News of arena deal is Suuuuuuuuuuper!

By Kshell

The city council  has come to an agreement with the Chris Hansen ownership group to build a new arena. That means our Seattle Supersonics are finally coming home.  Not only will the NBA return to Seattle but with this new arena for the  first time in Seattle history we should be getting a new NHL team. The news couldn't have came at a better time given that the Seahawks opened the season with a loss, Huskies were embarrassed in a big game once again the Seattle Mariners are headed towards their third straight last place finish. A piece of my childhood is returning when the Sonics are here. I wrote last year in April of 2011 how much I missed the Sonics as they were the first ever sporting event I ever attended. There is one man who should drink for free for the rest of his life in Seattle and that is Chris Hansen who made this all happen.

Chris Hansen is doing his civic duty much like Paul Allen did with the Seahawks back in 1996. Hansen is a rich guy who gets it. He is a fan and although the city of Seattle put him through the ringer he never gave up. Hansen should be a legend in this city if not already. The joy he is going to bring to so many in this community cannot be measured. I wish there would be more rich people in this world like Mr. Hansen is willing to risk millions of his own dollars so his childhood team that he loves can finally return home. The NBA did the original Sonics wrong but never once has Hansen been negative in his campaign to bring the team back. That is what I like most about Hansen he seems to connect with the fans which is the opposite of how the Mariners ownership is.

During this whole ordeal the fans of Seattle have shown over and over again our love for the Sonics. During game two of the NBA Finals there was a rally held to bring the Sonics back. The rally was clean too there was no name calling of Oklahoma City it was all pro Sonics which is what I enjoyed the most. Sonics fans like myself have moved on from the terrible thing that happened in 2008 as we realized dwelling on the past won't do any good. This movement which was started by the Sonicsgate guys when they made this this wonderful movie documenting the Sonics leaving. For many of us the Sonics were the only consistent thing in our lives sports wise. They have the most tradition among our pro teams. For my dad(born in 1961) he remembers the Sonics going to the Finals his junior year in 1978 and then winning the title in 1979. For me(born in 1985) I remember growing up in the 1990's when the Sonics were winning 55+ games six years in a row.

Growing up in the 1990's it was so great watching the talents of Gary Payton throwing lobs to Shawn Kemp as he threw them down. Watching George Karl win four Pacific Division titles in a four year span was something special as well. Watching the three point shooting of Detlef Schrempf, Hersey Hawkins and Sam Perkins was a joy as well. I used to always wear Sonics stuff to school and like I said the first game I ever went to was a Sonics game in the Tacoma Dome.

Watching Wally Walker destroy this team was one of the saddest things to watch. Then seeing this team flea town was a horrific experience that I hope to never experience again far as sports go. I'm glad in this whole process these former players from those teams were so active in this. Payton, Kemp and Schrempf have been big fixtures in this community the past decade in post retirement. When the NBA finally returns to Seattle look for #20 and #40 to be retired together in a ceremony in a game which will sell out quickly. For now it doesn't matter how good our team will be as we'll have a team once again. The next generation of kids can find their new NBA heroes like my dad always references "Downtown" Freddy Brown, Dennis Johnson or Jack Sikma. How I bring up Payton, Kemp and Schrempf these kids will have their own guys to idolize growing up.

Just like my father I also get to experience a new sport in this city as the NHL will most likely come to Seattle as well. The city of Seattle will have NFL, MLB, D-1 college sports, NBA, NHL, MLS and WNBA meaning they will officially become a major sports city in the United States. This is a huge day for the city of Seattle as they'll experience a huge economic boom in the SODO market as that area will finally get cleaned up with some big time restaurants and hotels. This is a beautiful day for those in Seattle who haven't had much to cheer about in the last couple of years. The Sonics are coming back and so today everyone wear your green and gold. I know today I'll be feeling pretty suuuuuuuuper as my childhood is returning as the Sonics will be coming back!

Seahawks decide to end the Matt Hasselbeck era

By Kshell

The Seattle Seahawks announced that they will not bring back long time starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. That news has set off a ton of emotions amongst Seahawks fans. For the most part the people in the Seattle Sportsblog group reacted pretty well to the news. For me this is a bittersweet move which I'll explain in more depth later on. The last time Matt Hasselbeck didn't start a game for the Seahawks was in 2000 so for the first time in over a decade there is some mystery at quarterback for this franchise. A franchise who missed the playoffs in the entire 1990's because they didn't have a solid long term solution at quarterback. The fans are fearing that will happen to them again. The same fan base that trusts Jack Zduriencik no matter what won't trust Pete Carroll which I find surprising. The Seahawks are moving forward as a franchise which is always tough and there is never a happy ending. In this following post I'll explain why Carroll made the right decision in letting Hasselbeck go. I'll also talk about the great career Hasselbeck had with the Seahawks.

For me this is a sad move as Hasselbeck was always my favorite player. I used to always wear his jersey at games and wear it every Sunday. Hasselbeck was the face of the franchise for a decade and he was a great person off the field. He was the leader for the franchise, he was the heart and soul of the Seahawks. Hasselbeck was always a great interview regardless if he played well or played terrible he never made excuses either. When you look up "pro" in the dictionairy you'll see Hasselbeck's picture. Hasselbeck with the Seahawks is a three-time Probowler(2003,2005 and 2007) while leading the franchise to the playoffs six times in the last eight years. Before 2003 the Seahawks had made the playoffs just once the previous 14 seasons. With the Seahawks Hasselbeck threw for 29,434 yards while completing 60.2% of his passes with a rating of 82.2 which is pretty good. He also threw for 174 touchdowns to 128 interceptions with a record of 69-62. His best year was in 2005 when he led the team to the Super Bowl. During that season Hasselbeck threw for 3,459 yards while completing 65.5% of his passes with a rating of 98.2 which is pretty incredible. He threw for 24 touchdowns that season to just 9 interceptions. Hasselbeck was also a playoff warrior throwing for 2,741 yards in 11 career games while completing 58.4% of his passes for a rating of 84.4 which shows he stepped his game up. He threw for 18 touchdowns to 9 interceptions in his postseason career. Hasselbeck had a great career and someday he'll be rewarded with a trip to the Seahawks Ring of Honor. Unfortunately for the Seahawks that doesn't help the team going forward.

I haven't seen the city react this way towards a team letting go of an icon since the Seattle Sonics traded away Gary Payton. I was in high school back then and that pissed me off when Payton was dealt. Looking back that was one of the best(few) moves Wally Walker ever made. The Sonics were ripped a new one and Walker traded Payton to the Milwaukee Bucks. Payton would never play in an all-star game again while the guy they traded him for Ray Allen would play in four all-star games with the Sonics while leading them to the division title in 2005. Had the franchise resigned Payton they would have been set back a decade. Fast forward to 2008 new GM Sam Presti traded Ray Allen away and Rashard Lewis. He was also killed but look at the franchise now? They were in the Western Conference Finals. Had Presti resigned Lewis and kept Allen they would be some middle of the road West team struggling to get out of the first round. That is why fans should never be GM's because there is no place in sports for emotional decisions. This sounds terrible but you need to be very cut throat in sports. No player is above finishing his career off with another team.

I know the Seahawks will get killed for this decision. Let people kill this decision those same people killed the Philadelphia Eagles for trading Donovan McNabb in division. The Green Bay Packers were second guess for two straight seasons for letting Brett Favre go. Well the Packers won a super bowl three years after being "dumb" and the Eagles with Michael Vick look great for another five to six seasons. Had either franchise hung on to the past they'd be in terrible shape right now as we speak. If Jerry Rice and Joe Montana can finish off their careers with another team then any player in the NFL can finish somewhere else. Hasselbeck for as great as he was isn't that quarterback anymore. In the last three seasons he is just 12-23 as a starting quarterback with 34 TD's to 44 INT's while completing just 58.5% of his passes. He was great in the playoffs but that shouldn't erase being below average for three straight seasons. Hasselbeck is 35 years old with a quarterback rating of under 76.0 the last three seasons. The Seahawks were left with no choice but to say good bye to Hasselbeck.

In sports it is always tough to say good bye to a franchise leader. For Pete Carroll unless he wins a Super Bowl will always be hated as he'll be known as the guy who let Hasselbeck go. I give Carroll credit for moving this franchise forward instead of clinging to mediocrity which is what the Hasselbeck era has become since 2005. Unlike the Seattle Mariners who sign 33 year old players to a five year deal worth 90 million dollars the Seahawks are moving forward. Will the Seahawks benefit at first? No they won't in fact I expect them to be terrible this year. Will the Seahawks be better off long term? Hell yes! They'll find their franchise quarterback in next years draft so knowing that will make the pain of this year go down easier. The Seahawks don't want to be like the Mariners where they are last place while paying an icon top money for what he did yesterday instead of what he can do tomorrow. In the world of sports loyalty can only go so far. The great teams who consistently win like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles are the three most cut throat franchises in the NFL. They constantly tell their old guys "thanks for the career but there is the door." That is how you have to run a sports franchise to be successful.

In conclusion, I'm sad to know Hasselbeck won't be with the Seahawks this year. I'm also happy knowing that my franchise doesn't make moves based on fan reaction instead they make business like moves. Just remember John Schneider came from the Packers so he saw first hand the circus of the Favre saga. He also saw the Packers win a Super Bowl three years later so he'll take some heat knowing down the road he'll be getting praise from those same people. The Hasselbeck era is good for both parties but mark my words the Seahawks five years from now will look back happy with this decision. There is no room for loyalty and when Hasselbeck retires I can't wait to see him inducted in the ring of honor I just don't want him being my quarterback for 2011 and 2012. The Seahawks made a tough decision today letting Hasselbeck go and I have a feeling one of their faces on defense will be let go later the preseason. For now I'll thank Hasselbeck for his great career in Seattle while being excited knowing the Seahawks management got this tough decision right.

1994: The year everything came to a crashing end for Seattle

By Kshell

There was once a time when the city of Seattle ruled the nation. In the early 1990's the city had it all. The city ruled the music scene as the grunge scene busted out with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. The city was also experiencing some good sports with the Washington Huskies winning the national championship in 1991, the Seattle Mariners with rising star Ken Griffey Jr and the Seattle Supersonics with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. The time to live in Seattle was great in the early 1990's then 1994 happened and everything changed. I felt like writing this post today because I was listening to some Nirvana which featured Kurt Cobain as the lead singer. Cobain was a big part of the growth of Seattle and unfortunately was part of the downfall as well. So people please put down the bong today as I know it's 4/20 and give me five minutes of your time to read this following post. I'll talk about how 1994 was the year everything came to a crashing end for Seattle.

In the early 1990's the city of Seattle was buzzing. The Washington Huskies football program was at their peak going to three straight Rose Bowls including winning a national championship in 1991. Some consider that defense to be the greatest defense in Pac-10 history led by Steve Emtman and Dave Hoffmann. The sports scene has a whole was pretty good in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners had their first superstar with Ken Griffey Jr. who started his first All-star game in just his second season in the majors while winning a gold glove. The Seattle Supersonics were enjoying the alley-oops of Gary Payton to Shawn Kemp as the Sonics upset the Golden State Warriors in 1992. The music scene in Seattle was taking off in the early 1990's when this grunge band who is actually from Aberdeen Nirvana busted out on the scene. Nirvana crashed the scene with their album "Nevermind" in 1991 which featured the hit song that is still popular to this day "Smells like teen spirit". The lead singer was Kurt Cobain who wore flannel, jeans and had long blonde hair. Nirvana wasn't the only group from the Seattle area to bust onto the scene as Pearl Jam came out with the "ten" album also in 1991 which featured the song "Jeremy". Then Soundgarden who started off in 1988 had a huge album in 1994 which featured "spoonman". Another Seattle group Alice in Chains came out with "Man in the Box" in 1991 as well. Seattle was a city who had great sports and their music was the most listen to music in the entire nation. Then in one day everything changed for the music scene and the city of Seattle. What happened next started the ball rolling towards one of the worst years Seattle has ever seen.

The day was April 5th, 1994 when everything came to a crashing end. That was the day when news was broke that Kurt Cobain the lead singer and song writer of Nirvana had killed himself. The news was shocking that a guy who seemed to have had it all would feel the need to take his own life. This was shocking as Nirvana had just produced back to back top selling albums with "Nevermind" in 1991 then "In Utero" in 1993 was a huge hit as well. The whole city of Seattle as well as the rest of the country was just in shock. The grunge music which was mostly Seattle artists had killed the hair bands of the 1980's was about to come to an end. Without Nirvana the grunge scene was pretty much dead. The city of Seattle continued to mourn the loss of Cobain as he represented hope to all the kids who weren't "popular" in high school. With Cobain's death the city would be shaken forever. For the sports fans there was still hope as the Seattle Supersonics had the best record in the NBA for the first time in franchise history.

The Seattle Supersonics in the 1993-94 season had enjoyed their best season in franchise history. The Sonics were coming off a year in 1992-93 where they had the second best record in the Western Conference and lost game seven of the Western Conference Finals to the Phoenix Suns. The Sonics who had a young roster also aquired Kendall Gill and Detlef Schrempf to bolster an already stacked roster. The Sonics were 22-3 to start the year. The Sonics finished the season winning their first division title since the 1978-79 season which saw them win the NBA championship. The Sonics had a 63-19 record with 38 blowout victories on the year and were 37-4 at home which was also the best record in the NBA. The city was excited for the Sonics as Michael Jordan had retired the playoffs appeared open for the Sonics. The Sonics would draw a tough matchup with the Denver Nuggets who they split the season series with at two game a piece. The Sonics would destroy the Nuggets in game one 106-82 then win game two 97-87 to take a two games to zero lead. The Sonics after getting destroyed in game three would lose in overtime in game four 94-85 forcing the series back to Seattle. Then the Sonics who were 39-4 at home lost game five in overtime 98-94 becoming the first #1 seed to ever lose in the first round. Later that offseason the Sonics almost traded Shawn Kemp to the Chicago Bulls for Scottie Pippen but the trade fell through. It had appeared the sky was falling for the city of Seattle.

Just when you though the sky was falling in Seattle baseball season happened to the city. The Seattle Mariners were having yet another losing season but saw Ken Griffey Jr. have a big season hitting 40 home runs by August 11th. Then on July 19th, 1994 the Kingdome tile fell which made the Kingdome not a suitable place to play games. The Mariners would then have to play the remainder of the season on the road. The Mariners would play 20 consecutive games on the road until the baseball strike ended the season on August 12th. The Mariners were riding a six game winning streak and had cut a 7.5 game lead down to two games in the standings. So the Mariners were denied their first chance at a possible playoff berth due to the strike. Ken Griffey Jr had hit 40 home runs in just 112 games. Griffey had 51 games to hit 21 home runs to tie Roger Maris home run record. The Kingdome damage also affected the Seattle Seahawks who had to begin their season playing home games at Husky stadium. The year was just a total disaster for the city of Seattle. Then to end the year as the Sonics stadium was being remodeled they were playing their home games in Tacoma in the 1994-95 season. This year was a rough year for the city of Seattle.

In conclusion as you can see Seattle once had it all and then crashed. The city of Seattle is perhaps cursed from ever experiencing success on any level due to the Cobain death who knows. All I know is the city had a rough year in 1994 from sports and music. The city went through a ton of pain back then and it was hard to recover from. Just remember though at least the city of Seattle had their prime moment which is more than most cities can ever say. Seattle at one time had great sports that were on the rise and controlled the music world. It was a fun time to live in Seattle in the early 1990's when the grunge scene came alive. Then it all came crashing down on April 5th, 1994. Seattle survived 1994 which makes us a stronger city today. Seattle will always have the memories of that great time period. So do yourselves a favor and listen to some Nirvana right now. Pretend this is the early 1990's when Seattle ruled the nation. Just don't forget that all great things must come to an end. I can't wait until Seattle has their next great run.

I still miss my Sonics

By Kshell

The stage was all set this year for the Sonics as they have just won the Northwest Division title. The Sonics feature a young team that is poised to win some titles especially after the Kendrick Perkins trade. The Sonics feature Kevin Durant who was the youngest scoring champion last year and led the league in scoring once again. The Sonics will face a familiar face in George Karl whose division rival Denver Nuggets will face off with the Sonics. The Sonics have given us a nice distraction from the Mariners terrible start, NFL lock out and the Huskies disappointing season. Then all of a sudden I woke up from my dream or am I leaving reality to a nightmare right now? Our team was stolen three years ago in July yet the pain still exists for me. This still feels like some sort of nightmare and at any moment I'll join reality where the Sonics featuring Kevin Durant are hoisting the championship trophy. In this following post I'll talk about my memories of the Sonics growing up and the pain I feel now. I won't talk about who is at fault because we all know who is(Schultz, Bennett,Stern and Nickels). So hope you enjoy this following post how the city of Seattle still misses their team.

Growing up in Southwest Washington there was a divide in our area between Seattle SuperSonics fans and Portland Trail Blazers fans. You see where I grew up we are only 50 miles from Portland but Seattle is the home state team. I was a Sonics fan my very first sports team I got into and my very first sporting event I went to was a Sonics game. It also helped that the Sonics growing up in the 1990's were the best team in the northwest which as a kid matters quite a bit. The first year I got into the Sonics was my second grade year when the Sonics had the best record in the entire NBA going 63-19. My dad bought me a Sonics shirt for the playoff ride as this was the year Seattle was going to win their first title since 1979. Well after being up two games to none the Sonics lost both games in Denver to force a game five. I remember at no point did my dad think the Sonics would lose the series. He was complaining how going five games will tire us out down the stretch. I still remember that game as the Sonics were bailed out by a Kendall Gill tip in to force overtime. The Sonics would ultimately become the first team to ever lose in the first round of the playoffs as the #1 seed. The NBA was forbidden in my house for the rest of the playoffs so unless I was at my grandparents house I missed most of that playoffs(I did see the O.J. car chase though).

The following year in third grade is when I really got into the Sonics. For those who went to Mint Valley Elementry school with me can testify I wore Sonics clothes every single day. I even bought a shirt with the schedule on the back. That year is when I went to my first Sonics game ever which took place at the Tacoma Dome that year. We lost to the Spurs by three points as David Robinson had a big game(he would win the MVP that year). I don't remember much from the game other than the Sonics had 37 rebounds as a team and Dennis Rodman had 27 rebounds by himself. I also remember Sam Perkins signing autographs for a bunch of fans at halftime. I also bought a Shawn Kemp home jersey at the game. That christmas I got a brand new Sonics starter jacket which was the best gift I could have got plus I still have that jacket. When the day comes I'll have my son wear that jacket to still represent the Sonics. That year once again the Sonics would lose in the first round to the Los Angeles Lakers which saw them lose three straight heartbreakers. Most people thought George Karl was going to be fired. I'll never forget Karl in the postgame press conference crying pleading to the public to forgive him and keep his job. The Sonics would keep Karl and be rewarded.

In my fourth grade year was probably the best sports year of my life to date. The year began with the Seattle Mariners miracle 1995 run which alone would make for a great year. Then Washington Huskies football won a share of the Pac-10 title and the basketball team surprised everyone and made the NIT. The Seahawks had their first non losing season since 1990 as well going 8-8 and even had a shot at the playoffs that season. Still my first love the Sonics were having a great season. Overshadowed by the Chicago Bulls 72-10 season the Sonics had the best record in the Western Conference and once again were the #1 seed. The Sonics won game one without my favorite player Shawn Kemp who was suspended as they defeated the Sacramento Kings in game one behind Gary Payton. Then Kemp returned in game two only for the Kings to upset the Sonics at Key Arena where they had lost just three times all year. I was so down I remember being so upset I took down my Kemp posters. I was thinking not again not another first round choke job. Then in game three down in Sacramento the Sonics found themselves trailing by double digits I had a sick feeling in my stomach at that point. I remember the Sonics came back led by Frank Brickowski of all people drilling some three pointers. The Sonics would clinch in game four and finally win a playoff series. The Sonics would then sweep the two time defending champions Houston Rockets(had gone 12-0 against them previous two years). Then the Sonics blew out the Jazz in game one and in game two the Sonics rallied behind a great Shawn Kemp dunk. The Sonics would then rally game four to take a three games to one lead. Then the Sonics lost game five at home in overtime then were blown out in game six forcing a game seven. The Sonics won that game seven and due to the Bulls being so dominant that felt like a championship. I celebrated with my dad and was so excited. I went to school that monday wearing my Payton jersey and was so pumped up about the win. Then the Sonics were down 3-0 to the Bulls rallied to win the final two at home before losing in the finals. Then that offseason destroyed basketball in Seattle.

That offseason the Sonics felt they had to get a big man. The Sonics lost to the Bulls mainly because they were dominated inside by Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman. The Lakers had just signed Shaquille O'Neal as well so the Sonics counter by signing Jim McIlvaine. That single move destroyed the Sonics mini run they had going. The Sonics would once again win the Pacific Division on the last day of the season as the Portland Trail Blazers upset the Lakers. The Sonics would defeat the Phoenix Suns in five games but would lose to the Houston Rockets in seven games in the second round. After the game Shawn Kemp said he had played his last game as a Sonic. Kemp was unhappy with his contract and how McIlvaine was making more money than he was. Kemp would be traded in a blockbuster deal that brought in Vin Baker. That 1997-98 year saw the Sonics win their fourth division title in five years. George Karl became just the third coach in NBA history to win 55+ games with the same team for six straight years. I went to a game that year at Key Arena where the Sonics won their 55th game that is when I bought my Vin Baker jersey. After another playoff loss to the Lakers in the second round Karl was fired. The Sonics in his six seasons won 55+ games, won four division titles, went to two western conference finals and one NBA finals. The Sonics just weren't the same after that. At the time I was spoiled I was so mad at the Sonics for once again breaking my heart in the playoffs that I figured that was normal to make the playoffs every single year as a high seed. I would quickly find out those were my peak years as a fan.

After Karl was fired it was pretty hard being a Sonics fan. It was really tough for me who was spoiled by success that the Sonics started to struggle while the Blazers were enjoying their run. After four straight lackluster seasons which saw the Sonics bounced in the first round in five games twice the unthinkable happened. It was my junior year and I remember getting home from school and seeing on espn.com that Gary Payton had been traded. I wanted to like our new owner Howard Schultz but it was tough after trading away the franchises best player. The Sonics did bring back Ray Allen who was the best pure shooter in the game at the time and probably still is. Still growing up Payton and Kemp were my favorites and those two were officially gone. What made it even worse was the offseason where Payton signed with the hated Lakers. I liked Payton so much I also did the unthinkable I wanted the Lakers to win a title that year so Payton could win. The Sonics were becoming an afterthought as well since the Seahawks and Mariners had become good. The Sonics who once ruled the city of Seattle found themselves the third team on the pecking order.

I'll never forget my first year of college in Ellensburg, Washington at Central Washington University. I didn't know anyone at first so I watching the Huskies who went on to be the #1 seed in basketball which wasn't a surprise. The big surprise was the Sonics who were picked to finish last place. That Sonics team was my favorite individual sports team ever probably due to my age I could appreciate them more than my youth. This Sonics team came out of nowhere and had Mr.Sonic Nate McMillan coaching the team. The team featured Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis with the rest of the roster full of scrappy players. The Sonics won the first ever Northwest division title that year then were up two games to one against the Sacramento Kings heading into game four. I still remember the Sonics trailing by double figures then Ray Allen went off. Allen would score 45 points and when he hit the falling away three pointer to ice the game I remember freaking out. The Sonics would win a playoff series then face the heavy favorites the San Antonio Spurs. The Sonics down 2-0 came back home and won both games at home. Then in game six in a back and forth game the Sonics finally lost by a Tim Duncan buzzer beater. I was never more proud of a Seattle sports team than I was that team. Then a few months later Nate McMillan left to our rivals the Blazers which pissed me off. Then a year later doom hit Schultz sold the team to out of state owner Clay Bennett which had me worried.

After another disappointing season I remember the day the draft lottery happened. I was sitting in my college house with my two roommates as the Sonics landed the #2 pick we celebrated so much. I thought by landing Durant the Sonics were safe no way this team was moving. I remember my Blazers roommate rubbing it in that the Blazers had the #1 pick and Greg Oden. I was excited for the Sonics as Wally Walker was finally gone and Kevin Durant was coming to Seattle. The year ended with the Sonics having their worst season in franchise history but that was all right the team was young. Then in July the darkest day happened the Sonics were leaving to Oklahoma City. Our own damn city sold the team out and got nothing in return. The Sonics had two years left on their lease and Mayor Greg Nickels let the team leave. The worst part is not only did they leave they got to share the history which still to this day pisses me off! We lost our team, history and a great talent like Kevin Durant. Durant the only Seattle Supersonic ever to win rookie of the year by the way. No matter what Durant does remember he was drafted by Seattle and like our team was stolen from us.

Now because so many idiots got rich by being sell outs the fans are the ones who are left to suffer. The only professional championship that was won in anyone's lifetime is no longer in our city. The Sonics were the most successful franchise having won six division titles, reaching six Western Conference finals, reaching three NBA Finals and winning a World Championship. Our history is gone and so is the Sonics yet I get the impression I'm in the minority who is outraged by all this. Look how ESPN felt so "sympathic" to Cleveland for the Lebron James situation. What about Seattle who lost Durant and our team!!! Only Bill Simmons will bring up the Sonics situation while the rest of the media pretends nothing happened which makes me sad. I hate how casual fans or fans of other teams just expect Seattle fans including myself to just "move on". Makes me sick to my stomach when the Hijack City Zombie Sonics were in the playoffs last year and ESPN bragged up how great their fans were. I know their fans didn't do anything but when you have feelings for someone and see them with someone else you naturally don't like that person she is with. That is how I feel about Oklahoma City and I hope Durant leaves them in five years.

The Sonics leaving did so much damage to so many people. I take a look at myself for example. I always felt the Sonics were the big reason why my dad and I grew so close growing up. We always had the Sonics to talk about regardless of how good or crappy each of our days went. Huskies football dominated the discussions but that was just 12 games a year while the Sonics were 82 games plus playoffs. I remember going to games with my dad with the Sonics and how them winning/losing meant so much to us. I also remember years later in my college years calling my dad talking Sonics. I feel for kids growing up what are they going to do? The city of Seattle has produced so many great NBA players you have to wonder what the absence of an NBA team will do going forward. All I know is the Sonics built a great relationship between my dad and myself. Of course David Stern didn't think of that as he ripped my heart out of my soul.

In conclusion, I still miss my Sonics. I miss playoff basketball and I'd kill to see the Sonics get upset in the first round again. I'd take that over what we have now which is nothing. Instead the city of Seattle has a crappy baseball team to watch right now when we should be getting ready for the playoffs. This used to be my favorite time of the year the NBA playoffs as a kid where Key Arena would be rocking loud. Now I'm left wondering if we'll ever get a team back. Nobody seems to care far as the "important" people go. On Dave Niehaus day Costco had Howard Schultz do an autograph signing which didn't sit well with Sonicsgate Adam Brown who was removed for simply wearing a Sonics hat. Earlier that week the city council of Seattle named a day statewide Starbucks day. Now today the NBA named Clay Bennett head of the relocation committee. I feel as if people are intentionally trying to rub Seattle's faces in the crap that they took on us. I'm still heartbroken about the team being gone and still am in shock. I know it has been three years but it feels like it has been 10 years since we last had an NBA team. I wish nothing but bad things for the league as long as David Stern is running the show. I just want my team back. I still miss my Sonics and like most Sonics fans I sit at night watching old youtube clips of the Sonics. They can take our team and history but these jerks can't take away the memories. I saw Seattle clinch the western conference championship, my dad remembers when they won the title in 1979, I remember where I was when Shawn Kemp would throw down a monster dunk. Just remember that fans don't be afraid to openly miss the Sonics and if someone tells you to get over it tell those people to get bent. I just hope someday I can wake up from this nightmare and see Kevin Durant hoist that trophy for Seattle.

Huskies freshman come up big in 69-51 win over Oregon in Pac-10 semi's

By Kshell

The Washington Huskies(22-10,11-7) held off the pesky Oregon Ducks(16-17,7-11) to win 69-51. The Huskies led basically the entire game over the Ducks but the Ducks just wouldn't go away. Unlike the loss in Eugene where the Huskies didn't play defense the Huskies played terrific defense today. Just like the win in Seattle freshman Terrence Ross who is from Portland, Oregon made his home state team pay. Ross made his second consecutive start had some highlight reel dunks on the Ducks as he scored 13 points. Fellow freshman C.J. Wilcox scored 14 points for the Huskies as the Huskies won in spite of their two first team all Pac-10 players Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning combining to shoot 4-20. The Huskies proved why they are a good team in the Pac-10 they can win in different ways. The Huskies will now look to defend their Pac-10 tournament championship tomorrow against the Arizona Wildcats. Isaiah Thomas for the second straight game recorded a double-double and is looking to win back to back tournament MVP's. The Huskies are finally playing well as a team at the right time of the year.

The Huskies had another sloppy first half but the Ducks had an even worse first half. The Huskies did receive great play from their bench as their bench scored 15 points in the first half. The Huskies played terrific defense on the Ducks holding the Ducks to 9-26(34.6%) shooting from the field and 2-10(20.0%) from three point range. The Huskies shot the ball all right shooting 10-24(41.7%) from the field but struggled from three point range making just 3-12(25.0%). The Huskies were 7-10(70.0%) from the foul line. The Huskies took a 30-21 halftime lead over the Ducks. Their first halftime lead since playing Seattle University over five games ago.

The Huskies did have some nice highlights as Thomas threw a perfect alley-oop to Ross for the dunk. The Huskies were led by Scott Suggs who scored eight points on three for three shooting including two three's. The Huskies also received good play from another reserve in Darnell Gant who scored six points on three for four shooting including grabbing six rebounds. Thomas had struggled in the first half with six points on just one for five shooting but did dish out five assists. The Huskies Matthew Bryan-Amaning had just two points and one rebound as he didn't even attempt a single field goal. The Huskies like yesterday received great play from Wilcox in the second half.

The Huskies came out in the second half determined to put the Ducks away. Wilcox began the half with a three pointer. The Huskies then stretched their lead to 44-30. The Ducks tighten up their defense and held the Huskies scoreless for over five minutes as they went on a 10-0 run to close within 44-40. Thomas would hit only his second shot of the game but it was huge. With two on the shot clock Thomas drilled a three pointer to give the Huskies a 47-40 lead. Then later in the game Wilcox provided the dagger as he drilled a three pointer and was fouled. After he hit the free throw the Huskies had a commanding 14 point lead. Then in the final minute as the Ducks were pressing, Ross crossed up his defender with a behind the back move then tomahawk jam on the Ducks. Ross who won the Oregon State player of the year as a sophomore at Jefferson High School is a reminder what the Ducks have been missing out on talent wise. When the horn sounded the Huskies had won 69-51 over the Ducks. For the fourth time since 2004 the Huskies will be in the Pac-10 championship game.

The Huskies won this game with defense. They held the Ducks to 18-56(32.1%) shooting from the field and just 4-24(16.7%) from three point range. The Huskies didn't exactly shoot lights out but shot well enough. The Huskies shot 24-59(40.7%) from the field, 7-22(31.8%) from three point range but made 14-18(77.8%) from the free throw line. The star of the game was Isaiah Thomas who played 38 minutes after playing 40 minutes the previous day. Thomas scored 10 points on 2-11 shooting but had 12 assists with three steals. The other stars were the freshman as C.J. Wilcox led the team in scoring with 14 points on four for nine shooting including three three pointers and making all three free throws. Terrence Ross scored 13 points on 6-12 shooting including a three pointer. Scott Suggs off the bench scored 10 points on three for six shooting including two three pointers. Darnell Gant scored eight points but pulled down a career high 10 rebounds with a block shot. Matthew Bryan-Amaning had a quiet game scoring just six points on two for nine shooting but had seven rebounds and two blocks. Justin Holiday added seven points on three for five shooting with six rebounds. Overall it was a good team effort for the Huskies.

Overall the Huskies accomplished their goal this week. The Huskies of course want to win the Pac-10 tournament for the second straight year and third time under Lorenzo Romar. The Huskies are playing some great ball and when Thomas is getting assists like he has been they are a tough team to beat. The Huskies are getting great games from their shooters recently with Wilcox, Ross and Suggs playing well. If the Huskies can get more production from their seniors they should be fine in the tournament. The Huskies prove once again when they want to they can be the premiere team in the conference. Most importantly the Huskies have proven to themselves they are still capable of playing good basketball. The Huskies will try and complete this great run with another Pac-10 championship. With the way this team is playing right now I'm not going to bet against them that is for sure. It is good to see the Huskies playing good basketball once again.

Observations:

- The picture to your right is of Isaiah Thomas hugging former Sonics legend Gary Payton. Payton is at the game cheering on the Huskies although he is an Oregon State Beavers alum. Payton has stated he is going to work out Thomas this offseason in Las Vegas. Payton also was in the Huskies locker room after the game to give them congratulations.

Thomas is playing like a point guard once again which is good to see. Thomas although he scored just 10 points did dish out 12 assists. The Huskies are now 4-1 when he has 10+ assists in a game. The Huskies are 9-1 when Thomas has 8+ assists. The only loss was a one point loss at Arizona who the Huskies have a chance to seek revenge on. Thomas for this tournament has played in 78 minutes out of 80 possible minutes. So far he is averaging 15.5 points per game and 11.5 assists which means if the Huskies win the tournament he should be the conference tournament MVP.

- Teams don't win conference tournament championships without strong play from their role players. With Bryan-Amaning having an off game and Aziz N'Diaye appearing to be lost Darnell Gant provided the Huskies with strong inside play. Gant scored eight points and grabbed a career high 10 rebounds on the game. In the first half Gant had six points and six rebounds to set the tone.

When people complain about Gant they don't understand the whole story. Gant provides good athletic defense, has improved on his rebounding and can still knock down that open jumper. Gant has improved quite a bit since his freshman year. Today was proof of that as Gant pulled down 10 rebounds while scoring eight points. Gant also didn't attempt a single three pointer which he has fallen in love with. Today was a great game from Gant and the Huskies needed that in the first half.

- The picture to the right is of Thomas congratulating Wilcox after he drilled a three pointer to ice the game. Usually in big games the freshman freeze up and the older guys take over but this year the freshman are stepping up. Wilcox and Ross combined to score 27 points on 10-21(47.6%) from the field and hit four three pointers. Once again Wilcox struggled in the first half but came on in the second half hitting two three pointers. Ross came on strong in the second half scoring nine points as well.

For this tournament Ross is averaging 15.0 PPG while shooting 12-23(52.1%)from the field, has hit four three pointers. Ross has provided several great highlight reel dunks in this tournament already. Wilcox is also averaging 15.0 PPG while shooting 9-19(47.3%) from the field and is shooting 8-16(50.0%) from three point range so far. The freshman are certainly pulling their weight in this pac-10 tournament that is for sure.

- Lorenzo Romar is advancing to the championship game for the fourth time since 2004. Overall Romar is 12-5(.705) in the Pac-10 tournament. To say Romar has been very successful in this tournament would be an understatement. This is the second time in Romar's career the Huskies have reached the championship game in back to back years(2004 & 2005). This shows Romar typically has deep teams as in a three games in three days tournament you need some depth.

The Huskies are managing this run with only eight guys on scholarship and Thomas is your only point guard on scholarship. Romar took a risk by totally shuffling his starting lineup for this tournament. A team full of upperclassman and yet the Huskies find themselves starting two freshman. The Huskies have had 10 different guys start multiple games now. Romar I'll give him praise for making the gutsy decision to suspend Venoy Overton. Romar has the team playing their best ball in the Pac-10 tournament. I'll give Romar credit when his teams have their backs against the wall they almost always respond.

All in all, the Huskies are going back to the championship game. The Huskies are receiving great play so far from Isaiah Thomas, Terrence Ross and C.J. Wilcox. The Huskies will need their seniors like Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Justin Holiday to step up to defeat the Arizona Wildcats. Romar is 2-1 all-time in the championship game including a win over the Arizona Wildcats in 2005. The Huskies have taken care of two Northwest foes who started their decline in the middle of the season. Now the Huskies get a chance to seek some revenge on the Wildcats. The Huskies are 7-6 against the Wildcats in their last 13 games showing this is a tight series. Should be a fun Pac-10 championship game tomorrow with two of the elite teams in the conference over the past couple of seasons. The Huskies have always had a rivalry with the Arizona Wildcats this decade much like the football team did with the USC Trojans in the 1980's and 90's. Everyone expected these two teams to meet in the championship just nobody expected the path the Huskies would have had to take to ge there is all. With Thomas playing good basketball the Huskies are in good shape. Most importantly the confidence is back at Montlake which is key for the NCAA tournament next week.