Gilbert was kung-fu fighting
This cat was fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightning
But he fought with expert timing

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Everyone knows what Gilbert said after he was cut from Team USA last summer:

“I can’t wait to play the Suns and Portland. Against Portland, Nate McMillan, I’m going to try to score 100 in two games and against D’Antoni, I’m going to score 100 in two games. I’m going to try.”

Then he backed it up by scoring 54 against the Suns. In his most recent blog he write about his next 50 point game:

The most important game is on Feb. 11.

Well, it’s not the most important but that’s the game I’m going to say is my next 50-pointer.

I know they have the countdown going. I also do to.

Tune in. I think ESPN or TNT needs to pick that game up.

Then Gilbert hyped it up more on the live All-Star selection show:

“We’re live? I’m coming for you Portland.”

Gilbert has single handedly made this the game to watch. Message boards and blogs all over can’t wait to watch if Gilbert is really going to score 50. The only problem is - the game is on Sunday at 1PM. The same time that San Antonio plays Miami on ABC. League rules say that other NBA games cannot be shown during ABC’s telecast. Thus, the game won’t be televised in any market - not even Washington. The only way you’ll be able to see it is if you have a ticket to the game.

Who wants to start a pention to show this game instead of the Spurs and Heat?

Gilbert Arenas beat out Vince Carter by just 3,010 votes in the final All-Star ballots to claim the starting guard spot along with Dwayne Wade for the Eastern Conference. It was the fourth-closest margin for a starting spot. Arenas was 214,460 votes behind Carter two weeks ago, but finished with 1,454,166 to Carter’s 1,451,156.

On being voted a starter:

“It is an unbelievable feeling. Two years ago, I was voting myself in for the game. Now fans are voting me in, and I’m going to do what they are looking for. I’ve got something to give back to the fans during All-Star weekend.”

On the Iverson trade:

“That was a blessing in disguise. It potentially opened years of getting in because of him going out West. He ate up all of the votes, along with Dwyane Wade. Now all I had to do is catch Vince Carter, and that is what I did.”

On being named an injury replacement after being snubbed by the coaches last year:

“It feels great. I am guaranteed now, and I do not have to leave it in the hands of the coaches voting for me”

It looks like the Vote for Gilbert campaign worked afterall.

The West team will be coached by Phoenix’s Mike D’Antoni, which should give Gilbert some added motivation.

The Washington Times has a nice article today on the marketability of Gilbert Arenas. Among the interesting points:

• Glaceau is preparing to roll out a new drink that was formulated with input from Arenas and a handful of other athletes
• Adidas is in early discussions with Arenas to make him one of the most visible spokesmen for not only its basketball division but the company as a whole.
• A recent report from Davie Brown highlighting the league’s most marketable players makes no mention of Arenas

In the D.C Sports Bog, Dan Steinberg mentions that Gilbert may play some baccarat during All-Star Weekend in Vegas.

There’s going to be a lot of gambling and partying. You may catch me in the casino at the baccarat table. I can’t just sit for three hours, though–so depending on what I want to win or lose, I’ll just put it on one bet. And I always win.

I’m guessing he will be shooting jumpers and playing video games in the Palms Basketball Suite.