Basketball from a fans perspective

He’s ROY!

Fans of the Jazz and Donovan Mitchell this is no slap at your team or Mitchell.  Recently ESPN.com’s NBA page wrote a story indicating the Jazz guard was gaining ground on Ben Simmons for Rookie of the Year.  There is no argument Mitchell is experiencing an outstanding rookie season.  As for Simmons he recorded his ninth triple-double on Monday as he raises the bar for triple-doubles in a player’s rookie year.  In the 108-94 win by the Sixers Simmons only scored 11 points but snatched 12 rebounds off the boards along with 15 assists, the second time he tied his high game total.   

Can he make the transition?

We know Penny Hardaway could play the game, he demonstrated it first in high school and then the University of Memphis.  Later he would become an NBA All-Star, injuries shortened his career, but the 6-foot 7-inch Hardaway might have been one of the first combo guards in the NBA.  Hardaway would become a high school coach encouraged by a childhood friend, on Tuesday he was named head coach at Memphis replacing Tubby Smith. 

Now the work begins, can Hardaway like other NBA players manage a new career?  Patrick Ewing is also coaching his alma mater, Avery Johnson is at Alabama and Dan Majerle is coaching Grand Canyon.  Those are but a few of the current former NBA players now coaching at the collegiate level.  The success or lack of success varies, with any coaching change time is required to build your program.  Hardaway will be given time, likely the next two season to turn the program around.   

And the next name to announce……

I believe DeAndre Ayton and Allozo Trier of Arizona might have been the first to announce NBA intentions.  Mizzou’s Michael Porter Jr. says he is weighing his decision, we believe it will occur it’s just a matter of when.  Trae Young at Oklahoma has made his intentions known, he too is headed to the association.  Sidebar, have you ever wondered why it’s the National Basketball Association rather than National Basketball League?  The Basketball Association of American and the National Basketball League two competing leagues came together in a 1949 merger to become an “association.”  Back to the subject matter Young becomes the latest college player to leave college after his freshman year.  As this account was being finished Mohamed Bamba at Texas declared his intention to leave school for the NBA. 

The new jerseys   

I made this statement previously, I must send a shout out once again to the NBA for the new jerseys, the change has been quite refreshing.  The venerable franchises, the Knicks, Celtics and Lakers maintain their classic jerseys while adding a little different styling to their alternate jerseys.  In addition, I was really concerned at the time I first heard NBA jerseys would be utilized for commercial purposes.  I envisioned those of the WNBA and some Euro teams, the logo practically over shadows the team name and number in several instances.  The NBA jerseys look good, the logos are not intrusive, and you can read the advertised name on close-in television shots.

High school, then the NBA

I’ve gone back and forth on the issue of allowing high school players in the NBA draft, hopefully this is my last switch.  If you provided me 49 reasons why high school players shouldn’t be allowed in the NBA I can give you 50 reasons that say why not.  As this is written the FBI investigation which has been hanging over college basketball since the start is yet to be completed.  What are we hearing about the investigation, to this point unlike previous college basketball scandals it appears this one didn’t involve point shaving, but it did include money. 

Money reported to have been paid to coaches or players, so the base is finance.  Over the last few years we’ve heard talk regarding pay for college athletes, people that ain’t happening.  Football and basketball are revenue producing sports, do we pay those athletes more money than swimmers or soccer players?  There have been several draft mistakes, high school players drafted who couldn’t play for a variety of reasons at the NBA level.  I can provide you the names of five or six high draft picks who spent four years in college and failed to produce in the NBA.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits n Pieces

Tyronn Lue has taken a leave of absence from his Cavs coaching duties.  The indication he must be medically evaluated before he could return.  Dr. Larry Laker says the chest pains are Cavs pains caused by their poor play for parts of the season.  In all seriousness I hope he recovers soon and can resume his duties as head coach.  Assistant Larry Drew will take over in the interim.   

As the NCAA Tournament grew in numbers of invited school’s additional television coverage was required.  No way could the CBS Network broadcast 68 games in several different time zones at numerous times day and night.  For those who might not remember the games were always televised however depending on what part of the nation you lived you might be unable to see your favorite team.  Farming the games out through additional partners TBS, TNT and TruTV meant you could watch any game you chose.  Games are also streamed on March Madness Live.

Clint N’ Dumba-Capela or Clint Capela is on an ascending trend. His scoring, rebounding and defense are all upward bound.  Capela was born in Geneva Switzerland one of two NBA players who call Switzerland home, his parents emigrated to Switzerland from Angola and The Congo.  As a youngster soccer was his passion but, in a path, like others his growth (6 feet 10 inch) pattern negated the sport, his brother suggested he take up basketball.  The Rockets made him the 25^th pick in the first round of the 2014 draft.  Capela had to grow his game plus Dwight Howard was ahead of him on the Depth Chart.  Once the Rockets traded Howard Capela’s game begin to blossom, it’s likely he will never be an All-Star but a very sound talent.

“Think I will wait awhile”

This certainly is not intended to be critical of teammates DeAndre Ayton or Allonzo Trier.  As soon as Arizona was eliminated both announced they would begin preparation for the NBA draft.   Despite being injured all season Mizzou’s Michael Porter Jr. is not quite ready to make the same decision.  In addition, if we checked most of the mock draft sites MPJ’s stock has not dropped significantly.  At the beginning of the season (prior to the back injury) he was listed as the top pick in the 2018 draft, but you want to know if his stock has plunged. 

Well let’s check it out, NBADraft.net has MPJ at number 3, Tankathon.com list him at number 4.  CBSSports.com has MPJ at 5 while SI.com has the player at 7, so there you have it.  This is more than a monetary decision however we can explore the high and low on the scale.  These are the latest figures I could uncover.  If MJP is drafted at 3 his first-year pay would be approximately $4,700,500 and if he’s picked at 7 the salary drops to $3,100,700.  Much as this Mizzou fan would love for him to return in the fall the dye is already cast, he’s just not ready to announce his decision. 

Bits n Pieces 

The Hall of Fame Classic announced the teams invited for the 2018 tournament, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Missouri State and USC are the schools which will appear.  Semifinal game one and two will be played November 19, the consolation and championship game will be played November 20.  A yet to be named Hall of Fame Class will be enshrined, this event will be held in the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the game next door at the Sprint Center in Kansas City (MO).     

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics or NAIA Tournament was played last week, a champion will be crowned tonight in Kansas City (MO).  The spotlight on this tournament doesn’t shine as brightly as it once did and there are reasons.  At the top of the list upward movement, Louisville, Southern Illinois, Indiana State and others once called the NAIA home.  One additional reason several historically black colleges such as Grambling and Jackson State also left the smaller NAIA. 

Julius Randle has re-invented himself, there was a point he could be found parked on the Lakers bench.  After being a starter for much of his first few years in the NBA he took on a reserve role.  At some point before or after the All-Star Game the 6 foot 9 inch Randle moved back into the starting lineup.  While in the reserve role his name was mentioned as possible trade bait to free-up cap space, Randle might be traded but its not because he can’t play.  Since his return to the starting lineup he’s played like a man possessed and has contributed to the resurgence by the Lakers. 

Several college head coaching jobs are open, there are far too many to mention them all.  UConn, Georgia, Memphis (mentioned previously) and Ole Miss to name just a few.  It’s possible a number of these positions might be filled prior to you reading this. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

We need a do over
The NCAA seeding committee got it wrong this season.  

She will remain in place

At the time Becky Hammon’s name was mentioned it was historic, Colorado State her alma mater was searching for a candidate to serve as the men’s basketball coach.  Hammon a six time WNBA All-Star was hired by Gregg Popovich as an assistant coach in 2014.  In 2015 she was the head coach for the Spurs Summer League team.  The glass ceiling was not broken as Hammon announced she has taken her name out of consideration for the job.  As a friend stated; “Perhaps there are bigger things in the future for Hammon."   

Missouri State Basketball Championship

In the Class 4 boys championship game witnessed two Kansas City Metro schools facing one another, Raytown South (25-5) and Grandview (27-3).   In an earlier late January match, the schools met with Grandview coming out on top 76-57.  There was no change this time as the Grandview Bulldogs won over Ray-South 81-63 and the Class 4 Missouri State Championship.  Both teams should be congratulated for outstanding seasons.  Liberty lost it's semi-final Class 5 game but finished with an outstanding season.  

Charles Barkley says…..

That’s all that is required to begin this account, “Charles Barkley says DeAndre Ayton is the best college player in 25 years.”  I haven’t seen enough of Ayton to make that type of declaration, I ain’t sayin’ Barkley’s wrong however I’m going to compile my list.  We must travel to 1993 move forward to gather a list of the best 25 players.  Prior to beginning this effort allow me to state Ayton appears to be a genuine talent, he should be an asset to whichever team choses him in June.  This is my list, you might wish to conduct your own research.  Please note, talent is always added every season however we can debate whether the player(s) rate as “The best.”  There were years I didn’t choose a player while others contained quite a few.  

1993-none

1994-Grant Hill 

1995-Kevin Garnett

1996-Kobe Bryant

1997-Tim Duncan

1998-Dirk Nowitizki

1999-none

2000-none

2001-Pau Gasol

2002-Yao Ming

2003-LeBron James

2004-none

2005-Chris Paul

2006-none

2007-Kevin Durant

2008-Russell Westbrook

2009-Steph Curry

2010-DeMarcus Cousins

2011-Kyrie Irving

2012-Anthony Davis

2013-none

2014-Joel Embiid

2015-Karl-Anthony Towns

2016-Ben Simmons

2017-too early to call

“What in the Wide Wide World of Sports is going on here?”

Sorry, I had to use the line from the 1974 Western spoof “Blazing Saddles” because I thought it appropriate.  The Taggart character played by the late Slim Pickens rides up on his horse during singing and dancing and utters the line above.  NBA coaches are complaining in droves about the officiating, first I believe it was Stan Van Gundy.  Later in the week it was Doc Rivers and Sunday I read Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry weighed in on the issue.  These coaches are all subject to huge fines however they must believe there is a problem with NBA officiating.  I can’t vouch for their complaints but can register one of my own.  Why does the league office follow the next day by admitting an official(s) made the incorrect ruling?  The issue for me what does it serve, they are not going to replay the portion of the game the error occurred.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

UMBC???

We have a banking institution in the Kansas City Metro with similar initials, the first thought UMBC must be a business.  I continued to see the name on the score board and wondered what it implies.  The initials represent the University of Maryland Baltimore County.  Going forth it might also stand for the largest upset in NCAA history, UMBC seeded number 16 took out number 1 seed Virginia Friday evening.     

I didn’t see the game so I’m unable to provide a “Words eye view” however with a 74-54 drubbing I can only conclude two things.  UMBC came out of the locker room with “their hair on fire” or Virginia thought: “These guys are a 16 seed we can mail this in.”  It’s likely a combination of both scenarios may have been at work.  The 2018 NCAA Tournament might go on record as upset city for all the drama its created through early Saturday morning.  Is there more to come, just wait and see? 

The Ramblers

I must find out exactly what a Rambler is, all I know is it’s the nickname for the Loyola of Chicago basketball team.  As for the Ramblers nothing like getting hot at the right time, they won again Saturday beating Tennessee for win number 30.  If you check the Missouri Valley Conference, you’ll discover they led the Valley with 15 wins while losing only 3.  11 seed Loyola has now beaten 6 seed Miami and 3 seed Tennessee.  The Ramblers have a rich basketball history although they haven’t tasted a great deal of success since 1985.  The 1963 Ramblers finished with a 29-2 record and the NCAA Championship.   

Mizzou is out of it 

My Tigers fell short, but I’m still pleased in a sense, to go from a low of 8 victories last season to 20 wins plus an NCAA invitation is certainly noteworthy.  The “ship was steady” despite several bumps in the road, the biggest not having Michael Porter Jr. for the season.  In addition, losing three point guards, two transferring to other schools and one dismissed for disciplinary reasons. 

Now Cuonzo and staff must begin to hit the recruiting trail and re-tool the existing roster.  Jordan Barnett, Kassius Robertson and Brett Rau are the only seniors on this team although it’s believed Michael Porter Jr. is also leaving.  Should one or more underclassmen choose to transfer is an unknown as this time.  At this point I’m unsure of the number of scholarships available as this is written.  The names below are headed for Columbia in the fall.  

Torrance Watson 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard St. Louis, Whitfield School

Javon Pickett 6-foot 4-inch shooting guard Belleville Illinois, Sunrise Christian Academy  

K.J. Santos 6-foot 7-inch forward Geneva Illinois, Tallahassee Community College

Xavier Pinson 6-foot 3-inch point guard, Chicago Simeon High School

The name Trent Williams is strictly speculative now.  He’s mentioned because he is reported to be on Mizzou’s radar however there is no indication he’s been given an offer.  Williams is a 6-foot 3-inch point guard who played at Gillette College in Gillette Wyoming.  He could provide Mizzou a veteran presence at the point which was so solely lacking during portions of the season. 

Trivia  

Tallest player in the NBA-Gheorghe Muresan 7 feet 7 inches, played in the NBA from 1991-2006.  The Bullets (Wizards) and Nets were his NBA teams, see you thought it was Yao Ming.

Shortest player in the NBA-Muggsy Bogues 5 feet 3 inches, was in the NBA from 1981-2001 played for several NBA teams. 

Oldest player-Technically Vince Carter at age 41 is the oldest active player, however Bob Cousy who was head coach of the Kansas City Kings suited up for 7 games becoming a player-coach in 1970, Cousy was 42 years old.

Most NBA teams-Chucky Brown, Jim Jackson, Tony Massenburg and Joe Smith all played for 12 NBA teams. 

Rebounds in one game-Wilt Chamberlain snatched down 55 rebounds on Nov 24, 1960 the record for a single game.

Rebounds for the season-Wilt Chamberlain had 2,149 rebounds an average of 27.2 for the 1960-61 season.

Most points in a season-The 1961-62 NBA season Wilt Chamberlain scored 4,029 points for a scoring average of 50.4 points per game.   

Single game record for assists-Scott Skiles of the Magic recorded 30 assists in a regulation game Dec 30, 1990.

Highest season assist numbers-John Stockton of the Jazz averaged 14.54 assists in 1990, 14.20 in 1991.

Tallest starting lineup, Bucks who once started:

Point guard Giannis Antetokounmpo 6 feet 11 inches

Shooting guard Khris Middleton 6 feet 8 inches

Small Forward Jabari Parker 6 feet 8 inches

Power Forward John Henson 6 feet 11 inches

Center Thon Maker 7 feet 1 inch

Basketball from a fans perspective

NCAA Tournament

A team seeded 9 beats one seeded 8 is not an upset, same for a 4-5 match up.  As for others there are upsets aplenty, number 4 Wichita State losing to number 13 Marshall, number 4 Arizona losing to number 13 Buffalo.  There were others number 11 Loyola Chicago beat number 6 Miami and we could include number 10 Butler beating 7 Arkansas as an upset. 

I guess it’s okay to discuss after the fact, no team was able to establish itself during the regular season. The Top 25 teams are not proof but just look at how often there were changes from the start of the season up to the second day of this tourney.  Chances are good there will probably be more upsets.  In the immortal words of the late movie star Betty Davis: “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.”  This basketball tournament is not referred to as March Madness for no reason. 

They are gone too

Arizona and Sean Miller were bounced out of the NCAA Tournament in its first game.  Number 4 seed Arizona was a loser to 13 seed Buffalo Thursday evening.  Evening more shocking the game wasn’t even close, Buffalo won 89-68.  As I’ve often indicated I try to avoid being too critical of coaches, they have far more basketball knowledge that us fans. 

Despite this fact I help but wonder: “When is he (Miller) going to begin making adjustments?”  So, Arizona is gone and so are their top two players, Allonzo Trier and Andre Ayton both announced they are leaving for the NBA.  As for Miller his status is still unknown as this is written, I believe it might be advisable to look elsewhere.  Losing the top players in the program plus the incoming talent who de-committed Arizona might struggle mightily next season.       

It was a different NBA

To clear up your confusion (and mine too) allow me to explain Ben Simmons eclipsing the tie for triple-doubles with Magic Johnson.  The emphasis had focused on Magic, I never figured Oscar Robertson was a part of the story.  In the 1960-61 season the Big O recorded 26 triple-doubles, in 1979-80 Magic Johnson logged seven triple-doubles in his rookie year. 

Magic was in a second-place tie with Sixer Ben Simmons until Thursday evening.  In his game against the Knicks Simmons broke the tie recording his eighth triple-double and now stands in second place, Magic has now dropped into third place.  Every time I mention a record of the past I’m always reminded “It was a different NBA.”  I can agree with the statement however are we simply going to ignore all records established at an earlier period?

Where is he?

After Oregon State fired Craig Robinson we lost track of him, I came across an account and figured I’d fill you in.  You might remember Robinson is the brother-in-law of former President Barack Obama.  Steve Mills reached out to his college teammate and asked him to come work for the Knicks.  I missed the fact Robinson took the job last August, he was hired as vice-president of player personnel and G-League operation for the Knicks.  It’s going to take a stint for Robinson to help rebuild the Knicks, given time hopefully he will be successful in this endeavor.  What is funny to me long-time Bulls fan Barack Obama is now rooting for the Knicks.            

Basketball from a fans perspective

Mr. Triple-Double

Sixer point guard Ben Simmons did it again, he recorded another triple-double establishing a new record for rookies with 8 breaking the record established by Magic Johnson.  Truth is this was his second triple-double in consecutive games.  Thursday in a 118-110 win against the Knicks it was 13 points 10 rebounds and 12 assists, earlier on Tuesday in a loss 101-98 Simmons registered 10 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.   

He was New Orleans

At one point in time the NFL Saints were preparing to leave New Orleans, Tom Benson stepped in to purchase the team and the rest is history.  Once again movement in the sports world this time the NBA Hornets (now Pelicans), they were bleeding financially and they too were on the road somewhere.  Once again Benson came riding to the rescue purchasing the team and changing the team name (Pelicans) to one more reflective of the Crescent City.  Benson died Thursday at age 90 and now the chaos begins anew. 

Several years ago, his only surviving daughter and her two children took their father-grandad to court when he changed his will.  He intended to leave his $90 billion-dollar empire to his third wife, his daughter and grandchildren who were cut out of his will contesting his move in court.  The Pelicans will finish the season and make the playoffs.  In August the Saints will open training camp in preparation for the NFL season.  Beyond the two pending actions of the Benson sports teams the balance of this story regarding ownership remains to be decided.     

Final Four

I don’t ever remember the NCAA Championship being this wide open.  A bunch of different teams could go all the way and win it.  I wouldn’t be surprised who wins it’s that an unusual a season, I’m going out on that precarious limb and provide you my final four.  

Duke

Villanova

Virginia

North Carolina

I cannot defend my choices, let’s just say my best guess. 

His college career may have concluded

Oklahoma lost to Rhode Island in overtime 83-78, Trae Young led the way for the Sooners with 28 points.   I mentioned this earlier, the mid-day host of one of the local sports talk stations ripped this youngster on a weekly basis.  His critical remarks from the middle of the season   were unbelievable, this radio guy should have read the piece I located on the net.  

SI.com interviewed several NBA scouts who saw Young play and his possible NBA future. 

The only negative noted among the five scouts, one mentioned his size and whether he’d just worn down during the season from the defense played against him.  Another indicated NBA teams will not defend him in the same manner as college, he should be able to score with no difficulty.  Perhaps his NBA career at Oklahoma didn’t turn out as many hoped, that certainly doesn’t negate his talent which will be displayed at the next level.   

I checked for my satisfaction

One of the talking heads on ESPN claimed: “The Thunder are no better with Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in the lineup than they were last season.”  My immediate thought this guy’s got to be incorrect, after getting off to a poor start the Thunder had played better since roughly the middle of December to the present.  

I decided to check for myself, the statement was not totally correct however it wasn’t very far from being correct.  Check this out, by March 13, 2017 the Thunder had won 38 games and lost 29, fast forward to March 13, 2018 they stand 41-29.  I haven’t followed them closely only at a glance, it appears Russell Westbrook continues to play at an elevated level, but George and Anthony together have not been able to raise team play.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

I’ve been a fan

Tubby Smith was fired as head coach at Memphis, he was asked to leave despite his team won 21 games.  Smith’s always been one of my favorite coaches and this is too bad.  Reports are Penny Hardaway will take the helm and get this, he will reach out to Larry Brown as an assistant.  Okay you fire a guy I like and replace him with two guys I also like.  I feel sad for Smith but appreciate the opportunity for Hardaway and especially Brown if both are hired.   

Boys Missouri State Basketball Championship

Hogan Prep Academy won the Class 3 State Championship 63-58 over Charleston.  The Class 4 semi-finals features Raytown South versus Jennings and Grandview versus Sikeston.  In Class 5 the semi-finals have Liberty facing Webster Groves.  Hogan, Raytown South, Grandview and Liberty are all Kansas City Metro High Schools. 

Don’t pay him no mind!

The Lakers have an outside chance to make the playoffs this season, the victory against the Nuggets leave them with a 31-36 record with weeks remaining in the season.  If the Lakers manage to accomplish this feat it would represent tremendous progress.  At the time Luke Walton became head coach I believed there should be considerable improvement in team play by his third year.  Hired in 2016 Walton is about to conclude his second year at the helm.  A player, coach or manager is only as good as his or her latest victory, it’s true Walton is not Magic or Pelinka’s guy they didn’t hire him.  Despite that statement Laker management should pay more attention to the players rather than some guy not directly connected with the team.   

I found this interesting   

A website Definition.org picked the best athletes from each state, I found it interesting basketball players were the choice in several states. 

Indiana-Larry Bird

Louisiana-Bill Russell

Michigan-Magic Johnson

New York-Kareem Abdul Jabbar

North Carolina-Michael Jordan

Ohio-LeBron James

Pennsylvania-Wilt Chamberlain 

Clippers arena

No, this is not a report on Staples Center, it’s the building Clippers owner Steve Ballmer wants built.  This story has been reported on several occasions however it appears to be gaining momentum.   The 18,000-seat arena and a practice facility would be constructed at South Prairie Avenue and Century Boulevard in Inglewood.  Most of the land is vacant although there are several businesses adjacent.  As for Staples the Clippers are tied to a list that expires in 2024.  In addition to some residents objecting to the proposal the mayor and the City of Inglewood have been sued by MSG which now owns the Forum former home of the Lakers.  We need to stay tuned to this development to see if it reaches a conclusion. 

Basketball from a fans perspective

WIP

I’m not even sure the phrase is still in use, I’m going to stop at this point and check.  Yes, it’s still easy to locate on the web so it must still be in use in some circles.  For those who might be unfamiliar with WIP, it stands for Work In Progress.  Webster defines WIP as: “A project that is not yet finished” which describes Mohamed Bamba at Texas.  The 6-foot 11-inch 225-pound youngster is headed to the NBA in June, how do I know you ask?  I don’t for sure however there are at least two factors that convince me, he plays defense and he plays defense and he rebounds the basketball. 

Okay that’s three, although his team lost their game against Kansas early in the season Bamba recorded 22 points 15 rebounds and 8 blocked shots.  Did I say he’s got a nose for shot blocking?  Bamba was born and grew up in Harlem (NY) although his parents immigrated here from the Ivory Coast or Cote d’ Ivoire a nation on the African continent.  Freshman Bamba led the Big 12 in rebounds and block shots while scoring nearly 13 points a game.  He might never be a great scorer but the other facets of his game approach the NBA level.  Expect to hear Commissioner Silver say: “With the _______pick the _______ choose Mohamed Bamba from the University of Texas.” 

Change is difficult

I believe I’m like most of you, change is sometimes difficult to accept.  We’ve read commentary by several folks calling for revision of the NBA playoffs.  I’m unsure why but allow me to voice my concern, its bothered me over the years seeing the Eastern Conference standings, we’d often witness two or three teams with less than sterling records in the playoffs.  Anytime a team finishes below .500 they should not be allowed in the playoffs has always been my argument.  I’m unsure about re-seeding the field however I don’t believe any team finishing below .500 should be playoff bound.  I didn’t check last season but as of March 13, 2018 every team in the Western and Eastern Conference is playing above .500 ball.  Just make sure all teams are competitive is my prime complaints.  

An American problem
This is probably not what you thought it was, I’m referring to arenas.  The present Madison Square Garden is number four, there will be a fifth because the lease on the present location will expire at some future date.  A new arena opened in Detroit for the Pistons this season, next season the Bucks will officially open their arena.  The Bucks present home the Bradley Center opened in 1988 will be demolished.  In 2019 the Chase Center will open in San Francisco becoming the new home of the Warriors.  Kemper Arena in Kansas City was replaced by Sprint Center in 2007 and we don’t have an NBA or NHL team. 

In the meantime, venerable Municipal Auditorium home of UMKC and the NAIA Tournament is still in use.  The Muni opened in 1936 however it’s been refurbished several times throughout the years.  Seattle is attempting to become an NBA city again and has applied for an NHL franchise.  The city finally decided in favor of a refurbished Key Arena rather than a brand-new building.  Key Arena first opened its doors in 1962, the preliminary drawings look quite interesting.  In America it’s not necessary to tear down every building to build something brand new.   

Bits n Pieces 

I hope this doesn’t sound arrogant on my part, this may have changed by now.  DraftExpress/ESPN mock draft projects Luka Doncic to be the top choice.  I seriously doubt if he is the first pick in June.  I’ve seen YouTube video of the 6-foot 7-inch guard/forward in action and he appears quite talented.  To refresh your memory only two international players have been chosen number one, Yao Ming in 2002 and Andrea Bargnani in 2006.  Both players arrived in the NBA as centers, one is in the hall of fame and the other well.     

I thought I’d seen or heard of every sports mascot out there.  Along comes one I’d never heard, I was checking out video of Trent Williams Gillette Community College.  Mizzou is looking at the 6 foot 3-inch point guard to fill a hole at the point.  The Gillette mascot is a pronghorn which I had to research.  The animal goes by several names, “pronghorn antelope, prongbuck, and American antelope”, why not just nickname your team the antelopes?

There is often a question regarding the criteria for one athlete being a project and another not even given consideration?  I’m sure there is no one answer however I believe we may have a project in mind.  His name is Emanuel Ugboh and he plays at Iowa Western Community College and he’s from Lagos, Nigeria.  He’s only scoring 6.2 points a game with the same number of rebounds, he just might be a diamond in the rough.  At 6 feet 11 inches and 244 pounds he just might be able to play at the Division I level.   

This is certainly not official but noteworthy, the latest edition of Tankathon NBA Mock Draft has both Porter brothers listed.  Michael Porter Jr. is listed as number 3 while younger brother Jontay Porter is at 18.  NBADraft.net also has Porter Jr. at 3 while Jontay is number 26.  Brothers have certainly been drafted in the past, but this might be a first, two possibly drafted in the same year.   

Basketball from a fans perspective

“Pistol” Pete

ESPN SEC Network ran an account of LSU’s Pete Maravich.  See it if you can, issues were uncovered about his family life previously unknown to most.  Maravich was a player ahead of his time, he scored 3,667 points in three years.  In the mid ‘60’s freshman were not eligible until their sophomore year, all Division I schools had freshman teams.  A prolific scorer Maravich averaged 43.8, 44.2 and 44.5 points per game in his senior year.  It was obvious why he was given the nickname based on his scoring prowess, imagine those numbers without benefit of a 3-point line.  In addition no shot clock existed which meant teams could use stall tactics against Maravich and LSU. 

He was most noted for scoring, but it was his ball-handling that amazed and sometimes caused problems with his Atlanta Hawk teammates.  Imagine a white player with a Globetrotter mentality with the basketball, in 2018 it would probably not be very noticeable, in the NBA of the 1970’s he stood out.  The career of Maravich was cut short due to injuries, he would conclude his career with the Jazz and retired from the Celtics in 1980.  In January 1988 Maravich died of a heart attack at the age of 40 while playing a pick-up game.  Maravich would later be enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame, Pistol Pete Maravich a name from the past basketball fans should know.

It’s been awhile

Have the “baby” Lakers grown up, that would certainly appear to be the case.  The Lakers were winners against the Cavs on Sunday evening 127-113, the 14-point spread might have been greater if the Lakers had continued to play at an elevated level.  In honesty it was somewhat close up till maybe the middle of the third quarter when the Lakers stepped on the gas and accelerated past LeBron and the Cavs.  This is most interesting, NBA.com says the victory was the first over the Cavs since the first term of the Obama administration, that would take us back to the 2008-2012-time frame. Julius Randle led the way with 36 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, he was aided by Brook Lopez (22 points) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (20) and Kyle Kuzma with 14 points. 

I almost forgot to mention the guy who came off the bench Isaiah Thomas.  Thomas “only” scored 20 points along with 9 assists and 5 rebounds, think there might have been a revenge factor working?  I will repeat my earlier statement the Lakers don’t need LeBron James for one simple reason.  These young Lakers would defer to him thus stunting their growth as a team.  There is no doubt LeBron James continues to play at a prominent level and is the best there is currently.  See fooled you, thought I was gonna trash him.  As this is written ESPN.com NBA page contains a bit of interesting news.  Their NBA Power Rankings have the Lakers at number 18, meaning they are better than 12 other NBA teams.  They are rising, acquiring free-agents (not named LeBron) should allow this continued growth. 

I’m missing some

This is funny to me, the field of 68 has been completed for the NCAA Tournament.  Unlike many in the media I am not going to pretend I know all these teams, I am aware of their won-loss record but that’s about all.  Despite my attempt to see all the games there are far too many and I’m missing some.  In several instances I cannot even provide you the city/town of the college/university in the tournament.  I will be rooting for Mizzou but that’s about it, will I adopt a team as the tournament progresses…. certainly.  I adopted Kentucky in 2015 at the time they appeared in the tourney undefeated before losing in the semi-finals.         

Filling up the stat line

Several of the NBA number were stat stuffers over the weekend.   

Anthony Davis, Pelicans, 25 points 11 rebounds 10 blocked shots in a loss versus the Jazz  

Julius Randle, Lakers, 36 points 14 rebounds 7 assists in beating the Cavs

Kevin Durant, Warriors, 39 points 12 rebounds 4 assists in loss to the Wolves

Karl-Anthony Towns, Wolves, 31 points 16 rebounds 2 assist in the win over the Warriors

Dwight Howard, Hornets, 30 points 12 rebounds 4 blocked shots in the win over the Suns

Nicolas Batum, Hornets, 29 points 12 rebounds 7 assists in the win over the Suns

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets, 20 points 11 rebounds 11 assists in their win over the Kings

Basketball from a fans perspective

Bits and Pieces 

No worry for me, I’m already there.  Perhaps you read it on a social network, the story was titled “20 Pro Athletes who are broke.”  The list contained several former NBA players among them Scottie Pippen, Derrick Coleman and Allen Iverson.  All made millions while in the NBA but were reported to be bankrupt today.  The accounts contained a common theme: “Bad investments.”

There was one other barber shop story to relate for you, I mentioned the Rick Pitino account I'd written for Words eye view.  The former coach would never again coach Division I basketball at least that’s my belief.  One of the shop patrons disagreed with my take and imparted his thoughts.  The customer said: “Pitino will lay low for two or so years and then somebody will hire him.”  He elaborated further: “Look at Bruce Pearl at Auburn, what about Kelvin Sampson (Houston).”  I had to shake my head, maybe I did see a likely Pitino hire incorrectly. 

I believe Derrick Rose must read Words eye view. He was highly irritated with the comment made by several regarding his career, the response from Rose, “My body feels great.”  The comment I wrote on Saturday was based on the 2018 Rose we see rather than the 2011 MVP Rose.  I don’t believe Rose reads Words just kidding folks.     

Oklahoma's Trae Young was worn down by the end of the season it was quite clear. Despite this fact Young accomplished a feat never occurring in NCAA Division I history, he led Division I teams in scoring (27.4 ppg) and assists (8.8). It's possible Oscar Robertson and maybe Pete Maravich might have accomplished the feat. We don't know for sure, the NCAA didn't track assists in those days.

He’s number 13 as well

Over the years we’ve become acquainted with many of the superstitions of athletes.  Although varied in nature several avoid 13 believing its bad luck.  Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino wore number 13, so did the Yankees A-Rod, in basketball it was Steve Nash while he was a member of the Suns.  Perhaps the most famous number 13 was worn by the late Wilt Chamberlain throughout his college and NBA career.  The Arizona Wildcats DeAndre Ayton is not bothered by the number, he wears it proudly as he demolishes Division I rivals.  Ayton’s been a double-double man in his freshman year, the 7-1 250-pound center is scoring 20.3 and 11.5 rebounds a game as this is written. 

“Nobody has the competitiveness like me, you know what I’m saying?’’ said Ayton. “I think I’m different from everybody else. That’s about it. Play hard, I play hard every day. Got a country on my back that I’m representing.’’  If you were questioning what he meant by “country on my back” Ayton is from the island nation of the Bahamas.  The next stop for this talented youngster after the NCAA Tournament is the NBA draft.  He’s not declared for the draft yet however it’s only a matter of time.  You ask the question why to declare for the draft I would say why not.

Slamonline.com/college

I am loyal to a fault

A person or persons must do something terrible for me to witness the bad in them or their organization.  Have I been disappointed in life, you better bet I have however my loyalty runs deep especially something or someone I believe I have a connection with.  I had one of those “wrong place, wrong time conversations” recently.  I believe I made it known at one point I knew the name Cuonzo Martin however I wasn’t real familiar with his coaching record.     

Once Martin was hired at Mizzou I read, researched and listened to as much discussion as I could on the man.  A friend, a North Carolina graduate said: “I don’t think Cuonzo Martin’s a very good coach, look what he allowed to happen in the game against Ole Miss?”  To refresh your memory Ole Miss won in OT however he pointed to the fact the game should have ended in regulation with Mizzou the winner.  I cannot disagree with his conclusion however this is where we parted ways.  He said, “He’s a good recruiter but comes up short in game management.”

Martin’s teams are yet to reach the championship round or even play in a Final Four.  In 2008-09 his first team Missouri State finished the season 11-20, the following year 24-12, there was a slight improvement at Tennessee going from 19-15 to 20-13.  As for Cal it was 18-15 his first year and 23-11 in year two.  Mizzou becomes his 4^th coaching stops and except for that first year his teams have never finished below .500.  Could his teams have played better over the course of his coaching career…. of course.  Beyond that Martin can coach Division I basketball, I’m sure like other coaches he continues to grow in the job.