Basketball from a fan’s perspective

I said it

My Kansas friends didn’t appreciate my social media post on Sunday. I asked the question because I didn’t see the game, how did Kansas beat UConn. The Huskies appear to be the best team in the nation based on their 24-win record and occupying the top spot in the AP and Coaches poll. A brief look back informs us the Jayhawks won 69-65 in the game played at Allen Fieldhouse December 1. A home game must have certainly assisted in the win for the Jayhawks.

Was there anything else that stands out looking back two months ago? The Jayhawks shot a sizzling 50% from the floor and a solar 64.3% from the 3-point line. The Huskies only shot 41% from the floor but a fair 39% from three, in addition they were only 50% from the free throw line. As for the other areas the box score indicates they were pretty much even. In any event the win looks outstanding on the resume for Kansas, they along with Seton Hall are the only schools to date able to claim victory over coach Dan Hurley's Huskies.

A coaching change

You know the old story don’t you, “A coach gets too much credit when the team wins and too much blame when they lose.” That is the case for Jacque Vaughn, as the Tuesday edition was being completed came a major announcement. The Brooklyn Nets make it known head coach Vaughn had been fired, at the time of his firing the team had a 21-33 record. While this is not news of a shocking nature it still makes for a question regarding Nets management. Since the team moved to Brooklyn there have been 6 men not counting interim coaches sitting in the first chair since 2012.

I have no idea if the same management is in place however consider this one fact. Nets management hired two head coaches (Jason Kidd, Steve Nash) with no prior coaching experience. At this point it is my guess the Nets will have an interim take over for what remains of the season. Perhaps management might have a name under consideration as this is written, a hire is unlikely before the middle portion of April would be my thought. Kevin Ollie former NBA player and current Nets assistant coach has been promoted to the first chair with interim coach placed in front of his name. We shall see if this change moves the Nets into a more favorable realm.

A fix was not there

The East won 211 to the 186 scored by the West squad, that is no typo. There were 200 points scored by the winning team and a fix I expected was not there. Some might remember last season I expressed a belief how terrible the NBA All Star game was last season. It had nothing to do with the score it was the manner the teams had been assembled. We had players from Milwaukee teamed with players from Los Angeles i.e., east and west guys on the same team.

Too much for me I boycotted the game pining for a return to the original format. I hoped change was in the air and it was, the league announced it would return to the East-West format. I sat down in front of my television Sunday evening and what I saw was indescribable. NBA All Star games have never seen outstanding defensive efforts this one had ZERO. I watched through the first quarter then changed channels. I’d hope the action would be improved however it wasn’t, I watched through the 3rd quarter and could take no more. I’m going to say it, some of you will be displeased with my statement. It’s my belief the 3-point shot indiscriminately used is going to kill basketball at all levels. I happen to believe the shot, like anything else in life, should be fulfilled in moderation.

The All-Star game saw its use at the very worst level in my opinion. As with most of you I took so many courses during my educational process I don’t remember who said it. The quote goes something like this, “Everything cycles, clothing, shoes, vocabulary and a number of other things might go out of style but eventually return in some form.” I have been ready for quite a while low-post basketball to return and not so much darn emphasis on shooting from distance.

A name to follow

On Sunday, the South Florida Bulls beat the number 24 Florida Owls 90-86. The win for the Bulls became number 20 for the season and they are likely to earn an NCAA invite. This discussion centers on the coach of the Bulls, Amir Abdur-Rahim. After a time spent playing at Garden City Community College and Southeastern Louisiana he moved into the coaching ranks. His first job in 2006 was an assistant at Murray State, from there it was three more stops as an assistant before being hired as head coach at Kennesaw State in Kennesaw Georgia.

Abdur-Rahim’s slow start as a head coach was certainly underwhelming to say the least, he began with a 1 win 28 game loss record. By the time he left for South Florida he compiled a 26-9 record this past season. I am unfamiliar with who might have been in place when he took over the program but winning 20 games at this point in the season certainly says outstanding to me. At 42-years of age this is not likely his last stop, if he continues his winning ways I could see another Division I program reaching out to Abdur-Rahim. By the way if the last name sounds familiar it should to some. He is the brother of Shareef who played in the NBA and is the current president of the NBA G-League.

“It’s up to him”

Those are the words of LeBron James answering the question. He was interviewed and the subject centered somewhat on Bronny and whether he leaves USC for the NBA. LeBron indicates the decision belongs to his son, naturally I would guess input from the parents would impact Bronny’s choice too. I am sure Bronny’s health has made for a different conclusion versus this time last season. 

As he was preparing for college it’s likely the belief most believed he’d be a one and done athlete. Health matters drastically affected the plan, and this is what I saw. Once the medical staff approved him for play a decision was made by the medical and coaching staff, Bronny would take on a reserve role. Despite playing limited minutes through his freshman year he’s been unable to do anything that provides proof he is ready for the NBA. For me this is more than simply playing a reserve role it’s the shooting. The 5.6 points a game as a reserve is not critical for me, the 36.5% from the floor and 27.5% from three is bothersome. His assist and rebound numbers in a reserve role are good. Okay Larry Laker you are providing a wealth of negatives exactly what’s your position?

I am NOT proclaiming Bronny's not an NBA prospect I just believe he’s not ready currently. I realize Bronny (and LeBron) want to combine their talent on a team however I believe both will be better served in the 2026-27 NBA season. As conditioned as LeBron James is I could see him play limited minutes despite his age being a factor. This is my view alone, a final decision is yet to be made by the James family we must wait for a May 2024 answer.