Basketball from a fans perspective

No matter the height
I listened this morning to an interview regarding Isaiah Thomas of the Celtics and his impact on the game. Almost instinctively the host mentioned his height and the respondent said; “He’s always been 5-9, he had to prove he could play. “  How true, this game which began in a Springfield (MA) YMCA placed no emphasis on height. Basket ball was intended to recreate students between football and baseball season.  Over the years since its’ 19th Century invention a players height has become more and more crucial with a basket but 10 feet above the court.  

There is no exact year and date but somewhere in the mid to late 1940’s we began to see taller players add their skill to the game.  Better training, better nutrition and better coaching might have all been contributing factors.  In any event players’ smaller in stature who once dominated the game had to prove they could play with the “Big Boys.” 5-9 Calvin Murphy could score with the best of them.  In addition the NBA witnessed 5-3 Muggsy Bogues and 5-5 Earl Boykins at the point as well.  5-7 Spud Webb won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1986, 5-9 Nate Robinson played for a number of NBA teams most recently the Pelicans in 2015.  These and others traveled a different road, the old saying still applies; “A little man must prove he can play a big man must prove he can’t”.  
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Bits n Pieces
The Duke Blue Devils picked up a commitment from Jordan Goldwire; you say who is Jordan Goldwire? Never mind if Goldwire’s name is relatively unknown most of us were unfamiliar with his name too.  He’s a Class of 2017 prospect but not highly recruited in fact Rivals awards him no stars; he was reported to be headed to Eastern Kentucky.  With questions regarding their back court Duke reached out to the 6-2 guard is from Norcross (GA).  

I’d like to see a round-robin pre-season tournament featuring all the Missouri I Division teams. The tournament site could be rotated every year between Mizzou, Missouri State, St. Louis University, Southeast Missouri State and UMKC.  I’m not sure if this will ever occur due to tradition.  It was said at one time Mizzou didn’t wish to schedule StLou or Missouri State----why former Coach Norm Stewart refused to play these schools is really clouded in mystery.  

Bucks power forward Thon Maker stands 7 feet 1 inch tall.  His brother Matur stands 6-10, cousin Makur measures at 6-11.  Makur and Matur both play at Prolific Prep (Ontario). The family originally from Sudan (now South Sudan) immigrated to Australia and later to the U.S. Thon played his high school basketball in Canada and the family members reside at present in Canada.   

No wonder
I’m sure the Suns and the Kings had their reasons; both are near the basement of the NBA.  On the other hand the Celtics led by Isaiah Thomas have vaulted into a 2-0 lead over the Wizards in their playoff series. Just in case you might have forgotten the Kings originally drafted Thomas in 2011, he was the 60th pick in the second round, the very LAST PLAYER chosen.  In 2014 the Kings traded Thomas to the Suns they would trade him in 2015 to the Celtics.  This series is far from over but 53 points in the OT win by the 5 foot 9 inch Thomas, all I can do is SMH.