They were not there
The Bulls-Wizards game played in Rio de Janeiro had an unusual aspect. Bulls’ broadcasters Neil Funk and Stacey King did not accompany the team to Rio. The two conducted play by play from the Chicago studios of Comcast SportsNet. Funk stated on several occasions they were 5,293 air miles from Rio. A similar situation might have occurred at some point in sports history, I don’t remember hearing or reading about it.

He made the ”Wright” choice
A verbal commitment is just that, until you sign on the dotted line you are not obligated. 6-6 190 pound shooting guard Chris Sandifer committed to Mizzou last June. This Los Angeles native has now de-committed but no tears are in order. Sandifer has decided to look at other opportunities; he might yet head to Mizzou. In any event Mizzou received a commitment from Namon Wright a 6-4 175 pound shooting guard. Wright had a choice of six other schools besides Mizzou. Among the offers were USC, Oregon, Gonzaga, Florida State and Arizona State. Wright also from Los Angeles is a 4-Star Class of 2014 prospect; he’s rated the number 87 prospect in the nation on Rivals list.

Why is this news 32 years after the fact?
Various websites have reported the FBI conducted an investigation of the Knicks shaving points during the 1981 season. The point shaving was reported to be payback to gamblers associated with drug dealers. History is ripe with stories regarding widespread drug use in the NBA during the ’80’s so that‘s not really news. Why is this news some 30 years after an investigation that apparently proved nothing? If there were guilty parties they would have certainly been charged and if found guilty punished. An accusing finger has been pointed at Michael Ray Richardson due to his drug problems.

Richardson was one of two players given life-time bans by the NBA. The two players were given
life-time bans after failing multiple drug tests. Richardson now drug-free was contacted regarding this story and claims he never shaved points. Can we believe his denial with a degree of reliability? We cannot truly respond in the affirmative, only the player knows for sure what he did or didn’t do. A book is written 32 years after the reporting inquiry and no charges were ever filed we are to believe the story might be true? There is no cover up, the investigation was completed and no charges filed---end of story.

They should be included too
Hopefully you will view the headline as a prediction. It’s only intended to project the potential ability of two high profile Duke freshman and provide an early peek. The K’s have probably dominated the recruiting headlines; Kansas and Kentucky have an outstanding crew of freshman. Even North Carolina, Ohio State and Maryland might have garnered more headlines with their class; I believe next April Duke will be right there too. Duke should be given consideration too for its recruiting too.

Semi Ojeleye and Jabari Parker are probably both flying beneath the radar in most eyes. Freshman Oleleye is a 6-6 215 pound small forward from Ottawa (KS) 70 miles from downtown Kansas City (MO). Oleleye was rated the number one prospect in the State of Kansas in 2012-13. As for Parker he’s a 6-8 220 pound small forward from Chicago, he was rated the number one prospect in the nation until Andrew Wiggins re-classified. Did you note both play the same position, you might ask how that’s gonna work? Coach K. initially will play the bigger Parker as a stretch-4. Of course this line-up will allow Duke to take advantage of the talents of this duo.

“It’s gotta be the shoes”
The famous line above was uttered by Mars Blackmon a.k.a. Spike Lee in a number of Air Jordan commercials during the 1990’s. Michael Jordan’s play on the court aided Nike in becoming the number one retailer for basketball shoes in the world. Nike has continued to sign high profile basketball players in order to maintain the sales lead. LeBron James is in his prime as a player, Nike has continued release of new LBJ’s periodically. Kobe is on the downhill side of his career yet Nike continues his shoe line. As for Michael Jordan he’s not laced up his Air Jordan’s for an NBA game since 2003. Doesn’t matter the NBA Store (and other outlets) offer the AJ10 at $169.95.