|
The Woelfel World of Sports
October 2007
Tuesday October 30, 2007
Posted by: Dustin at 10:04PM CST on October 30, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
The Bucks have talked the talk. Now, we’ll see if they can walk the walk. Since the end of last season and through training camp, Bucks officials and players have confidently talked about how they’ll be a vastly-improved defensive team this season. Wednesday night, we’ll see if that is indeed the case. The Bucks, who were the fourth-worst defensive team in the NBA last season, will play the Magic in Orlando, Fla. The Magic, who were a playoff team last season, have a potent offense that features two big-time scorers: center Dwight Howard and forward Rashard Lewis. Andrew Bogut will have the unenviable task of guarding Howard, whom Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak calls "a great player to build a team around.’’ You can safely assume Bogut will get plenty of help whenever Howard gets the ball. As for guarding Lewis, that assignment will likely go to Desmond Mason, whom the Bucks signed during the off-season to specifically upgrade their defense. Mason and Lewis are quite familiar with each other, having played against each other countless times. "I practiced against him when we were teammates in Seattle and I played against him (as a Buck and New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornet),’’ Mason said. "I know his game and he knows my game.’’ Mason figures to have his hands full. Lewis signed a gaudy six-year, $118.5 million contract over the summer and it’s a cinch he’s going to be launching shots early and often in his regular-season debut as a Magic. If Mason and Bogut can keep Howard and Lewis in check, the Bucks will probably win the game and, more importantly, send a resounding message to their fans that, yes, their defense is better.
VILLANUEVA HAS EYES ON THE FINISH LINE: Charlie Villanueva said he’s only a "little disappointed’’ that he won’t be in the starting lineup against Orlando because "I know I’ll be playing a lot.’’ And Villanueva believes he and not rookie Yi Jianlian, the Bucks’ starting power forward, will be playing when it matters the most — at crunch time. "In this league, it’s not so important who starts but who finishes a game,’’ Villanueva said. Villanueva, by the way, has a new agent: Jeff Schwartz. He replaces Billy Ceisler.
STORY TIME: Arvee Storey won’t be suiting up against the Magic and it’s anyone’s guess when he’ll be ready to return to game action. Storey, whom the Bucks signed as a free agent during the off-season, injured his left hip while taking a nasty spill recently in practice. Storey said the pain, at times, has been severe. He also said there is inflammation in the hip. Storey worked out with his teammates Tuesday and said team doctors are waiting to see how his hip feels after a couple of days before deciding whether have another MRI. Besides Storey, the Bucks’ inactive players against Orlando are expected to be forward David Noel and guard Ramon Sessions.
QUICK HITS: Li Qun, a former player and coach for the Guangdong Southern Tigers, whom Yi played for last season, attended the Bucks’ practice. Li intends on spending the season in Milwaukee "studying’’ basketball. Besides following the Bucks — he plans to go on some selected road games with them — Li intends on observing some Marquette University practices. ... The Bucks beat Detroit 105-97 in their season opener last season at Auburn Hills, Mich. It would be the Bucks’ only victory against a Central Division opponent all season. The Bucks wound up 1-15 against Central Division teams. ... Yi said his parents, Yi Jingliu and Mai Meiling, would be watching his NBA regular-season debut on DirecTV at their home in China. ... Yi, by the way, is getting acclimated to Milwaukee quite well and even has his own place. ... Krystkowiak on Yi: "As weird as this may sound, there may be less pressure on him to start than coming off the bench and try and do something spectacular.’’ .. The Bucks are offering fans a free slice of pizza Wednesday between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Lobby B of the Bradley Center. Fans will also have the chance to enter to win a pair of round-trip tickets on Midwest Airlines. Thursday October 25, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 11:44AM CST on October 25, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
The Milwaukee Bucks and their fans can breathe easy: Starting center Andrew Bogut's left wrist is OK. Bogut, who suffered a spained left wrist, in Tuesday night's game against Denver, underwent X-rays Tuesday and then had an MRI Wednesday. The results of both tests were negative, according to a Bucks' spokesman. Bogut's availability is day to day. Bogut, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, has enjoyed a strong training camp and has shown signs of being one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference. Some odds and ends: + The Bucks are expected to keep second-round draft pick Ramon Sessions. Sessions, a point guard, has been solid throughout training camp. It is believed Sessions will start the season with the Bucks and then around the second week of November will likely be assigned to Tulsa, the Bucks' D-League affiliate.
+ Former Marquette University standout Steve Novak is in jeopardy of being cut by the Houston Rockets.The Rockets have 19 players on their roster -- four over the limit - and have entertained trade offers -- most likely a second-round draft pick -- for Novak. + The Chicago Bulls are clearly the front-runners in the Kobe Bryant Sweepstakes. The Bulls have several young, talented players whom the Lakers wouldn't mind having in exchange for the superstar, although the Bulls insist they won't give up small forward Luol Deng. Any team that does acquire Bryant will certainly pay a steep monetary price. Bryant has four years left on his contract for approximately $88 million. What's more, Bryant has a 15-percent trade kicker on the duration of his contract. Add that all up and Bryant would collect more than $100 million. Sunday October 21, 2007
Posted by: Dustin at 10:07PM CST on October 21, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
It’s obvious the New England Patriots are still cheating. How else can you explain the Patriots’ stunning success this season? Well, how about coming to the realization Bill Belichick’s crew is good. They’re so good, it’s scary. Barring a major injury, you can hand the Vince Lombardi trophy to the Patriots right now. Ever since Belichick was slapped with a $500,000 fine and the organization was fined $250,000 and forced to forfeit its first-round draft pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs for videotaping signals by New York Jets coaches during the season opener, the Patriots have absolutely mauled their opponents. Since NFL commish Roger Goodell reprimanded the Patriots, they have played six games and won all of them. None has been close. New England’s closest game was a 34-17 triumph over Cleveland. In that six-game span, the Patriots have scored 241 points while allowing 106. In other words, they have outscored their foes in that span by a margin of 40-17. Can you say domination? We are finding out loud and clear that all the silly nonsense that surfaced about the Patriots when they were fined, about how they wouldn’t have won multiple Super Bowls if they hadn’t bent the rules, was just that — nonsense. The Patriots aren’t only the best team in the NFL these days, they just might be one of the best teams the NFL has ever seen. With the lethal Tom Brady-Randy Moss combination and the coaching genius of Belichick, it’s hard to fathom anyone beating them. They have a certifiably legitimate chance to be the first team to run the table since the ‘72 Dolphins. Of course, Peyton Manning and Colts could have something to say about that. The two greatest QBs of our time will hook up on Nov. 4 in Indy in what should be a battle of the unbeatens. Yet, as important as that game will be, the Pats will have an even bigger one on Dec. 16. That’s when they will host ... the New York Jets. Can you say annihilation?
Friday October 19, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 8:48PM CST on October 19, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL There is an assumption the starting power forward position for the Milwaukee Bucks is a two-man race. It is believed Charlie Villanueva, the incumbent starter, hasa slight edge over Yi Jianlian, the team’s ballyhooed rookie. But that assumption, according to Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak, isn’t accurate. Krystkowiak said there is another player in the hunt for the starting power forward spot and that’s Dan Gadzuric. Gadzuric has been used primarily as a backup center the last couple of seasons, but Krystkowiak is confident the fifth-year pro is fully capable of handling the power forward assignment. Krystkowiak said he has liked how the 6-foot-11, 245-pound Gadzuric plays alongside center Andrew Bogut. Krystkowiak used Gadzuric-Bogut combination in an intra-squad scrimmage at the Bradley Center and then again in an exhibition game last week against the Chicago Bulls at La Crosse. “Danny is involved in that,’’ Krystkowiak said of the starting forward spot. “Some nights, he could be the one who starts. It’ll depend on match-ups. “But there will be some games where they (the opponent) will start two big guys and we might match them with Danny and Andrew.’’ Gadzuric would certainly give the Bucks a defensive element in the paint. While Villanueva and Yi possess excellent offensive skills, neither is regarded as a top-notch defender. Furthermore, neither Villaneuva nor Yi are overly physical – as evidenced again in the Bucks’ preseason game against Denver Tuesday night in Green Bay, where Nuggets power forward Kenyon Martin pretty did what he wanted against them. Krystkowiak acknowledged Gadzuric’s ability to guard, block shots and rebound would be beneficial, especially considering how the Bucks struggled mightily as a defensive team last season. But Krystowiak said there was another reason why he considers Gadzuric a legitimate starting power forward prospect. “He’s a high-energy player,’’ Krystkowiak said. “I don’t think anybody can question that. You’d like to have a player like that to start the game. “Danny is a very lively guy.’’ ROOKIES GET A WORKOUT: When the Bucks flew back from their exhibition game against the Utah Jazz last week in Salt Lake City, their two rookies – Ramon Sessions and Yi -- got a chance to show off their vocal skills. Yi and Sessions were asked, er told, to sing “Happy Birthday’’ to veteran Desmond Mason, who turned 30 on Oct. 11. But that singing session was a piece of cake for Yi and Sessions in comparison to what they were asked, er told, to do after last Tuesday’s shoot-around for the Denver game. That’s when Yi and Sessions had to retrieve basketballs kicked into the stands at the Resch Center in Green Bay. “They got us,’’ said a smiling Sessions. “Mike Redd got it going. He kicked a couple of balls pretty far. He’s got a good foot. He should do it (punt) on Sundays (in the NFL).’’ After Redd “strategically’’ kicked a couple of basketballs, several other veterans followed his lead. As Yi and Sessions raced after the balls, including one that went through a door in the facility, the veterans gleefully rejoiced. When asked about the extra running he and Sessions had to put in, Yi laughed and said, “I had heard it was coming. I know they do this to rookies in the NBA, so it was OK. I didn’t mind.’’ Krystkowiak, who had played nine seasons in the NBA and is now in his second season as an NBA coach, had seen a lot of pranks pulled on rookies but this one was something new to him. “I had never seen that before,’’ said Krystkowiak, who paused and quipped, “We got a lot more out of our rookies than that.’’ Ruffin’s contract unique The three players on the Bucks’ roster bubble are forward Michael Ruffin and guards Royal Ivey and Sessions. While most teams usually don’t make their final cuts until the last minute – this year rosters must be submitted to the NBA on Oct. 29 – the Bucks will have to make a decision on Ruffin before that date. In addition to securing a partially-guaranteed contract of $770,000 for his client, Andy Miller, Ruffin’s agent, had a clause inserted into the contract that states the Bucks must determine by Oct. 26 whether to keep him or release him. If Ruffin is released at that time, it would perhaps give him some time to latch on with another team. Considering the Bucks are well under the NBA’s luxury tax – by approximately $5 million -- it would be surprising to see them waive anyone now, especially since Ruffin, Sessions ($427,000) and Ivey ($790,000) have rather smallish contracts. Monday October 15, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 9:45PM CST on October 15, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
ST. FRANCIS -- At the NBA pre-draft camp last June in Orlando, Fla., all potential draft prospects were administered a battery of physical tests. All draft prospects, that is, except Yi Jianlian. Yi, a highly-touted forward from China, opted to continue working out in California, thus becoming one of the first draft prospects to ever snub pre-draft camp physicals. Now four months later, and now a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Yi has yet to undergo all the tests usually given to rookies. However, slowly but surely, the Bucks are accruing physical data on Yi, who was the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft. To wit: - Yi weighs 246 pounds. - Yi’s height is 6 feet, 11 inches without shoes. With shoes, Yi is 7-1/4, making him the tallest player on the Bucks’ roster. Bucks center Andrew Bogut is 7-0 in sneakers. - Yi has a wing span of 7-3 ½. That’s ½-inch longer than Bogut’s. - Yi has 3.4 percent body fat. Again, that is the best on the team. Michael Ruffin is second at 3.9. “For a small guy, that’s really good,’’ Tim Wilson, the Bucks’ strength and conditioning coach, said of Yi’s body fat. “We’re happy to have players under 10 percent body fat.’’ Added Wilson on Yi: “He’s got a very good athletic body.’’ Wilson has yet to conduct any strength tests on Yi, but Wilson has established a weight-lifting regimen for Yi, who said he lifted about twice a week while playing last season for the Guandong Southern Tigers. “We have him on a program where he’s going to lift every day when there’s not a game and not on Sunday,’’ Wilson said. “But we had a (preseason) gamer last Saturday night and he wanted to lift that day, so we lifted. “He seems to like it. I think he knows how beneficial it (lifting) can be for him.’’ Yi concurred, saying, “I like it … I need it.’’ Yi then laughed and added, “I’m too skinny.’’
THE NAME GAME: There hasn’t been any confusion on the pronunciation of Yi – it rhymes with the letter E. But there has been some uncertainty about the pronunciation of Jianlian. On draft day on June 28, the media was informed Jianlian was pronounced TEE-an-LEE-an. In the Bucks’ media guide, however, the pronunciation of Jianlian is “jee-AHN-lee-AHN.’’ Now, I’ve been told neither pronunciation is correct. Two of Yi’s translators both insist Jianlian is pronounced “gee-en-lee-en.’’
LINEUP STILL NOT SET: Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak has yet to announce the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Green Bay. However, during a scrimmage Monday at the Cousins Center, the first unit consisted of Mo Williams and Michael Redd at the guard spots, Desmond Mason and Yi at the forward spots and Bogut at center. Krystkowiak said only Redd, Bogut and Williams have guaranteed themselves starting spots for the season opener against Orlando on Oct. 31 at Orlando. “Those guys have earned the right to start,’’ Krystkowiak said. Mason is battling Bobby Simmons for the starting small forward spot and Yi is battling Charlie Villanueva for the starting power forward spot.
ODDS AND ENDS: Bogut’s personal coach and trainer, Sinisa Markovic, flew back to Australia after spending about a month with Bogut. … More tidbits on Yi: Bucks equipment manager Dwayne Wilson said Yi’s shoe size is 17 and his warm-ups are 3XL. … Coaches from eight teams in Greece are spending four days observing Bucks’ practices. They had spent 10 days watching the Chicago Bulls work out. They plan to watch workouts at several colleges in the next couple of weeks as well, including Marquette University. … This will be Bogut’s second trip to Green Bay within the last month. He earlier took in a Packers’ game at Lambeau Field. … Speaking of football, Krystkowiak said his sports idol growing up in Montana was Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton. Added Krystkowiak, “I’m trying to get my wife (Jan) to name one of our daughters Payton.’’ Chad Clifton: Packers' unsung hero
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:17AM CST on October 15, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL The obvious stars for the Green Bay "Break ‘em up’’ Packers in their 17-14 victory over the Washington Redskins Sunday at Lambeau Field were: - cornerback Charles Woodson, who scooped up a fumble and returned it 57 yards for the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter. - defensive tackle Corey Williams, who stripped the ball from Washington’s Santana Moss and made it possible for Woodson to score. - And offensive tackle Chad Clifton, who once again had another highly-productive day at the office. In all likelihood, you probably heard Clifton’s name mentioned only once during Sunday’s television broadcast of the game, that for a bogus holding call that analyst Troy Aikman thought was bogus as well. But Clifton’s name should have mentioned frequently for the exceptional job he did against Andre Carter. The Redskins right defensive end came into the game as perhaps the best defensive lineman in the game this season. In the Redskins’ destruction of Detroit last week, when Washington won 34-3, the cat-quick Carter terrorized quarterback Jon Kitna and his Lions offensive teammates. Carter registered eight tackles and had a pair of sacks in a performance that would have made the late, great Reggie White smile. But Sunday against the Packers, Carter was AWOL. He had only four tackles. He didn’t have a sack. He didn’t have a hurry. Clifton saw to that. Thursday October 11, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 1:15PM CST on October 11, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL Brett Favre turned a robust 38 Wednesday, and I wonder what his coach, Mike McCarthy, gave him for a present. If you’re Favre, or a Packers fan, you hope it was a new playbook. Or, at the very least, a revamped playbook. The one Favre has had isn’t bad, but it’s relatively unimaginative and boring. Worse, it’s becoming rather predictable. Favre won’t be the first to tell you that, but he may be the second. Last week, during his press conference, Favre noted how the Packers needed to be a little more creative with their passing game. And he’s absolutely correct. McCarthy’s idea of a great passing game basically consists of slant patterns, curls and dump-offs. Simplistic stuff. It’s imperative McCarthy, as Favre mentioned, broaden the Packers’ passing game. He has to quit relying on a horizontal passing game and incorporate more of a vertical passing game. If McCarthy doesn’t switch things up quickly, the Packers’ season is going to mirror the Milwaukee Brewers’: fast start, bad finish. Saturday October 6, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 11:33PM CST on October 6, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
MILWAUKEE — The 7,109 fans who took in a Milwaukee Bucks’ scrimmage at the Bradley Center Saturday certainly got their money’s worth. Of course, it wouldn’t have taken much since nobody had to pay a penny to get into the event. Nevertheless, this outing, which is usually a rather ho-hum affair, had some entertainment value. For example: - Andrew Bogut was terrific and exhibited signs he’s on the cusp of being one of the elite centers in the league. Bogut, now in his third pro season, was assertive and effective at both ends of the floor, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes. - Desmond Mason, whom the Bucks traded to the Hornets two years ago before signing him as a free agent over the summer, flew all over the court, something that endeared him to Bucks fans in his first stint with the team. And Mason showed he still has the hops. One time, he took a lob pass from Mo Williams that was high above the rim. While Mason couldn’t finish the play, his high-wire act had the crowd buzzing. "He brings energy and excitement and defense,’’ teammate Michael Redd said of his teammate and friend. "I’m glad he’s back with us.’’ - Granted, the real games have yet to begin, but you can’t help but be impressed by Yi Jianlian, the Bucks’ top draft pick. His skills are obvious and he possesses an almost unflappable demeanor. The only time Yi showed any emotion was after he made a shot from half-court as part of a contest with some fans. Yi broke out into a sheepish grin before being engulfed by his almost-giddy teammates. - The Bucks actually defended. Seriously. Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak made sure of that. The scrimmage had barely started and Krystkowiak bellowed to his minions "Let’s work on some D now.’’ -The Bucks’ scouting department has done a commendable job of finding second-round draft gems. Ramon Sessions could be their latest discovery. The rookie point guard acquitted himself quite nicely when given the opportunity to run the offense, making several crisp passes, including a perfectly-placed one to Yi on the break. - Thursday October 4, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 10:38PM CST on October 4, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL ST. FRANCIS – Like most of the Milwaukee Bucks, Michael Ruffin was curious to see if his newest teammate, Yi Jianlian, was the goods. It didn’t take him long to get an answer. "In warm-ups, he took a 3-point shot from the corner,’’ Ruffin said of Yi, the Bucks’ ballyhooed No. 1 draft pick from China who worked out with the team for the first time Thursday morning. "It was nothing but net. It was nice.’’ As Ruffin and his teammates discovered during the next two hours of practice, there are a lot of nice things to Yi’s game. He has a sweet shot, is capable of putting the ball on the floor with either hand and runs the floor like a gazelle. Yi ‘s all-around game and physical skills suitably impressed the Bucks. They were equally impressed with his basketball acumen and his ability to quickly grasp the Bucks’ offensive and defensive schemes. "It looks like he’s a smart player,’’ Bucks center Andrew Bogut said. "He picked things up pretty quick.’’ Small forward Bobby Simmons virtually echoed Bogut’s sentiments. "He picked up the sets pretty quick,’’ Simmons said. "He was in the right place at the right time.’’ The Bucks certainly did their best to ease Yi’s transition. Even before he stepped onto the court at the Cousins Center in front of nearly 50 media members, including 10 from China, Yi had a fairly good understanding of the Bucks’ basic schemes. Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak said Yi had been sent a mini-playbook of sorts while he was in China, and that he and Yi went over some of the plays again Wednesday night after Yi had arrived in Milwaukee. Krystkowiak also gave Yi individual instruction for about 20 minutes before the Bucks began praciting. Yi’s teammates took over from there. After Yi went one-on-one and had the ball stripped by point guard Mo Williams, Michael Redd came over to Yi and offered his support by giving him a high-five. Minutes later, after Yi missed a shot, Redd came over to him again and patted him on the back,. As the practice wore on, Awvee Storey, Dan Gadzuric, Williams and several other Bucks showed Yi the love. "He was a little bit nervous today,’’ Bogut said of Yi. "But he’s going to be fine.’’ That was the consensus opinion of Bucks players, who were won over by Yi’s even-keel disposition, unpretentiousness and willingness to share the ball during scrimmages. "He’s smooth, got a nice shot and he’s confident,’’ Dan Gadzuric said. " I liked the way he handled himself on the court.’’ Added Williams: "He’s a good player. He has a knack for the game, a good feel for the game. He did a good job.’’ While the Bucks were highly complimentary of Yi’s showing, he reciprocated by praising his fellow teammates and Krystkowiak. "They are very nice player and they are nice guys,’’ Yi said through a translator. "This is the second time I met with coach Larry K and he’s taken good care of me and gave me a lot of details on what I should learn here. He’s doing a great job. "I’m very excited.’’ YOU DON’T SAY: Krystkowiak on Yi’s running ability: "I haven’t seen many big guys change ends like him. It’s pretty darn quick.’’ Krystkowiak on the Bucks’ off-season moves: "We didn’t bring in any turds.’’ Bogut on Yi: "He’ll be treated like a rookie. I’m sure some veterans will get on him -- just like they did my rookie year.’’ BONUS SHOTS: Coach Joey Meyer of the Tulsa 66ers -- the Bucks’ affiliate in the NBA Development League -- University of Wisconsin assistant coach Gary Close and former Iona coach Jerry Welsh, now a Bucks’ scout, watched practice. Welsh was an assistant coach for the USA National Team in the 1985 World Cup Games in Barcelona. One of the players on the team was Krystkowiak. ... The Yi fan club now has close to 1,000 members. The fan club’s Web Site is www.yifansclub.com
Wednesday October 3, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 10:25PM CST on October 3, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
ST. FRANCIS – When Yi Jianlian makes his highly-anticipated appearance at the Milwaukee Bucks’ training facility Thursday morning, he’ll be introduced to new coaches, new teammates … and a new offense While Yi was in China playing for the Chinese National team the last couple of days, the Bucks conducted three rather intense practices, spending a portion of them on implementing the triangle offense. The triangle offense, which is based on precise cutting and proper spacing, gained notoriety in the ’90s when the Chicago Bulls used it to win six NBA championships. When Phil Jackson and his long-time assistant coach and friend Tex Winter, who introduced the triangle offense to the NBA, moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers, they continued to deploy the triangle. And they continued to enjoy considerable success, winning three NBA titles. Yet, despite the extraordinary success of the Bulls and Lakers under Jackson and Winter, not many NBA observers – including most coaches – were sold on the benefits of the triangle. The skeptics quickly noted that Jackson and Winter were simply blessed with superior talent: in Chicago, it was Michael Jordan and, in Los Angeles, it was Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Last season, the Lakers were the only NBA team to extensively run the triangle offense. This year, the Lakers will have that distinction again, although it will also be a part of the Bucks’ offensive strategy. “The triangle offense is not going to be a steady diet of our offense, but it will be a part of it,’’ Krystkowiak said. “But I believe there’s a time and place for the triangle offense. “I think there are a lot of positives to it, a lot of benefits to it.’’ Krystkowiak came to that realization 13 years ago. That’s when he played for the Bulls during the 1994-’95 season and admired how effective the triangle offense was under the direction of Jackson and Winter. When Krystkowiak’s NBA playing career ended in 1997 and he gravitated toward coaching, he taught the triangle offense to his Idaho Stampede team in the CBA and then to his teams at the University of Montana, which won back-to-back Big Sky Conference Tournaments and earned berths in the NCAA Division I Tournament. After becoming the Bucks head coach late last season, replacing Terry Stotts, Krystkowiak decided he would incorporate the triangle into the Bucks’ offense as well, starting with the Las Vegas Summer League in July. It was in Las Vegas where Krystkowiaki ran into Winter. Krystkowiak picked Winter’s brains some more on the triangle, and saw how the 85-year-old Winter was almost in heaven when both the Lakers and Bucks played each other. “Tex said it was fun to watch two teams using the triangle,’’ Krystkowiak said of Winter, who actually used the triangle offense when he was the head coach at Marquette University during the 1952-’53 and 1953-’54 seasons. “He really got a kick out of it.’’ So far, Krystkowiak’s players seem to be getting a kick out of it, too. Some of them insist that, contrary to perception, the triangle offense is relatively easy to learn. Bucks forward Desmond Mason feels that way, although he has a slight advantage over most of his teammates. Being one of the team’s veterans, Mason has played numerous games against the Lakers and Bulls over the years. “Actually, it’s not that hard to learn,’’ said Mason, whom the Bucks signed in free agency over the summer after he played the last two seasons with New Orleans/Oklahoma City. “I guarded against the triangle offense, so I know how it works. And we had some similarities of it with (Hornets) coach (Byron) Scott. “It’s a good offense. It’s slashing, cutting and constant moving. It keeps the other guys on their heels. And everybody gets to touch the ball. One or two players don’t dictate the offense.’’ Bogut is equally enthusiastic about the implementation of the triangle. In fact, Bogut was one of the reasons Krystkowiak is installing the offense. The 7-foot Bogut is arguably the best passing big man in the game, and Krytkowiak wants to take advantage of his skill. Krystkowiak believes Bogut’s passing could bolster the Bucks’ contingent of quality perimeter shooters like Michael Redd, Mo Williams, Charlie Bell, Charlie Villanueva and Bobby Simmons. “I don’t think it’s hard to learn; I think it’s very easy,’’ Bogut said. “A lot of it is just based on reads. “It makes every man accountable and it keeps them alert. It isn’t predicated on just one guy or two guys. It’s team basketball. I like it.’’ Obviously, so does Krystkowiak. “It’s really conducive to moving the basketball and letting guys make plays,’’ Krystkowiak said. “I like the idea of five guys moving and playing off each other. “I think it’s amazing a lot of people think the triangle offense is something magical or mystical. It’s not. It’s not rocket science. You can be pretty effective running it.’’ Messrs. Jackson and Winter would undoubtedly agree. BONUS SHOTS: Tolga Ongoren, the head coach of the Tofas team in Turkey, has been observing practices and hanging around with Bucks personnel. Ongoren, by the way, was once a teammate and then coach of former University of Wisconsin center Rashard Griffith. … Krystkowiak’s wife, Jan, showed up at practice. Jan is pregnant and carrying twin girls. The Krystkowiaks have three sons: Cameron, Luc and Ben. … Forward Bobby Simmons, who missed all of last season and then had surgeries on his foot and ankle after the season, has impressed. “He’s looking good,’’ Krystkowiak said. “I told him it was good to have him back. He’s coachable and he’s very skilled.’’ … The Bucks will hold their annual Media Day Friday and then have a practice on Saturday at the Bradley Center. The practice, which starts at noon, is open to the public and free. Doors to the B.C. open at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday October 2, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 5:23PM CST on October 2, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL
ST. FRANCIS – The Milwaukee Bucks held their first practice of the 2007-08 NBA season and there wasn’t shortage of stories. To wit: + Ever since Michael Redd joined the Bucks as an unheralded second-round draft pick in 2000, he has done nothing but get better and better. Expect that trend to continue this season. Redd, who averaged a career-high 26.7 points a game last season, reported to camp in the best shape of his life. The 28-year-old Redd weighs 218 pounds – 12 pounds lighter than last season – and his body fat is nine percent compared to 19 percent last year. One other note on Redd: He appears to be taking his leadership role quite seriously. As an example, during sprint drills in recent years, it wasn’t uncommon for Redd to finish in the middle of the pack. But when they ran sprints on three different occasions at the end of practice, Redd finished first every time. + The Bucks were ravaged by injuries last season, so the last thing Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak wanted to see – especially on the first day of practice – was someone getting hurt. But that’s what happened toward the tail end of practice when point guard Mo Williams experienced pain in his left shoulder. Williams left the court and put on a protective brace before returning to practice. Williams missed nine games last season because of an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. “He dinged his shoulder,’’ Krystkowiak said. “I can only cross my fingers he’ll be OK.’’ + Early last season, when Andrew Bogut struggled, he called on his old coach/friend from Australia, Sinisa Markovic to help him out. Markovic flew to Milwaukee, worked almost daily with the young center for several weeks and did a wonderful job of getting Bogut back on track. This summer, Markovic worked with Bogut again. Markovic said he worked out Bogut twice a day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and once on Wednesdays. Sinisa, who has known Bogut since he was a teenager and who is now staying with him at his new home in Mequon, said he expects Bogut to have a stellar season. “I hope … I know he will have a very good season,’’ Markovic said. “I think his play will be close to an All-Star.’’ + Charlie Bell wasn’t a happy camper when the Bucks retained the restricted free agent last month by matching an offer sheet from the Miami Heat. Bell was miffed by how negotiations with the Bucks dragged on throughout the summer and he openly wondered if he’d be in the right frame of mind returning to the Bucks. But Bell said he’s closed the book on that story. “I had a very stressful summer,’’ Bell said. “But I’ve put that behind me. It’s over.’’ Added Krystkowiak: “A lot of that (Bell’s comments) is posturing, negotiating. Charlie is the consummate professional.’’ + Krystkowiak, who assumed the Bucks’ head coaching reins after Terry Stotts was fired with 18 games remaining last season, didn’t waste any time in setting the tone for this season. Tuesday’s practice was, in a word, intense. It was unquestionably one of the most intense first-day practices ever conducted by a Bucks head coach. Krystkowiak liked the way his minions responded. “The energy level is incredible,’’ Krystkowiak said. “Opening indications were pretty positive.’’ + Signs, signs, everywhere signs … The walls surrounding the Bucks’ practice courts are plastered with large signs with catch-phrases on them, many of which apply to Krystkowiak’s and GM Larry Harris’ desires to emphasize defense this season. There are 11 signs that say: - Everybody rebound. - Keep your man in front of you. - Take the defensive challenge. - 45%. (The Bucks’ goal for their opponents’ field-goal percentage this season. Last season, Bucks’ opponents shot 48 percent from the floor) - Contest. - Contain. - Energy is not an emotion; it’s a choice. - Effort. Energy. Execution - Convert. - Our will. Our way. Our win. - Communicate your thoughts. Talk. Talk. Talk. + Bo Ellis, one of the greatest players in Marquette University history, has been hired as a part-time scout by the Bucks. Ellis, who has a full-time job in the Chicago Public Schools system, will scout college game primarily in the Midwest. Ellis said he’ll probably work between 20 and 25 games, including teams from the Big Ten like Wisconsin and teams from the Big East like Marquette. Ellis said he contacted Dave Babcock, the Bucks director of player personnel, over the summer and expressed his desire to work for the team in some capacity. “I’m hoping Dave Babcock can teach me the business,’’ Ellis said. “I’m hoping he takes me under his wing. I’m really looking forward to it.’’ + The only Bucks player not in attendance Tuesday was Yi Jianlian, their No. 1 draft pick. Yi, who had to fulfill commitments to the Chinese National Team, is expected to fly from Shanghai to Chicago today and arrive in Milwaukee this afternoon. While Yi has yet to arrive in Milwaukee, one member of the Chinese media covered Tuesday’s practice: Zaiqing “Rick’’ Zhang of Titan Sports. There is speculation that as many as 10 reporters from China could be in Milwaukee on Friday when the team holds its media day. Monday October 1, 2007
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:19AM CST on October 1, 2007
BY GERY WOELFEL The Milwaukee Bucks made a flurry of moves during the offseason, some major, some minor. One of their perceived minor moves was hiring Jarinn Akana as an assistant coach, although it could turn out to have major implications. The 37-year-old Akana comes to the Bucks with a solid NBA background. He has worked in the league for eight years, six with the Denver Nuggets and two with the Dallas Mavericks. With those teams, he had various responsibilities, including being an assistant coach and scout. Akana’s last job before being hired by the Bucks may be of most interest, though. He was an assistant coach/consultant for the Guandong Southern Tigers. One of the Guandong players was none other than Yi Jianlian, the Bucks’ No. 1 draft choice. Akana not only worked with Yi, but developed a good rapport with him as well. "I know him well; we’re friends,’’ Akana said. "It’s a good relationship. We have a good balance between coach and friend.’’ Akana and Yi have actually been friends for several years. Akana has made several basketball-related trips to China in recent years and he also worked several of Pete Newell’s "Big Man’’ camps in either Hawaii or Las Vegas, where Yi participated. Akana said the groundwork for him joining the Bucks coaching staff came in July during the Las Vegas Summer League, where the Bucks had a team and where Yi played for the Chinese National Team. Akana said he spoke with Dave Babcock, the Bucks’ player personnel director, and both of them felt Akana joining the Bucks would be mutually beneficial. While Akana will have a wide-range of duties with the Bucks, he undoubtedly will be called upon to help Yi in his transition to playing in the NBA and living in America. Akana candidly acknowledges Yi will be facing some challenging moments. "I can tell you this: If I took you right now and stuck you in China and put you there for a year, where you couldn’t leave, where you’d have to learn the language, where you’d have to learn to get around ... I don’t know if you could make it,’’ Akana said. "In China, where he comes from, you don’t see black guys. You don’t see white guys. "Foreigners are far and few between, especially where he lives. You hardly find any people who speak English. It’s tough.’’ But making the cultural adjustment won’t be the only significant challenge awaiting Yi. Akana noted how Yi has already become an icon in China, where basketball is now the country’s most popular sport. Akana said the eyes of China will be watching Yi’s every move, intent on seeing whether he can be as productive of a player as fellow countryman Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets. Akana said Yi is fully aware of his status in China and recognizes he’ll be under the microscope on a constant basis. "Basically, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on him here,’’ Akana said. "But there was a lot of pressure on him in China. People here don’t understand that. I don’t think the Bucks understood that when they drafted him. "He’s not like a regular draft kid. When you drafted Yi, you drafted a country. When he does good or bad, it’s like China does good or bad. It ain’t like a kid over here, representing his college or little town. They don’t carry a country on their shoulders. "But when you’re a top guy in basketball in China, there’s going to be a lot of pressure on you. There’s going to be a lot of scrutiny, a lot of attention. And the media is tough ... you have no idea. "But he understands what he’s getting into and knows the pressure on him. He’s serious about what he needs to do.’’ Yi, an athletic 7-footer who possesses a deft stroke, was the sixth overall selection in the June 28th NBA draft. He is expected to compete with Charlie Villanueva for the starting power forward spot. Yi has drawn comparison to a variety of players, including Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki and former Bucks forwad Toni Kukoc. Akana is reluctant to compare Yi’s game to anyone else, noting how he doesn’t want to impose any undue pressure on Yi. "If you say he’s going to be the next so-and-so ... that is the kiss of death,’’ Akana said. "That’s not fair to him.’’ Akana isn’t so hesitate in revealing the player whom Yi grew up admiring. "He loves Michael Jordan, for sure,’’ Akana said of Yi, who is expected to arrive in Milwaukee later this week for training camp. "In China, Michael is very big. "You have to understand the culture in China. It wasn’t culturally right to be individualistic, to put yourself above everybody else, even in basketball games. When you start scoring too much, and are being kind of individualististic, they have stopped games. In Chinese culture, it isn’t permitted to stand out and be different. It’s a team game. Everybody is on the same level. "I think Michael Jordan kind of changed that. He changed what a superstar can do. He showed that it’s OK to be a superstar, an iconic figure. "When Ming came to the NBA, he wasn’t comfortable when he was thrown into that position. But he’s gotten better. He still shies away from being singled out and that’s how Yi is, too.’’ While Yi may have attained celebrity status in China, Akana said he hasn’t attained a superstar’s ego. Akana said Yi should fit in easily with his new teammates since he’s a rather reserved individual and team-oriented player. "He’s a good kid; he has a good personality,’’ Akana said of Yi. "He’s not very aggressive or loud. He’s a very humble kid. "He’s gone through a lot. He’s a lot more mature than the normal 19-year-old.’’ |
About This Blog
  1 rating(s)
Older Posts
Current Entries
November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007
Latest Entries
Loading...
 |
Leave a Message
Leave a Comment
Request a Friend
