The Socal alumni chapter attended the Clippers/Pacers game last night and met with Diener and Novak after the game. They were very gracious with their time, meeting with us for about twenty minutes signing autographs and answering questions.
They both talked about wanting to play more, but happy to be in the NBA. They said the biggest difference between the NBA and College was how much free time they had now. Marquette was very intense in both practice and studies. They're happy never to have to study again. Both said the program more than prepared them for the NBA.
The Pacers were in town since Wednesday, so Diener got to see the city a bit and hang out with Novak. He mentioned they went bowling and he beat Novak pretty good. They both keep touch with all of the guys and look forward to weddings for reunions.
They both follow Marquette closely. Novak thinks MU still has a chance. Diener thinks they're pretty much done without James. They both get back to MU a couple of times a year for some pick up games. Diener said MU is the only school he has seen that follows players in the NBA like we do.
Novak is happily married to a Marquette grad. Diener recently got engaged to a Marquette girl.
I had a point and shoot piece off crap camera, so don't compare the following pics to the photographers on this site.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2491.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2498.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2512.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2522.jpg)
Novak barely played
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2523.jpg)
Brought back memories
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2525.jpg)
Novak on the break
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2532.jpg)
The Bird man
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2553.jpg)
Diener was attentive to everyone
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2558.jpg)
Diener, Mrs. SoCalwarrior and Novak
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d88/kenwoodla/Clippers/IMG_2562.jpg)
SoCal Alumni Chapter
That's awsome.
Thanks for sharing these. They are great to see.
Diener still looks like he's in high school - especially in street clothes. thanks for the great update.
It looks like Diener and Novak shop at the same store for their shirts. But who am I to talk, those two shirts could probably pay for half my wardrobe.
That is pretty cool that they are able to hang out when their college buddy is in town on a business trip. Just like the rest of us.
Thanks for sharing SoCal. But THAT was the number of SoCal MUers that showed up? Really? Please tell me there were more!
Nice to see Travis still in blue and gold.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on March 08, 2009, 11:14:39 PM
Thanks for sharing SoCal. But THAT was the number of SoCal MUers that showed up? Really? Please tell me there were more!
There looked to be more So. Cal folks from MU then were in the actual seats during the game.
I confess, I didn't go.....I'm in Colorado so I couldn't attend.
Looks like it was a great event. Organizing and drawing people to an alumni event can be a difficult task--even for events of this caliber. Travis and Steve are always fine reps for MU (Dwyane too, of course). Congrats on a fine job.
I hope the MU /NBA /Alumni opportunities continue over the years as it seems like a great plan for some of local Alumni clubs to get together. There should be even more opportunities in the coming years as the MU Alumni NBA roster could double.
By the way, I am on the $^*)! list when my son sees this. I received the invite from the Alumni club, but we had too much going on to make it to the game. Thanks for pics.
Quote from: MUEng92 on March 08, 2009, 10:13:21 PM
It looks like Diener and Novak shop at the same store for their shirts. But who am I to talk, those two shirts could probably pay for half my wardrobe.
That is pretty cool that they are able to hang out when their college buddy is in town on a business trip. Just like the rest of us.
Doubt it. Just because they get paid a LOT doesn't mean they are going to spend it on frivilous things. I'm pretty sure Deiner is a 'simple' kind of guy when it comes to buying clothes.
at least he could get someone to get a shirt that is properly fitting... also maybe tuck it in.
I agree, he looks like a high schooler who has to dress up for each game.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on March 09, 2009, 03:15:47 PM
Doubt it. Just because they get paid a LOT doesn't mean they are going to spend it on frivilous things. I'm pretty sure Deiner is a 'simple' kind of guy when it comes to buying clothes.
at least he could get someone to get a shirt that is properly fitting... also maybe tuck it in.
I agree, he looks like a high schooler who has to dress up for each game.
People who tuck in their shirt with jeans on = weiner or over 40.
Quote from: eaglewarrior08 on March 09, 2009, 03:21:20 PM
People who tuck in their shirt with jeans on = weiner or over 40.
Yeah, if I want to embarass my 17 year old daughter I tuck in my shirt. Im way over 40 and I know not to tuck in my shirt.
obviously.
he should have been in a nice pair of slacks as well.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on March 09, 2009, 03:15:47 PM
Doubt it. Just because they get paid a LOT doesn't mean they are going to spend it on frivilous things. I'm pretty sure Deiner is a 'simple' kind of guy when it comes to buying clothes.
at least he could get someone to get a shirt that is properly fitting... also maybe tuck it in.
I agree, he looks like a high schooler who has to dress up for each game.
I guarantee you those are custom shirts from a tailor. They fit perfectly. No one tucks their shirts in any more.
Diener was driving an Escalade before he was even drafted. Don't think just because he is a white kid from Wisconsin doesn't mean he doesn't like nice stuff.
I also don't think Diener or Novak would ever utter the word "slacks" when referring to their wardrobe.