Random Thoughts

[ddthetide]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

Couple of random thoughts that came into my head this evening.

First, watching the UCLA/Pitt game, I wanted to scratch my eyes out. I understand that UCLA made it to the final game last year and is one win away from making the Final Four again so the success they are having is undeniable. But I can't help but wonder if the style of play is going to hurt them in the long run. Will top athletes want to go there and play like that? I wouldn't. Athletes want to get out and play the game. Ben Howland's style stiffles them so much that I can't imagine that it's too much fun to play. The best athletes want to go to places like UNC, Kansas, Texas, etc., where coaches let them play their games. I think it's going to hurt them in the long run.

Second, while watching the UNC/USC game, I was struck by how athletic and fun the Trojans are to watch. They were eventually worn down by the superior talent of the Heels but they played a very good game and didn't surprise me one bit. U could see those guys having fun on the court. Next year, they have one of the most hyped high schoolers in recent yeard in OJ Mayo coming in. If he's as good as advertised, and if their two juniors come back next year, they could be a really good team. They would be my choice to win the Pac 10 and be a serious threat for the national title. Think about it. If u are a good high school player, could there be many better situations than USC? They are an up and coming team, play in a major conference, are located in the nations number two media market, have a new arena, and have a coach with NBA experience that could help u get there.

Third, I've always wondered why some schools don't field powerhouse sports teams year after year in every sport. The following schools should be really good every year: Arizona St., UCLA, USC, Miami, Georgia Tech, St. John's. They play in big cities (major media markets), have great weather, accept for St. John's, and play in major conferences. No excuses to why some years they aren't top notch.

Fourth, while watching Kobe Bryant go for 50+ for the fourth straight game, I couldn't help but notice a couple of things. Kobe's scoring is masking some real problems for this team. Yeah, they've been able to win the four game but they have not been playing well at all. They've needed every one of his points in all four games to barely beat some of the worst teams in the league. None of the four they've beaten are currently in playoff position yet the Lakers are struggling to barely beat them. The real issues aren't being addressed because of everyone being clouded by his greatness. Make no mistake about it, he's a great, great player. But look at a couple of things from the team during this run. They have given up 109.3 per game to Portland, Memphis, Minnesota, and New Orleans. That's unacceptable. Kobe's taken 140 shots and has 11 assists. He's taken 33 3pt shots in the four games, far too many for a player that can get to the basket at will. The team has taken 21.5 3pt shots per game. Too many. They can get away with this junk versus the teams they have played. But the good teams are going to take them apart.

the UCLA-Pitt game, you had ex-head and assistant coach against each other. you were watching the same team and system in different color jerseys.

UNC, is the same system now that they ran 35 years ago! the only change in all that time in the 3-pt line ! Coach Williams learned his lesson well! it's great to still see a team use a 10 man rotation.

most of the city kids don't want to stay in the cities.4 of the schools you listed are pretty good football schools and repution plays a part in it.. it's sad to see st john's and depaul not good at all. the rules have changed so much and talent is more evenly distributed coaches like carnasecca and myer can't build city programs like that anymore. carnasecca used to have a big place italy and would take the team over there for a couple weeks during the summer and play.
look at some of the great old teams that have fallen by the wayside. san fransico, cincinnati, texas western (UTEP). they were replace for awhile by GT and arizona. now GT has slipped.

[Mortimer]

Random Thought:





What are they talking about!!

[King Glorious]

Lakers follow up the winning streak by losing three of four at home to Memphis, Houston, and Denver. They haven't beaten a team with a record over .500 since February 26th. Since the start of February, they are 2-9 against teams with winning records, 1-4 at home and 1-5 on the road. Way to build on the momentum built up during Kobe's streak.

[timmgirvan]

KG: you can blame the injuries or not,but this teams' dynamic is OFF. Kobe is great,but he has no cape...and Mgt hasn't seen fit to change things around for this season at least.

[King Glorious]

I understand about injuries. They can really disrupt a team. But I have seen Houston play through the injuries to McGrady and Ming. Miami lost Wade and won nine straight. Granted, it's the East but still. Maybe no team has been hit harder by injuries than the New Orleans Hornets yet even though they won't make the playoffs, they never once stopped playing hard and fighting every night with whatever they can put out there. U don't see that from the Lakers. Defense is something that any superstar or replacement for an injured superstar can play. But the Lakers don't put forth the effort on that end of the court.

The thing is, YOU know Kobe isn't Superman. I know Kobe isn't Superman. We both know he's a tremendously talented offensive player, the most unstoppable scorer in the league. But living here in Southern California, listening to the media and fans here, u would swear that Kobe IS Superman. They think of Phil as some kind of genius. They win five straight against non-playoff teams and Kobe goes off on a scoring binge and everyone thinks all is right in the world. They didn't see that the same problems still existed, even in the streak. The past four games have proven that. All this talk about Kobe being in the running for MVP is silly to me. They need an award for most outstanding player. I wouldn't have a problem with him getting that. But an MVP has to take their team not just to higher levels than they would without him, but to high levels period. As far as being most valuable to his team, I can't see how Kobe is moreso to the Lakers than:

Elton Brand, Clippers
Chris Paul, Hornets
Gilbert Arenas, Wizards
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Wolves
LeBron James, Cavs
Pau Gasol, Grizzlies
Carlos Boozer, Jazz
Michael Redd, Bucks

To me, the MVP, the way it is decided, has to be a combination of best player and most influential to team success. In my opinion, guys like James, Nash, and Nowitzki are far ahead of Bryant.

I don't blame management for their problems as much as most people do. There just simply isn't that much they could do in most instances.

[timmgirvan]

I watched Stevie Nash the other night....and am continuing to be amazed at the flow of the game he conducts. He's my MVP!

[timmgirvan]

Laker mgt. seems to be "on a Sunday drive " at the Indy Speedway!! You'll get nothing from the Zen Master, and Mitch is layin low...and Doc plays Poker now! As long as a beer is 12.50 a cup at Staples...they won't be pressed to do much. Their product sells no matter what happens.