Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A memorable evening. 

Wayland Baptist University is likely unfamiliar to most of us, I certainly had never heard of the school.  A little research and I discovered Plainview Texas a town of 22,000 souls is home for this school.  It’s located halfway between Odessa and Amarillo driving I-27.  Wayland is an NAIA affiliated school and Tuesday evening witnessed a historic event. 

J.J. Culver a 6-5-inch senior guard scored 100 points in their game Tuesday over Southwestern Adventist; he becomes the second player in NAIA history to score 100 points.  Culver was 34-62 from the field, 12-33 from the 3-point line and 20-27 from the charity stripe.  Culver becomes the second NAIA player to score 100 points in a game, it should be of note his team won the game 124-60.  He’s got a younger brother Jarrett who is in his NBA rookie year, Jarrett played at Texas Tech.      

“They are Americans!” 

One of the invaluable sources utilized by me nbadraft.net ran an interesting story.  The feature was titled “Top 10 International Prospects for 2020 NBA Draft.”  Scanning the list, I quickly discovered LaMelo Ball was at number one, RJ Hampton at four.  My first response, ‘They are Americans’ and then reflected on the fact neither of the two are playing basketball in the U.S.   

One is in Australia and the other New Zealand; both are in the National Basketball League.  At the time they headed overseas I speculated this would not affect the world of basketball.  I’ve now come to a different conclusion; it’s generally believed the NBA will eventually resend its age 18/high school rule.  What occurs should that not be the case, could we see Australia and perhaps other Euro nations begin to see an influx of youngsters who should be college freshmen? 

He’s in the wrong time zone

If you were asked to name, the top active college coaches who would be on your list?  You’d likely name Coach K., Dean Smith, John Calipari and Bill Self.  There might be one or two others I’ve omitted; I’d bet money Mark Few would probably not be included on your list.  It’s my contention Gonzaga plays at a time most on the east coast are in bed. 

Gonzaga’s 9:00 p.m. Pacific time weeknight games start time is 11:00 in New York City.  The only opportunity for us in the Midwest and Eastern Time Zone is to see Gonzaga on weekdays.  As for Coach Few look at his resume, its outstanding.  Bet you didn’t know this; Mark Few is the winningest active coach by percentage at .823 (568-122).  Next time you hold a discussion on outstanding college coaches don’t omit Gonzaga’s winning coach.  

Just Do It

In this instance the reference is not Nike although it’s the neighborhood.  Trade talks have been swirling around Cavs power forward Kevin Love.  Love’s gone on record indicating if traded he’d like to play for the Blazers.  Makes sense, Love was born in Southern California but grew up in the Portland Oregon area, he’d be returning home.  For those who might not be aware headquarters for Nike is Beaverton which is part of metro Portland.

Remember the guy

Remember the guy who said, ‘The Lakers don’t need to sign Rajon Rondo?’  He was the same person a year later who stated the team should sign Joakim Noah over Dwight Howard.  In both instances at least to this point I WAS WRONG; we’ll look at Howard in another account this one is focused on Rondo.  After bouncing from team to team after leading the Celtics to the 2008 NBA championship there were questions.  Rondo appeared to have become a clubhouse cancer at these various stops.  When he arrived many in Laker Nation (including me) believed Lonzo Ball would be the leader at the point guard. 

Ball is now in New Orleans and Rondo is not the starter at the point technically however he plays a vital role with the team.  LeBron has gone on record indicating he and Rondo are of the same mindset on the court, they see the entire floor in front of them and are excellent at distributing the ball.  The Rondo who couldn’t toss the ball in the ocean is shooting a solid 50% from the 3-point line.  It’s highly unlikely he will persist in shooting at that level but if the ball continues finding the basket teams will quit daring him to shoot.  LeBron plus Avery Bradley and Rondo sharing time at the point should ensure security for the immediate time frame.