Monday July 28 2008 - 8:58am Eastern
Hope everyone had a good weekend … as the wild weather (at least in Southern Ontario) continues this summer!
Canada gets smoked by the US; Biedrins and Vujacic stick in Golden State and LA respectively; and Mo Evans continues his NBA travelling road show (6 teams in 7 years).
But here are a few other bullets for you …
NAME GAME
So Oklahoma City is one step closer to finding a name … and I’ve got to say I like some of their choices.
Apparently the league has filed the following nicknames to the US Patent and Trademark Office:
- Barons
- Marshalls
- Thunder
- Wind
- Energy
- Bison
Alright, throw out the cheese-ball names ASAP; Thunder, Wind, and Energy are gone. LAME!
But I’m cool with he other three. I’m not quite sure why it’d be “Bison” instead of “Bisons” - like the AAA baseball team in Buffalo … (though dropping the ”S” is gramatically correct). But then again … why is “Marshalls” spelled with two L’s instead of 1? Oh well.
“Barons” would be my top choice though. I think it’s got a good ring to it. And apparently there are some leaks on the web claiming that Barons will get the nod when all is said and done. We’ll see.
TEAM CANADA RANKED # 1
Unfortunately, no, we’re not talking about the Canadian Men’s National Team coached by Leo Rautins. That clubbed got thumped by the US National Team in an exhibition game on Friday night and they failed to qualify for the Olympics at the tournament in Athens about a week ago.
However, the Canadian Men’s AND Women’s Wheelchair Basketball teams are both ranked # 1 in the world as they head in to the Beijing Paralympic Games.
Both teams will be in Toronto over the next week or so … with the Men holding a training camp at Humber College from August 5-8 and the Women competing in a tournament at the Etobicoke Olympium with Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and Great Britain from August 1-4.
Of note …
- Canadian Women’s Team member Misty Thomas is set to become the first Canadian athlete ever to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Thomas was on the 1984 National Team that competed in the Los Angeles Olympics but multiple knee injuries over the years (from playing basketball) have resulted in her having to use a wheelchair now.
- The Canadian Men’s Team is looking for their third straight Paralympic Gold after winning Gold Medals at the last two Paralympic Games in 2000 and 2004. They are currently ranked #1 in the world.
- Canadian Women’s Team member Tracy Ferguson is competing in Beijing in both wheelchair basketball and athletics.
KAPONO IN TOWN
Raptor swingman Jason Kapono will be in Toronto on Monday to participate in the Raptors Basketball Academy.
Kapono will speak with the young basketball players at Humber College and also take part in various drills.
Kapono actually arrived in T.O. over the weekend and helped judge the “Dance Pak” auditions at the ACC yesterday. Tough life.
E. Smith
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Saw you on Raps TV watching the game in Vegas. Paul Jones Gave you a shout out of sorts on the coverage they do on Raps TV. I just want to also say the Dino Blogger is able to be a judge next year for the Dance Pak. I think we should have players focused on training so I am willing to do my part for the Raptor Franchise. If You and the Hoops Crew (Jack and Paul) want to be judges as well. I would welcome working with you.
- James BorbathAlso why do the Raptors not do summer league like the folks at MSG do for the Knicks. Walt Fraizer in Vegas is great T.V. Why not Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong. That could be fun to watch as well. Is this just a money thing as to why they don’t send you guys down to broadcast games?
- James BorbathI didn’t see that James. I’ll have to keep an eye out for the replay and give Jonesy a little Thanks!
As for Raptors TV … I can’t speak to it man. I don’t know. I would assume it’s a cost/budget thing. I really don’t know.
- E. SmithI think it is time for the entire Canadian Basketball Executive Group be fired and be replaced by Jay Triano, who should not have been let go in the 1st place, what a joke, Leo Rautin as a coach.
- David Dawson