Basketball from a fan perspective

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1951

Two schools Wichita State in Kansas and the University of Missouri share a border, the schools less than 400 road miles apart.  Despite the little over 4-hour drive the schools have not faced the other one since 1951 almost 70 years ago.  This game was scheduled prior to the Gregg Marshall event but it might not have turned out any different, Wichita State could only suit up 8 players.  During the telecast it was noted 8 players left the Wichita State program prior to Marshall’s exit. 

After a slow start by Wichita State, the Shockers began to play a competitive game, the depth and senior leadership of Mizzou would eventually prevail.  The final score read Mizzou 72 Wichita State 62, the game was not as close as the final score might indicate.  Wichita State’s Isaac Brown has a difficult task ahead, hired as interim coach after Marshall’s departure left with only 8 players.  His hire came less than a month ago, he only has this pandemic season to prove he can coach at the Division I level.  Mizzou begins the season with a 3-0 record, this is a high water mark for Cuonzo Martin now in his 4th season at the helm.   

Compared to him

Although the focus was Paul George yesterday a friend ask the question “Could he be compared to Raiders Coach Jon Gruden?”  That’s a good question however I cannot answer regarding the Gruden comparison.  I don’t know enough about Gruden except for his one Super Bowl win, he’s spent years in the broadcast industry prior to returning to the Raiders.  As for the present now with the Sixers I have long believed Doc is overrated as a coach.  I can acknowledge the coach has more basketball in his little finger than me, I can accept that fact. 

Despite a past as an NBA player and coach and now in his 4^th stop apart from 2008 coaching the Celtics what has he won?  As for the resume Doc’s won 943 games while losing 681 for a .581 winning percentage during the regular season.  In the playoffs the record is slightly different, his teams have registered 91 wins and 89 losses for a .506 percentage.  I will repeat this statement again about yours truly, I don’t hate Doc Rivers I don’t even dislike him.  Winning an NBA Championship is no barometer of success however we must have something to use as a measurement of success.  This I believe he is overrated as a coach, now as the new coach of the Sixers prove me wrong Doc. 

Keep in mind his name

His name is Ibou Dianko Badji, he’s an 18-year-old from Senegal and plays for Barcelona (Spain), Badji stands 7 foot 1 and checks in at 240 pounds.  If you are unfamiliar with his name that’s okay, he is listed on several NBA mock draft sites.  Will Badji be selected in 2021, we have no idea at this stage the draft always contains several surprises.  This you might find interesting, nbadraftroom.com list 14 centers in the draft and Badji is rated number 2. 

One mock site compares Badji to Dikembe Mutombo which is an unfair comparison for an 18-year-old youngster.  It’s difficult to provide ability from video alone but it appears Badji moves around the basket with power, he’s no back to the basket center either.  He’s extremely raw, it is possible Badji might be drafted and then allowed to continue play in Euro basketball further developing his game. 

Another year to play

“NCAA rule-makers previously voted to allow all spring sports athletes and fall sports athletes to maintain a year of eligibility, no matter what portion of their season was impacted by the pandemic.  The same rule will apply for any athlete who participates in a sport in the upcoming winter season.”  It will be interesting to see if there are athletes willing to invest in another year.  We could see this working out for football or basketball players who might believe they might not quite be ready for the NFL or NBA. 

The other L.A. team

Most of us were unsure at the beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season what to make of the Clippers.  On paper they appeared to have assembled the most talented roster in the NBA.  After first appearing to be headed for the Lakers talented Kawhi Leonard did an about face and decided the Clippers would be a better fit.  Not only did he decide in favor of the Clippers he managed to convince Paul George to accompany him to the other L.A. team.  With these two additions plus holdovers the Clippers appeared stacked, we know what occurred in the playoffs but what about 2020-21? 

Patrick Beverly for all his defensive prowess is sorely lacking offensively, he should be the reserve point over the starter.  In addition, Beverly is injury prone that’s the reason we heard whispers of Rajon Rondo (which didn’t occur).  Both Leonard and George (barring injury) must figure out a method to make an appearance on the court more frequently than last season, load management might have led to their ultimate downfall.  Montrezl Harrell wants to be paid, despite being honored as 6^th Man of the Year he turned out to be history with the Clippers which proved true.  Who becomes a starter, who takes on the reserve role and other particulars should be the first order of business for newly hired Coach Tyronn Lue? 

In the office season free agent Serge Ibaka and Luke Kennard were added recently in addition to draft choices.  The Clippers will be competitive once again, will they have enough to win a championship…that question remains open at present.  The Clippers gave up a great deal of talent to acquire Paul George, bunches of draft picks plus Dino Gallinari and budding talent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  The Clippers are built as a win now team not in 2 or 3 years.  As for Kawhi consider this fact, the Raptors did not miss a beat once he left them.  Although there was no championship the Raptors earned a playoff berth, contrast that with LeBron.  Once LeBron leaves (Cavs, Heat) there is a downturn in play.