Sports Passion The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 (November 2013) | Page 27

Charlotte Bobcats Charlotte, North Carolina ? The Buzz ? The Buzz was created with fans petitioning to bring the Hornets name back to Charlotte, now that the New Orleans Hornets have become the New Orleans Pelicans. The fans got their wish when the NBA Board of Governors approved the name change. As you know by now the Bobcats are getting the boot out of Charlotte and the Charlotte Hornets will be receiving a welcome back party beginning the 2014-15 NBA season. Throughout the city and through social media the “buzz” fandemonium has been great. From “Buzz City” to “Bring Back the Buzz,” the fan interaction has been exactly what team owner Michael Jordan and organization have been looking for. If you have been to a Bobcats game the past few seasons you know that fans are still wearing their throwback Charlotte Hornets jerseys and often speak of the team when they had Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, and others. For the Charlotte fans it makes sense for them to convert back. Especially since the team hasn’t made a real impact since the Hornet days. The Bobcats organization needed to do something to gain the commitment back so the eventual name change, a new coaching staff, the draft of Cody Zeller, and the addition of Al Jefferson has steered the team and fans in the right direction. The Bobcats are on the right track on and off the court. The Bobcats recently defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first home game of the season and the fan reaction was intense. The Time Warner Arena was on fire, as the Bobcats secured their first win of the regular season and their first home victory. The sediment from the crowd as Bismack Biyombo dunked, Zeller hit a few shots, Josh McRoberts making an impact, Sessions making a couple of key baskets down the stretch, Henderson making free throws, and Kemba Walker being Kemba Walker. It was great to see. Everick Davis, Jr., a lead writer for sportspassion.net, has made the case for the Bobcats, as they are the team to look out for this year. The Bobcats’ back court is the key to the team improving, in particularly point guard, Kemba Walker. Walker and backup guard Ramon Sessions, have to set the tone and be leaders on the court. Co-captain Gerald Henderson is another player that is key. Walker and Henderson have been fan favorites for a while now and the two players will have an impact on the future of the organization for years to come, as well as ensuring the buzz remains even after the Bobcats become the Hornets next season. The Buzz has been created, but is it here to stay? That remains to be seen. Sports Passion Magazine | 27 www.sportspassion.net