Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Kansas City

Who says you cannot go home…well it is not exactly home; University of Missouri Kansas City leaves the WAC and returns to the Summit League?  The Summit (former name Mid Continent) is the first conference the school was affiliated with after leaving the independent ranks back in 1993.  This conference move will certainly alleviate travel associated with the western part of the nation. 

All Summit League schools apart from the University of Denver are in the Central Time Zone the same as Kansas City.  Kansas City faced WAC schools in three time zones, Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Central. As for the change, the Roos finished 2019-20 season with a 16-14 record.  Hopefully, the Roos can build on the winning record of the past season with this move.   

Are there others on the way?

Josh Christopher is a Rivals number 11 shooting guard in the Class of 2020.  The youngster included Howard University on his schedule of visits.  Christopher from Lakewood (CA) appeared pleased with his visit, eventually it was Arizona State but maybe he was the first in a while.  Christopher became maybe the first Top 20 prospect to entertain an HBCU school, would there be others.  You have the answer based on the Friday announcement. 

Makur Maker is headed to Howard in Washington D.C., Maker indicated perhaps he might influence Mikey Williams.  We discover Williams is a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2023, on his list of potential schools are Howard of course along with Jackson State and North Carolina Central.  There are other schools on this point guards list however it should be noted he is looking at several HBCU schools.  Could Williams influenced by Maker become the second top prospect committing to an HBCU institution?  It is far too early for that decision however it should be of note.  Expect to see Howard University games on ESPN and Fox Sports this fall and winter. 

Hy Vee Arena  

Kemper Arena opened in 1974 became the home of the NBA Kings, NCAA Regionals, concerts, and a political convention.  Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City opened in 2007, from this point on Kemper saw fewer and fewer events being held.  Unfortunately, the city as the owner was forced to continue payment for required renovations.  What to do, what to do…why not sell the building rather than demolish it.  After sitting idle for years an investment group purchased the arena and began a re-build. 

“In 2017–18, the arena underwent a $29 million dollar renovation by Foutch Architecture and Development LLC to be converted into a youth sports facility.  The renovated arena features 12 mixed-use hardwood basketball courts, four on the lower level and eight on the new upper level, and a 350-meter indoor running track.  Each level also has spaces for retail services and commercial office space.” * 

The “new” arena secured naming rights by a Midwest grocery chain and now the issue of what to do with the arena has now been resolved.  The City of Kansas City having sold the arena no longer has responsibility for maintenance and upkeep.  This move is good for several reasons, we have witnessed other cities demolishing former stadiums and arenas, Kansas City proved there is a re-boot possible in some instances. 

*Wikipedia

The Wall    

Not the Great Wall of China nor a “Brick in the Wall” from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock classic.  As the NBA season approaches the 40-game mark several rookies “hit the wall.”  That is often the phrase used by the media to describe it; college teams usually play no more than 40 games in any given season.  Naturally, NBA rookies must adjust their mental and physical bodies to play an 82 game NBA schedule. 

It is often stated the middle of January it begins to impact the play of rookies. 

Rookie numbers go down significantly for some, for one of the few times in history there is a break in play, no basketball player hitting the wall.  In the past labor issues have caused a late start of the NBA season but nothing like this pandemic break as everything winds down.  With a 100+ break in play Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and others should be well rested and ready to play basketball again July 30.  Morant claims to have gained pounds with the layoff and Williamson indicates he is ready too.