Basketball from a fans perspective
LeBron James
I found this interesting although certainly not scientific. Lakers Nation conducted a poll asking: “Do you want LeBron?” 60 Laker fans responded and the vote total was close, 29 affirmative 26 negative with 5 undecided. There was no explanation as why the respondents voted in the manner they did. This is my view and maybe a number of theirs as well.
LeBron James is the best basketball player currently; If he joins the Lakers he would be 33 years old and turn 34 before that first season is complete. By next season LeBron will have 15 years of regular season and 13 years of playoff basketball under his belt. Would there be any gas left in the tank by the time he arrives in Los Angeles? He certainly could help the Lakers but lead them to a deep championship run might be another question.
NCAA Champion
This is not yet finalized however it appears Louisville might lose its 2013 NCAA Championship. Wins during the time-period will be forfeited and money must be returned during the period. I certainly am not defending Louisville or any school that is penalized. What I don’t understand is disproportionate punishment. In 1950 City College of New York won the NCAA Championship was penalized but the trophy remained at the school. In addition the record book continues to list CCNY as the 1950 winner. Fast forward to 2015 it was uncovered Syracuse had committed NCAA infractions. Syracuse still has the trophy and their place in the record books.
NBA History
The Knicks and Celtics are the only two original NBA franchises that remain; these two along with nine other teams began play in 1946, the official name of this league was the Basketball Association of America. Many of the franchises folded never to be seen again; behind the name is the number of years the team lasted.
Chicago Stags (4)
Cleveland Rebels (1)
Detroit Falcons (1)
Philadelphia Warriors (16)*
Pittsburg Ironmen (1)
Providence Steamrollers (3)
St. Louis Bombers (4)
Toronto Huskies (1)
Washington Capitals (5)
The Warriors remained in Philadelphia until they located to San Francisco in 1962. In 1971 the team moved to Oakland and underwent a name change to Golden State. The National Basketball League began play in 1937-38, although the league had 38 teams few of them were around to merge and eventually become the National Basketball Association. Below are five of the franchises and in parenthesis their present name.
Minneapolis Lakers-(Los Angeles)
Ft Wayne Zollner Pistons-(Detroit Pistons)
Rochester Royals-(Sacramento Kings)
Syracuse Nationals- (Philadelphia Sixers)
Tri-City Blackhawks- (Atlanta Hawks)
Bits n Pieces
NBA TV featured photos of several high profile rookies in their rookie uniforms. The first one placed on the screen had Kevin Durant in a Sonics uniform. Over the years he’s been so closely identified with the Thunder first and Warriors later I’d forgotten. Greg Oden (remember him) was the first player chosen in the 2007 draft by the Blazers, next up were the Sonics who picked Durant.
Is this the year Bruce Weber is considered safe? Head man at Kansas State it seems Weber is always reported to be fired at the end of every season by media stories. His Wildcats finished the season 21-14 but 8-10 in the Big 12 and a 6th place finish. Headed into his sixth year at the helm his teams have never finished better than that first year 27-8 (14-4 in the conference) and a tie for first. His biggest problem might be an inability to beat Kansas.
USA Today ran an account of college coaches fired, hired and resigned since the end of last season. I have no count however it appears more college basketball coaches than college football coaches were fired, hired or resigned. I have no numbers to compare but it sure seems that to be the case.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
The complete story
ESPN E:60 “Pictures: Penny Saved” detailed a portion of the career of Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Over the years we’ve read and heard many stories regarding Kobe Bryant and the Shaq feud while the two were Laker teammates. This would eventually lead the Lakers to trade the older Shaq and kept the younger Kobe. Portions of the story might be true while others are downright fabrication of someone’s imagination. While we are kicking Kobe up and down the block for the break up consider this jewel. Injuries would ultimately cut short Penny’s outstanding career but prior to that there were problems between he and Shaq.
Shaq in the E:60 account states: “Penny was LeBron minus the muscles.” At the time Shaq left in 1996 for the Lakers he acknowledged he never contacted Penny. The two were reported to be friends yet he failed to converse with his teammate regarding something as important as this move. Horace Grant teammates of both in Orlando claimed egos destroyed the relationship between the two. Next time someone reminds you of “Kobe running Shaq out of town” tell them this story. Everything contained in this account can be documented just in case there might be question.
“Must be the shoes”
The line above was uttered often by Spike Lee’s altar ego Mars Blackman in a series of Air Jordan commercials back in the day. Blackman is history however Air Jordan is very much present. SI compiled its list “The 10 Best Sneakers of Summer” and Air Jordan XIII being released on August 19 made the list. Conspicuously absent from the list was any models of the BBB shoe. Lonzo Ball has been discussed (since Summer League) far more than the shoe his dad is attempting to market.
I claim no psychic ability but believe at some point there will be movement positive or negative. As for the positive LaVar Ball will secure an agreement with a major shoe manufacture. NOTE: It will not be at the astronomical financial level he’s been talking about for the last six months. The negative, no deal will be struck and LaVar Ball will decide to go it alone. He’s got product on the market currently, Big Baller Brand shoe will be produced however the $$$ figure of $495 will be reduced.
On Mizzou's radar
Back in the days of Norm Stewart the media said often Mizzou had a “pipeline” to Michigan players. A number of players from the state would find their way to Columbia every year to play for Mizzou. Perhaps the pipeline is being resurrected once again, Duane Washington Jr. might be the first talent from Michigan to play for Cuonzo Martin.
Washington is a 6-3 combo guard from Grand Rapids Michigan; he’s a Class of 2018 prospect. He’s unrated however Mizzou has an offer on the table for him so the coaching staff must see evidence of talent in the youngster. Did I mention Washington’s uncle? His uncle is Derek Fisher former Laker and NBA coach. This is no indication of talent; let’s see how this plays out.
Man-Cave
How is building your Man-cave proceeding? My cave was finished quite a number of years ago due to a key issue room size. The room size certainly can impact your intention as an example I remember seeing a photo of former Laker trainer Gary Vitti’s Man-Cave several years ago. Although I would love to have several items of memorabilia Vitti had the room looked rather junky.
I couldn’t determine the room size although it certainly appeared larger than den size.
The cave contained a desk top computer and furniture prior to adding a television and the Laker gear. Room expansion is out of the question so the plan is only one more purchase for now a Jamal Wilkes Laker jersey. I have an Andrew Bynum and Steve Nash jersey which I no longer display. They left the Lakers years ago and I can’t just trash them after purchasing them. Both are in excellent condition I wonder if I could sell them on eBay, I think I’ll check that out.
The complete story
ESPN E:60 “Pictures: Penny Saved” detailed a portion of the career of Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Over the years we’ve read and heard many stories regarding Kobe Bryant and the Shaq feud while the two were Laker teammates. This would eventually lead the Lakers to trade the older Shaq and kept the younger Kobe. Portions of the story might be true while others are downright fabrication of someone’s imagination. While we are kicking Kobe up and down the block for the break up consider this jewel. Injuries would ultimately cut short Penny’s outstanding career but prior to that there were problems between he and Shaq.
Shaq in the E:60 account states: “Penny was LeBron minus the muscles.” At the time Shaq left in 1996 for the Lakers he acknowledged he never contacted Penny. The two were reported to be friends yet he failed to converse with his teammate regarding something as important as this move. Horace Grant teammates of both in Orlando claimed egos destroyed the relationship between the two. Next time someone reminds you of “Kobe running Shaq out of town” tell them this story. Everything contained in this account can be documented just in case there might be question.
“Must be the shoes”
The line above was uttered often by Spike Lee’s altar ego Mars Blackman in a series of Air Jordan commercials back in the day. Blackman is history however Air Jordan is very much present. SI compiled its list “The 10 Best Sneakers of Summer” and Air Jordan XIII being released on August 19 made the list. Conspicuously absent from the list was any models of the BBB shoe. Lonzo Ball has been discussed (since Summer League) far more than the shoe his dad is attempting to market.
I claim no psychic ability but believe at some point there will be movement positive or negative. As for the positive LaVar Ball will secure an agreement with a major shoe manufacture. NOTE: It will not be at the astronomical financial level he’s been talking about for the last six months. The negative, no deal will be struck and LaVar Ball will decide to go it alone. He’s got product on the market currently, Big Baller Brand shoe will be produced however the $$$ figure of $495 will be reduced.
On Mizzou's radar
Back in the days of Norm Stewart the media said often Mizzou had a “pipeline” to Michigan players. A number of players from the state would find their way to Columbia every year to play for Mizzou. Perhaps the pipeline is being resurrected once again, Duane Washington Jr. might be the first talent from Michigan to play for Cuonzo Martin.
Washington is a 6-3 combo guard from Grand Rapids Michigan; he’s a Class of 2018 prospect. He’s unrated however Mizzou has an offer on the table for him so the coaching staff must see evidence of talent in the youngster. Did I mention Washington’s uncle? His uncle is Derek Fisher former Laker and NBA coach. This is no indication of talent; let’s see how this plays out.
Man-Cave
How is building your Man-cave proceeding? My cave was finished quite a number of years ago due to a key issue room size. The room size certainly can impact your intention as an example I remember seeing a photo of former Laker trainer Gary Vitti’s Man-Cave several years ago. Although I would love to have several items of memorabilia Vitti had the room looked rather junky.
I couldn’t determine the room size although it certainly appeared larger than den size.
The cave contained a desk top computer and furniture prior to adding a television and the Laker gear. Room expansion is out of the question so the plan is only one more purchase for now a Jamal Wilkes Laker jersey. I have an Andrew Bynum and Steve Nash jersey which I no longer display. They left the Lakers years ago and I can’t just trash them after purchasing them. Both are in excellent condition I wonder if I could sell them on eBay, I think I’ll check that out.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Identified with the game
In the golden age of baseball there was Mel Allen, Red Barber and Phil Rizzuto and much later Harry Carey. Broadcasters identified by the sport they covered they may have reported other games but the aforementioned were identified with baseball. Although times have changed I still identify with broadcasters who cover basketball exclusively. Even that is not always correct as an example Kevin Harlan began his career broadcasting the games of the Kansas City Kings and later Kansas Jayhawks. Harlan later moved on to become the radio voice of the NFL Chiefs.
In more recent years Harlan became the voice of the T-Wolves and moved on to the NBA on the TNT Network and CBS College Basketball. Marv Albert also broadcast other sports but has long been identified with basketball. From 1976 through 2004 Albert was the voice of the Knicks. Albert covered the NBA for NBC when the network had the broadcast rights; he did this while performing the same role for TNT was he currently works. The Celtics and Lakers had legendary broadcasters for their teams, the late Johnny Most for the Celtics and the late Chick Hearn with the Lakers. These broadcasters and others have reported other sports but are more closely identified with basketball.
The schedule
Clippers at Lakers are one of the opening night games, no Chris Paul but the mixture of new teammates should be quite interesting for Blake Griffin and crew. The new look Lakers begin their quest to return to normalcy. As for Christmas December 25th the Warriors will serve as host for the Cavs while the Lakers also at home will play Karl-Anthony Towns and the T-Wolves. I can hardly wait; opening night is about 60 some days away, 30-45 days later college basketball begins as well. I’m getting hyped already and it’s just the middle of August.
New Uni's
Did you read NBA teams will no longer have home uniforms in 2017-18? The association is changing suppliers from Adidas to Nike and there are several big time changes. The uniforms are being made of a sweat absorbing fabric, weight fit and construction of the uniforms will be different. Science technology is utilized in the design of them in addition each team will have four changes.
Association (classic white)
Icon (team color)
Athletic mindset (whatever that is)
Community (locally inspired).
International basketball
As the season is being finalized the NBA will play games on foreign shores. The first game will find the Thunder facing the Heat in Mexico City that game will be played December 7. A month later on January 11 the Sixers will face the Celtics in London England. The NBA continues its marketing effort of the game to an expanding world-wide market.
Best of the best
The NBA page of CBSSports.com presented the best NBA player from each state in the union. In Missouri I raced ahead to discover they picked Jo Jo White which was no surprise to me. The St. Louis born White played at Kansas and spent the bulk of his 12-year career (1969-1981) playing for the Celtics. How good White you ask, the point guard was was a two-time NBA Champion and was elected to Naismith Hall of Fame. Next door in the State of Kansas CBSSports.com indicates Alvin Adams was the best ever.
I find this interesting he was born in Lawrence (KS) home of the Jayhawks. Adams grew up in Oklahoma played at the University of Oklahoma. He spent his 13-year career as a member of the Suns, Adams holds virtually every Suns scoring record. As for New York State I have a dispute, they chose Michael Jordan born in Brooklyn (NY) although he was raised in North Carolina. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader Kareem Abdul Jabbar was born in the borough of Manhattan, Kareem’s won as many (6) NBA Championships as MJ.
Brothers
I didn’t know but should have; I speak of the basketball Millers. I was aware of both but didn’t realize they were brothers; Sean is 10 years older than Archie. Sean has served as head coach at Arizona since 2009 previously he was head coach at Xavier from 2004 to the 2009 when he was hired by Arizona. Archie’s first head coaching position was at Dayton where he held the position from 2011 until his March 2017 hire by Indiana. The two schools have agreed to a three-year home and home series beginning in 2019.
This is a rare occurrence two brothers serving at the same time at Division I programs. An article I read pointed to the Sutton brothers’ time, Sean coaching at Oklahoma State while brother Scott served at Oral Roberts University. We have the Drew brothers Bryce at Vanderbilt and Scott at Baylor; we also have the Jones brothers James at Yale and Joe at Boston University. There are other brothers I might have omitted however there have been far more than I realize. I thought you might find this information interesting.
Identified with the game
In the golden age of baseball there was Mel Allen, Red Barber and Phil Rizzuto and much later Harry Carey. Broadcasters identified by the sport they covered they may have reported other games but the aforementioned were identified with baseball. Although times have changed I still identify with broadcasters who cover basketball exclusively. Even that is not always correct as an example Kevin Harlan began his career broadcasting the games of the Kansas City Kings and later Kansas Jayhawks. Harlan later moved on to become the radio voice of the NFL Chiefs.
In more recent years Harlan became the voice of the T-Wolves and moved on to the NBA on the TNT Network and CBS College Basketball. Marv Albert also broadcast other sports but has long been identified with basketball. From 1976 through 2004 Albert was the voice of the Knicks. Albert covered the NBA for NBC when the network had the broadcast rights; he did this while performing the same role for TNT was he currently works. The Celtics and Lakers had legendary broadcasters for their teams, the late Johnny Most for the Celtics and the late Chick Hearn with the Lakers. These broadcasters and others have reported other sports but are more closely identified with basketball.
The schedule
Clippers at Lakers are one of the opening night games, no Chris Paul but the mixture of new teammates should be quite interesting for Blake Griffin and crew. The new look Lakers begin their quest to return to normalcy. As for Christmas December 25th the Warriors will serve as host for the Cavs while the Lakers also at home will play Karl-Anthony Towns and the T-Wolves. I can hardly wait; opening night is about 60 some days away, 30-45 days later college basketball begins as well. I’m getting hyped already and it’s just the middle of August.
New Uni's
Did you read NBA teams will no longer have home uniforms in 2017-18? The association is changing suppliers from Adidas to Nike and there are several big time changes. The uniforms are being made of a sweat absorbing fabric, weight fit and construction of the uniforms will be different. Science technology is utilized in the design of them in addition each team will have four changes.
Association (classic white)
Icon (team color)
Athletic mindset (whatever that is)
Community (locally inspired).
International basketball
As the season is being finalized the NBA will play games on foreign shores. The first game will find the Thunder facing the Heat in Mexico City that game will be played December 7. A month later on January 11 the Sixers will face the Celtics in London England. The NBA continues its marketing effort of the game to an expanding world-wide market.
Best of the best
The NBA page of CBSSports.com presented the best NBA player from each state in the union. In Missouri I raced ahead to discover they picked Jo Jo White which was no surprise to me. The St. Louis born White played at Kansas and spent the bulk of his 12-year career (1969-1981) playing for the Celtics. How good White you ask, the point guard was was a two-time NBA Champion and was elected to Naismith Hall of Fame. Next door in the State of Kansas CBSSports.com indicates Alvin Adams was the best ever.
I find this interesting he was born in Lawrence (KS) home of the Jayhawks. Adams grew up in Oklahoma played at the University of Oklahoma. He spent his 13-year career as a member of the Suns, Adams holds virtually every Suns scoring record. As for New York State I have a dispute, they chose Michael Jordan born in Brooklyn (NY) although he was raised in North Carolina. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader Kareem Abdul Jabbar was born in the borough of Manhattan, Kareem’s won as many (6) NBA Championships as MJ.
Brothers
I didn’t know but should have; I speak of the basketball Millers. I was aware of both but didn’t realize they were brothers; Sean is 10 years older than Archie. Sean has served as head coach at Arizona since 2009 previously he was head coach at Xavier from 2004 to the 2009 when he was hired by Arizona. Archie’s first head coaching position was at Dayton where he held the position from 2011 until his March 2017 hire by Indiana. The two schools have agreed to a three-year home and home series beginning in 2019.
This is a rare occurrence two brothers serving at the same time at Division I programs. An article I read pointed to the Sutton brothers’ time, Sean coaching at Oklahoma State while brother Scott served at Oral Roberts University. We have the Drew brothers Bryce at Vanderbilt and Scott at Baylor; we also have the Jones brothers James at Yale and Joe at Boston University. There are other brothers I might have omitted however there have been far more than I realize. I thought you might find this information interesting.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Name change
If you planned on a trip to Washington D.C. and the Verizon Center it no longer exists. My prior statement is not quite correct the building still remains however it’s no longer operating under that name the arena is now the Capital One Arena. I believe this to be correct, I think this might be the first instance a stadium/arena moved from one corporate name to another.
We believe this to be fact this name change will lead to more $$$$ for the owner. Ted Leonsis Monumental Sports owns the building the NBA and NHL teams. Get this…..are you ready the NHL Capitals will now be playing in the Capital inside the Capital of the nation. You can’t make this stuff up that is funny.
Interesting but somewhat confusing
The NCAA released attendance figures for 2016-17 and there were a few surprises. They indicate a drop in attendance during the season although NCAA Tournament numbers were up. To no one’s surprise Kentucky, Syracuse and Louisville led the way with all three averaging over 20,000 per game.
One of the surprises Creighton University in Omaha was in 5th place with slightly over 17,000 a game. I don’t know about you but when I think Nebraska and sports it’s usually football, the school finished in the 11th slot attendance wise. Someone pointed to the fact Pinnacle Bank Arena might be responsible but that is a little difficult to believe the building opened in 2013. Nebraska finished last year with a 12-19 regular season record.
Promise unfulfilled
The ESPN headline read; “Knicks sign journeyman Beasley to a 1-year deal” which is quite interesting. At the time Michael Beasley declared for the NBA draft star was written on his forehead. He would become the 2nd pick of the 2008 draft by the Heat. Beasley was a first team All American that year and it’s easy to see why he left Kansas State after his freshman year. Since that fateful draft night Beasley’s NBA journey including the Knicks totals 8 teams.
In addition Beasley on separate occasions played for the Shanghai Sharks and Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association. If we checked the number of off-court incidences perhaps that is a contributing factor to his constant movement throughout the basketball world. Kansas State is a Big 12 school those of us in the metro witnessed the play of Beasley numerous times. I seriously doubt anyone besides yours truly would believe he’d wind up a well paid but journeyman player.
Bits n Pieces
I have not subscribed to NBA League Pass for the last three years. The reason is simple the Lakers stunk; I saw no reason to ‘throw-away‘ money viewing a bad product. Guess what fans I’m going to spend money this winter and buy it once again. The prospect of Ball, KCP, Ingram and company is exciting to me. I’m not sure of the teams’ final record however I believe I’m ready once again to ‘pay‘ to watch the Lakers.
Many believe LSU basketball began with “Pistol” Pete Maravich. At the time Maravich was enrolled LSU was considered a ‘football‘ school. They forget Bob Pettit after retirement from the NBA was a Tiger from 1951-54. In 1972 Dale Brown was hired and he managed to recruit a number of talented players before he eventually retired in 1997. Although they didn’t advance very far one his LSU teams contained the likes of Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf) Shaquille O’Neal and Stanley Roberts (look him up).
Has UMKC turned a corner, I speak of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This is Coach Kareem Richardson’s 5th year at the helm and last season the Kangaroos finished 18-17, 8-6 in the WAC. For the first time in the school’s history they played in a post-season tournament the CBI. I know what you are thinking 18-17 and you believe the program is on the rise. Consider the previous season they finished 12-19, the year prior 14-19. In the coaches first year they were 10-20. It’s been slow but steady improvement since Richardson’s arrival, look upward.
Name change
If you planned on a trip to Washington D.C. and the Verizon Center it no longer exists. My prior statement is not quite correct the building still remains however it’s no longer operating under that name the arena is now the Capital One Arena. I believe this to be correct, I think this might be the first instance a stadium/arena moved from one corporate name to another.
We believe this to be fact this name change will lead to more $$$$ for the owner. Ted Leonsis Monumental Sports owns the building the NBA and NHL teams. Get this…..are you ready the NHL Capitals will now be playing in the Capital inside the Capital of the nation. You can’t make this stuff up that is funny.
Interesting but somewhat confusing
The NCAA released attendance figures for 2016-17 and there were a few surprises. They indicate a drop in attendance during the season although NCAA Tournament numbers were up. To no one’s surprise Kentucky, Syracuse and Louisville led the way with all three averaging over 20,000 per game.
One of the surprises Creighton University in Omaha was in 5th place with slightly over 17,000 a game. I don’t know about you but when I think Nebraska and sports it’s usually football, the school finished in the 11th slot attendance wise. Someone pointed to the fact Pinnacle Bank Arena might be responsible but that is a little difficult to believe the building opened in 2013. Nebraska finished last year with a 12-19 regular season record.
Promise unfulfilled
The ESPN headline read; “Knicks sign journeyman Beasley to a 1-year deal” which is quite interesting. At the time Michael Beasley declared for the NBA draft star was written on his forehead. He would become the 2nd pick of the 2008 draft by the Heat. Beasley was a first team All American that year and it’s easy to see why he left Kansas State after his freshman year. Since that fateful draft night Beasley’s NBA journey including the Knicks totals 8 teams.
In addition Beasley on separate occasions played for the Shanghai Sharks and Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association. If we checked the number of off-court incidences perhaps that is a contributing factor to his constant movement throughout the basketball world. Kansas State is a Big 12 school those of us in the metro witnessed the play of Beasley numerous times. I seriously doubt anyone besides yours truly would believe he’d wind up a well paid but journeyman player.
Bits n Pieces
I have not subscribed to NBA League Pass for the last three years. The reason is simple the Lakers stunk; I saw no reason to ‘throw-away‘ money viewing a bad product. Guess what fans I’m going to spend money this winter and buy it once again. The prospect of Ball, KCP, Ingram and company is exciting to me. I’m not sure of the teams’ final record however I believe I’m ready once again to ‘pay‘ to watch the Lakers.
Many believe LSU basketball began with “Pistol” Pete Maravich. At the time Maravich was enrolled LSU was considered a ‘football‘ school. They forget Bob Pettit after retirement from the NBA was a Tiger from 1951-54. In 1972 Dale Brown was hired and he managed to recruit a number of talented players before he eventually retired in 1997. Although they didn’t advance very far one his LSU teams contained the likes of Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf) Shaquille O’Neal and Stanley Roberts (look him up).
Has UMKC turned a corner, I speak of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This is Coach Kareem Richardson’s 5th year at the helm and last season the Kangaroos finished 18-17, 8-6 in the WAC. For the first time in the school’s history they played in a post-season tournament the CBI. I know what you are thinking 18-17 and you believe the program is on the rise. Consider the previous season they finished 12-19, the year prior 14-19. In the coaches first year they were 10-20. It’s been slow but steady improvement since Richardson’s arrival, look upward.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Dominoes
On Wednesday evening 6-10 Jontay Porter younger brother of 6-9 Michael Porter Jr. made it official for Mizzou Would it be the Class of 2018 or 2017 for Jontay to play alongside his brother. Jontay decided he wanted his brother as a teammate. The dominoes and not in any order but occurred in a similar manner to this. Michael Porter Jr. commits to Washington, the school fires Coach Lorenzo Romar, MPJr. changes his mind on attending Washington.
Cuonzo Martin arrives at Mizzou, filling out his staff hires assistant coach Michael Porter Sr. Jr. commits to Mizzou, 6-10 258 pound Jeremiah Tilmon commits, Jontay Porter commits to Mizzou without declaring which class. Of course in between Cuonzo and staff recruited a number of other players filling out Mizzou's roster. One domino after another after another falls and at this point 247Sports declares Mizzou with the 3rd best recruiting class in the nation. After years of poor play its easy to understand the excitement of Mizzou fans.
Why?
If Kyrie Irving was patient the Cavs team would be his. I’m referring to his summer request he made to be traded; the indication he’s tired of playing in LeBron’s shadow. Nothing is set in stone but consider this LeBron could be history after next season anyway. We don’t know this to be a fact however Irving would be THE MAN if he just waits his turn.
AAU basketball
What’s your position on AAU basketball? AAU basketball has grown over the last several years but is this a good thing? I’ve read a number of college coaches hate the AAU brand of basketball. They claim little team defense and even less coaching at this level. The two incidents below might not be a true reflection of AAU basketball however they are troubling. LaVar Ball pulled his BB team off the court after an official called a technical foul on him in the Double Pump Tournament in Anaheim California.
Across the nation In Wichita Kansas and the championship of the MAYB Championship Monte Harrison repeated the same on-court action. He ordered his team off the floor with minutes remaining in the game. Unlike in the Double Pump Tournament Harrison’s team was winning. Perhaps both incidents are isolated; perhaps the individuals (LaVar Ball in Anaheim and Bol Bol in Wichita) might be the basis for the stories receiving national coverage. High school, college coaches and those in the NBA have received technical foul calls so that portion is not new. The officiating might be called into question as well. I continue to cast a concerned eye toward AAU basketball.
An opportunity to coach
Myron Medcalf of ESPN discussed a fact; the most high profile winning coaches will be retiring or be retired over the next several years. He pointed to the fact Coach K. is 70-years old, Roy Williams is 66 and Jim Boeheim is 72. He went on to point out several coaches on the periphery would ascend to the top and replace the aforementioned and others. What about assistant coaches wanting to move over a chair?
I think of former Mizzou coach Kim Anderson, politics kept him from being hired in 1999. Although Anderson certainly tasted success at Division II University of Central Missouri he was overlooked originally. Lack of success would not have saved Anderson’s job however we can only speculate what Anderson’s won-loss record might have been if he’d been hired in 1999. An assistant coach striving to lead a program must have someone in a position to run interference for him.
I’m gonna say YES!
Lonzo Ball will be 2018 Rookie of the Year, how do I know you ask? My mouth says so and why you ask? I make that statement in light of the latest Stephen A. Smith pronouncement, Smith claims Ball will not be Rookie of the Year in 2018. We take this information from a man other than 2017 picked the last three NBA Championship winner incorrectly.
Bells
Walter Jones Bellamy is a double-honoree he‘s among a few former players enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Walt Bellamy or Bells as he was nicknamed first distinguished himself in college. At Indiana University he was named an All American in 1960 and 1961. Bellamy would go on to become the leagues first pick in the 1961 draft by the Chicago Packers. In Bellamy’s second year the Packers changed their name to the Zephyrs and the following season the franchise moved to Baltimore becoming the Bullets.
There are several reasons most are unaware of Bellamy and his career exploits. Bellamy arrived at a time when centers dominated play in the association. Despite his respectful numbers he was never mentioned in the conversation that contained the names of Russell, Chamberlain, Abdul Jabbar and Thurmond. Bellamy played on some average to below average teams during his career it certainly wasn’t his play. Bellamy died in November 2013 at the age of 74; one of the contributing architects on what the NBA has become was able to witness the league become major league.
Dominoes
On Wednesday evening 6-10 Jontay Porter younger brother of 6-9 Michael Porter Jr. made it official for Mizzou Would it be the Class of 2018 or 2017 for Jontay to play alongside his brother. Jontay decided he wanted his brother as a teammate. The dominoes and not in any order but occurred in a similar manner to this. Michael Porter Jr. commits to Washington, the school fires Coach Lorenzo Romar, MPJr. changes his mind on attending Washington.
Cuonzo Martin arrives at Mizzou, filling out his staff hires assistant coach Michael Porter Sr. Jr. commits to Mizzou, 6-10 258 pound Jeremiah Tilmon commits, Jontay Porter commits to Mizzou without declaring which class. Of course in between Cuonzo and staff recruited a number of other players filling out Mizzou's roster. One domino after another after another falls and at this point 247Sports declares Mizzou with the 3rd best recruiting class in the nation. After years of poor play its easy to understand the excitement of Mizzou fans.
Why?
If Kyrie Irving was patient the Cavs team would be his. I’m referring to his summer request he made to be traded; the indication he’s tired of playing in LeBron’s shadow. Nothing is set in stone but consider this LeBron could be history after next season anyway. We don’t know this to be a fact however Irving would be THE MAN if he just waits his turn.
AAU basketball
What’s your position on AAU basketball? AAU basketball has grown over the last several years but is this a good thing? I’ve read a number of college coaches hate the AAU brand of basketball. They claim little team defense and even less coaching at this level. The two incidents below might not be a true reflection of AAU basketball however they are troubling. LaVar Ball pulled his BB team off the court after an official called a technical foul on him in the Double Pump Tournament in Anaheim California.
Across the nation In Wichita Kansas and the championship of the MAYB Championship Monte Harrison repeated the same on-court action. He ordered his team off the floor with minutes remaining in the game. Unlike in the Double Pump Tournament Harrison’s team was winning. Perhaps both incidents are isolated; perhaps the individuals (LaVar Ball in Anaheim and Bol Bol in Wichita) might be the basis for the stories receiving national coverage. High school, college coaches and those in the NBA have received technical foul calls so that portion is not new. The officiating might be called into question as well. I continue to cast a concerned eye toward AAU basketball.
An opportunity to coach
Myron Medcalf of ESPN discussed a fact; the most high profile winning coaches will be retiring or be retired over the next several years. He pointed to the fact Coach K. is 70-years old, Roy Williams is 66 and Jim Boeheim is 72. He went on to point out several coaches on the periphery would ascend to the top and replace the aforementioned and others. What about assistant coaches wanting to move over a chair?
I think of former Mizzou coach Kim Anderson, politics kept him from being hired in 1999. Although Anderson certainly tasted success at Division II University of Central Missouri he was overlooked originally. Lack of success would not have saved Anderson’s job however we can only speculate what Anderson’s won-loss record might have been if he’d been hired in 1999. An assistant coach striving to lead a program must have someone in a position to run interference for him.
I’m gonna say YES!
Lonzo Ball will be 2018 Rookie of the Year, how do I know you ask? My mouth says so and why you ask? I make that statement in light of the latest Stephen A. Smith pronouncement, Smith claims Ball will not be Rookie of the Year in 2018. We take this information from a man other than 2017 picked the last three NBA Championship winner incorrectly.
Bells
Walter Jones Bellamy is a double-honoree he‘s among a few former players enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Walt Bellamy or Bells as he was nicknamed first distinguished himself in college. At Indiana University he was named an All American in 1960 and 1961. Bellamy would go on to become the leagues first pick in the 1961 draft by the Chicago Packers. In Bellamy’s second year the Packers changed their name to the Zephyrs and the following season the franchise moved to Baltimore becoming the Bullets.
There are several reasons most are unaware of Bellamy and his career exploits. Bellamy arrived at a time when centers dominated play in the association. Despite his respectful numbers he was never mentioned in the conversation that contained the names of Russell, Chamberlain, Abdul Jabbar and Thurmond. Bellamy played on some average to below average teams during his career it certainly wasn’t his play. Bellamy died in November 2013 at the age of 74; one of the contributing architects on what the NBA has become was able to witness the league become major league.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
It’s not me alone
Regular readers of Words eye view will remember a story published on August 3. It was titled ’Can he shot’ and there was a brief account of Zion Williamson the latest high school phenom. The 6-7 230 pound Williamson is the number three Rivals prospect in the Class of 2018. It’s not only Larry Laker questioning the overall game of Williamson later I read a similar story in ballislife.com. Before you begin screaming NO, NO the writer of the other article is not questioning the talent of Williamson and neither am I. Williamson’s got to have more of a game than high flying Youtube dunks.
Those of you old enough to remember LeBron James play in high school and his first years in the NBA reflect on this. He was a high wire act with his thrilling dunks but didn’t have much of a game 15 or so feet from the basket. Since that time NBA LeBron has managed to gain a reliable jumper from distance. He’s not a great shooter from distance but certainly much better than his early years. That could be the case for Williamson, maybe someone who is creditable in his eyes pulls him aside. Whoever that person might be will explain to him he needs more than dunks in his arsenal.
Cleveland and Denver in the NBA
The Cavs were an expansion team that came into the NBA in 1970. I didn’t realize until I began a research project Cleveland was in the league prior to 1970. The Cleveland Rebels were an inaugural franchise in the Basketball Association of America (forerunner of the NBA) in the 1946-47 season. That first Denver team finished with a .500 record 30-30 and third place in the Western Division. The Rebels made the playoffs but lost to the Knicks. They went out of business after the one season and there is no further explanation.
The Nuggets were playing basketball before the 1967 when they came into the ABA as the Larks. Later the team name was changed to the Rockets and then Nuggets in 1974. The Denver franchise played as the Nuggets in 1938-40 but that was not in the early NBA. In 1948-49 the Nuggets joined the National Basketball League and the following year joined the NBA. The Nuggets finished the 1949-50 season with an 11-51 won-loss record they would disband at the end of the season. Much later you will discover additional information on the early NBA.
I’m not buying it
This is interesting; ESPN.com’s NBA page took a glance at the 2017-18 crop of rookies. They chose the Lakers Lonzo Ball by a significant margin over Dennis Smith Jr. of the Mavs. There is no doubt Lonzo Ball demonstrated outstanding NBA Summer League play I mentioned how impressed I was. At the same time I also pointed out Ball’s was facing rookies and second year players, what occurs when he faces the Big Boys?
Ball will have one advantage over a number of rookies including Kobe Bryant. He’s going to ‘sink or swim’ because he will be in the starting lineup day one and is likely to play major minutes. As for the polls we understand them they are not always accurate they are intended to spur conversation and this one certainly will. As a Laker fan I want Ball to play the best he can however I’m not setting my hopes too high.
“The smoke has cleared”
On paper the Celtics appear ready to challenge the Cavs for dominance in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were wheeling and dealing this summer with the draft, free-agency and trades. When the Celtics break training camp the lineup might be different from below but could be close. It appears this lineup can score as well as defend.
Isaiah Thomas-point guard
Gordon Hayward-shooting guard
Jae Crowder-small forward
Marcus Morris-power forward
Al Horford-center
Can Hayward make a successful conversion to the shooting guard is the first question. We might question the remainder of the roster which appears somewhat thin and lacking odds and ends. Despite what might appear to be negatives the Celtics won the east minus additions Hayward and Morris. Will rookie Jayson Tatum and second year man Jaylen Brown have break out years? After all the off-season moves and the smoke have cleared the Celtics appear to be an improved team over last season.
It’s not me alone
Regular readers of Words eye view will remember a story published on August 3. It was titled ’Can he shot’ and there was a brief account of Zion Williamson the latest high school phenom. The 6-7 230 pound Williamson is the number three Rivals prospect in the Class of 2018. It’s not only Larry Laker questioning the overall game of Williamson later I read a similar story in ballislife.com. Before you begin screaming NO, NO the writer of the other article is not questioning the talent of Williamson and neither am I. Williamson’s got to have more of a game than high flying Youtube dunks.
Those of you old enough to remember LeBron James play in high school and his first years in the NBA reflect on this. He was a high wire act with his thrilling dunks but didn’t have much of a game 15 or so feet from the basket. Since that time NBA LeBron has managed to gain a reliable jumper from distance. He’s not a great shooter from distance but certainly much better than his early years. That could be the case for Williamson, maybe someone who is creditable in his eyes pulls him aside. Whoever that person might be will explain to him he needs more than dunks in his arsenal.
Cleveland and Denver in the NBA
The Cavs were an expansion team that came into the NBA in 1970. I didn’t realize until I began a research project Cleveland was in the league prior to 1970. The Cleveland Rebels were an inaugural franchise in the Basketball Association of America (forerunner of the NBA) in the 1946-47 season. That first Denver team finished with a .500 record 30-30 and third place in the Western Division. The Rebels made the playoffs but lost to the Knicks. They went out of business after the one season and there is no further explanation.
The Nuggets were playing basketball before the 1967 when they came into the ABA as the Larks. Later the team name was changed to the Rockets and then Nuggets in 1974. The Denver franchise played as the Nuggets in 1938-40 but that was not in the early NBA. In 1948-49 the Nuggets joined the National Basketball League and the following year joined the NBA. The Nuggets finished the 1949-50 season with an 11-51 won-loss record they would disband at the end of the season. Much later you will discover additional information on the early NBA.
I’m not buying it
This is interesting; ESPN.com’s NBA page took a glance at the 2017-18 crop of rookies. They chose the Lakers Lonzo Ball by a significant margin over Dennis Smith Jr. of the Mavs. There is no doubt Lonzo Ball demonstrated outstanding NBA Summer League play I mentioned how impressed I was. At the same time I also pointed out Ball’s was facing rookies and second year players, what occurs when he faces the Big Boys?
Ball will have one advantage over a number of rookies including Kobe Bryant. He’s going to ‘sink or swim’ because he will be in the starting lineup day one and is likely to play major minutes. As for the polls we understand them they are not always accurate they are intended to spur conversation and this one certainly will. As a Laker fan I want Ball to play the best he can however I’m not setting my hopes too high.
“The smoke has cleared”
On paper the Celtics appear ready to challenge the Cavs for dominance in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were wheeling and dealing this summer with the draft, free-agency and trades. When the Celtics break training camp the lineup might be different from below but could be close. It appears this lineup can score as well as defend.
Isaiah Thomas-point guard
Gordon Hayward-shooting guard
Jae Crowder-small forward
Marcus Morris-power forward
Al Horford-center
Can Hayward make a successful conversion to the shooting guard is the first question. We might question the remainder of the roster which appears somewhat thin and lacking odds and ends. Despite what might appear to be negatives the Celtics won the east minus additions Hayward and Morris. Will rookie Jayson Tatum and second year man Jaylen Brown have break out years? After all the off-season moves and the smoke have cleared the Celtics appear to be an improved team over last season.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
For Sale
Les Alexander owner of the Rockets placed his team on the market this summer. Unofficially the for ‘sale sign’ has been placed on the Nets for a much longer period of time. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has indicated for the last several years a desire to sale the team. Forbes the American business magazine in its February 2017 edition list the Nets value at $1,800,000,000 dollars. If Prokhorov decides to sale the Nets it could top the $2 billion dollar mark.
An interesting take
If you know anything about Phil Jackson you know he’s tied to the Triangle Offense, loves it. Many in the basketball world don’t share the view of PJ the coach at Syracuse being one. In an interview Jim Boeheim pointed out the lack of success “Unless you have a Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.” Allow me to weigh in on this discussion; I believe both PJ and Boeheim are correct in their view.
The offense is still viable however you must have personal able to teach it adequately and they must be talented enough to run the offense successfully. Keep in mind Brian Shaw ran it when coaching the Nuggets 2013-15 and was less than successful. Much earlier (96-97) Jim Cleamons also a disciple of PJ ran the offense when he served as Mavs head coach. Both coaches were fired because their teams were unproductive.
He’s got another job
Craig Robinson former Oregon State Coach has been hired by the Knicks for a front-office position. Robinson was fired as head coach in the spring and in the fall of 2014 he was hired by ESPN as a basketball analyst. In 2016 the Bucks hired Robinson as vice-president of player and organizational development. It‘s likely his role with the Knicks will be similar to that with the Bucks. Did I mentioned he’s the brother-in-law of former President Barack Obama?
Destination of choice
Los Angeles at least the Lakers has not been a choice destination in recent years. Sure they were able to sign several free-agents over the years but not one high profile player among them. With the change in the Lakers front-office and cap money available the Lakers have become a destination of choice. Those reported to headed to the team next year is a who’s who of the NBA. Paul George along with LeBron James are just a few of the names floated about this season.
Unless the trio resigns with their respective team each will become a free-agent July 1, 2018. Here’s my take on the story, I could see one maybe two arriving next season but I find it difficult to believe all three would be in purple and gold. Would there be enough basketballs to go around? Paul and James are on the north side of 30 with a great number of games played. Don’t misunderstand I believe the two plus George baring injury have plenty of basketball left however the age factor should be taken into consideration.
For Sale
Les Alexander owner of the Rockets placed his team on the market this summer. Unofficially the for ‘sale sign’ has been placed on the Nets for a much longer period of time. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has indicated for the last several years a desire to sale the team. Forbes the American business magazine in its February 2017 edition list the Nets value at $1,800,000,000 dollars. If Prokhorov decides to sale the Nets it could top the $2 billion dollar mark.
An interesting take
If you know anything about Phil Jackson you know he’s tied to the Triangle Offense, loves it. Many in the basketball world don’t share the view of PJ the coach at Syracuse being one. In an interview Jim Boeheim pointed out the lack of success “Unless you have a Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.” Allow me to weigh in on this discussion; I believe both PJ and Boeheim are correct in their view.
The offense is still viable however you must have personal able to teach it adequately and they must be talented enough to run the offense successfully. Keep in mind Brian Shaw ran it when coaching the Nuggets 2013-15 and was less than successful. Much earlier (96-97) Jim Cleamons also a disciple of PJ ran the offense when he served as Mavs head coach. Both coaches were fired because their teams were unproductive.
He’s got another job
Craig Robinson former Oregon State Coach has been hired by the Knicks for a front-office position. Robinson was fired as head coach in the spring and in the fall of 2014 he was hired by ESPN as a basketball analyst. In 2016 the Bucks hired Robinson as vice-president of player and organizational development. It‘s likely his role with the Knicks will be similar to that with the Bucks. Did I mentioned he’s the brother-in-law of former President Barack Obama?
Destination of choice
Los Angeles at least the Lakers has not been a choice destination in recent years. Sure they were able to sign several free-agents over the years but not one high profile player among them. With the change in the Lakers front-office and cap money available the Lakers have become a destination of choice. Those reported to headed to the team next year is a who’s who of the NBA. Paul George along with LeBron James are just a few of the names floated about this season.
Unless the trio resigns with their respective team each will become a free-agent July 1, 2018. Here’s my take on the story, I could see one maybe two arriving next season but I find it difficult to believe all three would be in purple and gold. Would there be enough basketballs to go around? Paul and James are on the north side of 30 with a great number of games played. Don’t misunderstand I believe the two plus George baring injury have plenty of basketball left however the age factor should be taken into consideration.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
The Africa Game
It’s often mentioned the game especially the NBA version has expanded world-wide. No where is that move evident that on the continent of Africa. The numbers of NBA players far exceeds that of the Asia although the game is growing there as well. A collection of athletes past, present and into the future will continue to grow the game on the continent of Africa.
I’m not sure however I believe Hakeem Olajuwon from Nigeria might be the first, he arrived in this country in 1984 to play at the University of Houston. Olajuwon would be drafted by the Rockets in 1984 and the door was opened. A significant number of athletes from all over the continent have arrived on our shores to play at the college and professional level. As for the game Team Africa came up short losing to Team World 108-97 in the game played in Johannesburg South Africa.
‘All in the Family’
We might have held the belief the Lakers “housecleaning” last spring failed to leave a single Buss family member standing except Jeanie Buss. That’s not quite the case Jim and Johnny remain as co-owners along with three other siblings plus Jeanie. The court order removed the two brothers from any involvement in the business aspects of the Lakers. As for the other Buss siblings that’s a different story.
Janie Buss serves as director of charitable services for the team. Her younger brother Joey is chief executive officer of the Lakers and alternate board of governor representative. Joey also is president and chief executive officer of the South Bay Lakers the G-League team. The youngest sibling 29-year old Jesse is director of scouting and assistant general manager for the Lakers.
’Trust the Process’
The above phrase became frequently known throughout the NBA. I’m unsure who first coined it however many in the NBA began to question the accuracy especially Sixer fans. I checked the projected depth chart for the 2017-18 seasons and the team could field a competitive team if all remain healthy and injury free. In addition the Sixers might field the tallest starting front court in the NBA.
6-10 Dario Saric - power forward
7-0 Joel Embiid - center
6-10 Ben Simmons - small forward
6-4 J.J. Redick - shooting guard
6-4 Markelle Fultz - point guard
The bench appears competitive with veterans Amir Johnson, Nik Stauskas and Jerryd Bayless likely the first reserves to enter the game. I know what you are thinking other than veteran Redick the starters are very young. I can agree with that assessment however there are factors we cannot see at this point. How will this team be affected by its learning curve, in addition will Brett Brown be able to impart his philosophy on these newbie’s. If there is a perfect storm the Sixers could make some noise in the upcoming season, oh did I forget to mention the injury bug? The Eastern Conference race might be more competitive than that of the west.
His name mentioned once again
Coach Cal’s name has been mentioned once again regarding the NBA. The coach has certainly tasted success at the collegiate level. His Kentucky program whether we like it or not has been a conduit for players desiring to play in the NBA. It’s no wonder he’s one of the few college coaches who is always spotted at the NBA draft every June. As for NBA coaching that’s been a different story Calipari coached the New Jersey Nets from 1996-99 and was unsuccessful.
He was fired and the following season he took a job as an assistant for the Sixers. Cal would return to the collegiate ranks in 2000 first at Memphis and in 2009 he took over the Kentucky program. Calipari continues to remind us all his only desire is to coach at the college level, is it possible he still wants to return to the area of his less success the NBA? Another story would must wait for a final outcome.
The Africa Game
It’s often mentioned the game especially the NBA version has expanded world-wide. No where is that move evident that on the continent of Africa. The numbers of NBA players far exceeds that of the Asia although the game is growing there as well. A collection of athletes past, present and into the future will continue to grow the game on the continent of Africa.
I’m not sure however I believe Hakeem Olajuwon from Nigeria might be the first, he arrived in this country in 1984 to play at the University of Houston. Olajuwon would be drafted by the Rockets in 1984 and the door was opened. A significant number of athletes from all over the continent have arrived on our shores to play at the college and professional level. As for the game Team Africa came up short losing to Team World 108-97 in the game played in Johannesburg South Africa.
‘All in the Family’
We might have held the belief the Lakers “housecleaning” last spring failed to leave a single Buss family member standing except Jeanie Buss. That’s not quite the case Jim and Johnny remain as co-owners along with three other siblings plus Jeanie. The court order removed the two brothers from any involvement in the business aspects of the Lakers. As for the other Buss siblings that’s a different story.
Janie Buss serves as director of charitable services for the team. Her younger brother Joey is chief executive officer of the Lakers and alternate board of governor representative. Joey also is president and chief executive officer of the South Bay Lakers the G-League team. The youngest sibling 29-year old Jesse is director of scouting and assistant general manager for the Lakers.
’Trust the Process’
The above phrase became frequently known throughout the NBA. I’m unsure who first coined it however many in the NBA began to question the accuracy especially Sixer fans. I checked the projected depth chart for the 2017-18 seasons and the team could field a competitive team if all remain healthy and injury free. In addition the Sixers might field the tallest starting front court in the NBA.
6-10 Dario Saric - power forward
7-0 Joel Embiid - center
6-10 Ben Simmons - small forward
6-4 J.J. Redick - shooting guard
6-4 Markelle Fultz - point guard
The bench appears competitive with veterans Amir Johnson, Nik Stauskas and Jerryd Bayless likely the first reserves to enter the game. I know what you are thinking other than veteran Redick the starters are very young. I can agree with that assessment however there are factors we cannot see at this point. How will this team be affected by its learning curve, in addition will Brett Brown be able to impart his philosophy on these newbie’s. If there is a perfect storm the Sixers could make some noise in the upcoming season, oh did I forget to mention the injury bug? The Eastern Conference race might be more competitive than that of the west.
His name mentioned once again
Coach Cal’s name has been mentioned once again regarding the NBA. The coach has certainly tasted success at the collegiate level. His Kentucky program whether we like it or not has been a conduit for players desiring to play in the NBA. It’s no wonder he’s one of the few college coaches who is always spotted at the NBA draft every June. As for NBA coaching that’s been a different story Calipari coached the New Jersey Nets from 1996-99 and was unsuccessful.
He was fired and the following season he took a job as an assistant for the Sixers. Cal would return to the collegiate ranks in 2000 first at Memphis and in 2009 he took over the Kentucky program. Calipari continues to remind us all his only desire is to coach at the college level, is it possible he still wants to return to the area of his less success the NBA? Another story would must wait for a final outcome.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
My disclaimer
From time to time I must apologize if you observe a word or sentence that appears strange. Try as I might with ME, MYSELF and I writing, editing and attempting to proof-read I miss stuff. I re-check after publishing to ensure the story is clear and error free, my apologies and please continue to read Words eye view.
Thanks,
Larry Laker
If you believe
I was taking a swipe at Doc Rivers last week consider this fact. Major League Baseball in only one instance I’m aware (Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s of the 1920‘s) had the manager also been the GM. Are there any NFL coaches wearing two hats currently? The GM for the Patriots might be a figurehead but the team has always had one despite winning numerous Super Bowls.
In this day I believe it is too far a task attempting to coach an NBA team and being the teams’ player personnel director. Either you succeed at one or fail at the other, there is no winning in both arenas. I have more issues with Doc Rivers other than him being HR Director for the Clippers I believe he’s overrated as a coach.
This is different
Over a period of time we’ve discussed the attempt by Seattle to return to the NBA, a key for return was an ‘adequate’ NBA ready arena. Key Arena former home of the Sonics was deemed no longer practical. A group attempting to secure a franchise was granted the lead by Seattle’s City Council, they would renovate Key but that presents a problem. I’m no architect or ever held a position dealing in this area, I believe it might take almost as many dollars to renovate as build anew, Key Arena opened in 1962 as the Washington State Pavilion is to undergo a different proposed renovation route. Key Arena was approved as a historical landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Board last week.
The city council will vote on this issue and its believed the Oak View Group could then (if approved) receives a $70 million dollar tax credit if the building is declared a Federal Landmark. There is no guarantee the dominos fall in place however this is certainly a novel approach to renovating the 55-year old arena. We have a process in America; it seems every ’old’ building must be demolished and a new one built to replace it. Think about it the number of arenas and stadiums less than 50 years old that have seen the wrecking ball. The Palace at Auburn Hills opened in 1988; the Pistons have now moved downtown how much longer will the Palace remain open?
I wanna see the other guy
The Kansas Jayhawks view the upcoming season with excitement. They are projected to be the Big 12 leader once again, talk of Devonte Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk leading the way to victory. The guy I want to see in action is 7 foot 280 pound Udoka Azubuike from the Delta State in the southern portion of Nigeria. The Big Man arrived on campus and was expected to be a vital part of the continued winning program at Kansas. A wrist injury and later surgery sidelined Azubuike for the season; will 2017-18 be a break-out year for Azubuike? We must wait and see the outcome.
My disclaimer
From time to time I must apologize if you observe a word or sentence that appears strange. Try as I might with ME, MYSELF and I writing, editing and attempting to proof-read I miss stuff. I re-check after publishing to ensure the story is clear and error free, my apologies and please continue to read Words eye view.
Thanks,
Larry Laker
If you believe
I was taking a swipe at Doc Rivers last week consider this fact. Major League Baseball in only one instance I’m aware (Connie Mack’s Philadelphia A’s of the 1920‘s) had the manager also been the GM. Are there any NFL coaches wearing two hats currently? The GM for the Patriots might be a figurehead but the team has always had one despite winning numerous Super Bowls.
In this day I believe it is too far a task attempting to coach an NBA team and being the teams’ player personnel director. Either you succeed at one or fail at the other, there is no winning in both arenas. I have more issues with Doc Rivers other than him being HR Director for the Clippers I believe he’s overrated as a coach.
This is different
Over a period of time we’ve discussed the attempt by Seattle to return to the NBA, a key for return was an ‘adequate’ NBA ready arena. Key Arena former home of the Sonics was deemed no longer practical. A group attempting to secure a franchise was granted the lead by Seattle’s City Council, they would renovate Key but that presents a problem. I’m no architect or ever held a position dealing in this area, I believe it might take almost as many dollars to renovate as build anew, Key Arena opened in 1962 as the Washington State Pavilion is to undergo a different proposed renovation route. Key Arena was approved as a historical landmark by the Seattle Landmarks Board last week.
The city council will vote on this issue and its believed the Oak View Group could then (if approved) receives a $70 million dollar tax credit if the building is declared a Federal Landmark. There is no guarantee the dominos fall in place however this is certainly a novel approach to renovating the 55-year old arena. We have a process in America; it seems every ’old’ building must be demolished and a new one built to replace it. Think about it the number of arenas and stadiums less than 50 years old that have seen the wrecking ball. The Palace at Auburn Hills opened in 1988; the Pistons have now moved downtown how much longer will the Palace remain open?
I wanna see the other guy
The Kansas Jayhawks view the upcoming season with excitement. They are projected to be the Big 12 leader once again, talk of Devonte Graham and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk leading the way to victory. The guy I want to see in action is 7 foot 280 pound Udoka Azubuike from the Delta State in the southern portion of Nigeria. The Big Man arrived on campus and was expected to be a vital part of the continued winning program at Kansas. A wrist injury and later surgery sidelined Azubuike for the season; will 2017-18 be a break-out year for Azubuike? We must wait and see the outcome.
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Annual game
The annual NBA exhibition game for Kansas City occurs on Friday October 13 at Sprint Center. The match this year will feature the Heat and the Sixers, although not a regular season game it should be entertaining based on roster members of both teams. The Sixers will feature rookies Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons plus Joel Embiid former Kansas Jayhawk. The Heat feature Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow plus Rodney McGruder who played at nearby Kansas State.
The coach
A coach or manager should always be in the round table deciding on trades or draft decisions. Signing free-agents is a whole different area, it’s strictly a front-office decision the coach or general manager can add their input but actually participating in the negotiations is a no-no. They should always have input however the verdict should not be theirs alone. That person looks at the player quite different from someone working exclusively in the front office. I’ve stated for quite awhile that’s been my chief disagreement with Doc Rivers coach of the Clippers.
Doc made the decision regarding his son however it could easily have been any other player.
It was especially evident at the time Austin became a free-agent, news reports indicated none of the other NBA teams wanted Austin with the exception of the Clippers. So Doc as director of personnel re-signed son Austin, my greatest issue is one of nepotism. You could argue Doc might have done the same with a player who wasn’t related which is certainly true. Owner Steve Ballmer’s made the move relieving Doc of his front-office duties. The coach will return to coaching only leaving others to make the personnel decisions.
Skip football
I’ve been saying since the middle of July ‘We can skip football I’m ready for basketball to begin.' Mizzou replaced Kim Anderson with Cuonzo Martin, Martin immediately got to work recruiting, between him and the coaching staff they managed to secure (on paper at least) one of the highest rated Mizzou teams in history. As for the NBA the Lakers had an excellent summer too. They drafted Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma and both impressed in NBA Summer League.
They were able to acquire shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and center Robin Lopez in separate deals. A successive seasons of losing this Mizzou and Laker fan wants to turn the page to a more positive view. Many of my football friends have been booing and hissing me, they do this everytime I make the statement ‘We can skip football I’m ready for basketball to begin.’ Based on where many Mizzou and Laker fans can you blame us?
I didn’t know
The NBA Board of Governors approved the Pistons move to Little Caesars Arena for the 2017-18 season. Google Maps indicates the previous home of the Piston The Palace of Auburn Hills is about 34 miles from downtown Detroit. I didn’t realize until reading the story the move had to be approved by the Board of Governors to locate to another facility.
Annual game
The annual NBA exhibition game for Kansas City occurs on Friday October 13 at Sprint Center. The match this year will feature the Heat and the Sixers, although not a regular season game it should be entertaining based on roster members of both teams. The Sixers will feature rookies Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons plus Joel Embiid former Kansas Jayhawk. The Heat feature Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow plus Rodney McGruder who played at nearby Kansas State.
The coach
A coach or manager should always be in the round table deciding on trades or draft decisions. Signing free-agents is a whole different area, it’s strictly a front-office decision the coach or general manager can add their input but actually participating in the negotiations is a no-no. They should always have input however the verdict should not be theirs alone. That person looks at the player quite different from someone working exclusively in the front office. I’ve stated for quite awhile that’s been my chief disagreement with Doc Rivers coach of the Clippers.
Doc made the decision regarding his son however it could easily have been any other player.
It was especially evident at the time Austin became a free-agent, news reports indicated none of the other NBA teams wanted Austin with the exception of the Clippers. So Doc as director of personnel re-signed son Austin, my greatest issue is one of nepotism. You could argue Doc might have done the same with a player who wasn’t related which is certainly true. Owner Steve Ballmer’s made the move relieving Doc of his front-office duties. The coach will return to coaching only leaving others to make the personnel decisions.
Skip football
I’ve been saying since the middle of July ‘We can skip football I’m ready for basketball to begin.' Mizzou replaced Kim Anderson with Cuonzo Martin, Martin immediately got to work recruiting, between him and the coaching staff they managed to secure (on paper at least) one of the highest rated Mizzou teams in history. As for the NBA the Lakers had an excellent summer too. They drafted Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma and both impressed in NBA Summer League.
They were able to acquire shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and center Robin Lopez in separate deals. A successive seasons of losing this Mizzou and Laker fan wants to turn the page to a more positive view. Many of my football friends have been booing and hissing me, they do this everytime I make the statement ‘We can skip football I’m ready for basketball to begin.’ Based on where many Mizzou and Laker fans can you blame us?
I didn’t know
The NBA Board of Governors approved the Pistons move to Little Caesars Arena for the 2017-18 season. Google Maps indicates the previous home of the Piston The Palace of Auburn Hills is about 34 miles from downtown Detroit. I didn’t realize until reading the story the move had to be approved by the Board of Governors to locate to another facility.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Braggin Rights Game
With Kansas no longer a rivalry Mizzou’s emphasis has shifted to the other side of the state. Annually Mizzou and Illinois meet at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis the game is scheduled for Saturday December 23. The time will be announced at a later date. Illinois has won the last four Braggin Rights Games so revenge is certainly on the minds of the Mizzou faithful.
What happened?
I don’t work for ESPN; despite my sometimes complaints about the network I applaud the network whenever the programming is exceptional. I have no idea if the Sunday night E:60 will hit the mark of the others however it certainly is worth it to take time to view. The series will profile former 2003 number 2 pick Darko Milicic from Serbia. Milicic appeared to have all the physical tools at 7 feet and 275 pounds how and why was his career so checkered? Milicic would play for five other NBA teams before retiring in 2012.
The strange and unusual journey…….
Of Mitchell Robinson continues, the 5-star prospect was granted his release from Western Kentucky after first being suspended. Although Robinson is free to choose another school therein the problem lies. If he manages to locate a a school this late signing with another school he must sit out a year. The 7-1 Robinson is projected a first round pick in a number of mock draft sites.
Better yet does he head overseas to play professionally and return and declare for the 2018 NBA Draft? I hope Western Kentucky fans are not offended by the following; it was quite a coup to gain the services of a Rivals number 8 pick. At the same time they lose him in a short space of time without him ever stepping on the court. Even more interesting I’ve not read anywhere what the issue might have been that caused him to change his mind. I believe the coaching staff that recruited him along with Rick Stansbury remains. The basis for the players’ departure remains a mystery.
Bits n Pieces
I’m sure of this statement; Fox Sports must be near the top of the list for worst. I’d mentioned previously there are few reasons for me to tune into the network. Other than college basketball and a few Royals games its rarely turned on in my household. The same for the website on their NBA page, little news but plenty of opinions from Jason Whitlock, Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd and others. Needless to say despite my sometimes complaints if I want basketball/sports news I turn on ESPN or visit their website.
There are times a story is too involved or too confusing to adequately detail the events, that’s the case for Lenny Cooke. In high school Cooke was rated a greater talent than Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and guy named LeBron James. Your first question might be is he living and the answer is yes. You might be asking yourself “How come I’ve never heard of him?” As I stated at the beginning sometimes life events require a detailed explanation. A great deal of information is available on-line regarding Cooke read it and formulate your view of the player.
Has Cuonzo Martin completely changed the tenor at Mizzou? We believe this incoming class of freshmen plus Michael Porter Jr. will raise the program “out of the mud.” We know 2017-18 but how about beyond next season? CBS Sports.com looking ahead to 2018 check out their number 25 team. They place Mizzou in that slot despite its likely Porter Jr. will be collecting an NBA paycheck. The only thing that comes to mind for me is the 1986 hit tune by Timbuk3; ‘The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.’
Braggin Rights Game
With Kansas no longer a rivalry Mizzou’s emphasis has shifted to the other side of the state. Annually Mizzou and Illinois meet at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis the game is scheduled for Saturday December 23. The time will be announced at a later date. Illinois has won the last four Braggin Rights Games so revenge is certainly on the minds of the Mizzou faithful.
What happened?
I don’t work for ESPN; despite my sometimes complaints about the network I applaud the network whenever the programming is exceptional. I have no idea if the Sunday night E:60 will hit the mark of the others however it certainly is worth it to take time to view. The series will profile former 2003 number 2 pick Darko Milicic from Serbia. Milicic appeared to have all the physical tools at 7 feet and 275 pounds how and why was his career so checkered? Milicic would play for five other NBA teams before retiring in 2012.
The strange and unusual journey…….
Of Mitchell Robinson continues, the 5-star prospect was granted his release from Western Kentucky after first being suspended. Although Robinson is free to choose another school therein the problem lies. If he manages to locate a a school this late signing with another school he must sit out a year. The 7-1 Robinson is projected a first round pick in a number of mock draft sites.
Better yet does he head overseas to play professionally and return and declare for the 2018 NBA Draft? I hope Western Kentucky fans are not offended by the following; it was quite a coup to gain the services of a Rivals number 8 pick. At the same time they lose him in a short space of time without him ever stepping on the court. Even more interesting I’ve not read anywhere what the issue might have been that caused him to change his mind. I believe the coaching staff that recruited him along with Rick Stansbury remains. The basis for the players’ departure remains a mystery.
Bits n Pieces
I’m sure of this statement; Fox Sports must be near the top of the list for worst. I’d mentioned previously there are few reasons for me to tune into the network. Other than college basketball and a few Royals games its rarely turned on in my household. The same for the website on their NBA page, little news but plenty of opinions from Jason Whitlock, Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd and others. Needless to say despite my sometimes complaints if I want basketball/sports news I turn on ESPN or visit their website.
There are times a story is too involved or too confusing to adequately detail the events, that’s the case for Lenny Cooke. In high school Cooke was rated a greater talent than Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and guy named LeBron James. Your first question might be is he living and the answer is yes. You might be asking yourself “How come I’ve never heard of him?” As I stated at the beginning sometimes life events require a detailed explanation. A great deal of information is available on-line regarding Cooke read it and formulate your view of the player.
Has Cuonzo Martin completely changed the tenor at Mizzou? We believe this incoming class of freshmen plus Michael Porter Jr. will raise the program “out of the mud.” We know 2017-18 but how about beyond next season? CBS Sports.com looking ahead to 2018 check out their number 25 team. They place Mizzou in that slot despite its likely Porter Jr. will be collecting an NBA paycheck. The only thing that comes to mind for me is the 1986 hit tune by Timbuk3; ‘The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.’
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
‘Wait until the dust settles’
I’m unsure if this is a correction, yesterday news reports indicted Beyonce was interested in purchasing a share of the Rockets. One site I don’t remember which one reported the potential share to be ‘$2 million dollars.’ I stated between Beyonce and Jay-Z I thought it was a fee they could afford. This morning HLN News is reporting the figure to be more like $20 million. At this point I’m unsure which number is correct; perhaps if the deal is consummated we wait until the dust settles to determine the amount.
Push-back
LaVar Ball finally received a response however it might not be the one he expected. The bombastic one has been talk, talk and more talk for a number of weeks and months. A portion of the conversation dealt with his ability to ‘beat’ former NBA stars one on one so Michael Jordan decided to respond. Air Jordan said; ‘LaVar Ball couldn’t beat me 1-on-1 if I was one-legged’. Naturally The Mouth had a response but I’m not going to detail his point because he’s LaVar Ball. No further commentary on my part is required or necessary.
Kansas City in the NBA
Owners of the Kings were short-sided and the only word I can use is cheap. On Tuesday I wrote of Kansas City and its NBA history. Only four ABA teams would move into the NBA so what to do with the players left-over? I’m glad you asked the NBA held a dispersal draft and ABA players without a team were drafted by NBA teams. The NBA teams drafted in reverse order worst to first, the Bulls with the worst regular season record had the first choice. They were followed by the Blazers and then the Kansas City Kings. The Bulls drafted HOF player Artis Gilmore, the Blazers (with the Hawks pick) chose Maurice Lucas. The Kings pick was guard Ron Boone, two picks later the Blazers with their own pick chose Moses Malone.
Boone played for three ABA teams before his arrival with the NBA Kings, the 6-2 guard played for the Kings a brief two years before he began play with the Lakers concluding his career with the Jazz. Boone was a very good player but no comparison to the 6-10 260 pound Malone. This is a different NBA now but I pose the question, how does a team draft a guard over a Big Man? We know Malone’s, NBA Champ with the Sixers and a stellar NBA career culminating with a Naismith Hall of Fame induction. What if…….What if the Kings ownership had not been so short-sighted and cheap believing they couldn’t afford Malone. Malone might have led to the Kings becoming successful and remaining in Kansas City….just maybe.
Can he shoot?
The headline is aimed at Zion Williamson; you know the Rivals number three prospect in the Class of 2018. He’s about the same size LeBron was in high school (6-7 230 pounds). I doubt I will get a chance to see him in person, hopefully ESPNU or Fox Sports will telecast one of the Spartanburg Day Schools' game (Spartanburg SC). The list of schools offering Williamson scholarships is a couple of arm lengths and the usual suspects have offers on the table. Georgetown, Kentucky, Kansas and Louisville are just a few of the names.
As for my title I’ve searched the net and cannot determine if Williamson can shoot. I’ve seen plenty of flashy slams an equal number of lay-ups but no shot more that 10-feet from the basket. I’m okay in one instance with a questionable shooter (Lonzo Ball) why is Williamson shot bothering me so much? In the instance of Ball he’s a distributor of the basketball his shot is secondary (in my view). Williamson is a volume scorer and must have a jump shot if it’s not already there.
‘Wait until the dust settles’
I’m unsure if this is a correction, yesterday news reports indicted Beyonce was interested in purchasing a share of the Rockets. One site I don’t remember which one reported the potential share to be ‘$2 million dollars.’ I stated between Beyonce and Jay-Z I thought it was a fee they could afford. This morning HLN News is reporting the figure to be more like $20 million. At this point I’m unsure which number is correct; perhaps if the deal is consummated we wait until the dust settles to determine the amount.
Push-back
LaVar Ball finally received a response however it might not be the one he expected. The bombastic one has been talk, talk and more talk for a number of weeks and months. A portion of the conversation dealt with his ability to ‘beat’ former NBA stars one on one so Michael Jordan decided to respond. Air Jordan said; ‘LaVar Ball couldn’t beat me 1-on-1 if I was one-legged’. Naturally The Mouth had a response but I’m not going to detail his point because he’s LaVar Ball. No further commentary on my part is required or necessary.
Kansas City in the NBA
Owners of the Kings were short-sided and the only word I can use is cheap. On Tuesday I wrote of Kansas City and its NBA history. Only four ABA teams would move into the NBA so what to do with the players left-over? I’m glad you asked the NBA held a dispersal draft and ABA players without a team were drafted by NBA teams. The NBA teams drafted in reverse order worst to first, the Bulls with the worst regular season record had the first choice. They were followed by the Blazers and then the Kansas City Kings. The Bulls drafted HOF player Artis Gilmore, the Blazers (with the Hawks pick) chose Maurice Lucas. The Kings pick was guard Ron Boone, two picks later the Blazers with their own pick chose Moses Malone.
Boone played for three ABA teams before his arrival with the NBA Kings, the 6-2 guard played for the Kings a brief two years before he began play with the Lakers concluding his career with the Jazz. Boone was a very good player but no comparison to the 6-10 260 pound Malone. This is a different NBA now but I pose the question, how does a team draft a guard over a Big Man? We know Malone’s, NBA Champ with the Sixers and a stellar NBA career culminating with a Naismith Hall of Fame induction. What if…….What if the Kings ownership had not been so short-sighted and cheap believing they couldn’t afford Malone. Malone might have led to the Kings becoming successful and remaining in Kansas City….just maybe.
Can he shoot?
The headline is aimed at Zion Williamson; you know the Rivals number three prospect in the Class of 2018. He’s about the same size LeBron was in high school (6-7 230 pounds). I doubt I will get a chance to see him in person, hopefully ESPNU or Fox Sports will telecast one of the Spartanburg Day Schools' game (Spartanburg SC). The list of schools offering Williamson scholarships is a couple of arm lengths and the usual suspects have offers on the table. Georgetown, Kentucky, Kansas and Louisville are just a few of the names.
As for my title I’ve searched the net and cannot determine if Williamson can shoot. I’ve seen plenty of flashy slams an equal number of lay-ups but no shot more that 10-feet from the basket. I’m okay in one instance with a questionable shooter (Lonzo Ball) why is Williamson shot bothering me so much? In the instance of Ball he’s a distributor of the basketball his shot is secondary (in my view). Williamson is a volume scorer and must have a jump shot if it’s not already there.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Queen B
Long-time Rocket owner Leslie Alexander placed his team on the market. Although no potential buyers have stepped forward I posed the question of potential celebrity buyers in the July 20 edition of Words eye view. One of the names I mentioned was entertainer Beyonce. On August 1 USA Today indicated Queen B might be a potential investor in the franchise.
The story pointed out NBA rules has changed since her husband held a minority interest in the Nets. A minority purchase in the Rockets must invest $2 million dollars for a stake. Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are worth billions so the amount required to purchase a share of the Rockets is “pocket-change” for this power couple. I’ve stated several times previously the For Sale sign placed in front of NBA teams causes a stampede of potential owners.
Life after the Porters’
Its likely Michael and Jontay Porter will not stick around very long. Mizzou Nation must prepare for life after the brothers leave. This effort is already underway and another piece was added with the addition K. J. Santos. Allow me to state up from I had no idea who K.J. Santos was prior to Monday evening about 9:45 p.m. Central Time.
Haven’t seen him on the court so I have no idea if he’s got game. This I do know Santos announced in a tweet he was committing to Mizzou. Santos began his college at University of Illinois-Chicago. He spent his freshman year at UIC and transferred to Tallahassee Florida Community College. Santos a 6-8 200 pound forward will arrive with the Class of 2018 prospects. At this point Santos will have two or three years of eligibility remaining once he begans play at Mizzou.
The best college team in the State of Kansas is……
Wichita State, surprise surprise you thought I was going to say the Kansas Jayhawks. Question which team had the superior record in 2016-17 Kansas or Wichita State? If you said Kansas won more games than Wichita State you get an F on your report card BOTH finished with identical 31-5 records. If you said which school received the most publicity outside of the respective schools and you said Kansas you get an A. Kansas receives large amounts of free publicity throughout the nation and world. Few outside of Kansas and Missouri have little idea where Wichita is located.
As for the Kansas City Metro it’s a distance issue. I’ve mentioned this previously but in case you forgot Lawrence Kansas home of the Jayhawks is 43 minutes and 40 miles from my house and I live on the Missouri side. Wichita and the school are located almost 200 miles and 3 hours away from my drive-way. What does the future hold in 2017-18 you ask? Wichita State will begin play in the in the American Athletic Conference for the first time leaving the Missouri Valley. At seasons end it’s likely the college team with the best record in Kansas will no be in Lawrence.
A dual athlete
I don’t remember when I wrote the story; I attempted to cover athletes who played another sport on a pro level plus high level basketball. I missed discussing the late Otto Graham a legendary quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Graham played in the NFL from 1946 through the 1955 season for Cleveland. I discovered he attended Northwestern University on a basketball scholarship; the Pro and College Football Hall of Fame legend playing basketball.
Truth is I discovered Graham didn’t begin playing football until his sophomore year of college. How good was he at basketball, good enough to be named an All-American first team player? As for the football it’s not shocking to discover he’s in the Pro and College Hall of Fame with the honors he received during a brilliant career. Graham joined the Rochester Royals (Kings Franchise) in 1946 and played that year in the National Basketball League the predecessor to the NBA.
Queen B
Long-time Rocket owner Leslie Alexander placed his team on the market. Although no potential buyers have stepped forward I posed the question of potential celebrity buyers in the July 20 edition of Words eye view. One of the names I mentioned was entertainer Beyonce. On August 1 USA Today indicated Queen B might be a potential investor in the franchise.
The story pointed out NBA rules has changed since her husband held a minority interest in the Nets. A minority purchase in the Rockets must invest $2 million dollars for a stake. Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are worth billions so the amount required to purchase a share of the Rockets is “pocket-change” for this power couple. I’ve stated several times previously the For Sale sign placed in front of NBA teams causes a stampede of potential owners.
Life after the Porters’
Its likely Michael and Jontay Porter will not stick around very long. Mizzou Nation must prepare for life after the brothers leave. This effort is already underway and another piece was added with the addition K. J. Santos. Allow me to state up from I had no idea who K.J. Santos was prior to Monday evening about 9:45 p.m. Central Time.
Haven’t seen him on the court so I have no idea if he’s got game. This I do know Santos announced in a tweet he was committing to Mizzou. Santos began his college at University of Illinois-Chicago. He spent his freshman year at UIC and transferred to Tallahassee Florida Community College. Santos a 6-8 200 pound forward will arrive with the Class of 2018 prospects. At this point Santos will have two or three years of eligibility remaining once he begans play at Mizzou.
The best college team in the State of Kansas is……
Wichita State, surprise surprise you thought I was going to say the Kansas Jayhawks. Question which team had the superior record in 2016-17 Kansas or Wichita State? If you said Kansas won more games than Wichita State you get an F on your report card BOTH finished with identical 31-5 records. If you said which school received the most publicity outside of the respective schools and you said Kansas you get an A. Kansas receives large amounts of free publicity throughout the nation and world. Few outside of Kansas and Missouri have little idea where Wichita is located.
As for the Kansas City Metro it’s a distance issue. I’ve mentioned this previously but in case you forgot Lawrence Kansas home of the Jayhawks is 43 minutes and 40 miles from my house and I live on the Missouri side. Wichita and the school are located almost 200 miles and 3 hours away from my drive-way. What does the future hold in 2017-18 you ask? Wichita State will begin play in the in the American Athletic Conference for the first time leaving the Missouri Valley. At seasons end it’s likely the college team with the best record in Kansas will no be in Lawrence.
A dual athlete
I don’t remember when I wrote the story; I attempted to cover athletes who played another sport on a pro level plus high level basketball. I missed discussing the late Otto Graham a legendary quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Graham played in the NFL from 1946 through the 1955 season for Cleveland. I discovered he attended Northwestern University on a basketball scholarship; the Pro and College Football Hall of Fame legend playing basketball.
Truth is I discovered Graham didn’t begin playing football until his sophomore year of college. How good was he at basketball, good enough to be named an All-American first team player? As for the football it’s not shocking to discover he’s in the Pro and College Hall of Fame with the honors he received during a brilliant career. Graham joined the Rochester Royals (Kings Franchise) in 1946 and played that year in the National Basketball League the predecessor to the NBA.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
Did you know........
The Kings might have never arrived in Kansas City had history played out differently. Allow a brief explanation; the American Basketball Association began play in the fall of 1967. Kansas City had been awarded one of the 11 franchises in the new league. The unnamed team never played here moving to Denver where they were named the Larks and later Nuggets.
In 1976 the NBA merged and added four ABA teams the Spurs, Nets, Pacers and Nuggets to it‘s number. In 1972 the Kings moved from Cincinnati (OH) to Kansas City but that’s not how the story ends. A number of ABA franchises were dissolved and the players dispersed throughout the NBA, Kansas City could have easily been in the number of franchisees that disappeared.
The Ivy League
Oftentimes we discuss the lack of academic progress of student-athletes. We might question that for a number of conferences except one------The Ivy League. The Ivy League awards no athletic scholarships despite this fact there have been a number of NBA players from the conference. Currently Jeremy Lin of the Nets represents the only current Ivy League player, Lin graduated from Harvard University. The name Bill Bradley might be familiar to many from his terms as U.S. Senator from New Jersey, much earlier Bradley played forward for the Knicks and was an NBA Champion.
Dollar Bill as he was nicknamed is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Although Bradley is the only Ivy League HOF player there are several others with successful NBA carriers. Chris Dudley (Yale) had a 16-year career with a several NBA teams. Jim McMillan (Columbia) most productive years were spent as a member of the Lakers; he was an NBA Champion with the ‘72 Lakers. Rudy LaRusso (Dartmouth) was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers and was partnered with Elgin Baylor for several years once the team moved to Los Angeles. These are but a few of the academics who managed NBA careers.
“Young” Wolves pups
We believed last years Wolves were good, they would be improved under new Coach Tom Thibodeau. Not satisfied with last year Coach Thibs fingerprints are all over the off-season moves made by the Wolves. The Bulls drafted Creighton center Justin Patton however his rights were later traded to the Wolves. The 7-foot Patton will play in a crowded Wolves
front-court. As for the point guard it appeared Coach Thibs was not a fan of Ricky Rubio hence the point guard was traded after the season to the Jazz. As for the balance of moves through the end of August Taj Gibson was brought on board to play the power forward position.
Jeff Teague and Jimmy Butler were added at the point and shooting guard positions. The Wolves also picked up 59-year old Jamal Crawford who will play a reserve role. Youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns remain at small forward and center respectively. Can the “new” Wolves blend successfully with the holdovers? The Wolves will be vastly improved in 2017-18 and they move ahead of the Clippers in the Western Conference playoff picture. NOTE: I was joking about Crawford he’s 37-years old but remains an expert marksman.
“The shoe is on the other foot”
This isn’t that complicated at least for me, I have stated for quite awhile I’m no LeBron fan. I believe he’s the best basketball player in the world but I don’t root for him or against him. I have two acquaintances one in particular loves to give me the blues about Kobe Bryant. Whatever Kobe did was 10 times worst because Kobe did it.
“He ran Shaq out of town” or “He shoots too much” or “He’s not a good teammate.” A strange occurrence with the Kyrie Irving news particularly he doesn’t want to play in LeBron’s shadow. I waited for one or both to make a statement, with no response I sent them a nice email asking for their thoughts. That was three days ago and still no response, I’m beginning to believe they are not going to answer me what do you think?
Did you know........
The Kings might have never arrived in Kansas City had history played out differently. Allow a brief explanation; the American Basketball Association began play in the fall of 1967. Kansas City had been awarded one of the 11 franchises in the new league. The unnamed team never played here moving to Denver where they were named the Larks and later Nuggets.
In 1976 the NBA merged and added four ABA teams the Spurs, Nets, Pacers and Nuggets to it‘s number. In 1972 the Kings moved from Cincinnati (OH) to Kansas City but that’s not how the story ends. A number of ABA franchises were dissolved and the players dispersed throughout the NBA, Kansas City could have easily been in the number of franchisees that disappeared.
The Ivy League
Oftentimes we discuss the lack of academic progress of student-athletes. We might question that for a number of conferences except one------The Ivy League. The Ivy League awards no athletic scholarships despite this fact there have been a number of NBA players from the conference. Currently Jeremy Lin of the Nets represents the only current Ivy League player, Lin graduated from Harvard University. The name Bill Bradley might be familiar to many from his terms as U.S. Senator from New Jersey, much earlier Bradley played forward for the Knicks and was an NBA Champion.
Dollar Bill as he was nicknamed is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Although Bradley is the only Ivy League HOF player there are several others with successful NBA carriers. Chris Dudley (Yale) had a 16-year career with a several NBA teams. Jim McMillan (Columbia) most productive years were spent as a member of the Lakers; he was an NBA Champion with the ‘72 Lakers. Rudy LaRusso (Dartmouth) was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers and was partnered with Elgin Baylor for several years once the team moved to Los Angeles. These are but a few of the academics who managed NBA careers.
“Young” Wolves pups
We believed last years Wolves were good, they would be improved under new Coach Tom Thibodeau. Not satisfied with last year Coach Thibs fingerprints are all over the off-season moves made by the Wolves. The Bulls drafted Creighton center Justin Patton however his rights were later traded to the Wolves. The 7-foot Patton will play in a crowded Wolves
front-court. As for the point guard it appeared Coach Thibs was not a fan of Ricky Rubio hence the point guard was traded after the season to the Jazz. As for the balance of moves through the end of August Taj Gibson was brought on board to play the power forward position.
Jeff Teague and Jimmy Butler were added at the point and shooting guard positions. The Wolves also picked up 59-year old Jamal Crawford who will play a reserve role. Youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns remain at small forward and center respectively. Can the “new” Wolves blend successfully with the holdovers? The Wolves will be vastly improved in 2017-18 and they move ahead of the Clippers in the Western Conference playoff picture. NOTE: I was joking about Crawford he’s 37-years old but remains an expert marksman.
“The shoe is on the other foot”
This isn’t that complicated at least for me, I have stated for quite awhile I’m no LeBron fan. I believe he’s the best basketball player in the world but I don’t root for him or against him. I have two acquaintances one in particular loves to give me the blues about Kobe Bryant. Whatever Kobe did was 10 times worst because Kobe did it.
“He ran Shaq out of town” or “He shoots too much” or “He’s not a good teammate.” A strange occurrence with the Kyrie Irving news particularly he doesn’t want to play in LeBron’s shadow. I waited for one or both to make a statement, with no response I sent them a nice email asking for their thoughts. That was three days ago and still no response, I’m beginning to believe they are not going to answer me what do you think?
Monday, July 31, 2017
Basketball from a fans perspective
This is bothersome
I’ve mentioned my wife hardly follows basketball. Despite this fact she was aware of the Las Vegas story and LaVar Ball. I informed her and I’ll share with you my conversation. After Lonzo Ball had a good summer showing on the court I hoped LaVar news would slow. Instead of him slowing down everybody and their brother continues to place microphones and tape recorders in front of LaVar. The view might be “how outrageous” can this guy become with his mouth. Muhammad Ali did a great deal of talking back in the day, history shows the “Louisville Lip” as he was dubbed usually backed up his bravado in the ring.
What can LaVar prove at this point other than talk? Despite what he says at his age he certainly can’t go on the court against Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson and effectively compete A better question might be why would it even be necessary for either they have nothing to prove we already know both are champions. As for LaVar Ball that’s a far different story. I hope all three of his son’s find success on the basketball court however daddy needs to shut his pie hole.
They certainly are bigger (and maybe stronger)
Mizzou fans cannot help their excitement regarding the upcoming season. The last few years the Tigers were often “beat up” on the boards. Not only were they often out rebounded they were often out scored as well. It’s hoped all the negatives will be stored away never to be re-visited again. The Tigers have count them 8 players on the roster taller than 6-7, four of them stand 6-10 and I’m not including Jontay Porter in the count.
The younger Porter has committed but yet to sign a letter of intent, by the way he’s 6-9. Junior forward Kevin Puryear has height (6-7) and bulk at 243 pounds but was often forced to compete against taller adversaries. Puryear scored nearly 12 points a game his freshman and sophomore year. The Kansas City area talent now has plenty of help. Height does not equate to wins all elements of the game must come together to be successful. Now you can understand why much of the Mizzou Nation is so excited about the 2017-18 season.
He’s a grown man
The last time I checked I believe Kyrie Irving is a grown man. He’s an adult fully capable of making adult decisions. Allow me to explain further, I didn’t read the story only the headline. It read something like; “Kobe talks to Kyrie” or “advises Kyrie.” My wife’s cousin the Kobe hater said to me; “How come Kobe’s talking to Irving trying to convince him to leave?”
I laughed because I said at the beginning of this account Kyrie is a grown man. I asked my wife’s LeBron loving cousin “What you gonna do next year when LeBron joins the Lakers.” As I explained earlier I don’t won’t LeBron on the Lakers but his response was classic, the Kobe and Laker hater said; “I’ll root for the Lakers because of LeBron, “case closed.
Charles Barkley too?
By now you’ve read or heard the reported rumor LeBron James is headed to the Lakers in 2018, same for Paul George I even heard Charles Barkley might un-retire. This might be Barkley's last opportunity to win a championship. Folks I’m just kidding about Barkley however I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear or read a similar report the media has every free-agent headed to the Lakers next season. The reasoning varies but I’ll try to explain the names of those presented to us. LeBron James returned to Cleveland, he led the Cavs to a championship. A professional championship no one in Northern Ohio had witnessed since 1964.
There’s been no love lost between owner Dan Gilbert and LeBron after all Gilbert made several ugly statements about LeBron after he departed. You tell me I haven’t heard any talk since his return of he and Gilbert becoming BFF’s forever. As for George he is Southern California born and bred, he grew up rooting for the Lakers. We could see the attraction in playing in the NBA in front of any number of your former elementary and high school teachers. George’s reasons might be different from LeBron but I ask the question is it that important to play in Los Angeles?
This is bothersome
I’ve mentioned my wife hardly follows basketball. Despite this fact she was aware of the Las Vegas story and LaVar Ball. I informed her and I’ll share with you my conversation. After Lonzo Ball had a good summer showing on the court I hoped LaVar news would slow. Instead of him slowing down everybody and their brother continues to place microphones and tape recorders in front of LaVar. The view might be “how outrageous” can this guy become with his mouth. Muhammad Ali did a great deal of talking back in the day, history shows the “Louisville Lip” as he was dubbed usually backed up his bravado in the ring.
What can LaVar prove at this point other than talk? Despite what he says at his age he certainly can’t go on the court against Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson and effectively compete A better question might be why would it even be necessary for either they have nothing to prove we already know both are champions. As for LaVar Ball that’s a far different story. I hope all three of his son’s find success on the basketball court however daddy needs to shut his pie hole.
They certainly are bigger (and maybe stronger)
Mizzou fans cannot help their excitement regarding the upcoming season. The last few years the Tigers were often “beat up” on the boards. Not only were they often out rebounded they were often out scored as well. It’s hoped all the negatives will be stored away never to be re-visited again. The Tigers have count them 8 players on the roster taller than 6-7, four of them stand 6-10 and I’m not including Jontay Porter in the count.
The younger Porter has committed but yet to sign a letter of intent, by the way he’s 6-9. Junior forward Kevin Puryear has height (6-7) and bulk at 243 pounds but was often forced to compete against taller adversaries. Puryear scored nearly 12 points a game his freshman and sophomore year. The Kansas City area talent now has plenty of help. Height does not equate to wins all elements of the game must come together to be successful. Now you can understand why much of the Mizzou Nation is so excited about the 2017-18 season.
He’s a grown man
The last time I checked I believe Kyrie Irving is a grown man. He’s an adult fully capable of making adult decisions. Allow me to explain further, I didn’t read the story only the headline. It read something like; “Kobe talks to Kyrie” or “advises Kyrie.” My wife’s cousin the Kobe hater said to me; “How come Kobe’s talking to Irving trying to convince him to leave?”
I laughed because I said at the beginning of this account Kyrie is a grown man. I asked my wife’s LeBron loving cousin “What you gonna do next year when LeBron joins the Lakers.” As I explained earlier I don’t won’t LeBron on the Lakers but his response was classic, the Kobe and Laker hater said; “I’ll root for the Lakers because of LeBron, “case closed.
Charles Barkley too?
By now you’ve read or heard the reported rumor LeBron James is headed to the Lakers in 2018, same for Paul George I even heard Charles Barkley might un-retire. This might be Barkley's last opportunity to win a championship. Folks I’m just kidding about Barkley however I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear or read a similar report the media has every free-agent headed to the Lakers next season. The reasoning varies but I’ll try to explain the names of those presented to us. LeBron James returned to Cleveland, he led the Cavs to a championship. A professional championship no one in Northern Ohio had witnessed since 1964.
There’s been no love lost between owner Dan Gilbert and LeBron after all Gilbert made several ugly statements about LeBron after he departed. You tell me I haven’t heard any talk since his return of he and Gilbert becoming BFF’s forever. As for George he is Southern California born and bred, he grew up rooting for the Lakers. We could see the attraction in playing in the NBA in front of any number of your former elementary and high school teachers. George’s reasons might be different from LeBron but I ask the question is it that important to play in Los Angeles?
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