Book Review: The Undisputed Guide To Pro Basketball

The team at FREEDARKO.COM have a new book out called The Undisputed Guide To Pro Basketball. I was sent a review copy along with the usual press info and dug in.

I've got to say, this is one of the most fun books I've delved into in some time. This isn't to say it doesn't have it's serious content though. There is a legitimate historical narrative that starts things off in Chapter 0 with the time line starting in 1891. Following is info on the early barnstorming teams with incredibly interesting names like The Terrible Swedes and the ladies of the men's rule playing All American Red Heads.

Get a bit further into the book and you've got fabulous infographics like the "Head Hair Key" and "Hair Champions". My hometown Lakers 1975-76 team have the distinct honor of being named the hairiest team. The fun doesn't stop there - there's a section later in the book dedicated to Charles Barkley that's aptly coined "Loud, Fat, and Gifted". Epic.

This book is a must-have for any basketball nut. The authors include a disclaimer that the history is far from complete but they really do include quite a lot in this hardcover of 200+ pages.

You can pick up a copy here for yourself or the basketball fan in your life.

Go Lakers!*

*I can't possibly mention basketball without saying that.

Geeking Out On Purple Today

Yep, I'm wearing my Magic Johnson 1987 MVP t-shirt, funky purple ring, and funky purple necklace.

I'm holding my breath that the rest of the series goes like it did last night. The Lakers played incredibly well and stayed away from that dangerous 3 that they always seem to miss. Keep jamming it in for 2 fellas - that really seemed to work!

On a more somber note, John Wooden is in grave condition this morning. Apparently he's been hospitalized for a few days. At 99 years old there is certainly reason for concern. My best wishes go with Coach and his family.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I Can Only Think About The Lakers

It's finally here - that finals match up that so many wanted to see. Yep, it's a Lakers vs. Celtics Finals.

I really don't have much to say. I'll just be holding my breath and watching intently. So yeah, anyone that wants to trash talk is welcome to do so. I'm one of those that likes to stay quiet and root for my team. If it makes you feel better to bash the Lakers then go ahead and get it out of your system. I'm incredibly appreciative that my hometown has such a consistently awesome NBA team.

I also love to find fun, retro gems like today's video. How fun is that?

GO LAKERS!

A Moment To Go Over "The Rules"

First of all I just have to take a moment to be incredibly excited that the Lakers are up 2 games to none on the Suns. Woo!

At any rate, I just wanted to point out one of "the rules". I'm pretty laid back about things but I do have a few rules I follow with this blog. One in particular has to do with comments. I have this pet peeve about someone making a completely irrelevant comment just so that they can leave a link. Guess what? These are rejected. Seriously, if you want to promote yourself you should shoot me an email and ask to do a guest post or buy a link. There is text in my comment box that says this as well. I guess folks just try to see if I really mean it. I do....it's just one of my pet peeves. There, rant over.

GO LAKERS!

I'll Say It Again - GO LAKERS!

Lakers have game one down on their campaign to make the NBA Finals this year. Check out some reactions to the game here.

I'll not be bragging but crossing my fingers. Anything can happen in this series - nothing is in the bag!

All I Can Say Is GO LAKERS!

Everyone's talking about a Los Angeles vs. Boston series in the end. The Celtics have not put the Cavs to rest yet and don't forget about Orlando. They're nothing to shrug off!

The Lakers are looking good against the Suns but there are no guarantees.

GO LAKERS!

5 Basketball Tidbits

Basketball Camp! I got the above video and message to spread around from Chantelle Anderson - read and forward please:

I need your help! I'm trying to get the word out about my first official basketball camp. It will be held in San Antonio, TX on May 29th and 30th, for girls grades 7-12. It will feature skills training from me and other pro-level trainers, life skills by my new mentoring program, Classy Girl, and an autograph session with WNBA All-Star Sophia Young.

Register for the camp here.

She's Back! After a bit of a hiatus, everyone's favorite Cavs fan Carolyn Hastings is back and putting up content on And One again. There has been a notable void while she was away and I'm glad to have her back!

Lakers! One more win and the team will be headed for the Western Conference Finals. Go Lakers!

Buck Foston: Now is a really great time to get your Buck Foston shirt from my internet buds Daniel and George. Love it!

Speaking Of: Did you see that the Cavs handed the Celtics their worst home playoff loss ever. Aww, I'm heartbroken (not).

5 Questions Rewind: Basektball

I was feeling quite festive about basketball since the Lakers are in the playoffs! WooHoo! When I think about the Lakers and playoffs, I always think of this wonderful 0.4 shot that Derek Fisher sank. Love it!

Some time ago I did an interview with a high school basketball coach and I thought I'd point you back in that direction. I remember when high school sports dominated my life and the lives of my parents and siblings. I have such happy memories of those times.

P.S. Go Lakers!!

My Fantasy Football Team Bites

I don't really care that both of my Fantasy Football teams are stinking up the place. Sure, I'd like to win. Honestly though, there is so much that is ruled by chance that you could spend hours and hours doing the research every week and still lose. We've got a trade deadline today and everyone is trying to get my QBs in both leagues. In one league I have Matt Schaub and Tom Brady and in the other I have Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub. One proposal asked for Matt Schaub for T.J. Houshmandzadeh. As if.

The most frustrating part about Fantasy Football this year? One of the commissioners! Check this out - this person sent me a text message and bet me $50 that the Magic would beat the Lakers in the Finals. This was before the Magic even won the last game. Yeah, you read that right - I got the text before the game was even over that the Magic clinched in. At any rate $50 is the buy in for the league. They want me to pay! What the heck? Am I crazy? Is this person being unrealistic? We both owe each other $50 so how is that not a wash? I'm a little peeved about it because they have been hounding for weeks and put up excuses like "we didn't shake on it". Now I got a threatening text this morning that my team would be deleted? I thought Fantasy Football was supposed to be fun?

Am I crazy? What would you do?

5 Questions About Lisa Leslie and the WNBA

This past Friday was Lisa Leslie's final regular-season home game for the Los Angeles Sparks. Hubby and I caught the game with some sweet seats and truly enjoyed watching this piece of Los Angeles sports history.

Earlier that day, I was walking around in an old Lakers t-shirt because I realized that I didn't own a Sparks shirt. Some fan I am. A colleague asked me why a Lakers shirt when the Dodgers were making a post-season run and the NFL season was upon us. When I replied it was to attend the game that evening since the colors matched he told me, "I would have given you grief if you had a Sparks shirt!"

What? Grief? Why?

Here was a normally "cool" person that was going to razz me for being a fan of the WNBA?

Ugliness aside, as I mentioned, hubby and I had a blast.

We stopped in at ESPN Zone first for dinner (food was so-so but the place was AWESOME). When we headed in to the game my lack of Sparks shirt was cured immediately as they handed out the Lisa Leslie Pass The Ball To The Girl shirts. We also got a bracelet and mini-poster with the same phrase.

The game was sold out and the opening ceremony for Lisa was amazing. Her friends, family, and teammates all presented her with mementos and other gifts. About 75% of the way through the presentation, Lisa asks everyone if they recalled that there was still a game to play.

It was one of those presentations that makes Los Angeles sports fans go nuts. The USC Marching Band was in the stands playing at the right moments and Magic Johnson came out to honor Lisa.

Oh yeah, then there was the game. Oh my - if you have never been to a WNBA game in person then you are really missing out. I realize how lucky I am to have witnessed Candace Parker flip the ball behind her back to Lisa Leslie for a basket.

The Minnesota Lynx could not stop the Sparks on that night (although Candice Wiggins is definitely the real deal). Sparks took the game 90-61. In true Los Angeles sports fashion that Randy Newman tune played afterward as the crowd was showered with streamers.

So here are my five questions for you:

1. Have you ever been to a WNBA game or even watched one on television?

2. Did you know that Lisa Leslie is one of the greatest basketball players of all time?

From her website:

While at Morningside High School in Inglewood, CA, she led the team to two state championships. In college at the University of Southern California, she was the all time Pac-10 leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. After college, Leslie launched her modeling career, signing with the prestigious Wilhelmina Agency in 1996.

She was a member of the gold-winning U.S. Olympic teams in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. In 2001, Leslie was the first WNBA player to win the regular season MVP, the All-Star Game MVP and the playoff MVP in the same season. That year, she also led the Los Angeles Sparks to their first WNBA victory. In 2002, she was the WNBA all-time leading scorer and was named MVP of the WNBA Championship and All-Star Game. Leslie is the first woman to slam-dunk in a professional game and the first team sport athlete to win four consecutive Olympic Gold Medals.

In 2002, Lisa Leslie helped the Sparks win their second straight world championship, winning the WNBA MVP Award that year and again in 2006. She became a commentator for ESPN in 2004, covering the NCAA Women’s Tournament.


3. Did you catch that about Magic Johnson? Yeah, he wasn't at the Hall Of Fame festivities for that other basketball legend.

4. Did you realize that WNBA games are a great family activity?

I was amazed at how much more relaxed and happy the crowd was at a Sparks game compared to other sporting events. There were groups of teen boys and girls all there to witness history and hang out with their friends. I could see the looks of inspiration in the young women's faces next to me as Lisa spoke. There were fathers with their daughters, families of four, mothers with their sons, and couples from all walks of life taking in all in. There was a definite, "we are all a big family" vibe.

5. What is stopping you from watching the WNBA? Are you afraid of what people might think?

I Know I Should Be Excited About First Place...

Here is the part of the season where we are excited about our baseball team in Los Angeles only to be disappointed very soon. Remember last year? The Dodgers had the best record in baseball for a period of time. They were really killing it. Then they lost. Sure, they got to the series just before the World Series. They get to the playoffs almost every year. Something happens when they get there. They just don't close the deal. Who cares about making it to the playoffs if you can't win the whole thing?

Last night's near rally is really a metaphor for how the whole season usually ends up. The team looks like they just might do it but then trip and fall.

A small flicker of optimism is alive inside of me. The last time the Dodgers won a World Series the Lakers also won a title that year. The Lakers have cleared the way and another parade downtown would be great.

Sunday Sports Wrap - June 21, 2009

Rain, Rain, Go Away: I have an idea - why don't the powers that be keep such an important event in a place where there isn't torrential downpours in the summer? The US Open should pan out to be rather interesting any way you slice it. On one hand those with the most favorable tee times (with respect to weather) could turn in a surprising win. On the other, the favorites could pull out a storybook ending. ESPN has everything online.

Freeway Series: The Dodgers and Angels end their series today. Yesterday the Weaver brothers started against each other and the older came out the victor. I wish we could have a series to decide whether the Angels get to keep "Los Angeles" in their name. They really should try to make their own name. I'll stop whining about that for now...

Today In Sports History

1988 - 42nd NBA Championship - the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons, 4 games to 3

1997 - Women's National Basketball Association begins with the New York Liberty besting the Los Angeles Sparks.

Wild World of Wednesday - Lakers Parade Edition

What can I say today except for LAKERS ARE THE CHAMPS!!!!! Although there are plenty of other events happening in sports today I just wanted to bring you video of some of the previous Lakers Championship parades/celebrations to enjoy. So enjoy! I do want to thank all of the generous donors in the city as well for stepping up to help bring us the celebration today. Thank you!

How Can I Not Post This? Lakers Rule!

Finally, another crown in Los Angeles! Now we just need the Dodgers to win the World Series this year and we can really freak out.

To Orlando - you had a great season. I was pulling for you all the way to the finals. You'll be a force to reckon with next year for sure. Top that with the rumors that LeBron James may look to join your squad next year. You would be nearly unstoppable!

The Lakers are the champs! Woohoo! I said Lakers in 6 and I'm happy to be wrong. One of my buddies said they'd do it in 5. I really thought Orlando was tougher than that. I did not count on the Lakers actually showing up and not getting lazy. They meant it, you could see it in Kobe's eyes!

By the way - the song atop this post is my ringtone right now. I know, I am such a dork! I'll also incorporate one of my vintage Lakers tees into my outfit today. Super dork! What can I say!?

P.S. 5 Questions will be back tomorrow for a special Tuesday edition. I just had to celebrate today.

Sunday Sports Wrap - June 14, 2009

Go Lakers! Tonight is game five in Orlando. Nobody is taking it for granted that the Lakers are going to win it all. Orlando is too tough to assume that they can be easily cast aside. The Lakers seem very focused and a sense of urgency is in the air.

Leave it to the local news to start up: talks of a victory parade controversy are already permeating the headlines. If the Lakers do actually win the title a parade should take place downtown a few days after. However, the economy is in the toilet and the city really doesn't have the money to do this. I have an idea to solve this - since we, the fans, buy merchandise and tickets to support the team why don't they foot the bill to thank us for supporting them year after year? I believe the Lakers are in a better financial place right now than the city is. I mean seriously, why couldn't they throw us a party? A million bucks is a drop in the bucket for them.

Oh, and you too ESPN. Now that you're filming downtown right next to the Staples Center why not think of it as an advertising expense? Why not host the parade yourselves? It could be the "Lakers Victory Parade sponsored by ESPN". Heck, all of the new businesses that cropped up around Staples (and some old ones) could even pitch in. Why not?

Today In Sports History

1987 - 41st NBA Championship: Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 4 games to 2.

Happy birthday to Pat Summitt

Wild World Of Wednesday - June 10, 2009

Ok, You Can Have This One: I predicted the Lakers in six and I will stick to it. I am still laughing at the Twittersphere comments that the Lakers were paying off the refs. If that was the case they would have won. From this angle it looked like Kobe lost a bit of his fire. One could argue that he let Orlando win. Also...please do me a favor...and this goes for EVERY team's fans that play ANY Los Angeles team. PLEASE THINK UP A NEW CHANT OTHER THAN "BEAT L.A."!!!! Show some originality - that is old, tired, and sounds like a rudimentary chant that a 2nd grader would say. Seriously. Yes, I feel much better now that I got that off of my chest.

Tweet Of The Week: I cracked up when @wnba threw this one out there: On Saturday, Snoop Dogg vowed, “I’m going to be the Jack Nicholson of the L.A. Sparks." They included a link to this pic. Go Snoop!

At Least The Dodgers Won Last Night: Manny Ramirez has finally talked to the press since the whole suspension thing. A lot of comments are really harsh on the Yahoo! story but to be expected. The general mood I see around here is of indifference. Oh, and I don't wanna hear anything outa you, SF fans...how soon you forget Barry Bonds!

Today In Sports History

1989 - 59th French Open Women's Tennis: Arantxa Sanchez Vicario beats Steffi Graf. Graf was heavily favored and Vicario was also the first Spaniard to win a Grand Slam title

1990 - 60th French Open Men's Tennis: Andres Gomez beats Andre Agassi

In A Mood

I was looking back and laughing a bit at some of my posts that were written when I was feeling a bit feisty. I think they are pretty funny and the comments are certainly interesting on a few. Of course, I will never rant on like today's video about actually hating sports but I found it funny that this guy felt he needed to make a weekly show professing his hate of sports. All I have to say is that there is a thin line between love and hate. As for my rants - you be the judge:

I was tired of hearing about my hometown not being a "sports town". Read my rant and tell me what you think. Don't hate us.

This one sure got a reaction and even ranked up there on Digg after it was written. This was Brett Favre's first retirement. (Special note: please stay home Brett. Take up golf or something.)

One of my other favorites is when I wax poetic about the problem with sports in Los Angeles. The original image had to be replaced so some of the comments may not make sense.

Another of my personal favorites is this silly tirade. I just had to do it.

What is your favorite thing to rant about?

5 Questions Basketball & Basketball Re-Runs

I'm all fired up after the Lakers OT win last night at home to take Game 2 of the Finals. This has motivated me to bring back some basketball posts that I am quite fond of:

Early last year I interviewed Shirlett Hendry, coach of the girls basketball squad at Dorsey High School here in Los Angeles. I attended Dorsey in my sophomore year. Click on her name to read her say quite a bit without using a lot of words.

One day I am hoping to do an interview with a member of the Los Angeles Breakers. I've had a guest post that told us about the team but they've so far not returned my email about an interview. Stay tuned.

Another guest post about basketball came from Linday, writer of That Mutt. She pondered whether all high school athletes should get equal playing time. As a former high school b-baller herself, she was inspired to write this post after a game that made the news because of a 100-0 score.

Former hoops player and blogger extraordinaire Megan Hueter took time out of her busy day to be a guest for five questions. She's one of the founders of the Women Talk Sports site.

GO LAKERS!!

Dodgers Have The Best Record In Baseball

Without Manny. Deal with it.

Waking up to the guys on SportsCenter talking up their 37-18 record was very nice. I checked the widget close to the bottom of my page as well. Sure enough, the Dodgers are number one. At least for right now. I'm just going to bask in it and not spoil the moment with a bunch of needless commentary.

The only other thing I will say today is a quick reminder that the NBA Finals start tonight. If you are one to indulge in adult beverages then check out this link for a drinking game for the Finals. Here is a preview of the rules:

Drink Every Time Someone Says:

* “Mamba”
* “Superman”
* “Lamar Odom has to show up tonight”
* “Magicians” instead of “Magic”
* “Dagger”
* “Candy man”
* “Shaq”, “title”, and “Kobe Bryant’s legacy” in the same sentence.

It just gets sillier from there. Enjoy!


P.S. Thanks for catching the typo Tracy! That is what happens when you write too early without adequate coffee!

Sunday Sports Wrap - May 31, 2009

Can you believe that May is over? Where is 2009 going?

Condolences: Although I wasn't rooting for their team, I must send my condolences to fans of the Cavs (that's you C, please don't take it too hard). The Magic simply outplayed them and wanted it more. Period. The really amusing thing for me is that at the end of the 3rd period a friend from Florida was already talking trash about the Magic vs. Lakers series. I'm just hoping they stop showing those creepy Kobe and LeBron puppet commercials. I wonder what Jerry West is saying now. Oh yeah, probably something to the effect of "one man does not a team make", I'm sure.

Not Enough Attention: I really have not heard much about hockey at all lately since the Ducks were removed from contention. I did notice that an important game was televised last night at the same time the Magic vs. Cavs game was on. Last night the Red Wings took game one against the defending champ Pens. Tonight is game two. I quite enjoy hockey myself but really feel that the sport doesn't get enough attention.

Soccer Sunday: Tune in to Fox Soccer Channel today and see the Boston Breakers face Sky Blue FC. Kelly Smith of the Breakers is tied with the Los Angeles Sol's Marta for most goals in the league. The Sol have the top spot in the standings right now followed by the Breakers.

Today In Sports History

1937 - Brooklyn Dodgers snap NY Giant Carl Hubbell's 24-game winning streak

1985 - The New Orleans Saints are sold for $70,204,000