Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Published Monday through Friday weekly
Everybody hates Chris
(tian Laettner)
Duke’s Christian Laettner was one of those players opposing athletes, fans and perhaps media members loved to hate. Laettner was partially responsible for a portion of the vitriol aimed at him; he came across as arrogant despite the fact he was a pretty doggone good player. Laettner played in the NBA from 1992 to 2005 but it was his time at Duke the driving force regarding his character.
Duke’s Christian Laettner was one of those players opposing athletes, fans and perhaps media members loved to hate. Laettner was partially responsible for a portion of the vitriol aimed at him; he came across as arrogant despite the fact he was a pretty doggone good player. Laettner played in the NBA from 1992 to 2005 but it was his time at Duke the driving force regarding his character.
In 2015 long after his NBA career was over
ESPN produced a documentary titled “I Hate Christian
Laettner.”
Actor Rob Lowe who narrated the production said: “People hated Christian
Laettner because he’s a massively talented pretty boy.” The one play that stands out for him and Duke
basketball is the court length pass allowing Duke to beat Kentucky and advance
in the NCAA. See fooled you, reading the
headline you probably first thought of the Chris Rock television series.
Record keeper
I’m not actually a keeper of records however they do often speak to me. There are times I wonder “When was the last time if ever _______occurred?” In this instance how many times in the past Laker duos both scored 30+ points in a single game. Last Friday the Lakers won an OT game 119-110 over the Mavs, the Lakers LBJ led the way scoring 39 points and AD followed with 31. At that point I took to the internet to locate Laker single game scoring records.
I’m not actually a keeper of records however they do often speak to me. There are times I wonder “When was the last time if ever _______occurred?” In this instance how many times in the past Laker duos both scored 30+ points in a single game. Last Friday the Lakers won an OT game 119-110 over the Mavs, the Lakers LBJ led the way scoring 39 points and AD followed with 31. At that point I took to the internet to locate Laker single game scoring records.
In a 2009 game Kobe Bryant scored 61-points
while teammate Pau Gasol recorded 31 points.
There were other Laker high game totals in the past, but I had to return
to the Showtime Lakers for the next 30-30+ game. In a 1986 game Magic Johnson who wasn’t noted
for his scoring had 46 points, backcourt mate Byron Scott had 31. It should also be noted LeBron had a triple
double, he added 16 assists and 12 rebounds to his total in the victory over
the Mavs.
The medical chronicle
Just in case you didn’t get the word Steph Curry’s had surgery on his hand. The timetable for his return is 3 months, the calendar just turned to November. Counting on my fingers and toes he should return in February. Warrior injuries continue, Draymon Green sustained a torn ligament in his left finger. According to reports he will miss a few games continuing the Warriors on the injury train. Recent accounts indicate Klay Thompson could return to the team in February or March. It would be interesting if the Warriors back court was on the floor this season.
Just in case you didn’t get the word Steph Curry’s had surgery on his hand. The timetable for his return is 3 months, the calendar just turned to November. Counting on my fingers and toes he should return in February. Warrior injuries continue, Draymon Green sustained a torn ligament in his left finger. According to reports he will miss a few games continuing the Warriors on the injury train. Recent accounts indicate Klay Thompson could return to the team in February or March. It would be interesting if the Warriors back court was on the floor this season.
Bits n Pieces
This one slipped past most of us, there might be other rule changes however this is likely the most noticeable. On the other hand, maybe not, the NCAA’s moved the 3-point line once again. The line is now 22 feet and 1.75 inches from the center of the basket, it’s now been moved back 16 inches. The line will be reflective of FIBA rules now, there will be an adjustment period by several collegiate athletes. Pure shooters will be the least likely affected by this rule change.
This one slipped past most of us, there might be other rule changes however this is likely the most noticeable. On the other hand, maybe not, the NCAA’s moved the 3-point line once again. The line is now 22 feet and 1.75 inches from the center of the basket, it’s now been moved back 16 inches. The line will be reflective of FIBA rules now, there will be an adjustment period by several collegiate athletes. Pure shooters will be the least likely affected by this rule change.
The view from 30,000 feet, MSNBC host
Rachel Maddow often uses the team on her program The Rachel Maddow Show. I define it exploring an issue from a
distance to determine how it might impact an issue. That’s the case for me and the revival of the
Border War game between Mizzou and Kansas in basketball. It’s always appeared one-sided to me, folks
on the Missouri side highly desiring it while those in Kansas were less than
concerned. I believe I might be the only
Mizzou fan who opposes the revival of the Border War. Hopefully I will soon uncover someone
desiring to see this event unfold once again.
The number 14 prospect in Rivals Class of
2021 is from Springfield Missouri. In
addition, Aminu Mohammed is a 5-star prospect all positives. The negative, Mohammed is on the radar of
several schools, as for Mizzou the 6-4 shooting guard is missing on the list of
2021 candidates. Cuonzo Martin can’t
recruit every prospect in Missouri, but this guy would appear to be a top
candidate. Among the schools offering
scholarships are Kansas State, Wisconsin, Maryland and Florida. I sure hope Mizzou makes a run at this high
school junior.
Fans love slam dunks, 3-point baskets and
nifty assists. I’m like you but I also
realize a team must play the other end of the court too. The new and improved Lakers are trending
toward playing both ends of the court thus far.
Early season stats detail the Lakers are 3rd in points
allowed, 1st in blocked shots.
They are 17th in rebounds which places them near the middle
of NBA teams. Opponents are shooting
35.4% against the Lakers, the Jazz lead with 34.8%.
