Basketball from a fans perspective
It’s possible but…..
ESPN.com Insider speculates on the possibility of LeBron James breaking the all-time NBA scoring record. As I’ve mentioned in the past I’m no ESPN Insider so this account is strictly my thoughts. LeBron has one clear advantage he came into the NBA at 19 years of age directly from high school. Everyone on the list with the exception of Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowtizki had either 3 or 4 years of college basketball behind them when they when they arrived in the NBA.
LeBron was a starter day one with the Cavs while Kobe cracked the Laker starting lineup in his third year. Dirk played a number of years in Germany before arriving in the NBA as a 20-year old. Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the league leader with 38,387 points after passing the retired Wilt Chamberlain. LeBron is now 31 years old however based on his conditioning he could play until his early 40’s.
Several issues to consider LeBron’s point totals have decreased since his return to Cleveland although he continues to play at a high level. It’s possible this is an effort to include his teammates in the offense. Another issue is fewer minutes; Coach Lue has already gone on record desiring to reduce the amount of time LeBron is on the court. LeBron’s lowest point total has been his rookie year when he scored 1,654 points.
If LeBron averages close to that number for the next 10 years he would become the NBA all-time leading scorer, the only remaining question is Father Time. Playing limited minutes it possibly might be easier to maintain a high shooting percentage. Kobe Bryant playing full time at age 38 was not as efficient from the field as he’d been earlier and even mid-way through his career, injuries aside age definitely became a factor.
UMKC
The public says UCLA and fails to consider it’s the University of California at Los Angeles. Hopefully there will be no further requirement to say the University of Missouri at Kansas City, we can just say UMKC. WAC Conference UMKC squeaked past Mid-America Conference Bowling Green 71-69. Guard Martez Harrison led the way scoring 23 points along with 4 assists, Harrison was ably assisted by guard LaVell Boyd with 19 points. Next up for the Roos will be the Murray State Racers on Sunday followed by the Green Bay Phoenix on Monday. The game Monday is the last of the Bill Frack Tournament that will see UMKC playing three games in three days.
As for the Bowling Green game UMKC stands 2-1 while Bowling Green drops to 0-3. In day two action the Roos managed to win a second road game in a row as the beat the Murray State Roadrunners 85-74. LaVell Boyd led the way for the Roos scoring 21 points along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The usual scoring leader Martez Harrison had 16 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists along with 3 steals. In fact certainly two keys for me the Roos snatched down 39 rebounds to the Racers 37, in addition the team registered 10 steals. Finally homebound the 3-1 Roos face the Green Bay Phoenix.
“They become sophomores”
I don’t remember who made the statement but a coach was once asked; “What’s the best thing about freshmen?” The response; “They become sophomores.” After a thrilling OT loss to number 11 Xavier on Thursday the Mizzou Tigers struggled on Friday due in part to those freshmen. They were matched against Davidson who also played on Thursday; Mizzou allowed 3-point basket after 3-point basket in the first half of the consolation game of the Tire Pros Invitational.
After allowing Davidson a huge lead Mizzou came back but could never dig themselves out of the 17-point hole they allowed early. Poor shot selection, turnovers and defense plagued Mizzou throughout the game. Afterwards ESPN analyst and former Coach Dino Gaudio said he believed Mizzou might not have been mentally prepared to play after the tough loss against Xavier. I understand a tough loss I’m just not sure I agree completely with the coach on this one. Final score Davidson 70 Mizzou 55.
