Some notes and some news about the women

More teeny tiny items today, waiting for something of huge substance to happen.

I figure once they get to Vancouver and start getting serious about rotations and lineups and the like we’ll get some juicy stuff; for now, it’s all been about drills and conditioning.

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It was about Wednesday morning, I think, when it first struck me that a whole new defensive system that was being implemented for the lads.

Why? Because the house has been torn down.

Remember last year when they put an outline of a “house” down on the practice court floor to remind everyone how they wanted to defend? To protect the paint, stop penetration and yadda, yadda, yadda.

It’s gone and so is that style.

Not sure how it’s going to work, this idea of more pressure and getting out on your man and trying to chase shooters off the three-point line.

It would seem that with this group – a bit more athletic with the likes of Barbosa, a more experienced Weems and Kleiza has to be quicker than Hedo, right? – trying to force stuff with the defence makes sense.

Can they do it? They better or they’re going to get drilled an awful lot of times.

But it seems that they know there are limitations and problems that will arise.

In a very interesting conversation with PJ the other night, we were talking about “steering” guys and covering up for deficiencies in quickness and the like. And he knows full well, and so does Jay, that they can’t leave anyone out on an island.  

“I think they can do an adequate job when they’re protected by their teammates. But when you’ve got a bad matchup and the other team is going to move you around and isolate your not-quick guy with a guy who has superior athletic ability, that’s when you need to get a second guy there right away.”

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It’s not very often we get to bring you breaking news in this little morning corner of the world but we are today.

The women lost 64-58 to Brazil today over in Czech Republic and now can’t finish better than 11th at the world championships.

Once again, they couldn’t score enough (they shot about 38 per cent) and that’s been the story for about the entire duration of the tournament.

When we were talking to Allison McNeill the other day, the one thing she pointed out when she was asked about what she’ll suggest to the powers that be when this thing’s all over is that they need to play as many games as possible to get used to the level of competition.

Makes sense since the team has no WNBAers, a handful of collegians or ex-collegians and is led by two veterans – Teresa Gabriele and Kim Smith – who didn’t play professionally anywhere last season.

But the truth is that, just like the men, this is a program on the rise; getting out of the first round was a significant accomplishment and while I know there will be a high level of disappointment at how the tournament ended, the big picture looks pretty good.

They’ll get their old nemesis Greece in the final game Saturday morning.

And that, my friends, will wrap up a big summer for Canada Basketball, one in which I think the program gained some momentum among fans across the country.

We’ll take a look at where they are here sometime early next week when there’s been a little time to digest everything.

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Who knew we had so many English majors out there in readerland.

Look, here’s the deal: This is more conversational than formal; there will be flaws in sentence structure, there may be a split infinitive here and there, and there could very well be a spelling mistake or two that creeps in.

Sorry.

But, believe it or not, none of it is done intentionally; I do take pride in anything that has my name attached to it and if there are mistakes, I don’t feel very good about them.

However, there will be mistakes of grammar and spelling and who knows what else.

Tough noogies.

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Okay, so I got one very nice Vancouver travelogue from one Irregular and I’ve been told about a place for great brisket (a personal favourite) and I’ve got something about a Pan-Indian place and I’ll certainly find time to walk the seawall but I’ll take any suggestions for places a busy tourist might hit.

What with practices noon-3 everyday, a scrimmage Sunday and the game Wednesday there won’t be a lot of downtime but there’ll be some and I could use the help.

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Let’s dip quickly into the mail bag, shall we?  

Q: Hey Doug. Just saw the posting about Jay hinting that Kleiza might start, and it got me thinking. Of all the years you have been following the team what was the worst coach vs GM relationship in regards to lineup discussions? I know that BC has built this line up and must have an opinion on how it operates but does he let Jay make the decisions? I do remember back in Year 1 that Isiah and Brendan Malone had differing opinions on lineups - Brendan wanted to be competitive and Isiah wanted to develop.

 

Oliver H, Toronto

A: Worst here?

It’s never been really bad, actually. But there certainly was some, um, dispute between Sam and Rob Babcock over the use of Rafael Araujo. I think, no, I know, Sam wanted to bring him along a lot slower than his boss did and the coach, doing the right thing, bowed to the request of his boss.

Brendan and Isiah did certainly have a breakdown in communications late in that first year. I remember very late in that season, Brendan was miffed about being hounded to play kids who couldn’t really play and send out a lineup that was, um, unique. I can still remember the look on Isiah’s face when we interviewed him at halftime in the media area of The World’s Worst Basketball Venue.

And, as I recall without even going to my guide, they lost by 40 to Orlando that night.

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How much does this suck?

Finally get to see some live sports on TV at an ugly hour of the morning (6 a.m. comes early around these parts) and there’s stupid rain in Wales.

Grrr.

I’ve got the Euros in the Ryder Cup, by the way.

(Think that’s the influence of covering the Euro-Raptors?)

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Speaking of mail, there’s a five-hour WestJet flight awaiting me this afternoon and I’ll need something to do to pass the time.

(It’s my first foray on that airline, hope it’s a good one).

So click here, write words, send ‘em in and let me have something to do.

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Comments

[hum]

Regarding the competitiveness versus development angle, I hope BC isn't getting a center that will get in the way of developing all our young frontcourt prospects like Davis, Johnson, Alabi... Bargnani even. A Dampier would certainly do that, and I hope BC asked Jay Triano before he made a decision.

[BC]

Re: Westjet. The satellite TV is going to kill you, Doug. You are right in the middle of watching something and BOOM -- the signal goes. You have been warned.

[Alan C.]

I can't say enough good things about Westjet, Doug -- I fly them whenever possible. I would echo the Dampier comment above. Insurance, maybe, but not as a major player barring injury.

What's your take on how they would use him?

Blogger's note: Tough to say, he'd probably be their best post defender. Haven't really talked about it with anyone.

[Baljit]

We are the "Toronto Raptors"

[Kelsey]

I approve the Dampier if they can get him. This just allows other players to be basically trade bait. Toronto has not had a REAL centre. Who can defend a be tough since A Davis(and he was 6'9).

Im not sure I want to hear about Klezia in the starting line up.

Im still baffeled the BC extended Bargnani early. It was a bad move I believe. I cant see this being more than a 3rd option on a team. I hope he can prove me wrong, however I highly doubt it. If this guy doesnt improve his rebounding then I will write him completely off. Hes not a bust pick but again Rudy Gay would have been much nicer..

Oh yeah..I know this is Toronto Start, but our sports radio station in Toronto has gone made putting that nut case Krystal on.. Thank goodness E smith show comes on at 9am.

Lets go Raptors!!!

[yertu damkule]

'I think, no, I know, Sam wanted to bring him (Hoffa) along a lot slower than his boss did and the coach, doing the right thing, bowed to the request of his boss.'

Doug, are you saying that Sam did the 'right' thing in not bringing Hoffa along as slowly as he would have liked, or that it was the 'right' thing for Sam to do in terms of keeping his job? Because clearly, bringing him along quickly wasn't the 'right' thing for his (Hoffa's) development (though it could be argued that it wouldn't really matter how slowly he was brought along, Hoffa was Hoffa...).

Blogger's note: I think Sam bowed to the wishes of his boss against his own better judgement.

[Geoff Read]

Hey Doug,

Great blog today. You are exceptionally good at finding nuggets on both personnel and strategy for the hardcore Raptors fans. Kudos.

What do you think of Dampier in the Raptors lineup? Isn't he the kind of slow moving big body that will hamper the new up tempo style the Raps are supposedly going to employ?

Geoff

Blogger's note: Maybe a bit, but I think the stuff he'll give 'em at the other end might offset it a bit. And it's not like the rest of 'em can't, or won't, run.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug,
Lucky, lucky you - there is lots happening musically in Vancouver while you are there: Slash, Alice in Chains, Jack Johnson and Brad Paisley are all in concert this week. But if you like your music a little more laidback, the jazz, seared halibut and Chubby Checker Martini's at Capone's are pretty sweet. Salut!

[kiwi Andre]

I like the defensive change. Aggressive, even reckless, perimeter pressure is more fun to watch and more fun for the players than sagging and defending the paint, even if its too reckless and they get burnt more often. If the players get tired, sub in a new team hockey style. More fun.

[John]

Why are so many against the signing of Dampier. Since when did competition hinder development. Is it not safe to say that if the younger players cannot earn minutes with Dampier in the lineup, then maybe we shouldn't be developing them. Do we want another team of Joey Grahams here. It seems like some people think we are sitting on a stable of future all stars that we found in the D league. It's ridiculous, how about we just try to field the best team possible given the circumstances. Really? Dampier is going to hinder Bargnani's development? If that's the case, I think the Bargnani ship has sailed.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Morning Doug,
So, glad to see you've survived that cyber-swarming by the grammar keeners yesterday. Think they're classmates, P.O.ed by a pop quiz on gerunds gone terribly wrong? That'd be my bet. Stick to your inimitable, decidedly non-lugrubious style, and write on, dude!
Do you think they threw out the house with the Iavaroni? And is PJ in charge of the "steering" committee this year?
Cheers. Go Raps.

Blogger's note: Yes, the house moved with Marc

[Steve G]

Dampier won't slow the Raps down because the person guarding him will probably be just as big/slow as he is.. so it would end up being a wash.

[Lindsay]

Doug go play the pitch and put in Stanley park it is fun and fast and they don't seem to mind if you have a backpack ready to go. Then relax at the Silvia Hotel afterward looking our over English Bay, if you are lucky you can enjoy an adult beverage from the newly crowned Canadian Brewery of the year Central Brewing from Surrey BC.

[LeeZ]

Brisket? You want brisket? I'll tell you where to get the best brisket: 2nd Avenue Deli in New York. Incredibly good. And if your taste in brisket runs more along the bbq lines, you HAVE to check out Virgil's BBQ in Times Square. Best bbq joint EVER, and their ribs are to die for as well. I realize that NYC brisket options won't help you in Vancouver, but store this away for the next time you're in Gotham.

[LeeZ]

Just saw this on realgm. Quite funny.
The NBA is implementing a dress code upon its coaches this season.
Coaches can no longer wear mock turtlenecks under their suit jacket, as they will be required to wear a collared shirt.
"I want them to at least name the rule after me," Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Somebody has their Bird rights. Larry Bird got that rule named after him. I want it to be the Van Gundy Rule."
"I don't like that," Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I really like Stan's style. I thought Stan really set the bar for the dress code. I think he should stay with that. I think it's nice."

[joe]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for the tidbits on the Raptors new defensive strategies. Pressure D is high risk/high reward. It works really well if you have athletic players like Oklahoma City. Otherwise, as you mentioned Doug, you get burned really fast and allow a ton of fast break points. It should be fun to see if it works out.

[doug]

well you can never go wrong visiting Granville island...just a eclectic mix of shops, food ,and more importantly people...oh and home of the Granville Island Brewing Company which has some truly fine brews...and the parks, area around UBC campus are worth exploring such as Pacific Spirit Park...or for a taste of reality venture down to east hastings make a couple turns then bam in Gastown sort of a eye opening trip, in a lot of respects...

[capt kirk]

Eh Doug, sounds like PJ is in favour of the zone D to try and hide our not so quick guy. Any chance of a in game Q&A for Wed?

Blogger's note: There is a plan to do a live blog thingy off the game if everything works well.

[doug]

also i am surprised you missed the big NBA story...shows how Stern is on-top of the big issues , problems with the league....the coaches have a new dress code,

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/09/30/nba-wages-war-on-turtlenecks-with-van-gundy-rule/?ncid=txtlnkusspor00000002

which will be forever known as the Stan Van Gundy rule, no turtlenecks allowed....it's the only sport where the coaches have to wear suits, we have quality of play issues in the NBA, franchises in financial trouble, diminishing attendance, a collective agreement set to expire...but in the last 2 weeks Stern and the league office have decreed a new technical foul rule(which will be a mess), and now this.....let's just say the NBA's new slogan should be "It's All About Image"..

[Alan Lindsay]

Doug>

When in Vancouver

Check out Antons Pasta Bar

http://www.antonspastabar.com/welcome.htm

Great place, huge protions, get there early or you will be in line

[Angela]

Hi Doug,

I'm thrilled that I'm going to get to see the Raptors out here in Vancouver! I've never been to a game and am looking forward to it, even if it is pre-season warm-up. Bonus is they're playing the Suns and I'll get to see our local hero, Steve Nash, too!

While you're in Vancouver, go to Granville Island and hang out at the Farmers Market, check out the shops, grab a fancy beer at The Dockside Restaurant and Brewing Company. (I like the beer sampler: several 4 ounce tasters...)

Thanks for your blog and your dedicated reporting. I've been following you since I was in a serious car accident 4 years ago and feel like I've had great company during my (slow) recovery. If I see you at the game in Vancouver, I'll try to stop by and say hello.

Yay Doug! Go Raps!!

Blogger's note: Please do. And get well

[DaveT]

Doug,

Check out Guu in Vancouver. Great Japanese gastropub!

[Rob.V]

Duude! No need to explain errors and what you feel your content should be. Sorry (there are no politically correct thoughts at the moment), that guy Chris from yesterday is a complete jack ass!!!... nothing more needs to be said.

Dampier? Why not, this team was sorely lacking toughness, leadership, rebounding, and general defensive ability last season. If they don't sign him (if they can) for a measly $1.2 or $1.4 million then Colangelo is missing the boat... but I dont think he is.

Oh, and I dont think it really matters if this sqaud doesn't fully grasp an entirely new defensive system because the one they tried last year was one of the worst in league history... really can't get any worse, could it?

[Boko]

To have a fastbreak, SOMEBODY has to get the !@#$%^&*()_+|{}:"<>? defensive rebound first!

[Andrew C]

Hey doug - go to granville island in Vancouver if you have the time, its super nice and has an awesome market if you're into that sort of thing... thanks again for the blog! I kinda hope we get Dampier - I'd like to see Bargnani play against him, Amir and Evans in practice, that'd toughen him up a bit.