@drgnslayr [link text](
Yes I have had a few beers. :D
@drgnslayr [link text](
Yes I have had a few beers. :D
This is just crazy. I'm completely stoked. :D
@justanotherfan--Love it, but to me ND has to be all in or no deal. I was thinking a few schools would have to be left behind, but you showed me how it could work. I say why not. Why sit back and let the BG1 and the SEC decide what's going to happen? Lets stop this madness and create the greatest super conference ever! (Yea I know it isn't going to happen)
@drgnslayr I know right? However the powers at NU and A&M thought they were more than they really are. To be honest I don't blame CU and even (shaking my head) MU. They had to do what they thought was right at the time.
I guess my point is everybody seems to think the Big 12 needs to add schools just to survive and I don't agree. I mean if the ACC and the Big 12 are the two in trouble of being picked off then why not join forces and create a truly super conference. I was looking at both conferences and if they joined forces they would create something I'm not even sure the SEC could rival. Only problem is a few schools would be left out.
It really doesn't matter it won't happen. The Big 12 is sitting back waiting for the BG1 and the SEC to pick apart the ACC. They're looking for scrapes. All my life I've seen people and businesses be reactive when they could just be proactive. I really hate the ideal that KU is waiting to see what UT is going to do. I really do.
Ok we are in that moment of nothing really to talk about. So is anybody interested about talking the power 5 or conference realignment?
If you are, here is a couple points that I have. This ideal of the big 12 expanding isn't going to happen period. Why should they? The way I see things is the BG1, SEC, and the Pac are safe. The BG1 and the SEC are safe because they are big boys. The Pac is safe because of the time zone they live in. That leaves the Big 12 and the ACC.
With the this new 4 team playoff and the potential to jump to 8 the concept of the power 5 doesn't work. Nobody wants to be left out. If this was a poker game I would say the Big 12 holds the cards. They have UT and OU and the ACC has nothing to match it. Yet the Big 12 has it's problems too. Overall I think the Big 12 is just fine, but this is a new era of tv contracts, and nobody wants to play second fiddle. Especially UT and OU.
I've been traveling a lot of message boards and I have to say I'm laughing. The ACC faithful think they are safe and that the Big 12 is in trouble. :D I don't see it that way. With all the teams the ACC has including ND as a partial member they still couldn't ink a tv contract better than the Big 12.
Yet I wonder? the other night hanging out in the garage drinking a few cold ones. What would happen if the ACC and the Big 12 merged? Why play second fiddle? When you could really build a super conference? I know it won't happen but hey it's a dead period here. You could have ND, UT, OU, FSU, NC and KU just to start with. Yes I realize some teams are going to be left out, but hey this is unchartered waters we live in.
So am I wasting my time or are you interested?
@jaybate 1.0 I have to be honest I understand my video was against high school kids, but I don't see anybody throwing Alexander (the thunder) to the ground. If they do I bet they wish they wouldn't have.
The kid seems to me as not the most talented kid, but piss him off and he might break your face. Just saying. :D
@drgnslayr I have to say I'm a bit hardcore. I love conference championships, but if KU doesn't make it to at least the final four I'm shaking my head. However I'm thinking it was the 2011 team that pisses me off the most. They lost to VCU if my memory serves me. I'm stilling shaking my head. :-( That team was badass. They could blow you out even before the first tv timeout. I'm still shaking my head. That team had champions writing all over it.
@jaybate 1.0 I think I have to agree in one aspect. I think Mickelson is going to be a sleeping giant. It wouldn't surprise me if he challenges for some starting minutes. If not look for him to come of the bench before the 5 minute mark. I'm like you I'm not sure what the kid can bring, but something tells me he's going to get some serious playing time.
As for Alexander I'm thinking the kid is going to be all right as for as getting to the rim. He's like a pit-bull in a dog fight. If he gets anywhere around the rim somebody is getting dunked on. My worry will he try to do to much when he is double teamed. Meaning early fouls, turnovers, and a trip to the bench.
@justanotherfan Thanks for the post. I was impressed with his block around the 2:11 mark not only did he block it but was able to make it down to the other end in time to slam the alley-op
I know my visual is a dunk fest, however anybody can tell this guy wastes no time getting to the rim. My biggest concern is that he maybe too aggressive (if there is such a thing).
Can he have that patience to pass out of that double team? That we all know is coming.
Ok I have a visual. So I challenge Jaybate or anybody else to describe Cilff the thunder Alexander in words. Are you up to the challenge?
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Sometimes a visual can say more than words.
Born in Kansas City, KS. Spent a great deal of my childhood growing up in Florida. Moved back to Kansas City when entering my teen years. I've done a great deal of traveling over the years. Always amazed to see KU fans in the oddest places :D. Currently hanging out in Iowa, but will be making a move back to Kansas City or Lawrence area. Not sure yet. I have a kid that has chosen to attend KU. We're still in the planning stage.
It was 1988 season that I really became aware of the Jayhawks. It was the 1988 championship game between KU and OU that tattooed me has a KU fan forever. Danny and the miracles taking on the high scoring sooners. That first half I'll never forget, and Danny running down and blocking Kings shot form behind was just classic.
This is such a strong topic.
Which way do you go? I've loved KU for it's history, tradition, and ability to kick the crap of MU when the time needed it. KU's history of preserving and advancing the game is unmatched, Yet you have schools like UNC, UK always laying claim to the mantle of true and greatest basketball school.
Nobody has done as much for the game as KU. So why are UNC, UK able to make claims as the best ever? I was once talking to a UK fan that was telling me about all the wins and championships UK had.
So asked him what has UK done to protect and advance the game. He shook his and said, "What do you mean?".
Trying to keep it simple I said, "What's your coaching tree look like? Name some stud coaches that cut their teeth at UK."
He had no answer.
I said all that to say this. KU must always protect the game and it's traditions, as it's the only one that has and can. However we must not forget the world is changing. With the very landscape of conferences changing, how we watch the game, and the money that is being ponied up. We must change too, or we will be left behind.
I love the passion to keep the students close to the court. I really do. However those seats close to the court are big money seats. I know we all want to think of KU as this little Midwest College but it's not. It has a national brand of basketball. The Jayhawk is known through out world. It's merchandise is coveted and valuable. It has appeal to investors, and sponsors alike. Meaning those court seats have appeal to not only fans, but people with money too. Hell watching a game at KU has become a bucket list must thing to do.
I know it sucks, but as MU showed us tradition isn't everything. Now before you extremists get your sarcasm machines going. I'm not saying lets go all in or drive this baby over a cliff for the love of money. However I'm saying KU is in a tough spot. We need to protect the game but we also need to act like a school that has a National Brand of Basketball.
Last time I checked it's not uncommon to see courtside seats go to the highest bidder.
Let me throw this one out there. What if we were to see Ellis step out on the perimeter and play some three? Hey it could be done. The kid has a pretty good jump shot.
@HawkInMizery -- Think the Heat run of titles is about over. Wade is running on fumes, and LeBron has the feel of moving on to another big contract with big money. I don't know how Chalmers feel about the Heat, but I would go where the money is.
Don't get me wrong the Heat may pony of the cash and overpay just to keep Chalmers. However I have to believe Chalmers will have value on the free agent market.
@jaybate 1.0 -- Early is always better than later. Too much drama. :-)
@justanotherfan -- You've raised some interesting points of view. Again I understand if the money is their the kids have to take it.
I guess the reason I've argued this point with you so hard is that the odds show that a kid with an education has a better chance of making it, than does a college super star taking the money.
I know you don't mean it but man I have to tell you when rereading your comments a person could come to the conclusion that an education is pretty much worthless in your point of view. Like I said I know you don't mean that, but be fair with me and reread you comments with an open mind. I think you will see where I'm coming from.
Justanotherfan I've said my peace and will let you have the last word. As I said you do make a strong case one that I can't deny. I just can't help fill bad for some of these kids chasing their dreams and ending up with nothing. Not even an education.
@drgnslayr -- You raise a most interesting topic. It is something that should be talked about and discussed. To be honest I think UK and KU are showing signs of being desperate. However who could blame them.
With the last few years filled with conference realignment, and dreams of super conferences. The rules of how we do business have changed. As much as we KU fans hate to admit it, but football is the driving force, the money maker.
However not all is lost. As we we've seen with the fallout of conference expansion. A national brand of basketball as value. See the Big 10 wishing they would've took KU when the Big 12 almost exploded. They won't make that mistake again. In fact I would venture to say the Big 12 would be no more if the Pac would've said no to Texas Tech and instead said KU comes. However that is just my opinion.
Trying not to be to long winded with worthless points of view. UK and KU are going to double down on what they are good at. Even if Football is the driving force. As everybody found out, college basketball can be a money maker. Especially filling air space on a Conference Network when the boys of the grid iron aren't playing.
When considering NBA coaches verses College coaches a few things need to be considered.
I think it's unfair to say College coaches don't do well in the NBA game. Considering that when an NBA a team is looking for a new head coach it's usually because the team sucks.
In the college game they build statues and name streets after head coaches. Your lucky if they even remember your name in the NBA.
The level of athlete in the college game isn't even close to what steps out on the floor in the NBA game. Meaning in the NBA game a lot of games come down to who's got the best players. This isn't always true in the College game.
Finally, both in the NBA and College game head colleges achieve and make their money by their tournament success. Problem is in the NBA a head coach gets a series to prove his worth. One loss doesn't cost him and his team the whole season. Where as in the College game a great season can be lost with one tournament loss.
@justanotherfan -- Actually to be honest with you most of the retires that I know still get offers to come back and work. It's almost comical to watch them play it like a fiddle. It's amazing to see these aged persons demand what they want, and get it. I often ask them whey they go back? Do you need the money? Are times hard? Yet the answer is always the same, "Because I can".
50%, 60% 70%? Well that depends what you call getting by. There is more to an education than money.
@drgnslayr -- I love it. Maybe have a curriculum just for athletes. Anything to help them capitalize on their potential and keep what they earn. Such as investing and so on. Also on how to deal with after the game has passed you by. You now there is a lot of ways to go with this. You're correct the possibilities are endless.
@justanotherfan -- I get and understand everything you're saying. Yet we keep avoiding the big elephant in the room. Over 60% of all NBA players lose it all. Now are you ready to say that over 60% of all college graduates are failing financially? Now we can make excuses why these NBA players are going broke, as you did. So let me make a point. Maybe if they had an education they wouldn't make such bad investments.
Like I said if the money is there these kids have to take it. I would never argue that point. I'm just raising the point, that in the long term is it really the best thing for them? What good does it to make all that money, when the trend shows you're going to lose it all.
I will say you made a great point on years playing and losing money by staying in college. It was a point that I overlooked.
It seems my case isn't gaining much support. ;-)
That's ok I didn't really expect it too. However let me try to clarify my point.
My point: A lot of kids are forced to chase the money when a few more years in college would do wonders for the their lives and career. Sometimes taking that first pile of cash cost you more in the long run. Meaning just because you're drafted in the top ten doesn't mean you ready to play at the NBA level. There are only 5 spots on the floor. So if you're not good enough to crack that starting five or first man of the bench, then you really hurt yourself long term. The NBA game doesn't leave much time for a player to expand their game, with the amount of games and the travel. I think we can all agree that there are players that could've benefited with a few more years in the college game. Keep in mind very few make it. This is not an opinion but a fact. It can't be debated.
My point: This is more than just a percentage but a trend. Also it is not exclusive to the NBA players. Yes there are those that buck the trend and make it, however this is not the norm. This concept hey you got the money your good to go is a fallacy. Just because you get drafted doesn't mean you've made it. This trend can't be ignored or debated. It is fact.
When a person depends on their physical and athletic ability to make a living. There is a danger of losing it all. They are one injury away from losing it all. There is also the possibility of just not being good enough. There is a reason the NBA has the best players in the world. Now chew on a few of these points that need to be made.
How long does an average career last?
Exclude the superstars. What is the average pay for an average career?
Not everybody gets a job in the game after they're done playing.
Someone mentioned they could just go back to school. Ok ask the question how old will
they be when they try to go back and get that degree?
Why do some many NBA players go broke?
What do they have to depend on when the money runs out?
You may not agree with me and that is fine, but these are valid questions to ask.
My point: The most important thing about Education is it gives you staying power and the ability to sustain your lifestyle. An Education is versatility. It can open many doors for you. It takes dedication, hard work, and long nights to achieve. When all else fails you still have your education and that can get you a job. Some have said that education doesn't make you rich. Ok I bet there are more rich people in the world with an education than not. The sports superstar millionaire is actually rare. I also bet that the average person with an education does better than the person that sold out and took the money and lost it all. Education is more than money even though it can lead to money. It a lifestyle. It prepares for life. It arms you with tools to succeed. It gives you understanding. It gives you opportunities. Again this can't be debated. A person with an education on average does better than those that don't. (even ball players)
In the end I think I make a strong case. However I understand the allure of money. If it's there most people are going to chase it. Money is the master of all. Most of you have broke down and dissected my point which I deserve. However your blanket statements of look at how much money they will make doesn't hold much water, if they leave the game broke. Just saying.
@jaybate 1.0 -- A fine and very deep post. I have to admit I had do some rereading to fully understand and appreciate the point you were making.
I say if college sports should go down this road, then lets just do away with scholarships and sign players to contracts. I mean at this point it's not about education anyways. (As I've been told) If the players want an education let them pay for it.
@jaybate 1.0 -- At first I was amused, then as I read more I thought why not? It's all about getting that first round money anyways. A Scholarship used to mean a free college education, however I guess an education doesn't really mean anything anymore. So why not turn College Basketball into a minor leagues for the NBA.
@icthawkfan316 -- Well my friend keep buying those lotto tickets, maybe you too will hit the lotto. I have provided that 60% of all NBA drafts picks lose everything they earned. Prove me otherwise. Where is your link?
I don't have to think they'll blow it. The odds show that they will, and it's just not NBA players. It's anybody that comes into large amounts of money. There is plenty of information and facts to prove so. There is no reason for me to provide countless links to prove my point. I guess what I'm saying is do your own homework. Just like the persons that win the lotto. It is proven that almost all lose the money they win. No sir a pile of cash does not any shape or form solve your financial problems. Well unless you know what to do with that money. Like I said a pile of cash lasts but for a season but and education can and does last a life time.
I see we are at odds here. So here is my olive branch you take the cash and I'll take the education. Fair enough?
@brooksmd --LOL, Don't get me started ;-)
@drgnslayr -- I'm on board. Anything better than what we have going now.
@icthawkfan316 -- What good does it to make all that money in such a short time only to lose it all? I mean ask yourself who has it better in life. The person that made a bunch of money in a short time and lost it all or the person that worked at their craft and climbed the ladder of financial success learning valuable lessons a long the way. Like how to keep their money and making it work for them.
Money doesn't guarantee financial success. It's the whole pipe dream of he poor. If I can just get my hands on some money, or if I can just win the lotto everything will be alright, I'll be set for life. I'm telling you it's a pipe dream. Sure some make it, but the odds of a person who has never had that much cash is going to lose it. Money can be gained or lost, but an education can never be taken away.
And I tell you another thing this whole concept that money is more important than education is killing the college game.
@icthawkfan316 -- I would never begrudge a person a chance to earn or make money. This is why I said that the whole one and done or two and done is just dumb. I also believe if the money is there then the kids have no choice to take it. These things I totally agree with. However as the odds show just because these kids get the money doesn't mean they make it in life.
No a college education does not guarantee wealth, but it does increase your chances, it opens up doors that couldn't otherwise be opened, and mostly importantly it boasts your confidence in who you are.
I'm sorry the NBA draft is full broken dreams. These kids grow up being told they are the best and that they're going to make it their whole life. What do they do when they don't make it? Most of the money they made with the first round contract is gone. You can't expect these kids to make savvy decisions with their money.
I guess my point is I get the feeling some of these kids just want to stay in school and enjoy the college experience. Yet they are bombarded by their families, agents, media, and fans to get the money. Got to go get the money, Got to go get the money. You know what? If they are indeed any good they're going to get the money. So why not get an education to back up that money? It's not such a bad thing. I would speculate that when breaking down the odds. You have a greater chance of taking the money and losing it all and having nothing to show for the journey, then you do coming back and getting an education and risking an injure or falling on the draft board.
Ah maybe I'm just getting old, and my thoughts on education and hard work are just from another time period.
[ @icthawkfan316 -- I'm thinking you pretty much disagree with every thing I posted. Which is cool. Maybe I don't see the light. I guess a college education is worthless when compared to grabbing that first round money. Oh wait how many kids can be grabbed in the first round? You also seem to think that second round picks do alright? In fact from you post is seems you believe that just getting drafted guarantees financially success for the rest of their lives?
<a href="http://www.353urbanvoice.com/im-broke-nba-players-who-lost-it-all-top-10/)
I guess your right an education is worthless money wise.
Also when referring to the third year I was speaking in that would be when they can sign their first real contract. However this all seems pointless as it's all about just getting what you can financially, because if you can get first round money will then your set for life. I guess?
@jaybate 1.0 -- Jaybate I was kind of thinking in the same terms as you. I also started a thread at the same time as you. However after rereading my post and then yours, I believe you did a much better job than I did. Jaybate you are a master of thought and the English language. ;-)
With the NBA draft upon us the stories of hardship and why this player or this player is declaring will now be told. I'm not an unrealistic person by no means. I fully understand if the money is there you have to take it, but if I hear one more story about a ball player declaring for the draft because his family needs the money I'm going to puke.
What about the kid? Why is the financial weight of his family now on his shoulders? Why does he now have to sacrifice his future so his family can drive BMW's and wear a pound of gold on their necks? Most of you that post here understand the value of money and what it means. Yes these kids collect millions of dollars for a few years of basketball. Yet after they pay their taxes, agents, and handlers, what are they left with? With a fraction of the money they signed for and no idea what to do with it. What happens when they don't make it? We all know money can and does run out.
Do you realize that a person making a 100k a year will gross 3 million in 30 years? At 200k a year that number grows to 6 million in 30 years. Are you seeing where I'm going with this? Is earning 10 million (before taxes and other costs) in 4 years better than earning a lifestyle that can give you the same money but so much more?
To many times a player, a college kid is forced to make a decision based off of money instead of what's really best for him. How many kids chased the money and ended up with nothing? Not everybody can be a James, Bryant, Jordon, Magic, Bird, Duncan, and so on. However a lot of kids can have a degree to depend on if their basketball skills aren't good enough.
More times than not a player declares for the NBA draft when they have no business doing so. The NBA draft has gone from solid college players that are seasoned veterans to players that have nothing but potential. Every year it seems the number of the one and done increases. Did I miss something here? Has there been an evolution in High School basketball players that they can now just pass college and enter the NBA game?
I would love to blame the kids but I can't. If the money is there they have no choice. If the NBA and the players union really care then they need to change some things. This whole one and done or two and done is just dumb. Dump the whole idea. Don't infringe on the right of a young man to work. (I bet your wondering were I'm going with this) However put a lower amount of pay you can receive for your first or second years of play. Let your 3rd year be the money year. Maybe I'm wrong but this current system isn't working. To many kids are losing out on a college education chasing the very thing that education would give them.
What are your thoughts? Am I an old man past his time, or do I make a valid point?
@JayHawkFanToo -- I think Mykhailiuk wants to play in the NBA. He has most likely already has had contracts offers with the terms you talk of. I do believe that's why he is here. Mykhailiuk doesn't want to be stuck in a European contract delaying his aspirations to play in the NBA. I think the bigger question is Mykhailiuk choosing to play college ball at KU a game changer? Is this the beginning of top young European players coming to the states.
I get you need players that can battle, but man give me that cat that has ice in his veins and can light it up from three land. There isn't much fighting when the bombs start hitting 3 at a time. Just saying.
@jaybate 1.0 -- I pretty much think your spot on, but I'm not sure about your takes on Devonte. I walk away after reading your comment as though you feel Devonte was a filler or save face pickup. I'm not sure I can agree with that one. Maybe HCBS is taking chance on the kid, but Devonte had to of shown HCBS something for him to take that chance. I believe the signing of Devonte was in the making and was a done deal before Tharpe left. Me personally this is why Tharpe left.
As for Frank Mason it is an interesting question for sure. I believe that HCBS had every intention of running with him next year, but when you have one of the best European kids in the world knocking on your door. Well, You have to let him in. I'm sure HCBS was showing some interest in Mykhailuk but you never know what these European kids will do. As so many take the money and play pro ball. Mykhailuk was a shot in the dark that paid off. (Well that's just my opinion)
@JayhawkRock78 -- Actually that would be kind of Cool. I'm not sure local KU fans realize how big KU is.
@HighEliteMajor -- I think you may be onto something. However, AW3 was struggling to get playing time even with Mykhailiuk entering the equation. I know you have reservations HEM, but I'm thinking this kid is the real deal. He will most likely get pushed around at first as the US game is more physical. After he adjusts and gets stronger look out.
The lesson here, is to be a player, student, or a Fan of KU is something special. I do a lot of traveling, and it always amazes me to see people wearing KU gear or supporting KU no matter where I go. Rock Chalk.
@JayhawkRock78 -- Yea drgnslayr went old school on us.
@drgnslayr -- Please stop saying good things about Calipari. You're making my stomach churn like I'm going to puke.
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This one isn't photo shopped ;-)
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Count me in the group that would love to have Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Not only do I think the kid can play but I would think it would do wanders for KU in recruiting internationally.
@truehawk93 --The thing is Cal fits UK like a glove. I mean really the dude has UK written all over him. However the thing with Cal and the UK love affair. Is Cal better keep bringing the top recruits. If he doesn't those wildcats well tear him apart. The Big Blue Nation don't play and have no loyalty.
@Crimsonorblue22 --My job has carried me away from my home the last 20 years. However I have a little money saved and my kid is about to graduate from high school and is going to attend KU. :-) Now I know what you thinking but I had no influence on her decision ;-)
Now that you mention it, I knew that. Excuse me I'm sucking done a few cold ones and working on my old power Ram. She's a beauty. 3/4 ton baby blue 4x4 pulling machine.
@VailHawk --Brother that's what I'm talking about. Our football program needs all the love we can give it. Watching KU football on tv with that track just doesn't seem right. They get rid of that track and give our track team it's own field (like they deserve). I'll be come a season ticket holder for both sports.
@Crimsonorblue22 --Thank you. I don't know what to think of this Sviatoslav kid. He seems to have the skills to play at a high level. To be honest I'm wondering if he is just looking for a safe place to be with all the current unrest in his own country. Your heart kind of has to go out to the kid. Either way HCBS is interested. So if he is then so am I.
Yes I know a little about KU's track team. (I'm just a KU nut job) (It seems I love all things KU) It has been quite successful in producing track stars. Problem is just like every thing else at KU it's overshadowed by our basketball team. But hey who's complaining? ;-)
@konkeyDong --You make some interesting points and I would say you have a strong case. However I will raise a rebuttal if you would allow me.
First I'm no track star and have never competed or participated in such activities. However I have watched many Olympics. You know as well as I do that those athletes no matter what race, they train a certain way, and practice technic like no other. The point I'm making here is that a long jumper or high jumper is a specialized sport. Where training is as important as physical ability. Not to say that the person competing in these types of sports aren't gifted, but technic and coaching are just as important.
The second point I would make is that here in the Untied States track sports rank pretty low on the food chain. It doesn't mean we don't like them or don't watch them. It's that when we do watch them it's because it's the US versus the world kind of thing. You know root for our country. I said all that to say this I think I can safely say that our best American black athletes play American sports like Football, Basketball, and Baseball in that order. You see track sports aren't getting the best American Black athletes. Correct me if I'm wrong but I would venture to say that if there was only track and field the American Black athlete would dominate. As in most cases they already do.
I can't speak for other black people in other countries but here in the states our black American brothers can flat out get with it. Now I know not it's not cool or politically correct to group people together, as there are always exceptions to the rule. However only a blind man couldn't see that the American black athlete are dominating sports in our country. There is nothing wrong with stating the obvious. That's all I'm saying.
@drgnslayr -- The funny thing is I was really trying to talk about Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk? and whether he has any game. To be honest I'm not sure how this blog turned into a subject on race.
As I said before I'm a bit closed minded when it comes to the world. My reality is the one around me. The one that I live in. I don't take things for granted and accept the realities that surround me.
I mean no harm to you drgnslayr when I say this, but I think you and I have different views on this subject. See to me differences should be celebrated and accepted. Correct me if I'm wrong but you seem to want to bury/hide them because of the skin colors. To me it's just reality. Look around the sports world black Americans are rocking it.
Don't get me wrong? I understand with dedication and hard work much can be accomplished. Yet man there are some things that can't be taught. That's why we watch.
I know what I'm saying has an elk of stereotyping, However let me ask you this question would you try to diminish a genius even though you knew it was genetics that created their high IQ? Just my two cents and I'll leave it alone. You sir may have the last word.
Hey what's your thoughts on Sviatoslav?