Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Does it matter?

A question was posed recently, “Will there be an asterisk regarding the 2019-20 NBA season?”  A labor dispute witnessed the 1998-99 season shortened by 3-months; the regular season was limited to 50 games.  The NBA Championship witnessed the Spurs beating the Knicks 4 games to 1 but does anyone remember? Not the series but the fact so few regular season games were played to decide an NBA Championship.

Whichever team wins it this season certainly will be of note, down the road a bit that might be a slightly different story.  Show of hands how many were acquainted with the 1998-99 Spurs? Prior to reading this account had you forgotten or maybe you did not realize the 1999 NBA Champion failed to play 82 games.  Regardless of the ultimate outcome this has been a season of learning for Adam Silver and the NBA.   

On a streak

Can we say Michigan State recruiting is on a roll.  July 1 came the announcement number one prospect Emoni Bates Class of 2023 committed?  Next comes word Max Christie the number 17 prospect in the Class of 2021 announced his decision.  The Chicago area talent is a 6-foot 5-inch shooting guard, he is headed to East Lansing as well.  On paper at least it would appear Coach Tom Izzo is preparing for the future of his program.  

G-League

The Elite Team is yet to fill out its roster, there are no additions to the four high school prospects named in early spring.  It might be time to bring you up to speed on what we know to this point about the Elite Team.  “The team will only play non-competitive games in the G League; only playing ten to twelve games which have no bearing in league standing against other G League teams. It will also participate in training and exhibition games against other G League teams and international basketball clubs.  The team is not affiliated with any existing NBA G League or NBA franchise."*   

*Wikipedia

All time winning college coaches

We have discussed winning coaches whether in the NBA or college, in this instance our focus is on the college game.  A few of the names were even surprises to this writer, this list contains the Top 10 active coaches, there are retired coaches with greater win totals.  Unless noted the considerable number of coaches on the list are at the Division I level. 

Coach K. Duke 1,157 wins

Herb McGee Thomas Jefferson University-Div. II 1,123 wins

Dave Holmquist Biola University-Div. II 992 wins

Jim Boeheim Syracuse University 964 wins

Jim Calhoun St Joseph-Div. III 915 wins *

Roy Williams North Carolina 885 wins

Bob Huggins West Virginia 881 wins

Cliff Ellis Coastal Carolina 858 wins

Rocky Lamar MidAmerica Nazarene-NAIA 754 wins

Randy Lambert Maryville-Div. III 710 wins

*The majority of Calhoun’s win total was compiled while head coach at UConn

The NCAA at its absolute “best”

This writer has mentioned on more than one occasion the problems with the NCAA.  From an earlier account, actor Ashton Kutcher has appeared in at least two television series.  Kutcher has but one job…actor, on the other hand, the NCAA believes he might have another job.  Prior to his Hollywood days Kutcher attended the University of Iowa however, he never graduated. 

Hollywood was calling and he left the school and headed west.  Now this is the point it becomes interesting; we might be sure anyone attending a school has a certain amount of affection.  In September 2010 Kutcher and two former Iowa players met with high school recruits.  The trio was named as representatives in the Iowa report.  “NCAA rules prohibit recruits from having contact with people considered to be representatives of athletic interests.”  I do not make this stuff up; I only report it.    

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Standing tall

Most Laker fans had no idea of Dwight Howard’s intentions.  After playing outstanding basketball for most of the season there was a question on the restart.  Reports circulated Howard might choose the route of other NBA players and not report.  In fact, one article even mentioned JaVale McGee would be forced to play additional minutes at the center position. 

Howard’s decided to join his teammates in Orlando, in addition he indicates the $700,000 remaining on his salary will be donated to his foundation.  So, there you have it, Dwight Howard standing taller than his 6-foot 11-inch frame.  Does the addition of Howard increase Laker chances of winning a championship, that is a question yet to be answered?  The short answer his return certainly should not hurt their chances.   

Is he a budding talent?

Incoming Mizzou center Jordan Wilmore stands 7 foot 3 inches tall; he is a rock solid 245 pounds.  Wilmore is not awarded any stars on a few of the prospect sites however all indicate he is an authentic talent.  The question for Mizzou fans (and coaching staff), can Wilmore replace the foul-prone Jeremiah Tilmon at the center position?  Video of the youngster in action is him matched against high school and AAU competition. 

It details an athlete able to move up and down the court smoothly, in addition Wilmore possess a defensive mindset as well.  His offensive game details more than dunks, there is a 10-foot jump shot and occasional hook.  I do not wish to convey the impression Wilmore is the second coming of Kareem, Shaq, or Hakeem, given time, his desire and coaching the sky might be the limit. 

Big Country

Bryant Reeves arrived at Oklahoma State from tiny Gans Oklahoma in 1991.  Oh, the nickname Big Country was hung on Reeves by an OSU teammate.  The teammate gave him the nickname on a cross country airline flight the first for Reeves.  It was soon discovered growing up in tiny Gans population 200+ at the time his travel had been limited. 

The OSU Big Man after a slow start begin to adjust to the college game, in 1995 Reeves became the 6^th pick in the first round of the draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies.   After six-year NBA career injuries would impact him to the point he was forced to retire.  Prior to his retirement Reeves managed to gain a modicum of success at the NBA level.  Reports are Big Country Reeves returned to Gans and is a productive farmer.  At 7 feet and 300 pounds he might be the biggest farmer in the nation. 

It has been quite a while

The report indicated the Kings have missed the playoff 13 consecutive seasons, the 2019-20 season it will be 14.  What happened to this franchise of Chris Webber, Hedo Turkoglu, Mike Bibby and others?  There has been an ownership change and that might be the key.  We read several complaints regarding the Maloof brothers at the time they owned the team, that’s history now. 

Vivek Ranadive purchased the team in 2013, they were almost on the way to Seattle.  After years of seeking new ownership they were practically sold to a group prepared to move the franchise.  If not for the late David Stern there might be no franchise in Sacramento and the Sonics would have been re-born.  Since 2013 numerous coaching changes, draft choices and plain front office mismanagement have led us to a point Kings fans in 2000-2005 cannot fathom.     

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The landscape has changed     

Pandemic aside perhaps this has been one of the most interesting years for high school basketball in history.  In 2019 high school players LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton chose Australia and a professional basketball start over college.  Both are projected picks in the 2020 NBA Draft.  Spring news witnessed the signing of high school talent Kai Sotto, Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, and Daishex Nix to G-League contracts.  These young men decided in favor of a pro start in the fall rather than college. 

Unlike Ball and Hampton no requirement to head overseas for this group of athletes.  More recently Emoni Bates the top prospective talent in 2023 announced he was headed to Michigan State rather than the G-League or overseas.  There remain questions if this decision is final, we will see in two years.  Just last week Big Man Makur Maker turned down UCLA, Kentucky, and several others for Howard University in Washington D.C.  Maker becomes the first top 10 prospect to commit to an HBCU school in 20 years is the report.   

“Danger, danger Will Robinson”

This is not a Lost in Space episode rather an NBA report.  The danger, everybody and their brother except Stephen A. Smith is picking the Clippers or somebody else to win it all?  The Lakers, they are clearly running behind the curve according to most accounts.  It is not only the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George combo the Clipper bench is considered superior to the Lakers.  All predict Doom and Gloom for the Lakers except Stephen A. Smith and that is the danger. 

Mr. Smith is certainly full of opinions (as most of us are), the huge difference, none of us are on television.  As the number one Laker fan in Kansas City naturally I desire them to win an NBA Championship.  If for some reason this is not accomplished this season disappointment will reign supreme for me.  The difference, life goes on, please do not consider this a concession on my part.  I remain steadfast in my hope the Lakers win the 2019-20 NBA Championship. 

Decision time

The Pacers Victor Olidapo indicates he is not going to play at the time the NBA “second season” starts.  We also learn Bradley Beal intends to follow suit, these two become the latest in the NBA to indicate he will not be in Orlando.  As I have stated previously there will be additional names added to the list players, coaches, and front office personnel.  The individuals might not have concerned for themselves however we have no idea of family dynamics.  They might have a wife or significant other, children and family members who might suffer from underlying health issues.  Better to remain at home over taking a chance on infecting a family member. 

Interesting  

I only read the headline however it poses an interesting question for us.  A writer indicated with the new rules in place Emoni Bates can earn a great deal of money as an amateur athlete.  “College athletes could earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness under a narrow NCAA proposal unveiled.”  This new rule allowing NCAA athletes to acquire income from their name, image or likeness is quite interesting. 

The future for Bates and other athletes is financial gain, does not matter if they are in school for one, two or three years.  As for Bates we presented the question earlier we are unsure if he enrolls at Michigan State however if he does, he could become one of the richest freshmen in history not connected to his family.  His earning power would be his alone, that is an interesting concept you agree. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

The Kansas basketball saga moves on

Those of us outside the legal profession have a rudimentary view of the law.  The question was raised “Why is Bill Self threatening to sue the NCAA?”  Only the school’s attorneys and the coach can answer the question.  The NCAA statement contains a bunch of legalize type language, it will not be detailed except to state the NCAA considers the charges of a serious nature.

The attorneys defending him state Coach Self and staff had no prior knowledge of payments made to students or the parents.  Okay, I can concur with that view with one exception, if an impropriety occurs under that coaches watch it belongs to him regardless of any prior knowledge.  Rick Pitino was fired at Louisville for principally the old term “lack of institutional control.” 

President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that read, “The Buck Stops Here.”  It simply stated as Truman believed he must deal with the difficulty, he cannot and would not delegate the responsibility to a cabinet or staff member.  Does the Kansas basketball program and Self deserve the Death Penalty…an emphatic NO from this corner?  I could be wrong, but I do not believe Self and Kansas basketball will escape a penalty this time.

Bits n Pieces 

According to an unidentified assistant coach Emoni Bates will not play at Michigan State.  That is a strong statement however the coach believes Bates is in a hurry to play in the NBA.  The 6 foot 9 soon to be high school junior averaged nearly 33 points a game, this is the basis for many scouts to declare him NBA ready already.   

Pretender or contender, that is the question for Baylor basketball.  Baylor is a winner almost every season including an NCAA Tournament appearance.  The Baylor Bears have never been able to break through in the regular season to win the Big 12 championship.  Will the 2020-21 season be their first will they be pretender or contender for the top spot?  

Lakers assistant Lionel Hollins will not be in Orlando with his Laker team.  Pelicans head man Alvin Gentry is an unknown but assistant Jeff Bzdelik is a no, this is not intended to speculate as to why.  Allow us to simply state do not be surprised as additional front office or players announce they will not play in the NBA re-boot.  There are considerations we are not privy to for decisions to be made, keep that important fact in mind.  

It was destined to occur
This was not the 1979 NBA Draft, that one saw the already formidable Lakers draft future Hall of Fame player Magic Johnson.  The 1992 draft witnessed the Magic selecting Shaquille O’Neal although it was later believed he would play for the Lakers one day.  In 1996 the free agent Big Man chose the Lakers over remaining in Orlando with the Magic. 

Shaq did not conclude his career with the Lakers, he retired in 2010-11 as a member of the Celtics.  Since retirement Shaq’s star and financial gain have increased exponentially.  As for the Lakers and their fans many still love him despite the untimely divorce between him and the late Kobe Bryant.  Sidebar, given the choice between the two if I am management, I make the younger guy (Bryant) as the player to keep.  

I can be baited at times

Sometimes a person makes a sarcastic remark about the NBA and I will just say okay. There are other instances I can be baited into a discussion, depends on the person and location. I have mentioned I am a fan of the Chiefs and the Royals because both teams are local. I do not believe I can carry on an in-depth discussion about any other professional football or baseball team.  The reason is clear I do not follow those sports in the same manner I do basketball and the NBA.  

In the past these are just a few of the statements my ears have picked up over the years. “They don’t call traveling in the NBA “or “I only watch the last quarter of an NBA game.” An even stranger statement is this one; “I followed the NBA when Michael Jordan played but I don’t anymore.” I am sure if I tracked the NFL or MLB with the fervor, I do the NBA I am sure I could discover aspects worthy of criticism but why? I just wish these folks would make their statements to someone other than yours truly.  

Appeared to have it all 

He last appeared in an NBA game in 2014, despite the year he is only 33-years old as this is written.  We speak of Andrew Bynum; the Big Man was made the number 10 pick in the first round of the 2005 draft by the Lakers.  Although drafted directly from high school he appeared to have it all, he would play limited minutes as he adjusted to the rigors of the NBA game. 

Due to his youth and inexperience Bynum shared time in the paint with other centers early in his NBA career.  By his 4^th year the talent begins to flow easily as Bynum became accustomed to the NBA.  The 2011-12 season would be a break-out year scoring 18.7 points along with nearly 12 rebounds a game.  If the scoring numbers appear to be less than outstanding, consider this fact. 

Bynum shared the basketball with Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and others.  By this time, the Lakers changed head coaches, Bynum did not have the same relationship with Mike Brown as he held with Phil Jackson.  The two appeared to butt heads and it even led to Bynum being benched at a point.  Bynum would be traded to the Sixers, later he would appear in a Cavs and Pacer jerseys.  A series of injuries and attitude robbed him of whatever talent we once witnessed in the 7-foot 285-pound Bynum.  Andrew Bynum became a fan favorite of mine despite the other talent existing on those Laker teams. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Kansas City

Who says you cannot go home…well it is not exactly home; University of Missouri Kansas City leaves the WAC and returns to the Summit League?  The Summit (former name Mid Continent) is the first conference the school was affiliated with after leaving the independent ranks back in 1993.  This conference move will certainly alleviate travel associated with the western part of the nation. 

All Summit League schools apart from the University of Denver are in the Central Time Zone the same as Kansas City.  Kansas City faced WAC schools in three time zones, Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Central. As for the change, the Roos finished 2019-20 season with a 16-14 record.  Hopefully, the Roos can build on the winning record of the past season with this move.   

Are there others on the way?

Josh Christopher is a Rivals number 11 shooting guard in the Class of 2020.  The youngster included Howard University on his schedule of visits.  Christopher from Lakewood (CA) appeared pleased with his visit, eventually it was Arizona State but maybe he was the first in a while.  Christopher became maybe the first Top 20 prospect to entertain an HBCU school, would there be others.  You have the answer based on the Friday announcement. 

Makur Maker is headed to Howard in Washington D.C., Maker indicated perhaps he might influence Mikey Williams.  We discover Williams is a 5-star prospect in the Class of 2023, on his list of potential schools are Howard of course along with Jackson State and North Carolina Central.  There are other schools on this point guards list however it should be noted he is looking at several HBCU schools.  Could Williams influenced by Maker become the second top prospect committing to an HBCU institution?  It is far too early for that decision however it should be of note.  Expect to see Howard University games on ESPN and Fox Sports this fall and winter. 

Hy Vee Arena  

Kemper Arena opened in 1974 became the home of the NBA Kings, NCAA Regionals, concerts, and a political convention.  Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City opened in 2007, from this point on Kemper saw fewer and fewer events being held.  Unfortunately, the city as the owner was forced to continue payment for required renovations.  What to do, what to do…why not sell the building rather than demolish it.  After sitting idle for years an investment group purchased the arena and began a re-build. 

“In 2017–18, the arena underwent a $29 million dollar renovation by Foutch Architecture and Development LLC to be converted into a youth sports facility.  The renovated arena features 12 mixed-use hardwood basketball courts, four on the lower level and eight on the new upper level, and a 350-meter indoor running track.  Each level also has spaces for retail services and commercial office space.” * 

The “new” arena secured naming rights by a Midwest grocery chain and now the issue of what to do with the arena has now been resolved.  The City of Kansas City having sold the arena no longer has responsibility for maintenance and upkeep.  This move is good for several reasons, we have witnessed other cities demolishing former stadiums and arenas, Kansas City proved there is a re-boot possible in some instances. 

*Wikipedia

The Wall    

Not the Great Wall of China nor a “Brick in the Wall” from Pink Floyd’s 1979 rock classic.  As the NBA season approaches the 40-game mark several rookies “hit the wall.”  That is often the phrase used by the media to describe it; college teams usually play no more than 40 games in any given season.  Naturally, NBA rookies must adjust their mental and physical bodies to play an 82 game NBA schedule. 

It is often stated the middle of January it begins to impact the play of rookies. 

Rookie numbers go down significantly for some, for one of the few times in history there is a break in play, no basketball player hitting the wall.  In the past labor issues have caused a late start of the NBA season but nothing like this pandemic break as everything winds down.  With a 100+ break in play Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and others should be well rested and ready to play basketball again July 30.  Morant claims to have gained pounds with the layoff and Williamson indicates he is ready too. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Shock the World

Makur Maker is a Rivals 5-star prospect, Maker is 7 feet tall and 235 pounds and a budding talent.  A seismic shock was felt throughout the basketball world on Friday morning as Maker made his intention known to the nation and world.  The youngster would attend Howard University in Washington D.C. an HBCU school.  For those unfamiliar with the term Howard is one of several colleges and universities founded after the civil war for black students. 

Over generations the academics of these schools have remained top notch however the athletic programs have lessened over the last 30+ years.  As times changed an increasing number of state schools allowed black students (and athletes) to attend.  Talent such as Willis Reed (Grambling) and Earl Monroe (Winston Salem) would begin their NBA careers at HBCU institutions. 

The Rivals story pointed to the fact Maker (the 18^th rated prospect in the Class of 2020) becomes the first 5-star prospect in 20 years to attend an HBCU school.  Perhaps change might indeed be in the air for HBCU schools, after all Maker’s choice was not made in the dark.  Howard basketball was 2-20 (0-7 in conference) in 2019-20 season, Maker is turning down UCLA and other big-time programs for Howard. 

Who is this guy?

Mike Schmitz has become the face of the NBA Draft in recent times.  If you have read Words eye view any length of time you realize I am skeptical regarding most of the “talking heads” on television.  Many of them are suspect because the subject matter they report on at times becomes all about ME.  They pontificate on and on till it sometimes makes me nauseous, at that point I change the channel. 

That is another story for later, back to Schmitz a moment, his bio indicates he works for DraftExpress.com and has begun popping up on ESPN recently.  In my estimation he appears knowledgeable regarding the NBA Draft.  In any event on Thursday evening Schmitz provided his assessment of the lottery portion of the 2020 NBA Draft with host Scott Van Pelt.  After providing his 411 on the draft he stated with a straight face, "I would have no problem taking LaMelo Ball with the top pick."   

Coronavirus

The pandemic has ravaged citizens of the world, the U.S. certainly has not been spared the trauma of illness and death.  The NBA is attempting to complete the 2019-20 season, but it is rough going.  On Friday it was announced 9 additional players tested positive for the virus, that brings the total to 25.  The league continues to look at starting anew in about 3 and ½ weeks.  I am double minded on the issue; the thought of basketball action is exciting.  On the other hand, the likelihood of players testing positive and placing their families at risk...you can see my concern.   

I am old 

Nobody needs to remind me my age, my game no longer exists (as if I once had one).  My once somewhat competent jumper I discovered had abandoned me years ago.  My leaping ability which was good for my height departed from yours truly as well.  The knees now ache even when I am not playing from all those years I played on outdoor courts.  Eventually I became winded much sooner than I remember at one point in life. 

I now have aches in places I did not realize existed at a younger age.  The years pass and one fails to realize ageing of one’s self and many around you.  You might ask the question, how old, old enough to remember LeBron James play for St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School in Akron (OH).  My oh my, LeBron is now 35 years old and will have another birthday before the end of 2020, where have the years gone?

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

College versus the NBA  
The players dribble the basketball, the team with more baskets scored wins the games.  The college versus NBA game is not that different is it, yes, it is?  Kentucky’s John Calipari has tasted success at Kentucky, Memphis, and UMass.  Calipari failed as an NBA coach, not because he cannot coach the game is plain different.  We could make the same statement for Rick Pitino prior to his recent issues, success at the collegiate level failure as an NBA coach. 

Billy Donovan had a winning record at Florida, coaching the Thunder he’s attained moderate success but nothing approximating the two NCAA Championships he won at Florida.  Leonard Hamilton is another name to mention, the long-time Florida State coach spent but a single season as head man at the Wizards.  Former Coach Larry Brown is the only coach that comes to mind who managed successfully at both levels. 

NBA Championship with the Pistons, NCAA Champion at Kansas University.  Perhaps this is the reason NBA owners are reluctant to hire college coaches.  Former NBA player Avery Johnson began in the NBA and moved to the collegiate game, after moderate success at Alabama Johnson resigned in 2019 after the NIT. So, there you have it and there is no single answer, perhaps the chief factor coaching basketball is difficult. 

Slam Dunk

The Knicks need a slam dunk in the 2020 NBA Draft, the unfortunate part that does not appear to be the case.  Unlike the past two years this draft appears to be somewhat weak in talent.  Do not misunderstand there is likely someone I am overlooking who will burst on the scene and scream “See me.”  If we check two sources, we see an interesting view of the potential picks. 

If we look at draftroom.com they project the first-round pick to be Deni Avidija.  He is a 6-foot 8 inch small forward from Israel and is really an unknown talent.  Despite this fact I refuse to believe he is not talented.  The other site extensively used, nbadraft.net identifies Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton as the choice.  Haliburton has good size (6-5), there you have it the two potential picks for the Knicks.   

How distinctive     
Periodically a blast from the past is included for those who might have missed it at the time it was first published, that is the case here.  I am unsure when I first heard the name Dr. James A. Naismith.  Unlike other sports the game we love basketball was made-up by Naismith.  I cannot speak for soccer (football), but others football, baseball and hockey all came into being after being derived from another sports.  Basketball was invented due to a need; the cold New England winters had not allowed Dr. Naismith’s YMCA class outdoors to properly exercise.

Dr. Naismith had two peach baskets attached on opposite ends of the gym.  I do not remember seeing any film of Naismith in the past and never heard his voice until this week.  A professor at the University of Kansa uncovered a 1939 radio interview in the archives which featured an interview with Naismith.  Dr. Naismith was asked about that very first 1891 game in Springfield (MA), it was interesting listening to his description of the game as he envisioned it and how he was forced to refine portions of it in order to avoid injuries to the players.

St. Louis in da House      

After completing a story on the Chicago Stags, I decided to conduct further research on defunct NBA teams. Much to my surprise I discovered our cross-state city St. Louis (MO) had an NBA team prior to the 1955.  That was the year the Hawks moved from Milwaukee to become the St. Louis Hawks.  The franchise would remain in St. Louis before moving to Atlanta in 1968 where they remain to this date.  What about the other team that called St. Louis home? 

The St. Louis Bombers came into existence in 1946 as an original member of the Basketball Association of America. Of course, you might remember from reading earlier the BAA would merge with the National Basketball League in 1948 to become the NBA of today.  What occurred to the you might ask, they folded in 1950 along with four other teams?  Keep in mind this was during an unstable period in professional basketball.  The American Basketball Association also called St. Louis home. 

In 1974 the Carolina Cougars would move to The Gateway City and were reborn as the Spirits of St. Louis.  The name was a reference to famous early aviator Charles Lindberg, he flew the Spirit of St. Louis in his solo flight across the Atlanta to Paris France in 1927.  The team was operating at the time of the NBA-ABA merger but was not one chosen to join the NBA.  The NBA only wanted four franchises and St. Louis was not one of them, they ceased operations with a large payout to the owners which is still in existence thanks to shrewd foresight. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

It is now official

The Lakers made it official; shooting guard JR Smith has been signed through the balance of the season.  We shall see how this move works out for the Lakers; we can make this statement with certainty the Lakers have plenty of veteran depth in their back court.  Whether the Dion Waters/JR Smith signings benefit and the other guards managed to play consistent basketball is yet to be determined.  In related Laker news after playing outstanding during his second tour Dwight Howard might not return.  Howard’s choice not that of the Lakers is what we read; in any case the team indicates there will be no replacement should Howard simply decide not to play.   

A different approach

The case against Kansas basketball and Coach Self has taken another unusual turn.  “The NCAA's infractions case against the Kansas men's basketball program has been accepted into a newly created independent investigation process that was created to handle especially complex cases.”*  If you remember the story the NCAA indicated Kansas was guilty of five level one violations, these are the most serious of offenses. 

Most interesting this is only the third instance this process will be utilized to resolve a reported infraction since its inception.  It was first utilized in the Memphis basketball and James Wiseman case; later former NC State Coach Mark Gottfried faced the same panel.  If this appears to be a vendetta against Kansas by yours truly that is not the case.  I have so very many concerns about the manner the NCAA has operated over the years. 

*Associated Press

This one will work

In several instances, it becomes unreasonable for me to compare players of different eras.  That is the main reason I try to avoid them usually.  We believe Oscar Robertson might be a better defender matched against Russell Westbrook, but we do not know.  Or this one, how about the better shooter…is it Steph Curry or Michael Jordan? 

My buddy finally put one together I believe I can formulate an opinion better; this is a matchup of two current players.  Do you have Team Kawhi or Team LeBron was his question?  I informed him I will receive pushback on this, but I chose Team LeBron although I said Team Kawhi is rising rapidly and closing.  How did I decide you ask, first Kawhi is 29-years old versus 35-year old LeBron?  Because this is an opinion and it represents my thoughts, it is just the facts Jack.

Defender-Kawhi edges LeBron

Shooter-LeBron slightly ahead of Kawhi by a narrow margin

Distributor-LeBron clearly better at dispensing the ball to teammates 
Rebound-Slight edge to Kawhi

Intangibles-LeBron defers to teammates making them better

There you have it, in a head to head matchup LeBron is the winner by a narrow margin.  Will the conclusion of the 2019-20 season provide proof one athlete has risen significantly over the other?  We shall wait and see what occurs in the playoffs and then formulate a brand-new conclusion. 

I guess it is not too early

Mizzou basketball is advertising the games early, we are 6 months and several days from December however we must guess it is not too early to begin promoting the game.  First up is a Saturday evening game December 12, the Tigers will be matched against the Kansas Jayhawks in Kansas City at the Sprint Center. The following Saturday December 19 Mizzou will face the Illinois Fighting Illini at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.  The game with Kansas is a renewal of the long time series the teams once played when both were members of the Big 8 and later Big 12.  The Annual Braggin’ Rights game with Illinois has been played every season beginning in 1976.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Just a few thoughts

A follow up to our discussion of the Emoni Bates decision on Monday.  Although it was pointed out Bates has plenty of time to change his mind the verdict registered between 3-4 on the Richter Scale.  For scientists among you that suggests ceiling lights would swing and people would feel vibrations beneath their feet.  Allow us to explore a few facts, East Lansing Michigan home of Michigan State is less than 100 miles from Ypsilanti home to Bates. 

The closeness would allow Bates to “leave home without being too far away.”  The second factor, it appears Tom Izzo managed to establish a relationship with the youngster which certainly impacted his decision.  Another factor, the G-League, or foreign shores.  We have witnessed high school talent venture overseas rather than college, in addition the G-League’s been quite visible recently in attracting high school talent.  There are other factors that might have influenced Emoni Bates to decide on Michigan State rather than another choice.   

One more change

The Mississippi legislature voted this week to change its state flag.  As a result, the state becomes the last remaining southern state to remove the symbolism of the Confederate flag.  The job is only partially finished as was mentioned recently, the sports team is next.  The University of Mississippi or Ole Miss needs a name change for its sports teams. 

Rebel is a term from the past generally associated with the Civil War and the Confederacy.  It was mentioned St. John’s and Stanford University both changed the nicknames of their sports teams.  The Redman of St. John’s became the Red Storm, the Stanford Indians were rebranded as the Cardinal.  A team name change is certainly possible, teams do it all the time, come on Ole Miss make it happen.    

Division II plays the game too   

Unless you reside in a nearby city or maybe you are a student there are few opportunities to witness Division II basketball play.  For the most part the networks appear to only telecast the games of “Big Boy” Division I schools.  There is a basis for this unequal coverage as tall as 7 foot 1 Shaq, the chief one might be talent.  Let us face facts, the vast majority of NBA talent arrives from Division I programs or Europe.  Division II in a similar manner to NAIA has suffered a severe drought in talent. 

Do not misunderstand, talent continues to remain at the Division II level it is just a smaller number of athletes at this level manage to earn an NBA payday.  Research indicates a significant amount of NBA players arrived from Division II schools, but the number has continued to shrink.  How about an impact player, we could only uncover one name in recent years?  Retired center/power forward Ben Wallace, Wallace arrived in the NBA in 1996 undrafted and managed a long career retiring in 2012.  Wallace was a key contributor as the Pistons won their most recent NBA Championship in 2004. 

Big East

Princeton and Rutgers are recognized with playing the first collegiate football game in 1869.  Play began thereafter in several schools across the nation as schools came together forming conferences.  The first collegiate basketball game was played numerous years later in 1895.  The point is to set the stage for this account of conference play. 

Its likely football began conference play and later basketball teams would follow suit, football first and then basketball.  The Big East Conference begun in 1979 is one of the few beginning life as a basketball conference although several the schools would later add Division I FBS football.  The Metro Conference also had its founding as a basketball conference in 1975.   We could add the American Athletic Conference to this story, it was founded in 1979 and represents sevral former Big East schools.   

The franchise 

The Lakers are the product of Gerald Hatten Buss better known as Dr. Jerry Buss. They always say, “Timing is everything” and that might have indeed been the case.  Dr. Buss would become the third owner of the Lakers purchasing the team from Jack Kent Cooke.  Cooke purchased it from Bob Short who own the team in Minneapolis and later moved it to Los Angeles in 1960.  The success on the court was quite different under Short and Cooke, talented players, and good coaches. 

The competition that stood in front of the Lakers particularly the Celtics quashed any championship aspirations.  It always seemed in those early days their archrival Celtics always had an answer.  The Lakers in Los Angeles were never able to duplicate the success of their Minneapolis success with George Mikan and company. The Lakers did manage a breakout year in 1972 as Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West led the way to the only championship they won until owner Buss purchased the team. 

The Lakers had a competitive roster including Elgin Baylor they were never able to reach the pinnacle they would later achieve.  Buss would purchase the Lakers in 1979 and the balance of the story lies in NBA history, the Lakers would win a total of 10 championships before the owner died in 2013.  It could have been timing, talent, good coaching, and personnel moves contributing to the success.  It could have been one or two or maybe all the combinations contributing to the success on the basketball court.