BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

We are on the verge of a playoff type game
No, not basketball NFL football is the topic, the Chiefs winner of nine games with a single loss face the Rams with an identical record.  The eyes of the nation are fixated on Los Angeles site of the game with the exception of except Manhattan Kansas and Columbia Missouri.  The Mizzou Tigers face the Kansas State Wildcats for the championship of the Paradise Jam Classic. 

The game is not on cable or livestream, it is available on PPV.  My hometown is full of Mizzou and K-State graduates and neither will be able to see the game.  It’s on radio however that audience might be microscopic compared to the ESPN MNF game featuring the Chiefs and Rams.  Although my loyalty is divided, I will be sitting on my couch viewing football.  On the other hand, if the basketball game was on television well that might be a different story.

Now and again
We hear one of those stories that causes you to scratch your head and this is certainly one of them.  Remember Brian Bowen II, he was originally headed to Louisville until the Adidas controversy broke out.  The shorten version once news broke of the scandal and pending trial Bowen II decided in favor of the Australia and a professional start rather than college.   

We fast forward to Monday November 19, 2018 Bowen’s filed a racketeering lawsuit against Adidas alleging bribery, fraud and money laundering.  This is done at the expense of Bowen’s eligibility and athletic development.  Keep in mind, Bowen II is filing this suit while acknowledging there was no knowledge of his father’s dealing with Adidas until the trial.  What do you make of this lawsuit, you think it got a leg to stand on? I will keep you in the information loop. 

Too smooth
In the 70’s the baseball Royals had a center fielder named Amos Otis.  It was said by a few fans “He caught every ball he could reach.”  It was also said, “He appears to be gliding in the outfield not putting forth the maximum effort in some instances.”  Which version of Otis is correct you ask, perhaps both were.  He was a gold glove outfielder but refused to run into walls attempting to catch the baseball.  Fans witnessed several players of that era shorten their careers after a few bouts with outfield fences.  

There is more padding applied to outfield fences since that time.  Remember the Jimmy Butler complaint about Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns?  I can’t speak to Towns as for Wiggins that might be another story.  I’ve watched two Wolves games since the departure of Butler and I’ve witnessed a “gliding” Wiggins.  Notice I didn’t say he wasn’t talented, you know sometimes your athletic ability and demeaner might give the impression an athlete is not playing at the max ask Otis, better yet Wiggins might be a better choice. 

April
The NBA season is but a couple of weeks old, there have been some surprises for me positive and negative.  Keep in mind I’ve not had an opportunity to check all these teams play, I’m strictly checking standings. 

Surprised they are playing so well

Clippers-Should I give Doc credit?

Thunder-Westbrook in and out of the lineup.

Surprised they are playing so poorly

Jazz-???

Rockets-The Carmelo factor?

Wolves-The Butler factor?

Heat-This team is a question mark, on paper they should be better than this. 

Knicks-Porzingis remains sidelined, but I thought Fizdale would add a different outlook.

What teams does your list contain?

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

We are accustomed
To International players being drafted in the NBA, we are accustomed to those from the African continent.  He might be the first, Sekou Doumbouya is listed as a possible lottery pick in the 2019 NBA draft by 5 different mock sites.  Doumbouya is from the West African nation of Guinea and I believe will be the first NBA player from this nation.  He’s a 6-foot 9-inch 230 pound forward and plays for Limoges CSP in the European League.  Mock drafts are reliable not necessarily in order but who is drafted, if Doumbouya decides in favor of the NBA don’t be surprised to hear his name called next June.  

Not a winter guy
I grew up in the Midwest, I’ve experienced snow and ice in winter since I was a small child.  Despite this fact it is the best time for me because of basketball.  In addition to the opportunity to see games in person there is television.  I have the choice of viewing a game 7 days and nights a week.  Depending on the evening team I’ve watched a college game and later an NBA game or vice-versa. 

Sometimes it’s been a college double-header or one from the NBA.  Weekends are just as interesting depending on my schedule.  If my Saturday is free, I can begin viewing college games at 11:00 a.m. Central Time all day with the last one beginning at 9:00 p.m.  In closing I would add the national telecast of high school games plus the McDonalds and Jordan Classic games.  Despite the fact I’m not a winter guy it really is the best time of the year for me. 

Simple words require an explanation at times
Allow me to explain, NBA games on League Pass and NBA TV we are listening to local broadcasters.  These boys and girls are paid by the team, their views are sometimes slanted in favor of the “home team.”  Anxious to see Luka Doncic in action I’m watching a Mavs game, Doncic is shooting good and distributing the basketball.  He even managed to play good defense against the opposition.  The color analyst said to his broadcast partner, “Doncic is good although he lacks athleticism.” 

The comment caught me off guard, I thought what the heck is he talking about.  I believed the idea was to shoot the ball in the basket rebound the ball and play defense.  Some are better than others in these three areas.  There was a guy from French Lick Indiana who certainly had limited athletic skills, Larry Bird managed to get by.  Same for his chief advisory from Lansing Michigan, Magic Johnson.  Dribble shoot it and rebound the ball if you do those efficiently I doubt if anyone should seriously question athletic skill. 

You can’t always tell  
We are not sure of his height, Wikipedia claims Nikola Jokic stands 6 feet 10 inches tall.  ESPN.com’s NBA page says he stands 7 feet tall while Yahoo.com list him as 6 foot 10 also.  We don’t know his height however the 41^st pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft can play.   He was chosen in the middle of the second round by the Nuggets, you tellin’ me there were 40 players in that draft considered better than the 23-year old Serbian. 

Some might be surprised as his rapid accession to the upper talent level of the NBA, now entering his 4^th year his numbers have risen each of his first three years.  As this is written the Nugget center is scoring at a 23.4 point and 10.6 rebound a game clip.  Jokic is skillful with the basketball too, his 6.2 assists are the highest number for a center in the NBA.  See, you thought as I did before research Boogie Cousins was the best passing center in the league, the Nuggets managed to draft a diamond in the rough.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Last time I checked
The sky was not falling, I make this statement despite a KC Star reporters view of Mizzou basketball thus far.  The Tigers have scored 68, 59 and 55 points in the team’s first three games, they are winners in two of the three.  Sunday afternoon they face Oregon State as they continue play in the Paradise Jam Tournament.  I hate to make excuses ahead of a game but here goes,

No Jontay Porter, ACL & MCL injury

A transfer (Mark Smith) and freshman (Torrence Watson) in the starting lineup

Freshmen and sophomores playing the bulk of reserve minutes

Remember I informed you except for senior Kevin Puryear this is a freshman- sophomore dominated Mizzou team.  There is little “veteran” leadership to lean on, this Mizzou team must become skilled at the college game while playing it.  I’d be less than honest if I informed you, I’m unconcerned about wins and losses.  Mizzou Nation must relax and take a deep breath, this version is going to experience growing pains.  Hopefully by early January we’ll have a better view of their direction.

A chip off the old block
According to Dictionary.com the definition for the heading is, “An expression used of people who closely resemble their parents in some way.”  We could easily make the statement about Bol Bol except he might be better than his parent.  His dad the late Manute Bol played in the NBA for several seasons, he was primarily a specialist.  The son is an all-around athlete. 

Bol’s physical numbers are close to his dad, he weighs 232 pounds his dad was 201.  As for height Bol is 7 feet 3 inches his dad stood 7 feet 7 inches, wingspan for the son is 7 feet 3 and Manute was 8 feet 6 inches.  These represent collegiate numbers for Bol after just a few games, 18.8 points and 10.5 rebounds a game. Bol had a 26-point 9 rebound game versus Syracuse, included were 4 blocked shots.  In fact, in his first four college games his lowest block shot total is the 3 he registered against Portland State. 

“The Honeymooners”
There once existed a 1950’s television series with the above title.  Hollywood ever attempting to be innovated released a movie in 2005 with the same title and family dynamics.  The two couples in the series and movie were not newlyweds but dealt with the issues of marriage in a comedic manner.  The honeymoon between the Sixers and Jimmy Butler is far more serious since he’s been inserted into the lineup via trade.  Butler’s said, “So much more fun playing with the 76ers.”  This might be true for the shooting guard but I’m unsure about Ben Simmons. 

Keep in mind I’ve yet to see a Sixer game since Butler’s arrival however I’m always checking the box scores.  The team doesn’t depend on Simmons to score however it appears his numbers (scoring & assists) have dwindled since Butler’s arrival.  Is this just part of Simmons effort to immerse Butler into the team’s offense or is there another issue we are unable to observe?  Just in case you are curious I’ve adopted the Sixers as my Eastern Conference team.  I will root for them in all instances except when they face my Lakers. 

Re-load
Ever wonder how Duke basketball continues to win, they have one of the all-time best coaches in history in coach K.  The second is the ability of this coach and his staff to continuous ability to recruit superior basketball talent.  The Class of 2019 might not be as impressive as 2018 but those committed thus far appear talented.  The Rivals 25^th and 41^st prospects have committed to Duke.  

Wendell Moore 6-foot 4-inch 214-pound guard 5-stars

Boogie Ellis 6-foot 2-inch 165-pound guard 4-stars

Perhaps just as noteworthy Duke has adjusted its recruiting toward one and done prospects. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Carmelo  
After 10 games he’s gone, for reason the Rockets and Carmelo Anthony have decided to part way.  Anthony could have re-signed with the Thunder but indicated he had no desire to be a 6^th man.  That was his basis for heading for Houston after a temporary stop in Atlanta and then the Rockets, is his NBA career over?  I believe only the player can answer that question, he’s 34 years old and will turn 35 prior to the 2019-20 season.  If this is the end the run has been outstanding with some bumps, he’s headed for the Naismith Hall of Fame.  At one point in time I doubted this however his work speaks volumes despite what might appear to be a negative. 

Bet you didn’t know
The Harlem Globetrotters are known world-wide as an exhibition basketball team, they have a lengthy history having been founded in 1926.  Abe Saperstein would later join them as manager and eventually he became owner of this African-American team until his 1966 death.  The Trotters played during the segregation era which was prevalent in America at their founding.  Despite the time-period they would often be matched against white teams.  Saperstein the business man wore many hats including being part of the Negro baseball league during the 1930’s and 1940’s. 

His Trotters were better known than many of the fledgling NBA teams of the late 1940’s and early ‘50’s.  The NBA utilized the prominence of the Trotters by scheduling double-headers.  The Trotters playing the first game and the NBA team the second, it was hoped the crowd would remain for the NBA game.  Because of this arrangement Saperstein said, “he’d been promised an NBA team in Los Angeles.”  It wasn’t too be, the NBA allowed then owner Bob Short to move his Lakers from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960. 

Saperstein feeling betrayed by the NBA declared war on the NBA by starting his own league.  The 8-team American Basketball League begin play in the fall of 1961.  Like the later ABA a handful of former NBA players moved to the upstart league.  It was the American Basketball League and not the ABA that first originated the 3-point basket, in addition Bill Russell is generally considered the first black coach in basketball not true.  John McClendon coached the Cleveland Pipers, ownership of the Cleveland franchise was one George Steinbrenner, several years later Steinbrenner would purchase the Yankees.  The Kansas City Steers were one of the leagues teams, they played for the 1961 championship losing to Cleveland 3 games to 2.  The 1962-63 season saw the league shut-down and the Steers declared champion.  The ABA would not suffer the fate of the ABL, Saperstein’s league hemorrhaged money and had to ceased operations. 

The first
It’s difficult to be the first at anything, you set the example and the world believes it can occur again. Rui Hachimura in his junior year at Gonzaga is projected to be a lottery pick in 2019.  The 6-foot 8-inch small forward is from Japan, despite that fact there have been few Japanese players in the NBA Hachimura is not the first.  We must travel back to 1947, Wataru “Wat” Misaka began play as a point guard for the New York Knicks the same year Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball. 

In 2004 Yuta Tabuse began play for the Suns although his NBA career was brief, Tabuse is still active at the minor league level.  Although the numbers of Japanese descent have been few Hachimura is likely to be the best, I make that statement with no reservation.  His numbers have increased each season, 22.7 points and 5.7 rebounds a game.  Will Hachimura be a star…I have no idea however I believe he can play.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

I said it first….sorta
Duke’s Zion Williamson is 6 foot 7 inches and 280 pounds.  At some point I wrote my belief at his size he could play tight end for a football team.  Well turns out someone had the same thought I did; the difference he was in a position I wasn’t.  This former LSU football coach reached out to Williamson offering him a scholarship. 

The coach indicates Williamson never responded, if you remember LeBron James played football for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.  James was an All-State wide receiver his sophomore and junior year, he didn’t play football as a senior.  More recently Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein standing 7 feet tall played wide receiver for Olathe Northwest High School.  Can you imagine a defensive back trying to defend James or Cauley Stein on a pass pattern? 

A possible change
The University of Missouri-Kansas City began its men’s basketball program in 1954 at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level.  In 1987 the Kangaroos or Roos moved up and began play at the NCAA Division I level.  Since that time, we could state the basketball program had only limited success on the court.  UMKC’s appeared made an appearance in 2017 in a post-season tournament, the school is yet to earn an invitation to the NCAA post-season tournament.  This history ties in with the message of the school’s new athletic director.  This urban university competes in all sports except for football. 

We must presume basketball probably pays for everything connected with sports.  Although the AD doesn’t officially take over until next month, he’s dropped a hint indicating he’d like a winning basketball program.  How do you turn a perennial losing program into a success, you downgrade the program?  It’s occurred in at least one instance we can point out.  Oral Roberts is a Division I program however issues with basketball witnessed the school returning to the NAIA level for a period.  Is this the answer for UMKC, i.e. a return to NAIA or NCAA Division II play?  Travel expense could be reduced, there are a significant number of NAIA and Division II schools in Missouri and Kansas within a 3-4-hour drive if UMKC searched for a conference affiliation. 

Bits n Pieces
Which college team has the most players in the NBA with 30?  That shouldn’t be too surprising it’s the Kentucky Wildcats.  If you were asking the question without this information you probably might have said North Carolina or Kansas, maybe UCLA.

The ________can only beat themselves, you’ve heard that statement regarding a championship or potential championship sports teams since you were knee high to a grasshopper.  I’ve always wanted to use that phrase in a sentence LOL.  That’s the question we ask of the Warriors, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant.

History occurred Wednesday evening, an imminent legend past a historical legend.  In a 126-117 win over the Blazers LeBron scored 44 points along with 10 rebounds and 9 assists and 3 blocked shots.  In the point total registered were those allowing LeBron to pass the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.  LeBron now rests in 5^th place among all-time NBA scoring leaders.      

Rajon Rondo broke a bone in his right hand, he’ll be lost to the Lakers for 3-5 weeks.  Although Lonzo Ball’s shooting is improved his numbers are down.  With LeBron and the injured Rondo handling the ball he appears “lost” at times.  Now that Rondo is out perhaps Ball can assert himself. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

The story grows
La Lumiere High School in Indiana was the first, now St Benedicts Prep (NJ) has also cancelled its game and Oak Hill Academy did the same.  Each of these schools had Spire Institute on their schedule, each has now cancelled games scheduled with the Ohio school.  This series of events occurred after it became known LeMelo Ball had enrolled at Spire. 

Each of the schools was contacted but offered a “no comment” on the question of Ball.  This is an ever-evolving story and we must wait and see how it eventually turns out.  According to MaxPreps Ball is listed as a senior at Spire, he began high school at Chino Hills (CA) but father LaVar withdrew him from school.  He and older brother LiAngelo spent last year in Lithuania playing for a professional team in that nation.  

Early signing period
We are into the early signing period in college basketball which began November 14, it ends November 21.  Mizzou begins by signing Tray Jackson a 6-foot 8 inch forward who originally committed to Minnesota.  He later changed his mind deciding on Mizzou which had been involved in seeking his services previously.  On Wednesday Jackson signed his letter of intent, this Detroit native is enrolled at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita. 

In St. Louis 6-foot 2-inch combo guard Mario McKinney signed his letter of intent later in the day.  There is one remaining scholarship for 2019, Mizzou with only 3 seniors on the roster has only one opening for a team heavily laden with underclassmen.  Also, back next season will be Jontay Porter, the 6-11 Porter is recovering from surgery so how much and how good he plays is unknown at this point

This from yesterday
I guess I should have expected a push-back from the new AP Top 25 poll.  After all we are in the backyard of Kansas basketball on the Missouri side of State Line Road. One of the sports talk radio host interviewed a writer on several topics.  The last portion dealt with Kansas dropping from number one to number two in the latest poll, this writer although he covers Kansas basketball had no issue with it and informed the host of that fact.  The host based his argument on Kansas beating Top 10 Michigan State, here is the takeaway in my view. 

Duke thumping perennial NCAA powerhouse Kentucky 118-84 must have impressed the voters more than Kansas beating Michigan State 92-87. I’ve stated in the past these polls literally mean nothing until tournament time.  Polls are good for the fans and alumni of a university.  If I had to provide you a percentage on what impacts a prospect.  Funny this host almost contradicted himself, he began to list the games Villanova lost leading up to its NCAA championship run.  In closing all I can say to him or anyone else relax, lets allow the season to play out and then its tournament time. 

Rucker
All that’s required for you to state is Rucker, basketball aficionados will be able to define exactly what you are talking about.  As for others its Holcombe Rucker Park or simply Rucker Park, a legendary basketball court in Harlem New York at 155^th Street and Frederick Douglas Boulevard.  The Who’s Who of the basketball world have played on this famous outdoor venue whether they were NBA or playground legends.  Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, Dr. J. and Tiny Archibald once soared on the court at Rucker.  More recently Rucker has witnessed Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Stephon Marbury and Vince Carter exhibit their basketball skill.  Rucker’s history has been rich with playground legends, guys who but a few never made it to college or the NBA. 

Their names are in the annals of many epic Rucker court battles, Pee Wee Kirkland, Earl “The Goat” Manigault, and Herman “Helicopter” Knowings along with Rafer “Skip to my Lou” Alston.  As for the helicopter nickname that might be obvious, many claim the 6-foot 7-inch Knowings leaped and grabbed a quarter which had been placed on top of the backboard.  We’ve heard that same story only it was the Goat who snatched the coinage down.  Whoever did it or if it’s only an urban myth that would have been a leap of at least 13 feet.  As for Dr. J. it was said the day he played it was standing room only, there are photos of patrons who climbed trees on the outside portion of the court to see the doctor soar.  

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Bits n Pieces
In one of those rare moves Duke leapfrogged over Kansas into the number one position in the AP Top 25 poll.   The Blue Devils moved up and in front of Kansas despite the fact the Jayhawks had not lost a game.  I’m sure this has occurred at some time in the past however I don’t remember.

Did you see this story, given a choice he chose the Lakers?  Tyson Chandler grew up in Los Angeles so that might have been the key factor.  Chandler indicated at least five teams were interested in signing him after the Suns released him.  Chandler reduced the number to two, Warriors and Lakers.         

2019 NBA draft
We have no idea where Mizzou’s Jontay Porter would have been drafted in the 2019 NBA draft if not for his season ending injury.  This we do know, outside of a few names the draft appears not as deep as previous years.  Now we must consider this account is written in the middle of October prior to the first ball being tossed up.  Even the International players Sekou Doumbouya, Paul Eboua and a few others are really an unknown.  As for the college crop we have a few names however we ask the same question, can they play at the NBA level?  Perhaps the key does the player get the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team?  As an example, there is no doubt it’s likely easier (with talent) to break into a Kings lineup versus that of the Warriors, Rockets or Celtics. 

As mentioned previously several of the names are intriguing if they can manage to transfer the talent.  The two Duke guys are supposed to be the real deal, shooting guard R. J. Barnett and tight end power forward Zion Williamson all 280 pounds of him.  There are others, fellow Duke teammate Cameron Reddish and Nassir Little at North Carolina.  Then again there could be a relative unknown talent like Trae Young.  247 Sports reminds us Young was the 5^th pick in the 2018 draft and wasn’t considered a Top 15 pick.  We knew Young was a McDonalds All American, bet none of you had any idea he’d lead Division I teams in scoring (27.4 ppg) and assists (8.8 apg).  Think about all the thousands of players over the years who played Division I basketball, Young accomplished a feat none before him had done.  He’s taken that talent to the NBA Hawks, we’ll witness his continued development.   

This is funny
I’m unsure who to give credit for this statement, questioned on LaMelo Ball’s desire to play at North Carolina or Duke.  “You think Coach K. or Roy Williams wants to be bothered with LaVar Ball.”  We can be sure Ball has been a headache for Magic Johnson although he’d never probably admit it publicly.  Even if LaMelo manages to gain NCAA eligibility we can bet large sums of money no scholarship is forthcoming from these schools.    

You are bias…so am I 
This account is based on a 7 or 8 month ago broadcast, I’ve mentioned previously I don’t take a great deal of stock in reporting of most in the media.  Allow me to clarify, this exists only at a time I believe they are clearly providing us their opinion rather than fact.  The example from months back I took exception the comment by one of the drive-time sports talk host here in the city.  Oklahoma basketball was not good last season, they finished 18-13 overall and 8-10 in the Big 12.  The one bright shining star was that of Trae Young however he was only part of this issue. 

This host said; “Lon Kruger is phoning it in, he’s got a place in Vegas and he’s just counting his money till retirement” or words to that effect.  Kruger has several coaching stops on his resume including UNLV over his career, that’s a fact. 

The part I took exception the hint Kruger wasn’t concerned about his Oklahoma team winning or losing at this point.  I would hope this radio guy can locate a coach unconcerned about his won-loss record.  Sports talk radio now is dominated by the host and his guests the public has little opportunity anymore to offer a different opinion except through a tweet.  That story has remained in my mind since March and I’ve just now figured out why the conclusion.  Lon Kruger played basketball at Kansas State, his Alma Mater was one of his coaching stops.  The radio host attended Kansas State, see where I’m going with this account?  This is the point I believed he allowed his bias to overstep his mouth.  Guess what radio guy, I’m bias too but I try not to make it so obvious.     

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

Okay
Just when you think you’ve heard it all you hear one more thing.  The Warriors have in place a $100 Building Entry Pass to all games at Oracle Arena.  Sounds great except for the fine print, you are NOT entitled to a seat or a view of the game.  Bars, restaurants and other areas containing television sets you are gladly welcomed.  This is not now and forever you must purchase the pass every month for the duration of the NBA season.  One guy stated, “For $100 a month I’d rather watch a game from the comfort of my couch.”  Even more interesting I discovered Jerry Jones has a similar program in place at AT&T Stadium.  The difference in Dallas you have access to view the game.

Playoff teams
What if I told you the Lakers are a playoff team and the Rockets were not.  It’s true, if the playoffs were to begin tomorrow the Rockets would miss the cut.  This is almost unbelievable; a hamstring was all that kept them from beating the Warriors in the playoffs last season.  This season although just starting finds the Rockets failing to launch (LOL).  Gone from last year are Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute, added this season Carmelo Anthony. 

Sometimes there are players who are “glue” guys, they do all the dirty work.  They rebound the basketball play tough hard-nosed defense, they dive on the floor for loose balls.  Once those players are missing its difficult to replace them, on top of that issue is the Carmelo factor.  As this is written all kinds of reports are circulating the Rockets are about to buy him out.  The end appears near for Carmelo as for the Rockets there remains time.  If they are playing at this level in the middle of December……well.    

He might have been the first
The Chicago Bulls were born in 1966 an NBA expansion team.  As with most expansion teams losing became common place until Dick Motta was hired as head coach.  Motta installed his system along with personnel changes allowing the Bulls to become competitive.  After playing at Southern University Bob Love was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals where he played sparingly, he was selected by the Bucks who would trade him to the Bulls.  In the 1969-70 season he became the Bulls starting forward.  Love would be selected an All-Star 3X and earn All-Defensive second team the same number.  1977 was his last NBA season and was spent as a member of the Sonics then retirement and a secret would come to light. 

Love had a stuttering speech issue, how it could exist without anyone reaching out is still a mystery.  In any event this caused Love to hold menial employment after retirement, he was washing dishes at a point.  The owner of the restaurant seeing his dilemma paid for Love to attend speech therapy classes.  In 1993 he returned to the Bulls as director of community relations.  He remains a motivational speaker today detailing his struggles with speech.  As for his prowess on the basketball court he’s lost in the history.  Bob (Butterbean) Love might have been the first Bulls All-Star, Michael Jordan wouldn't arrive until 1984.   

Say something stupid
I’ve got an advantage, if I say something stupid my circle is quite small.  Likely it might soon be forgotten.  The same does not apply to members of the media, we don’t know at this point if Kristaps Porzingis will recover.  This we do know he could at one-point play basketball better than Stephen A. Smith declared.  Rookie Trae Young’s Hawks lost by one point to the Lakers, his potential winning basket was blocked by Tyson Chandler. 

Young finished the game with 20 points and 12 assists, many of his long-range shots were from distance.  Must I remind you again, okay here is the story again.  Local radio guy looks at Young while the youngster was at Oklahoma, decides he can’t play because the Sooners are on a losing streak.  If we look strictly at the numbers Young is second in the NBA in rookie scoring.  Luka Doncic is ahead of Young by just a few points.  Allow Porzingis, Young and anyone else to at least attempt play in the NBA before deciding they can’t play. 

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

One story at a time….connected
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point or Army began its football season versus Duke.  Although the Knights have registered 8 wins one of the two losses suffered was against the Blue Devils.  Okay what about basketball you ask, well Duke was scheduled for the Knights second game.  The final score Duke 94 Army 72 as the trio of Blue Devils led the way, we must have a nickname for them.   

Barrett had 23 points, Reddish 25 and Williamson 27.  Below the score on ESPN’s college basketball page the words read, “Should NBA teams’ tank for Zion and Barrett.”  I hope to not hear the word “Tank” ever, the hint a team would lose on purpose to improve its draft position is appalling to yours truly. LATE UPDATE:  I was reminded Coach K. graduated from West Point and coached at the academy prior to his long tenure at Duke.  

Is the world catching up?
It’s been less than 30 games, yet we marvel at the poise and the game of Luka Doncic.  This 19-year is playing like a grizzled veteran, thus far Doncic’s has the highest scoring average for a rookie since number 23.  No not that 23, in this instance I’m referring to Michael Jeffery Jordan or Air Jordan.  This youngster from Slovenia hit the ground running which begs the question, “Is the world catching up?” 

The answer might be yes and no, every Euro player has not adjusted at the level of a Luka Doncic.  We don’t know at this point if Kristaps Porzingis will return to the Knicks and play at the same level due to injury.  If he can regain his previous form, we might include him too as one of the new wave of Euro players.  I’m unsure if we can answer the question it’s far too early to determine.  This we can say its likely Doncic and perhaps a healthy Porzingis represent talented NBA athletes who honed their skills playing in Europe. 

His nominee 
LeBron said it, so it’s got to be correct…right?  He said JaVale McGee must be included in the conversation for defensive player of the year.  Some are questioning LeBron on this, I’d mentioned this prior McGee is having an outstanding season thus far.  It’s difficult to register significant numbers when you play limited minutes, that’s been McGee’s history with the Wiz, Nuggets, Sixers and Mavs. 

It occurred as well in a Warrior jersey however he’s got two championship rings from his time in Oakland.  Most interesting in an interview McGee claims he came to Southern California because of LeBron.  I referred to him as journeyman player due to history, he’s receiving starter minutes with the Lakers.  The only other time he played major minutes was in the 2010-11, lengthy injuries impacted his role as well.  This is the good part, he’s only 30-years old he should have 5- or 6-years barring injury playing at this level. 

“Half full, not half empty”
Life presents obstacles at times; experiences can be difficult to handle however my belief is to maintain a positive outlook.  I say, “The glass is half full, not half empty”, that’s how I feel about Mizzou’s program next season.  Keep in mind the 2018-19 season is yet to be played however with two 2019 commits the question was asked, what are the prospects for next season?  Well not very good in a positive manner allow me to explain.  Assuming all the commits sign everyone returns there will either be 2 or 3 scholarships for 2019-20.  The Mizzou roster is ripe with freshman, sophomores, juniors and few seniors. 

You might tend to believe this season’s team might struggle being so youthful but that’s a good thing.  Unlike Kentucky and some other programs Mizzou will return talent whereas the one and done school must recruit talent to replace the departed.  Maybe one day Mizzou will be able to do what Kentucky, Kansas and others are able to accomplish, recruit one and done players exclusively.  Until there is a change in NBA rules I’m okay with talent that might be considered second tier if they compete successfully and earn NCAA appearances.  Last season’s Mizzou team did just that despite the presence of one and done Michael Porter.  I can implore Coach Martin to continue recruiting at the current pace, look under every rock and behind every tree for talent.   

BASKETBALL FROM A FANS PERSPECTIVE

We cannot wait
How will LaVar Ball explain away this latest development is the question for us.   Yesterday we reported his youngest son LaMelo would enroll at the Spire Institute in Ohio to complete high school.  La Lumiere School says okay but you ain’t playing against us.  The Indiana school had Spire on their schedule for this upcoming Tuesday but have now cancelled the game.  They cite LaMelo playing “professionally” in Lithuania as the basis for their action. 

It was reported by TMZ Sports “Ball will be ineligible to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game because he gained professional status abroad.”  If questions are being raised while LaMelo’s still in high school what occurs once he attempts to enroll at a major university?  Better yet, with all the under the table activity occurring in amateur basketball is this latest action for show?  We don’t know, we’ll wait to see how this story plays out. 

Doubly disappointed
The first disappointment was registered earlier in the week.  I discovered currently in the age of wall to wall television coverage the Mizzou-Iowa State game wasn’t going to be available. Well that’s not quite true I could have purchased it on PPV basis if I desired, truth is I didn’t want to pay the $6 something. 

Once upon a time radio was the only available medium available to us unless we were seated in the arena.  I’ve tried listening to games on radio, I believe basketball is too fast-paced for radio, baseball and even football are better designed for a radio audience.  That statement probably indicates to you I didn’t listen to the game.  Disappointment number two was the final score Iowa State 76 Mizzou 59.  I could detail the box score but that’s an exercise in futility, sure hope the next game is on television.   

Mission Accomplished
As this is written it is yet to be confirmed, it appears disgruntled Wolves guard Jimmy Butler has forced the team to trade him.  Butler along rookie center Justin Patton are headed to the Sixers in exchange the Wolves receive Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a 2022 second round draft choice.  Checking the Sixers depth chart, it would appear Wilson Chandler replaces Covington and Mike Muscala moves into Saric’s power forward spot. 

Butler becomes the shooting guard replacing either JJ Redick or Markelle Fultz.  As for the Wolves it’s difficult how this plays out, it’s not likely Andrew Wiggins moves down on their depth chart.  As for Taj Gibson his status is unknown, and we must wait to see how Thibs adjusts his lineup.  Take into consideration these moves are all speculation on my part.  NOTE:  The trade is now official.  

Football versus basketball
We arrive at the same discussion point again, football versus basketball.  Kansas basketball is at the summit of the mountain nationally, everyone knows the school for its basketball program.  The football program is a completely different matter, for a Division 1-A school Kansas might have one of the worst programs in the nation.   Recently the university fired its football coach and the search for a replacement has begun.  A high-profile coaches name has been mentioned in sports talk radio however he’d command a huge salary.  One of the radio guys said, “You are not going to hire someone and pay him more money than Bill Self.” 

It’s reported Self is being paid about $3 million a year to coach Kansas basketball.  Although football might command the most expense it also drives the bus for other athletics.  Other sports apart from basketball (at some schools) depend on a successful football program for revenue.  I haven’t seen any dollar figures however no matter the success we can bet large sums of money Duke, North Carolina and Kansas (pending) pay exceeds that of the football coaches.  As I mentioned the coach in mind for Kansas could command a “Bill Self” salary.  I guess if the new hire football coach is earning a $1 less than the basketball coach it should be okay.