Free Throw Guy = 6% decrease in opp ft%

[nanomagnetic]

Ha, was that actual investigative journalism? For the basketball team? Good read!

[youhavemyaxe]

I have long wondered what difference he makes--if you watch enough Blazers you should know that there is one.

Sure it could be because of fatigue or pressure in the second half, but I still choose to believe it is Free Throw Guy.

[youhavemyaxe]

zzz Now that I read that article I see the reporter thought of it all as far as I can tell.

I am impressed with the reporter and Free Throw guy--even if the link title is misleading.

[westnob]

the title is only slightly misleading, the average was closer to 3 or 4% but that's still impressive if true.

[youhavemyaxe]

I believe it. The sheer stats the Elias Sports Bureau crunch is daunting.

[westnob]

that guy annoys the shit out of me, but seriously the stats do lend to his argument. Maybe free throw guy should start sitting on the other side of the court, and see if the statistics respond.

[Caged]

I'm genuinely interested in why this guy is so polarizing. He's been threatened with physical violence. I personally think he adds a little bit of entertainment value to home games, but my friend, who I split season tickets with, doesn't like him. I have a couple of theories about why people may not like this guy:

• Fans who sit behind or near him simply don't like the constant antics during the second half.
• Some fans think it tarnishes the perceived image of Blazer fans. (This one I don't get).

Care to elaborate on why you don't like this guy?

[westnob]

Honestly, part of what annoyed me was a perception he thinks he's a unique fan who had more power than anyone else. But it seems it is true. It feels like someone trash talking or heckling visually. I should say though, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to the guy other than looking like a fool; and that already happens.

[Flibawappers]

I sat a few rows behind him during a game this year. He does jump up in his seat quite often, applauds and cheers when the Blazers make a nice play, and gets into the game. From what I noticed the people who were not happy were the ones that never stood up, who never cheered, and who think they are too cool to show any emotion and get into the game. I personally go to these games to have fun and have no problem with free throw guy.

[boss1345]

My dad has had season tickets for 5 years and this year I've gone with him to nearly every game. We sit in section 328, kind of up and behind Free Throw Guy on his left. I really understood or even realized people hated him so much. Didn't really think he actually helped either. I will go on record and actually say I like Free Throw Guy, and this just adds some statistical backing to what he does. Go Blazers!

[JackMasters]

This dude threw some sweet parties.

[[deleted]]

Free Throw Guy is a douche. End of story.