basketball
The world of Basketball detailed by the voices of the unathletic. Discussing play, culture, and, of course, who's the best. Trust the Process.
If You're on the Fence About Leaving Your Sport: Read This
From the moment I could walk, I had a basketball in my hands. Of course, I tried almost every sport under the sun from softball to soccer to volleyball but in the end, I knew basketball was my sport. In middle school, I was a leading scorer and in 8th grade, made the game-winning shot to win the championship. During travel ball in the summer, I got more MVP and All-Tournament trophies and medals than could fit on my shelves. In high school, I helped lead my school to the first district championship in girl's basketball and by my senior year, to their first state championship appearance. A lot more happened from my freshman year to my senior year. My name was in the paper, I was interviewed and posted about online, and I played in multiple All-Star games even after my senior season was over. That's just the short version.
By Elise Spiller8 years ago in Unbalanced
Are Superteams Good for Sports?
Sport produces two types of fans. The casual fan who will take in a game for leisure or simply the aesthetic of the sport. And then you have the die-hard. The die-hard is there week in and week out. They have jerseys, know the players' origin stories, and let them tell that they could run their organization better than management via their fantasy team. Super teams for both sets of fans have differing consequences. On the one hand, the casual fan who is only here to be entertained enjoys the dominance that the Golden State Warriors bring to the table. The die-hard outside of Oakland, of course, hates this scenario. Parity in sport has always been ideal to maximize interest and so profits. The more teams with a realistic chance to reach the pinnacle means a healthy league and in turn a profitable one. While the notion of multiple Hall of Famers joining forces is not new, there is certainly a trend.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
A Case for the Warriors as an All-Time Great Team
Perspective is important. Generational perspective in terms of the greats is apparent. Previous generations are often outgrown as the current one evolves and as they refuse to do so. Just as thoughts and ideals evolve, so do sports. The game of basketball has grown inside out. The days of low post dominance have evolved into 30 footers and pick and roll basketball. The game’s attempt to draw a larger international audience has changed the way the game is played. Positionless basketball now has an imprint on the game. Where in the 90s you needed a dominant big man, you now need a guard who can control the tempo. Phil Jackson’s attempt to revamp the triangle in New York is just one example. The league has caught up to conventional styles of basketball philosophy and as the game adapts, so do the players. 20 years prior, Kevin Durant would have been told to bulk up for a lifetime of banging in the post. In 2017, he is a 7'2" guard.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Young and Done
Trae Young has drawn many comparisons over the course of this season, from Stephen Curry to Damien Lillard to Kyrie Irving. Certainly, leading the NCAA in both points and assists as a true freshman garners a certain level of attention. Attention that some would say ultimately derailed the Sooners season leading to an early NCAA tournament exit at the hands of Rhode Island 83-78, lack of defense being the standout answer to the Sooners woes. Regardless, Trae was front and center for all of it. ESPN gave the super frosh around the clock coverage. He was the best player in college basketball averaging 27 points and almost 9 assists leading a team that finished 11-20 with nearly the same roster from a year ago to a top 5 ranking and the NCAA tournament. He performed well on the biggest of stages in front of scouts and lookers on which has ultimately led to his decision to leave early and enter the NBA Draft as a freshman.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Biggest Contracts in NBA History
Professional sports involves a lot of dedication and team-building. You can't buy that kind of passion, but if you take a look at the business end of things, it's clear you can definitely incentivize top athletes to put their everything into the game.
By Riley Raul Reese8 years ago in Unbalanced
The NCAA Problem
If the news out of Arizona regarding basketball coach Sean Miller surprised you this weekend, you haven’t been paying attention. College athletics are magnificent in their awesome camaraderie and regarded as a cornerstone of the American College experience. They are also magnificent in their malignant corruption and a model of antiquity in a modern world. While you’d like to believe that the heart of the NCAA has good intentions, after 2018, it may be hard to continue convincing people of that.
By Patrick O'Neill8 years ago in Unbalanced
Prep to Pro
Mike Krzyzewski made headlines in early November of 2017 when talking about the current one and done rule and how it impacts student athletes. “I would totally be for kids being able [to go to the NBA], and have always been in favor of kids being able to go right to the pros. And not putting any restrictions on them as to how long they have to stay. I think that’s not right.” Strong words from a man that has built his program as of late off one and done talent. Coach K is a one and done coach now and the institution of the rule has forced the blue bloods around college basketball to play ball. Whether or not the rule is good for college basketball is irrelevant. The issue is and should always be the kids first.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Goat Talk...
Kobe’s number 8 and 24 jerseys were retired earlier this year and straight from Magic’s mouth the words “Greatest Laker” were uttered. The greatest player in a franchise that saw Cap, Magic, Baylor, West, and many others, Bryant stands atop them. A legendary career ended a few years ago with a closeout game fit for a storybook 20 years in the making, in the form of a 60-ball from Bryant. Kobe gave us memories that will never be forgotten. From 81 points in a game to the lob to Shaq in game seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Trailblazers, he has given the fans something to remember. More than that he gave us a storyline to go with it. The great ones have something to cling to. Jordan had his maniacal competitive spirit, and Magic was the most likable man in sports with an infectious smile and personality.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
Should the Celtics Really Target Anthony Davis?. Top Story - December 2017.
For years, the Celtics looked like the biggest hoarders in sports as they continued to stockpile pick after pick while waiting to pull the trigger as stars continued to change teams. After Paul George was moved for what seemed like nothing at the time, people expected Danny Ainge’s house to look like one of those homes you see cluttered with garbage he’s held onto over the years, except his wall will be covered with scouting reports on players in every draft from 2014 until 2024. You don’t realize it’s a sickness is until you see that Ainge has had a picture of Luka Doncic hanging on his wall for nearly four years.
By Dan O'Shea8 years ago in Unbalanced
The Association's New Villain
Personableness can carry a lot of weight. Whether or not someone likes a player can determine the trajectory of the player's career. In sports, being likable impacts the athlete's legacy. That is what the great ones are playing for. How guys are remembered, whether fair or unfair, in a lot of cases is determined by things that occur off the field of play.
By Kyle Jordan Ferguson8 years ago in Unbalanced
