The role of an analyst
Over the years many of us have witnessed a significant number of basketball color analyst in the collegiate ranks and the NBA. It’s always been my belief an analyst is to point out elements of the game we might miss or fail to perceive. For this very reason the majority of analysts have been former coaches or players no matter the sport. John Madden provided color for so long a segment of the sports world didn’t realize he once head coach of the NFL Raiders. The same holds true Dickey V., Vitale has worked at ESPN for over 20 years and most are unaware coached at the University of Detroit and the NBA Pistons.

Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy would also be included in the mix. If an analyst remains in the broadcast business too long it could prove detrimental to their coaching career. Once they move to the broadcast side few teams contact them at the time coaching positions open. For example Jeff Van Gundy‘s been interviewed a number of times but is yet to be hired. The rumor mill never mentions his name anymore when there are openings. Coaches Mark Jackson and Kevin McHale are coaches who came from the broadcast side. Even more interesting Jackson had no head coaching experience yet was hired anyway. It should be noted analyst Hubie Brown once left to coach the Grizzlies; health issues forced him to return to broadcasting side.

“We want our team!”
That might be the cry of a number of Kings fans; we certainly can’t say they are giving up without a fight. I don’t think anyone could make that statement as Mayor Kevin Johnson has fought to retain the team in Sacramento. On Tuesday the city council voted 7-2 to negotiate for a new arena in the city. Too little too late might be the story here but at least the effort is there by a number of citizens. Chris Hansen receives a partial pass on this next portion of the story. It’s been reported he grew up in Seattle, was a Sonics fan but no longer lives there. On the other hand Steve Ballmer with Microsoft has been a resident of the metro all along. Did neither of the gentlemen have interest in purchasing the Sonics in 2006 when the team was sold to Clay Bennett? I’m taking no side in this effort; it appears the Sonics might have never gone out of existence and the plight of Kings fans so dire.

Are we guilty of pronouncing greatness too soon?
I admit I am guilty; recently I located video of 6-10 DeAndre Ayton a 200 pound 8th grader.  The youngster moved up and down the court smoothly and appeared to be a superior talent.  At the bottom of the page were several email comments from viewers.  A number of the letters dealt with his weight (200 pounds) but that is a minor issue, he will gain over the next several years. One letter struck a chord with me. A writer said; “why not wait until he’s a high school junior or senior before passing judgment on his ability.”  Was the writer too negative or was his view factual?  I remember several years ago the son of a friend.  The Kansas City Star wrote; "Joe ______is the best 8th grade player in the metro area."  Joe continued to play into high school and was talented enough to become a starter for a very good high school team.  Joe never reached the heights projected by the newspaper, it’s my belief he raised his game but so did others around him.  The superior talent he exhibited in middle school became average at the high school level.

Really????
51 years ago March 2nd Wilt Chamberlain set the modern NBA single game scoring record.  He would total an incrediable 100 point against the New York Knicks.  His Philadelphia Warrior team subdued the Knicks 169-147 before 4,124 spectators.  In the those days team would often "farm" out games and that would occur here.  It was played in Hershey (PA) 100+ miles from downtonw Philadelphia.  The shame of it all no film exist of the game, the only record for posterity purposes is the radio broadcast.  I would understand many fail to realize the significance of the feat.  The NBA of that period contained a smaller number of teams.  In addition the game has changed as well.  Both views and maybe others are valid however 100 points scored is 100 points.  Consider this, since that date the nearest player to even come close was the 81 point game Kobe Bryant had against the Raptors January 22, 2206.  (dates and game information Wikipedia)

Don’t talk about me
The 75th Anniversary of the NCAA Tournament produced a list of the Top 75 athletes in it's history.  There were several players who might have been rated too high while others were probably rated too low.  Keep in mind this team has absolutely no connection to a successful or lack thereof of an NBA career; it’s strictly collegiate accomplishment. It should be noted somewhere out there in the vast wasteland is a delusional Kansas fan. After checking the list he sent an email questioning why Mario Chalmers was not included. This team is comprised of the top NCAA players from 1938 to the present day, sorry fella Chalmers doesn‘t make the cut.