Basketball from a fans perspective

Published Monday through Friday

A funny thing occurred waiting on the NBA season to begin

A primary element of basketball be it NBA, college, prep or AAU. One must have the ability to JUMP to a degree to play successfully. Have you ever noticed the number of pop tunes have that word as part of their title? It should be of note at least 3 of these tunes can be heard in arenas during those rare occasions that call for a jump ball. I don’t own the rights to any of this music,

Jump-Van Halen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwYN7mTi6HM

Jump (For my Love)-Pointer Sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyTVyCp7xrw

Jump Around-House of Pain & Cypress Hill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzpxjuwZy0

Jump-Kriss Kross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=010KyIQjkTk

Jump On It-Sugarhill Gang

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jump+on+it+sugarhill+gang

Jump Right In-Zac Brown Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb7tbzuGHzw

There are other tunes omitted which have JUMP in the title, oh well hurry up Tuesday I’m anxious for real play on the basketball court.

We’ve touched on this issue previously  

This illustration was used in the past and its used here again. Remember in the movie Hoosiers, the small-town team in fictional Hickory Indiana had beaten all comers? After playing in tiny gyms, they arrive at massive Butler University Fieldhouse, the team was intimidated by the size of the building. Coach Dale (Gene Hackman) had his players measure the court and the height of the basket. Dale was trying to impress upon his team despite the size of the building basketball remained the same.

We discussed the schools choosing to join the Big XII we also showed they now belong to a Power 5 conference. What exactly does that entail, could Cincinnati beat Oklahoma State in basketball? How about Central Florida and Texas Tech matched against one another? Cincinnati and Central Florida could certainly win if matched against these Power 5 schools. As for the term Power 5 it is valid however it has nothing to do with the ability of a so-called mid-major to win over a power school. The point we are trying to make is from Hoosiers, the measurements on the basketball court are the same no matter where you play. Any college team can beat another, that is all.

Don’t become confused by numbers

I don’t often agree with LaVar Ball except in one area, he is prone to say, “Stay in your lane.” I’ve always taken that to imply if you perform a task successfully continue it, the warning don’t venture into unexplored or areas you have little knowledge and offer a conclusion. Where am I going with this rant, to our resident “experts.” Memphis released figures on several of its players, our focus was on Emoni Bates, at 6 foot 9 it is noted Bates has a 6 foot 7 ¼ inch wingspan. On reading the news this from the first writer, “6 foot 7 wingspan, that’s not good. Along with 24.5 vertical, ouch! From another writer, I was thinking the same thing…he’s gonna struggle with length and athleticism.”

These two have concluded Bates will labor at the collegiate level prior to him venturing onto the court. We might indeed realize he’s not cut out for the college game, but it might be helpful to see him play in college before concluding he can’t. This might appear to be contradicting my point but consider this fact. Russell Westbrook is distinctive; he stands 6 foot 3 but has a 6-foot 8-inch wingspan. Pre-draft Kevin Durant was unable to lift a makeable weight for his height and weight. I’m not opposed to these fans offering their opinion on Bates but to figure out a theory without evidence is a little ridiculous in my view. I guess all the time however the area these two “experts” feel comfortable to discuss I certainly would refuse. The final factor to consider, Bates is only 17-years old he’s got time and he can certainly work at improving his physical numbers over the course of time.

A re-visit

If you held a discussion of All-Time great centers its likely no one mentions Artis Gilmore’s name. The usual suspects are always Wilt, Kareem, Russell and maybe Bob Lanier and Shaq. There are other centers the late Nate Thurmond and David Robinson come to mind. Sorry Tim Duncan fans great as he was the bulk of his play was spent as a power forward. As for Gilmore during his joint ABA/NBA career he scored over 24,000 points and had nearly 12,000 rebounds.  Despite beginning his career in the ABA, he spent more time with the Bulls and Spurs than he did with the Kentucky Colonels.

Why is Gilmore so ‘invisible’ you ask it’s likely his demeanor?  Shaq and Wilt’s personality drew the media to them; Russell did as well although not in the same manner. Gilmore nicknamed the A-Train “quietly” scored, rebounded the basketball and blocked shots for three franchises. He was born 67 years ago in Chipley Florida and arrived in the ABA from Jacksonville University. In 2011 a long over-due honor came his way as he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. It's reported Gilmore's been active in the Jacksonville community since his playing days ended.