SB Nation User Blog: Zorgon

Tasting Glory: The Experience of Being and Ultimate Fan

Zorgon — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:53:58 -0000

Tasting Glory: The Experience of Being and Ultimate Fan

In case you guys were wondering the turnout of the Ultimate Fan Contest here in Oklahoma City, here it is.

Zorgon needs your help!!!!

Zorgon — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:24:09 -0000

Zorgon needs your help!!!!

Hey fellow GSoM members....

There's a contest going on in Oklahoma City....one that will determine the Ultimate Thunder Fan. The winner gets to go on a trip to Boston to cheer on the Thunder against the Celtics.

Obviously, I'm the entry that says Zorgon. You have to enter your email address to vote, but I've voted, and they haven't sent anything to my email, so I don't think you're going to get endless Thunder SPAM. If you do, my sincere apologies. You can vote as many times as you like, so if you wanted to hit back, refresh, and vote again oh, I don't know, 500 times, I definately wouldn't mind. :-D

Now, I know that this has nothing to do with the Warriors. But I've been a member of Golden State of Mind for 3 or so years now, so I figure that one fan shot won't ruin anything. Or at least, I hope so.

If you don't know who I am, just vote for me because of this:

You'd be voting somebody in who cheered openly against the Thunder TWICE when the Warriors came into town, and somebody who has gone so far as to travel to Oakland to see a Warriors game, and witnessed Game 1 of the Warriors first round upset in Dallas. An avid Warriors fan for over 10 years now, and I'm only 18.

If that doesn't convince you, than vote just because today is my birthday! :-D

Anyway, thanks a lot guys, and be sure to drop a comment if you voted!!!!

Andris with a Beard?

Zorgon — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:02:58 -0000

Andris with a Beard?

I just noticed that Mike Dunleavy now has a "Dun-Stache" the other night. So I mentioned it to my friend, and because it's just so weird for Dunleavy to have facial hair, we started to discuss who else would be totally weird with facial hair. We came upon....Andris Biedrins. Would that not be the weirdest beard ever created? I mean, I can't even imagine a hair on his face. He must wax it or something.... Can anyone else imagine Andris with facial hair?

My Thunder-Warriors Recap

Zorgon — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:30:57 -0000

My Thunder-Warriors Recap

Sorry to toot my own horn here, guys. But, I figured at least some of you would find it interesting to read a recap of pretty much the only guy who has followed both teams the entire season, no matter how late it may be.

Donyell Marshall and Joe Smith Reunite!!!!

Zorgon — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:44:11 -0000

Donyell Marshall and Joe Smith Reunite!!!!

Oklahoma City: Becoming the Warriors of the 90s?!?!?!? Trade for Dampier and Foyle, bring Mark Price and Spree out of retirement and we're in business!!!!

Bob Fitzgerald at the Olympics!!!!

Zorgon — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:21:25 -0000

Bob Fitzgerald at the Olympics!!!!

Was anyone aware of this? Right now Bob Fitzgerald is doing a Mens Water Polo match between Croatia and Italy on MSNBC. His name wasn't mentioned by the studio host or himself, but I can recognize his voice. Sadly, Jim Barnett is not doing commentary. :-(

Olympic Basketball Preview

Zorgon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:04:30 -0000

Hey guys, I figured that since the 2008 Olympics are coming up, I'd do a full-fledged preview on them. This has nothing to do with the Warriors, but comeon, we're all basketball fans, and what other post am I pushing down? Enjoy the preview, starting with the format. And, as always, there's only minimal statistics, and I pull out most of it from my rear end (TM Sleepy Freud).

And it goes as such:

12 teams are split into 2 groups (A and B) who play the other teams in the group once each. The teams ending up in the top 4 of each group will be seeded into a tournament single knockout format, in which the teams knock each other out until they compete for the gold. Confused? Click here for further Wikipedia explanation.

Now, I'll break down each of the teams rosters, followed by predictions.

Group A: Argentina
NBA Players: Manu Ginobili, Andres Nocioni, Luis Scola, Fabricio Oberto, Carlos Delfino

Argentina is probaly the best South American team, and a powerhouse in international basketball. They won the gold in the last Summer Olympics, and there's no reason to think that they can't do it again with many NBA players at the peak of their prime. And don't think that the rest of their team is a pushover, either. They have many vets from Euroleague and local teams, and their roster is largely intact from their 2004 run. A certainly formiadale team that has been together for a while.

Australia
NBA Players: Andrew Bogut (Patrick Mills plays for Saint Marys College)

Contrary to popular belief, Australia does have it's own basketball league, and it is actually quite popular. Sadly, it really isn't that good. For comparison, Mark Price (my homeboy) went over to Australia to coach an expansion team (the South Dragons), and brought former teammate Todd Fuller to play with him. Fuller, considered an NBA failure with the Golden State Warriors, averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds for the team in 6 games, before getting sacked by Shane Heal, who had also just sacked Mark Price, citing "lack of work ethic". Reguardless, the Australian team used to be one of the few teams who could hold a candle to the United States "dream teams", but they frequently got beat by 20-30 points. But this is not the Australian team of old, as they no longer have Australian Legends Shane Heal (yes, the same Shane heal who sacked Mark Price and Todd Fuller) and Andrew Gaze. It remains to be seen whether the Australian team can live up to their former potential.
Croatia
NBA Players: Roko Ukic (He plays for the Raptors)

This is a total Euroleague team, and a bit of a wildcard in the Olympics. To be honest, I don't know much about them except for the fact that Toni Kukoc used to be their best player. But, I wouldn't expect this team to win a medal with the extremely fierce competition that's been going on lately.

Iran
NBA Players: None

Iran has no NBA players, and no shot at a gold. Honestly, they only got in because they're the best in Asia, which doesn't say much in the Basketball world. I mean, if I played them, I'd probably get owned, but on this high scale, they don't stand much of a chance.
Lithuania
NBA Players: Linas Kleiza (Sarunas Jasikevicus is a former Warrior and Pacer)

A usually pretty good basketball team that is looking below par this year. They do have good players in the Lavrinovic twins, Jasikevicus and Kleiza, but they are missing a lot of good players in Zyundras Ilgauskas (who couldn't play because the Cavaliers wouldn't let him), Arvydas Macijauskas (a former Hornet and Euroleague superstar who had a back injury), and Darius Songaila (also has a back injury). There are other players I could name, but the fact of the matter is that in a weak group A this team will most likely advance, but don't expect them to get far. If you need proof, look at their 30-40 point exhibition blowout against the USA.
Russia
NBA Players: Andrei Kirilenko (J.R. Holden is a former Bucknell star who went directly to Euroleague)

After the Soviet Union dissolved, it remained to be seen if the Russian National basketball team would remain as a force in international basketball after the loss of players from Soviet Republics. Well, they certainly weren't as good as their former self, but they were pretty damn good, and this year they look better than ever. With several strong players from local Euroleague clubs CSKA Moscow, Dynamo Moscow, and Spartak St.Petersburg that won them the 2007 European Championship, this team looks to be a strong contender in the Olympics and a virtual lock for the tournament.

Group B Angola
NBA Players: None

Angola is probably the most screwed team here. They sneak into seemingly every Olympics and FIBA tournament because they're the best team from Africa, but on a golbabl scale they're pretty bad. They did defeat Panama, Japan, and the New Zealand Tall Blacks (lol) in the most recent FIBA tournament, but against most of the other teams they hardly stand a chance. Put that fact on top of the fact that they are in an extremely powerful Group A, and I'd expect an 0-5 record.

China
NBA Players: Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian (Wang Zhi Zhi used to play for the Mavericks, and Sun Yue was drafted by the Lakers)

China is usually a moderately strong team, but if you look beyond the four players listed above, the team is pretty bad. China is a factory athlete-wise, but if you think about it, Asians aren't the best basketball players, just by natural ability. Now, I'm not being rascist, but, on average, Asians are much shorter, so there you go. So, really only a lucky few are actually good on this basketball team, while the rest of them like to run around and brick 3s like Marco Bellinelli. If you think about it, a former Liberty Center (who they like to call Jason) is an All-Star in the Chinese Basketball League, whereas here he'd be a D-League scrub. So, this team will be good (and probably would have soundly beaten Iran had they not automatically qualified as host), but it will be extremely hard for them to advance out of a powerhouse Group A.

Germany
NBA Players: Dirk Nowitski, Chris Kaman

This team is lead by the twin towers of Nowitski and Kaman. Historically, Germany has always had a few good players from their team, and this year is no different. Beyond the twin towers, they're good, but not great. They'll probably duke it out with China for the final spot in the tournament. Rookie Guard Bobby Brown, a NBA reject, lead ALBA Berlin to the German championship, and will be fighting for a roster spot in the NBA this year. They're really only here because of Kaman, and probably won't get beyond the first round of the tournament.

Greece
NBA Players: None

Greece may have no NBA players, but these are cream of the crop Euroleague players, and they've been playing together for a long time. They defeated the United States in the 2006 FIBA Championship Semi-Finals before losing to Spain in the finals. There's not much else to say other than the fact that they play a really good European brand of basketball together, and are cetrainly Gold Medal contenders.
Spain
NBA Players: Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Jose Calderon, Rudy Fernandez (Juan Carlos Navarro used to play for the Grizzlies)

Spain is a recent powerhouse. They defeated Greece without Pau Gasol in the finals of the 2006 FIBA tournament, so this team is for real. With an almost perfect mix of NBA vets and certainly capable European players, this team looks to be a certain title contender.
United States
NBA Players: All

Well, there's not much to say about these guys that you don't already know. The've been together for 3 years now, they're big, they're bad, they're ready to play. However, the team and it's marketing has been incredibly cocky about how certain they are that they'll win and return to the "glory days" of "The Dream Team". What do I have to say to that? Dream on. The world is good at basketball now, and they're here to stay. Hopefully they'll realize this and stop being so nationalistic.

Alright, so now lets see how they'll finish in Group A:
1. Argentina
An easy choice for #1. By and far the best team in Group A.

2. Russia
Somewhat of a distant 2nd to Argentina, this team is still pretty good.

3. Australia
This is where the Questions start for Group A, and no one would be surprised to see any of the 4 remaining teams in 3rd. So I'll go off on a limb and say Australia will get 3rd, since they're pretty unified as a team.

4. Lithuania
Any other year, this team would be duking it out with Argentina. Still, with so many injuries, they'll barely scrape into 4th.

5. Croatia
These guys haven't qualified for the World Championship in a long time, and usually finish around 6th-10th ish in the European Championships. I think Lithuania still has the man power to beat them.

6. Iran
They've had a recent run of success in the Asian Games....but that's the Asian games. With such a weak division they could advance, but don't put your money on it.

Now, on to Group B.
1. United States
This team has been together and really developed chemistry. They've played simply amazing in exhibition games so far.

2. Spain

I just think that this team loses to the United States head-to-head.
3. Greece
3rd place is something to be proud of in Group B, and this team will have chances to get revenge on Spain while also trying to re-defeat the US. They'll do neither, since both Spain and the US have improved since their last meetings.

4. China
Mark it down on your calendar: August 16th, 8 PM China Time. Why? Nowitski/Kaman vs. Yao/Yi. A Twin Towers battle of epic proportions, and it's a shame that only one of the pairs can go to the next round. Yao and Yi are probably a bit worse, but they'll get relief from jump shooting big man Wang Zhi Zhi, and have the hometown crowd on their side.

5. Germany
The odd team out in this group. When the groups were selected, they didn't have Chris Kaman, so that's they're fault. Once they can develop some additional guard talent, they'll make it, and they certainly could've made it in Group A.

6. Angola
Oh, what can I say, dear Angola? You might've had a chance in Group A, but in Group B, you're, quite simply, screwed.

So, the bracket would play out like this:

A2 Russia vs. B3 Greece

B1 United States vs. A4 Lithuania

B2 Spain vs. A3 Australia

A1 Argentina vs. B4 China

Without further ado, lets break 'em down:
Russia vs. Greece - Russia
Probably the most even matchup of the first round. Both are pretty good teams in their own right, and it will be awesome to see Kirilenko and Papaloukas go at it. Reguardless, I'll go with Russia in a slight upset. They did win the European Championships in 07, after all!

United States vs. Lithuania - United States
If you saw the exhibition game between these two and the 2006 FIBA game between them, you'd know that this is an old-fashioned blowout. The United States team is simply too quick and too athletic for the Lithuania big slowpokes.
Spain vs. Australia - Spain
This is another no contest matchup. Spain is just too talented for Australia. They might have a bit of a Bogut-Gasol battle, but Spains guards should easily outplay Australia.

Argentina vs. China - China
If you want to pick a big upset in the first round, here's your chance. Chinas anti-drug is swift, quick, and athletic big men (Since Yao, Yi, and Zhi Zhi are all really slow and plodding). Argentina is not that anti-drug, focusing on scoring forwards and guards. The closest thing they have is Luis Scola, who is Yaos teammate. Now, China has pretty poor guard play, which is what Argentina will most likely take advantage of. But if China can focus on total domination on the inside, they can win this game, and I'm banking on that. Plus, hometown crowd!

So, our Semifinal matchups are
United States vs. Russia
and
Spain vs. China

Lets break 'em down!
United States vs. Russia - Russia
Ah, the classic matchup. A lot of people are going to call me a hater for picking Russia, but this team is looking powerful. They beat Lithuania, Greece, Spain, France, and Croatia at the latest Eurobasket. This team is good. So is the United States. This game will be probably one of the best in recent memory, and I'm sure neither team will dissapoint.
Spain vs. China - Spain
And Chinas cinderalla run comes to a crashing end. Gasol domination, not much else to say.

So, we have a Finals matchup of:
Russia vs. Spain

and a Bronze Medal matchup of:
United States vs. China

First off:
United States vs. China - United States

This will probably go down as one of the most one-sided brinze medal games in Olympic history. China really doesn't belong this far up in the bracket.

And now, the FINAL!:
Russia vs. Spain - Russia

This is a tough one, it really is. They each one once against each other in the last Euroleague, with both games being nail biters. Russia is 2007 Eurobasket champions, and Spain is 2006 World Champions. This will be an excellent game, and if it does happen, I'd LOVE to see it. But, I'm going to go with Russia. Why? I don't know, intuition?

And there you have it. Please, enjoy the 2008 Summer Olympic Games!!!!

Put in your vote on who you think will win the 2008 Olympic Gold!

(You can also see this post on my blog at nbaokc.blogspot.com. Don't worry, I'm still a #1 Warriors fan through and through.)

Disagreements? Questions? Comments? Concerns? Put them in the comments below, and I'll respond.

Sorry if my post seems sloppy....the format was ruined by SB Nation's post editor.

Poll

Who will win the 2008 Olympic Basketball Gold?

United States

183 votes

Spain

20 votes

Greece

0 votes

Argentina

10 votes

Russia

1 votes

Australia

6 votes

China

4 votes

Lithuania

3 votes

Germany

0 votes

Iran

10 votes

Angola

4 votes

Croatia

1 votes

242 votes | Poll has closed

Golden State of Mind is worth $208,408!!!!

Zorgon — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:00:43 -0000

Golden State of Mind is worth $208,408!!!!

Via 100 Most Valuble Sports Blogs

26.) Golden State of Mind - $208,408

Congratulations, guys! 200k is nothing to sneeze at!!!!

Golden State of Mind and Save Our Sonics, You Disgust Me.

Zorgon — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:34:18 -0000

Thanks, guys. Thanks a lot. We come out to support the NBA, we sell out over half our home games for an under .500 team only to see it move away, and we barely get the worst team in the NBA....and now you're going to boycott us? For what?

You guys are a bunch of jerks. Now, I'm not taking anything away from Seattle fans, but you guys lost the team, fair and square. The deal is done, you can't commit to building a new Arena. Clay Bennett gave you a fair amount of time to set the plan in motion, and your government did nothing to get a new arena built. Charlotte didn't get a new Arena built, but a couple of years later they got a new franchise. Who's to say that you can't have your SuperSonics back, kind of like the Cleveland Browns ceased to exist for a couple of years and the Baltimore Ravens became a new team?

How about I start a boycott of Golden State of Mind because you took webpins away? How would that make YOU feel?

Look, I know I'm largely outspoken on this issue, and I know I'm going to get a LOT of hate. But you guys are directing all of the hate at Oklahoma City, when you should be directing the hate at your local government for not stepping up to the plate. We want the NBA, and apparently Seattle doesn't.

I feel pity for the Save Our Sonics movement, but how about a "We Got Screwed" movement? How do you think it feels to have a team on the verge of greatness ripped away from you to a city that largely doesn't care? The team was either a ghost of Charlotte or a complete mess while in New Orleans, and fans simply weren't coming to games. Hell, fans didn't come to games until the Hornets were at the TOP of the West, and every time I tune in I STILL see empty seats! If there Was no Hurricane Katrina, I guarantee you that the Hornets would've moved out. Yes, it was a big tragedy, but that team had no roots and shouldn't of been there anyway.

Atma, I respect you as a person, and think you have a lot of great ideals. But boycotting the Oklahoma City ______ (they won't be the Sonics, Seattle is keeping the name) is NOT the right way to go about things. How about the people of Seattle make their city think twice about treating teams like nothing until it actually looks like they're moving away? How about you guys make the owner think twice about selling his team to an OKLAHOMA CITY BUSINESSMAN? How about you just accept that we got the team fair and square and that you guys lost your chance? Please, this is getting way out of hand.

Poll

Is/Was the Seattle SuperSonics move to Oklahoma City Fair or Not Fair?

Adonal Foyle, who has written over 300 poems, misspells Poetry as "Poerty" in his personal library....

Zorgon — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:45:05 -0000

Adonal Foyle, who has written over 300 poems, misspells Poetry as "Poerty" in his personal library. He even shows it on Television!