There are several different topics across the state and country that I want to touch on today, so this column will be sort of a hodge-podge of items.
With the NBA All-Star Game being played today in Phoenix, it’s an appropriate time to discuss these all-star games.
They’re supposed to be “for the fans,” but as a fan, I just don’t get them.
The NBA version of the game, in my eyes, has always been the best. It’s about the show, and the NBA doesn’t try to hide that. Fans generally get an exciting game to watch.
It’s not pure basketball and doesn’t strive to be.
However, there’s one problem that has arisen in recent years. It’s no longer about putting the best 24 players on the floor. It’s about rewarding teamwork.
Just because you play on a winning team doesn’t make you an all-star. Sorry, Mo Williams. You’re having a great season, but you’re not what I would call an all-star. LeBron James is the driving force on your team, and you play a role for him.
The fans deserve to get the best players in these games. So it shouldn’t matter if Kevin Durant’s team can’t win 10 games. He’s one of the best players, so put him on the team.
While I’m on the topic of all-stars, let’s just get rid of the Pro Bowl all together.
The NFL is “tweaking” the formula next year, moving the game up two weeks to the off week before the Super Bowl. So, obviously, the league knows something is wrong with the game.
Yeah, how about it’s the least exciting all-star game ever.
Nobody wants to play in it. They just want the honor of being chosen and the free trip to Hawaii.
Moving the game up two weeks isn’t going to change that, and I predict it actually will hurt the game because now several deserving players won’t make it because they’ll be playing in the Super Bowl.
Let me tell you, I had a blast talking with former Texas A&M coach Jackie Sherrill at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que on Friday.
I grew up with Sherrill as the face of Mississippi State, not A&M. However, my stepfather is a big-time Aggie fan, so it was a delight learning some of the history surrounding the program. I’ve been to College Station twice for games, and it’s a trip worth taking.
One nugget I got from Sherrill that’s worth passing on is his view of Austin Lake Travis quarterback Garrett Gilbert.
While at the University of Pittsburgh, Sherrill coached Dan Marino, who became one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.
Sherrill said he knew from watching Marino play high school ball in Pittsburgh that he would be special.
And he thinks Gilbert is another special one, which is good news for Texas fans. But how special?
“I think he’s the best quarterback I’ve seen since Danny,” Sherrill said.
That’s pretty high praise. Let’s hope Gilbert can live up to it.
For more on Sherrill, pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Herald-Zeitung for an in-depth feature.
Finally, this is the time of year that sports writers dread, but sports fans should love. There’s so much going on.
Softball games officially start this week, followed by baseball next week. Basketball playoffs begin, while soccer seasons are gearing up for the stretch run of district play.
In addition, Texas State begins its spring football practices on Monday.
There’s plenty to do around the area sports scene. With the weather warming up, get out of the house and support the local teams.
