Reason #2 why I love college basketball
I love college basketball because of the arenas. You know their names, Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Dean Dome, Rupp Arena and Allen Fieldhouse. These are just a few arenas the opposition is defeated as much by the home team as the home crowd. We can easily state each of these arenas and others contain rabid fans who love their teams. It’s different in the NBA; a number of teams are good road teams just because they are professional. An NBA home crowd is often subdued and laid back. There are exceptions, Golden State, Oklahoma City and Portland crowds resemble college gatherings. For every boisterous Thunder game we could locate at least five college arenas much louder and electric with energy.

Former Tigers
This is an information update on Mizzou Tigers in the NBA or free agents in training camps. The Lakers traded for 2014 draft choice Jordan Clarkson, his backcourt mate Jabari Brown was not drafted but was invited to the Lakers training camp. Kim English 2012 Piston draft choice is in the Bulls training camp. Point guard Phil Pressey undrafted in 2013 is starting his second season with the Celtics while DeMarre Carroll a 2009 draft choice is now with the Hawks and entering his sixth season in the association.

He’ll be on a stamp
I read the story and my first thought; “has there been someone else?” Two commemorative forever stamps bearing Wilt Chamberlain’s image will be issued by the US Postal Service in December. Chamberlain who once scored 100 points in an NBA game, one season he averaged 50 points a game. Both feats have never been accomplished again; I know what you are sayin’ “It was a different era.” It was different however consider this fact.

Everyone talks about expansion basketball; there were a lesser number of teams when Chamberlain set these records. I searched the web to see if I could locate another NBA player accorded this honor. Chamberlain is the first NBA player to be honored with a stamp by the US Postal Service. Elsewhere in the world The Republic of the Congo has issued several stamps bearing images of NBA players.

Where do you recruit?
The subject of collegiate recruiting is always a hot button issue. Second to creating a winning program a coach must be able to recruit too. A number of schools have a national footprint their coach or team history aids them significantly in recruiting. The question might be asked about in-state recruiting. I’d mentioned previously I have a friend who always questions “why Mizzou doesn’t recruit in-state more?” I believe there are at least to principle reasons, population and talent. California, Texas, Florida and New York are examples that swamp Missouri in population. Of course a larger population base translates to larger numbers of potential talent.

Coaches “work” those states heavily in recruiting athletes. Our next door neighbor Kansas has tasted more success on the court than Mizzou but look closer. 1. The state actually has a smaller population than Missouri. 2. Check out their roster yearly at most there are probably no more than three kids from the State of Kansas. My friend complains about Mizzou losing players to other programs we can make the same statement for Kansas. For every Perry Ellis from Wichita (Kansas) there is a Willie Cauley-Stein from Olathe (Kentucky) or Semi Ojeleye from Ottawa (Duke). I believe fans and alum of UCLA, Kentucky or other successful programs worry about the success of the program rather than the home state of the talent.

I change my mind too
Hopefully this will not be construed as critical of LeBron; events in my life have often caused me to change my mind about a particular subject. Four years ago with the Heat he changed his jersey number to 6. He indicated “All NBA teams should no longer issue jersey 23.” It was never explained (or at least to my memory) if this was an attempt to honor Michael Jordan similar to what baseball had done with Jackie Robinsons 24.

The odd part for me which I pointed out at the time number 6 was worn by Celtic legend Bill Russell. Russell was an 11x NBA Champion, 5X NBA Most Valuable Player and attained numerous other monumental events during his playing days. Returning to the Cavs media day photos have him in jersey 23 once again. We are not sure at this point if he will wear that jersey once the season begins however it appears that is the case.

Auburn Hall of Fame athlete
Few probably realize Auburn University turned out three hall of fame athletes in the ‘80’s. The first hall of fame athlete is Charles Barkley who was enrolled from 1981-1984, after an outstanding NBA career he is now in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Next up was the athlete ESPN claims is the best ever Bo Jackson. Jackson was at Auburn from 1982-1985 and was 1985 Heisman Trophy winner. Later this multi-talented athlete would play outfield for the Kansas City Royals and football in the off-season for the Oakland Raiders. Jackson is in the College Football Hall of Fame. The last athlete was nicknamed The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas. His best years may have been the time period he played for the Chicago White Sox. At the conclusion of his baseball career he was elected to Cooperstown the Baseball Hall of Fame.