Basketball from a fans perspective
“Another one bit’s the dust”
The classic Queen Song comes to mind as another coach is fired; this time it was Derek Fisher of the Knicks. We are near the middle of February and Fisher becomes the third coach fired this season thus far, is there no job security in the NBA? The Cavs fired David Blatt then Jeff Hornacek of the Suns was let go and now Fisher. George Karl could be next in line. I haven’t read or heard any commentary on the termination of Fisher this is coming to you directly from Larry Laker. I hoped to not be influenced by anything I read or heard, as this is written the Knicks stand 23-31.
The Knicks had begun the season on a high note playing much better than many predicted. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis proved to be a surprise with his adjustment so quickly to the NBA game. Other newcomers aided in the cause of improved early season play. Then the bump in the road, the Knicks were losers of five games in a row; in addition the Matt Barnes fiasco may have played in role in Phil Jackson’s decision as well. In any event hopefully Fisher will find employment inside (coaching) or outside (television).
The Wildcats
Villanova has a rich and winning reputation in basketball, they were NCAA Champions in 1985. In a succession of coaches in 96 years the school has won 1670 games while losing 915. Under Coach Jay Wright the Wildcats have won 339 games and are 20-3 as this is written. Despite the success on the court the school has never been ranked number one even in 1985. The have now, the latest AP and USA Coaches poll finds the Wildcats number one on both polls. Are they a threat to win the NCAA Championship this year? We shall wait and see on that question.
Sorry no applause yet
The ESPN story said; “The Clippers are thriving in choppy waters. Doc Rivers and the Clippers have righted their ship by winning 18 out of their past 22 games.” Let’s check the schedule and make your own judgment, I‘ve made mine up. 10 of the Clipper wins occurred against teams with .500 or below records. Of the four losses two came against power teams Toronto and Cleveland.
Not a Thunder, Spurs or Warriors game in the picture during this portion of the season. I know what you are probably thinking; “That’s what the Clippers are supposed to do beat teams below them in the standings.” Certainly a true statement however I prefer to wait until the playoffs to determine the status of this team. I decline to offer a team in fourth place a pat on the back. They are beating teams below them in the standings, that‘s the business they should be conducting. NOTE: Number 11 win last night was an OT win against the 76ers.
“The Game”
The 1966 NCAA Championship changed the game and the nation. A number of the former players for Texas Western (now UTEP) came together for the 50th Anniversary of the game. They even received a telephone call from President Obama acknowledging the game. Most of the larger colleges and universities in the southeast and southwest had no black players. They had none because segregation of the races was prevalent in the country.
As for the championship game all-white Kentucky faced Texas Western. Texas Western roster contained white players however Coach Don Haskins started five black players in the champion game. Texas Western beat Kentucky 72-65 and the nation and the world changed forever. There was no great rush to recruit black athletes however southern schools begin to change their recruiting course to recruit black athletes in all sports including basketball.
