Did you hear this?

A bicycle was stolen in Murray Utah, a stolen bicycle in Murray or anywhere else for that matter is probably not news or that unusual. This bicycle is unusual however, the bicycle was custom built for former NBA player Sean Bradley. Bradley had a 13-year NBA career playing for several teams, drafted by the 76ers he played for the Nets and Mavs. As for Bradley's bicycle it was eventfully recovered and the thief caught. At the time the perpetrator was booked he was measured at 6 feet in height. Surely he must have walked the bicycle from Bradley's home, can you imagine a guy 6 feet tall riding a bicycle built for a 7-6 person?  It was reported he intended to sale the bicyle for parts? 

Your Mizzou update

Sean Smith 6-3 shooting guard from Chicago is still committed to play at Mizzou, he's waiting until the NCAA's spring signing period.  As for Quantel Denson I've always believed in second chances, it's going to be okay if Denson signs somewhere other than Mizzou. The program should be as clean as possible, no need or requirement to sign a player with legal baggage. In other Mizzou news this next story is envy on my part, why couldn't I come up with something cute or snappy? Many of you might be familiar with the polish Old English. Mike Dearmond's headline column in the Kansas City Star read; "Old English starts new season for Mizzou, Haith." Kim English made five three-pointers and 19 points total against Southeast Missouri State on Friday evening. After an impressive freshman and sophomore year English "disappeared" for much of his junior year. Reports circulated an injury had impeded his play however this injury appeared to last the bulk of last season. Hopefully the Friday night start for this Baltimore product might be a harbinger of a successful senior season.

It's not the same

The list (not the actual selection) of 2012 Naismith inductees was announced recently. As usual we begin debating if player X belongs in the Hall, this debate often begins with "he didn't have a good NBA career!" My response is so what, what about his collegiate record shouldn't it count too? So it was with Ralph Sampson, a fan wrote "he has no business being there!" Often a player will have exhibited his skills in a different era or in the case of Sampson his collegiate exploits exceeded that of his NBA career. This 7-4 tower was three-time College Player of the Year while at Virginia. He was two-times the John R. Wooden Award winner and three-times the Adolph Rupp Trophy winner. Many say he never excelled in his NBA career but they fail to mention injuries played a key role in his average NBA career. (stats Wikipedia)

Shaq part deux

I guess I will breakdown and eventually buy Shaquille O'Neal's book "Shaq Uncut: My Story". Bit by bit, piece by piece I continue to be teased by portions of the book released. I read another portion ESPN.com posted and Shaq admits he discovered somebody else beside Kobe and Kareem he didn't like. Of course the Kobe feud was news for years, I don't think any of us were aware of Shaq's issues with Abdul Jabbar. There are two additional villains in Shaq's crosshairs, Pat Riley former Heat coach and his step-father Phillip Harrison. Shaq claims he wanted out of Miami because of Riley's strict training demands after the Heat won the NBA Championship. Please stop me if you've heard this story or one similar before. It seems Shaq is taking shots at any and everyone who crossed paths with him over the years. This even includes his step-father Phillip Harrison, he's accused "Sarge" of being border line abusive to him as a child. I like the playful Shaq, the gregarious Shaq not the one who appears to lash out at almost all around him. I don't like the Shaq who appears to hold grudges and is prepared to spew venom in an effort to sale the book.

“Coaching is easy. Winning is the hard part.”

Elgin Baylor