Basketball from a fans perspective
Lose some win some
For the first time in recent memory Mizzou has been in the mix this year for the nations top high school prospects. Part of the success was predicated on signing Michael Porter Jr. the number one prospect in the Class of 2017. Porter Jr. and several other prospects allowed Mizzou to land in the Top 10 in the nation. Trevon Duval was a 5-star prospect who attended IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida.
There were a number of “blue blood” programs across the nation after his services. The point guard finally made his decision known, he‘s on the way to Duke. Duval should settle the point guard position one that’s been somewhat shaky in the past for Coach K. Mizzou loses one but gains another, 6-10 center Jeremiah Tilmon announced on Monday he’s going to be a Tiger. Tilmon is a 4-star prospect from Coach Martin’s home town (East St. Louis). The only question now is the status of Jontay Porter.
Okay
The two main sources I peruse for draft information have changed their view on the Lakers choice. Point guard De‘Aaron Fox from Kentucky and Kansas shooting guard Josh Jackson are their choices, is Lonzo Ball out of the picture not likely? This is the key; the draft lottery held tonight will solidify team positions however the players selected is another matter.
New faces in new places
It seems at the time new arenas that serve as home to NBA teams the college game is not far behind. Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Golden 1 Center in Sacramento opened their doors to the college game. The same scenario will apply once Chase Center opens the arena will serve as host for the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball West Regional’s. This will be the first time San Francisco has served as host city for the NCAA’s since 1939.
Further east and one year sooner the Red Wings and Pistons will make room in Little Caesars Arena for college basketball too. The arena will host the first and second rounds of the 2021 Men’s Basketball Tournament. So far the yet to be named Milwaukee arena has announced no plans other than Bucks basketball. Marquette and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the city, the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is 2 hours drive-time from Milwaukee. Most likely we’ll see the arena host college basketball games at some point as well.
99% of the time
A large number of freshmen and sophomores enter the NBA draft every season. We have no idea who might be ready and who needs additional seasoning. One of those I believe requires additional work is Tacko Fall. You remember the 7-6 youngster who plays for the University of Central Florida. Playing for a new coach and adjusting to the speed of the game Fall was light years ahead of his freshmen year. Despite the superlatives tossed his direction Fall is not ready for the rigors of the NBA.
Thanks to cable I saw practically every game the youngster played this past season--true it was television but the warts were evident. Fall is a natural at blocking the basketball, the negatives his strength and his offensive game. In reverse order in my mind it’s not critical he scores with a good NBA point guard he might average 11 or 12 ppg. Although he checks in at 310 pounds his lack of upper body strength has witnessed smaller and lighter players out rebounding him. Fall needs at the very least one additional season of competitive basketball. What do I know I’m just a rabid basketball fan?
A new sheriff in town….maybe
If you are knowledgeable regarding Shaquille O’Neal he’s always been involved in law enforcement. He’s been a reserve deputy sheriff and has even gone on patrol on occasion. Shaq’s indicates he might run for sheriff in 2020 giving no indication whether its Georgia or Florida, he owns homes in both states. The big guy is an unpaid comic but I believe he’s serious.
