Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

Only half the game for me

Due to sleep, I was unable to view the entire Lakers-Mavericks game. The match took place in Los Angeles (Pacific Time) against Dallas (Central Time), with a start time of 9:00 p.m. My error was believing I could watch the second half of the game from my bed, which proved to be a mistake. I woke up at 12:45 a.m., knowing the game had concluded, and switched my television to the NBA channel. I would have been surprised if the Mavs had won the game based on what I’d seen up to sleepy time. The final score read Lakers 107, Mavericks 99.

Key factors contributing to this outcome included a triple-double performance by Luka and other elements. Luka contributed significantly to the Lakers' effort with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. During a moment in the game, when Nico Harrison was on the line, the crowd began chanting, “Thank you, Nico,” acknowledging his role as the General Manager who traded Luka to the Lakers. From the highlights, it was evident that after the Lakers led by a comfortable margin, the Mavericks launched a strong comeback, even tying the score at a point in the second half. Initially, the Mavericks missed several shots but managed to improve their accuracy and made a notable defensive effort. As for the Lakers LeBron James was the leading scorer with 27 points. Austin Reaves has become the Lakers' third option, though opinions see to vary among a number in the media.

Unless another player takes his place, Reaves holds that position and it will continue until someone is able to replace him in this role. I must note the game played by Rui Hachimura, the power forward is at a place for me he’s untradable. He only scored 15 points but it’s the other stuff he manages to accomplish while on the floor. The NBA season is far from over, and the next 6 games for the Lakers should prove quite noteworthy. Upcoming on the schedule are games versus Minnesota, the Clippers twice, Pelicans, Knicks and Celtics.

A potential future move 

This could be considered a good news-bad news conclusion. I read an article claiming there is little benefit to the Memphis Tigers to continue play in the American Athletic Conference. If you are a fan of a particular conference you can stop at this point. The conference does not wield the power or glitz the Big XII, SEC or Big 10. The writer suggested Memphis would be in a better position league wise and the NCAA if they joined the Big XII.

As for the unwelcome news part of this story the existing powers in the conference, especially Houston, Kansas and Arizona would have one added power team to face. If Memphis should apply for admittance I could hardly see them being turned down. The school has a rich basketball history that existed long before Penny Hardaway played for the Tigers. I had mentioned earlier that Brett Yormark Big XII Commissioner is still in the expansion mood, he is amenable to adding teams. This is pure speculation but it might be beneficial to the Big XII, the SEC is at the maximum number of teams. Should Memphis be extended an invitation it should be interesting.

Who is at fault 

I prefer to write or speak what I believe is true. There is no intention on my part to insult anyone’s intelligence; it is simply to present the why. Kansas City sports media may not fully recognize how SEC men’s basketball has grown. The reasons involve the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. The Chiefs have been consistent Super Bowl contenders since Patrick Mahomes joined the team. Each season, they play football until mid-February, drawing substantial attention from the media. This focus on the Chiefs can sometimes overshadow other sports especially college basketball.   

Similarly, Kansas basketball under Bill Self has become a strong program, often advancing far into the NCAA tournament, which again captures significant media attention. About ten years ago, the SEC decided to invest heavily in men’s basketball to ensure all teams, not just Kentucky, were competitive. The schools began hiring successful coaches from other conferences and promising newcomers. The introduction of NIL also enhanced the conference's ability to attract top athletes. Over recent years, SEC men’s basketball has improved significantly. However, the Kansas City sports media’s focus on the Chiefs and Jayhawks might have diverted their attention from the growth and talent in SEC basketball. Despite the evidence being in front of them the Kansas City sports media have unintentionally overlooked the growth of SEC men’s basketball.

Meanwhile

The win against South Carolina was expected, with an 11-17 record (1-4 conference) Mizzou dominated the Gamecocks from start to finish. The final score read Mizzou 101 South Carolina 71, for the 4th time this season the Tigers managed to eclipse the 100 point mark. Caleb Grill was the high man, coming off the bench he scored 22 points and Anthony Robinson II managed to stay on the floor avoiding foul trouble. Robinson II scored 14 points and dished out 8 assists, next up for the Tigers are the tough Commodores of Vanderbilt on Saturday. The Tuesday evening win became number 21 versus 7 losses, the Tigers find themselves with a 10 win 5 loss conference record in the SEC.

Next, I make the declaration because everyone along with their brother, sister, mother, father and cousin must make a statement regarding Duke’s Cooper Flagg. The latest Sixer Paul George in his podcast, he didn’t say Flagg wasn’t talented he just claims Rutgers Ace Bailey has “more upside.” Define your statement would you PG, that confuses me and a bunch of others. No argument here practically every mock draft site has Bailey listed as the number 2 or 3 pick but you’ve got some explanation to do.

A story about Nate ‘Tiny’ Archibald's 1972-73 season recently appeared on my social media feed. During that season, while playing for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings, the point guard led the NBA by scoring an average of 34 points per game and also led the league with 11.4 assists per game. This was the first time in NBA history that the leading scorer also led in assists, and it has not been repeated since. Despite this achievement, Archibald finished third in MVP voting, behind Dave Cowans of the Celtics and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who played for the Bucks at the time. The bio says Tiny was 6 foot 1 and 150 pounds, he was more like 5 foot 10 or 11 than 6-1.

I am sure a portion of this figure might be AD related because it represents the season thus far. Several media members appear to be focused on “the bad Laker defense,” hold on there for a moment. It ain’t nearly as bad as the cynics claim, truth is the Lakers are in 8th place defensively out of 30 teams. Without looking at the entire picture I’m sure the Lakers might come up short in some areas. Teams are not always at the top of their game however what I’ve been able to witness to date details a team making a concerted effort to address the issue.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

I can’t see it

To provide context, some of you may not be aware that Gregg Popovich, the Spurs coach, suffered a mild stroke. He has not coached the Spurs since early in the season, and the front office recently announced that Popovich will miss the remainder of the season. At 76 years old, he is the oldest coach in the NBA. Soren Petro of WHB 810 Sports Radio reports that Spurs GM RC Buford and Bill Self are friends. The suggestion is that if Self is tired of coaching college basketball, he could consider moving to the NBA. However, I have some reservations about this scenario. Age—Self is 62 years old. If he had been offered an NBA head coaching job 10 or even 5 years ago, it might have been feasible.

Unless Self is seeking a brand new challenge, why risk tarnishing his legacy by moving to the NBA? The Transition—The NBA has proven to be a challenging environment for many college coaches. The only coach who has successfully transitioned between college and the NBA is Larry Brown. Quin Snyder is at the Hawks but he was an assistant and later head coach for the Jazz prior to the move to Atlanta. Billy Donovan is at the Bulls after first coaching the Thunder, he certainly was a success at the college level. At the NBA he’s 399 wins and 319 losses, his teams have never made it out of the first round of the playoffs except the Thunder team his first year in the NBA. While it's important to keep an open mind, Kansas fans should note that Self would likely consider a position at Oklahoma State (for obvious reasons) before moving to an NBA coaching role.

Meanwhile

The Spurs are optimistic about a complete recovery for Wemby by next season. I conducted a brief hunt for deep vein thrombosis and this is what I discovered. “A condition where a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.” That was the portion that’s most interesting to this non-medical person, Wemby’s thrombosis is in his shoulder.

The situations that makes fans feel more comfortable is downright laughable at times. It was pointed out Kansas had the second longest streak in the Top 20 before they were omitted in the week 17 poll.    Houston now has the longest which prompted this from who I take to be a Kansas fan. “How many championships Houston won?” Okay, Kansas won it all in 2022 if that makes you feel better, Houston has 0 wins, there I wrote it…I hope that helps.

I need help with this matter and perhaps you can aid me. I continue to ask the question why America appears so in love with Charles Barkley? He is constantly discussing any and everything 40% or so of his conversation is often unrelated to basketball. Did I miss the memo, when did he become the consultant on EVERYTHING?

A friend asked, “Have you purchased your 77 jersey yet?” I laughed and told him, “After all this time I am yet to add a LeBron Jersey to my Man-Cave.” There was no particular reason except LeBron remains an active player, every jersey I have hanging represents a retired Laker. As soon as LeBron retires I will buy a number 23 jersey, as for Luka at age 25 it’s going to be awhile lol.

Overvalued

The Mark Williams saga is no longer the conundrum I once believed it to be. As of now you are aware Dalton Knecht and Williams have rejoined their respective teams. According to an Instagram post by Williams: “I didn’t think I had failed my physical. That didn’t even cross my mind.” For those who might be unaware it is important to note that HIPAA regulations likely apply to professional athletes just as they do to the general public.

Hence, while it is understandable that Williams would make such a statement, the Lakers' medical staff is legally prohibited from disclosing any information regarding the health status of an individual. But wait, perhaps it was more to the story than simply failing a physical. What you about to read I am offering you 0 proof, I believe Williams might have been overvalued. Williams has tools but based on players that would be given up by the Lakers and draft choices he was overestimated. Would the Lakers be willing to take him on during the summer, my guess is yes.

Wrong time…maybe wrong place

Tamar Bates’ stats, 13.4 points and 50% shooting from the floor with 40% from three, may not stand out, but his true value lies in his grit. Some might be unfamiliar with the term, what is grit. I had to retreat to the dictionary for a definition, it’s as follows. “Grit is a personality trait defined by determination and perseverance for long-term goals,” and Bates certainly embodies this. Despite initial setbacks, including negative comments from former Indiana coach Dan Dakich, Bates has shown tremendous resilience.

A Kansas City native, he began his basketball journey first at Piper HS in KCK and then transferred to IMG Academy. He was recruited by the University of Indiana but there his career almost stalled. With the success of Missouri basketball an old tweet from the former coach associated with Indiana surfaced. Coach Gates would attribute the negative remarks to someone else and not the Tamar Bates he knows. Last season, Bates remained consistent even during Missouri's 0-18 struggle. This season, with improve team play and fewer injuries, Missouri excels with Bates, who always aims to meet his team's needs.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

5,280

The City of Denver lies 5,280 feet above sea level the highest altitude city in the NBA. It’s always been an advantage for the Nuggets although that’s certainly not the only reason for their winning record over the years. There have been a wealth of outstanding players that have graced the Nuggets roster. The city would be the first true test in my mind for the fresh look Lakers with Luka Doncic. After all it was pointed out that the last 14 games the Lakers played in Denver have resulted in one win. Denver or more precisely the Nuggets have become the Lakers Kryptonite but that would not occur Saturday evening. Truth is they were on a 9-game winning streak when they faced the Lakers so they were certainly hot.

The final score read Lakers 123 Nuggets 100 but in between was a thing of beauty if you are a Laker fan. The Luka Magic was in full effect as he led the way with 32 points, 10 rebounds along with 7 assists and 4 steals. He was the high point man however all the other starters with the exception of Jaxson Hayes was in double-figures. LeBron 25 points and outstanding defense…he was assisted by Rui with 21 points despite guarding The Joker much of the night. Austin Reaves played his usual steady game with 23 points and 7 assists. Is this Laker team ready to compete in the playoffs, I still have no answer for you. In closing I can say this, the win over the Nuggets was quite impressive considering past efforts against them.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Much like the iconic 1966 Clint Eastwood Western classic, this evaluation pertains to Kansas basketball. We are examining the schedule through games of February 22 to determine which games which parallel the film's themes.

The Good—The victories by Kansas men over North Carolina ranked 9 at the time, Michigan State, and Duke number 11 early in the season are certainly noteworthy wins, the appeared to justify the number one pre-season ranking given Kansas by the AP and coaches polls.

The Bad—The loss to Missouri was certainly not what Jayhawk supporters anticipated or desired. Additionally, the defeat by Kansas State, a cross-state rival that has experienced an inconsistent season, is notable. Currently, Kansas State is trending downward once again. Another significant setback was the double overtime loss to Houston, 92-86. Kansas had secured a win in regulation with seconds remaining but failed to maintain their lead. The narrow 62-61 loss to West Virginia in Morgantown was also a missed opportunity for Kansas. Was the tip of the iceberg the Creighton game? After all they had won 7 consecutive games against several powerhouse teams before the loss to Creighton.

The Ugly—The substantial defeat by BYU, 91-57, on Tuesday stands out, although there may be other matches considered equally disappointing. The double-OT loss to Houston could be placed here but I’m going to leave it where it was positioned originally. Despite recent challenges, it is likely that Kansas will reach 20 wins once again. Kansas is recognized as a Blue Blood program; however, both last season and the current one they are a victim of their own success, the standards they established. While optimists anticipate a return to form in the 2025-26 season, I prefer to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

Not good news

More unwelcome news for the Spurs, first it was Wemby and his deep vein thrombosis which has shut him down for the balance of the season. A few days came further news of a negative nature to Spurs and NBA fans, the Spurs front office announced Coach Popovich would be sidelined the balance of this season. We know Pop suffered a stroke but how extensive is an unknown. I could speculate until the cows come home however that’s exactly what would occur. We shall keep track of Pop’s progress as news is made known.

Trap game

I’m unsure when the term “trap game” came into sports usage, I’ve always understood the definition in this manner. A team (NFL or NBA) wins a highly contested game, the follow up game they face competition that might not be on par with theirs. Missouri-Arkansas fit the description, earlier in the week number 15 Missouri had bested number 4 Alabama. Next up on the schedule would be Missouri’s road game against Arkansas. If you believe in trap games you could say that’s what occurred Saturday evening. Arkansas managed to beat Missouri 92-85, the Razorbacks outplayed Missouri during portions of the game especially the second half.

At the same time after holding a 48-41 halftime lead Missouri allowed the Razorbacks to eclipse them scoring 51 points in the second half while only scoring 37. Caleb Grill had 13 points in the first half and was well defended to the point he didn’t score in the second half. Missouri allowed Arkansas to shoot 54.7% from the floor most of that in the second half of the game. I’m sure Mizzou Nation is disappointed with the loss and I don’t wish to blow smoke in their face I wanted this victory badly. Despite that fact this game is not the end of the world, Missouri has won 20 games this season and has 9 wins in the SEC. I guess you might say “I’m a glass half full guy rather than half empty.” I’m disappointed in the loss but not demoralized, we shall see how the balance of this season concludes for Missouri basketball.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

This is the explanation

We operate from an information overload at times. One of those instances is college basketball Quad wins, what is it and how is it defined. Rather than confuse you with my explanation I’d rather allow you to read an AI clarification and here it is:

Quad 1

Home games against teams ranked 1–30, neutral games against teams ranked 1–50, and away games against teams ranked 1–75

Quad 2

Home games against teams ranked 31–75, neutral games against teams ranked 51–100, and away games against teams ranked 76–135

Quad 3

Home games against teams ranked 76–160, neutral games against teams ranked 101–200, and away games against teams ranked 135–240

Quad 4

Home games against teams ranked 161–353, neutral games against teams ranked 201–353, and away games against teams ranked 241–353

AI

The lilliputian Warriors

Can they win with this lineup, I speak of the Golden State Warriors and their lilliputian lineup. Folks I believe in Steve Kerr’s coaching mind…heck I believe adding Jimmy Butler to the roster improves them. Is this enough talent for a deep playoff run with your tallest starter 6 foot 7, I always attempt to never say never. At the same time I will fall back on the motto of my home state, “I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me.”

As for the height thing Jimmy Butler is that tallest starter, there is “Lights out” Curry at 6 foot 2 along with 6-4 Brandin Podziemski and 6-5 Moses Moody plus 6-6 Draymond Green in the post. As you might guess that’s got to be the smallest starting lineup in the NBA. The “experts” claim my Lakers are deficient in the depth department despite the fact the roster contains a trio of 7-foot post players and one who stands 6-10. The question might be asked of the Lakers, “are the critics basing their judgment on ability,” which I cannot address. All I can say to Draymond Green and the Warriors is good luck with this lilliputian lineup, they could certainly succeed against one or two teams in the west but play for the conference championship…well.

The GOAT

During the years when Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) played for UCLA (1967-969), the team achieved an impressive record of 88 wins and only 2 losses. UCLA secured three NCAA Tournament championships during this period with Alcindor dominating the paint. To mitigate his impact, the NCAA implemented a rule banning dunk shots, citing potential injuries to players defending against such shots. One of UCLA's two losses occurred in the widely regarded "Game of the Century" against Houston at the Astrodome in 1968.

Many believe this game played a pivotal role in increasing the popularity of college basketball on television. The other loss was in 1969 against Southern Cal, their crosstown rival. Throughout the years, various allegations have surfaced suggesting that UCLA basketball engaged in illegal recruitment practices, though no evidence has ever been substantiated. The records set by Alcindor and his teams remain in the history books. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is now enshrined in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame. Considering his accomplishments in collegiate and NBA championships, he could be regarded as the greatest of all time, surpassing even Michael Jordan for me.

I’m sorry

This apology is coming up front and I will explain the why. If you’ve read this blog any length of time there is a tendency to write about several players who I consider favorites. Truth is despite my affinity for the Lakers the players it seems appear most often don’t wear Purple and Gold. Who are they you ask, well one of them is Victor Wembanyama. The 7 foot 5 French youngster I believe will change the NBA if he is able to avoid major injury. Although this was written weeks ago I’m still publishing it despite Wemby being shut down for his sophomore season. The two complaints I read about Wemby are bogus in my view, the fact he’s got a limited inside game.

I contend that will come about in time watch and see, the other issue of the cynics. “He’s shoots far too many three’s” is another complaint, if you shoot it at the level he does I say continue. You might remember I wrote he’s shooting three’s and sinking them at a higher percentage over a number of veterans James Harden being one of them. You question why Cooper Flagg is on my watch list, that’s easy to explain. He will be the youngest NBA Rookie of the Year once he arrives in the association. As for Duke his game reminds me of Magic Johnson to a degree, Flagg is unselfish with the basketball, he is always looking to involve his teammates in the Duke offense. In addition despite Cooper’s lean frame he rebounds the ball well.

The Thunder have Shai-Gilgeous Alexander point guard on their side. In addition to his warp speed up and down the court he holds a unique distinction, his game is a throw-back, his offensive effort is mostly mid-range with little emphasis on shooting three’s. He can shoot the three although that’s not his preferred offensive shot. Finally I close with this, “The Baby Face Assassin” Steph Curry is 39-years old. Next stop for him is Naismith however there remains lights out shooting especially from three. I blame Curry along with Klay Thompson for the proliferation of three point shooting. Despite my “complaint” I continue to enjoy his shooting. There are others I’ve failed to mention, there will be more as this story develops.

Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

Update on Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs have announced that center Victor Wembanyama will be out for the season due to "deep vein thrombosis" in his right shoulder, indicating a blood clot. While I do not have a medical background and will not speculate about next season, the Spurs remain positive about his return. Further updates on his medical condition will be provided as more information becomes available. The only speculation on my part is the NBA Draft, this issue will likely affect the Spurs outlook. I will report on the Spurs draft outlook in the next 2-3 weeks.

From a Member of Mizzou Nation 

As a long-time fan of Missouri basketball, I would like to address some of the recent comments from Kansas fans about their basketball team's performance. Many will recall that Missouri and Kansas were once both in the Big XII before Missouri moved to the SEC several years ago. With this context, I will proceed with my observations. The decline in Kansas basketball this season has led to various criticisms from some Kansas fans. I have read letters from individuals identifying as KU supporters, expressing views such as: "The game has passed him (Self) by," "Self is wasting NIL money," and "He needs to retire."

In my opinion, these statements are unfounded. Coach Self is only two years removed from an NCAA Championship. While I do have concerns regarding Self, they do not pertain to his coaching abilities. Self is adept at developing talent, but the evolving college basketball environment has presented challenges. Regarding complaints about Kansas and the transfer portal, it is important to recognize that a coach may sometimes select players who do not perform as expected. A player, regardless of talent, must be willing to adapt to changes, which might be the core issue in Lawrence, Kansas. As evidence of the effective use of the transfer portal, one need look no further than Dennis Gates at Missouri. Although I realize that Self may not contact Gates directly, he can still examine the successful results that Missouri’s coach has achieved in two of his three years on the job.

Unlike some in the media

The following reflects the perspective of a long-time NBA aficionado. Today's NBA faces several challenges loosely connected with the game. What are they, notably the influence of social media and criticism from commentators like Charles Barkley, Jason Whitlock, and Stephen A. Smith. These critics, along with social media, often highlight the league's shortcomings. They suggest (often with only their opinion) the NBA is uniquely problematic among professional sports.

Those named and others would have you believe the NBA is the only professional league with difficulties. However, a detailed examination reveals that other major leagues such as the NFL, MLB, and NHL also encounter numerous issues. The NBA does have its own on-court and off-court difficulties, yet the continuous criticism from figures like Barkley may contribute to distancing many fans who once enjoyed the sport. What are your thoughts on this examination of the sport?

They are ascending

As we approach March, some college basketball teams begin to lose momentum. The collegiate season is long, and some teams face disappointments that can affect their performance. However, there are teams like the Missouri Tigers that are on an upward trajectory. Their recent 110-98 victory over Alabama serves as further proof of their progress. At the start of the season, media predictions placed Missouri 13th in the SEC rankings, while Kansas held the top spot without Missouri being considered. On December 8, the unranked Tigers defeated the number one Kansas Jayhawks 76-67. This game likely played a key role in shaping the team's current form.

Subsequently, Missouri secured wins against number 5 Florida, number 16 Ole Miss, number 14 Mississippi State, and finally number 4 Alabama. In between those wins there were a few losses although few. With a record of 20 wins, the Tigers are now ranked 15th and are expected to break into the Top 10 by Monday. The team is preparing for the NCAA Tournament with confidence, believing they can compete against any opponent. While this may sound ambitious, it reflects the team's unity and commitment. Coach Gates has instilled a sense of determination in the players, who would willingly take on any challenge for him. Despite starting the season unranked, the Missouri Tigers have proven themselves to be formidable contenders. Although they may not be widely recognized yet, the SEC is fully aware of their capabilities.

I luv me some Rui

If the Lakers decide to move Rui Hachimura after the season I will be forced to accept it. I will not be happy but I’ve adjusted when the Lakers have traded others, allow me to explain the why. JJ Redick said, “Rui does whatever I ask of him” which says a great deal about the coach and player. If you check his numbers, as this is written they are a modest 13.4 points a game but it’s the other things. 32 minutes on the floor see him shooting nearly 51% which includes a sizzling 43.4% from three. How about a little background on Rui, born in Toyama Japan 27 years ago.

His mother is Japanese and his father is from Benin a nation in west Africa. Growing up in Japan he arrived on these shores to play at Gonzaga, and then he was drafted 9th in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. In January 2023, the Lakers acquired Rui in a trade with the Wizards, later that year in July he re-signed with the Lakers. Back to his scoring a moment, his per game average is far from impressive but it’s the other things the 6 foot 8 230 pound small forward does. I hope Rui remains a Laker as long as he desires…if the team chooses to trade him or he signs a free agent contract elsewhere I will adjust I suppose.

Basketball from a fans perspective

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We have Caleb Grill and they don’t

Most of the nation is unfamiliar with Mizzou’s roster, and even more so with Caleb Grill. The 6-foot-3 inch guard could easily be a starter but currently serves as the first reserve off the bench. The reason for his relative obscurity is due to injuries that sidelined him for most of last season; he played only nine games. However, the 2024-25 season has been markedly different for Grill, as he is shooting an impressive 50.9% from the floor and 46.7% from three-point range.

Though averaging 13 points per game may not appear outstanding, it is the efficiency of his scoring that makes him invaluable on the court. Grill’s presence on the court is indeed significant. He arrived at Mizzou last season from Iowa State via the transfer portal and is now a senior, making this his final season. Hailing from Wichita, Kansas, Grill is known for his continuous motion once he enters the game, often making it difficult for the opposition to keep track of him. While, like all shooters, there are games when his shots may not fall, his shooting consistency has generally been reliable. Observing Grill come off a pick and take a shot has become routine, creating an expectation that each attempt will find the bottom of the net.

Over the next few weeks be on the lookout for Grill, he’s the sharpshooter and first reserve off Dennis Gates bench. I remember the story from a time ago about playing as a reserve. This particular NBA player was complaining to his coach about not starting and this was the response. “It’s more important who is on the floor at the end of the game,” that would be the case for Grill. He scored 25 points (off the bench) and pulled down 10 rebounds along with 3 assists and 3 steals in his team’s 110-98 victory over number 4 Alabama on Wednesday.

Pure speculation

Once the lottery was decided last season there was no doubt, the world knew the Spurs would draft Victor Wembanyama in 2023. In 2025 the choice might be different for a variety of reasons…let’s explore the why. There were a number of folks who said, “Victor Wembanyama was like LeBron James, a generational talent.” As this is written I’ve heard nothing close to that even with the fact Cooper Flagg is projected the top pick in 2025 in practically every mock draft. Check this out, early in the NBA season there are a number of teams in contention for the potential talent of Flagg but should they move someone?

As this is written the Jazz have Colin Sexton at shooting guard, would they or should they move him to accommodate Flagg? Will the Blazers trade Shaedon Sharp or the Raptors Gradey Dick? How about the Nets and Cam Thomas, would they deal him to make room for Flagg? This exercise is strictly delving into the world of “what if” occurs, more than likely one or more of these teams will not be required to make a decision. The next few weeks and months should prove interesting for Flagg and the NBA, the best kept secret. Let’s face it friends there are destinations the NBA would prefer Flagg be drafted than others. I believe two of those are the Nets and Wizards. 

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin, located in Death Valley California National Park, is 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level and is the lowest point in the United States and North America. However, there is some uncertainty about this claim, as another location — the campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence — is mentioned by yours truly as potentially lower. BYU was favored slightly headed into the game on their home court. The final score, BYU 91, Kansas 57, surprised many, including this writer.

On Wednesday morning, sports talk radio in Kansas City provided an analysis of the game and discussed Kansas basketball's season-long challenges. One co-host compared Missouri's previous taxing season and noted that Dennis Gates recruited players who fit his system, which may not be the case for Kansas last season and up to now in 2025. The conference has also seen changes adding powerhouse teams like Houston and Arizona and improve play in others such as Iowa State and Texas Tech. Additionally, there are rumors that Memphis wants to leave the AAC, and Big XII Commissioner Brett Yormack is still interested in expanding the conference. If this should come about and Penny Hardaway remains at Memphis that would be one additional big-name program for Kansas to contend with.

This is interesting

You might remember reading it here…maybe you were aware already. Our northern neighbor Canada has sent the largest contingent of athletes to the NBA. Based on the number I wondered how their basketball journey had begun, several such as Andrew Wiggins, Dillon Brooks and Kelly Olynyk and others played at American colleges. I wondered “Do Canadian University’s play the game?” I researched the question and discovered several interesting facts, there are 48 teams from Canadian Universities that play the game.

They play in 4 athletic conferences across the nation, Canada West Universities Athletic Association, Ontario University Athletics, Reseau du sport etudiant du Quebec and Atlantic University Sport. You might have a hint of their area as an example Canada West is just what it infers teams in the western portion of the nation. The question I wanted answered “Any Canadian players in the NBA who first played at Canadian universities.” The answer would be no, although basketball is popular at the high school level it’s not as popular as hockey. Canadian youngsters who play basketball head for American colleges or pro teams in Europe prior to the NBA.

Basketball from a fans perspective

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A change I like

I skipped watching the NBA All-Star Game this past weekend because I was tired of the constant format changes every season. I did hear of a proposed change which appeals to me, it’s a change I could certainly embrace. This revision would have Team USA play Team World in an All-Star Game. Team World would be comprised of players from Europe and Africa, Victor Wembanyama (France) could team up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) or Nikola Jokic (Serbia).

The question might be can it work at a point in time I would have said an emphatic no. It was a belief held by me and maybe others that there weren’t enough international stars for such a format, but that’s no longer true. As an example an American player hasn't won NBA MVP since 2018; it has been Giannis, The Joker, and Embiid. While national pride might be an issue if Team International dominates, this idea is still just a proposal. What do you think, the NBA could make the change without fan approval? There is at least one potential objection the number, several players might not be selected for Team USA in this format was utilized, the question might be will fans embrace it?

HBCU’s led the way

The NBA of today owes much of its foundation to athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As we observe February and Black History Month, it is important to recognize the contributions of these institutions to the development of the NBA. Unlike the prominent entry of Jackie Robinson into Major League Baseball, the arrival of Black players in the NBA during the late 1940s and 1950s occurred with limited recognition. During this era, America was deeply segregated, preventing Black families from sending their children to universities such as the University of Texas or Georgia Tech. Consequently, Black students primarily attended HBCUs, most of which were located in the southern United States.

Institutions like West Virginia State, North Carolina Central, Grambling, and Jackson State produced many talented players who entered the NBA in the early 1950s. Notable alumni include Earl Lloyd, Sam Jones, Willis Reed, Bob Love, Cleo Hill, and Woody Saulsberry, all of whom developed their skills at HBCU schools. The landscape of the nation began to shift in the 1960s with the enactment of civil rights legislation, leading universities such as Alabama, Florida and Arkansas to begin recruiting Black athletes. This progress in integration resulted in a decline in the number of athletes attending HBCUs. As state universities opened their doors to Black students, many chose to stay closer to home rather than attend northern or western institutions. Consequently, the pipeline of talent from HBCUs to the NBA begin to diminish, and by 2025, there are no NBA players hailing from HBCU schools.

The Kansas connection

Missouri has turned around its basketball program this season as most are aware. On Wednesday evening the Tigers played the Sooners at Mizzou Arena, the outcome was never in doubt. The final score read Missouri 82 Oklahoma 58 as the Tigers won wire to wire. Leading the charge was Mark Mitchell 6-9 230 pound guard, he overpowered several of the Sooner defenders given the task of attempting to contain him. Mitchell’s numbers 25 points and 7 rebounds, he shot 50% from the floor in the game.

As for Mitchell he played last season at Duke and one of the announcers mentioned an interesting story. He said Tamar Bates also from the Kansas City area talked to Mitchell about transferring to Missouri. It should be mentioned that Bates is the leading scorer for these Tigers. We can add Aiden Shaw’s name to the others he’s also from the Kansas City Metro. I don’t wish to give you the impression that the resurgence in the program is exclusively the three names mentioned. Victory thus far has been a mix of those named plus a bunch of others with no area connection to the metro. For those who might not be familiar with the metro it exists on both sides of the State Line, in this instance the three players named are all from the Kansas side of the metro. Hey Kansas, you got anymore guys over there willing to cross State Line Road?

Finally in closing I could mention Wichita, we know it’s not in the metro but it is in Kansas. The truth of the matter it’s about 200 road miles however that’s home for 3-point specialist Caleb Grill also part of the Kansas Connection. How about a “What If,” Grill is not injured for most of last season…John Tonje plays more than 8 games Missouri’s season might not have been so abysmal last year. Tonje transferred to Wisconsin and healthy this season, the guard is averaging nearly 20 points per game.

This is interesting

In all likelihood later this year Las Vegas and Seattle will be awarded NBA franchises. The two expansion teams will probably not began play at the very earliest 2028. In Seattle it’s a done deal, the new Sonics will play in the Climate Pledge Arena which seats 17,000 for basketball. As for Las Vegas there is a different story, for reasons unclear a new arena is being considered. Why I consider this a mystery for several reasons, Thomas & Mack on the campus of UNLV has seating for nearly 20,000. This arena has long served the interests of the NBA for summer league play, why it’s not under consideration makes for questions.

From there we move to the T-Mobile Arena, this 18,000 seat arena opened in 2016 and has also been utilized by the NBA in the past. A former UNLV athlete was in the forefront of a project to build a new arena, according to news sources that effort has fallen apart a portion of it due to financial issues. Ownership has not been identified although several names have been mentioned as prospective owners. One of the names cited has been LeBron James, of course he would be forced to retire. NBA rules would prohibit him from playing for one team and being part of an ownership group in another, we shall see how this eventually plays out.

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I didn’t see the game

In the Saturday issue of Off the Dribble I mentioned the conflict with the Missouri-Georgia game would cause me to miss the match between number one Auburn and number two Alabama. In a tough, tough SEC matchup Auburn defeated Alabama 94-85. Auburn's Johni Broome stood out with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. Reserves Chaney Johnson and Tahaad Pettiford contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively. The teams will meet again on March 8, on that date Alabama will have a chance for redemption for the loss on Saturday. Once again the SEC provided a national television audience just how good the conference is at the top especially with an outstanding Auburn win.

This is interesting

The "Wemby Arena" might be constructed without county funds, according to a report in the San Antonio Express-News. For clarity, the Wemby Arena is intended as a downtown replacement for the Frost Bank Center, which currently serves as the home of the Spurs. Although the existing arena, built in 2002, is not considered old, there is a belief in San Antonio that replacing it now would prepare the city for the anticipated large influx of fans and visitors eager to see Wemby and the Spurs. With rising costs, such public projects often become joint city-county efforts.

This is the approach being taken in my hometown, with Kansas City (MO) and Jackson County collaborating on an effort to build a downtown baseball stadium for the Royals and refurbish Arrowhead Stadium. The proposed arena in San Antonio and related project components are expected to cost around $1 billion. Initially, the city aimed to have Bexar County hold a referendum in May; however, a county judge objected to this timetable. According to sources from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the City of San Antonio could finance the project independently if Bexar County declines to participate. This development is primed to be intriguing, and I intend to follow the story as closely as possible.

No longer the dominate team

On Sunday morning, I discovered that Utah defeated Kansas on Saturday night with a score of 74-67.  Given it was a late-night game from Utah, this account is verified only by the box score. Once again it raises important considerations for the Big XII conference and its ongoing expansion efforts. The commissioner continues to discuss adding teams, fans of the program must recognize Kansas basketball no longer holds dominance within the conference. One of our local sports talk radio host has been critical of John Calipari now at Arkansas.

This host has argued that “Calipari has not adapted to the current coaching style in college basketball.” It’s interesting, while he identifies flaws in Calipari’s approach, he seems reluctant to critique Bill Self. This hesitance may be attributed to the station’s broadcast contract with the school. It is worth noting that my opinion of Coach Self is not influenced by his record but rather his personality. He and Dan Hurley at UConn are currently the only active coaches with two NCAA Championships each. Despite this downturn in play this season Kansas will receive an invitation in March. However, fans of the program should manage their expectations there is unlikely to be in for a deep run in the tournament. From the pre-season number one team in the nation to number 17 and sliding downward.

Listen to the man

Apparently Luka Doncic has more pull with the front office over that of AD. You might remember the Lakers were trying to acquire a Big Man, several names were mentioned as possible acquisitions. Once Mark Williams was acquired it was a surprise to me and most of Laker Nation. What occurred, Rob Pelinka was listening to Luka’s voice over that of AD. You remember AD has long complained about his desire to move to power forward, of course he wanted the Lakers to acquire a center.

Newly arrived Luka hearing some of the names was reported to have made a request of Pelinka. Luka claimed his best basketball was played with lob centers Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively this past season with the Mavs. Based on the conversation between the two Pelinka made the decision to trade for Williams over some of the names mentioned in media over the past few weeks. There is one downside to the acquisition of Williams…health. This He’s had issues remaining on the court for the Hornets however when available to play has proven he is a rising talent, we shall see how this eventually plays out for the Lakers and Mavs as well. 

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Difficult to comprehend

Mizzou secured their 19th win of the season with an 87-74 victory over Georgia, this marked their 8th SEC win. What is most interesting for me last season the Tigers won only 8 games the entire season. They have continued to follow this strategy, "win all the home games and steal a few on the road," this was a team effort. All that is required is to check the box score and you will find out this was a team victory. Anthony Robinson II was tied with team high honors with his 15 points and 7 assists.

Robinson II has had problems the last two games staying out of foul trouble, he managed to remain on the court for this game. In addition Caleb Grill added 15 points off the bench, Mark Mitchell scored 14, and Tamar Bates contributed 13. Notably, Mizzou has improved in the rebounding department, outpacing Georgia in that department 36 to 27. In addition they turned it up a notch scoring 19 points off of Georgia TO’s. This season, Mizzou’s only been outrebounded 3 or 4 times in 25 games. In the tough SEC there is always a tough game ahead and that is the case on Wednesday. The Tigers will face number 2 Alabama, it’s a home game for the Tigers.

Bits n Pieces of Information 

Sometimes people make statements they later regret. They think “Boy that was dumb, I wish I hadn’t said that I’m unsure about you I certainly have. This occurred this past week with the drive-time guy on sports talk radio. As most of you are aware Missouri is currently in contention for an NCAA tournament invite. This radio host asked the CBS guest, “Is there any way Missouri falls out of contention for a tourney invite?” There was no need of asking the guest, I could have easily answered the question. If for example Missouri were to lose 4 or 5 of their next 7 games, they would likely fall out of contention. I almost fell out of my chair laughing…I wonder if he heard what he said?  

Shaquille O’Neal extended his contract with Turner Network Television, and Charles Barkley announced he’s stopped negotiations with NBC the new broadcast partner for the NBA. The Inside the NBA team will stay together, as the show will be leased to ESPN. In return, TNT will broadcast a number of college football games. This change will start next season, those of you who may have expressed concern if all would return. Shaq, Ernie, Kenny “The Jet” and Barkley will be available to critique the games and the NBA for you at least for the next several years.

Have you heard the expression “Where there is smoke there is fire?” For those unfamiliar with the term it simply states although there has been no official announcement perhaps change will occur or something similar. Brad Stevens announced in a press conference he was not a candidate for the Indiana head coaching job, as some are aware Mike Woodson has announced he is stepping down at the end of the season. Stevens was a successful coach at Butler University for a number of years prior to accepting the NBA Celtics head coaching position in 2013. He would move to the Celtics front office in the 2021-22 season.

No answer just a statement

The colossal trade that sent Luka Doncic and teammates to the Lakers for AD and accompaniment is the result of an agreement between the parties. This next portion should be interesting, trades are made in baseball, the NFL, NHL and MSL but for unknown reasons more trades seem to occur in the NBA over other professional sports. Free agency exists in these other sports although it might be tailored somewhat differently. In any event it’s been said this Laker-Mavs trade was stupendous and it was for this era, let’s check the history of just a few that occurred in years past.

Several of the names who are part of the trade might be unfamiliar to many younger readers but in this instance the key individual of the trade you are familiar with his name. There were trades made prior however I’m going to begin in 1965 and move forward. That was the year the Warriors traded Wilt Chamberlain to the Sixers for Connie Dierking, Paul Neumann, Lee Shaffer and cash. In 1971 the Cincinnati Royals traded Oscar Robertson to the Bucks for Charlie Paulk and Flynn Robinson. Four years later, 1975 saw the Bucks trade Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the Lakers for Junior Bridgeman, Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith and Brian Winters. Charles Barkley with the Sixers was traded to the Suns for Jeff Hornacek, Andrew Lang and Tim Perry. Each of the underlined names we now consider superstar athletes. 

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NBA All Star weekend

I will talk to you all day and night about basketball especially the NBA variety. What will be missing from Off the Dribble the next few days is any mention of the NBA All Star weekend. Look folks I’m ole skool, this change in the format every season is just not for me. It’s my belief (without offering proof) that the NBA is aiming toward a different geographical group and I ain’t in it. So I will say this, go ahead and enjoy the weekend festivities and please don’t allow me to rain on your parade.

Auburn v Alabama

There is no system to determine this issue ahead of the scheduled date, how did the SEC know Auburn would be facing Alabama in a critical game. This afternoon number one Auburn will face number two Alabama, highlighting the top two teams in the nation from the SEC. While this has likely happened before, it stands out as the most recent example. I’m sure this has occurred in the past although this might be the most recent example.

Unfortunately, I will be unable to see the game, it’s not that I am forced to miss it on purpose. I won’t be able to watch the game live because Missouri and Georgia will be playing and the games will overlap one another, my plain is to check the progress of the Auburn-Alabama game during TO’s and half-time of the Missouri-Georgia game. I could DVR the game, but ESPN often displays other game scores on the screen which might spoil the outcome for me.

Why should take your word?

Many readers may recall the name Kendall Gill, a 15-year NBA veteran. Throughout his career, Gill played for various teams and maintained commendable averages. Since his 2005 retirement it’s unclear what his role is at present although it could involve the Chicago Bulls. Gill explicitly stated that Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis possesses more potential than Duke’s Cooper Flagg. The context of his conversation remains uncertain; however, the statement warrants scrutiny for several reasons. While Gill’s observation may hold merit, there is currently no definitive method to validate his claim.

At present, statistical comparisons are insufficient to support such an assertion. For instance, Buzelis holds a reserve role with the Bulls, whereas Flagg is a full-time player for Duke. Although I am willing to a admit Gill’s assessment could be accurate, it raises the question of how one can compare the role of a reserve athlete to one who is playing full-time effectively. The purpose of this discussion is to highlight the complexities inherent in such comparisons, which ultimately yield inconclusive results. This might be too wordy for some of you however I believe it to be much closer to reality than expressed by Gill. What do you think about the subject?

Is there an answer

Kansas State had gone into some kind of funk at the beginning of 2025. They experienced 6 losses in a row, then a strange thing occurred…the Wildcats won 4 consecutive games. Up next the cross state rival Kansas Jayhawks, the game would be played at home however I still didn’t give Kansas State much of a chance. Imagine my surprise when I saw the crawl on my television screen with the final score which read Kansas State 81 Kansas 73.

If you check the box score it appears the teams were almost even in most capacities except for one, the final score. Since the middle portion of December I have maintained the Kansas Jayhawks have been living on the reputation of their twice winning NCAA Championship coach. As I continue to scream to the hills Self is an outstanding coach, he is among the cadre of elite college basketball coaches. There are two issues at work here, 1. the team is not as talented as their number one ranking at the beginning of the season or 2. the coach has turned off some portion of his team. I am no advocate of the coach resigning…that’s a decisions for the administration.

Bits n Pieces of information 

An NBA team will be willing to take a chance in 2025, it’s the opportunity to draft Hansen Yang. You are probably asking “Who is this guy you speak of?” He’s a 7 foot 2 249 pound post player and he’s an international athlete from China. It’s difficult to access his potential based on the competition he’s faced thus far, Yang is 19-years old and is likely not ready to contribute. This is where the speculation begins, would my Lakers be willing to draft and train this youngster who just might be a budding talent. This is the issue as I see it, the Lakers might be looking for immediate help and may be unwilling to develop a post player although that is what’s often been mentioned. As we get closer to the draft I will follow the progress of this youngster whether it’s with the Lakers or some other NBA team.

There are legions of Mavs fans continuing to voice their disapproval of the Luka Doncic trade and Dalton Knecht is upset as well. The sharpshooting Knecht might have believed he was in the Lakers long range future plans and then it occurred. The trade sending him to the Hornets but then it got worse for him, it was rescinded sending him back to the Lakers. Not only was he a member of the Lakers again in front of him on the depth chart was the recently acquired Luka Doncic and 26 year old Austin Reaves at the guard. He would be buried even deeper on the Laker bench, you can see why forced to return Knecht might not have been happy. If the trade had been consummated he might have become the starter at small forward or two guard for the Hornets. For the time being Knecht must bide his time however I could see him being traded after the season concludes, in this instance it has nothing to do with Knecht’s ability rather an opportunity for him to see more minutes.

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Jason Whitlock

Over time, there have been a number of instances where I have disagreed with the views expressed by Jason Whitlock. He has the right to his opinion, although I do not always share it. This dates back to his tenure at the Kansas City Star, 810 Sports Radio, ESPN, and Fox Sports and several other sports sites. A recent example involves the trade sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Whitlock wrote that Commissioner Silver should void the trade, referencing the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers as a precedent.

This week, Silver addressed the issue during a podcast, stating, “The commissioner does not have the power to void a trade.” Regardless of Whitlock’s stance, this is what Silver stated. To revisit 2011, a three-way trade between the Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets (Pelicans) sent Paul to the Lakers. Silver alluded to the fact that “The NBA was running the day-to-day operations of the franchise until an owner could be located.” David Stern did indeed void the trade, deeming it “not in the best interest of the NBA.” So ends the story with Whitlock remaining in opposition but I believe the only parties in agreement with him are those thousands of fans in Dallas.

The SEC

I have said this since the beginning of the college season, the SEC is the best men’s conference in the nation. Check out anyone’s Top 25 list and it will be loaded with schools from this conference once more known for football. Auburn, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, Mizzou and Kentucky the list goes on and on. The key problem with such a competitive conference they beat each other up. My Mizzou Tigers lost two games in a row last week to Tennessee and A&M both schools being in the Top 5 of all polls. 

Gary Parrish of CBS Sports shared an interesting take on SEC basketball this season. The SEC may set a record for the number of schools receiving NCAA Tournament invitations. Once football-centric, the conference is now highly competitive in basketball. Historically, it was known for Kentucky basketball, Pete Maravich, and Johnny Neumann. The Civil Rights movement played a significant role in this transformation as southern schools began recruiting black players in the 1970s, reversing the trend of losing them to northern and west coast schools. For more details, consult additional sources.

Bits n Pieces 

On Tuesday evening, news broke that Duke’s top NBA prospect Cooper Flagg might return to school for his sophomore year. Although he may change his mind by April or May, this is rare since most top freshmen choose the NBA. Despite receiving NIL money and having a New Balance contract, Flagg appears to be enjoying his time at Duke. However, returning poses an injury risk that could threaten his NBA career. His family might follow a strategy similar to Sean Elliott's. In 1988, Elliott stayed in school despite being projected as a top draft pick, with his mother securing a Lloyds of London insurance policy. Elliott wasn't injured and was made the third pick in the 1989 NBA Draft which led to a successful 12-year NBA career. Since his retirement he’s worked in the Spurs front office and is currently a member of their broadcast team. 

It has been two years since Glen Taylor listed the Wolves and WNBA Lynx for sale. Former Yankee Aurelio Rodriguez and financial partner Marc Lore agreed to purchase the team. Subsequently, a dispute arose regarding payment, with Taylor asserting that the partners had reneged on their agreement, while Rodriguez and Lore disagreed. An arbitration panel ruled on Monday that Taylor had breached the terms of the agreement. The last step in this process is obtaining approval from 23 of the 30 NBA owners. Notably, prolonged sales of NBA teams are uncommon, there is only one comparable instance I remember, it involved the Pistons, where the delay was attributed to the owner's death.

Who was the first

Basketball fans witness the play all the time, it could be a college team, the NBA or internationally. Usually it’s a guard but not always, he makes what appears to be a shot attempt but is actually a pass to a teammate. The receiver rising high near the rim dunks the ball or lays it up. We see the play during games all the time but where did it begin is the question? I’m pleased you asked because I have the answer, the play originated at the college level and then moved to other aspects of the game.

The first player who lobbed the ball near the basket was a North Carolina State guard by the name of Monte Towe. He would toss the ball near the basket and 6 foot 4 inch David Thompson, Thompson catching the past would lay it in the basket. It’s not the fact he couldn’t dunk however there were rules in place while he played at North Carolina State (1972-1975) which forbid the dunk. It wasn’t until 1976 that the NCAA rescinded the rule prohibiting basketball dunking. So this is the brief history of how the lob dunk originated, naturally with the success of North Carolina State other teams copied it and eventually it arrived in the NBA and beyond.

Basketball from a fans perspective

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Be yourself

The headline is reported to be the words of LeBron James to Luka Doncic prior to the Monday night game against the Jazz. It was easy to see Luka was rusty after the injury sidelined him for nearly 8 weeks. There was an early assist plus a 3-point basket and a court length pass to LeBron. As you are aware Mavs fans are quite upset with the ownership in trading Luka. This was an easy 132-113 victory over the Jazz, the game wasn’t as close as the score might indicate. Luka was on a minutes restriction and after scoring 14 points and 4 assists in 24 minutes he was seated from the middle of the 3rd quarter on.

This game certainly fails to provide championship aspirations but it is clear the Lakers are improved with Luka in the lineup. The chief concern remains post play, Jaxson Hayes moves smoothly around the basket but is he and Trey Jemison III enough to allow playoff advancement? In time we should have an answer for that question. As for the Hornets they are appealing the voided trade with the Lakers for Mark Williams. NOTE: Late Tuesday afternoon the Lakers announced the signing of 31-year old center Alex Len. The 7 foot 1 250 pound Len was headed to the Pacers and then he wasn’t, the veteran center provides the Lakers depth in the post.

Nonagenarian   

The headline above is the term used for someone who is between ages 90 to 99. Usually our thoughts are someone that old moves slowly and their mind might not function in the same manner as a much younger person. Forget that stereotype if the discussion is regarding Hubie Brown, the former coach and broadcaster closed out a distinguish career on Sunday at the age of 91. I saw a figure which claimed, “Brown had seen or coached 80% of NBA players in the leagues history.” Working backwards Brown ended his broadcast career working for ESPN. He first began analyzing NBA games for the USA Network at the time that network held NBA rights. This should not be considered in any order however Brown’s worked for CBS, ABC, along with TNT.

After beginning his coaching career as an assistant he’s also served as head coach of the Kentucky Colonels (ABA) the NBA Hawks and Knicks. At the age of 69 Brown returned to the coaching ranks leading the Grizzlies, in 2004 he was named Coach of the Year the second time he’d won the award. Brown’s been honored by his selection to the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Those who are unfamiliar with him might believe elements of the game may have passed him, that is a statement of misrepresentation. This basketball giant coached Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Paul Gasol, the names of those he coached or broadcast their games is endless, we’ll miss his broadcast “coaching.” Hubie Brown’s spent over 50 years of his life as a coach, teacher and broadcaster of the game he loves since his youth.

Sell the team

Jalen Rose gave us his view of the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers. But first in Dallas allow me to remind you…Mark Cuban is still an owner of the Mavs but has sold his majority share in the team. The new ownership group is now the voice of the team. Patrick Dumont tossed Luka “under the bus,” questioning his work ethic and claimed “He (Luka) was out of shape.”  Rose on NBA TV went off on the Mavs owner stating, “They didn’t want to pay him.”

As most of us are aware Luka was due a balloon payment if he’d remained with the Mavs, that’s gone away since the trade, the Lakers are not required to pay it. Back to Rose a moment, he addressed Dumont and certainly went into more detail than is provided here, he stated, “Sell the team, it’s worth $4.7 Billion,” he also disagreed with the comment about Luka being out of shape. There is more to the Rose account but I will allow just what I shared to marinate with you. You’ve heard from Rose now it’s my turn, I read accounts of the so-called weight gain. It is totally impossible unless you are really good to judge the weight of someone at a glance. Despite my statement video of Luka on the Laker bench and in shoot around didn’t appear to be close to the weight mentioned. The roster list him at 230 pounds, he’s been inactive since December 25. Could there be a weight gain, of course, but 30-40 pounds certainly sounds darn near impossible.

I am no conspiracy theorist however I am beginning to wonder if the story might have been planted by the Mavs organization to the media. In closing if Mark Cuban were still the majority owner of the team this trade would have never occurred. A team cannot or should not trade a player of Luka’s stature and then claim it was because of his work tendency. Character assassination of that type might work in Las Vegas with your casino’s but this is the NBA, you’ve got to fabricate a better story than that.

The beauty contest    

The beauty contest or what I refer as the Top 25 poll was just released. What are the odds the number one and number two college team would both lose on the same day? I certainly cannot provide a mathematical calculation of the probability of it occurring but it did…that’s what took place this past Saturday. The first game saw number one Auburn upset by number 6 Florida 90-81 in a mid-afternoon contest. A late afternoon or early evening game saw number two Duke upset by Clemson halting a 16-game win streak by the Blue Devils 77-71. So what occurs this week, despite Auburn’s loss they remain at the top, as for Duke not so much. The loss to Clemson dropped them from two to three in a tie with Florida. As I’ve said time after time these polls are really meaningless why am I preoccupied with them? Until March Madness starts, it’s our only measure.