Bits n Pieces
We know the current status of the Knicks; they are not playing very well. In addition all kinds of critics are have emerged of Coach Mike Woodson. Well owner Dolan has made his thoughts known, the coach is safe for now. As for his relationship with Isiah Thomas he claims it’s just that and he would never be hired again in any capacity. I’m sure Knick fans are breathing a sigh of relief if Dolan is speaking the truth.

The news Kwame Brown was waived by the 76ers is hardly shocking, the 6-11 290 pound center never lived up to the promise held when he was drafted in 2001. Brown was the first high school player chosen number one when picked by the Wizards. He played for 7 different NBA teams during his 13-year career; Brown scored a modest 6.6 points per game and 5.5 rebounds a game. Although he’s only 31 years old it’s likely his NBA career is probably over.

I mentioned previously I read the Kansas City Star on-line, don‘t read the hard copy. With the disclaimer out front allow me to explain the newspaper continues to ignore UMKC. The school’s played 4 games to date and are 1-3. How can Coach Kareem Richardson build a program when the local newspaper and even television sports news ignores you? I must turn to ESPN.com to locate UMKC scores.

I forgot to mention a couple of points I missed when accessing the Lakers to date. So far, it’s evident the bench has improved, this enhanced play leads the NBA in scoring at 46.9 points per game. Of course the defense has not always been as evident as hoped; it must improve to make the playoffs.

Should he attend?
I have bragged about the Collegiate Experience, the College Hall of Fame for awhile now. Part of my pride exists because the HOF is located in Kansas City but it appears the induction class involves a degree of controversy. One of the 2013 inductees is Elvin “Big E” Hayes, University of Houston and possessor of the best turn-around jump shot seen. Hayes and Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) were key participants in the Game of the Century. Up to 1969 college basketball was regionally telecasted, shocking as it might seem now there were no nationally televised games. The NCAA Championship game although on a smaller scale was not televised. You should remember the name Eddie Eihorn, his foresaw the significance of this game. 

He managed to assemble a collection of television stations across the nation to telecast the game. In January 1968 the Big E and Lew met in the Houston Astrodome before 52,000 fans and a national television audience. Many believe that single game moved college basketball from regional to a national game. Back to the controversy, Hayes was long ago inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. The complaints I read; “I thought he definitely was already in….he played college ball in the 60’s…this is 2013” Another writer said; “For the BigE to be overlooked this long is a crime.” By the time you read this the banquet and induction ceremonies will have been held, did Hayes attend? Factors to consider prior to your conclusion keep this in mind. The Collegiate Hall of Fame opened in 2007 it would be quite difficult to induct players dating back to the early 1900’s in the first year of the HOF’s existence. 

An honest man
I’m always getting into friendly arguments with a buddy of mine. The argument revolves around members of the media and their view. I have stated over and over anyone in the media is entitled to their opinion. At the same time I am entitled to disagree with that opinion if I determine it to be in conflict with mine. My friend argues “they (media) have access to much more information than we do.” My response to that statement is pure baloney, if the knowledge is available and you don’t utilize it is it really beneficial?

Recently I was watching Dan Patrick Show and former coach Tony Dungy was a guest. Patrick asked him a question regarding college football. Dungy’s response; “I don’t follow the college game close enough to comment.” At last I heard someone in sports media admit he didn’t have all the answers. Now I realize many of you might question that comment because Dungy is former coach who is now working in the media. Back to my buddy a minute, it’s my belief the only area we as fans lack are direct access to the athletes. We have no opportunity to interview or interact with them. The communication of this day allows us to have as much information as the person dispensing his or her view regarding the sport.

The Land Down Under
This is an update on prospect Exum; the youngster has quite a decision in front of him according to Jeff Goodman of ESPN. Goodman writes in ESPN.com that Exum could be eligible for the 2014 Draft. His high school class in Australia graduated this month. Pure speculation however Exum could choose among nine collegiate offers and enroll in December for the spring semester. He could be eligible immediately only missing the November-December games. On the other hand he could wait for the June Draft; Exum will turn 19 next July roughly 2 weeks after the draft. Some background on Exum, it should be pointed out his dad (now a naturalized Australian citizen) played basketball at North Carolina with a couple of Tarheels who might be familiar to you. Cecil Exum had Michael Jordan and James Worthy as teammates as he was an NCAA Champion.