Carolina Caravan - Raleigh

[Muttley]

So, I just got back from a YMCA here in Raleigh where the Bobcats were having the last stop on their "Carolina Caravan." Unfortunately, I don't have any sweet pics like supadiscofly, but here's a summary anyways. There was a sea of kids there, many stopping in before/after soccer games. I'm pretty sure that I was the oldest non-Parent at the event. I still think this is great, though, because kids are fans for the future and are less likely to be of the fair-weather variety. Also, Dudley was there, which was cool. I got his autograph and chatted with him just a little bit about nothing in particular. I did ask him about camp starting up soon, and he didn't know when it started! He had to reference his handler, which was kinda weird since it starts next week. Oh well, he was probably just so focused on basketball and the upcoming season. I had hoped to see a more seasoned Bobcat there (ie- one that has played a regular season game... JRich would have also been more than acceptable), but getting Dudley's autograph was still great. He's one of us now.

Getting really excited and antsy for the season to start.

Oh, and I got a free t-shirt with the new logo on it.
Sweet.

[spectre]

I got there right before 3 pm and they were just setting up and before the busload of kids came in.

First, I need to get the important part out of the way...cheerleaders in attendence...Jennifer and Amanda:

http://www.nba.com/media/bobcats/main_jennifer_070609.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/bobcats/main_amanda_070609.jpg

Jennifer is actually pretty hot, looked much better in person.

Steve Martin was there, and a couple other guys and us quizzed him on a few things. Probably just his opinion, but anyway...

He thinks it's going to be Marc Jackson taking the last spot. He thinks Pot was a waste too, and had a little inside story about that relating to the Hornets days. During the "kobe draft", we were actually targeting Potapenko with our 13th pick. Jerry West calls Bass up and says "We know you're wanting Pot, but Cleveland will probably take him 12th. We REALLY want Kobe, so we'll deal you Divac instead if that's the way it goes down. It did, and Vlade ends up in Charlotte. He also doesn't believe the trade next year wasn't a "wink wink" completion of the 1st deal.

Hornets almost got the "Ukraine Train"...talk about dodging a bullet!

He repeated that May has no cartilidge in his knee, but there's so much potential they're trying hard to make it work with him.

Martin thinks Coach V is going to do really good, and Rose is the perfect guy to be sitting beside him and making "suggestions".

He stated that Mek's main weakness is in offense (another reason why they would really like May to work out) and he thinks Mokeski will help him...stated that Mek hasn't had a big guy coach yet, so the sky's really the limit with him still as far as developing offensive moves.

Duds was nice and all (he doesn't have a nickname yet, and they're open to suggestions), but not really as personable as I'd think JRich or some of the others would have been. Still decent enough, and he did sign everything my son took to him.

And those comics by Steve Morrison? One employee called his comics "phenomenal"! The two cheerleaders, Duds, Martin and about 3 other employees were in a group with me and a couple other fans and we were all rolling while talking about the last one. That employee said he sent the link to it to "everyone" in the organization!

Steve's a star!!!!

[Muttley]

Yeah, Jennifer was definitely a highlight. Also, spectre, way to be way better than me at getting information out of the organization. I guess you just gotta ask the right questions, and it seems like you certainly did. Thanks for the info.

[spectre]

Things just played out right. By being there a little early the main people were just waiting like we were. And Martin made it easy; he came right up to me and the few others that had gathered at the entrance, introduced himself and just started talking.

And yeah, I'll admit I was a little pushy...but as long as he'd answer I kept lobbing the questions! He really is a great guy.

[ziggy]

Great report guys!
Its cool to see that they actually are checking out some of the stuff on the web like SteveMorrison15's Adam Morrison comic (http://realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=712989)

[davcbow]

Great report guys!
Its cool to see that they actually are checking out some of the stuff on the web like SteveMorrison15's Adam Morrison comic (http://realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=712989)


That was the funniest yet....I hope he keeps doing those..... :g:

[Slam]

Thanks Muttley and Spectre - stunning recap of the days events.

Spectre - seriously brother, send your CV into the Observer and get that hack Bonnell the bullet and start reporting on the Bobcats full time!!

Sad to hear Duds was a dud. I thought he'd be an excitable, energetic sort of guy (I still think his nickname should be Dude!!)

Interesting to hear that Jackson might be the front runner for #15. Also interesting to hear that the FO has their full support behind McMay. No doubt there is potential there - but there was in Bender too. Some things you can't can't fight, no matter the talent.

Also foind it interesting that Martin said EO50 had no big man coach. He's spent the last 3 summers with the Dream working on his stuff. I guess during the season he's only had JBB though. Lets hope his offensive gets to where you and I have been saying for years it can get to and we start seeing the advantage of having Mokeski.

On coaching, it really sounds like Coach V and Rose are going to be the two best tihngs ever to happen to Felts.

BRING THE SEASON ON (can't believe I am going to miss a month of it!!!)

[ziggy]

BRING THE SEASON ON (can't believe I am going to miss a month of it!!!)

What gives??
It must take something pretty big to make a hoops fan as big as yourself miss a month of the season.

[chabber]

Ouch man, where are you going that you can't watch the NBA?

And spectre, I wouldn't expect any less man. That was some good stuff. Thank God we didn't get Pot that year. I personally always loved Divac but that might be because I'm a partial Lakers fan.

[Slam]

Heading back to Australia for the month of Dec (first time back in almost 3 years) so not only is there no league pass (ie: Bobcats games) but I have a slew of mates to catch up with to kill some LONG over due beers!!

I'll be outie from Dec 1st until Dec 30th.

Ho, ho, ho bi-atches!!

[chabber]

Oh sweet, I shoulda known that's where you'd be going. I'm sure you'll be busy catchn up with your buds but if you happen to get that Bobcat itch and need to scratch it remember you can use your league pass online.

[Mustachio]

First of all Slam... i think you just nicknamed dudley... The Dude. as in the big lebowski. i like it.

an offensively potent Oakafor gives me goosebumps.

[fatlever]

gone for a month... oh no... just when i get used to having another mod to help out.... and december to boot, while i am stuck here at work every night until 9pm the entire month. ouch! hey at least you can tell your mates back in australia about the newbie coach in the dynasty league who is miraculously sitting at #1 through the first month. man that fats sure knows his fantasy hoops.