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Basketball from a fans perspective

Can you imagine this lineup?

The 1972 Bucks were loaded, they had Kareem Abdul Jabbar at center, Oscar Robertson at the point and Julius ‘Dr. J.’ Erving at the small forward. You say everything is correct except for Erving, you are correct it didn’t occur but it was close to occurring. Let’s return briefly to that chaotic time, the ABA was still in existence but was hanging on by its fingernails. Spencer Haywood had begun a brilliant ABA debut but decided he wanted the NBA, the same could be said for Connie Hawkins who once had been banned from playing in the older league.

We can also add the name Charlie Scott to that group of highly touted players who began life in the ABA but could see the NBA was certainly more economically stable. From a talent standpoint the NBA held a slight advantage, from a monetary standpoint it was the Grand Canyon. The NBA had a national television contract, the ABA had none, the NBA contained a larger number of teams even back over it’s much smaller rival. It was clear to most by the early 1970’s, especially ABA owners the startup league was losing money at the gate by the fistful.

Not only losing money but several of its most talented players to NBA teams and losing Erving might be one more loss. As you are aware the Doctor did wind up in the NBA but it would be the Sixers and not the Bucks. The 1972 NBA Draft witnessed the Bucks drafting Erving in the first round with the 12 pick. Erving decided to sign a contract with the Hawks but he was prohibited by the NBA from playing for them because the Bucks owned Erving’s draft rights. How Erving eventually arrived in Philly is another story for another time which will be covered later.

Expanding again

A few years ago the Big XII Conference was on life support in my view. The departed commissioner appeared unsure what was going on, he reported every school was fine and then BAM. Texas and Oklahoma announced their intention to depart for the SEC, talk about getting caught with your pants down. Entering the picture a new commissioner and the conference has righted itself. Coming on board are BYU, Cincinnati, UCF and Houston, I cannot comment on the football but the basketball most certainly will be improved. Now there are reports circulating UConn is exploring a move…to the Big XII.

UConn has been a member of the Big East Conference forever, could this rumor be valid? In addition there have been reports one, two or more Pac-12 members might be interested in joining the Big XII Conference. Gonzaga’s also been mentioned as coming on board as this commissioner is looking toward conference teams in all four time zones. A segment of this account is rumor, however a portion of it could indeed occur. As you can see from the confirmed additions and the rumors surrounding others, the Big XII Conference might become the strongest conferences in the nation, especially in football. As for the basketball based on 2023 standings it ain’t too bad either, so with this closing what do you think?

Hall of Fame lineup

This ever occurred to you…you know something but had to be reminded of it? That was the case for me after reading the information which I’m about to impart to you. Individually I was aware the 1970 NBA Champion Knicks had an outstanding roster; I was aware they were enshrined in the halls of fame but I  didn’t realize all five starters were accorded the honor.

C-Willis Reed – Naismith Hall of Fame & College 

PF-Dave DeBusschere – Naismith Hall of Fame & College 

SF-Bill Bradley – Naismith Hall of Fame & College 

PG-Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier – Naismith Hall of Fame & College

SG-Dick Barnett – College Basketball Hall of Fame

Even more interesting the college each attended, I realize that was then versus now but none of the starting five maturated at a major college or university. As an example Reed and Barnett from HBCU’s Grambling State and Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State), DeBusschere attended Detroit Mercy (now the University of Detroit Mercy) and Frazier Southern Illinois University. Despite the evolution of time we are made aware once again basketball talent exists everywhere, it’s just a matter of the proper fit and place in time.

Mizzou’s Big Man

Although it was late in the process Mizzou was able to finally secure the Big Man coach Dennis Gates desperately sought. 7-foot 5-inch 227-pound Connor Vanover decided in favor of Mizzou over several other programs across the nation, I’m going to look ahead to what I hope the team’s acquired. I’d like to point out what I don’t expect from Vanover. I’m not expecting him to arrive and dominate the paint ala Kareem or Shaq, that is not the role I believe is envisioned despite his height, Vanover is not an offensive presence in the paint.

This is what is expected from Vanover, his offensive game is limited however he did score at 12.7 ppg clip at Oral Roberts. I realize that’s Summit League action but Vanover’s played at Arkansas in the past so he realizes what is required of him. Video indicates he can be utilized on pick and roll and lob passes in scoring, he’s an above average but not great rebounding the basketball. Depending on the minutes played he should be capable of 7-9 rebounds a game. The key is Vanover’s defensive prowess, we see evidence last season detailing his defensive effort in the paint blocking shots and intimidating the opposition.

A couple of additional notes on Vanover, generally Big Man are poor he from the free throw line not Vanover. He shot 81.4% from the line and only committed 1.4 fouls per game both good for a Big Man. From another source, it claims when Mizzou plays an up-tempo pace expect to see someone else occupying the post position. On those occasions a half-court game is implemented expect to see Vanover in the middle of the action. Vanover will only be at Mizzou through the 2023-24 season, as a transfer portal player his eligibility will end as the close of the basketball season.