Greg Oden

Slam Dunking with Greg Oden & the NBA

Any NBA fan loves watching slam dunks.  Who wouldn’t? There is something magical about watching Greg Oden, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and so many others slamming the ball right into the hoop.  It’s interesting to know, however, that the slam dunk hasn’t always been what it is today.

The slam dunk was actually invented in the late 60s, and it wasn’t even invented by the NBA!  The American Basketball Association, made up of players who were not thought to be quite good enough for the NBA, introduced the idea of the dunk with such legends as Julius “the Doctor” Erving.  Dr. J could windmill, rock the ball, go behind his back and more.

And, of course, the rest is history with the dunk becoming a household name.  In 1984, the NBA introduced the Slam Dunk Contest that the ABA had originally started. 

Mike Conley, Sr. – Greg Oden’s Former Coach

Born Michael Alex Conley, Sr., this former American track & field athlete was once Greg Oden’s high school coach.  He must have done a pretty good job, since Oden ended up playing professional basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers.  Well, Conley has quite a history himself.  He was a professional competitor in the triple and long jump races, and even earned a gold and silver Olympic medal and world champion in the triple jump.

Today, he serves as President of World Sport Chicago which is involved in sport programs and events for Chicago youth.  He was also the executive director of the High Performance program of the US Track and Field.  He represented his son, along with his son’s teammates Greg Oden and Daequan Cook when they entered the league.  As well, Oden even declared Conley as his agent for the NBA draft officially by signing with him in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Even today, Greg Oden talks about Mike Conley Sr. in high regard, fondly recalling the days he coached him in the past.  Now he benefits from him as a mentor.  To this day, he continues to count on his guidance, which is why it is good he serves as his agent.

Portland Trail Blazers' Secret to Success

The Portland Trail Blazers, where Center Greg Oden plays, have certainly had a trying season – but they managed to clinch a playoff spot in the West and they have a chance to reach 50 victories for the second consecutive season.  Benson Taylor of Sporting News sat down with Blazers' coach Nate McMillan to discuss how the team remains so successful.

As coach McMillan said, “Our focus is to finish the season strong. That’s my message to the team.”  Their success this year, explained the coach, was really based on the young guys being productive and raising their level of play. And for the whole team to see itself as a unit and to play accordingly.

Greg Oden Stats for 2008-2009

In the 2008-09 season Greg Oden:
Posted averages of 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 21.5
minutes in 61 games (39 starts) … Placed second on the squad in blocks
with 1.15 per game ... Led Portland in rebounds 20 times (including
ties) ... Placed fifth among all NBA rookies and second on the team
with 16 double-doubles ... Scored 10-plus points 29 times, including
two games of 20 points or more … Grabbed 10-plus rebounds 18 times …
Had eight games of three blocked shots or more … Led Portland in
scoring twice … Named to the 2009 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth
Jam at All-Star Weekend ... Recorded 17 points (7-11 FG) and 12
rebounds (six off.) to go with a career-high six blocks Feb. 8 vs. New
York ...

Greg Oden Giving Back

Greg Oden understands that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the influence of important mentors in his life.  As he explains, “Mike Conley Sr. was my high school coach, and has been a great mentor. Now he's my agent, so I continue to count on his guidance every day. Jimmy Smith, the father of my best friend Travis, is the Executive Director of the Terre Haute, Ind., Boys and Girls Club. I grew up in that club, and learned a lot from Mr. Smith along the way.”

As a result of these experiences, and after losing his friend, Travis, in a car accident, Greg Oden started to look for ways to give back and to honor his friend.  He partnered with Oregon Mentors to help to recruit people to become mentors.

He explains that the bottom line of Team ODEN is support.  There are thousands of kids who need guidance and support from a loving mentor.  And that’s what Team ODEN is all about.

Greg Oden - a Force on the Court

Not only can Greg Oden score points, but he remains a significant force on rebounding.  Grabbing 10 plus rebounds for more than 18 games last year is just a taste of Oden's power on the basketball court. Not only is he a strong rebounder, but Oden can block as well.

Last year Greg Oden had eight games of three blocked shots or more.

Playing His Best

Greg Oden: Playing His Best

Greg Oden has always shown that he is more than just your typical Center. Ever since he was named the 2006 McDonald’s High School All-American Player of the Year and the 2006 Naismith Prep Player of the Year, Greg Oden has shown himself to be far more versatile than others at his age. Because of Oden's incredible potential and wide range of skills he has set himself out to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Greg Oden's strengths are exactly what the Portland Trailblazers need in a much more competitive Western Division. It is clear as the Blazers fight their way to the top, Greg Oden is an essential player in their success.