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Jim Paschke has been the television Voice of the Bucks since 1986, pairing with Jon McGlocklin during each of those seasons. Now he's added a new title to his business card -- master of online blogging and video webisodes. JP promises to bring you the stories you want to hear and the content you want to see. He'll be at the games, at the practices, at the shootarounds, on the plane, in the hotels, in the community and everywhere else the Bucks go. Bookmark this page now and experience the Bucks in a whole new light. This is Paschketball!
It is apparent that not everyone sees the same amount of change in this season’s Bucks team. To some, March and April of 2009 looked very similar to the same months last season. If you stop at the Bucks record down the stretch, that’s all that you would see.
This morning, Scott Skiles told the local Milwaukee media that the Bucks had finished last in the Central Division for the fifth straight season. Given that one of those last-place finishes led to a playoff berth, the media was a bit taken aback by that revelation.
I was impressed that Skiles himself, and by extension, John Hammond, were the ones to reveal that fact. Last place is last place and it is the last place this management team intends to be.
As Skiles said, it is not a bittersweet end to the season, it is simply bitter. That indicates to me, that there is some level of sweetness to come. I can easily live with that. The Bucks are in very good hands.
Fish Wrap
Posted April 8, 2009 at 1:36pm
Food for thought this morning. I just ran across a story in the Wall Street Journal regarding declining baseball coverage by newspapers. As baseball press boxes have plenty of room this summer, and lose a lot of their charm through vacancies, this is a story that could impact all sports.
As you read, take particular note of Mark Cuban’s opinion and actions in this case.
The truth is, other information sources from television to the web still rely on the local paper to be the bottom line on truth. Many people still struggle to believe information until it is in black and white. Take that away, and those “sources” will have to interpret the truth on their own. Many are ill prepared to do that.
We may be entering a world where it becomes more difficult than ever to differentiate between fact and opinion. Be careful out there.
Official Information
Posted March 18, 2009 at 2:17pm
This season on Fox Sports Wisconsin, we have presented frequent post-game “instructionals” as part of “Bucks Live” following game telecasts. We have covered several areas of the game, so that viewers can get a greater understanding of how the game is played at the NBA level. After all, we have some of the best “instructors” in the business in Jon McGlocklin, Tony Smith and lately, Jim Chones.
One of my favorite segments occurred after the recent Bucks-New Orleans game when NBA Vice President and Director of Officials Bernie Fryer joined us. It was a rare chance to learn about officiating from a 28-year on-court veteran. We thank the league for allowing Bernie to share his knowledge with us.
Ok, so I notice this Twitter thing and had to check it out. Man can you make friends and get followers fast these days!
I’m not so sure I would want everyone to know everything I’m doing and thinking, but I sure learn a lot from checking my account. Here is what I learned in five minutes this morning:
Charlie Villanueva has three older brothers named Rob. Rob Antonio is the oldest and lives in Florida. Rob Elias is Charlie’s manager. Rob Carlos works for ESPN. Why do Bob Newhart and George Foreman come to mind?
Charlie appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” yesterday via the studio at Milwaukee Public Television. Do you think Carlos had anything to do with it?
Andrew Bogut’s mum is visiting from Australia and cooking him dinner these days. He also took order on a 1963 Chevy Nova this week that he’s been waiting on.
NBA Commissioner David Stern tweeted that the league now has over 50,000 “followers.”
Apparently Charlie V. commented that his college coach Jim Calhoun was even tougher than Scott Skiles. His next tweet indicated that the Bucks had a very tough practice on Wednesday. Maybe the coach is a tweet-a-holic too.
I get NBA scores and updates constantly on Twitter, which is awesome.
Right now, I check my account on the computer or my I-Pod touch. I’m not sure my phone plan could handle all the text tweets if I went that route. I’d go broke learning all these things about the NBA and people in it, not to mention everyone else in my life.
All of this reminds me that, not too long ago, I would be thrilled to have had access to an out-of-town newspaper to get another viewpoint on the NBA. What will this world be like in another five years?
The only thing I hope for is that you don’t forget to actually talk to people once in awhile. Don’t let conversation and eye-to-eye chats become extinct.
Excuse me; I have to put out a tweet that I’ve finished this blog update. Follow me @JPaschke
.500 is More than Interesting
Posted February 10, 2009 at 4:47pm
When you consider what has transpired in the last 30 games, it is incredible that the Bucks have played .500 basketball over that span.
Injuries to Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Luke Ridnour could have totally de-railed the season. Instead, we have watched the Bucks beat teams like Utah, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Denver and Toronto twice, just to name a few.
Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions have opened more than a few eyes over the last 30 games. Richard Jefferson has stepped up in the absence of the Bucks leading scorer, rebounder and assist man. Francisco Elson has played well. So has Charlie bell. Keith Bogans and Eddie Gill have been great additions this season.
The constant over the last thirty games has been coaching. Scott Skiles and his staff are the talk of the NBA. If the Bucks can somehow hold their playoff spot, Skiles should get ample consideration for NBA Coach of the Year honors. They have been that good, if not miraculous.
The bottom line for me is this: John Hammond and Scott Skiles have more than proven they are the right basketball leaders for the franchise. They have delivered on the only promise they made, which was to present a team that played hard and competed every night. Little did we know the Bucks would do that under such dire circumstances. This may be my favorite team in the 23 years I’ve been handling television for the Bucks.
LBJ: I always say that the best thing about sports is its unpredictability. Friday night we watched LeBron James score 16 points in two minutes and 16 seconds! After ending the first half with a very long 3-point basket, LBJ came out and hit his first six shots of the third quarter, the last five of which were threes. He went from 25 in a half, to 49 after three quarters.
That 2:16 stretch was almost “sick.” James took the kind of shots you could only hope he would take, but he made them. At one point, it seemed like mockery, but of course it was just stunning, unbelievable talent. Very few players would attempt the shots he did, because almost no one has a chance to score like that. Amazing.
Conversation Between Bloggers
Posted February 23, 2009 at 4:45pm
Starving for More
Posted February 10, 2009 at 12:28pm
Last night, I felt as if I had stumbled on a masterpiece at a starving artist’s fair.
The Bucks performance against Houston was impressive on several fronts. It clearly validated the system and work ethic that Scott Skiles and his staff have established, not to mention John Hammond’s wisdom in hiring Skiles.
The performance revealed the great commitment and professionalism of the players. They never veered from sound offensive and defensive approaches, even when the game was well in hand and when it could have become an “It’s ok to get mine now” festival. The players played together, unselfishly, and put together a nearly flawless performance for three and a half quarters.
For those who think Houston is a dysfunctional team and played down to the opponent, I would respond by saying that’s their problem. The Bucks of old may have fallen into that same faulty approach. Not last night. These Bucks went after a team that was just a half game out of fourth place in the Western Conference and didn’t let up even when they could have gotten away with it.
What we saw last night signifies true growth. I enjoyed Saturday’s game against Detroit. The Bradley Center was rocking, and the atmosphere held up well into overtime. I can’t recall two players combining for 77 points AT HOME and losing. So I was very pleased to see a much more balanced team attack against Houston with a better result.
My mind tells me a playoff berth under these conditions is dreaming, and yet it is a dream worthy of any fan’s time. It would be one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.
That would truly be a masterpiece.
Someone asked me today if I realized that I sounded a bit like Elmer Fudd last night when referring to Houston players Wafer and Alston. (LOL)
That duo joins the Jack Daniels Indiana backcourt as my favorite tandems in the league. (Jarrett Jack and Marquis Daniels)
I think everyone associated with the team is enjoying this time at home. (56 degrees days don’t hurt) Despite the energy you get from visiting NBA cities across the country, I have always felt most comfortable coming home to Milwaukee. After 23 seasons, that remains a constant.
Random Thoughts Forced by Situations
Posted February 5, 2009 at 2:28pm
It has been a tough week, which always gives way to thoughts and impressions.
The Bucks went into Tuesday’s game at New Jersey with Andrew Bogut’s health on their minds. We know what happened in both cases. I thought the Bucks gave a great effort against the Nets. Team depth starts at the foundation and when two cornerstones are missing, there very often isn’t enough depth to survive on the road. You can still count on Scott Skiles and the team giving maximum effort the rest of the season.
This is one of those times that tests the adage, “Everything happens for a reason.” It is very difficult to contemplate a positive reason for losing both Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut for this length of time. This team was growing into a good team and, in my opinion, a playoff team. I choose to think like I believe Scott Skiles thinks. He’s probably telling the team that they can still make the playoffs and what a story that would be. Keep the bar as high as possible.
Keith Bogans for Tyronn Lue: I like this minor trade. It gives the Bucks a player with size who can defend at the shooting guard and small forward spots. It rewards Tyronn Lue by sending him to a good team where he can contribute as a veteran point guard. Also, Bogan’s contract expires after this season, which adds flexibility on the financial side. Do you remember that the Bucks drafted Bogans with the 43rd pick in 2003 and traded his rights to Orlando in exchange for cash? Keith paid the Bucks back with a 21- point game against Milwaukee during his rookie season. Bogans and former Buck Adrian Dantley are the only two players in the history of Washington’s DeMatha High School to letter four times in basketball.
With Milwaukee stars Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut out of the spotlight for now, it was nice to see a couple of star quality contestants from Milwaukee on “American Idol” this week. Danny Gokey and Jamar Rogers look like strong contenders this season. They are good friends and attend the same church in Milwaukee. We’ll be watching on Fox.
The Train leaves the station
Posted January 23, 2009 at 1:48pm
We witnessed a rarity this morning in Atlanta. Word spread that Bucks Assistant Coach Lionel Hollins would be replacing Head Coach Marc Iavarroni in Memphis. No one can remember the last time an assistant coach left a team to take over another club during the season.
Lionel will become the Head Coach of the Grizzlies for the third time. He coached them in Vancouver and then had another stint after the move to Memphis.
Lionel briefly addressed the players on the team bus this morning, thanking them for their time together. Then he was gone.
It was a quintessential NBA moment, with a happy ending. In this league, everyone knows you can be here one day and gone the next. We can all only hope for smiles on departure.
Greetings from Atlanta
Posted January 23, 2009 at 10:28am
Check out the Q & A I did with the folks over at Hawks.com:
1. The Bucks are currently on the outside looking in in the Eastern Conference playoff race. What is the biggest thing they need to do to put themselves into the top 8?
Jim Paschke: I think they need to stay healthy and find a little more consistency. Andrew Bogut has been out with back spasms lately, and the defense has slipped. That has been a cornerstone to any success the Bucks have had this season. Also, they need to have the offensive and defensive efficiency match up a little more often as we saw Wednesday night against Dallas.
2. We are a month or so away from the trade deadline. Do you see the Bucks making any moves?
Jim Paschke: It is difficult to say there will or will not be moves. I do know that General manager John Hammond is constantly looking for ways to improve the team. Generally, John always admits to seeking more toughness.
3. Luc Richard M’bah a Moute continues to surprise for the Bucks and has started 29 games. Do you see him as a fixture in the starting lineup in the future, or is he better suited to coming off the bench?
Jim Paschke: I think Luc Richard is capable and versatile enough to both as needed. He is like a utility player in baseball. He can be spotted in any situation and you are going to like what he does. That in itself is a remarkable talent at this level.
4. Not having Andrew Bogut has hurt the Bucks. What is his status? How long do you expect him to be out of action for?
Jim Paschke: Andrew is improving, but he understands that with back spasms it is necessary to be 100%. He tried to come back a couple of weeks ago and the injury got worse. He said the other day that he would like to be on the floor setting screens if that is all he could do, but he doesn’t want to hurt the team long term.
5. At the midway point of the season, who has been the biggest surprise for the Bucks so far?
Jim Paschke: I think Mbah a Moute has been the biggest surprise. It is not very often that a rookie is able to help his team this much defensively. When Luc Richard is on the floor, you are always confident that the defense will improve. That is saying something for a rookie. I think he one of the great finds in the draft. I believe he will have a very long productive career barring injury.
The Dream is just Beginning
Posted January 19, 2009 at 8:35am
I can’t tell you how pleased I am that the Bucks will play on this particular Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. In a very small way, each of us is connected to something very big.
The NBA has long honored the legacy and dreams of Dr. King by making this a special day on the league’s calendar. It has never been more special than this year.
On Tuesday, we, as a people, will inaugurate a basketball player into the highest office in this nation. Barack Obama has a dream to build a basketball court in the White House.
Without the dreams of Martin Luther King Jr., and the pioneering and sacrifices of countless others, Obama’s dreams large and small would be much closer to our dreams. Because of others, President Obama can now dream of making the dreams of others come true.
Two weeks ago, I was privileged to speak with Wayne Embry about this seminal moment in world history. I was very moved as I spoke to the “Jackie Robinson of Sports Business.”
In 1972, the Milwaukee Bucks seamlessly and without regard to anything other than character and ability, named their first Captain, Wayne Embry, to the position of General Manager. He became the first African American to hold a management position in professional sports in this country. He would later become the First President and CEO of a professional franchise with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Wayne had a partner in his pioneering. His wife Terri marched with Dr. King on Selma, one of the crucial events in the American Civil Rights movement. Character finds character.
To paraphrase Sam Mitchell: “Wayne became the first African American to prove that he could not only run a basketball team, but multi-million dollar businesses as well.”
Mr. Embry owned and operated the McDonald’s franchise across State Street from the MECCA in Milwaukee, exactly where the Bradley Center stands today. Sidney Moncrief and others would walk across the street after practices and shoot-arounds for lunch.
Wayne Embry turned the notion of “dumb jock” upside-down and inside-out like no one before him. He was a humble pioneer doing a job he was imminently qualified to do. Today, he will admit to feeling his success was mandatory due to what it would mean to others who followed.
Many have followed Wayne Embry. Once again, tomorrow, we will inaugurate a basketball player to the Presidency of the United States.
Jackie Robinson played so that Wayne Embry could play and work. Wayne Embry worked so that Barack Obama could run. Obama ran and won so that our children can fly.
The NBA and the Bucks will be represented at Tuesday’s inauguration by Team President Herb Kohl who will be seated near the Capitol podium for the swearing in ceremony as an esteemed member of the United States Senate.
The Milwaukee Bucks organization and its fans should take a special pride in the events of today and tomorrow. There are dreams and there are actions. Let’s not forget either as we revel in these history-making events.
See Joe Dunk
Posted January 13, 2008 at 2:37pm
It’s amazing what a little New York Times time will do for your celebrity.
On Sunday, the Times picked up the story about Joe Alexander’s series of promotional spots designed to encourage fans to vote Joe into the NBA All-Star Dunk Contest in Phoenix next month.
On Monday in Washington, Joe found himself surrounded by reporters and camera operators after the morning shoot-around. They all wanted to know about his candidacy and the success of the campaign. After all, Washington reporters know something about elections. This kind of airtime is somewhat rare for a player who hasn’t gotten much playing time recently. Joe handled it very well as usual.
Back in October, Fox Sports Wisconsin asked us to make off-the-wall predictions about the upcoming season. I said I thought if Joe could somehow be included, that he had the talent to win dunk contest. I hadn’t even seen him touch his nose on the rim at that point.
I’m sticking to my prediction. All you have to do is vote for Joe on nba.com before Thursday. Voting runs through tomorrow, and remember, you can vote as often as you like.
Reflecting Pool
Posted December 30, 2008 at 9:28am
I trust you have enjoyed a great holiday season and are ready for the New Year.
I have always been amused by and interested in year-end flashbacks. A year’s worth of events can give you a different perspective than the individual events themselves. How you connect the dots is often what provides insight. If perspective is lacking, rehashing a series of events is numbing.
To me, 2008 for the Bucks has reflected the nation’s “Time for Change” theme. The perception of failure and frustration has led to radical change and promise on both fronts. John Hammond and Barack Obama both were granted four years in which to come up with solutions.
Looking back, the Bucks struggles reached an undeniable low point in March when the team lost a game at Miami. The Heat used five NBDL players, at one point together, to humiliate an NBA opponent. I will always believe that game was a major catalyst for change even though it didn’t get the kind of media attention and criticism I expected.
Like the country would do in November, Senator Kohl turned to a promising, but untested leader to move the Bucks out of a difficult place. John Hammond may have been little known to NBA fans, but he was well known and respected within the league. He was ready for the job and has proven that.
In 22 previous seasons, while valiant attempts have been made, I have never seen this level of professional expectation and accountability from top to bottom in the organization. It shows up every day in almost every way. John Hammond and Scott Skiles are a perfect fit as they impart the kind of professional ethic that will turn the Bucks around.
They accept nothing less than big league effort, knowing that will lead to success. They also run a very private, tight ship. I respect the fact that decisions don’t always have to be by consensus, or fit public opinion. Great leaders just “know” what to do; they don’t have to be convinced. Set a course, stay the course, and keep working of course.
In connecting a few other “dots” I noticed that the Bucks restructuring on a grand scale coincided with Jerry Sloan’s twenty-year anniversary in Utah. That is a great model for any NBA franchise: A system with stability that leads to success. Maybe we are in the first year of that kind of run in Milwaukee.
I also believe that while many teams are downloading players and salaries for the great free agent land rush of 2010, the Bucks and other franchises that are currently building on a base of seriousness will have an advantage in the next few years. They will be strong when others have perhaps foolishly sold their present for the future. I think that is a certainty for at least this season and next.
While I’m connecting some dots, and this one came to me just recently, were Dallas and Phoenix thinking 2010 when they made deals for Jason Kidd and Shaquille O’Neal? Both of those huge contracts expire in time to play in the big free agent game. If either or both franchises were a year ahead of everyone else, they deserve some props.
We are in a period of change and correction, in this country, and in sport. The Bucks seem to be proactively on the cutting edge of change. Others will change later or be forced into it. Just as with the stock market, corrections are necessary and very often beneficial in the long run.
I hope you can enjoy and embrace all of the changes that come your way in 2009.
Sun burn
Posted December 9, 2008 at 9:28am
It was February 21, 1987. I was mid-way through my first season with the Bucks and just into my first Spring Training as a rookie Brewers TV announcer. It was a big trip to Phoenix for me, as both sports came together in the Valley of the Sun.
I remember several colleagues with the Brewers asking for help in getting tickets to watch the Bucks play the Suns that night at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. It was good to see them again.
John Lucas led the Bucks with 24 points, while Walter Davis scored 27 for Phoenix. The Bucks won 115-107 to improve their record to 35-21.
That is the last time the Bucks beat the Suns in Phoenix. They have lost 20 straight games here spanning 21 seasons. (The Bucks didn’t play in Phoenix during the 1998-99 Lockout Season.) It boggles the mind.
In 1987, gas cost 91 cents a gallon, and stamps were 22 cents. The median income in the Untied States was $26,000, the average cost of a home $127,000 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average passed 2000 for the first time.
Ronald Reagan was President; Oliver North was in the news; Prozac hit the market; Liberace passed away; NHL star Sidney Crosby was born; Bon Jovi had the number one hit with “Livin’ on a Prayer”; “21 Jump Street” was the top television show; Moonstruck, Wall Street and Fatal Attraction were box office hits
During my first Brewer season later that year, George Webb’s would give away free hamburgers as the team opened the season with 13 straight victories. Juan Nieves threw the team’s only no-hitter that April and Paul Molitor authored his 39-game hitting streak that summer.
The Packers and the rest of the NFL would play games with replacement players during a strike. The football Cardinals would play their last season in St. Louis before moving to Phoenix.
Jon McGlocklin had brown hair. (Oh, sorry.) Ted Davis had not started his NBA radio career at that point. Dennis Krause was about to leave Peoria, Illinois to begin his Milwaukee broadcast career.
It was Don Nelson’s last season as Bucks coach. Del Harris, Frank Hamblen, Mike Dunleavy, Chris Ford, George Karl, Terry Porter, Larry Krystkowiak and Scott Skiles have combined to coach 1,712 games since that season. Since that night in Phoenix, the Bucks have played 1,738 regular season games.
Three Bucks, who will play in Phoenix tonight, Joe Alexander, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Ramon Sessions, were all less than a year old when the Bucks last beat the Suns.
There is only one member of the Bucks basketball team and staff from 1986-87 currently with the franchise. Scott Skiles was a rookie on that 1986-87 team that beat Phoenix. If the drought ends tonight, credit karma, which tends to work in circles, full circles.
Eureka, he has done it again
Posted November 28, 2008 at 1:07 pm
We know Scott Skiles has improved the Bucks defense. Now thanks to John Schuhmann at NBA.com, we have numerical evidence that you can add Milwaukee to Phoenix and Chicago as Skiles' success stories, at least to this point.
Based on points allowed per 100 possessions, the Bucks currently have the league’s most improved defense. The Bucks are allowing 9.6 fewer points per game on that basis. The Lakers are right behind allowing 9.4 fewer points. Memphis, Philadelphia and Orlando round out the top five.
Tonight’s Bucks opponent, Detroit, has seen the greatest decline in its defensive prowess, allowing 5.2 more points a game per 100 possessions. Losing Chauncey Billups and changing coaches has changed the way the Pistons play.
With the addition of Mo Williams, Cleveland has shown the greatest offensive improvement, adding 8.3 points per game per 100 possessions.
Turkey in Detroit
Posted November 28, 2008 at 7:30am
In 23 seasons, I have only missed two Thanksgiving meals at home. I’m thankful for that. During the George Karl years, we spent Thanksgiving in Seattle one year and this season in suburban Detroit.
I’m also thankful that Senator Kohl, John Hammond and Scott Skiles made this Thanksgiving as enjoyable as possible. The Bucks hosted the traveling party’s holiday get-together yesterday at the team hotel. We had a large room available from noon until 10 o’clock.
Players, coaches and the rest of the group were able to come and go throughout the day. We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving meal together around 1:30 in the afternoon and many returned for dinner.
Several TV’s were positioned around the room, with couches, so we could keep an eye on the NFL games. More importantly, the day provided the opportunity to casually visit with the people we travel with every day. Does that seem strange?
While we are always together, rarely do you get extended time to visit. Early in the day, I sat with Andrew Bogut and Malik Allen and we talked about Andrew’s new web site, the proliferation of deer in the Milwaukee area (Bogut’s car met one head on recently) and other non-basketball topics. It was very enjoyable.
Some of the guys played cards after dinner. Jon McGlocklin and I never have trouble discussing any number of things, even when we aren’t working. Actually, he and I did sneak a little basketball into our discussion. We’ve spent twenty-three seasons together and still enjoy each other’s company. I am very thankful for my personal and professional relationship with Jon.
I was reminded yesterday that, in sport, you really have two families. I missed my real family yesterday, but thoroughly enjoyed my professional family and will always be grateful for both.
Of course, Allen Iverson made his way to everyone’s Thanksgiving table by skipping the Pistons morning practice. Apparently he won’t start tonight’s game against the Bucks and will pick up a $2500 fine as allowed by the current collective bargaining agreement.
Detroit has had some trouble adjusting to AI, so perhaps the main reason they needed to practice skipped it. “As the answer turns.”
The Bucks know that Minnesota came to Auburn Hills and won by 26, so anything is possible tonight. “Bucks Live” starts at 6:30 tonight on Fox Sports Wisconsin. See you there.
Hawk Talk
Posted November 25, 2008 at 9:07am
Every once in a while, I get asked to answer questions for an upcoming opponent’s web site. The Atlanta Hawks asked this week and I thought you should get the same thoughts, opinions and observations as the Hawk fans do. I will always take care of loyal “Paschketball” readers. Thanks and enjoy the drill.
The Bucks shook things up a bit in the off-season, sending Mo Williams to Cleveland and getting Richard Jefferson from New Jersey in exchange for Yi Jianlian. How have these moves affected the team so far?
JP – The Bucks were determined to change the culture after last season. Hiring General Manager John Hammond was the first step; Scott Skiles the second; and the trades solidified that goal. Richard Jefferson has been a solid addition, and he admittedly is still adjusting to his new team. Luke Ridnour was brought in to fill Mo Williams’ spot at point guard and, prior to his recent injury, he has been providing a stabilizing effect on the starting five. Those two additions have been very positive.
Ramon Sessions was a bit of a revelation at PG late last season. Was he part of the reason Williams got dealt? Do the Bucks look at him as the point guard of the future?
JP- Ramon had 113 assists last April, second only to Chris Paul. He also set an all-time Bucks record with 24 assists against the Bulls in the season’s final month. At the start of training camp, Ramon was probably the third point guard behind Ridnour and Tyronn Lue. He struggled a bit to grasp Skiles’ system during camp, and didn’t play much very early in the season. When he got his chance, Ramon was in “session”, scoring and dishing as expected. He is scoring a little more this season and he hasn’t had any crazy assist games, but Ramon is getting a lot of playing time and has been very productive. The Bucks have had success playing Ridnour and Sessions in a double point guard back court. Other teams have taken notice of Sessions and apparently are asking about his availability. He should have a solid future in this league.
Joe Alexander was a lottery pick for the Bucks this year, but many people so far are talking about the contributions of fellow rookie Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. How do you rate the progress of the rookies so far?
JP – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has been one of the early surprises in the NBA. He is a gifted and athletic defender with a natural feel for the NBA game. He surprised everyone with his NBA readiness. He quickly became a starter at the power forward spot as Skiles preferred to have Charlie Villanueva’s offensive spark off the bench. Mbah a Moute is aggressively athletic while seemingly always under control. He gets to the right spots with great timing. Offensively, he has been a pleasant surprise. Luc Richard takes the ball to the basket, draws fouls and has a nice touch from mid-range. The key to his offense is that he rarely takes an ill-advised jump shot.
Joe Alexander has shown flashes of freakish athleticism, which is why he was drafted with the 8th pick. He missed ten days of training camp, which set him back, and he was trying to learn both forward positions, which was a lot to absorb. Joe hasn’t played organized basketball nearly as long as most lottery picks, so he is still processing the game. That having been said, he can jump out of the gym, has incredible speed and quickness and also has a pro level love of the game. His “upside” is vast at this point. Joe has gotten more playing time recently and is making obvious progress.
Scott Skiles is the new coach for Milwaukee this season. What has been the biggest difference so far between his regime and that of his predecessor, Larry Krystkowiak?
JP- Scott Skiles sets the bar as high as any coach I’ve been around. Even when others applaud the Bucks early season progress, Scott keeps talking about what still needs to be done. For instance, his defensive field goal percentage goal is 43%, which would put teams in the top two or three in the league. Consequently, the Bucks have improved from last to tenth in that category in just 15 games. Skiles doesn’t just talk about improving a defense, he just does it. Expectation, accountability and professionalism are tenets now in place in Milwaukee. Credit also must be given to John Hammond for hiring Scott Skiles and for having the same attention to detail and expectations in all areas. This is now a very impressive basketball operation.
What do you view as the best-case scenario for this Bucks team this season?
JP – The new regime has not made a single prediction. Again, it is about expectations and the number one expectation is for the Bucks to play hard every night. If they do that, good things will happen as we have already seen. A 7-9 record with the extremely difficult early season schedule and the fact that leading scorer Michael Redd has missed three weeks bears that out. A playoff berth would be a great pay-off for the culture change that has been put into place, but growth, improvement and nightly effort is an acceptable starting point for this team. Opponents already sense that this is a much tougher basketball team, a team that doesn’t quit. My expectation is that the Bucks become a feared opponent very soon.
Grizzlies and Ducks
Posted November 14, 2008 at 1:07pm
The Bucks can get back to .500 tonight with a victory in Memphis. Anytime this team is in range of .500 before January first, it will be impressive. Scott Skiles is getting the most out of his team right now, despite injuries to Michael Redd and, tonight, Charlie Villanueva.
Memphis is a very young team with nine players 23 years old or under. In addition to rookie scoring sensation O.J. Mayo, we will also see Pau Gasol’s brother Marc tonight. Marc played high school basketball in Memphis while Pau was here. Marc was drafted by the Lakers two years ago, played in Spain, and then was part of the trade with L.A. and Memphis involving his brother. We can’t think of another NBA trade involving brothers.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute enjoyed arriving at our Memphis hotel last night. When we walked in, there was a big crowd in the lobby at five o’clock. Luc Richard asked me what was going on, so I told him about the famous Peabody Ducks. He got a kick out the fact that people actually showed up at the hotel twice a day to view and take pictures of this unique “Changing of the Ducks.”
Luc was also interested in the Civil Rights history of Memphis and of course he was familiar with Elvis. Today, he asked me to show him where the famous Rendezvous BBQ restaurant was located.
About the ducks: The Peabody hotel is celebrating 76 years of this tradition. In 1933, the General Manager of the hotel and a friend apparently had just enough Tennessee sipping whiskey to think it would be a good idea to put three of their live hunting decoys in the fountain. (It was legal back then to use live decoys.)
The reaction was noting short of enthusiastic, and thus began an internationally known tradition (save for Cameroon) that continues to this day. The ducks live in the fountain until they are fully grown, which takes about five years. They are then returned to the wild.
While at the Peabody, they live in a roof top “Duck Palace” and, twice a day, at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., parade in and out of the marble fountain on a red carpet in front of dozens of spectators. It’s really not a bad life.
The hotel employs a “Duck Master” who conducts the march of the Mallards. The original Duck Master served the Peabody for over 35 years.
The Auerbach Factor
Posted November 7, 2008 at 11:30am
On a night when Jerry Sloan can accomplish something he couldn’t, the ghost of Red Auerbach appears to be restless. Red won 795 games with the Celtics. Tonight, Sloan can win his one thousandth game with Utah. No coach has won 1,000 games with the same franchise.
Trips to Boston have been full of “strange” occurrences for years. Every team has felt it. Years ago, a visiting playoff team asked for an air conditioner in the dingy, hot, humid Boston Garden locker room. Red had one delivered. When the visiting team got to the arena, there was a new air conditioner sitting in the middle of the floor in its packaging.
The Bucks felt Red’s ghost at this morning’s shoot-around at the Garden. When they arrived, the floor had just been wet-mopped. The hockey ice was pooling around the edges of the rink. Conditions in the building left the floor soaking wet. It was just another day at the Garden for visitors.
The Bucks know drying the garden floor is the least of their difficulties today. The Champions wait. Enjoy the game.
.500 and improving
Posted on November 3, 2008 at 3:10pm
Not a bad opening week. The Bucks split their four games and more impressively are 2-1 on the road.
I had a couple of fans say to me, “I’m not sure about this win one, lose one approach.” I quickly reminded them that a 41-41 season would be a 15-game improvement over last season and that a .500 record in the East typically means a team is in contention for a playoff spot.
More importantly, I said if the Bucks are .500 on January first, the schedule becomes very favorable and we will really like where they could be on April 15th when the regular season ends.
I used the term “professional” loss after the Chicago opener, and I would use it again to describe Saturday’s Toronto game. In both cases, Scott Skiles’ team didn’t hang its head, kept after the opponent and handled the loss seriously. Too often in the past, it seemed like Bucks teams cast off losses perhaps too easily. I don’t see that this season.
The way the team battled back against Toronto to take a lead with 37 seconds left was professional. Toronto is a good team right now.
I was impressed with the way Ramon Sessions handled his first two starts after sitting out the first two games. He played confidently against Toronto and New York. Ramon just ran into an outstanding point guard on Saturday. Jose Calderon will make life tough on a lot of opponents this season. I’m sure Sessions is gaining the confidence of Coach Skiles, and if Ramon Sessions is your third point guard, this team is in good shape at that position.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute looks like he has been in the league a lot longer than four games. He could be the steal of the second round if not the whole draft if this keeps up. Historically, UCLA teams have been “stacked” with talent which blossoms in the NBA. Luc Richard is going to get a lot of playing time. You don’t often think a rookie can improve a team’s defense. Mbah a moute has already proven it can happen.
Washington visits the Bradley Center on Wednesday. The Bucks head for Boston on Friday with Phoenix and Terry Porter here next Saturday. It will be an interesting week, not to mention the Detroit-Denver blockbuster deal that just happened today. Stay tuned.
First Impression
Posted on Octber 29, 2008
A loss is a loss, but last night’s defeat in Chicago seems different than setbacks in recent seasons. The Bucks competed, and seemed to have a more serious approach in their opening game.
When the bell rang on the season, the Bucks stepped it up and played with more application than we saw during the pre-season. Scott Skiles knows that, in time, the effort on the practice court will carry over to the games.
In a game with a lot of fouls called on the Bucks, I didn’t see them complaining. They just kept their heads down and played. That’s a very good sign. After the game, and even today, there was more seriousness than we’ve seen in the past. This team is already reflecting the attitude of General manager John Hammond and Coach Skiles.
A loss is a loss, but it appears things will “click” at some point when this team gets comfortable with each other and with the new system. Stay tuned.
Due to an Airline mechanical problem, we stayed in Chicago last night and flew into Oklahoma City today, arriving just before one o’clock. You can imagine how difficult it is to get rooms on short notice, and Chicago was basically sold out due to conventions. Credit Marc Boff of the Bucks staff with an amazing “save.” His first trip as Head Trainer gives him a big test and he passes with incredible ease.
Tonight, we will experience a somewhat unique home court advantage. Oklahoma City is a reminder of how lucky any city is to have an NBA franchise. The Ford Center will be crazy with excitement.
Commissioner Stern will be here to welcome the Thunder to the NBA, and then you will undoubtedly be able to hear the crowd over your TV set tonight. It’s a really big deal here, as you would expect. It will be fun to be a witness.
“Bucks Live” starts at 6:30 tonight on Fox Sports Wisconsin.
Opening night
Posted on Octber 28, 2008
The silence on the bus to this morning’s shoot-around was palpable. It was clearly opening day in the NBA. It’s funny how individuals focusing on the same thing, privately, will quiet a team.
The shoot-around was business-like and efficient. Scott Skiles was happy with the focus, attention and effort and told his team so.
Luke Ridnour was on the court and worked with the first unit. He told me his back is much better after it locked up for the first time in his career. Luke said that kind of pain almost makes you feel sick.
After the shoot-around, Skiles made a comment that struck me. In talking about his team’s defense, he said it has been very good on the practice court but hadn’t translated into games at this point, but he says that bodes well. Scott knows that eventually he will see the results of his team’s hard work.
Austin Croshere took part in the shoot-around today. He gives the Bucks another front line player with NBA Finals experience. It’s a solid addition and balances the roster between “bigs” and “smalls” with seven each.
The FS Wisconsin crew is here in force, including our newest teammate Tony Smith. I’ve worked with Tony on a few of Dennis Krause’s Roundtable Shows and think he’s a great addition to our TV team. Tony debuts tonight with Craig Coshun on “Bucks Live” at 7:00pm.
A few random Opening Night notes:
This is actually Scott Skiles fourth head coaching position, not his third. He was playing in Greece in 1977 and was named head coach one morning after playing the night before.
The Bucks have opened their season against the Bulls on three previous occasions (1-2) but this is the first time it is the season opener for both teams. The Bucks first-ever game in 1968 was against Chicago.
Former Buck Vinnie Del Negro will coach the first “official” game of his career at any level tonight. Al Attles, Larry Bird, Larry Costello, Billy Cunningham, Doc Rivers and Lenny Wilkens also started their coaching careers in the NBA. All but Bird won an NBA championship and he took Indiana to the Finals. Lenny Wilkins has won more NBA games than any coach in league history. Vinnie’s history starts tonight.
Dragon's Number 11
Special Posting to bucks.com Octber 20, 2008
A late addition to the China Games itinerary was the jersey retirement of Joe Alexander at the International School of Beijing (ISB) on Thursday morning.
From age 10-16, Alexander attended the K-12 school in the Shunyi District of Beijing that was founded in 1980 and currently educates 1,850 students representing 50 different countries. 200 faculty members who also come from 12 separate nations are in charge of educating these youths.
Alexander started basketball at an early age as his father, Steve, helped start the Dribbling Dragons program for young children at ISB. With older brothers John and Jeremy showing him the way on the court, Joe made varsity as a freshman at ISB and played two seasons before moving back to the States to pursue a chance at a full-time NCAA Division I scholarship. When no scholarship came, Joe enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy and after his ‘fifth-year’ of high school, was awarded a scholarship at West Virginia University. One could say the rest is history.
Alexander credits the opportunity he received at ISB as well as his determination to dream big and work hard to make reaching his goal of making the NBA a reality. He spoke with two separate assemblies at the school and reinforced that message with the children.
ISB Athletic Director Jeff Johanson said that the school was obliged to celebrate greatness and thanked Alexander for coming back to the school. He also hoped that despite now being a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, that Joe will always consider himself a Dragon.
For Outstanding Achievement in Chinese Food
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 10:30pm
Saturday was a culinary oddity for me. At 7:00 a.m. Beijing time we had breakfast. At 7:00 p.m. (Beijing) we had dinner on the plane. At 3:30 p.m. Milwaukee time we were served breakfast before landing at 5:00 p.m. So naturally, about 9:00 p.m Saturday night, it was time for dinner again. (What happened to lunch?)
After sharing my Silk Market purchases with my wife Kristen and disposing of the bugs that traveled from Beijing in plastic bags, it was time to eat. I got a laugh when I pulled up at P.F. Chang’s. I hadn’t had one bite of Chinese food in either Gangzhou or Beijing. We had been served “American style” meals three times a day.
During dinner, my wife kept looking at her cell phone, which is not at all unusual. However, when you’ve been gone for a week, you wonder. Turns out she had asked a mutual friend to report in from Chicago’s Annual Emmy Awards Dinner. I had totally forgotten about it.
Just a minute after she reminded me, I got a text message from John P. Walsh who has produced our Bucks telecasts for Fox Sports Wisconsin for the last few years. He informed me that our broadcast team had just won an Emmy for “Outstanding Achievement for Sports Programs – Live Sports Events – Game/Series – Unedited,” for coverage of last season’s Bucks – Lakers game at the Bradley Center.
The competition included the Chicago Marathon coverage, and game telecasts of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks and Milwaukee Brewers.
The Bucks TV crew picked up that second Emmy for “Outstanding Achievement for Sports Programs – Sports Segment/Feature” for the 2008 Opening Night “tease” featuring Mark Metcalf of “Animal House” fame. You may remember this great work principally crafted by Josh Adams and Maggie Gallegos.
So, I congratulate all of my colleagues for their great work in presenting Bucks basketball to you. I especially thank Jon McGlocklin and Craig Coshun for their work on the Bucks – Laker game. They make it easy on our side of the camera.
By the way, Jon McGlocklin has an NBA championship, is in four Halls of Fame, two honorary doctorates and now an Emmy Award in his NBA career, which spans over four decades.
What a week: China topped off by an Emmy!
Heading Home
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 3:00 am
The Chinese basketball fans in Beijing will never forget the Bucks-Golden State finish here on Saturday. Buzzer beaters in any country and any language are memory makers.
The game ended suddenly and suddenly we are making our way home. I think everyone would like about a half day more to see that one sight missed, or of course to get in one more shopping trip. But mostly we are all ready to see Milwaukee.
This China blog experience has been great. In fact, people want to be a part of it. When I got on the Northwest plane and found my seat, one of the flight attendants, Curt, said his family in Detroit had been reading about the trip. He also thought I should mention the flight staff, and he is correct about that.
This crew picked us up in anchorage and handled the trip from Alaska to Gangzhou and this ride home. Curt told me this is Northwest’s “A” team. This same group took the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team to and from Beijing in August, on the same aircraft.
They also handle the White House Press Corps on a regular basis. They are the cream of a 170-member crop. Over 400 Northwest employees applied for the company’s NBA Air charter program. Those selected are then trained specifically for NBA charters. I agree with Curt, they are the “A” team. We couldn’t have been treated better on these taxing long flights. Thanks to all, and I was happy to videotape them at work.
For the record, the crew included ten flight attendants, five pilots, and a loadmaster.
When we arrived in Milwaukee, we were efficiently moved through the customs process. I was given permission to take a few shots of the tired, but spirited, group as they waited for their luggage.
The bottom line: everyone really enjoyed the experience and the camaraderie of the past six days. We had a great group of travelers and that made it a pleasure. Thanks to all.
The Last Show
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 12:50 am
The whirlwind that has been China is winding down. The emotions everyone seems to be feeling are: it’s been a great trip, an extra day would be nice, but we are all very ready to come home.
Saturday started early with a baggage drop, breakfast, and hotel checkout. Then we waited for a while to board busses to the final of the two China Games. When we arrived at the BOBA, things moved fairly quickly.
An avid crowd, just as in Gangzhou, greeted us even though these fans have recently been exposed to the NBA through the Olympic Games. They just can’t get enough NBA. It is truly amazing.
Now that I can convert yuan to dollar in my head, I was struck by the prices for food at the BOBA. Popcorn is $3.00, hotdogs $2.25 and a beer is $1.50. Not bad at all.
I’m hearing that every ticket for the game today was sold, so this has been a very successful enterprise for the NBA.
Here are some pre-game sights and sounds again. I made sure to get some shots of the Bucks Stats Crew members who made this trip, the Bucks Game Presentation team including Bango, Energee and the Rim Rockers. They’ve all done a beautiful job both here and in Gangzhou.
Do you think Robert Kurz will ever forget Beijing? His game-winner electrified this frenzied building. Great theatrical finish to a wonderful week, even though the Warriors won. It would hurt if it counted.
Now it’s a bus ride to the airport, 13 hours on the plane, customs in Milwaukee and home for dinner.
I’ll have some scenes as the weary travelers reach Milwaukee and I still want to share Joe Alexander’s high school event here in Beijing with you in the near future.
I’ve really enjoyed doing this blog. Thank you for enjoying it with me.
Getting Good Reception
Posted on October 17, 2008 at 8:10am
Friday night, everyone headed to the BOBA (Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena) for a reception hosted by NBA Commissioner David Stern who has flown in from the Europe Games. I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Stern for an upcoming Fox Sports Wisconsin special on the China Games. He was very complimentary to the Bucks and the way they have handled and enjoyed China.
The reception was pretty glitzy, with a modern and up-scale female drum line.
Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 10:30 as ESPN2 will carry game two between the Bucks and Warriors. I’ll have the behind the scenes sights and sounds tomorrow.
Shop Till You Drop
Posted on October 17, 2008 at 4:15 pm
In the afternoon, a group of us led by interpreter Matt Beyer, headed for the Beijing Silk market. We decided to take the subway to get a real feel for life in this enormous city. We weren’t disappointed. At one stop, 30 people jammed into our already filled car. It was cubic people in there and just a great experience. I think the subway ride was about 30 cents.
How do I describe the Silk Market? If you are ever feel down about yourself, hop on a plane to Beijing and go to the market. You will have a lot of people telling you how wonderful you are “friend,” “brother,” “pretty lady” or whatever. They are relentlessly relentless and incredibly persuasive. I’ve never experienced anything close to this and I’ve been married for a total of 32 years.
If you can think of something you might need, they’ll have it at the market. The salespeople will start with an incredibly high price. It’s your job to bargain them into reality; a reality they pretend doesn’t exist. All the while, you have to convert yuan into USD or vice versa.
They set a price, and then ask you to take their calculator and give them a price. Don’t do that. It basically is saying yes. The process takes about twenty minutes every time you buy something.
The deals are amazing, but you don’t know if you are buying real or counterfeit.
For a short time, you can become tough, very tough. It’s absolutely great sport.
Very Special Olympics
Posted on October 17, 2008 at 2:05 pm
One of the real highlights of the trip took place after practice, as the Bucks held a clinic for Beijing Special Olympians. This was the Bucks NBA Cares event for the China Games.
A Beijing based writer for The Wall Street Journal said he had never seen an NBA team be more engaging and enthusiastic at an event in China. That is deserved high praise for the Bucks.
This event put smiles on a lot of faces.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Friday was a full day in Beijing. At breakfast, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett rejoined the group after he and Tim Sullivan spent Thursday on a business trip in Mongolia. The Mayor had more official business in Beijing on Friday, but managed to get in some shopping at the market.
This was a busy sightseeing day for guests on the trip. They started early with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Later in the day, they headed for the summer palace.
The Bucks day began with practice at the BOBA (Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena.) After another team picture, an eager media ascended on the Bucks for interviews.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 8:00am
It is simply awe-inspiring. The magnitude, the beauty, the history, and the plain magnificence of China’s Great wall are breathtaking.
The Bucks players, coaches and traveling party paid a visit to the Mutianyu section of the wall on Thursday afternoon. Located in Huairou County, about 45 miles outside of Beijing, the Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved portions of the structure.
This portion of the wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capitol and the imperial tombs. There are 22 watchtowers on the Mutianyu stretch of the Great Wall.
The protective fortress, originally designed to keep aggressors out, now unites people from all over the world in peace and some of the strangest commerce you will ever witness or take part in.
Enjoy the Bucks trip to the wall and the vendors who are a modern addition to this ancient attraction.
Quite a few of the Bucks crew bargained hard on the way back to the busses and most thought they got good deals on things they probably could do without. I must say, there are few experiences equal to haggling at The Great Wall of China. I found myself trapped in one of the stalls, blocked by the vendor for so long I thought I would miss the bus. (I bought something just so I could escape.)
Tomorrow, while the Bucks are practicing in Beijing, their guests will enjoy visits to Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City and The Summer Palace.
Tailor Made with Perls
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 7:30am
Remember all those fancy suits NBA rookies wear on draft night? You’ll be seeing a few more around Milwaukee. The players took advantage of price and service this morning with a special opportunity to have suits made to order.
They pick the fabric and get measured. Then tomorrow there will be a first fitting and the garments will be shipped to the U.S.
Not to miss an opportunity, the pearl vendors also made a business trip to the hotel this morning.
Night of the Living Dead
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 5:00am
We left Guangzhou well after 1 a.m. and arrived in Beijing sometime after 4 a.m. After boarding busses, we were welcomed by a tour guide who graciously explained ancient Chinese culture and beliefs to us. We heard how one ascends in his or her next life if they had accomplished “good” in their previous attempt and how you can descend if you do harm. Even at 4:30 in the morning, that seemed like a good reminder.
I have a dilemma. With bags an hour from delivery, a tailor arriving at 7:00 a.m. to begin fitting players for custom made suits, a pearl vendor showing his wares and an 8:30 departure for Joe Alexander’s visit to one of his former Beijing schools, do I try to get 90 minutes of sleep in or gut out a long day?
I have chosen the latter. Computer and camera batteries must charge. Following Joe’s event, we embark on a five-hour excursion to The Great Wall. So I have opened the drapes while I write in order to enjoy my first Beijing sunrise. I doubt I will see the sun set tonight.
I noticed a lot of people on bicycles before sun-up. Now that it has risen, I notice a group of people going through an early morning outdoor stretch, and four gentlemen playing badminton on a plaza outside the hotel.
While waiting for luggage, I notice in a local magazine that Avril Lavigne, Diana Krall, Linkin Park, the Bucks and the Warriors are all playing Beijing in October.
Hall of Famers on a Plane
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 12:15am
We have boarded our trusty Northwest Airlines 747 in Guangzhou, headed for Beijing. We will probably be offered two meals on this “short” 2 hour 45 minute flight.
Our plane is now more impressive than Golden State’s without question. We picked up Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Lanier for this leg of the trip. They are seated together near the front of the plane.
I spent a half hour with Bob on Monday night when we arrived. He is doing well and continues to travel the world for the NBA and NBA Cares. He has become the game’s ambassador and wears the title well. Bob will always have a warm spot in his heart for Milwaukee and for Bucks fans.
Kareem joined the Bucks party earlier today over a light dinner at the hotel. He tells me his movie project on the Harlem Renaissance basketball team will begin filming in November, with a proposed October 2009 release. Knowing what I do about the Rens and Kareem’s passion for that period of basketball, it will be a must see film for hoop fans.
As a point of reference, about 30 NBA staffers flew to Beijing with us tonight. The entire operation has to move with the teams. It is a common practice since the NBA picks up the tab for the flights.
There is a rumor that Commissioner David Stern may fly from Beijing to Milwaukee on the Bucks charter on his way back to New York. Mr. Stern will catch game two of the China Games after watching Miami and New Jersey in London and Paris. Even if we lose to the west coast Warriors, we will be able to compete in the “Most Important Passenger” derby.
They do "Polite" Right
Posted on October 16, 2008 at 12:00am
As we leave Guangzhou, I must say something about the people here. I have never enjoyed more friendly, engaging and polite humans. It was so impressive.
The hotel staff would always stop what they were doing to greet you, and engage you in a very pleasant discussion. They are absolutely crazy for the NBA. It is not uncommon to have five or six people ask if there is anything they can do for you or ask about your current satisfaction, while simply walking through the lobby.
When we dined, you could barely put your fork down before the entire setting was removed. Matt Beyer sat down with a full plate, had a couple of bites, got up to get something to drink and his plate was whisked away.
Junior Bridgeman, who runs hundreds of restaurants, was amazed at the service level in China and the overwhelmingly pleasant approach of everyone we dealt with. There is a lesson there for all of us, whether or not we are in a “service” industry, which is really what every industry is in some way.
Game Time
Posted on October 15, 2008 at 9:35am
After what seemed like a week, the Bucks finally headed to an arena for a game.
They left the hotel at 5:30 p.m. with a police escort, a good thing based on the traffic we faced after leaving at about 6:00 p.m. without an escort. Everyone made it to the arena in plenty of time to enjoy a pre-game reception.
We walked to the gate in a very large crowd of NBA fans. The reception featured food, of course, and a few NBA greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Lanier and Rick Barry.
The fans were wildly enthusiastic and polite at the same time. It was just a great atmosphere. The highlight of the pre-game was Joe Alexander addressing the sell-out crowd in Mandarin. It was one of the great moments I’ve witnessed. The crowd roared in approval. It was electric.
The Bucks started well, faded, and responded in the second half to beat the Warriors for their first preseason victory.
Energee! and the Rim Rockers put on great performances and this crowd loved Bango.
It was a wonderful experience that we enjoy sharing with you. Here is a sights and sounds sampler.
While we were watching the Bucks in Gangzhou, the Bucks staff gathered early Wednesday morning at the Bradley Center back in Milwaukee to enjoy the ESPN telecast. I’m told they had a great time as well.
We have a late flight to Beijing arriving around 4:00 a.m. and a very busy day on Thursday. A tailor will arrive at the hotel at 7:00 a.m. for fittings. Then Joe Alexander will be honored by one of his former schools in Beijing. At noon, the Bucks and their traveling friends will head for the Great Wall. Thursday evening is free time for shopping and dinner.
I’ll have coverage for you tomorrow.
Sight-seeing in Guangzhou
Posted on October 15, 2008 at 2:00am
In addition to the China Games, members of the Bucks traveling party have had a chance to enjoy the culture and history of China. The players will get their chance on Thursday in Beijing, but our guests have taken part in local excursions already.
On Tuesday, they visited the Shiwan Ceramic Village and the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln located on the outskirts of Foshan in Shiwan. The kiln has been in operation for nearly 1,000 years. The fire in its dragon-style kiln has burned continuously for the past 500 years. The surrounding village of Shiwan is a mecca for local potters.
Matt Beyer, who served the Bucks as Yi Jianlian’s interpreter last season, accompanied the group and provided this video.
On Wednesday, the guests visited the Chen Family Academy in Gangzhou. Built in the 1890’s for Chen family members from about 72 surrounding villages, this ancient compound in Gangzhou served as the center of education for young scholars studying the Confucian classics on their way to becoming local officials. Pupils and their masters lived and studied at the academy. The academy was preserved and unharmed during the Cultural Revolution of the 60’s and 70’s.
Others in the group have ventured out on their own. Matt took Ron Walter and his wife to the Quinping Market in Ganzhou on Tuesday. His video shows a typical Chinese market place, complete with side streets and just about anything you can think of.
On Thursday, the entire traveling party, including players, will visit the Great Wall outside Beijing. You’ll be able to see us from space!
Tonight, we will enjoy the first game with Golden State in Gangzhou, then head overnight to Beijing. I’ll have more coverage from the game tonight. Remember, it will be carried live at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday on ESPN Classic and replayed at 7:00 p.m. Milwaukee time Wednesday night.
Chinese Cuisine
Posted on October 15, 2008 at 12:00am
Have I mentioned the food on this trip? We started with five meals on our flight to Guangzhou. (I kept it to one full meal and a couple of snacks over 24 hours.) Since then, we have had plenty of dining options at the hotel. It seems food is nearly always available. It has been mostly Americanized offerings, but with Chinese taste.
I won’t say it is on the bland side, but the food is not seasoned the way we are used to. I’m really looking forward to some authentic food in Beijing when we have a night on our own.
Alexander the Great
Posted on October 14, 2008 at 5:25am
The best stories on day two in Guanzhou cover the gamut.
A few members of the Bucks traveling party, including Mayor Barrett, got lost trying to find the Pearl Market in town. They eventually ran into a group of potential adoptive parents from Atlanta and were directed to the proper place. The shopping was accomplished.
The show-stopper was Rookie Joe Alexander. The Bucks and the Warriors were introduced as teams during an evening reception hosted by the NBA. Joe wowed the crowd by addressing the group in fluent Mandarin.
So tomorrow, it’s show time. The Bucks and Warriors meet at 8:00pm in Guangzhou or 7:00am Milwaukee time on ESPN Classic. Be sure to tune in.
My first Chinese cab ride
Posted on October 14, 2008 at 5:05am
After practice, I grabbed a cab back to the hotel with Ryan and Ralph from Fox Sports Wisconsin. Hong Mai, a member of the NBA’s international television staff who was born in China, and attended graduate school at Boston University joined us. She is a former financial reporter for CCTV in Beijing.
We promised Hong Mai that she would get U.S. Internet and television exposure if she would give us a brief tour of Guangzhou. I think she is a natural, don’t you?
I believe the average annual income in Gaungzhou is $2500.00. I’m told the city is reminiscent of a few of the Eastern Bloc countries in its architecture and development. There is also a lot of new, modernistic architecture being constructed in this city of great spirit.
The NBA is hosting a reception tonight and the entire Bucks delegation will attend. That is my next assignment on your behalf. Someone has to do this.
Day Two- Guangzhou
Posted on October 14, 2008 at 4:35am
It was back to basketball on Tuesday. As expected, most of us woke up early and enjoyed a light breakfast before the Bucks headed to practice at the Guangzhou Gymnasium.
The first thing I noticed this morning, was Kohler plumbing fixtures in our hotel. We're really not that far from home.
Secondly, I flipped on ESPN about 8:15 this morning, and caught the first pitch of the Dodger-Phillies game on Fox. Yes, ESPN carried the Fox broadcast live. Knowing the networks friendly competition in the states, that was a bit shocking.
Walking into Guangzhou Gymnasium, I was not at all surprised to see a very large group of local reporters. In fact, it was nice to see a couple of familiar faces after last season’s coverage of Yi JianLian. They invited us to join them for beers and snake later tonight. I told them I’m OK with snake, but I’d pass on the beers!
I was surprised to be called by name by two young fans. They said, “Jim?” and I walked over to say hello. Here I am, half way around the world, and these two avid NBA fans thought they recognized me from reading “Paschketball.” I had heard that Chinese fans are incredibly knowledgeable, and these guys certainly were.
I hope this video gives you a sense of the magnitude of the China Games.
While the practice was “closed,” I was told it was a very good workout. Scott Skiles knows you have to really get after it when you travel a long distance and they did. This is not a vacation. The Bucks are still in training camp and put every day to its best use.
Made in China
Posted on October 13, 2008
We have landed in Guangzhou, the home of many of China’s exported products. If it says “Made in China,” chances are it was manufactured or created here. Guangzhou is more industrialized, blue collar and less expensive than Beijing.
This is the home Province of Yi JianLian, who lives about an hour south of Guangzhou.
This will be the first impression of China for many of us on this trip. I’m sure it will be a lasting one. The ride in from the airport at night looks like many major cities. However, the graphics are different.
Former Buck Marty Conlon met our flight. Marty is now working for the NBA in China. Hall of Famer Bob Lanier joined us for a light dinner at the team hotel tonight. It’s always great to see “The Dobber.”
Jet Lag City
Posted on October 12, 2008 at 10:00 pm
You’ve heard about these incredibly long flights, but until you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to understand. I tried to follow the rules, fly tired and sleep at the right times on the flight. Easier said than done. Your body has its own mind as it were, and it’s not programmable on demand. Tuesday may be an adventure.
We have about 130 people and 400 seats, so this is as comfortable as it gets. Flying 18 hours with every seat full would be much more difficult.
When you lose track of time like this, it seems like you are eating every couple of hours. We’ve been flying for over 12 hours and we’ve been served breakfast, lunch and dinner, so that’s not as far off course as it seems. I think we have another meal scheduled before we land in Gangzhou and then Monday night dinner will be served at the hotel around 8pm when we arrive.
It’s 10pm Sunday Milwaukee time, and the plane is very quiet. The body clocks are saying “bedtime.” It helps that the shades are all down, as the sun has been shining since we left home.
Just after leaving Anchorage, the featured movie was “Kung Fu Panda.” Go figure. I’m sure I will never forget the line “There is no secret ingredient.”
Reindeer Gate
Posted on October 12, 2008
I promised I would share the experience of “Reindeer Dogs” at the Anchorage airport. Charlie Villanueva was the first to try this delicacy.
China - The flight
Posted on October 12, 2008 at 5:50 a.m.
We are on our way halfway around the world. The Bucks traveling party of about 130 people lifted off from Mitchell Field in a Northwest Airlines 747 at about 10:15 Sunday morning.
Everyone arrived at the airport between 7:30 and 8:00, with the players among the first arrivals. Check-in and security went very smoothly. We gathered and got acquainted and re-acquainted for about an hour before boarding. A little more than an hour later, we had started our 17 and a half hour flight odyssey.
Everyone was in good spirits at the airport and looking forward to the trip.
At one point, Scott Skiles and John Hammond were introduced to Junior Bridgeman. The look on their faces was memorable as they met one of the Bucks greatest players. You’ll see that look when I send some video from Guangzhou early Monday morning Milwaukee time.
Bucks Assistant Coach Joe Wolf has made this trip before. In 2000, he was part of a team of retired NBA players who played three games in China. That team played games in Guangzhou and Beijing as well. Joe still marvels at the experience. His team went 2-1 against the Chinese National team.
While we were at the airport in Milwaukee, Bucks Community Relations Director Skip Robinson received an e-mail from a school in Beijing. It is a school Joe Alexander attended as a child. Joe’s school would like to honor him on Thursday. Skip is working on putting that together.
So far, I’ve heard “What happens in China, stays in China” only once. The guests traveling with the Bucks are Wisconsinites after all.
Things quieted down quickly as we settled in for the 5-hour 38-minute flight to Anchorage.
We arrived in anchorage a little after 4:00pm Milwaukee time. Alaska is three hours behind Central Daylight time.
It was snowing when we landed. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, from Cameroon, had seen snow on the ground, but had never seen it falling.
Everyone headed for electrical outlets in order to charge up their phones, ipods and camera batteries. It’s the last time we will see clean 110 volt power on this trip as China uses 220 volts.
I noticed that the restaurant in the airport sold Reindeer Dogs. Charlie Villanueva was the first to try one. He said it tastes like a hot dog with a kick. Bango, I’m sure protesting, was nowhere to be found. I will have complete coverage of “Reindeer Gate” when I file more video from China tomorrow morning.
We are all amazed that the second leg of this trip is twice as long as the first. It will take eleven and a half hours to fly from Anchorage to Guangzhou.
Enjoy this brief video from Alaska, and check out Joe Wolf’s attempt at arctic fashion. I look forward to sending more from the People’s Republic.
Wai ("hello" in Cantonese)
Posted on October 10, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
Outside of Canada, Mexico, several Caribbean nations and Roatan, Honduras in Central America, I am making my first truly “international” trip next week. I will have the privilege of accompanying the Bucks to Guangzhou and Beijing, China.
We will leave mid-morning on Sunday, arriving in Guangzhou just before 7 pm on Monday night. There will be a brief re-fueling stop in Anchorage, so I’ll add another state to my list.
There are two itineraries for this trip: One for the team and another for guests and dignitaries. There is some overlap, but I’ll be juggling between the two as I attempt to cover the trip for you on bucks.com. I do know that the entire Milwaukee group will visit the Great Wall on Thursday.
I will give you daily updates on “Paschketball” as well as providing as many video pieces as possible during the week. There will be practices, sightseeing, NBA Cares events, receptions and even shopping. I’ll try to give you as much of a taste as I can.
The NBA has provided every traveler with a new Flip mini video recorder. I will ask the players to submit video that they capture during the trip to share with you. I will send during the trip and perhaps some after we get home.
It is fascinating to learn about an entirely different culture. I’m taking plenty of business cards and some Bucks pins to exchange. Did you know that shaking hands is not a Chinese tradition? It is however becoming somewhat more common. Businessmen meeting for the first time exchange business cards, with the offered card held in both hands as a gesture of respect. (It helps that my cards have Chinese characters on the back, which we used when Yi Jianlian was in Milwaukee.)
We have been warned to stick to bottled water, and not to eat anything sold cold such as ice cream.
We will deal with two forms of the Chinese language: Cantonese in Guangzhou and Mandarin in Beijing. If I forget to drink bottled water, I may have to ask “Nahr yoh tsuh-swoh” in Beijing. (“Where is the bathroom.”)
The biggest thing I’ll have to remember is to get a card from the hotel to give to cab drivers so that I can get back “home.” When you leave the hotel, it is suggested that you get a card telling the driver where you are headed. (I’m packing my color-coded clothing for this trip as well.) Maybe I’ll just collar Joe Alexander for the entire week since he lived in China for the first eight years of his life and speaks Mandarin.
One of my friends at the NBA has traveled the globe for the league and tells me that nothing really begins to compare with China. I can’t wait to share the experience with you.
Joy Geen (Cantonese). Zai-jee-ahn (Mandarin). Good-bye (for now).
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