How do you measure success
I remember two years ago reading emails from cynics (most likely Kansas fans) Mizzou would be unable to compete in the SEC. The first season playing football was a disaster, injuries and other issues made for an unproductive season. Although Mizzou basketball was better than football the program still failed to meet expectations. They were good enough to gain an NCAA berth but succumbed after the first round. 2013 SEC football is yet to be completed however the football program has been a Top 10 team for most of the season. With the dawn of the basketball season the specter of Kentucky and Florida loom large over the SEC. It’s my belief Mizzou will be much better than media projections.
Can’t wait for basketball season
A few weeks back I mentioned a couple of schools anxious for basketball season. I mentioned that neither Kentucky nor Kansas was having much success on the football field. As this is written Duke has certainly been more successful, as this is written they are 6-2 and 2-2 in the ACC. All three schools have turned out NFL athletes, when the schools are mentioned basketball first comes to mind.
Character issues
Although it might seem every eligible athlete is drafted don’t believe it. I realize its football however former NFL coach Tony Dungy was discussing “problem” college players. Dungy tossed out a term to Dan Patrick I don’t ever remember hearing. He said Richie Incognito Dolphins lineman had the initials D.N.D.C. placed behind his name prior to the NFL draft. The designation, Do Not Draft Character issues. I’m sure with a Demarcus Cousins in the NBA and maybe others you might find this difficult to believe. I have no proof to offer you but I believe if it exists in the NFL it exists in the NBA.
Basketball hype
This is no reflection on the university; they had nothing to do with the hoopla surrounding freshman Andrew Wiggins. Allow me up front to announce I have no skepticism regarding Wiggin’s talent; I have difficulty with a recent SI magazine cover. Wiggins was placed between photos of Wilt Chamberlain and Danny Manning. Think about this, freshman in that time period were ineligible for varsity sports, Chamberlain played only two years but was enrolled at Kansas three years. Danny Manning left the university after his senior year. Its likely Wiggins will only play one year before declaring for the NBA draft. In conclusion I’ve stated this previously, the pressure on this youngster to perform might be overwhelming. I hope he can handle the notoriety successfully if he’s at Kansas one year or four.
Just a few thoughts
It’s not my responsibility to ensure happiness for Dwight Howard however I wonder if he’s adjusted. He’s made a few negative comments regarding his time with the Lakers. Howard is playing for a team that certainly needs his rebounding and defense. The Rockets certainly don‘t need him to score the basketball. They were okay last season with no Howard in the lineup. Even more interesting for me he’s joined a team with a budding super star James Harden. Harden will be first up to take the shot with seconds left in the game. Howard might not even be the second option considering his poor free throw ability.
While visiting the Howard matter there is one more thought, Doug Gottlieb of CBSSports stated; “Kobe Bryant is not a good teammate.” He made this statement in discussing Howard’s former role with the Lakers. I’m unsure however this might be the 2nd or 3rd time in the last 6 weeks Gottlieb has made the Kobe “teammate” remark. The only negative opinions I’ve heard expressed about Kobe are from players who are not teammates or former Laker Smush Parker. Gottlieb is fond of stating his opinions are his own but he does provide background evidence to support this assessment. I just wish he’d provide us that rather than simply voicing an opinion.
Another Texas prospect
I mentioned this previously but it’s worth repeating. Once upon a time it was the State of Texas had two seasons---football season and spring football. It was intended to point out how popular the sport was in the state, other sports have always been played however football reigned supreme. Many in the state and elsewhere don’t believe the one sport outlook applies anymore; Texas has produced and continues to turn out an ever increasing quantity of basketball talent.
6-11 225 pound Myles Turner is one of the latest prospects from the State of Texas. Turner is rated the number 6 prospect in the Class of 2014 and a 5-star prospect by Rivals. ESPNU rates him the number 10 prospect on their list but award him 5-stars. Turner hails from Bedford Texas in the
Dallas-Fort Worth metro. There is no commitment yet however the usual suspects are on his list; Duke, Kentucky, Kansas to name a few. Keep him in your memory as he enters his senior year of high school.
