Basketball from a fans perspective

Surrounded
On Thursdays’ ESPN coverage of the draft combine the camera captured a shoot of Kentucky Coach John Calipari.   We must presume Cal was in attendance to check on the numerous (a reported 9) Kentucky players being evaluated in the combine.  A covey of media many with microphones and tape recorders descended on the coach, there was no volume so we have no idea of his response.     

I said it before this time I mean it
LaVar Ball’s had his 15 minutes of fame for me.  At first he was interesting this over the top booster of his basketball playing family.  Then it began the posturing and self promotion of his son’s and eventually his BBB brand.  “I could lock down Michael Jordan or words to that affect.” Somebody checked his college scoring 2.2 ppg which is downright laughable.  Then Ball began a war of words with a number of former NBA players.  It seemed Ball never turned down any opportunity at microphones were thrust in his face.    

Then the shoe, the $495 basketball shoe his BBB brand launched.  Thanks to ESPN and other media for maintaining LaVar Ball on our television screens.  Lately it was reported Kobe Bryant was mentoring Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas and several other players.  Questioned about Kobe; “I don’t need no advice from Kobe.”  Well Mr. Ball I intend to refrain from writing any future stories on you or your shoes.  Lonzo is a different story once he arrives in the NBA he becomes fair game for positive or critical commentary.  

“Braggin’ Rights”
Unless you live in Missouri or Illinois the headline might be unfamiliar to you.  Big 10 Illinois and SEC Mizzou met every December to play basketball.  This series was first begun in 1980 and has been played every year since except 1982.  Illinois has won the last four matches, prior to that time Mizzou had won four straight, Illinois leads the All-Time series 31-16.  Attendance has fallen the last few years probably attributed to Mizzou’s dismal play.  Mizzou’s AD Jim Sterk is addressing the issue hoping to begin an advertising campaign for the game.  This is something unnecessary in years past.    

A better fit!
I’ve finished crying and wailing for now, the Missouri Valley Conference failed to add UMKC to replace Wichita State.  Maybe this might not have been the best move anyway; the Horizon League is exploring teams to replace Valpo leaving for the Mo Valley.  The Western Athletic Conference is a step up for UMKC however there is a major issue in my mind.  T-R-A-V-E-L, Kansas City lying in the middle of the nation must fly to Utah Valley, Seattle University and CSU Bakersfield.  UMKC is likely tied by contract to the WAC but certainly should consider a move in the future.  As for the Horizon League the furthest travel from Kansas City might be the three Ohio schools.  

Thank you Tony Kornheiser
For reminding us May 10 was the 43rd anniversary of the NBA Champion Knicks.  Did you realize all five starters are in the Naismith and College Hall of Fame?  

Center-Willis Reed
Power forward-Dave Debusschere
Small forward-Bill Bradley
Guard-Earl Monroe
Guard-Walt Frazier

Technically Monroe and Frazier were both point guards although they shared the duties equally.