The playing field is level
We had this information previously but needed a reminder. Division I basketball has a distinct advantage over football. Wichita State has a chance to win the 2014 NCAA Basketball Championship. The school no longer plays football however a number of their Missouri Valley foes compete in the sport. Missouri State, Illinois State and Drake battle at the NCAA Division 1-AA football level. These schools despite their won-loss record would never ever be invited to any major bowl games.

They are really bad
I bet the fans in Philly were aware of this fact, as this is written the 76ers have lost 15 games in a row. Even more interesting most folks believed the Bucks were the worst team in the NBA and they might be. You certainly couldn‘t tell it by the 76ers losing streak. The Bucks have won 12 games thus far; the 76ers in the middle of this streak have won 15 games.

Sad and no excuse
The term student-athlete does not apply to the entire team of basketball players at Chicago’s Curie High. The school held a 24 and 1 record and had won the city championship. It was discovered seven of the teams’ players were deemed academically ineligible. Seven members must constitute half of the teams’ roster, how in the world could such a significant number of players be declared ineligible?

The Illinois State High School Association voided their record and the school is now 0-25. There is enough adult blame from the coaching staff up to the schools administration. Participating in high school sports is important to vast numbers of young men. Is it so important that adults are willing to abdicate their common sense? The question, which is more important to this inner-city school a winning basketball team or academics? I think we have the answer at least at Curie.

Why one over the other?
I’m sure the question is asked; “why is Larry Laker defending Frank Haith yet calling for Mike D’Antoni to be fired?” The coaching situations are quite different, allow me to briefly explain. The key factor with the Lakers is injuries which certainly must factor into the teams won-loss record. The Lakers have certainly had more than their share. My chief concerns D’Antoni constantly changing the lineup (excluding injury/illness), his insistent on playing “small-ball” which has mixed results. For the first team in ages the Lakers will qualify as a lottery team, they have become a shadow of their former self. This is not the first Laker team to experience a losing season however they might finish close to the worst ever. I consulted team records and discovered the 1957-58 “Minneapolis” Lakers finished the season 19-53 the worst in history, this years team is 20-39 as this is written.

Now we turn to Frank Haith, this year has certainly been a disappointment to Mizzou faithful. Despite that fact Mizzou has a winning record (20-9, 8-8 conference). Haith has a winning record at Mizzou but has been unable to advance successfully in the NCAA post season. Haiths’ record at Mizzou, 30-5, 23-11 and as noted 20-9 to this point. My concerns with this Tiger team, talented in the backcourt but little frontcourt spark. In addition far too much 1 on 1 basketball at times, is the coach to blame for this lackluster play? My answer is in the affirmative but change is forthcoming. It’s my belief there are two or three “knuckleheads” who will exit stage left after the season. The team will lose some of its offensive punch next season however I believe might be more cohesive team. Lionell Hollins, George Karl or the Van Gundy brothers are available to replace D’Antoni who’s available to replace Frank Haith?

Expected in one sport yet criticized in the other
Basketball in all forms is my sport, I follow the sport to the degree I virtually ignored other major sports. I’m even unsure if I have a second favoriteThe Today Show; video was run showing an NHL official slugged attempting to break up a fight. I’ve often questioned why is fighting justified in the NHL but frowned on in college or the NBA? The Malice in the Palace doesn’t count because it occurred between fans and players. Most interesting to me I hear fans of the NHL defend game fights.  Please don't get me wrong I don't believe it's okay to fight in basketball it's just funny how our perspectives are different for one sport over the other, what do you think?