Basketball from a fan perspective

Not a surprise

This is a report for those who didn’t know earlier (including me).  This portion was clear to most of us, we understood Emoni Bates had left Ypsilanti High School after his sophomore year to enroll in a prep school founded by his father.   We didn’t pay much attention until high school teams began play and that’s when this writer began an investigation.  Ypsi Prep is a “basketball factory” no more no less, what about academics you might ask. 

We are pleased you are curious; Ypsi Prep is affiliated with a school which provides online learning, this school is responsible for the academic side of Ypsi Prep.  We believe the academics although online must be compatible with in class institutions in the State of Michigan.  Ypsi is not recognized by the Michigan High School Athletic Association so there will be no opportunity to win another state championship for Bates and team. 

The upside of a move like this for Bates and others, they can travel freely playing the best competition in the country.  This writer did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday, I was aware similar type arrangements existed with several prep schools.  Who pays the travel fees for Ypsi Prep and other schools across the nation?  This is the soft underbelly of competitive basketball that causes much uneasiness.  We cannot do anything to change the course of this ship, the hope is none of the “students” get lost sailing off course along the way. 

???

The University of Arizona announced on Tuesday the school would not participate in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.  It appears this is an effort to punish itself for issues raised by the NCAA investigation.  The second most interesting portion of this announcement there was no mention of Coach Sean Miller’s role anywhere in the notice.  At this point we have no idea what future action might be taken by the NCAA; this is little more than a slap on the wrist based on the charges leveled by the NCAA. 

Arizona removing itself from the tournament is interesting, should we suppose Kansas might take a similar stance?  Remaining in front of Arizona are five Level 1 charges the same amount Kansas basketball currently faces.  Back in the summer Kansas Coach Bill Self threaten to sue the NCAA, a search fails to indicate any action has taken place.  We are in a holding pattern regarding Kansas basketball for now. 

Closed

Generally, when a small business is not open a CLOSED sign is usually visible on the door or window.  As for the NBA that’s a slightly different matter, the NBA is open for business however the setting is going to vary depending on your location.  Witnessing highlights of the weekend games a game a small gathering of fans was noted in one city.  What exactly is the NBA policy in this pandemic climate, it depends on the location?  After checking NBA.com we discover a mix bag of information, most teams are allowing no fans period based on local mandates.  As for others it’s a different matter, a small number of fans can attend the games.  The majority indicate at the end of January the issue will be checked to determine if a change is okay.    

I liked him back then 

Most of us first heard the name Dennis Schroeder the night of the first 2013 NBA Draft.  He was the 17^th pick by the Hawks back then and was among the new breed of combo guards.  In his 4^th year he moved into the starting lineup where all his numbers continued to climb.  July 2018 saw him traded to the Thunder where he assumed a backup role behind Russell Westbrook, he would continue in that role behind Chris Paul. 

November 2018 witnessed a trade to the Lakers in exchange for Danny Green, after expressing excitement the next statement bothered a number in Laker Nation.  Schroeder indicated he should be the starting point guard; he made the statement despite being runner up to the 6^th Man of the Year in the 2019-20 season.  He said this despite LeBron James essentially playing the point last season and leading the league in assists.  After four games Schroeder has settled into his role as a starter, does he remain in that role through the season.  We don’t know however after the first two games it appears; he is suited for the role of starter.