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Basketball from a fans perspective

“I can’t relate to lazy people”

Kobe Bryant 

The investigation finally concludes

After an investigation that began in the last few years of the 20th Century its officially over. The investigation into Kansas Basketball and Bill Self is not really that old although it certainly seems like it. Kansas basketball was charged with 5 level 1 violations, a level 1 offense is certainly the most serious that is charged by the NCAA. This investigation stems from former player Silvio DeSousa who was enrolled from 2017-2020, what is the outcome you ask? 15 wins Kansas won from the 2017-18 season when DeSousa was in the lineup become vacate.

The Kansas finish in that seasons Final Four will also be vacated. With the wins no longer in the record books Kansas falls behind Kentucky in NCAA All Time wins, in addition the Big XII Conference title won that season will also be vacated. What do I think, how can you charge a basketball program with 5 level 1 violations yet have Bill Self sit out one (or was it two) early season games last year and this final report issued on Wednesday. I have maintained for the last several years the NCAA is an inept organization especially its so-called investigative arm. This latest example should provide us proof of the institutes ineffectiveness.

Generations

19-year-old Victor Wembanyama said he LOVED IT. 74-year-old Gregg Popovich head coach of the Spurs yelled at Wemby in practice. “It came later than I expected but yeah, finally. I’m glad he yelled at me.” Well you say that’s not a big deal and it probably isn’t but let’s look at it from another angle. What you are about to read is pure speculation on my part. The Spurs have been playing unlike Spurs basketball for a time, I thought for sure his age plus the long season Pop was gone. I still believe he might have left if the 2023 draft had turned out differently. If there was no opportunity to draft Wemby the coach might have been history.

At present Pop has more days behind him coaching than in front of him. Despite this statement I believe he will remain coaching at least through a time he believes Wemby has made an adjustment to NBA play. Is that time period 3 years or 5, it’s likely unplanned for now but consider the number of athletes Pop’s coached over his career. David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker to name a few. I believe once Pop retires the NBA will never be the same. I don’t know if he became a better coach or if it was a matter of adapting his manner, having more talented players with the Spurs or something else. Pop compiled a record of 76 wins and 129 losses at Division III Pomona-Pitzer before beginning his NBA career with the Spurs, this was certainly no indicator of the success which would come later.  

Discussions again

As they might say, “Don’t slay the messenger I’m only providing the information.” A media report indicates the Big XII Conference has contacted Gonzaga again to join it for basketball only. This type of affiliation where a school joins for one sport, in this instance basketball has been utilized in other conferences. Naturally a move of this type has advantages and disadvantages. As an example Gonzaga a longtime West Coast Conference basketball power would join the Big XII one of the strongest in the nation.

If they join the Big XII Gonzaga would become aligned with a conference two time zones away, some might consider this issue a negative. As for the record over the last ten years Gonzaga’s won 315 games while losing only 42. The Bulldogs have been invited to the NCAA Tournament 9 of those years, the exception was the covid year when the tournament was cancelled. I’m sure no one expects the Bulldogs to duplicate that type of record should they join the Big XII but the image of the conference would be increased even more. I will continue to monitor this development if it culminates with a new conference member.

48

This is the time of year we begin accessing the fortunes of NBA teams. Close to my heart are those of the Lakers. The question might be are the Lakers in the mix for the Western Conference Championship, and maybe an NBA Championship. This is written in October, there are months of play ahead, travel and worst of all injuries to consider. Dennis Scott NBA TV analyst says the Lakers can win 48 games. Let’s take a look at the 2022-23 NBA standings for a gauge, they must get off to a better start over last season to be successful. In order to improve significantly they must bypass the Grizzlies, Kings and Suns. The Lakers must also move past the Clippers and Warriors especially the Warriors who they managed to beat in the playoffs.

Is it possible for the Lakers to win 48 or more games in the 2023-24 season? The key to a successful season is based on one key issue they have no control over…Injuries. Anthony Davis now the appointed leader of the team cannot miss anywhere near the number of games he’s missed the past three seasons. I cannot speak for Dennis Scott but if you ask me why I’m so optimistic (less injuries) is clear, they have a better team. The moves made at the trade deadline last season, the NBA draft plus trades and free agents added. I see the Lakers roster appears significantly improved over that of last season. I won’t, no I expect a top-quality start this time around.