Basketball from a fans perspective
The Africa Game
It’s often mentioned the game especially the NBA version has expanded world-wide. No where is that move evident that on the continent of Africa. The numbers of NBA players far exceeds that of the Asia although the game is growing there as well. A collection of athletes past, present and into the future will continue to grow the game on the continent of Africa.
I’m not sure however I believe Hakeem Olajuwon from Nigeria might be the first, he arrived in this country in 1984 to play at the University of Houston. Olajuwon would be drafted by the Rockets in 1984 and the door was opened. A significant number of athletes from all over the continent have arrived on our shores to play at the college and professional level. As for the game Team Africa came up short losing to Team World 108-97 in the game played in Johannesburg South Africa.
‘All in the Family’
We might have held the belief the Lakers “housecleaning” last spring failed to leave a single Buss family member standing except Jeanie Buss. That’s not quite the case Jim and Johnny remain as co-owners along with three other siblings plus Jeanie. The court order removed the two brothers from any involvement in the business aspects of the Lakers. As for the other Buss siblings that’s a different story.
Janie Buss serves as director of charitable services for the team. Her younger brother Joey is chief executive officer of the Lakers and alternate board of governor representative. Joey also is president and chief executive officer of the South Bay Lakers the G-League team. The youngest sibling 29-year old Jesse is director of scouting and assistant general manager for the Lakers.
’Trust the Process’
The above phrase became frequently known throughout the NBA. I’m unsure who first coined it however many in the NBA began to question the accuracy especially Sixer fans. I checked the projected depth chart for the 2017-18 seasons and the team could field a competitive team if all remain healthy and injury free. In addition the Sixers might field the tallest starting front court in the NBA.
6-10 Dario Saric - power forward
7-0 Joel Embiid - center
6-10 Ben Simmons - small forward
6-4 J.J. Redick - shooting guard
6-4 Markelle Fultz - point guard
The bench appears competitive with veterans Amir Johnson, Nik Stauskas and Jerryd Bayless likely the first reserves to enter the game. I know what you are thinking other than veteran Redick the starters are very young. I can agree with that assessment however there are factors we cannot see at this point. How will this team be affected by its learning curve, in addition will Brett Brown be able to impart his philosophy on these newbie’s. If there is a perfect storm the Sixers could make some noise in the upcoming season, oh did I forget to mention the injury bug? The Eastern Conference race might be more competitive than that of the west.
His name mentioned once again
Coach Cal’s name has been mentioned once again regarding the NBA. The coach has certainly tasted success at the collegiate level. His Kentucky program whether we like it or not has been a conduit for players desiring to play in the NBA. It’s no wonder he’s one of the few college coaches who is always spotted at the NBA draft every June. As for NBA coaching that’s been a different story Calipari coached the New Jersey Nets from 1996-99 and was unsuccessful.
He was fired and the following season he took a job as an assistant for the Sixers. Cal would return to the collegiate ranks in 2000 first at Memphis and in 2009 he took over the Kentucky program. Calipari continues to remind us all his only desire is to coach at the college level, is it possible he still wants to return to the area of his less success the NBA? Another story would must wait for a final outcome.
