Here’s what went down Monday on G&A

Hoops School? - The Devils did it again last night as Rihards Kuksiks long-range bombs helped stave off a late UA run to improve to 21-5 and 10-4 in the balanced Pac-10.  The guys loved the electric feel inside Wells Fargo Arena.  Ash feels Herb Sendek’s team will be a tough out in the tournament if they make shots and continue play solid defense.  G&A feel James Harden’s NBA position might be point guard.  Both are content to enjoy the ride for now - even with the prospect of losing sophomore star Harden and steady senior Jeff Pendergraph next year.

We were joined by ASU sophomore point guard Jamelle McMillan.  McMillan scored 9 points and added 3 assists as the Sun Devils held off UofA 70-68 last night at Wells Fargo Arena.  The win improved the Devils’ NCAA resume to 21-5 and 10-4 in the Pac-10.  They play 1st-place Washington Thursday in Seattle.  He discussed eating a donkey burger in Beijing when he was there with his father Nate who was part of the TeamUSA coaching staff.

Husky Roar - UCONN head basketball coach Jim Calhoun got into it over the weekend with a reporter regarding his $1.5 million annual salary he’s making with the university.  He is the highest paid state employee.  Calhoun defended his salary saying he brings in $12 million to the school every year.  G&A agree nothing brings more positive exposure to a school than a successful football and basketball program.  Calhoun helped put UCONN basketball on the map in the early 90’s and for that, he was right to defend himself, and his salary, in that situation.

Statement Made - Charles Barkley plead guilty to a late-December Scottsdale DUI charge this afternoon.  The former NBA and Suns’ star will serve 5 days in jail, pay upwards of $2,000 in fines, and must enter an alcohol program.  Gambo thinks this is the best statement that can be made for everyone in the state of Arizona.  If a celebrity like Barkley can land in jail, so can you.  Ash says this can be a humbling experience - even for the ego-driven Barkley who’s never been afraid to throw his name in the middle of controversy.

Former Sun, now Charlotte Bobcat shooting guard Raja Bell joined us.  Bell, along with Boris Diaw, is in town to take on the Suns tomorrow night.  Bell is averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds a game.  He is looking forward to tomorrow’s game and thinks the trade has worked out well for both teams.  Bell did say he wished he would have finished his career as a Sun.

Remembering Raja - Raja Bell told Gambo & Ash that he’s thankful for his time here in Phoenix playing with his close friend (Steve Nash) and for a likeable head coach (Mike D’Antoni).  Bell returns to U.S. Airways Center tomorrow and says he holds no hard feelings towards the organization.  Ash thinks it’s ironic that Bell publicly questioned if Terry Porter was the right person for the job.  Now, barely halfway thru the season, Alvin Gentry is the interim head coach.  G&A discussed how Phoenix fans will remember Bell  -as a vital part of the Suns’ rise to NBA success in recent years or just a guy that wore a Suns’ uniform?  The guys agree Raja made the Suns a tougher team.  We took calls.

Off to the Old Pueblo tomorrow for D-backs Spring Training 2009.  We’ll be joined by University of Washington star forward Jon Brockman.

 

 Raja Bell [12:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (105)

 

 Jamelle McMillian [13:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (60)

Suns majority owner Robert Sarver joined Gambo & Ash Thursday afternoon and told them the trade deadline had passed and the Suns made no trades. Sarver also mentioned that the team was very close to making a deal that could have saved the team nearly $20 million dollars. Instead, the team will stay in tact and work to make a run at the playoffs.

Here’s what went down Thursday on Gambo & Ash …

Deal or no deal: As the NBA’s trade deadline passes, so did the Suns on a potential Shaq for Ben Wallace swap. The move would’ve saved the Suns some $20 million, but might have ended their, however bleak, title chances. G&A are happy Sarver and co. stayed the course with this team, although Ash is certain someone will have to go in the off-season.

Edging closer to a departure? There’s a very unhappy Cardinal this off-season, and no it’s not Anquan Boldin. Actually, it’s someone who’s been unhappy almost as long as Boldin - Edgerrin James. James says the team should cut him loose, and Gambo would gladly oblige- provided a suitable replacement is in tow. Ash isn’t sure Giants FA RB Derrick Ward is that guy, especially given his age and the “system success” he might have enjoyed in NY. In any case, the Cards don’t figure to enjoy another season with Edge on the roster. G&A agree he’ll be gone, sooner rather than later.

Sarver speaks: As soon as the NBA’s trading deadline expired, Suns managing partner Robert Sarver joined G&A to discuss the trade that wasn’t, or perhaps the trades that were not. Sarver said the Suns were not about to part with Amare Stoudemire for anything other than equal return and, therefore, a deal never really came close. The one that did (per Gambo) was a Ben Wallace for Shaq swap, but Sarver still sees the potential in a Shaq led front -court this season, even if it means financial problems this off-season. Sarver also reiterated the Suns desire to win, something he feels is evidenced by their lack of activity today.

 

 Robert Sarver [12:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (228)

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

I’m Sorry - The A-Rod Circus arrived in Tampa and the Yankees third baseman addressed the media for over 30 minutes this afternoon.  Gambo thought Rodriguez was honest and sincere as he answered every question asked, although no follow-up questions were allowed.  He feels more people care about baseball records than accomplishments in any other sport.  We don’t know football from the 50’s and 60’s, but people recognize great baseball players.  Ash thinks most fans are no longer hurt by steroid use in baseball, but simply immune to it.  The guys debated if the sting of A-Rod’s abuse will last longer than other players busted.

* Next to the Era? - The debate continues as to how the modern era PED-aided baseball stars will be remembered and how their legacy will be remembered in baseball history.  Commissioner Bud Selig feels he shouldn’t be lumped into this dark time for Major League Baseball.  A recent Fox Sports story discussed how a PED-aided homerun, in essence, should count for .75 of what a legitimate longball is worth.  G&A agree it will take close to 10 years for the game to move past this ugly time until the new wave of stars (Evan Longoria, BJ & Justin Upton, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley) pave their own, hopefully clean, place in baseball history.

The Not-so-Great Coach - Oh, the Coyotes lost again - this time to Edmonton Oilers last night in Glendale.  The Desert Dogs have now dropped seven-straight and a playoff birth looks doubtful, at best.  Gambo wonders if it’s possible to fire Wayne Gretzky.  Is he bulletproof?  Ash is fan of The Great One, but knows local sports fans don’t flock to the West Valley to see Gretzky or his team.  He makes $7 million a year or $6 million more than the average NHL head coach.  This is a team and, an organization, in flux.

We caught up with former ASU and Minnesota Vikings star Randall McDaniel.  The former Agua Fria High standout was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame last year and The Pro Football Hall of Fame last month.  McDaniel was a 12-time Pro Bowler, 7-time First-Team All-Pro selection, and a member of the 1990’s All-Decade Team.  He is looking forward to heading to Canton this summer, but hasn’t started his acceptance speech just yet.

All Quiet, For Now - Gambo reported the Suns are still taking calls for Amare Stoudemire, but the club isn’t willing to jump into any deals, at least right now.  He thinks this may be a ploy to increase trade proposals from teams around the league.  Ash is convinced Amare wants to leave Phoenix because the future here (aging stars, little young talent, a cost-cutting owner) doesn’t look quite as bright as it did in recent years.  Gambo thinks STAT doesn’t want to be Kevin Garnett in Minnesota (a star with little help around him).  The guys are still holding out hope of this team making the playoffs.  Gambo expects a MONSTER game from STAT tonight against the lowly Clippers.

Franchised!…Reports say the Cardinals will likely franchise tag linebacker Karlos Dansby.  Gambo likes this idea because you’re not breaking up the core of the team.   Ash thinks this shows a true commitment to winning-something the organization has lacked in the past.  G&A concur Dansby is a big reason for the club’s recent success.

 

 Randall McDaniel [9:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (55)