Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Over the top
I hope the 2000 song by reggae artist Shaggy “It Wasn’t Me” applies to yours truly. As I write this, I think over the sometimes-critical remarks I’ve made of players, coaches, the media and fans. My hope is it’s just an opinion, doesn’t make it anymore correct than yours, it’s my view but I hold no power to persuade you to my side. We are all aware the world has an entirely different perspective and it even boils down to local sports. Nothing wrong with critical remarks regarding any public figure but you must be sure your argument is valid and makes sense. .
This is an example of my statement, our
local drive-time sports guy has an issue with Oklahoma’s Lon Kruger. I’m not sure what it is but I’m going to
speculate. Both player and radio guy are
Kansas State grads, Kruger the player later became Kruger the coach at
K-State. If you check his resume you
will note several coaching stops. Last
season radio guy said, “All Kruger is doing is cashing checks (coaching
Oklahoma basketball), he’s got no desire
to turn out a winner he’d rather be
golfing.”
My first thought what coach is
unconcerned with winning, doesn’t make a great deal of sense. Kruger’s won-loss record determines whether
he remains on the job and continues to receive those fat paychecks as my radio
friend points out. As for many of his
other views he tends to say, “once a
cheater always a cheater.” He
mentions Kelvin Sampson, Bruce Pearl, John Calipari and others in the same
breath. In the instance of Sampson, it’s
been pointed out he was fired for something no longer an NCAA violation in
2019. We are all subject to judgment however
better ensure your argument is valid.
Who wins tonight?
You might call it a Texas Tech championship, there are five or more reasons why Virginia wins. On the other hand, it could just as easily be the team from Texas, no one has a clue who wins the 2019 NCAA championship. Think back to last November, did you have either of these teams playing in April? Both have come to the forefront anchored by outstanding play good coaching and do I say it, pure luck.
You might call it a Texas Tech championship, there are five or more reasons why Virginia wins. On the other hand, it could just as easily be the team from Texas, no one has a clue who wins the 2019 NCAA championship. Think back to last November, did you have either of these teams playing in April? Both have come to the forefront anchored by outstanding play good coaching and do I say it, pure luck.
The Auburn Tigers should be preparing for
the game instead most of them and their fans are suffering a heart-breaking
loss. Auburn came roaring back from a
deficit and took a 1-point lead with seconds remaining in the game. By now the world is aware of the blown double-dribble
call by the referee. It would lead to an
Auburn foul and a contested 3-point shot and a foul on the defender.
The Virginia player went to the line and
sank all three free throws, final Virginia 63 Auburn 62. Missing in action all night for Texas Tech
was Jarrett Culver. The NBA lottery pick
was 3-10 from the floor, his 3-point shot near the end secured the win for the
Red Raiders. Culver finished the night
with but 10 points however his teammates had his back as they battled the
Michigan State Spartans all evening long.
Final read Texas Tech 61 Michigan State 51. See you Monday evening.
Figures do lie!
I offer proof of the above headline; it was noted by the sports world Russell Westbrook will end the season for the third straight year averaging a triple-double. For the third straight year the Thunder will be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. I know you’re saying the playoffs haven’t begun yet, see if this scenario doesn’t eventually play out over the next few weeks. I know you say no one player is responsible for a championship team. That’s a true statement however the point guard should lead the way. Despite the high number of assists there is something missing, eventually I’ll figure it out.
I offer proof of the above headline; it was noted by the sports world Russell Westbrook will end the season for the third straight year averaging a triple-double. For the third straight year the Thunder will be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. I know you’re saying the playoffs haven’t begun yet, see if this scenario doesn’t eventually play out over the next few weeks. I know you say no one player is responsible for a championship team. That’s a true statement however the point guard should lead the way. Despite the high number of assists there is something missing, eventually I’ll figure it out.
Suppose they listen to him?
Kareem Abdul Jabbar thinks the Lakers need a defensive big man. I believe that to be a valid statement however should we suppose they listen to him. We’ve touched on the fact the game has changed since Kareem patrolled the paint but is, he off base with his assessment? NBA teams with quality centers still require similar duties carried out by Kareem and others of the era.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar thinks the Lakers need a defensive big man. I believe that to be a valid statement however should we suppose they listen to him. We’ve touched on the fact the game has changed since Kareem patrolled the paint but is, he off base with his assessment? NBA teams with quality centers still require similar duties carried out by Kareem and others of the era.
Team offenses don’t run through the
center position as they once did but some responsibilities never change. A center must block shots when possible, clog
the lane, rebound the ball and defend the pick and roll. In 2018 the Lakers brought Mitchell Robinson
in for a pre-draft workout. They chose
to draft Moe Wagner from the University of Michigan rather than defensive
minded Robinson. We must look down the
road three years to determine if the 2018 draft was a hit or miss.
