New Media Alert

Below is the link to my latest article:

UsBasket:  Hudson Valley Kingz Tryouts

More news to come . . .

New Media Alert

Below is the link to my latest article:

Examiner:  Summary of arena proposal in Virginia Beach

More news to come . . .

New Media Alert

Below is the link to the latest podcast . . .

Blog Talk Radio:  The Virginia Beach Kings?

I discussed the possibility of the Sacramento Kings moving to Virginia Beach. I will continue to update this story as more develops. Also, links to the previous two podcasts are attached below.

NBA Offseason Discussion (08/12)

NBA Offseason Discussion (08/19)

Stay tuned for more links to upcoming podcasts.

New Media Alert

Below is the link to the latest article . . .

Examiner:  Arena proposal to be presented on Tuesday

Stay tuned for more links to upcoming articles.

New Media Alert

Below is the link to my latest article:

Hoop Doctors:  Basketball Shoes and Video Games

This is officially my fourth article on the Hoop Doctors website. Below are links to my other three articles . . .

Early Dividends for the Charlotte Bobcats with Kidd-Gilchrist

Can Austin Rivers and Eric Gordon co-exist in the Hornets' backcourt?

The Versatility of LeBron James

New Media Alert

This is the link to the latest article . . .

Examiner:  Kings discussing possible move to Virginia Beach

This would be an interesting development for the Hampton Roads area. I will definitely follow this story and provide updates as the story develops.

Catching Up, ShoreBall Update

So it looks like I have a lot of catching up to do – it has been over a month since the last post and a lot has happened since then.

From a local basketball standpoint, a new minor league basketball team has formed here in the local Hampton Roads area. The Hampton Roads Sharks will compete in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the upcoming 2012-13 season. The team held their official tryouts on July 20th and 28th and then held a press conference on August 6th to announce the official team roster. The team will begin regular season play beginning in October 2012. Also, the eighth annual Hampton Roads 7 Cities Pro-Am began on June 23rd and the championship game was held on Sunday, August 5th. In the championship game, Team Red Bull defeated 757 Money, 113-110 to collect the 2012 title. Team Red Bull was led in the championship game by 6’3” guard Marcus Fisher, who finished with 38 points and captured his second league MVP award. In the women’s division of the pro-am, Academic Athletics won their second straight championship by defeating Slam City, 86-66, in the championship game.

From a personal and business standpoint, we are and will be undergoing some changes in the near future. Personally, I have received a volunteer writing position with the Hoop Doctors, a position that I hope to parlay into a paid writing position during the regular season. I also continue to maintain my writing positions with Examiner and Eurobasket as well, and will continue to explore other writing opportunities where available. On the business side of things, we will soon begin the process of reevaluating and updating our website. In addition, we will be utilizing our various media outlets to further establish and strengthen our web presence. That will include an increased presence on various social media outlets, mainly Facebook and Twitter. Also, after a short hiatus, I recently restarted the ShoreBall Podcast Show, although I am currently hosting the show solo. On the last two episodes of the ShoreBall Podcast Show, I have begun a discussion on the NBA Offseason, summarizing the draft, the summer league, the free agency period, and the blockbuster trades that have happened over the summer. On the last show, I listed my predictions on the top eight teams in each conference. Listen to the latest episode here and notice that my predictions in each conference are eerily similar to the ESPN predictions for both conferences (links provided here and here). Also, during the upcoming season, I am looking to periodically provide live internet broadcasts of NBA and NCAA basketball games via LetMeHearYa.com. If it is something that is feasible then I will move forward with the idea beginning during the 2012-13 season. We are also continuing to explore hosting a variety of events in the near future but we update as we finalize the plans for these events.

On a grander scale, everyone remembers the scoring showcases that Kevin Durant exhibited during last year’s offseason. Well, this offseason had been pretty quiet until recently. In an exhibition game in China, Kobe Bryant scored 68 pointsin only 15 minutes of play. That total was topped by Portland rookie Will Barton who dropped 72 points in a pro-am game in Baltimore. Kobe has proven his scoring ability throughout his career, but if Barton can score effectively at the NBA level, the Blazers may have found a steal with the 40th pick in the draft.

I will continue to keep everyone updated more frequently as we continue to move forward.

I’m out. Metta World . . .

Catching Up, Mock Draft 2.0

It has obviously been a while since my last post so I have a lot of catching up to do. My last post came right after Miami's Game 6 win over the Boston Celtics in the Conference Finals. As everyone has seen, Miami went on to not only win Game 7 of that series, but they also eventually defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games to win the NBA Championship. So, congratulations to the Miami Heat on winning the second NBA title in franchise history. This title is also the first for LeBron James and should serve to silence his critics, at least for a little while - but it probably won't.

Also, today marks the 2012 NBA Draft where a number of new rookies will begin their NBA journey. Anthony Davis will undoubtedly be the top pick to the New Orleans Hornets but things will get interesting after that. One player who is quickly becoming one of my favorites in this draft is Thomas Robinson from Kansas. His story off the court has been well-documented (if you are unfamiliar, check it out here), but in this interview he talks about how he learned to not take anything for granted and how being drafted will affect him and his sister. Due to a recent event in my life I can definitely relate to his life lesson.

On the most recent episode of the ShoreBall Podcast Show, we released the second version of our NBA Mock Draft. Our selections are listed below and visit our show home page if you would like to listen to that episode and other archived episodes.

Team	Mike	Brad
1.  New Orleans	A. Davis, Kentucky	A. Davis, Kentucky
2.  Charlotte	M. Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky	H. Barnes, North Carolina
3.  Washington	T. Robinson, Kansas	B. Beal, Florida
4.  Cleveland	B. Beal, Florida	M. Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
5.  Sacramento	H. Barnes, North Carolina	T. Robinson, Kansas
6.  Portland	D. Lillard, Weber State	A. Drummond, Connecticut
7.  Golden State	A. Drummond, Connecticut	A. Rivers, Duke
8.  Toronto	J. Lamb, Connecticut	D. Waiters, Syracuse
9.  Detroit	J. Henson, North Carolina	M. Leonard, Illinois
10.  New Orleans	T. Zeller, North Carolina	D. Lillard, Weber State
11.  Portland	A. Rivers, Duke	J. Lamb, Connecticut
12.  Milwaukee	M. Harkless, St. John’s	T. Zeller, North Carolina
13.  Phoenix HH	D. Waiters, Syracuse	K. Marshall, North Carolina
14.  Houston	P. Jones, Baylor	J. Henson, North Carolina
15.  Philadelphia	T. Ross, Washington	A. Moultrie, Mississippi State
16.  Houston	M. Leonard, Illinois	P. Jones, Baylor
17.  Dallas	K. Marshall, North Carolina	T. Ross, Washington
18.  Minnesota	R. White, Iowa State	M. Harkless, St. John’s
19.  Orlando	A. Moultrie, Mississippi State	M. Teague, Kentucky
20.  Denver	T. Jones, Kentucky	A. Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
21.  Boston	J. Sullinger, Ohio State	T. Jones, Kentucky
22.  Boston	A. Nicholson, St. Bonaventure	J. Sullinger, Ohio State
23.  Atlanta	J. Taylor, Vanderbilt	J. Taylor, Vanderbilt
24.  Cleveland	D. Green, Michigan State	D. Green, Michigan State
25.  Memphis	W. Barton, Memphis	W. Barton, Memphis
26.  Indiana	D. Lamb, Kentucky	T. Wroten, Washington
27.  Miami	F. Melo, Syracuse	F. Melo, Syracuse
28.  Oklahoma City	E. Fournier, France	D. Lamb, Kentucky
29.  Chicago	M. Teague, Kentucky	R. White, Iowa State
30.  Golden State	Q. Miller, Baylor	Q. Miller, Baylor

Did the light switch come on?

Jordan had the tongue wag . . .

Kobe has the 'grit face' . . .

And last night LeBron had this look . . .

No smile, no frustration, no expression whatsoever, just all business. And the results showed it - 45 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists. Numbers that only one other player in NBA history (Wilt Chamberlain) has matched in the playoffs. He set the tone early in the game with 30 points in the first half, making 12 of his 14 shot attempts. He finished the game missing only seven of his 26 shot attempts - his 73.1% shooting percentage was the best in his playoff career.

But more importantly than all the numbers, was the approach to the game. The 'look' illustrated the business-like, laser focus that the Heat and LeBron have seemingly lacked at times throughout this year. And similar to Jordan's tongue wag and Kobe's grit face, LeBron's stoic look put Boston on notice that they were in for a long night. Under the weight of a closeout game on the road and the immense pressure that he and this team has played under since his arrival in South Beach, LeBron showed up big . . . do I dare say, even clutch.

With that all said, Game 7 is Saturday night. After the huge, Game 6 performance, one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind was, "why doesn't LeBron do this every night?" Game 6 Lebron is the LeBron who can't be matched in terms of physicality, talent, and ability. That LeBron will need to show up again, complete with the look and focus and duplicate the same dominant performance in order to win Game 7 against the veteran Celtics team.

Oh and let's not forget about the 'Blake face' . . .

New Media Alert

Two more new articles have been posted . . .

USBasket:  More information concerning the ACPBL Summer League

USBasket:  Trailblazers' Summer Schedule

New Media Alert

Another new article has been posted . . .

USBasket:  ACPBL Summer League

New Media Alert

Two new articles have been posted - well, actually it is the same article in two different outlets.

USBasket:  Trailblazers hoping for a NBA D-League exhibition game

Examiner:  Trailblazers hoping for a NBA D-League exhibition game

Why the Indiana series will help the Heat win the title

 
After closing out a hard-fought series against the Indiana Pacers in six games, the Miami Heat are poised to make a return visit to the NBA Finals. While the Pacers seemingly had the Heat on the ropes early on in the series, this series (more than any other series in the Eastern Conference) will go a long way towards helping the Heat win this year's championship.

* Note:  In writing this, I do recognize that the Heat still have to defeat either the Celtics or Sixers in the Eastern Conference Finals in order to advance to the NBA Finals. While the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals is far from decided, I do think that the Heat will be able to advance over either of those teams in no more than five games.

1.  The Pacers are a physical team, similar to the Western Conference teams.

The Pacers showed their physicality throughout the series and had an obvious advantage over the Heat in the frontcourt. Both teams left in the Western Conference will have an advantage over the Heat in the frontcourt and will look to capitalize on that advantage in facing the Heat. The ability for Miami to respond to the physicality of the Pacers and to somewhat nullify the Pacers frontcourt advantage will help to give the Heat a blueprint on how they will face either the Spurs or the Thunder.


2.  Spoelstra discovered a lineup that can cause problems for many teams.

With Bosh going down in Game 1 of the series, Heat coach, Erik Spoelstra was forced to do some tinkering with the lineup. At a variety of times throughout this series, the Heat went with a lineup that included Wade, James, Miller, Battier, and Anthony. While I don't have any numbers to reference, this lineup seemed to be the most effective lineup for the Heat. Offensively, having Miller and Battier to space the floor, allowed more room for Wade and LeBron to post or attack the paint. Defensively this lineup was effective guarding pick-and-rolls and rotating to open shooters, while their length caused problems as well for the Pacers.

When you look forward, this lineup could also cause problems for both Western Conference teams. While the Spurs are a deep team and can employ a variety of lineups, the Thunder can probably match up with that Heat lineup more effectively than the Spurs can. However, if a healthy Chris Bosh can return and replace Anthony in this lineup, his ability to shoot the perimeter jump shot will also create more room for both Wade and James as well.

3.  Wade and LeBron played together the way many Heat fans envisioned they would.

The last three games of this series is essentially what Heat fans have wanted to see since this team came together. While Bosh's injury hurt the Heat initially, I think that it may have helped the Heat in the long run. With Bosh down, LeBron and Wade knew that they had to perform at a high level, and more importantly, perform together at a high level in order for the Heat to advance. After the Heat's, and especially Wade's, terrible performance in Game 3 (5 points and 5 turnovers), Wade and LeBron both put the team on their shoulders and together carried the Heat to the series victory.

In the last three games of the series, Wade had a combined 99 points (33.0 ppg), 22 rebounds (7.3 rpg), and 11 assists (3.7 apg), highlighted by a 41 point, 10 rebound performance in last night's closeout game. LeBron combined for 98 points (32.7 ppg), 34 rebounds (11.3 rpg), and 24 assists (8.0 apg) in those three games, highlighted by a 40 point, 18 rebound, 9 assist performance in Game 4. Game 4 was probably the best game that the two have played since coming together. In addition to LeBron's 40 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists, Wade finished with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Wade finished the series averaging 26.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while LeBron averaged 30.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game in the series.

I think that the last point is the most telling point of all. If Wade and LeBron can combine for 65-70 points per game moving forward, the Heat will be a hard team to beat. Only OKC has the tandem that would be able to match that type of production. An OKC-Miami matchup in the NBA Finals would be an interesting proposition and one that many NBA fans would look forward to seeing.

Prediction for tonight's Heat-Pacers game

Quick prediction for tonight's game:

I've been riding with the Heat throughout the season and I am picking them to win tonight. Even though Haslem has been suspended for tonight's game and Pittman has been suspended for the next three games for their hard fouls in Game 5, Miami will be able to close out the Pacers tonight. While the suspensions will hurt Miami on the floor, it will actually work in their favor psychologically. Let me explain . . .

If anyone on the Miami squad is considered an 'enforcer' it would be Udonis Haslem. Indiana has been physical with the Heat throughout this series. With the hard fouls and the scrutiny that this game will have, the game will be officiated tightly right from the outset. Indiana will try to impose their will right from the opening tip and will continue to be physical. However, the tighter whistles will work against them. I expect early foul trouble for either David West or Roy Hibbert, possibly even both. I also expect Hansbrough to be called for a flagrant foul tonight and for multiple technical fouls to be called on the Pacers' players. Throughout it all Miami will be without their 'enforcer' and will be perceived by the officials as more of the victim in a lot of the situations that will unfold tonight. Expect Miami to shoot a ton of free throws and eventually win the game by double-digits.

New Media Alert

No, I haven't been ignoring this blog, even though it has been more than a month since my last post. It has been a little difficult juggling the variety of outlets that I am involved in - Examiner.com, usbasket, Yahoo Contributor Network, shoreball.com, and the ShoreBall Podcast Show. But I think I have devised a way to improve how I maintain the variety of outlets and keep everyone here informed of my movements. I will post a brief blog post here entitled 'New Media Alert' and I will provide a description and link when a new article is written, our website is updated, or a new podcast is uploaded. It will look something like this:

Examiner.com:  Sixers capture Game 6 victory with Allen Iverson in attendance

Hopefully, this will effectively link the variety of media outlets and keep everyone here updated. Enjoy!

More action from the PIT

Above are some more pictures from the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Below are more links to articles that I wrote concerning the PIT. Enjoy!

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament - Day 3

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament - Day 4

No-win for LeBron James

It amazes me just how much of a no-win situation LeBron James is in. Don't get me wrong, everyone remembers the Decision and I will agree with everyone who says that it could have been handled a different way. But the way that LeBron gets criticized it unlike anything that I have seen.

After the Finals performance last year, he was crucified and criticized for not being a closer. The criticism has continued this year at various times - not taking the final shot in the All-Star game, passing to Haslem versus the Jazz, etc. Last night in a game against the New Jersey Nets, the Miami Heat were trailing for the majority of the game. Lebron James was 5-6 from the field and 7-7 from the line in the final five minutes of the game, scored Miami's final 17 points, and outscored the Nets team 17-12 to lead Miami to a comeback win.

In the ESPN analysis after the game, all the analysts could talk about was how terrible the New Jersey Nets' defense was in the final minutes of the game. Critics will look at that performance and point out that it was against the Nets and he needs to prove it on the big stage in the Finals. Yet, the same critics will be the first to criticize him for not taking the final shot in the All-Star game - a game that truly counts for nothing. So what's created is a no-win situation that may not be resolved until LeBron James and the Miami Heat win a championship. In either case it was interesting to see the commentary about LeBron versus the Nets' defense, when if another player had made the same plays with the same result, that player would have been applauded for his will, effort, competitiveness, and closing ability. But, just my two-cents. Here is a rundown of some of LeBron's baskets during that 17-point outburst:

ShoreBall at the PIT

These are a few images from Thursday night's action at the PIT. More pictures will be forthcoming as this weekend progresses. Check out the following articles covering the PIT on Examiner.com and stay updated as more articles are posted.

Previewing this year's Portsmouth Invitational Tournament

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament - Day 1

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament - Day 2

My Favorite Non-Basketball Player

Ray Lewis has to be, by far, my favorite non-basketball playing celebrity. I say that because he can be a powerful motivational speaker and after watching many of his videos, I've felt like I could put on a helmet and some shoulder pads and stick a running back coming through the hole.

Recently, he spoke to the Stanford basketball team prior to their NIT semifinal game, a game in which they defeated UMass, 74-64. They went on to defeat Minnesota, 75-51, in the championship game. After watching this video, I can see why.

Kevin Hart on the Court

A hilarious basketball skit featuring Kevin Hart from his upcoming movie "Think Like a Man" to lighten up the day a little . . .

NCAA Tournament Brackets

Last night on the ShoreBall Podcast Show, we discussed our completed NCAA Tournament brackets.

Brad selected Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio State, and Kansas as his Final Four picks. He also had Kentucky winning the national championship, defeating Kansas 62-59 in the championship game.

I selected Kentucky, Missouri, Florida State, and Kansas as my Final Four picks. I also have Kentucky defeating Kansas in the national championship game, by a score of 71-63.

To see my complete bracket, click here and to see Brad's completed bracket, click here.

Also, to hear last night's podcast show, click here.

Basketball Overload - No Such Thing!

This is a big week in the world of basketball!

The first round games in the NCAA Tournament have been completed - Western Kentucky, BYU, Vermont, and South Florida have advanced to the second round. The second round has now begun with countless games being televised both today and tomorrow on four networks - CBS, TNT, truTV, and TBS. The third round will then begin on Saturday and continue on Sunday.

This week also marks the trading deadline in the NBA. The deadline was today at 3:00 pm (EST) and there have been a variety of moves made throughout the NBA. Names such as Nene, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson (multiple times), Nick Young, JaVale McGee, Derek Fisher, Gerald Wallace, and many others have change teams in the NBA. There have even been a couple of coaching moves that have been made with D'Antoni resigning in New York and Nate McMillan being fired in Portland. So many teams will have a different look as the postseason approaches in the NBA.

Also (not to be slept on), the 2012 Women's NCAA Tournament also kicks off on Saturday as well.

Many may consider this as basketball overload, but for basketball fans it is a dream come true.

Updates

A couple of things of note leading into the weekend:

The latest episode of the ShoreBall Podcast Show is now online. Check it out here.

We are a little behind on updating the high school and college news on our website. We will be working on making the updates this weekend. Stay tuned!

Lastly, get to watch one of my favorite players of all-time tonight in the Celebrity All-Star Game . . . Penny Hardaway. Definitely can't wait to see him back on the court - Penny for MVP!