Friday Bolts – Half-Off Edition
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? SHOP SHOP SHOP.
Darnell Mayberry on Brandon Jennings: “But it’s Jennings’ pioneering path to the NBA that has been the biggest shock regarding his success. Last year, Jennings became the first player to bypass college and play professional overseas as a result of the NBA’s age limit, which took effect in 2006 and shut off high school players from jumping directly to the NBA.”
Former voice of the Sonics, Kevin Calabro is calling tonight’s game: “Kevin Calabro, the voice of the Seattle SuperSonics for 21 seasons, will revisit his former franchise when he calls the Thunder’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at 8:30 tonight on ESPN. Jon Barry will be the analyst. The flex telecast replaces the originally scheduled Phoenix at Minnesota game.”
I’m a day late, but I’m thankful for the Thunder because OU sucks in both sports. Sad. But hey, OKC is 8-7 and on national TV! RISE TOGETHER.
A look at the Thunder’s thinned roster.
A couple good notes from Susan Bible: ”While recognizing that it’s a “great opportunity for our fans to be on ESPN,” Brooks is thinking more along the lines of just playing consistently Friday night. Simply put, he sees the game as another opportunity to go out and play good basketball … About the ESPN coverage, Sefolosha said “we’re probably not going to think about it too much.” The late 8:30 pm tip has just one meaning to him: a “longer nap … Admitting it may sound “corny,” Brooks said the players have a lot of pride playing in Oklahoma City.”
NBA.com taking a deeper look at Bucks-Thunder: “Who ever thought that the Bucks and Thunder would have a combined 16-12 record at this point in the season? They’re two of the feel-good surprises of the first month, and they’re led by two of the brightest young stars in the league.
Just in case you’re wondering, I’m going to be That Guy tonight. I’m going to the game, but I’m also DVRing it just because I want to see Oklahoma City on national TV. I can’t help myself. It’s too cool.
A nice story about the Thunder’s Thanksgiving service: ”One of the highlights of the late afternoon was a little girl who dribbled a ball in front of Thunder forward Serge Ibaka. She stunned onlookers when she calmly lofted a shot over Ibaka’s outstretched arms and scored a basket from the top of the circle. Ibaka and his teammates clapped and cheered. “This is what it’s all about,” Presti said. “Seeing those reactions, making these children feel a little better.” Then as basketballs were still flying toward the baskets Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison made his grand entrance and the children abandoned Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Ibaka and all the others. There was a hugfest with Rumble and for at least a little while, these children with no where to go, finally felt at home.”
A big long feature from Chris Silva on Serge Ibaka. A great read: ”He’s fond of Bricktown, bowling and the Olive Garden Restaurant. He just learned how to drive, recently settled into a place he will call home, started English classes and obtained his Social Security Number. And lest we forget, he’s here to play basketball for a living. For Serge Ibaka, it’s another year on another continent, although this time he’s hoping Oklahoma City will be his final stop for the foreseeable future. He left a good impression on Sunday against the Lakers, when Ibaka recorded 11 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks in his first extended minutes of the season. Blessed with raw athletic talent, brute strength, extreme versatility and a quick wit, Ibaka has found himself yet again in transition. And that’s a good thing. Consider this: in the past four years, he has lived through a civil war, been separated from his family, moved to Spain, learned a new language and culture, been drafted into the NBA and moved to Oklahoma City. All by the age of 19.”
The 66ers kick their season off tonight as well. I’m anxious to see what Byron Mullens does. Or at least read about it tomorrow.
So excited to see a whole game of Jennings. Wonder if Thabo will have to play stopper again tonight like he did on Tuesday…
Really sorry to read that Weaver is out “indeffinately” with a separated shoulder. UCB playeded great at Utah, and this looked like a nice opportunity to cement himself a spot in the roatation with Ollie and Livingston out. The Wilks signing is certainly making more sense to me now. Read an article at I believe espn (could have been si or hoopsworld) about why Jennings lasted so long on the draft boards. Besides durability issues stemming from his being kinda scrawny (160 lbs), he “christmas treed” some team’s psych evaluation. Not trying to hate on the guy here, but the article got me completely over the mild case of “rookie envy” I had been experiencing. We got the right guy in James Harden.
This is a game we should win especially with Bogut out. I think Russ is one of the few PG’s who has the athleticism to keep up with Jennings.
The Thunder signed Mike Wilks? I missed that…
Russell hasn’t shown that he’s willing to defend the pick and roll yet. So if Jennings in the only scorer on the floor, I expect Russell will not be guarding him.
It’s going to be tough for Thabo to stay with Jennings – he looks to be one of the quickest players in the NBA – like Joe talked about earlier this week, Skiles likes to play with a smallish lineup (especially with Bogut out) – we will have matchup issues . . . I see our small lineup coming out a lot more (Harden gets extended minutes, Thabo plays some at the three) . . .
I can’t wait!!
Even if it is nationally televised, doesn’t ESPN get blacked out?
So cool it’s on national tv. For those of you who’ve never heard Kevin Collabro announce a game, you’re in for a real treat. He is among the best announcers in the business.
This will be a test for the young guys. Too many times they get overly amped. Hopefully they stay focused. Anything close to the Jazz game & it’s another w.
Am thinking that Serge is making it impossible for Scott to not play him. Great. That’s they way it should be. And speaking of Scott, this game is a big test of his coaching skills. Want to see what he comes up to keep their little superquick under control. And don’t sleep on Luke Ridnour… he’s quietly having a great season & is as big a reason as any for the Bucks great start. Glad to see it. He was my son’s favorite player.
It will be interesting to see if Russ or Thabo can stay in front of Jennings.
Russ can defend when he takes the match up personally and decides to harass his man… we’ll see.
Do y’all think there will still be $10 tickets available at game time?
Welcome back Royce, I loved that story on King Congo! Man I can’t wait for tip off tonight i’ll be pumped up if Ibaka can get some serious minutes against the all athletic Hakim Warrick. I’m gonna repersent big with those T-shirts you got coming out, so holla at me at the game guys when you see me with it on.
I’m still in Altus, but will be back in the OKC in time to fill up the ford with you cats! I can’t wait to see if we can stay focused and play our game at home. I think RW has a great game tonight and we need Uncle Jeff to be Uncle Jeff! GO THUNDER AND LETS BRING HOME THE W!!!!
@dj
I agree 100% DJ, Kevin Calabro is the finest of the finest. He’s always fair and very knowledgeable. Brian Davis used to do the studio show for FSN NW and some sideline stuff for the Sonics but Calabro was the man doing all the calls. Davis tries hard to sort of imitate Calabro but he’s a poor substitute. Calabro called Durant and Green’s rookie season so he is very familiar with them, and he called most of Collison and Ridnour’s careers as well, so he will be excellent.
Also, like Kev and DJ said, Ridnour is really an important part of what they are doing in Milwaukee. He had 11 assists the other night and Jennings had 8. They have excellent ball movement and Charlie Bell is the other guard, so they are all 6’3″ or less, and fast and can pass and shoot. Mike Wilks at 5’10″ might actually be a very important piece of the puzzle for us tonight. Especially if RW gets two quick fouls…….
I am very very pumped for this.
My favorite Kevin Calabro moment: on a Ruben Patterson dunk, “SKYYYY PILOT, HOW HIGH CAN YOU FLYYY?”
It’s also nice to see Luke Ridnour fitting in somewhere. He always seemed like a guy with shaky confidence..
Last night as I couldn’t sleep I was watching ESPN and they have a cool advertisement about the ESPN bus coming to OKC and Kevin D. on it. Any body see it? Wondering if Kevin’spot was shot separately on that ad?
@Diane
Ah I didn’t see that. Shucks. Sounds cool.
I bet Harden is in at point before Wilks.
Also, Susan Bible writes great articles.