Owls' Kazemi finishes FIBA tourney with double-double

Rice University sophomore Arsalan Kazemi concluded his first FIBA World Championship by equaling a tournament high when he grabbed 14 rebounds to go with 13 points in Iran's 65-60 loss to Slovenia Thursday.

Kazemi's only double-double of the tournament, helped Iran stay close in an upset bid over Slovenia. Iran ended pool play with a 1-4 record.

Wednesday, Kazemi scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and recorded five steals in Iran's 88-51 loss to Team USA.

In five games in Group B, Kazemi averaged 12 points while shooting 48.7% from the field. His 14 steals in five games was the most by a player through the preliminary round of the championship. He also finished in a tie for ninth at the tournament with an average of 7.4 rebounds per game.

ESPN Announces ACC Men's Hoops TV Schedule

ESPN and the Atlantic Coast Conference have announced its men’s basketball schedule for the 2011 conference season. Games will appear on several ESPN platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU with ESPN3.com providing a simulcast of every ESPN and ESPN2 telecast. Ten conference games will be seen on ESPNU with the remainder on ESPN or ESPN2.

Conference action will tip off Saturday, January 8, at 2 p.m. (CST), on ESPN2, with Florida State at Virginia Tech. The ACC has at least two games per week for eight weeks, concluding Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m. (CST) on ESPN or ESPN2 with Virginia Tech at Clemson. The Duke at Virginia Tech game on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. on ESPN is part of College GameDay.

All 12 ACC teams will be seen in the conference package for a total of 66 appearances through 33 regular-season games. Defending National Champion Duke has a league-leading 10 appearances, followed by NIT participant Virginia Tech with eight. North Carolina, NC State, Clemson, all with 2010 postseason berths, stand with six appearances each, along with Boston College.

ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise eight games of the ACC Tournament in March, including the entire quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, and the title contest.


ACC Men’s Basketball Schedule
(ESPN/ESPN2 simulcast on ESPN3.com; schedule subject to change)

Date Time (CST) Game Network
Sat, Jan 8, 2 p.m. -- Florida State at Virginia Tech ESPN2
-- 5 p.m. Miami at Clemson ESPNU

Tue, Jan 11, 8 p.m. -- NC State at Boston College ESPNU
Wed, Jan 12, 8 p.m. -- Duke at Florida State ESPN
Thu, Jan 13, 8 p.m. -- Virginia Tech at North Carolina ESPN or ESPN2

Sat, Jan 15, 1 p.m. -- Virginia at Duke ESPN
-- 5 p.m. Boston College at Miami ESPNU

Wed, Jan 19, 6 p.m. -- Duke at NC State ESPN
-- 6 p.m. Wake Forest at Georgia Tech ESPNU

Thu, Jan 20, 8 p.m. -- Virginia Tech at Maryland ESPN or ESPN2

Sat, Jan 22, 3 p.m. -- Duke at Wake Forest ESPN
-- 6 p.m. Boston College at Florida State ESPNU

Wed, Jan 26, 6:30 p.m. -- North Carolina at Miami ESPN or ESPN2
Sat, Jan 29, 1 p.m. -- NC State at North Carolina ESPN

Wed, Feb 2, 6 p.m. -- Virginia Tech at NC State ESPN or ESPN2
-- 8 p.m. Duke at Maryland ESPN
-- 8 p.m. Clemson at Virginia ESPNU

Thu, Feb 3, 6 p.m. -- Georgia Tech at Miami ESPN or ESPN2
Sat, Feb 5, 5 p.m. -- NC State at Duke ESPN or ESPN2
Tue, Feb 8, 8 p.m. -- Boston College at Clemson ESPNU
Wed, Feb 9, 8 p.m. -- North Carolina at Duke* ESPN
Thu, Feb 10, 6 p.m. -- Florida State at Georgia Tech ESPN or ESPN2
Wed, Feb 16, 6 p.m. -- Duke at Virginia ESPN or ESPN2
Thu, Feb17, 6 p.m. -- Clemson at NC State ESPN or ESPN2
Sat, Feb 19, 3 p.m. -- Boston College at North Carolina ESPN or ESPN2
Tue, Feb 22, 6 p.m. -- Virginia Tech at Wake Forest ESPN2
Wed, Feb 23, 6 p.m. -- Virginia at Georgia Tech ESPNU
Sat, Feb 26, 8 p.m. -- Duke at Virginia Tech ESPN
Tue, Mar 1, 8 p.m. -- Boston College at Virginia Tech ESPNU

Wed, Mar 2, 6 p.m. -- North Carolina at Florida State ESPN or ESPN2
-- 6 p.m. Maryland at Miami ESPNU
-- 8 p.m. Clemson at Duke ESPN or ESPN2

Sat, Mar 5, 11 a.m. -- Virginia Tech at Clemson ESPN or ESPN2

* - Blacked out in ACC markets

Yao Ming cleared for normal basketball Activities

HOUSTON, TX -- Yesterday, Houston Rockets center, Yao Ming saw Dr. Tom Clanton for a medical evaluation. The evaluation revealed that the hairline fracture in Yao's surgically repaired left foot has fully healed. As a result of the good news, Yao has been cleared to take part in normal basketball activities with no physical limitations. However, as to be expected, Yao's minutes, initially, will be restricted for practices and games.

Today, the local sports media saw Yao on the court in one-on-one competition; and, the big fellow moved pretty well. Naturally, after missing the entire 2009-2010 season due to the surgery, Yao's conditioning needs to improve; but, he looked good.

After the one-on-one session, Yao spoke with the media; and, he was definitely in a good mood.

"First of all, I spoke with my doctor yesterday, and the fracture is completely healed," Yao said. "I'm good to go from one-on-one to two-on-two and building up from there. Our goal is to play a scrimmage before training camp starts (September 25)."

"Conditioning-wise, I'm not too good," Yao admitted. "After missing all year from the basketball court, I'm really, really not in good shape right now. I'm still working on it. I'm a ways away from game shape; but, the good news is we still have one month from training camp and two months til the season starts." 

"I can count on my foot now."

Yao told the media he gained a lot of weight during his year way from basketball.

"I've lost almost forty pounds in the last three and half months and maybe 15 pounds to go." 

Yao did acknowledge he's not 100 percent confident in jumping and landing with his left foot.

"It's in my head but I have to beat that."

Listen to Yao's entire presser. He cracked jokes, too. Clearly, he's happy.

Courtney Leey meets Houston media

HOUSTON, TX -- Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets' General Manager, introduced Courtney Lee to the Houston media Wednesday afternoon. Last week, the Rockets acquired Lee (and a $6.3M trade exception) in a four-team, five-player deal from the New Jersey Nets. The Rockets traded forward Trevor Ariza to the New Orleans Hornets as part of the deal.

Morey told the gathered media, "Courtney is a guy we've been targeting a long time. We think he'll really fit in and give us a lot of quality minutes this year."

Morey added, "He's a winner. He took his (college) team (Western Kentucky) to the Sweet 16. He got to the (NBA) Finals (with the Orlando Magic) -- guarded Kobe (Bryant) -- his first year; so, he got a real taste of winning."

After his rookie season with the Magic, Lee was traded to the woeful New Jersey Nets; and, the Nets struggled mightily in 2009-2010 and finished with a pitiful 12-70 record.

Courtney admitted last season with the Nets was difficult.

"It definitely was tough because," Lee said, "I've never been a part of anything like that in my life. It took a lot of adjusting to get used to that."

Lee added, "Everyday, I went in with the mindset to continue to get better as a pro and to continue to help my team. We didn't play to lose. We just went out there and tried to play for each other as much as we can -- even though the record said different."

Morey and the Rockets' coaching staff believe Courtney is quite capable of defending shooting guards, point guards, and small forwards.

"I think his ability to guard twos (shooting guards); and, we also think he can guard ones (point guards) and threes (small forwards). He's a very, very solid defender. I think that's something that isn't talked about enough is his ability on the defensive end of the floor."

During this offseason, Lee worked out and trained with now teammate Kevin Martin.

"Training with Kevin, I learned a lot from him over the summer. We talked a little bit. I think those conversations will start to build once I get back (to the workout sessions)."

Courtney summed up his happiness to be with the Rockets:

"I'm very excited to be here. I get to play for a championship again. I feel it's a good fit for me. There a lot of good, quality guys on this team that put winning first. I fit in the category also. I'm very excited and happy to be here."

Morey was asked if he was done making deals or if he would continue looking for ways to improve the team.

Morey said, "We felt comfortable prior to this trade. This (acquiring Courtney Lee) was something that came up a little opportunistically; and, we jumped at it given our desire to try and get Courtney 

"We're always willing to upgrade the team; so, I can never say we're done. But, we feel good about bringing this group into camp and competing in the West with this group right now."

ESPN announces college hoops tip-off Marathon

ESPN’s third annual College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon Monday (11 p.m. CT), November 15, will be highlighted by 12 live college basketball games in 24 consecutive hours on ESPN for the second straight season. Overall, ESPN’s celebration of the opening of the college basketball season will include 20 live games – 19 men’s and one women’s -- in a minimum of 25.5 hours across ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. ESPN3.com will offer two exclusive games as well as a simulcast of every ESPN and ESPN2 telecast.

The schedule will include three teams from last year’s men’s NCAA Tournament Final Four (defending National Champion Duke, Butler and Michigan State), defending women’s NCAA National Champion Connecticut, the first game at Louisville’s new arena and the debut of new St. John’s coach Steve Lavin.

ESPN games are scheduled to tip off every two hours beginning at 11 pm CT with Miami at Memphis, marking the second time Memphis has hosted a midnight game as part of the College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon.

2010-11 College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon Schedule
for ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN3.com

Date Time (CT) Matchup Network

Mon, Nov 15, 11pm -- Miami at Memphis -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
Tue, Nov 16, 1 a.m. -- St. John’s at Saint Mary’s -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
3 a.m. -- Central Michigan at Hawaii -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
5 a.m. -- Stony Brook at Monmouth -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
7 a.m. -- Robert Morris at Kent State -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
9 a.m. -- Northeastern at Southern Illinois -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
11 a.m. -- Oral Roberts at Tulsa -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
1 p.m. -- La Salle at Baylor -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
3 p.m. -- Virginia Tech at Kansas State -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
4:30 p.m. -- NIT Season Tip-Off (from Villanova):
Marist at Villanova -- ESPNU.
5 p.m. -- Ohio State at Florida -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
5 p.m. -- Women’s Tip-Off Classic (from Hartford):
Baylor at Connecticut -- ESPN2 / ESPN3.com.
6:30 p.m. -- CBE Classic (from Durham):
Miami (Ohio) at Duke -- ESPNU.
7 p.m. -- Butler at Louisville -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
8:30 p.m. -- NIT Season Tip-Off (from Knoxville):
Belmont at Tennessee -- ESPNU.
9 p.m. -- South Carolina at Michigan State -- ESPN / ESPN3.com.
10 p.m. -- CBE Classic (from Spokane):
San Diego State vs. Gonzaga -- ESPN2 / ESPN3.com.
10:30 p.m. -- NIT Season Tip-Off (from Los Angeles):
Nevada or Pacific at UCLA -- ESPNU.
TBD -- St. Joseph’s at Penn State -- ESPN3.com.
TBD -- North Dakota at Wisconsin -- ESPN3.com.

Rockets trade Ariza, Acquire Courtney Lee in 4-team Deal

updated, 8/11/10, 8:15pm

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets have traded wing player Trevor Ariza to the New Orleans Hornets in a 4-team, 5 player deal. The Rockets obtained shooting guard Courtney Lee from the New Jersey Nets.

The other parts of the deal involve the Indiana Pacers trading forward Troy Murphy to the Nets; and, the Hornets trading point guard Darren Collison and forward James Posey to the Pacers.

Ariza signed a five-year contract with the Rockets last summer; however, he was not a consistent threat offense -- especially when he settled for three-points rather than attacking the basket.

Ariza is not the "dynamic playmaker at small forward" described in this article; but, his offense may improve with point guard Chris Paul as his new teammate.

My intial reaction from the Rockets' perspective is this: despite the Rockets' wanting to acquire Courtney Lee two seasons ago, the Rockets made this deal to trim payroll and lessen the luxury tax burden. Lee played well in his one season (2008-2009) with the Orlando Magic in his rookie season; but, he did not make much of an impact this past season (12.5 ppg, 43.6 fg%) for the woeful Nets.

In the Rockets' official press release, Rockets General Manager, Daryl Morey said, "We thank Trevor for all his efforts this past season and we wish him all the best with the Hornets. Courtney is a well-rounded player who we’ve had our eye on coming out of college and tracked closely through a productive start to his career, which included starting on a Finals team with Orlando. When it became apparent he was available, we jumped at the opportunity to add a young talent who we feel fits in very well with our team. We are excited to bring in a quality young man with a great approach and a bright future." 

I'll be curious to see whether Lee and second-year scoring guard Jermaine Taylor split the minutes behind starting two-guard Kevin Martin.

Rockets Full 2010-'11 Regular Season Schedule Released

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets tip off the 2010-11 regular season on TNT against the two-time defending NBA champion L.A. Lakers at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on October, 26 at STAPLES Center, which was announced today by the NBA as part of the 2010-'11 league schedule. The Rockets make another stop at Golden State on October 27, before returning to Toyota Center to open the 2010-'11 home slate by hosting the Denver Nuggets on NBA TV at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30.

Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers visit H-town just once this season on December 1. The Miami Heat make their lone visit on December 29. The Rockets will help usher in the New Year for a ninth straight season at Toyota Center with a special 6:00 p.m. start on December 31 against the Toronto Raptors. Houston will also commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a 2:00 p.m. outing against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 17.

The Rockets will have 22 home games during the second half of the season, including a six-game home stand from March 12-23. The team’s longest period away from home will be a four-game road trip from January 27-February 2. In addition, Houston plays 21 sets of back-to-back games, which includes three consecutive sets of back-to-backs from February 22-March 2 (at Detroit - 2/22, at Cleveland - 2/23; home vs. New Jersey - 2/26, at New Orleans - 2/27; and at Portland - 3/1 concluding at the LA Clippers - 3/2).

The Rockets will be featured on national television a total of 11 times. TNT, ESPN and ESPN2 will each broadcast one Houston game during the season, while another eight contests will air on NBA TV.

NBA Announces 2010-2011 Regular Season Schedule

The NBA released its complete game schedule for the 2010-'11 season today.

The league’s 65th season tips off on Tuesday, October 26, with two games on TNT. Game one (6:30 p.m. CST) features Miami Thrice, oops, the Miami Heat, heading to Boston to battle the Celtics. Game two (9:30 pm) is a matchup featuring the two-time defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers, facing Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets.

Both games between 2010 Finals opponents, the Boston Celtics and Lakers, will be televised nationally: The Lakers host the Celtics on Sunday, January 30, (ABC, 2:30 p.m. CST). The Lakers then travel cross-country to take on the Celtics on Thursday, February 10, (TNT, 7 p.m. CST).

Both games between the Lakers and the Miami Heat will also air nationally. The Lakers host the Heat on Christmas Day on ABC (4 p.m. CST), with the Heat hosting in Miami on March 10, on TNT (7 p.m. CST).

TNT will televise 52 regular-season games, including 44 as part of Thursday night doubleheaders and a doubleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day -- January 17, 2011. TNT will also exclusively televise NBA All-Star 2011 festivities in Los Angeles February 18-20, culminating with the NBA’s 60th All-Star Game on Sunday, February 20.

ESPN will televise 75 regular-season games, which include 27 games on Wednesdays and 35 on Fridays. ESPN telecasts are also available via ESPN3.com, with nearly all on ESPN Mobile TV. ESPN Deportes (ESPN’s Spanish-language U.S. sports network) will also televise 22 regular-season games and, for the first time, select games will be available on ESPN3D. The ABC national television schedule consists of 13 exclusive regular-season broadcasts and tips off with a doubleheader on Christmas Day.

NBA TV tips off its 96-game regular season schedule on Saturday, October 30, when the Rockets welcome the Nuggets at 7:30 p.m. CST. For the third consecutive year, NBA TV will feature Fan Night on Tuesdays throughout the season, debuting November 2. On Fan Night, NBA fans are given the opportunity to vote for the games they want to see televised nationally on NBA TV on that particular night.

ABC will exclusively broadcast The Finals for the eighth straight season. The Finals will tip off in June 2011. This season, TNT is the exclusive home of the 2011 NBA Eastern Conference Finals and ESPN will exclusively televise the 2011 NBA Western Conference Finals. 

Nets, Raptors to play 2 regular-season games in London

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will make basketball history when the league holds its first-ever regular-season games in Europe. The New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors will square off for back-to-back games at The O2 arena in London, England, on March 4 and 5 as part of NBA Games – London 2011.

"The staging of our first regular-season games in Europe is a milestone for the NBA and the ongoing development of basketball in the region," commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "By bringing these two young and exciting teams to London, we are fulfilling our commitment to schedule a regular-season game in the UK prior to the 2012 Olympics -- a natural progression given the overwhelming response to the many friendlies we have played to sold-out crowds over the years."

The Atlantic Division rivals will battle it out at a crucial time, as the NBA season heads toward the playoffs in April.

The March meetings between the Atlantic Division foes mark the latest point in the season for internationally-hosted games. The league has opened the season in Japan several times and played in Mexico City in December 1997.

Rockets' Announce 2010-'11 Preseason Schedule

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets announced the 2010-2011 preseason schedule today.

The Rockets will again hold two days of training camp in Rio Grande Valley at the McAllen Convention Center on October 3-4 prior to hosting a preseason game against the Orlando Magic on October 5, at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

The Rockets will then host three games at Toyota Center before heading off to China, matching up with the San Antonio Spurs on October 7, the Indiana Pacers on October 9, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 10. Houston closes out its eight-game preseason slate with road games at San Antonio on Oct. 21 and at Dallas on Oct. 22.


Houston Rockets 2010 Preseason Schedule
Date Day Opponent Time (CT) Site
Oct. 5, Tue. vs. Orlando*, 7:30 p.m. -- State Farm Arena.
Oct. 7, Thu. vs. San Antonio, 7:30 p.m. -- Toyota Center.
Oct. 9, Sat. vs. Indiana, 6:00 p.m. -- Toyota Center.
Oct. 10, Sun. vs. Cleveland, 6:00 p.m. -- Toyota Center.
Oct. 13, Wed. vs. New Jersey**, 7:00 a.m. -- Wukesong Arena (Beijing).
Oct. 16, Sat. at New Jersey**, 6:30 a.m. --
Guangzhou International Sports Arena (Guangzhou).
Oct. 21, Thu. at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m. -- AT&T Center.
Oct. 22, Fri. at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. -- AmericanAirlines Center.

* Home preseason game played in Hidalgo, TX
** NBA China Games 2010

Rockets and Nets Headline NBA China Games 2010

NBA China Games 2010 will feature the Houston Rockets playing two games against the New Jersey Nets in Beijing and Guangzhou this October, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sport, and the Guangzhou Sports Bureau announced today.

NBA China Games 2010 will mark the homecoming of Houston Rockets All-Star Yao Ming and the debut of the state-of-the-art Guangzhou International Sports Arena. This will be the NBA’s fifth set of preseason games in China.

The Rockets and Nets will tip off on Oct. 13 in Beijing at the 17,012-seat Wukesong Arena, and will meet again on Oct. 16 at the 17,773-seat Guangzhou International Sports Arena. This will be the third consecutive year the NBA will play a game at the state-of-the-art Wukesong Arena, home to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“This event will give our great fans in China an authentic NBA experience with two live games in state-of-the-art arenas,” said NBA China CEO Tim Chen. “We will work closely with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), the local basketball associations, and all of our partners in China to create events and basketball development programs that will reach fans well beyond the games.”

“The game between the Rockets and Nets will generate tremendous excitement in Beijing and give fans a chance to enjoy live NBA action,” said Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sport Director General Li Yingchuan. “The Wukesong Arena will enhance the experience for fans and further cement the venue as a premiere destination for live sports and entertainment.”

“NBA China Games 2010 will be a great event and Yao Ming’s first NBA game in Guangzhou will be a great moment for the city,” said Guangzhou Sports Bureau Director General Liu Jiangnan. “We can’t wait to unveil the newly developed Guangzhou International Sports Arena and the game between the Rockets and Nets will be just the first of many live events coming to Guangzhou.”

Rockets tip off '10-'11 season at Lakers on TNT

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets tip off the 2010-11 regular season on TNT against the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on October 26, at STAPLES Center.

The announcement by the NBA came today as part of its national television schedule and select national holiday games.

The Rockets return to home Saturday, October 30, to open the 2010-11 home slate by hosting the Denver Nuggets at 7:30 p.m.

The remainder of the 2010-11 NBA regular season schedule will be completed and announced next Tuesday, August 10.

Big 12 Men's Basketball Schedule Announced

HOT days like today are made a bit cooler for me with basketball news to mention. Today, the Big 12 announced its men’s basketball conference schedule for the 2010-11 season.

The Big 12 slate tips off on Saturday, January 8, with five league contests shown nationally and regionally beginning at 12 p.m. (CST) with Kansas State at Oklahoma State on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com.

ESPN and the Big 12 announced its 2010 men’s college basketball schedule for coverage across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3.com and ESPN Regional Television produced games on the regionally syndicated Big 12 Network. ESPN3.com will provide a simulcast of every ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Regional Television telecast.

On average, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise three Big 12 games a week, highlighted by the popular Big Monday weekly series beginning Jan. 17. Overall, the networks will combine to televise 77 conference games in addition to an extensive schedule of non-conference action (schedule to be determined). Over the course of the 2010-11 season, every school in the conference will be showcased on ESPN or ESPN2.

The games are being carried as part of the third season of a multi-year agreement with ESPN that runs through the 2015-16 season.

The Big 12 was rated as the No. 1 conference in the nation in the RPI last season and placed a league-record seven teams in the NCAA field a year ago. Six different teams have advanced to the regional finals over the past three seasons, the first time since the NCAA field expanded in 1985 that any conference has accomplished the feat during a three-year span.

In March, the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship will continue to be televised on a variety of ESPN platforms including ESPN, ESPN2 and in regional syndication on the Big 12 Network.

Rockets Trade Andersen to Raptors

The Houston Rockets traded big man David Andersen to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a conditional second round draft pick.

The Rockets shipped Andersen to the Toronto Raptors for a 2015 second-round pick the Raptors received from the Los Angeles Clippers, but only if that pick is between the 51st and 55th picks of the draft.

The Rockets also will send $1 million to the Raptors to complete the deal but will have a net savings of $4 million. Andersen, a 6-11, 245-pound center, is under contract for two more seasons, but only $185,000 of the final season of his contract is guaranteed.

Andersen, who just turned 30, is an Australian-born 6-11 big man who spent one season with the Rockets, averaging 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14 minutes a game last season.

Originally a second-round pick (37th overall) by the Atlanta Hawks in 2002, Andersen “is a skilled big that gives us some insurance at the backup centre position,” Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said in a press release.

Statement from Daryl Morey Regarding Yao Ming

The following statement was released today by Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey regarding Yao Ming’s return from foot surgery:

“Yao Ming is working diligently on his return and has consistently received positive feedback at each of his scheduled medical checkups. He is currently participating in on-court basketball workouts and we continue to expect him to be ready for the start of training camp which begins on September 25th.”

Yao Ming and 'retirement' Talk

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming reportedly made comments to the Chinese state media yesterday that is getting a lot of attention:

"If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits," he said.

My response to this statement is a big, fat "And?"

I'm not doubting whether or not Yao Ming made the statement. I'm doubting the impact of his words.

First, Yao Ming's first word is one of the biggest two-letter words in the English language -- IF. Next, after using "if" as his lead indicator, Yao Ming says "I might choose to call it quits."

If. Might. Not exactly a definitive statement etched in concrete.

Yao missed the entire 2009-2010 season after he had surgery to re-shape his left foot and eliminate (re: alleviate) chances he re-injures the foot in the future.

Rockets' management had already made plans to limit the number of minutes Yao Ming plays in 2010-2011. 

Since Yao's contract expires at the end of the season (combined with the impending lockout), the Rockets, as Rockets' General Manager Daryl Morey said during the Brad Miller press conference, are planning to make it a "special year" for the fans.

Yao has broken his left foot twice. The injury issues began in the 2005-06 season, when he sat out 21 games with an infection in his left big toe. He broke a bone in his left foot near the end of that season and had surgery.

Yao then broke his right leg early in the 2006-2007 season and missed 32 games, then suffered the stress fracture in his left foot in 2007-2008.

Yao played 77 regular-season games during the 2008-2009 season before injuring his foot in Game 3 of the 2009 NBA Playoffs versus the Los Angeles Lakers which resulted in the decision to have surgery and miss the entire 2009-2010 season.

Ironically, before that season-ending surgery, Yao said, "I do not have any plans to retire and my doctors and I are very confident that I can fully recover."

That statement by Yao (from a year ago) is more definitive than his "If, might" sentence from yesterday.

Training camp starts in late September.

Rockets "Welcome Back" Lowry and Scola

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets officially announced the signings of guard Kyle Lowry and forward Luis Scola at an afternoon press conference today.

Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey told the media, "It's a very exciting day for us to bring Luis and Kyle back. We're very happy to get in done when we did. Sometimes these things are difficult to get done."

Morey repeated a common theme which permeates throughout the Rockets' organization -- embody Rockets' culture.

"These two guys really embody our culture. Winners. Hyper-competitive. Guys who other guys on the team look to on how to act. They really have been such a big part of our team the past few years."

Lowry said he's glad to be back. Lowry signed an offer-sheet (four-years, $24 M) with the Cleveland Cavaliers; but, the Rockets matched the offer-sheet in less than 12 hours. Lowry said he was not disappointed whatsoever; and, he has no problems backing up Aaron Brooks.

"The Rockets did what they said they'd do: they brought me back and they brought Scola back," said Lowry.

"I'm happy to be back."

Scola admitted he was anxious during the free agency period; but, he's happy and relieved to be back with the Rockets.

"I'm really happy to be here," Scola said. "I wanted to play here. We are both part of a great locker room. We're looking forward to a great year this year. We have the pieces; and, I think we're going to be a good team. I'm really happy to come back."

Morey added the work ethic and leadership of both players is a big reason the Rockets wanted to bring them back.

"I think its big. I think it's something Mr. Alexander (team owner Leslie Alexander); Coach Adelman (head coach Rick Adelman) and myself value. We look for guys like Kyle and Luis who give it all -- off the court and on (the court).

"We're happy to pay them a lot of Mr. Alexander's money because, at the end of the day, you know you're getting a full effort from both of these guys. Neither of them are guys you worry 'Okay, they get a deal. Now, they're going to relax.' They're such winners. They're guys that do whatever is possible to help the team win."

Lowry said his goal is to win and make a deep run into the playoffs.

"Playoffs. Have a winning season and to make the playoffs. We want to win championships. I want to win championships. I know Luis wants to win championships. I know the Mr. Alexander, Daryl, and the entire organization wants to win championships."

Morey agreed with Lowry and added, "We'd like to get home court. That's the goal in the West."

Morey said he likes the 2010-2011 Rockets.

"We feel great about this team. Mr. Alexander gives me the job to keep trying to improve this team; but, honestly, it gets very hard. We've got a lot of very high quality players on this team; so, improving it is going to be very, very difficult. This is our group; and, it's a very good team." 

Rockets' payroll near top 5

HOUSTON, TX -- In the last few days, the Rockets have matched a four-year, $24 M deal to re-sign guard Kyle Lowry; signed forward Luis Scola to a five-year, $47 M contract; and signed center Brad Miller to a three-year, $15 M contract. Without those three first-year salaries being included, the Rockets payroll for the 2010 - 2011 season was already $57 M.

During Brad Miller's press conference today, Houston Rockets' General Manager, Daryl Morey was rather candid regarding the team's payroll spending and the goal to make the 2010 - 2011 season a very special one for the fans.

"Brad's a great player. The whole staff wanted to get him here; but, I think it was really Brad and Coach Adelman -- that relationship was really important.

"Then, getting Mr. Alexander (Rockets' owner Leslie Alexander) to really invest in the team and spend more on the team, by a huge margin, than he ever has. I think we're going to be near top 5 in payroll in the league -- depending on how it goes.

"I think with a lot of key guys like Shane Battier and Yao Ming and a lot of key guys on our team; and, with the lockout next year, we're trying to make this a very special year and go as far in the playoffs as we can. We feel like if we can all be focused like Brad; and, just worry about the team and nothing personal, we feel like we're going to have a very good year."

Brad Miller Meets the Local Media

HOUSTON, TX -- Daryl Morey, Houston Rockets General Manager, introduced free agent center Brad Miller to the Houston media this afternoon. Miller signed a reported three-year, $15 M contract with the Rockets. Only $1 M is guaranteed in the third year of the league.

Morey said Miller was "someone we've targeted for a long time."

"We've been looking for somebody to give us strong minutes at the center spot and pair with Yao Ming for some time," Morey added. "Brad is going to be a fan favorite. He's, obviously, someone many of the fans are familiar with. He's someone you always hate to go against because of how hard he plays and how much passion he brings to the game.

"We're just really happy to have that on our team now."

Miller, 34, said, "Texas, I think, fits my personality. I needed to be in Texas at some point. I'm very excited about it. Texas, in general. A couple of guys I've played with. I'm finally here in Houston."

Miller is so comfortable in head coach Rick Adelman's system, when he played against the Rockets, Miller said he would tell the Rockets they were running a called play wrong.

"When I played against Houston and they'd make a call and I'd tell a guy he's running it wrong. You're in the wrong place right now."

Miller is still a skilled big man; and, he should be able to reduce the number of minutes Yao Ming plays game in and game out.

Morey added, "Brad fills a huge need with Yao Ming probably playing limited minutes early in the season. Brad is going to have a big role to fill that gap."

Miller describes his game as "smart and crafty" rather than "dirty" as fans of opposing teams  have stated about his style of play.

"I'm far from dirty. I call it smart and crafty. That's how I describe it," Miller added.

Miller summed up his reasons for signing with the Rockets: "I just want to win. Other teams made good offers and were very persistent; but, I don't care. I know with Rick it's going to be whichever five are playing well that's who will play.

"I might finish a game. Yao might finish the game. I couldn't care less. If we're up thirty and playing Jordan Hill at the center for the fourth quarter, that would be great; so, me and Yao can sit down; just talk; and get ice on our knees. I'm well past caring about personal accolades. It's all about whoever is playing well. If I'm not playing well, take my ass out. I really don't care. I just want to win games."

Brad Miller agrees to deal with Rockets

Fans of the Houston Rockets can breathe a sigh of relief. Their favorite team has been able to sign a free agent -- from another team. Since the Rockets were able to land a big time free agent like Chris Bosh, Rockets fans were concerned their team wasn't active enough during this free agency period. Well, this week, the Rockets re-signed point guard Kyle Lowry and forward Luis Scola; and, today, the Rockets have agreed to a deal with another team's free agent.

Chicago Bulls free agent center Brad Miller has agreed to join the Rockets. Miller's deal with the Rockets is three-years worth $15 M.

Miller said, "It's too a good deal to pass up. "It's my favorite coach (Rick Adelman) I've ever played for. I know Kevin (Martin) real well from our Sacramento days. (Luis) Scola had a heckuva year. And I finally get to play with Yao (Ming) instead of guarding his big butt. The team is pretty solid."

Miller, 34, made two All-Star Games as a member of the Kings and spent the past season and a half with the Chicago Bulls. It was the second stint in Chicago for Miller, who has also played in Charlotte and Indiana.

Miller played for Adelman for three years when Adelman was the head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

Last season with the Chicago Bulls Miller, a 12-year veteran, averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds.

Texas Southern agrees to contract extension for Tony Harvey

According to Ralph Cooper of KCOH 1430 AM, Texas Southern University has agreed to a three-year contract extension for head coach Tony Harvey. Harvey is the head coach of the TSU's men's basketball program.

Harvey was named head coach in April 2008 when he was signed to a five year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Coach Harvey led the Tigers to a 7-25 record (7-11 in the SWAC regular season) during the 2008 - 2009 season and a trip to the SWAC Championship Tournament.

Last season, Harvey guided the Tigers to a 17-16 record overall (11-7 in the SWAC); and, a berth to the SWAC Championship game.

Cougars Welcome Trumaine Johnson to Squad

I must admit this signing caught me off guard.

Junior guard Trumaine Johnson became the newest member of the University of Houston men's basketball program Friday after signing a Statement of Financial Aid, head coach James Dickey announced.

Johnson, 6'2", graduated from Kingwood High in 2007 before competing at San Diego for two seasons from 2007 to 2009. He helped lead the Toreros to the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament.

He attended school at Diablo Valley College but did not play basketball during the 2009-10 season.

During his high school career, Johnson scored 40 or more points in a game four times and helped lead two teams to the state semifinals. As a senior at Kingwood High, he averaged 9.0 points, 7.0 assists and 3.5 steals per game while helping lead the team to the state semifinals and a national ranking in the USA Today Super 25.

"Houston is my hometown, and I have always been a fan of the Cougars," Johnson said. "This is home, and everybody loves home. I am glad to be back."  

Rockets will match offer sheet for Lowry

Yesterday, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed restricted free agent guard, Kyle Lowry, to a four-year, $23.5 M offer sheet.

Less than 24 hours later (about 12 hours), the Houston Rockets matched the offer keeping Lowry in a Rockets' uniform. The Rockets had seven days to match Cleveland's offer, but Rockets General Manager, Daryl Morey, saw no reason to wait.

"We're excited to have him back," Morey said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports from Las Vegas, Nevada. "He's a critical part of our team and we think a pretty underrated player, starting quality point guard."

It was not a surprise to the Cavs, who had attempted to work a sign-and-trade deal with the Rockets prior to having Lowry sign the offer sheet. The Rockets refused, confident they'd match the offer, which they did.

Lowry, 24, averaged 9.1 points and 4.5 assists as a backup for the Rockets last season.

Lowry, 6'0" (about 5'10"), will once again team up with starting point guard Aaron Brooks, 6'0" (about 5'10"), to form a very quick point guard tandem; however, neither one of them is a great individual defender.

KG on TV -- "What's the Score"

Tuesday evening, I made another appearance on HCCTV's "What's the Score" discussing NBA hoops (free agency; Eastern Conference; Rockets, etc.)

"What's the Score" airs on HCCTV, which is shown on Comcast, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8am and 8pm.

A link to the episode is now posted on "What's the Score" 's Facebook page.

Take a look. My segment starts around the 9:58 mark.

NCAA decides format for Field of 68

The Division I Men's Basketball Committee today announced plans for the 2011 NCAA “First Four” to showcase the expanded field for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

The 2011 championship will tip off with four first-round games, all broadcast nationally in primetime on Turner Broadcasting's truTV.

The four games will highlight the start of the "Road to Houston" (how cool is that?) as part of NCAA's new 14-year partnership with Turner Broadcasting and CBS Sports.

The "First Four" will be played either the Tuesday or Wednesday after Selection Sunday. The winners of the four games will advance to what will now be called the "second round" on either Thursday or Friday.

Two of the first-round games will feature the last four at-large teams selected to the championship field, while the other two games will match teams ranked 65 through 68 on the overall seed list. The winners of the four games will advance to the second round.

The games will be televised on TruTv (formerly CourtTV), which is available in 93 million homes, said NCAA vice president Greg Shaheen, who manages the NCAA tournament. CBS, Turner, TBS and TruTV are in their first year of a $10.8 billion, 14-year television agreement. ESPN had carried the tournament's opening-round game in previous years.

Take a look at a sample 68-team bracket.

My initial reaction is this just might work. I wasn't in favor of expanding the tournament -- especially not to 96 teams; but, I'll wait and see how this new 68-team format works.

Rockets announce Summer League Roster

The Houston Rockets announced today the team’s entry into the 2010 NBA Summer League, which runs from July 9-18 at the COX Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The overall 58-game schedule will tip off on Friday, July 9, which features a meeting between the Rockets and the Phoenix Suns at COX Pavilion that will air live on NBA TV starting at 3:00 p.m. (PDT).

Houston Rockets 2010 NBA Summer League Roster
18 Blake Ahearn, G, 6-2, 190, Missouri St
10 Chase Budinger, F, 6-7, 218, Arizona
7 Gary Forbes, F, 6-7, 220, Massachusetts
27 Jordan Hill, C/F, 6-10, 235, Arizona
3 Trevon Hughes, G, 6-0, 195, Wisconsin
30 Alexander Johnson, F/C, 6-9, 240, Florida St.
25 Maarty Leunen, F, 6-9, 220, Oregon
21 Dwight Lewis, G, 6-5, 215, USC
2 Kelvin Lewis, G, 6-4, 195, Houston
14 Chas McFarland, C, 7-0, 245, Wake Forest
54 Patrick Patterson, F, 6-9, 235, Kentucky
12 Ishmael Smith, G, 6-0, 175, Wake Forest
8 Jermaine Taylor, G, 6-4, 210, Central Florida


Rockets 2010 NBA Summer League Schedule:
July 9 Houston vs. Phoenix (COX Pavilion at 3:00 p.m. PDT) – Live on NBA TV
July 10 Dallas vs. Houston ( COX Pavilion at 7:00 p.m. PDT) – Live on NBA TV
July 11 Portland vs. Houston (COX Pavilion at 3:00 p.m. PDT) – Live on NBA TV
July 13 Houston vs. Toronto (Thomas & Mack at 3:30 p.m. PDT)
July 14 Denver vs. Houston (COX Pavilion at 1:00 p.m. PDT) – Live on NBA TV

Patrick Patterson says...

Newest Rockets player, Patrick Patterson, spoke with the media via teleconference after the Rockets selected him with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Patterson was asked what he thinks of when he hears 'Houston Rockets'.

His answer:

"Tradition. Hakeem. All the great players who played there. The support from the city. The city loves to win. And, the organization loves to win. They have great fan support. Sports is all over the place in Houston. Tradition.... History. And Success."

Patterson said there is no one player in the NBA he patterns his game; but, he did admit he tries to take bits and pieces from the great players in the league.

"Amare's toughness around the rim. David West's ability to score over smaller defenders; but, also take bigger defenders off the dribble. Ability for a big guy to shoot from the perimeter; so, I'm definitely trying to improve my game in every single area to help out my teammates."

Patterson said he tries to be humble all the time because being a professional is important to him.

"I just try to be humble all the time. I try to be myself and just show people who I truly am. I thank my parents, my family,  and my previous coaches for keeping me humble and gradually helping me out and giving me bits and pieces to become a better man."

Rockets select Patrick Patterson with 14th pick

HOUSTON, TX -- With the 14th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets selected 6'9" forward, Patrick Patterson, from the University of Kentucky.

Gerald Madkins, the Houston Rockets Director of Scouting, said to the media:

"We are extremely excited to add Patrick Patterson to our roster. Truly, truly a professional approach to the game. A quality individual. He's going to fit right into our locker room."

Madkins surprised the media with his next comment:

"Overall. He was the number one guy on our board. Number six out of the guys in the top 10.  We can't believe it worked out the way it did."

Madkins explained his statement adding Patterson was "the number one guy we were targeting and number six overall."

Patterson played three seasons at Kentucky and averaged 16.1 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 58.5% from the field.

Madkins mentioned a few times Patterson's temperament and professionalism as part of the reason the Rockets selected him.

"His approach never changed. Those are the kind of guys we love in our locker room. A straightforward approach. They don't worry about what role they took on. They just show up and do the best they can. He's proven that over his time in college."

Madkins added, "Patrick is a quality defender; but, he's probably a better team defender right now. Most guys coming into the league are going to be that way. We see him as a guy that's going to add a little diversity to the things that we can do defensively. This year he showed he could play out on the floor a little bit; and, I think that helps our defense tremendously."

Though some basketball people doubt Patterson's athleticism, Madkins disagreed and said, "He tested very well in Chicago (at the NBA Draft Combine); and, when we brought him here to work out. He was comparable to most of the guys that we brought through here. We're very comfortable with his athleticism."

Madkins did acknowledge Patterson needs to improve his back-to-the-basket game.

"He made the transition from a back-to-the-basket player to a perimeter player. Maybe, in the future, he will be a better back-to-the-basket player; but, right now, I think he needs to work on that more than anything."

Madkins summed up the Rockets' selection of Patterson thusly:

"We considered him the number one guy that we wanted because he checked all the boxes for us: need; size; locker room; just down the line for us. We're ecstatic about this pick."

Cougars sign Alandise Harris

Alandise Harris is the newest member of James Dickey's Houston Cougar basketball team.

Harris, a 6'5, 220 / 230, pound wing player, signed a Statement of Financial Aid, to join the Cougars for the 2010-2011 basketball season.

Harris - whose first name is pronounced Uh-Lan-Dis - was a four-time All-Conference and three-time All-State honoree during his prep career. He also was twice named to the All-Arkansas Team by the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette.

As a senior, Harris did a little of everything, averaging 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.

Coach Dickey said, "Alandise is a versatile player with the ability to face up on the perimeter and also post up. He is a competitor who defends, rebounds and can score the basketball. Alandise comes from a successful high school program, and his main goal is to help his team win."

In addition to playing high school basketball at Little Rock Central HS, Harris also played AAU ball for the noted Arkansas Wings program.

Derek Fisher, Von Wafer, and Corliss Williamson are three of the more famous alums of the Wings' AAU program. 

With his signing, Alandise becomes the fifth member - and third freshman - of Dickey's initial recruiting class at Houston. He joins Navarro Junior College guard Darian Thibodeaux (6'3", 175), Midland Junior College forward Jonathon Simmons (6'6", 190), Second Baptist High forward Mikhail McLean (6'7", 205) and Hyde Park Academy guard Fabyon Harris (5'9", 155).

Lakers win 16th NBA Title

The Los Angeles Lakers came from behind to defeat the Boston Celtics 83-79 to earn the 16th NBA championship in Lakers' history.

Ron Artest's three-point basket with 61 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter gave the Lakers a 79-73 lead; however, Boston's Ray Allen answered with a three-point bucket to trim LA's lead to 79-76 with 51.3 seconds remaining.

Kobe Bryant missed a three-point shot; but, Pau Gasol's offensive rebound gave the Lakers another possession which resulted in Bryant's attacking the basket and picking up the sixth foul on Boston's Rasheed Wallace.

Bryant hit both free throws to give the Lakers an 81-76 lead with just 25.7 seconds left.

Ray Allen missed a three-point shot; but, Rajon Rondo rebounded the miss and drained a three-point shot in front of the Lakers' bench for an 81-79 Lakers' lead with 16.2 ticks on the clock.

Sasha Vujacic was fouled by Ray Allen; and, Vujacic swished both free throws to close out the scoring.

The Lakers out rebounded the Celtics 53 to 40 in the ball game including 23 to 8 in offensive rebounds.