Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This was funny to me

The Wizards of Washington have played under that name since 1997.  From 1963 through 1997 they were the Bullets first in Baltimore and later when the team moved to Maryland and finally to the District of Columbia.  I held a discussion with a young man on Thursday and our discussion centered on July 30 when the NBA restarts.  In discussing several teams B.J. said “The Bullets”, realizing how it sounded he said, “they will always be the Bullets to me.”  For your information, this youngster is 27 or 28, this means he was 4 or 5 years old when the name change occurred.  He must really be a student of the NBA to come up with that statement, LOL.   

While we are cleaning house

The USA Today headline read; “It’s time for Ol Miss to drop the Rebels nickname.”  Turns out the Mississippi school is not the only one, a western school, UNLV has the same issue.  The Las Vegas school has long been nicknamed the Rebels too.  The choice in team nicknames are quite different.  Ol Miss is a reference to the Civil War and the Confederacy.  Many of those who fought for the south were termed rebels

because they took up arms against the established government. 

UNLV’s nickname is a different story, UNLV claims their nickname originated from a battle to separate themselves from the University of Nevada at Reno nicknamed the Wolf Pack.  We have the Stanford Indians becoming the Cardinal and on the east coast the St. John Redmen became the Storm.  In both instances team names were considered out of place in an enlightened time.  It is time to relinquish all the names that shine a negative light on a people or period. 

Is he a “dinosaur”?

Dinosaur’s or least their bones only exist in natural history museums today.  On the other hand, we have not seen Godzilla for a while, just joking.  They reflect the past the same as the NBA Big Man.  Recently the ESPN NBA page contained video of Tacko Fall sinking a 3-point shot.  That is all well and good, but does it serve his NBA development?  We read a scouting report regarding a 2020 prospect. 

The scout said, “If this was ___years ago he would be a lottery pick.”  We know the story; this scout was reflecting much of the thought process of today.  Emphasis on small ball particularly the 3-point shot has lessened the need of the traditional Big Man in today’s NBA. We asked the question from several friends and acquaintances and the message from fans was interesting.  If you missed their view check “What he said” featured in the ______ date of Words eye view. 

The Undefeated  

Since the advent of the NCAA Tournament in 1939 there have been few undefeated teams.  This is research information, there have only been 7 teams to complete the season with no losses.  In addition, four of those undefeated represented one university, UCLA.  Several exceptionally good teams have come on the scene over the years.  Many played well into the season without a loss. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost in the finals in the 1960-61 season finishing 27-1.  In the 2014-15 season, the Kentucky Wildcats finished 30-1.  Kentucky suffered the lone loss in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.  The last undefeated NCAA Champion occurred a generation ago, the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers.  Without additional research it appears Ohio State and Kentucky are the only undefeated teams to play deep into the tournament.  As for the 7 undefeated teams they are:

1955-56 University of San Francisco 29-0   
1956-57 North Carolina 32-0

1963-64 UCLA 30-0

1966-67 UCLA 30-0

1971-72 UCLA 30-0

1972-73 UCLA 30-0

1975-76 Indiana 32-0

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A return…maybe

The Spaniard a.k.a. Pau Gasol has experienced a hall of fame career.  Gasol is 39-years old now, Gasol’s played for five NBA teams one of them the Lakers.  The 7-foot Gasol was a vital key to the back to back championships won in 2009-10.  The Lakers acquired Gasol in a February 2008 trade and with no practice he scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in his first game as a Laker.  He would spend 7 seasons with the Lakers prior to leaving for the Bulls in free agency in 2014. 

The last few seasons Gasol has dealt with injury and age, it is likely he’s come to the realization his NBA career is nearly over.  Despite this issue Gasol has made it known he would like a return to the Lakers to conclude his NBA career.  Gasol will never have a statue erected outside Staples Center, despite this fact he will forever remain a fan favorite of mine.  I hope he can return from injury; I hope he is able to return to the Lakers to conclude his NBA career.

Day of Reckoning

It is not the apocalypse, but it might as well be for Jayhawk Nation.  Their beloved team is going to be slammed to the mat (excuse the wrestling phrase) by the NCAA.  Despite the fact the school is making an appeal there are several reasons why a severe penalty should be forthcoming.  The NCAA needs to make an example of Kansas basketball, for whatever reason they missed the boat on North Carolina and Duke (so far). 

This time with FBI assistance the NCAA can point an accusatory finger at Bill Self and his program.  There have been whispers over the years “The NCAA only goes after the little guys”, true or not this view has circulated for decades among college basketball fans.  What is interesting to this writer is why Kansas was involved in this recruiting story in the first place is a mystery.  The school has a national and world-wide footprint in acquiring talent for the program. 

There would appear to be no requirement for Kansas to be involved in any hint of illegal recruiting.  Question, could the number of violations under consideration be reduced, most certainly?  Question, could Kansas escape punishment?  Not likely, there are just too many moving parts here for them to escape this time.  If for some reason we cannot foresee if Kansas receives a slap on the wrist, we should know the fix is in.  This from someone who is not a conspiracy theorist. 

Did you know?

My favorite NBA team the Lakers first began play in Detroit; the team played in the National Basketball League for the 1946-47 season.  They would only last the one season in Detroit; they were sold to business interests who moved the franchise to Minneapolis for the 1947-48 season.  The team was renamed Lakers a reference to the State of Minnesota “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.”  The Minneapolis Lakers would remain in the twin cities until 1959-60. 

Bob Short who owned the team moved them to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 season where they have remained since.  The Lakers might not have existed if tragedy had befallen them January 18, 1960.  Flying from a game against the St. Louis Hawks the Lakers DC-3 crash landed in a cornfield in Carroll Iowa after getting lost, low on fuel and running into a blinding snowstorm.  The town of Carroll is about 270 miles south and west of Minneapolis.  The records do not detail how the Lakers eventually made it home but consider this fact.  Owner Short would have had no opportunity to move if members of the team had perished in that January crash. 

Lost in the annals of basketball history

City College of New York accomplished a feat which will never occur again.  The 1949-50 CCNY Beavers won the 1950 NIT Championship on March 18, then on March 28 they won the NCAA Championship.  Imagine that, winning both post season tournaments in the same year a feat unimaginable in this day.  Why is the college basketball history so devoid of this worthy citation, there is only one answer…gambling? 

Several players had taken money from organized crime figures in 1948-49 during a point shaving scandal.  Point shaving would also occur in several games in the 1949-50 season although there is no indication there was any point shaving in the post-season.  Several CCNY players NBA careers were curtailed, in addition the program decided to withdraw from Division I play.  The story of CCNY is capsulized here due to space, there is a great deal of information available should you be inclined to read more detail.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Everyone is not happy

Until recently we believed most NBA players wanted to complete the 2019-20 season.  We were led to believe most wanted this, that is not the complete story, Kyrie Irving appears to be one of the leaders in a group of NBA players opposed to the idea of starting again.  A report indicates several spoke of “wanting to start a new league.”  Irving claims he left the conference call and there was no mention of this when he was on the call.  We certainly understand the concern of these players with the threat of covid-19 however starting a new league is an uphill battle and quite a financial undertaking.   

A loss?

Alex Okongo is leaving the Mizzou basketball program, do not worry if his name is unfamiliar to you most Mizzou faithful did not know him either.  Okongo arrived on campus from Northwest a junior college in Wyoming last summer.  The 7-foot Big Man hails from Saacy-sur-Marne about an hour drive from Paris France. The Mizzou coaching staff must have seen potential in Okongo however he appeared in few games despite the fact Jeremiah Tilmon missed several games.  Okongo scored but 5 points in 8 games this past season, Coach Cuonzo indicates Mizzou will likely not offer his scholarship to another player.   

Best high school player (Kansas City)

My hometown Kansas City fails to measure up in the same manner as many metro areas across the nation.  Despite this fact a small number of outstanding basketball talent was produced here.  If we compiled a Top 10 list Warren Jabali is number one.  Jabali graduated from Kansas City’s Central High School in 1964, he attended Wichita State where he was a 3X All Missouri Valley First team.  Although he could have joined the NBA Knicks Jabali chose to sign with the ABA Oakland Oaks, Jabali was the 1969 ABA Rookie of the Year. 

We could probably have numerous arguments who might be number two in the metro.  For my take the number two pick would be Jaron Rush who played at Pembroke Hill High School in the city.  The 6-foot 6 Rush led Pembroke to three consecutive Missouri State Championships.  Rush won the prestigious James A. Renna award, this is an honor awarded to the best high school player in the Kansas City Metro.  Rush won the award his sophomore and junior year and shared it with another as a senior. 

Although Rush would attend UCLA he left after his freshman year for the NBA Draft and was passed over. For several reasons unlike Jabali earlier Rush would never have a successful professional career.  After drifting around with several minor league basketball teams Rush quit the game in 2001 at the age of 22.  Number two A or number three would be Lucius Allen who played at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City Kansas.  Allen would join Lew Alcindor at UCLA contributing to the school’s success.

He is missing

A discussion is held on all-time Big Men in the game, who are the names we most often hear?  We might begin with Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain you add Kareem and Hakeem to the discussion.  Missing from any discussion is one of the NBA’s all-time greats, Nate Thurmond.  This statement is made despite the fact Thurmond is enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame.  He played his college ball at Bowling Green; he grew up in Akron long before that other guy. 

The 3^rd pick in the 1963 draft Thurmond was forced to play out of position for the Warriors, at the time the Warriors had a 7-1 center named Wilt Chamberlain occupying the position.  Despite the fact Thurmond played the center position in college he was forced to play power forward.  Nowadays not a big deal to have 6-11 player at that position, in 1963 it was highly unusual.  In 1965 at the All-Star break Chamberlain was traded to Sixers thus freeing Thurmond to move to the center position full-time where his career would blossom.  The Warriors depended on Thurmond to rebound and play defensive which he accomplished so efficiently. 

Kareem playing at the same time of Chamberlain, Bob Lanier and others was asked the question.  “Who is the toughest center you face”, without hesitation he mentioned Nate Thurmond?  Toward the end of his career Thurmond would play for the Bulls and Cavs but it was his play with the Warriors that made him an All-Star.  While a member of the Bulls Thurmond recorded the first quadrable-double against the Hawks.  October 18, 1974, he scored 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocked shots.  In July 2016 Thurmond died of leukemia at the age of 75. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

He is an owner now

The Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League have a new owner.  Oh, if you thought we might be discussing LaMelo Ball that is not the case.  Several might remember in mid to late spring stories were circulating about the younger Ball purchasing the team he played on last winter.  The new owner is Bryan Colangelo former GM of the Sixers.  The Ball story indicated he was purchasing a majority ownership in the Hawks.  That is not the case for Colangelo, he will become a minority owner of the team.  

Rocky Mountain High 

At the time of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976 four ABA teams were admitted into the NBA, the Nets, Pacers, Spurs and Nuggets.  The Denver Larks was founded in 1967, it was supposed to begin play in Kansas City, but they located to Denver prior to the start of the season, in addition the team name was changed from Larks to Rockets. In 1974 another name change occurred as the team began play as the Nuggets.  Although they are yet to win an NBA Championship the Nuggets have experienced more success in the NBA than their ABA days. 

In the ABA they won a total of 3 division titles, in the NBA the total is 8.  Seven numbers hang in the rafters of the Pepsi Center number 2 Alex English, 12 ‘Fat’ Lever, 33 David Thompson, 40 Byron Beck, 44 Dan Issel 55 Dikembe Mutombo and 432 Doug Moe. 432 represent the number of wins the Nuggets won under Coach Doug Moe.  Ann Walton Kroenke is owner of the team one of three women owners in the NBA.  The others Gayle Benson New Orleans Pelicans and Jeanie Buss Los Angeles Lakers.  A franchise rich in ABA-NBA history, the Nuggets of Denver.  

“Fly the friendly skies”

This is more than the motto of United Airlines; it is the story of NBA and flying.  The story begins with rail travel, yes back in the day most teams traveled by train.  Most teams were located on the east coast and in the same time zone.  Much later as the NBA expanded it was necessary to travel from point A. to point B. much faster.  That requirement meant flying, unlike today it was commercial. 

Believe it or not teams flew on the flight of the shoe salesmen, auto dealer and others.  As the rosters expanded and staff increased it became more difficult to fly commercially.  At this point NBA teams began to charter flights, several teams the Pistons and Mavs purchased their own aircraft.  The Pistons are flying charter having gotten rid of their MD-83 meanwhile the Mavs continue to fly in their Boeing 757.

How do you feel?  
I read Bill Russell’s autobiography, a portion of it dealt with autographs.  Maybe as Bill has aged perhaps, he has mellowed once Russell was reluctant to sign his name.  He claimed while playing for the Celtics his dinner meal was interrupted one evening as person after person came to his table asking for his autograph.  I have been skeptical about asking for autographs since I read that.  Years ago, while on a stopover in Denver Carmelo Anthony then with the Nuggets boarded the same tram my wife and I were riding. 

I pointed out to my wife who he was, “Why don’t you get his autograph” she said.  My response, “No I’m not going to bother him.”  Another airport and another time, we are waiting in the DFW airport for our flight to Kansas City.  I noticed standing several feet from us was Danny Manning then an assistant coach at Kansas.  I hesitated and then walked up to the 6-foot 10-inch Manning and asked for his autograph. 

Manning smiled and signed it on a piece of paper I gave him.  This next account I do not remember the details except my past employer was serving as host for a Sprint Center NBA game.  Former NBA players Scott Wedman (KC Kings) and Clay Johnson (Lakers) both living in the metro were invited, I spent the entire evening talking to them about NBA basketball and made no attempt to seek an autograph from either one.  I am hesitant to ask for an autograph for the most part, what about you?   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Best team to have never won 

The headline is a little misleading because a few years later reconfigured the Sixers would win it all.  As for the 1977 Sixer team that was a different story, on paper they might have been the best assembled team ever.  The 1977 NBA Finals saw the Blazers of Portland matched against the Philadelphia 76ers.  That 76er team might have been one of the best in NBA history to never win a championship.  

In 1983 the 76ers would defeat my Lakers to win the NBA finals, although it was just a few years difference this was not the same 76er team, Dr. J. was the only remaining player from that ‘77 team.  As for the 1977 team from Julius “Dr. J.” Erving to the last player off the bench this team was stacked.  They were high scoring in addition had a strong defensive presence, this 76er team was outstanding and had it all---all that is the exception of a championship.  The 76er starting lineup was Dr. J. at small forward, power forward George McGinnis; the center was Caldwell Jones backed up by Harvey Catchings (Tamika’s dad) and the late Darryl Dawkins.  

Henry Bibby served as the point guard, Doug Collins was the shooting guard; reserves were Joe Bryant (Kobe’s dad) and Lloyd B. Free (later World B. Free).  The Blazers would defeat the outstanding 76er team four games to two.  One more unusual incident can you imagine the network failing to cover the trophy presentation?  That occurred in 1977, CBS did not have time because they made a commitment to cover the Kemper Open Golf Tournament.  They left coverage of the afternoon game to cover another sports event, think that would ever occur today?   

What he said     

This is a question for basketball fans that has bothered me for years, the game has changed from inside-out to outside-in. Small ball, 3-point shooting etc., but what about the future of the game?  Can a budding Wilt, Kareem, Hakeem, or Shaq be developed in this era of small ball?  The list of 7-foot athletes has not dwindled, all we need to do is check Rivals.com or Euro Leagues, tall guys are still out there. 

The change has witnessed an evolution in their game.  We now see Big Men such as Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Kristaps Porzingis playing the power forward position and developing 3-point range.  When responding to the question five friends who follow basketball provided me input on the Big Man’s role, the comments below belong to them.  

“With defenses focusing on guards and shooting forwards, a super star center will explode into the scene that can exploit them at some point.  Besides, you still can’t teach height...” 

“I think the 3 (point line) will remain the most common setup for the foreseeable future, but some teams will be able to build around very special big men.” 

“As coaches at college levels look for an advantage, the trend will move back, and those talented big men will return.”

“I don’t believe we will ever go back to inside-out.  It takes a special skill to play with you back to the basket and no one is teaching it.  The footwork and handling of the ball is not taught anymore so the hook shot is a thing of the past.  No matter how tall a kid is he is taught to face up, shoot the jumper.”

“I believe (a player similar to) Kareem could play in any era.”

These are the thought of my friends, ask your friends and associates their view of the same question.  

The NFL

Rest assured despite the headline this remains a basketball blog, we are discussing the NFL because it continues to struggle.  The most popular fan sport in America and they cannot get there act together.  Despite the fact NFL players can take a position it appears ownership has no desire to back them up.  Point in case, NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem and Colin Kaepernick.  Finally, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell address racism but only after Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and others had a PSA running. 

The NBA certainly exhibited problems at times, the black balling of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and former Clippers owner Donald Sterling could be cited.  It would appear the NBA has a better working relationship with its employees over the NFL.  I probably could be proven wrong; I just do not believe the NBA would allow a controversy to drag on and on and on.  Technically it remains unsolved, not a single NFL owner is willing to offer Colin Kaepernick the opportunity to prove he cannot play in the NFL. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Pandemic

ESPN is reporting NBA players and staff will be tested every other day before heading to Orlando.  The article indicated the NBA has partnered with Quest Diagnostics for the test.  The report did not specify what might occur should a player test positive after the season begins, stay tuned.   

A poor choice

Mizzou scheduled a home and home series in 2021-22 and 2022-23 with Liberty University in Lynchburg (VA).  It is my opinion Liberty is a poor choice for scheduling a basketball game.  Liberty is a Division I program however that is not the issue, the concern is the school not the basketball team.  The university has become a lightning rod of controversy in a few areas. 

Understand this we are talking games played two and three years from now, surely Mizzou could have located an opponent other than Liberty.  They could have scheduled St. Louis University, Missouri State or SE Missouri State.  Rather than bore you with the issues I see with this scheduling check for yourself, Google Liberty University and other information sites.   

It is a mystery

Every spring this Laker fan attempts to explore the pick of my favorite team in the draft.  Generally, I have been able to pair the potential list of Laker picks down to two or three players but not this year.  There has been plenty of proposals to replace Rajon Rondo which lends credence to that pick being a point guard.  On the other hand, the Lakers could do as the “old Dallas Cowboys.”  They could choose the best athlete available keep the pick or trade it to fill a need. 

At the top of most mock draft sites 1-5 have been interchanged since the start of last season.  The Lakers with the 29^th pick have moved all over the map.  As an example, check the number below. I stopped at five, as you can see none of these mocks have selected the same player for the Lakers.  By October 15 this could all change, but you can see my confusion as to who the Lakers might choose.  Guess I will just wait for the draft. 

Elijah Hughes 6-6 shooting guard Syracuse nbadraft.net

Paul Reed 6-9 power forward DePaul nbadraftroom.com

Cassius Winston 6-1-point guard Michigan State nbcsports.com

Devon Dotson 6-2-point guard Kansas bleacherreport.com

Nico Mannion 6-3-point guard Arizona cbssports.com

Changes in HOF voting

I hate to be an “I told you so” however I expressed an opinion earlier and it will now be addressed.  Several years back news media identified North Carolina

basketball had a troubled academic program.  The coach was identified as part of the problem and that would-be Roy Williams, Hall of Fame Roy Williams.  I remember questioning at the time why the HOF allows active coaches in the HOF but demands former players must wait years to be enshrined.  The Naismith Hall of Fame sought to correct this issue by changing a portion of the eligibility requirements. 

Rick Pitino long-time Louisville coach was terminated due to improper activities with the basketball program.  I would like to refer to these recent changes instituted by the Naismith Committee as the “Rick Pitino” rule.  Coaches now are now required to have coached 25 years or more in addition they must reach a minimum age of 60 years.  Those two changes do not go all the way however they certainly address a concern I once raised.  Evidence could be exposed regarding a coach with 30 years and age 65 but it is highly unlikely.  

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

This is interesting

A website score.com compiled the top 5 cities producing NBA talent in the nation.  The list is not earth shattering except in one instance, here goes.  Number 5. Houston-not shocking, 4. Toronto-okay, 3. St. Louis-surprise surprise, 2. Chicago-somewhat expected, 1. Los Angeles-no shock.  All the metros mentioned are huge compared to St. Louis, the metro is the 20th largest in the nation.  As proof of basketball talent that grew up in the metro we have:  

Bradley Beal

Ben McClemore

Patrick McCaw

Jayson Tatum

Otto Porter  

You can’t handle the truth!

On the witness stand while testifying the above statement was made by Colonel Jessep (Jack Nicholson) to the question asked by Lieutenant Kaffe (Tom Cruise).  In case you have not seen the 1992 movie it dealt with the court-martial of two Marine Corps enlisted men charged with murder.  Kaffe says to Jessep, “I want the truth” (of the events leading to the death of the Marine).  After being badgered by the questions Colonel Jessep yells at Kaffe, “You can’t handle the truth!”. 

The truth on closer examination exactly what occurred regarding Zion Williamson attending Duke?  The agency that once represented him is now suing, they claim “He should have never been eligible to enroll at Duke.”  Exactly what is the truth behind the statement?  Was Duke involved in some sort of covert action to secure the services of Zion?  If true was Coach K. aware of this activity?  Is the former representative of Zion repeating the line from that old James Brown hit, "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing?"  

“Shut up and dribble”

The headline was a media members response at the time LeBron James spoke.  This person was not pleased as he discussed what he perceived as social injustice.  Is this the view of many others, dribble the basketball and score baskets?  News events occur and impact all, if it affects a LeBron James and others why do they receive so much push back any time they venture into a discussion other than their sport.  We read GM Branch Ricky had to demand Jackie Robinson quell his fiery temper for 1947 America. 

A segment of Bill Russell’s autobiography details a story while playing for the Celtics.  Russell indicated he lived in a Boston suburb, every time he returned from a road trip or Boston Garden it was late night.  A police officer on patrol would begin following him to his residence, it was known Russell lived in the city, so it was not exactly a secret.  Tired of this practice one night he drove through the city at a high rate of speed, Russell claims that was the last time the police tailed him. 

America is now well into the 21^st Century, a great deal of progress has been made regarding racial relations.  At the same time views of the past remain in our everyday lives by large groups of people.  No one should be able to force their opinion on you or anyone, at the same time this is not 1947.  LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, and others are going to speak out regarding race and social issues.  If it offends you that athletes are voicing their opinions perhaps you should choose something other than professional sports to follow.  

I hope he is better than advertised

Although there was no opportunity to see him in person, I witnessed Anthony , Edwards in action on television.  His Georgia Bulldogs came into Columbia (MO) on January 28, they left the arena with a 72-69 loss.  Keep in mind Mizzou finished the season with a losing record but managed to stop Anthony Edwards.  Edwards has been at or near the top of most NBA mock drafts all season long. 

Mizzou held Edwards to 9-24 shooting from the floor and 3-12 from the 3-point line.  Edwards did lead the way scoring 23 points but appeared somewhat ineffective at times.  I must hope Edwards poor performance that day was based on facing a good Mizzou defense.  Now here is the defense, Mizzou despite its poor record played outstanding defense at points during the season, the game versus Georgia was one of those times.   

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Summer basketball

For the first time in like forever there is NO BASKETBALL being played!  The NBA is restarting next month, and it appears college basketball will start on time but.  The BUT, there is no summer basketball, we are accustomed to AAU play occurring over the next several months.  

This play usually culminates with tournaments being held all over the nation and a large one occurring in Las Vegas near the end of July. The pandemic has impacted the summer high school game, and this will be a long-hot summer with no basketball.  On the other side as was mentioned above NBA Training Camps open July 9 and run till July 29.  On July 30 NBA Part Deux will begin.  So, there will be basketball on the pro level throughout the summer however none at the amateur level, so all is not lost.

He was one of the best
If we held a discussion of All-Time great centers its likely no one mentions Artis Gilmore’s name. The usual suspects are always Wilt, Kareem, Russell and maybe Shaq and Bob Lanier. There are other centers the late Nate Thurmond and David Robinson also might come to mind.  Sorry Tim Duncan fans great as he was the bulk of his play was spent as a power forward.  As for Gilmore during his combined ABA/NBA career he scored over 24,000 points and had nearly 12,000 rebounds.  Despite beginning his career in the ABA, Gilmore spent more time with the Bulls and Spurs than he did with the Kentucky Colonels.  

Why is Gilmore so invisible you ask yourself, it is likely his demeanor?  Shaq and Wilt’s personality drew the media to them; Russell did as well although not in the same manner.  Gilmore nicknamed The A-Train “quietly” scored, rebounded the basketball, and blocked shots for three franchises.  He was born 70 years ago in Chipley Florida and arrived in the ABA from Jacksonville University.  In 2011 a long over-due honor came his way as he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.  Gilmore’s name is enshrined in several other Hall of Fame’s throughout the Nation.  Currently reports indicate Gilmore is active in the Jacksonville community since his playing days ended.

History of televised college basketball

College basketball has been broadcast on television since 1940 when the first experimental game was telecast from Madison Square Garden.  World War II impacted the growth of television especially in the sports world however basketball would gain a toe hold in this new medium of mass communication.  During the 1950’s we’d witness an increasing number of basketball games become available however they were regionally telecast.  

Those reading this under age 40 might find it difficult to believe in this day of ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports Network, and the YES Network there were no nationally telecast games prior to the mid- ‘60’s.  No coast to coast telecast for basketball only regional.  The landscape would change forever in January 1968, number one UCLA led by Lew Alcindor faced Elvin Hayes leader of the University of Houston.  The TVS Network was able to string together a gathering of network and independent stations to link up forming a national television audience.  

The game was played in Houston’s Astrodome before 100,000 fans and would become the first ever nationally televised college basketball game.  Many trace that game for the groundwork that would become the sports networks of today.  Eddie Einhorn owner of TVS sold his interest in the network in 1980 although still operating today it is on a much smaller scale than its heyday.  The history cannot be compiled in a few sentences however this is intended to provide a brief overview. 

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

Re-Alignment   

In the early days of the NBA geography and time-zones was not a factor.  Most of the teams in a smaller league were on the East Coast and in the same time zone.  Over the year’s expansion has witnessed NBA teams reaching the Pacific Northwest, Northern and Southern California.  Awhile back I indicated the Grizzlies were in the Western Conference instead of the east where they belong in my view, Memphis is in the Central Time Zone the same as Chicago and Milwaukee which play in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. 

Geography places the city east of the Mississippi River; generally, the river is considered the dividing line between the eastern and western portion of the nation.  How did we arrive here might be your next question? Many of you may have forgotten or were too young to realize the franchise came into the NBA as an expansion team in Vancouver. The Grizzlies began play in 1995 and lasted in the Canadian city until 2001, after the season they located to their present home base Memphis. A Vancouver British Columbia home meant the team came into the NBA as a Western Conference team. The NBA brain-trust allowed the team to change locations but failed to consider a west versus east move.

Record keeping   

We mentioned we have no idea the blocked shot totals of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.  It was pointed out the NBA would not begin totaling that figure until the following season after Chamberlain retired, Russell had retired four years earlier.  It was not just the NBA the NCAA did not compile two interesting stats as well.  In the 1950’s and even earlier rebounds and assist totals were not included in a players performance.  Why this existed in the NCAA and the NBA for that matter is a mystery for the ages.  At some point we guess someone said, “Don’t you think it might be a good idea to compile assists and block shot totals for a player?” 

McDonald All-Americans need not apply

Mizzou’s made offers to 25 prospective Class of 2021 athletes.  Of the number only 5 are deemed 5-star or the best of the best according to most rating sites.  This writer has long believed McDonald’s All Americans/5-star prospects are not required for every roster spot.  Here is what I find interesting of Mizzou recruiting, rarely are 5-star prospects sought by Coach Cuonzo Martin.  Rest assured if a Michael Porter Jr. falls in your lap you add him, for the most part you do not recruit them.  

In this instance I am only posing the question I do not have an answer.  If we look at the proverbial Top 10 schools like Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina they heavily recruit 5-star prospects and their rosters are full of them.  These schools annually play deep into the NCAA Championship.  Perhaps the answer might be simpler than we thought, maybe Coach Cuonzo believes a collection of 4- and 3-star prospects might be superior to one 5-star prospect.

Pronounce it correctly please 

I have a difficult last name to pronounce, since I was a little boy, I have heard all types of attempts to say my name.  Those people who know me and have heard it pronounce have no trouble, I am talking about the doctor’s office, DMV, and the like.  With the influx of foreign players into the NBA several names are quite difficult to pronounce but I try, I listen to media members and emulate them.  One name that continues to baffle me after years is Giannis Antetokounmpo no matter how many times, I attempt to pronounce it I mess up.  There are several players in the NBA with exceedingly difficult names to pronounce, in fact, some have difficult first names.

Once I was viewing a Bulls-Celtic game and listening to the player introductions reminds me of a story. Public address announcers might need to be more conscious of the correct pronunciation than maybe a television or radio broadcaster. On a personal note when meeting someone for the first time I try and place a mental photo in my mind how to pronounce their name.  It does not always work however sometimes it does, naturally, the easiest name to remember is someone with thesame as yours. Back to the story, early in his NBA career a public address announcer mispronounced Robert Horry’s name during introductions. He said, “From the University of Alabama 6-10 Robert Horry.” The player visited with the public address announcer after the game and said, “My name is pronounced orry, the H is silent.”

Basketball from a fan’s perspective

A decision is forthcoming

Jonathan Kuminga is a Rivals 5-star prospect, in addition Kuminga was noted as the most talented athlete in the Class of 2021 until recently.  What occurred to change his ranking, reclassification and Kuminga is now a member in the Class of 2020?  Kuminga played at St. Elizabeth in Newark New Jersey and earlier at Huntington Prep in West Virginia. 

For those unfamiliar with the youngster he is a 6-foot-8 210-pound small forward.  Although he’s played basketball for two stateside high schools, he is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo a nation in Central Africa. He provides us little detail of his college destination although there were 29 scholarships offered earlier.  Kuminga is a potential talent to follow in the fall whatever school he decides to attend.     

Just an opinion

A few weeks back we discussed the possibility of the NBA returning to Kansas City one day, we examined a team name ahead of all the logistics.  The subject is front and center again and the name is finalized for the team, at least by this writer.  The name must be the Kansas City Monarchs, as you remember this historic baseball team was formed in 1920 in the Negro Leagues. 

The Monarchs would play championship caliber baseball until 1965. Among its alumni were Jackie Robinson who broke the color barrier in major league baseball.  The long-time Cubs shortstop Ernie Banks also played for the Monarchs, both are Hall of Fame honorees and baseball legends.  Kansas City might not have the Big City name of a New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, but it has Kansas City Barbeque, Jazz, and a historic connection to the Monarchs. 

Wonder why? 
It does not matter where you play the game, it could be in Denver or Dubai, Venice Italy or Venice California, Paris France, or Paris Texas.  The regulation height for a basketball goal is 10 feet (304.8 centimeters) from the floor.  Have you ever been curious enough to discover how Dr. James Naismith decided on that height in his original 13 Rules of Basketball?  Perhaps I am providing information you were already aware of. 

For those who do not know I am happy you asked the question, in 1891 the peach basket he hung was attached to the railing on the running track of the Springfield (MA) YMCA.  The height of the railing was exactly 10 feet above the floor.  The 7-foot giants able to reach the basket with dunks and other shots today were quite uncommon back then, the average American male back then stood a little over 5 feet 8 inches tall.  

I do not think so 
This from an earlier account repeated for some.  A report circulated Mizzou quarterback Drew Lock would join the basketball team after the season.  Lock can play, he was a two-sport athlete at Lees Summit HS (MO) however he’s got the NFL in his future.  No need of risking injury playing football especially as a quarterback.  As for others that is a different story.  I tell the story all the time I first saw former Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzales on the basketball court playing for Cal.  Gonzales played on the Cal football team too. 

The Chargers Antonio Gates has been an all-pro tight end, at Kent State he was a basketball player.  Must be something about pass catching tight ends, the Chiefs have Demetrius Harris on their roster.  Unlike a few others he played no football in college strictly basketball.  Years ago, the late Hank Stram drafted 6-foot 10-inch Morris Stroud in 1970 as a you guessed it a tight end.  If the occasion arose the coach would have Stroud stand next to the goal post and attempt to knock down any intended field goal, a rule was later passed outlawing this practice. Now switching gears, how about the Mavs Willie Cauley-Stein a 7-foot-wide receiver in high school or wide receiver LeBron James.  

On the other hand, we have former All-Pro wide receiver Randy Moss.  Moss never played basketball at Marshall however he did in high school.  NBA vet Jason “White Chocolate” Williams was a teammate of Moss; we can only take his word on this.  He claims Moss was “good enough to play in the NBA.”  There you have it a brief glimpse of NFL athletes who played basketball and football but in some instance's basketball only.  UPDATE: Lock never suited up for Mizzou but now wears an NFL Broncos jersey.