And you thought I was bad with my veiled movie references
Last night during NBA TV’s telecast host Vince Cellini produced a gem. As he went to commercial break he said we have an upcoming story on New Orleans and Austin Rivers. He said; “stay tuned as Austin Powers (Rivers) up!” He even did the Mike Meyers (Austin Powers) voice as the screen faded to black.

Outstanding news to see him return
There are personalities we have a love/hate relationship with. On the one hand you locate 25 people who state they dislike the guy but you’ll find 25 who loudly proclaim they love the same person. I’ve often heard that view expressed regarding ESPN’s Dick Vitale. Years ago my wife walked through the family room while I was viewing a game. Hearing Vitale and him probably saying something like: “he’s a PTPer tonight or baby he‘s a diaper dandy!” It might have been; “it was flat out scary, baby or “he’s awesome baby with a capital A.” Note the number of times he uses the word baby to describe something or someone. She turned toward me and said “what’s wrong with that guy?” I’m unsure his broadcast skills caused her to question me, I don’t remember my response I do remember laughing at her question. 

I could make the same statement for former NBA player and broadcaster Bill Walton. Very serious health issues plagued him forcing him to quit broadcasting. Now fully healed Walton will return to broadcasting for the first time in two years. He will work for ESPN but will also perform similar duties for the new Pac-12 Network. I cannot wait for the first gem to fall from Walton’s lips. An example; “that was one of the worst passes I've ever seen, and certainly the worst pass in the history of the San Antonio Spurs. He said; "John Stockton is one of the true marvels, not just of basketball, or in America, but in the history of Western Civilization!” I guess his over the top hyperbole is what I enjoy so much about his broadcasts. (bleacherreport.com & wikipedia)

On the recruiting trail
Mizzou’s received another commitment from a Rivals Top 100 player. Wesley Clark a 6-foot 175 pound point guard has verbally committed to Mizzou. Clark is a Class of 2013 prospect and Rivals awards him 4-stars. I remember reading a Kansas fan stating “Mizzou would have difficulty recruiting in the SEC.” Clark is from Romulus (MI) about 30 miles from downtown Detroit. Hold on there a minute, 6-0 point guard Travis Jorgenson committed last year. Are the Tigers planning a return to small ball in 2013-14? Hardly, Clark is more a combo guard a shooter while Jorgenson is a traditional point guard. There are other factors to consider first being they both might not be on the floor at the same time. In addition were talking next year starter Flip Pressey’s senior year should he remain in school. Pressey is 5-11 however the remaining four guards on the roster next year are 6-4 or taller. The frontcourt will consist of five players who measure 6-9 or taller. During the 2011-12 season there were only two players over 6-8 and only one of them played major minutes. Despite what might appear to be the case it’s untrue. Will this infusion of new talent play at the level the coaching staff and Mizzou fans expect? I’m warning myself regarding expectations.

The best laid plains don’t often work out
The Rockets had a two-stage plan this past summer. They would clear cap space by releasing or trading several players on the roster. Free agent signings would fetch them Jeremy Lin in addition they hoped to sign Dwight Howard or trade for Pau Gasol. So of the major moves they only accomplish one, they signed Lin. Questions remain on Lin and his ability after his brief but splashy debut with the Knicks. The Rockets hope is he’s no one-hit wonder and can play extensively at the NBA level. The verdict on the Lin signing will be undetermined until the season begins. As for the balance of off-season moves there are a number of unanswered questions. They drafted three players in the first round to add to the roster to the roster, in addition they signed free agent Carlos Delfino from the Bucks. Veteran Kevin Martin remains on the team as well. Coach McHale might have his work cut out for him more this season than a year ago, the Rockets have a number of pieces but it will be up to McHale to fit the puzzle together.