Basketball from a fans perspective
The tip of the iceberg
Does the Louisville Courier-Journal story regarding Rick Pitino have any merit? The newspaper claimed the former coach received 98% of the money ear-marked for the university. The newspaper didn't provide a dollar figure but if true it could be in the millions of dollars. When I wrote of the story David said; " Unfortunately I believe Rick Pitino is but one of thousands of coaches during the same scam across the divisions...and its probably worse in collegiate football." There are less than 400 Division I basketball programs so the number is not quite as high as my friend might suggest.
As much as most of us would like to believe there is no cheating it does exist maybe at a level many of us might find distressing. I hope the justice department gets to the bottom of the cesspool and uncovers all the cheaters. The court is not level, as an example it is impossible for Kentucky Wesleyan to compete for talent with the University of Kentucky. There have been occasions I've complained about the actions of the NCAA, when they are wrong in my eyes I call them out....the same applies for cheating coaches.
Kansas City's NBA connection
I mentioned the coaches who were connected to Kansas City but failed to include Larry Drew. Drew played at Wyandotte HS (KCK) , Mizzou and several NBA teams. He's been a head coach but is currently serves as an assistant with the Cavs. In the broadcast booth for the Bulls is Neil Funk who once served as Kansas City Kings broadcaster. Kevin Calabro can be heard on many TNT broadcasts but once performed the same function for the Kansas City Kings. Kevin Harlin also one of the voices of the NBA on TNT spent time behind the microphone for the Kansas City Kings. The Kings while in Kansas City allowed a number of veterans to begin broadcast careers.
Sorry Myron it ain't happenin'
Myron Medcalf ESPN college basketball writer posed the question in a recent column. "Wichita State and Kansas are both in the Top 10 this season now is the time to begin a rivalry." I can answer the question for Medcalf it ain't happenin' however I must point out this is all conjecture on my part. Bill Self likely believes there is no upside to playing Wichita State, they are suppose to beat them while losing to them is not an option.
Gregg Marshall has been responsible for placing Wichita State back on the basketball map once again. Bill Self is still smarting from the beat-down his Jayhawks suffered in the 2015 NCAA Tournament game, the seven seed Shockers beat the two seed Kansas Jayhawks. Will the game ever be played.....it could but I wouldn't hold my breath. For years Kentucky refused to schedule Louisville until the state legislature stepped in threatening to withhold state funds. I know that sounds crazy but that's what occurred in Kentucky.
Hall of Fame
Rick Pitino has been fired as head coach at Louisville however there is another issue to consider the Hall of Fame. I have long held the belief ACTIVE coaches DON'T BELONG in any Hall of Fame. I'm unsure whether this statement is true others can check the accuracy. I don't believe the NFL or baseball HOF includes active coaches or managers why basketball?
Someone might state there are former players whose off the court issues might be called into question. There is a mandatory time period athletes must wait for HOF entrance why not an across the board change and make the change for every candidate? Will a delay bring about change, will a Rick Pitino be found out before they might be nominated? A delay on HOF entry is not an automatic fix nor a solution. The Naismith and College committees should revise the rules regarding ACTIVE coaches.
Uni-Brow & Boogie
The headline might sound like the title of a movie or something other than actuality, it's Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins of the Pelicans. All the Pelicans need is to sign Nerlens Noel and Karl-Anthony Towns they would have all the Kentucky centers in the NBA minus the Kings Willie Cauley-Stein. Just kidding folks last year it was believed the Pelicans acquired Boogie to trade him....they had Anthony Davis playing center for them. Both Davis & Cousins (now that sounds like a law firm) adjusted to one another so this strange marriage of two bonafide centers just might work.
The further issue for the Pelicans is the balance of the team. Key injuries and poor play at times witnessed them finishing with a 34-48 record. The Pelicans become Rajon Rondo's 4th team in 4 years which says loudly there might be a problem. Rondo remains skillful the concern by me is attitude, this four time All-Star has not played at that level since 2013. The hope is Alvin Gentry can mold this team into a cohesive unit in order to compete.
