Ian Thomsen>INSIDE THE NBA
• Freakonomics. To understand how Thunder general manager Sam Presti has steadily assembled a low-cost, high-upside roster that is the envy of other small-market teams, give credit to two factors that are out of reach for most franchises. First is the presence of Kevin Durant, who arrived as the No. 2 pick in 2007 and is fast developing the talents and leadership skills of a league MVP. Second is the discipline of Presti, who continues to develop -- and most importantly, stick with -- a long-term plan to develop young players according to the team-first demands of the Thunder program while keeping costs low. It's fine for franchises to envy OKC now, but how many owners would have the foresight and patience to adhere to the plan a couple of years ago when the Thunder were struggling?
The third factor, which may be available to other teams: Assistant GM Rich Cho, the Swiss army knife of the Thunder's front office. Cho is a lawyer and capologist who also knows a player when he sees one. "He's so smart with numbers and negotiations and the cap," said Hawks GM Rick Sund, who worked with Cho with the old Sonics in Seattle, "and he's an attorney and he's brilliant in finance and he's a good people person."
Most fans (and many NBA owners) have never heard of Cho, but people in the league view him as a prototype for the next NBA era, an executive who draws on a number of backgrounds to come up with solutions. "Rich is incredibly talented," said Presti. "He has great versatility in his approach and skills and is someone that consistently thinks of the long-term interest of the organization."
• The law. Former Sonics president Wally Walker used to employ Cho in both the basketball and business offices in Seattle, where Cho would work on sponsorships and other business deals in addition to helping Walker and Sund structure their basketball payroll. When Presti took over, he focused Cho entirely on basketball and has turned him into a scout as well as a numbers-crunching salary-cap expert.
Someday, Cho will be a GM or team president in the NBA, and as such he'll be able to draw on his experience in the business office while not needing to hire legal counsel or a capologist -- he'll fill both roles himself. "The combination of all of those things gives him a really good future," said Sund. "Going back over my career of 30 some years in the NBA, I wish I'd picked up a law or business degree along with my understanding of basketball. I've been in basketball all my life, but the different dimensions Rich has -- I wish I had them."
• The analysis. Cho is not the only executive who applies an unusual point of view to assembling NBA talent. Nuggets VP Mark Warkentien and Bucks assistant GM Jeff Weltman -- both reportedly on the short list of candidates to take over as GM of the Suns -- are both highly regarded as outside-the-box thinkers. Rockets GM Daryl Morey uses data analysis in an unprecedented way with the help of his VP Sam Hinkie, a brilliant number-cruncher who previously worked in private equity and venture capital. Nets VP Bobby Marks is another promising capologist.
Crucial to all of these planners is their ability to translate a player's strengths and weaknesses into a salary. What is the player's value in the current market? The Thunder's success has depended on making the difficult decisions of knowing when to spend on certain players -- like the three-year, $15.6 million deal they gave to center Nenad Krstic -- and when to walk away from others who aren't worth big money. "I always felt I was a half-step ahead with Rich," said Sund. "When I was with Seattle he'd already developed a software package of evaluating every player in the league, it was all done by numbers and all I had to do was type in the name or the value. Plus he's one of those lucky guys who has a photographic memory -- he can remember everything that happened from when you were trying to do a trade four years earlier or when you were looking at a guy in the draft."
"This game has become a numbers game," said Hawks director of pro personnel/college scouting Steve Rosenberry, who worked with Cho in Seattle. "It's easier to assess the talent than it is to assess to attach a number to that talent. You can inherit a bad contract and you can trade for one, but you damn sure don't want to give one."
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/07/02/free.agency/1.html#ixzz0sdLwDeUQ
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Mavericks to bring in Lin
Posted at 1:50 PM on Fri., Jun. 25, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Eddie Sefko / Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
Harvard's Jeremy Lin, who apparently is trying to become the first American-born Asian to make it in the NBA, will be joining the Mavericks for mini-camp on Monday and Tuesday and, possibly, for their summer league team in Las Vegas.
The 6-5 shooter went to school at Harvard and got his fair share of notoriety - some good and some bad - for his ethnicity at Harvard.
But the guy can play, no doubt there.
He's one of several players who went undrafted Thursday night who are expected to come in to the mini-camp.
--Eddie Sefko
Eddie Sefko / Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
Harvard's Jeremy Lin, who apparently is trying to become the first American-born Asian to make it in the NBA, will be joining the Mavericks for mini-camp on Monday and Tuesday and, possibly, for their summer league team in Las Vegas.
The 6-5 shooter went to school at Harvard and got his fair share of notoriety - some good and some bad - for his ethnicity at Harvard.
But the guy can play, no doubt there.
He's one of several players who went undrafted Thursday night who are expected to come in to the mini-camp.
--Eddie Sefko
Ishikawa's routine pays off in the pinch
Ron Kroichick, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Travis Ishikawa prepares for pinch-hitting appearances by facing fastballs off a pitching machine deep beneath AT&T Park. The pitches zoom toward him between 85 and 90 mph, a logical speed - except Ishikawa stands 25 feet away, not 60.
"That makes them look faster," he said.
The routine, which he started in mid-May, obviously is working. Ishikawa's double Monday night made him 9-for-17 (.529) as a pinch hitter this season, the highest average in the major leagues. His ninth-inning flyout Tuesday night dropped him back to .500.
Candy Maldonado owns the highest pinch-hitting average in San Francisco history, at .425 in 1986. Ishikawa hopes his success in the role elevates him into another realm.
"I still think of myself as an everyday player," he said before Tuesday night's game. "I definitely believe I can have a long career in the big leagues. As frustrating as this season has been, playing-time-wise, I'm confident it's just a bump in the road."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Travis Ishikawa prepares for pinch-hitting appearances by facing fastballs off a pitching machine deep beneath AT&T Park. The pitches zoom toward him between 85 and 90 mph, a logical speed - except Ishikawa stands 25 feet away, not 60.
"That makes them look faster," he said.
The routine, which he started in mid-May, obviously is working. Ishikawa's double Monday night made him 9-for-17 (.529) as a pinch hitter this season, the highest average in the major leagues. His ninth-inning flyout Tuesday night dropped him back to .500.
Candy Maldonado owns the highest pinch-hitting average in San Francisco history, at .425 in 1986. Ishikawa hopes his success in the role elevates him into another realm.
"I still think of myself as an everyday player," he said before Tuesday night's game. "I definitely believe I can have a long career in the big leagues. As frustrating as this season has been, playing-time-wise, I'm confident it's just a bump in the road."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Coach
taken from from the Rafu shimpo online
Edward Takahashi of Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379, recalls his experience with UCLA coaching legend John Wooden.
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden pictured with Edward Takahashi.
By Edward Takahashi
In 2004, a group of the present and former scouts of Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379 gathered to plan for the Troop’s 75th Anniversary celebration in late 2006. Like everything else, nothing happens until the last minute.
A year before, I entrusted my 401K program, with what little I had, to Tetsu Tanimoto of Merrill Lynch. I’ve known Tetsu for some years, when he was playing for the Lords AA championship teams, and his daughter played in the JAO girls basketball program. In passing we talked about JA basketball, and John Wooden’s name came up. Tetsu was the Coach’s “bodyguard” at the Wooden College Basketball Player of the Year Award programs at the LA Athletic Club. He told me quite a lot of Coach Wooden.
For the 75th Anniversary, we were seeking a speaker for all ages. I called Tetsu at his office, but he was out of the city. By the end of the day, Tetsu called back, from Atlanta. I asked if he would be kind enough to ask the Coach to be our luncheon speaker. He told me that when he returned, he would call Coach with the request.
A week later, Tetsu called back to inform me that Coach John Wooden had accepted our invitation to be our luncheon speaker. I broke down with joy. One of the guys in the meeting asked if there was a problem. I replied, no. I quickly made a couple of calls to the members of the luncheon committee to inform them the Coach’s acceptance to be our keynote speaker.
As a memento of the 75th celebration, I purchased 100 copies of the Coach’s book on Leadership, for each Scoutmaster, Cub Master, Girl Scout leaders of the past 75 years, and the anniversary committee members. Several weeks before the luncheon, Tetsu made arrangements for the Coach to autograph the books.
When we arrived at his condo in Encino about 2 p.m., after he had returned from attending Sunday church services, we were greeted by Coach, waving at us from his window.
He was just getting over his brief illness from a couple of months ago, looked a little weak, but he was in great spirits. When I walked into his unit, it was like stepping into a basketball museum. There were photographs donning the walls of the Coach with his teams, basketball and other sport personalities, dignitaries, and letters and poems from his former players. He gave us a tour of his unit, room by room, slowly walking without a cane.
When I was following him, I noticed an opened box with a red and white ribbon and a silver buffalo. In 1990, Coach Wooden was a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Buffalo award, an honor bestowed to those persons who gave noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. It is Scouting’s highest commendation of the invaluable contributions that outstanding Americans make to youth.
In 2003, Coach Wooden was one of the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
Coach was a gracious host. As we made small talk, it was as if we were long time friends getting together. I was nervous and apprehensive in the presence of this basketball legend, but he made me feel comfortable.
We sat down at his dining table, and Coach enthusiastically autographed each book with the name of the recipient. I printed out the list of the book recipients in large type, so it would be easy for Coach to read and autograph the cover page.
Years before, I talked with Richard Banton and Kenny Booker, K/T basketball refs, both who had played for Coach Wooden. Dick and Kenny both still remember how to put their socks and shoes on to play basketball, and now to officiate basketball games. Dick gave me a gem—on Tuesdays, there was a light practice, because Coach made sure he would not miss an episode of Gunsmoke. Both consider the Coach as a father figure, a teacher of life, not just basketball. Coach remembered both of his former players.
I asked about a former Dorsey High player, Conrad Burke. Coach remarked that Connie was not as talented as some of his teammates, such as Willie Naulls, but he was a good reliable and consistent player, he could always depend upon.
Coach Wooden talked about some of his players. He was very fond of Swen Nater.
When Swen was coaching in Blythe, he asked coach to speak to his team. It was a great experience for the kids, but I sensed gratification in the Coach’s mind of how well Nater progressed as a person. Swen used to write poems and send them to him. Some of the poems were framed on his wall. Coach recited some of Swen’s poems.
When Tetsu asked Coach about his schedule, Coach replied he had to go the Reseda Post Office next week. Tetsu asked why, Coach dryly replied, they are going to name it in his honor.
When Coach Wooden asked me about his luncheon topic, his philosophy of the Pyramid of Success came up. I had always heard of the Pyramid of Success, but never saw a copy. The Coach presented me with a copy. As part of the luncheon program, we arranged for the printing of the Pyramid of Success, from a printer recommended by UCLA’s Athletic Department. Banton has his 50-year old autographed copy framed at home, as a treasured family heirloom.
We invited Coach Wooden for an early dinner. He first accepted, but I think it was too early, and he humbly declined. Marcus Tanimoto, Tetsu’s son, and his wife brought the Coach to the Luncheon at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello. When he arrived, walking with a cane, he was enthusiastically greeted by everyone.
After the introductions of guests, we had the Coach come up on the stage, seated in a chair with armrests, as he requested. The first honorees were the pre-war scouts. Some had served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, several were members of the Military Intelligence Service, and one diminutive former scout served in BCI (Burma, China and India Theater) for OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the present CIA). They gathered around the Coach for a photo op.
Coach Wooden then presented his autographed Leadership books to the past Scoutmaster, Cub Masters and Girl Scout leaders or their family members, in attendance. For those that could not attend, former Eagle Scout Ernie Ikuta sent them the book, after an exhaustive search of the Internet. When Coach Wooden discussed the evolution of his Pyramid of Success, you could have heard a pin drop. There were members of the serving staff in the back and sides of the room. Everyone listened intently about the Coach’s philosophy of life. It was a momentous occasion for everyone.
At the end of the program, the Boys and Girls Scout, Cubs and their leaders got a photo op with the Coach.
After the luncheon, Coach Wooden graciously took time, for over an hour, autographing copies of his Pyramid of Success, luncheon programs and basketballs for everyone. I saw the joy in the Coach and the individual eyes, as he greeted each one and autographed an article for them.
As Coach Wooden made his way slowly to the parking lot, he was greeted by the luncheon crowd that gathered to thank him and wish him well.
Last year, I met a scouter from South Bay. Because one of our former 379 Eagle Scouts was his troop’s assistant scoutmaster, he attended the luncheon. He said that luncheon was the highlight of his scouting career.
Thanks Coach, for sharing your life with us.
= = = =
Edward K. Takahashi is the Luncheon Committee Co-Chair of Troop 379 and former Eagle Scout, 1953. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Rafu Shimpo.
Edward Takahashi of Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379, recalls his experience with UCLA coaching legend John Wooden.
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden pictured with Edward Takahashi.
By Edward Takahashi
In 2004, a group of the present and former scouts of Koyasan Boy Scout Troop 379 gathered to plan for the Troop’s 75th Anniversary celebration in late 2006. Like everything else, nothing happens until the last minute.
A year before, I entrusted my 401K program, with what little I had, to Tetsu Tanimoto of Merrill Lynch. I’ve known Tetsu for some years, when he was playing for the Lords AA championship teams, and his daughter played in the JAO girls basketball program. In passing we talked about JA basketball, and John Wooden’s name came up. Tetsu was the Coach’s “bodyguard” at the Wooden College Basketball Player of the Year Award programs at the LA Athletic Club. He told me quite a lot of Coach Wooden.
For the 75th Anniversary, we were seeking a speaker for all ages. I called Tetsu at his office, but he was out of the city. By the end of the day, Tetsu called back, from Atlanta. I asked if he would be kind enough to ask the Coach to be our luncheon speaker. He told me that when he returned, he would call Coach with the request.
A week later, Tetsu called back to inform me that Coach John Wooden had accepted our invitation to be our luncheon speaker. I broke down with joy. One of the guys in the meeting asked if there was a problem. I replied, no. I quickly made a couple of calls to the members of the luncheon committee to inform them the Coach’s acceptance to be our keynote speaker.
As a memento of the 75th celebration, I purchased 100 copies of the Coach’s book on Leadership, for each Scoutmaster, Cub Master, Girl Scout leaders of the past 75 years, and the anniversary committee members. Several weeks before the luncheon, Tetsu made arrangements for the Coach to autograph the books.
When we arrived at his condo in Encino about 2 p.m., after he had returned from attending Sunday church services, we were greeted by Coach, waving at us from his window.
He was just getting over his brief illness from a couple of months ago, looked a little weak, but he was in great spirits. When I walked into his unit, it was like stepping into a basketball museum. There were photographs donning the walls of the Coach with his teams, basketball and other sport personalities, dignitaries, and letters and poems from his former players. He gave us a tour of his unit, room by room, slowly walking without a cane.
When I was following him, I noticed an opened box with a red and white ribbon and a silver buffalo. In 1990, Coach Wooden was a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Buffalo award, an honor bestowed to those persons who gave noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. It is Scouting’s highest commendation of the invaluable contributions that outstanding Americans make to youth.
In 2003, Coach Wooden was one of the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
Coach was a gracious host. As we made small talk, it was as if we were long time friends getting together. I was nervous and apprehensive in the presence of this basketball legend, but he made me feel comfortable.
We sat down at his dining table, and Coach enthusiastically autographed each book with the name of the recipient. I printed out the list of the book recipients in large type, so it would be easy for Coach to read and autograph the cover page.
Years before, I talked with Richard Banton and Kenny Booker, K/T basketball refs, both who had played for Coach Wooden. Dick and Kenny both still remember how to put their socks and shoes on to play basketball, and now to officiate basketball games. Dick gave me a gem—on Tuesdays, there was a light practice, because Coach made sure he would not miss an episode of Gunsmoke. Both consider the Coach as a father figure, a teacher of life, not just basketball. Coach remembered both of his former players.
I asked about a former Dorsey High player, Conrad Burke. Coach remarked that Connie was not as talented as some of his teammates, such as Willie Naulls, but he was a good reliable and consistent player, he could always depend upon.
Coach Wooden talked about some of his players. He was very fond of Swen Nater.
When Swen was coaching in Blythe, he asked coach to speak to his team. It was a great experience for the kids, but I sensed gratification in the Coach’s mind of how well Nater progressed as a person. Swen used to write poems and send them to him. Some of the poems were framed on his wall. Coach recited some of Swen’s poems.
When Tetsu asked Coach about his schedule, Coach replied he had to go the Reseda Post Office next week. Tetsu asked why, Coach dryly replied, they are going to name it in his honor.
When Coach Wooden asked me about his luncheon topic, his philosophy of the Pyramid of Success came up. I had always heard of the Pyramid of Success, but never saw a copy. The Coach presented me with a copy. As part of the luncheon program, we arranged for the printing of the Pyramid of Success, from a printer recommended by UCLA’s Athletic Department. Banton has his 50-year old autographed copy framed at home, as a treasured family heirloom.
We invited Coach Wooden for an early dinner. He first accepted, but I think it was too early, and he humbly declined. Marcus Tanimoto, Tetsu’s son, and his wife brought the Coach to the Luncheon at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello. When he arrived, walking with a cane, he was enthusiastically greeted by everyone.
After the introductions of guests, we had the Coach come up on the stage, seated in a chair with armrests, as he requested. The first honorees were the pre-war scouts. Some had served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, several were members of the Military Intelligence Service, and one diminutive former scout served in BCI (Burma, China and India Theater) for OSS (Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the present CIA). They gathered around the Coach for a photo op.
Coach Wooden then presented his autographed Leadership books to the past Scoutmaster, Cub Masters and Girl Scout leaders or their family members, in attendance. For those that could not attend, former Eagle Scout Ernie Ikuta sent them the book, after an exhaustive search of the Internet. When Coach Wooden discussed the evolution of his Pyramid of Success, you could have heard a pin drop. There were members of the serving staff in the back and sides of the room. Everyone listened intently about the Coach’s philosophy of life. It was a momentous occasion for everyone.
At the end of the program, the Boys and Girls Scout, Cubs and their leaders got a photo op with the Coach.
After the luncheon, Coach Wooden graciously took time, for over an hour, autographing copies of his Pyramid of Success, luncheon programs and basketballs for everyone. I saw the joy in the Coach and the individual eyes, as he greeted each one and autographed an article for them.
As Coach Wooden made his way slowly to the parking lot, he was greeted by the luncheon crowd that gathered to thank him and wish him well.
Last year, I met a scouter from South Bay. Because one of our former 379 Eagle Scouts was his troop’s assistant scoutmaster, he attended the luncheon. He said that luncheon was the highlight of his scouting career.
Thanks Coach, for sharing your life with us.
= = = =
Edward K. Takahashi is the Luncheon Committee Co-Chair of Troop 379 and former Eagle Scout, 1953. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Rafu Shimpo.
Richard “Duke” Llewellyn, 93, Co-Founder of Wooden Award, Opened Door for Nikkei Basketball
Posted By jikeda On June 12, 2010 @ 11:15 am In English, Sports | No Comments
LOS ANGELES.—Richard “Duke” Llewellyn, chairman and co-founder of the John R. Wooden Award that goes to college basketball’s player of the year, died Friday, June 4. He was 93.
Llewellyn’s longtime companion, Nancy Tew, said he died of congestive heart failure at Hollenbeck Palms, a retirement home in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles where he had been for the past week.
Working with Wooden, a friend for more than 60 years, Llewellyn founded the Wooden Award in 1976. He remained on the board through this past college basketball season, meeting with sponsors, players and staff as he battled cancer.
Wooden died Friday night of natural causes at 99.
“We are devastated to lose Duke,” Los Angeles Athletic Club president Steve Hathaway said. “Quite simply, he was the Wooden Award, and symbolized everything that is right about college athletics and amateur sports. He led an incredible life having touched so many people along the way. We will miss him deeply.”
Llewellyn’s life was dedicated to people and sports. He began at the Los Angeles Athletic Club as director of athletics in 1956 and advanced to a senior vice president position. He created Olympic training programs that led to gold medal performances for such athletes as divers Pat McCormick and Kathy Ferguson and swimmer Murray Rose of Australia.
The club’s sports-themed restaurant Duke’s is named for him.
Llewellyn’s other contributions to sports included serving on the board of the World Boxing Hall of Fame for more than 20 years; as attache for his native Bermuda at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; as director of the Southern California Tennis Association; and as a college, high school and junior college football coach and official for several decades.
But perhaps his most important contribution, one that continues to extend beyond the physical activities, awards and committees, was his willingness to cross color lines. To the post-war Japanese American community, he was a friend to a group of people who had been ostracized by many of their fellow citizens and imprisoned by their own government.
When former Rafu Shimpo publisher Akira Komai and others began the Nisei Athletic Union, they were met with great resistance and were unable to find gymnasiums to host the league. But while others had said no to Japanese Americans, Llewellyn said yes. Llewellyn granted access to gyms for Nikkei basketball and even officiated the games.
“One of my heroes is Duke,” said Tetsu Tanimoto a longtime friend of both Llewellyn and Coach Wooden and one of the founders of the Aki Komai Memorial Awards. “People don’t realize how big a guy had to be to allow Japanese Americans to play, at that time, in that day, when prejudice was rampant.”
Llewellyn saw the value of opening up space for Japanese Americans to play sports and continued his relationship with NAU until the 1960s as a game official. Today, thanks in great part to Llewellyn’s foresight, the Japanese American basketball leagues’ players number in the tens of thousands.
Last September, Llewellyn was awarded an Aki Komai Award for all that he has done for the Japanese American sports community.
Born in the Bermuda Islands, Llewellyn’s family eventually moved to Los Angeles where he became a four-sport letterman at Loyola High School. Continuing his all-around athleticism, he matriculated to USC and was a three-sport letterman. In 1936, Llewellyn finished fourth in the decathlon in the U.S. Olympic trials. He played football in the Pacific Coast League with the L.A. Bulldogs and Hollywood Rangers and after the war with the L.A. Dons. While in the Army, he became the heavyweight boxing champion of the 9th Service Command, which led to his exhibitions with heavyweight world champion Joe Louis.
Llewellyn was inducted into the Los Angeles Athletic Club Hall of Fame where he was recognized as a “citizen of the world” and lauded for “his welcoming demeanor and his loyalty to friends…a model for everyone.” Whose “deeds and accomplishments will live in the hearts of those he continues to touch.”
In addition to his companion Tew, Llewellyn is survived by sons, Mark and Mike; daughter, Debby; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are private. A celebration of his life will be held later.
Article printed from Rafu Shimpo: http://rafu.com/news
URL to article: http://rafu.com/news/2010/06/obit-richard-%e2%80%9cduke%e2%80%9d-llewellyn-93-co-founder-of-wooden-award-opened-door-for-nikkei-basketball/
LOS ANGELES.—Richard “Duke” Llewellyn, chairman and co-founder of the John R. Wooden Award that goes to college basketball’s player of the year, died Friday, June 4. He was 93.
Llewellyn’s longtime companion, Nancy Tew, said he died of congestive heart failure at Hollenbeck Palms, a retirement home in the Boyle Heights section of Los Angeles where he had been for the past week.
Working with Wooden, a friend for more than 60 years, Llewellyn founded the Wooden Award in 1976. He remained on the board through this past college basketball season, meeting with sponsors, players and staff as he battled cancer.
Wooden died Friday night of natural causes at 99.
“We are devastated to lose Duke,” Los Angeles Athletic Club president Steve Hathaway said. “Quite simply, he was the Wooden Award, and symbolized everything that is right about college athletics and amateur sports. He led an incredible life having touched so many people along the way. We will miss him deeply.”
Llewellyn’s life was dedicated to people and sports. He began at the Los Angeles Athletic Club as director of athletics in 1956 and advanced to a senior vice president position. He created Olympic training programs that led to gold medal performances for such athletes as divers Pat McCormick and Kathy Ferguson and swimmer Murray Rose of Australia.
The club’s sports-themed restaurant Duke’s is named for him.
Llewellyn’s other contributions to sports included serving on the board of the World Boxing Hall of Fame for more than 20 years; as attache for his native Bermuda at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; as director of the Southern California Tennis Association; and as a college, high school and junior college football coach and official for several decades.
But perhaps his most important contribution, one that continues to extend beyond the physical activities, awards and committees, was his willingness to cross color lines. To the post-war Japanese American community, he was a friend to a group of people who had been ostracized by many of their fellow citizens and imprisoned by their own government.
When former Rafu Shimpo publisher Akira Komai and others began the Nisei Athletic Union, they were met with great resistance and were unable to find gymnasiums to host the league. But while others had said no to Japanese Americans, Llewellyn said yes. Llewellyn granted access to gyms for Nikkei basketball and even officiated the games.
“One of my heroes is Duke,” said Tetsu Tanimoto a longtime friend of both Llewellyn and Coach Wooden and one of the founders of the Aki Komai Memorial Awards. “People don’t realize how big a guy had to be to allow Japanese Americans to play, at that time, in that day, when prejudice was rampant.”
Llewellyn saw the value of opening up space for Japanese Americans to play sports and continued his relationship with NAU until the 1960s as a game official. Today, thanks in great part to Llewellyn’s foresight, the Japanese American basketball leagues’ players number in the tens of thousands.
Last September, Llewellyn was awarded an Aki Komai Award for all that he has done for the Japanese American sports community.
Born in the Bermuda Islands, Llewellyn’s family eventually moved to Los Angeles where he became a four-sport letterman at Loyola High School. Continuing his all-around athleticism, he matriculated to USC and was a three-sport letterman. In 1936, Llewellyn finished fourth in the decathlon in the U.S. Olympic trials. He played football in the Pacific Coast League with the L.A. Bulldogs and Hollywood Rangers and after the war with the L.A. Dons. While in the Army, he became the heavyweight boxing champion of the 9th Service Command, which led to his exhibitions with heavyweight world champion Joe Louis.
Llewellyn was inducted into the Los Angeles Athletic Club Hall of Fame where he was recognized as a “citizen of the world” and lauded for “his welcoming demeanor and his loyalty to friends…a model for everyone.” Whose “deeds and accomplishments will live in the hearts of those he continues to touch.”
In addition to his companion Tew, Llewellyn is survived by sons, Mark and Mike; daughter, Debby; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are private. A celebration of his life will be held later.
Article printed from Rafu Shimpo: http://rafu.com/news
URL to article: http://rafu.com/news/2010/06/obit-richard-%e2%80%9cduke%e2%80%9d-llewellyn-93-co-founder-of-wooden-award-opened-door-for-nikkei-basketball/
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Jeremy Lin video and interview
jeremy lin works out with the warriors
Here's an interview with Harvard hoops star Jeremy Lin, who worked out for his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, over the weekend: 6.20: Warriors Workouts - Jeremy Lin, RAW.
He talks a little bit (not much) about his chances in the NBA Draft. I don't what the future holds, but I think it would be cool to see an Asian American player with the Warriors, especially one hailing from the Bay Area.
More here: Jeremy Lin Interview. I know a lot of folks are hanging their hopes on Jeremy Lin being the first big Asian American NBA star, and that's a lot pressure. But overall, he always comes across as a smart guy with a good head on his shoulders. His future's bright, no matter what.
Jeremy Lin Interview
By Eric_Guilleminault
Wed, 06/16/2010 - 8:18am
Jeremy Lin was one of the premier seniors in the NCAA this past season. He has been featured in numerous major publications including Time magazine and Sports Illustrated despite playing in the academically focused conference. He has been an athlete of interest for the Asian American basketball enthusiasts who are eager to see a contemporary succeed at the highest level of basketball.
Lin was a finalist for the John Wooden Award and led the Harvard Crimson to a record number of wins. He now is like most graduating seniors trying to impress his employers. His potential employers happen to be NBA teams. Eric Guilleminault of HoopsDaily.com had a chance to speak with him recently during his down time between workouts.
Jeremy LinJeremy LinNBADraft.net: Jeremy you had some great performances this season at Harvard which game(s) standout in your mind?
Jeremy Lin: I had great performances in the wins against William & Mary and Boston College; as well as against Michigan and Connecticut, but my best overall game was probably my sophomore year against Mercer when I nearly had a triple double.
NBADraft.net: The Ivy League was a particularly competitive league, given that you led Harvard to a record 20 win season and were unable to get an automatic bid do you feel that you should have gotten more consideration in being part of the field of 65?
Jeremy Lin: I do think that we could have gotten more consideration but then again we were blown out in the first round of the CIT tournament (93-71 loss to Appalachian State) so it's tough to say.
NBADraft.net: Do you feel with the new expansion that a team like Harvard has a better shot?
Jeremy Lin: It would be nice for a team such as our selves get consideration next year, in particular with thre success Cornell had in the NCAA tournament.
NBADraft.net: Last we saw you were participating at Portsmouth, tell us how that experience went?
Jeremy Lin: The Portsmouth Invitational was really valuable to me. It gave me a chance to go back to the point guard position and allowed me to run a team. A lot of scouts did not have the chance to watch me play live at Harvard and we also had very few games that were televised so this gave me a chance to showcase my skills to them.
NBADraft.net: Since Portsmouth what have you been up to?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working out with Impact in Las Vegas and in San Antonio where my agent is based working out with some of his other clients including Sonny Weems.
NBADraft.net: What NBA workouts have you participated in and or will you be participating in next?
Jeremy Lin: I have worked out with the Thunder, Lakers, Knicks, Grizzlies, Spurs, and a few others before the draft. I have worked out primarily against shorter and supposedly faster players in these workouts.
NBADraft.net: How do you feel you performed in those workouts?
Jeremy Lin: I feel I performed well in all of them. I think my top two workouts were the Grizzlies and Thunder (given the fact I came straight off a red-eye flight).
NBADraft.net: When working in these NBA workouts what position have you played?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working out as a point guard.
NBADraft.net: Do you see yourself as a combo guard similar to a Jordan Crawford?
Jeremy Lin: I see myself more as a Goran Dragic type of point guard. We both love attacking the rim, effectively using the pick and roll and playing with high basketball IQ, although neither of us are freak athletes. as he does. Because I also played some 2 guard in college, I have the abilty to play that position well.
NBADraft.net: What areas of your game have you developed the most since your last game at Harvard?
Jeremy Lin: I have improved my defense and getting to play against quicker players than in the Ivy League. I have been working on my handles and developing a consistent jumper out to the NBA 3 point range.
NBADraft.net: What areas of your game do you feel you need to work on the most?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working on tightening up my handles, being more consistent with my 3 point shot, I want it to become one of my strengths in my game.
NBADraft.net: You’ve played the role of underdog with success before winning a California state title for Palo Alto, winning a school record amount of games for Harvard. Were you overlooked in the recruiting process?
Jeremy Lin: Yes I feel I was. If I had even gotten one scholarship offer from a local team (he is a Bay Area native) I would have jumped on it. But I understand why I was not highly recruited, at the time I was 6 foot 1, 170lbs and I have grown and developed since.
NBADraft.net: What is the greatest advantage of playing in the Ivy league for an aspiring NBA player such as yourself?
Jeremy Lin: The high IQ of players forces you to always have to have good footwork. You really have to pay attention to back door cuts and double screens on defense. And for me personally it’s a slower paced game. It forced me to adjust to the slower tempo game and sets and now I feel both comfortable with the running style offense and the half court sets.
NBADraft.net: Who is the toughest player you have ever had to guard?
Jeremy Lin: Kevin Durant in AAU.
NBADraft.net: Who was the player you tried to mimic the most growing up?
Jeremy Lin: I was a big Michael Jordan fan growing up. I don’t feel my game resembles his though.
NBADraft.net: As an Asian American of Chinese decent do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese?
Jeremy Lin: I speak Mandarin and can read and write a little. I took a few classes at Harvard to get better in my reading and writing skills.
NBADraft.net: Is that something that could give you an advantage to make an NBA team, being the first Asian American to make the league?
Jeremy Lin: Not sure if that will benefit me or hurt me, but I know I have the skills and am ready to playin the NBA regardless of my ethnicity.
NBADraft.net: You have become an inspiration for the Asian-American community, how do you feel about that?
Jeremy Lin: I’m very humbled and honored. I'm very thankful to the Asian-American Community for all their support!
NBADraft.net: And is there an extra sense of pressure to succeed because of that?
Jeremy Lin: No, I’m not playing for other people; if I start thinking in those terms I would put too much pressure on myself. I play basketball because that is what I love to do.
NBADraft.net: If you couldn’t play basketball what would be your profession?
Jeremy Lin: I would be a pastor. It is something I think about doing when my playing days are over.
NBADraft.net: Anything you would like to add?
Jeremy Lin: I would like to thank NBADraft.net and your viewers for all the support.
Here's an interview with Harvard hoops star Jeremy Lin, who worked out for his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, over the weekend: 6.20: Warriors Workouts - Jeremy Lin, RAW.
He talks a little bit (not much) about his chances in the NBA Draft. I don't what the future holds, but I think it would be cool to see an Asian American player with the Warriors, especially one hailing from the Bay Area.
More here: Jeremy Lin Interview. I know a lot of folks are hanging their hopes on Jeremy Lin being the first big Asian American NBA star, and that's a lot pressure. But overall, he always comes across as a smart guy with a good head on his shoulders. His future's bright, no matter what.
Jeremy Lin Interview
By Eric_Guilleminault
Wed, 06/16/2010 - 8:18am
Jeremy Lin was one of the premier seniors in the NCAA this past season. He has been featured in numerous major publications including Time magazine and Sports Illustrated despite playing in the academically focused conference. He has been an athlete of interest for the Asian American basketball enthusiasts who are eager to see a contemporary succeed at the highest level of basketball.
Lin was a finalist for the John Wooden Award and led the Harvard Crimson to a record number of wins. He now is like most graduating seniors trying to impress his employers. His potential employers happen to be NBA teams. Eric Guilleminault of HoopsDaily.com had a chance to speak with him recently during his down time between workouts.
Jeremy LinJeremy LinNBADraft.net: Jeremy you had some great performances this season at Harvard which game(s) standout in your mind?
Jeremy Lin: I had great performances in the wins against William & Mary and Boston College; as well as against Michigan and Connecticut, but my best overall game was probably my sophomore year against Mercer when I nearly had a triple double.
NBADraft.net: The Ivy League was a particularly competitive league, given that you led Harvard to a record 20 win season and were unable to get an automatic bid do you feel that you should have gotten more consideration in being part of the field of 65?
Jeremy Lin: I do think that we could have gotten more consideration but then again we were blown out in the first round of the CIT tournament (93-71 loss to Appalachian State) so it's tough to say.
NBADraft.net: Do you feel with the new expansion that a team like Harvard has a better shot?
Jeremy Lin: It would be nice for a team such as our selves get consideration next year, in particular with thre success Cornell had in the NCAA tournament.
NBADraft.net: Last we saw you were participating at Portsmouth, tell us how that experience went?
Jeremy Lin: The Portsmouth Invitational was really valuable to me. It gave me a chance to go back to the point guard position and allowed me to run a team. A lot of scouts did not have the chance to watch me play live at Harvard and we also had very few games that were televised so this gave me a chance to showcase my skills to them.
NBADraft.net: Since Portsmouth what have you been up to?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working out with Impact in Las Vegas and in San Antonio where my agent is based working out with some of his other clients including Sonny Weems.
NBADraft.net: What NBA workouts have you participated in and or will you be participating in next?
Jeremy Lin: I have worked out with the Thunder, Lakers, Knicks, Grizzlies, Spurs, and a few others before the draft. I have worked out primarily against shorter and supposedly faster players in these workouts.
NBADraft.net: How do you feel you performed in those workouts?
Jeremy Lin: I feel I performed well in all of them. I think my top two workouts were the Grizzlies and Thunder (given the fact I came straight off a red-eye flight).
NBADraft.net: When working in these NBA workouts what position have you played?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working out as a point guard.
NBADraft.net: Do you see yourself as a combo guard similar to a Jordan Crawford?
Jeremy Lin: I see myself more as a Goran Dragic type of point guard. We both love attacking the rim, effectively using the pick and roll and playing with high basketball IQ, although neither of us are freak athletes. as he does. Because I also played some 2 guard in college, I have the abilty to play that position well.
NBADraft.net: What areas of your game have you developed the most since your last game at Harvard?
Jeremy Lin: I have improved my defense and getting to play against quicker players than in the Ivy League. I have been working on my handles and developing a consistent jumper out to the NBA 3 point range.
NBADraft.net: What areas of your game do you feel you need to work on the most?
Jeremy Lin: I have been working on tightening up my handles, being more consistent with my 3 point shot, I want it to become one of my strengths in my game.
NBADraft.net: You’ve played the role of underdog with success before winning a California state title for Palo Alto, winning a school record amount of games for Harvard. Were you overlooked in the recruiting process?
Jeremy Lin: Yes I feel I was. If I had even gotten one scholarship offer from a local team (he is a Bay Area native) I would have jumped on it. But I understand why I was not highly recruited, at the time I was 6 foot 1, 170lbs and I have grown and developed since.
NBADraft.net: What is the greatest advantage of playing in the Ivy league for an aspiring NBA player such as yourself?
Jeremy Lin: The high IQ of players forces you to always have to have good footwork. You really have to pay attention to back door cuts and double screens on defense. And for me personally it’s a slower paced game. It forced me to adjust to the slower tempo game and sets and now I feel both comfortable with the running style offense and the half court sets.
NBADraft.net: Who is the toughest player you have ever had to guard?
Jeremy Lin: Kevin Durant in AAU.
NBADraft.net: Who was the player you tried to mimic the most growing up?
Jeremy Lin: I was a big Michael Jordan fan growing up. I don’t feel my game resembles his though.
NBADraft.net: As an Asian American of Chinese decent do you speak Mandarin or Cantonese?
Jeremy Lin: I speak Mandarin and can read and write a little. I took a few classes at Harvard to get better in my reading and writing skills.
NBADraft.net: Is that something that could give you an advantage to make an NBA team, being the first Asian American to make the league?
Jeremy Lin: Not sure if that will benefit me or hurt me, but I know I have the skills and am ready to playin the NBA regardless of my ethnicity.
NBADraft.net: You have become an inspiration for the Asian-American community, how do you feel about that?
Jeremy Lin: I’m very humbled and honored. I'm very thankful to the Asian-American Community for all their support!
NBADraft.net: And is there an extra sense of pressure to succeed because of that?
Jeremy Lin: No, I’m not playing for other people; if I start thinking in those terms I would put too much pressure on myself. I play basketball because that is what I love to do.
NBADraft.net: If you couldn’t play basketball what would be your profession?
Jeremy Lin: I would be a pastor. It is something I think about doing when my playing days are over.
NBADraft.net: Anything you would like to add?
Jeremy Lin: I would like to thank NBADraft.net and your viewers for all the support.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Daughter of the Late Pat Morita Protests Karate Kid Remake
Daughter of the Late Pat Morita Protests Karate Kid Remake
from 8Asians.com by jozjozjoz
1 person liked this
Quentin Lee’s FilmHustler blog published a great interview with Aly Morita asking her thoughts behind her protest of the new Karate Kid movie that opens this weekend.
While Edward criticized Aly for passing judgment on a film she hasn’t seen, I believe Aly does a great job in expressing her thoughts and reasoning of why she does not support The Karate Kid. She says, “My issues are based from my point-of-view as an Asian American, and my stake is mostly Asian American. I feel that the remake is a blatant disregard of Asian American issues and concerns. The most obvious fact is that they interchange Kung Fu and Karate.” She also points out the flaws of the original film– including her struggles with the Mr. Miyagi character who her father portrayed– and says that the remake simply rehashes many of the same themes which were problematic with the original 1984 film. Much more poignantly, she gives us insights to her father’s acceptance of the role and how much influence Pat Morita had in creating Mr Miyagi as an icon.
[FilmHustler]: How did you feel about you dad’s success as Mr. Miyagi?
I was embarrassed by my dad playing Mr. Miyagi in the height of his 80s’ popularity. I was constantly having problems with it as my own identity politics grew. Eventually I was able to separate my struggle and my dad’s struggle.
My dad fought fought tooth and nail for that role. He struggled and struggled as an actor. After Happy Days, he got his own TV series developed but it got canceled. He went into depression and came from the bottom when Karate Kid happened. He was ready for it and knew he had to work hard for it.
The role of Mr. Miyagi could easily have been a two dimensional character. But it was really the chemistry between Ralph Macchio and my dad that made it so special. A lot of those one-liners and jokes were very much my dad’s. He poured his heart and soul into that role.
While it may be interesting to discuss and debate the flaws of the Mr Miyagi character 25 years later, what cannot be denied are a few points:
* Pat Morita was an Asian American actor and the original Karate Kid made him a star in the true sense of the word, even garnering him an Oscar nomination for the role.
* The Mr. Miyagi character was an Asian American– and even included aspects of Asian American history like being a decorated veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
* The success of the original Karate Kid was groundbreaking because an Asian American was the hero of a film, showing for the first time that a film with an Asian American lead actor and character could be not only a true blockbuster, but a beloved one, as well.
Though the inevitable comparisons between Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han will likely be about the character’s lines and teaching styles, I wonder how many people will remember that former is Asian AMERICAN and that the latter is (essentially) Asian. For those of us who identify as Asian American (and not Asian from Asia), this happens to be a big difference, but one that many will likely be swept under the rug.
I don’t know how much traction her Facebook campaign to Boycott the Karate Kid Remake is going to garner, I admire Aly’s convictions and willingness to speak up and to share her personal reasoning for her stance. (For the record, I personally am NOT boycotting this film; I have not joined the above-mentioned FB page.)
Photo credit: FilmHustler
from 8Asians.com by jozjozjoz
1 person liked this
Quentin Lee’s FilmHustler blog published a great interview with Aly Morita asking her thoughts behind her protest of the new Karate Kid movie that opens this weekend.
While Edward criticized Aly for passing judgment on a film she hasn’t seen, I believe Aly does a great job in expressing her thoughts and reasoning of why she does not support The Karate Kid. She says, “My issues are based from my point-of-view as an Asian American, and my stake is mostly Asian American. I feel that the remake is a blatant disregard of Asian American issues and concerns. The most obvious fact is that they interchange Kung Fu and Karate.” She also points out the flaws of the original film– including her struggles with the Mr. Miyagi character who her father portrayed– and says that the remake simply rehashes many of the same themes which were problematic with the original 1984 film. Much more poignantly, she gives us insights to her father’s acceptance of the role and how much influence Pat Morita had in creating Mr Miyagi as an icon.
[FilmHustler]: How did you feel about you dad’s success as Mr. Miyagi?
I was embarrassed by my dad playing Mr. Miyagi in the height of his 80s’ popularity. I was constantly having problems with it as my own identity politics grew. Eventually I was able to separate my struggle and my dad’s struggle.
My dad fought fought tooth and nail for that role. He struggled and struggled as an actor. After Happy Days, he got his own TV series developed but it got canceled. He went into depression and came from the bottom when Karate Kid happened. He was ready for it and knew he had to work hard for it.
The role of Mr. Miyagi could easily have been a two dimensional character. But it was really the chemistry between Ralph Macchio and my dad that made it so special. A lot of those one-liners and jokes were very much my dad’s. He poured his heart and soul into that role.
While it may be interesting to discuss and debate the flaws of the Mr Miyagi character 25 years later, what cannot be denied are a few points:
* Pat Morita was an Asian American actor and the original Karate Kid made him a star in the true sense of the word, even garnering him an Oscar nomination for the role.
* The Mr. Miyagi character was an Asian American– and even included aspects of Asian American history like being a decorated veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
* The success of the original Karate Kid was groundbreaking because an Asian American was the hero of a film, showing for the first time that a film with an Asian American lead actor and character could be not only a true blockbuster, but a beloved one, as well.
Though the inevitable comparisons between Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han will likely be about the character’s lines and teaching styles, I wonder how many people will remember that former is Asian AMERICAN and that the latter is (essentially) Asian. For those of us who identify as Asian American (and not Asian from Asia), this happens to be a big difference, but one that many will likely be swept under the rug.
I don’t know how much traction her Facebook campaign to Boycott the Karate Kid Remake is going to garner, I admire Aly’s convictions and willingness to speak up and to share her personal reasoning for her stance. (For the record, I personally am NOT boycotting this film; I have not joined the above-mentioned FB page.)
Photo credit: FilmHustler
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