Basketball from a fans perspective

And now you know

There was a survey released in the middle of the college basketball season.  I don’t remember how the survey was conducted however it was to determine the most obnoxious college fans.  I don’t remember where Kansas and Allen Fieldhouse placed but they were in the Top 10.  When you discuss this with their fans many fail to recognize why Kansas basketball and its fans are perceived poorly in some circles.  There are numerous reasons, these are but a few.  I’m sharing two letters I read immediately after Villanova eliminated Kansas in the NCAA Championship. 

“At least we made it further than North Carolina” or this one “We are 3-0 all-time versus Roy Williams.”  Exactly when did Williams leave Kansas for North Carolina, how about 15 YEARS AGO?  Perhaps in 30 or 40 years he will be forgiven for leaving Kansas.  It’s not just Carolina the same feeling exists whenever the discussion turns to Kentucky and Coach Calipari or Duke and Coach K.  My response for Kansas fans, your history clearly indicates you are a Blue Blood basketball program.  Why is it necessary to tear down another coach or team to validate your status? 

Best starting five-part II

Sixers

Julius “Dr. J.” Erving-H

Wilt Chamberlain-H

Billy Cunningham-H 

Hal Greer-H

Allen Iverson-H

Cavs 

LeBron James

Brad Daugherty

Mark Price

Larry Nance Sr.

Austin Carr-H

Pistons

Dave Bing-H

Bob Lanier-H

Chauncey Billups

Isiah Thomas-H

Joe Dumars-H

Celtics

Larry Joe Bird-H

Bill Russell-H

Bob Cousy-H

Paul Pierce

John Havlicek-H

H-Naismith or College Basketball Hall of Fame

Monster game

The Sixers raced out to a huge lead on the Cavs, I thought no way is LeBron and team coming back from a 30-point deficit.  This was managed with no Embiid in the lineup, all I had to do was continue to watch.   LeBron who couldn’t hit the ocean in the first half came alive in the second as he scored, dished out assists and rebounded the basketball.  I know this is a team game however LeBron imposed his will on the Cavs and the Sixers.  The Cavs submitted 132-130 but it was LeBron’s game that stood out for me.  44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, there is no truth that he worked the concession stand at half-time.  I’m sure LeBron was not pleased despite his outstanding game. 

I found this interesting

Friday evening the Lakers dedicated the statue to former Laker great Elgin Baylor, two takeaways on the former Laker great.  Baylor was the 1959 Rookie of the Year while a member of the Minneapolis Lakers.  At the time the Lakers moved west he became the first star in their new location.  Baylor in the Army reserve was called to active duty 1961-62, stationed in Washington he could only play weekend games while on leave.  He still managed to play 48 games that season averaging 38.3 points and 19.8 rebounds a game outstanding for a 6-foot 5-inch small forward.    

Leave it alone

I’m sure you’ve heard discussions about re-seeding the NBA Playoff pool.  I haven’t figured out how it would work but question the intent.  If we check out the Eastern and Western Conference at the end of this season every team making the playoffs is playing .500+ basketball.  My complaint in years pass we witnessed sub .500 teams especially in the Eastern Conference earning a playoff spot.  Sub .500 teams rarely advanced however it’s the image indicating we are not sending our best to compete for a championship.