I know we don’t typically write about college sports, However, I’m taking some liberties here because of my latest theory about the outcome of a couple of these elite eight games. I’m talking Kansas St/Butler and more specifically Kentucky/West Virgina.
My theory is that the outcomes of these games were affected by the pro possibilities of the key players - to win the game was secondary to enhancing their draft position.
It first came to mind during the K-State game. Curtis Kelly was a beast down on the low block, almost unstoppable - but Denis Clemente and his perimeter buddies continued to control the ball, drive and shoot threes. This went on for most of the second half of the game, despite the assertion by both the radio and TV analysts at court side that Clemente was playing with “tired legs”. As you know — K State lost that game.
It seemed more prevalent in the Kentucky game - where John Wall and his perimeter buddies continued to jack up threes and control the ball even though they had DeMarcus Cousins down low - a guy some claim to be the best player in the country.
So, my conspiracy theory goes like this - what does John Wall gain by continually feeding Cousins the rock down low? Yeah, it might mean they win the game - but, who knows, it might make some team consider Cousins a more valuable asset than Wall — and therefore cost Wall draft position and ultimately, money.
On the other hand, if Wall jacks up some threes and they go in, maybe a pro team that’s wavering decides John-boy is definitely their choice. How else can you explain Kentucky shooting 4 of 34 from three.
I read where Clemente said that he ignores play calls by the ever composed, happy go lucky Frank Martin. So, if he can do it and get away with it — I’m sure John Wall can do just about anything he wants to do.
This takes away from the fact that some of these guys profess to be great coaches, since the players on some of these teams ignore them and run whatever they want anyway. Calipari - The Snake - can do little but suggest a play to his “one and done boys”, because they’ll do whatever they want to enhance their draft potential. If they had agents (wink, wink) that’s what they’d tell them to do.
Agree or disagree? That’s my holla for today
Dad
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