A Bit Off the Ball

Last week, I mentioned TU's epic home game against UTEP. Let's start there with a twist. Instead of a typical breakdown, we'll let movies show the way.

Groundhog Day: Sometimes it is too easy. The Bill Murray comedy stands the test of time. Murray's character wakes each morning to the same song, routine and outcome. It ends everyday with him knowing the next day will be a repeat. At least he had Andie MacDowell (1993 circa) in his sights.

This must be what Golden Hurricane Coach Doug Wojcik feels like. He coaches, teaches and pleads his case. Another slow start is similar to the Ned Ryerson character. Try as you might, you cannot avoid it.

Austin Powers: The first one, of course. When Powers thaws from his cryofreeze, he is faced with saving the world. Powers is a super spy; however, he cannot defeat Dr. Evil alone. He needs the sexy vixen Vanessa Kensington to assist with bringing down the Evil Empire.

Someone needs to fill the Elizabeth Hurley role on TU's basketball team, and do it fast. Ben "Danger" Uzoh's basketball IQ is off the charts. He understands the game and appears to be two steps ahead of everyone else on the court. Sadly, no one else can match his passion, acumen and mojo to date.

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot: You probably don't even remember this movie. Good for you. It was one of Sly Stallone's real stinkers. Even a co-starring a Golden Girl couldn't save this crap fest of a movie.

The title alone could be applied to several members of the Golden Hurricane. No need to call them out, they know who they are.

I've read misplaced vitriol spit toward the offensive game planning of Coach Wojcik. "Stagnant" is one of their catch words.

If Coach Wojcik had a legitimate sharp-shooter, his offense would click. As it is, opposing teams sag like Estelle Getty and dare perimeter players to shoot.

Semi-Pro. Let's close this portion of the column out with a basketball movie reference. Make no mistake about it, Semi-Pro is the worst Will Ferrell movie of all time. Here are a few additional takes from the TU game from this past Saturday.

Someone reeled in the TU band director. Last time I watched him, I was sure we were two games and one missed note away from the first ever strangulation of a drummer. He was subdued during the UTEP game. Almost like someone gave him Zoloft, or reminded him it's just a basketball game.

Love the new tradition being started by game emcee Chuck Stikl. Stikl, of course, daylights as Chuck "The Sports Guy" on 104.5 The Edge.

Baseball has the rally cap. Football has the towel wave, and now TU has the basketball under your shirt. The dedication he showed is to be applauded. No chance a mere mortal could have revved up the crowd for close to three hours with a basketball under their No. 55 jersey. Kudos to him.

Moving right along, Tulsa Shock Head Coach Nolan Richardson was at the game promoting his book, "Forty Minutes of Hell."

During a break in the action, Richardson grabbed the microphone. He encouraged fans to purchase tickets to the Conference USA tournament. He also persuaded basketball fans to give the Tulsa Shock a chance.

His team will bring 40 minutes of hell. He also said they will, they will, Shock you. Of course, if by shock us you mean to have two of the top players on last year's Detroit squad refuse to report to Tulsa, then no, we are not shocked.

Visit wnba.com/Tulsa for shocking deals on tickets.

Lost in the shuffle is the Tulsa 66ers. The Thunder affiliate seems poised to make the playoffs for the first time since relocating to Tulsa.

Only 10 more home games for the 66ers. Guard Mustafa Shakur leads the team in scoring, assists and steals.

Oral Roberts alumni Larry Owens has been a welcome addition this season. The 6'7" swing player is the quintessential glue guy every team needs on their roster.

Moses Ehambe is another former Golden Eagle leading the 66ers. Perhaps he should camp out behind the three-point line. In a statistical anomaly, he's better from behind the arc than the rest of the court.

Visit tulsa66ers.com for schedule and ticket information.

Hit the ice

Olympic hockey rejuvenates the sport every four years. The further Team USA goes, the better America will respond. For the Oilers sake, let's hope the Americans defeat Canada in the Gold Medal game, if it comes to that.

Speaking of the Oilers, they just signed one of my favorite Oilers of all time. No, not Doug Lawrence.

David Alexandre Beauregard returns. He led the Oilers in goals twice during his previous stint here.

"You can never have enough goal scoring, and David has proven he is a special goal scorer in this league," Oilers coach Bruce Ramsay said. "I know he really liked it here in Tulsa, and he's obviously a fan favorite. Anyone who scores like he can, has to be. It'll be great to see him playing at the BOK Center."

Tulsa needs to get hot quick. Even with a winning record, they lag behind in the standings. Can Beauregard mesh in time to earn the Oilers a trip to the CHL playoffs?

Visit tulsaoilers.com for schedule and ticket information.