Quick Hits

If the Rockets are close to signing Casey Jacobsen as another shooting guard, I guess the organization has removed hope of Bob Sura's returning to play for the team this season or ever again.

Since Patrick Ewing has stepped down as an assistant coach for the Rockets, how long will it take before Isiah Thomas asks Patrick to join him on the Knicks' coaching staff?

Will someone let Detroit Shock players Swin Cash and Ruth Riley know the WNBA Finals began last night?

I wonder if Rockets / Comets owner Les Alexander knows their is a petition circulationg to get Van Chancellor fired as head coach of the Comets?

Problems, Shmoblems

I want to offer my condolences to the friends and family of David Bearden. David was killed Sunday afternoon in a traffic accident in northeast Harris County reported by Sheriff’s deputies.

David Bearden was a four-year letterwinner with the Houston Cougars football team from 1985-88.

I didn't know David at all and I had never met him; but, he was a member of the Houston Cougars family (like me) and I wanted to offer my prayers for him and his family.

David's tragic death put things in perspective for me. The last few days I've moped around worrying about my problems (bills, no job, crappy computer, etc.); but, I'm still alive to do something about those problems while David lost his life tragically at age 40.

My problems pale when compared to what his friends and family are experiencing right now.

May David rest in peace...

Lunch with Coach Bill Yeoman

This is not about basketball. It's about football; and since blogs can be free-wheeling and creative, that's what this about -- college football; and, more to the point, Bill Yeoman, a Houston Cougars' Living Legend.

I attended today's kick-off luncheon of the Inaugural Cougar Classic which promoted the upcoming Houston Cougars versus Grambling State Tigers football game on September 16.

I arrived at Drexler's and sat at a table with two of my media colleagues. We were a little early; so, we caught up on old times a bit. A few minutes later, Coach Yeoman arrived. He shook our hands and sat down with us at our table.

Then, the learning began.

I was the youngest man at the table; so, I just kept quiet and listened to Coach reminisce and tell stories of the glory years of UH football when he was the head coach. As a proud Cougar alum, I truly enjoyed myself.

Today was a good day...

Van Chancellor's Season Wrap-up Press Conference

I know Van Chancellor will not step down as the head coach of the Houston Comets; but, that did not stop me from asking him whether he's contemplated stepping down at Tuesday's season-wrap.

My question stunned him and the rest of the people gathered in the press room.

Listen to Van's comments:

"...one year at a time..." "...where we need to go..."
"...best player available..." "...free agency."
"...level of play defensively..."

Les, Tell Van Thanks, but...

Four championships in 10 seasons is outstanding; however, no championships in six seasons is awful when compared to the "glory years".

The Houston Comets were eliminated from the 2006 WNBA Playoffs this afternoon by the Sacramento Monarchs. The Monarchs swept the Comets in the best-of-3 series, 2 games to 0; and neither game was close.

Sacramento won game 1 93 to 78; however, they led by as many as 31 points during that game. Today, the Monarchs defeated the Comets by 28 points (92 to 64).

These two blowout losses were the final straw to break the proverbial camel's back; as a result, I'm asking Mr. Les Alexander, owner of the Houston Comets and the Houston Rockets, to replace Van Chncellor as head coach of the Comets.

Les should tell Van, "Van, I appreciate what you've accomplished for the organization; but, it's time we move in another direction..."

I don't like to see people get fired and Coach Chancellor has treated me very well during these last six seasons I've covered him and the team; however, the team needs a new coach in charge with a new coaching philosophy.

Numerous Comets fans stopped spending their money on tickets because they demand a new head coach. Following this sorry playoff performance by team, I assume more fans will choose to keep their money if Van were brought back as head coach in 2007.

The team needs to move in a new direction; and, I do not believe Van Chancellor should be a part of that new direction.

It's time Les makes that change. "Thanks for the championship memories, Van,; but, I've decided to make some changes..."

HRR's Votes for WNBA awards

I'm privileged to be a voting media member for the WNBA.

Here's how I voted for the 2006 WNBA awards:

Most Valuable Player -- Lisa Leslie, LA Sparks.
Coach of the Year -- Mike Thibault, Connecticut Sun.
Rookie of the Year -- Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx.
Defensive Player of the Year -- Katie Douglas, Connecticut Sun.
Most Improved Player -- Tamika Whitmore, Indiana Fever.
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner -- Dawn Staley, Houston Comets.

All WNBA First Team
F - Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm.
F - Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever.
C - Lisa Leslie, LA Sparks.
G - Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury.
G - Katie Douglas, Connecticut Sun.

Me, Mom, and More

Like just about anything, blogs can be good or bad. Heck, I have no idea if anyone will read this. This entry isn't really anything specific; but, I want to get a few things off my mind...

These last few weeks have been difficult. I had to stop working my day job in order to make sure I 'd be able to spend time with my mom before and after her surgery. The surgery went well; and, she's been rehab and physical therapy. However, despite her MS and having her left leg amputated, she's too well to qualify for insurance assistance to be discharged to a rehab facility. Go figure...

One of the main reasons I started The HRR was my mom's health. She's been in poor health for years; and, I wanted to be able to take care of her; spend time with her; and have the flexibility to work when I needed to do so. Through the years, The HRR has struggled financially; and, I've thought about calling it quits numerous times. However, something always seems to happen which causes me to decide to continue my efforts; so, I keep plugging a long though I don't really know why...

I'm not sure what direction The HRR will take in the future (NBA only; WNBA only; women's hoops only; men's hoops only; both; neither -- who knows); but, I'll continue down this path as long as I can.

First Comets Practice in a while

I attended my first Houston Comets in a while today. Lately, I've either been at work or spending time at doctors' appointments or in the hospital visiting my mom.

Honestly, I was surprised the team had a practice today; but, I'm glad they did.

For the most part, except for Dawn Staley's jokes, practice was uneventful; however, appraently, I had been missed. Staffers had asked about me and wondered how I was doing and how my mom was feeling. I told them she was doing okay after her surgery and they told me they were glad to see me and wished my mom well which was comforting.

I don't know if the Comets will defeat the Phoenix Mercury tomorrow and clinch a spot in the WNBA playoffs; but, I do know the team is filled with compassionate and caring people.

A lot of news

I haven't posted new blogs lately because of family health issues; but, I'll add a few thoughts right now...

The Rockets / NBA announced the 2006 - 2007 schedule last week which tells me the start of the NBA is not far away.

As of today, I believe the Rockets will win about 45 games in 2006 - 2007.

Despite his shortcomings as a head coach and the team's numerous injuries this season, Houston Comets head coach Van Chancellor and the Comets are very close to clinching a ninth berth in the WNBA playoffs. I've questioned some of Van's personnel decisions and his coaching moves; but, getting this year's team to the postseason says something about Van and also the other teams in the Western Conference. You decide what it says...