A fans perspective

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday 

Meanwhile….

How to lose a game you should have won. The final score read Kansas 104 TCU 100 in OT, TCU appeared to win the game in Lawrence Kansas in regulation. That was not to be as TCU provided numerous methods to ‘give the win’ to Kansas. Darryn Peterson would sink three free throws to tie the game 87-87 after TCU surrendered a lead which was up to 16 points during a portion of the game. How do you lose a game where your team held such a large lead it’s simple…you choke. On a tip in Kansas cut the lead by TCU to three and a short time later Peterson was fouled, Kansas would hold the lead throughout the OT. Some reading this critique would believe I am overly critical of TCU and maybe I am, perhaps I will stop at the coach, Jaime Dixon. I’m unsure of the number of  time outs that remained for TCU in regulation however I don’t remember one being called. So now we have both teams 11-4 and with one win and one loss in the early Big 12 conference race.

There are a number of poorly run NBA franchises, this is not the plan however it is what exists. These teams hire coaches and general managers allow them to remain for a time then fire one or both. In addition the selection of players might be a key why these teams never improve, they draft players who are not NBA ready and at the same time trade or free agency sees a few blossom at other locales. In addition a number of these teams appear to have owners who success in the business world allow them to believe they can run an NBA franchise in the same manner. It just doesn’t work that way although few are willing to relinquish their ‘hands on’ approach with their teams. Every season whenever prospects are discussed, these teams are never considered contenders for a championship. Who are they, how about the New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and surprise the Atlanta Hawks. It’s not the fact that these teams don’t desire to win they simply have not been shown the way. I realize that statement sounds elementary and it is.

“Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!” Okay it’s not terrible enough to use the line uttered by Bill Murray’s character in the 1984 Ghostbusters movie but it is not good. I speak of the NCAA allowing “professional” basketball players in the college game. No requirement to detail what’s been reported previously it’s just a concern. Someone, I’m unsure who to credit claimed, “College basketball needs a commissioner.” I don’t know if that solves all the issues facing the game at this level however it’s my belief it would be a beginning. I could use Adam Silver or NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as examples. They are the ‘face’ of their respective league and critical decisions no matter how controversial they might be become law. At the same time I don’t believe in any instance decisions are made by these two without input from all parties. The other issue the NCAA at this point has a spokesperson but no one the public sees.

I have mentioned the lack of defensive cohesiveness by the Los Angeles Lakers at times this season. There is one additional shortcoming that has not been detailed by me. It’s the fact they have been abused, opposing teams have physically beat up the Lakers. This issue was quite evident in their playoff loss last season to the Wolves. I cannot point to a specific game this season however in their 11 losses (as this is written) there have been a number of blowouts. It is clear to me the Lakers need to become a more physical team over the balance of the remaining season. If not they will find themselves coming up short once again in the playoffs.

Come on Draymond….go easy on the youngster

Before I begin this rant allow me to state at the beginning, I saw Kon Knueppel play numerous times in a Duke jersey last season. As for seeing him in action with the Charlotte Hornets it’s been infrequent except for highlights. The stats indicate Knueppel is having an outstanding rookie season, truth is he might edge out his college teammate Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year. I believe the praise Knueppel’s received is bothersome to Draymond Green of the Warriors. How annoying you ask, enough for Green to comment on the play of Knueppel. I would guess someone compared Knueppel’s 3-point shooting to former Warrior Klay Thompson and that’s when it occurred.

Keep in mind these are not Green’s exact words however he alluded to the defensive skills of Thompson over that of Knueppel. Friends, I have literally no idea how good Knueppel is defensively. What I witnessed last season at Duke can in no way be compared to the NBA however there is a difference and I will offer an explanation for you and Green. I see evidence constantly, we make comparisons all the time to a player we are familiar with. I’m sure that is the case here, now let’s check the stats other than defense as this is written. After 36 games Knueppel is scoring at a 19.3 per game clip, his field goal percentage is 47.4 with 42.9% coming from the 3-line. As for Green my response is simple, allow the youngster to grow his game, maybe his defense will equal or exceed Klay Thompson one day.

Winning ugly

The final score read Mizzou 73 Kentucky 68, I will get that out of the way first. After the win over last season’s defending NCAA champion Florida those in Mizzou Nation wondered what might occur on Wednesday evening. This game against Kentucky will take place at the renowned Rupp Arena, a venue where Mizzou has yet to achieve a victory.  The first half of the game both teams appear sluggish, was it the defense probably. Was it turnovers, most certainly, despite the poor play Mizzou led at the half 33-32 despite a half court made shot by Kentucky.

The second half commenced with Kentucky quickly gaining an advantage; however, Missouri responded effectively, capitalizing on Kentucky's missed shots and turnovers. Statistically, Missouri achieved a shooting percentage of 52%, outperforming Kentucky's 43%. Kentucky recorded 13 turnovers, while Missouri committed 12. In terms of rebounding, Kentucky secured 31 compared to Missouri’s 29. During the second half, Missouri outscored Kentucky 40 to 36 based on a 15-2 run and subsequently took the lead. Checking the updated SEC standings they reflect Missouri, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State in a three-way tie for first place, each with three victories. Missouri’s next matchup will be played away on Saturday against Ole Miss.