My NBA Assist

For those who are unaware, I have an NBA assist. But you never played in the NBA you say. That is true, I was never drafted, never signed an NBA contract, or collected an NBA pay-check, but I still have a stat. An assist to be precise. How is this possible you might say. I will tell you.

During the 2005 Season I was given a ticket and the opportunity to sit on the front row during a Utah Jazz home game. As I sat on the front row a warm sense of belonging blanketed my body; I truly was where I was meant to be. The Jazz players came out of the locker room 30 minutes before the game was to start for a little warm up. I watched as they went through some lay-up drills, and then stood on the hardwood court as they separated and began practicing their jump shots. Then it happened....a ball bounced to me and I caught it. Then I did exactly what John Stockton would have wanted me to do...I looked for the open man and made the pass. Keith McLeod caught my perfect chest pass and drained the 18 foot jump shot.

Who is Keith McLeod you say? Keith McLeod was a 6-2 guard drafted out of Bowling Green State, who played for the Utah Jazz for two seasons (04-06) where he averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 assists. His time with the Utah Jazz was short, as was his career in the NBA.

It is said by those who were there that night that the crowd arose to their feet after my accurate assist, and applauded me. I however cannot confirm the ovation as I was still in awe at my first and only NBA stat. I don't know if my assist was recorded in the NBA log that night, but I know of my assist and the fame it has brought me in my own imagination.

Jazz Season Intermission

ACT ONE of the Jazz season has come to a close. Now a brief intermission, which gives us all the chance to stretch our legs, use the restroom, and go get the cherry lifesavers we saw when we walked in. It also gives us the chance to talk about the First Act. The first half of the Jazz season had some award winning performances by a great cast, but also injuries to others that have given the understudies the opportunity to show they deserve a chance to bow at the final curtain call. Their record currently rests at 24-17. 41 games completed, with 41 still to go.

Listed below are some observations, thoughts, compliments, and gut feelings on the first act, and what we can expect in the SECOND ACT.

CAST

(Lead Actors)

Deron Williams- Although we didn't see this character until part way through the opening act, his performance has shown he is qualified to lead. D-Will has played well over the past 15 or so games, and seems to be finally overcoming his injuries. A recent physical road trip has still left D-Will less than 100%. However, he has a drive to succeed, and should show great talent and leadership over the next 41 games.

Paul Millsap- With the normal lead character Carlos Boozer on the inactive list due to injuries, his understudy, Paul Millsap has stepped into the starting role and proven he is...a beast. Millsap has had some of his own injuries to deal with, but seems determined to prove he is worthy of a starting position.

Mehmet Okur-Okur has shown glimpses of All Star Performances, yet consistency continues to remain his greatest challenge. He continues to deal with an ill father back home in Turkey. If the last 10 games are any indication of his performance in the second half, then I expect great things from number 13.

(Supporting Cast)

Andrei Kirilenko, Ronnie Brewer, CJ Miles, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Price, Brevin Knight, Kosta Koufus- Each has had games where they have shown their ability to shine, yet each has struggled to find and maintain their presence on the stage. Perhaps a little stage fright? AK continues to perform admirably, but his performances seem more and more like he is tired of the same old lines and is just going through the motions of reading his lines. (On a side note: AK's wife Masha has a clothing store, and her television and radio commercials are among my top ten most entertaining.) Brewer still can't shoot, and CJ still can't defend. Our back-up guards are adequate for what we require, but will forever remain understudies. Kosta is an up-and-coming star, who may one day get to see his name in bright lights. Kyle (I could get lost in those eyes) Korver has struggled with his own injuries, but is still finding ways to contribute to the performances.

(Orchestra Pit)

Carlos Boozer, Matt Harpring, Jaron Collins, Krylo Fesenko, Morris Almond- Sadly for these gentleman their performances, or lack there of, have sent them into the orchestra pit. Matt Harpring may have the ability to return to his role in the supporting cast, but for the time being, injuries and lack of consistent talent have kept these five stars off-stage. There is hope that Carlos Boozer can once again return to the stage and perform his great 20 and 10 soliloquy, but until then Paul Millsap has the limelight.

Playbill comments on ACT TWO

Carlos Boozer will return to the starting line-up and with a healthy and rejuvenated cast the team will finish the season with a record of 51-31. This will not, however be enough to win the Northwest Division, but will be enough to garnish the 6th seed in the West. This will match us up against the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz will defeat the Hornets in 6 games and move into the second round of the playoffs. This sadly is where this seasons' curtain closes on our performers. We will stand and applaud their performance, but there will be no encore...bring up the house lights,...please pick up your lifesaver wrappers on your way out. Drive Safe.

1991 Diet Pepsi Commercial

Just a little stroll down memory lane.

I love D-Will, but I will always miss John.

"Hot" Rod Hundley's 3,000th game

If you have listened or watched a Jazz game in the last 35 years then you certainly know who "Hot Rod" is. Hot Rod will call his 3,000th game tonight as the Jazz take on the Hornets. Below is a excerpt from the Jazz website:

Legendary Utah Jazz broadcaster “Hot” Rod Hundley will call his 3,000th Jazz game when the team hosts the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday, January 7. Hundley is currently in his fourth season as the radio voice of the Jazz after 31 years as the play-by-play voice of Jazz radio/television simulcasts. The only member of the original New Orleans Jazz staff to remain with the team all 35 seasons, he joined the organization prior to the expansion team’s inaugural season in 1974-75 and moved with the team when it relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979-80. (Utah Jazz)

Some Popular “Hot” Rod-isms:
“With a gentle push, and a mild arc, the old cowhide globe hits home.”
“Yo-yoing”
“Leapin’ leaner”
“Hippity-hop”
“Good if it goes!”
“Frozen rope”
“Belt-high dribble”
“It’s in the ol’ refrigerator.”
“Looking down the barrel”
“You gotta love it, baby!”

Several seasons ago Hot Rod moved back to only broadcasting on the radio. A move that brought Craig Bolerjack back to announcing sports in Utah. I am a fan of Boler and am even enjoying Ron Boone more recently. However, no one will ever be able to replace the legend that is Hot Rod. Those of us who grew up listening to Hot Rod know that his personal life included "the bottle," yet he always seemed to show up in time to call the game for us.

As the years pass, it seems as though Hot Rod, like many of the great veteran NBA players, has "lost a step." It is difficult for me to listen to his radio broadcasts without feeling a bit of sadness and longing for the good ol' days when he knew who we were playing, and could pronounce the names of the players. Still, when it comes to Hot Rod, "you got to love him baby."

I am sure the time will come when he will disappear from the game. Many will praise his work and remember his name long after he is gone. But I don't think a man of his greatness will simply pass away; rather I think with " a gentle push, and a mild arc" he will sort of just hit home. And when that day comes, I imagine a banner with his name will be raised, and during every Jazz game, Hot Rod will be calling the game for those who have gone before us. He may even have a bottle in his hands. Congratulations Hot Rod.

Barden's goals for 2009

As the calender rolls into another January, it is quite common for individuals to set goals for the upcoming year. Barden is no different, and below is a sample of Barden's goals for 2009.

1. Eat more salad
2. Eat more steak!
3. Watch less television
4. Watch more sports
5. Get to bed a little earlier
6. Take more naps
7. Read more novels
8. Read less nutrition labels
9. Compliment others more
10. Criticize less
11. Travel more
12. Laugh more
13. Write more
14. Love more
15. Drool less in my sleep