Ray Allen and the Bucks were upset that none of them will play in this weekend's NBA All Star Game, but the snub could be a good thing.

First, it might give Allen, Sam Cassell and their teammates even more incentive as they make a drive for the playoffs in the last couple months.

Second, it might show that the Bucks are playing better team basketball this season. The truth is that Allen, the team's representative in the ASG the last couple seasons, is not having a standout season. In fact, Cassell probably deserved to be picked to the team more than Allen this season.

But, in the past, the Bucks were too concerned about such things. Allen and Glenn Robinson were always seen as competing for an All Star berth. Sometimes, it became a distraction to what really counts, winning as many games as possible.

In recent weeks, the Bucks have shared the basketball much better. Tim Thomas, Michael Redd, Jason Caffey, Toni Kukoc, Kevin Ollie and others have been as much a part of the offense as have Allen and Cassell. The team has played better team defense too.

This style of basketball might not produce all stars, but at least in recent weeks it has produced more wins. The Bucks had climbed over .500 going into Thursday's game and into the middle of the playoff pack.

NBA followers have noticed. Coach George Karl was picked the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for January, when the Bucks went 10-4. Karl quickly gave credit to the players for playing good team basketball.

For Bucks' fans, it might be a bit of a disappointment to not have a local favorite in Sunday's game, but most would gladly trade that for a good ride in the playoffs.

The Brew Crew Review

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a week. The Brewers are eager to wipe the slate clean from last year's dismal season, and get going under new management. That was clear from interviews with several of them at the recent Diamond Celebration.

"I didn't get together much over this winter to talk about last season," said outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds. "No barbecues in the back yard, no talking about it over a beer with friends. We all just want to put it behind us and start anew."

Hammonds, who has been injury-plagued in his first two seasons in a Brewers uniform, feels it will be different this season, the last of his contract. "My shoulder feels much better than last spring," he said. "I can do a lot more."

Pitcher Mike DeJean said the changes in the organization from the top down to manager Ned Yost and his coaches have returning players encouraged. "I think it shows they are willing to make the changes to make us better," he said. "Ned Yost's enthusiasm and work ethic can't help but be catching. Now, all of us players have to knuckle down and do whatever we can to help us improve."

GM Doug Melvin has signed several veteran free agents, who have experience but are either questionable physically or might be over the hill.

"We think some of these guys can still help us," Melvin said. "Todd Ritchie certainly can if he is sound. Dave Mlicki knows how to pitch.

"We're going to work with our young players in our system too, but I believe in promoting young players only if they earn it. I don't believe in moving young players up on any prescribed timetable if they aren't ready."

It's hard to believe the Brewers will lose 106 games again, but then none of Melvin's changes so far really get you very excited. Of course, those pitchers and catchers haven't even reported yet, so in fairness you have to give the Brewers a chance before passing judgment.

Look for the return of The Brew Crew Review column in mid-March, during spring training.

Bevell to coach Favre?

Now let me get this straight. Darrell Bevell, who was only a slightly better than average quarterback on the Badgers' Rose Bowl team in the early '90s, is going to coach Packers' quarterback Brett Favre, three-time MVP and perhaps one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

Actually, the combination might not be that odd. Steve Mariucci, who was named Lions' coach this week, is given a great deal of credit for developing Favre, even though Mooch played at dinky Northern Michigan and never made it to the NFL as a player.

Besides, the Packers need a quarterback coach to help develop Favre's successor more than to coach their aging superstar.

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Wave All Stars

Six Wave players have been named to the MISL Western Conference All Star team. Goalie Victor Noqueira will make his eighth All Star appearance. Others are Joe Reiniger, Greg Howes, Lovelace Ackah and Troy and Todd Dusosky.

The All Star Game will be played March 9 at the Bradley Center.

Hot Tix

The Bucks have the weekend off because of the All Star Game, but the Bradley Center will still be a busy place. The Admirals host the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks on Friday and Norfolk Admirals on Saturday at the BC. Both games are at 7:12 p.m.

At 1:05 p.m. Saturday, the Wave will host the San Diego Sockers at the BC. Marquette will take the place over at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, for a game against Wake Forest that will be shown on ABC.

The Badgers are at Northwestern Saturday, but UWM is at the Klotsche Center at 7 p.m. Saturday against Cleveland State and on Monday in an inter-state and inter-Horizon League rivalry matchup against UW-Green Bay.

UWM also has learned its pairings in the Bracket Buster tourney on Sat., Feb. 22. The Panthers will play Southern Illinois at Carbondale in a game that will be carried by ESPN2. The Bracket Buster has been devised to give middle level NCAA teams more exposure and clout for NCAA tournament selections.

Gregg Hoffmann writes The Milwaukee Sports Buzz for OMC every Friday during the winter sports season.