Our trip to Baltimore (Day 1)

We headed to Baltimore to go to the  National Sports Collectors Convention.  Roser and I actually got into Baltimore on Thursday night, but we really did not do much.  We went to the convention to pick up our passes and saw some things for about 30 minutes, and then went to the Orioles/Angels game (great game by the way, park is fantastic).

Friday was the day we really got going.  We went to Washington DC for a quick trip in the morning and hustled around to see some of the sights.  We then made it back to Baltimore to hit the ground running on the convention.  This place is heaven for a sports fan... absolute heaven.  I had read an article Bill Simmons wrote about the event last year in Cleveland and it sold me on the fact that I had to check it out this year.  Anything you could ever imagine related to sports and sports memorabilia is here.  I took a ton of pics and here are some examples of things we saw...

When I think of Ted Williams, I think pilot.

I think it is fair to say that Ty Cobb got a heck of a deal from Readers Digest.

If you have the chance to take a pic with Babe Ruth, you do it.

Oh, the Braveheart collage with the Mel Gibson autograph.  Not a real popular item at the show.  May have to reduce price to move it. $450

How awesome is this pennant?  There cannot be that many of these in existence, right?  I am buying it tomorrow.  I think it was $45.

I used Friday to scout out the place and decide what I was gonna take a run at and blow my life savings on.  Still could not get out of there without buying stuff.  Here were the day 1 purchases- a Tom Herr signed photo where he is making ridiculous face ($6).  A Y.A. Tittle autographed famous photo and a Bob Lilly tackling Jim Brown autographed photo ($10 each).  A huge Pete Rose poster with an autograph and hit # (I don't even care about Pete Rose, but it was $29 and the pic is awesome).  A Dr. J bobblehead and a Kurt Warner bobblehead ($8 for both of them).  Not too much damage.  Tomorrow I have a list and do real damage.

Here are Roser first day purchases.  A Deion Sanders autographed Florida St. jersey, a Michael Jordan Birmingham Barons bobblehead, and the SI with Bo Jackson in a Memphis Chicks jersey.  Nice work for Roser on Day 1.

I will try to update again before we get home.  Hopefully we have money to get home after tomorrow.  You have to come to this convention at least once.  Totally amazing for a sports fan, it has exceeded all of our expectations.

Deuce McCallister in studio (The Audio)

Former Ole Miss Rebel and New Orleans Saint, Deuce McCallister, joined us in studio for about half of the show today and we talked about everything I could think to ask.  His college career, coaches, injuries, New Orleans, recruitment, the Super Bowl- anything I could think of.  We also took questions from callers.  He was absolutely fantastic on the radio, and a great guy.  The audio is broken down by segments below.

Deuce McCallister on The Chris Vernon Show part 1
Deuce McCallister on The Chris Vernon Show part 2
Deuce McCallister on The Chris Vernon Show part 3
Deuce McCallister on The Chris Vernon Show part 4
Deuce McCallister on The Chris Vernon Show part 5

R.I.P. Lorenzen.

Tony Allen on the show (The Audio)

Tony Allen (the newest Grizzly) completely surprised us by making his first appearance on the show and slaying the interview.  We had no idea what to expect, but were thrilled- cannot say enough about this first performance.  One of our favs of the year so far.  Bravo Tony.

Tony Allen on The Chris Vernon Show (7-23-10)

Chris Wallace on the show (The Audio)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace was on for his weekly segment on Wednesday to talk about the OJ Mayo situation, the Xavier contract, etc.

Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-22-10)

Nick Saban on the show (The Audio)

Alabama coach Nick Saban joined the show on Wednesday afternoon at SEC Media Days.  We were one of the three shows he did on radio row.  We talked about his new movie, his personality, agents in college sports, his statue, etc.



Nick Saban on The Chris Vernon Show (7-22-10)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on the show (The Audio)

Wallace joined us from the summer league in Vegas to talk about OJ at point guard, why Xavier Henry is not playing in the league, etc.

Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (7-15-10)

Charlie Murphy on the show (The Audio)

Charlie Murphy from Chappelle's Show joined us on the show on Thursday.  He is performing at the Horseshoe on Saturday night.  Below is the uncensored audio of the interview.  I am warning you in advance that there are a few things that should be bleeped, but are not in this version.

Charlie Murphy on The Chris Vernon Show (7-8-10)

The Grizzlies Workouts (The Final Opinions)

Here is one final post about the players I have seen before the 2010 NBA Draft.  This is for the world to see and be able to reference forever.  I might regret this.  In fact, there is really no possible way that I will not regret this...

Let the record show that this year the guys that I saw workout for the Grizzlies were candidates for the 12th pick, the 25th pick, and the 28th pick.

I went back through previous NBA Drafts (starting in 2000) to find guys that were taken 12 or below that became All-Stars.  Here is what I found.  I am just using guys that have been drafted in the first round.
12 Guys drafted in the first round 12 or below since 2000 have been in at least 1 All-Star game

6- Seniors (Maglore,West, Howard, Nelson, Granger, Lee)
2- Juniors (Jefferson, Martin)
1- Sophomore (Rondo)
1- International (Parker)
1- Freshman (Randolph)
1- High Schooler (G. Wallace)

It is interesting to me that Seniors have by far the best trend of this group. I understand that there can be players that you would consider better than some of these that have not made all-star teams, but I drew the line at one appearance in the game.
I know what comes up next... what about the guys that were drafted in the second round that became all-stars?  I counted 5.
2 Juniors (Redd, Boozer)
1 Sophomore (Arenas)
2 International (Ginobili, Okur)


This makes me feel much better about my affection for Damion James.  I will ride with him and you can call me out on it forever.  I am more confident in James than I am in the other guys that I have seen at the workouts.  If you made me choose from the players that I saw, I'd take James.  I don't give a crap about "it is too high" to take a guy.  He is the guy I like the most (again, of the ones I have seen in person) and I couldn't care less about where some mock(ery) draft has him slotted.

What I found during the research was that if you get a really good, long-term rotation guy 12 or below in the draft- you have done well.  People don't always see it this way, but it is the truth.  The majority of guys drafted 12 and below never play a significant role on a team that does anything meaningful.

Here are the guys that I would bank on -  These are the guys you are allowed to call me out on forever.  I'm riding with...
Damion James
Patrick Patterson
Quincy Pondexter

Everybody is always looking for the guy that everybody passed on that turns out to be a fantastic player.  I did not get to see Eric Bledsoe (decline), Elliot Williams (decline), Avery Bradley (hurt)-  so if they end up being great, don't blame me.  Here are the guys (again, that I saw) that if they wind up being much better than projected, I might be a little surprised, but certainly not stunned.  Potential steals...
Lance Stephenson
Jordan Crawford
Devin Ebanks
Greivis Vasquez

Guys I do not think will live up to what people think they will be- going under assumption that people think they are gonna be better than a role guy (here is what I could regret)
Xavier Henry
Paul George
Luke Babbitt

My favorite guy I saw that will be drafted in the second round (or go undrafted)
Jerome Randle

The Grizzlies Workouts (Paul George and Damion James)

Paul George has gotten a ton of hype.  He is gonna be the steal of the draft!  He could be the best player in the draft!  He is the guy that is flying under the radar!  I have heard it all about Paul George, so I had to go see him in his workout with the Grizzlies on Tuesday.  Going into the workout I must say that I was again hoping to see the guy that the Grizzlies had to take at 12 if he is available.  I just don't think it is there with the kid, and to be honest, if it was he would be going top 5.  There is a possibility that I could have this kid pegged wrong but I cannot stand guys that "motor" is a problem with.  They disgust me.  I think you lose with guys like Paul George because when push comes to shove, they will cave.  I don't wanna worry about a guy giving max effort.  Everybody can wait for the light to come on, I'll pass.  I detest the fact that he was on a losing team (which should be virtually impossible in a crap conference if you are a lottery guy), and the fact that he was not first team all-conference in the WAC, get real.  I would bank on that potential everybody loves going unfulfilled.  I have no time for lazy.

Damion James is the other player I saw in a workout this week.  He is the anti-Paul George.  He competes.  Played in college for 4 years and was crazy productive, yet playing in college for a long time is held against him.  I love guys like James.  Tough, rugged, athletic, and he cares about winning.  He wants to win every drill, he wants to win every race, he cares.  It is amazing to me what a rare trait this has become.  Maybe the fact that these guys play 5 trillion games over the course of their careers by the time they get to this point dulls their competitive edge, so if you still have it then it really says something about you.  He also fits my elite HS player theory (they pan out waaaaay more often than not).  I would want this kid on my team.  He probably will not be a star, but you win in the NBA with guys like Damion James.  I get so tired of seeing all these guys that are too cool to give maximum effort and bust people in the mouth.  This kid is gonna be a good NBA player for a long time, and he is what I want my role guys to look like.  I am in on Damion James.

Josh Pastner on the Bluff City, the team, the draft, etc. (The Audio)

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (6-21-10) part 1

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (6-21-10) part 2

The Grizzlies Workouts (part 2)

The Grizzlies have had more workouts over the course of the last week and the only one that I missed through the whole process was the one that Larry Sanders from VCU was supposed to be at.  He cancelled, and so did I.  Here are some more thoughts on the players I have seen...

Jeremy Lin - from Harvard.  Smart (haha).  Not an option for the Grizz but surprised me with 2 dunks in the workout.  Probably Europe.

Sheron Collins- poor Sheron.  Earlier in the draft process I was talking to a player about Collins and asked him what he thought about him - here is the quote- "I've been knowin Sheron for a long time.  Sheron... Sheron got a weight problem."  The player was unfortunately a prophet.  I heard he got injured early in the process and ballooned, but it was still surprising to see in person.  He probably weighed 240 at the workout.  I don't know if he will get drafted.

Jeremy Wise- former standout for Southern Miss that played in the D League last year.  Seems to be good enough to be a really nice player in the D League, but I would be surprised if he is a rotation player in the NBA.

Jordan Crawford- I was a big fan of Crawford going into this workout and came out not as big a fan.  I wanted him to be great.  I wanted him to standout amongst the crowd.  I wanted him to be the clear best player on the court.  He was not.  This is not to say I still don't like him, because I do.  He is a scorer and he did not shoot well, which makes for a tough workout.  His first step and ability to get off the deck are really good.  Something that bothered me is that he always looked tired (part of that is bad posture).  It seemed like he was leaning over and grabbing his hips and shorts quite a bit.  If Crawford turned out to be a really good player that could score in bunches I would not be surprised, but he did not in the workout.  I wanted this kid to be the diamond in the rough, and I guess it is possible, but I would be scared to say that after seeing the workout.

Greivis Vasquez- I had made fun of Grizzlies front office people that would bring up liking Vasquez to me, but after seeing the kid in person, I won't anymore.  Vazquez can play.  He has one great trait - his court vision is elite and he constantly gets guys better shots.  He is not a good athlete, but he might be able to get by because he has some tricky moves that create space and is so good a getting the ball to guys and creating points for his team.  He can knock down shots if you back off of him.  I like him much more after seeing him in person.  Vasquez will get assists when he is in a game, there is just no way he will not be able to do that.  He has that one identifiable great trait.  In addition to that, he plays with a confidence and swagger that I like in guys.  I liked this kid.  Surprise workout for me.

Patrick Patterson- no player has been endorsed on the show like Patterson.  David Thorpe of ESPN.COM came on the show and said that Patterson would be perfect for the Grizzlies and is the player they should select if he is available.  Thorpe compared him to Udonis Haslem- which was interesting to me because people have this idea that they want a star with the 12th pick, but chances of that are slim at best.  So what about the guy that you know is going to be solid?  You know he is not gonna be a superstar, but you also know there is no way he will not be able to contribute and be in your rotation.  These are the things that intrigue me about Patterson.  Once upon a time I endorsed taking Joakim Noah with the 4th pick instead of Mike Conley, and I used the same reasoning.  I knew what Noah was gonna be.  There are times that you can play it safe and make the better pick, and there are times where you passed on a star because you played it safe.  In a draft that is incredibly difficult to predict who will end up being the steals, the safe route may be the best.  Patterson is a really good player.  He can really shoot in pick and pop situations, he can rebound, and he is willing to defend.  I liked Patterson.

Devin Ebanks- looks quite a bit like Ariza when you see him.  Ebanks has the requisite athleticism to be a fantastic player, but it seems to be what is going on between his ears that has him projected at the bottom of the first round.  He is really long, looks to be in good shape, can shoot pretty well.  Hard to judge on college performance because he played on one of the slowest teams in the country.  Ebanks was a great high school player and I get the sense that he could really be helped by the more open, up-and-down game in the NBA.  If he matures a little more mentally and physically, I could see him being really good.  He has the size, length, and athleticism.  I just don't know if he has the fire and desire.  Hard to bank on a guy that you are not sure is all there upstairs, but might be worth the risk.

Darrington Hobson- saw his name in the first round in some mocks at the beginning of the process.  I seriously didn't know he was one of the players at the workout until about halfway through.  I thought he was one of the fill-ins to even out the workout.  It would be unfair to peg the guy one way or another because I really was not paying much attention to him.  It will be my luck the guy turns out to be awesome (haha).  I will just plead ignorance.  I figure if he did anything that stood out in the least I would have noticed him before the workout was halfway done.

Terrico White- Memphis kid, played at Ole Miss.  Had about 20 family members at the workout to see him.  This was a tough one because he is 6'5" and I really wish Willie Warren would have been there (he was supposed to be) because it would have put another guard on the court at his workout.  At his height, he was the smallest guy on the court by a good margin.  He falls into the combo-guard discussion (does it not seem that is what everybody is this year?) but I am not sure you are gonna see him with the ball much.  He is an undersized scorer and is not totally unlike Lester Hudson, who was on the Grizzlies last year.  Again, he was playing with much bigger guys in these drills so it was tough to evaluate for me, but I think he may drop to the second round.  He was just ok.

Sonny Vaccaro (The Audio)

Sonny joined us for his weekly segment to talk about the Finals, free agency, the draft, etc.  He tells us he is convinced about where Amare Stoudemire will go.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-17-10) part 1

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-17-10) part 2

The Grizzlies Workouts

The Grizzlies draft workouts have been going on at FedEx Forum.  I have been to all of the workouts so far.  Here is a rundown of every player I have seen so far (this is through Sun., rest up later this week)...

Jerome Randle - I liked this guy.  He is small, but he can get his own shot, get in the lane, and is an elite level shooter.  I have felt like guys being small has been blown out of proportion in recent years.  Much like in football with wide receivers (where you used to want them to be big and strong), guards like this kid that you cannot put your hands on have a real advantage.  It did not used to be that way, but it is now.

Armon Johnson- has gotten some love over the course of the last few weeks.  I didn't see it.  Big and strong but his lack of a shot really hurts him.  Not crazy quick, and is not gonna stretch a defense.

Ish Smith- crazy fast, pretty good handles.  Cannot shoot to save his life.  If this kid could shoot he would be dangerous.  It is like a Greek tragedy.  Even his FT numbers from college are really poor.

Luke Harangody- not nearly as big as I thought he was.  Has to be able to hit NBA 3's and not convinced he can do that.  Hard worker, but not athletic or long enough for the position he would play.

Ryan Richards- kid from England that made a big splash in Chicago.  He is a project who will be making a enormous leap in level of competition.  Possible he could become good, but he is years from that.

Raymar Morgan- impressed me.  You can tell this guy has been very well coached.  Tough and plays smart.  Would not be surprised if he gets picked in second round and makes a team.

Lazar Hayward- not unlike Morgan.  Knows what he is doing on the court.  He should probably get picked in the second rd. and make a roster.

Dominque Jones- really good athlete that should be able to get his own shot.  Reminded me of Jack McClinton from Miami , who I saw last year.  McClinton got drafted by Spurs and I don't think he was on a roster last year.  I could see this kid being a bench scorer.

Xavier Henry- He falls into my "dog theory".  There are guys in the league that make up for talent they lack by having the "dog" in them (Battier, Lowry, Glen Davis), and then there are guys that are have supreme talent and that makes up for not having the "dog" in them (Pau, Rudy, Joe Johnson).  The guys that have the "dog" and the talent are typically your bonafide superstars.  The guys that don't have either the supreme talent or the "dog"?  They are just guys.  Henry is just a guy.  He is a jump shooter.  He is a good shooter, but he is not the kind of guy you would want to go to war with.  I sense that he developed much earlier than his peers and that gave him a great advantage.  I don't see it with him.  If you think he is gonna be a star in the league, you are wrong.  I have been to workouts for 9 years, I know what the stars look like.  He is by no means a diamond in the rough.

James Anderson- was hurt so I am not gonna hold that against him.  He played through it during the workout.  Always has struck me as a poor-mans James Harden, still does.

Stanley Robinson- certainly looks the part.  He is big, athletic, long, and fast.  Looks tremendous running up and down the court.  The problem is when you involve a basketball.  He will play in the NBA as an energy guy that will probably grab some rebounds and create some havoc, but that is about it.

Quincy Pondexter- I really liked Pondexter.  The kind of guy you want to go to war with, and a much better shooter than I thought he was.  Long, athletic, strong.  I liked this guy and I think he will be better than a bunch of guys drafted ahead of him.  He should have a good career.

Lance Stephenson- Born Ready!  Lance is really interesting because he did not have a great year at Cincy, but was an elite level high school player.  He is big, really big.  He has a bunch of moves that get him to the rim but his jumper is just decent and his shot selection is not great.  That being said, he has a big upside but could be risky.  I don't know if Stephenson will ever be in a starting 5 of a really good team and playing within a team concept, but I could see him as a really nice piece to come off the bench and get buckets (like the role JR Smith plays).  The kid is strong as a bull and tough as nails.  I liked him in the workout.  Ceiling is much higher than other guys, but chance of failure might be too.  Boom or bust.

Luke Babbitt- could do nothing against Pondexter.  He is being helped quite a bit amongst fans because of youtube videos and good college numbers.  After seeing him up-close I am surprised that people are so high on him.  He measured well, but plays slower than those measurements.  He can shoot pretty well, but he is absolutely not a diamond in the rough.  He is just a guy.  Not impressed.

Jeremy Evans- played at Western Kentucky and had never heard of him before I saw him.  He is long, athletic, and not afraid of contact.  I would invite this kid to play on the Summer League team for sure.  He held his own against guys that will get drafted in the first round.

Andy Rautins- he is a good shooter.  Poor guy had to play against Stephenson and it was man vs. boy.  He will play in Europe.

Craig Brackins- Brackins can shoot it.  Really good range.  Pick-and-pop 4 man.  Not really rugged enough to get in the mix with the 4's in the league, but he is skilled for his height and can stretch the floor out fairly far.  He was pretty good.  NBA role player.

Michael Davies on The World Cup (The Audio)

Michael Davies is a Brittish TV producer who covers the World Cup for ESPN's Off the Ball blog.  I heard him on the BS Report w/ Bill Simmons last week and was totally captivated.  We were able to get in touch with him and get him on the show and he was tremendous.  One of our favorite guests in a long time.  Even if you do not care about soccer, you will love this guy.  He is on twitter (@embassydavies).

Michael Davies on The Chris Vernon Show (6-11-10)  part 1

Michael Davies on The Chris Vernon Show (6-11-10)  part 2

Sonny Vaccaro on NCAA, John Wall, etc.

Sonny joined us for his weekly segment on Thurs. and talked about the NCAA and the sanctions on USC, the John Wall shoe deal with Reebok, the NBA Draft, etc.  He also throws out his idea of who will coach Michigan St. if Izzo leaves.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-10-10) part 1

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-10-10) part 2

Tons of NBA Draft talk from the show (The Audio)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (6-2-10) part 1
talks about the Euro trip that he is going on, needs and draft talk
Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (6-2-10) part 2
draft talk and takes calls

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-3-10) part 1
Sonny talks about Bledsoe, and different draft prospects that he has talked about with agents and GM's
Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (6-3-10) part 2


David Thorpe (from ESPN.COM) on The Chris Vernon Show (6-4-10)
talks about the top of the draft, the guys the Grizzlies will be looking at with 12th pick, and who he thinks is the best fit for the team (he has one guy in mind perfect for them)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace (The Audio)

Wallace joined us for his weekly segment on Wednesday live from Chicago to talk about the lottery, the draft, and some prospects.

Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show 5-19-10

Common on the show (The Audio)

Common (Hip-hop artist/ Actor) joined us on the show on Friday to talk about his new movie "Just Wright".  We also talked about how he got his break into music, and how he then parlayed that into an acting career.  Really cool guy.  Audio is below if you missed it.

Common on The Chris Vernon Show (5-14-10)

Rick Barry, Rick Reilly, and Chris Wallace (The Audio)

HOFer Rick Barry joined us on the show to talk about LeBron and his performance, the playoffs, etc.

Rick Barry on The Chris Vernon Show (5-12-10)

Rick Reilly came on to talk about his new book and was hilarious

Rick Reilly on The Chris Vernon Show (5-12-10)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace came on for his weekly segment to talk about the playoffs, prospects, etc.

Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (5-12-10) part 1

Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (5-12-10) part 2

Sonny Vaccaro on Cal, WWW, LeBron (The Audio)

Sonny Vaccaro joined us for his weekly segment and talked about LeBron, where he may end up, and the connections with Calipari, Worldwide Wes, and Chicago.  Check it.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (5-6-10)

Vinnie Verno picks "Super Saver" to win Derby

You are either with us or against us.  Do your thing again Calvin Borel.  Do your thing.  $$$$$$$$$$$$$

Skewby in studio (The Audio)

Skewby is on the cover of the Memphis Flyer music issue this week, and there is a tremendous article by Chris Herrington about him inside (or HERE).  He came in studio for our Sound of Memphis segment to tell us his story, and freestyle.  I have a funny feeling that in 5 years we are gonna be talking about the time he came in and did the show.  He has great people around him, he has the look, and he has a tremendous talent.  Here is the audio if you missed it.

Skewby on The Chris Vernon Show (4-29-10)

Just give the Cowboys the Super Bowl trophy now

Houston Nutt, Dan Mullen, Chris Wallace on the show (The Audio)

Ole Miss and Miss. St. both have their spring games this weekend.  The coaches of both of the teams came on the show to talk about tons of stuff that I don't feel like typing a description about. So just listen.

Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt on The Chris Vernon Show (4-14-10)

Miss. St. coach Dan Mullen on The Chris Vernon Show (4-14-10)

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace joined us for his weekly segment and we talked about a ton of stuff too.  Check it.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (4-14-10) part 1

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (4-14-10) part 2

Harlan T. Bobo in studio (The Audio)

We have wanted to get Harlan in studio for a long time.  I am a huge fan of his music, and his first album "Too Much Love" is one of the greatest breakup albums ever written.  His new album, "Sucker" came out on Tuesday (it is great) and the cd release party is Saturday night at the Hi Tone.  If you have never been to one of his shows you are truly living in folly and error.  Anyway, Harlan came in studio and did the longest radio interview he has ever done in his life and played some songs.  The audio is broken into the interview portion, and the songs portion.  Check it.

Harlan T. Bobo on The Chris Vernon Show Part 1

Harlan T. Bobo on The Chris Vernon Show Part 2

Baseball! Baseball! Baseball!

Dikembe Mutombo in the studio (The Audio)

The Great Mutombo made his show debut by coming in the studio for a full hour.  This was quite the thrill.  Mutombo talked about everything from mentoring players, his work in the Congo, his work now with the NBA, how he became a bball player from being at Georgetown as a med student, etc.  He was absolutely great and could not have been a nicer guy.  The interview is broken into three parts.

To donate to Mutombo's Foundation (I did, you should if you can) go to http://www.dmf.org/

Dikembe Mutombo on The Chris Vernon Show (3-31-10)  part 1

Dikembe Mutombo on The Chris Vernon Show (3-31-10) part 2

Dikembe Mutombo on The Chris Vernon Show (3-31-10) part 3

Pastner talks about Elliot Williams, the Final 4, etc.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show on Tuesday to talk about if Elliot Williams will turn pro, the tournament, being happy and positive all of the time, etc.  Check it.

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (3-30-10) part 1

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (3-30-10)  part 2

Vernodamus, Vernodamus, Vernodamus!!!!!!!!

Originally printed Feb 7th, 2010.  It was meant to be---

http://chrisvernon.blogspot.com/2010/02/watch-out-for-st-marys.html

I am countin on you St. Marys, dont let me down

Josh Pastner, Daniel Jeremiah (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show to talk about the CUSA tournament, what Memphis needs to do to get into the tournament, etc.

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (3-9-10)

Daniel Jeremiah from MOVETHESTICKS.COM joined us to talk about all things NFL Draft.  Daniel is a former NFL scout and talked to us about the Bradford/Suh debate, challenges in scouting players based on college system and position, etc.

Daniel Jeremiah on The Chris Vernon Show (3-9-10)

Sonny Vaccaro weekly segment

This week Sonny Vaccaro joined us to talk about college basketball, the best players, and where he hears players are going to go in the NBA draft.  He then tells us what he has heard from agents and GM's about Elliot Williams.  He also talks about the Renardo Sidney situation.  The interview is broken into two parts.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (3-4-10) part 1

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (3-4-10) part 2

Dude smacks his face on the rim trying to dunk at Grizzlies game

Joe Jackson dunks on Tarik Black

both are going to Memphis.  big-up to MemphisRoar.com for getting some great footage of this from the Class AAA region semi.  I cannot stop watching this dunk.  nasty.

http://memphisroar.com/2010/03/joe-jackson-dunk-on-tarik-black/

Let Thabeet Build (the new song)

"Let Thabeet Build" - by Jon Roser on The Chris Vernon Show

Ronnie Brewer on the show (The Audio)

Ronnie Brewer joined us on the show today to talk about how he found out about being traded, becoming a Grizzly, what Deron Williams said to the Salt Lake Tribune, etc.  Check it.



Ronnie Brewer on The Chris Vernon Show (2-19-10)

Sonny Vaccaro on the NBA Trade Deadline

Sonny Vaccaro joined us on the show yesterday for our weekly chat.  Sonny had some very interesting things to say about what took place at the trade deadline, including what he thinks it means for the future of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.  The interview is broken into two parts.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (2-18-10)

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (2-18-10)

Regarding the Grizzlies (Trade Deadline)

Love that the Brewer deal got done.  Great guy and perfect fit for the team.  Love it.
(If you missed it- you can scroll to the bottom of this page and find the interview we did with Ronnie recently on the show, we even talked about Memphis and playing here)

I was told that after today (being that there are now quite a few teams with cap room) the Grizzlies feel as if it is going to take at least $11 mil. a year to get Rudy back next year but they are planning being able to do it.
The exact quote was "This was a hell of a day for Rudy"

The talks (per the Mercury News) about trading O.J. in a deal for Monta Ellis are real.  Ellis has some big fans in the organization, and they were willing to part with Mayo to get it done.  I am not a fan of this but it did happen.

The Grizzlies walk away from today with all of their first round picks for next years draft in place.  Look for them to sell one of those picks for $3 million and keep the other two.

As the CA reported- The Grizzlies were interested in Dorell Wright from Miami...but they were gonna make the deal for him or the deal for Brewer.  They were not bringing on both.  They made the right call in my opinion.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace calls in on Brewer trade (The Audio)

Chris Wallace calls in on Brewer trade (2-18-10)

Remembering Dana (Dana Kirk and Denny Crum, The Audio)

Former Memphis coach Dana Kirk did his last radio interview with us in 2008.  Memphis had just been become #1 and we talked to Dana about the last time that the Tigers were that high in the rankings (his team).  We also rehash the story of the day Dana introduced me to Jerry Lawler.  I did not cover Dana as a coach, I only knew him as a co-worker and friend.  When I started in radio Dana was extremely supportive and good to me, and one of the first calls I got when I left my old station to come to 730 was from Coach Kirk.  Dana was a friend to me, and I am gonna miss him.
Dana Kirk on The Chris Vernon Show 2-21-08

Former Louisville coach Denny Crum joined us on the show to remember Dana.  Dana coached under Coach Crum prior to coaching at Memphis.  Coach Crum talked about Dana, the Memphis/Louisville rivalry, etc.

Denny Crum on The Chris Vernon Show 2-16-10

Watch out for St. Mary's

I was up late last night and was searching for a game to watch on TV.  There were just a few still on, and I ended up watching St. Mary's/San Francisco.  I knew that San Fran. had recently delivered Gonzaga a shocking loss, but I also knew they were not supposed to be any good.  The Dons have a couple of quick players and a couple of bangers and I could see how they beat somebody if they played out of their minds, but I don't want to talk about them.  I want to talk about my new favorite team, St. Mary's.

I fell in love with this team almost immediately.  It was as if I had formed a bond.  I am up late with a baby... their games are on late... it was meant to be.  As I was watching them I kept thinking to myself - this is the mid-major team that you don't want to see in your teams pod come tourney time.  They have a big (Omar Samhan) that is avg. 22 and 11.  They have a freshman guard named Matthew Dellavedova from Australia that quickly became one of my favorite players I have seen all year.  They have size they can bring off the bench, they are well-coached and play smart, and they have a bunch of guys that can hit shots (as well as being great FT team).

This is my team this year.  Watch out for St. Mary's.  If they are in the tournament, they are knockin some teams out.  Just like me finding them last night, it is meant to be.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner, Gonzaga coach Mark Few on the show (The Audio)

Memphis plays Gonzaga on Saturday at the Forum.  On Friday, both Mark Few and Josh Pastner were on the show to talk about the season so far, and the game this weekend.  Few is always great on the show, and you will enjoy Pastner bustin me up about being critical of SMU loss.  Both were great.  Check it.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few on The Chris Vernon Show (2-5-10)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (2-5-10)

"Mathletics" author Wayne Winston (The Audio)

Wayne Winston is a professor at Indiana University, an advanced stat guru that has worked with the Dallas Mavericks and others, and the author of the new book "Mathletics: How Gamblers, Managers, and Sports Enthusiasts Use Mathematics in Baseball, Basketball, and Football" 

Wayne joined us on the show to talk about the book, how mathematics are now being used in professional sports, how they will be used in the future, the Grizzlies and who is responsible for them winning games, etc.  He was incredibly interesting.  His website is http://www.waynewinston.com/.  Here is the interview broken into two parts...

Wayne Winston on The Chris Vernon Show part 1

Wayne Winston on The Chris Vernon Show part 2

ALL-STAR

Runaway Lane (The Kiffin Song)

Runaway Lane by Chris Vernon (featuring Justin Moore from Ingram Hill)

For old times sakes...

The UT Wild Boys Photo Shoot (aka The Orange Lamborghini bit)

hahahahahahahahhahahahaha!

Ronnie Brewer (Utah Jazz) on the show (The Audio)

Ronnie Brewer from the Utah Jazz joined us on the show on today (the off-day between the 2 games this week with the Grizzlies).  Ronnie is at the very top of the list of our favorite NBA players to bring on the show.  He is always great.  Today we talked to him about playing for Sloan, playing in Utah, being in a contract year, Memphis, twitter, the Gilbert Arenas situation and NBA players and guns, etc.  Check it.

Ronnie Brewer on The Chris Vernon Show (1-7-09)

Grizzlies Statistical Analyst Aaron Barzilai (The Audio) and Chris Wallace (Audio)

On Tuesday I read an article on TrueHoop where Henry Abbott was asking questions of stat guru Wayne Winston.  LINK In the article, one of the questions was about coach of the year.  Here is what Winston said...

9. Coach of the year?

I think Lionel Hollins or Paul Westphal. Nobody thought these teams had a shot at playoffs, but they do now. Give Aaron [Aaron Barzilai, quantitative analyst for the Memphis Grizzlies and basketballvalue.com founder] some credit for Grizzlies’ great play!

I had not heard of Aaron previous to this interview but I wanted to get him on to talk about who he is, what he does, what he does for the Grizzlies, and advanced stats in the NBA.  He was on the show on Wednesday.  It is broken into two parts.  Aaron's website is basketballvalue.com

Aaron Barzilai on The Chris Vernon Show (1-6-10) part 1

Aaron Barziali on The Chris Vernon Show (1-6-10) part 2

After Aaron was on, Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace joined us on the show for his weekly segment and he spoke about advanced stats, Aaron, etc (Rondo story is interesting).  Below is that portion of the bit today.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on The Chris Vernon Show (1-6-10)

Tim Donaghy on the show (The Audio)

Disgraced former NBA official Tim Donaghy joined us on the show to talk about his story, if the NBA is a fraud, best and worst players and coaches with the refs, how refs view Memphis and the Grizzlies, etc.
Audio is broken into two parts.

Tim Donaghy on The Chris Vernon Show (1-4-10) Part 1

Tim Donaghy on The Chris Vernon Show (1-4-10) Part 2

Rudy Gay on the show (The Audio)

The Grizzlies are now .500.  We celebrate by talking to the leading scorer.  Rudy joined us on the show to talk about eating Persian food with Hamed, favorite road cities, the team, Randolph, his contract, etc.  Check it.

Rudy Gay on The Chris Vernon Show (1-4-10)

Feelings through art

Coach Pastner on the show to close the year

Coach Josh Pastner joined us on the last show of the year (and decade), to talk about the season so far, dealing with losing to UMass, the Tennessee game coming up, etc.  It is broken into two parts.  Check it.

p.s. - had to use the college pic, that crossover was serious

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (12-29-09) part 1

Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (12-29-09) part 2

Merry Christmas

I love my ducks

what a great college football song. thnx to wes for the tip.  love the song, love the video

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Dolphins +3 (ML) over the Titans
Eagles -8.5 over 49ers
Seahawks -6.5 over Bucs
Steelers/Packers over 40.5
Rutgers -2.5 over Central Florida

Sonny Vaccaro has a story to tell (Kobe Bryant becomes a Laker)

Sonny Vaccaro joined us for our weekly chat and told us a story you will never forget.  The story of how Kobe Bryant landed with the Lakers on the night of the draft in 1996.  This event changed the course of NBA history forever.  Check it.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (12-3-09) part 1

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (12-3-09) part 2

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Cincy -2 over Pitt
Illinois -3 over Fresno
ECU +2.5 over Houston (ml)
Bengals/Lions under 42.5
Reputation on the line.... Alabama +5.5 over Florida

New Memphis football coach Larry Porter (The Audio)

Larry Porter joined us on the show on Monday to talk about how he was recruited to Memphis, his playing days, getting the job, why he thinks it is a good job, etc.  Check it.


Larry Porter on The Chris Vernon Show (11-30-09)

What I look like the rest of the week...

REPRESENT

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Big bounce back week...
Duke +19.5 over Miami
Oregon St. -31 over Wash. St
Rutgers -8 over Syracuse
Kansas +27.5 over Texas
Bengals -9.5 over Raiders

Josh Pastner on the show (The Audio)

Memphis coach Josh Pastner joined us on the show on Monday to talk about the #1 recruiting class in the nation, the game against Kansas tomorrow night, etc.  Check it.



Josh Pastner on The Chris Vernon Show (11-17-09)

Dexter McCluster is Tecmo Bo (visual evidence)

AOL Fanhouse author Clay Travis has an article up about our trip to Oxford on Saturday.  In a portion of the article Clay mentions that I called Dexter McCluster "Tecmo Bo" in reference to Bo Jackson from the Nintendo game Tecmo Bowl.  You can read Clay's article here.... http://tinyurl.com/yjf5v4y.   As for McCluster and Tecmo Bowl, watch for yourself...
Dexter McCluster run against Tennessee...


Tecmo Bo against the Patriots...

Philanthropy (The Picks)

5-0 this week is coming.  Let's get it.  All NFL.

Falcons -1.5 over Panthers
Cowboys -3 over Packers
Redskins/ Broncos Under 37
Patriots +3 over Colts
Saints -13.5 over Rams

you are welcome.

Update:  Warning, these picks are terrible.

Now that's the way you go out

Well, that was fun

Philanthropy (The Picks)

You roll with Vinnie Verno.... or. you. don't. roll.

Alabama -7.5 over LSU
Oregon -7 over Stanford
Florida St. +9.5 over Clemson
Chiefs/ Jaguars Under 41.5
Redskins/ Falcons Under 41.5

Ode to A.I. (My butt hurts) - the audio

Here is the new song from the show that we put out in honor of the Iverson quotes today.

Ode to A.I. (My butt hurts) - The Chris Vernon Show (11-3-09)

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Cincy -15 over Syracuse
G Tech -11.5 over Vandy
Cardinals -9.5 over Panthers
Cowboys -9.5 over Seattle
Ravens/Broncos Over 41.5

Three 6 Mafia in studio (the audio)

Three 6 Mafia (DJ Paul and Juicy J) came in studio during the show today. They were part of the entertainment for Grizzlies home opener. I don't really know how to describe this, so just listen to it if you missed it.

Three 6 Mafia on The Chris Vernon Show (10-28-09)

Me vs. Zach Randolph (the Fox13 story)

Me vs. Zach Randolph in the XBox Showdown (a photo history)

      I came into the matchup feeling fantastic about my chances. While Zach Randolph is an NBA player, and NBA players are great at XBOX, I figured that with an 8 week old baby girl that is keeping him up at night that he probably had not had much time to play the game this year. I was having to play with the Pistons, while Zach was playing with the Grizzlies.

     Before we even start the game he is going into all of these screens I have never even seen and switching all of these settings so quickly that I don't even know what is happening. I am rattled.

What is he changing? Why have I never seen these screens? I have played the game many times, so what have I not been doing that I should have been?

We start the game and I am holding my own. In fact, I am starting to think that I have vastly overrated how good an NBA player is at games like this. I get to halftime with the score 22-22, and Ben Gordon has not even gone off yet. I am in good shape. Grizzlies backup point guard Marcus Williams has come in to watch and starts talking. "I am too nice at this game." "Nobody has ever beat me at this game." These are the types of quotes coming from Marcus. He watches the game almost in disgust and I wonder to myself how awesome he must be.

We start the third quarter and I am keeping the game close, the biggest lead is 2 or 3 pts at any given time.

In the middle of the quarter Ben Gordon shoots a 3 and the ball comes flying off the rim - Chris Wilcox climbs up the back of Hasheem Thabeet and slams it down on his head.  I go ballastic, Randolph is stunned..

The third quarter ended with me down by 6 after a I took a few bad shots and did not get back on defense.  I start blaming the players.  How could Joe Dumars put together this roster?  Why is the frontcourt of the Pistons total bologna?  How am I going to be able to comeback in the 4th qtr?  Why don't I know about the screens and settings Zach was messing with earlier?  I am dejected heading into the final frame...

The first pass I make, simply trying get the ball in, is stolen.  Layup.  I am down 8.  We are only playing 3 minute quarters so I need to hurry up and get back in this game.  Ben Gordon 3 after Ben Gordon 3 after Ben Gordon 3.  I need it.  Brick, brick, brick.  Ben Gordon misses every friggin shot he takes and I score a grand total of 4 pts in the fourth quarter.  I am crushed.  I lose 50-36.  I curse the names of Joe Dumars, and Ben Gordon, and secret screens of which I am unaware.  I am a loser.  The picture says it all...

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Alabama -14.5 over Tenn (now down to 14)
Arkansas +6.5 over Ole Miss
Idaho +15.5 over Nevada
Kansas +7.5 over Oklahoma
Colts -13 over Rams

make it happen. check the twitter feed for my updates as i sit next to a humilated Clay Travis at the Bama/UT game.

Birmingham, here we come

The show is heading to Alabama in advance of the the Alabama/Tennessee game this weekend. We are doing the show on Thursday and Friday from Baumhowers Wings in Bham. If you are in Alabama, or coming to the game and will be in Bham early, come by and say hello.

Call the EMT's, Vinnie Verno is in a coma

Keep in mind that there is no way on earth that Arizona St. should have even had the ball. Horrifying clock management by Steve Sarkisian led to ASU getting the ball back in the first place, and then Vinnie sits with his +6.5 and watches this...

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Vinnie Verno is winning, and when he starts.... he. don't. stop. It's over. Somebody call Vegas and tell them to get ready to shut down the business. Here are the picks for this week....

Arkansas +25 over Florida
Alabama -17 over S. Carolina
Washington +6.5 over Arizona St (upset pick)
Redskins/Chiefs Under 37
Jags -9.5 over Rams

Sonny Vaccaro tells another story (The Audio)

The weekly segment with Sonny Vaccaro has recently featured quite a few fascinating stories. This week he told the story of how shoe companies (he) got into the business of paying college coaches, how that all started, and how schools became sponsored by Nike, or Adidas, etc. At one point I do not speak for 11 minutes. He is instant offense. Watch out for a few language slips as the audio here does not have a delay. Check it.

Sonny Vaccaro on The Chris Vernon Show (10-15-09)

UFC star Thiago Alves in studio (The Audio)

Thiago Alves joined us in studio on Wednesday to talk about his life, his fights, the event coming to Memphis, etc. UFC 107 is going to be at FedEx Forum on Dec. 12th. I hope the place is slammed. Alves was great on the show, he is an interesting guy with good story. The interview was long and is broken into two parts. Check it.

Thiago Alves on The Chris Vernon Show Part 1
Thiago Alves on The Chris Vernon Show Part 2

Thiago Alves in studio Wednesday

The Pitbull himself will be in studio on Wednesday at the top of the show to talk about UFC 107 coming to FedEx Forum on Dec. 12th. Dig it.

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Vinnie Verno saw the light, corrected the problem, and is about to catch fire. We have been burned all season with road teams. This week, we are rollin with the home teams. Let's get it.

Arkansas +2.5 over Auburn (upset pick)
South Carolina -7.5 over Kentucky
49ers -2.5 over Falcons
Giants -14.5 over Raiders
Redskins/Panthers under 37.5

Matt Holliday

Lucero in studio today

Memphis rock band Lucero (in the form of lead singer Ben Nichols) will be in studio today for the Sound of Memphis segment. Lucero released their new album on Tuesday (1372 Overton Park). It is on Itunes now for $7.99, and it is fantastic. Here is the new video of a song off the album called "Goodbye Again." Watch it. Great video that features Memphis.

Lucero "Goodbye Again" from Lucero on Vimeo.

Feelings through Art

Vinnie Verno has seen the light

Vinnie Verno has never faced the kind of adversity that he has faced this year. He has been defeated in literally every single way possible. So tonight he took the time to evaluate every single pick that has been made the entire season, and what he found was a very powerful reason that the season has been so rough on him. There is a reason for the season. The bad news is that the season has been an abomination. The good news is the problem is extremely easy to correct, winning is on the way, and we have a billion games left to make us trillions. Vinnie has seen the light, and a bad day has turned into a beautiful day. Explanation will come in the next Vinnie segment. Fortunes are on the horizon. Fortunes!

Philanthropy (The Picks)

Central Michigan -7.5 over Buffalo

Tulsa -17 over Rice

Cincy -29 over Miami (OH)

Redskins/ Bucs under 37

Giants -8.5 over Chiefs

Vinnie Verno shreds Vegas this week. Bank on it.