“But can he coach?”
Anytime an athlete changes his mind and decides on your school that’s outstanding. Highly touted small forward D. J. Jefferies did just that, verbally committed to Kentucky then he wasn’t. The Rivals number 48 prospect in the Class of 2019 is now headed to Memphis to play for Penny Hardaway. This 6-foot 7-inch 200-pound small forward is from Olive Branch Mississippi about 30 miles from Memphis. You know Penny, former NBA player who only began coaching after a friend from his youth asked him to serve as an assistant coach. This childhood friend was ill and had a life-threating illness, his friend would later die and Penny became head coach of this high school team. Apparently, Hardaway discovered he enjoyed coaching, in March of 2018 Memphis where he played basketball hired him as head coach. We’ll soon see if the question can be answered, that’s okay that he was hired “but can he coach?”
Anytime an athlete changes his mind and decides on your school that’s outstanding. Highly touted small forward D. J. Jefferies did just that, verbally committed to Kentucky then he wasn’t. The Rivals number 48 prospect in the Class of 2019 is now headed to Memphis to play for Penny Hardaway. This 6-foot 7-inch 200-pound small forward is from Olive Branch Mississippi about 30 miles from Memphis. You know Penny, former NBA player who only began coaching after a friend from his youth asked him to serve as an assistant coach. This childhood friend was ill and had a life-threating illness, his friend would later die and Penny became head coach of this high school team. Apparently, Hardaway discovered he enjoyed coaching, in March of 2018 Memphis where he played basketball hired him as head coach. We’ll soon see if the question can be answered, that’s okay that he was hired “but can he coach?”
Assembled teams
We know the Wolves Jimmy Butler wants out, he’s made it known he’s got issues with the coach and at least two teammates. All kinds of stories are circulating the Rockets are attempting to swing a trade for his services. Should this trade be consummated I’m not sure if this assemblage of talent could win anything. You notice I said TALENT, I would not short change the Rockets to any degree regarding this issue. Hardin, Paul and Anthony off the bench plus adding Jimmy Butler what can we say? We often talk about “enough basketballs to go around” with this number of shooters. As for me I doubt the trade occurs, if it should well…….
We know the Wolves Jimmy Butler wants out, he’s made it known he’s got issues with the coach and at least two teammates. All kinds of stories are circulating the Rockets are attempting to swing a trade for his services. Should this trade be consummated I’m not sure if this assemblage of talent could win anything. You notice I said TALENT, I would not short change the Rockets to any degree regarding this issue. Hardin, Paul and Anthony off the bench plus adding Jimmy Butler what can we say? We often talk about “enough basketballs to go around” with this number of shooters. As for me I doubt the trade occurs, if it should well…….
Early leaders
Two weeks into the season I haven’t seen every team play, I haven't seen every rookie either. With that statement in mind allow me to give you my early candidate for Rookie of the Year. At this point there are two, Luka Doncic of the Mavs and Trae Young of the Hawks. Even more interesting its been pointed out these guys rights were traded, the Hawks drafted Doncic and the Mavs Young. As this is written Doncic is shooting .422 from the floor, 19 points 3.8 assist and 6.5 rebounds a game. Young’s at .418 along with 21.5 points and 7.5 assists per game. I’ll attempt to check out additional rookies and make another report in 4-6 weeks.
Two weeks into the season I haven’t seen every team play, I haven't seen every rookie either. With that statement in mind allow me to give you my early candidate for Rookie of the Year. At this point there are two, Luka Doncic of the Mavs and Trae Young of the Hawks. Even more interesting its been pointed out these guys rights were traded, the Hawks drafted Doncic and the Mavs Young. As this is written Doncic is shooting .422 from the floor, 19 points 3.8 assist and 6.5 rebounds a game. Young’s at .418 along with 21.5 points and 7.5 assists per game. I’ll attempt to check out additional rookies and make another report in 4-6 weeks.
“Smith check in at the scorer’s table”
Coach Martin will be somewhat specific at the time he asks for Smith to go into the game. Mizzou has three roster members named Smith. Mizzou has 6-foot 4-inch Mark Smith shooting guard an Illinois transfer whose just been declared eligible. In addition, there is 6-foot 3-inch Dru Smith a point guard who has transferred from Evansville on the roster. Mizzou is requesting a waiver on this Smith hoping he can gain eligibility for the 2018-19 season. A holdover from last season is redshirt sophomore Mitchell Smith a 6-foot 10 inch forward. I’m sure this has occurred at some point with some team at a period. I’m not going to research however with NFL and MLB rosters much larger it’s likely guaranteed there are multiple Jones’ or Smiths’ or some other common name.
Coach Martin will be somewhat specific at the time he asks for Smith to go into the game. Mizzou has three roster members named Smith. Mizzou has 6-foot 4-inch Mark Smith shooting guard an Illinois transfer whose just been declared eligible. In addition, there is 6-foot 3-inch Dru Smith a point guard who has transferred from Evansville on the roster. Mizzou is requesting a waiver on this Smith hoping he can gain eligibility for the 2018-19 season. A holdover from last season is redshirt sophomore Mitchell Smith a 6-foot 10 inch forward. I’m sure this has occurred at some point with some team at a period. I’m not going to research however with NFL and MLB rosters much larger it’s likely guaranteed there are multiple Jones’ or Smiths’ or some other common name.
There are some nicknames that just sound cool
“Downtown” Fred Brown is one of those nicknames, this prolific shooting guard would spend his entire 13-year career a member of the Seattle Sonics. During that period, he would score over 14,000 points, consider this fact there is no telling how many points he might have scored with a 3-point line in effect. The 3-point basket was in use by the ABA but was not implemented by the NBA until 1979-80, Browns 9th year in the league.
“Downtown” Fred Brown is one of those nicknames, this prolific shooting guard would spend his entire 13-year career a member of the Seattle Sonics. During that period, he would score over 14,000 points, consider this fact there is no telling how many points he might have scored with a 3-point line in effect. The 3-point basket was in use by the ABA but was not implemented by the NBA until 1979-80, Browns 9th year in the league.
The Sonics would make this University
of Iowa guard the number six pick in the first round of the 1971 draft. He might have been given the nickname
“Downtown” due to his prolific long-range shooting. Brown was one almost automatic from the
free-throw line shooting nearly 86% for his career. He was an asset later as a 6th man
providing the Sonics instant offense and valued scoring as the Sonics won their
first and only NBA championship in 1979.
You might be unfamiliar with his name however its likely long-time
Sonics fans know the name “Downtown”
Fred Brown.
