Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Published Monday through Friday weekly
Read it for yourself
James Wiseman versus the NCAA continues to be newsworthy; I located a story in the commercialappeal.com. The Memphis newspaper published the February 2018 disposition Penny Hardaway gave regarding Wiseman. I thought at first to read it and glean portions of the account but changed my mind. The story needs to be read first-hand rather than in pieces. In case you are unfamiliar with the Wiseman/NCAA issue the feature should bring you up to speed.
James Wiseman versus the NCAA continues to be newsworthy; I located a story in the commercialappeal.com. The Memphis newspaper published the February 2018 disposition Penny Hardaway gave regarding Wiseman. I thought at first to read it and glean portions of the account but changed my mind. The story needs to be read first-hand rather than in pieces. In case you are unfamiliar with the Wiseman/NCAA issue the feature should bring you up to speed.
“The Invisible Man”
H.G. Wells today would be considered a Sci-Fi writer although that wasn’t the term used in 1897 when he wrote “The Invisible Man”, in 1933 Hollywood released its version of the classic. In this instance the reference is the Grizzlies Andre Iguodala who is listed on the team roster but remains “invisible.” He’s yet to make an appearance for the Grizzlies in this young season, is he injured?
H.G. Wells today would be considered a Sci-Fi writer although that wasn’t the term used in 1897 when he wrote “The Invisible Man”, in 1933 Hollywood released its version of the classic. In this instance the reference is the Grizzlies Andre Iguodala who is listed on the team roster but remains “invisible.” He’s yet to make an appearance for the Grizzlies in this young season, is he injured?
We have no idea because we don’t see
him. On a more serious note it’s been
mentioned the Grizzlies don’t really want him.
Their hope is to trade rather than release him, they want a warm body as
a replacement. The Lakers are salivating
at the prospect of adding the veteran shooting guard and defender to their
roster. There is one problem, it’s
likely the Lakers have no player or players the Grizzlies might desire other
than the obvious ones. How long do we
suppose this stalemate will exist?
What do I expect?
The Pelicans roster indicates Zion Williamson stands 6 foot 7 inches tall, (measured in training camp he’s 6 foot 6) he checks in at 285 pounds. Although he’s sidelined for now what do I expect from this former Duke Blue Devil, exactly nothing? The response might appear to be strange, allow me to elaborate, don’t allow naysayers to fool you. Those who don’t know claim “It’s just running up and down the court shooting a round ball.” Don’t kid yourself the game is more involved than the simplistic explanation by a few.
The Pelicans roster indicates Zion Williamson stands 6 foot 7 inches tall, (measured in training camp he’s 6 foot 6) he checks in at 285 pounds. Although he’s sidelined for now what do I expect from this former Duke Blue Devil, exactly nothing? The response might appear to be strange, allow me to elaborate, don’t allow naysayers to fool you. Those who don’t know claim “It’s just running up and down the court shooting a round ball.” Don’t kid yourself the game is more involved than the simplistic explanation by a few.
For me the NBA is the top of a pyramid, the
middle level college and the very bottom is pee wee basketball up through high
school. To play the game at a high skill
level requires talent plus developing a work ethic. It would appear on the surface Williamson has
the two key elements required. In modern
times few athletes have arrived in the NBA and began dominating immediately.
In an earlier period, we might have mentioned
the names of Mikan, Russell, Chamberlain and Abdul Jabbar. These men and maybe a few I overlooked
dictated play in the NBA from day one, even some who would be considered
superstars experienced slow beginnings.
In some instances, a 2nd or 3rd year became a
break-out season. What do I expect from
Zion Williamson (and other rookies), exactly nothing other than play the game
to the best of their ability?
A true test
Mizzou traveled to Cincinnati to face the Xavier Musketeers. Mizzou would either lose the game or win a close match, coming into the game Xavier was rated the number 21 team in the nation. This game would become their first true test especially with it being a road game for Mizzou.
This is no intent to disparage the effort of Incarnate Word or Northern Kentucky, they could not compete successfully against Mizzou. Neither school is on the level of Xavier with its long history of winning basketball. Even more interesting coaches have left for other opportunities and the replacement steps in and Xavier appears to not miss a beat. Current head coach Travis Steele had a succession of successful coaches in front of him, check out the coaches and their won-loss record dating back to 2001.
Mizzou traveled to Cincinnati to face the Xavier Musketeers. Mizzou would either lose the game or win a close match, coming into the game Xavier was rated the number 21 team in the nation. This game would become their first true test especially with it being a road game for Mizzou.
This is no intent to disparage the effort of Incarnate Word or Northern Kentucky, they could not compete successfully against Mizzou. Neither school is on the level of Xavier with its long history of winning basketball. Even more interesting coaches have left for other opportunities and the replacement steps in and Xavier appears to not miss a beat. Current head coach Travis Steele had a succession of successful coaches in front of him, check out the coaches and their won-loss record dating back to 2001.
Chris Mack 215-97
Sean Miller 120-47
Thad Matta 78-23
Skip Prosser 148-65
Sean Miller 120-47
Thad Matta 78-23
Skip Prosser 148-65
After playing a terrible first half Mizzou played
much better in the second half. Wouda,
shouda, couda won the game if they had played just a little better. Final score
Xavier 63 Mizzou 58 in OT.
