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

RPI
For years we have been told; “Don’t use any of the Top 25 polls to measure a teams strength the RPI is much more accurate.” What exactly is RPI some might ask? *The Rating Percentage Index, commonly known as the RPI, is a quantity used to rank sports teams based upon a team's wins and losses and its strength of schedule.” I’m not going to attempt a numbers check just simply state I don’t believe RPI is as  accurate as we might be led to believe. We need to check no further than the Big 12 Conference to provide proof.  .

The Big 12 Conference spent the 2014-15 season at the top of the hill. After the first weekend of NCAA play only 2 (West Virginia & Oklahoma) of the conferences 7 schools remain. Doesn’t matter if it was a buzzer beating shot or a 20 point loss it still counts the same. Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas all exited stage left after but one game, Kansas played two games before they left. Next time someone quotes RPI I’m not going to argue with them let’s say I will greet it with a degree of skepticism.

*Wikipedia

Bits n Pieces
Ohio State Coach Thad Matta says; “Greg Oden is working out (at Ohio State) and could make another run at it.” Sorry coach I don’t doubt your words I’m just unsure if Oden will ever return. The first pick in the 2007 NBA Draft has been devastated by a series of injuries. The Heat needing height was not convinced he had “any gas left in the tank” they released him at the close of last season.

I refrain from speculating on issues but not this time. I will be shocked, no surprised if Kevin Love signs with the Cavs. I’ve never doubted his talent it appears at the end of the season he’s still trying to adjust his game to his new team. Here’s my spin, Love was “The Man” with the Wolves plenty of shots and the offense ran through him. The Cavs have Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith plus a guy named LeBron taking a bunch of shots.

I’ve made a big deal about 74-year old Larry Brown however he was not the oldest active coach until now. 80-year old Jim Smith announced his retirement from Saint John’s University Collegeville (MN). He’s coached this Division III school 51 years and finishes his career with a 786-556 record.

Did you see the game or the highlight of the R.J. Hunter shot? Hunter of Georgia State sunk a deep 3-pointer with 2.6 seconds on the clock. The basket gave his school an upset win over Baylor. Don’t be surprised to hear the commissioner call his name in June. He’s a 6-5 180 pound shooting guard.

Haters will continue to hate especially if they are Laker haters. News of Steve Nash retiring didn’t surprise me he’s seen little action in his three years as a Laker. It’s sad that injuries even at his advance age provided little for Laker fans to appreciate. Naturally the haters had to provide us their two cents worth plenty of commentary to the announcement. Guess what, 2 cents is exactly what their view is worth.

We can fix it
There’s been plenty of back and forth argument on the NBA age limit. One party claims the academics are out of control. Those players headed for the league only attend class for the fall semester. Others say the NBA is restrictive with its age limit; their squabble is you can do almost anything legal at 18 except purchase alcohol. As for the owners they yell about paying multi-million dollar salaries to young unproved talent. The fix for to this dilemma for all parties concerned is the NBA D-League. You scream how is the D-League able to address this problem? Guys smarter than me could address this but this is what I see:

1. Raise the salary level, $400 is certainly more than an 18-year could earn weekly at a fast-food restaurant. The salary is peanuts compared to pay in Europe or China. The only advantage at this point to play in the D-League is it might be easier for an NBA scout to see you rather than an international trip.

2. Restructure the D-League; infuse funds into the league to make it viable in the public eye. The league is minor league however fans and the public would view it differently if it was made known. Example; if you check out any sites; ESPN, CBS Sports none have a link to the D-League.

3. This last part I’m unsure how to implement without the appearance of tampering. This is tied in with item 1, I’ll use the term recruit those 18-year olds it’s believed to have no college intentions. No need of sham ACT/SAT test, why force them to attend college.