Basketball from a fans perspective

Blazing hot!

I was pleased that the University of Missouri (Mizzou) managed to secure a victory against Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament. However, facing Florida in the quarterfinals raised significant concerns for me. Despite Mizzou's narrow 83-82 victory over the Gators on January 14, they struggled to maintain their early lead, ultimately resulting in the win. As for Friday’s game, Florida exhibited exceptional performance, shooting at a remarkable 73% from the floor early in the game. Several factors, including turnovers by Mizzou, missed shots, and lapses in defense, allowed Florida to capitalize quickly. For the record, the Gators ended the game shooting 61.8% from the floor and 37.5% from three.

Although Mizzou mounted a comeback in the second half, they were unable to overcome the substantial lead Florida had built, and the game concluded with a final score of Florida 95 - Mizzou 81. Caleb Grill, typically a pivotal player for Mizzou off the bench, did not provide his usual spark during this game scoring 11 points but only 3 for 11 from the floor. While the Tigers forced numerous turnovers from the Gators, these opportunities did not significantly shift the game's momentum in their favor. The concept of a moral victory is often debated, yet despite my disappointment in the loss, I applaud the Tigers for their steady effort and determination to fight back. Mizzou now awaits Selection Sunday to determine their seeding and who they will face in the first game. 

“Everybody Hurts”

With apologies to R.E.M. for borrowing the title to their 1992 hit tune. All these years I misunderstood the meaning of the title, it’s actually about reassurance, this from the net. “Everybody Hurts is not a song about pain, self-pity, self-loathing, or depression…it’s a song about hope, and hanging on in the darkest moments, because you’ve just been reassured in the most beautiful way that the darkness is not just for you. We all get caught in it at times.” The pain in this instance refers to the Lakers, they were 131-126 losers against the Nuggets on Friday night however there is hope.

The loss wasn’t exactly shocking based on what I believed might occur beforehand. Luka didn’t play because it was a back-to-back game, LeBron is day to day regarding his injury. Allow me to add the names of Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura and Dorrien-Finney Smith who were also dressed in street clothes. Let’s look at the positives, Austin Reaves rounding back into form after injury led the way. Reaves scored 37 points and dished out 13 assists, there was a Knecht factor as well, Dalton experienced his career high scoring 32 points. Hopefully, some of the walking wounded will return to the lineup soon, but again the NBA season is long and enduring. Once most returned hopefully they will return to their winning ways.

One or the other….

I’m unsure if you will agree with my hypothesis but here goes anyway. The media and some fans are always pointing to the fact “The NFL is more popular than the NBA.” Guess what there is no counter argument from this corner however there are some beliefs I hold. The NFL no matter the day of the week plays ONE GAME, with that type of schedule a 2 or 3 game losing season might eliminate a team from the playoffs. In other words there is always more on the line versus an NBA team which plays 82 games prior to beginning its playoffs.

As a further example a losing streak is not as detrimental as one in the NFL. I refuse to believe a fan is passionate at the same level for both sports. I could use myself as the example, my obsession is basketball be it college or the NBA. I am a baseball and football fan but I can say in truth it pertains mainly to the Royals and Chiefs, I have limited interest in the balance of baseball and the NFL. Bottom line, if you wish to inform me the NFL is more popular than the NBA that’s okay. The main issue for me is to read disparaging comments about the NBA, if the league causes you such a problem perhaps it might be better to choose another sport.

“You never know what you are going to get”

I have several friends and family members who are rabid supporters of KU basketball. This explanation is for them (and anyone else interested) to understand the reasons behind current trends for the team from Lawrence. There is nothing inherently wrong with Bill Self's coaching over the past two seasons; rather, the college basketball landscape has evolved. Naturally, adjustments must be made by KU in order to remain competitive, adjustments must be made by Self and his coaching staff. Self is no dummy, he knows what is required to produce a winner.

The continued expansion of the Big XII has introduced additional competition 4 new teams have been added to the conference. New addition Houston has won the conference regular season championship for the last two years. In the Pac-12 Arizona basketball has consistently been strong and competitive, and we’ve witnessed the rise of the BYU program. In the fall the top high school prospect in the nation will begin play for BYU in the fall and winter. Additionally, the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies and the transfer portal has caused some concern among KU fans. We could use Mizzou as an example of the portal, last season Caleb Grill was hurt and played few games, the same for could be said for John Tonje. 2024-25 has been totally different for both players healthy, Grill’s led Mizzou in scoring and is a vital key to their success. Tonje transferred to Wisconsin where he’s experienced an outstanding season for the Badgers.

These and other factors have impacted KU basketball, with apologies to Forrest Gump, basketball recruiting is much like a box of chocolates—you never know what you are going to get until the players are on the court in action. KU’s won 21 games this season which certainly indicates they have a competitive team, fans of the program must lower their expectations. At this point I cannot see KU continuing to dominate the Big XII Conference as they once did. Is competitive Memphis going to be invited to become a member?