Provo All-Stars
Welcome to Provo All-Stars
Be sure to give us some feedback on the bottom of the page. Also, don't forget to weigh in on the poll!
Euro Trash? I Think Not!
By Quin Eliason
February 22, 2011
As I sat
watching the player introductions for the NBA All-Star game Sunday evening, a
couple of thoughts came whizzing into my mind. The first thought that came was, “Does anyone still listen
to Lenny Kravitz?” After debating
that with my wife for a few moments (we decided that even if you do enjoy his
music, you should never admit to it), I moved to my second burning
question. While watching the
introductions for the West reserves, I noticed a particularly interesting
trend. Not only were the first
three players white, but two of them were European. So how much of an impact have Europeans had on the NBA? Let’s dive in a little closer and take
a deeper look at the European influence over the last decade.
For years domestic players dominated the NBA. Names like West, Chamberlain, Magic, Thomas, Bird, and Jordan will live on in basketball immortality. Look in any newspaper (or most tabloids) today and names like Nowitzki, Turkoglu, Gasol, and Parker can be seen filling up the box scores and win columns. How did this sudden European charge come about? Why don’t we look at what makes a European player effective in the NBA?
Fundamentally sound
Look at most European players and you will see they protect the ball as well as Frodo protected the ring. In fact, if you look at the league leaders in turnovers per game, you have to go thirty four names deep to find the first European player, the Raptors’ Andrea Bargnani. When young kids all over America spend time jacking up threes and attempting Blake Griffenesque dunks, are European parents brainwashing their kids with Magic Johnson’s masterpiece “Put Magic in Your Game”? Whatever the reason be, they seem to always come into the league more fundamentally sound than most American players.
Good Shooters
No matter whom the debate is with, when determining the best shooter in the NBA, a few names will usually surface. Larry Bird, Gilbert Arenas, and Reggie Miller are bound to come up. Unfortunately, at least for our purposes, Basketball Jesus is American, Arenas’ most famous shot is one he didn’t actually fire in a Wizards locker room, and Reggie Miller is from outer space (although the case could be made he is British, just look at those teeth). A common thread of European players is their innate ability to shoot the rock. Names such as Petrovic, Marciulionis, Schrempf, Kukoc, Nowitzki, Bargnani, and Stojakovic remain as staples when talking about great shooting. Even Arvydas Sabonis, perhaps the oldest rookie of all time, could hit a mean fifteen footer. Out of all those names, Nowitzki is the one most will recognize. The last five years he has hovered around a fifty percent field goal percentage while consistently average over twenty-two points per game. Talk about a real solid German.
Solid Players
Though European players are gaining steam here in the states, we have yet to see one who can carry a team. Though most will argue that Dirk Nowitzki is the exception, let’s look at the facts. He’s done a great job of leading the Mavericks since his rookie season in 1998, even leading Dallas to an NBA Finals appearance. But he is in his thirteenth year and still looking for his first title, though he has been on several good teams. Perhaps Mark Cuban should look at the pattern of the last ten NBA Champions as he approaches the looming trade deadline. Of the past ten NBA Championship teams, eight have had at least one European player on the roster. Now, Slava Medvedenko wasn’t exactly vital to the Lakers 2001 championship, so let’s break it down even more. Six of those teams had Europeans that contributed in more ways than warming up Kobe’s seat on the bench. But here is the interesting thing—none of those six were considered the “star” of his team. While Pau Gasol and Tony Parker were vital parts to their team’s success, their respective teams will forever remain more widely recognized by Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. So while Dirk may be good—and he is great—he may need some help to get to that next level. Maybe a trade for former teammate Steve Nash could rekindle an old flame that burns within Dirk (http://www.bothteamsplayedhard.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/cuban.jpg).
Sneaky Strong
Maybe the most underrated part of every European’s game is they are almost always “sneaky strong”. They may not look roided up like Dwight Howard, LeBron James, or Carrot Top, but they can hold their own. Pau Gasol may be the best example of this. Though the Spanish forward is one of the best forwards in the NBA, he looks scrawny next to likes of Zach Randolph and Elton Brand. Still, he gets the job done. Another example from history is Vlade Divac. Many will remember Vlade’s epic battles in the paint with Shaq. Though Shaq outweighed Vlade by roughly five hundred pounds, Divac used his sneaky strength to his advantage—flopping at every possible opportunity. Man, I really hated Vlade Divac.
In conclusion, European players have had a huge impact on the NBA, especially in the last ten years or so. There have been disappointments—Darko, Tskitishvili, and Korolev. There have been some successes—Nowitzki, Parker, and Gasol. But at the end of the day they continue to entertain fans all over the world. Just don’t leave them alone with any women in your life, or men if you’re around John Amaechi.
For years domestic players dominated the NBA. Names like West, Chamberlain, Magic, Thomas, Bird, and Jordan will live on in basketball immortality. Look in any newspaper (or most tabloids) today and names like Nowitzki, Turkoglu, Gasol, and Parker can be seen filling up the box scores and win columns. How did this sudden European charge come about? Why don’t we look at what makes a European player effective in the NBA?
Fundamentally sound
Look at most European players and you will see they protect the ball as well as Frodo protected the ring. In fact, if you look at the league leaders in turnovers per game, you have to go thirty four names deep to find the first European player, the Raptors’ Andrea Bargnani. When young kids all over America spend time jacking up threes and attempting Blake Griffenesque dunks, are European parents brainwashing their kids with Magic Johnson’s masterpiece “Put Magic in Your Game”? Whatever the reason be, they seem to always come into the league more fundamentally sound than most American players.
Good Shooters
No matter whom the debate is with, when determining the best shooter in the NBA, a few names will usually surface. Larry Bird, Gilbert Arenas, and Reggie Miller are bound to come up. Unfortunately, at least for our purposes, Basketball Jesus is American, Arenas’ most famous shot is one he didn’t actually fire in a Wizards locker room, and Reggie Miller is from outer space (although the case could be made he is British, just look at those teeth). A common thread of European players is their innate ability to shoot the rock. Names such as Petrovic, Marciulionis, Schrempf, Kukoc, Nowitzki, Bargnani, and Stojakovic remain as staples when talking about great shooting. Even Arvydas Sabonis, perhaps the oldest rookie of all time, could hit a mean fifteen footer. Out of all those names, Nowitzki is the one most will recognize. The last five years he has hovered around a fifty percent field goal percentage while consistently average over twenty-two points per game. Talk about a real solid German.
Solid Players
Though European players are gaining steam here in the states, we have yet to see one who can carry a team. Though most will argue that Dirk Nowitzki is the exception, let’s look at the facts. He’s done a great job of leading the Mavericks since his rookie season in 1998, even leading Dallas to an NBA Finals appearance. But he is in his thirteenth year and still looking for his first title, though he has been on several good teams. Perhaps Mark Cuban should look at the pattern of the last ten NBA Champions as he approaches the looming trade deadline. Of the past ten NBA Championship teams, eight have had at least one European player on the roster. Now, Slava Medvedenko wasn’t exactly vital to the Lakers 2001 championship, so let’s break it down even more. Six of those teams had Europeans that contributed in more ways than warming up Kobe’s seat on the bench. But here is the interesting thing—none of those six were considered the “star” of his team. While Pau Gasol and Tony Parker were vital parts to their team’s success, their respective teams will forever remain more widely recognized by Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. So while Dirk may be good—and he is great—he may need some help to get to that next level. Maybe a trade for former teammate Steve Nash could rekindle an old flame that burns within Dirk (http://www.bothteamsplayedhard.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/cuban.jpg).
Sneaky Strong
Maybe the most underrated part of every European’s game is they are almost always “sneaky strong”. They may not look roided up like Dwight Howard, LeBron James, or Carrot Top, but they can hold their own. Pau Gasol may be the best example of this. Though the Spanish forward is one of the best forwards in the NBA, he looks scrawny next to likes of Zach Randolph and Elton Brand. Still, he gets the job done. Another example from history is Vlade Divac. Many will remember Vlade’s epic battles in the paint with Shaq. Though Shaq outweighed Vlade by roughly five hundred pounds, Divac used his sneaky strength to his advantage—flopping at every possible opportunity. Man, I really hated Vlade Divac.
In conclusion, European players have had a huge impact on the NBA, especially in the last ten years or so. There have been disappointments—Darko, Tskitishvili, and Korolev. There have been some successes—Nowitzki, Parker, and Gasol. But at the end of the day they continue to entertain fans all over the world. Just don’t leave them alone with any women in your life, or men if you’re around John Amaechi.
Poll Question
Be sure to make your voice heard and vote for what article you want to read next week!
Last weeks winner: Best White Athlete
Last weeks winner: Best White Athlete
Will the Real Jimmer Please Stand Up?
By Trent Meier
February 15, 2011
You’ve heard the name. Jimmer. Whether you know who this is or not is a different story. The casual college basketball fan probably knows he’s considered one of the best college basketball players this year. One may even know that he is leading the nation in scoring. Others of us know that he is averaging 27.2 points per game, his name has been morphed into a verb, his brother is a local rap artist and he is dating Whitney Wannacott of the BYU Cheerleading squad. It’s for the latter of those two that I will compare James Taft Fredette with others that have come before him.
All year I’ve been ogled by his ability to finish at weird angles with contact, marveled at his ability to score as soon as he crosses half court, and been in awe of his pasty, yet hairy calves.
The greatest white basketball player we have ever seen is Larry Bird. So naturally as soon as a good white basketball player comes around he is the first one we compare him to. We often go to Steve Nash as well, but for some reason we really want another Larry Bird. Why? How often does a guy come around who is great but can do it without jumping. In a game dominated by guys like LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Blake Griffin, perhaps we want someone to relate to. Well Jimmer may not have mad ups but he isn’t Larry Bird. He’s shorter, faster and has no mustache.
So who is Jimmer? He is his own player with his own style, but we have seen these parts in other places before. I will compare him to other great whites that have come before him. I bring to you the players that have paved the way for Jimmer Fredette.
First up is Matt Maloney. Brigham Young University is a great school but sorry Jimmer--you don’t match up with Maloney academically. Maloney started at the Ivy League of the SEC, Vanderbilt, then transferred to the actual Ivy League, Penn. He didn’t have the hype of Fredette either, going undrafted. The first similarities are height and mentality. Maloney is listed at 6’3” and Fredette at 6’2”. Both are point guards with a score first mentality, but an obvious ability to find the open man when needed. Maloney’s NBA career was short, but punctuated by flashes of great success. Jimmer could duplicate this same achievement. Plus Maloney and Fredette’s names rhyme with key ingredients to a delicious sandwich.
Next is J.J. Redick. I know what you are thinking. How can you compare a beloved man like Jimmer to the most hated college athlete since Shane Battier? The answer is their range. J.J. was not known for his driving ability in college like Fredette is (although lately he has improved quite a bit), but they both have an uncanny ability to hit threes from the parking lot. Even though Redick lead the nation is scoring his senior year, something he has in common with Fredette, his Dukies promptly lost their second game in the NCAA tournament. Let’s hope that their respective teams don’t share the same fate.
This next comparison is by far the closest. If you’ve seen Chris Lofton play then you’ve seen Jimmer. They both pop from practically 40 feet without hesitating and hit with remarkable consistency. Just like Lofton, Jimmer has a strong frame that he likes to compare to Deron Williams. Sorry, I can’t give you that Jimmer, but I will give you Lofton. At Tennessee he was able to use his strength to get to the hole when high percentage was necessary. Something Jimmer has become fairly proficient at. When his team needed a bucket, the Volunteers looked to Lofton. He was clutch, he was accurate and he was down to earth. All the adjectives that Jimmer has come to embody. Lofton’s career was cut short by cancer. Thanks to Michelle Peralta, we know that can’t happen to the Jimmer. The only thing I’m not quite sure of is whether or not Lofton is white.
One final comparison is only to look at whether or not Jimmer’s game could translate into anything on the pro-level. I want to look at a player from Puerto Rico. Jose Juan Barea, or JJ to those who know him well. Barea has had a lot of success this year driving to the hole, getting contact and scoring. I know that sounds like every great guard from the past 50 years. The trick is he is listed at 6 foot even and that is a stretch. He is a decent shooter and serviceable passer but nothing special. Yet, he has been effective because of his ability to finish in the paint with bigger guys similar to Tony Parker. Let's just hope he can score with his woman better than Tony did. He’s not faster than Jimmer, taller than Jimmer, stronger than Jimmer, a better shooter than Jimmer, nor a better passer than Jimmer. He’s been effective in the league. Who’s to say that Jimmer can’t do the same thing?
Obviously Jimmer has his work cut out for him. He’s got a long road ahead of him if we wants to continue his success at the next level but it’s undeniable that it can be done. If this group of sorry white guys can play in the league then so can a goofy awkward white guy with a ridiculous name. Let’s just pray we don’t start hearing any Bobby Hurley, Trajan Langdon or Adam Morrison comparisons.
All year I’ve been ogled by his ability to finish at weird angles with contact, marveled at his ability to score as soon as he crosses half court, and been in awe of his pasty, yet hairy calves.
The greatest white basketball player we have ever seen is Larry Bird. So naturally as soon as a good white basketball player comes around he is the first one we compare him to. We often go to Steve Nash as well, but for some reason we really want another Larry Bird. Why? How often does a guy come around who is great but can do it without jumping. In a game dominated by guys like LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Blake Griffin, perhaps we want someone to relate to. Well Jimmer may not have mad ups but he isn’t Larry Bird. He’s shorter, faster and has no mustache.
So who is Jimmer? He is his own player with his own style, but we have seen these parts in other places before. I will compare him to other great whites that have come before him. I bring to you the players that have paved the way for Jimmer Fredette.
First up is Matt Maloney. Brigham Young University is a great school but sorry Jimmer--you don’t match up with Maloney academically. Maloney started at the Ivy League of the SEC, Vanderbilt, then transferred to the actual Ivy League, Penn. He didn’t have the hype of Fredette either, going undrafted. The first similarities are height and mentality. Maloney is listed at 6’3” and Fredette at 6’2”. Both are point guards with a score first mentality, but an obvious ability to find the open man when needed. Maloney’s NBA career was short, but punctuated by flashes of great success. Jimmer could duplicate this same achievement. Plus Maloney and Fredette’s names rhyme with key ingredients to a delicious sandwich.
Next is J.J. Redick. I know what you are thinking. How can you compare a beloved man like Jimmer to the most hated college athlete since Shane Battier? The answer is their range. J.J. was not known for his driving ability in college like Fredette is (although lately he has improved quite a bit), but they both have an uncanny ability to hit threes from the parking lot. Even though Redick lead the nation is scoring his senior year, something he has in common with Fredette, his Dukies promptly lost their second game in the NCAA tournament. Let’s hope that their respective teams don’t share the same fate.
This next comparison is by far the closest. If you’ve seen Chris Lofton play then you’ve seen Jimmer. They both pop from practically 40 feet without hesitating and hit with remarkable consistency. Just like Lofton, Jimmer has a strong frame that he likes to compare to Deron Williams. Sorry, I can’t give you that Jimmer, but I will give you Lofton. At Tennessee he was able to use his strength to get to the hole when high percentage was necessary. Something Jimmer has become fairly proficient at. When his team needed a bucket, the Volunteers looked to Lofton. He was clutch, he was accurate and he was down to earth. All the adjectives that Jimmer has come to embody. Lofton’s career was cut short by cancer. Thanks to Michelle Peralta, we know that can’t happen to the Jimmer. The only thing I’m not quite sure of is whether or not Lofton is white.
One final comparison is only to look at whether or not Jimmer’s game could translate into anything on the pro-level. I want to look at a player from Puerto Rico. Jose Juan Barea, or JJ to those who know him well. Barea has had a lot of success this year driving to the hole, getting contact and scoring. I know that sounds like every great guard from the past 50 years. The trick is he is listed at 6 foot even and that is a stretch. He is a decent shooter and serviceable passer but nothing special. Yet, he has been effective because of his ability to finish in the paint with bigger guys similar to Tony Parker. Let's just hope he can score with his woman better than Tony did. He’s not faster than Jimmer, taller than Jimmer, stronger than Jimmer, a better shooter than Jimmer, nor a better passer than Jimmer. He’s been effective in the league. Who’s to say that Jimmer can’t do the same thing?
Obviously Jimmer has his work cut out for him. He’s got a long road ahead of him if we wants to continue his success at the next level but it’s undeniable that it can be done. If this group of sorry white guys can play in the league then so can a goofy awkward white guy with a ridiculous name. Let’s just pray we don’t start hearing any Bobby Hurley, Trajan Langdon or Adam Morrison comparisons.
Midseason NBA Power Ten
By Trent Meier and Quin Eliason
February 15, 2011
1. San Antonio Spurs
Duncan is old, Eva is gone and Ginobili is still flailing and hated. But they are getting it done. The only team left with single digit losses has the face of an old team with the big 3 and Mcdyess but it’s the young guns that make this team formidable. George Hill, DeJuan Blair, Tiago Splitter and Gary Neal are really giving this “aging” team some energy. And watch out for their most recent acquisition, Steve Novak.
2. Boston Celtics
When Rondo is shooting well and attacking, they are like my buddy Sardoni going for the jello salad--unstoppable (in fact, get out of the way). Can't wait to see this team with everyone back and healthy. They seem to always show up for big games. Meanwhile they still lead the league in scoring defense (91.4 ppg) and Garnett is quietly having a great comeback season after last year's injury plagued year.
3. Miami Heat
So they are only 1-6 against the so-called “Power Five” and just had a crushing loss against the Celtics. This team still has the 3rd best record in the NBA and not to mention Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. With two guys capable of going off for 40 points any night, 9-1 in their last 10, and hilarious commercials with Charles Barkley, they find themselves safely at 3.
4. Dallas Mavericks
With all the hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl and the aftermath, the Mavericks have been flying a bit under the radar. Nowitzki is just automatic at this point. I am beginning to like him more and more. They still seem to be missing something for a title run. Could a Melo rental solve the problem? Or maybe the return of Caron Butler? One thing I will say that works in their favor--they seem to usually always play respectably against elite teams.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
You’re probably wondering why the reigning champs are so low. It could be their recent drubbings at the hands of the Magic and Bobcats or the 5-5 record they own in their last 10 games. The Lake show has been very streaky lately despite their win over the Celtics. I think L.A. would be better off if Khloe Kardashian wasn’t riding Lamar so hard....
6. Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose has turned into perhaps the best point guard in the league. They continue to play well despite not having Noah and Boozer healthy at the same time. How have they done it? On the defensive end. They are giving up 92.3 points per game, second only behind the Celtics. Looks like their buying what Tom Thibodeau is selling.
7. Orlando Magic
I’m not sure what is bigger: Orlando’s win over the Lakers or Dwight Howard’s shoulders. Howard and they Magic proved they can dunk more than Blake Griffin but what they needed was to prove they belong among the elites. They also needed to legitimize bringing in a guy who has trouble controlling his guns and sending the NBA’s least clutch superstar away.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder
Has there ever been a team in recent history who has seemingly liked each other more? The Thunder keep rolling behind the superstar tandem of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Throw in a couple of slow white guys and a shooting guard who looks more and more like Baron Davis everyday, and this team could make a splash come summer.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Even I don’t know why Atlanta is here. This is mostly because of their record and their potential. It seems the only thing they are known for lately is losing. That loss to the Bobcats a few nights ago after surrendering a 20 point lead was especially tough since Stephen Jackson was the one to hit the game-winner. Man, I hate that guy.
10. Portland Trail Blazers
Talk about a franchise who has had to suffer. Between injuries, a dong cell phone picture, and more injuries, it seems as though the odds are always stacked against Rip City. Despite all the setbacks, there appears to be good things ahead for Portland. Wes Matthews and LaMarcus Aldridge are averaging 17.7 and 25.4 points in their last ten games, respectively.
February Golf Power Rankings
By Quin Eliason
*Rankings are through February 14
1. Martin Kaymer
The 2010 European Golfer of the Year has not disappointed since his victory in last August’s PGA Tour Championship. In January he won his second straight Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship by a margin of eight strokes. Look for the German to have another big year in 2011.
2. Phil Mickelson
Lefty came out swinging smoothly in his first two starts, including a second place finish in his home town of San Diego. He continues to stick his approaches tighter than his Callaway shirts. Expect Phil to inch closer to 50 career wins and challenge for at least a couple of Major Championships this year.
3. Lee Westwood
How can we put the worlds number 1 any lower? The two things working against “Shrek” are his lack of play in America, and his terrible teeth. But with two runner up finishes in last years Majors, it’s hard to disagree he is playing some of the best golf in the world right now, regardless of where he is playing.
4. Graeme McDowell
Last years U.S. Open champion has been proving ever since he is not a fluke. After an impressive Ryder Cup he had a great comeback on Tiger that hasn’t been talked about enough. Follow that up with a top ten in his only PGA Tour appearance this year, and he looks poised for another good run.
5. Bubba Watson
Pretty sure he would move up at least a few spots if he would just unbutton his top button. Is there a worse look in the game other than John Daly? I guess if I could lead the tour in driving distance at 316.3 yards, I would commit any fashion faux pax necessary. Another guy looking to break through at a major in 2011.
6. Rory Mcilroy
What do Rory and a sheep dog have in common? They look exactly alike. Thankfully, for Rory’s sake, they don’t play the same. The youngster already has two top tens in as many tournaments this year. Keeps putting himself in great positions to win, just needs to figure out how to close the deal with more consistency.
7. Dustin Johnson
Every time I watch this guy I think of the classic Chumbawamba song “Tubthumping”, and I'm not talking about "pissing the night away". After winning over America with last years controversy at Whistling Straits, he has not disappointed. The big hitter always seems to find himself in contention on the weekends. Another guy who needs to improve on finishing out tournaments.
8. Mark Wilson
The surprise so far of 2011? How about Wilson’s two victories in four tournaments? The Menomonee Falls native doubled his career win total after his playoff win over Jason Dufner in Phoenix. It will be interesting to see how he handles the rest of the season after such a hot start.
9. Jim Furyk
Expect good things from Furyk who is coming off a career year in 2010. Though three wins will be hard to top, he already has one top ten in two starts this year. With Fluff on the bag anything is possible. Then again, all the good luck will most likely be negated if we see more button down shirts from Jim.
10. Tiger Woods
Though his game as been about as unpredictable as his personal life as of late, you can never count out the games most dominant “player”. Big missed opportunity last weekend in Dubai, but keep in mind also that he is going through a swing change. Last time that happened was back in 2003-2004. How’d it work out? Four Major vicotories between 2005 and 2007. You’ve been warned.
