Basketball from a fans perspective

It’s bothersome
There is no doubt in our minds that Ben Simmons and Cheick Diallo are headed to the NBA. As I’ve often stated I would prefer youngsters remain in school and gain an education (if that’s their desire). As for others why force them to commit to an education when their eyes are clearly on an NBA career. I haven’t followed LSU basketball but at this point the team has not played as well as expected, (4-3) unless the team improves is there any rational for him to remain in school?

LSU beat North Florida 119-108 and Simmons attended the game, his box score 43 points 14 rebounds 7 assists 5 steals and 3 blocked shots. Simmons shot 15-20 from the floor and in 37 minutes on the floor had only two turnovers. Diallo’s first game for Kansas was not as spectacular but none the less he impressed. After sitting out the first 5 games due to an eligibility issue all were anxious to see the results of his first collegiate game. 13 points 6 for 8 from the floor with six rebounds in 16 minutes. The 6-9 220 pound forward had a break away dunk as his Kansas Jayhawks beat Loyola (MD) 94-61.

Bam, bam and bam
The early signing period witnessed Coach Cal and Kentucky scoring a recruiting coup once again and all the committed are Rivals 5-star prospects. First it was De’Aaron Fox a 6-3 point from Katy Texas and then 6-9 power forward Bam Adebayo from High Point North Carolina. Finally Malik Monk a 6-4 shooting guard from Bentonville Arkansas added his name to the committed. All are verbal’s and they can change their minds before signing on the dotted line however that’s not likely to occur. If Calipari should leave Kentucky these recruits might change their minds otherwise they are likely headed to Lexington.

Interesting
If you live in the New York metro maybe you are aware of this news. Ian Begley ESPN Staff Writer posted a photo on ESPN’s NBA page. In the photo was President of Basketball Operations working with Kristaps Porzingis in practice according to Begley. The writer didn’t explain if this was the first instance for Jackson or the 30th time, one of the criticisms of Jackson is he’s been no coach. With the Bulls and later with the Lakers he held the position of head coach. In both instances Jackson led teams already assembled to multiple NBA Championships. Some of you are only familiar with Phil Jackson the coach you might be unaware Jackson had a 13-year playing career with the Knicks and Nets.

Crash and burn
The Wichita State Shockers have fallen to 2-4 in this early portion of the college season. Many in the media hint the Shockers have crashed and burned, they have stumbled out of the gate but much of the season remains. Gregg Marshall’s team was listed as Top 25 in every poll, what came to pass you ask? Probably the biggest single issue guard Fred VanVleet’s absence from the lineup, he is recovering from a hamstring injury.

VanVleet is the heart and soul of the Shockers; in addition Marshall has to integrate a number of new players into his system. The slow start is newsworthy for the simple fact when your school wins 30 games each of the last three seasons expectations are high. The less than .500 record is just a ripple right now, VanVleet returns and we see remnants of the past. This version might not be capable of winning 30 games but I believe in Gregg Marshall do you?

It’s not me this time
He stands 6-11 and weighs 260 pounds and he’s in high school. “Ukoka Azubuike is the closet thing to Shaq in HS Basketball” says Mixtape. Azubuike is a senior at the Potters House Christian Academy in Jacksonville (FL). Originally from Lagos Nigeria Azubuike joins the line of Big Men who continue from the African Continent. As for the Shaq comparison it’s them not me, check out video of him in action. Playing against high school competition and nearly seven feet tall can be a little misleading.

He’s often not matched against someone his size in addition we can guess he might be double and triple team at times. The list of schools with offers on the table total 13, among them Kentucky, Kansas, Florida and Georgetown to name just a few. He’s not a smooth shooter (kinda like Shaq) but rather depends on a power game. The rebounding will improve with coaching and training. Azubuike is not a good free-throw shooter another Shaq like trait.