The Power of Intangibles, aka Shane Batier

Michael Lewis published an article in the New York Times (February 13th, 2009) in which he wrote extensively (8 web pages) about the new trend in basketball statistical analysis: the power of intangibles. The article is focused on Shane Batier, the player who personifies the intangibles in basketball: his stats don’t show up on the box score, but he makes his team better and the opponent worse, often much worse…

Every story has a counter story. In his article Lies, Damned Lies, and Obama, an unnamed author analyzes the text, breaks it down to pieces, and concludes that it makes no sense at all. Whether you agree or not, this piece is well-written and worth your attention.

Jim Calhoun Rips the Provocative Reporter

Highlights from the ripping:

• You are the highest paid state employee in $2 billion state budget deficit. Not a dime back, I’d like to retire one day!
• $1.6 million enough? I make way more than that, what’s your take tonight?
•  What’s your deal with Comcast worth? You are not that stupid, are you? Yeah, I am!
• My best advice to you: SHUT UP!
• We bring in $12 million to the University! Get some facts and come back and see me!
• Next question!!!

LeBron’s Crab Dribble

LeBron took a “crab dribble” and was called for travel. Here’s his reasoning:

Jalen Rose explains what “crab dribble” may be, or when it’s used in the game, and adds that LeBron’s three steps have nothing to do with the move typically used by big men posting up. Here’s the video:

Here’s Caron Butler giving LeBron’s crab dribble a funny twist. He said: “I couldn’t do it in AAU, I couldn’t do it in college, obviously I can’t do it now.” (Interesting that he doesn’t mention high school.)

Have a look at the funny side of LeBron’s crab, as described by Basketbawful. Definition first:

crab dribble (krab drib’-uhl) noun. A hesitation dribble that is used to effectively mask a traveling violation. Depending on the situation and/or the player involved, the violation may or may not be called.

Usage example: No, no, no, dude. I didn’t travel. I used a crab dribble.

Word history: Crab-Dribblegate began after what should have been a standard, run-of-the-mill regular season game between the Cavaliers and Wizards. But then — shock of shocks!! — the mighty LeBron James got called for…wait for it…traveling.

Now, the video which proves that LeBron didn’t travel:

To make sure LeBron doesn’t do it again, he can use this simple practice drill from Farmington Basketball practice session:

Does DNA Mold Outstanding Athletes

Basketball is going genetic?! There was an interesting article Born to Run? Little Ones Get Test for Sports Gene written by Juliet Macur and published in New York times on November 29, 2008. Yes, they found a gene which makes a kid pre-determined for certain sports. Nobody else but researchers from Australia that sports-obsessed nation. To be a bit sarcastic here: maybe it will help the Aussies establish themselves as a serious basketball nation. More genetic research and it may help them even reach the semis in the Olympics. Read more ->