Grip on Sports: The future is never now, but it is what keeps us hoping
GRIP ON SPORTS • Let’s talk about the Future. No, not that rap guy. The time period. The one that never comes. But also seems to be the only thing anyone can talk about, especially last night. Read on.
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• Funny thing about the future. It’s out there for everyone to see, but not touch. It’s almost a mirage.
And yet it’s a subject everyone talks about, like the weather.
It was front and center last night in New York, as the NBA held it’s annual draft.
The Pac-12 had the No. 1 and No. 2 player chosen, with everyone commenting on how bright the future appeared for Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball.
Gonzaga had two players chosen. First up was 7-foot, one-and-done post Zach Collins, whose future was determined over and over. He was drafted by Sacramento, which made it seem bleak. Then Portland traded two draft picks for him, polishing Collins’ future considerably.
If a franchise invests that many resources in a player, you know darn well it is going to give you every chance to be successful. Management’s support is crucial for anyone’s future.
Which brings us to Nigel Williams-Goss. There probably isn’t a better situation for the Gonzaga point guard than being drafted by Utah. He’s a good fit for what they do, sure, but he’s also going to be the beneficiary of a heck of a lot of goodwill considering where he’s from and the franchise’s history.
It won’t matter on the court, sure, and ultimately may not play any decision at all in his future, but it can’t hurt, can it?
Neither of the Zags’ seniors, Przemek Karnowski or Jordan Mathews, was chosen, but that’s no surprise. Karnowski’s immediate future may be in Europe and who knows where Mathews’ lies.
None of the other local seniors, from Eastern’s Jake Wiley to WSU’s Josh Hawkinson, heard their name called either. But I’m pretty safe to say their future will include basketball in some form.
• Also, in the future, can the NBA bigwigs learn how to pronounce Gonzaga. It’s not that hard.
• Speaking of the future, the Mariners’ looks pretty bright at the moment.
Andrew Moore made his major league debut last night and the former Oregon State pitcher was solid if not spectacular.
His seven-inning, three-run, six-hit, four strike out performance helped the M’s to a 9-6 win – that and Robinson Cano’s 11th career grand slam.
That win, the M’s fifth straight, moved them above the .500 mark for the first time this season. Seattle, after a 2-8 start, has nosed up to the break-even mark twice, only to fall back. Last night a rookie helped them get over it.
But he’s not the only rookie in play here.
The outfield the M’s started last night? All rookies. And all three, especially Ben Gamel right now, have been contributing in a big way.
We used a “Shawshank” quote about hope the other day, so we won’t revisit it again. But when the future seems better than the present, it does lead to hope. This time, at least in the outfield, hope seems to have a home in Seattle.
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WSU: Before we get to the links, you may or may not have seen Jacob Thorpe’s Twitter announcement that he’s no longer with The Spokesman-Review. Jacob has decided to move on – it was his choice, a rare commodity these days in the era of newspaper downsizing – for other opportunities. He will be missed, especially by you guys. And me. I’ve been lucky the last two Cougar beat writers, Jacob and before him, Christian Caple, actually allowed me to continually bug them for help. This column, with its local bent, wouldn’t be possible without the help of the S-R’s beat writers. Everyone chips in, but with my WSU beat background, there is a special bond with the Pullman person. Jacob always had time to help. And for that, and other things, I’m grateful. (And yes, I used the KHQ picture on purpose.) … Riley Sorenson announced over Twitter yesterday his testicular cancer had returned. No matter where your allegiances lie, you have to be rooting for this kid. … It was a great day for the Pac-12, NBA-wise. The conference had the top two picks, three Oregon Ducks were chosen, a couple of players from Arizona and two more from UCLA. … Losses may add up to gains. … Speaking of losses, quite possibly the best coach in Arizona State’s history died yesterday. … Oregon State continues its quest for a national title.
Gonzaga: Collins’ selection by the Trail Blazers – yes, he was picked by Sacramento, but he was Portland’s choice – is covered in detail by Jim Meehan. (Jim had a preview before the draft as well.) As is Williams-Goss‘. … The Collins pick is a big deal in Portland. … Utah is ready to welcome another Zag. … The future dates for fan events have been set.
EWU: Jim Allen had a story Thursday on former Eastern quarterbacks and the CFL. We pass it along in case you missed it.
Indians: The road hasn’t been kind to Spokane as it lost for a third consecutive night in the Tri-Cities. … Other losing streaks around the Northwest League ended though.
Hoopfest: It starts tomorrow. John Blanchette has a column on one of last year’s winner, former Cheney High star Matt Brunnell. I also wanted to pass along these pictures of the some of the earliest Hoopfest action. There are actually players I recognize. … The event runs downtown. It affects downtown.
Chiefs: Dave Nichols has an NHL draft preview with a Chiefs bent. … Former Spokane coach Don Nachbaur earned an NHL job.
Preps: The Greater Spokane League basketball schedule will have a different look next season. Greg Lee explains. … There has been an interesting change proposed for Idaho preps sports classifications.
Mariners: Yes, they are above .500. Dave celebrates the milestone with today’s Mariners Log. We added the links to the bottom.
Seahawks: Russell Wilson’s contract is starting to look like a bargain for the Hawks.
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• Heat. Road construction. Two-lane roads. Road trips are fun, but in the future we should have flying cars. We were promised flying cars years ago. Where are they Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos? Forget self-driving and drones, get on the flying car thing. Until later …