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

“Take this job and shove it! “
In the ‘70’s the late Johnny Paycheck recorded a country and western tune that captured the imagination of many for its lyrics. The recording told the chronicle of an employee whose wife had left him, in addition he mentions a supervisor he hated. You get the point, in any event he’s so feed up with life and his job he utters the line “You can take this job and shove it. “ That might be the thought process by anyone in the coaching profession. Four or five NFL coaches either resigned or were fired at the close of the season. A discussion was held on one of the ESPN programs possible replacements. Herm Edwards and Bill Cowers name were mentioned which prompted this response.

One of the hosts stated “why would they are anyone want to put up with the rigors of coaching in the NFL they ware making too much money doing television.” The discussion could have just as easily been NBA coaches. Of all the coaches out there George Karl might be the only one truly desiring a coaching job. Do you really think Mike D’Antoni, Mike Brown, Avery Johnson and P.J. Carlesimo want to coach in the NBA again? The later two have television jobs with far less travel and much less stress than if they were coaching. Depending on their financial situation it might be a thanks but no thanks response by many.

I see the problem(s)
The basketball season to date has not been particularly good for yours truly. Both my favorite teams (Lakers & Mizzou) are experiencing poor play. I didn’t expect either to compete for a conference championship I just expected more. Rather than television I had an opportunity to view Mizzou up close and personal. The Tigers played the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Kansas City at the Sprint Center. For the second time in 10 days Mizzou suffered a heart-breaking defeat losing in OT 74-72. A Mizzou player missed a lay-up which would have forced a second overtime. This is an excuse so bear with it, Mizzou has a real young team. This roster contains only two seniors junior college transfer Kenau Post who rarely plays anymore and Hawaii transfer Keith Shamburger.

Poor rebounding, turnovers and execution (offensive and defensive) at times have been contributing factors to their losing record. Despite the negatives there are several players I believe given time will be key contributors to the program. Sophomore Johnathan Williams III a willow thin forward but certainly looks as though he’s a keeper. In addition Montague “Teki” Gill-Cesar a 6-6 215 pound slashing guard looks sound however he’s a freshman prone to freshman mistakes. Sophomore point guard Wes Clark also is skilled however the one negative for me he needs to reduce the amount of time he dribbles the ball. He often was guilty of slowing the offense. Mizzou fans will suffer this season but considering the future of these Tigers lets just say it looks interesting.

They stepped up
See if you’ve heard this comment or one similar. “Why is it necessary for taxpayers to foot the bill for this new arena (or stadium)? Why don’t the owners kick is some money for this project.” I have gone on record stating no more arenas or stadiums would be built strictly at taxpayers’ expense. I’m sure there might be another arena or stadium built similar to Sprint Center. With no pro team occupying Sprint there was no owner to kick in funds. The Bucks have long desired a new arena but for a number of reasons it’s never been built. New owners Marc Lasry and Wesley Edens along with former owner Herb Kohl have pledged $150 million toward a $400 million dollar construction cost.

Bits n Pieces
The name Elmore Smith might be unfamiliar to most fans; he had a somewhat undistinguished NBA career. The 7 foot Smith had the honor of aiding the Lakers in winning several championships. Smith and a number of players were traded to the Bucks in a trade for Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Although Smith retired in 1979 he still holds the NBA record for most blocked shots in a single game. While playing for the Lakers he blocked 17 shots against the Blazers in 1973.

I’ve only had an opportunity to view UConn on one occasion. With any championship there might be a drop off for a variety of reasons. I believe most of us expected more than a 7-5 record (as this is written). And continuing bad news on a personal note for Coach Kevin Ollie I just read his wife has filed for divorce.

Kentucky (13-0) is not the only collegiate team without a loss; as this is written the following teams also are without a loss.

Duke 13-0
Virginia 13-0

I take full responsibility for Colorado State, Villanova and TCU all being knocked from the ranks of the undefeated. Before I could publish this account all three were upset on Saturday.

I believe the ship has already sailed, i.e. the Lakers have made it known Steve Nash was welcome to return to the team. I have no problem with the statement management made that‘s a good thing. It’s my belief (I could be wrong) there is little left in the gas tank for this former 2X MVP and future Hall of Fame honoree.