NBA all stars...matches, pictures ,video

NBA Live 08 dunk en images

2007-08-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

NBA Live 08 s’exhibe aujourd’hui sur le terrain avec ces quelques captures inédites. Grâce à son gameplay dépoussiéré, la prestigieuse simulation de basket d’EA, emmenée par des mouvements et expressions de joueurs ultra réalistes, sera aussi agréable à regarder qu'à manier. Vous pourrez exécuter des mouvements que seuls les pros arrivent à effectuer en reproduisant le style de jeu de vos joueurs préférés de la NBA. NBA Live 08 est attendu sur la plupart des supports actuels pour octobre prochain.

Basket - NBA - Pas d'opération pour Joakim Noah

2007-08-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

Recruté en juin par l'équipe des Chicago Bulls, Joakim Noah évite finalement une opération à l'épaule. Le jeune pivot, double champion NCAA avec son université de Florida, se soigne avec des séances de rééducation. Arrivé à Chicago il y a un mois le fils de Yannick Noah s'attache aussi actuellement à trouver un logement dans la ville de l'Illinois.
Considéré comme Français - même si il n'en a pas encore officiellement la nationalité - il sera le huitième joueur de l'Hexagone à évoluer en NBA. La saison démarre le 30 octobre

if you like dunking look up slam nation highlights

2007-07-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

NBA Notebook: Heat's Wade might not be ready when camp begins

2007-07-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

Nuggets
Denver signed free-agent guard Chucky Atkins, three days after point guard Steve Blake returned to Portland. Atkins averaged 13.2 points and 4.6 assists last year with the Memphis Grizzlies, second best in his eight-year career.

Wizards
DeShawn Stevenson re-signed with Washington, keeping Gilbert Arenas' backcourt running mate and pal with the club. The team wouldn't disclose terms of the deal. It's reportedly worth $15 million over four years.

Warriors
Golden State signed first-round pick Marco Belinelli, who was the 18th overall pick in the draft a month ago after five pro seasons in his native Italy.

US NBA stars to train for world, Olympic events in Las Vegas

2006-04-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) - Seeking redemption for a humbling third-place performance at the 2004 Olympics, a US team of National Basketball Association stars is betting on this US gambling mecca as a training ground

USA Basketball announced Wednesday that their national team will train in Las Vegas each of the next three years, starting with preparations for August's World Championships in Japan and ending with 2008 Beijing Olympic preparations.

This year's camp will begin July 19-25 and include all 23 players who have committed to the US program from now through the Beijing Summer Games. After a break, those chosen for the world team will train here from July 31-August 3.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Miami guard Dwyane Wade, Cleveland playmaker LeBron James and Denver's Carmelo Anthony are among those in the player pool.

The US team will face Puerto Rico here in an exhibition game August 3 and then depart for Asia for training and exhibition games August 5-10 at an unrevealed location before taking part in a series of South Korean exhibitions.

The US team will play in Seoul on August 13 against Lithuania and two days later against South Korea before two final days of preparation work before going to Sapporo, Japan, for the World Championships.

China, Puerto Rico, Italy, Senegal and Slovenia have opening-round games against the US squad.

Las Vegas will also host training and an exhibition game in 2008 before the Beijing Olympics and in 2007 before Olympic qualifying at the Tournament of the Americas.

Once shunned for concerns over links to gambling and match fixing, Las Vegas has become popular with the NBA, which will stage its All-Star Game here next year.

http://news.yahoo.com

2006-04-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Barons and Iowa Stars were in an unenviable spot Saturday night, having to follow the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade masterpiece from hours earlier at The Q.

Both teams proved up to the task, in as much as an AHL product can supplement anything generated by the NBA. The Barons lost to the Stars, 3-1, in a highly entertaining game seen by a loud crowd of 6,621.

Left winger Loui Eriksson scored the deciding goal on a breakaway at 12:33 of the third period. Iowa tacked on an empty-netter in the final seconds.

The Stars (35-29-1-7) are competing for the final playoff spot in the West Division.

The Barons (24-45-2-2) are far removed from the playoff chase, but it did not stop them from putting forth a spirited attempt to play spoiler. The Barons are 13-21-1-1 at home.

Barons coach Roy Sommer has grown tired of perceived moral victories.

"We played a decent game, but we fell asleep in the third," Sommer said. "It was the same old [expletive]. We can't seem to concentrate for 60 minutes."

Eriksson broke free along the left wing, swooped to the middle and stuffed the puck against the pads of Barons goalie Nolan Schaefer. As Schaefer drifted into the cage, the puck went with him across the line.

"Our guys knew that one line does all their scoring, and the guy still got behind us," Sommer said. "There's no excuse for it. We have to know whom we're playing against."

Early in the third, the Barons failed to capitalize on a briefly vacated Stars net.

Midway through the second period, the Barons pulled ahead, 1-0. Shane Joseph, slicing across the top of the crease, flipped in a loose puck through traffic. Two minutes later, Schaefer made a great save to preserve the advantage.

The Stars tied it at 17:57 of the second, defenseman Nicklas Grossman converting a rebound moments after Schaefer had sprawled to disrupt a shot.

http://www.cleveland.com

Blalock studying NBA

2006-03-19T03:43:00.000-08:00

Iowa State guard Will Blalock will declare for the NBA draft, but the junior from Boston does not plan to sign with an agent.

“I feel like I have played against some of the best players in the nation while competing in the Big 12, and I am ready to test my game at the next level,” Blalock said.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Blalock, who starred at East Boston High School before spending one season at Notre Dame Prep, averaged 15.4 points and 6.1 assists this past season for the Cyclones. He made the decision earlier this week, two days before Iowa State fired coach Wayne Morgan.

Blalock can attend NBA workouts without losing his eligibility as long as he doesn’t hire an agent. He must also pay for all his expenses while attending the workouts.

NBA levies fines against Hawks coach, player for ripping on refs

2006-03-19T03:40:00.000-08:00

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson was fined $20,000 and forward Josh Smith was fined $15,000 by the NBA on Friday for criticizing referees.
Woodson complained after Monday night's 88-87 loss to Milwaukee about the imbalance of fouls in the game.
"Something's got to be done about this," Woodson said after the Hawks drew 32 fouls to 23 for the Bucks.
When he complained during the game, Woodson earned a lecture from lead official Derrick Stafford.
"I'm not asking for preferential treatment," Woodson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the game. "All I'm asking is that my guys are afforded the same calls the other team is getting. That's all I've ever asked for."
Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche said the team had no comment Friday on the fines. The Hawks lost to the Utah Jazz Friday night.
Woodson said Hawks guard Joe Johnson "doesn't get any calls."
"When he's driving to the basket guys have their hands all over him and there's nothing called," Woodson said. "It doesn't make sense."
Smith, a second-year forward, was more outspoken in his claim that the Hawks receive no respect from officials.
"I don't care what the numbers say, I'm telling you we're getting screwed," Smith said. "We play hard and I think we deserve the same calls anybody else gets. We play aggressive on both ends of the floor. We don't get that respect on the defensive end because every time we touch somebody it's a foul. Then we go out there on the offensive end and get hacked and it's not a foul. Anybody can see that something is not right."

Basketball: NBA power rankings

2006-03-19T03:39:00.000-08:00

San Antonio Express-News

The NBA according to Mike Monroe (through Friday's games; previous rank in parentheses):

1. Mavericks (2) Mike's memo: A.J. has them winning on road despite all those injuries.

2. Spurs (3) Mike's memo: Beating Suns with "Big Ball" may have been a message.

3. Pistons (1) Mike's memo: Suspension looming if 'Sheed gets more technicals.

4. Suns (4) Mike's memo: Stoudemire's return looking much less likely.

5. Heat (5) Mike's memo: Wade has made himself legitimate MVP candidate.

6. Clippers (8) Mike's memo: Must go 12-6 for franchise's first 50-victory season.

7. Kings (6) Mike's memo: Playoff hopes will be tested on long road trip.

8. Nuggets (7) Mike's memo: Boykins' change of pace game will be sorely missed.

9. Cavaliers (10) Mike's memo: Must learn to protect big leads if they want to contend.

10. Nets (11) Mike's memo: Tinsley's return puts Jasikevicius on the shelf.

11. Pacers (12) Mike's memo: Any team that beats the Pistons deserves to move up.

12. Grizzlies (13) Mike's memo: Victory over Nuggets solidifies hold on No. 6 seed.

13. Lakers (9) Mike's memo: Losing George and Mihm hurts playoff chances.

14. Wizards (15) Mike's memo: Keep taking two steps forward, one step back.

15. Bucks (19) Mike's memo: Their stay at .500 didn't last very long.

16. Celtics (14) Mike's memo: Trip to Florida turned out to be no spring break.

17. Magic (25) Mike's memo: Hill says he hasn't given up on return this season.

18. 76ers (16) Mike's memo: AI's injury came at least opportune time.

19. Jazz (17) Mike's memo: Sloan: Only NBA-competitive players allowed.

20. Hornets (20) Mike's memo: More injuries means even J.R. Smith may play.

21. Rockets (18) Mike's memo: Yao's recent domination going for naught.

22. SuperSonics (22) Mike's memo: Surprise! Bob Hill has 2006-07 coach deal in place.

23. Bulls (21) Mike's memo: Playoff push slowed by Songaila's broken foot.

24. Timberwolves (24) Mike's memo: Garnett blows up at lax teammates after give-up loss.

25. Raptors (26) Mike's memo: Comeback victory was dagger to Bucks' hopes.

26. Hawks (23) Mike's memo: Winless for the week, so they drop.

27. Knicks (29) Mike's memo: How much did Brown love victory over Pistons?

28. Warriors (27) Mike's memo: Don't expect to see Davis back this season.

29. Bobcats (28) Mike's memo: Okafor shuts it down for the season.

30. Trail Blazers (30) Mike's memo: Drexler, Porter, Schrempf part of buy bid?

from:http://www.mysanantonio.com

2007 NBA All Star Game Tickets

2006-03-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

The brightest stars of the NBA will perform when the 2007 All-Star Weekend tips off with hundreds of international media members in attendance.

The NBA All-Star game is a legendary NBA All-Star Weekend event that the entire world looks forward to. The all star game gives NBA players a chance to throw away the team concept and go ahead and show off with no remorse. Of course, some stars are more used to already doing that than others. The NBA All-Star Game is a great show, and with little defense and plenty of fast breaks, there's plenty of scoring and fun. Below is NBA All-Star Game history, with past all-star game winners and NBA all-star game MVP award winners

They did it at the All Star game and no one noticed !

2006-03-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

Much has been written about the leagues curiousity about whether or not the majority of fans at an NBA game prefer music to be played while the ball is in play.

The NBA has from time to time mentioned that they would like to experiment with “silent nights” to find out for themselves. When this topic has come up, without any exceptions that I have seen, the media has fully endorsed the concept.

Rather than waiting for a proclamation from the NBA to experiment, I decided to try a “silent night” or two at Mavs home games. We tried playing no music , no only while the ball was in play, but also during stoppages. We did however play music during timeouts. The response was that there was a noticable decline in energy in the building and I got several emails asking what happened to the “show” at the games.

So i decided to try it again, because honestly, I hoped the concept would work. If the fans could lead the cheers and create the energy, my job got a lot easier. Our goal at any Mavs game is to make it an experience. We often liken it to a great wedding where everyone from Grandma and Grandpa to the 15 year old with blue hair and pierced everything all have a great time dancing, singing and interacting. Playing orchestrator as I often do at home games isnt always the easiest job.

So we added microphones to the floor so the entire arena could hear the sneakers squeaking on the court. We turned up the mics on the rim, so the arena could hear the grunts and guys talking on the defensive side. We brought in the Maniaacs to clap and cheer and encourage the fans to get involved. It didnt work. The energy wasnt there. We got far more complaints than compliments.

So we shelved the experiment. We went back to music, prompting and energy and the feedback improved considerably.

Which brings me back to the All Star game. I had a box along with my family, and friends. Some of whom were from Dallas, some who werent. Someone asked me why, with the exception of when the non basketball acts were on the court, or when they were throwing baby basketballs, there was no energy in the building. These were the best players in the universe. Where was the buzz.

It took me about 1 minute to realize what was going on . It was a “Silent Night” . No music while the game was in progress. Some organ prompts. Some limited music during breaks in play. No mics on the rims. No energy in the building until the final few minutes.

I applaud the NBA for taking the chance and seeing what happens. The All Star game is a great place to experiment. But thats not the point of this entry.

The point here is that NO ONE NOTICED.

The media response I got when we did our version was that it was noticably better to them. That they really enjoyed it. That it was the way “games were supposed to be” . Yet, at the game where there were more media members in attendance than any other game pre Finals…. not a word was spoken or written about the fact that it was a silent game.

I did hear commentary on the radio about the lack of energy in the building, but again, not a word about the lack of music , prompts, mics.

I guess we have our answer on “silent nights”

from:http://www.blogmaverick.com

Houston Symphony to Appear at NBA All-Star Game

2006-03-19T03:29:00.000-08:00

The Houston Symphony will perform at the National Basketball Association's All-Star Game in Houston on February 19, the orchestra announced.

The orchestra will play during pre-game activities, accompanying the Eastern Conference and Western Conference all-star teams as they come on to the court. Richard Kaufman, the principal pops conductor of the Pacific Symphony and the Dallas Symphony, will conduct.

The program was not released.

"It's another great opportunity to show off our fine orchestra and our city," said executive director Matthew VanBesien.

The All-Star Game starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the TNT network.

2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp to be Held June 6-10 in Orlando

2006-03-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK AND LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 6, 2006 – The 2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp will be held for the first time in suburban Orlando, Fla. at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex from June 6-10. The NBA Pre-Draft Camp invites top NBA Draft prospects annually to work out and be evaluated by league coaches, general managers, scouts and front office executives.

Pre-Draft Camp drills, games, and strength and conditioning will be conducted at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, one of the premier sports destinations for athletes and spectators that plays host to 170 sporting events each year, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp and Atlanta Braves spring training. The 220-acre complex includes a field house with room for six full-size basketball courts, a 3,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art weight training facility, locker rooms, athletic training facilities, classrooms, office space and a media workroom.

Florida Hospital Celebration Health, a cutting-edge health and wellness center and full-service hospital employing the latest technological advancements in the healthcare industry, will provide the medical capabilities for the camp including performing the physicals for each draft prospect. Disney’s Boardwalk Hotel will serve as the hotel for all pre-Draft camp attendees

"We are excited about hosting the 2006 NBA Pre-Draft Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex which already has a rich NBA history that includes the Orlando Magic's training camp (1997 & 2003) and the inaugural WNBA Pre-Draft Camp (1997),'' said Reggie Williams, Vice President of Disney Sports Attractions. "This new association with the NBA further underscores the reputation and appeal of Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex among leading sports leagues as the premier sports venue in the United States.''

ESPNU, ESPN’s 24-hour college sports network, will provide the most live coverage ever of an NBA Pre-Draft Camp televising six hours over two days, June 7 and 8, 4-7 p.m. ET each day. ESPNU’s coverage will include game action and interviews with players, scouts and NBA general managers. NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour television network, will also provide in-depth coverage of the pre-Draft camp.

“Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex offers first-rate facilities and state-of-the-art amenities that will serve to enhance our pre-Draft camp,” said Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations. “With Disney’s sports complex hosting the camp and ESPNU providing live coverage, it further demonstrates the strong partnership between the NBA and The Walt Disney Company.”

In past years, NBA Pre-Draft Camp had been held at the Moody Bible Institute's Solheim Center in downtown Chicago. The NBA Draft takes place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday, June 28 and is televised on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

http://www.nba.com

Vince Carter photo

2006-03-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Vince Carter

by Bill Harris

(August 2000) 80 pages / 8" x 10"
full color photographs throughout, high school and NBA statistics section
ISBN: 1-55263-170-2 paperback $14.95
Key Porter Books - Firefly Books holds US sales rights only.

http://www.fireflybooks.com/books/1552631702A.html

SPS - Kareem Abdul Jabbar: Biography

2006-03-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

"In my opinion, he is the most valuable player in the history of the game. No player of comparable size and ability was ever as quick and maneuverable, but his unselfish team play has been equally impressive."

- John Wooden

What's in a name? Whether it was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (his Muslim name) or Lew Alcindor (his birth name), he is a winner. In high school. In College. In the pros.

As Alcindor, he led Power Memorial Academy to three straight New York City Catholic championships and a 71-game winning streak. Then came three consecutive NCAA championships at UCLA, with Alcindor becoming the only player to win three Most Outstanding Player awards at the Final Four. UCLA went 88-2 in his three seasons, and twice he was named college Player of the Year.

In the NBA, the 7-foot-2 center helped his teams win six championships (one with the Milwaukee Bucks, five with the Los Angeles Lakers). When Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989 after 20 seasons, he left as the league's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. He was voted MVP six times and NBA Finals MVP twice.

Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was born a large baby -- 12 pounds, 11 ounces and 22½ inches -- on April 16, 1947. It wasn't a surprise he was big, since his father, Lew Sr., was 6-3 and his mother, Cora, was 5-10. Lew Sr., unhappy with the way the Harlem neighborhood was developing, moved his wife and their only child to a better neighborhood in Manhattan in 1950.

At age 9, Lew Jr. tried his first hook shot. He missed, but it felt natural. He was already 5-8. As an eighth grader he stood 6-8 and could dunk.

As a sophomore at Power Memorial, he averaged 19 points and 18 rebounds as Power went undefeated. It went unbeaten again in Alcindor's junior season. The next year, for the first time in 72 games, Alcindor and Power lost, beaten 46-43 by DeMatha Catholic High School of Maryland. Alcindor, who had been averaging 30 points, was held to 16. It was his only loss in his last three years. He finished his career at Power in 1965 with 2,067 points and 2,002 rebounds (both New York City records).

Alcindor played for the best college team in the country in 1965-66, but unfortunately for him and his teammates, freshmen were ineligible to compete for the varsity then. In their first game, the first game ever at Pauley Pavilion, the UCLA freshmen whipped the varsity, two-time defending champions and preseason No. 1, 75-60. Alcindor scored 31 points, grabbed 21 rebounds and blocked seven shots. The Brubabes went 21-0 and Alcindor averaged 33 points and 21 rebounds.

In Alcindor's first varsity game, he set a UCLA record by scoring 56 points. Later that season, he scored 61. He averaged 29 points and 15.5 rebounds with a .667 shooting percentage as John Wooden's Bruins went 30-0. They beat Dayton 79-64 in the NCAA final for the first of seven consecutive championships.

"The only way to beat Alcindor is to hope for the three Fs," Notre Dame coach Johnny Dee said. "Foreign court, friendly officials and foul out Alcindor."

As a junior, eight days before unbeaten UCLA's showdown against unbeaten Houston, Alcindor suffered a scratched left eyeball. He missed the next two games, and when he came back against Houston -- before a then-record crowd of 52,693 in the Astrodome -- he shot 4-of-18. Elvin Hayes scored 39 points, including the two winning free throws with 25 seconds left, as Houston snapped UCLA's 47-game winning streak 71-69. Alcindor avenged his loss at the NCAA Final Four, scoring 19 points with 18 rebounds (while Hayes was held to 10 points) as UCLA rolled to a 101-69 victory over the No. 1-ranked Cougars. Then UCLA routed North Carolina 78-55 in the final.

UCLA lost one game in Alcindor's senior season -- USC used a stall to win 46-44. With Alcindor scoring 37 points (15-of-20 from the field) and grabbing 20 rebounds, the Bruins pounded Purdue and Rick Mount 92-72 in the NCAA final. Alcindor finished his UCLA career with 2,325 points (26.4 average) and 1,367 rebounds (15.5 average).

The most serious competition in the NBA in 1969 was a coin flip. Two first-year teams -- the 16-66 Phoenix Suns and the 27-55 Milwaukee Bucks -- were the two worst teams in the league, and they flipped for the first pick of the draft. The Suns lost, and the Bucks gained the right to choose Alcindor.

With Alcindor averaging 28.8 points (second in the NBA) and 14.5 rebounds (third), the Bucks improved to 56-26 and reached the Eastern Division finals before losing to the Knicks.

The next season was even sweeter. The Bucks had a league-best 66-16 record behind Alcindor, whose sky hook became the most devastating weapon in the game, and newly acquired Oscar Robertson. Alcindor led the NBA with a 31.7 scoring average and was voted MVP. The Bucks didn't stop there, cruising to the NBA title by winning 12 of 14 playoff games. After the Bucks swept the Baltimore Bullets in four games, Alcindor was voted the Finals MVP.

A Muslim since his college days, Alcindor legally changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the fall of 1971. The name change didn't bother his performance as he won his second straight MVP, averaging a league-high 34.8 points.

In 1975, Abdul-Jabbar said Milwaukee was inadequate for his cultural needs. The Bucks traded him to the Lakers for center Elmore Smith, guard Brian Winters and rookie blue chippers Dave Myers and Junior Bridgeman. Despite LA finishing 40-42 and out of the playoffs, Abdul-Jabbar won his fourth MVP after averaging 27.7 points (second in the league) and leading the NBA with 16.9 rebounds and 4.12 blocks per game.

Abdul-Jabbar, who won his sixth MVP award in 1980, and rookie guard Magic Johnson led the Lakers to the NBA Finals that season. But after twisting his ankle badly in Game 5, Abdul-Jabbar couldn't make the trip to Philadelphia for Game 6. Moving to center, Johnson put on a "magic" show, scoring 42 points as the Lakers won the first of their five titles in the 1980s. After the game, Magic said for Abdul-Jabbar and all of America to hear, "We know you're hurting, big fella, but we want you to get up and do some dancing tonight!"

On April 5, 1984, Abdul-Jabbar became the league's all-time leading scorer on -- appropriately enough -- a sky hook from 15 feet. The basket gave the goggled and balding center 31,420 points, one more than Wilt Chamberlain scored.

When Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989 at age 42, his career regular-season numbers were 24.6 points per game, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 blocked shots and a .559 shooting percentage. He was first-team all-league 10 times and second-team 5 times. He also holds NBA records for most seasons of 1,000 or more points (19), most minutes played (57,446), and most field goals (15,837).

On May 15, 1995, he was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Life after basketball for Abdul-Jabbar has been busy, with coaching and writing endeavors filling much of his free time- he has worked on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation as an assistant coach in recent years, helping to give back to less fortunate young basketball players. "People in my position, with time and not pressed financially, are the ones that need to share," Kareem said. The author of several books, Kareem has also appeared in movies, most notably Airplane.

On February 18, 2000, Abdul-Jabbar was named an assistant coach of the LA Clippers. He ended his relationship with them after the season, and worked as a consultant for the Indiana Pacers, but in the spring of 2002, he signed on to coach the USBL Oklahoma Storm, an NBA feeder league team. It is his first job as a head coach.

Text Courtesy of
ESPN.com (Larry Schwartz)

http://www.sportsplacement.com/kareembio.htm

Michael Jordan - Basketball Genius biography

2006-03-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Michael Jordan single-handedly redefined basketball. No player in it’s history has achieved so much in ANY amount of time. He introduced a style of playing basketball that other players simply could not comprehend, much less deliver.

Michael was born February 17, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina. He was recently asked, "What was the first thing that went through your mind when you didn’t make the [high school] varsity team as a sophomore?" He replied, " I was very disappointed, and I thought the coach had made a mistake. But my mother said the best thing for me to do was to prove to the coach that he was wrong. And I started working on my game the day after I was cut." By the time he reached the University of North Carolina, he was ready!

The Chicago Bulls were impressed with this young player and was picked up in the primary round. Michael now had the opportunity to further re-define his basketball skills and ultimately basketball as a sport. His grace, power, artistry and on court improvisational ability led him to the hoop for score after score. He joined a team that prior to his arrival had only won 28 games in the previous season. With his talents, he would improve that to over 60 wins during the regular season. He would be awarded the Rookie of the year award this year. He marched the bulls, starting in 1991, to the first of three consecutive titles. He would score over 29,000 points in his career at Chicago. Michael surprised the world and took a year off to play minor league baseball. This proved to be more of a break from basketball, than a retirement, as Michael had envisioned. He returned to basketball with his playing skills intact and continued to dominate the boards. In 1995-96 he won a record eighth scoring title and led the Bulls to their fourth NBA championship of the 1990’s, and in 1996-97 he raised those numbers to nine scoring championships and six NBA crowns in the decade.

Michael Jordan holds two Olympic gold medals for his participation in the 1984 and 1992 Olympics for Team USA. He was named to the 1997-98 NBA All-Interview First Team. He is a 5 time MVP (Most Valuable Player). He broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record by scoring in double-digits for the 788^th consecutive game (scoring a game-high 33 points, against the Minnesota Timberwolves 12/30/1997).

He was selected in 1996 as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. The Bulls all time leading scorer with 29,277 points. NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, NBA Rookie of the Year in 1985. Scored a career high 69 points in a 117-113 overtime win at Cleveland on 3/28/1990. His 23 consecutive points against Atlanta on 4/16/1987 were the most ever by an NBA player.

Michael is married to Juanita, and they have three children – Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine. They reside in the Highland Park area of the city. Michael always wears his North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform for good luck. He starred in Space Jam (1996) alongside Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fud and Tweety Bird (no relation to Larry Byrd).

Playing AGAINST Michael Jordan on the basketball court almost always ends in defeat, however Michael stepped out of his power zone into uncharted territory with his recent announcement that he will become President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards.

http://www.topblacks.com

NBA scoring leader Bryant on preliminary US roster for World Championships

2006-03-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

AFP/Getty Images/File Photo: National Basketball Association scoring leader Kobe Bryant, pictured February 2006, was among the 21 NBA...

COLORADO SPRINGS, United States (AFP) - National Basketball Association scoring leader Kobe Bryant was among the 21 NBA stars named to the initial 23-man list that will produce America's World Championship squad

Also included on the list, which will be narrowed first to 15 and then trimmed to 12 for the FIBA World Championships in Japan in August, were Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards, Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons, Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks, Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Luke Ridnour of the Seattle SuperSonics, and rookie Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets.

Forwards named were Phoenix Suns teammates Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington's Antawn Jamison, Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs and Lamar Odom of the Lakers.

The only true center named was Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings, but USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said Los Angeles Lakers big man Shaquille O'Neal has a standing invitation to join the squad.

"Shaq and I have a good relationship," Colangelo said. "I said (to him) the door's open. There's always a spot."

Noticeably absent from the team is Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson, a co-captain on the 2004 Olympic squad that won bronze in Athens.

"Everyone was considered," said Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University's legendary college coach who will guide the team. "It is obvious that we're not trying to put a collection of All-Stars together."

Colangelo defended not selecting Iverson, who wanted to play for Team USA again.

"We were looking for distributors at the guard sport and we think we have that with guys like Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Luke Ridnour," Colangelo said. "Plus, we already have seven of the top eight scorers in the NBA on this team."

Although Iverson isn't regarded as a "distributor," he is averaging more than seven assists a game for the Sixers this season.

Anthony, James, Marion, Odom, Stoudemire and Wade were members of the 2004 Olympic team selected again.

Krzyzewski will have at his disposal former Duke players Shane Battier of the Memphis Grizzlies and Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers.

In addition, two college players, Gonzaga forward Adam Morrison and Duke guard JJ Redick will compete for spots on the team.

http://news.yahoo.com

Bryant named for Team USA

2006-03-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

LEADING scorer Kobe Bryant is among the 21 NBA stars named today (AEDT) in the 23-man list that will produce the United States' world championship squad.

Also included on the list, which will be narrowed first to 15 and then trimmed to 12 for the FIBA world championships in Japan in August, are Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards, Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons), Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Luke Ridnour (Seattle SuperSonics) and rookie Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets).

Forwards named are Phoenix Suns teammates Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Antawn Jamison, Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs) and Lamar Odom (LA Lakers.

The only true centre named is Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings), but USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said Lakers big man Shaquille O'Neal has a standing invitation to join the squad.

"Shaq and I have a good relationship," said Colangelo. "I said (to him) the door's open. There's always a spot."

Noticeably absent is Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson, a co-captain on the 2004 Olympic squad that won bronze in Athens.

"Everyone was considered," said Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University's legendary college coach who will guide the team. "It is obvious that we're not trying to put a collection of All-Stars together."

Colangelo defended not selecting Iverson, who wanted to play for Team USA again.

"We were looking for distributors at the guard sport and we think we have that with guys like Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Luke Ridnour," he said

from:http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au

Miami shines without stars

2006-03-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

AP PHOTO

OVER THE TOP: Heat center Alonzo Mourning slams it over Josh Smith in the final seconds, giving Miami its first lead of the game Saturday.

An injury kept out Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal fouled out, but Derek Anderson and Alonzo Mourning combined to get the Heat its season-high eighth consecutive victory.

With Dwyane Wade decked out in a gray suit and pink shirt and tie, restrained to the sideline with a sore right wrist, the Heat looked to a player who supposedly wasn't ready and had not played an NBA game since Dec. 14.

All Derek Anderson did was lead Miami out of a bleak situation, a role usually reserved for Wade, scoring 12 second-half points as the Heat beat the Hawks 95-93 to extend its seasonlong win streak to eight games.

''He kept telling me he was ready, but I'm a stubborn old coach,'' Heat coach Pat Riley said of Anderson. ``He's worked very hard at it, and, obviously, with Dwyane being out, we went to him. One thing about him -- he's got a lot of confidence. He will shoot and stretch the defense, and so I think he's going to be a big plus for us.''

Anderson was particularly big in the second half, when Shaquille O'Neal played only nine minutes because of foul trouble. O'Neal, who led the Heat with 21 points and eight rebounds, was the target of the Hawks' defense the entire night.

The Hawks were constantly double-teaming O'Neal, and if he ever even looked like he was attempting a shot, the Hawks fouled him. That left O'Neal without an official shot attempt until the third quarter, but he did attempt 16 free throws in the first half, making nine.

''They were just committed to fouling Shaquille every single time on his advance to the basket,'' Riley said of the Hawks, who led by as many as 17 points. ``They didn't care. And they switched every pick and roll, and we got a little bit confused with that and didn't really handle it that well. And we missed every good shot that we had in the beginning.''

But even though O'Neal managed to foul out two Hawks centers, the Heat center was also in foul trouble throughout. When O'Neal was assessed his fifth with 5:55 left in the game, the Heat trailed 85-77.

Before O'Neal fouled out with 3:45 remaining, the Heat had closed the gap to 86-84, thanks to four O'Neal points and a three-pointer from Anderson. It was the closest the Heat had gotten since the 7:28 mark of the first quarter.

Hawks forward Josh Smith hit a three-pointer immediately after O'Neal fouled out, extending the Atlanta lead to 89-84 with 3:25 left. That's when Anderson filled Wade's shoes to perfection.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Anderson, who the Heat acquired Feb. 23 from the Houston Rockets, found Udonis Haslem for an alley-oop with 2:46 left that brought Miami to within two points again. He followed that with a clean strip of Hawks rookie Marvin Williams.

The steal led to Jason Williams' missed three-pointer, but Haslem grabbed the rebound and was fouled on the ensuing shot attempt. Haslem made both free throws to tie it 89-89.

After a pair of Smith free throws, Anderson answered with two of his own to make it 91-91. And when Al Harrington put the Hawks back up with two more free throws, Anderson isolated against rookie Salim Stoudamire and hit a fadeaway jumper in the lane to tie it again with 33.9 seconds left.

Finally, after Stoudamire missed an open 22-footer for the Hawks, Anderson was in the right place at the right time to make the game-winning play.

Haslem, who finished the game with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, took the potential game-winner with about three seconds remaining. The shot missed badly to the right of the rim, but Anderson was underneath to catch the miss and shovel it to Alonzo Mourning under the rim for a dunk with 1.9 seconds left, giving the Heat its first lead of the game. Stoudamire missed the Hawks' final shot attempt, giving the Heat the win.

`CONFIDENCE'

Haslem had a few words for Anderson at halfcourt after he salvaged the final play to win the game.

''I told him way to keep his eye on me, because I was passing it to him,'' Haslem joked.

Anderson finished the game 4 of 10 from the field for 14 points after starting 1 of 7.

''I was rushing too much,'' Anderson said. ``I was trying to get in a rhythm and find my niche.

``You've got to find your groove and make sure you don't do too much. I was doing that, but my teammates and coaches stuck behind me, so if you've got confidence like that it makes your game a lot easier.''

WADE UPDATE

Wade said the sore right wrist that kept him out of Saturday's game has been bothering him since the game before the All-Star break against the Orlando Magic, and he figured now was as good a time as any to get it checked out.

''I haven't really shot many jumpers of late, so it's been bothering me,'' Wade said. ``Too many falls the last couple of games, and it hasn't really gotten any better. It's been getting worse.''

Wade said he might be able to play in Monday's game against the Bobcats, but he will rely on team trainer Ron Culp to give him clearance. Riley said Wade will have to learn how to fall properly to protect his wrist. Wade doesn't figure that will be necessary.

''I don't want to fall on it,'' Wade said. ``I'll be more cautious when I get back, if I take a fall, of not landing on my wrist.''

from:http://www.realcities.com/

NBA stars Artest, Iverson left dealing with Team USA snub

2006-03-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

The players invited to try out for the USA's Men's Senior National Basketball team will be announced today. Twenty-two NBA players, two college players and one high school player will vie for the final roster spots on the team that will play in the World Championships in the summer and in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Some of the biggest names in basketball - Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Paul Pierce - were invited. There also were questionable invitees like Luke Ridnour and Mike Miller, but the biggest surprise about today's announcement will be the names left off.

Stars such as Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan did not want to make the three-year commitment and give up their busy summers to play on the Olympic team, but the decision not to invite Allen Iverson or Ron Artest is mind-boggling.

Iverson's ability to break down a defense off the dribble and score from the outside is valuable in international play. Artest's defense would have been more valuable.

A major deficiency of the U.S. team in previous Olympics was its lack of defensive play. No one wanted to chase opponents around the perimeter and no one dared to get nasty in the paint. Artest's ability to defend players at every position would have helped.

"There are lots of people in the NBA that could help, and they just didn't want me," Artest said. "It's not just being a defensive stopper but a guy that can play. They picked all of these other guys over me."

Artest had many things working against him. He's been fined on several occasions because of his behavior on the court. He was also the fuse that ignited the melee in Auburn Hills last season that resulted in his suspension for the rest of the season.

"All of that good defense I play isn't getting me in the Olympics," Artest said. "But I'm not surprised. I wasn't invited because of my image. If I was in another country, I'd probably get to play. But in America, they're not going to let me play."

Not a Pistons fan:

Bulls coach Scott Skiles has made a habit of complaining about the Detroit Pistons getting favorable whistles from referees.

site:http://www.cleveland.com/

Chauncey Billups 1st NBA All-Star Game

2006-02-18T15:57:00.001-08:00

Chauncey Billups

6-3, 202, Born September 25, 1976
College: Colorado (Pa.)
9th NBA Season … 1st NBA All-Star Game

Nine-year veteran’s first All-Star selection … Averaging career highs in scoring, assists, minutes, free throw percentage and three-point field goals … Rarely turns the ball over … Considered one of the most clutch players in the game … Scored career-high 37 points against Orlando on Jan. 6 … Named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season … Floor leader of Detroit team that captured the 2004 NBA Championship, where he averaged 16.9 points and a team-high 5.7 assists per game during the regular season … Selected after sophomore year by Boston Celtics in first round (third pick overall) of 1997 NBA Draft … Went from Celtics to Raptors to the Nuggets in 1998, to the Timberwolves in 2000, finally to Detroit in 2002.

Gilbert Arenas All-Star Team

2006-02-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Gilbert Arenas

Player Information

Position: G

Born: Jan 6, 1982

Height: 6-4 / 1,93

Weight: 210 lbs. / 95,3 kg.

College : Arizona

Career Highlights

2006 NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team

2004-05 All-NBA Third Team

Named to 2005 NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Team

2002-03 Most Improved Award Winner

MVP of 2003 got milk? Rookie Challenge

Named NBA Western Conference ‘got milk?’ Rookie of the Month for April 2002 .

Chris Bosh All-Star in only his third year

2006-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Chris Bosh

6-10, 230, Born March 2, 1984
College: Georgia Tech
3rd NBA Season … 1st NBA All-Star Game

A first-time All-Star in only his third year, in which he’s averaging career highs in virtually every statistical category … Left-hander is among the league leaders in scoring, minutes, double-doubles and field goal percentage … Scored a career-high 37 points versus the Pistons on Dec. 27, 2005 … Averaged 16.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in 2004-05 … Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2004, after averaging 11.5 points and setting a Raptors franchise record for most rebounds in rookie season with 557 … Selected after one season at Georgia Tech by Raptors in first round (fourth pick overall) of 2003 draft.

Ben Wallace NBA All-Star Game

2006-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Ben Wallace

6-9, 240, Born September 10, 1974
College: Virginia Union
10th NBA Season …4th NBA All-Star Game

One of the strongest and fiercest competitors in the league … Consistently ranks among league leaders in rebounds, blocks and steals … Finished last season second in the league in rebounding (12.2 rpg) and fifth in blocks (2.38 bpg), and was named to the All-Defensive First Team for the fourth straight year ... Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in four years (2001-02 and 2002-03) ... Twice named to the All-NBA Second Team and earned Third Team honors once … Became first undrafted player to be voted as a starter in the All-Star Game … One of only four players in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds (13.0) and blocks (3.48) during the same season (2001-02).

Tim Duncan NBA All-Star Game

2006-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

7-0, 260, Born April 25, 1976
College: Wake Forest
9th NBA Season … 8th NBA All-Star Game

Widely regarded as the best big man in the game today…In 2004-05, captured his third NBA Championship and his third NBA Finals MVP, joining Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal as the only other players to accomplish this feat…Among league leaders in rebounds, blocks and double-doubles … Two-time regular season MVP (2001-02 and 2002-03) … Member of 2004 USA Basketball Men's Olympic Team… The first player in NBA history to be named to both an All-NBA Team and an All-Defensive Team in each of his first eight seasons... Has averaged a double-double in each of his eight NBA seasons … Named co-MVP of the 2000 NBA All-Star Game, scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds … Named to the 1997-98 All-NBA First Team, becoming only the ninth rookie in NBA history to earn the honor, and is an eight-time member of the All-NBA First Team … Winner of the 1997-98 Rookie of the Year Award and a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie First Team.