Game Story Hypothetical

Your task: write a "precede" story based on this set of hypothetical facts. Remember to think about which pieces of information are most important, and to carefully evaluate each quote for its value to the story.

Again, these facts are hypothetical - they do not reflect reality as it currently stands.

A note about other sources: feel free to visit the Sixers and Heat websites (and the NBA's website for that matter (www.nba.com)) for more information about the players, coaches, etc.

Do not assume that your reader knows all there is to know about the players - team rosters are a great source of supplementary information.

Feel free to be creative in your approach to the story lead and flow. Play with the different lead styles we've discussed.

Here goes:

The Miami Heat, led by Shaquille O'Neal, will play the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, January 24 at the Wachovia Center.

This will be O'Neal and the Heat's first trip to Philadelphia this season. The Heat defeated the Sixers, 93-83, on Nov. 21. Marc Jackson led the Sixers with 21 points in that game. The Sixers' Willie Green had a horrendous shooting night, missing 13 of 14 field goal attempts, and all three of his three-point field goal attempts.

O'Neal, considered by many to be the most dominant player of his generation, will pose a strong challenge for the Sixers somewhat undersized forwards and centers. O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, the second-year guard from Marquette have proven to be a potent offensive combination for the Heat, who currently lead the Southeast Division of the NBA.

O'Neal came to the Heat in a celebrated July 2004 trade with the Lakers that sent Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and Lamar Odom to the Lakers, along with a first-round draft pick. He is averaging 21.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game (but update all statistics!!).

Wade, named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December, is averaging 24.1 points per game.

The Sixers are led by Allen Iverson, the NBA's leading scoring at 29.1 points per game. Iverson averages just more than seven assists per game. Jackson, who attended Temple University, has played well, averaging 14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Rookie Andre Iguodala, the Sixers' top 2004 draft pick out of the University of Arizona, has shown excellent speed and slashing ability.

You talk with O'Neal, Iverson, and Sixers' Coach Jim O'Brien. You check your notes, and find these quotes:

O'Brien: "Shaq just plain dominates up front - there's no defending him if he gets position under the basket. Our guys will give it all they have. What they lack in bulk, they make up for in quickness."

Iverson: "What can you say about Shaq that hasn't already been said - he's probably the greatest player of all time - but we can let our guard down when it comes to Wade. He's really quick to the basket, and can flat out shoot."

O'Neal: "Philly is a little short upfront, but they're tough. Jackson stands his ground well. And A.I. is back to his old self, so it will be a challenge for us."


OK, OK, they're not JFK-level quotes - but this is practice.

Your story should run about 500 words and be posted on the blog within 24 hours.

Good luck!