First off the top if you are home late tonight and want to listen to be online on the radio you can check me out on Off The Bench on CJLO. Should be on at 12:15 am. We will talk about the week that was for the Raptors and the NBA.
If you don't follow the blog on Twitter now is a good time. @dinonationblog on Twitter. Seems I had a bunch of spam accounts following me. My followers dropped by like 200. I was like what the heck did i do to offend 200 people? Oh well I still have over 500 real followers(Thanks Tweet Followers) . But there is always room for more.
I have noticed that a lot of Raptor fans are excited/restless for the season to get going. But there is still all of August to get through. There is no rush is there? Not that I would not mind hitting the fast forward button myself. It is not easy to come up with ideas to keep writing a blog each day with very little new to go on. But some how I manage to do it as do others on a daily basis. But after awhile you run out of ways to say that Bryan Colangelo is a pretty smart dude. There is only so many times you can debate the last 2 spots on the roster. You can only rave about Demar DeRozan so much. I mean it is true he has yet to play a game in the NBA. There are only so many Marcus Banks jokes that any one person is capable of.
I suppose we could talk about the WNBA but really do many people pay attention to that league at all. Realistically would it even still exist without the support of the NBA. The fact the Shaq is the guest G.M of WWE Raw to be honest is more exciting to me. The WNBA is in reality much like NFL Europe in terms of it is a league that could not stand on it's own 2 feet. I mean when have I paid attention to the WNBA? Let me think about it. There was that pathetic display when they had a dunk and stopped the game. That was a few years ago. I did watch the debut of Candace Parker. I also watched the outdoor game they held last season. But I admit, the fact Johnathan Coachman was calling the game was more interesting to me, than the game itself. Oh and we had that brawl last year between the Sparks and some other team. I think it was Detroit? They are the Shock right? Not exactly a great set of events to get me to watch is it?
You know what would be cool actually? A Video Game League of NBA players going at. A lot of players are into it and I would watch. T.J Ford is involved in a website of former University of Texas ballers called Texas360now.com. He took on fellow Texas Longhorn Kevin Durant as the two went to battle playing NBA 2k9. Check it out.
Find more videos like this on Texas 360 Now
Sadly looks like T.J took the L. But I think it be a hoot to see a series of NBAers going at it through out the summer. EA makers of NBA Live have had in the past held a 8 man tournament at all-star weekend. There is also a similar style even the NFL puts on for NFL players. From the Raptor prospective I remember when The Score's Cabbie took on CB4 at a game of Madden and was soundly thrashed. Cabbie lost a bet the two had made and had to be a ball boy at Raptors game wearing the old school short shorts.
It's clear baseball is not the answer as the Jays have not been a contender and by the looks of things won't be anytime soon. I personally watch the CFL but here in Hamilton there has not been much to cheer about in years. But hey the Ti-Cats are 2-2 after losing to Montreal last night.
I could throw out the idea of a Canadian Basketball League that could run through the summer months. However let's face it in a good economy would that idea have a snowballs chance of working? In this economy clear there is no chance at all. Hamilton once had a team in some lesser league of basketball called the Skyhawks. I have no idea what a Skyhawk is? I mean is there some form of hawk that does not fly that I am unaware of? Anyway that was short lived. To be honest as much of a basketball fan as I am never even attended a game.
Once Summer Leagues ends you really understand that the dog days of summer are here for the NBA fan. People tend to be so basketball starved that Summer league itself gets overblown. However I am not to the point I was willing to cough up 15 bucks. I know it is tough economic times and all but the NBA charging for that really did not make a ton of sense to me. Thanks to the TSN 2 mess last season most Raptors fans have learned that there are ways to find these things without having to pay the piper so to speak. That will be the first and last time TSN 2 gets thanks in this blog.
Looks like Brent Petway will only be a Raptor for the Summer League. He is taking his game to Europe to play in Athens Greece next year. But I am going to be talking with him for the Dino Nation Blog to get his take on Raps Summer League and his own career.
Got a number of guests coming for the blog coming up. Working on getting bunch of interviews booked. What I do know is Jack Armstrong should be stopping by sometime next week. There has been a demand for him to sign up on Twitter. I doubt I will convince him too. However there is a heck of a lot of lot of Raptor moves to talk about with him. Also going to have Eric Smith coming soon as well. Those are the ones I know for sure. Some others are being worked on as well. I am going to really do my best to load up on guests for August. After all like this whole blog has talked about there is not a lot going on. So that always makes a good time to hear from others and get their thoughts and opinions.
Showing posts with label Brent Petway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brent Petway. Show all posts
7/24/09
7/17/09
The Long Wait Begins
So Summer League is over from the Raps perspective. It is now the start of the long wait till training camp. Last season that wait had some Olympic Basketball to fill the void. Canada was trying to qualify to Olympics. We would then have the Olympics themselves. In this gap of time there will be lots of time to talk about the Raptors and the season to come. I will also do my best as always to line up guests for the Dino Nation Blog's starting 5. I am working on a number of interviews that I hope will come together. Some will be with the regular guests you have come to expect here at the Dino Nation Blog and as always I am trying hard to bring more guests into the mix.
When we have this down time it sometimes makes it easier to get guests and sometimes a bit harder. After all it is the off-season for a lot of our guests as well. Hopefully you got a chance to read my recap of yesterday's game. Holly Mackenzie filed her recap as well on The Court Surfing Blog on Score.com...Check it out.
It seems people like Holly here at the Dino Nation Blog. She is the most searched person or item on our search engine you can find on the right. You can also find a link to the blog's Facebook fan page. I have let things slip in updating it, but I am going to get back in the habit of doing so.
My weekly radio appearance on Off The Bench is now on Friday Night's from 12:15-12:45 am on CJLO. So if you are up late and home on a Friday night give me a listen here. I am always looking for chances to get on the air and do my thing. I am much more comfortable doing that kind of thing. My vocabulary in conversation tends to be better than it is in the written form.
I keep telling myself I am going to take some kind of mini-vacation from working. I always say it but who knows if I actually will do it. If I do probably might take a few days in August to chill. I am going to take the weekend and chill out unless something comes along. Best way to keep tabs on the blog is to follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog.
When we have this down time it sometimes makes it easier to get guests and sometimes a bit harder. After all it is the off-season for a lot of our guests as well. Hopefully you got a chance to read my recap of yesterday's game. Holly Mackenzie filed her recap as well on The Court Surfing Blog on Score.com...Check it out.
It seems people like Holly here at the Dino Nation Blog. She is the most searched person or item on our search engine you can find on the right. You can also find a link to the blog's Facebook fan page. I have let things slip in updating it, but I am going to get back in the habit of doing so.
My weekly radio appearance on Off The Bench is now on Friday Night's from 12:15-12:45 am on CJLO. So if you are up late and home on a Friday night give me a listen here. I am always looking for chances to get on the air and do my thing. I am much more comfortable doing that kind of thing. My vocabulary in conversation tends to be better than it is in the written form.
I keep telling myself I am going to take some kind of mini-vacation from working. I always say it but who knows if I actually will do it. If I do probably might take a few days in August to chill. I am going to take the weekend and chill out unless something comes along. Best way to keep tabs on the blog is to follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog.
My 3 Stars of Raptors Summer League
3rd Star- Brent Petway- Hey I admit that I was pulling for him from the start and he did deliver. If I was being fully objective maybe Patrick O'Bryant could slot in here. But I think Brent earned his spot. Let's just hope he makes the league be in Toronto or somewhere. 14 put in work on the Raptors roster. He also was nice enough to thank both the organization for the chance and the fans for the support. Classy guy and a Wolverine what is not to love?
2nd Star- Quincy Douby- Lot's of jokes from me about the motivation of going to Memphis and what it can do to someone. But whatever the reason Quincy Douby was on a mission. Would have been nice to see him pass some more as was suggested by some. But he did score the ball well and made a clutch shot to close off summer league. He did well and deserves praise.
1st Star- Demar DeRozan- When you are a first round lottery pick you sure hope that you are sitting in this spot. Demar Derozan started off slow but once he got his feet wet he was off and running. Derozan looks to be a guy that wants to work hard and will no be content. In his post game interview yesterday he talked about watching film and looking for ways to improve on what he can. Sure there is room for that but it was a great beginning for the guy I am calling "Heir Canada". Not my nickname but saw it and love it and I am keeping it. Demar proved he is a keep as well.
Keeping it short on a Friday...Enjoy the Weekend Folks!!!
7/16/09
Smile...The Future Is Bright
If you have been not watching summer league you have been missing out on the birth of Heir Canada. That young man smiling in the photo is Demar Derozan after a Raptors 85-84 win. The photo is from @_Chaun(one of my followers on Twitter) who happened to snap the moment as Demar was being interviewed post game. Get to know that smile and that face Toronto because this kid has some serious game. The highlight of the day for me was an amazing put back thrown down that left me jaw on the floor. He also had a dunk that many didn't see live as the feed was down for the first half of the game. Chuck Swirsky who is Vegas tweeted that Demar is the real deal. He even gave him a "that was sick wicked and nasty" tweet. Chuck still keeps tabs on the Raps and he was impressed along with pretty much everyone in attendance. It was another 20 points for the young and talented DeRozan. But it would be Quincy Douby, who under the radar has been having a great summer league, who would hit a shot with less then 2 seconds to go.
My Man #14, Brent Petway was putting in work as well with some solid plays on D. One block set Demar Derozan up for the easy score on the break. It was a nice play. Brent thanked Raptors and the fans on Twitter and there is an outside shot he may end up in Toronto but will see what happens. He was happy to get a chance to show his skills. Something that by his tweet did not happen with the Grizzlies last year. I hope for Brent it is enough to get him in the league. I would prefer with the Raptors but just hope he gets a chance somewhere.
So that is all for summer league, will break it down more in next few days, but basically the guy smiling at the top of this stole the show. The other person smiling is Bryan Colangelo and along with him soon should be every Raptor Fan. This from the fashion file 10 jerseys in Black,Red and White are going to be all the rage in Toronto this fall. You can take that to the bank.
One last thing the Bucks prior to this game were a perfect 4-0 for what it is worth.
7/14/09
Summer Dog Day Thoughts.
So the Raptors get a win in Summer League and keep hope alive of having a winning record. However really that is not the point. It is about seeing what players can do against players on the same level. It is also about pulling for guys like a Brent Petway to make it into the league. When you consider there is only 30 guys drafted in the first round and only 30 more that get no guaranteed contract in the second that is not a lot. There are so many players in the NCAA that play each year that it is easy for some to fall through the cracks. Even guys that played at major programs like Brent.
You also have the guys like a Jamario Moon that went to a school no one ever heard of. That just kept playing ball and never let there dream die. The evolution of the NBDL is a place for all of these guys to keep playing and stay connected to the NBA. I don't know this for a fact but Brent Petway likely ends up on Raptors Summer League roster at least in part because of Nathan Jawai. Nathan Jawai went down to the Stampede the affiliate of the Raptors this past season. Petway played there and has for 2 seasons and likely got noticed. He also has been in the NBDL Dunk Contest for a few seasons winning the first one they ever had.
When people love the game enough to keep playing and trying to make it to the next level you should respect that. I will never know what it is like to be able to dunk and fly like Brent Petway. I played defensive line in high school and my vertical leap is less than a ruler or close to it. There are lots of these stories every summer. So if you follow college basketball try to keep tabs on these guys and still root for them.
There is also the actual elite guys that do get picked in the first round that are getting there first taste of the next level. Demar Derozan being the latest example of that. Admittedly a lot of NBA fans do not watch a ton of college basketball and that is even more true here in Canada. It has come a long way but for the casual fan they may see a guy in the NCAA Tournament and that is all. So you truly get to know a players game and see it for yourself. Prior to that you are just basing your opinion on what people say from various sites and networks.
I find it kind of funny that people already are debating if Derozan can be better than Vince Carter. I had a comment yesterday that said there is NO WAY the Derozan will ever be as good as Vince. Can anyone know that in reality? I am not here to tell you if he will or won't be. However, I will say this much in the short time that Demar Derozan has entered into the Raptors mix, he seems to be a much harder worker than V.C. Carter as many have said is truly gifted and highly talented. However things came very easy to him and I think people would question how hard he truly works at it. To be truly great is the combination of having the ability but also to have the work ethic to go along with that. It appears on the surface at least the Derozan has a much higher level of that.
Heir Canada may never live up to Air Canada. However it is far to early to be certain one way or the other. That being said I am excited to watch this guy try. He grew up as a fan of V.C and just like V.C he cares about is mother and is in the NBA in part to ensure she gets the best medical care possible. She suffers from Lupus and Demar said to help her was part of his decision to jump to the NBA. The whole idea of the nickname "Heir Canada" at least for me is the acknowledgment of Raptor fans that there can be a next one. To leave V.C and his era in the past where it belongs. Demar does have a shot at creating his own legend and story.
In closing today I wanted to mention the Chris Bosh vs Charlie V battle on Twitter to get to 50 thousand followers. I know some people do not like it and see it as silly and childish. Personally I just see it as something fun and take it as such. It really isn't hurting anyone. I think part of the appeal of Twitter in general is the fact that we get to interact with people that if not for internet and the evolution of it we never normally would. I don't think the fact that Charlie and Chris are battling for Twitter supporters has stopped them from working on their games. It is just a fun thing to promote themselves but have some fun with it and get others involved in it. Perhaps it has gone a little further than some think it should. But at the same time in a summer day in July is there really much else going on?
Raptor fans on Twitter tried to get Bryan Colangelo Day to be a trending topic. Is that not pretty much the same thing? Was it a bit silly and fun. Absolutely it was. However as much as we talk about basketball being a business and it is. We still all need to have some fun, be we NBA Superstars, Bloggers or fans. So the Dino Nation Blog is happy to throw it's support behind Chris Bosh in his Twitter battle with Charlie V. Follow @chrisbosh on twitter if you don't already. While your at it follow me to @dinonationblog .
I just think the world we live in is pretty cool. There was no way when I was a kid, to interact with sports stars that I loved as a kid like there is today. Chris Bosh for me has been on of the more intelligent guys and has been at the forefront of using technology to build up himself but also make him accessible to his fans. I have seen people take shots at Chris for all his extra stuff he does with his videos and what not. I just think we have a world that is changing and Bosh is a pioneer in that way. I guess the message of this blog today from the beginning in pulling for a guy like Brent Petway, to the future of a Demar Derozan and Chris Bosh having fun on twitter is don't forget what it was like to be a kid.
Have dreams, have fun and enjoy basketball. It doesn't always have to be so serious and life and death. It can also be just pure fun and joy. Just like it was when we were kids.
You also have the guys like a Jamario Moon that went to a school no one ever heard of. That just kept playing ball and never let there dream die. The evolution of the NBDL is a place for all of these guys to keep playing and stay connected to the NBA. I don't know this for a fact but Brent Petway likely ends up on Raptors Summer League roster at least in part because of Nathan Jawai. Nathan Jawai went down to the Stampede the affiliate of the Raptors this past season. Petway played there and has for 2 seasons and likely got noticed. He also has been in the NBDL Dunk Contest for a few seasons winning the first one they ever had.
When people love the game enough to keep playing and trying to make it to the next level you should respect that. I will never know what it is like to be able to dunk and fly like Brent Petway. I played defensive line in high school and my vertical leap is less than a ruler or close to it. There are lots of these stories every summer. So if you follow college basketball try to keep tabs on these guys and still root for them.
There is also the actual elite guys that do get picked in the first round that are getting there first taste of the next level. Demar Derozan being the latest example of that. Admittedly a lot of NBA fans do not watch a ton of college basketball and that is even more true here in Canada. It has come a long way but for the casual fan they may see a guy in the NCAA Tournament and that is all. So you truly get to know a players game and see it for yourself. Prior to that you are just basing your opinion on what people say from various sites and networks.
I find it kind of funny that people already are debating if Derozan can be better than Vince Carter. I had a comment yesterday that said there is NO WAY the Derozan will ever be as good as Vince. Can anyone know that in reality? I am not here to tell you if he will or won't be. However, I will say this much in the short time that Demar Derozan has entered into the Raptors mix, he seems to be a much harder worker than V.C. Carter as many have said is truly gifted and highly talented. However things came very easy to him and I think people would question how hard he truly works at it. To be truly great is the combination of having the ability but also to have the work ethic to go along with that. It appears on the surface at least the Derozan has a much higher level of that.
Heir Canada may never live up to Air Canada. However it is far to early to be certain one way or the other. That being said I am excited to watch this guy try. He grew up as a fan of V.C and just like V.C he cares about is mother and is in the NBA in part to ensure she gets the best medical care possible. She suffers from Lupus and Demar said to help her was part of his decision to jump to the NBA. The whole idea of the nickname "Heir Canada" at least for me is the acknowledgment of Raptor fans that there can be a next one. To leave V.C and his era in the past where it belongs. Demar does have a shot at creating his own legend and story.
In closing today I wanted to mention the Chris Bosh vs Charlie V battle on Twitter to get to 50 thousand followers. I know some people do not like it and see it as silly and childish. Personally I just see it as something fun and take it as such. It really isn't hurting anyone. I think part of the appeal of Twitter in general is the fact that we get to interact with people that if not for internet and the evolution of it we never normally would. I don't think the fact that Charlie and Chris are battling for Twitter supporters has stopped them from working on their games. It is just a fun thing to promote themselves but have some fun with it and get others involved in it. Perhaps it has gone a little further than some think it should. But at the same time in a summer day in July is there really much else going on?
Raptor fans on Twitter tried to get Bryan Colangelo Day to be a trending topic. Is that not pretty much the same thing? Was it a bit silly and fun. Absolutely it was. However as much as we talk about basketball being a business and it is. We still all need to have some fun, be we NBA Superstars, Bloggers or fans. So the Dino Nation Blog is happy to throw it's support behind Chris Bosh in his Twitter battle with Charlie V. Follow @chrisbosh on twitter if you don't already. While your at it follow me to @dinonationblog .
I just think the world we live in is pretty cool. There was no way when I was a kid, to interact with sports stars that I loved as a kid like there is today. Chris Bosh for me has been on of the more intelligent guys and has been at the forefront of using technology to build up himself but also make him accessible to his fans. I have seen people take shots at Chris for all his extra stuff he does with his videos and what not. I just think we have a world that is changing and Bosh is a pioneer in that way. I guess the message of this blog today from the beginning in pulling for a guy like Brent Petway, to the future of a Demar Derozan and Chris Bosh having fun on twitter is don't forget what it was like to be a kid.
Have dreams, have fun and enjoy basketball. It doesn't always have to be so serious and life and death. It can also be just pure fun and joy. Just like it was when we were kids.
7/13/09
Raps Win First Hedo Turkoglu Bowl In Vegas
The Summer League Raps were playing in what the Dino Nation Blog has claimed to be the Hedo Bowl. They would come out on top as they did in getting Hedo Turkoglu on their Roster. Demar DeRozan had 15. He looked good and not out of place a bit. Holly Mackenzie caught up with Demar prior to the tip of this one check out her 1 on 1 with HEIR CANADA!!! Why Heir Canada? It was one of the nicknames Demar tweeted for fans to decide on. He was a Vince Carter fan. Just like we all once were. But it is time to bury V.C and let Orlando worry about him. So the Heir to the Air Canada throne is here. Besides I was listening to a business report Air Canada could use the mention.
Quincy Douby lead the Raps in scoring for the 3rd game in a row. This should prove to all that if you are threatened to be traded to Memphis it can be highly motivating. We should have done that to Joey Graham 2 years ago. Oh well you live and you learn. Raptors win it 92-87. Oh and if you thought I was going to write about summer league and not mention Brent Petway...You have not been reading lately. I am really happy a lot of you have become fans of Brent. He really makes it easy to cheer for him. The dude is talented. He scored 11 and was 5-7 with a steal. Almost tore down the rim to end the half. Air Georgia is a new age version of the human highlight reel as a dunker. Which was one of his idols coming up in Georgia. For all the Rest check the boxscore.
Raps 92 Blazers 87
On the down side today also proved just why the Raptors NEED Jarrett Jack. Roko is just not consistent enough to be trusted and at least for me has not shown the type of progress I would like to see. What Jose Calderon did from year 1 to year 2 is rare and as you watch Roko stumble along you realize that.
So RAPTORS WIN RAPTORS WIN !!! I am GOING TO PIZZA HUT!!! I mean Pizza Pizza don't want to pull a Brock Lesner.
Quincy Douby lead the Raps in scoring for the 3rd game in a row. This should prove to all that if you are threatened to be traded to Memphis it can be highly motivating. We should have done that to Joey Graham 2 years ago. Oh well you live and you learn. Raptors win it 92-87. Oh and if you thought I was going to write about summer league and not mention Brent Petway...You have not been reading lately. I am really happy a lot of you have become fans of Brent. He really makes it easy to cheer for him. The dude is talented. He scored 11 and was 5-7 with a steal. Almost tore down the rim to end the half. Air Georgia is a new age version of the human highlight reel as a dunker. Which was one of his idols coming up in Georgia. For all the Rest check the boxscore.
Raps 92 Blazers 87
On the down side today also proved just why the Raptors NEED Jarrett Jack. Roko is just not consistent enough to be trusted and at least for me has not shown the type of progress I would like to see. What Jose Calderon did from year 1 to year 2 is rare and as you watch Roko stumble along you realize that.
So RAPTORS WIN RAPTORS WIN !!! I am GOING TO PIZZA HUT!!! I mean Pizza Pizza don't want to pull a Brock Lesner.
7/11/09
Jacked About A Loss!!!
So, who is with me, that it is funny as hell that Quincy Douby who was on verge of being traded has lead Raptors in scoring first 2 games of summer league. Memphis can be a lot of motivation and the fact you don't go there...Priceless. I remember hearing Colangelo on Toronto radio, talking glowingly about the progress Douby was making in Vegas(He works out there not now). However I took it as just talk. But maybe as Bryan said in an interview during the game, telling the truth in the best thing to do, because people think your not. He was saying that in reference to having expressed his interest in Demar DeRozan early on. Today was another step for DeRozan and he scored 20 in a 4 point loss to the Pistons. But it is clear although there is work to be done DeRozan is all that was advertised. Having a guy like Brent Petway and some others that can challenge him in practice should only help matters. Forgot to mention Douby had 21 to lead the Raps.
But what might be the biggest news of all did not happen on the basketball court. During the broadcast, it was mentioned that Jarrett Jack former Georgia Tech team-mate of Chris Bosh, may be coming to the Raptors. Now unconfirmed reports that Jack has in fact signed an offer sheet. Tricky move by B.C to feel a need and add on more piece to the puzzle to convince Chris Bosh to stay. Jack and Bosh had a close relationship in college and I suspect still are friends you would have to believe. It is just another move that might make Chris bosh pause for a second and look towards Toronto. But to suggest that Jack would be coming here just as bait to keep Bosh is not fair to him. He in his own right in a pretty solid option at the point guard and can play some 2 as he did with T.J Ford. So Jackron is coming to the Raptors? Or is it CalderJack. Whatever it is could be very good. Roko Ukic at least in my eyes has not made the amount of progress you would want to see.
Story on Jack Rumour
More From Doug Smith In Toronto Star
Raptors did fall to the Pistons by the way 91-87.
Boxscore Pistons/Raps
So despite an 0-2 Record there is still LOTS TO BE JACKED UP ABOUT. Be it Demar DeRozan, Jarrett Jack and yes my guy Brent Petway who but in another solid day of work. No jaw jacking jams but doing all the little things kind like an A.P would do. Bryan Colangelo is quickly climbing back to the lofty status of sainthood in Raptor land. Pacers could match this over but it is another brilliant and bold stroke. If anyone is unclear. Let me spell it out for you. Bryan Colangelo is doing everything on God's green earth to keep Chris Bosh. That is the plan and it seems pretty damn obvious. However if for some reason he should fail he still is adding a lot of quality parts that would make Toronto and attractive option. There is that old expression it is always darkest before the dawn. Well I may just believe that Dawn is fast approaching after what just weeks ago seemed like a very bleak and hopeless outlook for the Toronto Raptors.
UPDATE 8:25 PM
Got to show some love for the Home Team being the lovely and talented Holly MacKenzie from The Score who in on scene in Vegas. I am sure you will agree her game recap is ACES!!!
Holly MacKenzine In Court Surfing Blog
But what might be the biggest news of all did not happen on the basketball court. During the broadcast, it was mentioned that Jarrett Jack former Georgia Tech team-mate of Chris Bosh, may be coming to the Raptors. Now unconfirmed reports that Jack has in fact signed an offer sheet. Tricky move by B.C to feel a need and add on more piece to the puzzle to convince Chris Bosh to stay. Jack and Bosh had a close relationship in college and I suspect still are friends you would have to believe. It is just another move that might make Chris bosh pause for a second and look towards Toronto. But to suggest that Jack would be coming here just as bait to keep Bosh is not fair to him. He in his own right in a pretty solid option at the point guard and can play some 2 as he did with T.J Ford. So Jackron is coming to the Raptors? Or is it CalderJack. Whatever it is could be very good. Roko Ukic at least in my eyes has not made the amount of progress you would want to see.
Story on Jack Rumour
More From Doug Smith In Toronto Star
Raptors did fall to the Pistons by the way 91-87.
Boxscore Pistons/Raps
So despite an 0-2 Record there is still LOTS TO BE JACKED UP ABOUT. Be it Demar DeRozan, Jarrett Jack and yes my guy Brent Petway who but in another solid day of work. No jaw jacking jams but doing all the little things kind like an A.P would do. Bryan Colangelo is quickly climbing back to the lofty status of sainthood in Raptor land. Pacers could match this over but it is another brilliant and bold stroke. If anyone is unclear. Let me spell it out for you. Bryan Colangelo is doing everything on God's green earth to keep Chris Bosh. That is the plan and it seems pretty damn obvious. However if for some reason he should fail he still is adding a lot of quality parts that would make Toronto and attractive option. There is that old expression it is always darkest before the dawn. Well I may just believe that Dawn is fast approaching after what just weeks ago seemed like a very bleak and hopeless outlook for the Toronto Raptors.
UPDATE 8:25 PM
Got to show some love for the Home Team being the lovely and talented Holly MacKenzie from The Score who in on scene in Vegas. I am sure you will agree her game recap is ACES!!!
Holly MacKenzine In Court Surfing Blog
Raps Lose Close One To Open Summer League
Toronto Raptors lose a close one the L.A Lakers to open Summer League in Vegas. I have been telling you about Brent Petway. He shows you why I am so excited about him in this highlight package courtesy of NBA.COM...ROLL IT!!!
Ironically Quincy Douby,who was removed from the big 4 way trade, end up leading the Raptors in scoring with 16 points. Rookie Demar DeRozan had 10 points and 5 rebounds in his debut. Here is the rest of the numbers in the boxscore.
Lakers 85 Raptors 84- Boxscore
Also Holly Mackenzie was at the game and here is her recap of it from The Score Court Surfing Blog. She also caught up with Demar Derozan after the game check out her interview.
Raps back on the floor 4pm Toronto Time as they take on the Pistons.
Ironically Quincy Douby,who was removed from the big 4 way trade, end up leading the Raptors in scoring with 16 points. Rookie Demar DeRozan had 10 points and 5 rebounds in his debut. Here is the rest of the numbers in the boxscore.
Lakers 85 Raptors 84- Boxscore
Also Holly Mackenzie was at the game and here is her recap of it from The Score Court Surfing Blog. She also caught up with Demar Derozan after the game check out her interview.
Raps back on the floor 4pm Toronto Time as they take on the Pistons.
7/5/09
Raptors Gamble For The Short Term
I think no one can make the case that the Hedo signing, that is now said to be 53 million dollars in the latest reports, can be good in the long term. However it seems the Raptors are taking a gamble on the short term and with good reason. That reason is to of course keep Chris Bosh in the fold. But can this work in the short term. The Raptors have constructed what would be an exciting and competitive starting 5.
Pg- Jose Calderon
Sg- Demar DeRozan
Sf- Hedo Turkoglu
Pf- Chris Bosh
C- Andrea Bargnani
The issue becomes the bench or lack of one. First concern on that list is one we had last year. Back up point guard. What the Raptors should have learned is that Jose Calderon can be a starter but not for extended minutes. There over use of Calderon at least did not help his injury issues. Roko Ukic did not make anyone feel confident enough that he is ready to be a back up. So you would think that B.C still needs to be hunting for a legit option to back up Jose. Not just be hopeful that Ukic improves to a level he can handle the back up roll on a consistent basis. The Raptors do have Marcus Banks but no one expects anything from him and if the Raps can't pawn him off on a team you have to figure they will buy him out.
Shooting guard you have your under 20 year old draft pick in Demar DeRozan and he as of now looks to be your starter at shooting guard. Now Bryan Colangelo did say the Quincy Douby had been doing very well in workouts in Vegas since the season ended. We will get to see how he does in Vegas Summer League and get our first look at DeRozan as well. In what I have got to know of Demar DeRozan he is a confident young man and he may just surprise us and be able to handle all of this. But to have a rookie be responsible for the majority of minutes at any position is a high risk scenario. It could also be high reward. But point being in Quincy Douby enough to back him up? likely not. Brent Petway, Carl English and Smush Parker could all be guys on the Raptors summer league roster that could see this lack of depth at shooting guard as opportunity. English and Parker more a pg/sg option and Petway more a sg/sf.
By the way case you were wondering here is the Raptors Summer League Schedule:
Where the Raptors have the most depth is in big people. Not that many are proven talents beyond the first 3 in Evans, Bargnani and Bosh. Humphries has had many chances and really never taken them and run with them. O'Bryant is loved more about his measurables than his actual production. Nathan Jawai had a disappointing rookie season. There is some hope in regards to him with some of the performances he has had with the Aussie National team. However as a group they all have a ton to prove.
I keep hearing how Bryan Colangelo is not done in this make over process. However I think at the end of the day he has shuffled the deck but may have some of the same problems in terms of lack of depth. He will be counting on a lot of people to come through for him. At the top of that list is Demar DeRozan followed by Roko Ukic if he can not find a legit option as a back up point guard.
The Raptor feel that a number of players could fall through the cracks and they can sign them to cheap contracts to address the depth questions. It is risky to play that game. But Bryan Colangelo is a risk taker and that will never change. I have always liked that about him but maybe as I get older I don't have the stomach for it as much as I use too.
It is hard to judge a picture that is only half painted as to if you like it or not. The one thing I can say is the Raptors have clearly lost sight of the long term picture in order to save this team in the short term. It is a big change from the Rob Babcock days. You could argue, he had no clue in the short or long term. But the point is Babcock always seemed to hesitate to make a move and be aggressive. Bryan Colangelo is the exact opposite. If this was a poker game Colangelo would be going all in and he does it with no hesitation at all. The question I have is he going in with a good enough hand to win? It is clear that some teams in the East fell they have added some Aces to their deck. Shaq, V.C and others all making the top teams better according to most.
I want to make it clear, in the short term I am not saying this was a bad move at all. In fact it is likely enough to get this team to the playoffs again. But when Bryan Colangelo came, I believe the goal was to win Championships? On that front when you look at the long term, have the Raptors taken steps in the right direction for that? I am very skeptical on that front. If the Raptors stick to the party line of staying under the tax threshold over the next several years it seems very hard to figure how it all would work money wise.
The way things have been lately it is not just sports teams that will need a capologist people writing and talking about the team might need one as well. That is my thoughts for the weekend. See you Monday.
Pg- Jose Calderon
Sg- Demar DeRozan
Sf- Hedo Turkoglu
Pf- Chris Bosh
C- Andrea Bargnani
The issue becomes the bench or lack of one. First concern on that list is one we had last year. Back up point guard. What the Raptors should have learned is that Jose Calderon can be a starter but not for extended minutes. There over use of Calderon at least did not help his injury issues. Roko Ukic did not make anyone feel confident enough that he is ready to be a back up. So you would think that B.C still needs to be hunting for a legit option to back up Jose. Not just be hopeful that Ukic improves to a level he can handle the back up roll on a consistent basis. The Raptors do have Marcus Banks but no one expects anything from him and if the Raps can't pawn him off on a team you have to figure they will buy him out.
Shooting guard you have your under 20 year old draft pick in Demar DeRozan and he as of now looks to be your starter at shooting guard. Now Bryan Colangelo did say the Quincy Douby had been doing very well in workouts in Vegas since the season ended. We will get to see how he does in Vegas Summer League and get our first look at DeRozan as well. In what I have got to know of Demar DeRozan he is a confident young man and he may just surprise us and be able to handle all of this. But to have a rookie be responsible for the majority of minutes at any position is a high risk scenario. It could also be high reward. But point being in Quincy Douby enough to back him up? likely not. Brent Petway, Carl English and Smush Parker could all be guys on the Raptors summer league roster that could see this lack of depth at shooting guard as opportunity. English and Parker more a pg/sg option and Petway more a sg/sf.
By the way case you were wondering here is the Raptors Summer League Schedule:
| Friday, July 10 | L.A. Lakers | 8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, July 11 | Detroit | 4:00 p.m. |
| Monday, July 13 | Portland | 8:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, July 15 | Milwaukee | 4:00 p.m. |
| Thursday, July 16 | Phoenix | 4:00 p.m. |
Where the Raptors have the most depth is in big people. Not that many are proven talents beyond the first 3 in Evans, Bargnani and Bosh. Humphries has had many chances and really never taken them and run with them. O'Bryant is loved more about his measurables than his actual production. Nathan Jawai had a disappointing rookie season. There is some hope in regards to him with some of the performances he has had with the Aussie National team. However as a group they all have a ton to prove.
I keep hearing how Bryan Colangelo is not done in this make over process. However I think at the end of the day he has shuffled the deck but may have some of the same problems in terms of lack of depth. He will be counting on a lot of people to come through for him. At the top of that list is Demar DeRozan followed by Roko Ukic if he can not find a legit option as a back up point guard.
The Raptor feel that a number of players could fall through the cracks and they can sign them to cheap contracts to address the depth questions. It is risky to play that game. But Bryan Colangelo is a risk taker and that will never change. I have always liked that about him but maybe as I get older I don't have the stomach for it as much as I use too.
It is hard to judge a picture that is only half painted as to if you like it or not. The one thing I can say is the Raptors have clearly lost sight of the long term picture in order to save this team in the short term. It is a big change from the Rob Babcock days. You could argue, he had no clue in the short or long term. But the point is Babcock always seemed to hesitate to make a move and be aggressive. Bryan Colangelo is the exact opposite. If this was a poker game Colangelo would be going all in and he does it with no hesitation at all. The question I have is he going in with a good enough hand to win? It is clear that some teams in the East fell they have added some Aces to their deck. Shaq, V.C and others all making the top teams better according to most.
I want to make it clear, in the short term I am not saying this was a bad move at all. In fact it is likely enough to get this team to the playoffs again. But when Bryan Colangelo came, I believe the goal was to win Championships? On that front when you look at the long term, have the Raptors taken steps in the right direction for that? I am very skeptical on that front. If the Raptors stick to the party line of staying under the tax threshold over the next several years it seems very hard to figure how it all would work money wise.
The way things have been lately it is not just sports teams that will need a capologist people writing and talking about the team might need one as well. That is my thoughts for the weekend. See you Monday.
7/3/09
Same Old Problem
In the light of day the kind of dark cloud I had over my head last night has remained this morning. The fact I am learning Ariza now of the Houston Rockets to be confirmed July 8th, left 9 Million Dollars on the table. Heck put 1 million on the table watch how fast I would jump at it even to blog about Memphis or the Clippers. It is frustrating to feel like some kind of second class citizen in the NBA. I just hate it with a passion. When I use to pay attention to hockey, I was a Buffalo Sabres fan so I understand this feeling all to well. On the other hand have been a life long Cowboys fan and know that just because you have money and a franchise that has a rich history does not guarantee you a title.
People outside of Canada do not always get why Raptor fans get so bent out of shape. The things like this latest episode with Ariza is why. People always say they love the City of Toronto in the NBA. Is it a case of it is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there/play there? I try my best to refuse to believe that but how many times to you need get smacked down before you start to believe it. John Salmons who is far from an All-Star snubbed the Raptors for the Sacramento Kings. Now this with Ariza. It is just two examples of a long list of people that have passed on Toronto. Kenny Anderson refused to come here for an old school example.
Toronto has first class fans and they deserve a first class team. If Bryan Colangelo can not get guys to come here, really can anyone ever do it? Colangelo is a well respect G.M and has won an award for being the best at what he does twice. Forget about if Chris Bosh leaves. What about if B.C leaves. I know if I was him I would be frustrated by all of this. I mean he has tried to make it work. But if he ultimately loses Chris Bosh could it be long before he himself is lost as well. Not saying he gets fired saying he may want to walk himself.
I have a really bad feeling about the season ahead. I do have one little bit of hope. More a selfish one. That is for Brent Petway, I had him as a guest in the Spring and being an Ex-Wolverine that was a big thrill. I am hoping he has a excellent summer league and some how can crack this Raptor Roster. While all these free agent misses are not good news for me. In terms of Brent it is good news as he could be a very inexpensive option for the Raptors to play at the wing. Brent has spent the last couple seasons with the Idaho Stampede and is still trying to find a way to break into the NBA. Demar Derozan vs Brent Petway will make for entertaining dunk contests in Raptor practices for sure.
Summer League Roster From Raps.com
So there is always a bright side for somebody. However, in the big picture for the Raptors I am very depressed and very concerned and with good reason to be so in the future for Raptors.
People outside of Canada do not always get why Raptor fans get so bent out of shape. The things like this latest episode with Ariza is why. People always say they love the City of Toronto in the NBA. Is it a case of it is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there/play there? I try my best to refuse to believe that but how many times to you need get smacked down before you start to believe it. John Salmons who is far from an All-Star snubbed the Raptors for the Sacramento Kings. Now this with Ariza. It is just two examples of a long list of people that have passed on Toronto. Kenny Anderson refused to come here for an old school example.
Toronto has first class fans and they deserve a first class team. If Bryan Colangelo can not get guys to come here, really can anyone ever do it? Colangelo is a well respect G.M and has won an award for being the best at what he does twice. Forget about if Chris Bosh leaves. What about if B.C leaves. I know if I was him I would be frustrated by all of this. I mean he has tried to make it work. But if he ultimately loses Chris Bosh could it be long before he himself is lost as well. Not saying he gets fired saying he may want to walk himself.
I have a really bad feeling about the season ahead. I do have one little bit of hope. More a selfish one. That is for Brent Petway, I had him as a guest in the Spring and being an Ex-Wolverine that was a big thrill. I am hoping he has a excellent summer league and some how can crack this Raptor Roster. While all these free agent misses are not good news for me. In terms of Brent it is good news as he could be a very inexpensive option for the Raptors to play at the wing. Brent has spent the last couple seasons with the Idaho Stampede and is still trying to find a way to break into the NBA. Demar Derozan vs Brent Petway will make for entertaining dunk contests in Raptor practices for sure.
Summer League Roster From Raps.com
So there is always a bright side for somebody. However, in the big picture for the Raptors I am very depressed and very concerned and with good reason to be so in the future for Raptors.
3/7/09
Brent Petway Goes 1 on 1 with the Dino Blogger
Brent Petway was a star with the Michigan Wolverines and he can flat of sky. It was a great thrill as a fan of the Michigan Wolverines to get a chance to talk basketball and dunking with him. The Dino Blogger can only dream of what it is like to dunk a basketball. This guy does it very well. He also is trying make his way to the NBA with D-League Idaho Stampede. He is in his second year in Idaho and he talks with us about a number of things from dunking, his thoughts on how his old school is doing and thoughts on newest team mate Nathan Jawai. One of the things we talk about is a YouTube Video in which he throws down a challenge to "Superman" Dwight Howard. Check it out.
So what ever happened with that challenge? Did Dwight ever answer it?
Brent Petway-" Nah he never did. But I think next year we are going to actually be able to do that, the winner of the D-League contest against the winner of the NBA contest I think, I am not sure. But next year it might actually materialize."
If it did that could mean that Brent could end of facing Lebron James. James of course made it known that he plans on entering the contest next year in Dallas in front of what could be over 100,000 people according to what Mark Cuban the Mavs owner is said to be hoping for. I asked Brent about the chance of a James vs Petway dunk off.
Brent Petway-" Yeah, that would be really fun. Any of those guys really. It would be a good little show off."
Brent was in the Finals and lost in this year's D-League dunk off. He was the defending champion of the event. He had a chance to check out the NBA version and I asked him for his thoughts on that.
Brent Petway-" It was actually pretty good. We had are D-League dunk contest the night before and that was great. I watched the NBA one and Dwight came with some stuff and Nate Robinson I liked the nice little kryptonite thing he had. It was a nice little contest they had. It was fun to see Nate get up and jumper over Dwight that was a good little dunk right there."
I had my 2 cents on the dunk contest this year and I was not as big a fan of it. However Brent knowing what it takes to do all those things likely has a much different prospective. Speaking of which I asked him about who some of his idols were as far as dunking goes. Growing up in Georgia he was a big fan as a kid of the "Human Hi-Light Reel" Dominique Wilkins and remembers his battles with Michael Jordan. Brent earned his own nick name of "Air Georgia" and he was also a fan of "Air Canada" Vince Carter as one of the guys he liked to watch. He credits Carter with putting the dunk contest back on the map. Which as much as Raptors fans may hate Vince now is 100% correct. Vince Carter really brought life back to the dunk contest after it had been gone for a few years and gave it a new life for guys like Dwight Howard, Josh Smith and guys like Brent.
I mentioned that Brent is a former member of the Michigan Wolverines here is a little visual reminder of him and his skills as a dunker back then.
Michigan is a huge sports school and part of the Big Ten of course. They have the crazy fans and basketball has always been a big deal at the U of M going back to Glen Rice and a National Title to the Fab Five era. So I wondered what the differences were from life as a Wolverine to life as a member of the Stampede. Here is what Brent had to say about that.
Brent Petway-" The Major difference is probably the fans definitely, because in college the fans are much more hardcore when it comes the fans. Alumni and students when you walk around the campus everyone pretty much knows you. As opposed to in the D-League people might not even know who you are unless you have a Stampede shirt on or something. Unless they were season ticket holders or something like that."
So which is better being known or having ability to go around with out getting noticed?
Brent Petway- "I don't know it goes both ways. When your known you have to sign a whole bunch of autographs and stuff when I was in the city when I was at Michigan. So sometimes when you are out you just want have fun and chill. Then there are other time when you are doing community relations and things where you are expecting to do those things. So it can go both ways."
One of the things that we in Canada do not have is the pride people have for the schools they attend. A lot of times here in Canada many of us will graduate from a college or university and may never set foot on campus again or follow the sports teams and programs. In United States it is a totally different story. If you are a Wolverine, Longhorn, Tarheel or whoever it is a lifetime thing. So I was pretty sure Brent would still be keeping tabs on the U of M. I asked him if had been following the Wolverines this year and what his thoughts were on how the program was doing and where it was heading.
Brent Petway-" It has been fun to watch. I have been keeping up with them as much as I can. On Sportscenter, catching there games when they come on and I still have a couple people in Detroit that I talk to now and then that are keeping me updated. They are fun to watch and they were ranked for a bit. Now they are on the bubble and hopefully they can get off that bubble and get in."
Toronto has a player on that U of M squad Jevohn Sheppard, and I asked Brent about how he got along with him?
Brent Petaway-" Yeah, Jevohn is a good guy I was there with him for 2 years. He has a little sky to his game as well, he can get up a little bit. He is a good guy to be around and he is having a good year as well"
Brent I am sure was happy to learn that the Wolverines were winners today on the road at Minnesota.Holding on for a hard fought come from behind victory 67-64. Still a week till we find out if it is the Tournament or the NIT for the Wolverines but this are going the right way. So, I think Brent would be cool with me saying Go Blue.
We have spent a lot of time talking about dunking which Brent is one of the best you will find at any level of basketball. However what else is he working on to take his game to that next level to get to the NBA?
Brent Petway- " I have just been working on what I can to get up there where big Nate(Jawai) is. Trying to be not just a dunker and I am trying to work on my outside game. There is a lot of stuff I am working on. Hoping that I get up there(To NBA ) and be one of those rotation players hopefully."
I asked Brent what his thoughts were about his new team mate from Australia in Nathan Jawai.
Brent Petway-" He is a good player. He came down here and he wanted play right away. He is a joy to be around and he always has a smile on his face. He loves to play the game, he likes to pass the ball, so he is always tell us to cut when he gets the ball. So I think he is going to be a great fit"
One of the things in the various things we having being doing about the D-League that I personally come back to is the challenge it must be for everyone to adapt to the ever changing rosters. There is constant player movement. I asked Brent about the challenge of that as a player.
Brent Petway-" Yeah it is really tough. Cause you have guys from the NBA coming down here. You'll have teammates leave and go overseas. So it is real tough just trying to keep the team chemistry. That is a big thing for the program to have a chemistry with your teammates. But it is just being a professional and you have to keep playing ball and let the chips fall where the may."
The Stampede are currently in a dog fight leading their Division and have Utah who they will play again on Monday and Bakersfield close to them in the standings. I asked Brent for his thoughts on what lies ahead for the Stampede?
Brent Petway-" It has been going well. I think we have like 14 games to go. We got a team right on our heels in Utah. They are playing good ball and we have them a couple more times. So hopefully we can keep doing what we have been doing and stay in first place and have some momentum heading into the playoffs."
Brent was really great to talk with. He also said that Pops Mensah-Bonsu is a good player and should help up here in Toronto. He is a guy who Bent said is very athletic. He knows a bit about him even back from his college days at George Washington. Brent had a friend from back home in Georgia who was his teammate on that squad at GW. Pops was pretty nice in his debut last night against the Heat. As for Brent he continues to work hard with the Stampede and is hopefully of making it to the NBA. He is also hopefully of doing what former Raptor Jamario Moon did and get a chance to shine on All Star Saturday night. He said to me he thinks if he ever gets that chance he will definitely try to turn some heads. Here is more evidence to why he could be right.
All the best to Brent with the rest of his season. Here is hoping he can make his way to the NBA. It was a great deal of fun to have him as a guest and I would welcome him back any time.
3/5/09
Stampede Weekend Hits The Dino Nation Blog
The Dino Nation Blog has been hard at work and touching based with our friends in Idaho. Today we had a chance to talk with Joel Abelson assistant coach of Idaho Stampede. He has worked with such NBA stars as Jermaine O'Neal, Baron Davis, Paul Pierce, Al Harrington, and Chauncey Billups, in working with Joe Abunassar with Impact Basketball in Vegas. He has also worked with the Charlotte Bobcats as well. He is now working with Toronto second round pick Nathan Jawai who joined the Stampede last week. He also chips in with a scouting report on Pops Mensah-Bonsu. We also talk about the current and future of NBDL league and prospects for the defending champion Stampede.
That is the kick off to our Stampede weekend. By time Sunday rolls a round you will also hear from Brent Petway who is a member of the Stampede in his second year with the club and a former Michigan Wolverine. He is a guy that is one of the best dunkers you are going to find. He once challenged Dwight Howard to a D-League vs NBA dunk off. We talk about Wolverine, Dunking and his career. We also ask him about his new team member Nathan Jawai. That will be the cap off for Stampede weekend as the Dino Nation Blog talks with Nathan Jawai. Both guys were on cell phones and quality was a little bit off. So these will be it written form. Hopefully you will enjoy it all. The Stampede organization has been really great to work with and the Dino Nation Blog has been happy to form a relationship with the Raptors affiliate in the D-League. Stampede will not be in action till Monday night and will have an update on how the make out but the Raptors will be hosting that Heat and Jazz before that. Stampede are fighting for first place and are looking to defend their D-League title. That is a lot more exciting than waiting for the draft lottery.
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