tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50721593101232412822024-03-13T04:15:07.583-07:00Larry O'Bannon - BlogLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-71420550950021611802011-01-17T05:11:00.000-08:002011-01-19T08:54:53.768-08:00Appendicitis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TTcW4O1OYrI/AAAAAAAAAC0/oWgMt29Wqus/s1600/Paris-Turnaroundjumper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TTcW4O1OYrI/AAAAAAAAAC0/oWgMt29Wqus/s400/Paris-Turnaroundjumper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563941019949359794" border="0" /></a><br />Hello everyone! <span style="font-family:georgia;"> I know it’s been a nice piece of time since I last wrote a blog entry but I have had some serious health issues the last month. Since October, I had been having some off and on again pain in my stomach that wouldn’t seem to go away. I told my trainer about it and we thought it could’ve been anything from a stomach virus to gas to an abdominal strain. Turns out I had a serious infection around my appendix. I have been in and out of the hospital the last month trying to treat this problem. My mother came over because she thought they were going to have to do emergency surgery but they couldn't do it. The infected area is too inflamed and no surgery can be performed to remove the appendix with infection around it. So now I am just trying to take it easy and take my medication to wait out this time enduring process. They haven’t given me a return date to when I can come back to the court but hopefully I can get back on there by the end of the month.<br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"> </p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">The team started out this month with some pretty good wins to help build our confidence going into the next round.<span style=""> </span>WE won them both at home and beating my old team Rishon in the process.<span style=""> </span>It really hurt me to have to sit out that game but I was super happy when we beat them.<span style=""> </span>With me being out of the line-up, we don’t have as many players in rotation, so some guys have been having to play more minutes than usual.<span style=""> </span>Our last few games it has caught up with us because we have played 7 games in 13 days with seven guys and we dropped some tough games.<span style=""> </span>I am really looking forward to getting back on the court to help my teammates, sitting on the sideline really makes you take notice how much you really do love to play the game of basketball.</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">In the next few weeks I will be posting information about Larry O'Bannon’s Summer Basketball Camp ’11 on facebook and through emails.<span style=""> </span>If you have any questions about any information please don’t hesitate to send us an email at the website <a href="http://www.larryobannon34.com/">www.larryobannon34.com</a>. <span style=""> </span>Look forward to seeing all my campers again this summer!</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Larry O.</p>Larry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-58224140021796753162010-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:002010-11-17T15:43:32.533-08:00Check Me Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TORoCe2_h4I/AAAAAAAAACk/INQWGq32_8w/s1600/ash_hai_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TORoCe2_h4I/AAAAAAAAACk/INQWGq32_8w/s400/ash_hai_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540667833425299330" border="0" /></a><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: purple; text-decoration: underline; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">What’s going on everyone!<span style=""> </span>Things have been kind of hectic the last month since I wrote my last blog with basketball and school because my schedule for both have increased.<span style=""> </span>My team has qualified to play in European competition, so we will be traveling and playing games twice a week this year.<span style=""> </span>Our last European game we played against a team from Paris, France at home.<span style=""> </span>It was a great game from beginning to end because everyone that got to play was on top of their game.<span style=""> </span>We hit 60% from 3-point range and it seemed like everything we shot went into the basket.<span style=""> </span>In the end we cruised to an easy victory.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The start of the regular season in our local league has gotten off to a little bit of a slow start for us.<span style=""> </span>We have dropped a few games at home and on the road that could've been victories with just one or two different plays during the game.<span style=""> </span>Our first game of the season was against Holon away and it was big for us to get out to a good start to the season.<span style=""> </span>We started the game pretty slow in the first quarter but picked it up in the second and third quarters with our aggressive defense.<span style=""> </span>We went into the fourth quarter with a 18-point lead and end up winning the game by three points with free throws.<span style=""> </span>I think we got too complacent with the lead, instead of continuing to play aggressive and pushing the lead to 20 plus.<span style=""> </span>The next game we played Galil at home and it was a similar story to the Holon game.<span style=""> </span>We jumped out to a nice lead in the first half of the game and in the second half we let it slip away.<span style=""> </span>This time it caught up with us and we lost in the end 83-77 to Galil at home.<span style=""> </span>Next was an away game against Netanya, who was coming off a big victory from the previous week.<span style=""> </span>They were a great rebounding team and the main objective for us was to try and get their big men in foul trouble.<span style=""> </span>We succeeded in doing so and the tempo of the game played in favor because of great defense.<span style=""> </span>We closed the game with some big rebounds and even bigger free throws to come out with the W.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Right now I am on the back of the bus writing this blog, on our way home from Germany, where we played against the team from Frankfurt.<span style=""> </span>It was good to get out and play against another team from another league.<span style=""> </span>They had a very big front court and we wanted to use it against them because they were slow, but that meant we had to get the rebound first. We can out strong at the beginning of the game and were able to put pressure on the home team right away with our defensive presence.<span style=""> </span>They made a few runs but in the end we were able to make the final 11-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead and put the game away.<span style=""> </span>They made a few late game three’s to cut the score down but didn’t have a chance of winning.<span style=""> </span>The final score was 83-78, W for us!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year’s team is really young, including our head coach, and everyone is new to the team.<span style=""> </span>So as we play, we are learning a new system<span style=""> </span>as well as how to adapt and play with each other.<span style=""> </span>It’s a process and thus far in the season I think that our losses have come from us more or less shooting ourselves in the foot, rather than the other team beating us.<span style=""> </span>Cutting down on unforced turnovers is the big target for us and once we do that, then sky is the limit for us.<span style=""> </span>On another note, felt good to see my Cards beat Butler at home for the first official win in the KFC Yum Center!<span style=""> </span>My games are usually on Saturday/Sunday and on Tuesday and you can watch them live or in replay at <a href="http://www.triangletv.net/">www.triangletv.net</a>.<span style=""> </span>The schedule for the games is on the site so it will tell what day and time the game will be broadcasted.<span style=""> </span>‘Til the next I sign on…..Peace!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Son Of The City<br /></p>Larry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-90131456728318234412010-10-12T13:21:00.000-07:002010-10-12T13:44:05.256-07:00New Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TLTIHr2WauI/AAAAAAAAACc/CS9CYDzHZWE/s1600/71978_436801998066_635593066_5538545_2021167_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/TLTIHr2WauI/AAAAAAAAACc/CS9CYDzHZWE/s400/71978_436801998066_635593066_5538545_2021167_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527262677045766882" border="0" /></a><br />What up What up!! Hope that everyone had a great summer this year! It was a great summer for me, got a chance to rest my body after getting a little banged up last year and to get stronger. We had another great Larry O'Bannon basketball camp this summer at Collegiate H.S. and we are already looking forward to camp in 2011. This year I am in Haifa and I am excited for the talent that we have on our team. It is still preseason but the real thing starts up on Sunday Oct. 17th with our first game in Holon.<br /><br />We had a ten day road trip to the U.S. to have an exhibition game against the New Jersey Nets and we had a lot of fun. It was funny to view my teammates with so much excitement over seeing an NBA arena and practice facility. Their eyes got even bigger when they got to see New York City and the different land marks that they had to offer there ( Empire St. building, Time Square, Statue of Liberty, etc..). I got a chance to have my family at the game so it was good to see them and hang out with them for a little bit while I could. We played pretty well with the New Jersey Nets but in the end they just had too many big bodies for our team to deal with. I didn't shoot the ball well either (1-11) and was still trying trying to get my legs into shape. Overall we had a great experience and a great bonding trip for our team since we are so young. Looking forward to having a great season and writing some great blogs!! Til then...Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-51108519847463827542010-04-09T01:07:00.000-07:002010-04-11T00:50:06.711-07:00Being Efficient<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S8FweWaptGI/AAAAAAAAACM/tclFmGfp3OU/s1600/15701_327334793287_615573287_3514036_5108438_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S8FweWaptGI/AAAAAAAAACM/tclFmGfp3OU/s400/15701_327334793287_615573287_3514036_5108438_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458767890065503330" border="0" /></a><br />Whats going on!! April is upon us and it seems like time is just flying by in 2010. If the year was to end right now what would you remember about 2010? Just something to think about and reminder to enjoy life and live everyday to the fullest. 201o has been good to my team and myself thus far, and I'm going to try and keep it that way. I have been able to stay healthy and play well, resulting in multiple winning streaks for my team. I am currently shooting 47% from 3-pt range, 57 % from the field and 90% from the foul line. That is a personal best for me from the 3-pt line and I want to take it up to 50% before the seaon ends. Last year I shot 91% from the free throw line, which was a personal best, but I don't think 90% is too bad haha. Becoming consistently efficient in my shooting is something that I really worked hard on because now-a-days everybody wants to shoot and score the ball. I've always played on very talented teams from high school to the collegiate level. So I asked myself, "What is the best way I can get shots and make my teammates pass me the ball?" The answer : Always be on fire. Whenever one of your teammates is on fire and making shots, everyone wants to try and get them the ball. Nobody likes to play with a player that likes to take a lot of shots and they aren't efficient or shooting a high percentage on a consistent basis( aka "A Gunner").<br /><br />Coming into last week, our team was on a three game winning streak, which consisted of three home wins against hot teams in the league. So it was time for us to test ourselves in the next game away from home playing against Nahriya. They were coming off two major wins over two top teams in the league(both of whom have swept us this season), and adding in the fact that Nahriya was playing at home had to make them extremely confident. In the first quarter, we set the tone of the game with physical defense and hard rebounding. On offense, we were able to spread them out and our point guards and big men hurt them with the pick-n-roll game plan. I was sort of a decoy in the first half because they were not going to help off of me, so that took away the weak side help. The second half is where I scored all 16 of my points forcing Nahriya to decide on whether to keep giving up lay-up on the pick-n-roll or help off of me and leave me open. It was a hard fought game between two teams that wanted to win, but in the end we won 67-60. My stat line for the game was 16pts, 7rebs. and 3stls. I was really proud of my team because we were able to bring our home game defensive intensity on the road and it paid off. Also, my mother was in attendance so it felt good to have her there and get a win for her. She should come all the time lol.<br /><br />This week we played Ramat Gan at home and the challenge was for us to stay focused even though we were playing the last place team. The first quarter was very sluggish and we came out very lethargic in our playing. I was out of sync myself turning the ball over and missing easy shots. My teammates from the bench came in the game and gave us great energy, as well as taking a eight point lead heading into half time. Ramat Gan came out confident in the second half but we were able to wear them down and put them away for good by winning 84-70. This game extended our winning streak to five and my stat line finished with 18pts and 6rebs.<br /><br />The Kentucky Derby festivities are about to get under way and I wish I could be apart of them this year. I am a big horse racing fan and love the aura around the city of Louisville at this time of year. Im not up to date on the current Derby field but I will definitely have to do some research and get my bets together. My season is winding down with two regular season games left and the playoffs taking place during early May. Now is the time to focus on finishing strong and making sure my team keeps this momentum going into the playoffs. About to head out to practice and get a lil bit better today....God is Good!! (Deuces)<br /><br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-14381463082653969082010-03-22T00:45:00.000-07:002010-03-22T02:03:03.804-07:00Strong Finish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S6curpynrCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Aji0fh8Sfi8/s1600-h/ris-hol_14.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S6curpynrCI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Aji0fh8Sfi8/s400/ris-hol_14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451377201442696226" border="0" /></a><br />What up what up! I hope that everyone has been ok while I have been away. Everything has been good for me, I've been able to stay healthy and have a pretty good stretch of overall games here lately. In our last four games we have went 2-2 and with four games left in our regular season, we need a strong finish.<br /><br />Our first game during this stretch we went on the road to play Galil Giboa, a very good shooting team that plays a lot of pick and roll. We started out very slow in the first quarter falling behind a 20 point deficit, but we were able to battle back in the second quarter to tie the game with defense. In the second half, we jumped on them early out the gate to take the lead but late in the fourth quarter they made three consecutive three's that made the difference in the game. We weren't able to get the stops when we needed and Galil beat us 87-83. I finished the game with 28 pts. & 5 rebs.<br /><br />The second game was against Holon, who was coming in our gym confident because they had two big wins in their previous games. The defense we played in the first quarter was unbelievable holding them to four points (two free throws and lay-up from a turnover) and taking a commanding lead 26-4. They were never able to get the lead within 16 the rest of the game and we went on to win 93-74. I was perfect from the floor and the only missed shot I had was a free throw. Final stat line was 23pts, 7rebs & 5assts.<br /><br />Game 3 was on the road against Benei Hasharon, a team that we are competing with for a playoff spot. The game started out well for us but I picked up two cheap fouls and that seem to put things in a down spiral. I sat out most of the first half while Benei Hasharon built up a 10pt lead a halftime. The second half we came out flat and the defense just completely vanished. We lost 97-74, I had 5pts and a big headache after this game.<br /><br />Last night we played Netanya, the second place team in our league at home. Our defense once again lead us to a great victory 92-74. It was a great team effort and the key was keeping them off the offensive rebounds and out of transition because they are a very athletic team. In the second quarter we were able to develop a double digit lead and later held off a strong rally they made to get back in the game. I had 20pts and 4rebs.<br /><br />Now we just have to learn how to bring our home defensive intensity on the road and we will have a strong finish going into the playoffs. Until the next blog....Dueces!!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-51599505576360676932010-02-24T01:25:00.000-08:002010-02-24T02:00:01.366-08:00Time for Healing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S4Tw_fKq62I/AAAAAAAAAB0/-92FUO41L_0/s1600-h/121352983.OPOozNUv.IMG_7948.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S4Tw_fKq62I/AAAAAAAAAB0/-92FUO41L_0/s400/121352983.OPOozNUv.IMG_7948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441739223259081570" border="0" /></a><br />Hey whats going on everybody! Got an afternoon practice today so I figured I would take the time to catch you up on whats been going on with my team and I. This season has been sort of a roller coaster for my team because we started the season off with injuries and changes to our roster but once we got our foundation and chemistry, we started to get back on track. The start of the second half of the season has started off the same way the beginning started....with injuries.<br /><br />After winning 4 in a row, we took our winning streak into Jerusalem feeling good about how we were playing. It was a great game by both teams and the score went back and forth. With the score tied at 84, the game was coming down to making big plays. With only 12 secondsremaining, I had to come up with a 1-on-1 stop on the defensive end on their go to guy. After coming up with the stop, we had 4.9 seconds to go the length of the court to win it. I got a good running start as I caught the inbound pass and went the length of court and missed the floater at the end of regulation. In over time Jerusalem made some big shots and came away with the victory 101-95. I ended the game with 12pts and a couple assist.<br /><br />After that game, we suffered a severe blow to our team losing our key power forward for the seaon with a knee injury. So we have been a little undermanned the last few games and it really took notice because we lost our best rebounder. This is a part of the game and we must improvise and keep proceeding forward. We had a lot of games to go and all the teams are in a pack for playoff spots. We have to put a winning streak together to ensure that we have a spot in the end when the playoff teams are decided.<br /><br />As for me, the New Years break was a good time for me to really heal up and work on my conditioning. Since then I have been shooting 55% from 3-point line and 92 % from the foul line, which tell me that my legs are back in shape and feeling good. Thought I would include this photo of the windmill dunk I did in a game as proof my legs are feeling well. (During the game, not warm-ups LOL). Its almost march and time seems like it has flown by...I'm ready to watch March Madness and watch the Cards put together a late run.<br /><br />LarryLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-52904939010074489602010-01-18T04:22:00.000-08:002010-01-18T04:43:11.843-08:00New Start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S1RW1oZzPGI/AAAAAAAAABs/N5f_SNUGKNw/s1600-h/20453_262743039172_818564172_3103466_2028788_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/S1RW1oZzPGI/AAAAAAAAABs/N5f_SNUGKNw/s400/20453_262743039172_818564172_3103466_2028788_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428058930266979426" border="0" /></a><br />What's going on everyone! I know its been awhile since I last blogged but the team has been on a long break and we have been practicing a lot. During this time it has really given us a chance to gain some team chemistry and work on our team defense. The aura around the team has been pretty good, especially since we were riding a two game winning streak going into the break. Our first game out of the break was against Afula at home last night.<br /><br />We start the game fast and jumped out to an early lead of 8-2 with some easy transition baskets. Our defense started slowing down since guys were a little fatigued due to the lack of game conditioning from the break. That allowed Afula to lead 48-43 at half time and that is way too many points to allow them on our home court in one half. In the second half, the guys caught their second wind and our defense picked up because of it. We were able to take the lead in the first couple of minutes of the half and never looked back. We held them to 28 total points in the second half and came away with the victory 91-76. It wasn't the prettiest game of the season but it was a win against a team that was ahead of us in the standings and extend our winning streak to 3. I finished the game with 26pts, 3 rebs. and 3 stls.<br /><br />Now that the second half of the season has started, it feels good to start it off with a win. Next game is against a tough Ashkelon team on the road, so we have to buckle down this week and have some good practiced and be prepared. Until the next post....Be Blessed!<br /><br />LOLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-7707028211620347452009-12-26T00:42:00.000-08:002009-12-26T06:06:21.670-08:00Seasons Greetings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/SzYYUFx27qI/AAAAAAAAABk/MFSUhtbejxQ/s1600-h/ris-nah_04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/SzYYUFx27qI/AAAAAAAAABk/MFSUhtbejxQ/s400/ris-nah_04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419545935014719138" border="0" /></a><br />Season Greetings! I hope that everyone is having a happy holidays as we come to the close of the 2009 year. Everything has been going pretty well this month and the team has really picked it up. We are on a two game winning streak and you can see the confidence in the team really growing. Practices have been really competitive now that everyone is healthy and its paying dividends in the games.<br /><br />Few games have gone by since I last blogged : Netayna, Nahriya and Ramat Gan. Netanya is a very fast and athletic team that likes to get up and down the floor to finish on the fast break. We had moments where we controlled the game and had out shot at the win but we could not get defensive stops. In the crucial part of the game, they were able to score on us and wound up beating us 94-87. It was a bad shooting night for me ( 7/16 fg's) and I ended the game with 19pts.<br />Next Game was against Nahriya at home and it was a game that we needed. From the beginning of the game we looked like a team with something to prove. We were aggressive on defense and able to get a lot of deflections to start fast breaks. We jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. We went on to win this game 78-68. I played very little in this game because I was out the previous three days of practice with a bad groin. I could have played if necessary but it was best not to increase risk of further injuring myself.<br />Our last game to date we had to go on the road and play against Ramat Gan. This is a team that has been struggling and is looking for their first win, so we knew they would come out fighting. Our offense came out executing in the first half but our defense wasn't at the intensity as the last game. Mid-way through the third quarter our defensive presence and we were able to stretch out lead out to 20. From there we went on to win the game 79-70, putting us on a two game win streak. I had 26pts this game but it felt good just to be back on the court and not out injured for a change.<br /><br />Next game on the schedule we got Afula who has started the season very well so it should be a good game. Hope that everyone has a safe and sound New Year's and love & blessings to everyone!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-7563071966648209542009-12-03T12:51:00.000-08:002009-12-04T11:31:15.526-08:00GamesHey whats up! Sorry for the long hiatus between blogs but I will definitely catch you up to speed on whats been going on. So since my last blog we have played 3 games and gone 1-2. First game was against Galil at home, which was a must win cause we hadn't won at home. It was a good game and both teams played hard but we fell short in the end 76-64. I had 23pts but missed a couple of big shots in the 4th quater for my team.<br /><br />In the second game we played away at Holon. We didn't open up the game well and I didn't last very long in it as well. On a fast break in the second quarter, I went up for a dunk attempt while a player on the other team was trying to draw the charge; I jumped pretty high but the charge took my legs from beneath me making me land hard on my back. It was a pretty scary moment for me because I laid on the floor and I really couldn't move. After 10 minutes I tried to stand but couldn't from the pain. They immediately took me to the hospital for X-rays but everything was negative and I just had a massive bone bruise. The team rallied behind my absence and came away with the win.<br /><br />The Third game was against Bnei Sharon at home and we were attempting to win our first home game. They jumped up early but double figures but we responded with runs of our own to take a double figure lead in the third quarter. We were not able to sustain our lead and with 9 seconds remaining, we missed a go ahead 3 and lost 83-79. I had 17pts but this lost we really tough for me cause this is the first game we played with a healthy roster and didn't think we would lose. But thats why we play the game...next on the schedule is Netanya!<br /><br />See you guys in a few days when I'm blogging about a victory...Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-19601854006151741052009-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:002009-11-13T14:06:12.294-08:00Game 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/Sv3KlXfUtwI/AAAAAAAAABc/dF9n9vxPo74/s1600-h/IMG_1492.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/Sv3KlXfUtwI/AAAAAAAAABc/dF9n9vxPo74/s400/IMG_1492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403697871223830274" border="0" /></a><br />Whats going on everyone! I've been getting a lot of questions about Jeremy Tyler from the Louisville fans and for my comments about the recent article written on him in the media. I meant to comment on it last week in my blog after we played them but it slipped my mind. But I think it is really tough to send a 17 year old kid to another country with nobody to guide him. My parents barely let me go to camps out of state by myself, let alone another country for 9 months. I thinks thats a lot to ask of a kid and especially if his maturity level is not that of a professional. These coaches are very light on him compared to what he would've got if he would've went to U of L, so it might have been tough for him to handle Coach P. I wish the kid the best of luck in his future career.<br /><br />Last week we played against Maccabi at home and it was a sold out crowd. They jumped on us early from the gate and had us down 16-1. We made a run that cut the lead to 1 but that is the closest we were able to get. We stayed within 6 to 8 points the entire game but when we had our opportunities to cut into the lead, we couldn't take advantage. Early in the 4th qtr. Maccabi went on an 11-0 run and put the game out of reach.They were just better than us at every facet from top to bottom and beat us pretty good 89-62. I finished the game with 23 pts. and 3 rebs. and felt a lil better in this game than I did last week. So that is a good sign that my wind is coming back and my game conditioning is getting better. Now I just have to get these legs stronger and keep my team positive after the slow start to the season. <br /><br />This week we have Galil at home and it is a must win for us. Gonna do all I can to make it happen.....Peace<br /><br />STCLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-55003156082981430842009-11-07T02:01:00.000-08:002009-11-07T02:46:55.446-08:00First GameCiao! (Sigh)...things have been a little tense around the team so far, simply because we have faced adversity early on in the season. Injuries, new players coming to the team and trying to play with each other all contribute to the adversity that the team is facing. On top of that we play the other top 4 teams in the league for our first four games. I think that we have a very good team this year and it will all come together very soon.<br /><br />Last Monday we played an away game at Haifa and I was excited because it was really my first game and I was looking to really help the team bounce back after a tough loss last week. I was a little worried about my conditioning since I hadn't been able to run or play for a month but all that went out the door when the game started. The first half was going back and forth for both team exchanging the lead but we went in the half down by one. We didn't play well at all on defense and we didn't box out allowing them to get easy shot after easy shot. In the second half both team still played even but Haifa made a 10-0 run that really made the difference in the game and we were never really able to retake the lead. We had our opportunities in the end but we couldn't get any defensive stops or defensive rebounds. We lost 84-76 and I ended up with 19pts 3rebs & 3 stls. I really felt a lot of responsibility for letting my team down in the second half because I wasn't my normal self and I was exhausted. The lack of conditioning and only 5 days of practice really came back to haunt me. <br /><br />This week I have have been doing some extra cardio and weight training to get my shape back. Regardless, each week I will get better and the team will as well. This week we face Maccabi at home and it is sure to be a tough one. Last year we let them escape with a three point win at our place, I'm going to do my hardest to not to let it happen again this year.<br /><br />Its good to see that college basketball season is about to get under way. I've been able to check out my Alma Mater(University of Louisville) in their two exhibitions and its good to see the new guys in uniform after playing with them in the summer. I think they will be pretty good this year with a senior lead backcourt and dominant big man in the middle. I will be watching to see if they open the season with a three guard/two forward line-up. 'Til next week.....Peace!<br /><br />STCLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-34803689579631472962009-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:002009-10-29T12:17:35.467-07:00Season Opener<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/SunqRUVaHxI/AAAAAAAAABU/Kx776NZk_Hc/s1600-h/10523_1228036107443_1425295762_30683430_5562855_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/SunqRUVaHxI/AAAAAAAAABU/Kx776NZk_Hc/s320/10523_1228036107443_1425295762_30683430_5562855_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398103211617427218" border="0" /></a><br />Hey whats going on!!! The season is officially under way and the exciting part of the year is just starting. Last saturday we opened the season with a home game against Hapoel, who is loaded with talent. We jumped on them early in the game and had a 9 pt. lead because they came out a little sluggish. Both teams were playing defense really well and we went into half time tied up at 36. In the 2nd half, we started to wear down due to a short bench and fatigue set in. We were missing point blank shots and turning the ball over at an alarming rate. That gave Hapoel easy transition shots and down the stretch they hit back to back 3's to put the game away. We had our opportunites in the end but came up short 82-75.<br /><br />I played only 4 minutes of the game and had to sit down because I could not move with my foot injury and with only two days of half practice. But now I have been continuing my rehab and Im nearly back to my regular self. Practice has been going well and I am able to go 100%. So I look forward our next game Nov. 1 against Haifa and helping my team get on the winning track.<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-85134369743678024682009-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:002009-10-10T14:25:46.175-07:00INJURY BUG<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/StD6wmFPEqI/AAAAAAAAABM/1FfUUKt2L68/s1600-h/Photo+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rTZr8vxAs08/StD6wmFPEqI/AAAAAAAAABM/1FfUUKt2L68/s320/Photo+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391084466725655202" border="0" /></a><br />Whats up...the pre-season is passing right along but without me for the past week. I have been nursing a mysterious foot injury that I attained last Sunday during practice. I believe when I came down from a lay up, it just sort of jammed when I landed. Nothing felt funny or seemed funny when I landed but sometimes enough stress on an area can cause any type of injury. The team doctor took an X-ray of my foot and everything looked normal. He diagnosed the injury as a simple bruise to the ligament in my foot. It doesn't bother me when I run in a straight line, but hinders my lateral mobility when I try to play.<br /><br />The team has been doing pretty well with me out of the line-up, we won a exhibition game last tuesday and have been having decent practices. I am going to be back in the line-up tomorrow evening for practice and take it easy and work my way back up to full speed. I think the guys will enjoy my presence being back out there with them on the court and the intensity of things will go up another level. We have two more preseason games before we open up the season against Jerusalem at home October 25th. So its time to focus and keep things going in the right direction but at a steady pace for me. Peace...<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-22271341472089907082009-10-01T16:06:00.000-07:002009-10-01T16:27:03.229-07:00Great SummerBasketball season is around the corner and I am excited to get things kicked off in the near future. But wanted to start the first blog of the season off with a review of summer camp. This past summer we had two basketball camp sessions: one at St. Stephens and another at Mid-America sports complex. The coaching staff and myself had a great time coaching the kids this summer and it was definitely the highlight of my summer. My summer was pretty stressful trying to study for my CPA exam, so to spend a whole two weeks with the youth and take my mind off of the test was a big help for me. <br /><br />We had a great time because the kids were laughing and smiling and Im not sure who had more fun during the camp week the kids or the coaches. I believe that is what makes the camp so special because not only are the kids working hard and learning but have instructors who are enjoying it just as much as they are. Both camp championships came down to the last play of the game and really made it fun. I had some funny moments giving out technical fouls during the camp sessions to the coaching staffs as well.<br /><br />We really look forward to seeing the kids at camp in summer 2010. As the detaisl emerge for the camp in 2010, it will be updated on the Larry O'Bannon website.<br /><br />LOLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-4129593886309904662009-05-14T06:28:00.000-07:002009-05-14T06:58:24.040-07:00FinaleWhat up What up!! The season is finally over and I have made my way back to Louisville, Ky. The last time I blogged, my team was in a best of 5 playoff series and we were up 1-0. The second game proved to be a very tough game at home and Givat showed a lot of fight. We jumped on top of them early in the game but they showed character in fighting back. But in the end, our team was just hitting on all cylinders and one sign of that was a shot I made at the end of the game. I was falling out of bounds behind the backboard as the shot clock ran down; shot the ball over the backboard and hit all nets as the horn sounded. That definitely send their team into a deflation and we went on to win game two 81-67. I had 20pts, 7 rebs and 6 asst in that contest which put us up 2-0.<br /><br />Game 3 was back on the road and Givat jumped on us early 21-12 after one quarter because we came out the gates very sluggish and slow. A few minutes in the second quarter the tides had turned and we had turned up the defense. this allowed us to get out in transition and get some easy dunks on te fast break. The games momentum had jumped to our side by half time as we took a 37-34 lead. After halftime, we could sense defeat and the game turned into a complete route as we won 90-64. I finished the game with 17pts, 4rebs and 6 assts, with most of the work coming in the first half. So we finished our season on a good note winning our consolation series 3-0 and feeling pretty good.<br /><br />It was a good season for myself, I finished 4th in the league in scoring(17.6ppg) and 1st in free throw percentage(90.7%). Im looking forward to being home and taking a few weeks off then get into my off-season workouts. <br /><br />Basketball Camp is coming up soon so make sure you register your child for camp and look forward to keeping you posted throughout the summer as the foundation has events around the city. God is Good....<br /><br />LOLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-12623506533895291812009-04-27T01:50:00.000-07:002009-04-27T02:32:28.488-07:00Parking TicketsWhat up! What up! The team trust concept that I blogged about last time out is having a positive snowball effect on our team. Our last regular season game against Ramat Gan was a good defensive game for us because our offense wasn't as sharp but we still were able to find a way to win. Our goal was to not let them score more than 17pts a quarter and we exceeded that by only allowing them score 57pts(14.25pts/qtr.) for the entire game. We came out on top 68-57 and I had 15pts and 6rebs.<br /><br />Yesterday we had our first playoff game in a best of 5 series and it was on the road against Givat Schmuel. We jumped out on them from the gate and went on to win 82-72. We were able to create a lot of steals and get a lot of deflections which lead to a lot of fast break points. I had 16pts, 8rebs and 5stls during this contest. Now we must stay focused and finish out the series strong and not allow them gain any confidence back on our home court in the next game.<br /><br />Besides basketball, I have just been studying and trying to familiarize myself with my accounting review books. The closer I get to taking the actual CPA exam, I think my brain melts..lol! But I'm looking forward to the challenge and accomplishing another goal that I set for myself. I'm scheduling to take it in August right before I have to report back to Europe, but that means I have to pay all of my parking tickets from school(dang!) to get my transcripts. LOL! Looking forward to seeing my family and watching my niece play AAU basketball this summer. Her name is JaVonna Layfield, a 7th grader at Meyzeek Middle School, and she is growing up and developing as a ball player and young lady. She could be the best baller of the family in the end, and I rarely admit to someone being better than me:-) I think my other neice and nephews are waiting for me to come home just to jump on me and try some of their wrestling moves on me! LOL! Gotta love it....<br /><br />Going to swim some of these bumps an bruises out today from the game....Gone!<br /><br />LOLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-18172714381248394642009-04-14T12:15:00.000-07:002009-04-14T13:35:45.403-07:00Team TrustHey! Whats going on! The season is winding down and our team is trying to finish on a high note! The last few weeks the team has been going through some rough spots and has endured some tough losses. Its also been a very tough last couple of weeks for me personally as well because I have been battling with a really bad flu virus that had zapped all of my energy and has not had me feeling well.<br /><br />The last blog that I left off with, we were coming off a tough loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv at home, and facing Jerusalem on the road. When the game came to Jerusalem, we played Jerusalem as a bunch of individuals and not as a team, so it showed for most of the game. Nobody on the team was trusting in one another, so there was frustration on the court. That attitude showed in the way we played offense and it definitely leaked to the defensive end and it cost us a very valuable game toward staying in playoff contentions. We lost to Jerusalem 74-96 and I had 15pts and 5rebs. I didn’t get a lot of shots but with the attitude we had as a team, it wouldn’t have made a difference at all.<br /><br />The next game on our schedule was against Bnei Sharon, a team that is fifth in the league standing, and has a front line of shot blockers. Practice leading up to this game had been pretty well but it didn’t make any difference because our team still had the selfish state of mind once the game began. Everyone, including myself, was playing for themselves and we looked very bad on our home court. Missing lay-up after lay-up along with a running number of turnovers turned into easy baskets on the opposing end for Beni Sharon. We were out of rhythm from the tip and never threatened Bnei Sharon in this game and proceeded to lose 95-78. It was not only a loss that knocked us out of the playoffs but just made us look bad as players with the forced shots and “one on five” demeanor we all possessed. I had 9pts and 6rebs to finish the game.<br /><br />After that game, we had a players meeting to discuss how bad the team was looking and how we must trust each other in order to win any more games left in the season. It was a very intense meeting but much needed and some of the players went to go bowling after to just take our minds away from the situation at hand. We laughed and had a great time, which turned out to be a very great move for us as individuals and as a team. Our next game was a road test against a team from northern Israel called Nahriya, who was coming off a huge win against Jerusalem the previous week. There was a noticeable difference from the beginning of the game about our team and it was evident our team state of mind had changed. The ball was swinging from side to side and extra passes were being made; This resulted in a higher percentage of made shots for our team. Our defense became stronger and we were ahead by 10 points the whole first half. The second half started and Nahriya made a huge run and had us down by as many as 9 in the third quarter. It was an interesting point in the game because it was a great test to see if we were going to stay together as a team and face adversity or revert back to the “one on five” mentality and have everyone try to bring us back individually. It turned out to be a great game and we were able to come away with the win in over-time. It happened because we stayed together and overcame the adversity and kept our trust in one another. I finished the game with 25pts and 8rebs....The old saying, “United we stand, divided we fall” still holds truth!<br /><br />It feels good to be back on the winning side of the table and hopefully this will keep our team confident going into our regular season finale next Sunday against Ramat Gan. I have about another three weeks and I will be returning back to the Ville! Until then, back to the gym…..Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-76656991349657286282009-03-28T02:29:00.000-07:002009-03-28T04:24:16.318-07:00Maccabi GameWhats going on! This past week, we played Maccabi Tel Aviv, the best team in the Israeli basketball league and first in the standing. One of our key players is still out due to injury, so the team signed another player; Brian Markson to fill in that void while our teammate recovers. He is a very good slasher with great leaping ability and brings a lot of energy to the floor when he plays. It was a great atmosphere at the game and both team got out to a very good start in the game. Maccabi, who team is full of tall and athletic players, were getting out in transition and getting a lot of fast break baskets in the first half. Our team responded well, we made some runs of our own and you could really see the team growing in confidence as the game went along. With some of our main guys sitting on the bench due to foul trouble at half time, we were only down 45-50.<br /><br />The start of the second half, we came out very aggressive on both ends of the floor and took a small lead. The 3rd quarter proved to be a very pivotal period for our team because we were able to get to the foul line early and often. This allowed us to put the ball inside and penetrate to the basket. At the end of the third period, we were ahead 76-75.The fourth quarter was very intense and emotional as our team could sense a big win coming on our home court. Lead changes were going back and forth but in the last 3 minutes of the game, Maccabi executed much better than we did. In a span of 40 seconds, we went from up 2 to down 4 giving up two three pointers on back to back possessions and that proved to be the difference in the game. We out played them for 35 minutes, but in the end, they were able to separate emotions from their play execution and found a way to win. This is a part of the game that our team lacks but we are getting better at. It was a hard fought game and we put up a great effort but we went down 93-96. I finished the game with 20pts, 4 rebs. & 2 ast.<br /><br />Tomorrow we play Jerusalem, a similar team to Maccabi, who is 2nd in the league standings. It will be a good test for us on the road to see if we can maintain the same intensity from last game away from home. I’m sure we can and will; our full roster will be in tack so I’m looking forward to the challenge.<br /><br />Last night I watch the Cards play against Arizona in the Sweet 16 and it was a thing of beauty. The way they shared the ball and got everyone involved was fun to watch. Also, to watch Andre McGee harassing guards full court the entire game and having that defensive energy trickle its way down to his other teammates is enjoyable to watch. Three games left to the crown….GO CARDS! Peace…<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-44247538040076531322009-03-16T03:08:00.000-07:002009-03-16T04:56:15.939-07:00Two Game SplitHey! Hey! Hope that everyone is well back in that cold weather back home. In the previous blog I wrote you, our team was coming off a tough double over time loss to Holon on the road. So last week we hosted Ashekelon at home in a game that we needed to win. We opened the game very sluggish and were not playing in a good rhythm. Two minutes into the second quarter, one of our key players went down with a leg injury and did not return for the game. So as bad as we played and facing adversity, our team was fortunate that we were only down one point at half time 33-34.<br /><br />The start of the second half, we looked like a totally different team. We played with more energy and possessed tenacity on defense. Our transition game picked up pace which enabled us to get out and get some easy baskets. I fouled out of the game close to the end, but my team was still able to come away with the victory. I know….I must stop fouling, this is the third game I have fouled out of. Lol! I ended the game with 19pts and 4rebs and 2stls. Felt good to get back on the winning side!<br /><br />Yesterday we headed back on the road, with one of our key players still out from last game, to play Galil. They are a very good pick and roll team with great shooters from the outside. On the contrary, they opened up the game with a lot of isolation plays and were beating us off the dribble to the basket. We were not playing with any toughness and were just letting them do whatever they wanted to do on offense. The first half, they shot 94% from the field…is that even possible shooting in the gym alone? That is just an indicator of the bad defense we were playing, giving up lay-up after lay-up and still, we were only down 8 at half time 52-44. The second half we played with more courage and purpose like we wanted to win the game. Our defense was getting stops and we were getting out in transition, where we are at our best, for easy baskets. In the 4th quarter when the game was on the line, we were just not able to stop their pick and roll offense when we needed to and it cost us the victory. In zone or man, they dissected our defense with it and either got an easy shot or an open three. We put up a good fight in the second half but in the end, we just couldn’t get the stops that we needed to have. I ended the game with 20pts, 8rebs and 3assist but it was a bad shooting night….6/17 fg’s! Anybody that knows my game, knows that I thrive on efficiency! Only cure is to get back in the gym….<br /><br />On another note, I wasn’t in the best of moods after losing my game yesterday but saw the Cards get the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament! It lifted my night and got me pretty excited to watch them play this week! Let the count down begin….6 games left to the crown!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-22389860840205574592009-03-07T04:10:00.000-08:002009-03-07T04:55:16.812-08:00HolonHey! Sorry, I have not been feeling well this week, so that is why I haven’t written a blog to you guys. Last weekend our team had a good week of practice and prepared to face Holon, Israeli Cup Champions, on the road in a hostile environment. It was a great game that took two over-times to decide the winner. Unfortunately, we missed the game winning shot at the buzzer and were on the losing end of the battle 107-108. I was able to help the team get out to a great start in the first half but saw only a few minutes in the second half. The Israeli rules say that two Israeli players must be on the court at all times during the game. Our coach felt we needed two American big men and one wing man on the court instead of two wing men and one big, which in turn, left little action for me in the second half. Overall, I thought that we put forth a great effort and played well as a team, but in the end we just didn’t find a way to pull it out. I ended the game with 14pts and 5rebs.<br /><br />My dad is here in Tel Aviv visiting for two weeks, so it felt good to have him here and able to watch me play. The day after the game, we went on a religious retreat for a few days to site see and ease my mind from the game. Our first trip was to Jerusalem, to see and learn more about The Biblical history of Jesus Christ. It was a great experience, we got a chance to see the Crucifixion and Resurrection sites of Jesus Christ. Our second trip was to see The Sea of Galilee and The Jordan River. Seeing those sites and knowing what they represent was very powerful and something I will never forget.<br /><br />This week we play a team called Ashkelon, they are one game ahead of us in the standings. They have a team with good chemistry and great shooters, but it's at our home so we look forward to getting back on the right track. Look forward to writing you after the game tomorrow and telling you about the victory from the game. Back to the gym until we get it right….Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-79167485468487656012009-02-24T04:50:00.000-08:002009-02-24T05:31:29.190-08:00Yieldings from Bad LaborWhat up! There is a famous cliché " You reap what you sow" and that is exactly what happened in our game on Sunday against Givat Schumel. Leading up to the game, I didn't fell like the team was practicing very well during the week and it showed when the game arrived. We opened the game very lethargic and didn’t posses any energy in the way we played. Similar to the successful teams that have come against us, Givat switched early on from man to man defense to 2-3 zone. We didn’t have any ball movement and penetration so they were able to be very effective in the zone in the first half.<br /><br />The start of the second half our team was able to build a little momentum and add a little more energy to the game. We able to get the ball in transition and get some easy shots before their zone was able to set up. But time after time Givat was able to break our momentum with big shots in key moments. Our defense allowed them to shoot a high percentage from the field and it took a mental toll on our team. Despite the terrible first 38 minutes of the game, we were in a good position down four with two minutes to go and the ball. Our team wasn’t able to capitalize on the opportunities we were given and we suffered a bad home loss 88—77. It was another tough one for me with 16pts and 5rbs. So the team and myself must focus in and work hard this week because we play Holon, a very talented team who just won the Israeli Cup. The Israeli Cup is a single-game elimination tournament for the top eight teams in the mid-season. <br /><br />Back to the Gym….Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-32834103263792852302009-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:002009-02-17T11:34:58.635-08:00Exh. Game/ Free TimeWhat up!<br /><br />This past weekend we had a exhibition game with Ramat Gan, a team we have already beaten once, because it was a bye week in the schedule for us. It was a good chance for us to get some practice against someone other than ourselves and work on some new things we have been implementing in practice. For me personally, I wanted to concentrate on sprinting the lanes and pushing the fastbreak whenever I got the rebound. The last game we lost against Haifa, I didn't get any easy basket or wasn't able to attack the basket in transition. The first half we did a good job of it and I was able to get easy baskets and get to the foul line often, where I often shoot a high percentage. <br /><br />In the second half, Ramat Gan started to apply a soft press and dropped back into a 2-3 zone to slow us down. It worked a little to their advantage, but I was able to work on moving without the ball and getting into open spaces for shots. We won the game 86-82 and took a lot of positive things out of that game.<br /><br />On another note, people ask me a lot of times what I am doing when I am not playing in games or practicing. Honestly, when I am not in the gym, I am at home brainstorming about everything. It is really the reason why I am involved in a lot of the activities that I am back home in Louisville, Ky. The Summer Basketball Classic Pro-Am, The Larry O'Bannon Foundation, Larry OBannon Basketball camp, etc.. is all brain stormed and put together during my down time while playing overseas. I wish that I could take the credit for everything but a lot of the ideas come from simple conversations with my family or an idea from a friend. I take my time on thinking it all the way through and if it is something that I want to go through with, then I start to write out the plan on paper. I try to find someone that has done a similar event in the past or has some knowledge in my area of interest so i can talk to them. If you were to walk into my european home, you would find a big desk in front on my couch with a bunch of papers scattered everywhere. But I know where everything is located and which papers go together, guess I need to buy some folder huh? lol. <br /><br />I'm currently reading a book called <span style="font-style: italic;">Forty Million Dollar Slaves</span>, it's a good book that gives a different perspectives on the athletics and where it orginated. Other than that, Im playing Madden on PS3 online or Im relaxing watching TV.<br /><br />We have a big game coming up this sunday against Givet Schmuel, a team that is sitting one place ahead of us in the standings. They are also occupying the last playoff position, so it is very important that we get this victory and protect our home court. We must continue to stay intense in practice and maintain focus so that we may be sharp when game day arrives. Be back later this week to let you know how it turns out. God is Good! Peace...<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-29558164469281541652009-02-10T02:03:00.000-08:002009-02-10T02:55:06.070-08:00Tough LossWhats up! I just got back from a two day vacation trip to Italy to hang out and see some friends. Thats why I didn't have my normal blog up right after our game on Monday. It was a much needed and perfectly timed trip because I was really disappointed and upset from our performance after the game Saturday night. We don't have a game for two weeks, that's why our coach gave us a couple days off.<br /><br />Saturday night we played a team called Haifa, from north Israel, who is currently sitting in third place in the standings. They are very athletic and have a good mix of talented American and Israeli players. From the opening tip, it was if our team were a bunch of deers in head lights. They played an aggressive man and box and 1 defense with a man face guarding me the whole game and my team didn't know how to respond. They clogged the middle with four players to keep us from driving and to help out on our big guy. We did not shoot well from the perimeter and could not get any rebounds offensively or defensively. As a result of that, we were not able to get in transition to get easy shots and my shots were very limited. It was very upsetting because they were leaving my teammates open to take shots that they normally make but they just were not falling. As I came off screens, I had a trailor and a big guy showing; Rotated to play the point guard and ran into a trap on every pick and roll. Still, I wasn't able to take a lot of shots but I could create shots for others. After all of that, we were still tied at 63 with three minutes to go in the 4th qtr. and me having fouled out in the third quarter was no help. Im not one to say this or that about referees because they do the best that they can do, but this night there was definitely some home cooking. In the third quarter, I was sprinting back on defense and it was one on one with a guy coming at me full steam. I read his crossover and picked it but the referee was anticipating a foul because typically in europe, teams foul in transition to prevent easy baskets. I was not only mad at the foul but he gave me an intention foul because I was the only man between him and the basket. Then after all of the frustration of my team playing with a lack of confidence and having limited opportunities, the referee gives me a phantom foul on a play I was nowhere near; I hadn't even crossed half court to get back on defense when the foul was called under our basket. Mistaken identity happens I guess, but after the score was tied at 63, Haifa shot free throws the rest of the game and came out on top 75-68. It was a very good game, both teams made runs throughout the game and I think the outcome would've been different had I played in the forth quarter. I had 13pts on 4/7 shooting ( 3/6 3-fg). We have two weeks of practice, so it good time for me to go over some game film and see where I can improve and keep the team going forward. Back to the gym.....Peace!<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-69848431087300106632009-02-01T14:49:00.000-08:002009-02-01T15:45:22.304-08:00Another Victory!Well, I usually wait until the day after the game to write my blog but I am sitting here waiting for the Superbowl Game to come on TV, so I will just tell you about the game while I wait. We won today against Kiryat Ata, a team that is dead last in the Israeli standings 108-86. We played like we normally do, jumping to a big lead, and we were able to maintain it today. Even though it wasn't the best team, it is still something that we need to learn how to do.<div><br /></div><div>Newcomer, Demarco Johnson, made his presence felt today in the middle in his debut game. He had 30 pts and 11 rebs. Robert Conley, the other wingman had an excellent game as well 28pts and 9 rebs. The game started out a lil slow for me, think the effects from last game were lingering around a little bit, but was missing some easy shots around the basket. After a few misses, I got it going with a post up on a smaller guard and went on to drop in 21 pts and grab 6 rebs. Went 6/11 FG's and 4/5 from 3pt. line. Only went to the foul line four times ( 3/4) and I have been averaging ten free throws a game. Still wasn't too pleased with my game because I am a player that thrives on efficiency and capitalizing on opportunities. Still, I'm very happy with the fact that we won and we are on a two game winning streak. The team is heading in the right direction and we started the second round of play with a victory. We play a team called Haifa next Sunday and they are No. 3 in the Israeli Standings. They are probably the most talented team in the league, so I am definitely going to have to be sharp from the gate in that game. Tomorrow we have a day off, so Im going to hit the weight room hard and work out in the swimming pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Superbowl is coming on, think Im going with Arizona because I am a big Kurt Warner fan. Lets go Cards! Peace..</div><div><br /></div><div>Son of The City </div>Larry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5072159310123241282.post-30505809378959306392009-02-01T02:19:00.000-08:002009-02-01T02:30:58.282-08:00Game DayIts game day on this Sunday morning, so I'm up doing my usual game routine. I went to practice this morning and got some shots up during the walk-thru. Cook me some breakfast while my gospel music is play( don't listen to any other music until after noon). I check sportscenter to see how my boys played yesterday and just seen that Jerry Smith and T. Jennings had a good game. Glad to see Jerry playing and shooting well and see the young guy picking up the system and growing in confidence. Now I'm about to watch church service on tv and take some notes while I have a my little devotional service. After, Im going to eat and then sleep until the game....If you have any good verses I can read drop me a comment. Hit you back after the game.....Peace<br /><br />Son Of The CityLarry O'Bannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16553013798135191971noreply@blogger.com1