The Business of Sports

As we have witnessed over the past year sports are definitely big business. The NFL, NBA, and NCAA have demonstrated this to use time and again. Money is first and foremost, and everything falls into the background.

Typically we hear people say the right things, but their actions tell a much different story. Greed has taken over, and we no longer do what is right in many instances. We do what will sell tickets, and put fans in the seats. But some time those things don't mean it is the right thing to do.

I totally understand the business side of things, and get the fact that you need revenue to maintain or increase profits. However, when you are fighting over how to split 9 billion dollars in a terrible economy, when you try to dictate how much an owner can make, or choose a team simply because it travels well, something is wrong.

I love sports and will watch as much as I can. But I also love people and understand that loving people means putting them first, and sports has to take a backseat sometime. Sometime it means you have to sacrifice something for the greater good.

I am a business owner, scholarship founder, author, academic advisor, husband, father and a lover of sports. My hope is that sports will lead the way in showing that good sportsmanship goes beyond field or court, and it extends to the boardroom and beyond.

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks

By now everyone knows that the Dallas Mavericks are 2011 NBA Champions. Wow, until this year I thought that probably would never happen. In my mind that changed when the Mavericks swept the Lakers. In so doing my perception of the Mavericks changed, and I fully expected the outcome of the championship.

There were not many of us that believed that the Mavericks would win the championship, so it feels real good to be right for a change.

The Mavericks were the most complete team this year, they seemed to believe that this was their year and it showed with each comeback victory. It was a great season and a great playoff run for the New NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Congratulations!

Layoff LeBron

Okay people it is time to layoff LeBron, enough is enough. You may not have been rooting for him and his Heat teammates to win the 2011 NBA Championship. You may never want to see him win a championship ever, but it is time to layoff.

Of course LeBron in many of our eyes has made some mistakes in the past twelve months, but who hasn't? We have all made mistakes, but how long should we dwell on those mistakes? It is time to move on from The Decision, The Statement "not one, not two...", The Finals, and The Interview. LeBron has been overly scrutinized for all of the above. It is time to let if go and let's Live and Let Live. 

Nothing Better

March Madness, need I say more. The best tournament on the planet makes this time of year special. This year I didn't take the time to fill out a bracket simply because I was to uncertain about many of the teams. I know that I would not have selected VCU or Butler to make the final four, which isn't meant as a slight to either program. I simply didn't know enough about them to place them in the final four.

What is it about the tournament that makes it so special? I have to agree with a friend that said it is the format of the tournament that makes it special. Single Elimination! One bad night and you are heading home. Teams must not over look anyone or they will be gone.

Also there is an opportunity to see players and teams that you possibly haven't seen. My cousin hadn't seen Jimmer Fredette and called after he dropped a long bomb on Florida telling me I was right about him. Kemba Walker, Derrick Williams along with Butler and VCU made me want to spend more time in front of the television. For me sports wise as much as I love college football, and games leading up to the Super Bowl there is nothing better than the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

"The Dud"

The game did not live up to the hype. The Heat are running away with the game and the 4th quarter hasn't started. The fans tried to give it to LeBron each time he go the ball but after a few 3rd quarter points(24) they seem to be a little deflated. The realization has begun to set in that the Cavs are heading for a loss. At the present time LeBron has 38 and starts the 4th quarter on the bench. It appears that LeBron may be done for the night and fans are starting to leave, and so am I.

"The Reception"

Will there be fireworks after the introduction?  What will "The Reception" for one LeBron James be like tonight at The Q?

One thing I know is Cleveland is Angry for sure! I have been to games in the Q when a picture of the block M of the Wolverines was shown to insight boos. It was loud then, but I believe each time LeBron touches the ball the boos are much louder. If you know anything about Ohioans, they Hate Michigan. But today, it seems they HATE Bron Bron even more, now that is saying something.

As for the game well it looks like Miami will run away with it, but I'll let you know about that later.

Fixing the Detroit Pistons

After a few months off basketball is back, and so am I. I have been watching, reading and learning about as much as I can to write from a better perspective.

My favorite team The Detroit Pistons is off to a very slow start and it looks as if it will be a long season. From where I sit they have no chemistry, they don't seem to be cohesive enough to battle "together" down the stretch of close games. I don't know for sure because I have never been a coach or player in the NBA, but it looks like they are not on the same page. To me they don't look like they are having fun together. It looks like they are simply going through the motions. There is only one way to fix the problem in my estimation is a trade or two. Yeah I know trades during the season are difficult to pull off and it is tough to build chemistry as well, but a change it needed.

First, I would begin to explore a deal involving Tayshaun to LA Clippers for Chris Kaman. This would allow Tayshaun to go home to Cali, and bring us the Michigan native and center we haven't had for years. Secondly, I would explore trading Rodney Stuckey. I have never felt comfortable with him running the point. I would look at someone that has not had the opportunity like Acie Law. I would also explore trades involving Rip Hamilton to Denver and Jason Maxiel for the rights to Jerome Jordan. A few new faces could really help them begin the turnaround they need. 

Why Cavalier Fans are SO MAD!

Close to a month after "The Decision" Cleveland is still upset and some are wondering why. I can tell you first hand my experiences as a visitor to Gund Arena and The Q for Cavalier basketball games.

Pre LeBron Era

It started with 4 guys having an interest to go out of our home state of Michigan to watch an NBA basketball game. Through research of the teams in the central division, Cleveland was our choice. First of all, the drive is minimal, the price was right, and the hotel inexpensive. That first visit was great, we had great seats and we enjoyed the atmosphere. After the game we decided to walk back to our hotel. The hotel was about 9 blocks from the arena. As we walked we spotted less than 20 cars on a Saturday night in downtown Cleveland on that night.

Fast forward a couple years, the interest in the trip grew so we chartered a bus to Cleveland. This time it was Michael Jordan's last game in Cleveland before his final retirement. I was offered courtside tickets for $75 each or the opportunity for our group to play on the Cavaliers court before the game, with use of the scoreboard, and locker room. We took the later deal and still had tickets in the lower bowl.

LeBron Era

I will never forget on a return trip during the LeBron era. My cousin stepped out of the taxi and a group of fans began to let him have it, he was wearing a Michigan hat in Ohio. The game that night LeBron hit the Pacers with about 48, the arena was packed and our seats were in the upper bowl. We also found some great food at small place called Freddy's with the help of our hotel staff.

On our last visit to The Q our seats were so close to the top we could shake hands with the guys on the catwalk above us. The arena was again packed, buses lined the street around The Q and the downtown that night was filled with people. Oh yeah no more access to the court for our group,  it now requires 300 tickets sold.

The Aftermath

I like Cavs fans everywhere had hoped LeBron would stay home in Cleveland, although it would mean on our next visit our tickets still wouldn't be good. It was always fun to visit and experience the transformation that had taken place since his arrival.

The fans had hope with LeBron in town of one day winning a championship and having a parade of their own. Now its over and their disappointment is evident. The future now looks like the past and it is filled with heartache.

The Bright Side

Cleveland Cavalier fans remember this Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas and many other NBA Champions weren't from the cities they won Championships in. Just a thought, stay strong.

Pistons GM For A Day

With my new status as Pistons General Manager For A Day, let's get right down to business. Tomorrow is the draft, which is very important to our team. We have some young talent and have a few needs that we would like to address.

1. Explore trade Rodney Stuckey for Chris Paul

2. Explore trade with Minnesota for 16 & 23 picks in exchange for the #7 pick

The trade of Rodney Stuckey for Chris Paul would immediately help our team run the offense that Coach Kuester has designed. Chris would be the catalyst for getting shots for Rip Hamilton and allowing the offense to run more smoothly. He is an all star and will only help the team excel.

The trade for the 16 and 23 picks is simply because I feel all players that can help immediately will be gone before our pick. Also I would not want to give up a player to move up in the draft unless it were for the #2 pick.

Moving down in the draft will allow our team more flexibility, with the option to keep or trade a pick. The Dallas Mavericks are said to be looking to get into the first round and could provide a trade partner for one of the picks for their 2010 second round pick and possibly a future pick.

If the proposed trades are completed Detroit would have two first round picks and two second round picks and an all star point guard. All is a day's work!

2010 NBA Draft - Detroit Pistons

With the draft just two days away, there are only 2 picks that I am interested in and those belong to the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have the 7th pick in the first round and 6th pick in the second round. Honestly, as the person in charge of the draft for them I don't know what I would do.  There are only 4 or 5 guys I would draft with the 7th pick. Both John Wall and Evan Turner will definitely be gone before they pick, again leaving me undecided who I would select.

Ideally, the Pistons need a point guard that can direct the offense and distribute the ball, and a center that can both rebound and score. There isn't a point guard after Wall that would deserve to be the 7th overall pick, in my estimation. The only center that could help here would be DeMarcus Cousins, but I wouldn't trade up to acquire him. If he falls yes I would take him otherwise I would trade down or out of the first round.

What I want from a player selected at the 7th pick is an ability to come in and contribute right away. He may not be the starter from the beginning, but at some point he must move into that role. The weight of the franchise need not be on his young shoulders, but he has to have the will to win from the outset. He must make the team better when he is on the floor, and carry himself with class off the floor. If there isn't a guy that fits that criteria, then trade down or out of the first round.

Depending on the selection in the first round, in the second I would have my eye on Jerome Jordan. He seems to be a project that could be a serviceable big man with upside.

Just something to think about two days from the draft.

2010 Champion Los Angeles Lakers

Months ago I predicted that the Boston Celtics would win the NBA championship this year in 6 games over the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, as you know I was wrong. The Los Angeles Lakers came through with an inspired performance to win the championship in back to back years.

The Lakers have the best coach in history Phil Jackson and a top 50 player of all time in Kobe Bryant. This combination along with Derek Fisher has delivered 5 NBA championships to the so called city of Angels.

This team has learned how to win in different ways. They are tough, resilient, talented and well coached and they have the will to win. Congratulations to the 2010 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers.

What's Right with College Sports

Four short years ago a talented teenager entered The University of Michigan as a member of the basketball team.  The first in his family to take the journey to college. He had to leave his home where he was the man of house because the incarceration of his father. He made the short trip from Detroit to Ann Arbor which seems to be two different worlds.  A new environment,  a new team and within months his brother who may have followed in footsteps was shot and killed. Its a lot to endure for anyone, but especially difficult for an 18 year old.

DeShawn set out to help the team win ball games, and to obtain a degree. He did both. What I am most proud of is that through it all,  he did exactly what he set out to accomplish. A young man that has gone through plenty of adversity now is a college graduate. Congratulations DeShawn Sims!

The Best Time of Year

The NCAA Basketball Tournament is the absolute best sporting event on earth. Each year fans of college basketball look forward to this dynamic tournament, and each year it does not disappoint. Well it may if your team doesn't win it all, but in general the tournament is a hit no matter who wins. 2010 was no different, what a great tournament!

Although my bracket was destroyed early, I watched and enjoyed the games each weekend. Butler was not only a surprise participant in the championship game, but an inspiration as well. As a so called mid-major they gave Duke all they could handle, in the process gave underdogs a reason to keep fighting.

I can't wait for 2011 to see who will be next.

Let me introduce the Little Brother Mentality

For those that don't have an older sibling, the little brother mentality is vital to the development of confidence. Confidence is essential to success in sports or in anything that you wish to achieve.

For many the first competitor you faced was from within your own house. For me it was my brother who happens to be 5 years older. He took me everywhere with him, and I was glad to follow. I was a fixture at his varsity basketball practices. For years I didn't have a first name, I was simply known as Little Banks.

When it came to competing against him years later, he always had the upper hand. The problem is he and his friends would let me know it. For more than a few summers each Sunday after church we would go to Mrs. Smith's house to play ball. It seemed to be years before I was able to compete, but when I finally could I felt that I could compete against anyone.

It is that type of drive and determination that is needed to succeed when a times are bad, when times are better, and even during good times to stay on top. If you ever had an older sibling that you had to compete against, you know what I mean. Just ask Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, or Reggie Miller they'll tell you the same thing.

Coaching

This past weekend really got me thinking about coaching. What it means to be a coach. The dedication it takes to be a coach. The impact of a coach.

Over the last few months we have witnessed the highs and lows of coaching. Even before the announcement and retraction of the resignation of Urban Meyer, coaches have been in the spotlight. The good, the bad, and the questionable.

What comes to mind now is health and all the pressure put on these men and women by many of us fans. We often second guess the decisions of the head coach and many times we feel we know more about how to win than they do. We develop our own theories and game plans as to how to handle an opponent. Many times we feel a red phone that will give us direct contact with the coach is necessary for our input to win games.

What is surprising is that we don't have more coaches with health issues. Maybe we do but we just haven't been informed about their situations. But my hat is off to coaches.

To me a coach is not only someone that deals with X's and O's. But someone who is a mentor, motivator, scout, father figure, boss, employee. Wearing all those hats and more it is a wonder that people line up for the open positions.

To all the dedicate coaches out there, thank you for all you do. But be sure to to take care of you. Have a healthy 2010.

What would you do with $100,000?

What would you do if someone offered your child $100,000?

A scholarship athlete at some universities receive the equivalent of $100,000 in education. With tuition, room and board the cost is estimated at or above $100,000. The problem is many athletes simply don't understand what they have been given in terms of value. Even in today's economy $100,000 is a nice sum of money to possess, and would be great to invest.

An investment pays dividends and adds value to your net worth. Likewise, education pays dividends and can add value to your net worth. It is a must that we teach our young athletes to look at education as an investment for their future. We can no longer sit by and watch them throw away $100,000. If you as a parent would not let your child frivolously spend $100,000, then you shouldn't allow them to waste their $100,000 education. Make sure that the college or university knows your child wants the most bang for the buck. Meaning your child wants an education that will lead to a career after college.

We as parents, teachers, advisors and friends must get them to see the value in a good investment, education.

White House Basketball

I opened the mailbox and in among the bills was a letter from The White House. My first thought was what had I done? Knowing I hadn't done anything to warrant a reprimand from the president I proceeded to open the letter.

Dear Brian,

Thank you for sending me your book, I really appreciate it. Your message is one that I hope parents, teachers, preachers and everyone in the community will share with our young people.

For your kindness I would to invite you and a couple of your closest friends to the White House to play ball with me.

yada, yada, yada,

Sincerely,
President Barack Obama

My thoughts immediately were who would I take? Could they clear security? My brother was in for sure, but who else.

That is all I remember the rest is only a blur. But somehow me and my guests ended up at the White House. After clearing security we were taken to change and meet the president for a pick up game. Following security, I could hear the sound of the ball pounding the court. As we walked in I saw President Obama shooting a jumper. It went in and he came over to meet our group.

After introductions it was time to hoop. We chose teams and started to play. The game was going well and I was shooting like Ray Allen. Game point and my team had the ball. I ran from one side to the other, through a screen and got the pass and let it go. As it left my hand I yelled "Good" knowing it was headed for the bottom of the net. Sure enough it went it and then I woke up.

Eastern Conference Final Preview?

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers a great beginning to what will hopefully be a very good season.

It is going to take some time to get used to Rasheed Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal playing for their new teams. These two teams are loaded with talent and tonight's game could be a preview of what is to come.

Boston looks great with strong play both inside and outside. They are going to be very hard to beat this season if they remain healthy. Rasheed coming off the bench allows Boston to stretch the defense, which makes it impossible to double team the post with the player guarding him. He will be the key component to making another run at the championship.

Meanwhile LeBron is blocking shots like he is swatting mosquitoes. His defensive intensity has to be matched by the rest of his team to make a return to the finals. If the Cavs can pick up its defense, they have an opportunity to be very special this season, but that depends on how quickly they come together.

If I had to choose right now who will be in the 2010 NBA Finals I have to pick Boston. I feel they could possibly get 70 wins this season and still be very fresh enough to take down the Lakers in 6 games. For Boston it is 1 win down 69 more to go.

I love this game.

Detroit Shock

On October 21, 2009 the news that the Detroit Shock will be sold and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma was disappointing. The Detroit Shock contributed half of the trophies at Six Championship Drive, it is too bad there will not be more. The ladies were great on the floor, and equally impressive as they interacted with fans outside seeking autographs. It was also great to see and meet them out in the community to provide awareness and assistance as well.

For the past couple years my daughters, my nephew and the kids of both family & friends have had the opportunity to work at a Shock game.

It was a great experience for them to work with staff of the Palace of Auburn Hills in areas such as photography, guest services, and many others. They really enjoyed the time they spent working in and around the Palace. That is will definitely be missed.

From my family to the members of the Shock, thank you for all you did to make summer in Michigan even better. Thank you for the hard work, dedication, and the championships, The Detroit Shock will be missed.

Darko Milicic

Darko I assume it was tough playing for Larry Brown and that your time in Detroit was a bit uncomfortable. But you should be thankful that Joe Dumars picked you when he did. If Joe did not pick you at number 2 where do you think you would have been picked?

If fans here would have had their way, your name would not have been called at that spot. Don’t get me wrong, your skills at 7’0” are intriguing but, the pick would have been Dwayne Wade based on what he had done in college.

So while you say your time in Detroit was the worst, just be thankful that you were the #2 pick in the draft and it came with #2 money. Joe Dumars gave you an opportunity and it just didn’t work out.

Right now the best thing for you to do is continue to improve and show the world you were indeed worth the #2 pick in the draft that year. If not, your name will forever be mentioned as a misstep by one of the best NBA Executives.