Basketball from a fans perspective
Correction
On Sunday I wrote Torrance Watson might have left Ohio State for Mizzou due to a coaching change. Apparently that is not the case, Watson committed to Ohio State after Thad Matta was fired. The Class of 2018 guard and blue chip prospect must have had other reasons for changing his mind.
Investigative journalism
I’ve checked two sources and can find no proof to verify the claim of Stephen A. Smith. As a reminder I mentioned Smith claimed at the time Greg Anthony was at UNLV he earned money because he wasn’t on scholarship. Smith went on to state the NCAA could do nothing about it. One of the sources was the NCAA Rules and Regulations specifically the compliance portion. I could find nothing in print to account for Smith’s version of events.
Smith claimed the NCAA was powerless to do anything about Melo Ball’s signature shoe if young Ball was not on a financial aid scholarship. As stated previously its quite possible he could play for UCLA without being on scholarship. At the same time 99% of the compliance regulations apply to an athlete on scholarship however its my belief (I offer no proof) a student-athlete is not in charge of anything as long as they are playing a sport at a NCAA member institution. I have no issue, check for yourself and see if you come to the same conclusion I did.
Please no
First we read or heard the name of Carmelo Anthony, later it was Paul George and lately it’s been LeBron James. Those are the names of players supposedly headed to the Lakers, I might add they were just rumors there was never anything official. Lakers Nation a fan website reported on Monday another one of those stories.
“Once Dwayne Wade receives a buy-out from the Bulls he could be headed to the Lakers“ the story read. Again I scream loudly, NO WAY, no doubt Wade’s star shone brightly however at age 35 (36 in January) how much can Wade aid a young and upcoming Laker roster? Two years ago not a single name free agent wanted to come to Los Angeles now according to reports players are lining up left and right to head for Southern California.
Junior College basketball
I tried to wrack my brain regarding junior college basketball. The junior colleges of the nation were fertile recruiting ground for 4-year institutions. Usually academic achievement was the prime reason a number of athletes chose the junior college route. Once leaving for 4-year institution the player would blossom into an all NBA talent. The junior colleges of the nation continue to be scouted extensively however each year it seems they produce smaller numbers of players.
I’m unsure if I can provide an answer however this talent pool is drying up. This pool that once produced Spencer Haywood, Michael Cooper, Stephen Jackson and Mitch Richmond can only count the Wolves Jimmy Butler or the Cavs Jae Crowder as one of its own. Do your research there have been players drafted in recent years and a number are still playing in the NBA however none with the exception of Butler and Crowder appear to be vital components of their respective teams.
It’s a St. Louis thang
It’s no secret why Cuonzo Martin has not strayed very far from the St. Louis Metro in recruiting. The best high school basketball continues to be played on the east side despite the fact the metro populations are comparable. St. Louis Metro (2,811,588) has a slight advantage over Kansas City (2,159,159). 247 Sports compiled its list of the top 13 players in the State of Missouri in the Class of 2018, 8 of the 13 hail from metro St. Louis.
For unknown reasons the Metro St. Louis area was Death Valley for Mizzou recruiting. It’s possible with Martin in place maybe there will be a pipeline from the metro east on I-70 to Columbia (MO). If all the commits arrive and the returning letter men Mizzou will have 13 players on the 2018-19 despite the fact Michael Porter Jr. might be in his rookie NBA year. I don’t wish to get too far ahead of the story injuries, eligibility and other factors could severely impact the development of Mizzou’s roster.
