Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“Revenge is a dish best served cold”

No, it wasn’t the late Ricardo Montalban as Khan who delivered the line in the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” It was actually Pierre Choderlos de Laclos who included the phrase in his 1782 novel: “Les Liaisons dangerousness” (Dangerous Liaisons). On the other hand it could just as easily be attributed to Houston Cougar coach Kelvin Sampson. February 3 Sampson’s Cougars went into Allen Fieldhouse the number 4 team in the nation and promptly suffered a 78-65 loss to the KU Jayhawks. Don’t tell me Sampson and crew didn’t have March 9 circled on the calendar.

The Cougars were aware the special visitor would be in their house Saturday afternoon. I believe KU scored the first basket of the game making KU 2 Houston 0 but that would be the only time they held a lead. The final score read Houston 76 KU 46 as the Cougars ran around, over the top and through the Jayhawks. KU shot 33% from the floor and a paltry 14.3% from three. The 18 TO’s impacted the outcome of the game as much as the Jayhawks poor shooting. Having seen the Cougars in action for the first time you might have discovered they are not a very deep team nor very tall, they did provide an ESPN audience why they are the number one team in the nation.

Quiet please, don’t tell him

I’ve got a secret, well it’s not really a secret if more than one person is aware. I just don’t wish this news to reach former NBA player and podcaster Gilbert Arenas. A week or so ago without offering us any proof he “wants to ban international players from the NBA. He claims teams no longer play lockdown defense due to the influx of players from other nations of the world.” Again Arenas makes this highly controversial claim and provides NO PROOF. In any event on to my report, Bobi Klintman announced he was declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. Klintman is a 6-10 forward and currently plays for The Cairns Taipans a team in the NBL of Australia.

He’s not new to these shores however, Klintman played his high school basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy near Wichita (KS), he also spent one season at Wake Forest before heading to Australia. As you can see Klintman born and raised in Sweden has done a great deal of international travel in a short space of time. As for his NBA Draft projections they look good, one site indicates he will be pick 24 while another echoes that same number. The third mock site has him at 29 indicating he makes the first round. Now for the disclaimer, Klintman’s draft position certainly isn’t intended to be 100% accurate. This is the middle of March and the draft isn’t held until June. One more favor, please don’t tell Gilbert Arenas although he will probably soon uncover this news.    

News that ain’t news

I placed this story in that category for a simple reason, it’s news that basically has no relevancy. If that is the case why are you reporting it might be your question. It’s simple, some will go no further than reading a headline, I wanted to provide substance to that headline. A website recently reported the Warriors Draymond Green has now sunk more three-point baskets than Larry Bird. On the surface that might sound extraordinary, this 21st Century athlete exceeding the point total of the great Larry Bird.

There is a further story which up till now is unmentioned, the time period. Bird retired from the Celtics in 1992, Green arrived in the NBA in 2012. In that 20-year period NBA offenses changed extensively, at the time Bird retired NBA teams for the most part played the game from a low post perspective. NBA teams were drafting centers like Shaq and others. There was lesser emphasis on shooting three’s back then. I cannot provide a specific year but NBA teams began utilizing the three at an increasing number and the number of attempts has continued on an upward trend continuously. This is not to disparage Green’s accomplishment its just the fact a closer look details the why.

Why

Once upon a time I expressed my displeasure in what I considered the broadcast ramblings of Jeff Van Gundy telecasts. The irritation for me had nothing to do with his competency it was the manner he conducted himself on air. Over time I changed my outlook and the irritation with his style of broadcasting no longer concerned me. The game being viewed was more important than the person behind the mic. As for Doris Burke and now Beth Mowins I’ve read complaints. For those who might be unfamiliar with the names, both work for ESPN, Burke is color analyst and Mowins has the role of broadcaster for the NBA coverage on ESPN/ABC telecasts.

At the time I began listening to Burke and Mowins I found both knowledgeable in their craft however there is another issue…they are female. The complaints I’ve read have nothing to do with their competency rather it’s the fact they are women. My research even discovered a petition on Change.org to remove Doris Burke from NBA telecasts, I have serious doubts ESPN/ABA acts if it gains enough signatures. Males have been involved in broadcasting women’s games for years, in addition Geno Auriemma is one on the most successful basketball coaches in history. His women’s teams at UConn have placed this male coach on the platform of great basketball coaches. If you are one of the signees of the petition I would guess this exercise will not convince you to my side however that’s okay.