Game 1A

[Gregory Odegaard <grodeg@kalama.com>]

Things of note after checking out the stats from tonight's first =
exhibition game:

1.  Pathetic shooting overall.  Without Walkers's big game, the team is =
less than 25%.

2.  All those that think Walker could or should go, for whatever =
half-baked reason, this MAN comes to play.  He is the real deal, (laugh =
if you want), his # will hang from the rafters if he can hang with Rick. =
 He will be the real All-Star and CAPTAIN. Not the Slam Clank Champ.

3.  Miss that many shots you need the Offensive boards, and they got =
them.  This is great versus Mutumbo and company.  Expect this stat to =
come down to earth tomorrow night.

4.  13 steals (Declerq with 4, but only 1 board), but only 13 assists.  =
With the number, and quality of the shots, this team needs to work a =
little more on the "team", and passing.

5.  Total rebounding tough; Knight 9 in 17 minutes, Massenburg 6 in 9 =
minutes.  Probably garbage time, though I doubt under Patino there is =
any true garbage time.

6.  Bowen gets the big start.  Of note getting the fouls and making the =
shots (7 of 8 FT's), and a big ZERO turnovers.  Most impressive against =
Smith and Blaylock.  Good start.

7.  Moderate starts for the true Rookies.  Tough shooting nights, but =
note a single turnover combined for both Billups and Mercer.  Along with =
Bowen, very impressive.

8.  Obviously Ellison needs to relearn some fundamentals, what with the =
3 turnovers.  It is a good sign that Rick feels he may be ready to play =
real minutes when needed.

9.  Based on the ESPN game recap, Rick has come to work, which he showed =
in the summer league games.  He will expect nothing less from his team, =
and the fans. (caught you sleeping)

Isn't it fun to obsess over the details again.  I welcome the leaves =
changing color every year.