Is anyone else disappointed in the preseason coverage of the Rockets locally? I know that they are competing for space with the Astros in the playoffs and the Texans playing, but one really short story and a couple of summary blurbs in the paper each day along with, if we are lucky, a sound bit or two on tv and sports radio really sucks. To make matters worse, Rockets.com is doing NOTHING to fill the gaps. They still have stuff on there from media day. The major sports outlets are starting to do basketball stuff, but it is minimal. It just seems like football preseason gets 2 or 3 stories a day plus a camp summary dedicated to it in the paper and at least one piece on a player on tv broadcast news. But, NBA preseason is relegated to WNBA status. This blows.
Of course I agree. I would normally say wait for the Astros to lose in the playoffs and that may change, but let's be optimistic about the Stros. I think some of the lack of coverage is inevitable. There is only so much sports reporting that can be done. But, at the very least, Rockets.com should have someone or a team dedicated to training camp, with a little video, article and daily summary.
Rockets.com stinks. They rarely have anything good and never have breaking news.....lol And this is supposed to be the team website. Although I must admit the Yao/Falsone articles in the offseason were pretty sweet...
Could be that several years of ugly, dysfunctional, illogical basketball have tuned the media out of even giving a rat's ass about the Rox. Hopefully this new group will win back local interest once people get a good look at how they play together.
I'm disappointed. So disappointed, in fact, that I am starting to walk to the Toyota center during the day with my digital camera in hopes to get a shot of the Rockets on their practice court. Yesterday, nobody was there (at about 1:45 pm). Will try again today. It would help if a) I knew what time they practiced b) they would raise the blinds just a little bit for me to get a shot c) I would be allowed inside -- droxford
He does. Like most camps, the media is not allowed in during practice time, but they can go in during certain scrimmages, etc. Rudy's camp was exactly the same way. After practices, players are available to the media. From what I understand, the media contingent at Toyota Center has been rather small this year compared to previous years. I understand the Astros and I understand the space issues - dedicating most of the front page to baseball. But, I don't get Rockets.com and I definitely don't get how it is like this EVERY DAY in the media. I heard David Dalati say on 610 the other day, "Oh, and in case you had forgotten, Rockets training camp continues over at Toyota Center..." Gee, thanks. And, I'll be perfectly honest, I don't like baseball. I just don't care about it at all. I'm glad the Astros are in the playoffs and playing well, but, in some ways, I'm ready for them to get run so that we can start hearing more about the Rockets.
The Training camp coverage has been horrible especially on ROCKETS.com even for media day there wasnt a photo gallery or anything. If you look at the Magic website they have full page training camp updates everyday, the Rockets definetly need to improve their website.
Jeff, I agree and have disappointingly noted the same. The fault? Squarely on the shoulders of the Rox. They should be proactively pushing for coverage. Where is their media department? Even their marketing dep't. Go'stros, but let's remember Yao and Wow, the best tandem in the game and their mates.
Jeff, Exactly why I wish someone representing the site had press credentials. Just like the years Clutch was able to attend training camp. My whole motive was getting coverage. I hate it that even last week during 2 a day practive we got like one quote from Juwan Howard. I expect a daily report. First to blame- Rockets- esp the website Second- the rest of the media who thinks we've forgotten BB because of the Astros and Texans. Hey I'm pretty big on baseball and football, but come on TMac and Yao are a bigger story nationally than locally. I guess we'll get a little blurb on Sports Sunday after the Miami game. I still think Clutch should go, and understanding he has to make a living and can't go, he should send someone to be his eyes and ears and then let Clutch gives us a daily update on the front page. Jeff, thanks for at least reporting what 610 has been reporting for the out of town fans. (PS- I was thinking you were mis-reading my motives on the thread I started about a media rep- I didn't mean we should compromise our fan site status, only that Clutch (or his designated rep) deserves the same access as other media outlets get.)
At the risk of being banned from the site forever... BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Jeff!!!!! I'm saddened by that statement.
Houston's a "football" city. Our franchise just won 2 in a row for the first time. Our baseball team is in the playoffs. And for the first time ever, is actually LEADING a series. And you wanna know what Yao Ming had for breakfast before his workout? Come on.
This is a good post... of course, we DO NOT need any division at all on this site between its basketball fans and its baseball fans. When the Rockets are in the playoffs, I'm not going to blame the Chronicle for its lack of spring training stories... in fact, I'm happy they're able to do the one short story a day period, regarding the Rox. Honestly... there's not much "newsworthy" stuff goin on with this team, besides the daily Yao Ming quote about how he's loving JVG's practice, or the daily T-mac quote about how he's never learned so much before. I thought they were really reaching by writing that Mo-T/Howard piece... I mean, sure he hosted him at Michigan, but it wasn't like they formed some awesome duo (they never played together in college... like clyde and dream), and its not like they'll ever see the court at the same time. Lets just be happy that we actually have THREE professional sports teams... and for the most part, they're all successful, professional, play in great stadiums, have a great fan base, and are fun to watch. (regardless of whether or not you don't like a particular sport).
i wasn't aware baseball's even considered a sport....those are some odd journalists down there in Houston
Well here's my idea on some stories I have an interest in someone covering during training camp- 1. How does Boki look, has he got an outside shot falling? 2. Who looks better at point Ward or Lue? 3. How is Yao doing against Mutumbo? 4. Has Gaines shown anything? 5. What has Ryan Bowen shown? 6. Any surprise performance yet? 7. Anyone disappointing? etc. We get that stuff everyday during football training camp and baseball training camp. Hey I say don't take from the Astros, expand the Rockets. It's early, I'll be patient (but fanatical) I'm sure coverage will pick up locally after the Miami game.
etc? Like? : Who is dinged? How much did Spoon weigh in at? Is JJax still on the team (I haven't heard word one about him, and he was, and remains, a vital piece) ? What impact will travel etc to Shanghai have on Rox preparations for the season?
