Off The Boards By Jack Scheuer – December 28, 2016 Edition

Off The Boards

By Jack Scheuer

December 28, 2016 Edition

Okay, it’s argument time. and the subject is : Who are the ten 10 best players ever, to be born in the city of Philadelphia?

I’ll  pick my top five, about which there shouldn’t be much disagreement.  You folks can argue over who should be the next best five.

Number one would be Wilton Norman Chamberlain, so obvious I don’t even have to mention his numerous records, many of which will never be broken.

Kobe Bryant, who never went to college, but had a great NBA career.  He played 20 seasons and was an all-star 18 times.  He is the third leading scorer in league history, was on 5 title winning teams, an MVP, and twice an Olympian.  His career scoring average is 25 points per game, and he was an outstanding defensive player.

Paul Arizin , at Villanova he was the College Player of the year in 1950, and led the nation in scoring.  An 10- time NBA All Star he won two scoring titles, and  ended his 10- year career with a an average of 22.8 points per game, and 8.6 rebounds.

Tom Gola, a 4-time All American at La Salle, where he averaged 20.9 ppg, and 18.7 rebounds.  He led the Explorers to an NCAA title in 1953-54, and  a runner-up spot the next season.  He is still college basketball’s all time leader in rebounds (2,201).  As a pro, he played 11 years, was a 5-time all-star and a prominent member of the 1956 NBA champion Warriors.

Guy Rodgers, Temple’s All-American, and arguably the best player in Big 5 history. In his three seasons he averaged 19.6 ppg, and led the world in assists.  While at Temple, the Owls went 74 and 16, and were in two Final Fours.  He played 12 years in the NBA, was a 4-time All-Star, and averaged 12 points and 8 assists, including 28 in one game.

I have to say it was very difficult to leave Lionel Simmons and Rasheed Wallace off this list, and there are several others who may qualify.. Talents like Michael Brooks, Aaron McKie, Malik Rose, Wali Jones, John Baum, Ernie Beck, Larry Cannon, etc. It just shows how many great players the city of Philadelphia has produced.

 

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You’re really getting old department: Jameer Nelson, Jr. is playing for The Haverford School, and Lynn Greer III is  in the lineup at Roman Catholic.. Ouch.!

 

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There can’t be very many backcourts better than UCLA’s Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford. If you get a chance, watch Alford when the Bruins are on offense. The coach’s son never stops moving without the ball.

 

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Trivia Time: Who holds the NBA record for most technical fouls in one season? Answer at the end of the column.

 

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This and That: Big game at Temple tonight when the lovable Mick Cronin brings his Cincinnati Bearcats to town.  Also, DePaul is at Villanova, and Penn hosts Drexel….Lots of depth at Harvard where coach Tommy Amaker suits up 20 players….Shavar Newkirk keeps putting up big numbers.  He averaged 8 points er gam last season and right now is over 21….Ex-Virginia star Malcolm Brogdon is getting more and more quality minutes with the Milwaukee Bucks….Upcoming: on Friday Saint Joe’s welcomes George Washington, Fairfield is at Penn, and La Salle travels to Dayton.

 

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Answer to Trivia Time: Playing with Portland, the excitable Rasheed Wallace picked up 41 T’s during the 2000-01 season.