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Basketball from a fans perspective

Not so funny now

A change has occurred in the NBA standings, if you remember the early story the Pelicans own the Lakers first round pick thanks in part to the Anthony Davis trade. The poor start by the Lakers at the beginning of the season gave hope to Pelican fans they had a shot at drafting Victor Wembanyama. In addition it had the legion of Laker haters laughing at them because it appeared they would lose the opportunity to draft a potential star like Wemby.

Although nothing is settled at the time it is not the laughing matter the haters hoped for just a few weeks ago. It’s changed because the Lakers have shown signs of improved play over time. It’s still far too early in the season to determine the final resting place for the Lakers however I’m sure it won’t be in last place as it appeared early. As for the Pelicans and their fans they remain a twofold winner, the team has played improved basketball thanks in part to having Zion Williamson in the lineup. As this is written they have the opportunity for the 6^th pick in the 2023 draft although it could be higher. The Pelicans remain in an enviable position as they remain winners no matter the outcome of the final standings. 

Where does he stand

Arkansas made a slam dunk hiring Eric Musselman as head coach. The Razorbacks have never won less than 20 games going into his fourth year at the helm. The 2022-23 Arkansas team was expected to duplicate or possibly exceed the standard established by last season’s team. Musselman recruiting brought on board McDonalds All American and 5-star prospect Nick Smith to choose Arkansas.

Most mock draft sites project Smith as the number three pick in the 2023 draft, only behind Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. With Division I play and the NBA in his immediate future came a present-day issue, Smith would face a serious injury concern, the 6-foot 5 combo guard is out indefinitely with a new term I’ve never heard previous. The school used the term “knee management” to describe Smith’s current condition. This is a developing story which I will continue to update as additional news becomes available.   

No do overs permitted

As most are aware Texas coach Chris Beard has been suspended, I have my doubts if he returns as coach of his alma mater. We only know an altercation occurred, when his fiancée called the police, she claimed Beard choked her which he denied. After his arrest she indicated a desire to drop the charges however that’s not possible. I certainly make no claims about my legal knowledge however I don’t believe you can accuse someone of assault and later claim “it didn’t happen.”

There are no do overs in the legal system so what is to occur going forward. Beard remains suspended until a trial occurs which means no more basketball. I’ve read it could be February before this case comes up for assignment to a court. Texas was thought to be a contender for the Big XII championship this season with Beard leading the way, all that’s changed now. This is a “He said, she said” account but that’s all the system has to work with for now. In addition today’s climate leaves no room for even the hint a male subject might have physically assaulted a female.

He's a throwback

Joel Embiid’s led the Sixers into the playoffs several times, play for a championship is yet to occur. Once Embiid was able to resolve his early NBA history of injuries, he’s been an All Star in my view. I was not upset when Nikola Jokic was awarded the MVP for the second year in a row, I believed it should have been Embiid. That issue aside other than his 3pt shooting I believe he’s a throwback to centers of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Embiid has no sky hook or anything close, but he’s got a series of shots in and around the basket that make him an outstanding talent. Embiid’s come quite a distance from that raw player I first saw at KU years ago.

Many probably don’t remember this, he was not the starting center during the first portion of his freshman year. Tarik Black (6 foot 9 260 pounds) was playing center although he was more a power forward. There is no day and date, but Embiid would eventually displace Black in the starting lineup. Embiid would go down with an injury and miss the balance of his freshman year. I said at the time, “He needs to return to school for his sophomore year.” That would not be the case, Embiid declared for the draft and would become the 3^rd pick in the first round of the 2014 draft. His early NBA career was plagued by injuries allowing few opportunities to demonstrate his talent. It is likely Embiid misses the MVP again, but it has little to do with his ability or talent.

KenPom and others vs Top 25

I admit up front I don’t understand KenPom totally I understand why it’s an effective tool. You and I are conditioned to look at the weekly Top 25 to gauge who’s who in the collegiate world but is it accurate? I’m unsure any poll is as accurate as KenPom for this reason. Do you really believe coaches have so much time on their hands they can rate the play of teams they have never seen? We could apply the same to beat writers, I could look at myself alone.

I’m trying to follow Mizzou, Eastern Michigan, SLU, New Mexico and the Lakers (yes, I know they are not college) as closely as possible and with that I still miss or overlook stories. With KenPom teams are rated on SOS (strength of schedule) so that’s why the anomaly of Mizzou exists. Prior to facing number 16 Illinois Mizzou was rank 40 in KenPom, after the victory they dropped two spots. ESPN college uses Basketball Power Index, the difference, they have Mizzou at 67 with their tool. Bottom line whatever method used it’s my belief the Top 25 might be the shakiest of all. On the other hand nothing wrong with using the Top 25 as your barometer should you choose.