Saturday, August 31, 2019


Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday

Running with the Big Boy programs
Mizzou finds itself in the leadoff position regarding point guard Caleb Love.  Love checks in at 6-3 175 pounds ideal size for the position, this St. Louis prospect has Indiana, Kansas and North Carolina on his visitation list.  Once again like Cam’Ron Fletcher (who decided on Kentucky) Mizzou faces an uphill battle running with the Big Boy programs.  As for this Mizzou fan it’s my belief this is a good thing, one of the attributes attributed to Cuonzo Martin, he’s a good recruiter. 
Its mighty tough recruiting against some of the nations storied programs but it might prove fruitful in the long term.  Under departed coaches Frank Haith and more recently Kim Anderson Mizzou was able to attract 2nd tier talent.  If it appears this is critical of players recruited during that period that is not the case.  Michael Dixon Jr. and Marcus Denmon are playing professionally overseas, in addition Jordan Clarkson is on the Cavs roster.  There are others omitted in this quick search, as for coach Cuonzo keep during what you do. 
Who’s job, your guess please
Laker coach Frank Vogel has indicated the story of LeBron playing point is that…. a story.  With that statement on the sidelines who plays major minutes at the position.  I don’t have the answer I’ve only got questions.  One of the Laker fan websites says it’s not going to be Rajon Rondo as one might expect.  Rondo surprised this Laker fan with his play last season however he’s got a problem.  Let’s just say the issue has followed him throughout his NBA career he can’t shoot. 
For the most part he’s an effective distributor of the basketball but has two shortfalls, the shooting plus his lack of defense.  This same website claims the point guard job will likely fall to former Celtic and Clipper Avery Bradley.  Bradley’s shoots better than Rondo and he’s twice made an NBA All Defensive first or second team.  Rondo can run circles around Bradley in distributing the basketball.  So there you have it, who eventually gets the job, your guess is as good as mine?
No basketball powers for them
Kobe Bryant and LeBron skipped college, as for others it was a different matter.  Several players didn't play at traditional power schools, a few made it all the way to the Hall of Fame.  Question, we suppose Jae Morant's name might be included in a future quiz someday?  NBA careers for the below began at schools you probably didn’t realize, match the player with his school.  Don’t cheat, the answers will be provided tomorrow.     
Steve Nash                                 Tennessee State  
Nate Thurmond                           Weber State
CJ McCollum                                Southern Illinois
Dame Lillard                                Bowling Green
Walt Frazier                                Davidson
Jack Sikma                                 Santa Clara  
Steph Curry                                Lehigh  
Robert Covington                         Illinois Wesleyan  

Christmas games
The Clippers at Lakers had been mentioned previously, how about the balance of the day and evening games?  I could see a divorce in my future if I was entrenched in the Man Cave all afternoon and evening, LOL.
BOS vs. TOR ESPN
MIL vs. PHI ABC
HOU vs. GSW ABC
LAC vs. LAL ESPN
NOP vs. DEN ESPN