Betrayed

I have no hard data to confirm this, but after years of interacting with youth coaches, my best estimate is that somewhere between 90 and 95% of youth coaches in all sports become involved with coaching kids because of their own children. Most of these coaches decide to "help out" on their son or daughter's teams. A few are selected to be head coaches despite inexperience and relative lack of knowledge. (Lazeek)  ;D ;D ;D  Please note that I have the utmost respect for these 'Dad-coaches'. Especially the fair-minded 1's that treat all of the players equally and give no preferential treatment to their kids.In my opinion, parent-coaches are not a very good idea. There are a variety of reasons why I feel that way, but here are the most important ones. To start with, your relationship with your son or daughter must be different on the field or on the court than it is at home. On the practice field or court, thats why criticism is important."Criticism is like money. A player should not worry about receiving it. They should worry about a lack of it." A player can't improve if he or she doesn't know what he's doing incorrectly. Many parents have enormous difficulty criticizing their own children.There is also the issue of perception. As an example, imagine a head football coach or Basketball coach who is coaching his own son. After the first week of practice, his son's name appears on the depth chart as a first string quarterback or point guard. Other parents of players on the team will notice this. Their sons will come home and tell them about practice and the new guard, or quarterback. They may notice the changes when the team is announced at the first game of the season. They will likely begin to chat amongst themselves about the team. Sooner or later, human nature being what it is, some parent is going to complain. Some parent, probably one that has never even been to a practice, is going to get the idea that the coach's son is only the quarterback or point guard because he's the coach's son, or race.  Eventually that irate parent is going to bleat to the league administration about the unfairness. This head coach will soon be accused of nepotism. Now, based on the information we have before us, is the coach guilty as charged? Yes, I  did say yes!! The coach is guilty of nepotism, of giving favored treatment to his son because of their relationship. Why is he guilty? Because he allowed himself to be perceived as guilty. Unfortunately his actual intentions are completely irrelevant once that perception takes root in the minds of the parents and administration of his league. Anyone in a position of leadership and authority must hold themselves to a higher standard. At all times, the "Parent Coach" must be perceived as honorable, fair, and devoted to his team. His players must know that he can be trusted, because he is trustworthy. What does it tell the players when their coach tells them to work hard, to give it 100%, and then places his son in the most coveted position on the team? I believe that it tells them to stop trying, because they cannot trust their coach. Perhaps that coach's son truly is the best quarterback, or point guard on the team. Perhaps he is destined for an D1 scholarship in a few years. Perhaps he's a natural leader, with poise and confidence beyond his years, who inspires his teammates to play at a higher level. Here is the catch-22 for parent-coaches, and the single largest reason I am against the idea of parents coaching their own kids. There is no way to be completely be fair to all parties in this situation. If a coach makes his son the quarterback, or point guard, he'll be accused of playing favorites. If the coach gives another boy the position, then not only is he shafting his son, but his entire team suffers because a lesser-talented player is now running the offense. Is the coach's son, by virtue of his lineage, not allowed to compete on an equal basis with his teammates for all the positions? In recent memories, A coach in a Youth League placed his son in the starting quarterback position. Unfortunately, his team had a losing season, and, as always when a coach has a bad year, nay-sayers and bad-mouthers came out from the woodwork. Apparently, the sole reason they had a losing season was that the coach's son was the quarterback. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Those of us on the inside of the league knew that his son was one of the most gifted natural athletes in the league. In fact, his son was on my own draft list in 2nd place until I discovered he was the son of another coach, and our league automatically sent him to his father's team. The position I intended to place him in was quarterback. I have my suspicions about why their team had a losing season, and they have nothing to do with nepotism. Unfortunately, that was the perception, therefore that was the fact. It's not right, but it's common. There is really only one way to be completely fair, and be perceived as completely fair, and that is to refrain from coaching your own child. This is a radical viewpoint, but I think it's an honest one. Understand, I mean no disrespect to parent-coaches. This sort of assumes a "perfect world" scenario. In a perfect world, there would always be enough competent, fair coaches for every team. I know this is not usually the case, and most parent-coaches started coaching their sons because there just wasn't anyone else. I applaud the sense of responsibility that made these coaches step forward when they were needed. There are very, very few coaches, especially at the youth level, that do not have children. My recommendation is that parents make every effort to avoid coaching their own sons. It can be done if you use some creativity. For example, if your son is a linebacker, then I recommend that you coach the offensive unit, and hand the defense off to your assistant coach. Obviously this isn't a perfect solution. What do you do if your son plays both ways? The answer that I have is 'I don't know.' At all times the most important thing to remember is the perception your players have of you. They must always know that you will do the right thing. They must know that their hard work will be rewarded with their placement on the depth chart, and their playing time. Your best defense against a charge of nepotism is your players, who will always be able to tell if you are fair and honorable.Coaching your own son or daughter is a huge responsibility, but along with that responsibility comes the equally great responsibility to the players that are not related to you. They too deserve competent, fair coaching from you.

[quote name="LAZEEK" post="827460" timestamp="1282254239"] ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well said Poppabear!!!!! [/quote] "It kills me to see someone so upset over a situation and then do absolutely nothing to fix it." The fix is in full effect. It's a 3 to 4 yr plan. It almost came this summer. Thank God a certain coach didn't accept a certain job ;D ;D ;D

  I have no hard data to confirm this, but after years of interacting with youth coaches, my best estimate is that somewhere between 90 and 95% of youth coaches in all sports become involved with coaching kids because of their own children. Most of these coaches decide to "help out" on their son or daughter's teams. A few are selected to be head coaches despite inexperience and relative lack of knowledge. [color=red](Lazeek)[/color]  ;D ;D ;D Please note that I have the utmost respect for these 'Dad-coaches'. Especially the fair-minded 1's that treat all of the players equally and give no preferential treatment to their kids.In my opinion, parent-coaches are not a very good idea. There are a variety of reasons why I feel that way, but here are the most important ones. To start with, your relationship with your son or daughter must be different on the field or on the court than it is at home. On the practice field or court, thats why criticism is important."Criticism is like money. A player should not worry about receiving it. They should worry about a lack of it." A player can't improve if he or she doesn't know what he's doing incorrectly. Many parents have enormous difficulty criticizing their own children.There is also the issue of perception. As an example, imagine a head football coach or Basketball coach who is coaching his own son. After the first week of practice, his son's name appears on the depth chart as a first string quarterback or point guard. Other parents of players on the team will notice this. Their sons will come home and tell them about practice and the new guard, or quarterback. They may notice the changes when the team is announced at the first game of the season. They will likely begin to chat amongst themselves about the team. Sooner or later, human nature being what it is, some parent is going to complain. Some parent, probably one that has never even been to a practice, is going to get the idea that the coach's son is only the quarterback or point guard because he's the coach's son, or race. ;) Eventually that irate parent is going to bleat to the league administration about the unfairness. This head coach will soon be accused of nepotism. Now, based on the information we have before us, is the coach guilty as charged? Yes, I  did say yes!! The coach is guilty of nepotism, of giving favored treatment to his son because of their relationship. Why is he guilty? Because he allowed himself to be perceived as guilty. Unfortunately his actual intentions are completely irrelevant once that perception takes root in the minds of the parents and administration of his league. Anyone in a position of leadership and authority must hold themselves to a higher standard. At all times, the "Parent Coach" must be perceived as honorable, fair, and devoted to his team. His players must know that he can be trusted, because he is trustworthy. What does it tell the players when their coach tells them to work hard, to give it 100%, and then places his son in the most coveted position on the team? I believe that it tells them to stop trying, because they cannot trust their coach. Perhaps that coach's son truly is the best quarterback, or point guard on the team. Perhaps he is destined for an D1 scholarship in a few years. Perhaps he's a natural leader, with poise and confidence beyond his years, who inspires his teammates to play at a higher level. Here is the catch-22 for parent-coaches, and the single largest reason I am against the idea of parents coaching their own kids. There is no way to be completely be fair to all parties in this situation. If a coach makes his son the quarterback, or point guard, he'll be accused of playing favorites. If the coach gives another boy the position, then not only is he shafting his son, but his entire team suffers because a lesser-talented player is now running the offense. Is the coach's son, by virtue of his lineage, not allowed to compete on an equal basis with his teammates for all the positions? In recent memories, A coach in a Youth League placed his son in the starting quarterback position. Unfortunately, his team had a losing season, and, as always when a coach has a bad year, nay-sayers and bad-mouthers came out from the woodwork. Apparently, the sole reason they had a losing season was that the coach's son was the quarterback. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Those of us on the inside of the league knew that his son was one of the most gifted natural athletes in the league. In fact, his son was on my own draft list in 2nd place until I discovered he was the son of another coach, and our league automatically sent him to his father's team. The position I intended to place him in was quarterback. I have my suspicions about why their team had a losing season, and they have nothing to do with nepotism. Unfortunately, that was the perception, therefore that was the fact. It's not right, but it's common. There is really only one way to be completely fair, and be perceived as completely fair, and that is to refrain from coaching your own child. This is a radical viewpoint, but I think it's an honest one. Understand, I mean no disrespect to parent-coaches. This sort of assumes a "perfect world" scenario. In a perfect world, there would always be enough competent, fair coaches for every team. I know this is not usually the case, and most parent-coaches started coaching their sons because there just wasn't anyone else. I applaud the sense of responsibility that made these coaches step forward when they were needed. There are very, very few coaches, especially at the youth level, that do not have children. My recommendation is that parents make every effort to avoid coaching their own sons. It can be done if you use some creativity. For example, if your son is a linebacker, then I recommend that you coach the offensive unit, and hand the defense off to your assistant coach. Obviously this isn't a perfect solution. What do you do if your son plays both ways? The answer that I have is 'I don't know.' At all times the most important thing to remember is the perception your players have of you. They must always know that you will do the right thing. They must know that their hard work will be rewarded with their placement on the depth chart, and their playing time. Your best defense against a charge of nepotism is your players, who will always be able to tell if you are fair and honorable.Coaching your own son or daughter is a huge responsibility, but along with that responsibility comes the equally great responsibility to the players that are not related to you. They too deserve competent, fair coaching from you.

[Hidden Content]

[quote name="stevenash" post="824741" timestamp="1281577023"] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=71516.msg824683#msg824683 date=1281563799] Well, which is it? We got three people from Kountze (well, 2 1/2) saying he is playing in Silsbee and one person from Kountze saying he is playing in Kountze. [/quote] I say let him go to Silsbee.  They need a few more additions ;D [/quote]Its official dude. He's a Tiger.

[quote name="utfan06" post="824606" timestamp="1281544609"] [quote author=Tiger05 link=topic=71516.msg824455#msg824455 date=1281489440] [quote author=ST413 link=topic=71516.msg824408#msg824408 date=1281475340] He is a 6'10 freshman......nah I don't recognize the name. Looks like we will be see a few good additions to the Tigers. [/quote] Here is the real info on the kid: Played for Kountze 09-10 #20 Jordan Holmes Positions: PG Ht/Wt: 5'7"/150 Class: Freshman I have read about Silsbee geeting some transfers but what is legit? [/quote] Jordon is playin for Kountze this year ;) Bad decision IMO. He won't touch the court in Silsbee, they have plenty of guards already

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="816798" timestamp="1278609549"] [quote author=sleepy link=topic=67026.msg816777#msg816777 date=1278606472] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=67026.msg816756#msg816756 date=1278599996] [quote author=sleepy link=topic=67026.msg816748#msg816748 date=1278598348] What many people around here fail to realize is that 90% of the time a great player on the 3A level can't even play in the Southland Conference.  I am gonna give an example that I have given several times. Kenyon Spears- 3 time all state.  Averaged 28 points and 13 rebounds and just under 10 asst his senior year.  Almost a triple double which is unheard of.  6'3 and perfect build and combination of athleticism and basketball savy to be a college basketball player.  Had full scholarships to three southland schools but held out for offers from bigger schools. Never got those offers so he Ended up walking on at Lamar and having a nice career there.  He is one of the all time leaders in 3 point shooting and maybe one other statistical category.  My point is this is arguably the best player to ever where an HJ uniform and one of the top 10 3A players to EVER come from this area and look what he did.  People just need to realize besides a few exceptions the great 3A players here are a dime a dozen in Houston. [/quote] Wow! You came straight to the point, didn't you? The truth can be oh so raw at times. This is why you have to play against as much competition as you can, to gauge your true talents and weaknesses. This is my common belief in any sports one may participate in at any age. Ask "Team Sneed " 8th graders what happened when they ran into some 7th graders a few weeks ago. You can hide within your 2-a, 3-a, 4-a, & even 5-a systems and be "da man." But eventually, players will have to come out from under their systems, be exposed and try and find an Unsigned Senior event to attend. [/quote] Tigersvoice is correct dove.  You are right most of them time however your attempts to constantly downgrade what kids do gets old.  You clearly understand basketball but what these kids accomplish is great no matter what.  It may be on a different level but it still is worth celebrating and congratulating on here as we have lots of pride in our schools.  We understand that the kids are not going to big time d1 programs but with that said what they do is still a big deal to us and also teaches the kids life lessons.   [/quote]Wait a minute! I only talk down to Hardin-Jefferson and thats because they have a successful program, and I'm jealous! Didn't mean to downgrade at all. Reality check! By high school, everyone should be caught up or sitting on the bench. This area has way too many unsigned seniors. Why? Lack of preparation? [color=red]Lack of competition to get better? [/color]I truly believe if you have a decent skill level, you will get a scholarship. But we (parents and players) need to really be honest and secure enough to evaluate the skill level of these kids who want to go to the next level. I used Team Sneed 14u as an example because they recently played a team and I saw the game. Team Sneed is a good team but their flaws were also highlighted. Thats how you get better by recognizing your flaws (not always easy to do) and working on them. It's reality and I can't sugar coat it. [/quote] Lack of competition to get better?

[quote name="jabu84" post="823312" timestamp="1281079118"] [quote author=Betrayed link=topic=67026.msg816857#msg816857 date=1278620541] Maybe if some of the "Coaches and Assn't Coaches" stop worrying about themselves and their records, and stop playing Legacy and other water-downed basketball programs around here and schedule some bigger programs where some scouts might be at, instead of playing teams where only parents attend the games. Go play some ranked 4a and 5a schools. When was the last time Hj has even played a ranked 4a or 5a school?? Promote the kids, let us see for ourselves if they can play on the same court as guys going D1 instead of getting on here and telling us their not good enuff. Maybe the coach and his staff will get exposed instead of the players. I witnessed both all-state players from this area  get theirs against other all state players in the Tabc all state game. Matter of fact, They Started!! ;)  It was sad to say i think only 1 guy at the time didn't even have a Juco offer. It was quite embarrassing for the young man when everyone was asking him where was he going. But hey, it is what it is. Go coach some games where you don't always have the best athlete or bball player on the court. [/quote] honestly I think the coaches are worried about a bad loss, than just losing in general. I will give cleveland hs and stafford hs some credit they are willing to play up no matter how bad they will lose. [/quote]I agree. Don't leave out Silsbee and Kountze!!

;D[quote name="LAZEEK" post="823300" timestamp="1281065210"] Pow........Pow, Pow!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D [/quote] If you look at the coaching record of Sutherland, Lee and Davis at schools other than HJ, you will find a degree of success equal to or greater than what has taken place at HJ. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D [color=red]Talent Chasers[/color] ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Far as Sutherland, he has only had a couple of years of coaching where he didn't have the District Mvp, 2a or 3a player of the year, and at least 1, because multiple times he's had 2 first Team All-State players at the same time almost every year he's coached. And when he didn't have those caliber of players, he either didn't make the playoffs or his team lost in the 1st round. Like you said, you cant alter facts, Numbers don't lie ;)  Here's the proof, Jason Thomas, and T. J White from East Chambers. Kountze, all 3 brothers "must i say" Trey Peters, and Ashton Hall. Then goes to Hj and gets blessed with 4 first cousins "Benard, Turner, Prudhomme, Bosha," and the great Ryan Donahoe.  Yeah I heard Davis took a team to the playoffs. But he also had a stud player that can shoot the lights out. Its ironic they won state the year after he left tho. Im going to leave Lee out of this because he seems to mind his business, unlike others ;D

Betrayed is grasping at straws.  He wants to discredit coaching staff and suggest that "his buddies" are the only reason HJ has had success.  The best team ever at HJ was the 91 state champs and it had little if anything to do with being from "across the tracks".  In his weak attempt to discredit HJ  - he goes back and finds one game that they lost and hammers on it,  Bottom line, personal disagreement with who plays now and who played in the past.  He doesnt believe that the coaching staff is better quallified than he is to determine who plays now or some years ago.( can you say personal axe to grind?)  People who believe that are a dime a dozen. Nobody needs to take my word for it.  Investigate for yourself.  If you look at the coaching record of Sutherland, Lee and Davis at schools other than HJ, you will find a degree of success equal to or greater than what has taken place at HJ.  Therefore, "the players from across the tracks" are NOT the reason for the success of the coaching staff.  As someone else already said, facts dont lie and the fact is that each of these coaches were hugely successful as head coaches at other schools.  There is no way Betrayed can alter that fact. ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) Are you serious?? I figured you would say that the 91 team, which were 99.9% from Pine Wood is the best team Hj has had ever had. I guess you never heard of  All American Rocky Rocquemore and company. All 4 of the teams he played on would've destroyed that 91 team. And oh yeah, they had several players from across the track on that team. 1 of'm happen to be the current football coach at Hj, "Martel" ;D Matter of fact that 94 team would beat them too. Led by Kenyon Spears, Bo Bo Andersen, Josh Freeman, Todd Peveto, Travis Coleman, Tim Andersen, Deon Turner. Those are 7 of the 12 players from across the track. By the way, just found out Hj's principal was on that 91 team, and guess what ??? " He's from across the tracks."  Lazeek, right back at ya. Boooyaa!!!!

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="822895" timestamp="1280939632"] That's the one thing about facts , does not give you a lot of latitude to debate. [/quote]Numbers don't lie and neither do I

I know! I was being funny dude. It was Splendora

[quote name="stevenash" post="823132" timestamp="1281027886"] [quote author=LAZEEK link=topic=70622.msg823032#msg823032 date=1280976329] [quote author=ford15 link=topic=70622.msg823019#msg823019 date=1280972689] Swag,what do you mean our playoff run will last 6 more years since Bosha is the last of the Mohicans. Souldn't it just be 4 more years since he is a freshman and you obviously don't know where he lives. Everybody technically "lives across the tracks" in China and Nome. [/quote] :D :D :D :D Betrayed, red2red, red2black or Swagg you just got Swag Slapped!!!!!! [/quote]  Perhaps he should "check himself before he wrecks himself" As far as having players of the year and all state players, it takes an effective coaching staff to either make it happen  or let it happen.  Many of those playing decisions were made because the players learned it somewhere and it was not at the Nome Gym. [/quote]Joke of the day. I guess it started in athletics huh? That's where the real teaching takes place. You might can fool this board but u can't fool us who really know!! First year that staff didn't have 1 of those All state players they lost in the 1st round to Spurger. Then the players across the tracks come thru and now their all of a sudden have the best staff in Texas. Wow, numbers don't lie!!

I didn't see any member of that staff paying BJ Tyler a couple hundreds a session. "NBA Workouts" I didn't see any of them working with them thousands of times in their back yards or across those tracks on fundamentals  of the game. Those kids spend hours and years in that gym and across those tracks working on things that the superior staff don't have time to help them with. Bout time that kids gets to be on varsity,  he's already is a All State caliber player in the making. They just try and reap da benefits. All that staff do is put them in that same ole Rinky Dinky system, (Press) Hj been running since Breautiph. Let me guess, Turner was All-State because that staff taught him how to play smothering defense. They also taught him how to jump, run, play the passing lanes, tip from behind and finish. Kid being doing that since Lil dribblers. He always been a defensive specialist. You can knock a lot of things but 1 thing u can't knock and will not knock is where it started dude. "In their neighborhood and across those tracks."  Same goes for Bosha, Prudhomme, Benard, and Donahoe. Those kids been giving their opponents the business since they were 5 yrs old.

I must admit, Hj girls future is a whole lot brighter then their boys  :'( After Bosha, that staff is gonna have to start doing some serious coaching or [color=red]recruiting[/color] ;) Thats probably why all of a sudden HJ has open enrollment ::)Trying to stay ahead of the game huh??  I don't blame those guys because [color=red][color=red]H.F, E.C, Kountze, and Silsbee[/color][/color] will all be state contenders, while others will be pretenders  :o :o :o Im gonna call it "[color=red]Harsh Reality[/color]"

[quote name="LAZEEK" post="822868" timestamp="1280931049"] Sure a District Championship is every teams goal, but so is a Regional Championship and a State Championship.  [color=red]HJ staff has been far superior to the other staffs in the district and their records speak for themselves[/color].  Some teams are pleased with a District Title, but some have higher expectations and goals!!! [/quote]This is the crap im talking about!! All the credit goes to the "Superior Staff" and their record over the years. What about those [color=red]Superior Players[/color]. Two 3a players of the years, 6 straight years of having Two 1st team all-staters at the same time. Besides, Hj staff hasn't been far superior then other staffs because Silsbee and Kountze pretty much have the same resume. I give a slight edge to the Kountze Lions since someone is judging this on District Titles, Regional Championships,and State Championships. Phil Jackson coached Michael, Scottie, Shaq and Kobe. Hj Superior Staff has been blessed to have the opportunity to coach those players with those accolades. Get the picture ;) This is gonna go on for another 6 yrs because Hj has 2 more All-State players from across those tracks. After that, The Well Runs dry. Bosha is the last of the Mohicans ;D ;D ;D I Guaranteeeeeee Itttttt!! Yesssssss

[quote name="stevenash" post="822337" timestamp="1280630638"] [quote author=bmrm link=topic=70622.msg822204#msg822204 date=1280547776] With the recent additions to Silsbee's squad they obviously are the favorite.  However, should one of the 21-3A teams make it to Austin, I would put my money on Sutherland, Davis & Lee as the best options to get a state title brought back to Southeast Texas.     [/quote] Be careful, Swag/Betrayed is not going to llike to hear that!!! [/quote]Whatever, They can't even win their own district outright!! Let me guess, its the players fault right?? ;D

Wing-T offenses. under center and in shotgun [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content] [Hidden Content]

[quote name="HJfan2" post="821197" timestamp="1280269667"] i wish HJ ran this offense. [/quote]Blake, Turner, John and Gus would've had a field day in that offense. Spead will out wide so he can go 1on1.

By far the most difficult offense to stop. I've watched teams like Vidor, Clevland, and Livingston score touch down like they were wide open layups against teams. They dont know where the ball is. Those misdirection plays are lethal. Im sure everyone here has been fooled and didnt know who had the ball.

[quote name="stevenash" post="820277" timestamp="1280022688"] Trueblue- If you want to be able to make your statements and not be criticized for it, regardless of what you say, change your name to Swag or Betrayed and you can say anything you want about any team or any player , and all will be fine.  In fact, you may well be praised for  "being passionate about basketball" [/quote] ::) ::) ::)

Maybe if some of the "Coaches and Assn't Coaches" stop worrying about themselves and their records, and stop playing Legacy and other water-downed basketball programs around here and schedule some bigger programs where some scouts might be at, instead of playing teams where only parents attend the games. Go play some ranked 4a and 5a schools. When was the last time Hj has even played a ranked 4a or 5a school?? Promote the kids, let us see for ourselves if they can play on the same court as guys going D1 instead of getting on here and telling us their not good enuff. Maybe the coach and his staff will get exposed instead of the players. I witnessed both all-state players from this area  get theirs against other all state players in the Tabc all state game. Matter of fact, They Started!! ;)  It was sad to say i think only 1 guy at the time didn't even have a Juco offer. It was quite embarrassing for the young man when everyone was asking him where was he going. But hey, it is what it is. Go coach some games where you don't always have the best athlete or bball player on the court.

Chris Bosh wants to contend for a championship. Dwyane Wade wants some star-powered help. The simplest solution was for them to team up in Miami.The duo announced their decision Wednesday on live TV, the first major free agents to make their intentions known. "I'm joining Mr. Wade in Miami," Bosh said during a live interview on ESPN. ESPN and the Associated Press first reported Bosh's decision to join Wade in Miami. Bosh and Wade are friends, were Olympic teammates on the gold-medal team in Beijing, dined together at times during the free-agent interview process last week in Chicago and were part of that star-studded draft class in 2003 — Bosh went fourth, Wade fifth. Now all eyes turn to the No. 1 pick in that class, LeBron James. The two-time MVP plans to say which team he'll play for next on ESPN Thursday night. Bosh, Wade and James have talked about playing together. If that plan is to be truly hatched, it would have to happen in Miami. "Of course we would love for LeBron to join Miami, but at the same time, LeBron has to make his own decision," Wade said during the ESPN interview. Bosh and Wade could formally become teammates as soon as Thursday, when the NBA moratorium on signing contracts expires. Under NBA rules, the Heat cannot confirm any contracts until 12:01 a.m. Thursday, although players are allowed to agree to deals before the signing window opens. Wade said when free agency began that he would likely only stay in Miami if the Heat lured either Bosh or LeBron James to South Florida. Miami came into the free-agent period with around $44 million of cap space, not including $16 million or so earmarked for Wade, thanks to years of avoiding just about any deal where money would have been committed for the 2010-11 season."We want to build a dynasty,'' Heat president Pat Riley had told fans entering free agency. Bosh and Wade would be a pretty good start. The Heat lack the salary-cap space to give Bosh, Wade and James all the maximum amounts they would be entitled to receive in their next contracts, so what would likely happen — again, if the scenario came together — would be each player agreeing to take a bit less in base salary for 2010-11 than they could have made elsewhere. Miami does have the room to give Bosh and Wade max deals, although would still have to do some bargain-shopping to fill its roster for the coming year. As of Wednesday morning, Miami had only Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers under contract for 2010-11. The expectation around the Heat for months — for years, really — was that Wade would have a flirtation with free agency, then return to Miami for a six-year contract that could have been worth around $125 million, maybe a bit more or less depending on what the salary cap number for the coming 2010-11 season is.Wade fed that assumption, saying countless times that he wanted to stay in Miami if the roster was upgraded to a championship-contending level. That rather ambiguous caveat took a more exact shape in recent days, and the Heat were clearly on edge when Wade took two meetings with the Chicago Bulls, his hometown team. Days later, Wade will be able to say he got what he wanted all along.

Maybe ESPN can run the show like the NFL draft, with the owners at tables and Chris Berman and Mel Kiper showing highlights of each owner or team president. How do you fill an hour with something that should take a minute?

According to ESPN, ESPN is reporting that LeBron James will announce his decision on where he'll play during a primetime special on ESPN on Thursday evening, ESPN has learned. But ESPN has confirmed that ESPN has declined to confirm the report on ESPN. Confused? So are we. Let's try it again, from the top ... LeBron James will announce his decision Thursday night in a one-hour special on ESPN, according to ESPN.com. The most coveted free agent in NBA history has been pondering his options since meeting with six teams in Cleveland last weekend. [color=limegreen]According to ESPN.com, representatives for James contacted ESPN about creating a one-hour special at 9 p.m. ET Thursday night. ESPN reportedly agreed to let his representatives sell sponsorship for the show, with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. [/color] "Due to the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron's decision, we have decided to make this announcement on national television," James' business manager, Maverick Carter, said on lebronjames.com. "By doing so we have generated funds that will be given to the Boys andGirls Clubs of America. LeBron has a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community, and has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs in cities across the country." James also updated his new Twitter account with a link to his site.ESPN.com cited independent sources because ESPN would only confirm that active discussions for the special are ongoing. James has the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets as his top three choices, according to Yahoo! Sports, with the Cavs re-emerging as the front-runner to keep their star. According to Yahoo!, James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are expected to share a conference call Wednesday to discuss their options and move closer to making decisions.