Indiana Fever

Some friends and I went to a Indiana Fever game a couple of days ago. It was a new experience for me because I have never been to one before and I was told they are very good this year. The Fever was playing Phoenix, it was a very exciting game. Our seats were on the floor at half court. I got to hear and see everything. The game was exciting but it got 10 x's better when Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi got very aggressive with each other. I got really into the game then. Those two are very good. Diana at the end of the game just couldnt miss and they pulled away with a victory. My friends had to hold me back cause i was so into it that i almost went out on the floor. I never had a thought about the WNBA before, except when Lisa Leslie dunked the ball, which is one of my favorite dunks of all time, but if they play like that i would love to go to the games all the time. Im not a fan of watching it on tv, but i dont watch even mens basketball on tv that much. I would definitely go to all home games that i can go to. I got the chance to meet the Seattle Storm and couple of the Fever girls a couple of nights ago. They were all cool as heck, it was my pleasure to be in the same room and just converse with those ladies, who are living out their dream doing what i hope to do next year, play professional basketball. I had a good time. Ron Artest was also there with his wife and i got to say hi to him, he is a nice guy. Here's a link to a photo of me at the game. http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l243/yardbarker/OdenWNBA-1.jpg

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Comments (69)

DRAFTODEN said June 17, 2007

I cant watch more then 2 mins of a wnba game, I tired before but its just impossible. I betting your getting geared up for your workout in a couple days here in portland, hope to see you around town, you staying downtown?
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- bird33 replied June 19, 2007
  
  Were you able to make it through more than 2 mins of last week's sucky NBA finals?
DRAFTODEN said June 17, 2007

check out the blazers website greg. over 90% of the city voted for you over durant. Thats got to feal really good
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davidkr said June 17, 2007

Hey Greg,
My comments are more about your trip to Portland this week. After reading the Oregon newspaper this morning and finding out you have your own Blog, I feel compelled to reach out to you. As an avid Buckeye Fan, we are excited and welcome you to our City this week.
You mentioned wanting to meet the community. Nothing would be better than saying hi to all the local alums of OSU that live in Portland. There were over 100+ of us watching you and the rest of the Bucks during the final game at the local Ohio State Backer Bar, downtown Portland, called City Grill.
Let us know if you are interested in meeting local Buckeye's. We'd love to have you join us as a fan of Ohio State. Remeber, the Buckeye's play in Seattle this year against the Washington Huskies, on September 15....we'll all be there.
If our paths don't cross, I wish you luck my friend. I appreciate your attitude and your ability to stay grounded. Enjoy Portland, it's a great city.
David Kriska
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11warriors said June 17, 2007

Greg,
You gonna take up competitive go-kart racing after your NBA days (link below)? Seriously, thanks for all you did to continue the rebirth of buckeye basketball. Buckeye Nation will always be grateful you chose OSU.
http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2007/05/hoops-nugs-oden-overload-edition.html
Chris
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YouGotOdenated said June 17, 2007

1. If you could be any kind of barnyard animal, which one would you be?
2. Why was six scared of seven? Because seven eight nine.
3. Did Mark Titus really throw down on you during his first practice with the Buckeyes?
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- gregoden replied June 20, 2007
  
  keller what the heck are u talking about
  - YouGotOdenated replied June 20, 2007
    
    I'm just asking the questions people want to know, that's all.
    - YouGotOdenated replied June 20, 2007
      
      ps - Your airplane pictures are ridiculous hahaha.
Nattyc30 said June 17, 2007

11 days until the draft...I'm so excited. Good luck, I hope you get picked #1
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Nattyc30 said June 17, 2007

11 days until the draft...I'm so excited. Good luck, I hope you get picked #1
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FakeDurant said June 17, 2007

YEAH THEY MAY BE GOOD BUT I'D LIKE TO SEE THEM TRY TO DEFEND K SMOOVE!!! I WOULD DUNK ON THEIR HEADS AND SHOOT TREY IN THEIR FACES!!!!
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- whitejordan32 replied June 18, 2007
  
  For shizzle
  - FakeDurant replied June 19, 2007
    
    SERIOUSLY ILL BE GETTING DUNK NASTY ON DEM!!! WHO DOES RUTH RILEY THINK SHE IS???
    - bird33 replied June 19, 2007
      
      I didn't see you get too nasty in the NCAA tourney against da men.
- bird33 replied June 19, 2007
  
  Did you say 'treys?"
  Can you say "2-13" in the NCAA tourney?
- bird33 replied June 19, 2007
  
  But seriously...you're a fun guy to watch and I know you'll eventually be good in the NBA (after the veterans take you down a notch or two :)
  - da1prophet replied June 21, 2007
    
    Nice that he can throw some praise to a guy that the Celtics tanked the 2nd half of the season to have a shot at drafting....at least Boston has Sebastian Telfair ; )
Blazermark said June 18, 2007

Well Greg, I own a Roy Jersey, am getting an Aldridge, when will we know what your new # is going to be? 90 makes sense for G.O. AND did you know that the name of the father of all gods is Odin? I wonder if we can link this with some type of nick name. Lord of swat, or the BasketBall God. I dont know.....we still have some time to work on it. In Portland, we are big on nicknaming our players. Glide, Z-Bo, Hollywood, Uncle Cliffy, Vanilla Gorilla, Spanish Chocolate, etc. . .
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- rnpeters replied June 18, 2007
  
  Yea, I realized that Odin thing too. I recognized it from british literature in highschool. Greg's nickname has to do something with that.
- RandallEl replied June 19, 2007
  
  You can call him The Odenator, SWAT Team Captain... come on, help me with some more.
- gregoden replied June 20, 2007
  
  i like g.o.
  - RandallEl replied June 20, 2007
    
    When you block Kobe next year, give him the thumbs down.
    - da1prophet replied June 21, 2007
      
      That would be hilarious....sort of a signature move like Mutumbo's finger wag...
ginhead2001 said June 18, 2007

Any game with Taurasi in it is going to be fun. She's the most exciting playa, and the only reason I watch women's basketball. If she were a dude, everyone would know her name.
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goodluckstrday said June 18, 2007

I've never been to a WNBA game or so much as watched a WNBA game, but since the Pacers probably won't be much to watch for a while and the Fever are supposed to be prime championship material, I've been thinking about heading over to Conseco Fieldhouse to check them out. I just need to find some friends who'd be down in trying out a WNBA game, which will probably be the hardest part.

I really enjoy the blog by the way. As someone who's a lifelong Hoosiers fan, you sure made it difficult to stay focused on them last season and I fear the same when you're not wearing a Pacers jersey next year. Best of luck.
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- bird33 replied June 19, 2007
  
  You should check it out. Not every WNBA game is exciting, but not every NBA is exciting either...if you watched any of the NBA Finals, you know what I mean.
blazerfever007 said June 18, 2007

Greg, i really enjoyed watching you during this last season. I am excited for you to have the opportunity to play in the NBA. I am really hoping that you will be the #1 pick for Portland. I have also listened to you and read in your blog, and I am proud of the way that you compose yourself. I am thankful for you being a great role model to follow. Remember those who have helped get u where u are today. Don't let the $ ruin who you are. Just be yourself. Enjoy your time in Portland this week. Hope you love the rose city and all the passionate friendly blazer fans.
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MetsRuleNY said June 18, 2007

Tamika Catchings is freakishly good, and a tireless defender. Taurasi is amazing when she's on -- and also so much fun to hear mic'd up. She's a joker. Greg - glad you had such a good time. You need to check out Armintie Price, the Chicago Sky's rookie. She's a little rough, like a pitcher who throws wild, but she can move so fast -- and she can JUMP - well, you have to SEE her. She's pretty special.
Hey Goodluckstrday - you can totally go to a game alone. Most people are very friendly and love to talk about the game with their 'neighbors.' If you're into it, the people around you will chat with you and you'll have a great time. You can ask questions about who's who on the floor - they'll help you out. Lots of people I know have made a lot of friends at the games - it sounds lame, I know, but I guess it's just like if you went to a baseball game and sat in the same upper deck seats all the time -- you'd get to know the people around you. Here, you can do that right away if you want.
Anyway, it's cheap - if you hate it, you can leave, and you'd be out $10-20, max.
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juan23rod said June 18, 2007

where are you going for lunch or dinner when you come to portland so I can meet you. That would be awsome!
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nwjuggalo said June 18, 2007

The WNBA definitely doesn't get the respect it deserves--the athletes of that league play a more pure form of the game than a lot of their NBA counterparts, which is why it is probably not as entertaining for some to watch. There definitely does need to be more TV time for the WNBA--the summer is a boring time for basketball fans.
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fulch211 said June 18, 2007

Greg, do you have a crush on any of the WNBA players? Be honest!
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- gregoden replied June 20, 2007
  
  a couple of them are cute and i would to meet them
  - fulch211 replied June 20, 2007
    
    Not naming any names?
KG4MVP said June 18, 2007

FYI: The name Odin is not from British literature. He was the Norse (German/Swede/Icelandic) god of many things including wisdom, war, battle and death. He sacrificed one of his eyes to Mirmir to drink from his well and gain the wisdom of the ages. One of the best translations of his name is Sigfodr which means
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newmster said June 18, 2007

Yeah...i'm from indiana and i think tamika is easily the best player in the WNBA. She can do everything:rebound,defend, and oh yeah...score. She would probably put up a good fight against some NBA players.
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Baaaaarry said June 18, 2007

HEY GREG, what do you think about the idea of having 11-foot rims???

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003747066_elevenfoot14.html?syndication=rss
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twinsfan007 said June 18, 2007

ODEN! good luck in the draft, what city are you most looking forward to play in?
That sounded like a fun trip.
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blazers2285 said June 18, 2007

DEAR GREG, I am not a huge fan of the wnba, not that I don't respect women playing ball because I do however, I just can't seem to get excited about them on TV. I do understand that any competitive game can become very exciting in person however. I keep hearing people knock on you because you don't act with extreme emotion when you play. It seems to me if you are getting held back from running on to that floor in a wnba game that you do show emotion in fact and that maybe you show more emotion than people give you credit for. Also I am so excited for you to come to Portland, I listened to your interview with Jason Quick and your comment at the end had me laughing my A** off. You seem like such a nice guy and it is so strange to me knowing that your only 19 and going to the NBA. I am 22 at the time and feel that if by some reason I made it to the NBA (yea right) that I would have a hard time adjusting. However, greg you seem extremely wholesome and have a great character. I hope to see you with a Blazer hat ontop your head on the 28th. Best of luck, Greg. Hope you love our city.
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BlazerChris said June 18, 2007

Ron Artest is a nice guy until you refuse to make him dinner.
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- RandallEl replied June 19, 2007
  
  Or if you heckle him...
  - gregoden replied June 20, 2007
    
    well nobody likes being heckled or getting beer thrown on them, and he might have been really hungry
    - da1prophet replied June 21, 2007
      
      FYI, Portland has the best microbreweries in the country. So if you get beer thrown on you there it's *real good* beer ; )
rmfluzon said June 19, 2007

Hey Greg, good luck in the NBA. I'm a HUGE Spurs fan (and of course being from Texas a huge Longhorn and Kevin Durant fan), and I'm excited that the Western Conf. is about to get EVEN MORE competitive with you and Durant coming in. If you do go to Portland, say hi to LeMarcus from all us Longhorn alums in Austin, and good luck when you face up against T Dunc and the Spurs, you'll need it! : )
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CrisAgent23 said June 19, 2007

You're a converted WNBA fan now, Cool! Any chance you're going to attend the 07 WNBA All Star Game here in D.C., July 16, 2007? I know the Buckeyes fans have support for you. But so does the Nation's Capitol. Good luck with the Blazers this upcoming season!
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bird33 said June 19, 2007

I'm a WNBA fan and I can tell you that the game has definitely gotten better. The league still has plenty of room to grow and improve, but I'm confident it'll get there. They've had to try to forge a path with very little exposure and support from the media (in particular, male-dominated sports talk shows).
Even though the Fever are one of the best teams in the WNBA (and Catchings is arguably the best player), they get rather poor fan support, compared to other teams in the league. Maybe Indiana fans just haven't gotten over that painful Pacers season yet.
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bwestin said June 19, 2007

Just wait until they lower the goals a little, then we'll see how exciting the WNBA is to watch. They've got to do it sooner or later...it only makes sense. The ball is smaller to cater to women's hand size, the jerseys are tailored with a feminine touch, so why not lower the goal? Duh! What do you think?
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- bird33 replied June 19, 2007
  
  Mmm, that's actually a tough one. Do you wait another two or three years for the women to catch up to play at that next level of dunking or do you lower the standards in the hopes of luring more male fans? At this point I'm leaning towards just letting the game mature at it's own rate (especially since the men are now talking about raising the rim to 11 feet). But...if they did lower the rims, it wouldn't have to be by much...probably 4-6 inches.
  - bwestin replied June 19, 2007
    
    Level of dunking? The majority of these women grew up playing with guys, and continue to play against them during the offseason. Build it and they will come...lower it and they will adjust. Besides, this is PRO basketball if they can't cut it, then they'll get cut. Maybe I'm a little impatient but I truly believe the time is now.
  - bwestin replied June 19, 2007
    
    Level of dunking? The majority of these women grew up playing with guys, and continue to play against them during the offseason. Build it and they will come...lower it and they will adjust. Besides, this is PRO basketball if they can't cut it, then they'll get cut. Maybe I'm a little impatient but I truly believe the time is now.
  - bwestin replied June 19, 2007
    
    Level of dunking? The majority of these women grew up playing with guys, and continue to play against them during the offseason. Build it and they will come...lower it and they will adjust. Besides, this is PRO basketball if they can't cut it, then they'll get cut. Maybe I'm a little impatient but I truly believe the time is now.
chunder said June 19, 2007

Hey Greg...if you have time and Internet access, you should listen to Chad Ford's interview of Kevin Pritchard on his ESPN podcast before your workout. Good luck man.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?context=podcast&id=2909074#
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tpinon said June 20, 2007

hey greg... i played college ball... but it's hard for me to watch women's basketball... enjoy men's way better... it does get rough... women can get really fiesty in there! pull hair, punch boobs... real little bitches... ha. I never did that, but i experienced it once. My revenge was the W.

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ratbear said June 20, 2007

Sue Bird is a 10.
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HeavyMetal said June 20, 2007

The Kevin Durant imposter is pretty weird
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bucknut said June 20, 2007

Glad to see your still enjoying your time! Keep up the great work!!
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odenformvp said June 21, 2007

Hey Greg, I was just wondering who you are most looking forward to play with in the NBA.
I wish you luck in the pros! Please write me back.
THANKS A LOT!
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- da1prophet replied June 21, 2007
  
  Brandon Roy, maybe? ; ) With all due respect to the brutally talented Kevin Durant, the thought of Greg rollin' out on the floor of the Rose Garden in Blazers garb sounds almost too good to be true....
da1prophet said June 21, 2007

It would be sort of funny on draft day to hear "With the first pick in the draft the Portland Trailblazers select Spencer Hawes....KIDDING!!! We take Oden"...
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fr0arenas said June 21, 2007

LMAO! that was funny da1prophet. Spencer Hawes is going to be nothing more than a rich man's Robert Swift. and you see how good he is. Anyway, again GREG much blessings and success to a bright future ahead!
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fr0arenas said June 21, 2007

LMAO! that was funny da1prophet. Spencer Hawes is going to be nothing more than a rich man's Robert Swift. and you see how good he is. Anyway, again GREG much blessings and success to a bright future ahead!
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Kwaddell said June 21, 2007

I couldnt hardly get into the gym yesterday because of all the people outside for your workout.
(its across the street).
I managed to get in and saw you signing some autographs on my way out - I told my wife that you were going to be a perfect fit for Portland not only because of your skills on the court but off the court as well.
Wont be long until we see a lot more of you around Portland.
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DRAFTODEN said June 22, 2007

Hey greg I was real happy your physical came out good. All these reports were getting me a little worried but I knew it was just people blowing smoke! I heard the physical was like 6 hours that must of really sucked! Dont worry if you think you didnt have a great workout, it doesnt matter they know what you can do on the court, they just wanted to push you hard and see how you would respond, and they just wanted to see how good of a guy you were off the court and from all reports you passed with flying colors! Welcome to portland its in the bag!!!!
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Rosecity07 said June 22, 2007

Hey Greg, man I really hope Portland drafts you. We've had some really cool centers in our history, Bill Walton, Sabonis, and now maybe you. Portland is a really cool city, are malls are really nice, downtown area is really cool. You probably will like the Pearl Distric a lot. Next time you come here ask about a restaurant called PF Changs. The food is exellent, it's in the nicest part of downtown Portland. I even read Jarret Jack goes there a lot. There food is very fresh, and the whole restaurant is very modernized and has cool lighting to put you in a good mood. Portland fans are going to adore you. Alright man have a good day.
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why5th said June 22, 2007

great picture on ESPN! I love the suit
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CHINESEfabio said June 23, 2007

ive been to atleast 50 wnba games

REAL TALK
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jsuns1 said June 23, 2007

Hi Greg,
I'm a huge Suns fan, and have been closely following them for 3-4 years even though I live in Dallas. I've been following your college play, and must say that I've normally only made time to follow 1 team. But with you and Kevin entering the nba, I'm very exciting about seeing how well you both do. The basketball thing that stands out about you, the way you can move as a 7 footer. I never saw Wilt play, but I think only Amare, Garnett, and Howard (other big men, but not 7 footers) move like that. (and look what they've done :-) My question, did you have to play and play to improve your ability to move as a big man, or have you always been so athletic. Your blocks are as exciting as Amare's dunks!
Good luck to you
Jsuns1
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insanehandelz said June 25, 2007

I read that you had a face book a while back i don't want to be an annoying fan but id want a friend request from you if you still have facebook i'm not gonna bother u i just wanna be updated more often on what is goin on with you. My name on facebook is Zach Thomann not Thoman that is differen't guy.

PS: Good luck in the draft i don't know where you wan't to go personally but I hope you end up there and I hope you succeed as an NBA center.
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Scrapper1 said May 31, 2009

hey Greg,who do you think are the top 5 greatest rappers of all time?
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Indiana Fever

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