Last night was one hell of a basketball game to watch. Two teams playing very hard with two completely different objectives in mind. Basketball is a game of runs, as most of you know, and the key to winning most games is limiting the other teams runs while making yours last. This game was back and forth with runs and had to be exciting for the packed gym to watch. I felt like we had the game in control as we were up 12 points in the 3rd quarter and when it started to rain it poured. 3 consecutive and 1s and then a 3 pointer to tie the game up as quick as a a snap of the fingers. We found ourselves down 2 with 32 seconds to go in the fourth quarter. We got the stop we needed and had a guy leaking out and hit him in stride to get found rather excessively from behind with 9 seconds left. He hit both free throws and they called a time out. We got the stop with roughly 5 seconds to go and we had two people breaking for a game winning lay up as time expired but our big guy dribbled up and took a half court shot that was so close to going down but rimmed out.
FIBA rules are different than anything I am used to. Sancturce got the ball to start the overtime and they took control of the game and we tried to play form behind in the OT and just didn't have enough to get over the hump. Personally, I thought I played pretty well but not well enough for us to get the W and move on to the semi-finals. I had 22 points, 6 rbs, and 3 ast. Saturday is the win or go home type of game and it will also be my first game 7 experience. I am excited for this opportunity we have to close the series at our home court.
More to come following our game.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Game 5...Disaster
Game 5 didn't start or end well to say the least. We started our the game before running out in a circle with a guy acting like a bull fighter and then other as the bull and the bull was charging and we would all chant olay. If that isn't a sign from the beginning that we came out flat and "got our doors blown clean off the hinges" to quote my former Mad Ants roommate Darnell Lazare. They picked us apart and were hitting 3s and getting dunks off the pick and roll because no one wanted to help to give up a 3.
That is all we are going to talk about the game though....it wasn't close and we will leave it at that. Thursday is a great opportunity for our team to end the series once and for all. Losing tomorrow puts a bunch of pressure on us and brings us to a home game against a team that just won 3 in a row. Must win tomorrow in my books....lose and go home doesn't sound to good at this point.
Everyone wish us luck to end the series so we can advance and get a couple days off before facing the Champions from last season who are big and extremely athletic.
That is all we are going to talk about the game though....it wasn't close and we will leave it at that. Thursday is a great opportunity for our team to end the series once and for all. Losing tomorrow puts a bunch of pressure on us and brings us to a home game against a team that just won 3 in a row. Must win tomorrow in my books....lose and go home doesn't sound to good at this point.
Everyone wish us luck to end the series so we can advance and get a couple days off before facing the Champions from last season who are big and extremely athletic.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Puerto Rico...Game 4
Well, I know I missed a little bit there while I was sulking and complaining about my minutes the past two games. So I am sorry but to recap those two games a bit we won game two at their place by 3 points I believe. It was a total team effort and things went well. Game 3 we lost by 2 at the buzzer....Angel Vasallo made a great tip in and got fouled to tie the game with bout 7 seconds left but Walter Hodge had the last laugh in this one has he came off a ball screen and we switched and beat the defender and finished with his lefty floater.
Tonight was a game that we labeled as a must win. An Opportunity to take complete control of the series with the next game back at home. We opened the game pretty flat and Sancture hit some shots at the beginning to put them up to an early lead. We battled back and went back and forth most of the first half. The third quarter is when all the fireworks happened. Late in the 3rd, our back up big man Jorge was called for a foul when he and I both thought it was a clean strip and we had a fast break lay up. He reacted pretty excessively at first then walked away but the ref still called a technical and then the antics began he ran over and got into his face to make sure he got all of his words in to make it worth getting tossed. Personally, I thought he was about to beat the ref up right there on spot. That is something I have never seen in my life. So...with that being said they shot 6 free throws and made all of them. That was a 6 point swing so we were trailing after being tied. Just like so frequently happens in basketball him getting tossed turned things around for us and gave us the momentum.
The forth quarter was back and forth until we took control of the game late. Angel Vasallo basically scored all of our points in the 4th quarter as it seemed he shot free throws every time down the court. This was a big time when for us on their court heading back to Guaynabo for game 5.
Personally, I was focused and hungry and had a great opportunity tonight and took advantage of it. I checked in mid first quarter and played the whole first half from that point on. I ended first half with 6 points, 5 boards, and 4 ast. Then I finished the game with 16 points, 6 boards, 7 ast, and 4 steals. So I took full advantage of my opportunity and hopefully things will keep going smoothly over here.
On a non basketball note....It has rained here more than it did back in Indiana so yall should be happy for that. I was hoping to come back when a nice cinnamon tan and maybe a pretty senorita haha.
Tonight was a game that we labeled as a must win. An Opportunity to take complete control of the series with the next game back at home. We opened the game pretty flat and Sancture hit some shots at the beginning to put them up to an early lead. We battled back and went back and forth most of the first half. The third quarter is when all the fireworks happened. Late in the 3rd, our back up big man Jorge was called for a foul when he and I both thought it was a clean strip and we had a fast break lay up. He reacted pretty excessively at first then walked away but the ref still called a technical and then the antics began he ran over and got into his face to make sure he got all of his words in to make it worth getting tossed. Personally, I thought he was about to beat the ref up right there on spot. That is something I have never seen in my life. So...with that being said they shot 6 free throws and made all of them. That was a 6 point swing so we were trailing after being tied. Just like so frequently happens in basketball him getting tossed turned things around for us and gave us the momentum.
The forth quarter was back and forth until we took control of the game late. Angel Vasallo basically scored all of our points in the 4th quarter as it seemed he shot free throws every time down the court. This was a big time when for us on their court heading back to Guaynabo for game 5.
Personally, I was focused and hungry and had a great opportunity tonight and took advantage of it. I checked in mid first quarter and played the whole first half from that point on. I ended first half with 6 points, 5 boards, and 4 ast. Then I finished the game with 16 points, 6 boards, 7 ast, and 4 steals. So I took full advantage of my opportunity and hopefully things will keep going smoothly over here.
On a non basketball note....It has rained here more than it did back in Indiana so yall should be happy for that. I was hoping to come back when a nice cinnamon tan and maybe a pretty senorita haha.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Puerto Rico...Game 1
Last night I made my debut for the Guaynabo Mets as we started off the series with a home win. The game is much more physical than I was used to playing in the NBDL. While handling the ball you can push, shove, smack, slap, etc and most the time not get called for a foul...although that works into my advantage on D it was definitely a drastic change.
I got to be matched up with Walter Hodge who I played against the NCAA tournament my freshman year as we lost to the eventual National Champions of Florida. He has been tearing up the Puerto Rican league the past two years. My teammates and I held him to 8 points and he eventually fouled out midway through the 4th quarter.
Offensively, I just tried to be a facilitator my first game and get other guys involved and see how the league was played and the refs called the game. The stat sheet said I had 3 assists but I believe I had more than that, but the main thing is that we won. I didn't take a shot from the field but was 5-6 from the free throw line with 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
All in all it was a good first game in the league. Hopefully on Wednesday I will be able to contribute more on the offensive end and still be the same defensive player I have always been. More to come on Thursday as we head to their place for game 2 of the best of 7 series.
On to the next one...
I got to be matched up with Walter Hodge who I played against the NCAA tournament my freshman year as we lost to the eventual National Champions of Florida. He has been tearing up the Puerto Rican league the past two years. My teammates and I held him to 8 points and he eventually fouled out midway through the 4th quarter.
Offensively, I just tried to be a facilitator my first game and get other guys involved and see how the league was played and the refs called the game. The stat sheet said I had 3 assists but I believe I had more than that, but the main thing is that we won. I didn't take a shot from the field but was 5-6 from the free throw line with 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
All in all it was a good first game in the league. Hopefully on Wednesday I will be able to contribute more on the offensive end and still be the same defensive player I have always been. More to come on Thursday as we head to their place for game 2 of the best of 7 series.
On to the next one...
Friday, June 24, 2011
Boilers takin over Beantown!
Last night it was an unbelievable feeling for me just to watch and hear two of the all time Purdue greats get their name called in the 2011 NBA Draft. It was an honor for me to get a chance to play next to them for three great seasons. All the memories will be cherished forever.
I wish I could have been in Indianapolis anxiously awaiting JJs name to be called with the rest of his great support system. He has always said that he wanted to play in the NBA and help his mom out. His mom is an unbelievable lady who works hard to provide for her children....that trait obviously was carried on to JJ. Now it is his turn to thank his mom and provide for her.
I have never necessarily liked Boston but definitely respected the way they took care of business. As of last night, with the rest of Boiler Nation, I have a little more love for the Celts. So, I just want to send out a special congrats to JJ and Smooge on making their dreams become a reality.
Best Wishes to both of you!!
I wish I could have been in Indianapolis anxiously awaiting JJs name to be called with the rest of his great support system. He has always said that he wanted to play in the NBA and help his mom out. His mom is an unbelievable lady who works hard to provide for her children....that trait obviously was carried on to JJ. Now it is his turn to thank his mom and provide for her.
I have never necessarily liked Boston but definitely respected the way they took care of business. As of last night, with the rest of Boiler Nation, I have a little more love for the Celts. So, I just want to send out a special congrats to JJ and Smooge on making their dreams become a reality.
Best Wishes to both of you!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Puerto Rico
Felt like last year as I was plane to plane and hotel to hotel. That is what my last week has been like. From Fort Wayne to San Antonio, San Antonio to Chicago, Chicago to Huntington, and Huntington to Puerto Rico in a 5 day span. With all that travel comes lack of sleep which I got to catch up on during the 5 hour flight to San Juan. I arrive to 95 degree weather and traffic that reminds me of LA or NYC.
Staying in a hotel for a few days until I get my apartment i'll be able to get my feet wet of this new place. Good signs as I was on the way to the hotel though when we passed Burger King, McDonalds, Churches Chicken, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and best of all Subway. I now know I will not go hungry while on this adventure to play the game I love.
First game is tomorrow even though I will not be able to participate I am gearing up for this playoff run. Its not everyday you get a chance to play in the post season with a chance of contending for the championship.
There will be more to come after the game tomorrow. Updates available twitter as well….@chr15kram3r.
Stay tuned my friends!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
All-Star Break...at Purdue
Its been a few weeks since I have blogged. Its been a long couple weeks with a lot of travel and errands to get done. This week is All-Star break and that gives me time to rest my body and see some people that I have not been able to see much.
This weekend I am in Boilermaker Country prepping for the a huge game in the Big Ten on CBS. Although, the Bucks got the best of the Boilers in the first matchup I am expecting a much better performance by the Boilers and also expect the Bucks to miss a shot this time around.
I wanna take this opportunity to wish my teammate Walker Russell Jr. good luck in the D-league All Star game. Hopefully he brings home the MVP award and gets a W.
Next blog to come soon....no more weeks off.
This weekend I am in Boilermaker Country prepping for the a huge game in the Big Ten on CBS. Although, the Bucks got the best of the Boilers in the first matchup I am expecting a much better performance by the Boilers and also expect the Bucks to miss a shot this time around.
I wanna take this opportunity to wish my teammate Walker Russell Jr. good luck in the D-league All Star game. Hopefully he brings home the MVP award and gets a W.
Next blog to come soon....no more weeks off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)