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.