A basketball fans outlook

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Defense, Defense……

The headline represents the view of a number of faithful fans, the chant is often heard during crucial times of a game. Speaking of defense on a scale of 1-10 what’s your view of guard play in the NBA? What is your defensive assessment of Luka Doncic, where do you place him among the Top 30 Defensive NBA  guards? According to the list StatMuse.com provided Cason Wallace of the Thunder is the top defensive guard in the association with a 106.4 rating, right behind Wallace is SGA with 108.2 also with the Thunder. Doncic is rated number 10 in the NBA and his rating is 113.9, there are several well-known guards we thought were defensive guru’s that are behind Doncic.

Before I go any further allow me to say I trust the information provided by StatMuse.com, simply stated I have no basis to dispute the numbers they provide. The general public believes Doncic is a poor defender which is certainly untrue. Why did it appear Doncic had an issue with defense, a portion of this opinion might have occurred during his rookie season and has extended since then although it's perception more than actual fact that he was not a good defender. His early cavalier effort toward defense was a factor in formulating a view of his defensive effort. Once upon a time the Lakers had another average defender but Magic Johnson always maintained he played good team defense. In closing allow this observation, Luka Doncic may not be a great defender but his sure manages to get the job done and is better than most believe.  

Is he gone

As this is written we are unsure if Bill Self intends to return in the fall. His postgame press conference certainly didn’t say yes or no however what was said is interesting. He alluded to his health and family and the fact he intends to sit down and hold a discussion with them. One of the components of this story we have no clue and anything said by me is pure speculation. Health is always key for anyone, Self is certainly not old at 63 years of age but there are other factors. The stress in coaching a high profile program like Kansas can create “wear n tear” on the body we are unable to visualize.

His family must also be part of the decision as well. Whatever occurs this fall whether Self is in place or not he’s established a legacy few present day active coaches can match. The record, two NCAA championships, numerous Big 12 championships and right there at the top his induction in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Not many have the privilege of being an active hall of fame representative. What occurs should he retire, ESPN, CBS and other networks will be sprinting toward him with contract in hand? They would envision his expertise vital as a studio analyst, if Self returns it would be that much better for Kansas. As this was being complete Self communicated with the Kansas City Star the retirement stories were “bad info.”

Explore

That was the headline announcing the news in USA Today; “NBA approves vote to explore expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas.” Does a statement worded in that manner entail the league might not add teams number 31 and 32 at a future date? I believe it’s a word salad, the NBA after discussing expansion for at least the last 5-7 years will add these teams. Of course there remains a great deal of labor required before the first basketball is rolled out onto the court. From my view the easiest portion of this news is an arena, the home of the “old” Sonics has been rebuilt from the ground up.

Climate Pledge Arena is the home of the NHL Kraken, WNBA Storm and Seattle Redhawks men’s basketball. As for Las Vegas a slightly different account emerges, a new arena might be constructed. If not there is the T-Mobile Arena which is home to the NHL Golden Knights plus Michelob Ultra Arena where the WNBA Aces play. There is also Thomas & Mack which has served NBA Summer League games and Orleans Arena. I am oversimplifying the arena issue guessing that should ownership not be inclined to build an arena a playdate arrangement could be completed between one of the existing arenas named. As additional details come to light I will attempt to apprise you of the progress.

New Faces in New Places

The end of the college basketball season has led to several changes among coaches. With news updates happening rapidly, some names might be missing from this list, but it's as accurate as possible based on publishing dates and announcements from the school. A few weeks ago, Kansas State fired Jerome Tang and just recently Casey Alexander who was head coach at Belmont was hired in place of Tang. While this article was being compiled, North Carolina announced its decision to replace Hubert Davis, though a new coach has not yet been named. The Carolina program is one to likely be a national search as would Kentucky if Mark Pope is replaced. In addition a huge name, that of Bill Self might be included. If that should come about a nationwide search would be conducted for his replacement as well. Below is the current list of other coaching moves with the new coach named:

Arizona State-Randy Bennett

Cincinnati-Jerrod Calhoun

St. Mary’s-Mickey McConnell

Charlotte-Wes Milller

Syracuse-Gerry McNamara

Providence-Bryan Hodson