(James’ first title proved many doubters wrong, but he has long ways to go if he wants more glory)

Lebron James is quite an individual in the game of basketball, and sports in general. His both failures and successes the last couple of years have managed to cause a rather vigorous stir among world’s sport journalists, analysts, coaches, players and virtually every basketball fan out there.

Winning that long-expected title surely did wanders for him in terms of extingushing all the criticism he was all of a sudden overwhelmed by the season prior to that one, when he failed to do the same in, for some, unexpected fashion in a subpar effort during some of the deciding moments and games against the Dallas Mavericks of 2011.

Nevertheless, it’s not the act of winning the title per se which perpetually impresses the audience of the show, it’s of course more of the question of James’ capabilities on the court. Thus, we find ourselves facing an excessive number of ever increasing articles ascending James into the very heavens on their way to creating the cult of Lebron James. Consequently, some of the writers go to such extremes as daring to speculate about James in terms of the greatest ever.

“For the first time, we could start thinking about him in Jordanian terms” was what Bill Simmons  put on  “Grantland”  recently.

Standing 6’8’’, 250 Ib, with a strong and shaped body and blazing speed in the open court on top of everything, James has been putting on a few performances here and there in both playoffs and regular season as of late, proving he has even mastered inside and outside game, making a serious offensive threat of himself. He hasn’t been shy on the defensive end as well, averaging an impressive 1.9 steals per game and a decent 0.7 blocks. All things considered, you wouldn’t be making a mistake if you described his style of play all around.

However, you also wouldn’t be making a mistake if you said the league had already seen impressive displays on offense and good, solid D from some other players in the past too. Namely, Kobe Bryant. Now, before you start laughing while in your mind comparing the Kobe Bryant of today and mighty James around the very peak of his career, I’ll just remind you of the reactions the Kobe Bryant of, say 2006, managed to trigger: One-man scoring machine, gunner for the ages. Imagine, the words from the very same author – Bill Simmons, no less. An interesting claim came from another, recent article about him too: he has all the tools to eclipse the greatest players in history (www.1888articles.com).

The point? Let’s try not to overanalyse the overhyped predictions happening way before their time and make rash decision concerning such an important matter as positioning a player on the greatest of all time throne. Last but not least, the popular ‘GOAT’ recognition should go a bit beyond the plain numbers and statistics, signifying the most special figure of sports who has shaped the whole new era of the sport during his time.

On another note, let’s not also diminish the achievements nor deteriorate the failures of Lebron James so far. He is still a spectacular and dominant force, and of course, the best player of today who has, as it was said about his rival on the other team, all the tools to eclipse the greatest players in history. We leave this to the hands of fate and see if he manages to use those tools to more than greatest of their potential and pave his way to wherever he longs to belong.

We might just be witnessing the changing of the guard at the mentioned throne or simply another great career from an amazing player, which would be not in the least the less exciting episode to watch.

(Peter Aerts’ career came to an end, but he has much to be proud of)

It was his last fight. An overhead right hook from Tyrone Spong sealed his career as he went down on the floor. He was not put to sleep, however; he got up quickly, determined in his resolve to go on, push further, try the hardest he can. Once again.

Those moments practically summed up his career. Not the defeat, but the determination.

On the 30^th of June, Peter Aerts lost what was said to be his last match in kickboxing (K-1) uniform.

The inevitable fall against a much younger opponent, naturally, proved what we already knew about him: his warrior’s honor, his legacy, the spirit of a champion.

“I could have picked an easier opponent, but I’ve never refused to fight anyone.” – the 41 year old Peter Aerts said in a K1 standard pre-match hype interview.

“I don’t want an easy opponent for my last fight, because that’s something I’ve never done before.”

The great legend certainly had a point there and those brave words only magnified his enduring greatness but also shed some light on the rough, bloody and difficult path martial artists have to take behind the glamorous lights of K-1 rings. Not to mention the fact of how tough does it actually get at the age of 41 (for those who dare stay in gladiator’s ring for such a long time).

How will Peter Aerts be remembered?

Well, the list is a long one, but let us do him the honor of mentioning at least the most important ones:

IKBF World Heavyweight Championship (1990)

WMTA World Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship (1991)

MTBN World Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship (1992)

1994 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion

1995 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion

1998 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion

His famous high kicks will undeniably be missed badly in the world of martial arts, as well as his pure technical but still incredibly effective and powerful fighting style that had been sending shivers of fear in the rings of K-1 throughout his entire career. When I say ‘entire’, yes, I mean it literally – even at the ages of 38, 39 and 40, beating the very greatest of K-1’s fighters and making World Grand Prix finals appearances multiple times.

The man with the nickname “Mr. K-1” truly lived up to his reputation and fame. His own decline, i.e. the decline of his career due to his age also marked the decline of K-1 itself. The once mighty corporation still faces some major problems and whether they will recover their former glory is questionable. The retirement of Peter Aerts is thus felt both physically and spiritually.

“I’d rather take the risk of losing and going down like a man than picking a weak opponent.”

The aim has been achieved; his honor remains unspoiled and his determination unmatched. With K-1 crumbling (last year’s final World Grand Prix not even taking place), Aerts could have just decided to walk away and don’t fight at all, and it would have been a right decision. He certainly has enough in his legacy to be remembered forever as one of the greatest, if not, the GOAT himself, as fans like to say.

Nevertheless, Peter chose the most honorable of paths that would lead him to the very end.

What more could a fighter of his status want in a situation like that?

To win, of course, which is why Peter demanded a rematch immediately after the fight ended.

Osu!

Miami Heat;

Playing in a league of his own.

LeBron has played out of this world. He is averaging close to 30/10/5 for the finals and has continued his postseason brilliance onto the biggest stage of them all. He has been the one constant of the big 3, not to undermine their work, but without this super human effort the Heat would stand no chance. He has been a hound in the low-block offensively, getting offensive rebounds for easy put-backs and second chance attempts on countless occasions, passing out of the double team to the open man and picking up Durant on defense when needed.

Mario shows Harden how to jump.

Outside of LeBron and his normal running mates, Wade and Bosh, the Heat have had massive contributions from Chalmers and more so Battier. Battier has been huge, seemingly unable to miss on any 3point shot he has attempted in the first 4 games, which has stretch this OKC defense out onto the perimeter much more than it would have liked to be. Ibaka has suffered the most has his shotblocking and protection of the rim has not been as prominent as hoped as he has to stay close to Battier (while playing PF), which in turn allows for easier drives to the basket for LeBron/Wade and co.

Chalmers really stepped up big in Game 4, coming through in the clutch (which Kansas fans know all too much about) and helping to bury the Thunder in a critical game to push the series to 3-1 with 25points. He has been hounded all playoffs by his own players, but inside the Miami camp they have remained constant in their backing for the point guard and see the harsh lessons as a way for him to unlock his full potential. He has never failed to disappoint on the big occasion, its just the consistency and lack of basic errors that the Heat want to iron out.

OKC Thunder;

RW has been sensational thus far.

There have been positives for this team. Westbrook’s play as a whole has been stellar with a spectacular game 4 (with 43/7/5) showing the world what he is capable of, instead of focusing on the fact he is not a “natural” point guard and forcing people to realise what an amazing individual athlete he is. He has averaged close to 30/7/7 for the series, but he has still made a few questionable decisions at either end of the floor, however I can live with them given everything else he has brought to the table.

Providing just scoring won’t do KD.

Durant on the other hand has mystified me. After a Game 1 performance that helped seal the win he seems to do less and less on the floor with each passing game. He still scores at an efficient clip but with just 2 rebounds in the pivotal game 4 he did little else to help the team get the win. I am rarely critical of KD but if OKC want any chance of picking up another victory in this series he has to bring it on both ends. Now a lot of his productivity was hampered in Games 2 + 3 due to some bogus foul calling by the officials (both games he picked up early fouls in all but the 4th qtr, as he sat most the game). And before you think KD’s relative struggles could be compensated by one James Harden, forget it he has been AWOL all series.

Troubles down low for OKC.

Another major issue the Thunder are having, which is preventing them winning games, is so far Nick Collison has been their most productive and effective big man. I like his game so this is no knock to him, but Ibaka and Perkins finishing with 3 rebounds in a game or getting bullied in the post by James/Haslem/Bosh will not allow for victory. They have to protect the paint like they have all year instead of getting bullied on the boards and downlow by a front line with only one player taller than 6’8.

Finally to be crowned?

Overall it has been a close series, that could have gone either way at this point. Hopefully for basketball fans OKC can get a win on Thursday in Miami, which I doubt (by the way the 2-3-2 set up in the finals is pathetic) then we can get at least a game 6. We have seen some amazing basketball played at the highest level and right now it seems the King will finally get his ring. However if there is anytime in basketball right now that can pull of a major comeback win it is this Thunder team. Thursday should be fascinating.

Prediction for Game 5; Heat win by 8. Win the series. The King gets a Ring.

@ImAlways_Hungry

www.youtube.com/doubletakedebate

(The big three of the Miami Heat came out firing when needed the most)

Chris Bosh hit an unexpected three from the corner; Lebron James nailed a 30 footer; Dwyane Wade drained a tough, falling jumper with a trip to the free throw line.

Just in the style of the Miami Heat, those were some of the key plays in crucial points of the most important quarter in the game of basketball.

However, the Heat were not so alive and kickin’ in the previous parts of the game, especially during the first half where various kinds of woes followed them. Mario Chalmers turned one ball after another over, Wade was almost nowhere to be seen, and James wasn’t as nearly as convincing as in game 6.

Nevertheless, they were always there, trailing only by a tiny margin for most of the time, despite the valiant effort from the resilient Celtics.

And yet again, for the second time in a row, the Heat are right where they want to be, only four victories away from proving numerous doubters wrong and clinching the first title since the now distant ’06.

Last year, their plans were spoiled by Dirk Nowitzki and an amazing squad of Dallas Mavericks. Will they be able to pull it off now?

Almost impossible to predict, since there are so many questions that need to be answered. Who will shine more, James or Durant? Which team will play superb, championship-worthy defense? Who will be able to keep their composure and come out huge when the game is on the line?

We could be juxtaposing piles and piles of those, but instead of enburdening my mind with that, I’ve thought of a better idea – I’ll sit back in my armchair with an ice-cold drink at my side and hopefully enjoy tremendously while watching what nba.com dubbed “The Dream Finals”.

I suggest you do just the same.

Heat 98 – Celtics 79:

Celtics need better than 4-18 from PP.

Now I could break down the game quarter by quarter. I could analyse the performance of Rondo who put up 21/11 or the poor shooting again of Pierce and Allen. I could rant about Wade still suffereing a slump despite some 4th quarter buckets. I could even look into Bosh’s extended minutes (28) and relatively low production, although this can be excused with only his 2nd game back. However doing any of this just diverts from the only really important factor of this game.

LeBron James.

45/14/5 entitles you to take a play off.

I think the ringless “king” must have heard the news that Durant was sniffing for the number 1 spot in the game. Not only did James come out on fire, he absolutely dominated the game, racking up 30points by halftime, giving the Heat at 13points lead. James was absolutely on fire last night, shooting 19-26 on route to 45 points, playing almost as many minutes (44) all while dropping 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 threes. He hit 14 jumpers, using glass, runners, low post moves or just bulldozing through the sea of green to take it hard to the hole. There was simply no strategy the cunning Rivers could draw up to slow this down. A breakout game (not to say he has struggled) was due and how he delivered.

LeBron did not only score he shut down Paul Pierce on the other end. The Truth contributed just 9points on 4-18 shooting, yes this was bad, and could find no way to help drag the Celtics into contention. James has made 4 1st all NBA defense teams and with performances like this it’s not hard to see why. He uses his size to bully his man off the post, his quickness to avoid being beaten and he has the defensive awareness to guard muiltiple players. He understands when and who to rotate too while having the endurance to lock down his matchup all while torching them on the other end. Performances like this are only capable by a select few in the league and James does it the most consistently.

History with no hairline.

Recently the criticism has been harsh. His teammates, including his all world running buddy Dwyane Wade coasts through the first 3 quarters, have struggled to have any consistent impact against the Boston Celtics. He has done all he can averaging 34pts/10.8rbs/4ast/1stl/1blk in the conference finals. Read that line back and realise this is his AVERAGE. He is playing out of this world to keep the Heat within striking distance and has complained not once. This is historic territory LeBron is treading in, as the last player to have 45+/14+/5+ in a playoff game was Wilt Chamberlain with 50/15/6. That is the only other time someone has posted a line that meets this criteria in the postseason. MJ didn’t do it neither did Bird, Magic, the Big O, Kareem. No one. With play like this if either Bosh or Wade can bring anything close to an A game the Heat are going to be a tough matchup for Game7 and the NBA Finals.

However in saying this if Allen or Pierce could add some genuine contribution to the efforts of Rondo and KG then regardless of LeBrons heroics the Celtics could easily win again in South Beach. In what looks like a fascinating game 7, its do or die time for the future HOF’s and the King with no ring.

Prediction – Heat by 5

By Luke Gurrey

@ImAlways_Hungry

lukegurrey.blogspot.co.uk

www.youtube.com/doubletakedebate

Our own vaLTmac51 has come through with a great mix on this years MVP.  You can react in the comments section below or discuss it in the thread in the forum.

Celtics 94 – Heat 90:

Best thing Miami offered all night.

The first half was a case of Miami’s Big Three against Rondo and his role players. LeBron was already dominating play with (18/9) hitting running bankers, floaters, taking numerous Celtics off the low post and just genuinely dominating play on both sides of the ball. He was finding little help however as Wade continued to struggle in all quarters that are not the fourth, as he sat on 7points on just 3-9 shooting (the Heat as a team shot 36% with 11TO’s). If Miami wanted to win this game they needed more consistent play from “Flash” who had so far coasted throughout most of the series and until Game 4 against the Pacers, he has coasted through the playoffs.

Bosh was effective in limited time.

Bosh however suffered from no such problems, as he came on to a rousing ovation from the Heat crowd who recognise his importance having watched their team go through numerous offensive droughts since his injury. They say “you never know what you got till it’s gone” and this could not apply more so than to Bosh whose stock has risen exponentially this postseason. He came in at that half shooting just 3-7 but had 6rebounds, 5 of which offensive, and totaled 9 points. He also brought hustle and energy to a Miami frontcourt devoid of any real offensive abilities and briefly opened up the game for the Heat, but his shortcomings on defense were exposed by KG. Put this down to lack of game time as well as a genuine lack of defensive ability.

Rondo, like LeBron, was excellent for his team, keeping Boston in it at 42-40 at the half with 3pts/4ast/3reb/3stl but shooting just 1-8FG. However, Rondo’s shooting percentage was not an overly great concern for Rivers as he can still control and effect the game like few others despite his shooting woes. Brandon Bass stepped up in the first two quarters with (10/3) which was critical as Allen shot just 1-4 and Pierce 2-10. The Celtics despite shooting 33% for the half were right were they needed to be, down 2 and with the security of knowing they could execute well enough offensively to at least get either Pierce or Allen going.

KG was on fire all night.

In the 3rd Celtics continued to double on Wade despite his struggles, in the knowledge he could shake loose, and the gameplan was clearly getting to him. The Celtics on the other hand opened with back to back lob passes down low to KG, exposing the same flaw they have in the Heat’s frontcourt all series. James meanwhile had managed to total a double double by just the 9minute mark in the 3rd Quarter with his 10th rebound collected. Miami used LeBron’s energy to spark a 9-0 run to break out to a 59-50 lead and it looked as if the Heat would finally put a stranglehold on their ageing opponents. However Rondo had other ideas and managed to put Boston on a run of its own, finishing the quarter 65-60 on a 3point corner shot from Dooling. During this run Garnett (26/11) who was huge for the game, also had a throwback moment as he put James Jones on a poster on a delayed fast break dunk through the lane.

The final period was a question of who would step up first, Wade or Pierce, the two teams best closers to help take the 3-2 lead in this series. The Heat even got help from Norris Cole, remember him, as he chased down Rondo on the fastbreak with a momentum changing steal from behind. This lifted a somewhat muted crowd in South Beach but it wasn’t quite enough. Following the block of the playoffs from Wade on Bass, in one swift motion Rondo “outjumped” LeBron for the one handed rebound kickout to Pietrus on in the corner. It is these kind of special plays that make Rondo such a unique point guard and so special to these Celtics. I have flirted with the idea of them trading him in the past but the way he has played recently, the heart and leadership he has shown, it is up there with the very best of them.

One man show. Too often this series.

Miami struggled with transition defense all night long, whether of makes or misses, and was no more evident than when Wade hit a double clutch pump layup over three Celtics defenders to take the lead. However off the make within 5 seconds Pierce had driven to the hold and drawn two free throws (of which he made both). Celtics defense on the other hand was superb, switching between man and zone defense and even a man to man defense disguised as zone. This threw Miami off their gameplan, struggling to read what was given to them especially with no real point guard in the team.

The Truth came through. Again.

Then came the clutch. Wade had contributed 15points in the 4th but it was Pierce who stole the show. On just 6-19 shooting for the night Pierce hit the biggest 3 of the series. Following a block on a Lebron layup attempt from KG, Pierce dribbled down the clock at the top of the 3 points line, eyed up James, and just rose above him to drill a 3 with 52 seconds left and push the score to 90-86 in Boston’s favor. Another game 5 win for Boston, who are 9-0 in Game 5′s since 2008, as Rivers completely outclassed Spolestra on defensive schemes, offensive adjustments and effective plays out of time outs. Spolestra refused to bring Bosh back for the 4th, citing fatigue and pressure, but this seemed ridiculous given the occasion. This disparity in coaching abilities is what I feel completely swings the series back in Boston’s favor.

Prediction for Game 6 – Celtics by 8.

By Luke Gurrey

@ImAlways_Hungry

youtube.com/DoubleTakeDebate

lukegurrey.blogspot.co.uk

Thunder 108 – Spurs 103:

A crucial game for the series opened in spectacularly odd fashion. Within 30 seconds Ibaka was in foul trouble and went to the bench for Collison for the rest of the 1st quarter. Then at the 10minute mark OKC already found themselves in foul trouble and were in the bonus with a huge chunk of the quarter in jeopardy. However the Thunder didn’t panic, adjusted its defense and took the game to the aging Spurs. With only Manu Ginobli seemingly willing to attack the teeth of the defense (who started his first game all playoffs, desperation?) the Spurs failed to capitalise on the foul trouble and OKC close out the opening period 26-21; spurred on by Collison’s 6pts on 3-3 shooting, foul trouble to Diaw and Duncan while also forcing the often vaunted Spurs ball-handlers into 8 turnovers. Even better for OKC was that they had done all this with Durant shooting just 1-6.

TD battled foul trouble early on.

The Spurs started to look almost flustered by the occasion, including Popovich, who while in the 5th game of these Western Conference Finals still couldn’t seem to make up his mind regarding his rotation. He had previously mentioned getting his best players more floor time to combat the Thunder but it didn’t seem as if he was sure who exactly this was. Green was benched and struggling. Neal was way wide on all his shots. He brought on Bonner for a grand total of 50seconds before subbing him back out.DeJaun Blair, the “Thunder Killer”, managed a whopping 6minutes. While Pop figured out his desired rotation, due to foul trouble the Thunder brought on Cook for his first meaningful appearance and he swiftly contributed 8points (2 3′s) in 3minutes to stretch the game to 40-32 midway through the 2nd. Manu kept the Spurs close throughout, as he was up to 14points by halftime and single-handedly keeping San Antonio within striking distance. That half closed 52-44 and it felt like it could have been a lot more with SA turning it over 11 times and shooting just 39%. Westbrook had proven that he could run the team, besides more struggles shooting he posted 10pts/7ast/2tos/3stls at the half, with KD on just 5/4 and failing to register a shot attempt in the 2nd quarter.

OKC started after the after with two straight turnovers, as Spurs capitalised with a 6-0 run to pull it to 52-50. This seemed to stun the Thunder as the ball movement ground to a halt, Serge got in quick foul trouble again (the 8minute mark). Spurs seemed to sense a momentum shift and duly picked up on it continuing the run to go on a 18-4 run, with again Ginobli being the catalyst. Again the quarter was plagued by foul trouble as Sefolosha, Ibaka and Duncan found themselves on 4 fouls. Just as the spurs sensed they could take this in the quarter Oklahoma went on a furious rally, going 20-5 to close out the quarter (81-72) on a turnaround fade-away by Durant at the buzzer. Westbrook and Durant ran the pick and roll to perfection toward the end of the 3rd, giving the Spurs defense fits as the two best players opened up the whole floor for their team.

“He’s on fire!” ouch it hurts!

Entering the 4th quarter the Spurs seemed down and out as the Thunder continued their dominance stretching the game to 101-88. Then Ginobli decided to have one last push, hitting 3 pointers, driving to the rim and setting up teammates to pull it to a 2 point game. Duncan and Parker contributed but never felt like they were dominating their defensive assignment, instead just playing a role instead of a “big 3″ force they need to be to win. Ginobli did find help from Stephen Jackson as he brought intensity and hustle on both ends of the court, while contributing 13points (3 of which were beyond the arc) as he seemed to step up when nobody else would.

“Big Game” James?

Crunch time. Down 2 and with Durant struggling to find space in the 4th like he did in the 3rd, Harden had the ball at the top of the 3 point line trying to create for KD. With 7 seconds to go and nothing on he checked the shot clock, dropped a crossover on Leonard and rose up for the 3. Nothing but net. Game set and match as the Thunder closed out perhaps their most impressive victory of the postseason yet 108-103.

Big 3 Comparison:

Parker – 20pts/4ast/4rbs/5TO’s                                     Westbrook – 23pts/12ast/4rbs/4stls/6TO’s
Ginobli – 34pts/7ast/6rbs/5TO’s                                     Harden – 20pts/4rbs/3ast/2stl
Duncan – 18pts/12rbs/3ast                                            Durant – 27pts/4rbs/5ast/3stl

The once daunting Spurs, most peoples favorites to win only a week ago, now find themselves staring up at the young energetic Thunder needing a win at Oklahoma’s fortress to stay alive. While OKC seem to be transitioning from young aggressive upstarts to kings of the west way ahead of any optimistic schedule. Now is a big test, the close out game at home, to make the NBA finals against the most successful team in basketball of the last 15years.

“TD is older than my shirt?” Hi5!

Prediction for Game 6 – OKC by 6.

Written by Luke Gurrey

Contact: @ImAlways_Hungry

Facebook; Luke Gurrey

lukegurrey.blogspot.co.uk

Reminiscing on these days, I came to realize that there is no replication of words that would be befitting of the Shawn Kemp legacy. At least not from a lowly-blogging schmuck such as myself. No amount of brainstorming and vocabulary-searching would result in the literary poetry that would be appropriately reflective of the Reignman’s Da Vinci-like highlight reel.

I’ll let the footage do the talking.

Rather than post the same-old highlights seen from the NBA’s “Shawn Kemp: The Reignman” DVD, I felt it would be more exciting to post some actual broadcast footage. What you’re about to watch is, in my opinion, the greatest combination of on-court highlights and broadcast commentary in the history of the game: SuperSonics basketball during the Kemp/Payton era. The eiptome of NBA entertainment.

[6.2.11] Dallas Mavericks Comeback Vs Heat (NBA Finals)

Have the ’11 Mavs done more than just winning a title?

There isn’t a sane person in the world who’d disagree that last year Mavs’ playoffs run was, to say the least, impressive.

Their toughness, resilience, experience and effort have proven more than once that, to put it bluntly, older and slower teams can compete against younger and faster ones.

It takes more than skill, athletic ability and great teamwork to overcome the deficits of 15 points with just a couple of minutes remaining in pivotal games four and two, versus the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat, respectively.

Not willing to overshadow Dirk Nowitzki’s one legged fadeways or Jason Terry’s improbable perimeter clutch shots, nor the defenisve heroics of Tyson Chandler and Shawn Marion, there is one element in particular which distinguished those Mavs from the other contenders back then – the determination.

The very spark of life which appeared in their minds at those crucial moments and fuelled the remarkable comebacks that left everyone astounded and amazed. It may sound like a cliche, but without it, there wouldn’t have been a victory for the Mavs.

The question at hand is – has that same spark managed to strengthen and rejuvenate the likes of San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics of 2012? Could it be that they’ve told themselves that they could do that as well?

Those two teams, the oldest remaining in this year’s playoffs, still battle their way through playoffs’ toughest phases, with only a couple of games remaining to determine the grand finalists, and their chances do not look grim by any means.

Don’t be too surprised if you see any (or both) of these teams you might have written off in the playoffs, clashing for the title, paving their way to the hall of the greatest and writing the history of their own.

If that likely possible chain of events leaves you scratching your head in wonder, just remember what iron will, indomitable spirit and fierce determination are capable of.