Reflections

[Eugene]

...on the season, Intramurals at school, the forum, among other things...

First thing -- there're too many people who say the following in the midst of an argument:

"Vince Carter (or superstar of choice) is the best player in the NBA."

When attacked by the other posters who say:

"You idiot, Vince Carter (again, insert superstar) is not the best player."

Or some variant thereof, the original poster responds with:

"It's my opinion... I'm not allowed to have an opinion? What about freedom of speech, you fascist (insult of preference)."

Which often leads to petty name-calling, insults, flames, et al.

Yes, you do have the right to an opinion and are guaranteed to the right to express that opinion, however...

An opinion is not an argument. An opinion is not valid until proven otherwise. And other people have the right to challenge, not stifle, such posts.

An argument is a statement validified by supporting facts, the figurative brick house where as an opinion is a straw house, to be huffed and puffed and blown down by other posters.

Opinions, then, should lead to discussions, both sides making valid arguments, not degenerate flame wars...

On that note...

If you're going to make an argument, at least make an effort to make it coherent. I personally don't have the time to translate what you're trying to say, and I'm certain others don't either. If you have something to say and you want to be read and understood, then make it understandable and readable.

On Charlie Rosen...

The opinionated writer at Page 2. He's obiviously intelligent, but extremely critical. However, he bases his criticisms on solid evidence, so while I do not agree with some of his views, I can't deny his genius.

On Yao Ming...

The best big man after Shaq. Great vision, great touch. I'm glad that he's playing in the NBA.

On Jay Williams...

On the other hand, Jay Williams is not doing so well. However, in you look at Chicago's offense, Williams is close to the last option on offense. Cartwright's offense starts inside with Marshall, Chandler, Curry, Fizer and ends outside with Jalen Rose with his... errant execution. Certainly not the high octane Duke offense in which Williams flourished. I think a pick and roll with Fizer and Williams would be really effective...

On Bill Walton...

Why is he still commentating? He talks too much, but doesn't contribute a whole lot. He was a great basketball player, and had great grasp of the fundamentals, but that does not make him a good commentator. Tom Tolbert, however, is very entertaining and makes some very insightful comments... If you agree, then say, "Throw it down, big man." But then again, don't.

On And-1 Mixtapes...

Some people say it's fake, the And-1 players maintain that it's not. I don't think it's fake. In basketball, the player with the ball has the advantage, and all the rules -- offensive fouls, carries, double dribbles, traveling violations -- work to alleviate that problem. In a street game, where all those things are thrown out, that advantage favors the offense tremendously...

That being said...

The players on And-1, while certainly not NBA material (some of them, anyway), are very skilled. They spend a lot of time working on their game, so thinking that they couldn't play basketball (the way it should be played) is simply ignorant thinking.

On Intramural basketball...

...which started last week, is a lot of fun. It's half way between a pick up game and a real game, so while I, having not played organized ball in 4 years, was often baffled, the games were exciting. Two games went to the wire, that I know of. I won one game, but I was on a different team for the second one. I hit shots, finally, which started us going, and we won the game handily.

And finally,

Played ball, though not IM, last night. Me and a good friend of mine played together in the first game, played against each other after that. We went at each other. He scored a bucket, I scored a bucket. I stopped him, he stopped me. Great game overall. One play, I had him in the post on the left block, I backed him down, turned and said, "Jump hook," as I shot a jump hook over him. Another play, he drained a shot in my face, and I was draped all over him too. A lot of fun. Those are the best kind of games, where you go one on one with a friend of yours. Close game, at that.

[Clinton]

The best big man after Shaq. Great vision, great touch.

Enough said.

Why is he still commentating?

Who knows?? He has his own T.V series now!!! Something like "The Strange World of Bill Walton". Be sure not to miss that one.

[Rens]

An opinion is not valid until proven otherwise.

The point is, an opinion is valid, because it's an opinion. People are entitled to their own opinions and ways of thinking, hence every opinion is valid.

[Eugene]

I think I mean valid in a different way. In a discussion, there are people who give their opinions and get defensive when it is attacked as being not valid, that is, they feel their opinions are just as substantial as arguments
-- statements supported by evidence. I just don't want people to confuse the two. If you have something to say and if you really believe something, there should be a reason for it, and it should be worth writing down in a post along with an argument.

I have no problems with opinions. "Who's your favorite player?" is answered with opinions, and it should be. "Who's the best player?" should be answered with valid arguments.