Ramble, Young Man, Ramble

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

February 2001

I'm going to be straightforward: I have no clue what I'm going to write about. February is almost over; but, nothing has struck a nerve to move me to flow as smoothly in one direction as in previous commentaries. All I know is basketball will be the topic in some form or fashion.

First, why are students at colleges / universities running on the floor so much? In the past, rushing the floor was reserved for beating a top 5 team on your home court or ending an opponent's long winning streak, etc. However, fans rush the floor after simple victories. Georgetown fans rushed the court after their Hoyas beat Syracuse. Why? Syracuse wasn't a top 5 club; and, they had been struggling lately in Big East conference play. Despite some bumps on the road in conference, the Hoyas were still a ranked team. All they did was win a conference game against a good team on their homecourt. Big deal. Yet, pandemonium erupted after the final buzzer sounded. Oh well...

The CBA (Continental Basketball Association) has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. CBA teams are suing Isiah Thomas claiming Thomas owes them hundreds of thousands of dollars. If they're right, then Zeke needs to dip into his coffers and come up with the money or agree to settle. As one owner stated, the CBA was around for fifty years and Thomas ruined it in a year and a half. Do the right thing, Isiah.

Third, it's amazing what wins can do for attendance. The Rockets have the lowest average home attendance in the NBA; and, until recently, most games at Compaq Center seemed like they were being played in a library because the crowds made no noise whatsoever. However, starting with the stirring win over the New York Knicks, the crowds have become energized. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Rockets have started playing better and winning at home. The crowd was the loudest and most involved in the Rockets' win over the Orlando Magic which, hopefully, is a sign of good things to come the rest of the season as the team makes a push for the playoffs. The more the team wins, the higher the attendance, and, I assume, the louder the crowds. I wonder how many fans (re: "suits" will complain about the high ticket prices as long as the chances of the team making the playoffs this season are a very real possibility.

Fourth, the game of basketball is broken (as I've pointed out many times); however, as the thrilling, action packed 4th quarter of this season's NBA All - Star game showed, great basketball players making great basketball plays still exists and it's also very exciting to watch. Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, and Dikembe Mutombo all stepped up big time in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the ratings for the game were at an all time low; but, maybe word will spread that the NBA can still produce some exciting, eye opening action. Next, I'm happy and relieved to see the ratings for the XFL are taking a plunge, because if that nonsense would have succeeded in the ratings I would have puked; stopped the Review; and applied for a job as an XFL analyst. I'm sure I'm qualified for the job.

March Madness is almost here; and though I've seen numerous college games this season (as usual), I have no clue which teams will be in the Final Four. My bracket predictions the last few years have left a lot to be desired. But, since I'm a glutton for punishment, I'll fill out the bracket again and hope I at least get 3 of the Final Four teams correct. I'm picking Stanford to win the championship which probably means they'll lose in the second round; but, if they do, so be it. Duke, Michigan State, and Florida round out my 4 for the big show. The tournament will have its share of upsets; but, I'm not going to predict any of the upsets in this piece. You'll have to listen to me on the radio and / or view the website for those "pearls of wisdom". (Yeah right.)

Lastly, if you get a chance, watch the Los Angeles Clippers play. The Clips probably have the best collection of young talent in the league. Lamar Odom, Corey Maggette, Jeff McInnis, Darius Miles and the rest are actually bringing fans to the games and respect to the organization which is a monumental accomplishment considering the how much of a laughing stock thrifty owner Donald Sterling has made the franchise. I ask you to watch the team play now because Sterling will destroy this team within the next 2 to 4 years. Lamar Odom has been the counting the days for his departure since he arrived last season. I'm sure this year's rookies have begun "the countdown", too. It's a shame because Sterling hasn't changed by now; and, it's unlikely he ever will.