On Saturday, I witnessed something special. Not only did I see Kevin Durant, the 2 time NBA scoring champion make his presence known at the Indoor Goodman Coalition for the playoffs, but I got to witness my boy Baby Shaq.  Formerly of And 1, he put on a show for himself and the crowd.

Some basketball followers have no idea about Baby Shaq, who stands a mere 6`3 or 6`4.  I like to say that he is the street ball version of Charles Barkley.  He can shoot the long range three's along with a mean inside game.  I know in the NBA, to get on a team, politics are huge, but that should not hamper the chances for someone like Baby Shaq.  He deserves a chance.  I would love to see him a Washington Wizard if given a chance.  Ernie or Tommy, I hope you are reading this!

FINALLY. For the first time in my very short-lived sports writing career, I am covering a Mystics win. Seven games in (I missed their previous home win) I witnessed my ladies victorious, skipping towards the locker room tunnel, high fiving fans.

Sniffling and choking back tears, I followed. If I weren’t such a fresh recipient of my media credentials I would’ve skipped along behind them. Yeah, picture that. Not a good look for a rookie.

The victory was mostly due to star Matee Ajavon. She tied a career high in points, pouring in 32 as Washington cruised to a 91-81 victory over the Eastern conference’s second ranked New York Liberty.

www.wizardsextreme.com - The Goodman Coalition started their playoffs on Saturday afternoon and the games featured appearances by D-Nice, Supa Dave, Baby Shaq, Gumby, Kevin Durant, Folarin Campbell and Silent Assasin. Here are some of the sights courtesy ~ Joe Glorioso

The NBA lockout has opened up a lot of free time for players. As discussed in my last piece, you've got Andray Blatche staying in shape, focusing on his charity foundations, staying out of trouble. You've got your superstars like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant weighing their options about playing overseas. You've also got players that are probably less active, just hanging in the crib, sitting on the couch with one hand down their shorts and another digging for the remaining crumbs in a Fritos bag. Brendan Haywood would probably fall into that category. I'm certain he's so lazy he doesn’t keep track of the days of the week. Sike, I love Brendan…since he’s been an ex-Wizard.

Then we’ve got our beloved John Wall: a man with a relentless basketball motor that's showing no signs of slowing down, even without an NBA season in clear view.

Check out the official poster for the Goodman League/Drew League game that will feature John Wall, Baby Shaq, Kevin Durant, Nick Young and other NBA players.  Tickets are on sale!

It's a tough job but someone had to do it. Asad and I spent all day Saturday with a 100 women all trying out for 20 spots for the 2011 Wizards Girls. Below is a slide show highlighting some of our favorite moments. Thanks go out to the Wizards PR staff, the game day operations staff and the beautiful women who allowed us to photograph them.

Enjoy the show...

Follow us at Wizards Extreme and @JoeGlo1 @AsadNaqviDMV

Sigh.

It's been THAT kind of year for the Mystics. Last nights game just proved that this really just isn't our season.

With the game tied at 59 on the final possession, Indiana's Shannon Bobbitt (I hate that last name) sunk a clear path layup at the buzzer to help the Fever defeat the Mystics 61-59.

Another gut-wreneching loss has been just one of several this year for the Mystics as they have continued the trend of late game breakdowns and losses. This loss was their 4^th straight, and 9^th out of the last 10. They are winless since the All-Star break.

Is this a preview of how the real court will look at the Verizon Center when the Wizards play next season? (If there isn't a lockout presumably) 



Photo Source: NBA.com/Wizards 

Check out all 9 photos!

Thank you to @CarbonPrimo on twitter for pointing this out!


 

Photo Courtesy of NBA.com/Wizards

It's a hard job but someone's gotta do it! 

The Wizards are holding a tryout for their 'Wizard Girls'.

Joe G. and myself will be on hand to be special Guest Judges for this event! Lucky us!

If you are a girl who thinks they deserve to crack a spot, please visit the Wizards official website for more information!

 

Please follow @WizardsExtreme @JoeGlo1 @AsadNaqviDMV 

This time we go to Baltimore, MD and the Melo Center where Jimmy Wall brought his A game and gave us enough highlights to continue prayers that the NBA lockout will not affect next season.

Highlights like this make me drool just thinking about the Summer Extravaganza coming up on August 20th, Goodman vs Drew. Wall + Durant and Cousins...

Keep ballin John, you gain more and more fans for yourself and the Wizards with each appearance you make.

Video courtesy Nils Wagner @Hoopmixtape http://www.hoopmixtape.com