The NBA season is drawing to a close here in Indiana and I thought I would take this last opportunity to reflect on the season and to certainly thank those that have made the past six months a labor of love rather than work.
The game is certainly about the players and I am grateful for colorful personalities such as Troy Murphy, who never experiences a shortage of good quotes and can always make you laugh, even when times are tough.
I appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by T.J. Ford, as even when fighting through injuries and then losing his starting job, displayed both class and dignity, both on and off the court.
Jeff Foster certainly comes to mind, as he too fought injuries to his back, and was the consummate professional, and a role model for younger players with his work ethic and his hustle.
From the coaching perspective, Jim OāBrien has been a gentleman all season and allowed accessability every game, both prior, and afterwards. While there were no doubt many a night when he might not of wanted to address the media after a frustrating loss, he handled each press briefing with a professional approach and I am indeed indebted to him for that.
Hats off as well to assistant coach Lester Conner who took time during Black History Month to join Pacer Maceo Baston in addressing a large group of school children at Conseco Fieldhouse about the importance of education. They will never stand taller than they did that day.
But the real heroes this season were the Pacer fans. I am talking about the ones in the upper level seats who screamed and stomped their feet so loud that I thought the roof was going to collapse. They were truly amazing and provided the Pacers with a much needed sixth man, one that was instrumental in defeating some of the NBAās best teams this year at Conseco Fieldhouse.
They came out in droves this year, largely due to creative promotions and reduced ticket prices, and despite what the nay sayers projected in the off season, showed that Pacer Pride was alive and well. Man, what I would give for one more night of hearing these diehards hooping and hollering at Kobe or Lebron, and cheering on Granger and Rush. It simply does not get any better than that folks. Pacer basketball was alive and well those nights, and the place was rocking.
While the frustration of not making the playoffs for the third straight year is now settling in, there were some truly great moments this year and I feel fortunate to have been there to cover it. Danny Grangerās coming out party was sensational, and watching Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush give us a glimpse of the future was something special as well.
One thing is for certain, I could not of enjoyed myself more, and I appreciate all of you who read and offer feedback via email, as your input is valued and respected. Hopefully I will see you again this fall, and thanks again to all who made this great ride possible.
Notes: The Indiana Fever begin their 10th season in the WNBA this year when they tip off the Preseason on May 28th against Chicago. The regular season home opener is June 7th against Minnesota. Tickets for both games are still available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office.
In the recent WNBA draft, the Fever selected Briann January from Arizona State with the sixth pick. With the 19th pick they selected Christina Wirth of Vanderbilt, and then selected Danielle Campbell of Purdue with the 32nd pick.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.