Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Your Top 5 NBA players

Name your group, i.e., your favorite NBA players. No explanation is necessary other than that particular player. I had to think about mine, first of all the names are not placed in any specific order. I have no intention to defend my list because it belongs to me. I should further explain, if these guys are on television or I have a rare opportunity to see them live (Doncic) you’d better bet I will attempt just that. It’s quite possible my favorites list is going to differ wildly from yours, with that here goes:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

D’Angelo Russell

Victor Wembanyama

Anthony Davis

Luka Doncic

Steph Curry

Jason Tatum

I realize there are 6 names on my list but I thought it was too difficult to exclude one of the names, I adapted by creating a 5a and 5b.

Once upon a time

That’s how most fairy tales begin however this is a tale of a different type, at one time DePaul basketball was a model of on-court success. This Chicago school tasted victory quite often over the years particularly under the late Ray Meyer, you’ve heard of the legendary George Mikan, his coach was Meyer. DePaul sent a number of players to the NBA maybe the last great one was Mark Aguirre (1978-1981). Aguirre and Mikan would be enshrined in the College Basketball Hall of Fame with Mikan’s addition in the Naismith Hall of Fame. After Meyer retired his son Joey took over operating the program and it worked for a time.

In 2018-19 DePaul won 19 games the last time the school finished above .500, we must return to the 2006-07 season to see a DePaul team win more than 20 games. The school’s changed conferences, changed coaches yet continues to underperform. The question, has it become that difficult to recruit quality players? This once great basketball program has fallen on such hard times on the court few under the age of 30 know the history that once existed especially under Ray Meyer. At the time, the University of MO-Kansas City began playing Division I basketball I envisioned a “DePaul” type program, competitive basketball in an urban setting. Unfortunately UMKC never reach the levels I envisioned and DePaul has been unable to return to it’s glory days.

A decision has been reached

Derik Queen is awarded 5 stars by Rivals and 247Sports, both sites regard Queen as the number 15 prospect in the nation. The 6-foot 10 245-pound Queen is enrolled at Montverde Academy in Montverde Florida although his home is Baltimore Maryland. Among the teams offering scholarships were Houston, Kansas, LSU, Indiana and Maryland. As recently as last week a Kansas fan website believed they were a favorite for Queen however that is not the case. On Wednesday Queen made his announcement known by giving a verbal commitment to attend the University of Maryland. 

I came across his name

He’s headed to a college in the U.S. or maybe the G-League its claimed, his name is likely unfamiliar to most it was to me. His name is Khaman Maluach and he’s from South Africa. Maluach’s been attending the NBA Academy located in Saley Senegal a nation located in West Africa. He’s 7 foot 2 inches and 250 pounds but the balance of his stats leap out at us. Maluach has a 7 feet 4.5-inch wingspan, his hand span is 9.5 inches which says to me he can provide quite a defensive presence if nothing else.

Maluach has offers from Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and UCLA to name a few. I have no idea if he can play however all the schools listed must believe that to be the case otherwise why the scholarship offers? In my mind’s eye I can see Jon Scheyer thrilled about having Cooper Flagg and Maluach on the floor for his Blue Devils. Another name I will attempt to follow for a decision as to where he’s headed even if it’s the G-League.

That can’t be right…can it?

David Thompson is 69-years old now, the spring in his leaping ability departed long ago. Although he measured 6 foot 4 inches in height Thompson was reported to have a 44-inch vertical when he played at North Carolina State. Thompson was made the number one pick by the ABA Nuggets and NBA Hawks but chose to sign with the Nuggets. This “marriage” was made unique in that he was one of just a few players who was not forced to change teams when the ABA-NBA merger occurred.

You’ve heard the story about great leapers and their ability to touch the top of the backboard, Thompson could accomplish the feat. In any event that’s what we’ve been led to believe. His career only lasted 9 years, injuries and drug issues might have been the biggest factor in curtailing his career. In any event Thompson sought treatment and returned a changed man. He retired at the end of the 1984 season, he’d played the last two seasons for the Sonics. This is but a thumbnail sketch of one of the all-time great basketball players…you say how great? Thompson’s been enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQPVKQIFxVk