I’ve mentioned this before
This is a condensed paraphrased discussion by Kevin Harlin and Chris Webber during a recent TNT NBA telecast. Harlin said; “after broadcasting college (NCAA tourney) games the speed of the NBA was quite a difference.” Color analyst Chris Webber added; “on a college team you might have one or two outstanding players, in the NBA everyone’s a threat.” If you love the college game that is okay, this is not my intent to trash the game, I love it too. Whether you agree or not the NBA is certainly a step above any team on the collegiate level. Could Louisville or Michigan compete against a Suns or Bobcat team? I believe the two worst (record-wise) NBA teams would beat Louisville or Michigan at least 3 out of 5 times.
The timing is interesting
Did you happen to see the Jeremy Lin interview on 60 Minutes Sunday? I found this to be interesting the timing of the telecast; Lin at the beginning of the week and “42” will open in theaters at the end of the week. 42 is the story of Jackie Robinson’s first year playing baseball for the Dodgers. I thought Lin and Robinson are linked by the struggle both endured to prove race is not a factor in ability. The Robinson story occurred in 1947, for Asian-American Lin it was 2006 and later 2010. Robinson faced a number of major hurdles in an attempt to become the first African-America to play major league baseball. Certainly we’ve made strides in our racial attitudes, but in some manner subtle attitudes still prevail. The subtle attitudes I speak of, (1.) “He was named first-team All-State and Northern California Division II Player of the Year, ending his senior year averaging 15.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 5.0 steals.”
Despite his outstanding high school record not one Division I school offered him a basketball scholarship Harvard awarded him an academic scholarship so he headed east to college. In spite of leading his Harvard team in just about every offensive category he was overlooked once again, this time by the NBA. Allow me to fast forward to 2011; Lin was now on the roster of Knicks but not playing. Coach Mike D’Antoni was forced to play Lin, injuries had decimated his team. Playing the point guard Lin displayed his skills while leading the Knicks to a resurgence. The term “Lin-sanity” was invented by the media to describe his impact on the Knicks and the NBA. Signing a free agent contract Lin now toils for the Rockets and Lin has become a steady contributor to the Rockets success. Will Lin ever become a superstar; no matter he’s proven to many he is a fighter. He’s succeeded because he refused to allow perceived stereotypes to defeat him. (1.) Wikipedia
More upside
A day apart and roughly 170 road miles separate these two. Kansas freshman Ben McLemore and Mizzou junior Phil Pressey indicated they were leaving school headed for the NBA. After seeing both play (Pressey more than McLemore) it’s my view the 6-5 McLemore has more upside to his game then 5-11 Pressey. The upside in McLemore’s game has nothing to do with the height difference between the two. Both athletes have weaknesses in their skill set my assertion McLemore’s is less pronounced. ESPN.com said this about Pressey; “coming off a productive but erratic junior season.”
Paul Pressey father of Phil spent a number of years as a player in the NBA. He claims his son is better suited for the NBA “since it is a more wide-open game than the collegiate game.”
*McLemore-lack of aggressiveness differed often to upperclassman. At times drifted and was not part of the offense. He didn’t demand the ball although clearly he was the best shooter on the team. Ball handling, passing and defense average.
*Pressey-skilled assist man who sometimes negated the skill by too much penetration of the lane. Poor decision making regarding his shot selection at times, average to below average shooter. Defense above average, tied Mizzou’s all-time steal record.
Does Minnesota have the 411 on Tubby?
I found a recent ESPN.com poll interesting, the question, was it fair or unfair that Minnesota fired Tubby Smith. The world and the U.S. apparently thought Smith received a raw deal. The only exception was the State of Minnesota; the vote was a thumbs up in favor of the Smith firing. I guess all is well, before I could even print this Smith was announced as the new head coach at Texas Tech. Smith’s replacement at Minnesota, Rick Pitino’s son Richard. Assistant coaches should have the opportunity to become head coaches however this move I question. First the younger Pitino has but one year under his belt as a head coach (Florida International). Second an NCAA Championship coach is replaced by a 30-year old with limited experience.
