Will he return?
I casually followed Phil Jackson’s career at the time he managed the Chicago Bulls. Later when he became coach of my team (Lakers) I became a PJ disciple. I deviled into the philosophy and personality of the man, I was able to gain insight into the man. Over that timefram I read and heard the complements and complaints from fans and the media to regarding PJ. In all the years I don’t ever remember reading or hearing a complaint from any of his former players. Every Bulls and Laker couldn’t have loved the man, strange I’m still waiting. The media is ripe with stories PJ might be on the way to Brooklyn to replace Avery Johnson. A fan wrote; “every time a job opens Phil Jackson is the first name mentioned.” There is a reason, PJ wins and he turns contending teams into championship teams. I’ve been wrong in the past but I seriously doubt if he wants to leave Los Angeles and Jeannie Buss to coach the second best team in New York City. On the other hand owner Mikhail Prokhorov has deep pockets and could afford to pay PJ whatever he desires.

Money aside maybe the most significant issue Prokhorov owns the Nets not the Knicks. I believe PJ has always had a secret desire to coach the team he once played for and tutored under Coach Red Holztman. PJ was injured one year unable to play, forced to “carry” the clipboard he picked Holtzman’s brain for tidbits on how to coach. The only problem the opportunity to coach the Knicks is not available at this stage; Mike Woodson is solidly in place and is going nowhere. As for a replacement coach the list is extensive, ESPN’s Mike Mazzeo provided us a list of 10 candidates. The choice of a coach lies with the recommendation of GM Billy King and owner Prokhorov’s approval. If I had the opportunity to confer with one or both I would exclude two names from Mazzeo’s list. Mike Brown late of the Lakers, from all indications a good guy but not a very good head coach. I would also pass on Quin Snyder for almost the same reason. Snyder, Duke graduate plus a law degree, the guy is highly intelligent that’s the positive. The negative, he “walked” out on his Mizzou team in February because he thought he‘d be fired at the end of the season. Snyder left the basketball program in shambles in my view.

It’s not going to be played
It was announced last month an “AAU” style college game would be played in Cowboys Stadium. The game was to be held November 11, 2014 Veterans Day, its now been cancelled. I originally thought the four games would be played one after the other which was not the case. It would have been AAU style with all four games played at nearly the same time. It was reported the television networks were reluctant to tie up their schedule with this type of format. My only comment please no more aircraft carrier games.

Bits n Pieces
A number of fans and media love to criticize Kobe. The criticism always occurs when the Lakers experience a “bump” in the road. The critical remarks are almost never heard when the Lakers win. What about Deron Williams, he‘s going to acquire a reputation as a coach killer. Jerry Sloan at Utah and now Avery Johnson in Brooklyn. He pleads innocent in both instances. He claims “he didn’t go to Billy King (Nets GM) regarding Johnson.”

I once said “maybe Mizzou won’t miss Michael Dixon with Jabari Brown eligible.” I am now retracting my earlier statement. The offense of Brown so far has been a plus but the team misses Dixon in an area I failed to consider, relief for point guard Pressey. Back to back 40 plus minute games are too much for anyone. Point guard/shooting guard Dixon could have provided relief, the coach must locate a way to relieve Pressey.

I once thought it was only me that had Jeff Van Gundy issues, not so. Reports circulated ESPN analyst Van Gundy was under consideration as head coach of the Nets. Two websites (including ESPN) the emails came flying in, from the comments there are others with JVG difficulties too.

I don’t own a Kia automobile but I love the Blake Griffin commercials. A new one premiered Christmas day. The spots are well written and Griffin has the ability to poke fun at him---classic.

A familiar name
Devin Booker might follow in the footsteps of dad Melvin, Devin is a 6-3 180 pound combo guard and the number 27 prospect in the the Class of 2014.  Devin attended Midnight Madness at Mizzou in October.  The question remains open if he will attend his dad's school.  Some might remember dad Melvin; he played guard (and very well) at Mizzou from 1991-1994.  His senior year numbers, 18.1 ppg and 4.5 assist per game average while shooting .504 from the field and .405 from the 3-point line.  "Booker was the the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year when he led Missouri to an undefead conference record of 14-0 and Elite Eight birth.  Booker was an all Big Eight selection in both 1993 and 1994 and was a first-team All-American in 1994.  He played for the Houston Rockets (1995-96), Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors in the NBA for 32 games."  Son Devin has followed in the footsteps of dad Melvin taking up the game.  The son is good too, he's a 6-3 180 pound guard and is rated the number 27 prospect in the Class of 2014.  Devin attended Mizzou's Midnight Madness in October.  (wikipedia)