Under the Umbrella

Oregon vs USC, things are about to get EPIC!

The Oregon Ducks are set to face off in what is being billed as the biggest game of the decade this Saturday against the USC Trojans. Chip Kelly has been masterful at keeping his team focused on the task at hand and I don’t think this week will be any different. That being said my weekly “Locker Room Speeches” could also be the reason that the team hasn’t lost since I started doing this every Thursday starting with the Utah game.

 

“I don’t think I have to remind you guys how important this game is for us, our fans and the entire nation. The PAC10 championship hinges on this game.

 

USC is arrogant and with reason. Pete Carroll has built a dynasty. The entire conference has been in their shadow for the last decade. They have won 7 straight PAC10 conference titles at our expense.

 

Today is our day, today is the day the Ducks shine.

 

USC is deep, we are deeper. USC is tough, we are tougher. USC is fast, we are faster.

 

O-line; be powerful, be nasty and be hungry. This might be best front 4 you will ever face during a game. The good news is you face a better one every day in practice. Explode out of your stance on every snap. I want you to be looking down at them every time that whistle blows.

 

D-line; Matt Barkley is a Freshman QB, who has had success because no one has been able to get to him. His offensive line is heralded. They are big, strong and fast. Keep them on their heels and moving backwards. Force them to react, don’t let them set the tone. Every one of you went against Max Unger last year and there is not a single Max on that team.

 

Linebackers; they have a stable of running backs who each have a different style. They will try to beat you up using Allan Bradford and then try to catch you sagging with Joe McNight. Lane discipline and gap assignments have never been this crucial. Don’t be a hero out there, be where Allioti wants you and someone will be in position. Once contact is made any where on the field, get there. They may break a tackle or two, but they can’t break 11.

 

Running Backs; no dancing in the backfield, USC is too fast to wait for holes to open up. Make a decision before the snap. Know where you are going. Protect the football, but fight for every inch. This game may come down to 1.  

DB’s; they are going to come after you early. Set the tone. Make the low risk choice. Be opportunistic when you have help, but play the Receiver when you’re on an island. They run a lot of double moves and will pump fake often. The D-line will shut that down as the game goes on once they wear them out, but again set the tone early. Be in position every play. Don’t get caught watching the game.

 

WR’s; today we will throw the ball more often to set up the run. When Masoli throws to you fight for the ball. When you’re blocking down field keep your feet moving and your hands legal. No illegal blocks no, dropped passes and no fumbles.

 

Masoli; make them afraid of every snap. Keep them confused and out of position. Don’t be afraid to throw it away if the play isn’t there. There isn’t going to be as much time as you’re used to today, but there is going to be enough. When making your reads, make sure you know where the safeties are, make sure your running backs are on the same page. Go out there and show them who you are.

 

Special Teams; you can win us this game. Every time you are on the field, be perfect. No turnovers and no penalties. And if you feel like getting some more TD’s today, that would be ok too!!!

 

Everyone take deep breath and relax because in 20 minutes the war begins.

 

Be Proud!

 

Be Great!

 

Be Ducks!

 

Now go out there and remind them why they hate coming to this state and our stadium!”

 

- Kurt Valentine

 

Blazers beat Rockets, but the rotation is far from fixed.

So much for open competition and the old may the best man win mentality.  Last night Nate McMillan rewarded mediocrity when he stuck to his guns and stuck Steve Blake in the starting lineup.

Blake did not earn his starting spot by out playing his counterparts in the pre-season. He did not earn it by having a better resume either. He earned his spot by being subservient to Brandon Roy.

How did Blake take advantage of his golden egg? By giving Blazer fans a lackluster performance remnant of the reason the Blazers went out and signed Andre Miller in the first place.

Blake played 26 minutes last night scoring 7 points off of 2-6 shooting and 1 of 2 from the stripe. He turned the ball over 3 times and if it wasn’t for his teammates efforts to get to balls it would have been more and only got 2 assists. 13 of Aaron Brooks 19 came while he was in the game, which was a major reason we lost the series.

I’m having a hard time believing that Jerryd Bayless would have done any worse. In all honesty Jerryd out performed Blake hand over fist in the pre-season. I know it’s pre-season but Nate did say that no ones job was safe and every one would get a shot at playing time.  Talk about absolute coach speak with no regard for consequences.

Dre on the other hand had a very productive 26 minutes, putting up 9 points, 7 assists and only 2 turnovers. His assists are electric. Travis Outlaw, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Fernandez can all attest to that. They all were on the dunk/layup side of Dre’s court vision. Dre did struggle finding his shot, but let’s face it, it’s hard to find something you have never had.

I understand that this is Brandon’s team and 9 times out of 10 doing what’s best for Brandon is the same as doing what’s best for the team. This is the outlier.

Greg Oden needs Dre on the floor the entire time that Greg is. Dre makes Greg better and that is what is best for this team. Greg relishes the motion that Dre creates on court. Face it when Dre is in and there are Blazers cutting and screening off the ball, it creates space for Greg. Greg is a much better offensive player when given the ball when defenders are out of position and he just has to react.

The game is more enjoyable from a fan perspective when it's not about watching Brandon go one on one every possession. Don't get me wrong I love watching Brandon break some ankles with his beautiful crossover but besides him and LaMarcus no one else creates for themselves. Blake plays a station to station style game that is similar to the WNBA and we all know that no one watches that.

So Brandon is more comfortable with Blake. I can understand that, but Brandon has to realize he is going to get his regardless, might as well have someone out there helping everyone else who needs it.

Last night the Blazers won despite Blake not because of him.

-Kurt Valentine

Its Oregon vs Washington, Need I Say More?

Another weekend of college football approaches and this Saturday the University of Oregon Ducks will be headed north to take on the University of Washington Huskies. Not that I think anyone needs motivation for this game, but the Ducks are undefeated since I started this so…

 

“The fans are going to be loud. They hate you. They hate you because you’re better than them. They hate you because they wanted every single one of you to be a Husky. Remind them why.

 

This is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college football. This is the most important game of the year to some of our fans. Don’t forget that they came in and dance on the O at Autzen.

 

They are an inferior team, but that wont stop them from being arrogant. They beat USC up here. They think they can beat anyone up here. But you guys aren’t going to let that happen are you?

 

The way to win is simple. STOP JAKE LOCKER! I want you to hit him every chance you get. I want him to not want to come out of the locker room at the half. Here is your chance to embarrass another sure fire first rounder. Defense, have fun out there.

 

Offense, we have got to sustain some long drives. They have no depth defensively and if we can keep them on the field the lanes will open up and they will quit. As long you’re on the field, the fans and the Huskies are going to be scared. They know they can’t stop you, but it’s up to you to make sure they can’t even slow you down!

We’ll call this an early Christmas present, go out there and remind this team that the PAC10 belongs to you. Show them why you chose Oregon, to WIN! 

 

Be Proud!

 

Be Great!

 

Be Ducks!"

 

- Kurt Valentine

What do we know?

With one game looming in the preseason its time to get ready for the real thing, 82 games of joy, sadness and overall drama. In seven preseason games the Blazers have a record of 3-4 and McMillan has been able to see 7 different starting lineups in as many games.

So with such a poor start, little continuity and seemingly no chemistry what do we know of the 09-10 Portland Trail Blazers team?

THE BAD

Lets start with the biggest stand out figure. 3-4. The record thus far for the preseason. The is a sharp contrast to last years preseason record of 5-2. Preseason records do not reflect how good a team might be but they do reflect how well a team might be playing together, they reflect how well they are running the offense, defense and system put in by the coach. At 3-4 it seems the Blazers are not yet clicking.

Rudy, L.A. and G.O. have missed preseason games due to some sort of injury. Rudy has been having "back spasms" Aldridge has a bruised knee, and G.O. well I think hes just resting. These injuries are just preseason excuses to rest. The problem with this is it takes away from development of these keys players with the rest of the team. Not really a big deal for the three sitting out but a bigger deal for the new comers.

The bottom line is the chemistry just isnt there. Whether its new players coming to the team or its just preseason, the chemistry just isnt there.

THE GOOD

L.A. just signed a 5 year 65-70 million dollar contract extension with the Blazers. This warps up an ongoing distraction that had most of Portland confused for some time.

Andre Miller is proving he can be a scorer when scoring isnt easy to come by. He is able to create for himself which leads to a shot for him or a pass to an open man.

Greg Oden seems to be a player we havent seen in Portland. Dominating on both offense and defense. He is showing us in one summer he has matured mentally and physically.

Brandon Roy is on our team. Enough said.

What do we know? We know the young Blazers are good if not great. They have an elite leader in B. Roy and they are probably the deepest teams in the NBA.

We know the chemistry is just not there yet. Cause for concern? No, I dont think so. With a 54 win season and the playoffs behind them I look for the Blazers to get out of this funk October 27.

Who Says You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Earlier this year I joked about Brett Favre’s return to the NFL being just what the NFL needed. It just goes to show that young Eminem said it best “there is a lot of truth in jest”.

 

Brett’s return has been nothing short of a Disney story, mixed in with some hints of Guy Ritchie revenge.

 

Brett’s career was often a constant mix of naysayers and pure cheese heads battling to undermine or legitimize his accomplishments. When a QB holds the record for TD’s as well as INT’s over a career, it simply could be reflective of his durability rather than his ability. If a QB plays long enough it’s bound to happen right?

 

This year is different. Brett is still a gun slinger and still creates where creation would be impossible for most, which used to cause as many headaches as it did high 5’s. This year his guns only sling when needed the most. He has learned to live to fight another day on 3^rd and long in the 3^rd quarter, which explains his incredible 109.5 QB rating through 6 games.

 

It’s not like the offense is completely designed around the legs of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor either. Brett is throwing over 29 times a game and his career high for a season is only 38.

 

Brad Childress looks like a genius and the Packers look like fools. Where the Vikings appear to be a juggernaut in the NFC the Packers are pedestrian. For the first time since the Carter/Culpepper/Moss days this team can do it on offense as well as defense.

 

The true sign of a great leader on the football field is his ability to make everyone around him better and Brett has done that hands down.

 

Sidney Rice looks more like his name sake Jerry Rice than a 3^rd year player who has only started 12 games.

 

Visanthe Shiancoe is having a breakout season which is rarely seen by someone in his 7^th year already recording 5 TD catches in 6 games.

 

Even with reduced carries Peterson is on track to set a personal best in TD’s have broken the plain 7 times in 6 games.

 

I know the Brett Favre saga was tiring and frankly annoying over the past two off seasons but I’m not sure you could find anyone in any bar in America (who doesn’t own a cheese head) that wouldn’t say he was worth the wait.

-Kurt Valentine

What the F***

Im sorry for the almost profanity. Honestly I sat in front of this computer for 15 minutes trying to think of a title. For example, Holy S***, F*** David Stern and my favorite, love the refs instead of F*** the refs. I chose What the F*** for plain a simple reasons. Im so confused on what David Stern and the NBA are thinking. There's only one phrase that could help me. What the F***?

Sunday I arrived at the Rose Garden at 5:45, tip off was at 6:00. I didnt leave the arena till 8:50. This game was boring, slow and frustrating. Did the Blazers win? Yes. Did they come back from being down 12 late in the fourth? Yes. Does this sound exciting, thrilling, captivating? Yes.

The game in question was the Portland Trail Blazer v. Denver Nuggets. The reason I contemplated suicide several times during this game was because it had 63 fouls, 90 free throws, 1 flagrant, and 2 technical fouls. The game lasted 30 minutes longer then average. It had 14 more fouls the last years preseason average and the 34 made free throws by the Blazers made up a little over a third of their points. 

What the F***?

The Officials of the National Basketball Association have decided to stop working. The entirety of the preseason will be officiated by replacement refs and possibly the beginning of the regular season.

Why have the 60 officials just all of a sudden decided to stop working? September 1st was the expiration date of the expired five-year pact. With an expiring contract the league has proposed an across the board budget cut...including a 10 percent reduction of referee budget. This includes travel costs, pension payouts and health benefits in addition to salary cuts.

This is probably the reason all 60 officials have decided to stop working. But that's just my guess.

Sundays Blazer game was not the first sign of trouble with interim refs. According to STATS LLC, there have been average of 57.5 personal fouls per game through Monday's exhibition schedule. That compares to 49 fouls per game in the preseason with the regular referees last year. There were 42 fouls a game in the regular season in 2008-09.

What the F***?

Three Coaches have already been fined for criticism of officiating...in preseason. Stan Van Gundy, Larry Brown, and Lionel Hollins. With all that money for fines, pay the refs. 

The refs are just as much a part of this game as the players are. They each of certain tendencies to calling fouls, calling technicals and how they interact with players. They keep the game clean and they keep it played at a pace the paying customer is used to. No one pays to go watch a pick up game and no one is going to watch a game where 70 percent of the possessions result in a foul.

Its just bad business. You keep interim refs. and the games slow way down. With a slow game you will notice that attendance around the league will slow way down. With no one attending games everyone will lose money around the league.

Officiating will never be great but the game can be. Pay the refs what they want. Taking money from the refs takes away from every part of the game, including revenue. 

Keep it fast, Keep it strong and let them play.

RHS

Give me a B... Give me a C... Give me a S... What does that spell? Confusion!

Yesterday the first BCS rankings of the season were released and the first 6 spots were reserved for unbeaten teams. This has the talking heads up in arms because apparently the voters forgot to rank redheaded step children Boise State, Iowa and Cincinnati low enough that the computers could not reward their flawless seasons.

 

The pollsters undoubtedly will find a way to correct this issue as we possibly could be looking at one of those three teams in the National Championship game which would cause the world to spin off its axis and hurl through space on a crash course with the sun. And if the NC game should happen to be two of those teams competing, well spontaneous combustion would obviously occur.

 

So here are the top 11 BCS teams and my best arguments for or against. What can I say, I’m a Duck fan.

 

 

1. Florida – The Chosen - The Gators have Tebow, Tebow’s tears cure cancer. He can do no wrong. He has the best coach in the country behind him as well as an incredibly talented team. This team kind of sort of deserves the #1 spot, but most of that is due more towards the old saying, your number 1 until someone beats you. I doubt they finish as number 1 at least an undefeated #1.

 

2. Alabama – The Hungry - Nick Saban has this team playing the best football in the country right now, roll tide roll is more than a backwoods war cry, it’s a warning to every team that is about to in the way of this unstoppable tsunami. The Tide are in second place solely based off of the way they finished last year, not the product they are bringing out this year. The good news for the Tide is that they will get a shot at Florida, assuming that both teams don’t stumble.

 

3. Texas – The Bridesmaid – Every time Mack Brown talks, you just feel like he is mad at the world. Who can blame him? Last year his own conference’s ridiculous series of tie breakers prevented his Longhorns from playing in the NC game. This year everything lines up for his team to get back to the Rose Bowl for another chance at a second NC in 5 years. Texas did what it had to do in narrowly escaping the Sooners, but don’t get your hopes up Longhorn fans, a loss is likely in your future unless a second receiver can step up.

 

4. Boise State – Underdogs – Chris Peterson has the Broncos looking at another undefeated season as they play exactly no quality teams for the rest of the season. In fact the only way this team improves its standing is if the teams in front of them lose and Oregon runs the table. This is not a great football team, like the Zabranksi and Johnson team that beat Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise fans will be barking about being left out of the conversation soon enough, but can the fans really believe they could do this in the SEC Big 12 or PAC10?

 

5. Cincinnati – The New Kids – Brian Kelly is masterful. The defense is brand new and playing better than ever. The offense barely skipped a beat against USF after starting QB Tony Pike went down. But the road gets rougher from here for the Bearcats. They will face 2 ranked opponents as well as an emotional Connecticut team that will likely be playing inspired football. If Pike misses any of those 3 games it would be hard to imagine them running the table. I actually don’t think they can win the Big East without him let alone get a shot at the NC game.

 

6. Iowa – The Surprise – Kirk Ferentz’s team is by far the most surprising of the season. With a huge win in Happy Valley and only 1 more ranked opponent on the schedule. A loss is not likely. The November 14^th game against Ohio State could propel them ahead of an unbeaten Boise State team and put them in the mix to be playing the last game of the season. With no stars on either side of the ball, this is a team that just knows how to win. The reputation of the Big10 could hurt them even if they go undefeated but you get the feeling that Iowa just wants to play football.

 

7. USC – The Reputation Rank – This is the first spot that is disturbing. Some how the BCS and the pollsters agree that this is the best one loss team in the country! Why? Pete Carroll’s Trojans did what recent Carroll coached teams do, they lost to a bad football team. In fact they were bad against a bad football team. Their “signature wins” are against an anemic Ohio State and a slightly above average Notre Dame. The win against Cal was supposed to be a quality win, but Oregon devastated Cal the week before. USC is overrated and will not go the remainder of the season with out either losing to Oregon or tripping up against another inferior team. Remember when USC never rebuilt, merely re-loaded? Back then they never handed the reigns over to a true Freshman QB.

 

8. TCU – Who? – I’d be lying if I said I know anything about this team. Where Boise State has a soft schedule and has but 1 quality win, TCU hasn’t beaten anyone but their schedule is about to get beyond bumpy and if they come through unscathed they might get their shot at BCS glory this year and perhaps even deserve it.

 

9. LSU – The Forgotten Ones – You know what the difference between LSU and USC is? LSU beat Washington. LSU’s only loss is to top ranked Florida and they only allowed 13 points. The only reason LSU is so low is that computers factor in margin of victory and quality opponents. LSU is not impressive in either category but it’s hard to blame an SEC team for scheduling cream puffs to start the season. LSU could be an at large bid if they take care of business as the strength of their remaining schedule will impress with Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas all lined up for the Tigers. November 7^th at Alabama will be a must win game. Too bad Alabama is better.

 

10. Miami – Welcome Back – Wow, college football is better when Miami is good. And Miami is good. If it weren’t for a monsoon in Blacksburg, this team could very well be undefeated. Jacory Harris may be as good as he thinks he is and Randy Shannon may be the best hire they could have made. Without a single ranked team in their path for the rest of the season, this team could be the lowest ranked team to have a shot at the NC. A loss however would kill them. I don’t think they get into the NC without several slips ahead of them, and Virginia Tech must lose again because Miami has to win the ACC to even think they belong.

 

11. Oregon – The Hyped – Who would have thought that Oregon would be ranked this high after the debacle in Boise? I didn’t, I’ll be honest. Oregon has to be the best team in the PAC10 and seem to have the kind of depth required to make a run at the conference title. Oregon has overcome injuries and a suspension that very few, if any, teams could. The offense found its stride and for the first time this decade the defense is as good as they come. Unfortunately for the Ducks the memory of Boise will linger and they have no chance of being a 1 loss team vying for a NC appearance. At least they can get back to the Rose Bowl, as long as rookie head coach Chip Kelly can keep this lightning bottled up and at his disposal every Saturday.

 

There it is, several football games left to be played, but hey at least the BCS waits until the middle of October to rank teams. Let’s see how long it takes for the Coaches Poll to swing dramatically against Cincinnati, Boise State and Iowa, because 1 of those 3 teams will be unbeaten and if either Alabama or Florida loses before their highly anticipated showdown, the fate of the free world may rest in Mack Browns hands. And somehow the Big12 bylaws will find a way to crush Texas’ hopes and dreams along with the BCS’s legitimacy (Stranglehold).

 

 

-Kurt Valentine

12,666 People Have to Agree.

Now that 12,666 people have seen it again and realized how disappointing it truly is, can we reopen discussions about tearing down the Veterans Memorial Coliseum?

 

The venue is small outdated and quite frankly an eyesore. It will do nothing to generate revenue for the city or its owners where as a new state of the art 20,000 seat baseball stadium would.

 

The location is perfect and the water front is beautiful on summer days. This is a chance to make the Rose Garden year round destination. Imagine a north facing stadium where home run balls could splash into the Willamette.

 

I know tearing down a memorial for veterans is symbolic gesture that people are reluctant to be a part of, but we can always name the baseball stadium in honor of veterans. I served in Iraq and in the United States Army during OIF1 and I appreciate the respect given, but I would appreciate being able to enjoy what was meant to honor me and my comrades.

 

There is also the nostalgia to contend with. Last night more than a few fans must have shed a tear remembering the triumphs that place has brought all of our fandom. From Harry Glickman and Bill Walton to Clyde Drexler and Bill Schoneley the Coliseum was the center of the universe.

 

Things change and grow old just like we do. Now the Rose Garden is home to Brandon’s .08 second shot and Rudy Fernandez’s record setting rookie season. It is now the center of Portland and will be for the time to come.

 

It is, beyond a doubt, time to put that piece of real estate back to work for the people of this great city.

 

-Kurt Valentine

Oregon vs UCLA, inside the locker room

This Saturday the Oregon Ducks are going to need a little extra motivation. So in this week’s edition of my weekly locker room speech I’m going to dig deep to really get the team to focus and pull out a must win game.

 

“We find ourselves facing a daunting task. Today is going to be about resilience and poise.

 

This is our first shot at a road win, lets prove that we can play anywhere in the country every damn day if we have to.

 

The entire contry feels sorry for you and it would be easy for us to do the same, but I dont feel sorry for myself and not a single person in this room should either. I will not accept defeat. It will not be forgiven!

 

UCLA thinks that they have the advantage because injuries have us vulnerable, but they are wrong. They don’t understand what it means to have our depth. They think that their first string is better than our second string, but they are wrong again.

 

From first string to practice squad we are the best team in the conference. I have all the confidence in world today.

 

I watched you practice. I watched you study. I watched your efforts and I know that today is the day it all will pay off.

 

Here’s what we have to do:

 

We are going to play mistake free football. We are going to line up in the right spot every time. We are going to own our assignments and not over commit.

 

We are going to get off the ball fast. We are going to live in their back field on defense and move the line of scrimmage forward on offense.

 

Ball carriers; drive your legs. Every time they hit you, you drag them for the extra yard. Drive the pile, drive the pile and drive the pile but protect the ball at all times.

 

Tackling; the play stops when you hit ‘em. Drive ‘em back. Make the officials mark forward progress on every play. No one tackles alone. You see a hit; you get there and make sure it’s a tackle.

 

D-Line, 3^rd and long, pin your ears back. Hit Prince hard and often. I want the walls closing in on him. We will get an early lead so they will have to throw.

 

O-line, you are facing a group that the entire defense was built around. UCLA’s Head Coach, used to be a D-line coach. We can run on them, but it’s up to you. The better you guys do, the more we will run. When we throw, protect Costa with everything you got. Pretend it’s your grandma back there and someone is trying to get into her purse and steal that hard candy you big boys loved so much growing up!

 

For most of you this is a chance to play in front of family and friends for the only time this year. Show off today. Let them know you left LA for greener pastures and a shot at greatness.

 

Costa; today is the day you have waited for since you signed you letter of intent. Today is the reason you pushed yourself so hard through rehab, not once but twice. Today is the reason you were recruited in the first place. Show the world why we believe in you. Show UCLA and everyone watching that we will not miss a single heartbeat with you under center.

 

Look around you men, no one has to do this alone. There are 60 other ducks that flew down here together with one goal in mind. To go out and get a win! Take care of eachother out there.

 

Be Proud!

 

Be Great!

 

Be Ducks!"

 

- Kurt Valentine

1 down and 110 to go!

All I need to know about the Blazers I learned last night! And if you believe that than perhaps you would also like to know that I had a great sit down dinner with John Canzano and we settled our differences.

 

Ok, now back to reality.

 

It was great to be back in the Rose Garden, even if it was an empty shell of its self, watching the Blazers compete against another NBA team. It really isn’t possible to hear Mark Mason’s voice and not get chills down your spine and a little choked up.

 

The Blazers came out with the starting lineup from last year at the opening tip. And struggled to find a rhythm early, but after some aggressive drives to the basket by Nicolas Batum and a few smooth jumpers from LaMarcus Aldridge they found their way.

 

- Steve Blake was fired up and made some smart passes and got some easy buckets for Aldridge and Joel Pryzbilla. Blake was hard pressed to find his shot in the game only attempting 3 shots making just 1 and that was a wide open 3 pointer. In 17 minutes he finished with 3 points and 4 assists and seemed to be trying to do more himself than he did last year, perhaps feeling that his spot in the starting 5 is in question. That style of play is not what got Blake into the starting lineup and Blake would do well to be the style of Point Guard that Brandon Roy wants him to be.

 

- Brandon Roy was not looking to be aggressive or assert himself. It felt like his was more inclined to study his team, using this game as a film session of how to make everyone else better. You could really tell Brandon was studying teammate’s tendencies. Defensively, there was an effort level that was evident that Brandon intends to achieve his off season goals of being a better defender.

 

- Nicolas Batum is an improved player and last night showed that he has no intentions of being removed from the starting lineup. He was aggressive and got rewarded at the free throw line. Batum also had an electrifying blocked shot that brought the RG to its feet.

 

- Aldridge is Aldridge. There is no other way to explain it. You know exactly what you are going to get from him day in and day out. He is a jump shooting big man who isn’t a banger. He is good at what he does. He is great at what he does, but it’s what he doesn’t do that could be the biggest hangup on his contract, defensive rebounding. In fact, he is so offensively gifted that fans started chanting “Cut the check!” while LaMarcus was shooting free throws.

 

- Joel Pryzbilla was back and he brought his lunch pale with him. Pyz is in the same mold as LaMarcus in the sense that you know exactly what you are going to get from him day in and day out. You’re going to get everything you don’t get with LaMarcus and nothing that you do get. I get tired just watching how hard Pryz works for position.

 

- The first player off the bench was Martell Webster who was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd. Martell showed the rust that you would expect from someone who hadn’t seen game time in 360 days, but eventually shook it off and got into the flow of the game. Martell’s 30+ minutes last night was the most played by any Blazer, a sign that Nate McMillan really isn’t sure what he has with Martell yet.

 

Next into the game were Greg Oden and Andre Miller. Both came out and looked shaky to start but quickly got the jitters out and went on to exceptional performances.

 

- Oden's first touch was a post spin that left Spencer Hawes in the dust and the only option for Hawes was to grab Oden by the waist and send him to the free throw line which would be a recurring theme. It would appear that his time spent this summer with Assistant Coach Bill Bayno is paying off early as Oden was able to play 25 minutes and shot 12 free throws.

 

- Miller was fantastic. In fact the team was +9 while Miller was in the game. Fans that hadn’t seen Miller’s brand of basketball had to have been pleasantly surprised. Miller plays with a sense of control that is reminiscent of Terry Porter. Like Porter, he is not the best athlete or the best defender but he is a gamer. He flat out knows how to win, despite not being a legitimate 3 point shooter. Miller finished with 16 points and 5 assists in just less than 26 minutes of game time.

 

- Travis Outlaw came in and played like Travis plays. He made some great shots and missed some bad shots. There was something noticeably different about his game last night though. He played defense. He was out there guarding the 7ft Hawes often and doing a very good job. Granted Hawes isn’t going to lead the league in scoring ever but still the size that Travis was giving up was significant. Travis obviously wants to be in the rotation and last night he proved that he will play any position he has to for minutes.

 

-Rudy Fernandez is still a hearthrob. I was reminded often of how beautiful he is by my girlfriend and the hundreds of fans supporting I heart Rudy gear. From a basketball stand point Rudy was unable to get himself into the flow finishing with 1 point in 17 minutes. But something beautiful was taking shape in his game. He was starting the fast break. Running the team in transition very well. In the half court he continually fed the bigs in the post and cleared out so his defender was unable to double. It was nice to see that side of Rudy's game.

 

- Jerryd Bayless came out and performed the exact way that prompted the Blazers to go out and sign Andre in the first place. In about 5 minutes he came out missed two shots, drove to the hole and went to the free throw line a couple times. He committed 2 fouls and I can’t remember seeing him pass the ball. Enjoy the bench again this year. I’ll need to find a new favorite Blazer soon.

 

- Ime Udoka refused to run up the score in the final seconds to give the crowd Chalupas. That is not the way to win over fans who all want you to make this squad. Other than that he looked good and played hard for 12 minutes. His probable contributions to the squad should get him a spot.

 

It’s hard to dissect exactly what it all means after just 60 minutes of preseason basketball against a team that is inferior and one really can't pretend to know where the team is headed. I do know that Nate has a lot of work to do as this team should beat Sacramento by more than 12.

 

The NBA, where meaningless games getting fans excited happens.

 

- Kurt Valentine