There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker
He said what?
I admit it I’m the problem; I quit watching ESPN’s First Take for days. I do this because much of the time the point-counterpoint discussions between Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless are often plain dumb. Despite knowing better once again I switched the channel to First Take wondering what type of enlightment I was going to receive. The portion I viewed centered on NBA All Star voting. The league office announced the results of fan voting. Steph Curry manged to receive the most votes exceeding the total cast for LeBron James.
I’m paraphrasing Smith’s comment but much of it is accurate as possible. The irrepressible Smith said; “Curry beat out LeBron because LeBron is no longer in Miami. If LeBron had been in Miami the numbers would have been reversed.” Smith went on to compare the weather, winter in Cleveland versus the warmth of South Beach. Smith further stated “LeBron is still the best player in the NBA.” I have no idea why a larger number of voters chose Curry over LeBron. I believe it has nothing to do with the best player in the NBA or what city that player toils in. What do you think; I love healthy debate stupid debate is another story.
It’s a different country
Wichita and the immediate surrounding area might be the only portion of Kansas that believes. Goodland to Lansing, Dodge City to Liberal and all locations in between all believe the best college basketball in the state is played in Lawrence. I might point out many in and around Wichita might politely disagree with you. Those folks and others believe the Shockers are the preeminent team in Kansas. There is a misconception regarding Wichita State basketball this is the problem as I see it. A. Wichita State is considered a mid-major or non-BCS school. That’s pure manure the ball bounces the same way in Allen Field house (Kansas) as it does in Charles Koch Arena (Wichita).
B. The belief by many Wichita State only began winning under Coach Gregg Marshall which is untrue. Check the basketball history of Wichita State the schools won-loss record since its beginning in 1905 is well above .500. Unlike the Kansas Jayhawks the Shockers have suffered through several periods where team performance was below par. Often winning teams produced a step up for former retired Coach Eddie Fogler and Mark Turgeon current Maryland coach. Coach Gregg Marshall arrived from Winthrop six years ago and his first Wichita State team finished 11-20, his second year they went 17-17. Since then he’s led the Shockers to 25+ wins every season, as this is completed they are 15-2 and ranked the number 13 team in the nation.
Bits n Pieces
Brian White may be a name unfamiliar to a number of you. White’s acting career has seen him play a number of characters in movies and television. Most recently he’s been seen on television’s Hawaii Five-0 and Major Crimes. As for movie roles he was in Mr. 3000, The Family Stone and Stomp the Yard. White once played for the Patriots of the NFL however he has a basketball connection. He’s the son of former Celtic great Jo Jo White.
What do I know it didn’t see what others did? The Warriors released revised diagrams of their planned San Francisco arena. What I didn’t see, many expressed belief the original design resembled a toilet bowl. After I looked at it again I thought I guess it might resemble a bowl. I had to view the drawing a second time and after fans pointed to what I couldn’t see. I’m sure if you Google it you can locate the original plus the revised design. You check out the original and decide for yourself.
Credibility
Does the NFL have a credibility issue? I say no way; whatever occurs off the field and sometimes on it appears to concern NFL fans. The league has experienced a serious image problem since February 2014, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Ray McDonald in no particular order. The missteps by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in handling the Rice suspension. It appeared the NFL failed to fully investigate the Rice assault. At the same time they had no clue what domestic violence was all about. The problems continued with a series of on the field problems.
Pass interference in the Cowboys-Lions game that’s initially flagged and then over ruled. Cowboy Dez Bryant scoring a touchdown against the Packers which was voided. We have no idea if this next account is the last but just the latest, it’s “Deflate-gate” as the media has dubbed it. The Pats have been accused of deflating the footballs used in the AFC Championship game. Again this is a basketball blog however I must voice a complaint. The series of bad media appears to have little affect on NFL fans, yet this view doesn’t exist all over. Appalling news regarding the NBA or college basketball seems to go on and on and on---why? Example; NBA teams tanking (losing) games on purpose.
