Anthony Grundy: The Case for Honoring #2

As my excitement for the 2012-2013 Wolfpack basketball seasons reaches even unhealthier levels than normal, I have been passing the time thinking about my favorite players during my lifetime. Julius Hodge is at the top of my list, of course, and I always wanted to change my name to Lakista McCuller as a young child. If next year's squad comes anywhere close to reaching the typically hyperbolic NC State fanbase's expectations, then Lorenzo Brown, Calvin Leslie, Richard Howell, and Scott Wood will undoubtedly further cement their position in my hierarchy.

After Hodge, the current number two on my list is Anthony Grundy, who coincidentally wore #2 in Raleigh. Over the past decade, I feel as though many State fans have overlooked the impact the freakishly long Grundy had on NC State basketball and don't realize or remember how good he actually was. In fact, I could argue that his #2 jersey belongs in the rafters. With that in mind, here is my case for honoring Grundy's jersey:

• With 1,641 career points, Grundy is NC State's ninth all-time leading scorer.
• Led the team in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002), one of only seven players to accomplish this feat (David Thompson, Hawkeye Whitney, Thurl Bailey, Rodney Monroe, Todd Fuller, and Julius Hodge are the others).
• As a guard, he led the 2001-2002 Wolfpack in rebounds, averaging 5.5 per game.
• Ranks ninth all-time in 3-pointers made, draining 164 from downtown over his career.
• Dished out 356 career assists, good enough for tenth all-time in the school annals. His 1.28 career assist-to-turnover ratio is also tenth all-time.
• Led the Wolfpack in assists in both 1999-2000 and 2001-2002.
• Second all-time in steals, pilfering the rock 239 times in his career.
• Had seven steals against Georgia in the then-ESA's inaugural game on November 19, 1999, the fourth-highest mark in school history.
• His 70 steals in 2001-2002 and 69 steals in 1999-2000 rank sixth and seventh, respectively, for a single-season in Raleigh.
• Averaged more than two steals per game during his sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns.
• First Team All-ACC and First Team All-ACC Tournament in 2002.
• Second Team All-ACC Tournament in 1999.

Those are some of the statistics and honors that support a case for Mr. Grundy to have his name in the PNC rafters, but I'd like to add a few anecdotes as well:

• Julius Hodge is rightfully credited with being the face of the program's success between Jim Valvano and Mark Gottfried. Grundy, however, was the senior leader and First Team All-ACC performer on the team that led NC State back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991 when the 'Pack returned to the Big Dance in 2002. As important as Hodge was in the Wolfpack's return to March Madness, Grundy was the most important player on that team.
• When that team beat Michigan State in the First Round, I distinctly remember thinking that Grundy was passing the torch to Hodge. Grundy was in foul trouble for most of that game, so Hodge is the one everyone remembers leading the 'Pack back from a 12-point halftime deficit when he scored 14 of his 16 points during the second half. Grundy still finished that game with 16 points and 6 boards. Though I have no proof, I will always believe that Grundy, and this game in particular, was integral in Hodge's development.
• I would be remiss not to mention Grundy's unorthodox shot and unique free throw routines.
• Grundy was the best I have ever seen at using the backboard when driving to the basket. He took the adage "the square is your friend" to heart, adeptly using the glass from all angles.

Playing With House Money

When Jason Clark's desperation three airballed to the ground and NC State officially reigned supreme over the Hoyas to advance to the Sweet 16, I did not know what to do or how to feel. Of course I was happy and some tears of joy eventually choked their way out of my eyes, but the anxiety I experienced during the game never truly subsided; I was dazed and confused.

You see, I am as diehard a Wolfpack fan as they come and as well-versed in their rich basketball tradition as someone who was not alive for 99 percent of it can be. This is only the 'Pack's third trip to the Sweet Sixteen (1989, 2005, 2012) since I was born in April of 1986 (they also advanced to the Sweet 16 that year, but I had not yet popped out) and I cannot even remember one of them because I was barely three at the time. My fanhood is basically in uncharted territory, hence the confusion surrounding my feelings.  

For a program with two National Championships, I have been convinced for the longest time that I am the jinx who spawned #NCStateShit. Remove the NCAA Tournament from the equation for a second and consider this factoid: when I was 11 months old, I supposedly sat on my Dad's lap and didn't move as I watched the Wolfpack win the 1987 ACC Tournament Championship to tie UNC for the league-lead (10 each; Duke had 7). Today, Duke has 19, Carolina has 17, and my Wolfpack still sit at 10. Fast forward 25 years to the present and consider this gem: for the first time EVER in my life, NC State is dancing longer than Duke (1985 was the last time it happened).

Needless to say, it has been an interesting week for my emotions thus far. It is great to be in Sweet 16, but I cannot allow myself to be overcome with joy because this used to be normal for NC State basketball. With that said, this team has exceeded expectations. No one thought a first-year coach returning from the coaching purgatory of being a television analyst could take a group that went 15-16 last year to where they are so quickly. This team has provided more entertainment than any I can remember, so, despite my reservations, I am still as giddy as a little girl at a Justin Bieber concert. 

At this point, the Wolfpack is playing with house money. Just making the tournament was a great accomplishment this season, so I will not let a loss to Kansas - no matter how it may happen - sour my feelings about the 2011-2012 NC State basketball season. If Calvin Leslie and everyone else returns next season in addition to the three incoming McDonald's All-Americans, how could anyone who doesn't wear blue not be excited about not only the future, but the present, of Wolfpack basketball? And that's exactly what this Sweet 16 trip is - a present. Thank you to all of Wolfpack Nation because I will always savor this moment.

*Unrelated note that I have to put on the record - I cannot say enough about how happy I am for CJ Williams, someone who wandered through a forest of mediocrity for his first three seasons and was under-utilized, only to emerge this year to help this team go where no one thought it could. In truth, I am happier for him than anyone else associated with the program because this was his last chance to experience something special.

Dancing Again... ACC Prospectus for the NCAA Tournament

I do not think I have ever been more excited for a Friday of the NCAA Tournament than I am this year. The 'Pack is back and all five ACC teams will be playing. Even before conference tournament season, I always catch the Madness, but 3/16/12 will probably be the Maddest I have ever been. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on each ACC team leading into the NCAA Tournament.

Midwest #1 UNC - Greensboro vs. #16 Lamar/#16 Vermont - Fri. 3/16 4:10pm

The Tar Heels entered the season ranked #1 and as the favorite of many prognosticators to win the National Championship, even drawing comparisons to the 2005 and 2009 title-winning squads. After Kentucky, UNC is as good a bet as any to win it all again this year, but they are not the same caliber of team that Roy Williams led to One Shining Moment in '05 and '09.

How far will the Heels go this year? It is difficult to answer without knowing when John Henson - the ACC Defensive Player of the Year who sprained his wrist against Maryland and is listed as questionable for Friday - will return to the lineup and if he will be his usual game-changing self when he does. The Heels certainly don't need Henson to make it to next weekend and could still be a Final Four team without him, but that would be their ceiling.

Either way, I think the Elite Eight match-up with Thomas Robinson and Kansas in Jayhawk-friendly St. Louis will be the end of the road for this team.

South #2 Duke - Greensboro vs. #15 Lehigh - Fri. 3/16 7:15pm

With what I have seen from Duke this year, I considered the Blue Devils to be a prime candidate for a first weekend exit before the brackets were released. Now that I have seen their match-ups, however, I think they will make it to the Sweet 16 before bowing out to the Baylor Bears. In my opinion, Duke's two biggest issues this season are extremely detrimental come tournament time - they play below-average defense (especially by Duke standards) and they lack the experienced, "F*** you, I won't let us lose" leader(s) like Laettner, Hurley, Battier, Williams, Scheyer, and Singler.

East #3 FSU - Nashville vs. #14 St. Bonaventure - Fri. 3/16 2:45pm

I really like the Seminoles this year and even chose them as my favorite to win the ACC Tournament because they are deep, experienced, athletic, and talented. Despite the return on investment from my ACC Tournament pick, I cannot shake the feeling that this team is bound to disappoint sooner rather than later. Couple their ACC Championship with how they exceeded expectations with a Sweet 16 run last year and barely lost to eventual Final Four participant VCU, FSU definitely is not sneaking up on anyone in this tournament.

With that said, I have toyed around with predicting the 'Noles to make a run to the Final Four, especially since East #1 Syracuse will not have Fab Melo and is due to also underwhelm. However, I think that Jared Sullinger and Ohio State will be too much for FSU to handle in the Sweet 16.

West #10 UVA - Omaha vs. #7 Florida - Fri. 3/16 2:10pm

I am not going to waste words here. The 'Hoos have no depth and rely on one great player (Mike Scott), two solid all-around players (Joe Harris, but he has a broken left hand, and Sammy Zeglinski), and a great defensive point guard who is an offensive liability (Jontel Evans). This looks like the formula for a First Round exit (I refuse to call it the Second Round when it is the first game for 60 teams).

Midwest #11 NCSU - Columbus #6 San Diego State - Fri. 3/16 12:40pm

What an accomplishment by Mark Gottfried and his team during his first year - my Wolfpack is back in the Big Dance! I was travelling during the Selection Show on Sunday and lamenting the #NCStateShit I had to deal with not being able to watch, until I learned that the ultimate #NCStateShit joke was on all 'Pack fans who were watching and sweating before NC State was the last tournament team to be revealed.

When I finally saw the brackets, I immediately fell in love with the match-up. The 'Pack should be able to dominate San Diego State on the interior and Calvin Leslie is going to be a match-up nightmare for the Aztecs' best player, Jamaal Franklin. Looking ahead, I think the winner of the State game will get to play #14 Belmont - my ultimate upset pick of the tournament against #3 Georgetown - so a Sweet 16 seemed feasible. Then, I remembered a little thing called #NCStateShit, all the "experts" and our President picked the 'Pack as a Sweet 16 candidate, and I saw this; suddenly, I came crashing back down to reality to become my usual paranoid and pessimistic NC State-self.

2012 ACC Tournament Preview

#1. UNC 27-4 (14-2) - 12pm Fri. vs. UMD/WFU

Even if UNC tries to channel their inner-2005 or 2009 because they have greater aspirations this year, they should still win the ACC Championship. It has been a crazy year, however, and with the results in this tournament more important to other teams, I am predicting the Heels to lose in the semifinals to... Keep reading to find out.

#2. Duke 26-5 (13-3) - 7pm Fri. vs. Clemson/VT

Before I turned one in 1987, NC State won their last ACC Championship to tie Carolina for the league lead with 10. At the time, Duke had seven; in the 24 tournaments since, the Blue Devils have won exactly half to take the all-time lead over UNC, 19-17. I remain a jinx as State still only has 10.

The Blue Devils have owned this tournament ever since the current batch of Devils were born, and they play like it every year. Unfortunately for Duke fans, I don't expect any of that to matter this year. Especially without Ryan Kelly, I do not see Coach K's boys winning this tournament.

#3. FSU 21-9 (12-4) - 9pm Fri. vs. Miami/GT

If they can get past a motivated Miami team who has already beaten them once, I expect the Noles to win their first ACC Championship. Their unique combination of depth, talent, and defense plays well in this tournament setting. UNC owes the Noles something and I would expect a Tar Heel victory in that Finals match-up, but as I said, I see Carolina losing in the Semifinals to...

#4. UVA 22-8 (9-7) - 2pm Fri. vs. NCSU/BC

With only one all-time championship and the league's worst recent tournament history (the Hoos haven't advanced past the quarterfinals since 1995), the Hoos will curb-stomp my Pack's NCAA Tournament hopes, assuming State makes it past the Eagles in the First Round.

Since it's damn hard to beat any team three times in one season, Mike Scott will be trying to prove he is the league's Player of the Year in this tournament, and UNC has bigger fish to fry, I am then predicting the Cavaliers to knock out Carolina in the Semis before losing to FSU in the Finals. If the Noles don't make it past Miami, I am picking UVA to defeat Duke in the Finals.

#5. NCSU 20-11 (9-7) - 2pm Thurs. vs. BC

I think two wins will sneak State into the Big Dance, so naturally, some #NCStateShit will happen and I will be heartbroken at some point on Thursday or Friday. Four of the five all-time 12-seeds in this tournament have beaten the five-seed (when State was the 12-seed, it was the only time the five-seed won), so the BC game is not a given. Like I said, however, my money is on the Cavaliers sinking the Pack's NCAA ship on Friday.

#6. Miami 18-11 (9-7) - 9pm Thurs. vs. GT

Miami's talent was the most underrated in the ACC all preseason and up until they won at Cameron Indoor Stadium. With a tournament berth on the line and their new coach's penchant for tournament magic, I think the potential FSU-Miami game will be the most exciting of the tournament. If Miami can win that to secure a tournament bid, I think they will lose to Duke off that emotional hangover.

#7. Clemson 16-14 (8-8) - 7pm Thurs. vs. VT

Clemson locks up their NIT bid and then loses to Duke on Friday. The Hokies will miss Victor Davila (Yadkin County represent!).

#8. UMD 16-14 (6-10) - 12pm Thurs. vs. WFU

For some reason, I think Wake pulls the upset. Maryland should have the advantage in talent and on the sidelines, but I think some Tobacco Road magic will make Lefty and Sweaty realize that the tournament does not have to be held in North Carolina for Maryland to suck. With Terrell Stoglin caring about nothing except Terrell Stoglin, the Deacons carry over their momentmum from the almost-comeback in College Park at the beginning of the season.

#9. WFU 13-17 (4-12) - 12pm Thurs. vs. WFU

After exceeding everyone's regular-season expectations and pulling an upset in the tournament, Wake's season will end against the All-ACC Team... Oops, I meant UNC.

#10. VT 15-16 (4-12) - 7pm Thurs. vs. Clemson

As usual, Greenberg whines about being on the wrong side of the bubble... the CBI bubble that his Athletic Director won't pay for again.

#11. GT 11-19 (4-12) - 9pm Thurs. vs. Miami

I wonder what kind of record Paul Hewitt would have had with this team.

#12. BC 9-21 (4-12) - 2pm Thurs. vs. NCSU

I respect #NCStateShit too much to say anything.

My 2012 All-ACC Accolades

March 5, 2012
By: William Hinkle

Along with the resurgence of the North Carolina State University basketball program, I hope to resurrect this blog. As my Wolfpack just completed their first 20-win regular season since 2005-2006 and also finished league play with a winning record for the first time since the same year with a 70-58 victory at Virginia Tech in this year's last regular-season game, it is only appropriate that I offer my fact-based and sometimes red-tinted opinion on ACC awards (click here for the media's picks).

All-ACC First Team (Player, School, Entire Season Per-Game Averages (ACC Rank))

Tyler Zeller #44 Sr. F, UNC - 16.3 points (5th), 9.3 rebounds (2nd), .549 FG % (2nd), .803 FT % (8th), 1.4 blocks (8th)

Representing for the greatest number ever (David Thompson, anyone?), Zeller leads my All-ACC team and also garners my vote for the league's Player of the Year. I don't like lauding Tar Heels too much, so I will put this simply: with those stats and the fact that he is the most consistent leader of the league's best team, you can't vote for anyone else.

Mike Scott #23 Sr. F, UVA - 17.3 points (3rd), 8.2 rebounds (T-5th), .573 FG % (1st), .814 FT % (5th)

If he were a Tony Bennett recruit, I might use this SAT analogy - Mike Scott : Tony Bennett :: Julius Hodge : Herb Sendek. Like Hodge, Scott is undoubtedly one of the league's best and most-entertaining while stuffing the stat sheet. Look no further than his career-high 35 points in addition to 11 rebounds yesterday while leading his Cavs to the 4 seed and a first-round bye with the win at Maryland for proof.

As worthy a candidate for runner-up Player of the Year as there can be, I just couldn't vote him ahead of the best team's most consistent performer. My favorite part of Scott's game? His sweet face-up/mid-range game. The Pack's CJ Williams and Mr. Scott are the ACC's most automatic from 12-18 feet.

John Henson #31 Jr. F, UNC - 14.2 points (10th), 10.3 rebounds (1st), .507 FG % (4th), 3.0 blocks (1st)

The ACC's most intimidating player and biggest game changer, Henson would also get my vote for the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Like I said, I am not into gushing over players who wear blue. As you will come to find out, that applies to both shades of blue.

Kendall Marshall #5 So. G, UNC - 7.2 points (not in Top-25), 9.6 assists (1st), 1.3 steals (T-9th), 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio (1st), 32.8 minutes (8th)

He might be the most integral cog in UNC's high-powered offensive machine. He is the league's best passer/facilitator.

Calvin Leslie #5 So. F, NCSU - 14.3 points (9th), 7.1 rebounds (9th), .514 FG % (3rd), 1.7 blocks (T-5th), 31 steals (not in top-10)

Definitely some red bias here, but if you look at conference-only stats - especially his production over the last half of the ACC season - this is a no-brainer. ACC-only stats and ranks: 15.3 points (7th), 7.9 rebounds (T-8th), .503 FG % (4th), 20 steals (1 shy of 10th-place 21). He is the only league player who could have boasted top-10 in all of these conference-only categories before last night's steal-less performance. The proverbial light has apparently turned on, so if Calvin returns for his junior season, he will be a contender for ACC Player of the Year.

All-ACC Second Team

Austin Rivers #0 Fr. G, Duke - 15.3 points (7th), 3.2 rebounds (not in top-25), 2.2 assists (not in top-10), .442 FG % (9th), 32.9 minutes (7th), .383 3-pt % (would be 3rd if qualified*)

Rivers should be the media's unanimous pick for Rookie of the Year and with no one from Duke on the First Team, a Blue Devil had to lead the Second Team. Who else would you have chosen?

Harrison Barnes #40 So. F, UNC - 17.4 points (3rd), 5.1 rebounds (19th), .458 FG % (7th), 1.0 assist (not in top-10)

Although he is overrated by most, that is more due to the insane expectations that were put on him before he ever arrived in Chapel Hill than his production. Barnes puts the ball through the net as well as anyone in the conference. With that said, I could argue that his three First-Team teammates deserve a lot of credit for making his job easier. Rebound numbers are solid, but they should be given his size and the pace at which UNC plays.

Terrell Stoglin #12 So. G, UMD - 21.2 points (1st), 3.4 rebounds (not in top-25), 1.9 assists (not in top-10) .404 FG % (10th), .377 3-pt % (3rd), 83 3-pt FG made (1st), 32.7 minutes (T-9th)

The latest rendition in a long list of nauseating Terrapins, Stoglin is the league's most prolific scorer as well as its most selfish player. Coincidence? I think not.

Michael Snaer #21 Jr. G, FSU - 14.1 points (11th), 3.9 rebounds (not in top-25), 1.9 assists (not in top-10), .844 FT % (3rd), 55 3-pt FG made (T-8th)

Not only did he deliver more clutch shots than anyone in the league, Snaer was the most consistent performer for the league's 3rd-best team as well. When you factor in his perimeter defense (which is difficult to quantify), an argument could be made that he belongs higher on this list.

Bernard James #5 Sr. F, FSU - 10.4 points (not in top-25), 8.3 rebounds (T-5th), .610 % (would be 1st if qualified*), 2.3 blocks (3rd)

After Henson, James is the league's most intimidating defensive presence and led the notoriously stingy Seminole defense. He also averaged 11.0 points in ACC games only, good enough to crack the top-25 at 22nd.

All-ACC Third Team

Lorenzo Brown #2 So. G, NCSU - 12.5 points (17th), 4.4 rebounds (not in top-25), .448 FG % (would be 7th if qualified*), 6.3 assists (2nd), .746 FT %, 1.7 steals (T-1st), 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio (T-4th), 33.6 minutes (5th)

Leslie may be the Pack's most talented player and best pro prospect, but no one is more important to NC State's success than Zo. As he sets the tone and tempo of the game, NC State will only go as far as Zo takes them. Former Heel Hubert Davis consistently calls Brown "the best all-around point guard" in the league, as evidenced by his well-rounded season-long box score.

Durand Scott #1 Jr. G, Miami - 13.0 points (14th), 5.3 rebounds (8th), .446 FG % (would be 8th if qualified*), 3.2 assists (6th), .797 FT % (10th), 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio (6th), 33.4 minutes (T-6th)

A Cane had to be on this list somewhere and Scott edged out Kenny Kadji as my choice. Most of their numbers are comparable, but I gave the nod to Scott because his production is higher in most categories and he only trails Kadji by .3 rebounds per game despite the fact that Kadji is a forward.

CJ Harris #11 Jr. G, WFU - 16.8 points (4th), .479 FG % (5th), 3.1 rebounds (not in top-25), 2.5 assists (not in top-10), .856 FT % (2nd), 35.1 minutes (1st)

At this point, you can start making arguments for a handful of players. Harris has to be on this list, however, because of his offensive efficiency while playing more minutes than anyone in the conference and he led the Demon Deacons to exceed expectations with the 9-seed in the ACC Tournament.

Seth Curry #30 Jr. G, Duke - 13.5 points (12th), 2.5 rebounds (not in top-25), 2.4 assists (not in top-10), .869 FT % (1st), 1.3 steals (T-9th), .399 3-pt % (would be 3rd if qualified*), 59 3-pt FG made (7th)

Did he make my list because of a monster second half that led to an epic comeback against the Wolfpack or because of his offensive production for the league's second-best team? Both.

Mason Plumlee #5 Jr. F, Duke - 11 points (23rd), 9.2 rebounds (4th), .554 FG % (would be 2nd if qualified), 1.5 blocks (7th)

I have nothing to say about this pick other than he wears blue and almost averaged a double-double.

* "If qualified" ranks are only relative to those who have qualified, not other unqualified players.

Opinion: Pre-Season Wolfpack Football

September 3, 2010

By: William Hinkle

The following is an opinion piece written before the beginning of the 2010 North Carolina State football season:

Since the academic scandal at UNC surfaced, I have been serenaded by phone calls and text messages from family and friends asking me some form of “How happy are you?” Unlike anything I can remember recently, the Tar Heels’ off-field woes this summer have united non-Carolina Tobacco Road and ACC fans to delight in what is obviously a joyous occasion for all outside of Chapel Hill. With that said, I have a confession to make – I take no joy in this, and quite frankly, don’t care. When it comes to my fanhood, the source of my pride and happiness is the accomplishments of my school. While I certainly won’t feel sorry for what any athletic program suffers if proven guilty of the types of things UNC is being investigated for, my current excitement revolves around the potential that always accompanies a new football season, not the trials and tribulations of our rivals.

It doesn’t take the most perceptive person to recognize the excitement surrounding the upcoming season is probably the lowest it has been this century - four straight losing seasons have obviously taken their toll. As evidenced throughout the annals of history, however, pre-season hype, or lack thereof, doesn’t dictate a team’s fortunes. So, before the 2010 Wolfpack gets a chance to take the field and show their stuff, I think it’s important for fans to try to focus on the positives entering the season. As fans, we have the luxury of allowing coaches to shore up the team’s weaknesses on the practice field. Our primary job, on the other hand, is to support and believe in the team; that is the only way we can help them. With that said, I give you a few things I’m excited about for the 2010 Wolfpack:

• The secondary – Arguably the team’s weakest position last season, I’m cautiously optimistic about the potential of this very young group. With the experience many of them gained last season, they should make fewer mental errors and be accustomed to the speed of college football. In addition, the influx of three talented freshmen with high ceilings gives the coaches more options. Finally, it must be a good sign that the coaches were confident enough in this group’s ability they moved a guy who was competing for a job to another position.
• The schedule – While difficult, there is no one team on the schedule that the Pack cannot beat. Does this mean the team will be undefeated? Of course not. But any win or combination of wins from this group would not surprise me.
• The “Perfect Storm” – The returning All-ACC tight end, the ACC’s active career touchdown receptions leader, and the ACC’s active career receiving yards leader should be the best WR/TE combination in the ACC. Depth at both positions is solid as well, with both proven experience and young talent. The offensive line, while replacing four starters and often cited as concern by Coach O’Brien during camp, has loads of potential especially since they are being coached up by widely recognized offensive line gurus. It will be interesting to see who emerges at running back, as there isn’t a lack of options. And did I mention Russell Wilson? I will never count the Pack out as long as the football is in his hands. Don’t forget number sixteen’s back-up either – most programs would die to have him.
• Nate Irving – Even if he isn’t the same old Nasty Nate, he’ll still be pretty darn good as his football instincts are unparalleled on this team. More importantly, however, will be his contributions to the mental aspect of the game. With his leadership, I predict the defense will play with more swagger this season. That should be a welcome sight, as playing with swagger entails being able to back it up.
• The fans – Despite a disappointing 12-10 home record during the Tom O’Brien era, it’s only a matter of time before teams rarely leave “The Carter” with a win.

The Summer Sports Doldrums

July 12, 2010

By: William Hinkle

As I christen this blog with my initial post, LeBron has arguably been the biggest sports story in the U.S. over the past week. Because a LeBron story is obvious to the point it would be cliche to write about him now (not to mention the captivation of the American audience by LeBron, as opposed the globe's premier sporting event - the World Cup), I will try to refrain from discussing him for the time being. Instead, I will focus on an annually appropriate topic in the month of July: the Summer Sports Doldrums.

Because I wasn't much of a baseball fan until my freshman year at Boston University when the Red Sox broke the curse (2004), there was never anything I could devote myself to as a spectator in the summer (this can also partially be attributed to my religious attendance of basketball and both varieties of football camps during childhood summers). Of course, when the Summer Olympics or World Cup come around every two years, I get a definite sports boner. Unfortunately, however, these two events always seem so fleeting - like a summer fling when you were a teenager. And, to be honest, since I'm so emotionally involved with Wolfpack basketball and football, my capacity for additional emotional "fanhood" is limited and it will be impossible for anything to fully satiate my sports thirst when these 2 off-seasons coincide.

Despite my biases, the fact that baseball doesn't command the nation's attention like it once did is not diminished. Because my sports jones would have already reached critical mass without this year's World Cup, I'm committing my annual Thanksgiving "what I'm thankful for" to even-year summers bringing us either the World Cup or the Summer Olympics. Luckily for me, I was immersed in the World Cup culture this year as I spent the opening rounds in Prague. Unfortunately after yesterday's final, we've entered the heart of the Summer Sports Doldrums where the occasional PGA Major will eclipse the excitement provided by the boys of summer. I'm sorry, but I just have a hard time getting pumped up for tonight's Home Run Derby, the Midsummer Classic, and the rest of baseball season. I'll keep myself informed and watch the occasional game, but there won't be a can't-miss sports viewing option every day/night or even every other day/night until the end of August (unless of course pre-season football in mid to late August really gets your blood pumping).

With my two slowest sports month of the year beginning to progress at a snail's pace, I leave you with my final observations from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa:

• 1-0: In order for soccer to get the respect it deserves in the States, it is imperative to avoid a final match in which the only goal that was scored took 117 minutes to get to. In today's world of instant gratification and A.D.D. most Americans won't wait two scoreless hours to arrive at the game's only defining moment; instead, their understanding of what happened will be limited to a mere clip on Sportscenter. 17 out of the 64 2010 World Cup games finished with a score of 1-0.
• Diego Forlan: The Uruguay striker deservedly won the Golden Ball as the Cup's most outstanding player. Forlan was easily the tournament's most exciting ball striker.
• Missed Opportunity at Immortality: Asamoah Gyan squandered a chance at African football immortality when his PK to send the Black Stars of Ghana to the semifinals caromed off the crossbar. Excluding U.S. soccer, this was the most memorable moment of the Cup to me, not for what it was but for what it could have been.
• Landon Donovan: Not only did he provide U.S. soccer with one of its all-time goals against Algeria, he consistently asserted himself as the country's most reliable and clutch player. In doing so, he emerged as the footballer Americans had hoped he was in 2006 (you can't convince me this isn't a result of being on loan from the L.A. Galaxy to a real football club, Everton). After last year's 2-0 defeat of new Cup champ Spain and a showing in South Africa that can be labelled encouraging, among other things, I'd like to think I can be optimistic about the future of U.S. soccer (especially of Jozy Altidore develops some ball skills to complement his tremendous athletic ability).
• Jersey Colors: If your country's jersey includes colors not on your national flag, I'd like to know the back story. A quick Google search combined with a minimal knowledge of world history explains the Dutch Oranje, but why does Spain sometimes don blue jerseys? And what about the Italians? Do they really wear blue because of the royal Savoia family? There must be a method to all this color-confusion madness.
• Vuvuzelas: Count me as an observer who will miss the buzzing vuvuzelas and other sounds of the 2010 World Cup as we enter the abyss that is the Summer Sports Doldrums.