This is interesting
A website score.com compiled the top 5 cities
producing NBA talent in the nation. The
list is not earth shattering except in one instance, here goes. Number 5. Houston-not shocking, 4. Toronto-okay,
3. St. Louis-surprise surprise, 2. Chicago-somewhat expected, 1. Los
Angeles-no shock. All the metros mentioned are huge compared to St. Louis, the metro is the 20th largest in the nation. As proof of basketball talent that grew up in the metro we have:
Bradley Beal
Ben McClemore
Patrick McCaw
Jayson Tatum
Otto Porter
You can’t handle the truth!
On the witness stand while testifying the above
statement was made by Colonel Jessep (Jack Nicholson) to the question asked by
Lieutenant Kaffe (Tom Cruise). In case
you have not seen the 1992 movie it dealt with the court-martial of two Marine
Corps enlisted men charged with murder. Kaffe
says to Jessep, “I want the truth” (of the events leading to the death of the
Marine). After being badgered by the
questions Colonel Jessep yells at Kaffe, “You can’t handle the truth!”.
The truth on closer examination exactly what
occurred regarding Zion Williamson attending Duke? The agency that once represented him is now
suing, they claim “He should have never been eligible to enroll at Duke.” Exactly what is the truth behind the
statement? Was Duke involved in some
sort of covert action to secure the services of Zion? If true was Coach K. aware of this activity? Is the former representative of Zion repeating the line from that old James Brown hit, "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing?"
“Shut up and dribble”
The headline was a media members response at
the time LeBron James spoke. This person
was not pleased as he discussed what he perceived as social injustice. Is this the view of many others, dribble the
basketball and score baskets? News
events occur and impact all, if it affects a LeBron James and others why do
they receive so much push back any time they venture into a discussion other
than their sport. We read GM Branch
Ricky had to demand Jackie Robinson quell his fiery temper for 1947 America.
A segment of Bill Russell’s autobiography details
a story while playing for the Celtics.
Russell indicated he lived in a Boston suburb, every time he returned
from a road trip or Boston Garden it was late night. A police officer on patrol would begin
following him to his residence, it was known Russell lived in the city, so it was
not exactly a secret. Tired of this practice
one night he drove through the city at a high rate of speed, Russell claims
that was the last time the police tailed him.
America is now well into the 21st
Century, a great deal of progress has been made regarding racial
relations. At the same time views of the
past remain in our everyday lives by large groups of people. No one should be able to force their opinion
on you or anyone, at the same time this is not 1947. LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, and others are
going to speak out regarding race and social issues. If it offends you that athletes are voicing
their opinions perhaps you should choose something other than professional
sports to follow.
I hope he is better than advertised
Although there was no opportunity to see him in
person, I witnessed Anthony , Edwards in action on
television. His Georgia Bulldogs came
into Columbia (MO) on January 28, they left the arena with a 72-69 loss. Keep in mind Mizzou finished the season with
a losing record but managed to stop Anthony Edwards. Edwards has been at or near the top of most NBA
mock drafts all season long.
Mizzou held Edwards to 9-24 shooting from the
floor and 3-12 from the 3-point line. Edwards
did lead the way scoring 23 points but appeared somewhat ineffective at
times. I must hope Edwards poor
performance that day was based on facing a good Mizzou defense. Now here is the defense, Mizzou despite its
poor record played outstanding defense at points during the season, the game versus Georgia was one of those times.
