Archive for June 2007
“We are really excited to get Al Thornton,” Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor said. “When it was our turn to draft, he was the first player on our list, and we were just pleased and surprised he was there, because we thought he would be gone before then. He is a player who we believe will be able to come right in and play for us. He is a high-energy player, a shot-blocker and a scorer. We’re really excited to have him.”
“As the draft transpired we had the opportunity to get a couple guys that we liked and he was there,” Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Thornton was the guy we were hoping to get. We counted down the whole way down since the draft transpired. It was a very jubilant room once that happened.”
“As soon as he became available on our board, we had five calls to trade the pick,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said.
“He puts points on the board and shoots the ball well from distance,” Dunleavy said about Thornton. “Stats are of course one area that is great, but for me what is important is how hard he plays. Night in and night out his energy is off the charts. He is very aggressive and he competes all the time. We are very pleased.”
“Night in, night out, his effort is off the charts,” Dunleavy said. “He’s very aggressive and he competes. That’s the first and foremost thing you’re looking for. You look for guys who compete and guys who have skills. He has both of them.”
“We wanted someone who could play right away for us, contribute right away for us, and that’s basically how we ranked players,” Dunleavy said. “Of those guys, he [Thornton] was our No. 1 guy.”
“If Corey (Maggette) were to be injured, Al Thornton could step in and start for us,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. “If Cuttino Mobley would be injured, we could drop Corey down to shooting guard, and Al could play small forward.”
“Personally, I was disappointed because I thought I’d go higher,” Thornton said. “I got thrown a curveball, and now I’ve got to roll with it. Man, I think I’ve got a lot to prove to a lot of people because a lot of teams passed me over,” he said. “When I got past number seven, I was kind of worried.”
“I thought I was in that seventh to 12 range,” Thornton said in a call from New York. “Sometimes, you never can predict the draft. You never know. Sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and you have to roll with it.”
He said he’ll make the best of playing for the Clippers. Before the draft he predicted that he would be an NBA All-Star in two seasons, and he sees no reason to change that mindset now. “With the Clippers, that’s a team that I feel I can step in and help right away,’’ Thornton said. “Those teams that passed on me, they’ll see what they missed out on when I’m with the Clippers.’’
“I think that being in school four years, being able to mature physically, mentally and socially, has prepared me,” Thornton said. “I think I am ready to contribute, not just on the court, but off the court. I just cannot wait to be a Clipper.”
“First of all, I think I’m mature,” he said in an interview with ESPN. “I’m more experienced. I’ve had a great coaching staff at Florida State that prepared me.”
Thornton has come a long way from when he first arrived at Florida State, redshirted a year and averaged 2.8 points per game as a freshman. “I was pretty much just an athlete, all legs and pretty much a dunker,” he said. “(FSU coach Leonard Hamilton) and his staff molded me into a basketball player. They encouraged me and I had the desire to get better each and every year.”
“I’m ready to contribute right away. They are an up-tempo team, and I think that’s a great fit to showcase my skills,” he said, and then he flashed a smile full of braces, which made even a senior look much younger than his age.
“We’re real happy with the choice,” his mother Philomenia said last night. “I know Al is pleased. He likes the Clippers. It will be a good place for him.”
“He is really a world-class athlete,” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said shortly after Thornton’s selection. “I’m not sure there is anybody in the draft who plays harder than Al Thornton.”
This pick deepens the intrigue concerning Maggette, who has been frequently at odds with Dunleavy and who can opt out of his contract at the end of the 2007-08 season. “That wasn’t a factor at all,” General Manager Elgin Baylor said. “We were just looking to get a player of quality. Corey didn’t enter our minds.”
By Bill Kristoph
That big, shiny blog known as FireMarkMay.com has invited blogs around the world to answer a few questions. DannyFordIsGod.com picked up the idea and ran with it, so I thought I’d join our good Clemson buddies and participate. Besides, it’s the dead season for college sports and I have to keep serving up fresh content to you my faithful 3 readers.
Your Home Field Advantage
Give the more zealous portion of your fanbase a religion. What’s this cult following? Feel free to give the splitters a derogatory nickname.
Jonestown… or Tallahassee in the fall?
There are always different camps in a fanbase, but there is one particular sect of the FSU fanbase that drives me nuts. Those fans could be called “The People’s Temple” since they’re a giant bunch of Kool-Aid drinkers. Whether it’s the Bobby-knows-all Kool-Aid, or the Xavier Lee-needs-a-chance-again Kool Aid or that grape flavored I-hate-sites-that-aren’t-Warchant.com Kool-Aid, there is a certain set of Seminole fans that never see the world realistically. These are the same guys that think Jimbo Fisher should win an MNC his first season out, you know, since our talent level hasn’t dropped since the late 90s.. There are days when I think Tallahassee should be renamed Jonestown.
Your biggest rival is in town, and College Gameday is coming….to your citaaaaaaay… Create a blatant corporate sellout promotion to appeal to the mass unwashed.
Well, now see this is tough. Who is FSU’s biggest rival? Florida or Miami? Miami or Florida? I’m going to go with Florida, since there are many more opportunities for corporate sellout promotions.
(Stolen from the Ft. Myers Miracle) Billy Donovan Night at Doak: Seminole fans not happy with the game can “opt out” of their tickets and get their money back before 2minutes to go in the 4th quarter.
or
I’d LOVE to see a field goal kicking contest, when it COUNTS! Hell, FSU’s regular kickers aren’t much better. Let’s just call out a name each time FSU makes a kick, that person gets to make the attempt. Maybe we’ll find someone with eligibility? Maybe we’ll make a clutch kick?
Add one local delicacy to your stadium’s concessions. Post-tax pricing is optional.
Someone get over to Dog Et Al and bring me a Coney Style Super Combo. Please? It’s under $7 and gets me a drink, fries and the dog. Drinks alone at Doak are up at the $7 range as it stands now, and with the Jeff Bowden Severance Package coming from the consession monies, I’m sure prices will be going higher. Frankly, I think they should get the little bar code coupons and ask fans if they’d like to donate to the Jeff Bowden payoff fund with each purchase. It’s only a dollar, and it will feed little Jeffery for years to comes. $1 a day can really help!
With an unlimited AD budget, add or subtract one thing to your school’s game day experience that has nothing to do with football.
An intro for the football team that doesn’t continue to suck. With all of the money that Florida State has, can’t they find a decent set of people to come up with a good intro video, the right music and have it all timed properly? And get a speaker system for Doak that isn’t 25 years old, crappy and only has two levels (so low I can’t hear and so high it’s distorted so that I can’t hear it). As a bonus, bring back the Spirit Stick (see below). FSU has something called the Marching Chiefs… hello, somebody, anybody? You can USE THEM FOR PREGAME.
General NCAA questions
Coin a hilariously unrealistic stereotype that you would like to “make stick” for this upcoming season.
Tommy Bowden must make each sentence end in the word “bumfuzzled.” Randy Shannon changes the Miami uniforms to jail house jumpsuit orange (wait a second, I don’t know if that’s unrealistic). Chuck Amato sings the tunes of Barry White at Doak Campbell Stadium Karaoke Night and Urban Meyer Weiner drives his Weiner Mobile to each home game, while he genuinely awaits his NFL chance, only so he can Billy Donovan it.
Redesign your conference or independent schedule with reckless abandon. Be prepared to include compensation for jilted schools and conferences in your explanation.
I agree with the boys over at DFIG. I like the ACC. I’m leaving it alone. We play a lot of the teams that I like and our non-conference schedule is always brutal. Since it’s brutal, let’s get Southern Cal on the schedule every year and Texas. They have the top two sets of cheerleaders in the land, and I’d like to see them up close each season. Especially if you get the USC Song Girls like these girls.
Following up on your new realignment, blow up the BCS and devise a national playoff system, money grabs and missed exams be damned. Using your new fantasy conferences is optional.
This one is EASY. Line up the conference champs in a tournament. In addition, forget Notre Dame. That’s right, screw ‘em. If the Irish want in a playoff scenario, they need to join a conference. Go join the WAC, I don’t care, but join a conference in football and win it. ACC, SEC, Big East, Conference USA, Big Televen, Big XII, WAC, Mountain West, Pac-10, Sun Belt, MAC and 1 wildcard. 12 teams, nobody gets a bye and all games are home for the higher seed until the championship.
Elect one public figure to replace NCAA president Myles Brand. Anyone with proper name recognition is eligible.
Bonnie Bernstein.
Yeah, yeah I know she’s more of an NFL-type, but she knows her football and doesn’t seem to take any BS from the males that surround her. Plus, she’s easy on the eyes. I think everyone is much more agreeable when hotness is part of the equation.
That’s it for now… leave me some comments. What would you do?
Scott Carter, over at the Tampa Tribune wondered aloud about what Xavier Lee would have to do to avoid being the most overhyped FSU recruit, ever.
The problem for Xavier Lee, is that he can’t.
Seriously, just check the message boards. Yes, FSU fans have a knack for always wanting the second string QB in the game (just ask Thad Busby), and they love to think that someone is the second coming of Charlie Ward. So when it comes to Xavier Lee, he has both of those going for him at the moment. On top of that, he has fans in his camp from the “anybody is better than Chris Rix, it really isn’t Jeff Bowden” school and he was a highly touted 5-star recruit. That equals a lot of hype. Now Seminole fans can set the scene with Jimbo Fischer, who loves a mobile cannon-armed quarterback. That certainly describes Xavier more than Drew Weatherford, although Weatherford is no slouch.
Then there are the things Xavier does to keep the hype going. He’s changed his number from 9 to 1, after Brandon Warren’s departure from the team. (Someone should point out that he might want to not throw 3 INTs against Duke if he’s going to wear #1). He stands on the sidelines with the look of “if I was in there, things would be different.” He meets with Bobby Bowden to talk about his role on the team, and fans cry out begging for Xavier to get his chance. “Just give him a fair shake!” they’ve said.
In reality, he’s had his chance. In fact, he’s had many chances, in games, at practice and off the field.
2005 Stats
27-57 1 INT, 3 TD 466 Yards in 7 games.
2006 Stats
62-121 5 INT, 7 TD 885 yards in 8 games.
Lee is overhyped. Period. He’d have to win two MNCs at this point to live up to all of the hype I’ve listen to over the last few years. Will he? No. He hasn’t distanced himself from the field, and there are talented young QBs behind him who might snap up the chance to play if Weatherford and Lee continue to struggle again in 2007. And, if Antone Smith breaks out at running back, Lee won’t have the chance to be the “star” even if he wins the starting job. I’m rooting for him, because what is good for him is likely good for the Noles, but I just don’t believe the hype.
What do you think? Do you have other overhyped suggestions? Am I crazy? Leave a comment!
By Bill Kristoph
It’s the offseason, so my posting is lagging. Frankly, there isn’t a lot to report so I’ll send you to some of the more interesting articles out there.
Evidently, Lorenzo Booker is the next Laveraneus Coles…
President Bush honored the National Champion FSU Track Team in Washington, D.C.
Mark Hallberg has left a depleted FSU Baseball Team, best of luck to him!
The FSU Baseball Media guide was ranked #5 in the nation, although I can’t believe people rank that stuff. Then again, they seed everything these days.
I don’t give them enough press… FSU Women’s Soccer has announced their schedule!
Special Guest Contributor - Willy Mac - DannyFordIsGod.com
Ok Seminole fans, I’m taking you out to dinner so its time to wash the gel out of your slicked back hair, tuck your gold chains, take off at least three or four of your cheap gold rings, and change into your nice dark colored Gencos. And no, I’m not literally taking you all out, you cheap, pseudo Yankees (Relax, it’s a joke and this is just a blog, put the 9 mil down). Honestly, unless it’s a private club, most bars aren’t open in Clemson because of the alcohol laws here. You need to get with your government officials, and tell them to get with
our government officials, and we all need to work on that.
(NoleCC’s note: Willy Mac is confusing us with Miami fans. It’s okay, he’s a Tiger, cut him some slack.)
So here goes:
Restaurant: The Esso Club - Hailed nationally by many publications as one of THE BEST college bars in all of the nation. If you want to go to a bar on gameday, this is your best bet. It’s usually packed on gameday, but well worth it.
Dish: WINGS (10/6.99, 20/11.99, 50/22.99) - “A basket of deep-fried wings tossed in your favorite wing sauce. Served with Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing & Celery. Your choise of BBQ, Teriyaki, Breaded, Spicy Honey, Unleaded, Premium, or Diesel.”
Booze: Yes
Open Sundays: No
Restaurant: Todaro Pizza - Nice little low key pizza place. Good beer prices. A Clemson original located directly across he street from TTT’s.
Dish: Large Carnivore Pizza (14.99) - Beef, pepperoni, ham, & bacon. It’s the ultimate man pizza. One of the better pizza dished in the Clemson area.
Booze: Yes
Open Sundays: Yes
Restaurant: Peppino’s Pizzeria - A pizza/tap room/pool hall tucked away just a few blocks down from the bars on mainstreet. A great place to go to start out the night and close out the night. Open late on weekends.
Dish: Large Pizza Bianca (12.25) - Ricotta, parmesan, & mozzarella cheeses. Hand-tossed and fresh. Pretty greasy, but in a good way. Incredible drunk food.
Booze: Yes
Open Sundays: Yes
Restaurant: Calhoun Corners - A very classy joint that usually hosts graduation lunch/dinner,
anniversaries, and other important occasions. One thing is for sure, they know how to cook a good dish and pour a generous drink.
Dish: Twin Filets in Prosciutto Cognac Cream Sauce (24.95) - “Rolled in crushed peppercorns, grilled and served over roasted potato rounds with button mushrooms. A Calhoun Corners signature dish.”
Booze: Yes
Open Sundays: Yes
(NoleCC’s special bonus - Check out these slick grooves from a Clemson fan. The boy has canned heat in heels man!!!)
By Bill Kristoph
As usual, the NCAA has proved its stupidity by ejecting a blogger from a Super Regional game between Louisville and Oklahoma State, for “live blogging.” According to the NCAA, live blogging is against NCAA policies, so they revoked Brian Bennett’s press credentials and ejected him from the stadium. Bennett’s editor was quick to drag the 1st Amendment into play, arguing that the policy was not in effect for any other events, and that the press has a right to report the event.
Whether or not this is really a 1st Amendment issue, the NCAA is going out of its way to be morons, yet again. Why ban live blogging? Perhaps the NCAA is worried that instead of fans going to their sponsored websites, they might read a live blog from a local newspaper. That means lost revenue for the NCAA. And, the NCAA doesn’t like losing money.
But wait a second, isn’t the NCAA supposed to protect players’ images? Aren’t they supposed to prevent commercializing amateur athletes? Only when it’s everybody else, and not the NCAA. If the NCAA wants to do it, by all means, they get to, or at least that’s their “policy.”
What are your thoughts? Leave some comments.
The Seminoles REPEATED as Track National Champions today. Since I know squat about Track… read more at Seminoles.com!
Congratulations to ScalpEm.com’s favorite coverboy, Tony Thomas, Jr. who was drafted in the 3rd round by the Chicago Cubs. Best wishes to the Thomas family, I’ll miss the Regional Tournament N-O-L-E-S cheer that they put on, complete with Tony’s sister doing backflips. Good luck to you Tony!
(NoleCC’s Note: Don’t blame them if the article makes little sense. They’re Tigers remember, and when they try to spell Clemson, they have to think REALLY HARD about that “N” before they say it.)
Lunchtime in Tiger Town.
Hey there Noles fans. How’s the hair gel/wife beater industry down there in Tally? Only 88 more days till the big Labor Day show down. To fill some space and pass the summer time, me and Bill figured we’d give ya’ll a restaurant special for this segment of “Know Your Noles”. Bill picked just one place in Tally mostly cause ya’ll are coming up here this year. What we have done is split it into lunch and dinner. I have selected four of the best lunch spots in Clemson with prices, background, etc provided. Please remember though, if you plan to come up for the weekend (which I suggest you do), remember that in Clemson there are absolutely no alcohol sales on Sunday, not even in restaurants. So, please make sure you buy whatever before Sunday.
(NoleCC’s Note: Clemson Coeds in Training For Massage Parlor Careers)
So here goes:
Restaurant: Mac’s – The all-American Clemson burger joint. The place itself not only serves as a hot spot for Clemson old timers as well as students and athletes, but a veritable shrine to Clemson champions. The walls are decked with signed autographs of everyone from Jerry Butler to Chris Benson to Brian Dawkins. Even a pair of orange pants that was worn in the National Championship game adorns the wall, signed by the stunners on the 1981 team. The restaurant is owned and operated by Harold “Mac” McKeown, class ‘56 and is frequented by many of his former classmates as well as Tiger fans old and new. Best not to wear your FSU gear in there if you want to be served.
Dish: Double cheeseburger (2.95) & Beer battered onion rings (1.90) – One of my favorite meals when I’m feeling like pigging out.
Booze: No
Open Sundays: No
Restaurant: Tiger Town Tavern – The Tavern opened as a pool hall/tavern in 1977 as the Red Carpet Lounge. It is now a staple to the Clemson downtown nightlife. Known for it’s prompt service, huge liquor selection, pool tables, and for having the most TVs downtown. Probably the closest thing you’re going to get to a sports bar on main street.
Dish: Bacon Bleu Cheeseburger… Unfortunately name the Bowden Burger (7.25) – The best bacon bleu burger I’ve ever had. They do the buns right, the bacon extra crispy, grade A angus beef, and blue cheese dressing that can be described as a bunch of bleu cheese chunks lightly drizzled with ranch dressing.
Booze: Yes
Open Sundays: Yes (Private upstairs club for booze)
Restaurant: Big Dave’s BBQ – Founded by Big Dave Jones who is a well renowned area caterer who finally decided to settle down and try his hand at owning a place of his own. This is probably one of the best BBQ joints in the Clemson area.
Dish: #1 Pork Sandwich w/ 1 side (4.99) – Perfect, sweet, chopped pork with a choice of one of five sides, but trust me, those five is all you’ll want to choose from. Try the homemade mac and cheese (best I’ve ever had at a BBQ joint).
Booze: No
Open Sundays: No
Restaurant: Ancheaux’s – Not a real personal favorite of mine, but it is a Clemson staple. A Moe’s type of restaurant minus the booze. They also serve quesadillas, pitas, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, and gumbo.
Dish: Black Jack Sandwich (6.95) – Probably the best thing that they sell and it’s the only reason I’d choose Ancheaux’s over Moe’s.
Booze: No
Open Sundays: No
One last thing, I think Willy Mac meant to include this YouTube clip of himself, but he forgot. Thankfully, I’ve gone through the trouble of finding it. If only he had the jorts to finish off the look.