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.

Worth Noting

Posted on May 4, 2011October 9, 2011 by David Shama

The Gophers didn’t have anyone selected in the recent NFL draft, but 29 Big Ten players were chosen. The Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC were the only conferences to produce at least six first-rounders. The Big Ten’s first round picks were the most for the conference since six in the 2007 first round.

Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill attended a party with former Gophers on Saturday night celebrating the life of national championship coach Murray Warmath. Among the attendees Kill met were Mike Wilkinson, author of Warmath’s book, The Autumn Warrior.

Kill has a Nutrition Bar for players to start them off on a successful morning. Players are provided with items such as bagels and fruit. He had a similar offering at Northern Illinois.

U football fans Bruce Krinke and Dave Henry showed Kill a new bronze bust of Bruce Smith on Monday. Two busts have been completed by Faribault artist Ivan Whillock immortalizing Smith, a Faribault native and the only Gopher ever to win the Heisman Trophy. Plans are for one bust to be displayed at the University and the other at Faribault High School. Anyone interested in helping with funding for the busts can email Krinke, contact@fctv10.org.

Gophers’ quarterback MarQueis Gray will remain in town during the summer to work on his passing game, and not go home to Indianapolis.

Darrell Thompson’s Bolder Options organization holds its annual Training for Life Dinner on Thursday, May 19 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. The popular fundraiser includes a raffle, auctions, and live music. Thompson is executive director of Bolder Options, a local mentoring program focusing on youth development. www.trainingforlifedinner.com

Canterbury Park tellers will open for Kentucky Derby wagering starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The first race from Churchill Downs begins at 9:30 a.m. Minneapolis time. The derby, televised on NBC, starts at 5:24 p.m. The Shakopee race track opens for live racing on Friday, May 20.

St. Francis High School sophomore Maggie Ewen has been a newsmaker the last several days. She is the KARE 11 Athlete of the Week after recently setting a school record and Hamline Elite meet record in the shot put with a throw of 45 feet, 11.75 inches.

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Kahn Headed to Spain for Rubio Talks

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

Timberwolves basketball executives David Kahn and Tony Ronzone leave for Spain today and meetings with Ricky Rubio and his representatives, according to a basketball source.

The process of bringing the European point guard to Minneapolis for an NBA career with the Timberwolves is ongoing, the source said. The Timberwolves chose Rubio with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft but thus far he has remained in Europe.

Representatives of Rubio spoke with Timberwolves officials last week about endorsements for the 20-year-old Rubio. Money from endorsements is one of the factors that can ease the transition from Spain to the NBA.

In the weeks ahead Kahn, president of basketball operations, and Ronzone, assistant general manager, hope to solidify an agreement to bring Rubio here for next season. That will be a major transition for Rubio who will not only face cultural and language changes, but also the more physical style of play in the NBA.

At 6-4, Rubio’s name sparks excitement but also controversy. Basketball authorities acknowledge his extraordinary court vision and passing skills, but whether he has the physical strength and all around game to immediately be a solid NBA player next season is debatable.

For certain his signing would be a major box office and corporate sponsorship stimulus for the Timberwolves. Rubio is a handsome kid, who plays basketball with flair and has an international reputation.

He’s potentially a major upgrade for a franchise facing perhaps the most intriguing summer in organization history. The Timberwolves may change coaches, luck into the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, sign free agents, make progress on the renovation of Target Center…and bring Rubio to town.

Other than that, not much going on.

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NBA D-League or Europe May Await Sampson

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

Sources with second-hand information told Sports Headliners last week that Ralph Sampson III was declaring for the NBA draft. Thursday’s early entry list from the NBA confirmed his intent.

But neither Sampson, his family nor the Gophers have made it known whether a professional sports agent has been retained. If so, Sampson can’t return to Minnesota for his senior season. Players who don’t have representation have until May 8 to change their minds about entering the draft and return to college teams.

Sampson’s three year career has been characterized by inconsistency and mediocrity. The 6-11 junior center-forward has averaged 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. His best career season scoring was 2011 when he averaged 10.2 points per game while his top rebounding average was a year ago when he finished at 5.8.

News of his sniffing at the pros has been met by surprise and even cynicism by Gophers fans. A finesse big man with not even honorable mention all-Big Ten honors during his career, Sampson seems an improbable candidate to be chosen even on the second round of the June NBA draft.

Yes, the NBA is always looking for length and athleticism, and it doesn’t hurt that his bloodlines include dad Ralph II, among the most famous college centers of all time. But Ralph III is a classic example of a tall player that could benefit from one additional season of college basketball, adding more muscle, plus strength and versatility for his game.

What fans should be asking is why this development? If Sampson has hired an agent then he knows there’s no return to Gopherville. That means facing the real possibility of not making an NBA team next fall either through the draft or as a free agent. Even if he were drafted on the second round or signed as a free agent, neither designation guarantees him a roster spot next fall in the NBA.

In this scenario what Sampson has to be prepared for is a future later this year playing in the NBA Development League, in Europe, or some other professional league. Sampson may feel those options are better for his career than another season at Minnesota.

If Sampson returns to the Gophers he faces less competition for playing time than it appeared a few weeks ago. Center Colton Iverson, who for three years shared playing time with Sampson, has transferred. During the last 12 months or so the Gophers have lost three players who were juniors but chose not to return for their senior seasons. Paul Carter transferred last spring, then Devoe Joseph and Iverson this year.

Gophers fans are hoping Sampson doesn’t become No. 4.

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