Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I’m back

No, not Michael Jordan we are referring to Jamal Crawford.  When I was a kid there was a term often used in baseball to describe a reliable hitter.  It went something like this, “_____ could get out of bed in the middle of winter take no batting practice and still lay wood on the ball.”  The guy could plain hit the ball, we might make the same statement about Jamal Crawford.  Although he is now 40-years old it is believed he can still sink buckets. 

Crawford has been sidelined, maybe it was age or something else, but he went home to Seattle and waited, he waited and waited.  The 2019-20 season started although several teams could utilize his shooting nobody called, the break in the season witnessed a return by Crawford.  It is being reported the Nets intend to sign Crawford through the end of the 2020 season.  His age and other factors considered this likely his last NBA stop however many believe you should never say never.  Crawford says, "I'm not 40 I'm 20 twice."  

Different path

Mizzou’s recruiting net for 2021 is quite extensive.  One of the prospects on Mizzou’s radar is Rivals 3-star prospect Hercy Miller, Miller is a 6-3-inch point guard.  No guarantee he signs with Mizzou however he is choosing a path different from his father.  Hercy’s father is Percy Miller better known as Master P., for those who might be unfamiliar with his name.  Master P. is a rapper, actor, record producer, philanthropist.  Much later you will read an account on several sons who followed their fathers into the world of basketball.  Although Hercy's father did play competitive basketball at a point his success was earned in a different pursuit.   

Thanks, but no thanks

I have a former co-worker originally from the Bronx New York, Dave has lived in Kansas City for several years.  Despite this fact he remains a fan of the Yankees, as for basketball his allegiance still lies with the Knicks and not the Nets.  As for this account I continue to read stories surrounding LaMelo Ball and his 2020 draft status.  Although LaMelo’s name shows up on several mock draft site his father does not like the idea of the Warriors being his son's destination.  

This from the father, “Melo ain’t no follower” believing his son would not be the leader he believes playing for the Warriors.  More than one mock draft indicates the youngest Ball offspring likes the idea of playing for the Knicks, this also appears pleasing to father LaVar.  Almost every time I read an account regarding the draft and Ball, I send a link to the story and the response from Dave is usually snappy.  I have a laugh out loud because Dave has indicated to me, he wants no part of LaVar Ball for his Knicks.  My guess, Atlanta, Detroit or Minnesota could possibly be the landing spot for LaMelo on October 16.   

In-state rivals

Manhattan home of Kansas State is a 2-hour drive on US-77 to Wichita State.  Despite the closeness these two in-state universities have not met since 2003.  A decision was made by the two universities to begin a play series.  They will play a charity game this fall and in 2021 a four-year regular alternating series will begin, Big 12 Kansas State versus American Conference Wichita State. At this point the University of Kansas has made no commitment to sign a similar type of agreement, in my view it is always good when in-state rivals play one another. As for my side of state line road this type of effort fails to generate much interest except for Mizzou-Kansas being renewed.  SEC Mizzou will not schedule Mo Valley Missouri State, Atlantic 10 St. Louis University, or Ohio Valley Southeast Missouri State.      

Are we forever haunted by our past?
We make a misstep in life and some will never forget it. Allow me to explain, when it was announced Chris Webber was interested in purchasing the Hawks outcome the boo-birds. In 1993 near the end of the NCAA Championship game Webber called a timeout for his Michigan team. Michigan had no timeouts remaining which allowed North Carolina to shoot a technical foul shot. Am I missing something, why did the writer choose to make that a point of concern in 2014? We all make crucial mistakes in life, unless there is a pattern of repeated misbehavior why is it necessary for some to mention shortcomings we all have skeletons in our closets.

Coach Kelvin Sampson left Oklahoma under a cloud of suspension; he was forced to resign at his next stop Indiana. NCAA violations in the past sidelined him for several years. Sampson is now head coach for the Houston Cougars. Bruce Pearl was a winner at Tennessee before an NCAA violation sidelined him as well; he is now the head coach for Auburn men’s basketball team. Errors in judgment were made, in the case of the coaches the errors caused them to lose their jobs. In the case of Sampson and Pearl they should be forbidden from ever coaching again in life----right? Just kidding, until you error repeatedly everyone deserves a second chance---maybe a third.