2006-07 UCLA Basketball Highlights
Got bored again this weekend, so here you go........wanna thank our inability to go out and socialize on a weekend so that we could sit on the couch and put this together.....and like Big Brad from Real World San Diego, I wanna say "Thanks for the brews!" Click here for the video
TO, Romo, Jessica, and John Clayton?
I know this is a little late, but better late then never. All of the square media outlets have been bashing TO about his comments regarding Tony Romo’s poor performance against the Eagles in Week 15, blaming Jessica Simpson’s presence. But to anybody that actually heard TO make these comments, you could tell by the tone of his voice and the reaction of the reporters that big Terrell was totally joking. We know TO has had his problems with teammates and the media in the past, but from a team standpoint- this has been TO’s best season. Do you really think he would come out and blast his star quarterback?
Basically, the only reason this was a story is because squares like ESPN’s John Clayton wanted to make a big story so they could be all over the TV screen. And seriously, who would want to see John Clayton in front of the TV screen? Many a folk are still baffled as to how that guy has a job reporting for ESPN.
And really, would Jessica Simpson’s presence really affect Romo’s play? I mean, should Romo be nervous because Jessica was in the building? I could see if Jessica was still an A-list virgin and Romo was a 4th string quarterback getting his 1st shot. But let’s be real. Romo is the real star here. Jessica is now Sloppy Seconds who has fallen off the radar much like the former Mater Dei star Schea Cotton. If anything, she should be wondering how she landed a stud like Romo- she’s moved on from a 5’6 boy bander to the Quarterback of America’s Team.
Romo wasn’t nervous because Jessica was there. TO wasn’t being serious in his comments to the media. John Clayton is somehow still reporting for ESPN. And big Nick Lachey (oops I mean small) is secretly hoping Romo and the Cowboys experience an early exit in the playoffs.
I’m out. Thanks for the brews.
December 29, 2007 5:17 PM
We got a little bored this weekend so we decided to pay a little tribute to one of our JerseyChaser.Com bloggers, UCLA Power Forward Lorenzo Mata-Real. Lo’s been to 2 Final Fours in his 3 years at UCLA, and a 3rd Final Four looks probable for the 07-08 season. That will end up being some John Wooden Era-type of stuff.
P.S. Don’t tell Eminem.
December 17, 2007 10:20 PM
Dorrell Wright Interview
Entering his 4th season in the league, Dorrell has made steady progress during his time in South Beach. The Los Angeles area native attended Leuzinger High School in Hawthorne (same spot as current Bruin Russell Westbrook) for most of his prep career, finishing at South Kent Prep, located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills in northwest Connecticut (haven’t been there but heard they have good soup). He was the first player in the history of the Heat franchise to be drafted straight out of high school (19th overall selection in 200 NBA draft). Wright has developed a strong relationship with Heat all-star guard Dwyane Wade, who has taken the youngster (he turns 22 on December 2nd) under his wing and helped him become a professional both on and off the court.
Dorrell has become a mentor for some of the younger players in the Los Angeles area, including Westbrook. During the summer time, when he’s in town, you can often find him at one of the local area hoops hot spots (just like we did) playing, coaching or hanging out. Kris caught up with the D3 to talk about playing with D-Wade and Shaq, playing for the legend that is Pat Riley, and what facets of his game need some fine tuning….ENJOY
December 16, 2007 10:32 PM
LAKE SHOW WINS DESPITE AI’s PHENOMENAL PERFORMACE
Let’s face it; tonight’s Lakers game versus the Denver Nuggets was spectacular. Regardless of what the expectations were of this year’s Lakers squad, they have performed quite well this season and established their presence as a formidable threat in the Western Conference. When Kobe nailed the jumper in the final :35 seconds to make it 108-104 we all pretty much new it was ovessssssss. And in fact it was as the Lakers (11-8) ended a 3 game skid and solidified their 2nd place position in the Pacific conference, 4 games out of 1st (Suns).
The Lakers were able to triumph despite one of AI’s most spectacular performances of his career. He played extraordinary at times, dominating the court in a manner that he hasn’t demonstrated too often during his time in a Nuggets uniform. The legend went for 51 points on 18-27 shooting whilst also able to dish out 8 assists. Even Kobe had to give him some props during the halftime interview saying that Iverson was “playing the way he use to play” and that the Lakers were not ready for what was about to crack.
Iverson’s 51 points tied Kobe’s record for most inside the confines of the Pepsi Center, broke Alex English’s previous team record for most points in a game versus the show (45) and is the most points scored in a game this season. BUT the bottom line was that despite AI’s all-out servicing, the Lakers were able to come through in the clutch and got a well needed W. They didn’t lose steam down the stretch and even when they were down, they weren’t out.
December 5, 2007 10:28 PM
FSN CREW PULLS DOUBLE SHIFT
FSN BASKETBALL CREW: Marques Johnson, Ted Robinson and Michael Eaves)
Jerseychaser.com would like to give some necessary props to the FSN’s Pac-10 basketball announcing crew of Marques Johnson, Ted Robinson and sideline reporter Michael Eaves, who covered two marquee games in conjunction with the Pac-10/Big 12 Challenge on Sunday.
The day started with an 11am game at the Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles for the #24 USC Trojans battle against the # 4Kansas Jayhawks. Despite a lackluster result, the Trojans lost by 4 (59-55), the game was intense and the USC squad definitely surprised a lot of people across the country with their strong play. They should make a strong showing come tourney time.
Following the conclusion of the first game of the day, the crew headed down to Westwood, in historic Pauley Pavilion, to see one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season as the #1 UCLA Bruins took on the #8 Texas Longhorns at 5pm. Despite a marvelous display of high level basketball by both teams, The Longhorns got some last-minute heroics on a broken play and went on to shock UCLA 63-61 in front of the Bruin faithful.
While pulling a double-shift early in the season isn’t too uncommon, it usually involves a crew working the same venue as apart of a tournament or showcase. In this instance the crew had to move across the city and covered nearly 6 hours of live sports action (let’s be honest getting across Los Angeles is no easy matter, even on Sunday). Despite the grueling day, the crew did a great job in both broadcasts and we look forward to catching them throughout the season.
December 3, 2007 4:03 PM
FORMER BRUIN JELANI McCOY SIGNS WITH NUGGETS
This news actually came down Wednesday afternoon but in case you missed it former Bruin Forward Jelani McCoy has signed a deal with the injury-plagued Nuggets to fill a necessary void in their roster. McCoy spent the beginning of the season with the Los Angeles Defenders of the NBA D-League. I was actually in attendance at the game Tuesday in which the Defenders took on the Idaho Stampede.
It was my first official D-League experience and although the crowd was quite small. If you subtract the Lakers players, coaches, staff, and Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien from those present at the game, I would say there were around 19 people cheering on the action. Despite the lackluster turnout, the action was incredible and it was especially entertaining to see guys like McCoy, Wendell White (Redondo Union, UNLV) , Cecil Brown (Canoga Park, UCSB), Errick Craven (Bishop Montgomery, USC), Randy Livingston (LSU) and Brent Petway (Michigan) playing at the Staples Center.
The League is pretty tight and gives fans the opportunity to see high level basketball in a much more relaxed setting in comparison to an NBA game. The ticket prices are extremely reasonable, for $10 you get to go to both the Defenders and Lakers game. Fans are allowed to sit wherever they want for the Defenders game but eventually have to move to the nosebleeds once the "Show" starts (but those seats aren’t too shabby at Staples).
Every timeout there is a good chance that you will be on the jumbotron (every fans dream) and I even won the fan appreciation award which included dinner for 4 at Chipotle (needless to say I took advantage of that one ASAP). Even got to chat with former Bruin and newest Laker Trevor Ariza, who was in attendance and very happy to be playing back in his home town.
Ok, Ok, got a little off topic, the bottom line is that I am looking forward to seeing Jelani suit up for the Nuggets tomorrow but more importantly, I’m excited to see Coby Karl and the Defenders take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The D-League is a gem. They will come, oh yes, they will.
November 29, 2007 12:33 AM
“NATURALLY WE CALLED OUR STUFF GATORADE”
Dr. Robert Cade 
(FADE-ORADE: you know)
Whilst much of the sports world's attention is focused on the untimely passing of Redskins Safety Sean Taylor, the death of another legend went largely overlooked. J. Robert Cade, one of the inventors of the world renowned beverage consumed by athletes, legends, wannabes, has-beens, could-have-beens, should-have-beens, hang-out-guys, squares and nearly every other human on the planet, Gatorade, died Tuesday of Kidney failure. He was 80-years-old. Cade is credited with initially developing the product, along with a group of University of Florida researchers, in the mid 1960's when a Gator assistant wanted to know why the players didn't tinkle. You might remember him from those catchy Gatorade commercials (not the cross-eyed guy that looks kinda sketch ball, that's Dana) where he delivered one of my all-time favorite one-liners "naturally we called our stuff Gatorade".
Instead of regurgitating the countless articles that are circulating the web, as well as every other type of media outlet, I will use the information that I have garnered reading these stories to raise a few issues that I thought about....MORE
November 27, 2007 11:49 PM
BRUINS RELY ON "D" IN CBE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY OVER MICHIGAN STATE
These last 2 games were the first real test for a Bruins squad that has played a pretty easy schedule to date, and the Bruins showed the world what they are made of. Tough back-to-back victories against 2 historically solid programs in Maryland and 11th ranked Michigan State, on the road (neutral site actually) to boot. Also playing without the likes of Darren Collison and/or Mike Roll, UCLA is nowhere near 100% as a team. Such is life in college basketball.
The Bruins battled back from some tough officiating, and a whack 1st half in which they only made 7 field goals and trailed by 11 points, to outscore the Spartans by 16 (43-27) in the 2nd half, including 14 from Josh Shipp. Luc’s 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining in the game propelled the Bruins over their first ranked opponent this season. It was a collective team effort led by K Love’s 21 points and 11 rebounds as the team continued to make plays on both ends of the court. Russell, Alfred and Lo Mata-Real also contributed tremendously for the under-manned Bruin squad.... MORE
November 20, 2007 10:35 PM
Marcus Williams Interview
Kris caught up with New Jersey Nets backup point guard Marcus Williams at the Real Run to reminisce about his rookie season and also look ahead to what the future holds. Marcus was in and out of his hometown Los Angeles this summer going hard in preparation for his 2nd season in the league. After a solid rookie campaign in which he averaged 6.8 ppg, 3.3 apg and shot a very solid 84.7% from the free throw line in nearly 17 minutes a contest, all signs were that Marcus’ role would greatly increase for a very strong Nets team.
Williams is a reliable backup to superstar Jason Kidd and has a very similar skill set. He’s an exceptional passer that makes the incredible seem routine, a solid shooter but needs to develop a little more consistency, hits the glass persistently and is a good teammate.
Unfortunately Marcus suffered a broken bone in his 5th metatarsal before training camp, which required surgery and the insertion of a screw in his foot. The team is hoping to have him back in action within the next couple of weeks and we are sure that he will be a welcome addition as the Atlantic division appears to be tougher than ever with a respectable Raptors squad and the new look Celtics appearing to dominate the NBA landscape like the old Bulls teams did back in the 90’s. Enjoy!
November 16, 2007 5:29 PM
Pretend this is a catchy title incorporating Kevin Love and UCLA dominating their season opener vs Portland State
I’ll be quite honest, it’s pretty late and after struggling (well quasi-deep thinking) for hours to come up with an eye-catching headline showing off my creativity (some might consider it that, hopefully), I figured I would just let every other media outlet in the world covering UCLA’s 69-48 servicing of Portland State handle those shenanigans.
Tonight in a nutshell was the long anticipated debut of Kevin Love as well as the new and improved Bruins basketball squad, which was somehow overlooked for the basically meaningless Preseason #1 ranking. Even though the Bruins were without DC (knee) and Mike Roll (foot), both battling minor injuries, the rest of the team picked up the slack and performed very solidly in their first test of the season. The game was never in doubt, but was a good warm-up as they prepare for the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, which starts Monday versus Youngstown State....
November 10, 2007 12:09 AM
OJ Mayo- Highlights from The Real Run- Summer 2007
You've heard of OJ. No high school basketball player has received as much media attention as "The Juice" since Lebron James. We got a chance to check him out every Friday this past Summer at the Real Run at Inglewood High School, where many of SoCal's finest pro, college and highschool players met up to get some runs in. OJ was there. And he was impressive.
The kid is an absolute killer on the court- a combination of Salim's jumper, Ray Allen's size, and MJ's killer instinct. Here is a sneak preview of what we will get to see this year when he dons the USC Trojan uniform, but don't get too comfortable- because this kid is planning a short stay in LA. Click Here
October 2, 2007 9:10 PM
The Bad Boys of Westwood by Kris Johnson
October is around the corner and that familiar feel is back on UCLA's campus..School is back in session.. It's 75 degrees and nice outside, Bruinwalk is 
lively again, the football team has us excited after a big win and basketball season is around the corner. I love this time of year because it is now, that the foundation for another exciting season of UCLA basketball is being laid.
Can this year's Bruins live up to their potential and dominate in a similar fashion that the Detroit Pistons did in the late 80's early 90's?....click here for the rest....
September 25, 2007 7:56 AM
Barry Bonds and Baseball
Baseball is almost over. Hallelujah!! Though I love and respect America's "favorite" pastime, I am glad to see the end of another baseball season. The game has been disparaged and discredited to the point where I really didn't care about anything this season, other than Barry destroying the homerun record. That was exciting for me, as I have been a Barry fan since his days at Arizona St. I could careless about the book, mainstream America's disdain, or the fact that he is an ornery SOB...I love the fact that Barry is Barry and he holds the two most hallowed records in sports...
By Kris Johnson
September 24, 2007 9:14 AM
Ryan Wright Interview
Part 1
Ryan Wright has had the privilege of going to the Final Four in his first 2 years of playing college basketball. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to keep him at UCLA. The athletic big man from Toronto announced at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season that he would be transferring, and he sits down with us to discuss why he chose the University of Oklahoma, and why he thinks he can help them get to where UCLA already is on the national college basketball scene.
September 23, 2007 9:32 PM
Stop Hatin' On Lav
Jerseychaser.com would like to congratulate Steve and Mary Lavin on their 
recent marriage and wish them nothing but the best for the future. Mazaltov!!!
While I should have wrote this a few months ago, I’m reassured knowing that at least now is better than never. I was heartbroken (actually just really disappointed) a few months back when I received an email from my former Coach, alerting guests that he and his now wife Mary, decided to cancel their wedding ceremony.
The ceremony was scheduled for August 17th, at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California but due to a not-so-astonishing level of RSVP’s (around 95% according to the information that was sent out in the now infamous email) there was not going to be enough room to accommodate all the guests in an effective manner. So basically Lav was forced to make a difficult decision but it was probably the right one.....
click here for the rest
September 18, 2007 8:17 PM
New Blog from Pro Volleyball player Matt McKinney
The former UCLA volleyball and basketball player is making money while playing his 2nd-Favorite sport in Puerto Rico
Whatup fellow jersey wearers and chasers!
much love comin at u from beautiful Puerto Rico. I'm curre
ntly
playing pro volleyball in the second largest city in Puerto Rico called Ponce. It crazy hot here- usually around the high 90's and when it rains the humitity makes atlanta seem dry. anyway life is good.. i have a 3-bedroom apartment to myself and have worked out a nice contract considering im playing volleyball and actually making a living!.....
September 17, 2007 9:53 PM
I Told You....Blog from Quinn Hawking with JerseyChaser.Com
Durant-Oden. Oden-Durant. I already blogged on why Portland should have drafted Durant. But I figured I needed to write something since the big news came out last week.
So Greggy Oden just underwent microfracture surgery. Although this is not going to end his career or completely shatter Portland’s hopes at becoming a powerhouse in the NBA in the next 10 years, this is obviously big. Bigger then Portland General Manager Kevin Pritchard wants you to believe.....
September 17, 2007 3:31 PM