Chuck Checks In
Chuck Swirsky --
The Raptors play-by-play voice on television and host of the Chuck Swirsky Show on Toronto’s the Fan 590 can be heard on Raptors broadcasts and Game in an Hour. Chuck also writes a popular weekly column on raptors.com. Swirsky brings 20 years of experience to Raptors NBA TV including stints covering the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Red Wings and Michigan Wolverines..
Appears On: Game in an Hour, Raptors television broadcasts (play-by-play)
Oct. 29th - The 2005-2006 season is about to roll and alot of players have found different homes in the offseason. Larry Hughes has found a new sidekick in LeBron James, Antonio Daniels goes to the Wizards to team up with Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas, and Jamaal Magloire ends up in Milwaukee.
The Raptors have been relatively quiet in the offseason, only signing free agent Jose Calderon from Spain, and securing their draft picks with 3 year deals. The Raptors have let go Donyell Marshall who went to Cleveland, waived Lamond Murray who signed with the Nets, and welcomes back Alvin Williams back to the active lineup after missing 19 months, rehabing his left knee from microfracture surgery.
How well the Raptors will do remains to be seen. From the preseason, there are many positive signs. They finished with a 3-4 record. Charlie Villanueva has been real solid, posting up double digits in scoring for most games in the preseason. Joey Graham, bothered a little bit by injury, looks inconsistent in terms of numbers, but is very solid defensively. He has the potential to be a lock down type player. Jose Calderon didn't put up scoring numbers, but he's a point guard that pushes the ball at all times and looks to get his teammates involved more that putting up scoring numbers. I liked what I've seen from this kid. He's a classic pure point guard. He cares more about the name on the front of the jersey that the name on the back. Those players I really admire.
On Saturday, the Raptors hosted their annual Open Practice to the fans. The Open Practice consisted of an hour practice, half an hour of fun, and a team scrimmage for an hour. In their half an hour of fun, Matt Bonner, Charlie Villanueva, Morris Peterson and Mike James participated in a three point competition. Matt was on fire that day. Out of 25 shots, he hit 21. He was the enventual winner. Mo Pete was runner up with 18 of 25, and Charlie V. and Mike James both finished with 17 of 25 shots. It was a very entertaining event that was hosted.
The other event that happened was two 1-on-1 games. The matchups were Jalen Rose vs Mo Peterson and Chris Bosh vs. Charlie Villanueva. It was a very entertaining 1-on-1 game. Jalen Rose and Mo Peterson were goofing around and tried to pull off some And-1 moves, resulting in turnovers. The game got serious when the score was 8-8. Jalen ended up winning 11-9, drilling a 3 point in Peterson's face. The other game, Chris Bosh vs. Charlie Villanueva, started off in a dunk contest like game. Both tried to do dunks that awed the crowd, but the most that Bosh could pull off successfully was a reverse windmill the big man way. Charlie was a little flashier, pulling off a windmill dunk driving from the baseline. I was in awe when he pulled that off. That dude is 6-11 and he handles the rock like a 2 guard!! But after the goofing off, it started getting serious. Bosh was driving to the hole like in the preseason, and ended up winning 11-6. It was very entertaining, with Joey Graham taking my usual place and being the play by play commentator commentator.
The open practice was capped off with an exciting scrimmage, with many three balls hoisted and every Raptor that played got to the rim. The teams are listed as follows : Black Team: Loren Woods, Chris Bosh, Mo Peterson, Alvin Williams, Mike James and Matt Bonner; White Team: Rafael Araujo, Charlie Villanueva, Joey Graham, Jalen Rose ,Jose Calderon and Aaron Williams. The Black Team ended up taking this one 104 - 98. It was very entertaining. The players even got their usually strict looking coach to crack a smile here and there during the course of the game. Hoffa and Woods did very well. Woods had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Hoffa had 15 points and 9 rebounds. Bosh lead all scorers in the game with 24 and 14. Alvin Williams also had a nice night with 9 in the game. Welcome back into the rotation Alvin.
From a commentator point of view, I see the Raptors having an exciting season. They are a rebuilding team, but I see so much more chemistry and a much more positive attitude to this team. The Raptors may not make the playoffs, but they will be exciting to watch.
Always a pleasure,
Chuck Swirksy
Open Practice Photos
3 Point Contest
3 Point Shootout Participants
1-on-1 games
Bosh with a runner
Bosh turnaround J
Charlie Drains a 19 footer
Villanueva with a floater
Mo Elbow J
Jalen Blows by Peterson
Mo with an acrobatic shot
Scrimmage Photos
Bonner celebrates after hitting a 3
Bosh treats every game serious
Peterson Lays in 2
Jose had 4 points and 5 assists
Jalen for 3
Villanueva grabs one of his 5 boards
Alvin had 9 points in scrimmage
Woods finished with 12 and 11
*Hope you guys like my Open Practice. "Chuck Checks In" columns will be posted every week (in dynasty calender) of the season.