Class of 2016
Mizzou may or may not be the ultimate destination of Tyler Cook. The St. Louis native visited the campus recently; Cook is 6-8 and 240 pound forward in the Class of 2016. Rivals.com list Cook as a 4-star prospect.

“Isn’t that special”
Comic Dana Carvey a.k.a. The Church Lady was a character he originated as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. For those unfamiliar with the routine Carvey dressed as an old lady and would conduct interviews with selected cast members or the guest host. At some point based on the response Carvey would look directly into the camera and state; “Isn’t that special."

That phrase might be said by several Big 12 coaches based on Curtis Shaw’s statement during Big 12 Media Day. Shaw the Big 12 coordinator of officials said; *We did such a poor job last year that by the end of the year everything was a block.” He was discussing the block/charge rule by officials. “I don’t think we got half of them right last year.” Shaw indicates officials will do a better job during the 2014-15 season, I believe Big 12 fans and especially the coaches would expect improvement. *Kansas City Star

Here I go again
I don’t care if you hate Kobe Bryant, its okay. Don’t make untrue statements to me; I’m going to politely call you out. This friend and I held a discussion the other day on the Lakers coaching change. I informed him “I feel better all ready with the coaching change, Byron Scott said if you don’t play defense you will find a seat next to me.” I further stated; “Despite the tenor of Scott’s speech he’s not likely to sit Kobe down.  My statement became an opening for my friend. He said; “Kobe doesn’t play much defense anyway.”  I said; “No---untrue, last year he only played six games but Kobe’s made the All-Defensive Team on more than one occasion.” 

Kobe has been a 9X All-Defensive First Team, he’s been a 3X All-Defensive Second Team. Consider this fact Kobe is about to begin year 19 in the NBA. He wasn’t a full time player until his third season and he only played 6 games last year. If we subtract the years he wasn’t full time plus last season it’s 15 years. Kobe Bryant has been an NBA All Defensive player 12 of the 15 full seasons he’s played. I believe my friend will come better prepared next time before making a similar type of statement regarding any player.

　
Reason #3 why I love college basketball
I love college basketball because of the coaches. Unlike the NBA for the most part collegiate coaches remain at their respective schools several years. Once upon a time we identified with the athletes, now with the one and done rule athletes are quickly history. We often don’t have an opportunity to discover them before they are gone. The good coaches remain at their respective schools for years. You say Duke basketball and the next thought is Coach K., same for Carolina basketball. Once it was Dean Smith and over the last few years its become Roy Williams. They have changed coaching jobs but Rick Pitino is Louisville and John Calipari Kentucky Blue, Florida basketball is Billy Donovan. If we ever return to the days of four year players perhaps we can once again identify with the player rather than the coach.

The Wild, Wild West
We all might be surprised however the general consensus is either the Cavs or Bulls will emerge as Eastern Conference champions. It’s possible the Nets or Wizards could as well however neither is likely. As for the Western Conference the race has a number of contenders. The defending champion Spurs must be favored however there are others to consider. No more free agents but we cannot foresee any additional trades at this point. How about the Clippers, early on the saga that became Sterling didn’t impact their effort, it may have at playoff time. They have (I believe) one of the best active coaches in the NBA, they also have viable team, can Doc Rivers get them over the hump? How about the Thunder, they have Durant however Russell Westbrook remains a question for me, it’s not his talent I question it’s his head.

The Rockets still appear more of a group of talented individuals than a team. The Howard-Harden tandem must prove to me (and maybe you) they can compete for a championship. The Warriors could win the West if all the elements are in place yet questions remain. Will new Coach Steve Kerr manage as success move from the broadcast sidelines as Mark Jackson? The others, Mavs, Blazers, Pelicans and Suns will be in contention but possibly fall short. Although I couldn’t seriously forecast any team as Western Conference champions the conference will be far better than the east won-loss wise. NOTE: This was written prior to Kevin Durant’s injury, this most likely will further impact the 2014-15 Western Conference race.