What you say
Okay Mizzou lost a tough game against West Virginia (more later) in a related story how about this little tidbit of information Michael Porter Jr. passed to us. His back surgery was successful and he sent out an instagram post. Most of the Mizzou faithful believed MPJr. would undergo surgery recoup and prepare for the NBA draft. That still might occur however he indicated in the post "He might return" this season.
According to initial medical reports it is certainly possible for him to return before the season ends. There are two problems with this post if true. 1. Late early March (my estimate) team chemistry will be established adding an extra player might mess with the rotation no matter the talent. 2. Is MPJr. going to take a chance and risk injury permanently curtailing a possible NBA career? I'm sure there might be other questions however those two jump off the page for this Mizzou fan.
You just don't know
Athletes arrive in the NBA in all stages of development, some (Magic Johnson & Larry Bird) play at a high skill level day one. Others (Michael Jordan) develop over a shorter span gaining additional talented teammates. As for the vast majority it requires time, practice and practice to raise their level of play. Who plays versus who sits is always a question. I mention this previously Steph Curry was a 3-star prospect in high school this is no slam at Davidson but the school is not a noted producer of NBA talent. On the other hand there are athletes who leave college too soon (in my opinion) unprepared for the rigors of NBA play. Okay Mizzou lost a tough game against West Virginia (more later) in a related story how about this little tidbit of information Michael Porter Jr. passed to us. His back surgery was successful and he sent out an instagram post. Most of the Mizzou faithful believed MPJr. would undergo surgery recoup and prepare for the NBA draft. That still might occur however he indicated in the post "He might return" this season.
According to initial medical reports it is certainly possible for him to return before the season ends. There are two problems with this post if true. 1. Late early March (my estimate) team chemistry will be established adding an extra player might mess with the rotation no matter the talent. 2. Is MPJr. going to take a chance and risk injury permanently curtailing a possible NBA career? I'm sure there might be other questions however those two jump off the page for this Mizzou fan.
You just don't know
They see the game they have played since elementary school and believe in their mind they can play with the big boys. Hassan Whiteside and others had to experience D-League and Euro play while continuing to raise their basketball skill level. Finally there might be "right place, right time." Those athletes arriving on an NBA roster able to fill a vital need. They are the specialists, shooter Kyle Korver and athletes specializing in tough hard-nose defense. Talent comes in a variety of positions and heights but on arrival we just don't know the eventual skill level of many.
Are you serious
We mention Vanderbilt University and athletics are usually not the initial thought. Sure the Nashville school competes in football, basketball and other sport activities. Bryce Drew was hired in 2016 and he's attempting to change the culture at Vanderbilt regarding it's basketball team. They have two 5-star and one 4-star headed to the school next fall. Darrius Garland a 6-1 point guard from the Nashville area, 6-9 power forward Simisola Shittu and Aaron Nesmith a 6-5 small forward are the gems of the Class of 2018 prospects.
Everbody hates
Comedian Chris Rock's childhood unfolded before us in the television series "Everybody hates Chris". Grayson Allen of Duke is certainly older than the age of the pre-teen Chris Rock in the former television series but the hate theme applies for college basketball. Opposing players and coaches hate him because he's perceived as a dirty player. Is that a true statement for the 6-5 guard? The guy can play we know that, is he talented enough to play in the NBA? Probably but even more interesting what is it about Duke and the hate aimed at some of their players. Remember Christian Laettner, every hated him possibly with as much hatred as Allen faces today.
It's difficult to believe
If you are a certain age you probably find this bit of information difficult to believe in 2017. Back in the dark ages (prior to cable/satellite) basketball coverage was quite limited on television. In Kansas City there was a single regional Saturday afternoon college game and the next day Sunday an afternoon network NBA game.
Later the Saturday coverage expanded to include a network game, today it has become what day of the week and often what team do you want to see. The network options have expanded tremendously. The ESPN family of channels, Turner Network, CBS Sports Channel, CBS and ABC Broadcast Networks, Fox Sports 1 along with NBA TV. There are other networks available such as YES and the Fox Sports regional channels. This list is likely not complete but gives you an idea how far we've travelled.
