Basketball

• LeBron James Makes History Against OKC

  Nov 21, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  LeBron James Makes History Against OKC

  by Z Roney

  

  On November 19th, 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Staples Center, beating them 107-112. Over the course of the game, LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, which on any other night, against any other team, would've simply been a great performance. But this time was different. This particular triple-double placed LeBron James in the record books in yet another category, making himself the pioneer for another accolade. He became the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double against all 30 franchises in the league, including those he played for (Cleveland and Miami), and the one he currently plays for now (Los Angeles). This type of achievement requires consistent, high-level playing and deliberate off-season movement – a job well done by LeBron James. However, don't expect him to be alone in this category much longer. Russell Westbrook is right on his tail, having recorded a triple-double against 29 of the 30 NBA teams – every team except, ironically, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

   

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• Luka Doncic's Record Breaking Month

  Nov 19, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  Luka Doncic's Record Breaking Month

  

  by Z Roney

  Luka Doncic's performance throughout his rookie season had all but solidified his place as one of the best players in his draft class, despite being selected 3rd overall and traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Averaging 21 points, 6 assists, and nearly 8 rebound per game, he won Rookie of the Year over the finalists Trae Young and Deandre Ayton.

   

    Only a month has passed since the opening of the new NBA season -  his sophomore season, and he is already putting up All-NBA numbers. After 13 games, he's averaging 29.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, and he currently leads the league in triple-doubles with 6.

   

    So far, the highlight of his career came in last night's game against the Spurs, where, en route to a 110-117 victory, he scored 42 points (a career high, by the way), 11 rebounds, and 12 assists. Not only is he the only Maverick in history to record a 40-point triple-double, but he's only the second player to do so before turning 21. The other player, LeBron James, was only 163 days younger than Luka when he achieved this feat, putting up a 40-10-10 stat-line.

   

    If there's one thing that's certain, Luka is definitely on track for a Hall of Fame career. Only time can tell just how much he'll blossom, and the full extent of his accomplishments.

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• James Wiseman Faces Ineligibility

  Nov 13, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  

  James Wiseman Faces Ineligibility

  by Z Roney

   

  11.14.2019    For years, there has been controversy and scrutiny involving some of the NCAA's policies. The Rich Paul rule is a recent example of this. On a broader note, the guidelines prohibiting athletes from being paid or receiving money have also been a subject of extensive debate, and have been the cause of a handful of disputed cases.

     Recently, these issues have been thrust into the spotlight once again, this time due to a ruling involving Memphis center James Wiseman. Standing at 7 feet and weighing 240 pounds, the freshman is projected to be a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft, if not the 1st overall pick. However, now his draft stock may be in jeopardy. As of last week, the NCAA made a controversial ruling regarding his eligibility to play.  Less than an hour after news broke that the NCAA had ruled Memphis freshman James Wiseman ineligible, a Shelby County judge granted the potential top pick in the 2020 NBA draft an emergency temporary restraining order, allowing Wiseman to play a game against Illinois-Chicago.

     Wiseman’s attorney, Leslie Ballin, said that Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway helped pay for Wiseman and his family to move to Memphis in 2017 during his junior year of high school. Hardaway “provided $11,500 in moving expenses … unbeknownst to James,” according to a statement from the University of Memphis. Ballin said that action caused the NCAA to deem Hardaway a booster.

     Blake Ballin, another Wiseman attorney, said the NCAA sent a letter before Wiseman’s collegiate debut Tuesday deeming him ineligible, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The 7-foot-1 Wiseman would play in that game anyway, a 97-64 win over South Carolina State, and had 28 points and 11 rebounds for the No. 14 Tigers. 

     Given the circumstances, the benefit his family received was impermissible by NCAA standards.  If this verdict is passed, Wiseman's appeal to NBA scouts will no doubt be stained. The program at Memphis is currently working to resolve this issue; in the meantime, he is continuing to play for the team, having contributed in their past two games.

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• A New Season

  Nov 6, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  A New Season - NCAA

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

  by Z Roney

   

  11.6.2019 Last night was the opening night for the highly awaited, highly anticipated NCAA basketball season. It is an opportunity for hard-core basketball fans to observe the next wave of talent coming into the league, as well as to enjoy sound fundamentals, ball movement, and teamwork.

   

  The NCAA did not fail to provide us with a handful of appealing match-ups. The Kentucky Wildcats played the Michigan State Spartans last night, beating them 62-69, with freshman Tyrese Maxey scoring a game-high 26 points. Duke also had a close game, narrowly escaping defeat with a two-point victory against Kansas behind Tre Jone's 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Saint Mary's beat Wisconsin 65-63 behind Jordan Ford's 26 points.

   

  One of the more exciting aspects of the college basketball season is the chance for scouts, fans, and media alike to analyze future NBA draft prospects. The NCAA features many probable lottery picks, including North Carolina's Cole Anthony, Georgia's Anthony Edwards, and Memphis' James Wiseman. This season, like another, will be a stage on which players can develop their game, nurture their competitive drive, and utilize their potential.

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• Anthony Davis Sets New Lakers Record

  Oct 30, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  When you look at the box score for the Lakers' last game, one thing that immediately jumps out at you would be the 40 points and 20 rebounds from Anthony Davis. To date, this is a season-best performance from him, and an impressive feat for his fourth official game with this franchise. Moreover, this was a record-breaking night; in addition to playing only 31 minutes (that's three quarters) and shooting 7-of-17 from the field, he knocked down an astonishing 26 free-throws in 27 attempts. Not only is this a career-high for him, but its also a Lakers franchise record.

  If you look at this from a more historical stand-point, this performance becomes even more significant. Anthony Davis was the first Laker to score 40 points and grab 20 rebounds since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003; but, that's not it – if you add the 26 free-throws, when this would only be the second time such a performance has occurred. There has only been one other player who has put up at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 25 free-throws - and that was Wilt Chamberlain en route to his 100-point game.

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