THU 11/4
The Miami Heat made a few changes over the summer. They drafted high school small forward Dorrel Wright, who is expected to help fill the shoes of departed wingmen Caron Butler and Lamar Odom. They signed guards Wesley Person and Damon Jones, who they hope will replace former floor leader Rafer Alston. And by signing forwards Christian Laettner and Michael Doleac, the Heat hopes to bolster rebounding now that Brian Grant is gone. Oh, and then there's some new guy named Shaq. All he's supposed to do is bring a championship to Miami and put the Heat back on the NBA map. This would seem as if all-too-lofty expectations have been heaped upon a young team -- except that it's the team president doing the talking. "My major motivation in trading for Shaq was to win a championship," Pat Riley said. "I saw an opportunity here to win now. It was a deal we had to make." So number 32 Heat jerseys are selling in record numbers, and the Diesel is doing his part to fuel the expectation flames. "I like the organization. I like the city," Shaq has said. "I will bring a title to Miami before I'm done." Damn! -- and you thought Mom expecting you to attend med school was tough. The quest for the title gets started at home at 8 p.m. Thursday at the American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) against Lebron James and Cleveland. Call 786-777-1000. -- Russ Evans
Without the ball
FRI 11/5
There's a myriad of golf enthusiasts in South Florida who relish an opportunity to get out into nature and swing for the fairway. But there are way more people who would partake in the pastime if only it didn't involve such a small ball and oddly shaped clubs. For those of you who concur with the latter perspective, Tradewinds Park (3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek) has just the tournament for you. The Glow in the Dark Disc Golf Tournament takes place Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. The event features contests including "closest to the pin" and "longest drive," and prizes will be awarded. Plus, you don't have to use any balls. Registration costs $15 per person. Call 954-968-3880. -- Russ Evans
