Guest Blogger: Kevin Pritchard - World Championships, Japan, and Toilets?
posted: 9/8/2006 at 4:04 PM
Hello Blazers fans. I hope your summer has been an enjoyable one. I know it certainly has been for me. The crack staff at trailblazers.com asked me to write a guest blog while Mike Barrett is on vacation and I thought I'd share my thoughts on the World Basketball Championships with you.
Steve Patterson and I just recently returned from the FIBA World Championships in Japan. What an experience! This was my first trip to Japan, but Steve had been there before and knew the surroundings, which was good because it can be a little challenging getting around Tokyo. Thankfully, we were able to figure out the subway system, but on top of that they have a train system and the cars drive on the opposite side of the road, so transportation there is a little unique to say the least. But, we figured it out and made it to all the games.
One of the biggest reasons we were there was to support the two people we had over there. Of course, one was Nate, who is an assistant with Team USA. Steve and I went out to dinner with Nate. We spent a great deal of time talking about our upcoming season and it was really exciting to see just how fired up he is about this year's Trail Blazers team. Coach was a little home sick and it was clear that he's looking forward to getting back to the States and being a head coach again and working with our players. I think he enjoyed the time he spent with Steve and I as we're all part of the same Blazers family.
The actual basketball games were fantastic. It was a high level tournament. International basketball is very different from the NBA game for a number of reasons. It's something you have to adapt to and that made for a whole new set of circumstances for Team USA. Despite losing to Greece in the semifinals, I thought Team USA played very well in taking the bronze medal.
The other person we were over there to support was our rookie,
Sergio Rodriguez, who was playing for Spain. Blazers scout Jason Filippi joined Steve and I to evaluate where Sergio is. He did a great job coming into games and proved to be a big spark plug off the bench for Spain. He really shined in Spain's semifinal against Argentina. He scored 14 points in 15 minutes and I don't think Spain wins that game if Sergio didn't play as well as he did.
He's really a dynamic player. He's going to be flashy, unique, and certainly fun to watch, but he's also going to need to learn to play the NBA game. But, you look at his overall stats and we're thrilled to death with what he did in the tournament. He was 11 of 23 in field goals, made some three pointers on 3 of 6 shooting, and had 21 assists. The assist stat comparison isn't exactly comparing apples to apples because an assist in FIBA or Euro basketball is different. Over there an assist needs to lead directly to a lay-up before it's counted as an assist. He has a great ability to play the pick and roll. He's also terrific at getting in the paint and finding players. The one thing that he really has a knack for is the lob pass. He's got a great sense for leading players and hitting them at just the right time. Most people feel that he'll be starting for Spain in the not too distant future. He's playing at a high level this summer and played a major role in helping Spain capture the gold medal.
All-in-all Japan was a wonderful experience. Steve and I traveled all over Tokyo taking in the city and culture. Steve and Nate even managed to get me to eat sushi, which for a Kansas boy is unheard of. Hopefully no one back home will read this because I'll never hear the end of eating raw fish over beef.
The other thing that I found unique about Tokyo was the toilets, but we'll just leave it at that.
I'm very much looking forward to the start of our season and I hope you are as well. This Monday, I will be chatting with Brian Wheeler about Japan, some of the world-wide emerging stars, and the upcoming Trail Blazers season. Make sure you check trailblazers.com for the link for the audio, PLUS you can always write questions via AOL Instant Messenger during the chat (screen name: trailblazers0607). I'll see you very soon at the Rose Garden.
All the best,
Kevin Pritchard
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Great to have you guys back and am looking forward to pre season. Come on kevin are the toilets ? what a hole in the ground?
yeah sergio was great and the US improved over last time, oh you never siad how the sushi was!!!!! I love sushi but had to get over the raw fish but when i did i totally enjoyed it. If ever in Philie eat at Morimotos. I hope Sergio gets some burn during the season.
Kevin - nice to hear from you here. Your work is apparent to Blazer fans everywhere and much appreciated. As a fellow KU grad I know you will continue to bring class and skill to the team.
Sergio looks like he is going to be good. Most comment on his offense but I did notice his effort on defense. I am sure Coach will teach him much this year.
Hi!
this year could be great for Portland, it´s building a good team, about Sergio, all the people here, in Spain think that his game are perfect for the NBA, so fast, creative and explosive, he run perfect with the ball and think a few secconds, it´s a grea guard.
I think, Portland could be a great season!! i hope it!!!
Regards!!!
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