I’ve been told by many Our Time Press readers, that I don’t cover the team that is on their way to Brooklyn as much as I should so, if you ask, you shall receive. A couple of weeks back, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nets star Brook Lopez as he read the classical story, Jack and the Beanstalk to kids in downtown Brooklyn. Kids and fans gathered around the 7-foot center from Fresno, California to get a glimpse of him. After reading the story, Brook took pictures with kids individually, followed by a group picture with all kids in attendance. I even managed to get in a picture with him. To wrap up an exciting day, Brook elaborated on how he felt visiting the wonderful Borough of Brooklyn, and how good he felt reading and interacting with the kids. The kids may not remember the days of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and John Starks, but upon their move to Brooklyn, they can get their first look at  a potential basketball hero they can all look up to. It was a great day for the kids as well as a great experience for myself getting to know the Nets star a little bit better.

I’ve been told by many Our Time Press readers, that I don’t cover the team that is on their way to Brooklyn as much as I should so, if you ask, you shall receive. A couple of weeks back, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nets star Brook Lopez as he read the classical story, Jack and the Beanstalk to kids in downtown Brooklyn. Kids and fans gathered around the 7-foot center from Fresno, California to get a glimpse of him. After reading the story, Brook took pictures with kids individually, followed by a group picture with all kids in attendance. I even managed to get in a picture with him. To wrap up an exciting day, Brook elaborated on how he felt visiting the wonderful Borough of Brooklyn, and how good he felt reading and interacting with the kids. The kids may not remember the days of Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and John Starks, but upon their move to Brooklyn, they can get their first look at  a potential basketball hero they can all look up to. It was a great day for the kids as well as a great experience for myself getting to know the Nets star a little bit better.

Brook was asked a question by one of the children regarding the team’s success. What could’ve been a tough question to swallow, Lopez was optimistic towards the future of the New Jersey Nets answering, “Unfortunately, we’re not one of the good teams now, but it is our goal to one day be better and win a championship.” The Nets are scheduled to move to Brooklyn (Atlantic avenue)  for the 2011-2012 season. With their big man and soon-to-be 23-year-old Brook Lopez already in place, the New Jersey Nets must address some issues they lack in certain spots to be a contending team in what is a very competitive Eastern Conference. From a personal view, Lopez is much bigger in person, and if he can “bulk up” throughout the course of  the years if healthy, we may be talking about one of the most dominant centers in the league. One huge beneficiary the Nets must address is they must be able to keep point guard Deron Williams. After a bitter ending in Utah, the Nets made a trade for Williams in hopes of being the team’s franchise point guard.  Williams will be a free agent after next year. He has been considered the best point guard in the game today alongside Chris Paul. Nets’ front office hope they can convince him to a long-term contract on the way to Brooklyn.

Even though the Nets are one of the NBA’s worst teams, there is a positive note to add since the arrival of Avery Johnson as head coach. Last year, the Nets had a record of 12-70. They have won 23 games so far this year which are signs of improvement from last year.  If they can convince Deron Wiliams to stay as Net, agree on a extension with both Williams and Lopez, the team can build around and possibly add key free agents as well as address what they lack in upcoming NBA drafts. I for one have been getting impatient on the building of the arena, but I feel this is going to excite Brooklynites like they’ve never been before. A winning attitude should add the cherry on top.
Sports Notes: (High School Basketball) An “A” for effort. Boys and Girls High School’s title run ended Saturday as they were shorthanded, only playing six players as they fell to the Mt. Vernon Knights 70-63, ending their run to the New York State title. The season is far from over. Boys and Girls High is one of eight teams chosen to play in a tournament hosted by ESPN. The team will play with six players due to various suspensions. (Baseball) At last!!!!! Baseball is finally here. The New York Yankees begin their run of a 28th world title today @ 1:00 against the Detroit Tigers from Yankee Stadium. (NBA Basketball) The honeymoon is over, and the Knicks have been sinking. With a big win against the Magic, can the Knicks improve their playoff seeding? After a date with the cross-river rival Nets last night the Knicks host the league’s worst team in the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers have beaten the Knicks three times this year. Game is Sunday, April 3 @ 6:00PM.