There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker

Heard this conversation?
“There is no need of playing the regular season college teams play to get into the NCAA’s.” I heard this statement the other day from a radio host and thought this guy can’t be for real. If you’ve followed the college game any length of time you realize the NCAA Tournament has certainly risen in the eyes of fans. Once upon a time the field of eligible teams was smaller and only weekend games were telecast. The advent of ESPN and other cable channels allowed for significant change.

Initially early games were strictly a cable event and a single channel. In recent years coverage has expanded from A to Z. CBS, TNT, True Network are just a few of the added telecast venues. In several instances you are now able to follow your favorite team from 64 down to the Final Four. It’s my belief (and I could be wrong) as the NCAA has increased the numbers of eligible teams it’s caused the older NIT to no longer hold the prestige it once had. In conclusion I don’t agree with the view teams “only play to get into the field of 64.”

Did you figure on Jan 18?
Kansas State (4-1) would sit above Kansas (3-1) in the Big 12 standings. A week or so ago it appeared Kansas State was on the verge of an implosion especially between the coach and the best player on the team.

Despite sweeping both Los Angeles teams the Cavs record reads 21-20. The poor record is more than LeBron James absence from the lineup. Remember that old Temptations song; “Standing on Shaky Ground” could best describe the status of Coach Blatt.

We knew Virginia would be good but few believed they would be 17-0. We figured Kentucky might be undefeated (17-0) but Virgina? The Cavaliers are much better than most of us expected or believed.

What’s up with the Atlanta Hawks? They are always good but 33-8 and the best winning record in the NBA who figured. This team was expected to be good however they have exceeded expectations of everybody except----themselves maybe.

Bits n Pieces
In some circles Dick Vitale is heavily criticized, “they say” he doesn’t address controversial issues. I believe if he really desired to touch on those issues he would do so. He’s a cheerleader for the college game he’s not Jay Bilas who often will speak to hot button topics. I listen to both men because I believe they provide us a wealth of basketball knowledge.

This argument might not be valid since the NBA plays far more road games than colleges. I believe it’s more difficult for a good college team to win on the road than a good NBA team. Example both teams healthy it’s unlikely the Warriors lose to the Wolves or 76ers on the road. Texas A&M forced two overtimes and almost defeated Kentucky at College Station, NC State handled number two Duke rather easily at home.

I’m disappointed; in fact I turned off the game at the half. I tuned into the Mizzou-Tennessee game hoping for a Mizzou win. For much of the first half Mizzou players appeared to play the game in quicksand. There were slow to react, I really have no idea how many shots they missed in the second half they missed plenty in the first portion. I thought playing in Columbia surely the Tigers win; it was not to be they were losers 59-51

I know this is me however I continue to believe sports nicknames belong to one athlete only. The local media continues referring to Royals pitcher James Shields as “Big Game.” That nickname belongs to Laker great James Worthy only it cannot and should not be used by another (my unwritten law).

In the footsteps of the father
A number of sons have followed their fathers into an NBA career; the degree of success has varied. Rick Barry was a topnotch player in the NBA and ABA, two of his sons managed to play in the NBA but with limited success. We could say the same regarding Michael Jordan; both played in college but were not talented enough to play in the association. The one exception might be the Bryant’s; Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was good however Kobe’s career has certainly been superior. Doc Rivers was a point guard for the Hawks and a number of NBA teams during his 13-year career, as for son Austin we are unsure if he is as good as Doc. Austin was the 10 pick in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Hornets/Pelicans and gained a permanent spot on the bench.

The Clippers recently acquired guard Austin in a trade. I admit I haven’t had an opportunity to see him play much except in college. If he couldn’t play for the developing Pelicans we might question how much he can contribute for the Clippers except in a reserve role? After young Rivers declared for the NBA draft I begin reading scouting reports two which didn’t paint a positive picture of him. One scout wrote; “Rivers often displayed a swagger (at Duke) that didn’t match his production.” This from another; “He’s got a lot of maturing to do said a Southwest Division scout. It’s gonna be interesting to see how he handles an NBA locker room. Guys aren’t gonna care who he is.” As you can see I find the acquisition of Austin Rivers puzzling except for the tact he’s Doc’s son but perhaps that’s the key.