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The Woelfel World of Sports
November 2008
Tuesday November 11, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 2:40PM CST on November 11, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
Jamil Wilson could be on the verge of making one of the biggest decisions of his life.
Wilson, Horlick High School's highly-regarded basketball player, appears on the brink of deciding which college he'll attend.
The 6-foot-7 Wilson, generally regarded as the best high school player in the state, has been courted by a spate of colleges the last two years.
However, James Wilson, Jamil's dad, said Tuesday his son has now whittled his choices to four schools: Texas, Michigan State, Marquette and Oregon.
Wilson made official visits to each of those schools and the head coaches of those schools -- Tom Izzo of Michigan State, Ernie Kent of Oregon, Buzz Williams of Marquette and Rick Barnes of Texas -- made in-home visits.
James Wilson said he would like for his son to make a decision by the end of the signing period next Wednesday, but wasn’t sure if he would.
“Jamil will try to make one this week,’’ James Wilson said. “We’ll sit down tonight and tomorrow and hash it out, all the good, bad and ugly things of all the schools and go from there.’’
“I think it would be beneficial and advantageous for him to sign now and not leave himself hanging out there forever until the next signing period in April.’’
James Wilson said if his son did sign a national letter of intent before Wednesday, he wouldn’t publicly announce it.
Instead, Wilson wants to do that on March 8, the birthday of his late mother Carolyn.
Wilson led Horlick to a 19-4 record last season. He averaged 18.3 points and 9.4 rebounds en route to earning Associated Press all-state first-team honors.
Ex-Bucks GM, Larry Harris, finds new job
Posted by: gwoelfel at 12:22PM CST on November 11, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
Larry Harris is returning to the NBA.
Harris, whom the Milwaukee Bucks fired as their general manager in March, is on the verge of accepting a job with the Golden State Warriors.
Harris’ role with the Warriors is apparently undefined, although I was told he will likely serve as an assistant coach under Don Nelson and do some administrative work as well.
Nelson, one of the greatest coaches in Bucks’ history, has had a close relationship with the Harris family.
Del Harris, Larry’s father who is an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls, was Nelson’s right-hand man with the Bucks.
Larry Harris, who couldn’t be reached for comment, joined the Bucks in 1990 and gradually worked his way up the organization’s ladder.
He was named the Bucks’ general manager in 2003 and held that position until March of 2008.
During his GM tenure with the Bucks, Milwaukee made the playoffs twice. He also oversaw the selections of center Andrew Bogut and forward Yi Jianlian, who was traded by Harris' successor, John Hammond, to New Jersey over the summer. Yi now starts for the Nets.
Harris also signed then free-agent Mo Williams, who was also traded over the summer to Cleveland and now starts for the Cavaliers.
Harris, however, came under criticism for his signing of center Dan Gadzuric to a six-year, $36 million contract and forward Bobby Simmons to a five-year, $37 million deal.
Gadzuric remains a backup for the Bucks, while Simmons was also traded to New Jersey over the summer and is now the Nets' other starting forward.
An official hiring of Harris by the Warriors is expected either later today or tomorrow.
Monday November 10, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 4:20PM CST on November 10, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
When you’re the best player on a professional sports team, you are inevitably a lightning rod for controversy.
Michael Redd is the Bucks’ best player.
And, yes, he is the target of considerable, oft-times unjustified criticism.
While Redd is unequivocally one of the elite scorers in the NBA, his doubters question his rebounding and passing skills and his commitment to playing defense.
There is even a belief in some quarters that the Bucks would be better served without Redd, that the Bucks would be a more-balanced scoring team, that other players like Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva and Richard Jefferson would get more touches and be more productive.
That belief is simply misguided.
And the record shows it.
Back in January of 2007, the Bucks were playing quality basketball and positioned to be in the playoffs.
But then Redd got hurt. He suffered a strained patellar tendon in his left knee. The injury forced him to miss 20 games. The Bucks lost 17 of them, their playoff hopes shot.
Now fast forward to today. Redd is bothered by a right ankle sprain and has missed the last three games.
The Bucks lost two of them and, as Bucks coach Scott Skiles frankly admitted, they were lucky not to have lost a third game as well.
After practice Monday, a reporter asked Skiles if perhaps Redd’s absence was somewhat of a “positive’’ for the team since it has allowed other players to showcase their talents.
Skiles diplomatically agreed with the opinion, but he just as quickly squelched any theory he would rather have other players on the floor than Redd, an NBA All-Star, an Olympian.
“Let’s face it, we fell way behind Washington and we were able to steal that game and now we lost two in a row,’’ Skiles said. “So, as a team, we need everybody to be healthy.''
And Redd still isn't healthy. He participated in part of Monday's practice at the Cousins Center and he said the ankle was improving.
Yet, at the same time, Redd revealed he had trouble making cuts on the floor and that the ankle was “tender and sore.''
Redd, who is averaging 21.3 points a game, said he wouldn't play again Tuesday ight when the Bucks take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
Skiles added Redd was "doubtful'' for Wednesday's game against San Antonio at the Bradley Center.
After that, who knows? Tony Parker, San Antonio's star guard, has an ankle sprain. He's expected to be sidelined for about four weeks.
Josh Smith, the Atlanta Hawks star forward, has a high ankle sprain – which is what Redd has. Smith’s likely out for four weeks.
Utah star point guard Deron Williams sprained his left ankle in preseason and has yet to return.
Interestingly, Red hasn't had any tests -- i.e. X-rays or a MRI -- of the ankle. Howver, he told me some sort of test will likely be given soon, probably when the team returns from Cleveland.
Stay tuned.
-- While Redd will be sidelined indefinitely, Skiles said veteran forward Austin Croshere could be making his Bucks’ debut soon, perhaps as soon as Tuesday night.
Croshere, whom the Bucks signed as a free agent three weeks ago after being released by the Indiana Pacers, looked good in practice, according to Skiles.
“I want to get him activated,’’ Skiles said. “We haven’t had much practice time. We wanted him to get more practice under his belt, try figure out some of the things we’re doing.
“But he’s a veteran guy, so it doesn’t take him long. I thought he was good again today. … He may be out there tomorrow night.’’
Asked if he could see the 33-yar-old Croshere getting minutes right off the bat, Skiles said, “It’s possible. He’s still got a live body, he can spread the floor with his shot and he’s a real good driver.’’
Sunday November 9, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 5:32PM CST on November 9, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy hasn’t had any problem publicly ripping on his players this season.
He’s criticized quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he’s ripped on veteran offensive tackle Chad Clifton and during Sunday’s game, he angrily got in Will Blackmon’s face.
Well, maybe Packers GM Ted Thompson should get in McCarthy’s face – especially atter his horrible performance Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. After all, McCarthy, more than anyone, was the reason why the Packers lost to an inferior team.
McCarthy failed miserably to make several in-game adjustments, one being his refusal to establish a running back and put the ball in running back Ryan Grant’s hands.
Yes, Minnesota has a dynamic defensive line, but on this day, Grant seemingly couldn’t be stopped. In just 16 carries, Grant totaled 75 yards.
Instead of utilizing Grant, McCarthy insisted on throwing the ball and putting Rodgers in harm’s way. The latter could have been avoided if McCarthy would have realized early on that Clifton simply couldn’t handle Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
Allen constantly harassed and roughed up Rodgers. Allen has done that to a lot of quarterbacks the last couple of seasons.
If Allen isn’t the best defensive end in the game, he’s awfully close. He isn’t being paid $21 million this season for nothing.
But McCarthy didn’t give Clifton any assistance, with either a tight end or a running back, and the Packers paid the price for it. Wednesday November 5, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 11:50PM CST on November 5, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
MILWAUKEE -- Talkin’ politics, movies and, of course, hoops with former Park High School star and two-time NBA All-Star Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards:
Tuesday was a historical day for our country with the selection of Barack Obama as our next president. What was your reaction?
CB: "It was great. I was hapy and surprised to see young America get out there and vote. "Look for a lot of change. I'm just happy to be in Washington D.C. and see this first hand.'' of the Washington Wizards:
Since the both of you will be working in D.C., do you plan on having lunch with the president-elect? CB: "I'm definitely going to get next to him and share my thoughts with him.on a lot of things I've been doing. And I want some of his knowledge and advice to rub off on me. "He's real close to (congresswoman) Gwen Moore and that's someone who I am real close to in my circle. "I can't wait to meet our next president of the United States.
What would you say to him? CB: “I’d talk to him about education. I have three children and I want to know more about his plans for education. And I want to ask him what his plans are for the economy and the world in general. Smart questions. Dumb questions. I’d ask him whatever came to mind.’’
Enough of the politics … What kind of season do you envision the Wizards having? CB: “I expect a great year. We started out 0-5 last year and we bounced back. This team was real resilient. I feel we can do the same thing this year. We got a lot of younger guys playing major roles this season, so they have to become accustomed to their new roles and understand the NBA is about consistency. “You got to bring it night in, night out. It’s not like high school. It’s not like college, where you can have a great game and then chill for a couple of games. You got to bring it every night and, if you don’t, nobody is going to feel sorry for you.’’
The Wizards have been plagued by key injuries the last two season and already Gilbert Arenas is out. Are the Wizards snake-bitten? CB: “That’s what they say. We haven’t had the best of luck, but at the same time, we got better every year. Even last year with Gilbert out, we won more games than the year prior. “We’re just trying to get better every year and, under the leadership of myself and Antwan (Jamison) and the other veteran guys, we can get it done.’’
If your team stays healthy, can the Wizards make a run at the championship? CB: “Definitely. Definitely. I feel we can make a run at it without everybody healthy. So, when Gilbert gets back – he’s one of the best finishers in the game – I feel we definitely got a chance.
Who got the better of the Allen Iverson-Chauncey Billups trade: Denver or Detroit? CB: "I think it was even. I think Detroit will be a contender with Allen Iverson, one of the greatest players ever, and Rasheed Wallace (contract) will come off the books, so they'll have a lot o cap space to do a lot of things.''
The Bucks made wholesale changes during the offseason. What’s your take on the new-look Bucks? CB: “They look good. Scott Skiles is one of the best coaches out there. His tenacity and all his tendencies rub off on his teams and the defensive intensity and energy he brings you can now see in the Bucks players’ eyes. “They have a great lineup. You have Michael Redd playing so hard at both ends of the floor, Richard Jefferson is a very good player, Luc Ridnour is a creator, (Ramon) Sessions is coming into his own, (Andrew) Bogut has been good the first couple of games. They look good. “I’m happy to see them playing so well because I’m a hometown guy. I always root for the Bucks. Just to see them play well is great.''
You have played against Jefferson on numerous occasions. What's your opinion of him? CB: “He’s an All-Star caliber player. He’s a real good talent. He’s one of the top scorers in the league until he got hurt last year. I hope the best for him and I know he can lead this team to some wonderful things.’’
You mentioned you are a hometown guy and root for the Bucks. Would you ever want to play for them some day? CB: “You never know, man. It would be fun to play at home. I grew up watching the Bucks with Sidney Moncrief and the Packers with Brett Favre. Like I said, I always root for the home team.’’
Remarkably, your teammate, Etan Thomas, is back playing after undergoing heart surgery. Being around him so much, how tough was his comeback? CB: “It was tough. We were all supportive of him, telling him not to rush back, that he should take his time. I can’t believe he came back so sharp. He came back great, running the court, dunking, making physical contact. What he’s done is unbelievable.’’
Best player in the NBA? ''CB: "Kobe Bryant.''
Why? CB: “He’s Kobe Bryant, man.’’
Best unknown player in the NBA? CB: “There’s a lot of guys out there who fit that description. But I like J.R. Smith (of the Denver Nuggets). He’s tough.''CB: "Kobe Bryant.''
You’re a movie buff and have seen countless films. Is the Godfather still your favorite? CB: “Yes. Definitely.’’
Are there any movies that are coming out that have piqued your curiosity? CB: “There’s a movie coming out in early January. It’s called “Hurricane Season.’’ It’s about Hurricane Katrina and a basketball team that stayed together and weathered the storm and went on to win a championship. “Actually, it’s my movie debut with Lit’ Wayne, Forest Whitaker and a bunch of others. It’s an all-star cast.’’
And what’s your role? CB: “I play myself. I have a nice little part. My agent (Raymond Brothers) actually produced the movie. It’s great, so make sure to check it out.’’
Monday November 3, 2008
Posted by: gwoelfel at 2:37PM CST on November 3, 2008
BY GERY WOELFEL
The chances are fairly good Michael Redd will be in the starting lineup Wednesday night when the Milwaukee Bucks host the Washington Wizards and Caron Butler at the Bradley Center.
Redd took a nasty spill while pursuing a loose ball in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Bucks star guard walked gingerly off the court and didn’t return to the game.
I talked with Bucks general manager John Hammond Monday and he said Redd suffered a sprained right ankle and didn’t believe it was serious.
Hammond added that the team didn't take any X-rays of Redd's ankle.
Hammond also said Bucks starting point guard Luke Ridnour was progressing nicely and expected him to return to action against the Wizards.
Ridnour has been experiencing back spasms and sat out the Bucks’ last two games.
Butler, the former Park High School star, will be making the first of two appearances at the Bradley Center this season.
Butler, who has been chosen to the NBA's Eastern Conference All-Star team the last two seasons, is averaging 17 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in two games.
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