Basketball from a fans perspective
Ratings
Are they really that important, i.e. ratings? We pay plenty of attention to the Top 25 college basketball teams same for top power NBA teams etc. We do the same with athletes as well in any event you get the idea. Ratings are important to those of us who pay attention to them. Often they are not a reflection of reality yet we enjoy reading them anyway. This certainly caused this Mizzou fan to smile with pride, I don’t check the ESPN Recruiting page everyday but I did this morning. There it was right in front of me, Mizzou had moved into the Top 10 in the nation for the Class of 2017 basketball prospects.
Under Pressure
The classic Queen hit from the 1982 opening lines are:
Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure that burns a building down
Split’s a family in two
Puts people on the streets
16 teams face pressure once the playoffs begin however it’s my belief the Clippers face the greatest amount of all the teams in the playoffs. My reasoning is quite clear, the Clippers MUST advance past the Western Conference Finals something they have never accomplished thus far. Regular season success has not translated to the playoffs. If they fail this will be the last version of this version of the Clippers free-agency looms after the season. In addition it’s time for Doc Rivers to provide evidence of his coaching ability. Talk about pressure, I can almost hear the opening lyrics of “Under Pressure.”
Zach who?
If I informed you Zach Collins declared for the draft there would be questions, the first might be who the heck is Zach Collins? Before Gonzaga’s NCAA run and the west coast factor few of us were aware of his name. The “west coast factor”, Gonzaga located in Spokane (WA) afforded few of us in Midwest and East time zones an opportunity to see Collins in action.
The 7-foot 230 pound power forward wasn’t a starter during his freshman season but contributed as a reserve player. Collins excelled in the school’s strong NCAA run; can he play at the NBA level? That question is yet to be answered Collins hired an agent which indicates he’s serious about a pro career whether in the NBA or Europe. Sorry Bulldog fans hiring of an agent is clear Collins is not returning to school.
Surprising
The Celtics finished the regular season 2 games ahead of the Cavs. For the first time in a number of years a LeBron led team failed to finish in first place in the east. I’m certainly not calling them out injuries or something else it’s my belief they will eventually be crowned Eastern Conference Champions. I’m not making any predictions beyond that.
Recruiting
It’s a gimme; we know recruiting is extremely important to the success of any college program. Perhaps more important to basketball than football or any other sport. As an example a school has a 5-star quarterback but little if any offensive line what occurs? That QB is likely running for his life every weekend, he doesn’t have time to pass the football or hand it off. Basketball is still a team game however one outstanding player can make the difference between a winning and losing record.
The exception might be having a Shaquille O’ Neal type at center but a below average point guard unable to deliver the ball. This is an assumption I am unable to provide documentation but we can look at Mizzou. I believe (I could be wrong) Kim Anderson’s offense and defense was likely little different from the one he ran at University of Central Missouri versus Mizzou.
The difference between Division II and Division I my belief is talent, Anderson was unable to recruit at a level that allowed Mizzou to be competitive. Recruiting talent has allowed North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Duke and others to always field competitive teams. Finally I’ve returned to my boycott of sports talk radio. Before I left one of the hosts indicated “I don’t pay a great deal of attention to recruited players”, It works both ways I’ve decided to once again not to pay a great deal of attention to your radio station.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Kansas player declares for the draft
If you were thinking Josh Jackson it’s not him at least not yet, it’s Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk the 6-8 wing from Ukraine. He’s not hiring an agent so it might be “sticking his toe in the water” to determine his draft status. DraftXpress.com has Svi number 29 in the first round of the 2018 draft while he’s 47 on NBADraft.net. Don't be surprised to see Svi in Blue and Crimson next fall.
Oh well
This is one of the comments I’ve often heard over the years in conversation. The person says to me; “I don’t watch the NBA only the playoffs.” I can understand someone refusing to spend money to see the sometimes struggling Lakers, Suns or Nets. Most times further into the conversation I discover they are not referring to attending games rather viewing regular season game on television in the comfort of their family room or man-cave. Hmmmm, I wonder if they stopped to consider regular season games determine why team A is in the playoffs versus team B. I guess that doesn’t equate in their line of reasoning, oh well.
April 10, 2017
The date the last time NBA basketball will be played in the Palace at Auburn Hills, the team is moving downtown to downtown Detroit next season. Closing the building for basketball was the match between the Wizards and the host Pistons. Next season Little Caesars Arena owned by the NHL Red Wings will serve as home for both teams next season.
Little Caesars will seat 21,000 fans for basketball slightly under the 24,000 the Palace at Auburn Hills can accomodate. The Palace opened in 1988 and witnessed three NBA championships (1989, 1990 and 2004). The Pistons would lose to the Wizards 105-101 closing out the building that will likely see the wrecking ball at some future date from what I‘ve read.
Tanking---where’s the tank?
Despite the comment I’ve heard from several in the media I’m pleased this morning. Last night the Lakers won their 5th game in a row however several in the media including Mike Wilbon are not pleased. Wilbon and others have been very critical of the Lakers because they are not tanking, why the critical remarks? You okay with your favorite team losing on purpose, I‘m not.
The Lakers risk the possibility of losing their draft pick which could be a top three choice. For years we’ve listen to this same sports media rack the Sixers over the coals when it appeared they were losing on purpose, losing to improve their draft position. I have no ability to peer into the future however I feel much better about a Laker team with a winning record than one losing games on purpose. What do you think?
How about this one
I just read this tonight; sons of former NBA players are teammate on the same AAU team. 6-9 Shareef O’Neal and 7 foot Bol Bol are the off-spring of Shaquille O’Neal and Manute Bol and their game is quite different from that of their fathers. The young O’Neal is likely to gain weight but is unlikely to come close to the 300+ pounds his dad weighed.
The late Manute Bol arrived in the NBA as a 3-point specialist and shot blocker, his game didn’t progress much beyond that. Bol the son is a skinny 200+ pounds on a his 7-foot frame, his offensive game at the high school level exceeds that of his dad. So there you have it the sons of two former NBA players on the same AAU team. I have been a vocal critic of AAU basketball in the past however I’d love to see this team in action.
Kansas player declares for the draft
If you were thinking Josh Jackson it’s not him at least not yet, it’s Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk the 6-8 wing from Ukraine. He’s not hiring an agent so it might be “sticking his toe in the water” to determine his draft status. DraftXpress.com has Svi number 29 in the first round of the 2018 draft while he’s 47 on NBADraft.net. Don't be surprised to see Svi in Blue and Crimson next fall.
Oh well
This is one of the comments I’ve often heard over the years in conversation. The person says to me; “I don’t watch the NBA only the playoffs.” I can understand someone refusing to spend money to see the sometimes struggling Lakers, Suns or Nets. Most times further into the conversation I discover they are not referring to attending games rather viewing regular season game on television in the comfort of their family room or man-cave. Hmmmm, I wonder if they stopped to consider regular season games determine why team A is in the playoffs versus team B. I guess that doesn’t equate in their line of reasoning, oh well.
April 10, 2017
The date the last time NBA basketball will be played in the Palace at Auburn Hills, the team is moving downtown to downtown Detroit next season. Closing the building for basketball was the match between the Wizards and the host Pistons. Next season Little Caesars Arena owned by the NHL Red Wings will serve as home for both teams next season.
Little Caesars will seat 21,000 fans for basketball slightly under the 24,000 the Palace at Auburn Hills can accomodate. The Palace opened in 1988 and witnessed three NBA championships (1989, 1990 and 2004). The Pistons would lose to the Wizards 105-101 closing out the building that will likely see the wrecking ball at some future date from what I‘ve read.
Tanking---where’s the tank?
Despite the comment I’ve heard from several in the media I’m pleased this morning. Last night the Lakers won their 5th game in a row however several in the media including Mike Wilbon are not pleased. Wilbon and others have been very critical of the Lakers because they are not tanking, why the critical remarks? You okay with your favorite team losing on purpose, I‘m not.
The Lakers risk the possibility of losing their draft pick which could be a top three choice. For years we’ve listen to this same sports media rack the Sixers over the coals when it appeared they were losing on purpose, losing to improve their draft position. I have no ability to peer into the future however I feel much better about a Laker team with a winning record than one losing games on purpose. What do you think?
How about this one
I just read this tonight; sons of former NBA players are teammate on the same AAU team. 6-9 Shareef O’Neal and 7 foot Bol Bol are the off-spring of Shaquille O’Neal and Manute Bol and their game is quite different from that of their fathers. The young O’Neal is likely to gain weight but is unlikely to come close to the 300+ pounds his dad weighed.
The late Manute Bol arrived in the NBA as a 3-point specialist and shot blocker, his game didn’t progress much beyond that. Bol the son is a skinny 200+ pounds on a his 7-foot frame, his offensive game at the high school level exceeds that of his dad. So there you have it the sons of two former NBA players on the same AAU team. I have been a vocal critic of AAU basketball in the past however I’d love to see this team in action.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Jayhawk basketball
The Lawson twins are transferring from Memphis to Kansas, 6-9 Dedric and 6-7 K.J. will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Due to NCAA transfer rules they will be able to practice but not eligible to play until 2018-19. Don’t despair Jayhawk fans center Udoka Azubuike he’s a stud at 7 foot and 280 pounds. Azubuike was expected to contribute but sustained an injury forcing him to the sidelines for the 2016-17 season. Headed to Lawrence Kansas in August is Rivals number 8 prospect 6-9 Billy Preston along with number 37 Marcus Grant a 6-5 guard.
Josh Jackson is yet to announce his intention but it’s likely he’s headed for the NBA which leaves a scholarship available. Frank Mason III will be sorely missed as for Carlton Bragg that might be another matter. Quietly the athletic department might have been helping Bragg pack his suitcase all along. This is an incomplete report, forget the NCAA Tournamet issues I'm still holding my breath waiting for some Big 12 team to beat Kansas for the conference regular season championship.
MVP too
I’m sure I omitted the Spurs Kawhi Leonard when discussing NBA 2017 MVP candidates. A clear reason “action speaks louder than words.” His game has remained steady without being flashy; the only change has been the growth of his game. It’s been clear Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan were on the downside of their careers. Kawhi Leonard begins assuming more and more of a leadership role for the Spurs. Unlike the other candidates mentioned with the exception of LeBron James there is a high probability Leonard could be a double winner MVP and Defensive Player of the year.
“Who are those guys?”
The line was uttered by Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the 1969 classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. If you remember throughout the second half the movie there was a scene showing a law enforcement posse after the two outlaws. The Sporting News Mike DeCourcy was also asking the same question “Who are those guys? “ If you remember I was critical of a portion of the DeCoursy interview as it related to top college basketball prospects.
I totally agree with another portion of the interview that caused me to laugh out loud. DeCourcy expressed displeasure with the “experts” who pop up every March proclaiming knowledge of the NCAA Tournament teams. DeCourcy clarified his position by stating he was not referring to those in the television media who normally cover the game. He said some of the people he witnessed “Never saw the inside of a gym.” You cannot show up on Thursday for a Friday game with supposed insight into a game or team.
Surprised me
The surprising headline read: “Lopez becomes Nets career scoring leader. “ Going back to its ABA founding and the number of talented players on the roster and Brook Lopez is the all-time scoring leader. Brook is the better offensive player of the twins however I just failed to take into account the length of time with the Nets plus his offensive game. Lopez was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 from Stanford becoming the 10th pick in the first round that year and has remained with the Nets throughout his NBA career. I thought about some of the names who played for the Nets in the past and the fact Lopez has passed them all, below is an incomplete list of just a few. Several of the names might be unfamiliar to you feel free to research as I did.
Jayhawk basketball
The Lawson twins are transferring from Memphis to Kansas, 6-9 Dedric and 6-7 K.J. will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. Due to NCAA transfer rules they will be able to practice but not eligible to play until 2018-19. Don’t despair Jayhawk fans center Udoka Azubuike he’s a stud at 7 foot and 280 pounds. Azubuike was expected to contribute but sustained an injury forcing him to the sidelines for the 2016-17 season. Headed to Lawrence Kansas in August is Rivals number 8 prospect 6-9 Billy Preston along with number 37 Marcus Grant a 6-5 guard.
Josh Jackson is yet to announce his intention but it’s likely he’s headed for the NBA which leaves a scholarship available. Frank Mason III will be sorely missed as for Carlton Bragg that might be another matter. Quietly the athletic department might have been helping Bragg pack his suitcase all along. This is an incomplete report, forget the NCAA Tournamet issues I'm still holding my breath waiting for some Big 12 team to beat Kansas for the conference regular season championship.
MVP too
I’m sure I omitted the Spurs Kawhi Leonard when discussing NBA 2017 MVP candidates. A clear reason “action speaks louder than words.” His game has remained steady without being flashy; the only change has been the growth of his game. It’s been clear Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan were on the downside of their careers. Kawhi Leonard begins assuming more and more of a leadership role for the Spurs. Unlike the other candidates mentioned with the exception of LeBron James there is a high probability Leonard could be a double winner MVP and Defensive Player of the year.
“Who are those guys?”
The line was uttered by Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the 1969 classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. If you remember throughout the second half the movie there was a scene showing a law enforcement posse after the two outlaws. The Sporting News Mike DeCourcy was also asking the same question “Who are those guys? “ If you remember I was critical of a portion of the DeCoursy interview as it related to top college basketball prospects.
I totally agree with another portion of the interview that caused me to laugh out loud. DeCourcy expressed displeasure with the “experts” who pop up every March proclaiming knowledge of the NCAA Tournament teams. DeCourcy clarified his position by stating he was not referring to those in the television media who normally cover the game. He said some of the people he witnessed “Never saw the inside of a gym.” You cannot show up on Thursday for a Friday game with supposed insight into a game or team.
Surprised me
The surprising headline read: “Lopez becomes Nets career scoring leader. “ Going back to its ABA founding and the number of talented players on the roster and Brook Lopez is the all-time scoring leader. Brook is the better offensive player of the twins however I just failed to take into account the length of time with the Nets plus his offensive game. Lopez was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 from Stanford becoming the 10th pick in the first round that year and has remained with the Nets throughout his NBA career. I thought about some of the names who played for the Nets in the past and the fact Lopez has passed them all, below is an incomplete list of just a few. Several of the names might be unfamiliar to you feel free to research as I did.
- Dr. J.
- Kerry Kettles
- Stephon Marbury
- Darryl Dawkins
- Otis Birdsong
- Bernard King
- Deron Williams
- Derrick Coleman
- Buck Williams
- Rick Barry
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
NFL versus NBA
A number of you might remember Caron Butler, Butler retired in 2014 from the Kings after a 14-year NBA career. He played for a number of NBA teams leaving the game with a 14.1 ppg effort. Prior to college at UConn Butler played his high school ball in Racine Wisconsin. Butler competed against another high school prospect he claims today his competitor was good enough to have played in the NBA. That athlete chooses football over basketball and will go down in history as one of the Cowboy’s greatest quarterback, his name Tony Romo. We must take Butler’s account to be true that Romo could have played in the NBA.
2 + 2 = 5
No the correct answer is 4 however sometimes we use obscure information as a basis for formulating an opinion. Mike DeCoursy covers college basketball for The Sporting News for several years I’d say most instances I find him opinionated but insightful. This issue I’m going to detail I would love to question at length. One of the local sports talk radio programs contacts him once a week to discuss the state of college basketball. I’m going to paraphrase his statement but will attempt to detail his view as closely as possible. The local hosts ask him about Mizzou bringing Michael Porter Jr. on board. Jr.’s talent aside DeCoursy said he hoped Mizzou fans would not be too upset if this prospect doesn’t increase the number of wins significantly.
If your team (Mizzou) loses 20 games three seasons in a row I don’t believe fans will be expecting an SEC Championship next March. DeCoursy laid down the hammer, he named Johnny Jones (LSU), Mark Gottfried (North Carolina State) and Lorenzo Romar (Washington) all fired despite the teams containing “high” profile players on the roster. I wonder if DeCoursy considered the talent surrounding these high profile athletes might not have been enough to turn the programs around. That fact might be the key forcing the athletic department to terminate their relationship with the coach. It should also be taken into consideration these coaches had been on the job a significant amount of time. In the case of Jones it was 5 years, Gottfried 6 and Romar 15.
Re-alignment
The decision which school to replace Wichita State might be decided by the time this is read. Valparaiso, Belmont, UMKC and Omaha appear to be the front runners. Would any of the aforementioned schools have an advantage? Under father/son combo of Homer and now Bryce Drew Valpo has been a continuing winner.
Over the last 12 years Belmont has been a consistent winner earning numerous trips to the NCAA Tournament. UMKC and Omaha would provide the conference something it currently lacks with the departure of Wichita State. Both schools would provide the Valley with the urban presence it lacks now with the departure of Wichita State. Naturally my preference would be UMKC however the school must indicate an interest and the conference must make the decision.
Clear the air
Now and again I believe it’s appropriate to re-state an objective. I admit teaser headlines are often used in Words eye view, my hope is you will read the story. Opinions expressed are my beliefs that don’t make my view the only one. You might disagree with something I’ve written and that’s okay. I’m not going to provide you my account of an issue for effect. Far too often those in the media especially the electronic version “work” a story to provoke you to tweet or email a rebuttal. For me that’s unnecessary not saying I’m right but simply stating formulate your own opinion. My hope in a number of instances is to tweak your brain to say; “I didn’t know that” or “that’s a view I hadn’t considered.”
I’m just a fan who loves basketball one who was cut from his 4th grade team but continued an affair with the bouncing ball. I’m not going to provide an assessment of a player especially a rookie I’ve never seen play. I can listen to anyone discussion of basketball the problem for me is when you talk from a perspective “I’ve talked to X and he said.” That’s okay except in the instance Stephen A. Smith once made a statement about Kevin Durant. Durant’s response was classic, “I didn’t talk to Stephen A. Smith, nobody in my family talked to Stephen A. Smith etc. etc.” Once the story began circulating Smith hit the ceiling, for the first time ever I heard a member of the media threaten a player on the television airwaves, bad, very bad. Don’t become the story which occurred with Smith.
NFL versus NBA
A number of you might remember Caron Butler, Butler retired in 2014 from the Kings after a 14-year NBA career. He played for a number of NBA teams leaving the game with a 14.1 ppg effort. Prior to college at UConn Butler played his high school ball in Racine Wisconsin. Butler competed against another high school prospect he claims today his competitor was good enough to have played in the NBA. That athlete chooses football over basketball and will go down in history as one of the Cowboy’s greatest quarterback, his name Tony Romo. We must take Butler’s account to be true that Romo could have played in the NBA.
2 + 2 = 5
No the correct answer is 4 however sometimes we use obscure information as a basis for formulating an opinion. Mike DeCoursy covers college basketball for The Sporting News for several years I’d say most instances I find him opinionated but insightful. This issue I’m going to detail I would love to question at length. One of the local sports talk radio programs contacts him once a week to discuss the state of college basketball. I’m going to paraphrase his statement but will attempt to detail his view as closely as possible. The local hosts ask him about Mizzou bringing Michael Porter Jr. on board. Jr.’s talent aside DeCoursy said he hoped Mizzou fans would not be too upset if this prospect doesn’t increase the number of wins significantly.
If your team (Mizzou) loses 20 games three seasons in a row I don’t believe fans will be expecting an SEC Championship next March. DeCoursy laid down the hammer, he named Johnny Jones (LSU), Mark Gottfried (North Carolina State) and Lorenzo Romar (Washington) all fired despite the teams containing “high” profile players on the roster. I wonder if DeCoursy considered the talent surrounding these high profile athletes might not have been enough to turn the programs around. That fact might be the key forcing the athletic department to terminate their relationship with the coach. It should also be taken into consideration these coaches had been on the job a significant amount of time. In the case of Jones it was 5 years, Gottfried 6 and Romar 15.
Re-alignment
The decision which school to replace Wichita State might be decided by the time this is read. Valparaiso, Belmont, UMKC and Omaha appear to be the front runners. Would any of the aforementioned schools have an advantage? Under father/son combo of Homer and now Bryce Drew Valpo has been a continuing winner.
Over the last 12 years Belmont has been a consistent winner earning numerous trips to the NCAA Tournament. UMKC and Omaha would provide the conference something it currently lacks with the departure of Wichita State. Both schools would provide the Valley with the urban presence it lacks now with the departure of Wichita State. Naturally my preference would be UMKC however the school must indicate an interest and the conference must make the decision.
Clear the air
Now and again I believe it’s appropriate to re-state an objective. I admit teaser headlines are often used in Words eye view, my hope is you will read the story. Opinions expressed are my beliefs that don’t make my view the only one. You might disagree with something I’ve written and that’s okay. I’m not going to provide you my account of an issue for effect. Far too often those in the media especially the electronic version “work” a story to provoke you to tweet or email a rebuttal. For me that’s unnecessary not saying I’m right but simply stating formulate your own opinion. My hope in a number of instances is to tweak your brain to say; “I didn’t know that” or “that’s a view I hadn’t considered.”
I’m just a fan who loves basketball one who was cut from his 4th grade team but continued an affair with the bouncing ball. I’m not going to provide an assessment of a player especially a rookie I’ve never seen play. I can listen to anyone discussion of basketball the problem for me is when you talk from a perspective “I’ve talked to X and he said.” That’s okay except in the instance Stephen A. Smith once made a statement about Kevin Durant. Durant’s response was classic, “I didn’t talk to Stephen A. Smith, nobody in my family talked to Stephen A. Smith etc. etc.” Once the story began circulating Smith hit the ceiling, for the first time ever I heard a member of the media threaten a player on the television airwaves, bad, very bad. Don’t become the story which occurred with Smith.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Ghostbusters
The setting: The mayor’s office
Ghostbusters are reporting on the coming catastrophe facing New York City.
Okay I know you are asking what the 1984 classic Ghostbusters connection to basketball is. I’m exaggerating however the developments with Mizzou basketball recruiting is quite significant. If you check the ESPN Top Recruiting Classes for 2017 it will be revealed what caused me to fall out of my chair while reading. There it was right in front of my face in black and white, Missouri with the 21st best recruiting class in the nation and Kansas number 24.
Decommitments play a roll in the change the article pointed out. Can you remember the last time Mizzou was listed ahead of Kansas in basketball recruiting---I can how about never? I’m unsure how many scholarships Kansas has available Mizzou hasthree scratch that two (2). As I was completing this story 4-star point guard Blake Harris tweeted his verbal commitment after visiting Mizzou this past weekend.
NBA Coach of the Year
There are plenty of candidates for coach of the year in the NBA this season. We could begin in Boston with Brad Stevens, then maybe Pop, Greg Popovich? The Warriors are motoring along and might be better this season than last despite losing key contributors in the off season. Steve Kerr was able to blend Kevin Durant into the mix of talent. I didn’t forget the Cavs, despite speed bumps Tyronn Lue has managed to soothe egos while maintaining a winning spirit and attitude.
My candidates for coach of the year is between two guys I thought at one time were only average coaches. Over the course of time their coaching skill has grown significantly. The first candidate is Quin Snyder with the Jazz and the other is Mike D’Antoni of the Rockets. It’s got to be D’Antoni for me, he’s turned an under .500 team into a championship quality team. Of course the change required a cooperative effort by the Rockets. He arrived on the scene and said; “James Harden you’re my point guard.” Scores of people including me laughed out loud D‘Antoni‘s got to be kidding. The results thus far speak for themselves, no drum roll my coach of the year is Mike D’Antoni.
Way too early Top 25
The close of the collegiate season a number of the media begin looking ahead toward the 2017-18 season. Mizzou certainly is no place close to qualifying but I found this interesting for those in the Kansas City Metro.
ESPN.com
Wichita State 6
Kansas 9
Fox Sports.com
Kansas 5
Wichita State 10
SI.com
Wichita State 9
Kansas 11
Sporting News.com
Kansas 4
Wichita State 9
As you can see many of the publications are unsure which is the best college basketball team in the State of Kansas.
Who is he
I can’t travel back in time to determine my reaction; this account is a representation of two different conversations. One involved Patrick Ewing and the moderator said “Kids will have no idea who Ewing is other than Georgetown‘s coach. His parents are likely to know but not him.” I questioned that thought process, I‘m sure they might have no first hand knowledge of Ewing but I’m sure the students of the game know him.
As an example I know of George Mikan and Bob Cousy but was never witness to their play. The second conversation involved Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook’s triple-double effort. The host said; “One good thing about Westbrook it allows the younger generation to shine a light on Robertson and his Hall of Fame career.” Both the A and B stories call for the same response, 95% of basketball fans under age 25 probably have no idea the exploits of Ewing or Robertson don’t assume the other 5% don’t have a clue.
Ghostbusters
The setting: The mayor’s office
Ghostbusters are reporting on the coming catastrophe facing New York City.
- Ray Stanz: “Fire and Brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling.”
- Egon Spengler: “Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes! Volcanoes!”
- Winston Zeddemore: “The dead rising from the grave!”
- Peter Venkman: “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!”
Okay I know you are asking what the 1984 classic Ghostbusters connection to basketball is. I’m exaggerating however the developments with Mizzou basketball recruiting is quite significant. If you check the ESPN Top Recruiting Classes for 2017 it will be revealed what caused me to fall out of my chair while reading. There it was right in front of my face in black and white, Missouri with the 21st best recruiting class in the nation and Kansas number 24.
Decommitments play a roll in the change the article pointed out. Can you remember the last time Mizzou was listed ahead of Kansas in basketball recruiting---I can how about never? I’m unsure how many scholarships Kansas has available Mizzou has
NBA Coach of the Year
There are plenty of candidates for coach of the year in the NBA this season. We could begin in Boston with Brad Stevens, then maybe Pop, Greg Popovich? The Warriors are motoring along and might be better this season than last despite losing key contributors in the off season. Steve Kerr was able to blend Kevin Durant into the mix of talent. I didn’t forget the Cavs, despite speed bumps Tyronn Lue has managed to soothe egos while maintaining a winning spirit and attitude.
My candidates for coach of the year is between two guys I thought at one time were only average coaches. Over the course of time their coaching skill has grown significantly. The first candidate is Quin Snyder with the Jazz and the other is Mike D’Antoni of the Rockets. It’s got to be D’Antoni for me, he’s turned an under .500 team into a championship quality team. Of course the change required a cooperative effort by the Rockets. He arrived on the scene and said; “James Harden you’re my point guard.” Scores of people including me laughed out loud D‘Antoni‘s got to be kidding. The results thus far speak for themselves, no drum roll my coach of the year is Mike D’Antoni.
Way too early Top 25
The close of the collegiate season a number of the media begin looking ahead toward the 2017-18 season. Mizzou certainly is no place close to qualifying but I found this interesting for those in the Kansas City Metro.
ESPN.com
Wichita State 6
Kansas 9
Fox Sports.com
Kansas 5
Wichita State 10
SI.com
Wichita State 9
Kansas 11
Sporting News.com
Kansas 4
Wichita State 9
As you can see many of the publications are unsure which is the best college basketball team in the State of Kansas.
Who is he
I can’t travel back in time to determine my reaction; this account is a representation of two different conversations. One involved Patrick Ewing and the moderator said “Kids will have no idea who Ewing is other than Georgetown‘s coach. His parents are likely to know but not him.” I questioned that thought process, I‘m sure they might have no first hand knowledge of Ewing but I’m sure the students of the game know him.
As an example I know of George Mikan and Bob Cousy but was never witness to their play. The second conversation involved Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook’s triple-double effort. The host said; “One good thing about Westbrook it allows the younger generation to shine a light on Robertson and his Hall of Fame career.” Both the A and B stories call for the same response, 95% of basketball fans under age 25 probably have no idea the exploits of Ewing or Robertson don’t assume the other 5% don’t have a clue.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
No such thing
I had a philosophy professor in college; I can remember his words just like it was yesterday. “There is no such thing as an original thought, someone formulated E=mc2 in Aristotle’s time but it was left to Albert Einstein in the early 20th Century to prove it.” Where am I going with this story you ask, as soon as I read Wichita State was leaving the Valley my next thought was UMKC needs to replace them in the conference this occurred somewhere around noon. The Friday edition of Words had been published so I was forced to wait until early Saturday morning.
I even shared my thoughts with a number of folks on Friday, it seemed within 45 minutes or an hour Blair Kerkhoff staff writer for the Kansas City Star wrote the same thing. The difference he had access to the UMKC athletic director Carla Wilson for her reaction. My account was posted April 8 12:20 a.m. central time, Kerkhoff’s story was in the Saturday morning edition of the paper. Anytime someone says trust me I become skeptical. Trust me I posed the UMKC move first I had no contact with the AD.
Congratulations
Russell Westbrook accomplished a feat many (me included) believed would never occur. Friday evening Westbrook completed a triple-double season only the second ever in the NBA. Oscar Robertson the first to accomplish the feat pronounced Westbrook the 2017 NBA MVP.
A swift move
Mizzou AD Jim Sterk has only been on the job since last September; we had little if any idea on how the former San Diego State AD would handle having to terminate or coach or adversity in the athletic department. Sterk announced near the end of the basketball season Kim Anderson would not be returning to head the program. Next objective locate a coach to replace Anderson, Mizzou is not a prime destination so it might take awhile to land a coach. Boy was I wrong; names began circulating just as soon as Anderson was terminated. One of those names was Cuonzo Martin serving as head coach at Cal; I was familiar with Martin but believed he would remain in the bright sunshine of California.
Then the rumor mill began running unbridled, all day long we heard from a number different sources Mizzou had hired Martin and late in the day it was confirmed. Two surprises, the first was the coach left Cal for Mizzou when he could have remained there. Second surprise AD Sterk moved on this hire very quickly which is quite different from the past. Although Sterk didn’t replace Mike Alden I believe Mizzou fans were not prepared for how quickly Sterk accomplished the task of hiring Martin over Alden‘s slower efforts. The former East St. Louis Martin might have leaped at the opportunity to coach the Fighting Illini however he never had a chance. We don’t know if this hire will be successful we do know Jim Sterk moves quickly to resolve matters.
Re-visit
We discussed best Big Men in the NBA near the midway point of the season. The season is winding down has your list changed? Mine hasn’t changed however the order has and in a couple of instances one player has been omitted from my Top 10 however another name was added in his place. This list below is in no particular order it represents several to consider. Place them in your order or you might add one or two I omitted. By the way I excluded Anthony Davis or Paul Gasol both are really power forwards. I included Joel Embiid in my Top 10 although he didn’t finish the season.
Surely Tacko Fall or other rookie centers is prepared to dual with the 10 above in the pivot.
No such thing
I had a philosophy professor in college; I can remember his words just like it was yesterday. “There is no such thing as an original thought, someone formulated E=mc2 in Aristotle’s time but it was left to Albert Einstein in the early 20th Century to prove it.” Where am I going with this story you ask, as soon as I read Wichita State was leaving the Valley my next thought was UMKC needs to replace them in the conference this occurred somewhere around noon. The Friday edition of Words had been published so I was forced to wait until early Saturday morning.
I even shared my thoughts with a number of folks on Friday, it seemed within 45 minutes or an hour Blair Kerkhoff staff writer for the Kansas City Star wrote the same thing. The difference he had access to the UMKC athletic director Carla Wilson for her reaction. My account was posted April 8 12:20 a.m. central time, Kerkhoff’s story was in the Saturday morning edition of the paper. Anytime someone says trust me I become skeptical. Trust me I posed the UMKC move first I had no contact with the AD.
Congratulations
Russell Westbrook accomplished a feat many (me included) believed would never occur. Friday evening Westbrook completed a triple-double season only the second ever in the NBA. Oscar Robertson the first to accomplish the feat pronounced Westbrook the 2017 NBA MVP.
A swift move
Mizzou AD Jim Sterk has only been on the job since last September; we had little if any idea on how the former San Diego State AD would handle having to terminate or coach or adversity in the athletic department. Sterk announced near the end of the basketball season Kim Anderson would not be returning to head the program. Next objective locate a coach to replace Anderson, Mizzou is not a prime destination so it might take awhile to land a coach. Boy was I wrong; names began circulating just as soon as Anderson was terminated. One of those names was Cuonzo Martin serving as head coach at Cal; I was familiar with Martin but believed he would remain in the bright sunshine of California.
Then the rumor mill began running unbridled, all day long we heard from a number different sources Mizzou had hired Martin and late in the day it was confirmed. Two surprises, the first was the coach left Cal for Mizzou when he could have remained there. Second surprise AD Sterk moved on this hire very quickly which is quite different from the past. Although Sterk didn’t replace Mike Alden I believe Mizzou fans were not prepared for how quickly Sterk accomplished the task of hiring Martin over Alden‘s slower efforts. The former East St. Louis Martin might have leaped at the opportunity to coach the Fighting Illini however he never had a chance. We don’t know if this hire will be successful we do know Jim Sterk moves quickly to resolve matters.
Re-visit
We discussed best Big Men in the NBA near the midway point of the season. The season is winding down has your list changed? Mine hasn’t changed however the order has and in a couple of instances one player has been omitted from my Top 10 however another name was added in his place. This list below is in no particular order it represents several to consider. Place them in your order or you might add one or two I omitted. By the way I excluded Anthony Davis or Paul Gasol both are really power forwards. I included Joel Embiid in my Top 10 although he didn’t finish the season.
- Hassan Whiteside
- Boogie Cousins
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Rudy Gobert
- Clint Capela
- Steven Adams
- Joel Embiid
- DeAndre Jordan
- Al Horford
- Nikola Jokic
Surely Tacko Fall or other rookie centers is prepared to dual with the 10 above in the pivot.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Anybody got a tape measure
Rookie point guard (?) Ben Simmons is yet to appear on an NBA court. You remember the Sixer rookie suffered a Jones fracture which kept him sidelined for the 2016-17 NBA season. Simmons is listed as 6-10 however former Sixer World B. Free claims “He looks closer to seven feet.” I don’t doubt the story Free relates I grew almost 2 inches after I turned 21 although I’m not six feet tall. As for next season with two healthy bodies in Joel Embiid and Simmons perhaps the Sixers will turn that corner many expect. If Simmons is seven feel tall and if Brett Brown plays him at the point the Sixers might have the tallest starting lineup in the NBA next season.
Joel Embiid-center 7’0” or Jahlil Okafor 6’11”
Robert Covington-small forward 6‘9”
Dario Saric-power forward 6‘10”
Ben Simmons-point guard 7’0” (?)
Gerald Henderson-shooting guard 6‘5”
I’m no believer
Who you gonna believe me or Oscar Robertson? Okay that was a dumb question, the Big O says he’s got no issue with Russell Westbrook breaking his triple-double record. Robertson’s got no difficulty however Larry Laker remains on the other side---please convince me Westbrook. I’m not the only one I read several emails calling Westbrook a “stat stuffer.” A defender of Westbrook pointed out the Thunder have a higher winning percentage in the games Westbrook has triple-doubles than otherwise. I’m always about the team and I pointed out the Thunder are not as good a team as last season.
How mature were you
At age 17 or 18 how adult was your decision making? Probably varied and sometimes influenced by your peer group. I know virtually nothing about Top 40 prospect Jeremiah Tilmon except he’s 6-10 and from East St. Louis. As with many across the land the coaching change at Illinois has caused Tilmon to change his mind. Several respondents to the news report didn’t refute his talent. Several questioned his maturity which I certainly can’t address here.
The issues raised were nothing close to the reported criminal activity occurring with two Kansas athletes. As I stated above I know little about Tilmon, in addition I can see it in your eyes you are thinking “He wouldn’t be taking this stance if Tilmon wasn’t possibly looking toward Mizzou.” First off unlike Porter Jr. there is no hint of Tilmon heading to Mizzou. Tell me, or ask yourself did you always make the correct adult decisions at 17 or 18, didn’t think so.
The vote
The American Athletic Conference currently consists of 10 teams competing in basketball. By the time you read this the conference will have voted on adding Wichita State to its numbers. I wonder if one of the three (3) affiliate members (Navy, San Diego State or Cal State-Sacramento) will be added to the conference to compete in basketball, just my observation. Wichita State is added for the 2017-18 season and will compete in all sports except football.This can only be a plus for the AAC and a minus for the Missouri Valley however consider this tidbit. Sitting smack dab in the middle of the nation and with ample travel time to each school is the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Indiana State and Evansville University are the furthest travel distance from Kansas City. Flight time to Terre Haute is 54 minutes and to Evansville an hour and 20 minutes and one hour time difference. Contrast this with Western Athletic Conference foes Seattle University and Cal State-Bakersfield. In addition to a time change both are 3 hours flight time from Kansas City and two time zones away. If we check the travel it would appear the cost figures would be a savings. All this is unlikely without UMKC applying to become a member of the Missouri Valley and they vote in the affirmative.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
The changing landscape
I’m happy, Mizzou is the beneficiary of the policy change. Once upon a time an athlete would sign a letter of intent he was committed to the school; his signature was on the dotted line. The last few years has witnessed a change, no longer is a prospect tied to the school they can seek their release. I‘m unsure if college football faces the same issue.
A college basketball team changes coaches and the incoming freshmen are left with a choice adjust to the new coach or seek a release from their commitment. This change bothers a number of fans I’ve read your letters of complaint but face it time has brought about change. Michael Porter Jr. is going to enroll at Mizzou not because of the school’s record, only because Washington's Lorenzo Romar who recruited Porter Jr. was fired. Face it fans you might not like this change it however it reflects the landscape of college basketball today.
.
Your solution
I just finished reading a “War and Piece” novel on redesign of the NBA draft. Okay I exaggerate but the Bleacher Report was far too detailed for me to attempt a concise explanation in a short space of time. Bottom line has the NBA Draft outlived its usefulness? Teams accused of tanking, the worst teams get the top talent (unless a trade is conducted). Those are just two of the arguments that say it needs to be dissolved or fixed somehow. Every major and minor sport utilizes a draft in some form or another. My initial response is why not attempt to resolve some of the issues Bleacher Report raised rather than cease utilizing the draft all together.
This is why
This is a prime example why I listen to basketball media with a selective ear. During the NCAA Tournament local sports talk radio was in attendance and there and an interview with Jerod Haase. Haase currently serves as head coach at Stanford and played his college basketball at Kansas. The interview was okay until it went sideways proving to me (and maybe others) the media guy knew little about college basketball.
He asked the coach about one n done; I’m sure every Stanford basketball player may not have graduated however there are few that fit this category. The host then ask Haase if the rule should be changed, hey radio guy it’s not the colleges it’s the NBA enforcing age 19 or one year out of college. Please prepare yourself with satisfactory questions prior to interviewing a subject for your program.
A change
College basketball is officially over with North Carolina becoming 2017 NCAA Champion; I’m winding down as well. Words eye view will return to a Monday, Wednesday-Friday publication May 1. Naturally if there is a newsworthy event a special edition will be published I hope you continue to enjoy.
Bits n Pieces
Bol Bol plays nothing like his late father Manute, his dad was a 3-point specialist. Unlike his son there wasn’t much more to the father’s game, the son is quite athletic for his height and weight. As mentioned in the past the youngster began his prep basketball locally but has since transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana (CA). He stands 7-1 but is a skinny 200 pounds but boy can he move on the court, if he gains even 30 more pounds he should be able to avoid being pushed around on the court.
Dates of note for NBA fans. NBA Draft Combine will be held in Chicago May 9-14, the draft lottery will be held May 16. A little over a month later (June 22) the NBA Draft will be held televised by ESPN 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The combine and individual workouts will provide us a closer view of the draft once they are held. Josh Martin Bleacher Report put this draft into perspective. “Step 1: Find a superstar. Step 1a: Find another superstar. Step 2 Build around said superstar(s). Easier said than done.”
Canadians were key contributors to the NCAA run of Oregon this season, ask the Kansas Jayhawks about Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis. Brooks is from Mississauga Ontario Canada, Ennis from Toronto just a few of our northern neighbors playing at U.S. colleges and universities.
Interesting trivia for you, over the years Kansas basketball has provided the nation and NBA with a number of skilled players. Clyde Lovellette, Wilt Chamberlain, Jo Jo White, Bud Stallworth, Paul Pierce and Andrew Wiggins just to name a few. 5-11 Frank Mason III became the second Kansas player in history (Danny Manning) to win the Naismith Player of the Year.
The changing landscape
I’m happy, Mizzou is the beneficiary of the policy change. Once upon a time an athlete would sign a letter of intent he was committed to the school; his signature was on the dotted line. The last few years has witnessed a change, no longer is a prospect tied to the school they can seek their release. I‘m unsure if college football faces the same issue.
A college basketball team changes coaches and the incoming freshmen are left with a choice adjust to the new coach or seek a release from their commitment. This change bothers a number of fans I’ve read your letters of complaint but face it time has brought about change. Michael Porter Jr. is going to enroll at Mizzou not because of the school’s record, only because Washington's Lorenzo Romar who recruited Porter Jr. was fired. Face it fans you might not like this change it however it reflects the landscape of college basketball today.
.
Your solution
I just finished reading a “War and Piece” novel on redesign of the NBA draft. Okay I exaggerate but the Bleacher Report was far too detailed for me to attempt a concise explanation in a short space of time. Bottom line has the NBA Draft outlived its usefulness? Teams accused of tanking, the worst teams get the top talent (unless a trade is conducted). Those are just two of the arguments that say it needs to be dissolved or fixed somehow. Every major and minor sport utilizes a draft in some form or another. My initial response is why not attempt to resolve some of the issues Bleacher Report raised rather than cease utilizing the draft all together.
This is why
This is a prime example why I listen to basketball media with a selective ear. During the NCAA Tournament local sports talk radio was in attendance and there and an interview with Jerod Haase. Haase currently serves as head coach at Stanford and played his college basketball at Kansas. The interview was okay until it went sideways proving to me (and maybe others) the media guy knew little about college basketball.
He asked the coach about one n done; I’m sure every Stanford basketball player may not have graduated however there are few that fit this category. The host then ask Haase if the rule should be changed, hey radio guy it’s not the colleges it’s the NBA enforcing age 19 or one year out of college. Please prepare yourself with satisfactory questions prior to interviewing a subject for your program.
A change
College basketball is officially over with North Carolina becoming 2017 NCAA Champion; I’m winding down as well. Words eye view will return to a Monday, Wednesday-Friday publication May 1. Naturally if there is a newsworthy event a special edition will be published I hope you continue to enjoy.
Bol Bol plays nothing like his late father Manute, his dad was a 3-point specialist. Unlike his son there wasn’t much more to the father’s game, the son is quite athletic for his height and weight. As mentioned in the past the youngster began his prep basketball locally but has since transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana (CA). He stands 7-1 but is a skinny 200 pounds but boy can he move on the court, if he gains even 30 more pounds he should be able to avoid being pushed around on the court.
Dates of note for NBA fans. NBA Draft Combine will be held in Chicago May 9-14, the draft lottery will be held May 16. A little over a month later (June 22) the NBA Draft will be held televised by ESPN 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The combine and individual workouts will provide us a closer view of the draft once they are held. Josh Martin Bleacher Report put this draft into perspective. “Step 1: Find a superstar. Step 1a: Find another superstar. Step 2 Build around said superstar(s). Easier said than done.”
Canadians were key contributors to the NCAA run of Oregon this season, ask the Kansas Jayhawks about Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis. Brooks is from Mississauga Ontario Canada, Ennis from Toronto just a few of our northern neighbors playing at U.S. colleges and universities.
Interesting trivia for you, over the years Kansas basketball has provided the nation and NBA with a number of skilled players. Clyde Lovellette, Wilt Chamberlain, Jo Jo White, Bud Stallworth, Paul Pierce and Andrew Wiggins just to name a few. 5-11 Frank Mason III became the second Kansas player in history (Danny Manning) to win the Naismith Player of the Year.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
He’s not ready
Hopefully this is check on my progress rather than a declaration. With the expanding number of underclassmen I wanted to avoid mentioning individual names except in rare instances. This is one of those instances, 7-6 300 pound Elhadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall or shortened to Tacko has declared for the 2017 draft. The sophomore indicates he won’t hire an agent so that will allow him to return for his junior year. My mission in life this past season was to “scout” Fall and I accomplished the task if only by television.
The guy has a tremendous up side however he’s extremely raw and not NBA ready. I believe there is little concern about his offensive game its his defense NBA teams might find difficult to overlook. Fall has only been playing the game since the age of 16 having discovering the game in his native Senegal. In addition history says Big Men require a great deal more time to play the pivot effectively and that is certainly his case. I’d love to see him in the NBA blocking shots and intimidating after he completes his senior year. Okay lets just say he needs at least one more year at Central Florida.
Deee-fence, Deee-fence!!
Fans especially those attending collegiate games have yelled the phrase above often during the course of games. We are too guilty (me included) of checking out offensive stats which often fails to paint a true picture of a players skill and effort. We take note of steals and blocked shots but how do you correlate deflections/intimidation. I once read Celtic great Bill Russell said “I knew I couldn’t block every shot but my opponent didn’t know which one would get blocked.”
Driving toward the basket the opposition would adjust the shot hoping to avoid it being blocked. If a player takes a more difficult shot for fear of it being blocked serves just as much a purpose as actually blocking it. We’ve gone back and forth on the MVP in the NBA but how about the DPOY? That player who distinguishes themselves on the defensive side of the ball. We have several candidates and I certainly wouldn’t name names. Just say they don’t often receive the publicity of their offensive minded brethren.
Addition by subtraction
There comes the good and the bad of a coaching change. At the top of the list the additions would be the coaching change replacing Kim Anderson with Cuonzo Martin. Next would be the planned arrival of Michael Porter Jr. number one prospect in the Class of 2017. I’d reported earlier point guard C.J. Roberts had a decision to make, the Rivals 4-star prospect committed to Mizzou and Kim Anderson last November. With the Mizzou coaching change there was no assurance Roberts would remain in the fold.
Coach Martin flew to Dallas and met with Roberts and his parents. On Monday Roberts made his choice know he’ll be heading to Columbia (MO) in August. As for the subtractions, the school announced guards K.J. Walton and Frankie Hughes were leaving. Of the two I believed Hughes to be the more talented prospect. Mizzou now has three scholarships available unless another roster member decides to leave from a team loaded with underclassmen. There are several names on my list whether they are on the coaches list is another story.
He’s not ready
Hopefully this is check on my progress rather than a declaration. With the expanding number of underclassmen I wanted to avoid mentioning individual names except in rare instances. This is one of those instances, 7-6 300 pound Elhadji Tacko Sereigne Diop Fall or shortened to Tacko has declared for the 2017 draft. The sophomore indicates he won’t hire an agent so that will allow him to return for his junior year. My mission in life this past season was to “scout” Fall and I accomplished the task if only by television.
The guy has a tremendous up side however he’s extremely raw and not NBA ready. I believe there is little concern about his offensive game its his defense NBA teams might find difficult to overlook. Fall has only been playing the game since the age of 16 having discovering the game in his native Senegal. In addition history says Big Men require a great deal more time to play the pivot effectively and that is certainly his case. I’d love to see him in the NBA blocking shots and intimidating after he completes his senior year. Okay lets just say he needs at least one more year at Central Florida.
Deee-fence, Deee-fence!!
Fans especially those attending collegiate games have yelled the phrase above often during the course of games. We are too guilty (me included) of checking out offensive stats which often fails to paint a true picture of a players skill and effort. We take note of steals and blocked shots but how do you correlate deflections/intimidation. I once read Celtic great Bill Russell said “I knew I couldn’t block every shot but my opponent didn’t know which one would get blocked.”
Driving toward the basket the opposition would adjust the shot hoping to avoid it being blocked. If a player takes a more difficult shot for fear of it being blocked serves just as much a purpose as actually blocking it. We’ve gone back and forth on the MVP in the NBA but how about the DPOY? That player who distinguishes themselves on the defensive side of the ball. We have several candidates and I certainly wouldn’t name names. Just say they don’t often receive the publicity of their offensive minded brethren.
Addition by subtraction
There comes the good and the bad of a coaching change. At the top of the list the additions would be the coaching change replacing Kim Anderson with Cuonzo Martin. Next would be the planned arrival of Michael Porter Jr. number one prospect in the Class of 2017. I’d reported earlier point guard C.J. Roberts had a decision to make, the Rivals 4-star prospect committed to Mizzou and Kim Anderson last November. With the Mizzou coaching change there was no assurance Roberts would remain in the fold.
Coach Martin flew to Dallas and met with Roberts and his parents. On Monday Roberts made his choice know he’ll be heading to Columbia (MO) in August. As for the subtractions, the school announced guards K.J. Walton and Frankie Hughes were leaving. Of the two I believed Hughes to be the more talented prospect. Mizzou now has three scholarships available unless another roster member decides to leave from a team loaded with underclassmen. There are several names on my list whether they are on the coaches list is another story.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
West Coast Basketball
For years we’ve heard complaints regarding west coast basketball. Usually any talk regarding west coast basketball began and ended with UCLA, we know different after Monday evening. I have long held the belief evening west coast games don’t begin until 9:00 or 10:00 pm in the Central and Eastern Time Zones. We don’t have a great deal of opportunity to see teams play unless they venture east and play in those aforementioned time zones. Of course the NCAA Tournament always affords us an opportunity to see west coast teams in action.
Interesting we make no assumptions regarding other portions of the country and the talent and depth of their teams. Gonzaga located in Spokane (WA) gave North Carolina all they could handle losing 71-65. The Bulldogs came up short but it certainly had nothing to do with heart they had plenty of that. 37-2 is outstanding and consider one of those two losses occurred as you are battling for the NCAA Championship. We realize Coach Mark Few and his team will have a difficult time getting over this loss, they have nothing to be ashamed of they laid it all on the line.
Coach Roy
The Carolina Tarheels and Coach Roy are to be congratulated, this was Roy Williams third NCAA Championship. The 2016-17 college season now comes to an end, its over far too soon for Larry Laker, there were so many outstanding games ands players. Mizzou suffered again on the court this fan still managed to enjoy the college season. 10-9-8-7-6, we begin the countdown to college players beginning practice and teams host Midnight Madness in preparation for the 2017-2018 season.
“How Ya like me now”
In 1987 hip hop artist Kool Moe Dee recorded a tune titled “How ya like me now“. He wouldn’t do it but I could see Dana Altman asking the question now. Oregon was eliminated in the semi-finals which makes a statement about west coast basketball. See Dana Altman Oregon coach was served as head coach at Kansas State for four years (’90--’94). It seemed Altman was always on the hot seat with students, fans and the alumni.
Far too many years have passed and I’m unsure if he couldn’t beat arch rival Kansas or something else always had him in hot water with the masses. When the opportunity came he left for Creighton in 1994 and remained at the school for the next 16 years. His teams became winners in the Missouri Valley Conference and when he departed for Oregon he left behind a 327-176 (.650) record. Altman’s lowest win total was his first year his team won 21 games. Last year his 31-7 team made it to the Elite Eight this year the 33-5 Ducks made the final four. The fortunes of Kansas State basketball have been up and down since Altman left I wonder how they feel about him now.
How about the other guys
A number of folks told me I wasn’t too nice to Bill Self and his tournament career record. They said; “Why don’t you discuss the other guys?” Okay I think I can do that, we might lead off with Jim Boeheim long-time Syracuse coach. Boeheim is the dean of college coaches about to retire however he‘s got but a single NCAA Championship (2003) on his resume. Right behind Boeheim is John Calipari; he’s also only one NCAA Championship (2012) in all the years he coached.
Perhaps the numbers of former players (45) drafted in the NBA gives Calipari a pass by the media and some fans. Tubby Smith teams have won over 500 games but he also has only the 1998 tournament win to his credit. We could also include Steve Fisher at San Diego State in our count with one (1989). As for the others Jay Wright (Villanova) and Kevin Ollie (UConn) have one championship but certainly have not served as head coach the length of time many of the others. For those who criticized my Self account I could just as easily substituted Boeheim’s or Calipari for that matter.
West Coast Basketball
For years we’ve heard complaints regarding west coast basketball. Usually any talk regarding west coast basketball began and ended with UCLA, we know different after Monday evening. I have long held the belief evening west coast games don’t begin until 9:00 or 10:00 pm in the Central and Eastern Time Zones. We don’t have a great deal of opportunity to see teams play unless they venture east and play in those aforementioned time zones. Of course the NCAA Tournament always affords us an opportunity to see west coast teams in action.
Interesting we make no assumptions regarding other portions of the country and the talent and depth of their teams. Gonzaga located in Spokane (WA) gave North Carolina all they could handle losing 71-65. The Bulldogs came up short but it certainly had nothing to do with heart they had plenty of that. 37-2 is outstanding and consider one of those two losses occurred as you are battling for the NCAA Championship. We realize Coach Mark Few and his team will have a difficult time getting over this loss, they have nothing to be ashamed of they laid it all on the line.
Coach Roy
The Carolina Tarheels and Coach Roy are to be congratulated, this was Roy Williams third NCAA Championship. The 2016-17 college season now comes to an end, its over far too soon for Larry Laker, there were so many outstanding games ands players. Mizzou suffered again on the court this fan still managed to enjoy the college season. 10-9-8-7-6, we begin the countdown to college players beginning practice and teams host Midnight Madness in preparation for the 2017-2018 season.
“How Ya like me now”
In 1987 hip hop artist Kool Moe Dee recorded a tune titled “How ya like me now“. He wouldn’t do it but I could see Dana Altman asking the question now. Oregon was eliminated in the semi-finals which makes a statement about west coast basketball. See Dana Altman Oregon coach was served as head coach at Kansas State for four years (’90--’94). It seemed Altman was always on the hot seat with students, fans and the alumni.
Far too many years have passed and I’m unsure if he couldn’t beat arch rival Kansas or something else always had him in hot water with the masses. When the opportunity came he left for Creighton in 1994 and remained at the school for the next 16 years. His teams became winners in the Missouri Valley Conference and when he departed for Oregon he left behind a 327-176 (.650) record. Altman’s lowest win total was his first year his team won 21 games. Last year his 31-7 team made it to the Elite Eight this year the 33-5 Ducks made the final four. The fortunes of Kansas State basketball have been up and down since Altman left I wonder how they feel about him now.
How about the other guys
A number of folks told me I wasn’t too nice to Bill Self and his tournament career record. They said; “Why don’t you discuss the other guys?” Okay I think I can do that, we might lead off with Jim Boeheim long-time Syracuse coach. Boeheim is the dean of college coaches about to retire however he‘s got but a single NCAA Championship (2003) on his resume. Right behind Boeheim is John Calipari; he’s also only one NCAA Championship (2012) in all the years he coached.
Perhaps the numbers of former players (45) drafted in the NBA gives Calipari a pass by the media and some fans. Tubby Smith teams have won over 500 games but he also has only the 1998 tournament win to his credit. We could also include Steve Fisher at San Diego State in our count with one (1989). As for the others Jay Wright (Villanova) and Kevin Ollie (UConn) have one championship but certainly have not served as head coach the length of time many of the others. For those who criticized my Self account I could just as easily substituted Boeheim’s or Calipari for that matter.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Correction
Wichita State is considering a move to the American Athletic Conference NOT the Atlantic Coast Conference. I reported the story incorrectly my apology to those who might not have caught my error. I believed Wichita State intended to compete with Duke, North Carolina and others. If the move occurs it will be against SMU, Central Florida and Tulsa.
Carolina Blue
In a heavyweight bout North Carolina squeezed by Gonzaga 71-65. Wednesdays edition will contain game details.
Hoya decision
I’m unsure when I wrote of the Georgetown decision. After John Thompson III was relieved of his duties several stories circulated about choosing a “family” coach someone associated with the program. Patrick Ewing has interview all over the NBA it seems every time a job is available. I suggested the school should look at Ewing since the former Georgetown center is family. It’s been reported one of the names under consideration is non other than Patrick Ewing. Just as I finished news became official Georgetown hired Ewing as its next head coach.
MVP
Since December we’ve been debating the 2017 MVP, we’ve heard the names of Russell Westbrook and Russell Harden. Some in the Westbrook camp while others give the nod to Harden based on the dramatic change in his game. Two names we don’t hear in connection with MVP conversation are Steph Curry and LeBron James. What happened did these two fall off the edge of the earth? Not hardly it’s just appears the triple-double Westbrook and the assists of Harden have overshadowed Curry and LeBron. Let’s check first with the Warriors, sacrifices had to be made to accommodate a shooter such as Durant. Everyone on the Warriors downgraded their game including Curry however he’s still scoring 25+ ppg.
I’ve not had the opportunity to see every Warrior game but it appears whenever they come up against a potential playoff foe we see their best basketball exhibited. As for the Cavs the story is slightly different, they have stumbled through March but still must be considered the top team of out the Eastern Conference. LeBron’s is actually up a scoring point over the prior season, his 26.3 ppg leads Cavs scoring despite Kyrie increasing his numbers significantly. Let’s check out the teams, the Warriors, Cavs and Rockets all have outstanding records the Thunder are the only team with a potential MVP with a slightly above won-loss record. As for why the media has somewhat ignored Curry and LeBron in the MVP talk there is no one reason just a combination.
Here’s hoping
You might remember in early March I wrote a story critical of Josh Jackson at Kansas. Despite his on court talent he appears to suffer maturity issues. Jackson was involved in two separate incidents resulting in the Lawrence Police Department involvement. Jackson is young and hopefully will grow from these troubling experiences. I am reminded of a similar player who remains unnamed, he arrived in the NBA after just a year of college and NBA stardom was predicted. Instead of stardom trouble has followed him from team to team to team.
This guy is like Ray Allen he could come off the bench cold and make basketball after basket so it’s never been a talent issue. This player is still in the NBA however I’ve forgotten which numbered NBA team he playing for currently. Similar to Jackson I don’t believe anyone questioned his talent just his maturity. You might say; “He’s still in the NBA making big-time money” and I can agree with the statement. On the other hand my counter argument could be “If he’d only behaved he’d be making LeBron, Kobe or Durant money. I hope Josh Jackson grows up and doesn’t become another _________.
Correction
Wichita State is considering a move to the American Athletic Conference NOT the Atlantic Coast Conference. I reported the story incorrectly my apology to those who might not have caught my error. I believed Wichita State intended to compete with Duke, North Carolina and others. If the move occurs it will be against SMU, Central Florida and Tulsa.
Carolina Blue
In a heavyweight bout North Carolina squeezed by Gonzaga 71-65. Wednesdays edition will contain game details.
Hoya decision
I’m unsure when I wrote of the Georgetown decision. After John Thompson III was relieved of his duties several stories circulated about choosing a “family” coach someone associated with the program. Patrick Ewing has interview all over the NBA it seems every time a job is available. I suggested the school should look at Ewing since the former Georgetown center is family. It’s been reported one of the names under consideration is non other than Patrick Ewing. Just as I finished news became official Georgetown hired Ewing as its next head coach.
MVP
Since December we’ve been debating the 2017 MVP, we’ve heard the names of Russell Westbrook and Russell Harden. Some in the Westbrook camp while others give the nod to Harden based on the dramatic change in his game. Two names we don’t hear in connection with MVP conversation are Steph Curry and LeBron James. What happened did these two fall off the edge of the earth? Not hardly it’s just appears the triple-double Westbrook and the assists of Harden have overshadowed Curry and LeBron. Let’s check first with the Warriors, sacrifices had to be made to accommodate a shooter such as Durant. Everyone on the Warriors downgraded their game including Curry however he’s still scoring 25+ ppg.
I’ve not had the opportunity to see every Warrior game but it appears whenever they come up against a potential playoff foe we see their best basketball exhibited. As for the Cavs the story is slightly different, they have stumbled through March but still must be considered the top team of out the Eastern Conference. LeBron’s is actually up a scoring point over the prior season, his 26.3 ppg leads Cavs scoring despite Kyrie increasing his numbers significantly. Let’s check out the teams, the Warriors, Cavs and Rockets all have outstanding records the Thunder are the only team with a potential MVP with a slightly above won-loss record. As for why the media has somewhat ignored Curry and LeBron in the MVP talk there is no one reason just a combination.
Here’s hoping
You might remember in early March I wrote a story critical of Josh Jackson at Kansas. Despite his on court talent he appears to suffer maturity issues. Jackson was involved in two separate incidents resulting in the Lawrence Police Department involvement. Jackson is young and hopefully will grow from these troubling experiences. I am reminded of a similar player who remains unnamed, he arrived in the NBA after just a year of college and NBA stardom was predicted. Instead of stardom trouble has followed him from team to team to team.
This guy is like Ray Allen he could come off the bench cold and make basketball after basket so it’s never been a talent issue. This player is still in the NBA however I’ve forgotten which numbered NBA team he playing for currently. Similar to Jackson I don’t believe anyone questioned his talent just his maturity. You might say; “He’s still in the NBA making big-time money” and I can agree with the statement. On the other hand my counter argument could be “If he’d only behaved he’d be making LeBron, Kobe or Durant money. I hope Josh Jackson grows up and doesn’t become another _________.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Laker backcourt next season?
An opinion rather than fact, if the Lakers have the opportunity to draft Lonzo Ball do they make the pick? The have D’Angelo Russell who is more a combo guard, backing him up Jordan Clarkson also a combo. I believe a Ball-Russell or Ball-Clarkson backcourt could work the chief reason Ball want demand the ball. The Lakers would have one of the taller backcourts in the NBA, Ball stands 6 feet 6 inches and Russell and Clarkson stand 6-5. More than adequate height even with other Laker reserves. Despite my concern about negotiating with LaVar Ball I believe the Lakers should draft Ball if given the opportunity.
Kansas fans read at your own risk
If you are a fan of Kansas basketball and Bill Self I attempted to warn you in advance by the headline. This account might be NC-17 or XXX in some instances. I’ve listened to local sports talk radio in small doses since Kansas was eliminated last week. Self is being racked over the coals by talk radio for his team losing once again as 1 seed. You might remember I wrote a fan stated; “He (Self) is so concerned with his Big 12 Conference win streak his teams are not prepared for the NCAA Tournament.” That’s an over simplification of the issue in my opinion. Self prepares for the tournament as any other coach but it appears he’s often out coached. How do you explain a 2-5 record in the Elite 8, losing doesn’t often occur in the early rounds? In the early rounds talent alone is the basis for Kansas wins. Below is the tourney record for the last 12 years of Kansas tournament basketball.
2017 (1) Kansas beaten by (3) Oregon
2016 (1) Kansas lost to (2) Villanova
2015 (2) Kansas lost to (7) Wichita State
2014 (2) Kansas lost to (10) Stanford
2013 (1) Kansas lost to (4) Michigan
2012 Midwest (2) Kansas lost to South (1) Kentucky for NCAA Championship
2011 (1) Kansas lost to (11) VCU
2010 (1) Kansas lost to (9) Northern Iowa
2009 (3) Kansas lost to (2) Michigan State
2008 Midwest (1) Kansas beat South (1) Memphis for NCAA Championship
2007 (1) Kansas lost to (2) UCLA
2006 (4) Kansas lost to (13) Bradley
I believe Bill Self to be a good coach I’m just unsure if he’s a good tournament coach, you are the judge. Someone might offer a counterpoint noting the number of years Kansas under Self qualified for the tournament. I’ll toss out several years with an explanation, in 2007 number 1 Kansas losing to number 2 UCLA not much of an upset. In 2008 they won it all beating Memphis, 2012 they lost in the championship game against Kentucky and 2016 Kansas 1 losing to number 2 Villanova who eventually won the championship. This account comes on the heels of his selection as a Naismith Hall of Fame member. So there you have it Bill Self a coach who is able to acquire the best basketball talent in the nation yet fails time after time to deliver championships.
I want him too
This might be no story by the time you read this, 4-star prospect C.J. Roberts committed last September to Mizzou. With the coaching change there is a challenge ahead. Michael Porter Jr. was granted his release from Washington and Roberts could do the same, Roberts made his commitment to former Coach Kim Anderson. All the excitement surrounds Porter Jr. however I’d like to see Roberts headed to Columbia in the fall.
As for Roberts Martin decided to fly to Dallas and meet with the youngsters parents. The comment from the parents appeared positive although no decision was announced at the conclusion the meeting was termed “pleasant”. The coach and I have the same dream we want Roberts to remain committed. Mizzou is certainly guard heavy as this is written and you might ask why? Roberts is a point guard who can score the ball and has great leaping ability. There is video of the 6-foot Roberts dunking the ball on a break.
Is it over
Derrick Rose is through for the season, a torn meniscus is the culprit. I believe the move from Chicago would prove beneficial for Rose playing in a Knicks jersey. His season has been highs and lows culminating in this latest injury. In all likelihood he probably will not return to New York, the larger question is his career in jeopardy.
Rose has more money than I will ever make in life so he should be secure should he choose to retire. He’s not yet 30 which is young to retire but he’s got plenty of time to adjust to life outside of basketball. Television color analyst, owner of a minor league basketball or baseball team or businessman. The world is waiting for Derrick Rose should he decide to pursue retirement.
Laker backcourt next season?
An opinion rather than fact, if the Lakers have the opportunity to draft Lonzo Ball do they make the pick? The have D’Angelo Russell who is more a combo guard, backing him up Jordan Clarkson also a combo. I believe a Ball-Russell or Ball-Clarkson backcourt could work the chief reason Ball want demand the ball. The Lakers would have one of the taller backcourts in the NBA, Ball stands 6 feet 6 inches and Russell and Clarkson stand 6-5. More than adequate height even with other Laker reserves. Despite my concern about negotiating with LaVar Ball I believe the Lakers should draft Ball if given the opportunity.
Kansas fans read at your own risk
If you are a fan of Kansas basketball and Bill Self I attempted to warn you in advance by the headline. This account might be NC-17 or XXX in some instances. I’ve listened to local sports talk radio in small doses since Kansas was eliminated last week. Self is being racked over the coals by talk radio for his team losing once again as 1 seed. You might remember I wrote a fan stated; “He (Self) is so concerned with his Big 12 Conference win streak his teams are not prepared for the NCAA Tournament.” That’s an over simplification of the issue in my opinion. Self prepares for the tournament as any other coach but it appears he’s often out coached. How do you explain a 2-5 record in the Elite 8, losing doesn’t often occur in the early rounds? In the early rounds talent alone is the basis for Kansas wins. Below is the tourney record for the last 12 years of Kansas tournament basketball.
2017 (1) Kansas beaten by (3) Oregon
2016 (1) Kansas lost to (2) Villanova
2015 (2) Kansas lost to (7) Wichita State
2014 (2) Kansas lost to (10) Stanford
2013 (1) Kansas lost to (4) Michigan
2012 Midwest (2) Kansas lost to South (1) Kentucky for NCAA Championship
2011 (1) Kansas lost to (11) VCU
2010 (1) Kansas lost to (9) Northern Iowa
2009 (3) Kansas lost to (2) Michigan State
2008 Midwest (1) Kansas beat South (1) Memphis for NCAA Championship
2007 (1) Kansas lost to (2) UCLA
2006 (4) Kansas lost to (13) Bradley
I believe Bill Self to be a good coach I’m just unsure if he’s a good tournament coach, you are the judge. Someone might offer a counterpoint noting the number of years Kansas under Self qualified for the tournament. I’ll toss out several years with an explanation, in 2007 number 1 Kansas losing to number 2 UCLA not much of an upset. In 2008 they won it all beating Memphis, 2012 they lost in the championship game against Kentucky and 2016 Kansas 1 losing to number 2 Villanova who eventually won the championship. This account comes on the heels of his selection as a Naismith Hall of Fame member. So there you have it Bill Self a coach who is able to acquire the best basketball talent in the nation yet fails time after time to deliver championships.
I want him too
This might be no story by the time you read this, 4-star prospect C.J. Roberts committed last September to Mizzou. With the coaching change there is a challenge ahead. Michael Porter Jr. was granted his release from Washington and Roberts could do the same, Roberts made his commitment to former Coach Kim Anderson. All the excitement surrounds Porter Jr. however I’d like to see Roberts headed to Columbia in the fall.
As for Roberts Martin decided to fly to Dallas and meet with the youngsters parents. The comment from the parents appeared positive although no decision was announced at the conclusion the meeting was termed “pleasant”. The coach and I have the same dream we want Roberts to remain committed. Mizzou is certainly guard heavy as this is written and you might ask why? Roberts is a point guard who can score the ball and has great leaping ability. There is video of the 6-foot Roberts dunking the ball on a break.
Is it over
Derrick Rose is through for the season, a torn meniscus is the culprit. I believe the move from Chicago would prove beneficial for Rose playing in a Knicks jersey. His season has been highs and lows culminating in this latest injury. In all likelihood he probably will not return to New York, the larger question is his career in jeopardy.
Rose has more money than I will ever make in life so he should be secure should he choose to retire. He’s not yet 30 which is young to retire but he’s got plenty of time to adjust to life outside of basketball. Television color analyst, owner of a minor league basketball or baseball team or businessman. The world is waiting for Derrick Rose should he decide to pursue retirement.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
M.I.A. for the Hall of Fame
Over the weekend the new Hall of Fame candidates were named, they are to be congratulated but there is a name overlooked once again. Bobby Dandridge has greater career numbers than many already enshrined. Is the name unknown to you? Dandridge arrived in the NBA from Norfolk State (VA) in 1969 as the 45th pick in the 4th round by the Bucks. Allow me to explain briefly the NBA drafted players as one writer put it “until they ran out of players. “
Gradually the number of rounds was reduced and in 1989 the draft became two rounds where it’s since remained. Students might note the year rookie Dandridge arrived in Bucks training camp along with a fella named Lew Alcindor. Dandridge would become a valuable part of two championship teams one in Milwaukee and one in Washington D.C. The slender 6-6 Dandridge scored over 15,000 points during his stellar NBA career averaging nearly 19 points a game. Bobby Dandridge is in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, hey Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame please consider nominating him.
Did you feel it
The earth moved on Friday evening, you didn’t feel the shock at your home? I’m sure it registered on the Richter scale in Dallas but especially in Storrs Connecticut. After 111 consecutive wins the UConn Women’s team lost a basketball game, Mississippi State upset them in OT 66-64. The last time the Lady Bulldogs lost a game was Nov 17, 2014. There will be a new NCAA Champion crowned but it won’t be the Lady Bulldogs. Congratulations to both teams but especially Mississippi State.
Where do they belong
A friend took photos inside the Golden One Center home of the Kings. Visible In her photo were the jerseys of Sam Lacy and Nate Archibald. This forced me to revisit an old issue retired jerseys. Neither Lacy nor Archibald ever saw Sacramento except maybe as former players. Both retired prior to the franchise locating to California, they played for the KANSAS CITY Kings. As for other arenas I believe I’m correct in that no Minneapolis Laker jerseys are hanging in Staples Center.
George Mikan and others from the Minneapolis days are honored however none of the jerseys are hanging from the rafters. Am I to strict in my view of retired jerseys maybe so however you see my point. I checked and it appears the Kings might be the only team not in compliant. Nate Thurmond and a number of others have jerseys retired from more than one team but they actually played in the city. It should be noted the Kings also retired Cincinnati and Rochester Royal jerseys from the earliest days of the franchise. Hey Kings owner I’m going to cite you for violating the rules.
Bits n Pieces
Fans I remain ol skool, to borrow the Dick Vitale terminology we need an aircraft carrier i.e. Big Man. The WE in this instance is Mizzou basketball, Big Men remain a vital part of the game. He could arrive from any one of the 50 states, Canada, Europe or Africa. Coach Cuonzo needs to hang out a “Help Wanted Sign.”
Geneva, not Switzerland but Ohio, its located about 60 some miles east of Cleveland. Spire Institute in the city has the tallest basketball player in the nation Tacko Fall is 7 foot 6 inches tall. Robert Bobroczky from Romania stands 7 feet 7 inches but is a skeletal 205 pounds. He's a 16-year old freshman at the school and video of him in action is available. We can state with conviction he looks extremely fragile in addition Bobroczky doesn’t move around the court very effectively but is an interesting story.
Speaking of Mizzou the coaching change plus the arrival of Michael Porter Jr. has seen 1,000 season tickets sold in a little over two weeks. That might not sound like much in Mizzou Arena which seats a little over 15,000 fans. The last few seasons you could throw a rock at an angle and not hit anyone.
I’m sure Cavs fans won’t appreciate this; I believe the Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins has only been beneficial for the short term. We believed 2 ½ years ago the youngster had all the tools for an outstanding NBA career. The former Kansas Jayhawk has continued to demonstrate the Wolves got the best of this deal. Okay you say Wiggins is a small forward the same position LeBron plays how could Wiggins have developed? If you have a talent you best figure out how to utilize it. I’ll do it for you---move LeBron to power forward and play Wiggins at the 4 see how easy that was?
M.I.A. for the Hall of Fame
Over the weekend the new Hall of Fame candidates were named, they are to be congratulated but there is a name overlooked once again. Bobby Dandridge has greater career numbers than many already enshrined. Is the name unknown to you? Dandridge arrived in the NBA from Norfolk State (VA) in 1969 as the 45th pick in the 4th round by the Bucks. Allow me to explain briefly the NBA drafted players as one writer put it “until they ran out of players. “
Gradually the number of rounds was reduced and in 1989 the draft became two rounds where it’s since remained. Students might note the year rookie Dandridge arrived in Bucks training camp along with a fella named Lew Alcindor. Dandridge would become a valuable part of two championship teams one in Milwaukee and one in Washington D.C. The slender 6-6 Dandridge scored over 15,000 points during his stellar NBA career averaging nearly 19 points a game. Bobby Dandridge is in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, hey Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame please consider nominating him.
Did you feel it
The earth moved on Friday evening, you didn’t feel the shock at your home? I’m sure it registered on the Richter scale in Dallas but especially in Storrs Connecticut. After 111 consecutive wins the UConn Women’s team lost a basketball game, Mississippi State upset them in OT 66-64. The last time the Lady Bulldogs lost a game was Nov 17, 2014. There will be a new NCAA Champion crowned but it won’t be the Lady Bulldogs. Congratulations to both teams but especially Mississippi State.
Where do they belong
A friend took photos inside the Golden One Center home of the Kings. Visible In her photo were the jerseys of Sam Lacy and Nate Archibald. This forced me to revisit an old issue retired jerseys. Neither Lacy nor Archibald ever saw Sacramento except maybe as former players. Both retired prior to the franchise locating to California, they played for the KANSAS CITY Kings. As for other arenas I believe I’m correct in that no Minneapolis Laker jerseys are hanging in Staples Center.
George Mikan and others from the Minneapolis days are honored however none of the jerseys are hanging from the rafters. Am I to strict in my view of retired jerseys maybe so however you see my point. I checked and it appears the Kings might be the only team not in compliant. Nate Thurmond and a number of others have jerseys retired from more than one team but they actually played in the city. It should be noted the Kings also retired Cincinnati and Rochester Royal jerseys from the earliest days of the franchise. Hey Kings owner I’m going to cite you for violating the rules.
Bits n Pieces
Fans I remain ol skool, to borrow the Dick Vitale terminology we need an aircraft carrier i.e. Big Man. The WE in this instance is Mizzou basketball, Big Men remain a vital part of the game. He could arrive from any one of the 50 states, Canada, Europe or Africa. Coach Cuonzo needs to hang out a “Help Wanted Sign.”
Geneva, not Switzerland but Ohio, its located about 60 some miles east of Cleveland. Spire Institute in the city has the tallest basketball player in the nation Tacko Fall is 7 foot 6 inches tall. Robert Bobroczky from Romania stands 7 feet 7 inches but is a skeletal 205 pounds. He's a 16-year old freshman at the school and video of him in action is available. We can state with conviction he looks extremely fragile in addition Bobroczky doesn’t move around the court very effectively but is an interesting story.
Speaking of Mizzou the coaching change plus the arrival of Michael Porter Jr. has seen 1,000 season tickets sold in a little over two weeks. That might not sound like much in Mizzou Arena which seats a little over 15,000 fans. The last few seasons you could throw a rock at an angle and not hit anyone.
I’m sure Cavs fans won’t appreciate this; I believe the Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins has only been beneficial for the short term. We believed 2 ½ years ago the youngster had all the tools for an outstanding NBA career. The former Kansas Jayhawk has continued to demonstrate the Wolves got the best of this deal. Okay you say Wiggins is a small forward the same position LeBron plays how could Wiggins have developed? If you have a talent you best figure out how to utilize it. I’ll do it for you---move LeBron to power forward and play Wiggins at the 4 see how easy that was?
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
In Ancient Times
With the television schedule today of the NCAA Tournament it’s practically impossible for you to miss your favorite team in action. That’s not always been the case once upon a time CBS held the exclusive rights to the tournament. Although the games were televised from 11:00 a.m. till 8:30 p.m. on CBS unless they chose your game you had no opportunity to see it. Updates would be provided and occasionally CBS might cut-away to a game that might be tied or undecided near the end. Nowadays if you miss your team play it’s your own fault, the games have been “farmed” out to three other television networks. Fans now have the opportunity to view the round of early games on TruTV, TBS, TNT or CBS.
“Damn we in a tight spot”
In the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” George Clooney’s character uttered the line above. Trapped by law enforcement in a barn he uttered the words “we in a tight spot” three times in less than maybe 4 minutes. The Cavs could be making the same statement too it appears the team is in free-fall. March has not been good to the defending champions; they might not yet be in a tight spot. They are solidly in the playoffs, the downside they should be playing their best basketball heading toward the end of the season. There certainly is time to right the ship and defend their crown; it’s been awhile since a LeBron team has been in second place leading into the playoffs.
Uphold Big 12 prestige
It was up to TCU to uphold the prestige of the “physically powerful” Big 12 Conference; I have difficulty believing this conference is what they claim. In any event TCU beat Georgia Tech
88-56 to win the NIT Tournament. Congratulations Coach Jamie Dixon and the TCU squad.
AP Player of the Year
Kansas point guard Frank Mason III was selected Associated Press Player of the Year. I checked his numbers for the past season including the NCAA Tournament; they were up across the board. It appeared his teammates were sometimes on a roller coaster Mason remained the only steady hand at the point guard. Congratulations are certainly in order for the senior guard.
The Rooney Rule
If you follow the NFL you are familiar with the Rooney Rule. As for others the NFL several years ago realizing it needed diversity in its head coaching ranks instituted the policy. The simple explanation every time a job becomes available each NFL team must interview a minority applicant to fill a head coaching position. You ask the question how come there is no similar rule in college or the NBA. I’m glad you asked the question and there is a simple answer in my view. For a variety of reasons the NBA moved at a swifter pace than major colleges, the first pro coach was the late John McLendon not Bill Russell as most believe. In 1966 Russell became player-coach of the Celtics the first black coach in the NBA.
In 1961 the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League hired McClendon who would actually be the first black coach in professional basketball. As for the college ranks they moved a little slower Will Robinson was hired in 1970 by Illinois State becoming the first black coach in Division I. Since Robinson’s hire a number of Division I basketball programs have continued to hire black coaches. For unexplained reasons the NBA and collegiate ranks has proven to be a more fertile ground for black coaches than NFL or college football, I once read an NBA owner in the ‘70’s indicated a desire to hire a black coach but failed to follow through due to a pre-conceived outcome.
The owner said; “I was afraid my team might be picketed by civil rights groups if I was forced to fire the coach.” As this story is completed Mizzou, North Carolina State, Cleveland State, Oklahoma State, Cal and Dayton all hired black coaches believing they were the best potential leaders for the school’s program. Perhaps the answer is simpler than we might guess; many black coaches in the NBA and college basketball have proven to be successful. The numbers might be similar for football provided coaches in the NFL or college football were given the same type of opportunity. The 2015 census indicates the State of Wyoming has a 1.5% black population, the University of Wyoming has a black head men’s’ basketball coach.
In Ancient Times
With the television schedule today of the NCAA Tournament it’s practically impossible for you to miss your favorite team in action. That’s not always been the case once upon a time CBS held the exclusive rights to the tournament. Although the games were televised from 11:00 a.m. till 8:30 p.m. on CBS unless they chose your game you had no opportunity to see it. Updates would be provided and occasionally CBS might cut-away to a game that might be tied or undecided near the end. Nowadays if you miss your team play it’s your own fault, the games have been “farmed” out to three other television networks. Fans now have the opportunity to view the round of early games on TruTV, TBS, TNT or CBS.
“Damn we in a tight spot”
In the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” George Clooney’s character uttered the line above. Trapped by law enforcement in a barn he uttered the words “we in a tight spot” three times in less than maybe 4 minutes. The Cavs could be making the same statement too it appears the team is in free-fall. March has not been good to the defending champions; they might not yet be in a tight spot. They are solidly in the playoffs, the downside they should be playing their best basketball heading toward the end of the season. There certainly is time to right the ship and defend their crown; it’s been awhile since a LeBron team has been in second place leading into the playoffs.
Uphold Big 12 prestige
It was up to TCU to uphold the prestige of the “physically powerful” Big 12 Conference; I have difficulty believing this conference is what they claim. In any event TCU beat Georgia Tech
88-56 to win the NIT Tournament. Congratulations Coach Jamie Dixon and the TCU squad.
AP Player of the Year
Kansas point guard Frank Mason III was selected Associated Press Player of the Year. I checked his numbers for the past season including the NCAA Tournament; they were up across the board. It appeared his teammates were sometimes on a roller coaster Mason remained the only steady hand at the point guard. Congratulations are certainly in order for the senior guard.
The Rooney Rule
If you follow the NFL you are familiar with the Rooney Rule. As for others the NFL several years ago realizing it needed diversity in its head coaching ranks instituted the policy. The simple explanation every time a job becomes available each NFL team must interview a minority applicant to fill a head coaching position. You ask the question how come there is no similar rule in college or the NBA. I’m glad you asked the question and there is a simple answer in my view. For a variety of reasons the NBA moved at a swifter pace than major colleges, the first pro coach was the late John McLendon not Bill Russell as most believe. In 1966 Russell became player-coach of the Celtics the first black coach in the NBA.
In 1961 the Cleveland Pipers of the American Basketball League hired McClendon who would actually be the first black coach in professional basketball. As for the college ranks they moved a little slower Will Robinson was hired in 1970 by Illinois State becoming the first black coach in Division I. Since Robinson’s hire a number of Division I basketball programs have continued to hire black coaches. For unexplained reasons the NBA and collegiate ranks has proven to be a more fertile ground for black coaches than NFL or college football, I once read an NBA owner in the ‘70’s indicated a desire to hire a black coach but failed to follow through due to a pre-conceived outcome.
The owner said; “I was afraid my team might be picketed by civil rights groups if I was forced to fire the coach.” As this story is completed Mizzou, North Carolina State, Cleveland State, Oklahoma State, Cal and Dayton all hired black coaches believing they were the best potential leaders for the school’s program. Perhaps the answer is simpler than we might guess; many black coaches in the NBA and college basketball have proven to be successful. The numbers might be similar for football provided coaches in the NFL or college football were given the same type of opportunity. The 2015 census indicates the State of Wyoming has a 1.5% black population, the University of Wyoming has a black head men’s’ basketball coach.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Finland in the house
Despite what you might believe Lauri Markkanen will not be the first NBA player from Finland. I check the records there have been two other players from that northern nation. The 7-foot Markanen is a projected lottery pick so it’s understandable he’d leave Arizona after but one year.
Where do you recruit?
The other day a conversation was held on the blue-blood college programs and where they secure talent. California with its vast population and talent UCLA has the entire state to recruit. Kansas with smaller populace than all the schools must recruit nationwide. Although the population is larger Kentucky also recruit’s the country. North Carolina and Duke with talent and a large population is able to recruit a great deal of its team from within the state. What do you think is this belief valid?
Coach of the Year
Warriors Coach Steve Kerr called Mike D’Antoni Coach of the Year, if you remember last week I said D’Antoni was MVP. I made the statement based on the Rockets improved play over last system, the finger in this instance can be pointed at the coach. The roster has changed but not substantially so it’s D’Antoni’s offense and “The Beard.” James Harden has experienced an MVP year in part due to his talent and the balance D’Antoni’s offense.
In exclusive company
The McDonald’s All-Star game is just that---a game. In addition All-Star games are played for fans not much structure to them. The assembly of talent has little practice time to truly become a “team.” Michael Porter Jr. (Mizzou) was selected game MVP for the Wednesday evenings Chicago game.
I checked the list of McDonalds MVP’s over the years, a number have faded into oblivion however several became valuable NBA talent. In 2014 Jahlil Okafor was MVP, in 2013 slam dunk specialist Aaron Gordon. How about Kevin Durant in 2006 or LeBron James in 2003, we could travel back in time to 1995 to locate a Kevin Garnett. How about these names, in 1991 it was Chris Webber and 1989 Shaquille O’Neal were named game MVP‘s.
NBA Expansion
We’ve discussed expansion in Words on several occasions. It’s possible now that the CBA is a signed agreement. It’s possible at a future date the NBA could add two teams. If expansion comes it will be two teams for obvious reasons, balance. There are 30 NBA teams why add a single team requiring an unbalanced schedule. We’ll move the Grizz into the Eastern Conference and the Bucks into the Western Conference but those are considerations once expansion is complete. I located 5 on-line stories regarding NBA expansion, most contained the same list of cities. The candidates for expansion:
Louisville
St. Louis
Seattle
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Anaheim (CA)
Hampton (VA)
Austin (TX)
Mexico City
Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh
Chicago
Cincinnati
Vancouver
New York
Seattle is certainly the leading candidate, which leaves one other city which one is it? The NBA wants to expand in a market where success of a franchise is almost guaranteed. That could be Chicago with the population and interest; would the Bulls ownership be willing to share the market with another? New York has two NBA teams; consider the city once had three baseball teams. The Greater Mexico City population is over 21 million folks and the NBA might desire to return to this Canadian city again so Vancouver? Las Vegas is home to the NBA Summer League but has no other professional teams; the gambling issue appears to be in the rear-view mirror.
Finland in the house
Despite what you might believe Lauri Markkanen will not be the first NBA player from Finland. I check the records there have been two other players from that northern nation. The 7-foot Markanen is a projected lottery pick so it’s understandable he’d leave Arizona after but one year.
Where do you recruit?
The other day a conversation was held on the blue-blood college programs and where they secure talent. California with its vast population and talent UCLA has the entire state to recruit. Kansas with smaller populace than all the schools must recruit nationwide. Although the population is larger Kentucky also recruit’s the country. North Carolina and Duke with talent and a large population is able to recruit a great deal of its team from within the state. What do you think is this belief valid?
Coach of the Year
Warriors Coach Steve Kerr called Mike D’Antoni Coach of the Year, if you remember last week I said D’Antoni was MVP. I made the statement based on the Rockets improved play over last system, the finger in this instance can be pointed at the coach. The roster has changed but not substantially so it’s D’Antoni’s offense and “The Beard.” James Harden has experienced an MVP year in part due to his talent and the balance D’Antoni’s offense.
In exclusive company
The McDonald’s All-Star game is just that---a game. In addition All-Star games are played for fans not much structure to them. The assembly of talent has little practice time to truly become a “team.” Michael Porter Jr. (Mizzou) was selected game MVP for the Wednesday evenings Chicago game.
I checked the list of McDonalds MVP’s over the years, a number have faded into oblivion however several became valuable NBA talent. In 2014 Jahlil Okafor was MVP, in 2013 slam dunk specialist Aaron Gordon. How about Kevin Durant in 2006 or LeBron James in 2003, we could travel back in time to 1995 to locate a Kevin Garnett. How about these names, in 1991 it was Chris Webber and 1989 Shaquille O’Neal were named game MVP‘s.
NBA Expansion
We’ve discussed expansion in Words on several occasions. It’s possible now that the CBA is a signed agreement. It’s possible at a future date the NBA could add two teams. If expansion comes it will be two teams for obvious reasons, balance. There are 30 NBA teams why add a single team requiring an unbalanced schedule. We’ll move the Grizz into the Eastern Conference and the Bucks into the Western Conference but those are considerations once expansion is complete. I located 5 on-line stories regarding NBA expansion, most contained the same list of cities. The candidates for expansion:
Louisville
St. Louis
Seattle
Kansas City
Las Vegas
Anaheim (CA)
Hampton (VA)
Austin (TX)
Mexico City
Virginia Beach
Pittsburgh
Chicago
Cincinnati
Vancouver
New York
Seattle is certainly the leading candidate, which leaves one other city which one is it? The NBA wants to expand in a market where success of a franchise is almost guaranteed. That could be Chicago with the population and interest; would the Bulls ownership be willing to share the market with another? New York has two NBA teams; consider the city once had three baseball teams. The Greater Mexico City population is over 21 million folks and the NBA might desire to return to this Canadian city again so Vancouver? Las Vegas is home to the NBA Summer League but has no other professional teams; the gambling issue appears to be in the rear-view mirror.
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