Basketball from a fans perspective

Greatest amount of pressure
At the dawn of the basketball season which Ball brother faces the greater amount of pressure?  Is it oldest brother Lonzo attempting to prove he belongs in the NBA?  How about Melo Ball the “baby” brother who scored 92 points in a game last season.  Then there’s the guy facing the greatest amount of pressure….LiAngelo.  This is certainly not official only an observation, scouts claim unlike his older brother the middle brother is not ready for the NBA.    

If LiAngelo doesn’t perform at the level daddy Ball believes or thinks his son is not being properly utilized or coached will LaVar Ball have something to say?  Will he openly criticize UCLA Coach Steve Alford and the team?  We have no idea at this point until we arrive at season play however there is an interesting twist.  The son’s appear to be quite different from their father, we’ve witnessed a  little “hot dog” in the youngest son Melo but all appear to be well grounded.  Perhaps it’s the influence of the mother who provide grounding.  . 

Am I concerned?
Of course I am, it’s late September and word comes Joel Embiid is yet to participate in any 5 on 5 drills yet.  I’m no medical or orthopedic specialist so perhaps this is the best method to prepare Embiid for the rigors of NBA play.    Sixer fans cool it all I’m doing is reporting the news and expressing a concern there is no indication as this is written Embiid will not be reading opening night.  

A new home
I believed for a number of years the McDonald’s All American Game had found a home in Chicago.  The first game played in Philadelphia’s Spectrum Arena (now closed) in 1978 witnessed the West squad beat the East 94-86.  After the first game the event was moved from arena to arena throughout the nation (including 1989 in Kansas City).  In 2011 the game was moved to the United Center in Chicago where it remained for the next seven years, it appeared the Windy City was going to remain the permanent home.  The 2018 game will be played in Atlanta and the move appears to be permanent for the foreseeable future.        

New Hoya
There have been 17 head coaches in the 110 year history of Georgetown basketball.  When the season begins this year the number 18 head coach Patrick Ewing will be seated in the first chair.  The former Hoya and NBA center has served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams since his retirement.  This is no slam at Derek Fisher but he was hired by the Knicks with no head coaching experience.  On the other hand we can state Ewing has experience just not that of a head coach.  For unknown reasons Ewing was unable to secure a head coaching job in the NBA, maybe he just didn‘t interview well.  

On April 3 Georgetown after parting ways with John Thompson III hired Ewing as head coach. This coaching job will be far different for Ewing, sure it’s teaching his offense scheme and team defense however the other issue…..recruiting.  Ewing’s assistant coaches will handle a great deal of recruiting but often the head coach must secure the deal.  Ewing must become comfortable sitting in a prospects living or family room discussing the role you see for their son. Despite the pitfalls of serving as a college head coach Ewing appears to up to the task.  Here’s hoping he succeeds, Ewing has wanted this job for a great amount of time.