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A white rookie of the year

I figured the headline would grab your attention, you would be forced to read the first few sentences of this account. I declare, the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year will be named Cooper Flagg or Kon Knueppel both former stars at Duke and both white. It’s possible someone else will come to the forefront however at the end of December these are clearly the leaders. By all accounts, the NBA is comprised of 70-75% black players so I hope you see where I’m headed. I’ve conducted the research but you have the opportunity to guess unless you have the answer in advance. 

Okay, here goes…can you name the white player who was named rookie of the year and the time? Tick…tick…tick…tick…times up, the year was 1980 and the player named NBA Rookie of the Year was Larry Bird a.k.a. Larry Legend of the Boston Celtics. Surely there must have been a white player since that time accorded the honor. In 2002 Pau Gasol was named rookie of the year, this was followed in 2019 with Luka Doncic with the honor, both are white however one is from Spain and the other from Slovenia. Where am I going with this account, straight to Austin Reaves who arrived in the NBA and proved he could play basketball at this level. He was confident enough in his ability he informed NBA teams, “don’t draft me…I will choose the team of my choice.” Reaves when on to prove he can play competitive basketball at a high skill level. I am claiming there are scores of talented white basketball players native to the United States. 

We have Reed Shephard, Grayson Allen, Payton Pritchard, Chet Holmgren and a host of other white players who have proven their mantle and competitiveness. The key is can you play at this level rather than a players skin color being paramount to his success. There are some who might question my list of players, there are certainly a few I might have omitted who should be included but here it stands. I will repeat the statement, “play the game at a high skill level, that’s really the only intangible an NBA team requires"   

Meanwhile….

College basketball has captured a portion of the spotlight for about a month, we have witnessed a number of high profile athletes in action. Despite what I just wrote the June NBA draft is on my mind and who the top choice might become number one. Three candidates stand out as the likely first pick, they are small forward AJ Dybansta at BYU, Cameron Boozer Duke power forward and Darryn Peterson combo guard at Kansas. One of the three named will likely be chosen number one, each will bring a different dynamic to the NBA. As for their ability to play at the next level there are considerations, the chief one…location…location…location. Secondary, the ability to move into the starting lineup almost immediately. On the other hand another name might come to the forefront prior to the June draft, that is always a possibility.

Victor Wembanyama has returned to the Spurs lineup, he remains on a minutes restriction. Looking at his thin frame its still difficult for me to imagine the 236 pound Wemby is at the same weight classification of Los Angeles Charger Quarterback Justin Herbert who stands 6-foot 6 inches in height and 236 pounds. Some of you might remember the name Mr. T., the actor is 5-feet 11 inches tall and is also 236 pounds. As for Wemby his weight is stretched over a 7-foot 5 inch frame, consider this brief bit of research. In an American home 80 inches (6-foot 8 inches) The most common height for interior and exterior doors, 84 inches (7 foot) Often used in homes with 9-foot ceiling for a grander look. Finally this, 96 inches (8 foot) found in luxury homes or entryways with very high ceilings. This provides us a glimpse of Wemby’s height and a reminder, a basketball rim is 10 feet above the floor.

Christmas Arrives Early for the Lakers

According to a story featured on heavy.com, Christmas came early for the Los Angeles Lakers roster and staff thanks to an extraordinary gesture by Luka Doncic. Demonstrating his commitment to the team, Doncic purchased 103 electric bikes for players and staff members, according to estimates Doncic would have spent about $304,000 for the purchase. This act not only reflects Doncic's generosity but also shows how deeply he has embraced his role on the team and his connection with both teammates and staff.

While this lavish gift was widely appreciated by all, a friend reminded me of a very serious accident in the past. This incident severely impacted the future for former Duke basketball player Jay Williams. For those unfamiliar with Williams an off season motorcycle accident ended his hope to play long term in the NBA. After his basketball career was interrupted Williams went to work for ESPN as an analyst, he covers college basketball for the network. The incident involving Williams highlights potential risks associated with riding motorized bikes, even when intended as gifts. It's a thoughtful gesture by Doncic, but hopefully it serves as a reminder to balance generosity with safety concerns.

Submitted for your analysis…the Tier

This is mine alone, it is partially based on a portion of study. I propose there are three tiers of college coaches which will be explained in this manner. Bill Self is not leaving Kansas (at least for now), I place him in the category of a Tier 1 coach, when he is replaced a Roy Williams will not be given the opportunity due to a single factor. Williams had a wealth of basketball when hired by Kansas but it was all as an assistant coach at North Carolina. The replacement for Self is likely to be a John Calipari, Tom Izzo or Rick Barnes clone. He is a coach with a high profile program who’s been doing it successfully for a number of years. Okay Larry Laker, exactly who is a Tier 2 coach by your standards?

That is a coach who while successful has established himself as a longtime winner at a mid-major school. A coach can move up, we could use Ben McCollum as the example. Success at Division II Northwest Missouri State, he moved to mid-major Drake and is now the head coach at the University of Iowa. Can he and others continue ascending, only time will tell that story. Tier 3 coaches are assistant coaches and in some instances head coaches at Division II and NAIA or community colleges. Although it might appear they are at the bottom of pool it might not hold true for their career. There are a number of head coaches who were once on the staff of a high profile head coach. Coach K. had on his staff, Tommy Amaker, Johnny Dawkins, Quin Snyder and Jeff Capel to name a few. As for Larry Brown the names are John Calipari, Bill Self, Gregg Popovich, Alvin Gentry and several others.