There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker
Figure this one out
Texas Southern has a losing record yet managed to beat Michigan State. Although they led most of the game they came up short against Auburn losing by one point. Yesterday afternoon they managed to squeeze by Kansas State 58-56. This should be a warning to SWAC teams once conference play begins you should be fully prepared for Texas Southern. Don’t allow Texas Southern's won-loss record to lull you to sleep.
Kentucky‘s best
There remain two bastions of basketball in the nation where basketball (high school & college) remain the preeminent sport. One is the State of Indiana the other Kentucky who also happen to share a common state border. This account focuses on the southern neighbor Kentucky or rather the University of Kentucky and Louisville University. This is written on Friday prior to the “Big Game” tomorrow. Saturday afternoon the Kentucky Wildcats will face the Louisville Cardinals at the home of the Cardinals. The two teams under Coaches Calipari and Pitino have been among the top college basketball teams in the nation. Kentucky is ranked number one and Louisville number four in most polls, Kentucky 12-0 and Louisville 10-0.
Pitino has been the victor in two NCAA Championships to Calipari’s one. In addition he was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2013 while Calipari is yet to receive the honor. Did you know history says the Kentucky Legislature had to step in and “force” the teams to schedule one another? For years Kentucky refused to play Louisville, I could discover no basis for Kentucky’s refusal. Years ago the Kentucky Legislature threatens to withhold state funds was able to “convince” Kentucky it was in their best interest to play Louisville. The schools began playing one another in 1983. For those unfamiliar with the geography the two schools are located less than 100 miles drive time from one another. I’m waiting with eager anticipation for this match up.
Who won?
How would the first match between the Heat and Cavs turn out? This meeting between the two buddies LeBron and Dwayne was interesting on several levels. The two who once opposed one another then became teammates were now on opposing sides. Miami won the game 101-91 as for the two former teammates the outcome might be considered a draw. After starting out slow LeBron eventually heated up and finished the game with 30 points 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Dwayne’s box score read 31 points 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
As for the Bulls and Lakers I was proven correct, all last season on one of the Laker fan website I read disparaging remarks regarding Pau Gasol. I’m not going to detail them, he proved his point. Gasol led his “Bulls” to a 113-93 victory over his former team. 23 points and 13 rebounds indicate he still has some game left in them “ol bones.” As for Spike Lee’s team they seem to be over-matched whomever they face. The Wiz run through over the top and around the Knicks in their Madison Square Garden home. The Knicks have little going at this stage except an offense (triangle) they seem to be unable to master.
Bits n Pieces
Congratulations to the Mavs Dirk Nowitzi and future hall of fame member. Dirk passed Elvin Hayes and moved into 8th place on the NBA’s all time scoring list. He’s now in select company that’s why the HOF is confirmed.
Andrew Wiggin’s game is steadily improving as he moves toward his February birthday. We forget (at least I did) this talented youngster is still a teen. He turns 20 years of age on February 23 and this Canadian import is a defiant keeper.
The 76ers “stockpiling” players are often a topic of discussion, however this account I fail to believe is convincing. CBSSports.com Sam Vecenie has projected the 2015 draft for the 76ers. He writes the team will make Duke’s Jahlil Okafor their top pick. At first glance we could see Okafor as a valid choice however where does that leave Joel Embiid? You remember Embiid, the 7 foot 250 pound center the third pick in the first round by these same 76ers. They drafted him aware an injury would prevent him from playing the 2014-15 season.
George Washington upset number 11 Wichita State which surprised all including yours truly. Trust me if you will the best basketball in the State of Kansas is still played inside the city limits of Wichita and not Lawrence. Okay Kansas fans call me a hater if you desire.
The final score read Kentucky 58 Louisville 50 but it wasn’t that close. After a somewhat ugly encounter that ranged back and forth Kentucky managed to extend its lead to double-digits with approximately 3 to 4 minutes left in the match. The remaining question will Kentucky remain undefeated the balance of the season? That question will remain unanswered for an extended period of time. I believe the strength of Kentucky is not their offense rather their stifling defense and shot-blocking ability.
