Australian Great Spirit, Work, etc.!!: Wall St. Jour.

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they have this headline: "Why Every NBA Team Needs an Australian" with this sub-headline: "Andrew Bogut and Matthew Dellavedova reinforce Australia’s reputation for producing industrious, selfless role players"

While not all can read this major national newspaper in the USA via the web, this story is wonderful for what it says about those from Australia. It focuses on two key National Basketball Association players who will be in the "Finals" for being the best team in the world of basketball. For our favorite Cavaliers from our nearby Cleveland, they have the famed LeBron James representing the state of Ohio. Among the story highlights: "Australians . . . every team in the NBA could use one. It seems like a strange coincidence that Golden State center Andrew Bogut and Cleveland guard Matthew Dellavedova are Australians playing supporting roles in this year’s Finals. Australian players tend to be the opposites of most American players. They don’t seek superstardom. They actively avoid attention. They excel in the egoless roles that most players reject."

Bogut said: “We’re very laid-back in Australia, but when it’s time for work and time to get after it, I think people don’t mind putting their hard hat on.”

This story notes that American coaches have found the stereotype of Australians as relaxed and fun to be around to be true. BUT, they love the work-ethic and dedication to team, winning and achievement. Nice story that brings backs wonderful memories for why we super loved Australia and New Zealand from our cruise/visit there a little over a year ago. To develop Australia and deal with its challenging conditions over the many decades, it clearly took great spirit and lots of hard work. That's reflected in these basketball players and others we have met from down under.

They also noted in this story: "The nature of Australian basketball players reflects the unusual way that talent is identified there. Because there aren’t enough opportunities for Aussies to rise up the ranks on ability alone, experts say, they learn to be low-maintenance players who prioritize the team’s needs above their own."

Congrats to the Aussies!! We will be cheering for the Cavs, LeBron and Dellavedova starting Wednesday evening.

Full story at:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-every-nba-team-needs-an-australian-1433175989

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 108,750 views for this posting.

From the Sidney Morning Herald today, they have this headline: "NBA Finals: Matthew Dellavedova Cleveland Cavaliers jersey sales skyrocket" with these highlights: "Inspired by Matthew Dellavedova's heroics in the NBA Finals, sales of the Australian point guard's Cleveland Cavaliers' jersey have skyrocketed to be number one in the US. The gritty Dellavedova has been sensational in the playoffs. He had career-high 20 points in Tuesday's game two victory over the Golden State Warriors to give the Cavaliers a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals series. Dellavedova was so drained after game three he was hospitalised and pumped with fluids intravenously. Americans have fallen for his body-on-the-line style and his story - an undrafted free agent from an Australian country town written off for not being talented or fast enough for the NBA, but who has become James' sidekick in the Finals."

As a big fan of the Cavs, LeBron James and nearby Cleveland, it has been wonderful to see Dellavedova playing so well and getting the great credit he deserves. Game four will be tonight!! Dilly, as he is nick-named, is out of the hospital and ready to play this evening. Hopefully there will be more dramatic heroics by Aussie Dellavedova. Appreciate Australia sharing his talent and spirit!!

Full story at:

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/nba-finals-matthew-dellavedova-cleveland-cavaliers-jersey-sales-skyrocket-20150611-ghlevs.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 199,803 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474