The Power Of Teamwork...

Great picture, huh?

I will admit, I wasn't fully inspired by this year's Duke team, until I saw them in person.

My passion and ethusiasm for Duke hoops, had slightly started to wane heading into this season.

I couldn't put my finger on why. I felt guilty. Was I bad fan? It's hard being named Dukie and not realizing the team was playing on certain nights. I stopped checking Dukebasketballreport (best fan site ever--- my homepage in college--- I think I was upset when they changed their layout). I still loved Coach K. I liked the players. But I wasn't surrounded by others who shared my passion. I'm living here in Miami. Whenever I'd talk Duke hoops to anybody, I'd get eye-rolls. So, I guess, I stopped trying.

Plus, to be perfectly honest, I was getting sick of Duke having the SAME season. The team was earning a 1 or 2 seed in the tournament, and then losing by the Sweet 16, to some team who was just bigger, tougher, and meaner.

I started to question Coach K's motives a bit. Was he too focused on the Olympics? Perhaps his heart wasn't in it like it used to be?

And then I saw them play in person.

It's like a loved one who you are in a little tift with, and then realize, I can't stay mad at you.

I loved the way they played.

In a word, together.

Coach K articulated it well himself after the Elite 8 Game "We're not a great team. We're a really good team, but we have great character."

He's on point.

Baylor was much more talented than Duke, player-to-player.

I saw several NBA-level players on Baylor.

But when things got tight, when it got late, when both teams couldn't score, it was Duke who found a way and then pulled away.

Part of it was simply Nolan Smith. He was playing basketball that could ONLY be described as inspired. A career-high 29 points for Nolan, and now, he leads Duke to the Final Four in the city where his late-father won HIS national title (Nolan's dad won with Louisville in 1980).

I always tell people I don't like sports movies, because real life is always better.

My brother called me during the second round of the tournament to tell me, your boys sure screen a lot, and well. I agreed.

Jay Bilas described Lance Thomas as one of the ONLY guys out there practicing screens during the layup line. Screening isn't the sexiest part of basketball. It's giving up your body so that your teammate can shine. But that's Lance Thomas.

Last night's game had the EXACT formula for what's knocked Duke out EVERY year since the title year in 2001. A top player has an off-night (Kyle Singler), a big man fouls out (Zoubek), and they face a fast, athletic opponent.

But *THIS* year's team didn't succomb. They withstood all of the adversity, and that's why they're marching on.

I have one favorite moment of the tournament so far, that I'd like to single out. If you're reading THIS far, you'll indulge me (the Maryland Folks and Tarheels probably gave up after the first sentence-- i tend to use a lot of big words--- i kid, i kid).

Jon Scheyer, who I love for many reasons (one of which is he's jewish---always a source of pride to see a member of the tribe do well in sports), has been having an awful tournament. At one point, he'd missed 15 straight shots. So when he was open for his 16th attempt, the ball came into his hands, and Jon BURIED IT. They showed a replay. Coach K went absolutely ballastic. He pumped his fists like someone who had just been told "come on down" on the 'price is right.'

That's what this team is about: Belief, trust, picking each other up.

Isn't that what you want in your sports teams? The whole to be greater than the collection of the parts? It's been a pleasure to watch a group of young athletes playing for each other, having each other's back, and achieving what others didn't think was possible (myself included).

Onto Indianapolis Blue Devils.

You've already made so many people, so proud. You've allowed me to rekindle a passion which is life-long, but every now and then, needs to be revived.

And you've shown me why I own not one, but TWO, Coach K Bobble-heads.

How about cutting down the nets one more time?

Final Four!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!

My Least Favorite Question...

I think in writing and life, it's always important to disclose your biases. So right off the bat I'll say this. I love Mike Krzyzewski. I think he's a phenomenal teacher, basketball coach, and human being.

Last night, Coach K took a Duke team that many thought didn't deserve to be a number 1 seed, to the elite 8.

I don't need to list his myriad accomplishments, suffice it to say, he's really good.

So why is it, during EVERY Duke game I watch, I always get asked my LEAST favorite question.

Why does Duke have so many white players?

I get asked that by people who are dead serious, I get asked that in jest, people say it with a smile.

First of all, most people aren't comfortable talking about race in this country. We're told it's impolite and frankly, most people aren't educated enough to do it intelligently.

I'm not a sociologist. Having taken a few soc classes and a few classes on race in America, does not make me an expert.

But I have a few thoughts on this question.

First of all, why does anyone care? It's not like Coach K tells his assistants, I want you to go out and find me the best 6 white kids. Go to the McDonald's All-American game, if you see any pale dudes, grab 'em.

Coach K is in the winning business, not the race business.

If you look at Duke's greatest players under Coach K, there's a mixed bag of race. Johnny Dawkins (black), Christian Laettner (white), Bobby Hurley (white), Grant Hill (black), Shane Battier (bi-racial), Jason Williams (black), JJ Redick (white).

That sure seems to mix things up.

Secondly, I tell people, Duke's basketball team looks more like its student body than most schools. Sure there are a lot of white players on Duke, and black players as well. Isn't that what the college experience is SUPPOSED to be about? People from all backgrounds, thrown into the same environment, getting drunk, and writing papers about arcane subjects no one understands? (I'm looking at you Roman History Paper).

Then there's the question of Duke's perceived lack of success in the NBA. The argument goes, Duke's whiteboys are good in college, but all suck in the pros. Grant Hill couldn't hear you over his decade-long career. Carlos Boozer seems to have found a few extra minutes of playing time in the NBA.

I will concede the following, North Carolina players have had more success in the NBA. But that's an unfair comparison, they have Michael Jordan.

I think the bigger issue is this: Why can't white players be good? We all laughed at the movie "White Men Can't Jump," but has anyone seen the flying Plumlee brothers for Duke? Those dudes can fly.

This perception that white people can't be good at basketball is as foolish, ignorant, and I would argue hurtful as any sterotype against blacks, jews, gays, or any other group.

The only color that matters to Coach K and real Dukies: is blue.

And if you'll hold your stupid question, we have a Final Four to reach.

Future Yankee Closer...

Before I explain what the heck that is to the left, I wanted to thank everyone for reading this little blog on Thursday. There was a veritable explosion of interest, 100 hits. If you take away the 82 times I checked to see how many hits, about 18 people actually read this thing. For that I am eternally grateful, truly.

Now, how's about a little baseball talk?

The man you see in the picture is Joba Chamberlain. Yankees manager Joe Girardi has relegated Joba to the pen.

Basically, he and Phil Hughes fought it out for the role of 5th starter. Winner gets to start during the regular season, loser gets moved to the bullpen for the 8th. Joba lost.

I think it's for the best. The key to the Yankees five World Series titles since 1996, hasn't been the JILLION dollars they spend on free agents, contrary to popular opinion.

The Yankees not-so-secret weapon has been the man with one pitch, Mariano Rivera. Take away his cut-fastball, and that Yankees probably have 2 less titles. That's no exaggeration. Mo, or even the THREAT of Mo, has been influencing games for over a decade.

But he can't pitch forever.

The Yankees have to start thinking about life after Mo.

That's where this decision comes into play.

There's a term thrown around sports a lot called swag. It's often used (and misused) in terms of the "U." Believe it or not, Mariano has swag. It's just a cool, calm swag. He doesn't have to say anything, but when 'Enter Sandman' starts playing, and he runs out of the pen, half of the batters have struck out already.

Joba has had moments of swag. When he first came up, Joba took over New York. A pudgy kid from Nebraska throwing ABSOLUTE gas. Then, not so much. He's been pitching a bit like a cowardly lion (oh we've come full circle now). I personally believe the attack of the bugs in Cleveland a few years ago impacted Joba.

Time to get old Joba back.

He needs to just let it rip in the 8th.

Intimidate batters. Throw the occassional brushback pitch.

And study Mariano.

As for Phil Hughes, I think he's a more fully developed pitcher. He's got more of an arsenal, if he can stay healthy.

I have to hand it to Joe Girardi, he made the right call.

Random...

I don't know how I feel about the blogsphere. Two weeks in, I'm underwhelmed and frustrated.

As I said off the bat, I'm like six years too late. Despite stalking people on stat-counter, you never really know if people are reading your work and frankly, if your work is even worth reading.

I know this blog has not yet found its voice. I know I'm a better writer than I've shown so far. I've had multiple people whose opinions I respect say, it's not very good.

It's hard, because in the world of blogs and sports-talk, people want expertise. You want someone who REALLY knows what he or she is talking about.

And since most people aren't experts, to make up for a lack of knowledge, people shout loudly, take strong absurd stances, and substitute thought and reason with volume level.

I'm not the first person to say the level of discourse in this country has gone down.

But what I'm told is, you have to find a unique position to write a blog. Or, as author Seth Godin calls it a "Purple Cow." That unique selling proposition.

The problem, as my brother beautifully articulated it is, we're living in a world where everyone is a purple cow. Go on to facebook. Everyone's got something to plug (believe me, I'm as guilty as anyone). We don't talk, we cross-promote.

So in a world where everyone thinks they're an expert, and everyone thinks they're important, how do you stand out? Do you want to?

To be honest, I'm not really an expert in anything. I have a variety of interests. But being interested, having curiosity, liking--- doesn't make it in a world where people want the loudest, instant reaction. Not only are you supposed to be an expert, RIGHT AWAY, you're supposed to speak with absolute certainty and bravado. That's just not how I'm wired. I'm more of a seeker, a questioner. I like to take in information. I question absolutely everything.

There's a great quote by Dr. Timothy Leary that I think about often (I'll paraphrase): My favorite three words in the English language are 'i don't know.' Every time you say them, you learn something new. Don't know if that philosophy flies in blog-land.

Believe me, I have passions. There are things I care deeply about. Sports, movies, some pop culture, certain music, comedy, ethical and moral issues, politics...

There's nothing more annoying than when I tell someone that I'm involved in sports media, and they immediately think this is a game of stump the schwab. Just because I try to watch as many sporting events as possible, doesn't mean I have immediate cognitive access to every piece of sports trivia since the Revolutionary War.

I know I don't want my blog to be sports-talk. Not in the sense of talking about sports, but I mean in the sense of sports-talk.

For the past TEN years, I've been FULLY engulfed in that world. I've taken two weeks off from it so far (aside from one fill in hosting gig, and another this upcoming Sunday), and I feel better. There are less idiots shouting at me as I drive to work.

To talk about sports, you don't have to yell at people. You don't have to one-up them. You don't have to know everything.

You can just be interested in the players and the storylines, the circus and the absurdity.

That's what interests me.

That's what I try to capture in this blog.

My 'purple cow' in this blog, has got to be me.

There's no question that I have a different world-view than most.

If I can make you put on some Dukie Lang-colored glasses to process certain events in the world, that may be enough.

If not, I may have to start a porn site.

Do You Feel A Draft?

I'm not a Gators fan. I don't think he's coming to the Dolphins or Giants. And yet to me, the most fascinating player in the NFL draft is Tim Tebow.

Of all the picks that are made, where Tebow ends up, what type of system he's put into, and how he does, will be topic number one of the 2010 NFL draft.

I'm dumbfounded by the stupidity of the analysis some of the so-called experts have of Tebow. He can't throw the ball? He's not a good leader? Did any of those fans watch a Gator game the last four years?

The Tebow-hatred is real, deep, and passionate. For some, it's simply envy. The kid walked away with 2 National Titles and a Heisman. I'd be willing to endure substantial pain if my favorite college player, Jacory Harris, could leave school with half of that resume.

I think it goes deeper than that. For many, the hatred is because Tebow is religious. We're not supposed to mix religion and sports, and yet, Tebow wears his beliefs for all to see. Literally, under his eyes.

In an age where Wilt Chamberlain lists his conquests in the tens of thousands, Tebow takes the A.C. Green route, claiming virginity because of his faith. I don't share Tebow's beliefs. But I certaintly admire them.

And yet lost in all that is something really simple. Tim Tebow is a good football player. He won a LOT of games in college. Why all of a sudden will he start sucking in the pros?

People want to convert him (pun not intended) to tight end or fullback or linebacker. Why? Because Tebow is blessed with a skill-set unlike many we've ever seen. He's big, tough, physical, loves-contact, and yet is a quarterback.

How do you use him?

I bet there are a few NFL offensive coordinators salivating over that possibility.

I wish Tebow well in the NFL.

He's polarizing in the same way as the Yankees, Notre Dame, and the designated hitter rule.

He stirs the pot.

The NFL is already more interesting because of him.

Ask Tougher...

This guy would've done a better job with the Tiger Woods interviews than the two knuckleheads that were hand-picked.

Let's bring out the new and improved Tiger Woods...

Or not.

Tiger has become so humbled that he was wiling to give up a full 5 minutes of his time.

In fact, he even personally selected his friend from the golf channel along and also a feckless dweeb from ESPN . They were obliged to do with their questions what many of mistresses did to him.

Tiger did have to take a big leap to television; he could have simply texted his answers to the interview. We all know that he has proven to be quite the wordsmith in that medium.

Good for CBS news. They turned down the Tiger interview because, well, it wasn't really an interview.

Sorry Tiger. You're not THAT important. You can give up more than five minutes.

And you can't even sit down? Why were they standing? I guess Tiger always like to pick the position...

Frankly, I don't really care what he says at this point.

We all know the drill.

Publicly, he's clean-cut and precise. Privately, he's what Rick James would call a superfreak.

The two aren't mutally exclusive.

He's the world's greatest golfer *AND* he likes to send freaky text messages to porn stars.

The only reason this story bothered me, is because what the hell happened to sports journalism? Here you have an interview with one of the most intriguing athletes in the world, and these are the questions you ask him?

At moments like that, I tend to think back to one of my heroes - Howard Cosell. How differently would that interview have gone if he were holding the mic? Too often the term "sports journalist" has become an oxymoron. It's a shame: that was an opportunity lost.

One Game...

My bracket looks dirtier than a Tiger Woods text.

I literally threw it in the garbage at one point on Saturday.

To paraphrase Tiger, Northern Iowa slapped Kansas' face, and made it beg for mercy. I'd paraphase more, but Tiger's got a mouth that's dirtier than this blog can get. (He'd make Ron Jeremy blush).

Kansas didn't want it. It's that simple.

When you watched that game, every loose ball went to Northern Iowa. Every hustle play, went to the underdog.

And that's what makes the tournament so great, and the idiots who talk about it so stupid.

EVERYONE, our President included, told us Kansas was the best overall team. They had the deepest team. Except that, they didn't.

March Madness is great because it's 64 playoff games (yes, I count the play-in). Each team gets ONE GAME to fight for their season. That's why higher-seeds can fall. If they overlook an opponent, if they get outworked by an opponent, if stud players are worrying about their draft position... One lapse in focus, can lead to one shining moment.

That's why great coaches tend to get those fat contracts. Great coaches are able to keep consistency EVERY year: Consistent effort, consistent focus. It's not a coincidence that someone like Tom Izzo has been to the Final Four 5 out of the last 11 seasons. It's not a coincidence that Mike Krzyzewski has three national titles and a bevy of Final Four apperances.

I think more than most sports, coaching does matter in college basketball. It doesn't hurt that top programs like Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina usually get the best kids; the McDonalds All-Americans.

But still, in college you gotta coach em up (even if we're talking about one and done players like John Wall). A college national title is the toughest 6-game winning streak to obtain in all of sports.

I love March Madness. It's a great time of year. It's especially fun when teams not named Duke are upset.

Don't Get Mad (OFF), Get Even (OFF?)

Today, I heard that convicted Ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff was attacked in prison.

Quel surprise!

Come on Bernie!

Buff up.

Just because you're a huckster, doesn't mean you can't do a few crunches and pull-ups.

Look dude, you're gonna be in there for a while.

Perhaps you join a gang? Maybe 'befriend' a very large dude?

You have options.

Haven't you ever watched "Locked Up?"

You have nothing but time Mr. Madoff. The rules have changed a little. You can no longer get by on your wits and total lack of morals. Muscle is the currency where you are dog.

Coke isn't it?

Even Marion Barry read this story and went "What the hell?"

Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington (not seen above), admitted that last year, DURING THE SEASON, he used cocaine.

MLB knew about it. And did nothing.

The Rangers' club President Nolan Ryan knew about it. And he's doing nothing.

His players are standing by him.

Um, am I crazy?

COCAINE!

The manager of a big league baseball team did COCAINE and kept his job?

I'm not a big 'little kids look up to you' guy... But COCAINE???

Josh Hamilton is on the Texas Rangers. His story of overcoming addiciton, gripped the baseball world a few years ago. He knew that if he kicked his habit, he'd have the honor... OF PLAYING FOR A COKE-HEAD!!!

Come on Ron Washington, 1973 called... it wanted its drug of choice back.

Being around major league baseball is privilege, not a right. This isn't a performance-enhancer. We're talking about an illegal narcotic. This isn't the bullpen catcher, this is the FREAKING manager.

Of course, the Rangers organization hasn't exactly been a shining beacon of moral rectitude. They were once owned by a man who had a coke problem (who went on to have a very prominent political career). If you think of all the biggest juicers... Canseco, Palmiero, AROD... Many did their damage in Arlington. So yeah, this franchise has had some problems.

But this is the no-brainer of no-brainers.

Fire him.

Do it yesterday.

Ju wanna play games?

Happy St. Patty's Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8

Don't Call It A Comeback

Just what the world needs, another person moralizing about Tiger Woods and his personal travails.

I don't know Tiger Woods. Never met him. I followed him for a day at Doral last year. Here's what I learned. He's immcaulate. His posture, the way he carries himself, the way he golfs... precision personified. Oh, and he's good at golf.

I don't have a stake in Tiger Woods personally. As soon as he stops winning golf tournaments... as soon as he's off the golf course... he's of no use to me. Just another stranger a world of five billion others.

But I do have to say, I was disappointed in his decision to play Augusta. Not as a viewer. The ratings will be huge. It will be compelling television. I wouldn't be surprised if he won (he's already the favorite in Vegas).

That's not it. Here's what bothers me.

If this was a 'fall from grace,' how did he fall? What did he lose? The guy came out and apologized to me. And to you. What for? He didn't owe me an apology. The reason Tiger was able to pull of the lifestyle that he did, he was surrounded by enablers. He wasn't told no. Ever. It appears whatever he wanted to do.... or whoever he wanted to do... could happen, like that. There were no limitations on him. And now... He's totally disgraced, he's hit rock bottom, he goes into rehab.... But don't let that get in the way of his favorite tournament. This guy's life is so charmed... That his 'problems' and subsequent 'solution' happen to fall within the most convenient time-frame.

What has he given up? What has he sacrificed? The PGA, CBS, his fellow golfers... they're all going to kiss his backside from the minute he tees off at 1. Golf needs him something fierce. Make no mistake about it. Jim Nantz would do things to Tiger that are illegal in 15 states and will do so as soon as the broadcast starts. The bubble that he lived in, it's about to start all over again. He's once again to be coddled and protected. Good luck saying anything negative from a gallery.

He's going to sell himself as a changed person. That's what bothers me. I don't care what type of person you say you are. Want to prove something to me? Skip one major. Sacrifice something you truly love to show that your family matters more. Sad fact, it doesn't. I don't care either way what he and Elin decide to do. I really don't. If the geeky golf kid from Stanford isn't happy with his wife, not my concern. Just don't sell me on what a changed man you are. One might say, he's got a right to work. Sure.

Fine, go back to work. Win tournaments, endorse cars, enjoy your life.

Just don't sell me on this great American comeback story.

It's not a comeback: You never lost anything.

Deli Done

A piece of my childhood is dying today.
If you grew up in Hollywood (Florida) and you're a jew... you know the Deli Den. If you went there on a Sunday, or rather, were dragged there by your parents, you were BOUND to bump into someone you knew.

The food wasn't good. But it was familiar. Being sick as a kid meant mom would bring home a pint of that matzah ball soup with the really thin noodles. Again, not good, but home.

When I think of the Deli Den, I picture my dad eating there. I can see him eating something disgusting, and offering me a bite. The place was always really loud. It was sprinkled with elderly folks shouting at each other. It was like going to temple, minus all the hebrew and praying and whatnot.

I once met Joe Dimaggio at Deli Den. He was sitting there. This giant of our culture, sipping coffee with his lawyer. The man who had been inside Marilyn Monroe, was also inside Deli Den. I went up to the notoriously aloof Dimaggio and asked for an autograph. He signed it. I still have it in my room, on a Deli Den napkin.

The hot open faced turkey was decent. Again, not particularly good.

That's what I think is so strange about the place. People went there for 40 years, and no one really liked it. Mediocrity was the order of the day, and we accepted it. What it should go to waste?

Simple Joys

It's the little things that make life worth living. I got home this morning at 9:45 after hosting a radio show. I threw on HBO and caught the last 15 minutes of the Bird and Magic documentary. And buried at the very end... A vehement Bryant Gumbel saying that to those who say Jordan saved the NBA, B-S... it was Larry and Magic. Except, Gumbel didn't say B-S. He's done it a few times on "Real Sports" (best produced show on T-V)... And every time Gumbel curses... I giggle. Bravo potty-mouthed Gumbel... Bravo!

I'm Switzerland

Now I know how Archie and Olivia felt watching Peyton and Eli go toe-to-toe during that Sunday Night Football game a few years ago.

Today, two of my GREAT passions face each other in a game that is vital to each. The Miami Hurricanes battle Duke in the ACC tourney.

For the Canes, today means everything. A win over Duke propels them to the ACC Finals tomorrow. Win Sunday, and Miami is Cinderella of the Big Dance. After a disappointing season, Frank Haith's bunch can wipe it all away when it matters most. To make matters better for Miami, they're doing it without Dwayne (that's spelled right Ari) Collins. So the future is winning now. Guys like Durand Scott and Reggie Johnson (who I interviewed for the coach's show this week... SUPER Nice Kid, great attitude) are making a giant impact.

On the other hand, I was a face-painter in college. Duke basketball is a cult and I am a member. Heck, my given name (well my radio name) is Dukie. For Duke, this is the ACC tournament. If you haven't been to the Carolinas in March, that's a really big deal. And it's hard to EVER root against Coach K (one of my many mancrushes which will come out as this blog evolves. When I start talking about Derek Jeter, you may want to keep a vomit-bag handy).

So in terms of rooting interest today, I will be pulling for... I don't know. Call me Switzerland. Either way, I'm going to be really happy for Miami's shot the dance... or Duke's shot at another ACC crown.

And I'm also going to be super disappointed.

Shameless...

Thanks to my friend and sports director at WPLG Will Manso for the shameless plug on facebook.... Anyone reading this should check out Will's sports blog on justnews.com/willssportsblog

Of course... You should all follow my brother on twitter @swiftylang.... We share both an acerbic wit and proclivity for spilling at the dinner table.

Finally, follow the hilarious David Telisman's blog chocolatediapers.com ... it's a must read for any young parent who has no idea what the hell you're doing... and loves teaching your child how to curse properly.

And to answer your question, yes, that's Mr. Drummond.

If being disappointed in him is wrong... I don't want to be....

My first question... which preseason game is this action photo from? You have to give me credit, to find a photo of Dorell Wright playing took time.

South Florida sports fans harbor a particular scorn for Ted Ginn Junior. Understandable I guess. He has not lived up to his draft pick. Still, Ginn did account for two wins against the Jets, and has shown flashes of why the Fins took him. The guy has speed. Not his fault that he's not being used a complimentary receiver and that Cam Cameron made a stupid crack about drafting his whole family.

Whenever I hear the Ginn bashing, I always think: What about Dorell Wright? How has he been able to fly under the radar? This guy was a first-round pick back in 2004. As my friend Matt reminds me nearly once a week, the Heat passed on a much-needed point guard in his favor. And during his years here in Miami, Wright's biggest accomplishment is being really good friends with Dwyane Wade.

And for that he gets millions.

Think about this guy's gig. He gets season tickets to the Heat. He gets front-row seats. And he makes millions.

All for being Dwyane Wade's friend.

I'd like to apply for that job. No seriously, I want that job. I've always dreamed of being an NBA 12th man or a 3rd string QB.

Honestly, Flash.... I'm a really good friend. I'll laugh at your jokes, listen to your personal problems... sign me up!

The latest development for Dorell is he was pulled over in his Bentley and is accused of driving under the influence. I'm a big proponent of letting the justice system play out. I'm all for a guy getting his due process. But a Bentley? Dorell Wright gets to drive a Bentley? That'd be like if someone gave me a Ferrari for *watching* the news every night. Come on.

Bigger point, no athlete should get a DUI: ever. They have too much money, too much to lose. Call a cab. Buy a cab company. You're rich.

If Wright is found guilty, I'd like to see the Heat cut him. Do not pass go, do not collect 500 dollars. Just thanks for your years of service, let's not draft a kid straight out of high school ever again.

The NBA Cares, So why don't I?

I don't know exactly which direction this blog will take me, but I can assure you it will follow my passions. On top of the list are sports, movies, and comedy (both the comedy of others, the art of joke-telling, and my obsession with puns).

There's no denying that sports are somewhere near the top of my brain at any point in the day. And I'm definitely a hoops junkie.

So why is it... I'm wholly uninspired by the 2010 basketball season?

I can literally walk to the AmericanAirlines Arena from my apartment... In fact I have.

And yet this year... Given the choice between watching Dorell Wright and Jermaine O'Neal play... or cooking my special yellow rice and steak with Chirasco... I usually play Julia Child more than Chris Childs (former Knicks guard for those of you scoring at home... or even if you're alone--- that's a Keith Olbermann quote from his SportsCenter days and was incidentally my senior quote in high school--- look it up).

(I tend to have more asides than a Shakespeare play... you'll have to get used to that).

It's not just that Miami is mediocre this year.

Battling for the 8th spot in the East?

Considering they have Dwyane Wade... That's really weak.

Look at it this way.

There are about five human beings on planet earth who play basketball as well as Dwyane Wade.

He's on the Heat.

There are only five guys on a court at a time.

How can you not be good?

In the East?

It's a team who has Michael Beasley... the 2nd overall pick in last year's draft... who is the 2nd best player on the team... and yet he's RARELY in during the 4th quarter? Ridiculous...

But it's not just the Heat.

It's the NBA in general.

I can't tell you how many people I know... who like basketball... Who LOVED Magic and Bird and Michael...

And now...

They'll look up Jason Kidd's assist totals for their fantasy team... and that's it.

The NBA on NBC on Sunday...

That was a BIG deal.

When that John Tesh score started... people watched and it mattered.

Now...

It's like... Eh....

So what's missing?

I think the 2010 Heat are emblematic of Summer of 2010-itis.

Usually, basketball is plagued by the following: 82 game schedule... damn near everyone makes the playoffs... so wake me up when the playoffs start.

I can't tell you how much it infuriates me to see athletes not try.

They get paid to exercise.

For two hours a day.

My job isn't nearly as fun... I don't make even within 10 tax brackets... and I never half-ass it...

So how can they?

This whole season has been...

Wake me up when the summer starts.

I think everyone knows the West is the Lakers' (sorry Mark Cuban)

SO yeah--- I think we'd all wake up from our collective malaise for a Kobe-LeBron final...

But otherwise...

We're all caught up in this season as an ellipsis for the summer.

If LeBron ended up in New York or Miami or somewhere else... Yeah--- the dynamics of the league could change.

But for some reason right now feels so blah... because of it.

It's a shame.

Let March Madness begin!

(If anyone can put your finger on why YOU think the NBA is blah this year--- or if you disagree and are totally feeling it--- let me know--- I'd like for this to be a dialogue--- and if you got this far into the blog--- you probably have some opinions).

Why I'm Doing This

I'm about 7 years behind the trend. Typical me. For years, I've had everyone from my brother to my friends Owen and Ari push me to blog.

I always have said no.

My reason was that I was the writer for the "Jim Mandich" show and that my writing was spoken for. My material was paid for by the best, and any thoughts, musings, jokes, or ideas... would go to the dog.

Well sadly, for now Jim is not on the airwaves. He disclosed yesterday that he's battling cancer. I can't begin to describe what Mad Dog has meant to me as a mentor, friend, role model. I remember one day attending his touchdown club lunch with my mother. My mom looked at him on stage and said, Dave... Watch him. See the way he carries himself, talks to others, treats others... be that. She didn't have to tell me. I admired Mad Dog from the first time I started interning at WPLG in the summer of 2000. He has such an easy demeanor on and off the air. He's kind to everyone. He busts balls and doesn't apologize for it. He's a man of character and principal. He's someone who can have a fair, honest, and open discussion with anyone about anything at any time. There's a yiddish word for him... He's a mentsch in the truest sense of the word.

I'm known to status update entirely too much on facebook. It's the place I've been putting my creative energy the last few months while the show has been on hiatus. Yesterday, when Mad Dog announced his illness, I thought of what kind of status update I could possibly give that would encompass how I felt. Wasn't possible. Could Luke write... Thoughts and prayers with Yoda during this difficult time? No. There was no way I could encapsilate my feelings... or what that Mad Dog has done to me in 160 characters. Heck, I couldn't do it in a novel.

But... among the myriad of things that he taught me... You must line up and play. Sick, hurt, sad, whatever... You line up and play. If I felt like it or not, I always found a way to write his show. If I had just spent 12 hours writing news during hurricane coverage, or had too many drinks chasing tail at Transit...I still found a way to bang out a show.

And so this is born.

My parents always taught me that character is what you do when no one is watching. This blog should have lots of character.

I want to make it known that the real writer in my family is Jon. You should follow him at @swiftylang on twitter. For more than a decade I had a repository for my ideas... I could learn to find my writing voice...while getting paid. It was easy for me. Jon hasn't found that repository yet. Hasn't stopped him. He's tenaciously written novels, plays, comic books, short stories, movies... Non-stop Jon continues to write... he's continued to scratch and claw and try to find his way. His writing has gotten better and better. He didn't do it for a paycheck. He did it because he's a writer... and so... I will always say he's the writer in the family.

But... I have these ideas that swim in my head. They don't stop. Some would say I need wellbutrin. I say... I need a blog.

I have no idea how long I'll keep this going.

I have no idea how often I'll post.

I have no idea who will read it.

But I do know I have to keep lining up. I have to keep putting content out there.

So I'd like to dedicate this to Mad Dog... Who helped me find my voice... And my brother... who showed me what it means to be a writer.

Enjoy.