Archive for December, 2009
Have you heard of the Dallas Chaparrals or the San Antonio Gunslingers? If you are an NBA fan, then you probably know the San Antonio Spurs. However, you may not have heard of the Dallas Chaparrals. You are asking yourself what a chaparral is, right? A chaparral is a plant community of shrubs that exists in regions with hot and dry summers, and wet winters.
How are the Chaparrals and Spurs linked? While still in the ABA, the Dallas Chaparrals moved to San Antonio. Although the team’s name originally was to be the Gunslingers, the franchise’s big brass decided on “Spurs” instead. Albeit the Spurs were 3-for-3 in ABA playoff appearances, their greatest success has been in the NBA:
15 division champions
28 playoff appearances
10 Conference Finals
4 NBA Finals
4 NBA Championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
However, how did the Spurs fare during their premiere year (1973-1974)? They started well, winning their first game in the NBA, 121-118 over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Spurs finished the season with a 44-38 record. While the Spurs were the league’s top scorers (115 points-per game), they also had the worst defense (114 points-per-game). The saying that “defense wins championships” proved true, as the Boston Celtics swept the Spurs in the playoffs (2-0).
In 1999, the Spurs won their first NBA title. Due to lockout, they finished the regular season with a 37-13 record. In the NBA Finals, they demolished the New York Knicks (4-1).
Four years later, the Spurs won their second NBA title. After an outstanding 60-22 regular season, they later disposed of the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Championship (4-2).
The Spurs earned a third NBA crown in 2005. After racking up an impressive 59-23 record, they eventually knocked off the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals (4-3).
Then in 2007, the Spurs won their fourth and most recent NBA championship. They finished the season with an outstanding 58-24 record. In the Finals, the Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0).
Throughout the San Antonio Spurs’ history, they have retired the jersey numbers of six players:
Sean Elliot – #32 (Forward): 1989-93, 1994-2001
George Gervin – #44 (Forward): 1973-1985
Avery Johnson – #6 (Guard): 1990-1993, 1994-2001
Johnny Moore – #0 (Guard): 1981-1988, 1989, 1990
David Robinson – #50 (Center): 1989-2003
James Silas – #13 (Guard): 1973-1981
In addition to the Spurs retiring George Gervin’s jersey number, he also is a member of the basketball Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “The Iceman,” the Phoenix Suns drafted him in 1974. Throughout his career, the league included Gervin on five All-NBA First Teams. He also played in nine NBA All-Star Games (1977-1985). As a culmination of his spectacular career, in 1996 Gervin was voted into the basketball Hall of Fame.
Since moving to San Antonio and joining the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs have had tremendous success. However, another NBA title is always their next goal. Use San Antonio Spurs merchandise to motivate the team as it gallops towards its destination!The San Antonio Spurs have won four NBA titles already. Their goal is always to win another championship.
A lot of people probably play the game of basketball without giving a lot of attention to the details of the equipment. The type of equipment you play on, not just the skill of the players, can make or break a game. When it comes to purchasing a basketball system, you need to make sure you understand two of the most important components of a basketball system, the goal and the backboard. These two pieces work together to help you play a great game.
The goal and backboard are the two pieces of a basketball system that players and the ball interact with the most. Having a quality goal and backboard that are safe and durable can make your game time even more enjoyable. Players and spectators alike will appreciate a quality basketball system. There are many different combinations available to meet your specific needs.
Backboards range from simple to professional style. High school and NCAA regulation backboards are made from glass. All models are made from ½” tempered glass. The FT234 is an example of a basic glass backboard. It is 42″ x 72″ and comes with a 10 year limited warranty from one provider. (Other models will offer other warranties, so check before you buy.) This is a great choice for moderate play. The FT235 is a good choice for more aggressive play. It may come with a limited lifetime warranty and is guaranteed to be unbreakable during play.
For the ultimate playing experience and top quality basketball system, pair a professional style glass backboard with a competition breakaway goal. Breakaway goals are long lasting and allow for aggressive slam dunk play. Basic breakaway goals such as the FT190, are economical yet still come with a one year warranty. This model is great for junior high or church play. The FT196 is an awesome breakaway goal. It allows breakaway action from any angle. It usually comes with a limited 8 year warranty and is excellent for aggressive college play.
Other backboards come in acrylic which is a great choice for a gymnasium or recreation center. Acrylic is more affordable but is also durable and impact resistant. The FT222H is a 42″ x 72″ acrylic backboard that comes with an aluminum frame and a 10 year limited warranty. If you are looking for a smaller backboard, try the FT220H. It is 36″ x 60″, all weather, and comes with a 10 year limited warranty.
To compliment an acrylic backboard, a flex goal is a great choice. A flex goal flexes slightly when slam dunks are made. If you are looking for a basketball system for home use, the FT184 flex goal is a good choice. For more aggressive playground play, the FT187D flex goal will give you the durability needed.
You can customize most combinations of backboards and goals to achieve the basketball system you’ve always dreamed of. Whether for home use, church, a playground, or gym finding the right combination of backboard and goal is possible. Remember, these two pieces of equipment can make your game all it should be. Consider which combination you want and mix and match to find the perfect basketball system.
The most recognizable name in the history of basketball is Michael Jordan. There is not a corner of the world where the mention of “Michael” raises eyebrows. As much as Air Jordan has given to the game, is it possible that he is also responsible for killing the game?
Michael Jordan was cut from his team as a young player. From that day on he committed himself to be the best he could possibly be. The incomparable drive in Jordan is legendary. His ability to score, dunk, play defense, and win are unmatched. Of all of the traits he possesses, his competitive spirit may be his best attribute. Nothing gets in the way between Jordan and success.
When Michael Jordan hit his peak in the late 1980’s, it was obvious to the world that he would lead his Chicago Bulls to Celtic-like success. The result was an incredible 6 NBA titles under Coach Phil Jackson. Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bill Cartwright, John Paxson, and Dennis Rodman represented an unbeatable combination of skill, tenacity, and competitiveness. Jordan, the prince of late game heroics, was the magnet that made everything flow in the same direction.
Air Jordan Nike-brand shoes have been sold by the millions. The shoe reflects his game. Smooth, sleek, powerful, and explosive. Some will remember that Michael became a good shooter only after years of developing his stroke due to his drive for perfection. In the end it was his ability to put the ball on the floor that made him unstoppable. His drives were strong, quick, and acrobatic. His ability to get to the basket forced the Detroit Pistons to establish an elaborate set of “Jordan Rules” in an attempt to slow him down. Nothing slowed Michael Jordan down.
The Michael Jordan phenomenon created basketball phrases new to the game. Players everywhere worked on their ability to “put it on the floor” or “get to the rim”. How many times have you heard “And 1″ as a shot is taken off the dribble drive? Scoring off the dribble slowly became the preferred mode of scoring points in the NBA. As with many popular trends, “the bounce” became the skill that dominated individual practice activity. Players from the NBA down to grade school worked to perfect their ball skills and driving ability.
With the advent of Michael’s slashing to the rim, players all over the world perfected this skill through practice. Was all of this activity good for the game? Not only did it focus on dribbling and driving, it was a blow to the jump shot. Since the glory days of Michael Jordan the art of shooting has steadily declined. Shooting percentages have been on the decline for years now. Pitiful free throw percentages are seen in the NBA, College, and high school levels. Kids are growing up without the ability to consistently shoot the ball. Certainly it is not fair to blame Jordan for this, but with fame comes responsibility. His fame was so enormous that if he had started to make half court hook shots, kids in every gym in America would have worked tirelessly to do the same.
The problem with the dribble drive is that every second spent on it takes seconds away from shooting jump shots. If repetition produces mastery, lack of repetition equals mediocrity. Shooters are not born they are made. They are made from hours of sweat, hard work, and thousands of shots. Gyms no longer are filled with jump shooting gym rats. Where did all the gym rats go?
Walk into most gyms these days and you will see kids lined up at the three point line. They hang around this line not to shoot, but to drive to the rim to attempt the dunk. Most kids have no chance to dunk, let alone touch the rim. Yet visions of SportsCenter dunks are still fresh in their mind. They spend hours trying to dunk it just one time. What a waste of time most coaches would tell you. Why? Games are not won on the drive and dunk. They are won with toughness, fundamentals, and shooting. Yes, I said shooting.
Our kids must fall in love once again with the jump shot. No matter how great the slam dunk is, it will never put three points on the scoreboard like the popular three point shot. Both the drive and the jump shot have their place in the great game of basketball. They can survive together in balance. Lets open the door and invite the passion for shooting back in the gym.
Once you make the decision to buy basketball goals and basketball hoops for personal or community use, you may think that the matter is closed. This isn’t necessarily the case. Several accessories are available to help you get the most out of your basketball equipment.
If you have decided to buy a basketball goal or basketball hoop with a crank to raise and lower the rim height, you may want to make sure that it stays at the level you have selected. In that case, the FT 12 lock is the solution to the problem. This key operated handle lock can be used on either the 4″, 5″ or 6″ EZ-Crank adjustable goal systems.
A ground anchor kit is available if you buy one of the outdoor basketball goals and basketball hoops offered. In it you will find everything you need to install an EZ-Crank adjustable basketball system, including a template, rebar, hex bolts and J-bolts. A set of instructions has also been included.
Outdoor basketball goals and basketball hoops for outdoor use need to be grounded, and buying a ground sleeve makes the process a lot easier. The sleeves are meant to cement into place and the post fits neatly inside. Eight tension bolts hold the post in place, and the sleeve is buried 36″ below the playing surface. The post is then perfectly leveled.
When it’s time to practice drills, you will appreciate the fact that you have a ball carrier to keep all of them stored neatly. The casters on all four corners make the unit easy to move into place and back into storage once the game or practice is finished.
What home basketball court would be complete without having lines stenciled in the concrete of your driveway or patio area? Use Basketball Court Stencil Kit FT 20 to paint a free throw line, regulation line and circle on any blacktop or cement surface.
Practice time needs to be used to its best advantage, and you can minimize the time you spend chasing after stray shots and passes by buying the FT 22 Defender Ball Retention Net. This product is designed to promote safety as well as reduce the damage to your neighbors’ property and plants. The unit fits on top of all of First Team’s pole-mounted basketball goals and basketball hoops. Best of all, you can install it in about 10 minutes and get on with enjoying the sport!
Practicing rebounding skills with the FT 23 Block-Aid. You don’t need any tools or ladders to install it; just toss it into place or use a broom handle to lift it up. Made from lightweight urethane, the Block-Aid will help you improve your rebounding skills without damaging the floor or injuring the other people you are playing with.
These accessories for basketball goals and basketball hoops can help you get the most out of these products. When you are thinking about ordering the right basketball goal or hoop for your needs, consider what else you might need to complement it.
When it comes to words of inspiration, Michael Jordan quotes have it in the bag. After all, the life of the “greatest player of all time” is a success story unlike any other. When it comes to words of wisdom, he’s definitely got it down pat. Here are 14 inspirational quotes to kick off his birthday celebration.
1. “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
2. “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.”
3. “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
4. “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.”
5. “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
6. “If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
7. “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you.”
8. “My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.”
9. “Failure always made me try harder next time.”
10. “I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it.”
11. “To be successful you have to be selfish, or else you never achieve. And once you get to your highest level, then you have to be unselfish. Stay reachable. Stay in touch. Don’t isolate.”
12. “I just feel that my competitive drive is far greater than anyone else that I’ve met and I think that I thrive on that. I think that is my biggest motivation in life — to compete, find different competitions in certain things in life and try to overcome that, be it positive or negative.”
13. “If you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you. That’s truly about the game, and in some ways that’s about life too.”
14. “Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.”
And there you have it – fourteen wonderful, inspirational quotes. With the right attitude and outlook on life, anything is possible and the above Michael Jordan quotes just go to prove it.
Bone spur is an extra bone that grows on the normal bone. In medical jargon bone spur is known as osteophytes. It occurs on the joints especially on the joints of the spine, feet, shoulders, hips, hands and knees. Bone spur itself does not cause any pain but it can cause pain when it rubs against other bones and nerves around it. Bone spur is quite common among people above 60 years of age and is an indication of spine degeneration.
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fascitis which is commonly referred to as a Heel Bone Spur. Plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes Click here to view diagram . Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This condition can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering .
Bone spurs are bony projections that form along joints. They are often seen in conditions such as arthritis. Bone spurs are largely responsible for limitations in joint motion and can cause pain. Bone spurs themselves rub against nearby nerves and bones and cause pain. Bone spurs are often called osteophytes.
Causes
As we age, the discs in our spine naturally degenerate and lose some of their natural shock-absorbing ability. Factors that contribute to and accelerate this process include stress, injury, poor posture, poor nutrition, and family history.
Heel spurs and heel pain typically occur in people with flat feet. As the arch starts to collapse, the band of ligament and the muscle in the bottom of the foot absorbs the impact of pressure from standing or walking. Eventually, it stretches beyond its limits, leading to possible muscle tears and bone spurs. To avoid heel pain, people with flat feet should make a special effort to wear support shoes with arch support.
It is not uncommon for people with osteoarthritis to get bone spurs. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which joint cartilage begins to wear down, causing bone to rub against bone. As a result, the body may begin to produce new bone to protect against this, which is how a bone spur forms.
Location determines other symptoms
In your knee, bone spurs may make it painful to extend and bend your leg. Bone spurs can get in the way of bones and tendons that keep your knee operating smoothly.
On your spine, bone spurs can push against your nerves, or even your spinal cord, causing pain and numbness elsewhere in your body.
On your neck, cervical bone spurs can protrude inward, occasionally making it difficult to swallow or painful to breathe. Bone spurs can also push against veins, restricting blood flow to your brain.
The goal when treating bone spurs is to minimize pain and prevent any additional joint damage. Treatment methods may include weight loss, stretching and physical therapy, rest and ice. Injections can reduce inflammation long enough to relieve symptoms. Medications such as ibuprofen or injections may be administered for pain. Bone spurs can be surgically removed in the case of serious damage and deformity.
Doesn’t a basketball trampoline sound like a lot of fun? You can usually find these trampolines available at fun plex’s and other outdoor play areas. Buying a backyard trampoline is fairly easy, but finding one that you can play basketball with can be more difficult. A true basketball trampoline is long and rectangular and shaped like a gymnastic trampoline.
Types of trampolines that you can play basketball on
The two main types of basketball trampolines are the traditional rectangle type that has a basket on each end. This type comes in a variety of models and some might even have a partition in the middle. These basketball types of trampolines are usually professional quality and very expensive.
The other type of trampolines for sale that might be offered at a better price are regular round trampolines that have a basketball attachment. They are an enclosed trampoline similar in style to a regular kids trampoline but you can play basketball on them.
These regular trampolines can be called a rebounder or fun jumper as well. You will find these for sale at a variety of retail store, but you may have to purchase the basketball accessory separately.
Pricing
The sale price of your trampoline is an important aspect of your purchase. You don’t want to spend more money buying trampolines than you have to. Shop around and look for the best price when you buy a trampoline. Don’t settle for the first store that offers the type of trampoline that you are looking for. Instead keep a log of the prices at different stores and even consider looking online for a better price.
Using the Internet to your advantage
The Internet is a great place to find good deals on trampolines of all types and you can often get specials for discounted and free delivery. If you are interested in a large basketball type trampoline the Internet may be your only source for one. You might also consider asking around at amusement parks and other similar fun places.
If you find a place that is offering trampoline basketball, be sure to ask where they purchased their trampoline. The one they own may be fairly old, but the company is likely still around and probably selling even better basketball type trampolines. Again, use the internet to your advantage when searching for a good trampoline store.
Home Models
For your home trampoline you can usually find fun basketball accessories online. Try looking at online auction places and other specialty fun stores to find the best basketball equipment for you home trampoline.
Safety
It is important to only play basketball on a trampoline that has an enclosure around it. When you are playing basketball it is too difficult to have to worry how close you are to the edge of the trampoline. By having an enclosure around your trampoline you will ensure that if you jump too high … you will still stay in the trampoline and not end up on the ground.
Bone spur is a term used to describe a condition that characterizes the growth of an extra bone on the normal bone. In medical terms, it is known as osteophytes. Bone spur usually takes place on the joints of the spine, feet, shoulders, hips, hands and knees. It is not painful but sometimes causes pain when it rubs against other bones around it.A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone most commonly seen at a joint (the place where two bones come together and allow for movement). Generally abnormal motion at the level of the joint over the course of time will cause the spur to form. You can also have spurring of bone as a result of excessive tension on a bone from a tendon where it attaches into the bone.Some bone spurs form as part of the aging process. As we age, the slippery tissue called cartilage that covers the ends of the bones within joints breaks down and eventually wears away (osteoarthritis). In addition, the discs that provide cushioning between the bones of the spine may break down with age. Over time, this leads to pain and swelling and, in some cases, bone spurs forming along the edges of the joint. Bone spurs due to aging are especially common in the joints of the spine and feet.Exercise and a healthy weight are key ingredients to managing the pain associated with bone spurs. Exercise may be limited by the location of the spur and its effects on movement. Swimming or other forms of water activity, such as water aerobics, may be less stressful for the body, and can also increase flexibility and mobility. Weight loss can also be beneficial in alleviating the pain associated with bone spurs, since less weight puts less stress on any joints which are lacking cartilage or plagued with bone spurs.Bone spurs do not appear at once but form gradually over a long period of time. They represent degeneration of the spine due to aging and are quite common in people above sixty years of age. While spinal degeneration occurs in all people, less than half of those report pain in the neck, back, arms and legs (radiating pain), and other extremities of the body. Also associated with bone spurs is the feeling of weakness. In your shoulder, bone spurs can restrict the range of motion of your arm. Bone spurs can rub on your rotator cuff; a group of tendons that help control your shoulder movements. This can cause swelling (tendinitis) and tears in your rotator cuff.Bone spurs also form in the feet in response to tight ligaments, to activities such as dancing and running that put stress on the feet, and to pressure from being overweight or from poorly fitting shoes. For example, the long ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) can become stressed or tight and pull on the heel, causing the ligament to become inflamed (plantar fasciitis. As the bone tries to mend itself, a bone spur can form on the bottom of the heel (known as a “heel spur”). Pressure at the back of the heel from frequently wearing shoes that are too tight can cause a bone spur on the back of the heel. This is sometimes called a “pump bump” because it is often seen in women who wear high heels.First step for treating bone spur through home remedies is to reduce inflammation. Apply an ice pack to the inflamed area 4 to 5 times in a day. This will help to reduce the inflammation. If the problem is more severe then apply heating pad on the inflamed area.
For many years there has been vast media frenzy on who will be the next Michael Jordan, the next basketball superstar who can stand up to this title. Michael Jordan stormed onto the NBA scene as a rookie during the 1984-1985 seasons. He was a super defensive player, an explosive offensive player, and an all-star for his famous dunk shots. Among some of his career highlights include ten NBA scoring titles, six NBA championship titles with the Chicago Bulls, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and an impressive overall career scoring average over 30 points a game (the highest in NBA history). These accomplishments are only part of his many masterful trophies, for which he holds many more. So the question still remains if and when will there ever be such a “natural superstar” for the NBA such as Michael Jordan.
The media has compared two players who may possibly fit the incredulous talent of Michael Jordan. One of which has been the super talented Kobe Bryant and the other is LeBron James. Both of these players have shown talent that over exceeds any current basketball player in the NBA today. Kobe Bryant has shined with the LA Lakers, bringing home the title many of times. His accomplishment include; three NBA titles, 10 All-Star game appearances, seven times as an All-Defensive Team selection, two scoring titles, and the second highest score ever reported in a single game (81 points). Then there is LeBron James: Because to his young age, James has already set some new records in the NBA, including the youngest player to win the NBA All-Star Game MVP, youngest to win the Rookie of the Year award, and the fastest to score 1,000 point, not to mention putting the Cleveland Cavaliers back on the map. Both players merit praise and admiration for their contributions to the NBA. But the question still remains; will there ever be another Michael Jordan?