Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Mizzou Nation had no idea      

As you are aware Mizzou basketball had become a mystery to me.  Most especially losing to Charleston Southern at home.  Fans and alumni please don’t construe this as a slam at your basketball team Mizzou fans expected a win.  Mizzou went on the road and beat Temple and returned to a win against Southern Illinois.  What should Mizzou Nation expect on Saturday versus Illinois, most of us had no idea?  This we know, Mizzou plays tough hard-nose defense thanks to coach Cuonzo Martin.  The problem’s been lack of scoring, they are not a good shooting team, defense will keep them in most games. 

That’s what occurred on Saturday as they won the Braggin’ Rights game.  Mizzou overcame early shooting woes to take a 26-23 halftime lead, they went on to win the contest 63-56.  There was a point in the second half the play by play broadcaster stated, “Illinois has more TO’s than baskets in the second half.”  Most of the Illinois turnovers were forced by the stifling Mizzou defense.  The winning margin might have been larger I’m sure Mizzou Nation is satisfied with the win.  Next up it’s Chicago State and then league play beginning with Kentucky on the road.   

The kiss of death

Any team’s fans could chant “Were number one, were number one.” 

It appears two weeks is about the longest time period for any team to remain in the top spot, who wants the notoriety?  On Monday Kansas was elevated to the number one slot on Saturday they lost it.  The vote hasn’t been taken but we’d find it difficult to believe Kansas will remain number one next week.

Saturday afternoon Kansas lost its match versus Villanova, in fairness it was a close game 56-55. The Jayhawks had a shot at the end of the game which went awry bouncing off the lip of the rim.  Once again, an earlier statement is repeated, there are no super college teams this season.  We should expect the top spot to possibly be vacated at any point in time, it would appear Gonzaga is likely to move into the number one position.     

Bits n Pieces  

We’ve had arguments in all professional sports who was the GOAT, greatest of all time.  Jim Jackson former NBA player and current analyst says, ‘It’s Kareem Abdul Jabbar, 4 high school championships, 6-time NBA champion, 6 NBA MVP awards numerous other awards.’  We realize unless we are discussing golf, gymnastics or some other single sport teamwork is key.  Kareem had talented teammates that aided him accomplish many of the awards and achievements during his illustrious NBA career.  

Just in case you wondered how soon this is it.  It’s been reported season long the Lakers desire to add Andre Igoudala to the roster, the Grizzlies want a first-round draft pick for him.  Two sources indicate the Lakers will not have a clear-cut top draft pick until the 2025 NBA draft.  Most instances beginning in 2020 they have no pick at all, in other drafts the top pick is conditiona.  It's being reported the Rockets are no longer seeking Igoudala's service, that leaves the Clippers and the Lakers as the only suitors.  

What happened at Kansas for Quentin Grimes, he transfers to Houston and Kelvin Sampson is singing his praises.  Not only is the 6-5 shooting guard the leading scorer for the Cougars averaging 16.5 points a game he’s also the team’s best defender.  The elder Grimes claims “every fit is not a good fit”, he makes the statement without registering any complaints about Bill Self.