Author: David Shama

David Shama is a former sports editor and columnist with local publications. His writing and reporting experiences include covering the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Gophers. Shama’s career experiences also include sports marketing. He is the former Marketing Director of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. He is also the former Marketing Director of the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section. A native of Minneapolis, Shama has been part of the community his entire life. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he majored in journalism. He also has a Master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He was a member of the Governor’s NBA’s Task Force to help create interest in bringing pro basketball to town in the 1980s.

Tyus Jones: No College Favorites, or Decision for Awhile

Posted on August 2, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

Despite national attention, don’t expect 15-year-old Apple Valley High School point guard Tyus Jones to announce his college choice soon.

Local basketball authority Rene Pulley and others rate Jones the No. 1 point guard in America for the class of 2014. Pulley, who is CEO of Howard Pulley Basketball, has been involved with local basketball for years, but thinks Jones could be considered the greatest Minnesota prep ever by 2014.

Jones told Sports Headliners he has college scholarship offers from nine schools but is in no hurry to choose a college and might wait until his senior season at Apple Valley. “I don’t think I’ll make an early commitment, probably (decide) later in my high school career,” he said.

The offers are from Arizona, Baylor, Iowa, Iowa State, Marquette, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State and Providence. “I don’t think I have any favorites,” Jones said.

While some local preps might be overly dazzled about leaving the state, expect Jones to give the Gophers fair consideration. He’s an intelligent and mature young man who values classroom work, staying modest and treating others with respect.

Jones has a family connection to former Gophers captain Al Nuness. Jones’ dad, Robert, is Nuness’ nephew. Jared Nuness, Al’s son, is part of the basketball support staff at Baylor.

Al Nuness told Sports Headliners almost two years ago that Jones was better as an eighth grader than former North High and 1997 Minnesota Mr. Basketball Khalid El–Amin. Pulley said last week that Jones, already 6-foot-1 compared with El-Amin at 5-6 as a 15-year-old, is the better player at that age.

Jones, who admires New Orleans’ point guard Chris Paul’s “pass first, score second” approach, likely will be taller than 6-1 when he arrives on a college campus. “My dad is 6-7, so hopefully I will still have a growth spurt and get a few inches…in the years to come,” he said.

Jones said he won’t play football this year for Apple Valley, but might go out for baseball in 2012. He has experienced a busy spring and summer of basketball including being named the youngest player for the USA development team for players 16 and under.

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Rodney Williams Impresses in Summer Ball

Posted on August 2, 2011October 9, 2011 by David Shama

Rene Pulley has watched not only Jones but also several Gophers players in his summer basketball league. Among the players he’s intrigued to see play for Minnesota next season is forward Rodney Williams who had a disappointing sophomore year averaging 6.8 points per game, making only 21 percent of his three point field goals and often being a non-contributor even though he was a starter. Before the season he was projected by nbadraftnet.com to be a top 10 NBA draft choice in 2011.

“I think he’s got a new confidence in his game and his potential and his ability now,” Pulley said. “He’s been shooting the three point shot very well. He did that at the LeBron James camp and also the Kevin Durant camp. But he’s brought that back to the league (Howard Pulley) and he’s been doing that here.

“(He’s) putting the ball on the floor far more aggressive than he’s ever been. I am one of the ones that wonder, is it him? Or is it somebody holding him back? Because he impresses everybody. He’s a crowd favorite here. But for whatever reason, when he gets over to the U, you got a different Rodney Williams.”

Williams, who might be the most athletic player in the Big Ten, certainly has NBA potential and so, too, does teammate Trevor Mbakwe who is trying to make the USA World University Games roster this month. The Gophers’ power forward led the Big Ten in rebounding last year at 10.5 per game and was an intimidating player not only rebounding, but blocking shots with his exceptional strength and jumping ability.

“My assessment of Trevor is he’s a beast,” Pulley said. “He still needs to work on his low post moves, his footwork, and maybe develop a little eight to 12 foot shot. But if he gets that together, he’s got a chance to be in the NBA.”

The best of Minnesota’s new players next season could certainly be Memphis freshman guard Andre Hollins. The 6-1 Hollins averaged 23.5 points per game during his senior year and was Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball.

“I think he’s special,” Pulley said. “I really, really like him. He’s a strong body. He’s an outstanding guard. A good handler, very athletic. Jumps out of the gym, but he’s got a great jump shot. He’s got a three point shot, a mid-range shot and he’s quick. I think he’s going to help the Gophers a lot.”

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Vikings Owners Still Committed to Payroll

Posted on August 1, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

Vikings president Mark Wilf told Sports Headliners his franchise remains committed to spending money on player personnel despite the franchise’s ongoing attempts to gain approval for a new stadium.

“We want a championship team,” Wilf said.

Vikings owners, led by Mark and his brother Zygi Wilf, have demonstrated a willingness to spend money on high profile players since they became franchise owners in 2005. Expensive deals that brought defensive end Jared Allen and quarterback Brett Favre here gave the Wilfs credibility with fans and media, showing ownership was serious about winning.

The Vikings were 12-4 and within a play or two of the Super Bowl during the 2009 season. Last season team performance deteriorated and the record was 6-10. Parts of the roster have to be both retained and upgraded. Among the payroll tasks will be re-signing Adrian Peterson—perhaps the NFL’s best running back— to a new contract that should place him among the league’s highest paid players.

Vikings owners have spent money in areas beyond personnel. They have funded upgrades at Winter Park and during the NFL labor dispute Vikings ownership kept front office workers employed, rather than laying them off.

“These are great owners,” a prominent Minneapolis businessman said.

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