The intent was to reduce speed
My intent was to reduce the number of publications during basketball’s “off-season.”
I’ve discovered there is still basketball being played and stories to report. It appears the flow of activity will slow during the month of August; at that point publication may be reduced to once or twice a week.
How about this story
Creighton All-America Doug McDermott will be a “walk-on” when school begins in August. It’s not as bad as it might first appear, Grant Gibbs an injured teammate was granted a 6th year of eligibility. Gibbs return was a good thing however there was no scholarship available for him. McDermott relinquished his scholarship in order for Gibbs to play this upcoming season. According to The Sporting News McDermott’s tuition will total $34,000 for the year. I’m sure McDermott will have plenty of disposal income to re-pay his dad once he begins receiving NBA checks.
He never received the praise due him
During a discussion of the all-time top NBA player the range of responses you receive will vary. For those age 30 and younger most likely will name LeBron James others might choose Kobe Bryant. The next generation might state its Michael Jordan, Larry Bird or Hakeem Olajuwon. Those in their senior years will name Dr. J., Oscar Robertson or Bill Russell. Few cite Wilt Chamberlain in the conversation; we can point the finger of blame at Russell. His Celtics won 10 NBA Championships during Chamberlain’s career while Chamberlain won only one. Chamberlain said; “Russell played on better teams than I did.” When asked the question who the best player he ever faced Russell has always been quick to name Chamberlain.
Every time this topic is discussed a number of you want to point out the NBA had less teams in the Chamberlain-Russell era. The statement is certainly fact, there were probably 8-16 teams then by comparison to the 30 today. I offer this gem, it’s my belief there are a significant number of players in today’s game who might not have played in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s. It’s not a talent issue almost everyone realizes today’s athletes are better conditioned. A smaller NBA meant numbers of outstanding players were on some of the worst teams. League expansion has allowed a larger number of athletes an NBA career. Rather than take my word consider video of a 1957 Chamberlain which surfaced on YouTube this week. The 20 minute video details Chamberlains final five games that season. Check it out and see first-hand the dominance of Wilton Felton Chamberlain.
A package deal?
The number one and two prospects in the Class of 2014 may become teammates in college. Jahlil Okafor and Cliff Alexander are both from Chicago; Okafor plays at Whitney Young High School and Alexander at Curie High School. Unconfirmed reports indicate the two will possibly become a duo at a major university. Alexander will change positions once in college, he’s a 6-8 225 pound center and Okafor is 6-10 and 265 pounds. At this early date we have no clue of their school of choice or if they confirm this report.
They might do the same thing
Road mileage between Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Brooklyn (NY) is at most 101 miles. The mileage is city limit to city limit distance. Despite the distance Class of 2014 prospects in each city have indicated they too might become a package deal. Isaiah Washington is a Rivals 5-star prospect from Brooklyn; he’s a 6-4 170 pound shooting guard. His prospective “partner” is 6-3 180 pound point guard Ja’Quan Newton a Rivals 4-star prospect.
