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The Woelfel World of Sports
April 2008
Wednesday April 30, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:55AM CST on April 30, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
There doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day for Scott Skiles. Ever since Skiles was named the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks almost two weeks ago, he has been constantly on the move. Tuesday wasn’t any different. Skiles spent time meeting with other Bucks’ officials, fielded calls from the media, went house hunting and, last but not least, tried to tie up some loose ends in completing his staff. “We’re making progress,’’ Skiles said. “Nothing is finalized yet. We’re still talking to a couple of guys’’ While Skiles said he intends on hiring four assistants, he declined to divulge the names of the coaches he is considering. However, it is hardly a secret that three of them are: * Jimmy Boylan, who was an assistant coach for Skiles when the latter was the head coach for the Chicago Bulls and his successor when he was dismissed on Dec. 24. * Joe Wolf, a Kohler native who played in the NBA for 11 years and then went into coaching. Wolf was the head coach of the Idaho Stampede in the CBA before coaching the Colorado 14ers last season in the NBA’s Development League. * Kelvin Sampson, the former Indiana University head coach who agreed to a buyout with Indiana University officials last season after being charged by the NCAA for recruiting violations.. There is growing speculation in NBA circles that Lionel Hollins, a former NBA player and head coach, could also be joining the Bucks’ coaching staff. Hollins played 10 years in the NBA, starting in 1975 with Portland. He was a point guard on the Trail Blazers’ 1976-77 NBA championship team. Hollins, who made the NBA All-Star team once and was chosen to the all-NBA defensive team twice, had his No. 14 jersey retired by the Blazers last April. Hollins served as the Vancouver Grizzlies’ head coach in 1999-2000, compiling an 18-42 record. He was also an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
+ One of the toughest aspects of being a general manager is dealing with agents. Bucks general manager John Hammond shouldn’t have much of a problem on that front, though. At least, that’s the sentiments of Roger Montgomery. Montgomery, a San Antonio-based agent, represents several NBA players, including Bucks small forward Desmond Mason. Montgomery said he dealt with Hammond when one of his clients, Maurice Evans, played for the Detroit Pistons during the 2005-2006 season. Hammond was Pistons’ general manager Joe Dumar’s right-hand man. “I really liked dealing with (former Bucks GM) Larry Harris, but if they had to replace him, John Hammond was a real good choice,’’ Montgomery said. “I dealt with John and Joe in Detroit, and I was really impressed with how John handled things. “I just liked his style; I liked how he went about his business. He always gave a fair representation of the situation and he was always truthful.’’
+ One can’t blame Brian Butch if he’s a little nervous these days. The University of Wisconsin center/power forward is eagerly awaiting to see if he’ll be invited to the NBA’s pre-draft camp next month in Orlando. Butch, who possesses an excellent touch for a big man and has a well-founded reputation for being a team-oriented player, recently competed in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Butch averaged 14 points and 7.3 rebounds a game at the PIT. He also shot .486 from the field and 43 percent on 3-point attempts. “In that kind of a situation, guards take over,’’ Butch said of the PIT. “There aren’t many set plays. ‘But I thought I played pretty well. I shot the ball well and did a lot of the little things, too.’’ Some NBA scouts project Butch as a mid-to-late second-round draft choice. At Portsmouth, Butch was measured at 6-11¾ with shoes and 6-10¾ without shoes. Saturday April 26, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 11:47PM CST on April 26, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL By now we’ve come expect the unexpected from Ted Thompson. So the Packers general manager’s first two selections in Saturday’s NFL Draft shouldn’t have been surprising, right? Right. With the Packers’ first pick, Thompson took Kansas State’s Jordy Nelson, a wide receiver. Did you, did anyone, expect Thompson to take a wide receiver? I think not. By all accounts, the Packers’ wide receiving corps is pretty darn good. Donald Driver is a very good receiver. Greg Jennings is a very good receiver. James Jones showed flashes last season as a rookie that he could be very good. Koren Robinson is a solid backup receiver. Ditto for Ruvell Martin. Yet Thompson still took Nelson even though the Packers could have used a cornerback, or a safety, or an offensive lineman or a tight end. And Thompson could have added a good tight or a good safety if he had just held on to the team’s first-round selection — No. 30 overall — instead of trading back. Instead, at No. 30, the New York Jets took Purdue tight end Dustin Keller. At No. 31, the New York Giants took the player I envisioned Thompson taking, Kenny Phillips of Miami. Phillips could have easily challenged wildy-erratic Atari Bigsby for the starting strong safety position. But Thompson took Nelson who will likely be, at best, the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart. Why? Thompson’s second draft pick -- Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm -- wasn’t as baffling, but it was close. Everyone expected Thompson to take a quarterback, especially since he has failed to acquire a decent one via a trade or free agency. But for Thompson to use his second, second-round pick on Brohm wasn’t prudent. What's more, it could have adverse ramifications. One can only imagine the myriad emotions rushing through Aaron Rodgers’ mind right now? Drafting a quarterback, especially with such a high pick, wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for him. Thompson could have easily waited another couple of rounds to pick a quarterback like former Packers’ draft whiz Ron Wolf did on several occasions. In the later rounds, Wolf consistently unearthed gems like Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Brooks and Ty Detmer and Craig Nall. Thompson insists Rodgers is the man. But what if Rodgers is shaky in preseason, and Brohm looks good? Can you say quarterback controversy? Bears make right call in taking Williams
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:04PM CST on April 26, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL The Chicago Bears didn't make the sexy pick but they made the corrrect one. The Bears, with the 14th overall pick, passed up Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall, whom they liked a lot and whom would have been a highly-popular choice. But the Bears have an aging and ineffective offensive line and selecting offensive tackle Chris Williams of Vanderbilt. Look for Williams to immediately step in at left offensive tackle. While Williams was certainly a solid pick, one still has to wonder how tempted the Bears might have been to take offensive lineman Branden Albert of Virginia, whom some NFL teams had rated ahead of Williams. Albert was selected immediately after Williams. What'll be interesting to see now is whether the Bears take a quarterback in the second round with their 44th overall pick, perhaps Chad Henne of Michigan. * Good news for the Packers: The Lions, who need a big-time running back, passed on Mendenhall and took offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus of Boston College. Matt Millen strikes again. * The New York Giants are definitely serious about trading talented but enigmatic tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Giants would love a late first-round pick for Shockey, who is better than any tight end in this draft. Two teams that certainly need a blue-chip tight end and are picking at the tail end of the first round are Seattle, which has the 25th pick, and Green Bay, which has the 30th pick. The Saints are perhaps the most interested team in Shockey and would likely give up their second-round pick, No. 40 overall. * Packers GM Ted Thompson has a penchant for trading back in the draft to acquire extra picks. He could do so again this year, perhaps with Atlanta, which has three second-round picks. If Atlanta doesn’t take Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick, the Falcons will likely attempt to get into the first round and try to snare Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. * Every draft usually has a player that takes a major slide. Can you say Aaron Rodgers? This year’s candidates, one scout told me, are Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston, a projected top five pick, and Ryan. * Don’t be surprised if defensive back Aqib Talib of Kansas, a projected mid-to-late first-round pick, slides out of the first round. Some teams, in fact, wouldn’t take Talib and his baggage if he was available in the last round. * There are a lot of NFL officials who believe St. Louis, with the second pick, will take defensive end Chris Long of Virginia. But if the Rams scouts and player personnel people have their druthers, tackle Glenn Dorsey will be their guy. * New Orleans, with the 10th pick, is still lobbying to get up to No. 2 for Dorsey. * New England, picking at 7, is still all ears and is entertaining offers for its top pick. * Buffalo, with the 11th pick, wants wide receiver Devin Thomas of Michigan State. However, the Bills believe they can still get their man by trading back four or five spots. * Some teams are a little concerned about Tyrell Johnson, the safety from Arkansas State who is projected as a late first-round pick. Johnson, considered the best safety in the draft, has a neck problem that may prompt some teams to pass on him. Friday April 25, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 10:01PM CST on April 25, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Talk about being unpredictable. Today’s NFL draft will certainly be that. Beyond knowing the Miami Dolphins will select Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with the No. 1 overall pick, it is anyone’s guess how the rest of the first round will play out. The Packers’ first pick — No. 30 overall, barring a trade — is especially intriguing. Of the following 15 draft prognosticators or draft Web sites, there were 13 different selections. PAUL ZIMMERMAN, SI.COM — Malcolm Kelly, wide receiver, Oklahoma: "Here’s a big guy (6-4, 219) whose unimpressive 40 time of 4.54 will cause him to drop deep into the first round. But Kelly could be a valuable possession receiver and what a better gift for new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.’’ OURLANDS.COM — Brian Brohm, quarterback, Louisville. "Has a natural feel for the passing game. Good anticipation and sixth sense to quickly read the defense as it develops. Has the ability to avoid and escape rush pressure. A good leader that will step up and take charge and lead his teammates. Good football intelligence. ALAN NUNN, JOURNAL TIMES ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR — "Don’t be surprised if general manager Ted Thompson trades out of the first round. Either way, the Packers select Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett. If he’s gone, it’s Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib.’’ DRAFTKING.COM — Antoione Cason, defensive back, Arizona. "Cason was a solid performer at the University of Arizona, to the point where (especially last year) teams at times game-planned to throw away from his side of the field. He performed at a consistent level in his four years at Arizona, and he would be a great addition to the talented-but-aging cornerback corps in Green Bay. SPORTINGNEWS.COM — Reggie Smith, cornerback, Oklahoma: "The Packers need to start grooming a cornerback considering both Charles Wood and Al Harris are aging. smith is a tough and physical corner who has the versatility to also play safety. MEL KIPER, ESPN — Antoine Cason, defensive back, Arizona. PETER JACKEL, JOURNAL TIMES SPORTS REPORTER — Antoine Cason, defensive back, Arizona. "The memories of Al Harris being torched against the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game are still fresh, and general manager Ted Thompson must upgrade an aging secondary sooner rather than later.’’ PETE PRISCO, CBSSPORTSLINE.COM — Tyrell Johnson, safety, Arkansas State. VIC CARUCCI, SENIOR COLUMNIST, NFL.COM — Keith Rivers, outside linebacker, Southern California: "The Packers are likely to use this pick to address the team’s future rather than trying to fill an immediate need. They could easily go with an offensive tackle, a good one happes to fall this far, but they would have a very hard time passing on the best linebacker in the draft.’’ JOHN MCNALLY, JOURNAL TIMES COPY EDITOR — Brian Brohm, quarterback, Louisville: "Unless some team doesn’t make a move for the Packers’ pick, Ted Thompson takes the best player on the board and gives Aaron Rodgers some competition in training camp.’’ PETER KING, SI.COM — Dustin Keller, tight end, Purdue: "A Mike Mayock special. And I like the NFL Network draft analyst’s reasoning — Keller’s the most athletic and pro-ready package at tight end in the draft and tight end is a need position for the Pack.’’ TODD MCSHAY, SCOUTS INC. — Brandon Flowers, cornerback, Virginia Tech: "Charles Woodson and Al Harris are both on the downsides of their careers and there’s no heir apparent behind either of them, so Green Bay needs to inject youth and talent at corner. Flowers is a bit of a reach here, but his smarts and toughness would make him a good fit for the Packers’ scheme.’’ DON BANKS, SI.COM — Aqib Talib, cornerback, Kansas. "This is a lot later than I’ve had Talib going for most of the predraft season, but he ends the first round’s five-cornerback run. Talib gives Green Bay a youthful option at a position where veterans Al Harris and Charles Woodson are starting to age. The Packers could go for an offensive tackle, with USC’s Sam Baker making them younger at another position where they’re starting to get old.’’ MIKE MAYOCK, NFL NETWORK — Sam Baker, offensive tackle, Southern California. "He is a versatile offensive lineman ... He can play tackle, he can play guard. He will help with the adjustment of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.’’ GERY WOELFEL, JOURNAL TIMES SPORTS REPORTER — Kenny Phillips, safety, Miami: "If linebacker Jerod Mayo of Tennessee slips through the cracks — and he could -- he’d be my first choice. But the Packers still need a playmaker in the secondary: Aqib Talib of Kansas has too many character warts and Brandon Flowers of Va. Tech is too short. That leaves either Antoine Cason of Arizona — 15 career interceptions — or Phillips, who is equally adept as a cover man and run stopper.’’ Bucks' purge resumes
Posted by: gwoelfel at 1:04PM CST on April 25, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL The Milwaukee Bucks’ housecleaning project continues. In the wake of firing their general manager, Larry Harris, and their head coach, Larry Krystkowiak, the Bucks’ three main assistant coaches from last season have also been dismissed. Veteran assistant coaches Jim Todd and Brian James both confirmed Friday they were told they wouldn’t be retained. Furthermore, it is believed Tony Brown, another veteran Bucks assistant coach, has also been informed he won’t be returning to the Bucks’ coaching staff. Both Todd and James were hoping to remain with the Bucks as they both found a comfort zone in Milwaukee. In fact, Todd had spent six seasons in Milwaukee, working for four different coaches. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach under Chris Ford and one season under George Karl, Terry Porter and Krysktowiak. “Milwaukee has always had a special place in my heart,’’ Todd said. ‘I know it sounds corny, but it’s true.’’ Likewise, James had hoped to resume his coaching career in Milwaukee, where he has lived the last three years. But James, who has worked for several other NBA teams over a 10-year period, realized his job status was in jeopardy when the Bucks hired Scott Skiles as their head coach last week. More often than not, a new coach will try to surround himself with his “own’’ coaches, ones they have worked with before. That is apparently what Skiles will do. Skiles also had previous head coaching stints with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. “He’s a good coach; I have the utmost respect for Scott,’’ James said. "He told me this is the first opportunity where he’s been a head coach where he could bring in his own staff. “So it’s disappointing, but I understand the situation.’’ The aforementioned three assistant coaches weren't the only Bucks' casualities this week. Jarinn Akana, who was an assistant coach and player development employee, was dismissed as was long-time trainer and travel coordinator Andre Daniel and assistant athletic trainer John Anderson. Akana joined the Bucks last summer and worked extensively this season with the team's highly-touted rookie Yi Jianlian. Akana, who worked with Yi and other Chinese players before joining the Bucks, is expected to assist Yi and other members of the Chinese National Team as they prepare for the Olympics. Daniels had been in the Bucks' organization eight years, the last four as the team's head athletic trainer. Anderson had been with the Bucks four seasons.
Thursday April 24, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 5:28PM CST on April 24, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Whenever you get a chance to draft a blue-chip offensive tackle, you do so. Just ask Bill Parcells. The new Miami Dolphins boss showed how strongly he feels about having a quality left offensive tackle Wednesday when he signed Jake Long of Michigan as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Parcells knows a top-shelf left tackle is invaluable, that it is the most vital position on the offensive line. If you don’t have a highly-competent left tackle, you better have plenty of backup quarterbacks. The Packers have been blessed to have a stellar offensive left tackle in Chad Clifton. Clifton consistently kept Brett Favre from being blind-sided by a pass-rushing defensive end or outside linebacker. But Clifton is 31 and heading into his ninth pro season. He has been physically nicked up the last two seasons. As such, this weekend’s NFL draft might be the ideal time for the Packers to look for Clifton’s successor. Certainly, Packers general manager Ted Thompson will have to take a long, hard look at Sam Baker if he’s still on the board when the Packers make their first selection, No. 30 overall. Baker is the latest offensive tackle to come off the Southern California assembly line. He has ideal size at 6-foot-5 and 312-pounds and, at times, was downright dominating. The only concerns about Baker are his relatively-short arms and whether he can stay healthy. While the Packers are reluctant to take short-arm offensive linemen, they haven’t shied away from players with some health issues. Last season, the Packers chose defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who was injury prone at Tennessee, with their first-round pick. Other options: I was told several weeks ago by a Packers official that the team would likely draft either an outside linebacker or a defensive back with their first pick. And that could still happen. Three cornerbacks could possibly be available for the Packers: Antoine Cason of Arizona, Aqib Talib of Kansas and Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech. Cason seems like the best fit for the Packers. He’s got good size – unlike Flowers – and has good character – some NFL officials have concerns about Talib. Plus, Cason is playmaker -- he had 15 career interceptions – and he’s younger than most draft prospects. "He’s just 21, so he’s going to grow as a player. He’s going to get bigger and stronger and faster,’’ said Ron Slavin, Cason’s Madison-based agent. "I think he could go anywhere from 19 on down to the end of the first round. ‘If the Packers would get Antoine Cason, they’d be getting a steal.’’ Another secondary player who would be tough for the Packers to pass on is Miami safety Kenny Phillips. As for an outside linebacker, there is a chance, albeit a slim one, that Jerod Mayo of Tennessee could possibly slide to the Packers. Versatile and steady linebacker Dan Connor of Penn State is also projected by some NFL scouts as a late first- or early second-round pick. Some other thoughts: * An NFC veteran scout told me he’s convinced that former University of Wisconsin and current Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas is better than Jake Long. * The scout also believes Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm is better than Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. * I’m hearing the Rams, with the No. 2 pick, and the Saints, with the No. 10 pick, are looking to wheel and deal. * Some teams have taken former UW defensive back Jack Ikegwuonu, recovering from a serious knee injury, off their draft board. However, there is still scuttlebutt Ikegwuonu could go in the fourth round. * The Bears seem to be leaning toward drafting a running back with the 14th overall pick, with Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois, Felix Jones of Arkansas and Jonathan Stewart of Oregon on their radar screen. * There have been rumors the Packers might acquire defensive back Lito Sheppard of the Eagles, although I’m hearing he’s headed to Tampa Bay for a second-round pick. * Wisconsin defensive tackle Nick Hayden figures to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick. *Another Packers’ rival, the Lions, have Mendenhall and Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey in their sights with the 15th overall pick. * If the Packers don’t take a defensive back with the first pick, they may take one in the second round with Charles Godfrey of Iowa being a distinct possibility. Tuesday April 22, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:34AM CST on April 22, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Before the Milwaukee Bucks packed their bags and headed out on their summer vacations last Thursday, they knew if they were still on the team next season they would have a new head coach, The consensus opinion at the time was the Bucks would hire either Rick Carlisle or Scott Skiles. I queried some Bucks players about both individuals and their reactions were generally mixed. There was one player, however, whose face began to cringe almost in a painful manner when I mentioned Skiles. His look spoke volumes. It was amply apparent he wasn’t a Skiles’ guy, and it was equally apparent he wasn’t looking forward to playing for him. The player went on to say that he had conversations with several members of the Chicago Bulls, whom Skiles coached until being fired last December — on Christmas Eve, of all times. What this particular player heard from some of the Bulls about Skiles was anything but complimentary. To some Bulls, Skiles was condescending, egotistical and insensitive. And, no, they weren’t sad to see him fired. That sentiment was shared by several Phoenix Suns players when Skiles was fired back in 2002. In Phoenix, Skiles also alienated some players, including Hall-of-Fame in-waiting point guard Jason Kidd. You can go to the bank with the idea that Skiles will do the same in his new job in Milwaukee. That’s the way he’s wired. He’s incredibly intense and driven to succeed — just like he was as a rather non-athletic player who broke into the NBA as a first-round pick of the Bucks in 1986. Skiles is also honest. At times, he’s brutally honest. He doesn’t pull any punches and, according to some of his former players, he doesn’t care whether he offended you or not. Such candidness by a coach was once commonplace. Old school players accepted criticism whether it was meant to be constructive or not. They simply did what the coach told them. That’s not the case anymore. Just ask Larry Krystkowiak, whom Skiles has succeeded as Bucks’ coach and who just happens to be one of his best friends. On several occasions this season, Krystkowiak’s words fell on deaf ears. There were also times when, after he said something, a player said something back, using words that would make a sailor blush. Say what you want about today’s players being better athletes and better players — and you’d probably be correct — but don’t say today’s players are more respectful of authority. They’re not. Nor do most professional athletes care about anyone else but themselves. Many have a convoluted belief the universe revolves only around them. When Terry Porter was fired as the Bucks coach a few years ago, one player called him to extend their condolences. When Larry Harris was fired as the Bucks’ general manager a couple of weeks ago, not one player called him. Yet, it was Harris who gave some of those players a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in the NBA or went to bat for them during contract negotiations, giving them financial stability for the rest of their lives. At Monday’s press conference at the Bradley Center, Skiles said he was a better coach in Chicago than he was in Phoenix and that he expected to be a better coach in Milwaukee than he was in Chicago. If that is to happen, Skiles will have to tone down his act. He’s going to have to show more restraint. He’s going to have to embrace his players rather than distance himself from them. And, if he doesn’t, the inevitable will likely take place for him — just like it did in Phoenix and Chicago. Some other tidbits on the Skiles’ hiring: n Contrary to a published report that Skiles got an offer he couldn’t refuse, the reality is he got a relatively-modest contract, by NBA standards, from the Bucks: a four-year deal worth approximately $18 million. n Bucks officials at the press conference, including owner Herb Kohl, insisted Skiles was their top candidate since the coaching search began. Yet, there are some individuals close to Carlisle who contend he was the Bucks’ primary target. Furthermore, they claim Carlisle could have had the Bucks’ job if he so desired. But the Carlisle camp claims Hammond wanted a quick decision from Carlisle. Instead, Carlisle balked, apparently so he could look into other head coaching openings. Hammond then focused all of his efforts on hiring Skiles. n While Skiles and Krystkowiak are friends, Skiles virtually ruled out any possibility of Krystkowiak joining his staff as an assistant coach. It wouldn’t be surprising, however, if Skiles hires some of his assistants from his days with the Bulls, including Jimmy Boylan and Ron Adams, who was once a Bucks assistant coach. n While Krystkowiak is one of Skiles’ best friends, Krystkowiak’s agent, Warren LeGarie, is also Carlisle’s agent. Meanwhile, Skiles’ "advisor’’ is Keith Glass. Keith Glass’ dad, Joe, represents Larry Brown, whom the Bucks apparently had some interest in hiring and is also the agent for Bucks backup guard Royal Ivey. n Look for Hammond to add a couple of more people to his staff, including a director of scouting and someone with salary-cap experience. n Nobody can accuse Kohl or any of his lieutenants i.e. Ron Walter, Mike Burr or John Steinmiller of "meddling’’ on the Skiles’ hiring. This was Hammond’s call all the way. Saturday April 19, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 1:02AM CST on April 19, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL When it comes to pressing needs for the Green Bay Packers, quarterback isn’t the first position that comes to mind. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers all ready to go as Brett Favre’s successor. And, in the few stints in which he was allowed to showcase his talents, Rodgers has acquitted himself well. Yet, the whispers are growing the Packers could use their first-round pick in next Saturday’s NFL draft on … a quarterback. Friday, I spoke with two prominent football agents and both said they were also told the Packers have more than a passing interest in drafting a QB with their first pick. Even two respected draft prognosticators – Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly and Pat Kirwan of NFL.com --- have the Packers using the 30th pick overall on a quarterback: Brian Brohm of Louisville. With all due respect to Messrs. Nawrocki and Kirwan, I just can’t imagine that happening. The Packers have bigger holes to fill than quarterback i.e. tight end, guard, outside linebacker, cornerback, fullback and safety. I envision the Packers taking a defensive back, perhaps someone like cornerback Brandon Flowers of Virginia Tech or safety Kenny Phillips of Miami, Fla., or my personal pick … cornerback Antoine Cason of Arizona.
+ While I’m not expecting the Packers to draft a quarterback in the first two rounds, I am expecting the Bears to grab one with their second-round pick. Based on what I’m hearing from some NFL officials, that quarterback could very well be Chad Henne of Michigan. Saturday April 12, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 10:30PM CST on April 12, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL It was a cold winter night a few years ago when I walked out of the Bradley Center following a Milwaukee Bucks’ game. In front of me, I noticed a solitary figure, walking slowly, head down. You could tell he was disappointed, perhaps even distraught. As I got closer to this person, I realized it was Herb Kohl, the owner and president of the Bucks. And when I recognized him, I also recognized why he was so down — the Bucks had lost a game they should have won. It wasn’t the first time I had witnessed Kohl in a melancholy mood following a Bucks’ game. After all, the Bucks have lost their fair share of games, especially in the last two years. But that moment made an indelible impression on me. It told me, unequivocally, how much Kohl cares about the Bucks. It told me that as disappointed as Bucks fans have been with the Bucks’ misfortunes, NOBODY is more disappointed than Kohl. No matter your perception of Kohl, no matter whatever shortcomings he has an owner, you should never remotely believe he doesn’t care. I’ve been around pro sports for more than two decades and I have never, ever seen an owner or any other front office executive as passionate or concerned about his team than Kohl. Kohl’s biggest problem, one can argue, is that he’s too concerned. He has sometimes thrust himself into situations that some owners probably wouldn’t, or wouldn’t care to. More often than not, Kohl had attempted to do what was good for the Bucks. The contention he’s is a parsimonious owner is hogwash. When Kohl felt it was necessary to pull out the checkbook, or felt one of his employees deserved to be paid commensurate to his worth to the organization, he has. Kohl first exhibited his willingness to pay the price in 1992 when he lured Mike Dunleavy from the Los Angeles Lakers. Dunleavy was regarded as a rising star in the coaching fraternity, and Kohl realized that he would have to break the bank to get Dunleavy to leave the bright lights of L.A. Kohl did. I remember talking to a Western Conference coach at the time, and he said every morning when he woke up, he would get down on his knees and bow down to the East to Dunleavy and how he — and Kohl — raised the bar for coaches’ salaries. Kohl then opened up his wallet again in 1998 to hire George Karl as coach. Kohl later awarded Karl with a contract that paid him $7 million annually. It wasn’t just the largest contract for an NBA coach; it was the largest contract for any coach/manager in professional sports. Along the way, Kohl has signed off on mega-contracts for players like Michael Redd and Tim Thomas and Glenn Robinson and several others. In each case, Kohl probably overpaid — because he felt each of those players were essential pieces to the Bucks’ puzzle. This summer, Kohl will likely write another lucrative check. Young center Andrew Bogut is eligible for a contract extension. Kohl knows retaining Bogut is critical to the Bucks’ future. Talented young centers don’t grow on trees. Saturday, Kohl made perhaps an equally-important investment for the Bucks’ future. He hired John Hammond as the Bucks’ new general manager. Hammond was considered by NBA observers as the best GM candidate available. In order to secure the services of Hammond, Kohl knew he’d literally have to pay the price. And he did. Not only did Kohl give Hammond a five-year contract, he gave him one worth $8 million. Whether Hammond will be the panacea for the Bucks’ many ailments remains to be seen. But what we have clearly seen again is that Kohl deeply cares about the Bucks.
Friday April 11, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:03PM CST on April 11, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Since the Milwaukee Bucks began looking for a new general manager three weeks ago, they've targeted John Hammond. It now appears they may have secured his services. Hammond, the Detroit Pistons' highly-regarded vice president of basketball operations, has verbally agreed to take the Bucks' GM job. Hammond has yet to sign any documents to seal the deal, but that appears to be just a formality. There have been national reports that Hammond could be officially hired by early next week. However, I have been told Hammond could be be working for the Bucks by as soon as Saturday.. Hammond didn't return a call Friday morning. Neither did Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president of basketball operations. Both were in a meeting late Friday morning. Ron Walter, the Bucks' vice president - alternate governor of the Bucks, couldn't be reached, either. The Bucks have privately wanted to have a GM in place by the end of next week. While they coveted Hammond, they also interviewed former Seattle GM Rick Sund and front office executive David Griffin of the Phoenix Suns. They have also shown keen interest in Billy King, the former Philadelphia 76ers general manager. They also talked to Donnie Walsh, the former president of the Indiana Pacers who reently accepted a similar job with the New York Knicks. Hammond told The Journal Times last week he would have some interest in the Bucks' GM position, which opened up when Larry Harris was relieved of his duties. However, Hammond has had a close relationship with Dumars and was reluctant to give up what was a personally rewarding job. Hammond felt so comfortable in his job that in recent years he turned down GM openings in Toronto and Portland. Hammond's first major assignment as Bucks general manager will be to determine the fate of Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak. It is unlikely Krystkowiak will be retained as the Bucks are headed to the draft lottery for the second straight year. The scuttlebutt is the Bucks already have three potential head coaches on their radar screen: Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle. While Brown has impeccable coaching credentials, it is believed he is looking for a situation where he would have complete control over player personnel matters. His name has also been linked to possible openings in Memphis and Chicago. That is something, especially with the impending hiring of Hammond, wouldn't occur in Milwaukee. Carlisle, who is a television basketball analyst, recently told The Journal Times that he wants to be an NBA head coach again. Carlisle also said he was extremely confident that would happen this summer Carlisle had been a head coach for the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. Van Gu\ndy, like Carlisle, is also doing television work. Before that he was the head coach of the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks. Two things that have piqued the interest of the Bucks in Van Gundy is that he has an outstanding reputation for getting his teams to play defense and that he has worked well with centers i.e. Patrick Ewing in New York and Yao Ming in Houston. The Bucks have one of the best young centers in the game in Andrew Bogut and are likely to grant him a five-year contract extension in July. * Hammond's soon-to-be hiring shouldn't have any impact on Dave Babcock, the Bucks' director of player personal. In fact, it is believed Babcock has been given a multi-year contract extension There are also rumblings the Bucks could hire John Gabriel in some capacity. Gabriel, the NBA's Executive of the Year in 1999 while the Orlando Magic's general manager, is currently a scout and advisor for the Portland Trail Blazers. While the Magic's GM, Gabriel engineered several major moves, acquiring stars Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill and hiring Glenn 'Doc' Rivers as coach.
Thursday April 10, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 6:48PM CST on April 10, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL I’m driving my car Thursday afternoon, listening to the Brewers’ post-game show on WSSP (1250 AM). The show, as always, is entertaining and informative with Steve “Sparky’’ Fifer and Tim Allen doing a thorough job of covering all the bases. Yet, every time Fifer and Allen cleanly fielded a call – they still haven’t committed an error this season -- Brewers manager Ned Yost’s name would inevitably crop up. And it wasn’t brought up in a flattering manner. Many of the callers lambasted Yost. They questioned whether he made a mistake by leaving starting pitcher Carlos Villanueva in too long. They questioned why Yost continues to use Gabe Gross and why he would use Gross instead of Gabe Kaper, who has had a hot bat. Being questioned and being the lightening rod for criticism goes with the territory when you have a high-profile job like Yost's They become even more of a target when everybody on the universe with an IQ of above five thinks they can do as good or better of a job. Yet, criticizing Yost at this stage of the season is nothing short of ludicrous. The last time I checked the Brewers were just nine games into a season that still has 153 games yet to be played. The last time I checked Yost still didn’t have the services of one of his best pitchers in Yovani Gallardo and of his best defensive outfielder in Mike Cameron. The last time I checked the Brewers’ dynamic duo of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun have yet to get on their groove. The last time I checked Yost’s Brewers had a 6-3 record. I think some people need to get a life. Tuesday April 8, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 2:49PM CST on April 8, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Two former NBA general managers have drawn considerable interest from the Milwaukee Bucks for their vacant GM position. Both Billy King, a former GM with the Philadelphia 76ers, and John Gabriel, once the GM of the Orlando Magic, are the latest to emerge as potential candidates to replace Larry Harris, who was relieved of his duties nearly three weeks ago. Gabriel, who was chosen the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2000 while general manager of the Orlando Magic. is believed to have recently spoke with the Bucks. Gabriel is now a scout and advisor for the Portland Trail Blazers. Gabriel has a reputation of being a tireless worker with a keen eye for talent. Gabriel was the Orlando Magic's vice presidents of basketball operations when the team advanced to the NBA Finals in 1996. One of the coaches Gabriel hired while the Magic's GM was Doc Rivers, the former Marquette University star who is now the Boston Celtics head coach. Gabrial, 52, also lured some key free agents to Orlando, including Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill. Gabriel, contacted Tuesday, wouldn't divulge whether he had interviewed with the Bucks. '"I would love the opportunity to be a general manager again,'' Gabriel said. "I've been in the NBA 25; I have a passion for this business.'' While it isn’t known whether King has interviewed for the Bucks’ job, it is known the Bucks have done an extensive background check on him, having contacted some high-ranking officials in the 76ers’ organization. King was fired by the 76ers last December after the team got off to a 5-12 start. King began working for the 76ers in 1997 and was their GM when they beat the Bucks in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001. But the 76ers haven’t come close to matching that success since. King took a major gamble in February of 2005 when he acquired aging and injury-plagued Chris Webber, along with Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley, from the Sacramento Kings for Brian Skinner, Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson. The gamble failed as the 76ers bought out the remaining two years on Webber’s contract for reportedly $25 million on Jan. 11, 2007. King, currently working as an analyst for NBA TV, declined to be interviewed for this story. King’s name has also been prominently mentioned with the New York Knicks. The Knicks’ new president Donnie Walsh is a friend of King’s and is apparently considering him for a front office position. There are also whispers Walsh is considering Harris for a position in the organization. Harris is regarded as a shrewd draft evaluator and helped the Bucks unearth several gems in the second round, including Bucks star guard Michael Redd and Houston Rockets’ starting point guard Rafer Alston. Some other second-round picks who are still in the NBA that were chosen by Harris are Ronald Murray, Keith Bogans, Dan Gadzuric, Jason Hart and Ramon Sessions. It was reported in The Journal Times that the Bucks have already interviewed for Seattle SuperSonics GM Rick Sund and current Phoenix Suns senior vice president of basketball operations David Griffin. The Bucks have also explored the possibility of interviewing John Hammond, who is Pistons’ general manager Joe Dumars’ right-hand man. However, it is believed the Pistons don’t want to lose Hammond and are attempting to provide him with more incentives to stay with the organization. The Bucks are hoping to have a GM in place sometime around the end of the regular season. The Bucks’ final game is April 16. Thursday April 3, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 11:38PM CST on April 3, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL Chatter we’ve been picking up about the Marquette U. basketball situation: * It’s hardly a secret Marquette officials would love to hire Tony Bennett as a successor to Tom "Hoosier Daddy’’ Crean. But that’s about as likely to happen as the Warriors bringing back Bob Dukiet. Bennett appears to have his sights on the LSU job instead. * While Sean Miller of Xavier is among several candidates already rumored for the MU job, here’s someone who is flying under the radar -- for now: Frank Haith. Haith guided the Miami Hurricanes into the NCAA Tournament this season, beating Saint Mary’s 78-64 in the first round before taking Texas to the limit 75-72. Before taking over the Hurricanes’ program four years ago, Hait was an associate head coach under Rick Barnes at Texas. Haith has had outstanding success as a recruiter. To wit: among the players he helped bring to Texas were LaMarcus Aldridge, now with the Portland Trail Blazers and T.J. Ford, a former Milwaukee Bucks guard now with Toronto. He also helped bring Dallas Mavericks star Josh Howard to Wake Forest. * While Marquette officials were hoping two top-notch recruits -- Tyshawn Taylor and Nick Williams -- would stick around and consider playing for the new coach, both players are now likely to be granted their request to be released from their national letter of intents.Naturally, several colleges are coveting their services and I've been told have already made "indirect’’ contact with them. * There have been and continue to be rumblings that Trevor Mbakwe, MU’s promising freshman forward, will transfer. And it doesn’t have anything to do with Crean’s departure to Indiana. * You don’t suppose Darrin Horn, the former MU assistant coach who guided Northern Kentucky into the NCAA tourney, would have loved to known Crean’s intentions before accepting the South Carolina job? * After Tony Bennett, my next choice for the MU job would be Ray McCallum, a former Wisconsin assistant coach whom Indiana U. officials should have promoted to interim head coach after jettisoning Kelvin Sampson. The doubters will point out McCallum’s subpar record (44-73) while head coach at Houston, but John Wooden couldn’t have turned around that deplorable program. What some people may have forgotten is that McCallum, while he was the head coach at Ball State, led the Cardinals to two NCAA Tournament appearances. McCallum is also proven recruiter and one of the classiest guys I’ve come across in the coaching profession. * Dominic James playing in Europe next season? Don’t rule it out. * Look for Jerry Sichting, a former MU assistant coach and current assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, to pursue the MU job. * Look for Crean to surround himself with some familiar assistants, among them Tim Buckley and perhaps Buzz Williams. |
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