Bits n Pieces
On several occasions we’ve discussed the significance of the 2014 NBA draft; this draft may set a record on the number of high profile athletes drafted. The majority of these prospects as usual are freshman. We know the names, Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Julius Randle and Dante Exum. Overlooked (I don’t believe intentionally) is freshman Aaron Gordon whose enrolled at Arizona, this 6-9 225 pound small forward will likely be a lottery pick too.

What makes you so sure? I’m convinced too much sports talk radio/television reduces your brain cell count. Recently you might be aware Michael Jordan chose his pick up team. I couldn’t believe my ears, the next day Skip Bayless of ESPN claims that’s not the players MJ wants. Bayless said; “Jordan would exclude Scottie Pippen and James Worthy.” I’m not going to take time to explain how Bayless has come to this conclusion or the basis for it.

The number one prospect in the Class of 2014 Jahlil Okafor 6-10, 265 pound announced his college choice along with “little” buddy Tyus Jones. Jones is a 6-1 175 pound point guard and the number five prospects are a package deal both are headed for Duke. Cliff Alexander is the number four prospect in the nation; this 6-8 240 pound forward is headed to Kansas. Finally the number three prospect Stanley Johnson is on his way to Arizona, he‘s a 6-6 220 pound forward.

Mizzou also made recruiting news over the weekend. The school’s two summer verbal commits signed on the dotted line affirming Mizzou as their choice. Jakeenan Gant 6-8 200 pound from Springfield (GA) and 6-4 175 shooting guard Namon Wright from Los Angeles (CA). Both prospects are awarded 4-stars by Rivals.

Are Top 25 polls a reflection of strength or popularity?  Before you respond to the question consider the weekend events.  Two mid-majors were winners, Indiana State beat number 21 Notre Dame and Belmont upset North Carolina number 12.   

　
You might have a problem
A fan wrote complaining of the Hack-a-Howard move of the Lakers in last week’s game. The writer didn’t appear to be critical of the Lakers just the rule itself. Personally I’m not fond of it either; it slows down the game while Howard or some other pathetic free-throw shooter trots to the line. The writer said the NBA should change the rule and I don’t disagree with his view. Until a rule change is implemented a coach can utilize it if he considers it’s an advantage to his team.

As for Howard his first year in the NBA he shot .671 from the line and his shooting has been on a steady decline since then, last year as a member of the Lakers he shot .492. The fan might not approve of this rule however unless it’s repealed or Howard works on his free-throws---you know the results. Interesting the problem last season with playing along side Gasol, seems the same issue exists with Asik. Coach McHale experimented with Asik at center and Howard at power forward. It appears to not be working, Asik has been given a spot on the bench and this move has resulted in him requesting a trade once again.

Multi sport athletes
I’d forgotten former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb played basketball at Syracuse. There are other athletes who were also talented enough to play more than one sport, and several did. The late Dave Debusschere was a stalwart power forward for the Knicks in the 1970‘s. Did you know he’d signed a baseball contract and pitched in the major leagues for the Chicago White Sox? He gave up his baseball career for one in basketball. Red Sox pitcher Gene Conley often was forced to pitch with no spring training. He was late reporting to the team. Conley was a Celtic reserve during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s and the team often played deep into spring. The late Bill Sharman was a star guard for those Celtic’s during that same period; he also played in the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system for several years.

Once upon a time Pirate shortstop Dick Groat had been Duke basketball player prior to major league baseball. In the 1960‘s Dodger outfielder and first baseman Frank Howard was an imposing 6-8 standing at the plate; Howard originally attended Ohio State on a basketball scholarship. His later acting career exceeded his brief role with the baseball Cubs and basketball Rochester Royals of the NBA. Chuck Connors is the name, the 6-5 Connors is credited with being the first player to break a backboard a feat he accomplished in 1946. Although Bo Jackson never played basketball either in college or professionally his name must be included. Jackson a quality NFL running back (till he was injured) was an all-star baseball player for the Royals.