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Someone once said, “the only constant in life is change.” I think the sports world is a great representation of this thought. On Saturday, the Wizards dealt Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando Magic for Rashard Lewis. Thus comes the end of an era and the official dawn of a new day. The deal that sent Arenas south, also reminded us that change is not only a constant, but the true spice of life…just when you think you know the answer, the question is changed.
Saturday night’s game against the Miami Heat provided validation of the statement above. With Arenas gone, Lewis not yet in D.C., and injuries to John Wall and Yi, the Miami outing had all the makings of a tough night. A funny thing happened on the way to the final score, however, as the Wizards used the lift provided by the return of Josh Howard and a brilliant 30-point night from Nick Young to give the Heat all they could handle, leading for the balance of the game before falling in the final seconds. While the home team ended up on the wrong end of a 95-94 final tally, the sell-out crowd at Verizon Center was rewarded for their attendance with a superb night of basketball.
A Pair of Games Before Santa Arrives
The upcoming week may feature Christmas on Saturday, but before we break for the eggnog, we’ll play two home games at Verizon Center. The Wizards welcome Charlotte on Monday night before hosting Chicago on Wednesday evening. So put on your Santa hat, grab the reindeer and head downtown for a little NBA basketball to go along with your holiday spirit. Give us a call at 202-661-5050.
Thank, You Wizards Fans
As part of the team’s 12 Days of Holiday Cheer, the Wizards conducted a toy drive over the past few weeks to benefit the Salvation Army. Thanks to the support and generosity of the NBA’s best fans, over 1,000 toys were collected. Thank you!
Stat of the Week
WNBA basketball games are now broadcast in 206 countries worldwide.
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Wizards/Mystics Graphic Designer and brand guru Chuck Kacsur. Chuck’s big day is today, December 19.
Ho-Ho-Ho
Thursday is going to be a great day as I hop on a bus with Wizards players, coaches, dancers and staff to deliver Christmas gifts to families throughout Washington, D.C. as we conclude our 12 Days of Holiday Cheer. I’m really looking forward to this annual Family to Family initiative and spreading holiday wishes throughout the district.
All-Star Voting Continues
Ballots are still being collected for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. Be sure to pick up your ballot, or visit NBA.com to cast your vote. You should also remember to write-in Andray Blatche. Every vote counts, so get to it!
Toe Pick!
I grew up in a hockey-crazed family. Each of the Bibb boys was skating soon after walking. In fact, for most of my youth, I could be found doing one of three things during the winter months…1) playing pick-up hockey on the neighborhood pond; 2) playing competitive hockey at the old Hersheypark Arena; 3) watching the Hershey Bears compete for the American League’s Calder Cup. Some of my fondest memories involve a pair of skates and ice. Therefore, to hit the rink for the first time with my 3-old daughter Adelyn on Sunday made it a very special day. Of course, I’m convinced she will be the next Cammi Granato or Sasha Cohen, but if that doesn’t happen, we are going to have a lot of fun making great memories on the ice, like the ones I have from my childhood.
Bubba Turns 9 Months
Caden, fondly referred to as “Bubba” by his big sister, turned nine months old on the 18th. Hard to believe that is has already been three-quarters of a year since he entered the world. I say it often, and I’ll say it again, parenting is all about long days and short years.
Quote of the Week
“Great lives are the culmination of great thoughts followed by great actions.”
Christmas Break
The B-List is going to be home for the holidays next week, so we will see you on Monday, January 3.
Five Final (and sometimes random) Thoughts
· Welcome to DC, Rashard Lewis.
· The NFL goes outdoors in the middle of December for Monday Night Football…wow!
· Awesome crowds for the two home games last week. The building was full of energy. Thank you.
· College Football Bowl Season has begun…this is a fun time of year to be a sports fan.
· HBO’s 24/7 Penguins/Capitals: Road to the Winter Classic is fantastic television. Check it out.
Until next time,
Go Wizards and Mystics!
“Young Fella.” That’s what the members of the newly formed Washington Bullets & Wizards Alumni Association call me. I like it. After spending the past 15 years or so getting older in an industry full of 20-somethings, having someone think of you as young is suddenly refreshing. I was hoping they would ask to see my ID (since nobody has in about 10 years), but they didn’t. Still, this was a really cool group of guys. Just sitting back and listening to the stories was probably the best part of the time we had together. There were a lot of stories. Most of them with a funny ending, all of them interesting. What I found fascinating was the fact that while the dozen men who attended our first official meeting spanned decades of professional basketball, they each shared a single bond: they all have a special place in their heart for the Bullets/Wizards organization.
One of Ted Leonsis’ first charges after forming Monumental Sports & Entertainment was to re-connect our team with its proud past. There has been a laundry list of good players and great people who have worn the Bullets/Wizards uniform through the years. It only makes sense to re-engage this group. I was lucky enough to be asked to help make this happen. So, over the past four months we have been busy reaching out to former players, now living across the country, and informing them of what we are trying to do.
Thankfully, former Bullets great and all around good guy Bob Dandridge agreed to serve as the Executive Director of the Alumni Association. Bob has been instrumental in helping us make connections and providing the “street cred” factor we need to make this all happen. On Friday night, Bob and a select group of alumni attended the Wizards vs. Knicks game and spent time signing autographs, meeting fans, participating in a halftime ceremony and getting reacquainted. The activities Friday night were preceded by a Friday afternoon welcome and work session. During that initial meeting, the group focused on a mission statement, membership requirements, community outreach plans and networking opportunities. Ted addressed the group and the media came out to take a stroll down memory lane with the rest of us. To say it was a great day would be a huge understatement.
I was excited about this initiative prior to Friday, but after meeting the men who comprise this group, I’m even more bullish on where this idea can go. Over the coming months keep your eyes and ears open for special honor nights and appearances by former Bullets/Wizards greats. You can also follow all of the alumni association’s developments by visiting WashingtonWizards.com.
Holiday Cheer
As I write this entry, I’m sitting in my kitchen watching my wife and children build and decorate a gingerbread house. The makes me remember why I love my wife…I can’t bake, I’m not a builder and I certainly don’t have an artistic bone in my body to decorate anything. She is a lifesaver in making sure my children get to experience all of the fun that goes along with the season.
Of course, I didn’t have an answer for my daughter when she asked the other day why the other houses in the neighborhood had lights on their roofs and we didn’t. I did have a plan though…more lights on the porch and front door! Play to your strengths, right?
The Week Ahead
Two big games at Verizon Center this coming week as the Wizards welcome the LA Lakers on Tuesday night and then prepare for the Miami Heat on Saturday evening. Both games will feature big crowds and the building promises to be rocking. If you haven’t been to a game yet this season, now is the time. Give us a call at 202-661-5050.
Well Done, Mr. Wall
Despite a tough home loss to the Knicks, John Wall put on some holiday cheer and hosted over 200 children on the Verizon Center practice court following the game on Friday night. There were clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, video games, Santa Claus (with Wizards Girls filling in for the elves) and of course the Wizards #2. I good time was had by all as the team’s 12 Days of Giving continued with this special event.
All-Star Voting Continues
Ballots are still being collected for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. Be sure to pick up your ballot, or visit NBA.com to cast your vote for the three Wizards listed: Gilbert Arenas, John Wall and JaVale McGee. You should also remember to write-in a deserving Andray Blatche. Every vote counts, so get to it!
Quote of the Week
“Don’t be guided by the stars; be guided to the stars.”
Five Final (and sometimes random) Thoughts
· Cam Newton wins the Heisman…the right call? I think so.
· Thank you for all of the positive feedback on the Mystics re-branding. We are excited about it. Wait until you see the uniforms and new court design.
· I had the chance to preview the new features on WNBA LiveAccess while at League meetings this past week. There are some really cool things coming for WNBA fans in this space next season. Stay tuned.
· If there is anything better in sports than the Army-Navy football game in terms of tradition, competitiveness and ideals, please let me know. What an event!
· I think three-quarters of Virginia was in Tyson’s Corner on Saturday. I haven’t seen the numbers yet, but consumer spending has to be way up this season…the malls are packed. This is a good sign.
Until next time,
Go Wizards and Mystics!
A New Leader & A New Look
On Thursday night, nearly 200 Mystics season ticket holders were at Verizon Center for the formal introduction of Trudi Lacey as the organization’s new head coach and general manager. In addition, folks witnessed the unveiling of the Mystics new team colors and got a piece of good news on the personnel front.
During a Q&A session, Trudi answered a series of questions submitted by fans via washingtonmystics.com and gave her insight into everything from the roster to what type of defense folks can expect out of Washington’s WNBA entry this season. Trudi emphasized defense first and an attacking style of basketball, which should translate into an entertaining experience for those who attend games at Verizon Center next summer.
As for the new look, the Mystics primary logo was re-introduced featuring a red, blue, silver and white color pallet. The new colors are representative of playing in the nation’s capital while moving the team closer in alignment with the Monumental Sports & Entertainment brand.
Following the unveiling of the logo, Trudi had one final piece of good news…she announced that assistant coach Marianne Stanley will be returning for the 2011 season. Marianne, a women’s basketball hall of famer, is currently coaching in Russia and will return to the Mystics bench to continue the development of the team’s post corps.
A Special Night
If your relationship with the Bullets/Wizards is long enough to make red, white and blue uniforms, the Capital Centre and short-shorts relevant, then you will want to be at the team’s home game against the Knicks on December 10. On this night, no fewer than 10 Bullets/Wizards alumni will be in attendance to be honored by the franchise. The list of those tentatively scheduled to attend include Fred Carter, Phil Chenier, Bob Dandridge, Kevin Grevey, Rick Mahorn, Jack Marin, Kevin Porter, Mike Riordan, Phil Walker and Garry Witts. More names will be added during the week for what promises to be a very special night.
Wizards Holiday Pack
Looking for a can’t-miss holiday gift idea? Then check out the Wizards Holiday Pack. This special offer includes tickets to four games for the price of three and also delivers a limited edition John Wall Bobble Head. Packages start for as little as $75. Visit www.washingtonwizards.com for more information.
Falcon Pride
On Monday, I’m going to have the opportunity to speak to students at my alma mater…Lower Dauphin High School. I’m excited to return to Falconland and walk the halls of my high school. It has been nearly 19 years since I graduated from the school, which means the young men and women I will be meeting weren’t born yet when I walked the stage to get my diploma. That is very hard for me to believe, but I guess I’m getting old.
Quote of the Week
“Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Five Final (and sometimes random) Thoughts
· WNBA President Donna Orender announced this past week that she is leaving the organization to start her own marketing and consulting firm. Nobody cares more about the League and women’s sports in general than Donna. She worked tirelessly to improve the WNBA and she leaves having made significant contributions to the League and the sport of women’s basketball. I wish her all the best in her new endeavor.
· Happy Birthday to my mom, who celebrates her big day on Monday.
· Congrats to Virginia Tech. After a 0-2 start, the Hokies ran off 11 straight wins, capped by an impressive triumph over Florida State in Charlotte to claim the ACC Championship.
· Remember to cast your NBA All-Star votes for Gilbert Arenas, John Wall and JaVale McGee. Please remember to also place a write-in vote for a deserving Andray Blatche.
· The Redskins vs. Giants headline a big weekend of NFL football. I will be at the Nutcracker ballet with my daughter (and loving it). Oh how times have changed!
Until next time,
Go Wizards and Mystics!
The B-List 