The Dallas Mavericks are a team that has been retooled so many times that it’s hard to imagine how many players have worn their uniform. When the season began, their alumni base stood at 177, but no NBA championships.
Twice, they have reached the Western Conference Finals, and twice they have failed. Head Coach Avery Johnson played on the 2003 team, a team that lost to San Antonio.
“This team has Darrell Armstrong, that team had me, so we know who wins in that area, right, ha ha ha,” Johnson says laughing.
The Mavericks are so different that except for two players, the entire team has been replaced since they lost to the Spurs in 2003. The only holdovers are Adrain Griffin, who left and came back, and Dirk Nowitzki, the only player who has been here the whole time.
So how does a team maintain its consistency and continue to win a very high level? “Well that's a great question ha ha ha,” smiles Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban. “I think Donnie Nelson, the teams President, has done a great job of drafting, we've really focused on chemistry. I mean we really learned out lesson after the Western Conference finals years there, and we've tried to get younger with guys who are open to learning and buy into the team concept. Obviously Head Coach Avery Johnson has had a huge impact.”
Bill Walton, NBA analyst for ESPN’s Television Coverage, likes what Cuban and the Mavericks are doing. “Their ability to sustain excellence over time comes directly from Mark Cuban,” he says. “His driving, challenging, demanding personality that's always in a positive, constructive and upbeat frame of mind, creates a work environment where everybody says, ’I want to be a part of the Dallas Mavericks,’ and how special is that.”
Its special because Dallas has become a consistent winner. Not only did they tie the franchise record for wins this year, but over the last six seasons, they are averaging an amazing 56.6 wins per year. Through it all, there has been one constant, and that’s Nowitzki.
“For one, they have a super star player, and I don't know that Dirk has always been truly appreciated for the sensational talent that he is, but the bottom line is that he has gotten better ever year,” says Mavericks Play By Play man Chuck Cooperstein. “Then you bring in a guy like Josh Howard. Jason Terry is not Steve Nash, but he does things differently than Steve Nash that compliment what's going on. They brought in some nice complimentary players to fill in around the star, Dirk Nowitzki.”
Jason Terry has now played in Dallas for two seasons, while Josh Howard just completed his third. In fact, eleven players are back from last year's team and that in itself is a change from previous years, filled with roster turnovers.
“Well it’s very difficult, I mean we brought in nine new players one year,” says Mavericks Assistant Coach Del Harris. “I've been here the entire Mark Cuban era, so I've seen them all come and go. “We brought in nine new ones one year, seven new ones one year, and we still won. This year, we didn't bring in that many new ones, so I think the carry over from last year, and not having that many changes, helped us a good bit.
Says Johnson, “Our team that we have assembled, we went to the semifinals last year, so we have some sense, some idea of what's going to happen. We got some new guys in that are going to play some minutes for us that haven't been to the playoffs. We have a combination of players. A lot of our competition has won Championships, and a lot of things like that, and we're trying to break through that barrier.”
“The mix just happens,” says Mavericks Forward Jerry Stackhouse. “Sometimes the mix isn't good, you can have a lot of good players on the same team, and it not be a good team, but you get that right mix. I think we've been able to have a formula, to have the right mix together. Also, there is no secret in this league. Whenever you’re changing players, your changing salaries and slots, normally determined by the caliber of player you are. So you trade a good player, normally your going to get a good player in return.”
Guard Jason Terry credits head coach Avery Johnson. “He’s Consistent, right there at the helm. I mean you look at Avery and what he's done, the coaching staff, the mentality of the players coming in, willing to do the extra things to get the job, and that's the difference.”
Walton likes what the Mavericks are about, and shares his enthusiasm. “The dream the goal, each step along the way to get incrementally better, they have done that because of Mark Cuban, because of Avery Johnson, because of Don Nelson, because of Donnie Nelson, this incredible building, the fans, its all right there, its time to throw the ball up and get down to business,” says Walton.
Of course, another reason the Mavericks have had so many changes throughout the years is that they've never been to the NBA Finals. So until that happens, the search for the right mix will continue.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Honoring Byron Nelson
The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving has been home to the EDS Byron Nelson Championship since 1983. This year to honor the golf legend, the resort has added museum sized displays, filled with Byron Nelson's memorabilia.
“That's just going to add so much for our patrons and our sponsors,” says Pat Bolin, the 2006 Tournament Director. “When they come out and enter the promenade and the Hall of Champions and be able to see the world class memorabilia, that tells the life and history of Byron Nelson, they’ll enjoy it.”
John Blanton is the Director of Marketing for the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Every time you hear Byron talk about his contributions to the golf game, his proudest moment is talking about this tournament, and what it’s done for charity, families and kids in the area of need.”
The display also covers Nelson's early years, his Major Championships, his career as a TV Broadcaster, and of course his streak of 11-straight wins. Nelson loves woodwork, and has been building clocks for years, so a Clock Tower was added in his honor.
“For us the Clock Tower was a symbol,” says Rob Cowan, Director of Golf at the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Byron has always had an affinity for clocks and clock making, giving gifts to his friends, and we wanted to make the entry grand. We certainly wanted to dedicate something in his honor, and that's what we’re able to do. It’s just a beautiful entry for us on the side of the clubhouse.”
Says Bolin, “He makes clocks for all the staff out here, he loves the Four Seasons staff and they are so excited when they get a piece of Byron's work. So, they dedicated that clock tower to Byron for their great friendship that they have with Byron.”
And if that's not enough, the finishing hole on the TPC Course has a new lake this year, designed to catch those errant tee shots.
“The lake is tough,” says Robert Boisvert who will play in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship this year. “That's where I usually hit it, unfortunately, now it’s a hazzard.
No truer words were ever spoken, because as I watched his tee shot at 18, he hit his drive into the new lake. He dud recover nicely, by taking his shoes off, standing in the water, and hitting his iron from the edge of the lake perfectly on the green. "Thank You! Thank You Very Much!" he yelled, as he pulled his legs out of knee deep water.
Byron Nelson's Wall of Champions will no doubt be a topic of discuss in the Clubhouse, but out at 18, its all about the new lake and how to put the finish touch on your round, and how to stay out of the water.
“That's just going to add so much for our patrons and our sponsors,” says Pat Bolin, the 2006 Tournament Director. “When they come out and enter the promenade and the Hall of Champions and be able to see the world class memorabilia, that tells the life and history of Byron Nelson, they’ll enjoy it.”
John Blanton is the Director of Marketing for the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Every time you hear Byron talk about his contributions to the golf game, his proudest moment is talking about this tournament, and what it’s done for charity, families and kids in the area of need.”
The display also covers Nelson's early years, his Major Championships, his career as a TV Broadcaster, and of course his streak of 11-straight wins. Nelson loves woodwork, and has been building clocks for years, so a Clock Tower was added in his honor.
“For us the Clock Tower was a symbol,” says Rob Cowan, Director of Golf at the Four Seasons Resort and Club. “Byron has always had an affinity for clocks and clock making, giving gifts to his friends, and we wanted to make the entry grand. We certainly wanted to dedicate something in his honor, and that's what we’re able to do. It’s just a beautiful entry for us on the side of the clubhouse.”
Says Bolin, “He makes clocks for all the staff out here, he loves the Four Seasons staff and they are so excited when they get a piece of Byron's work. So, they dedicated that clock tower to Byron for their great friendship that they have with Byron.”
And if that's not enough, the finishing hole on the TPC Course has a new lake this year, designed to catch those errant tee shots.
“The lake is tough,” says Robert Boisvert who will play in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship this year. “That's where I usually hit it, unfortunately, now it’s a hazzard.
No truer words were ever spoken, because as I watched his tee shot at 18, he hit his drive into the new lake. He dud recover nicely, by taking his shoes off, standing in the water, and hitting his iron from the edge of the lake perfectly on the green. "Thank You! Thank You Very Much!" he yelled, as he pulled his legs out of knee deep water.
Byron Nelson's Wall of Champions will no doubt be a topic of discuss in the Clubhouse, but out at 18, its all about the new lake and how to put the finish touch on your round, and how to stay out of the water.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Bus Stops In Dallas
Former Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis was in Dallas on Tuesday, as a guest of SMU's Athletic Forum, but his life hasn't been the same since the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in Detroit two and half months ago.
“Well life is totally different as a champ,” says Bettis. “You get a couple of free meals, ha ha ha, and you get a lot of hand shakes, but its fun.”
Bettis played for 13-years, becoming the NFL's fifth all time leading rusher. His totals reached 13, 662 yards, but more importantly, he finally won a Super Bowl.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” he said during the Super Bowl XL post game celebrations. “I decided to come back and win a championship, and mission accomplished, so with that I have to bid a farewell.”
Bettis has since retired, and signed a contract to become a studio analyst for the NFL’s Sunday night games to be carried by NBC. But those early years in the league were tough.
“If I had know what I know now, then I think I could have put up some really, really, really astounding numbers early in my career, and not taken so much of a beating,” says Bettis.
Bettis has always played like a bowling ball on the football field, and knows a thing or two about bowling. In fact, Bettis rolled a perfect 300 game in competition and wanted to become a professional bowler while growing up in Detroit. So, as luck would have it, in June, he will become the first inductee into the Celebrities Bowling Hall of Fame in St Louis.
Says Bettis, “Its a shame that I can get into the Bowling Hall of Fame before you can get into the Football Hall of Fame, but hopefully, that will happen. But if it doesn't happen, at least I can say I got into ‘A’ hall of fame.”
It has been an incredible year for Jerome Bettis, and this fall, he'll be watching football with a different eye. But for now, the man they call the bus, is making a lot of stops around the country.
“Well life is totally different as a champ,” says Bettis. “You get a couple of free meals, ha ha ha, and you get a lot of hand shakes, but its fun.”
Bettis played for 13-years, becoming the NFL's fifth all time leading rusher. His totals reached 13, 662 yards, but more importantly, he finally won a Super Bowl.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” he said during the Super Bowl XL post game celebrations. “I decided to come back and win a championship, and mission accomplished, so with that I have to bid a farewell.”
Bettis has since retired, and signed a contract to become a studio analyst for the NFL’s Sunday night games to be carried by NBC. But those early years in the league were tough.
“If I had know what I know now, then I think I could have put up some really, really, really astounding numbers early in my career, and not taken so much of a beating,” says Bettis.
Bettis has always played like a bowling ball on the football field, and knows a thing or two about bowling. In fact, Bettis rolled a perfect 300 game in competition and wanted to become a professional bowler while growing up in Detroit. So, as luck would have it, in June, he will become the first inductee into the Celebrities Bowling Hall of Fame in St Louis.
Says Bettis, “Its a shame that I can get into the Bowling Hall of Fame before you can get into the Football Hall of Fame, but hopefully, that will happen. But if it doesn't happen, at least I can say I got into ‘A’ hall of fame.”
It has been an incredible year for Jerome Bettis, and this fall, he'll be watching football with a different eye. But for now, the man they call the bus, is making a lot of stops around the country.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Young Jockey's Are Good Friends On And Off The Track
Sunrise at Lone Star Park is always a busy place, but this week its busier than usual. That's because trainers and jockeys have moved back in, to prepare for another thorough bred season.
For Quincy Hamilton and Justin Shepherd, it means more time in the saddle. As Jockey's, they're rising stars, having already combined for nearly 700-wins.
“I came here to Dallas, and we've become pretty good friends,” says Shepherd before he’s interrupted by Hamilton. “You should say Dallas Fort Worth (Dallas Fort Worth) because people, I'm serious you should, just because people in Fort Worth don't to hear about Dallas, right?”
Well, Hamilton is probably right. But competing on the track as a Jockey is one thing, but competing against your best friend is another. Justin Shepherd and Quincy Hamilton have known each other since the sixth grade. Today, they remain best of friends, but out on the track its all about the competition.
Hamilton is 22, married and the father of a 15-month old daughter. Justin is 19, single, and gets to baby sit a lot. Needless to say, riding horses is in their blood.
“How many people go out to ranches and pay to ride horses, when every day, we can come out here and do what we love to do for free, and then we end up getting paid in the afternoons,” says Hamilton. “I wouldn't trade it for anything, its pretty amazing that being so young like we are, we already have a career and a future established for us.”
Of course lineup up a ride in the gate, before a race, can be tricky if your best friend is making fun of you in the gate next to you. “It makes it more interesting. It’s a very competitive sport, and there is nothing I like better than beating him, ha ha ha”, laughs Shepherd. “You kind of get past all the friendship, you want to win races, you take care of everybody, and just make sure that everyone gets around there safe.”
Lone Star Park is begins its tenth year of racing in Grand Prairie on Thursday.
For Quincy Hamilton and Justin Shepherd, it means more time in the saddle. As Jockey's, they're rising stars, having already combined for nearly 700-wins.
“I came here to Dallas, and we've become pretty good friends,” says Shepherd before he’s interrupted by Hamilton. “You should say Dallas Fort Worth (Dallas Fort Worth) because people, I'm serious you should, just because people in Fort Worth don't to hear about Dallas, right?”
Well, Hamilton is probably right. But competing on the track as a Jockey is one thing, but competing against your best friend is another. Justin Shepherd and Quincy Hamilton have known each other since the sixth grade. Today, they remain best of friends, but out on the track its all about the competition.
Hamilton is 22, married and the father of a 15-month old daughter. Justin is 19, single, and gets to baby sit a lot. Needless to say, riding horses is in their blood.
“How many people go out to ranches and pay to ride horses, when every day, we can come out here and do what we love to do for free, and then we end up getting paid in the afternoons,” says Hamilton. “I wouldn't trade it for anything, its pretty amazing that being so young like we are, we already have a career and a future established for us.”
Of course lineup up a ride in the gate, before a race, can be tricky if your best friend is making fun of you in the gate next to you. “It makes it more interesting. It’s a very competitive sport, and there is nothing I like better than beating him, ha ha ha”, laughs Shepherd. “You kind of get past all the friendship, you want to win races, you take care of everybody, and just make sure that everyone gets around there safe.”
Lone Star Park is begins its tenth year of racing in Grand Prairie on Thursday.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Youngsters From Iraq Get a Taste of Texas
The Arabic language can be heard on the soccer fields in Frisco this week. In the stands, the flag of Iraq is being proudly displayed by fans, cheering for members of Iraq's 14-and under National Soccer team.
The Dallas Cup isn't about the Manchester United teams of this world, its about the diversity of the world,” says Gordon Jago, Executive Director of the Dallas Cup
For these youngsters, this weeks Dallas Cup, represents a week long escape from their war torn country. A network from Iraq is providing daily updates on the team’s progress.
“We report all the news to the Iraqi people,” says Husam Dhumed, a reporter for Alhurra TV. “They’re in touch, because they want to know everything about them.”
The players don't know the English language, but they love soccer. They've only been in town for four days, but that's long enough to master video games, and take their on field celebrations to another level.
In a game on Tuesday, their second of the Dallas Cup, Iraq beat Monterrey 6-to-0. All the players are experiencing life in America first hand, by staying in homes with families.
“The boys are just thrilled to be here,” says Jennifer Helm, a resident of Frisco, Texas. They feel like its a great privilege to be part of this. I know my family as well as the other host families, are just overjoyed to be a part of all this, international experience.”
And it didn't take long for them to acquire a taste for American food. “Hamburgers,” says one youngster. “Fried Chicken,” says Mizher Alhashimi, the team’s interpreter.
One think is very clear, their favorite flag is the flag from Iraq.
The Dallas Cup isn't about the Manchester United teams of this world, its about the diversity of the world,” says Gordon Jago, Executive Director of the Dallas Cup
For these youngsters, this weeks Dallas Cup, represents a week long escape from their war torn country. A network from Iraq is providing daily updates on the team’s progress.
“We report all the news to the Iraqi people,” says Husam Dhumed, a reporter for Alhurra TV. “They’re in touch, because they want to know everything about them.”
The players don't know the English language, but they love soccer. They've only been in town for four days, but that's long enough to master video games, and take their on field celebrations to another level.
In a game on Tuesday, their second of the Dallas Cup, Iraq beat Monterrey 6-to-0. All the players are experiencing life in America first hand, by staying in homes with families.
“The boys are just thrilled to be here,” says Jennifer Helm, a resident of Frisco, Texas. They feel like its a great privilege to be part of this. I know my family as well as the other host families, are just overjoyed to be a part of all this, international experience.”
And it didn't take long for them to acquire a taste for American food. “Hamburgers,” says one youngster. “Fried Chicken,” says Mizher Alhashimi, the team’s interpreter.
One think is very clear, their favorite flag is the flag from Iraq.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Hall Of Fame Racing Makes Texas Debut
The Crowd around the Hall of Fame Racing garage wasn't for team NASCAR Tony Raines, but for former Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman. He along another former Cowboys Quarterback Roger Staubach saw their NASCAR Racing team make their Texas Debut on Sunday.
“Its kind of reliving your old athletic life, in a different way though,” says Staubach. “I still have my ankles taped but I'm not playing today, but this is still a big deal as far as rooting for our team.”
“You know, I've said throughout the year, if we can be in the top twenty-five by the end of the year, then it would be a successful year for us,” says Aikman. “I'm going to stick with that until the end of the year.”
Next to driving the car, the biggest job for Raines is posing for pictures with his famous owners. There is always a crowd around the car, sponsored by Dallas based Texas Instruments. They’re promoting their new DLP technology for High Definition Televiion.
Ironicaly, on Sunday, Raines was also trying to keep up with the leader board of The Masters, since the race and the final round of The Masters was being played out at the same time.
“That would be nice,” says Raines talking to members of his team. “Will you post me once in a while?”
Fox announcers recognized Hall of Fame Racing at the start of the Samsung Radio Shack 500. “Tony Raines is their driver, 55-starts, and he has never won one of these events, and he starts deep in the field.”
Raines was driving in only his second race this season, after replacing Terry Labonte who drove the first five for Hall of Fame Racing. As a former Champion, Labonte is allowed certain exceptions. Now, its time for Raines to drive the car for the rest of the season.
“I think they've got the makings of a good team there,” says Labonte. “It’s just so hard, the fans just don't understand how difficult it is to have a new team. The whole deal is kind of geared against you.”
During Sunday's race, Raines got boxed in during his first pit stop, "Tony Raines can't get out of his pits because Casey Mears is right there,” explained the announcers from the Fox Telecast.
Later, Raines finished 24th without incident, two laps behind the winner.
“As we come back to tracks a second time, I think you'll see this car perform better,” says Raines. “That’s usually the sign of new team, building that notebook.”
Hall of Facing did finish in the top 25, but they're still not challenging for any wins. It’s a competitive sport and apparently, it will take Hall of Fame Racing some time to notch their first win.
“Its kind of reliving your old athletic life, in a different way though,” says Staubach. “I still have my ankles taped but I'm not playing today, but this is still a big deal as far as rooting for our team.”
“You know, I've said throughout the year, if we can be in the top twenty-five by the end of the year, then it would be a successful year for us,” says Aikman. “I'm going to stick with that until the end of the year.”
Next to driving the car, the biggest job for Raines is posing for pictures with his famous owners. There is always a crowd around the car, sponsored by Dallas based Texas Instruments. They’re promoting their new DLP technology for High Definition Televiion.
Ironicaly, on Sunday, Raines was also trying to keep up with the leader board of The Masters, since the race and the final round of The Masters was being played out at the same time.
“That would be nice,” says Raines talking to members of his team. “Will you post me once in a while?”
Fox announcers recognized Hall of Fame Racing at the start of the Samsung Radio Shack 500. “Tony Raines is their driver, 55-starts, and he has never won one of these events, and he starts deep in the field.”
Raines was driving in only his second race this season, after replacing Terry Labonte who drove the first five for Hall of Fame Racing. As a former Champion, Labonte is allowed certain exceptions. Now, its time for Raines to drive the car for the rest of the season.
“I think they've got the makings of a good team there,” says Labonte. “It’s just so hard, the fans just don't understand how difficult it is to have a new team. The whole deal is kind of geared against you.”
During Sunday's race, Raines got boxed in during his first pit stop, "Tony Raines can't get out of his pits because Casey Mears is right there,” explained the announcers from the Fox Telecast.
Later, Raines finished 24th without incident, two laps behind the winner.
“As we come back to tracks a second time, I think you'll see this car perform better,” says Raines. “That’s usually the sign of new team, building that notebook.”
Hall of Facing did finish in the top 25, but they're still not challenging for any wins. It’s a competitive sport and apparently, it will take Hall of Fame Racing some time to notch their first win.
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