basketball
HUSKIES: Who will be the leader in 2011?
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HUSKIES: Arizona road trip keys to the game
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What Basketball Means To Me
On my best days, I will wake up in the morning, play basketball for two or three hours, rest in the afternoon, and play again at night.
I’ll play in gyms, on asphalt, in the sunshine, in the rain, under a moonlit sky, beneath the glaring fluorescence of floodlights.
I’ll play with men and women, boys and girls, teenagers, adults, senior citizens, white people, black people, brown, yellow, red, green, blue, purple. It doesn’t matter. I’ll play with anyone.
Some days I’ll be on, some days I’ll be off. Some days I’ll be smooth, some days I’ll be shaky. Some days I’ll be hot, some days I’ll be cold. But for every bad day, I’ll come back to make the next one good.
Basketball is a simple game. On one end, you’re tasked with putting a round ball through a circular hoop sitting ten feet off the ground. On the other end, you’re tasked with preventing an opponent from putting a round ball through a circular hoop sitting ten feet off the ground. It’s as easy as that.
In this country, basketball is the redheaded stepchild of our major sports scene. This is due in large part to the failed endeavors of the NBA to promote a wholesome image of the game on our home soil. We tend to amalgamate the National Basketball Association with thuggery, with crime, with lavish lifestyles, exorbitant contracts, unrelatable personalities, and egregious disloyalty to a once-loyal fan base. At its highest organized level, the sport has crumbled, distancing itself from an entire generation of individuals who will never understand the beauty of a game I hold near and dear to my heart.
Basketball is not limited to the misdeeds of the NBA, or even the slightly more puritanical rendition of play found in the NCAA. Basketball is more than free agency, more than letters of intent, more than scholarships, more than scandal, more than pricey footwear and apparel, more than an image, a rep, or anything else that could possibly serve to complicate the austerity of a dribble, a pass, and a shot.
We tend to overlook what basketball does for those who play it. It breeds self-confidence, assuredness, mental toughness, physical toughness, teamwork, awareness, intelligence, work ethic, desire, a positive attitude, and social skill. The latter perhaps coming as a result of all those on-court verbal jab sessions your uber-confident ballplayers might engage in from time to time (myself included).
Basketball is an American game, created in this country, for our citizens, and adopted by the rest of the world. There are cities in this great nation of ours that may lack open fields upon which to play baseball, football, or soccer. But in almost every township, every borough, and every neighborhood in the United States, you will find a hoop inviting you to shoot baskets on it.
And in its most granular form — that of the shootaround — basketball becomes more than a game. It’s just practice, yes. The act of honing one’s skills, or working on one’s shot, or taking on one’s shadow in a fierce battle of man-versus-mirage.
But for some, like me, basketball is therapy. The court is a sanctuary, the ball a shoulder to lean on, the hoop a sense of reassurance. The court heals, it soothes, it lets one cope with anything — from heartache, to stress, to breakups, to death. It doesn’t judge. It doesn’t interrupt. It doesn’t sympathize through words or actions. Rather it waits. Always open. Always available. Always ready. And when you seek out its advice, its care, its comfort, it indulges. It obliges. And it does so asking nothing of you in return.
The pulse of the dribble. The rip of the net. The squeaking of soles. The thud of the backboard. The clank of the rim. This is the chatter of the game. The conversations we have together. A “clank” and I can do better. A “rip” and my effort has sufficed. And in between we bounce, the ball a heartbeat that carries life from shot to shot.
Some people drink. Some people cry. Some people yell. Some people vent. Some people eat. Some people sleep. Some people run. Some people walk. Some people punch. Some people kick. Some people fight. Some people scream. Some people shop. Some people hate. Some people love.
I play basketball. It is my outlet. My solace.
I run in the heat. In the cold. In the twilight. Amidst the sunset. Beneath the stars.
I could sit, or stand, or lie and wait. I could do anything. I could nothing. Instead, I play basketball.
I’m twenty-five years old. I intend to play until I’m one-hundred-and-twenty-five. I will teach my children, my grandchildren, their children. I will watch them play. I will play alongside them. We will play. My life will be a game.
Beyond everything else — the work, the job, the family, the friends, the house, the car, the pets, the possessions — there will be a common denominator, an underlying bond, a running theme. It will be basketball. It is basketball. This is what basketball means to me.
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Terrence Jones Spurns Washington Huskies, Chooses Kentucky
Ahhh…. Sweet redemption.
As a Washington State Cougar, I didn’t get to take pride in anything sports related this year, we got pwned by the Huskies in pretty much everything. Yes the Huskies have quite the edge on the all time series (I know your going to say something Shaun), but as far as recent history and the parts I have been alive for; the series has had it’s mood swings both ways.
Writing with a Husky doesn’t pose too much of a problem, we both love being 12th Men and writing about our Seahawks; having exchanged a couple jabs, it’s all in good fun.
I have quite a few Husky friends as well, whether they be current students, alum, family members of alumni, or just fans from having grown up in Seattle.
For the last couple weeks, all I have heard is how the Cougars are going to be getting whupped when Terrence Jones signs with the Huskies and rains an ungodly f^%&$# firestorm upon us.
I pretty much shrugged it off like I have most of the crap we have taken about sports this season– when you party as much as we do in Pullman, no one really is sober to care enough anyways.
Well, we scored a small victory over you guys today, and we had nothing to lose, this one has to sting for you guys.
Jesse, I hope your reading this.
Klay Thompson will still be the best college basketball player in the state of Washington leading the youngest team in the Pac-10– where’s the Terrence Jones security blanket when you need it purple and gold?
I get the last, well, only laugh on this one, you all were so sure… So fired up… So ready to claim supremacy for the future in basketball…
Sure, the Apple Cup will belong to the Huskies as long as they have the future No. 1 overall pick taking snaps; basketball? Still up for debate.
Enough of the jabs, it was just my turn Shaun.
Oregon product and top recruit Terrence Jones, long speculated to be all but going to the University of Washington, has committed to the University of Kentucky.
Nothing is imminent, but according to an ESPN report, he has signed financial aid paperwork with the University; not binding, but something that sends a pretty clear message.
With Kentucky losing five players to the NBA this season, Jones may have seen this as an opportunity to be a bigger star with, with a more highly regarded program.
This all comes after Jones verbally committed to staying in the pacific northwest and actually wore a Huskies cap in a news conference at his high school.
Man… There are going to be some pissed off/upset Huskies and some content Cougars waking up to this news in the morning.
As far as the comments that might come along, keep them civil, and yes, I already know…
The Huskies killed us in sports last year.
They have better overall academics, (I am a Communications major so don’t go there).
You have god in shoulder pads Jake Locker.
We still have 2/3 Apple Cups.
Crimson is less gay then purple.
All dirt roads lead to Pullman.
And the Cougars never finished 0-12!
Tags: basketball, Cougars, football, Huskies, nfl, Seahawks, Storm
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Storm & KING 5 Announce 2010 Home TV Schedule
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Miserable in Seattle
Feeling optimistic? Forbes.com just revealed its list of America’s most miserable sports cities and Seattle is at the top.
Citing a lack of championships and a departed franchise, Tom Van Riper says Seattle is the most miserable city in the country for sports fans. To make this even more depressing, Seattle tops the list for the second consecutive year.
The Sonics left for Oklahoma City and disgruntled followers in Seattle have watched Kevin Durant develop into a star. Basketball fans are hopeful a professional team will return, but the original Supersonics can never be replaced.
The Mariners haven’t made the playoffs in nearly a decade and only have four postseason appearances in their history. Despite winning 116 games in 2001, the Mariners have failed to ever make it to a World Series. And if you’ve watched the Mariners play this season, it is difficult to remain optimistic.
The Seahawks have posted a 9-23 record the past two seasons; despite five consecutive postseason appearances and a trip to Super Bowl XL, they have never won a championship for Seattle. Pete Carroll and an exciting new regime offer hope, but the Seahawks are definitely a team trying to rebuild.
Surprisingly, the article does not mention Sounders FC, Seattle’s newest MLS franchise. Devoted fans routinely fill Qwest Field to watch them play – the club set an MLS record for average attendance at 30,943 fans per game in their inaugural season. In addition to faithful fans, Sounders FC also became only the second MLS expansion team in league history to win the U.S. Open Cup tournament.
Professional sports in Seattle have not been remarkable, but I’m not sure the city deserves to be called the most miserable in the country for two consecutive years.
The past few years have been depressing and Seattle is well overdue for a championship, but there isn’t at least one city around the country worse-off than we are?
Forbes.com’s justification:
No. 1 Seattle
Teams: Mariners, Seahawks, Sonics
Championship round losses: 3
Semifinal round losses: 7
Total seasons/championships: 109/1
Years since last title: 31
Teams lost: SonicsWe’re not counting the one-year run of baseball’s Seattle Pilots, who split for Milwaukee in 1970 in an essentially pre-arranged deal. The city is still looking for its first MLB and NFL titles, while having to endure the sight of young NBA superstar Kevin Durant do his thing in Oklahoma City, which lured the Sonics with a sweet arena deal two years ago.
Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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Tags: baseball, basketball, football, Mariners, mlb, mls, nfl, Seahawks, Sounders FC
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M. Basketball. Men’s Basketball, Women’s Golf Recognized For APR Excellence
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W. Basketball. Whitcomb Relished Time With WNBA
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M. Basketball. Men’s Basketball 2009-10 Season Review
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M. Basketball. A Day to Remember For Pondexter
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Top 11: Northwest Sports Fan Profiles
For the past couple years, Seattle-based Pemco Insurance has run an ad campaign featuring the “Northwest Profiles” of stereotypical localites. The catchy commercials have depicted a handful of different personalities that populate this corner of the nation (Sandals and Socks Guys, 50 Degrees Shirt’s Off Guy, Green Lake Power Walker, to name three), but haven’t done much to justify your average Seattle sports fan. Which is where we come in.
Playing off of Pemco’s idea, we’ve come up with 11 new Northwest Profiles which all relate to sports, and more specifically, local sports fans. If you read between the lines, you might find yourself among this group of quirky athletic spectators.
Northwest Profile #11: Spiky-Haired Female Seattle Storm Fan
A denizen of what we will non-judgmentally refer to as alternative life choices, you are the WNBA’s biggest fanatic and your favorite team happens to be the Emerald City’s own Seattle Storm, nay Bing, nay Storm.
Wearing acid-washed stretch jeans, a baggy earth-tone t-shirt, and a Sue Bird jersey, you romp and roll your way through forty minutes of rowdy rambunctiousness, cheering your brains out for the one team in Seattle that doesn’t get the respect it sorely deserves.
Outside this venue, you’re looked at as different, what with your early-’90s Arnold Schwarzenegger crop-top hairdo and affinity to curb makeup for musk and whatnot. But amongst these basketball-loving peers of yours, you blend right in, in spite of the fact that you’re still unique in your own special way.
Spiky-Haired Female Seattle Storm Fan, you’re one of us. And without you, the Storm would be sorely lacking in attendance. So keep it up. For their sake.
Northwest Profile #10: Fat White Guy in the Ichiro Jersey
In complete denial over your beer belly, your age, your ethnicity, and your inability to sprout a carefully-manicured five o’clock shadow, you valiantly forge ahead with your decision to don the uniform of your favorite player to each and every ballgame.
Never mind that your favorite player weighs but a mere 170 pounds, while you nearly double that.
Never mind that he is faster than a gazelle, while you are only fast enough to consume three Dick’s Deluxes on your lunch break.
Never mind that he practices his batting stroke, while you just stroke…well, we won’t go there.
Fat White Guy in the Ichiro Jersey, you’re one of us. And while you take a minute to ponder your wardrobe dysfunction, we’ll begin our search for a thin Japanese guy in a Bucky Jacobsen shirt.
Northwest Profile #9: Leaves The Game Early To Beat Traffic Guy
With the seventh-inning stretch or the start of the fourth quarter to trigger your internal alarm, you leap from your seat and make a mad dash for the exits in an attempt to win the day and conquer that almighty equalizer, traffic.
Never one to waste precious gas mileage, you’re more content to watch seventy-five-percent of every ballgame you attend rather than spend an extra couple minutes in your Toyota Prius.
So what if you squandered half a year’s salary on season tickets? This is America, and as an American you have every right to leave each contest whenever you desire. You might never see the outcome of such a contest, but at least you can say you were there. More or less.
Leaves The Game Early To Beat Traffic Guy, you’re one of us. And as you plan your day around getting home as fast as possible, we’ll sit here and flounder our way through life in your stead.
Northwest Profile #8: Rally Fry Sign-Holder
Faced with the toughest of decisions — drop $6 for garlic fries, or make a ridiculous sign that will present you with a slim-to-none chance of getting those garlic fries for free — you always make the right choice.
All of which explains why on this cold, blustery Tuesday night, you’re standing with your shirt off in the right field bleachers of Safeco Field holding a piece of tagboard that says, “Hey Blowers! I Will Totally Blow You For Some Rally Fries!”
Dignity aside, you’ll do whatever it takes to save a few bucks and still be able to disgust all your coworkers with that day-old aroma of stagnant garlic. Yum.
And even though Blowers probably won’t take you up on your offer, at least you’ve proven in block lettering and colorful print that you are absolutely willing to do whatever it takes to win this contest. Up to and possibly including the act of fellatio with an ex-third baseman. That is dedication.
Rally Fry Sign-Holder, you’re one of us. And that’s, uh, great.
Northwest Profile #7: Misguided Chick Who Attends Mariner Games Because She Honestly Thinks She Has A Chance To Bang Franklin Gutierrez
You know he’s married, right?
Not that a vow of fidelity or a lifetime commitment to one’s soulmate would stop you from trying, or anything. Which is why we applaud your persistence, while simultaneously condemning your brazen desire to wreck this man’s wonderful home.
So you doll up for a baseball game of all things, sporting six inch heels, painted-on pants, and a low-cut top that allows every warm-blooded male a clear view of that cavernous valley that sits between your mountainous peaks.
You endure catcalls from jealous beyotches who don’t know style when they see it.
You withstand advances from drunken slobs who wouldn’t know what to do with that ass if you stuck a spout on your undergarments and told them to tap that.
You’ve had breakfast, lunch, and dinner but what you’re really craving is some imported Venezuelan sausage.
?Your mission resides in Safeco Field’s no-fly zone. He stands six-feet, two-inches tall. He weighs one-hundred-and-ninety pounds. He’s half-man, half-amazing, and all yours. Or so you choose to believe.
Misguided Chick Who Attends Mariner Games Because She Honestly Thinks She Has A Chance To Bang Franklin Gutierrez, you’re one of us. And frankly, you kind of creep me out.
Northwest Profile #6: Super-Casual Seahawks Fan
Don’t think we don’t see you over there, hanging out at the mall with your wife on those Sunday afternoons when the football team you claim to support happens to be playing a home game. You can’t hide behind the curved brim of your made-to-look-worn-but-actually-brand-new denim blue Seahawks cap. We know who you are, and we almost kinda sorta understand your predicament. Sorta. Kinda.
We get it. You’re the good husband who happened to choose the wrong woman. These things happen. She’s needy, you’re weak, and hence you end up spending half your weekend searching for lacy things with clasps and straps and pads that utterly bore you. And still you hold the pink shopping bag like a trooper. Or a real wuss. But we’re not here to hate on you like that.
You tell the boys at the office that you’re a Hawks fan. You bleed blue and green…or grey…or silver, or whatever their colors are. You saw that fourth-quarter comeback drive that led to a last-second touchdown pass from Hasselbeck to Houshmanblahblah. You saw it! You know exactly what Bill from accounting is talking about! You know! You swear you know! He totally busted that two-deep coverage! Hell yeah, the new chick in reception is hot! You would totally hit that, too! You so would! From the back, just like Bill said! The back door is totally your favorite door! Drinks after work?! Ah, wait, no, ah, no, you see, you can’t, ah, because it’s book club night and you, ah, you make the pina coladas for the group, so uh, no.
It’s okay. Because let me tell you something Super-Casual Seahawks Fan. You, my friend, are one of us. And while we may not fully support your life choices, we wholeheartedly support the fact that you’re trying. And trying, at the very least, is a step in the right direction.
Northwest Profile #5: Old Guy Who Doesn’t Realize That Willie Bloomquist Is Gone
Dammit. You have tried thirty-seven times this evening to get on the Mariners’ postgame radio show, but that damn producer won’t let you on the airwaves. You do not understand what the problem is. In years past, you’ve been a frequent call-in guest, and you have always discussed your all-time favorite subject, who also happens to be your all-time favorite athlete, who also happens to be the great-grand-nephew of your neighbor down the street who you play bridge with on Wednesdays: Willie Bloomquist.
Why don’t they give him a chance? Why won’t that Wakamitsubishi guy play him? You know, he could be an all-star if he just got to play every day. You’ve been around the game for sixty-some-odd years and that Bloomquist fella is one of the greatest players you have ever laid eyes on. And you saw Mays in his heyday.
You just don’t understand their ignorance on the matter. They’re playing Mexicans and Orientals and — dammit, now they’re hanging up on you again. And so you redial, but that takes too long because you can’t spin the numbers on your rotary phone that well anymore. And before long you’re asleep. And you wake up and there’s drool on your shoulder, and when on earth did you fall asleep? What time is it? Midnight? Crap.
Old Guy Who Doesn’t Realize That Willie Bloomquist Is Gone, you’re one of us. And even though your neighbor’s great-grand-nephew might not be a Seattle icon anymore, we’re still here for you and we don’t plan on leaving.
Northwest Profile #4: Holier-Than-Thou, Scarf-Wielding Sounders Fan
You have a scarf. With that scarf comes the divine right to consider yourself more knowledgeable, more informed, and more out and out cool than the scarf-less.
Your scarf says, “Hey man, I’m a real sports fan, so what does that make you? Huh? Where’s your scarf, bro? Where’s your scarf? What’s that? You don’t have one? What are you doing here wearing that Sounders shirt if you don’t have a scarf? What’s the deal? Get a scarf, poser, or take that shirt off.” Hell yeah.
You might not really know soccer, or even sports for that matter, but that’s completely irrelevant. The fact is, you belong to something. You are part of the group, the in-crowd, the clique. You belong to a fraternity. A fraternity of people who have scarves.
Holier-Than-Thou, Scarf-Wielding Sounders Fan, you’re one of us. Which kind of makes us douchebags for picking on people without scarves. But that’s how it goes, I guess. Eh.
Northwest Profile #3: Batsh*t Crazy Dawg Pack Member
With calf muscles the size of small villages in Eastern Europe, enough energy to kick the Energizer bunny’s cotton-tailed ass, and vocal chords strong enough to emit a droning “AAAAAAHHHHHHH!” for two hours straight, you are the ultimate college basketball fanatic.
You bring your tent to school each day, just in case anyone else wants to camp out a week early for the next home game. Which is funny, since you don’t even have class during winter quarter. Because you had the foresight to take an entire quarter off. Knowing your life would be consumed by the only thing that matters: University of Washington basketball. So instead you come to campus each day just for the hell of it. With your tent. Dressed in purple shorts and an Isaiah Thomas replica jersey. You also wear a purple headband. People don’t seem to mind.
Everything there is to know about each and every opposing Pac-10 school, you know. You even check Seattle Sportsnet before each game to read Dawg Pack Dirt (heh), just in case you missed something.
When tipoff finally arrives, you go from semi-normal human being to animalistic creature of prey, releasing days of anxious buildup on an unsuspecting walk-on guard who had no idea he was signing up for this kind of abuse. You even have this kid’s phone number. You talked to his mother last night. She’s a nice lady. But that won’t stop you from getting inside her son’s head.
You’re one of us, Batsh*t Crazy Dawg Pack Member. And for all your insane enthusiasm, we can’t help but love you.
Northwest Profile #2: College-Aged Red Sox Fan
With your leather Abercrombie flip-flops, your khaki cargo pants with the strategically-placed rips, and your Big Papi jersey shirt, you make a bold statement to the world that has you riding bitch in the backseat of the Boston Red Sox bandwagon.
Sure, you could be like most Northwesterners and be a fan of the hometown Mariners, but why do that? That’s what they expect. That’s what they want you to do. So instead you’re a Red Sox fan. Not because it’s cool. Not because it’s nice to be the underdog — or at least it was, up until about 2004, but whatever. Not because the Yankees suck. But because, you know, you’re original like that. You’re an original kind of guy.
So what if you were born and raised in the Seattle suburbs? You’ve been to Boston once. An airport layover when you were six and your family was coming back from London. It was the greatest city you’ve ever been in. It was awesome. About thirteen years later, you became a Red Sox fan. Because you just knew. You just effing knew.
College-Aged Red Sox Fan, you’re one of us. We’d rather you weren’t, but what choice do we have?
Northwest Profile #1: Starbucks-Boycotting, Greg Nickels-Hating, Super Duper Supersonics Fanatic
You love the Sonics.
You hate that their gone.
Given the opportunity to go Eli Roth “Bear Jew” apesh*t on David Stern, Clay Bennett, or Howard Schultz, you would not hesitate for a second. You’ve actually considered carrying around an old-school Louisville Slugger just in case the opportunity ever presents itself.
You still watch old VHS recordings of Sonics games you taped as a kid.
You have a poster of Ricky Pierce on your bedroom wall.
Your cell phone ringtone is Kevin Calabro shouting, “Good golly, Miss Molly!”
You cried watching Sonicsgate.
You have an Oklahoma City Thunder voodoo doll that you use to bring bad luck to the Sooner State.
Yep, you’re hardcore. And that makes you one of us, Starbucks-Boycotting, Greg Nickels-Hating Super Duper Supersonics Fan. Because you’ve sacrificed your coffee and laid blame on the ex-mayor all for your love of a basketball franchise that will always hold a place in our hearts. And that’s something we can all get behind.
Filed under: Top 11
Tags: baseball, basketball, football, Mariners, Northwest Profiles, Seahawks, Seattle Sports Fans, soccer, Sounders FC, Storm, Top 11
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W. Basketball. Huskies Lend A Hand At Seattle Elementary School
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Ball For Real, With Phil Nelson
As part of a new installment on the site, we’ll check in periodically with former University of Washington and current Portland State University basketball player Phil Nelson, a close friend of the site. One of the more interesting individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, Nelson will offer insight to the world of college athletics, as well as provide commentary on current events in the world of sports.
In our first interview, we unveil the real Phil Nelson, talk Jersey Shore, find out if college recruiting is all that He Got Game has made it out to be, and discover the reason behind the ex-Husky’s departure from UW three years ago. Check it out…
Seattle Sportsnet: You’re a 6’8″ small forward that bears a striking resemblance to a gangly Sam Bradford. If you had to describe yourself to Helen Keller, assuming that Helen Keller is still blind and deaf, how would you describe yourself?
Phil Nelson: Well, 6’8″ is a stretch. I am actually 6’7” and 3/4. I have long, very fit arms that feel as soft as a new velour jumpsuit but also as hard as a walnut. Also, thick black hair that resembles an Indian by the name of Chuckmuckalo. If you have ever seen a ficus then you would see a part of me in it. My friends call me “Jumping Ficus.” Some people tell me that I look like a younger John Travolta.
SSN: John Travolta’s pretty freaky looking right now, kinda looks like he wears a lot of makeup. Do you plan on wearing makeup in your later years to preserve your looks?
PN: I would think that’s normal, since he has been my biggest idol since I was a kid. If wearing makeup will make me as cool as him, then sign me up and throw it on me.
SSN: So you’re a fan of the movie Wild Hogs then?
PN: Oh, of course. Wearing makeup and leather is something that only a few people can pull off and he sure does that. I don’t know how many people in the world today are able to provide such stunning features.
SSN: Good point. Okay, moving on. On your Portland State basketball profile you list one of your hobbies as sleeping. How would you say that sleeping has helped you through life?
PN: People are always talking about how stressed they are and how they’re always tired. Well one way of not being so stressed is to sleep. And if you’re tired, then sleep. If you sleep a lot, then what is there to be stressed about? And how are you supposed to be tired if you are sleeping?
SSN: Those are all valid points. I never thought of sleeping in that way before.
PN: It has always worked for me.
SSN: Of course I have to ask you this then. Would you say that you were asleep for most of the games you played against Washington during your time at Portland State?
PN: Well, this past year I kind of wish I was asleep. Maybe if [those games] were in my dreams we would have put up a better fight (laughing).
SSN: Fair enough. Next question. A while back I wrote an article comparing a handful of UW basketball players to cast members on Jersey Shore. You’re a big fan of Jersey Shore. You’re also a former Husky. So which cast member do you see yourself as? I see you as a combination of Snooki and Vinnie, but that’s just me. Your thoughts.
PN: I can kind of see that in me now. I got the looks of Vinnie, and the swag and attitude of a male Snooki. When I have a nice clean cut with some shades on, me and Vinnie are almost identical. Besides the fact that I am probably a good foot-and-a-half taller than him and her put together.
SSN: I just looked up their bios. Vinnie stands 3’8″ and Snooki is 1’0″. So you’re only one foot taller than their combined heights, but still, very close. (Pause for thought) I mean two feet, my bad. That’s my education right there.
PN: (Laughing) Damn UW education. Should have went to PSU.
SSN: (Taking my own mathematical failings in stride) Speaking of PSU, what would you say is better about your current school than your old one? And likewise, what did you like better about UW that PSU lacks? I’ve heard the women at PSU are more apt to transmit exotic viral strains that aren’t found in the Seattle area, but that might just be a vicious rumor.
PN: PSU is a nice campus and is right in the heart of Portland, which is a good and bad thing. There is always somewhere to go, and there is always something to do, but it is just surrounded by [a lot of] people. People who go to school and others who don’t. The gym is a little bit smaller here…well, okay, it is like a ninth the size of Hec Ed, but [our fans] still get loud in it. I miss a lot of things about UW. The atmosphere of a Pac-10 school, with a supporting cast that makes sure you have everything you need to succeed. As for the girls around here, I don’t know what to tell you about that (laughing).
SSN: I see that according to your Facebook profile, you are currently married to a girl from PSU. I assume only the best possible things about her. As someone who is not currently married, please enlighten me as to what married life is like for you these days.
PN: Being married is not exactly all it seems to be. Keeping someone happy for 24 hours a day is a job in its own right, which is another reason that I like to keep sleeping [as much as I do]. If I’m asleep, then there is no possible way that I can do anything wrong. [Marriage] does have its upside though. If the wife can cook, then it makes things much easier. It’s almost like having home-cooked meals all the time without my mom cooking it.
SSN: That’s a fair assessment that might result in you getting your ass kicked by your alleged wife. Anyways, at least you get action whenever you want. I assume you’re no Tim Tebow.
PN: No. I am actually not like [Tebow] in that sense. To be honest, I don’t feel that I have anything in common with him.
SSN: That’s good, because Tim Tebow sucks. And sucking is something most of us try to avoid.
PN: Amen.
SSN: Speaking of getting laid, lately I’ve been writing a lot about the recruiting process in college basketball. Most fans are aware that some shady sh*t goes down when schools recruit a big-name player out of high school. You were a big-name guy coming out of Oregon’s McNary High School. Take us through your recruiting process and let us into that world for a moment. Is it everything that He Got Game makes it out to be? Did you get to hang with Rick Fox? Were you locked in a room with two naked chicks? Let’s hear about it.
PN: Man, the first time I saw that movie I was thinking to myself, “If anything, I need to get good [at basketball] in order to hook up with chicks like that on recruiting trips.” So from there on out, I had that motivating me. There were a ton of girls on recruiting trips, but I was never put in a room with two girls calling me “Jesus.” If that would have happened, I would have committed right then and there.
SSN: Interesting. I guess maybe more schools should take that approach to recruiting then.
PN: I think they were until it became illegal.
SSN: Tell that to John Calipari. I’m sure every UK recruit gets a run at Ashley Judd.
PN: I should have taken a visit there.
SSN: Yeah, you should have. I hear they’re a real class operation over at Kentucky. Anyways, take us through some crazy stuff that went down on your recruiting trips to various places. I recall that my girlfriend booed you on your official visit to Washington. She assumed you were with the Oregon Ducks at the time, but we later found out that wasn’t the case. I’ve heard stories about kids getting taken to strip clubs and stuff like that. So I know something good must have gone down for you. And don’t feel obligated to name any names or schools. We don’t need anyone getting sanctioned by the NCAA.
PN: Yeah, there were a few good times on the visits. I remember on one of the visits it was a Saturday night and I had to fly out early the next morning. But [at the time] I wasn’t ready to go in for the night, so the boys got all the cheerleaders to come over and play beach volleyball at three in the morning. I mean, that’s not all that happened but you get the point. (Pause) And by beach volleyball, I mean like we were actually at a beach and they were all in little bikinis and stuff.
SSN: Oh, okay. I was thinking beach volleyball might be code for something freaky I’m not yet aware of.
PN: There’s more [to the story, but] I figure I gotta keep it PG.
SSN: Yeah, that’s understandable. I’m pretty sure like one or two kids read this site and we don’t need them going to their parents and asking them about where babies come from or anything. It’s always best to leave stuff to the imagination anyways. I’m sure those girls were just impressed by your volleyball skills.
PN: My volleyball skills are amazing. I might take that up after I’m done with basketball and acting.
SSN: Look man, you’re gonna have to put on some weight if you want to get your porn career off the ground. So don’t get your hopes up about acting just yet. They have standards in that industry. (Pause) You’ll also have to wax your pubes.
PN: I have put on 20-plus pounds, so what do you have to say now? I’m sitting at a comfortable 235.
SSN: I’d say you better hit up InSpa and get the rest of your sh*t taken care of. I hear Brazilians are painful.
PN: I like pain.
SSN: You’ll fit right into porn then, I suppose. I mean, certain aspects of porn at least. But we don’t need to go into details. For the kids’ sake. Okay, final question.
PN: Yes.
SSN: I feel like you kind of get a bad rap from Husky fans who don’t know the “real” Phil Nelson. You left UW after one year, and it was a relatively unsuccessful year for the team as a whole. As a result, people in Seattle don’t really care too much for you anymore. I know you still have a place in your heart for Seattle, so let me give you an opportunity to speak to the fans around here for a minute and let them know why you left and how you feel about them.
PN: People think that I really wanted to leave the Huskies, but in all reality I still pay attention to every game and see how they are doing. I still have great conversations with Coach Romar and he will always be a great coach to me. I can only wish the best for him and the team. I had a few family problems while I was [at Washington] and decided that it would be best if I returned closer to home to where I was able to help out and be closer to the ones who have supported me since before I was a basketball player. I miss everything about that school, [and especially] the fans that did support me while I was there. I just want them to know I did not leave for any specific reasons, besides the fact that I needed to be closer to home.
Join us in a couple weeks as we continue our Ball For Real series with Phil Nelson. And if you made it through that entire crazy-ass interview without stopping, go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
Filed under: Ball For Real
Tags: basketball, Huskies, uw
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Hopefully Emmert Tackles Dirty World of Recruiting in New Position

Montlake Madness staff writer Craig Yamada shares his thoughts on the ongoing Terrence Jones debacle with UW’s outgoing president.
by Craig Yamada – Staff Writer
Dear President Emmert,
Just a week ago, you accepted the position of President of the NCAA. I was saddened to hear about you leaving UW, knowing well what you have done for this university. The progress you have made in aiding the rebuilding our football program was nothing short of amazing. But after all the drama ensued last Friday, I must say Dawg Nation may be coming around to feeling grateful about having a familiar face taking charge of the NCAA.
So with that, you have your first assignment:
The Allegation:
As you know, UW’s highest touted recruit of the 2010 class verbally committed to be a Husky during Friday’s media conference. Less than an hour later, a quick phone call from John Calapari changed all of that. Long story short, we smell foul play.
To illustrate, let me attempt to reenact this using pop culture references:
If Friday’s press conference at Jefferson HS had been the MTV VMA Awards, John Calipari would have somewhat supplanted Kanye West as the role of “spoiler” for a big moment in the life of Terrence Jones (Taylor Swift).
Terrence Jones: “The school I am pretty much going to be playing for is….”
Terrence picks up the black UW hat. Pandemonium ensues.
Terrence Jones: “….the University of Washington. The reason being that I have wanted to play with Terrence Ross since the 8th grade. UW has a lot of returning players without the off-court issues and Coach Romar is like a father figure to me.”
Linda Jones gives her son a hug and Terrence Jones joins his high school teammates for high fives and smiles.
*COACH STRICKLAND’S PHONE RINGS as Terrence is on KJR giving an interview
Coach Strickland: “Terrence… its Coach Cal for you.”
Terrence Jones: (in mid interview) “Ok hold up…”
Terrence answers the phone.
Terrence Jones: “Hi Coach.”
Calapari: “Congratulations Terrence, I’m really happy for you. I’m gonna let you finish enjoying your commitment to UW…. But I have to say something first… KENTUCKY HAS THE BEST PROGRAM OF ALL TIME!!! THE BEST PROGRAM OF ALL TIME!!!!”
Terrence sinks his head into his chest… gathers his family around him… and now questions his decision.
(End scene)
Well ok, that wasn’t the most accurate portrayal, but you get the gist.
As the new president, you are now subject to deciding whether issues like this are appropriate in college basketball. There definitely should be future NCAA legislation that can prevent situations like this from occurring. Here are a few of my ideas:
Questions and Possible Solutions:
Question: How can coaches responsible for NCAA violations escape sanctions by vacating a school, while the school ultimately bares the brunt of the punishment?
USC and Memphis were forced to forfeit earnings, postseason participation and future scholarships as result of their violations. All the while, Tim Floyd and John Calipari were able to leave their situations under investigation and find new NCAA coaching positions, unscathed.
Solution: Break a rule. You pay the price. If found responsible, the involved coach should absorb some form of probation regardless if he/she stays with that same institution or seeks employment at another NCAA institution.
Question: With so many nickel-and-dime rules on recruiting that exist, how is the recruiting of kids who have verbally committed to a school not prohibited? The rules around ‘verbal commitments’ carry a high level of ambiguity with them and need to be defined in more granular detail.
Take, for example, our current situation with Terrence Jones. He made a verbal commitment in front of 100 friends and family members, in addition to the 25K+ streaming viewers watching that day. Just 1 hour later, Coach Calipari is able to make contact to dissuade Terrence Jones from fully committing to the UW. As a result, TJ is “weighing his options.”
Solution: Further recruiting on a “verbal commit” from outside institutions should be deemed a recruiting violation. A verbal commitment needs to carry more weight than just a player’s word. It needs to be regarded as a contract. And as a contract, a player should have to publicly “decommit” before any contact of a recruit is made.
Question: Will there be future prohibition of the enlisting of paid agents and professional athletes used in the recruiting of basketball prospects?
For example, Calipari has capitalized on his professional network of relationships with sports agents (World Wide Wes), professional athletes (LeBron James/John Wall), and the promise of his pipeline to the NBA to lure kids into his program. Granted, he technically is not breaking any rules by leveraging these people, but perhaps a level playing field should be considered here?
Solution: Although these “boosters” may not providing any immediate financial rewards to these recruits, they quite possibly may be promising future financial incentives which should be deemed illegal. This is more unethical than anything if the objective of a NCAA athlete is to gain a scholarship and a first-class college education.
Question: Are there any plans to impose stricter GPA requirements for active student athletes?
For example, Calipari’s latest Kentucky basketball team averaged a 2.0 GPA which means several players were below that average. In turn, five of his underclassmen (four freshmen) are declaring for the NBA Draft. His team had the worst cumulative GPA amongst the SEC schools.
Solution: Currently the NCAA requires a minimum 1.8 GPA to participate in sporting events. The bar should be raised to 2.0 to ensure athletes are also students. Perhaps we could incentivize schools with either highest conference GPA or a 70-80%+ graduation rate with an additional scholarship.
The Reality:
I am just a diehard Husky fan that is hoping that Terrence Jones is wearing purple and gold next year. Coach Romar has demonstrated nothing but poise and class during this entire process and would be the right person to mold him into a model student athlete and human being. You’ve got to hope Jones and his parents see that.
We all are hoping he is given a fair opportunity to make a sound decision for his college future and life beyond college. Whether he lands at Kentucky or UW, we will certainly support him with his decision.
Thank you for your time President Emmert and we look forward to seeing you tackle these issues and others once you assume your new post.
Sincerely,
Craig Yamada
Thanks for coming!
Tags: basketball, draft, football, uw
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M. Basketball. Mariners To Recognize UW Men’s Hoops This Friday
Tags: basketball, Mariners, uw
Posted in: Huskies | No Comments »

