A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

It’s what

“An enigma is a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or hard to understand.” That’s the definition and it appears to fit Deandre Ayton now a member of the Wizards. A look back, Ayton was a 5-star prospect and a McDonald’s All American in high school. Ayton would go on to play a single season at Arizona and then be the first draft pick in the 2018 NBA by the Suns. After 5 seasons with the Suns he moved to the Blazers for 2 seasons and then the Lakers for a single season.

July 2026 saw Ayton traded once again this time to the Wizards, what occurred might be the question? I wasn’t fully aware of his time with the Suns or Blazers but despite this fact I welcomed him. For a time it seemed the 7-foot Ayton played well and then at a point his game headed south, the Lakers were eliminated in the playoffs and the whispers began. Ayton must be replaced and he was, sent to the Wizards where he can resurrect his basketball career if he desires. Notice I said if he desires, Ayton has the physical tools whether he’s got the wherewithal is another matter all together. Perhaps this latest change will move Ayton into new terriority. 

They are linked

You are likely to recognize the majority of names and the school each attended. The University of Kentucky has long been a bastion of successful basketball for 100 plus years, the NBA has only been relevant since 1946 so the impact regarding the professional game has been far less. Kentucky has sent a number of players into the NBA over the course of time, in recent years the number has accelerated. Not only the players connection to Kentucky but the coach they played for. To my surprise and maybe yours as well there are enough guards alone to comprise two teams. There are 10 NBA guards—technically 11—all of whom played for John Calipari. This number totally surprised me and it might be the same for you, can you name these former Kentucky guards? Don’t worry; I’ll save you the research:

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander-Thunder

Tyrese Maxey-76ers

Devin Booker-Suns

Tyler Herro-Heat

DeAaron Fox-Spurs

Jamal Murray-Nuggets

Reed Sheppard-Rockets

Immanuel Quickly-Raptors

Rob Dillingham-Hornets

Cason Wallace -Thunder

Adou Thiero-Lakers*

*Thiero is listed as a guard/forward on the Lakers roster. Because he missed most of his rookie season, it remains unclear whether he will play primarily at the two or the three. His path to the NBA also differs from the others listed here: He began his college career at Kentucky, followed Calipari to Arkansas, and entered the NBA from there. What do these names say about Coach Cal’s ability to recruit talent?

Top 10

A slow news day, based on that fact I decided to utilize ChatGPT in an exercise. I wanted the search engine to uncover the Top 10 greatest boys basketball players in the state. I asked ChatGPT the following question; “Who are the Top 10 boys basketball athletes all-time for the State of Missouri?” Several names on this list went on to NBA careers providing us proof of their talent. As for ChatGPT the search produced several interesting names, they listed the leaders in this order:

Larry Hughes, Christian Brothers HS-St Louis

Anthony Peeler, Paseo HS-Kansas City

Warren Jabali, Central HS-Kansas City

Jon Sunvold, Blue Springs HS-Blue Springs

Bradley Beal, Chaminade HS-St Louis

Alec Burks, Grandview HS-Grandview

Ben McClemore, Wellston HS-St Louis

Tyronn Lue, Raytown HS-Raytown

Ryan Robertson, St Charles West-St Charles

This is interesting in the fact ChatGPT omitted several names I thought might be on its list of most talented high school basketball players, among the names missing are:

Jaron Rush, Pembroke HS-Kansas City

Kareem Rush, Pembroke HS-Kansas City

Anthony Bonner, Vashon HS-St Louis

Jayson Tatum, Chaminade HS-Creve Coeur  

Tyler Hansborough, Poplar Bluff HS-Popular Bluff

Otto Porter Jr, Scott County Centra HS-(outside Sikeston)

Bill Bradley, Crystal City HS, Crystal City