Words eye view

Basketball from a fan perspective

He was the coach

Did you hear this story about John Chaney who died on Friday?  At Temple, the coach conducted 6:00 a.m. practice rather than the afternoon as most schools.  Chaney said, “With early morning practice I know my players are in bed at 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.”  

An off night?

Did the Pels catch the Bucks on an off night, the question is asked because Brandon Ingram and crew managed to beat them 131-126?  Ingram led the way scoring 28 points however he received plenty of help from Lonzo Ball with 27 plus Eric Bledsoe chipped in with 25.  Zion Williamson finished off the 20+ team scoring with his 21 points scored. 

With such a score one might guess Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play, that was not the case.  Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks scoring 38 points assisted by Jrue Holiday with 22 points but it wouldn’t be enough.  The game was played in New Orleans but that was no excuse for the play of the Bucks, they have played reasonably well but not at the level many expected in this early NBA season.  Interesting a question was posed in the Saturday edition of Words regarding the Pels and they produce a gem of a win. 

Which Pinson shows up

One of the keys to a Mizzou win besides a good game by Jeremiah Tilmon is Xavier Pinson.  The last time out the speedy diminutive point guard shot 18% from the floor, yes, I wrote 18% in the loss to Auburn.  In the SEC-Big 12 Challenge Mizzou faced TCU from Fort Worth Texas.  The teams battled down to the wire however TCU would take a lead by as much as 10 points and with 3 minutes remaining Mizzou came roaring back. 

Tilmon demonstrated he is an offensive and defensive threat scoring 33 points along with 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.  As for Pinson he shot an amazing 52% from the floor, 62% from the 3-point line.  The point guard registered a rare 4-point play sinking the basket and the free throw, he would lead Mizzou in scoring with 36 points as they won in OT 102-98.  Mizzou will now face Kentucky at home on Tuesday, what to expect I have no idea. 

The Warriors made a wise choice

As the countdown moved toward the start of the 2020 Draft questions remained.  Would the Wolves with the top pick choose shooting guard Anthony Edwards of Georgia or center James Wiseman from Memphis? The Wolves made it easy for the Warriors they chose Edwards leaving the Warriors to draft Wiseman.  Before providing additional detail on this story, it should be of note Wiseman’s played more games in the NBA than college.  He played in 3 games before the NCAA suspended him, later he decided he wouldn’t return to school and began planning for an NBA career.  We believed Wiseman could play at the NBA level, but he remained a question mark. 

Consider the fact he’s a 7-foot center and small ball now rules the land.  Early on Steve Kerr placed the rookie in the starting lineup, the team suffered early losses most of which were no fault of Wiseman.  There were certain aspects of the NBA he failed to pick up but was learning.  Finally, the coach decided to replace him in the lineup with Kevon Looney, Wiseman would become the backup.  Despite what might appear a setback his numbers remain good, 12.2 points along with 6 rebounds and .508 shooting from the floor.  The numbers are certainly not extraordinary however they provide evidence the Warriors have a budding star if he continues to develop his game. 

Words eye view 

The game from a fan’s perspective

John Chaney

You are forgiven if you don’t recognize the name John Chaney, allow me to make this statement several are anointed the title of legendary, Chaney was a legend all by himself.  Looking at his life’s work in reverse coach is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame, there are only a few accorded this honor. 

Chaney coached successfully for 24 years at Temple University retiring from the game after the 2006 season.  Coach began his journey at the high school level and later moved up to the college game.  His first collegiate coaching job was Division II Cheney State, his teams won 232 games losing only 56 and the 1978 team won the NCAA Championship.  Overall, he was a winner in 741 games versus 312 losses, Chaney died on Friday at the age of 89. 

At a point in time, he was one of but a small number of black coaches working at a major university.  We can only speculate but his coaching success might have led to other black coaches being hired by universities across the nation.  If you faced a Chaney team better be prepared, his players were taught to play tough hard-nose defense.  John Chaney a basketball legend, R.I.P.

I’m no fan

As this is written the Pelicans have won 6 games and lost 10, we have begun to dissect play this early.  One media scribe pointed out the team (his words) “Have not made progress despite having Zion in the lineup full time.”  There is more than one answer why a team is not productive however there are several factors to consider.  The Pelicans remain a noticeably young team, it’s my belief “bad” NBA teams must learn to win.  Sorry Pelicans Nation I must call it as I see it, they are not good.  Fans of the Raptors should be more concerned than Pelicans fans, the teams have almost identical records. 

Probably the ignored fact is the Pelicans have a new coach, I’m no fan of Stan Van Gundy but the fact is clear.  Van Gundy must be given adequate time to have his system in place and his team buy into it.  It’s a little ridiculous to me for someone to decide after 16 games little if any progress has been accomplished.  A more creditable time frame is to check out the Pelicans in May, by that time they will have played a full season under the coach.  Keep in mind, this is an observation I’ve witnessed only 2 or 3 of the Pelicans games.  It is extremely difficult for fans to wait on a winner but that’s exactly what they must do patience, patience, and more patience. 

This time I stayed awake

My second opportunity to see Charles Bassey in action was more successful than the first.  If you remember the earlier story I intended to “scout” the Big Man from Western Kentucky, I drifted off to sleep and was forced to depend on the internet for game totals.  This time I was wide awake as Western Kentucky beat Middle Tennessee 64-52, Bassey did not disappoint as he filled up the box score in his teams win. 

Bassey’s contribution to the victory, he registered 23 points, 14 rebounds 5 blocked shots and 2 assists.  As for his scoring total it appeared much of it was done without the Hilltoppers running plays for the 6-foot 11 235-pound Bassey.  The play-by-play broadcaster said, “This might be your last time to see him at this level,” the suggestion this college junior is likely headed for the NBA Draft in the spring.  We believe he is NBA bound, at this point we are unsure if he’s an NBA power forward or center. 

Both mock sites I regularly peruse contain his name, one claims he’s a middle of the first-round pick and the other indicates he’s a middle of the second-round choice.  I failed to mention Bassey has 3-point range and shoots in the 70% range from the foul line unusually uncommon in a Big Man’s game.  Over the years there have been several athletes we become enamored with…. Bassey is one of them. 

Dick Enberg 

No one person is ever responsible for the growth of a sport, that certainly rings true with college basketball.  We’ve mentioned in the past college basketball has been broadcast on television since 1940 although the sport didn’t become high profile until the 1960’s.  The late Dick Enberg was the broadcaster of several games that allowed college basketball to move from regional to   national airing.  Einberg was the broadcaster for the Game of the Century, the January 1968 meeting between the number one and number two teams in the nation both undefeated at the time.  The game was played in the Houston Astrodome featured Lew Alcindor of UCLA and Elvin Hayes from the University of Houston. 

This was the first instance of a basketball game played in a baseball/football stadium, there were 100,000 in attendance for the game.  It’s been mentioned at the time college basketball was a regional event however an enterprising entrepreneur owner of the TVS Network set up a national television audience.  Einberg was also behind the mic as Notre Dame upset UCLA’s 88-game winning streak in 1974.  In 1979 Einberg was also responsible for play by play for the NCAA Championship game between Michigan State’s Michigan Johnson and Larry Joe Bird of Indiana State.  Although Einberg was associated with college basketball he broadcast other sports too including several Super Bowl games.  Einberg was among the number of pioneers responsible for expanding the boundaries of sports broadcasting especially college basketball.  

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

One more note

Fouls cannot be a determining factor in a team’s wins or losses, on the other hand perhaps they can.  An in balance in whistles certainly can provide an advantage for one team over another.  A few game officials “from time to time” appear whistle happy.  It’s as if they say, “I’m here so the conference might as well get their monies worth.”  Now I am being outrageous but consider the difference in Mizzou’s prior two games. 

Auburn was whistled for 21 fouls while Mizzou received 31 foul calls.  Contrast those numbers with the Mizzou-Tennessee game played previously, Tennessee was whistled for 20 fouls and Mizzou 19. In the South Carolina game Mizzou had 22 fouls called and South Carolina 23.  Game time style make for a different type of play however the difference in the three games is quite interesting.  Officials are human too however they should not be the determining factor in how a game turns out.  Am I making an excuse for a loss, that's possible however the box score speaks for itself?   

This is highly unusual

Several Yankee teammates are enshrined in the baseball hall of fame, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra both come to mind with little difficulty.  There are other Yankee teammates and other teammates such as Willie Mays and Willie McCovey who played for the Giants.  In the NFL we can discover teammates there as well.  My hometown Chiefs have quarterback Len Dawson, linebackers Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier. 

The Pittsburg Steelers have quarterback Terry Bradshaw and his receiver Lynn Swann along with running back Franco Harris enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio.  As for the Naismith Hall of Fame we could say Bill Russell and Bob Cousy and other Celtics.  There are two teammates in the hall of fame accomplishing this feat we seriously doubt if there are any others.  See these two teammates are high school teammates, they never played together in college. 

Without research it’s believed there were never partners in the NBA except perhaps at All Star time.  The two attended an Ohio high school, does that narrow it down a bit?  Are you still unsure, don’t cheat?  Okay one more hint both grew up in the city LeBron James was born.  They attended Akron’s Central High School, Nate Thurmond, and Gus Johnson two all-time great basketball players.  This could be duplicated at some point in the future but for now the two remain the only high school teammates in the Naismith Hall of Fame. 

The Clippers are good

In 2020-21 the Clippers are out to prove last season was a fluke not the season failing to advance and play for a championship.  Allow us to peer into the future, what occurs (especially in Los Angeles) should the Clippers win the NBA championship.  Will Southern Cal embrace the Clippers in the same manner they have the Lakers?  Both franchises are not home grown, they moved to Los Angeles from other areas of the nation, the Lakers from Minneapolis in 1960 and the Clippers from San Diego in 1984. 

The franchises went in opposite directions for a period, the Lakers assumed the losing role of the Clippers and the Clippers became winners.  Last season the playoffs witnessed the Clipper implosion and the Lakers winning championship number 17.  This is my contention; the nation will acknowledge a Clipper championship; fans of the team will celebrate wildly having been long deprived of a championship, but will the Clippers gain any additional local fans?  Rapper Snoop Dogg an affirmed Laker fan has claimed on more than one occasion “LA is a Laker town.”  As a member of Laker Nation, I certainly don’t want a Clipper championship this season, it would be interesting to see how Southern Cal might react when it occurs.  As this is written the teams are tied for 1^st place in the Pacific Division of the NBA. 

Kansas City & the NBA

Every time I settle back and decide NBA basketball will never return and BANG, another story occurs.  I am only as good as the information provided me; this story claims no authenticity although key people are contacted.  On January 14 Jabari Young CNBC.com wrote a story titled: Kansas City needs a billionaire to get an NBA team or it’ll go to Las Vegas.  You might remember sometime back we discussed this very subject, this writer concluded Kansas City had lined up behind Las Vegas for a variety of reasons.  In Young’s account he claims I might be incorrect should a series of events take place. 

In addition to the possibility the president of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission is quoted in his story.  I’m unsure now without searching if this was mentioned in my previous account, there was a question at the time the Glass family decided to sell the Kansas City Royals.  The late Ewing Kaufmann the original owner of the Royals had deep ties to the metro, he wanted major league baseball at the time the A’s left for Oakland.  Fast forward, after Kaufmann’s death David Glass purchased the team. 

Although the Glass family had no direct connections to Kansas City, they maintained the team here. Once the family announced a sale everyone genuinely believed an owner outside the metro would likely purchase the team.  At a point came the announcement local guy John Sherman was announced as a potential buyer.  As for an NBA owner(s) the one individual we could name might be interested in owning an NBA plays another sport…Patrick Mahomes.  Could Mahomes assemble a group willing to underwrite an NBA team, that question remains an unknown for now?  Perhaps there is another “John Sherman” here unsure if he or she is willing to underwrite a couple of billion dollars for an NBA franchise. 

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

Fan

Have you heard the term fan is derive from “fanatic”?  The definition says; “A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular person or thing.”  That explanation is a little soft for me because I believe it doesn’t give us the true story of a fan who is a fanatic.  A fan cries, complains, utters profanities, and sometimes become depressed when our favorite team loses.  Of course, we are overjoyed when our preferred team wins a game or series. 

Anytime the Chiefs, Lakers and Mizzou don’t play particularly well, I have no problem declaring that fact.  In Wednesday’s Words eye view you will read an insightful description of the Mizzou-Auburn game, I attempted to call it as I saw it.  Most often I try and refrain from making excuses for losses or poor play.  We could dissect a game and come up with all kinds of reasons why our team lost, I prefer to accept the outcome and move on.  What's your call on this subject?   

Bits n Pieces

The Nets were so desperate to win a championship they might have mortgage a portion of their future.  Acquiring James Harden will provide them three superstar talented players.  Will it guarantee success on the basketball court based on the players surrendered to acquire Harden?  That will be answered in June or whenever the NBA playoffs begin, let’s look at a little history.  The most recent paring of three might be LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, they won championships but not every season they were teammates.  In an earlier period, the Lakers had Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West, yet they came up short.  Where is it written you must have three super talents to win an NBA Championship, just wondering? 

We are reading in multiple publications the Pelicans are attempting to trade Lonzo Ball.  Statistically this might be Ball’s best year despite the fact he’s shooting 39% from the floor.  Up till the present the franchise has been spared the wrath of LaVar, he was okay with Alvin Gentry and to date we find nothing negative regarding Stan Van Gundy.  What do you suppose LaVar will do if they trade his oldest son?  He could place a hex on the Pelicans like the one he placed on the Lakers.  You remember it don’t you, he said the franchise would never win a championship after “trading my son.”

I love me some Steph Curry and the Splash Brothers, at the same time I hate what they have done to the NBA.  “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” we hear, win championships and I will copy from the blueprint you provided.  That certainly has been the case as I yearn for the pitch battles between Kareem and Moses in the paint.  The 6-foot 9 Willis Reed giving away height and weight to Wilt yet often battling him to a standstill.  The game is ever evolving so it shouldn’t surprise if the traditional back to the basket Big Man game will return one day.  The answer is simple high schools and colleges are continuing to turn out 7-foot prospects, the question is developing the talent.   

Decisions, decisions

Mizzou made an offer to a couple of prospects which prompts the question…how much is too much?  We certainly don’t have the ability to peer into the future but consider this fact.  Both positions (power forward & center) are good for the immediate time being.  If these two Class of 2022 prospects cast their fate with Mizzou, they will likely occupy a seat next to one of the coaches.  Should one or both choose Mizzou what goes into their decision?  This prospect(s) should he chose Mizzou will discover several players on the roster in front of him. 

In the decision stage does he check the roster and decide in advance “I’m better than ______, I should be able to beat him out.”  On the other hand, with no commitment but an offer he could look at Mizzou (or any other school) and decide there are too many bodies in front of me.  There is another factor, he’s wanted to attend Mizzou since he first picked up a basketball, that decision becomes easy even though it might not be a good fit.  We could look at Kansas, they recruited a Wichita prospect who was enamored with Kansas basketball.  He received little playing time transferred to Wichita State where he blossomed.  Wanting to play for Bill Self might have been the hope but it didn’t work out.  There is no one answer there might be 5 or 6 deciders in who goes where. 

 

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

Auburn did it

The wrong Tigers opened the game hitting shot after shot, the other Tigers turned the ball over, took poor shots.  Let’s just say the execution wasn’t there early for the Mizzou Tigers.  Toward the end of the first half, they improved play and half time saw the other Tigers with a 39-35 lead.  The second half would see the good Tigers take a brief lead however Sharife Cooper could do no wrong Tuesday night.  On Saturday Xavier Pinson took over and led the Tigers to victory, against Auburn the bad Pinson was quite visible. 

He managed to score but 7 points and fouled out shooting an incredible 18.2% from the floor.  Time after time Pinson penetrated only to see his shot smacked away by one of the Auburn players.  It wasn't just a single player other Tigers played poorly especially in the first half of the game.  As for Auburn they didn’t exactly shoot the lights out, but Mizzou cannot win any game shooting 37% as a team from the floor.  The final score read Auburn 88 Mizzou 82, expect them to drop in the polls next week.  Disappointing loss they basically allowed Auburn to dictate the pace of the game.  It always seems to me Bruce Pearl teams force the pace of play no matter who they play, that was the case versus Mizzou.   

We are confused

NBA news sometimes says one thing and does the opposite.  Well not quite allow me to explain, earlier we discovered in the COVID age there would be no All-Star game…we understand.  On Monday we read and hear a story there might be a modified game played in Atlanta rather than Indianapolis.  The further news of the day indicated a total of 22 NBA games have been cancelled as this is written.  What is the players association, NBA management and others stating, we are confused?   

Pronounce my name correctly…. please   

There are several players in the NBA with exceedingly difficult names to pronounce.  In fact, some have difficult first names as well.  I remember watching a Bulls-Celtic game and listening to the player introduction reminded me of a story.  Public address announcers might need to be more conscience of the correct pronouncing than maybe a television or radio broadcaster.  On a personal note, when meeting someone for the first time I try and place a mental note to aid me in remembering.  This method doesn’t always work however now than it does.  Naturally, the easiest name to remember is a person is the same name as yours. 

Back to the story early in his NBA career a public address announcer mis-pronounced Robert Horry’s name during player introductions.  He said; “From the University of Alabama 6-foot 10-inch Robert Horr-rey”.  It’s reported after the game Horry approached the P.A. announcer after the game and said, “The H in my name is silent, my name is pronounced “Orrey.”  We don’t know for sure if the story is true however it’s reported to have occurred.  By the way despite the length of time he’s been in the NBA I still have difficulty with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name.  Not his first name it’s his last name, as much as I attempt it always sounds as if I’m stumbling over it trying to pronounce it.  The easiest for me is to just say Giannis, everyone knows who I’m discussing, LOL. 

Surprising information

Several of you are going to be shocked or maybe surprised with this news.  There are three NBA franchises with a higher value than the NFL Chiefs or baseball Dodgers.   Forbes Top 10 places the NFL Cowboys at the top of the heap, in second place the NFL Patriots and the baseball Yankees in third.  The Knicks are the fourth most valued franchise with the Lakers in sixth place. 

“Revenge is a dish best served cold”

In the movie Star Trek II: the wrath of Khan the line above was uttered by Captain Kirk’s arch enemy the genetically engineered superhuman Khan.  Rest assured we are not even sure Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin is a Star Trek fan, this we do know.  The Saturday win by his team on the floor at Tennessee stated quietly for him, “we won.”  There is a bit of Tennessee history most are probably unfamiliar with. 

Cuonzo was head man in Knoxville, he’d replaced a coach who’d gotten in trouble with the NCAA, in 2013-14 Tennessee got off to a slow start.  Students begin circulating a petition requesting the former coach return and replace Cuonzo.  This despite the problems this coach had created with the NCAA.  According to the history there were 40,000 signatures on the petition, eventually the team began playing better and finished the season 24-13.  In May Cuonzo left to take over the helm at Cal, the coach might not say it out loud, but he’s got to be pleased. 

Not making an excuse but injuries curtailed a promising season in 2019-2020, although last season was rough so far this season has witnessed a much-improved team for the coach.  His Mizzou Tigers beat Oregon when they were ranked 21^st in the nation, same for Illinois when they were 22.  Although Mizzou lost the first time around his Tigers managed to beat number 6 Tennessee on the Vols home court.   

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

Dogs at work

Man’s best friend has been utilized in a variety of roles throughout the centuries.  Probably we saw them utilized as guard dog early in their use.  Most recently we read of dogs trained to detect cancer and other medical anomalies in humans.  Now they will used in a role most of us were unfamiliar, the Heat announced dogs will be utilized to detect COVID-19 in those entering American Airlines Arena.  Up till now the Heat have allowed a limited number of family members and friends of family to attend games at the arena.  The Heat now intend to increase attendance utilizing COVID-19 trained dogs.  We suppose these canines will operate in much the same manner as drug or bomb detecting dogs might conduct themselves.  The Heat further indicate for now there will be maximum of 2,000 fans allowed in the building. 

A return to the past

The past several years have been unkind to Mizzou basketball and members of Mizzou Nation, the sudden departure of Frank Haith and the swift hiring of Kim Anderson.  Basketball during the years 2013-2017 was unbearable to watch at times before Cuonzo Martin was hired.  With a bit of luck respectability would arrive with Cuonzo and it did briefly.  In his third year a rash of injuries impacted the Mizzou basketball program significantly, this season has been quite different. 

In the week 10 season poll we find Mizzou ranked 12 in the nation while the Kansas Jayhawks are 15, has this ever occurred in the past?  Well yes it has, the most recent period was the 2011-12 season prior to Mizzou’s move to the SEC.  A February 4, 2012 meeting between Kansas and Mizzou would find the Tigers ranked 4 and the Jayhawks 8.  The final poll prior to the NCAA Tournament that season listed Mizzou 3 and Kansas 6.  It’s not occurred often but Mizzou basketball ranked above Kansas has indeed transpired in the recent past.   

Best method for dealing with a bully

“If you turning the ball over five times in 16 minutes, that ain’t gonna cut it for me.  If you doing that on the offensive end, you better be bringing something defensively…He (LaMelo Ball) had a stretch where he played extremely well.  We need to find that again.  He’s got to get better, bottom line.  He’s engaged; he wants to get better.  He’s capable of handling it.”   

James Borrego (Hornets coach), Charlotte Observer

The art of the flop 

It doesn’t matter if it’s college, the NBA, G-League or Euro basketball.  Flopping has become an art form; you know it well.  The 175-pound guard runs into a 230 pound forward and sends him crashing to the floor.  The game official whistles the player for an offensive foul and it goes on and on.   College is different however the NBA has instituted a “No-Flop” rule however we are unsure if it’s managed to curtail the habit of some.  

The block-charge foul might be one of the most difficult to officiate, was the player stationary or did he slide slightly?  The debate rages on and on sparked by the players and fans.  An early architect of the flop was Vlade Divac whose long sense retired, as for the NBA and its anti-flop policy the Piston Blake Griffin then with the Clippers said this, “It’s a cash grab by the NBA.”  Two players no longer playing Reggie Evans and Gerald Wallace were the first to be fined by the NBA for flopping.  More recently we are unaware of others and perhaps the NBA has relaxed its policy.

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

Another outstanding accomplishment

Rest assured Steph Curry would have preferred his team win over passing another player for a record.  His Warriors lost their match versus the Jazz 127-108 with Curry scoring 24 points along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists.  Saturday night would see the diminutive Curry pass former Pacer Reggie Miller in 3-point baskets made with 2,562 and counting for his career.  He now only trails all-time leader Ray Allen with his 2,973, can he catch Allen and pass him too?  Curry is only 32-years old and should have several productive years remaining in his outstanding NBA career. 

I don’t hate Kansas basketball

To clear the air once again I don’t hate Kansas basketball, in fact I like most of the players.  Those who can make it into the NBA are especially admired.  Bill Self is not one of my favorite coaches although I certainly cannot slight his record, he is indeed a winner.  Well Larry Laker what exactly is the problem with Kansas basketball?  The issue is a percentage of the fans I encounter, allow a brief explanation.  The following are conversations I’ve held in the past with Kansas basketball fans. 

The long-time rivalry with Kansas would have been played in 2020 if not for the pandemic, it will be played next season.  Then a home and home series will begin for a period into the future.  At the time Mizzou departed for the SEC elements (we believe Bill Self) just refused to consider playing Mizzou.  I mentioned this to a Kansas fan, and this was his response.  “That’s not a problem all Mizzou has to do is earn a spot in the NCAA and they might play one another.”  His explanation doesn’t make sense on several levels, Mizzou and Kansas might never meet even though both play in the tournament.  They could be placed in different regionals and never face one another except in the semi-final or finals.  One other note except during the Norm Stewart era winning basketball at Mizzou has been up and down, no argument here Kansas has been more consistent and a winner on the court. 

Was this fan just trying to point out the inconsistency of winning Mizzou basketball?  Another fan, a few years ago I said this would be a good time for Kansas to play Mizzou, it would be an automatic win.  This was the comment, “If they (Kansas) win they are supposed to, if they lose the prestige is Mizzou’s.”  Finally, the last fan, I was discussing Mizzou basketball and this fan says, “You need to join our family” meaning Kansas.  Success on the court has certainly led to inflated opinions and egos around Kansas City, thanks but no thanks I will stick with my Tigers. 

Let him speak for himself

Many of us held our breath (not me) waiting for LaVar Ball to speak.  It’s finally occurred, and he’s let the world know he is displeased.  The elder Ball is upset his youngest son LaMelo is not the starting point guard for the Hornets.  Without calling names Hornets coach James Borrego’s indicated several players are not playing up to the standards he believes should occur.  As pointed out and some are aware LaMelo is having a good (notice I didn’t say great) rookie year, despite playing a reserve role his numbers look typical. 

As indicated early his field goal percentage could be better but even that’s not terrible, unable to see all the Hornets games evidently the coach sees something in LaMelo’s game requiring improvement.  As a reminder you might remember LaVar had issues with Luke Walton while he coached the Lakers and oldest son Lonzo.  Defend your offspring if you believe they have been unjustly criticized.  Too our knowledge this has not been the case except the father is upset his son is not a starter, go figure. 

The outcome has not been smooth

The basketball world set up and took notice, last summer top prospect Makur Maker announced he was headed to Howard University in Washington D.C.  For those unfamiliar Howard is one of several HBCU schools across the nation.  These schools originally begun at a time the black populace was prohibited from attending most state and private institutions across the nation.   HBCU schools once graduated most of the black physicians, attorneys, educators, at a point in time. 

A significant amount of football and basketball talent honed their skills at these schools.   As racial barriers were eliminated a vast number of black athletes begin to choose state and private schools that once barred them. HBCU schools witnessed a significant drop in talent once this occurred.  Maker became the first 5-star prospect in ages to pledge to an HBCU school and then the injury, he was shut down after briefly playing and that was early December.  It was speculated he was likely to be a one and done so the question, does he return for his sophomore season?  Only Maker can answer that however what once appeared so bright a basketball future for Howard has become a what if. 

 

Basketball from a fan perspectiv

The game from a fan’s perspective

MIZZ-ZOU

The Tennessee Vols came into Mizzou Arena on December 30 and kicked some Mizzou butt 73-53.  Memory says they must have sunk their first 10 shots on the way to the 20-point victory.  What would the return match be Saturday night with the Tigers traveling to Knoxville to face the Vols again?  Mizzou led from tip off to the final buzzer winning the re-match 73-64.  Mizzou was led by fast-moving guard Xavier Pinson who would score 27 points along with 3 steals and 2 assists. 

Dru Smith pitched in with 18 points no other Tiger finished in double figures no matter.  It was Mizzou’s belly button defense which contributed greatly to the evening win.  Mizzou is now 10-2 and has 4 wins versus 2 losses in SEC play, next up another road trip for the Tigers.  They will pile up more road miles next week traveling to Alabama to face the always tough Auburn Tigers.  This has been mentioned previously but it is worth mentioning again, these guys really like one another.  No glaring look by a teammate with missed passes or bad shots.

I’m surprised, are you?

As this is written the Warriors are 8 up and 7 down hardly what we expected.  Keep in mind with no Klay Thompson rest assured few believed they would compete for the NBA Championship.  Rookie James Wiseman would be inserted in the lineup, but he would be the weakest link.  The weakest due to his lack of NBA experience, the others are a different matter.  The Warriors have young veteran depth at every position except center (Wiseman). 

For unknown reasons Kelly Oubre cannot hit the broadside of a barn, a career 42.7% shooter from the floor he’s shooting 35.5% thus far.  Even Draymon Green is suffering although he’s never been a force offensively it’s the other things he does.  Perhaps that is the problem, Draymon’s not been able to be Draymon.  Have the reserves come up short, that cannot be answered because I haven’t seen them play enough to make that judgement.  Let’s just say expectations were certainly higher than the product we’ve seen on the court.  It’s early so perhaps they get it together and begin to play better. 

We like what we see

Many remember Montrezl Harrell from his days at Louisville, he was a high energy guy crashing the boards and providing the Cardinals scoring punch.  In 2015 the Rockets made him the 32^nd pick in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft, the records indicate Houston would be a way stop.  It was a June 2017 trade to the Clippers we witnessed his play; in the role of 6^th man, he became the Energizer Bunny off the bench for them.  Fast forward to the end of the 2019-20 season, Harrell entered free agency and most expected him to re-sign with the Clippers. 

That was not the case as the Lakers made “Him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”  Since Harrell’s move across the hall in Staples Center he’s provided a spark the Lakers were missing last season.  The 6-foot 7-inch Harrell with his 7-foot 4-inch wingspan battles opposing power forwards and centers.  In addition, he scores the ball although the Lakers run no plays for him.  Laker Nation shouldn’t be surprised after all Harrell won 6^th Man of the Year last season.  Witnessing the game from a fan’s perspective to date we’ve seen little evidence of the negatives laid at his feet.

Another possible shut down

It is always difficult to debate a subject yet to be finalized but here goes anyway.  There is talk of the collegiate basketball season being shut down for the second year in a row, nothing is final as this is written.  Despite this fact the NCAA has set in place a championship tournament to be held exclusively played in Indianapolis alone.  This is no NBA bubble; teams are housed on campus in dorms, much as we’d desire players remain in their rooms it just ain’t happening. 

Has your favorite team cancelled or postponed any games, to date Mizzou’s cancelled or postponed a total of 3 games which certainly isn’t huge?  I’d bet there are other teams with larger numbers of cancelled or postponed games.  Bottom line, the health and safety of the athletes is the most important part of this matter.  If the decision makers come out in favor of cancelling the season, I’m okay with it, are you? 

Basketball from a fan perspective

The game from a fan’s perspective

Sometimes your past reputation proceeds you

Draymon Green was ejected from the Warriors game on Thursday night versus the Knicks, although it is not uncommon for the volatile Green to be ejected from a game this time it was not his fault, it belongs to an official’s oversight.  On the other hand, sometimes, your past reputation proceeds you, Dennis Rodman and Rasheed Wallace can provide a response to that statement. 

This is how it played out, Draymon was being his usual emotional self only this time it wasn’t aimed at a game official.  His ire was intended for rookie center James Wiseman, the official believing Green was criticizing him ejected the Warriors power forward/center.  Green had picked up a technical foul earlier and this one caused him to be ejected.  Warriors coach Steve Kerr indicated the official admitted his mistake, late Friday afternoon came word the second technical was rescinded for Green.        

On top of the heap

My friend Alex pointed out the conference strength of the Big 12 in our discussion the other day.  I’m looking at teams (Kansas-Mizzou) rather than conferences, but I decided to conduct specific research, sure enough he was correct it appears at least to the middle of January the Big 12 is the strongest overall conference in the nation.  Are you curious about other conferences, I sure was, I used teamranking.com/ncaa-basketball to resolve the question?  The Big 12 Conference is number one in the nation as Alex affirmed, following them is the American Conference in second place. 

In third is the SEC followed by the ACC and Big 10, my how the mighty have fallen.  To date ACC and Big 10 dynamo conferences are certainly not competing to date as they have in years past.  I hope you find this information as interesting as I did especially the evidence regarding the top two conferences in the land.  If you click on the link below you can check on several others across the nation if you care.  If you are unfamiliar with the American Conference several familiar schools might be Wichita State, Memphis, Houston, and Cincinnati. 

 https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-basketball/rpi-ranking/rpi-rating-by-conf

The 30,000-point club

The NBA has an exclusive club belonging to just a few athletes, it’s those who scored 30,000-points over the course of their NBA careers.  Several great players over time have failed to reach that figure in fact once we considered 20,000 points an insurmountable number.  Who are they, we’ll all are retired except one…LeBron James?  James might one day pass the current leader Kareem Abdul Jabbar, he leads the way with 38,387 points. 

Just missing the cut is the late Moses Malone with 27,409, a total of 29,580 with his American Basketball Association numbers.  Karl Malone is second with 36,928, LeBron James is third with 34,597, next the late Kobe Bryant at 33,643.  Michael Jordan 33,292 followed by Dirk Nowitzki with 31,560 and we conclude with Wilt Chamberlain and his 31,419 points scored. As you can see the 30,000-point club is exclusive with only 7 members.  Other than James there are no other active players even close to the figure.  Carmelo Anthony might be the nearest and he’s at 26,604 points scored. 

He needs to lose weight

Karl Malone stood 6 feet 9 inches tall and 250 pounds, he personified the term “Power Forward.”  When he addresses an issue of play by a power forward it causes our ears to perk up and that’s just what he did.  The Mailman says the Pelicans Zion Williamson needs to lose weight, early in the season we discussed the fact Williamson appeared to be somewhat slimer.  Despite the photo we all saw Williamson has not loss as much weight as Malone and others appear to believe. 

The Pelicans roster list the young man as 6 foot 6 inches and 284 pounds.  Malone claims Williamson “needs to lose some weight.”  The Mailman went on to state carrying that much weight on his frame could be damaging to his knees and shorten his NBA future.  In this instance the words of Malone could possibly ring true, perhaps Williamson should heed the words of Karl Malone based on the length of time he spent in the NBA.