Bits n Pieces

This is an old story but certainly worth repeating. February 12th Rajon Rondo had one of those games. The
6-1 Celtic point guard had a triple double against the Bulls. Playing 40 minutes he had 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. He was 11-22 from the floor, shooting .500 from the floor.

The Knicks Jeremy Lin scored 109 points in his first four games as a starter. We must revisit 1976-77 no player in the history of the NBA matched or exceeded his point total in their first four games. It was actually a double-edge sword, the Knicks needed him to score, no Stoudemire or Anthony in the lineup. Lin's role will change once both return. Anthony has been the main culprit, when the ball is passed to him he holds it bogging down the offense. Anthony has indicated he has no problem with Lin generating the offense, let's see if he's a man of his words when he returns.

Jason Whitlock of Fox Sports is one in a group of people who think they are equally qualified to discuss basketball and race relations intelligently. Once upon a time when working for the Kansas City Star he proved insightful, he hasn't been in that mode for a number of years. I find it difficult to locate basketball fans who actually believe the guy. I plead guilty, sometimes I write an article critical of a player, owner or commissioner. I don't make habit of it.   

Last night I had an opportunity to view two KU players on opposing teams. Okay I exaggerate a bit, Metro Sports picked up the telecast from Wichita.  Conner Frankamp's (Class of 2013) Wichita North team was matched against Perry Ellis's (Class of 2012) Wichita Heights team. Frankamp is a 6-0 shooting guard who shot lights out to the tune of 38 points, he was 11 of 21 from the floor with 5-3 point baskets. 6-8 Perry Ellis a McDonalds All-American was bottled up most of the night, he was double and sometimes triple teamed. Ellis carries a 27 point a game average but was held to 11 points as Wichita North upset Wichita Heights 47-38.

Can you say spoiled?

I have come to the conclusion Laker fans (with the exception of me) are spoiled. 16 NBA Championships, a number of Hall of Fame players and California. The largest number of complaints seem to be coming from Laker fans. "He's soft, he plays with no passion, doesn't like to mix it up inside." Those are just a few of the comments I've read and heard expressed. Is Gasol having a bad year, I hardly think so. TNT broadcaster Kevin Harlan mentioned with Bynum in the mix now Pau's number have decreased. Gasol is at 16.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 1.3 blkpg those numbers don't reflect the skill of this 7-footer. Over the course of his last 5 games Gasol has averaged 3.2 assists per game. I'd be willing to bet his assist number totals eclipse those of several point guards. The power forward position has been a revolving door throughout the years this team has played in Los Angeles. Mark my words Gasol is the best all-around athlete to ever play power forward for the Lakers! I'm not in favor of players going to the media however I was pleased with Kobe. He told Laker management either trade the guy or squash the rumors.

Rookie of the year

The race appears to be wide open for rookie of the year. I'm not declaring for any player just reporting, for the doom and gloom crew. These youngsters provide proof of NBA growth. As this is written the Wolves Ricky Rubio is 11.0 points per game, 8.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds. The Cavs Kyrie Irving is 18.2 points per game, 5.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds. MarShon Brooks of the Nets is 13.9 points per game, 1.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds. The Bobcats Kemba Walker is 13.2 points, 3.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds. Note: Just in case you ask where is the Knicks Jeremy Lin? Lin is in his 2nd year, although he played sparingly last year.

Did you know

Throwback uniforms have become popular, often NBA teams sport them and a number of fans can't relate to the history because they are too you.  The San Antonio Spurs recently wore jerseys with Chaps on the front. The Chaparrals were an original ABA team with a home base in Dallas Texas. The team was sold to a group of San Antonio owners in 1972-73 and became the San Antonio Gunslingers, later they were renamed the San Antonio Spurs. The Memphis Grizzlies were spotted in Green and Gold uniforms with Tams written on the front. Again this was the former ABA team located in Memphis. Oakland A's owner Charles Finley owned the TAMS and had them outfitted in the same team colors of his baseball team. TAMS stood for Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, Memphis in Tennessee borders the other two states. (Wikipedia)

Say what?

There where a number of folks who questioned Mizzou's non-conference schedule. Their schedule was not the toughest schedule in the Big 12 conference. I did take issue with some of the comments especially regarding California and Notre Dame. As this is written Cal is 10-3 in the Pac-12 and tied for first place, their

Notre Dame, the Irish are 10-3 in the Big East Conference and 18-8 overall. I have no idea what either school's RPI is however both have winning records. 20 win teams might not make the field of 64 but certainly the NIT post season tournament is possible. 20 wins also says your team is pretty good, not great but good and it contains talent. One school of thought on scheduling says play a soft schedule, it allows your team to become accustomed to winning. The other view is play a tough schedule, the theory is it better prepares your team for conference play. Of course there is a downside to a tougher schedule, you risk the much greater possibility of injury. Playing a tougher schedule also might cause your team to run out of gas by the time the NCAA tournament rolls around in late March.