Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                       
BREAKING NEWS
It’s being reported the Celtics will give the Cavs a 2020 2nd round pick as an addition to the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade.  

A bull’s-eye aimed at them
Mike Rutherford of SB Nation on August 30 has placed a target clearly on the back of the Mizzou Tigers.  In the publication he chooses the Tigers as………are you ready for this?  Rutherford places them as the number 25 basketball team in the nation; on the surface doesn’t sound bad however there are a number of factors to consider.  The Tigers were winners in a grand total of 8 games last season so there begins the concern.  From 8 wins to potentially competing for the SEC crown. 

Rutherford looked at LSU and Ben Simmons (which I had earlier) and pointed the team did not play up to expectations.  I’m trying to remember the last time a Mizzou team was in the Top 25, I believe we’d have to return to the Haith era.  In 2011-12 the Haith led Mizzou team finished the season 30-5 and earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  I will repeat my late spring statement I hope for improvement and will leave it at that.  The high expectations are scary for this Mizzou fan all I can do is watch the games as you will.  

He’s got a new job
A large percentage of athletes are not prepared for life after basketball.  A number become broadcasters while even smaller groups become assistant coaches.  A meager number are similar to Elton Brand beginning work in at team’s front office.  Former Duke player Brand was drafted by the Bulls in 1999 and played for a number of teams concluding his career in 2016 with the Sixers. The Sixers made and announcement that Brand has been named GM of the Delaware 87ers the G League affiliate of the team.  Congratulations to Brand in this new endeavor in his life.    

Road trip……maybe
At this point we have no idea the ultimate destination of number two Class of 2018 prospect Zion Williamson.  Most of the usual suspects Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Carolina along with a host of other schools are attempting to lure this 5-star prospect to their campus.  The 6-7 230 pound Williamson has been compared to LeBron James which is really unfair.  

As a 17-year old Zion’s physical stature is comparable to that of LeBron at the same age.  One scouting source indicates there is a 60% chance Williamson will enroll at Kansas.  As mentioned above we have no idea of his destination however I’ve made a decision.  If this should play out in the manner projected and Williamson is at Kansas I plan on a road trip to Lawrence (KS) to see him play.  

Best of the Best
Teams might contain the greatest number of talent assembled without adequate leadership a team might often fail to achieve greatness.  From 1948 up to the present day Laker history has contained the names of outstanding, average and a few duds in the team‘s coaching ranks. You might ask who is the best of the best, that’s a difficult answer however I will attempt to provide my view with a glimpse of their resume.      

1.  Pat Riley 1981-1990, 4 championships
2.  John Kundla 1947-1959, 5 championships 
3.  Phil Jackson 1999-2004, 2005-2011, 5 championships
4.  Fred Schaus 1960-1967 0 championship
5.  Bill Sharman 1971-1976 1 championship

All the coaches mentioned won one or more championships you might question why I included the late Fred Schaus in this group.  Under Schaus the Lakers dominated the west during the early to mid ‘60’s however there was huge impediment once they reached the championship round.  It wasn’t a talent issue the Lakers had that, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Rudy LaRusso and others. Year after year they would find themselves matched against the Celtics and incomparable Bill Russell plus Bob Cousy, Sam Jones and company.      

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
Okay and your next move……..
You remember the Mitchell Robinson story don’t you?  If not here is a quick update, the 7 foot 5 star prospect was signed, sealed and delivered for Western Kentucky.  Just prior to the start of classes came word he didn’t want to be there.  Robinson would leave Western Kentucky indicating he intended to transfer to another school.  

A short time later it was reported; “He’s going to sit out the year and wait for the NBA draft.” That story has changed once again he’s returned to Western Kentucky and is likely to play for the Hilltoppers this season.  Are you confused by the chain of events, I don’t know about you but I certainly am.  We can safely conclude there was no method for Robinson to be eligible to play this season if he transferred.  

This is interesting 
It seems the majority of LeBron fans I’ve come into contact with applauded his moves from Cleveland to Miami and back to Cleveland.  These same folks criticized Kevin Durant on his move from the Thunder to the Warriors.  One of them made this statement to me; “He (Durant) signs with the team that just beat his team, I can’t forgive him for that.”  Although I was surprised at the time I cannot be critical of Durant he was just following the lead established earlier by LeBron……..attempting to win an NBA Championship.  

He’s the coach
Jud Heathcote died on Monday at the age of 90.  Heathcote began his coaching career as a high school coach in 1950 later he would serve at the University of Montana for five seasons prior to becoming head man at Michigan State in 1976.  Coach was more than one game however there is one basketball historians know fully, the game would set the stage for an NBA rivalry of epic proportions.  

In 1979 Heathcote’s MSU team led on the court by Magic Johnson and Greg Kelzer would beat Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamore team for the NCAA Championship.  At his retirement Heathcote left the game with an overall record of 419-274.  The coaching tree is quite extensive; Tom Izzo present MSU head coach was an assistant under Heathcote.  We can add Tom Crean, Kelvin Sampson, Mark Montgomery, Scott Skiles and several others.  In 2009 the coach was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame, R.I.P. 

Cleveland problems
I’m not referring to the Kyrie trade or LeBron probably unhappy this is a brick and mortar issue involving Quicken Loans Arena.  The home of the Cavs is now 22-years old and the team was attempting to refurbish a portion of the building, they ran into a problem……..the people. The figure announced for the work totaled $140 million dollars and taxpayers were to provide half of the funding.  The usual argument by the Cavs meant to advance the cause mentioned jobs and additional income.  This ploy didn’t work as there was opposition to the plan the Cavs decided to withdraw from the project.       

Microsoft’s NBA Connection
You know the story of Microsoft the technology company however you might not have realized the NBA connection to the business.  Others of you probably were aware but hadn’t thought much about the connection.  We begin with Paul Allen; he was co-founder of Microsoft along with Bill Gates.  Allen purchased the Portland Trailblazers in 1988; in 2007 Allen acquired the Moda Center (former Rose Garden) in 2007.  In Los Angeles the owner of the Clippers is Steve Ballmer.  

The world must have gasp loudly when Steve Ballmer purchased the Clippers for a reported $2 billion dollars.  To date this sale has been the largest price tag placed on an NBA franchise to date.  Ballmer is connected to Microsoft as the former chief executive office of the corporation.   In Portland Allen purchased an existing arena and in Los Angeles Ballmer is attempting to build an arena through the City of Inglewood.  So far Microsoft co-found Bill Gates has shown no desire to own an NBA franchise.  Gates is either the first or second richest individual in the world so there's no question can he afford to own a team. 

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
Division I officially now
Sunday night I read the Grand Canyon Antelopes are now a full-fledged Division I basketball program.  The school has been a member of the WAC Conference and played a D-1 schedule but still required NCAA certification which has now occurred.  The Phoenix (AZ) school is coached by former Suns player “Thunder” Dan Majerle, his team finished last season 22-9.  GCU began its program as an NAIA affiliate moved to NCAA Division II until 2013.  

What to do
By now you’ve read the Cavs-Celtics trade has developed a difficulty.  The Cavs indicate Isaiah Thomas’s hip has not healed to a point of satisfaction.  How does this play out, the Cavs could accept the trade if the Celtics were to allow another player or draft choice(s) are added.  At the same time the Celtics could emphatically say no, what occurs then?  The trade becomes null and void, all players return to the team that traded them.  Returning to a team that dealt you could create further problems.  

The only instance I could think of occurred a number of years ago.  Spurs television analyst Sean Elliott faced this issue while a member of the team.  Elliott was “traded” to the Rockets in the 1994 season however the trade was voided when he failed his physical.  Elliott returned to the Spurs and played the remainder of his career a member of the Spurs.  NOTE:  After this was written I read a report indicating the Cavs have requested either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.  

Porter siblings
LaVar Ball has been quite vocal regarding his basketball playing sons.  In the middle of the nation far less vocal has been Michael Porter Sr.  Sure you’ve aware of sons’ Michael Jr. and Jontay but there are others.  There are three sisters and five brothers and the entire family is athletic.  Behind Jr. and Jontay is Coban who is entering his sophomore year of high school.  

Coban is a 6-3 170 pound guard and Class of 2020 prospect.  Although we can make no claim of his basketball talent he too is following in the footsteps of his older brothers.  Will Coban follow his brothers to Mizzou, is he even talented enough?  With brothers standing 6-9 and 6-10 has Coban completed his growth cycle?  Those and other questions will be answered at some future date.  

Bits n Pieces
I’m unsure if it’s the growth of social media or something else.  Consider this tidbit, at the time Hornets management decided to change the team name to Pelicans all sorts of jokes and condemnation was registered by NBA fans.  In 2008 with the franchise move to Oklahoma the Sonic name would remain in Seattle.  What do the owners do they name the team Thunder.  What could be more generic and basically strange about that name?  Calm down OKC folks I’m talking about the team name not your city.    

I guess I’ll forget the idea, remember I questioned why we compare a prospect to a known NBA player.  I concluded we do this because it gives us an idea what we believe the talent level of the prospect.  With that said here we go again, ESPN’s Jeff Goodman compares Marvin Bagley III to Chris Bosh.  

Mizzou freshman Blake Harris’s jersey number is 55.  I didn’t realize the connection until I saw a video.  His father is former NFL veteran Bernardo Harris, Harris played for the Packers and Ravens retiring in 2003. As for Blake he’s a 6-3 point guard and ESPNU 4-star athlete in the Class of 2017.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                        
The International NBA
I’m not the guardian of the truth or accuracy for that matter.  For reasons I’m unsure Colin 
Ward-Henniger of CBS Sports.com decided to compile a list of the Top 50 International players of each nation.  Some of the names are easy, for Germany he selected Dirk Nowitzki, although just entering his third year he chose Kristaps Porzingis as Lativa’s best ever, as for others he caused me to scratch my head.  “Why was it necessary to select a player from every nation considering several had average or below average careers?”  

Just a few examples to note first up Eduardo Najera from Mexico he was selected strictly on the basis of a 12-year NBA career.  Australia’s Andrew Bogut has been very serviceable considering he was the top pick in the 2005 draft his numbers are only average.  How about Vlad Radmanovic of Bosnia and Herzegovia or Joel Embiid from Cameroon?  This shouldn’t be considered an indictment of Ward-Hennigers effort he picked more good and great players than subpar but again why chose several just because they were on an NBA roster.  

Did you see the tweet?
The Knicks sent a tweet touting season tickets with photos of players.  In the tweet/photo was rookie Frank Ntilinina, Kristap Porzingis and Wily Hernangomez.  You might ask where Carmelo Anthony was so did a bunch of folks?  It’s been mentioned on several occasions he remains a Knick until he approves a trade.  The logical spot now has got to be Houston although I didn’t say it would be the best move.  

The best move would be for Anthony to land with the Cavs but that’s not likely to occur now with the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade.  The Cavs have Jae Crowder and Jeff Green at the small forward and adding Carmelo Anthony means someone might be history.  Would LeBron move to power forward and the team place Anthony at the small forward?  Long-term not exciting however short-term the Rockets might be the better destination for Anthony.    

This is old news but………
7-6 270 pound Tacko Fall decided he wasn’t ready for the NBA.  He withdrew his name and decided in favor of returning to University of Central Florida.  I could be wrong but it’s likely the youngster might wind up in the NBA as a specialist only.  Fall can certainly block shots and intimidate but that’s about all.  Despite packing 270 pounds on his frame he doesn’t appear very strong, I witnessed smaller lighter players snatch rebounds from his grasp.  Never say never and that is the case with Mr. Fall he works and learns through his junior and senior year………

I just read the headline
Gordon Hayward and Isaish Thomas jerseys being burned caused LeBron James to make a comment.  The headline read; “LeBron goes on rant over fans burning jerseys.”  First off the jersey burners certainly have a great deal more money than me.  NBA jerseys range anyway from $60 to $300 if they are autographed, who’s got that type of money to just burn..  

If a jersey were fire damaged accidentally that’s understandable but to intentionally burn one I’m with LeBron.  The last point is simple you are upset with your favorite player being traded or signing a free agent contract.  You have a right to be upset but burning a jersey doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me.  Just my view, what do I know?

Changing times
The civil rights issues of the 1950’s and 1960’s changed a number of the social aspects facing the nation.  This change was certainly quite evident on the basketball courts of America.  Up to that time the vast majority of black athletes attended colleges in the northern portion of the nation or west coast.  Black athletes in the south played basketball (and other sports) at black institutions of learning located in the southern region of the country.  Schools such as Jackson State, Grambling, Prairie View and Texas Southern produced a wealth of athletes for the NBA and NFL.  Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State) and Kentucky State won the NAIA Basketball Championship three years in a row.  

Many of the stars of these teams went on to success at the NBA level but America’s social change witnessed change in enrollment.  No longer were southern black athletes only welcome at northern schools, Alabama, Ole Miss, LSU and others reached out to these players offering scholarships.  The schools now referred to as HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) saw the pool of talent dry up almost at once.  No longer could Grambling produce a Willis Reed or Winston-Salem send an Earl Monroe to the NBA.  These colleges and universities continue to send forth players to the NBA and NFL but numbers significantly reduced over those of the 1950’s and 1960’s.   

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
Loyalty
Does it even exist in today’s world might be the question.  Watching NBA TV and the discussion topic once again was the Irving-Thomas trade.  Host Dennis Scott said; “Kyrie knew he was going somewhere Isaiah Thomas believed he was a Celtic for life.  Thomas must now think about finding a school for his children.”  Scott continued with his statement however I believe the question is clear.  

Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City without a word to teammate Russell Westbrook.  Jae Crowder might have believed he was a Celtic now he’s a Cav having been included in the trade. These are but a few examples, I’m sure you might have others I failed to mention.  I’m just not sure the NBA of 2017 there is such a thing as loyalty either by players or teams.    

The Great Alaska Shootout
It’s been played every year since 1978 but after 40 years no more.  The University of Alaska Anchorage indicates the tournament this year will be the last.  The school indicates the growth of tournaments in the lower 49 and Puerto Rico plus the school could no longer afford to underwrite the tournament.  It’s too bad this is one of the tournaments that always had a top notch collection of teams and athletes.  

It’s me
I honestly believe there are sore feelings remaining between Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and LeBron James.  I’m not going to reiterate the history between the two simply take a look at the future. Reports have circulated for quite awhile pending free-agent LeBron was headed out of Cleveland after the 2018 season.  The reported destination was the Los Angeles and the Lakers.  This story has been affirmed again this time by Ric Bucher for Bleacher Report.  

Now hold a minute Larry Laker first you inform us you don’t want Paul George and now it’s LeBron James.  The elite LeBron would likely make the Lakers immediate contender that’s the up side. The down side some rookie or second year players’ development might be stalled sitting on the bench watching LeBron play the bulk of the minutes.  I’m going to end this in the same manner I did with Paul George.  IF LeBron signs with the Lakers I have no intention of booing and hissing the move.  I will continue to be a Laker fan during and after LeBron James retires or goes somewhere else.  

Bits n Pieces
The version of Madison Square Garden at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza is the fourth arena since 1879 with the same name on the entrance.  MSG is the oldest arena in current use by an NBA team; opened in February 1968 the arena has been renovated twice.  You ask if there will be a fifth MSG……..very likely at some date in the future.  In June 2013 the arena was given a 10-year lease, at the end of the term MSG must move to another location or negotiate a new term.  MSG might not be the oldest operating NBA arena if Seattle returns to the NBA.  Currently there is a project to renovate Key Arena which opened in 1962.    

In case you missed this earlier Kim Anderson wasted no time in securing another job.  After being fired at Mizzou many believed he’d sit on the sidelines for awhile or maybe take an assistant coaching position.  March 5th Anderson was relieved of his position at Mizzou on March 24 it was announced he’d been hired as head coach for Pittsburg State (KS) a Division II basketball program.  The school is located approximately 160 miles south of Kansas City (MO).   

I’m unsure if this is true you be the judge.  The NHL Blues began play in 1967; in 1968 the Hawks left St. Louis for Atlanta where they have since remained.  It was said; ‘The hockey team drove the NBA out of town.’  I’ve always believed there were two different groups of fans, NHL and NBA.  Few people I know claim to follow both sports with fervor, in a smaller market such as St. Louis and with a winter schedule there might be some competition.  By the way the last year the Hawks were in St. Louis they finished 56-26.  

Basketball from a fans perspective             

By the numbers and more 
We have a tendency (me included) to concentrate on the 347 Division I programs, the “Big Boys” are always on ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports and broadcast networks.  We tend to overlook the others; I did a count and discovered there are 312 Division II and 442 Division III programs.  In addition another 300 NAIA affiliated schools exist throughout the nation and Canada.  

Athletic scholarships are available at all the institutions except Division III, there other differences in the level of competition.  I didn’t check all 1,400 schools however it’s unlikely none of the schools is without a men’s and women’s basketball program.  Many schools compete at a lower level for their football programs while others such as Wichita State and Marquette don’t compete in the sport.  

A reminder
Just in case you didn’t know or forget I’m providing a reminder.  I’d mentioned Jontay Porter was headed to Mizzou in August rather than 2018.  I reflected once again on my belief the team should be impressive after several sub par years.  An acquaintance said; “Don’t schedule Kansas yet.“  I said; “I know this is going to be a shocker for you I could care less if Mizzou ever plays Kansas again.”  

I added; “I have no connection with the school, Coach C. or the athletic department.“ I informed him; ‘If the games are restored I refuse to look on this game as nothing more than another on the schedule.  AD Jim Sterk has been on the job a little over a year but has indicated he is trying to restore the Border-War game.  To revive the game is going to require more than the desire of Sterk.  It’s also going to require stubborn Bill Self to agree to play.    

Chase Center
The start of construction was delayed by legal entanglements however it’s begun in earnest now; the Chase Center under construction in San Francisco will open for the 2019-2020 season.  In 1962 the Warriors would leave Philadelphia heading west for San Francisco.  The team would bounce around the metro area playing games in the Cow Palace, the Civic Auditorium.  

The team moved to Oakland and Oracle Arena.  The team remained in Oakland except for the 1996-97 year when the arena was being renovated.  The Warriors would return the following year to Oracle where they have remained since then.  I posed the question previously will the team revert to its original name San Francisco Warriors.  Golden State came into being after the team first moved to Oakland.    

A name to remember
Oumar Ballo from the African nation of Mali is the latest name to emerge from the African continent.  Ball is 15-years old however he stands 6-10 238 pounds and is likely still growing. His brother plays professional basketball in France so there are two possibilities; he will play in Europe or perhaps a college here in the states.  From all indications he is a budding talent who might still be growing at his age.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
It’s complete
The front office reorganization of the Clippers is now complete.  On Wednesday Michael Winger was hired as the teams’ general manager.  Doc Rivers is now free to coach the team without any player distractions other than the usual.  Complaints about minutes, personality issues and injuries.   

Bits n Pieces
The number one pick in the NBA Draft traded for the number 60 pick.  It occurred with Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas; Irving was the number one pick in the 2011 draft by the Cavs.  In the same draft in the second round with the 60th and last pick the Kings selected Thomas.  Of course Thomas would eventually wind up with the Celtics before the trade.    

Ben Simmons has been pronounced ready for action.  A reminder Simmons missed last season with a foot injury.  As for Joel Embiid that’s a different story the Sixers are yet to announce his availability. I’ve read he’s been working out conducting light drills but nothing heavy.  Based on what we witnessed in 20+ games hopefully he’ll be able to play.  

You remember Mitchell Robinson don’t you?  He's the 5-star prospect in the Class of 2017; Robinson signed with Western Kentucky and then left almost as soon as he arrived on campus. After he left the school reports indicated he was searching for another college.  It is now reported the 7 foot Robinson is working out in preparation for the 2018 NBA draft.  I’m unable to locate his birth date however if his “19th birthday falls during or before the calendar year of the draft” he would be eligible.  

Say what?
How about part II of an earlier story, remember Steve Ballmer’s desire to own his own arena? Ballmer has made it known he’s tired of being a co-tenant of the Lakers, Kings and other entertainment venues.  Ballmer is true to his word going out and securing an agreement with the City of Inglewood for land acquisition.  The plan has been halted temporarily by a law suit.  

The short version of the story the Clipper arena would be construction about two miles south of the Forum.  The problem dueling concerts, the owner of the Forum now is MSG.  MSG of course owns the Knicks, Rangers, broadcast networks and of course Madison Square Garden. We are at the beginning stage of this issue; this is not the first time legal matters have stalled a stadium or arena project.  

The wait might be over
Rockets center Yao Ming retired in 2011, since that year the NBA has hoped for another quality Chinese player to arrive on our shores.  In a brief but short NBA career the 7-6 Ming proved he could play at the NBA level.  With can state with conviction few other Chinese players have tasted similar success to Ming.  

In 2016 the Rockets made Zhou Qi the 43rd pick in the second round; did they draft Qi with Yao Ming in mind?  Qi remained in China last year but is now in Houston determined to make the Rockets team; he signed a 4-year contract so he’s got ample time to develop and adjust to the rigors of NBA play.  As for the physical part scouts claim the 7-1 210 pound Qi will play the power forward position although eventually he’ll move to the center position.    

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
The trade
Kyrie Irving has been traded to the…………Celtics?  Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Aizic and a 2018 first round pick are headed to Cleveland.  We believed Irving would be traded prior to the beginning of the season however this is strange.  How do you complete a trade with your chief rival in the Eastern Conference?  In the words of the old Nike commercial you “Just do it”.  

The teams swapped point guards along with Jae Crowder and Ante Aizic adding bench strength for the Cavs.  On the Celtics side rookie Jayson Tatum and second year man Jaylen Brown will gain additional playing time.  Back to the Cavs a moment, I’d forgotten point guard Derrick Rose signed with the Cavs on July 25.  In addition to Rose and Thomas they have point guards Jose Calderon, Deron Williams and Kay Fielder on the roster.  Tyronn Lue’s got quite a coaching job in front of him.  

A winning coach
The hope in Columbia (MO) is Cuonzo Martin is long-term and he rebuilds the basketball program at Mizzou.  Elements of the game may have passed him however long-time Coach Norm Stewart established winning at Mizzou despite never advancing to an NCAA Championship.  Stewart was forced into retirement and replaced by Quin Snyder the belief was the winning would continue into the future.  

Unfortunately the Jazz coach you see now is not the Snyder who coached at Mizzou.  Snyder resigned rather than be fired in 2006; Mike Anderson was hired and came in cleaning up much of the mess left by Snyder.  He placed the team on a winning path however Anderson always appeared to have one foot out the door.  Anderson’s dream job Arkansas eventually opened and he headed south in 2011 and was replaced by Frank Haith.  Haith won but never built the program and then an old NCAA issue from his Miami days cropped up, Haith departed for Tulsa after the 2014 season.  

Reaching back to the past AD Alden replaced Haith with a link to the days of Norm Stewart, his former player and assistant coach Kim Anderson was hired as head coach.  This Anderson was never able to translate the success he produced at University of Central Missouri to the Mizzou program.  Anderson was fired at the end of the 2017 season to be replaced by Cuonzo Martin. This I found curious despite the number of coaching changes Kim Anderson is the only hire of the four with a losing record, Snyder, Mike Anderson and Haith all had winning records. 

Urban schools   
Once upon a time it seemed urban schools ruled the basketball landscape.  We can name just a few of them; Cincinnati, St. John’s University (NYC), DePaul (Chicago), Marquette (Milwaukee) and Bill Russell’s University of San Francisco Dons.  It’s not my contention these and others dominated the game.  These schools basketball programs allowed them to contend for the NCAA or NIT championship year after year. 

Nowadays it appears other than UCLA and maybe Louisville there are few urban schools in contention.  In the 80’s and ‘90’s we could mention Georgetown and Syracuse in the conversation. There are few “urban” schools that appear to contend on a consistent basis.  The three Philadelphia area schools, Villanova, Penn and St. Joseph always turn out good teams but I’m unsure if I could claim basketball domination.  

He was number last   
In 2005 Amir Johnson was the 56th pick in the second round by the Pistons; Johnson now plays for the Sixers.  The significance of that draft was the last year high school players were drafted in the NBA.  Technically we could say Thon Maker (2016) drafted by the Bucks was the last high school player.  Maker was able to circumvent the rule because he turned age 19 by the time the draft occurred.  A total of 44 high school players have been drafted by NBA teams throughout the years.  We can debate the success or lack of success of the number.  Could you build an All-Star team?  I can:

Kobe Bryant-guard
LeBron James-guard
Shawn Kemp-forward
Tracy McGrady-forward
Kevin Garnett-center

My team has no requirement for a true point guard with the passing skills of Kobe and LeBron, LeBron is placed as Kobe’s back court mate.  Power forward Garnett becomes the team’s center.  

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
It’s complete
Mizzou’s non-conference season is now complete, earlier the Mizzou-Illinois game in St. Louis was finalized for Dec 23 at the Scottrade Center.  Mizzou’s participation in The Advocare Invitational had been mentioned as well.  In the tourney besides Mizzou are Long Beach State, Marist, St. John’s, Oregon State, UCF, Nebraska and West Virginia.  Mizzou kicks off the season against former Big 12 rival Iowa State, although the non-conference schedule is complete it doesn’t look particular ling daunting but I can say it’s interesting.  

Custody
The funniest line I heard in the Kyrie Irving account of this summer.  “The breakup between Irving and LeBron who gains custody of Kevin Love?”  Okay you probably didn’t think it was funny I did.  

Moved to second place
Every 2018 mock draft to date has 6-10 Michael Porter Jr. of Mizzou the number one pick next year.  Everyone except the mock draft columnist Gary Parrish CBSSports.com compiled.  His choice is Marvin Bagley III of Duke, III had been number one prospect in the Class of 2018 but reclassified into the Class of 2017.  As I wrote earlier it remains if he is allowed to play by the NCAA.  If you thought this would cause an argument by me forget it, Parrish is one of those in the media that knows the game.  

Circle your calendar
In just about a month September 30 to be exact will find the Wolves at the Lakers plus Denver at Golden State, those games will kick off the NBA exhibition season.  The 16th and 17th of November a significant number of college tournaments begin play.  As you can see it’s just a short time and once again will hear bouncing basketballs and squeaking shoes.     

I wonder
To a scout they are able to access ability or project it.   I’ve often thought baseball might be the toughest, how can you see a 17 or 18 year old in the major leagues.  In any event talent is sometimes observable desire impossible to gauge.  You ask where I’m going with this account…..its aimed at Andrew Bynum.  Bynum will turn 30 in October but has been out of the NBA since 2014.  At the time he was drafted in 2005 by the Lakers it was believed his ceiling was unlimited.  The 7-foot 285 pound center was brought along slowly the first few years playing a reserve role.  

The 2010 season would be his break-out year averaging 15 ppg and 8 rebounds, two years later he was an NBA All-Star.  At some point Bynum seem to lose interest in playing basketball and then the injuries.  There were problems with Coach Mike Brown and a general attitude issue.  He would be traded to Philadelphia later he spent time with the Cavs and concluded with the Pacers. Injuries curtailed his NBA career but attitude might have played just as much a part.  It just appeared Bynum reached a point where he no longer cared to play and maybe he fooled all of us. Maybe he never loved the game which would provide him a lifetime of income without ever working a 9-5 job.    

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
Tampering
Magic Johnson could be guilty; I mentioned earlier the Pacers contacted the NBA accusing the Lakers of tampering with Paul George.  Let’s see if we can piece this puzzle together, Palmdale (CA) is an hour and 10 minutes and 65 miles from Staples Center.  Palmdale is George's home town in addition he played his college basketball at Cal-State Fresno which is about 221 miles from Staples Center.  

George grew up a Lakers fan however once the NBA Draft occurred it was the Pacers who were in a position to draft him.  Paul George with pending free-agency let it be known he’d like to play for the Lakers.  As I stated at the beginning Magic could be guilty of tampering, if the Lakers are found guilty of tampering they must accept the punishment the NBA mandates.   

The basis
We had an idea why LaVar Ball is so determined to place his BBB shoes on the market?  I attempted to provide research on the athletic shoe apparel line.  Although these are not current figures it provides you clear evidence for why.  “U.S. athletic footwear industry grew 8% to $17.2 billion in 2015.”  *NPD indicates “The three major players Nike, Adidas and Under Armour led the way.”  The athletic shoe line has continued to grow at an ever increasing rate.  

At this point the ceiling is undetermined if there is one for the basketball shoe market.  Provides us proof why LaVar Ball is attempting to break into this market.  Entertainer Jay Z reported he’d purchased 3 pair of BBB shoes?  Let’s see that totals $1,485.00 less tax for his purchase, we can guess he might be able to afford them.  Jay Z stated he believed in the marketing effort of LaVar Ball but explained there were elements of this effort Ball hadn’t handled well.  Say that again Jay Z I hope you might listen to him?

*NPD & Forbes

Gotham City
Allow me a disclaimer; I’m a believer in Phil Jackson.  Although a front office role with the Knicks would be different I thought he’d turn the franchise around.  Needless to say that didn’t occur, PJ was asked to leave so he headed to Montana with his pockets stuffed with a cash payout.  What remains is not much in fact I believe the Sixers (provided Embiid is healthy) might move ahead of the Knicks.  With Carmelo and Porzingis they remain a superior team to the Nets but not by much.  Jeff Hornacek has a job on his hands with this mixed bag of players. The first two names are likely starters the balance is my guess.

Carmelo Anthony-small forward
Kristaps Porzingis-power forward
Willy Hernangomez/Joakim Noah-center
Tim Hardaway Jr.-shooting guard
Ron Baker/Frank Ntilikina-point guard

I don’t believe the projected starters plus a bench of Michael Beasley, Ramon Sessions and others is likely to drive fear in the hearts of the opposition.  As for P.J. it’s not the fact he didn’t make an effort the moves (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and others) blew up in his face. Celebrity fans Spike Lee and Michael Rapaport have expressed their frustration with the Knicks slow progress to return to a competitive level.

Can he play?
I’m not sure however I believe the Celtics Semi Ojeleye can.  Unfamiliar with the name a quick background.  When he graduated from Ottawa HS (Ottawa Kansas) he’d set the all-time scoring record for the State of Kansas.  Ojeleye “escaped” from the clutches of Bill Self and headed to Duke, buried on a deep Duke bench Ojeleye transferred to SMU in Dallas.  

The 6-8 power forward proved he could play at this level leading the Mustangs in scoring at nearly 19 points and 7 rebounds a game.  Ojeleye was a red shirt junior and could have returned to SMU but decided the time was right for a move, Ojeleye would declare for the 2017 NBA Draft.  The June draft would find the Celtics choosing Ojeleye as the 37th pick in the second round.  It appears he might gain a spot on the roster however it’s likely to be in a reserve role.  Whatever the future holds for son of Nigerian immigrants he will be successful that I believe.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
WHAT!!
Late Saturday night came word the Lakers were under investigation by the NBA, what the &%#$() is that about was my first thought?  After I read the news account I discovered the Lakers were reported to have tampered with Paul George while he was still under contract to the Pacers.  Wow, I didn’t want the guy anyway and now he’s possibly going to cost the Lakers draft choices and other penalties.  In any event if the Lakers should be found guilty I must accept the findings however I have at least one question.  Why in the world would someone or several persons believe Paul George is worth the risk of losing draft picks? 

Front office moves
I admit I don’t know much about Steve Ballmer, this I do.  He’s the former chief executive of Microsoft and the owner of the Clippers.  Whether it’s a coaching problem, injuries or front office errors Ballmer has been making changes.  Item 1. May have been the hiring of former Laker president and general manager in the role of consultant.  

Item 2, Doc Rivers was relieved of his responsibilities as the director of player personal a few weeks ago.  Item 3. News reports indicate the team is close to hiring Michael Winger ex of the Thunder as the Clippers general manager.  Doc Rivers will continue to be involved in player decisions however they will no longer be his alone.  Rivers is now free to devote all his energies on coaching the Clippers, no more excuses.  

Where in the world is Carmen San Diego Dwight Howard
In the early ‘90’s PBS launched a children’s program with emphasis on geography.  It was believed then (and might remain true today) lack of general knowledge of geographical locations on a map of the world.  Dwight Howard has a keen awareness of geography after all he’s been a member of 5 teams in various parts of the nation in 7 years.  Where in the world has he landed, this time it’s Charlotte.  Last season I wrote of the declining skill of Howard during the period he was a member of the Rockets.  

An acquaintance (a Rockets fan) took issue with my statements regarding Howard, blamed the slippage of Howard’s game on the year he spent with the Lakers and Kobe Bryant.  Okay I understand Kobe is also to blame if it’s too hot/too old/snow/rain/we have severe weather, I will stop now I believe you get the idea.  What I’ve read Howard’s numbers has remained somewhat consistent however his defense has continued to go south.  Is Charlotte the last stop for the veteran center….perhaps we shall see?  

Who is that guy?
If you watch college basketball coverage on ESPN you might wonder who is analyst Bill Walton. Second to that when he covers the game he spends a portion of the telecast discussing the rock group The Grateful Dead.  The guy really seems unusual, did he play the game?  You bet he played and if not for a series of injuries he might be discussed in the same breath of Kareem, Shaq and other Big Men.  

Walton is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame so that might provide a hint of his college and NBA career.  If we just discussed college consider this.  Walton was 3X College Player of the Year and 3X First Team All American.  He was part of the UCLA team that won 88 games in row.  As for the NBA he was two time champion with the Blazers and the Celtics. This is but a thumbnail sketch of the wild and crazy guy Bill Walton.  

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
Tommy Hawkins
Hawkins died last week at the age of 80; probably few reading this even remember the former 6-5 forward.  He was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1959 and moved with the team to Los Angeles the following season.  If you checked Hawkins numbers you will discover they were not spectacular.  

It should be of note Hawkins was the first African American at Notre Dame to be selected an All American.  Hawkins would fill the role of 6th man for talented Laker teams.   Hawkins would later play for the Cincinnati Royals (Kings) but conclude his career with the Lakers.  After retirement he began a second career as a broadcaster one of the first groups of former athletes in the role R.I.P Tommy Hawkins.

Bits n Pieces
We often hear of family poverty being the chief reason athletes leave school for the NBA.  Klay Thompson left Washington State after his junior year, his dad former NBA and current Laker broadcaster Mychal Thompson.  I believe there might have been no reason for young Thompson to leave school early.  Earlier we could make the same statement about current Laker Coach Luke Walton.  Luke’s father Bill should have been able to provide financial security.  Today we have Shareef O’Neal son of Shaquille, he’s headed to Arizona but is already stating he might be one and done.  I’ve never witnessed young O’Neal play I have no idea if he’s ready for the NBA I do know this there is no financial need by Shareef O’Neal.

I’m still not buying Chris Paul’s’ departure from the Clippers.  There is no requirement for Paul to acknowledge why he decided to leave the team.  On the other hand the reported stories as to why must have been concerned to Austin Rivers.  If not why did he contact Paul?  I’m not sure what to expect of the 2017-18 Clippers minus Paul they should be +.500 team.  They should be a playoff team; they will not be a championship team.  

At the time Words eye view first began publishing it was Monday, Wednesday, Friday.  Soon I began to realize there was far more news than could be accommodated publishing three times a week.  Words is now being published daily which I hope to continue into the future.  Thank you for your continued support from this basketball fan.

The Thunder
I wasn’t sure what to expect of the Thunder after the completion of the season.  Despite the spectacular year of Russell Westbrook (triple-double, MVP) being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs there were questions.  After the name Paul George had him headed to Cleveland, the Lakers and other destinations he lands in Oklahoma City.  George could still bolt next year for the Lakers or some other team.  Although well received on landing in the city I believe he still remains a potential free agent next season.  

The Thunder will not crash land next season however questions remain; I believe most of us understood why Westbrook shot the ball so much.  He was the OFFENSE, what occurs when the point guard must again share the ball.  George might not be a volume shooter but he remains a player who wants the ball.  With the addition of George and other moves I’m going to adopt a wait and see attitude.  As I indicated the Thunder certainly are not going to be terrible but it would be a gigantic stretch to see them as a potential conference contender.  It’s likely they make the playoffs again beyond that I couldn’t speculate any further.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
‘Trust the process’
Former GM Sam Hinkle coined the phrase “Trust the process.”  It would become the key sentence for Sixers fans to remain hopeful for the future.  I attempted to point out earlier Sixer and NBA fans are excited about the prospects of the upcoming season.  Is Ben Simmons ready--check, is Markelle Fultz ready--check how about Joel Embiid--we think so.  It’s reported Embiid is working on non-contact drills and indicates he will be ready once training camp opens.  

As indicted the promise of the season is exciting but much of the promise depends on the health of Embiid. In 31 games last season Embiid averaged 20 points 8 rebounds and 5 blocks a game imagine duplicating those same numbers over the course of 70 or 80 games.  A roster member might be able to step into the void if Embiid is absent for a significant number of games but the hope that is not the case. 

Detroit Gems
Since I often raise history questions I thought it was worth a re-visit of an earlier published account, in 1946 the Gems came into existence in Detroit (MI).  This National Basketball League was a disaster on the court (4-40) and at the box office.  In 1947 the team was sold two businessmen from Minneapolis and moved to Minnesota.  Moving to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” the team was re-named the Lakers.  For those asking why Lakers remains in place we can only speculate.  

In 1960 when then owner Bob Short moved the team to Los Angeles it wasn’t as important then as it is now to change the name of a franchise.  In baseball the baseball braves began play in Boston moved to Milwaukee and home is Atlanta since 1966.  The A’s or Athletics called Philadelphia home until 1955 when they moved to Kansas City later Oakland.  So the Lakers remain the Lakers despite no major lakes being located nearby.  I know what you are thinking the Pacific Ocean doesn’t count.  

Never heard of him

If you hear the name Terrence Phillips your first response might be; “Never heard of him” or better yet “who is he“?  Phillips might be one of the keys to a successful 2017-18 Mizzou season.  I know all the noise this summer has revolved around the Porter brothers, Jeremiah Tilmon and others.  It’s very likely Phillips will be the team’s principal point guard as he led Mizzou in assists (4.4) last season.  The assist total might appear insignificant however the team Mizzou had on the court last season was offensively challenged, at times they had problems shooting the ball in the ocean.  The 5-11 Phillips from SoCal led the Tigers in assists for the second straight year; in his junior year Coach Martin will expect him to be the glue that holds this young bunch of players together.  

New players

In the middle of summer Les Alexander announced he intended to sale the Rockets.  A couple of celebrity names were mentioned entertainer Beyonce (a Houston native) and Diekembe Mutombo former Rockets player.  More recently two non-celebrity names have been mentioned as potential buyers they are Tilman Fertitta and Dan Friedkin.  Fertitta is a Houston businessman with a reported net worth of $2.8 billion dollars.  As for Friedkin he’s CEO of Gulf States Toyota and his net worth is projected at $3.1 billion dollars.  There is one fact that is indisputable there are always a number of potential buyers who desire to own an NBA franchise every time a team is placed on the market.      

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                      
Down one
R.J. Barrett 5-star rated and the new number one in the Class of 2018 has come to a decision. The 6-7 forward from Montverde Academy and metro Toronto removed Kansas from his list of possible destinations.  Borrowing from the Bee Gees hit song “Staying Alive” are Arizona, Duke, Michigan, Oregon and Kentucky.  

He’s moving
We sit on the sidelines often unaware of why the movement might occur.  In the first example is Bol Bol, he was attending a Kansas City Metro high school……Boom he’s history. His former coach first contacted had no idea Bol had transferred, later news reports indicated Bol had transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana (CA).

Although Bol was known nationally prior to transferring whether it’s the school or something else his profile has certainly been enhanced.  We have a similar story this time it's occuring in Texas with Charles Bassey; Bassey is a 6-10 center and the number one prospect in the Class of 2019. The youngster is reported to have transferred from St Anthony HS in San Antonio to DeSales HS in Louisville (KY).

Chicago Blues
A number of cities across the nation claim to be the birthplace of the Blues.  We have the New Orleans and Memphis version and we also have the Chicago Blues.  In this instance the Chicago Blues is NOT the music its the basketball team.  I’m attempting an assessment of the Bulls, those Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen Bulls.  The champion Bulls led by Phil Jackson and the architect of the triangle offense the late Tex Winter. Those Bulls are a distance memory of the 2017-18 version, Dwayne Wade and Rajon Rondo couldn’t save them.  Management had enough of Rondo waving him in June however “Flash” Wade remains although he’s now age 35.

As this account was being completed I read Wade might be a buy-out.  The Bulls under Fred Hoiberg have been a barely .500 team in his two years at the helm.  Off-season trades brought them Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine arrived in trades with the Wolves however talented they appear still largely untested.  7-foot rookie Lauri Markkanen from Arizona was drafted by the Wolves however arrived in the trade for Jimmy Butler. The Michael Jordan Bulls once the scourge of the Eastern Conference appear relegated to the bottom half of the league. The Bulls have a number of “pieces” its necessary for this collection of talent to mold into a competitive team.

I’ve been thrown a curve
You might remember I wrote of my excitement regarding the 2017-18 Lakers.  I even stated for the first time in years I was considering paying for NBA League Pass once again. Today’s news cause me reconsider, 35 Laker games will be televised nationally this upcoming season.  NBA TV has 12 games, ESPN and TNT will each telecast 11 games and ABC will telecast a single game.  I’m going to miss 47 games unless I subscribe to NBA League Pass……what to do, what to do.

He was joking….wasn’t he?
On several occasions I’ve mentioned the Border War issue between Kansas and Missouri. Since the departure of Mizzou for the SEC I’ve had less and less interest in reviving play in any sport.  I ran into a Kansas graduate and mentioned how excited I was about the upcoming basketball season.  His response; ‘Mizzou looks very good but wait for a couple of years.’ I’m sure I had a puzzled look on my face as he continued.

The acquaintance pointed to the fact his belief Mizzou might suffer some NCAA or in-house catastrophe. My initial reaction to this view to my knowledge Cuonzo Martin teams at Missouri State, Tennessee and Cal never experience any NCAA infractions.  If I should uncover any negative news on Martin’s I certainly have no intention to avoid it.  As for player troubles other than academic my friend might check out some of the “Animal House“ stories that emanated from the Kansas basketball program last season.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                       
I did it
The Man-Cave is about to have another jersey added it's been awhile since I’ve made a purchase.  I decided in favor of a Jamal Wilkes #52 jersey.  The Man-Cave at this time only contains retired Lakers it wasn‘t planned that way.  I had Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Steve Nash when all were active.  At some point there might be a Lonzo Ball, Julius Randle or Larry Nance Jr. jersey hanging in the cave.  

The Wilkes jersey will hang alongside Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal.  I know what your thinking to yourself Shaq didn’t retire a Laker.  Consider the Lakers retired his 34 jersey and it hangs in the rafters at Staples Center.  One additional note the Lakers erected a statue outside of the building, I believe those two events certainly qualify Shaq to occupy a space in the Man-Cave.

We don’t know
Zion Williamson is the number three prospect in the Class of 2018 yet seems to receive the bulk of attention. Do you know Marvin Bagley III or R.J. Barnett?  Both Bagley and Barnett might have as many offers on the table as Williamson however it’s Williamson whose become a media darling especially through social media particularly YouTube.  The 6-7 230 pound forward has an NBA body as a high school senior so there is no requirement to add weight.

Jason Marcum of SBNation has begun speculating of the many offerings which college Williamson will eventually chose, Mizzou’s not in the mix so I write this objectively.  Marcum believes Kansas and Kentucky are in the lead for his services.  Where ever he lands I’ll repeat my statement; “develop a jump shot, at the next level the competition gets a little tougher.  At the level beyond college its even tougher young man develop your game…….Out. NOTE:  Marvin Bagley III is now in the Class of 2017 and Williamson moved up to the number two position on Rivals.  

You remember him don’t you?
David Blatt sorta disappeared after the Cavs fired him in 2016.  The Cavs were 30-11 when he was terminated; Blatt might have had best won-loss record ever for a coach who losses his job.  Blatt is coaching in Turkey but has expressed a desire to return to the NBA.  This is the bad news part of this story not for Blatt but for Knicks Coach Jeff Horncek.  Blatt’s friends with Knicks President Steve Mills and Craig Robinson who was a recent front office hire.  Frank Isola New York Daily News tells the story Blatt, Mills and Robinson were all teammates at Princeton. Should Horncek be concerned about his job security, if I were him I don’t think I’d make too many long-range plans.  
The Glove
Gary Payton was nicknamed “The Glove“ due to his defensive prowess.  Oakland’s Payton played his college ball at Oregon State he was drafted by the Sonics in 1990.  Payton and Shawn Kemp became the glue that led to regular season and playoff basketball success for the Sonics.

Point guard Payton could score (16.3 and 21,813 points) during his career but it was his tough hard-nose defense that would become his trademark.  In addition to the defense Payton was a notorious trash-talker which resulted in a great number of technical fouls.  Payton would spend the bulk of his career in Seattle but also played for the Bucks, Lakers, Celtics and Heat, he won an NBA Championship with the 2006 Heat. ’The Glove‘ would be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                      
Not the least bit shocking
The NBA schedule for 2017-18 has been rolled out.  Although I haven’t made the count myself I’m depending on Brian Windhorst who covers the NBA for ESPN.  Windhorst claims the Sixers will be featured on more nationally televised games than the Knicks.  Not shocking maybe not even in the category of a surprise if this plays out as Windhorst indicates.  The draft, free-agency and the return of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are positives.

The Sixers in 2017-18 will be a team that just might be good enough to qualify for the 8th slot in the “weak” Eastern Conference.  If nothing else they appear entertaining if all bodies remain healthy.  The Knicks, the poor Knicks are headed in the opposite direction despite front-office changes.  IF Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis are not traded the blocks are in place however the foundation of the “building” is very, very weak.

The rich keep getting .....you know
Rivals listed Marvin Bagley III as the number one prospect in the Class of 2018.  On Tuesday morning the 6-11 power forward was replaced at the top of the list by R.J. Barrett Montverde Academy small forward. Bagley re-classified and moved into the Class of 2017, with this move he committed to Duke.

On Sunday it was 5-star prospect Tre Jones 6-1 point guard and number 8 prospect in the Class of 2018 who is headed to Duke, the only downside to this news neither might become teammates.  It’s likely Bagley might be headed to NBA after but one year or then again he might not play at all. Commitment and NCAA clearance is required its pointed out.  We must await the NCAA findings to determine if Bagley plays.

Is it broken?
The “ugly“ jump shot of Laker rookie Lonzo Ball was scrutinized prior to draft night and immediately thereafter.  The conversation continued throughout Summer League as a number of former players and analysts provided us their view of Ball’s shot mechanics. Questioned about Ball I believe Magic Johnson might have addressed this issue better than anyone thus far.  ‘Jamal Wilkes had one of the ugliest jump shots but it went in.’ Just in case some of you are too young Wilkes shot was hosted toward the basket above his head and near his right ear. I attempted to locate video demonstrating the Wilkes shot, see it on YouTube and draw your own conclusions.

In the case of Wilkes it was simple he indicated as a youth his shot was always blocked playing against older kids.  He adjusted his shot in the manner described and it was rarely blocked.  As for Magic early in his NBA career it wasn’t an ugly shot it was a lack of one. Shooting a lay up or dunk was about the only shot Magic had NO range beyond about 10 feet. Much later in his career practice eventually allowed Magic to even become an effective 3-point shooter.  Back to Lonzo Ball like anyone else he can and should be coached on his shot but don’t go overboard coaches.  Ball’s been shooting the ball in that manner since elementary school.  If you haven't seen Wilkes shot paste the link below in your browser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF2KKLTWoAQ

Basketball from a fans perspective                                                                                         
??????
I have continued to refer to the Warriors as the Warriors.  It’s likely I’m too old because I didn’t pick up on the Dub terminology.  I decided to research the question, thanks to Word Counter.net November 27, 2015.  “The nickname began in the 1990’s when younger fans decided to shorten the word Warriors when referring to the team. Instead of pronouncing the team’s full name, some fans began to refer to the team as the “W’s.”  Soon “W” was changed from its proper pronunciation to “dub-a-u”, which was then shortened to just dub.”  There you have it and thanks to Word Counter.net for clearing up my confusion and maybe yours too. 

Scary…..real scary and unusual
Mizzou has the number three recruiting class in the nation according to 247 Sports. Other recruiting sights are yet to comment on Mizzou now that Jontay Porter committed for 2017. Mizzou’s Rock M Nation fan site compiled the list of its top five schools along with their records from last season.  This is scary comparing Mizzou’s record to the other schools.    

247 Sports Class of 2017 ratings
1. Kentucky (32-6)
2. Duke (28-9)
3. Mizzou (8-24)
4. Arizona (32-5)
5. UCLA (31-5)

The ranking provides proof of a belief I‘ve held for a number of years.   I’ve always maintained it is far easier to turn around a poor basketball team than a poor football team.  The “baby” Tigers are yet to set foot on the court so I offer no proof other than a belief.  This Mizzou fan hopes to be pleasantly surprised next April.    

They decided to leave too 
Colorado, Nebraska and Mizzou had a variety of reasons for leaving the Big 12 Conference but Texas A&M.  The Aggies have always been “connected” to the other Texas schools, they were members of the Old Southwest Conference.  The SWC was founded in 1914 with A&M joining in 1915.  SWC schools were   Texas, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, SMU, Rice and later Houston became a conference member.  

Arkansas joined the SWC in 1915 but left in 1991 the only non-Texas school.  As the SWC dissolved A&M along with most of the schools joined the former Big 8 to become the Big 12 Conference.  So in 2017 we have all the larger enrollment programs in the state represented by the Big 12 while Texas A&M proudly flies a Southeast Conference Flag above their sports programs.

“I’ll be back”……..maybe
Arnold Schwarzenegger made the statement “I’ll be back” a catch phrase.  He used the phrase in his 1984 movie The Terminator.  Jim Calhoun might be making the same statement, he retired in 2012 from his long-time job at UConn.  Calhoun won three NCAA titles while coaching at UConn, reports are Calhoun is considering a return to coaching if his will give him the okay. As for the school it would be D-III University of St. Joseph’s in Connecticut.