Hardwood (No Homo) Issues

Okay...let's talk some hoops today. Not my predictions on the season, we'll have to wait a couple weeks for that, besides...I haven't taken an in depth look at college yet. We're going to talk about a few things that's been on my mind.

DRESS CODE: Now, I'm really confused on what the NBA thought the players reaction would be and I'm also surprised that David Stern is taking this "I am God of the NBA and you must follow my orders or else" stance. Let me first say that when I see some of these guys with doo-rags and throwbacks on, I say to myself: "Look at these clowns." However, that's how they dress.

Now, I don't have a problem with a dress code, but the language the NBA and the people who support the dress code is using seems racial. If they would have said, you must wear a suit with a tie to each game, I probably wouldn't mind too much. However, when they start saying they don't want doo-rags, throwbacks, jewelry and they don't want their players portraying "Thuggery and prison lifestyle" you just have to pump your brakes.

Now, this isn't a NBA issue...this is a societal issue. This is another case of old white men telling young black men what they can and can not do. Are they going to have to cut their cornrolls and dreads next? You might think I'm going to far, but think about it. These guys aren't trying to promote a thug lifestyle. That's just how they dress. That's just how I dress. If there are people can't distinguish the difference between the clothes people wear and how people act, then that's those short-minded folks problem and nobody elses.

USA BASKETBALL: Recently it's come out that Coach K (I will not attempt to spell his name) will be coaching the Men's Senior national team through the 2008 Olympics. I personally would've gotten Mike D'Antonio or Gregg Popavich because they have extensive international experience, but Coach K isn't a bad choice. The College game is more closely related to international ball and the way Coach K's teams play offensively and defensively is condusive to international ball.

Here's the problem, he's still a college coach. I know he is a well respected coach, but if Larry Brown could get respect out of some of the young guys, how is Coach K going to do it? That got me to thinking just exactly how will this team look? I think I have some ideas.

First of all, you have to have some Blue Devils on there. Some guys that you KNOW will give Coach K the respect he deserves. I got four on this team; Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Chris Duhon and Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Now, you're gonn a have some young guys as role players who haven't been corrupted to the point where they're not going to listen; Raymond Felton, Dwight Howard, Kyle Korver, Emeka Okafor.

Now, you just need some guys who can just put the ball in the hoop when you need a big shot. Guys who are going to be leaders at the end of games; Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Amare Stoudemire.

I kind of like that team too.