Banned from Las Vegas
Jerry Lucas would likely be banned from any card game in Las Vegas, the former Ohio State All American and NBA player is a memory expert. With Lucas it is the ability to remember numbers for actress Marilu Henner its hyperthymesia the ability to remember specific details of her life since was a child. In college Lucas led Ohio State to the 1960 NCAA Championship, despite the accolades it was said he really didn't want to play professionally. He signed with the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League due to a player friendly contract originated by George Steinbrenner (Yes that Steinbrenner the late owner of the Yankees).
The team and league would fold before Lucas had a chance to set foot on the court. He then signed with the Cincinnati Royals who held his draft rights where he joined Oscar Robertson, Jack Twyman and others presenting a formidable team. Lucas was named 1964 ROY with eye popping numbers of 17.7 ppg and 17.2 rebounds. One year while with the the Royals the 6-8 230 pound Lucas averaged 21.5 ppg and 21.1 rebounds outstanding numbers for a player his height. He would go on to play for the Warriors and conclude his NBA career with the Knicks aiding them in winning the 1973 NBA Championship. Lucas is also a double-honoree in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. So there you have it Jerry Lucas another name from the NBA's past you should know.
Secretary of
In light of the Justice Department investigation of NCAA basketball Pres Mark Emmert has formed a commission and appointed former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice to head the panel. "The commission will start in November and present its recommendations on legislative, policy and structural changes to the boards for action in April." I am not nay saying on this effort there are some outstanding persons who will serve the commission.
My question is why now, this is Emmert's statement. "We need to do right by student athletes. I believe we can---and we must---find a way to protect the integrity of college sports by addressing both sides of the coin: fairness and opportunity for college athletes, coupled with the enforcement capability to hold accountable those who undermine the standards of our community." High sounding words by Emmert but wasn't this suppose to be the NCAA all along, wasn't their intent to focus on the best interest of the student-athlete?
Bits n Pieces
It's not just ESPN as we might have surmised, CBS and the CBS Sports Network will broadcast over 270 college games in the 2017-18 season. I was unable to discover the ESPN number however it's larger than the CBS number. The remainder will be broadcast over Fox Sports 1 and affiliates.
22 points in his first game action, the points plus 7 rebounds was the opening act for Joel Embiid and the Sixers in a game against the Nets. You remember Embiid is back in action after playing 31 games last season and demonstrating he clearly is talented. He's been on a restricted work out until recently plus being sidelined for much of the exhibition season. Wednesday nights action certainly should excite Sixer fans.
Sorry if this is a re-visit, I heard someone in the media remind once again. The reporter mentioned the number of trades and free-agent signings in the NBA over the summer. I'm unsure if there is one clear explanation why. More player movement probably exists in the NBA over that of NFL football or Major League Baseball. I haven't compiled any numbers it just seems that way.
