Camp Right Way 2008

HOUSTON, TX -- Saturday, December 27, 101 middle school boys (divided into 10 teams) participated in Camp Right Way 2008 inside the University of Houston's Wellness Center. Jim Hicks, of RCSSports.com, and John Lucas helped organize the event. The boys invited to participate were the top basketball players in the Greater Houston area as well as from San Antonio, TX, Atlanta, GA, Santag, MS, and Baton Rouge, LA.

Camp Right Way helps teach the young men the basketball skills and drills needed to become better basketball players. The kids were taught by men with various levels of basketball experience including Richard Law (from South Alabama and Clear Lake High School); John Lucas III (Oklahoma State and Bellaire HS); Adrian Caldwell (former NBA player); Willis Wilson (former Rice Owls head coach); Jai Lucas (Bellaire HS and new transfer from Florida to Texas); etc.

Work shops were also conducted to help parents gain knowledge on what to look for as their sons go to high school then to college (and, in some cases, to the pros).

"I think that this year's Camp Right Way is definitely a lot fundamental than it was a year ago," said Jim Hicks at the end of the day-long event. "A year ago there were a lot more athletes; but, this year, you can tell by the lack of correcting by the coaches at the end of the camp, the kids are doing things the right way.

"The event ran smoothly; and, it was a true representation of the top middle schools from around the Greater Houston area. Another thing that's great is we had kids from as far away as Atlanta and San Antonio participate. They want to play against our Houston kids because they know how much talent we have in Houston."

Gannon Baker, a basketball consultant / personal trainer from Nike, spoke at the camp and educated (and wowed) the young men on life lessons and basketball drills he's used working with NBA stars like Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.

"Gannon Baker flew in just for the event," Hicks said. "You want to drink Gatorade just from watching him. Parents hung around. They got a work shop."

An international middle school combine will be held in May 2009; and, Hicks added, "If this camp is on fire, then that camp will be like the sun -- scorching!"

"Overall, I'm just impressed how our kids are developing at such a young age. Coach Lucas could be doing a thousand and one things; but, he's steady giving back and help our young kids around Houston. He's one of those guys that, when he's gone, there's going to be a big chunk out of the basketball community that's going to leave with him. Hopefully, we can keep the torch lit and pass it on to somebody else."

Coach Lucas added, "We really concentrated on spacing and basketball concepts today. It was very enlightening and different which showed them a lot about basketball that they thought they knew and they didn't. 

"Gannon Baker spoke to them about 'building the rock' which is the foundation for their basketball program. He did a really, really great job.

"I had the best staff because we were training new guys locally. One of my biggest things is if you're going to be teaching basketball, I want to have the best people to teach about it. We wanted to train younger people who will help train the younger kids about basektball.

"Overall, we didn't have the 'wow' factor of some of the kids jumping out of the gym; but, talentwise we were right there as the best."

Lucas and Hicks cited very simple reasons why they conduct camps like Camp Right Way.

Lucas, "Because I love basketball. And, I love people; and, I love to see people get their gift."

Hicks, "I do it to try to help others. I have no biological kids. I'm 40 years old. When you're truly helping people, it's something you can't describe. When you see the kids who aren't the superstars get to high school and receive a scholarship, that lets me know I can never stop doing this."

Rockets Edge Bucks by Four

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets topped the Milwaukee Bucks 85 to 81 New Year's Eve night inside Toyota Center. The win was not pretty; but, big deal. Since the Rockets are currently in a team-wide funk, any win is a good win. Period.

"That was a struggle. A struggle again; but, we did enough to win the game," said Rick Adelman after the game. "We have to find a way to play a little bit better."

Yao Ming led the Rockets with 22 points on 9 for 18 shooting from the field. The Bucks had no answer for Yao; but, foul trouble limited his minutes to just 30:43. Yao added 10 rebounds as well.

Ron Artest (15 points) and Carl Landry (14 points) combined for 29 points off the bench.

The Rockets led the Bucks 27 to 22 at the end of the first quarter; then, limited the Bucks to an opponent's season-low 14 points in the second period. The Rockets (21-12) led the Bucks 47 to 36 at the half.

After Yao scored the first basket of the third quarter, the Rockets went scoreless the next four minutes while the Bucks scored 12 straight points to pull within one points (49 to 48) with 7:23 left in the third quarter. Yao scored a layup to put the Rockets up three points.

"We came out in the third quarter again very lackadaisical," Adelman added. "Trying to create things on our own and get away from what we're trying to do offensively. We turned it over. I think they went on a 10 or 12 point run; and, it was mostly our doing. We have to better than that. We have to be more disciplined than that."

Rafer Alston and Tracy McGrady each drained three-point shots to help the Rockets finish the third quarter  with a 65 to 60 lead.

Landry and Luis Scola keyed a nine to three run early in the fourth quarter to push the Rockets' lead to 11 points (74 to 63) with seven minutes remaining in the game.

The Rockets stayed on 74 for three minutes and the Bucks (15 - 18) scored nine straight points to pull within two (74 to 72) with four minutes on the clock.

The Bucks got as close as one point (78 to 77); but, free throws by Ron Artest and Aaron Brooks helped keep the Bucks at arms' length; and, Rafer Alston played tight defense on Milwaukee's Michael Redd to force a rushed three-point shot which missed and helped the Rockets pull away for the victory.

"We picked it up late int he fourth quarter," said Alston. But, right now, it doesn't matter what half it is because, from start to finish, we are not getting it done."

The Rockets head to the road for the next five games; and, Adelman knows the team must play better.

"We've been successful on the road. That's what we have to do. We have to try to win some games on this trip because when we get back (home), we're home for a while. We'll have some time; but, it's not going to be easy. We have to play a lot better than we have these last few games at home."

Rockets Sign Deke

HOUSTON, TX -- Despite offers from the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs, center Dikembe Mutombo decided to re-sign with the Houston Rockets today for the rest of the season.

As early as October, many assumed Mutombo would re-join the Rockets at some point this season -- even as late as February; however, Deke decided to turn down better monetary offers and re-sign with the Rockets.

In this article, "Rockets Sign Mutombo", Deke says constant calls from Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady asking / begging him to re-sign with the Rockets convinced him to play for the Rockets one more time.


Battier out for Six Games

After receiving a cortisone shot in his foot to reduce inflammation, Rockets forward Shane Battier will miss tonight's game versus the Milwaukee Bucks as well as the next five games.

Rockets lose to Wiz

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets nearly erased an awful first half Monday night versus the woeful Washington Wizards; however, in the end, the Rockets lost 89 to 87 in front of 18,278 fans.

The Rockets scored a meager 36 points in the first half (and only 14 in the second period) and trailed the Wizards 45 to 36 at the half. The 36 points were a season-low for the Rockets.

"It's the worst half of basketball that we've played since I've been here at both ends of the court," said a disgruntled Rick Adelman after the game. "There's no excuse for the way we played at both ends. We forced things. We didn't defend. We got what we deserved. Basically, you hope we could pull out at the end; but, we didn't do it."

The Rockets' offense improved in the third quarter; but, the defense went down the toilet. Houston shot 52.4% (11 for 21) from the field in the third; but, allowed the Wizards to shoot 57.9% (11 for 19). Washington's Antawn Jamison caught fire in the quarter and lit up the Rockets for 15 points (6 for 9 field goals). Jamison took turns torching any Rockets' defenders during third.

"He's an All-Star," said Shane Battier of Jamison's game-high 30 points. "He's been All-Star many times. He went out and did what All-Stars do. He played his game. he was a tough cover for us."

Guard Nick Young added eight points on 3 for 4 shooting.

The Rockets trailed the Wiz 72 to 62 at the end of the third quarter; but, after playing poorly in the first half, Ron Artest continued his solid third quarter effort (5 points, 2 for 2 from the field) by igniting a Rockets' rally in the fourth. Artest scored nine points in a 15 to 4 Rockets' run to give the Rockets a 77 to 76 lead with 8:01 remaining in the game.

The Rockets' reserves keyed the rally. Carl Landry blocked two shots. Brent Barry drained a three-point shot; and, Aaron Brooks picked up one assist and one point.

The reserves helped the Rockets to a three point lead (85 to 82) at the 4:42 mark of the fourth quarter. However, with the Rockets trailing 85 to 84, Rick Adelman brought in Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and Rafer Alston to finish out the game.

The Wizards scored four straight points versus the starters to lead 88 to 85 with 1:12 left in the game.

After the game, Adelman answered why he inserted his starters instead of letting the reserves finish the game.

"I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think it was needed. You need to make a decision, if you sit them the whole game or if you put them back in and then those are the guys that go for it. The group did a great job. We felt we were right there. Whatever you do in that situation, if it doesn't work out, then people are going to ask questions about it. But, yeah, I'm going to go with the guys who start the game are the guys who are going to finish. They'll win the game for us."

Washington's DeShawn Stevenson nailed a tough 22-foot jumper to give the Wiz the three point lead. After Stevenson split two free throws with 39.1 seconds remaining, McGrady made a jump shot to pull the Rockets within two points (89 to 87) with 32.1 seconds on the game clock.

Artest stole an entry pass into Jamison; and, the Rockets called time out with 7.2 seconds remaining.

Yao Ming received a pass from Shane Battier; turned and shot a 10-foot shot that rimmed out preserving the win for the Wizards.

Battier did not cite lack of energy for the sluggish start.

"Just knowing our personnel, I wouldn't say we're a high energy group, we're a bunch of guys that are low key. I think we're more susceptible to nights like this. It's a matter of coming out and recognizing that and generating that and getting yourself going. It wasn't until the reserves got in there and really got the crowd into the game that we started to play somewhat decent."

Artest (6 for 15 from the field) led the Rockets with 20 points and six turnovers. Luis Scola (7 for 8) scored 16 points. McGrady (6 for 17) scored 15 points dished seven assists and pulled down six rebounds; and, Yao Ming (4 for 14) added 12 points and eight boards.

Center Andray Blatche scored 16 points; grabbed eight boards and dished out five assists for the Wizards. Young scored 14 points and former Rockets guard Mike James added 12 points.

Adelman refused to use the uncertainty surrounding the health of his key players as a reason for tonight's poor performance.

"I don't think that should have anything to do with it. We knew everybody was going to play tonight and it didn't help. I think you can run that into the ground. There are no excuses. You go out there and you play the game. We've gotta go out and play much better than we did tonight...and much harder."

UH 67, Iowa State 71

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Cougars came up short Sunday evening in a 71 to 67 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones inside Hofheinz Pavilion in front of 3362 fans. The loss snaps the Cougars' seven-game winning streak.

Iowa State's Craig Brackins scored a game-high (and career-high) 38 points. Brackins, 6'10, was sensational. He scored inside (dunks, backdoor cuts, tip-ins); mid-range jumpers; and from the outside (2 for 4 on threes). Brackins also pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds.

In the first half, Brackins shot 7 for 12 from the field against single-coverage. Houston began double-teaming Brackins late in the second half; but, Brackins shot 8 for 11 from the field in the second 20 minutes. When UH double-teamed Brackins, Brackins passed the ball out and the Cyclones did a great job passing the ball around the perimeter to the open shooter then nailing the outside shots. After shooting 1 for 7 from three in the first half, Iowa State shot 5 for 10 from three in the second half.

Houston's Aubrey Coleman led the Cougars with 28 points (10 for 24 from the field).

The Cougars (7-2) struggled with Iowa State's collapsing defense. Iowa State (8-4) swarmed UH big man Marcus Cousin every time he caught the ball in the post; and, Cousin only attempted eight shots as a result. Cousin scored just six points in the game; but, he did grab a team-high 11 rebounds and block a game-high four shots.

"I was just trying to find the open and make a play for somebody else," Cousin said after the game. "This game, this team double-teamed me every time I touched the ball; so, I just tried to find the open man."

Houston led Iowa State 27 to 26 at the half; but, Brackins scored five straight points to start the second half to put the Cyclones up four points.  

Houston led 45 to 43 before Brackins slammed home a vicious dunk to tie the game at 45. The Cyclones outscored the Coogs 12 to 6 after the dunk to lead by six points with 5:38 left on the game clock. The Cougars pulled within two points (64 to 62) before Iowa State's Diante Grant and Brackins canned jump shots to make the score 68 to 62 with just minutes remaining in the game.

The Cougars did not score another point for 95 seconds; so, after two made free throws by Brackins, UH made a final push for a comeback.

Aubrey Coleman sank two free throws; then, the Coogs forced a turnover and Kelvin Lewis drained a three-point shot from the top of the key to bring UH within three points (70 to 67) with just 12 seconds remaining.

Iowa State's Lucca Staiger missed the front end of a one and one; so, Aubrey Coleman raced the basketball up the court and launched a three point which bounced of the rim.

"They just backed off me; so, I just took the shot," said Aubrey on the shot attempt to tie the game. "I feel that they just outplayed us."

Grant grabbed the rebound and was fouled. Grant split two free throws for the fina score.

UH shot 39.4% (26 for 66) from the field for the game. The Cyclones shot 44.4% (28 for 63) from the field.

"We're down six with 20 seconds to ago," said UH head coach Tom Penders. "We executed beautifully. We did all the right things we should do. Aubrey had a really good look. We could still be out there playing. The ball just didn't drop.

"I'm not forgetting that everybody in the world picked us for seventh in Conference USA; and, we also lost five seniors. But, I also want these kids to take advantage of opportunties that they get now.

"I thought Iowa State played a really good game. Brackins was super. It was a good battle; and, we just came out on the short end of it. Thirty games are in a season; and, you're going to have a few games like that. We're going to take some games from other people just like that, too." 

Rockets Top Jazz in 2OTs

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets stopped a two-game losing streak with 120 to 115 double-overtime win over the Utah Jazz Saturday night in front of 18,245 screaming fans. The Rockets led the Jazz by 12 points with 9:55 left in the fourth quarter and five points (91 to 86) with 2:39 left in the fourth; however, the Rockets could not stop the Jazz and gave up two driving lay ups which helped send the game into the first overtime.

"I think if anything stopped the offense is that we made two big mistakes and let them drive twice in a row for layups to actually tie the game," said Rick Adelman after the ball game. "That's when you have to buckle down. You can't get beat off the dribble and we did that twice."

After making seven of his first 12 shots, Yao Ming made just two of his last 11 shots as he struggled in the fourth and both overtime sessions to finish around the basket.

With Yao's struggles to score against Utah's physical, swarming defense, the Rockets decided to go to forward Ron Artest in the low post in the second overtime.

Artest went to work down low and  delivered 10 points (8 for 8 free throws and 1 for 2 from the field). Artest also dished one assist to a cutting Luis Scola for a layup and an "And 1" which put the Rockets 108 to 102 with 3:25 left in the second overtime.

"Coach just went to me," Artest said. "He had a good play designed; and, we took advantage of it. I really should have been attacking all night instead of waiting until double overtime; but, better late than never."

Ironically, due to his sore ankle, Artest was not expected to play in tonight's game; however, with Tracy McGrady missing the game due to his sore knee, Artest -- just before the game -- decided to play in the game.

"He just said he wanted to play," said Adelman about Artest's decision to play.

Artest played 40 plus minutes and scored 28 points; grabbed eight rebounds; dished out four assists; and picked up two steals.

"I thought it would have been smarter if I had taken this game off; but, Mac (Tracy McGrady) wasn't playing; so, when you think about the team, and you thing about winning and how you can help, that's the reason for me playing."

Yao Ming added 26 points and 11 rebounds. Luis Scola scored 10 points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds. Luther Head scored 10 points in his start at shooting guard. Aaron Brooks also scored 10 points. Shane Battier (11 points) and Rafer Alston (13 points) each scored in double-figures.

The Jazz shot 49% (49 for 100) from the field in the ball game while the Rockets shot only 39.2% (38 for 97); however, the Rockets out rebounded the Jazz 56 to 42 and attempted 38 free throws (making 32 for 84.2%) to just 18 free throw attempts).

Second year Jazz big man Kyrylo Fesenko (12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds) and rookie Kosta Koufos (14 points and 4 rebounds) did a solid job defending Yao Ming. Both players were very physical against Yao which caused Yao to wear down late in the ball game on offense and defense.

Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan said, "Fes (Fesenko) and Koufos did the best they could do all game defending Yao. At the end, we tried to get the ball out of Artest's hands; but, we were too slow on the double teams. Houston is so big and long; and, we are a small group of guys."

"The second overtime coach switched up and played Ron in the post more," said Yao Ming. "And, that gave me a blow so I had some energy to play defense."

The Rockets improve to 20 and 14 with the grind it out win. Utah's record is now 18 and 14.

Francis Dealt to Grizzlies

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets traded guard Steve Francis to the Memphis Grizzlies today in a deal to simply dump salary and allow the Rockets to avoid the luxury tax threshold as well as improve the chances of signing another player (can you say Dikembe Mutombo?).

The Rockets traded Francis, a 2009 second-round draft pick, and cash to the Grizzlies in exchange for a 2011 conditional second-round draft pick (protected to number 55).

According to the Memphis' Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery, the 2009 draft pick the Griz receive is the pick they sent along with the draft rights to Donte Greene (28th overall pick) in exchange for forward Darrell Arthur (27th) in last June's draft-day trade.

Francis, 31, has not played a game this season due to surgery on his quadriceps tendon in February. Francis is in finally healthy enough to play ball; so, the Grizzlies will get the opportunity to see just how much Francis has left in his tank. Francis is a free agent at the end of this season; so, his $2.64 M salary would come off the Grizzlies' payroll in the summer.

Ironically, Francis held a holiday party for 200 kids this afternoon at Houston's Dave & Buster's Restaurant.

Sooners 70, Rice 58

TUDOR FIELDHOUSE (HOUSTON, TX) -- A good game was stopped and started by numerous clock malfunctions Monday night inside the new Tudor Fieldhouse as the Rice Owls played the Oklahoma Sooners in front of 3345 fans. The game was stopped about 10 times because the clock system did not work properly. The Sooners struggled from the foul line all game; but, Oklahoma improved to 12-0 with a hard fought 70 to 58 victory.

Monday night's match up between the number 4 Oklahoma Sooners and the Rice Owls was expected to be a blow out in favor of the Sooners. Far from it. The Rice Owls (4-7) played the Sooners tough for 33 minutes and led Oklahoma  for a few minutes before the Sooners took a 29 to 28 lead at the half. Willie Warren led the Sooners with 15 points (6 for 9 shooting) while Corey Pflieger led the Owls with 14 points (5 for 8).

Despite swarming defense from the Owls, All-America Blake Griffin scored 10 points for OU.

The Sooners hurt themselves with a shoddy 16 for 32 effort at the foul line which helped the Owls stay close in the ball game.

After scoring 14 points in the first half, Pflieger scored just three points in the second half on 1 for 3 shooting.

Oklahoma's freshman guard Willie Warren scored a game-high 31 points. Warren was in complete control throughout the game. Warren shot 4 for 9 from three-point range; and, he was 7 for 8 from two-point range. Blake Griffin took a pounding from the scrappy Owls -- including an elbow under his right eye which caused a gash -- and still scored 27 points (9 for 11 from the field) and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Griffin made only 9 of his 17 free throw attempts.

The Owls trailed OU 9 to 2 during the first four plus minutes; but, Pfleiger got hot from the field and scored nine points to help the Owls pull with five points (16 to 11) by the second media timeout. The Sooners led the Owls 21 to 15 before Pfleiger and Lawrence Graham sparked a 13 to 4 run to put the Owls ahead 28 to 25 with 1:51 remaining in the half. The Owls didn't score the rest of the half; and, the Sooners went ahead thanks to two made free trows by Blake Griffin and a driving layup by Warren.

More clock stoppages took place in the second half.

Pfleiger gave the Owls a 40 to 38 lead with a three point bucket at the 12:51 mark. Blake Griffin made two free throws to tie the game at 40. The game was tied at 44 and 46 before Warren scored a lay up which kick started and 14 to 2 run by the Sooners to blow the game open.