Tuesday Bolts – 7.20.10
Henry Abbott gives us nine things to know about Rich Cho: “Cho and his former boss, and Thunder GM, Sam Presti are two smart guys who got into the NBA the hard way: as interns. There’s a doggedness to their commitment — all those years of proving themselves, in a world where former players and big names move to the front of the line, commands respect. Cho quit his job at Boeing to go to law school before signing up with the Sonics, simply because he knew lots of sports executives had law degrees.”
Also, a Q&A with Cho: “Q: So, is this a rivalry cooking between the Blazers and the Thunder? A: The Thunder are a well-coached, up-and-coming team, and the Blazers are a well-coached, up-and-coming team. Both teams have good guys. And they’re in the same division. So it probably is a rivalry in the making. Q: You’ve hardly talked to the media at all in the past. Why? A: Our philosophy in Oklahoma City was that we would speak with one voice to the media.”
Chris Silva on OKC’s trio playing for Team USA: “The Men’s National Team will have an entirely new identity when it begins its quest for the nation’s first World Championships title since 1994, and the Thunder has an opportunity to be a prominent part of it. With USA Basketball training camp kicking off Tuesday in Las Vegas, this week presents several opportunities for the Thunder trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green, who are among the 21 NBA players seeking a spot on the roster that will travel to Istanbul for the FIBA World Championships in late August. It’s an opportunity to represent their nation, an opportunity to thrust the Thunder into the national spotlight and an opportunity to further become better players.”
OKC is playing Memphis in Tulsa in the preseason at the BOK Center October 12. Tickets go on sale August 16.
The Thunder broadcast team earned a regional Emmy Award on July 18 for best live coverage for sports/event. The Thunder won the Heartland Emmy for its broadcast of the Thunder’s Dec. 22, 2009, game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Pat DeCola of FS Southwest: “If you haven’t heard, one NBA team has really made a splash this offseason by locking down its franchise superstar, making the right moves, and filling out its roster with productive role players. Thankfully, for your reading pleasure, I’m not referring to the Miami Heat. No, not “Miami Thrice” nor “LeBroshAde” nor “DLC and the Sunshine Band” or whatever convoluted nickname the “Three Kings” go by. But rather the Oklahoma City Thunder.”
The Real Training Camp special airs today at 2 p.m. CT on NBATV.
