Basketball from a fans perspective

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Great game but…..

Wemby’s Spurs came up short against the Jazz 111-110 on Saturday afternoon. Despite that fact the youngster had a monster game but indirectly he might have been a contributing factor in the loss. The positives, 24 points (53.3%) and 66.7% from three (6 threes sunk) shooting along with 16 rebounds 100% from the line and 7 blocked shots. The blocks provide us proof that Wemby’s game is not all offense, he competes effectively on both ends of the court.

As for the bad, the 6 turnovers Wemby registered and the issue is simple. Viewing the game from my family room it appeared some of the turnovers Wemby had might have been avoided if he'd only been a bit more careful with the ball. I don’t wish to sound too critical of Wemby because I’m solidly in his corner, in addition he’s still adjusting to NBA play. I love the fact that Wemby arrived on these shores from France determined to succeed at the highest level of basketball…the NBA. As an armchair coach I’d like to see him utilize his height and skill on the block more, he might not have a weight advantage but after all he is 7 feet 4 inches tall.

This was my first opportunity to see this new version of the Spurs in action. Despite his age Chris Paul remains proficient enough to play the facilitator role effectively for the Spurs despite the fact he didn’t shoot well in this game. Harrison Barnes late of the Kings should aid the cause but most of all missing is the coach. Gregg Popovich can’t play for them however his absence due to illness impacts Wemby’s development, he is sure his coach will return soon although there’s been nothing official.

Abbreviation 

I have no intention to speak for the world, I have no working knowledge of any foreign language. For me it’s American only, it’s not English folks. There was a term once used which I’m going to borrow, We don’t speak the king’s English in America. I have knowledge of a few words and phrases in Spanish, French and German that’s about it. As for abbreviations I believe America might lead the world, especially in the sports world. I’m going to provide just a few examples why one might become confused reading the score of a basketball game. If I wrote ASU topped its rival on the basketball court would it be Arizona State University or is it Abilene State University?

In this portion of the country if I used KSU folks around here believe I would be referring to Kansas State University, those in Georgia might think the acronym stands for Kennesaw State University. MSU could reference Michigan State University or Montana State University, you see what I’m describing? Finally I’m going to close with this OU, am I referring to Oklahoma University or Ohio University, both could be used and are correct. Of course this is strictly an exercise, depending on which portion of the country you live in sports fans understand the abbreviations sometimes. For years I would read UMBC and had no clue where the school was located, it’s the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. My curiosity finally caused me to Google the name. I leave you with this, Americans love acronym’s for the word?

Bits n Pieces of information

A term from the past might be journeyman, that’s the mantra of an athlete whose played for several teams. We might use the term to describe Andre Drummond now with the Sixers, they become the number 7 or 8 team he’s played for one of them twice. He is in the starting lineup now due to Joel Embiid’s absence however did you know? Drummond at 6 foot 11 and 279 pounds is one of the most prolific rebounders in NBA history. Among active players only LeBron James eclipses him in career rebounds that’s it. His 10,757 rebounds and counting places him ahead of several past NBA greats. At age 31 he should have a number of quality years remaining whether it’s as a starter or in a reserve role.

Hey, all reading this Kansas City has officially made the big time, no its not the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC or Current I speak of? In this instance I am addressing the University of MO-Kansas City now officially the Kansas City Roos. The Roos have played major D-I schools in the past however tonight’s game is a first I believe. They will play the Cyclones of Iowa State and the game will be a national telecast available on ESPN+. Iowa State is ranked the number 25 team in the nation so it certainly has major overtones. In any event it appears veteran coach Marvin Menzies has Kansas City on the move.

Don’t try this at home, it could prove far too difficult for several of you. This past Friday I watched a portion of the Duke-Army game, then I switched channels to take in the KU-Carolina game for a time. The Duke game began at 5:00 and KU was at 6:00 Central time so you can see they overlapped. Near the midway portion of the KU game I changed the channel once again this time to check on the Thunder-Rockets and stayed with that game until close to 9:00. At that point I change channels once again this time to see my Lakers in action against the Sixers. I almost forgot, Mizzou and Howard played on ESPN+, I had to track that score on my iPhone. I admit, it would be impossible for most people to watch basketball with me. In case you wondered this routine doesn’t exist all the time during the season.