Cowboys and Thunder and Durantulas, oh my
Here’s a fun interview that I did with Kevin Calabro and Jim Moore on KIRO 710 AM in Seattle.
(Yep, I’ve been on with two stations there in the past day. Who knew I was big in the Pacific NW?)
We talked about all sorts of stuff, including Oklahoma State’s opener against Washington State and the team formerly known as the Sonics. I tried to let them down easy, but hey, it’s hard not to feel the excitement about the Thunder. Kevin Durant and Co. have us talking basketball before football even gets started.
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More fans, more Thundermania
The Main Event in today’s sports section told the stories of several Thunder fans who were caught up in the excitement of this past season.
Thing is, I heard from dozens of fans who had tales of Thunder fever. Here are a few others that didn’t make the newspaper:
Judy Chowins: “Our entire family loves Basketball. But it was my 89-year-old dad who became the huge fan of the Thunder team this year. Dad lived in a much smaller town all his life and recently moved to Norman and, for the first time, was able to get all the sports channels that he never could watch before. Dad kept talking about the players and staying up way past his normal bedtime, watching them play all through the entire season. Soon, I decided to tune in so I could visit with him more about this team. Wow. What a great time Dad and I had, watching the Thunder do such a tremendous job against the Lakers.”
Chris Lambert: “Remember the last scene in “Bull Durham”? Crash Davis has just retired from the minors and is sitting on the porch listening to Annie Savoy prattle on. He tells her that while he wants to hear all of her theories, right now he doesn’t want to think about baseball or quantum physics. He doesn’t want to think about anything. ‘I just want to be,’ he tells her.
“That’s exactly how I felt after Game Six. As I cheered the Thunder for all they had unexpectedly accomplished, I literally felt the last of my energy drain away. I didn’t want to think about anything. I just wanted to be. As we walked back to the car, my 9-year-old son, Brooks, was going on about how he hates the Lakers now. I shushed him. I didn’t want to talk and couldn’t even listen. Once home, I didn’t watch SportsCenter; I didn’t wait up for the game recaps to post on NewsOK or the Thunder blogs. I didn’t step foot outside my house on Saturday.
“It wasn’t until Monday that I really began to re-engage. Just like when the 2008-2009 season ended, I’m looking forward to the June 24 draft, followed less than a week later by the start of the biggest free agency period ever seen. And if that’s not enough fireworks, the Orlando Summer League starts July 5. How do our rookies and sophs look? Has Robert Vaden put his time in Europe to good use? Can he show the potential and growth that Serge Ibaka exhibited last summer?
“So, no, I’m not having withdrawals. Why would I? After all, next season begins now.”
Eric Ferguson: “The Thunder fever was great. Can’t wait for the new season to begin. Almost looked forward to watching the playoff games as much as I look forward to NFL games. Thanks for giving the city something to rally behind again. What a ride!”
Nina Brewsaugh: “I used to hate pro basketball – you couldn’t have paid me to watch. Then, along came the OKC Thunder team. My husband and I were given tickets to a game in their first season here. I, personally, have turned almost into a bigger fan than my husband. We never missed watching a TV game and now that the season has ended, we are going through withdrawal not having the games to watch.”
Jane Kitchens: “For decades, I have been a Sooner football fan. No college hoops, no NBA, no NFL. That all changed when the Big 12 tournaments were held in OKC and I just happened to start watching the games on television. I was hooked and even watched some of the NCAA playoffs. But still, I simply wasn’t interested in NBA. I didn’t even watch the Hornets when they were playing in OKC. But when the Thunder team got their new colors, and unveiled their magnificent mascot Rumble — who I have a big crush on — I realized this is permanent. This is Oklahoma City’s team for real. As a citizen of this great city, I have to get behind this team and support it.
“Now, you can’t drag me from the television when I’m watching a Thunder game. I love Brian and Grant. I don’t know a lot about the rules or plays, but with Brian and Grant’s help, I’m learning. I love the crazy fans, and the fact that they are getting national recognition for their passion. I know the Thunder organization as a whole has gotten many awards as well.
“I’m also hoping that the national exposure of the city’s support of the team will have a positive influence on the way people think about us and our city.
“I’m still not an NBA fan, but count me in as a Thunder fan. I don’t have any car flags or t-shirts, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. And where can I get a Rumble bobblehead?”
Dennis Waller: “I guess you could say my wife, Jana, and I are enjoying a major dose of this phenomenon called Thundermania. Jana and I purchased season tickets the first year the Hornets were here. We didn’t claim to be a big NBA fans but we wanted to have that major-league experience. Jana and I soon became huge Hornets fans. We were two-year Hornets season ticket holders and couldn’t wait to do the same with the Thunder. “I have attended football, baseball, basketball and hockey games all of my life. I have never enjoyed anything as much as Thunder basketball. The last month of the season and the Thunder-Laker playoff series were the most enjoyable experiences of my sports life. The joy and pride of seeing Oklahoma City’s own team — our team — doing so well against the best in the NBA were indescribable.”
Michael Pfeiffer: “Originally from Chicago, I had the privalidge of seeing Michael Jordan and the Bulls. Unfortunately, I never got to see a game live there because season tickets were never available and tickets are pricey in Chicago. The Thunder became a blessing to an avid NBA fan here.
“Going into this season, I boldly predicted 45-47 wins. I underestimated the Thunder. Just determination and hustle won a lot of games for the Thunder this season, and I hope going forward, we keep this determined process and don’t get complacent until we win the NBA Championship for the team and this city that wholeheartedly supports them. The Thunder will be a force to reckoned with for the next 10 years. And thanks to the playoffs, TV and media, we as a city and team have finally gotten true recognition and exposure throughout the country.”
Jeff Lantz: “Have not been a huge pro basketball fan since Walt Frazer and Willis Reed were winning championships for the Knicks in the 60s. Now that the Thunder has come to town, I am hooked once again. These guys are so much different than one expects from professional athletes because they care about each other and the community. They don’t have the big head and think they are better than a normal person.
“I love the college atmosphere we have here in Oklahoma and the way the fans are in love with these guys. I hope we keep the same players for next year. Such teamwork. I would rather have these guys than the Lakers, Celtics or any other team in the league.”
Doug Folks: “My wife, Terri, hates sports. Well, hate might be a strong word, but she’s not a fan. I might be able to get her to homecoming at UCO, where we graduated, and maybe another UCO football game or two, but that’s it. She will not stay in a room with a game on TV except the Super Bowl for more than a minute. But this year, she became a Thunder fan. She watched at least some of several games with me.
“But the topper came at the last game. I was nearly blown away when she mentioned we have to get home from dinner out to watch Game 6 with the Lakers. I don’t remember her ever, in nearly 29 years of marriage, watching more than 30 seconds of any basketball game on TV before this year. But she watched – and cheered – for the entire Game 6. You’ll remember the game wasn’t over until about 11:30, and she’s always in bed by 10 or so. We watched the game on ESPN, but when the game was over she was so ticked at having to watch Kobe be interviewed that she asked me to turn over to the local broadcast to watch Thunder players react to the crowd.
“I’m still in awe of her sudden interest in the Thunder.”Nat Hardt: “I moved to Oklahoma City from Austin over 30 years ago, and although I have followed my Longhorns from afar, only occasionally has it been possible for me to be an active fan. I have great respect for the programs in Norman and Stillwater, but my passion as a fan usually burns only in early October, at bowl time, and sometimes in March.
“Until now.
“With the New Orleans Hornets stay in Oklahoma City, we saw a possibility. With the local purchase of the Seattle SuperSonics, we saw a probability. With K.D. and his one and done career at Texas, I had a dream. With Portland’s first pick, the dream got wheels and began to roll. The dream on wheels gained momentum with the commitment of club owners, city and corporate leaders, and the voters and fans of Oklahoma City. Aided by smart decisions, blind luck, perhaps divine providence, and a bunch of talented, gritty, young men of character, the dream has arrived and it is big enough for everyone to jump on for the ride.
“And now, a week after the team finally left the court following Game 6, for me and the Thunder fans I know, the standing O is still going on.
“Thunder Fever? Yep, I got it, and although I won’t die from it, I think I will die with it.”
Derrick Seys a.k.a. “Brick Man”: “The playoffs were indeed the next level for OKC, and it was just amazing how each game became more and more important with the crowd matching the intensity. The Ford Center received well-deserved national attention for its play on the court and in the stands.”Our life was put on hold awaiting the next game or simply recovering from the previous late night.”
Brandon Rahbar: “Without a doubt, I’m already going through Thunder withdrawals. From the moment I walked out of the Ford Center after that heartbreaking Game 6, I’ve been ready for next season to tip off. I am absolutely, completely head over heels in love with this Thunder team. And yes, I know that is kind of a lovey-dovey thing for a grown man to say. But it’s true.
“I’ve been a fan since the day that they announced the team name. I went to Academy the moment that the first T-shirts and hats went on sale. I bought season tickets without hesitation. But my love for this team has grown every day, every game, every draft pick and trade and free agent pickup, every win and every loss since.
“This team is comprised of young men who are supremely talented, but even more endearing, supremely humble, classy and gracious. Kevin Durant has grown into a bonafide worldwide superstar right in front of our eyes, yet he has a sheepish grin and boyish charm whenever a fan approaches him for an autograph. Russell Westbrook took some hard hits and criticism in the media, but he has kept working to become an All Star-caliber point guard, the position so many screamed he couldn’t play. Jeff Green is a leader and a glue guy, Thabo our defensive stopper, Kristic the gentle giant, Ibaka the exciting energy guy that looks like a model, Harden the sharpshooting rookie, Maynor a solid backup and Collison a blue-collar fan favorite. Even the non-active guys like Kevin Ollie, Etan Thomas, Kyle Weaver, DJ White and Byron Mullens each show promise, humility and class.
“The playoffs took my love and passion to a whole other level. Game 3 in the Ford Center was the single greatest live event I’ve ever been to in my life, and this is coming from a life long Dallas Cowboys and OU Sooners football fanatic. Next season can’t get here soon enough. Until then, I’ll be reading every single article, watching every single interview, analyzing every mock draft, and singing the praises of my Thunder on every sports blog and message board I can find.”
Patsy Shepherd: “Three years ago, I had never even watched an NBA game although I loved college hoops. Then, the Thunder arrived. It was fun to get involved, but I rarely thought about them when I was outside of the Ford Center. But this year … the team developed, the hoopla is so exciting, the fans are awesome. Now, I live Thunder. And I’m still flying my Thunder flag on my car and probably will until it becomes a rag.”
Big day in OKC only gets bigger
My column today about this being a day unlike any other in Oklahoma City’s sports history prompted an email from reader Dean Schirf.
I’ll let him explain why:
What a cool coincidence, huh?
Having a couple local guys at the top of the NFL Draft and an NBA team making its home playoff debut is a pretty good way to celebrate Oklahoma City’s birthday. This is a day like no other with a party the likes of which Oklahoma City has never seen.
Will Staples Center bite Thunder?
A snake pit, the Staples Center isn’t.
Still, playing the Lakers on their home court will present a different challenge for the Thunder. When Oklahoma City’s playoff series against Los Angeles opens Sunday, this youthful bunch will discover a level of distraction that is unlike anything else in sports.
Lakers games are where Hollywood types come to see and be seen, so the Thunder has seen the circus during its previous trips. The movie stars. The music moguls. The famous faces.
But what they’ve seen during the regular season is nothing compared to what the Staples Center is like during the playoffs.
“When they go to L.A., they’re going to see more celebrities than they’ve seen in their previous trips,” Yahoo! Sports NBA writer Marc Spears said.
Maybe the players will be able to block that out, but it’d be difficult to believe that they won’t be wowed a bit by the whole scene. Jack Nicholson sitting just down the row from the visitors’ bench. Justin Timberlake over there. Halle Berry over here. We’re wowed by celebrity; impossible to believe that it’d be much different for Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Co.
“It’s interesting who’s there and how big of a distraction that can be,” Spears said.
That doesn’t even take into account the distraction that comes with being in Los Angeles. There are trendy restaurants. There are popular clubs. There are places to go and things to do that you won’t find anywhere else.
And there are people who will want a piece of the players. Being in the playoffs in Los Angeles, family and friends are bound to flock to SoCal. They’ll want to get tickets. They’ll want to go to dinner. With Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kevin Ollie being from the L.A. area, that will add a whole other level of distraction to the equation.
So will the business types who want to get some time with some of these guys. Durant seems a likely target. Hollywood movers and shakers will be asking to meet with him.
Does Kevin want to talk about this movie deal?
Is he interested in discussing this shoe deal?
Again, it’s possible that the Thunder will be immune to the hubbub. Perhaps they’ll stay in their bubble. Maybe they’ll maintain a steely focus. But the challenge will be significant in L.A.
It’s not Boston. It’s not Utah. It’s not Portland. Those arenas are rowdy and intense and a challenge for every visiting team. The Staples Center is none of those things.
“The Laker thing is a different type of distraction,” Spears said.
Just because the Staples Center isn’t a snake pit doesn’t mean visitors are immune from being bitten.
More from The Q&A: Jeff Green
Even though Jeff Green might have a Thunder super fan — a guy in a No. 22 jersey and a green spandex suit covering him from head to toe was spotted recently — the title of original Jeff Green super fan was long ago taken.
Jenni Carlson: When you were at Georgetown, your mom was not only your biggest fan but also was a super fan.
Jeff Green: She’s a bigger star than me. She had her own chant.
JC: Her own chant?
JG: She walked in, they started screaming, “Jeff Green’s mom,” until she stood up and waved and then they stopped.
JC: Nice.
JG: I hated it.
JC: What? Why?
JG: It’d be, like, during the game or during a timeout and you’d just hear, “Jeff Green’s mom!” And she’d be on the jumbo tron. I’ve got to sit there and wait until it’s done.
JC: Your mom was a bigger attraction that you were.
JG: Still is, actually. She goes to all the Georgetown games. She still gets the same type of ovation.
JC: OK, I want you to finish these sentences. This team’s start to the season is …
JG: An improvement from last year. We’re playing a lot harder, a lot better, a lot more together. We’re playing defense.
JC: Scott Brooks’ practices are …
JG: Intense. That’s it.
JC: Kevin Durant is …
JG: Tall. (Laughs.)
JC: All right, funny man.
JG: An All-Star. He’s very talented. He works hard. Just a great player.
JC: This team’s personality is …
JG: We’re very down to earth. A lot of people say that. You see what we’ve put on Twitter and how we respond to a lot of the fans. A lot of people really appreciate that. A lot of athletes don’t do that. I think it is true. I think we’re the team that tweets the most throughout the whole league.
JC: The team’s comedian is …
JG: James.
JC: More than you?
JG: More than me. I’m not really a comedian.
JC: We hear you’re a funny guy.
JG: Nah, it’s James.
JC: The team’s best dressed is …
JG: Me. (Snickers.)
JC: I knew that was coming. OK, the team’s hardest worker is …
JG: The Thunder. There’s no one person. Everybody works hard.
More from The Q&A: Rumble the Bison
Lots of fun questions for Rumble the Bison.
Lots of fun answers from the Thunder mascot.
Check out what the big fellow has to say about this year’s team and more:
Jenni Carlson: I’ve got to ask you about your team. Are these guys going to make the playoffs this year?
Rumble the Bison: I am keeping my fingers crossed. If there’s anything I can do to support the team to get there, I’m going to do it.
JC: Better dunker — you or K.D.?
RTB: Oh, K.D. No question.
JC: You guys trading any secrets?
RTB: He’s been helping me a little over the summer when he had some free time. He’s a league above me.
JC: Are you worried about any of these guys taking the title of fan favorite from you?
RTB: You know, there’s a lot of good characters on our team. Almost all of them could have that possibility to take over, but people just love an animal, so I don’t know.
JC: I’ve got to ask about your off-season. This time of year, everyone talks about what the team did to get ready for the season. What about you? What did you do to get ready for the season?
RTB: I stayed very busy this summer being out in the community. We’ve been to a number of schools, community events, parades, you name it. If you’ve seen me at these events, I’m basically doing aerobics for an hour, two hours, however long I’m at the event. On top of that, I’ve been in the gym working on my dunks and have been developing a new dunk team which will debut sometime early in the season.
JC: Someone wanted me to ask you if you’ve thought about naming your signature dunk “The Rumble Tumble.” Any chance that could happen?
RTB: That might be something fun for our announcer Jim to throw in there. I’ll leave that up to him. He’s the expert with the calls.
JC: This season opener next week will be your first. You obviously had your debut mid-season last season, but is there a different excitement for the season opener?
RTB: Absolutely. Last year when I was unveiled, it felt like opening night, but this being a true opening night, it’s just something special. Everything from top to bottom is fresh and exciting. I can’t wait.
JC: It’s opening week next week, but it’s also Halloween week. What does Rumble dress up like on Halloween?
RTB: I have a closet full of costumes. It’s hard to pick which one. I’ve got anything from a pumpkin to a giant dollar bill. I have a chicken costume. You name it, I’ve got it. Halloween makes it a little difficult to choose which one I want to wear.
JC: The Ford Center renovations, did that mean some new digs for you? Or would that be new stall?
RTB: They’re taking care of me well. After the lightning strike when I started walking on two feet, I got rid of the stall and all that. I moved up to the locker rooms now. They just did an amazing job, and I can’t be any more happy.
JC: I know you’re on Twitter. Are you a Twitter fanatic?
RTB: Borderline. It’s just been such a neat tool I can use when I’m out on appearances or traveling to an appearance or if I’m just sitting in the office. It’s a fun way to stay connected with our fans and to get feedback from fans.
JC: Ever any issues with your hooves using the computer keyboard?
RTB: Got that worked out. Again with the lightning strike, that changed more than the walking on two feet.
We interrupt this football season …
Apparently, this Blake Griffin guy is pretty good.
The Los Angeles Clipper rookie is making some serious noise this preseason. Last week, he scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds in only 29 minutes against San Antonio. That prompted Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to say: “He’s a monster. He deserved to be picked where he was picked, that’s for sure.”
By the way, Popovich meant that he was a monster in a complementary way.
Check out what Griffin said about the coach’s quote.
You’ll also want to check out this dunk that happened Sunday night when the Clippers faced the in-town rival Lakers. Big Blake had his first big-time posterization since turning pro.
It has prompted his teammates to give him a new nickname: Amazin’.
I suspect DJ Mbenga would agree.
Big Blake getting a taste of Clippers Curse
More from The Q&A: Kevin Durant
Had a fun conversation with Thunder superstar Kevin Durant before the team’s last home game. As the season winds to a close, he reflected on this year and on what’s to come.
Jenni Carlson: I wonder if you could give your “best of”s for the year. I’ll throw out a few categories. Team MVP?
Kevin Durant: That’s tough. I’d have to say Russell (Westbrook). He’s been the point guard, and he’s been handling the offense very well. His stats speak for itself. He’s been playing good basketball throughout the year, and he’s gotten better and better.
JC: I should’ve told you — you can vote for yourself.
KD: Nah. I don’t think it’s me.
JC: What about best off the bench?
KD: We’ve got so many guys that come off the bench and help us. I would say Kyle Weaver. He’s been helping us out in different areas. Scoring the basketball. Passing. Playing defense.
JC: Is there an unsung hero?
KD: Nick Collison. He’s been counted on to do so much on this team — rebound the ball, play defense. He’s been one of our go-to big guys, one of our consistent big guys throughout the year. He doesn’t complain; he was in the starting lineup, then he was taken out. But he still comes and plays hard.
JC: Who’s been most improved this year?
KD: Jeff Green. He’s stepped his game up throughout the whole year. He’s been playing great basketball.
JC: Biggest surprise?
KD: Um, Kyle Weaver. In the off-season, he was a little timid. He didn’t want to be aggressive like we wanted. But as the season went along, he’s been more aggressive. We all know he can play defense, but he’s been helping us on the offensive end.
JC: Most memorable moment?
KD: I have a lot of them, but I’d have to say the one where Jeff hit the big shot against Golden State. That was a big one for us. We needed that win, and he got it for us. I’d also say when Russ dunked on Mario Chalmers. That was a good moment for me.
JC: Once the off-season starts, you’re going to take some summer school at Texas. What classes are you going to take?
KD: I don’t know yet. I’ve got to talk to my academic adviser.
JC: But you’ll actually be back on campus?
KD: I’ll be back on campus with regular students.
JC: That has to be weird.
KD: It was last year because I spent the whole year away from school. I was waking up in the summer at 5:30 to workout at 6, be done with workouts by 7:15, then head to class. It was tough, man. I wasn’t waking up that much during the season. I would wake up at 9:30 or 10 to go to practice.
JC: How many classes will you take?
KD: I’ll take two, I think. D.J. Augustine, plays for the Bobcats, he’s going to be with me, too. Last year, I was just by myself. With him there, it’s going to be a little bit easier.
JC: How far along will you be after the summer?
KD: Give me three or four more summers, and I’ll be through my sophomore year. I’ve got a long ways to go.
Another impressive stat from CP3
The superstars in our midst have been a bit hobbled of late.
First, Blake Griffin suffered a concussion that sidelined him a week. Then, Kevin Durant twisted an ankle that could keep him out of action for a couple weeks. Both were freak injuries, Griffin taking a nearly imperceptible blow to the face, Durant coming down like he has millions of times before but this time hitting the ground awkwardly.
It doesn’t take much sometimes, even when you’re a superhero of sport.
Which brings us to Courtney Paris.
The injuries to Griffin and Durant got me thinking about the Oklahoma women’s basketball star. Paris is nearing the end of her senior season. She is a center in the rough-and-tumble Big 12. She is a stout, physical player.
And she has played every single game of her college career.
It’s pretty amazing when you think about it. Thirty-six games as a freshman. Thirty-three as a sophomore. Thirty-one as a junior. And now, 28 and counting as a senior.
That’s 128 games without a miss. As many remarkable numbers as Paris has posted in her Sooner career, none is much more impressive than that.
You know, after all, that Paris has taken a beating. She is the player that every opponent has schemed for since she stepped onto campus four years ago. She is the one that they’ve double-teamed, triple-teamed, sometimes more.
There have no doubt been times that she’s been bumped and bruised and knocked around, and still, Paris has played on.
Maybe she’s been a little lucky. Goodness knows, the injuries that Griffin and Durant suffered this past week or so were the unluckiest of breaks. There were no major collisions. There were no big hits. And still, they went down.
Lucky or not, Paris has been a Sooner stalwart. You have to think there were times that she was sore or worse. Times when she could’ve asked to sit out. Times most players would’ve done just that.
Still, that never happened.
As her Sooner career comes to a close, Courtney Paris will no doubt be remembered and celebrated for many things. That she missed no games is a testament to her toughness and her fortitude. That, too, should be appreciated.
