Yardbarker: John Thompson

Washington D.C.'s Best Sports Personalities

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:58:38 -0500

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The show first aired locally here in Washington D.C. in 1980 and then went national in 1984. George Michael was also the voice for the NBC affiliate in Washington D.C. he had the ear of Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and he always got the inside scoop at Redskins park. Andy Pollin: Andy Pollin began his career out west in Texas, before moving to New York City where he was one of the original broadcasters at WFAN. In the early 1990’s Pollin returned to his home town in Maryland and helped establish what now ESPN980 is; the first 24/hour sports station in Washington D.C. In many ways Pollin has been a staple of the Washington sports scene. His recently published book with fellow Washingtonian Leonard Shapiro showed Pollin’s knowledge and understanding of D.C. sports history. For any D.C. sports fan there is no better way to spend the evening drive home than listening to Andy Pollin on his daily radio broadcast The Sports Reporters. John Thompson: Better known as coach, Big John has made the transition from stalking the sidelines at Georgetown to sitting in a chair behind the microphone, and radio listeners in Washington D.C. cannot be happier. John Thompson brings the same straight shooting style that made him a standout coach to his interviews and athletes and writers alike can all appreciate his talents. Big John has not been afraid to remind listeners to what it was like back in the when he was growing up in the area as well as when he first came to Georgetown. Without a doubt his biggest accomplishment in the booth has been keeping it real. Richard ‘Doc’ Walker: Doc Walker first burst onto the Washington D.C. sports scene after being traded to the Washington Redskins. He would go on to be a founding member of the Redskins Fun Bunch. After stepping off the gridiron Doc picked up a microphone and become of the best game broadcasters in the area. His weekly work covering college football has made him a staple in any ACC fans weekly diet. In addition to being a color commentator Doc Walker also host his own radio shows as well as working as a sideline reporter for the Redskins. While all of those accomplishments are good, Docs biggest addition to the D.C. sports scene has been the nicknames. Mongoose Marcus Washington, Sean the Tarantula Taylor, Mike Caveman Sellers. All of these have become staples in the Metropolitan region. Brian Mitchell: B Mitch, has been described as a hard ass, and that description would be 100% accurate. After retiring, Brian Mitchell came to the airwaves in 2006 and D.C. radio has not been the same since. Brian Mitchell was known for bringing intensity and trash talking to the field as a player and he has brought the exact same mindset to the radio booth. B’Mitch has been known to threaten local athletes and challenge them both on the field and sometimes in the back alley. However, despite the hard exterior, this writer can personally attest to the good side of Brian Mitchell, who took time out of his busy schedule to help a struggling rugby player practice his kick and punt returns. Al Koken: Despite growing up in St. Louis Missouri, Al Koken has become a popular figure in Washington Sports. In the last two decades Koken has worked doing game commentary for the Orioles, Wizards, the CAA conference and most notably the Washington Capitals. In addition to his in game work, you can also catch Al Koken as a co-host on the John Thompson show. Steve Buckhantz: Buck as they like to call him has been a staple in the Washington D.C. sports scene for nearly 25 years. He made his mark during a 14 year stint as the sports director and lead sports anchor for Fox 5 news. Buckhantz now spends his days doing play-by-play for the Washington Wizards. Without a doubt Buckhantz’s biggest contribution to sports have been the catch phrase “dagger” that can be heard on any Wizards highlight clip. Note: also be aware of premature “dagerlation” at the end of a game. Mike Wilbon: Mike Wilbon has been with the Washington Post since 1980, and no one can deny the impact he has had both locally and nationally. The majority of people know Wilbon for his role on PTI, ESPN’s highest rated show. In reality PTI is the product of a near 30 year friendship between Wilbon and TK. In addition to being a feature columnist, radio guest, Wilbon has become one of ESPN’s top basketball analysts. Many a writer including Mike Wise has attributed Mike Wilbon’s work ethic and mentoring to their success. Mike Wise: Michael Wise is the newest guy on this list, having only resided in Washington D.C. since 2004. This is after his time working in New York City. However, despite only being in D.C. for a little under five years, Mike Wise has made his impact known. He has become one of the elite columnists for the Washington Post, with Mike Wilbon focusing more of his attention toward his ESPN commitments. There is no one who has his thumb on the pulse of Wizards basketball like Mike Wise. Bringing plenty of is California laid by cool to the busy district Wise provides a unique voice that is very refreshing for the region. Also Michael Wise is an avid animal lover, having saved his dog from a freezing river last winter. How can you not like this guy? Sally Jenkins: She may be the only female on this list, but don’t let that fool you. Sally Jenkins is better qualified to talk sports than anyone writing or reading this blog. The former head writer for Sports Illustrated is now an award winning feature columnist for the Washington Post. I’m not sure what it is, perhaps because she is a woman she has a different perspective, but Jenkins brings a new light and a refreshing look to the stories she writes about. And the Washington D.C. area is far better for having her.

InClement Weather: Final Four Harsh Realities

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:36:59 -0500

In case you didn't know, none of us have to suck up to anyone when we post.
Often we post with our hearts over our heads (okay, this is the "royal we" as in me, or I), but we also don't pull punches in order to keep people reading.

Those who still do read us (thank you!) know this by now.

With that in mind, the Final Four tips off in a little over 2 hours and I have 10 things you need to know about EACH game.

#1. UConn @ #2. Michigan State [6:07 p.m.]

I don't expect Walker and the Huskies to be down very often today. Not at all.
Credit: LATimes.com

1) Yes, I declared this a road game for the Huskies. It won't matter though. It'll be the equivalent of them playing in MSG @ St. John's. They won't be fazed one bit.
2) Playing these, or any, tournament games in gigantic football stadiums is lame beyond belief. The court looks ridiculous, I keep waiting for a terrible injury on a hustle play out of bounds on the sideline, and the idea of charging over $100 a ticket to sit a mile away is a joke.
3) Jim Calhoun is not a moral coach. However, he's a winner. Guess which one of those most fans and alumni want? Me included.
4) Tom Izzo is so short it's bordering on evil.
5) I don't know if I see a star pro on Michigan State. I do, however, on UConn with Thabeet, Walker, and (maybe) A.J. Price.
6) If Michigan State wants to win, they have to use up every foul possible in order to foul out Thabeet. It only took the Orange nearly 5 OTs to do it. Good luck, Spartans.
7) A.J. Price is a fantastic player. However, I don't think he can lead this team to two more victories and ultimately a national championship. Not without Jerome Dyson by his side.
8) Stanley Robinson is UConn's "Danny Green". As for the Spartans, they'll need at least 2 or 3 "Danny Green's" of their own to pull off the upset.
9) If Sutton can shoot a ridiculous number, perhaps 5 of 8 from behind the arc, than the Spartans can score - for a while, at least - with the Huskies.
10) UConn will do this evening what they've done EVERY game this tournament. They'll start red hot, clamp down early on the glass, and their opponent will only tease us with a few futile comebacks. I know Missouri had a brief lead, but the key word was brief. UConn is winning this game because of an edge in talent and a (very slim) edge in coaching. This won't be an entertaining game.

UCONN wins, 72-63.

Note: Pay is a long-time loyal Tar Heel fan. I know I sound a little "Jim Rome-esque" saying Tar Heel fan, but I am not calling out Pay. He's too smart of a fan not to realize what's at stake and how amazingly good his team's chances are.

#1. North Carolina vs. #3. Villanova

Yes, I'll be discussing the one known as Psycho T. Let the emotions fly!!!
Credit: MSV.com

1) What do these rankings mean anymore honestly? You tell me.
2) North Carolina is an overwhelming favorite in my mind. I mean by a HUGE margin, too.
3) I picked Villanova to emerge out of the East because of how they matched up against Pitt. I still would've given the Panthers a much better shot to take down the Tar Heels. Much much better.
4) Despite the previous two sentences, I don't hate Villanova. Not even close. They are, in fact, be one of the few non-Orange Big East teams I can stand rooting for. I just don't like this matchup for them at all.
5) If Wayne Ellington makes 2 of his first 3 shots, Jay Wright and his team are in serious trouble.
6) I previously wondered out loud - on more than one occassion - if Scottie Reynolds hurt this team more than he helped it. Clearly, I was wrong. And no, it didn't take a breathtaking 3/4 court drive for the game-winner to prove me wrong. That just helped.
7) Dante Cunnigham is in a bit of a mess today. Why? He loves that 16-18 foot jump shot; however, it doesn't take an analyst like John Thompson (whose said it all tournament long) to tell you that Cunnigham must dominate inside, rather than outside, if the Wildcats have the slightest chance tonight. Even if the jumpers start to fall early.
8) Pay brought up an excellent point via text. North Carolina has had a week to deal with "Villanova and the baseline". I typically give Roy Williams the benefit of the doubt with extra time. Especially if it's 5 days over 1.
9) Ty Lawson has become the face of North Carolina. That makes them much more likeable for people like me, who kinda cringe with Hansbrough. It's not because he hustles, he's white, or because he's a Tar Heel. It's because it just doesn't feel right. Much like the famed-celebration against the Hokies in last year's ACC tournament quarterfinals (after an amazing shot), the guy just irks most of us more than a little bit. True Tar Heel fans don't need to cry for him to be respected. The hate, or distaste, has everything to do with the realization of how hard he works, how talented he is, and how much our teams need a guy just like that. So take a deep breath Tar Heel fans, you - or your star player - don't have to be liked, admired, and respected by every one. Nobody should want that.
10) You come up with a scenario in which Villanova wins. A realistic one. And I don't mean losing by 1 or by 99. That doesn't matter. You come up with a scenario where the Wildcats, in '09 and not '85, advance. I honestly can't. And Tar Heels fans, don't give me a "scared prediction" because you don't want to predict a blowout.

North Carolina wins, 80-65.

In case you missed it...here it is again.

Wes Unseld is an Impeccable Baker

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:11:25 -0500

Wes Unseld has lived an accomplished life. Along with being the greatest Washington Bullet/Wizard of all time, he’s also one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time, and a former coach. Along with John Thompson and Marion Barry, Unseld forms the all-time Tri-Force of D.C.-based HNICs. What you may not expect, is that Afro and [...]

Todd Bozeman Headed to UVA?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:10:14 -0500

While Morgan State continues to drag its feet on signing Todd Bozeman to a contract extension, here’s former Georgetown Hoyas head coach John Thompson setting the streets of Baltimore on fire with his recommendation for the newly-vacant Virginia Cavaliers head coaching gig. “I’m putting it out there,” the Coach said a few minutes ago. “Check [...]

Five Potential Wolff Replacements

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:27:06 -0500

Here are five guys I think Boston should look into to replace Dennis Wolff (even though I am not a fan):

1) Robert Burke, Georgetown - Has been an assistant for John Thompson III since 2005. The guy knows how to work with schools of size, academics and near the northeast. He has been an assistant for Georgia Tech, Princeton, Siena and Loyola Marymount. With the season Georgetown is coming off of, this maybe the prime time to snag this top assistant. However, this season may have also hurt his stock?

2) Steve DeMeo, UCF - The man is considered one of the best recruiters in the nation. He is a New York native that spent 10 years at Providence, four as associate head coach. The man has coached on the community college level in NY (Bronx CC) and knows the northeast. Recruitment is the name of the game with him.

3) Andre LaFleur, UConn - Has been at UConn since entering college basketball in 2001. Maybe one of the fastest rising assistant coaches in major college basketball. While he has only been an assistant for five years, when Jim Calhoun is your teacher, you can move up the ladder quick. However, would BU fans really like the idea of a Northeastern graduate coaching their team?

4) Eric Eaton, Quinnipiac - A longshot. You have to throw them in! The man however knows America East Basketball. He also knows the state of Massachusetts and its basketball. An assistant at Holy Cross, Assumption College, Anna Maria College and a volunteer assistant at UMass-Dartmouth. However, his strides came at UA. He was a strong on recruiting and player development. Could be worth a look...but still a longshot.

5. T.J. Sorrentine, Brown - Come on! You know I had to throw it out there. Obviously a few years away, but if the next BU coach doesn't work out, I think he should be given a call. The man knows America East basketball. That and it would piss off a few folks up north.

John Thompson Jr. Snuck into the Lincoln Theater? Must be Black History Month

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:06:28 -0500

Here’s a lame attempt by Comcast at honoring black history, with a couldn’t-be-further-from-lame interview with Ronnie Thompson and his father, the legendary John Thompson Jr. And don’t get me wrong, it’s not lame because it will likely be a cookie cutter piece on a neglected portion of American history, but because it will likely be [...]

Create The Caption #335

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:07:23 -0500

(Usually) Everyday I'll throw out a photo, you provide the caption, and then hilarity ensues. I'm also adding a handful of links at the bottom of the page that you should check out each day. Last Thursday's Winners.... "Chauncey: "It's always a pleasure to meet one of the people I watched on TV growing up. You are The Count from Sesame Street, right?""- RJBO "Uhh sorry man, I got plans tonight. I tell you what, we'll go to Hooters next time you ca...

Clinton Portis Critical Of Redskins Down The Stretch

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:45:14 -0500

Clinton Portis made his last visit to John Thompson?s radio show in D.C. on Wednesday and he didn?t sound like a man enamored of his role on the...

Redskins RB Clinton Portis Sounds Off On Coach Jim Zorn

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:23:29 -0500

In a radio interview today on John ThompsonA's show, Portis sarcastically labeled Zorn a genius, and wondered whether he wouldnA't be better off going...

Hurricane Portis Descends on the Z-Man

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:27:47 -0500

In case you haven't heard, Clinton Portis had some pretty harsh words for coach Jim Zorn on the John Thompson Show on 980 today. This is a weekly thing Portis does, and not the first time he's aired his laundry in public. A transcript of the interview from Dan Steinberg: On being benched: "You ...

Portis Lays Into Zorn About Being Pulled Sunday Night

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:03:00 -0500

Clinton Portis is none too happy with the lack of playing time as of late, and today took it out on his head coach - Jim Zorn, during a radio interview. Appearing on the "John Thompson Show," Portis suggested the Redskins should put him on injured reserved after he carried only 11 times for [...]

Clinton Portis rips Jim Zorn

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:33:36 -0500

Clinton Portis is not happy with his head coach. Clinton Portis unloaded on Jim Zorn over and over again during today's "John Thompson Show" appearance. He swore, he suggested maybe he should go on the injured reserve, he offered to become a cheerleader, and he said this, when asked what ...

Seven Pearls of Wisdom from John Thompson

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:32:41 -0500

During NBA TV's broadcast of Dallas' 93-71 Vegas Summer League win over Sacramento, Rick Kamla and Steve Jones interviewed former Georgetown Coach/current TNT commentator John Thompson. Here are some interesting observations from Coach Thompson: 1) "One thing that I think youngsters have to realize is that when you are trying out or working out for these teams you are also showing people what you cannot do. Most people tend to think that they are showing what they can do but these scouts try to find out what you can't do and hopefully you have enough intelligence to understand what you can't do and try not to do it." 2) (On Patrick Ewing's stated goal to become an NBA head coach) "It doesn't surprise me at all because I know that Patrick is a very intelligent person. The thing I like about what Patrick has done is that he has not been afraid to go out and be an assistant coach, work with players, learn the game. Now this summer in Orlando he had an opportunity to coach in the summer league. You've got to go through that experience because there is a total difference between possessing knowledge and motivating other people to do it. He is going about this the right way." 3) (On the most difficult aspect of motivating players as a coach) "I think the most difficult part of it is to make kids understand that you can't do what you want to do. You are just like an actor. When you go into Hollywood you don't tell the director or the producer what you are going to do. You take their script and then you act it out. Most of these kids come in trying to convince you what they can do as opposed to finding out what you want done and then doing it. You see that here with all the big guys outside throwing up three point shots when their team may need a post guy. You have got to determine what these folks want or you are just fooling yourself. You may make 100 threes but if can't rebound and block shots you are going to get cut." 4) (On Patrick Ewing, Jr., a rookie with the Sacramento Kings) "The thing that I like about young Patrick is the very thing that I just said. He is not competing to be a starter. He is competing to be a substitute and he is smart enough to know that if I defend, rebound and do the energy things for a coach then there will be a spot for me on the team. I can't come on every team and think that I am going to take the role of Kobe. Some of these guys better grow up and understand that they are auditioning for bench spots, not to be superstars. That is what I like about little Pat: he's a hustle player. How many guys do you know who have been drafted in the second round who were substitutes who averaged four points a game? So he had to be doing something that pro scouts liked and that was hustling, being enthusiastic, rebounding and defending." 5) "What I think is really stupid--and I've said this to a lot of Georgetown guys--you would not go to work at a corporation without asking the boss what it is he wanted you to do. I think that a lot of players make a mistake--and definitely some of the kids that are here (in summer league)--in that they listen to their agent and their agent tells them how to play. You need to go to the man who is auditioning you and say, 'Sir, what are you looking for?' and then try to determine whether you can do that or add that to the team because what you may be doing best he may have six guys who can do that better than you." 6) (On the Nuggets trading Marcus Camby to the Clippers for a second round draft pick) "What is the sense of that? A lot of times fans will look at that and say, 'What is wrong with the general manager? What is wrong with the coach in making that decision?' But a lot of times that is a purely money decision made by ownership and a not a decision being made by those people. These guys are smart enough to know the game...'Down the line,' 'potential'--what that does is get the coach fired. All these guys who make these money decisions never factor that into the Ls and Ws that some poor coach has to sit there and work for. Those decisions don't relate to his judgment as far as a person being able to play or not being able to play." 7) "You have to impress somebody. You are not here just trying to blend in...You have to make sins of commission, not omission--guy wants to get cut, sit out there and do nothing...Red's (Auerbach) motto was 'What have you done for me lately?' and he'd say that to (Bill) Russell, 'What have you done for me lately?' and you know what Russell did for so many years."

Roy Hibbert's Game-Winning Three

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 02:23:45 -0500

Just the way John Thompson III drew it up in the huddle...

Ronny Thompson letting grass grow in Yorktown, Indiana

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:09:16 -0500

Former Ball State Coach Ronny Thompson (son of John Thompson) has let yard at his Indiana home get way out of wack. in Indiana