Basketball from a fans perspective
Laker backcourt next season?
An opinion rather than fact, if the Lakers have the opportunity to draft Lonzo Ball do they make the pick? The have D’Angelo Russell who is more a combo guard, backing him up Jordan Clarkson also a combo. I believe a Ball-Russell or Ball-Clarkson backcourt could work the chief reason Ball want demand the ball. The Lakers would have one of the taller backcourts in the NBA, Ball stands 6 feet 6 inches and Russell and Clarkson stand 6-5. More than adequate height even with other Laker reserves. Despite my concern about negotiating with LaVar Ball I believe the Lakers should draft Ball if given the opportunity.
Kansas fans read at your own risk
If you are a fan of Kansas basketball and Bill Self I attempted to warn you in advance by the headline. This account might be NC-17 or XXX in some instances. I’ve listened to local sports talk radio in small doses since Kansas was eliminated last week. Self is being racked over the coals by talk radio for his team losing once again as 1 seed. You might remember I wrote a fan stated; “He (Self) is so concerned with his Big 12 Conference win streak his teams are not prepared for the NCAA Tournament.” That’s an over simplification of the issue in my opinion. Self prepares for the tournament as any other coach but it appears he’s often out coached. How do you explain a 2-5 record in the Elite 8, losing doesn’t often occur in the early rounds? In the early rounds talent alone is the basis for Kansas wins. Below is the tourney record for the last 12 years of Kansas tournament basketball.
2017 (1) Kansas beaten by (3) Oregon
2016 (1) Kansas lost to (2) Villanova
2015 (2) Kansas lost to (7) Wichita State
2014 (2) Kansas lost to (10) Stanford
2013 (1) Kansas lost to (4) Michigan
2012 Midwest (2) Kansas lost to South (1) Kentucky for NCAA Championship
2011 (1) Kansas lost to (11) VCU
2010 (1) Kansas lost to (9) Northern Iowa
2009 (3) Kansas lost to (2) Michigan State
2008 Midwest (1) Kansas beat South (1) Memphis for NCAA Championship
2007 (1) Kansas lost to (2) UCLA
2006 (4) Kansas lost to (13) Bradley
I believe Bill Self to be a good coach I’m just unsure if he’s a good tournament coach, you are the judge. Someone might offer a counterpoint noting the number of years Kansas under Self qualified for the tournament. I’ll toss out several years with an explanation, in 2007 number 1 Kansas losing to number 2 UCLA not much of an upset. In 2008 they won it all beating Memphis, 2012 they lost in the championship game against Kentucky and 2016 Kansas 1 losing to number 2 Villanova who eventually won the championship. This account comes on the heels of his selection as a Naismith Hall of Fame member. So there you have it Bill Self a coach who is able to acquire the best basketball talent in the nation yet fails time after time to deliver championships.
I want him too
This might be no story by the time you read this, 4-star prospect C.J. Roberts committed last September to Mizzou. With the coaching change there is a challenge ahead. Michael Porter Jr. was granted his release from Washington and Roberts could do the same, Roberts made his commitment to former Coach Kim Anderson. All the excitement surrounds Porter Jr. however I’d like to see Roberts headed to Columbia in the fall.
As for Roberts Martin decided to fly to Dallas and meet with the youngsters parents. The comment from the parents appeared positive although no decision was announced at the conclusion the meeting was termed “pleasant”. The coach and I have the same dream we want Roberts to remain committed. Mizzou is certainly guard heavy as this is written and you might ask why? Roberts is a point guard who can score the ball and has great leaping ability. There is video of the 6-foot Roberts dunking the ball on a break.
Is it over
Derrick Rose is through for the season, a torn meniscus is the culprit. I believe the move from Chicago would prove beneficial for Rose playing in a Knicks jersey. His season has been highs and lows culminating in this latest injury. In all likelihood he probably will not return to New York, the larger question is his career in jeopardy.
Rose has more money than I will ever make in life so he should be secure should he choose to retire. He’s not yet 30 which is young to retire but he’s got plenty of time to adjust to life outside of basketball. Television color analyst, owner of a minor league basketball or baseball team or businessman. The world is waiting for Derrick Rose should he decide to pursue retirement.
