Off The Glass

Myrtle Beach's Clarke: Hiring of Macy 'right move' for East Carolina

Photo courtesy of the East Carolina athletic department

Myrtle Beach High graduate Ashley Clarke led East Carolina with 11.3 points and 5.3 assists per game last season.

The East Carolina women's basketball team made official the hiring of its new coach, former Francis Marion coach Heather Macy, on Thursday.

And the new coach got the team's most important player's endorsement.

"Personally, I think it's the right move for us," said the team's leading scoring this past season, Ashley Clarke, a Myrtle Beach High graduate. "... but it's going to be difficult because of [a] new offense, defense and a whole different style of play."

Macy replaces Sharon Baldwin-Tener, who led the Pirates to a 23-11 record and WNIT appearance this past season before leaving to take the job at Georgia State. Clarke said she was surprised at first of Baldwin-Tener's decision to leave, but also knew it made sense for the coach.

"Well, I was a bit shocked because we had a very good year with her but, [but] I understand that she wanted to go back home due to family matters so I was a bit upset at first, and I wish her and her coaching staff the best of luck," Clarke said. "I doubt it will be a tough transition for the team because we all have good chemistry on the court ... I think we just have to get familiar with her style of play.

"But doubt it [will] be that hard since we're all smart and we will figure it out," quipped Clarke, who led Conference USA in assists per game last season.

Clarke said the team met briefly with Macy, but hadn't gotten into many specifics. She said the coach will be around campus in the summer, allowing time for the players to get a better grip on what to expect.

"She told us [she wants to play] a fast tempo of course, a Princeton offense," Clarke said. "We will force the ball on the sideline and keep it on the sideline ... she really didn't go into depth with the defense.

"She was ecstatic to coach us and she seems like she is all about business on and off the court."

NCAA expansion to 68 great for teams, but is it for tourney itself?

MCT file photo

UNC Wilmington's Dominique Lacy (left), a Florence native, called the expansion a "great opportunity."

The NCAA announced Thursday that it will expand its men's basketball tournament by three teams from 65 to 68 next season.

So is this a good or bad thing?

Well, it's great for the teams and players. UNC Wilmington's Dominique Lacy of Florence called it a "great opportunity." Few can argue with that from a player or team's standpoint.

But is it good for the actual tournament? I tend to think not. Here's my reasoning, and of course much of this will have to be based on hypotheticals.

Several teams - Virginia Tech and Mississippi were the most argued for - barely missed out on the NCAA tournament this spring. They were this year's so-called "most-snubbed" teams. It happens every year.

Most of those teams end up in the National Invitation Tournament, which at one time was all there was, by the way! So, let's take a look at the NIT's Final Four and see who made it.

Dayton, Mississippi, North Carolina and Rhode Island were the last four, with Dayton beating North Carolina in the championship game. Hmm ... none of the major "NCAA-snubbed teams" won the NIT or got to the title game and only one - Ole Miss - reached that tournament's Final Four. On top of that, Mississippi was only so far into the NCAA discussion because its SEC tournament run made them look great down the stretch after a somewhat so-so season.

Virginia Tech - the team with probably the biggest gripe at tournament selection time - made it only to the final eight of the NIT.

Now, I'm sure this isn't the case every year. But - and I believe Bob Knight was the only who brought up this point at the time - it's not like the last team in has ever gone on to win it all. And that's what it's all about, right?

So who wins? The last couple at-large teams will now get in. TV, which will have more games to show. Even casual fans, who get more March Madness.

Who loses? Bottom-feeding conference tournament winners, who likely will have to be in play-in games. The NIT, which likely will lose a couple more power-conference teams. And hardcore fans, who think the tournament was fine at 64.

I think 68 was unnecessary. I thought 65 could have stayed 64 back then.

At least the idea of 96 is off the table - for now.

Bonus excerpts from interviews with Sessions, Hemingway, Poston

I talked with several folks Saturday at Myrtle Beach alum Akeem Hemingway's inaugural "Shooting for Success" basketball camp. Not all of the quotes could fit into the two stories I wrote, but some of the other things the guys had to say were interesting. Here's some bonus quotes from Hemingway, Ramon Sessions and Josh Poston:

Josh Poston, Socastee High School and Coker College graduate who played several years in the Myrtle Beach school system growing up

"We were always in the gym on the weekends. We were always outside playing at Cinema 10 [aka Midway Park]. Wherever ... you always saw those guys together. When we were in the gym, when we were playing ball, they were always together. They'd have their own little crew. That's how they rolled." - on Myrtle Beach natives Ramon Sessions and Akeem Hemingway

"Akeem's on his own path as far as basketball. He's trying to get his own career going. I think 'Mon helping him get in the gym with other guys, getting a look is going to be a good [thing]." - on Sessions and Hemingway

Ramon Sessions, Myrtle Beach native who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves

"Man, I think my game is right where I want it to be, being in my third year [having been] a guy who was the 56th pick [in the 2007 NBA draft]. There's no pressure on me like the No. 1, No. 2 pick - they have a lot of pressure on them. For me, it's just stay competitive night in and night out. Just stay solid. I'm not trying to come out and average 50. I just want to come out and help the team win."

"I was happy for him. He's been fighting this D-League thing for a while, but people don't understand there's a lot of politics involved. It's not as easy as going out there on the court and being the best player. So when he got that gig I was really happy for him and he was really happy. He got to see what it is like to play professional basketball. That's all you can ask for." - on Hemingway getting his first shot at playing professionally in Mexico

Akeem Hemingway, Myrtle Beach native who played a stint of professional basketball in Mexico this year

"Growing up, we would use milk crates, cut the bottom out. We used those for baskets ... we'd put them up on the backboard. And that was our basket. She would really get mad at us because she had the clothes line where she'd hang clothes up. And our backyard was really dusty. We'd be running back and forth getting so much dust up and getting the clothes dirty. So she'd really get mad at us. It got to the point where we'd use bicycle rims. We'd knock the spokes out of the rim. Yeah, we used those also. Kids just really wanting to play ... loving the game." - on growing up playing basketball with Sessions in his backyard while leaving his mother's washed clothes hanging in the balance

"I'd love to try the NBA Development League again, staying in the United States as opposed to playing in Tijuana and having to look over my shoulder constantly." - on his future plans

"At this point in my career, I'm getting better and I still feel great, but at the same time give back. You never forget where you came from. For example, the story about being in the yard with the milk crates ... kids want to play basketball that bad that they've got to cut the bottom of a milk crate out ... there's not more love for the game than that. So why not give back, give them an opportunity. You've got kids like that out there." - on why he did his inaugural "Shooting for Success" basketball camp

"All the time you see little things. A lot of times Ramon will say, 'I saw this happen in the game, but I wish I would have did this.' Or 'I saw something that I didn't do.' So you kind of critique yourself. Being able to watch it [together], you're kind of like 'man, I know where you're coming from.' You watch each other and you definitely learn." - on discussions about basketball with Sessions

Carolina Forest's Chris Ford headed to Western Oklahoma State

                                 TSN file photo

Carolina Forest High School standout Chris Ford has made his collegiate choice: junior college Western Oklahoma State.

Ford, the 2009 Toast of the Coast Boys Basketball Player of the Year, will sign with the school at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Ford said it was originally scheduled for Friday, but got pushed back.

While Ford is moving on to a great opportunity to play collegiate ball, he said "I know I'm going to miss the beach."

Picking the NBA playoffs

AP photo

Saturday represents the beginning of one of my favorite times of the year: the start of the NBA playoffs. The regular season ended with a bang, with several playoff positions and one spot still in play on the final day. But now things are finally set after a grueling 82-game season.

So here's my picks:

First round

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 8. Chicago Bulls - The Cavaliers are obviously the more talented team with arguably the best player in the league in LeBron James. However, don't completely discount the Bulls right away. One thing they have that makes them dangerous is heart. Guys like lightning-quick guard Derrick Rose and hard-working center Joakim Noah make them a hard out every night, especially when the stakes are at their highest. But the Cavaliers are too talented and will advance. Cavs in 5.

2. Orlando Magic vs. 7. Charlotte Bobcats - While I don't think this Magic team is as good as the one that made it to the NBA Finals a year ago, it is still pretty tough. I wasn't a huge fan of them letting Hedo Turkoglu go and bringing in Vince Carter. However, they shouldn't have a huge problem with Charlotte, which has plenty of talent but doesn't seem to have clear roles set or much chemistry. Stephen Jackson can be such a force - when he wants to be - and the likes of Raymond Felton and Gerald Wallace are more than capable of providing plenty of production. Even if Jackson plays to his potential and the Bobcats can string together some continuity, I don't see them having an answer for Dwight Howard in the middle. The Bobcats' first visit to the playoffs will be a short one. Magic in 5.

3. Atlanta Hawks vs. 6. Milwaukee Bucks - On paper, I would think the Hawks could sweep. However, Atlanta is a team that sometimes doesn't put teams away when it can and allows its opponent new life. The Hawks are probably the best team no one is talking about. If they can get out of their own way and stay consistent throughout the playoffs they could be a big-time factor. What Milwaukee has done this year has been impressive. Andrew Bogut has been a beast - but will be a non-factor since he's hurt - and rookie Brandon Jennings has put doubters to rest. I just don't think the Bucks have as much of a pool of talent as the Hawks, but the scrappy team makes it a battle. Hawks in 6.

4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Miami Heat - Miami seems to be the trendy pick here. I have to disagree. Boston is aging but still has enough left to at least get out of the first round. Dwyane Wade is clearly one of the best players in the league, but I don't know if the Heat have enough depth to take down the Celtics, who have the added advantage of a wealth of playoff experience. While I won't jump on the Heat bandwagon, I will say it should be the best first-round series in the East. Celtics in 7.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder - The Thunder are a year ahead of what most people predicted just by making the playoffs. If it had finished the season stronger, Oklahoma City might have dodged getting the Lakers in the first round. Unfortunately for the Thunder, they didn't. Oklahoma City has the scoring champion in Kevin Durant, but the Lakers have - in my opinion - the best player in Kobe Bryant. And ... Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, etc. The Lakers are too talented. Lakers in 5.

2. Dallas Mavericks vs. 7. San Antonio Spurs - It seems like it's always a war when these two get together. Everything is bigger in Texas; therefore, so is this series. The Spurs aren't your typical No. 7 seed, not in the Western Conference of this age. We all know the Dirks, Duncans, Ginobilis, Kidds and Parkers. But I think a key will be who has a better series out of Dallas' Caron Butler and San Antonio's Richard Jefferson. I have to go with Caron. Mavericks in 7.

3. Phoenix Suns vs. 6. Portland Trail Blazers - The Suns were on fire to end the season, surging into the third position. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, found out they will be without star Brandon Roy, who was injured toward the end of the season, for one to two weeks. That makes this series a lot less competitive than it would have otherwise been. Suns in 5.

4. Utah Jazz. vs. 5. Denver Nuggets - The Nuggets as a 5 seed? The West really is tough! I think Jerry Sloan is a great coach and Deron Williams is the best point guard in the NBA. However, Carmelo Anthony is virtually unstoppable, J.R. Smith is the same when he wants to be and Chauncey Billups is perhaps the strongest competitor in the league. I don't see this as close as many do. Nuggets in 5.

Conference semifinals

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 4. Boston Celtics - Age catches up to the Celtics. LeBron James is too much for the older Celtics to try to handle. The Celtics struggle when Ray Allen's jumpers clang off the rim, when Kevin Garnett's knees don't give him the same spring and Paul Pierce exhausts him self trying to make up for it. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers cruise into the Eastern Conference finals. Boston's short "dynasty" exits stage left - likely for good. Cavaliers in 5.

2. Orlando Magic vs. 3. Atlanta Hawks - This series could be a war - a war of styles of play. Dwight Howard is the biggest force in this matchup, but he is also the most sorely missed when in foul trouble. I think the Hawks find ways to get Howard into that predicament with their fast-paced game and shoot the ball well enough to pull the upset. Hawks in 7.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5. Denver Nuggets - It's hard to imagine this not being the Western Conference finals rematch again. Instead it's a semifinal. The Lakers and Nuggets trade punches, with a Melo vs. Kobe battle at center stage. But Pao Gasol has a big series and J.R. Smith fails to show up as the Lakers move on step closer to back-to-back titles. Lakers in 6.

2. Dallas Mavericks vs. 3. Phoenix Suns - This would be a highly entertaining matchup. Lots of scoring. So whoever plays defense, rebounds and wins the hustle points takes the series. I think Amare Stoudemire steps up his game on both ends and Robin Lopez and Louis Admundson provide valuable toughness on the boards and in hustle points as the Suns - dare I say it? - outmuscle the Mavs. Suns in 7.

Conference finals

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 3. Atlanta Hawks - The Atlanta Hawks no longer are flying under the radar at this point and LeBron James and Co. are well aware of them. The Cavaliers buckle down, with LeBron smelling a championship on the brink. The Hawks put up a good fight with Josh Smith giving Antawn Jamison fits, but it isn't enough as the Cavs reach the finals. Cavs in 6.

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 3. Phoenix Suns - The Suns, fresh (uhh, not really) off a tiring series with the Mavs, run out of gas. Meanwhile, the Lakers have plenty in the tank after taking the end of the regular season off (like they really cared they lost all those at the end?) and Kobe and Pau hit their stride at the same time. The combination of Andrew Bynum, Gasol and Lamar Odom slow down an embattled Amare Stoudemire and put a halt to the Suns' run. Lakers in 5.

NBA Finals

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 1. Los Angeles Lakers - Everybody finally gets what they want: LeBron vs. Kobe. It's a battle that will have an impact of years to come. Kobe may not be at the top of his game for much longer, and you know LeBron wants to beat him before "Black Mamba" is out of his prime. This series becomes an epic battle of two of the best players we've ever seen. Coaching plays a big role in this one. Lakers coach Phil Jackson outsmarts Mike Brown, forcing the Cavaliers to revert back to the LeBron-vs.-all-five offensive mentality, which can only work so long. Meanwhile, Kobe gets teammates involved early in the series and provides the dagger toward the end. A frustrated, tired LeBron James loses in his first visit to the NBA Finals, leaving a bittersweet taste that might lead to a train out of Cleveland. The stakes are high for LeBron and the Cavs, especially the future of the two, and I don't see them getting it done despite a great effort. Lakers in 7.

Former Coastal Carolina coach Buzz Peterson on the move again

TSN file photo

Former Coastal Carolina coach Buzz Peterson (second from right) was in Myrtle Beach for the Big Shots AAU basketball showcase last summer. As of then, he was the Appalachian State head coach.

Buzz Peterson, a former Coastal Carolina coach who was at Appalachian State last year, is on the move again.

It was announced Friday that Peterson had been hired as the new coach at UNC-Wilmington. Peterson left Coastal Carolina a few years ago for a front office job with the Charlotte Bobcats. Prior to last season he decided to accept the job at Appalachian State - his second stint there.

He led the Mountaineers to a 24-13 record last season.

Former Coastal Carolina standout Anthony Breeze is at Appalachian State, where he transferred to follow Peterson, who had recruited him. Breeze had to sit out this season because of transfer rules. Now heading into a season in which he will be eligible Buzz is on the move again.

Sessions gets only start of season in Timberwolves' 2009-10 finale

The Associated Press photo

When Myrtle Beach resident Ramon Sessions signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer, many thought he would compete with rookie Jonny Flynn for the starting point guard position.

That never happened. In fact, Sessions' only start of the season came when Flynn (hip injury) sat out Wednesday night in the T'Wolves' season finale, a 103-98 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Sessions finished with 14 points and five assists in just over 40 minutes Wednesday. He was just 3 of 12 from the field.

Sessions finishes the season with averages of 8.1 points and 3.1 assists in just over 20 minutes per game.

Sessions now enters another offseason - remember last year's saga of waiting for the Knicks and Clippers to make an offer to the then-restricted free agent before Minnesota jumped in late - of uncertainty. If Spain's Ricky Rubio joins the T'Wolves this summer it is like Sessions would get traded.

A move would probably benefit Sessions, who can play the point and shooting guard positions. He rarely played the 2 guard in Minnesota because it was not an idea rookie coach Kurt Rambis was in favor of. Therefore, Sessions' minutes and situationals were sporadic.

It should be another fun summer tracking Double-O 7.

Sessions posts double-double in loss to Spurs on Monday night

First-year Minnesota Timberwolve Ramon Sessions had 13 points and 10 assists in the team's 133-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.

It's been a season of ups and downs for Myrtle Beach native Sessions, who left Milwaukee for Minnesota as a restricted free agent last summer. Sessions has split time with rookie starter Jonny Flynn.

Rumors have swirled about Sessions over the year despite Minnesota signing him. The T'Wolves have NBA rights to Spain's Ricky Rubio, another point guard whom some think will come over to the States this summer. If so, Sessions would likely be put on the trading block, according to many Web reports/opinions.

Monday night's game was the T'Wolves' second-to-last game of the season, so Wednesday could possibly be Sessions' last in Minnesota.

Time will tell. But at least he seems to be finishing strong.

Sandy Grove wins fourth straight area YMCA church league title

One would think former Coastal Carolina players would dominate area adult basketball leagues. However, the YMCA's annual church league had former Chants aplenty but none took their team to a title.

The likes of former CCU players E.J. Gallup and Steven Sexton - on one team - Colin Stevens on another, and Mario Sisinni on another were unable to claim a championship as Sandy Grove Baptist Church took down Gallup, Sexton and the rest of the Nashville Dreams team Monday night in the championship game.

Sandy Grove's roster has been consistent over the years (they've been winning seemingly every year, so why not?) with Myrtle Beach High graduate Mike Small, MB resident Tory Watts and former major college player Travis Spivey, also of Myrtle Beach, leading the way.

Sandy Grove's path wasn't easy, either. The team beat the third-seeded Oceanview Brickslayers (who have Sisinni) and then Nashville Dreams en route to the title. All three were 6-1 in the regular season.

Minnesota Star Tribune: Wolves' Sessions stays positive at the point

The Associated Press photo

The NBA regular season is nearing its end, and some teams are jockeying for playoff position while others are looking forward to the offseason.

Unfortunately for Myrtle Beach native Ramon Sessions and the Minnesota Timberwolves, they are headed toward the latter.

The Minnesota Star Tribune recently did a story on Sessions. Read it below or go to http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/89814687.html?page=2&c=y

Wolves' Sessions stays positive at the point

By Phil Miller

Star Tribune

His circumstances have changed, his duties are new and his numbers are completely different. About the only thing that hasn't changed about Ramon Sessions is his level of happiness.

Go ahead, try to get him to complain about his playing time. Poke him for an outburst about coming off the bench. Ask him to confirm that this season has been 100 times less fun than last.

None of that registers with the soon-to-be 24-year-old.

"I'm not hanging my head at all," said Sessions, who signed a four-year contract with the Wolves in September. "I'm happy with where I'm at. I wouldn't trade it in for last year."

Must be tempting, though, at least for anyone lacking Sessions' professional serenity. A season ago, Sessions was thrust into a starting role in Milwaukee, and he thrived in the system designed by coach Scott Skiles, a fellow point guard.

Sessions averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists for the Bucks, but that only tells part of the story. He was frequently asked to carry part of the scoring load, and contributed 20 or more points a dozen times. Milwaukee's pick-and-roll offense also allowed him to pile up the assists; Sessions had eight or more 26 times, and recorded nine double-doubles.

Then he came to Minnesota, and began running coach Kurt Rambis' triangle offense as the backup to starter Jonny Flynn.

The result? Sessions, who plays seven fewer minutes per game than he did in Milwaukee, has scored 20 points only twice all year. He's reached eight assists twice as well, and he has zero double-doubles.

And he swears he's just fine with that.

"That's not what they want me to do here," said Sessions, who averages 7.8 points and 3.1 assists with the Wolves. "I wouldn't say it's been a down year. I wouldn't say last year was better. It's just a different offense."

That it is, one that Rambis brought from Los Angeles -- where Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, by the way, has never averaged even five assists in a season, yet owns four championship rings.

Point guards "don't have the ball in their hands [in the triangle] as much," Rambis said. "Their job is to make the other guys on the floor better, create opportunities for other guys."

Sessions, like the rookie Flynn, had a difficult time breaking his old pick-and-roll habits early in the season, Rambis said. "Learning how to organize our offense was a struggle for him, but I think he's very comfortable now. He does a good job of stabilizing us when things get a little crazy out there.''

Which is why he has no regrets switching teams, even if he does keep in touch with his friends on the surging Bucks.

"I'm always going to make sure I stay positive. It's still living a dream, for me to be out here playing every day," Sessions said. "If that's what they want me to do and we win with that, I'm happy."

Whoops. There's a hitch in his happiness: The Wolves are 15-60 heading into Saturday night's game with Miami, a circumstance that bothers him far more than his lost playing time.

But Sessions, true to form, sees that in a positive light, too.

"We're just getting started. It's the first year" of Rambis' tenure, Sessions said. "We're getting it turned around, and when we do, this will be more fun than any year I've had."