Is it September already?
A funny thing happened on the way to September. Last week I wrote my intentions were to begin renewal of Words in September. I chose September for several reasons, chief among them my hope the NBA lockout would be concluded. Why the change, the board of directors (I don't really have a board) several readers requested I continue to provide my spin on relevant basketball news. Thanks for the encouragement in this effort.


It's official now
Yao Ming is retiring after nine years in the NBA. He endured a series of injuries over the course of his career which has curtailed his career. Season when healthy he was a mighty force in the paint. I remember him blocking the first two shots of Shaquille O'Neal the first time they faced off. Time certainly has passed quickly, it seems but a short time ago I first begin reading about this 7'6" giant from China. Yao Ming was not the first Chinese player in the NBA but he certainly has been the most successful to date. Traditionally big men do not shoot free throws well, Yao is one of the exceptions. Former Piston Bill Laimbeer is the only full-time center to have a higher percentage than Yao Ming, Laimbeer was .837 to Ming's .833.


It's possible another father/son in the NBA
Remember former NBA player Shawn Kemp? Kemp was a 6'9" power forward who spent most of his NBA career playing for the Sonics. He was dubbed the Reign Man by the media, one of the definitions of reign is dominating power or influence. Sean Kemp certainly did dominate during the early years of his NBA career, his effort and the Sonics was curtailed by the Jordan Bulls. For several years this was true of Sean Kemp but wait there's more. His son Sean Kemp Jr. recently signed with the Washington Huskies. The son is a 6'10" 265 pound power forward who is considered an outstanding prospect, Husky coach Lorenzo Romar is excited to have the second coming of the Reign Man???


Will he be treated as just another basketball player?
Prior to the draft and eventual lockout many collegiate were making the rounds of NBA cities in hopes of being drafted. Undrafted players are currently in limbo unable to sign with any NBA team. One of the players on the circuit was Mustapha Farrakhan Jr., you might not be familiar with this former University of Virginia baller but you certainly are familiar with his grandfather. His grandfather is Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam. Young Farrakhan is a 6-4 shooting guard who averaged 13.5 points per game at the University of Virginia and is no dumb jock, he graduated with a sociology degree. On his NBA aspirations his only comment has been "he's trying to fit in." He appears to be searching for his own identity but there is a bigger question. How will his grandfathers reputation impact his possible future in the NBA or other endeavors of life?


From Russia with Love
I don't know about you but I don't believe it. I don't believe the claims made by several media sources that NBA players are headed to Europe in case the lockout persist. Yes, I think players at the end of several NBA benches might be headed for Europe should the lockout extend into the regular season. There are numerous reasons why a mass exodus of star players will not occur, if an injury should occur a players contract could be voided. Don't think so, remember former Bulls guard Jay Williams? Williams had an off-season motorcycle accident which forced his early retirement. The word on the street indicated the Bulls were not going to pay Williams because his contract among other issues excluded riding a motorcycle. The Bulls eventually relented and paid him, you think Deron Williams or Kobe Bryant would be willing to risk injury playing in Europe?


You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
John Wooden