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Basketball from a fans perspective

The record

He didn’t do it; although I believed Antoine Davis would break the Pete Maravich scoring record, he came up three points short. At the time I first became aware of Davis and his assault on the Maravich record I thought for sure he’d break the record. You might remember I wrote earlier the Detroit Mercy guard has been on a scoring binge during his collegiate career. Then it occurred, covid allowed Davis and others an extra year of eligibility so this is year five (2022-2023) for him.

With Davis coming up short in the last game of the regular season does the story end there, I am unsure of this based on what might occur in a few weeks. The post season CBE Tournament COULD invite Detroit Mercy (14-19) and with one additional game for Davis he could exceed the record. This is what I see wrong if he exceeds the record. It was three years of play for Maravich (freshman were ineligible back then) versus five years for Davis. No three-point baskets available for Maravich because it was yet to be an added feature for colleges. This is not a hate Davis rant, it’s clear he is an apparent talent. My objection is the time frame Davis played in versus Maravich. 

Just because you think it

Soren Petro 810 WHB apparently loves the NFL especially the Chiefs. He’s got no disagreement with me on this issue, there is one matter we do clash…it’s basketball. For the second time in less than a month he’s said to his listening audience “College and the NBA should consider starting their seasons later.” His basis is the Chiefs, they have played deep into January and February the last four years. It’s his view “We cannot follow college basketball successfully because we are tied up with football.” Rest assured in some households that might be an issue but let’s check out a few things.

If college and the NBA would adopt a later start, they certainly wouldn’t do it at the suggestion of the NFL that’s at the top of the list. Second to that his view there is a failure to connect with college basketball due to the Chiefs in the playoffs and beyond. I might suggest Petro head about 40 some odd miles to Lawrence Kansas and see the rabid fans who pack Allen Fieldhouse. In closing I understand his intent, but he fails to take into consideration the history. College basketball and the NBA have generally held steadfast to the same seasonal start. It’s the NFL which has extended it’s season into what once belonged exclusively to basketball. This ends with my belief, just because you think it doesn’t entail it’s the correct move.

We didn’t know

A name out of the past unfamiliar probably to most reading this. His name is Joe Barry Carroll, he was the first draft pick in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. JB played in the era of Kareem Abdul Jabbar and several others, if you check out the numbers over his NBA career they are certainly above the norm. Because it appeared he often moved at his own pace he was give the tag “Joe Barely Cares”. I came across a video of JB which I’m sharing with you. It provides us a totally different impression of JB what might have believed. One of the issues I believe, in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s ESPN was just beginning and nothing close to what exists today. There was no Instagram, Facebook or other social media in existence. Check out the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5k_kPtivTY

Tell us what you know…not what you think

If you read the headline, you might be a little confused. All I am trying to say is give us the story not what you think might occur. Now there are times I might discuss an issue which could be considered speculative. I hope I’m not tossing rocks at myself but here goes with the explanation. It seems to me a local radio sports talk host has an obsession with Mizzou’s Dennis Gates over K-State’s Jerome Tang. Both coaches are in their first year at Mizzou and K-State. To provide you additional background information Gates is 43 years old, Tang 56 years of age. The issue this host raised, “Which coach will remain longest at Mizzou or K-State.” If a school approached either with a promise of large sums of money anyone would be tempted to leave. It appears, notice my word this host believes Gates age plus his Florida connection would make him the prime candidate to make a move.

Additional background, Gates was a long-time assistant to Leonard Hamilton Florida State head coach. Hamilton is 74 years old meaning he should soon retire. Gates was an assistant at the school 8 years so that’s the connection this host indicates plus the prospect of Florida. My counterview, if this were Kentucky, Duke or some other Blue Blood program a coach might leap at the opportunity. I don’t wish to disparage anything, or anyone connected with the school however there is a question. What makes the FSU job so much better than Mizzou especially with the swift beginning for Gates. I believe if anyone calling for Gates waving $$$ the administration most likely would make a counteroffer. Finally if Gates said “I’m out” there is nothing Mizzou could do but accept the fact the coach might desire another job but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I can’t see that far ahead from here and I have serious doubts if radio guy can either.