Times up…….
The Grizzlies waived 2008 number two draft pick Michael Beasley. After a summer of tryouts including my Lakers he’s headed to China to play basketball. Drafted by the Heat he’s played for the Wolves, Grizzlies before returning to the Heat last season. Lakers. No one argues Beasley is lacking in talent his downfall has been lack of maturity. He may have been on his best behavior with the Grizzlies however history may have played a factor in his failure to gain a roster spot.
Beasley’s immaturity issues surfaced early at the NBA rookie orientation camp. Beasley signed a 1-year contract with the Shanghai Sharks, this will provide him the opportunity to return next summer and begin an NBA quest again. A note, the Sharks are owned by former Rockets center Yao Ming. As for Beasley he will return after the season and will still only be 26-years old. That’s time to resurrect his career if he can manage to curtail past behavior issues in the rear view mirror.
Would somebody, anybody contend
Fans and alum of the Kansas Jayhawks will think I’m haitn’ on their team far from it. Big XII basketball coaches in their annual pre-season poll projected the Jayhawks to win the conference championship. If their prediction proves to be correct this would be the 11th year in a row the Jayhawks have either won outright or tied for the regular season conference championship. Over this time frame we could say Kansas has been really good or during that same period the Big XII is not as good as advertised.
Bits n Pieces
Reports are circulating Mikhail Prokhorov may be exploring selling the Nets. According to reports Prokhorov owns 80% of the Nets and 40% of Barclays Center, both purchases made in 2010 for $223 million dollars. Could the reported $1 billion dollar sale of the Clippers be a factor in his decision?
I have the utmost respect for former Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon. “He has tremendous (Dwight Howard) confidence. He is looking for an MVP year,” Olajuwon said. “Just the demeanor, the confidence level, the way he played last year, I expect something great from him this year.” I believe in Olajuwon, On the other hand Howard must provide me proof.
This is pure speculation on my part, you’ve read reports Thon Maker the 7-footer from Sudan by way of Australia is headed to Canada. Maker came to the U.S. to play basketball his guardian has now decided in favor of a high school north of the border. As an “International” athlete now he might duplicate the move of Australian Dante Exum. Exum wouldn’t have been eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft having just graduated high school, as an international athlete he qualified.
They made a decision
I’ve mentioned the dilemma facing Kansas City what to do with Kemper Arena. The arena once served as home court for the Kings prior to their Sacramento move. A number of Big 8 and later Big 12 Tournaments were held in the building. The 1988 NCAA Championship pitting Kansas and Oklahoma was in this building. Kemper served as a venue for a number of musical concerts over its lifetime, the 1976 Republican Convention was held in the building. The 40-year old building has been replaced by the newer, more easily accessible downtown Sprint Center. Kemper built near the old stockyards served the American Royal Rodeo until recently.
Even the rodeo has move to Sprint along with the circus, artists flew over Kansas City on their way to other cities. AEG’s management has guaranteed significant concerts. I almost forgot Sprint is the home of the Big XII post-season tournament plus a number of collegiate games. The recommendation by the Kansas City Council is to demolish the building. I’m okay with the decision despite the historical significance attached to Kemper. It’s certainly not a done deal however the wrecking ball is steadily headed toward the old stockyards to tear down the building.
He’s cutting back
December 5 1979 DePaul played Wisconsin; it was the first college game telecast by ESPN. The play by play announcer for the game was veteran Joe Boyle; he’s been retired from broadcasting for a number of years. Providing color commentary for that very first game was Richard John Vitale commonly referred to as Dickey V. As we dawn on another collegiate season Dickey V. will provide commentary on a number of games. He indicates he’s cutting back his schedule. Vitale’s broadcast schedule has steadily increased since that first game in 1979 to as many as 40 a season. A generation of college fans probably don't realize this 2008 Naismith Hall of Fame honoree once coached the game he loves.
