Basketball from a fans perspective

Once again

LaVar Ball please shut your pie hole, you have overstayed your time in the media spotlight!  The latest, “Luke Walton has lost the team nobody wants to play for him.”  That was the revelation by Ball to the world, it might be true however if a coaching change its Laker management’s decision not a PRIVATE CITIZEN. 

It’s a shame the son must defend the father, this from Lonzo and he says; “Doesn’t think Luke Walton has lost the team”.  I don’t know about you but sometimes I have difficulty figuring out who’s the father and who is the son.  As this account was being completed Rick Carlisle Mavs coach and president of the NBA Players Association weighed in on the issue.  He pointed a finger of blame at ESPN for even printing the story. 

He’s good, really good

Oklahoma lost the game 89-76, West Virginia guard Jevon Carter harassed Trae Young up and down the court all afternoon.  I knew in advance this was going to be a tough game for the freshman point guard against a tough Wes Virginia team.  Thanks to Carter and other West Virginia defenders Young was unable to lead his Oklahoma team to victory.  Carter and company forced the freshman into 8 turnovers however he still managed to hold his own.  Young shot a respectable .462 from the floor scoring 29 points along with 5 assists.  He proved on Saturday he’s ready to compete in the Big 12 no matter who the opponent might be. 

Surprise move

His full name is Mohamed Karlakwan Damala Bamba, he was born in Harlem (NY) although his parents emigrated from the Ivory Coast or Cote d’Ilvoire in West Africa.  Mohamed Bamba was a 5-star prospect listed on several websites but the major surprise this east coast lad decided in favor of heading west to further his basketball proficiency.  Bamba arrived in Austin and the University of Texas to play for Shaka Smart and the Longhorns. 

So far, the 7-foot 225-pound Bamba’s made the adjustment from high school to college averaging nearly 12 points and 11 rebounds a game.  Texas was a loser against then number 11 Kansas however Bamba registered his best game thus far.  He scored 22 points, 15 rebounds and blocked 8 shots providing proof he plays defense too.  By the way I just read he’s second in the nation in blocked shots, certainly outstanding for a freshman.  Hopefully Bamba will remain in school at least one more year to enhance his game.  

“Little” brother

Thon Maker 2^nd year Bucks center has a little brother playing the game too.  6-10 and 200 pounds isn’t exactly “little” however let’s just say he’s Thon’s younger brother.  In any event his guardian announced Matur Maker will be in the 2018 NBA draft.  Maker has played only high school basketball but is 20 years old and his class graduated last season so he’s eligible for the draft.       

They shall remain forever 

Much was made of Russell Westbrook tying Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record last season.  I for one didn’t believe it was possible, Westbrook proved me wrong.  On the other hand, several records exist that WILL NEVER be tied or broken.  In 1990-point guard Scott Skiles established a single game record with 30 assists while a member of the Magic.  Wilt Chamberlain averaged 27.2 rebounds a game during the 1960-61 NBA season, in 1961-62 he scored 4,029 points averaging 50.4 ppg. 

During his career Magic Johnson averaged 11.2 assists per game another number never to be seen again, a season maybe but not a career.  This record will remain however its possible it could be accomplished although I seriously doubt it.  Four players achieved a quadruple-double, Hakeem Olajuwon did it twice, the first Nate Thurmond in 1974 the last David Robinson 1994.  Thurmond recorded 22 points 14 rebounds 13 assists and 12 blocked shots, as for Robinson his line read; 34 points 10 rebounds 10 assists and 10 blocked shots.  Those are but a few of the records I believe that will never be tied or exceeded.