Houston Roundball Review Basketballs for Thought

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2024-12-27T10:05:00.000-06:00

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"Coogs helping Coogs is a thing. It's real. Needs to be real. Needs to be emphasized."

2024-07-05T06:36:00.001-05:00

Segment from the July 4 Houston Roundball Review Takeover powered by JM&E and via Bs3 Network.

"And the flip side, the Administration should not shun those folks who don't make six figures; who aren't some major corporation, because these alums might want to help but haven't been contacted. They've been ignored. Coogs helping Coogs is a thing. It's real. Needs to be real. Needs to be emphasized."

Watch the full show -- on YouTube (w/ time stamps) -- https://www.youtube.com/live/rDf-fevCDCw.

ESPN+ Price Increase

2023-10-11T15:05:00.002-05:00

Beginning October 12, there will be a price increase across all ESPN+ subscription types.

The UFC PPV Standalone purchase will remain the same price at $79.99 each.

Product	Former Price	New Price
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Morgan Uber: "I would watch those sideline reporters; and, I want to be one of them one day."

2023-09-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

Morgan Uber (AAC, Director of Video Communications and Reporter) joined me Thursday on the Houston Roundball Review Takeover powered by JM&E and via the Bs3 Network.

During our conversation, Morgan discussed growing up a sports fan; an athlete; her career path; working with AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco; differences in working at the Big 12 and working at The American; women in the industry she admires; being a mentor to aspiring sports journalists and much more.

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Morgan discusses her career background.

03:26 - From SVG to the Big 12 to The American

04:48 - Being a sports fan since she was age 3, 4, 5 years old.

06:36 - Watching college football when she was 13, 14 years old.

07:03 - Transition from working with the Big 12 to working at the American

08:48 - What she's learned from working with AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco

11:03 - Has conference re-alignment impacted her job?

14:48 - How does she prepare for reporting from the sideline for a game?

18:08 - Women in the industry she admires / looks up to

21:58 - Advice for young women who hope to follow in her footsteps.

25:56 - The great work of the AAC's social media team

26:53 - Mentoring young women and giving back to younger journalists

27:41 - The AAC's weekly show

29:38 - Any plans for an AAC schedule release show for hoops?

31:46 - 2024 AAC Basketball Championship at Dickies Arena

Women's: March 9-13

Men's: March 13-17

Houston Athletics' Garett Klassy: "We've done a lot of things to really enhance the fan experience this year."

2023-09-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

Garret Klassy, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Revenue Officer for Houston Athletics, joined the Houston Roundball Review Takeover powered by JM&E to discuss the Coogs' "Love You, Houston" commemorative uniforms; marketing ideas and promotions for UH football games at TDECU Stadium; traffic and parking for TDECU; tailgating; modernizing promotions to reach more fans; improved concessions at TDECU; and much more.

"We need to really modernize how we market to our fanbase."

"We know that we really need to enhance the fan experience."

"We have to show our fanbase - especially the families -- that they're getting value when they come out to our events."

"We gotta show our fans having fun at the games. That's what you want to market to. You want to show 'em that everyone is having a good time at your games."

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Regarding the lack of fan support for University of Houston Athletics

2022-08-16T12:24:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted a commentary / "Basketball 4 Thought" in quite a while. I've gravitated more towards sharing my thoughts via podcasts (audio and / or video) when I've had the urge to express my opinion or get something off my chest. Monday, August 15, I received a detailed email from a University of Houston alum in response to the August 14th "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show I did with Andy Yanez and James Mueller. (Our other host, Willy Gibson, had a prior commitment and was unavailable for Sunday's show.)

During the show, one of the topics Andy, James and I discussed was the lack of fan support for University of Houston Athletics. We shared ideas to increase and improve the amount of fan support. Andy and I are UH alums. Andy is a recent UH grad. I graduated from UH a long, long time ago (December 1994). James will graduate from UH soon. He's the sports editor at The Daily Cougar (UH's school newspaper). All 3 of us have an appreciation for the University of Houston; and, we have our own perspective on what can be done to improve the fan support. If you haven't watched (or listened) to Sunday's show, please check it out.

The comments and suggestions below are from the email I received Monday evening.

I watched the live show yesterday and what you said about lack of fan support really resonated with me. I agree there is a big problem with support for UH's football team. I have a few theories which I would like to share with you.

I graduated in December of '09. So I saw a couple of the (Case) Keenum years and the last of the (Kevin) Kolb. So, I naturally fell in love with UH football. I used to go watch some games with friends and we had a good time. Nearly all my friends are UH graduates like me. Yet for all the fond memories we had I struggle immensely to try and drag them to games. Now, even though we had a good run in football not all of my friends were interested in going to the games. What's worse, nobody wants to go now, because they do not care for the sport and complain it is expensive and cumbersome to go to games.

For a bit of context, I was neither born, nor raised in the USA, I moved to Houston for College when I was young. Practically all of my friends are the same. None of them were born or raised in the USA. We would all say that our main sport of choice, and our favorite sport is soccer. Yet I fell for college football and the Coogs. What I am trying to get at is that the background of the majority of the student population does play a role in my humble opinion. International students do not understand, or care for the sport, they have not grown in a culture of American sports. Especially Football. In addition, the core of the student population is mostly middle class, from blue collar families, or do not even live in the country. Or at least it used to be like that when I was a student. This makes getting donations from wealthy parents difficult to come by, alumni are not interested in the sport, or the team, so how would they be expected to donate? In addition, not all fans and alumni have regular office jobs, or work office hours. This means they may not necessarily have the weekends off to attend games.

Now having said all that, we have handicaps to contend with but things can certainly improve. In my opinion the school and the city should do a bit more to help promote shows like yours and others like the Scott & Holman Pawdcast (which is another favorite of mine).

From my personal experience it is difficult to connect with other fans who would enjoy the game experience, or travel to away games. I have tried looking for alumni associations, but they are utter crap at responding AND do not seem to be responsive or proactive at promoting the football games. I have searched for places to have watch parties and have so far found none. The university could use TDECU, or Fertitta center to host watch parties instead of doing that in the George R Brown Convention Center, AND waive the parking cost to promote attendance.

Another theory of mine is that we have had our momentum killed repeatedly. The Levine era deflated what Sumlin did. The Major Applewhite era killed the momentum from the Herman era, everything deflated and collapsed from there, we have not been able to get over that. One 12 game winning season does certainly help, but consistent winning goes a long way too to build enthusiasm, but more should be done about it in tandem. For example, more promotion should be done internally within the student population AND around town. There is hardly any school spirit promotion on campus, and around town. UH should OWN the town, remember Htown takeover? we need to own that. I recall having been around campus during football season and there was hardly any notice of the games. Even on some days when the basketball team plays, students did not seem remotely aware. U has a student body of around 46-47 thousand, if every single current student showed up to games, the stadium would be full, end of story.

Lastly, below are some of the complaints I've heard from friends and other alumni:

Having to forcefully donate when buying season tickets.
High costs of beer at the stadium.
No real open tailgating area.
High cost for parking.

I feel like while the University needs to raise cash for the much-needed upgrades to athletic facilities, it should begin by trying to rally their alumni and fanbase. Get the alumni, fanbase and city to buy in.

Below are some suggestions I think could help this:

More tailgating areas with tents, water, and cheap beer.
Cheaper beer at the stadium.
Remove the forced donations for season tickets.
More flare overall around campus, the city and on local media.
Promotion on the internet, local radio shows, tv, supermarkets, restaurants and bars.
Partnerships with promoting (if not sponsoring) independent podcasts like yours and the Scott and Holman Pawdcast.
We need the university to engage with local businesses to promote the games, Karbach comes to mind, Saint Arnold, 8th Wonder, etc. Have game day specials.
We need partnerships with local bars, to have watch parties.
Also, leverage TDECU Stadium or Fertitta Center school sponsored watch parties.

Alas, some of these issues / areas of concern existed when I attended UH in the 90s. Listening to recent UH grads, many of them mention they had no idea a football game or basketball game was forthcoming until it was too late. I remember mentioning that exact issue on KTRH Sports Saturday YEARS AGO.

I am a proud alum of the University of Houston. I want to see UH succeed. However, when I feel UH is underachieving / underperforming, I'm going to speak out and express myself.

The email I received indicates other UH alums have similar concerns. It's time for UH to do better.

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2022-05-30T08:21:00.003-05:00

The Houston Roundball Review's YouTube channel continues adding content and providing more shows / playlists for companies / sponsors to advertise.

Let's Talk Houston Rockets - Kris Gardner talks with Rockets' fans about their favorite team.

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2022-01-23T08:59:00.004-06:00

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Houston Roundball Review Radio

2020-05-26T11:12:00.001-05:00

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, I made guest appearances as a basketball analyst on every sports station in Houston, Texas. Up and down the radio dial: KILT-610. KSEV-700. KTRH 740 SportsBeat Saturdays. KCOH 1430 AM's Sports Rap.

That was then. Most (not all) of the radio appearances have dried up. But no matter. The show must go on. I shifted to podcasts to share my insights and opinions about basketball as well as post videos on the Houston Roundball Review YouTube channel.

Fast forward to the present. In addition to the YouTube channel, I now have an online radio station: Houston Roundball Review Radio.

Discussions pertaining to an online radio station began a few years ago. Then, last year, the online radio station began under a web server I no longer use. I switched web servers about 2 months ago. The switch has been very beneficial.

When the inspiration hits me, I "go live" and talk basketball on the station. Alas, the inspiration has not hit me lately. I do have two podcasts: The HRR Interviews and, recently, The HRR "One-On-None" Show which air on the station. And, for the time being, I have episodes of "The HRR's H-town teams updates" on the station. The H-town updates will move to the "One-On-None" show. (Work smarter not harder.)

For the most part -- especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic -- most of the shows are pre-recorded. However, I do plan to have more "live" programming on the station in the future.

Shows run 24/7 on the station.

Houston Roundball Review Radio is an opportunity for me to broadcast (and promote) shows (podcasts) of mentees and colleagues. The mentees are Dorian Branch -- "Off the Court with Dorian"; Coty Davis -- "Bleav in the Rockets" and "Locked On Texans"; and Jackson Gatlin -- "Locked On Rockets"). The colleagues / vets are Dr. Kenyatta Cavil -- Dr. Cavil's Inside the HBCU Sports Lab; Kim Davis -- "Chalk Talk!"; and Adolphus "AD" Moore -- "The AD Max Korner").

In addition to airing shows from H-town youth and H-town vets, Houston Roundball Review Radio also airs shows from non-Houstonians who discuss women's basketball and HBCUs:

LaChina Robinson's "Around The Rim" Podcast
"The Her Hoop Stats Podcast" from John Liddle, Aaron Barzilai, and / or Megan Gauer
"Locked on Women's Basketball Podcast" by Howard Megdal
"The HBCU Report with Rob Calloway"

I have a few other irons in the fire for the station; but, I won't mention them now.

Tune in. Share the word. Onward and upward.

"Grow the game." - Why not Houston?

2019-12-25T11:26:00.001-06:00

I've contemplated whether or not to write this (let alone post it) for a while; but, as 2019 is about to end, what the hell?

Houston is a football town. Not a news flash. Houston will always be a football town. Despite James Harden's basketball brilliance plus the Astros' recent baseball greatness including a World Series' title in 2017; and the Rockets' back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995; Houston lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes football.

As friends and followers, I enjoy covering women's basketball. The Houston Roundball Review has been credentialed to cover the NCAA Women's Final Four since 2002; and, The HRR has already received credential approval (I always fill out the application early.) to cover the 2020 Women's Final Four in New Orleans.

Did you know the Notre Dame (yep, that Notre Dame) Fighting Irish played Louisiana Lafayette Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the M.O. Campbell Center -- before the lights went out and the game was finished at Rice's Tudor Fieldhouse? Yep. I was there.

Any amount is appreciated.

Your support helps continue the basketball coverage and work which The HRR began in 1994.

Thank you in advance.

Since 2004, I've worked with people in the city of Houston to submit (and win) a bid to host a Women's Final Four. Houston has submitted three bids to host a Women's Final Four. So far, no luck. Last year was probably H-town's best opportunity to win a bid as a host city; but, Monday, October 15, 2018, the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Sport Committee did not select Houston. In fact, two other Texas cities (Dallas in 2023 and San Antonio in 2021) were selected as part of the four cities chosen to host within the 2021-2024 time span.

In 2021, San Antonio will host its 3rd Women's Final Four; and, in 2023, Dallas will host its 2nd Women's Final Four.

Why not Houston?

I ask the question because Houston has been chosen to host the Men's Final Four four times: 1971, 2011, 2016, and 2023. Also, Houston has hosted an NCAA Men's Regional in 1973, 1980, 1986, 2008, 2010, 2015, and will host in 2020.

The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Sport Committee opened up the bid portal August 26, 2019, to submit bids to host a Regional in 2023 (March 24 - 27); 2024 (March 29 - April 1); 2025 (March 28 - 31); and / or 2026 (March 27 - 30) as well as 2025 (April 4 - 6) and 2026 (April 3 - 5) Women's Final Four.

I contacted the Harris County Houston Sports Authority and asked if the HCHSA would submit a bid. Answer: "We have no plans to submit for a Final Four at this time. We may partner with UH for a regional event."

'Partner with UH for a regional event'? Cool.

I would like to point out Southern Methodist University's Moody Coliseum in Dallas will host a NCAA Women's Regional in 2020; and, Moody Coliseum has a seating capacity of 7,000. Fertitta Center has a seating capacity of about 7,100.

Next, I contacted the University of Houston; and, after initial positive responses from UH, the ultimate answer I received was: "at this particular time, we’re not submitting a bid to host the Women’s NCAA Regional... the primary issues with this particular event are scheduling and timing challenges during the term of this bid cycle."

Asked and answered.

I've spoken with a few other people in the past few weeks; and, one response was "Ever since the Houston Comets left (disbanded), there isn't much interest in women's basketball in Houston."

Amen.

Here's the average home attendance for Houston, Houston Baptist, Prairie View, Rice and Texas Southern for the 2018-'19 season:

Houston Cougars: 1299 (13 games).

HBU Huskies: 357 (15 games).

Prairie View A&M Panthers: 433 (13 games).

Rice Owls: 956 (13 games).

Texas Southern: 746 (10 games).

The local colleges / universities didn't do a great job developing good synergy with the Comets when the Comets did exist. Fans of the Comets wanted very little to do with the Houston Baptist Huskies, Houston Cougars, Rice Owls, nor Texas Southern (Lady Tigers) and vice versa.

Ironically, when Rice faced Texas Southern earlier this month (1004 in attendance), Saturday, December 7, inside TSU's Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Arena, I saw a couple of Houston Comets' fans wearing Cynthia Cooper's number 14 shirts. Coop is TSU's head coach. Apparently, 11 years after the Comets were disbanded, some people still have a connection and bond with Coop and the Comets. Imagine that.

Marketing.

The Houston Cougars had a record attendance of 6202 for a Kids' Day (Education Day) game last Wednesday, December 19, for its home game versus Southern Miss.

Effective marketing.

Texas A&M's average home attendance last season was 4,022. When The Aggies faced Rice Sunday, November 7, this season at Rice, the attendance was 1808 which might end up being the largest crowd to see the Owls at Tudor Fieldhouse this season.

Since neither a NCAA Women's Final Four nor a NCAA Women's Regional is in Houston's near future (if ever), how about submitting bids to host an SEC (Southeastern Conference) Women's Basketball Tournament? Texas A&M is a national brand; and, thousands of Aggies live in Houston. (By the way, in case you forgot, the Aggies won the 2011 NCAA Women's Championship. In Indianapolis. I was there. I flew back-and-forth between Indy and Houston to cover the Men's and Women's Final Four.)

Three WNBA players -- Brittney Griner, Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike -- who participated in the 2019 WNBA Playoffs are from the Houston area.

H-town produces the talent. H-town should get to host national events to help "grow the game".

Why not Houston?

See you in New Orleans.

Criticizing the NBA for putting its money before its principles is what the vast majority of mega-corporations do. Why are you surprised?

2019-10-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

The first National Basketball Association (NBA) games held in China took place in 1979 when the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) played two exhibition games (one in Beijing and one in Shanghai).

The Atlanta Hawks drafted China's Sung Tao in the third round in the 1987 NBA Draft making Sung Tao the first Asian player ever drafted in the NBA.

In 1999, Wang Zhizhi became the first Asian player to play in an NBA game.

The Houston Rockets drafted Yao Ming with the number 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Yao Ming's time with the Rockets vaulted the Houston Rockets' organization into one of the top two most popular NBA franchises in China.

Tad Brown, Rockets Team President said in a 2016 article by NBA columnist / writer Fran Blinebury, “Every player in the NBA owes a debt of gratitude to Yao Ming,” said Rockets team president Tad Brown. “He’s opened up incredible doors on the market front. He’s opened up incredible opportunities for the league to continue to expand and grow. It’s something that’s happened. I think the most important thing, what is universal, you have to be able to play."

In 2004, the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings faced each other twice in the inaugural NBA China Games. Once again, one game was held in Beijing and Shanghai hosted the other game.

On January 7, 2019, the NBA announced the Los Angeles Lakers would face the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 NBA China Games. The two games would be the 27th and 28th NBA games in China "with 17 NBA teams having played games in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei since 2004."

Current NBA players Klay Thompson, Rajon Rondo, Gordon Hayward have shoe / apparel deals with Anta which is a branded sportswear company in, you guessed it, China.

In a July 13, 2018, article titled "US Businesses in China Optimistic Despite Trade War", the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai surveyed 434 American companies between April 10 and May 10, 2018, and found that the clear majority of US businesses in China are profitable – though uneasy about China’s opaque regulatory environment.

In case you glossed over the number of American companies, I'll mention it again: 434. That's FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR American companies that participated in the survey. The results of the survey indicated the "clear majority of US businesses in China are profitable".

Read that again. The "Clear majority of US businesses in China are profitable".

Also, I believe the current resident in the White House has business dealings with China.

Friday, October 4, 2019, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for the people in Hong Kong protesting for Democracy:

After receiving immediate backlash, Morey deleted the tweet; and, Houston Rockets team owner Tilman Fertitta tweeted his response:

"Listen ... @dmorey does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets. Our presence in Tokyo is all about the promotion of the @NBA internationally and we are NOT a political organization."

However, the Chinese Basketball Association voiced its displeasure and 'suspended cooperation with American team the Houston Rockets after its general manager offered support for Hong Kong’s anti-government protests in a social media post.

'After the CBA announced its move on Sunday, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning followed suit, as did Tencent’s online sports channel, which broadcasts National Basketball Association games, and the club’s sponsor in China, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. All of them called for the NBA team to give a clear response on the matter.'

Sunday, Morey tweeted a semi-apology:

1/ I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China. I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives.

2/ I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA.

Sunday evening, the NBA issued a lukewarm, fence-straddling statement:

"We recognize that the views expressed by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey have deeply offended many of our friends and fans in China, which is regrettable. While Daryl has made it clear that his tweet does not represent the Rockets or the NBA, the values of the league support individuals’ educating themselves and sharing their views on matters important to them. We have great respect for the history and culture of China and hope that sports and the NBA can be used as a unifying force to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.”

Next, critics in politics, journalism, etc have blasted the NBA for its silence and the NBA's perceived failure to support Morey for his initial tweet to fight for freedom and stand with Hong Kong.

Where were these same critics before this whirlwind began 72 hours ago? The NBA's relationship with China did not begin the last 72 hours. American companies did not begin doing business with China in the last 72 hours.

China's long list of human rights' violations and religious oppression did not magically appear the last 72 hours.

Stop it with this false bravado.

Criticizing the NBA for putting its money before its principles is what the vast majority of mega-corporations do. Why are you surprised?

Do I believe in freedom? Absolutely. Do I believe in fighting for freedom. Absolutely. Do I believe in freedom of speech. Without a doubt. But, I also believe words (tweets) and actions have consequences and, above all else, money talks.

Daryl Morey's tweet, despite being deleted, has major consequences. However, expecting the NBA to bite a one of the hands that feeds it, is very naive.

The NBA knew 40 years ago, China was a communist country with authoritarian rule. The NBA knew in 2004 China has an awful human rights' record; but, you know who also knows these things about China: the hundreds of American companies who are in business with China today in 2019.

If the referees don't call it a travel, don't blame James Harden.

2019-09-30T08:52:00.000-05:00

Updated, 9/30/2019 -- 1:50 p.m.

September 20, the NBA Board of Governors issued a statement it had "approved new language in the NBA rule book that governs traveling violations. The revision will not change the substance of the rule but will help eliminate the gap between the rule as written and how it has been applied in NBA games."

Quickly after the statement went public, it was tabbed the "James Harden Rule".

Houston Rockets' guard James Harden has perfected the step back jump shot. However, the last two seasons -- especially the 2018-'19 season -- fans, opposing players and coaches, members of the media, etc. have decried Harden's step back is without a doubt a travel.

Byron Spruell, NBA President, League Operations, said “One of the most misunderstood rules in our game is how traveling is interpreted and appropriately called. Revising the language of certain areas of the rule is part of our three-pronged approach to address the uncertainty around traveling. This approach also includes an enforcement plan to make traveling a point of emphasis for our officiating staff, along with an aggressive education plan to increase understanding of the rule by players, coaches, media and fans.”

The official NBA rule book will now have a section that formally defines the “gather,” which is a concept that has been used by the officiating staff for many years to apply the rule but was never defined in the rule book. The text of the rule will also be revised to provide additional clarity regarding how many steps a player may take after the gather occurs.

Before Harden popularized the step back jumper, I had never heard (or, at least, as I get older, do not remember) the "gather" step as terminology describing a basketball move.

Included in the September 20 statement, the Board of Governors said a "training video that further explains the traveling rule will be issued next week."

As of this morning, I don't see the training video listed in the NBA's "Video Rulebook"; so, perhaps, it has not been made public, yet.

Sunday, September 29, Harden answered a few questions after training camp practice about the NBA's announcement regarding the new language that governs traveling violations.

Harden's comments made sense. He doesn't understand why his step back became a huge issue and a favorite meme in social media.

"It shouldn't have been a point. Period. At all," Harden commented. "The moves that I do and I create aren't travels or the referees who get paid a lot of money and are the best at what they do would call travel.

"Any of my moves that I've done on the perimeter have never been called for a travel; so, I don't understand where this traveling comes from. I don't understand where it comes from. Just because it looks awkward or it looks different than what the world is used to. That's called being a creator. It's called changing the game; so, live with it. And, hopefully, your favorite players will start doing it, too."

Personally, I do believe Harden does travel, sometimes, not all the time, on his step back jumper.

For example:

James “Genesis” Harden... pic.twitter.com/k1acTCKxvh
— Zac Reed (@tacitassassin13) September 30, 2019

However, why so much vitriol aimed at Harden? It's up to the referees to blow their whistle and call travel. If the referees don't call it a travel, don't blame James Harden.

Twitter account NBA Central's tweet which contains my tweet of the video of Harden's comments from Sunday have generated hundreds of responses -- including tweets in foreign languages such as Portuguese and French -- (The NBA is indeed a global game.) criticizing Harden for his step back jumper.

Again, why criticize Harden for the move?

Harden continued, "I'm tired of hearing that travel. Travel from coaches; from other players. Haters. Fans. Whoever you want to call it. Embrace it. It's going to be here for a while. It's going to be here forever. Whether it's from me or somebody else that I pass it along to that work in the gym and create and try to find ways to impact the game. The best game in the world."

Harden will do what the refs / the NBA allow him to do. If the NBA says Harden's move is legal. The move is legal. If, at times, Harden does indeed travel on his step back, the refs need to blow the whistle and call the travel.

I really am curious to see the training video which "further explains the traveling rule". Harden's step back jumper should be the main attraction.

The NBA has now posted two educational videos (narrated by VP, Head of Referee Development & Training Monty McCutchen) which provide an overview of the Traveling rule, as well as specifically address the newly-defined concept of the “gather”.

The Traveling rule

This video (narrated by VP, Head of Referee Development & Training Monty McCutchen) provides an overview of rules regarding Traveling for Standing & Progressing Players, as well as specifically addresses the newly-defined concept of the “gather”. pic.twitter.com/mMsQ0S847E
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) September 30, 2019

The "Gather"

This video (narrated by VP, Head of Referee Development & Training Monty McCutchen) provides an overview of rules regarding Traveling for Dribbling Players, as well as specifically addresses the newly-defined concept of the “gather”. pic.twitter.com/ukIwRbmbvs
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) September 30, 2019

Goodbye, Mr. Edison. Rest in power.

2019-06-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted a "Basketball for Thought" commentary since May 2018. I would not believe the impetus for my first commentary in more than a year would be because of the death of a mentor, colleague, and friend.

Max Edison (government name: Gifford Louis Edison) died Friday night, June 21, at 11:07 p.m. He died on his birthday. He was 63.

The Houston sports media community has lost a person of influence; but, the loss is even bigger for the African-American Houston sports media community. There's not many of "us" in H-town.

Max helped many aspiring African-American journalists throughout the years -- including me.

Years ago, when I made regular weekly appearances on Sports Radio 610 with Matt Jackson and Jeremy Foster, I remember Max called into the show; and, in his distinct booming voice asked, "Do my ears deceive me? Is this a black man discussing hoops on Sports Radio 610?"

I answered proudly, "Yes, sir."

Max replied, "Great. Glad to hear you on the air. Keep doing what you do."

"Thank you very much", I responded.

Not much time passed after that quick exchange until we met at a basketball game. We exchanged phone numbers and kept in touch on a consistent basis.

Years later, we worked together on a sports journalism panel for African-American journalism majors which the Houston Chronicle's Jerome Solomon put together.

Max knew I take care of my disabled mom; and, each time he and I spoke he always asked how my mom was doing. Lately, I let him know my mom wasn't in great health; but, he gave me words of encouragement: "Hang in there."; "Mom comes first."; "We only get one mom."

Saturday, June 22, early in the morning, I received a text from Kim Davis (colleague, friend, and, honestly, Kim is a sister to me) that Max passed away. I was shocked. My text to her was "What?!"

Tuesday, June 18, Max and I were kicking out trade scenarios for the Rockets. Max asked me if I thought the Rockets should go after Jimmy Butler. As usual, we went back-and-forth for a few minutes. We didn't reach an agreement; but, we did reach an understanding.

Earlier Tuesday, the three of us and Big Sarge exchanged Twitter messages when Big Sarge asked us if we were planning to attend the Rockets' uniform unveiling.

I responded, "Probably. Depends on my mom."

Kim asked, "What time?"

Max answered, "Hell no, that's a waste of my time. I'm MCing the Missouri City Juneteenth scholarship gala $$$$$"

We wouldn't expect Max to respond in any other way.

We laughed at his response.

We had no idea Max would die three days later.

Two years ago, when Houston hosted Super Bowl LI, Max arranged a dinner / networking social for African-American journalists covering the Super Bowl; and, even though he knew I don't cover football, he invited me to attend because he thought I should connect and mingle with people.

He was correct.

I met a lot of influential people; and, Max made sure to let people know "Kris is a basketball guy. He knows his stuff." During the social, I met George Radney, part of the "What's Going On with Nate Brown and the Crew" radio show which is based in Rochester, New York. George and I exchanged contact info; and, a few months later, George called me to be on the radio show.

Max helped make that happen for me.

On last week's show, Max and I each had a segment on the show. Max discussed the NFL and the Texans. I discussed the NBA and the Rockets.

For years, Max and I discussed working together on our own show; or, at the very least, being part of a sports lineup for a radio station.

Unfortunately, we will not get to make that happen.

Each time he called me or left a message, Max would begin the chat by saying, "Mr. Gardner."; and, conversely, if I called him or left a message, I'd start by saying, "Mr. Edison."

I'll miss those phone calls and conversations.

Goodbye, Mr. Edison. Rest in power.

Now that the Rockets are good again

2018-05-17T10:39:00.005-05:00

Byron L. Riley, CPA; 832-303-3995; Do you need tax help? IRS Tax help available- Free Consult

Now that the Houston Rockets are good again (some people probably believe that), let's look at a few stats from Game 1 and compare them to the stats from Game 2.

First, the most important stat, the final score.

Game 1: Golden State 119, Houston 106.
Game 2: Houston 127, Golden State 105.

After game 1, people were saying the Rockets play too much "iso ball". However, James Harden, Head Coach Mike D'Antoni and Chris Paul told the media, this is "what we do. That's we've been doing all year long." That style of play produced 65 wins in the regular season and 8 more wins to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

But, sure, take the advice of the gloom and doom people and scrap what got you here.

Game 1: Kevin Durant scored 37 points and finished the game with a plus / minus of +11.
Game 2: Kevin Durant scored 38 points and finished the game with a plus / minus of -28. The worst in the game.

Did Durant become an awful player in less than 48 hours? Of course not.

Game 1: James Harden scored a game-high 41 points and made 14 of 24 shots (5 for 9 threes).
Game 2: James Harden scored 27 points and made just 9 of 24 shots.

What the hell happened to Harden in Game 2?!

Wait, the Rockets scored 127 points and blasted the Warriors by 22 points.

Byron L. Riley, CPA; 832-303-3995; Do you need tax help? IRS Tax help available- Free Consult

Despite what some fans (and, at times, people in the media as well) believe, basketball is a team sport. The excellence of a singular player does not eliminate the need for support and productivity from teammates.

Note, in a grandiose sample size of two games, the game's leading scorer has been on the losing team in each game.

A big difference between games 1 and 2 is what other players did or did not do in the games.

For example:

In Game 1, Klay Thompson scored 28 points on 9 for 18 shooting including 6 for 15 threes; but, in
Game 2, Thompson scored 8 points on 3 for 11 shooting and just 2 for 4 on threes.

Steph Curry scored 18 points in Game 1. He scored 16 points in Game 2. Curry took 15 shots (made 8) in the first game; however, Curry launched 19 shots (made 7) in the second game. Curry is 2 for 13 from three in the first two games of this series.

The Warriors had 24 assists on 42 baskets in Game 1. The Warriors had 21 assists on 39 baskets in Game 2. Three less assists; three less baskets; 14 less points. (Seems like too much isolation ball in Game 2.)

The Rockets had 18 assists on 39 baskets in Game 1 and 23 assists on 45 baskets in Game 2. Five more assists; 6 more baskets; 21 more points. Eureka! See what happens when the Rockets scrap isolation ball!

Please.

P.J. Tucker scored 1 point and was 0 for 3 from the floor; however, in Game 2, Tucker scored a playoff career-high 22 points and made 8 of his 9 field goal attempts including 5 for 6 from three point range.

Trevor Ariza dealt with foul trouble in Game 1 and scored 8 points in only 23 minutes. Contrast that to no foul trouble in Game 2 which helped Ariza play nearly 36 minutes and score 19 points on 7 for 9 field goal shooting.

Next, Eric Gordon scored 15 points in Game 1 and made 6 of his 13 field goal attempts. In Game 2, Gordon attempted 15 shots and made 8. Gordon shot 6 for 9 on threes and finished the game with a team-high tying 27 points. Gordon's plus / minus of +29 (in 32 minutes 38 seconds) was the game's highest.

The Rockets committed 16 turnovers in Game 1 which the Warriors converted into 17 points. The Warriors turned the ball over 9 times in Game 1; and, the Rockets scored 9 points off the turnovers.

The turnovers numbers were closer in Game 2. Golden State had 15 turnovers for 15 Rockets' points while the Rockets had 14 turnovers which led to 12 Warriors' points.

Golden State outscored the Rockets 18 to 3 in fast break points in Game 1. Houston outscored the Warriors 12 to 7 in fast break points in Game 2.

The Warriors' starting unit outscored the Rockets' starters 99-85 in Game 1. The Rockets' starters scored 89 points in Game 2; but, the Warriors' "Death Lineup" / "Hampton 5" or whatever folks want to call it scored 73 points.

Therefore, through the first two games, the Rockets' starting five outscored the "Insert name here" 174 to 172.

Shocking.

Game 3 is not until Sunday, May 20, at 7 p.m. Central Time. Plenty of time for people to have lengthy discussions about what's wrong with the Warriors.

Byron L. Riley, CPA; 832-303-3995; Do you need tax help? IRS Tax help available- Free Consult

How does relying on regionalized coverage and streaming "grow the game" of women's college basketball?

2018-03-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

It's been three plus years since I "had the pepper" to write any sort of commentary.

This commentary is also posted in The Houston Roundball Review's Women's Hoops Blog; but, considering the post qualifies as a "Basketball for Thought", I'm sharing it here as well.

Full disclosure: I have no idea if my writer's block has been chipped, cracked, or obliterated to lead to more commentaries in the future on a regular basis.

Updated, 3/18/2018, 12:10 p.m. Central Time

OPINION:

Yesterday, March 16, 2018, the 2018 NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship began with 16 first round games. Today, the remaining 16 games of the first round will take place.

The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship airs on ESPN and ESPN2.

ESPN prides itself on being the home for NCAA Women's Basketball in March. This snippet from ESPN's press release provides some details of ESPN's coverage:

All 63 games will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2, and available to stream via the ESPN App, with regionalized coverage for the first and second rounds on ESPN2. The regional semifinals will be played on ESPN and ESPN2, with regional finals airing on ESPN. The Women’s Final Four will take place Friday, March 30 (6 p.m. CDT & 8 p.m., ESPN2), and Sunday, April 1 (5 p.m., ESPN) from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH.

'Regionalized coverage for the first and second rounds on ESPN2' is my issue. Regionalized coverage is a polite way to state many of the games will be blacked out in your viewership area. This means viewers will only see one game on their ESPN2 channel until / unless the network decides to switch to show another game, in another part of the country, taking place at the same time.

Contrast seeing one game on your tv to the coverage of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship: four channels: CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV broadcast the first and second round games.

Four channels. Not one channel.

However, up to four first round women's college basketball games are being broadcast (simultaneously) on television:

Just a reminder, all NCAA WBB games are streaming on-line. And if you get the DirecTV sports package, they are all on 788, 789, 790, 791.
— Mechelle Voepel (@MechelleV) March 17, 2018

Unfortunately, I do not have DirecTV.

There is no mention of DirecTV in the ESPN press release. Why not?

For fans (and media) like me who prefer watching more than one game on television rather than a laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc., why would the NCAA agree to limiting the audience of its women's basketball fans? ESPN / ABC / Disney has more channels besides ESPN2 to broadcast the first and second rounds on television: ESPN (duh); ESPNews; ESPNU (ESPN's channel primarily dedicated to college athletics); ESPN Classic; and the SEC Network.

With more than the ESPN2 channel available among ESPN's "family of networks", relying on regionalized coverage and streaming to broadcast the first and second rounds is shortsighted to me and not a great way to "grow the game" as women's basketball fans, followers, and supporters desire.

If you have streaming options, take full advantage. If you don't have streaming options, sit in front of your tv and pack your patience. Enjoy the games.

Here's a link to the NCAA Basketball Tournament Maps (1st and 2nd round regionalized and home market protection).

Dollars and sense. And Control.

2014-08-03T12:35:00.000-05:00

Get well, Paul George.

If you haven't seen what happened to Paul George, Indiana Pacers forward, Friday, August 1, during a Team USA Blue and White intra-squad scrimmage in Las Vegas, consider yourself fortunate. George suffered a compound fracture of his right tibia and fibula when his foot got caught in the base of the basketball stanchion which caused his leg to twist in an angle not intended for the human body. The injury looked gruesome; and, in fact, though the surgery has been deemed a success, George will probably miss the entire 2014-2015 NBA season.

George is not the first NBA player to be injured playing for USA Basketball. John Stockton suffered his own broken leg as a Dream Teamer in 1992. Blake Griffin needed a knee surgery after an unfortunate practice-floor tangle with John Wall in 2012. However, George's injury is the most significant injury to occur to an NBA player since the Dream Team in 1992.

Injuries happen in sports. George's injury was unfortunate accident. However, George's injury has re-opened discussions regarding whether NBA players should compete in international competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics.

"This could be a game-changer for international basketball," one prominent general manager told Yahoo Sports.

Game-changer? Perhaps, but not for the reason(s) you may think.

If it's not making dollars, it doesn't make sense.

Paul George's injury could be a game-changer because NBA owners, general managers, and the players' agents now have significant fodder to not risk their "assets" / "investments" without receiving compensation in return.

According to Yahoo! Sports, one NBA general manager with a player participating in Friday night's scrimmage said, "We're not paying our guys 50 percent of the BRI (Basketball Related Income) so our stars can be exposed to injuries just to let the league [convince itself] that they're going to expand into European markets."

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed those sentiments for years.

In 2012, Cuban told ESPNDallas.com, "It's just the epitome of stupidity that we would allow ourselves to be used so other corporations" -- as Cuban calls the Olympics -- "can make tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars," Cuban said. "There's some guys sitting at the Olympic headquarters going, 'Those dumb-asses; we're taking all their best guys for nothing.' "

April 7, 2004, Cuban wrote a blog post stating the NBA is subsidizing the Olympics for nothing:

'Lets put this in basketball terms…Would you trade KG (Kevin Garnett), TD (Tim Duncan), Peja (Stojakovic), Jermaine (O'Neal) and 10 more all stars , and pay their salaries in case they get hurt , for ……….nothing.'

Cuban's blog post also contains his idea to remedy the problem:
'Lets put together an NBA organized and sanctioned international competition that we can control and profit from. We can allow any country to enter a team, and let NBA players represent their country.'

The idea didn't gain much traction in 2004; however, with Paul George's injury, Cuban's idea of an NBA's 'World Cup of Basketball' may be rekindled.

Saturday, August 2, 2014, Cuban told ESPN.com, "The greatest trick ever played was the IOC (International Olympic Committee) convincing the world that the Olympics were about patriotism and national pride instead of money. The players and owners should get together and create our own World Cup of Basketball."

In 2012, former NBA Commissioner David Stern proposed basketball in the Olympics be for players 23 and under: "My own view is that post-London, we should be thinking about even what soccer does and make it 23 and under."

A few weeks later at the 2012 NBA Finals, Stern said, "I think we got a lot out of the Olympics. We helped grow the game. The result has been extraordinary. But I think it's appropriate to step back and take stock of where we're going."

Kobe Bryant disagreed with Stern's suggestions. Strongly.

"I hope it continues to go that way, because it's good for the game," Bryant said to the Los Angeles Times. "You put your best players in that stage and you want to see the best players go against each other. That's what it's all about."

Bryant also looked at international competition as a better alternative than players' competing in Summer League games and / or Pro Am leagues.

Bryant said. "If I'm an owner, I would want my player to play [internationally] because I understand that they're going to be playing anyway, going to be playing pickup basketball in the summertime, and I'm not going to be able to know where they are. They could be playing against a bunch of bums — no, really — guys that feel like they have something to prove and all of a sudden, a [star player] goes to the rim and a guy takes them out and now he's hurt.

"Here you're playing against the best guys, you have treatment around the clock, your [NBA] coaching staff can always come sit in the stands and view practice. To me, playing on an Olympic basketball team is actually better if you're an owner."

I agree with Kobe. NBA players are going to play basketball. It's what they do. They'll hoop in the park. They'll hoop in a rec league. They'll hoop in an NBA practice facility. Players hone their skills in the summertime by playing basketball against good if not better competition which is what Team USA provides them.

Chris Paul said as much in 2012: "If you look at the track record for it, I can honestly say my best season in the NBA statistically was the 2008-09 season, which was after my first Olympics. You see guys, when they come back from playing on a team like this, they go into the new season with the ultimate confidence. We talk during the season, we talk about how tired we're going to be in the summer; but, as soon as we all get out to Vegas, we're excited. We're ready to go -- it's on. It's better than being at home just working out and playing ball. You get to play against the best players in the world."

If a player wants to represent his country and compete in an international competition, the choice should be his (or hers). Yes, owners have made substantial investments in the players; but, the owners want to bake the cake and eat it, too. A new collective bargaining agreement was reached in 2011 -- after the owners locked out the players -- the owners were not voicing concerns for the health of their players when a shortened, compacted (66-game) NBA season involved numerous back-to-back games resulting in, for example, 14 games in 23 days.

Also, many of the owners grousing in private about their competing internationally during the summer, will gladly market and promote their players to season-ticket holders and sponsors if their players win a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

"The owners are the ones taking all the risk," one Western Conference executive told Ken Berger of CBSSports.com Saturday. "The players have no risk, so that's why they play. If you told players you'd have to eat their contract [if they got injured], you wouldn't have one guy playing."

This is the crux of the issue: NBA executives want the players to assume the risk of their contracts if the players want to take the risk of playing internationally.

I wonder when the NBA execs will make similar statements regarding Pro Ams: such as the night Kevin Durant scored 66 at The Rucker or the night Steph Curry dropped 40 plus in a Pro Am.

Dollars and sense. And control.

Once again, get well, Paul George.

Something must be done about Donald Sterling

2014-04-26T12:24:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard the audio tape allegedly featuring Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and his girlfriend, V. Stiviano, here you go:

First, the voices on the audio recording need to be verified and authenticated.

If the man's voice is verified to be Donald Sterling's voice, then I choose to believe the NBA will take some sort of action against Sterling.

Moments ago, the NBA announced, via spokesperson Mike Bass, "We are in the process of conducting a full investigation into the audio recording obtained by TMZ. The remarks heard on the recording are disturbing and offensive, but at this time we have no further information."

It doesn't take much to search the internet and find other stories pertaining to previous racists remarks and actions made by Sterling.

For example, Jeff Pearlman recalled a story told to him by Paul Phipps, general manager for the Clippers from 1982 to 1984:

Anyhow, according to Phipps, Massimino boarded the jet, and when he landed in Los Angeles he exited the walkway and spotted Sterling. “They met,” said Phipps, “and between 3 and 4 in the morning my phone rings.” It was an irate Massimino. “I’m sorry,” he told Phipps, “but I’d never work for that son of a bitch. Ever.”

Phipps, half asleep, sat up on his bed and asked what went wrong. “Here’s this guy,” Massimino said, “and he has this blonde bimbo with him, they have a bottle of champagne, they’re tanked. And Don looks at me and he says, ‘I wanna know why you think you can coach these niggers.’”

In a 2009 issue of ESPN The Magazine, Peter Keating provides more details about Sterling and his feelings about minorities:

For more than two years, Sterling has been staring down federal civil rights charges related to his real estate holdings and rental practices. According to the Justice Department, Sterling, his wife and three of his companies have engaged in discrimination, principally by refusing to rent to African-Americans.

When Sterling first bought the Ardmore, he remarked on its odor to Davenport. "That's because of all the blacks in this building, they smell, they're not clean," he said, according to Davenport's testimony. "And it's because of all of the Mexicans that just sit around and smoke and drink all day." He added: "So we have to get them out of here."

Read Keating's entire article for more details including gems like this:

And even as these controversies swirl around him, Sterling is here tonight to receive a lifetime achievement award from the local chapter of the NAACP.

The man of the hour ushers two black guests over to talk to the reporter.

"Donald Sterling is a prince among men," says Leon Isaac Kennedy, who starred in the Penitentiary series of movies in the '70s and '80s. "I've been his friend for 25 years."

I'm not sure what the NBA should do: fine Sterling; suspend him; assume ownership of the Clippers; etc.; but, since the NBA is supposed to be very PR conscious about its image and global brand, something must be done about Donald Sterling.

Rest in peace, Big Man

2014-04-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Joe Curl died this morning. He was 59. Coach Curl was head coach of the Houston Cougars' women's basketball team from 1998 to 2012.

I began covering Coach Curl's Coogs in 2000 -- ironically, the first game I attended, star freshman guard, Chandi Jones, tore the ACL in her left knee.

Coach Curl won the most games in the history of the University of Houston's basketball program; but, if you have had the pleasure of tasting some of the Big Man's grilled steaks, potatoes, corn, etc., you know Coach Curl was a heckuva grill master.

Coach Curl would set up his barbecue pit at the UH Cougar home football games and cook.

Cook indeed: steaks; hot dogs; hamburgers; sausage links; grilled onions; potatoes; corn on the cob.

Naturally, I stopped by to get something to eat; but, if I did not stop by, Coach Curl would let me know what I missed. Then, he'd say, "Kris, stop by next time. I'll fix a plate for you."

When I was working at KCOH radio station, I invited Coach to come by the station and appear on Ralph Cooper's Sports Rap Show.

Coach Curl did not hesitate. He simply asked me, "What time should I be there?"

While on the air with Ralph, Coach Curl said he'd cook for the station's staff.

And, cook he did.

Coach Curl set up his pit and grilled steaks and everything else for us. (We had plenty of food to take home, too.)

Over the years, Coach Curl battled heart problems; and, I visited him in the hospital. We talked basketball and joked about lots of things. As his heart problems became more and more serious, I didn't speak with him much; but, I did stay in touch with his daughters, Angela and Jennifer.

In fact, three months ago, Angela got in touch with me and let me know her dad wanted me to give him a call. I called him and we spoke about basketball and his family. (He was so proud of his grandsons.)

At the time, he sounded strong and in good spirits; but, over the last few weeks, I had heard his health deteriorated a great deal.

Hearing of Coach Curl's passing away is truly sad. My prayers go to his wife, his daughters, and all of his friends and family.

Joe Curl was a spiritual man. He fought the good fight. He's in a better place now and his suffering is over.

He's probably preparing his barbecue pit to grill some steaks.

Rest in peace, Big Man.

Let me be clear: I don't make up stuff.

2014-04-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

You're only as good as your sources. Anyone associated with reporting, media, journalism knows that is an absolute fact.

Let me be clear: I don't make up stuff. Nor do I post all the information I'm told. Trust me. While I was in Nashville for the 2014 NCAA Women's Final Four, I heard more rumors regarding the University of Houston head coaching job than simply Kelly Bond-White to UH.

Now, let me address the University of Houston / Kelly Bond-White situation. Yes, situation; because apparently, that's what it has evolved into - a situation: Sitcom. Drama. Dramedy. You decide.

First things first, I did not say Kelly Bond-White, associate head coach at Texas A&M, was going to be the next head coach of the University of Houston women's basketball program.

In the blog post, "Kelly Bond-White to guide Coogs?", the blog post begins "Two different sources have told The Houston Roundball Review the University of Houston will hire Kelly Bond-White..."

Next, in the following sentence, the blog post states "However, other basketball contacts state no deal has been reached."

Last night, I received a message stating Kelly Bond-White would be hired by UH. After watching the Connecticut Huskies win their ninth NCAA women's basketball championship, I spent nearly an hour trying to verify the info in the message. I was unable to verify the news; therefore, I slept on the information.

This morning, a second source contacted me and stated Kelly Bond-White to UH was a done deal. This source is a very well connected person with the University of Houston.

Then, I received a message from one of the people I contacted Tuesday night and that person (an Aggie) stated Kelly Bond "may have gotten it" (the offer from UH).

But, I wasn't done contacting people. I contacted someone very close to the Texas A&M women's basketball program who told me UH has not been in contact with Kelly Bond-White at all.

As a result of the info I gathered from those sources, I ended the title of the blog post with a question mark.

Here's what I'm certain: Todd Buchanan resigned as the Houston Cougars' head women's basketball coach Saturday, December 21, 2013; and, nearly four months later, the Houston Cougars' head women's coaching job is still open.

I was told weeks ago the job would not be filled until after the NCAA Tournament because the UH administration was looking at coaching candidates whose teams would be competing in the Tournament.

Monday, April 7, I was told UH would hire a new head coach by the end of next week.

Stay tuned for more "As the Coogs Turn" drama.

My brief wish list of candidates to lead UH men's hoops

2014-03-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Thursday night, I wrote my wish list of coaching candidates for the head coaching job of the University of Houston's women's basketball program.

After posting the blog post, I was asked my thoughts on a wish list for the head coach of the University of Houston's men's basketball program.

Honestly, after Monday's breaking news Kelvin Sampson, current Rockets' assistant coach, had emerged as a leading candidate for the job, I didn't spend much time contemplating a wish list for the job.

Plus, Thursday morning, I received word (from a source) talks were progressing so well between Sampson and the UH administration Sampson would not be on the Rockets' bench for the game versus the woeful Philadelphia 76ers Thursday evening.

Well, that did not happen. Sampson was on the Rockets' bench as the Rockets crushed the Sixers 120-98.

However, as I was about to begin writing my wish list in this blog post tonight, Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski and Pat Forde wrote the talks were indeed progressing.

Sampson, an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, met with university officials this week and the two sides have grown increasingly comfortable about entering into a partnership, sources said.

There's optimism that an agreement could be reached in the next several days, but there are still hurdles to overcome in completing a deal, sources said.

Despite the momentum on Sampson's candidacy, Houston may still interview one more coach before a deal with Sampson is consummated, according to sources.

I wonder what the hurdles to overcome in completing a deal could be.

I'd assume compensation has to be a major part of the discussion.

James Dickey, former head coach of the Houston Cougars (Dickey resigned on Monday), earned a salary of $250,840 -- hardly big time money for a university hoping to compete with conference members Connecticut, Cincinnati, Memphis and new "it" team Southern Methodist in the American Athletic Conference.

In addition to discussions focusing on compensation, I'll assume a few words have gone back-and-forth regarding which, if any, of Dickey's assistant coaches will stay on the new coaching staff.

Anywho, though signs point to Kelvin Sampson becoming the ninth head coach in the history of the University of Houston men's hoops, here's my brief wish list of coaching candidates (in no particular order) to lead the Coogs:

Brad Underwood, Stephen F. Austin, head coach -- led the Lumberjacks to the 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament this season which included a 29-game winning streak. Underwood just finished his first season at SFA; and, with his love of the college town atmosphere, he may not be interested in the UH job.

Mike Davis, Texas Southern University, head coach -- after stints at Indiana and UAB, Davis led the Tigers to the first round of the NCAA Tournament this season.

Jerome Tang, Baylor University, assistant coach -- Tang helped guide the Bears to the Sweet Sixteen this season; and, he's been part of the Bears' hoops resurrection in his 11 years at BU.

Jeff Van Gundy. Currently, JVG is a great NBA tv analyst for ABC / ESPN. But, his coaching acumen (and his awesome dry wit) leading the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks is well known. I have no idea if JVG would want to coach on the college level; but, this is my wish list.

Well, that's it. If Kelvin Sampson is hired as the new head of the Cougars, the University of Houston's administration will have definitely decided to enter the basketball business. (Perhaps, the non-conference schedule will improve and fans and alums will return to Hofheinz Pavilion in droves -- on a consistent basis rather than when the Longhorns or other elite programs are in town.)

Go Coogs.

Search Firm? You don't need a search firm. Here's my wish list.

2014-03-27T20:42:00.001-05:00

I've never quite understood why a university would a hire a search firm to find coaching candidates. If any athletics director is worth his or her salt, the AD should know beforehand the qualities he or she wants in a head coach hired to lead the basketball program. Once the qualities are known, the AD should have a list of friends and colleagues to contact and ask their opinions on certain candidates for the head coaching position.

Once the AD's list of candidates is narrowed, the criminal and background checks can be run on the candidates to coincide with the interview process.

I have nothing personal against search firms; but, I do believe many search firms are "getting over" on universities by charging universities thousands of dollars for a job the university can handle just as well (if not better) than the hired search firm.

Case in point, the University of South Florida, a conference member of the University of Houston in the American Athletic Conference. Last month, USF paid a search firm $100,000 in the search for a new Athletics Director. This month, USF paid the same search firm $60,000 to find coaching candidates for the men's basketball head coaching position. The search firm ran a background check on Steve Masiello and discovered Masiello lied on his résumé and did not complete his bachelor's degree at the University of Kentucky. As a result of that discovery, USF did not hire Masiello as its next head coach; and, USF resumes it's search for a head coach which will probably cost more money.

Shifting gears to my alma mater the University of Houston and its search for head coach of the women's basketball program. I'm no search firm nor do I work for a search firm; but, based on 20 years as owner of The Houston Roundball Review as well as attending girls' AAU events in and around the Houston area for a few years, I'm confident I can provide the University of Houston's Athletics Director Mack Rhoades and Senior Women's Administrator Dejuena Chizer a solid list of candidates to replace Todd Buchanan and interim head coach Wade Scott.

My list ranges from experienced coaches on the Division I level to a couple of "youngsters" - including one coach who's enjoying much success at the junior college level.

Since it's a "wish list", let's start with the biggest wish: Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. Yes, I know Coop is the head coach at her alma mater, the University of Southern California; and, I know Coop won the Pac-12 Conference Tournament to earn a berth in the NCAA Women's Tournament. I also know Coop has been successful as a head coach at Prairie View A&M; North Carolina Wilmington; and Texas Southern prior to Southern Cal.

Coop is still revered in the city of Houston for leading the Houston Comets to four straight WNBA championships. Coop would probably say no to the Coogs; but, this is my list. Miracles can happen.

But, remember, Coop applied for the Houston Cougars' head coaching job a few years ago before removing her name from consideration and Rhoades, Chizer and the UH administration hired Todd Buchanan as head coach (despite Buchanan's 3-26 record his final year as head coach at Houston Baptist University).

Heck, since I'm a Houston Comets' state of mind, how about former Comets' assistant coach Kevin Cook? Currently, Cook is head coach at Winthrop University. Days ago, Cook guided Winthrop to a school-best 24-9 record this season and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Keep in mind, this is my wish list. I didn't say it had a toe-hold on reality.

Two other coaches were finalists with Coop in 2010: Kelly Bond and Travis Mays.

Add those two to my wish list.

Bond is now Kelly Bond-White; and, she's associate head coach at Texas A&M. If anyone doubts whether or not she can recruit the Houston area, check Texas A&M's roster during her time in Aggieland -- it's loaded with top talent from Greater Houston.

Four years ago, Mays told me, "I think the UH opportunity is the perfect job for me," Mays said. "I think it's a good job for me. I think, with my Texas ties, I think I can get into the community. I think I can build the fan base first and foremost. Secondly, I think I can recruit the state of Texas."

Mays helped head coach Karen Aston guide the Longhorns to the NCAA Tournament.

If those names are past-tense for you, how about Texas Southern's Johnetta Hayes-Perry? In 2013-'14, her first year as head coach at TSU, Hayes-Perry led the Lady Tigers to a berth in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. She was an assistant coach at TSU in the 2012-2013 season and helped Coop guide TSU to a regular-season SWAC title. Plus, she's from Houston. She played and graduated from Rice.

Here's a few more for my wish list:

Toyelle Wilson, assistant coach at Baylor. Wilson was head coach at Prairie View A&M prior to joining the Lady Bears for the 2013-2014 season. Wilson led PV to three consecutive SWAC tournament titles and three trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Next, how about another basketball icon in women's college basketball: Bridgette Gordon. Gordon is one of the best players in women's college hoops history. She helped lead the Tennessee Lady Vols to four trips to the Final Four and win two national championships. Currently, Gordon is an assistant coach at Wichita State. The Shockers reached the NCAA Tournament this month.

Notice a pattern? My wish list consists of coaches who helped lead teams to the postseason. (A search firm isn't needed to find viable candidates.)

Finally, I'll move in a different direction with some outside the box thinking.

Elena Lovato, head coach at Trinity Valley Community College. Lovato has been the head coach at Trinity Valley for two seasons. Trinity Valley won two JUCO National Championships. Plus, she's been a part of the Houston Cougars' staff before.

Shereka Wright wraps up my wish list. Wright is an assistant coach at Alabama as part of head coach Kristy Curry's coaching staff. Wright hasn't been a head coach before; but, as part of Curry's Texas Tech staff, Wright knows Houston and the state of Texas. Heck, Alabama is in the SEC with Texas A&M; therefore, the Tide has to recruit the Houston area for talented players.

There you have it. My wish list.

Not too shabby for a non-search firm.

Nothing Personal

2014-03-27T00:24:00.002-05:00

I haven't written a blog post regarding the Houston Cougars' women's basketball program since January 5th, 2014.

The program is still a mess; but, I'm publicizing a rumor regarding the search for the next head coach.

Last week, I was told (twice) the UH administration was going to remove the interim title from Wade Scott's job description and name him the head coach. (Coach Scott was named the interim head coach December 21, 2013, when head coach Todd Buchanan announced his resignation.)

Nothing personal against Coach Scott; but, if the Coogs' administration made that move, my disappointment and bewilderment would know no bounds. Coach Scott has coached at the University of Houston for eight seasons; and, since the stellar 2010-2011 season when the team went 26-6 and reached the NCAA Tournament (and Scott was associate head coach), the Coogs won 3 games in the 2011-2012 season; 13 games in the 2012-2013 season and 6 games in the 2013-'14 season (two of the 6 wins with Scott as the interim head coach).

I do not believe the rumor for two reasons: one, pride in my alma mater. I cannot bring myself to accept the administration would go the very safe (and inexpensive) route by promoting Coach Scott while trying (with a straight face) to convince fans and alums they're serious about competing in the state and, ultimately, against conference member Connecticut on the national landscape.

Second, and much more relevant, I was told (by a very reliable source) the administration would not hire a coach until probably after the NCAA Women's Tournament because candidates they were looking at would be on teams in the Tournament.

Combine that tidbit of information with the approval to build the new $20 million basketball practice facility for the men's and women's basketball programs (groundbreaking is expected to be held in May), I choose to believe the administration is looking at solid candidates for the head coaching position.

The search has begun.

More people should have seen UConn's first visit to Hofheinz

2014-02-23T12:47:00.000-06:00

Saturday afternoon, for the first time, the Houston Cougars hosted the Connecticut Huskies and iconic head coach Geno Auriemma -- inside Hofheinz Pavilion. The Huskies are eight-time NCAA champions and the current defending champs. A season-high crowd of 1,569 fans witnessed the ball game.

That's correct: 1569 is a season-high for the Cougars this season.

Clearly, the Cougars' poor record (5-22 overall and 1-15 in the American Athletic Conference) is a large factor for the poor attendance throughout the season.

But, I have another reason: poor marketing.

Case in point: the Houston Cougars' men's team played the UCF Knights at 1 p.m. The Cougars' women's game versus Connecticut tipped at 4 p.m. The men's game featured a massive amount of young ladies from various cheerleading organizations at halftime -- the entire Guy V. Lewis Court was full of little girls performing a cheerleading routine at halftime.

Courtesy of https://twitter.com/UCF_MBasketball

Only one cheerleading squad performed at the Coogs - UConn game. One.

Combine that decision with the fact the UH Marketing department barely promoted the Huskies' visit to Hofheinz and we have 1569 fans in the building. (A few friends in the media didn't know UConn was playing Saturday afternoon until I tweeted about it -- Friday afternoon.)

Obviously, the University of Houston is not in the business of marketing and promoting their opponents; but, business is business. Smart business is better business: put butts in the seats. Promote. Promote. Promote.

Yes, Connecticut and Houston are in the same conference which has been known FOR MONTHS. There is only one opportunity for the defending champions to make a FIRST appearance to Hofheinz Pavilion.

Many of the 1569 people who attended the game were Huskies' fans -- as the numerous chants of "UCONN!" "HUSKIES!" proved.

Imagine how many more people would have attended the game - as fans of the Huskies; fans of the Cougars; fans of women's basketball; fans of Geno Auriemma or simply people curious to see a great team in person for the first time -- if the game were promoted and marketed better.

Go Coogs.

UH's women's basketball program is a mess

2014-01-05T12:18:00.000-06:00

The Houston Cougars (4-10 overall, 0-3 in conference) will be 0-4 in conference play in The American Athletic Conference after their January 7, game against the number 1 ranked Connecticut Huskies.

Two weeks ago, the University of Houston announced the resignation of Todd Buchanan (due to personal reasons) as the head coach of the women's basketball team -- one day after a win over the Rice Owls and one week before their first game in The American Athletic Conference. Assistant coach Wade Scott is the interim head coach and will finish the season.

The reasons / rumors told to me for Buchanan's resignation include "nothing scandalous" to problems with donors; problems with people in the athletic department; problems with players (and parents) and problems with the coaching staff.

Needless to say, the University of Houston's women's basketball program is a mess.

It's hard to fathom this program went 26-6 and reached the NCAA Tournament just three seasons ago, the 2010-'11 season, in Buchanan's first year as head coach.

Buchanan's second season was a 3-26 disaster. The team finished 13-17 last season.

The 2013-'14 season seems as if it will get worse. In fact, now that conference play is underway, I wouldn't be shocked if the Coogs go zero for The American: 0 and 18. (Plus, one more loss in the conference tournament.)

Despite the program's troubles since that magical run to the NCAA Tournament, coaches still view the University of Houston's women's basketball program as an untapped gem because of the amount of talent in the greater Houston area and in the state of Texas.

In fact, I know of seven coaches who are interested in the job. Yep, seven. These seven coaches are very good recruiters; and, recruiting is the life-blood of a program.

After this season, the University of Houston's administration will determine if interim head coach Wade Scott will be the next head coach or if a new head coach will be hired.

For fans, followers, and supporters of Houston Cougars' women's basketball, the next few months will be interesting and very important to determine whether or not the program will right the proverbial ship or sink further into the abyss.