Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“The ship be sinking”

The statement above is not grammatically correct however that’s what he said.  He is Michael Ray Richardson then a member of the Knicks in the 1978-1982 time period.  The Knicks were not playing very well and when a reporter approached Richardson after a game the statement above was his response.  Michael Ray could have been so much better if drugs hadn’t become prevalent in his life.  Drugs forced him out of the NBA and though he could appeal the ban he never returned. 

Michael Ray spent the balance of his pro career among several Euro teams.  Why he never appealed the ban only he can answer the question.  We could pose the same question to O.J. Mayo, the 3^rd pick in the 2008 NBA draft never matured.  Drafted by the Wolves he would play for the Mavs and Bucks before drugs led to a mandated suspension by the NBA.  This week Mayo decided to join a Chinese team although out of the NBA since 2016 he could have applied for reinstatement.  Why did Mayo choose China over the NBA, only he can answer the question? 

A second (or third) look

The person writing this is a fan no more than that, I claim no ability to spot raw talent.  With that statement concluded I will proceed with this account.  Early in the collegiate season Anthony Edwards name became prominent, it was assumed he would head to the NBA.  He was a high-profile athlete and not the 5-star prospect usually attracted to Georgia.  I had but one opportunity to see him in action, can I state a second or third look is required. 

Edwards Georgia Bulldogs only played Mizzou once, so I was anxious to see him in action.  He scored 23 points in the game but despite their poor record Mizzou beat Georgia.  Edwards shot 36% from the floor and 25% from the 3-point line, he was 2-4 from the free-throw line.  I wasn’t particularly impressed by Edwards offensive skill at least in this game.  I’m going to depend on the insight of others and just state Mizzou’s defense might have been the chief reason Edwards experienced such a poor game. 

We are unsure   

The chief reason John Beilein is no longer head coach of the Cavs rest with management.  We are unsure at times what it takes for a coach to move from the collegiate level to the NBA.  The number that succeed at this task are few, we could count Oklahoma City’s Billy Donovan in the number.  Also Brad Stevens with the Celtics is also one who made the move successfully, in an earlier period there was Jack Ramsey and Larry Brown.   

The late Dr. Jack, Jack Ramsey coached successfully at St. Joseph’s prior to becoming the Sixers head coach in 1968.  As for Brown he coached at several college stops along with several NBA head coaching positions too.  The reason why the jump is so demanding is difficult to uncover in just a few short sentences.  As mentioned previously Bill Self better be darn sure if he intends to coach at the NBA level.  The road to success is littered with those who couldn’t do the job yet were successful in college.  Self might check first with John Calipari, Rick Pitino or John Beilein. 

No NBA in Kansas City 

Despite what you might have heard or read Kansas City is not close to an NBA return.  There are several reasons, the chief one Sprint Center.  NBA basketball requires calendar dates which affect concerts and other events.  The ownership group has the arena booked to the hilt, basketball games to a half empty arena would drastically affect the revenue stream. 

John Sherman popped up at the time David Glass decided to sell the baseball Royals, most in the area were totally unfamiliar with Sherman.  Is there an “NBA Sherman” here, someone desiring to own an NBA franchise?  We don’t have an answer because we didn’t know Sherman existed prior to his purchase.  The NFL Chiefs have called this city home for nearly 60 years without a local owner.  Where is the NBA Sherman, he’s someplace here, he’s yet to step forward? 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The ugly underbelly of basketball

Those of us who love the game hate the cheating that exists.  Every time it’s brought to my attention the hair on the back of my neck stands up.  In this instance the reference is not shaving points or players betting on games or anything of that sort.  It’s the illegal recruitment of players for high schools from the African continent.  CBS 60 Minutes program of March 29, you can check it out on cbs/news/com, or most cable and satellite services offer programming on demand.  View the program and draw your own conclusions, the seamy side of college recruiting of talent from Africa is distressing. 

That was amazing

I would never denigrate any scoring record set by the late Wilt Chamberlain.  At the same time, we must consider the fact he played the center position, he dominated the paint offensively.  During his playing career he probably never took a shot more than 10-15 feet from the basket.  Most of his scoring was done around the basket consisting of dunks or a fade away shot he loved to take.  Chamberlain’s scoring was totally unlike that of the late Pete Maravich. 

We’ve discussed the LSU sharpshooter in the past, in this instance we cover his exploits in college.  There was no 3-point basket in his era and secondly athletes during that period played on “freshman” teams.  The scoring records of Maravich reflect his sophomore (43.8 ppg), junior (44.2 ppg) and senior (44.5 ppg) year at LSU. 

In addition to his prolific shooting Maravich was skillful at distributing the basketball.  The only reason his NBA career fails to provide further proof his coaches during the NBA of the 1970’s forced him to tone down his shooting and flashy ball distribution.  Think of Magic Johnson type passes unheard of in college and certainly a no-no in the NBA of that period.  My barber and I agree Maravich was ahead of his time, he’s one of those talents that transcends generations.   

Coronavirus

The virus has impacted basketball more than any other sport.  The reason is quite clear, we were on the downhill side of the NBA season and the NCAA Tournament was pending.  In addition to athletes a number connected to the game have also been diagnosed with the virus.  They include ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke and Knicks owner James Dolan and the mother of Karl-Anthony Towns just to name a few.  Burke has since been cleared however Dolan is under a self-imposed quarantine, as for Karl-Anthony Towns we have no update. 

These persons are mentioned due to their basketball connections.  There are millions of others throughout the world whose family members are ill or have lost their lives to this plague.  Some might ask “why are you continuing to publish this with the world in turmoil?”  My response is simple, why not!  We cannot simply squat in the corner and pretend this devastating epidemic is not impacting us…it is.  According to the medical community it will continue however coronavirus will fade one day we just don’t know the date. 

“Who could it be now?”

The rock group Men at Work had a 1982 hit with the above title, that might be the question from Dub Nation and several other NBA fans.  Coach Steve Kerr answering in bleacherreport.com said, “We are looking at 7 or 8 prospects.”  Come on Steve can you be a little bit more specific?  We don’t expect names but how about positions, are you looking at forwards or maybe a center?  On the other hand, Dayton’s Obi Topping or the guy from Israel Deni Avdija could be two of the number Kerr is checking out. 

Also, Auburn’s Isaac Okoro or maybe it’s Onyeka Okongwu from Southern Cal.  LaMelo Ball could be looked at too, we realize he’s a point guard, but the Warriors could flip the script.  Steph Curry is certainly a skillful passer however drafting Ball would allow Curry to assume a more diverse role in the Warriors offensive scheme.  Then again, the Warrior choice might be the only legitimate center in the lottery James Wiseman.  We really have no idea which player or players Kerr might be focused on.  It’s safe to say they should gain additional help from the 2020 draft. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Not what we might expect

At this point we are unsure if the NBA season will be resumed, an interesting comment did cross my desk from LeBron James regarding this issue.  We might believe the 35-year old LeBron would welcome the pause in the season.  That is not the case he claims this lull is worst for him than it would be if the season had continued.  Wonder if there are others feeling the same way, players might condition their bodies to play XXX number of games.  We guess down time especially a long one can be more detrimental than playing straight through. In any event this view is certainly not what we might expect.   

Hmmmm!

This is strictly from the land of speculation so you certainly can take it as that.  A name popped up on the grad transfer list and Mizzou earned a spot.  His name, Justin Turner and he’s a 6-4 shooting guard who played at Bowling Green.  This is not a done deal, Mizzou’s got plenty of competition in fact there are 5 other schools on his list.  As for the numbers this past season Turner scored at nearly 19 points and 5 rebounds a game. 

He was a 43% shooter from the floor and sank 36% of his 3-point attempts.  Turner could certainly add firepower to a sometimes-pathetic offense if he should choose Mizzou.  Rest assured this might not be an advantage however two members of the coaching staff are from his hometown Detroit.  The other issue Turner’s not likely to visit the campus with restrictions in place.  He indicated he’d done a virtual tour at one of the competing schools. 

I cannot believe me

Yesterday’s Words eye view regarding father-son combos, I omitted one of the best of the best.  It certainly wasn’t on purpose for the number one Laker fan in Kansas City the name, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant and son Kobe Bean Bryant.  No need of detailing Kobe’s career rather we concentrate on the dad.  Jellybean’s NBA career ran from 1975 to 1983, he was drafted by the Warriors however a trade sent him to the Sixers where he spent four years of his NBA career.  He finished his time in the NBA playing for the San Diego Clippers and Houston Rockets. 

Joe was an active player until 2005 playing for several teams in Europe, this provides you an idea why Kobe was fluent in several languages.  In 1992 he began coaching although his last job activity was 2015.  Despite being overshadowed by his son Joe’s NBA numbers are representative.  He averaged nearly 15 points and 5 rebounds a game, Joe was much taller than Kobe standing 6 foot 10 however he was a thin 185 pounds.  This focus on the father is to offer proof he certainly was no slouch although Kobe’s NBA numbers and career certainly exceeded dad Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. 

Didn’t read the detail

Shaka Smart is safe for now, the head man for the Texas Longhorns has been on the hot seat since last season.  I didn’t read the detail but guess this affirmation is through 2020-21.  The University of Texas hired Smart in 2015 after several outstanding seasons at VCU.  I said it at the time, “This is a good hire, Smart can just recruit in the State of Texas alone and turn out successful teams.” 

To date that’s not been the case, his teams have never won more than 21 games.  This compares to six 20+win seasons at VCU, the fewest wins were 26 twice.  Smart’s high-water mark while at VCU was 29-7 in 2011-12.  Why Smart’s record at Texas has not matched his previous success is a mystery.  As an outside observer it might appear recruiting is not the issue…maybe it is the coach? 

An assessment 

My ears always perk up whenever ESPN draft expert Steve Schmitz is around.  A couple of tidbits of information.  “LaMelo Ball is the most talented prospect in the draft” is his assessment of the youngest of the Ball brothers.  The most physically impressive prospect in the draft” are the words of Schmitz.  

Keep in mind the two names mentioned along with Georgia’s Anthony Edwards will be at the top of the 2020 NBA draft.  I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait for June 25 to arrive.  Overall, it’s always difficult to analyze the result draft night, sure the experts award a letter grade for each team.  It’s the belief by many we must often wait 2 or 3 years down the road and that might be the case for 2020, draft experts indicate this is not a very deep draft. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Decisions

A number in the Class of 2020 are yet to decide on where they intend to enroll in the fall.  On the other hand, one or more could pull an “RJ Hampton” and decide early on a pro career.  One of those in question is Josh Christopher rated the number 11 prospect by Rivals.  Mizzou’s not often in the running for 5-star athletes, there was Michael Porter Jr. and ________.  There’s a blank at the end of the sentence because we cannot remember who that might be.  Josh Christopher is a Rivals 5-star prospect, he’s got 19 offers on the table although the number has now been reduced to four solid choices. 

Those entertaining the possibility of the 6-5 215-pound Christopher arriving on campus are Michigan, Arizona State, UCLA and Mizzou.  Although Christopher is from Southern California reports indicate the Michigan Wolverines led by coach Juwan Howard are in the lead.  The Mizzou program has a Christopher relative on the staff, so they are in the running too.  I could be wrong; it’s my belief Arizona State and UCLA will be excluded as his school of choice.  Christopher will select either Michigan or Mizzou, of course you know my preference. 

Who’s better the father or the son?

I said, “It must be difficult for sons to follow in their father’s footsteps.”  Kareem Jabbar is an NCAA, NBA champion and Hall of Fame honoree.  Barely making a blip on radar screens is the son, Kareem Abdul Jabbar Jr., he was a worthy enough talent to play at the collegiate level, but his pro career consisted of several minor league pro stops.  Jr. never played in the NBA with a single team, advantage the father in this story.  Steph Curry’s dad Dell played several years in the NBA however at this point we’ve got to say Steph is the better player, advantage the son. 

Hall of Famer Rick Barry had three sons play in the NBA, it’s quite clear Rick had a superior career to each of his sons, advantage father.  Laker broadcaster Mychal Thompson aided the Showtime Lakers to several NBA championships.  Son Klay Thompson’s been a vital part to the championship success of the Warriors, at this point slight advantage to the son.  There’s a constant argument as to the greatest ever to play the game, many name that athlete to be Michael Jordan.  MJ has two sons, both played at the college level, neither came close to approaching their famous father.  In this instance the advantage is clearly the father.  There are others omitted this is a brief glance at father-son combo’s who managed to play the game, you certainly can compile your own list. 

Where does he go?

Mock drafts only project persons and not order, with the disclaimer mentioned allow an explanation.  Dayton’s Obi Topping parents hope he is drafted by the Warriors, let’s check nbadraft.net with this from March 26 and determine if that’s possible.  Toppings parents indicate they like the idea of their son playing next to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. 

The site indicates Georgia sharpshooter Anthony Edwards will be chosen by the Warriors; Topping would be chosen by the Cavs with the second pick.  Lottery order is yet to be established; we could see this scenario play out with the Warriors having the most ping pong balls in the hopper.  This is all speculation at this point, but it could play out in this manner, will it be Edwards, Topping or someone else?  This process is certainly liquid up to and including draft night. 

The return of the Sonics

Don’t worry you didn’t miss a story on ESPN’s SportsCenter the Sonics are not about to begin play.  It will be 2025 before the NBA entertains expansion, what we read the television contract is be the key to a new team.  Second to the television contract is an acceptable playing space and that might be resolved.  The NHL will play first prior to a new Sonics team arriving on court.  The former home of the Sonics Key Arena is in the process of being renovated. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp5hKJsx0uo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hPAEkqeSdM

Kai Sotto

Thanks to the internet we’ve had the ability to connect with Kai Sotto early.  Sotto is from the island country of Philippines in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific.  Last spring Sotto left his native land for Atlanta Georgia and The Skill Factory, the move was to improve the proficiency of the 7-foot 2 inch 223-pound Sotto.  Thus far with coaching and working on his game we are beginning to see results. 

Several colleges have become aware of his presence and have reached out to him, this is the most interesting part of his story.  As an international player Sotto could be draft eligible immediately but indicates he’s college bound.  The NBA over college is his decision alone but certainly makes sense on several levels.  Although his father played professionally the family must believe training in the U.S. is the best choice along with coaching. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Kentucky basketball

The State of Kentucky has long been a hotbed for basketball at all levels.  From the high school game up to many colleges and universities the state is rich in basketball lore.  The crown jewel is the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  Unlike UCLA the production of outstanding basketball players extends prior to 1948.  The athletes mentioned in yesterday’s Words eye view began attending UCLA in John Wooden’s first year and thereafter. 

As for the Wildcats their basketball heritage extends back to 1930 the date Adolph Rupp was hired as head coach.  Although Rupp’s name is forever attached to Kentucky basketball, he was born in Halstead Kansas 170 miles road miles southwest of Lawrence.  Of course, Lawrence is mentioned here because it’s home to the home the Jayhawks.  In the case of Kentucky basketball there is no acceptable method to reduce the list to 5 or even 10 players.  If we just registered the players while John Calipari is at the helm its remarkable, allow me to list just a few. 

John Wall

Anthony Davis

Karl-Anthony Towns

Jamal Mashburn

Cliff Hagan

Devin Booker

Ralph Beard

Alex Groza

Louie Dampier

Tony Delk

Several names might be unfamiliar to you, check basketballreference.com for detail.  In addition, your list might include some I missed and exclude others in my number.  The man at the helm has been responsible for the pipeline of players whether from Kentucky or some other state. 

The favorite Laker

Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant both were Lakers, neither ever played for any other NBA franchise.  Magic was 20-years old and had played two years at Michigan State while Kobe was 17-years old when he was drafted from Lower Merion High School in metro Philadelphia.  Magic’s opportunity to play was immediately as he moved into the starting lineup day one.  For Kobe it took him a while longer, he didn’t become a full-time starter until his third year in the NBA.  The common thread they shared; they became winners for the Lakers.    

Magic and Kobe expected nothing but the best from their teammates and especially from themselves, can we say they were driven.  Championship was in their DNA no doubt about that fact.  Kobe had a 20-year career all spent with the Lakers; Magic’s tenure would have been longer except for HIV which forced him into early retirement after 12 years.  With the medical knowledge now it’s possible Magic’s career could have been much longer.  Magic is thought of as a pass first point guard and a good shooter. 

It was unnecessary for him to be the focal point of the offense with the likes of Worthy, Wilkes, Abdul Jabbar and others.  Kobe, well he could score with the best of them, at the time he retired, he’d scored over 33,000 points.  As for the claim he was selfish his career assist total is nearly 5 assists per game.  NBA championships were mentioned earlier, Magic and Kobe both won 5 championships in purple and gold.  There were other Laker greats who spent their entire career with the franchise, James Worthy and Elgin Baylor come to mind immediately.  The favorite Laker probably depends on your age fans age 50-70 probably claim it was Magic, fans under 40 will say Kobe. 

Phrases 

Two phrases have come into common usage in sports over the last several years neither of which I’m fond of.  One is tanking the other is load management, both hint at failure to produce at your level of capability for a variety of reasons.  Let’s explore each, I became familiar with tanking when it was used to describe the Philadelphia Sixers.  It was hinted they were losing games on purpose to improve their position in succeeding NBA drafts.  Whether it was true or not the thought concerned me, we have the case of a professional team appearing to be unconcerned about winning or losing. 

The term tanking never went away as we begin to hear it regarding several other NBA teams.  The phrase even made it into the National Football League who play far fewer games than an NBA team.  We have no control over words and phrases used by the media however tanking is one I’d like to no longer here.  To me knowledge the term load management was first used to describe Kawhi Leonard sitting out games to rest. He wasn’t injured or any such thing he was just resting.  It was mentioned on one of the morning ESPN talk shows LeBron had played (up to that point) 355 more minutes than Kawhi. 

Athletes are the same as us, they have more a clue of their body than we do.  With that said this is the key for me (and others), I take my son to see the Clippers.  I spend $150 for two tickets and another $25 for parking, kids like to eat so I easily drop another $30 or more for food and drink.  I’ve spent well over $200 not including our transportation, we arrive at the game and discover Kawhi is not playing…load management.  You’ve got to be kidding me, I paid $200 of my hard-earned salary and discover he ain’t playing, give me a break.  As for LeBron his “load management” works better for me, his coach will insist he sit down at some point.  LeBron will not purposely sit out on his own that’s not in his DNA.

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

UCLA basketball greats

Los Angeles is home to several colleges and universities, one in the number is the University of California Los Angeles or UCLA.  The school especially during the John Wooden era produced several outstanding and talented basketball players, many went on to sterling NBA careers.  There was an attempt to compile a Top 5 but I found it extremely difficult.  One additional player is added so my list totals 6 in all.     Our Top 5 plus 1 and the years they were enrolled at UCLA:

Kareem Abdul Jabbar 1967-1969 (freshman ineligible during the period) 

Bill Walton 1970-74

Keith (Jamal) Wilkes 1971-74

Marques Johnson 1973-77

Reggie Miller 1983-87

Gail Goodrich 1962-65

We cannot determine whether entry in the Hall of Fame was based on their college exploits or their NBA careers.  In several instances’ the athletes above have been enshrined in both HOF’s.  Below are the honorable mentions, players outstanding at UCL but just not good enough in my view to move into the Top 5 plus 1.     

Honorable mention:

Lucius Allen

Curtis Rowe

Sidney Wicks

Kiki VanDeWeghe 

Baron Davis  

Bits n Pieces 

Am I missing something, reading letters from those in SoCal are a little confusing? This is referencing Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his purchase of the Forum.  Many believe the moving vans are backing up to Staples Center prepared to re-locate the Clippers.  That is not the case, it’s my understanding the Clippers are contractually tied to Staples until 2024.  That would be the timeframe the new Inglewood arena would open.  

By now you are aware the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed, the indication is the games will be held at the planned time next year.  Team USA will again be led by Jerry Colangelo and head coach Gregg Popovich.  The early roster for Team USA contains 44 names, it’s possible a few more might be added not including the present list.  

At this point I intend to cease reporting on collegiate players declaring for the NBA. The reason is simple, Words eye view prints daily.  Electronic and print media can update their reports in a matter of minutes an ability lacking with a morning publication.  Despite this issue I would hope you continue to read Words eye view now and into the future. 

Not for everybody

A few players don’t play well off the bench, they are more comfortable as starters.  The role of 6^th man is not an easily accomplished task for several reasons.  The top reserve must have his head in the game, no getting into rhythm he’s got to have the ability to impact the game immediately.  It could be providing an offensive spark or clamp down defensively on an opponent.  The Celtics were so loaded with talent in 1962 rookie John Havlicek was forced to play a reserve role. 

Coach Red Auerbach would install him in the game at crucial points to spark the offense or to place a defensive clamp on an opponent.  Havlieck became a key member of the Celtics in this role, later of course he would become a full-time starter.  The Bad Boy Pistons had Vinnie Johnson nicknamed “The Microwave”.  He provided those teams a boost offensively when he was inserted into the game.

Robert Horry was nicknamed “Big Shot” because on the many game winning shots he made after being inserted in the lineup.  Today’s game we see Lou Williams of the Clippers and Dennis Schroder of the Thunder in the role.  We’d be remiss without mentioning veteran Jamal Crawford, he’s sitting at home as this is written but certainly remains a viable shooter.  The Lakers anticipate Kyle Kuzma will embrace this vital role for the Lakers this season. 

OG

Shawn Kemp played for three other teams the Cavs, Blazers and Magic.  His name is forever associated with the Sonics of Seattle.  While a member of the Sonics he and Gary Payton formed a dynamic duo and were key to several successful seasons by the Sonics.  He was one of the talented numbers who arrived in the NBA directly from high school.  Originally headed to Kentucky a low ACT score would force him to attend a junior college.  Kemp enrolled in junior college but never played, that spring he declared for the NBA draft. 

The Sonics would make the 6-10 Kemp the 17^th pick in the first round of the 1989 draft, nicknamed The Reign Man he became known for his great leaping ability and spectacular dunks.  In 1997 he was traded to the Cavs; it was at this point he began to gain weight.  At the time Kemp arrived in the NBA he was 230 pounds; it was reported he checked in at 280.  According to the Cavs GM Kemp weighed 315, despite the weight gain he continued to perform at an acceptable level.  In 2003 while a member of the Magic Kemp retired after after 14 years of NBA play.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Problem solved

Tuesday evening came word from Steve Ballmer, he’s purchased The Forum former home of the Lakers.  If you remember the story, MSG owned the arena, they filed suit shortly after the time Ballmer announced he was building the Clippers an arena near The Forum.  The Clippers planned arena is located blocks from The Forum.  The deep pocketed Ballmer now owns the building and there will be no impediments in his plan to build a state-of-the-art arena for his Clippers.  It must be nice to have all the money in the world to fufill your every wish such as Ballmer.  

Being fired is not the end of the world

I’ve never been fired so I probably am not the person to comment on the issue.  From talking to folks who experienced being fired might believe it’s the end of the world.  How much savings do I have, how soon does unemployment start?  Those are just a few of the questions that might be asked.  Those in the coaching profession usually are in a different stage, under the coach is operating under a contract that will pay him or her at a time there are not coaching.  

We can guess that was likely the case for Dayton’s coach Anthony Grant.  This past season his Flyers finished the season 29-2 (18-0) in the Atlantic 10 Conference, All American Obi Topping led the way for the team.  Grant’s resume details he was fired by Alabama in his 6^th year at the helm.  One season his team played below average season plus one barely above .500 was his undoing, he was fired at the end of the 2014-15 season. 

Grant went on to work as an assistant for the NBA Thunder and then took the head coaching position at his alma mater in the 2017-18 season.  As noted above Dayton played outstanding basketball this past season.  Topping is likely to declare for the NBA draft, so it begins again for Grant.  On Tuesday Grant was named AP Coach of the Year, getting fired ain't so bad.  Whatever occurs in the future Grant’s proven he’s a winner. 

We ask the question

How do we suppose the coronavirus will affect college basketball?  There was talk (just that for now) seniors might be awarded an additional year of play.  Teams could benefit from their capability.  What about underclassmen, would they head to the NBA in numbers like prior years.  We don’t have the answer with this a little past the middle of March.  Daniel Oturu is a 6-foot 10 center, he was a 20 point 11.6 rebound and 2.6 blocked shots a game performer for Minnesota. 

Oturu’s rebound total led the Big 10 this past season and he believes he’s ready for the NBA.  He’s declared for the 2020 NBA draft and will not be returning for his junior season.  Finally, Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton a projected lottery pick made his intentions known, he’s headed to the NBA early.  Haliburton would have been a junior if he’d returned to Iowa State.  So much for the coronavirus and its impact on this portion of college basketball, it would appear there’s been little change but its early.

An introduction

Unless you are fan of Mizzou basketball Kim English is likely an unknown name.  English was a quality during his tenure at Mizzou.  He was a “bridge” recruited by Mike Anderson but remained in Columbia when Frank Haith took over.  A few players left when Haith took over, that wasn’t English.  In 2012 English was drafted in the second round by the Pistons but only had a brief time in the NBA. 

Most of his pro career was divided between the G-League, Europe and Venezuela.  In 2015 his former coach Frank Haith hired English as an assistant for Tulsa, he would remain in place until 2017 moving to Colorado in the same role.  Tennessee coach Rick Barnes added English to his staff in 2019 but it doesn’t stop there.  There are stories circulating English desires a head coaching position which is likely at some point in the future. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Help Wanted

We’ve seen those signs in the window of businesses, you know the ones that state, “Help Wanted.”  There’s no sign in front of the Knicks office however it does apply in the case you are about to read.  Wonder what might occur if they advertised for a head coach and someone said, “I need a job I just don’t need… THAT JOB!”  Speaking would be former head coach Stan Van Gundy; he says the Knicks are too dysfunctional. 

Not only did he thrash the Knicks ownership he even stated he didn’t believe younger brother Jeff Van Gundy wanted the job either.  You might remember Jeff was head coach once upon a time, Stan’s statement was made without consulting Jeff.  Both the Van Gundy brothers are working in television Stan for NBA TV as an analyst while Jeff does play by play commentary for NBA broadcast on TNT.  This would appear to say they prefer working in television over coaching in the NBA at least coaching the Knicks.  

What do you think?

Although the 2019-20 college basketball season came to a screeching halt, what about next season?  ESPN.com staff writer Jeff Borzello decided to peer into his crystal ball, the results might prove interesting.  He’s got Villanova winning the whole thing, certainly not surprising.  All Jay Wright does is win and win, he then wins some more, his Wildcats could have made an “NCAA run” had the season not been cancelled.  It’s no surprise he places the Kansas Jayhawks at number 10, they could lose a great deal of their firepower and defense.  Who does he expect to be at the top of the Big 12, the Baylor Bears? 

Baylor was clearly in the driver’s seat until they experienced a couple of late season losses.  Back to Kansas a moment, clearly 10 is not terrible if we consider there are 300+ Division I college programs, I’d say that’s doggone good.  Borzello places the Creighton Bluejays as number two in the nation, he believes they are that good.  Mizzou will face stiff competition in the SEC next fall and winter.  Tennessee, Arkansas and LSU are all listed in his Top 25.  I admit I haven’t paid a great deal of attention to Colorado basketball since they moved to the Pac-12.  As a member of the Big 8 (12) Conference I remember few days as a Top 25 team, Borzello list them as the Top 21 team next season. 

They have no scholarship and the other

Josh Christopher is a 6-foot 5 217-pound shooting guard, Rivals list him as the number 11 athlete in the Class of 2020 and a 5-star prospect.  This Lakewood California talent has 19 offers on the table from various schools throughout the nation.  Although the McDonalds game will not be played this season January 2020, he was named an All American. 

Rivals indicates there is a 45% chance he attends Mizzou however the story evolves from there.  The Mizzou basketball staff contains a family member and Christopher’s visited last fall.  Jordan Wilmore inherits the scholarship held by the departure of senior Reed Nikko.  As you might have read most of Mizzou’s roster returns so that’s the glitch.  Should Christopher head for Columbia Missouri how does Mizzou add him to the roster? 

The “other” is 5-star Class of 2021 prospect Aminu Mohammed a 6-4 175-pound shooting guard.  Mohammed attends Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield (MO) and currently has 16 offers to play from several schools.  I’ve long held the belief McDonald All Americans or 5-star prospects don’t guarantee a winning program.  It certainly cannot hurt for Mizzou basketball to land either of these prospects.  The prospect of both possibly headed to Columbia is beyond the realm of possibility.      

Where did he play?

As this is written we are unsure at what point the 2019-20 NBA season concludes.  When it does Ja Morant will be named Rookie of the Year, Zion Williamson will finish second in the voting.  Morant attended Murray State and Williamson Duke University, one smallish school and one known throughout the world.  In recent years most NBA players have either arrived from power conferences or overseas, Morant is that rare exception.  That’s not always been the case throughout the NBA’s history. 

Hall of Fame player Artis Gilmore honed his skills at Jacksonville State, the late Nate Thurmond also in the Hall played at Bowling Green University.  Former Sonics and Bucks center Jack Sikma spent his college career at Illinois Wesleyan a Division III school.  Dennis Rodman played at two schools, North Central Texas a community college and Division II Southeastern Oklahoma State.  Michael Jordan’s running mate Scottie Pippen played his college basketball at Central Arkansas, which is now a Division I program, at the time Pippen was enrolled the school was a Division II school.  There are others, the names mentioned are just a few of the number.