“Keep your day job”
Ever heard the statement aimed at you or someone near you? Almost always the person has attempted a talent beyond their skill level. A recent example occurred during Midnight Madness in Lexington. Rapper and writer Drake has adopted Kentucky basketball in addition to his role with the NBA Raptors. During a portion of the activities Drake demonstrating his basketball prowess shot an air ball, Coach Cal didn’t escape. After the crowd was entertained the coach took the microphone and in true rap fashion said; “Let’s ball” dropping the microphone on the stage while heading for the court.

Say what?
In an effort to assist the progress of his surgically repaired knees the Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire is taking red wine baths. Stoudemire indicates his wife had read an article detailing the benefits of this procedure and how it increases blood flow. Stoudemire claims it appears the treatment is working thus far. There is no truth to the report he may be feeling improved after drinking a couple glasses of wine before pouring the remainder in a wine-water blend.

Number 10
He’s 71-years old now; generations of Bulls fans don’t even recognize his name. If they were to encounter him standing 6-8 they would assume he may have once played basketball. His number 10 jersey hangs in the rafters of the United Center although he never played in the building. His jersey was the second retired in Bulls history, the first (number 4) belonged to long-time Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan. Among number 10’s many accomplishments he was a 3X NBA All-Star, in addition he “was the Bulls offense” long before Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen ever arrived on the scene. He scored nearly 14,000 points during a stellar 12 year NBA career the bulk spent with the Bulls.

Bob “Butterbean” Love arrived in the NBA from Southern University in 1966 and closed out his career in 1977. Today Love works as Director of Community Affairs for the Bulls however he overcame a problem which stalled his early retirement years. Love had endured a stuttering problem from his youth, some might find that difficult to believe however during his playing days it was easier to avoid media interviews. He had to work at overcoming this problem and in addition to working for the Bulls he’s become a motivational speaker. A shout out to number 10 for his accomplishments on and off the court.

I’m nostalgic
I admit it I love for Andrew Bynum to return to the Lakers. Not the Bynum that wandered through Philly never playing. Not the Bynum who put in brief appearances in Cleveland and Indiana, no not him. How about the Andrew Bynum that shot nearly 60% from the floor while snatching 12 rebounds and scoring nearly 19 points a game his last season with the Lakers. I remember it as if it was yesterday; the Lakers were making all kinds of overtures toward free-agent Dwight Howard. Everybody and their brother realized Bynum must be traded to turnover the “keys” to Howard.

I remember writing on several occasions I wasn’t pleased with the possible move, I believed (then) Bynum’s ceiling was higher than Howard. Both are no longer Lakers, Bynum was traded and Howard’s choice was to leave. Reports are Bynum will take off the 2014-15 season rehabilitating in preparation for a return the following season. He would only be 27 years old when he returns; you don’t find too many 7 foot 285 pound “true-centers” anymore. I’m being nostalgic but I hope Laker GM Mitch Kupchak might take a chance, a 1-year laden incentive contract perhaps.

Who’s on the hot seat?
The college page on Yahoo.com contained a list of 10 coaches the writer believed were on the hot seat. I read the article but believe the writer left a coach off the list. The coach I believe might be included is Mike Anderson of Arkansas. The 2014-15 season will be Anderson’s fourth year at Arkansas time enough for more than a second round NIT appearance.

Mid-America talent
The numbers are small by comparison to other states and in several instance even larger metro areas. NBA/ABA talent who managed pro careers after attending high school in the State of Missouri or Kansas. The State of Missouri has produced 52 pro players over the years; the hometown of the athlete is in parenthesis. Current active Missouri NBA players are Bradley Beals (St. Louis) Wizards, Alec Burks (Grandview) Jazz, Tyler Hans borough (Poplar Bluff) Raptors, David Lee (St. Louis) Warriors, Otto Porter (St. Louis) Wizards, Anthony Tolliver (Springfield) Suns.

The State of Kansas has sent 31 athletes into the pro ranks although none are currently active in the NBA. Journeyman Earl Watson was active until last season when he played for the Blazers, the point guard had a 13-year NBA career. Watson attended high school in Kansas City Kansas prior to UCLA and the NBA. Watson currently serves as an assistant coach with Austin Toros of NBA D-League. NOTE: There are NBA players who attended Kansas or Mizzou however they are not included in the count. The totals represent players who graduated from Kansas or Missouri high schools. www.basketball-reference.com