The Epic Battle
This winter California is currently in the middle of the second quarter of an epic battle ragging between El Nino and High Pressure. High Pressure, which has had a home over California for the last few years isn't budging and some of the "experts" are beginning to feel uneasy about their predictions of torrential rain. Their faces haven't turned red with embarrassment yet but real redskins are a possibility. The power and force of El Nino badly needed in draught ridden California has been well chronicled with people and government sources spending millions to protect property. It has been reported that El Nino will most likely make its move during the "rainy" months of January, February and March. That was not the case in 1997 when El Nino made its big push in early December. We had only been living in Irvine for a few months when the deluge came. We were shocked that night. Over four inches of rain fell. It never stopped! I know for Houston, TX that's normal but not for southern California. Water was rushing down over the sidewalks, the nearby lake flooded along with the lake restaurant and the San Diego flood control channel had all it could handle as water rushed under the bridges. Those who remember have their sand bags ready. Will they need them?
Like Curry?
The GS Warriors just keep winning. What else can one say and Curry seems to be from another planet. It may come as a surprise to some of you but I see many similarities between my basketball development and Curry's. Curry learned how to shoot and play the game from his father an all star NBA player. Hank Luisetti the great Stanford star of the late 1930s was my mentor. He changed basketball by inventing the one handed jump shot. He like Curry's father starred in the NBA in 1946 for the Knicks but a heart disease prevented him from continuing his career. Who knows without Hank's success Curry might be shooting two handed set shots from 40 feet today.
Curry and I had very similar skills. Curry is so quick nobody seems to be able to stay with him as he drives for an easy lay up. Since I did not have Curry's quickness I used a different approach. At the top of the key I showed like Curry that I could also dribble with my left hand. But instead of driving for the basket I dribbled very slowly down the lane and the opponents paid little attention and I was able to bank in a five foot hook shot with my left hand a shot I mastered and like Curry very seldom missed.
We were both honored for our basketball accomplishments. Curry was an All American at Davidson and All Pro in the NBA. I was chosen second string All Intramural playing for the Vets Club at University of San Francisco during a year the school was crowned NCAA Champions. I had returned to USF after fighting the Korean War on the European battle front for nearly two years. While serving our country I was able like Curry to play competitive basketball in Europe.
Like Curry I could always shoot. When I played however I was unable to show my skills because the three point play had not been invented. So in a game if you took a shot from 25 - 30 feet you be right back on the bench. So I worked on my game and was pretty consistent from 18 - 20 feet using the backboard liked the great John Wooden of UCLA taught all of his players. Curry doesn't always need the backboard but when he does he reminds me of myself banking in a shot.
The NFL
You might have forgotten but months ago I wrote that New England's quarterback Brady would never serve his four game suspension. It's who you know in this world in case you haven't discovered that fact yet although in this situation the NFL did not seem to have a very good case. I also mentioned that the media always had Kraft the owner on television. I watched very little NFL football this year but I did turn into the Broncos - Patriots game from Denver a couple of weeks ago. The snow was falling and within a few minutes I could not believe it but on the screen they showed the owner of the biggest cheats in the NFL on camera in his cozy little box. Then last Sunday on Fox following the afternoon game the program was summarizing the games and showing highlight. One highlight of the New England game was Kraft on the field before the game talking to some players. .
The 49ers
Congratulations to the SC 49ers for their overtime win over the Chicago Bears last Sunday and also for their outstanding effort the week before against Arizona. The 49ers could have just gone through the motions and lost 28-3 but instead they gave the division leading Cardinals quite a scare. It could be argued that the officials lost the game for the prune pickers with all of their 3rd down defensive holding calls which helped the Cardinals control the ball. The NFL must have agreed in part because they changed the next assignment of this crew from a national televised game to a regional game. I have noticed both in college and the NFL this year the third down defensive holding call is quite common. Instant replay will show a defensive player barely touching a receiver and getting called and other occasions you see the receiver get knocked to the ground and no penalty is called.
The Winter Meetings
The Giant brass completed their major goal before going to Nashville, TN by signing Smardjain. I have always like this pitcher and I believe he will be a big addition to the staff not only with double digit wins but 200+ innings of work that will help the always over worked bull pin. Instead of 5 or 6 innings like most Giant starters he should get into the 8th inning rather regularly.
If you believe the reports out of the meetings the Giants were talking to everyone. They need another starter and there is a rumor that they are in search of a left fielder. This led to lots of elbow bending and bull sessions but the executives head home there is still work to be done. I believe the Giants have a list of six or seven players anyone of which could help the team and if they can grab one at a reasonable price they will lock up a deal.
Are the Diamondbacks setting themselves up as the Padres of 2016?
The Rose Bowl
Two unfortunate losses cost Stanford a spot in the college football final four. Looking back it is hard to fathom a loss to Northwestern and they were very unfortunate to meet Oregon when they were hot. Shows a team need a little luck to make the playoffs.
Iowa hasn't been to Pasadena for a while. Years ago back in the1980s they were frequent visitors to the game. I happen to see the Hawkeyes crush the University of California on January 1, 1959 the last time the Golden Bears played for the Roses. Oh where are you Pappy Waldorf!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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