August 15, 2006
Willie Williams Headed to- Where?
Former UM Linebacker Willie Williams is transferring to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. If you are scratching your head, join the crowd. Willie Williams who left the team in July expected to get some attention from powerhouse programs, but his troubled past (11 arrests before UM) may have played a role in the lack of commitment from a major program. Pearl River a perennial powerhouse among junior colleges, won the 2004 NJCAA championship and is the number one ranked team in this year's preseason polls.
Photo Credit: Pearl River Comm. College
| August 11, 2006
Emotional Manny Asks For Dolphins Release
Manny Wright, 22, is supposed to be the Dolphins backup nose tackle this year, but last week he left camp and now he is asking to leave the team. His agent, Peter Schaffer offered a sympathec explanation to the Sun-Sentinel:
The only reason he wants (his release) is because I just think with regard to the depression issue, being in Miami seems to set him back," Schaffer said. "Maybe it's the memories from last year or whatever. I just think that he thinks not only for his pro career but his mental health that he would be better off somewhere else.
Despite Wrights diagnosis of clinical depression, Coach Saban is not about to lend any compassion or attempt to let him just leave the team.
"We don't have any of this stuff, 'When it doesn't work here, let me go someplace else.' That's not how it is. This is the real world. It's business. You have a job and a responsibility. If you're not capable, we'll certainly support you and help you. But if you're not interested in doing that, then we determine your fate. You don't."
This situation may get resolved, however, should Wright regain his footing in Dolphins camp, his teammates will likely question is desire to be with the team. If Wright cried after Saban yelled at him last year, it seems plausible that a trash-talking opponent could easily gain in edge on Wright at any point during the game. Wright's family is moving to South Florida to provide some support, but they can do nothing for him when he lines up between the dashes.
August 7, 2006
Javarris James Story The Early Favorite for Writers
Today is the first official day of practice and freshman running back Javarris James is grabbing a few of the headlines early. The Sporting News and the Herald both discuss his relationship with 4 time pro bowler cousin Edgerin James.
''Baby J'' made his first appearance behind a University of Miami lectern Sunday, fittingly, in the room named after his famous first cousin.He was reminded that he would be coming to meetings every day in this room -- the Edgerrin James Room.
''That's just motivation, man,'' said Miami's new No. 5 -- tailback Javarris James. ``One day I hope they have a Javarris James Room.''
The Canes open the season versus Florida State on September 4. Last year, the Canes stuttered on offense against the Seminoles and that early loss forced them to try and play catch up the entire season. The Canes may have the right mindset for game one, but the suspension of four players and the uncertainty surrounding the eligibility of 6-foot-6, 326-pound offensive lineman Orlando Franklin might thwart all the preparation efforts.
July 18, 2006
White Hot DVD
If you guys have the same “NBA-Playoffs-are-over-I-can’t-wait-for-football-season” blues that we have at Miamist, we have some good news. You can get your copy of the Miami Heat’s 2005-2006 Championship Season on DVD Tuesday from your local Publix or Wal-Mart in South Florida. We received an advanced screening of the DVD, and we can tell you that it is full of all the Heat highlights that should hold you over until Dolphins training camp begins on July 29. In the meantime, kick back, relax, and enjoy the “oh so sweet” memories.
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July 18, 2006
Zo Coming Back...Riley Next?
The first big question mark of the Miami Heat’s off season has been answered. During the 10th annual Zo’s Summer Groove, Alonzo Mourning announced that he is coming back for one more season with the Miami Heat. Next up is Pat Riley. Coach is currently taking a well-deserved vacation in Africa, but there is no doubt that everyone in Miami wants Riley to come back as well. We will be sure and keep you posted whenever we hear updates.
July 12, 2006
Wade, Anthony Follow James' Lead
The deal allows the trio more options should the landscapes of their respective teams drastically change in the next three years. The decision shouldn’t effect the way the Heat approach resigning Wade, but it will put them on notice that three years from the 2007 season, they better still have the pieces around Wade to be elite. Both Wade and Anthony originally agreed to 5 year deals worth around $80 million.
Today is the day that teams can begin to sign those extensions and complete all the trades they agreed upon since July 1.
Photo: Photofile.com
Troubled Linebacker Set To Leave UM
The University of Miami took a chance two years ago on Willie Williams and today they got burned. During his senior season at Carol City High School, Willie Williams emerged as one of the top linebackers in the country. He also managed to get arrested eleven times, before Coach Larry Coker decided to give him twelfth change with a scholarship. As Greg Cote of the Miami Herald points out in his piece, "Time for Miami to Cut Willie Williams," it is time for the linebacker to become another programs problem.
Williams has told University of Miami coach Larry Coker of his wish to transfer to another school in search of more playing time, Coker said Tuesday, and UM apparently is inclined to let the controversial linebacker go. The phrase "cutting your losses" comes to mind. A small cloud will lift from the Hurricanes the moment they are free of the player who probably ought not have been signed in the first place.
Willie Williams, who played in as many games as he has arrests, will be required to sit out year before he can play according to NCAA rules. That should be good for staying out of trouble.
Photo Credit: UM Athletics
July 11, 2006
Marlins' All Stars in Steel City
In addition to Cabrera and Uggla, former Marlins Ivan Rodriguez (Detroit), Edgar Renteria (Atlanta) Brad Penny (Los Angeles), Paul Lo Duca (Los Angeles) are all starters for tomorrow nights game.
Photo Credit: http://espanol.geocities.com/
July 4, 2006
Wade Signs New Deal
The parties, the parades, the draft, the tour of Disney World earlier this week, it all adds up to a lot of fun for the Miami Heat, but the front office is hard at work. The champs have some big decisions to make regarding next season. With the hopes of a 2006-2007 repeat, it appears managment is close to locking up the face of the franchise.
According to the Sun-Sentinel, the agent for Dwyane Wade said that the two sides have agreed on a 5-year extension between 75 and 85 million dollars and he expects Wade to sign. Because of league rules, Wade cannot sign the deal until July 12, but at this point that just seems like a formality.
The move will be the first of a couple for the Heat, who want to get younger and quicker at both the point guard and forward positions.
Wallace to the Bulls
If defense truly wins championships, then the Chicago Bulls have made a huge step in challenging the Heat next season. Ben Wallace, the leagues reigning three-time defensive player of the year, has decided to sign with the Chicago Bulls. Wallace will be leaving the Pistons after serving as their defensive cornerstone and face of the franchise for the past 6 seasons. Now he will help the talented, but young Bulls learn to commit to defense. The deal is reportedly worth 60 million dollars over 4 years.
June 29, 2006
NBA DRAFT DISAPPOINTMENT FOR TWO LOCALS
In 1988 the NBA scaled back the draft from a three round format to two. Last night, 30 players were selected in the first round, but former University of Miami guard Guillermo Diaz was not selected until the second round- going to the Los Angeles Clippers with the 52nd pick. Yesterday, we referenced an article in the Miami Herald which addressed Guillermo's expectations to go as high as the 24th pick. That didn't happend and neither did his high school teammate Juan Jose Barea hopes of being selected in the second round. Diaz, like a walk on in college, is not guaranteed a contract and will have to work to create a roster spot on a team that is loaded with talent.
Two years ago Diaz was a high flying sophomore averaging 18 points a game and dunking all over AAU competetion. Last summer he had knee surgery and that 42 inch vertical leap and explosive first step led to only 17 points a game and only four dunks. As an underclassmen who could have spent one more year working on ACC foes, some will question Diaz's decision to leave early. University of Miami senior guard Robert Hite worked out with the Miami Heat but joins Barea and names like Kevin Pittsnogle, Taj Gray and A.J. Price among the undrafted.
Draft Thoughts Continued - Quiet Night for Heat
Did anyone out there catch the great young talent the Heat picked up last night? Neither did we, and that's because your NBA Champs (had to get that in) didn't have a pick in the 2006 Draft. No worries though, because not all was lost for South Florida. As we mentioned above, Guillermo Diaz went to the LA Clippers with the 52 pick of the draft. Now, call it a conspiracy theory, but would Diaz be the type of young, quick perimeter guy the Heat are looking for in the off season, and already with local appeal? Don't be shocked if the Heat try to snag the local kid from the Clippers.
But the theme from last lights draft was clearly "Swap Meet" there were 15 trades on the night, including 6 involving 5 top 10 picks (Randy Foye was traded twice) So apparently teams were drafting guys they didn't want. just so they could get a little extra along with the player they really wanted.
Overall the top 10 went like this:
1. Toronto Raptors- Andrea Bargnani
2. Chicago Bulls - LaMarcus Aldrige (traded to Portland)
3. Charlotte Bobcats - Adam Morrison
4. Portland Trailblazers - Tyrus Thomas (traded to Chicago)
5. Atlanta Hawks - Sheldon Williams
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brandon Roy (traded to Portland)
7. Boston Celtics - Randy Foye (traded to Minnesota)
8. Houston Rockets - Rudy Gay (traded to Memphis)
9. Golden State Warriors - Patrick O'Bryant
10. Seattle Super Sonics - Mouhamed Saer Sene
For a complete draft rundown, visit NBA.com/a>
Photo Credit: Yagru
June 28, 2006
NBA Draft Might Include Two Locals
University of Miami standout point guard, Guillermo Diaz and his former Miami Christian teammate, both from Puerto Rico, could be selected in the NBA Draft tonight. Diaz will forgo his senior season at Miami and so too will Jose Barea who played three seasons at Northeastern. Both men could be chosen as high as the late first round and some rumors suggest the Miami Heat might try and move up to get Diaz. A story in the Miami Herald today talks about the two Puerto Rican born players and collects some thoughts from their former AAU coach. Diaz and Barea will be the sixt and seventh players in the NBA should they be selected this evening. The draft will get underway tonight at 7:00 p.m. eastern at Madison Square Garden and air on ESPN.
June 22, 2006
Wheaties Box Will Feature Heat
General Mills announced yesterday that the 2006 NBA Champion Heat team will be on the cover of a commerative wheaties box. The 18 oz. box of cereal will hit shelves in the next two or three weeks. Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal will be on the front and the rest of the team will be on the back. Wheaties already showed the team some samples after their win Tuesday night and Wade reportedly said to the AP, "I like this."
June 21, 2006
Heat, Faith & The Bowl
One word was mentioned repeatedly during post game interviews last night and it may surprise you. It's not uncommon for athletes to toss around words like faith, belief and God, but it was interesting to hear these words from so many players following the game.
After the game, Shaquille O'Neal called Pat Riley the best coach he has ever had and sited his faith and motivational tactics. If there was one thing that baffled the media during the NBA finals, it was the bowl. The theme of the bowl was "15 Strong." The idea of using this bowl as a motivating factor worked because the media learned what Riley has known all along. This Heat team is composed of athletes as evidenced tonight that are quick to point to faith. Pat Riley, Dwayne Wade and Antoine Walker made a point in their post game responses to thank God. Probably the most poignant comments came from Alonzo Mourning who after the game spoke about how thankful he was for the opportunity to play and share in this experience.
I’m human and what drives me is my faith and knowing that I’m going to be alright," Zo told reporters. ESPN's Rachael Nichols asked Alonzo Mourning about his battle to get to this point and he shared some personal stories about his kidney transplant. He also made a point to thank Lance Armstrong for his inspiration. "After my surgery I read both of his books. I think about what he had to go through. I said to myself if he can do it, I can. A lot of you don’t know this but Lance Armstrong is a huge inspiration for me. I know there are thousands of people that do the same with me." Interesting comments from a man and a team who seem to be grounded in faith and a will to win.
Miami Celebrates In Dallas
It’s great to be a Heat fan! The Miami Heat are the 2006 NBA Champions and Dwayne Wade is the MVP. Trailing by three points in the waning moments the Dallas Mavericks put the ball in the hands of their playmaker Jason Terry. He managed to avoid a foul, square up to the basket and release a shot, but fortunately it rattled out, caromed into the arms of Dwayne Wade and the celebration was on. Pat Riley told his team last week they would win on 6-20-06 and remarkably the Heat managed to do just that with four straight wins. This is Pat Riley's sixth NBA Championship, fifth as a coach, making him the third winningest coach in NBA history.
Shaquille O’Neal who promised a championship when he arrived in Miami two years ago, played much of the fourth quarter with 5 fouls, but Alonzo Mourning stepped up big with 5 of the teams 10 blocks. Dwayne Wade was spectacular again with 36 points, 9 rebounds and 13 points in the fourth quarter and 16-20 from free throw line. Coupled with Miami’s will to win the Dallas Mavericks settled for the jump shot (37%) and missed Dirk Nowitzki who only added 2 points in the fourth quarter.