As soon as I gather hot news I want to pass it on. Retain this name in your memory banks, Marcus LoVett.
15-year old Lovett just completed his freshman year on the varsity. "In just his sixth varsity game, the 5-11 lefty guard made a huge statement, dropping 55 points (or 57 depending on the source), including 10 in OT. LoVett finished the year averaging 33.3 per for Providence (CA) High." It's always nice to check back later and say "I remember when." I did this with the Knicks Tyson Chandler, I remember Chandler being featured in a 60 Minutes television segment. Tyson had completed 8th grade and the program focused on him and the Los Angeles high school he would be attending. (ballislife.com & slamonline.com)
Ames (IA) high school teammates Doug McDermott and Harrison Barnes both starred on the team and lead the school to a state championship. Once graduation occurred the two headed off to college in different directions. Creighton was McDermott's school of choice while Barnes picked Carolina. At the time I wrote the story I had no idea the teams would face off in the NCAA's, the teams met in the field of 32. Barnes Carolina team prevailed
87-73. McDermott led Creighton with 20 points and 9 rebounds, Barnes chipped in with 17 points and 5 rebounds for Carolina.
Mike D'Antoni has resigned, Mike Woodson is the interim coach but that could change. All sorts of stories are floating about who will replace Mike D'Antoni, three names of note are circulating. The Kentucky Wildcats John Calipari, retired philosopher Phil Jackson and former Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Is coach Cal ready for the rigors of the NBA again, we really can't answer the question until he responds? I will be surprised, no shocked is a better word if PJ comes out of retirement. Stories have circulated for years ex-Knicks player PJ rides back to rescue the struggling franchise and leads them to the promised land. Undocumented stories indicated Laker in-charge guy Jim Buss wanted PJ gone which may or may not be true. Here's what will not occur, PJ to the Knicks. I love PJ as a coach but keep in mind both the Bulls and Lakers were nearly complete teams, they required a coach to provide stability and direction. The Knicks have several quality players but also a few knuckleheads. Chances are probably better for Jerry Sloan than PJ but I'm not sure if he is really interested in coaching again. The team seems to have responded in a positive manner to Mike Woodson, they could consider hiring him but that would be too much like right.
It just so happens I think the best power forward these days is the Lakers Pau Gasol. I know I am going to receive flak for naming him the best especially because he's a Laker. Tim Duncan's game has declined so somebody must assume the mantle---best power forward in the NBA. I'm unsure what folks expect of his game, one thing for sure he is not going to mix it up down low, that is not his style of play. There are a group of Laker fans who think because he's 7-0 feet and 250 pounds Gasol needs to play down low in and around the paint area. Why do "they" make those statements, I'm unsure why they allow Dirk Nowitzi (same size) continued play on the perimeter with little or no criticism of his game? Gasol's game is that of many of today's 7-footers, shooting from the perimeter. If we just check his stats they are at or near the same level as in years past. His scoring average of 16.6 points and 10.4 rebounds a game certainly is adequate considering the number of shots taken by Kobe and now Bynum. His field goal percentage a sparkling .501 which is certainly noteworthy for a number of his field goals are perimeter and not dunks. The man plays defense, blocking shots and rebounding with the best. His skill as passing big man is second to none, in fact he might be the best currently. In my estimation there are only two other power forwards playing at or near Pau's skill level, Dirk Nowitzi and Kevin Love. Kevin Garnett, LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin are positioned a little lower on my scale.
I could state New Yorkers or at least those living in Brooklyn continue to express their displeasure with Barclays Center. Late last week, our friends at Patch had some fun with the Barclays Center arena, asking readers if the 19,000-seat venue is ugly or not. Sure, the building isn’t really done yet, but who cares — we Brooklynites aren’t afraid to express our opinion even before its valid! So far, a couple hundred people have voted — and the verdict? “Eyesore” is winning with 65 percent of the vote. Although not completed I hope you've had an opportunity to see the architectural portrait, personally I don't think it looks that bad. Of course me living in Kansas City I don't have to drive past it so it will have little impact on my life.
(fort-greene.thelocal.nytimes.com)
The collegiate game played on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson would appear to become an annual event. The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway which is a floating museum will serve as the 2012 site of the carrier game on November 9th. Unconfirmed as participants are San Diego State and Georgetown, stay tuned for further updates.
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