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.