Waking up every morning before dawn, many at the Mansfield YMCA see a legend in the making. In the wee hours of the morning, before most people start their day, one man, and one dream are in the making. After graduating with the class of 2010 at Central Crossing High School, Mansfield YMCA PF/C Jason Morrow has surpassed unlikely odds to get to the position he is in now.

Being around the basketball program at CCHS until it’s eventual downfall after the 2008-09 season, Morrow took his attention elsewhere, this time Hilliard Bradley. Sitting court side for each Jaguar game, Morrow quickly became fascinated with his new team. Although he never played in any games during his high school career, his time on the bleachers is going to serve him well with his new gig. Ohio State basketball star. As the Buckeyes roll to a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the new weapon in their arsenal has yet to be released. Even with the lights out scoring of Jared Sullinger, William Buford and Jon Diebler, among others, coach Thad Matta is anticipating the 2011-12 season more than ever. When Morrow announced on March 1st that he would be heading to Main Campus for his sophomore season at Ohio State, many didn’t understand exactly what he was saying. Many followers on Facebook and Twitter believed it was a simple suggestion that “Jay Bird” as many call him, would just be going to the Oval to solely take classes and increase his wealth of knowledge. Well social networking world, you were wrong.

Let’s go back into Morrow’s basketball past and see where this beast began his tour of destruction. Playing basketball in the Grove City Parks and Rec league, Morrow was a sharpshooter from deep. Standing in the corner for the majority of the game, Morrow averaged nearly 27 points per game, solely off three point attempts. Many around the city of 30,000 began comparing Morrow to Reggie Miller, but of a different breed. With unforgettable goggles, and an electrifying stroke from deep, natives around Grove City saw a poor man’s Troy Murphy in the making. But after Murphy was cut by the Indiana Pacers prior to this season, many began calling him a poor man’s Jason Morrow. Funny how things change.

When Morrow reached high school, his dreams of taking his career to the next level were put on hold. Choosing to focus on a journalism career, Morrow put basketball to the side. But when he enrolled at Ohio State’s Mansfield campus, he picked up a basketball, and the fire was rekindled. Enlisting in an 18+ league at the local YMCA, where Mansfield legends such as Johnny Appleseed once roamed the courts, Morrow was beginning to bring a Shawshank type effect on the community.

In his first game against the Ontario YMCA, alma mater of the great Paul Morrow, the young Morrow dropped 36 pts, including a Kevin Love-esque 27 rebounds. The seven fans in attendance were amazed at what they saw from the freshman. Over the next seven games, Morrow averaged nearly 41 points per game, and in a December 6th game against the Glenville YMCA, where Ray Small and Rob Rose are the leading scorers, Morrow scored a league record 53 points. Mansfield was trailing with 7.8 seconds left, down two, with the ball, Morrow felt a great sense of urgency coming from within him. Looking to scorn the haters, and women that have burned him in the past, this fire brought out an aggression never seen before. With Donte Whitner guarding him from the top of the key, the defense figured he would attempt a three point field goal, since he had hit eight that day already. But as he moved a little to the right, Morrow executed a slick crossover that broke Whitner’s ankles, something that he has been used to every time he’s played Tom Brady. Driving down the lane, Morrow slammed home a thunderous dunk over Rob Rose, resulting in a foul. With a few tenths of a second remaining, Morrow sinked the free throw which put Mansfield in the lead. Glenville would miss on a heave at the end, and the Fighting Cows won their first game over the Tarblooders since 1922.

The Cows would roll to 18 consecutive wins behind Morrow’s play, which set them up for the YMCA National Championship on March 1st against YMCA of Queens. Led by Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair, the Queens crew was something that the YMCA circuit had never seen. Behind Marbury and Telfair, the Militia set the YMCA record for 62 straight victories, dating back to 2009. But when Morrow walked into the gym, many felt as if Telfair was back in a Timberwolves jersey. The guard was unable to penetrate the lane, which wasn’t the last time he had trouble penetrating that night. When Telfair tried to kick to Marbury, the former Phoenix Suns great couldn’t hit a single shot. With the weak Eddy Curry in the post, who had been claimed off waivers on February 27th following the blockbuster deal for Carmelo Anthony, Morrow had his way on the opposing defense. Sprinting out to an early 15 point lead, the Fighting Cows never looked back. Morrow would total 47 points on the evening, setting another record, this time for points in a Championship game, and Mansfield won the title 80-63. As a crowd of 15,000 filled the DC area YMCA, what many didn’t see was the numerous NBA scouts and NCAA coaches in attendance.

At the postgame press conference, journalists from all over the country were eager to get into the mind of the Mansfield myth. As a writer from the Chicago Tribune asked, “Jason, where are you headed next fall?” Morrow responded, “Well, what should I do? Should I go where you want me to go? Should I trust my friends? They’re my friends. Well, I thought they were at first.” The puzzled reporter looked back and asked, “huh?” Morrow said, “look, I have no idea where I’m going to play next season, right now, any place is pie in the sky.” As the press conference concluded, the majority of reporters in the room were delirious over what just happened.

The next morning Morrow was featured on ESPN First Take’s “First and 10″ with Skip Bayless. Host Jay Crawford brought up the question, “Where will the country’s best player land for the 2011-12 season?” As Bayless began to voice his incredibly biased and unreliable opinion, Morrow interrupted saying, “Well this is very tough. (pause) Next fall, wow, this is tough, next fall, I’ll be taking my talents to Main Campus to join the Ohio State Buckeyes.” Crawford and Bayless were stunned. Crawford questioned Morrow, “Is that the decision you came up with this morning?” Morrow snapped back, “No sir, that has been in my mind since I was born, you reporters are on me harder than the SEC.” Bayless was adamantly upset with the turn of events, ripping Morrow live on television. “Oh here we go again, another drama queen from Northeast Ohio. You should be ashamed of yourself. You will never be anything like Michael Jordan. Gosh, I hate this show more than I dislike Woody Paige.” Morrow smirked back to Bayless and responded, “Skip, nobody has ever told you this, but how about you shut the (expletive) up.”

As the world watched Morrow commit to the Buckeyes, Ohio State freshman Jared Sullinger was ecstatic when he heard the news. Many on Twitter were witnesses to Sullinger’s tweet following the breaking news, “Welcome to Ohio State Mr Morrow. Let’s do it again next year #leggo.” As Morrow and Sullinger rejoiced, the headline at the Columbus Dispatch the following morning was, “Thad Matta does it again: Mansfield wunderkid Jason Morrow signs with the Buckeyes.” It’s crazy how sports can change someone’s life.

1 vs. 8: Jay Bruce walk-off HR to clinch NL Central Division vs. Colt McCoy and Browns upsetting New England

4 vs. 5: Gahanna Lions upsetting #1 Northland 71-45 in OHSAA Regional Final vs. Jared Sullinger’s 40-point outburst in 75-64 win over IUPUI

3 vs. 6: Evan Turner’s buzzer beating shot against Michigan vs. Terrelle Pryor’s 4th and 10 scramble against Iowa to keep drive alive

2 vs. 7: Ohio State shutting down Oregon offense in 2010 Rose Bowl vs. LeBron-less Cavs defeating Boston in season opener

In his three years as the general manager of the dreadful Pittsburgh Pirates, Neal Huntington hasn’t shied away from shocking moves. First was in his inaugural season, shipping off Jason Bay. Then in his second year, sending Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Nate McClouth and Adam LaRoche packing for new cities, new teams and new dreams. Well Huntington has pulled the trigger once again, with what he calls his “Legend Package.”

During a one hour press conference on Fox Sports Pittsburgh, Huntington announced his new plan of action for the organization. Many had no idea what he was referring to and when the plan was revealed, it left the numerous members of the media in Pittsburgh stunned. In what Huntington called, “a deadline deal,” the last place Pirates acquired LW Wayne Gretzy, not sure where he is going to play but they have had similar problems with Lastings Milledge, P Roger Clemens, who will likely be sent to jail for a very long time in the next year and SG Michael Jordan, who in the mid 90s explored a baseball career in the Chicago White Sox organization.

“We feel Gretzky will give us needed depth and a bat to go to in the later innings. I heard he scored alot, runs I believe. He’s about as old as Andy LaRoche, and hey, they both suck so I figured might as well sign him.”

When asked about the Clemens acquisition, Huntington replied, “He can’t be much worse than Ross Olendorf, and he is a fighter, that’s what we need. Come on, the guy has denied steroid use for the past three years, he can handle adversity.” When BtBS attempted to contact Jordan on the situation, Michael had no valuable comment. “The Pirates. Me? No, can’t be possible. I gave up that sport awhile back.”

After a bombardment of criticism from the Pittsburgh media, Huntington stayed strong with his bold move.

“Look, playoff baseball hasn’t been played here since Pamela Anderson was a virgin.”

Huntington would add later, “It’s August 31st!!!!!! Trade Deadline, duh.”

When you’re 33 games out of first place and 44 games under .500 anything is possible. But for Pittsburgh, this is truly shocking. Usually they trade players, not sign them. With a month left in the season, it’ll be very interesting to see how the Bucos do down the stretch with the AARP squad out on the field at PNC Park. “When we win 35 straight games and steal the World Series, I’ll be the one laughing. Neal Huntington. Out” Can’t blame a guy for wanting to win, but Huntington’s plan for success is about as dismal as the Stimulus Package.

• In other National League news, the Cincinnati Reds extended their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals to seven games after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in a game where the Cuban Missile Aroldis Chapman came in relief.

• The Chicago Cubs have found their heir apparent to Lou Piniella. Sources tell BtBS that Isiah Thomas has been in contact with the organization about the managerial position. Thomas, who is under contract with the Florida International basketball program, told Behind the Box Score that, “If I can get this job, I will finally be able to complete my masterplan. Operation Knick Destruction.” Not sure how he will be able to accomplish that but this is coming from a man who believed Eddy Curry was the savior for New York basketball.

• Omaha Nighthawks RB Maurice Clarett practiced with his new team today in front of a crowd of seven. Clarett, who served three and a half years in prison in Toledo is excited for his new start. “It’s a blessing. Instead of facing Big Bubba on every down, I’ll face guys with less intention.” Clarett is slated as the no. 2 back behind Ahman Green who is returning from hip replacement surgery.

After LeBron James held the summer of 2010 in his hands, as far as the sports world is concerned, another star was waiting for his moment. Buried in the shadow of LeBron once again, Carmelo Anthony wasn’t the only conceited star looking for an easy route to a ring. As tension began rising in the Denver front office, it became well known that the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft wanted out, and out soon. Similar to the LeBron issue, Denver has the ability to offer Anthony more money than any other team in the league. But is it money that these stars want? Clearly no. After taking into account the amount these guys have already made in their seven years in the NBA, what’s the difference between $20 million/year and $16 million. Once you throw in two All-Star teammates and a larger market, the money is meaningless.

After Melo and LeBron were selected as two of the top three picks in the 2003 draft, one being compared to that of the ’83 class, the NBA’s next generation was born. At the time, it was expected that one of the big names that were taken in the first round would lead their team to a championship. Seven years later, it’s clear to see that the NBA landscape has changed drastically. In the days of Jordan, Magic, Bird and even Kobe Bryant, the biggest stars of the game have historically strived to defeat their greatest competition. For the Eastern Conference, the alignment of stars in Miami, Boston and potentially New York and Orlando, have produced powerful alliances that are similar to those of World War I.

Now we sit today, with another star waiting to leave his most loyal fanbase and the place that he has called home for his entire career. To many, the arrogance and egotistical display of greed has changed what people think about the NBA. Never before in any sport have players had such control over entire franchises than what’s going on in the association. After LeBron blatantly gave the entire state of Ohio the middle finger, it’s clear Carmelo has similar intentions. A great deal of speculation has been going around about a possible alliance in Madison Square Garden with Melo, Amare Stoudemire, who signed with the Knicks days before LeBron’s decision, and Chris Paul, who clearly wants out of New Orleans. Is this what’s right for the NBA? As small market teams struggle to retain high profile players, what’s happening in the NBA is similar to Major League Baseball. When the rich get richer, it only creates a disparity in the league, thus decreasing competition.

What I’d like to memo to the Nuggets organization is if Carmelo won’t accept the money now, he never will. Don’t let Anthony hold the future of your team in his hands when it’s clear he doesn’t care about his teammates and the success of the club. This is where arrogance and ego comes into play. With zero championship rings and one series win under his belt, Carmelo Anthony has literally accomplished nothing in the NBA other than averaging 24.7 ppg in his seven years in Denver. Proving that he is unable to carry the Nuggets anywhere in the postseason, even after having an above average supporting cast, Melo is steadily etching himself into the LeBron type of player. Rather than taking the blame on his shoulders, which big name stars are expected to do, the new crop of superstars are opting for the Miami route. Is this what’s right for the NBA? Tell me what you think.

-how to play the game the right way

-how to play fair, with rules

-how to interact with others and be a helping hand towards a greater cause

-how to grow as a person

-how to deal with the situation your forced with

-how to make your teammates that much better

-and lastly, MOST importantly, when to be loyal to your team and your hometown, the team that watched you grow up from a young phenom to a freak of nature athletically on the court.

I’m not a Cavs fan. But I feel like he ripped the hearts out of all Cleveland sports fans.

I feel for the city because every time I talk to a Cleveland fan about sports, it’s almost painful no matter what. They don’t get hopeful anymore. And they have every right to feel that way. They are like the girl that gets her heart broken every time she “falls in love”. Well this city has fallen in love enough. LeBron was the perfect guy for the town. He’s been around here all his life, and they let his problems go. Yankees hat? “Eh, who cares, just bring us a title, King.” Cowboys gear? “No biggie, just win it when it matters in June, ‘Bron.” I’m not from Cleveland, but boy I sure feel the pain. I don’t even like Cleveland sports teams but I’m hurt. Because I watched him grow up from a strong freshman that came into the state tournament with a team that was ready. LeBron, you didn’t show weakness and try to sprint to the locker room when you got pummeled physically by Cincinnati Roger Bacon your junior year. Your teammate did though. But I don’t get you LeBron. How can you hurt your city like that? The town you grew up in, lived in. But hey, the Browns and Indians we’re never good enough for you anyways. Now, your saying the Cavs aren’t either. Go ahead and be the guy that breaks the girl’s heart for no reason. Just remember, they won’t call the day after looking to be just friends.

Last but certainly not least, here is Zach with his definition for “Sports are…”

Sports are about a city that has gone through all sorts of depression, whether it be economic or sports related, get a breath of fresh air from the home grown. Watching that potential grow to great proportions, it seemed that the city of Cleveland was on the way to reversing the “curse” that they so desperately hold. Behind the dominance of LeBron James, the Cavaliers had to many, the best team chemistry in the NBA. But in reality, this was the complete opposite. When one person on a successful team gets all the attention and credit, it seems that that ship will finally sink, and this is what happened in Cleveland. LeBron, who is revered as the ultimate team player by many, is the direct descendent of selfishness. For seven years, the “ooh” and “ahh” we’re what kept bringing fans to the Quicken Loans Arena. LeBron did some things on the court, that have never been done by any other player to wear a Cavaliers jersey. The Hollywood type antics, from the pregame dance routines, to the chalk throwing before tip-off, everything about LeBron was a show. But this is not what team players do. In sports, talent is crucial, but when it comes down to it, team chemistry is what breeds champions. To attain success in a team sport, every single member on a team must be on the same page, and each player must work together to achieve the ultimate goal. We have seen this accomplished the previous two seasons from the Los Angeles Lakers. Each game, a new teammate stepped up. Whether it was Ron Artest, Derek Fisher or Pau Gasol, the crucial moments were shared with the entire team. For Cleveland, this was not the case. When the Cavaliers would be the topic of discussion, it was always, “LeBron and the Cavaliers,” not just the team, but LeBron first. And LeBron First was the motto for seven disappointing seasons in Cleveland. When Larry Hughes wasn’t the right fit for the “King,” what was the end result? When Mike Brown couldn’t bow down to James, where did he go? When Danny Ferry couldn’t assemble a team where LeBron didn’t have to take responsibility for the early playoff exits, what happened to him? Each one of these men were run out of town due to the inability of the “Chosen One,” to win when it mattered most. For LeBron, he has always been known to make his teammates better. But where was this improved production in the playoffs? It remains to be seen, because on a team, equal distribution of success needs to be evident, and for Cleveland this wasn’t true. Every accomplishment from 2003-10 will fall on the shoulders of LeBron. Last time I checked, there are five players on the court at one time, but to LeBron, there’s one and one only. And in sports, divas don’t win championships, ask Terrell Owens how his selfishness has added to his trophy case. For Cleveland this only adds to the sad story of sports in the city. At one point in 2007, it seemed that the city was finally going to reverse the curse. The Cavs had reached the NBA Finals, the Indians were a 90 win ball club behind CC Sabathia and the Browns we’re winning again. But piece by piece, this illumination faded. From the departure of back to back Cy Young winners, and the complete disassembeling of a football team, Cleveland fans still in their minds, had LeBron and the Cavaliers. But when a phantom elbow injury was the reason for the Cavaliers departure, it was evident that LeBron didn’t want to belong in Cleveland. It was clear to see the way he walked off the court at the Boston Garden, that LeBron knew in his mind that he would not be returning, because the 60 win team he had wasn’t good enough for his egotistical mentality. And after being the most talked about figure in sports for the past two months, LeBron aggravated the nagging injury that comes with Cleveland sports, by severing the pain of the people althroughout Ohio. Needing a way to create the stage for himself, LeBron had the sports world in his hands. “The Decision,” which will live in infamy for Cleveland fans for as long as they live, is the epitome of LeBron James and what his legacy will become. Offering no remorse for his former teammates and his own hometown, LeBron made himself into the selfish man that we are becoming to annoit him as. To athletes, winning is what counts, and I respect LeBron’s decision to win, but after what he did to the place that he called home, I don’t think I can respect the man.

LeBron, you may be tired and down in this picture. But multiply that by about 500,000 , and you will find that many people that feel just the same now. Your a heck of an athlete, but don’t let the door hit you on the way out bud.

]]> http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/07/09/sports-are/feed/ 0 http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/01/21/sports-tidbits-for-this-week/ http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/01/21/sports-tidbits-for-this-week/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:04:05 +0000 Zach Fleer http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/?p=1567 In a crazy week of sports that involves championship weeekend in the NFL, Cavs-Lakers in the NBA and arbitration in Major League Baseball, here a few interesting facts that are products of this week.

• In his first season, Mark Sanchez already has the most playoff wins in Jets history.
• Michael Beasley guaranteed an “easy victory” over the Charlotte Bobcats yesterday only to lose 104-65.
• Both hockey teams in the Canadian province of Alberta lost by a combined 15 goals on Monday night.
• Tim Lincecum asked for a pay raise up from $600,000 a year to $13,000,000, 15x his current salary.
• Rasheed Wallace returned to Detroit last night, claiming the Palace was still his, only to be blocked three times in a 92-86 loss.
• The Dallas Mavericks extended their streak of one-point victories, in a 94-93 win over the Washington Bullets uhm i mean Wizards.
• The Nets only lost by 11 points on Monday night, a moral victory for a team that has a record of 3-38.
• Kelvin Sampson finally hung up the phone Tuesday night.
• Johnny Damon remains unsigned along with Miguel Tejada, that’s what happens when you’re 35 and think you deserve Albert Pujols money.
• Jose Canseco didn’t call anyone else out this week, a first for the washed up steroids user.
• Tiger Woods checked into sexual rehab this week, it’s a good thing that they have all male nurses there.
• Central Crossing boys basketball has a three game winning streak.
• Northland won by 68 on Tuesday over Mifflin, 30 more than the total points scored the Punchers.
• Alex Rodriguez will play for Haiti in the next World Baseball Classic, his third team in three renditions of the tournament.
• John Wall’s name was once again mentioned on Sportscenter last night, breaking Tim Tebow’s former record of 20 consecutive shows.
• The color man for the Michigan-Wisconsin game on Wednesday said this when referring to a shot attempt by the Wolverines’ Manny Harris, “They better hope State Farm covers the damages from that brick.” And we thought Bob Griese was bad.
• Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady have sufficient votes for the All-Star Game, funny when McGrady has not played this season and Iverson quit on the Grizzlies then moved back to Philadelphia to ask for more shots.
• Evan Turner continued to dominate on Monday, abusing the Northwestern Wildcats for 20 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists.
• RIP Gaines Adams

If you have anything you’d like to share from this week, comment below!

For the majority of LeBron James’ life, #23 has been a mainstay. Sporting the number his senior year of high school which resulted in numerous national televised games, a state and national title and earlier last month, a movie, the King or Akron Hammer as he has been dubbed all across America this week, is planning a change in his number to honor Michael Jordan. A week removed from a trip to New York which included a Yankee parade, draining a fadeaway j then landing in the lap of Jay-Z and numerous indications that James will be going to the city that never sleeps after this season, James is back in the headlines.

This time for good reason. In a time where professional athletes have been criticized for being disrespectful to their sports, James is the alter-ego. When asked about the matter, the King responded by saying, “If you see 23, you think about Michael Jordan,” James said, according to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. “You see game-winning shots, you think about Michael Jordan; you see guys fly through the air, you think about Michael Jordan; you see fly kicks, you think about Michael Jordan. He did so much, it has to be recognized, and not just by putting him in the Hall of Fame.” With numbers such as Jackie Robinson’s being retired in baseball, this seems fitting for the NBA. As their best player in the history of the league is not immortalized in the Hall of Fame, a move such as the one James is initiating makes perfect sense. For James, six is a number he is very familiar. Wearing the number in the Olympics, James helped lead the US team to the gold in the Beiging Olympics in 2008. It has also been noted that James wears the number in practice and has been doing for the past two seasons. Whether James is changing his notorious number for respect of Jordan or just to keep the summer of 2010 off his mind, either way the situation looks good for Cleveland, as the Cavs are hot, riding a three game win streak that included wins in Orlando and Miami.

Coming off the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Orlando Magic last season, GM Danny Ferry and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers were intent on one goal, to stop Dwight Howard and the Magic. With the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland didn’t lack for size, but the speed and athleticism was now in question after an 0-2 start.

Surging to four wins in five games, the matchup in Orlando last night was arguably the Cavs’ biggest game of the season with regards to Opening Night vs the Celtics. Both questions were answered last night in part of a 102-93 victory in which the Cavs won with defense and a solid contribution from Mo Williams, the heavily scrutinized point guard, who started out 9-9 from the field along with 22 points in the first half last night.

Along with the solid games from Williams and LeBron James, who added 36 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Howard’s foul trouble was crucial in the first half. Picking up two fouls in the first five minutes, the best center in the game shot 100% from the field on only three attempts and only played 32 minutes. O’Neal’s presence in the paint made scoring opportunites harder for the Magic, who prided themselves on kicking it in than going outside in the ECF last season.

In a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the score seems, the Cavs proved to be the better team, and showed that when they score, nobody can stop them. In the four games Cleveland has scored over 100 points, they have won. Another positive for Cleveland is the slow emergence of second year man JJ Hickson. Dominating the ACC as a freshman in 2007-08, Hickson showed signs of the great potential he has and with his nine point, six rebound night in the Amway Arena on Thursday, it looks as if the Akron Hammer might have even more scoring options, something that hasn’t come at a premium in James’ seven year career. Aside from James, Williams and Hickson, O’Neal scored ten, Anthony Parker poured in nine of the bench and Zydrunas Ilgauskus mustered four points in 24 minutes of action.

For Orlando, this should serve as another game as the Magic, (6-3) received quality games out of Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson and JJ Redick, yes there was a Redick sighting in Orlando last night. But for the 216ers, this is just another piece to the puzzle that is known as the NBA, and if the King has the key, the rest of the suitors should be able to fall into place and for once, Cleveland fans will be able to celebrate a championship. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though, a tough game awaits against Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat tonight at 8 on TNT.

After dominating the NBA for 19 years, and being the all-time leader in points scored, this is one defender Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hasn’t faced before. On Monday, he told the AP that he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, and is currently receiving treatment. His doctor told him that: “You have a very good chance to live your life out and not have to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle.” Abdul Jabaar, 62, collected 6 MVP titles and won three NCAA titles while playing for the great John Wooden at UCLA. Currently he is a special assistant with the Lakers, but doesn’t plan on cutting back on his work load any time soon.

Abdul-Jabaar went to the doctor last December after he began having weird feelings. “I was getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis. That’s not normal, even for my age.” He is currently trying to promote awareness for the disease, and has become a spokesperson for Novartis, the company that makes the drug to treat the illness that 22,000 people in America currently live with. He went on to say, “I’ve never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives. It’s incumbent on someone like me to talk about this.”

Roughly a month before the Cavaliers kick off their 2010 debut, LeBron James will have a debut of his own. After winning three state titles, a national championship in 2002 and being named Mr. Ohio in basketball for three consecutive years, the only player to do so, James’ journey of his team through high school will show in theatres all across the country. Five kids that played together ever since their grade school days decided to team up and play together in high school at Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary. Battling through hardship and rough circumstances, the group of five, James, Dru Joyce, Sian Cotton, Romeo Travis, and Willie McGee stuck to one another and brought their game to a new stage. Winning multiple AAU national championships, the group of five wreaked havoc in the state of Ohio. Winning titles in 1999, 2000 and 2002, this group is arguably the greatest team in the state’s history. With the NBA’s best player leading the offense, the complimentary players did more than just witness. Joyce, and Travis  went on to play at the University of Akron and McGee also played college ball. With such a prestigious resume, something had to be done to tell their story.

Well, Disney decided to do something about it. “More Than a Game,” is the doucumentary/film dedicated to the Irish teammates and is set to hit theatres on October 2nd. Having looked at multiple trailers and previews, this film looks outstanding as it shows the hardships in dealing with the life of the ghetto and avoiding the wrath of drug use, alcohol and gang violence. To see more here is the link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fihLEEllL1k. With each film, it’s always more than a movie, and with this group of young men, together it was more than a game.