Archive for February, 2008

Lute Olson Wants Back On The Hardwood

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A:

* Larry Fitzgerald’s future as a member of the Arizona Cardinals is hazy. The Eagles agreed to terms with free-agent corner Asante Samuel Friday morning. Gambo reported the Cards are talking to Philadelphia about a possible Fitzgerald for Lito Shepard deal. G&A agree Rod Graves has dug himself another financial hole, but agree it’s wise to see what Fitz is worth on the open market.

* Ash tracked down Fitzgerald, who expressed his appreciation for the Cards and where they’re headed as a franchise. Fitz said he would have no problem ending his career in Arizona.

* We also caught up with WIP talk show host and former Eagle Gary Cobb who chimed in on why this would be a wonderful trade for the Eagles if they swing the deal.

* Coyotes President Doug Moss checked in, the ‘Yotes inched closer to a playoff birth after last night’s win in St. Louis.

* UA suffers another home loss, this time to USC. Ash thinks there’s friction amongst the “higher ups” in the ‘Ole Pueblo. Lute Olson wants to come back, but AD Jim Livengood doesn’t seem in any rush to push aside Kevin O’Neill. G&A agree O’Neill won’t be back if Lute returns to the bench. Ash thinks this will be Livengood’s final season in Tucson.

* Suns lose out on Brent Barry and settle for the consolation prize, Gordon Giricek, the deal will be official once Giricek clears waivers on Tuesday.

* We were joined by Suns guard DJ Strawberry, he shared his thoughts on playing with Shaq, Nash, and Amare here in Phoenix.

Gambo & Ash Exclusive: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald

Sports 620 KTAR: Cardinals Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald discuss trade allegations.

 
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Will Brent Barry Make Up His Mind Already?

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A:

* Extremely short show after three hours and 22 minutes of Cactus League baseball. The Diamondbacks-Rockies game ended in a 5-5 tie.

* Hornets whack the Suns, again. Why can’t Mike D’Antoni’s team stop anyone?

* Gambo reported the Suns have put Brent Barry on deadline. They want a decision by tonight. If Barry heads back to The Alamo, the Suns will pursue former Sixers’ swingman Gordon Giricek.

* ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler shared his thoughts on where Barry and the recently bought out Sam Cassell might end up. Legs also broke down why the Suns play no defense and why they can’t beat any of the better teams in the West.

 
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Suns Waiting A Barry, Barry Long Time

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A:

* The Suns and Spurs are still waiting on Brent Barry, who says a decision is expected Wednesday. Ash thinks Barry is headed back to the Spurs, but Gambo feels the Suns still have a shot at landing his services.

* Brent’s dad, Hall of Fame forward Rick Barry, shared his thoughts on the new-look Suns with Shaq and openly expressed he hopes his son lands in Phoenix. Rick said it would allow Brent to fully show his complete basketball skills in Mike D’Antoni’s system.

* Suns squeak out a win over the Mike Miller-less Grizzlies last night in Memphis. Gambo says the defensive lapses concern him and a much bigger challenge awaits them against Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler and the Hornets in The Big Easy.

* The Tribune Company says they will sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field. This irks, but does not surprise, Gambo & Ash. Both agree the purity of Wrigley Field deserves to stay intact.

* ASU Athletic Director Lisa Love joined the show to share her thoughts on the ASU baseball allegations and to preview the Sun Devils’ big game tomorrow against UCLA.

* G&A think former ASU player/coach Mikel Moreno has an axe to grind with Pat Murphy. Gambo believes Murphy runs a clean program and Moreno’s allegations will quickly disappear.

* We were also joined by freshman Sun Devils point guard Jamelle McMillan, who says he’s happy to be a Sun Devil playing for the well-respected Herb Sendek.

* Coyotes GM Don Maloney also checked in to discuss the Coyotes’ 5-player trade Tuesday with the New York Rangers.

Tomorrow: G&A follow the Diamondbacks spring training opener (1:05 1st pitch)

 
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Moreno: Tip of the Iceberg

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A:

* Sam Cassell wants out of Los Angeles, but the Suns don’t seem too interested in adding him to their roster. G&A think is a big mistake. Ash loves the fact that Cassell is a smart, scoring point guard who has won rings. Gambo feels he would be a perfect fit behind Steve Nash. Both agree the Suns’ offense sputters when Nash rests.

* As of now, still no word from Brent Berry - stay tuned on that front.

* Former Suns player and current Grizzlies guard Casey Jacobsen joined the guys to discuss his first season back in the NBA with the Grizzlies and to preview Tuesday’s game against the Suns in Memphis.

* G&A also caught up with new NFL Hall of Famer Fred Dean. The 4-time Pro-Bowl defensive end won two Super Bowl rings with the 49ers. He also starred with the San Diego Chargers.

* ASU baseball is under the NCAA microscope. Former player and Sun Devil coach Mikel Moreno is alleging academic fraud and recruiting violations. The Sun Devils are currently ranked No. 1 in the nation. G&A discussed the allegations and shared their views on what may/may not turn into a major story.

* Former player and Sun Devil graduate manager Mikel Moreno joined the guys to share his side of the story and says he’s not the only person who has had problems with Coach Murphy. Moreno indicated this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

 
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Why Didn’t J.P. Prince Play At UA Again?

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A:

* The Suns are 1-2 since the Shaq deal including Sunday’s blowout loss to the Pistons. G&A aren’t panicking yet - both agree Shaq needs time to adjust to the Suns’ system and vice versa. Ash thinks DJ Strawberry is gaining Mike D’Antoni’s trust and could get extra minutes if he keeps playing good, tough defense.

* Gambo believes the Suns are closing in on a deal for Brent Berry - a decision could come down any time. The Spurs, Rockets and others also want Berry’s services.

* We were joined by Grizzlies starting point guard Mike Conley. Conley says he is enjoying the extended minutes he’s getting from Marc Iavaroni since the team parted ways with Damon Stoudemire. Grizz host the Suns tomorrow in Memphis.

* The Tampa Bay Rays are pondering signing free-agent Barry Bonds. Gambo thinks this is little more than a publicity stunt to fill seats at Tropicana Field and feels Bonds wouldn’t be a positive mentor for some of the young Rays’ players. Ash thinks this a total joke and would love to never see Bonds on the field again. Gambo doesn’t want to see Barroid reach some other attainable milestones.

* Roger Clemens is under the microscope again. There’s a pictures of him at Jose Canseco’s 1998 pool party-just as Brian McNamee told Congress. Ash thinks these photos could ruin “The Rocket” once and for all, especially since he completely denied being at the party-under oath, no less.

* Tennessee is the new No. 1 in men’s college hoops following Saturday’s win over previously unbeaten Memphis. G&A discussed the game - it was a classic. Why didn’t J.P. Prince play at UA, again? Ash loves Bruce Pearl.

* ASU is closing in on a NCAA tourney bid following Saturday’s win in Seattle over Washington. G&A agree if the Devils go 2-2 in their last 4 Pac-10 regular season games they’ll be dancin’ next month.

Walton: Shaq, Grand Canyon, Smoking with Red, and more.

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A.

* Early in the show, G&A discussed the uncertain future of Kelvin Sampson who later in the afternoon resigned as head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers. G&A talked about the possible player revolt led by senior DJ White. Where does Sampson go from here?

* UA is on the bubble of not making the NCAA tournament for the first time in 24 years after last night’s loss to Washington. G&A agree the ‘Cats need to get hot to get back to The Dance. Ash feels Kevin O’Neill is hurting his team by slowing the offensive tempo which has not been UA’s style in the past.

* We took calls on which team is more deserving of an NCAA bid, ASU or UA? Callers were split.

* Washington’s talented junior forward Jon Brockman checked in. The Huskies host the Devils tomorrow in Seattle; he says it’s a must-win for both teams as they push towards the post-season. Gambo thinks Brockman will win the Pac-10 Player of the Year.

* We also caught up with NBA Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Bill Walton who shared his views on the Shaq trade, the Grand Canyon, tonight’s game against Boston, smoking with Red Auerbach, and some meteor crater in northern Arizona. Gambo somehow got in four questions, I think Ash asked one.

* G&A also previewed the Cardinals’ off-season. The Red Birds freed up some cap space by cutting three players yesterday, both agree the cornerback position needs an upgrade. Maybe top-tier free agent corner Asante Samuel be on their radar?

* We were also joined by former Suns’ coach, now Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge .Ainge shared his thoughts on the trade deadline deals, point guard Rajon Rondo, and Kevin Garnett’s transition from Minnesota to Beantown.

Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A:

* The Desert Diesel arrived at US Airways Wednesday night. Shaq’s encore performance against the Lakers went well - 29 minutes, 14 points and nine rebounds, but Phil Jackson’s team walked away with a 130-124 victory. G&A marvel at the pure greatness of Kobe Bryant.

* Gambo was moderately impressed with Shaq, but openly shared his hatred for Laker sniper Sasha Vujacic. Ash loved the atmosphere W night at USAC, but feel the Suns need another long-range shooter. Gambo thinks the Suns are making a big mistake by not getting the ball to Amare more in crunch time.

* G&A know the deep, talented Lakers will be tough to handle come playoff time. Gasol gives them an element they haven’t had in recent years.

* Late-breaking news: Phoenix signs Linton Johnson to a 10 day-deal. He is insurance behind Grant Hill at the small forward spot.

* Gambo reported the Suns might look to pick up Seattle’s Brent Berry or Philadelphia’s Gordon Giricek if their contracts are bought out. G&A think Berry would be a perfect fit with the Suns - stay tuned.

* The trade deadline passed. Cavs pick up Wally Sczerbiak and Ben Wallace. G&A don’t particularly like this deal for Team LeBron. Gambo says the Bulls’ signing of Ben Wallace was one of the worst in the history of basketball.

* ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler shared his thoughts on Shaq, Thursday’s trades and the tight race in the Western Conference.

* We also discussed A-Rod’s sketchy backtracking regarding his numerous amphetamine tests - where there’s smoke, there’s fire?

Tomorrow: G&A on the road at RT O’Sullivan’s in Glendale

Is Kidd ‘The Answer’ For Cuban?

Here’s what went down today on G&A…

* Jason Kidd is (finally) a Maverick, again. Gambo thinks this deal mirrors the Suns’ acquisition of Shaq, boom or bust for both teams. Ash likes this deal for Dallas, even if it means parting with a young talent like Devin Harris. Callers were split as to if this is the “missing piece” for Mark Cuban’s crew.

* We were joined by former Drake star forward, now color analyst Dolph Pulliam. The Bulldogs are 23-2, ranked 16th going into tonight’s game against Bradley in Des Moines. Drake has not experienced March Madness since 1971. Pulliam’s talented ‘68-‘69 Drake team nearly knocked off Lew Alcindor’s UCLA Bruins in the Final Four.

* The New Jersey Institute of Technology men’s hoops squad is still perfect. Following last night’s loss to Longwood College (think Jerome Kersey) the Highlanders are 0-28. Their final chance for a victory is Saturday on the road against Utah Valley State, a team that’s already beaten them twice already this season. As the unofficial official team of “Gambo & Ash,” John is hoping for a victory to end the futility, Ash wants one more NJIT loss.

* Champion amateur golfer Elaine Joyce is suing a Cope Cod public course for not allowing her to play in a men’s tournament. Gambo believes if she’s good enough to play, they should let her play. we took calls.

* Local PGA golfer Steve Jones called in to share his thoughts on this hot-button topic.

* Wayne Gretzky recently won his 100th game as head coach of the Coyotes last night in Los Angeles against the Kings. G&A debated if Gretz is becoming a good NHL coach after a rocky start to his career behind the bench and is he in it for the long run?

* G&A were joined on-location by “The Great One” and Captain Coyote, Shane Doan. Gretz says he has no interest to return to the front office and is enjoying his time developing his talented young core of players.

Tomorrow: G&A’s LIVE at US Airways Center for Shaq’s debut!

 
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USA vs. The World?

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A:

* The NBA All-Star weekend is over and G&A have mixed emotions. Both agree Dwight Howard revitalized the dunk contest, but the All-Star Game is nearly unwatchable. The guys discussed if people actually enjoy the dunk contest more than the All-Star Game itself. We took calls.

* G&A also discussed the possibility of re-tooling the All-Star Game. Gambo suggested making it “USA vs. The World” All-Star Game. Gambo thinks this would attract an interest the game is presently lacking - especially since many of the players are not interested in playing under the current format.

* G&A also previewed the debut of Shaq, which should happen Wednesday night against the Lakers at US Airways Center. The Diesel continues to the be “the buzz” in Phoenix.

* We were joined by Suns chairman Jerry Colangelo. He addressed the rumors surrounding him landing in New York to take over the struggling Knicks. Colangelo said those rumors started in New York, not Phoenix. He said he would be interested if the Knicks called, but will take a wait-and-see approach since no one has officially contacted him and Isiah Thomas is “still in charge”. Colangelo also said he liked the Shaq deal and hopes The Daddy can take the Suns to the top of the mountain.

* G&A shared their thoughts on Colangelo’s comments. Gambo would love to see Jerry land in New York and build the foundation the Knicks need. Ash sees Colangelo as a Sun and a Sun only and heading back east could be risky to his reputation - calls were split.

* Yoda used the Jedi Mind Trick to land us Shaq’s college coach Dale Brown. The former LSU head coach says he would not be surprised if Shaq bought Phoenix their first NBA title.

Tomorrow: G&A remote at Jobbing.com Arena!

 
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