Basketball from a fans perspective
It’s true
His persona is the basis for my “man-crush” on Kobe Bryant and is perhaps the key for Kobe haters. On his 37th birthday approaching his 20th year in the NBA ESPN reminded us of one of his many quotes. “Friends can come and go, but banners hang forever.” Five championships he’s been a part of and a challenge to his contemporaries. Think about this point a moment how many active players have four or even three championship rings?
NBA in Seattle
We’ll never experience an NBA team with Kansas City displayed across the front of the jersey. Thus I will take up the cause of NBA fans in the Emerald City. Allow me to first explain I’ve never traveled to Seattle, from all indications it appears to be a progressive city. I cannot offer proof however I don’t believe Howard Schultz demanded the Sonics remain in the city. I don’t believe the Starbucks CEO cared one way or another he wanted to sell the team. Again I offer no proof but I believe Clayton Bennett’s group indicated to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City all along. Absentee owners exist and many have a good relationship with the city although it’s not their home.
The NFL Chiefs might be an example; Kansas City has a 50-year relationship with the Hunt family who own the team. The governor signed on the arena bill in Wisconsin which places the Bucks in place for years. There were reports ownership was looking westward if the arena deal was not affirmed. Adam Silver has already gone on record indicating there is no expansion plan for the NBA presently. I will not talk about the Sacramento (Kings) to Seattle move which didn’t occur. Unlike Kansas City there appears to be an owner with deep pockets willing to invest in an NBA team. In fact Chris Hansen might fund an expansion team for Seattle if the NBA ever said; “Let’s do this.”
On Mizzou’s radar
Mizzou has failed to attract quality big men for a number of years its certainly not due to lack of effort. Stephen Zimmerman (UNLV) and Thomas Bryant (Indiana) were just two of several with offers on the table from Mizzou. Currently on the school’s radar (and several others) is Mohamed Bamba, the 6-11 Bamba from Harlem (NY) is a 5-star 2017 prospect and number four nationally. He’s got a 7’ 8” wingspan and a slim 205 pounds. With his shot blocking skill his future might lie at center rather than power forward. Bamba attends Westtown School in West Chester (PA) located about 30 plus miles from downtown Philadelphia. Keep an eye out for Mohamed Bamba’s future development.
Another talent
I laughed out loud when I read LSU football Coach Les Miles indicated he’d like 6-9 Ben Simmons to catch passes for him. Miles was only half-joking about Simmons, we are unsure regarding the football talent of Simmons. The number one high school prospect in the nation might be one of those athletes good enough to play another sport. There basketball players who could have chosen another sport or occupation? A few came to our attention in basketball first. Tony Gonzalez was a 6-5 All-Pro tight end catching passes and blocking for the NFL Chiefs and Falcons. I remember first seeing him on the basketball court playing for Cal a dual sport athlete at the school.
6-6 Dave Winfield spent considerable years roaming the outfield for the Padres and Yankees, he chose baseball over basketball which he played at Minnesota. 6-7 Frank Howard appeared on the basketball court at Ohio State prior to an outfield career for the Dodgers and others. There are others omitted but just wanted to point out a few who might have excelled in basketball. Prior to publication the 6-10 Simmons informed Coach Miles he can play wide receiver in addition he‘s available if the football team needs him.
He’s up for the challenge
Roy Hibbert says “He’s up for the challenge of playing with Kobe. “ Kobe can sometimes be a difficult teammate, this occurs when he believes they are not playing to the level he believes they are capable of. As for Laker fans don’t fool yourself you will never mistake the 7-2 Hibbert for Kareem or Shaq. Hibbert is challenged offensively however he is close to an above average center defensively. If Hibbert can manage to secure the paint block a few shots snatch a few rebounds we are likely to hear little from Kobe. History indicates Hibbert has been an adept passer so that should work in his favor. Hibbert might be complaining in January about the challenge of playing with Kobe, for the present he appears ready to face the Kobe test.
