Words eye view

Basketball from a fan perspective

The issues

Mizzou Nation is pleased with the win over South Carolina on Saturday but there are gaping “holes” in this team, they have come to the surface in recent weeks.  As we head toward the NCAA tournament teams should be playing their best basketball, in truth that’s not Mizzou.  Mizzou is not a topnotch offensive team only averaging about 74 points a game, the defense gives up 71 points…see the catch.  Mizzou must play ahead; they cannot trail an opponent significantly and expect to win the game.

Once they fall behind that’s where the breakdown begins, Mizzou has limited ability to outscore any team.  They are often out rebounded, especially on the offensive end.  The ability to win games becomes limited unless all elements function in sequence and that’s been an issue over the last 5 or so games.  Mizzou Nation hopes the team plays out the season effectively.  As detailed yesterday if there is finger pointing it’s aimed at the coach, this writer continues to believe the coach receives my endorsement for whatever that’s worth.    

Is he worth it?

In a surprise move the Rockets and Boogie Cousins have decided to part ways.  A player is coming off the injury list and the Rockets want the minutes to go to the youngster.  The good, the Rockets will pay him for the balance of the season.  Boogie becomes a free agent and can sign with any team, is this a move for the Lakers?  Better yet do the Lakers want him, his game has deteriorated to the point he provides little if any defense.  If not Boogie you will note an account later related to a possible Laker Big Man addition. 

Power 5 versus mid-major

I thought it might be appropriate to re-visit aspects of college basketball terminology.  We hear sports anchors and writers use the term “Power 5” or “Mid-Major” when referring to college basketball teams.  What exactly does the term entail for those who might not be familiar with it?  The Big 10, Big 12, SEC, ACC & Pac 12 conferences and their teams are considered power 5. 

All the other conferences, the Missouri Valley, Ivy League, Atlantic 10 or Mountain West and the remainders are dubbed mid-major conferences.  What exactly is the definition of a mid-major, in my view the term applies to football more so than basketball.  Several mid-major schools have no football programs if they do, they fail to compete with Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, and others on the gridiron.  As for the basketball a good mid major will likely beat a poor power 5 school 5 out of 6 times.  The only reason the statement is made come NCAA Tournament time the ball bounces in the same manner for both conferences.       

Has Mark Jackson been blackballed?

Jackson last coached in the NBA in 2014, it’s been 7 years since he prowled the sidelines for the Warriors as head coach.  In May of 2014, the Warriors fired Jackson despite the fact the team had won 51 games and earned a playoff berth that season.  Losing to the Clippers might have been a contributing factor in Jackson being fired.  Every time a coach is fired or leaves for another team, we never hear Jackson’s name being mentioned as a replacement. 

There are individuals who don’t interview well, that might be part of the problem…maybe.  Jackson finally addressed the issue that’s been whispered around NBA circles.  Jackson is an ordained minister, the story goes he invited Steph Curry to his church, at the time Curry had suffered several ankle injuries.  No need of going into further detail except to say Jackson claims he never asked Curry to do anything which might have placed his career in jeopardy. 

We are unsure at this point if Jackson desires to return to coaching, remember it’s been 7 years.  Jackson’s not dealt with travel, massaging delicate player egos or other issues and most of all be unable to rest or sleep due to his teams play.  We mentioned this in the past ESPN is likely compensating him well as a television analyst.  Maybe Jackson doesn’t want to return to coaching as much as clearing questions regarding his past.