Keeping in pace with my Alexi Lalas story and blog (see below, "Talking futbol with Alexi Lalas), I’d be remiss to leave out some extra tidbits from my interview with Gregory Kelser that didn’t make it into the story about his expanding basketball camp.
Kelser, the former Michigan State basketball star and current Pistons TV broadcaster, was also very kind to not only have a lengthy chat with me, but especially to do so in person.
So here’s a few extra items from the local hoops legend from our sit-down interview a few weeks ago.
First and foremost, Kelser described why he enjoys putting on youth basketball camps so much, to the point that he’s expanding them from West Bloomfield to Grosse Pointe.
“It’s great. It’s gratifying to see youngsters come in, … see them improving,” Kelser said. “That’s the thing we hope for — that they’ll be better on Friday at the end of camp than they were on Monday. Hopefully, they will have learned something that they can take and continue to develop, as far as basketball is concerned.
“But we also hope we change some attitudes and some mindsets, too,” he continued. “We’ve planted some seeds that will cause them to maybe want to do things differently, to help their own personal growth, on the court and off the court — educationally. It’s always a little bit melancholy when it’s time to let them go.
“One of the biggest thrills I get is when I have youngsters, later on — now adults — tell me that they attended my basketball camps,” Kelser said. “And it’s always interesting to have them come up to me and say: ‘I remember this, you said that, and it had impact. I just want to thank you.’ I get that a lot.”
Now on to the fun extras. I spoke with Kelser during the NBA Conference finals. Back then, he had these thoughts on the eventual champion L.A. Lakers and the runner-up Boston Celtics.
“I’m surprised to see Boston play as well as they played, after an inconsistent regular season,” he said. “It’s a testament to the championship spirit of veteran ball players.
The Lakers look as good as they have ever looked, looking to be a factor in the championship quest.”
The where-will-LeBron James-go? saga was just as big then as it is now, while I’m writing this, so I asked Kelser his thoughts on where the superstar will end up.
“I’ve always felt that he would stay in Cleveland, but now when you hear all this talk that he’s interested in Miami, Chicago — New York, of course — I’m not so sure where he’s going to end up.
“It’s not about money with him, because he’s going to make his greatest fortune off the floor anyway. So he can be anywhere and do well financially. I think for him, it’s just a matter of where he feels his best chance to win a championship might be.
“If he wants to be compared to the greatest of all time, those players got to their initial teams, stayed there and made them champions. Bill Russell with his 11 championships in one city, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson with his five in one city, Jordan with his six in one city. Kobe now with the Lakers (up to five after the recent finals win over Boston), Tim Duncan … all these guys stayed and got it done there.
“One thing, if LeBron were to go and hook up with Dwayne Wade in Miami, than it’s not so much his team and his championship. He had to leave to try and find it, as opposed to making it happen where he was drafted. That’s the only difference that I would see.
“I envision him winning championships before his career is over, it’s just a matter of where I guess.”
Onto the current state of the Pistons, largely in flux with the upcoming NBA Draft (June 24) and impending free agency period (begins July 1).
“I have a lot of faith in Joe Dumars, because he’s done this before. This team is in similar position as the 2000-01 team that it won 32 games and looked to be nowhere close to the playoffs. Then they hired Rick Carlisle, win 50 games and get to the second round of the playoffs. Next year, they win 50 more and get to the conference finals, and then the championship after that.
“So that was a quick turnaround. I’m envisioning that they can possibly have another one. I think the key thing will be the two or three players that Joe is able to add. That was the recipe back then. So you had the pieces in place, you just had to augment the roster with some veterans and some youth, and they did that. And they’ll try and do the same thing this time, through the draft with the youth, free agency with the experience and trades as well.
“So I’m looking for them to be back in the playoff picture. I don’t see this as being a lengthy project.”
Finally, I asked Kelser about how proud he was of his Spartans men’s basketball team’s recent run of success and what his plans were had they made it to the final this past season. Mind you, this took place before Tom Izzo’s courting by the Cavaliers.
“I’m so thrilled to see them getting there; Tom Izzo is a genius. Even with the odds they faced, playing without Kalin Lucas, some of the other guys injured, they got there. It’s very exciting, heartbreaking at the end. I was in Atlanta when the Spartans lost to Butler doing a Pistons game. I had a little monitor to the side. It took all of my professionalism to get through my game — all that I could muster to maintain my upbeat demeanor to finish my game after watching the Spartans lose. I would have been in Indianapolis had it not been for my Pistons responsibility.”
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Talking futbol with Alexi Lalas
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking with former American soccer star and current ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas.
I say “privilege,” because growing up as a soccer player and fan in the area myself, it was pretty cool to talk with the Birmingham native and Cranbrook graduate.
But the experience was made all the more memorable thanks to Lalas talking to me at length about a wide range of soccer topics — something, unfortunately, uncommon these days when dealing with any level of celebrity.
We spoke so much that some of his comments didn’t even make it to the published story, so I’ve included them here, along with some additional stuff from a conversation I had with Lalas’ high school coach at Cranbrook — Charles T. Shaw.
With the FIFA 2010 World Cup well under way, and Lalas earning his pay with ESPN in South Africa, I thought this nugget was appropriate.
I asked him about attempting to appear unbiased as an analyst when talking about the U.S. squad.
He responded that he had “no problem saying ‘we.’”
“I think it’s important for people to know — especially given my background — it is my team, but I have to be objective. When they play well, I point it out. When they don’t, I can criticize.”
Speaking of criticism for the U.S. team, Lalas promised there would be plenty if it doesn’t advance past the group stage, thanks to the team’s recent international success.
“What’s happened on and off the field as far as progress, it’s created higher expectations — that’s a good thing,” he said. “If the U.S. doesn’t advance, it’ll be viewed as not only disappointing, but a failure. But again, that’s a good thing.”
Lalas is also not afraid to stand up for his old school and neighborhood, as well.
While he doesn’t have a lot of family in the area anymore, he gets back to Cranbrook and metro Detroit when he can, and is thankful for his time growing up here.
“I spent some incredible years there,” Lalas said about the area and school. “Even though soccer took me far and wide, the fact is that is where I started playing soccer and learned to play soccer. It’s also where I got an education, which I feel has served me so well as I’ve gone on in life. I can’t say enough about how important it was the time I spent in Cranbrook and the area.”
He was also quick to stand up for the state and city of Detroit.
“I know it’s going through some trying times; I’m always the first to stick up for Michigan and Detroit and the people. Those are the people I grew up with. If any area can rejuvenate itself and get back to where it once was, it’s Michigan, especially the Detroit area.”
On to some quick Q&A with coach Shaw from Cranbrook.
Q: Did you ever have an inkling that Lalas would go on to have the type of success he’s enjoyed on and off the field professionally?
A: Alexi’s evolution is not really surprising, given the abundance of talents he has. As a high school student, he was already the leader of a very successful band, a writer of poetry and a commanding speaker. He has a razor sharp wit, but also an incredible sensitivity.
Q: Did his personality at Cranbrook ever resemble that of a future TV personality?
A: Alexi loved our talent shows and any opportunity to speak publicly.
Q: We know he also excelled in hockey and has pursued other interests, such as music. What kind of work ethic did he display at Cranbrook to lead him to be so versatile and talented?
A: Alexi was always extremely busy, just not always busy with conventional school successes. His real passion was putting everything together — guitar, soccer, song writing. He often spent evenings on the soccer field playing, singing and composing.
Q: As a soccer coach in the 1980’s, did you ever expect soccer to grow in the United States as it has over the past couple decades?
A: I am not surprised at the proliferation of the fan base. TV has to find it a friendlier sport.
Q: Lastly, do you have any funny or interesting stories about Alexi from his playing days at Cranbrook?
A: Perhaps the most colorful side to Alexi was his car, which basically served as a soccer locker room, a bedroom, kitchen and music studio.
Lalas did, after all, say something to me about growing up dreaming about being Bon Jovi rather than a soccer star. I’m glad, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that he chose the beautiful game. We’ll try and get a hold of him again to ask him about his car, his stance as a music lover about the humming Vuvuzela horns of South Africa and, of course, the World Cup.
So check back later, and until then, enjoy the rest of the tournament.
I say “privilege,” because growing up as a soccer player and fan in the area myself, it was pretty cool to talk with the Birmingham native and Cranbrook graduate.
But the experience was made all the more memorable thanks to Lalas talking to me at length about a wide range of soccer topics — something, unfortunately, uncommon these days when dealing with any level of celebrity.
We spoke so much that some of his comments didn’t even make it to the published story, so I’ve included them here, along with some additional stuff from a conversation I had with Lalas’ high school coach at Cranbrook — Charles T. Shaw.
With the FIFA 2010 World Cup well under way, and Lalas earning his pay with ESPN in South Africa, I thought this nugget was appropriate.
I asked him about attempting to appear unbiased as an analyst when talking about the U.S. squad.
He responded that he had “no problem saying ‘we.’”
“I think it’s important for people to know — especially given my background — it is my team, but I have to be objective. When they play well, I point it out. When they don’t, I can criticize.”
Speaking of criticism for the U.S. team, Lalas promised there would be plenty if it doesn’t advance past the group stage, thanks to the team’s recent international success.
“What’s happened on and off the field as far as progress, it’s created higher expectations — that’s a good thing,” he said. “If the U.S. doesn’t advance, it’ll be viewed as not only disappointing, but a failure. But again, that’s a good thing.”
Lalas is also not afraid to stand up for his old school and neighborhood, as well.
While he doesn’t have a lot of family in the area anymore, he gets back to Cranbrook and metro Detroit when he can, and is thankful for his time growing up here.
“I spent some incredible years there,” Lalas said about the area and school. “Even though soccer took me far and wide, the fact is that is where I started playing soccer and learned to play soccer. It’s also where I got an education, which I feel has served me so well as I’ve gone on in life. I can’t say enough about how important it was the time I spent in Cranbrook and the area.”
He was also quick to stand up for the state and city of Detroit.
“I know it’s going through some trying times; I’m always the first to stick up for Michigan and Detroit and the people. Those are the people I grew up with. If any area can rejuvenate itself and get back to where it once was, it’s Michigan, especially the Detroit area.”
On to some quick Q&A with coach Shaw from Cranbrook.
Q: Did you ever have an inkling that Lalas would go on to have the type of success he’s enjoyed on and off the field professionally?
A: Alexi’s evolution is not really surprising, given the abundance of talents he has. As a high school student, he was already the leader of a very successful band, a writer of poetry and a commanding speaker. He has a razor sharp wit, but also an incredible sensitivity.
Q: Did his personality at Cranbrook ever resemble that of a future TV personality?
A: Alexi loved our talent shows and any opportunity to speak publicly.
Q: We know he also excelled in hockey and has pursued other interests, such as music. What kind of work ethic did he display at Cranbrook to lead him to be so versatile and talented?
A: Alexi was always extremely busy, just not always busy with conventional school successes. His real passion was putting everything together — guitar, soccer, song writing. He often spent evenings on the soccer field playing, singing and composing.
Q: As a soccer coach in the 1980’s, did you ever expect soccer to grow in the United States as it has over the past couple decades?
A: I am not surprised at the proliferation of the fan base. TV has to find it a friendlier sport.
Q: Lastly, do you have any funny or interesting stories about Alexi from his playing days at Cranbrook?
A: Perhaps the most colorful side to Alexi was his car, which basically served as a soccer locker room, a bedroom, kitchen and music studio.
Lalas did, after all, say something to me about growing up dreaming about being Bon Jovi rather than a soccer star. I’m glad, and I’m sure I’m not alone, that he chose the beautiful game. We’ll try and get a hold of him again to ask him about his car, his stance as a music lover about the humming Vuvuzela horns of South Africa and, of course, the World Cup.
So check back later, and until then, enjoy the rest of the tournament.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Be cool, stay in school
May 8 is the NCAA deadline for underclassmen who have declared for the NBA draft (and haven’t yet hired an agent) to withdraw their names and return for another year of college ball.
Oakland University junior Keith Benson, a Farmington Hills native who prepped at Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day, doesn’t have to worry about making any last-minute decisions.
Benson, who declared (and wisely didn’t hire an agent) April 16, withdrew his name April 30 after a routine medical exam revealed that he needs surgery to strengthen a ligament in his thumb, according to a statement released by Oakland.
So rather than risk further injury to his thumb (and avoid scaring off teams potentially interested in drafting him), Benson is going to get fixed up and return to school.
That’s a smart decision.
Had he opted to get the surgery and remain in the draft, Benson would have missed crucial time to attend draft workouts and the lot.
That would have been a bad decision.
Benson definitely has a professional career ahead of him, but you only get one shot to be a first-round pick in the NBA (and sign a lucrative, long-term contract).
Remaining at Oakland and working on his game and his strength should only improve on his projected positioning from a borderline first-round/second-round pick.
The 6-foot-11 athletic center was named The Summit League Player of the Year and Lou Henson Mid-Major Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com this past junior season.
He was an absolute terror in the paint for opponents, leading the league in double-doubles (18) and setting single-season school records with 367 rebounds and 117 blocked shots - also league highs.
Benson helped lead the Grizzlies to the Summit League regular season and conference tournament titles and back into the NCAA Tournament.
He certainly made an impression on Oakland’s dance partner, the Pittsburgh Panthers, who game-planned around making Benson uncomfortable in the teams’ first-round pairing.
After the game, Pitt coach Jamie Dixon talked about how impressed he was by seeing Benson play in person, noting his rare combination of soft hands and athleticism.
Benson ended up leaving a significant imprint on the stat sheet as well, scoring a game-high 28 points while also recording nine rebounds.
But many of his points came from just outside the paint on jump shots and from the free-throw line. Proving that he can really assert himself in the post will help his draft stock. Benson needs to work on his strength, something he’s said he plans on doing. You’ve got to be durable to survive in the NBA.
As for the surgery, Benson should be in good hands (Ha — get it? Thumb joke!). According to Oakland, his plan was to travel to Baltimore for the procedure to be performed by the same hand surgeon who operated on Shaquille O’Neal and several other NBA players. He should be back working out in a month or two.
So — two thumbs up for Keith Benson (even if he can only use one), who by the way recently received his bachelor’s degree from OU in integrative studies and will further his education with grad courses in architectural studies in the coming academic year.
Maybe he should add a finance course or two into his schedule, because he certainly seems on track to a big payday next summer.
Oakland University junior Keith Benson, a Farmington Hills native who prepped at Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day, doesn’t have to worry about making any last-minute decisions.
Benson, who declared (and wisely didn’t hire an agent) April 16, withdrew his name April 30 after a routine medical exam revealed that he needs surgery to strengthen a ligament in his thumb, according to a statement released by Oakland.
So rather than risk further injury to his thumb (and avoid scaring off teams potentially interested in drafting him), Benson is going to get fixed up and return to school.
That’s a smart decision.
Had he opted to get the surgery and remain in the draft, Benson would have missed crucial time to attend draft workouts and the lot.
That would have been a bad decision.
Benson definitely has a professional career ahead of him, but you only get one shot to be a first-round pick in the NBA (and sign a lucrative, long-term contract).
Remaining at Oakland and working on his game and his strength should only improve on his projected positioning from a borderline first-round/second-round pick.
The 6-foot-11 athletic center was named The Summit League Player of the Year and Lou Henson Mid-Major Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com this past junior season.
He was an absolute terror in the paint for opponents, leading the league in double-doubles (18) and setting single-season school records with 367 rebounds and 117 blocked shots - also league highs.
Benson helped lead the Grizzlies to the Summit League regular season and conference tournament titles and back into the NCAA Tournament.
He certainly made an impression on Oakland’s dance partner, the Pittsburgh Panthers, who game-planned around making Benson uncomfortable in the teams’ first-round pairing.
After the game, Pitt coach Jamie Dixon talked about how impressed he was by seeing Benson play in person, noting his rare combination of soft hands and athleticism.
Benson ended up leaving a significant imprint on the stat sheet as well, scoring a game-high 28 points while also recording nine rebounds.
But many of his points came from just outside the paint on jump shots and from the free-throw line. Proving that he can really assert himself in the post will help his draft stock. Benson needs to work on his strength, something he’s said he plans on doing. You’ve got to be durable to survive in the NBA.
As for the surgery, Benson should be in good hands (Ha — get it? Thumb joke!). According to Oakland, his plan was to travel to Baltimore for the procedure to be performed by the same hand surgeon who operated on Shaquille O’Neal and several other NBA players. He should be back working out in a month or two.
So — two thumbs up for Keith Benson (even if he can only use one), who by the way recently received his bachelor’s degree from OU in integrative studies and will further his education with grad courses in architectural studies in the coming academic year.
Maybe he should add a finance course or two into his schedule, because he certainly seems on track to a big payday next summer.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thinking Spring
“A Macomb County girls soccer team will win a state title in the next five years.”
I wrote that in this blog last year following the Division 1 girls soccer state final in which Utica Eisenhower fell 3-2 in overtime to Portage Central. http://candgnewssports.blogspot.com/2009/07/one-final-thought-from-pitch.html
Well, a few weeks into the spring season of year one and things seem right on track.
The state’s coaches association recently released its early season rankings and Eisenhower debuted at No. 2 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley makes an appearance at No. 8 in Div. 1. http://www.mihisoccer.org/Girlsrankings.htm
The Eagles (1-0-1 overall at press time) and Big Reds (2-0-1) have their work cut out for them entering Macomb Area Conference Red Division action later this week.
http://www.macombmac.misd.net/soccer.htm
The competitive league’s other two Macomb County squads — Utica Stevenson (3-0-0) and Utica Ford II (2-0-1) — were also unbeaten three games into the young season.
All four of the talented squads will continually test each other — along with the division’s other two teams, Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South — preparing them well enough for at least one to make another deep playoff run.
The state tournament itself should pose another set of challenges, as talented local squads such as Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, Utica High, Sterling Heights High, Troy High and Troy Athens are bound to pose big obstacles in districts and regionals.
http://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/GirlsSoccer.aspx
If any of those squads can survive that gauntlet, it should be déjà vu all over again with Portage Central (which returned plenty of players and kicked off the season ranked No. 1) standing in the way of a title and my budding fortuneteller side career.
I wrote that in this blog last year following the Division 1 girls soccer state final in which Utica Eisenhower fell 3-2 in overtime to Portage Central. http://candgnewssports.blogspot.com/2009/07/one-final-thought-from-pitch.html
Well, a few weeks into the spring season of year one and things seem right on track.
The state’s coaches association recently released its early season rankings and Eisenhower debuted at No. 2 and Clinton Township Chippewa Valley makes an appearance at No. 8 in Div. 1. http://www.mihisoccer.org/Girlsrankings.htm
The Eagles (1-0-1 overall at press time) and Big Reds (2-0-1) have their work cut out for them entering Macomb Area Conference Red Division action later this week.
http://www.macombmac.misd.net/soccer.htm
The competitive league’s other two Macomb County squads — Utica Stevenson (3-0-0) and Utica Ford II (2-0-1) — were also unbeaten three games into the young season.
All four of the talented squads will continually test each other — along with the division’s other two teams, Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South — preparing them well enough for at least one to make another deep playoff run.
The state tournament itself should pose another set of challenges, as talented local squads such as Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Fair Haven Anchor Bay, Utica High, Sterling Heights High, Troy High and Troy Athens are bound to pose big obstacles in districts and regionals.
http://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/GirlsSoccer.aspx
If any of those squads can survive that gauntlet, it should be déjà vu all over again with Portage Central (which returned plenty of players and kicked off the season ranked No. 1) standing in the way of a title and my budding fortuneteller side career.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Pilots will miss shooting star
My final works of the winter sports season has been coverage of the top boys basketball players in Macomb County.
But the season wouldn’t be complete before a few final words on one remaining player — regardless of what the calendar says.
There were many talented hoopsters across the Macomb Area Conference and on the private schools’ squads, especially Warren De La Salle. And the Pilots have the most reason to be excited about next season with the majority of their top talents returning.
Yet DLS will be hard-pressed to replace one of the most important pieces from the its run to the Class A state quarterfinals this past season.
Senior shooting guard Jim Novak seemingly came on stronger and stronger all season, building up speed like a rocket blasting off into space. After missing the start of the season with a knee injury and the ensuing recovery, he eventually made his way into the starting lineup and became the spark for the Pilots throughout the playoffs.
His energy and clutch 3-point shooting kept DLS in games and put it ahead in others. He even saved his best performance for last, scoring a team-high 15 points in his final game as a Pilot. Novak hit three 3-pointers in a five-minute span to rally the Pilots back into the quarterfinal before DLS eventually fell to Southfield High.
Southfield defenders became so anxious about keeping Novak from getting a clear look at the basket, they even fouled him on the third trey, knocking him to the ground as the ball swished through the net. Novak jumped up to his feet and coolly hit the free throw awarded to him to convert the rare four-point play.
“He’s got the heart of a lion. He just doesn’t like to lose,” DLS coach Greg Esler said about Novak during the playoffs. “His leadership is tremendous, because he won’t take a second off on a play. He just keeps on fighting and working hard. He might only be 5-8 in statue, but he’s 6-9 as far as the heart — he’s just a heck of a kid.”
Esler didn’t stop there, raining praise down on the senior like Novak’s shots falling in from outside the arc.
“Jimmy’s been a star for us since we inserted him in the lineup,” the coach continued. “He was instrumental. He would not let them quit. He was going to work until the very end, and he found a way all the time. Jimmy Novak was huge to our success the second half of the season, no question about it.”
While Esler has had to replace more talented players in recent years, few have made the all-around impact Novak has on this team, making him a major loss for the Pilots.
And as incredibly exhilarating as his play was on the court, Novak was incredibly humble off it.
Following his impressive shooting performance in the quarterfinal, he simply had this to say: “We just had to get something going, so I shot the ball up and it went in.”
As for the Pilots’ playoff run: “It’s a straight blessing,” he said.
And sitting on the sidelines while recovering from his injury: “It was tough on me mentally, and I wanted to play, of course, as any person would. But I kept on working hard, waiting for my chance and opportunity to come.”
Fortunately for the Pilots, it came — and Novak delivered.
But the season wouldn’t be complete before a few final words on one remaining player — regardless of what the calendar says.
There were many talented hoopsters across the Macomb Area Conference and on the private schools’ squads, especially Warren De La Salle. And the Pilots have the most reason to be excited about next season with the majority of their top talents returning.
Yet DLS will be hard-pressed to replace one of the most important pieces from the its run to the Class A state quarterfinals this past season.
Senior shooting guard Jim Novak seemingly came on stronger and stronger all season, building up speed like a rocket blasting off into space. After missing the start of the season with a knee injury and the ensuing recovery, he eventually made his way into the starting lineup and became the spark for the Pilots throughout the playoffs.
His energy and clutch 3-point shooting kept DLS in games and put it ahead in others. He even saved his best performance for last, scoring a team-high 15 points in his final game as a Pilot. Novak hit three 3-pointers in a five-minute span to rally the Pilots back into the quarterfinal before DLS eventually fell to Southfield High.
Southfield defenders became so anxious about keeping Novak from getting a clear look at the basket, they even fouled him on the third trey, knocking him to the ground as the ball swished through the net. Novak jumped up to his feet and coolly hit the free throw awarded to him to convert the rare four-point play.
“He’s got the heart of a lion. He just doesn’t like to lose,” DLS coach Greg Esler said about Novak during the playoffs. “His leadership is tremendous, because he won’t take a second off on a play. He just keeps on fighting and working hard. He might only be 5-8 in statue, but he’s 6-9 as far as the heart — he’s just a heck of a kid.”
Esler didn’t stop there, raining praise down on the senior like Novak’s shots falling in from outside the arc.
“Jimmy’s been a star for us since we inserted him in the lineup,” the coach continued. “He was instrumental. He would not let them quit. He was going to work until the very end, and he found a way all the time. Jimmy Novak was huge to our success the second half of the season, no question about it.”
While Esler has had to replace more talented players in recent years, few have made the all-around impact Novak has on this team, making him a major loss for the Pilots.
And as incredibly exhilarating as his play was on the court, Novak was incredibly humble off it.
Following his impressive shooting performance in the quarterfinal, he simply had this to say: “We just had to get something going, so I shot the ball up and it went in.”
As for the Pilots’ playoff run: “It’s a straight blessing,” he said.
And sitting on the sidelines while recovering from his injury: “It was tough on me mentally, and I wanted to play, of course, as any person would. But I kept on working hard, waiting for my chance and opportunity to come.”
Fortunately for the Pilots, it came — and Novak delivered.
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