Houston Roundball Review: Men's Hoops

Rockets Roll Thunder

2009-11-06T23:39:00.002-06:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets used a quick-strike offense to run past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 105 to 94, Friday night in front of an announced Toyota Center crowd of 14,911 fans.

Carl Landry and Trevor Ariza tied for team-high scoring honors with 21 points each. Luis Scola collected his third straight double-double with 19 points (8 for 13 from the field) and 10 rebounds. Rookie fan favorite Chase Budinger poured in 16 points (6 for 10, 2 for 4 on threes) off the bench and Aaron Brooks was the fifth Rockets player in double figures with 11 points.

"It was the type of game at home that we have to win and we were able to get it done," said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman after the game. "We had a nice balance to the game. We had 26 assists. We keep doing that we're going to be okay."

The Rockets (4 - 2) led the Thunder 26 to 21 after the first quarter; but, Kyle Lowry led the Rockets' bench brigade race to an 11 point lead on two occasions in the second stanza. Lowry pushed the basketball constantly in the quarter and dished out five assists in the period.

"We've got to give Kyle a lot of credit," Adelman added. "He pushed it all night long when he was in the game. He really kind of changed the whole tempo of the game for us."

Lowry finished the game with a game-high eight assists (in just 19 minutes and 47 seconds).

The Rockets took a 50 to 45 lead into halftime; but, Aaron Brooks scored seven straight points to begin the third quarter to give the Rockets a 57 to 47 lead with 10:08 left in the third period.

Despite trailing by as much as 14 points (73 to 59) in the third quarter, the Thunder (2 - 3) refused to go away. OKC's Kevin Durant (27 points, 11 for 22 from the field)) and Russell Westbrook (33 points, 14 for 25) combined for 14 of the Thunder's 24 points in the third quarter; however, the Rockets led the Thunder 80 to 69 after three quarters.

The Thunder trimmed the Rockets' lead to just six points (84 to 78) with 8:38 left on the game clock; but, Trevor Ariza scored seven straight points to give the Rockets.

"We're starting to learn how to play well together," said Ariza after the game.

The Rockets riddled Oklahoma City's defense throughout the game with solid ball and player movement which resulted in 26 assists on 42 made baskets.

"Twenty-six assists. That's a good formula for us," said Rockets forward Shane Battier after the game. "When we move the ball like that, and a lot guys touch the ball and scoring, that gives us a much better chance instead of lining up isolations and trying to take on the defense one on five."

Lakers Beat Rox in OT

2009-11-04T23:43:00.000-06:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets lost a hard fought, tightly contested ball game 103 to 102, in overtime, Wednesday night to the Los Angeles Lakers in front of a raucous 18,291 fans.

Aaron Brooks came off a high pick-and-roll and swished a three-point basket to give the Rockets an 89 to 85 lead with just 93 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Rockets' fans went beserk believing their team was going to improve to 4 and 1 on the young 2009-201 season; however, Kobe Bryant had other ideas.

"I thought we should have won," said Rick Adelman after the game. "I thought we had a great chance of winning. You've got to learn from what happened tonight and do a little bit better down the stretch the next time we play."

Bryant attacked the basket and drew the fourth foul on Rockets' forward Luis Scola. Bryant sank both free throws to cut the Rockets lead to two points with 1:22 in the game.

After Brooks committed a turnover, Bryant tied the game at 89 with two more made free throws.

The Rockets (3 - 2) continued their struggles on the offense in the final 93 seconds with a turnover by Chuck Hayes. Bryant posted up in the low post; drew a double team; passed out to new Lakers' teammate Ron Artest and Artest launched a three-point shot which swished threw the nets to cap of a 7 to 0 Lakers run for 92 to 89 Lakers lead.

The Rockets called timeout and Artest posed for the crowd.

After the timeout, the offense struggled once again and Lakers' guard Derek Fisher tied up Trevor Ariza for a jump ball with just 19.6 remaining. Ariza won the tip; Carl Landry picked up the loose ball; and passed back to Ariza. Ariza calmly and quickly attempted a three point shot which splashed threw the net to tie the game at 92 with just 14.2 seconds on the game clock.

After the bucket, Ariza held up three fingers and walked toward the Lakers' bench as if to say, "I'm a Houston Rocket now."

Ariza said, "I didn't even think about it. I really didn't. I just know I hit the three to tie the game and take it into overtime."

The Lakers failed to score in the final seconds and the game went to overtime.

The game stayed close through the overtime. Brooks tied the game at 100 on a driving lay-up with 1:06 on the game clock. Lakers' center Andrew Bynum sank two free throws for a two point Lakers' lead before Carl Landry capped of his team-high 20 points by scoring with a 9-foot hook shot.

Bynum split two free throws to put the Lakers ahead 103 to 102 with 24.7 seconds remaining; and, the Rockets failed to score in the waning seconds. Ariza was stripped of the ball with less than two seconds on the clock. The turnover was the 20th of the game for the Rockets.

"It was tough loss," said Rockets forward Shane Battier. "Guys played their heart out. We gave them all they could handle. We just didn't make enough plays down the stretch in overtime.

Bryant led all scorers with 41 points (15 for 30 from the field, 11 for 15 from the foul line).

Ariza was one of six Rockets to score in double figures. Ariza scored 15 points; but, he was just 5 for 21 from the field.

Aaron Brooks committed seven turnovers in the game.

Chuck Hayes scored 14 points and pulled down a team-high 14 rebounds. Hayes took advantage of the Lakers' strategy to leave him alone on offense and rolled to the basket for seven lay-ups in the game.

"We played hard, as hard as any game you can play; and to come up short, hurts," Hayes said after the game. You've got to move on. It comes with this job and it comes with this league."

The Rockets host Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, November 6.

Brooks and Ariza Help Lead Rockets Over Blazers

2009-11-01T00:17:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets took a 20 to 19 lead over the Portland Trail Blazers with 3:38 remaining in the first quarter and led the Blazers the rest of the ball game and won 111 to 107 before an announced sellout crowd of 18,100 fans.

Trevor Ariza (career-high 33 points) and Aaron Brooks (28 points) led the way for Rick Adelman's Rockets (2-1).

"Our guys really responded after the first we played them (Tuesday night in Portland)," said Coach Adelman. "We did a much better job today offensively. I was really happy with the way we competed."

The Rockets led the Blazers 33 to 28 at the end of the first quarter thanks to 66.7% (14 for 21) field goal shooting. Ariza scored 16 points (6 for 6 from the floor) in the opening quarter.

"I'm definitely getting more comfortable," Ariza said after the game. "I've always been a team-type player; but, my coaches and my teammates are telling me that I'm going to have to be willing to take the tough shots. I'm welcoming that."

The Rockets offense was much more effective with quick movement -- player movement and ball movement.

"When we swing the ball, when we have good energy and good ball movement on the offensive end, we're a pretty good offensive team," Shane Battier said. "We're going to score. When we don't, when we get bogged down, that's when we're going to struggle."

The Blazers (1-2) made run after run at the Rockets; but, the Rockets were able to score points at key times to keep the Blazers at arms' length.

"Ariza and Brooks did whatever they wanted," said Nate McMillan, Blazers' head coach. "They controlled the ball and made their shots. Brooks has so much speed. With any opening, he beats you."

Brooks broke down the Blazers' perimeter defense at will; and, when he got into the paint and attracted big men, Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, to him, Brooks dished to Carl Landry for easy scores. Landry finished the game with 16 points (7 for 11 from the field).

"I was active. I moved without the ball," said Landry. "I tried to be aggressive. My teammates found me when the opportunity was given to me."

Despite 69 points from the Blazers dynamic duo (Brandon Roy - 42 points and LaMarcus Aldridge - 27 points), Portland's inability to defend the Rockets was key to the Rockets' victory.

"Houston worked really well; they cut well and executed really well," said Brandon Roy.

Aldridge added, "Brooks is so fast; and, he creates so many mismatches on the court. They made more shots and were more aggressive and won the game."

With 7:44 left in the ball game, the Rockets led the Blazers by nine points (95 to 86); but, Brandon Roy scored seven points during a 10 to 3 Blazers' run to trim the Rockets lead to just two points (98 to 96) with 5:19 remaining.

But, Ariza and Brooks stepped up and answered the chanllenge. Ariza drained a three-pointer; Brooks followed by draining a 19-foot jumper; and, after Shane Battier split two free throws, Brooks capped off the 9 - 0 run with a long 26-foot three point bucket to put the Rockets up 107 to 96 with 3:58 on the game clock.

Roy scored nine of the Blazers' final 11 points; but, his spectacular effort could not overcome the Rockets down the stretch.

Rockets end Preseason with Loss to Mavs

2009-10-24T11:57:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets lost their preseason finale, 98 to 94, to the Dallas Mavericks before an announced crowd of 16,393.

The final score isn't a big deal right now; however, the Rockets' shaky showing down the stretch is a bit of a concern.

"We have to find a way to find guys who will keep contributing," said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman. "We had some guys who had tough nights. Off the bench, we shot it poorly. We just have to find answers. I think that's what we're going to face right now; but, if we keep working at it, we'll be all right."

Aaron Brooks scored just two points (1 for 7 from the field) in the game; picked up four fouls; and two turnovers (just 1 assist) in 15:32.

Kyle Lowry came off the bench and scored 16 points (4 for 8 from the field, 7 for 8 FTs) and dished out nine assists; however, Lowry made a few poor decisions down the stretch which hurt the Rockets.

"Tonight, Aaron had a really tough night, so Kyle was in there," Adelman said. "Kyle has to learn that at that time of the game he's got to try to get to the basket. He went around on the pick-and-roll on one time and help up and just threw it to somebody without trying to create. Those are things we're going to learn about our people."

Coach Adelman summed up his concerns this way, "What are we going to do when we need a basket?"

UH Cougars' Tickets on Sale

2009-10-20T10:16:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The University of Houston Athletics Ticket Office has announced several packages that are now on sale. These multi-game packages can be purchased for as low as $40.

Conference USA Pack
This package includes all eight home games against Conference USA teams. This season, the Cougars are scheduled to face Tulsa (Jan. 9), UTEP (Jan. 13), UCF (Jan. 20), Marshall (Jan. 30), Southern Miss (Feb. 6), SMU (Feb. 13), Memphis (Feb. 24) and Rice (March 3).

Pick Four Pack
With this package, fans can choose tickets to any four home games they would like to attend.

Both the Conference USA Pack and the Pick Four Pack include the Memphis and Rice games and gives fans the option to buy before they go on sale to the general public.

Weekend Pack
Fans can purchase tickets for all six home games played on either Saturday or Sunday this season.

That package includes games against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Dec. 6), Mississippi State (Dec. 19), Tulsa (Jan. 9), Marshall (Jan. 30), Southern Miss (Feb. 6) and SMU (Feb. 13).

ATHLETICS TICKET OFFICE
Fans can purchase season tickets on-line at UHCougars.com by clicking the "Tickets" link, by calling 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or by visiting the Athletics Ticket Office on the first floor of the Athletics/Alumni Center during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Coach Tom Penders and his squad begin the 2009 - 2010 season at home, November 17, versus Nicholls State. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside Hofheinz Pavilion.

The 2009 - 2010 Houston Cougars -- NCAA Tournament or bust. Period.

Rockets' Second Half Surge Silences Thunder

2009-10-19T22:38:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets used solid defense and great ball movement in the second half to turn a one point halftime lead into a 105 to 85 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"I was just really pleased, especially with the second half," said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman. "We defended situations a lot better. Made it a little bit tougher on them. We got in the open court a lot. That's about as well as we've passed the ball all year long."

The Rockets made 20 field goals in the second half -- 16 of them came from assists.

Kyle Lowry dished out 10 assists -- off the bench -- in just 22:09 of action. Lowry picked up six assists in the fourth quarter as he helped rookie forward Chase Budinger score 11 (of his team-high 17) points in the final period. Lowry dished to Budinger for a three-point bucket; and two consecutive fast-break lay-ups.

"Tonight, I thought he (Lowry) was terrific," Adelman commented. "He had 10 assists. He only took three shots. He had a huge impact on the game. One thing he did was find people in the open court; and, he made the right decisions there."

Pops Mensah-Bonsu helped his chances of making the regular season roster with 13 points (5 for 6 from the field) in only 16:17. Pops also pulled down four rebounds.

With 6:35 left in the game, Pops caught a sweet touch pass from Budinger and threw down a two-hand jam to send the crowd into a frenzy and give the Rockets a 94 to 77 lead.

"I thought the first half we didn't get to the shooters quick enough," Adelman said about the Rockets improved effort on defense in the second half. "The second half we tightened that up. Our attitude was different. We were communicating as a group. We were in the right spots tonight. We were not in the right spots the two games before this. Our concentration wasn't nearly as good the two games before this as it was tonight."

Adelman Disappointed in Offense Against Bucks

2009-10-12T22:59:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX --- I won't spend too much time dwelling on some of the bizarre officiating in Monday night's preseason game between the Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks because the discussion would take too long and I have to get some sleep and get ready for work in the morning.

However, here are a few points to know -- the Bucks were called for 36 fouls to the Rockets 23. Three Bucks' players fouled out of the game. The Rockets made more free throws (33) than field goals (28).

Back to the game. (If you're wondering, the Bucks won the game 96 to 92.)

The Rockets led the Bucks 28 to 26 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was all Bucks. The Bucks scored 37 points in the second period (4 more than they scored in the entire second half). Milwaukee shot 10 for 17 from three point range in the first half; however, the Bucks shots a scorching-hot 7 for 10 from three in the second period.

"They shot the heck out of the ball in the first half," said Rockets' head coach Rick Adelman after the game. "A lot of it was good ball movement; but, a lot of it was mistakes we made which is what we need to get better at."

The Rockets shot 28 for 74 (37.8%) from the field.

"I don't think we played very well offensively tonight at all," Adelman added. "We've got to find a way -- guys are getting to the middle of the paint. We've got to do what they did to us tonight which is find people on the perimeter. We've got people open. We've got to find them. We're forcing issues. We're forcing stuff. Some guys are doing things that aren't to their strengths.

"We cannot force the issue. We've got to have more ball movement and player movement. That's up to me to figure out. Maybe some of the things we're trying do aren't going to work with this group; and, that's what we have to make a decision -- how do we become more efficient. Maybe we're doing too much. That's what this (preseason) is all about."

One highlight for the Rockets was the play of big man David Andersen. Andersen scored 17 points (5 for 9 from the field, 7 for 8 free throws) and pulled down four rebounds in 25 minutes and 36 seconds.

"I thought he did a nice job," Adelman said. "David is not as strong, as physical as some people; but, as you can see, he's got very good skills. He's really smart. We've got to keep finding ways to use him. I thought we missed him -- he got some shots -- but, we must have missed him three or four times when he was by himself.

"Our guards have to find people. They can't just put their head down and go. They have to find people on the floor. That was one of our concerns. If you look at our first three games, I think we were averaging 12 assists (per game). That's ridiculous. You need to find people. Sometimes it's guys not making shots; but, tonight, we did a little bit better job. But, we can be a lot better -- especially the guys who can create for us. It's going to take them some time to understand that 'if this closes down, you have to look here'. And, who do you have on the court with you? When David is on the court, they have to be aware of that. Know that he's always going to be open on the perimeter. Just like people used to do to Yao. That's what they have to understand when he's on the court."

Note: Rockets' forward Luis Scola sprained his right ankle during the second quarter. Scola did not return to the game; but, he did manage eight points and 11 rebounds in just 12 minutes and 51 seconds. The ankle injury is not believed to be serious.

UH Coogs Ranked 55th All-Time Program

2009-10-06T09:23:00.000-05:00

The brand new ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia hits the stores today; and, while its described as "the most comprehensive reference guide ever assembled for a sport that stirs deep passions from Midnight Madness through March Madness", one section of the enclyopedia is certain to generate loads of discussion around the water cooler; the sports bar; and any other place where hoop fans talk hoops.

As ESPN.com's Pat Forde discusses in this article, the encyclopedia includes a ranking of all 330 Division I basketball programs from 1 to 330 conducted by Jeff Sagarin. The rankings include a breakdown of the top 40 programs of each decade from the 1940s to the 2000s.

According to Sagarin, the Houston Cougars are ranked 55th overall.

UH is ranked in the top 40 in three different decades: 16th in the 1960s; 22nd in the 1970s; and 34th in the 1980s. The Coogs, surprisingly to no one who is a UH supporter, are not ranked in the top 40 in the 1990s nor the 2000s.

Here are the complete rankings (from 1 to 330) according to Jeff Sagarin.

Also, Rice is 129; Texas Southern is 207; Prairie View is 290.

Daryl Morey at Media Day

2009-09-29T21:35:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Rockets' general manager, Daryl Morey, spoke to the media gathered at Media Day and was fairly candid as usual.

One thing Morey stated was the Rockets will look at ways to upgrade the roster.

"We feel like we're a team that can make a lot strides this year; but, we're still gonna have to potentially make moves that address weaknesses that might crop up. Any time that an opportunity arises that gets a closer to a championship, we're going to do it."

Morey does believe expectations for this season should be a little different.

"This year we understand the challenge this year will probably be making the playoffs. We'll be fighting for that spot in the playoffs in the West which has been very difficult to get over the past few years. We're gonna fight to make the playoffs and not limit ourselves from there."

Lastly, Morey spoke about the health status of Tracy McGrady for the 2009 - 2010 season.

"We're all on the same page. He wants to be 100 percent when hets back. He wants to be able to go on back-to-backs; be able to fit in with the up tempo style that we're doing. He wants to be 100 percent. We want him to be 100 percent. I don't there's going to be any disagreement. We're all on the same page."

Take a listen to the entire press conference -- including some strange sounds made by unknown players in the room next to the press conference room.

Rockets don't sign Rashad McCants

2009-09-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey issued the following statement today regarding the team’s decision not to sign guard Rashad McCants to its training camp roster:

“Unfortunately, Rashad is still recovering from an abdominal injury that would have made it very difficult for him to earn a spot on our roster. We were looking forward to seeing him compete with the mix of guards we have in camp, but he simply would not have been completely healthy. We are open to taking another look at him down the line when his condition improves.”

Tracy McGrady says "I'm Back"

2009-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Toward the end of his Media Day press conference, Tracy McGrady summed up his playing status for the 2009 - 2010 season with two little words: "I'm Back!"

McGrady's confident proclamation differs from earlier news from the Chronicle stating T-Mac won't be cleared to practice during training camp and he'll continue rehabilitating his knee until he undergoes an MRI on November 23.

During the press conference, T-Mac was told about the announcement of the November 23 timetable; and, he said that was news to him; however, he did say he will not rush his return to action -- like he did last season -- because he wants to make sure his body his 100 percent so he is able to participate in practices; and games -- including games on back to back nights.

McGrady said, "What I went through last year, that wasn't me last year. I had to push myself to a level that I hadn't push myself to get back to the player that I wanted to be; so, I had to push myself to exhaustion."

McGrady added he's not worried about playing this season with just one year remaining on his contract.

"I'm here to prove to myself that I'm capable of coming back from this injury and be the type of player that I want to be. If I do that, then the contract will take care of itself."

His confidence is back; but, he stated a few times only seven months has passed since the microfracture surgery on his knee. The normal recovery time for an athlete undergoing that surgery is 12 months.

McGrady credited, widely respected physical fitness trainer, Tim Grover for working with him and pushing him through the very grueling and demanding physical regimen to help him recover.

"He's trained the best. Who works harder than Mike (Michael Jordan)?"

McGrady touched on more topics including living in Houston -- even if he doesn't re-sign with the Rockets next summer.

"I love it here. This is home. This is home. My wife and my kids love it here. My kids go to school here. I love the organization. I love the city. I don't plan on going nowhere -- really even if it doesn't work out for me -- which I don't want that to happen -- Houston is home. That (the contract) right now is not what I'm thinking about."

Listen to more of McGrady's comments here.

Yao Looks to 2010 Season

2009-09-24T06:04:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- I was away from the computer (i.e. the Internet) most of the day Wednesday; and, I missed this news reported by Houston's Mark Berman: "Yao Gets Good News, Looks to 2010".

Personally, I'm glad to hear this news because I didn't see any point whatsoever for Yao to return late in the 2009-2010 season -- even if the Rockets were making an unexpected playoff push.

Yao's still young enough to not risk his future basketball playing years by rushing back and at less than 100%.

The Rockets never stated they expected Yao to play in 2009 - 2010; however, a few weeks ago reports started surfacing Yao would join the Rockets at some point this season.

Rockets' Media Day is Monday, September 28. Training camp starts on the 29th. Basketball season is almost here.

Rockets Trade James White to Nuggets

2009-09-22T22:06:00.000-05:00

According to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen, the Houston Rockets have traded swingman James White to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the draft rights to forward Alex Hervelle.

The Nuggets drafted Hervelle in the 2005 NBA Draft. Hervelle, 6'9", is 26 years old. Hervelle's currently playing on the Real Madrid squad in Spain. Hervelle averaged 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for Real Madrid last season.

Owls Announce 2009 - 2010 Schedule

2009-09-09T19:06:00.002-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- I'm not sure why the Texas Longhorns will come to Houston this season to face the Rice Owls rather than the Houston Cougars (honestly, I don't want to hear the reasons or the excuses from either UT or UH); but, the Horns highlight the Owls non-conference portion of the 2009 - 2010 schedule.

"Once again we will play one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the league," said second-year coach Ben Braun. "Our goal is to always improve and playing against good competition will help us achieve that goal."

Rice will play four teams this season which advanced past the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2009. The Owls play host to Texas on November 29. While the game will mark the fourth meeting in the last five years, it will be the first time the two teams will have played on the Rice campus since 1996.

The Owls open the regular season by hosting a three-day, round-robin tournament November 13-15. Houston Baptist, Sacramento State and South Alabama round out the tournament field.

The Owls open Conference USA play January 6 when they play host to Houston in Tudor Fieldhouse. Rice will play host to C-USA defending champion Memphis on Jan. 16.

Coogs Announce '09-'10 Schedule

2009-09-08T20:06:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Tom Penders, head coach of the University of Houston men's basketball team, announced Houston's 2009 - 2010 schedule today.

The non-conference home games are not exactly filled with big-name programs: Nicholls State (November 17); Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (December 6); Troy (December 14); Mississippi State (December 19); The Citadel (December 21); TCU (December 23); and Louisiana Tech (December 29).

The Cougars will compete at the Great Alaska Shootout (November 26 - 28). Making only their second trip to the northernmost state, the Cougars face Oklahoma and San Diego (Nov. 26-27) in pool play before facing a team to be determined in the tournament's final day.

For the first time in recent history, Cougar fans also will be able to enjoy their team at home in Saturday afternoon games at Hofheinz Pavilion. During five Saturday home games - Mississippi State (Dec. 19), Tulsa (Jan. 9), Marshall (Jan. 30), Southern Miss (Feb. 6) and SMU (Feb. 13), the Cougars will tip off at 4 p.m.

The Cougars and the UH women's basketball team also team up for a doubleheader on Jan. 30. While the women's team faces a Conference USA rival at 1 p.m., the men's squad faces Conference USA rival Marshall at 4 p.m.

"It's an outstanding schedule for us and for our fans. We've got some interesting home games and some good road games as well," Penders said. "This is a good schedule. You can't look at any game and say `Well, that's a win.'"

Rockets Announce Signing of Pops

2009-09-03T19:36:00.002-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu (MEN-sa BON-sue) to a non-guaranteed one-year contract worth $825,000.

Mensa-Bonsu, 6'9", 235, is more of forward than a center; but, he should battle undersized big man, Joey Dorsey (6'7", 260) for time at the center position.

“Pops will bring shot-blocking, energy and depth to our bigs,” Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. “He will fit in well with our focus on up-tempo play.”

Rockets Announce Budinger's Signing

2009-08-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets' general manager, Daryl Morey, announced the team has signed rookie swingman Chase Budinger to a multi-year contract.

According to reports, the contract is a two-year contract with team options on the third and fourth seasons.

The Rockets acquired the draft rights to Budinger, 6'7", 218, 44th overall draft pick in the 2009 NBA Draft from the Detroit Pistons on June 25, 2009, in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash.

Budinger averaged 17.8 points per game in five summer league games in the NBA's 2009 Summer League action last month. Budinger averaged 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in three seasons at the University of Arizona.

Budinger is an accomplished volleyball player with excellent leaping ability. He's very comfortable and quite capable of attacking the basket.

Rockets Announce 2009 Pre-Season Schedule

2009-08-13T13:26:00.004-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- Basketball season keeps getting closer. The Houston Rockets announced the preseason schedule for the 2009 - 2010 season today. Three of the eight games will take place inside Toyota Center.

Mark your calendars.

Oct. 6, Tue., at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m. -- AT&T Center.
Oct. 7, Wed., vs. Boston*, 7:30 p.m. -- Dodge Arena.
Oct. 9, Fri., at Orlando, 6:00 p.m. -- Amway Arena.
Oct. 12, Mon., vs. Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m. -- Toyota Center.
Oct. 15, Thu., at Toronto, 6:00 p.m. -- Air Canada Centre.
Oct. 16, Fri., at Indiana, 6:00 p.m. -- Conseco Fieldhouse.
Oct. 19, Mon., vs. Oklahoma City, 7:30 p.m. -- Toyota Center.
Oct. 23, Fri., vs. Dallas, 7:30 p.m. -- Toyota Center.

Times listed are Central Time.
Home games at Toyota Center in bold.
* Home preseason game played in Hidalgo, TX.

Rockets Sign David Andersen

2009-08-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets announced the signing of center David Andersen to a multi-year contract. The Rockets acquired the rights to Anderson from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for cash and future considerations on July 14.

Andersen, 6'11", 245, is from Australia; however, he's played professional basketball in Italy (1999 to 2004); Moscow (2004 - 2008); and Spain (2008 - 2009). The teams Andersen has played have been successful.

He won the 2000-01 Italian National Championship, as well as the 2001 and 2002 Italian National Cup. Andersen joined Mens Sana Basket Siena for the 2003-04 campaign and helped capture another Italian National Championship that season. He played another four seasons with CSKA Moscow (2004-08), winning the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 Russian National Championship. While with CSKA Moscow, Andersen also helped capture the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Russian National Cup.

Andersen is not quick of foot. He's not a great defender; but, he's a solid face the basket scoring threat.

Andersen averaged 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in helping FC Barcelona win the 2008-09 Spanish National Championship.

Rockets, Vipers Extend Partnership

2009-08-07T19:20:00.014-05:00

MCALLEN, TX -- The Houston Rockets and the NBA D-League Rio Grand Valley Vipers announced they are extending their partnership which now means the Rockets will hold a portion of their pre-season training camps and host an exhibition game in the Rio Grande Valley in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

The 2010 game will follow three days of training camp in the Rio Grande Valley.

This year, the Rockets will hold two days of camp at the McAllen Convention Center from October 4-5, and host a preseason game against the Boston Celtics on October 7, at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

In addition, the Vipers will host the inaugural RGV Rocket Launch 2009 at the McAllen Convention Center from October 3-5.

Rockets sign Rookie Jermaine Taylor

2009-08-05T22:29:00.001-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Rockets signed rookie shooting guard Jermaine Taylor to a multi-year contract today. Taylor, the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, was selected by the Washington Wizards; however, the Rockets acquired the draft rights to him in exchange for cash considerations.

Terms of the contract are reportedly a two-year deal worth $1.5 M plus team options on the third and fourth years.

The contract terms are similar to the terms signed by NBA rookies selected in the first round.

In his senior season, Taylor, 6'4", 210, was named Conference USA Player of the Year in 2008 - 2009. Taylor averaged 26.2 points per game on 48.0% fg, 37.6% 3-pt fg, and 81.2% ft.

Rockets Announce 2009-'10 Schedule

2009-08-04T14:20:00.002-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- One day after being one of three teams fined for leaking details of their schedule, the Houston Rockets officially released the 2009 - 2010 schedule.

The Rockets tip off the 2009-10 regular season on October 27, at Portland, which will be followed by a contest at Golden State on October 28. The Rockets then return to Toyota Center to open the home slate by hosting Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and the Trail Blazers on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

The Rockets play host to the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, with a special 6:00 p.m. start, to help usher in the New Year for an eighth straight season at Toyota Center. Houston holds a 5-2 mark in games they have hosted on New Year’s Eve.

The Rockets will have 23 home games after the midway point of the campaign, starting with a six-game home stand from January 23 - February 2. The team’s longest period away from home will be a pair of four-game road trips November 29 - December 5 and March 31 - April 6.

The Rockets play 22 sets of back-to-back games in the 2009 - 2010 season.

Ron Ron Being Ron Ron

2009-07-30T09:47:00.004-05:00

This news / info is for the fans of the LA Lakers who are euphoric over their favorite team signing free agent forward Ron Artest. I knew the Houston Rockets had reasons for not wanting to re-sign Artest to a long-term deal; and, this information helps explain why.

Check it out.

from Bill Simmons at ESPN.com -- http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090727

3. Some of the stuff that happens is good for a few people to know about, as opposed to, say ... a million people.

To Artest. Here's a classic case of someone hoodwinking the American public with a 10-year pattern of bizarre behavior that eventually immunized them to all future crazy Ron Artest stories and anecdotes, such as the fact that he's wearing No. 37 to honor Michael Jackson because it's the same number of weeks that "Thriller" led the charts (um, what?), or his recent revelation that he had been pining to play for the Lakers for two solid years. Artest told reporters that he wandered into the Lakers' locker room to express that desire to a showering Kobe Bryant -- right after L.A.'s bitter Game 6 thrashing in Boston in the 2008 Finals, no less -- adding, "Yeah, I walked in the shower. I'm not a homosexual or nothing like that, but Kobe had no clothes on."

These anecdotes just bounce off people now. Artest is a benevolent crazy. Or so we think. Being around this nuttiness every day is a little different from merely hearing about the nuttiness in secondhand anecdotes. I know for a fact he routinely broke plays on offense and is still a handful behind the scenes, and the Rockets buried every 2008-09 story that would have made this patently clear. For instance, Artest routinely walked around in his underwear in public places: the Rockets' team bus, hotels, you name it. People around the team barely flinched after a while. Before Game 7 of the Lakers series -- only the biggest game of the entire season -- they finally flinched.

Here's what happened: Artest missed the first two team buses (the ones for players, coaches and team personnel) from Houston's hotel to the Staples Center and barely made the third and final bus, which was reserved for business staff, sponsors and friends of the team. These stunned people watched Artest sprint to the bus right before it left, jump on and take one of the remaining seats ... yes, wearing only his underwear. Owner Leslie Alexander happened to be sitting on the bus and witnessed the whole thing. And you wonder why the Houston Rockets didn't make any effort whatsoever to bring back Artest.

Interesting, huh?

Big 12 Announces Conference Schedule

2009-07-22T19:13:00.000-05:00

The Big 12 Conference announced its men's basketball conference schedule for the 2009 - 2010 season today.

The schedule is highlighted by three nationally televised windows each week on ESPN or ESPN2.

Big 12 Conference play tips off Saturday, January 9, 2010.

The Texas Longhorns and the Kansas Jayhawks could both claim spots in the top 5 of the preseason basketball polls.

Crawford's Dunk on LeBron

2009-07-22T18:42:00.000-05:00

I received an email with a link to the "LeBron got dunked on!" video this afternoon. In case you haven't heard the controversy about the video, here's a brief summary:

On July 6, Xavier University's Jordan Crawford dunked on LeBron James at LeBron's Nike Skills camp. A few moments after the dunk, LeBron stopped the action; spoke with a Nike rep; then, the videographers recording the session are asked to give up their tapes.

I guess LeBron assumed "No tapes, no witnesses."

Wrong!

Footage of the video has finally hit the 'Net.

Check it out.

I must admit the dunk didn't impress me. If LeBron had the tapes confiscated because of that dunk, he's being VERY, VERY insecure for no damn reason. Give me a break!

LeBron got dunked on. Welcome to the real world, King James.