Utes
By the end of the 2005 NBA Draft, one movie scene from My Cousin Vinny (come on, we all saw it) repeated itself in my head over and over again:
The University of Utah Utes made history by producing two number one overall draft picks in the same year... Different sports, of course. Alex Smith graduated in two years and became the first pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, going to San Francisco. Australian-born Andrew Bogut traveled east of the Beehive State for Milwaukee in that aforementioned NBA Draft back in June. Both drafts may turn out to be better known for other players this season (DeMarcus Ware, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Channing Frye, Chris Paul), yet both franchises hope these 'youthes' are centerpieces to restoring their luster.
My, do they have a long way to go.
Alex Smith inherited the greatest fall from grace in recent memory. The 49ers, once the model franchise of sports (yes, even the Yankees would bow down to the class of those Niners), finished 2-14 last season. Even the record was the least of the team's worries as they were expected to be the worst team in the NFL. The team had and still has needs at nearly every position with the exception of linebacker and strong safety, but the number one concern to most media types and many fans was at quarterback. This is a franchise, the first born pro franchise of the Bay Area, that was used to pretty good QBs from Y.A. Tittle to Joe Montana to Steve Young. Can't forget a Pro Bowler in Jeff Garcia. Sure, they had Steve Spurrier, Jim Drunkenmiller, Cade McNown, Steve Bono, Elvis Grbac and a few others who essentially didn't pan out. Smith is supposed to follow the line of success and though it is way too early to place him with the other dubious list, it is hard to dispute that he is a major work-in-progress. Rookie head coach Mike Nolan jettisoned stable, but oft-injured Tim Rattay to Tampa Bay for future draft picks. In addition to other roster moves made by management, they hope to stockpile enough help to allow Smith to overcome this difficult season. He has trouble gripping the ball, which is unusual even as college QBs switch to the larger NFL ball from the near-Nerf like NCAA pigskin. From that, he has fumbled nine times (lost 3), and add to the fact that he has yet to throw a touchdown compared to nine interceptions... this ain't Utah, no 'mo.
He was picked for three reasons: he was much more mobile than the other top QB prospect of last year, Aaron Rodgers; he graduated in two years with an economics degree, many testified to his intelligence; and Matt Leinart stayed in USC for his ringer, sorry, fifth year. The Niners hope that they can put some pieces of the puzzle together through drafting and free agency. The problem with both is that nothing is guaranteed, and with this nightmare fall from grace for the franchise, the only team that will have a greater challenge of attracting talent are the New Orleans Saints. Smith didn't have Utah alum Steve Smith when he and Urban Meyer taunted the collegiate elite, but he made do with those players. What he can do in San Francisco remains to be seen.
Andrew Bogut was heralded as the best big man in the past NBA draft. The number one pick of that draft wasn't a sure thing with most insiders, partially because Milwaukee had questions at several positions. TJ Ford's comeback was uncertain. Keeping Michael Redd was the major priority. Terry Porter was no longer the coach, and the new coach that would be hired (Terry Stotts) would have hoped to bring in players to fit a certain style. Yet, Milwaukee hadn't had a decent big man since drafting some cat names Lew Alcindor. Bogut gave scouts reminiscence of the collegiate Bill Walton with his rebounding prowess and his noteworthy passing skills. They felt that he was cocky, but tough enough to back it up. At training camp, he was solid, but needed a veteran to push him a bit. Enter Jamaal Magloire. Bogut has played at both center and at power forward, averaging 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and just over two assists per contest. And he has a broken nose. So far, the pundits must be happy, despite the Bucks' recent struggles. They started as one of the league's surprises at 4-1, but their poor defense has caught up to them. 12-8 in the Central Division is solid, but if they want to contend, the seven-foot Australian has to play strong defense against the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and Rasheed Wallace. There are several trading deadlines in the NBA and with the possibility that Magloire would be moved, Bogut may shift to his natural position at center--or if Joe Smith is moved, he may remain at PF for the rest of the season. The totality of his talents will be judged at season's end, but unlike his football alum in Frisco, he has a couple of pieces. Ford's comeback has been nothing short of amazing, as he is one of the top PGs in the game. Redd's jumpshot may be the success or failure of the Bucks. Bogut may be judged more as the Bucks enter the middle of the season, where rookies have to adjust to 82 games as opposed to the 35 in college or high school.
What does the team expect from Bogut? They expect him to become the best center in the Eastern Conference as he comes along. With Redd, they are looking for their own version or LeBron James/Zyrundnas Ilgauskas or an updated version of Oscar Roberston/Lew Alcindor. We shall see, of course.
A team invests in a draft pick because they played poorly the season before. Sure, each sport must have a few contenders and pretenders, but when the whipping boys are posting few wins and significant injuries, the draft pick holds the proverbial keys for the future, or in many cases over the years, the title of 'savior'. Just ask Sidney Crosby (who is the real deal, given time). Rarely does a rookie quarterback have grand success as Ben Rothlisberger has experienced and other than Magic Johnson's outstanding rookie season, NBA rookies don't lead teams to championships in their first year on the job. Could one college have hidden the keys to the successes of two professional teams? Maybe, but let the next three years decide if so.
Say What?!?!: The last newsworthy column about Darrell Russell was about his untimely death in a high-speed car crash in Los Angeles. Though he was the number 2 overall pick by Oakland in the 1997 NFL Draft, his career took horrid twist and turns. A two-time Pro Bowler in 1998 and 1999, Russell was suspended three times for violating the league's substance abuse policy and despite his talent, never overcame those struggles. Former teammates in Oakland and Washington reflected on his kind heart and kid-like nature in what seems to be an all too often sad-but-true incident in sports, as well as entertainment. I'm reminded of a similar story dealing with baseball legend Jackie Robinson. It wasn't the pioneer nor his wife that was fighting those demons, but their first son, Jackie Jr. who lost his life in a similar fashion. I bet that you could think of many examples from your own experiences or observations, but no matter what, the common thread is that usually, the person lost is hoping to turn their life around or have been on that path for just s short amount of time. You just hope that Russell and his friend and former USC teammate Michael Bastinellli (the driver), were on that path.
Vinny: Is it possible that the two utes...
Judge Haller: ...Ah, the two what? Uh... uh, what was that word?
Vinny: Uh... what word?
Judge Haller: Two what?
Vinny: What?
Judge Haller: Uh... did you say "utes"?
Vinny: Yeah, two utes.
Judge Haller: What is a ute?
Vinny: Oh, excuse me, Your Honor... two youthes
Judge Haller: ...Ah, the two what? Uh... uh, what was that word?
Vinny: Uh... what word?
Judge Haller: Two what?
Vinny: What?
Judge Haller: Uh... did you say "utes"?
Vinny: Yeah, two utes.
Judge Haller: What is a ute?
Vinny: Oh, excuse me, Your Honor... two youthes
The University of Utah Utes made history by producing two number one overall draft picks in the same year... Different sports, of course. Alex Smith graduated in two years and became the first pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, going to San Francisco. Australian-born Andrew Bogut traveled east of the Beehive State for Milwaukee in that aforementioned NBA Draft back in June. Both drafts may turn out to be better known for other players this season (DeMarcus Ware, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Channing Frye, Chris Paul), yet both franchises hope these 'youthes' are centerpieces to restoring their luster.
My, do they have a long way to go.
Alex Smith inherited the greatest fall from grace in recent memory. The 49ers, once the model franchise of sports (yes, even the Yankees would bow down to the class of those Niners), finished 2-14 last season. Even the record was the least of the team's worries as they were expected to be the worst team in the NFL. The team had and still has needs at nearly every position with the exception of linebacker and strong safety, but the number one concern to most media types and many fans was at quarterback. This is a franchise, the first born pro franchise of the Bay Area, that was used to pretty good QBs from Y.A. Tittle to Joe Montana to Steve Young. Can't forget a Pro Bowler in Jeff Garcia. Sure, they had Steve Spurrier, Jim Drunkenmiller, Cade McNown, Steve Bono, Elvis Grbac and a few others who essentially didn't pan out. Smith is supposed to follow the line of success and though it is way too early to place him with the other dubious list, it is hard to dispute that he is a major work-in-progress. Rookie head coach Mike Nolan jettisoned stable, but oft-injured Tim Rattay to Tampa Bay for future draft picks. In addition to other roster moves made by management, they hope to stockpile enough help to allow Smith to overcome this difficult season. He has trouble gripping the ball, which is unusual even as college QBs switch to the larger NFL ball from the near-Nerf like NCAA pigskin. From that, he has fumbled nine times (lost 3), and add to the fact that he has yet to throw a touchdown compared to nine interceptions... this ain't Utah, no 'mo.
He was picked for three reasons: he was much more mobile than the other top QB prospect of last year, Aaron Rodgers; he graduated in two years with an economics degree, many testified to his intelligence; and Matt Leinart stayed in USC for his ringer, sorry, fifth year. The Niners hope that they can put some pieces of the puzzle together through drafting and free agency. The problem with both is that nothing is guaranteed, and with this nightmare fall from grace for the franchise, the only team that will have a greater challenge of attracting talent are the New Orleans Saints. Smith didn't have Utah alum Steve Smith when he and Urban Meyer taunted the collegiate elite, but he made do with those players. What he can do in San Francisco remains to be seen.
Andrew Bogut was heralded as the best big man in the past NBA draft. The number one pick of that draft wasn't a sure thing with most insiders, partially because Milwaukee had questions at several positions. TJ Ford's comeback was uncertain. Keeping Michael Redd was the major priority. Terry Porter was no longer the coach, and the new coach that would be hired (Terry Stotts) would have hoped to bring in players to fit a certain style. Yet, Milwaukee hadn't had a decent big man since drafting some cat names Lew Alcindor. Bogut gave scouts reminiscence of the collegiate Bill Walton with his rebounding prowess and his noteworthy passing skills. They felt that he was cocky, but tough enough to back it up. At training camp, he was solid, but needed a veteran to push him a bit. Enter Jamaal Magloire. Bogut has played at both center and at power forward, averaging 8.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and just over two assists per contest. And he has a broken nose. So far, the pundits must be happy, despite the Bucks' recent struggles. They started as one of the league's surprises at 4-1, but their poor defense has caught up to them. 12-8 in the Central Division is solid, but if they want to contend, the seven-foot Australian has to play strong defense against the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and Rasheed Wallace. There are several trading deadlines in the NBA and with the possibility that Magloire would be moved, Bogut may shift to his natural position at center--or if Joe Smith is moved, he may remain at PF for the rest of the season. The totality of his talents will be judged at season's end, but unlike his football alum in Frisco, he has a couple of pieces. Ford's comeback has been nothing short of amazing, as he is one of the top PGs in the game. Redd's jumpshot may be the success or failure of the Bucks. Bogut may be judged more as the Bucks enter the middle of the season, where rookies have to adjust to 82 games as opposed to the 35 in college or high school.
What does the team expect from Bogut? They expect him to become the best center in the Eastern Conference as he comes along. With Redd, they are looking for their own version or LeBron James/Zyrundnas Ilgauskas or an updated version of Oscar Roberston/Lew Alcindor. We shall see, of course.
A team invests in a draft pick because they played poorly the season before. Sure, each sport must have a few contenders and pretenders, but when the whipping boys are posting few wins and significant injuries, the draft pick holds the proverbial keys for the future, or in many cases over the years, the title of 'savior'. Just ask Sidney Crosby (who is the real deal, given time). Rarely does a rookie quarterback have grand success as Ben Rothlisberger has experienced and other than Magic Johnson's outstanding rookie season, NBA rookies don't lead teams to championships in their first year on the job. Could one college have hidden the keys to the successes of two professional teams? Maybe, but let the next three years decide if so.
Say What?!?!: The last newsworthy column about Darrell Russell was about his untimely death in a high-speed car crash in Los Angeles. Though he was the number 2 overall pick by Oakland in the 1997 NFL Draft, his career took horrid twist and turns. A two-time Pro Bowler in 1998 and 1999, Russell was suspended three times for violating the league's substance abuse policy and despite his talent, never overcame those struggles. Former teammates in Oakland and Washington reflected on his kind heart and kid-like nature in what seems to be an all too often sad-but-true incident in sports, as well as entertainment. I'm reminded of a similar story dealing with baseball legend Jackie Robinson. It wasn't the pioneer nor his wife that was fighting those demons, but their first son, Jackie Jr. who lost his life in a similar fashion. I bet that you could think of many examples from your own experiences or observations, but no matter what, the common thread is that usually, the person lost is hoping to turn their life around or have been on that path for just s short amount of time. You just hope that Russell and his friend and former USC teammate Michael Bastinellli (the driver), were on that path.
posted by Jason Clinkscales @ 8:00 PM
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