A basketball fans perspective

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Coulda, woulda, shoulda 

The headline says it all, that is the dilemma facing my Lakers, by now you are aware they missed an opportunity to close out the Rockets losing 99-93. Now they face a Game Six tonight in enemy country, Houston, Texas. Can they end this series tonight and prepare to face the Thunder….that is certainly my hope. NO, not to face the Thunder but simply advance, whatever occurs I hope if the Lakers lose its by a blow-out similar to the Knicks-Hawks. Those types of games are easier for me to take, losing close games (99-93) where you had an opportunity maybe several opportunities to turn defeat into victory are more disappointing for me.

The decision

Tyran Stokes, regarded as the leading high school prospect in the Class of 2026, has announced his decision. His final options were Kansas and Kentucky, while Oregon was noted as having a limited chance to secure his commitment. Approximately one month ago, an uncommon circumstance concerning Stokes was reported. He signed a deal with Nike, it turns out the Wildcats are a Nike school while Kansas is affiliated with Adidas. Most including this writer believed he was headed to Kentucky due to his Nike agreement which evidently turned out to be a non-factor, this five-star prospect is a wing at 6-foot 7 and 230 pounds. What's especially interesting is that Stokes is from Louisville, Kentucky.

How good

There appears to be some debate regarding the ability of Victor Wembanyama, I asked the question of a friend. This friend listening to his friend who informed him: “He’s (Wemby) is too soft” and had several other negative comments. As for me, listen carefully, I’m not attempting to say Wemby has replaced MJ regarding the GOAT debate. The truth of the matter he’s played too short a time to even be considered in the same conversation with Jordan and some of the other giants of the game.

As for the statement of soft I’m unsure what that might entail, today’s NBA contains no bangers….guys who will physically assault an opposing player down low. The game is different, there are no more Shaquille O’Neal’s who will physically punish an opposing play. This persons comment remains a mystery to me, what I do know is this. Wemby finished 4th in the NBA in rebounding with 736 of them, he played in 64 games due to an assortment of injuries, that certainly doesn’t say soft to me. Wemby just might be the NBA leader in what I’d like to title hustle plays, that denotes blocked shots and rebounds. I believe this individual and others hold on to an untrue belief that Wemby’s thin frame betrays him. Wemby’s gained weight every season since his entry into the NBA. He’s now up to 235 pounds spread over his 7-foot 5 frame.

In addition they hate that he shoots so many threes, for his career Wemby’s at 34.2% for his career and the percentage is headed upward. That, despite his few years Sorry friend of a friend, if you don’t like Wemby’s game I am in no position to argue in his favor. Never in all the years I’ve played as a youth and adult plus coached elementary school age plus followed the game I’ve never seen an athlete of his height with such skills.   

Meanwhile….

In a close vote the Mavs Cooper Flagg was named 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year. Based on the mid-season accelerated play of former college teammate Kon Knueppel I thought a tie was possible. As you might have read here there have been co-rookies of the year in the past. The numbers fail to provide the basis for the 19-year old but consider this history. For the first time since the days of Michael Jordan a rookie led his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals, Knueppel would finish second in rookie scoring to Flagg. With the trade of Anthony Davis and the declining time for Kyrie Irving the Mavs are building this team around Flagg.

There is another Knueppel developing in basketball—Kon's younger brother, Kager Knueppel, is making his presence known. Although younger in age, Kager, currently is a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. He is reported to stand 6 feet 10 inches, surpassing his older brother Kon’s listed height of 6 feet 6 inches. Kager has earned a 3-star rating and has received offers from several programs across the nation, including Duke where his older brother played. While he is still competing at the high school level, Kager demonstrates the exceptional three-point shooting ability that his brother Kon is known for.

In a move I oppose (but can do nothing about) the NCAA has chosen to expand the annual men’s tournament. Next season instead of 64 teams it will contain an additional number of teams totaling 76. This change will make a serious impact in several instances. It’s my belief the NIT Tournament is on “life-support,” it’s likely to cease operations at some point in the future. It’s a shame in that the NIT is older than the NCAA tournament beginning in 1938. You remember the argument in early spring in some circles claiming Auburn should be invited to the tournament, this despite the fact that their SEC regular season record was below .500. This warning from me, don’t be shocked if there are a number of “suspect” schools invited to the tournament next spring.