The board of directors finally came up with the Clip Joint all-time team by compiling votes taken from every sponsor, alumni, and "friend" of the program. Below are the first and second team. Congratulations to all of the players selected, your achievements have been noticed and the organization would like to thank you for your hardwork and dedication.
First Team:
Center - R.V.
Forward - A.H.
Forward - D.T.
Guard - G.K.
Guard - L.H.
6th Man - J.W.
Second Team :
Center - J.G.
Forward - J.D.
Forward - J.C.
Guard - B.A.
Guard - M.D.
6th Man - Ko.J.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Keeping Up With Former Players
A well informed source within the league placed a phone call to me yesterday afternoon filling me in on a former player. He told me that A.K. was now a member of a different team that participates in a league on Monday nights. We at the Clip Joint wish him nothing but success in his new role on the currently 1-4 Cunninghams.On a lesser note the same team also features former starting center on the very first Clip Joint team J.C. Looks like the two of them might be trying to start a new super team that one day might challenge the greatest program in the country. They obviously have a long way to go but cheers to them for giving it that old college try!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Summer Session 08' - Game #5
Dissapointing Effort Leads to First Loss of Season...
*Sigh*...where do I start? I am warning you now that this could be the longest entry I have ever written because I have a lot to say it could take awhile. For starters I probably should give credit to "Team Rock" for implementing a solid gameplan to control the tempo and slow it down to a snails pace. They took the air out of the ball all game long up until about 4 minutes to go in the game. They did what they had to do to get the job done and played hard from the moment the game started until the final horn sounded. They made shots, we did not. They rebounded, we did not. So now they control their own destiny and have the inside track on the number one seed going into the playoffs with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season.
I guess I am now going to list off a few things that I know and a few things I do not know before moving on to the regularly scheduled portion of the entry.
Things I know:
A.H. is horrible at evaluating talent
Our team's passion and desire is questionable
G.C. has been terribly inconsistent so far
We need to start playing like an "elite" team is supposed to
We are better than we are playing right now
Things I don't know:
Why all the sudden half the team waits until a minute before tip off to arrive for the game
Why we struggle so mightily during the first 5-10 minutes of each game
Why our court awareness is so poor at times
Why the passion to play defense is absent to so many players
I have more I could list under both categories but I think I should move on to the remainder of the post.
You probably think I am going overboard but it pains me to lose to a team that we should beat. If we lose to a team who outplays us and beats us straight up, I have no problem with that because we gave our best effort. But to go out and lay an egg for the first 15 minutes of the game and allow them to take control of the game is unacceptable to me. Truly, it is only one game and at the end of the day we can still recover from this loss. I just feel like we failed as a team and my team failed me during key points of the game. Being the "coach" as some like to think I am is a double-edged sword. On one hand I like the role of leader on the team because I feel like I am prepared each week to go against the opponent with full knowledge of what we need to do to win. The correct line-ups and substitution patterns etc...diving after loose balls, taking charges, getting the team that emotional lift when we need one. On the other hand if that is the role people expect of me then let me do what I do and listen to what I have to say. Otherwise, it will not work out, if i tell you to go in the game for so and so, do it. There is a reason I am telling you to do so....if I start yelling and getting excited after a big play , ride the wave and get invested emotionally with me. We are all adults, and certainly I am one of the least gifted players on the team so the role of "coach" works for me and has worked for me my whole career. I will never lead our team in scoring or rebounds or steals but I will be the most prepared player week in and week out.
Well that is it...Im mentally exhausted at this point thinking of all things we could have done and should have done to win the game. I take the blame for not adjusting until it was too late. "Beltway Ballers" are tied with us for 2nd and we play them next week. We need to rebound with a solid effort and get the victory or else we could be watching ourselves slide down the divisional rankings. Until the next episode....
*Sigh*...where do I start? I am warning you now that this could be the longest entry I have ever written because I have a lot to say it could take awhile. For starters I probably should give credit to "Team Rock" for implementing a solid gameplan to control the tempo and slow it down to a snails pace. They took the air out of the ball all game long up until about 4 minutes to go in the game. They did what they had to do to get the job done and played hard from the moment the game started until the final horn sounded. They made shots, we did not. They rebounded, we did not. So now they control their own destiny and have the inside track on the number one seed going into the playoffs with only a handful of games remaining in the regular season.
I guess I am now going to list off a few things that I know and a few things I do not know before moving on to the regularly scheduled portion of the entry.
Things I know:
A.H. is horrible at evaluating talent
Our team's passion and desire is questionable
G.C. has been terribly inconsistent so far
We need to start playing like an "elite" team is supposed to
We are better than we are playing right now
Things I don't know:
Why all the sudden half the team waits until a minute before tip off to arrive for the game
Why we struggle so mightily during the first 5-10 minutes of each game
Why our court awareness is so poor at times
Why the passion to play defense is absent to so many players
I have more I could list under both categories but I think I should move on to the remainder of the post.
You probably think I am going overboard but it pains me to lose to a team that we should beat. If we lose to a team who outplays us and beats us straight up, I have no problem with that because we gave our best effort. But to go out and lay an egg for the first 15 minutes of the game and allow them to take control of the game is unacceptable to me. Truly, it is only one game and at the end of the day we can still recover from this loss. I just feel like we failed as a team and my team failed me during key points of the game. Being the "coach" as some like to think I am is a double-edged sword. On one hand I like the role of leader on the team because I feel like I am prepared each week to go against the opponent with full knowledge of what we need to do to win. The correct line-ups and substitution patterns etc...diving after loose balls, taking charges, getting the team that emotional lift when we need one. On the other hand if that is the role people expect of me then let me do what I do and listen to what I have to say. Otherwise, it will not work out, if i tell you to go in the game for so and so, do it. There is a reason I am telling you to do so....if I start yelling and getting excited after a big play , ride the wave and get invested emotionally with me. We are all adults, and certainly I am one of the least gifted players on the team so the role of "coach" works for me and has worked for me my whole career. I will never lead our team in scoring or rebounds or steals but I will be the most prepared player week in and week out.
Well that is it...Im mentally exhausted at this point thinking of all things we could have done and should have done to win the game. I take the blame for not adjusting until it was too late. "Beltway Ballers" are tied with us for 2nd and we play them next week. We need to rebound with a solid effort and get the victory or else we could be watching ourselves slide down the divisional rankings. Until the next episode....
Friday, July 25, 2008
Golf Course Business Meetings
"Tell me how my ass taste", were the words muttered to the older asian gentleman and his female friend as they begged B.A. and I to play through the 4th hole. Of course that quote comes from the great rapper Shaq-Fu and not an original line from either one of us. But overall, it was nice to get back on the course after so many years away from the game. Don't get me wrong, there was more chatter and business discussion in regards to a new contract for B.A. and the overall culture of the Clip Joint moving forward as we reach the midway point of our season than there was actual pure golf being played. Neither one of us dominated the course, but it was certainly a beautiful day outside and the commentary was light hearted and fun.
Now on to the preview of our game against "Team Rock" this weekend at 9:00 P.M. Every week we seem to be getting the opposing teams' best shot, and I expect no different this weekend because from day one they have been calling us out basically and waiting for the opportunity to play us. I believe #4 said it best we he told us he would be "circling the date on his calendar". I'm pretty sure that guy has zippy calendar and if he does he probably never really circled it. But, the game itself has the potential to be a difficult one for us if they play hard for 40 minutes. My gut tells me they won't sustain all that raw emotion and will either fold under the pressure if they fall behind or will wear down if we keep the tempo the way we like it. Afterall, they have a hard time getting more than 6 players to show up each week.
The bottom line is this, if we build on what we did last week we should be fine. If we somehow regress and put up a half ass effort, well we might taste defeat for the first time this season. The key is getting on top early and not letting up on them. The biggest challenge for me will be trying to distract myself so I do not have to listen to J.M. in my ear all game long calling me "coach" and filling my head with ideas on what we should be doing all game long. Until the recap on Monday....
Now on to the preview of our game against "Team Rock" this weekend at 9:00 P.M. Every week we seem to be getting the opposing teams' best shot, and I expect no different this weekend because from day one they have been calling us out basically and waiting for the opportunity to play us. I believe #4 said it best we he told us he would be "circling the date on his calendar". I'm pretty sure that guy has zippy calendar and if he does he probably never really circled it. But, the game itself has the potential to be a difficult one for us if they play hard for 40 minutes. My gut tells me they won't sustain all that raw emotion and will either fold under the pressure if they fall behind or will wear down if we keep the tempo the way we like it. Afterall, they have a hard time getting more than 6 players to show up each week.
The bottom line is this, if we build on what we did last week we should be fine. If we somehow regress and put up a half ass effort, well we might taste defeat for the first time this season. The key is getting on top early and not letting up on them. The biggest challenge for me will be trying to distract myself so I do not have to listen to J.M. in my ear all game long calling me "coach" and filling my head with ideas on what we should be doing all game long. Until the recap on Monday....
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Motivation
Athletes are motivated by many different things. Competition, pride, anger, and money to name a few. As a coach or general manager the hard thing is to find that motivating factor.
Certain players on the team would be motivated by a light verbal jabbing of their poor performance to do better the next game. For example, I might say to someone after a poor performance, “Hey rough game were you drinking before you came here,” or “Wow that was some awful shooting why don’t you get your eyes checked out this week, no, no here [hand them money] go to Lenscrafters its on me.
Some players answer to verbal threats. I know in the past myself or coach J.W. may have said to a player something like, “You better step it up if you want to see your grandmother again.” Luckily if has never gotten to that point.
Yet still these strategies might discourage certain players. Over the last few weeks our big man play has improved, and I believe it to be due to motivation of competition. J.P. is not the type of person to be motivated by verbal lashings. It actually stumped me on how I could motivate him on the court. This was until about 3 weeks ago.
I was hanging out with a friend of mine, Silky. Silky has his own business and was sharing with me some of his business predicaments, getting his money on time, developing arthritis in the back side of his hand, providing GPS for his employees who are constantly on the street. He then told me, “You know what motivates my [fine young women]?” “The one who is out there not earning what she should, if she ain’t motivated by the hand then you get another one just like her. She sees this new girl come in trying to take her place and all of a sudden the [farming tool] is out there earning like A-Rod.”0A
Then it hit me. What J.P. needed to earn, I mean play to the level that he’s capable of is some competition. When James joined the team two weeks ago, J.P. played a great game and followed it up with another solid performance last week. It was as if a light bulb went off in his head and he realized that someone could potentially take his place. Consciously or subconsciously I think this happened in some regard and he has done the things that team is asking of him, rebound and play defense. Now that is pimping.
J.D. #10
Certain players on the team would be motivated by a light verbal jabbing of their poor performance to do better the next game. For example, I might say to someone after a poor performance, “Hey rough game were you drinking before you came here,” or “Wow that was some awful shooting why don’t you get your eyes checked out this week, no, no here [hand them money] go to Lenscrafters its on me.
Some players answer to verbal threats. I know in the past myself or coach J.W. may have said to a player something like, “You better step it up if you want to see your grandmother again.” Luckily if has never gotten to that point.
Yet still these strategies might discourage certain players. Over the last few weeks our big man play has improved, and I believe it to be due to motivation of competition. J.P. is not the type of person to be motivated by verbal lashings. It actually stumped me on how I could motivate him on the court. This was until about 3 weeks ago.
I was hanging out with a friend of mine, Silky. Silky has his own business and was sharing with me some of his business predicaments, getting his money on time, developing arthritis in the back side of his hand, providing GPS for his employees who are constantly on the street. He then told me, “You know what motivates my [fine young women]?” “The one who is out there not earning what she should, if she ain’t motivated by the hand then you get another one just like her. She sees this new girl come in trying to take her place and all of a sudden the [farming tool] is out there earning like A-Rod.”0A
Then it hit me. What J.P. needed to earn, I mean play to the level that he’s capable of is some competition. When James joined the team two weeks ago, J.P. played a great game and followed it up with another solid performance last week. It was as if a light bulb went off in his head and he realized that someone could potentially take his place. Consciously or subconsciously I think this happened in some regard and he has done the things that team is asking of him, rebound and play defense. Now that is pimping.
J.D. #10
Defense
Every team has their own identity. Most teams believe that playing man to man is the best way to go about defending. That may be true for most, but then again we aren't most teams. From time to time we have dabbled in the man to man schemes, played a box and one every now and then but for the majority of the time we have stayed in our 2-3 zone. Yes, that isn't very exciting for a team as good as we are, but it works for us for several reasons.
1. There are very few players not wearing an orange jersey who can consistently make 3 point shots throughout the course of a game. So, because of that we know that it is rare that we will encounter a team that has guys who can hurt us from behind the arc. Sure, we have played games where a guy will get hot and make 3 or 4 from back there and we figure oh well, great game. But overall, it's not going to happen when a team is full of players who will beat us by hitting a ton of triples.
2. Our zone is probably a little more passive than most but we can create alot of ball pressure when necessary. This allows us to jump passing lanes, create turnovers and get into what we do best and that is get fast break opportunities for our offense.
3. Rebounding. They say it is more difficult for teams who play zone to be a good rebounding team because everyone is focused on their spot on the floor rather than putting a body on each opposing offensive player. I guess this is true for us but in our zone it allows the guards the freedom to release after a shot is attempted giving us access to a clean easy breakway layup after a missed shot and rebound.
Overall, we are a very strong defensive team who season in and season out is near the top of the league in least points allowed. We play bigger teams, stronger teams, quicker teams than us all of the time but when it comes down to getting stops when we need to, we get the job done. We may stray from that 2-3 zone from time to time but when the game is on the line you can be sure that we will be laying back in that traditional 2-3 scheme.
Just think, a little 1-2-2 full court trapping pressure to cause some havoc and then a little 2-3 zone infused? Wow, the possibilities are endless...now if I can just get the rest of the team to buy into my idea....
1. There are very few players not wearing an orange jersey who can consistently make 3 point shots throughout the course of a game. So, because of that we know that it is rare that we will encounter a team that has guys who can hurt us from behind the arc. Sure, we have played games where a guy will get hot and make 3 or 4 from back there and we figure oh well, great game. But overall, it's not going to happen when a team is full of players who will beat us by hitting a ton of triples.
2. Our zone is probably a little more passive than most but we can create alot of ball pressure when necessary. This allows us to jump passing lanes, create turnovers and get into what we do best and that is get fast break opportunities for our offense.
3. Rebounding. They say it is more difficult for teams who play zone to be a good rebounding team because everyone is focused on their spot on the floor rather than putting a body on each opposing offensive player. I guess this is true for us but in our zone it allows the guards the freedom to release after a shot is attempted giving us access to a clean easy breakway layup after a missed shot and rebound.
Overall, we are a very strong defensive team who season in and season out is near the top of the league in least points allowed. We play bigger teams, stronger teams, quicker teams than us all of the time but when it comes down to getting stops when we need to, we get the job done. We may stray from that 2-3 zone from time to time but when the game is on the line you can be sure that we will be laying back in that traditional 2-3 scheme.
Just think, a little 1-2-2 full court trapping pressure to cause some havoc and then a little 2-3 zone infused? Wow, the possibilities are endless...now if I can just get the rest of the team to buy into my idea....
Offense
There is a drastic difference between what we used to be to the modern day version of what we currently have become. At first, we were a half court, slow the tempo down to a halt , value every possession as if it was our last, low scoring, New York Knicks of the 90's team that relied heavily on our defense to keep us close in games so that we could do just enough on the offensive end to get by. That is a long poorly written line but it describes us perfectly when we first came into the league. If we scored more than 50 it was a miracle and a rarity that we barely achieved more than a handful of times. We would rely on our stout defensive tactics and rather than run out and take advantage we would immediately walk the ball up the court in hopes of boring our opposition to the point where they would be so bored that they would simply give up their goal of trying to score the basketball. Sounds crazy I know, but it worked....once in awhile.
Now we have done a 180 degree turn in terms of what we try to do week in and week out. Turning over the ball is a problem for all teams and it certainly has been an issue for us at times, but when you play the style of basketball we like to play, accruing 12 turnovers a game isn't out of the realm of possibility. That would have been enough for 2 games back in the old days because when you walk the ball up the court and run a half court set by passing the ball 15 times around the horn it is tough to throw the ball away. Nowadays, we are flying up and down the court like greyhounds and it is very likely that in that rapid topsy-tervy style there will be some passes that are a bit more risky or that somehow never reach their intended destination.
As a casual observer you might think that we play somewhat recklessly, as if we do not value the ball or the possession as much as we used to. That is a fair assumption I suppose but I guarantee that there is no team playing that can handle what we do for 40 minutes a game. Sure, there are games where we get a little winded and have to slow things down for a couple of minutes but when we are playing Clip Joint basketball at our peak, we never stop pushing the tempo. From the minute we get a rebound or the minute we are taking the ball out of the basket after a made shot, that ball is being shoved down the throat of our opponent. Want to make a substitution after a loose ball goes out of bounds? I don't think so, the ball is thrown in bounds quicker than Rob can take his breath to blow the whistle.
We went from being a team that struggled to score 50 to a team that scores in the 70's and 80's on a good day. You would think teams would adjust and realize that they do not want to get into a run and gun situation with us. Slow it down, walk the ball up the court, force us into half court sets where at times we do have a harder time enforcing our will. We feature one player who is taller than 6-1, and he plays only about 15 minutes a game. We have no real inside presence. Part of that is because we try to constantly push the tempo and part of that is we love to shoot the 3-ball. I guess we could be compared more easily to the modern day Phoenix Suns....the team before they went ahead and traded for Shaq.
Now we have done a 180 degree turn in terms of what we try to do week in and week out. Turning over the ball is a problem for all teams and it certainly has been an issue for us at times, but when you play the style of basketball we like to play, accruing 12 turnovers a game isn't out of the realm of possibility. That would have been enough for 2 games back in the old days because when you walk the ball up the court and run a half court set by passing the ball 15 times around the horn it is tough to throw the ball away. Nowadays, we are flying up and down the court like greyhounds and it is very likely that in that rapid topsy-tervy style there will be some passes that are a bit more risky or that somehow never reach their intended destination.
As a casual observer you might think that we play somewhat recklessly, as if we do not value the ball or the possession as much as we used to. That is a fair assumption I suppose but I guarantee that there is no team playing that can handle what we do for 40 minutes a game. Sure, there are games where we get a little winded and have to slow things down for a couple of minutes but when we are playing Clip Joint basketball at our peak, we never stop pushing the tempo. From the minute we get a rebound or the minute we are taking the ball out of the basket after a made shot, that ball is being shoved down the throat of our opponent. Want to make a substitution after a loose ball goes out of bounds? I don't think so, the ball is thrown in bounds quicker than Rob can take his breath to blow the whistle.
We went from being a team that struggled to score 50 to a team that scores in the 70's and 80's on a good day. You would think teams would adjust and realize that they do not want to get into a run and gun situation with us. Slow it down, walk the ball up the court, force us into half court sets where at times we do have a harder time enforcing our will. We feature one player who is taller than 6-1, and he plays only about 15 minutes a game. We have no real inside presence. Part of that is because we try to constantly push the tempo and part of that is we love to shoot the 3-ball. I guess we could be compared more easily to the modern day Phoenix Suns....the team before they went ahead and traded for Shaq.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Summer Session 08' - Game #4
Why So Serious?
That's what I should be asking my teammates during our huge performance last night against our overwhelmed opponent. I'm not one to usually engage in trash talking back and forth because to be honest when you are the best team in the league it can only benefit the other team and give them a slight edge mentally. However, last night was a little different simply because they were being utterly disrespectful. I cannot fault them though, they were a team made up of mostly younger guys who brought out about a dozen fans to watch them play not including the 3 person coaching staffon the bench. One of them was spotted holding a dry erase board which they used to draw up plays? I mean, they came into last night 1-3 with their only win against a team who is currently winless, and it took them 3 overtimes to get it done in that game. It always amazes me to hear guys on a team barking at us when they are trailing by double digits only 5 minutes into the game.
So yeah, we were missing A.H. for the third time in four games which is a mystery itself. Typically he will miss a few games here and there but he hasn't exactly been around much this season for whatever reason. I do not care how well we played , we always miss him and his top notch skills when he is not present. Then a kind of funny moment fot D.T. who sauntered into the gym as we were collecting our stuff to leave AFTER the game. With a confused look on his face he had thought our game was an hour later than it obviously was. So a wasted trip in the car for D.T. which sucks for him.
Without arguably our best two players, you would think that this game might be closer than the score I had predicted in this space a week ago. That was until we decided to come out and shoot like 75% from behind the three point line! Give it up to G.C. for finally showing everyone that he can indeed light it up as he poured in something like 8 triples during the game. After his 3rd or 4th in a row one might think that the coaching staff of the other team would make the necessary adjustments to control him a little better, yeah not so much. Combine his effort with another strong game by myself (making it hard to go ahead and have the surgery so quickly, the last 3 games I am 8-12 from behind the arc) and we were off to the races early. M.D. did what he does best and thats get out for layups and get to the free throw line. Allegedly he was practicing his shooting before the game at some local park, hopefully he works on those free throws because I think he was somewhere in the realm of 2-7 with an air ball. He usually is pretty solid from the line so Im not sure what is the issue there. That might be the only down spot for the entire night though as we cruised to a 76-33 victory. I had wanted to hold them to under 30 but what can you do? We probably left a good 15 points out on the court so despite lighting it up we kind of went into cruise control mode down the stretch and missed some easy shots. J.P. was strong inside again grabbing close to 6 or 7 rebounds and our new center "James" did well contributing a few inside buckets for us. I still think he is trying too hard, and needs to take a downer before the game. That guy doesn;t stop talking from the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves. It hurts him on the court because he needs to relax and then maybe he won;t have rebounds slip through his hands. J.D. and B.A. did what they always do and thats fill up the stat sheet across the board. Overall a dominating performance over a team that clearly was not ready for the onslaught.
Kind of makes you appreciate the effort without our two stars to play the way we did. Hopefully, we continue that because we have three difficult games on the horizon against the best our league has to offer. "Team Rock" bounced back from last week and defeated a "Dynasty" team that is looking more and more average as the weeks go by. Granted, they were without a couple key players, they just don't score enough points for some reason. "Team Rock " is now 4-1 and they will be looking to pull off the upset against us next week. Everyone wants a piece of us, we are the best team so it is understandable, but I know that we should beat them.
It will be close enough that we get a little worried but in the end we should get it done so my prediction is this : Clip Joint 61 Team Rock 53
That's what I should be asking my teammates during our huge performance last night against our overwhelmed opponent. I'm not one to usually engage in trash talking back and forth because to be honest when you are the best team in the league it can only benefit the other team and give them a slight edge mentally. However, last night was a little different simply because they were being utterly disrespectful. I cannot fault them though, they were a team made up of mostly younger guys who brought out about a dozen fans to watch them play not including the 3 person coaching staffon the bench. One of them was spotted holding a dry erase board which they used to draw up plays? I mean, they came into last night 1-3 with their only win against a team who is currently winless, and it took them 3 overtimes to get it done in that game. It always amazes me to hear guys on a team barking at us when they are trailing by double digits only 5 minutes into the game.
So yeah, we were missing A.H. for the third time in four games which is a mystery itself. Typically he will miss a few games here and there but he hasn't exactly been around much this season for whatever reason. I do not care how well we played , we always miss him and his top notch skills when he is not present. Then a kind of funny moment fot D.T. who sauntered into the gym as we were collecting our stuff to leave AFTER the game. With a confused look on his face he had thought our game was an hour later than it obviously was. So a wasted trip in the car for D.T. which sucks for him.
Without arguably our best two players, you would think that this game might be closer than the score I had predicted in this space a week ago. That was until we decided to come out and shoot like 75% from behind the three point line! Give it up to G.C. for finally showing everyone that he can indeed light it up as he poured in something like 8 triples during the game. After his 3rd or 4th in a row one might think that the coaching staff of the other team would make the necessary adjustments to control him a little better, yeah not so much. Combine his effort with another strong game by myself (making it hard to go ahead and have the surgery so quickly, the last 3 games I am 8-12 from behind the arc) and we were off to the races early. M.D. did what he does best and thats get out for layups and get to the free throw line. Allegedly he was practicing his shooting before the game at some local park, hopefully he works on those free throws because I think he was somewhere in the realm of 2-7 with an air ball. He usually is pretty solid from the line so Im not sure what is the issue there. That might be the only down spot for the entire night though as we cruised to a 76-33 victory. I had wanted to hold them to under 30 but what can you do? We probably left a good 15 points out on the court so despite lighting it up we kind of went into cruise control mode down the stretch and missed some easy shots. J.P. was strong inside again grabbing close to 6 or 7 rebounds and our new center "James" did well contributing a few inside buckets for us. I still think he is trying too hard, and needs to take a downer before the game. That guy doesn;t stop talking from the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves. It hurts him on the court because he needs to relax and then maybe he won;t have rebounds slip through his hands. J.D. and B.A. did what they always do and thats fill up the stat sheet across the board. Overall a dominating performance over a team that clearly was not ready for the onslaught.
Kind of makes you appreciate the effort without our two stars to play the way we did. Hopefully, we continue that because we have three difficult games on the horizon against the best our league has to offer. "Team Rock" bounced back from last week and defeated a "Dynasty" team that is looking more and more average as the weeks go by. Granted, they were without a couple key players, they just don't score enough points for some reason. "Team Rock " is now 4-1 and they will be looking to pull off the upset against us next week. Everyone wants a piece of us, we are the best team so it is understandable, but I know that we should beat them.
It will be close enough that we get a little worried but in the end we should get it done so my prediction is this : Clip Joint 61 Team Rock 53
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"My Philosophy"
and I'm not talking about Boogie Down Productions...
I have received a ton of e-mails and comments about the blog lately in regards to more in depth analysis of what we do on and off the court. What makes us such a successful program? What do we look for when recruiting players? Why do we only play a 2-3 zone instead of man to man defense? So here it goes, a little behind the scenes on the what?, where?, why?, and how on the Clip Joint. This post will focus mostly on what we look for when putting our team together each season.
First of all, when we look for players to come in and contribute to the program we look for the complete player. Sure, being a talented hoopster is most important and we are always on the lookout for that superstar to add to the roster. That doesn't mean we discount the less talented or one dimensional player. If you cannot hit a jump shot to save your life but you are 6-5 220 and can rebound like nobody else then you might have a spot on the team. Maybe you have handle like Philip " Hot Sizzle" Champion, well then you could be a part of the program. The point is this, championship teams need all types of players, not just superstars. This seperates us from most of the other teams in the league. Teams want to load up on individual talent who are poor team players whereas we focus on building a true "team" on and off the court.
Consistency is also a major key in keeping that winning tradition alive from season to season. I like to keep our players well taken care of so that they want to play for our team. Building that foundation and keeping a core group of players together allow us to maintain that atomosphere of winning.
Up next, a look at how we prepare for each game.
I have received a ton of e-mails and comments about the blog lately in regards to more in depth analysis of what we do on and off the court. What makes us such a successful program? What do we look for when recruiting players? Why do we only play a 2-3 zone instead of man to man defense? So here it goes, a little behind the scenes on the what?, where?, why?, and how on the Clip Joint. This post will focus mostly on what we look for when putting our team together each season.
First of all, when we look for players to come in and contribute to the program we look for the complete player. Sure, being a talented hoopster is most important and we are always on the lookout for that superstar to add to the roster. That doesn't mean we discount the less talented or one dimensional player. If you cannot hit a jump shot to save your life but you are 6-5 220 and can rebound like nobody else then you might have a spot on the team. Maybe you have handle like Philip " Hot Sizzle" Champion, well then you could be a part of the program. The point is this, championship teams need all types of players, not just superstars. This seperates us from most of the other teams in the league. Teams want to load up on individual talent who are poor team players whereas we focus on building a true "team" on and off the court.
Consistency is also a major key in keeping that winning tradition alive from season to season. I like to keep our players well taken care of so that they want to play for our team. Building that foundation and keeping a core group of players together allow us to maintain that atomosphere of winning.
Up next, a look at how we prepare for each game.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Exclusive Interview
We recently sat down with former player K.J. and asked him a few questions about his time playing for the Clip Joint. Keep in mind none of these answers were manipulated, these are his own words.
Q: When was your first season and what was it like getting drafted to play for the Clip Joint?
A: After my sophomore year at college I think, so summer 2000. Getting the phone call while sitting in front of the television at home with my friends and family was a dream come true.
Q: When did you last suit up for the Clip Joint?
A: Tough one, I want to say summer of 06'.
Q: What is your fondest memory as a player on the Clip Joint?
A: Being a part of the very first Clip Joint championship team is something that I will never forget.
Q: What was the most embarassing or dissapointing moment that you remember as a player on the Clip Joint?
A: Tight ball game. 2 bricks at the free throw line. Fortunately we got the win anyway.
Q: What do you miss most about playing for Clip Joint?
A: Just being a part of the weekly grind with the fellas. Comradarie came naturally, everyone was family and still is.
Q: What was your best individual performance?
A: Exploded against some scrub team for 15 pts which was huge since I was known more as a complimentary player.
Q: When did Clip Joint go from medicore to perennial contenders?
A: I want to say the summer before our first title, so 2005.
Q: When I say the following words, who is the first player that comes to mind.
Overrated? Jason L.
Laziest? Andy B.
Underrated? "The Bench Mob", don't sleep (K.J., Ko.J. & J.W.)
Best Defender? R.V. or S.G. , pure hustle
Overall Most Talented? A.H.
Pure Scorer? A.H.
Q: Is there any truth to the rumor on DraftExpress.com that your son is already working on his inside game in hopes of being a part of the 2025 Clip Joint draft class?
A: Was trying to keep it under wraps...but....CONFIRMED. They are already calling him the next Tim Duncan but with zest!
We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule as team lawyer to answer our questions and we hope to add a few more trophies to your growing collection.
Q: When was your first season and what was it like getting drafted to play for the Clip Joint?
A: After my sophomore year at college I think, so summer 2000. Getting the phone call while sitting in front of the television at home with my friends and family was a dream come true.
Q: When did you last suit up for the Clip Joint?
A: Tough one, I want to say summer of 06'.
Q: What is your fondest memory as a player on the Clip Joint?
A: Being a part of the very first Clip Joint championship team is something that I will never forget.
Q: What was the most embarassing or dissapointing moment that you remember as a player on the Clip Joint?
A: Tight ball game. 2 bricks at the free throw line. Fortunately we got the win anyway.
Q: What do you miss most about playing for Clip Joint?
A: Just being a part of the weekly grind with the fellas. Comradarie came naturally, everyone was family and still is.
Q: What was your best individual performance?
A: Exploded against some scrub team for 15 pts which was huge since I was known more as a complimentary player.
Q: When did Clip Joint go from medicore to perennial contenders?
A: I want to say the summer before our first title, so 2005.
Q: When I say the following words, who is the first player that comes to mind.
Overrated? Jason L.
Laziest? Andy B.
Underrated? "The Bench Mob", don't sleep (K.J., Ko.J. & J.W.)
Best Defender? R.V. or S.G. , pure hustle
Overall Most Talented? A.H.
Pure Scorer? A.H.
Q: Is there any truth to the rumor on DraftExpress.com that your son is already working on his inside game in hopes of being a part of the 2025 Clip Joint draft class?
A: Was trying to keep it under wraps...but....CONFIRMED. They are already calling him the next Tim Duncan but with zest!
We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule as team lawyer to answer our questions and we hope to add a few more trophies to your growing collection.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Clip Joint & The Public Eye
As the General Manager and Public Relations rep for the team, personnel image is an important part of this franchise. Our work in the community and "clean" public image is something that this teams takes pride in. On occasion however, an incident arises that must be addressed in the media to curtail any negative publicity for the team.
One of the more infamous situations surrounded around former Clip Joint member George Kambanis. If you may remember George missed significant time due to hand injury suffered in a bar fight, hence why George is a basketball player and not a MMA fighter. A public apology was issued by George and the team and the matter faded within a week.
This past weekend members of the Clip Joint patronized a local bar in the downtown Bethesda area. The team's official stance on public gathering is that it is encouraged, but in an cautionary manner. As a part of the orientation process for new team members is a workshop on public outings. In this workshop "nightlife" is major topic covered. Issues that are discussed are: how to spot groupies, avoiding "making it rain", injury prevention, hangovers, photography and video (we do not condone Ray J type behavior), holding your liquor, paternity testing, child support, and Kobe Bryant.
During this weekend events it is alleged that the DJ made it very well publicized that "the Clip Joint is in the building," and taunted less successful franchises whose team members happened to be in the building. The teams official stance on this is that we do not feel responsible for comments made by a DJ who is obviously a loyal fan of the team and were not done in an offensive manner, although it could have led to us getting shot by people whom the comments rubbed wrong.
The other issue at hand was the actions of one particular player that was caught on video quickly released on youtube and just as quickly removed. It is alleged that B.A. #21 was spotted staggering through the streets of Bethesda headed towards the Metro which he then threw up on a crowded Metro cart followed by him shouting a couple "Oh baby and Clip Joint is in the building, bbbbllllllatttt, bbbbllllllattttt!!!!" The teams official stance on this is that Mr. B.A. did not do anything offensive towards anyone in the public. The only thing that could be interpreted as public indecency is the public display of vomiting. It has been determined that on the crowded train there were many who recognized and attempted to speak to B.A. Not one for public attention it made him upset to his stomach and mixing with the alcohol caused the vomiting. The shouting that then occurred was due to feelings of relief from his queas iness. This being said B.A. will review certain sections of the Nightlife code of conduct which will include holding your liquor. I would also like to state there is no truth to the accusations that B.A. was spotted with a girl of large physical stature that was thought to be a new "big man" recruit for the Clip Joint.
J.D. #10
One of the more infamous situations surrounded around former Clip Joint member George Kambanis. If you may remember George missed significant time due to hand injury suffered in a bar fight, hence why George is a basketball player and not a MMA fighter. A public apology was issued by George and the team and the matter faded within a week.
This past weekend members of the Clip Joint patronized a local bar in the downtown Bethesda area. The team's official stance on public gathering is that it is encouraged, but in an cautionary manner. As a part of the orientation process for new team members is a workshop on public outings. In this workshop "nightlife" is major topic covered. Issues that are discussed are: how to spot groupies, avoiding "making it rain", injury prevention, hangovers, photography and video (we do not condone Ray J type behavior), holding your liquor, paternity testing, child support, and Kobe Bryant.
During this weekend events it is alleged that the DJ made it very well publicized that "the Clip Joint is in the building," and taunted less successful franchises whose team members happened to be in the building. The teams official stance on this is that we do not feel responsible for comments made by a DJ who is obviously a loyal fan of the team and were not done in an offensive manner, although it could have led to us getting shot by people whom the comments rubbed wrong.
The other issue at hand was the actions of one particular player that was caught on video quickly released on youtube and just as quickly removed. It is alleged that B.A. #21 was spotted staggering through the streets of Bethesda headed towards the Metro which he then threw up on a crowded Metro cart followed by him shouting a couple "Oh baby and Clip Joint is in the building, bbbbllllllatttt, bbbbllllllattttt!!!!" The teams official stance on this is that Mr. B.A. did not do anything offensive towards anyone in the public. The only thing that could be interpreted as public indecency is the public display of vomiting. It has been determined that on the crowded train there were many who recognized and attempted to speak to B.A. Not one for public attention it made him upset to his stomach and mixing with the alcohol caused the vomiting. The shouting that then occurred was due to feelings of relief from his queas iness. This being said B.A. will review certain sections of the Nightlife code of conduct which will include holding your liquor. I would also like to state there is no truth to the accusations that B.A. was spotted with a girl of large physical stature that was thought to be a new "big man" recruit for the Clip Joint.
J.D. #10
Summer Session 08' - Game #3
Yo Momma.....featuring Wilmer Valderrama gave us a pretty good run despite the fact that they probably should have been beaten by at least 15 points. My prediction was off by a whole lot, as I gave us way too much credit coming off a bye week and playing the West Coast tip a little after 10. We came out of the gates slow as a turtle like usual trailing 12-2 before deciding we probably should go ahead and start playing. It was already 11 minutes into the game before we got things going. It is probably not a good idea to continually give teams double digit leads because one of these times we will not be able to come back and win.
For the first time all season we featured all 9 players and we finally got to see the debut of our newest "big man". I use that word very loosely because he was taller than anybody we have but not really that big. There must be something with people trying a little too hard the very first time they play for us. Like A.L. before him, James as we will call him came into the game like he was doing speed. Everything he did was a little too fast including the running commentary while he was on the bench sitting or shall I say pacing next to me. Don't get me wrong, the guy seems nice enough, but after awhile it started to get a little aggravating listening to him tell me or suggest what we should do as a team. I love the enthusiasm and all, but it is only the first game so maybe he should relax a little and soak it all in before telling me who needs to sit out and why he should be in the game. He did drop a nice fade away 12 footer in the second half so I thought that was a positive for him. My hope is to reign him in a little bit as we play week to week. J.P. had his best game in a long time for us in the middle. Yeah he only had 2 points which came at the line very early in the game but he was a presence grabbing 5 or 6 rebounds, blocked a shot and overall just played with some more confidence than usual. I think everyone on the team admired that and enjoyed seeing him do well.
Our play was sloppy and during stretches we could not get anything going on offense, we did just enough to get it done after taking a 9 point lead with about 6 minutes to go when we nearly let them steal one and held on by just a bucket. It is what it is, they were scrappy and enjoyed trash talking us throughout the affair. I give them credit, they had a couple pretty good players but for the most part I'm not worried about them at all in the grand scheme of things. We had a balanced attack and I am happy we were able to get out of the game with another victory catapaulting us to first place at 3-0.
"Team Rock" was a team I was keeping an eye on and now I have my official opinion on them, they suck. They have no heart at all and when we play them I am confident we will win that game fairly easily if we play the way we are capable of. "Beltway Ballers" will be a more difficult game than I originally had been thinking. Overall, I still think it will come down to us and "Dynasty" but I would not be shocked if "Beltway Ballers" pulled off the upset.
Up next a date with the "Tenatious Teabaggers" who should serve as fodder for us to get back on track offensively. I am making a bold statement here and I am going to go out on a limb BUT the final score will be something a little more conservative like 67-44. We need a nice 20 point drubbing to get our swagger back before we match up with "Team Rock" in 2 weeks.
For the first time all season we featured all 9 players and we finally got to see the debut of our newest "big man". I use that word very loosely because he was taller than anybody we have but not really that big. There must be something with people trying a little too hard the very first time they play for us. Like A.L. before him, James as we will call him came into the game like he was doing speed. Everything he did was a little too fast including the running commentary while he was on the bench sitting or shall I say pacing next to me. Don't get me wrong, the guy seems nice enough, but after awhile it started to get a little aggravating listening to him tell me or suggest what we should do as a team. I love the enthusiasm and all, but it is only the first game so maybe he should relax a little and soak it all in before telling me who needs to sit out and why he should be in the game. He did drop a nice fade away 12 footer in the second half so I thought that was a positive for him. My hope is to reign him in a little bit as we play week to week. J.P. had his best game in a long time for us in the middle. Yeah he only had 2 points which came at the line very early in the game but he was a presence grabbing 5 or 6 rebounds, blocked a shot and overall just played with some more confidence than usual. I think everyone on the team admired that and enjoyed seeing him do well.
Our play was sloppy and during stretches we could not get anything going on offense, we did just enough to get it done after taking a 9 point lead with about 6 minutes to go when we nearly let them steal one and held on by just a bucket. It is what it is, they were scrappy and enjoyed trash talking us throughout the affair. I give them credit, they had a couple pretty good players but for the most part I'm not worried about them at all in the grand scheme of things. We had a balanced attack and I am happy we were able to get out of the game with another victory catapaulting us to first place at 3-0.
"Team Rock" was a team I was keeping an eye on and now I have my official opinion on them, they suck. They have no heart at all and when we play them I am confident we will win that game fairly easily if we play the way we are capable of. "Beltway Ballers" will be a more difficult game than I originally had been thinking. Overall, I still think it will come down to us and "Dynasty" but I would not be shocked if "Beltway Ballers" pulled off the upset.
Up next a date with the "Tenatious Teabaggers" who should serve as fodder for us to get back on track offensively. I am making a bold statement here and I am going to go out on a limb BUT the final score will be something a little more conservative like 67-44. We need a nice 20 point drubbing to get our swagger back before we match up with "Team Rock" in 2 weeks.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
4 Times The Charm
At least that is what I keep saying to myself as I gaze at trophy numero 4 on my mantle. Thinking back on all the years we never won a championship and all the disappointing title games we lost before finally breaking through. Now it seems like we can never lose a big game, the sense of being unstoppable. I'm not sure it is a good thing to be so confident about it but at the same time there is no reason not to feel that way. I realize we are not even halfway through the current season but is it wrong to expect to be playing for #5 in a few months? I think at this point anything less and we are a failure in our own eyes. I just look forward to getting back on the court Sunday, but in the meantime i am going to go back and stare at the newest addition to my trophy collection.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
When Is The Right Time?
That is the question that I have to pose to myself after discussing things with the team doctor on my broken nose. Oddly enough I can't remember the last time my nose was not broken to some extent because throughout my life I have lived with it in various states of fracture. However, none were as bad or as noticeable as the current one that happend about 5-6 weeks ago in practice.
I was told that in order to fix my breathing they could easily go in and take care of that without much trouble, clean a few things up and in a few weeks I would be ready to hit the court again. BUT, (isn't there always a but?) in order to completely fix my nose inside and out which includes straightening it back to where it should be located not at a 45 degree angle shaped like a "C", I am going to have to do the rhinoplasty on top of it. Now, Im strictly speculating here, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that in order to do that and have it heal properly I will probably be out of action for upwards of 3-5 weeks after the surgery is completed.
So, should I go ahead and do it this season when I know the competition is weak and prepare myself mentally and physically for the next season when we jump up to the big leagues? Or, do I complete this season and do it at the very beginning of the next season , miss the first half and be ready for the playoff run and playoffs?
This is my dilemma. Keep in mind I could have the surgery and get hit in the nose a week later, which would be just my luck. Anyway, I guess I have some thinking to do.
**Update**
Yeah so my estimate was close, after going over the finer details it turns out that I will be out of action for about 6 weeks following the surgery.
I was told that in order to fix my breathing they could easily go in and take care of that without much trouble, clean a few things up and in a few weeks I would be ready to hit the court again. BUT, (isn't there always a but?) in order to completely fix my nose inside and out which includes straightening it back to where it should be located not at a 45 degree angle shaped like a "C", I am going to have to do the rhinoplasty on top of it. Now, Im strictly speculating here, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that in order to do that and have it heal properly I will probably be out of action for upwards of 3-5 weeks after the surgery is completed.
So, should I go ahead and do it this season when I know the competition is weak and prepare myself mentally and physically for the next season when we jump up to the big leagues? Or, do I complete this season and do it at the very beginning of the next season , miss the first half and be ready for the playoff run and playoffs?
This is my dilemma. Keep in mind I could have the surgery and get hit in the nose a week later, which would be just my luck. Anyway, I guess I have some thinking to do.
**Update**
Yeah so my estimate was close, after going over the finer details it turns out that I will be out of action for about 6 weeks following the surgery.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Quoting David Coverdale "Here We Go Again"
This refers to the recent news that yet another free agent has been brought in through the pipeline to fill a roster spot vacated by the loss of K.J. Originally we had hoped to bring in Reggie Evans errr...Patrick Diawara errrr...B.C. but of course he backed out at the last minute citing immigration problems or something like that. So I really know nothing about this player but according to our scouts he should help our inside game and improve our numbers on both ends of the floor when it comes to rebounding.
We have been down this road before of course with a few guys who have come in for a look and they either do not live up to the hype given to them or they simply no-show and we move on. Hopefully this signing is a positive one that we can use to build towards creating a solid up and down roster going into the highest level of competition this fall. As always I hesitate to get excited until I actually see the guy show up for the first game, pay his dues for the game, arrive with an orange jersey and show some kind of skills on the court. I'm pessimistic like that, what can I say?
We have been down this road before of course with a few guys who have come in for a look and they either do not live up to the hype given to them or they simply no-show and we move on. Hopefully this signing is a positive one that we can use to build towards creating a solid up and down roster going into the highest level of competition this fall. As always I hesitate to get excited until I actually see the guy show up for the first game, pay his dues for the game, arrive with an orange jersey and show some kind of skills on the court. I'm pessimistic like that, what can I say?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sizing Up The Competition, Or Lack Thereof
Having a bye week this early in the season might seem detrimental since we have yet to field our full team for either of the first two games. However, this is something that we have grown accustom to over the years so it really will not affect us as we progress next week in our game against "Yo Momma". The same "Yo Momma" we were supposed to play in the first round of the tournament earlier this summer before they backed out leaving us without a first round opponent. Maybe they knew back then what they were up against.
They played "Dynasty" last night and held their own it appears but in the end lost dropping them to 1-2 on the season. I already gave my prediction so after next Sunday they should be 1-3 and already out of contention for one of the top 3 spots in the standings. "Team Rocks" (lame name by the way) continued their winning ways improving to 3-0 on the season and in first place all alone. I guess that is impressive, but they have been feasting on the lower level teams so far and have yet to play "Dynasty" or us yet. I suspect they will lose both of those games, so they should return to to their rightful position behind both of us before all is said and done.
"Tenacious Teabaggers" are not a threat and they lost to the "Beltway Ballers"who showed up after forfeiting their week 1 game. Who knows maybe those ballers from around the beltway are halfway decent, odds are they probably are not that good. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to check them out before we meet on the schedule.
Over in the pee-wee division that "N.W.O." fixed for themselves so they could be successful and not have to worry about making the finals. They won again, no shock there since their division is full of garbage competition, the way they like it. 3-0 right now and I am going to go out on a limb and predict an undefeated season for them until they get to the finals where they will certainly face their demise...
"Awards Limo" and "ASM Paving" played a high scoring game in the 90's, not sure how that is even possible but obviously defense was not a factor in that game whatsoever. The two primarily Indian teams got hammered again, big shocker right? I mean what are they doing in the league? The one team "HCAC" or something to that effect have won like 1 or 2 games lifetime in the league, they constantly suck and they never get better players, what's the point? Do they like getting the beatdown week to week? do they enjoy other teams making fun of them and running up the score? Or do they like trotting out their hot Indian cheerleader for other teams to stare at in hopes of distracting them? I might have to investigate this one....
Bottom line, the league is weak outside of 2 other teams, okay 3 if you want to include "Team Rocks", but I am skeptical at this point. I suppose we shall see...
They played "Dynasty" last night and held their own it appears but in the end lost dropping them to 1-2 on the season. I already gave my prediction so after next Sunday they should be 1-3 and already out of contention for one of the top 3 spots in the standings. "Team Rocks" (lame name by the way) continued their winning ways improving to 3-0 on the season and in first place all alone. I guess that is impressive, but they have been feasting on the lower level teams so far and have yet to play "Dynasty" or us yet. I suspect they will lose both of those games, so they should return to to their rightful position behind both of us before all is said and done.
"Tenacious Teabaggers" are not a threat and they lost to the "Beltway Ballers"who showed up after forfeiting their week 1 game. Who knows maybe those ballers from around the beltway are halfway decent, odds are they probably are not that good. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to check them out before we meet on the schedule.
Over in the pee-wee division that "N.W.O." fixed for themselves so they could be successful and not have to worry about making the finals. They won again, no shock there since their division is full of garbage competition, the way they like it. 3-0 right now and I am going to go out on a limb and predict an undefeated season for them until they get to the finals where they will certainly face their demise...
"Awards Limo" and "ASM Paving" played a high scoring game in the 90's, not sure how that is even possible but obviously defense was not a factor in that game whatsoever. The two primarily Indian teams got hammered again, big shocker right? I mean what are they doing in the league? The one team "HCAC" or something to that effect have won like 1 or 2 games lifetime in the league, they constantly suck and they never get better players, what's the point? Do they like getting the beatdown week to week? do they enjoy other teams making fun of them and running up the score? Or do they like trotting out their hot Indian cheerleader for other teams to stare at in hopes of distracting them? I might have to investigate this one....
Bottom line, the league is weak outside of 2 other teams, okay 3 if you want to include "Team Rocks", but I am skeptical at this point. I suppose we shall see...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Clip Joint Gives Out More Than Beat Downs
I remember one summer the family and I took a trip to Canada. On that trip we got to go see the USA Basketball team, Dream Team II play in Toronto. One night as we were walking the streets way pass my bed time when suddenly what seemed to be a giant was walking in a zig zag motion towards us. My dad shouted in a surprised tone that it was [will not mention the name] from the Dream Team. He had his arm around this lady who couldn't keep his eyes open and my dad couldn't keep his eyes off. Upon asking him for an autograph he replied, "Kid I will give you something much better, a word of advice. Always, always, always strap IT up." Then he proceeded to zig zag between the sidewalk and street with his sleepy friend. That advice stuck with me from that day forth. I have always strapped on my shoes for every practice and game always, always, always.
This NBA star was a role model of mine growing up and his words meant a lot to me. So it was very important to me that the team establish the same relationship with the community. My Uncle Ben told me, "With great power comes great responsibility." I take that to heart.
The Clip Joint has many programs and visits with the youth. For starters there is our Clip Joint Jrs program, made up of kids from the Dominican Republic. They have gone undefeated in 2 years of play, yet there was some controversy this year about birth certificates.
We also have a monthly program where a team member(s) meets with a group of inner city youth. Last month #21 B.A. took some kids skeet shooting. They raved about how the experience would help improve their aim.
Our elementary school assembly program entitled, Strap It Up, affectionately entitled after my boyhood experience has been to over 50 schools in the Washington DC area. In this program we urge students to strap it up on and off the court, because you don't want to be caught with your "pants down on defense and in life."
Finally there is our partnership with Childrens Hospital, Clip Joint Provides the Oint(ment)." Here we make visits to sickly youth with disorders and diseases. I had a moving experience with shooting around with a group of kids last week. Actually they were paraplegic so they watched me shoot for a couple hours. Their tears of joy said it all. The experience meant a lot to them and me.
The Clip Joint is the community and together we can create a 2-3 zone that can defend against any obstacles.
#10 J.D.
This NBA star was a role model of mine growing up and his words meant a lot to me. So it was very important to me that the team establish the same relationship with the community. My Uncle Ben told me, "With great power comes great responsibility." I take that to heart.
The Clip Joint has many programs and visits with the youth. For starters there is our Clip Joint Jrs program, made up of kids from the Dominican Republic. They have gone undefeated in 2 years of play, yet there was some controversy this year about birth certificates.
We also have a monthly program where a team member(s) meets with a group of inner city youth. Last month #21 B.A. took some kids skeet shooting. They raved about how the experience would help improve their aim.
Our elementary school assembly program entitled, Strap It Up, affectionately entitled after my boyhood experience has been to over 50 schools in the Washington DC area. In this program we urge students to strap it up on and off the court, because you don't want to be caught with your "pants down on defense and in life."
Finally there is our partnership with Childrens Hospital, Clip Joint Provides the Oint(ment)." Here we make visits to sickly youth with disorders and diseases. I had a moving experience with shooting around with a group of kids last week. Actually they were paraplegic so they watched me shoot for a couple hours. Their tears of joy said it all. The experience meant a lot to them and me.
The Clip Joint is the community and together we can create a 2-3 zone that can defend against any obstacles.
#10 J.D.
When It Is Not By Choice
Over the years I have suffered several minor injuries while suiting up for my beloved Clip Joint squad. A sprained ankle here or a broken thumb there, stuff happens. Especially when you get to my age and the body doesn’t bounce back like it used to. While my injuries have caused me to miss a game or two I have been fortunate to not have to miss any significant time…until now.
In a playoff game against NWO last season I took a charge that sent me careening head first into the end wall at the plex. Even though I saw stars for a few moments I was still able to finish the game as well as play in the games the following week. A shot to the dome felt like nothing compared to a sprained ankle. I was wrong. The impact from that shot to my head continued to linger for weeks. I tried to ignore it but at the urging of family and friends I decided to go see the doc.
“No more basketball” is what the doc told me. Or at least not “until we figure out what’s going on and the symptoms go away.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. Now in all honesty, due to family obligations I was already considering taking the season off but at the urging of J.W. I was going to remain on the roster and play in a handful of games as we look for that unprecedented 4th championship in a row. That was my choice and I was good with it. I could have changed my mind at any time and decided to play in more or fewer games. The good doc took that away from me. Now I’m sidelined indefinitely and can only wonder about my future.
I know the squad will continue to prosper and win ‘cause that’s what the Clip Joint does! But not being a part of it leaves me feeling a bit empty, like there’s something missing. I follow the team in the news and stay abreast of what’s going on with the squad but it’s not the same as being out there. At this stage in my career I’m not looking for the fame or the big contract, it’s the competition and the camaraderie with the fellas that I enjoy. And I look forward to getting back out there. To quote the body builder turned actor turned Governor, I’ll be back!
#12 K.J.
In a playoff game against NWO last season I took a charge that sent me careening head first into the end wall at the plex. Even though I saw stars for a few moments I was still able to finish the game as well as play in the games the following week. A shot to the dome felt like nothing compared to a sprained ankle. I was wrong. The impact from that shot to my head continued to linger for weeks. I tried to ignore it but at the urging of family and friends I decided to go see the doc.
“No more basketball” is what the doc told me. Or at least not “until we figure out what’s going on and the symptoms go away.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. Now in all honesty, due to family obligations I was already considering taking the season off but at the urging of J.W. I was going to remain on the roster and play in a handful of games as we look for that unprecedented 4th championship in a row. That was my choice and I was good with it. I could have changed my mind at any time and decided to play in more or fewer games. The good doc took that away from me. Now I’m sidelined indefinitely and can only wonder about my future.
I know the squad will continue to prosper and win ‘cause that’s what the Clip Joint does! But not being a part of it leaves me feeling a bit empty, like there’s something missing. I follow the team in the news and stay abreast of what’s going on with the squad but it’s not the same as being out there. At this stage in my career I’m not looking for the fame or the big contract, it’s the competition and the camaraderie with the fellas that I enjoy. And I look forward to getting back out there. To quote the body builder turned actor turned Governor, I’ll be back!
#12 K.J.
Cheap Photo Opportunity
The league finally came to their senses and recognized the greatness that is Clip Joint and called me to confirm that they wanted to take a photo of the team to put on their website. Adding "winning four in a row would be a record". Getting the team together for the cheap, shameless promotion will be difficult, though I am sure the core group will be available.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Addressing The Rumors
Strictly 4 My C.L.I.P.P.A.Z.
My publicist wanted me to address the streak that came to end this past Sunday. Contrary to what the media has reported, I was not forced to end my consecutive games started streak by coaches, teammates, or management. It was completely my decision. With the addition of the cyborg, it is time to adjust my role on the team. G.C. is quality and M.D. has been in good form of late. Interesting to note, I have never seen M.D. in the weight room on the bench press or on the pull down machine working his latissimus dorsi muscles. Must be genetics. Anyway, those two are outperforming me at the moment. I take this new role as motivation to play the way I know I can. Which is to brick 3's not air ball them. As has been previously stated "winning is everything and losing is not an option", minutes do not matter to me.
I am a little concerned about the attitude of J.D. aka swiss cheese. His lack of commitment and general disregard to the most important area of championship level basketball will come back to bite us. Maybe not in rec level basketball, but it certainly will when we make this alleged jump to the big dog court. The Clip Joint, like the great Ken Beatrice would say, "can not I mean can not" get away with lapses on the defensive end of the floor. Not only that, we can't go Cal Ripken Jr. over there and expect to win.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to Jeff, who has the best release on his jumpshot I have ever seen. Without Jeff, I would never have been a Clip Joint member. Also shout out to Bird, who has taught me a lot about the game and made me recognize a lot of my weaknesses.
Check me out on me new website: http://www.robgetscisedfor3seconds.org/.
#21 B.A.
My publicist wanted me to address the streak that came to end this past Sunday. Contrary to what the media has reported, I was not forced to end my consecutive games started streak by coaches, teammates, or management. It was completely my decision. With the addition of the cyborg, it is time to adjust my role on the team. G.C. is quality and M.D. has been in good form of late. Interesting to note, I have never seen M.D. in the weight room on the bench press or on the pull down machine working his latissimus dorsi muscles. Must be genetics. Anyway, those two are outperforming me at the moment. I take this new role as motivation to play the way I know I can. Which is to brick 3's not air ball them. As has been previously stated "winning is everything and losing is not an option", minutes do not matter to me.
I am a little concerned about the attitude of J.D. aka swiss cheese. His lack of commitment and general disregard to the most important area of championship level basketball will come back to bite us. Maybe not in rec level basketball, but it certainly will when we make this alleged jump to the big dog court. The Clip Joint, like the great Ken Beatrice would say, "can not I mean can not" get away with lapses on the defensive end of the floor. Not only that, we can't go Cal Ripken Jr. over there and expect to win.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to Jeff, who has the best release on his jumpshot I have ever seen. Without Jeff, I would never have been a Clip Joint member. Also shout out to Bird, who has taught me a lot about the game and made me recognize a lot of my weaknesses.
Check me out on me new website: http://www.robgetscisedfor3seconds.org/.
#21 B.A.
Answering The Age Old Question
"Is it more important for everyone to play equal minutes or play to ensure that we win the game"?
This is something that often comes up every couple of sessions when manuevering throughout the course of a season. There will be a game or two when some of players who spend most of their time on the bench stand up and wonder aloud why they only got on the court for 5 minutes instead of their normal 15 to 20 minutes. Back in the infant stages of the franchise things were admittedly a lot easier. The talent on our team was such that it really did not matter who was on the court because we lacked any real super star players. Fortunately, over the years we have improved that talent and brought in athletes who have a different gear who can reach that elite level of basketball.
Herein lies the problem. When you know you are that much better than the next guy and the game is close do you feel comfortable raising your hand to come out of the game knowing you could be hurting the team? Do you stay in the game a few minutes too long knowing you are exhausted but do not have faith in your teammate who is less skilled than you are? These are probably all things that run through the heads of said elite players. Luckily for me, I am not an elite player, heck I'm not even close.
I would be delusional to think that I should be playing an equal amount of minutes as our best players like D.T. & A.H. etc. First of all I am a few years older than them and second of all even when I was their age I was only 1/3 as good as they are now. So I know my role on the team and I have accepted that fact and realize that I am best served at helping the team in other ways. Sure, I would love to be on the court for 40 minutes a game, thats the competitor in me speaking. The realist in me knows that playing about 18 minutes a game suits me just fine and I still contribute something on the court. The rest of the time I am the vocal leader and ultimate strategist on the bench.
Unfortunately, we run into some problems from time to time. Nobody on the team has ever refused to come out of a game when told to do so. There have been a couple times when it has come close but ultimately and sometimes begrudgingly I am sure they have removed themselves from the game and come to the sidelines. I get all that, wanting to be on the court when the game is on the line. But at the end of the day we all have to make the best decisions when trying to WIN the game. If that means you have to play 5 minutes or 2 minutes or 25 minutes to help us win then so be it. If you are used to playing 30 minutes a game but have been playing terrible and are not running back to play defense then you might be coming out of the game and be better served doing so.
I guess to answer the question above, there is no real cut and dry answer other than to say that the team should come first regardless of the situation. 90% of the time everyone buys into that thought process, it is the other 10% that I worry about and have to deal with. I guess that's part of the job and par for the course. I know that I will do whatever it takes to win and if that means our best player only plays 20 minutes and our least talented player gets 20 minutes than so be it. If our starters play almost an entire game and our bench does nothing but stand and sit all game long rooting on the starters than it will have to be that way.
Winning is everything and losing is not an option. Anyone who feels otherwise, has never won anything in their lives.
This is something that often comes up every couple of sessions when manuevering throughout the course of a season. There will be a game or two when some of players who spend most of their time on the bench stand up and wonder aloud why they only got on the court for 5 minutes instead of their normal 15 to 20 minutes. Back in the infant stages of the franchise things were admittedly a lot easier. The talent on our team was such that it really did not matter who was on the court because we lacked any real super star players. Fortunately, over the years we have improved that talent and brought in athletes who have a different gear who can reach that elite level of basketball.
Herein lies the problem. When you know you are that much better than the next guy and the game is close do you feel comfortable raising your hand to come out of the game knowing you could be hurting the team? Do you stay in the game a few minutes too long knowing you are exhausted but do not have faith in your teammate who is less skilled than you are? These are probably all things that run through the heads of said elite players. Luckily for me, I am not an elite player, heck I'm not even close.
I would be delusional to think that I should be playing an equal amount of minutes as our best players like D.T. & A.H. etc. First of all I am a few years older than them and second of all even when I was their age I was only 1/3 as good as they are now. So I know my role on the team and I have accepted that fact and realize that I am best served at helping the team in other ways. Sure, I would love to be on the court for 40 minutes a game, thats the competitor in me speaking. The realist in me knows that playing about 18 minutes a game suits me just fine and I still contribute something on the court. The rest of the time I am the vocal leader and ultimate strategist on the bench.
Unfortunately, we run into some problems from time to time. Nobody on the team has ever refused to come out of a game when told to do so. There have been a couple times when it has come close but ultimately and sometimes begrudgingly I am sure they have removed themselves from the game and come to the sidelines. I get all that, wanting to be on the court when the game is on the line. But at the end of the day we all have to make the best decisions when trying to WIN the game. If that means you have to play 5 minutes or 2 minutes or 25 minutes to help us win then so be it. If you are used to playing 30 minutes a game but have been playing terrible and are not running back to play defense then you might be coming out of the game and be better served doing so.
I guess to answer the question above, there is no real cut and dry answer other than to say that the team should come first regardless of the situation. 90% of the time everyone buys into that thought process, it is the other 10% that I worry about and have to deal with. I guess that's part of the job and par for the course. I know that I will do whatever it takes to win and if that means our best player only plays 20 minutes and our least talented player gets 20 minutes than so be it. If our starters play almost an entire game and our bench does nothing but stand and sit all game long rooting on the starters than it will have to be that way.
Winning is everything and losing is not an option. Anyone who feels otherwise, has never won anything in their lives.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Confessions of a "Swiss Cheese" Defender
As a veteran of this franchise I have quite often gotten some ribbing from my teammates, which usually relates to unnecessary behind the back passes and my lack of devotion to defense. I have to admit on occasion I have had lapses on certain ends of the court. My vice in basketball is offense. It always has and it always will be. No matter if it is shooting or passing what ever makes those light bulbs collectively change on the scoreboard I am for. In movies, sex and blood sell, and there is nothing more bloody sexy than a high scoring offense.
It is hard to stay motivated during games when certain opponents can only offer a 30-40 point thrashing if we play well on both ends of the floor. This past season however, has been our most challenging in recent seasons, which made the championship all the more satisfying. The fire was lit for us as a team last session but the meat (competition) ended up cooked just the same... well done.
This is why we need to make that jump to the next level, time to move up in weight class. We need to stay hungry and even though we are already looking past this current season preparing for our inevitable move; I believe this to be an important season for us. We need to prepare for each game as the underdogs not 4 time champs. Devote ourselves to defensively harassing opponents to the point where they want to file restraining orders. Execute sharply on offense as one collective symphony in artistic glory working for open shots, and easy transition scores that provide an infecting melody to those that watch and listen.
We have to envision ourselves as once more the team that opponents would look at in warm ups, and couldn't help but smile thinking they were going to have there way with us. We need to be out for blood, no letting up, no backing down, and no mercy. Our business is winning and business is good. This means hard-nosed defense, this means being an offensive juggernaut, this is Clip Joint basketball. I am getting too hype right now - OH Baby!!!
#10 - J.D.
It is hard to stay motivated during games when certain opponents can only offer a 30-40 point thrashing if we play well on both ends of the floor. This past season however, has been our most challenging in recent seasons, which made the championship all the more satisfying. The fire was lit for us as a team last session but the meat (competition) ended up cooked just the same... well done.
This is why we need to make that jump to the next level, time to move up in weight class. We need to stay hungry and even though we are already looking past this current season preparing for our inevitable move; I believe this to be an important season for us. We need to prepare for each game as the underdogs not 4 time champs. Devote ourselves to defensively harassing opponents to the point where they want to file restraining orders. Execute sharply on offense as one collective symphony in artistic glory working for open shots, and easy transition scores that provide an infecting melody to those that watch and listen.
We have to envision ourselves as once more the team that opponents would look at in warm ups, and couldn't help but smile thinking they were going to have there way with us. We need to be out for blood, no letting up, no backing down, and no mercy. Our business is winning and business is good. This means hard-nosed defense, this means being an offensive juggernaut, this is Clip Joint basketball. I am getting too hype right now - OH Baby!!!
#10 - J.D.
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