Basketball from a fans perspective
The Count
One of the characters (puppets) of the PBS program Sesame Street is The Count. If you are unfamiliar with The Count he's dressed in a manner similar to Count Dracula the vampire. During his appearances he conducts himself in the manner of his name------ he counts. I am going to assume the role of The Count and keep a running total on the Warriors this season. The Warriors can experience only 6 more losses between now and April. That’s the formula for the Warriors to break the existing won-loss record set by Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Do the math, the Warriors have 36 wins 3 losses which totals 39 wins with 43 regular season games left. In order to win 73 games the Warriors must win 37 games while losing only 6. Is it possible to establish a new record of course it is, can they do it? NOTE: After this was written the Warriors beat my Lakers so they have one more win.
Had to get out of town
Since Norm Stewart was asked to step-down in 1999 Mizzou basketball has been on a roller coaster, the problem the coaster has gone downhill more often than up over the years. A reporter for the Kansas City Star once wrote; “Mizzou fans constantly expect something bad to occur.” The statement is not too far from the truth it seems as though something bad usually off the court manages to impact the program in a negative manner, that’s the case with the latest news. Consider this fact Kim Anderson is the fourth coach since the departure of Stewart. This coaching change has caused Mizzou to struggle on the court much of the last two seasons.
If you have read Word eye view any length of time you know I have been a defender of former Coach Frank Haith, no more. The school admitted a number of NCAA violations occurred dating back to 2011. 1. “In December 2013, the NCAA received reports of potential violations. A verbal notice of investigation was given MU on April 14, 2014. Four days later, Haith left the Tigers to take the coaching position at Tulsa.” Maybe he had to get out of town.
Here’s the problem for me (and maybe others) Haith’s attorney claimed his client was not at fault the NCAA did not name him a party to the violations. Mizzou wins for 2013-14 are vacated no post-season basketball this year and forfeiture of scholarships over the next two years. The problem for me is I feel betrayed; I was one who maintained “Faith in Haith.” On the court I hope this is not a knee-jerk reaction on my part. I’m worried; I’m concerned after seeing Arkansas run Mizzou out of its own building. I didn’t check their record but the Razorbacks came into the game with nearly the same won-loss as the Tigers. Losing 94-61 at home certainly is concerning, I realize Kim Anderson is only in his second year but I believe all of Mizzou nation expect improvement. With the limitations placed on Mizzou it will be difficult to recruit in the future. Is the Mizzou program dead---not yet but it’s certainly on life-support.
1. Missourian
Go figure
I was caught off-guard on this story, we received news in December Dolph Schayes had died at the age of 87. This Bronx (NY) native spent all but one year of his brilliant NBA career as a member of the Syracuse (NY) Nationals. The Nats as they were nicknamed would locate to Philadelphia after the Warriors left for San Francisco in 1963. That team would be re-named the 76ers; Schayes spent his last year in the NBA as a 76er. Schayes could play he would become a 12-time NBA All Star; he was a member of the 1955 NBA Championship team.
After his career ended he would be inducted in the Naismith Hall of Fame, the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He was honored by the NBA being selected to both the NBA 25th and 50th Anniversary Teams. A player with such a distinguished NBA career and recognition had their number retired years ago. The 76ers drafted Nerlens Noel in 2013 and awarded him jersey number 4 the same number he wore at Kentucky. Number 4 was the same number Schayes had worn through out most of his NBA career. The 76ers finally decided to retire the number, and it’s going to be hung from the rafters, however Noel will continue to wear number 4.
I understand honoring the man it certainly should have been done while Schayes was alive but it’s the 76ers what should we expect? You say ‘Schayes only played one year in Philadelphia” which is true. If you check the list of retired NBA jerseys you will discover several never played in the franchise city at least Schayes did play in Philadelphia. Examples, Nate Archibald played for the Kings in Kansas City and Oscar Robertson while the franchise called Cincinnati home. Neither has probably ever seen the basketball floor in Sacramento.
My BFF
10-year old Jordan and Kristaps Porzingis might now be Best Friends Forever. Jordan is the youngster who took a selfie of himself crying the night of the draft. He did this at the time Commissioner Silver announced the Knicks were choosing Porzingis with their first pick. Since then Jordan's view of Porzingis has changed, a photo of Jordan and his family along with Porzigis was circulated earlier this month. More recently an Instagram photo of Jordan and Porzingis has been taken. Jordan asked why he booed the selection claimed; “I thought it would take him 3-4 years” that sounds like a 10-year old listening to an adult conversation. If you’d like to check out the latest photo it’s posted as cryingknicksfan.
