Around The Net: There’s been a ton said here on t…
Around The Net:
There’s been a ton said here on the blog by everyone that’s recently posted about Songaila so I’ll keep my comments brief on him, which are pretty much in line with what you all have said: great addition, adds depth to the front line, and in my mind, provides the all-important mid-range big this team hasn’t had the past two years.
Moving along…
Mike Wise of the Washington Post discusses Arenas and Jamison and their path to being named members of the US National Team.
Wise writes, “More than James, Wade, Carmelo Anthony or any of the returning players from the 2004 Olympic team that was exposed and beaten three times in Athens, Arenas and Jamison represent the nation’s changing fortunes in basketball. Two years together in Washington has altered their NBA legacies.”
Anyone who thinks the 18 players gathered in Vegas for Training Camp are there to enjoy the sun and casinos should check out this Associated Press report:
“The players wore smiles, but they clearly take their task seriously. While James and Marion don’t have to worry about being left home, players such as Hinrich, Shane Battier, Bruce Bowen, Luke Ridnour and Antawn Jamison are working to prove their worth to Krzyzewski and his staff.”
It’s nice to see players who are taking pride, not only for the letters on their jerseys, but in themselves as well. While the competitive aspect can be directly attribulted to the “try-out” process (don’t call it a “try-out” if Coach K is around…), it says a lot about the players who said “yes” in the first place.
This isn’t All-Star Saturday folks. These guys are busting their tails in what is usually a time reserved for surf and sand. Any fan of NBA basketball should keep a close eye on this group. They may not have the glitz and glamour of ‘92 (will anyone? Doubtful), but unlike any NBA-based team preceding it, they’re not walking in expecting a podium appearance, just because they took the 14 hour flight.
That’s my rant. Feel free to post…
Posted: July 21st, 2006 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from TheMDouble
Time July 21, 2006 at 1:39 AM
Love the rant!
Def don’t understand how Gil is a role player? Funny how Wade, Melo, Bron, etc etc.. are ordained by the NBA & Gil, with all that he has accomplished in the last few seasons, is still an underdog…
All good though, keeps him humble & hungry!
Comment from Unsilent Majority
Time July 21, 2006 at 8:35 AM
I’m glad to add Darius and this blog to my extended family
Comment from Richard
Time July 21, 2006 at 3:58 PM
i like the moved made by the Wizards organization of signing Darius Songaila. He can shoot and play solid defensive. He can knock down shot when he is open which the wizards lacked last year. I hope the Wizards can bring another center to block shot and play solid defensive, that is the last the they need to do to be a championship contender.
Comment from Anonymous
Time July 21, 2006 at 5:39 PM
GILBERT ARENAS IS THE FOURTH BEST SCORER IN THE NBA AND SIXTH IN STEALS AND YEAT HES NOT A LOCK. IF CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, OR HINRICH MAKE IT OVER ARENAS ……..? I CAN C JAMISON MAYBE NOT MAKING IT CAUSE HE LACKS DEFENSE BUT ARENAS NOO WAY.IF HE DOESNT GET PICKED HELL HAVE ONTHER INSPIRATION FOR NEXT SESON… LIK WEN FLIP SAUNDER DIDNT add HIM ON THE ALL STAR TEAM GILBERT TORCHED THE PISTONS ALL3 GAMES THEY PLAYED ONLY TEAM TO SWEEP PISTONS LAST SEASON…..
Comment from Anonymous
Time July 21, 2006 at 10:33 PM
i think we just got a whole lot deeper with the addition of songaila and the blossoming of blatche in the summer league. If blatche can make his way into the rotation and play maybe 20 min a game, were gonna be deep as hell with him, songaila, daniels, jarvis hayes all coming off the bench. does anyone know if we doing anything for deshawn stevenson?
Comment from Anonymous
Time July 22, 2006 at 1:35 PM
I think being drafted in the 2nd round, Gilbert didn’t come into the league ornamented with star status. On some other blogs, I heard him being labled the next Steve Francis. LOLOL. My god. Francis came into the, supposely, a franchise savior, but all he did was pout and spread a negative vibe. Arenas, I think he laughs at the notion that he’s not a star, but like everyone says, he like being the underdog and it makes him work harder and stay humble.
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Comment from TheMDouble
Time July 21, 2006 at 1:30 AM
Everything you mention to start this blog is on point. What frustrates me is that Gil isn’t a lock in the same fashion that Bron, Wade, Kobe, etc. are? The kid has been a 2 time all star & 2 time 3rd team all NBA selection, was 4th in the league in scoring & steals, etc etc.. Drives me crazy. Although at the same time I do enjoy his underdog status!