Basketball from a fan’s perspective

There was talk

Several might have forgotten this bit of information.  Markelle Fultz was taken number one by the Sixers in the 2017 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball was chosen second by the Lakers.  There was talk as to which point guard was the best out of that draft class.  Ball had an up and down rookie season managing to play only 52 games.  In those 52 he scored 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 702 assists.  He shot an anemic .360 from the floor, at times opposing players were almost daring him to shoot. 

On the other end of the coast Markelle Fultz managed to play but 14 games while shooting 

.405 and 7.1 points per game.  The shot he demonstrated so admirably at Washington had abandon him.  Fact of the matter Fultz had to undergo a surgical procedure that shut him down for the majority of the season.  Off-season condition plus healing finds him ready to demonstrate his ability at this level.  He replaced J.J. Redick in the Sixer lineup scoring 14 points in the exhibition game against Melbourne United.  Is the old Markelle Fultz back, we must see him demonstrate this ability throughout the season before affirming a yes. 

Another Big Monday

Last Monday the Mizzou Tigers were able to gain a commitment from point guard Mario McKinney.  I’m not as optimistic this time as I was last week regarding E.J. Liddell.  The 6-foot 7-inch prospect reduced his list of schools to three Mizzou, Ohio State and Illinois.  The pros believe Liddell is leaning toward Ohio State although there remains a question in my mind.  The Buckeyes have received a commitment from 6-foot 9-inch power forward Alonzo Gaffney from Cleveland. 

Both Liddell and Gaffney play the same position although Liddell has indicated the prospect of competing with Gaffney for playing time is a non-issue.  He makes the statement however I’m unsure how valid it might be.  In any event without re-checking my previous column I’m guessing there is a 50% chance Liddell chooses Mizzou.  The percentage would not appear optimistic however I must call this as I see it. 

Also, on Monday

The “bomb-shell” trial begins Monday, the one that was supposed to detail the criminal element in college basketball recruiting.  Last season we saw explosive headlines indicating the top was going to be blown off on illegal recruiting.  Although the trial beginning Monday should be considered a serious matter thus far this explosion of controversy has been almost a dud.  A few college assistants have been fired and Adidas officials have been named and indicted.  A full year later Rick Pitino late of Louisville is the only head coach terminated.  Other names have been mentioned but there is no requirement to discuss the names since they remain on the job.  I hope it doesn’t appear I’m looking for indictments and firings that is not the case.  My view, is this it, is the Justice Department/FBI investigation complete?

Wow

This is certainly not good news, but we hope surgery will address the issue.   Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shareef will miss his freshman season at UCLA.  Doctors discovered the 6-foot 9-inch Shareef had a heart issue which requires him to undergo a medical procedure.  The youngster indicates he will remain in school concentrating on his studies but no basketball for a year.  It’s a blessing the medical staff detected the heart issue.