Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits n Pieces
The State of Kansas might contain two of the best basketball programs in the nation.  The vast majority of basketball fans and media are more familiar with Bill Self and Kansas basketball while smaller numbers know Gregg Marshall and his Wichita State Shockers program.  Marshall’s been on the job since 2007 in all those years he’s only had one losing record and that occurred in his first year at the helm.  For 68 years Wichita State was a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, last season Wichita State moved into the American Athletic Conference.  If we conducted a poll of college coaches and asked you to name the top 10 Marshall’s name would not be on anyone’s list.  All he does is win and win and win.

Emoni Bates has begun his freshman year at Ypsilanti Michigan’s Lincoln High School.  Bates is already on the national radar, according to the Detroit News Bates has an offer on the table from DePaul.  This should provide proof this Class of 2022 is a budding prospect.  Bates stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and a slender 175 pounds who but will certainly add weight over the next four years of high school.  Those in the State of Michigan should be aware of Bates and see if his basketball growth continues over that time. 

After Mizzou finished the 2017-18 season with 8 wins and 24 losses what did we expect?  Almost anything would be an improvement and the 20-win 13 loss season and 4^th place in the SEC was an improvement.  An NCAA invite might have been the topping on the cake.  Although highly touted Michael Porter Jr. missed practically all last season it was still good in Mizzou country.  In a manner of speaking we are at the same period in July 2018 as July 2017, what do we expect from Mizzou basketball?  Barring major injuries or academic issues I expect another 20+ win season and another NCAA invite. 

Before there was Ben Simmons it was Dante Exum, his life story almost parallels that of Simmons.  His family left for Australia where he played professionally.  Dante was born in 1995 and picked up the game of his father.  He was a 6-foot 6-inch point guard with “star” stamped on his forehead.  Drafted by the Jazz with the 5^th pick in the first round in 2014 has been dogged by injuries since his arrival.  Exum’s played 67 out of 246 Jazz games thus far, can he play continues to be the question.  He signed a 3-year extension in early July which gives us the impression the Jazz haven’t given up on him. 

Is he correct?
Michael Beasley signing his Laker contract said essentially to focus on the positive.  He was responding to the question of his signing and his history of changing teams.  I’ve got words of wisdom for Beasley prove it, you are 29-years old now.  It’s time for you to demonstrate the maturity you should have by now.  Beasley has never been talent, he’s never been a great defensive player and at this point never will.  I stated one and still believe it, he could walk into a gym cold and sink 9 out 12 shots he’s just that talented. 

The Dennis Rodman we see today has become a cartoon character, the Rodman who played for the Bulls was a heavy contributor to their success.  He arrived in Chicago with a reputation, we cannot be sure was it Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan or someone else.  The flamboyant behavior Rodman exhibited elsewhere only occurred once in my memory.  For Beasley he’s always been quiet it’s always been the other things, hopefully he’s ready to contribute.  LeBron likes you and that goes a long way in him remaining a Laker.    

Larry Laker, party of one
This re-visit of an old subject we’ve discussed in the past, a team name.  From 1962 to 1971 the Warriors had the words San Francisco inscribed on their road jerseys.  It made sense, they played home games in several locations throughout San Francisco.  In 1971 the Warriors moved across the bay to Oakland and began play in the Oakland Coliseum (Oracle) from 1971 through the 2018-19 season. 

At that point they became the Golden State Warriors which is easy to understand however change is coming.  In the fall of 2019 the team will move back across the bay to the 18,000 seat Chase Center in San Francisco.  This is personal I admit I never liked “Golden State” as a name, Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Wolves I understand.  The Texas Rangers, Arizona Cardinals and others I’m omitting serve a true purpose, they represent municipalities within a metro.