Off The Boards By Jack Scheuer – January 4, 2017 Edition

Off The Boards

By Jack Scheuer

January 4, 2017 Edition

After starting out the season with a 9-4 record, things looked very promising for the Temple Owls.  However, after losing a tough game to Cincinnati, and an embarrassing showing  against UCF in which they scored 11 points in the first half, the Dunphys are on the verge of their first three-game losing streak since January  2015.  Tonight, Temple is in Dallas, facing a very good SMU team who just might be looking for a little revenge since the Owls  snapped its 18-game winning streak in their only meeting last season.  Temple’s best chance for a victory is for Obi Enechionyia to regain his shooting touch.  For some reason, the 6-10 junior, usually very effective from long range, has been in double figures only once in the last five games.

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Jalen Brunson is probably the best quiet player in college basketball.  The Villanova sophomore point guard is always under control, doesn’t turn it over, and is not only an excellent passer, but a very good shooter.  He’s playing so well, the Wildcats could be in danger of his being drafted much sooner than previously expected.

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Trivia Time: Last week’s question was too easy, so here is a tougher one.  Who are the four sets of fathers-sons who played for teams that won an NBA championship.  Answer at the end of the column.

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There should be a Grouch Hall of Fame for sports people who, even though are in a terrific profession, never smile and  always look miserable.  A few who qualify would be Bill Belichick, Gregg Popovich, Rajon Rondo, Bob Huggins, Nick Saban, Tom Thibodeau, and even though he’s retired, Tony LaRussa., who might have been the most unpleasant of them all.

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This and That:  A belated congrats to the great Herb Magee on his 1,000th win….Terribly bad luck for Shavar Newkirk, now out for year. The Saint Joe’s junior guard had increased his scoring average from 8 ppg last year to 20 this  season….Fred Hoiberg must be sorry he left  the college ranks to lead the Chicago Bulls.  The former Iowa State coach went  from being the most  popular man in Iowa to the least liked in Illinois, and is taking heat from the fans and the media…..Right now, Penn’s A.J. Brodeur has a leg up for the Big 5’s Rookie of the Year award….Upcoming:  Villanova at Butler, and La Salle hosts Saint Louis tonight, while, Drexel welcomes UNC Wilmington tomorrow…. And whatever happened to Mo’Ne Davis?

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Answer to Trivia Time :Bill (Portland and Boston)  and Luke( Lakers) Walton; Rick (Golden St.) and Brett( San Antonio) Barry; Mychel  (Portland ) and Klay  (Golden State) Thompson; and  Matt Guokas Sr. (Philadelphia Warriors) and Matt Jr (76’ers).