Aug

31

Trail Blazers Set Up Scholarship Fund In Duckworth’s Memory

Filed Under NBA Off The Court Issues | Leave a Comment

The Portland Trail Blazers will celebrate and honor the life and career of former center Kevin Duckworth by setting up a scholarship in his name. The team announced on it’s website Saturday the establishment of the Kevin Duckworth Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Trail Blazers in a partnership with The Oregon Community Foundation have set up the scholarship for needy students in the Oregon and Southwest area of Washington State. The team describes the scholarship as a vehicle that “incorporates Duck’s passions; athletics and the outdoors, offering education and training opportunities for under served youth in the areas of athletics, physical education, wildlife studies, fish and wildlife management and trades involving wood or iron works. Scholarships will be earmarked for individuals who meet state poverty guidelines and are looking to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities and training.”

Duckworth passed away Monday as a result of congestive heart failure at the age of just 44 years old. He was on a promotional tour of the state for the team conducting a series of free basketball clinics when he died. Portland Team President Larry Miller said “Kevin left behind a legacy of generosity. This scholarship honors that legacy by allowing Kevin to continue to better the lives of people in our community for many years to come. Establishing this fund right away allows us to accommodate the requests of the many fans who are wondering what they can do as a remembrance on Kevin’s behalf. At the same time, we are continuing to explore other appropriate ways to honor Kevin next year and beyond.”

If you wish to contribute to help fund the scholarship you can send a tax-deductible donation to:
OCF’s Kevin Duckworth Memorial Scholarship Fund
1221 SW Yamhill St., Suite 100
Portland, OR 97205

You can also find out more information by contacting The Oregon Community Foundation at http://www.ocf1.org.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net


Aug

30

Rockets Hayes Undergoes Nose Surgery

Filed Under NBA Injuries | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Saturday that Houston Rockets reserve forward Chuck Hayes underwent surgery to repair a broken nose. The surgery was performed on Thursday, on the Rockets player who completed his third campaign in the Association this past season. Hayes broke his nose during a morning workout, the Rockets have not announced if this will interfere with Hayes being ready for training camp.  The Houston power forward who is best known for his rebounding skills saw his numbers take a dip last season. Hayes averaged 5.6 points, 6.7 rebounds per game in 2006-2007, however he averaged only 3.0 points, 5.4 rebounds per contest this past season. 

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Aug

30

Deng Will Play For Great Britain In Euro Championship Series

Filed Under Euro-League | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Saturday that Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng will be on the team from Great Britain that will play in the European Championship qualifying games starting next week. Great Britain will face Israel in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, and then take on the Czech Republic next Saturday, in a game to be played in London. Getting Deng was costly for the British though, as they had to get extra insurance for the player in order for the NBA to give it’s permission. British Basketball performance director Chris Spice (is this basketball, or the ballet?) could not understand why the NBA demanded the extra coverage. Chris, it probably had a bit to do with the fact that Deng just signed a long term deal with the Bulls reportedly worth up to $80 million. Deng was born in the Sudan but came to London as a child to escape the violence.

 © Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Aug

30

Memphis Signs Iranian Center Hamed Ehadadi

Filed Under NBA Free Agents | Leave a Comment

It looks like what he did in the Olympics, was enough to impress at least one NBA team. The “Associated Press” reported Friday that the Memphis Grizzlies have signed Iranian center Hamed Ehadadi to a contract. Terms of the deal were not released. Ehadadi was the center for the Iranian National team that competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is 7′2” 254, and played last season Saba Battery BC, a franchise in the Iranian Super League. Ehadadi had an impressive performance in the game against Argentina despite his team losing the game 97-82. Ehadadi recorded a double-double scoring 21 points, and pulling down a game high 16 boards.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Aug

30

Ewing-Knicks The Sequel; Patrick Jr. Traded To New York

Filed Under NBA Trades | Leave a Comment

I would imagine it would be tough for any son to follow their father into a profession, in which dad was successful. The pressure would probably be extraordinary if your father was chosen to be one of fifty deemed greatest in their craft in all of history. Not to mention your father is being inducted into the Hall of Fame of that profession next week. Now imagine you are going to work in the same building that your dad had his greatest glory, and oh yeah there will be thousands of people watching your every move. Meet Patrick Ewing Jr. newest member of the New York Knicks.

The “Associated Press” reported Friday that the Knicks have received Ewing from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to center Frederic Weiss. Ewing is now with his third NBA team, since being drafted in June. He was a second round pick by the Sacramento Kings, and was traded along with Ron Artest to Houston earlier this month. Patrick Jr. is a 6′8” forward, unlike his dad who of course was a center. Ewing told reporters he is excited by the thought of playing for New York. Ewing said “Coming to the Knicks, and hopefully being able to contribute, means a lot to me. It has always been my dream to play for this team. My goal is to show the coaches that I can play and do all that I can to help the team win some games.”

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net


Aug

30

ESPN: Stein On Impact Of Ginobili’s Injury

Filed Under ESPN Commentary, NBA Injuries | Leave a Comment




Aug

29

Manu To Have Surgery On Left Ankle

Filed Under NBA Injuries, SDC COMMENTARY | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Friday that San Antonio Spurs All-Star guard Manu Ginobili will undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to repair damage in his left ankle. Ginobili was taken out of the contest between Team USA and Argentina in the first quarter of their game last Friday after re-injuring the ankle. He first hurt himself during the NBA Playoffs and was not at full strength against the Lakers in the NBA Western Conference Finals. Ginobili who had a MRI earlier this week in San Antonio told Argentinian newspaper “La Nacion” that he would undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament. The Spurs have confirmed the surgery would take place, but had no other comments on the matter. The team will not even begin to set a timeline on Ginobili’s return until after the procedure is completed.

According to reports the MRI showed that the ankle was no better, or worse than it was after Ginobili first injured himself. It will be interesting to see if the operation damages the relationship between the NBA Sixth Man Award winner, and Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Reports out of San Antonio are that Popovich “strongly urged” Manu not to play in the Beijing Olympics unless the ankle was healed. Argentina won the Olympic Gold Medal in 2004, there was no way Ginobili was going to sit out the Olympics. This is far different than Monta Ellis hurting himself in a pick-up game in Mississippi, this was for national pride. No matter how perturbed Popovich may be at the timing, surely he can not fault Ginobili for his intentions. He put his country’s interests before his own!  We need more people in the USA to feel that way.

 © Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

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