Basketball from a fans perspective   

Published Monday through Friday

Alex who?

It’s been noted previously Laker fans loved Alex Caruso; the former Texas A&M player went undrafted in 2016. He played in the G-League for the Thunder, later it would be the Lakers G-League team. All during this time he worked on his game. In 2019 Caruso earned a spot on the roster where he began to make contributions. Last summer most believed he would re-sign with the Lakers, imagine the shock when Caruso decided on the Bulls. Despite losing Caruso his replacement is at hand already, over the summer the Lakers signed three undrafted free agents one of them Austin Reaves.

The Arkansas native had played first at Wichita State and concluded his play with the University of Oklahoma. It’s easy to see where his love for the game was perfected, both parents played basketball at Arkansas State and an older brother who plays professionally. Another story of interest, it would appear it was believed he was thought of as a second-round draft choice. As proof of his confidence, he’s reported to have informed NBA teams through his agent to not draft him.

The 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard had enough confidence in his ability to pick the NBA team he felt aided him most, that would be the Lakers. Reaves might continue in a reserve role although we could debate his future. It’s possible in the yet to come future he might become a starter for the Lakers or another NBA team. If his future with another NBA team its likely he makes the decision. If for example he continues to show ice water in his veins (the game winner) as he did with the Mavs NBA teams might be trying to bust down the door to get him. A few of us had uncomplimentary things to say about Caruso and look where he is…big payday and all.

One of the best

If we held a discussion of All-Time great centers, I’d bet money no one mentions Artis Gilmore’s name. Our conversations would include the usual suspects, Wilt, Kareem, Russell and maybe Bob Lanier or Shaq. Someone just might slip in the late Nate Thurmond’s name or The Admiral David Robinson few would mention Gilmore. Spurs fans are seething at this point, allow me to state, feel free to check. Although Tim Duncan stood 7 feet the bulk of his play was spent as a power forward, he formed a twin tower combo with David Robinson. As for Gilmore during his ABA/NBA career he would score over 24,000 points with nearly 12,000 rebounds.

Despite beginning his professional career with the ABA Kentucky Colonels, he would spend more time the Bull and Spurs. You might ask the question why is Gilmore so invisible compared to several of the other names, it’s likely his demeanor? The personality of a Wilt or Shaq drew the media to them; for Russell it was the same although somewhat subtle. Gilmore nicknamed the A-Train quietly scored, rebounded the basketball and blocked shots for three pro franchises. Born 72 years ago in Chipley Florida he arrived in the ABA from Jacksonville University. In 2011 a long over-due honor came his way as Gilmore was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame. Since his playing days ended, he’s been active in the Jacksonville community, Artis Gilmore a link to basketballs rich history.

One of the best

Teamwork is needed, that is the goal. If there are more than two individuals involved, you must work to blend your effort. This also applies in sport too, there is no method to duplicate game conditions in practice. In addition, it is difficult to group talented players and expect them to blend their game to one another no matter how long they have played. We have first-hand evidence of this struggle in college and the NBA, the Mizzou Tigers and the Los Angeles Lakers. With Mizzou Cuonzo Martin recruited heavily but added four “veteran” players to the roster.

None of the four are outstanding prospects however it was thought their experience would blend in with the first-year players. Ronnie DeGray II, DaJuan Gordon, Jaron Coleman and Amari Davis would lead the way for Mizzou…to date that’s not been the case. As conference play begins will this quartet improve their play and lead the Tigers to victory? As for the Lakers the story is somewhat similar with Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Jordan, Carmelo Anthony and the balance of new additions have the same issue. Individually they are talented, collectively is the issue which has been the problem all season long. There are defensive lapses however this Laker team can effectively score the basketball, the issue can they turn this effort around and defend better i.e., score a little less but defend better?

Beware of the Phog

Kansas fans love motto “Beware of the Phog”, it is intended to intimidate opposing teams that play in historic Allen Fieldhouse. About 600 road miles south-southwest of Lawrence Kansas lies Waco Texas home of the Baylor Bears. Their counter to Kansas might say, “Beware of the Bears” as they prepare to face the opposition. We believed 2021 might be an anomaly with Baylor winning the NCAA Championship.

Losing players to the NBA we believed they might be a little down this season, so far that has not been the case. Head Coach Scott Drew arrived at Waco prepared to deal with the aftermath of a basketball program that fell on tough times due to its coaching staff. As this is written Baylor is the number one team in the nation in both polls with 10 wins as this is written and no losses. It’s interesting Kansas fans point to the belief this is the best team in at least two years, despite this fact they still might finish in second place to Baylor.