I think he’s still on the recruiting trail
We have a local sports host/owner who often expresses strange views on various sports subjects; take basketball recruiting as an example. Cliff Alexander 5-star prospect and the number four prospect in the nation committed to Kansas on November 15. This radio host began his dialogue with; “Bill Self is a great recruiter.” I believe few of us would argue with that portion of his statement. The second portion is where I disagreed, he claims “Self is probably a better recruiter than Coach K. “Wins and losses aside it’s my belief they are on the same level. For this host to simply state one is better than the other in recruiting is incapable of being measured in my view.
Below is a brief glimpse of the recruiting accomplishments of Coach K. and staff for 2014. Duke has received commitments from the number one and number 5 prospects in the nation, Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones are rated 5-star prospects by Rivals. Today Justise Winslow number 9 in the nation committed to Duke, Winslow is a 6-6 210 pound forward. With this commitment ESPN RecruitingNation has pronounced Duke with the number one recruiting class in the nation for 2014. These highly touted recruits may be unable to translate their high success to college. We know this for a fact Coach K. may be 66 years old but he‘s still working the recruiting trail. I hope the local radio host reads this.
He’s preparing for retirement
We have all read of professional athletes unprepared for retirement. Not the physical part but what do I do with the balance of my life. Numerous stories have been written regarding former players who squandered millions of dollars. Several have been forced into situations we’ve all asked; “what did he do with his money?” 37-year old Chauncey Billups has returned to the Pistons for what might be his final season. It’s been reported “Mr. Big Shot” has purchased 30 Wendy’s restaurant franchises. Ownership of a restaurant chain is no guarantee of future success; you must successfully manage your acquisition. Billups unlike many athletes on the cusp of retirement is thinking ahead.
The Cowboys
It’s time for the Oklahoma State Cowboys actions to match the intentions many have spelled out. Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Kansas, OSU still managed to finish behind the Jayhawks. It’s been mentioned previously this is sophomore point guard Marcus Smart’s last season in Stillwater (OK). Smart is a projected lottery pick and most certainly will declare for the NBA draft. In addition to Smart the Cowboys return NBA prospect forward LeBryan Nash. Team Kansas this season is very talented on paper but also young and yet to weather adversity.
I know you say I’m forgetting the Duke game; I’m tossing that one out I believe there were other elements affecting the outcome of the game. Is this the season for OSU to make a break-through? Can’t remember which coach made this statement. He was questioned about the freshmen on his team, he said; “the best thing about freshmen they become sophomores.” With the possible exception of Wiggins (who may be gone) the balance of those talented freshmen will become sophomores. All bets are off for Oklahoma State if they don’t do it this season.
Maybe it was a “Smart” move
A large number of “experts” second guessed Marcus Smart for not leaving Oklahoma State after his freshman year. They said “he’d be a lottery pick for sure in the weak 2013 NBA draft.” During the non-conference portion of the season teams usually don’t schedule stiff competition. As for Oklahoma State I haven’t checked their schedule, this we know the Memphis Tigers (number 11) ain’t no pushover. Smart went through, around and over their opponent to the tune of 39 points 5 steals, 2 block shots and 4 assists. Smart did all this while shooting .523 from the floor. At 6-4 and 220 pounds he certainly has an NBA body, Kevin Durant seated at the game pronounced him NBA ready. Smart indicated he wasn’t sure last year if he was The Magic’s Victor Oladipo came into the NBA as a 2 guard; he’s playing some point guard ready for the NBA. The only remaining question, is he a point guard or shooting guard? That might be a minor question, we know he can play.
A replacement?
This is written Sunday night prior to Derrick Rose’s Monday surgery. I have no idea if the surgery is successful but a larger question is looming for Bulls management. It might behove the Bulls to explore a point guard replacement for Rose. I expect Rose to return to the court but the issue is much larger than that. He will not return the same player after two surgeries. The Bulls proved last year they have the assembled pieces, missing last year was the “driver.” Rose drives the vehicle, missing in action last season the vehicle that was the Bulls barely remained on the road in the playoffs. The Bulls may have missed an NBA Championship last season with Rose in the lineup we just don’t know.
