Who signs their letter of intent?

The early signing period begins today and runs through November 21. High school prospects can sign letters of intent during this time-frame. Many will probably chose the regular signing period which runs from April 17 to May 15. A prospect can declare any time but can only sign a letter of intent during the two periods listed.

I missed the Spurs

Recently I discussed jerseys of NBA teams; I mentioned the Celtics, Lakers and Knicks had made very little change to their uniforms over the years. I overlooked a team, I missed the Spurs. The franchise is certainly not as old as those mentioned however they have worn the same uniform combination since the franchise was founded as the Dallas Chaparrals in 1967. Bet many of you didn’t realize the Spurs were not always the Spurs and didn’t always call San Antonio home. White home uniforms with black lettering and road black jerseys with white lettering. But hold just a moment; recently the Spurs front office announced an alternate gray jersey with black lettering. An unusual aspect the front of the uniforms contains only the Spurs logo (over the heart) and the players’ number. No San Antonio or Spurs anywhere in sight on the jersey interesting.

I’m caught up in the hype too

Writing a story for CNBC Brian Schactman says at a point; “The New Jersey Nets were never cool. The BROOKLYN Nets are.” I hope this isn’t considered a slap at New Jersey and Newark on my part that’s not the intent, why have the Nets become cool? Brett Yormack Nets CEO indicates “we are closing in on 11,000 season ticket sales, an  all-time high for this franchise."  On the court the Nets haven’t been very successful over the last several years however it’s got to be more than that. The other New York basketball team hasn’t been very successful either until recently. Television cameras don’t allow you a complete view of MSG but the building almost always seemed full.

For the most part the same statement could not be made for Prudential Center and the Izod Center before that. Should we speculate the Jay-Z factor might enter into the Nets becoming cool? Brooklyn is certainly nearer the media center of Manhattan than Newark however that shouldn’t be that big a big right? The specter of the Brooklyn Dodgers still reins over this borough despite it was 1957 when the Dodgers headed west to Los Angeles. I read a of note for many of you, the writer claimed one of the flagpoles from Ebbets Field (former Dodger ballpark) had been located, it’s been erected at Barclays Center. If this story is true maybe a long-gone baseball team might be impacting the present day basketball team. There is one fact that’s unmistakable; I’m sure its media driven. Haven’t you seen more folks with Brooklyn Nets apparel than you ever saw sporting New Jersey Nets gear?

He’s going to be good

I first became acquainted with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist two years ago. I’d mentioned the HBO documentary Prayer for a Perfect Season. The documentary focused on the 2010-11 season of St. Anthony’s High School in Elizabeth New Jersey. In addition MKG was introduced to us as the heart and soul of the team. This 6-7 232 pound small forward played one year at Kentucky and was drafted by the Bobcats in the 2012 draft. Saturday I watched him drop 25 points on the Mavs and grab 12 rebounds as the Cats beat them in overtime 101-97. The ceiling is unlimited for this basketball talent

Boy am I old

The name Christian Laettner was mentioned to Kentucky frosh Willie Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein indicated he wasn’t familiar with the name. Interesting only us old-timers
remember the Laettner shot with 2.1 seconds remaining in a 1992 overtime NCAA tourney game. The shot allowed Duke to advance and Kentucky to be eliminated.  I guess Cauley-Stein has an excuse, he's a youngster.