A good choice but is it the best one?

Anyone else find it, I don’t know, odd or ironic or something, that Sports Illustrated bestowed its Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards on Pat Summit and Mike Krzyzewski yesterday?

I know it’s got nothing to do with Bernie Fine or Jerry Sandusky and the absolute mess two of the more high profile American college athletics programs find themselves in these days but still …

First off, let me say I have no quarrel with the career accomplishments of Summit and Coach K, they have performed their duties with dignity and high levels of success and are likely worthy of any honour bestowed upon them.

But I wonder about their selections as Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.

I guess you can’t say anything for certain or that something needs to solely be one way but it strikes me that it should be, you know, athletes who are given such accolades. Men and women who get on the field of play and do things unimaginably well, either in record-breaking fashion or in one-off accomplishments that are jaw-dropping in their scope.

Coaches, especially American college coaches it seems, are too iconic for me, too lionized, given far too much credit. It’s been mentioned before, it should be mentioned again, their importance and significance is often out of whack with reality.

While I know the selection of Summit and Krzyzewski can easily be defended – and SI’s story here lays it out in typically brilliant fashion – but I also wonder if the choice wasn’t at least – in the back of the minds if nothing else – a way to show that, yes, the NCAA has good people leading the teenagers they are charged with growing into women and men.

A solid message and no doubt true.

I  wonder if this was the right avenue to make it.

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Know who I’m most anxious to see arrive at the Air Canada Centre this week?

No, not the dopey UFC thugs who’ll take over the arena on the weekend and make my life a tad more difficult in trying to get to and fro the start of training camp.

Amir Johnson.

When last we saw the young lad, he was off to relax for a month or so in the summer before having the necessary surgery on the ankle that troubled him most of last season.

I mentioned back then that there were people high up in the HOTH organization who were a tad miffed that he waited to have it done; he wouldn’t have been ready for the start of training camp had it begun on time.

Those same people, who haven’t had a chance to check in with him officially since July 1, wonder what kind of shape he’s in, how he came through his rehab and of all the players, he’s the one causing the most private discussion.

He could come back the same old guy, all bouncy and quick and ready to go.

Or he could not.

Might make for some interesting times around the end of the week for a team that, right now, would be counting on Johnson to play a rather substantial frontcourt role.

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Hey, the Leaves won.

Just thought I’d mention them here today because, well, just because yesterday was such a big hit.

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You don’t think I work hard?

Ace Photog Lucas Oleniuk proves that I do.

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A wee note on the angst of some yesterday that I’d dare talk pucks, or anything else in this little space.

As perhaps I’ve mentioned before, they would like me to branch out a wee bit, to keep up with the silly music and movie and sitcom and cop drama stuff and kind of weigh in the story of the day every now and then.

And I like it, so I will.

But there’s going to be all the Raptors stuff you want, as much of the NBA stuff you want, some Europe some other stuff.

That’s just the way it’s going to be and if ticks some of you off? Well, I guess that’s too bad.

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Speaking of the Raptors, you saw this, right, about James Johnson and Metta World Peace?

Well, the only other interesting thing to come out of the gym yesterday was Solomon Alabi was one of the four guys who worked out in the morning (Jerryd Bayless was planning on coming back at night) and it’s going to be interesting to see where he fits.

He’s one of only four bigs on the roster right now, there are high-ranking people in the organization who swear his talents have increased incredibly and maybe he finds himself in the mix.

Or maybe not.

Look, Solo may have vastly improved – to the point where coaches aren’t worried about him scrimmaging in practice lest he hurt someone like they were last season – but I think they need another veteran big, and should basically rely on three anyway so I’m not sure anyone needs count on the second-year guy too much.

Sure, when the stupid schedule piles up five games in six nights, or when someone inevitably gets injured, it’d be nice if they could feel confident in throwing him out there but in the perfect scenario, he watches and learns and gets maybe a couple of minutes a night.

Good kid, though. He spent a lot of the summer back in Florida working with his college coaches, and former NBA coach Leonard Hamilton, and recognizes what he’s got to work on.

“I worked on everything, worked on my defence and to avoid getting fouls, running up and down the floor, rebounding, getting my legs stronger and try to gain more weight.”

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Okay, just when you thought idiocy knows no bounds, how about this dope.

Some goofy weatherman at some TV station declares – get this! – that if the Indianapolis Colts lost he’d wear his wife’s Colts gear – a wardrobe that consists only of panties.

Now, I understand goofiness in the TV weather business, and I know all about silly broadcasters making silly claims that usually end up biting them in the butt but this guy? This guy is the most foolish ever.

Even 8-Ball knew the Colts would lose.

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Enough Raptors for you?

Just wait, we get the schedule tonight (bet on a Dec. 26 opener at Cleveland, a Dec. 28 home opener since the ACC’s booked for basketball that night) and we’ll have all kinds of stuff on it tomorrow.

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Comments

[doug]

if Sports Illustrated wanted to help out the poor NCAA with it's image, they should have chosen Stanford to do a article on, class program, with not only competitive highly skilled athletes/teams but also a top academic university who expects the same from it's student athletes...

how much pull do coaches have in NCAA athletics, and how lost and sick is the NCAA well check this out,

After nine years at Texas Tech Leach was fired after reports surfaced about his mishandling of players most notable Adam James, son of ESPN College football analyst Craig James. Even with two years off and pending law suits with both ESPN and Texas Tech Leach was hired to a 5 year 11 million contract, making him one of the highest paid coaches in the Pac-12.....so anyone that tells me that the NBA needs a age restriction and that these kids need NCAA coaching, and the college experience give me a break, the list of coaches being fired, sanctioned etc is staggering and it's all about money and greed...integrity and sportsmanship left the building long ago..that's why no NCAA sports do I watch, it's a sham plain and simple...

[sam]

Yesterday it was mentioned Ed Davis was bigger, but still bouncy - today the mention was Amir could show up and be all bouncy.
Am I sensing a new Raptor Trend? Bounciness.

Blogger's note: Theme of the season; and a cool word

[Tom]

Hey Doug, I really don't think that you need to justify your blog to anyone. I enjoy reading it everyday, but I don't get why some people feel like they should be able to tell you what to write about. If they don't like it, then do everyone a favour and go read something else or start your own blog. The mean spirited comments are rediculous and childish.

Blogger's note: More explanation that justification but thanks, appreciate it

[Emily]

The NCAA thing is one of the ways I know Canada is still at least a little bit of sovereign nation. The culture of hero/leader worship has led our southern trading partners into some dark and twisty cultural corners as pedestals which are raised inevitably come crashing down.
Also: Doug, write about whatever you want. This isn't that new, as those of us irregulars who have lived through numerous painful (i keed, sort of) DWTS references will attest to. Leaves can stay on the trees.

[Paul B]

lets hope the raptors dance pack remain bouncy, they may be the best act on the floor this year.

[Peter]

Now if everyone who complained or questioned yesterday (and yes I was one of them) would come back to compliment today, the world would be a better place. If blog's like today's entry are mixed with more mentions of other sports, or more cultural references, I'm a perfectly happy guy. Today's blog was exactly the type of thing that I love to read in this little corner of the interweb. Great job! Thanks for all you do!

[ollie]

I think you should rethink your moniker of "thugs":

UFC related molestations/abuses = 0
NCAA related molestations/abuses = 2 very recent

just sayin....

Blogger's note: Apples/oranges. Just sayin ...

[511]

Mentioning the Leaves “because yesterday was such a big hit”. Ok, that got a cackle out of me. In a lol kind of way.

And ... the weatherman. Something tells me he feels a need to model his wife’s underwear on TV. Scratching two itches there, I have to suspect.

[David in Oakville]

Sheesh... what some people call work! I would love a padded chair to sit on.. my brother makes me sit on a rock... (in honour of the pythons yesterday)

Nice story on JJ and Metta... I think underneath all the zaniness, Metta is a really decent human being.

Looking forward to seeing the schedule tonight.

@Paul B. Amen brother!

[Mike D.]

Doug, that pic is solid evidence of your work ethic: not even a Barq's in sight!

[Ben]

The thugs comment is a tad unnecessary and inaccurate.

Aside: Can we expect a similar Doug Smith related promise like that weatherman made? Raptors opening night maybe?!

[Lorie]

Morning Doug!
Now, I haven't read the article, but it does seem as though two awards that should have gone to athletes were hijacked in efforts to maintain donations. But that's my very cynical, uninformed opinion. I'll have to read SI later. I like that the Raptors have a theme and that it's to be bouncy. Lots of good things have bounce: we talk of bouncing back from setbacks, a bounce in the economy indicates positive, upward momentum and Tigger had lots of it. Have the Raptors had a theme every season? Can you recall what any of the others were? How did we miss knowing what they were? (And great photo! You're both looking very fit! Now, can we have a caption contest for what we imagine you and Jose saying to one another? Was he inviting you to a game of HORSE? Cheers! Bouncy ones!!!

[LeeZ]

I'm guessing you didn't get a chance to see Solo in action, but you did see him, right? If so, does it look like he's added weight and/or muscle? On the list of things he said he needed to improve, how about agility? The ability to control his body and where it went would be a good start.

Blogger's note: Saw him run, looks a bit bigger, not much else to see

[Chi of Steel]

US Congress declared pizza a vegetable. By that same logic, coaches are athletes.

[Steve]

nice Chucks!

[Emily]

Pat Summitt and Coach K may not be athletes but they have contributed to elevating sports to the next level.

It is not the first time coaches have been selected as "Sportsman/Sportswoman of the year" as Don Shula received it in 1993 for being the Winningest NFL coach and Pete Rozelle was awarded in 1963 for the NFL expansion.

I encourage people to read SI's article on these 2 coaches as they have made achievements on and off the courts.

[AT]

Doug,I think motherstar should buy you a new pair of shoes...

.

[m]

What's the next level?

[SheikYurbouti]

Since it's Sportsman/Sportswoman, not Athlete of the Year, I see no problem with choosing coaches, but it sure does seem coincidental given the NCAA scandals.

Good news on James Johnson picking up pointers from an experienced guy like Artest (sorry, he's done nothing as his new name). The guy may be a nutcase, but he's got some things to show a guy like JJ.

Thanks for giving us another tidbit to look forward to. If Alabi has improved "incredibly", I'm sure anxious to see how the young man performs. I'm curious how the powers that be know this though. Weren't they supposed to be staying clear of the players?

Did you really mean to call the music, movie, etc. inserts "silly"? They've been a great source of information and discussion, shared by many irregulars, especially during these dry times. Maybe I'm taking the point too seriously, but I'd hate to think you've been toying with us over what you feel is silly chit.

Blogger's note: Of course, I haven't, sorry if the word struck you as wrong. Not my intention

[m]

Speaking of hockey, how cool was it for Eric Cole to hand rookie Louis Leblanc his credit card and tell him to get his parents down to LA for his first NHL game.

[SheikYurbouti]

Thank you Doug. I thought I was being too sensitive (a space I seem to be visiting too often), but had to ask.
Cheers, Go Raps!!

[doug]

when I hear the word bouncy I have to admit the first image that comes into my mind or 2 actually are Pamela Anderson on Baywatch or going back a bit farther Bo Derek in 10..coincidentally both ladies running on the beach....so if the word bouncy is the word/theme of the year I am all for it....

[GM]

I like how Johnson called him Ron Artest and throughout the article you referred to him as Meta World Peace. I know he legally changed his name and all, but couldn't we all just agree to call him Ron Artest? It's not like we're talking directly to him. Then again, I still refuse to stop at Nene; I always add Hilario.

[Kball]

Commenter Doug: my first thought when I heard bouncy was Tigger ... I guess having three kids under 7 impacts where my mind goes.

[doug]

@kball good for you, your mind is in the right place considering your situation and your one lucky dude/gal...