Where do the Warriors go from here?

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(photo by Ashley Landis/New York Times)

By Will Schell

The Warriors had a disappointing end to their season losing to their rival, the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. This did not come as a shock to most Warriors players and fans, as it seemed like the Warriors never found their identity throughout the rollercoaster which was the regular season. They finished 44-38, which earned them the sixth seed, just escaping the play-in tournament. But overall according to head coach Steve Kerr this team was “maxed out.” This has many wondering what the Warriors will do in this much anticipated offseason. 

The first order of business is to work out a contract with Draymond Green. Green has a player option worth $27.6 million for the upcoming season. Many expect him to decline that and request a new contract. This seems very important to the Warriors and especially to Steve Kerr, who stated in his closing press conference that, “If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender.” Draymond knows his value and so do the Warriors. Green is coming off a Second Team all defensive appearance, a title he is very familiar with. According to Vegas odds, Draymond has a 33.3% chance of returning to the dubs. But in Draymond’s eyes and in the eyes of many fans, it's 100%. 

The next big thing for the Warriors is figuring out what to do with Jordan Poole. Poole was a key factor in the Warriors championship squad last year. He shined in the playoffs and proved many people wrong. That’s what earned him his contract worth $128 million over four years. Poole had an up and down 2022-23 season, but was still very reliable for them. He averaged 20.4 ppg and was needed when Steph Curry sustained injuries, playing in all 82 games. But during the regular season Poole had a turnover problem. Turning it over in clutch situations, which frustrated many. Now what everyone is focused on is Poole’s struggles during this year's playoffs. Many expected him to have another excellent postseason, just like in 2022.  He unfortunately did not live up to those expectations. Poole only averaged 10.3 ppg and shot 34% from the field on 25% from three. But the organization still has hope for him, knowing his potential and seeing what he has done before. On the other hand, it would be tough to trade him, Poole’s very expensive contract will kick in next year. Which may not be something teams are willing to pay. This will definitely be something to watch during the offseason. 

The final thing they need to address is bringing in free agents. Someone the Warriors should have in mind is Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez. Lopez was a key success to the number 1 seed in the East last year. Lopez earned himself all defensive first team, while also being a nominee for DPOY. He averaged 2.5 blocks a game, which is something the Warriors could use alongside Draymond Green. But Lopez does not just provide shot blocking, he can shoot it too. He shot 37.4% from three. A center who can stretch the floor and provide space for the two greatest shooters of all time does not sound too bad. 

This offseason should definitely be one of the most entertaining offseasons the Warriors have had in a while. They look to continue their dynasty and get back to what won them the championship in 2022.


(Photos) Oakland falls to Cleveland to complete a tough first homestand

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Photos by Connor Buestad - Section925

Will The 49ers Defense Keep Rolling Under Steve Wilks?

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By Will Schell

The 49ers once again ended their season losing on the road in an NFC Championship game, but former 49ers defensive Domeco Ryans had this defense ranked first in the NFL. As expected, Ryans was hired to be a head coach and the Houston Texans inked him to a six year deal. Ryans has spent most of his NFL career in Houston alongside future hall of famer J.J. Watt.

The 49ers needed a new defensive coordinator and they’ve hired Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks. Wilks took over for Matt Rhule after he was fired by the Panthers five games into this past season. Wilks did a fine job this season going 6-6 and nearly leading the Panthers to a playoff berth. Just months into his job, Wilks has already started bringing some Panther talent to this 49ers team. One of them is safety Myles Hartsfield. Hartsfield started fifteen games last year for the Panthers and was a vital part of their defense.

Hartsfield will have an important role with the 49ers after defensive leader Jimmie Ward signed with Demeco Ryans’ Texans to lead their young defense. Lots of 49er fans question whether Wilks can replicate Ryans success in San Francisco. These same questions were asked a few years ago about Domeco Ryans when Robert Saleh left to coach the New York Jets. Wilks should do just fine, after all it's not everyday you join a team that just happens to have the Defensive Player of the Year on it in Nick Bosa. Bosa looks to have another outstanding season after putting up 18.5 sacks and getting some hardware to go along with it in 2022. Wilks also has other All Pro talent like Fred Warner, Talanoa Hufanga, and Mooney Ward to work with. The 49ers should expect Wilks to succeed just like the past two defensive coordinators have done with this ultra talented squad heading into the 2023-24 season.

(Photos) Aidan Mahaney leads Saint Mary's to a thrilling comeback win over Gonzaga

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(Photos) Section925 visits the Dominican Winter League

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Photos by Connor Buestad - Section925

The 2022 World Cup is here and the Americans are finally involved again. A preview:

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By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com

Well here we are, five years removed from Taylor Twellman’s infamous “What Are We Doing!?!?” rant the night the U.S. Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a gutwrenching loss to Trinidad and Tobago. It was the first time the U.S. men had missed the World Cup since 1986 and since that disaster of a night, the Stars and Stripes have all but cleaned house and completely retooled. A new coach and 25 brand new players will head to the Middle East to throw their weight around in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, starting next week. It’s been eight years since Section925 could preview a USMNT World Cup appearance, so we figured why the hell not? Here goes...

Team USA will kick off their 11th ever appearance in the World Cup against Wales as slight favorites in their first match. Set to air on Monday November 21st at 11am PST on FOX, the Americans will trot out a 26-man squad, with only one player (DeAndre Yedlin) holding any World Cup experience. With an average age of 25, the USMNT will feature the youngest roster in the entire 32-team World Cup field. The man leading them, Gregg Berhalter, will also be coaching his first World Cup match. The atmosphere figures to be a bit different than your typical Columbus Crew match that he grew used to in his last coaching job.

The aforementioned Yedlin was just 20-years-old when he came off the bench for the Americans in the 2014 Brazil World Cup. Placed in the “Group of Death” with Germany, Portugal and Ghana that year, the Americans somehow made it out alive and squared off with Belgium in the round of 16. With the game tied at zero, we all remember De La Salle/Chico State alum Chris Wondolowski going over the crossbar in the 92nd minute, leaving 300 million Americans with their faces in their palms, hunched over the bar in agony. Now if we’re being honest, Team USA had no business winning that game and eventually lost 2-1, but the agony of that defeat still simmers, no matter how many records Wondo would go on to break in San Jose. 

The only time the USMNT has made the quarterfinals of the World Cup (no, we're not counting 1930) was at the Korea/Japan World Cup in 2002. Managed by Bruce Arena and captained by Claudio Reyna, that team had much more experience than this year’s squad. The likes of Cobi Jones were coming off the bench with Landon Donovan and Brian McBride leading up front. Eddie Pope was patrolling the backline with the incredibly chill Frankie Hejduk in the midfield. After beating Mexico in the round of 16, the U.S. men lost a commendable quarterfinal match to the eventual tournament runner-up, Germany. Unfortunately, the Americans haven’t tasted that much success in the last 20 years. If anything, they may have regressed as a major player on the world stage. 

One unsung player on that ‘02 team was Berhalter, who has been picked by U.S. Soccer brass to find a way to bring the USA back to world soccer respectability. They have the budget and resources to do it, but actually making it happen is another story entirely. 

Berhalter’s first test will be to slow down Wales and their celebrated winger Gareth Bale. At 33-years-old, Bale is coming off a championship season for Will Ferrell’s LAFC. His experience and savvy which he accumulated over a decade-long career with Real Madrid most certainly should strike fear in the U.S. side and their young keeper, Matt Turner. 

The United States’ group is led by England, who have the fourth best odds to win the entire tournament. England V. USA is slated for 11am the day after Thanksgiving, making for quite a treat for Americans hungover on Detroit Lions football. The Three Lions, as they are called across the pond, will be led by Harry Kane, who in 2018, led the World Cup in goals. He’s the favorite to repeat that feat here in 2022, surrounded by a squad filled with Premier League stars. The USMNT, on the other hand has only six Premier League players, the most notable being Christian Pulisic of Chelsea, who lately has been relegated to coming off the bench. 

About a third of this year’s American squad hails from the MLS, including Yedlin, who currently plays for “Inter” Miami. Unfortunately no San Jose Earthquakes will be represented on the U.S. side this World Cup, but Stanford’s Jordan Morris, who plays striker for the Seattle Sounders, will be suiting up in Qatar. 

The stars-to-watch list on this year’s USMNT starts of course with Pulisic, who is the most celebrated U.S. player in the last decade and will lead FOX’s PR campaign over the next three weeks. But one should also take note of Turner between the posts (Arsenal), Sergio Dest (AC Milan), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Weston McKennie (Juventus) and Gio Reyna (Dortmund). All of whom have proven themselves on the world stage, despite their young age. Freddy Adu is still only 33 and maybe still the face of American soccer, but sadly no, he is still not on the roster. 

On November 29th, the Americans will round out group stage play when they face Iran, a team picked by most to finish 30th in the 32 team field. If the Americans lose this one, steer clear of Mr. Twellman if he gets in front of a microphone. If we somehow win the group, the Americans will likely play the Netherlands in the round of 16. A second place finish would likely set up a date with Senegal. Beyond that? France or Argentina would be lurking. 

The odds on favorite to win the whole thing are the Brazillians, who with five titles, have won it more than anybody. Neymar is still their best goal scorer, but not far behind him are world stars such as Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, all of whom make the Beautiful Game look easy. 

At 35-years-old, Lionel Messi has said this will be his final World Cup as he looks to go out a winner with Argentina. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema will have a great shot of bringing the French a repeat title. Lest we forget Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 37 seems washed up on Manchester United, but still figures to punch home his fair share of goals in Qatar before tournament’s end. 

A winter World Cup in Qatar brought to us by our corrupt friends over at FIFA is certainly not what any of us expected, but after the Trinidad and Tobago debacle, coupled with the darkness of the past two winters clouded with Covid, American soccer fans don’t have much room left on their holiday plate to complain. The World Cup is back in our lives and the Americans are involved. We can all raise a Budweiser to that. Enjoy the football this holiday season.

(Photos) Oregon runs wild in Berkeley en route to a 42-24 win over Cal

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West Coast Conference Men's Basketball Preview 2022-2023

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Photo by Connor Buestad - Section925

By Seth Miller

With the NCAA men's basketball season about to kick off next week, it's time to look into what each team in the West Coast Conference has to offer this season. This year's transfer portal has every team donning new faces which makes it hard to predict just how much of an impact they will have on their respective teams.

The WCC is looking to be a very competitive conference, with teams like Santa Clara, San Francisco and St. Mary's who are looking to put together a resume good enough to find a way into the tournament. Front runner Gonzaga returns too many familiar faces for them not to be considered the heavy favorite to win the conference.

With the departure of Todd Golden (Florida) the conference returns 9 of its 10 head coaches. San Francisco replaced him with an in-house coach Chris Gerlufsen, but they should have enough talent left over to still be one of the better teams. Look out for Portland to be the surprise breakout teams as they return one of the most experienced rosters. All in all 2022-23 season should be an interesting one

BYU COUGARS 

The Cougars are coming off a 5th place finish in the WCC and are hoping to improve this season with a haul of transfers. Mark Pope has his hands full after losing 10 players from his 21-22 team (three to graduation, including leading scorer Alex Barcello, one left for his Morman Mission, and six to the transfer portal). Their top returning player is Fousseyni Traore, a 6'6" sophomore forward who averaged 9.5 points in 23.6 minutes per game last season. It will be interesting to see how this team comes together but the competitiveness of this BYU squad might just hinge on the development of Atiki Ally Atiki. The extremely athletic big man will hopefully take a leap in his second season under Pope. Incoming point guard, and Coastal Carolina transfer, Rudi Williams (who averaged 14.7 ppg last season) will be taking over for Barcello this year. Williams will need to score at a high level and this new iteration of the BYU Cougars will need to gel quickly for Mark Pope's team to maintain the level of success of which their boosters are accustom. 

GONZAGA BULLDOGS

Mark Few brings back another loaded squad hoping to make a long run in March. Headlined by preseason favorite to win National Player of the Year, and the WCC's reigning POY, Drew Timme announcing his return, along with junior small forward Julian Strawther (both pulling their names out of the NBA draft) there is legitimate cause for the "Championship-or-bust" buzz in Spokane once again. They also return starting shooting guard Rasir Bolton, who shot 46% from deep last season. The Zags add Southern Conference player of the year in guard Malachi Smith, and LSU big man Efton Reid. A major key to this season's success might land on the shoulders of sophomore point guard Nolan Hickman, who takes over the offensive reins from Andrew Nembhard (now playing for the Indiana Pacers). The Zags are hoping this is the season they can finally get over the hump and win their first national championship...and honestly, anything less than cutting down the nets will be a giant let down for a fan base whose expectations are reasonably "sky high".

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS

Coming off a season with only 3 conference wins, LMU is hoping to climb up the ladder in the WCC. They return point guard Jalin Anderson who will need to fill in for Eli Scott who graduated. They added a few nice pieces in the transfer portal including 7'1" center Rick Issanza from Oklahoma. Stan Johnson in his third season at the helm has a real chance to turn this LMU squad into a competitive team this season. To do so their defense must improve from last season where opponents averaged 74.1 points against them.

PACIFIC TIGERS

After only winning 8 games last season it seems like the only place this team can go is up. Coach Leonard Perry is in his second year after taking over from Damon Stoudamire. They landed 2 transfers from Oklahoma St. that they are hoping can both become impact players for the Tigers. They return Luke Avdalovic who averaged 10 points per game, the 6'5" senior out of Folsom high school should improve on that scoring average this season. Overall this seems to be another rebuilding year for the Tigers in this competitive conference.

PEPPERDINE WAVES

The Waves spent 2021-22 season in the cellar of the WCC. After only accumulating one win during conference play, Lorenzo Romar is hoping for a turnaround this season. Pepperdine returns Maxwell Lewis, a promising 6'7" sophomore who averaged 11 points a game last season. Also returning is sophomore guard Mike Mitchell Jr. who along with Lewis were both all WCC freshman. Romar has some nice developmental pieces, but for this season to be successful their interior defense will need to be vastly improved.

PORTLAND PILOTS

This team could be very good this season! The Pilots return 4 starters, all of whom averaged over 10 points a game, and are headlined by senior Tyler Robertson (15.3 ppg). Along with Robertson, are guards Chris Austin (14.4 ppg) and Mike Meadows (10.2 ppg) as well as 6'8" forward Moses Wood (14.2 ppg). The one weakness this team has is size, so their hope is that one of their bigs makes a jump to being a rim protector that they desperately need. The Pilots are looking to improve on their 7-7 record in the WCC in head coach Shantay Legans second year as the head coach.

SAN DIEGO TOREROS

After another down year in 21-22, San Diego made a big splash by hiring new head coach Steve Lavin, formerly the head coach of St. John's and UCLA. Lavin takes over a program that, despite a massive roster turnover, returns five players; four of whom contributed meaningful minutes for the underperforming Toreros. The returners are led by Senior Marcellus Earlington (6'7" 230lb guard/small forward) who received All-WCC Honorable Mention last season after leading the team in scoring with 13.2 ppg and was second on the team in rebounding with 6.7 rpg, as well as grad student guard Jase Townsend who pitched in 11.3 ppg. Lavin will be surrounding Earlington and Townsend with 12 newcomers, two of whom were starters in the Pac-12 last season. Eric Williams Jr., a 6'7" wing, rode the portal from Oregon and Jaiden Delaire, a 6'9" forward, left Stanford to join the re-tooled Torero roster. Lavin has enough athletes, not to mention plenty of players with high level experience, to vault his new team to the top half of the WCC in his first year, but it will be heavy lifting to integrate a new system with all the new players at his disposal.

SAN FRANCISCO DONS

The former university of the recently deceased NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell, will look to start anew after losing Todd Golden this season to University of Florida. On the bright side they return guard Khalil Shabazz, who should be one of the league's top scorers after averaging 13.7 points per game last year while playing second-fiddle to the explosive Jamaree Bouyea who graduated. Bouyea (Palma High School in Salinas) and his 17.3 points a game last year will be missed, but his leadership on and off the court creates some big shoes for Shabazz to fill. Golden's departure was the biggest news for the Dons in the offseason, but they still have some solid pieces for a team that has been tough to beat over the last few seasons. The big question ahead of this season is what first year head coach Chris Gerlufsen will do with his first opportunity at the helm.

SANTA CLARA BRONCOS

The Broncos are coming off a stellar 2021-22 campaign that found them as the #3 team in the WCC. This season is going to be a step back though after losing 1st round draft pick Jalen Williams to the NBA, as well as losing Josip Vrankic to graduation. This year's team will revolve around 5th year senior forward Keshawn Justice. Justice averaged 13 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. Coach Herb Sandek and his high tempo offense should still be able to put up points this year, but losing 2 players the caliber of Williams and Vrankic will be difficult for them to overcome if they want to stay in the top half of the WCC.

SAINT MARY'S GAELS

Randy Bennet has been one of the best coaches in college basketball for a long time. The Gaels lose their top 2 scorers from a year ago, a season that led them to a #18 overall ranking in the AP poll. However, they do bring back shooting guard Logan Johnson, who looks to be the team leader this season. Alex Ducas also returns, but the Gaels are going to need several players to take a leap forward and step up in a big way. Look for Augustas Marciulionis, the son of former Golden State Warriors great Sarunas Marciulionis, to see a significant amount of meaningful minutes this year. The sophomore guard is a good shooter with a great family lineage. Incoming freshman from Campolindo high school (Moraga) and top 125 recruit Aidan Mahaney joins the Gaels this year. Mahaney played with Randy Bennet's son, Cade, in high school and adds some depth to the backcourt as a combo guard who can get to the basket as well as shoot the 3. Hopefully this season will be the one in which 7'4" center Matt Van Komen can stay healthy and provide them with the rim protection they need after losing Mathias Tass to graduation.

(Photos) Cal's Hail Mary at Notre Dame falls on deaf ears in a 24-17 loss

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Trey goes down while the Niners defense steps up in a Week 2 win vs. Seattle

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Photo by Josie Lepe

By Will Schell

The 49ers did indeed “write back” to Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday with a dominating 28-7 win at the home opener in Santa Clara. The 49ers defense looks to be where they were three years in 2019 when they ranked the best in the NFL. Defensive end Nick Bosa recorded two sacks in this game, dominating first year tackle Abraham Lucas, who the Seahawks drafted with their 72nd overall pick in this year's draft. Despite Pro Bowl caliber safety Jimmie Ward being placed on IR, this defensive backfield has not missed a beat. In the first two games, Talanoa Hufanga has been perhaps the best player for the 49ers. He took down Seahawks running back Rashad Penny in the backfield twice. He also tipped a pass that was intercepted by 49ers recent acquisition Tashaun Gipson. It was Gipson's 28th career interception. 

The cornerbacks are even better than they were in 2019. Cornerback Mooney Ward, who the Niners got from the Chiefs in free agency, is performing very well, playing good defense on Tyler Lockett and Darnell Mooney. Ward also had an interception in this game, he picked off Seahawks running back Deejay Dallas. Yes you heard me right, he intercepted a running back… it was Ward's 5th career interception. But, the best corner on this team has been without a doubt, Emmanuel Moseley. He continued his feud with Seahawks standout receiver D.K. Metcalf this past Sunday. He followed Metcalf all game and held him to 4 receptions on only 35 yards receiving. He looks to be back to full strength to start the 2022-23 season. 

All pro Linebacker Fred Warner, is doing “All Pro Fred” things to begin the campaign. Warner is being utilized in the pass rush more which helped the Niners rattle Geno Smith early in the first quarter. Warner looks like he will have another All Pro season like the past 2 years of his career. 

While it seems the 49ers Defense allowed 7 points in this game, they did not, the special teams did. The Seahawks’ only points were on a blocked Robbie Gould field goal returned for a touchdown by Seahawks Corner Back Micheal Jackson. Jackson took it all the way to the house for a 91 yard touchdown. The 49ers were not phased by this and shut the Seahawks out from there. This defense may need to carry this team all year after second year Quarterback Trey Lance broke his ankle and will be out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. This looks to be the 49ers best defense in years and will have their biggest test of the year on Sunday Night when they face longtime rival Rusell Wilson, who now leads the Broncos. They have struggled against Russ in the past, but they are looking to change that narrative. I’m sure the 49ers want to please former all pro tackle Joe Staley who said “I hate Russ” on Greg Papa and John Lund's show on Monday.

(Photos) Jack Plummer's debut in Berkeley is a 34-13 win over UC Davis

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Section925 Visits Niners' Camp for "Dwight Clark 87 Day" on 8/7

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Photo by Terell Lloyd/49ers

By Will Schell

Following a season in which the Niners made a unexpectedly deep playoff run that included gutsy road playoff victories at Dallas and Green Bay, 49er Faithful was sure to show up to training camp in good spirits this August. Couple this with Deebo Samuel signing a hefty contract to stay in The Bay and Trey Lance taking over the offense with a year under his belt and you have fans in the red and gold smelling Super Bowl once again.

“Dwight Clark 87 Day” on August 7th began the same way as all of the other practices this week with 49ers second year safety Talanoa Hufanga coming out onto the practice field first at 9:41 AM. At this point, he looks to be their starting strong safety. Hufanga's second-year leadership has helped the 49ers defense dominate at camp. They pressured Trey Lance to throw over the middle which led to a Fred Warner pick on an attempted pass to 49ers tight end Tyler Kroft. Warner read the pass perfectly. 

The 2022/23 49ers defense already looks better than last year, when they ranked ninth. Their star studded pass rush is a huge reason why. They selected another dominant edge rusher, Drake Jackson, out of USC to pair with Nick Bosa. Jackson suffered a minor injury to the “groin” at the beginning of practice but seemed to be fine shortly after. 49ers third year Defense Tackle Javon Kinlaw is finally living up to what the 49ers expected of him when he was drafted 13th in the 2020 draft. During 11 on 11’s he threw guard Aaron Banks to the side and sacked Lance. Kinlaw looks to be in the best shape of his life. 

There were also some noticeable low moments within the defensive line. They gave up a big run to tailback Jeff Wilson Jr who broke free for 30+ yards, the longest run of the day. He extended the run by juking out safety Tayler Hawkins. Another player the defense can't seem to stop is new signing Ray-Ray McCloud, who seems to be the 49ers go-to deep threat at camp. The defense did seem to contain the Trey Lance/Brandon Aiyuk connection during practice though. Charvaruis Ward knocked down a pass intended for Aiyuk and seemed to think Ward interfered; no flag was thrown. 

The 49ers secondary has improved drastically since last year when they ranked 18th. It looks like they’ll be back in the top 10 and repeat their 2019 defense after a great draft and free agency. 49ers longest tendered player, Jimmie Ward is looking like he will have the best season of his career after getting snubbed from the Pro Bowl last year. He is the 49ers main voice on defense along with All Pro linebacker Fred Warner. From Training Camp alone, it seems like this younger and hungrier defense is back to its 2019 form when they led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. 

Getting to the 49ers practice isn't easy, but it’s worth it. You need to buy tickets in advance and get there pretty early to get yourself a seat.  Seats are in the bleachers and, I can tell you from experience, that not all of us 49ers fans fit easily into bleacher seats. That being said, the experience was still awesome. Fans were interactive with the players and the players gladly reciprocated. At the end of practice 49ers All Pro tight end George Kittle, (who did not practice all day) seemed to appear out of thin air to sign autographs for the fans and smile for pictures. Jimmy G, on the other hand, was nowhere to be found … he was not on the field for practice and not on it after. The 49ers look to have Nate Sudfeld back up Trey Lance all season and in the Green Bay game on Friday. Lance looks to play the 1st quarter with the offensive starters and then expect Nate Sudfeld and Brock Purdy to step in and get some time as the backups. The Niners look to take down the Packers just like they did in last year's playoffs. Despite it being a preseason game, the atmosphere shouldn't feel like one. 49er Faithful will be out in droves.

(Photos) Saint Mary's beats No. 1 Gonzaga 67-57

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(Photos) Cal starts 2022 with a 24-point win over Arizona State

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(Photos by Connor Buestad - Connor@Section925.com)

Don't consume "The Last Dance" without also watching the Luc Longley doc, "One Giant Leap"

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If you live in the Bay Area and follow college hoops even a minimal amount, you know how underrated Australians are at basketball. Seemingly every year, a new 18-year-old bloke shows up in Moraga, California and sings on at Saint Mary’s College for a few years, before ascending to the NBA and finding sustained success. From Patty Mills, to Matthew Dellavedova, to Jock Landale, the list goes on. Aussies love coming to America to play high level basketball and it seems like more and more players are succeeding every year.

One of the first Aussies to lay the foundation in the NBA for others to follow was Luc Longley, who came to the states in the 90’s to play for the University of New Mexico, before being drafted and eventually teaming up with Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr and Michael Jordan for the Bulls’ “Repeat Threepeat” teams, including the “Last Dance” team, which led to the now famous documentary.

In the recent Aussie documentary “One Giant Leap,” (available for free on YouTube), Longley gives a fascinating glimpse into what it was like to be the starting center on those championship Bulls teams we now know so much about. Longley speaks candidly throughout the documentary, explaining in great detail what it was like to be drafted into the NBA, be traded to the Bulls, link up with MJ and embark on the wild ride that was.

Longley and Jordan himself give an honest account of their relationship and Longley explains in clear terms what it was like to play alongside Jordan and defend NBA titles versus all comers. Longley also goes on to explain how difficult it was for him to come down from the high of winning championships in Chicago and return to the monotony of suiting up for pedestrian NBA teams like the Suns and Knicks, and eventually, just trying to live everyday life.

With a fraction of the budget, resources and star power, “One Giant Leap,” quietly provides a clear window into what it was like to be a part of the 1990’s Bulls. And not just as a fly on the wall either. But instead as a 7-foot center who somehow still flew under the radar low enough to be (almost) forgotten about completely.

Simply put, if you enjoyed “The Last Dance,” make sure to check out “One Giant Leap” for a whole new perspective.

(Photos) The SMC Gaels blow out the UCSB Gauchos 80-59

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(Photos by Connor Buestad - Connor@Section925.com )

Top Safety and Health Tips for Sports Teams

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There are always so many challenges you may not know that players face while on the court or field. They are prone to injuries, especially when participating in sports such as basketball and football. It is easy to get injuries due to falls. Besides, you might get hit by an opponent during defense or counterattack, leading to injuries.

Some injuries could be mild, while others are severe. Such necessitates the team players being healthy and strong in the field to prevent severe cases. The severe cases could be as worse as a death in the field. Though not often, such instances have occurred before.

Good Diet

Every individual taking part in sports always has to be in good health. Having a balanced diet is thus crucial. It also helps in improving performance. When you have meals with adequate carbohydrates, your body gets more energy, thus improving your productivity during matches.

There are also cases where players fatigue easily during matches. Having a healthy meal helps reduce such cases. For such, whole grains should be a basic diet. Athletes burn a lot of energy during the exercise, and thus, a supply of energy to the body should be constant to ensure consistency.

Water is also among the most significant part of their diet. The athletes need to be hydrated because of dehydration during consistent exercise.

Regular Exercising

Regular exercise is necessary to keep one fit. Exercising helps in reducing cases of muscle tension during matches. This helps to improve the overall performance. It helps sharpen your skills more, making you get better every day.

Imposing Safety Rules

You all know prevention is better than cure, and it would be essential to take precautions in sports. It ensures the safety of the friends and family representing institutions and even states at large in sports competitions.

Safety rules are among the ways of preventing injuries. Thus, there are specific contact limits, and if you go beyond, you get penalized. And if it has caused severe injuries, it gets to a legal stage where the victim can claim a lawsuit for the injuries caused due to negligence.

At times it may be so severe that the injury might cause death. The family has all the rights of seeking compensation. In such a scenario, if you are the one on default, you will have to discuss your case with a wrongful death lawyer to be helped out during the court case.

Appropriate Sports Gear

The safety gears used in different sports include helmets, eye protection, mouth guards, and knee and elbow guards. These come in handy when playing contact sports where you might get hit.

Without such safety gear, you might get profound injuries when you fall. The helmets are meant to protect the skull. They can be used by those playing football, skating, and biking. The requirements are that the helmets have to be replaced afterward whenever there is an accident.

Conclusion

As a team coach or a team player, you need to keep the factors in mind. This will keep you and your team safe. Above all, make sure you report immediately and appropriately in case of an injury.

(Photos) UCLA beats Cal 42-14 inside the Rose Bowl

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(Photos) California falls to Nevada in Opening Night Border War

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(Photos by Connor Buestad, Section925.com)