Offtopic/fun » OF THE YEAR -- Chris Villarrial, Saint Franci

LAS VEGAS -- The NBAs first Chinese owner said Wednesday that he hopes to use his ties in China to help the Minnesota Timberwolves become a global brand along the lines of the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks.Since Ive been a fan of the NBA for so long, I wondered if I could be part of the sport so that I can establish connections between the NBA and the Chinese market, to do my contribution for the development of both, Lizhang Jiang said through an interpreter. I not only know the Chinese market, but also know very well about the international sports market.I am confident I can transfer my experience and resources in those aspects into the basketball business to help the Timberwolves grow both in the Chinese market and global market.Jiang, who attended Minnesotas summer league playoff game Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, bought a 5 percent stake in the Timberwolves and is also part owner of the WNBAs Minnesota Lynx, whose star Maya Moore plays for the Shanxi Flame in China during the winter.Timberwolves majority owner Glen Taylor also sold 9.5 percent of his team to Manhattan real estate mogul Meyer Orbach, chairman of the Orbach Group in New York City.Orbach said his immediate involvement will be with the renovation of Target Center. Given his background in construction and real estate, he said he will consult during the two-year process, giving input on the construction while assisting with design and layout.Im just going to learn from Glen and everyone over at the organization and see where I can add value and jump in, Orbach said.Taylor said he is excited about Orbachs enthusiasm, while he is confident Jiangs influence will enhance the teams image in China, and broaden scouting opportunities for Chinese players while expanding the teams fan base. He believes that could translate into sponsorship and advertising dollars for an organization that now has several of the most talented and recognizable young players in the league.With Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn as the new faces of the organization, and Tom Thibodeau in place as head coach, Taylor said the possibility of a title is becoming more of a reality.Taylor also said he wouldnt be surprised if other teams find partnerships from China.I think it will encourage them. I think theres more and more business being done between the United States and Chinese companies, so theres always the possibility of sponsors who want to sell here in the United States, Taylor said. I think weve got to open a bunch of doors. And I think maybe by my bringing in a partner this will open a number of other doors.Jiang, who said he became a fan of the NBA during Michael Jordans glory years, also recently purchased 98 percent of Granada CF, a Spanish soccer team.Jiang said he hasnt thought about becoming a majority owner of an NBA team. He is focused on helping build the Timberwolves.My job is to transfer my expertise and experience in sports business into helping the team gain greater development, Jiang said. That is the only important thing for me. You can only talk about more when youve done a great job on what youre focusing on now. The rest will come along naturally.Jiang sat courtside Wednesday with Taylor, plus LaVine and teammates Gorgui Dieng and Nemanja Bjelica. He said hell make plenty of time to visit Minnesota so he can watch his newest investment in person during the regular season.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league was thrilled to get a Chinese owner aboard.Mr. Jiangs business acumen, knowledge of the global sports landscape and strong personal relationships will be tremendous assets to the Timberwolves and Lynx, and he will be an important part of our ongoing efforts to grow the game in China, Silver said.Miami Marlins Shirts . PETERSBURG, Fla. Cheap Marlins Jerseys . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. https://www.cheapmarlinsjerseys.us/ . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Marlins Jerseys China . In the response filed Wednesday to the complaint by 30-year-old Alexander Bradley, attorneys say the former University of Florida player is invoking his Fifth Amendment right that protects people from incriminating themselves. Marlins Jerseys 2020 . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU.(STATS) -- The Northeast Conference handed out its awards Wednesday, with Pennsylvania-based schools Saint Francis, Duquesne and Robert Morris sweeping the five major honors.Conference champion Saint Francis saw sophomore wide receiver Kamron Lewis win the Offensive Player of the Year award and Chris Villarrial earn Coach of the Year honors for the second straight season. Duquesne senior linebacker Christian Kuntz was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season while running back A.J. Hines was selected as Offensive Rookie of the Year. Robert Morris linebacker Gee Stanley took home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.Lewis led the FCS in receiving yards (1,349) and ranked in the top 20 in touchdown catches (10) and receptions (69) to help the Red Flash win the NEC title for the first time. Kuntz had a career-high 11 1/2 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, both tying for the second-most in the FCS.Hines finished sixth in the FCS with 1,291 rushing yards and tied for 10th with 13 TDs on the ground. Stanley amassed 8 1/2 sacks for the second-most by an FCS rookie in 2016.Saint Francis had a league-high eight spots on the All-NEC first team while co-champion Duquesne earned the most overall selections (13).---=NORTHEAST CONFERENCE POSTSEASON AWARDS=OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- Kamron Lewis, WR, Saint FrancisDEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR -- Christian Kuntz, LB, DuquesneOFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- A.ddddddddddddJ. Hines, RB, DuquesneDEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- Gee Stanley, LB, Robert MorrisCOACH OF THE YEAR -- Chris Villarrial, Saint FrancisALL-NEC FIRST TEAMOFFENSEQB -- Dillon Buechel, Duquesne, Sr.RB -- Marcus Bagley, Saint Francis, Jr.RB -- A.J. Hines, Duquesne, Fr.WR -- Wayne Capers, Duquesne, Sr.WR -- Kamron Lewis, Saint Francis, So.WR -- Blair Roberts, Duquesne, Sr.TE/HB -- Ryan Owens, Wagner, Sr.OL -- Matt Diaz, Wagner, Sr.OL -- Sam Freireich, Saint Francis, Jr.OL -- Ben Huss, Duquesne, Jr.OL -- Jimmy Marks, Saint Francis, Sr.OL -- Shane McQuillan, Central Connecticut, Sr.DEFENSEDL -- Jordan Baskerville, Wagner, Jr.DL -- Ryan Lewis, Robert Morris, Sr.DL -- Wesley Nagaseu, Saint Francis, Sr.DL -- Marquise Watson, Bryant, Sr.LB -- Christian Kuntz, Duquesne, Sr.LB -- Randall Laguerre, Central Connecticut, Jr.LB -- Solomon Leaeno, Saint Francis, Sr.LB -- Nathan Stone, Duquesne, Jr.DB -- Marcelis Branch, Robert Morris, Sr.DB -- Lorenzo Jerome, Saint Francis, Sr.DB -- Tim Hayes, Wagner, Sr.DB -- Charles Wingate, Bryant, Sr.SPECIAL TEAMSPK -- James Cooper, Wagner, Sr.P -- Ed Groth, Central Connecticut, Sr.RS -- Lorenzo Jerome, Saint Francis, Sr. ' ' '