Over 130 campers, wearing "Redz Kidz" T-shirts at the Cavs basketball camp at Lake Erie College got a thrill this week when Delonte told plenty of childhood stories and reminded the kids how much hard work they have to put in to reach their goals. Delonte told the campers, "you put 20% in, you get 20% out", as the young b-ballers hung on every word. One camper told me he'll now give 110% every practice after Delonte's motivational talk.
The Cavs guard admitted to the kids he was very introverted as a youngster, but refused to let that shyness effect him on the court, where his personality grew. He added, while he maybe didn't say much, he was always "thinking" the game, and that of course has led to how he plays the game to this day.
The campers had plenty of questions like when did Delonte first learn to dunk. He related a story of how he was frustrated as a young teen, that he couldn't jump high enough, and so his coach said you have to strengthen your calf muscles first. So, that summer, before Delonte would go to bed each night, he would do calf raises on each of the 12 steps going to the second floor - 100 on each step! By the time the new season rolled around he was exploding and touching the glass!
The campers kept firing questions at Delonte, including "can I have your phone number?" Delonte chuckled at that one, and said, "no, I'd better not, but you can be my friend"...in fact, "we're all friends now". I know 130 kids who will be able to brag about their latest pal.
The season is over, but we're still answering some of your questions!
Take a look as A.C. and I take on questions about the players' hobbies, our favorite trick shot, and what current player A.C. thinks resembles his playing style...
We all feel it under the heavy weight of welcomed high expectation....66 wins, being a part of the NBA's Final Four only eases the pain a little, after the reality that the long awaited title will have to come later.
In a series of mind-numbing swings, the Orlando Magic head on to the NBA Finals as opposed to the Cavaliers. They were one hot basketball team and deserve to go to L.A., but as we all know this series could have been a Cavs 4-2 win, a Game 7 at the Q, or even an Orlando sweep...so, those growing pains are very real.
LeBron felt them so intensely he walked right off the floor and into the summer of hope. He did e-mail Dwight Howard congratulations, and I'm certain they will talk. But honestly, I liked his reaction...he hates losing...and despises it so much, he couldn't bring himself to speak about it, nor stick out his hand, as he admitted without remorse.
Does a week of falling short at the end of May against a very good team undo seven months of a feel-good community story? In a small way, yes, because this organization is built for winning it all...but just like the '95 Indians, the Cavs made Cleveland and The Q the focal point and envy of the sports world, and we all reveled in it. From LeBron's double nickel in Milwaukee, to comebacks spurred by "Mo Gotti", to those "family photos", the past half year was a whirlwind, and therapeutic for all us, in a time when being a Clevelander took on added luster.
So, yes, there is a natural letdown...but understand this...King James will come back an even better and hungrier MVP in October, so will Mo, Delonte and the rest. As Z says, the clock is ticking, and a Title will be the only elixir for what ails every Wine &Golder today.
One Goal...works just as well in 2010...just believe!
The Cavs arrived in Orlando in the wee hours of Friday morning, changing up the routine, hoping to get a good day of rest vs. flying in this afternoon...as Mike Brown says they are not thinking about a Game 7 directly, adding they are here to do one thing, and that is win Game 6, and of course the result of that is one more game at The Q. Staying composed is what the Cavs will have to do. Mike talked about the small ball deployment of having Mo, Delonte and Boobie on the floor at the same time, and made a good point. Ben now being healthy again allows the Cavs to utilize that line-up a little more..
Mike says what he has enjoyed so much about this series, is being forced to go really deep, in finding ways to try and defend this Orlando juggernaut. The Magic has so many weapons, it has challenged the Cavs and the coaching staff to uncover the smallest of defensive details to swing the outcome. I keep watching total points scored in this series.
Orlando 519, Cavaliers, 517...can you get much closer through 5 games?
Delonte says his right hip feels a lot better than it did last night...he says he has a nasty bruise on it, and is not certain when he actually when he hurt it...but there is no way he won't be ready to go in the biggest game of the season.
Delonte was asked about the collision of LeBron and Dwight Howard near the rack, and he described them as the next generation human beings...two of the strongest players in the NBA meeting at the summit.
We saw the real Mo Williams, going 7 for 14, and since he is such a confident player, he may be ready to roll the rest of this series. Mike fully expects Mo to deliver and wants him to continue to be aggressive with his shot as he did en route to 24 points in Game 5.
LeBron added that pressure is on both teams now, not on one more than the other...although LBJ says he never feels pressure, so he's excited to get it on tomorrow night. He says the way the Cavs played down the stretch in Game 4 here gives them the total belief they can win Game 6.
There seems to be the notion that LeBron having to initiate the offense as he did repeatedly down the stretch might be too physically demanding, but LeBron said no way...he thinks he was built for this, and never felt tired, and welcomes the responsibility....the way he initiated the offense at the elbow particularly in the final quarter, as opposed to outside the three point line, put incredible pressure on the Magic defense...that will be the riddle Stan Van Gundy and his team will have to try and solve...what to do with King James. LeBron did a lot of the attacking from the corner of the key for Team USA during the gold medal run. With the floor spread and his ability to go either way on the bounce, makes finding shooters a little easier.
See you on Cavaliers Live pre game and post game on FOX Sports Ohio.
Well fans, we're heading into a pivotal Game Five tonight against the Orlando Magic here at home. And before we do, A.C. and I have answered some more of the great questions you guys have sent into "Throwin' the Hammer Down."
Over 130 campers, wearing "Redz Kidz" T-shirts at the Cavs basketball camp at Lake Erie College got a thrill this week when Delonte told plenty of childhood stories and reminded the kids how much hard work they have to put in to reach their goals. Delonte told the campers, "you put 20% in, you get 20% out", as the young b-ballers hung on every word. One camper told me he'll now give 110% every practice after Delonte's motivational talk.
