The Last Saturday in July

Those of you that are astute are probably aware that in last weeks blog I called that Saturday (July 24th) out as the third Saturday of the month. However, somewhere around Thursday night, a light popped on in my mind and I realized that last Saturday was the fourth Saturday of July not the third. I checked the calendar and realized the error that I made. Fortunately, I was recently granted an artist's license. It works for both the visual and literary arts. So, as the fact-checking police approach, I have the license ready for review. The license also excuses me for misspelling or incorrectly naming and labeling pictures.

A couple of weeks ago I stated that Shaq was acquired by the Celtics. Yes, the license covers errors of that nature as well. I now you were all getting pretty excited 'cause you thought you had me on that one. Well, the rumor was close. It just turned out that it was the other O'Neal that was acquired, Jermaine O'Neal. The latest rumor I've heard was that Shaq may be going to Atlanta in a trade for Marvin Williams (and maybe other considerations like draft choices). Chances are pretty good that he will miss this season altogether.

We're all hoping that Shannon Brown will be re-signed by the Lakers, but apparently, the New York Knicks are interested. So to keep Shannon, the Lakers may have to dig in their pockets a little bit. Dig Jerry, dig, we want Shannon back.

I'm pretty proud of myself because I've learned the names of most of the Band of Cousins that showed up today. I'm just a little insecure with young lady's name that was with them. I think her name was Miranda. Then there was Shawn, Irvine, Richard, and (of course) Rob.

There were a few faces at the Chapparal that haven't been there in a while. There was our holiday man, Kenny who came by. I asked him what he was doing there on a day that was not a holiday and he said that it was Gopher Day. Gopher Day? I think he just used that excuse for his wife. But we were glad to have him on court, holiday or no holiday.

Bruce was also there. I haven't seen him in a long while. But judging by his play, he hasn't missed a beat either. Just like Kenny. These two (Kenny and Bruce) are always competative, no matter how long they are away from the Chapparal. Manny was also on board today. He came early, he left early though. Virgil's friend also came early and left after a couple of games. He represented well for Virgil, since Virgil didn't show up today.

It was a pretty cool morning, and overcast. It took a while for the sun to come out. And when it did the temperature started to rise. But the weather was always good, no complaints. It has been a great summer for the Chapparal. July checks in as another terrific month for outdoor play in Southern California.

One can see in the background that the new gymnasium on-site is nearing completion. They painted last week and appear to be adding an awning to the front of the structure.

Mondo also re-appeared after a long absence. Apparently, he had a few injuries that have been healing over the past weeks/ months. The hazards of league play. He suffered an injury that seperated the middle two fingers of his left hand. Ouch! Hopefully he'll be back again soon.

I hope everyone has a productive week and i'll see you all again next Saturday!!

Here is the mandatory picture of Richard, thanks Robert for the photograph.

The Band of Cousins, Rob, Shawn, Irvine and Miranda line up for foul shots.

Mondo, with Mike, Eric, Virgil's buddy and Bill.

Ike and Luis give the thumbs up sign, als well....

Robert and Kenny pose for a picture.

Kenny and Danny pose for a photograph after a competative opening game.

The Morning of Three

Three was the big number this morning for several reasons. How about three reasons why three is the big number this week? (1) It was the third Saturday in the month of July, (2) 33 people showed up at the courts; and, (3) three courts were going through most of the morning. In general, it was a great morning. Perfect weather, it was probably 83 degrees and there were maybe three clouds in the sky. The morning was terrific!

The Band of Cousins (BC) has made all the difference in the world. I am proud of myself in that I've actually started to learn a few of their names. Keep in mind that the BC is composed of anywhere from six to ten Rob's cousins, that have been gracing the Chaparral with their presence over the past few months of this year. Here are a few of their names: of course their's Rob, Richard, Geo (short for Geovani), Girrard, and his dad, Ian.

Now we have at least three sets of father and sons: Ian and Girrard; Victor and Zach; and, Eric and Nick. I can't think of a better place for father and son to spend a weekend morning if it isn't here at the WBA Chaparral playing basketball. So, please, all of you out their in the WBA/ Weekend Warrior universe, please join in and bring your sons and daughters. We also have some very skilled female hoopsters that come out and give lessons in the finer aspects of weekend basketball. One young lady did some time in the WNBA.

Now that we've invited all those other dads out there to bring there offspring to this hemishere of the weekend hoop nation, lets go out of our way to be great examples of good sportsmanship. Let's watch our tempers, our words and our actions out there, so one of these dads won't have to run of the court with child in hand saying never again. The Commish has spoken of penalties, for second offenses that total $25,000 for some offenses. He didn't mention in which currency the penalty must be paid. But unlike me he leans toward the British Sterling Pound and the Euro, unlike me who has has settled for Italian Lira, French Francs and Greek Drachmas as payment in the past.

As you gander at this picture of Virgil (the Doc) sweeping the court, I will sign out of this post so you can enjoy and reminisce at one terrific morning in July. But before I do here are the "thank you's". Many thanks to Robert "Wei-Jin" Lee for the pictures; thanks to Eric Tate and Bill Taylor for bringing cooled bottled water and drinks; thanks to Nacho and others for remaining patient while I foul them constantly; and thanks to all of you that get fouled or hurt by an unintended elbow, over-enthusiastic hack or otherwise get bumped, tripped, knocked down - thanks for your patience - for understanding - we are friends afterall and above all. Thats why we come to the Chaparral. Have a great week everyone!!!