Friday, May 15, 2009

MAN BEHIND THE SCENES by Tannen

Much is being made of this terrific playoff run by the Houston Rockets and obviously around these parts, the sensational play of Aaron Brooks. It's all justified, but let's not forget the name Daryl Morey. Who? He happens to be the 2nd year General Manager of the Houston Rockets. He's the guy who in the wake of the season ending injury to top gun Tracy McGrady decided not to throw in the towel. He's the guy who convinced ownership and head coach Rick Adelman that trading incumbent starting point guard Rafer Alston to Orlando and giving the gig to Aaron Brooks was a step in the right direction. He's a 38 year old mega-intellect with a B.S in computer science from Northwestern follwed by an M.B.A from the prestigious M.I.T Sloan School of Management. I'd say he's off to a flying start as his team has pushed the assumed Conference Champs in waiting Lakers to a do or die 7th game. Brooks has been terrific with a career high 34 points to even things up in game 4, then after a so-so performance back at Staples Center on Tuesday, rock & roll last nite scoring 26, hitting some huge shots.
Heartbreaking to hear about the death of Wayman Tisdale, the 3 time All-American hooper at Oklahoma who carved out a nice NBA career. Lost his 2 year battle with cancer at the tender age of 44. Was also a member of that loaded 1984 US Olympic team with Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing, coached by Bobby Knight. Had a reputation as a truly class gentleman, and was actually a heck of a musician who was a heck of a guitarist.
Lot to cover on today's show including a chat with my pal, The Other Steve, about tomorrow's Preakness Stakes in the 5 o'clock hour. Enjoy the weekend.

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