He's back on the basketball court
No word yet on Mizzou coach Haith yet however DeQuan Jones has been cleared. Last August Jones's was reported to have received money from Miami booster Nevin Shapiro in a Yahoo report. The money exchange was to have taken place the year before Jones enrolled at Miami. Former Miami coach Haith's name was included in the alleged improprieties, most involved the football program. This investigative story was first reported by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Robinson conducted prison interviews with former booster Shapiro. The NCAA has completed it's investigation of Jones, he sat out Miami's first 10 games. It might be of interest Shapiro is in prison serving 20 years for his role in a $930 million dollar Ponzi scheme. It's only pre-season and one game, this is the box score for two rookie point guards. Ricky Rubio came off the Wolves bench, played 24 minutes, 1-4 from the floor with 6 points and 7 assists. In the Pacific Time Zone the "Jimmer" exhibited his work. Jimmer Fredette was a starter, played 35 minutes for the Kings, 7-11 from the floor with 21 points and 4 assists.
It's not uncommon for athletes to play football and basketball, the practice is less common at the collegiate level. LeBron James is probably the most recent name that comes to mind. James played both sports in high school but chose basketball as his professional choice. There is another high school player whose played both sports but will certainly chose the basketball path. Willie Cauley is a senior at Olathe Northwest (KS) a Kansas city metro high school. Cauley is a 6-11 215 pound wide receiver who towers over opposition defensive backs and linebackers, those who follow the NFL think of former receiver Harold Carmichael only two inches taller. John Calipari flew into Kansas City to sign Cauley and took in one of his football games one Friday evening. On Sunday Cauley sit down with his family to sign his letter of intent for Kentucky. His football days are over as he concentrates on playing center at the collegiate level. Thanks to the HBO documentary Prayer for a Perfect Season I have became acquainted with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The documentary followed Kidd-Gilchrist through his senior year including his signing with Kentucky. I have been following his progress via ESPN, now I'll have another Kentucky player (Cauley) to follow.
The headlines were almost funny if this matter were not so serious. One headline read, "Lakers sign Josh McRoberts to fill in for Lamar Odom." Another one read, "Josh McRoberts will make Lakers Forget Lamar Odom." This is another semi-strange move that's caused the Laker Nation to scratch it's head. McRoberts is younger (24) than Odom and actually carries more weight on his frame however Odom he's not. This former Dukee was drafted by Portland in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft, he was traded to his hometown Pacers and has played their the last three years. I watched few Pacer games last season so I'm unsure exactly what he brings to the table. My best guess, the Lakers expect him be the second coming of former Laker Kurt Rambis. For those unfamiliar with the Rambis role on the '80's Showtime Lakers he was a "banger" a guy who did all the dirty work on the boards, set picks and scored occasionally. If my team doesn't compete this year I figure 30% of the blame can be laid at the feet of Laker management, the other 70% David Stern. The events (the Lockout) and other matters I think it's time for Mr. Stern to name his replacement, better yet allow the Board of Governors that duty. After I finished writing this piece I was viewing the Laker website and it suggested we might want to You Tube McRoberts dunks from last season. I did and I must admit I was impressed now only if he can transferred what I saw to the Lakers.
In a somewhat surprising move Nene Hilario remained with the Denver Nuggets, he recently signed a 5-year deal to remain with the Nuggets. This just proves we shouldn't listen to agent talk, his agent had most of believing his Rocky Mountain High was over. Both he and his agent were talking greener pastures for this native of Brazil. By the way did you notice I gave you Nene's first and last name? I'm unsure if he deserves first name identification only, there are few in life who are identified by their first name only. Madonna, Michael (Jackson & Jordan) and Jack (Nicholson) can be easily identified without their last name, Nene is there with the NBA community but probably few others.
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