Thursday, September 20, 2018


Basketball from a fans perspective

He said what?
Stardom is predicted for Duke freshman Zion Williamson, we are aware of the exploits of the 6-foot 7-inch 280 pound forward.  We’ve been seeing his YouTube video at least for the last two years.  Williamson has offered us visual proof of his furious dunks while in high school, there remains a question whether he can duplicate this at the collegiate level.  No matter Stephon Marbury is already convinced and has gone on record regarding the future greatness of Williamson.  “This college freshman is way better than LeBron James. 
Stephon Marbury currently playing in China issued this statement.  “Williamson is the only player that has the “opportunity to be better than Michael Jordan” right now, and that he is going to “destroy the whole planet.”  Marbury’s basketball “eye” makes this prediction about the 18-year old Williamson.  I for one don’t wish to trash Marbury’s judgment however Williamson has his work cut out for him in my view.  You know my saying which originated with my home, “I’m from Missouri you’ve got to Show Me.”
The Spun.com
Anywhere but here
I’m unsure the date we first read Jimmy Butler was unhappy, apparently the problem is not Tom Thibodeau who coached him with the Bulls.  Reports indicate Butler wants the Clippers, Nets or Knicks for his destination.  The problem which I must place in the category of unconfirmed.  Butler is supposed to have issues with forward Andrew Wiggins work ethic.  From where most of us sit it’s difficult for us to see, since winning Rookie of the Year honors Wiggins numbers have been upper tier level.  It’s apparent there is some portion of the game his teammate plays that upsets Butler, upsets him to the point of requesting a trade.  Stay tuned for this developing unfolding story.      
Mizzou trivia
Few are probably aware over the years a few Mizzou jerseys are now hanging in the rafters.  The numbers are now retired and will never be issued to another Mizzou player.  The most noteworthy might be that of former coach Norm Stewart.  He first arrived on campus as a basketball player and in 1967 would began coaching at his Alma Mater which lasted until 1999.  The school would name the basketball court at Mizzou Arena after Stewart, his number 22 displaced in the arena.   As for other Mizzou players their names and the years they played is below their name.      
Steve Stipanovich #40
1979-1983
Bill Stauffer #43
1950-1952
Doug Smith #34
1987-1991
Jon Sunvold #20
1979-1983
Willie Smith #30
1974-1976
Norm Stewart #22
1953-1956
Unibrow
Demarcus Cousins went down with a season ending injury in January.  The Pelican center was diagnosed with a torn Achilles after registering a 15 point 13 rebound 11 assist game in a win over the Rockets.  It was generally believed the Pelicans playoff hopes were over, they forgot about Anthony Davis who moved over to the center position.  I haven’t heard of Davis being referred to as the Unibrow lately.  
He would lead the way as the Pelicans earned a playoff berth finishing the season with a 48-34 record.  Over the summer free-agent Cousins left for the Warriors leaving Davis to continue his role at center.  The team had no 1st round pick but chose point guard Tony Carr from Penn in the second round of the 2018 draft.  Carr will strictly be a backup, starter Jrue Holliday had an outstanding season contributing to the Pelicans playoff effort.  Expect similar play to last season with a playoff appearance, they are not a championship contender despite Davis and Holliday.