LOOK OUT FARRINGTON, HERE WE COME!

The Cardinal Courier was able to arrange a conference call this morning with some of basketball's all-time greats. How did we do this? Well, we never reveal our modus operandi. But trust us that our gonnections are top-drawer. We were delighted to find that they are all high school bball addicts, and all have vacation homes in Hawaii, and so they follow many local teams, including the Cards. We are honored that they gave their time to discuss with us the upcoming state tournament on Oahu this week. Following are some of their inciteful comments.

Legendary Coach of the Celtics, Red Auerbach:
Congratulations Coach Harry & Coach Scott. We coaches know that the players make it happen on the court. We also know that the attitude we bring to the team, to each of the players, has an impact. You both have done remarkably well in establishing a team that is of one mind. They are calm, positive, and sportsmanlike because that is how you have developed them. Coach Harry, your knowledge of the game, your humor, your simpatico and espirit de corps in building this team these 3 years is so very evident. And Coach Scott, you have picked up the reigns under difficult circumstances. Your poise, your constant support of the guys: you are a true gentleman and role model.


Jerry West, one of the all-time great guards
Will, you are the team floor leader. Everyone feels confident when the ball is in your hands. This will be crucial on Oahu, where the pressure will increase, the intensity will be so thick you will be able to cut the atmosphere with a knife. You have proved that you can handle this and lead your team. Be patient, and enjoy every moment. Farrington is expected to walk away with the big prize, but they must go through you. Play your game, run your plays, stay tough on defense, and with a few breaks, you could do to them what you did to other big schools on Oahu over Christmas. And keep a smile on your face: you & Dad are going to the big stage one more time!

Magic "Showtime" Johnson
Well, Sebi, here it is: showtime! The Big Gig. That silky-smooth delivery of yours is feared and envied. Don't be shy about putting some big numbers up. The guys look to you for that, so don't hesitate to take the shot. You probably know that the triple-double became a stat because of me. On the Cards, you are most like me: a versatile shooter, passer, and rebounder. And you are always ice under pressure. I like that! So relax: you can play with the best of them.

Isaiah "Mr. Clutch" Thomas
Aldyn, you hustle like I used to. I know that the Pistons depended on me to put up 30 points a night, but that is not your role. You are a fine shooter, and you have a nice quick move for the lay-up, and you will take the opportunities when they come. But it is your defense, your speed, that your team especially needs. You can turn a close game around with some key steals. And you can prevent penetration by your hounding of their guards. I have watched you really come alive in the 4th quarter on defense, and I know that the state tourney will bring out your best!

Julius "Dr. J" Erving, the man who started the modern era
Christian, Christian, Christian! You've been watching my old highlight reels. That balance that keeps you stable when attacking the bucket from every angle, defenders trying to hitch a ride on you, and you maintaining that old equilibrium - that's a rare gift. Heck, I had it too. And that speed? You are a potent weapon. I like how you have come on to this squad with a positive attutude and look to play a role and contribute how you can. Just keep doing what you're doing, creating offense when the situation calls for it, making steals, hitting the boards. I might even call you "Dr.C"!

Hakeem "The Dream" Olejuwon
Hey big fella. Thomas, you come to play - just like I always did. You also remind me of me with your strength and your soft touch off the jumper. Only us big guys know how lonely that warzone of paint can be when it's just you and 3 opponents trying to dismember you before you can get to the rim. Kind of like in my home country of Nigeria, when sometimes driving to the basket a cougar or cheetah might come darting out of the brush and climb your back! But you are a leader as well, as I noticed in that loss to Pahoa, how you rallied your team to keep fighting. You've got what it takes, so just enjoy the battle!

Tony Kukoc, reserve player on Jordan's Bulls
I'm not as well known as the other Hall-of-Famers here. I played in their shadow, so to speak. Or rather, in the shadow of the great among greats: Michael Jordan. But Jordan and Pippin and Paxton needed guys to push them in practice, to keep the morale of the team up, to be there for whatever Coach needed, to be ready to step, cold, onto a sizzling hot court with the game on the line. You guys on the bench - Cody, Dalton, Dale, Chris, Jon - you are also part of the heart and soul of this team. It all starts with your great, unselfish attitudes, the humor you bring to the long practices, the vocal support from the bench throughout the game. And it ends with your well-deserved but brief appearances to make valuable contributions. You bring, as we Croations say, jedinica, which you Americans might call unity, or all-for-one. Take it from Tony: your presence matters greatly on this team!