Another week in Hoops

My time in Los Angeles draws to a close but just because I'm on the west coast I've clearly been following what's going on in the basketball world. I finally got a chance to hoop in LA and the game is just as I anticipated. Strictly fast break without the flash-n-flare ball handling skills that's displayed in Chicago as well as the NYC. Overall I stand my claim Chicago truly does have the best ball players my city has the best overall players in the country and have the most heart. Let it be known the NBA MVP does hail from the Windy City.

Speaking of the Windy City, props to Derrick Rose for being pissed of at the Indiana Pacer for celebrating on the United Center floor after defeating the Chicago Bulls earlier this week. The rest of the club should have been just as upset Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen would have not allowed the other team to celebrate on our home court. Once again that just shows the Chicago mentality when it comes to basketball WE DO THIS!!!!!!!!

I have no idea what's going on with my Fighting ILLINI?!?!? It seems once they're ranked, that's when they start losing. This team is young but it starts and ends with Meyers Leonard who needs to become more dominant in the post. The legit 7'0 center has pro potential but is not using his skills at all times. DJ Richardson & Brandon Paul have shown promise but still this teams needs to do better or they'll end up in the NIT like they did two years ago.

The D-League of College Basketball aka the Kentucky Wildcats are once again #1 in the nation. The Cats are clicking and Anthony Davis is playing like 2012 #1 NBA pick that everyone projects. Expect this group to cut down the nets in April.

Shaq in Boston - Pippen HOF Week

Basketball might be over but there was still plenty of action that took place in the NBA the past two weeks so let's recap:

Two former Chicago Crane high schools point guards signed NBA contracts. Will Bynum re-signed with the Detroit Pistons which was a solid move by Joe Dumars because now Rodney Stuckey has a quality backup lead guard in Bynum. I've seen Will "Da Thrill" play since he was 15 and don't be surprised if Stuckey is the one coming off the bench. Remember against the Wizards "Da Thrill" was one assist away from tying Isiah Thomas mark for most dimes in a game. Will has also gotten better every year in has career and I'm always happy when Chi-Town players do well.

After not being drafted in this year's NBA Draft, Sherron Collins signed a two-year deal with the Charlotte Bobcats. Collins will have the chance to compete with Shaun Livingston for the backup point guard spot. With Livingston's history of not being able to remain healthy, the former Kansas All-American should fit well with the young Cats. Somewhere Anthony Longstreet and Tim Anderson are proud of these guys. Both Collins & Bynum have strong handles but Collins is a better shooter.

Speaking of Bynum, hopefully he can rack up plenty of assist with his new teammate Tracy McGrady. After discussions with the Bulls did not fall though, the former scoring champ signed a 1-year deal in Motor City. If T-Mac can give the Pistons 20 mpg or 15 PPG, he'll be a lock for Comeback POY. Let's hope that back holds up.

Double honors for the greatest sidekick in NBA history Scottie Pippen. Yesterday Pippen asked the G.O.A.T. to stand with him while being inducted into Springfield. Growing up in Chicago, I've had the pleasure of seeing the development of #33 until his retirement with the Bulls in 2004. The Rocket and Blazers years do not count. During the 90s' the basketball debate was who the was second best player? The answer was Scottie Pippen. Durant, McGrady, Horry, Rudy Gay, LeBron should all thank Pippen as he reinvented the point forward position.  Congrats Scottie!!!!!!!!