The view of a fan

Published Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun

It is a big deal

Toni Bryant Class of 2026 committing to Mizzou is a big deal. He chooses the Tigers over Kansas, North Carolina, plus the fact Michigan and Arizona and nearly 20 other schools’ had offers on the table for Bryant. Of course you realize this is quite a coup on the part of Dennis Gates, Kansas and Carolina are considered Basketball Blue Blood programs. Here’s what to like about the 6-foot 10 Bryant choosing Mizzou over the others, “Coach Gates is laying a foundation and I want to be part of taking it to the next level.” The words of this prospect mean little if he fails to live up to what is hoped to be a dazzling time at Mizzou.

This journey is not exclusive to Bryant, he and other prospects including those in the transfer portal must be able to mold their skills into a cohesive team.  In discussing incoming talent on Tuesday I omitted 4-star Scottie Adkinson, he is a Class of 2027 point guard who verbally committed in July as well, the St. Louis native said via X, “MIZ I’m staying home” As this is written (Sept 10) according to 247Sports.com Mizzou has the 3rd best recruiting class for 2026, On3.com places Mizzou at the top of its list. Hopefully, you can see as Bryant declared Gates and his staff are laying the foundation for a successful basketball program in the State of Missouri.

Have the Lakers become an international team

This is not intended as a complaint, but rather as an informational observation. I recently discussed the prospects of the Lakers for the upcoming season with a friend of mine. Following our conversation, my friend remarked, "Soon the Lakers are going to become an international team." Upon reflection, I realized his assessment may well be accurate. The NBA game exported by former commissioner David Stern has continued to grow on the world stage.

My primary focus remains on team performance; while the individual journeys of Laker players hold interest, my central concern is their ability to contribute effectively on the court. The NBA, much like Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League, now features a growing contingent of international athletes. Of course the bulk of soccer (football) athletes has always contained a large number, so I hope this trend represents positive progress. While not all individuals listed below will secure roster positions, the following names reflect both the player and their country of origin:

Rui Hachimura-Japan

Luka Doncic-Slovenia

Deandre Ayton-Bahamas

Maxi Kleber-Germany

Christian Koloko-Cameroon

*Adou Thiero-Mali

Augustas Marciulionis-Lithuania

*Born in Salt Lake City, his parents are from Mali

The last Top 10 Picks

In June 2025, Cooper Flagg, Duke forward, was universally recognized as the leading candidate for the top draft pick. If someone other than Flagg had been chosen the world would have stopped spinning on its axis. Okay that’s a slight bit exaggerated but you understand the belief of what might have occurred in the NBA community. When considering other number one draft selections over the past decade, outcomes have varied widely due to numerous factors. Some athletes do not make a significant impact until the second or third year in the NBA. There are others who fail to live up to expectations due to performance issues at the professional level.

Unfortunately, injuries can also significantly affect the potential path of a top pick, in this instance Zion Williamson is the first name that comes to mind. There is no question on his potential I believe, he’s suffered injuries that have seriously impacted his career. Much earlier, 2007 Greg Oden’s career was derailed more severely, Oden was no longer in the NBA by year 5. In addition to that he never was able to play complete season. With these considerations in mind, we analyze whether each player met initial expectations. Notably, only Ben Simmons and Victor Wembanyama have achieved the distinction of being both the first overall draft pick and Rookie of the Year. Could Cooper Flagg make for a trio of top picks who earn that honor, it’s certainly possible?

2025 Cooper Flagg-Mavs

2024 Zaccharie Risacher-Hawks

2023 Victor Wembanyama-Spurs*

2022 Paolo Banchero-Magic

2021 Cade Cunningham-Pistons

2020 Anthony Edwards-Wolves

2019 Zion Williamson-Pelicans

2018 Deandre Ayton-Suns (Simmons missed 2016-17, his rookie year was the 2017-18 season)

2017 Markelle Fultz-Sixers

2016 Ben Simmons-Sixers**

*NBA Rookie of the Year

**Draft year

The NBA in Europe

As former commissioner David Stern extended the NBA footprint he mentioned Europe being primed for expansion. At the time it was believed the Knicks would fly across the Atlantic Ocean and play teams located in Paris or London. That was the plan, it’s been revised to an extent since then. Prior to expansion being implemented there will be major refinements to be made for “NBA Europe” becoming a viable basketball product. Rather than provide my view of this move I thought it better to provide an AI generated observation of this “NBA Europe” plan. Commissioner Adam Silver has met with a group of European partners who plan on taking on this task. “The NBA is actively exploring the creation of a new professional basketball league in Europe, in partnership with FIBA (International Basketball Federation). This new league would not be a G League (NBA's developmental league) but rather a standalone, top-tier league potentially rivaling the Euroleague. 

The NBA envisions a 16-team structure with 12 permanent members and 4 teams qualifying annually through the existing European basketball system. The league aims to integrate into the European basketball landscape, with teams also participating in their respective national leagues.” With the blessing of partner FIBA would NBA Europe displace the Euroleague? That question remains unanswered for a time however you are witness to the efforts of the NBA to continue growth worldwide. Operating at present are NBA Africa headquartered in Johannesburg South Africa, founded in 2021 there are 12 teams at present. The NBA has no teams in Asia but is aligned with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Japan’s B League and Korean Basketball League (KBL), Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and East Asia Super League (EASL). In addition the Australian Basketball League (ABL) is included. A number of players have come into the NBA from these leagues in Asia and Australia. As for the primary subject of NBA Europe for now it’s in the embryo stage awaiting to be born.

Do they see a future

Christian Koloko is likely to finish this upcoming season with the South Bay Lakers. That’s certainly not shocking or surprising news however his future development is what is under consideration here. How about a brief check on his past, Koloko was born in Douala a city in southwest Cameroon on the African continent.  He moved to the United States while in high school, college scouts saw enough of him in action for Cal, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Harvard and Princeton all made offers. Eventually he settled on Arizona and slowly developed his talent, after being named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year he believed it was time for the NBA. In the 2022 NBA draft Koloko was drafted in the second round and then the setback.

He developed a blood clot which sidelined him for half a season, January 2024 the Raptors waived Koloko. With the health issue looming over him no NBA team could sign him until he was medically cleared to play, one year ago the Lakers signed him although he was yet to be cleared. Once he the clearance was issued the 7-foot 1 Koloko would play 37 games last season, with Jaxson Hayes sidelined for a period he saw additional play although he looked raw at times. He and Trey Jemison who also came aboard last season were in competition for a roster position. At the time I had no idea which one the Laker brain trust believed had the higher upside, it turned out to be Koloko. In conclusion don’t expect the second coming of Kareem or Shaq, the idea as he develops his game he could turn out to be a defensive shot blocking backup center. With a height of 7-foot 1 and 230 pounds it would appear he should have the physical tools.