Here’s what went down Monday on G&A

Jon Bloom filled in for the vacationing John Gambadoro.

Oh-fer the Road Trip - One week ago the Suns had just beaten the mighty Lakers and headed off for four road games in hopes of closing the gap for the eighth, and final play-off spot.  Now, with a 4-game losing streak to match the number of games back in the post-season hunt, the last month of the season looks bleak.  Ash says it’s time to focus on the future, not the present.  Bloomer thinks the future isn’t much brighter than the present because although a lottery pick is likely coming, the draft is much weaker than in years past.  Ash is wondering if Suns’ playoff tickets would even be worth the investment - instead of putting your money towards next season.  Bloomer thinks a strong finish and playoff birth would renew interest for a fan base that has been spoiled with near unparalleled success in recent past.

(North) America’s Team? - Terrell Owens is the newest member of the Buffalo Bills.  Yes, that’s right.  The Buffalo Bills.  Drew Rosenhaus said last week his client was being pursued by several teams and a deal would be complete within the week.  He was right.  Ash was shocked when he heard the news.  Bloomer thinks, good or bad, it will bring Buffalo plenty of exposure.  Both believe a one-year deal for T.O. was the right decision for the Bills.  Ash is sure Owens will be remembered more for his antics, than the teams he played for.  T.O. is all about T.O.

Arizona State lead assistant Scott Pera joined us.  The 23rd-ranked Devils beat Cal 83-66 Saturday to finish the regular season 22-8 and 11-7 in the Pac-10.  Today James Harden was named Pac-10 Player of the Year and Jeff Pendergraph garnered 1st-team honors.  ASU plays UA in the 1st-round of the Pac-10 tourney Thursday at noon.  Pera was Harden’s and teammate Derek Glasser’s high school coach at Artesia High in Los Angeles.  He knows Thursday is likely a win-and-you’re-in game for the Wildcats.

Tourney Time - The Pac-10 regular season has concluded and now it’s time for the conference tourney, which officially starts Wednesday in Los Angeles.  Plenty of intriguing early match-ups including Arizona-Arizona State at high noon Thursday.  The guys agree if UA beats ASU, they’re in.  So where does this leave ASU?  They are tourney-bound, but could raise their seed with an impressive showing later this week at Staples Center.  The guys agree there is little national love for the Pac-10 this season.

Waiting His Turn - Matt Leinart said over the weekend he wants to stay in Arizona - even if that means sitting behind recently re-signed incumbent Kurt Warner for two more years.  Leinart would be 28 by the time a starting opportunity would be available.  Ash thinks he’s saying all the right things now, but isn’t sure he wants to sit and watch for two more years.  Is by NOT asking for a trade, Leinart actually asking to be dealt?  Bloomer doesn’t think so.  He feels Matt knows what’s best for his professional success and that means here in Arizona with Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and possibly Anquan Boldin in the fold.  We took calls - most were split on what’s best for Leinart and the team moving forward.

We caught up with the newest member of the Arizona Cardinals, cornerback Bryant McFadden.  The former Steeler signed a 2-year, $10 million contract yesterday.  The four-year pro and former Florida State star is expected to complete with Rod Hood for the starting job opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  He looks forward to covering the Cards’ skilled receivers each day in practice.

Gambo is back Tuesday.

We’ll be joined by Morehead State head coach Donnie Tyndall and Cornell’s Steve Donahue

 

 Scott Pera [13:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (45)

 

 Bryant McFadden [13:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (72)