Basketball from a fans perspective
Countdown
I believe we are near enough to begin a countdown. Tuesday August 16 we have about 70 days remaining until the NBA season begins once again. Less than 30 days later it’s the collegiate season----are you excited? You might be waiting on the NFL or the World Series and that‘s okay too. As for me I am waiting for the sound of bouncing basketballs and its players dunking and shooting long-range bombs.
Losing streaks
A number of times college teams have experienced losing streaks. It certainly isn’t comfortable for students, fans, alumni, athletic depart and the coaching staff. Towson University in Towson (MD) once lost 41 games in a row (2011-2012) the record for Division I schools. The Division II record is slightly longer Olivet College in Olivet (MI) (1959-1961) and Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall (MN) (1971-1973) were losers in 46 consecutive games.
It’s likely you might find the Division III record unbelievable, how about the college team that lost 207 games in a row. You probably believe this is an exaggeration or I’m joking, please feel free to check me on this. No this is no joke that’s the case for the California Institute of Technology‘s basketball team, the school located in Pasadena (CA) is an NCAA Division III school. The losing streak which began in 1996 would conclude in 2007, can you imagine 11 consecutive years of losing games.
A possible return
ESPN’s Mark Stein is reporting the Lakers have reached out to Yi Jianlian. You might remember Yi, he was suppose to be the “second coming” of Yao Ming. Unfortunately his NBA career was less than spectacular and four years later returned to China, Yi returned briefly in 2012. At 7-foot and 260 pounds the power forwards game has improved as his recent Olympic play demonstrated. Will the Lakers sign the free agent----stand by I’ll keep you posted.
He’s ready?
Reports out of Philadelphia indicate Joel Embiid is ready for his NBA debut, you remember Emdiid don’t you? He arrived at Kansas as a 5-star recruit however he spent the early portion of his freshman year in a back-up role. The native of Cameroon on the West African continent needed work. By the middle of his freshman year he displaced Tarik Black who was the starting center. His numbers while not outstanding based on a full game were outstanding.
In March of 2014 an injury forced him to the sidelines where he remained for the balance of the season. Declaring for the NBA Draft meant Embiid would not be returning to Kansas for his sophomore year. In the NBA Draft he would become the third pick in the 2014 draft. A series of injuries have sidelined him since that time he’s yet to participate in any sort of game for the 76ers. Could he be the basis for the rumors surrounding second year man Jahlil Okafor? The 7 foot 250 pound Embiid has demonstrated he can play at least at Kansas now to translate that skill to the NBA.
