Basketball from a fans perspective

“A little man must prove he can play, a Big Man must prove he can’t” 

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There are two halves

The final score read Memphis 70 Mizzou 55, of course you have long been aware there are two halves to a basketball game. Unfortunately, Mizzou failed to realize it was required they play as well in the second half. Mizzou raced out to a 14-point lead at times but the other Tigers managed to reduce that to a 33-22 lead at the half. The second portion of this game belonged to Memphis as Mizzou failed to exit the locker room.

They were out on the floor however Mizzou disappeared shooting 32% from the floor and 21% from three. Mizzou managed to outshoot Memphis from the free-throw line that was about it, every other stat saw Memphis exceed Mizzou. Despite the embarrassing loss I’m really okay, allow me to explain. Last season the basically light schedule allowed Mizzou to established footing under a new coach. This loss to Memphis is good in the sense it will prepare Mizzou for the SEC dogfight.

An addendum

The other day I covered the increasing number of international players in the NBA. In addition at least one podcaster is predicting “doom and gloom” as in his opinion Euro players take over. I expressed my belief the influx of Euro athletes is no concern. What I thought worthwhile was a basis for the numbers. There have been basketball clinics conducted for years in Europe, in addition to that fact a number of American colleges have journeyed overseas.

There is a time difference however the NBA (and I’m sure college games) are available for Euro kids to view. I’m sure some of you while youth played the game as your favorite player. You tried to emulate everything you saw them do on the basketball court. As I attempted to point out the podcaster fails to make any headway with me if I look at the big picture. I’m unsure if the term is still in use anymore. I would hear “Garbage in, garbage out” when the early computers were being discussed. The podcaster is certainly entitled to his opinion I just happen to be one of those who disagrees with his take.

Winning the hearts and minds

As this is written the NBA season is less than 10 games old. In Los Angeles neither the Clippers nor Lakers has distinguished themselves thus far. The question is posed, which team is the most disappointing at this time, let’s take a brief look at both franchises? The Clippers indicated they were prepared for the season, they had a healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George ready to go. Russell Westbrook picked up mid-season demonstrated he was quite capable at the tail end of the season. After the season started the Clippers secured a trade acquiring James Harden. So far the jury is out on the trade but there are cracks in the foundation. In my view too many stars and too few basketballs. This team contains at least three potential hall of fame players but certainly hasn’t played like it.

Someone must play a reserve role for the Clippers, coach Lue and that player must make a decision. As for the Lakers most fans of Laker Nation looked at the late playoff run and the free agents and said, “this team is ready to compete.” Well that hasn’t exactly been the case. As usual injuries have slowed their start once again. LeBron gave the “keys” to Anthony Davis indicating it was his turn to steer the Laker vehicle. Despite exhibiting a great deal of talent AD cannot seen to remain on the court for an extended period of time. In addition the free agents picked up have not provided me any evidence they are prepared to battle. Once again I must remind you (and me) the season is still young, both teams have time but this might not be a good way to begin the season. Which team do you consider the most disappointing so far, is it the Clippers or Lakers?

Sooner rather than later

You might remember reading last Tuesday about 7-foot-6 300-pound Oliver Rioux. This 16-year-old teen-ager was busy preparing for IMG Academy’s 2023-24 basketball season. His continued story becomes more and more the norm, he follows a number of individuals reclassifying to graduate high school early. You might remember the number one prospect in the Class of 2025 Cooper Flagg did that. He immediately became the top prospect in 2024.

More recently Flagg committed to Duke before signing on the dotted line. Rioux has done the same thing, in addition to reclassifying he committed early to the Florida Gators. A number of Big Men require extra work and I believe Rioux might be one however he’s got an advantage. His height will demand the Gator coaching staff provide him sufficient training. As an observer I cannot imagine the Gator coaching staff stationing Rioux on the perimeter shooting from distance but what do I know?