UPDATE: <a href="http://www.clutchfans.net/news.cfm?NewsID=1250">Full Training Camp Report</a> -------------------- I don't have much time to write right now, but again I will have a recap up tonight. Another great experience. I again caught Yao alone for a couple of questions ... I never anticipated that. Tomorrow is the last day I'm going to camp so I'll have to ask you all for some good questions to ask of these players. In Austin, we were in there so long that you had plenty of opportunity, pretty much, to talk to most of the players. Here, when you talk to one player, you're guaranteed to miss out on 3-4 as a result. They just either pass by the media early because they're not specifically requested, or they're gone by the time you finished with someone else. The Rockets asked me and the others if we wanted to talk specifically with any of the players. No one else asked for Stro, so I asked if I could speak with him. When I was done with Yao, they came over to me to tell me that they spoke with Stromile and he was sitting over there waiting for me. That was a pretty damn wild experience to be told that and then look over to see Stro just sitting their on a media table sort of kicking his legs and hanging out by himself waiting. He was cool .... that dude is mellow cheese, man. Very low key. I asked him about 5-6 questions... the last one was about the dunk on Yao last year. He totally was holding back laughter and got a big smile ... said he doesn't really talk about that. He said he's learning, but it has been difficult. So he says there has been a lot to learn ... it's not too similar to Memphis I guess. The coolest thing, by far, was Rafer Alston though. I was very impressed with him .... very. He seemed smart, handled the media well, and seemed to be an extremely, extremely nice and approachable guy. He did not back away from questions about his past and didn't even seem shy about it. He was completely surrounded by the media and when they all left, I was the only one there because I had one last question. I apologized I was keeping him there and he had this huge smile -- "No problem man!" and he slapped his arm around my shoulders to get in close for the question. I wish someone had taken a picture of that .... I'd hang that up in my office. "Here's me and my buddy Skip hanging out on the Rockets court." Anyhow he says he's thrilled to be a Rocket. I'll have quotes and stuff soon.
Wow Clutch. I cannot even imagine the emotions and excitement that must have been coursing through your veins. For such a huge Rockets fan I can only imagine it must be like a little kid going to Disney World and meeting Mickey for the first time. P.S. Do the players know that your from Clutchfans, or do they just think of you as a regular media correspondant???
sure... hanging out at the Rockets court.. thats what they all say.. just admit it that he was making a move on you Clutch.. haha
Very cool. You living most of our childhood dreams - well at least those who know they can't play. Ask Yao what he likes about Skip so far. Also, what is the 1 thing Yao hopes to improve on this year.
Thanks for the update Clutch, can't wait to read the recap, but then again...you might be too busy with your new best friend.
Clutch already asked Yao about Skip yesterday. Didn't sound like Yao really knew him, so he didn't say much at all beyond that they'll need time to gel. Oh and P.S. Clutch is the man.
Dude, that is too cool Clutch...Stro and Lou seem so cool...all of us guys here are living vicariously through you And Clutch, you deserve all this after all the years and hard work you put into our community...well deserved!!!
Thanks clutch, look forward to your full report. Could you ask Skip how he likes to play with Yao and T-Mac so far, and please ask Yao to visit CF.com. Yao likes to post on his BBS a lot.
Clutch, you're the Harry Knowles of the basketball world. But unlike Knowles, you're cool, not full of yourself, a terrific writer, and not fat. Thanks for everything. These reports have been a joy.
ask Yao: 1. If he improved or learn anything new in the offseason 2. If losing game 7 to Dallas effected his offseason (improving his game etc...) 3. What did Falsone do to help Yao on the upcoming season ask Stromile: 1. How different is it from playing with Yao than Gasol. 2. Who does he want to posterize this year?
I have to second this. All of our lives are very busy and you find time in yours to make our days that much better. Thanks Clutch!
Thanks Clutch. Your writing makes me feel that everyone believes they know something special will happen this year. Countdown to preseason will be a living hell....
