Season Over For Raps...

April 29, 9:44 a.m. The 08-09 season begins today for the Toronto Raptors. Exit interviews with management and staff will take place at Air Canada Centre today. President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo will begin work to retool the roster and prepare for June's NBA draft. A disappointing playoff round for the Raptors as they were ousted in five games. Just the broadcaster, but I hate losing. Flat out hate losing. It once again came down to the fact that Orlando made shots and the Raps didn't. The Raps effort was there but the Raps got pounded on the boards. Toronto ran out of gas and the Magic hit two big threes to put the game out of reach. It was an unreeal experience watching Dwight Howard perform at such a high level. The guy is a stud, flat-out stud. He does get the benefit from officials on three seconds in the lane, however. The Raptors bench outscored Orlando's in all five games but credit Bogans/Dooling for contributing. Even Marcin Gortat bought time for Dwight Howard in the middle. I predicted Raps in 6 and I was wrong. Game two was the key game in the series. Had the Raps won that game they win the series...book it. But no excuses. Do I think the Raps should have won this series? Yes. CCI question of the day....what's next for the Raptors? I can tell you this Bryan Colangelo will not rest. Read Peter Vescey in today's NY Post. At least he "manned up" and admitted he received misinformation that was reported in Sunday's Post. Congrats to the Magic. They are a class organization with excellent ownership, management and coaching staff. Their players are cooperative and considerate. Other notes: Props to the Hawks. I am thrilled for the long suffering Atlanta franchise. Am I surprised the Nuggets didn't win a playoff game? Yes. They have an interesting off season ahead. A true legend passed away Monday in Will Robinson. Mr. Robinson was the first African-American NCAA Division One Head Coach at Illinois State. Robinson later became a scout for the Pistons and discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Robinson several times and he was a great man. An icon. Pat Riley stepping down as head coach comes as no surprise. None. One of the bright, young minds in the game Eric Spoelstra gets the job and inherits the task of coaching a high draft pick. The Heat have some pieces to move so it will be interesting to see what direction President Riley elects to go in the 08-09 season. What I learned the past two weeks in hotel rooms with plenty of down time? There is a ton of bad TV. Thank goodness for ESPN. Question/comment about the Raps/NBA? E-mail me at cswirsky@torontoraptors.com or call me at 416-815-6189. I'll be on the air today at 1-4 p.m. on the Fan590 and I invite you to participate as we look back on the Raptors season. On a personal note many thanks to my wonderful wife Judy and our three children: T. C. Kara and Mark for allowing me to broadcast games which is a true passion of mine. Thank you to our viewers as well who are incredibly loyal and supportive. Always a pleasure.