tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71582457612802412412024-03-13T20:18:45.264-07:00Off the Sideline - A Blog by Rebecca HaarlowRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-2565010249933220292009-07-13T14:45:00.000-07:002009-07-16T14:48:39.567-07:00Rebecca Haarlow's Sports Broadcast CampI’m very excited to announce Rebecca Haarlow’s Sports Broadcast Camp. Ever since I embarked upon a career in sports journalism, it has been a goal of mine to teach future broadcasters and hosts for two reasons: there is a lack of training geared specifically to sports broadcasters and even fewer television studios available for proper education. <br /> <br />After I graduated from Princeton University, I was trying to gain experience in sports broadcasting and noticed a lack of training available for people breaking into the business. There are plenty of weekend seminars offered for news anchors and reporters, but not many that cater to sports journalists, even though there are many people who pursue the career. <br /> <br />Not only is there a lack of options specific to sports broadcasters, but it is also very difficult to find a place to train properly. Not many students have access to teleprompters, studios, professional cameras and other equipment required not only to learn and practice, but also build resume tapes needed to ultimately score a job.<br /> <br />In an effort to fill these voids, Rebecca Haarlow’s Sports Broadcast Camp is geared toward sports journalists specifically and will also be taught in the Portland Trail Blazers game day studios, giving students the opportunity to learn the business and walk away with reel segments and on-camera experiences to build resumes. In addition, local professionals, as well as different Blazers broadcasters and producers, will be on hand to teach different elements of the business. The goal is to give students hands-on experience and training in all aspects of sports broadcasting. What’s it like to be a sports broadcaster? How can you answer that unless you have spent time in a live studio with the cameras rolling? Rebecca Haarlow’s Sports Broadcast Camp gives students that opportunity. <br /><br />Sports broadcasting requires a specific set of skills. Camp will focus on analyzing and breaking down an NBA game, learning the keys to a successful standup, anchor copy, and working with a co-host, all while incorporating personality. Class sizes are limited so students will have the opportunity to spend plenty of time in front of the camera, gaining as much experience as possible in all areas of broadcasting.<br /> <br />In conjunction with the spirit of the Trail Blazers efforts to “Make It Better”, Rebecca Haarlow’s Sports Broadcast Camp will also offer free seminars to various local Portland area schools with students in need. I think it’s important to reach into the community an offer this opportunity to anyone who aspires to become a sports broadcaster. For more information or to sign-up for camp, log onto www.rebeccahaarlow.com and click on “sports broadcast camp”.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-10982510882280402002009-04-17T19:20:00.000-07:002009-04-17T23:21:22.294-07:00Barrett & Haarlow: Inside Practice<object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=807 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=807 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-77504801345241422052009-04-16T23:14:00.000-07:002009-04-17T00:15:44.568-07:00The Natural Talks 2009 Playoffs!!<object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=803 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=803 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-84679336818369846542009-04-10T23:18:00.000-07:002009-04-11T12:19:23.572-07:00Lamarcus Corner: Blazers beat Lakers UH-Gain!! <object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=790 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=790 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-63244065838990103422009-03-26T19:40:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:45:19.165-07:00Behind the Scenes: Adopt a Trail Blazer!<object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=785 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=785 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-65343066772702868842009-03-25T17:09:00.000-07:002009-03-25T17:13:44.916-07:00Adopt a Trail Blazer at OHSLast night was the first annual "Adopt A Trail Blazer" event in which a dog, cat or a rabbit was named after every Trail Blazer player and broadcaster. Lots of Blazers fans came out and showed there support... 5 animals and counting have already found new homes! A BIG THANKS to everyone who made this event a success.<br /><br />From Oregon Live: <br /><br /> http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2009/03/_jacques_von_lunenspecial_to.html<br /><br /><object height="264" width="320"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.katu.com/v/?i=41804352" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.katu.com/v/?i=41804352" AllowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" height="264" wmode="transparent" width="320"></embed></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-91725262053821552009-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:002009-03-23T16:00:36.670-07:00Adopt A Trail Blazer!!* Meet players and pets that have great game. Take one home and get a signing bonus! *<br /><br /><br />March 24, 2009<br /><br /><br />ADOPT A TRAIL BLAZER FROM OHS!!<br /><br /><br />These pets may not be able to dunk a basketball or shoot a three-pointer, but they are full of heart, ready to play, and come with a great signing bonus. That's why the Portland Trail Blazers will be celebrating "Team OHS" at a special free-agent adoption event this month. <br /><br />Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla and guard Steve Blake will be at OHS on March 24th to help find permanent family teams for animals named after Trail Blazer players.<br /><br />The public is invited to OHS to meet Przybilla, Blake and the starting lineup of Team OHS. Trail Blazers TV broadcasters Mike Barrett and Rebecca Haarlow will be on hand to announce the starting lineup of furry four-legged friends, including Oden, a big, loveable Labrador mix who is sure to be a hit with fans. Every dog, cat and rabbit named after a Blazer player comes with a special signing bonus: a gift bag of Blazer and OHS goodies to sweeten the adoption deal.<br /><br />“These animals are amazing. They always give you everything they’ve got,” said Trail Blazer guard Steve Blake. “Once you see the spirit of these pets, you’ll want to take them home,” added courtside reporter Haarlow.<br /><br />OHS will have “tryout” rooms ready that the public can use to see how well their new power player can fetch a toy, roll over, or curl up in their lap and purr.<br /><br /><br />When: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 - 7:30 pm<br /><br />Where: Oregon Humane Society, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland OR 97211<br /><br />What: Trail Blazers players Joel Przybilla and Steve Blake, plus broadcasters Mike Barrett and Rebecca Haarlow, oversee a special free-agent draft of “Team OHS." The public is invited to adopt animals named after Blazer players.<br /><br />Cost: Free<br /><br />For more info: Contact OHS at (503) 285-7722; www.oregonhumane.org<br /><br /> <br /><br /># # #<br /><br /> <br /><br />Celebrating 140 years of service, the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to helping animals and people. Last year, over 9,000 animals were adopted through OHS, more than 930 reports of animal abuse and neglect were investigated, and almost 20,000 children were taught humane education. Visit us at www.oregonhumane.orgRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-12270117620871609952009-03-13T23:14:00.000-07:002009-03-14T00:16:12.392-07:00Michael Jordan Says, Nic Batum = Scottie Pippen<object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=750 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=750 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-5369896560344434002009-03-09T22:57:00.000-07:002009-03-11T22:58:10.497-07:00Outlaw Dishes on Defeating the Lakers! <object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=737 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=737 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-67870210102709025712009-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:002009-03-11T22:55:29.480-07:00LaMarcus Corner: Blazers beat Spurs! <object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=717 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=717 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-34384305213291900342009-02-20T22:45:00.000-08:002009-03-11T23:01:05.919-07:00Outlaw & Co Beat Hawks!<object classid=clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000 codebase=http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0 width=430 height=400 id=embeddable_player><param name=allowFullScreen value=true /><param name=movie value=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf /><param name=quality value=high /><param name=bgcolor value=#000000 /><param name=FlashVars value=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=700 /><embed src=http://www.nba.com/media/blazers/g.swf quality=high bgcolor=#000000 width=430 height=400 name=embeddable_player align=middle allowScriptAccess=sameDomain allowFullScreen=true type=application/x-shockwave-flash pluginspage=http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer flashvars=xmlfile=http://images.trailblazers.com/ssp_director/images.php?album=700 /></object>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-46887607919282706162009-02-03T01:01:00.000-08:002009-02-03T18:11:29.995-08:00Never Underestimate the Power of Attitude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SYj5RbK1RHI/AAAAAAAAAC8/dAHitws2axs/s1600-h/b7dc49f1-32a3-4519-9cda-9638181d01ec_thumbnail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 128px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SYj5RbK1RHI/AAAAAAAAAC8/dAHitws2axs/s400/b7dc49f1-32a3-4519-9cda-9638181d01ec_thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298759039347672178" /></a><br />When Chris Paul went down with 1:13 remaining in the third quarter, the Hornets were still pretty comfortable with their 72-55 lead. The Blazers had another ending in mind. After the game, Brandon Roy said, “As soon as Paul went down, I said we’re gonna come back.” There were no “ifs” or “maybes” about it. Over the next seven minutes, the Blazers went on a 26-7 run, ignited by Jerryd Bayless, who is no stranger to taking advantage of opportunities with aggressive play. Ultimately outscoring the Hornets 38-15 in the fourth quarter, Portland evened the season series with a 97 to 89 win. <br /><br />A lot can be learned from the game tonight. The Blazers win puts the team back at 500 on the road (12-12), which is one of Nate McMillan’s goals for the road trip. It also puts Portland in sole possession of that highly coveted fourth place spot in the Western Conference (think home court advantage). Beyond standings and records, the Blazers can also chalk this one up to experience which they can draw on down the stretch of the season as pressure steadily intensifies. So as I made my way to the locker room, I had one question in mind. What did the Blazers learn from this game that will ultimately make them a better team? <br /><br />As always, first up is Nate McMillan. “We’re trying to become a better road team and we didn’t have our fans. Our fans have been great at home at helping us make runs like this. This is about growing up and maturing and learning how to do it amongst yourselves – the 12 players and the coaches on the road. Tonight the bench was involved in the game and we had guys we needed to get a lift from, and we got that lift.” The Blazers bench chipped in for 52 points, more than half the overall total, led by Bayless with 19, Travis Outlaw with 16 and Rudy Fernandez with 15. <br /> <br />In the locker room, I checked in with LaMarcus Aldridge who was equally excited about the win and notion of jumping on the plane and heading home to Dallas. According to LaMarcus, who finished the night with 22 points and 11 rebounds, “I think we waited too long to start playing and I think when we actually started playing it was kinda late, but then Jerryd came in and got a couple steals and things changed for us.” Recognizing that he’d like his team to get off to better starts, he also learned that a rally against a top team in the West “gives us motivation because it tells us we can beat these good teams even when we get down. It was good to get this win.” <br /><br />From one captain to the next, Roy who learned once again that his teammates can capitalize offensively when he commands that much of an opposing defense, said, “I think we just got to take from this that you can never quit. Anything can happen in a 48-minute game. Unfortunately they had to lose Chris Paul, but sometimes that’s what you need. Everybody’s getting breaks, everyone’s kinda banged up right now. We just gotta keep playing, and keep scrapping. This is a huge win for us. It puts us at 30 wins before the all-star break.” <br /><br />My take? New Orleans struggles to maintain an offensive flow without Chris Paul. Conversely, Portland's depth absorbed an off night for Roy (6 points on 2-10 shooting), while still fighting from 20 down in the 3rd to beat a top team on the road. But, I like Outlaw’s take away the best. As he respectfully closed up shop in the locker room, he said with an attitude that was both confident and humble, “It means a lot. We’re definitely shaping up to look like a playoff team.” Attitude won this game.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-5673330203779856832009-01-16T11:00:00.000-08:002009-01-16T22:05:09.648-08:00Bayless Reveals Character<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXF0eZ6bkWI/AAAAAAAAAB8/FtGhk3K-WrE/s1600-h/bay+layin_blazers_nets.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXF0eZ6bkWI/AAAAAAAAAB8/FtGhk3K-WrE/s320/bay+layin_blazers_nets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292139102837903714" /></a><br /><br />“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” - John Wooden<br /><br />In the Trail Blazers 105-99 come back win against the Nets last night, Jerryd Bayless revealed so much more than his 23 points on 67% shooting and 11 for 11 effort at the line. In his post-game interview, on a night that Jerryd proved to the world that he’s got game, he modestly told me, “I got it going a little bit tonight, so it’s alright.” Talk about an understatement. Talk about an athlete who’s character drives him to practice up to three times a day. And talk about a teammate who, rather than taking credit for his game, said, “We’re missing Steve right now and he’s one of the leaders of this team, so we needed to come in here and get this win.” <br /><br />So as I worked my way through post-game coverage, I decided that I would let Jerryd’s coach and teammates do the bragging for him. First up, it’s X’s & O’s with Nate McMillan. When asked how he would describe the rookie’s game, he said, “Aggressive. We needed aggressive play, we wanted guys attacking the basket. I thought Jerryd did a nice job going to the basket, getting to the free throw line. Late in the game, he did a nice job defending Harris, who is one of the fastest guys in the league, staying in front of him and making him shoot over the top.” It was Jerryd’s ‘aggressive’ play in the third quarter was the catalyst that dug the Blazers out of 21-point deficit to win the game.<br /><br />After the press conference, it was into the tiny locker room, full of light-hearted Blazers. In typical fashion, there was an army of media around Greg Oden, who was happy to transfer the attention to his fellow rookie. As Jerryd walked back to his locker, Oden raised his voice and said to him with a huge grin, “It was a nice little dunky, dunk…you know you can smile,” ribbing Jerryd for his serious demeanor. <br /><br />But then Oden went on talking about Jerryd’s game. “It was good, especially in a game like this where we really needed him to come in a produce like he did. For that to happen and for us to get the victory, knowing that we were behind, it’s that much better.”<br /><br />On the other side of the locker room, Brandon Roy, who finished the game with another all-star performance and 29 points, also reveled in Jerryd’s game and it’s effect on the team. He smiled, “That was a huge game for him. I’ve been waiting for that, for him. He’s the first guy in the gym and the last guy out and it paid off tonight. He was aggressive and once he gets comfortable, man we’re going to be dangerous. He’s tough going to the basket and he really opens up the floor, so as he gets more and more confidence we’re going to be really tough,”<br /><br />And, according to Brandon, the Roy-Bayless combo can be deadly. “We put so much pressure on the defense. Most of the time my man’s not going to leave, so he gets more space when he goes to the basket. When I have the ball, it’s dangerous, because you don’t want to leave him either. As you saw tonight, if he’s that guy who I kick it to, he’s that guy who can get to basket and dunk…we’re a tough team to defend.”<br /><br />After Jerryd’s enormous career night, he left the game as modestly as he arrived. On the bus towards the airport, you could tell Jerryd – headphones in tact – was already focused on the next game. According to him, “Now we’ve got to start looking forward to Charlotte.” Talk about an athlete who revealed so much character, by saying so little.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-34033697179651493362008-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:002009-01-16T23:32:13.356-08:00A Genius Moment with Dr. Jack Ramsay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXGIV3bdM2I/AAAAAAAAACs/a5O58Q88xN8/s1600-h/images-2.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 113px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXGIV3bdM2I/AAAAAAAAACs/a5O58Q88xN8/s400/images-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292160946374783842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXGIVjhmS4I/AAAAAAAAACk/NGJf7jUS7jY/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 80px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXGIVjhmS4I/AAAAAAAAACk/NGJf7jUS7jY/s400/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292160941031836546" /></a><br /><br />As I stood with executive producer Scott Zachry conducting a rare interview before the Utah game, I had to stop and catch my breath for a moment as I realized how fortunate I was to be in the presence of a Trail Blazers coaching legend and Hall of Famer, Jack Ramsay. The man who once defined basketball as “a graceful sweep and flow of patterned movement, counterpointed by daring and imaginative flights of solitary brilliance” is just as eloquent, dynamic and commanding today as he was when he led the 1977 World Champion Trail Blazers to the only title in team history. <br /><br />After Ramsay fondly described Bobby Gross as a player who “never asked for a big shot but always delivered” and Terry Porter as an “unselfish, team dedicated guy” who was “meant to be a coach”, the conversation turned to his thoughts on the current Trail Blazers. Clearly still an avid fan, Ramsay said, “It’s a young team, a highly skilled team and they’re still developing…I like the direction, I like the leadership that Nate and his staff has given this team. I like everything about it really. They are clutch, tenacious, and they are a team. The skies the limit.” <br /><br />Without missing a beat, Ramsay grew much more specific describing Portland’s All-Star. “Brandon Roy is a special player. I noticed in his game this year, he’s taking the ball to the basket and finishing better this season. He said that’s what he worked on over the summer and it makes him so difficult to play. So now he finishes with his left hand as well as his right.” Three points Ramsay for being able to point out a detail that has won a number of games for the Blazers this season. He is just as sharp and insightful today as he was when he coached the team 32 years ago, and he certainly commands the same presence. So much so that Shavlik Randolph, who was working out nearby stopped to listen to his wisdom and later called the moment “moving.” I would definitely agree. <br /><br />Before he left to assume his radio position for ESPN, I had to ask the original Confucius (with all due respect to my partner Mike Rice) one more question. What’s the Blazers’ X-factor?<br /><br />He pondered and slowly smiled as he said, “Their team awareness. They have bought into coach Nate McMillan’s team game 100%. The fact that there are a lot of capable players on this team is only an asset if those players accept their roles. So when I watch the Trail Blazers play, the starters come out of the game without looking at the clock or without looking at the coach. They know they are going to come out. The reserves know they are going to get in the game and when, and for generally for how long and they all accept that.”<br /><br />As I thanked him, one word came to mind. Genius. I have no doubt why this man led his team to a championship.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-61537702210173820542008-11-30T22:49:00.000-08:002008-12-30T15:24:28.963-08:00Double Props for Aldridge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SVl0epEw71I/AAAAAAAAABk/1ONCJ0lOTPE/s1600-h/Stuck+On+the+Plane.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SVl0epEw71I/AAAAAAAAABk/1ONCJ0lOTPE/s320/Stuck+On+the+Plane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285383707466723154" /></a><br />November 30, 2008:<br /><br />The Blazers, coaches and broadcasters have been stuck on the team plane in Detroit for the past 3 hours waiting for the weather to clear so we can fly to New York. Still with plenty of time on my hands after wearing down my cell phone battery, eating my second meal out of boredom, and taking some serious grief from Ricey about my “far-too-large-handbag”, I turned my attention to work. I realized that for the second time this season, one of the best veterans in the NBA gave props to LaMarcus Aldridge’s game. Here’s how the story unfolds: <br /><br />Before the season started San Antonio’s Bruce Bowen said Aldridge was the one player in the Western Conference most likely to have a breakout year. And now before the Blazers battled the Pistons in Auburn Hills, it’s Rasheed Wallace. When asked about the matchup between the two players, Detroit Head Coach Michael Curry said, “Sheed really likes Aldridge. He thinks he’s got great footwork, plays both ends of the court and scores inside and out. He’s a young guy with the total package and you know if Sheed is even talking about him, he’s got to be pretty good.” <br /><br />Ever since Wallace left Portland and Aldridge came in, the two have been coined “Big Sheed” and “Little Sheed” for their effortless high-release jumpers that are nearly impossible to block. <br /><br />I caught up with LA post free throws that he always shoots last in warm-ups, and asked what it means to have yet another veteran respect his game. He said, “It’s an honor. When I was in college, I watched film on him (Wallace) when he played in Portland. He has that high release and gets to the baseline so I tried to model my game after him.”<br /><br />By the end of the first quarter, the score was 25 to 13 Blazers with 13 of those points belonging to Aldridge on 6 for 8 shooting while Wallace was 0 for 2. After the game, with one win down and four to go on this five-game road swing, the Blazers shot 52.2%, with LaMarcus leading the team with 27 points. And in the locker room after the contest, despite the fact that LA was the dominant 4-man in the game, Aldridge said he didn’t mind the moniker “Little Sheed” because “He’s a great player, a hall of famer…he’s one of the best big shooters around, so I don’t mind the comparison.” <br /><br />Complete with a humble attitude, Aldridge’s game continues to grow and it is being noticed by proven veterans around the league...and beyond. Just like he watched Wallace in college, I’m sure there are plenty of “Little LA’s” out there who are now trying to emulate Aldridge’s game too. <br /><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-89117759940473832802008-11-13T07:09:00.000-08:002009-01-16T22:11:15.127-08:00Silence Is Golden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXF2dHEWRjI/AAAAAAAAACM/ihL5Gpf3TeI/s1600-h/Orlando%2BMagic%2Bv%2BPortland%2BTrail%2BBlazers%2BdsBF4r47Ucsl.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SXF2dHEWRjI/AAAAAAAAACM/ihL5Gpf3TeI/s320/Orlando%2BMagic%2Bv%2BPortland%2BTrail%2BBlazers%2BdsBF4r47Ucsl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292141279622612530" /></a><br /><br />On the bus from the plane to the hotel in New Orleans, Mike Rice leaned over to me and said “It sounds like a loss”, despite the fact Portland had beaten Miami earlier that night for their second straight road win. Last season, the silence he was describing came after a tough loss, when no one is in the mood to talk, especially as the clock slowly moves somewhere between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m. and the team is still traveling to the next city for the next game. Tonight, as the deep backcourt combined for 60 points, the silence is more like mission accomplished. The Blazers arrived in Miami, played hard, won the game and left, exactly as planned. <br /><br />The good news is that team’s attitude is not cocky, but confident. Summing up the night, Brandon Roy said, “It feels good to get a road win, we’re playing some good teams, but we expect to win.” The great news is that the Blazers confidence is steadily growing and it’s apparent on this first long road trip of the season. Some of their confidence stems from racking up W’s on the road, but it’s also a growing sense of trust and expectations developing on the team.<br /><br />After Travis Outlaw’s performance in Orlando two nights earlier, which sealed the first road win of the season for the second year in a row, Roy said, “I tell Travis everyday that ‘you having a good game is not good game, that’s standard for us now. We need you to be good off the bench every night.’ He understands that and he’s shooting the ball lights out right now.” <br /><br />Outlaw defers and gives credit for his success to his teammates for getting him “open looks”. He went on, “Everybody stepped up, it wasn’t just me… LA did a nice job down low, Channing came in and hit some shots, Rudy did really well, it wasn’t just me.” <br /><br />Combine a deep lineup with the team’s trust and unselfish respect for each other’s skills, and you have a Blazers squad that knows they will win games collectively. According to Channing Frye, “Everybody steps up, man to get these wins. With this team, you never know what’s going to happen with the minutes, but everybody has to be ready….my first three shots didn’t go in (in Orlando), and last year I would have been trippin, but now it’s like my number is called and I can go out there and do what Joel does and if its not my night (offensively) Brandon and Lamarcus and Steve will step up, so it’s like ‘what can I do to get this team going and create space and do something other than score.’”<br /><br />At the root of their confidence is trust. Frye remarked, “I trust them a lot and they trust me that I’m going to make and unselfish decisions.” LaMarcus Aldridge agrees, “If we stick together, anything can happen…I think everybody can make big shots and it shows we have a total team.”<br /><br />Sometimes, silence is golden.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-58718772539952704052008-11-07T16:34:00.000-08:002008-12-30T15:24:28.974-08:00Is 41 Wins a Magic Number?November 7, 2008<br /><br />In 2005-2006, the Utah Jazz won 41 games, barely missing the playoffs. A season later they went to the Western Conference Finals, losing to the San Antonio Spurs, who ultimately became the 2007 NBA champs. <br /><br />41 wins sound familiar? Last night in Utah, Coach Nate McMillan was asked whether his Blazers’ squad, fresh off the same 41 wins last season had the juice to make the same leap as the Jazz. McMillan laughed, “I hope so. I certainly hope so,” And then he added more seriously, “It’s a long season. I don’t think at that time the West was as deep or talented as it is right now. That’s so far ahead, but if it happens hallelujah! Right now we’re just trying to get better and figure out how to compete in the West.” <br /><br />Minutes later I posed the same question to Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan who didn’t make any predictions, but had encouraging words about the Blazers. The ever classy and stoic Sloan said, “They have a terrific team. They‘ve got the whole package. Young players, size, big people, guys who can shoot the ball and they’re very well coached. We were lucky to beat them one time last year.”<br /><br />Utah edged out Portland 103 to 96 in the final minute of the game, but the next time these teams face each other in Utah on December 11, the Blazers will be ready for a rematch. And who knows, maybe they will square off with the Jazz in the 2009 Western Conference Finals. After all, 41-41 teams have done it before. <br /><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-4744995162545504422008-10-24T16:01:00.000-07:002008-12-30T15:24:28.980-08:00October PreviewsOctober 24, 2008<br /><br />Preseason in the NBA is like previews at a movie theater. Coaches get a glimpse of what’s to come before the main attraction starts. A month ago, I asked Nate McMillan what he was looking for throughout exhibition play and his response was twofold; he wanted to evaluate the Blazers’ Inside Out game and condition a defensive mindset. <br /><br />Seven pre-season games and four wins later, with a Trail Blazers squad more ready than ever to start the regular season, I asked McMillan to evaluate October previews. Starting with offense, he said, “Teams have given us different looks. We still have to learn to play off each other in terms of spacing, where to go, and reacting to teams when we drop the ball inside. It’s an adjustment for LaMarcus. Last year he was pretty much the only guy who was double-teamed in the post, so he played with the ball. This year, with Greg inside, LaMarcus needs to learn to play off the ball and where to rotate.” <br /><br />The developing game in the paint is a great step forward for a team that, last season, won or lost games based on perimeter shooting. McMillan is happy to have options in the paint, claiming, “The fact is, we can go down there to several guys, Greg, LaMarcus, Brandon, Travis. If they are going to give us single coverage, we like that. If they are going to double, we’ll have to learn to read and react.” <br /><br />On the other side of the ball, McMillan believes his team has the skills to make stops, but simply needs a few more reps. He said, “We’re making the effort, but we’re not consistent with it. And the reason for that is that they aren’t conditioned to it. We have to keep conditioning ourselves to play aggressive defense - good weakside help and finishing the play with a rebound. They’re offensive minded guys and the effort is there, but sometimes you revert back to old habits…Those habits will come as we play games.” <br /><br />Overall, McMillan is encouraged by the way October unfolded. “It was a good training camp,” said McMillan. “We got our work in, we’ve come out of camp healthy, everyone is ready to go and you can’t ask for more than that.” <br /><br />Here’s a quick look at some of the preseason stats: The Blazers averaged 96.4 points per game on 47.1% field goal shooting, while conversely holding opponents to 91 points per game on 43.7% field goal shooting. My favorite stat of preseason play falls under hustle. The Blazers ranked 1st in the NBA in offensive boards, grabbing 33.2% of their missed shots, putting themselves in position to earn a significant number of second chance points. If the previews are any indication of the main attraction, the Blazers might be on their way to Four Stars. <br /><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-77439539410176362082008-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:002008-12-30T15:24:28.987-08:00Blazers' Depth & DimesOctober 8, 2008:<br /><br />In a rare moment when a Blazer’s game isn’t on TV, I get the privilege of being a fan, watching the game from seats in an entirely sold out Rose Garden. At the first pre-season game of the year against the Sacramento Kings, I found myself in awe of the Blazers’ depth as TV analyst Mike Rice and I watched the game (and he yelled at the refs). Coach Nate McMillan used 8 different players in 12 different rotations at the 1, 2, 3 spots alone. That’s unbelievable considering a lot of teams use an 8-man rotation total. Of course a lot of that has to do with the fact that it’s pre-season. McMillan will tinker with the lineup all month long. But, there’s more to it. <br /><br />McMillan has the luxury of doing a double take on the perimeter anytime he wants this season. Think about the guards: Olympic Silver Medalist Rudy Fernandez is a shooting guard who can play point or small forward; Olympic Select Jerryd Bayless is a point guard who can play shooting guard; All-Star Brandon Roy plays shooting guard, point and small forward. Plus, starting point guard Steve Blake owns one of the best assist to turnover ratios in the league. Now consider the 3: Martell Webster stretches any defense with his long shot, Travis Outlaw provides fire power off the bench and Nicolas Batum’s length and poise might just surprise everyone in the league this season. <br /><br />I asked McMillan about his versatility at the 1,2,3 spots this morning, and he said, “Wow. I had no idea I played that many combinations. It won’t continue, but I’m glad I’ve got the options.” The question: With so many different possible rotations, how will the minutes get split? What a great “problem” for the coaches. I look forward to watching the solution, which comes complete with a pass-first attitude and a whole lot of dimes. <br /><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7158245761280241241.post-75735367278366357852008-10-01T16:45:00.000-07:002008-12-30T15:24:28.996-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SVl170h0vxI/AAAAAAAAABs/4_ym-EEJj5I/s1600-h/Triple+Threat+in+Detroit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_N1GXLpz8-ok/SVl170h0vxI/AAAAAAAAABs/4_ym-EEJj5I/s320/Triple+Threat+in+Detroit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285385308269231890" /></a><br />October 1, 2008:<br /><br />WELCOME to the launch of Rebeccahaarlow.com and the very first entry of “Off the Sideline”! The NBA season is a little less than a month away and I cannot wait for another year of action to unfold, especially if it ends with a playoff run for the Blazers. With a mix of stars from a couple continents, talent running as deep as the entire bench, and an experienced coaching staff, it will happen. Since so many great stories go untold on the air, I’ll relay some of them here when I’ve got a moment “Off the Sideline”. Please check in whenever you’re in the mood for a break, and in need of a quick sports fix. Thank you for the look! <br /><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400514493819726501noreply@blogger.com