Published Daily  

Basketball from a fans perspective

The Battle for Kansas

The Kansas Jayhawks are the number 2 team in the nation, we should expect them to be favored in their Tuesday evening game against the Kansas State Wildcats the number 13 team. For those unfamiliar with the geography the two schools are located about 100 road miles from the other. In the hearts and minds of many inside the state they are thousands of miles apart. The game was played at KSU with the rematch scheduled at the end of January in Lawrence. KSU began as if they intended to run their rivals out of Bramlage Coliseum. As most expected, KU rebounded and just like an MMA fight each side inflicted knockout punch after knockout punch as they attempted to displace the other for the lead.

Despite this fact the game was tied at the end of regulation, an overtime was required to determine a winner. In the OT KSU scored 11 points and KU 10 resulting in an 83-82 win for KSU. As for the nuts and bolts of the game it went in this manner. KU forward Jaylen Wilson had a career night leading the way with 38 points and 9 rebounds in45 minutes of action. On the other side KSU forward Keyontae Johnson scored 24 points including an alley-oop dunk in OT which proved to be the game winner. This game becomes a winner for KSU nothing more, there remains a great deal of Big XII conference play. All in all I believe Jerome Tang is due a shout out for apparently turning the KSU basketball program around in his first year on the job.

And you thought I’d forgotten

Time has passed since you’ve seen a story on Victor Wembanyama from me. The 7-foot 4 French teen has continued to amaze us with his all-around game. I thought I’d take time and address a few of the concerns I’ve heard about him. Weight-Wembanyama is in between, he doesn’t weigh as little as some have reported or as much as others. His playing weight is about 220 pounds, and you say, “That’s thin for someone with that height” and I am going to agree with you. Kevin Durant arrived in the NBA about 210 pounds but now is reported to be about 240, do you remember the story? When he came into the NBA projected high draft choices participated in the NBA Draft workout. It was reported (it’s never been confirmed) Durant couldn’t bench press a certain amount it was believed he should be capable.

I think Durant’s managed to do okay for himself over the course of his NBA career. If we briefly return to the past, we could look at George Gervin as an example too. The Ice Man stood 6 foot 7 but a spindly 180 pounds, talent plus those pounds managed to place him in the Naismith Hall of Fame. He’s gained 10 pounds since the 2015 draft however Kristaps Porzingis checked in at 230 pounds, that’s thin for someone 7 foot 3 inches in height. Have you noticed what’s going on with this account? I said, “address a few of the concerns” and Wembanyama’s weight is the only issue in some minds. Euro league opposition might not push him around in the same manner he will face in the NBA however it’s my early belief he should be able to hold his own. Are there any other questions to discuss, and you thought I’d forgotten about Victor Wembanyama?

Are they correct 

I watched and listened to a post-game review of the Clippers; the Sixers had just won the game against the Clippers beating them by 10 points. I listened as Candance Parker, Shaq and Jamal Crawford each made an assessment of the Clippers. The trio mentioned the same story we’ve heard since the beginning of the season, injuries plus lack of continuity continue to impact the team. This is the part I wish to share with those who didn’t see the telecast. As this is written the Clippers have won 23 games while losing 23 certainly noteworthy. They claimed "This team is built for the playoffs" and not the regular season.

It was mentioned despite their .500 record they are 7 in the Western Conference which would guarantee a playoff spot. The trio also discussed how deep and talented laden this Clipper team is, this portion I can agree, much of the NBA season remains. My question is this gathering, and others continue to repeat how talent laden they believe the Clippers are. This is where I separate myself from the pack. A healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are certainly elite NBA players. John Wall’s game has regressed although he remains solid. Norman Powell and others are certainly talented but other than the names mentioned I’m not impressed. If I had the opportunity to ask any of the three a series of questions, I’d start with this one, how can you establish continuity with an everchanging lineup? Also this one, are the Clippers overrated as a team? Chemistry is very important to a team no matter what sport we are discussing, tell me, am I missing something regarding this version of the Clippers.

We hardly knew you

As Michael Porter Jr.’s star continues to rise, I can state we in Mizzou Nation hardly knew you. Former Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin had captured lightning, he was hired and the top high school player in the nation would soon follow him to Columbia. Mizzou Nation was excited, most believed based on what was read Porter Jr. would only play for one season, it was the NBA for him. The anticipation of Porter Jr. leading Mizzou to an exceptional season went down the drain quickly, he injured his back in his first game against Iowa State.

Surgery was performed in November, and he was able to return to action March 2018. He came off the bench in two and that would be it, shortly thereafter Porter Jr. announced he intended to apply for the NBA draft. June 2018 the Nuggets well aware of his injury issue drafted him anyway with pick 14 in the first round. The Rivals 5-star prospect expected to lead Mizzou to great heights was unable to accomplish much playing only three games in total. After a slow NBA start, we’ve seen the 6-foot 10 Porter rise close to the level projected at one point while at Mizzou.