Basketball from a fans perspective 

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

It’s not what you (or me) thought

How did the nickname Dr. J. come about, it’s not what I first heard. Years ago I read he was given the nickname while playing at Harlem’s Rucker Park, it was supposed to have been done because of the manner “He operated on the court” hence a doctor. Well he tells a slightly different story how the name came about, it turns out a couple of high school friends gave nicknames to one another. He referred to his friend as “The Professor” while his friend tagged him with “Dr. J.” Much later playing in Rucker Park he was nicknamed “Black Moses” and “Houdini,” he indicates he told them to call him “Doctor.” Over time the name morphed into “Doctor Julius,” finally a future pro teammate referred to him as Dr. J. the name his friend had first given him during his high school days.    

Can he play…

Recently Creighton University made news announcing Hudson Greer Class of 2025 has given a verbal to attend the school. The 6 foot 6 inch small forward attends Montverde Academy made it known he intends to enroll at the Omaha Nebraska school. Creighton indicates Greer is the 35th highest rated prospect in the nation and Creighton’s highest ever. The portion I find most interesting is the number of schools with offers for Greer, they include Kansas, Auburn, Arizona, Cal and Alabama to name just a few.     

We continue to hear the term mid-major or Power 5 when referring to specific schools and conferences. The terms used to describe the level of play at a particular institution is so misleading in a number of aspects. My chief concern for Greer and others, can he play? That is the key, check this next portion out. Creighton has a time honored basketball history dating back generations. The school has produced over 50 NBA players over time which is a larger number than some so-called Power 5 schools. In any event expect Greer to begin play at Creighton in the fall of 2025.

The best

Several times I’ve written of my belief, Kobe Bryant was the best I ever saw play. There have been a number of others over my lifetime, as I pointed out several times it’s difficult to compare players from different eras. Bryant won a single MVP during his career, he was never honored as Finals MVP, in those instances it certainly should not be considered a failure on his part. Kobe Bryant was driven to succeed and do this at a level sometimes overlooked by fans and especially competitors. Byron Scott had an opportunity to see Bryant excel closely, first as a teammate and later as his coach.

Scott had some interesting observations regarding him. *“Kobe Bryant was not the most talented player that I’ve seen on the basketball court, Tracy McGrady was more talented, Vince Carter was more talented. But they didn’t have that oomph that Kobe had…And that’s why when he would go against those guys, he would shine.” Reading Scott’s words you might claim there is a built in bias, I could see that and wouldn’t argue the conclusion. My observations and thoughts and including those of Byron Scott we could say Kobe Bean Bryant should be included in any discussions on the GOAT in the NBA.

*NBA on ClutchPoints

Bits n Pieces of information 

And you thought the Big XII or whatever it’s named was the only conference making news. You might remember last week Washington State and Oregon State invited Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State to become members of the Pac-12. These schools will be added in 2026 but wait there’s more news or rumors at least. This is not confirmed however the conference is looking at adding Memphis and Tulane as possible conference members along with UNLV. In addition also named as possibilities are USTA, North Texas, South Florida and Texas State. Now friends we realize all of the institutions named are not necessarily going to become members of the “new” expanded Pac-12. Our count would add a total of 7 schools added to those already named. All the schools pledge earlier and the rumored schools field football teams so that area would be covered too. Now we realize it’s certainly a possibility, however, not every one of these schools will become affiliated with this new conference.

Although the mayor of Philadelphia made an announcement that the Sixers arena is not a done deal, I thought it would be a beneficial idea if I provided you some background. As most are aware the Sixers play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The arena also serves as home for the Flyers of the NHL and the Wings of the National Lacrosse League. Although I would guess the dates available for the Sixers to play are satisfactory there is an additional issue. Wells Fargo Center is owned by Comcast Spectacor an American sports and entertainment company headquartered in Philadelphia. 76 Place at Market East would become the exclusive home of the Sixers. In addition as owners the Sixers would derive income as owners rather than paying a lease. I have since discovered 76 Place is located near the Chinatown area, this impasse is not a done deal yet. The Save Chinatown Coalition indicate they intend to oppose this agreement between the mayor-city and the Sixers.

Kiyan Anthony is yet to make a decision on where he’s headed to college. He’s the son of former NBA player Carmelo Anthony and he’s got a number of scholarship offers to choose from. One might be more enticing than others it’s from Syracuse University where his dad played, of course Carmelo led the Orangemen to the 2003 NCAA Championship. Kiyan is a 6 foot 5 177 pound shooting guard, he claims neither his dad nor mom La La Anthony have placed any pressure on him to attend Syracuse. Auburn, Florida State, Ohio and Rutgers are among the other schools with offers. Kiyan is a 4 star rated prospect by most scouting sites and is in the Class of 2025.