A departure

I realize this is a basketball blog and I intend to maintain it in that manner. I must venture into other areas when required, this is one of those required departures. The Kansas City Chiefs are in desperate need for a football coach. For those unaware nothing's happened to him--Todd Haley is still in place. That's the problem he should be replaced. If a casual NFL fan like me questions Todd Haley's leadership and coaching abilities what about the folks who really know football? I hope this isn't construed as piling on--it was written prior to starting quarterback Matt Cassell's injury and surgery. The backup quarterback situation is going to be very interesting. "That's all I got to say about that."

Faith in Haith

It's interesting to me, the same folks who were screaming loudly "fire Haith" have now changed their tune. The NCAA is yet to complete it's investigation on Mizzou's coach yet many in Mizzou nation now love him. I paid no attention to any noise emanating from Lawrence Kansas, I knew their true sentiments. My concern revolved around Mizzou alum and fans, many didn't want a Haith hire in the first place. They wanted Purdue's Matt Painter and then Yahoo released it's story on the Miami University mess. The story alleged Haith was involved in a "pay-for-play" with a Miami recruit, the headlines and talk shows detailed Haith's guilt. Back to the court thanks to ESPN the nation watched as Mizzou dispatched Notre Dame and Cal quite easily. Even more interesting the comment I heard prior to the game, "they (Mizzou) should beat Cal but won't run them over like Notre Dame." Beating your opponent by 39 points I think qualifies as running over a team do you agree? My description of the game, a "Mike Anderson" offense without the chaos his Mizzou teams often suffered. With that said the Tigers have won nothing, yes they won the CBE Championship but the season has yet to begin. The Tigers must continue to play inspired basketball through their final successful Big XII season. I'm happy to state my position, after the "pay-for-play" controversy surfaced I was truly worried. I thought maybe Haith had done something improper, the investigation is incomplete however after a thorough examination of the story I've determined I have "Faith in Haith!" Late arrivals are always welcome on the bandwagon.

The teacher
The Lockout draft of 1999 the Clippers made Michael Olowakandi, a.k.a. the Kandi Man the number one pick. The Kandi Man was born in Lagos Nigeria but grew up in London England, this 7-0 270 pound center played college ball at the University of the Pacific. Scouts were salivating, "wait till we get him in the NBA." Olowakandi played for three NBA teams over the course of his career from 1998-2007. He "retired" after the 2007 season, no need of going over his numbers because they certainly are not noteworthy. The purpose of this story revolves around coaching. Olowakandi was drafted by the Clippers and Kareem Abdul Jabbar served on the coaching staff. Abdul Jabbar was asked to work with Olowakandi, aid his footwork teach him the sky-hook and other nuances of the center position. To shorten the story after a period of time Olowakandi was reported to have said: "there wasn't anything Kareem could teach him." Olowakandi couldn't learn anything from the all-time leading scorer in NBA history! He couldn't (or wouldn't) learn the most devastating weapon in NBA the Sky-Hook from the master. Olowakandi didn't take too well to coaching, sometimes we have problems responding to coaching or history right Shaq?

Making amends

Speaking of Shaquille O' Neal I've been hostile toward Shaquille O' Neal regarding statements made in his book "Shaq Uncut: My Story," I'm going to toss him a compliment. The man is working on his PhD at Barry University in Miami, his field "Leadership and Education with a specialization in Human Resource Development." O'Neal left LSU after his junior year for the NBA but returned to complete his undergraduate degree, the educational pursuit did not end there it was really just beginning. His educational journey took him to the University of Phoenix there he received an MBA in 2005. Shaq says growing up his mother always stressed education and he is completing his education as a promise to his mother. (portions courtesy barry.edu)

Shocker

This will certainly shock many of you I'm tossing compliments to the Jayhawks. I wasn't impressed by Duke's win over KU, I'm not sure if it was the fatigue that might have affected both team but KU almost pulled off the upset. It's still early in the season, nothing is set in stone at this date. Once conference play begins KU certainly will be in the mix, are they the best team in the Big XII? Do they have the horses to win another Big XII Championship? Those questions will remain unanswered until March.

"Were going to turn this team around 360 degrees." What did he say???????

Jason Kidd