Cloud of suspension
We often discuss legacy and its meaning, let’s check the dictionary. One of the definitions from Dictionary.com says; “Anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.” That’s would certainly be North Carolina basketball with its rich history. Frank McGuire would win the 1957 NCAA Championship over a Wilt Chamberlain Kansas team. McGuire left in 1961 and was replaced by Dean Smith who would continue the legacy of Tarheel basketball. After Smith retired the long-time assistant Bill Guthridge (who died recently) guided the program for three years before retiring himself. He was replaced as coach by former player Matt Doherty but only lasted three seasons.
Roy Williams would become head coach in 2003. Big Blue Nation was in the heart of Williams having played and later graduated from the school. Williams served as an assistant coach on Dean Smith’s staff before heading west to become head coach at Kansas. Carolina continued winning with Williams as coach culminating in the 2005 and 2009 NCAA Championship. Without detailing individual instances news reports began circulating, stories of bogus classes and other improprieties at Carolina. Why is this this a concern you ask? Recruiting is being impacted by the academic investigation hanging over the program. Until the report is completed a cloud of suspension hangs over Tarheel basketball.
Thibodeau
Stories continue to circulate the Bulls will dump Tom Thibodeau regardless of the playoff outcome. This guy is one of the best defensive minds going but he’s got one problem. This issue I’ve heard and read since his first year at the helm. Pat Riley was accused of running brutal practices and the Lakers eventually rebelled. They didn’t protest too loudly when Riley relinquished the coaching reins. With Thibodeau its not practice its in game, he’s been accused of playing Derrick Rose and others far too many minutes. Pat Riley certainly was a successful coach at the Lakers, Knicks and Heat. If Thibodeau is a “clone” of Riley maybe you take your chances if you are the Pelicans.
Like father like son---maybe
Earlier this spring we heard from LeBron James stating he wanted colleges to stop recruiting his 10-year old son. We are unsure if the same story exists for another son of a former player. This youngster wears the same jersey number of his dad 34. He’s not as tall or as heavy as his more famous dad he only “stands 6-8 “. At the same time he just finished play in his freshman year and is likely he‘s still growing at age 15.
I remember reading his father‘s bio and he stood about the same height his freshman year in high school. His name Shareef O’ Neal and he plays at Windward High School in Los Angeles. Of course his dad is Shaquille O’ Neal and even more interesting Shareef hits his free-throws. Naturally with any youngster this certainly no declaration of a college or NBA career just an interesting story on the another son of an NBA player.
Better in the NBA
Better in the NBA
A number of players have been better suited for the association than college. It might be the teams’ offensive scheme or maybe it’s the coach. You may have heard the statement; “Who was responsible for holding Michael Jordan under 20 points“, the answer his coach Dean Smith. Of course Jordan was blessed with talent at North Carolina he raised that play to a new level once he began play for the Bulls. The same statement could be made regarding Victor Oladipo at Indiana. Cody Zeller was the “big man” on that Indiana team. This is not intended as a criticism of Zeller to date who’s had the better NBA career Zeller or Victor Oladipo? Oladipo’s athleticism and skill have blossomed for the Magic.
Some might remember the conversation I mentioned with one of the barbers in the shop last year. He’s a big Kansas fan and said to me; “Andrew Wiggins is playing to not get hurt.” Was that truly the case or did Bill Self’s offense collar his game? Again Wiggins arrived in Lawrence a one of the most talented freshman in the nation. The problem was he didn’t always exhibit that in his one season at Kansas. If he’d remained with the Cavs would he named 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year? Damian Lillard might have arrived in the NBA with a chip on his shoulder. Arriving from Weber State he said he felt disrespected, in any event his 3 year numbers for the Blazers are higher than those registered at Weber State.
