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.
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.
