There are many in the metroplex questioning Mark Cuban now.  It reminds me of when I coached sports.  The difference between the head coach and all others is that you must live with your decisions as the head coach.  Whatever you decide, it's on you.  Pull the pitcher out too soon, leave him in too long, selecting your starting rotation, your reserves, minutes to be played, on-side kick, field go vs. going for it on 4th down.  (please be aware, I'm mixing concepts from various sports besides basketball and my analogy of the head coach will be applied to Mr. Cuban and I'm aware he's not the head coach).   Personally, I rarely question a head coach.  I think that may be based on having served 6 years of active duty in the Marine Corps and understanding the concept of team.  That there are leaders and these leaders will make requests that you may or may not agree with, but nevertheless, the orders must be executed to the best of your ability.  I mean, really, isn't that what YOU would want if YOU were leading?  How could you have knowledge of success or failure if those that are following don't buy in?

It would appear that the eggs were being laid to attempt to go after Dwight Howard and now, he has an injury.  Who could have known, after all, he is known as Superman.. isn't he?  It looks like the cryptonite of the ever present lower back problem has struck Mr. Howard.

"Be thankful in all things"  Maybe we should be thankful that our city experienced its first basketball championship EVER.  I lived in LA when they had the likes of Jabar, Johnson, Worthy, and more. Showtime they called it, and the poor Dallas Mavericks were so competative, but not enough.  Then, Miami appears on the map of basketball dynasty potential.  How many championships?  That was the question, it wasn't whether they would win, it was how many.  The only thing to stop them from this rule and reighn was a team from Dallas.  No one gave them a chance.  The last time Dallas was in the championship, it was against this very same team, but a team that did not include the NBA's brand boy, "King James".  Surely, the same Dwayne Wade PLUS Chris Bosh PLUS King James would put this joke and inferior team away... wouldn't they?

Personally, I will NEVER forget that championship.  There are many others I've forgotten, but, not this one.  This one was special.  To the Dallas mavs that made it happen, throughout the entire organization, I thank you.  I thank you for not only winning, but winning with class. 

Whatever happens from this point forward is gravy.  Now, I am human, and at some point, I'll get hungry again; but for now, I still have some meat between my teeth.

Mavs in the playoff... what say ye?

The Mavs are in their 12th consecutive playoff berth.  I've been in Dallas since 1994.  Soon after that, I would do work for Guy Medrow who was a season ticket holder and would be blessed by receiving several game offers in trade for web work.  It was when good ol' Stevie Nash was here and the Mavs were finding themselves.  A fresh and young Dirk Nowitzki with all the promise of being one of the great NBA players growing in stature and maturity.

Now, I attend the games, and I sit in the press box.  I've tried different techniques while watching the game.  I'm trying to find myself.  Do I focus on statistics?  As I watch the game, I sometimes track various unreported statistics.  You know, you can see that a team gets a count of rebounds, makes a percentage of shots, where the shots are that are being made and all of that is an attempt to provide the pieces of a synthetic statement of what has happened.  The theory goes on to say that IF things continue as they are and have had similar patterns in the past, then, the present is predictable.  For example, let's say that the Mavs are up by 10 points at the conclusion of the half.  Furthermore, let's say that statistically, when the Mavs lead by 10 points at the half, 79% of the time, they hold the lead and go on to win the game.  When you observe that kind of a statistic, you begin to assume that the game is mostly in hand.  Then, the other team comes out of the locker room and they go on a 7-0 run, thereby cutting the lead to three.   You find a statistic that says, "when a team opens the third quarter and goes on a 7 - 0 run...."  Get my drift?

I watch the game and the patterns and statistics are present; but, not always primary.  Here's kind of how I observe and collect my observations checked by the data.  It feels/seems like Dirk isn't shooting the ball as well as he did in previous years.  Is it just a feeling?  When I research, I notice that percentage comparison wise, Dirk shot .517 last season and .456 this season.  His percentage is for this year is "absolutely" lower than the previous season.  But is that enough to form a conclusion?  What if in 2010, more of his shots where within 17 feet of the basket on the average.  For many players, the closer you get to the basket, the greater the chance is that you'll put the rock in the hole.  (Note: Jason Kidd may be an exception to this).  

The measurements are typically offered in three positions: 

1. Points in the paint,
2. Points NOT in the paint that are WITHIN the three point arc,
3. finally, Three pointer. 

There is a bit of a distance from the paint to the three point line.  What if defense analysts have taken a position to their teams to say, keep him (Dirk)  in front of you, and instead of trying to block his shot, focus on body position and not allowing penetration.  Or, what if Dirk has figured out that the season is where you work on your playoff preparation and you don't want to necessarily give too much during the season so that the body will be there for you in order to respond when the call to duty arises.  What if, now, as an NBA champion, there's no more worries about the monkey on the back saying that greatness is not being one of the top scorers of NBA history, but, to have won a championship, one against the Miami Heat in their signature year of integrating "the three".

And so, here's where I must make the move to either speak and write as a fan who has the privilege of spending time with the team in the locker room and stand in awe of this opportunity, or look at this as a sports journalist and watch to see if I've got this right.  Is it hope that I would project that the Mavs can do well in the playoffs based on a theory of Dirk having acquired an understanding from history or is it the boy in me looking for a hero? 

The "x" factor in this is that this is a new team with no history in the playoff.  There are players on the team that have won it all, and others who've never been there.  A team is the collection of players that move in a cohesive direction led by the same man Rick Carlisle.  When you watch this season as it's come to a close, I have noticed that the rotations are still in flux.  I sense, that's part of the greatness of Rick Carlisle.  He has a stubbornness enough to support Odum for the team's sake and the strength to cut him for that same team's sake.  He appears to have the perfect balance of having the player's back and moving on from the player for the benefit of the team.  Point:  He'll be ready to make the necessary adjustments.  Vince Carter is rising.  He seems like a nice kid.  Speaking of "kid", Jason Kidd as the quarterback continues to be challenged due to his age.  Heck, speaking of age, the team as a whole is "old" in NBA terms.  What will this mean in the playoffs?  What is the best case scenario for experience to take its advantage?

Conclusion:  It comes down to belief.  Belief requires an object, it's not an intransitive concept.  Whatever this belief is for this team, it will be challenged at every possession.  The belief must withstand the scrutiny and pressure that comes with doubt.  The coaches will do their duty and prepare, but, the heart of the individual will have his own demons to wrestle.  Is Dirk still hungry?  If he doesn't succeed, he's achieved the goal last season.  Is Jet's determination enough to spread to the rookies and younger players?  What are the unspoken things?  Are there more doubts than belief?  Since this is the first playoff for this team, in my opinion, the first game regardless of where played will provide the answer.  If they win the first game, they will win the series, if they lose, the same will follow.  The first game, they will lay it on the line and give it their best.  If their best is good enough, they'll have established  their belief for that series.  If they lose, the doubt will win.  Ah, but what about will?  Who/What is the will of this team?  Last year, there was Berrea and Chandler to support Jet and Dirk.  This year, Delonte West appears to bring that refuse to lose mentality.  Where is the Chandler replacement?  If Brandon,Mahinmi, or Haywood don't bring that iron will, the Mavs will fail.  So, that is my analysis of the Mavs heading into the playoffs.  It will be a question of Belief and Will.  The answer will be provided in game #1.

Anger... what a waste of time

I'm in the elevator needing to go to the top floor of the Mavs stadium where the press sits, then, I need to go all the way to the bottom floor where the press eats and meets with the coach and players.  I keep thinking, why do I have to wait for these folks that have nothing better to do than to get on the elevator and stop at all the floors in between..  Afterall, I got important things to do.  I mean, just one floor up?  Really?  I'm thinking, jump and grab the rail above you and do a chin up and get yourself up there without taking time from my elevator experience.

I'm driving to the game, I'm in a hurry because, of course, I left at the LAST possible moment.  There's a red Ford explorer taking two lanes.. tyring to decide whether he should park in the blue lot or proceed ahead.  I mean, it must have taken a good 20 seconds.

Then, there's the normal everyday things.  Hearing that person next to you chewing on gum, coughing, sneezing, itching, or whatever that sound was.  I'm thinking, I'm going to get sick... I just know it.  The sneeze is propelled into the air, enough of a mist that any car painter would covet that as a compressor he'd buy in a minute.  Then, the cough into the hand, put that same hand out to shake yours, grab the door handle, touch the shared stack of cups, the handle to the fridge.  I'll stay away from the bathroom so I don't make you too nervous.

And how's about people that assure you that they're going to do something that they never do?  Or those that swear they'll be on time just to be late one more time.  And, they seem insulted when you call them out for being late.  Go figure...

Getting on the highway going home, a car passes on the right.. on a shared lane!  I get angry... enough I said, enough is enough, so I speed up and pass that dirty rotten no good son of a gun.  I thought about .. how can I display my anger... No, not the universal flip off, I don't do that... I could sneeze at him but going 80 miles an hour (how far would I travel in an hour anyway?), it'd spray back in my face.  So, I think how's about a long stare where I smile as I pass him in my very fast 6 cylinder firebird.  I decided, that's what I'll do!  So, I pass and look to my left, ever so slowly passing inch by inch with my beady eyed eat crap smile. 

I then see him smile back at me.  I'm thinking, I know my hair is long, surely he doesn't think I'm a chic, I've got my gotee freshly died black so you can't miss it.  Then, I notice he's looking at me and further down the road to the right.  When I decide to finally break off my sarcastic smile and stare and realign my head to see what's in front of me, of course, on the right side of the road is a patrol car.

Anger is a waste of time. 

Gee, I thought I was getting better...

So, the Mavs beat Houston again, a real positive experience.  The game started pretty rough, they started by trying to go through Dirk, his shot was flat and Scola seemed to be just agressive enough.  Seemed like Coach Mchale's attack was to maybe try to wear Dirk out by making him play both ends of the court.  Scola was on fire and appeared to be unstoppable the first half.  Eventually, they tried to go through Vince Carter who also was struggling.  Jason Kidd didn't take a shot until 50 seconds left in the 2nd quarter.  This perplexed me a bit.  Jason is probably somewhere between a 37% to 45% three point shooter, they were sttruggling, so why was he passing shots?

I asked Rick Carlisle that question.  He was not pleased.  He said, "is that an observation or do you have a question".  I replied, "Should he have shot the ball more?"  He didn't like that follow up question either.  I did feel embarased, some laughed due to the nervous energy in the room, but, after all is said and done, I'd rather have an experience than no experience.  I'll get better. (I thought I was getting better), but, I think the key I've learned is, I'll do what I do as I observe a game.  I'm developing and improving my system.  Afterwards, I need to take what I've gleened and lead a question into the observation rather than stating the observation.  We'll see how that goes next time.

I spoke with Lamar Odom and Jason Kidd and it was pleasant, and we'll talk about it on air, but, all in all, still a FANtastic expereince.  I'm a FAN first, and a journalist second.

A dream achieved

Are you a sports enthusiast?  Did you ever wish that you could watch your favorite team play a game and then actually speak to each of the players after the game to ask them why they did what they did when they did it?

If you answered yes to the questions above, I want you to know what it’s like.  On Saturday night, I went to the Maverick game, a game they pretty much had control throughout the entire game and posted their 3^rd victory in a row.  I was privileged as a co-host to Robin Valetutto on KVCE radio 1160 on the AM dial to attend the game with my press pass.  The press pass, like Wayne in Wayne’s World, allowed me into places that many wish they could occupy.  I navigated through areas of the stadium that were titled, “Media Dining” and so on.  As I rounded the corner, I could see the post-game show with Bob Ortegel being filmed, and ESPN radio to their left.  Robin and I walked down the hall further as I could see fans looking from the outside in, shooting phone camera video of this inner closed off area which led to the press room.  Like a child in a candy store, I turned to Robin and said, “I’d like to go and take some pictures of the TV show being filmed”, she politely responded, “let’s get settled in to the press room and then you can go back and get your pictures.”  I grabbed my seat and settled our stuff in, and I left the room to go back down the hall to see the live post-game show being shot and there was the head coach Rick Carlisle walking towards me.  The best I could collect myself was to look at him and say, “Nice game coach.”  He replied, “Thanks.”  I figured I’d better get back to the press room so that I wouldn’t miss that time where he was going to address the media and rushed back to the room.

I entered in the room and quickly scurried to my seat.  I could see the door open from which location the coach would enter.  I could see him speaking with Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odem’s wife.  It seemed a bit surreal that I was seeing people in life that I had formerly only seen on TV.  The next 5 minutes, various journalists asked questions about the game.  I was thinking, should I?  Should I ask a question?  Then, the only question I could think of was asked by another.    I shot the experience on my iPhone4 video camera.

While I was soaking this in and walking on air, I’m thinking Robin’s leading me out of the AA center to start walking to the car for departure and we turn a corner and she opens a door.  I mean, this door being opened was both literal and metaphorical.  It was a door that I could personally have never opened on my own, it was a gift.  Time slowed down for a second as I looked straight ahead and I could see Lamar Odem being interviewed about 15 feet straight ahead of me.  It took me a few seconds to gather my senses and realize that I was actually in the Mavericks locker room. 

I can still envision the layout, not to sound weird, but, even the smell.  It smelled like a locker room.  As I entered the doorway, to my immediate right was Brandon Wright.  The rookie center, who had an outstanding game that night.  This guy can jump out of his shoes.  I noticed that he was much leaner than I expected to see.  I could also see what appeared to be a red abrasion on his left shoulder.  I then remembered how he took a fall in the game, so I asked him if he hurt his leg in the fall.  He assured me that he didn’t and I followed up talking about his shoulder.  He brushed it off like it was nothing but then shared with me that he had surgery on his left shoulder.  I’ve personally dislocated my left shoulder some 40 times over the last 35 years, so, I asked if it felt good.. tight.  He said, “Yep!”. 

My eyes panned over to the left side of the doorway.  There was another young player,  I believe his second year, Ian Mahinmi.  He was surrounded by reports, so, I wasn’t ready to engage.  Then, I continued to look on the left side of the locker room and the player right next to Ian was Rodrigue Beaubois.  “Rody” has been playing much better this year and in recent games, has been very good.  The press was interested in him as well.  On this night, he knocked down two shots in the 4^th quarter. 

It was about that time that I noticed that the player’s name was at the top of his designated section.  I also panned the entire room looking for the senior three, Dirk, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry.  Shawn Marion was not dressed that night to play, so I was wondering about the three… where’s their locker, where are they?  None were present in the room at that moment.

Vince Carter then emerged from the shower area and walked back to his section.  His locker is to the right of Jason Kidd’s.  It was here that I learned my first lesson.  Some players evidently like to get dressed BEFORE they speak to you.  I turned to Vince and said, “Great opening shot in the second half”, he looked at me over his right shoulder and said, “Do you mind if I get dressed first”?   Oh man, I thought, I just made an IDIOT of myself.  I thought, here was my opportunity to speak to the players, and I started out on the wrong foot.  Of course, I apologized and slowly pulled back from his space and continued to survey other players in the room. 

On the far top right side was Dominique Jones.  A much larger man than I assumed him to be.  No one was speaking to him.  He didn’t play that night, at least from what I could remember, so, I thought, can’t think of what to ask him… AND he was getting dressed.  Wasn’t going to make that mistake again!

I migrated back toward Rodey.. or is it Rodney Beabois?  Never found out.  I remembered how he had two consecutive baskets in the 4^th quarter and asked him about them.  He spoke softly and with a thick French accent.  He maintained eye contact and all of a sudden turns to his left and begins to chuckle.  I turn my head to the same direction to see Jason Kidd poking fun at him because of his comments.  There I was, sharing humor with Jason Kidd.  I’m a quick learner and said to Jason, “I bet you’d like to get dressed before speaking”, and he agreed.  I thought, I’m now becoming an experienced reporter!

After Jason got dressed, I spent about a minute with him.  He is a great speaker, articulate, engaging and to the point with the questions.  I’ll post his interview at a future date, and we’ll be speaking about it on Tuesday night’s show.  I felt about as much of a connection with a person as possible when speaking with Jason, really enjoyed that one.

Then, over my shoulder, the big German walks in the room from his shower.  The rest of the reporters surround him for their time.  I migrated over to listen a bit and figured I’d catch up with him after it thinned out a bit.  A few minutes passed and my strategy worked… I was there one on one with Dirk, a guy that I’ve been watching since he came into the league.  I spoke with him on the radio when Norm Hitzgus first interviewed him when he was signed to the Mavs in his very first year.  The guy I watched mature and grow and lead this team to a championship.  Earlier in the evening, I watched him literally carry the Mavs the entire second quarter.  Their plan was to offer one pass to the low post to Dirk, and he swapped baskets with the entire San Antonio team the entire second quarter.  So, I asked him about that, to which the first few words he said gave me my second learning experience.  He said, “Like I said a second ago…..”  Those words were said politely, yet firmly and yet at a tone where I knew I did something wrong AGAIN.  This time, he was dressed; however, as I would come to learn, I probably should have just shot out my question when ALL the journalists were granted their time.  I had assumed that Dirk being alone was MY opportunity not realizing that the appropriate time to speak with him had passed. 

Nevertheless, in retrospect, I have always coached kids to live and not be afraid.  I could have been overwhelmed by the experience, but I chose to embrace it and go after it.  I did.  I spoke with my favorite NBA players and asked decent questions looking them in the eyes.  No fear, capturing my opportunity granted to me by KVCE 1160 on the AM dial and by the forever gracious Robin Valettuto.

It was well worth it

We threw the benefit show for Steve Cass and everything went as planned.  So well, It was a divine experience.

There are SOOOO many people to thank, I know that I risk missing some names, but, I must do my best.

I'll start with the photographers and videographer.  Carrie Alexander and Diana Stathakis (photographers), and Robert Hansen (videographer).  They went leaps and bounds beyond the call of duty.  BTW, just wait till the DVD comes out, it looks like it's to be awesome.  Carrie never stood still.  She moved all over the place getting some fantastic shots.  In addition to Diana shooting, she and Sabrina formed all the graphical print and digital work.  Additionally, Diana did all the sled work getting things to the print shop, picking it up, delivering items and more.  Robert video taped the bands, interviews, and even played some monster guitar.  When all things were torn down and memories began, he's been like a soldier working to get all video loaded and edited. 

The bands.  Let's go chronologically.  Slick Willie, man these guys were basically raw emotion kicking this thing off.  They were so kind and sensitive, but then when the music started, they exploded with energy and kick'n rock-n-roll. 

Then, Steve himself got up and rocked the floor for 1 straight hour of amazing CLEAN in your face guitar playing.  Accompanied by Dave Porter on drums playing some amazing chops.  Then there was the treat with their steel guitar player, fender guitar player, Paul Sisoon.  Add to that a female vocalist that was as sassy as you can get with a voice from above that was not only in perfect tune, but, was compelling to listen.  And then there was Dale, holding down the groove on that bass. 

Chip then led Texas Underground with a full range of southern rock that brought the crowd to a heightened sensation.  This was followed by Kat Moore, who has had success on the Texas country charts with some excellent original music.

The Reloaded band took the stage and kept the momentum going.  Three guitar players and harmonies that are out of this world.  If you haven't seen em, you must.  Their music is only surpassed by the quality of human beings that they are.

Larry Ross, Jay Trahan lead Stratakatz and boy did they excite the crowd and bring a tremendous show.  They moved about the stage like they were born to do it.  Two lovely ladies singing lead and harmonies provided a visual oasis of gorgiosity!  Add to that Mark on the other guitar moving with a zeal that makes you bop your head with him.

Finally, Sabrina & Gypsybleu took the stage and requested prayer for Steve.  Every person in a chair arose and came to the stage to pray with/for Steve.  May the Lord be glorified and hear our prayer and may we be prepared for his will.  I can tell you that Sabrina was in her normal AMAZING form and owned it from the beginning to the end of her performance.  And may I say a special thank you to Sabrina for her planning assistance and running the silent auction, and never ending friendship to me.  Tony provided 1st class bass clinic with the amazing chops he can put together.  Robert, after having run a video marathon then played on the stage not having missed a note.  Greg, always greg, works tons of hours and still is prepared to give 100% no matter how little rest he gets and I knew that if I needed something, I could go to him and ask, and he would always be ready to help.  Finally, Fernando showed up.  I was so touched that after having been to Europe, I thought surely he'll need to catch up with his family, but, he sacrificed his time and came.  Like a Marine, he simply asked what we wanted/needed him to do.  Thank you Fernando!

Rick Stevens, a special shout out.  I honestly have to isolate and say, he was a clone of me at the gig.  He met with us that morning and whatever I assigned him to do, he passionetly executed it. I honestly could not have gotten through the day without all the things he did. 

Kathy and Mason managed the door.  This was a key point because all who were to buy raffle tickets or be directed to the silent auction began at the door.  They faithfully stood their post and I never had to look twice.  I was provided with ticket counts, dollars collected and whatever things I needed from both.  Mason helped to pack up at the end as well.  NOTE - this is a high school student pitching in!!  And in that spirit, may I commend Jeremy (Greg and Carrie's son) for all his help, and Alisha and her daughters for helping out videotaping and other things).  They say our youth are struggling... not the youth I got to see that weekend!

I want to isolate Larry, Greg, Sabrina, Diana, Carrie, and Robert once again because, they were in this from the beginning and/or were integral pieces during the day of the event.  Planning involved the council and feedback from them all.  Without them, I could not have gotten ANYTHING done.

Lonestar Legend provided the hall with NO CHARGE.  They provided staff, bartender, waitresses at no cost to us AND they also shared from food and drink revenue!!!!!!  Thank you Shan and staff.

John, Kathy, and Vince Villareal, it was as treasure to see you out in the audience.  A friend is a rare thing, a true friend, and sir, you are my friend and I thank you and your wonderful family.

Peter and Marino, my sons, you showed up to support.  I was and AM honored that you were there.  May the Lord bless you in your honoring of your parents.

Robin Valetutto and Willie Martin of KVCE radio, 1160 AM dial.  Thank you for coming out and supporting.  Willie, thank you for the interview and encouraging words you shared with your personal testimony of yourself and your sister.  Robin we thank you for your financial support as well.

In conclusion, if I missed your name, I sincerely apologize.  I may add to this if I think of more, and I may have mispelled some as well.  Please forgive me.  Steve, I pray that the Lord does his perfect will and that whether it's here or there, we will rejoice in him together.

A Benefit for Steve Cass

On December 4th, 2012, we are partaking in a benefit show for Steve Cass.  If it is at all possible, please come and support this cause for I tell you, it is for a tremendous person.

There will be 7 bands donating their time, energy, passion, and music.  Club will be sharing proceeds from Food and Drinks to the benefit, an awesome Raffle and Silent Auction. 

Sabrina and Gypsybleu requests that you come on out and show what an awesome group y'all are. We are so excited about this and can hardly wait for that Sunday, December 4th.  it will be from 3 - 9 p.m..  If you have any questions, please contact us @ 214.673.2751.

Thank you so much ahead of time.