Another chapter in the "Book of Fans"

    For as long as I can remember, Runnin' Utes basketball and (more recently) the Jazz have been a big part of my life.

    I had a family member who played for the Runnin' Utes.  He made the team by hard work as a walk on and had his best game ever against BYU.  

     As a kid, I was legally blind in my left eye.  This made learning how to read all but impossible.  I remember day after day of throwing books across the room in frustration as my poor parents tried to teach me.  Nothing worked.  One day, my Dad got the idea that maybe if I found something I was interested in, the reading would come easier.  He introduced me to box scores in the "Houston Chronicle" and a light bulb clicked on.

    Each morning, I got up early and was assigned to tell him about what had happened in the Jazz (his team), Rockets (my team), and Runnin' Utes (our team) games.  Even though they were a long way away, I learned to love players like Jimmy Soto and Josh Grant by reading the box scores.  Reading became fun, and it changed my life.

    When we moved to Utah, I jumped ship to the Jazz full time.  I loved going to the occasional game at the "Decibel Center" or walking across campus to see the Utes play up on the hill.  In my driveway at home, I shot baskets for hours on end and pretended to be right there along side Mike Doleac, Nick Jacobson, Alex Jensen, Andre Miller, Hanno Mottola, Ketih Van Horn, Jeff Hornacek, Karl Malone, John Stockton and my many other heroes.  

    Those were the glory days.  Though we came up just short of winning the big win, we were on top of the world.  

    These days, times are different.  But my love of those teams has not changed.  

    I enjoy social media.  I like reading what others see because I feel like 99% of people have something to offer that I can learn from.  I also like that I can control who I follow.  I don't follow any bozos.  I follow those who are passionate and bring something to the table, and I love it.  

    At the same time, it can be a terrible place.  I see people taking to it to run down kids who are trying their hardest and may not always have the results on the court or field.  When I see this, I picture in my mind this family member I mentioned earlier.  I picture him playing hard and having people run him down when things didn't go right and it gets me upset.  These are kids who work their tails off in school and on the court. 

   Why does anyone feel the need to run down a kid?  Or even worse, their family?  That is pathetic.  I get tired of Jazz fans who constantly want to blame all of the problems in the world on Ty Corbin, but Ty is a grown man who is paid quite well and taking over the top criticism from zealots is part of the job.  It is pitiful that he has to deal with it, but it is part of the job nonetheless.  Kids?  Moms and Dads who just love their kids? Absolutely disgusting that anyone would feel the need to call them names and harass them.  Would anyone say this same stuff to their face?  Not a chance.  So why do it over social media?  

    In no way, shape, or form, am I saying that athletes and coaches are beyond criticism.  There are criticisms of the Ute and Jazz players and coaches that are fair and appropriate.  Was I frustrated after last night's game?  You better believe it.  

    I was asked an interesting question last night.  I am known as someone who is optimistic about my teams and people wanted to know at what point will good efforts not be enough and when will I "demand" that my teams win games such as last night. 

     My answer?  Never.  We play in a difficult conference.  Losses like this are going to happen no matter how much talent we have.  Do I want more wins?  Absolutely.  Do I believe they will come?  Without a doubt!  But in the meantime, I will accept the reality that we are an up and coming team.  Twice this year, we have given Arizona a ball game despite being at a significant talent disadvantage.  If being content with that makes me a "lapdog" or "someone who pathetically accepts moral victories", so be it.  It is reality, even if I am disappointed that one got away.  

    Win, lose, or draw, I will always support my team, the players, and coaches, as long as I see a great effort being put forth.  When I see a lousy effort, even in wins, I will become more vocal.  (you should read my blogs about the 2012 Boston Red Sox).  I do not think for even one second that I am a better fan than someone who feels differently, it is just the way I approach it.  

   In anything in life, it helps to look at the big picture.  Two years ago, outside of people I can count on one hand, I couldn't have paid anyone to talk about Runnin' Ute hoops with me.  Last night, the Huntsman Center was darn near full.  Improvement is being made.  Larry K is doing things the right way.  Our time will come.  I have no doubt about it.  Someday soon, all of these frustrations will be distant memories.  

   

    

    

Does Shark Tank Need A Breath Of Fresh Air?

 

Shark Tank can be seen Friday night's on ABC

    Shark Tank has become a staple of Friday night for many Americans.  Seeing the products and innovations that people have made and how they plan on making it big has become addicting.

    What does this show have to do in order to stay on the cutting edge?  Here are my ideas, starting with the panel of sharks as a whole and then some general suggestions.

    Mark Cuban:
    I rolled my eyes when I saw that Mark Cuban was going to be added to this show as a guest a few years ago.  As a Utah Jazz fan, the only thing I knew about Cuban was that he was loud, obnoxious, and a whiner.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  He is honest, straight forward, and seems to sincerely care about each presenter as a person.  As the most wealthy shark, he is the most willing to invest.  He is a must have going forward.

     Barbara Corcoran:
     She lacks the personality of some of the others, but one thing that can't be argued is that when she invests, she usually helps the business grow tremendously.  To me, she seems clueless about a lot of things.  But if a presenter can convince her of a product, she is a great partner to have.  She should be on every episode.

      Kevin O'Leary:
      This guy is a buffoon.  His only valid contribution is that he keeps the conversation moving.  If someone has a large amount of sales AND are on the upward trend, he will offer to give them the amount of money they seek in exchange for no equity and a chunk of sales for the rest of their lives.  He then points out what a big risk he is taking and how generous he is (the complete opposite on both points is reality).  Otherwise, he dismisses the presenter as though they are a worthless person.  If I were a presenter, I would avoid him like the plague, even if he were my only offer.  As much as I don't like him though, the show would be boring without him.

       Lori Greiner:
       I don't see any value that she brings.  She tries to sell the idea that she can get a product on QVC.  To me, this is overrated.  Sure, you can be on there for two weeks maybe, and then what?  She values herself much more than she should.

       Daymond John:
       Daymond seems bored more often than not.  It is as if he considers himself to be "above" the people who come before him.  He usually responds with "I don't want to  be in this space, Im out." or "I already have a similar group I'm with, I'm out".  If he does make an offer, he demands that his offer be accepted immediately or he jacks up the equity he requires.  It's as if the only amusement he gets from being on the show is in toying with people.

       Robert Herjavec:
       As soon as Mark came on the show, Robert became redundant at best and worthless at worst.  He is the least desirable partner of all the sharks, and he doesn't realize it. Before Cuban came on, Robert was the "tech guy".  With Mark on board, Robert is just a less interesting, less likely to invest shark with fewer connections.  Wrap your mind around this:  Robert's net worth is less than 5% of Cuban's.  His tactic of throwing a tantrum when someone doesn't immediately accept his offer has gotten old.

     If I were a producer, I would have Barbara, Kevin, and Mark on each episode and I would completely cut the other 3.  I would get replacements who can bring something unique to the table.

    As for other suggestions, I'd like to see more updates on how former presenters are doing.  The one per week is decent, but why not put some more up online?

    Finally, how about weeding out the trolls?  I enjoy the random oddball with his hack product (the guy who wanted to implant phones into people's heads or the guy who wanted to create tornadoes in the ocean or whatever come to mind), but I get tired of the "I have a cool app, no sales, and I'd like $650,000 in exchange for 6% of the business!" presentations.  They just want to be on the show for exposure and have no desire for a deal.  I want to see people who really want a deal working to get one.

    If done right, this show can have a long run.

 

   

Five for Five

   In this segment, I'll take a look at my four favorite teams, and one hot sports topic.  As Max Kellerman used to say......

First Topic!

    1.  Utah basketball:

    There are three players who the Runnin' Utes really have their eye on.  Givon Crump, Renan Lenz, and Travis Wilkins.  Who are these players, and what do each of them bring to the table, should they decide to become Runnin' Utes?

     Crump is a small forward who can score.  He is a decent long range shooter, but definitely more of a "scorer" than a "shooter".  He is a pretty good rebounder. with some length on the perimeter.  As I look at his stats, I am impressed with how often he gets to the line.  His total free throw attempts last year is nearly double than the highest total for a Ute player (Jason Washburn).  We desperately need the firepower, shooting, free throws, and rebounding from the wing, that he can bring to the table. 

     I also really like the possibility of him playing next to Jordan Loveridge, either at the 3 and 4 when we go small, or at the 2 and 3 when we go big. 

     Lenz is a big body who can rebound (9.4 per game) and block shots (2.5 per game).  He also has some scoring punch (13.0 per game).  He could be the true power forward we have lacked for a long time at Utah.  As a team, we lacked rebounding and overall inside depth last year.  Lenz would certainly give us that. 

     Travis Wilkins is a solid shooter who can stretch the defense.  He could be to us what Kyle Korver was to the Jazz.  A guy that you have to be aware of.  Putting it nicely, we were brutal from downtown last year.  A guy to spread the floor would help everyone else and make us that much more difficult to defend. 

     Look for at least one of these guys to sign with us.  If we can land all three, we will be a very competitive team this year.  Look for their decisions to come within the next week or so. 

     NEXT TOPIC!

     Utah Football:

      Spring ball has gone well on several fronts.  First, the injury situation has been good so far.  Second, the offense and defense are playing well.  The talent in the program is as good as its ever been and we should have a very successful year. 

    I am a nerd when it comes to analyzing the depth chart.  Yeah, I know, its only spring.  But its interesting to me. 

    One thing that has jumped out to me is that Boo Anderson has yet to crack a depth chart.  Last year, this guy was the first linebacker in off the bench at all three spots.  I thought for sure that he would replace Matt Martinez  at rover.  But I have not heard his name mentioned at all and he does not appear on any depth chart. 

     That tells me that our linebacking group is going to be very good this year, if a bit inexperienced.  Or maybe it says that Boo is a goofball.  I dont know.  Guess we will see!

     NEXT TOPIC!

     Utah Jazz:

     Watching this team has been a blast this year.  As they make this playoff push, I can't help but be proud of this team and organization.  This is a team that does things the right way, and they always have. 

     I was torn at first over whether or not I wanted the Jazz to get to the playoffs.  A draft pick in this year's lottery is VERY tempting.  But as I watch this team battle, I want them to get to the playoffs.  Al Jefferson has never been there.  Neither have the young guys.  I want these guys to feel and experience that atmosphere. 

     They have dropped some games they shouldn't have, but they have battled all year.  And as a fan, that is all I can ask.  Bravo!

      NEXT TOPIC!

     Boston Red Sox:

     Ok look, I can handle seeing my team lose all the time.  For crying out loud, my favorite team is the Runnin' Utes!  What I can't stand is buffoons.  And that is what the Red Sox are becoming.

    Historic Fenway Park turns 100 this year.  The team has planned a celebration by bringing back all former living managers.  Only problem is, the greatest manager in the history of the team, Terry Francona, is not ready to come back.  And I don't blame him.  The way he was treated by the organization last season is repulsing and deplorable.  He was blamed for the meltdown when it was not his fault.  The team threw him under the bus and it makes me sick.

    I almost want to see the Red Sox just completely fall apart this year, just to stick it to the idiots calling the shots for this team.  I am a fan for life, but they are sure making it hard on me.

     FINAL TOPIC!

     College athletes transferring:

     I understand where coaches are coming from.  If I bring in a kid and its not a good fit, the last thing I want is for him to go to my rival and help them beat me.  But, in my opinion, thats just something that coaches have to live with.

    I saw one idea on twitter this morning that basically suggested that the University and student arrange for a prenuptial agreement. "If this doesn't work out, you can go here, here, or here, but not here, here or here."  Thats a little silly.

     In my mind, a kid should be able to go where they want.  The penalties are already severe.  If the coaches can leave for wherever they want, the kids should be able to as well.