Words eye view 

Basketball from a fan perspective

Indianapolis, the center of the college basketball world

The headline is an exaggeration a bit, its simply intended to point out all the NCAA Tournament games will be played in the Indianapolis metro.  The NCAA designed the event in this manner to avoid travel and hopefully not be impacted by covid.  Should a team(s) experience a negative covid test they will be disqualified, no make-up games will occur.  Below are locations of games and reduced seating will be available for those desiring to attend games.   

Lucas Oil Stadium (NFL Colts)

Hinkle Fieldhouse (Butler University)

Indiana Farmers Coliseum

Bankers Life Fieldhouse (NBA Pacers)

Mackey Arena (Purdue University)  

Speaking of the tournament

I believe a special shout out should be reserved for Wichita State and Isaac Brown and his Shockers earning an NCAA berth.  He was named interim head coach after Gregg Marshall was relieved of duties, the investigation on Marshall was on going.  Brown took over the Wichita State program 8 days prior to the start of the basketball season, as an assistant he was familiar to the players however there was a key change. 

You might remember we read several players left Wichita State due to issues with the departed Marshall.  We must believe Brown managed to change the culture existing previously between the former coach and several players.  Brown was named interim coach 8 days prior to the season start.  Brown was rewarded with the coaching job thus far, February 26 the interim tag was removed, and he is now working with a 5-year contract.   

Flying beneath the radar

The 2020-21 college basketball season is no different from most as usual Gonzaga is undefeated, as this is written they are 26-0, 15-0 in the conference.  The media pays little interest in West Coast Conference basketball and in fairness it might be a time issue.  Spokane Washington is on Pacific Standard Time, a start time of 7:00 becomes 10:00 p.m. in New York, few on the east coast are likely to remain up to 1:30 or so to a game’s conclusion. 

All coach Mark Few does is recruit players who adapt to his vision of offense and defense, over the years a number have moved into the NBA.  Regardless of the NCAA tournament at least two Zags will likely be drafted by NBA teams. The symphony’s been directed by this longtime coach over the years.  As this written we have no idea of Gonzaga’s run in the NCAA tournament this season.  If they should win it all don’t be shocked or even surprised…they just might be that good.  Although he’s yet to commit it appears the top prospect in the Class of 2021 and Naismith High School Player of the Year 7 foot 1 Chet Holmgren is likely headed to Spokane.   

Rising to the top

For most of the fall, winter and entering early spring Cade Cunningham was at the top.   The top in this instance is most NBA mock drafts, they project this 6-foot 7-inch combo guard to that pick but wait there’s more.  At least one mock site has Jalen Green in the top spot although most still contain Cunningham’s name.  What do we know about Green, he was originally headed to college (he indicates it would have been Memphis) but decided in favor of being paid immediately? 

The NBA G-League contacted outstanding high school players, they wanted to assemble a team of high-profile players.  Green would sign a 1-year $500,000 contract and began play for Team Ignite?  Green is a 6-foot 6-inch wing player and reports indicate he’s dominating play in the G-League, he’s scoring nearly 18 points a game on 46% shooting.  In addition, it is clear he is facing stiffer competition than he would have in college.  Don’t be surprised if you hear Commissioner Silver announce, “With the first pick in the 2021 NBA draft the _______ select Jalen Green from Team Ignite.”

Not good news

If you are an opponent of the Lakers reading this is not good news for your team and fans, owner Jeanie Buss made it known she has no difficulty paying the NBA’s luxury tax.  For those who might be unfamiliar with the term please note the following.  “The luxury tax is a mechanism that helps control team spending.  While it is commonly referred to as a ‘luxury tax,’ the CBA simply calls it a ‘tax’ or a ‘team payment.’  It is paid by high spending teams-those with a team salary exceeding a predetermined tax level.  These teams pay a penalty for each dollar their team salary (with a few exceptions exceeds the tax level.” This description of the luxury tax are the words of Larry Coon of ESPN. 

The Laker owner indicates she owes it to LeBron James and the City of Los Angeles to provide the best basketball available.  Naturally, this entails acquiring players through free agency or trade.  It’s my belief the franchise has always operated in this manner however there were “lost years”, the period when team operations were led by brother Jim Buss.  I cannot pinpoint a time for this next statement, let’s just say I remember Laker ownership prior to the death of Dr. Jerry Buss.  At the time Dr. Buss died in 2013, I believed Jeanie Buss would take over leadership.  She was the face of the franchise even back then to me.  I am unsure if I was aware of brother Jim, but we see who the brains behind the franchise is now, the name ain't Jim.