Author: David Shama

This town’s only opportunity to see Greg Oden as a college player could be Sunday at Williams Arena when he and his Ohio State teammates play the Gophers.  The NBA covets the 7-foot, 280-pound Oden because his potential indicates he may become Shaquille O’Neal’s successor as the most dominant center on the planet. 

Oden’s shot blocking and rebounding are eye-catching.  He encourages comparisons with a young Patrick Ewing because of their similar physiques and more limited offensive skills as college players.  Oden’s statistics include 15.3 points per game, 9.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks. 

As always, stats tell only part of the story.  Oden has been a major contributor to Ohio State’s success of a 22-3 record and No. 2  national ranking.  Who knows how many shots he has changed or discouraged from being attempted because of his height, timing and long reach? 

Then, too, Oden’s emergence from high school to college has been slowed by an injury to his right wrist.  First, he missed part of the Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule and for most of the season had to shoot left handed (normally a right handed shooter). 

The NBA’s new policy in 2006 requiring players to be 19 years old and a year out of high school gave Oden no choice but to play college basketball for at least one year.  A source from Columbus said speculation has been Oden will play a second season at Ohio State but, of course, that’s just talk.  He may not want to risk further injury without the security of NBA millions.  It also wouldn’t be surprising if he’s somewhat frustrated by the college rules that allow lesser contact compared to the NBA and the resulting foul trouble that often has him on the bench. 

NBA draft followers know Oden and Kevin Durant of Texas will go one-two in the 2007 selections if those players are available.  Durant has  more impressive stats (24.9 points per game, 11.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) but he’s a forward and not a franchise turning center like Oden.  New Englanders are already dreaming of a Boston Celtics (worst record in NBA) opportunity to draft Oden.

Chad Greenway recently told Sports Headliners he is recovered from the knee injury that caused him to miss his entire rookie season.  Asked about his availability for practices even before July training camp he said, “I am ready right now.”   

Greenway said he hasn’t been told whether he will play inside or outside linebacker, or if he will be a starter.  “I will just go out there and do my best, whether it is starting or whatever it is,” he said.   “I expect to have an opportunity to start. I think that would be a capability of mine and I hope that will happen.” 

Greenway was asked about the qualities that impress him in a defensive coordinator prior to the announcement last week that Leslie Frazier will replace Mike Tomlin who accepted the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching position.  “Somebody who is emotional,” Greenway answered. “Somebody who will get into it and loves the guys he’s coaching.  Somebody who knows what he’s talking about and (has) been there before.” 

Was it a sad day when news came Tomlin was moving on?  “It was but he’s moving on in his career and that’s great for him and his family,” Greenway said. “Everybody is excited for him. . .but we’ll keep rolling. If we keep the same guys here and hopefully keep the same defense we should be pretty good.”

What impressed Greenway about Tomlin?  “He coached with emotion,” Greenway said. “He coached like he was a player and I think that really helped him a lot.  He was smart enough to be able to make changes during a game. …” Greenway also praised Tomlin for listening to others. 

Greenway was the Vikings’ No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, the 17^th player selected.  Even without Greenway the draft class showed promise with five of the team’s six rookies having one or more starts (cornerback Cedric Griffin, offensive tackle Ryan Cook, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, defensive end Ray Edwards and safety Greg Blue).

Earlier this week the Gophers had about 1,800 tickets available for Sunday’s game against Ohio State (noon start).  This will be Minnesota’s only game against Ohio State in 2007.

Timberwolves guard Rashad McCants asked about his limited minutes and progress now that he’s playing again following his severe knee injury: “There’s not a lot that I can put on the table as far as a timeline but I know that I am getting better everyday, knocking some of this rust off in a game by game situation.  I feel more comfortable on the floor.  It’s just a matter of time now.” 

McCants plans to “kick back and relax and get my body back” over the upcoming NBA All-Star game break.  He “probably” will go to Las Vegas to support teammates Kevin Garnett and Randy Foye who will be participating in all-star activities. 

Honors earned by Vikings players during the past season included Associated Press All-Pro First Team defensive tackle Kevin Williams; Pro Bowl defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, center Matt Birk and guard Steve Hutchinson;  NFL Alumni Best At Their Position, Hutchinson;  NFL.com All-Interview Team, Birk and Hutchinson; Sports Illustrated Dr. Z’s All-Pro Team, Pat Williams; Sports Illustrated Peter King’s All-Pro Team, Kevin Williams and Hutchinson; USA Today Larry Weisman’s All-Joe Team, running back Chester Taylor, Pat Williams and cornerback Antoine Winfield.

The top 10  candidates for the 23rd Annual Mr. Hockey Award are: Jordy Christian (Moorhead), Mike Dorr (Roseville), Tyler Johnson (Cloquet), Nick Larson (Hill-Murray), John Lee (Moorhead), Aaron Marvin (Warroad), Taylor Matson (Academy of Holy Angels), Ryan McDonagh (Cretin-Derham Hall), Matt Reber (Edina) and Patrick White (Grand Rapids).  The Mr. Hockey Award is given to the outstanding senior high school hockey player in the state and is selected by a panel of NHL Scouts, Division I college coaches and selected media.  The award will be presented on Sunday, March 11 at a banquet in RiverCentre that will include other hockey award presentations. For ticket information, call (651) 735-2184.