BULLETIN
There appears to be confusion on the story below, the information was gathered from several sources. This a.m. the Kansas City Star is reporting the Kansas Jayhawks will begin practice today (Friday). The NCAA must have changed the date teams could begin practice. I'm so confused.
It’s that time again
Just in case you didn’t hear or might not be unaware colleges will hold Midnight Madness practice on Friday September 27th. The next day NBA teams playing international games open training camp, October 1 the remaining teams open training. I’m stealing the Monday Night Football opening. “Are you ready for some (Basketball) “, I certainly am.
Quit the hatred
A number of Laker fans are short-sided in their observations. They were upset with the announcement Shaq had become a minority owner in the Kings. I read a number of nasty comments on one of the Laker fan websites. Totally bogus on these so-called fans, an example we heard none of these vile comments once the great Jerry West left the Lakers. It should be pointed out West is with his second franchise (Grizzlies, Warriors) since leaving the Lakers. As for the percentage of Laker fans who are upset with Shaq get over it, you are being foolish and childish.
He ain’t riding off into the sunset
I didn’t read the ESPN.com story but the writer speculated why Orlando “Tubby” Smith took the job at Texas Tech. We must guess after being forced out at Minnesota the writer must have thought Smith’s coaching career should conclude. Before I begin this rant allow me to explain I’m a long-time Smith fan. Perhaps the writer fails to realize Smith want retire because of his love for the game, in addition the better question might be why? He just turned 62 meaning he‘s nine years younger than Larry Brown at SMU,
Have you checked out Smith’s career coaching record? I’m a fan and didn’t realize in 22 years at several coaching stops Smith’s never ever had a losing season. The nearest he came to a losing season would be ‘92-‘93 his second year as head coach at Tulsa, his team finished 15-14. Smith’s overall record is a sparkling 511-226 (.693). It should also be of note there are only eight active coaches with an NCAA Championship on their resume, Smith is one of them. Just in case you were curious about the other championship coaches;
Bill Self Kansas
John Calipari Kentucky
Rick Pitino Louisville
Coach K. Duke
Billy Donovan Florida
Roy Williams North Carolina
Larry Brown SMU
Wikipedia
Pay it forward
Earl Watson left UCLA for the NBA without outstanding creditionals, he could play however there was no indication he’d last. This Washington High School point guard is going into his 13 season and has moved on to the Blazers. Watson grew up in Kansas City (KS) and returns home every off-season. He’s been involved in help educational opportunities for the community. It was reveled his community involvement has not gone unnoticed; the Kansas City Kansas Public School system will name an elementary school after him. Watson said; “he felt humbled the district would do this, a person must be of high moral character to have something like this done.” Thought you might appreciate a “feel-good” story. We read and hear far too many stories of misbehaving professional athletes. Watson is certainly not the only athlete giving back so beginning now I’m going to search for similar stories.
No more please
Legendary former player Pete Maravich did it, so did Celtic Reggie Lewis both athletes died from heart related problems after playing basketball. Many of us might have been witness first-hand or saw the video of Hank Gaithers. Gaithers collapsed on the court during a Loyola Marymount game, he later died. No more basketball players to die after playing basketball. Wichita State had a similar dilemma on their hands and made the appropriate decision from my standpoint. Point guard D.J. Bowles was discovered to have a heart condition; the school will honor his scholarship but will not allow him on the court. The issue is Bowles himself, at this point he’s not responded to the offer. Bowles had surgery to correct the problem however there remains a concern on my part. My concern extends to the Celtics Jeff Green whose also had surgery to correct a heart related issue.
