Onuaku and Ober Make 2010 Syracuse Rap Anthem “Unfinished Business”

The last time we’ve heard any news concerning former Syracuse big man Arinze Onuaku he was doing his part in attempting to help the ‘Cuse try to win the Big East Tournament last March. Unfortunately for him and his Orangemen teammates, Onuaku sustained a serious leg injury against Georgetown, which essentially ended his season and NCAA career.

The 6’9 and 275 Onuaku did average 10.5 ppg, 5.1 rebs, while leading the Big East in FG percentage (.668%) as a 5th year senior last season but his career was marred a bit because of injuries, even missing the entire ’06-’07 season. He finished his Orange career as the school’s all-time leader in FG%, 11th in blocks, and is 1 of 15 players in SU history to record at least 1,000 points and 800 rebounds. Onuaku became an instant fan favorite when he shattered a backboard during the ‘07 Midnight Madness. This Summer, he went undrafted and did surface on the Detroit Pistons Orlando Summer League roster but failed to play due to injury. As a fallback option, Arinze did leave Syracuse with a college diploma in hand.

It’s been a recent trend in college basketball for fans, players, or even coaches to come up with a catchy hip-hop tune to be used as an anthem or rallying cry for the season. Last season Tennessee Vols player Renaldo Woolridge, perhaps better known as “Swiperboy”, began churning out Tennessee themed songs and a Duke fan recently put out a cheesy, more relaxed Backstreet Boys type rap, that may make you hate Duke rather than cheer for them.

More famously, Syracuse assistant coach Rob Murphy made the smash hit “Shut It Down” which served as a theme song for the Orange last season, making a veiled reference to coach Boeheim’s now legendary 2-3 lock-down defensive scheme.

Moving forward to 2010, sophomore Jake Ober and Arinze Onuaku have come up with yet another catchy rap anthem aptly titled “Unfinished Business.” All proceeds from t-shirt sales and itunes downloads go towards coach Boeheim and his wife Jill’s charitable foundation.

Check out “Unfinished Business”:

Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.  Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.

Amare Stoudemire Needs A Sewing Machine

Every NBA season there is one or two quirky, bizarre moments that make you laugh. Remember last season when Manu Ginobili swatted the bat out of mid-air on the court that was swooping down at the players? What about when the Atlanta Hawks real live Hawk mascot somehow got loose at the game and was sitting atop the scoreboard?

Well this season the first blooper that i’ve seen was during the Knicks/Bobcats game on Wednesday. Amare Stoudemire’s jersey number came right off his jersey during play, which gave everyone involved quite a good chuckle. Who would have thought that an NBA player would be in need of a sewing machine? Watch for yourself if you missed the game…

Clippers Win 2nd Straight Behind Griffin’s 25 and 15

Blake Griffin is taking the NBA by storm making a serious early campaign for rookie of the year. He may be the new human highlight reel, but he’s also putting up big numbers as of late. However, when the TNT crew of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson last night were trying to compare him to a legend past, they didn’t mention ‘Nique but instead compared him to a young Shawn Kemp.

Not only is Blake Griffin living up to the hype that preceded him, he’s also showing Clip Nation that he was worth the wait during his first season injury rehab. The Clippers may have gotten off to a slow start due to injury but they are starting to build some momentum after a couple of nice wins led by rookie Blake Griffin. Less than one week removed from his monstrous 44 point, 15 rebound, 7 assist game against the New York Knicks, Griffin again went off big last night for 25 points and 15 rebounds.

Gordon scored 28 points and, Griffin had 25 points and 15 rebounds, leading the Clippers to a 100-82 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.

Kaman was sidelined for the eighth straight game because of a sprained left ankle and Baron Davis was sidelined for the 12th time in 13 games because of a swollen left knee. But the Clippers, coming off a 99-95 victory over New Orleans on Monday that snapped a nine-game losing streak, posted consecutive wins for the first time since a three-game stretch last February.

“I was really proud of the way we played, except for the first three or four minutes when we down early and just kind of played sluggish,” Griffin said. “Vinny got into us at that point, which we needed because we weren’t playing like we should have. After that, we came back and played the way we wanted to.

“Offensively, we were just taking what they gave us,” Griffin added. “Defensively, we wanted to turn up the pressure and put the pressure on them to have to make good plays, or get the shot clock low and make them put up a tough shot.” (via)

Grizzlies Rookie Haddadi and Girlfriend Arrested

The Memphis Grizzlies rookie and first Iranian player ever to make it to the NBA, Hamed Haddadi, has been arrested this week (as well as his girlfriend) in a domestic dispute.

Police say Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies and his girlfriend have been charged with assault following an altercation between the two.

Memphis police were called Thursday morning to a downtown apartment building and found Haddadi, a backup center from Iran, and his girlfriend with bruises and scratches.

The arrest report says a verbal disagreement turned physical, and both Haddadi and Goolnaz “Asal” Karbalaeinematmoeeney were taken to the Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Grizzlies executives are saying that they are still unaware of the situation but are looking into it. Haddadi has only played in 4 of the Grizzlies 15 games to open the season, and they have a 6-9 record to date.

Read more details via AP on Fanhouse.com

President Obama on Miami Heat: “Fans Need to Be Patient”

Even the President of the United States has taken notice about the lack lustre start of the Miami Heat this season, given all of the lofty expectations for ‘The Big Three’ of Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. But the big man in the White House is telling Heat fans, to sit tight and wait for the team chemistry to come before people start judging this team on the first month of action….

Miami’s slower-than-expected start is a talking point around the NBA. Around the White House, too.

And the nation’s First Fan says the Heat will need time to reach their best.

President Barack Obama — who wasn’t thrilled that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade turned down the Chicago Bulls this summer — told ABC’s Barbara Walters that when it comes to the Heat, it would be prudent for fans to be patient.

“It takes some time for the team to come together,” Obama said. “There’s no ‘I’ in team. So no matter how good a player is, no matter how good a group of players are, if they haven’t played together before they are not going to be as good as a team that has played together a long time.”

The Heat dropped to 8-7 with a 104-95 loss in Orlando on Wednesday night.

Read more details via AP on NBA.com

Unranked UConn Huskies Defeat Kentucky Wildcats to Win Maui Invitational

Allow me to preface this article by stating that I’m the most unbiased UConn homer that you’ll ever “meet.” Having said that, don’t sleep on the Huskies. Last night, unranked UConnembarrassed #9 Kentucky 84 – 67 to win the EA Sports Maui Invitational. Coming into this tournament, many had the Huskies pegged to lose their opening round matchup against Wichita State. They were also predicted to finish 10th in the Big East this year after losing both Stanley Robinson and Jerome Dyson. However, there was just one problem. Someone forgot to inform them of this.

The Maui Invitational is always special as it annually provides early season matchups between powerhouse programs. This year was no different as UConn was joined by the likes of Kentucky, Michigan State and Oklahoma to name a few. The Huskies handled Wichita State 83 – 79 in the opening round as they were led by Junior Guard, Kemba Walker and his 31 points. This came just 5 days after he dropped 42 on Vermont before the Maui invitational kicked off. Next up for UConn was #2 Michigan State. Kemba gave the Spartans 30 as the Huskies shocked Tom Izzo and company 70 – 67.

This led to the matchup that I was hoping we would get when the tournament began: UConn vs. Kentucky. This was a rematch from last year’s SEC/Big East Invitational where Kentucky beat UConn at Madison Square Garden behind John Wall’s 25 points. Kemba Walker was up for the challenge again as he had 29 more points last night. Kemba just barely missed scoring 30+ points in 4 straight games and would’ve been the first Husky to do so in 50 years. Instead, he’s the 3rd Husky in 50 years to score 30+ points in 3 straight games, with the last being Ben Gordon.  Walker, the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, was taken out with a few minutes left so that he could receive a well deserved standing ovation, but easily could’ve topped 30 again. When you think of all the players that have come out of Storrs, Connecticut, such as Tate George, Donyell Marshall, Ray Allen, Khalid El-Amin, Richard Hamilton, Caron Butler, Rudy Gay, Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor to name a few, it’s remarkable that he almost did something that none of them did. This is why it’s inarguable that he’s playing like the best player in the country right now.

It’s obvious that Kemba, who flirted with leaving for the NBA Draft last year, worked on his game this summer. His shot is much improved and he’s unguardable 1 on 1. Just ask Kentucky’s Brandon Knight. Brandon had a terrible night and Kemba didn’t help. He was able to do whatever he wanted against the freshman. Knight looked lost and confused the entire game and couldn’t see Kemba even if he had a telescope. I’m sure Kentucky faithful are used to seeing their PG grab the rebound and start the one man fast break since they were spoiled by John Wall last year, but Knight is a different player. By his own admission, Knight told The Hoop Doctors that Wall is more of a “push it type Point Guard” than he is. He wasn’t lying. While Knight can generate an uptempo transition game, it isn’t quite like what Wall brought to the table. In Knight’s defense, he is averaging more than 18ppg this year, but he’ll need to do better than 2.3 assists per game.

However, there were some bright spots for Kentucky last night. Correction: bright spot. Terrence Jones, who had 24 points, might as well declare himself eligible for the NBA Draft right now. He should pack his belongings from his dorm in Lexington, head straight to New York and just hang out until late June. If it means missing Thanksgiving dinner, then so be it. This young man is nothing short of a monster. He can shoot the 3, put the ball on the floor and bang around the basket. Oh yeah, he’s a lefty too which makes him even tougher to defend. So far, he’s one of the best Wildcats I’ve seen in the last handful of years (that includes Jodie Meeks who is/was an underrated Wildcat). Kentucky looked vulnerable and missed Enes Kanter who surely would’ve altered some of Kemba’s countless layups.

The unranked Huskies are now 5 – 0 and are sure to crack the Top 25 after beating two Top 10 teams in as many days. Up next on the schedule for UConn is New Hampshire, UMBC, Farleigh Dickinson, Coppin State, and Harvard before they open their Big East schedule against Pitt two days after Christmas. I don’t know how long this hot streak will last for the Huskies but heading into that game against Pittsburgh, they should have one of the best records in the country.

I’ve stated on a few occasions that I think coaching in sports can sometimes be overrated to a degree. Let me clarify: I feel this way regarding professional sports, not college. Coaching is crucial in college basketball and Jim Calhoun deserves some credit for this start. He is always able to squeeze every ounce of potential out of his players. Who else do you know has the ability to make Hilton Armstrong look so good that he would be taken in the lottery of the NBA Draft?

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

Most Improved Players Thus Far in the NBA 2010-11 Season

I know it’s only the end of November, but we’ve played enough basketball in this 2010-11 NBA Season to have a glimpse of who has improved from last season and who has not. I think often times people can confuse an increase in scoring production with most improved player. To that end, here are my Top 5 Most Improved Scorers, followed by my Top 5 Most Improved Overall:

Most Improved Scorers:

Career	13.5 ppg	8.0 rpg
2010-2011	22.1 ppg	9.5 rpg
Increase	+8.6 ppg	+1.5 rpg

With Yao Ming’s minutes limited due his recovering from injury, Scola has become one of the Houston Rockets best scoring options.  Shoring up the middle, Scola’s minutes, points, and rebounds are all up.  He is now the 13^th highest scorer in the NBA.

Career	6.8 ppg
2010-2011	14.2 ppg
Increase	+7.4 ppg

A new team, new coach and more minutes appear to be all Dorell Wright needed to up his production.  He’s been buried on Miami’s bench since being drafted.

Career	14.9 ppg
2010-2011	21.9 ppg
Increase	+7.0 ppg

With the trade from Miami to Minnesota, Beasley has predictably flourished in his new surroundings, especially relishing in his role as team leader and the leading scorer.  No longer second fiddle to Dwayne Wade, rightfully so, Beasley is finally coming into his own as a player.  Not only is his scoring up, but also Beasley is shooting a career high 43.8% from 3-point territory.  If you have not watched the Wolves yet this year, tune in to watch Beasley—he’s playing like an all-star.

Career	17.0 ppg
2010-2011	23.6 ppg
Increase	+6.6 ppg

Gordon’s scoring is up, but his shooting percentage is down.

Career	7.7 ppg
2010-2011	14.2 ppg
Increase	+6.5 ppg

Weems has come on strong in the scoring department, but it hasn’t helped his team all that much in the wins department, as they are bottom dwelling in the Eastern Conference.

Top 5 Overall Most Improved Players:

Last Season	11.6 ppg	6.8 rpg
2010-2011	19.7 ppg	9.1 rpg
Increase	+8.1 ppg	2.3 rpg

The departure of Carlos Boozer has created more minutes and more shots for Paul Milsap, and he’s taking full advantage of his situation, even shooting a higher percentage this season.

Last Season	16.1 ppg	8.0 apg	1.3 spg	41.8% FG
2010-2011	23.2 ppg	8.2 apg	1.9 spg	43.6% FG
Increase	+7.1 ppg	+0.2 apg	+0.6 spg	+1.8% FG

Russell Westbrook has been as explosive and uptempo as ever, but his efficiency on both ends of the floor and increased leadership role with the team have made him into a bonafide superstar in this league in just the few short weeks of play this NBA season.

Last Season	14.0 ppg	11.0 rpg
2010-2011	18.0 ppg	14.0 rpg
Increase	+4 ppg	+3 rpg

As you’ve probably heard, Kevin Love is tearing through the NBA right now, grabbing enough rebounds to lead the league in rebounds per game. His 31 and 31 game is all anyone can talk about, but he’s on this list not just for one game but for night in and night out scoring and rebounding improvements. Consistency is king.

Career	7.1 ppg	4.1 rpg
2010-2011	13.8 ppg	5.5 rpg
Increase	+6.7 ppg	+1.4 rpg

JJ Hickson has been steadily improving each season, but he may be the only happy guy in Cleveland when he heard that LeBron was leaving for Miami. Now that more shots and minutes have opened up, Hickson has become the rising star that many thought he would/should be in Cleveland.

Last Season	18.3 ppg	11.3 rpg	53.6% FG
2010-2011	22.8 ppg	12.1 rpg	56.4% FG
Increase	+4.5 ppg	+1.2 rpg	+2.8% FG

Gasol has been a one man wrecking crew so far for the Lakers. Kobe has played well but has been inconsistent so far due to nagging injuries. Gasol has steadied the ship with his increased production and led the Lakers to another brilliant start to the season.

Many of these players have started to prove themselves.  Due to trades and off-season moves, many new players have this opportunity and they’re off to a good start.  Now, they just have to keep it going all season long.

(Statistics from 11/23/10 on NBA.com)

R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition living in Los Angeles. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. De France has played, coached, and officiated competitive high school basketball in California for many years. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.

2010 NBA Turkey Day Awards

In honor of everyone’s favorite day to carve up the bird, eat til we can’t move, and watch football all afternoon, a thought crossed my mind as to just which NBA players would qualify for TheHoopDoctors.com’s first ever Turkey Awards. After all, the roundball usually always takes a backseat to the pigskin on Thanksgiving, so why not serve up to you our choices for this season’s biggest turkeys of the young season so far?

The word turkey has many meanings. Usually it refers to the main course served on November 25th each year or 3 strikes in a row in the game of bowling. But for our purposes, a turkey in basketball terms is a player or coach that either hasn’t lived up to the hype or flat out, absolutely stinks so far in 2010.

Without further ado, here are our 2010 NBA Turkey Awards:

All Turkey Team

PG- Baron Davis

LA Clippers

8.8 ppg, 4.8 ast, 2.5 reb, 1.5 stl, .324 FG%, .100 3 PT %

Having not played in an NBA game since November 9th, Baron could be in real danger of losing his starting point guard spot to the up-and-coming Eric Bledsoe, who has been a pleasant surprise in Davis’ absence. Creeky knees have been Baron’s bug-a-boo since his UCLA days and maybe at age 31, he’s better served as a back-up? Gobble.

SG- Andre Iguodala

Philadelphia 76ers

13.9 ppg, 6.2 reb, 5.3 ast, 1 stl, .417 FG%, .644 FT%

After sitting out nearly 2 weeks worth of games nursing a nagging Achillies injury, Iggy returned to put up 23 pts, 11 rebs, and 8 assists but clearly is not himself this season. His scoring average is at it’s lowest since ‘05-’06 and appears to have tired legs, as evidence of his near 100 point dip from his career FT%(.746). Maybe it’s a FIBA World’s hangover? Gobble.

SF- Hedo Turkoglu

Phoenix Suns

10.6 ppg, 4.1 reb, 2.2 ast

After playing on his 3rd team in 2+ seasons, Hedo’s career seems to still be in a downward spiral in Phoenix. What happened to the guy who sank game-winning shots as a dangerous point forward in Orlando? At age 31, Hedo is now forced to play a front-court position on the always small line-up laden Suns. Can you say square peg in round hole? Gobble-Gobble.

PF- Carlos Boozer

Chicago Bulls

DNP – Injured

Boozer finally gets what he wants…….a multi-year mega-deal and a fresh start for a contender in Chicago then trips over a gym bag and breaks his hand. Seriously, a gym bag? Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson, and Joakim Noah have picked up the slack in his absence but the Bulls transformation into a contender will be delayed until Carlos returns. Gobble-Gobble.

C- Greg Oden

Portland Trailblazers

DNP – Injured

I hate to kick a man when he’s down, but Oden continues to creep towards that infamous “bust” label as he will be forced to miss yet another full season in the NBA. Not that it’s his fault but how can a player be that fragile to play in only 82 games over 3+ seasons, especially as a #1 overall pick. Sorry Greg, but you’re a turkey.

Turkey Baster Award for Worst Coaching Performance

Vinnie Del Negro, LA Clippers

2-13

After doing his best to f-up the Chicago Bulls roster this past season, Vinnie Chase has moved on to coach arguably the NBA’s all-time worst franchise, the LA Clippers. What’s the worst that can happen? Despite having one of the youngest and most talented rosters in all of the league, the Del Negro led Clips are by far the NBA’s worst team, beginning the season on a horrific 2-13 clip. Will Vinnie last through the entire season? There’s no where to go but up.

Drumstick Award for Most Under-achieving Rookie

Tie – Ekpe Udoh

Golden State Warriors(#6 Pick)

It’s been a whirlwind last year for the 6-10 shot-blocking big man, chosen as the #6 overall pick of the Warriors. After finishing the ‘08-’09 season at Michigan, Udoh made an improbable transfer to Baylor where he led the Bears to a surprising Elite 8 finish. NBA scouts were so impressed he became a lottery selection, until the hammer fell. Udoh injured his wrist during a Summer work-out with Steph Curry and failed to immediately report the injury until it was discovered there was ligament damage, pushing his NBA debut back 4-6 months until at least January.

Gordon Hayward

Utah Jazz(#9 Pick)

2.3 ppg, 1.4 rebs, 0.3 ast, 0.2 stl, .143 3PT%, 10.3 min/gm

The NCAA wonderboy who almost led the mid major Butler Bulldogs to within a whisker of a National Title, only to have his 3 point attempt clang off the rim isn’t having such an easy time of things in the NBA as in college. Maybe all the prognosticators knew what they were talking about when Hayward was voted as one of the players most likely to under-achieve in the pros? I know, it’s way early, but 2 ppg and 1.4 rebs per contest for a player that was drawing comparisons to Larry Bird? Please.

Wishbone Award for Bone Headed Decision of the Year

Tie – Allen Iverson Playing Turkish Basketball

We all know why Iverson couldn’t hang on to a job in the Association……..playing time, playing time, and not having a starting role. All of which he is currently not getting in Europe. Watching his below average teammates continually shoot the ball over the backboard and miss dunks, while the future NBA Hall of Famer sits the bench irks me to no end. I can’t imagine what it does to A.I.   I guess desperate times call for desperate measures? I give him 3 weeks.

Lebron James Going To Miami

In his own words, “Should I not listen to my friends? But they’re my friends.” Those are the immortal words of Lebron in his infamous “What Should I Do?” Commercial. The answer is no, he** no, especially considering every NBA Hall of Famer in history was questioning how 3 superstars could co-exist. How’s that “Decision” working out now Lebron? Leaving a team built around you that finished with the league’s best record 2 years straight to play alongside Wade and Bosh on a .500 team? To make matters worse, you’re going to get another coach fired(Spoelstra) and oh, by the way, newly signed Eric Dampier wasn’t the answer in Dallas. So how will he help in South Beach? I guess Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman can rest easy that their 72-10 mark will remain intact. My guess is that they were never worried to begin with.

Lettuce With Bacon Dressing Award for the Team with Hot Start, Cold Since

Atlanta Hawks(8-7)

After starting the season on fire with a mark of 6-0, the Hawks came plummeting back to Earth by promptly losing 7 of 9 contests. It gets worse, since the 2 wins during that stretch were against league doormats Minnesota and Indiana. After increasing their win total in each of the previous 4 seasons and continually failing to advance beyond the 2nd round of the playoffs each season, are the Hawks due for a shake-up? By rewarding unquestioned leader Joe Johnson with the largest free agent deal of anyone this past Summer, Atlanta will have to get lucky to advance farther. They are getting a lift from the ever-improving Al Horford(16.4 ppg. 9.3 reb, .619 FG%) but the coaching staff continues to play the aging and in-effective Mike Bibby at the point with the heir apparent Jeff Teague riding the pine. Look for Josh Smith or Bibby to be playing elsewhere by season’s end.

Cranberry Sauce Award for Best Collegiate Player Nobody Would Touch

Scottie Reynolds, Villanova

Scottie’s story is a remarkable and well told one. He became the first ever NCAA First team All American Selection to not get drafted. After playing well in the Orlando NBA Summer League for the Suns, Scottie spurned invites to attend a number of team training camps for a guaranteed contract to play for a 2nd tier squad in Italy. As if we couldn’t see this coming, Scottie felt too homesick to continue his European career, and left millions on the table to return to the states. Luckily Reynolds was quickly drafted by the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA D-League Draft and is currently awaiting a big league call-up or 10 day contract. Note to Scottie: You better grab a Snickers bar……it’s gonna be a while.

Not all things have been bad this season, so check out some of our awards for best accomplishments:

Sweet Potato Award for Sweetest Dish of the Year

Tony Parker’s Behind the Back Dime to Tim Duncan

Pumpkin Pie Award for Best Dunk of the Year

Blake Griffin Putting His Hand on NY’s Timofey Mozgov’s face as He Serves Up a Superman Dunk

Gravy Award for League’s Best Defender

Javale McGee, Washington Wizards

Believe it or not, Javale Boogie is leading the league in blocks at more than 2.9 per contest.

Here’s Javale Blocking Shots with Both Hands against the Bucks:

Can of Corn Award for Best Buzzer Beater

Rudy Gay’s Game Winner Over Lebron James – Enough said

Jello Casserole Award for League’s Biggest Surprise

New Orleans Hornets

What more can be said about the biggest story to begin the year. The outstanding play of MVP candidate Chris Paul has helped propel the Hornets to an 8-0 start, and current 11-2 mark, leaving them only 1 game behind the also surprising San Antonio Spurs, who have only 1 loss. As always, the Hornets fate hinges on Paul and his health.

Chris Paul’s 2010 Season Highlights through Thanksgiving:

Green Bean Award for Best Individual Performance

Kevin Love’s 31 points and 31 rebounds vs Knicks

Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.  Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.

Marcus Jordan Flies like his Dad in UCF Win Over Stetson

The internet was buzzin’ yesterday with requests to see the replay of Marcus Jordan’s dunk in UCF’s win over Stetson. It made ESPN Sports Center Top 10 Play’s of the Night. Check out the ESPN highlight below, then below that i’ve included a video that is a bit grainy but you get a much better angle on the dunk by Marcus. Like father like son, and all that stuff right? Dunk is niiice….

Latrell Sprewell is IN YOUR FACE! and Bankrupt?

Before averaging 21 points and 4 assists per game and supplanting himself as an NBA All-Star during his second season, Latrell Sprewell was playing follow the leader with Robert Horry at Alabama. He was simply known as the dude that played with Robert Horry. Then the Spre-Man joined Mr. Chris Webber after being drafted 24th in the 1992 draft by the Golden State Warriors. The two formed a dynamic duo with the likes of Chris Mullin and Joe Smith. Spree brought an attitude to the game that was unprecedented and hadn’t been seen since the “Bad Boys” of Detroit. He was a mean, fierce defender and scorer that displayed an “in your face” style of play. His play lead to four all-star appearances and NBA First-Team status in 93-94. Even Michael Jordan admitted that Sprewell was the toughest player he had to go against. However, the Warriors decided to call their buddies at UPS and ship out C-Webb, Mullin and Latrells close friend Billy Owens. All the while Don Nelson bolted like a girl on a blind date that went wrong.

Left alone in Golden State, Spree was boiling and doing his best “thug” impersonation, although it never really was an impersonation at all. The hiring of college coach PJ Carlisimo lead to a rocky road that went downhill fast. I’m sure the policemen eating donuts on the corner probably didn’t think they would be making an appearance at the Warriors’ practice to refrain Spree from choking out Carlisimo. After the incident, fellow teammates recalled Sprewell going at Carlisimo a second time, punching him and demanding a ticket out of Golden State.

Tayshaun, where was this during your debacle with John Keuster?

Sprewell only played 14 games that 97-98 season. After time was spent during numerous trials involving the Warriors’ termination of Spree’s contract, he was finally suspended by the Warriors.

Soon, the Mecca of basketball came calling for Spree during the shortened, lockout season of 98-99. New York got their man and shipped John Starks to Golden State. He averaged 20 points per game during that playoff run which eventually lead the Knicks to a 5 game series loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Spree added another scoring option alongside center and NBA Legend Patrick Chewing. Yes the one from the Snickers commercial. The two along with Allan Houston, Chris Childs, Marcus Camby and Larry Johnson formed one of the best nucleus’ in basketball.

All was good in New York; however, Spre-Man just had to screw things up. After the Finals, Spree was feuding yet again with his coach, this time it was Jeff Van Gundy. Once Van Gundy left the Knicks in 2001, all hell broke loose as Spree became angry with Knicks management. He felt mistreated when Allan Houston got the $100 million dollar deal that he felt he deserved. However, the Knicks once again found themselves sinking and shipped unhappy Spree to Minnesota where he teamed with KG and the “Alien Man” Sam Cassell. He became disinterested after one season in Minnesota and fell off the face of the earth after the 04-05 season.

So, what ever happened to the corn rows, the pit bull face, the “Sprewell Spinners”, and the attitude/persona known as “Americas Worst Nightmare?”

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native was last known to be battling debt and laying low in Milwaukee. In 2009, his house went up for foreclosure and he had to sell his $1.3 million yacht to help make payments on the boat. Spree still owed the bank $500,000 and was then later accused in New York with assaulting his girlfriend in front of his children. Since then he has been facing a $200 million lawsuit from his girlfriend as well as another foreclosed home. What happened to “I got a family to feed?” I bet he is wishing he accepted that three year, $21 million deal from the T’Wolves right about now.

“I’ve made mistakes, but I don’t let them keep me down, people say I’m America’s worst nightmare, I say I’m the American dream.”- Latrell Sprewell

Nightmare or dream? Latrell? Readers?

Alex Rosencutter is a basketball player and kinesiology major at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, this hoops addict and die hard Miami Heat fan, who is obsessed with old school hoops, has a fever for basketball and the only prescription is more basketball.

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