Confusing well maybe for some of us
There are times the use of an abbreviation causes little confusion. As an example you might see USA, it could be a company name however most would assume United States of America. This advanced explanation is required based on all the gum flapping I heard here. Wednesday word begin spreading Kansas State was “dropping” the abbreviation K-State. Several of the natives went wild on hearing the news, why oh why would the university do such a thing? It’s well known to those in the Big XII, what about others? A story published in Ohio and K-State is used, is the story regarding Kansas State or Kent State? Another example I live in Georgia and see a report on K-State, is it Kennesaw State or Kansas State? Those two examples might be a reach, I’m unsure if either Kennesaw or Kent locally might be referred to as K-State but I hope you understand where I’m going with this. The school’s administration explained “outside of the region when identifying the school Kansas State would be the term applied for identification purposes.” I understood the why it appears a number of Kansas State alumni and others don’t.

I've got a feeling about him
Don't worry if you are unfamiliar with the name Johnathan Williams III. This 6-8 208 pound power forward from Southwind High School in Memphis is 4-star.  ESPN Recruiting Nation and Rivals award this Class of 2013 prospect that honor. William’s has received offers from seven schools among them Florida, Memphis and Mizzou. I have no inside information just a hunch, I think this Memphis native is headed to Columbia Missouri next fall. If I’m wrong on this one it’s not necessary to call me out----I will do that.

He belongs despite the naysayer’s
Thanks to Fox Sports.com Randy Hall, he provided a fact many of us probably failed to recognize. Now that Ralph Sampson is in the Hall of Fame did you realize Houston’s twin towers are both enshrined now? I’ve read comments from sportswriters and fans questioning Sampson’s inclusion in the Hall, they are off base he belongs. The 7-4 Sampson was drafted in 1983 and was selected Rookie of the Year; the next year Houston again received the number one choice. With that pick they selected 7-0 Hakeem Olajuwon from the University of Houston. Olajuwon had an outstanding rookie year but failed to win Rookie of the Year. In an ordinary year his 20.6 ppg and 11.9 rebounds would have placed him in the forefront of the year’s rookies. The problem, there was guy in Chicago who was also drafted in 1984, a guy by the name of Michael Jordan. Jordan was selected 1984 Rookie of the Year but we know Olajuwon went on to an All-Pro career. Olajuwon capped his outstanding career being selected and enshrined in the Hall of Fame Class of 2008. Pundits said the “twin tower” approach wouldn’t work in the NBA; well it depends on your perspective. The Sampson/Olajuwon Rockets never won an NBA Championship, they did manage to reach the NBA finals in 1986; they lost the championship that year to the Celtics. Injuries would plague Sampson the balance of his NBA career.

Need a job?
Are you searching for a job? The Phoenix Suns just might have one for you. I’ve never been a fan of pro team mascots, I take that statement back. The San Diego Chicken might have been the first pro mascot I remember performing and enjoying. The routine during Padres baseball games was certainly entertaining and innovative for the time. As for other mascots that came after the Chicken they seem to be all clones of him except one. The Gorilla of the Phoenix Suns, he performed amazing feats considering the limited vision the costume provided him. The Gorilla, Phoenix and basketball I never made a connection but I guess it was okay. Word out of Phoenix is the Suns are seeking a new Gorilla. From the posting; “Assist in the creation and maintenance of Go website (www.sunsgorilla.com) and other social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.); respond to fan mail, emails, and other requests directed to Go. Regularly attend and contribute to department meetings, providing creative input, ideas and brainstorming. “College degree preferred or equivalent experience.” Wonder what the equivalent experience is, high school or college mascot maybe? One other note according to reports there is more than one Gorilla, this position is not the trampoline dunking Gorilla that performs during Suns games. This is the public appearance Gorilla who visits store openings and special events.