BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE
Bits n Pieces
I will just provide the news regarding Markelle Fultz. After the Sixers traded Fultz to the Magic, we hoped that might be the end of this strange injury field journey. On Tuesday evening the news crawl on ESPN read “Magic coach Steve Clifford said, Markelle Fultz is likely done for the season.”
I will just provide the news regarding Markelle Fultz. After the Sixers traded Fultz to the Magic, we hoped that might be the end of this strange injury field journey. On Tuesday evening the news crawl on ESPN read “Magic coach Steve Clifford said, Markelle Fultz is likely done for the season.”
Remember hearing the crowd of voices
regarding Zion Williamson status? One
group stated, “He should sit out the season”, others said “He committed to play at Duke and that’s
what he needs to do.” These thoughts
and opinions by the media and former NBA players were based on a possible career
ending injury. Naturally such an injury
would prevent him from becoming the top pick in the 2019 draft. In any event since the Nike shoe “explosion”
he sits anyway, it’s not the reason expressed by the masses. Williamson has been sidelined for three
consecutive games, excluding the Carolina game they are 2 wins and 1 loss. Coach K. is on record saying Williamson is not
coming back on the court until he’s 100% healthy.
We have questions, news reports indicate
the Warriors are attempting to re-sign Andrew Bogut. You might remember the veteran center was a
key member of their 2015 NBA championship team.
Is Bogut to play back-up to Cousins or the other way around. I don’t believe there is a dispute in any
circle Cousins at 80% is certainly more talented than Bogut. On the other hand, Bogut might do some of
those things Cousins is unable or unwilling to carry out. Inquiring minds want to know the story.
Do college coaches know something we
don’t? No, scratch that…. dumb question
on my part. I do have a question
however; why did the coaches vote Kansas number 14 and Kansas State number
17? The date the vote was taken K-State was
tied for first place along
with Texas Tech the Jayhawks are currently in second place. Yes,
I’m scratching my head trying to figure that one out too.
Come on Cuonzo do your thing, recruiting
that is. Park Hill High School in Kansas
City MO has a 6-foot 10-inch center by the name of Roman Wilson. Rivals awards this high school junior a
4-star rating and he’s got to sign with Mizzou.
Kansas interests have made the 40-mile journey to check out this
talented youngster. Remember coach, you
must close the borders of Missouri. If
Wilson decides on Nebraska, Kansas State or others so be it.
Brothers
I stopped counting at 12, that’s the number of brothers who either played in the American Basketball Association a National Basketball Association or both. Michael Porter Jr. was drafted by the Nuggets last June, brother Jontay is likely to be drafted this upcoming June. The Jones brothers hold the record with 4 siblings having played professionally in the ABA, NBA or both leagues.
I stopped counting at 12, that’s the number of brothers who either played in the American Basketball Association a National Basketball Association or both. Michael Porter Jr. was drafted by the Nuggets last June, brother Jontay is likely to be drafted this upcoming June. The Jones brothers hold the record with 4 siblings having played professionally in the ABA, NBA or both leagues.
Oldest brother Will Jones was drafted in 1969 by the NBA but chose instead
to play for the ABA Floridians. He would
later play two seasons in the NBA. The late Caldwell Jones next oldest was drafted by the Sixers in
1973, he played 3 seasons in the ABA and 14 in the NBA. Brother Major
Jones was drafted in 1976 and played in the NBA until 1985. Youngest brother Charles Jones was drafted in 1979 and played in the NBA until
1998. Caldwell, Will, Charles and Major all played at Albany State University
in Albany Georgia.
His hope might not be
forthcoming
It’s clear to all LaVar Ball had a dream, he wanted all three of his sons in the NBA. He began training them as children, the oldest son Lonzo spent a terrific freshman year at UCLA and was then drafted by the Lakers. His field goal shooting has been abysmal although other areas of his game are reasonably good. After two years the jury remains sequestered as to whether his NBA career is anything more than ordinary. Middle son LiAngelo was able to attend college at UCLA but got in trouble and left after his freshman year. His father managed to secure a contract for he and younger brother LaMelo in Lithuania.
Of the brothers
reports indicate LiAngelo might be the least talented of the siblings, he is
hoping for a G-League contract and eventually the NBA. LaVar Ball pulled his youngest son from Chino
Hills, LaMelo played overseas as well but now attends Spire Academy. Although he’s mentioned college its yet to be
determined if he might even be eligible to play. Beneficial for him is the NBA lowering the
age of entry to 18, he would be qualified for the 2020 NBA draft. I applaud LaVar Ball’s entrepreneurial
effort, I salute the effort and love he’s shown for his sons. As for the NBA and his dream of having “All three sons on the same team in the NBA”
his hope may not be forthcoming
It’s clear to all LaVar Ball had a dream, he wanted all three of his sons in the NBA. He began training them as children, the oldest son Lonzo spent a terrific freshman year at UCLA and was then drafted by the Lakers. His field goal shooting has been abysmal although other areas of his game are reasonably good. After two years the jury remains sequestered as to whether his NBA career is anything more than ordinary. Middle son LiAngelo was able to attend college at UCLA but got in trouble and left after his freshman year. His father managed to secure a contract for he and younger brother LaMelo in Lithuania.
