BRANDON INGRAM

Someone posted the quote below from the Pelicans forward on social media.

Here’s what I would tell Mr. Ingram:

Dear Mr. Ingram, I’m here to help you out. You are looking to be more effective for Team USA? Defend harder on and off the ball. Rebound, especially on the offensive glass. Share the ball. Make the extra pass. Sprint the court. screen hard and cut hard. Get to practice and play harder than anyone. Cheer for your teammates that are doing well. It’s not hard to do the little things and play the right way.

FIBA WORLD CUP

Watched the Americans Saturday morning beat New Zealand, 99-72. Next up for the U.S. of A. is Greece, Monday morning at 8:40.

Nothing against the current group of players representing the red, white and blue but wish we had Steph Curry, LeBron, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Trae Young, De’Aaron Fox,and Draymond Green…

Keep an eye on Canada and Australia to give the Americans a run for their money.

My guy Paulie Stoll from Lansing, Michigan still going strong running the point for the Mexican National Team.

Players from around the world have improved so much. Love to see the interest. I’ve been pushing this game for a long time; at the all-star game weekend, instead of the regular game, they should switch it up and play the World All-Stars vs USA. And use the Elam ending.

LET’S GO…

GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER

Dear Steph,

Sorry to say but you are not the best point guard ever. That would be Magic Johnson.

I do have you at #2 all-time.

SteveFinamore@yahoo.com

ASSISTS, LOOSE BALLS AND TURNOVERS

Whatever happened to Stephen Wacaser?

James Harden used to be my favorite player…not anymore. What’s up with this cat? Look, a message to the owners; if a player doesn’t want to be there, trade him.

The Hall of Fame inductions in Springfield were good. Tony Parker is the man – that guy should have made the NBA’s Top 75 players of all-time. How did they leave him off?

Pop was great. Dan Dakich bad mouths him, don’t know why?

I worked a basketball camp last week in Pontiac. Tim McCormick does a great job running the show. The camp is free, grades 5 through 12. The future is bright with our young players. Many kids playing the right way.

Watched Team USA a couple of times the past week. They should have invited Trae Young.

The transfer portal and NIL is hurting college athletics. Not to mention all these schools switching conferences.

High school football has started. Stay safe. Drink lots of water.

Been binging on NYPD Blue – best cop show ever. Jimmy Smith and Dennis Franz make a hell of a team.

I’m on Instagram: @coachfinamore

SteveFinamore@yahoo.com

MAGIC JOHNSON

Happy birthday to the greatest point guard of all-time.

BOB COUSY

Happy birthday to the Queens, New York point guard. He’s 95.

Played at Andrew Jackson High School. Holy Cross College. In the NBA with the Boston Celtics for 12 seasons. Cincinnati Royals for 7 games.

Career numbers: 18.4 PPG – 5.2 RPG – 7.5 APG

“Cooz” won 6 titles with the Celtics.

E-Mail: SteveFinamore@yahoo.com