Saturday, February 28, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 28th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Crawford's NBA Power Rankings----It is Saturday, so that means another edition of Crawford's world famous NBA power rankings. Always done in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. Clippers
8. Toronto
7. Chicago
6. Portland
5. Memphis
4. Cleveland
3. Houston
2. Atlanta
1. Golden State

BYU--- The Cougars were in my hometown of Portland, Oregon this past week to play the U of Portland Pilots, in which they won the game 82-69.

It was a good chance for me to talk with many BYU people and ask them a question which is often brought up, "Is BYU committed to the West Coast Conference?"

Now for sure I could be told anything, but people I seek out are usually very honest and candid. To a person, they all told me that BYU loves being in the West Coast Conference and they plan is to stay for a long time.

Of course the talk is always generated by the fact the West Coast Conference is not a football league and BYU football is big time and now plays as an independent.

My analysis is that in all sports but football, BYU is going nowhere, which is great for the WCC.

Oregon Ducks--- Big question around the state of Oregon is will the Ducks make the NCAA tournament. With a huge match-up on Sunday at Stanford and then a tough road contest at Oregon State on Wednesday night, my feeling is that the Ducks have to win both of those games to make the NCAA tournament. Sitting at 21 wins right now, there just is not enough quality wins for Oregon at present, to make them a lock. If they do not win the Pac-12 tournament, I think they have to get to 24 wins to get in.

Crawford's NBA Bottom Power Rankings----Sports should be fun, so I am expanding my NBA power rankings to give you the worst nine teams in the league. Per usual, once again, we do things in 9s.

9. Boston
8. Detroit
7. Denver
6. Orlando
5. Sacramento
4. Lakers
3. Philadelphia
2. Minnesota
1. New York----Yes, sadly the Knicks per my power rankings, are without question the worst team in the league.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 24th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- On twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Court Storming----How do you stop it. I am really not sure, but I am sure someone will get seriously hurt and I have thought that long before the major bad incident last night in the Kansas State-Kansas game.

Like everything else it will take someone to get seriously hurt, before some major solutions come into play. While I am on this rant, once again let's do away with the after game handshake line in college and high school basketball. Quit crying about sportsmanship and start thinking about how many incidents take place after games. There are many more than you think. Finally, I have not talked to one coach that disagrees with me on the after game handshakes.

Cascade Collegiate Conference---- My second favorite college basketball conference right behind the NWAC Sports has some key playoff games tomorrow night, all local starting times of 7:00 pm. So how about a few score predictions and I am going completely with the chalk.

Oregon Tech 83 @ College of Idaho 102
Corban 59 @ Warner Pacific 64
Eastern Oregon 93 @Concordia 99
Northwest Christian 78 @ Southern Oregon 79

Derrick Rose--- So sad to see this terrific player hurt again and probably out for the season, with another knee injury for the Chicago Bulls.

It will be Rose's 3rd knee surgery in 3 years and one can only hope he will come back healthy.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (sports biz and golf, 365 days per year)

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 22nd, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- TV, Radio and Print Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Crawford's Best Nine---- It is Sunday, so time for another edition of Crawford's Best Nine, the nine best teams at the moment who play in the six D-1 leagues out west.

9. Sacramento State----Hornets have won 9 of 11, tied for Big Sky lead, finish with 3 tough games on the road, at a dangerous Portland State team next Saturday.

8. Boise State----Another solid year under Leon Rice, who obviously is a really good basketball coach.

7. UC Davis--- The class of the Big West still, have won 12 of 13 and show no signs of slowing down.

6. BYU----Big road trip to finish the WCC regular season, in Portland on Thursday and Spokane on Saturday.

5. New Mexico State----Have now won 14 of 15, a team I am sure no one wants to play in the NCAA tourney.

4. San Diego State--- Aztecs lead the best basketball conference out west, the Mt. West by one game, have won 7 of 8.

3. Arizona----Strong team, in holding patter right now, just keep winning games.

2. Utah---- A shade higher than Arizona, showdown game next Saturday in Salt Lake City with the Wildcats, but must get by a really good Oregon team, a noon contest today.

1. Gonzaga---- Down 17 yesterday at St. Mary's, but Zags do what they do best in the regulars season, win games. Team has Final Four written all over it.

Cascade Collegiate Conference----More evidence of why this league is the best D-2 NAIA men's basketball conference in the country. Regular season play ended yesterday, with 3 teams as co-champs. Congrats to Warner Pacific, Concordia and College of Idaho.

C of I won the tiebreaker, so they get the number one seed, let the playoffs begin. This league does it right when it comes to playoffs, as 8 of the 10 teams get in, the top four seeds host games, the top seed winners continue to host games. A very fair way to do things.

A big difference here. The Big Sky Conference has the same amount of teams in the playoffs, but every game is played at the home site of the regular season league winner. Why not let the top seeds host at least one playoff game. It does not make sense to me. Penalizes the fans and teams.

While we are discussing playoffs, it is about time the very tough D-3 Northwest Conference got out of the dark ages and get more teams in the playoffs for basketball. At present four of the nine teams in the league make postseason. How about six making it, 3 plays 6, 4 plays 5 and the winners get 1 and 2. If these leagues really want to be known for their  student/athletes, then you expand the playoffs and make it a great college experience.

Crawford's NWAC Women's Power Rankings----It is Sunday, so time again for Crawford's NWAC power rankings for the women's teams. It has been a great year of basketball, but big shake up this week, as the team's head to the final week of regular season play.

9. Blue Mountain
8. Columbia Basin
7. Highline
6. Walla Walla
5. Peninsula
4. Centralia
3. Bellevue
2. Umpqua
1. Lower Columbia

Yes a new number one, well deserved.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year)

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 21st, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- TV, Radio and Print Basketball Analyst---- @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Crawford's NBA Power Rankings---- As always you get the most famous and accurate basketball power rankings, with Greg Crawford On Basketball. It is Saturday, so that means NBA power rankings, big shake up and as always we do things in 9s, out of the great respect for the game of golf.

9. Milwaukee
8. Dallas
7. Clippers
6. Oklahoma City
5. Cleveland
4. Atlanta
3. Memphis
2. Toronto
1. Golden State

It is going to be a great March and April in the NBA, with so many battles for playoff spots in both Conferences.

Kyle Wiltjer---- Sometimes D-1 college basketball players transfer for all the wrong reasons. In the case of Kyle Wiltjer, who tranferred from Kentucky to Gonzaga, it was a brilliant move. A move I might add that was totally supported by Kentucky coach John Calipari.

Never mind the fact Wiltjer scored 45 on Pacific Thursday night. He has become a West Coast Conference star indeed and part of that reason, Wiltjer has become a power player down low, with his scoring and rebounding.

His Zags are 26-1, heading to a huge game tonight at St. Mary's, which almost certainly will be the last hurdle for the 15-0 Zags to running the table in the WCC, as them come home next week to meet BYU and San Diego, two teams they should beat at home for sure.

Wiltjer almost certainly this year would have been to the NCAA Final Four had he stayed at Kentucky, but he has a great chance this year of going to a Final Four with Gonzaga, plus being on the floor in the Final Four, something that would have been tougher with the Wildcats.

NBA Draft--- Starting next Friday and every Friday in Greg Crawford On Basketball, we will be giving you in-depth coverage of the 2015 NBA Draft. No, we do not do mock drafts until the day before draft day, but instead we tell you about many players to watch and our own personal evaluation.

State of Oregon--- Never can forget my home state of Oregon and the great basketball games that will take place today.

Oregon State hosting Colorado
Portland State hosting Northern Colorado, with huge playoff implications on the line
A host of NWAC Sports games, including Umpqua visitig Clackamas CC in a key game.
Cascade Collegiate Conference, so much riding on their final day of regular season.
Northwest Conference, with the headliner, Pacific at Willamette, final playoff spot up for grabs

NJIT---- Today in http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sport biz, 365 days per year), I talked about New Jersey Institute of Technology and the school being the only totally D-1 independent athletic program in the country.

Earlier this year, NJIT beat 17th ranked at the time Michigan on the road. Obviously it was not a fluke, as the men's basketball team is now 16-11 and having a great season.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year)

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 19th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcpsortsmgmt

Jerome Kersey---- The passing yesterday of Jerome Kersey is sad, sad, sad. So many great tributes to him from fans, teammates, coaches, ex-teammates and the NBA family. They have said it all.

Kersey's passing also is another strong sign of just how important the Portland Trail Blazers are to the people of Oregon and SW Washington. If you honor the fans here as Kersey did when he was a player and as person who stayed in the community, they are going to honor you 100 times over.

There is a reason why so many players, some who played very little, often choose to spend the rest of their  life in the community that adored them.

Crawford's NWC/CCC Power Rankings----- It is Thursday, so that means another combo edition of Crawford's Northwest Conference/ Cascade Collegiate Conference men's basketball power rankings.

9. Northwest Christian
8. Puget Sound
7. Lewis and Clark
6. Southern Oregon
5. Warner Pacific
4. Concordia
3. College of Idaho
2. Whitman
1. Whitworth

Cascade Collegiate Conference----The CCC is the best D-2 NAIA men's basketball conference in the country and once again it is having a tremendous race for home seedings in the upcoming 8 team league playoffs.

It appears College of Idaho is in the driver seat to win the regular season title, with a one game lead over Warner Pacific and Concordia. C of I finishes the season at Northwest and Evergreen, two teams they should beat, but you never know.

The race for 2nd through 4th place is going to be exciting with so much on the line. Warner Pacific and Concordia, travel to Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon, very tough places to play on the road.

When we wake up Sunday morning, who knows where a team will be positioned to start the playoffs next week. The one constant, the basketball is great, exciting and so well coached.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year)


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 18th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

NBA Attendance----On most Wednesdays, we try and take a look at NBA attendance. As play begins again tomorrow in the NBA, some things never change.

1. Bulls continue to lead the league is average home attendance---- 21,882 per game and that is 104 % of capacity.

2. Both Memphis and Atlanta are having magical seasons, but not at the game. Memphis is 16th in overall attendance with an average crowd of 17, 187, 94% of capacity and the Hawks play before an average of 16,864, 90% of capacity. Very sad figures indeed for two great teams.

3. It is also interesting to note that two teams that are having tough years, New York and Miami, have sold out every game so far, a credit to both of those organizations and great fans.

Kevin Durant--- Today Durant apologized to the media for going off on the media during all-star weekend.  There is no disputing that Kevin Durant has been more confrontational  this year in many areas, which tells me my assessment of the fact Durant, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook will all be Lakers when their contracts allow is more of a possibility than ever.

Crawford's NWAC Power Rankings---It is Wednesday, time for another edition of Crawford's NWAC Sports men's basketball power rankings. These are getting tough, but someone has to do them. Remember, we always do things in 9s, out of the great respect for the game of golf. There is a full slate of NWAC basketball games tonight, you need to be there for sure.

9. Spokane
8. Lower Columbia
7. Clark
6. Columbia Basin
5. Edmonds
4. Big Bend
3. Chemeketa
2. Highline
1. Bellevue

Danny Ferry----On September 12th, Danny Ferry took a leave of absence from his position of general manager of the Atlanta Hawks, over remarks he was attributed too, regarding race.

One of America's most prominent Civil Rights leaders and resident of Atlanta, Andrew Young spoke out today and strongly urged both Ferry and the Hawks to bring him back. Young's endorsement certainly will have a big impact on Ferry' future.

I am pretty sure no one thinks Ferry is a racist. But, what I am not sure of, is he really that good of general manager? Something for everyone to consider. We all say and do the wrong things from time to time, but we all better be good at our jobs, or we are not going to keep them.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year)

email, gregcrawfordbasketball@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 17th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---- TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

NWAC Picks---- It is Tuesday and time to pick Crawford's NWAC Sports basketball coach and player of the week.

Coach of the week is Alison Crumb, head women's coach at Peninsula College. Coach Crumb has guided her team this year to a 15-5 overall record, including at present five straight wins and a 9-1 record in league, with their only loss to Bellevue, who is leading the Northern region at 10-0.

Player of the week honors go to Bellevue point guard  Jalen Ward and what a week he had. In 2 games, he scored 50 points, had 11 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, committed only one turnover and helped keep his team undefeated in league play.

Congrats to Coach Crumb and Jalen Ward.

Dick Vitale----By now everyone knows that for the first time since 1979, Dick Vitale will not be calling the Duke-North Carolina game on ESPN tomorrow night.

Dick Vitale has a right to call his own shots on games, he has earned it. Vitale has made college basketball what it is today on TV. As matter of fact, he should be given an Emmy for lifetime achievement.

Yes, at times he can grate on you, but what person in the media, including myself does not from time to time.

What ESPN has done is wrong, too late to correct it, but at least it is never to late to say it is wrong.

NBA--- The league will start up again this Thursday. Do you miss it, or do you like the longest break the league has taken during the all-star break in its history.

It might be great for the players, but they make big money, they need to play. In my opinion this break has been way too long.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year)

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 15th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Crawford's Best Nine---The best present nine teams that play basketball in the six D-1 leagues in the western United States.

9. Eastern Washington----Despite a devastating loss to Portland State at home yesterday, they still belong here as they are leading a very strong Big Sky Conference with three weeks to go.

8. UC Davis----Pretty terrific year for the Aggies, only one loss in Big West play and four losses all year long.

7. BYU---Very tough schedule ahead in the West Coast Conference, as they still have to visit Gonzaga and Portland, but playing really good basketball right now.

6. San Diego State----Leading the best basketball conference out west, the Mt. West. with the most underrated coach in college basketball, Steve Fisher.

5. Boise State----Trailing by one game in the Mt. West, a big win over San Diego State last week, had won 8 in row up to last night.

4. New Mexico State---- A dangerous team, that I am certain no one wants to play in the NCAA tournament. They will make it and at present have won 12 of 13 games.

3. Arizona----Leading the Pac-12, everyone is looking way ahead to the February 28th showdown against Utah in Salt Lake City.

2. Utah----What a coaching job by the other Coach K for the Utes. He has turned them into a powerhouse team in short time period and could win the Pac-12 regular season.

1. Gonzaga----I am still counting on the Zags to make the Final Four this season. Must play St. Mary's on the road this week, in what could be their last stumbling block to running the table in the WCC.

Seattle U----By all accounts, Seattle U. head coach Cameron Dollar is a great person and everyone in Seattle really likes him. He does however have lots of pressure right now, one would have to think. It was suppose to be a good year for Seattle U. basketball, it has not been.

At present the team is 11-13 on the season and in the weak WAC Conference, the Redhawks have lost 5 out of their last 6. The Redhawks come home to for three straight to finish the regular season.

Dollar took over at Seattle U in 2009-10, which was his only winning season at the school, which has one of the most iconic histories in college basketball. Since joining the WAC Conference in 2012-13, the Redhawks have gone 12-32 to date in Conference games. Those are not numbers anyone associated with the program likes to see for a team that plays its home games on Baylor Court, named after Elgin Baylor, one of the NBA's top 50 players of all time and star player at Seattle U.

Crawford's NWAC Women's BB Power Rankings---- It is Sunday, so time for another edition of Crawford's NWAC women's basketball power rankings. Big shake up from 4 down this week, as we always do things in 9s out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. Walla Walla
8. Centralia
7. Highline
6. Columbia Basin
5. Wenatchee Valley
4. Peninsula
3. Bellevue
2. Lower Columbia
1. Umpqua

Adam Silver----I am always amazed at how much criticism, NBA commissioner Adam Silver gets, all the way down to his looks, which is pathetic to say the least.

Adam Silver deserves a chance to build his own agenda since taking over for David Stern, just over a year past. It is obvious that Silver wants to be more inclusive than Stern, who ran the league with an iron fist, to put it mildly.

If you really listen to Silver, many of his ideas make lots of sense, such as changing the NBA schedule to bring more rest for players and referees, raising the age limit to 20 and legalizing sports betting.

Of course the greatest challenge for Silver will come in 2017, when the NBA will almost certainly face a labor stoppage, as 2017 is the first year that either management or the players union can try to renegotiate the present collective bargaining agreement.

Please also read, http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz, 365 days per year.

email--- gregcrawfordbasketball@gmail.com


Saturday, February 14, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 14th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---- TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Happy Valentine's Day

New College Basketball League---- As one of the leading advocates of west coast college basketball, our company, Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management, does not have a dream, it actually has something we would love to see a reality. The odds are stacked against us, but also know one thought we could land on the moon, ever have cell phones or even light bulbs that work.

The same as college basketball everywhere, west coast basketball really needs a boost. So how about a brand new basketball league only. Any leagues want great basketball programs and we would have them. Our 16 team league would have the following teams.

UCLA----Anything on the west coast when it comes to basketball, has to start with UCLA.

UNLV--- A revenue generating machine, ever since Jerry Tarkanian was there, it is a natural.

Arizona--- Best basketball program out west in the last 25 years for sure.

Gonzaga----They have to be included in the mix always, plus a great fan base nationally.

Washington----The Huskies are a must for this new league, as well as we need the Seattle market

Portland State---- We also need the Portland market, with their new arena coming on board a great fit.

Oregon----The flash and dash of the Ducks is a must for us. Plus, one great basketball coach.

Boise State----Great city and great arena, plus a rising basketball program under Leon Rice.

Utah State----Best place on the west coast to watch a game, because of tremendous fans.

BYU----Iconic fan base, so needed for our new league to succeed.

San Diego State-----Great basketball city, great fans and great program under Steve Fisher.

New Mexico----What a great basketball state and a fan base that has been solid years.

New Mexico State---- Same as New Mexico, nothing more needs to be said.

San Francisco---- The history of this program is terrific and we need the Bay Area market

UC Davis----- So much potential in athletics, also brings in the Sacramento mark

Eastern Washington---Might be the surprise of the group, but would be great for the league.

Every great league has rivalries, some we would have to build on, some are long established as you can see below.

Washington/Gonzaga
UC Davis/San Francisco
UCLA/San Diego State
Portland State/Oregon
UNLV/Arizona
Utah State/ BYU
Boise State/Eastern Washington
New Mexico/ New Mexico State

Every college basketball league is also has a great group of people leading the league. So whether they accept or not, here is who we would ask to be in charge of this league. Three as talented of people as you will ever find in sports.

Commissioner----Jon Spoelstra----Jon is the world's greatest sports marketer of all time. He would put people in the seats, he would get us the best TV deal possible and he is as respect a person as anyone in sports. If you have not read Jon's books, you are missing out. Start with "Marketing Outrageously, Redux and go from there.

Director of Officiating---- Terry Durham---- Terry is a natural leader of officials, as his teaching of referees is world renown. Every good league needs great referees and we would have them under Terry. Plus, we would pay every referee $90,000 and sign them to a contract, where they would work exclusively in our league and our league only. They would be fresh each night, with no tired legs.

Directory of Communications---Mike Lund--- There is no better sports information director in the country than Mike Lund. Plus, no one outworks him, he understands the media, he knows how to work with coaches and teams, plus our TV partners would love working with Mike.

In conclusion, every league needs a great name and also great playing dates.  We would play our games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon/ nights. As for a name, how about BEST BASKETBALL CONFERENCE, because we would be.

Crawford's NBA Power Rankings---- It is Saturday, so that means it is time for another edition of the world famous Crawford's NBA power rankings. Enjoy and remember we always do things in 9s, out of the respect for the great game of golf.

9. Oklahoma City
8. San Antonio
7. Dallas
6. Portland
5. Toronto
4. Houston
3. Memphis
2. Atlanta
1. Golden State

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)




Thursday, February 12, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 12th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---- TV, Radio and Print Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Seattle----Maybe people in the Puget Sound area should be happy they did not get the Sacramento Kings. You might be able to do better.

As George Karl is poised to take over the coach of the Kings after the all-star break, he will be the 9th Kings coach in the last 10 years. There has not been stability on the Sacramento bench since future hall of famer Rick Adelman was the boss, which now is nearly 15 years past.

It is is shame as well, because Sacramento has great and many passionate basketball fans. And when your best player, DeMarcus Cousins is never happy and per reports, did not want Karl as the new coach, things could get even rougher in Sacramento, although if there is a rock bottom, it might have been reached this year already.

BYU----Good for BYU, extending this past week the contract of men's basketball coach Dave Rose through the 2019-20 season. Hardly anyone notices, but Rose is one great basketball coach. Going into tonight's home game with St. Mary's, in his 10 years at BYU Rose has compiled a record of 250 wins, 86 losses.

But more important in those 10 years, the Cougars have gone to the NCAA tournament 7 times, the NIT twice.

Rose is a terrific person, but his most important accomplishment, is the fact that so far he has beaten pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with several years past.

Crawford's NWC/CCC Power Rankings---- It is Thursday, so that means it is time for another edition of Crawford's combined Northwest Conference/ Cascade Collegiate Conference power rankings. Per usual, we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. Pacific
8. Lewis and Clark
7. Northwest Christian
6. Southern Oregon
5. Warner Pacific
4. Concordia
3. College of Idaho
2. Whitman
1. Whitworth

Stephen Curry---- Amazingly it has flown under the radar that Curry was the leading vote getter for this year's NBA all-star game at 1.5 million votes. Even more amazing, he bested LeBron James by 42.000 votes.

Curry, if not there, is close to NBA  super star status. He still trails James and Kevin Durant by a large margin in yearly endorsement deals, but with the season Curry's Golden State Warriors are having, Curry's endorsement contracts are about to sky rocket.

Presently LeBron makes $40 million per year from endorsement deals, Durant $13 million and Curry $8 million.

Great charisma, great smile and so articulate, plus being a good golfer makes Curry a home run for any company to get involved with for a long future.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 11th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt


Crawford's NWAC Men's Power Rankings---- It is Wednesday, time for another edition of Crawford's NWAC men's basketball power rankings. Per usual, we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. Clackamas 14-6, 6-2--- Cougars hit the road to Portland and Southwestern Oregon this week.

8. Clark 14-7, 7-3----Lost a nail biter at home this past week to Lower Columbia, 80-78.

7. Lower Columbia 18-6, 6-2--Host Green River tonight in an important West Region game.

6. Big Bend 18-6, 6-2----Long road trip to Treasure Valley and Blue Mountain this week.

5.  Columbia Basin 13-9, 6-2----- Rivalry game at Wenatchee Valley tonight

4. Highline 17-6, 9-2---- The T-Birds with big  wins over Lower Columbia and Tacoma last week.

3. Chemeketa 16-7, 7-1----Two big home games this week against Mt. Hood and Umpqua.

2. Edmonds 19-4, 7-1----Two road games this week starting with Everett and then to Whatcom.

1. Bellevue 21-2, 8-0----Will attempt to stay perfect in league this week, hosting Olympic and then traveling to Skagit Valley.

Note: Every Sunday we do the NWAC women's power rankings and every Tuesday, NWAC coach and player of the week in basketball.

Reaction---- It was swift, thoughtful, critical and complimentary to my suggestion that the college game go to quarters rather than halves. You can read the whole segment, in the February 10th edition of http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com.

What was surprising is how many college basketball coaches on all levels would love to see a quarter system. Most comments were it would be better for the game and allow coaches to implement more strategy, while at the same time keeping with my suggestion that quarters would add more flow to the game.

Consideration of serious rule changes, whether they come from me or not, have to be taken seriously, were are in danger of losing so many young fans when it comes to the game of college basketball.

LeBron---- It there was any doubt that LeBron was running the show in Cleveland, it should be erased from your mind. Each day we hear something new coming out of Cleveland, all involving LeBron. Now I would be the first to admit, the media coverage is sometimes to put it best---- overwhelming---- and way too focused on "getting the story", as compared to what might be the real story.

The most accurate reporting comes from Chris Haynes, so he is great to follow in print and on twitter when it comes to Cleveland Cavalier basketball.

Tinkle/Altman---- This is going to be a huge road trip this week for the Oregon schools as they travel to Los Angeles. For sure, USC and UCLA are beatable, even at home this year in the Pac-12.

While Wayne Tinkle is getting all the headlines and deservingly so for the job he is doing at Oregon State, Dana Altman just sits back and wins games. Altman is one of the most underrated coaches in all of basketball and is great at getting the most out of each and every player.

Talent wise, there is no way the Ducks are a 3rd place team in the Pac-12, but guess what, they are in 3rd place and have lots  to prove this weekend, as do the Beavers.

email Gregory---  gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 10th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Radio and Print Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

College Game Changes----- The more college basketball games I watch this year, which actually I have seen 130 college basketball games, in person, start to finish, is the fact I am more convinced than ever of one thing that will help the game. Going to 4 quarters------ as compared to the two halves, which has been in college basketball forever.

On many levels, the game has lost its flow and continuity, cause of too many timeouts. A quarter system would alleviated the flow of the game problem and here is how it would work.

4 quarters of 11 minutes, yes I would add 4 minutes to the present game.

each team would be allowed one full timeout per quarter

each team would get two 30 second timeouts in a game, but they must be used in the 2nd and 4th
quarters.

in between quarters, the time would be 3 minutes, halftime would be cut to 12 minutes from the present 15.

each team would reach the bonus situation upon the 5th foul.

each quarter would stand alone, so the bonus does not carry over and starts new each quarter.

overtime would also stand alone, with each team getting into the bonus upon the 3rd foul.

there would no longer be a double bonus. (free throw shooting on average is so terrible, not having the double bonus might improve things.)

College basketball needs a jolt in the arm and this would give it as such. Don't let anyone fool you, attendance on most levels is down, TV ratings are down and as I have said many times, students are staying away in droves.

I can't save the planet, but perhaps my suggestion can help save college basketball.

Crawford's NWAC Coach And Player Of Week---- Yes, never going change, I love NWAC Sports Basketball. That is exactly why every Wednesday we give you Crawford's NWAC men's power rankings and on Sunday, do the same for the women. Tuesday belongs to one coach and one player.

Crawford's coach of the week is Jeremy Eggers of Bellevue College men's team. The Bulldogs are 21-2 on the season, 8-0 in leading the Northern Region and presently hold a 12 game winning streak, the longest winning  streak of any NWAC  team this year. Bellevue has also held the top spot in Crawford's NWAC men's power rankings, all year long, as they should.

A great side note about Coach Eggers. In 2014, he coached not only the men at Bellevue to the Northern Region championship, but also the women. Unheard of on any level in college basketball.

Player of the week honors go to Highline's Ben Tucakovic. He had as good of a week, as any player in college. In two games, he scored 45 points, grabbed 19 rebounds and went 6 of 10 from the 3-point line. Congrats Ben, you certainly earned Crawford's player of the week honors.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 8th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford----Editor of Greg Crawford On Basketball--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Crawford's Best Nine---- The best nine teams, which come out of the six D-1 leagues in the west. Of course this is controversial, but not intended to be. If you have a better list, as always would love to see it and thanks for reading. Per usual, we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. UC Davis----Continue to be the toast of the Big West and having a great season overall.

8. Eastern Washington----Great road trip to sweep the Montana schools in the Big Sky and remained tied for league lead.

7. New Mexico State---- One of the best teams in country right now, have won 10 of 11 and will win the WAC regular season title.

6. Oregon---- The Ducks are an underrated team and of course are coached by one of the best in the business, Dana Altman.

5. St. Mary's-----Easily the second best team in the WCC, might be the last chance to stop Gonzaga from running the table in the WCC regular season as they meet on February 28th.

4. San Diego State-----As I wrote about this past week, Steve Fisher would have been one of my top three choices to start a basketball program. The Aztecs have vaulted to the top of the Mt. West, which is the best league overall out west, yes, much better than the Pac-12.

3. Arizona---- A brutal loss to Arizona State over the weekend, but they still will go long way in NCAA tournament.

2. Utah-----Tied of the top of the Pac-12, no surprise, a rising basketball power out west and await a visit from Arizona very soon, to probably settle the Pac-12 regular season title.

1. Gonzaga----DUH? Easiest pick anyone would ever have to make, now Zags have so much to prove in the NCAA tournament, as they have the talent to go to the Final Four.

Dean Smith----With his passing this weekend, it probably sums up how great of  a coach Dean Smith was indeed, by the fact 50 of his players went onto to play in the NBA and many had very long careers, not to forget how many of his players who played in the ABA.

Crawford's NWAC Sports Power Rankings----It is Sunday, so time for another edition of Crawford's NWAC Sports Women's BB power rankings. Per usual, only 9 can make the cut, as we do things in 9s out of the great respect for the game of golf.

9. Clackamas
8. Skagit Valley
7. Wenatchee Valley
6. Peninsula
5. Walla Walla
4. Centralia
3. Bellevue
2. Lower Columbia
1. Umpqua

Coming Soon----Look for a major announcement, right here, coming from Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management regarding the game of basketball. It will be exciting and important.

more of Gregory's blogs----http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com

email--- gregcrawfordbasketball@gmail.com and kiyokawacrawford@gmail.com

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 7th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford-----TV, Print and Radio Basketball Analyst--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Chris Paul---- The last thing any woman who has ever been around me or worked with me, would be is to call me a "sexist pig". That never has happened and never will. But I guess after reading all the comments and issues about Chris Paul,  I can do even better.

I often refer to people as he or she, but I guess I have to stop. Look, I neither like or dislike Chris Paul, but I was shocked how many people tried to make his dust up with first year NBA referee Lauren Holtkamp a gender issue.

Paul is not the first player in the NBA to spout off that a referee perhaps should not be here, meaning the NBA and he will not be the last. But way too many, jumped all over the fact he used the word she, when talking about Holtkamp and his disgust about her giving him a technical foul, which Paul felt he didn't deserve.

This got way out of control and I mean way out of control. We all know the Clippers led by Doc Rivers complain all the time, but to make it a gender issue as so many people wanted to do, that was totally unfair to Chris Paul.

And you know what, the NBA agreed with me, as today they announced the standard NBA fine for any player or coach who openly criticizes an NBA referee. Paul was fined $25,000.

Rethinking my position, I am not changing a thing, I do pretty darn good when it comes to gender issues.

Crawford's NBA power rankings----It is Saturday, so once again it is time for Crawford's world famous NBA power rankings. Per usual, we do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. San Antonio
8. Dallas
7. Portland
6. Toronto
5. Houston
4. Cleveland
3. Golden State
2. Memphis
1. Atlanta

And if the NBA finals were to be played today, right now, in my driveway, it would be Cleveland vs Memphis.

Kevin Love---- More and more, I am hearing from my great sources that Kevin Love will not be a Cleveland Cavalier in 2015-16. Of course an NBA championship could change that indeed.

Finally Happening----Yes, big celebration this week from me, with the announcement that in this year's NIT tournament, the NCAA will experiment with a 30 second shot clock, rather than the 35 second clock which has been in basketball since 1993. With less people watching both on TV and in person, the NCAA has to do something to prop up college basketball. This at the very least is a step in the right direction.

Lewis Clark/Pacific---- Tonight at 6:00 PST, there will be a big time showdown game in the Northwest Conference as Pacific travels to Lewis Clark. Playoff spots on the line, as well as two great coaches going at in Tim Cleary and Dinari Foreman. You should attend if you are in the Portland, Oregon area.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)


Thursday, February 5, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 5th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---- TV, Radio and Print Basketball Analyst---- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Phil Jackson--- Jackson was quoted this week, saying, "my experiment with the Knicks has fallen flat on its face." Yes it has, with a 10-39 record. What Jackson failed to say is many people in the NBA have been great coaches, but lousy in the front office. As well, many have stunk as coaches and have been great in the front office.

As great as Jackson was a coach, so far it does seem to be transferring into him being great in the front office.

NCAA----ESPN had tremendous ratings for the all the rankings shows they did leading up to the College Football Playoff.

For now the NCAA has said there will not be a shows like football for the college basketball rankings. Probably a poor decision because of the strong interest always for March Madness. Of course CBS and Turner Sports holds the rights to televise March Madness through 2024.

Big Men--- For the most part, Oregon's men basketball has been pretty good for the last 15 years or so. But for some reason, the Ducks never seem to have a great big man. The last person who performed consistently great as a big man for Oregon was Richard Lucas, who played for the Ducks from 1987-91.

That is exactly why everyone needs to keep a close on Jordan Bell, the Ducks' 6-9 freshman out of Long Beach. It probably is not a coincidence that last night the Washington Huskies shot .566 from the floor, as it was the first game this year that Bell has not blocked at least one shot. Bell could leave the school as the Ducks' best big man since Lucas.

Pac-12--- You make the call here, but obvious so many surprises at the bottom of the Pac-12. In a league of 12, here are the bottom six in the Pac-12 and their records going into Thursday night play.

Colorado 4-5
Washington State 4-5
California 3-6
Arizona State 3-6
Washington 3-7
USC 1-8

It is a very weak Pac-12 this year, which probably means only 3 teams make the NCAA tournament.

NWC/CCC Power Rankings---- It is Thursday, so that means another edition of  Crawford's combo Nothwest Conference/ Cascade Collegiate Conference power rankings. Many, many changes this week, but it is totally fair to make the changes, based on the way teams are playing. We always do things in 9s, based on the respect for the great game of golf.

9. Lewis and Clark
8. Puget Sound
7. Pacific (Oregon)
6. Southern Oregon
5. Concordia
4. College of Idaho
3. Whitworth
2. Whitman
1. Warner Pacific

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 4th, 2015

By Gregory Crawford--- Editor of Greg Crawford On Basketball--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Coaches----- When you write about basketball six days per week, there is so much to cover. As per college basketball, I try most of the time to cover the western half of the United States where I live. So with that said, I often think about who are some terrific coaches out west. It is always an arguable subject, but fun for readers and beyond. So in no order, here are some selections, of which you can add, comment or tell me I am wrong.

Mark Few---  Since he has been at Gonzaga, starting as head coach in 1999, has achieved the best regular season record of any team, on any level in sports. No one can claim 13 out of 14 regulars season titles. Now for greatness, needs to reach a Final Four.

Steve Fisher----- The best coach that hardly anyone talks about in the college game today. Once again, of course it is no surprise, San Diego State is contending for the Mt. West Confernce regular season title and is getting close to being a lock to get into the NCAA tournament.

Randy Bennett---- All you need to say is that the St. Mary's coach is on almost every athletic director's short list, if that AD needs a coach.

Jim Hayford---- Hayford is not a marquee name, but there is a reason Eastern Washington this past summer gave him a long term extension. He made D-3 Whitworth a basketball power, he will make Eastern Washington into one.

Danny Miles--- 44 years at the same school, 3 national champioships and in 2014, became only the second college bb coach at a 4 year school to win 1,000 games.

Three keys that rarely get talked about when it comes to being a  terrific coach, but are a must. 1) You need a great athletic director. 2) You need a college president, who understands the value of athletics to the school. 3) Last, but not least you must play your games in a decent facility, not a dump.



Syracuse----While an ongoing NCAA investigation is in the works, Syracuse has decided to give themselves a self imposed ban for no postseason in 2015. Easy to do when you have an average team.

Crawford's NWAC Men's Power Rankings----It is Wednesday, so time for another Crawford's NWAC men's basketball power rankings. Per usual, we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of g

9. Wenatchee Valley 15-7, 4-3----Travel to Spokane for a crucial game that will shake up the Conference standings.

8. Lower Columbia 15-7, 7-2----Jumped into a 3 way tie with Clark and Highline in the West Region.

7. Big Bend 17-6, 5-2----Finished first round with loss to Spokane 78-75 at home.

6. Columbia Basin 12=9, 5-2----Tied for first in the Eastern Region.

5. Highline 15-6, 7-2---- Chance to break a 3 way tie tonight, when they host Lower Columbia.

4. Clark 14-6, 7-2-----Knocked off Highline on the road, only to lose to Green River.

3. Chemeketa 15-7, 6-1-----Took their first league loss to Portland, but still hold a one game lead over Clackamas in the Southern Division.

2. Edmonds 18-4, 6-1----One overtime game separates the Tritons from first in the North.

1. Bellevue 20-2, 7-0---Bulldogs completed a perfect first round in league play.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com (golf and sports biz)
2.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 3rd, 2015

By Gregory Crawford----Editor of Greg Crawford On Basketbqll----On twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

NWAC Basketball---- I was slow to the party, but everyone knows I love NWAC basketball. There is something special about the games, where some young men and women will often be playing their last organized basketball and in lots of cases these young men and women, are trying to right their life, both as a citizen and with their academics.

It also highlights just how important community colleges are to our society, as many student/athletes in the NWAC, are going to be big time leaders in our country and highly successful.

That is why it is personally really important to me to bring you each Tuesday the NWAC player and coach of the week.

Coach of week honors go to David Stricklin, women's basketball coach of the Umpqua CC Riverhawks. His team is now 19-2 on the season, has won 8 in a row and leads the Southern region of the always tough NWAC South at 6-0.

Player of the week honors go to Samuel Omondi of Edmonds CC. In his team's 2 victories last week, Omondi scored a total of 41 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.

Congrats to both.

Sports Betting---- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver continues his push to get sports betting legalized by recently meeting with several commissioners of other sports on the subject. Of course his biggest political supporter on this issue is Senator John McCain, who recently announced his supports to legalize sports betting in the United States.

I personally do not bet on sports, not going to start. I actually do not know anyone who talks about betting on sports, but this I can tell you, alcohol and drug abuse are far, far more serious issues when it comes to addiction, than sports betting. That is not to minimize any of the 3, which all can lead to serious personal and family issues.

How do you feel about this subject and I know you will let me know in the many ways to express your opinion, when it comes to Greg Crawford On Basketball.

Oregon Ducks----In my home state of Oregon, most of the attention for the 2015-16 season has been the great recruiting class that the Oregon State Beavers will have coming into Corvallis. It is great and easily nationwide a top 25 class.

However, do not sleep on the Oregon Ducks. Dana Altman will have 3 really talented additions from the high school ranks coming in next year, led by just announced commit Tyler Dorsey. Dorsey is a big time player, will have an impact on the Pac-12 immediately and will be a star at Oregon. At 6-4 and having already had many 40 point nights in high school, he appears to fit right in with the constant attacking the basketball style of the Ducks.

This 2015 class also sends a good message coming out of Eugene, that Altman wants to get his good players from the high school ranks, which has been about the only criticism you ever hear about the Oregon coach, when it comes to his work in Eugene.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com ( golf and sports biz)

email--- gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Greg Crawford On Basketball, For February 1st, 2015

By Gregory Crawford---- Editor of Greg Crawford On Basketball--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Crawford's Best Nine----- The best nine teams from the six western leagues that play D-1 basketball. Much different than power rankings, more,  who is playing great and has played great in the moment. Per usual, we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the great game of golf.

9. Pepperdine----Huge win at St. Mary's yesterday, still 4 league losses, but having a great season.

8. UC Davis----With only one league loss, still the best of the Big West.

7. Eastern Washington---Tremendous comeback win yesterday over Idaho, tied for Big Sky lead.

6. Sacramento State-----Must get by Portland State on the 7th, then a big showdown could loom with Eastern Washington on Feb. 12th.

5. San Diego State-----Very rarely out of Crawford's best nine, Steve Fisher, one great coach.

4. Colorado State---- Big game on Wednesday at Wyoming, to tie for Mt. West lead.

3. Wyoming-----Continue to be one of the best surprises in all of college basketball, leading the brutally tough Mt. West Conference.

2. Arizona----In a weak year for the Pac-12, without question they are the best team in the league

1. Gonzaga----What can you say, they just keep rolling, still my pick to make Final Four.

Crawford's NWAC Women's Power Rankings----It is Sunday, so another edition of Crawford's NWAC Sports power rankings. Per usual, everything is in 9s, out of respect for great game of golf.
NWAC women's basketball is really good, as evidenced by these power rankings.

9. Skagit Valley
8. Columbia Basin
7. Lane
6. Highline
5. Walla Walla
4. Centralia
3. Bellevue
2. Lower Columbia
1. Umpqua

Cascade Collegiate Conference--- In the best men's NAIA basketball conference in the country, it was another wild weekend of action. In the end, Warner Pacific, College of Idaho and Concordia are atop the league, each having 3 losses. One game back is Southern Oregon.

Warner Pacific had the best weekend of any team in the league, as they defeated on their homecourt, both Eastern Oregon and College of Idaho. The #3 nationally ranked C of I won a big game on Friday night at #11 Concordia, but could not back that up on Saturday at Warner Pacific, losing to the Knights by 19 points.

It is going to be a great race to the finish in this wonderful conference, with playoff positions on the line right up to the final games, as 8 of the league's 10 teams make the playoffs. If you have not seen a game in this league, you really should.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://crawfordsgolfdaily.blogspot.com