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Braves in Brazil Blog #18 ??“ Aug. 15, 2009
Bobby Parker -- S??o Carlos
http://www.bradleybraves.com/ViewArt...CLID=204775323
Photos-
Page 1-
A few new pictures on page 2-
Some more random thoughts from S??o Carlos as we get ready for our last game.
Although we lost last night??™s game to Paulistano, it was a special night. What a privilege to meet Marcel de Souza and to take part in the pregame ceremony when we presented Marcel his photo from the old Hall of Fame display in Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse. Marcel was very appreciative of the gesture and our guide, Cesar, and EPTV reporter, Garmendia, both felt the presentation was important for the people of Brazil to understand the importance of history and tradition.
By the way, Garmendia is responsible for organizing the COPA EPTV Basketball Tournament. His willingness to assist me throughout our stay in S??o Carlos is appreciated even more now that just how many things are on his plate this week.
The box score from last night??™s game is now attached to the game story. The numbers don??™t match the story: it??™s amazing how much more accurate I can be when I take my time. Of course, I am not promising the stats are 100 percent accurate anyway. My shorthand play-by-play is pretty comical.
Getting back to Marcel: I did not make it to the barbecue restaurant in time to eat with the team after I finished my postgame reporting last night, but that was probably provided me an even better opportunity. Marcel and Cesar, who are former teammates on the Brazilian National Team and remain good friends, waited at the restaurant for Garmendia and me. In addition to dining on a tremendous barbecue dinner (they just kept bringing the meat out), I had the wonderful privilege of talking basketball with Marcel and Cesar and sharing in their memories.
I remember watching the Brazil-USA men??™s basketball game during the 1987 Pan American Games, but since I was only 14 at the time and living in South Carolina, I did not know enough to pay attention to the Brazilian players. When I asked Marcel if he played in that game, he was quick to point out that he had 31 points and 10 rebounds. Nice game!
He also shared some stories of his recruitment by then Bradley head coach Joe Stowell. I wish I could share all of the stories here, but I need to get ready for tonight??™s game. I am not sure this will translate well in the written word, but Marcel pronounces Joe??™s last name STOY-ell.
Finally, this morning the guys visited Meneghelli ??“ the boyhood gymnasium of current NBA player Nene (Denver Nuggets). I recognized many of the kids from our games this week and they have become pretty big fans of Bradley Basketball. Everyone seemed to have a good time this morning during our visit.
Coach Les ran a brief ball-handling clinic, then showed he still has his shot by winning an informal 3-point contest against our guys and the Meneghelli coach. The Meneghelli coach encouraged Jim to shoot at the end and Coach Les stepped up and made all three of his shots. I teased the coach afterward that he made a bad choice since Coach Les was the runner-up in the 1991 NBA 3-Point Shootout. I often only entertain myself with my jokes, but he seemed to get a good laugh out of it.
I have added pictures from last night and this morning??™s game to the attached photo album. Also, Marcel just came through the lobby and directed me to his personal basketball website: www.databasket.com. Although the site is primarily in Portugese, he does have some blogs written in English. Check it out!
Bobby Parker -- S??o Carlos
http://www.bradleybraves.com/ViewArt...CLID=204775323
Photos-
Page 1-
A few new pictures on page 2-
Some more random thoughts from S??o Carlos as we get ready for our last game.
Although we lost last night??™s game to Paulistano, it was a special night. What a privilege to meet Marcel de Souza and to take part in the pregame ceremony when we presented Marcel his photo from the old Hall of Fame display in Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse. Marcel was very appreciative of the gesture and our guide, Cesar, and EPTV reporter, Garmendia, both felt the presentation was important for the people of Brazil to understand the importance of history and tradition.
By the way, Garmendia is responsible for organizing the COPA EPTV Basketball Tournament. His willingness to assist me throughout our stay in S??o Carlos is appreciated even more now that just how many things are on his plate this week.
The box score from last night??™s game is now attached to the game story. The numbers don??™t match the story: it??™s amazing how much more accurate I can be when I take my time. Of course, I am not promising the stats are 100 percent accurate anyway. My shorthand play-by-play is pretty comical.
Getting back to Marcel: I did not make it to the barbecue restaurant in time to eat with the team after I finished my postgame reporting last night, but that was probably provided me an even better opportunity. Marcel and Cesar, who are former teammates on the Brazilian National Team and remain good friends, waited at the restaurant for Garmendia and me. In addition to dining on a tremendous barbecue dinner (they just kept bringing the meat out), I had the wonderful privilege of talking basketball with Marcel and Cesar and sharing in their memories.
I remember watching the Brazil-USA men??™s basketball game during the 1987 Pan American Games, but since I was only 14 at the time and living in South Carolina, I did not know enough to pay attention to the Brazilian players. When I asked Marcel if he played in that game, he was quick to point out that he had 31 points and 10 rebounds. Nice game!
He also shared some stories of his recruitment by then Bradley head coach Joe Stowell. I wish I could share all of the stories here, but I need to get ready for tonight??™s game. I am not sure this will translate well in the written word, but Marcel pronounces Joe??™s last name STOY-ell.
Finally, this morning the guys visited Meneghelli ??“ the boyhood gymnasium of current NBA player Nene (Denver Nuggets). I recognized many of the kids from our games this week and they have become pretty big fans of Bradley Basketball. Everyone seemed to have a good time this morning during our visit.
Coach Les ran a brief ball-handling clinic, then showed he still has his shot by winning an informal 3-point contest against our guys and the Meneghelli coach. The Meneghelli coach encouraged Jim to shoot at the end and Coach Les stepped up and made all three of his shots. I teased the coach afterward that he made a bad choice since Coach Les was the runner-up in the 1991 NBA 3-Point Shootout. I often only entertain myself with my jokes, but he seemed to get a good laugh out of it.
I have added pictures from last night and this morning??™s game to the attached photo album. Also, Marcel just came through the lobby and directed me to his personal basketball website: www.databasket.com. Although the site is primarily in Portugese, he does have some blogs written in English. Check it out!