Re: Millennium Celtics

[Cecil Wright <nocw1@nsh.library.ns.ca>]

I agree with Gene completely!  Having just seen Rogers play an exhibition 
game, I feel we now have added a key ingredient to RP's defensive 
scheme.  With the athleticism of Rogers, there should be less easy 
baskets by the opposition even when they beat the press and trap.  As 
well, the guy wants to win.  Who can blame him for that in an era when 
large egos driven by the attitude of "I don't care cuz I'm gettin paid" 
are prevalent.

He's also right as are the rest of you who say be patient with Billups.  
Don't forget that he is in the learning stage and that takes time.  Don't 
be fooled into comparing him to other guards (Jackson) who are not being 
handled in the same manner because their coaches employ a different (and easier) 
system.  What RP is asking Billups to do is easily the most challenging 
assignment for any rookie this year, and he will respond, so long as we 
don't expect too much too soon.

Walker, McCarty, Rogers, Knight, Mercer and Billups are fantastic 
building blocks for the future.

Cecil

On Wed, 29 Oct 1997, Gene Kirkpatrick wrote:

> Before I read what anyone else has to say, I want to state that what
> Pitino/Wallace have done in the last seven days is nothing short of
> phenomenal.  They have added two potential starters and perhaps three
> of our top eight players.  With the addition of Roy Rogers (my pick of the
> draft two years ago--for 15th or so) we now have the talent-potential to
> win it all in three years.  We may add a back-up point (Edney is fine) or a
> PF (Thomas might be the guy), but we have the eight or nine guys who
> can take us there.
> 
> I am dead serious.  Rogers is not another 6'10" (with a seven footer's
> wingspan) shot-blocker, rebounder, with decent offensive and floor
> running ability and great intelligence.  He is ours.  And with Pitino that will
> be the difference.  He will anchor our interior defense, shut down the
> lane in crunch time--guys, Rogers is another Parish come out of the
> West!
> 
> Not as good, as McCarty is not as good as Pippen nor Walker equal to
> Larry, but these guys now fill the roles and have the talent to get us
> there.  (It's not as if we have to beat Magic and Kareem to get there). 
> 
> Watch Billups.  As soon as he turns the corner, this team will be able to
> beat anybody--not regularly at first, but our talent level is there.  It just
> needs seasoning.  At thirty games (early in January) this team will begin
> to show the Chris Sheridan's of the world how to play ball.
> 
> Sound like I'm pumped?   Just watch and wait.  We have uncommon
> speed and good bench potential.  Wow!  I suggest we should give those
> who predicted less than 30 wins a month to reconsider.
> 
> Now, let me see what you all think of the trade.
> 
> Cheers,   Gene  
> 
> PS:  Evidently, Rogers was expendable because he challenged the Griz
> players for not caring enough.  Sounds like a good attitude.
>