Friday, July 11, 2008

Mayer

Mayer: Gold may bless U.S. again

By Bill Mayer

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The two main reasons I rooted so hard for Boston in the 2008 NBA finals: (1) Kansas' Paul Pierce and Scot Pollard on the Celtics roster; (2) Boston played mostly American guys, Los Angeles too many foreigners. (I know, you're supposed to say "international" players. Nuts!)

Anybody notice I tend to be pathetically parochial?

I know the game America invented and refined has an increasingly international flavor. I'm delighted that trend made KU's Sasha Kaun an instant Moscow millionaire who may some day rejoin us via the NBA. But Sasha didn't filch food off any American plates as some selectors allowed the recent draft to do.

Of the first 60 people picked, 11 were "international." Four of those were arguably marginal first-rounders who have a lot to prove before they'll sell tickets in New York, Charlotte, Houston and Oklahoma City. Somebody did a lousy job of communicating about his health or lack of it, so KU's Darrell Arthur went 27th and barely got a guaranteed contract. He should have gone higher than at least three of those foreigners.

Yet my biggest pain came when Kansas-oriented R.C. Buford took 6-2 George Hill of IUPUI (eye-you-pooh-ee) in Indianapolis ahead of KU's Mario Chalmers, who's looking nifty in Miami workouts. R.C.'s a real nice guy with the former Beth Boozer of Lawrence as his wife. But I hope he gets his tail burned by this choice.

Then there was that debacle that saw Boston guarantee troubling ex-Jayhawk J.R. Giddens a contract by taking him 30th ahead of Chalmers.

Nothing shows the steady inroads made by foreign basketball more than the Olympic Games and the growing attractiveness of apparent no-names in NBA drafts. These visa-bearers are forever with us now, and even though we prefer to see Americans perfecting the game James Naismith and Phog Allen launched so wonderfully, it'll get worse. But some U.S. kid from Eye-You-Pooh-ee?

It's up to coach Mike Krzyzewski and a seemingly invincible roster of NBA all-Americans, not one foreigner, to return the United States to gold-medal status in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Between 1936 and 2000, America owned the gold-medal concession except for that rooking it took in 1972 at Munich. The guys on that team, which officials rigged to help Russia, refused to accept the silver medals. Several even have it in their wills that even none of their ancestors can accept one. They were bitter and deserved to be.

In came the NBA Dream Team for 1992 after John Thompson overworked the Americans in 1988 and got a bronze medal. How the hell could Thompson screw up a team with Danny Manning, David Robinson and Mitch Richmond? Came 2004, and darned if coach Larry Brown and aide Roy Williams couldn't guide a mismatched crew to anything better than third. The personnel was fantastic but never learned to play together, and Brown for all his brilliance fell flat for this challenge.

OK, so it's 2008, America against the world again. If Krzyzewski can't turn the likes of Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade and Tayshaun Prince into gold prospectors, the foreigners really will have made a point about their mastery of a game we owned for so long and so well.

And should take over again.

Comments

KoolKeithFreeze (anonymous) says...

Foreigners? Nuts!

July 11, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FlaHawk (anonymous) says...

Globalization of economy! Oil, food and basketball are all affected by global economy and scale!

GO HAWKS!

July 11, 2008 at 5:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Brock (anonymous) says...

The NBA players deserve to lose: What the heck is with the "Protected Zone" (halo) and the "Defensive Three Second Rule?" Are you not allowed to play D in the NBA?

July 11, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FinalFour1993 (anonymous) says...

Parochial? That's a nice way to put it, Mayer. Your ancient, nationalistic way of thinking is out of touch and offensive. What did any of those American players do to deserve NBA money? Luck of birth is not a reason to afford anyone an advantage.

Don't be a hypocrite. The same capitalism that brought in Darko Milicic brought in Sasha Kaun. As with any narrow minded thinking, the "you're not like the others" thinking is always the downfall.

Rock Chalk

July 11, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

WilburNether (anonymous) says...

I hope the spoiled, overpaid NBA mercenaries have their heads handed to them at the Olympics. It would be nice if there were a dunk tank in Beijing with David Stern sitting on the platform and a big tank full of sharks beneath him.

July 11, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

yates33333 (anonymous) says...

I knew there was some you could like about Mayer. Until now I wasn't certain what it was.

Don't Cry For Mario, Willie. He's better off that they left him. All through his playing he made a contract. They tested his mettle, he's making a kettle, and it's not pesos.
Eva Peron

Anyway Miami needed him and he will be a gem for them.

July 11, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

geniusmannumber1 (anonymous) says...

"The NBA players deserve to lose: What the heck is with the "Protected Zone" (halo) and the "Defensive Three Second Rule?" Are you not allowed to play D in the NBA?"

How does "standing around in front of the basket not guarding anybody" equate to playing defense?

July 11, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

63Jayhawk (anonymous) says...

Interesting ESPN article about Michael Lee.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns...

July 11, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

okjhok (anonymous) says...

Mayer's being a total hypocrite. He's the guy always complaining because the current players don't play team ball as well as the guys from the past, and lack fundamental skills. Now he's complaining about bringing some players in that play fundamental team ball. Which is it, Mayer? I know, you just want to see Hinrich and Collison cloned so that they can make up the entire league some day.

There's a lot of talk about how so many of the foreign players don't do well in the league. I think it's pretty clear that this is because it's a totally different style. In the U.S. it's about one-on-one on the perimeter and brute force in the paint, fouling all over the place, a carry here, a carry there, BLATANT travelling, and incessant bitching by the players. I don't watch international ball outside of the Olympics and the world championships, but I see very little of the NBA style in it, and it's very refreshing. I'm looking forward to the Olympics much more than I did to the NBA playoffs, and it's not just to see the U.S. play.

July 11, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

Nice article on Lee, 63Jayhawk. Thanks for the link.

July 11, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

Never trust a foreigner! If they didn't have something to hide, they wouldn't be speaking a funny language.

The Native American in me (a notable percentage) tells me that you're all foreigners.

This land is my land and Custer got what he deserved. :-)

July 11, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

Nationalism isn't a bad thing. Jingoism is. This article is more than borderline jingoistic, it is blatantly myopic and narrow minded. I think the overall tone was intended to be playful (maybe?) but the actuality of it came across petty and shallow.

Good stewards of the game don't blame others for perceived gaps in parity. They inspect it, own it and exploit. If 'our' players (and coaches) aren't up to the challenge, then why do we feel as though we deserve a gold medal... let alone a decent draft position?

Just because the game was invented here? Don't forget, Naismith was a Canadian. How does that feather fit in your cap?

I'm actually ashamed that this article is associated with my favorite team and favorite sport. What a monumental let-down.

As the Olympics approach, we should be talking about the glory of the game and how it has transformed the face of the world (name one country where you won't find a bball goal sitting in a park or someone's backyard). Instead, we are pointing fingers at others because we lost respect for our own game. We just come across sounding like a bunch childish, xenophobic jingoists.

Sad~

July 11, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUFan90 (anonymous) says...

Hard to be pro-Kaun and anti-"foreigner" isn't it? Are you hoping to scare off any more Kauns, Niangs, Markkanens, etc? You attitude, while you would claim to be only focused on the NBA, can't be conveniently ignored when considering international players that play for KU. Unfortunate.

And the article is poorly written. You complain about foreign players in the draft, and then use George Hill and JR Giddens as examples?

July 11, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

JayCeph - excellent post. The only thing I can say to you and others regarding the article here is - - consider the source.

July 11, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kmatlage (anonymous) says...

"How does "standing around in front of the basket not guarding anybody" equate to playing defense?"

Zone?

Anyway, anyone that says those rules are to "protect the players" or "open up the game" are naive. They're only there to increase the scoring/dunking.

July 11, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

juslob (anonymous) says...

James Naismith is from Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Na...

July 11, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

LAJayhawk (anonymous) says...

"Im-a-gints. I knew it was them. Even when it was the bears I knew it was them."

-Moe Szyslak

July 11, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

txrockchalk (anonymous) says...

I could sure go for a Flaming Moe about now...

July 11, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

chuckberry32 (anonymous) says...

this article is a complete joke! I'm not only offended but saddened that the ljworld prints junk like this. Mayer has shown his true colors as a hateful bitter old man and if there is ever a petition to get him fired let me know, I'm signing.

July 11, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ohjayhawk (anonymous) says...

Well said, JayCeph. I, too, am disappointed in the tone of this article. It reads as very haughty.

The way I look at it is the NBA owners can spend their money any way they see fit and to anyone they see fit. I can guarantee that there have been just as many American draft busts (from high-profile teams - not just the IUPUI's of the world) as there have been international player draft busts. The owners/GM's know going in that they are taking a risk. If a drafted player isn't good enough, international or not, they will be out of the league soon enough.

As to the George Hill comment, again he is being quite snobbish. There have been some fantastic players from schools without the tradition of KU. Dennis Rodman comes to mind. Granted, I'm not saying that George Hill is a better player than Mario (something I do not believe). I'm just saying that his dismissive attitued toward non-powerhouse teams is quite startling.

What ever happened to the land of opportunity?

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

July 11, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

"As the Olympics approach, we should be talking about the glory of the game and how it has transformed the face of the world."

Oh, yeah. Im glad it's ended poverty and racism and discrimination. It has dismantled the nuclear arms race and quelled terrorism. Transforming the world? Please.

To all the boo-birds, nationalism is a great thing and despite Jaycephs incoherent "jingoism" rant, even he wont be rooting for Angola in the damned Olympics (jingoism itself is state-sponsored strong-arming born of nationalism and nowhere will you find a hint of this in the piece above. Mayer limits his views to the sporting arena and NOT governmental business). Many people sympathize with those who call Becky Hammon unpatriotic for playing for the Russians. Im half expecting Jayceph to write a defense of her in upcoming blogs.

All you "PC" investigators who comb these articles for correctness are simply pathetic. We're not talking about discrimination or putting anyone down here, but drawing lines between ourselves for the purpose of SPORT is nothing but healthy competitiveness unless, of course, you think we should just all jump ship and become Mizzou fans. NOT ME! I enjoy distinctness and rivalry!

Dismissive attitudes towards non-powerhouse schools is startling? Well then I suppose we should be worried about Canesius and The University of North Carolina equally, right? Jesus, man! Are you MAD? Where were you when people were blogging about how we lost to Bucknell and Bradley?

There's gotta be better blogging goin on here...

Come on, guys.

July 11, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

natehawk (anonymous) says...

I love how unquestioned loyalty to your country is perceived as being old fashioned. If someone is putting on the stars and stripes I want them to win, PERIOD. Sorry there are bitter Jayhawk fans who are jealous of what capitalism has provided NBA players.

July 11, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JayCeph (anonymous) says...

jross, you normally seem sound and coherent in your musings but this diatribe against the notion that basketball should be a heralded event and not a platform for myopic beliefs is unfounded.

The Olympics were never intended to stop poverty, end racism, dismantle nuclear arms or stem terrorism. It was intended to act as a stage where all the countries of world (in spite of size and economic fortitude) could compete in a series of games and events from an even vantage point. Granted, some athletes are going to be more equipped than others due to training and focus... but the opportunity to compete is there for all.

So, insofar as ending discrimination, it is a single step in the proverbial journey of a thousand miles.

Healthy competitiveness should be focus here but it sounds like you are trumpeting someone's lineage in lieu of their ability to compete. If you really mean to pay homage to the purpose of SPORT, then you'll give up the notion that the US (you ass?) is superior just because of where we live. Try to look at the world from outside of your shell.

Mizzou? Please! You sound like you want to be one of those discriminatory slave-staters instead of someone that champions the idea of competitiveness.

If you had a hard time understanding my 'rant' on jingoism, then you just might be my target audience. For those out there that get it, they are as disappointed in you as I am.

Better blogging? How does this even come into play during this discussion?

Oh look! Something shiny....

July 12, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

jayceph

Congratulations! Another dud.

None of us arguing our side would submit to the characterization of our beliefs as myopic, so before you get away with a runaway opinion Scott free we're gonna have to define some terms. If by "myopic" you mean the notion that non-discriminatory segregations for the purpose of competition are healthy outlets for the human spirit, you'd get no argue from me with your assertion; otherwise, you've got a squabble on your hands.

And speaking of "Scott free", a term which references the Dred Scott decision and harks back to slavery, you should really be careful with the images you carelessly invoke. I dont get "too" emotionally upset by these posts but your comment very nearly draws my ire (which is ironic considering your stance is that great care should be taken to be more politically correct). Just a friendly warning: youre throwing off sparks in a powder keg. I was beaten in grade school by white kids wielding sanded-down broomsticks with etchings of swatikas and labeled "N***** BEATER". Other such atrocities I've personally endured will not be mentioned, but suffice it to say that your accusation of my sounding like a "slave stater" is neither welcomed nor appreciated. 'Nuff said? Moving on then...

You misuse the term "jingoism", and Ill be happy to engage you on the topic if you so desire.

On to something actually useful, my question to you is how far is allowable when it comes to team spirit? It appears that we who root for the US in the Olympics should be hung, then stoned, then quartered, and then sent burning up the river in a funeral pyre.

"why do we feel as though we deserve a gold medal...Just because the game was invented here?"

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that America was not only the birthplace of basketball, but fostered the sport beyond and developed it into what it is today. The feelings associated with the pride Americans have in that are what you call "nationalism". Maybe it has something to do with the fact that America has produced the greatest players to ever play the game. If this statement offends your sensibilities then perhaps you are better fit than Becky Hammon to declare allegiance to foreign countries in the Olympics.

You sling terms about like "narrow-minded" when the truth of the matter is that you are simply too broad-minded such that even middle-of-the-road perspectives would be marginalized to fit your characterization. There is nothing wrong with rooting for your favorite high school or college. There is not a thing wrong with pride in your state. And there is certainly not damn thing wrong with patriotism for the good ol' US of A ahead of the Olympics.

(cue Lee Greenwood...)

"...and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...and I'd gladly stand UP next to you and defend her still today. And there ain't no doubt I love this Land, GOD BLESS THE USA!!!"

July 13, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )