BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Clyde

Walt “Clyde” Frazier has served as an analyst for the Knicks for many, many years.  I was surprised, no shocked none of the previous coaches ever reached out to Frazier.  Back in the day this 6-foot 4-inch point guard was a contributing key to the 1970 and 1973 NBA championships won by the Knicks.  In an interview Frazier revealed coach David Fizdale contacted him and asked for his assistance in coaching the present crop of Knick guards about defense and other aspects of play. 

Not surprising since Frazier was a 7X NBA All Defensive First Team selection during his career.  Probably most remarkable the departed Phil Jackson president of basketball operations never reached out to Frazier.  The surprise part, both were Knick teammates.  Don’t expect to see Frazier seated on the bench, the broadcast booth has become his niche.  Frazier’s likely to continue in a coaching roll if Fizdale is in place.  

I’m still unable to decide
“To be, or not to be, that is the question:”, is the opening phrase of Shakespeare’s Hamlet Act III scene I.  That could just as easily be me, my “to be”, should I treat myself to ALL Laker games for an additional $18 a month, the “not to be” portion reflects the increased numbers of games no matter the level.  With LeBron in the lineup between ESPN/TNT/NBA TV most Laker games will be available for my viewing pleasure.  The not to be part is also do I want to add an additional $18 charge to a cable bill I already believe is too gigantic.  The huge list of college basketball games available might point to the fact I will have no life except watching NBA and college basketball.  CBS Broadcast Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ABC Network plus Fox Sports guarantee plenty of basketball. 

What do you do?
I was checking Mizzou prospects after losing out on E. J. Liddell and his Ohio State commit.  One of the prospects on the team’s radar is Basa Koprivica a 7-foot center from Serbia.  He currently attends Montverde Academy in Orlando Florida.  A day later his name is dropped in connection with the college basketball trial.  As this is written Koprivica has done nothing wrong however his name’s been mentioned, anytime you have a cloud hanging over your head it creates a problem, is he part of a bigger problem? 

An athlete no longer at Kansas was kept on the sidelines and finally left school never qualifying.  The story, unauthorized payments to a family member.  There is an additional Kansas player who remains in Lawrence, his status is yet to be decided.  Do you chance securing the services of Koprivica with the thought there might be background issues later?  I certainly don’t have the answer however the question is real.  Should the player be found to have received unauthorized payments is the school penalized for an issue they might be unaware? 

New NBA coaches with a difference
Two first-year coaches hold a unique distinction, in May the Suns hired Igor Kokoskov as their head coach.  Kokoskov has served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams for the past 18-years.  This native of Serbia becomes the first European to serve as an NBA head coach.  Also, in May the Hornets hired James Borrego, this native of Albuquerque New Mexico becomes the first Hispanic coach in the NBA. 

Borrego played collegiality at San Diego and served as an assistant coach at several NBA stops.  The NBA continues to break ground in its hiring practises.  At some future date we’ll see the first female NBA head coach, two women are currently serving as assistant coaches and it’s likely more are on the horizon.  The road ahead will not be easy for Kokoskov or Borrengo, hopefully they will be successful in this new endeavor and bring success to their teams.