Cameron Indoor, Allen Fieldhouse and Fenway Park are part of the group, that is nostalgic sports venues. The University of New Mexico Lobos play their home games in one of these venues "The Pit" which first opened it's doors in 1966. The following is taken from GoLobos.com the official site of the University of New Mexico. "The Pit is built in a 37-foot hole on Albuquerque's southeast mesa. First the roof was constructed, then the hole was dug and the Arena built. The Pit underwent a massive upgrade and expansion that was completed in time for the 2010-11 season that included $60 million of improvements. Among the improvements were new luxury suites and club level seating, upgraded lower bowl seating, two end zone video boards, ribbon boards, a unique graphics package showcasing the history of Lobo basketball and UNM athletics, upgraded concessions area, the new Lobo Den Store, and a remodeled concourse." It was said the Lobos always had excellent home court advantage due to the manner the building was constructed. As you enter the building you must descend it seems almost straight down to the arena floor, the design of the arena probably aided the Lobos in maintaining a high winning percentage over the years. Visiting teams were often intimidated by the boisterous crowd noise. Several years ago I visited Albuquerque and as I was driving down the interstate I observed a building that appeared to be but a few feet above ground. I said to myself "this must be The Pit." Last week I attended my son's graduation and the exercise was held in The Pit. Chris said "Dad wait till you see the refurbished Pit," the building did indeed look great. I told Chris "it looks good but it's lost it's pizzazz," the "hole' in the ground will always remain a memory to me and others.

I don't enjoy calling out people but I think this one is worthwhile. I'm sure you tire of the "talking heads" pontificating in all media forms. They would have you believe they have all the answers although many formulate their answers with no logical intent. Let's revisit Mr. Colin Cowherd of ESPN, Cowherd once made a statement which is paraphrased here "Derrick Rose and John Wall would be unsuccessful because they lacked leadership skills. He further indicated this came about by lack of a father in the home while growing up." What a @#* to make such a statement with nothing but his mouth as documentation of a so-called fact. Let's leave Wall for another day although he too is a positive story. Mr. "he can't lead anybody was recently named NBA MVP," I haven't had an opportunity to view all the Bulls playoff games but it appears Rose has been instrumental in providing leadership to this team. Needless to say Cowherd is now on my "I don't listen or read anything he says list!"

My Man Cave is slowing coming to fruition. A funny story on the way to completion of this project, my wife's cousin is performing all the design and labor. Danny does excellent work and his design skills are impeccable. Danny is a proud KU and Miami Heat fan, you can imagine we've held some pretty interesting conversations over the past several years. Danny is a good guy so I toss out props to him. Back to the project, my intent was to not overload the room with jerseys, I have a Shaquille O'Neal jersey which is yet to be mounted, it will be displayed once he retires. After all Shaq helped the team 3-peat while wearing a Laker jersey, I must acknowledge that fact. I needed at least one more jersey to round out my salute to the Lakers. I was trying to decide between a Kareem or Magic jersey, unfortunately my hand was forced. I will purchase a Kareem Abdul Jabbar jersey, if some kind soul decides to denote a Magic Johnson jersey to me I will gladly accept it. Why am I so anti-Magic you might ask? I think Magic has gone over to the dark side based on comments as an analyst. I think we all acknowledge he's sold his ownership in the team and know works for ESPN. Freedom of speech gives him the right to say anything he wishes however I can't imagine Larry Bird or Michael Jordan making such critical public statements regarding the Celtics or Bulls. In any event once my Man Cave is complete I will include photos in an upcoming Words eye view.

The conspiracy letters have already begun pouring into the various sports media web sites. The Cavs (or Cadavers) were not only awarded the fourth pick but they had a another pick based on a past trade. This additional pick allowed them to be rewarded with the number one pick. The theorist will say this is NBA payback for the Cavs losing LeBron James to Miami. These same folks have been screaming conspiracy since the days the Knicks won the lottery and secured the services of Patrick Ewing. The only problem many experts predict this will be one of the worst drafts in history. Oh sure there are probably players who will excel but overall this is a poor draft year to be awarded to lower round picks. As for the conspiracy people several are the same ones who claim the moon landing was faked that it was filmed in a movie studio. Finally Wolves GM David Kahn adds gasoline to the fire! Kahn states "this league has a habit, and I am just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines." Was Kahn also hinting of a fix?

"To dream of the person you would like to be is to waste the person you are."
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