BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Is there an intimidation factor at work?
The world was aware LeBron James would not play of Thursday.  The roster particularly Lonzo Ball had to step up, they did for 3.5 quarters losing on a last second shot 117-116 however that’s not the complete story.  Ball almost had a triple-double scoring 20 points dishing the rock out to the tune of 12 assists along with 9 rebounds.  This stat stuffer shot .615 from floor, the question might be asked. 

“Is there an intimidation factor at work” regarding LeBron and Rondo?  We knew LeBron was out, later came the announcement Rajon Rondo with miss the game as well.  No one left to share the basketball or cause the minutes for Ball to be reduced.  I’ve decided the Sixers Markelle Fultz has head issues perhaps Ball does as well intimidated by the dominance of LeBron and Ball.  Just my thoughts, doesn’t make it correct.  

“Didn’t you use to be…….”
In the 2015 NBA draft the Lakers had a decision in front of them.  Karl-Anthony Towns had been drafted number one by the Wolves, the Lakers could choose either 7-foot Jahlil Okafor from Duke or D’Angelo Russell from Ohio State.  The Lakers decided in favor of point guard Russell and all that season many in Laker Nation questioned the choice.  They saw the numbers of Okafor compared to Russell and believed the Lakers made an error.  The former Duke big man would average nearly 18 points and pull down 7 rebounds a game. 

Somewhere in his second year the scenario changed, it was Joel Embiid and other factors as his scoring average slid to 11 points a game as a reserve.  After one season in Brooklyn Okafor has found his way to New Orleans, with the Pelicans he’s again resumed the role of reserve player.  What happened to the Okafor witnessed at Duke and in his rookie year with the Sixers?  It should be of note Karl-Anthony Towns remains with the Wolves, the Lakers traded Russell to the Nets.   

Haven’t heard me say this for months
I quit lamenting for the days of Kansas-Mizzou basketball, one Jayhawk fan is responsible for my change.  This is the conversation prior to Cuonzo Martin being hired.  

Me:  I’d really like the two schools to play one another again.

Him:  Why?

Me:  To reprise the rivalry, besides the fact Mizzou is not good right now, automatic win for Kansas. 

Him:  There is no benefit Kansas loses in both instances, if Kansas wins, they were supposed to win, if they lose it becomes an upset win for Mizzou.  

Him:  Meet us in the NCAA tournament then there is no issue.

Remember this is prior to the Cuonzo hire, Mizzou made the tournament last season.  The chances during the tenure of the previous coach were slim and none.  The response I received was unexpected, since that time I’ve occasionally written about Kansas basketball and Bill Self.  I don’t believe I’ve written anything relating to a return to the rivalry days.    

Wonder why? 
It doesn’t matter where you play the game, it could be in Denver or Dubai, Venice Italy or Venice California, Paris France or Paris Texas.  The regulation height for a basketball goal is 10 feet (304.8 centimeters) from the floor.  Have you ever been curious enough to discover how Dr. James Naismith decided on that height in his original 13 Rules of Basketball?  Perhaps I’m providing information you were already aware of. 

For those who don’t know I’m happy you asked the question, in 1891 the peach basket he hung was attached to the railing on the running track of the Springfield (MA) YMCA.  The height of the railing was exactly 10 feet above the floor.  The 7-foot giants able to reach the basket with dunks and other shots today were quite uncommon back then, the average American male stood a little over 5 feet 8 inches tall.   

I would imagine   
I’m unsure what it must be like defending Steve Alford in Albuquerque.  It might be akin to an attorney defending a client he or she knew was guilty.  So, what do you do, defend them as best you can?  UCLA is struggling this season and the “wolves” are howling, he’s still secure in his job but for how long?  As this is written the Bruins have 7 wins and 5 losses not terrible but certainly unlike UCLA basketball of the past. 

As for Lobo Nation defending Alford lets go back in time, the coach had New Mexico playing outstanding basketball.  Coming off an NCAA appearance in 2013 Alford signed a 7-year extension, then UCLA fired Ben Howland and he leaped at the opportunity to coach UCLA signing a 10-year contract.  That action is what caused many in Lobo Nation to become quite upset with Alford.  In a manner of speaking can we really blame him?  Certainly, his timing was not good however consider the opportunity to coach one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the nation, Alford could not pass on the opportunity.