The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

BY GERY WOELFEL

While the Milwaukee Brewers are down 2-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, they still have staunch supporters in the Milwaukee Bucks.

Many of the Bucks have followed the Brewers' fortunes closely this season and are delighted to see them in postseason play for the first time in 26 years.

Bucks power forward Charlie Villanueva said he's been so caught up in the excitement of the Brewers' success that he's even switched allegiances -- at least temporarily.

"I've been a New York Yankees fan all my life, but I've jumped on the Brewers' bandwagon,'' Villanueva said.

"I went to some of their games this season and I watched some, too. When (Ryan) Braun hit that home run (to clinch a playoff berth), he got me out of my seat. I was so excited.

"The Phillies are a tough match-up, but I think the Brewers can pull it off.''

Bucks center Andrew Bogut candidly acknowledges he doesn't know much about baseball, much less the Brewers.

Bogut grew up in Australia, where baseball doesn't rank high on the sports pecking order.

But Bogut said he's intrigued by the hysteria surrounding the Brewers and wants them to do well.

"I barely know the rules of baseball, but this is great for the fans and great for the city,'' Bogut said. 'Everybody around town is talking about them. It's been really cool.

"It's great to see a small-city team do well.''

Small forward Richard Jefferson, whom the Bucks acquired in a trade with New Jersey in June, said he's pulling for the Brewers as well.

But while Jefferson isn't predicting the Brewers will advance to the NLCS, he isn't dismissing the possibility

After all, Jefferon fully realizes anything can happen in the playoffs.

"I'm happy for the Brewers; I hope they do well,'' Jefferson said. "But nobody knows how they're going to do. We'll see.

"I'm just happy they're in the playoffs.''

So is young point guard Ramon Sessions. Sessions took in some Brewers games at Miller Park this season and watched how interest in the Brewers has soared.

"I"m not even into baseball, but it's been great to see the Brewers succeed,'' Sessions said. "This has been really exciting.

"I was so excited to see that team tear up the locker room after they won to get into the playoffs.

"I hope they keep going.''

Bucks guard Charlie Bell admitted he's got a bad case of "Brewers Fever'' and he's in no hurry to get over it, either.

"It's just a great story,'' Bell said. "Twenty six years they've waited for this.

"It's great for the city, great for the fans. It's been great for me watching this. I love it.

"I hope they win the World Series.''