Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This is no joke people

For those attempting to downplay the coronavirus threat it’s real.  On Tuesday came word Kevin Durant and three other Nets players tested have come back positive.  This band of Nets join two Jazz players and at least one Piston diagnosed with the virus.  One NBA official’s been tested to date and his test was returned negative. 

Please quit

We realize the college basketball season ended sooner than we hoped.  With that said I’m not sure what’s going on with Bill Self.  He’s practically begging the NCAA to honor Kansas as the top team in the nation for the 2019-20 season.  Bill please quit, or at least we should wait until a decision is reached.  The decision is the cloud hanging over the basketball program.  To refresh your memory September 2019 the NCAA produced a letter of indictment against the Kansas program and coach Self. 

The NCAA indicated Kansas was guilty of 5 Level 1 violations i.e. Level 1 being the most egregious.  Naturally the university and Self defended themselves from the charges leveled against them.  No argument from me, the abrupt end of the season witnessed Kansas being the number one team in the nation.  The AP and Coaches polls, the strength of schedule along with the KenPom Statistics said Kansas was the best.  This will not be a satisfactory solution for Self, Kansas or its fans.  Let’s wait for the final judgement by the NCAA prior to awarding the school anything. 

The Biggest Loser

Who might you suppose is the biggest loser with no NCAA Tournament play?  With 68 teams we could conclude all but that’s not reality, who really had an opportunity to win it all?  We could think of them.  Florida State, perhaps Gonzaga certainly the University of Kansas but there might be others.  My contention it was none of them it was the Dayton University Flyers.  A brief history note, Dayton was known as St. Mary’s Institute until the 1920-21 season when the name change occurred. 

Dayton has a winning tradition over several decades, the 1966-67 Flyers team was runner up to champion UCLA, the 2009-10 team was NIT champion.  Other years witnessed Flyers teams with winning records under several coaches.  The 2019-20 team under alumni/coach Anthony Grant finished the shorten season with a 29-2 record (18-0) in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Flyers finished 3^rd in the AP and Coaches poll.  Perhaps people like me don’t see what the coach sees, Grant said: “Nothing can take away what the Dayton Flyers accomplished.” 

Triple-threat athlete

Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes might be in our conversation as one of the all-time great athletes.  We are aware of his presence on the football field as a quarterback with the Kansas City Chiefs.  Mahomes performance in high school football are remarkable, those will be covered in another account.  In high school the son of a former major league pitcher played the same position of his dad.  While in high school he once tossed a no hitter and recorded 16 strikeouts in another game. 

In basketball this super athlete averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds, in playoff games he once scored 37 and 49 points.  His high school coach said, “If he focused on it, there's no doubt he could be a Division I basketball player.”*  At 6 foot 3 and 215 pounds (in high school) he likely would have been a shooting guard.  The skill he possesses on the football field is evident just imagine what he might have done as a do-everything basketball player.  Finally it should be noted MaxPreps named Mahomes the 2013-14 Male Athlete of the Year. 

*maxpreps.com June 17, 2014

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

What do you think?

If we check the Bucks current record, they have 17 games remaining in the regular season, others have less than 20 games total.  What do you think, should there be a time limit on restarting the NBA season?  As an example, if a June start date is possible do, we begin the playoffs after a week training?  On the other hand, should we complete the season first with roughly a month of games remaining?  This would lead to encroachment on other professional sports leagues. 

We have no method of preventing overlapping seasons in sports, it exists without viruses.  Should the season be completed the NBA would be operating in the middle of baseball and an August playoff would take basketball into the NFL exhibition season.  I don’t have an answer that might be pleasing to all parties, let’s just say I’d like to see a champion unlike the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament.  We’ve had arguments since last week which team should be awarded the top position.      

We know him as a broadcaster

There is no March Madness in 2020 however we can reflect on a bit of history.  Those of you familiar with the name Austin Carr recognize him as the long-time analyst for Cavs broadcast.  You might not realize the record Carr set and still holds some 50-years later.  He’s 72-years old now an age when most are retired but he loves the role basketball provides him, we guess that’s why he’s still working.  The 6-4 Carr was one of the most prolific scoring guards while enrolled at Notre Dame University. 

He set all kinds of scoring records at Notre Dame, in the 1970 NCAA Tournament he scored 61 points in a game versus Ohio University.  The most interesting part of the scoring record there was no 3-point line at that time.  All his points were scored on 2-point baskets and from the free-throw line.  In the 1970 tournament he averaged 52.7 points per game, it was 41.7 in 1971.  In the 1971 NBA draft Carr was made the number one pick by the Cavs, injuries curtailed his career however he managed to average 15.4 points per game while playing for the Cavs, Dallas and Washington during a 10-year run. 

Step up

Mavs owner Mark Cuban apparently will step up for America Airlines Center employees.  We can make a similar statement from the Warriors owner Joe Lacob for the out of work staff during the NBA’s suspension of play.  The Lakers, Clippers and NHL Kings are partnering to pay Staples Center Arena workers.  

That’s the Friday news, as we move into the following weeks expect more benevolence by NBA owner and players.  As the weekend closed it was announced additional owners and players made it known they would aid hourly employees financially over the next 30+ days.  Unlike the NBA the G-League is cancelled with no plan on a re-start date, players will be paid as though they completed a full season. 

I don’t ride a white horse

The old cowboy movies in the 1940’s and ‘50’s the hero rode a white horse.  I don’t own a horse unless we discuss the HORSEpower of my vehicle.  For a variety of reasons during basketball season this is the order of local media coverage:

1. Kansas basketball

2. Kansas basketball

3. Kansas State

4. Mizzou

5. University of MO-Kansas City

Kansas State and Mizzou have both suffered losing seasons, during the Sunday night sports program a trio of media was asked the question, “Whose job is most in jeopardy Bruce Weber Kansas State or Cuonzo Martin at Mizzou?”  All decided it was Martin who was favored to lose his job after next season.  I believe all in this panel are wrong and I will explain.  It’s my belief Bruce Weber might be in more danger to lose his job than Martin at least at this point. 

Both programs have suffered this season however this observation.  It would appear Mizzou only loses one player from its present roster.  The hope is the freshman play better as sophomores and the sophomores play better as juniors and so on.  Kansas State has a good recruiting class for the fall, but they are freshman, how they adjust to Division I basketball is an unknown.  In addition, Weber loses a major portion of his scoring (and defense) to graduation. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Next stop…. the NBA

A report arrived late Sunday night indicating Obi Topping has played his last game at Dayton.  This certainly wouldn’t be shocking news if true, the 6-foot 9 small forward is a probable lottery pick. Scouting reports indicate Topping is a capable athlete with potential NBA skills.  One report indicates on the defensive end it might be better for him to guard opposing power forwards.  If Topping is indeed leaving it’s goodbye Dayton…hello NBA. 

Help is on the way…maybe     

Once I bowled with a team member, a very good bowler much better than me.  He was our anchor, whenever it was his turn to bowl he’d always say, “Help is on the way.”  That might be the case for Mizzou with the arrival of 7-3 245-pound Jordan Wilmore.  After experiencing an unspectacular 2019-20 season hopefully Wilmore will provide an upgrade in the performance of the Mizzou Tigers.  He will arrive in August, his high school play was at The Skill Factory in Atlanta Georgia.  247 Sports awards Wilmore 3 stars out of 5, he’s listed on Rivals.com however they award no stars. 

Video of Wilmore in action at the high school level indicates he possesses a variety of moves in and around the basket.  The issue that always seems to exist with YouTube videos is the emphasis on the offensive side of the ball with few defensive highlights.  We could see a 3-way tie for minutes at the center position.  Jeremiah Tilmon was injured for a major portion of the conference season, 6-10 and 260 pounds.  Although he played little in his first season junior college transfer Axel Okongo 7 foot 240 pounds will be looking for more playing time as well.  If we toss in Wilmore’s name all three could all battle for the starting position for Cuonzo Martin’s Tigers. 

It’s far different for the NBA

Commissioner Silver indicates the NBA might restart in 30 some days.  For college basketball it’s a different matter, we are too far down the road.  Several fans of the Kansas Jayhawks have declared them national champions.  The basis, Kansas won the Big 12 championship and finished number one in both polls.  On Friday we heard from another party or at least the Florida Senate. 

By a vote of 37-2 a resolution was passed naming Florida State national champions. The senator sponsoring the resolution stated the Seminoles finished first in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Florida State was 4^th in both polls. Gonzaga finished first in the West Coast Conference and lost a single game in conference play and 2 overall.  Dayton went undefeated in the Atlanta 10 Conference with an 18-0 record and a total of only 2 losses. 

No NCAA championship play and any of the three could claim the honor.  All I can do is make what I believe to be a valid point, with the tournament usually being upset city would Kansas have been crowned national champion?  That question will never be answered however they along with the others are to be congratulated for outstanding seasons. 

The disclaimer

Former Memphis Tiger center James Wiseman is a new era center.  He stands 7-1 and weighs 240 pounds ideal for an NBA center but there’s more.  Wiseman’s no back to the basket center in the manner of Wilt, Kareem or Shaq.  The youngster has range out to and including a 3-point shot.  It’s important for Wiseman to land with the right time once the NBA concludes its June draft.  There are several teams he could impact dramatically however the best fit in my view is the Warriors. 

With an arsenal of shooters (Curry & Thompson) surrounding him there would be no requirement for him to carry the bulk of the team’s offense.  How exactly do the Warriors acquire this talented prospect, I’m glad you ask the question?  “Each team's odds at landing the top pick are based on each team's regular-season record. The team with the worst record have the best odds and the team with the best record among those that missed the postseason have the worst odds.

Tiebreakers will be used if teams end up tied with the same record to decide which will have the more advantageous spot in the draft lottery order.”*  This account was titled “The disclaimer” and there is a basis, this is no guarantee of future success regarding Wiseman.  This assessment is based on all we know at this time.  There is your solution to a successful 2020-21 season Dub Nation you can thank me later. 

*SI.com

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

“I’m Back”

Those were the words of Michael Jordan after he discovered baseball was more difficult than playing for the Bulls.  MJ had retired prematurely in some eyes to play baseball a sport last played while in high school.  Perhaps Jordan might have been as great at baseball as basketball if he’d continued to play the game throughout his college span.  That was the short story on Michael Jordan, the words “I’m Back” could also apply to former Louisville coach Rick Pitino. 

Pitino’s impressive coaching career crash landed in October 2017 when Louisville fired him, he was never implicated directly in the scandal that broke that year.  
He was the head coach and the term applied is “lack of institutional control,” Pitino wanted a job but what college would hire him?  He decided to head overseas for Greece and began coaching Panathinaikos.  Pitino informed ownership he would not be returning, it was announced on Saturday Iona intended to hire him.  Who says you can’t go home; New York City guy Pitino will be coaching blocks from where he grew up? 

This is amazing

Jason Kidd was drafted by the Mavs in 1994, he played with the Mavs through the 1996 season, his career continued with the Suns and Nets before a 2008 trade sending him back to the Mavs where he remained through 2012.  The timeframe is provided to provide you background information on a new record set recently. 

Prior to the 2019-20 season Kidd held the Mavs team record for triple-doubles with 21 but he holds the record no longer.  As this is written Luka Doncic now has 22 triple-doubles is the new Mavs franchise leader, this total is amazing if we take into consideration the timeframe.  Doncic is about to complete his second full season in the NBA, this should provide you why he’s being compared to Larry Bird in some circles. 

Keep our eyes on the issue here

Let's not lose track of the facts regarding COVID-19, sometimes it becomes all about what we desire. The health and welfare of the populace is the most important factor, sick and in some cases departed persons cannot purchase tickets to the event.  Many college athletes are hurt by the early season closing but only to a point. Several are high profile and will soon earn large sums of money in the NBA and other professional leagues. The millionaire owners will survive the shutdown so will the millionaire athletes.

Who suffers, working class folks who depend on stadium and arena operations to provide income for their families. Most of them are probably not under any sort of contract so they don't work they don't get paid. Sports fans (like me) are suffering but nowhere near the level of those whose income will be curtailed by the cessation of sports in America.  Attaboy to Mavs owner Mark Cuban who’s promised to step up for hourly employees at American Airlines Center.  The same for Cavs forward Kevin Love who is donating a portion of his salary to employees in Cleveland. 🤔

Fallout from COVID-19 continues

Emoni Bates and his Lincoln High School teammates were to defend their Michigan State Championship on Friday evening.  We might guess the defending champion Lincoln Railsplitters probably were favored to win over Ann Arbor Huron.  On Thursday the MHSAA first announced only parents, guardians and essential school personnel would be allowed to attend the weekend games. 

After professional leagues, major universities and others began cancelling the MHSAA decided to follow suit.  Most of us must wait till next season to see Bates in action.  Oh, sure he will likely play AAU ball this summer however there is an issue for many.  The type of basketball played by AAU teams while exciting for fans fails to grow skills for participating athletes. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

An additional year?

I received an alert this afternoon indicating the NCAA is exploring an additional year might be forthcoming for seniors in winter-spring sports.  Naturally our focus is how this would impact college basketball.  The number of scholarships must be increased in order to accommodate incoming freshman and include seniors whose eligibility would have expired. 

Many of the high-profile players be they seniors or others would not return; they would depart for the NBA and other professional basketball leagues. Would this change work…most certainly?  Would the NCAA implement this change is the question, this body has never been an innovator for change in the past?  Here’s hoping the NCAA decides in favor of this proposal. NOTE: Late word arrived and spring athletes have been granted an additional year, this is good for baseball hopefully they will approve the move for basketball too.  

On second thought this isn’t different

The mouth that roared a.k.a. LaVar Ball indicated he saw no requirement for LaMelo to attend the NBA Draft Combine.  This three-day event is scheduled for May 21-24 in Chicago.  The elder Ball said “LaMelo has proven he can play at the professional level.”  Part of his statement is true, scouts and media people who know basketball traveled to Australia to see him in action. 

Everyone we’ve read and hear verbalize claim the youngest brother is the real deal.  I couldn’t remember the history I decided to recheck and discovered, Lonzo didn’t attend the 2017 draft combine.  Not only that but several athletes have skipped this event and still management to be drafted.  The portion of the story to be determined is LaMelo the real deal?  Can he play competitively at the NBA level? NOTE:  No 2020 draft combine so that ends the debate early.  

The season ends

Covid-19 dealt winter and spring sports a death blow.  The remainder of the college season’s been cancelled so no March Madness.  We could have watched the NBA if they hadn’t cancelled the day before the NCAA decision to follow suit.  Despite this doom and gloom report this basketball fan could state with conviction I’m truly disappointed.  I understand why and believe in the seriousness of this move by the NBA, college basketball and other sporting events. 

The college season has concluded but there is still the NBA, not play but business.  We can look toward the draft combine in May, college seniors and underclassman will be poked, prodded and measure.  The athletes are run through player drills to determine leaping ability, agility and other measurement.  Later in the month the draft lottery will be held in the month.  In June, the 25^th to be exact the NBA Draft will be held in the Barclays Center. 

I don’t think so …this time

The NCAA Tournament dates to 1939, Oregon won the initial tournament that year.  Since that period the event has expanded the number of teams who participate in the tournament.  1939 was 81 years ago college basketball has been played for well over 100 years by schools, what occurred prior to 1939?  I’m glad you ask the question; the Helms Athletic Foundation would anoint a team national champion.  This organization would announce a champion despite the fact teams didn’t compete to become champion.  The 1922 Helms Championship won by Kansas is disputed by those on the Missouri side of State Line Road. 

“Kansas was 15-2 and Mizzou 16-0 when they met.  Kansas won the game 26-16 and that’s the story of the disputed championship.” *  The Jayhawks were awarded the championship, a third meeting between the teams was not played.  This account is written due to several fan comments we might believe are from Kansas fans.  These fans have decided the NCAA should award the 2020 championship to the Jayhawks.  One sportswriter listed the amount of number one’s of this year’s Jayhawk team.  I wouldn’t argue with anyone they are a doggone good team.  Finishing number one in the AP and Coaches poll certainly counts, it doesn’t count enough to award them a national championship without play.  This is 2020 not 1922, we operate differently now than we did back then. 

*columbiamissourian.com mar 6, 2012

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The season ends

Covid-19 dealt winter and spring sports a death blow.  The remainder of the college season’s been cancelled so no March Madness.  We could have watched the NBA if they hadn’t cancelled the day before the NCAA decision to follow suit.  Despite this doom and gloom report this basketball fan could state with conviction I’m truly disappointed.  I understand why and believe in the seriousness of this move by the NBA, college basketball and other sporting events. 

The college season has concluded but there is still the NBA, not play but business.  We can look toward the draft combine in May, college seniors and underclassman will be poked, prodded and measure.  The athletes are run through player drills to determine leaping ability, agility and other measurements.  Later in the month the draft lottery will be held in the month.  In June, the 25^th to be exact the NBA Draft will be held in the Barclays Center. 

I don’t think so …this time

The NCAA Tournament dates to 1939, Oregon won the initial tournament that year.  Since that period the event has expanded the number of teams who participate in the tournament.  1939 was 81 years ago college basketball has been played for well over 100 years by schools, what occurred prior to 1939?  I’m glad you ask the question; the Helms Athletic Foundation would anoint a team national champion.  This organization would announce a champion despite the fact teams didn’t compete to become champion.  The 1922 Helms Championship won by Kansas is disputed by those on the Missouri side of State Line Road. 

“Kansas was 15-2 and Mizzou 16-0 when they met.  Kansas won the game 26-16 and that’s the story of the disputed championship.” *  The Jayhawks were awarded the championship, a third meeting between the teams was not played.  This account is written due to several fan comments we might believe are from Kansas fans.  These fans have decided the NCAA should award the 2020 championship to the Jayhawks.  One sportswriter listed the amount of number one’s of this years Jayhawk team.  I wouldn’t argue with anyone they are a doggone good team.  Finishing number one in the AP and Coaches poll certainly counts, it doesn’t count enough to award them a national championship without play.  This is 2020 not 1922, we operate differently now then we did back then. 

*columbiamissourian.com mar 6, 2012

This is amazing

Jason Kidd was drafted by the Mavs in 1994, he played with the Mavs through the 1996 season, his career continued with the Suns and Nets before a 2008 trade sending him back to the Mavs where he remained through 2012.  The timeframe is provided to provide you background information on a new record set recently. 

Prior to the 2019-20 season Kidd held the Mavs team record for triple-doubles with 21 but he holds the record no longer.  As this is written Luka Doncic now has 22 triple-doubles is the new Mavs franchise leader, this total is amazing if we take into consideration the timeframe.  Doncic is about to complete his second full season in the NBA, this should provide you why he’s being compared to Larry Bird in some circles. 

The disclaimer

Former Memphis Tiger center James Wiseman is a new era center.  He stands 7-1 and weighs 240 pounds ideal for an NBA center but there’s more.  Wiseman’s no back to the basket center in the manner of Wilt, Kareem or Shaq.  The youngster has range out to and including a 3-point shot.  It’s important for Wiseman to land with the right time once the NBA concludes its June draft.  There are several teams he could impact dramatically however the best fit in my view is the Warriors. 

With an arsenal of shooters (Curry & Thompson) surrounding him there would be no requirement for him to carry the bulk of the team’s offense.  How exactly do the Warriors acquire this talented prospect, I’m glad you ask the question?  “Each team's odds at landing the top pick are based on each team's regular-season record. The team with the worst record have the best odds and the team with the best record among those that missed the postseason have the worst odds.

Tiebreakers will be used if teams end up tied with the same record to decide which will have the more advantageous spot in the draft lottery order.”*  This account was titled “The disclaimer” and there is a basis, this is no guarantee of future success regarding Wiseman.  This assessment is based on all we know at this time.  There is your solution to a successful 2020-21 season Dub Nation.  You can think me later. 

*SI.com

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Now in full effect

Going forward Warriors home basketball games will be played before a practically empty arena.  This action comes as a result of a recommendation from the San Francisco Health Department due to covid-19.  The local health department indicates the maximum capacity for any public event should be no more than 1,000 spectators per game.  This smaller gathering in Chase Center will create a ripple effect financially for a segment of the populace. 

With the reduced number of fans well see a decrease in the number of vendors, ticket agents and other arena personnel.  Before this was published the NCAA announced its men’s and women’s tournament will implement the same procedures.  Only a small gathering will be attending games.  We receive mix messages, fans (with no medical background) are claiming playing games before mostly empty arena’s is going to the extreme.  On the other hand, there are groups of fans who believe it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

It’s easy to see why

Emerging from Oklahoma into the NBA Trae Young was compared to Steph Curry.  It’s easy to see why besides shooting, we often compare a young athlete to an established outstanding athlete.  In addition, the physical build of the two is comparable.  Young is 6-1 while Curry stands 6-3, Young weighs 180 pounds and Curry 185.  Curry’s been sidelined for much of the season so the comparison between the two ends at this point.  We can guess Young might appreciate the comparison to Curry but probably believes in being the best version of Trae Young. 

Once upon a time…

I liked Doug Gottlieb early in his broadcast career.  Former Division I basketball player, professional career in Europe.  I believed he brought some expertise to his commentary particularly regarding basketball.  For an unspecified period, it seems he’s moved in the direction of absurdity with much of his radio/television broadcasts. 

Recently we discovered a clear example with his statement on Kevin Durant.  “KD pushed back on Billy Donovan…he pushed back on Steve Kerr, even though he won two championships.”  I’m not going to defend Durant I’m simply going to ask the question.  Mr. Gottlieb your comment regarding Kevin Durant is somewhat incendiary.  Can you offer proof behind your statement or is this an attempt to boost your ratings? 

Revisionist history 

After Jerry Lucas retired from the NBA as a member of the Knicks in 1974, he’s taken on a different role in life.  As for the title, consider the fact Lucas is a double honoree, in the Naismith and College Basketball Halls of Fame.  The history of the Kings might have been different except for Bob Cousy who was coaching the team.  Cousy desiring his Cincinnati Royals to resemble his former Celtics team traded Lucas in 1970, two years later the team moved to Kansas City changing the name to become the Kings. 

Matched with the emerging Tiny Archibald it’s no telling what the Kings might have become, oh well.  In any event playing for the Royals, Warriors and Knicks over the course of his career the 6-foot 8-inch 230-pound Lucas was furious on the boards.  Over his 12-year NBA tenure Lucas averaged 15.6 rebounds a game which placed him in the company of much taller players of the era.  He might have stood out for his board work however Lucas could score, 17 points a game average during his career. 

Once Lucas found himself matched against the Lakers Wilt Chamberlain in an NBA championship series.  Chamberlain refused to go outside the basket area to contest

him, Lucas shot long range shot after shot as Chamberlain wouldn’t close on him.  Another name from the past basketball historians need to be reminded.  “Lucas now lives in California and is involved with educational and memory endeavors and travels often with speaking engagements.” *

*wcpo.com/news/

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Coronavirus

Hundreds of deaths world-wide plus thousands ill with the virus.  Coronavirus has now begun to impact the sports world particularly college and NBA basketball.  Several college post-season tournaments have been cancelled.  The NBA is in discussions about continuing play in empty arenas although no final decision has been reached.  Media presence is now on a restricted basis between its members and NBA players.  The precautions might create issues for fans but are a required necessary based on world conditions.      

A “new” coach

The Cavs announced the hiring of J.B. Bickerstaff to a multi-year contract.  Bickerstaff had served as associate head coach under John Beilein, once Beilein was terminated Bickerstaff supposedly took over on an interim basis.  The most interesting part of the hire is this, the Cavs indicate Bickerstaff was to replace Beilein eventually at a future date.  

Beilein is not a rookie in the coaching profession he’d coached Michigan basketball for several years and he turned 67-years of age in February.  It’s possible he and the Cavs had a “wink-wink” arrangement where Beilein would step down at a point.   It’s possible neither Cavs management nor Beilein expected this change would occur so soon.  Finally an unidentified Cavs player claimed the difference between Beilein and Bickerstaff is “night and day.”     

This is interesting trivia

The following information was provided by Mizzou basketball, “list of SEC players since 2009 to hit or surpass 390 points, 130 boards, 120 assists and 64 steals in a season.”    

John Wall

Ben Simmons

Dru Smith

This is no indication Smith has an NBA  career ahead but it does point out one fact.  Despite the storm clouds hovering over Mizzou basketball this season Smith has been a ray of sunshine. 

I’m impressed

As a fan I guess I am easily impressed and that might be the case here.  Mike Schmidt ESPN basketball analyst imparted surprising information recently.  Questioned on the best athlete in the 2020 NBA draft, he responded with no hesitation LaMelo Ball.  Schmidt explained the basis for his belief including traveling to Australia and seeing Ball in action. 

Several mock drafts indicate Ball could be chosen anywhere from the top pick through number 5.  There is a further matter to this story, it’s one of critical importance.  We believe this Ball might be more talented than either brother however the LaVar factor must be included.  Will LaVar be an asset or hindrance for his youngest son?  We cannot be sure, but he might have been a factor why older brother Lonzo is in New Orleans rather than Los Angeles.  

NCAA Tourney play

In a few short weeks’ teams will prepare for the championship run.  Office pools will be rampant, not a great deal of work will be accomplished during the day.  What should we expect, if we look at the history almost anything?  One team will be dubbed a Cinderella team, they will begin a historic run defeating a few teams along the way.  Will this team be crowned NCAA champions, hardly Cinderella teams rarely earn a Final Four berth? 

A Duke, North Carolina or Kansas type will be upset by a lower seeded team, it occurs every year.  There will likely be a last second shot made earning victory and one missed causing tears on the court.  The NCAA Tournament is full of dramatic play and improbable endings.  Who wins the whole thing, this year more than ever it’s difficult to point toward one team over another? Las Vegas will provide us odds in advance regarding a winner, check with them. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Bits n Pieces

In the search for replacement New York coaches (Knicks & Nets) and elsewhere one more name is added.  Tyronn Lue won a championship with the Cavs and is well regarded by several players.  It’s been reported (unconfirmed) Kyrie Irving wants Lue as Nets coach.  If we looked at a drop date its likely June 25, that’s the date of the NBA draft usually a coach wants to provide input on players the team intends to add.      

The small-ball Rockets have lost four consecutive games, are we sure this style transformation works?  It would appear part of the problem is the manner they are playing the game; at the time the change was initiated Westbrook was driving the lane.  Although outrebounded this aggressive style allowed them to compete successfully.  It’s been reported the team is taking perimeter shots, they are not driving the lane. 

The Big 12 made its conference awards known, to no one’s surprise Udoka Azubuike was named player of the year.  Kansas basketball is good this season, it’s significantly better with the 7-foot Azubuike patrolling the paint.  His scoring numbers are average it’s the other areas that provide value, blocking shots and rebounding the basketball.  The only downside to his game, he follows the pattern of most Big Men…he’s poor at the line.  Rest assured NBA teams will not focus on that one negative.    

Media needs to be prepared for the answer they receive, the Clippers Patrick Beverley after Sunday’s match against the Lakers and LeBron.  Giving up 70 pounds and 8 inches in height Beverley was asked about the difficulty of guarding LeBron.  Beverley’s response was plain and simple, “It’s not too hard.”  After losing a tough game what might we suppose the appropriate reply to be?  I’m sure Max Kellerman of ESPN and Skip Bayless Fox Sports were not watching the same game I did.            

We didn’t know

Most of us believed Toni Kukoc returned home to Croatia after his NBA days, you say Toni who?  He lives in Highland Park and works for Jerry Reinsdorf Bulls owner.  Kukoc was the 29th pick in the second round of the 1990 draft by the Bulls.  “We were sure we could play in the NBA (back then)…I wish I had come here with a coach (that would) give me the ball and trust my decisions like you see with Doncic, Jokic, (and ) Giannis back then.  They were ready for us then.” *  Those of you old enough to remember Kukoc do you agree with his statement?  It would appear

Kukoc is knocking Phil Jackson and Tim Floyd his coaches with the Bulls.  Does he include the coaching staff of the Sixers, Hawks and Bucks whom he also played before closing out his NBA career in 2006.  I believe we must explore the time period, there is no way we can compare the NBA in 1990 with the NBA of 2020.  In this instance we speak of the Euro players, Kukoc might have been considered in the first wave, although he was a pro like others there remained an unknown factor.  The Euro players he mentions were not “handed the keys to the automobile” and told to drive.  Perhaps the coaches they have might look at Euro players differently than coaches in the past.   

*clutchsports.com

It might appear he wasn’t too impressed

ESPN’s Jay Williams describing the Lakers-Clippers match on Sunday was a little confusing at least for me.  This is not a word for word report of his comments but somewhat close to the statements he made.  “I still think the Clippers have better shooters” or “The Lakers had more concern with winning the game than the Clippers.”  This one, “Next time they meet Doc Rivers and Tyronn Lue will come up with a better game plan.” 

Finally, “LeBron had to work really hard for the win, can he do that again?”  I like Williams but his explanation of the game could be picked apart by me.  “Better shooters”, no dispute Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are good shooters, we could say the same for Lou Williams and Montrez Harrell.  In the NBA teams are never going to shut anybody down, you can however make it more difficult for them to score i.e. Lou Williams. 

“The Lakers had more concern with winning”, come on Jay seriously you don’t think the Clippers wanted that game as much as the Lakers?  The Clipper brain-trust implementing a new game plan next time.  That could work two ways Jay, do we suppose the Lakers are going to expect the same Clippers team again, I think not?  Finally, LeBron energy, I continue to be amazed at the vigor of this 35-year old athlete.  Can LeBron do it again, I don’t know but I wouldn’t bet he couldn’t be it one game or 7.