Roth Report
NOV 23 2008
The Final BlogWell, we've reached the end of our trip to Puerto Rico. I'm a writer, not a coach, so be sure to listen to the Advance Auto Parts Hokie Hotline tomorrow night for a recap of the trip. The team gets a 7:30 a.m. wake-up call and head to the airport for a 10 a.m. flight to Atlanta. I think we are scheduled to get back to campus mid-afternoon. My impressions on this tournament are very favorable. Our good friends at ESPN have once again put together a top-notch event. Good hotel, outstanding location, great arena and nationally-televised games. There are a lot of reasons to like coming to San Juan for a week in November. The people have all been great to deal with and it is sure to become a big-time tournament within the next few years. I few kudos to pass out. First, Adrian Autry and Ryan Dowley did a great job of making sure everything has run smoothly. It's not an easy job, but they sure make it look easy. Also, Keith Doolan and Dr. Mark Rogers get a pat on the back. It's always relaxing to know that when you travel, you have an outstanding medical crew with you. David Jackson has done a great job, as usual, in keeping this group in shape and prepared for the rigors of a long season. Katie Ammons has been mentioned in this blog several times, and with good reason. Never think that when this group leaves campus, they are taking a vacation from academics. Katie has spent a good number of hours making sure that all assignments were taken care of and that this team remains in good standing. The coaching staff empowers Katie to do her job because they know that getting a degree is the true reason for attending college. It's a good situation. Back in Blacksburg, I've got to thank webmaster Damian Salas for maintaining this site. If you don't believe we have the best web page in the country, do a little surfing. Pay especially close attention to the stats on our basketball bio pages. Click on some of the year-by-year links and see what all is there. Also, a big tip of the hat to Tommy Regan and Chris Mayer. I'm real tough on computers and they make sure mine are always in tip-top shape, along with all the needs the team and Katie have for their hardware. Well, it's time to pack a week worth of clothes and get some shut eye. Remember, next home game is Wednesday night at 7 p.m. against Elon in Cassell Coliseum. This team is a lot better than a week ago and will be ready for the challenge of the Phoenix. Until my next blog (maybe NYC), have a great holiday season and Go Hokies!
NOV 23 2008
The Final Day BlogThis will be a short one for the first blog of the final day. Things have been busy around here and we are about an hour from loading the bus and heading over to the Coliseo de Puerto Rico for the final time.
NOV 22 2008
The Open Day BlogToday is the day with no games for any of the teams, but there is still plenty of work and preparation going on. Following breakfast, the team had a PowerPoint presentation on the Pirates and then, you guessed it, study hall. That's what they are doing right now, as a matter of fact. We leave for the arena in about an hour and following our practice, the team will enjoy a little free time. It hasn't been all work, but it also hasn't been a vacation. I think there will be a large group of us that will be watching the football game tonight. I know I'll be glued to the screen, but I may just turn the TV towards the porch and watch it while sitting in this beautiful tropical weather. I guess it's allowed; since last year in Alaska it was a cold, 8 a.m., kick-off for those of us on that trip. My brother informs me that it probably not be too warm in Lane Stadium come 5:30 p.m. Thought I'd give a few kudos to some of the unsung members of our unit here in Puerto Rico. Managers Ryan Martin and Danielle Cook have been making sure that everything is taken care of, from laundry, to game set up and too many other things to mention. Also, video coordinator Ryan Dowley has been the person responsible for getting all these film sessions compiled on very short notice. He works very closely with the coaching staff and Adrian Autry in making sure everything is in good shape for the players to learn about the upcoming opponents. I'll talk about some of the others in upcoming posts. Well, I think I'll throw out a fun fact and get ready for practice. This tournament is one of several run by ESPN and their family of media outlets. The World Wide Leader also has tournaments in Anaheim, Charleston and Orlando, where the Hokies played two years ago in the inaugural Old Spice Classic. Next on the horizon will be a Christmas tournament in Hawaii. The ESPN folks always run first-class events and this one is no exception.
NOV 21 2008
The Blog After the GameI'm not sure I know where to start. The Hokies played a good game with solid defense and great effort, as did Xavier. Jeff Allen made a great play to put Tech up two before Dante Jackson hit the half court shot. No need to rehash. I spent a few minutes at halftime speaking with ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla. He made a great observation. He told me that this game had the feel of an NCAA first round game. Two quality teams playing at a very high level. The Hokies will take Saturday off from game action, but the work will continue. The team will have a practice on the game floor at 1 p.m. before returning to the hotel and a little free time. The coaching staff is currently hard at work on a game plan for the game and once the opponent is known, they will be ready. Game time on Sunday night will be 6 p.m. local time, 5 p.m. eastern time and once again on ESPNU. Hopefully by then, our radio guys, Bill Roth and Mike Burnop will be back on the island after returning from Blacksburg and calling the football game vs. Duke. The duo made it until about the eight minute media timeout in the second half before heading off to the airport. A few notes of interest about the today's game. Jeff Allen had his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Those numbers also mark season-highs for the Hokies. A.D. Vassallo struggled shooting, but did some other things to help his team, as Seth Greenberg pointed out in his post-game comments to the media. A.D. grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out a career-high eight assists in the loss. Dorenzo Hudson recorded his first double-figure scoring game of the season, hitting a pair of big threes in the first half. Tech also continued their solid work from the charity stripe, hitting 10 of 14 from the line. Also, congratulations to Jim Beard, Eugene Chung, Katie Ollendick, Eric McClellan and Dr. James I. Robinson for their induction tonight into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Tonight's fun fact is that Puerto Rico has 17 lakes, all man made. Until tomorrow, have a great night. Oh, by the way, at 10 p.m., its 80 degrees in San Juan.
NOV 21 2008
The Traveling Men BlogIt's morning here in San Juan and the Hokies are preparing to face Xavier in the day's second game. Tip off is 2:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. in Blacksburg).
NOV 20 2008
Better Late Than Never BlogWow, didn't figure it would take until after 5 p.m. to post for the first time today, but, we've been busy. Great win for the Hokies today. My guess is, anyone who saw either of the first two games this season will agree, the Hokies made a major step forward today. A 17-point win on a neutral floor against a good basketball team is always welcome. This was a very good Fairfield team. Initial impressions were that A.D. Vassallo had a very good game and did a great job early in the game getting everyone involved. In his post-game press conference, Seth Greenberg was asked about A.D. and he made a very short, but true statement. "I'm glad he's on my team". This was a great homecoming for A.D. The other Hokie from Puerto Rico, Victor Davila, is improving right in front of our eyes. Coach said he has the chance to be very special. Davila has worked hard during the early portion of the season and it obviously is paying off. Another of Coach Greenberg's comments was about Jeff Allen's game. Even though people will point to the 18 points and eight rebounds, Coach believes that a couple of early passes in the post that set up scores by Cheick Diakite actually were more important to the tone of the game. With three assists and no turnovers, Jeff's game was on full display today. For the second game in a row, Malcolm Delaney proved to be unselfish in the first half, forsaking his own points for the good of the team. He still hit the shots in the second half and made it into double figures. This was truly a team win for the Hokies. The coaching staff stuck around the coliseum after the team left at halftime of the Missouri-Xavier game. The staff had already done a good deal of work on both of the possible second round opponents, but it's always better to get a first-hand look at each team. Before sending the team back to the hotel, Coach's words were as usual during a tournament. Take care of your bodies and get some rest. The staff is really making sure the team stays hydrated in this tropical temperature. The team had a little free time, but will return to the study hall at 7 p.m., before their team dinner at 8:30 p.m. By then, there will be another scouting report and film work on Xavier, who defeated Missouri, 75-71 in the second game of the tournament. Tonight's fun fact comes from Bill Roth. The Hokies are now 5-2 in games played in Puerto Rico. Tech was 2-1 in both the 1994 and 1999 San Juan Shootouts. I'll try and get another post before bedtime. Until then, Go Hokies!
NOV 19 2008
Wrapping Up Day Two BlogThe Hokies are currently in the film room, making final preparations for their game tomorrow with Fairfield. Along with that is the ritual ice cream bar, always a favorite. I thought this would be a good time to post the final blog of the day. I don't need the calories. The afternoon practice at the coliseum was a big plus for the team. Getting a feel for the game arena is always important. Before the practice, Coach Greenberg, A.D. Vassallo and Victor Davila took time to meet with some of the local media. I have to admit, I was a little lost in translation. The Hokies from Puerto Rico are proving to be quite popular on their home island. Back to the Condado Plaza Beach Resort and a dinner sponsored by ESPN and the tourism board. Pardon the Food Network reference, but Good Eats! Local favorites including pork, chicken, rice and beans and plantains were on the menu and all eight teams seemed to enjoy the seaside feast. There was also live music and a great sea breeze. It's an early wake up call in the morning to get set for the Stags. I'll wait until after the game to post again, but remember, the game is on ESPNU and the Virginia Tech/ISP Sports Network at 11 a.m. EST. Mike and Bill arrived at the arena as the Hokies were practicing and are ready for their weekend of fun. More on that in a future blog. Suffice it to say, the two will put in the miles to keep Hokie fans on top of all the action. Tonight's fun fact comes from the BSN, the National Superior Basketball League. Puerto Rico has a rich history in basketball, including their national pro league. Founded in 1933, the league has 12 teams, including the Santurce Crabbers, primary tenants of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, site of this week's action.
NOV 19 2008
A Quick BlogSorry it has taken me this long to post this morning, now afternoon. Internet access problems appear to have been fixed, so I'm very hopeful.
Butch Lee chats with Seth Greenberg
NOV 18 2008
The End of Day One BlogHere are a few notes to close out day one in Puerto Rico. The Hokies enjoyed a few hours to themselves before reassembling for a team dinner at 7 p.m. A fine meal of quesadillas and fajitas and all the fixings were enjoyed before Katie Ammons took over the room and led the team in their first study hall of the trip. Tonight's session was an hour and a half in duration. For this team, a week away from campus does not mean a week away from the academic demands of college. Following the study hall, the team spent time on film work on Thursday's opponent, Fairfield. The coaching staff always makes sure that the team is well-prepared on the next foe. No doubt, the team will have no problem getting a good night sleep tonight. A 9 a.m. wake-up call will lead to breakfast and another study hall. Practice is at 11:45 a.m. at a gym away from the main arena and in the afternoon, the team will have an open one-hour practice at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, site of the tournament. Prior to that practice, the team will have a media opportunity with the local media. A.D. and Victor will be quite popular during this session. Day two will also feature a social event at the hotel for all eight competing teams. Then, the action really begins. Tonight's fun fact is about San Juan, Puerto Rico. With a metropolitan area of 433,733, it is the 42nd largest city under the jurisdiction of the United States. San Juan is also the second-oldest European-established city in the Americas, second only to Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic. Juan Ponce de Leon founded the city in 1508.
NOV 18 2008
A Trip Opening BlogWelcome to beautiful and warm Puerto Rico. This will be the first of many blogs from the island. Yes, we left Blacksburg at 4:22 a.m., on Tuesday en route to Roanoke and our flight to Atlanta and then on to San Juan. It was cold, snowy and icy as we got on the bus, but, to say the weather is a little different here would be quite the understatement. When we left the terminal at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, we were hit with it; humidity. For those keeping track, its 82 degrees and partly cloudy at the airport as of 4:21 p.m., AST. It was a short night for many people following the 8 p.m. tip-off for the win over Mount St. Mary's. Many worked through the night and right on through the day. We checked into the Condado Plaza Beach Resort about 3:15 p.m. local time and all went smoothly. The team has a little free time this afternoon and will reconvene for a team meal at 7 p.m., followed by study hall and a film session. On first glance, this is a top-notch resort. We'll write more about it in coming blogs. Some of the other topics we will likely hit on will be the study halls, the make-up of the tournament, the new coliseum here in San Juan and the homecoming of A.D. Vassallo and Victor Davila. I will cut it short here and try and get my first sleep, nap actually, since Sunday night. When we were in Anchorage last year, I tried to throw in some "fun facts" and I thought I'd do it again this season. I mentioned Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. The facility was named for Puerto Rico's first democratically elected governor. Check back tonight for a day one wrap-up from San Juan.
