~~ March 2005 ~~

Basketball in Pittsburgh: Jump Start: Revitalizing the local hoops scene Ray Mernagh analyzes the symptoms behind the decades-long decline in youth basketball in the region, and searches for possible cures. A lot of the problems begin with the lack of organization within the basketball community in general, but especially within the city…There needs to be a massive undertaking at the youth level that attempts to copy the basketball models like those in cities with successful youth programs. Up Close with Sonny Vaccaro – PSR Editor Tony DeFazio talks with one of the most formidable forces in contemporary basketball. Vaccaro shares his thoughts on everything from what plagues amateur basketball in his hometown to the role of shoe companies in modern basketball. The shoe companies are the sugar daddy of the basketball world…Without the shoe companies, basketball as we know it simply wouldn’t exist. Cannon Firing Line: Relax Guys – Ellis wonders just how mature the college basketball market in Pittsburgh really is. Junker: Cashing In On Sports – Guy looks at how Oakland’s merchants have fared since the Peterson Events Center replaced Pitt Stadium. Major League Baseball Preview The Pirates’ Long, Slow Build John Sacco takes a peak at the Bucs’ fortunes for the upcoming season National League by Jim Lachimia American League by Jim Lachimia PSR Showdown: Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review and John Perroto of the Beaver County Times respond to the question "Will The Steroids Scandal Cast A Shadow Over The Game?". Madden: Mad World: Mark wraps up the NFL season with his unique look at the events of Super Bowl Sunday. Stan Savran: Media Savvy: Stan gives some love to the New England Patriots. Unreality of Sports: Rob Rossi explains why it really doesn't matter!    Copyright © 1997-2005 Pittsburgh Sports Report [PSR]