Eight is (almost) Enough

The trip would be daunting with a full complement of fellas…The Big O, featuring Superman and his sidekick, VC…and then the allure of South Beach…and of course the Heat Dancers…as the number of eligible players fluctuated with the day…nine on Friday, with one being a malnourished CDR after his week-long tussle with the swine, and then only eight on Saturday, while still seeking the elusive first W of the season. And when it was all said and done, Nets fans (and aren’t we all) can be very, very proud of the effort and professionalism displayed over the weekend by the road team from Jersey.

The East Rutherford Eight were magnificent in defeat on Saturday, in as gut-wrenching a loss, given the circumstances, that Nets fans have had to endure during this or any season in recent memory. They fought, and competed, and battled, from the opening tip to the final dagger (which Webster defines as a ‘weapon with a short, pointed, blade, used for stabbing’-he knew what he was talking about)off a back-to-back in an arena that has been hostile to the Nets over the years. Never complaining, never abstaining, never defraying, the fellas left it all out on the hardwood-which as a fan, is all you can ask of this or any team. And while all contributed, a special hometown salute to Rafer Madness, who posted his first career triple double on Friday night, and then willed his 33-year old legs to another 36 minutes on Saturday night…and kept his squad focused both before, during and after the game. There was no self-pity in the locker room…only a mentality that if we continue to play hard, good things will happen. That is not a sentiment to Skip over lightly.

You Must be Nets

Entourage…Team stayed in a different hotel on this foray into South Florida…there were so may party animals on arrival Friday night I was waiting for Vinnie Chase and the boys to pull into the valet lot…Project Runway…Early morning run on Saturday, encountering people of all different shapes, sizes and modes of dress…with the winner being the man adorned in a t-shirt and jock strap…no shorts…talk amongst yourselves….You Can’t be Serious…To all those well intentioned folks over the weekend who continually asked The Sez, with a tragic look in their eyes, “How are you holding up?”…which is a totally useless question when it is 75 degrees and sunny….Condolences…To former Net Jayson Williams on the passing of his father, E.J….Don’t Step off the ‘Curb’…Season finale on Sunday…should petition for an additional two months… Tossup…Can’t decide which was more troubling…reading about what happened to Ted Williams’head…or learning that Agassi’s hair was fake.

Posted by Gary Sussman on November 16, 2009 at 5:35 p.m., ET

The Big O...and I'm not talking Oscar

It has been a few weeks since we last met, and you've now had time to sample a month of training camp, seven pre-season games, including the two contested in Newark (where for the first time in my 15 years at the PA that the crowd, the Jersey crowd, was a convincing Nets crowd in the Knicks matchup, sweet music for all associated with the team...but I digress). And we have seen the Little General concoct more on-court formulas than the guy in NUMBERS, searching for the right combinations as the fellas prepare for battle this last week in October. And we saw a performance by the Louisville Slugger at St. Johns that was a joy to behold...T Will filling up the boxscore like a miniature Scottie Pippen...or since it's World Series time, let's go with Willie Mays...a legit 5-tool player. And you love to have the last game be a W as you head into the games that count for a living.

Which leads me to the home opener, when the vaunted Orlando Magic, who have lost some and added some in the off season, invade IZOD on Friday night for the first of several 8:00 PM tilts, (in case you did not read your schedule carefully). And one of those additions would be one of the Sez's all-time favorites, both on and off the court...and I speak of VC. I sang my ode to the former Tar Heel when he was traded, so there is no reason to re-visit my feelings about Vince as both a player and a person. But I will re-visit what I asked for when another former Net came to town for the first time, one J Kidd. I asked for a standing O, and those who braved the brutal weather that night did just that...although circumstances prevented the sustained ovation that he so richly deserved. This Friday night...there's no snow in the forecast...and there's no reason not to stand up as one when #15's number is called during the visiting intros (and I have been told by my wife that he will be introduced first). Vince was proud to wear the uniform, and showed his true measure last season, when many of his rep would have bailed... but he didn't, and I believe the true Nets fan (and aren't we all) will reciprocate in full. I would ask for 3...a true VC 33333...but I will settle for 1...with feeling.

You Must be Nets

Yankee Baseball...The good news...maybe Kate Hudson will bring Goldie Hawn to a game...the bad news...we play on a number of the Series dates, so watching the game (and the Nets on YES) will be a challenge...stay tuned for more information...Before the (Red)Storm...Props to all of the people who assisted the PR staff at Alumni Hall...the crowd was great, and between The Rock and Queens, the best pre-season support this team has received...ever...A Rod...One of the few times I can remember where a player in the major leagues treated his at bats as if he was playing whiffle ball...Expedia.com...Temperature in Minneapolis...can you say 53 degrees?...my thanks to Matt Winick for an outstanding bit of scheduling...Boomer and Carton...The Fan morning team will be handling the radio duties for the November 7th game against the Celts...The Capper will join the duo to provide some sanity to the proceedings...our good friend Evan Roberts will handle pre and post game...Big Red……When I drove The Diva to college for her first Ivy League semester, she would argue if she didn’t agree with my wisdom…now she just tells me to shuuush…priceless.

Posted by Gary Sussman on October 26th, 2009 at 5:28 p.m., ET

The Sounds of (Not Much) Silence

It has been, by all accounts, a quiet off season, at least on the court. And so the same fellas who left the gym last April, reported en masse today for the start of training camp, 2009 (even though the team dinner Monday night accounts as the first official team gathering, where my long-time friend, Mitch (Hoops 1) Kaufman, wished me a Healthy and Happy New Year by using some pilfered Sussman-family video to get a few laughs at the Sez’s expense at the outset of the team presentation-I should have stayed home to break the fast-bit I digress). And except for a stretch at the end of August when most of the team members were in the gym for informal pickup games, the underlying sounds of summer were the stillness of the gym-an occasional player working out, maybe two, but for the most part, the confines of the now- PNY Center were still. Devoid of sound. Devoid of clatter. Devoid of action. Until now.

It was a cacophony of hoop noises that reverberated on Murray Hill Parkway on Tuesday morning…led by the conductor, the Maestro of Mayhem, the Apostle of the Hardwood, my coach, The Little General. Orchestrating and gesticulating, prodding and pleading, waving and baying, assuming the stance and dancing the dance, L Frank was at his very best on this first official practice of the new campaign. The Head Coach visited with a number of sports officials over the summer…but I think he also should have seen a few voice coaches, as his speech patter will assume a Brenda Vaccaro-like resonance by the time we hit Ramapo for the open practice on Saturday. But on Day 1, he was in full throttle, and combined with the exhortations of the coaches-TB, Roy, Dougie O, Loyer and Uncle Cliffy in a guest appearance role, the gym was not a place of rest. Only after the final sprints of the morning…which were led by, that’s right, The Little General. Already in mid-season form.

You Must be Nets

Doomsday….Sometimes you get the feeling reading the preseason predictions for this year’s squad that it’s on par with lets say, the Iranians testing their missile hardware…NetsDaily…This is not a paid political announcement, but let me commend the blogger of note, Net Income, on his compelling off-season entries…I haven’t had to re-read so many articles since I needed to figure out the racing programs at Yonkers Raceway….The Bronx ….That would be the rightful site of October baseball…in case anyone has tickets for the Sez….SNL….Almost fell off the couch when the logo appeared as the final topic on ‘Weekend Update’…but ‘NJ Nyets’?...in the words of Mark Jackson, “You’re better than that”….Don’t Step off the ‘Curb’…Larry David and friends are on fire…even if I had to watch last week’s episode with the door closed while wearing a headset…. Welcome…To Jessica Taff, formerly of Channel 7, who replaces Beadle on the YES’ telecasts this season….Gone in 60 Seconds….The driving education of my younger daughter continues to evolve…the latest installment deals with approaching cars with their brake lights on …does anyone know where I can get one of those vehicles with the brake pedal on both the driver and passenger sides?

Posted by Gary Sussman on September 29th, 2009 at 3:45 p.m., ET

The Boys are Back in Town

The calendar is a bit skewed this year...the U.S Open should have started last week, the second week of the Sez's hiatus, not this week, when we are back in the office, overlooking the players lot on Murray Hill Parkway. But with that out of the way, let me recap who has returned to the home base on this last day in August. We will start with yours truly, who vacationed at home (and by the way, for all of the married readers, this small bit of advice-if you ever decide to take off from work, make sure your spouse is off at the same time...it does not promote marital harmony when your wife is getting ready to go to work, and your biggest issue is the color of your tennis shorts...but I digress). The Diva is firmly entrenched for battle for her senior year at the Big Red, the Younger is flashing a superb backhand (#2 singles on the high school team, in case you care) and I am sure I got more sun than the daily dose recommended by the AMA. I also got a heavy helping of one of the more popular online social networks, which we'll discuss later in this broadcast.

Also making his way back to the compound...my trusted lieutenant, the freshly minted Senior Director of Public Relations, A-Rod Harris. Where did he go?...who knows...he's more secretive than Jason Bourne.

But it's not the civilians that Nets fans (and aren't we all) care about...it's the guys with the numbers on their backs, the one's who run and gun, dish and swish, bound and hound for a living. And I am very, very happy to report...after what could be termed 'The Endless Summer', that the balls are once again bouncing in the gym this week. Players only...coaches, retreat to your blackboards. Organized by Milwaukee's Finest, Devin Harris, and the new dad, Purple Hayes (that would be Jarvis for any newcomers), there is a full complement of Nets in the house this first week in September. Which is very good to see...the vets called, and the teammates responded. And despite all of the dire forecasts that have been like waterboarding during the dog days of August, the fellas don't buy into media prognostications. They are paid to play... and play hard. And I am confident that is what you'll get. And this little bit of perspective...when I first began my tenure with the fellas during the last year of the Butch Beard era (the stories will be told at some later date), the number of players in the gym during the first week of September then, and for a number of seasons thereafter, is the same number of Mets you will see in the playoffs this year...and this pattern did not change noticeablely until the Glory Days, when the action would pick up in mid-September. That was the standard operating procedure...not a full gym of roster guys a month before training camp gets underway. So for members of The Flock who are looking for a little positive hoop news, consider these voluntary workouts just that...because it shows a desire to play, and play together. The burnt orange balls are bouncing in East Rutherford... the yellow balls at Flushing Meadow...and only seven more months of tuition! Hola!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Must be Nets

In Your Face-Book....So after much prodding from a long-time high school friend, and to the dismay of the Sez's daughters, I signed up for Facebook. A few thoughts...first, I had all of these random people who were friends of friends who wanted to be my friend (btw, the daughters will not let me be their friend...and I'm sure for good reason), and my thought process...if I wanted to be your friend, I would have contacted you at least once over the past 35 YEARS!...and if I don't let you in as a friend, am I put on some cyber hit list?...second, I was sent a number of scary photos of classmates from years past...Now, I am fully aware of the aging process.....But does anyone I know from years past have the number for Sy Sperling?.. and how about a SALAD one of these days...c'mon people, you can all afford a mirror, it doesn't have to be this way...but it has given me a great deal of material, and for that I am grateful...So the F-Book experience was getting off to a very depressing (but comical) start,dreading the next reunion invite, when I found a photo on my friends 'wall' of a former schoolmate who had dated a good friend... who was very pretty then...and, what do you know, is still very pretty today...and after viewing the competition I had been sent on the 'Book', is certainly in line for a top seed in the 'Where Are They Now' reunion photo tourney!...My faith in humanity was restored!!.. But remember, it had been more than 30 years...which in itself is both bizarre and a bit nuts...where do you start.?.."So, what have you been doing?"...Icebreaker?...This was the polar express!...Anyway, the FOS (Friend of Sez) lives in Vermont, displays a deep tan (which we know is not possible in New England) and has a son who lives across from..... of course, the Boston Garden...you can't make this up...so to try and be a good guy and keep my Facebook gold card, and in the spirit of the reversible jersey, I told her I would introduce her son to a popular Net, Devin, and a great Celtic...He says Ray?...KG? ... The Truth...I counter with....Veal Scalabrine!!!! Never underestimate the usefulness of an ex-Net....Bird Droppings...Don't look now, but our own Ian Eagle is becoming a major tennis guy, in the spirit of Pat Summerall and Dick Enberg, who both established superior reps in football as well...Bird on both the Tennis Channel and CBS for the Open...Sonic Boom...I have decided to have my teenager take rollerskating lessons...Sonic is the biggest thing to hit Route 17 since the addition of the brushless car wash...Gone in 60 Seconds...The four scariest words from the mouth of a 16-year old-"Can I drive today"?

Posted by Gary Sussman on August 31st, 2009 at 9:30 a.m., ET

Stand By Me

There it is…no need to wait…no need to wonder…opening night, 8:00 PM (notice the Friday night start times)…the man who has rendered the V-C-33333 toothless (and let me state publicly…if the esteemed voice of the O’Towners, Paul Porter, decides to incorporate that call into his lexicon, I will inflict a Hulk Hogan-like…well, maybe Brooke Hogan-like…body slam when we visit the Magic Kingdom, but I digress) from Daytona, No. 15, Vince Carter. And as Nets fans (and aren’t we all…through good times and those that could be better) there are two things that you should do that evening. One, you should traverse the NJ highways (no trains for you!) and make your way to the Swamp for a seat, and second, when you are in that seat, and Vince is introduced first (I looked into the mirror and got some information from the PA guy), you should stand up and cheer, a vociferous standing 8 count for a great Net.

Great Net! What kind of shill are you?...Nets this! Well, that’s why this is America, where we can have a reasonable discussion pertaining to such a statement, after which time you will either rip me for my unabashed partisanship, or sing the praises of the research done by summer intern Bennie Gillespie, who will earn lunch at one of our sponsors, where he gets a 10% discount. Because I am devoid of emotion on this. I am Jack Webb (that would be Dragnet for the young readers). Only the facts. And the facts say ‘Great Net’.

The year…2004-05…Vince acquired by trade in December, and proceeds to throw down 23 30+ games (team record), five 40+ games (ties team record), became the first Net in 26 years to record back-to-back and belly to belly 40 point games, averaged 27.5 (highest in franchise history) and with J Kidd at the helm, carried a Nets team on his back to a 7-1 closing push to gain the eighth and final spot in the playoffs. Just the facts.

The following season, averaged 24.2, set a new franchise scoring mark with 1,911 points, Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December, seventh All-Star game appearance and the fellas win 49 games and the Atlantic Division title, falling to Miami in the EC semifinals.

In 2006-07, Vince broke his own scoring mark with 2,070 points, averaging 25.2 points, and the next year, tallied his 15,000th career point, third fastest active player to accomplish that milestone.

But besides those statistical feats, the reason that you should stand up proud… raise you hands and voices to the roof… is for the maturity and professionalism that he displayed last year…when Vince refused to mail it in, refused to sulk, refused to give in, and refused to uphold the superstar credo on a losing team (who’s got my back?...my bags are packed). Vince came to play, gave the fans their money’s worth, mentored the young players…he Captained the team from beginning to end. And now he has a legit shot at an NBA title.

The memories are numerous…the game winning shots against Toronto (twice),Utah and Atlanta. The highlights (two faves…the spin 360 in the lane against the Lakers and the dunk on ‘Zo in Miami…but talk amongst yourselves). And on this night, you can show your class and appreciation. Only one letter in the alphabet will do. O. As in standing O. And then you can relax and wait for the t-shirt toss.

You Must be Nets

Sonic Boom….Didn’t know what the reason was for all the congestion on 17 North…cops, cars…and girls on roller skates…now that is America’s Got Talent…Devin-sent…Nets point guard making not one, but two trips to China this summer…I went to Ithaca...Memories…Visitors to The Sez this summer….J Kidd, VC, Kittles…it won’t be complete until I see Rodney Buford and Jabari Smith walk through the door….Don’t Step off the Curb…New season of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ starts in September…and I only bring it up now because the ‘Seinfeld’ crew will be prominently featured…for some of you, no big deal…for me, let me put it this way…it sure beats ‘Hung’…American Idol…Tiger Woods’ caddie…is there a better job in sports?....Cannonball Run…That would be teaching my new 16-year old how to drive.

Posted by Gary Sussman on August 4th, 2009 at 1:01 p.m., ET