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Basketball from a fans perspective

Mizzou secures another...I hope

Maybe the headline should have a question mark behind it, Annor Boateng will soon make his choice of a school known to the basketball world. The Mizzou faithful has their fingers crossed on this prospect hoping he makes a decision beneficial to them. Boateng is a 6-foot 5 inch 205-pound shooting guard, he’s a senior at Central HS in Little Rock Arkansas. He’s got scholarship offers from 22 schools around the nation which certainly gives him plenty of choices.

Boateng has a Mizzou visit scheduled on August 25 so an announcement should follow shortly thereafter. As for the scouting report both Rivals and 247Sports award Boateng 4-stars. In the past I have attempted to remain on the sidelines until a commitment was made by a prospect. The recent successful recruiting week by Gates and staff have embolden me into believing Mizzou might acquire another potential talent. If for some reason he chooses another school it will be reported here…I say this despite the fact I’d prefer he commit to Mizzou.

Big Baller Brand

Lonzo Ball’s time with the Lakers ended in 2019, despite this fact both are in the news this week. The Bulls are saying privately that Ball’s NBA career might be over based on a concern once expressed by the Lakers. Ramona Shelburne and Paula Lavinge indicate Ball said the Lakers were concerned about his shoes. Doug Gottlieb Fox Sports confirms the account regarding the BBB shoe issue. 1. “Lakers believe his initial injury, was caused by his shoes. BBB were complete trash, no R&D like Nikes, just thrown together.” The account went on to state Ball was often forced to change shoes at the quarter. I discussed this issue with three former athletes a soccer, basketball and football player.  

Two of the three played their respective sport at the collegiate level so I asked the question. My student mind said I could understand ankle problems but Ball’s most recent injuries have been knee related. The former football player said, “Shoes are key and yes, bad or poorly manufactured shoes can eventually affect your knees. “The Zo2s I was playing in, they were not ready, I had to switch them up every quarter because they would just rip, said Ball.” He quit wearing the shoes in the 2019-20 season switching to Kobes. Was dad LaVar Ball so intent on selling $495 shoes he was willing to risk his son’s NBA career? One other note, younger brother LaMelo never wore the BBB brand instead preferring the Puma, LaMelo now wears his own signature shoe the Puma MB1.

1. ClutchPoints.com

Update

Yesterday we briefly discussed Matas Buzelis possibly being the top pick in next year’s draft. The following is a little detail on the 6-foot 11 195 pound small forward/shooting guard. The prevailing thought Buzelis would be headed for college instead he decided in favor of G-League Team Elite and a professional career. What might we suppose prompted Buzelis to pursue a pro career rather than a major college, he explains in detail what motivated this decision over college?

“I think people wanted to see me in a college environment. But being around pros, pro coaches? They can take your skill to the next level.” School wasn’t really my main focus. No disrespect to my teachers, it just wasn’t for me! Some of my teachers understood and respected it. Some people want to be doctors. Not me.” 1. Buzelis played his high school basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy near Wichita. This Class of 2023 prospect could have chosen among 23 scholarships. From the detail provided at least for now Buzelis has no desire to attend any college.   

1. Conde Nast GQ

Who is he      

Cooper Flagg reclassified, several might be asking who the heck is Cooper Flagg? He is a 6-foot 9 195-pound talent who reclassified, Flagg moves into the Class of 2024 and will likely move to the top of most scouting sites. This is the portion of the story most interesting, Flagg is now being declared “the best high school senior in decades.” I guess that statement would include LeBron James as well. Just a few weeks ago we discussed the hype surrounding Victor Wembanyama, several suggested Wemby was being overhyped.

We might ask the same question about Flagg but once again he’s not the one tooting his horn. In the case of Flagg and Wemby the media is the driving force behind the news. Home for Flagg is Maine however he is enrolled at Montverde Academy in Florida. Flagg has two brothers who also play basketball and just like Wemby his mom played the game at the college level. Currently there are 10 schools with offers for him to play at their school, this 5-star athlete is looking forward to attending Duke, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas or one of the others with an offer to pay. Be on the lookout for the next season for further news on Flagg in his senior year.