Hey, remember me?

Hey, catch me up. What’d I miss?

Not that much, it seems.

Great trip, lots seen and lots done but, quite frankly, it’s time to go home. Luckily, there are airplane seats waiting for us later today and things can return to relative normalcy.

But it’s not like I haven’t been paying attention:

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Okay, Canada.

ANDRES LEIGHTON/AP

Jermaine Anderson is doing all he can, it's just not enough.

Caught the bitter end of the bitter Uruguay loss – and that might be the one to keep them out of the worlds – and then the entire Puerto Rico stinkbomb sitting at a nice little bar, the Cactus Club Something-or-other, in beautiful downtown Vancouver on Sunday night.

(If I can find an airport saloon out here before the long flight home, maybe I can see this afternoon’s affair with Argentina; any YVR suggestions greatly welcomed).

Anyway, what’s it all mean?

Well, I know wacky things happen in the world of qualifiers and anyone can beat just about anyone but I have to think it’s going to take three wins in the next four games for Canada to have any shot at qualifying for the worlds through this tournament.

And if you look at past performance charts – and the rosters, results and style of play in this tournament – it’s becoming apparent that Brazil’s the cream of the crop and beating them would be a monumental upset.

So, what’s it come down to?

Well, beating Argentina this afternoon is a virtual must, by my calculations; at least a win there gives them some wiggle room tomorrow against Brazil.

Then they have to get Panama on Thursday, setting up what I can see is a winner advances, loser goes home game against Dominican Republic on Friday evening.

The trouble, as it’s been for Canada since the 2002 worlds – the first tournament that the Nash fellow didn’t take part in – has been spotty point guard play (there really is little depth there) and an over-reliance on three-point shooting.

I know Jermaine Anderson’s doing all he can, he’s got all kinds of skills but this is the relative big leagues of international basketball and sometimes you have to be better than your best.

What would not qualifying mean? Well, let’s deal with that when the issue arises but suffice it to say right now, it’d be a huge blow to a program that’s seeing solid development at the teen level but nothing at the senior level.

The fix? Well, it’s going to take some time to figure out exactly what’s needed to fix things; luckily we’ve got all week to try to figure that out.

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Travelogue time:

I can highly, highly recommend the peak-to-peak ride in Whistler; I’m not a big fan of scenery (I know, that must come as a shock to many) but that’s damn breath-taking and if you get a chance to do it, do it.

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Right, the Raptors.

When we last left ‘em …well, they had Banks for Matt Carroll being discussed and it’s cooled at the moment, or so I’m hearing. But I have to admit, it hasn’t been a week of hard work and the couple of brief conversations I’ve had with sources really haven’t yielded anything of substance.

Other than that, it’s eerily quiet, which I guess is to be expected given the flurry of activity over July and early August.

Most of the players and coaches will start wandering back into town at the beginning of next week to get settled and have some of those “informal” workouts that go on in the couple of weeks leading up to training camp. Some might not get here ‘til about the 21st, which is fine with everyone, as long as they show up in shape.

Generally, it’s the kids who get in early to get used to the city, the gym, the work regimen.

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So, we see two ball parks on the trip and while the game at Safeco Field was way better, the atmosphere at Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver was exceptional and makes one long for a nice Double A or Triple A team in our neighbourhood.

And I can now say I’ve seen the Eugene Emeralds play baseball.

And I can now say I’ve seen two catchers’ interference calls in the same game, something not many of you can say.

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Hey, my man Phil Jasner catches up with an old Raptor, Mike Bradley, in this little note.

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Travelogue, still:

Any vampire fans out there?

Well, part of the reason for the excursion out west was so Super Son and Super Wife could go visit this place, Forks, in Washington and see if they could see any blood-sucking humanoids or whatever comes out of those Twilight books.

Me? I’m the chauffeur and I can tell you this: To get to Forks, you go about five kilometres past the end of the earth, turn right, and you’re almost there.

I swear, the next series of books that Super Son really gets into better be set in Madrid or Rome or somewhere, you know, civilized.

Nice t-shirts, though.

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Oh, if you can find a glass of Scuttlebutt’s Anthony’s Pale Ale or Ugly Ale or Phillip’s Blue Buck Ale, go ahead and order one, they’re quite tasty.

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Travelogue, more (bored yet?):

Do you know if you ride a bike for a couple of hours around and through Vancouver’s Stanley Park after living a relatively slothful life for a few weeks your legs and knees hurt?

But you do see some cool things, like the family of three raccoons wrestling on the side of the bike path. And if you’re smart, you let them wrestle without trying to break up the fracas.

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Okay, guess that’s it for now; gotta get ready to pack and figure out what else there is to report for the next couple of days while I’m trying to get over jet lag.

See ya.

Comments

[Peter]

Oh GOOD!!! You're coming home! Life just hasn't been the same without you!

[GP]

I'm pretty sure Jermaine Jackson does not play for Team Canada as the caption to the picture states. Although with the way they've been playing this week it might be time for a try-out.

[anthony.mackay]

Hey Doug,
Of topic question here, Amare seems to be the most likely All Star to leave his team in 2010. Everyone seems to think the Knicks will sign a couple guys somehow, even with a very bad roster and probably not enough cash once the cap comes down.

Do you see Utah as a dark horse to sign Amare? If/when Boozer leaves they will need a PF which is his preferred position, also D-Williams can provide the same scoring changes for him that Nash currently does. Add AK-47 to the mix who is like a watered down version of Marion back in PHX and suddenly you have a very dangerous team in the playoffs. Okur's range will further open up the paint for Amare's rim rocking antics.

Blogger's note: Utah has no money

[Aditya]

its jermaine anderson, not jermaine jackson

[coachd]

Doug,
Welcome back. Totally agree with your assessment so far of Canada's play at FIBA Americas . The Uruguay loss was especially tough to watch. Spotty PG play and cold outside shooting has been their downfall. But you never know, they might go on a tear and pull off a small miracle. This is a young team with really very few veterans. Give them a couple more years of playing together and the close losses may become close wins. I think you meant to say Jermaine Anderson instead of Jermaine Jackson under the photo you posted.I'm sure it was just a freudian slip, thus exposing your love of the Jackson 5.

Blogger's note: At least they didn't use Tito

[Qouth The Raven]

Welcome back Kotter...

Missed ya.

[Chris]

Doug, are there any other Doug Smiths covering b-ball, or is this a reference to you?

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9998076/Mailbag:-Did-Shaq-squander-the-most-talent?

I like reading Charlie Rosen's stuff (after I've read your blog, of course). The third question in his mailbag was about sportswriters. He named some that he enjoys reading and lo-and-behold, the last name on the list is "Doug Smith".

Figured I'd pass it along in case you miss it.

Blogger's note: I don't know of any others

[Dale Hamill]

Doug,

I recommend the Milestones, which is likely right near your gate.
The three-cheese burger is worth the stop.

Enjoy,
Dale.

[dave]

Hi Doug,

It's a little late maybe but on your next visit to Vancouver try Yaletown's 'Glowbal'. They make a great Kobe Beef Meatball Spaghetti. The lunch menu serves a smaller version which is still great. Check that - Excellent.

Random Hypothetical Question:

Could Marcus Banks be one of the early ones to arrive into town (If he hasn't already)?

Jay Triano is coaching the USA Basketball Squad. How awesome is that?

How much of an impact will Alvin Williams have in terms of poise and development of our guards?

Blogger's note: No one's mentioned when Banks is expected, nor has anyone really mentioned when anyone's expected; no one "has" to be in town until Sept. 28.
Alvin's impact will be significant, I expect

[BrianV]

Wow. Driving your family to the ends-of-the-earth (when u have no interest in said destination).

Your a very cool dad and husband, Doug.

At least Super Son is not reading about boat cruises off the coast of Somalia.

[Legend_ary]

While this article seems to focus on the NFL banning Twitter, it would seem that their policy would also cover media members posting things online (such as liveblogging games).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10322904-2.html

Do you think your bread and butter may be in jeopardy? The No Fun League is usually more heavy handed than the NBA, but the Association has been known to follow the leader.

Blogger's note: There are issues being discussed about immediate postings and the like; but nothing is resolved and I don't expect any change in policy right away

[doug]

you can catch the game right on your laptop at ATDHE.net..yes we are in dire need of a point guard, this team has the parts to be a solid team, the point guard position is a big detriment at the moment...Stanley Park is a park to beat all parks as there is just so much going on, we use to go there on Sunday afternoons, and watch the cricket matches, i never knew diddly about the rules but it was entertaining...your son and wife watch True Blood??..its a must see, a excellent show....plus you ever see the show Eastbound and Down it had a initial run of 6 shows, coming back in January for a full run, about a ex major league pitcher down on his luck(its based on a John Rocker character type but tongue in cheek and with a sarcastic bent), its quite funny, its on HBO so the language is what it is,but its definitely worth watching...

Blogger's note: Super Wife's a huge True Blood fan, I can't say the same for myself. Have seen one episode of Eastbound and Down, it looked pretty intriguing, thanks.

[Matt Phillips]

Thanks for the Blue Buck Ale plug, Doug. I own the brewery out here in Victoria BC, and Im glad you like it.

-Matt Phillips

Blogger's note: It's outstanding, hope it sells well forever

[Mike U]

Hey Doug,

Just curious, how old is super son?

Blogger's note: He recently became a teenager; the fun is about to begin

[Dan H]

Near the end of the season, I was in Vancouver on vacation, worrying about missing one of the final raptors games. The friends I was with decided on the cactus club, meanwhile I just wanted something playing the game. The game wasn't on any of their tvs however I made an early trip to the urinal and lo and behold, the game was playing above the urinal!! Needless to say I made plenty of washroom trips, and watched the final 3 minutes in the washroom! Great food though.

Blogger's note: Excellent food; and the fine bartender had no problem clicking one of the TVs over to the Canada-Puerto Rico game when I asked

[Keith Wagar]

What disturbed me most about the Uruguay game was the coaching. Young Rautens is left in the game during crunch time dispite the fact that he did not seem to be able to throw the ball in the ocean that game. There were better shooters sitting on the bench.

[Chris]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=OffseasonPredictions09-EastStandings

I was very disturbed about this! Your thoughts on it?

Blogger's note: I think season predictions done in August or September are silly

[Kevin A.]

Hey Doug,

I hope you're prepared to face the "I told you so's" from the Raptors doomsayers if they start off roughly. Just took a look at the schedule, and it's BRUTAL:

Opening night against Cleveland
8 of the first 12 games on the road
2 Separate WC road trips in the first 12 games:

@ NO Nov. 6
@ DAL Nov. 7
@ SA Nov 9

Home for one game vs. Chi Nov. 11

@ LAC Nov 13
@ PHO Nov 15
@DEN Nov 17
@UTAH Nov 18

Sprinkle in home games vs Orlando and Detroit and that's an awful way to start the year with a new roster. (Makes for a nice February when they only have 3 road games, though)

[Clutch]

Doug, If you get a chance try Unibroue's 'Blanche De Chambly', you can get it at the LCBO, it's very nice as well :D

[Aditya]

keith wagar:
What disturbed me most about the Uruguay game was the coaching. Young Rautens is left in the game during crunch time dispite the fact that he did not seem to be able to throw the ball in the ocean that game. There were better shooters sitting on the bench.
---

i wish to know the names of the better shooters sitting on the bench....

[Matt]

With respect to the PG situation for Canada, there are quite a few good players from past and present CIS that should be considered. Martin Ajayi (McMaster) was CIS defensive player of year (21.7 PPG, 2+ 3Pters...) and torched Ryan Bell head to head. His speed would allow the shooters on Canada to get open looks (w/o having to create) and his size would not be that big of a factor since how many PGs actually post up in international play. There was a Uruguayan PG under 6'0" in 2007 tournament of americas and he was difficult to guard for most opposing PGs.

[Aditya]

According to FIBA Americas director Anibal Garcia, the organizing committee is satisfied with the way the tournament has been conducted.
"In terms of the [quality of the] game, we're very satisfied," he said. "We haven't had any major on-court problems. Refereeing has been very effective."

can this guy be fired for the saying the last sentence