All-Time
NBA Survivor
NBA injuries have retcheted up at an unprecedented pace. The frequency, the manner, and the timing of these injuries is suspect. With conditioning and medical advances boasting break through after breakthrough and hoards of staff with the technology of a Sci-fi movie at their disposal, the frequency and types of injuries we are witnessing in today’s NBA makes us ask some tough questions. Why is this happening? Has the game speed picked up to light speeds further than an ACL or Achilles can handle? Are player’s livelihoods under too much pressure to perform? Practice?! We talkin about practice?! All these questions come to mind.
My theory or assumption has manifested in the last few weeks and here it is: Guards are doing too much with too little. When Tim Hardaway blew past defenders with a killer crossover, it was simply a between the leg dribble followed by a crossover dribble to the hoop. Timmy’s move was beautiful, quick, compact, simple and effective. While Timmy senior had a long and mostly healthy career, we see today’s flashy point guards’ going through daily ice bucket challenges or comparing ACL tears and sprained ankles more than trophies.
Let’s look at the list of current injured NBA players:
Out for the season: Brandon Jennings, Jabari Parker, Kemba Walker, Steve Nash (old), Kobe, Tony Wroten, Paul George, Joel Embid.
Out indefinitely: Ricky Rubio, Deron Williams, Jrue Holiday, Robin Lopez, Shabazz Muhammad, Alec Burks, Anderson Varejeo, Rodney Hood, Josh Mcroberts, Kendall Marshall, Shelvin Mack, Nicolas Batum.
Struggling to stay on the court: Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose, Lamarcus Aldridge and many others.
The above list comprises of 8 former all stars and 21 1st round picks that are expected to contribute. Not to mention the plethora of second tier players that are role players just trying to make it to practice. What is clear from this list is that it’s guard dominant; the cliché of the changing of the guard may signal a change to the hospital bed to go along with the 7 crossovers a possession. So based on the assumption that most of the injuries are guard related, let’s look back at the recent past leading guard’s regular season playing history for the sake of comparison.
John Stockton: 1984-2003, 1504 games in 19 seasons.79 games/year on average, wow!
Jason Kidd: 1994-2013, 1391 games in 19 seasons, 73 games/year on average.
Allen Iverson: 1996-2011, 914 games in 15 seasons, 61 games/year on average.
Tracy McGrady: 1997-2013, 938 games in 16 seasons, 59 games/ year on average.
Penny Hardaway: 1993-2007, 704 games in 14 seasons, 50 games on average. This is sad, but Penny crashed before the halfway line of his career.
Gary Payton: 1990-2007, 1335 games in 17 seasons, 78.5 games on average, impressive.
Versus
Russell Westbrook: 2008-present, 440 games in 6.5 seasons, 68 games on average.
Kobe Bryant: 1996-present, 1280 games in 19.5 seasons, 65 games on average.
Deron Williams: 2005-present, 648 games in 9.5 seasons 65 games on average.
Dwayne Wade: 2003-present, 719 games in11.5 seasons 62 games on average
Derrick Rose: 2008-present, 289 games in 6.5 seasons, 44 games on average, wowzers!
Stephen Curry: 2009- present, 336 in 5.5 seasons, 61 games on average.
Old school versus new school: The old school average 67 games on average/ regular season vs. the new school average 61 games on average/regular season and already have completed lengthy careers. That’s 60 extra games in a 10 year career and 120 extra games in a 20 year career. These numbers do not take playoffs into account and are a random sample size. Yet it is obvious that the old school players mentioned were all long time playoff warriors. The sample size is small, but both sets have dominated an era and make this semi-relevant.
The theory that I have yet to prove is that ankle breaker point guards are breaking their own ankles. Time will tell. Less is more, a player should think about quality over quantity. Kidd and Stockton were not that flashy and changed direction in stride, Damien Lillard, Steph Curry, D Wade, D Rose all do too much on offense for their own good. So next time you’re on the basketball court and want to cross up and get some oohs and ahs, think about how many of those crossovers you really need to get through your defender and think about the mileage you’re putting on your body by planting and changing direction. Trainers are better, strength and conditioning is more detailed and the players we love to watch are brittle. It’s how we play the game today; it’s not the food or the amount of games or any performance enhancing drugs.
Let’s take the phoenix suns staff of 8 for example, widely known as one of the best medical staffs in the nba, taken from this article: http://valleyofthesuns.com/2012/04/05/secret-behind-phoenix-suns-elite-training-staff/
Head athletic trainer Aaron Nelson, of the Suns’ weighs in. “To Shaq, it’s unorthodox, to us it’s regular science,” Nelson said. “It’s regular kinesiology, physiology, functional anatomy.” In a nutshell, the Suns aim to ensure that a weakness in one area does not compromise other parts of the body. For example, if a player injures his right ankle he will start compensating by putting more stress on his healthy side, so the training staff treats the entire athlete and not just the injured part to ensure “there is no movement dysfunction,” as Nelson put it. More specifically, the Suns chart an abundance of information on each player. This process starts with an overall assessment in the preseason that’s used as a baseline, and then rotation players are continually reassessed at least four times a week, if not daily. These assessments can include the following:
– Utilizing a goniometer to evaluate players’ flexibility in eight different areas, including the big toe, the foot and ankle, the knee, the hips, internal and external rotations, and shoulder flexibility.
– Manual muscle testing to evaluate the strength of particular muscles. The trainers will also look for differences in the measurements of the legs, ankles and hips to see if they’ve deviated from game to game.
– Visual and movement assessments involving leg squats. The training staff will have players squat down a few times and watch for deviations.
“Do the feet turn out, do the feet cave in, do the knees come in, do they come out, does the low back arch, does it round, all that kind of stuff, do they fall forward in their motion?” Nelson said.
So I highly doubt it’s the science used. It’s the way they play, it’s the expectations and the rewards that push these extremes. Competition is fiercer, more people are watching, social Media destroys and bestows, it’s all part of the game now, the game that only lets the fittest and smartest survive. You want more proof? Check Andre Miller.
What factors do YOU think have caused this plague of injuries? I’m talking to you!
Much Love and Basketball,
Rambeeni
Top foreigners to Grace…
Lebanese basketball has seen its fair share of international stars, so the contentious topic of judging the best international players stirred up a frenzy of opinions amongst cohorts. After consulting with more than 50 basketball junkies, as well as past and current players, we have compiled a short list of the top 5 international players to ever grace the courts of Lebanese basketball. Here are the top international players to ever lace’em up in Lebanon, in succession. Players are chosen by their performance and impact as Lebanese basketball professionals only.
5- Assan D’iaye: The slender 6’11 big-man dominated the inside and protected Sagesse’s paint with impeccable timing. His necessity to the team brings to mind the movie, “The air up their”, making whoever found him, the Lebanese Kevin Bacon. The lanky Senegalese provided Sagesse’s record breaking championship teams with consistency on both ends, boasting a more than decent mid-range shot and straight stone-cold intimidation. Hassan’s winning ways impacted his club and Lebanon as a whole. In a time were this war-torn country was witnessing its first moments of unity. Big man.
4- Sergey Shchepotkin: Sergey was the first foreign player to play in Lebanon. The sleek shooting Russian was an assassin that broke games wide open. Riyadi was unstoppable with Sergey, as his accurate eye and high-level fundamentals were a basketball tutorial for Lebanese fans. Sergey was arguably the best shooter to ever let it fly in Lebanon. We all recall his three-point shooting in practice; where he once hit 39 threes in a row, normal day at the office. Onlookers were stunned, he was unsatisfied, the mark of a true great. His defense was highly underrated and at an agile 6-6, his jump shot was impossible to block. His tenure with Riyadi’s old guard is stamped with accomplishment and glory. Sergey lived in Lebanon for more than a decade, playing and coaching. His effect on the community and his friendships reverberate beyond basketball.
3- Mohamad Acha: The late Nigerian was pivotal in Sagesse’s multiple championship runs. He could play all four positions and could defend anyone. His heart and mental toughness were the glue that held his team together. Acha used his 6’7 athletic edge to his advantage, regularly soaring for offensive rebounds and mortifying defenders along the way. Mohammed was a champion with Sagesse, from 1998 to 2001. During his career with Sagesse, he was an Arab Clubs Champion in 1998 and an Asian Basketball Club Champion in 1999 (voted best play-maker). Prior to his death, this world traveller had racked up the air miles, an illustrious club career that saw him play for Salem Trotters Otukpo, Benue Braves, Niger Potters, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (NCAA), Louisiana Crawdads (CBA), Palm Beach Stingrays (USBL), Canterbury Rams (New Zealand), Al-Ansar (Saudi Arabia) and Club Sagesse (Lebanon). His heart and smile won’t be forgotten.
2- Tony Madison: The American long-range bomber torched his opponents and asked questions later. He led the Lebanese league in scoring multiple times, playing for multiple Lebanese teams. Madison was a maestro under the rim; he had the handles of a young Gilbert Arenas and could finish with contact. Tony was unheralded internationally, yet locally, he scored in a variety of ways as a point guard. The 6-3 guard played for Riyadi, Kahraba Tadamon and Champville, where he used his size and savvy to wreak havoc on his peers. More importantly, Tony helped break juggernauts’ backs and became a multiple champion.
1- Ismail Ahmad: The captain, the leader, and hands down the greatest player to ever play in Lebanon. The only active player on the list, Ismail Ahmad’s longevity and winning only bolster his case. The all-purpose Egyptian has an array of moves that baffle opponents, the post game, the 3 ball, the Dirk shot, the vision, the beastly rebounding and defense, making him one of the most complete players to ever play. He isn’t the player he once was (now at 38), but we are watching the final days of a true great, enjoy the show.
Honourable Mentions (close but no cigar!): Michael Cumberland (The Riyadi scoring Bob Marley), Scotty Thurman (Arkansas clutch champ), Jamal Robinson (NBA baller and party animal), Joe Vogel (Lebanese loved and naturalized), Prentice McGruder.
The surprising part about this list is there is only one American in the top 5 (Tony Madison). And arguably the least heralded internationally of the Americans to play in Lebanon, many even considered him to be higher (no pun intended) than Sumaa. Another thing is how much of a formidable starting line-up these 5 could be. A General Manager’s dream team. Great shooting and scoring with block solid defense. Would a Lebanese all-time line up hold their own? My apologies for the lack of stats, the older generation’s records are like unlocking the Davinci code. Who did I miss? State your case, bring it!
Much Love and basketball,
Rambeeni
Into the Tiger’s Den- Fadi El-Khatib
The sound of footsteps towards my parents’ alleyway was replaced with the conviction of a basketball, bounce after bounce; swish after swish, a legend was in the making. My friend Fadi was in love with the game of basketball, and no one was going to stop him from realizing that love. I threw my school bag to the side and joined in for a one on one guard battle that exhausted me time after time. The greatest Lebanese basketball player of all time grew up in my living room, in my garage. My story about the G.O.A.T Fadi El-Khatib is a personal one; his success; a national one.
When Fadi started playing on the Riyadi youth team, he was a center, he would pick up a rebound and dribble the ball up the floor, with coaches yelling and throwing towels at him to pass the ball. Fadi didn’t want to be a garbage player; he wanted to be a scorer. A young brash Fadi would always say he was better than the best player on the court and he would prove it, day in and day out, he would say I’m putting this guy in his place and he did, every time, until he ran out of players to challenge, he then challenged himself. Bordering on an insane amount of individual work, Fadi El-Khatib’s game is a prime example of mastering through at least 10,000 hours of practice. A young Fadi was an OK shooter, a serviceable shooter; he was also slower than other players. He had a god given basketball body, but still did not know how to use it. That all changed when he was 17, as Fadi came into his own as a strong and agile small forward, devastating defenders with his aggressive right hand drives and beautiful picturesque finger rolls. His elevation was in the works, but it was his strength and his improving outside shot that provided his open road of domination. It’s been years since I sat down with my childhood friend, during the league finals seemed to be a good time to catch up.
Rambeeni: Fadi, a lot of people don’t know how much you had to go through to play basketball. How did you stay positive when your support system told you that basketball is not a career?
Fadi: You were there Ramzi, I had to skip school, work hard and make use of everything I had to get to where I am. I used to wake up 7 am and play till 2 pm almost every day when I was a teenager. I had this passion, I tried soccer, but basketball was my real love. This passion made me achieve what I did and this is why I push myself.
Rambeeni: Do you think of yourself as a role model?
Fadi: I think I am, even at a shoot around or team practice I still challenge the young guys one on one. I played against the rookies the other day and it was fun.
Rambeeni: Do you let them win?
Fadi: Never! I go hard on them, Elie Chamoun and others. I want them to know, that every time you play it’s not for fun. Hopefully they will learn from me.
Rambeeni: Does your love for the game change as a pro?
Fadi: When I started playing, you remember, we used to play everywhere, at your parents house at my house, Riyadi, school. My love is still there, I built a street ball court for my kids and I. This is why I love the game, every time I see a court I still feel like playing.
Rambeeni: We talked about your physical condition, this has been the best condition of your career. Tell us what that entails.
Fadi: It’s hard to maintain top physical condition, it’s a real challenge. This is the best shape I have ever been in. Thanks to my coach Fouad who has been with me for 5 years. He has been after me to lose weight for years and keep the muscle, whereas I wanted to be bigger and stronger. He wanted me to be more agile and he was right. He wanted me at 101 kilo and I started the season at 107. I listened to him and it has been a challenge. People didn’t notice at the start of the season when I had some bad games, They didn’t know I was adapting. I didn’t have a gram of carbohydrates for more than a month. It was so difficult and I suffered with no energy, but it feels like it was all worth it. Now they know why I had these bad games and I really wish I did this years ago. I owe a lot to my trainer.
Rambeeni: Pablo Progioni was a 38-year-old NBA rookie last year, do you still dream of the NBA? Any regrets?
Fadi: I do think about the NBA, but I don’t regret because it wasn’t in my hands when I got recruited by the Clippers. At the same time I thank god for the road I took, I have an amazing wife and a wonderful family that may have not been possible if I was in the NBA. If I ever had a chance in the NBA, even now, I probably wouldn’t go, I have too many family and business responsibilities here. 82 games?! That’s a lot of games. If I wasn’t married maybe… I had offers from China this year and offers from Europe, but still I couldn’t go, it’s a tough decision.
Rambeeni: What are Fadi’s after basketball plans?
Fadi: I haven’t planned it; I live my life as it’s my last day. I’m a religious person, I pray, I believe in God. I work hard to keep my family safe and give them a healthy environment. This is why I opened Zone 15 and I am working on the Champs.
Rambeeni: What is Champs?
Fadi: Champs will be the biggest sports complex in the Middle East and has entertainment and a new age sports facility. It will be close to the City Center mall and is an ambitious project that I am very excited about.
Rambeeni: Who are the people who affected you the most on the basketball court?
Fadi: First I would say Coach Roro Zaloum, in Rawda high school. He really lifted my game and was hard on me and he was able to bring out my potential. He believed in me and I thank him. Coach Ghassan Sarkis after that affected me very positively through confidence. After that I would say my experience with Tim Grover and Michael Jordan. My game went to another level in that month and a half. I realized how talented I am, being able to compete with top-level pro players really boosted my confidence and it translated to the court. Also Coach Fouad Abou Chakra had a great effect on me professionally.
Rambeeni: I noticed you do not shoot as many long-range shots as you used to, why is that?
Fadi: Well my percentage from three is 37% and has been around there my whole career. The reason is the defense that has changed, as I rarely see a one-on-one coverage, I see doubles teams all the time. So I try to make my teammates better by sharing the ball. The 3-point shot, when I have space I’ll go for it. I want to work on it some more so I can spread the defense.
Rambeeni: Fadi let’s talk a little about your extensive post game that has improved so much as of late. Tell fans about the value of the post game.
Fadi: When you have players that play inside and out, a player that has solid all around percentages and can face up and drive, this is a player that can really hurt you. There are players that post but they don’t know how to pass the ball to the right spot. The post game is a lot of fun for me and one of my favorite aspects of this game. I worked really hard on my post game and it’s very hard to teach and learn the details. I think it is one of my best skills.
Rambeeni: Fadi I know people always ask you, who’s the next Fadi? I’m not going to say that because we know that until now there isn’t anyone like you. But who is the next leader of Lebanese basketball after the Tiger retires?
Fadi: I always give the politically correct answer to this question. But today I am with my friend and I must answer honestly and people should know. First thing is I will not keep playing if I’m not the top player in the league. I will retire before I let that happen. The next Fadi? People need to look at my achievements on paper, as an individual and at the team titles before they start comparing. I ask these people to put it down on paper and compare me to these other players that are up and coming. Then you will find out who is the next Fadi. I don’t want to boast but that is all people ask me about these days. There are good players, with talent, but they are not leaders, I have not seen leaders. Some players have one good game, they start acting like they are so important, if they see fans they barely say hello. Then you see them drinking at clubs, players that have never won a title or accomplished anything. People compare me to players that have not achieved 0.5% of what I achieved and I stay silent. This is the way it is. I thank God for my achievements. If I was to advise these players, I would say you must be mentally tough and challenge yourselves. They must get rid of many fun distractions in their lives, they are not normal young kids, they are athletes, take it seriously. I hope they will succeed. I won’t name anyone as a future star, because they will probably act like they have already won a title. I am working on 2 kids, they will be great.
Rambeeni: Who are these kids?
Fadi: My kids, I’m working very hard with both my boys and hopefully they will love basketball like I do.
Rambeeni: So do you still eat 4 egg cheeseburgers before a game?
Fadi: Haha No more! Those days are over. We were kids back then and I am healthy now. There was a game against Homentmen a while back where I saw MCdonalds and I hadn’t had a burger in 7 months. I asked my trainer if I could have just one cheeseburger. I went there and I had 2 burgers.
Rambeeni: I knew it! Do you like the Tiger nickname?
Fadi: I love it; the Tiger is very tough and has a lot of character. The GOAT is another I liked.
Fadi will be remembered as the GOAT of Lebanese basketball, he put Lebanon on the basketball map. He dominated the Lebanese league for so long that it is now just an afterthought. Just like many greats, Fadi has spoiled fans and coaches with his play; he flirts with a triple double and fans still say he’s having a bad game. We are now watching the exquisite wine that is Fadi El-Khatib. With some solid years left, fans in the Middle East should enjoy the show. It’s not over until the fat guy with Byblos sings.
Much love and Basketball,
Rambeeni
NBA Dynasties: Past and Present
With the playoffs around the corner, it’s time to look at the history of dynasties and point out two teams that have sky-scraping stakes this season. Books have been written about NBA dynasties; let’s try to keep it simple.
NBA Dynasty:
- An NBA team that has won multiple championships in close succession while dominating a span of at least 3-5 years.
- A team that still shows up on NBA TV at least once a month.
- A team that has three or more of its core players on different championship teams.
Clear-cut Dynasties:
Mikan’s Minneapolis Lakers: The first dynasty. Mikan was simply taller than everyone and could see the future with his glasses.
Russel’s Celtics: 11 rings? Russell is the equivalent of Gholam, obsessed with this ring business, and stands 6’11 instead of 2’11.
Magic’s Lakers: The Lakers dominated from the moment Magic stepped on the floor, from 1980-1991. They earned 5 championships and an unbelievable 8 finals appearances. Magic was in the finals almost every year of his career.
MJ’s Bulls: 6 championships could have easily been 7 or 8, and they’re the only team to ever three-peat, twice! The best regular season record of all-time, coupled with 6 rings, makes the Bulls arguably the greatest team of all-time.
Shaq and Kobe’s Lakers: Absolute dominance. Shaq was the most dominant player ever seen. In his prime, no one could stop Shaq, not Hakeem, not Ewing, not MJ, not Wilt, not Russell, not Lebron, no one, never forget that. The burbling beast, hungry for a ring, paired with a young Kobe, instilled fear in the opposition. It’s a shame egos got in the way, despite the Zen keeping the peace. Kobe wasn’t in his prime, which is the real sad part about the split. The epic game 7 against Portland is one of the greatest “Give me that!” moments ever seen. I thought this was going to be a tough call, but it isn’t. They’re the only team to 3-peat apart from MJ’s bulls. Dynasty Status: Granted. Kobe did continue to win another 2 rings, but apart from Phil and D fish, it was a different team.
Honorable Mentions:
Dr J’s Sixers: The Sixers had an up and down decade when they acquired the silky smooth Julius Erving in the late 70’s. They were consistently relevant, reaching the finals 4 times from 1977-1984 and failing to win all but one of them. Despite a star-studded roster, it was a difficult era with Magic and Larry coming in and taking the league by storm. Dynasty Status: Not even close.
Larry’s Celtics: The smell of sweat in the old Boston garden was enough to make you cough up the ball or a lung. They had the best home record in NBA history, with the white version of basketball Jesus as their leader. A well-balanced team, with grit and unprecedented IQ, Bird’s Celtics went to the finals 5 times in the 80’s, only winning 3 championships. As historic as that team was, they fall short, merely because they only won 3 without repeating once. Dynasty status: Close, but they were unlucky in that the competition in the 80s was fierce enough to deny them dynasty status.
Modern day Goliath:
Tim Duncan’s Spurs: Ever since Greg Popovich lucked out in the 1997 draft with the 1st overall pick, the spurs haven’t looked back. The NBA is a league of blessings in disguise; David Robinson’s season ending injury was the reason Timmy joined the Spurs. The Spurs military apparatus, with the talent of Timmy, the admiral, Sean Elliot and mastery of Pop, bred a project of excellence and consistency. Years later, the Spurs are still a model of patience and continuity. The permanence in bridging the Robinson era with the Duncan era was seamless; the addition of TP and Manu Ginobili gave them a stellar force to continue that success with unrivalled longevity. They’ve won 4 NBA Championships since 1998; all winning seasons. They have only been ousted in the first round three times and have been to the finals 5 times, winning 4 out of the five. Not to mention, the measure of regular season excellence, as they peaked this year. Pop is a player, with Tim Duncan as the centrepiece, bridge D-rob with TP and Manu and we got ourselves a long-term dynasty that may always be underrated. Dynasty Status: Yes, granted, they are a dynasty. Another finals appearance or win would put them firmly as one of the supreme franchises in history. The final chapter will be decided next week. The curtain waits.
Miami Heat: Three straight finals appearances with 2 championships in the bank. Pat Riley’s Padowan genius Eric Spolstera has been instrumental, making sure egos and games mesh. The humility of Wade to take a back seat and ice his knees has been solicitous. It helps to have a mammoth freak of nature that can shoot, drive, pass, intimidate and bully everyone; Lebron is a physical and cerebral specimen never seen before. Bosh is a half decent compliment. Dynasty status: To be constructed, a minimum of 2 more rings required based on the talent involved.
When there are many pundits whaling at the gap between the top teams and the second tier teams nowadays, we can see that Miami and San Antonio are playing for their place in history. In the bigger scheme of things, this year is pivotal. For Miami, a third straight title would cement their dynasty status, instantly. For the Spurs, it will further embolden their case for long-term consistency and supremacy. The beauty of this season is it’s up for grabs. Out west, anyone from the Spurs, Thunder, Clips, and Rockets could win it. In the East, apart from Miami, Indiana and Brooklyn look to roll in the hay by next week. It’s also the first time in the history of the NBA that the Knicks, Lakers and Celtics miss the playoffs (collective bargaining?). How will this year play out? Who are your East and West finalists?
ShaBlam! I just realized the Lakers are the top franchise in history; the Lakers had 3 different dynasties, with Boston a close 2nd and Chicago right behind them. Any dynasties missed?
Stay tuned for our playoff preview this Friday.
Much love and basketball,
Rambeeni
Playground Poetry
A word on why I’ve been blabbering about a game revolving around a peach basket.
For years, I’ve run basketball snippets in my head, testing the borders of obsession. I’m not alone, there are others; they don’t just play the game, they love it. Creating this blog was partly ignited by a repeat of MJ’s 1st dunk contest running on NBA TV. The veracity or delusion a man can fly, take your pick.
Stepping into an empty gym, I find progress in the sound of a basketball bouncing on the parquet floor. I rejoice at the scent of leather mixed with dust, the echo of the ball sounding off the walls, the peace and solitude. I love the sunset cascaded in the background of a playground with metal nets, nets that shred with success. In the last 20 or so years, basketball was my sanctuary, the sound of the ball through the net, my sanity.
Like any love story, love changes. In my youth, I experienced the most spirited moments of competition. Moments not to be forgotten, even if others were to. Any recollection was enough. Whether it was balling in the dark, or earning respect on the playground, a clutch shot, or even a painful loss, we reminisce with a beam.
Every basketball player has something to prove, if not for others, for themselves. Basketball is one of the few team sports where an individual can rise; It’s also a sport where a unified team can inspire individuals to achieve what often seemed unattainable.
Magic Johnson was my first intrigue. Magic was the master of control, the versatile assassin with a smile. He had a fiery exuberance that made his teammates play for him, not just with him. I was hooked. As a 9-year-old in Connecticut, my earliest exposure was to the rugged New York Knicks of the early 90’s. The uphill battle to overcome # 23 , was tormenting yet admirable. What I loved about the Knicks is they never gave up, despite their failures. They scrapped and clawed, showing everyone that it’s often the ride that is most exhilarating, not just the taste of champagne.
As I grew older, basketball became more recreational. Pickup basketball around the world still creates friends, archrivals, injuries, bragging rights, banter and most importantly camaraderie.
I look at basketball these days from a trained eye, the fancy dunk or crossover dribble have taken a back seat to a solid off-ball screen, stifling team defense, or a controlled defensive closeout. The ‘right way’ in basketball looks like poetry in motion. The ball movement sways you as words do.
On Rambeeni basketball, we’ll take charge on the NBA, NCAA, Lebanese and Euro league and International basketball. Informed up to date analysis on a variety of facets of the game, which you may not read on Bleacher Report or ESPN. Feel free to send your ideas, suggestions and comments.
Much love and basketball,
Rambeeni
Hoop Changes
When Lebron James shot 22/33 last week, on his way to a Miami Heat franchise record 61 points, Lebron stomped his foot and reverberations were felt all the way in Oklahoma City. It’s the highest field goal percentage, while scoring 61 points, since Shaq did it years ago. This brought up how pro basketball is run today, how and why the game has changed. The top basketball rule structures in the world: NCAA, FIBA, Euroleague & NBA are different. Basketball will naturally move to a unified from, taking the best and worst from each. Let’s take a look at what the perfect game would look like, while analyzing the good and the bad of each.
NBA
We start with the big mama; the NBA. The top pro league has evolved, hand-checking has been ruled out and illegal defense has been replaced by the defensive 3-second violation to name a few.
Love:
- 48 minutes: We love 48 minutes of basketball.
- 2-minute review: It’s great that refs can get it right at the end of games.
- The 3 point-line: With NBA players being the best of the best, the 3 point-line is perfectly placed. The NBA 3-point line was further in the early 90’s and was then moved closer to the FIBA 3, it’s somewhere in between, perfect.
Hate:
- Flagrant fouls: the Malice at the palace changed the NBA forever. No one expected it to be that ugly, so cleaning up the game makes sense. But hold on a second. Are we going to waste 20 minutes to figure out who punched who? There are three refs as well as a fourth off the court. T-up who is out of order, if guilty of a push or aggressive action and eject the punch throwers, along with Patrick Beverly. Check for fines later, we have girlfriends that demand attention.
- Flopping: I’m planning a write-up on flopping alone. Flopping has always been a part of the game, I likerewardingnon-floppers, but there is a real issue with charge calls specifically. Flopping needs to be defined,some is gamesmanship and some is Dwayne Wade yelling “Ouch! My perm! Awww…
Controversy in Indiana last night - Pump fake fouls: Any pump fake and lean in results in a foul? How many players apart from Kobe, Dirk and Melo can make a shot over a defense after picking up their dribble? Very few. It’s a bailout call, let it go.
- Offensive Goal tending: The game is played above the rim, keep it that way. The ball is hanging and rolling, go get it!
- Delay of game: the newly instated rule assesses a delay of game when a player touches the ball after a score is annoying. Ok fine, when a player wants to be a dick, assess the delay of game, but if he’s merely giving it to the ref or just touching it, what’s the point? The delay of game call is delaying the game! That’s like struggling in quicksand, you’re making it worse Silver.
- Width of the court: The corner three is too tight in the NBA. With big men shooting the corner three, their 20 sized shoes make them tiptoe like Sean Elliot in 99. I’m not suggesting anything major, maybe an inch wider off each side, that’s it.
FIBA
Bam:
- The Pace: The pace and speed of the FIBA game is fantastic, just play, inbound, shoot your free throw without praying or waving to your kids (Hornaceck, Kidd), this is basketball, it’s a fast paced game, not for the lazy (Andrew “Douche” Bynum).
- Aggressive D: I like how the contact game is called, maintain control while bumped slightly, be strong, stand your ground, the refs aren’t there to bail you out.
- Offensive goal tending: off of a free throw or just a roll around the rim, athletic players can change games in FIBA.
Damn:
- Time: 40 minutes isn’t enough basketball, as mentioned above, the frenetic pace is wonderful, but the game is too short. We want story lines to develop, a chance at adjustment. The Philippines and Chinese pro leagues have 12 minute quarters, which is a start, but some FIBA games are finished in an hour and 15 minutes, fans want more, thank you.
Euro League
Euro league and cup officials have been active rule changers, to make the game faster, clearer, fairer and more spectacular. The rule changes include shorter timeouts, a reduction of breaks in between periods, as well as a reduced, single free throw penalty, plus possession for technical fouls. They were first proposed more than a year ago by the EBI Basketball Rules Summit experts’ panel where coaches, players, referees, clubs, leagues, TVs, marketing and journalists were all represented.
Another change will restore jump balls in place of possession arrows. Additionally, the team that wins the game’s opening tip will have the first possession to start the fourth quarter, while the other team will start the second and third quarters with the ball. All overtime periods will now begin with a jump ball. Euro league basketball wants to make the game stop less often; they work closely with FIBA and their Technical Commission. The majority of the modifications will be incorporated into the official rules of basketball and applied to FIBA competitions starting 2014-15. The Euroleague is clearly the leader in this evolution and much credit should be given to the 2nd best pro league in the world. In terms of rules, it is the fairest and most progressive league today.
NCAA
Flows:
- The one-and-one free throw: When in the bonus, the old one-and-one adds intrigue, pressure and excitement to the game. Bring it back!
- Referees: There‘s lots to love about the college game, the officials are usually spot on and the game has continuity.
Blows:
- Shot Clock: Give me a break, or give the defense a break. 35 seconds is an eternity, try 30 if you want to be unique. 35 seconds often kill a team’s chances of a comeback, bringing it down to 30 can make the most exciting postseason in sports even more exhilarating.
The Future
To sum it up; the perfect game is a cocktail, plus or minus the good and the bad. Let’s have a 48 minute game with Fibaesque rules, NCAA referees and an NBA three point- line, the NCAA one ’n one free throw, official 2-minute review, no futile technical fouls for being human, no defensive 3 seconds maybe 5 seconds, 24 second shotclock, a slightly wider court (1 inch on each side). We can’t talk about TV timeouts or commercials, but the NBA’s habitual game stoppage has to change. The ideal regulation game should last for 2 hours, give or take 10 minutes. This is the evolution we seek for the game. Feel free to share any arguments, disagreements, suggestions, and omissions you may have.
Much Love and Basketball,
Rambeeni
International Profile: Joe Vogel
The Curious case of Joseph Vogel
Work, wit and wins. Three words that personify the ageless Homenetman center, Joe Vogel.
The American has earned love and respect in Lebanon by simply doing his job. Wherever Joe goes, winning happens and it just won’t stop. Just last week, Homenetmen, snatched a win from the Al-Riyadi Lebanese juggernaut. Joe, now 40 years old, was relentless against his former team (17 points), to help pull off one the largest upsets in Lebanese basketball history. I had a cup of Joe with him this week, here’s what the fun-loving big-man had to say:
Rambeeni: What’s your crowning achievement in basketball?
JV: Being drafted to the NBA in 1996 and of course the 2002 and 2006 Worlds with Lebanon.
Rambeeni: What does a typical workout look like for Joe Vogel?
JV: I usually get an hour of shooting in the morning, just to keep my rhythm. Then about an hour of weights before my team practice at night.
Rambeeni: When you first came to Lebanon, did you think you would spend the majority of your career here?
JV: No I didn’t. After my first season here, I actually told myself I wouldn’t come back. We had a good season but it was very long and lots of political turmoil, that I wasn’t used to. When they offered me the nationality, I had to consider it, as it would be great for my career, it was.
Rambeeni: What kind of music do you rock on game day?
JV: Rap, Hip-hop, some 90’s rock ‘n roll. Gotta get myself going! Lol
I think JV and Homenetmen fans would agree to beat their drums to this song.
Rambeeni: Which Lebanese big man do you think has potential to be a star?
JV: As far as young talent, I believe in Ali Haidar. He’s not a center, but he’s strong and can play the 5 for a limited time. What he needs now is to not stay on the bench. He needs to play minutes and needs to be allowed to make mistakes. He’s young, but too good to be sitting on the bench.
Rambeeni: With surprise wins and great spirit with Homenetmen, how far do you think you guys can go?
JV: The sky is the limit. If we take care of business in the 2nd round and finish on a high, anything can happen in a playoff series. As you can see, we have great home court advantage and that helps us a lot.
Rambeeni: Age, just a number?
JV: Hahaha. I want to say yes, but the fact is, as you get older, playing big minutes mean you have to change your lifestyle, eat, sleep and train differently. I used to be able to train very hard every day. These days, I have to be careful not to over-train. There’s a fine line between doing too much and not enough. You have to listen you your body.
Wise words, remember this advice ballers.
Rambeeni: Do u think the center position has changed in the last decade?
JV: Yes for sure. As you can see, there aren’t a lot of true 5-men. Most can shoot the ball from 20 feet. The game as a whole has changed. It’s more of a guard’s game now. You don’t really see the ball go inside that much.
Rambeeni: What were your best years professionally?
JV: 2004-11 were my best years as far as winning. We had Great teams at Riyadi, that’s when we won all our championships.
Rambeeni: How long are you planning on playing?
JV: I have one more year with Homenetmen, after that, not sure. I’ll talk it over with my wife and decide what’s best for my family.
Rambeeni: Would you leave Lebanon when your career is over, knowing the impact you’ve had on Lebanese basketball?
JV: Yes for sure. I like it here, but my home is in America and I’ve missed it over the last 20 years. I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life.
Rambeeni: Who was your basketball idol?
JV: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. That was the era I grew up in. In my opinion, it was the best for basketball, amazing talent and they knew how to play the game. Very physical and most had an all-around game. It wasn’t just dunking or shooting. Every player could do it all.
Classic.
Rambeeni: Any regrets?
JV: Probably one. I would’ve stayed in the states and played in the CBA or NBDL when I was younger, instead of coming overseas. If I did that, I think I would’ve given myself a better chance of making the NBA. But I was young and didn’t know much. Haha.
I asked coach Jad Fatouh (Club Manama assistant and former Al-Riyadi assistant coach) about Vogel, This is the answer I got:
“Joe Vogel is the most dedicated hard working player I’ve ever worked with , a true professional, on and off the court. I worked with Joe for years not only on the team, but also as an individual trainer, he’s a competitor, a winner and his career speaks for itself”. 
This is no ordinary Joe, as Fatouh said, his accolades speak volumes:
- Western Athletic Conference All-Tournament Team -95
- Saudi Arabian League Champion -99
- Asian Club Championships -99, 00
- WAC 2nd Team
- Lebanese League Champion -00, 05, 06, 07,08,09,2010.
- MVP of the Asian Cup tournament -99
- Lebanese National Team -01, 03, 05-07
- Asian Championships -01 (Finalist), 02, 05
- World Championships in Indianapolis (USA) -02 -06
- Lebanese Cup Winner -04, 06, 07
- Lebanese League Regular Season Champion -04, 05, 06, 07
- Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Domestic Players Team -04, 05, 06
- Asia-Basket.com Lebanese League All-Defensive Team -04, 05
- Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Center of the Year -05
- Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Domestic Player of the Year -05
- Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League 1st Team -05
- Arab Club Championships -05 (Silver, Asia-Basket All-1st Team), 06 (Winner), 07 (Winner)
Fans will never forget what Joe has accomplished for Lebanon. Dominating the paint with great defense, timely footwork, launching daggers from long-range, timeless. I want a Joe Vogel jersey, if anyone has one, I’d pay good money for that. He plays with heart for Homenetmen; Lebanese fans unanimously support him, no matter where he plays. The living legend has done more for Lebanon than Lebanon has done for him, that’s love.
Much Love and basketball,
Rambeeni
Empire State of Zen
Phil Jackson’s potential comeback to the Knicks, leaves lots of room for imagination. It’s hard to imagine what the Zen Master would do as president of who knows what. The irony in the Jackson hire is the fact that current GM Steve Mills reached out to Jackson to offer him a head coaching job and ended up losing his own job. Needless to say, Mills left the meeting feeling violated. One week later, Mills is turning into Jackson’s water boy, while Dolan finalizes the Zen master’s return to New York. Will Dolan give Jackson room to pretend? “Phil for president” is Jackson’s toughest career challenge yet. The decisions are critical, his star player Carmelo Anthony is opting for free agency this summer. The Knicks haven’t won since Jackson left, roughly 50 years ago. How will his winning experience translate into management? What do we already know about Phil Jackson apart from his volatile facial hair?
- Phil needs a star, he’s always had at least one or two.
- He’s dating the Lakers‘ owner, Kobe for JR. Smith? scrap that.
- Jackson’s won 11 titles running the triangle offense, yet is incapable of drawing a triangle.
- He makes athletic psychos play like pros. (Rodman, Artest, maybe JR? One can only hope).
- Phil has always had a post presence (Shaq, Gasol, even Cartwright and Longley).
- He’s always had shooting specialists.
Two scenarios inside Phil’s crystal ball:
Scenario 1: Melo stays. He has great reason to move to Chicago, but he’s looking for any reason to stay in New York. If Phil comes up with a concrete plan to remain competitive, with cap-space in 2015, Melo may stay with the Orange and Blue. Let’s put salary cap aside and think basketball. Let’s imagine what kind of players the Zen Master may revolve. The first priority is the point guard position. Felton has to go, the back-court defense blows. Semi-affordable names the Knicks need are Eric Bledsoe , Kyle Lowry , Jeff teague, Razor Ramon to name a few. They also need versatile Bigs. Tyson is important, but aging and injury prone. Someone like a Marreese Speights or Darell Arthur could help the Knicks with size and shooting ability. Tyson Chandler needs to play less than 30 minutes per game to be successful. Somehow adding Luol Deng (free agent) could assist the Knicks’ depth. Deng would be a valuable 2-way player to compliment Melo, when at the 4 spot. Amare is healthier and is underrated at this point, despite his atrocious contract. Jackson likes big guys that can pass, Pau Gasol (free agent)? Bargnani will be shipped, with his expiring contract; he may have trade value next year. The triangle is simple and risk-averse with hand-offs and short range passes, causing instant match-up problems. Steve Kerr’s name has been rumored as head coach and that sounds just dandy. Knicks’ roster to start 2014-2015 seasons would look something like this (in my dreams).
Starters: Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, Tim Hardaway Jr. , Kyle Lowry.
Rotation players: JR Smith , Amare Stoudamire, Ramon sessions, Marreese Speights.
Bench: Jeremy Tyler, Pablo Prigioni, Shannon Brown, Jimmer Fredette, Rookie Center/PF
Scenario 2: Melo leaves. Oh well, good luck to him, can you blame him? Knicks would have to tank, the first step to rebuilding is a clean slate. The Knicks must trade everyone, except Tim Jr. Meaning Shumpert, Tyson (expiring), Amare (expiring, anyone?), Bargnani (expiring), JR Smith (impossible to trade for dumbass tricks) are out.
Tyson Chandler could bring back a mid to late 1st round pick, perhaps a young talent. Barngiani could have some value for teams looking to clear cap-space, but with most teams prudent, New York would take anything in return. Shumpert is an enigma, he’ll improve and could be traded for a future 1st rounder ( best case scenario). With no draft picks next year, an expensive and useless roster, the Knicks will be forced to sell their desperate fans on rebuilding, again. A solid draft is expected in 2015, so keeping Tim Jr., drafting a young player, then luring a star or two is a 3 year plan Phil could sign up for.
2015 starting line-up: Amare, Tim Hardaway Jr., Shumpert, Travis Best, Jared Collins Tank, tank, tank!
Bench: Does it matter? The cast of Jersey Shore.
Either way, the Zen Master will have his hands full with the existing dysfunction. The skeletons and bottom feeders are comin’ out. Knicks’ fans are bracing themselves concerning the Melo-Drama Part 2. Phil is chillin’. he’ll find a way; his resume speaks for itself.
Once a Knick, always a Knick,
Rambeeni
Shot Through the Heart
Started writing this yesterday, jinxing the hell out of Kyle Korver. Korver’s impressive shooting streak came to an end at 127 consecutive games with a 3-point shot! Speaking of shooters, Klay Thompson’s game winner in Indiana on Tuesday night had fans’ thinking, who do you think had the prettiest/ugliest jump shot? The following top ten is about shot form, with a reference out of 10 to effectiveness. Feel free to chime in with your picks.
The Ugly
10. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: MKG is a solid glue player, but has a rude hitch in his shot. Effectiveness: 6.1
9.Michael Adams: Adams got a running start before the 3-line, to release a one-handed, double pump shot. Figure that one out. An approach, that made league d officials’ debate rule changes, as Adams would make a 3 around the free-throw line. Effectiveness: 8.1
8. Peja Stojakovic: the swish sound was sweet, yet his shot was weird. Way above his head, cocked back to the left, with a sideways flick, looked like he shot with his head. Still, he was one of the greatest shooters of all-time (with a touch of Chokage). Effectiveness: 8.77.
7. Bill Cartwright: Sideways high release, the champion Bull was ugly all around, his shot, his Goatee, all of it. Effectiveness: 5.4
6. Joakim Noah: the Bulls’ point center confuses even himself with his stroke, as he flaunts a sideways flick of the wrist. A center, Noah is still a decent shooter, he can hit the mid-range and has respectable free throw. Effectiveness: 6.8
5. Kevin Martin: the T-Wolves’ shooter is right-handed and shoots from the left side. Nonetheless, Kevin Martin is still one of the best shooters today. Effectiveness:8.5
4. Jamal Wilkes: Right handed shot from the left, bent knees, straight back, set shot fade away, you figure it out. Effectiveness: 6.9
3. Bo Outlaw: When we remember Bo, we remember his hustle. Sounds like Bo never tried a shooting drill. He didn’t care, his game was all heart. Effectiveness: 4.4
2. Shawn Marion: Someone forgot to tell the Matrix he graduated from Middle school. Shawn has hung onto his childish fling shot, displaying an embarrassing basketball release.The matrix is not a shooter, but if left alone, he can punish defenses. Effectiveness: 6.8
1. Anthony mason: Mason had an odd stroke that caused global lane violations. His free throw tight rope seemed to last forever. The point forward was building empires with bricks he threw up. Congratulations Anthony. Effectiveness: 2.1
The Rainmakers
10. Bradley Beal: This Wizard showed off his form at the February All-star 3-point contest. His sturdy elbow, with subtle lefty support and fluidity make his shot dictionary material. Effectiveness: 7.6
9. Kyle Korver: Ashton Kutcher’s stunt double, shattered the consecutive 3-point record, which ended last night (127 games). Effectiveness: 8.9
8. Klay Tompson: This Splash brother is one of the most active players in the league, he is currently third in the NBA in miles per game and is third in catch and-shoot attempts. Effectiveness: 8.1
7. Stephen Curry: the shooting behemoth’s shot is relentless. He has an effortless stroke with deep range. Steph is the favourite to challenge Ray Allen’s historic shooting accolades. Effectiveness: 8.7
6. Glen Rice: Glen started his early shooting exploits by shooting in the dark. He attributes night vision and practice to his honey-sweet release. Effectiveness: 8.4
5. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: The former Nugget point guard had one of the quickest shots ever. With an uncanny ability to get a shot off, Mahmoud was a terror to defend. Effectiveness: 8.3
4. Michael Jordan: I almost wanted to ignore him. MJ’s shot looks more like art; no one could emulate it (Kobe?). The sky-high elevation gave him the air-time to adjust his shoulders, making his fade away unstoppable. Effectiveness:8.3
3. Mark Price: The Cavaliers’ point guard looked like an accountant but he shot the ball like a an expert. At 6’0, his jumper was his most compelling weapon. Effectiveness:8.5
2. Allan Houston: Allan Houston is a “pure” shooter. His pull-up jumper carried my Knicks to the finals in 1999. Effectiveness: 8.4
1.Ray Allen: Jesus walks on water up top. The all-time leader in 3-pointers made, has a picturesque jump shot with impeccable timing, textbook follow through and expert footwork. Last year’s finals’ shot thrust him into greatest shooter in history territory. Effectiveness: 9.5
What have we learned ladies? There are many ways to shoot. Some mesmerize us and others make us wince, but the bottom line is success. If you are a shooter, and you’re making it mizzle ‘n drizzle, regulate, but don’t alter your form. Confidence is key, don’t lose it.
Much Love and basketball,
Rambeeni
Rambeeni Basketball 