He shoots free-throws underhand
The name Canyon Barry is probably unknown to most of us; I know it was to me. His father Rick Barry was familiar to me and I‘m sure many of you. The elder Barry was selected to the 50th Anniversary NBA team and was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1987. Canyon (that’s his real name we assume) is the fifth and last Barry son; all five brothers have or will play collegiate basketball. Brothers Brent and Jon managed successful NBA careers. Today big brother Brent is seen on NBA TV while brother Jon works for ABC/ESPN, both serve as analysts.
Canyon is a 6-6 195 pound shooting guard; he’s a red shirt freshman at College of Charleston. The youngest Barry son shoots his free throws underhand the same as his famous dad. Rick shot his free throws underhand and managed a .893 percentage during his 14 year ABA/NBA career. It’s always been Rick’s belief shooting the ball underhand at the free-throw line is a more natural motion. Goes along with the theory I’ve heard expressed regarding soft ball. They claim pitching overhand is an unnatural motion, underhand doesn’t strain the arm as the other method of pitching.
You say what
Jeannie Buss Lakers vice-president made an interesting comment. Jeannie said if her dad had been alive he could have convinced Dwight Howard to remain with the Lakers. She might well be correct but consider this fact, how many free agents have left the Lakers in their history? I’ll answer the question for you few, power forward A.C. Green left in 1993 but returned in 1999. Point guard Ramon Sessions left in 2012 after first indicating he would resign. I could be wrong however the two mentioned and Howard are the only names I can recall from memory; I’d need to research to provide you a number. Jeannie also indicated Kobe would be a Laker for “life.” Unlike a number of star athletes he will only play for one franchise in his career-----the Los Angeles Lakers.
Speaking of the Lakers
Many of us concluded correctly Kobe Bryant would probably not be ready for training camp or the pre-season schedule. The surprising news (at least for me) is the same fate is facing former Laker Andrew Bynum. After sitting out last season due to surgery he never suited up for the 76ers. Rather than sign him to a long-term contract they allowed him to sign with another team. The Cavs of Cleveland stepped forward and signed Bynum knowing his injury history full well. The latest reports indicate Bynum as with Kobe will also miss the pre-season. At this point we guess Cavs fans will see Bynum in action when they see him. The question of his return to the court is a mystery---stay tuned for future developments.
Bits n Pieces
What is it with some folks; at first this conversation surrounded the Lakers now it’s the Phoenix Suns. I didn’t read the story because I thought it was stupid, I only read the headline. “Matt Moore (CBSSports.com) says their best hope is to tank for the 2014 lottery.” The Suns are not a good team (25-57) but to purposely lose in order to qualify for the lottery---what in the world is Moore and others thinking? Is their intent to simply provoke debate or do they really believe it’s better to lose in order to qualify for a lottery pick? A pick who could turn out to be a LeBron James or a Greg Oden---you roll the dice.
Store this in your memory banks, chances are decent another player from China may be headed to the NBA. He’s 7 foot prospect Wang Zhelin and he hails from Fujian, China. Forget Yao Ming comparisons, according to scouting reports Zhelin weighs in at 251 about 60 pounds less than Yao.
In 2011 the Battle 4 Atlantis pre-season tournament was held for the first time. It’s one of the newer collegiate events, it’s held at Paradise Island, Nassau Bahamas. I’m sure the location is a prime reason few teams would not accept an invitation. In late November major portions in most of the nation average high temperatures hover in the upper to middle 40’s, in northern portions the daytime-nighttime temperature might be even lower. Contrast that with a daily high of 82 degrees and a low of 71 degrees Fahrenheit for a late November temperature in the Bahamas.
I read this someplace, I certainly am not claiming it. “Dwight Howard has managed to alienate two fan bases.” In addition to the round of boos he may have received in Orlando he can expect the same treatment in Los Angeles on the Rockets first visit to Staples Center.
