Houston Roundball Review: Men's Hoops

This is The Houston Roundball Review's (www.TheHRR.com) blog for men's basketball. The HRR began in 1994 and has been media credentialed to cover college and pro basketball -- since 1997. Member of the United States Basketball Writers Association.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

NCAA Names Division I Women’s Basketball 25th Anniversary Team

The NCAA has named five players and one coach to the Division I Women’s Basketball 25th Anniversary Team. Honored are five players who combined to win 11 national championships during their respective careers and the winningest coach in the history of men’s or women’s basketball.

The 25th Anniversary Team consists of Cheryl Miller, who led the University of Southern California to team titles in 1983 and 1984; Chamique Holdsclaw, who led the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998; Diana Taurasi, the University of Connecticut guard who led the Huskies to three consecutive championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004; Bridgette Gordon, who helped lead Tennessee to championships in 1987 and 1989; and Sheryl Swoopes, who led Texas Tech University to the national title in 1993.

Selected as the coach of the team is the legendary Pat Summitt, who has led Tennessee to six national championship titles and 16 Women’s Final Four appearances during her illustrious career that began in 1982. Summitt, who just recently topped 900-career wins, is the all-time leader in every NCAA tournament coaching record including titles, appearances, games, wins and winning percentage. She has led Tennessee to 24 consecutive tournament appearances.

An expert panel consisting of administrators, former coaches, representatives from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and members of the media used historical data and results from the online public voting to make its decision based on each individual’s achievements during NCAA championship competition.

"The 2006 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will be a special one as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NCAA women’s basketball championship," said Sue Donohoe, vice president for NCAA Division I women’s basketball. "It will be a time to recognize those who have paved the way for this great game as well as to celebrate those who will lead us into the future."

HRR at the 2006 NBA All-Star

While I was notified by the Rockets media department last week, I received written confirmation from the NBA yesterday my company,The Houston Roundball Review (www.TheHRR.com) , has been approved for a media credential for "all NBA All-Star events".

Today, the NBA announced the participants in the Slam-Dunk compeition:

The 2005 Slam Dunk champion, Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks; Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers, and rookies Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks and Hakim Warrick of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Here are the judges:

Hall of Famer and former Rockets star Clyde "The Glide" Drexler;
Hall of Famer and former Rockets and University of Houston star Elvin Hayes;
Hall of Famer and former Houston Rockets star Moses Malone;
former Rockets star and current TNT analyst Kenny Smith;
and former Houston Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich.

Monday, January 30, 2006

Coogs, Heat, Owls and Rockets

The past weekend was a busy one. Saturday night, I saw the Rice Owls give a very poor effort in a home loss (70 to 53) to the Tulane Green Wave. Then, I headed to my alma mater -- the University of Houston, and watched the end of the Cougars' 69 to 56 win over Marshall. Sunday afternoon, I watched the Miami Heat's two stars -- Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade -- outgun the Houston Rockets' one star -- Tracy McGrady -- in a 101 to 95 Miami win.

Here are a few mp3s from the weekend:
Shaq and D-Wade

Houston Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy:
"...more competitive spirit..."
"...we're not good..."

Houston Cougars' guard Lanny Smith: "...pick up the intensity..."

Rice Owls head coach Willis Wilson:"...an unacceptable effort...".

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Hayes signed for remainder of Season

Many Houston Rockets fans will enjoy receivng this news:

Houston Rockets General Manager Carroll Dawson announced today that the team has signed forward Chuck Hayes for the remainder of the season. He was signed to a 10-day contract on Jan. 18.

Hayes (6-6, Kentucky) is averaging 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in six games with the Rockets. He has also posted 46 rebounds (9.2 rpg) over his last five games. In just his second NBA game, Hayes registered the first double-double of his career with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds at Chicago (1/20). Hayes then recorded a team-high 12 rebounds at Milwaukee (1/23), and matched his career high with 12 points vs. Minnesota (1/27). He first signed with Houston as a rookie free agent on Oct. 3 before being waived prior to the regular season on Oct. 25. Hayes was then selected sixth overall in the 2005 NBA D-League Draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. In 14 games (13 starts) with Albuquerque, Hayes has averaged 11.6 points and a league-leading 12.2 rebounds per game.

Houston’s second 10-day contract for guard John Lucas, III has expired. Lucas averaged 2.3 points and 0.9 assists in 13 games with the Houston. The Rockets roster now stands at 15 players.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Rockets Crush Charlotte

The Houston Rockets blasted the Charlotte Bobcats 102 to 78 Wednesday night in Houston.

After the blow-out victory, Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy told the media he will continue playing the players that give the team the best chance to win.
Listen for yourself: "...
best chance to win..."

I also spoke with forward Lonny Baxter in an HRR exclusive.
HRR talk w/ Lonny Baxter: "...play
an aggressive game..."
LB scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in the game.


Last and definitely not least, JVG told the media he is sick of losing at home:
"...sick of losing at home..."

Tracy to Vince: That's...Eight. One.

Tracy McGrady disagrees with his cousin, Vince Carter. Tracy believes Kobe Bryant's 81-point scoring outburst should be appreciated instead of criticized.

Listen to T-Mac's comments:
"...that's Eight One..."

Monday, January 23, 2006

#1 Tennessee vs. #2 Duke

I'm looking forward to Monday night's match-up between this year's top two women's college basketball teams:

#1 Tennessee at #2 Duke.

The game tips-off at 6:30 pm CST and will air on ESPN2.

Friday night, on the radio, I picked Duke to win the game; and, I'm going to stick with that prediction.

A lot of hype is surrounding this game. I'm hoping the game lives up to all the hype.

Kobe's 81

Though I didn't see his amazing performance last night, I must salute LA Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant for dropping 81 points on the Toronto Raptors in LA's 122 to 104 victory.

That's right...81 points! 26 points in the first half and a ridiculous double-nickel (55 points) in the second half!

Kobe made 28 of his 46 field goal attempts (7 for 13 from the Land of Three) and hit 18 of 20 from the foul line.

Only the legendary Wilt Chamberlain scored more points in an NBA game; and, Wilt scored an astonishing 100 points versus the Knicks on March 2, 1962, in Hersey, Pennsylvania!

Kudos to Kobe!

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Mavs rout Rockets 103 to 76

Wednesday's game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets was difficult to watch. The first quarter was ragged ending 19 to 14 Mavs. Then, the game turned into a rout in the second half as the Mavs (29-10) pulled away from the ravaged Rockets (12-25) for the easy 103 to 76 victory. Houston has now lost seven straight games.

Listen to post-game mp3s from Jeff Van Gundy and Dirk Nowitzki:
Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy:
"...they whipped us..."
"...tough to watch..."
"...not able to withstand..."

Dallas Mavericks F Dirk Nowitzki: "...still have to come to play..."

Sunday, January 15, 2006

UH Lady Coogs beat Lady Owls 79-72

I was pleasantly surprised at the solid performance the Rice Lady Owls and the Houston Lady Cougars displayed for the ESPN2 audience Sunday afternoon. UH won 79 to 72 behind a career-high 37 points from Tye Jackson. Teammate ShaRatta Hawkins added 17 points including nailing three straight three-point shots in the second half to blow the game wide-open. Also, freshman guard Nakazi Glover made key plays down the stretch to help seal the win for the Lady Cougars. UH improves to 4-0 in Conference USA while Rice falls to 2 and 2.

The Lady Owls were led by Krystal Frazier's 23 points and Valeriya Berezhinska's 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Listen to the post-game mp3s:

UH women's head coach Joe Curl: "...be the best that they can be..." "...an accountable team..."
Lady Cougars G Tye Jackson: "...
I was excited..."
Lady Cougars G ShaRatta Hawkins: "...
go on a roll..."

Hornets' Chris Paul after 86-80 win over Rockets

Saturday night I decided to cover the Rockets vs. Hornets game for one reason: NBA rookie sensation Chris Paul. Though he didn't shoot the ball well, Chris helped the Hornets finish the game with an 18 to 6 win to defeat the Rockets 86 to 80.

Listen to the post-gme mp3s:

Hornets' rookie G Chris Paul: "...level of competition..." "...pick and roll..."

Rockets G John Lucas III: "...learning stuff everyday..."

Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy: "...we did neither..." "...to make some shots..."

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Owls beat Coogs Again

Please read the article: "Rice Defeats Cougars Again" and listen to the mp3s:

Rice Owls' Willis Wilson: "...40 minutes of zone..."

Houston's Tom Penders:

"...not that great of a pressing team..."
"
...inside-out..."
"...looking for consistency..."

Keep hoops alive...

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

mp3s from Coogs before Rice game

The Houston Cougars' weekly media luncheon took place Tuesday afternoon.

Forward Ramon Dyer provided the smack talk; but, Coach Tom Penders and guard Lanny Smith had good comments, too.

Give 'em a listen:

Ramon Dyer: "...best team in Houston..."
Lanny Smith: "...
it hurt so bad..."
Tom Penders: "...we want the
best local kids..."

btw -- Go see the movie "Glory Road"

Sunday, January 08, 2006

UH Lady Cougars beat Southern Miss 92-58

Though the Houston Lady Cougars' record is just 5 and 8, they are beginning to play better basketball. Just ask Southern Miss.

The Lady Coogs defeated Southern Miss 92 to 58; and, the game was not that close. Four UH players scored in double-figures. UH freshman wing player Nakazi Glover led all scorers with a career-high 21 points on just 10 field goal attempts. Three other Lady Coogs scored career-highs: senior Emily Fryters scored 12 points; junior Ryan Meyers scored 19; and junior center ShaQualyon McKinney added six points. UH shot 54.1% (33 for 61 from the field) including 7 for 14 from the three point line. Sophomore Tye Jackson scored 15 points; handed out eight assists; and pulled down seven rebounds.

Southern Miss shot just 28.3% for the game.

Post-game mp3s:
forward Emily Fryters: "...
playing more aggressively..."
wing Nakazi Glover: "...
more aggressive..."
Head coach Joe Curl: "...
breath of fresh air..."
forward Ryan Meyers: "...
much better chemistry..."

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Houston Cougars edge Islanders 86 to 83 in 2OTs

Very exciting game between the Coogs and the Islanders of TX A&M-Corpus Christi! Despite shooting just 36.1% from the field for the game, UH won 86 to 83 in double overtime. The Coogs attempted 35 threes and made just 12. UH junior guard Oliver Lafayette scored just 9 points (3 for 14 shooting); but, Coach Tom Penders told us O was playing with a very bad head cold; so, the Islanders' tough defense wasn't the only reason Oliver struggled Saturday night.

Brian Latham's two missed free throws with 0.8 seconds left at the end of the first OT didn't cost UH the ball game.

UH plays TAMU-CC next month in Corpus on the 7th.

Here's some post-game audio (in mp3 format):
Brian Latham: "...we're
so close-knit..."
Lanny Smith: "...we knew
how good they were..."
UH coach Tom Penders: "...
great win for us..."
Islanders' head coach Ronnie Arrow: "...any
post-season tournament..."

HRR info: NBA All-Star and Women's Final Four

While I'm still trying to figure out the best way to utilize this blog, I want to mention a few things.

I'm not a full-time employee of KCOH 1430 AM. The HRR is a one-person business; and, it is a main source of income for me. Consequently, I'm constantly seeking new subscribers and sponsors in order to continue The HRR; and, hopefully, improve it.

I've come up with an idea to add a sponsor tag to my interviews which are posted as mp3s. The tag will be short; but, I'm hoping it will increase exposure for the HRR's sponsors as well as allow me to continue keeping the mp3s free for everyone (HRR members and non-members) to hear. I haven't decided on a price; but, the price won't be much more than the current $100 which is charged to be a part of the "scrolling marquee".

I'm going to cover next month's NBA All-Star here in Houston; and, I'm absolutely thrilled to be granted the opportunity!

I'm making plans to cover the Women's Final Four in April, too. The event will be in Boston this year; and, it will be my fifth straight Women's Final Four. As I've done for the past four events, companies can sponsor The HRR's updates for KCOH (ww.kcohradio.com). For the first time, companies will be able to sponsor updates on TheHRR.com, too.

Obviously, I love the sport of basketball; but, I would like to be able to provide more coverage of women's basketball because it's so under-covered especially in the Houston area.

I need your help to make The Houston Roundball Review better. Thanks.

Keep hoops alive...