1-on-1 with Thabo Sefolosha

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of talking with Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha at his annual youth basketball camp in Blonay, Switzerland. The defensive specialist is the first Swiss player in the NBA and had a lot to say about this past season and the upcoming season. Let's go!

Chris: What are some positives and negatives from this past season for the Thunder?

Thabo: There is a lot of positive. We had a great season, finished first in the conference and I think the team keeps getting better. There is a lot of positive to this. Obviously the negative you know it’s the playoffs and getting out of the playoffs early. But it’s unfortunate there are a lot of things we cannot control and injury is one of them.

Chris: On the subject of injury, how does Westbrook’s injury/return affect the team?

Thabo: I mean it affected missing not only an all-star player but a point guard which is maybe the most important position on the court. So losing that player at that time was really tough.

How far do you think the Thunder would have made it if Russell had not gotten hurt?

You know I like to believe that we could be champions right now but at the same time there is nothing that we can do about it. We will never know so we got to keep working and keep getting better.

Did you follow the rest of the playoffs and if so what are your thoughts on it?

Yeah I wasn't happy but at the same time I don’t care. We didn't win so somebody else had to win so it’s Miami. But I didn't follow that too closely but yeah, it is what it is. Hopefully we get there again and be able to win it.

How do you feel about Kevin Martin leaving after a year?

You know I really enjoyed playing with Kevin, not only as a player on the court but off the court he is a great guy. You know it’s sad to see him leave but I’m happy for him you know I think he got a great contract and it’s a great team that he is going to so I wish him luck.

How do you plan to expand your offensive game to help make up for the loss of Kevin?

In a big way. Obviously I am working really hard this summer. It’s not always only on me but what I can do on my part I will definitely do throughout the summer and try to be aggressive early in the season.

Points and shooting percentage went up for you this year. Why?

Work. I understand what coaches want me to do, what my role to be. I work really hard in the summer you know to fulfill that role and help the team get better.

As a defender how does it feel to guard the other team’s best player on a nightly basis?

It’s an honor. It’s an honor you know. It’s tiring and it’s a lot of work but it’s an honor to be in that position coming from where I’m coming from, playing against those great players. It’s a great feeling.

How do you prepare for LeBron James or Kobe Bryant?

You prepare pretty much the same for every player. You watch some tape; try to think the game, see what they like to do and what they don’t like to do. And then it’s just instinct during the game.

Now, you have one year left on your contract. Have you started thinking about what you are going to do when that time comes?

Yes and no. Obviously you know I am thinking about what the future holds for me but at the same time I am not worried about it. You know my main focus is it to work and do the things that I have been doing. I am sure everything is going to turn out okay, but I’m definitely not nervous but it’s something that is in the back of my mind. But I don’t let it affect me at all.

Would you like to stay with the Thunder?

Of course of course I mean we have a team that keeps getting better. I got with the Thunder when we were winning 25 games and to now going to a final and semi-final it’s an incredible situation.

Are you happy with the Thunder organization since you are such an important part of the chemistry that works so well for the team?

Yeah, yeah I definitely KNOW that they are going in the right direction. There is no question in my mind that Sam, coach and everybody is doing the best they can. It is not always exactly what we want. And I understand as a fan you might not understand all the ins and outs of it, but it gives us leeway in the years to come.

What do you like most about living in Oklahoma?

There are a lot of things actually. Not comparing it to Switzerland but the people are really nice, the fans are incredible, the organization is top in the NBA and I got a young family. It’s a great place to raise a family.

If you were not playing in OKC where would you like to be?

In Vevey (Switzerland). My good friend is coaching here and I would be close to home so yeah.

Are you going to be a part of the 2014 NBA Finals championship team?

Yes.

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for Thabo. Follow him on Twitter @ThaboSefolosha 

Athletes and Sports Organizations Donating to Tornado Victims

The tornado that struck Moore on Monday is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Billions of dollars in damage and loss of life are the unfortunate consequences of this catastrophic event. Here is a list of players, organizations, and others involved in sports donating money to the relief efforts in Oklahoma.

Big XII Conference: $200,000

Chelsea and Manchester City: will donate $1 for every ticket sold at tonight's game in St. Louis

James Head, UFC fighter: will donate the money earned from his next fight

Houston Texans: $100,000

Rickie Fowler, professional golfer: will match the first $100,00 raised at this week's Crowne Plaza Invitational

Torii Hunter, Detroit Tigers right fielder: $250,000 and $1,000 for every home run he hits from now until the all-star break

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder: $1,000,000

Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers and Midwest City native: $250,000 and $1,000 for every home run he hits from now until the all-star break

Chris Singleton, former MLB player and ESPN baseball analyst: $250 for every home run Matt Kemp hits from now until the all-star break

NBA and NBPA: $1,000,000 joint donation

Oklahoma City Thunder: $1,000,000

John Calipari: His foundation will donate $10,000

Houston Astros: Will raise funds during the current homestand for victims

Orlando Magic: $25,000

John Peterson, professional golfer and has family that lives in Moore: $500 for every eagle and $100 for every birdie he makes during this week's PGA Tour Crowne Plaza Invitational

Tulsa Drillers: $10,000 and will have a memorabilia auction

Connecticut Sun: all proceeds from tickets sold from May 21st until May25th

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts: $25,000

This will update daily. May you keep Moore and the people affected by the tragic tornado in your prayers for the days, weeks and months to come.

Fun Fact Friday #1

Today we begin a new segment called Fun Fact Friday. When I watch sports I question random things that are taking place. Why does this happen? Why do the refs do that? What is the origin of that? So, each week I will compile some questions and do some research to find out all the good and random facts that we all are bothered by. Let us begin.

#1 Why does Steph Curry have an extremely pure shot?
Steph has an absolutely smooth and buttery jump shot. He will dribble, dribble some more and then just throw up shot in your face getting nothing but net on almost every occasion. Some of the shots are ridiculous, and I forgot to mention he broke the record for the most 3's in a season. Sports science had the same question in mind and broke down his stroke.


#2 What is the origin of the word 'soccer'?
Contrary to popular belief, the word 'soccer' is not American, but in fact British. Yeah I did not see that coming either. As it turns out, the Brits used the word soccer years before football became the prominent word of identifying this sport. On October 26th, 1863, a group of teams in England decided to get together and create a standard set of rules which would be used at all their matches.  They formed the rules for “Association Football”, with the “Association” distinguishing it from the many other types of football sports in existence in England, such as “Rugby Football”. British school boys of the day liked to nickname everything, which is still somewhat common.  They also liked to add the ending “er” to these nicknames.  Thus Rugby was, at that time, popularly called “Rugger”.  Association Football was then much better known as “Assoccer”, which quickly just became “Soccer” and sometimes “Soccer Football”. For more info click here.

#3 Why are Golden State Warriors called Golden State?
Traditionally a team is named after the city or the state that it is in. The Warriors are named after California's nickname, "The Golden State". The Warriors began in Philadelphia in 1946 but then moved to San Francisco     in 1962. In the late 1960s the Warriors began scheduling an increasing amount of games in the new Oakland Coliseum and moved there in 1971. This is when they also renamed themselves the Golden State Warriors; as to why they chose 'golden state' is up for debate. For me, California Warriors does not flow and Oakland Warriors lets everyone know that this franchise is in a bad city. For more information about old logos, jerseys etc. click here.

If you have any questions for Fun Fact Friday just get in contact with me

Amazing Finishes From the Weekend

If you were away from your television this weekend than you missed some amazing, insane one of a kind finishes. This past weekend was just a reminder of why we love sports as well as the heartbreak that can come with it in a matter of minutes. Let's take a look back at the weekend that was.

1. Watford defeats Leicester 3-1 (agg. 3-2)
Normally this would be a game without any significance whatsoever. But these small two English clubs are playing for the right to move up into the English Premiere League with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester, etc. Here we are in additional time and the next team that scores, advances to the final. Just when you thought it was going to end one way, it ends in another. Fans, coaches and players go insane and invade the pitch.



2. Boston Bruins defeat Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7
With ten minutes left in the game, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in perfect position to steal a game seven on the road and move on to the Eastern conference semi-finals. However, in one of the most epic comebacks in NHL playoff history, the Boston Bruins would score three goals, including two in the last two minutes to force OT. A rebound goal by Patrice Bergeron at 6:05 in OT would send the arena and the city of Boston into madness.



3. Tiger Woods wins The Players
Tiger Woods is back which is great for golf and great for everyone after shooting a -2 under 70 to win The Players Championship. The moment that people will remember the most is Sergio Garcia getting a quadruple bogey on the famous #17 par 3 island hole. That's bad. That hole also cost him more than 1 million dollars in earnings. OUCH. 

The Five Types of Sports Moms

Mother's Day, the day where you get to enjoy a nice cold one with your wonderful loving mother. Having played sports all my life, and now seeing my siblings doing the same, I started thinking of everything my mom has done for me during my athletic career. If my mother got a nickel for every time she drove me to practice, then she would no doubt be a very rich woman. Actually, a lot of mothers would be rich. Therefore, today through this list we'll look at all the types of sports moms. Let's begin.

1. The biggest fan
Though they may not know what is going on, they cheer for you like crazy. They are the loudest and most notable person in the place. When you score a point or even just step on the field, they make sure everyone knows. They do not care if you suck, they will cheer like it's Game 7 of the World Series. This type of mom is also ready to tell every other parent in the stadium who there child is, no matter what place they finish or if they win or lose.


2. The know-nothing
Below we have a classic example of the mom who knows nothing about sports or the sport you are participating in. This mom is perfectly content with screaming randomly because something happened whether it be good or bad. They think they have a gig lined up with ESPN when in reality, everybody is looking at them with a confused look. To make matters worse, this type of mom often either doesn't care about the rules or whenever you try to teach her, or it goes in one ear and out the other. Now, don't think that she does this by lack of interest or because she dislike her child. No, this mother does this simply because she doesn't care about the sport but rather about her child. Expect random words during a game (i.e. pass the ball whenever the running back has the ball) to be repeated over and over.


3. The intimidator
DO NOT MESS with her child.She is the fiercest one out on the court or the field at every single game. This woman is not afraid to give the refs, coaches, and sometimes the other players a piece of her mind. Extremely defensive of her own athlete, this woman will not let a bad call (or what she assumes is a bad call) slip by without the entire crowd knowing what she thinks.This is the mom that is furious the kid that should be struck out in t-ball gets to hit again because he's only six years old. In my own experience, I've even seen fights started because a mother went up to the opposing players and gave the high schoolers her opinon about them. Not the smartest thing to do, especially after a game, to high schoolers.


4. The coach
These ladies think they are the best coach in the place, even though they never have, or probably never will coach. They tell you to "drive the lane" when the other team has the most dominant center or "get the ball" when you are on the other side of the field. These mothers are usually the ones who either played the sport whenever they were younger or sucked to bad to play but know the rules. These moms will be the ones that give their kid the hardest time afterwards because they feel like it's their duty to help their son improve. Sometimes, it even seems as if she is trying to relive her missed opportunities for success through her child. To make things worse, for this mother, winning is everything. If you aren't a winner, then you just don't care or aren't taking the sport seriously enough.


5. The nervous wreck
The nervous wreck is the mom who cannot stand to look at her son whenever he has to shoot free throws or at her daughter as she does the uneven bars. This mother probably worries more then her child. They are unable to watch and my personal favorite do a self commentary of what is going on and what their kid should be doing to help them get through the moment. These mom's tend to make their child even more nervous because they just flip the f*ck out whenever it's your turn.


We love our moms, sports would not be the same without them. So on this day we take a moment to look back or look forward to having our moms in the stands or on the sidelines to cheer us on for whatever sport.
Based on the five types of mothers listed above, I'd have to say that my mom is the biggest fan with a hint of the know‐nothing when she tries to coach us or give us tips. She's always jumping up and down and screaming at the top of her lungs encouraging me and my siblings in any way possible. So to all the "soccer moms" out there, Happy Mother's Day.

Bryan Corbaz is a contributor to Chris Corbaz Sports. Follow him on Twitter @corbazXC

Five reasons why we love Kendrick Perkins

                       

1. He's the enforcer
He doesn't give a f*ck, I would be terrified to step on the court with him. Looking at Perkins stats this season, you would have never guessed that he is the enforcer (4.2 ppg and 6.0 rpg). He is the tough guy of the team and sets the tone for each game, down low in the paint.You don't mess with anyone on the Thunder and you especially don't mess with Kendrick. He is not a afraid to foul you, set a hard pick on the next possession or get in your face. Not only that, he does all the little things and gets all the stats that are not on the stat sheet.




2. He has the best nickname in sports
Forget "The Black Mamba" or "The Chosen One". Ladies and gentlemen I give you the best nickname in basketball, "Yung Hawg." Yes, that is the correct spelling by the way. Being a fan according to some, makes me part of "The Yung Hawg Nation" which is a title I happily embrace.

3. He is a great spokesperson
The Yung Hawg has been branching out into advertising recently, and I must admit he makes really funny commercials.What is more intimidating than Perkins telling people to buy your product? Exactly. Nothing.



4. He has a strong Twitter game @KendrickPerkins
If you do not follow Perkins on twitter than stop reading this and go follow him. The Yung Hawg wins MVP for great material and quality selfies (see below). With almost 50,000 followers, being active on twitter is crucial. But he also gives away free tickets to almost every home game.He calls it movie trivia and the first person to tell what movie a quote is from, wins two tickets to the next home game. It's as simple as that. If you really enjoy his selfies I encourage you to follow him on instagram as well @kperk5

       


5. He is a really good person
Though he may look and act intimidating on the court, Perkins is a really a nice guy. He grew up in poor conditions but with hard work and dedication he made it out. He has a son and has been married to his wife since 2009. In Texas he is known as the world's tallest alter boy, as he served in his church until he graduated from high school. Over the years he has been involved with a number of charities, loves to serve the community and it loyal to his fans. I highly encourage you to read the Kendrick Perkins story (click here). It is really inspiring and if you didn't like him before, I'm sure this will do it.

(PHOTO: www.celebritybrideguide.com)

Westboro Baptist Church to protest Game 5 in OKC tonight

I am not sure why but the ignorant and blatantly disrespectful people of Westboro will unfortunately be in OKC tonight for the Thunder-Rockets game. It is a shame that a group like this is going to interrupt one of the best events in the state because of Jason Collins coming out yesterday. It will be interesting to see what will happen but I hope that the game is makes a bigger headline tomorrow then the church. Click here for more information.