KEEP GETTING BETTER

This is my second straight season not coaching the game I have loved for the past 50 years.

From 2004 to 2019, I was part of a program as an assistant or head coach whether it was high school, Junior College or Division One men’s basketball.

It feels strange not being part of a program but it’s given me time to reevaluate things. It’s given me a chance to step back and recharge from the grind. It’s also helped me improve my coaching methods, observe successful coaches and watch many, many games. We ask our players to improve, right? So we as coaches should always look to get better.

Jared Ramsey of WKAR in Lansing, Michigan contacted me recently to see how I was doing and asked to do a story on me. I am humbled and grateful for Jared checking in on me.

Here’s the interview I conducted with Jared. https://www.wkar.org/post/lansing-area-basketball-coaching-legend-steve-finamore-looks-future#stream/0

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

POST ENTRY – NOT A LOST ART

Great night of hoops Thursday in the Big 14.

Michigan (16-1, 11-1) vs. Iowa (17-6, 11-5) followed by Michigan State (12-9, 6-9) – Ohio State (18-5, 12-5)

ESPN did their best to hype up the Dickinson-Garza match-up. I get it. Not often you see two very good “bigs” going against each other. Dick Vitale on the call said, “Hunter Dickinson is better than advertised.”

15:21 left in the 1st half there was a flopping warning on Franz Wagner.

3:57 left in the half Iowa up 23-21

Iowa out of the timeout, pressed full-court and caused a ten second violation. More teams should pick up fullcourt, especially after a timeout.

Halftime: Michigan 32 Iowa 29

Garza 3 for 11 for 7 points. Dickinson 4-6 FG 8 points. Just 1 assist for Iowa. Garza and Vitale had the same amount of rebounds.

15:49 left in the game, Michigan up 43-37

11:55 left Michigan up 53-46

7:53 Michigan up 62-46

Final Score: Michigan 79 Iowa 57

Franz Wagner 21 points for Michigan.

Michigan State-Ohio State

Spartans with a big win over the Buckeyes, 71-67. OSU head coach Chris Holtmann was ejected late in the game, he was not happy with the officiating.

Spartans are making a run at the NCAA tournament. They seem to have things headed in the right direction.

Aaron Henry led the way for Michigan State with 18 points on 7 of 11 shooting. “We have to continue to be hungry,” Henry said.

Buckeyes were 4 for 14 from downtown.

I’m not sure why announcers keep saying, “the entry pass is a lost art?” It isn’t. I see many good passes into the post.

The Horizon league started their post-season conference tournament. Antoine Davis of Detroit dropped 46 points in an opening round win over Robert Morris. Davis was 10 for 16 from downtown.

Happy birthday Rolando Blackman.

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

ON THE PLAYERS

Dan Dakich brought it strong on his radio show Thursday afternoon.

Everyone wants to blame the coach. Dakich says, “NOPE!”

He was talking about Indiana Hoosiers basketball.

Double D said, “It’s the players…”

“What’s the reason for not caring? The players decide,” said Dakich.

Dakich went in on the parents too. Classic, must listen commentary.

“What’s the excuse?” Dakich added. “It’s a player-driven thing. Don’t be into yourself.”

You have to hold yourself and your teammates accountable.

Honest, refreshing words everyone needs to hear.

Kyrie Irving wants the NBA to change the logo from Jerry West to Kobe Bryant. With all due respect to Kobe, one of the greatest ever I think Michael Jordan should be the logo if there is going to be a change.

Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge getting criticized for tthe latest Boston Celtics slump. This sounds like the I.U. situation – see above.

So easy to blame the coach. Easy to point fingers. Billy Donovan said it best on people with a bad attitude: “Always assuming there is something wrong with others and not yourself.”

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: hoops135@hotmail.com

PLAY WITH PACE

With 11:40 left in the first half, Seton Hall up 13-11 on Butler, the play-by-play guy goes, “It’s a one possession game.”

SMH

I told someone a few weeks ago that the New York Knicks should go after Andre Drummond. Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote about it on Wednesday. https://nypost.com/2021/02/24/knicks-analyzing-potential-andre-drummond-trade/

North Carolina played Marquette Wednesday night. Takes me back to the 1977 NCAA finals, a Marquette 67-59 victory. During last night’s game a player missed a shot and the announcer said, “That’s a feel good miss.” I have never felt good in my life after missing a shot.

Jeff Borzello of ESPN.com has a good piece on the NCAA’s “free-year” for the basketball players. Tough decision for the seniors. The story is ESPN plus so I think it’s subscription.

Hubie Brown doing the color on the Pacers – Warriors game. “Both of these teams are unselfish. You will see the extra pass. They both average 27 assists per game.” 99% of analysts would not give us that tidbit.

Steve Kerr during the Coach’s Interview. “We had a great quarter and decided to throw it away by completely losing our minds on the last 3 plays.”

Indiana (12-9) vs. Rutgers (12-10) from the RAC. Scarlet Knights win 74-63. 22 assists on 30 field goals for Rutgers.

Stephen Bardo, analyst for the Big Ten Network too concerned with the “drama” during games.

Trayce Jackson-Davis is a poor man’s Sam Perkins.

Ron Harper Jr. entered the IU game shooting 4 for his last 43 from downtown. Finished 4 for 7.

Hoosiers shoot 8 for 18 from distance. I know that’s one of the many complaints IU fans have; their lack of outside shooting. Dan Dakich on his radio show Thursday I am sure will address the IU problems…as well as his listeners.

Before the game some people were down on Rutgers, but watch out for these guys come tournament time. They can make a run.

Hoosiers have lost 3 of their last 4 games. They face Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue to close out the Big Ten regular season.

Big Ten Network with a fantastic job with their B1G Trip feature – the latest is a look back at the 1985-86 Indiana Basketball team with Coach Knight and their summer trip.

A fan at the RAC brought a whistle with them to the game. They blew it, play was stopped and Bo Boroski, the officials said if it happens again, it’s a tech. Who brings a whistle to a game?

Bo should do the National Championship game.

4:31 left in the Seton Hall-Butler game, announcer goes, “There’s a lot of time left.”

Shout to all the athletic trainers in high school and college.

Closed out Wednesday night watching Lakers-Jazz. Too many excuses about not having Anthony Davis. I’m tired of it. Shut up and play. No excuses. Early in the 3rd quarter, Mark Jackson of ESPN said the Lakers look lifeless and they’re not engaged. They were down 69-47. Lakers are on National TV tonight (Wednesday) Friday night and Sunday night. Jazz won, 114-89.

James Harden leads the NBA in minutes played at 37.9 per game. He also leads the league in assists per game at 11.2.

At the men’s D-1 level, Jalen Crutcher of the Dayton Flyers leads the nation in minutes played at 39.2 per game. Ibi Watson, another Flyer plays 38.2 minutes per game. Jamir Harris of American plays 40.2 minutes per game but he’s played 6 games. Antoine Davis of Detroit plays 38.3 minutes per game. Kyle Loften of the Bonnies and Jahmir Young of Charlotte play 38.2 minutes per game.

In 1962 Wilt Chamberlain played 48.5 minutes per game.

Big games tonight; Michigan vs Iowa at 7. Michigan State-Ohio State at 9.

Happy birthday Kurt Rambis.

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: hoops135@hotmail.com

HIGH HANDS

Luka Doncic is amazing. But you already knew that. The game winning shot Tuesday night against the Celtics was so Luka…31 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in the Dallas 110-107 win. At the end of a close game, just give him the ball and get outta the way! Luka made 6 out of 8 from downtown.

Speaking of the Mavs, what is up with Kristaps Porzingis?

In East Lansing Tuesday night, Michigan State beats Illinois 81-70. Spartans were underdog 7. Big win for MSU, they needed it.

Josh Langford scores 15 points and pulls down 16 rebounds for MSU. Aaron Henry adds 20 points for MSU. In back-to-back victories, Henry has played 79 of 80 minutes.

Great job by MSU coaching staff with their game plan on defense, especially defending Kofi Cockburn down low. MSU, who are loaded with bigs were able to contain the big man from New York City. In 24 minutes, Cockburn shot 5 for 11 from the field including 3 for 11 from the free-throw line.

Fighting Illini shot 19 for 34 from the free-throw line. 5 for 17 from downtown. Extra free-throws today at practice.

Villanova bounced back and beat St. John’s Tuesday night, 81-58. After losing earlier this month to the Red Storm, The Cats were looking “Final 4” ready. I’m not sure if there’s a better passing team in the nation than Villanova. Every kid should watch them play. They put on a clinic in regards to ball movement.

Iowa State gave Baylor a scare. 77-72 Bears win.

Teddy Allen of Nebraska scored 41 points in a losing effort against Penn State.

I’m watching Kansas-Texas on ESPN and wondering why Boog Sciambi and Fran Fraschilla are not on the call?

Kai Jones of Texas is the man. He fell to the ground, and instead of waiting for his teammates to help him up, Jones jumped right up by himself. GET UP!!!

Texas was in a foul or defend and the Longhorns decided to give the foul; strategy worked. Shaka is smart. Sorry, had to throw that in. Kansas missed the first free-throw, Texas rebounded. Game over. Thanks for coming. Arrive home safely…

Giannis with 37, 8 and 8 last night in a Bucks win over the T-Wolves.

Nikola Jokic 41, 5 and 5. (In the Nuggets 111-105 win over the Blazers, Denver committed just 1 turnover in the game, that’s never happened. Jamal Murray turned it over, he’s running the stairs today at practice.)

Steph made 7 more 3’s in a win over the Knicks. Thibs can’t be happy, Knicks gave up 114 points. They only give up 103 per game – best in the league.

Bruce Brown of the Nets scored 29 points. You heard of him, right? His teammate James Harden, YOU HEARD OF HIM, had another triple-double; 29, 11 and 14.

Lakers and Jazz tonight at 10. Alabama-Arkansas in college at 9. And Rutgers-Indiana at 8.

Happy birthday Tom Burleson, he’s 69.

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

A ROCK FIGHT

When I tune in to a NBA game, why do announcers feel the need to scream during the game? Relax fellas.

Tuesday afternoon there was a great interview with Dan Dakich and Porter Moser on the Dan Dakich Show. Highly recommend it. If you google the Dan Dakich Show, go to their webpage, scroll down and you can find it in the archives.

How about Russell Westbrook Monday night against the Los Angeles Lakers? 32 points in 44 minutes. 14 rebounds, 9 assists in a 127-124 OT win.

Georges Niang shot 7 for 7 from downtown in the Jazz 132-110 win over the Hornets. The Iowa State grad was 1 for his last 8 from downtown entering the game.

How good are the Jazz? Best record in the league 25-6.

DeMarcus Cousins was waived by the Houston Rockets.

Just so you know, James Harden leads the NBA in assists this season.

Sunday night the New Orleans Pelicans were in a foul or defend against the Boston Celtics. Stan Van Gundy elected to foul, strategy worked.

Paul Biancardi, a recruiting analyst for ESPN on Chet Holmgren:

“Holmgren is one of the most unique prospects that I have evaluated. Defensively, Chet is a world-class shot-blocker. He combines a 7-foot-1 frame with an enormous 7-foot-4 wingspan, with vertical mechanics to block and change shot attempts without fouling much. Offensively, his ball skills are extremely advanced. His jumper has legitimate 3-point range along with impressive ability to put the ball on the floor to drive bigger defenders.

“Conversely, he operates with confidence in the mid- or low-post versus smaller defenders. As the No. 1 prospect, he brings much more than talent and physical measurables. His competitiveness, basketball IQ and team-first approach make him special.” (Source: ESPN.com)

Paul is a good guy – when he was head coach at Wright State he interviewed me for a spot on his staff. Didn’t get the job.

In a couple of weeks we will have the men’s basketball college conference tournaments. Been hearing some chatter about teams opting out. If you don’t need the 2-3 wins, may not be a bad idea. Imagine going to your conference tournament and someone catches the Covid and the entire program has to shut it down? Tough call. But I have said, cancel the conference tournaments, let’s get the schools to Indy and play the NCAA tournament.

Want to hear something that I have head a couple of announcers talk about; players getting in the gym putting up extra shots. Wow.

St. John’s-Villanova Tuesday night. Should be a good one. Red Storm beat the Wildcats earlier this month, 70-59.

Happy birthday Darren Tillis.

Always play the right way

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

CONNECTORS

Sunday night during the Brooklyn Nets-Los Angeles Clippers game ESPN announcer Jeff Van Gundy made a great point while discussing the superstars on the floor:

“You need connectors around your stars. Guys who can pass and cut. Guys that know how to play.”

Nets beat the Clippers by the way. I disagree with JVG on his point early in the game when he said the Clippers are the most talented team in the NBA. I firmly believe the Brooklyn Nets are the most talented.

Point to your teammate when he gives you a pass.

Cheer for your teammates when they are on the floor performing.

Boston Celtics are 15-15 thus far. They are 22nd in the league in scoring at 110 PPG. They have lost to the Detroit Pistons twice. They did beat the Denver Nuggets one week ago. Kemba Walker said:

“We’ve got to figure some things out,” Walker said after a Feb. 14 loss to the Washington Wizards. “It ain’t many positives. I’m going to be honest. We’re not good right now. It can’t get no worse than this” and “we’re not playing hard.”

Why are some NBA players so mean to the officials?

The Minnesota Timberwolves fired Ryan Saunders. Saunders is 34 years old, he’ll get another job. In 3 seasons as T-Wolves head coach he is 43-94 after taking over for Tom Thibodeau. Minnesota has the worst record in the league at 7-24. They have missed the playoffs the last 16 of 17 seasons. Guess who got them to the post-season? He’s now coaching the New York Knicks.

James Harden donated 3,000 meals to people in Houston affected by severe weather related power-outages and food shortages.

Congratulations to Luka Garza who passed the late Roy Marble for all-time leading scorer in Hawkeyes history. Luka leads the country in scoring at 24.7 points per game.

There was a screenshot on social media yesterday of Michigan DOBO Chris Hunter behind the Wolverines bench on his cell phone during the game. Seems to be a NCAA rule stating no cell phones allowed – how weak is that rule? Turns out Hunter was in contact with the food people supplying the Wolverines chow on the way home from Columbus. Have to feed the fellas…

Speaking of social media, this is day 9 of my Facebook/Twitter cleanse. Do not miss it at all.

Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State tonight should be a good one.

Happy birthday Julius Erving. He’s 71.

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

MICHIGAN-OHIO STATE

Big time game in the Big 14 on Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan ranked 3rd in the nation, Ohio State, 4th.

Wolverines come up with the win, 92-87 snapping the Buckeyes 7-game win streak.

“It was like a boxing match,” Michigan coach Juwan Howard said. “One team delivered a blow. The other team delivered another blow. It went back and forth. Our guys showed their mental toughness through some of those ups and downs.”

Michigan led at the half 45-43. After 20 minutes U of M was 10 for 13 from downtown for 76%. Ohio State wasn’t too shabby from distance, 6 for 13 for 46%

Chaundee Brown of Michigan came off the bench in the first half and made 3 out of 3 three-pointers to give Michigan a boost.

Hunter Dickinson led Michigan with 22 points. Wolvernes are 16-1 and 11-1 in conference good for first place. They have now won 5 straight.

Duane Washington Jr. scored a career high 30 points for OSU including 5 for 10 from distance. The Buckeyes are now 12-5, 8-5 in conference.

“It was a great game, man and I thought we competed at a really high level. We were in a good position to bring it home. Basketball is a game of runs, and they had theirs toward the end there, and we just got to be a little better in the closing stretch,” said Washington Jr.

Before the game I found this quote from Coach Howard on Franz Wagner: “Franz is an amazing talent. He’s also an amazing worker in practice. How he approaches practice is the same way how he approaches games. Very professional, very mature-like, always thriving to get improved.”

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

MICHIGAN STATE – INDIANA

Saturday afternoon. Indiana (12-9) Vs. Michigan State (10-9)

Vegas has the Hoosiers -5.

Best thing about this game? Dan Dakich on the call with Jason Benetti. It was just last night they did the Toledo-Buffalo game. Excellent duo.

Pundits keep saying MSU is in danger of not making the NCAA tournament. Last time Michigan State missed the tournament was 1997.

Michigan State with 7 turnovers 6:45 into the game.

“Indiana is out-Michigan Stating, Michigan State.” -Dan Dakich

“Michigan State has a lot of guys that are used to being third options,” -Jason Benetti

IU up 19-8 with 9:25 left first half. Teams are a combined 1 for 10 from deep.

Dakich with a Marvin Webster, Marvin Barnes and Marvin Gaye reference.

9 turnovers for Michigan State with 7:41 left first half. IU 1-8 from distance. MSU 0 for 4.

MSU showing signs. Down 23-18 with 5:37 left.

“Lot of analysts who wanna be coaches call it a ghost screen. I ain’t calling it that. And pocket pass, you will never hear be say pocket pass.” -Dan Dakich

Indiana up 26-22 with 3:25 left in the half.

Thomas Kithier gives the Spartans a lift off the bench. Very good low post defense on Trayce Jackson-Davis.

At the Half: Indiana 30 Michigan State 26

Key Stats: MSU with a “Jamal Murray” 0-0 from the FT line. MSU 10 turnovers.

First six possessions of the second half IU went inside. 4 team fouls on MSU just 2:09 in.

IU leads 38-29, 17:24 left, timeout MSU.

14:56: IU up 43-35.

Dan Dakich for some reason during the game said he wanted to punch Michael Graham of Georgetown. You remember Michael Graham, don’t you?

I love it when a guy falls to the ground and his teammates run over to help him up. Sometimes the guys running over tell the fallen teammate to stay down, stay down. Just once I want to see a player bounce back up on his own.

11:48: IU up 48-44. Teams are a combined 6 for 23 from distance.

10:24: MSU cuts the IU lead to 1, 50-49. Hoosiers call time, wanna talk things over.

9:03 left and we’re we’re tied at 52. Josh Langford has scored 8 straight for MSU.

8:25 – Aaron Henry with a runner in the lane gives MSU a 54-52 lead. Henry has 21. MSU’s first lead of the game.

7:52 – Kithier to Gabe Brown for a wide open 3. State is now up 57-52. MSU on a 13-2 run.

6:51 MSU goes up 60-55 on a Rocket Watts 3 from the top of the key. Jason Benetti tells us Thomas Kithier is a +14 thus far.

Dan Dakich with an Ed Hightower mention.

6:00 left MSU extends their lead to 64-56. IU has lost their juice. MSU has some mojo. Someone once said, “if you’re juiceless you’re useless.”

5:19 left MSU up 67-56.

2:57 IU cuts the MSU lead to 70-64.

1:38 left 72-64 MSU

:35 left MSU up 75-71, Spartans ball.

Spartans hang on for the win, victory for MSU – 78-71.

Aaron Henry leads the way with 27 points on 9 for 17 shooting. If the boxscore is correct, Henry played all 40 minutes.

Trayce Jackson-Davis with 34 for IU.

Always play the right way…

E-Mail: Hoops135@hotmail.com

FRIDAY NIGHT HOOPS

Philadelphia 76er big man Joel Embiid catches the ball on the left wing, drives it to the left post. Dribbles behind his back, through his legs and tries to cross his man up on the baseline. Driving to the goal, he gets his shot swatted. Wasted energy. Wasted moves. Keep it simple son.

But on this night, Embiid dominated the Chicago Bulls. He drops a career high 50 points. 17 for 26 FG. 15-17 FT. 17 rebounds. Embiid is the first Sixer to drop 50 in a game since Allen Iverson in 2005.

“If I am who I think I am, I gotta get the job done,” said Embiid after the game.

I like the Bulls. Love Ryan Arcidiacono. The Villanova alum plays hard and plays the right way.

Tobias Harris is nice, love his game. Sixers have a nice squad.

Zach LaVine or Paul George? Who ya got?

Jamal Murray dropped 50 points for the Nuggets in their win over the Cavaliers. Get this, the former Kentucky Wildcat did not attempt a single free-throw. That’s right, 21 for 25 from the field. It’s Murray’s third 50-point game in his career. It was the most points ever scored by a player without attempting a free-throw.

I have zero interest in the NBA All-Star Game. Is Zion Williamson in the dunk contest?

LeBron James is now the 3rd all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He’s also the all-time leader in turnovers. His critics will have fun with that one.

The NBA and ESPN/TNT are doing their best to promote one-on-one headlines when promoting an upcoming game.

Great to hear Hubie Brown working the Clippers-Jazz game. In case you didn’t know, Hubie is 87 years old. “Only 4 teams in the East over .500. 8 Western conference teams over .500,” Said Hubie. He’s on top of things. Come to think of it, Hubie is the Jiro Ono of broadcasting. Clippers win 116-112. Jazz 9-game win streak comes to an end.

Toledo Rockets 80 Buffalo Bulls 70. Game was on ESPN2 – Dan Dakich was on the color, Jason Benetti on the play-by-play, great combo. This is why Dan is the best; his partner was talking about a player who transferred from Walsh University. Dakich mentioned Bob Huggins as the most famous coach from Walsh U. located in Canton, Ohio. Huggins coached there from 1980 to 1983.

Setric Milner had some dunk in the game. Now I usually don’t get too crazy about slams but this one was on someone. Wicked I say.

The Rockets are 12-3 in the MAC, tied with Akron for first place.

Weird numbers: Buffalo shot 2 for 14 from distance. They had 25 offensive rebounds.

Jim Boeheim on Jalen Johnson of Duke opting out: “That guy was hurting them so they actually are much better now without him,” he said via Syracuse.com. “He was just doing some things and keeping other people from playing that are good.”

“I just don’t think Michigan State has enough. You can have John Wooden, Bobby Knight, John Thompson in their prime, and they’re not getting that team any better,” said Dan Dakich on the Buffalo-Toledo broadcast.

Ohio State vs Michigan this Sunday. Going to be a goodie. Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard on the Covid pause: “We kept it simple,” Howard said. “Simple plays, limited our mistakes, valuing the basketball. Yeah, there was a pause. We couldn’t do anything about it.”

Love Leonard Hamiton of Florida State: “That’s the new normal. We can’t have a pity party. That’s what we’ve got to deal with. Somebody is going to deal with it efficiently and somebody is not. We want to be the team that deals with it and shows a level of maturity to get better so we can have some postseason opportunities available for us at the end of the season.”

Just play! No pouting. No whining. No complaining. No excuses.

University of Detroit have won 9 of their last 11 games since being on pause.

For the second straight year the McDonald’s All-American game has been cancelled.

Remember, always play the right way.

E-MAIL: Hoops135@hotmail.com