Basketball from a fans perspective

　
“O Canada”
The NBA and Canada has a history many of you probably don‘t realize. We might tend to believe the association began and ended with the Raptors however they are only a fraction of the account. The Canadian NBA connection extends much earlier than the Raptors and it actually was in Toronto. The Huskies who called Toronto home were born in 1946 in the Basketball Association of America (predecessor to the NBA). On November 1, 1946 they played host to the first BAA game in history losing to the Knicks of New York. Sadly the 1946-47 season would be the only one in the teams’ history.

Once again the NBA looked north in 1995 adding two teams through expansion.
The Raptors of Toronto and the Grizzlies in Vancouver were both born. For the second time in its history the NBA operated outside the boundaries of the U.S. The Grizzlies would remain in Vancouver until 2001 when they moved to Memphis (TN). The team was struggling financially and then the NBA Lockout would occur which proved to be the death sentence for the Grizzlies in Canada. As for possible future expansion Montreal Quebec with a metro population of over 4 million could be a possible site for NBA expansion. Montreal had a team in the National Basketball League of Canada; the Jazz played one season but folded after failing to secure new ownership.

Speaking of Canada
By the time this account is published the deed might be concluded. Canadian and number one pick (2013 NBA Draft) Anthony Bennett had his contract bought out by the Wolves. The Wolves must believe it’s better to pay him to leave rather than keep him. What happened might be the next question? I can only speculate on how these series of events occurred.

Bennett certainly has size (6-8 245) maybe injuries and the pressure of being the number one pick have played mind games with his head. Bennett managed to remain in Cleveland for two years before he was traded last August to the Wolves. If we check his Cavs-Wolves stats we might understand why. 39% field goal 3.4 rebounds and 4.7 points per game are not numbers to excite any team. Bennett left UNLV after his freshman year he won’t turn 23 until next March.

Another commit
Mizzou on the recruiting trail announced a second 2016 commitment this month. Willie Jackson a 6-6 215 pound small forward appears headed to Mizzou after providing his verbal agreement. Jackson a Rivals 3-star prospect is from Garfield Heights (OH) a suburb of Cleveland (OH). Among other schools Jackson considered were Boston College, Wichita State, Temple, Cleveland State and Akron.

Mark your calendar
January 30 2015 is a Saturday, that’s the date for the match of two storied programs. Kansas playing the game since 1899 has won 2,153 games leading into the 2015-16 college season. Kentucky beginning its program in 1903 is winners of 2,178 games. The game will be played in Lawrence (KS) at Allen Fieldhouse. Allen Fieldhouse opened in 1952 has been renovated four times throughout the years. Using our imagination we can almost see Wilt Chamberlain streaking down the court for a slam dunk or blocking opposing teams shot.

There were other Kansas greats, the sharp shooting Jo Jo White or Danny Manning. Then we have Clyde Lovellette and his one-handed set shot in the 1950‘s. Kansas had the legendary Phog Allen prowling the sidelines of Allen. He would coach the Jayhawks from 1919 to 1956. The Wildcats of Kentucky also were led by a giant of the game Adolph Rupp; Rupp would serve as head coach from 1930 through the 1972 season. The two schools also share success at the NCAA level; Kentucky’s a winner of 8 and Kansas 3.

He’s been cleared
Laker fans figured Kobe would be ready for action in 2015-16, now they are sure. He’s been medically cleared to begin training camp and hopefully an injury free season. Byron Scott says; “I intend to limit his (Kobe) minutes once the season begins. He will sit the second game of back to backs.” No problem for this Laker fan I believed for at least two years Kobe played far too many minutes for an athlete his age and mileage on his body. I for one am anxious to see how this plan works out. What happens if a game is in question and Kobe’s exceeded his minutes you think Scott will hesitate?