Basketball from a fan perspective

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The Tonight Show & basketball     

What in the world does The Tonight Show have to do with basketball?  There are two stories that are kind of connected, one involves the late entertainers Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson and the other former Mizzou Coach Norm Stewart.  While Carson was host of The Tonight Show Rivers would guest host for him on several occasions.  At a point Rivers was offered her own late-night program on a rival network and it was reported Carson was visibly upset.  He stated Rivers would never appear on The Tonight Show or at least that is the claim, after he retired Jay Leno took over and honored the Carson guarantee during the 17 years he served as host. 

Jimmy Fallon would take over The Tonight Show in 2009 and decided it was time Rivers should return to the program.  She would agree to an appearance in early 2014, now for the basketball connection.  It was said (never documented) long-time Mizzou Coach Norm Stewart (38 years) never wanted to play St. Louis University despite the fact the schools are only 118 road miles apart.  St. Louis University is considered a mid-major while Mizzou is in a Power Five Conference first in the Big 12 and now SEC.  The Billikens of St. Louis University are the best collegiate team in Missouri based on their record of last season, SLU finished last season with 23-8 record 12-6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. 

If the basketball season had not been cut short by COVID, the Billikens would have received an invite to the NCAA Tournament.  How far they would have advanced in the tourney is pure speculation now. Led by Coach Travis Ford (who played at Mizzou) now in his 5^th year the Billiken program has been on a steady upward pace.  There is no doubt whatever occurs this upcoming season sports media coverage in the state will continue to focus on Mizzou rather than SLU.  Part of the explanation is simple; Mizzou plays in a Power Five Conference while the Atlantic 10 is a Mid-Major.  Mizzou has played SLU, the last time they met was 19 years ago.  Joan Rivers eventually returned to The Tonight Show it’s time Mizzou eventually returns to play SLU, in fact on an annual basis.    

A new role… perhaps 

At the time the trade was made, and the Lakers acquired Dennis Schroder it was believed he would assume the Rajon Rondo role.  The former Thunder guard would be responsible for the ball handling role while LeBron takes his usual 2^nd quarter rest.  Well that might not quite be the case, Schroder indicates he “expects to be a starter” which makes for several issues.  This would be relief for LeBron if both are on the floor at the same time, the other issue who backs up Schroder at the point?   Keep in mind even with Schroder on the floor LeBron is not going to be divorced from his ball handling role. 

With the newly acquired Schroder who now takes over the role held by Rajon Rondo.  We guess that might be Alex Caruso who would become the primary backup, a long shot to assume the role might be rookie Zavier Simpson from the University of Michigan.  Simpson is a point guard who at Michigan shot the ball well, he might be a longshot as a rookie.  The question of backup point guard might appear to be a problem however it is one that could be addressed either with the names mentioned are an early season pickup.  It certainly is no issue of concern; it aids the offense and ball handling with Schroder and LeBron on the floor at the same time.     

This is going to be different

We are unsure regarding the 2020-21 collegiate basketball season.  Naturally, I want my favorite teams to (surprise I have more than one team) win however the impact of COVID hanging over the season makes me feel somewhat uneasy.  This is written November 29 and several early season games have already been affected.  I have a friend who claims I shouldn’t worry about future events.

I can’t help myself I always cautiously prepare for the possibility of injuries or other issues which might affect the game we all love.  As this account was being completed came word from the Bay Area.  Santa Clara County has issued enhanced COVID provisions over the next three weeks on all contact sports.  The NFL 49ers, NHL Sharks, universities Stanford, San Jose State, Santa Clara are all impacted by this decision.  Of course, this edict also includes middle school and high school sports. 

It is interesting

This is the last time former Wichita State Coach Gregg Marshall’s name will be mentioned in this blog.  If there are additional developments that warrant a further story it will be featured.  The story is old news by now and the only reason it is mentioned we heard just last week from a former Wichita State player.  Ron Baker played from 2012-2016 on the same team the ex-coach was alleged to have slapped his teammate Shaquille Morris.  Baker a non-scholarship player initially thanked the coach for the opportunity to play but stated he believes the incident occurred although he was not an observer. 

He bases this belief on teammates who were witnesses to the event.  Baker is no longer in the NBA after playing two years, his Wichita State backcourt mate Fred Van Vleet is a valued member of the Raptors.  In addition, Landry Shamet has made a couple of moves but also remains in the NBA.  Neither former player has spoken about Marshall and to this time has remained silent on the matter.  It’s not just Van Vleet and Shamet no other former Shocker players have come forward to voice support for Marshall.  It is interesting not a single player or former assistant (to our knowledge) has stepped forward to defend Marshall.