There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!

-------Larry Laker

In the same neighborhood
I read the comments of Mavs owner Mark Cuban but decided to ignore them. I thought “I don’t wish to appear negative all the time.” My wife’s cousin called and during the course of conversation said; “Did you hear what Mark Cuban said?” Cuban has been a good owner in a number of ways it seems venturing outside Dallas he creates controversy. I’m paraphrasing his comment; “The colleges have done a poor job of preparing players for the NBA.” My initial response to my cousin; “Since when has it been the colleges responsibility to prepare players for the NBA?” I wasn’t trying to be a know it all with him I realize 97% of the NBA arrive directly from college however college coaches alone don’t develop their game.

They are athletes who continue to hone their skills, does coaching help? Of course it does but talent is the key component. One of the criticisms of Bill Self heard around these parts deals with this very issue. “He’s not able to effectively develop one and done players for the NBA like Kentucky and Duke.” I have my list of critical remarks about Self but none involve developing players for the association. Bottom line Cuban is rich, he’s an owner but he’s also a fan. Nowhere have I read he even played the game in college. It seems at times his desire is to make headlines like that other guy in Dallas. You know the one who owns that NFL team.

What to do---what to do?
The name Emmanuel Mudiay should be familiar to most of you by now. For those who might be unfamiliar with him he was the number one high school prospect in 2014. It was considered a coup by Larry Brown when it was announced Mudiay was headed to SMU. Somewhere in this short journey Mudiay changed his mind, he decided instead to play professionally. He would sign a 1-year contract for a reported $1.2 million to play for a team in China. Once this decision was made we believe Mudiay was aiming squarely at the 2015 NBA Draft. Then the injury, Mudiay was sidelined after playing a mere 10 games but returned to action first in a reserve role. In any event the debate begins, the injury (his ankle) is not serious but what about his NBA future?

I’m sure NBA scouts wanted an opportunity to access the prospect on a collegiate level. Mudiay was rated the number one prospect when he graduated from high school so it’s likely he can play. Is the 6-5 200 pound point guard ready to raise his game to the level of the NBA? His final season numbers 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and nearly 6 assists a game. The only negative might be his free throw shooting (57%) which is a poor number for a guard. Is he ready for the NBA? A number of questions may might not be fully addressed until the NBA Draft Combine and his baptism of fire in the NBA.

Karl Anthony Towns vs. Jahlil Okafor
It’s interesting at the beginning of the college season Jahlil Okafor was a clear choice as the number one 2015 draft prospect. My how things have changed since the season concluded. Although Okafor is the clear winner based on his NCAA Championship he’s lost ground to Towns. This is a scouting report by yours truly, if an NBA scout concurs with what I see what I can say. Due to Coach Cal’s platoon system we cannot compare numbers Towns played far fewer minutes than Okafor. The official rosters indicate both athletes are 6-11, Okafor weighs in at 270 pounds Towns at 250.

Towns “appears” more gifted offensively don’t misunderstand Okafor’s offensive game is skilled he’s just not as smooth as Towns. The pair is equally capable at rebounding. As for the speed factor Okafor gives up 20 pounds to Towns which might be an indication he’s not as swift, don‘t believe it. It would appear Towns is a better shot blocker although Okafor is certainly no slouch. Both are team players not expecting teammates to make them look good, in addition they think team first. If I’m the Knicks, Wolves or Lakers with the number one pick and both are available. I would use my full allotment of time to make the decision, I would choose ________________.

USA versus the World
I believe (just my opinion) the Nike Hoop Summit game was much more competitive than the McDonald’s All Star game. The World squad was led to victory by Canada’s Jamal Murray a 6-5 199 pound shooting guard, Murray would be the leading scorer in the game with 30 points. Although 7-2 Zhou Qi had a quiet game it’s believed he’s one of China’s hope for an NBA career.

6-9 225 pound Ben Simmons provided proof he’s ready to play at LSU and may be the best incoming freshman in the upcoming season. As for Kentucky 6-11 Skal Labissiere may replace the departed Willie Cauley Stein or Karl Anthony Towns. This youngster played his high school ball at Lausanne Collegiate School in Cordova Tennessee. Labissiere from Haiti played for the Nike World team. Although the focus is on the winning World team the USA was led by Luke Kennard with 22 points, he’s headed to Duke in the fall.

The glue guys
Wichita State’s starting backcourt of Ron Baker and Fred Van Fleet announced they were returning to school. Not exactly surprising news considering their coach announced he was returning too. Head Coach Gregg Marshall turned down offers from Texas and Alabama to lead their basketball programs. The 6-3 Baker and 5-11 Van Fleet is the glue that’s been key too much of the success Wichita State has experienced over the past few seasons. Looking toward the future the Shocker backcourt should be solid, replacements for Baker and Van Fleet arrive in the fall.

Freshmen point guard Tyrone Taylor and shooting guard Landry Shamet are headed to Wichita State. Taylor is 6-3 while Shamet is 6-4, both players are from metro Kansas City (MO). Conner Frankamp of Wichita chose Kansas however he earned little playing time during his freshman year. The 6-1 guard decided to transfer and after searching on possible destinations decided to enroll at Wichita State. As for the Wichita State-Kansas re-match I doubt we witness the two play next season. They could met in the NCAA but that’s not likely the debate will rage “who is the best college basketball team in the state.”