Greetings from Izmir and some news about Canada

Hey!

Salem.

How’s everyone?

Welcome from Izmir, a city of about 3 million right next to the Aegean that sprawls forever, it seems.

Oh, and it’s 40 C and humid but that’s okay; the air-conditioned comfort of the hotel room will do until I get this done and then it’s time to explore

Anyway …

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So a fella spends about a total of 18 hours traveling and it kind of pays off with – get this! – some news.

Ran into some Canada Basketball folks on the final leg of the journey and they report some very good financial news.

Seems Bell Canada is coming on as a major sponsor – you’ll see the company name on the jerseys when the team plays tomorrow – and that’s huge news.

It’s a multi-year deal that’s “very lucrative” according to the poohbah I spoke to and covers both the men’s and the women’s teams, which is significant.

I’ve been saying all along that organization seems headed in the right direction and some smart company would jump at the chance to get on board early.

It’s welcome news and even though I have issues with Bell (don’t get Super Wife and her cellphone plan started!), it’s good they’re ponying up some cash.

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Speaking of Canada – and this is more news after a long slog to get here – they’ve finalized the roster and made what I think are some wise decisions.

They decided to cut point guard Tyler Kepkay and forward Kyle Landry, which means they’ll have both the young kids Kelly Olynyk and Robert Sacre and guard Andy Rautins on the 12-man roster that cannot now be changed.

Kepkay barely played and the thinking was that they’d maybe get more out of Rautins later in the week if his knee improves than they’d get from keeping the veteran point guard around.

But the experience that Olynyk and Sacre will get is immeasurable and it’s a wise, wise move to keep them.

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Random travel question:

Why do the people who run Pearson – and, yes, I’m talking to you GTAA! – not get it at all?

Don’t they realize that, oh, every day there are a plethora of overseas flights that leave, you know, late in the afternoon.

Wouldn’t these brainiacs think to schedule more that three lanes of security checks – one reserved exclusively for big whigs – open while they manage to leave at least two closed? Honestly, do they not think? Or walk by the check-in at various times in a day to see when it’s at maximum use and needs maximum staffing?

It is, without doubt, one of the least-efficiently run airports in the history of aviation. End o’ rant.

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By the way, I can fully recommend The Pursuit Of Happyness as a fine flick. Sad and emotional at times – nearly brought a tear to my eye during the Toronto-Frankfurt stretch of the journey and that might have been embarrassing.

But still, a darn good flick.

Toss episodes of 30 Rock and Entourage and it sure made an eight-hour flight go a lot quicker than usual.

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This gets to an earlier issue and gives up a dip into the mail:

Q: Quick question regarding any sort of code of conduct that NBA players are expected to adhere to. Is there the potential that the brawl that occurred in the FIBA game a few days ago will net Nenad Krstic some NBA penalties? Surely, the NBA doesn't wish to have its players taking part in public games and be throwing chairs at people; even if they're not NBA games.

Matthew G, Toronto

A: No, the way the Collective Bargaining Agreement is structured in the NBA and because of the working relationship they’ve struck with FIBA, there is nothing the NBA can do. It can be upset, as I’m sure it was at the sight of one of its players throwing a chair during a wild brawl but there will be no repercussions to Krstic from the NBA. There can’t be.

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Okay, I have to say the final leg of the journey – about three hours from Munich to Izmir to cap something like 18 hours from home to the Kaya Prestige hotel – was utterly marred by the incessant crying of a babe in arms.

Yes, I know, parents must travel and kids might not to like to fly but it doesn’t mean I have to like it, does it?

I’m sure this makes me an even more crotchety old codger but, “no kids” flights might not be a bad idea.

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Basketball thought?

I presume you saw the suspensions handed down by FIBA to Serbia’s Nenad Krstic (three games) and Milo Teodisic (two games) and Greece’s Antonis Fotsis (two games) and Sokoklis Schortsanitis (two games) for their part in that wild brawl a week or so ago.

Much hue and cry from both federations, who are whining about the length of time it took FIBA to hand down the banishments, which begin Saturday at the start of the worlds.

My advice to them: Shut up. It was glaringly apparent when the fight started and the chairs went flying that some repercussions had to come, they should be thankful they weren’t banned for longer.

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You know, I’ve just flipped through the dial and there’s not a single repeat of a Law And Order or a CSI Somewhere or Another anywhere on TV.

Nice.

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More random travel stuff then I’ve got to go write for the paper and website and get out and see some of this city since it’s Friday evening already.

Munich airport? Out-freaking-standing. Spacious, all kinds of shops and restaurants, easy to navigate.

Frankfurt? Not so much, under construction, confusing and dingy.

Izmir? Well, the volunteers who are helping run the shuttles from the airport to the downtown digs could not have been more helpful or earnest and that bodes well for the next week.

Speaking of the next week, I better go figure out precisely what I’m going to do with it. Presume I’ll be back at the regular time tomorrow but with trips like this and seven-hour time differences, you never know.

See ya.

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Comments

[Pipit]

Doug, do you know what channel will the USA and Croatia game be televised tomorrow?

Blogger's note: No, I don't. Believe it's one of the many ESPNs.

[Lorie]

Hey Doug,
Great to read you got there safe and sound and look forward to all your reports from Turkey! I sure agree with you about the crying baby on the plane thing and it reminded me of the (ever increasing) list of things I would pay more for: i.e. "childfree" travel, restaurants, shops (love kids, even have some of my own, but there are times and places...), cigarette (I know, I know...) packages without the dire warning labels and ghoulish pictures, shoes, and being able to instantly speak with a real, live, person when I call for any sort of "technical help". Now, are you going to the fabulous Opening Ceremonies? (I hear Cirque du Soleil is performing.) Have fun exploring Izmir!

Blogger's note: I'll be at whatever there is in Izmir, I'm sure

[coachd]

Hi Doug,
Good call on keeping the young guys Olynyk and Sacre on the roster. Both are young, big , skilled and have some definite potential. The team is headed in the right direction ,and with Bell coming aboard things seem to be looking up. Hopefully, they'll make it to the second round, but more importantly, they seem to be laying the groundwork for future success. All in all a good day for Canada basketball. Enjoy Turkey, I spent July in Europe and it was HOT!! Nice to see that nothing has changed.

[Patrick Rutledge]

Hey Doug,

I know a crying baby is a hassle (they cry because they are ultr sensitive to the change in air pressure) and would agree having an option of no kids flight would be great, but think for a minute about a) how much mor it would cost and b) Air Canada doesn't need anymore silly ideas to screw up air travel more.

On Bell, I agree great move and long overdue.

PR

[Mike kovacs]

Franfurt has been under construction forever it seems!

[Mike kovacs]

Oh - I forgot to mention that i am surprised that the powers that be let you have a hotel room that is airconditioned!

[The J]

You didn't get the blog up until 10:48AM? Dude, what's happening? You're totally slipping.
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Anyways, any news from Izmir on whether anyone is interested in Jose? Or why Colangelo hasn't made any moves lately? Or if Pops Mensah-Bonsu might return? Have you heard anything from a random Bosh interview that can get us all furious and angsty? Or have you heard anything about a very specific and random trade rumour I read about on a blog? Or do you have any thoughts on the one I came up with on Real GM?
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Okay, just kidding. Enjoy some time away from Raptors B.S., and enjoy watching some really exciting basketball (I have a feeling you wont see much of it at the ACC this year, so get your fill now).

[RK]

Hey Doug. Welcome to Europe, hope you enjoy Turkey. It's a magnificent country, full of culture and history. Now, I don't mean to be a pain in the bum (and it might have only been a typo) but the names are Miloš Teodošić and Sofoklis Schortsanitis. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[GM]

If Krstic were to be charged and convicted, the NBA could do something, couldn't they?

I empathize with the baby. Sometimes I feel like wailing on a plane myself.

[Jon]

Hi Doug,

Firstly, I hope I’m considered an irregular. Even though this is my first post, I faithfully read the blog and truly appreciate your efforts to keep everyone in the loop with the Raptors and Canada Basketball. I also appreciate your personal your personal interjections and thoughts. Great thanks to Mother Star for sending you to Izmir, as I look forward to your insights into this very important tournament for Canada Basketball.

Which brings me to my second point, kudos for Wayne Parrish, Canada Basketball, MLSE, and I’m sure the many others who have lifted the national programs from obscurity to being on the verge of relevancy. As you’ve said in past posts, it may not be the win/loss record at this tournament that is an accurate measuring stick for the program right now. However, qualifying, having the chance to compete, gaining experience, and building the program is already a success. Keeping Kelly Olynyk and Robert Sacre was the right move and I have high hopes for an entertaining tournament and the future.

Also, I am currently not a Bell customer, but this sponsorship is important enough to make me consider switching my phone, cable and internet services. While I totally understand the pucks obsessed culture in Canada, as someone who played and is a basketball fan, and owes a lot to the game, it is nice to see Canada Basketball gaining respectability, and having a corporate sponsor step up to the plate.

I will enjoy watching the games and look forward to your posts.

[Whitey]

Pursuit of Happiness:
Yes, v/good flick, but I remember about half-way through, thinking: this thing had BETTER end well, or I might have to find a cliff to jump off... :)

[Jeff D]

I must agree with your assessment of the Munich airport...its a sight to behold.

[CC]

i used to get annoyed to crying babies and stuff...now i have my own, I'm more annoyed to people who get annoyed... just sayin....

[Zombywoof]

@Jon:
Go ahead and switch to Bell. You'll soon feel the way that crying baby on the plane felt: miserable.
Doug:
Never heard of Izmir 'til you wrote about it. Then I found out it used to be called Smyrna. Anyway, did some research and it looks like an awesome place. Have fun!

[Leaf fan in Van]

Hey Doug - find the Borsa restaurant, if it's still there. You will thank me later.

[james]

Who plays the point if Anderson can't go? Ryan Bell?

Blogger's note: I'd assume so, yes

[robguy]

May I suggest Bose noise canceling headphones on your next flight!!! No the headphones will not eliminate the baby crying, but it would eliminate the aircraft noise - allow you to listen to the movie at a safer volume and take the edge off of the baby screaming. They are expensive but I love mine.
Hurray to Bell!
One question - does this look like a major event in Turkey? (Meaning does the average Joe talk about it in the streets and do you see the odd jersey...) The Star ran a nice travel article today about Istanbul - looks quite nice. Enjoy your stay and hopefully you get to see more than the inside of an arena!

Blogger's note: No jerseys here yet but signs on buildings everywhere

[Derek Hayes]

doug,
you need to try the iskender kebab. you won't have to eat again for two days.
if you get to Istanbul, go to Kadikoy and Bahariye Street. From there you can find the best fish restaurants in Turkey.