Bayless Babbles

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

About Brent

SUP BABBLERS. The name is Brent Lee. For those of you not familiar with the name, you best remember it now. I am born and raised and currently residing in San Francisco. My fellow West Portal Lutheran buddy, Justin Alvin Cheng, begged me on his knees to start writing for Bayless Babbles. After countless weeks of nagging and nudging, I've finally succumbed to help the brother out. In all seriousness, Justin and I have teamed up since the 4th grade for our WPL basketball team and Bronco League baseball team, so this little mini reunion has been our fate all along. Let's make it clear now: I pitched; he caught. So now that my grandpa body has broken down, I've been relegated to writing about sports rather than playing them.

For me, my love for sports was instilled in me at a very young age by my father. He taught me to respect the game, which ever it may be. He was my basketball coach, my baseball coach, my life coach. In his eyes and now mine, sports are a microcosm of life. Practice, persistence, execution, team work, just to name a few, are all necessities on AND off the field. The analogous relationship between sports and life is just so beautiful. If there's anything my dad taught me about sports, it's that you should always root for the underdog UNLESS the underdog is playing your team. Because of that piece of knowledge, I have always and will always root for the Angels in the Outfield, the Rudy's, the Tim Tebows, the Charlotte Bobcats, and most importantly, mine and his hometown teams: Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Unpredictability. The miracles. The last second heaves. The comeback kids. Daniel Larusso and Mr. Miyagi taking down Johnny Lawrence and the Cobra Kai dojo. These are the things about sports that I've personally grown to love.

Most recently, I became a season ticket holder for my favorite team of all-time, the Golden State Warriors! I am blessed to live in one of the greatest sports cities in the world and to be able to attend Warriors games at Roaracle. The beers and dirty dogs are also an added bonus. You already know most of my pieces will be centered on basketball.

I look forward to blogging with my brother from another mother, Justin Cheng a.k.a. Porkboii, a.k.a. Earthquake, a.k.a. Chengbang. Let the games begin. West Portal Lutheran Wildcats for life! As Zac Efron said in High School Musical 3, "Once a wildcat, always a wildcat."

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Monday, June 10, 2013

Not So Subtweets

by Justin Cheng

Oftentimes, we don't really think about the things we say about athletes. Turns out that athletes really do see them, even when we feel safe behind our keyboards. Jimmy Kimmel recently did a piece on his show, detailing the meanest things that regular Joes say about athletes.

I will be the first to admit to that I have done this. Can you really fault me for being maniacally intense during sporting events? Looking back on the past few months, I have said some pretty outrageous things as well. ENJOY! (Sorry, mom)

1) Blake Griffin gets Cup Checked by Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka gets a Flagrant 1 for fantasizing about Ronaiah Tuiasosopo
— Justin Cheng (@therealjcheng) March 3, 2013

2) Not so All-Star Performance

Ne-yo sounds like a dying whale on stage. Go back to stomping the yard.
— Justin Cheng (@therealjcheng) February 18, 2013

3) Superbowl XLVI

To those rooting against the Niners just because your team is watching from their couches, go choke on a chode and die.
— Justin Cheng (@therealjcheng) February 4, 2013

Yeah, I'm looking at all you all-of-a-sudden-proud Raider fans, who were cheering against the Niners in the Superbowl. How can you even consider yourself from the Bay? You don't hear us talking about the Tuck Rule Game -- yeah, I just went there.

4) Hope International University vs. UC Merced

Is this Hope International University's cheer leading squad or their offensive line?
— Justin Cheng (@therealjcheng) November 10, 2012

Yeah, alright. This one was just plain mean. Let's just try to be nice from now on!

The Bayless Babbles is a sports blog is authored by UC Merced and USC alumni Justin Cheng.

For more about the author and the blog (Click Here)

Email: baylessbabbles@gmail.com

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Is the King to Blame?

By Justin Cheng

Despite four MVP seasons and a marvelous 48 point game (with 25 of 26 of his team's final points) against the Pistons in the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron's ability to show up in big games has been put into question. Whether it was a disappearing act in his last season with Cleveland against the Celtics or his hairline, LeBron James has been constantly under the magnification of scrutiny ever since his announcement to play in South Beach, where the Heat find themselves down one game to the San Antonio Spurs. While Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have provided some help in Game 1, who is to blame for the Heat?

Calm down, LeBron nuthuggers. The King is not at fault here. As predicted in my NBA Finals preview, It is Erik Spoelstra, who is clearly outmatched by the legend himself, Gregg Popovich. While Spoelstra has led his team to the best record in the NBA in the regular season, a seven-game series may prove my theory. Popovich relies on Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan to run his offense, while maximizing the talents of his role players. These are some things that the Heat will have looked at in their game film and more than likely will make adjustments for Game 2.

1) No Off Ball Movement --> BAD SHOTS

According to BballBreakdown, the Heat ran their "5 Out" offense 35% of their half-court sets, earning a respectable 1.03 points per possession. In the last nine possessions of the game, however, they had no field goals, with only five free throws to show for it. Let's compare how the team's offenses look when there is ball movement.

Now let's look at the Spurs, who noticeable do not just stand around and wait for plays to come to them.

2) Lebron Must Dominate the Post!

LeBron's number was called only nine times during Game 1 to post up Kahwi Leonard; this is a matchup that needs to be exploited. Leonard is a good player and defender, but there is no way he can stop LeBron, who outweighs him by 25 pounds. Look for LeBron to get the ball closer to the block in Game 2, rather than 20 feet out and taking significantly lower percentage jumpshots. Below is LeBron's shot chart in the past 30 days. If he has such a significant skill and physical advantage on Leonard, look for LeBron to expose it.

3) WHY THE HELL IS CHRIS BOSH TAKING 3-POINT SHOTS?

There are three people at fault in this play, and I'll rank them in order of who should be blamed.
#1 -- Spoelstra -- Why are you not screaming at Bosh to stop shooting 3's? For his career, he is only 28.8% from behind the line. Sure he's been shooting 42.9% during the playoffs, but when you're down 4 with one minute to go, I would rather settle for a better percentage shot.

#2 -- Bosh -- Yeah, I don't even want to talk about you. You are absolute trash. I hope Lil Wayne had fun with your wife.

#3 -- LeBron -- You are the point guard of your team, and you should decide who takes the big shots. Yeah, your stat line looks nice and all with your loaded triple double, but you are THE BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA, TAKE THAT SHOT. Heat nation and the rest of your team surely cannot blame you for taking a shot with your credentials, but to dish it out to Chris Bosh for 3?! Inconceivable.

There is an open lane for you to take, LeBron. TAKE IT TO THE RACK!

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE PASSIVE!
PREDICTION:
LeBron and company will make the necessary adjustments and take Game 2.
LeBron's statline: 34 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists.

The Bayless Babbles is a sports blog is authored by UC Merced and USC alumni Justin Cheng.

For more about the author and the blog (Click Here)

Email: baylessbabbles@gmail.com

Follow The Bayless Babbles on Twitter (@BaylessBabbles)

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Saturday, June 8, 2013

NBA Life at Sloat Blvd. & 19th Avenue: Seventh Grade

Fred Jacob as Rasheed Wallace

By Justin Cheng

Fred Jacob and Rasheed Wallace always had an agenda on their respective platforms. Whether it was on the hardwood or in German class, cries of the incompetency of George W. Bush or that the basketball, in fact, does not lie were rampant. If they didn't strike some fear or political sense into you, neither would be doing his job.

Wallace's early playing days as a member of the famed Jail Blazers led Portland to five 49+ win seasons. Despite regular season successes, Sheed could not hold his temper, racking up a record 41 technical fouls in the 2000-01 season and earning multiple suspensions. One memorable incident involved Wallace threatening referee Tim Donaghy -- who is a disgraced referee, mind you -- by "kicking his ass."

Although Mr. Jacob never used that type of force, learning politics from our German teacher felt like decoding the teacher from Peanuts. His fiery political tangents instilled a type of venue that could only be understood by himself. My directionless mind couldn't capture why the Iraqi war was unjustified when I was more worried about being surrounded by girls in plaid skirts and my junk popping out of my corduroys. With such pubescent thoughts running my mind, I would certainly never give any thought of advocating for Republican beliefs in fears of Herr Jacob wird stoßen mein hintern.

Check out the rest of the NBA Life at Sloat Blvd. & 19th Avenue series.
Myself: Justin Cheng as The Birdman
Kindergarten: Melissa Faust as Kwame Brown
First Grade: Ruth Stressow as Jerry Sloan
Second Grade: Irene Jew as Cliff Paul
Third Grade: Edith Kvale as Gregg Popovich
Fourth Grade: Pamela Keiser as Don Nelson
Fifth Grade: Elaine Mills as Scott Skiles
Sixth Grade: Kari O'Connor as Mike D'Antoni
Coming soon: Les Morris as Craig Sager

The Bayless Babbles, along with being a sports blog, is a realization of why I have liberal political beliefs and is authored by UC Merced as USC alumni Justin Cheng.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Twitter Reaction to TP9

By Justin Cheng

Tony Parker's amazing trick shot caught the attention of the sports world and a special someone as well.

That shot was CLEARLY out of Tony Parker's hand before the shot clock. That shot was big-time CLUTCH with LeBron all over him.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 7, 2013

Justin Bieber feverishly searching for Tony Parker jersey to wear to Game 2
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) June 7, 2013

Tony Parker beasted on the Heat. The French haven't been this aggressive since...well....ever.
— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) June 7, 2013

If ur getting ready to watch NBA finals and want to explain it to ur gf, just say Eva Longoria's ex is playing against Gabrielle Union's bf
— Bill Maher (@billmaher) June 7, 2013

@evalongoria @nba your ex is AWESOME BABY - Mr Clutch!
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 7, 2013

God in fact isn't fair. Tony Parker hits big shots. Speaks French. Is so handsome he can cheat on Eva Longoria. A champion.
— Mo Twister (@djmotwister) June 7, 2013

The Bayless Babbles is a sports blog authored by UC Merced and USC alumni Justin Cheng

NBA Finals Preview: Will Miami Bring the Heat?

Will a New Dynasty Emerge?

By Justin Cheng

For at least the next four games, the ultimate battle of styles in the NBA will be tested. One efficiently run half-court offense will be matched up to the uptempo athleticism of LeBron James and company. While the San Antonio Spurs are coming off a dismantling of a very good Memphis Grizzlies team, the Heat are fresh off a seven-game slugfest with the Indiana Pacers. With each of these teams with their own sets of strengths and weaknesses, this is my own take of how each of these teams will match up.

Offense

Miami -- While LeBron's production has been unreal throughout the playoffs, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh's performances have been rather inconsistent. In the conference finals, Wade and Bosh were both regulated to being jump shooters, mostly in part of Roy Hibbert's presence. It wasn't until Game 7 that Wade started to attack the basket and had his best game of the series. Even with Tim Duncan protecting the paint, San Antonio won't have that same intimidating presence in the middle, and it is imperative that the Heat attack the basket often and early in order to avoid playing too much half-court offense.

San Antonio -- Forget the boring arguments, their offense works, and they have all the right players to do it. Tony Parker has again solidified himself as one of the elite point guards in the League, which will force Wade and/or LeBron to pick up Parker at some point in this series. During the regular season, the Spurs sat their own Big 3, and despite taking a loss, absolutely murdered the Heat in the paint. Entry passes to Splitter and Duncan will give the Heat, who do not have a basket protector other than Chris Andersen, migraines.

Splitter and Duncan will be the keys for beating the Heat.

In each of the wins against the Pacers, the Heat forced 20, 10, 17 and 21 turnovers. I don't envision the Spurs turning the ball over that many times, as they have only had 11.7 giveaways throughout the playoffs. This will be key for keeping the Heat in a half-court style offense, which they do not excel in.

Advantage -- Spurs

Defense

LeBron will look to lock down Tony Parker.

Miami -- Having LeBron James, who is a five-time All-Defense First Team, that can disrupt your offense by pestering the point guard, is a coach's dream. I am reminded of the 2011 Conference Finals, when LeBron took it upon himself to lock down Derrick Rose. The MVP had a terrible time getting into rhythm, and Parker will face similar difficulties. Players like Battier and Wade also have the ability to lock down key-players.

San Antonio -- In the series with the Warriors, the Spurs had to mask Tony Parker's ineffectiveness on defense by switching Danny Green to guard Stephen Curry. Parker will have to stay on the floor for the Spurs to win, and who he has to guard is a key factor. If the Heat adjust their backcourt to put Wade at the point and Ray Allen at the off guard, it will create nightmares for the Spurs on defense.

Advantage -- Miami

Bench

Miami's bench has played fantastic.

Miami -- Norris Cole, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Chris Andersen, and Joel Anthony. This lineup could probably beat the Bobcats. All seriousness aside, this group has played their roles extremely well, even when they have the top three guys at their positions in the starting lineup. Andersen had a fantastic series against the Pacers and will be just as key to keep Splitter out of the painted area.
San Antonio -- No big names, but you cannot deny their effectiveness. Manu has not had a good playoff run but has still hit big shots when the Spurs desperately needed them. The San Antonio offense has not skipped a beat with Cory Joseph running the point. Matt Bonner seems to hit every shot he takes and slobbering Boris Diaw seems to do his job when called upon.

Advantage -- Tied.

Coaching
Miami -- For Erik Spoelstra, this is new territory as a coach. While Milwaukee, Chicago and Indiana are good teams, their rotations were limited either due to injuries or sheer lack of depth. The Spurs, however, use interchangeable parts and are an efficient machine. Spoelstra has instilled a defense-first philosophy with the Heat, but it will be crucial to manage what players are on the floor to create matchup problems.

Popovich has the coaching edge.

San Antonio -- Gregg Popovich has tailored his offense to suit his aging stars and is the best coach in the NBA today. It should not be overlooked during the regular season game against the Heat, that he did it to not tip his own hand. He has optimized the use of his role players, and they run Popovich's offense to pure perfection. Just look at Danny Green, who was nothing more than a waterboy in Cleveland. Now he's playing over 30 minutes a game in the playoffs, taking responsibility for guarding some of the opponent's best players.

Advantage -- San Antonio

Key Players

Allen and Battier need to take advantage of mismatches.

Miami -- Ray Allen/Shane Battier will be guarded by Tony Parker in the event that Spoelstra tries to run Wade at point, thus forcing Danny Green move up a spot to guard Wade. Either player will have to take advantage of their size and score. This would be the only conceivable mismatch that the Heat will be presented with.

San Antonio -- Manu Ginobili will have to facilitate the offense for the Spurs if Parker is going to be hounded by LeBron. As previously mentioned, he has not had a good playoffs, and it will be critical for him to pick up the scoring.

Advantage -- Miami

Prediction.

Running plays to have LeBron in the post, attacking Tony Parker on the offensive end and trapping the facilitator past half court will be key things that Miami needs to address. However, San Antonio is an extremely disciplined team on defense and will force the Heat to take jump shots, which they are not extremely effective at. San Antonio will control the pace most of this series, but it will be a grind.

Spurs in 6.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

NBA Life at Sloat Blvd. & 19th Avenue: Sixth Grade

Kari O'Connor as Mike D'Antoni
By Justin Cheng

So who becomes the next Laker coach that will fill the hearts of the purple & gold diehard after Mike Brown gets chopped? I faced a similar dilemma as I reached puberty. I was no longer satisfied at fantasizing about my peers, the five-year void left by Melissa Faust was almost unbearable at this point. I needed someone more mature and could run my triangle offense. For the Lakers, GM Mitch Kupchak believed that person to be Mike D'Antoni, formerly of the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks. As for myself, Kari O'Connor appeared to be that light at the end of the tunnel.

Fast forward to the end of my sixth grade year & June 5, 2013. I am peeved beyond belief at my yearning for Ms. O'Connor to be the resident TILF of my dreams, just as the Laker front office should be kicking themselves for choosing a run-and-gun coach for a team whose best players could not get off the trainer's table last year.

Sure, the allure of having another teacher crush was tempting. But at what cost? Given numerous detentions for using mild expletives and other trivial offenses, I was left in a daze of confusion. While the sweet and gentle spirit of my kindergarten crush still loomed, but this sixth grade disciplinarian was not her.

For the Lakers, disappointment came in the form of a first-round sweep to the San Antonio Spurs. The allure of potentially scoring over 100+ points with an all-star lineup was much too appealing. Kupchak, Buss and company should've known that their cast wasn't even remotely the same as MVP Nash, Amar'e with healthy knees, Matrix Marion, and in-shape Diaw.

Lesson learned.
Me -- Don't trust blondes not named Kate Upton.
Lakers -- Don't trust white-haired coaches not named Phil Jackson.

Check out the rest of the NBA Life at Sloat Blvd. & 19th Avenue series.
Myself: Justin Cheng as The Birdman
Kindergarten: Melissa Faust as Kwame Brown
First Grade: Ruth Stressow as Jerry Sloan
Second Grade: Irene Jew as Cliff Paul
Third Grade: Edith Kvale as Gregg Popovich
Fourth Grade: Pamela Keiser as Don Nelson
Fifth Grade: Elaine Mills as Scott Skiles
Coming soon: Fred Jacob as Rasheed Wallace

The Bayless Babbles, along with being a sports blog, is a warning to never trust blondes and is authored by UC Merced as USC alumni Justin Cheng.