Andrea Bargnano!

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:04:04 GMT

After a Six month hiatus, oreogeek is back!!!!!! Ok, cool your enthusiasm. I have watched more than my fair share of Raptors games this year, and I like many others have been frustrated with the play of Andrea Bargnani. His inconsistent play is very reminiscent of Morris Peterson's time in Toronto. Many have suggested that it may be time to move Andrea, essentially giving up on him. I understand the frustration but would not give up on this talented player. I do think that fans expectations of the 7 footer need to change. While he does need to utilize his height more to increase his poor rebounding statistics, he will never be a 10+ rebounder. I think Andrea's biggest problem is that he will never be a good centre, his game is more suited to the power forward position, but the Raptors have one of the best forwards in the game in Chris Bosh. If the team decides to trade him it should not be because they don't think he will progress, rather it should be because he doesn't fit in with the direction of the team. I don't think Andrea will ever be a franchise player, but to cat him aside would be a big mistake.

My Canadian Soccer Rant

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:01:30 GMT

For a variety of reasons it has been ages since I last shared a sports opinion. Last night I ventured into the outer regions of Scarborough to watch my brother's soccer team play. Within the first 10 minutes it was apparent that my brothers team was outmatched. His opponents clearly possesed better technique and tactics and a better understanding of the game. The team my brother plays on is comprised of younger players (its a mens league) which accounts for them being physically overmatched but doesn't explain why their was such a large gap in skill. I immediately began to think of the Canadian men's team at the Under 20 World Cup and many simalarities could be found. Firstly, there were very few players who had the ability to keep control of the ball. This has been something i've noticed watching my brother play since he was 5. Often during pre-game warmups you will see the coaches practicing shooting, passing tactics but very rarely will you see a coach that emphasises controlling the ball (By this I mean being able to recieve the pass and keep the ball at your foot). It's so frustrating watching player recieve the pass only to let the ball run away from them or watching players panic if the ball is not directly at their foot. Coaches, please spend some time teaching players how to trap the ball and bring it to their feet. What is also evident is that coaches emphasize tactics much more than creativity. There are too few players who try to do any unique. I'm completely in favour of having a strategy but the problem is that in too many games i've seen there is a lack of players who attempt to be creative. I'm not talking about doing fancy tricks or trying to dribble past the entire team, but more about having players whom are not afraid to dribble past a defender in order to create opportunities. My brother thankfully has always bee a good team player always following the team system and never tried to play the role of hero. But I'm always telling my brother that he has to use his skills a little more and be more creative. But I think that all the coaching over the years has created some doubt in his mind. Coaches when you have young players don't attempt to curtail their progress and creative development. These are only some of the complaints i've had. I think it is evident by the way Canada has played in this World Cup that there needs to be a change in the way coaches teach the game in this country. However on a positive note i'd like to to congratulate the National mens team on their great play in the Gold Cup. I think that was the first time i had watched a Canadian team play with the ball, under control, making smart passes, I hope it's a sign of good things to come. Perhaps in the future watching a Canadian soccer team play will not be as frustrating as it it is now.

Oreogeek's space: Sports

Andrea Bargnano!

My Canadian Soccer Rant