real tension between the teams. Clashing at half court, the Tigers centre, clearly frustrated with the attention he had seen from the Dragons all night, overstepped the mark and knocked point guard Carter to the ground with a blatant elbow. The resulting melee saw players from both teams involved, with Anstey and Mika Vukona ejected. In the proceeding days Anstey was found guilty, however NBL tribunal chairman Ken Madsen downgraded a charge of striking with the elbow to the lesser charge of striking with the shoulder allowing Anstey to play game 4. This super soft move by the NBL was clearly made so Anstey could take the court and force a deciding game. In the end, the Dragons ran out a comfortable 84 – 67 winner.
GAME FOUR.
The penultimate game came after a turbulent week of reports, fines and suspended sentences. Disappointingly, the emphasis was on the referees rather than the game itself. Comments from Al Westover and the rest of his Tigers squad didn’t go unnoticed. Early on, the Tigers big man Chris Anstey was sent to the line on consecutive occasions, leaving Mika Vukona, Nick Horvarth and Matt Burston in foul trouble. This proved to be crucial as Anstey went to work destroying the Dragons, tallying a massive 23 points and nine boards by halftime. Finishing with 31 points for the game, Anstey and guard Nathan Crosswell helped force a game five. With the Tigers playing incredible defence, the Dragons could barely run their sets in the second half. Post game Brian Goorjian was clearly disappointed with his team’s effort, but knew what had to be done for Game five. Goorjian cited glass cleaning as a key component to getting the job done.
GAME FIVE.
With all the marbles on the line, Melbourne got off to a hot start through Chris Anstey, Nathan Crosswell and Ebi Ere. With almost nine thousand fans to get them over the line, it wasn’t long before the home team Dragons regained the ascendancy and took control of the game for good. Through tenacious defence and relentless attacks on the rim, the Dragons continually found a way to score and frustrate the Tigers. After quarter time the Tigers looked sluggish and almost disinterested, but the Dragons couldn’t capatalise on the wounded Tigers. The turning point came in the third term, when import Tremmell Darden dropped an amazing 21 points – ironically Darden was only on the Dragons roster to replace disgruntled import Ebi Ere after he decided to sign with the Tigers instead; funny how things work out. Led by fellow import and finals MVP Donta Smith, who posted 21 points, 10 boards and seven assists, the Dragons went about dismantling the Tigers. The contest was virtually over once the fourth quarter commenced and the final term was a mere formality as the Dragons cruised to their first title. Final score: Dragons 102, Tigers 81. DRAGONS WIN THE SERIES 3-2.
WHERE TO NOW?
Both teams have competitive rosters but one imagines both will look to retool once the improved NBL season gets underway later in 2009. Sam MacKinnon is still in doubt about his playing future and import Ebi Ere may look for a contract elsewhere, most likely overseas. As for the Dragons, they will be hard pressed to sign both Darden and Smith; especially considering the money they will be offered now that they’re champions. The Dragons also have to consider the possibility that Joe Ingles may nominate for the ‘09 NBA Draft. Whatever happens, this season’s accomplishments are worth applauding- not only have the Dragons resurrected themselves but they (along with the Tigers) provided an intense and climatic grand final series that this league sorely needed.
16/03/09 New look handle out soon
Make sure you check out the fresh new look of handle magazine next month. The Genesis issue will be worth the wait.
13/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
ARE YOU READY FOR THE MARCH MADNESS?
By now you’re familiar with Adidas’ Brotherhood campaign but did you know that the triple stripe is taking their love of team play one step further? To commence their 2009 NCAA Tournament celebration, Adidas has taken current NBA standouts Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Tracy McGrady and Josh Smith and they’ve aligned each prep to pro star with a top ranked college program. Kevin Garnett is coupled with UCLA; Dwight Howard lands in Kansas; Tracy McGrady rocks the Cardinals of Louisville and Josh Smith gets down with Pitt. Each of the four athletes features in the videos below titled "March is a Brotherhood". Despite never stepping onto the collegiate hardwood, these four stars share their admiration for the NCAA.
During the NCAA Tournament, Adidas is also introducing the Mad Clima sneaker: available in six team colourways and in three special logo designs (the aforementioned programs: UCLA, Kansas and Louisville). Featuring ClimaCool technology in the shoes’ upper and midsole, these kicks keep players lighter and cooler for longer. The Mad Clima College Pack (featuring UCLA, Kansas and Louisville) retail for $80USD. For more, check out: www.adidasbasketball.com or www.shopadidas.com
13/03/09 web editorial words: NICHOLAS METALLINOS
STARBURY OR BUST.
Shaped by his perilous childhood, Coney Island’s Stephon Marbury has seen it all during his 11 seasons in the NBA. Now, thanks to that New York Knicks buy out and subsequent invitation to reunite with Kevin Garnett, this time as a member with the defending champion Boston Celtics, the infamous Starbury has finally been able to chalk up season number 12 in the world’s best league.
While the Boston Celtics’ faithful and media pundits alike remain perplexed by the signing of a player dubbed ‘clubhouse cancer’ more often than any other, we figured it was time to determine whether Marbury is an arrogant and spoiled athlete or simply a misunderstood victim of circumstance… or something in between?
There has always been an arrogance, a certain swagger that is derived from accomplishment, a ‘talk big’ mentality surrounding Steph, and it’s not simply a trait that’s reflective of New York braggadocio, although that plays a part. It’s just when your formative years and rise to stardom play out in the public eye, attitude is often reflective of the environment. Tell someone they’re great often enough…
Overseen by his father Don, and following the on court failures of three elder brothers, a young Stephon was quickly forced to carry the Marbury torch. Chronicled in the ‘94 book, The Last Shot by Darcey Frey, the Marbury clan was painted as “money hungry” with Don charging people for young Steph’s time. Not happy with their portrayal, the Marburys closed shop and refrained from any media interviews- that is unless dead presidents exchanged hands.
Reports of Steph’s arrogance and alleged selfishness first surfaced in 1998 when, following a successful debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Marbury sought equal pay as fellow star Kevin Garnett. This was compounded by Steph’s burning desire to play basketball closer to home. The media covered Steph with a skeptical eye and reported that he refused to play Robin to KG’s Batman. This instigated his departure from the cold north but Steph can hardly be blamed when his play was instrumental in helping the Wolves make the first playoff appearance.
Marbury then departed for the Eastern seaboard and became a New Jersey Net. Disputes with coaches ensued while Marbury called the Meadowlands home. Later, now a Phoenix Sun, Marbury landed himself in hot water with a DUI charge that allowed his impetus trade to take place, this time to his hometown New York Knicks. It was here, in ’04, that the red carpet was rolled out for Steph’s Broadway melodrama to play out on the world’s biggest media stage.
New York reached the playoffs during Marbury’s first season in blue and orange but it was his less than glamorous sophomore season with the Knicks that featured the glaring signs that he had become a wobbly wheel on the team’s shopping cart. Feuds with Head Coach Larry Brown spilt over into the New York Post, leading the then Head of Basketball Operations, Isiah Thomas, to forcefully re-enter the coaching fray. From proclamations about the best point guard in the game, to increasingly bizarre television interviews (claiming to average 10 points, 12-13 dimes and 2-3 assists- huh?), Steph did little to avoid life under the microscope. A fickle New York media began painting spoiled pictures of Marbury, dubbing him a selfish athlete.
Marbury and Thomas quickly turned their degenerating relationship into an NBA sideshow with Thomas threatening to bench his star guard. Marbury retaliated with a threat of his own, requesting he be re-instated into the starting line up or else. Off court, tragedy struck Steph with his father Don passing away in December ’07. This, coupled with a season ending ankle surgery meant the star guard no longer was able to cause a ruckus or take solace in the game he loves. To make matters worse, his cousin Jamel Thomas released a book that detailed stories of petulance and immaturity by Steph amid allegations that Steph tried to sabotage Jamel’s NBA career. Word of the book spread quickly and rocked New York City. Once again, Marbury would go into exile with Steph’s sister claiming that her brother “will not respond to the book”.
Spending each off season back home in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, Steph’s Summer Camps for the youth allowed him to give back to his childhood community. Rarely noted for his grass roots development, Steph had no reservations about being a charity man and he even employs seven local barbers for the kids of Coney, so they can look fresh, free of charge. Although his partnership with discount retailer Steve & Barry’s folded recently, Marbury’s famous Starbury apparel and sneaker lines saw the Knicks guard release a quality performance shoe for only $14.98. Needless to say, major brands were not impressed.
Back with the Knicks, Marbury was labelled “the most reviled athlete in NYC” by local media. Ask anyone from his neighbourhood however and they’ll tell you, “Stephon is Coney Island”, meaning he remains one of their favourite and proudest sons. His million dollar Hurricane Katrina donation is more reflective of how Coney Island folk see him, more charitable angel than the devilish figure portrayed by a brutal NYC media.
On court, Marbury has been labelled a tumour but every one of his situations has the complexity of a double sided coin: on one hand, Marbury is often looked upon as the franchise player, brought in to guide his team to the post season and ultimately into Finals contention. Only problem: the rosters he has often joined are vastly superior upon his departure. All that has changed now in his 12th season, as Starbury finds himself with the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics- albeit in a back-up role.
To date, Starbury has said and done all the right things in Beantown. He’s open to being a part of this team’s philosophy. He wants to do whatever it takes to help this team win, even if that means riding the bench and sacrificing his numbers. Inheriting Antoine Walker’s number eight jersey shouldn’t reflect what Marbury can bring and how he can bring it. His tenure in Boston thus far has been mixed, but for now, Marbury appears to be settling in. It appears like the media have stopped drinking the Gatorade, and maybe, just maybe, Marbury realises that his freedom, this time around, is best served with restraint. Let’s just hope that he doesn’t throw away this get out of jail card.
12/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
AWARD SEASON IS UPON US.
NBL AWARD WINNERS.
MVP. WINNER: KIRK PENNEY // SG // New Zealand Breakers
It was announced earlier this week that the Andrew Gaze Trophy, aka the National Basketball League’s Most Valuable Player award, was given to the New Zealand Breakers shooting guard Kirk Penney. Here is how the top five finished in voting:
92 votes. KIRK PENNEY // SG // New Zealand Breakers 90 votes. MATTHEW KNIGHT // PF // Sydney Spirit 89 votes. EBI ERE // SG // Melbourne Tigers 87 votes. MARK WORTHINGTON // PF // South Dragons 86 votes. SHAWN REDHAGE // SF // Perth Wildcats
Kirk Penney, the former Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers guard posted 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 28 regular season games for the Breakers, who finished third with an 18-12 record; the franchise’s best season to date. Kirk Penney now joins Al Green, Robert Rose, Derek Rucker, Paul Rogers, Steve Woodberry, Sam Mackinnon, two time winner Chris Anstey, three time recipient Leroy Loggins, and seven time king Andrew Gaze as winner of the NBL MVP. Voting for the MVP award is conducted following each regular season game by the coaching staff of each team, with the player amassing the most votes at the end of the season being declared the winner.
Penney deserved the win- the dude killed this season and was, at times, as dangerous as Gaze in his prime, but one concern we did want to address: Matthew Knight. How could the voters have let Knight finish second? Are you kidding us? No disrespect to Knight, he has game and will most likely find himself battling for a spot on the Boomers when the 2010 World Championship rolls around but when your squad finishes third last with an 11-19 record, ending the season with an eight game losing streak, you don’t deserve to finish second in MVP voting, especially by the narrowest of margins. As close as this call was, thank goodness it didn’t happen. Could you imagine the implications of crowning Matthew Knight MVP, especially ahead of Mark Worthington, who actually led his team to the best record in the L. More importantly, Corey Williams received the snub of the decade. Homicide led his Crocs to a fourth place finish, with no front court or bench to assist, while dropping respectable numbers and remaining one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. In fact, Williams’ play directly determined his team’s outcome more than any other single player. Does that not make him a “valuable” player? Not to finish top five is an insult. In our opinion, the voting process needs to be reviewed.
SIXTH MAN. WINNER: PHIL JONES // SG // New Zealand Breakers
Breakers guard Phil Jones averaged 14.7points, 3.6 boards, 1.4 dimes and shot 48% from the field, 42% from deep and 87% from the line as the league’s super sub. Jones’ contribution off the bench was an integral part of the Breakers’ historic drive to the Semi-Finals. Here is how the top five finished in voting:
56 votes. PHIL JONES // SG // New Zealand Breakers 36 votes. ANTHONY PETRIE // PF // Wollongong Hawks 29 votes. ISIAH VICTOR // PF // Perth Wildcats 18 votes. BRETT MAHER // PF // Adelaide 36ers 15 votes. DILLON BOUCHER // SF // New Zealand Breakers
The Sixth Man award is determined by a vote of all league head coaches and captains, and one assistant coach per club, who are excluded from voting for members of their own team. Jones, the first Breakers player ever to win the award now joins Mike McKay, Jason Smith, Bruce Bolden, Chris Anstey, Stephen Black, Darryl McDonald, Brad Newley, Stephen Hoare and Dontaye Draper as a winner of this award.
MOST IMPROVED. WINNER: MATTHEW KNIGHT // PF // Sydney Spirit
The former collegiate standout turned NBL big man, Matthew Knight, has received the NBL’s Most Improved Player award for the 2008/09 season. The 207cm forward, currently playing in Europe, averaged 16.6 points, 8.4 boards and 1.2 dimes in 30 games which was a significant improvement over his rookie stats of 12.0 points per. Knight ranked equal seventh in the league this season in rebounding and 13th in scoring. Here is how the top five finished in voting:
50 votes. MATTHEW KNIGHT // PF // Sydney Spirit 30 votes. ANTHONY PETRIE // PF // Wollongong Hawks 29 votes. MICHAEL CEDAR // SG // Townsville Crocodiles 25 votes. OSCAR FORMAN // SF // New Zealand Breakers 15 votes. NATHAN HERBERT // PG // South Dragons
A vote of all league head coaches and captains and one assistant coach per club determine the Most Improved Player award, who are excluded from voting for members of their own team. Ballots are cast on a 3-2-1 basis. Knight now joins Mark Bradtke, Shane Heal, Chris Anstey, CJ Bruton, James Harvey, Gary Boodnikoff and Cameron Tragardh as a winner of this award.
12/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
AWARD SEASON IS UPON US. WNBL MVP.
Thus far, the WNBL has announced Alicia Poto as DOY and Sarah Graham as ROY. Time for the big tomato: the MVP. This season, the Women’s National Basketball League has announced Townsville Fire guard Rohanee Cox as the 2008/09 Most Valuable Player.
Named the Player of the Month for both November and December, Cox becomes the first Townsville player to be named league MVP. A unanimous winner, she now joins Robyn Maher, Rachael Sporn, Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Katrina Hibbert, Hollie Grima and Natalie Porter as WNBL MVP recipients.
The league’s leading scorer, Cox averaged 21.2ppg to compliment her 7.9rpg (including 3.2bpg), 2.3apg and 1.5spg, helping her squad reach the Preliminary Final following their strong 16-6 regular season record.
11/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: NBA
Monday, March 2 – Sunday, March 8.
March 2 vs. Cleveland: 41 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and seven steals.
March 4 vs. Phoenix: 35 points, 16 assists and six rebounds.
March 6 @ Toronto: 42 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
March 7 @ Cleveland: 25 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds and four steals.
Wade’s 35.8 points per paced the NBA, while his 11.3 assists and 3.25 steals per game, led the Eastern Conference. Although Miami went 2-2, Wade was breathtaking every time he stepped onto the court. On March 4, Shaquille O’Neal visited Miami for the first time since the Heat sent the big fella to the Phoenix Suns. Wade welcomed Shaq back to South Beach with a 35 point, 16 dime showing, as the Heat defeated the Suns 135-129. Wade has scored in double figures in all 62 games this season and is now on the short list for the league’s MVP. Other Eastern Conference nominees: Raymond Felton, LeBron James, Mo Williams, Jarrett Jack and Devin Harris.
WESTERN CONFERENCE DERON WILLIAMS // PG // Utah Jazz
March 4 vs. Houston: 26 points, 14 assists and five rebounds.
March 6 vs. Denver: 25 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two blocks.
March 8 @ Toronto: 25 points and nine assists.
Deron Williams led the Utah Jazz to a perfect 3-0 week, averaging 25.3 points and 11.3 assists in the process. March 8 saw Williams score nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter as the Jazz rallied from an 88-81 deficit to topple the Toronto Raptors 109-101. The Jazz winning streak is now at 11 games as they take control of the Northwest Division. Other Western Conference nominees: Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, Kobe Bryant and Tony Parker.
11/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
AWARD SEASON IS UPON US. TAKE 2.
We announced that Logan Thunder guard Sarah Graham was awarded the WNBL’s Rookie Of The Year trophy the other day and now we can inform all you budding WNBL fans that Sydney Uni Flames Captain Alicia Poto has been named the Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year for the ’09 season.
The 166cm point guard swiped a career high 53 possessions from her opposition to lead the league with an average of 2.5 steals per. Poto also pulled down 75 misses at a clip of 3.6 rebounds per game. Poto took flight in her 2008/09 campaign with four rebounds, four steals, four assists and 17 points while restricting Adelaide dynamo Angela Marino to only nine points. She was named the Player of the Month in October for her efforts, averaging 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals during her first six games.
The first Sydney player to win the award since ‘94, Poto took home the honours by a single vote over nine time Defensive Player of the Year, Dandenong Rangers veteran Emily McInerny. Poto now joins McInerny, Karen Dalton, Robyn Maher, Tully Bevilaqua and Natalie Porter as recipients of this prestigious award.
The Defensive Player of the Year award is determined through votes cast by head coaches and statisticians at the conclusion of each match.
The WNBL announced their 2008/09 Betty Watson Rookie Of The Year earlier today, with the award going to Logan Thunder guard Sarah Graham. The 163cm guard joins Lauren Jackson (‘97), Caitlin Ryan (’99), Laura Summerton (‘01), Renae Camino (‘05), Abby Bishop (‘06) and Cayla Francis (‘06) as winners of the top freshman award. The 19-year-old Graham led her team with 12.9 points per while collecting 3.3 boards and handing out 2.2 assists. She dropped 21 points on the Perth Lynx, 24 against Sydney Uni and 19 against the Adelaide Lightning. She posted double digit points 18 times and top scored on seven occasions.
The Rookie of the Year is determined by a poll of the head coach, assistant coach and team captain. Voters are not allowed to vote for members of their own team. To receive the ROY, a player must be under the age of 21 and be in either their first or second year in the league. Second year players must not have played more than half the regular season games during their first year to be eligible. Although the Brisbane native made her WNBL debut last season as a member of the Dandenong Rangers, she only played four games.
06/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
FIRST IN FLIGHT.
German based apparel and sneaker brand K1X have been doing their thing since 1993. Those familiar with handle magazine know that we’ve documented Corey Williams’ venture with the German label for some time now. The Nation of Hoop Spring/Summer 2009 collection, titled HAUTE COURTURE, is their latest offering and given what we’ve seen, it’s another step forward. For this range, K1X has also teamed up with the world’s foremost dunk crew Team Flight Brothers as ambassadors of the Haute Courture spring ‘09 collection. Featuring: Quintin Slaughter (Elevator), Ryan Williams (Special FX), Guy Dupuy (Easy Jumper), Troy McCray (Rudeboi), Kevin Kemp (Golden Child), Terrell Cournoyea (T-Dub, Zachariah Jones (Jonsey), Justin Darlington (Jus Fly) and Brandon Lacue (Werm), Team Flight Bros and the subsequent K1X collection, are not to be missed. For more, check out: www.k1x.com or www.k1x.com.au
06/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham Image: COURTESY OF GREG V / JORDAN BRAND
Jordan Brand and Chris Paul are set to take over the city of New Orleans to celebrate the launch of CP3’s new signature sneaker. The Jordan CP3.II, a commemorative shoe that recognises Paul as one of Team Jordan’s best and brightest, will be launched at the Foot Locker on 801 Canal St. in New Orleans. Accompanied by Jordan Brand Senior Footwear Designer Jason Mayden, the Hornets’ All Star point guard will sign autographs and provide an in-depth look at the Jordan CP3.II. From there, Jordan Brand will seize the opportunity to teach consumers, sneaker collectors and Hornets fans in New Orleans about the shoe as Paul takes on Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks before he is joined by special guests at an exclusive red carpet launch event.
“It’s an amazing honour to have my very own signature shoe with Jordan Brand. There are several elements of the Jordan CP3.II that have been influenced by my childhood in Winston-Salem, and my life in the Big Easy. New Orleans has become, and will always be a big part of my life.” – Chris Paul.
Inspired by Futsal (five on five indoor soccer), the Jordan CP3.II draws on the game’s lightning quick foot patterns and agile cutting, two necessary performance attributes Paul needs on the basketball court. Chris Paul’s style of play is also present in the Jordan CP3.II. Senior Footwear Designer Jason Mayden took Paul’s quickness and fashioned it into the shoe. Mayden explains, “Chris’ quickness is a deadly weapon. When he has the ball, he’s like a high-performance motorcycle among a group of slow moving cars. The CP3.II was designed to withstand the rapid changes of pace, the break-neck speed and the pinpoint agility of Chris Paul’s style of basketball.”
Chris Paul was hand picked by Michael Jordan during his rookie year to become a member of Team Jordan and to carry on Jordan’s legacy. The Jordan CP3.II launches in the US on Saturday, March 14. For more, check out: www.Jumpman23.com
06/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
WELCOME TO THE WNBL AWARD SEASON.
The Women’s National Basketball League announced its 2008/09 All Star Five earlier today. Acting as the equivalent to the All NBA first team, the WNBL All Star Five recognises this season’s finest. Determined by the respective head and assistant coaches, as well as team captains, participants are able to nominate any player, league wide- they’re just not permitted to vote for members of their own team. So without further ado, these are the ladies who were voted best in show:
2008/09 WNBL ALL STAR FIVE. C // JENNIFER CROUSE // Townsville Fire Why: Her 2.5 block per game paced the league. Finished second to Abby Bishop with 10.6 boards per but led the League in defensive rebounds. Shot 51.3 percent from the field. Posted thirteen double doubles. Helped her team win 16 games.
PF // ABBY BISHOP // Canberra Capitals Why: Player Of The Month for January. League’s leading glass cleaner with 10.7 boards per game. Ranked top five with 17.3 points per. Led her team to a league best 19-3 regular season record.
SF // ROHANEE COX // Townsville Fire Why: Named Player Of The Month for November and December. League’s leading scorer with 21.2 points per game. Sixth in boards per game. Posted 27 points, 12 boards, five assists and four steals on the Perth Lynx. Named Nivea Player of the Week in Rounds 10 and 12. Guided her Fire to a 16-6 record.
SG // DEANNA SMITH // Perth Lynx Why: Averaged 20.8 points per game, the second highest in the league, to compliment her 6.4 boards and 4.6 assists. Dropped 20 or more points 10 times. League leader in free throw percentage at 89.7. First player to post a triple double this season with a 36 point, and 11 rebound and 12 assist showing in round two. Two time Nivea Player of the Week.
PG // KRISTI HARROWER // Bendigo Spirit Why: League leader in dimes per game with 5.9. Finished third in scoring with 19.3 points per. Only player named the Nivea Player of the Week three times. Tallied 34 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in her first WNBL game this season. Racked up a 23 point, 11 rebound, 10 assist triple-double against the Perth Lynx. Finished in the top ten for six statistical categories and finished the season as the only guard to rank top ten in field goal percentage (49.6%). Led her team to their first WNBL finals appearance with a 14-8 record.
2008/09 WNBL Statistical Winners
To qualify for all the major statistical awards, athletes must register time in at least half of their club’s 21 regular season games. The winners of the 2008/09 statistical categories are:
Leading Scorer. Rohanee Cox // F // Townsville Fire
Australian Defence Force Opal Rohanee Cox averaged 21.2 points during the regular season to lead the league.
Best Field Goal Shooting Percentage. Elizabeth Cambage // C // Australian Institute of Sport
In her first season, the 203cm Cambage led the Institute in scoring, connecting on 87 of her 139 attempts for a league best 62.6 percent from the floor.
Most Blocked Shots. Jennifer Crouse // C // Townsville Fire
Crouse averaged 2.2 blocks per game, including her seven swat performance in Round 13 to pace the league.
Leading Rebounder. Abby Bishop // F // Canberra Capitals
Bishop edged out Crouse with her 10.7 rebound per game average. She grabbed 247 missed in total including her season best 16 boards showing against the Bulleen in Round One.
Golden Hands Award. Sharin Milner // G // Bulleen Boomers
Milner won the Golden Hands Award for the third time, an honour determined by calculating the average rating of assists plus steals, minus turnovers per game. Milner averaged 5.6 assists to compliment her 1.8 steals per game.
Best 3-point Shooting Percentage. Lisa Pardon // G // Bulleen Boomers
Pardon converted 45.6 percent of attempts, connecting on 31 of her 68 attempts from deep to claim the title as the league’s deadliest shot.
Best Free Throw Shooting Percentage. Deanna Smith // G // Perth Lynx
All Star Five member Smith was the league’s second leading scorer but is most accurate on the charity stripe. Smith averaged 89.7 percent shooting, converting 87 of her 97 attempts.
03/03/09 web editorial words: brad graham
NBA AWARD WINNERS: FEBRUARY 09
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH
Any basketball month featuring an All-Star game either reaffirms an elite player’s cultural status or reminds us that popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to on court excellence. In the case of this month’s Award Winners, the reaffirmation rings true. We noted back in December that Dwyane Wade was notably absent from the Player Of The Month voting, well, thanks to the Heat’s surprising record and his MVP stat lines, Wade has his name in the mix at season’s end, when it really matters.
EASTERN CONFERENCE: DWYANE WADE // SG // Miami Heat Top Performances:
February 22 @ Orlando: Scored career-high 50 points.
February 24 vs. Detroit: 31 points and a career high 16 assists.
February 28 vs. New York: 46 points (24 in the fourth) 10 assists and eight boards.
Wade led the Eastern Conference in scoring (30.7ppg) while shooting .502 from the field throughout February, so any questions about his return following last season’s injuries were dead and buried months ago. Worthy of note is the fact that Wade also ranked second in the Conference in assists at 8.7 per and fourth in steals, taking away two possessions every game. Wade scored at least 20 points in every game, which was highlighted by his career high 50 point outing in a loss at Orlando. Pacing the Heat in scoring 11 times, Wade also led the Heat in dimes 10 ti
