For the full NBA draft analysis, we call on our draft expert and insider, my friend Mark, who had this to say about all of the Warriors' draft picks.
Harrison Barnes (Small Forward) - Round 1 No. 7 pick overall from North Carolina (6'8)
I really like this pick. He will be
better than Klay Thompson, and Klay isn't even bad. With no Monta Ellis,
adding players is so much easier. Because with Ellis, you'd have to go
after some size to compensate for the tiny back-court. So you'd have taken Andre
Drummond, guy with tons of potential but huge bust potential as well. Now pieces
to add are so easy. Barnes slides to the 3, Klay at 2, Steph Curry at the 1. Got
David Lee and Andrew Bogut. That's a legit starting 5.
CBS-5 spoke to Barnes shortly after he was drafted.
Shot
blocker, rebounder, maybe along the lines of a Theo Ratliff, extremely
poor mans Dikembe Mutumbo, or a rich man's Kelvin Cato.
He's someone the Warriors
need, just Kwame Brown with more athleticism, but tough, rugged defender with
size. With Andris Biedrins on the outs, a good player to have late in the first,
definitely fills a need.
Draymond Green(Small Forward) - Round 2 No. 35 overall from Michigan State (6'7)
Will become a good bench player. Combo SF/PF,
no real position but has great Basketball IQ, someone who knows how to
play basketball. Good value in the 2nd round. Maybe a less athletic Thaddeus Young, a do it all type SF/PF. Maybe he's a more offensively
minded Ron Artest.
Ojnen Kuzmic(Center) - Round 2 No. 52 overall (22 year old who plays in Europe)
Just a European big man to stash away. If hes good,
he'll come over. Still developing. Makes sense due to the roster
limitations.
Overall grade B+
I think they hit a
home run in Barnes. Ezeli provides depth at the C, defense and
rebounding. Will pair well w/ David Lee and can spell Bogut.
Green
will contribute depth and bench scoring. He will be a matchup problem for
defending SF/PF but also a liability on the defensive end. The Euro
pick is a low risk high reward pick that won't effect much in the short
term.
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Courtesy: Orange County Register, Written by Fred Swegles
If there's a Disney writer looking for a movie idea that'll make kids pump their fists with joy and leave parents teary-eyed, look no further than the real story of a San Clemente Little League team coached this year by kids.
The team that couldn't find a coach, finally getting permission from the league to bring in two San Clemente High School freshmen to lead it, concluded an improbable season Saturday by winning the District 68 Tournament of Champions in improbable fashion.
Coaches Chris Puckett, 15, and Cameron Shelley, 14, guided their crew of 12- to 14-year-olds to three straight victories in the tournament at Beebe Park in Mission Viejo, finishing with a 10-9 victory.
This was a team that at the outset of the season drew smirks from some opponents because of its youthful coaches who look like they could be playing on the field. The team started with skeptical parents and an 0-2 record. But the players took the two teens' baseball tutelage to heart, improving to 6-4 by midseason before going on a 10-2 tear in the second half.
On Saturday, the team, known as San Clemente American No. 2, was leading Viejo USC, 10-6, going to the bottom half of the final inning of the championship game. Viejo rallied and narrowed the score to 10-9 with one out, the potential tying run on third base and the winning run on second base.
Puckett's father, Gary, described the dramatic ending. Pitcher Austin Reeves threw a third strike for what would have been the second out, but catcher Max Christian dropped the ball and it squirted off to the left. Christian had to either tag the hitter or throw to first base to record the strikeout, possibly allowing the tying run to score.
Christian picked up the ball and, seeing the runner approaching home plate, chased him back up the line, tossing the ball just in time for third baseman Max Herrbach to tag him out. The batter, meanwhile, had delayed running to first base, caught up in the moment. Shelly yelled "Throw to first," and Herrbach fired the ball to first base, barely beating the runner for a double play.
Game over.
"Out of my 16 years of Little League, I have never seen a game end like that," the elder Puckett said.
"It was just incredible," parent Kimberly Bradley said.
"That one play, you either win the game or you lose," parent Brad Christian said. "The kids just played phenomenal baseball, every single kid. They actually worked on that play during the season."
Josh Bradley, the first baseman, recorded the final out.
"It was pretty crazy," he said. "We learned it all from Chris and Cameron. They've taught us to chase the people back to the bag before you throw the ball. That was all thanks to them."
When it was over, the players erupted in celebration. Josh Bradley, 13, had never experienced that in five years of Little League. "In the past, I haven't been on very good teams," he said.
At a victory party, parents presented the team with framed copies of The Orange County Register and San Clemente Sun Post News, both of which had published articles in May telling the team's story.
Brad Christian, a Little League umpire for seven years, said this was the first team that had let his son Max play his favorite position, catcher. The two teen coaches knew how to connect with the players, Christian said, making a believer of each one.
"These are the most appreciative kids I've ever seen," he said, calling them "the little team that could."
The word that we all strive for in life and very rarely ever achieve.
But on the night of June 13, 2012, Matt Cain was just that.
If you don't know the details by now, Cain became the first San Francisco Giants pitcher in the franchise's 130 year history to throw a perfect game, meaning he faced 27 batters and got all of them out, an accomplishment only done only 21 previous times prior to last night.
Luckily, I was there.
And I almost wasn't.
My friend, and only a friend for those wondering, was in town for a few weeks and we planned to catch a Giants game together and it just so happened to be Wednesday night.
I almost canceled because Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals was supposed to be played between the Kings and Devils but LA took care of that when they won the cup Monday night, opening the door for me to go to the game.
As the two of us were walking towards the ballpark, my friend asked me if I went to the World Series in 2010 and how that was like.
I told her it was cool but it wasn't one of those fairytale type stories where I could reply and say, "It was the most incredible and memorable thing I've ever been to."
Yes, being at a World Series was great, but because in my line of work as a member of the sports media, you get a little desensitized to big sporting events because you are too busy working.
The best example I have from this is when Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run and set the all time home run record, I wasn't celebrating. I was scrambling to write a script for our breaking news.
I'll clap and cheer mildly at most games, but very rarely do I get loud, hoot and holler like I should and did before when I was a little kid/teenager.
So in some ways, I've lost my joy and passion as a sports fan.
I turned to my friend and basically said that although I enjoy going to games, it would take something really special for me to be get into the "OMG" level of amazement.
The Giants pretty much had that game in control from the 2nd inning on, so the end result was pretty much set in stone in my mind. But there was more to that game than just a win or loss for the orange and black.
I notice quicker than others when a team has yet to collect a base hit, and it really hit me in the 4th inning that the Astros had yet to reach base.
Cain was dealing and in the 5th inning, the entire crowd started to realize it too as they cheered loudly anticipating a strikeout that ended the top of the fifth.
As the game went on, we were inching closer towards seeing history.
I thought about July 2000 when Livan Hernandez took a no hitter into the 8th inning against the Rockies and how his effort fell short. Ironically that day I was also with my mother.
Curt Schilling of the Red Sox needed one more out for a no hitter in 2007 when he pitched against the A's. I was standing by the Boston dugout as an intern for the Athletics, but Shannon Stewart lined a single to right, breaking up that attempt.
So I thought to myself that this could be it.
Now whenever there's a no hitter, there's always a few defensive plays that are made that keep the no hitter alive.
First, it was Melky Cabrera and his brilliant catch.
And then on a 3-2 pitch in the 7th inning, I knew Cain didn't want to walk the batter, so he was going to throw a strike, and take his chances. The ball was crushed but Gregor Blanco ran this down in what some are calling one of the best catches in baseball history.
So Cain took the mound in the 9th with 42,000+ on their feet, praying and hoping they would see the first perfect game in Giants history.
Cain got the first two batters to pop out to left field, and then he got ahead 1-2 on Jason Castro, the batter who stood between Cain and a perfect game.
Castro chopped a ball to third base. Joaquin Arias moved to his right to pick up the ball, and fired across the diamond in time to seal one of the most incredible moments in San Francisco Giants history.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Matt Cain did it. Not only a no hitter, but a perfect game.
This feat is something that not many people get to see live and in person, and I was fortunate enough to be there to witness it all.
When a no hitter is going on, it's considered jinxing it if you mention the words "no hitter" so I kept my mouth quiet the entire game.
The funny thing was my friend next to me kept telling me how the game was so lopsided and there was no more drama involved. She had no clue we were close to witnessing something that had only happened 21 times in baseball history.
So for one night, I was that little kid and fan once again, cheering at a spectacle that was larger than life. It's too bad these type of moments don't come often. But then again, it's because these type of moments don't come often that make it so special.
Thank you all for going out to Track and Field yesterday, hope you had a good time soaking up the sun. We hope to have full results later in the week.
As the summer rolls around, I will try to keep it interesting for those who still visit the blog. Thank you very much to all of you who continue to do so through the down time.
This week, we'll do some looking back at the school year that was and we will release some All-Star Sunday video finally.
But for today, check out this opening montage from CBC, one of the networks in Canada that airs the Stanley Cup. What a great piece of editing. I am very jealous.
And if you are interested, Game 6 is tonight on NBC starting at 5 p.m. The Devils look to force a Game 7 against the Kings. LA is up 3-2 and can win it all with a victory tonight from Staples Center.
Come out to the final event of the year for the annual CYO Track and Field meet. It starts 12 p.m. on Sunday at Riordan. Click on the images below to see your events.
If anyone didn’t know,
Bryan Cheung is St. Mary’s current Athletic Director and has been
for the past 5 years. In these 5 years we have learned that Bryan is
100% Pure Man! Just kidding! Hahaha!
Bryan has managed to bring
this school of just basketball to a school that not only participated
in basketball, but also volleyball, soccer and baseball. And oh wait
I forgot one, track. Believe me when I say it was never easy for
Bryan to convince the children to play a sport they weren’t
familiar with, but with his perseverance we had a team for every
sport, and sometimes too many players where there had to be two
teams.
When there weren’t enough players from St. Mary’s he went
to the neighborhood schools and St. Mary’s Language School to
recruit players. Many thought Bryan was “bossy” and some thought
he was a “bully” to make these children play, but to others it
was all about “opportunity”, the opportunity for them to expand
their fear and knowledge of trying something new and “different”.
There is no doubt in any parents mind that academics play a huge
roll in something we call “life”.
Playing sports is not as
critical as academics but it does help mold an individual; it helps
with their character, management of time between homework, games and
a social life, that “I” is not part of “Team” and the
pressure.
My daughter, Marissa, was a perfect example of this. She
loved the game of basketball and would be at her sister’s practice
every week. Finally at 5th Grade she had a team. Then in 6th Grade
she pleaded with us to allow her to play soccer (a little scary given
she was the only girl on the team) and volleyball.
We were a little
skeptical as keeping up with homework might have been a little
challenging with all of the practices going on. The condition for
her to continue and play on all of these teams was that she
maintained her grades and was able to keep up with her studying. In
7th Grade she added to her plate another team, playing on a
basketball team in an Asian organization. Not only did she manage to
keep up with her homework and her grades but she was also able to
have a social life and hang out with friends and do some chores at
home.
Marissa is about to complete her 1st year in high school and
was part of and contributed to an undefeated basketball team; without
Bryan’s encouragement (and of course guidance and support from her
parents) of challenging what she could be and reaching for the stars
she may not be where she is today.
As I have mentioned at
Sports Awards Night, Bryan has brought this Sports Program a long
way, in no way was it an easy road, believe me, I know. The
countless conversations we had of “how to we get more St. Mary’s
participation”, etc. Rides were also a huge factor in getting
parents to agree to allow their child to play. On several occasions
Bryan single handedly drove around the City just to make sure the
“squad” was on time, present and ready to play. As mean as he
was with these kids he really had good intentions. It taught the
children when you commit to a team or anything in life you follow
through. It is important for the players to know they can count on
each other and not question whether someone will show up or not.
Bryan has a heart of gold
that no one knows and realizes. Unless you spend time with Bryan,
you would think he is mean and just wants to fill that team! I can
honestly say with all my heart that is not the case.
He may not
always show it but he does cares. I specifically recall the support
Bryan showed towards my family about a year ago. My dad was
diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and at first I thought I would get
some smart remark; but instead I got “I’m sorry Mrs. Yu, please
let me know if there is anything I can help you with”. The next 3
months were absolutely gut wrenching for the family.
If anyone knows
Bryan he doesn’t like and feels uncomfortable to be around “sick”
people, but he came by the house on numerous occasions just to say
“hi” to my dad and hang out and bring my children non-Chinese
food. He felt equally important that my children continue to laugh
and keep their spirits up regardless of what was happening in their
lives. He called just about every day just to see how things were
going or if he could help drive my busy children to their activities.
He even called my daughters to check in to make sure they were okay
and if they just needed someone to talk to. No words can explain how
grateful we were just to have him around.
Bryan’s humor even
helped during that difficult time, and we all know he could come up
with some weird jokes, but nevertheless it helped. (Sorry Bryan I
exposed you do have a heart!)
Bryan’s commitment and
dedication to St. Mary’s Sports Program has truly been an amazing
experience for anyone involved. At Awards Night, yes we know it can
be long, but it is great to see him acknowledge each and every one of
the players, as well as the coaches. Finding the right coach is not
easy either, but he does. Not only is Bryan an inspiration to the
children but so are the coaches. With all of the love, encouragement
and enthusiasm they provided, the players truly reached for the stars
and it truly showed.
Bryan’s influence on
these children continues to be immeasurable. Not only are you their
Athletic Director but someone they look up to and respect (even if
they are chewed out for what you think is not putting enough effort
into their game). You will continue to be the magnet between the
children, the school and the St. Mary’s Sports Program. Thank you
for all you’ve done and keep up the great work!
Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals is tonight as the series ships back to Los Angeles between the LA Kings and New Jersey Devils.
There's a good chance I am the only one out of anybody reading this possibly who is watching, but that's the hockey fan in me.
But the irony in all this is, three LA playoff teams made the playoffs, if you include the Lakers and Clippers. And yet the one that will more than likely win the championship is the LA Kings.
They are up 2-0 with the next two games at Staples Center thanks to another overtime game-winning goal.
The game tonight is on the NBC Sports Network, cable channel 81 and Ch. 603 on Direct TV. Puck drops at 5 p.m.
If you're bored, maybe give it a watch.
And if not, enjoy Spurs and Thunder, which is a pretty good series in its own.
Another year, another class has graduated from St. Mary's.
Saturday night, the Class of 2012 said goodbye to St. Mary's as they gathered as a class for the final time at their graduation dinner dance.
I've now gone to the graduation dinner dance every year since 2007 and this one was a lot different than the others in the previous years.
The class was small, small enough to sit together at one small, but big table.
Raymond and Colleen hosted the event and put together a little presentation for a good hour, which I hadn't seen before by any class.
Each teacher, including myself, who technically isn't a teacher,
and according to the yearbook, the sports commissioner, got up there on
the microphone and made a little speech about the class and received a
little token of appreciation from the class.
There was also a raffle, Raymond's mom and her friends did some traditional Chinese dances, a lot of picture taking and a little dancing by all the graduates at the end.
All in all, a very fun night for the graduates.
This was a first for me, getting on the mic to share my memories and thoughts about the class that was graduating. And in all honestly, this was probably the class I was the least closest with because they had only a basketball team from their years grades 4-8, and only this year did the girls participate in volleyball and basketball.
Yet there I stood, with a mic in my hand at a graduation dinner dance, the least likely of all the years.
So off the top of my head, unscripted, I began reflecting about these former 8th graders.
I remembered back in 4th grade, when I came to St. Mary's as the Athletic Director (not sports commissioner) and went into the 4th grade room. It was pretty dead.
I'd try my best to tell jokes, get them involved, do whatever I could to peak their interest, but I would get a lot of blank stares.
I would at times dread going into their classroom because it felt like a wasted effort.
But on the other hand, I started to look at it as a challenge.
Not many of these kids were motivated to play sports and I knew it was going to take a lot more persuading for them to get out there and play.
And slowly but surely, they started trickling in and began to play.
I will remember a Friday night in 2009 at CYO Serramonte when the boys won their very first basketball game. Jason, Raymond and Aaron all playing for the first time. The Shem, Anthony, Hartman and Garrick in their first year playing against boys in the same grade.
It was a phenomenal night, one that I will never forget.
By no means was this grade gifted with the athleticism and pure raw talent like some of the other grades, but everything in life is relative, and they made improvements years after year, and most importantly, these boys, for the most part, continued to play.
I will remember Hartman, the only boy in the class to play baseball and soccer. I will remember how every coach who has ever coached Hartman, always telling me how hard he tries and how much they liked coaching him.
I will remember Sabrina and Lili, Lady Byng winner 2012, who both never played any sports until the 8th grade. Both of them contributed to their teams in a big way and they both played in a championship in the first and final year at St. Mary's.
I will remember Shem, obviously for his corner, but also for how he has grown a lot in this past year. I think having the corner has built his confidence little by little to try new things in life. We will continue with more corner during the summer for those wondering.
And last but not least, I will remember Garrick, aka Brett - Lady Byng winner 2012
I might have told this story before, but I'll tell it again if you have never heard it.
A few summers ago on the reality show Big Brother, one person based his vote for the winner on the simple fact that the finalist always said hello to him.
And folks, that was Garrick.
He wasn't sucking up, didn't need anything from me. But whenever he saw me at school, games, other events, he'd just simply say hi. He just came to say hello. And just for that, I'll always remember him.
Plus he had great school spirit, definitely always helpful, was great on camera as he participated in what I think was one of the funniest Epic Video bits of all time when he lost his name and became Brett.
Take a look if you have never seen this or want to see it again, just hilarious.
Time for the Garrick bit, 4:21
As this class graduates, I came to a realization that this class was different, and in a good way. Would it have been better if everybody played everything? Sure. But this class wasn't that. They were their own identity.
If every class would be gung ho about everything, there would be no challenges and perhaps not even great moments.
And because it took so long to get some of the students in this class to play, their shining moments which were hard to come by, shine greater, and in some ways last longer.
They got what they wanted out of playing sports and were happy and satisfied with their results. And at the end of the day, that's all you can ask for.
I truly believe for the people who played sports in this class, it definitely will help them branch out and make them more sociable people in high school and their experience of being with a team will do nothing but benefit them in the future.
So Class of 2012, good luck to all of you. And believe it or not, you will be missed.
