Leather basketballs return to NBA January 1, 2007

On January, 1, 2007, NBA games will, once again, feature leather basketballs.

Here's some background (in case you're curious):

On Monday, December 11, 2006, the NBA announced that leather basketballs will return on Jan. 1, 2007. Spalding sent a shipment of 10 new leather balls to each team which arrived on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006.

This allowed two and a half weeks for teams to break in and get reacquainted with leather basketballs. Every ball sent to the teams passed NBA specifications in testing conducted by Spalding.

A second shipment of balls, including 10 in new condition and four in used condition which were all secured from the teams, were redistributed on Dec. 20, 2006. Each team currently has a minimum of 24 leather basketballs.

By the end of January 2007, each team will receive an additional shipment of leather basketballs from Spalding. That shipment will bring each team's total to approximately 50.

The process for selecting the game ball will continue to include having the crew chief consult with one member from each team to make the selection.

New elements of the process will include the Crew Chief's measuring the inflation of the ball to ensure it meets NBA specifications and checking the ball for wear and tear.

Let the fun begin once again...

Bonzi out at least one week

Rockets guard/forward Bonzi Wells is expected to miss approximately one week due to a sore lower back that caused him to miss last night’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Could Graham's Success Doom Wilson?

I've thought about this bit of info for a while; but, I'm finally writing it down. (That's what losing to Belmont does for you, I guess.)

Is Willis Wilson in trouble at Rice University as the head coach of the Rice Owls men's basketball team?

Coach Wilson is graduate of Rice. He played there, too. This season marks his 15th as the Owls' head coach; however, the Owls have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 1970.

I've covered the Owls for the past six seasons; and, I've gotten to know Coach Wilson well. However, my respect and admiration for Coach Wilson doesn't stop me from wondering if the success of the Owls' football team this season under rookie head coach Todd Graham place more pressure on the basketball team to succeed this season.

Coach Graham led the football team to a post-season bowl game for the first time in 45 years. His "can do" attitude impacted the entire university which has, undoubtedly, caused the alums to wonder about the basketball team.

Despite having All-American candidate Morris Almond on the team this season, the Owls are currently 5-5 after tonight's 87-85 loss to Belmont. Belmont (8-4) plays basketball in the Atlantic Sun Conference. (Did you know that about Belmont before I typed it?)

Obviously, Willis Wilson has a ridiculously difficult job recruiting top level talent to play in the vastly antiquated Autry Court; however, 15 seasons and no trips to the NCAA Tournament do not aid Coach Wilson's case to return for a 16th season.

In addition to Coach Graham's producing so many positive results in his first season with the football team, Chris Del Conte is in his first season as the Owls' athletic director. Typically, people in position to hire (and fire) employees prefer to have their own people in place. Del Conte did not hire Willis Wilson.

Get the picture.

Coogs' Dowell Named Player of the Week

DION DOWELL, Houston, Junior, Forward, Texas City, Texas, named Conference USA Player of the Week.

Though the Houston Cougars had an unsuccesful showing in Hawai'i (1-2), Dion Dowell was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Rainbow Classic, averaging 20.3 points and 11.3 rebounds in three games while playing every minute for the Cougars. Dowell opened the tournament with 22 points and 16 rebounds in a 68-46 victory over Charlotte on Thursday, then followed up with another double-double performance (15 points, 11 rebounds) against Creighton. Dowell capped off the weekend by scoring a career-high 24 points against Nebraska. He also had two blocked shots against Charlotte and Creighton. Dowell, who made his UH debut on Dec. 17 against No. 10 Arizona, becomes the second Cougar to earn Player of the Week honors as teammate Robert McKiver won the award on Nov. 20.

UH hosts UNLV this Saturday, December 30.

AI to Denver Deal

I didn't have a lot of time yesterday to give my opinion on the Nuggets - Sixers trade which sent AI (and forward Ivan McFarlin) to Denver in exchange for Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two 2007 first-round draft picks; but, I have a minute right now.

Considering the sports cliche "It's hard to get equal value for a superstar", I believe Philly did well in the deal. Miller is a good assist point man. Joe Smith is a solid frontcourt player; but, more importantly his contract expires at the end of this season; and the 76ers now have three first round draft picks to work with in the 2007 NBA Draft. That's pretty good considering Sixers' management boxed themselves into a corner and told the league they were going to trade AI and then compounded their team's problem by making AI inactive while they entertained trade offers. Now, it's up to the Sixers to turn those draft picks into a players who can help return that team to NBA prominence.

With AI, the Nuggets get a bonafide scorer to team with 'Melo (when 'Melo returns to action after his suspension, of course). Iverson is still a spectacular scorer; and, he's tough as nails. Sure, he may not be the "World's Greatest Teammate"; but, he'll bust his butt and leave everything his body has to give while on the court during a game (not "practice"). Denver is taking a gamble by making this deal because no one knows if AI and 'Melo can co-exist on the basketball court and kick butt come playoff time; but, hey "No risk. No reward."

I need to write

Now that Mr. Stern has meted out punishment (fines and suspenions) for Saturday's "brawl" between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets, I need to write...

First, why does the national media seem to forget to write articles which criticize Major League Baseball players and managers when fights erupt in baseball as well as completely disregard the hockey fights in the NHL?

I'm not saying Saturday's fracas is not newsworthy; but, I don't recall this many columns written during the bench-clearing brawl between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Pitchers ran from the bullpen to home plate just to get involved in that ugly incident.

Today, all NBA run-ins are now compared to the Pistons - Pacers brawl in 2004; however, where was the collective indignance when Kevin McHale clotheslined Kurt Rambis in the NBA Finals twenty years ago in the Great Western Forum? Or when Robert Parish repeatedly punched Bill Laimbeer at Boston Garden in the NBA Playoffs? Or the "Malice at the Palce" between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons? Each of those incidents took place years ago; but, I don't believe David Stern handed out lengthy suspensions then like he did today.

The NBA game was played at a much higher quality in the 1980s and the early 90s compared to now; however, the League is much more "image conscious" today. I guess the Commissioner has more people (Big Corporate) to satisfy today by "dropping the hammer" than he did in the past.

David Stern says he wants the NBA to be the leader in sports for good behavior; and, I commend him for that goal; however, he needs to talk with his friends at FIBA (basketball's international federation governing body) and get them to clean up their act regarding all of the fights and object tossing incidents (that go unseen by the American public) which occur overseas. The NBA is a global game so don't forget to work to stop the fighting overseas, too, Mr. Stern.

Lastly, please explain to me why David Stern fined the Knicks and the Nuggets' organizations $500 K for the actions of their players involved in the skirmish. Ownership can tell players the importance of acting professionally (on and off the court) until they're blue in the face; but, players need to accept responsibility for their actions. Period.

Miracle Comeback Falls Short

Tuesday night at Toyota Center, I saw the awful Houston Rockets; the good Houston Rockets; and the scrappy Houston Rockets play the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers defeated the Rockets 102 to 94 before an announced crowd of 18,392 (Toyota Center record); however, three Rockets teams were on display Tuesday night during the 48 minute ball game.

The "good Rockets" played in the first quarter and led LA 25 to 21 after the game's first 12 minutes. Since the Lakers opted to defend Yao Ming one-on-one, the big fella dominated and scored 12 points in the opening quarter on five of eight shooting from the field.

The "awful Rockets" took over for the next 24 minutes. Though Yao scored nine more points for a total of 21 first half points, the Rockets began to impersonate a sieve on defense and the Lakers rolled up 33 second quarter points -- 20 points came in the paint.

The Lakers took a 54 to 51 lead into halftime.

The third quarter began with a Bonzi Wells sighting for the Rockets; however, Bonzi's showing was far from impressive. He picked up three fouls and two turnovers in five and a half minutes; however, he did get one assists and two rebounds. While he was on the court, Bonzi's defense was porous; and, unfortunately, the rest of the Rockets' defense was non-existent. The Lakers outscored the Rockets 30 to 13 during the third period including 16 straight points. Houston's defense was compounded by 10 third quarter turnovers which helped LA lead 84 to 64 at the end of three quarters.

The "awful Rockets" played a few more minutes in the fourth period and LA took full advantage and boosted the lead to 27 points (93 to 66) with 9:45 remaining in the game. As Rockets' fans began exiting, a strange thing started to take place, the "scrappy Rockets" appeared.

Luther Head, John Lucas III, Steve Novak, Scott Padgett, and Chuck Hayes injected life into Toyota Center and led an amazing comeback thanks to a 26 to 1 run to pull within two points (94 to 92) with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter. In fact, after a missed jump shot by Kobe Bryant and a loose ball foul called on LA's Brian Cook, Rockets' forward Scott Padgett had a chance to tie the game at the foul line. Surprisingly, Padgett, a good free throw shooter, missed both attempts. Those missed shots seemed to drain the energy from the Rockets and their fans. Bryant drove for a lay-up which rimmed out; however, Lakers' center Kwame Brown was credited with tipping in the missed shot. (Replays appeared to show Brown tapped the ball while it was still on the rim which would be offensive basket interference and result in no basket and Rockets ball out of bounds.)

The largest advantage by a Houston opponent this season prior to tonight was a 22-point lead by the Suns over the Rockets at Phoenix (11/29/06). A Houston victory tonight would have set the franchise records for largest overall comeback (23 pts. on 1/22/77 vs. Portland), as well as the biggest fourth-quarter comeback (16 pts. on 11/12/87 at Sacramento).

The Lakers tonight set Houston's opponent bests in field goals made (40), assists (27) and points in the paint (48), surpassing the previous highs of 39 field goals made (done twice before), 26 assists by the Timberwolves at Minnesota (12/6/06) and the Spurs' 44 points in the paint vs. San Antonio (11/14/06).

Playing a big part in Houston's comeback tonight was John Lucas, who recorded career highs in points (13), field goals made (5) and rebounds (5). His previous high in points was nine vs. Dallas (1/18/06).

The comeback fell just a little short. Perhaps, the "good Rockets" and the "scrappy Rockets" will show up consistently on the upcoming five-game road trip which begins this Thursday, December 14, versus Golden State.

T-Mac won't play versus the Lakers

Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady has been ruled out for tomorrow’s home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. McGrady was forced to exit early from the team’s most recent game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday (12/9) due to back spasms. He is officially being listed as day-to-day.

"Almonds" help Morris Defeat Lamar

I'm critical when it's necessary; but, I also give praise when it's due.

Rice's Morris Almond is, without a doubt, the best player on the Owls' basketball team as well as one of the top talents in the entire country; however, though Morris has played exceptionally well this season, the team has not enjoyed much success because the rest of the players have not played well. The other players were struggling so much this season I began referring to the club as "Morris and the Almonds".

Wednesday night, the "Almonds" played well and Rice defeated the Lamar Cardinals 83 to 71. Almond scored 36 points on just 17 shots (11 for 17 from the field, including 7 of 9 from three, and 7 for 9 from the foul line); but, more importantly, two other teammates (senior center Greg Killings and freshman point guard Chris Hagan) scored in double figures. Killings scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in just 19 minutes while Hagan added 10 points and six assists. Plus, two more Owls scored eight points: junior post Patrick Britton and senior point guard Lorenzo Williams.

Williams returned to action Wednesday night for the first time since sitting out three games with recurring problems with his surgically repaired foot. His importance to the team cannot be over-stated. Zo's return gives the Owls another scoring option; good ball handler; and solid defender.

Rice (4-4) led 33 to 30 at halftime; however, the Cardinals (3-6) used a 12 to 7 burst at the start of the second half to lead 42 to 40 before Killings tied the game with two free throws. Next, Almond drained a three point shot and Williams followed with a three off an in-bounds play to give the Owls a 48 to 42 lead which helped the Owls start to pull away.

The Owls shot 63.6% (14 for 22) from the field in the second half which was a huge factor in the team's 12 point victory.

Now, the Owls take time off for finals before playing Prairie View A&M on December 20.

Rockets Rout Cavs

This will not be a game summary of the Rockets - Cavs game as a media person because the game wasn't worth it. Neither team shot worth a damn (Rockets, 39.2%; Cavs, 28.2%); however, the Rockets responded to the loss of Tracy McGrady in the first quarter due to a concussion, with a solid if underwhelming victory.

The Cavs played Friday night; and, the performance by the Cavs Saturday night seemed like they were simply going through the motions and had no intentions of giving maximum effort for the fans in attendance at Toyota Center.

"King" James played like LeBron versus the Rockets. He scored 21 points; but, he needed 22 shots from the field to get those points. Bron only made 7 field goals.

Yao Ming scored 24 points on 8 for 23 shooting. Chuck Hayes and Juwan Howard each pulled down 13 rebounds.

63 points in a 48 minute game. That's sad. Of course, 81 points isn't too much to brag about either...

Yao Named Player of the Month; November Honors Announced

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was named by the NBA as Western Conference Player of the Month for games played through Nov. It marks the first time in his career to receive this honor, as he also becomes the first Rockets player to receive NBA Player-of-the-Month recognition since Hakeem Olajuwon back in Feb. 1995.

Yao (7-6, 310, China) averaged 25.7 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting .544 from the field. He led the team in scoring on nine occasions, as the Rockets were 8-1 in those contests. Yao also had a streak of 11 straight games in Nov. of 20-plus point performances, which ranks as the second longest such streak of his career. He also had four 30-point performance in Nov. Yao matched his career high with seven blocks vs. New York (11/10/06) and set a career best with four steals vs. San Antonio (11/14/06). He was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Nov. 6-12, marking the fourth time in his career to earn Player of the Week (week ending: 3/7/04, 2/26/06, 4/2/06, 11/12/06). Yao's past player recognition also includes being named Rookie of the Month twice back in 2002-03 (Dec. & Feb.).

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month. Howard averaged 17.1 points on .576 shooting and a league-high 13.6rebounds while leading the Magic to an Eastern Conference best 12-4 record.His current streak of seven consecutive double-doubles (points-rebounds)began on Nov. 18 when he recorded 24 points and 21 rebounds vs. Charlotte.He has recorded 11 double-doubles on the season, including three20-point/20-rebounds outings.

In addition to those honors, Orlando's Brian Hill and Utah's Jerry Sloan were named Coaches of the Month for the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively. Hill led the Magic to a 12-4 record in November and Sloan guided the Jazz to a 13-4 mark.

The top rookies for the month were Charlotte Bobcats' forward Adam Morrison and Memphis Grizzlies wing player Rudy Gay. Morrison leads all NBA rookies in scoring (15.3 ppg) and minutes (36.1 mpg), and second inthree-point shooting (.375). Morrison collected six 20-point games, twicescoring 27 points, currently the high-water mark among NBA rookies. His four double-figure scoring games to begin his career stands as a Bobcats' record.

Gay, the eighth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, recorded sevendouble-digit scoring performances including a career-high 23 points in an89-84 loss to Dallas on Nov. 18. Gay ranks first among Western Conferencerookies in scoring (8.7 ppg), minutes per game (24.9 mpg), third inrebounding (4.7 rpg) and is tied for third in steals (.93).