Who's the king of the court?

A couple friends and I were sitting around this weekend, somewhat depressed the Diamond 'Dogs weren't back in the Super Regionals, and a little excited the preseason football mags are out.

Then we got to talking about Rafer Alston (aka Skip to My Lou), the Rucker Park streetball legend turned Fresno State point guard under Jerry Tarkanian. Much of the talk on local TV news this week has been how Alston is the first former Bulldog to play in the NBA Finals, as he's starting for the Orlando Magic against the Lakers. (Note: While he didn't play in the Finals, Melvin Ely is proud owner of a championship ring with the San Antonio Spurs a couple years ago).

The question is this:

Which former Fresno State star has had the best NBA career?

--Rafer Alston

--Ron Anderson

--Rod Higgins

--Melvin Ely

--Dominic McGuire

--Courtney Alexander

--Other

Ely Elaborates...and so does a 'Dog fan

Talking with Melvin Ely over his college years, I never got the sense he'd be on the cutting edge of the blogosphere. But after reading his first two attempts on the New Orleans Hornet's site, I sent an e-mail to some pals calling it "the greatest blog of all-time."

OK, OK, I might have used a smidgen of hyperbole there, but there is no doubt the Ely Elaborates blog is filled with greatness. For any of you who grew up admiring Ely on the court for Jerry Tarkanian and Fresno State, took your own children or grandchildren to see Big Mel or have ever spoken with the guy, you'll understand why Ely doing anything is great.

To this day I remember what I consider the greatest single game in Fresno State hoops history -- Ely's 32 points, 16 rebounds and 9 blocks against Tulsa. This from the same dude who won two straight WAC Player of the Year honors while riding a bicycle around campus because he didn't have a car. Travel the nation and find another future NBA lottery pick who does that...I won't hold my breath.

Fresno State hoops faithful Brian Archer commented on the latest Ely blog, and he couldn't be more right when he said:

"I am a big fan of yours, all the way back to your playing days at Fresno State.
You are my all-time favorite b-ball player, college and pro. Still waiting for
them to retire your number!!! I don't know what is taking them so long. That
will be a great day. You represented us so well and we really appreciate that. I
know the rest of the Bulldog fans feel the same way."

Fun fact: Big Mel wrote that he named two of his five pet snakes Mel and Lil' Mel...well tack one more on the list my friend, my cat Melvin says hello.

Merry Christmas Bulldog Bouncers!

First, let me start off by wishing all the readers a very Merry Christmas. Hope you all had a fantastic holiday with your loved ones. In addition, hope Santa was very kind to you. Here's a list of a sleigh full of gifts I'd like to see some of those in Fresno State athletics receive:

To: Tom Brandstater
We, the Red Wave, hereby revoke all boos you ever encountered. We had some good times and tough times together, but you're still a Bulldog QB, and that should forever entrench you into our hearts for being the team's leader and one tough son-of-a-gun. And please know this Tommy B., many of us never, ever booed you, and in fact got quite upset when we heard the minority of fans who did. So Merry Christmas Turlock Tom. Your Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred card lasts forever!

To: Pat Hill
A time machine and a reminder. The time machine would allow our great coach to travel back to 1997, his first year, through 2005. All during those years Hill couldn't stand excuses. He was no-nonsense and never made them. He was all about proving it on the field and answering to the critics if his team fell short of those goals. We, the Red Wave, want that attitude back Coach Hill. And the reminder we'd like to give you, there are plenty of us out here who are standing true to you and arguing tooth and nail with anyone who says you can't get the job done. Some of us are the ones who have gotten a close look at the inner-workings of the program and have built up some insight. And we continue to believe in and support you Coach. Pat Hill is Fresno State!

To: 2008 Diamond 'Dogs
A big, giant hug. All the great words in Paul Loeffler's book, the great sounds on the DVD set, the T-shirt and hat sales at the Bulldog Shop, the parade and the ceremony at Beiden Field cannot even begin to explain just how special the 2008 season was to those of us who've followed and attended Fresno State baseball our entire lives. Or even those who have had season tickets for a decade or more. Your Bulldog spirit, fight, fun charisma and effort are what makes being a Fresno State student, alum or fan so unique to the college sports landscape. Justin Wilson said it best. No, we are not Cinderella. We are Bulldogs.

To: Steve Cleveland
All our support and some Bulldogs history lessons. We know you're fighting an uphill battle Coach Cleve. But many of us are confident you're winning that battle. Many of us are stoked about the young kids you've brought in like Paul George, Mychal Ladd, Bryce Cartwright and Ned Golubovich. And many of us are so glad you were able to convey the meaningful difference a hometown guy like Greg Smith can make by choosing the Valley's university. We'll be at the Save Mart Center night in and night out yelling as long as the lights are on. And we'll get anyone we can to join us. In the meantime coach, please accept our advice to make darn sure every young man who puts on that Bulldog Red uniform understands the history and tradition of Fresno State basketball. Make sure they know Boyd Grant, Rod Higgins, Ron Anderson, Tyrone Bradley, the Bookend Forwards, Grant's Tomb, Tark, Melvin Ely, Chris Herren, Rafer Alston, Meechie, T-Robe, Courtney Alexander, etc. Make sure they understand where Fresno State basketball has been on the national scene, so they are confident they can get back there and give it a cleaner image this time. Make sure it means something to be a 'Dog!