Some of you may already know, but this week marks an important step forward. On behalf of the Board of Directors for EB and Johnny’s Ticket to the Game, we officially launched our website: ebandjohnnystickettothegame.org. This foundation is a passion project in honor of my late best friend and brother, Johnny Allen—a local legend in broadcasting.
Years ago, Johnny and I dreamed up this idea, and while we got it off the ground, it never reached the level we hoped for. That changes now.
On September 17th at Orleans Country Club, we’re holding our first-ever charity golf tournament to raise support for our cause. Whether you can play or just want to help, we’d be incredibly grateful. The website is full of information about our mission—please check it out.
A Few More Thoughts…
Local sports are all about all-stars and summer camps right now. It’s a great time of year, and we at NSN are proud to bring many of these games to you. What an amazing keepsake those video memories will be for these kids.
I recently watched an old college basketball tape of myself—high socks, short shorts, Air Jordans, and sloooow motion play. Let’s just say the memory was better than the footage!
On the WNBA and Caitlin Clark
The treatment of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA is a joke. She’s been a godsend to the league. Anyone who argues that point doesn’t get it. Why is the league allowing her to get beaten up night after night? Do they not understand she’s their Steph Curry?
The incident a couple of weeks ago—where a player shoved her to the floor—should have resulted in an immediate ejection, minimum. The league leadership has been failing for years, and sadly, this is just more of the same.
The play style has also regressed. It’s overly physical, with less flow and finesse. Fans want to see beautiful basketball: movement, spacing, and shooting. Maybe the court needs to be wider or longer to create more space. I think the NBA should consider that too.
NBA Draft, Free Agency & The Celtics
The NBA Draft was a dud. Free agency? Equally boring.
That said, the Celtics have done a good job so far. They’ve kept their core intact, dropped underperforming salaries, and are still the class of the “Leastern” Conference. Meanwhile, teams in the West—Houston, San Antonio, Dallas—all made moves to get better. The Lakers? Not so much (thankfully).
I think Brad Stevens still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Personally, I’d love to see Sabonis in green. Let the Kings rebuild—bring that guy east and let’s make another title run.
Do I Miss Coaching?
Lately, I’ve been asked—by three different people in one week—if I miss coaching. The answer is yes.
I miss the camaraderie, the planning, the juice of practice and game nights. But most of all, I miss the relationships. Sitting alone in the gym, waiting for players to arrive. Watching them race to check the day’s practice plan. Smiling when they’d memorize the “Quote of the Day” (or face a little extra conditioning if they didn’t!).
I remember my daughter’s smile as she walked into the gym and got to work. So many of those athletes became like family—and still are.
Coaching at Lyndon State was a gift. Six years filled with incredible people. It’s been 19 years since I last coached there, and those connections still hold strong. Time really flies.
Final Thought: Golf and Judgment
I laugh at myself when I second-guess pro golfers. Especially considering I can’t always make a three-foot knee-knocker.
We’re all quick to judge—but think about the pressure. Standing over a putt with $100K on the line for third vs. fourth place. That’s not pressure most of us know.
The opinions expressed by EB are his own and do not reflect those of NSN.
To contact Eric, email: eberry@nsnsports.net
You can read all of Eric’s blogs at: www.nsnsports.net