The initial “Battle of the Boroughs”
Interesting in all my NBA years I’ve never heard the Knicks described as the “Manhattan” Knicks. That was the term utilized by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. Brooklyn native and veteran NBA broadcaster Marv Albert was behind the microphone as New York‘s two NBA teams faced each other. According to Google Maps if we utilize the Brooklyn Bridge Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center are 6.9 miles and 28 minutes apart in current traffic. A short distance apart but you wouldn’t believe it listening to fans of the franchises. The game was described as having a playoff atmosphere, the Nets winning the first battle 96-89 in overtime. This was the first battle of the boroughs however this is just the beginning. The teams are now 9-4 and tied for the lead in the Atlantic Division. We might have witnessed the development of an interesting and entertaining rivalry.

Mizzou signings
With signed letters of intent ESPN has rated the Tiger recruiting class 20th best in the nation.  I don't remember the school having a recruiting class rated this high.  Three Mizzou Class of 2013 prospects signed letters of intent during the early signing period, Mizzou has but one scholarship available.  How does Rivals see these prospects?  Below are the ratings listed behind their stats; 

Wesley Clark PG 6-0 175 4 stars
Torren Jones PF 6-8 215 4 stars
Johnathan Williams III PF 6-9 210 4 stars

Moving????
DePaul will possibly move their their games to the United Center next year. I wasn’t familiar with the lay of the land so I had to check Google maps for details. DePaul has played a number of years at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont Illinois. Point to point the United Center is located about 4 miles from the campus of DePaul, distance to Rosemont from the Chicago campus is about 15 miles. Bottom line is always financial; this should be a win-win for the university and the student body. If moving to the larger United Center produces increased cost for student seating a move of convenience becomes one that might be considered inconvenient.

I got my eye on you
The Cavs have settled down after a great deal of hype from owner Dan Gilbert. Most of us understand the owners’ disappointment, his superstar player left the team. With that said Gilbert continue to rant, how about his claim the Cavs would win a championship before the Heat. I think Gilbert missed on that one don’t you agree? In any event the Cavs are on the road to recovery; the record was terrible last season however they have a nucleus of young players to groom. The base of course is the point guard Kyrie Irving, his rookie year was outstanding.  Naming names there is 2nd year man Tristan Thompson and the potential of rookie Tyler Zeller.  If Gilbert is patient and allows Coach Scott time to repair the team in time they will become a force in the Eastern Conference once again.   

Unsure what he was doing
I thought the critical remarks Magic Johnson aimed at Laker management was miss directed he made one statement I agree. Magic said “it was a mistake hiring Mike Brown.” Hopefully this time next year I will not offer a similar story on Mike D’Antoni. It’s been pointed out there were a number of reasons for the Lakers poor play. Shouldn’t a coach attempt to maximize a player’s strength? Byron Kamenetzky who covers the Lakers for ESPN.com made this comment. “Antwan Jamison was a non-factor off Brown’s bench; he’s become a different player under D’Antoni. Jamison is a natural power forward and not a small forward, he‘s a slasher not a jump shooter. That’s not to say Jamison cannot shot jump shots his game is down low.” Reserve shooting guard Jody Meeks is another reclamation project; his productivity has risen significantly under D’Antoni. It’s been pointed out even Pau Gasol’s game has improved under the new coach. The remarks by Mitch Kupchak and others continued to echo the theme “Mike Brown was a nice guy which I don’t doubt. I’m not smart enough to determine where to point the finger of blame, players must buy into a system which appeared to be evident many didn’t. You cannot fire 14 guys so who do you terminate-----the coach.