Shanghai Nights

Bonzi's Blowing up in China

Pop quiz. Where do basketball fans throw water bottles and missiles on the court at players? Detroit seems like the answer here but you’re wrong. Where do teams pay the fines for unruly fans and rowdy behavior? Where do players like Bonzi Wells average 44 ppg and dominate night after night? If you said the CYO league at the local Catholic school, you’re still wrong. The answer is the CBA in China. It seems that the basketball out in China has adapted a more physical style of play that has the CBA handing out heavy fines to players and teams. This appears to be happening all because of some remarks Yao Ming made after China’s disappointing exit in the Olympics. He claimed the Chinese style of play was not physical enough and in order to compete with the best in the world, they would need to adapt a new standard of aggressive, tough basketball in the country.

Well the CBA has responded with over $140,500 in fines and more brawls on and off the court than ever before. With fans not understanding the reasoning behind fouls called and assuming bias towards their players, they respond by throwing water bottles and rioting. CBA chief Liu said “The league has not done a good enough job in getting the message about physicality out.” They need some proper training for their officials because with the physical play, referees are unsure of what is considered good contact and what is considered an actual foul. NBA referees are expected to appear and assist in traning sessions with the Chinese referees to aid the adjustment process.

Americans have also commented on the level of play in China saying that it was not much impressive at all. Not to mention, some players like Gabe Muoneke, former University of Texas player who now plays for the Yunnan Running Red Bulls, got jumped by several Chinese players after a game. He even said the beating wasn’t bad at all. He is one of many Americans who find success in China, but is that necessarily a good thing? With a guy like Bonzi Wells averaging 44 points per game in the CBA, this really doesn’t give him accolades in the NBA. It shows how much more developed players in the NBA actually are and how far behind some countries remain to be.

With the NBA looking to develop new arenas in China in the coming years, look for an increased level of play in China. Yao told a country to be more aggressive and the whole country responded. Imagine what he could do as president, not to mention his giant stature in society. Would Kim Jong Il ever have the guts to stand up to Yao face to face? Can you imagine the priceless photos and video you would get from that meeting? In time maybe the CBA will be a competitive league for D-league NBA players to work on their skills. As for right now, the league is still adjusting and learning to protect it’s players and teams. I’d take Bonzi Wells out of there ASAP. Actually on second thought, let him bask in his greatness while it lasts!

RaginRondo

Phelps Strikes Gold Again

In last year’s Olympics in China, Michael Phelps became a legendary figure in the world. He won 8 gold medals in every swimming event imaginable and quickly became the worst acting face of advertising. It’s not so much his dumbfounded look, but his goofy persona that didn’t work for me. His Saturday Night Live appearance was like staying up to watch Last Call with Carson Daly. It was disappointing and disturbing like Daly’s black finger nails (does he still do that crap). Phelps has done ads for Rosetta Stone(which wasn’t bad), Visa and Guitar Hero in which Phelps has speaking and non speaking roles. With his new deal with Mazda, we can only hope he locks it up from now on.

Fievel goes East!

Phelps signed a ‘7-figure’ deal with the Mazda Motor group in the Greater China region. He will be the endorser in Print ads, public appearances and TV commercials for the Mazda 6. This is supposedly the largest single sponsorship for a western celebrity in the history of China. I thought Yao Ming’s teammates held those honors? With slumping demand and sales for cars, Mazda looks for the golden boy to spark the industry and produce results. I just want them to have a voice over ready to make these ads tolerable. Actually, just keep his lines to a minimum and let him flash those medals. Who would have thought an American Gold Medal Olympian could sell cars in China?

RaginRondo

Tips to get Your Girl to Watch Sports in 2009

As the year ends, sports viewership continues to rise. With classic moments such as:

-Basketball Rivals Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers Go Head-to-Head
-New York Giants Stomp Unbeaten New England Patriots in the Superbowl
-Nadal Defeats Federer in Five Sets
-Michael Phelps Drowns Swimmers with 8 Medals

Green Bay Packers Sports Fan

Who wouldn’t have wanted to watch male-testosterone, competition based events with sweat, anger and adrenaline? Your significant other you say…? Well, if you missed out on 2008’s greatest moments, you may want to make sure the love of your life is ready for 2009. You sacrificed enough if you missed ANY of the above mentions. Do not let yourself get trapped into the ballet, babysitting or watching chick flicks like Mean Girls.

Follow the steps below and you just might catch some action on the tube…Or live if you’re lucky. Hell, you may even get to go to a Superbowl party early next year if you take this matter seriously.

Barter with Her:
You’re always forced into doing things with her, why can’t she reciprocate? Tighten your belt and voice your thoughts. Spend an evening with her going shopping so she can spend a day with you watching a game. If that doesn’t work, beg to do housework.

Keep Her Comfortable:
If bartering was tough, chances are she’s going to need a lot of time to warm up to the concept of competition. This isn’t drama to see which girl can outdo the other in b*tch@$ness, this is the result of gladiators hard at work. For her first few viewings, make sure you’re in a quiet setting so her ears aren’t pounding from raging drunken men at bars. Allow her to chill and learn the game – Yes, this means you have to explain it to her. Not ideal, but at least she’s open to it now.

Remind Her It’s Quality Time:
Whether you’re watching the game or getting pedicures, in the end it’s quality time that matters. Assure her that you’re not just into the game (even if you are) and that you would like the best of both worlds…As would she.

Watch Eye Candy Sports:
Let’s face it, women love fantasizing about men just as much as we love wet dreams of XXX models – The only difference is their fantasies are more likely to happen. Ask your significant other who she’s fond of and watch that athlete’s games. David Beckham? Tom Brady? Kobe Bryant? Let her watch him as you watch the rest of them. She may be watching for a completely different reason, but hey, at least she’s shut up and allowing you to do your thing.

Develop Emotional Ties:
Did she go to a college with a good athletics program? Is she passionate about her hometown or residential city? Let her get attached to the teams so she wants to watch them play.

Play with Her:
Toss the ball around and teach her the skills needed to play the game. She just may understand what its all about and join in the fun. She might even become your cheerleader for when you play pick up games.

Buy Her Gear:
Be sure to buy her team attire. It’s a whole different ball game for a fan when they’re representing a team. Buy her a cute jersey, sweatshirt or better yet a thong with her favorite team’s logo. Who knows what the excitement could lead to…

Good luck and Happy New Year in advance!

–
Skrybe – Keep it Fly

Basketball Players in China are Older than they Appear

A professional basketball league in China and thirty-six of its players are under investigation for age fraud. According to China Sports Daily, athletic professionals are commonly accused of altering players’ ages for various tournaments. This became apparent to most Americans (and foreigners) during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when China “used” underage women on their gymnastics squad. I quoted used because the case was recently under investigation – And gymnastics cases from the 2000 Sydney Olympics still are.

The Chinese hosted the Olympics this year and won second place overall. Much press was gained from the events – So investigating age fraud isn’t all that important to the committee. Not to mention the Chinese already received the severest punishment they possibly could – Losing to the Americans.

The Chinese basketball situation is slightly different though. Players have been listed much younger than their actual age. My thoughts immediately shift to Yao Ming – Could the man possibly be older than stated?

Personally, age fraud isn’t worth it. It’s cool to use a fake I.D. when trying to get into bars, but legally? It only serves as an embarrassment when you can’t perform a few years down the road. The basketball association has “understood” this and promises to be stricter in the future when enlisting athletes.

Skrybe – Keep it Fly