I took a few powerdancer pics... some dude named Andy Moon kept asking me to take his pic with his camera though... all this while the power dancers are squatting on their knees in front of us in the sexiest outfits I've seen yet... Here's a tip. I expected to pay alot for parking somewhere downtown but the lots next to the toyota center are only 50 cents when there isn't an event and you leave before 6:00 pm. They served hamburgers and cookies... My two favorite moments: The part in the video, before the players came out, where Dekembe says his full name. Jon Barry, sprawled out on the court, somehow manages to both receive a pass and make a pass... JVG was cracking up at that one.
What woulda been nice is if Skip woulda pulled out his And1 moves, its prob the only time we'll get to see them on the court
I wonder if this training camp session will wind up in NBA TV's Real Training Camp Series. Did you guys see any NBA TV cameras there?
There were quite a few video cameras, but I don't know who they were affiliated with. Did Rafer Alston play? I don't remember seeing him.
Streaming video of the T-mac and Yao plays: Click here to watch T-Mac-Dunk Click here to watch Yao-Spin-Move
Rockets.com Recap Rockets Host Annual Open Practice Nearly 3,000 enjoy lunch and scrimmage at Toyota Center. Adjust Font Size Nearly 3,000 fans filled Toyota Center Thursday afternoon as the Houston Rockets hosted their annual open practice. The event kicked off with a chalk talk question-and-answer session with Rockets vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey, who fielded inquiries from fans in a wide array of topics from what the Rockets’ starting lineup might look like to what players thought of the newly instituted NBA dress code. Fans in attendance were then treated to a team scrimmage in which the red team defeated the white 31-29. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming led the red team. Both players gave fans plenty to get excited about this season. Yao scored the first two baskets of the scrimmage on power moves down low and McGrady added a self-made alley-oop off the glass for a dunk to the delight of the crowd. The white team was led by Keith Langford and Luther Head, who each displayed a good-looking jump shot. Chuck Hayes also looked solid for the white team, while Ryan Bowen hit some open jump shots for the red in relief duty. The scrimmage was conducted with a 20:00 running clock and was followed by a player autograph session. Some lucky fans had the opportunity to shoot free throws while others listened to Juwan Howard answer questions that had been submitted from the crowd. All the activities gave fans ample time to satisfy their hunger courtesy of a free lunch provided by the Rockets, which consisted of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, and cookies along with soft drinks. Estelle Raleigh was one of many fans who appreciated the opportunity to see the 2005-06 version of the Rockets and enjoy a nice meal. She was just as enthusiastic about the team she saw on the floor as the food she saw on the table. “Lunch was excellent,” Raleigh said. “I had a hamburger and my granddaughter had a cookie. The team looked real good out there. I think we’re going all the way. We were so close last year, so close.” Maynard Thomas agreed with Raleigh’s assessment of the food and the team. “I had a hamburger,” Thomas said while waiting in line for a Yao Ming autograph. “I can’t complain. It was definitely a good idea and got some people to check out the team. It’s too early for predictions, but I think we’ll do well.” Thomas added that he has been a Rockets mini plan ticket holder for the past few seasons and he used Thursday’s open practice to help him decide if he wants to take his ticket plan a step further. “I’m thinking about getting season tickets this year,” Thomas said. “They’ve made some nice additions to the team. I’ve been coming for quite a few years now and it might be time to take that next step.” Thursday’s schedule allowed fans to have their concerns heard and then be answered by not just Lindsey or Howard and not necessarily in words. For instance, the crowd responded with a loud round of applause when one fan asked if Yao would be attacking the basket more this season than in years past. He might have been listening. Yao spent much of his 10 minutes on the floor rocking the rim with dunks on power post moves and drawing contact with some quick moves and impressive footwork from the box. Carlos Hurtado joined the throngs of fans after the game in line for Yao’s autograph and offered his thoughts on the season. “They look really good so far,” Hurtado said while grinning from ear to ear. “I’m very excited about this season. It’s going to be hard in the Southwest Division though. San Antonio is going to be tough.” The Rockets return to preseason action this weekend as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Memphis and then return to Toyota Center Sunday to host the Washington Wizards.
I was sitting maybe 5 seats to the right of where that pic was taken from! Ive been looking through pics to see if i show up in any and no luck lol
You guys are a playoff contender and got only 3,000 people? Your open practice should have been on a weekend. The Raptors have had 10,000+ for their open practice over the last 3 seasons and this year should be no different.
A NBDL team gets 10,000+, while a championship contender with 2 all-world talents and icons (new Kobe and Shaq) gets 3,000. Something is wrong with that picture. Let's just say Houstonians are not very fond of their basketball
as stated IT WAS ON A WEEKDAY, in the morning none the less. I was surprised to see ALOT of kids there that SHOULDVE BEEN in school. Its sad that alot of people just went there to eat and left.
the fans come out coz that's the only time they can actually see their beloved raptors not get their butts kicked.. who lost to MTA again? and yeah it being a preaseason game does not justify it..
Of all days today was the worst because I had two meetings to attend. I really wish they could have done this on the weekend.
I think the fact that his gf was there had something to do with it btw, is it me or does JVG look like your grils' dad in that picture???
