BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE
Not interested
The above statement was the response by Luka Doncic regarding Rookie of the Year. I posed the question to several friends who follow the NBA. I informed them I’d already awarded ROY to Doncic, I explained after the calendar turned to 2019 the Hawks Trae Young had caught fire and has been meteoric hot. Neither the Mavs or Hawks will earn a playoff berth this season, they provide proof the draft works. There was a difference of opinion between my friends, so my vote is the tie breaker. Based on the second half run by Young I believe the trophy should be shared. Sound strange, not really, it’s occurred twice in the past.
The above statement was the response by Luka Doncic regarding Rookie of the Year. I posed the question to several friends who follow the NBA. I informed them I’d already awarded ROY to Doncic, I explained after the calendar turned to 2019 the Hawks Trae Young had caught fire and has been meteoric hot. Neither the Mavs or Hawks will earn a playoff berth this season, they provide proof the draft works. There was a difference of opinion between my friends, so my vote is the tie breaker. Based on the second half run by Young I believe the trophy should be shared. Sound strange, not really, it’s occurred twice in the past.
1994-95 Grant Hill / Jason Kidd
1999-00 Elton Brand / Steve Francis
1999-00 Elton Brand / Steve Francis
No smirking on my part
Several might believe I’m laughing at the misfortunes of Lonzo Ball and the family, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Losing any amount of money is heart-breaking especially a reported sum as large as $1.5 million. This fiasco is in the hands of LaVar Ball and his arrogant style; the apparent failure of Big Baller Brand falls squarely on your shoulders. Anyone I intend to take in as a business partner better be thoroughly vetted something you apparently didn’t bother to accomplish.
Several might believe I’m laughing at the misfortunes of Lonzo Ball and the family, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Losing any amount of money is heart-breaking especially a reported sum as large as $1.5 million. This fiasco is in the hands of LaVar Ball and his arrogant style; the apparent failure of Big Baller Brand falls squarely on your shoulders. Anyone I intend to take in as a business partner better be thoroughly vetted something you apparently didn’t bother to accomplish.
You allowed a character with a dubious background
to become a “partner” in the financial enterprise you were attempting to build. While you were out promoting yourself and BBB
this partner was in the background apparently misappropriating funds belonging
to Lonzo and the family. I get it, if
you believed your sons should have their own brand of shoe and apparel that’s
okay. If you wanted to avoid the
Nike/Adidas/Under Armour corporations that’s okay too. I don’t believe anyone has difficulty with
your attempt to become an entrepreneur it’s the manner you began this
effort. I’ve got a bad feeling,
hopefully a portion of the missing money can be recovered.
“I’m from Missouri, you’ve
got to Show Me”
The shoe and apparel giant Nike have been in the news this week. You’ve heard the charges celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti was charged with trying to extort money from Nike. Avenatti claims several high-profile athletes received payments from Nike. After posting bond and released from jail Avenatti provided the public “text message posts” as proof of his claim. This issue will not be resolved quickly, I’m certainly not convinced Nike is blameless.
The shoe and apparel giant Nike have been in the news this week. You’ve heard the charges celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti was charged with trying to extort money from Nike. Avenatti claims several high-profile athletes received payments from Nike. After posting bond and released from jail Avenatti provided the public “text message posts” as proof of his claim. This issue will not be resolved quickly, I’m certainly not convinced Nike is blameless.
At the same time a concern exists with
tossing out names without providing any proof…. this example. Another celebrity high profile attorney name
was also included in this story. Mark Geragos
was reported to be a co-conspirator with Avenatti although he’s not been
arrested or charged to date. This is a
story we cannot formulate an opinion yet, my chief concern there are
issues in college basketball. We can no
longer ignore the subject of Nike, Adidas or any other shoe company cheating in
whatever form exists. As for Mr.
Avenatti remember me, “I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me.”
Kansas basketball
If my Mizzou Tigers won 26 games and earned an NCAA tournament berth in 2019, I would have been jumping up and down with excitement. For most KU fans they found the 2018-19 season extremely disappointing. 14 seasons in a row winning the Big 12 championship, either winning or tying for the post-season championship almost the same number of years. In addition, a deep run most seasons in the NCAA tournament. This year’s version failed to make the Sweet 16, what about next season? With the specter of NCAA infractions hanging around who leaves and who stays?
If my Mizzou Tigers won 26 games and earned an NCAA tournament berth in 2019, I would have been jumping up and down with excitement. For most KU fans they found the 2018-19 season extremely disappointing. 14 seasons in a row winning the Big 12 championship, either winning or tying for the post-season championship almost the same number of years. In addition, a deep run most seasons in the NCAA tournament. This year’s version failed to make the Sweet 16, what about next season? With the specter of NCAA infractions hanging around who leaves and who stays?
Mizzou looks good for next season not so
much for Kansas, allow me to begin. Recruiting,
KU has incoming talent however for the first time in memory the school is not
included in ESPN’s Top 25 Recruiting Classes for 2019. As for those on the roster, forward Dedric
Lawson who was the main offensive force is likely headed to the NBA. Silvio De Sousa despite his potential will
never be granted eligibility, there is a cloud over his head. Finally, we end with the man-mountain, Udoka
Azubuike the 7-foot 1 inch 270-pound center was missing in action due to
injury. Doke although raw is also likely
headed to the NBA, where does this leave Kansas basketball in 2019-20?
