Commentary: Proposed All-White Georgia-based hoops league will not score points
Hab Richardson
Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: Sports
African-American basketball players are more likely to be recruited or signed due to their athleticism moreso than their fundamentals, that is not a secret, but what Mr. Lewis has failed to realize in his argument is the fact that fundamentally sound or not basketball, or any other sport for that matter is all about winning. That means you can put together a fundamentally sound team but if they fail to execute, they will lose.
Another branch of Mr. Lewis' argument is the fact that fundamentals are not color-based, meaning that just because a player is born a certain color they come equipped with default fundamentals. The way fundamentals for any sport are developed is through practice, more practice, and even more practice after that. That is not to say that being the most fundamentally sound will earn anyone a spot on the team and in that respect, Mr. Lewis is absolutely right. In basketball terms however, the aspect of athleticism versus fundamentals can be demonstrated in the analogy of a defensive assignment.
If there is a coach who would prefer to have his most fundamentally sound player guard the opposing teams most athletic player, only to have him burned regularly for thirty points or more, then that coach is most likely a commentator these days.
There is a place for basic fundamental play in basketball but more often than not, they must give way to plays that require a greater degree of athleticism. If Mr. Lewis is trying to ensure the survival of basic basketball fundamentals he should try running a summer camp where they are strictly featured instead of attempting to start an all-white basketball league.
The culture aspect of Mr. Lewis problem is an extremely valid point. From the brawl between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons back in 2004, to the Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas recent firearm charge, the NBA does find itself in the very jar of pickles that Mr. Lewis and is AABA intend to open and exploit. The negative behavior of some of the league's players turns away fans like Mr. Lewis.
NBA commissioner David Stern is probably aware that his league's image has taken a beating due to gun charges, fighting, and immature behavior. The old adage about the rotten apples and the bunch fits perfectly in this scenario, however, it should also be noted that through its NBA Cares program the league continues to make significant progress in repairing its image.
The best medicine for Mr. Lewis and his AABA would be failure. Why? Because the fundamental lack which he perceives would ultimately pale in comparison to the fundamental flack he would receive.
Another branch of Mr. Lewis' argument is the fact that fundamentals are not color-based, meaning that just because a player is born a certain color they come equipped with default fundamentals. The way fundamentals for any sport are developed is through practice, more practice, and even more practice after that. That is not to say that being the most fundamentally sound will earn anyone a spot on the team and in that respect, Mr. Lewis is absolutely right. In basketball terms however, the aspect of athleticism versus fundamentals can be demonstrated in the analogy of a defensive assignment.
If there is a coach who would prefer to have his most fundamentally sound player guard the opposing teams most athletic player, only to have him burned regularly for thirty points or more, then that coach is most likely a commentator these days.
There is a place for basic fundamental play in basketball but more often than not, they must give way to plays that require a greater degree of athleticism. If Mr. Lewis is trying to ensure the survival of basic basketball fundamentals he should try running a summer camp where they are strictly featured instead of attempting to start an all-white basketball league.
The culture aspect of Mr. Lewis problem is an extremely valid point. From the brawl between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons back in 2004, to the Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas recent firearm charge, the NBA does find itself in the very jar of pickles that Mr. Lewis and is AABA intend to open and exploit. The negative behavior of some of the league's players turns away fans like Mr. Lewis.
NBA commissioner David Stern is probably aware that his league's image has taken a beating due to gun charges, fighting, and immature behavior. The old adage about the rotten apples and the bunch fits perfectly in this scenario, however, it should also be noted that through its NBA Cares program the league continues to make significant progress in repairing its image.
The best medicine for Mr. Lewis and his AABA would be failure. Why? Because the fundamental lack which he perceives would ultimately pale in comparison to the fundamental flack he would receive.