Basketball from a fans perspective

Big Man returns to….

Early in the spring Illinois Big Man Kofi Cockburn announced he was declaring for the NBA draft. Then he changed his mind and decided he would return to school it just wasn’t going to be Illinois. It was believed Cockburn might be headed to Kentucky; it seems two Illinois assistants had gone to work for John Calipari. Finally in the middle of the week came word a decision would be made by Friday. True to his word Cockburn announced…drum roll please, he was returning to…. Illinois. The 7-foot 285-pound Cockburn might be somewhat lost in time, his game is a throwback to a young Shaquille O’Neal a game of power.

Cockburn is caught up in the same change that affected Udoka Azubuike of Kansas. Azubuike was drafted near the bottom of the first round in the 2020 draft but has played little. The Jazz sent him to their G-League affiliate for further development. The NBA of 2021 contains few true post men and perhaps that’s the issue few mock draft sites contain Cockburn’s name. This statement is made even though Cockburn’s numbers have shown improvement through his first two seasons of college basketball. Regardless of the apparent negatives Cockburn received honors being selected second team All American and First Team All-Big Ten. In the long run it might not be the NBA for Cockburn perhaps a pro career somewhere in Europe might be in his future.

Bits n Pieces

This is a plus/minus story, sources vary in number that’s why I intend to point that out early. Ever wonder which university or college has produced the most NBA players? This is no reference to NBA All Stars just guys who matriculated at a particular school and found their way into the NBA. This is only a Top five list:

Kentucky 122

UCLA 99

North Carolina 90

Duke 83

Kansas 79

There is an assertion in Mizzou Nation “He’s the one who got away.” The “he” in this instance is Suns guard Devin Booker, he was supposed to be headed to Mizzou or that was the hope. Many in the state held their breath while he decided to choose a school to attend, I didn’t hold much hope he would choose Mizzou. Unfortunately for Mizzou Kentucky was the winner while Mizzou was left with, if only. As for the belief by a few he might choose Mizzou has to do with family dynamics. His dad played briefly in the NBA but had an outstanding career at…. you guessed it Mizzou.  How good was Melvin Booker, he left Mizzou as the 7th all-time leading scorer in university basketball history?     

What occurs now?   

The world of Kawhi Leonard at present is all speculation on our part, the Clipper forward appears to say “look at my actions” rather than my talk. As for the conversation it’s not much from him in fact, it appears his uncle might be the driving force behind some of the moves the enigmatic Leonard’s made in the past. It was reported Leonard’s uncle operating in stealth mode was directly involved in the Clipper/Laker negotiations two plus years ago. With Leonard’s recent surgery and a 6 to 12-month recovery don’t be surprised at what might occur August 1 when free agency begins.

What might occur for Leonard in the future since we began this account by speculating? I’m glad you ask because a bunch of things might occur. The first and most likely he signs with the Clippers and plays with them through retirement. After all Southern California is home despite state taxes. Of course, Texas and Florida could come calling with the addition of no state tax, both the Mavs and Heat could allow him to sit and heal. The Mavs did something similar after they acquired Kristaps Porzingis and we know what occurred with the Nuggets and Michael Porter Jr. If you expected an answer, you are looking in the wrong place, like you I will be waiting for Leonard to decide his future.

The motor city 

Motoring on, after all Detroit remains the automotive capital of the nation. Most 2021 mock draft sites have listed Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham the top pick continuously since first releasing them. In fact, Cunningham was listed the top pick long prior to his declaration for the draft. Everything says the Pistons make him the top pick on July 29, on the other hand they could trade the pick. That’s the report we hear although it certainly isn’t confirmed. My thought, unless the Pistons gain a veteran who moves them into the playoffs a trade provides no incentive. It’s my belief they keep the pick and build around Cunningham for now and into the future. Expect to see the talented point/shooting guard in action at Little Caesars Arena in the fall. On the other hand, one website claims there are “Three NBA teams attempting to arrange a trade for the number one pick." 

More smoke than an actual fire

Any time the NCAA levels charges it is duck and cover time. Duck to avoid the charges levied at you and cover yourself for the abuse headed your way by the media. It’s been nearly two years since the NCAA charged Kansas basketball with Five Level 1 violations, level 1 being the most serious. We waited and waited for punishment to be dealt out to the program. At some point coach Bill Self tired of waiting announced he intended to file a countersuit against the NCAA. Whether he did or not is unknown at this point, moving onward the NCAA announced judgment would be rendered toward Kansas basketball within a year, a year as in 365 days?

We cannot begin to imagine why it takes this length of time to conclude, either Kansas is guilty or maybe they are not. One of the complaints made about the NCAA is the policy of punishment. It’s said they only issue strict penalties against mid major schools and on occasion a Power 5 Conference school. There is no method to prove the validity of the statement however don’t you think it’s strange? Perennial basketball power Kansas has charges against the program drag on for almost three years with no end in sight. If you’ve read this blog any length of time you realize I don’t value, the NCAA very highly. It’s always been my belief a governing body is required for hundreds of college programs but one run fairly and with as little politics involved as possible.