SportsCamp - February 5

- As lucky the Blazers were during their monumental last month-and-a-half, it seems as if they have been getting unlucky breaks in their last 12 games or so. The team is still playing hard, as evidenced by their forcing of multiple overtimes and - for stretches - playing at top tier level, but then someone makes a stupid mistake (see: missed free throws, turnovers), or they suffer a defensive lapse (see: Linus Kleiza layups), or a star opponent gets hot and takes the wind out of the Blazers' sails (see: LeBron James).

It would be tempting for many, including Blazer fans, to write off the team as finally hitting their wall. But I say unto thee: don't feel any dissappointment yet. This is a Blazer team that was predicted to be just as bad, or possibly worse, than they were last season. With Zach Randolph traded away, Greg Oden being injured, and an extremely young roster, no one thought much of the Blazers' chances this season.

Then, Travis Outlaw started hitting game-winners.

Then, Martell Webster scored 24 points in a quarter.

Then, James Jones became the second coming of Steve Kerr.

And of course, Brandon Roy became a superstar before our very eyes.

Don't dismiss a season of success based on a short stretch of less-than-perfect play. Winning may have spoiled Blazer fans, but rather than seeing a dropoff as a dissappointment, see the fact that there was something to drop off from as a reason to smile.


- Kevin O'Brien has all your NBA links.


- The Gonzaga Bulldogs lost to Saint Mary's last night. Kudos to the Gaels for absolutely shooting the lights out and outplaying the Zags for the entire 40 minutes.

In my mind, this begs the question: if the Gaels end up winning the WCC tournament (don't doubt it, there's a storong possibility), will the Zags still make it to the NCAA tournament?

If the Zags run the table for the rest of conference play (and assuming they beat Saint Mary's again) that will give them one win against ranked opponents. Their notable wins would be against UConn, Georgia, and Utah. Is this enough to make the tournament?

Probably. Although I'd like to hear from you, my readers. Email me your thoughts and the bets ones will be put in next week's SportsCamp.