Mescallade Goes One-on-One with "OG" Larry Johnson

New York Knicks legend Larry Johnson teamed up with Captain Morgan to host a house party this Memorial Day Weekend in New York. LJ is helping to promote the Captain's Long Island Iced Tea pre-made beverage. One man that has created so many memories, and a beverage that erases them...fitting.

We caught up with LJ in advance of the big party to talk NBA Playoffs, the 4pt play, how often he throws up the LJ sign, and any potential changes to the slam dunk contest.

Q: LJ tell me about this party you’re hosting for Captain Morgan

A: Captain Morgan Long Island Iced Tea, doing it here in New York. I got Daryl Dawkins in Philly, we got my little dude Voshon Lenard in Miami. Kicking off the summer right, having some toast, definitely drinking in moderation. We enjoying the summer.

Q. How about the Long Island Ice Tea, is it legit?

A: They legit, the best thing about it, you don’t have to mix up four or five different spirits, you just pour it over ice and you’re good to go.

Q: NBA Playoffs have been great this year, let’s talk first about the Mavericks advancing to the NBA Finals, what do you think about them?

A: You know I’m born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and it’s always been a big football city, and Texas a football state, we got our Cowboys. It’s awesome to see those Mavs. It’s turned into a straight basketball city, it’s not a big football city. Jerry Jones don’t like that. It’s not a big football city no more. Dirk and Mark Cuban are turning it into a basketball city.

Q: How about Dirk getting a chance to get back to the NBA Finals?

A: Let me give you a little game. One of the reasons they doing what they are doing is a coach by the name of Tim Grgurich. He coached me at UNLV. He was the Assistant Coach, but he was really the Head Coach. Coach Gurg - we called him that. We’d be in the gym two hours with Coach Gurg for two hours before Coach Tark come to the gym. Gurg is the assistant over there with the Dallas Mavericks. He is more defensive minded, even Dirk who is a great scorer, he’s really getting after it on the defensive end. He let them know if you want to win, it has to start on the defensive end. Dirk Nowitzki can score the basketball but you gotta get key stops

Q: How about the Heat and the Bulls, the Heat have the advantage do you see them advancing?

A: Heat got home court advantage, I got the Heat beating Chicago and I got the Heat beating Dallas.

Q: Is it weird to pick the Heat considering the great Knicks-Heat rivalry from years back?

A: I remember them days, I used to have some ill feelings, I’m too old now, I just want them young fellas, don’t matter which team, which organization, just to do well. I don’t like when we do bad. I look at myself, they call me OG, I saw Lebron and those guys, they give me a pound what up OG, I’m like ok I like that. I don’t mind the Heat winning.



Q: The Grizzlies were an 8 seed that upset a 1 which reminded me of the Knicks run in 99, did that remind you on the Knicks run?

A: It did. When I was watching that series, they kept saying our name the last 8 seed to beat a 1, it was the Knicks. You know what happened those guys, just like us, they gelled at the right time, the season is so long, 82 games. Look at San Antonio, those guys was old, they just destroyed guys up until the All-Star break. They were looking so good. They got veterans like that, by the time playoffs came nobody had legs on San Antonio.

Q: You started with the Hornets but finished your career with the Knicks, who do you associate yourself with more?

A: It ain’t even a question, definitely a Knick, it’s not a question, it’s definitely the Knicks and I feel bad about it. The Hornets, that North Carolina, that’s basketball heaven, you got Tobacco Road, Duke, UNC, five, ten miles away. They love basketball, they love it in NY, but to be in that small country environment in Charlotte and it’s all about basketball. Them Panthers in town, but they secondary to what we would do.

(It’s the Knicks because) it was the last team I played for. (Also) I do not care for the ex owner of the Charlotte Hornets which was that Shinn guy who lost the team. He would come in the locker room when we won and talk about us and then wouldn’t come in the locker room when we lost. I even said something to him about that. ‘Yo it’s your team, you pay us to play for you, you don’t pay us to listen to you kills us. You don’t know nothing about basketball.’ This is what I told him to his face, ‘you don’t know nothing about basketball you’re a car salesman, you got a GM, a head coach, let them do basketball. He’s like well this is my team and I just walked away from the guy.’


Q: You are perhaps most known for the four point play, I watch it now over 10 years later and still get goosebumps, how do you feel when that play comes up?

A: I get goosebumps. I had all my sons there when that happened, that was the highlight of my career, winning the national championship in college and that four point play. I wish we would have won a title but that’s water under the bridge.

Q: What did you think of the moves the Knicks made this year getting Carmelo and Chauncey Billups?

A: I love it, we’d do much better against Boston if Chauncey would have been more healthy, we need more point guards, Chauncey is not getting younger. We need one of those Chris Paul, or that (Deron) Williams dude and we’ll be on our way. I think we’ll be more competitive with Miami and Boston.

Q: You mentioned the ’99 team gelling, how much will gelling be a key for this team in the offseason and next year?

A: It will and then the start of the year, you’ve got to have some camaraderie, Landry Fields took a big hit when Melo came, he has to find his way, he was playing so well before Melo got here. Stoudemire was the man, everybody knew their role, knew what to expect. Once you get another superstar, like we got Melo, roles change. 3-4 guys leave, 3-4 new guys in, I think Landry Fields took the biggest hit, I think it was hard for him to find his role once Melo came. He’s gotta get some veteran experience in him and then he’ll know what he needs to do and that’ll help the whole team.

Q: You were famous for throwing up the LJ sign with your arms, how often do you still break that out?

A: I don’t, I don’t, when I’m in the Garden, they put me up on the tron and everyone want the big L.


Q: You were in the slam dunk contest back early in your career. Looking at it now they have players jumping over cars. Do you like the way it is, do you have any thoughts on improving it or making it better?

A: I think you can make anything better, those guys, jumping over a car, they pulled a car on the court! The dunk contest I was in (with) Cedric Ceballos, Dan Majerle put a blind fold on Cedric Ceballos, which he could see, and he ran from the one end to the other and dunked the basketball. That’s what we were doing putting on blind folks. Then right after us came those Vince Carters, JR Riders, jumping, taking the ball between their legs. When I saw that I went out and was like whoa! I was in my sixth year in the NBA and I was trying that. Let me see can I do that, put the ball between your legs. It’s just evolving, it’s great, Blake Griffin no telling what he’s gonna do.

-Posted by Cadillac Mescallade

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Mescalade & KO Try Their Hand at Hollywood with Reebok RealFlex

Reebok brought out some big guns recently in Manhattan to tout the release of their brand new RealFlex Shoe and I’m not referring to myself and Kevin Owens, however we were there too. Celebrities Josh Duhamel and Ali Larter were on hand to promote the launch of the shoe with a stunt demo. Two actors that pride themselves on taking on stunts when allowed, they presided over a demonstration that had some trained stunt professionals fall off balconies, leap over large boulders, slide by taxi cabs and crash through faux windows.

While I can’t promise you the shoes will help you do all the above, they will bring a new take to your workout routine. The third in a series of three releases by Reebok over the last couple of years the shoes seem to get you as close to the barefoot running trend that has taken off while also still keeping you in a legitimate pair of sneakers. The “flex” part of the name in these kicks is no joke as you can literally bend them in half. Super lightweight they come equipped with 76 different sensors on the bottom of the sole, something artfully played on in the national commercial now airing.

Without weighing you down in shoe science or a trip to podiatry school the seeming goal of the shoe is to return running to the balls of your feet rather than putting stress on your heels. Way back in the day, think pre Plymouth Rock, we were likely meant to run barefoot. Most people when shoeless tend to go off the balls of their feet, something not seen when wearing well padded running shoes. Since we now live in a world full of very hard surfaces these shoes aim to find a happy medium of giving you cushion for all conditions while also encouraging your running style to revert back to the days of yore.

I took them out for a spin on the stunt track and they worked well in clearing fake boulders and tackling a mini tramp. A three mile run the next day found the shoes definitely bring you closer to the road while also taking some pressure of your heels. Like any shoe a few more runs will bare out the true results.

As for the event itself, it was a spectacle of media folks decked out in the new shoes trying their hand at activities we all haven’t attempted in years including the old ‘let me see if I can jump over that downed tree’. Those on hand were able to witness Kevin Owens aka WaitingForGodunk vault off the mini-trampoline and through a fictional window. You don't find too many 6'10" stunt men these days and with Kevin recently announcing his retirement there could be another career in the works. Or should I ever realize the dream of owning my own SlamBall franchise, I already know my first pick.

On the sports side of things post event we were able to catch up with Duhamel, who despite roots in pro-sports barren North Dakota is quite the fan. He’s a Lakers guy these days, who pulls for Phil Jackson (a fellow ND native) and made a strong move into acting when like many of us (Not Kevin), reality struck that he would not be a pro athlete. He chimed in on a wide variety of topics.


Favorite player growing up…

George Gervin, I used to have a George Gervin poster on my wall

Seeing games in person…

I remember seeing Iverson play, he is one of my all time favorite. He is so quick, no wasted movements. Same with Steve Nash, because they are a little bit shorter, every move, they almost see it before it happens.

Favorite player today…

I love Kobe, he’s just an assassin out there, he’s an alpha alpha male.

Favorite seats at a basketball game…

I like to sit up in the stands a little bit, I don’t like to be right down on the floor. You are in a fishbowl.

Hopes for this year’s playoffs…

I’d like to see the Heat get beat, I didn’t like all the shit talking last year. The pep rally in Miami, that was too much.

On Phil Jackson leaving…rumors he’d go to New York

It seems like it (he’s leaving), you never know. I’d hate to see him leave. I’d like to see New York come back, and be strong again, they are getting there.

On playing an athlete in a movie or TV show…

That’s always been one of my dreams, before I get too old. (Told he could play Phil Jackson) I could maybe coach, but yeah there’s always been a real desire to play either a football player or baseball player or even basketball. I don’t know how believable I’d be as a competitive basketball player.

On the Reebok RealFlex sneakers…

These are like the barefoot shoes but only better. In a realistic world you wouldn’t be able to run around in barefeet, in nature you can but I think this is the answer to that.

On the fun of doing stunt demonstrations…

You are a little exposed, normally I like to make people think I’m really good at these so now they are probably getting an idea that I’m not.

How improve training benefited his acting…

Just to listen, you need somebody opposite of you listening and somebody to listen to. If not you are just in a scene by yourself and the scene is probably gonna suck.

On having to have Reebok Pumps growing up…

You weren’t going to be any good at basketball if you don’t have a couple of pumps in there.

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Kenny "The Jet" Smith Talks Draft, Free Agency and Worldwide Wes with Cadillac Mescallade

With the NBA Draft tipping off tonight in New York City, TNT NBA analyst and former NBA guard Kenny "the Jet" Smith was kind of enough to spend a few minutes with HHR. Kenny is in the news for a tongue-in-cheek petition to reinstate the two dollar bill to coincide with Taco Bell's $2 Meal Deals.

We all know what Charles Barkley has done for the "box that rocks" with Taco Bell. Kenny jokingly assured us he isn't following in Charles' footsteps, because if that were the case there might not be any $2 meals left.

We touched on a wide variety of NBA topics, and here's what Jet had to say.

On the chemistry of he and Charles Barkley Inside the NBA...
It just kind of naturally happens, it's like when you have friend, you have chemistry with him or you don't. It's nothing that we plan or plot, I think we are so enthusiastic about the game of basketball which leads to good conversation. Once you lead to good conversation it leads to good television.

On John Wall's best attribute or skillset...
I think he has alot of skill sets and I don't know if he has one that is best. His infectious way of playing, I think that is going to carry him a long way in the point guard position

Free agency, how much movement?
There's gonna be movement for sure, there are too many great players available and when you have that many loaded up with free agency I don't think your gonna have a consistent 7-8 guys staying at home and staying with the teams they play on, I think there will be 7-8 guys that might move over to somewhere, there will be about 7-8 players that will move.

As a New York guy, where is Lebron headed, possible to the Knicks?
(Laughs) I think Lebron James has been playing it close to the vest for the last two months and we are all waiting in the wings to figure it out. I don't think anyone has the upper hand or any team has a clear advantage.

If not Lebron, who is good for NY?
When you don't make the playoffs there is no one guy or two guys that you don't need. They're in a position of having a need in all areas.

His career in free agency, how did it compare to these days...
Well I think its a different era in terms of that. By the time I was a free agent I was in my fifth year, my decision was based solely on what players they had there, period. It had nothing to do with as much financially, everything was going to be about the same financially so it was all about the players that were there and would we have a chance to win an NBA championship and could I be a part of that puzzle.

Evolution of NBA Draft, any changes since his time (Smith was the 6th overall pick in 1987)?
The draft hasn't changed, it's still exciting stuff for players and family are involved, its an opportunity that people get to be a part of and its always exciting

Worldwide Wes, is he that well connected as articles and news pieces report?
Some of it's fact, some it's fiction. It's like the fish...how big is the fish you caught? There are a lot of guys in basketball, Wes included, that have been an integral part in helping guys guide their carers. He's no different form the rest. Lately the players he's been involved with have been better players. There are guys that are involved with 7th and 8th man on the team they just haven't been the best players. It's just a great cycle for him in terms of the guys he's involved with are very good players and now he's parlayed that into representing coaches.

William Wesley with LeBron James. (Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

Knicks back in playoffs?
It all depends on this summer, until we see what they have after July, then we'll know when they can make the playoffs or not.

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The Big (L)East

The Big East Tournament gets started today. As we have said time and again, this is hands down the best conference tournament in all the land. Many of the men that start play today will one day wear an NBA jersey. With that in mind, let's talk about the Big East studs that never quite lived up to the hype in the NBA. Of course, names will be forgotten and omitted so please chime in with your choices. Also, this will kick start at the year 1990. So there. These are in no particular order.

1. Derrick Coleman, Syracuse - Most noted for coining the phrase "Whoop-de-damn-doo" Coleman didn't have a terrible NBA career which gives you the idea of the kind of player people thought he would be. Top pick of the New Jersey Nets he was a five tool player that never really seemed super interested in dominating the way he was capable. Still made an All-Star team and helped rejuvenate the Nets but I think we can all agree, we expected more. Bright side to this, since retirement DC has done amazing things for the city of Detroit in trying to that area back on its feet, and there is your silver lining for the day.

2. Hasheem Thabeet, UCONN - The jury is still very much out on Thabeet but since he just got sent down to the D-League and was the second overall pick in the NBA draft last spring he has to find his way onto the list. Personally, doubts started creeping in on this guy after Dejuan (I'm missing both ACLs) Blair absolutely owned him in a Big East showdown last year. Still, he is still very much a raw talent who will be given a chance to right the ship.

3. Scoonie Penn, Boston College - Scoonie get's thrown in the mix here for his time at Boston College before they left for the ACC and Scoonie left for Ohio State. This guy was a heck of a player in college and ended up not really putting together much of an NBA career. Teamed with Michael Reed on OSU, I thought Penn would be the better NBA players, which shows why I have no personnel responsibilities in the NBA. Won Big East Tourney MVP in 1997, eventually drafted by the Hawks but has spent most of his time playing for a variety of clubs overseas.

4. Brandin Knight, Pittsburgh - Another guard that was electric, the Co-Big East Player of the Year in 2002 Knight was a game changing player for Pittsburgh and it feels like he was the guy that helped get them on this prolonged run of success we have seen the Panther enjoy over most of this past decade. After college it was a few years in the D-League, some overseas action and now he is back coaching. The fact that big brother Brevin Knight who perhaps didn't have the NBA build was able to sustain a nice run in the NBA always kind of surprised me when Brandin wasn't able to hook on with a team.

5. Tim Thomas, Villanova - I read the book "7 Seconds" a few years back and it chronicled the Phoenix Suns for an entire season. Late in that season the Suns need Tim Thomas and it's mentioned that the coaches let TT know if he just turns it on for a few months they will help him find a nice contract in the off-season. Tim Thomas puts on a stellar run and that is all you need to know about him. A world of talent, great size, can shoot from deep, and spent just enough time on the Knicks to rile up that whole toughness episode with the New Jersey Nets. Was only in college briefly which tells you alot about his NBA expectations at the time.

6. Felipe Lopez, St. John's - Felipe Lopez's wikipedia page says it all, "Unrealistic expectations hounded López from the start, beginning with an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated before he even played one college game." Lopez still had a stellar freshman season putting up a little over 17ppg in attempting to be the latest savior for St. John's. He goes down as one of the greats of all-time for St. John's but it never translated for the NBA. Drafted in the first round by the Spurs he ultimately bounced around the league before ending up overseas.

7. Jason Lawson, Villanova - He was a power in the middle for Villanova in the late 90s, think the Kerry Kittls era. There isn't much on the net about him but going off memory he was a force and pretty much balanced out what Kittles was doing on the outside. From there he parlayed his Nova days into just one season in the NBA. Honestly my first thought here was Eddie Griffin of Seton Hall. Talk about talented, and hyped. Then he got into a fight with Ty Shine in the locker room, spent a short period in the NBA and sadly passed away not that long ago.

8. Troy Bell, Boston College - MVP of the 2001 Big East Tourney, another inclusion prior to Boston College leaving the Big East (why did they leave again?). Was named Big East Player of the Year over Carmelo Anthony and broke the BC record for scoring held by Dana Barros. So you get the idea, he was nasty in college. Drafted high by the Celtics at 16 overall, ended up doing most of his damage in the NBA with the Grizzlies. Tried to catch on with Hornets in 2005 and that was that.

9. Joe Alexander, West Virginia - We heard for a long time about his impressive hops, they are still there as far as I can tell. Alexander was a big contributor for the Mountaineers in the post Gansey-Pittsnogle era. The 8th overall pick of the draft in 2008 Alexander was picked by the Bucks and now is on the Bulls where he hasn't done a whole heck of alot. Somewhat in the same boat as Thabeet in that his career is still very early and he was sent down to the D-League, but there is time to get things turned around.

10. Terry Dehere, Seton Hall - Perhaps the best player Seton Hall had in the 1990s, Dehere was Big East Player of the Year and Tourney MVP in 1993. Holds a bunch of Pirate records including most points scored in a career but was then drafted by the Clippers, a bad omen for even the most talented. Strung together a six year career with stops in Sacramento and Vancouver before calling it a career. Averaged just 8 points per game over the course of his career.

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Cadillac Mescallade: Saints Leave Mark On Football World

For a long time making the playoffs was the dream, and then it was winning a playoff game, and then an NFC Championship, and then for nights like Sunday Night in Miami.

Years of losing and underachieving breed a cautious attitude. You see it in the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Clippers, and a host of other franchises. But something is very different about the New Orleans Saints. For anyone that was just introduced to the black and gold in the last two weeks, this is a city and a franchise of eternal optimism. Perhaps it took such an unfortunate event like Katrina to reveal what many have always seem to know in the Bayou, the best day might only be a day away. It's what the people seem to believe and it's surely what these fans believe. The all-too-often 3-13 seasons and the 8-8 ledgers marking a good year have given way to what happened in South Florida in Super Bowl 44.

The New Orleans Saints played like a true underdog on the road to their first title in franchise history. They were forced to overcome a 10 point deficit, amazingly a record for the largest overcome deficit in Super Bowl history. They were gutsy, they relied on a young kicker to pile up the points, their small college receivers to make big-man-on-campus plays, the redemption of Jeremy Shockey, the reclamation of Jonathan Vilma, the revelation of Tracy Porter and even some trickery. An onside kick had never happened before the fourth quarter in Super Bowl, until Sunday night when the Saints executed it to perfection to open the second half. Those are the risks that needed to be taken. Credit coach Sean Payton for pressing the right buttons on this magical machine.

They had to look right into the eyes of Peyton Manning, one of the game's elite, a man that had carved up the AFC en route to a Super Bowl berth, and topple this Goliath. Saints quarterback and game MVP Drew Brees, who turned in a night near flawless, hoisted a Super Bowl trophy and called upon fate to help describe what happened to this New Orleans franchise. That sounds about right to me.

A lot of dominoes had to fall into place to make a title a reality for the New Orleans Saints. The stories have been told, but the Dolphins had to pass on Brees, Saints owner Tom Benson had to keep the Saints in Louisiana, and Peyton Manning had to commit just one mistake. Perhaps that last part seemed so unlikely. Manning was one last drive away from ascending to the right hand of Joe Montana among the great postseason quarterbacks, until of course Tom Brady returns to the conversation. Like any good action movie has shown us where good overcomes evil, or in this case just less good, there is always a fatal flaw in the enemy. For this battle it was the Manning interception, a true pick six for the defensive back Porter, and the final sealant on a win for the Saints. In the interim the less talked about quarterback Drew Brees firmly planted his name in the conversation of the games greats at the quarterback position.

But more than Brees rights or Manning's wrongs was the resolution of this battle, a win for fate, a title for America's Team, America's New Team. Who Dat, you ask rhetorically? The New Orleans Saints of course. The kids in New Orleans have the day off from school on Monday, the fleur de lis flew in the Vatican on Super Bowl Sunday, the onside kick worked, the paper bags will return to the grocery store, this was fate, belief, and hardwork all rolled into one. Lastly,the "S" becomes permanently affixed to the left side of "AINTS" and never shall the two separate because lest we ever forget the New Orleans Saints are Super Bowl Champions.

-Posted by Cadillac Mescallade

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Cadillac Mescalade: Super Bowl Stories Reaching Saturation Level

Unsure of which articles to read about the Super Bowl or perhaps tired of the hype?

Here is an easy Cliff's Notes on what you've missed, but you don't have to take my word for it.

I've got news for you! Archie Mannie served as quarterback for the New Orleans Saints for a decade during their heyday of losing! This man should be conflicted about who to root for in the big game coming up. You see, Archie's son, Peyton Manning is the starting quarterback for the Saints' opponent, the Indianapolis Colts.


Get this...Archie is going to side with his family and root for the Colts, in the words of another New Orleans legend that is a "numba one stunna." Not quite. With all due respect to Baby, and the rest of the Cash Money Millionaires, it's no surprise a father will side with his son and that this storyline is just one of the many that has been drummed up in the two week lead-up to the Super Bowl, which will finally kick off this Sunday in Miami.

The newspapers, websites, and blogs have given us interviews with the Manning's legendary housekeeper, Archie's next door neighbors, the other brother Cooper, Peyton's high school coach, college friends, and everyone short of his general practitioner to give us a better idea in how much the Manning's love New Orleans.

The other brother.

But this week they must support the Colts. Or better yet, what can these people tell us about what makes Peyton tick. We've learned that Reggie Bush has still a ways to go before he can catch the same spotlight created by backside of the girl by his side, to which I can see no downside. We've kept up with the Kardashians while finding the heartwarming story of Saints lineman Anthony Hargrove who has battled back from addiction to be a key component of the Saints Super Bowl game plan.

Pleas try to keep up.

It was let on that Saints Head Man Sean Payton, no relation to the other Peyton, ponied up some of his own salary to lure in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams, the man who has spearheaded the Saints resilient defense, one I fear will be put to the ultimate test against the Colts. However, it's the Saints offense everyone expects great things out of. If you hadn't heard, the San Diego Chargers left Drew Brees for dead and he has repaid the Saints faith ten-fold. In fact, we now know Brees is so well liked in New Orleans and not just by the secret society of well connected business man he meets with to better the community, but by the whole city who, win, lose, or draw in Miami will name their savior "Breesus" the Bacchus in 2010. This means he will reign as the 42nd King of the Krewe in the annual Carnival parade. A privilege somewhere between the Pro Bowl and eternal salvation.

A privilege somewhere between the Pro Bowl and eternal salvation.

Not to be outdone, it's evident Jim Caldwell has done just fine replacing Tony Dungy, a savior in his own right. The bond between the Colts is a strong one for a team that has a Super Bowl ring not too far removed from their rear view mirror. We know Manning is demanding, he may cuss out an offensive lineman, but rewards them with dream vacations in the off-season. Pierre Garcon took a sloppy high school work ethic, parlayed it into all-star career in Division 3 college football, and has hit the football lottery becoming part of the answer to who will replace Marvin Harrison. Keep in mind Garcon does all of this while keeping his homeland Haiti close to his heart and helping with what has been a tremendous outpouring of relief efforts across all sports.

Matt Stover has proved kickers are football's fountain of youth. This is a man that was a teammate of Phil Simms and remains a key to the Colts. But what you really need to know is that Dwight Freeney's ankle is getting better, or is it? Injury reports are often as accurate as my completed sudokus so take Freeney's self proclamations of improvement with a grain of salt. No worries. The Saints will prepare for this man and anyone else the Colts may send their way. They have Scott Fujita who isn't afraid to speak his mind, and Darren Sharper, remember nobody wanted him, not the Packers, nor the Vikings, turns out the while the city rebuilt itself, the Saints continue to rebuild careers. Cut to Jeremy Shockey smiling at the Super Bowl ring he has, but dreaming of the one he is going to get an actual chance to play for. A bigger smile might come from Manning, who know he's getting paid after this game, that's perhaps the only guarantee we have.

Oh yeah, and Madden NFL '10 has picked the Saints to win 35-31. I always did like that video game.

Kickoff is set for 6:25pm eastern, creeping ever closer to primetime. Commercials are up to 2.6 million per 30 seconds. While The Who will handle the halftime, who knew they first tried to retire in 1982? Speaking of which, Brett Favre...

NSFW, but damn amusing...

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Maui Invitational: The Best Part Of Thanksgiving Week

While NFL doubleheader will be a key way I spend parts of Thursday that I won't be eating, I'm more pumped for college hoops. Though pre-conference schedule tournaments have gone on and been very exciting, and the pre-season NIT is coming this weekend at Madison Square Garden, the top early season tournament for me each year is the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Many hoops pundits have pointed to the recently completed Puerto Rico Tip-Off as having the best overall field, but something about the event in Maui just signals the real start of college basketball.

From the games played in a tiny gym similar to that of my high school, to the announcers which usually include Bill Raftery, to the teams which are routinely in the Top 25, it all makes for a great few days of games. Tiny Chaminade, most known for their upset of Virigina back in the 80s, hosts this event, and, while they often get their doors blown off, there is always the chance they might upset somebody. Then you have seven other teams that are likely to be in the mix for a berth in the field of 65, if not a crack at the Final Four. The field this year is no different as it is a group of household names in college hoops including Arizona, Cincinatti, Colorado, Gonzaga, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin (and the aforementioned Chaminade). Of course these teams aren't currently at their strongest in recent years, but they book these fields several years out and at the end of the day the "name" teams will be in the building at the Lahaina Civic Center. I'll admit it is odd that not a single team in this year's field is currently in the Top 25, but give it time, Maryland and Vanderbilt are knocking on the door.

Miahlo! Onions!

The ESPN platform of networks will cover every game in this tourney with the championship to be decided on Wednesday evening. So make sure to tune in starting on Monday, the tourney will seem as if games are being played at every hour of the day when you factor in the Hawaii time difference, and enjoy coaches wearing ridiculous Hawaiian shirts and perhaps a chance to dream of a warmer climate.

This is what the Maui Invitational is all about

As for predictions, this is just one part of what is a murderous early schedule for Gonzaga. The Bulldogs must be right on the brink of Gold Elite Status on Continental because they are flying all over the place. Maryland gets what should be the walkover first game against Chaminade to start things off while Arizona and Wisconsin could be one of the top first round matchups. Vandy and Maryland are on a collision course for a semi-final matchup which could very well open things up for Gonzaga on the other side of the bracket although the Zags will still have to knock off some quality teams to advance. Regardless I think this is the time for Gonzaga to pick up some critical early season wins and prop themselves up before they have to deal with Wake Forest, Duke, Oklahoma, and Illinois. Who does Mark Few think he is with this schedule? Dan Monson at Long Beach State (now this is a tough schedule)

Colorado and Gonazga get us started on Monday 10am Hawaii/3pm EST. Now the season will have begun. Oh and if your curious, next year looks pretty nice in Maui also.

-Posted by Cadillac Mescallade

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Michelle Wie Finally Realizes Dream of Having Beer Poured on Her

Michelle Wie finally got her first win on the LPGA tour. For somebody who has been saddled with so many expectations over the last several years it was nice to see her finally get a victory and perhaps pick up what is the first of many tour wins. One interesting quote involved the post tourney celebration after the final tap in. Full article below, but here is Wie's quote, read by itself, it has to make you laugh.

"Just seeing them come out and pour beer all over me, it was a great feeling," Wie said. "I've always seen it on TV and I've always wanted people to pour beer on me. It was as great as I thought it was."


Wie shoots 13-under for 1st pro win

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Cadillac Mescallade: Nike Hosts LA Send Off Celebration for Manny Pacquiao

Arguably the hottest boxer in the world, Manny Pacquiao hosted a send off this past weekend at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles. The event was run by Nike who has taken over the Theater in recent weeks to help promote their new AW77 Pound for Pound campaign. Pacquiao is set to fight Miguel Cotto this Saturday in Las Vegas and looks to improve on his 49-3-2 record. Pacquiao has been on a tear as of late, having not lost a fight since 2005 - and that was in a decision to Erik Morales. Coming off a relatively easy win over Ricky Hatton in his last bout, some are already setting Manny's sights on a bigger fight post-Cotto, perhaps a Pacquiao-Mayweather battle.


Regardless, this day was all about Manny and his fans. Pacquiao is huge in the Filipino community and has a done a great deal for his homeland. Filipinos were out in forces to celebrate one of their heroes as fans were treated to Manny (a versatile actor, politician, and performer) singing a duet with Melissa Reyes. Five lucky fans of Manny were also able to work out for a day as Manny does and there was a taped sendoff for Manny featuring luminaries such as Mario Lopez (AC Slater) and Mark Wahlberg (say "hi" to your mother for me).

After all the hoopla, there was a fan Q and A with Manny along with his training team including the legendary Freddie Roach, Buboy Fernandez, and Alex Ariza. Most every question was directed at Manny. When asked about what if feels like to be number one? Manny simply replied "Number one is number one!" As for training for this fight, he's been working on it for the last two months in the lead up, and when pressed by the fans who he'd like to fight past or present, perhaps Mike Tyson, he said he'd fight Tyson...in the video game. That brought a good laugh from the crowd.


As the event wrapped to a close, fans headed out grabbing the remaining free candy and drinks that were supplied and lined up to get their shot at some Manny gear. If you see a few more "Pac Man Knows" Nike t-shirts around LA this week, you'll know where they might have come from. Overall this was a fun fan event for those that support Manny. For anyone that knows me, I have enough Nike gear to be on an unofficial endorsement deal so it's always great to check out the newest products.


Pacquiao takes on Cotto this Saturday evening at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in the welterweight division. Fight is available on HBO Pay-per-view.

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Brett Favre and the Pursuit of Happiness

Play As Long As You Want Favre.

While sure to rile up some folks, I really don't have a problem with Brett Favre coming back to play for the Minnesota Vikings or anyone else. Do I think it's a problem that Vikings Coach Brad Childress just slid his two current quarterbacks out of the way to make room for Favre after saying he wouldn't? Yes. Was it absolutely draining tht ESPN covers his every move in a potential comeback like a presidential campaign? Yes. But these aren't Favre's problems. I know there are a lot of reasons people have speculated as to why Favre is coming back. He wants to come back to get revenge on the Packers when the two meet up twice this season or maybe he is just looking at another payday. I'm sure those will all be nice parts of the package, getting some 25 million for two years and also a chance to take down the franchise that no longer wanted you have to be incentives, but I think at the end of the day he just wanted to play football again.

Photo: Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune, via Associated Press

I am by no means a lifelong Favre fan but I can totally understand someone wanting to still do something they love even when others feel like it's time to move on. What has soured many folks on Favre is the back and forth on his retirement that has gone on for nearly the last decade. Perhaps he is like your friend at the diner who never knows what he wants and can't fully make up his decision until the waitress demands an order. Then after he gets the grilled cheese he knows he made a mistake. We all know people like that. It just so happens this isn't our friend, and these decisions aren't taking place at the diner. And yes I'm aware that playing professional football is more important than ordering food, but it feels like the same thought process for Favre. He seemed resolved finally to place his order of retirement, and in a rare move he was given a chance to order yet again, and this time he figured out what he really wanted deep down, to play.

Anyone who has seen the latest installation of the Rocky Balboa movies knows where Favre is coming from. As the "Rock" says, Favre probably still has some stuff left in the basement that he wants to get out. Just like in Rocky alot of people don't get why Favre is doing this. What does he have to prove? Why risk further injury? Why be greedy? Truthfully, it's not really about any of these things, at least I don't think. I'd like to think it's about a guy that just loves a sport and wants to keep playing it as long as possible. To anyone who has ever played three-on-three basketball until it gets dark out, or has thrown the football around until you can't see it anymore in the night sky, we have all had this feeling. The feeling to want to maximize as much time as you possibly can doing something you truly enjoy.

Unfortunately most fans now don't get to play or do the things they love as much anymore. They have jobs, families, committments, and sometimes bodies that can't do it anymore. Instead they are saturated with just a fan experience of highlights shows, fantasy stats for players, and bottom lines with repetitive updates about things like if a quarterback will once and for all comeback. Maybe that has made some of us cynical or jaded because we can't make decisions like Favre just did. We can't up and decide we will play sports again full time, or start up the old garage band again, or whatever the dream might be. I can only imagine if most fans were given a similar opportunity they would jump all over it. To further that I like the idea that he keeps playing because that's probably what I would do. I'd keep playing a sport until it was physically impossible. As Rocky says when informed of the pursuit of happiness, "the point is I'm pursuing something and nobody looks to happy about it"

Who knows what will happen this season, maybe Favre's arm isn't strong enough and he doesn't even make it all the way through, or perhaps he has a rejuvenation and leads the Vikings to the Super Bowl, or maybe it's just an average season that ends in a very average way. However it ends, Favre will have gotten another chance to do what he loves to do and we should all be so lucky.

-Posted by Cadillac Mescallade

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Nets Get Ridiculous

The economy is hurting sports all over but the ticket package that the New Jersey Nets have just rolled out is ridiculous. Courtesy of my friend Jim, a lifelong Nets fan from the days of Ed O'Bannon and Chris Morris comes this reversible jersey package. For just $350 bucks you get tickets to 10 games, a subscription to the NY Post and 5 reversible NBA jerseys. These jerseys on one side are Nets players and on the other are some of the famous players that will be coming to play the Nets. So if things start going bad this season, just flip that Yi Jianlian jersey over and you can rock the Kevin Garnett. The big question, as Jim points out is who in their right mind is ever going to reverse their LeBron James jersey for a Jarvis Hayes uniform? Probably nobody. Don't look for the Lakers or Magic to be pulling this promotion anytime soon. I think they enjoy promoting just their own players enough.

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Knicks Pick Up Another NBA Lottery Bust

As if taking on Darko Milicic--the classic trivia answer to who was the worst player ever to be mentioned in the same sentence as Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony--wasn't enough, the New York Knicks have put one of the ultimate busts on their NBA Summer League roster.

Take a good look at the Knicks roster that will be suiting up for five games in Las Vegas starting today. That's right, at the bottom it's Nikoloz Tskitishvili, the fifth overall pick from the 2002 NBA Draft. NT for short, has been with four NBA teams and a host of international clubs since his draft and has been dubbed by many as one of the worst lottery picks ever. If not for his ridiculously hard name to pronounce he may have fallen from all memory. Alas, seven footers will always be a commodity in the NBA and so NT has a home at least for the summer.


As for the rest of the roster it includes the two new draft picks in Jordan Hill and Toney Douglas, but the rest is a mishmash of guys that technically played in college but that we haven't heard from in a while. David Noel from UNC could be fun to watch and Morris Almond from Rice was fun to watch in college. However, with seemingly every other team in the league boasting exciting young players and draft picks to trot out, the Knicks hang their hopes on Hill and Douglas. I know the games don't mean much, but after Jason Kidd and Grant Hill used the Knicks just to get better contracts from their own teams, it's tough to find positives for the 'Bockers these days.

One can only hope Danilo Gallinari isn't too far off from returning after back issues sidelined most of his true rookie season. If you're curious, it looks most of the games will air at some point on MSG. The Knicks start today with Memphis before meeting Detroit, Sacramento, Chicago and Washington.

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FDU Takes Low Road In Firing Of Green

The NCAA Men's College basketball coaching carousel had just about wound down to a close this summer until Fairleigh Dickinson University decided to fire their head coach Tom Green last week. Normally a coaching change at the mid-major conference doesn't make many waves but this one should. First, it's worth noting that Green had just come off his 26th season at the college and had on multiple occassions led his team to the NCAA Tournament or NIT. Had the squad failed to live up to expectations the last few seasons? Definitely, missing two straight conference tourneys is unacceptable, and maybe that was reason enough for a change, but you don't do it like this.

You, barring some horrendous act, never fire a coach in the middle of the summer, unless you are looking to disrepsect them and leave them jobless come the next season. Green said as much in an article on the firing that appeared in the Bergen Record last week.

“I’ve been a coaching ambassador for this university for 26 years. I don’t call this place work, I call it home,” Green said. “Firing me right now shows a total lack of respect for me as a person, as a coach and as a loyal employee over the last 26 years.”

He went on to say, “This decision kills my career. To get fired in June of year 26 kills a career. I’d hoped to coach another five or six years before I even thought about retiring,” Green said. “It not only affects me, but I’ve got three assistant coaches and two of them have families. There are no Division I college basketball head coaching jobs available in June.”

In conferences like the Northeast, where FDU resides it is rare that you will find a quality head coach that will continually keep your team in the upper echelon of the conference, take your team to NCAA tournaments, and also not leave at the first "bigger" job that comes along. Mount Saint Mary's had it for a long time with the legendary Jim Phelan and Monmouth has it currently with alum Dave Calloway, but it's not always the case. Green was a guy that seemed like he wanted to be at FDU for life, not sure what other intentions he could have after 26 years.

At the end of the day FDU has every right to fire their coach, no matter what, it could just have been done in a much better way. You don't leave somebody out to dry like this, when their well being and that of their assistant coaches is on the line.

To make matters worse, FDU has named an interim Head Coach and he comes with baggage. As Andy Katz reports on his blog on ESPN.com Greg "Shoes" Vetrone has been named the interim Head Coach at FDU on one year trial. The only problem with Vetrone is that prior to being hired by Green as an assistant last year he had basically been blacklisted from any job in college coaching. Reason being he was invovled in some shady dealings in the recruitment of Lamar Odom (that's how far back this goes) while on the staff of UNLV. As Katz explains, Vetrone was never given one of the dealth penalty "show-cause" type violations that Todd Bozeman from Cal, now at Morgan State made famous, but it sure felt like it.

From Katz' Blog

Greg Vetrone was unofficially banished, sent away through a mutual understanding so UNLV could move on after violations emerged in the late 1990s.

Vetrone wasn't given any show-cause penalty. His violations were deemed secondary (mostly dealing with the recruitment of Lamar Odom in 1996-97) and focused on improper recruiting inducements and contact with Odom, including inadvertent phone calls and a manager that he said used his FedEx account to mail him gear.

So, Vetrone, known as "Shoes," was sent away to work with basketball grassroots guru Sonny Vaccaro and begin a 10-year climb back to relevance.

I am all for people getting second chances, and perhaps Vetrone was young and made some mistakes and now he has paid his dues. It just doesn't seem right that his second chance comes at the expense of a guy who built something worthy over the last 26 years. It was quite a week for FDU AD, he's made two tremendous gambles; first seeing if he can truly replace Tom Green, and second if bringing in someone like Greg Vetrone is the answer. Only time will tell. For one week FDU really can be called Fairleigh Ridiculous.

'Shoes' finds Division I fit again at FDU (Andy Katz Blog)

- posted by Cadillac Mescalde

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Dwight Howard's Superhuman Swat

In case you missed it last night during the Magic's defeat of the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their playoff series, Dwight Howard of the Magic just destroyed a shot by Ray Allen into the crowd behind the basket. Howard is no stranger to shot blocks, but this one looked like he was about to jump out of the gym.

Two things that made me realize this was a little extra special.

First was Marv Albert's call. Marv has been around the game a while now and doesn't break out the high enthusiasm unless it was warranted - and he got up on this one.

Second, watch as Howard uses his left hand as a support...on the backboard! You know you are getting up when you are bracing yourself on the backboard after smacking someone's shot in the stands. Howard looks like he came in off a trampoline, but I guess that's why they call him Superman.

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Rowdy Roddy Piper Shock-Proof Vests Becoming A Hot Commodity

On the heels of former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams and Buffalo Bills defensive back Donte Whitner both recently being tasered by local police, never has Hot Rod looked so smart. It was the summer of 1992 on a Saturday Night Main Event when The Mountie attempted to use his shock stick on the Rowdy One, only to find Mr. Piper was indeed "Shock-Proof." If we could all be so lucky.

Photo courtesy of Dave Goldberg

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Obama To Find Replacement For Tom Izzo

It appears President Barack Obama is not done yet in the state of Michigan. On the heels of Michigan State's lackluster performance in last night's NCAA Men's National Championship Game against the University of North Carolina, the President has announced plans to find a replacement for longtime head coach Tom Izzo.

The Spartans, coached by Izzo, fell to North Carolina by a lopsided score of 89-72 in what had been billed as a boost for the spirit of the state of Michigan, still reeling over the struggles of the auto industry. Apparently the loss was too much for Obama- who recently replaced General Motors Head Rick Wagoner- to handle. In a White House speech, Obama said that college basketball teams and Michigan State in particular, must stand on their own, not as "wards of the state" supported by tax dollars.

Michigan State University Board of Trustees had assembled various plans to get the school back on proper footing including but not limited to: increased recruiting, unveiling yet another alternate uniform, and using Magic Johnson by any means necessary. These plans were all summarily rejected by the White House leaving Obama to again step in and find a replacement.

With this announcement the coaching carousel continues to turn that has recently seen John Calipari take over at Kentucky and Sean Miller at Arizona. No replacement for Izzo has yet to be named, but according to a source within the White House, the following pool of candidates are being considered: Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, Isiah Thomas, and 98 year old John Wooden.

When questioned at his White House speech exactly what he is doing interfering with college basketball, Obama shot back, "Have you seen my bracket? I had UNC winning this whole thing, don't you watch ESPN?

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HHR Talks With McDonald's All-Americans and UNC-Bound David & Travis Wear

The McDonald’s All American Games are about more than just the Games themselves. It’s truly an experience – it’s about being a good person on and off the court, and succeeding through other avenues like giving back. In addition to McDonald’s All American Game striving to teach its players through its Advisory Council which features the likes of Alonzo Mourning, Dwight Howard and Candace Parker, the Game is played for Charity (Ronald McDonald House Charities), where most other prep games aren’t.

The Games will go down this week down in Miami, Florida. The men's game features the best of the best divided into East and West squads, takes place Wednesday night at 8pm est at the University of Miami. It airs Wednesday night on ESPN2 at 11:30pm EST.

HHR had a chance to catch up with two members of the West squad. David and Travis Wear, twins out of Huntington Beach, California (Mater Dei High School), both of whom are headed to the University of North Carolina.


David was named the Orange County Register’s player of the year and Travis was right there with him on the All-County First Team.


David Wear
Height/Weight: 6'10", 220 lbs.
Position: F
PPG: 16.2
RPG: 7.4
College: Committed to North Carolina

HuggingHaroldReynolds: What has the whole McDonald’s All-American Game experience been like thus far?

David Wear: It’s a great experience. I flew in two days ago and ever since I got here we have been running around. It’s a lot of fun. It’s really hectic hanging out with all these guys, all the media and how busy we are, the practicing, but its a lot of fun, we’re pretty busy.

HHR: What was your reaction to being named to the team?

DW: Every high school player, one of their goals is to make this team. I feel great to have this opportunity to play with some of the best, play on TV in front of everybody, and show what we got.

HHR: You were also named to the team with your brother Travis, that must be a great feeling?

DW: It was a great thing. I didn’t know we were both going to be named. I was hoping one of us would be named. That was one of our goals. When we found out we both made, it we were really excited. Some of our goals growing up were to be at the same college and to make the McDonald’s All-American team, and we have gotten to do both.

HHR: What is the process for even making this team?

DW: You get nominated, I think it is a 100 person group in each region, and then they go through process of cutting it down and narrowing it down to the final team. My coach told me about a week before that we were both selected for the west team, we were very excited.

HHR: You played with your brother in high school at Mater Dei in California, now again on this team and in the future in college how are you two different on the court?

DW: I think I’m more comfortable playing in the post, he is more comfortable putting the ball on the ground, shooting the ball, but we can both rebound and run the court so I don’t see too many other differences.

HHR: So when you two match up one on one, who usually wins?

DW: Half the time we don’t finish our games, they end up in a fight (laughs), but I’d say it would be me winning.

HHR: You are both headed to the North Carolina, how did that recruitment process work, did you bill yourselves as a package deal?

DW: We basically told everyone that we are going to the same school, we knew we wanted to go to the same school, going to separate schools was never an option. Everyone just recruited us as players they both wanted and North Carolina happened to offer both of us.

HHR: North Carolina is now headed back to the Final Four after this past weekend’s action, you must feel even better about your decision now.

DW: I’m really happy, I’m really comfortable in my decision, and maybe I’ll be in the Final Four next year.

HHR: Finally, what do you hope to take away from this whole McDonald’s All-American Game experience?

DW: Just to enjoy my last high school game, meet new people, take it all in, the whole media session, even the game being on TV, I know its an all star game, but its always good fun, I just want to enjoy my last high school game.


Travis Wear
Height/Weight: 6' 10", 230 lbs.
Position: G, F
PPG: 15
RPG: 6.4
College: Committed to North Carolina

HuggingHaroldReynolds: What has been like to be named to this team?

Travis Wear: It’s a great honor being able to come out here and play with all the good players in the country. It's a lot of fun to come out here.

HHR: You were both picked for the squad, was that a surprise at all?

TW: I think I knew, if one of us was to get it, that we would both get it. To be out here competing against guys I grew up playing against, it’s really cool.

HHR: Outside of basketball what else have you done on this trip?

TW: We went over to a Ronald McDonald house and played with the kids, and we also went over to the Sea Aquarium and got to swim with the dolphins. Actually, we haven’t really been on the court all that much.

HHR: Do you look at other great brother combos like the Griffin brothers at Oklahoma or the Lopez brothers at Stanford and how they play as you get set to enter college?

TW: No, not really. I watch them to see how they interact on the court. I don’t look it how they play they game, I like looking how they interact on the court (as brothers).

HHR: For someone that doesn’t know your game, how would you describe it?

TW: I am pretty versatile, outside and inside, good court vision, I can pass the ball very well, I can bring the ball up the court, and I just play hard all the time.

HHR: You are both headed to UNC next year, they are headed to another Final Four you have to be pretty excited about your college choice?

TW: Yeah definitely. The expectations next year will be high. They have a pretty good recruiting class coming in, and hopefully with the guys that are there we could get back to the Final Four.

HHR: Lastly, what do you take away from this whole experience of being a McDonald’s All-American?

TW: It’s an opportunity to see how you do against better competition. Also, it’s not only basketball, but charity work. It is just good to give back to the community, and just a good experience all around.

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Get Dunked On By Patrick Chewing

This has made the rounds on some other sites, but this commercial is just great for Snickers. Starring my favorite NBA Player ever, Patrick Ewing, it is a quick spot for Snickers where Ewing just shatters a backboard with a dunk. He then just walks away and says "oops." The best part is that Ewing has restored his classic hi-top fade.



-Posted by Cadillac Mascallade

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Laimbeer Talks Pistons, Irish, Shock and NCAA Tourney with HHR

With the NCAA Tournament fast approaching former Detroit Piston and current Detroit Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer is helping promote the Big Dance along with Coke Zero and their "Taste the Madness" promotion.

Bill spent a few minutes with HHR's Cadillac Mescallade to talk hoops from his days at Notre Dame to the Bad Boys back in Detroit.

Cadillac Mescallade: So first can you tell us a little bit about what's going on with Coke Zero and the "Taste the Madness" website?

Bill Laimbeer: Coke Zero is a large sponsor of the NCAA tournament, and I am helping them make an awareness of a program going on where fans are shooting video of their favorite team, or an individual who is a wild and crazy fan for their own team, and they can upload all those videos at www.tastethemadness.com.

They are gonna pick some winners and they are gonna show them during the final game on CBS-TV. It’s a nice 15 minutes of fame so to speak. And also for the winner, Papa Johns is gonna be throwing a big pizza party for them. Some interesting videos are already up there.

CM: The Big East tourney is underway and you're a Notre Dame guy. What do you make of the Irish this season? It's been a bit of a down year for a very talented team.

BL: It has. You could argue they underachieved, or that the expectations were too high. They will have to do very well in the tournament. If they get to the semi-finals of the [Big East] tournament, they'll be looked at. If they get to the finals [of the Big East Tournament], it will be a good chance to get in [to the NCAA Tournament]. I feel bad for them, they play in the Big East and it’s the toughest conference there is.

CM: What are some of the memories you have from your days playing for Notre Dame?

BL: Well, we were the only team to get to the Final Four for Notre Dame. Just great teammates, and in my junior year 9 players on my team that made the NBA...which you don’t see too often anymore. Also, at that time there was no cable television. NBC had exclusive television rights for one game a week and Notre Dame happened to be on 2 out of 4 weeks, so we got lots of exposure. Also, just the college atmosphere. It went by so fast. I won at every level, and that is the one thing missing, a college title. It just went by so fast, I wish I could do it over again.

CM: Who do you like in this year's tournament?

BL: I'm gonna take the same position as last year: the power teams and power conferences are battle tested teams. The best teams have gone through the ringer every night and have played a tourney game every evening. I think that is going to help them all. I think UNC, UCONN and Pitt as a number one seeds, and Memphis...I am looking for them to do a lot of damage.

CM: How about Detroit this year, they have been up and down but playing well as of late with Hamilton back in the lineup. Do they have the right mix to go deep again in the playoffs?

BL: Hamilton deserves to be a starter. He makes everyone better, not just from scoring, but the defense he draws to help guard him. While a lot of people written off the Pistons, they are still a dangerous basketball team. They have weapons and experience. If they can integrate Allen Iverson, it will give them more fire power, but with the limited time left in the season, it’s been frustrating for the players and the fans.


CM: How much pride do guys like yourself that used to play for the team still have?

BL: For someone like myself or Isiah, Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, you have a bond with the organization and they are part of you ever. You want to see them be successful, and see them continue the tradition that you have set up for the team in winning. And, for the most part, over the years the pistons have (continued that tradition).

CM: You're so well known for the Pistons and the Bad Boys and physical play. Nowadays physical play isn't as tolerated. Have the fouls really changed that much from your day or have just the rules evolved to enforce them?

BL: A little of both, it’s a physical game. There are big guys and the court is shrinking everyday because guys get bigger. Some of the flagrant fouls they call and you’re like ‘what?’ It takes a little away from the game. They want more high flying and wild dunks for television, but at same time it is still a competition. You’re gonna have your moment when physicality happens, and you'll have your moments with pushing and shoving.


CM: You see this changing anytime soon?

BL: The legislation and the rules dictate that it’s not as acceptable as in the past so I don’t see it changing anytime soon.

CM: You often took on the role of an enforcer, is that something more teams could use today?

BL: My job was to be a good role player for some of the stars we had, rebound the basketball, play defense, and I also was the enforcement, the "sergeant at arms," if you will. If you’re messing with our guards, my job was to make sure you didn’t mess with our guards. At that time you didn’t get free layups. You’d have to earn it, and if you don’t want to get knocked down, you shoot jump shots.

CM: Did you ever imagine you would coach women's professional basketball and then win a title no less? What has that experience been like?

BL: Everybody said I’d be a coach when I was done playing, but I didn’t expect to be a women’s professional coach...because there was no league at that time. However, they play hard, they listen well, they want to succeed, they play physical, they play good team basketball, they do a good job. You can demand of them to be exacting, and they’ll get out there and give it their best shot.


CM: You hit quite a few jumpers during the All-Star Weekend shooting stars competition, how often do you still get out there and play?

BL: My range has diminished over the years but for 10-15 footers, the ball is still the same size, its not that hard.

CM: You mentioned some of your former teammates. How often do you stay in touch with guys like Isiah, who has had a rough couple of years, Joe Dumars and others?

I talked to Isiah a couple of times in the last couple of weeks. Rick Mahorn works for me as an assistant coach. Joe Dumars is at the Palace of Auburn Hills. People always ask me if I see Dennis Rodman. I don’t see Dennis Rodman. He’s out west somewhere.

---

Thanks to Bill Laimbeer for taking some time out as I know he has been running a gauntlet of promotional interviews as of late.

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