Notable NCAA Performances - 11-19-13

        The Kansas Jayhawks, the No. 2  team in the nation took on Iona Gaels last night and rightfully so dominated them. Kansas cruised to an easy victory by 20 points 86-66. So why am I writing about Kansas whooping Iona? Likely lottery pick, Center Joel Embiid finally had his coming out party and showed his true potential. Embiid, the 7-foo freshman from  Cameroon, played 26 minutes scored 16 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Just because Kansas produced Wilt Chamberlin, doesn't mean we expect Embiid to be the next Chamberlin. But Embiid was a 5-star recruit and finally showed some potential even know it was against mediocre competition. As Embiied builds more confidence, he is a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

        We just discussed the Jayhawks' 7-footer, now let's highlight Frank Kaminsky's record performance for the No. 12 Wisconsin Badgers. It is not shocking news that Wisconsin beat up on North Dakota. Frank Kaminksy scored a school record 43 points in WIsconson's victory over North Dakota 103-85. Kaminksy broke the school record of 42 points held by Ken Barnes and Michael Finley. Kaminksky only became a starter this season, went to the bench with about 5 minutes remaining after tallying 41 points. The crowd erupted by chanting "We want Frank! We want Frank!" The fans saw Kaminksy enter the game and break the school record for most points in a game.

        In what seemed like it would be a tough battle, No. 7. Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated No. 11 Memphis Tigers 101-80 by putting together a outstanding first half of basketball. The Cowboys outscored the Tigers in the second half too, but all of the damage was insurmountable. Marcus Smart put on a clinic for the fan including one special guest sitting courtside. Kevin Durant was treated to a spectacular performance by Marcus Smart dropping a career high 39 points. Smart's previous best was only 28 points. He scored 26 of his points in the first half. Durant was impressed by Smart's play saying, "Marcus can play in the league right now. Definitely."  Lots of controversy surrounding Smart's decision to return to college after being tabbed as a lottery pick. So far Smart looks like he made a wise decision shooting higher percentages from the field including from downtown.


By Steven Spector -11-20-13