Find the Positive

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

December 2001

It isn't too often a team loses 15 games in a row; but, the Houston Rockets recently ended a 15-game losing streak by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. The streak was caused by injuries (especially to Steve Francis); poor play; and, in a few cases, just plain bad luck. However, throughout the losing, Rockets' head coach Rudy Tomjanovich constantly talked about "finding the positives". After a few of the losses, Rudy was visibly disappointed; however, he always turned his talk to something positive whether it was Oscar Torres' stellar play; Eddie Griffin's emergence in his first 2 games as a starter; Cuttino Mobley's toughness by playing despite having 2 sprained ankles; etc. Rudy's positive vibes kept the team together as well as provided the players with a sense of "everything will be okay". I have to admit Rudy's message of "always find the positive" has been a big help to me, too.

First, 2001 has been a really tough year for me. I was having problems long before the tragedy of September 11. The Houston Roundball Review slowed to a crawl; and, in fact, has been on the proverbial life support for many months. In fact, I had decided to throw in the towel on November 13 because I was fed up with the business going nowhere whatsoever. Clearly, I decided to persevere because you're reading this issue; but, just know the HRR was practically at death's door.

Since that day in November, subscribers haven't increased one bit; but, I have found some reasons to continue plugging away. First, a HUGE "Thank you" to Mr. Hal Pastner. Hal is the owner of Vision Sports as well as the Tournament Director for the inaugural Academy National Invitational high school tournament which will be held at the Campbell Center from December 26 through December 29. Hal has been a huge help and a beacon of light these last 4 weeks. Above everything he has done for me, Hal has given me the one thing I needed more than anything else to continue: hope. Thanks, Hal.

Next, my friends deserve a big time "Thank You", too. They know who they are; but, I'm going to mention their names (first names only, of course) anyway: Travis, Dwight, A.O., Greg, Devoughan, Ray, and Tarus -- thanks a million! Each of them has been my guardian angel and a ray of sunshine when times seemed to be the darkest.

Third, Rudy T. I';m privileged to be a credentialed member of the media; so, naturally, I've had the opportunity to cover Rudy and the Rockets for about 3 years now on a daily basis. I know Rudy and Rudy knows me. (Heck, he even knows I';m called the "Ladies Man" on Sports Radio 610 because Rudy appeared with us on Draft Night in June). I've disagreed with some of his personnel moves and questioned his coaching philosophy a few times; but, I have always had great respect for Rudy. That respect increased during the Rockets' losing skein because of his ability to maintain perspective and provide a stabilizing influence for his team and staff. I'm not suggesting Rudy never got upset or angry because he did; but, he always maintained his role as coach and leader of the team.

Despite his team being decimated by injuries (Steve, Glen Rice, Cuttino, Kenny Thomas, Walt Williams, Kelvin Cato, Oscar, Jason Collier, and Maurice Taylor who was injured before the season started), Rudy always "found the positive". Even during the "worst week in Rockets' history" (Hakeem Olajuwon's remarks stating Rudy and the organization basically lied to Hakeem and the public about their plans for Dream; along with Mo Taylor's suspension for testing positive for marijuana; and Steve's arrest for running a red light and driving while intoxicated), Rudy kept his head and "found the positive" -- Steve wasn't hurt or worse, Mo made a mistake, and, despite being hurt by the comments, "I'm sorry Dream feels that way."

I'm not placing Rudy on a pedestal; but, I want to acknowledge how impressed and appreciative with the way Rudy Tomjanovich "found the positive" through these last few trying weeks. Despite my tough times, I now look for the positive, too. Thanks to everyone who helped me this year. Happy Holidays! Enjoy 2002!