Royce White
White played at Iowa State in the Big XII so I had an opportunity to view him play on several occasions last season.  I was impressed a 6-8 260 pound power forward who was a throw-back in style.  The guy was able to handle the ball in the backcourt, good shooter and excellent big-man passer. The only downside was shooting free-throws, not uncommon for many big men. The announcer mentioned without detail White had anxiety issues. Come draft time the mental health issues might have caused several teams to bypass this talented player. The Rockets took a chance and made him the 16th pick in the 1st round of the 2013 draft.  Fast forward to training camp and White is yet to report, he‘s indicated a problem with flying. White indicates he wants to take a bus trip on several of the of the Rockets extensive road trips.  Anybody remember former Raiders coach and long-time broadcaster John Madden? Madden had a problem with flying too, he resolved the issue by acquiring a customized bus which was driven city to city. Key difference, NFL games are only played once a week. A repeat would appear difficult in the NBA playing in Orlando one evening and the following night in Portland as an example.  The ultimate decision of course is in the hands of the Rockets, I hope White is able to resolve his issues with flying he is a talent. 

Excellent news from Minnesota
The Wolves Ricky Rubio indicates he likely will return to action before Christmas. Hopefully he will return to action 100%, a torn ACL in his left knee short circuited his rookie year. After being drafted in 2009 he chose to remain in Spain rather than begin an NBA career. I remember reading various sources indicated Rubio’s game had actually regressed after he was drafted. Many (including me) had no idea what to expect with his arrival. His shooting percentage was relatively low however his other numbers were relatively good for a rookie. In any event he wasn’t drafted for his shooting and the belief was eventually his shooting percentage would improve. As for the balance of his numbers in 41 games he managed a 10.6 ppg average and dished out 8.2 assists. Although his season was cut short 8.2 assists ranked 6th in the NBA, Rubio didn't qualify due to the limited number of game played his 2.2 steals would have placed him 3rd in the NBA.  In addition he shot an outstanding .8703 from the free-throw line.       

The “human” volcano returns
38-year old Rasheed Wallace has returned to the NBA, he’s come out of retirement to play for the Knicks. Without checking the record book it might be safe to state Wallace is the all-time NBA leader in technical fouls. He’s still the only player in memory who received a technical foul without making a comment or gyration. This is not a “he can’t play” scenario, it’s a there is “no youth movement” either on the Knicks. Even more interesting I heard a comment from a reporter the Lakers are older. He said; “these guys are coming off the bench while the Lakers age 30 players are in the starting line-up.” The Knicks roster is 39-year old Jason Kidd, 38-year old Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas also 39. The Knicks 13-man roster will be the oldest in NBA history averaging almost 33 years of age.

The real Superman
By now I’m sure you’ve heard or read the comments by Shaq regarding Dwight Howard. The statement regarding Brook Lopez and Andrew Bynum is a little strange. No argument on my part the duo Shaq discussed might be more traditional centers but better than Howard?  These are career numbers for them 17.4 ppg and 7.5 rebounds for Lopez and Bynum is 11.7 ppg and 7.8 rebounds. Howard is 18.4 ppg and 13 rebounds and the one negative his poor free throw shooting. As for the bad free-throw shooting I'm sure Shaq can relate.  A key difference between Howard and the others his motor is superior! I think we can consider Howard a high energy guy a knack Bynum doesn’t possess.  Haven't seen enough of Lopez to make the same statement about his game.  I know what your saying, “after touting the skills of Bynum all-summer you’ve decided Howard’s the better player!”  Rebounding and speed up and down the court Howard is clearly the superior player.  Come on Shaq give it up, if I can see this with my amatuer eyes surely you can.

There are two of them
Once upon a time I introduced many of you to the Collegiate Hall of Fame or its second name The College Basketball Experience. This Hall opened in 2006 is similar to Springfield except it only represents those players, coaches and broadcasters of the college game. At its 2006 opening a HOF class was chosen but since that time a new class is enshrined every November just like Naismith does in September. The Hall of Fame is located in an adjacent building to the Sprint Center in Kansas City (MO). Despite the fact many of us thought the CBE had a national reputation it must be unfamiliar to some folks. I thought the nation was aware of this Hall but I found out otherwise. The recent enshrinement at Naismith caused a .com columnist to write; “give me a professional hall of Fame and a college hall of fame.” A reader pointed out the CBE in Kansas City however he never acknowledged his error. I guess when you write nationally you have no obligation to correct.