Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursdays

The loss hurts

Other than facing SEC competition the loss in this game is the worst. For the next year Mizzou Nation will be forced to hear those fans and alumni of Illinois gloat about their 80-77 win. It could have been so different if Mizzou had played better during portions of the game. Tamar Bates (17 pts), Tony Perkins (18 pts) and Mark Mitchell (18 pts) led the way for Mizzou in this hard fought loss. The valiant 3-point shot that bounced off the rim wouldn’t have changed the game only extend it to OT, it was more than that attempt. Far too many mistakes, missed free throws and even bad shot selection at time. 

My chief concern Mizzou was outrebounded again sometimes on the offensive side. Of course that says guys are not blocking out properly, although Mizzou fell behind they managed to come roaring back in the second half of the game. Other than rebounding the ball Mizzou shooting 40% as a team will certainly not lead to very many victories. Mizzou has one more non-con game, they will face Alabama State next Monday and then the rugged SEC play will begin. The first conference game is against Auburn on the road Sat Jan 4, an afternoon contest. Although Mizzou didn't shoot good on Sunday they can, the chief concern on my part is rebounding the basketball. 

“Leave him alone!”

The headline is not mine, it belongs to a co-worker after our discussion. I mentioned a number of former NBA players have voiced an opinion Victor Wembanyama “needs an inside game,” the clear leader being Charles Barkley. My co-worker after seeing a nights worth of action by Wemby said, “Leave him alone, he’s doing the things he’s comfortable with.” His statement was made prior to the Spurs facing the Blazers Saturday night. Wemby led the way in a 114-94 victory over the Blazers scoring 30 points and tying his career high of 10 block shots. Yes I said the number was 10 and that’s why Keenan says to leave Wemby alone.

Rest assured at some stage the youngster will further continue develop his game adding an inside portion. Below you will read my concern regarding Barkley and others, they serve a vital purpose. He and others give us their insight into the game from a players perspective. Despite this fact what is often stated is not always accurate or correct for that matter. I’m going to borrow my friends statement and say this about Wemby, leave him alone. Just in case you wondered about the NBA record is 17 blocked shots in a game recorded by Elmore Smith of the Lakers and he accomplished this against the Blazers October 28,1973. Second, we are reminded the NBA didn’t begin to track blocks until the 1973-74 season. From the leagues inception in 1947 until the date mentioned we really have no idea how many shots were blocked.     

His take is certainly valid to me

I’m not sure how good a coach JJ Redick has become in a brief time. He’s given his take on a very controversial issue that’s being discussed…lower NBA TV ratings. All indications so far indicate NBA ratings are down and the basis can be varied however Redick mentions an issue which certainly has concerned me. He says, “We haven’t done a very good job of telling the story.” Redick said, “If I am a casual fan and hear analyst and those in social media complain about the product I certainly wouldn’t be inclined to follow the sport.”

That’s not the exact quote but close to the statement made by Redick. Let’s delve into this a little further, if you tune into ESPN when not discussing the NFL generally the conversation is focused on baseball or the NBA. It seems the commentary regarding the NBA is almost always of a negative tone. My next statement is going to upset some of you reading this, among the worst offenders are the Inside the NBA crew of Shaquille O’Neal and at the top Charles Barkley. I don’t watch Inside the NBA all the time but when I do generally complaints are registered about how the game is played. Podcasters share the blame as well, one of the worst in my view is former player Gilbert Arenas. Sometimes it seems anyone with access to YouTube, Facebook or Tick Tok has something to say negative about the NBA product. What’s even interesting most of those on social media (just like me) don’t speak with the voice of authority.

You are probably saying to yourself he’s trying to inhibit free speech, that’s far from it my concern is the same as Redick’s. I too mention negative stuff but make an effort to not dwell on it. How in the world is the NBA going to attract new fans with those close to the game informing us 24/7 how bad the NBA game of today is. Redick has a much larger audience then I do, this is my hope. Those in the media not make it a habit to constantly mention the bad they see and fail to mention any positives.

42

The number will never be worn in baseball again, 42 has been retired at all major league ballparks across the nation. Of course the number belonged to Jack Roosevelt Robinson, shortened to Jackie. He broke the color barrier that existed in baseball prior to 1947, in addition to being a pioneer much of his bio’s not fully covered. We hold discussions routinely regarding the greatest athlete, the names always mentioned seem to be Bo Jackson or Jim Thorpe. Although it was an earlier time Robinson exceeded both having lettered in four sports.

It was baseball, football, basketball and track while he was enrolled at UCLA. Because this is a basketball blog I will cover that part of the Robinson bio. The records indicate Robinson averaged 12.4 points and 11.1 rebounds a game, the rebound total jumps off the page. He stood but 5 foot 11 inches in height so you understand why this figure stands out. It’s reported Robinson was responsible for 40% of UCLA’s scoring. In 1946 he was prepared to join the Los Angeles Red Devils an independent team, despite this fact the team owner had desires to move into the National Basketball League. The NBL would eventually merge with the BAA to become today’s NBA. Baseball came calling and there lies the history however it could have been much different if Robinson had decided on a basketball career.