Nimitz News - Nov. 17, 2013 by USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)

November 17, 2013

Vol. 39 No. 40

INSIDE:

MOVEMBER PG. 10 GUADALCANAL NBA POWER PG. 14 RANKINGS PG. 6

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth Executive Officer Capt. J.J. Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media DIVO Ensign John Mike Media LCPO MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 Michael Cole Editor MC3 George J Penney III Lead Designer MCSN Andrew Price Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Jason Behnke MC2 Devin Wray MC2 Ryan Mayes MC2 Alexander Ventura II MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 George J Penney III MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 Jess Lewis MC3 Vanessa David MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Phil Ladouceur MC3 Sam Souvannason MC3 Nathan McDonald MC3 Joshua Haiar MC3 Raul Moreno Jr. MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Derek Harkins MCSN Kaitlyn Haskett MCSN Eric Butler MCSN Siobhana McEwen MCSN Aiyana Paschal MCSA Kelly Agee MCSA Victoria Ochoa Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening. “Nimitz News” is an authorized publication for the members of the military services and their families. Its content does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby.

By Lt. Andrew Colvin

Need a break from your routine? Need some inspiration? Need a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles? I have a suggestion: this evening, take a moment, or several, to gaze into the night sky. You won’t regret it, I promise. You see, tonight we are in for a treata full moon. I encourage you to go find a place where you can look up and take in the spectacular scenery; where you can relax, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to be lost in the wonder of it all. Immerse yourself in the clear black sky, note the bright shining stars, and yes, go aheadgawk at the bold and brilliant moon. Seriously. I dare you. Do it. See if you don’t find yourself transfixed and transformed by this divine display of beauty. See if you don’t feel refreshed, recharged, more human, and more alive. There is something about the magnificence of nature that does this for us. As the moon presents itself to us tonight in full radiant splendor, let us note that the writers of the Bible describe the moon as a giant glowing symbol of God’s goodness. In Psalm 8, David declares, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him?… You have crowned him with glory and honor.” When we look into

the vastness of the night sky, we’re reminded of how small we are, and of how big God’s love for us is. Though we are unworthy of the honor, He has placed us as the pinnacle of His creation and the center of His heart. Who are we to deserve such divine favor? In Psalm 19, David writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Tonight, lift up your eyes and be reminded of God’s glory. As you gaze at a galaxy spread before you, try to comprehend His power, His greatness, and His majesty. In Psalm 89:37 the psalmist refers to God’s promises, saying, “They shall be established forever, like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky.” What challenges are you up against? What is weighing on your mind? What troubles your soul? Look at the moon tonight, and take heart. See it shining as a faithful witness in the sky, reminding you that God is true to His promises. Thus, you are not alone. You have nothing to fear. He is in control. He is good. He has a plan. Trust in the Lord. He’s got your back. Relax; it’s all going to be okay. God is faithful! Tonight let’s enjoy the full moon, and let’s appreciate it for what it truly isa faithful witness in the sky, and a giant glowing reminder of the goodness of God.

NAVY URGES SAILORS TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Furey, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

A new Navy program aims to help fleet Sailors to “Thrive during the Holidays” while helping to develop and strengthen coping mechanisms during times of increased stress. “Thrive during the Holidays,” part of a larger “Navy Thrive” program, aims to encourage Sailors to utilize support networks during times of crisis, and also to help their shipmates in times of need. The “Thrive during the Holidays” campaign, which will continue through early January 2014, aims to provide Sailors and their families proactive resources to get ahead of holiday chaos while focusing on building resilience for the New Year. “This year is ... focused on identifying and mitigating stressors before they reach the point of crisis,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kaarin Coe, suicide prevention coordinator at Navy Region Hawaii. “Anything that promotes development of healthy coping skills is, by default, a suicide prevention program. Although it may not help in every situation, taking the time to learn new ways to manage stress can help offset the development of additional stressors.” Many people find it hard to come forward and talk to someone about suicide. Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Eriel Ferrera, who lost a friend to suicide, knows first-hand how this reluctance to share ones feelings can end up. “It was strange. One day she was there hanging out; the next day she was gone,” said Ferrara. “She had issues at home that she kept to herself, so it was hard to know that she was so depressed. I feel like if she had reached out, her death could have been prevented. Sailors who are thinking of suicide should seek help from their friends and family and programs made available by the Navy as much as they can.” Removing the stigma of mental health issues in the military is important to furthering progress in suicide prevention. I believe the more you talk about difficult topics, the more you reduce the stigma attached. This has helped to increase the number of Sailors coming forward asking for help with different stressors and utilizing resources like Military Family Support Center (MFSC) classes, contacting Military One Source or talking with chaplains,” said Coe. “No one knows how to manage every situation. Sometimes, a professional can help teach the skills needed to improve coping with that stressor. Reaching out for support is a sign of courage. I see more and more Sailors recognizing this and seeking support.” Sailors can also call upon the Chaplain Corps or mental health professionals in a time of need. “We want Sailors to know that there are many options for them,” said Navy Chaplain Lt. Rick Tiff, Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel. “A Chaplain can be reached at any time, day or night, through your quarterdeck. Sometimes people need an empathetic voice to talk to, and we are here to provide that for them. We offer 100 percent confidentiality; Sailors can come here and be in a safe place to talk to us. Here on Pearl Harbor, they can come to the many chapels on base,” he added. For more information on the “Thrive During the Holidays” campaign visit the Navy Operational Stress Control’s blog, www.navynavstress.com, and the Navy Suicide Prevention website, www.suicide.navy.mil. NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

RUNBRYANTRUN THE FASTEST AIRMAN ON THE FLIGHT DECK STORY AND PHOTOS BY MCSA (SW) KELLY AGEE

When you work on the flight deck there isn’t time to joke around or become complacent. When a jet launches or lands, the airmen in the line shack rely on speed to service the jets. They need to be faster than fast. One of the fastest airmen in the line shack on board Nimitz is Airman Patrick Bryant, of Carlisle, Ohio. Bryant joined the Navy in January 2013 because he wanted to do some traveling and explore the world. Being an undesignated airman can be challenging to say the least but to Airman Bryant it’s a breeze. “You have to work a little harder at what you do and be motivated,” said Bryant. Part of working harder to get qualified and rated is being put into the line shack while undesignated. “When I first got here the trainers in the line shack were hard on me,” said Bryant. “They train in a way that will either make you or break you. It just motivated me to work harder.” A huge part of working in the line shack is timing because it can help save lives. “Say that ground force needs our air support and all they have is three minutes,” said Bryant. “If they need me to service a jet make it from the fantail to the bow, and I just walk there, it would take at least a couple of minutes. If I sprint my way there it only takes me 30 seconds. By doing that I have already shaved off a couple of minutes. That gives the pilot or ground forces a few extra minutes to get their job done. And hopefully I just helped save some lives.” Bryant enjoys being quick on his feet because he loves helping people. “I guess what motivates me is saving lives,” said Bryant. “I used to be a manager at Hollister’s, a clothing store. All I did was fold clothes all day. There was no real satisfaction AN Patrick Bryant runs across the flight deck.

AN Patrick Bryant poses with an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to VFA-147.

there. Knowing that what I do is actually helping someone means a lot to me.” Timing is no joke when it comes to Bryant’s job. “If it was my family, my brother or sister that was in trouble, I would want the person on the other end to do as much as they could to make sure that they got the job done on time,” said Bryant. “It doesn’t seem like much, but when it comes down to it, timing helps a lot.” Bryant’s dedication and motivation for his job got him recently moved to training. “I felt being moved to training was a big privilege,” said Bryant. “Lots of the other trainers have passed down what they know. And now I would like to pass down my knowledge.” When it comes to training his fellow airmen, Bryant believes in being quick but accurate. “I don’t take any short cuts when it comes to training,” said Bryant. “Training people correctly is a huge responsibility. Anyone can train but you

have to train someone to do the job right. You have to teach them how to work fast but accurate as well.” Bryant feels like he has learned a lot from being moved from the line shack to the training area. “When I started off as a trainee I thought it was great because they just told me what to do,” said Bryant. “I didn’t have to really think for myself, but when time went by and they moved me to training, I learned that being in charge is nice. Knowing I’m training people and passing down my knowledge is nice.” Bryant recently struck aviation ordnanceman (AO) and would love to see if he passed the Petty Officer 3rd Class exam to see if he can pursue his dream. “I wanted to be an AO because I watched them on the flight deck and how well they work together,” said Bryant. “They work hard, but they always seem to stick together up there and look like they are having fun while doing their job.” NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

MOVEMBER RAISING AWARENESS OF MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES STORY BY MCSN (SW) SIOBHANA R. MCEWEN

As the colder winter months approach, Sailors may find themselves reaching for their turtlenecks and watch caps, or throwing an extra blanket on their racks at night. Some Sailors may take different measures to keep themselves warm, or at least keep their upper lips warm: growing a moustache in support of Movember. Lt. Ryan January, Naval Flight Officer, assigned to VAW 117, said he has been growing a moustache in support of Movember for the past six or seven years. “I usually get a few people who say ‘you’re growing it in the wrong month– it’s Moustache March,’” January said. January said Movember has given him the opportunity to educate others on the tradition. “I’ve definitely done my part, I think, to inform people,” said January. “I’ll kind of pull people aside and say ‘this is why I do it, and why I think you should do it, too.’” Movember is both a movement and an organization. According to the organization’s website, the non-profit company was founded in Australia in 2003. The brainchild of Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, Movember originally started as a drive to raise money and awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer. The two men recruited 30 of their friends to donate $10 to grow moustaches for the month of November. Today, the group has grown to more than 1 million participants world-wide. “Back in college I played on a rugby team,” January said, “and we ended up growing moustaches every November as kind of a team building sort of thing.” Cancer, in one way or another, had affected most of January’s teammates. January’s own father is a cancer survivor. “Inadvertently, the Movember campaign creates something fun that says, ‘hey, let’s all do this together,’ and in the process you just pick up little things here and there,” said January. “I think the stepping stone is in letting the individual find that information, but also putting it out there first, and then letting them, on their own, really run away with it and gather that information.” Though the organization does operate as a non-profit, fundraising company, the importance of the movement is simply to inform and educate people on various issues affecting men’s health. “I do think there is some type of stigma out there about going to the doctor,” January said. “Just by inadvertently falling into this ‘Movember’ tradition has made me more aware than most people of certain health issues.” January said knowing when to go to the doctor, as well as knowing what questions to ask, has led to better doctor’s visits. “Because of this education I’ve become more aware of issues,” said January. “That usually comes up as a topic of conversation when I go to my annual physicals.” January also said he has been able to catch some benign tumors because he knew what specific questions to ask his physician.

The Movember organization also offers men information on general health and well-being, and shares resources to educate males on knowing what questions to ask when visiting the doctor. Cmdr. John Moore, Nimitz’ Senior Medical Officer, agreed that asking the right questions could play an important role in preventative medicine. “Sailors should ask what the screening recommendations are for their age group, discuss their family medical history, and ask what to do to keep themselves healthy,” said Moore. Moore recommended Sailors check out the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force website to learn more about what sort of screenings are appropriate for their age bracket. Moore also agreed there is a social stigma around males going to the doctor and seeking medical attention. Though all military members are required to see their physician at least once a year, he acknowledged that some males might feel that going to the doctor is a sign of weakness. “It doesn’t matter if you’re tough or not,” said Moore. “Cancer doesn’t care if you’re a big, muscular, tough guy – it’s still going to get you. Smoking still damages your body, whether you’re a big tough guy or not. The diseases don’t care.” The key to asking tough questions is being able to develop a positive report with a physician, said Moore. Nimitz recently adopted the Medical Home Port system, and Moore said he thinks that will help Sailors develop that necessary report with their primary care physician. “Preventative medicine is very important,” said Moore. “If you can prevent a disease from occurring, you’re much better off than trying to treat it after the fact.” Tips from Moore and the Movember organization include eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation. “Most people already know what they need to do to stay healthy,” said Moore. Females need not feel left out during Movember. The organization encourages women to support the males in their lives, either by encouraging moustache growing and healthy living, or by doing their part to help educate themselves and males on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As with any other stylish accessory, finding the perfect moustache will take a little time and attention. “Like anything else: if you want it to look good, you’ve got to put a little love into it,” said January. “Let your moustache speak for itself.” Whether it’s the ‘Gentleman’s pencil thin,’ or the ‘ Charlie Chaplin,’ the ‘Sheriff,’ or the ‘Disco King,’ Sailors can find information on how to keep their moustaches in regulations on the Naval Personnel Command website, www.public.navy.mil. More information on the Movember organization can be found at us.movember.com, and more information on age-appropriate health screenings at www. uspreventativeservicestaskforce.org. NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Sailors pose with clothing designed by EM3 Martinez.

wenty-two-year old Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class KREEPS In Disguise is a family affair that also inPatricia D. Martinez, of Lawrenceville, Ga., is a volves Martinez’s sister, brother and some friends who Sailor on board Nimitz by day and entrepreneur- help inspire her with new ideas and insights. ial mogul in the making by night. “You can say they are my inspiration when it comes Martinez’s plans for entrepreneurial domination in- to the KREEPS line,” said Martinez. “They are all clude her clothing company KREEPS In Disguise that KREEPS in my eyes. To be honest everyone is a KREEP, she started in early 2013. just most disguise it better than others. Maybe those are “I’ve had my own clothing company since the begin- the ones you should look out for as well.” ning of 2013 when I got my foot in the door by figuring The current 2013 winter collection for KREEPS In out how to get my ideas and designs out there, and what Disguise includes tee shirts, hoodies, beanies and basemarket I’m targeting which is the urban wear and punk ball tees, but Martinez is looking to expand in her spring market,” said Martinez. 2014 collection to include scarves According to Martinez, among other items. she named her clothing line “For my 2014 collection I after her best friend whose have found new manufacturers to initials are K.D. work with that will be putting la“KD is her nickname bels on the inside of the shirts and whenever she gets on the price tags,” said Martinez. “Once mic at the club,” said MarI feel good about the collection tinez. I plan on sending some items to Martinez hand drew all magazines and stores.” the designs that appear on Before she joined the Navy, the items in her clothing line Martinez was accepted to a school and after she comes up with for fashion and design, but decidthe designs, she has them ed the Navy was a better route so screen printed by a local she wouldn’t go into debt to go to company in Nimitz’ homecollege. - EM3 MARTINEZ port of Everett, Wash. “When I get out of the Navy I “The designs came from want to go to school in Baltimore, life experiences and what Miami, Georgia or New York for caught my interest during the time,” said Martinez. fashion and design with my Post 9/11 G.I. Bill,” said “Each design has its own specific meaning behind it. Martinez. Like the UGLY design for instance means a woman with After she completes college, Martinez plans on exa perfect body would not be considered beautiful if her panding into men’s fashion design and starting a couture mentality is ugly. The pyramid design shows a pharaoh men’s line called HEMME which she says will be a high on fire which means that he will eventually burn in his end clothing line. own kingdom. The TV design that has the KREEPS logo “I plan on changing with each season,” said Martiinside with a little man in the corner of the TV screen nez. “I don’t want my clothing to be a fad, I want it to be means that everyone is a KREEP and the man in the TV a classic. My goal is to be on the cover of GQ magazine is a KREEP because he is watching you.” wearing my own designs.”

“I DON’T WANT MY CLOTHES TO BE A FAD, I WANT THEM TO BE A CLASSIC.”

STORY BY MC3 LINDA SWEARINGEN

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

GUADALCANAL: THE STORY OF COURAGE AND FORTITUDE STORY BY MCSN (SW) DEREK HARKINS

n Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan struck the United States at Pearl Harbor. Although they had damaged a majority of the Pacific Fleet, the action came with catastrophic consequences for the Japanese forces. “The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” said President Franklin D. Roosevelt the day after the infamous attack. The Japanese had earned a new enemy who would be formidable less than a year later during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Codenamed “Operation Watchtower” by the Allied forces, it was the first major offensive stand against the Empire of Japan in World War II; prior to this point, all previous battles and victories had occurred in defense. The Japanese intended to use the southern Solomon Islands in order to disrupt routes for supply and communication by Allied Forces. The Allies had something to say about that; they had ambition to use the area as a base to neutralize Japanese efforts in the region. The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) had occupied the region since May 1942 before the Allies began their campaign Aug. 7. Utilizing Allied land, air and naval forces in the area, a series of battles began to dominate the Solomon Islands. It may be interesting to note that Guadalcanal wasn’t initially a target for the Allies. It was only after discovering that the Japanese forces were building airfields capable of accommodating long-range bombers that the Allies considered the island as a point of occupation. Taking advantage of favorable (or favorably bad) weather conditions, Allied forces were able to enter the region relatively unnoticed by the occupying Japanese forces before beginning a swift series of ground attacks. The land troops were less prepared for the coming conflict than some of them may have wished; with tongue-incheek, the U.S.’s 1st Marine Division referred to the mission as “Operation Shoestring.” The initial infantry coalition, primarily consisting of U.S. Marines fresh out of military training, were backed by only 60 days of supplies, as opposed to the originally proposed 90 for the mission in order to expe-

dite their entry to the battlefield. Nevertheless, the initial land operations were mostly a success. While some were met with more resistance than others from the IJN, each took less than three days to complete. The sea and air portion of the landings were met with greater opposition for Allied forces. Allied warships rained fire upon the beaches as aircraft from U.S. aircraft carriers bombed Japanese targets across the island. While they succeeded in supporting the troops on the ground, their casualties were greater by sea. The Allied and Japanese forces fought for control of the area for months. The Japanese continued to employ tactics by air and sea while deploying troops from the Imperial Japanese Army to combat the Allied infantry. The Japanese clearly understood the significance of the campaign. The Japanese were forced to utilize an accelerated method of transporting troops to Guadalcanal. With this method, IJN destroyers would rapidly transport combatants in trips that often took a single night; the Allies dubbed it “the Tokyo Express”. Despite numerous attempts, each bid the Japanese made to take back the Solomon Islands was met with failure. The conflict culminated in a final effort to improve their standing in the region: the critical Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The crucial series of air and sea operations began Nov. 13, 1942 as the Japanese planned to employ warships to bomb Allied aircraft at Henderson Field, which was the title Allies had given the airfield the Japanese were originally building on Guadalcanal. This would remove a major threat for a convoy of Japanese troops and supplies they planned to deliver in order to reclaim the field. The Allies didn’t plan on letting that happen. “The Japanese had dared to tread upon the U.S. fleet,” said naval historian and retired Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Thomas J. Cutler in his book A Sailor’s History of the U.S. Navy, referencing the famous “don’t tread on me” Navy jack in relation to Pearl Harbor and its consequences for the Japanese empire. “Now the rattlesnake was poised to strike.”

The USS NEWS Wasp (CV-7)|burns after being hit by Japanese submarine torpedoes 11 on Sept. 15 NIMITZ NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Courtesy Photo

he Allied forces knew that Japanese forces were poised to attack before Nov. 13. U.S. forces had learned through intercepted Japanese messages that a powerful strike group of Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) forces were heading their way, delivering new Japanese infantry to the island of Guadalcanal while supporting their mission in the area. The U.S. Navy prepared tactically, sending five cruisers and eight destroyers to defend the U.S. stronghold. When Japanese vessels appeared on U.S. radars, the ships rapidly approached each other and opened fire. Communication troubles and errors plagued the engagement and much of the encounter was handled at close-quarters. The battle occurred after midnight, and Japanese forces were better equipped for the conditions this time of day presented. Within minutes, a Japanese torpedo hit the light cruiser USS Juneau (CL-52). Its fire control systems were damaged by the strike and its power supply was disabled by the impact. While many more U.S. and Japanese ships suffered notable damage or sank in the 15-minute encounter, the U.S. succeeded in keeping the Japanese naval forces at bay and deterring the delivery of further ground reinforcements. The battle, which would last Nov. 13-15, had just begun; Juneau would not float above the waves long enough to fight another day of it. Juneau staggered away, joining a group of U.S. ships at dawn and traveling southeast until crossing paths with a Japanese submarine before noon… Among the imperiled ship’s crew were five brothers: Albert, Francis, George, Joseph and Madison Sullivan. They had no other siblings and the brothers had requested voluntarily to serve aboard the same ship. During Juneau’s encounter with the Japanese submarine, a torpedo intended for another U.S. vessel struck Juneau’s port side, near the previous wound the ship sustained earlier. The ensuing explosion blew the ship in half. A majority of the crew was lost in the strike, including four of the five Sullivan brothers. George Sullivan, the last of the brothers, survived despite suffering wounds the night before. He floated on a raft for five days before his life was lost to uncertain causes ranging from his own injuries to the perils of the sea. “I am sure that we all take pride in the knowledge

U.S. battleships move in formation along the Solomon Islands.

A U.S. Marine Corps Douglas SBD-4 Dauntless of Marine Scout Bomber Squadron (VMSB) 233 at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Courtesy Photo

The aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3)

Courtesy Photo

that they fought side-by-side,” said President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a letter to Alleta Sullivan, the mother of the five lost brothers. “As one of your sons wrote, ‘we will make a team together that can’t be beat.’ It is this spirit that in the end must triumph.” In the case of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal and the Guadalcanal Campaign, it did triumph. Many ships and lives were lost to defend the Allied campaign’s success. However, continued U.S. surface and air efforts over the rest of the three-day battle led the Japanese to finally halt further efforts to reclaim Guadalcanal. “We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain,” said Roosevelt in his letter to Alleta. That knowledge would be proven valid. The success in the Guadalcanal Campaign secured a vital post in the Pacific War that provided numerous strategic advantages for the Allies. It may have also changed the way both sides of the war viewed each other. For the Allies, it showed that the Japanese could be beaten on an even playing field. For the Japanese, it proved how formidable the Allied forces could be. “Guadalcanal is no longer merely a name of an island in Japanese military history,” said Major General Kiyotake Kawaguchi, the commander of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 35th Infantry Brigade. “It is the name of the graveyard of the Japanese army.” As for Alleta, life went on. She carried on with her grief and saw to it that her sons’ bravery and sacrifice were recognized. While each of her sons was awarded the Purple Heart Award posthumously, she saw to it that they held an even higher honor: a ship in their name. The destroyer USS The Sullivans (DD 537) was commissioned Feb. 1943, directly sponsored by Alleta. “This evidence of unselfishness and courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans,” said Roosevelt in his letter to Alleta. “Such acts of fate and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the indomitable spirit and will of our people.”

The Japanese battleship Kirishima.

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013

NBA POWER RANKINGS

By Rick Rickson

Suffocating defense and a dedication to winning basketball has the Indiana Pacers undefeated early in the season. Things will only get scarier for the rest of the league once Danny Granger returns from injury.

Jeff Hornacek has the attention of his players, and it shows with outstanding early play from the Sun’s youngsters. If they can stay focused on winning basketball, the Sun’s will be a dangerous Cinderella story toward season’s end.

The Spurs are once again defying those who expected a drop off after suffering a tough loss in last year’s NBA Finals. The NBA’s model franchise has looked incredibly sharp out of the gate and will only get better as the season rolls along.

Dwight Howard has proven time and time again that his kryptonite is free throw shooting. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the rest of the league already knows this all too well. One bright spot in Houston’s future is the knowledge that James Harden is not up to full speed yet.

Kevin Love is proving once again that he is one of the very best players in this league. The Timberwolves are healthy and extremely fun to watch. The chemistry between Love, Kevin Martin and Corey Brewer is enough for now to excite Minnesota’s long suffering fan base.

Memphis is finally starting to come together under Dave Joerger. Finding a way to not trail after three quarters in every game will be the next obstacle facing this team.

Although appearing shaky defensively, and having to play five of their first seven games on the road, the Clippers still manage to find themselves in a good position moving forward. Crushing Houston twice by an average margin of 16 points secured the Clippers a spot near the top of the rankings.

Scoring woes continue to plague the Mavericks early in the regular season. The Mavericks will need to crack 90 points consistently if winning games is the goal this season. Unfortunately, Dallas can only go as fast as the Dirk-Monta train can take them.

Miami’s slow start is nothing new to NBA fans. Stumbling in Philadelphia and losing to Boston at home is not wholly unprecedented. Although it does beg the question, what happens when they are not able to turn on the gas come playoff season? It might be time for King James to take control of his court.

The Blazer’s star duo of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard have looked sensational so far this season. There will be off nights, but look for this team to continue to impress.

Russel Westbrook is back, and for now, that has been enough to loosen things up for Kevin Durant. The Thunder now need to find out why they are only shooting 27 percent from 3-point land, and right the ship.

Guard play and sheer size may mean big things for a Pistons team that has not seen a winning season in some time. Time will tell whether that particular combination equates to playoff potential.

The Warrior’s defense is vastly improved, which will help take a bit of the burden off of their explosive offense. Right now, Stephen Curry’s health and fourth quarter scoring droughts are the bigger concerns.

Derrick Rose’s struggles during the early games of the regular season are absolutely something to be concerned about. Rose is shooting 32 percent from the floor and has amassed 25 turnovers over a five-game span. Hopefully, the rust will fade and the Bulls will get back on track.

Most assuredly on everyone’s list of early-season disappointments, the Nets continue to look sloppy on the court. Kevin Garnett is nowhere near the level he will need to play at to guarantee a Brooklyn Nets playoff spot.

Kyrie Irving is finally showing flashes of brilliance, which in Cleveland is a must for any sort of chance this season. Shaky defense and the continuation of Andrew Bynum’s frustrating play will continue to boggle Cavalier coach Brown.

After a brilliant start to the season, the 76ers have come back down to earth. The play of Michael Carter-Williams has been exceptional, but the rest of this team will need to step u[p in order to compete in the rough Eastern Conference.

Three wins in a row? Jeff Green up to 7 and 11 lifetime on go-ahead or game tying shots at the end of regulation? Is this Celtic team starting to wake up? Kelly Olynyk will need to continue to improve for this team to have even the thought of a good year.

After a huge comeback win against Brooklyn, the Wizards faced yet another disappointment by letting a win slip away against the Thunder. The pressure is on Randy Wittman to get this team to buy in or risk facing another losing season.

This Knick team, even with a healthy Tyson Chandler, has zero chance of making an impact this season. With so much expectation for a revival in New York, this has to be an unmitigated disaster for owner James Dolan.

Anthony Davis is an All-Star. Whether or not that means a playoff future for the young Pelicans is anyone’s guess, but it is good news for now in the Big Easy.

A loss against the putrid Knicks is not a good sign for coach Patrick Ewing and his young Bobcat squad. Things look to be headed in typical Charlotte direction, which is down…way down.

Wins over the Clippers and Rockets have been extraordinary, but drubbings against the Warriors, Mavericks and Timberwolves may keep Laker fans nervous until Kobe’s return. Another source of worry is Steve Nash’s continued nerve trouble. Only time will tell what this Laker team has in store for the rest of the league.

Coach Larry Drew cannot seem to stick with a starting lineup. The revolving door of players makes for inconsistent play and sloppy basketball. Getting Larry Sanders back to 100 percent is priority one for this Buck’s team.

Toronto is one of only five teams in the East with a positive nightly average scoring margin. Whether or not such statistical trends are anything to get excited about is beyond the point.

JaVale McGee is out indefinitely with a stress fracture. Like McGee, this Nuggets team is going nowhere fast. Firing coach George Karl has to be one of the worst decisions in a long line of bad decisions by Denver.

A tough week with losses to Boston and Atlanta are understandable with such a young team. Things may pick up with the returns of Tobias Harris and Glen “Big Baby” Davis.

Boogie Cousins has been absolutely unstoppable this season. The rest of the King’s have been absolutely horrendous on both sides of the ball. Cousins cannot take on opposing teams alone, so this team needs to come together or continue to be a league laughing stock.

Kyle Corver only needs on triple in each of his next 11 games to break the all-time record. Korver currently sits at 79 games in a row with at least one three-point basket. Unfotunately, that is the only good news for the Hawks at this point in the season.

The Jazz are winless, and have lost their last five games by a combined 85 points. The lone bright spot for this bad, bad team will be a heightened chance of obtaining the number 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 17, 2013