They do it too 
I’m always apologizing to you for sometimes using portions of movie scripts in many
stories. I’ve discovered I am not the only guilty party ESPN does it as well. The NBA page on ESPN contained a photo of the projected starters for the Brooklyn Nets, beneath the photo were the words Brooklyn’s Finest. A 2009 movie with Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawke as the main characters was titled Brooklyn’s Finest. For those who might not have seen the movie this from imdb.com. “Three unconnected Brooklyn cops wind up at the same deadly location after enduring vastly different career paths.”

Number 10
The Sporting News released its list of Top 25 college teams for the 2012-13 season. I was somewhat surprised the publication selected the Mizzou Tigers the number 10 team in the nation. You gotta prove it on the court and I often say nobody wins anything on paper. The Tigers have much work to do in front of them. One thing for sure, I don‘t remember any Mizzou team rated this high in any poll at the beginning of the season. It might have occurred at some point in the past I just don’t remember it.

They belong in the Hall
I was pleased to see Pacer Mel Daniels enshrined in the Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech he covered a neglected area of the Hall. Daniels said “there are a number of ABA players who should be considered for enshrinement.” Hearing this I thought about Dr. J., Moses Malone, Artis Gilmore and George Gervin all in the Hall of Fame. I’m sure Daniels acknowledges the outstanding career of those four but he was referring to ABA players who spent their entire career in the ABA. He tossed out several names he considered Hall of Fame worthy. The old adage that states “timing is everything” was true for them. The players mentioned were younger than Daniels and played beyond the ABA-NBA merger. In his acceptance speech Daniels mentioned the innovations originated by the ABA which were incorporated by the NBA, the 3-point basket as an example. Red Aurbach legendary Celtic coach was one voice who took exception to the 3-point basket. There is no argument for a number of years the overall play in the NBA was superior to that of the ABA. The ABA began play in 1967 and it’s difficult to place a number but at some point prior to the 1976 merger skilled athletes and play existed in both leagues.

He might have made a few enemies
The prospect of chasing a ring or living in South Beach might not be as important as we might thinks. That’s certainly the case at least with Marcus Camby; interviewed he stated he had no interest in playing for the Heat. Camby was a free agent pursued by a number of teams over the summer, the Heat being one of the teams. Camby eventually returned to New York City and signed with the Knicks. Camby said; “I knew that it would have been very hard for me to put on that Miami Heat uniform, especially all the battles we used to have back in the days with Houston and those guys. I’m happy things worked out.” Heat fans will say no big deal, Camby is 38-years old and over the hill anyway. “The statement might be partially correct; despite winning an NBA championship the Heat must have felt vulnerable at the center position. It should also be noted unlike others he passed on an opportunity to perhaps win an NBA championship. His Knicks are improving but are light years from a championship, the Heat certainly are nearer to contention. (Newsday)

The mystery of Billy Gillispie
I almost missed this development, after checking into the Mayo Clinic for health issues. Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie returned to College Station (TX) and resigned as head coach. Verbal abuse of his players had been rampant in the news. I will not go into detail; you can find all you need to Sportscenter and elsewhere. Gillispie in my view is a winner, he’s won every place he’s coach but he’s “wrapped” to tight. He needs to step away from coaching for a few years and get his life in order