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

Thanks but no thanks
Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall headed to Alabama? I don’t think so despite reports indicating the school will offer him the head coaching position. A better question might be why, football reigns supreme at Alabama and will always remain number one. Basketball is an afterthought in comparison to Alabama football? Truth is spring football might be more important to Crimson Tide faithful than basketball.

It’s likely at some point Marshall might indeed leave Wichita State for another job. The school he chooses will be one basketball is on or near the same level of football. We need look no further than Kansas for an example; the football program has been a non-factor for several years. Despite an inept football program some of the best basketball talent in the nation continues to head toward Lawrence Kansas.

Can they do it?
Fans of the Warriors don’t get upset with me, I love the Splash Brothers. I cannot remember in recent memory such a sharp shooting backcourt. It’s likely one of the brothers (Steph Curry) will be named NBA MVP. My concern; “live by the jump shot die by it.” If you have followed basketball any length of time you’ve heard the old adage. In the playoffs the game slows, the emphasis is the game in the paint. Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezelis are certainly talented enough but can they complete the task that lies in front of them. Can both play lock down basketball in the paint as required in the playoffs?

As for the Cavs despite the return of LeBron and the acquisition of Kevin Love I had questions. Maybe I didn’t give this blended team enough time to come together then Anderson Varejao goes down with a season-ending injury. The Cavs made a couple of player acquisitions but I believe the best may have been acquiring 7-foot center Timofey Mozgov. It’s a long way till June and this is no declaration of an east-west match just a quick view of what I perceive to be the leaders.

Bits n Pieces
Denver basketball has a Kansas City connection if only briefly, allow me to explain. The American Basketball Association was founded in 1967 with an intended 11 franchises. Kansas City would have been an original member if an arena had been available. This is interesting because Municipal Auditorium was in use. In any event the franchise was re-located to Denver failing to play a single game in Kansas City. The Larks played the 1967 before becoming the Rockets. In 1974 the team was re-named the Nuggets, and 1976 they moved into NBA under the Nugget name. The Nuggets along with the Spurs, Nets and Pacers would be the only ABA franchises to merge with the NBA.

He’s better than LeBron well at least in one area; I’m referring to Luke Kennard a 6-5 180 pound guard from Franklin Ohio. This season he eclipsed the Ohio boys scoring record which had been set by one LeBron James. Kennard is a Rivals 5-star prospect and is headed to Duke in the fall. Speaking of talent 6-10 230 pound Thomas Bryant remains uncommitted as this is written. One of the many schools making an offering is Mizzou. A local radio guys clams if Mizzou fails to secure the services of Bryant the program falls apart. Strong statement regarding a prospect we believe will be good but consider the fact he’s a HIGH SCHOOL prospect.

Although they sit side by side and have for a number of years they are different as night and day. As for me it’s far easier listening to Kenny Smith dissect the game and other aspects of game over Charles Barkley. It’s just my observation Smith’s details are much clearer than those of Barkley.

Kansas basketball was supposed to be loaded with one n done athletes. Although they have talent on the roster they have proven they are not ready for the NBA. Kids with aspirations don’t always listen to advice but here goes anyway. Its likely Cliff Alexander is history however his case is different from the others. Kelly Oubre needs to return to school the same goes for sophomore Wayne Selden