Published Monday thru Friday   

Basketball from a fans perspective

"If you´re afraid to fail, then you´re probably going to fail."

Kobe Bryant

NAIA basketball

The basketball world has exploded in recent years for several reasons. One of the chief explanations is the increasing amount of television coverage mainly due to cable and satellite. Once it was only over the air CBS broadcasts however in recent years it’s been ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports Net and other outlets. In this maze of coverage NAIA basketball fails to hold the prestige it once did. NAIA basketball was once a major contributor of NBA talent but that pipeline no longer exists.

Change occurred for a variety of reasons the most telling motive the desire for a school to play Division I or II basketball. As an example Louisville and Missouri State (now D-I) once played an NAIA schedule. The national championship tournament held in Kansas City every year was established by Dr. James A. Naismith who originated the game. The tournament held in March brings together the best NAIA basketball programs in the nation. With that said let’s check out the Top 5 schools in the pre-season poll and their won-loss record from last season:

1. College of Idaho 36-1

2. Grace (Ind.) 31-3

3. Arizona Christian 27-6

4. Langston (Okla.) 31-2

5. Georgetown (Ky.) 24-4

The Thin Men

In addition to keeping up with my Lakers a goal this NBA season is to track the progress of the leagues two Thin Men. Friday night Spurs Thin Man Victor Wembanyama scored 21 points, along with 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. He accomplished these numbers in his game against the Houston Rockets, final score read in OT Spurs 126 Rockets 122. As for the game registered by the other Thin Man, Chet Holmgren he also was a winner on Friday evening. Holmgren had 16 points plus 13 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. He also aided the cause in the Thunders 108 to 105 victory over the Cavs.

The skeptics point toward the frame of Wemby and Holmgren claiming over the long haul they see difficulty ahead. As this is written they have only played two games, and what I’ve seen both have managed to hold their own. This is my contention, if Wemby and Holmgren had arrived in the NBA of the 1970’s or ‘80’s it might be totally different. The NBA even for post play is not as formidable as it once was. This is no prediction for future stardom for either however I believe both will be okay if they can avoid serious injury. Both have a clear advantage in one area whether at power forward or center, they have range with 3-point capability.

The good old days

I have a relative who often says, “Maybe the good old days weren’t so good.” That might indeed be the case however it’s my belief there are exceptions. This blog’s focus is basketball however it could be a discussion regarding any sport or celebrity. Social media has overwhelmed us as a society. As an example we have the LaVar Balls’ of the world, they use the institution of social media for their pulpit. Often the subject matter has “no guard rails”, Ball and Gilbert Arenas can and often say whatever they desire on podcasts weekly and sometimes daily.

I have no desire to point a finger at them alone, here’s another example. I’ve heard Laker Anthony Davis had been criticized in social media circles after the first game of the season. How do I know, LeBron James addressed it in a courtside interview. If you think I’m saying social media should be shut down forget that…that ship has already sailed. If you think I’m trying to inhibit someone’s ability to voice their opinion I ain’t saying that either. This is my belief, although social media has often broken news stories it’s not the news. Folks can continue to read it just consider it the view of an individual and often can be debated for its relevancy.

Remember him 

Should we assume Cooper Flagg is headed to Duke, there’s been no official announcement however there are photos which could be presented as evidence that’s where he is headed? Flagg posted photos of his family sporting Duke jerseys on Instagram after his recent visit. In one photo his mom Kelly who played basketball is seen wearing a number 32 Christian Laettner jersey. To my knowledge neither he nor family members have been spotted in UConn jerseys. Flagg will make a decision known this weekend, his choices are the defending UConn Huskies or Duke Blue Devils.

I informed you awhile back I have not been a betting person never have been. I would be comfortable placing a bet Flagg decides in favor of Duke for several reasons. This statement is pure speculation on my part, although Coach K. is retired Duke remains Duke. I know, UConn has an outstanding regular season and NCAA resume. Duke basketball still registers high appeal with basketball prospects despite the head coaching change. 

NOTE: The above was written days before the tragic events in Maine unfolded. These are the words of Flagg on X (Twitter): “All our focus should be on supporting the victims, their families and law enforcement”