A fans perspectives

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Meanwhile….

I didn’t know what to expect in the Iowa State-Kansas game. Recently the Cyclones had visited the Jayhawks and the Kansas gang had hung a butt-whipping on them 84-63. What should we expect with the rematch, it was clearly an unknown. Besides the fact the Jayhawks came into the game riding an 8-game winning streak. In the first half of the game it was pretty much even though the Cyclones managed to hold a 10 point lead at the half. The second half of the game the Cyclones returned the favor with a lead up to 20 some points in the second half. The final score would read Iowa State 74 Kansas 56 as the Cyclones returned the favor. As for Darryn Peterson he only managed 10 points in the loss. I think we might have misjudged the ability of the Cyclones based on the earlier win by the Jayhawks. The Big 12 is a tough, tough conference.

Texas-Mizzou was a question mark, the won-loss record for both was somewhat even. That would not be the case at the end as the Longhorns managed to beat the Tigers 85-68, so what happened? Simple, Texas came to play Mizzou didn’t…that is a little misleading its just the fact the Longhorns look more impressive in the victory. Free throws and offensive rebounding would prove to be the downfall for the Tigers. Here it is, as a team the Longhorns shot 91% from the line versus 68% for the Tigers and then this. Rebounds favored the Longhorns 36 to 26, 14 of the Longhorn rebounds were of the offensive variety. Finally this note, at one point the play by play guy indicated the Tigers had missed 10 free throws. At that time, the Tigers were only down by 11, what a different outcome if they had been able to sink 7 or 8 of those misses.

The Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers were fined by the NBA for tanking games, i.e., losing games on purpose. Teams sit starters or only play reserves at a point that might encourage a loss thus possibly enhancing the teams' draft position. This has been a continuing problem for several teams in the past, the commissioner expressed the belief the league might take draft picks in the future. I believe that’s an idea worth considering, simply fining teams apparently is not a fix, they pay the fine and continue business as usual. Losing two years’ worth of draft picks might be incentive to not do it again.

I decided a check was in order

Darryn Peterson is less than 50 miles from my house, despite the nearness I’ve seen few of his games. My observation is based on reading accounts and the internet rather than listening to local sports talk radio. Every account I read touts his potential NBA talent. One scout even compared him to Kobe Bryant at the same age, that’s quite a statement in my opinion. Here’s what I discovered, Peterson is from Canton Ohio, he stands 6-feet 6 inches and is 205 pounds. He’s got a 6-foot 10.5 wingspan and an 8-foot 7 inch standing reach, he is a physical ball-handler and he is able to bully smaller guards. Peterson is not considered athletic but manages to move about the court swiftly.

Peterson provided us proof of ice water in his veins scoring a three pointer to tie the Texas Tech game and then later a three pointer which became the game winner. He leads Kansas in scoring with his 20.5 ppg average, in addition he leads his team in virtually every offensive category. That’s the good news…now for the bad news its more difficult to pinpoint. Kansas has played 19 games as this is written, Peterson’s played in 13 of them. As for the missing games there have been recurring issues such as severe cramping, hamstring injury, a sprained ankle, quad tightness and flu-like symptoms. Due to this assortment of issues many have questioned his competitiveness, some have even suggested load management. Bill Self has gone on record several times defending the absence of his star player. None of us can get inside the mind of Darryn Peterson, I said it previously and will repeat it once again. The coach says the missed games by Peterson are valid, that’s my conclusion. I’m not in a position to defend Peterson, I leave you to draw your own conclusions.

What day of the week is it

The prospect of the NBA returning to my hometown of Kansas City depends on what day of the week it is. I conducted an unscientific survey at work and received several yes affirmations and a few no’s. As I indicate the cost associated with an NBA franchise today is astronomical. In 1983 when Gregg Lukenbill purchased the franchise he paid $10.5 million, compare that figure to the most recent sale of an NBA franchise. Mark Walter purchased the Lakers from the Buss family it was a cool $10 billion he paid. There is at least one factor to consider, that was Los Angeles and this is Kansas City, vast difference in financial requirements. Let’s check out the population, the metro is 1,754,000, if the St. Joseph population is included the figure becomes 2,851,797.

For those unfamiliar with the geography St. Joe is 56 miles from T-Mobile in downtown Kansas City, this certainly wouldn’t be a twice a week trip to see an NBA game however a weekend game would be quite possible. So that might be a plus for Kansas City, one issue facing every team…attendance. I believe the primary reason the Kings lost their way in Kansas City was that particular factor, winning games produces fans who believe they will see a victory every time they are in attendance. My research indicated in the 13 years the Kings had Kansas City on the front of their jerseys they had three winning seasons. That may have given some fans this franchise has no desire to produce a winner. The last question is season tickets, with the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC and the KC Current competing for the sports dollar is there enough $$ to go around? I remain stuck in the middle on the idea of the NBA ever returning to Kansas City, I guess it just depends what day of the week it is.