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Sept. 5, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Yugoslavia 81 - USA 78 Wow! That's about all I need to say after a night of upsets here in Indianapolis. Well, maybe not upsets but huge games none the less. The US JV team went down to another defeat, - to the Serbs. Gee, I guess all of that Vlade smack essentially came true. In fact, Vlade brought the full A game tonight and even made some strong, physical moves. Now I can't talk any good trash about Vlade. Go figure? In other action, the Dirk Diggler's defeated a Spanish team that looked poised earlier in the week to make a run at a gold medal. In the "Whopper Cup" (both teams are sponsored by Burger King) the Hickory High-like New Zealand squad came through again defeating the South Bronx in a very entertaining and poorly attended match at the RCA Dome. My favourite player, Pero Cameron, came through again for the Kiwis. In fact, I found out that Pero played with a certain Slime aka Snake, Mr. Bob Hieltjes, years ago in New Zealand. That would have been an interesting front line. The Kiwis have now advanced further than anyone (including themselves) would have imagined possible when play began last week. Good on 'em. I think I'm going to go have a Steinlager with the mates to celebrate. No celebrity gossip tonight. Gotta' run, as the media centre here at the RCA Dome is closing up shop... fast. I was the last one out yesterday because of live "Sportstalk with Dan Russell" commitments but I don't think they're going to let me stay tonight. This will be my last report from Indy but I will try to keep up the commentary from Houston, Texas, home of big hair, beef barbecue and the Hanik family. The finals for the 2002 World Championships is now officially a crapshoot. Stay tuned for more Doug E. insight as my journey through America continues from the home of Moochie Norris' sweet afro.
Sept. 4, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Argentina 87 - USA 80 In the immortal words of Keith Jackson (the broadcaster, not the tight end), "Whoa Nelly!" The event that I saw previewed in Sydney finally came to fruition tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse as Argentina defeated the United States 87 - 80, in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicates. The Maradonas jumped out to a first quarter lead of 34 - 21 and never looked back, putting an end to a 58 game American winning streak with NBA players. The Lithuanians should have sprung the upset in Sydney but tonight's Argentinean win definitely wasn't a surprise to this scribe (the key here is to start referring to myself in the third person). The blue wave that was Argentina ran their offence crisply and used the shot clock effectively throughout the game, making the most of their chances and limiting the American's shot attempts to 72 for the game. The US looked confused on defence throughout the game as Argentina continually ran screen and fades and slipped screens for easy buckets. Okay, the game was entertaining but the scene after was priceless. The Argentinean team had the boisterous post game celebration but the real action was in the "mixed zone" as the worldwide media fought it out for position. Between working on their post footwork and boxing out techniques, the world press shouted, clapped and generally reveled in the US loss. In between questions, the Argentine and Spanish press was clapping for the coach and busily calling back home on their mobile phones. Amazing. I had the opportunity to watch most of the US/Argentina game with my new mate from New Zealand, Glenn. He's writing a magazine article on the Maori players in New Zealand's lineup and loved to talk basketball. We had a great time. He'd even been to Vancouver a couple of years ago for the World Ultimate Championships and was distressed to learn that he'd missed out on Vancouver having the finest strippers in North America. I am a regular tourist advertising campaign while on the road. Last but not least, the celebrity sightings/stalking. Got the frame-it-up-photo with both Marv Albert (wearing the rug tonight) and the Czar, Mike Fratello. Caught the boys just before they hopped into their waiting Town Car at the end of the American game. Second, got to talk with Alexander Wolff. Now, some of you may be asking, "who the hell is Alexander Wolff?" Well, only the author of one of the greatest books ever written, "The In Your Face Basketball Book." Along with "Heaver is a Playground" one of the seminal works in young Doug Eberhardt's life. Not only was Alexander a really nice guy but he loved that I still played and brought a list of the best Indy playgrounds with me, just in case. I might get a run in tomorrow since the quarters don't start until 5:30pm. Quarter final action tomorrow. Unfortunately, they schedule two games each for both the RCA Dome and Conseco, so, I can't see them all. I really want to see my boys the Kiwis play the South Bronx (also know as Puerto Rico) but that's at the same time as the US should be takin' a piece of hide out of Yugoslavia. Such decisions.
Sept. 3, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Canada 98 - Venezuela 97 The Canadian juggernaut rolls to their second straight victory with a nail biting 88 - 87 win over Venezuela today at Conseco Fieldhouse. Michael Meeks hit the wrong foot, running one-hander a la Jack Deragopian, with 7.9 seconds left to eek out the second Canadian win of these World Championships. Coach Jay Triano again rolled the lines over like a seasoned hockey boss and received solid production off the bench from Prosper Karangwa and Shawn Swords. In fact, I've kind of become a Shawn Swords fan. He does all the dirty work out there, undersized as he is, and just keeps on coming. Talent-wise I'm not sure he fits into the future national team picture but he's done a great job over the past few years. The best thing about this morning's game? It might have been that the total crowd was about 94 people. It reminded me of the special time that you go to a summer matinee and you are the only people in the movie theatre. All I needed was a popcorn, layered, and a delicious beverage to complete the exclusive feeling that the Fieldhouse was giving off this morning at 11:00am. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (at least I think they're a commonwealth) continues to throw the upsets on the board. Tonight the South Bronx defeated a very tough Spanish team 73 - 65. Both teams play excellent D and along with Argentina have become the medal threats in the "other than the US" category. Puerto Rico has used the old Oakland Raiders psychology that "everybody dismisses us, nobody respects us" to push themselves into a solid medal position. My "new" favourite player is now Pero Cameron of New Zealand. Yes, my favourite changes everyday but that doesn't matter. Pero is a 6-8, 260 pound Maori built like the proverbial brick house (that's right, sing the Commodores tune now). He has the sweet outside stroke with deep three range and really soft hands but it's the way he runs the Kiwi's triangle offence that I love. A true wheelman with the passes and use of his ample rear to set strong screens off the post split. New Zealand stuck with the US for the first half before the inevitable blow out reared its ugly head. The final score, USA 110 - New Zealand 62. Final thing for the day, basketball celebrity brushes with fame. Number 1, I've been taking many a meal at a fine brasserie called the "Steak and Shake." That's right, burgers and shake, 24/7. Last night, I bumped into American assistant coach, Kelvin Sampson of Oklahoma. While we waited for our double burgers, we discussed the Pacific Northwest (he's the former head man at Wazu) and our mutual love of the Harshman family. Nice guy. Number 2, tonight NBA studio analyst Tom Tolbert and I cracked on each other in the washroom at Conseco. He liked my "Rick Barry is the bitterest man on earth" crack and I liked the fact that he kept up a full, colourful conversation from the urinal right through to the hand washing. Kudos Tom. Big game tomorrow when the US takes on the also undefeated Argentinean squad. Stay tuned.
Sept. 2, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Canada 91 - Lebanon 67 Aaah, sweet victory tastes like a delicious Vanilla Coke (my flavour of choice these days). The Canadian lads racked up their first victory here at the worlds with a convincing 91 - 67 defeat of Lebanon. Coach Jay Triano rolled 5 at time over the boards for various stretches of the game and the bench 5 proved to be the difference. Victoria gunner Steve Ross and Prosper "I weigh a buck 'o five" Karangwa (maybe 105, the boy is seriously skinny) got hot in the 3 quarter and led Canada to their virgin win in Indianapolis. At least the squad won't go winless? The boys get to finish off tomorrow against Venezuela for 13th place. None of this team will remember it but Venezuela drove a stake in Canada's heart at the original Dream Team qualifying tourney in Portland. Hopefully the team will bring the pride and effort one more time. Argentina continues to look good while the Yugoslavs look, well, not so good. Perhaps Vlade needs to keep his pie hole shut long enough to let the team actually accomplish something? Tonight the Serbs went down to a very determined Puerto Rican team that came through with some clutch baskets to win in the last minute. It helped that Yugoslavia missed 4 straight free throws in the last minute as well (including 2 by the aforementioned Mr. Divac). Funniest "thing" of the day. No, not the Eurotrash media's disregard for personal hygiene or the Spanish media's affection for those really small, dorky glasses. By far the funniest thing that happened today was an in-depth analysis of old school professional wrestling by former National Team Coach, Ken Shields. The man knows his wrestling. In between recounting epic Calgary cards (he is my Mount Royal homeboy after all) and his encyclopedic knowledge of All-Star Wrestling, he had me in stitches all night long. Well, things are winding down as the tourney gets to its real games. Tomorrow's games will really determine jockeying position for the quarter finals on Thursday. Anyway, tune into "Sportstalk" and keep reading these fine postings. I'm out (that's as close as I'll come to ever being on the Jungle).
Sept. 1, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN No Games Okay, I know I said I wouldn't report until tomorrow but there were just so many things to see today that I couldn't help myself. First, there may be nothing funnier than watching foreign ballers and their team flunkies hitting the mall. Whether it was the "Finish Line" (a national sports and apparel chain based out of Indy) or "Sam Goody" (purveyors of that hip hop music that's so happenin' with the kids worldwide), your non-english speaking hoopsters are pretty damn entertaining when engaging in quality American consumerism. NBA stars are also good people watching. Andre Miller and his homeboy were seriously eyeing an authentic Dr. J slam dunk poster from the '75 all-star game in Denver at "Field of Dreams," the collectibles store. Andre's boy was also digging the '79 Larry Bird box score - Andre and his guy are old school, baby! Tomorrow brings a fresh slate of games. Canada has it's first toilet bowl game vs. Lebanon at 11:00am in the RCA Dome. Once again, a game Canada should win but who knows? Lebanon has one sweet player, a 6' 6" point forward who loves to score named Fadi El Khatib. If Sportsnet is still showing the action make sure to check out Fadi's game; muscular, good hops, nice stroke, wild hair and tats. He's already ready for the NBA if he can escape from the Lebanese League. I just want to know how they get foreign players to suit up in Lebanon? Strikes me that the war zone/AK 47 factor might come into play. Canada had a full practice this morning and a shoot around this evening. Jay Triano had that "I just don't care" look today which could translate into a full set of gassers after the game tomorrow if Canada loses. I'm pretty sure he's pissed off beyond repair by the teams' performance. Jay might be one of the top ten most competitive people of all time and it's all starting to wear on him. One last observation. Indianapolis might have more steak houses per square block than any other city in North America. God help a BC, tree-hugger, veggie eating-type like say, Bradley "O." Plenty of games tomorrow, so, my report might be epic. Same result but much better effort. Gee, I sound like the quasi-coach that I am (or at least aspire to be). A little Canadian pride plus much better basketball showed through today at Conseco Fieldhouse as the Canadian national team went down 87 - 71 to a talent laden Yugoslavian squad. Rowan Barrett actually showed up early with 9 first quarter points after an evening of church social doings (his congregation was in town for some big Christian singles thing, what can I say). He faded until the late fourth quarter again but definitely stepped up for the first time in the tournament, finishing with 18 points for the game. The most entertaining moment of the day. No, not another trip to "Steak and Shake" for me but a reversible error that turned into a Jay Triano technical foul in the third quarter. Between the whistles of the Serbian fans, who thought Jay was trash talking with some of their jackbooted comrades courtside, to the vacant faces of the courtside crew and referees, a fine T for all. The Canadian boys actually responded well and scored five straight points. Unfortunately, Yugoslavia had already gone on a 12 - 0 run to start the half and had already put the game away. The media circus of the day was easily the USA vs. China game that just wrapped up minutes ago at the RCA Dome. Yao Ming can draw a crowd. The Chinese started the game out very well and lead through most of the first half with the largest headed human on earth playing very well. That's right, Yao's melon is in fact bigger than Melon's (sorry Jason Leslie). In predictable fashion the US poured it in the fourth quarter and it was lights out. I don't know if it's because it's the weekend or what but there was a lot of NBA big hitters peppered in the crowd tonight. This international ball might have a future? Remember to keep listening to "Sportstalk" and I'll be back with the diary on Monday. No games tomorrow, so, maybe I'll catch some of Indianapolis' cultural attractions. More likely, I'll hit the googolplex movie theatres across the street from the Hyatt. Thanks all and enjoy the veal. Remember to tip the waitress on the way out.
Aug. 31, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN (Susie's Birthday) Yugoslavia 87 - Canada 71 Same result but much better effort. Gee, I sound like the quasi-coach that I am (or at least aspire to be). A little Canadian pride plus much better basketball showed through today at Conseco Fieldhouse as the Canadian national team went down 87 - 71 to a talent laden Yugoslavian squad. Rowan Barrett actually showed up early with 9 first quarter points after an evening of church social doings (his congregation was in town for some big Christian singles thing, what can I say). He faded until the late fourth quarter again but definitely stepped up for the first time in the tournament, finishing with 18 points for the game. The most entertaining moment of the day. No, not another trip to "Steak and Shake" for me but a reversible error that turned into a Jay Triano technical foul in the third quarter. Between the whistles of the Serbian fans, who thought Jay was trash talking with some of their jackbooted comrades courtside, to the vacant faces of the courtside crew and referees, a fine T for all. The Canadian boys actually responded well and scored five straight points. Unfortunately, Yugoslavia had already gone on a 12 - 0 run to start the half and had already put the game away. The media circus of the day was easily the USA vs. China game that just wrapped up minutes ago at the RCA Dome. Yao Ming can draw a crowd. The Chinese started the game out very well and lead through most of the first half with the largest headed human on earth playing very well. That's right, Yao's melon is in fact bigger than Melon's (sorry Jason Leslie). In predictable fashion the US poured it in the fourth quarter and it was lights out. I don't know if it's because it's the weekend or what but there was a lot of NBA big hitters peppered in the crowd tonight. This international ball might have a future? Remember to keep listening to "Sportstalk" and I'll be back with the diary on Monday. No games tomorrow, so, maybe I'll catch some of Indianapolis' cultural attractions. More likely, I'll hit the googolplex movie theatres across the street from the Hyatt. Thanks all and enjoy the veal. Remember to tip the waitress on the way out.
Aug. 30, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Angola 84 - Canada 74 Canada lost today to Angola. Enough said. I'm pretty sure the only things that Angola has ever beat Canada in are colonization and brutal military juntas, so, to say today's results are disappointing would be an understatement. Jay Triano's squad went from their worst defeat during his tenure to their most disappointing defeat. Once again, no defensive stops when they needed them and a sporadic offence at best. Somebody find Steve Nash on whatever beach he's on and let him know that the boys need him, very, very badly. Plus, his homeboy Dirk has nobody to run with down in Indy. He's been ordering Domino's for one and hasn't even gone out for any late night shooting sessions? The game of the day? Definitely Brazil versus Turkey. First of all, all the Turkish players are sporting the bleach blond locks and goatees (nice look, Hedo). Always have to give the props for the good lids. Add on to their coif fashion statements the fact that they had a chance to nail down a huge victory over Brazil today only to see Marchado knock down the step back three with no time left for the win. On the plus side, Turkey has the best fans down here. Loud, colourful and plenty of them. Kudos Turkey (I just like saying kudos Turkey). Last observation today... the pedestrian lights at intersections down here have shot clocks on them. I kid you not, they have clocks counting down how long you have to cross the street. I thought Indy was old school but ever since they opened up the Indiana state high school tournament things have gone to hell. Okay, I'm off for the night, gotta' go find a place to stay (and haven't seen an appropriate steam grate as of yet).
Aug. 29, 2002 - Indianapolis, IN Spain 85 - Canada 54 Aaaagh, I think I'm feeling ill? Could be the result of what might have been Canada's poorest effort since Jay Triano took over as National Team coach. In a very disappointing opening effort here in the Hoosier state, Canada went down to a tough (but not that tough) Spanish national side 85 - 54 at the Conseco Fieldhouse earlier this afternoon. A quick opening 8 - 2 run, highlighted by a thunderous Rowan Barrett slam dunk, quickly turned into foul trouble and almost non-existent offence for the talent challenged Canadian squad. If the boys were looking for a nice early lead before the Spanish team could get Pau Gasol loose and in the game, their chance didn't last very long. Gasol made an immediate impact and continued to show why he was NBA Rookie of the Year (or should that be "The Got Milk" Rookie of the Year... gotta' pimp for those NBA sponsors). In fact, the whole Vancouver, ergh Memphis, Grizzlies brain trust was out to watch their prized Spaniard. Normally, I wouldn't use the word brain trust when Dick Versace is in the house but he was fetching Jerry West coffee, so, it all balances off. I even got a chance to speak with Michael "O Canada" Heisley - stay tuned for that mini-interview coming to a radio and web site near you. Coach Jay Triano was a little shell-shocked after the game and with good reason. Canadians always count on bringing it physically even if they are outmatched. That definitely wasn't the case today and Canada will have to show up tomorrow to beat a better than average Angola squad. Where will the offence come from? Good question Boy Wonder. Hopefully Michael Meeks and Rowan Barrett step up Friday and "bring it," as the kids like to say. Anyway, that's day one here in Indy. Saw a lot of ball, gonna' see a lot more, even saw Larry Bird today. What's better then that... stay tuned for more little diary entries from Indianapolis over the next week and a half. Later. Doug E. For more Doug E. "Sportstalk" columns (or what passes for a columns), click here! eberhardt basketball, where "Life is Good but Basketball is Better." |