Saturday, March 31, 2007 Sayson: A healthy debate requires the right facts By Homer Sayson Second Overtime
CHICAGO— Having been unable to entertain readers’ e-mail for quite sometime now, I will answer as many letters as my allotted space will allow today. Here we go: 1) Jufil Sato of Perrelos, Carcar— “You cover the NBA very well through your NBA segment at dyAB with Leo Lastimosa. Can you do the same for golf? I’m sure many of your listeners and readers are golf lovers.” I’m still learning about the sport of golf, its nuances, its terminologies, et cetera. While the education process is in progress, I’m sticking with two subjects I’m confident talking about — the NBA and boxing.
2) Leandro Canada of Minglanilla, Cebu— “One thing about Kobe today is his maturity, involving teammates but scoring at will. He deserves an MVP award. You agree?”
Kobe averages 30.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season. It would be criminal not to give him MVP consideration. But I still think Dirk Nowtizki and Steve Nash are more deserving of the award.
3) Gerald Manigos (gerald.manigos @gmail.com)— “His scoring spree of 50-plus points per game was amazing but Kobe is still Kobe.
I mean he’s still a one-man-show type of guy attempting almost 40 shots a game, almost half of the entire Lakers’ field goal attempts”
If that’s what you think of Kobe, knock yourself out. I respect your opinion, Gerald. Sadly though, your facts are crooked as a politician. In 66 games played thus far, Kobe has shot only 1,449 field goals or a mere 21.9 per game, not the ridiculously over-bloated figure of 40 that you allege.
As of yesterday, the Lakers have hoisted 5,731 field goals in 71 games, meaning they average 80.7 field goals a game. Gerald, is 21.9 of 80.7 almost half of the Lakers total field goal attempts?
Look, I cherish my readers’ interaction. But I would enjoy their opinions more if the facts were right.
4) Gino Paolo Peralta (dodgeviper_ gambit@yahoo.com)— “Do you think the Lakers will try to get Kevin Garnett next season?” Yes, and so will the 29 other NBA teams, including the Minnesota
Timberwolves. From what I’ve gathered though, KG is leaning Laker and teaming up with his buddy, Kobe Bryant.
5) Jim Christian Akiatan (jcatruman@yahoo.com)— “Do you have any update on D-Wade’s rehab?” Wade recently told the Miami Herald that he’s doing fine, but the Heat has yet to officially announce his return, possibly in the playoffs.
HAPPY B-DAY TO LOI. My dear friend Lio Porcia-Alicante turned a year older yesterday. She called me yesterday to break the milestone as she gathered close friends and family at a sushi dig in Cebu City.
Loi used to be based in Los Angeles, but the gorgeous 30-something Cebuana has opted to “retire” and be with the love of his life, Jun Alicante of the Cebu city Assessor’s office.
P.S. thanks to the following for their letters— Carlos Lao III of New Jersey, Jeremy Elape, Alfonso Negapatan, Jr. and Leon Hernandez.
