I want this guy in my foxhole

I'm not a big sports guy, but I heard the Mavs lost last week (just teasing!). They gave it their best shot and the guy who pays the bills over there, Mark Cuban, gave it his best shot too. In fact he's been stirring things up throughout the NBA ever since he bought the Mavericks seven years ago. Without Cuban, the Mavs would probably be another "also-ran" NBA team like they were so many years under the previous ownership.

Cuban has always put his team first. From what I understand, when he first took control of the team he started treating the players like real winners by providing first class training facilities, the finest equipment, extra large towels, the finest food and all the big and little things that gave them total respect for their new boss. He made sure they had everything at their disposal to ensure success. He even bought them their own Boeing 757 with a custom interior and decked out in the team's colors .

His love of the game and his people transcend all the "stuff" he provides for them. He's hands on. Mark Cuban isn't the typical owner who watches the games from a luxury box. He's always down there on the floor with his team giving them unbridled support and when necessary taking the attention off the team and putting himself squarely in the line of fire if it's in the team's best interest.

Some people resent Cuban because of his unconventional way of doing business and playing games, but then it's his unconventionality that has made him an unprecedented success.

So what does Cuban have to say about the finals?

"And for the record, I have nothing to say about the finals. That was last season."

What else would you expect a winner to say?

Today's Dallas Morning News has a good article about Mark Cuban. He's one of the good guys.