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.