Rock on

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 23, 2009 | by Brad Rock Deseret News

Aim high, mate

The Jazz worked out ex-Ute center Luke Nevill on Sunday in preparation for Thursday's NBA Draft.

Who knows, they might be onto something. Though many experts don't think the Man from Down Under will even get drafted, Australia has exported some big success stories: Nicole Kidman, Olivia Newton- John, Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban and Mel Gibson.

Nevill might do well to follow the advice of fellow Aussies, the Bee Gees, who wrote that famous draft anthem "Stayin' Alive":

Well now, I get low and I get high,

And if I can't get either, I really try.

Got the wings of heaven on my shoes.

I'm a dancin' man, and I just can't lose.

You know it's all right. It's OK.

I'll live to see another day.

Don't laugh. It worked for Travolta.

History calling

How's this for irony: The writer who first suggested Mark McGwire might be juiced is likely to beat Big Mac into the Hall of Fame.

Steve Wilstein, the former AP writer who got McGwire to admit he used the supplement androstenedione, is up for the writers' wing of the hall.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that be like Terry Bradshaw beating Bob Costas into the Broadcast Hall of Fame?

The Frog King

Kobe Bryant appeared on the "Tonight Show" last week to acknowledge the Lakers' 15th NBA title.

During the interview, he talked about coach Phil Jackson having the Lakers meditate before games. "He said, 'You're a frog on a lily pad ...' " said Bryant, as the audience began to laugh, then interjected, "I'm not making this stuff up."

Besides, it wouldn't be the first time someone has called Kobe a toad.

Beyond bad

Ex-Piston Bill Laimbeer resigned as coach of the Detroit Shock last week, saying he wanted to pursue a career as an NBA coach.

Sources say after the announcement, Laimbeer screamed for a foul, faked an injury and clotheslined WNBA commish Donna Orender on his way out.

Fighting chance

Jose Canseco, he of the disastrous ring/mat/cage failures, is back in business.

He is scheduled to fight July 24 against Bill "Wingador" Simmons.

But here's the real story. Canseco's girlfriend, poker professional Heidi Northcott, says she's looking for a ring opponent, too. She says she prefers fighting someone under 120 pounds.

Or Canseco, whichever is easier to beat.

e-mail: rock@desnews.com