Barva 66 Sanatura 68

Another Barva game, another tight game. What else can be expected? We've had a few overtime games, a double overtime game and various one possession games. So that this game went down to the wire should not be a surprise for those paying attention at home. This was a critical game for both teams, not only because of the seeding implications, but as a the latest bout between two heavyweights.

Validation

Let's get one thing straight. I've been a Heat fan since the franchise began back in 1988. Prior to that I was a fan of Magic's Lakers, but as soon as Miami got a team, I transitioned allegiances. I'm pretty sure I can name ten out of the Heat's opening day roster from that inaugural season, from Rory Sparrow to Sylvester Gray. So, believe me that I have followed this team closely since its inception, and not a fair-weather fan.

It's starting to sink in that the Miami Heat are the NBA champions this year. Last year when this team came together, my gut told me that it would take two seasons for this roster to get on the same page. The history of the NBA is that teams need to struggle before they breakthrough. Yu saw that with the dynasties of the 80s and 90s as each team took its lumps before winning a title. The Big 3 Celtics have been the only exception to the rule in recent memory. Heat fans were spoiled because they got so close last year. Had they not gotten cocky in the second half of Game Four last year against Dallas, there is little doubt in my mind they would have won the title. Instead Wade started showboating a little too early, got Dallas riled up and Miami couldn't find a way to close out that game...which led to the whole series unraveling.

Escazu 63 Sanatura 94

It was an oddly scheduled game game. Thursday night instead of a Friday or Saturday night. NBA Finals on TV and we have two starters playing with the national team in Puerto Rico. We've had so many postponed games lately, that we decided we wanted to get back on the court and avoid a backlog in the schedule later on. Escazu has a young team with a couple of veterans thrown in; our last game had been a lot closer than what the records or the score would suggest.

Costa Rica National Team

Last year I was invited to be part of the coaching staff of Costa Rica's National Team, which was a great experience. Besides winning the tournament in El Salvador, I really enjoyed getting to know some of the players off the court. It's an interesting challenge to take players who have competed all year and turn them into one effective team.

Title Hangover

Edited 7:24 pm


I got word just an hour ago that Lemark Clark passed away today. I never coached Lemark, but we talked on occasion as I tried to recruit him a couple of times: Lemark was a very talented young player who had a world of potential. About eighteen months ago, it was discovered that he had a serious heart condition and that his basketball playing days were over; if I recall correctly he got a heart transplant last year and it looked like he was getting better. I don't know the details but he passed away today on the operating table.


 We lost someone today and the whole hoops family hurts. We compete on the court and yeah sometimes we fight and bitch at each other, but at the end of the day I like to think that we are one brotherhood of hoops, all involved in a sport we love. RIP Lemark. 

One of the quirks of our season in Costa Rica is how the season is split into Apertura and Clausura. Win one of the two "halves" and you have an automatic ticket to the National Finals. That can be a very dangerous situation because their is a normal human tendency to relax after winning Apertura. One of the remarkable things about Barva in their championship run is how they have taken care of business in Clausura, even when they win Apertura.