Off The Boards
By Jack Scheuer
January 9, 2019 Edition
It is hard to believe that in picking the six best players ever to play for the city teams, four of them played almost 70 years ago. When you think of all of the great players who have passed through this city, that would seem to be impossible, but it’s hard to dispute the facts. The four would be Paul Arizin (Villanova), Tom Gola (La Salle), Guy Rodgers (Temple), and Ernie Beck, (Penn).
All were All-Americans, and all but Beck are in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and he, despite only playing three seasons, is still Penn’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. The other two players, in my opinion, would be Saint Joseph’s Jameer Nelson, and Malik Rose from Drexel. Those two, possibly, would draw some arguments, although I doubt it.
What I don’t doubt is that those four legends, after all these years, are still the best there ever was at their respective schools.
* * * * * * * *
Ben Simmons is having a very good season, and putting up some big numbers. What is obviously missing is his reluctance to even take a three-point shot let alone make one. Imagine how effective he would be if he could shoot from long range. Here’s a suggestion as to what might be a solution to his problem: Herb Magee.
* * * * * * * *
Trivia Time: Who is the NBA’s all-time leader in games played?
* * * * * * .
A couple of observations from last night’s impressive Villanova win: It’s only one game, but those two seniors, Phil Booth and Eric Paschall could carry the Wildcats pretty far. And also, St. John’s appears to be for real. No center, but an All-American (Shamorie Ponds) with an excellent supporting cast.
* * * * * * * *
At this point of the season, Shizz Alston Jr., (along with Booth and Paschall) is making a strong case to be the Big 5’s Most Outstanding Player. He leads improving Temple in points, assists, 3-pointers, clutch shots, minutes played, and is also 55 for 60 (91.7%) from the foul line. Impressive numbers to be sure.
* * * * * * * *
This and That: Taco Fall, UCF’s 7-6 center, is leading the world in shooting percentage (80%), making 64 of 80 shots. He averages10.5 points and 7 boards. Pretty good for one of the 40 tallest people in the world…. After losses to George Mason and George Washington, it’s a good thing that struggling St.Joe’s doesn’t play Georgetown next. The Hawks are at the Bonnies tonight …. Drexel guard Troy Harper has had a very effective 3 weeks. He’s now averaging 16 ppg, and 82% from the line…. Lots of guys play hard, but nobody plays any harder than Penn’s AJ Brodeur….Big game at Temple tonight when the Owls take on undefeated (15-0) Houston. The 17th ranked Cougars average 75.5 points per game and allow only 59.2. I’m thinking a strong defensive game by Temple results in a win…. Also, tonight, La Salle is at VCU…. Should be a nice crowd at the Palestra on Saturday when Penn hosts Princeton.
* * * * * * * *
Answer to Trivia Time: Boston Celtic center Robert Parish played in 1,611 games.
Be the first to comment