Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: The Redhawks need some "gel"

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: The Redhawks need some "gel": University of San Francisco 69 Seattle University Redhawks 63 I really was not looking forward to having to be 0-2 starting off the season...

The Redhawks need some "gel"

University of San Francisco 69 Seattle University Redhawks 63

I really was not looking forward to having to be 0-2 starting off the season, but reading the Seattle Times Sports section this morning I was glad that the players understand the same things us Basketball High IQ people see after two games. Now remember I am the "Hunter S. Thompson" of the Redhawk Nation. So as much as I want to be critical, I also want to be positive and then throw you all a curve ball here and there - kind of like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" - to be aligned with "Fear and Loathing the Redhawks."

Saturday's home opener which was surrounded by so many great events such as the Alumni reception,  a double header with the women's team tipping off and the Puget Sound areas Catholic schools participation was not a disappointment in the SU loss - The Portland State game was - just remember my early season words, "Win the games we are supposed to win and pull off a couple upsets."  OK, lets move on people.

This was a very good USF team with returning players and SU hung in there with 6 lead changes and a 1 point game differential at the half.  Here is what I saw and my season ticket holder to my left and the hoop analyzer to my right - USF is a very patient team waiting for the right pass at the right time.  The Redhawks are a very athletic team with size, but are playing without 'gel' because they have only 1 returning starter in Senior Aaron Broussard and Clarence Trent practiced with the team last year but had to sit out live action as a UW transfer so things seem to be in a growing pain period.  Don't panic was the message from Broussard and the message here.  But we need to get the "Gel On" Redhawks or I for one am going have a heart attack in my courtside seats.

Now what's not working.  How the hell to you expect to win games when your starting back court shoots 2 for crying out loud 14, not to boot 0-for 9 behind the arc and as a team SU shot 7 for 25 total three pointers - Uh Coach, you are going to see a lot more zone defense if the trend continues.  USF was in man to man for three possessions.

We shot 39.3% from the field

It's the little wins game to game that matter and I don't know if any of the team or staff read my last blog but SU shot 80% from the Free Throw line Saturday- insert small applause - because it was only 8 of 10.  Thanks refs.

Now let us speak of one more observation.  With such an athletic team why is it that we only pressed down by nine with with a few minutes to play and out of four full court trap presses we forced three turnovers.  A pretty positive trend we might like to look into for the future.  It was a frustrating loss to witness and I had to relive it again on tape delay at Buckley's, yet it allowed me to re think the future 2011 season which is like that basil seed you plant and coddle, water, talk too and it eventually turns into a gigantic plant full of fantastic smells!  (insert not so Hunter S Thompson like)

Peace Out Redhawk Nation from the Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report and by the way it would be great if you would always forward this to Redhawk fans and subscribe.

These worn out Converse are 10-3 when wearing them to games

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Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: All the ways to blow a 14 point lead

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: All the ways to blow a 14 point lead: Isabella at games end - totally distraught Are you serious! SU leading by 14 points and poof it's gone by games end. You have the lead ...

All the ways to blow a 14 point lead

Isabella at games end - totally distraught

Are you serious!  SU leading by 14 points and poof it's gone by games end.  You have the lead with 35 seconds and get the ball stolen only to let Portland State score with 4.9 seconds, not to mention SU was up by eight with 1:38 to go.  Arghh.

As I noted in the previous blog if you are going to have a good season you have to win the games you should win and pull off a few upsets - this is not the way to start your year on the road season opener.

In some respects I am glad I did not make the trip down to P Town for on the way back I would be kicking and screaming the entire three hour ride.
Instead the dogs and I listened to the Groz and I texted to the faithful who did make the trip,  It sounded like an ugly game and I am miffed that SU could force 25 turnovers and lose!

After reviewing the stats I can see why.  SU shoots 38% from the field, 21% from beyond the arc and 53% from the Free Throw line (didn't we talk about this last year) The Redhawks went 7 for 13

How is it Wallace can make three pointers and go zero from twelve uncontested feet?  The Redhawks were relentless on the offensive boards which is a good thing, but also not a good thing because they were missing shots.

I would be much more happy if the game was close throughout and we lost - but with expectations high for the NIT Tournament and this talented of a team it needs to come together and smell blood early on and stay focused.

The next test in the Key Arena home opener this Saturday is no easy task against a talented University of San Fransisco team.  SU should be 1-0 going in and potentially 2-0 by Saturday's end if USF is one of those maybe wins.  Let's hope I don't have to endure an 0-2 start and I have better news to write about and I don't want to write about Free Throws anymore!

Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Game on Portland State

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Game on Portland State: Really? This is Portland State mascot? Really? For Crying out loud this dork makes 'Rudy the Redhawk' good enough to take on a date. Th...

Game on Portland State

Really?  This is Portland State mascot?  Really?  For Crying out loud this dork makes 'Rudy the Redhawk' good enough to take on a date.

The I-5 corridor will be filled with a strong Seattle U contingency as I've heard moving south as the Redhawks tip off their season opener with PSU Tuesday night in Stott Arena (by the way your arena looks like a high school gym - I've been there three times) against the Vikings.  Unfortunately, this rabid alumnus will not be in any of the hundreds of cars heading south so I will be sitting by the radio tuned into 710 AM ESPN radio listening to my friend the 'Groz' calling the action.

I won't bore you with the stats, you can find them on www.goseattleu.com but this really is a great rivalry renewed as Seattle transitions back to Division I and the series is tied at seven games apiece.  If you pay any attention to this blog - which you should because I am really a hoopaholic and know my sh*t. (can I say that on the internet?) - you will note the 2011 Redhawks are like no other sans the early years of the 50's. 60's and 70's - big, athletic and talented so watch out Vikings.  Tuesday's game is really a tester of what I believe.  Seattle U's season depends on the following assumptions.

1. Win games that you should win.
2. Win a couple of games you may not be assumed to win.
3. Be a strong force in your house at 'Key Arena' to let the country know you are for real and opponents shake entering an NBA style atmosphere.

I am way cooler than that stupid PSU Viking

Game on Seattle U Redhawks your season into the NIT (one more year for NCAA tournament and one more year for the WAC) is the first step to renewing your legitimate place back when I watched you as a child and I know you will do it bigger and better in your journey as an athlete, as a team and as a student in parallel to the Seattle University mission.

"If we do not think about the future we cannot have one!"

Go Seattle U!

That's it for the Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report

Good luck guys!

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Day and Night

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Day and Night: Seattle University played its first exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran University who was once in the same conference years ago when a...

Day and Night

Seattle University played its first exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran University who was once in the same conference years ago when a few of us where sitting in the sparse Connelley Center bleachers ( I will reiterate 'few") and now have the opportunity to play again in Key Arena - which is now home to the Redhawks with a 101 - 53 win as SU  embarks on there final year of transformation from NAIA , Division III to Division II to Division I! Entering into the elite 378 schools of competition.  Now you know this rabid alumnus does not take this with the faint of heart.  Tireless, as an 86' graduate and hoopaholic from childhood I for one keep a keen eye and my ears to the ground in constant analysis to the progress to the program.  I have been called the 'Charles Burkowski' of sports or the 'Hunter S Thompson" to SU for yes I am smoking a cigarette and and having a late night cocktail as I write (I am sure this is not helping my job hunt by the way.)

The 2011 team is like night and day from the past years and brings child hood thoughts of attending the games of the 70's against the UW with Clint Richardson et all.  Witnessing the game tonight, albeit a Division III team against the rising Division I Redhawks was like a transformation from owning a 1990 Toyota Corolla to a 750 BMW.  Sleek, smooth, easy ride with all the bells and whistles - this team has no 'attitude' just to only to prove the engine is what it is- fast and furious and can go from zero to 60 in nano seconds.  I didn't need to see dunks - I wanted to see steals, quick rotation, hard charges to the boards for a second lay up and aggressive, selfish play - I saw it all and so did my guest courtside who commented that - "Wow!  I'm impressed. I'm from Florida but I'll be following the Redhawks now."

The season has just begun and pulling into the Key Arena Garage and walking into my seats gives hope to the great energy Seattle University is on the correct path to wins, fan excitement and educating the young men into future leaders.  Watch out WAC here come the Redhawks!

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Its Time to get our 'HOOP' On! Suck it again NBA

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Its Time to get our 'HOOP' On! Suck it again NBA: Hey Seattle U Hoop fans we are finally here! Woot woot! Two years ago I started blogging for SU Men's Basketball championing the cau...

Its Time to get our 'HOOP' On! Suck it again NBA

Hey Seattle U Hoop fans we are finally here!  Woot woot!

Two years ago I started blogging for SU Men's Basketball championing the cause and now holy crap SU is everywhere and the media is trying to put me out of business (yeah like I get paid for this).

First, if you missed this months Courtside Club Luncheon then you suck because you missed being treated to the speaker series I started and so far the best from ROOT Sports Broadcaster Jen Mueller who gave a tremendous speech and was the most gracious emcee to introduce Cameron Dollar on exclusive insight to the opening season.  So if you have questions, well you should of been there with the largest lunch crowd to date back on campus.

Jen Mueller ROCKS!

For the third consecutive season, the Seattle University men's basketball team will open its season with an exhibition game against the Lutes of Pacific Lutheran University, with this year's game taking place Saturday, Nov. 12, at KeyArena beginning at 7:10 p.m.

 "What the hell is a Lute?"  Here's a little tidbit...

It's actually a bit of a blast from the past. The Lutes were once called the Knights in the 1970s and 80s.

The teams now are still the Lutes, but the mascot is the Knight. (Like in "Goodnight as we 'dunk' all over you?) The mascot will be part of the cheer squad and help rally Lutes in the stands to cheer on their fellow student athletes. (Good luck on that in Key Arena Mr. Lute or whatever)

Plans are in works to give the gallant sideline character a name.  So keep an eye out for a "Name the Knight Contest" (How about you get your ass kicked by the REDHAWKS Dude) sometime this fall. "It seems students are really excited about it and that's a great thing," said Laurie Turner, director of athletics. "It really helps in assisting and creating a home court advantage."

The Lutes enter Saturday's exhibition after posting a 15-10 record in the 2010-11 season, including a 10-6 record in the Division III Northwest Conference. Eight players return for the Lutes, led by senior guard James Conti, who averaged 8.5 points and 3.0 assists per game last season. Drew Ernest is the team's leading returning scorer, averaging 11.9 points per game. He shot 53.2 percent from the field, including 48.4 percent from behind the three-point line, and 88.1 percent from the free throw line. Cameron Schilling also returns for the Lutes after contributing 8.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 2010-11.

Last Halloween, Seattle U shot 60.3 percent from the field and 87.5 percent from the free throw line in a 121-91 offensive shootout at KeyArena. Six players scored in double figures for the Redhawks, including a 15-point, five-rebound effort from Alex Jones. Gavin Gilmore finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Cervante Burrell contributed 13 points, three rebounds, and six assists. Victor Bull led the Lutes with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyle MacTaggert added 15 points and Schilling came off the bench and scored 14 points.

Steve Dickerson enters his sixth season as head coach of the Pacific Lutheran men's basketball team. Last season was his first winning campaign at the helm, helping the Lutes ( what's a Lute again?) to a fourth place finish in the league and a spot in the postseason conference tournament. Pacific Lutheran will open its regular season next weekend at the Puget Sound Tip-Off Classic in Tacoma, facing La Verne and Portland Bible College. 

Okay...I give credit where credit is due, and the Lutes did well last season, even if I still don't know what a 'Lute' is but it should be a fun game and  it is game time so the trash talking will begin...Oh by the way, PLU have you beaten Oregon State twice or Virginia (Do you even know where Virginia is?)

Post this on the locker room Steve Dickerson and its game on for Seattle U!

Oh yes, I have no affiliation with Seattle University Athletics other than being the rabid alumni :)

Go Seattle U! from the Chieftain Chatter and Redhawk Report

One Week to the 'Tip Off' Lunch with Coach Cameron Dollar

GO Redhawks!

Hoopaholics...Eleven days until the Seattle U Redhawks tip off in an exhibition game against PLU and two weeks to the season beginning at Portland State (more to come on that one later this month) BUT don't forget the Courtside Club Luncheon back on the SU Campus next Monday November 7th at the Student Center in room 160.  With special guest...guess who?  Yep, Jen Mueller of ROOT Sports.  I persuaded her with my sporty talk charm and she is down with giving all the guest the lowdown on how our Division I move is effecting the Seattle Sports landscape.  Lunch is from 11:30 to 2 pm, cost is a value at $25 and if you want the inside track on this season you probably should be there.  Tickets are running fast and room is sparse...can't just show up or you'll be on the outside looking in.  I've been to practice and look, there is no Sonics and most likely there will not be any NBA soon so get your hoop fix at Key Arena and the hottest game in town!  RSVP to Greg Sempadian 206.3984420 ir sempadig@seattleu.edu.  See you there hoop crazed Seattleites

Yours truly,

The Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report !

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Tip Off lunch for Seattle U Men's Basketball 2011 ...

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Tip Off lunch for Seattle U Men's Basketball 2011 ...: See how much fun we have! The Courtside Club will host the first of its monthly luncheons on Monday, November 7 in the Father William F. ...

Tip Off lunch for Seattle U Men's Basketball 2011 Season

See how much fun we have!

The Courtside Club will host the first of its monthly luncheons on Monday, November 7 in the Father William F. LeRoux Room in the Seattle University Student Center. The event will be a feature event of "Redhawk Week" on campus as the university prepares for the opening of the men's and women's college basketball seasons.  

The event will begin at 11:30 with a short reception and buffet lunch. The cost is $25 per person. Guests can pay at the door, but must RSVP at sempadig@seattleu.edu or by calling Greg Sempadian at (206) 398-4420 by Tuesday, November 2. Tickets will not be available the day of the event and tickets are going fast.

"You may be head coach, but I am still your dad."

This is an exclusive inside preview lunch to what is shaping up to be the hottest game in town.

Coach Dollar is headed into his third season as the head coach of the Redhawks with a roster that features five returning lettermen plus eight new players. He has led the program to 28 wins in its first two seasons at the Division I level and was recently named as the Preseason Coach of the Year in a poll of coaches and SIDs of the independent schools.  Senior Aaron Broussard, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season by averaging 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, was recently selected as a first team choice on the Preseason All-Indendent Team. Teammate Sterling Carter, who averaged 13.8 points a game in his freshman season, was also named to the first team. 

Rumor has it the Club is in search of an MC and guest speaker along with coach at the lunch.  I might have the inside scoop and she gets my vote!

"Fox" Sports if you know what I mean

Don't forget the Lady Hoopsters Redhawks Wine, Cheese and Chocolate event at Taste Restaurant on Sunday October 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm.

That's it for now from the Chieftain Chatter and Redhawk Report

Wear Red Be Loud Be Proud

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Suck it NBA - Seattle U Hoops on a Mission!

Chieftain Chatter and the Redhawk Report: Suck it NBA - Seattle U Hoops on a Mission!: I'm back and just warming up a little before getting into full force for the upcoming B Ball season and have a very important message for al...

Suck it NBA - Seattle U Hoops on a Mission!

I'm back and just warming up a little before getting into full force for the upcoming B Ball season and have a very important message for all you hoop freaks. With the NBA in lock down mode and as we all know there is no live action here in Seattle anyway except the purple team across in Mountlake - whatever, that's like New Jersey to me.

Again playing in Key Arena Seattle University Men's Basketball promises to be even more exciting for the students, the Alumni and yes, the non alumni 'cause you got the best game in town' and it isn't on television, it's live kicking off in November.  Better yet to note we have been accepted in the Western Athletic Conference  (WAC) for the following 2012 season - yes the WAC, the second most powerful conference on the West Coast next to the Pac -something.  Get out?  Yep, right here in downtown Seattle.

Let's talk 2011 schedule -   First, we play five teams this year that made it to the NCAA tournament.  Get out?  Yep. I will start off the season telling you that we can beat three of them- you all can bow to me later in the season.  So back to the schedule. Home opener kicks off against the University of San Francisco of the Wacky Conference then Stanford, Idaho, Virginia, Utah Valley, Arkansas State and the defending WAC champions Utah State.  Get out?  Yep, all in Key Arena.  I'll be there will you?

So let's talk team.  Whoa!  Loaded with height and athleticism Coach recruited the crap out of the country this past year.  Can you say Eric Wallace 6-7 233 transfer from DePaul, can you say 6-5 205 guard out of Colorado and can you say we return the monster Senior Aaron Broussard and we are all waiting for UW transfer Clarence Trent at 6-6 225 to finally ht the court. Let's just throw in Louis Green a 6-9 240 pound center for good measure.

So here's the pitch

Stock is going up and as stock goes up so do ticket prices (fact, this year they lowered the prices) and Seattle U is not going anywhere but up so get in on the ground floor and see exciting collegiate basketball.  Sixteen home games rows 2-4 season tickets for $315 that's $20 a game.  Get out!  Yep, hell you can even hear me in row one. And there's more deals - $225 per season for center court lower seats.  Yep, then you can look down and see me talking 'smack' to the refs. There are even more deals as low as $108 for the year in the end zone for the entire season.

I'm just say'in this is the best sports entertainment in town and a great way to take the family or entertain corporate clients or reward employees.  Your gonna be sad when we make the NIT this year and I have first shot before the public and your gonna be sad when we make the Big Dance and you will have no way in hell even touching a ticket.

I have an electronic form so if your convinced ping me at stevenfantello@comcast.com and get on the wagon even before the band does. I'll deliver the form personally to you if you like.  Or call the ticket athletic office go online at www.goseattleu.com and tell them the Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report sent you.  Oh, don't forget to mention that's me Steve Fantello.

Done for now from your 'rabid' alumnus and leader of the Courtside Club.  You are also invited to "Select a Seat" day at the Key Thursday November 3rd from 3 -7 pm and test drive your new Ferrari.

Go Seattle U!

Wear Red Be Loud Be Proud!

Warning: This is not an advertisement or solicitation just good 'ol fashion guerrilla love for my Redhawks and the student athlete within the Jesuit educational experience:)

The Seattle U 2011 MBB Schedule has been released!

Yep it's football season but just around the corner is the resurgence again with Seattle University Men's Basketball in our home of Key Arena!  Just released today before the public is the finalized schedule.  Gosh who is coming to the Key this year...USF of the WCC, (suck it Gonzaga) Stanford. My favorite potato heads from the University of Idaho, University of Virginia (who we kicked butt on last year - really?), Utah Valley and Utah State (last years WAC champs - suck it again we will be champs in 2012)  Arkansas State, Pepperdine, UC Davis and our friends to the south Portland State - gotta be kind to our neighbors.. 

This is a great line up in addition to the Elgin Baylor Classic with Coppin State and Nebraska Omaha and the Spartan's from San Jose State that have some dear ties to our Redhawks.

As our Seahawks will truly play their hearts out  and finish 6-10 its really time to start thinking SU Basketball and I for one will bring  the blog back week by week as we get closer to November.  Touchdowns are fun...dunks are better!  Be good, be loud and be a proud Redhawk!

Bracketology Smacketology

The Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk Report has been in hibernation since the Redhawks season has concluded (11-20) 

Today though I decided to stick my head out the the lair with a commentary on this whole March Madness issue.  I just find something inherently wrong with this whole concept.  OK look, yes, I have been participating in the mayhem for over 30 years.  I have played in $5 pools, $100 buy in draft schemes and even have ran the brackets as a manager multiple times.  I remember the days before computers when we tallied everything by hand calculator and yellow highlighter posting results each Monday.  Then came Lotus 1-2-3 and posting with a official looking printout and then Excel and auto sorting, additions and even potential end scores (if you really were a nerd).  Now one just fills out the CBS Bracket and all the work is done and you get up to the minute standings etc...by the end of the first weekend you can even know if you have a mathematical chance of sharing in the prizes.

Now here is my beef.  One gets to spend four days researching, calculating, erasing, adding, listening to so called experts, listening to your friends, be loud about your picks or keeping them close - all this time millions of dollars are being spent and millions of hours of efficient work being wasted as other economies continue to surpass the US - I am sure lots of European currency changes and Foreign policy strategist use the end of March as a focus to get the upper edge knowing the White House staff is in the midst of trying to one up the President.  This is all pretty much common knowledge and I am as guilty as the next millionth American so it is what it is - It is not called March Madness for nothing and CBS is not the number one rated network for lack of brilliance.

My issue is the way the system is set up - it is one and done, then wait and hope.  This is what drives me crazy about the whole set up.  I get three days to fill out a round of 68 teams and choose 1 winner and all the winners along the way.  Statistically speaking, Sally Jo can pick winners advancing on team colors, names, or cute mascots over my RPI, Saragin numbers and conference strength just as easy and I have no course to adjust.  You see real handicappers need to adjust game to game for injuries, turn over to assist ratios, match up, style of play and hours of the day playing etc etc.  I am helpless as a true lover of the sport statistically speaking and educationally touting my IQ for the game - where I can talk true trash.  Why at this point do I care to research the Marquette vs.North Carolina match up - I have no choice.  My pick has been in since March 16th.  I am virtually talking 'nonessential trash' only because I need NC to advance, not because I think Marquette can win head to head.  Why would I read the experts analysis now - so they can tell me Arizona has a legit chance to beat Duke - great, I'll skip that game on TV.

Actually, I won't because that is the truest of March Madness - so many games and so many incredible moments packed into an emotional time capsule - it's not that silly office pool which I have no control over.  One, that silly office pool does not take into account my handicapping nor Basketball IQ, second, that silly office pool is a false sense of knowledge - would I have ever picked VCU?  Hell no!

As the 21st Century advances I suggest the Bracketolgy advance - I suggest points be given for covering the spread in addition to picking the winner, I suggest there be three readjustments where one could re pick the teams based on the previous round results.  I suggest for the non gambling aspect one gets tokens to buy in to teams that were not picked.  Or, I suggest I just book a three week vacation in Las Vegas.  As of today I currently stand 4th after the first weekend of my 21 counterparts.  If for some lucky drop of the orange sphere in the metal hoop I win - I will pull out that four leaf clover from my back pocket that has been there since noon on March 17th, quietly collect my winnings and ride off into the sunset.  If I lose, I expect Sally Jo to pull hers out and jump up and down and yell - "That VCU mascot is sooo cute!  My second cousin's aunt went to VCU - woot woot."

Back into the Lair until the Redhawks return to action in November.  Ugh! I have to endure a whole summer of Mariners.  Well, there is always my own orange ball, Chuck Taylor High Tops and the local park and the dream.

Charlie Sheen & The SU Redhawks take on the Portland Pilots

C'mon, you really didn't think I could pass up folding in somehow the whacked out, insane media hog into one of the seasons last few blogs did you?  Everybody else is on the bandwagon so I'm jumping too. Plus Charlie "everyone is a troll" Sheen also likes basketball, being sited many times on the Lakers courtside so maybe if one day he searches his million post for his pure self indulgence decadence on the internet he will run across this and become a Redhawk fan from afar - and lets hope it is from afar. Although, there is a standing invitation for him to sit with me courtside for the my pure self indulgence of getting on TMZ, E News, etc, etc.  This year I had fun teasing, trashing, joking with the opposing teams mascot, but this guy is like the pinnacle of trash able - physically and intellectually .  He has been trashed so much he even has his own garbage can!

Now there are a few similarities to Mr. Goofball and the SU Redhawks.  First, they both think they are 'winning'.  Now if the Redhawks continue to use that phrase as much as Sheen does in everyday life they will start to see it come naturally.  Yes the Redhawks are winning (eleven games this year, fourteen last year) and those are solidified in the stat column. If Sheen was a basketball team the winning is only in his head and he is 0 for the last two years,  Second, Tiger Blood.  I have never seen real blood dripping from Sheen's fangs, but I have seen it flashed from Cervante Burrell as he drives madly down the court into the lane with acrobatic determination to score amongst the opposing bigs. I doubt Sheen has Tiger Blood running through his veins.  I am sure Cervante does. Third, bringing back the eighties phrase 'gnarly'.  Way to go dude, 'gnarly is back, but I think it was always here on the Redhawks court due to the lovable eighties style floppy mop of our enforcer Gavin Gilmore.  I do believe I heard him say once after a dunk under the basket - "ahhhh dude that was gnarly!"  Fourth, the 'Vatican Assassin'  Sheen is not - he is self assassinating, but if you ever watched Garrett Lever lock up game after game against the opposing lead scorer this definitely holds true to the moniker.

Well, that's it for Charlie and the Redhawks.  I am sure we have not heard the last from Mr. Goofball and we all know it is not the last we will hear from the Redhawks.

SU takes on Final game in the Key against Portland State
How sad the end is close and soon the Chieftain Chatter & Redhawk report may go into hibernation,  There are a few pieces still to rant about, but the big Redhawk will soon laying down his feathers and go night night.

Portland State finishes thier regular season tonight also after finishing 7th in the Big Sky with a record of 13-16 and a 1-11 (in fact PSU has never won in Seattle) road record. In the last meeting PSU beat SU in Stott Arena 83-76, but the rivalry goes back into the 50's with SU holding a 7-6 advantage and Coach Dollar 2-1.  PSU has a one game losing streak and SU a two game on the road losing streak.

Timeout Tidbit
PSU head coach Tyler Geving has some ties to Seattle University and the Seattle area.  Tyler grew up in Burien, attended Highline Community College and studied under present WSU coach Ken Bone and former eight year SU coach Joe Callero.  Tyler spent three years as an assistant with Callero at SU so he is very familiar with the Redhawks.  If you can't catch the game live at KeyArena then listen to it on KIRO 710 AM ESPN or follow it on goseattleu.com

We will recap the season next week.  GO Redhawks

What it is to be a real 'hoopaholic' and SU heads to Potato Land et al

Hoopaholics: Those obsessed with watching, playing, writing, talking and thinking everything surrounding about putting an inflated, bouncing orange sphere into a round metal rim that is positioned ten feet in the air with a nylon net attached to a backboard; meanwhile,  the said rim being protected by an annoying competitor.  A hoopaholic is one that chooses to sit quietly in a room next to the radio listening to The Seattle University Redhawks versus the All Eastern 5'9 and under over 50 team (that's not really a team you goofs, its a metaphor) rather than go on a date with a woman that may be ones future wife. Of course she wouldn't end up being my wife unless she understood the meaning of hoopaholic.  She would be my future ex-wife.  Probably best to marry a female hoopaholic

Now a true hoopaholic does not just follow one team or attach themselves to just the major levels of basketball...local NBA team, College Alma Mater or only jump into the March Madness fray when everyone else does etc...real hoopaholic's are truly engulfed with the artistry and magic of the the sport and have a picture of Dr. Naismith somewhere in the home.  Now here are some examples of signs you may be or are becoming a hoopaholic.

10. You continually attend the WIAA State Basketball Tournament even though your high school is not participating watching four games and sitting for six hours eating really bad pizza.
9. You have a small shrine to the sport somewhere in your home that your friends tell you is really cool, but if you get a girlfriend it probably is not going to fly being positioned right in the hallway.
8. You attend Women's games as well because there are no Men's games available (don't start ladies! it works in reverse as well.)
7. You dress your dogs in basketball paraphernalia.
6. Spring training has started and you really don't give a crap
5. You travel all the way to Puerto Rico to follow your team and attach yourself to friends who plan their vacations and business trips around Conference and Holiday Tournaments regardless of the Alma Mater.
4. You keep your original white Chuck Taylor Converse from 30 years ago even though they are too small and moldy to remind you of your "hoopaholicness"
3. The only thing that can keep you away from the Gonzaga vs St Mary's final WCC conference meeting is that you are throwing up blood (true story)
2. Attending the Basketball Hall of Fame is on your bucket list (yep, already checked off)
1. You write a blog about being a hoopaholic! 

I want to hear from other hoopaholics and what makes you one.

Seattle University Redhawks head east to Idaho and face off against the Potato Heads in the Idaho Vandals this Saturday.
This will be the second meeting against Idaho who are now third in the WACky Conference with a 17-12 overall record and a 9-7 record in conference play.  SU took the first meeting at home in KeyArena 66-52 where actually Mr. Potato Head was at my feet in the front row.  This is a different Vandal team than earlier in the season, they are in the top 3 in every major category in the WAC.  Yet this is a different SU team as well - both teams have improved.  Hear the game 7 pm on KIRO AM ESPN radio with the Groz & Gary Hill

Timeout Tidbits
Based on my rough research SU is now 4-4 against the High Major teams in the last two years with wins against both the PAC 10 and ACC.  I have a blog topic coming up next week on this and what it means to the program.

Out for now, I need to check the TV listings for tonight's games.

Chief-Hawks vs the Indian - Cardinal

First off I am sure some of you are wondering why there was no blog after the CSUB game in which SU won 73.54 behind Chad "I didn't step past the three point line on route to 8 for 10 shooting 3.s and a team high 24 points.  Because I was in a hospital bed and could not even listen to the game which was very frustrating.  Don't worry I'll be OK - that is, if you actually were worrying.  Anyway on to the next task at hand.

The headline to today's blog scouting Stanford University is very appropriate.  Doing some mascot research I found some interesting similarities (which I already knew) but wanted to enlighten you on both SU's woes and Stanford's woes.

This is Stanford's original mascot the Indian, Stanford burst on to the collegiate scene the same time SU did - 1891.  Wow, SU was once the Chieftains.  Then all hell broke loose and we are the Redhawks and Stanford does not have a mascot, rather they are the Stanford Cardinal with no plural because it is in reference to their school colors Cardinal & White.  But then who runs along the court cheering on the fans?  A big block of red with two arms and two legs sticking out like sponge bob yet cardinal in color?  Why no the Stanford Tree!

You know, I have trashing mascots all season long, as well as Rudy and I am really starting to get to like these guys - and this tree, pretty creative - I could get inspired by him - with an AX!  Just kidding Mr. Tree you're cute and since I have been researching mascots I could actually find myself being an expert on them.Maybe I could write a book - the History of the Division I mascots A to Z

What is the history of Stanford's mascot and nickname?
The unique origins of Stanford’s mascot and nickname have a history that dates back to the University’s founding in 1891. While the Cardinal has always been one of the school’s official colors, the nickname has gone through a series of changes, student votes, controversy and confusion.
Since 1981, Stanford has been known as the Cardinal. Stanford was known as the "Indians" from 1930-72. As for the mascot, Stanford does not officially have one. The "Tree," which is a member of the Stanford Band, has been mistaken as the school’s mascot, but it is not ...
...Stanford did not have an "official" nickname until Indians was adopted in 1930. For years prior, the Indian had been part of the Stanford athletic tradition. Perhaps it grew out of the fact that Cal’s symbol was the Bear, or it may have come from the large Indian population of the area, or from Indian paraphernalia in abundance in the late 1800’s. Whatever the origin, it was accepted by sportswriters and gradually gained wide recognition.   The Indian symbol was eventually dropped in 1972 following meetings between Stanford native American students and President Richard Lyman. The 55 students, supported by the other 358 American Indians enrolled in California colleges, felt the mascot was an insult to their culture and heritage. As a result of these talks and the ensuing publicity, the Stanford Student Senate voted 18-4 to drop the Indian symbol, and Lyman agreed - sound familiar

Stanford and SU actually flipped mascot concepts, for the original nickname for SU was the Maroons after their color in 1891 and now Stanford the Cardinal after their color today.

Stanford plays in the PAC 10 for any of you living in a cave, they are 14-14 overall and 7-10 in the conference, 6-0 at home in the Maples Pavilion and have lost 4 out of their last five and sit in 8th place.  I really believe SU, who has played two other PAC 10 schools this year in a win over OSU and a loss to UW can compete.  Why?  Just because I have been sitting in a hospital bed for three days.

After Stanford, SU has two remaining games against Idaho, then the final home game against Portland State.  Listen to the game tonight on KIRO AM 710 ESPN or if you are like me - house ridden - you can find it on your computer at the Stanford athletic site.

 

Cal State Baskersfield and the Roadrunners

Up next Saturday night February 26th and Rowdy the Roadrunner.  Truly Rowdy looks like a roadrunner so that's cool - I could see having a little miniature one in my dorm if I was a student at CSUB.  They are 9-16 and like SU play as an Independent and if you looked lately we are tops as an Independent!  Fortunately for us CSUB is on a 1-10 losing streak since January 1.  That's good news.  Where is Bakersfield?

Bakersfield lies approximately 100 miles (160 km) north of Los Angeles (about a 1½-hour drive on I-5 and State Route 99) and about 300 miles (480 km) southeast of the state capital, Sacramento (about a 4½-hour drive on State Route 99).  The rest you can "Google." if you are interested.  Now this is not a push over game for SU. First, you have tp play on the road and that is not an easy win, unless you are Washington last week, they were not playing on the road, they were playing down the road.  Second, the stats are pretty equal - Roadrunners score 69.8 ppg, Redhawks shoot 68.5 ppg and the rest of the stat line is pretty close as well.  It will be an interesting game, hopefully SU is still riding high after their moral victory against the UW.

Tune into the game on KIRO AM 710 ESPN to hear all the action

Yes, I know not to exciting - but I have my down days too.

The Little kid on the block did good!

UW 95 SU 74 round three.  This is Isabella most likely groaning in pain as Matthew Bryan-Amaning dunks in front of me. I put the game on FSN for my dogs to watch as I was, yes, in the front row live. 

Little independent SU fared well in all areas except for the win column.   11,386 people, a respectable score and great student turnout and hustle on the court by all the Redhawks made this a great city event.  Even the Mayor was there!

Now I am a little groggy for the 'Redhawk' faithful continued through the night well into the wee hours of the morning, also in tow was my Husky friend - who I was able to swat with my "SU Rally Towel" many times as my favorite tactic to beat down my Husky friend decked out in purple in the first half.  Yet, I do have a large bruise on my right shoulder from his slaps witnessing many shots like the one below by the Dawgs.

All in all as the papers reported, as the fans held strong and as I said a game reuniting two kids in the sandbox after being separated for so many years - this intercity rivalry is growing and will continue to grow and it will be good for the schools and good for the city.

 "Ouch, not another dunk over my Redhawks," says Isabella. Have to admit though, those dunks were pretty amazing sitting in the front row!

Love my Redhawks!  You made us proud last night.

Next up Cal State Bakersfield Feb 26th back on the road again - hear it live on KIRO ESPN AM 710 ESPN with Groz and Gary Hill.

Isabella and I will do a scouting report after we recover from our hangover.  Wear Red, Scream Loud and Be Proud

SU Redhawks vs. UW Huskies a "Three Part Series" Part 3 - the finale

It is exactly 8:10 am on Tuesday February 22nd so that makes it 11 hours until SU tips off against UW at KeyArena in a game circled on many fans calendars broadcast on FSN hosted by the smok'in hot Jen Mueller who will be standing just to my left courtside.

As expected and which I am grateful for is the great coverage in the Seattle Sports world of writers and bloggers for the kind words written about my beloved Redhawks and the program and for the expected more than 10,000 fans coming to KeyArena tonight as well.  I am also thankful to all my Husky fans who have been kind enough to not trash me, nor the Redhawks (I have a new appreciation for you) understanding as I said in a previous blog that this is about two kids reuniting in the sand box or on the hardwood, which ever metaphor you would like.  This also is about the city getting excited about a fun intercity rivalry now in its third year.

Year one in 2009 I sat at the end of the teams bench in Hec Ed and watched the Dawgs  win 80-67 it was fun and not so fun.  Year two,  I sat in row three behind the SU bench and was horrified by the drudging UW gave SU in a foul laden marathon game by 47 points. 

Today is different.  Today the game is played in KeyArena, the Redhawk's Elgin Baylor home court and the Redhawk Nation will rise after 31 years to host in front of the city and on the television and will be proud no matter the outcome.  I really don't think any of us wearing red care of the outcome - we just are glad to be back in the situation - back where the historic program belongs - in the limelight!  So I am glad the Husky Nation has helped the cause.

Here's my schedule for SU RED Tuesday
1 pm - Take dogs to park all wearing RED
3 pm - Change clothes into more RED
5 pm - Wait for Husky friend to arrive to take him to game
5:05 pm - Put on Red Converse High Tops they are 6-3 when I wear them to game
5:30 pm - Arrive at KeyArena and attend pregame rally
6:45 pm - Enter KeyArena and take courtside seats and wave to Jen Mueller
7:05 pm - Stand and clap for Redhawks
7:10 pm - Watch a 31 year history gap in the remaking
9 pm - Head to Buckley's with Redhawk Nation and bask in the moment - which moment TBD!

Here's a little history of this renewed passionate rivalry gratis from SU SID Jason Behenna -

SEATTLE U VS. WASHINGTON: This will be the 26th meeting all-time between Seattle University and Washington, with the Huskies holding a 21-4 series advantage. Washington spoiled Seattle U's first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament with a 92-70 victory in the 1953 NCAA West Regional in Corvallis, Ore. The intracity rivals did not meet again until the 1969-70 season, when the two schools split the season series with each team winning on their own home floor. Washington won ten straight games from 1971-76 before Seattle U broke through at the start of the 1976-77 season (78-64). Seattle U's only victory at Washington came at the start of the 1978-79 campaign, an 82-78 victory. Washington has won the last five meetings, including an 87-60 victory on March 3, 2009, in the first game between the two schools in 29 years. Last season, Washington jumped out to a 30-3 lead halfway through the first half on its way to a 123-76 victory at Hec-Edmundson Pavilion.

That's it from the Chieftain Chatter and Redhawk Report.  7:10 pm KIRO AM 710 ESPN & FSN