Basketball from a fans perspective 

Published Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

“The report of my death was an exaggeration”

Samuel Clemens 1835-1910 was better known by his pen name Mark Twain, he was a 19th Century American writer and humorist. The headline above is one he once wrote at a time it had been reported he’d died. That quote works for the Pac-12 as well, team after team departed for other conferences. What remained was two schools, Oregon State and Washington State. The conference was about to go the way of the Southwestern Conference (1914-1996) where Texas, Baylor and other Texas schools played. Rather than sit back and wait for their eventual demise the Pac-12 added members. This growth will be detailed in full after this upcoming season.

Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State will join the Pac-12 July 1, 2026. Utah State and Utah accepted an offer to join in September 2024. On Tuesday came word traditional basketball power Gonzaga will also become a member of the new Pac-12. This is interesting in a number of ways, what stands out for me, with the exception of holdovers Oregon State and Washington State the pending conference member schools with the exception of Gonzaga might be considered mid-majors. The only remaining question, is this the end of moves by the Pac-12? Hardly, UNLV turned them down however they are talking to St. Mary’s and Grand Canyon about membership. This expanded conference will offer competitive football too although it’s the basketball part we are exploring.

A New York thing

This is written Monday morning after the trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. Despite the move it seems I am reading more accounts regarding Mitchell Robinson than KAT. I can say this in truth, coach Tom Thibodeau loves Robinson's play despite his injury history. Regardless of this fact there are NBA teams lining up attempting a trade for post man. Keep in mind he will be sidelined unable to play at least until mid to late December.

Why are so many teams without legitimate centers attempting a trade? Since 2018 when drafted by the Knicks he’s not been much of an offensive threat however that’s not his forte. It’s his defense including an ability to block or affect the oppositions shot. He can score the ball on occasion when challenged, the only Achilles heel for him beside being injury prone is free throw shooting. Robinson is Shaq like from the free throw line. The question might be asked, why is there such a demand for an injured player. Despite his history of injury is it Robinson’s potential or is it simply a New York thing?

I hope their expectations are reasonable

Baylor’s Scott Drew continues his outstanding recruiting, talent is always added to the Bears program. His name is Tounde Yessoufou, originally from the African nation of Benin, he moved to Santa Maria California prior to his freshman year of high school.  By the time his senior year came he would be ranked a 5-star prospect by 247Sports. Yessoufou is a 6 foot 6 inch 210 pound small forward, this continues Drew’s pattern of having at least one 5-star prospect in each recruiting class.

As for the headline as you are aware most pre-season polls place the Kansas Jayhawks number one in the nation. I hope the expectations are reasonable by Jayhawk Nation, I hope they are not expecting the Jayhawks to waltz through their schedule with little if any opposition. Last season Baylor won 24 games and finished in 3rd place during the regular season of the Big XII. I have no idea whose been added to the Baylor roster or might be a holdover, this I believe Drew will have his team ready. As for Yessoufou there were opportunities other than Baylor, Arizona State and Southern Cal were in the picture until Yessoufou’s verbal commitment.

Wingspan

The Lakers announced the signing of Christian Koloko, in addition to his 7 foot height his wingspan is listed as 7’5.25.” Players with vast wingspans are expected to be shot blockers, that is the hope of the Lakers for Koloko. I thought it worth mentioning a few other athletes and their reported wingspans. The late Manute Bol who stood 7-6 had an 8 foot 6 inch wingspan the longest in NBA history, Tacko Fall (7-6) is no longer in the NBA, his wingspan was measured at 8 feet 2 inches. Surprise at third, Victor Wembanyama (7-4) was measured at 8 feet, this next name might surprise you and me and maybe you as well.

It’s the Celtics Kevin McHale, unlike the others McHale stood 6-10 but also had an 8 foot wingspan. Mo Bamba (7-0) rounds out our top 5, he’s got a 7 foot 10 inch wingspan. A large wingspan fails to make one a rejecter of opponents shots, as Bill Russell once said, “I couldn’t block every shot but I would make them think I could.” Back in the day I wonder how many shots were missed based on Russell looming in the vicinity. Provided he’s healthy the question remains is Koloko talented enough to play at a high skill level in the NBA. I read the scouting report on Koloko prior to the draft and the Raptors taking him, the weaknesses pointed out didn’t appear to be of a serious nature and in time could be fixed.