Rambling Time

The stories say coach Herb Magee has passed Bob Knight as the winningest NCAA college coach ever. Not so for several reasons. Number one only Knight won 903 games on the highest level college basketball plays. All of his wins were in NCAA Division I.

This isn't to downgrade Magee at all. Winning 903 games is quite a feat. But don't compare apples or oranges. For that matter what about Harry Statham of McKendree University. Last time I looked he had over 1000 wins. Of course that was in NAIA, which by the way, is hardly a step below NCAA DII where Magee has all his wins at Philadelphia University.

Philadelphia University exists. Before today I had never heard of it. I had heard of Philadelphia Textile which is what Philadelphia University was known as until recent years.

If you want get REALLY picky consider that Pat Head Summitt is still coaching in NCAA Division I with over 1000 wins. Of course, she is doing it in women's basketball.

All I am saying is give Magee, Statham and Summitt their due respect. But Bob Knight is the winningest big time coach of all time.

MOSI TATUPU IS DEAD

Many of you may remember him as a hard running and blocking back for the New England Patriots a number of years ago. I remember him as an unstoppable runner for Punahou High School in Honolulu in the early 70s. Tatupu was one of the fore-runners for the Samoan football stars that later began to star in great numbers at various college and some NFL teams. Tatupu was a great high school running back. He was Earl Campbell in style. Some thought he was so good his age was even questioned. One enterprising reporter ran down Tatupu's birth certificate in American Samoa to prove he was not over age. The form showed he was born April 26, 1955 at Pago Pago, Samoa. That meant that Tatupu who died of un reported causes in New England was 54...exactly what news reports for his death cited.

JOBS TO LOSE IN ASTROLAND

The Astros are welcoming a full camp of players this week but the biggest story remains in the starting rotation. After Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers who will be the final two starters? The word is that both Bud Norris and Felipe Paulino will start the spring in those slots and they will be theirs to lose. That doesn't sound all that positive, but it makes sense. Both Bud and Felipe have shown the capability of being rotation starters in the major leagues. But neither has a long enough track record to be given the jobs in advance of the season. They will have to earn them. Furthermore, if either or neither is deemed ready they CAN be optioned to the minors to start the season and get themselves together.

Needless to say this means Brian Moehler, Wesley Wright and two or three others are on "stand by" to determine their roles on the club. Moehler will be around for sure either as one of the starters or the long man. Wright could slide back into the bullpen or be sent to Round Rock to work as a starter. That is a decision spring games will determine.

ROCKETS NEED TO LOOK GOOD... AND WINNING WOULDN'T HURT EITHER

Now that the Rockets have had some time to practice with their new manpower it is time for them to start looking like a credible team again. Starting with Wednesday night's game fans would like to see a much more cohesive offense and a whole lot more defense than has been shown the last few games. The Rockets truly have their backs to the wall in making the playoffs right now. Still, getting everyone on the same page can get the club on the right track with enough time left. Keep your fingers crossed...maybe your toes too.

THE BEST TEAMS DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH ALL THEIR PLAYERS

With the news that the Texans and Dunta Robinson are likely parting ways brings up a very important point. Often the teams that DO NOT win are the ones with a lot of long term, but non all star or all pro players on the roster. In other words if a player never reaches the top level of the league he is not the star that his loyal fans may think.

Just shuffling the roster year to year doesn't work in any sport either. What DOES work is talent evaluation that moves players who are not really on the "star" level and retains the players that are. Just being "the best you have" is not enough. The really good teams in any sport are able to determine which players are expendable and which are not.