Bits n pieces

I didn't realize how valuable Chris Bosh was to the Heat! A number of Heat fans are claiming his absence ensured a Laker victory last Sunday. Wasn't this the same guy last year they were complaining about saying he was too soft, wish they would make up their minds.

David Stern says he's retiring in two years----I will believe it when I see it, do I sound anxious to see him go? Early in his years as commissioner I can think he exhibited strong sound leadership at a time the NBA required it. Lately he's become the old man next door to you, always angry and condescending you say to your relatives "I certainly will be glad when Mr. ________next door moves!"

Highly unusual, three teams Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State all tied for first place in the Big 10. Two-way ties are familiar, I'm sure it's probably occurred before I just can't remember a three-way tie.

Andrew Bynum had a monster game although his team lost to the Pistons in overtime 88-85. Bynum scored 30 points with 14 rebounds and 3 blocked shots while shooting .722 from the floor, he tossed in in 2 assists for good measure. Sorry sports fans, I'm still unwilling to trade him for Dwight Howard.

While complimenting Bynum above Kobe Bryant was a direct cause for their OT loss to the Pistons 88-85! See you thought I wouldn't go there. Bryant's point total (22) you might say "he had a fairly good game." Not so, 8 for 26 from the floor (.307) and 2 for 9 from the 3-point line (.222), I will give the Pistons defense some credit. They kept switching Stuckey (6-5) for Prince (6-9) on Kobe, the balance is pure Kobe taking far too many difficult shots! This is a real problem because it extended the next night when they played the Wiz. Kobe shot 9 for 31 (.290) and 3 for 9 from the 3-point line (.333). I guess he's trying to get Mike Brown fired.

MJ's crib

Michael Jordan's home in Highland Park (IL) is for sale $29 million. "The sprawling estate is in Highland Park, along Lake Michigan, and has more than 56,000 square feet of living space.That includes nine bedrooms, 15 baths and five fireplaces. There's also a three-bedroom guesthouse, pool area, outdoor tennis court and three climate-controlled multi-car garages. An indoor basketball complex features a full-size regulation court with specially cushioned hardwood flooring and competition-quality high intensity lighting. It has a sound system set up to provide perfect acoustics within the court space." (ESPN.com)

Another one bits the dust

I took liberty with the title of a Queen hit recording, but that's what occurred last night. In their Big XII post-season tourney opener the Tigers were on fire. Oklahoma State scored the first basket and were ahead 3-0, that might have been the last point they were ahead of Mizzou. Final score Mizzou 88 Oklahoma State 70, the game was not that close as Haith exceeded his 7-man rotation. Tight end Andrew Jones, Andy Rosburg and Jarrett Sutton were on the floor at various times throughout the game. Kim English led off in the first half of the game scoring most of his points in the first half and finished the contest with 27 points. Marcus Denmon after a slow start in the first half finished with 24 points. Flip Pressey scored but 4 points however he dished out 12 assists grabbed 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

He was fired

Sometimes being fired as a basketball coach or a 9-5 job might not always be a bad thing. Tommy Amaker's Harvard team is in the NCAA's for the first time since 1946. Jeremy Lin's college coach has done an outstanding job at Harvard after being fired at Michigan. Amaker's Harvard team is 92-54 and 43-27 in the Ivy League since his hire. Amaker's first year 2007-08 Harvard was 8-22 the following year 14-14. Since that time his teams have been 21--7, 23-7 and 26-4 this year. Being fired certainly wasn't detrimental to Amaker.