Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball Teams come to DC this weekend

In case you're like me and not right on top of the USA Men's Basketball schedule, I'd like to let you know that the USA Men's (i.e. and Women's) Basketball teams are coming to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.  Both teams will be playing Brazil's Olympic squads. 

Do you know who Oscar Schmidt is?  If you are a true international basketball fan, you do.  Regardless, educate yourself here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Schmidt.

I digress...  Let's get back to Team USA...

If you want a pair of front row tickets (i.e. according to Ticketmaster's website) that are in section 112 (i.e. which traditionally look at the visiting team's bench for NBA games) there are a pair for $827.65 EACH.  That's right - for you and your wife/buddy/customer/client/child/boss, etc. you'll spend close to $1,700.  Don't worry, Moneybags, a portion of you ticket price will go to USO charities.  So if you're fortunate enough to have the ticket money, a huge fan of Team USA, and can't make it to London for the festivities - get yourself to the "Phone booth" on Monday at 5:30PM for the doubleheader. 

Here's a link so you can purchase your tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1500488CE14C7042?artistid=873991&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7

If you're feeling charitable, I'm only interested in a single ticket and it's ONLY $520.90.  If you want to donate to my ticket account, feel free to Paypal me at sjwirk@gmail.com.

For all of you that have $59, you can pick up seats to the game if you use the discount code: wizards and following the link: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=wizards&o=505&g=2197

****  I guess I've been catching too many clips of Team USA in Las Vegas, that I presumed that they'd head straight to London when they were finished training in Las Vegas.  As it turns out their stint, out West, wraps up on July 12. 

In addition, I was talking to my friend, Teri, earlier and The Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 will take place at the DC Armory July 14-15.  This was also news to me.  You can expect to find me at the DC Armory this weekend to get over my basketball drought, since the NBA Finals, and to relive some 1992 Dream Team Memories.  From what I understand there will be some select appearances by members of the Dream Team at certain events.

So, for all of you "hoop heads" in the DC/VA/MD area, it looks like you have something to do!  Go out and support Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball.

Nominated for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Men's Team were: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets).  Oh and there's another guy...  Hmmm.  What's his name?  You know - that guy who left Cleveland to win a Championship with the Miami Heat.  Yes, LeBron James. 

The men are coached by Duke University's, Coach K.

Admitedly, I'm not as familiar with the Women's team, but here are the names I recognize from the USA National Team:  Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury).  ****  No offense intended to the other women on the squad who's names I didn't include.  I think I only recognize these names from their NCAA Women's Tournament game performances.

The women are coached by UConn's own, Geno Auriemma.

Enjoy.


THE WIRK

2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions ~ Brazil to win it all? Agree or Disagree?

With the USA eliminated from competition, I'll admit that I've tuned out of the World Cup.  If walking by a TV, with a match on, I'll stop and check the score ~ but I really have no idea anymore about who I want to win.

I received the following message today from my good friend, Kanak.  I found it funny that she even sent it, since she's not a sporty person.  To be honest, I nearly fell out of my seat when she texted me (i.e. during Game 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics series) that Sasha Vujacic needed to shave!  I couldn't believe the girl even had the TV on still, much less was watching and cared enough to read the names on the jerseys.  She said she checks into this blog ~ and now I believe her. 

Further, being that she lived in Brasil/Brazil, she does have interest in soccer/futbol. So here are her 2 cents and predictions for the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Here's what SHE wrote:

" Ok...Soooo I wanted to send my predictions to you.  I know you aren't that into soccer, but I am super EXCITED, and you are the only one that might half way care now that the US is out."

• Argentina will beat Germany easily, to face Portugal next (i.e. who will beat Spain today and move on to beat either Paraguay or Japan). 

1st half ~ Spain v Portugal (Photo taken by, Wirk Part 2)

• I couldn't care less about either of those teams and who wins that game (i.e. Paraguay v Japan).
• Brasil/Brazil (will make it to the semifinal because they are playing the Netherlands for the spot, and if they lose to them I just have to hang my head in shame...lol!.  
• Brasil/Brazil will probably face Uruguay (i.e. even though Ghana was looking strong, I don't think they can beat Uruguay), as a face-off for the 1950 World Cup Final, but hopefully with inverted scoreboard (2 x 1 Brasil, this time).  
• Argentina will make it to the semi-finals for sure.
• I don't care what people say about Germany, I don't think they are going.
• Final Brasil/Brazil v Argentina, neighbor x neighbor, mortal enemies.
• And if all goes well Brasil/Brazil will be the NUMBER ONE! Woohoo!"

****  What do you think?  1950 World Cup?  What is "inverted scoreboard"?  Is she right? 


Kanak, for THE WIRK