Basketball from a fans perspective
It’s good to be a Tiger
Sometimes it is difficult to realize how far Mizzou basketball has traveled since March 15, 2017. The March date was the date Coach Cuonzo Martin was hired. Mizzou fans suffered through n 8-23 record in 2016-17, the year prior 10-21, the worst records in the schools basketball history. The March date mentioned was the Cuonzo Martin hire and from that point it’s been a wild roller coaster ride. This is not in chronological order but the series of events which unfolded over the course of March, April and May.
Point guard C.J. Roberts from the Dallas metro was a Kim Anderson commit but that didn’t prevent the new coach from flying to Dallas meeting with the youngster and his family. Result Roberts decided in favor of remaining committed to Mizzou. Signing Papa Porter to the coaching staff was the first domino. Son Michael Porter Jr. the number one prospect in nation Class of 2017 signed with Mizzou, 4 star prospect Blake Harris from North Carolina also signed with the Tigers.
Then Kassius Robertson a 6-3 shooter from Canisius signed on the dotted line. We end for now with the addition of 6-11 235 pound Jeremiah Tilmon a 4 star prospect from East St. Louis. Late as this was being completed Jontay Porter made his committent know he will join his brother. I’ve read a number of letters from folks who know more than me which is certainly possible. I‘ve also discovered their knowledge of basketball exceeds that of Cuonzo Martin and his coaching staff. They (the mysterious they) have already predicted a negative outcome for Mizzou basketball this season. They point to a “Ben Simmons‘ affect for this team which I seriously doubt. They also point to the fact Martin teams have never been great, good recruiter average coach.
I hate Manu Ginobili!
Years ago at a time the Lakers were a competitive team it might not have been but it seemed to be him most times. To a degree the Lakers were able to control a young Tony Parker; Tim Duncan couldn’t hold Shaq although I could state the two probably neutralize one another. It seemed Manu was always hitting a crucial shot, playing tough hard-nose defense or doing something else to help his Spurs beat my Lakers. Manu is now 39, his outstanding NBA is about to conclude, it might be within a short space of reading this or it could be next season.
Manu was chosen in the second round the 57th pick in 1999, you realize the significance of that draft don’t you? Manu was one pick short of being the last player chosen in the 1999 draft. To refresh your memory Duke’s Elton Brand was the first pick in the first round by the Bulls. John Celestand (remember him) was the first pick in the second round. Manu’s had a brilliant NBA career despite the fact I once hated the guy, it appeared it was always him over other Spurs player leading the way in defeating my Lakers. As this is written we don’t know if this is year last or next to last, this we know for sure. Next stop for Manu is the Naismith Hall of Fame.
You either love him or hate him
I believe I told my first Dick Vitale story but its worth repeating. Years ago I was watching game and my wife came walking through the family room. She stopped turned and looked at the television and then looked at me. “What is wrong with that guy” she asked me as he might have utilized one of those many phrases he’s become noted for.
Don’t worry he’s coming back; ESPN announced he’d signed a contract extension and will appear through the 2019-20 season. I’m unsure but I believe the former coach might have been among the first analyst hired by the network having been hired in 1979-80. Congratulations Dickey V., to those who love you hurrah and those who hate him. You might try muting the sound on your television if you don’t want to hear “aircraft carrier”, dipsy doo”, “glue” or “elevator guys.”
He was actually the star player
Josh Jackson stands 6-8; Frank Mason III is 5-11. Jackson arrived at Kansas with all sorts of accolades, it was said he would be a one and done player (which he did become) headed to the NBA. As for the other guy…..well. That OTHER guy Mason III proved to be the heart and soul of Kansas basketball; it was my belief Kansas would not have been as successful with the efforts of Mason. It’s not just me; check out the honors accorded him:
National College Player of the Year
Bob Cousy Award
Consensus First Team All American
Big 12 Player of the Year
First Team All Big 12
I don’t remember if Mason was on the NBA’s radar at the beginning of his senior year. He is now and it’s possible his grit and work ethic might place him on some teams NBA roster.
