Words eye view

Basketball from a fan perspective

What an ugly game

The stench in the air Tuesday night many smelled was emanating from the Ole Miss-Mizzou game.  Ole Miss guys won the game however I’ve concluded two things, and neither might be correct.  Either Mizzou plays a sorry game versus Ole Miss or they force Mizzou to play junk yard basketball.  I’m not sure which observation is correct.  If we just read the score (60-53) we might believe it was an ordinary victory for Ole Miss. 

A closer inspection details the tragedy which occurred Tuesday evening.  Mizzou shot 35.1% from the floor however Ole Miss wasn’t much better at a paltry 38.2%.  Ole Miss was 27.2% from the 3 line while Mizzou was 30.4, Mizzou usually a good team from the free throw line was 54.5%. Ever heard of a 2-3 zone, evidentially Mizzou nor its coaching staff had ever heard of it or witnessed it being implemented by a team? 

The staff and team made little if any adjustments to combat the defense.  The Tigers have now lost 4 of their last 5 games and going into the SEC and NCAA Tournament they should be playing their best basketball.  Mizzou’s game on Saturday has already been cancelled, Texas A&M has COVID issues.  It’s just as well based on the recent play of Mizzou, I will continue to root for these Tigers however my expectations have been lowered substantially…I’m out.   

An NBA future? 

The NBA draft will not be held until June, changes might occur between now and then.  We believe Ariel Hukporti might be drafted, Hukporti is a 7-foot 250-pound center from Germany and his game continues to improve.  We read in his bio as a 10-year-old he stood 5 foot 11, can you imagine the problems that created in youth sports for him?  Fast forward to the present day, he now plays for BC Nevezis in the Lithuanian Basketball League.  Although Hukporti was born in Germany his parents are from the west African nation of Togo. 

Hukporti’s name appears on several draft sites, as for a scouting report, “He projects as a role player early in his (NBA) and will have to earn minutes with his rebounding, interior defense, and running the floor but he’s got some offensive talent as well and should develop into more of a scoring threat.  His ability to get off the ground at his size is impressive.” *  Hukporti will turn 19 prior to the draft and all this could change, he could decide he’s not ready for the NBA.  On the other hand, he could do as several others in the past, he is drafted but the NBA decides on him remaining in Europe for additional development.  This is all speculation on my part as this is written, if there are further developments readers of Words eye view will be updated. 

*nbadraft.net 

McDonalds 2021 All Americans

24 young men can now add McDonalds All American to their resume, as mentioned earlier the pandemic forced the cancellation of the annual game.  No need to list the entire roster other publications will do that for us.  Naturally Rivals number one prospect Chet Holmgren is on the list, as this is written Holmgren is undecided for now on a college choice. In the Midwest in the States of Kansas and Missouri there are three McDonalds All Americans, point guard Kennedy Chandler headed to Tennessee and Baylor bound small forward Kendall Brown both from Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita.  Headed to Washington D.C. and Georgetown is shooting guard Aminu Mohammed Springfield Missouri.     

Bits n Pieces

Is stardom for several NBA athletes about to burst out?  We saw glimpses of Joel Embiid’s talent while at Kansas, injuries certainly impacted his game, we are just now witnessing his true potential.  We could make a similar statement regarding Laker second year man Talen Horton-Tucker.  The Lakers coaching staff especially Frank Vogel loves what he brings to the table.  The game of De’Aaron Fox of the Kings continues to mature, and we could make the same statement about others.  All many athletes require are the T’s, time and talent allowing their game to grow. 

By the time this is read Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center will serve as host for Knick and Nets fans and their opponents.  Up to 10% of the arena’s capacity will be allowed to see games in person.  As with most sports events in this pandemic age social distancing, limited seating and a negative COVID-19 test will be a requirement to enter the building.  A spokesperson said this; “We can’t wait until everyone is vaccinated before we allow fans in the building again.”

Kai Sotto came to these shores from the Philippines to improve his basketball skill. As high school concluded it was believed the 7-foot 2 232-pound Sotto would head off to college.  It was at this point the NBA G-League made its presence known, the G-League would build a team comprised of outstanding high school players.  These players would be paid immediately rather than wait a year for the NBA.  Sotto and his teammates began play and then it occurred.  Sotto left these shores to return home to play for his nation’s team.  In this pandemic age travel has become difficult and we now discover Sotto is not returning or rather he can’t.  As for the future will he submit his name for the 2022 NBA draft his ultimate dream?