New and exciting things are coming for this Doctor Professor. Although this format has certainly suited me well, Jacob Berry and the good folks at 956sports.com have helped me to get my own domain name, allowing me to move this blog and all future posts to a new site:
http://www.thedoctorprofessor.com
It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
I'll see you there!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Big Moves
You can never have enough depth, right?
The Vipers brought back Garrett Temple today.
So... here are the players you are now trying to squeeze into three spots:
Mustafa Shakur, Garrett Temple, Jerel McNeal, Antonio Anderson, Richard Roby and Terrel Harris.
It's incredible to think, that no matter who's at the PG, SG and SF positions, the Vipers are in good shape. Finding them all minutes could be tricky, but at the same time, it also forces them all to take their games to a higher level to earn playing time. They can't all play 30-to-40 minutes (unless there's mad wicked overtime).
Still, the acquisition of Temple is the right one. He's a good person, very coachable. He'll put his head down and hustle... do whatever is asked of him. And he has plenty of talent too. The man made some starts for the Spurs down the stretch last year. I don't really understand why the Spurs waived him this year. You can say he wasn't playing as well, but he only got a few minutes in three games off the bench, so that's not really fair. The Spurs are carrying the league-minimum of 13 players right now (max is 15). I guess they don't see a reason to carry more since they can only have 12 active on any given night. They could have assigned Temple to the Toros, but maybe they thought he didn't need anymore seasoning. Still, it would have been a smart way to hold onto a valuable player and get him ready in case the aging Spurs have any injuries. Oh well, just like with Luis Scola, the Spurs' loss is the Rockets' gain... or in this case... the Vipers' gain.
Stanley Robinson is a pretty intriguing acquisition too. The Vipers certainly needed some help in the size department. Patrick Sullivan was in a lot of foul trouble and didn't even play seven minutes on Sunday. Patrick Patterson is solid, but you never know when the Rockets will recall him. Mickell Gladness is a good piece to have. Mouhammad Faye barely plays. Robinson immediately bolsters the power forward position.
Over all, the Vipers have become incredibly deep at every position. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out as far as rotations and lineups go.
The Vipers brought back Garrett Temple today.
So... here are the players you are now trying to squeeze into three spots:
Mustafa Shakur, Garrett Temple, Jerel McNeal, Antonio Anderson, Richard Roby and Terrel Harris.
It's incredible to think, that no matter who's at the PG, SG and SF positions, the Vipers are in good shape. Finding them all minutes could be tricky, but at the same time, it also forces them all to take their games to a higher level to earn playing time. They can't all play 30-to-40 minutes (unless there's mad wicked overtime).
Still, the acquisition of Temple is the right one. He's a good person, very coachable. He'll put his head down and hustle... do whatever is asked of him. And he has plenty of talent too. The man made some starts for the Spurs down the stretch last year. I don't really understand why the Spurs waived him this year. You can say he wasn't playing as well, but he only got a few minutes in three games off the bench, so that's not really fair. The Spurs are carrying the league-minimum of 13 players right now (max is 15). I guess they don't see a reason to carry more since they can only have 12 active on any given night. They could have assigned Temple to the Toros, but maybe they thought he didn't need anymore seasoning. Still, it would have been a smart way to hold onto a valuable player and get him ready in case the aging Spurs have any injuries. Oh well, just like with Luis Scola, the Spurs' loss is the Rockets' gain... or in this case... the Vipers' gain.
Stanley Robinson is a pretty intriguing acquisition too. The Vipers certainly needed some help in the size department. Patrick Sullivan was in a lot of foul trouble and didn't even play seven minutes on Sunday. Patrick Patterson is solid, but you never know when the Rockets will recall him. Mickell Gladness is a good piece to have. Mouhammad Faye barely plays. Robinson immediately bolsters the power forward position.
Over all, the Vipers have become incredibly deep at every position. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out as far as rotations and lineups go.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Happy Belated Thanksgiving!
I intended to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving yesterday, but it ended up being a busier day than anticipated. I started the day as a volunteer, along with other members of the front office and the entire Vipers basketball team, at the Salvation Army, serving meals to those in-need.
From there I went to the home of assistant coach Jai Steadman, where he and his girl friend hosted the entire team. After a great meal, I was invited to another friend's house, as I spent Thanksgiving evening with 956sports.com's Jacob Berry and his family.
It was a positively wonderful day on my first Thanksgiving away from home (I had always gone home to New York in the past). I know the players appreciated both the opportunity to help out in the community and to have a home to go to for Thanksgiving.
I have much to be thankful for... family and friends at the top of course. My profession is up there as well, though. For those of you who do not know, I am traveling with the Vipers this year. I will be providing the play-by-play for all games away from State Farm Arena this season.
It's an incredible opportunity and I can't thank everyone at the top enough, starting with Vipers President Bert Garcia, for having the confidence in me to allow this to happen. Hard work always pays off. Every single time.
It won't be my first time sliding over into the play-by-play role for the Vipers. I filled-in for two games each of the last two years. However, the consistent reps this year will give me a better opportunity to hone my craft in hopes of someday reaching the big leagues.
It's been a few years since I've had those consistent reps. I started broadcasting basketball during the 2005-06 season; my first of two years with Boston University women's basketball. During the 2007-08 season I was the play-by-play broadcaster for the University of Texas-Pan American, doing all men's games and as many women's games as I could.
These past two seasons I have been providing color commentary at home, and last season I was also the pre-game/halftime/post-game studio host when the team was on the road. That was all valuable on-air experience. Coupling that with my previous play-by-play experience, I am excited to see how much improvement I can make this year.
It's going to be fun!
Pre-game coverage on Saturday begins at 11:30 a.m. We'll have an interview with Terrel Harris during the Mega Energy halftime show. Talk to you then.
From there I went to the home of assistant coach Jai Steadman, where he and his girl friend hosted the entire team. After a great meal, I was invited to another friend's house, as I spent Thanksgiving evening with 956sports.com's Jacob Berry and his family.
It was a positively wonderful day on my first Thanksgiving away from home (I had always gone home to New York in the past). I know the players appreciated both the opportunity to help out in the community and to have a home to go to for Thanksgiving.
I have much to be thankful for... family and friends at the top of course. My profession is up there as well, though. For those of you who do not know, I am traveling with the Vipers this year. I will be providing the play-by-play for all games away from State Farm Arena this season.
It's an incredible opportunity and I can't thank everyone at the top enough, starting with Vipers President Bert Garcia, for having the confidence in me to allow this to happen. Hard work always pays off. Every single time.
It won't be my first time sliding over into the play-by-play role for the Vipers. I filled-in for two games each of the last two years. However, the consistent reps this year will give me a better opportunity to hone my craft in hopes of someday reaching the big leagues.
It's been a few years since I've had those consistent reps. I started broadcasting basketball during the 2005-06 season; my first of two years with Boston University women's basketball. During the 2007-08 season I was the play-by-play broadcaster for the University of Texas-Pan American, doing all men's games and as many women's games as I could.
These past two seasons I have been providing color commentary at home, and last season I was also the pre-game/halftime/post-game studio host when the team was on the road. That was all valuable on-air experience. Coupling that with my previous play-by-play experience, I am excited to see how much improvement I can make this year.
It's going to be fun!
Pre-game coverage on Saturday begins at 11:30 a.m. We'll have an interview with Terrel Harris during the Mega Energy halftime show. Talk to you then.
Monday, November 22, 2010
ANTONIO ANDERSON IS BACK!
(My thinking is using all caps will help to convey the incredible awesomeness of that statement. So, please, take a moment to let it all sink in).
This is without a doubt the right move by Anderson. He's so close to the NBA, it's tantalizing. A number of teams have shown interest in Anderson over the last year, from Charlotte to Oklahoma City to Denver to Houston. That means he's doing something right. Coach Finch said a few weeks ago Inside the Vipers Nest that he thinks Anderson is an NBA players, it's just a matter of winning the numbers game and finding the right fit.
There's no question Anderson adds grit to the defense that is certainly needed. He's one of the best defensive players in the league and can certainly help to keep opposing teams from scoring 115 points on a nightly basis (granted, that's happen in all of one game, but it's never too early to add to the defense).
Anderson also adds fire power on offense, not only as a slasher that can play at shooting guard and small forward, but as a play maker. He can be the second point guard the Vipers need when Mustafa Shakur needs a breather, and he can be a dangerous weapon when they're both out there.
This certainly crowds the back court a little bit with Shakur, Richard Roby (31 points in the opener), Jerel McNeal and Isaiah Swann also back there, but it'll probably work itself out. Usually does.
What this does for both McNeal and Swann is help them to become more open for good three-point looks since they never have to worry about running the offense.
Terrel Harris had a very strong game starting at small forward (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), so I can't imagine he gets pulled from the starting lineup. Does McNeal? Or does Anderson come off the bench for a couple of games (like Will Conroy in his first game with the Vipers and Mike Harris in his first two games after his first GATORADE Call-Up)?
Good problem to have, eh?
This is without a doubt the right move by Anderson. He's so close to the NBA, it's tantalizing. A number of teams have shown interest in Anderson over the last year, from Charlotte to Oklahoma City to Denver to Houston. That means he's doing something right. Coach Finch said a few weeks ago Inside the Vipers Nest that he thinks Anderson is an NBA players, it's just a matter of winning the numbers game and finding the right fit.
There's no question Anderson adds grit to the defense that is certainly needed. He's one of the best defensive players in the league and can certainly help to keep opposing teams from scoring 115 points on a nightly basis (granted, that's happen in all of one game, but it's never too early to add to the defense).
Anderson also adds fire power on offense, not only as a slasher that can play at shooting guard and small forward, but as a play maker. He can be the second point guard the Vipers need when Mustafa Shakur needs a breather, and he can be a dangerous weapon when they're both out there.
This certainly crowds the back court a little bit with Shakur, Richard Roby (31 points in the opener), Jerel McNeal and Isaiah Swann also back there, but it'll probably work itself out. Usually does.
What this does for both McNeal and Swann is help them to become more open for good three-point looks since they never have to worry about running the offense.
Terrel Harris had a very strong game starting at small forward (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), so I can't imagine he gets pulled from the starting lineup. Does McNeal? Or does Anderson come off the bench for a couple of games (like Will Conroy in his first game with the Vipers and Mike Harris in his first two games after his first GATORADE Call-Up)?
Good problem to have, eh?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
DONATE BLOOD
I just donated blood for the first time in my life. We had a blood drive at the Vipers Pro-Shop today for United Blood Services benefiting the Mary Kay Foundation.
It was the easiest thing in the world. And it took all of 5 minutes and 52 seconds.
I just saved three lives.
Everyone who donated (we had a great turnout) saved three lives each.
I feel incredibly stupid for not donating in the past.
I plan to donate every 56 days for the rest of my life.
I found the hero in me. Find the Hero in You.
Donate today!
It was the easiest thing in the world. And it took all of 5 minutes and 52 seconds.
I just saved three lives.
Everyone who donated (we had a great turnout) saved three lives each.
I feel incredibly stupid for not donating in the past.
I plan to donate every 56 days for the rest of my life.
I found the hero in me. Find the Hero in You.
Donate today!
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Legends Traded Dar Tucker?
Might he become the first player (I assume) in NBA Development League history to play in 51 games?
Not sure why the Legends would trade him to New Mexico after one game for a future second round pick. Tucker had a quiet 10 points and seven rebounds last night, but when used properly (read: for more than 17:19), he can dominate. Did so with the LA D-Fenders last year.
*shrug*
He stays in the Western Conference, so how this move affects the Vipers remains to be seen.
Not sure why the Legends would trade him to New Mexico after one game for a future second round pick. Tucker had a quiet 10 points and seven rebounds last night, but when used properly (read: for more than 17:19), he can dominate. Did so with the LA D-Fenders last year.
*shrug*
He stays in the Western Conference, so how this move affects the Vipers remains to be seen.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Title Defense Off to a Good Start
The Vipers open the season with a win, raise the Championship banner and hand out Championship rings. Can you think of any better way to open the season? I have no plans to ever not wear this ring. Oh how sweet it is!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Pre-Season Finale Thoughts
It was a quick day for the Vipers. Land in Dallas, grab some food to eat on the way to the Texas Legends practice facility, play a game, run back to the airport, eat, fly back to McAllen.
The Vipers got an exhibition against the Iowa Energy in during the trip (it was a tournament of sorts I guess. Texas-Tulsa Friday, Austin-Tulsa and RGV-Iowa Saturday, Texas-Iowa Sunday). The Vipers lost 112-92.
The Vipers played evenly with the Energy during the first quarter, but the second quarter wasn't pretty. Fouls, turnovers... The Vipers came back in the third to make it a five-point game, but the next time I looked up it was a 17-point game and the Energy maintained their lead.
Jerel McNeal had a nice shooting day for the Vipers. Patrick Patterson looked okay in his first game action since the NBA pre-season.
The Energy have a lot of talent on paper, although some of those names didn't play too well. Kyle Weaver struggled. Courtney Sims didn't look like a dominant big. I wasn't overly impressed with Conor Atchley either. Curtis Stinson did his usual thing. Chris Lofton looked great. Othyus Jeffers was unstoppable.
*shrug*
At the end of the day, it's a pre-season game. Does it mean anything? Maybe. But it's not like these teams were reviewing tape on each other before the game. They were worried about evaluating their own talent and running their own plays. So I don't worry about 20-point loss. The real thing doesn't start until Thursday.
The Vipers got an exhibition against the Iowa Energy in during the trip (it was a tournament of sorts I guess. Texas-Tulsa Friday, Austin-Tulsa and RGV-Iowa Saturday, Texas-Iowa Sunday). The Vipers lost 112-92.
The Vipers played evenly with the Energy during the first quarter, but the second quarter wasn't pretty. Fouls, turnovers... The Vipers came back in the third to make it a five-point game, but the next time I looked up it was a 17-point game and the Energy maintained their lead.
Jerel McNeal had a nice shooting day for the Vipers. Patrick Patterson looked okay in his first game action since the NBA pre-season.
The Energy have a lot of talent on paper, although some of those names didn't play too well. Kyle Weaver struggled. Courtney Sims didn't look like a dominant big. I wasn't overly impressed with Conor Atchley either. Curtis Stinson did his usual thing. Chris Lofton looked great. Othyus Jeffers was unstoppable.
*shrug*
At the end of the day, it's a pre-season game. Does it mean anything? Maybe. But it's not like these teams were reviewing tape on each other before the game. They were worried about evaluating their own talent and running their own plays. So I don't worry about 20-point loss. The real thing doesn't start until Thursday.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Vipers vs. Iowa @ Frisco (11/13/10)
I'm not so sure we'll be starting at 3:30 p.m. as scheduled. They're early in the 3rd Quarter of the Austin-Tulsa game (Toros 64, 66ers 53, 8:50 on the clock).
If I'm going to broadcast this game as planned (click here), I'm going to have to do it from the stands. That should be interesting. Although I have done that before...
Not entirely sure what time I'm going to get on the air because of this game. Not sure how much time's in-between games. I also need to get Iowa's roster numbers to go with their names. I will get on before the game starts, though.
If I'm going to broadcast this game as planned (click here), I'm going to have to do it from the stands. That should be interesting. Although I have done that before...
Not entirely sure what time I'm going to get on the air because of this game. Not sure how much time's in-between games. I also need to get Iowa's roster numbers to go with their names. I will get on before the game starts, though.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Inside the Vipers Nest Now LIVE Online with VIDEO
Thursday marks a historic happening for our weekly radio show, Inside the Vipers Nest... We will be streaming it live online through our partners at 956sports.com.
You can now watch (and listen) as Coach Finch, Analee and I talk about everything in the world of the Vipers.
The show runs from 6-to-7 p.m. on Jack FM (104.9 KJAV Alamo, 95.3 KZSP South Padre Island). Check it out!
You can now watch (and listen) as Coach Finch, Analee and I talk about everything in the world of the Vipers.
The show runs from 6-to-7 p.m. on Jack FM (104.9 KJAV Alamo, 95.3 KZSP South Padre Island). Check it out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
