Team Dakota

Ever wonder where NBA players are from? Sure, most people know what colleges they attended, but few know their home state or country. Like usual, basketball-reference.com has the answers. 

Quick facts: 

• Georgia the state has had 115 players while Georgia the country has had 5
• New Zealand and Idaho are tied at 4 each
• California leads all with 364
• Mario Chalmers is the only player from Alaska

So, what if each state or country could make all star teams? I could spend hours making teams for different countries or states, but since I go to school in South Dakota, I decided to make an all Dakota team. (South Dakota would not have had enough with only 5, so I included their neighbors to the north). Besides, people outside of the region don't know the difference between North and South Dakota. Since that only makes 11 players, I decided to include the only player ever from Iceland, since Iceland seems to be the Dakota's of Europe.

Starting five:

Point Guard: Jon Sundvold, born in Sioux Falls SD, drafted in 1983 by Seattle. Averaged 11 points and 4 assists in 86-87 for the Spurs. Opened up an investment firm after playing and does TV commentary for Missouri Basketball. His career 2.9 assists per game is the most out of anyone from the Dakota's, which is more of a negative for the region than a positive for him but The Daks will take it! (Team name is the Daks by the way, beating out the Biyotejacks and the Corn (singular, like the Thunder).

Quick note: SDSU ads starting showing up on basketball reference after I started doing this. If I wanted Jack ads I would type "ads for conceded schools in the mid-west" into google. That is my first and only (we'll see) dig at the Jacks, but they had it coming.

Shooting Guard: Duane Klueh, from Bottineau ND, drafted in 1949 by Boston. This was a spot up for grabs, but I gave it Klueh because it would be funny to have a 50's guy starting and because this guy has had a very interesting career. After playing only two NBA seasons with the Nuggets and Fort Wayne Pistons, he went back to his Alma mater (Indiana State) and coached both basketball and tennis. He was successful as basketball coach over 12 seasons, but he coached the tennis teams (two tenures) for 26 seasons! They even named the tennis complex after him. This was the only picture of him since his playing days predated photography. (Not really but just go with it).

Small Forward: Mike Miller, from Mitchell SD, drafted in 2000 by the Magic. People forget he was the 5th overall pick in that draft, but man that draft sucked. Everyone remembers Miller as being a member of Lebron's 3 point entourage in Miami. I remember him losing a shoe during a game, hitting some clutch 3's, and following Lebron to Cleveland for a year. People forget that with Memphis, he had a year (06-07) where he averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while shooting 40$% from three, a mark he has averaged for his career. Undoubtedly, Miller would be the focal point of the Dak's offense.

Power Forward: Mark Landsberger, from Minot ND, drafted in 1977 by the Bulls. Didn't do much, but averaged 8 points and 9 rebounds one year for the Bulls. He did win two rings with the Lakers in 80 and 82, so he and Miller can compare rings. He only averaged 12 and 7  playoff minutes in each of those championship runs, but hey, he was there. He also joins the starting five since the Dakota's have produced very few quality big men. Anyone else think he looks SNL's Taran Killam?

Center: Peter Gudmundsson, from Reykjavik Iceland, drafted in 1981 by the Trail Blazers. That's right, the Dakota's failed to produce much center talent, so Gudmundsson gets the nod at the five. Averaged just under 5 points and 4 rebounds for his career. He only played in four seasons, and is perhaps most known for being a part of the trade that brought Mychal Thompson to the Lakers. He was also 7'2, 260. Other than that, he is the only player ever from Iceland.



Sixth Man: Doug McDermott, from Grand Forks ND, drafted in 2014 by the Nuggets. When the Bulls traded for Dougie on draft day, there was excitement that he could provide some instant offense for the Bulls. While this has yet to be realized, he is still young and has potential to be an offensive weapon. He fits well into the sixth man role for the Daks.



Key Minutes Guy: Med Park, born in Britton SD, predated the draft. Park never did too much, but he lasted in the league longer than these most of these other bench guys. At his peak he averaged about 10 points and 4.5 rebounds (1958-59 with Cincy). They didn't keep track of turnovers back when he played so that's a plus!


Young Potential Guy: Tyler Johnson, born in Grand Forks ND, undrafted. Despite being undrafted and spending time in the D league, Johnson is finding some success this year for the Miami Heat. Through 16 games he is averaging 8.6 points and 20 minutes a game. Not bad, but mostly gets this spot due to lack of anyone else deserving of it. The Daks are kind of like the 76ers, where these guys get chances they might not otherwise get, and it could make them look good (at least statistically).


Bench Guy Who Can Score Every Now and Then: Glenn Hansen, born in Devils Lake ND, drafted in 1975 by the Kings (Kansas City). For whatever reason, he was a one year wonder. His rookie season Hansen scored 6.5 per game, but after that he only played in 51 games over two years. There is almost nothing on his Wiki page, so his retirement is a mystery. Maybe he realized he had a passion for pottery or was an equestrian. I don't know. 



Backup Center (by default): Jared Reiner, born in Tripp SD, undrafted. Here is how thin the center position is on this team: Reiner only played in 46 games in two years with Chicago and Milwaukee. He scored 54 points for his career and averaged 2.4 rebounds. Any college (or high school) team from the Dakota's could easily dominate the bigs for this team. Just look at the guy and tell me you are surprised he didn't stick around longer. Who decided middle school pictures would be a good idea? It's alright Reiner, it's not your fault.


Honorary Center (Nice way to put it): Les Jepsen, born in Bowbells ND, drafted in 1990 by the Warriors. Les Jepsen sounds like a rock and roll icon more than a basketball player. He only scored 53 points and had 67 rebounds in his two year career, appearing in 52 games, so really his career was similar to Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger (although you could argue they were better at basketball, as Jepsen had a -0.1 offensive win share his rookie year, meaning his offense was so bad it did more harm than good to his team). Even on this team, poor Jepsen won't find minutes. Turns out his full name is Leslie Burnell Jepsen, and has the nickname of Big Boy.


"Center": Ray Ellefson, born in Brookings SD, predated the draft. First off, I don't like the whole Brookings thing.  Secondly, only in the 40's could you have a center who was 6'8 230. He played in 6 games in his two year career, scoring a total 6 points and amassing 8 rebounds. So an Andre Drummond typical first quarter output equals Ellefson's whole career. I am surprised there is even a page for him, which shows basketball reference's depth. He is so unknown that there isn't even a google picture of him! Most people's cats even show up on google. Well, this team picture came up so there is a chance he is one of those guys.

Well, that's the team, pretty intimidating right? I honestly think team Alaska would give them trouble.

"Live" blogging Kobe's final game in Philly

NBA League Pass is great. If you are a fan of the league, there really isn't anything better to get. No, this isn't a plug or anything, just facts (opinion). Anyways, it lets you watch games otherwise unavailable to most of the country. This is how I was able to watch the Lakers at the 76ers on Wednesday, despite the game being on Tuesday. Pretty big game, if you don't care about records or quality basketball. Of course, Kobe announced his retirement recently, making this his last season. 

Kobe grew up in Philly, which makes this last game at the 76ers very meaningful. (Apparently Kobe always wanted to play for Philly) The 76ers were also going for their first win. To avoid fluff and to get the hometown take on the game, I decided to watch the 76ers TV feed.

Records: Lakers: 2-14
              76ers: 0-18

Announcers: Color Commentary: Jim Lynam and Die Lynam; Play by Play: Marc Zumoff; Sideline: Molly French
Let's begin.

1st Quarter:

Kobe immediately takes and makes a three, announcers take a shot at Kobe's shooting percentage in a backhanded compliment sort of way.

Kobe comes down and hits another three. Someone is pumped.

"We are balling already folks!" says  Jim Lynam excitedly. This is actually true, as Kobe hits three 3's in a row and the Sixers matched the first two. 

MVP chants for Kobe...on the road.

There is a 33% chance Kobe told Jahlil Okafor that the Sixers suck before the game started.

Arena is sold out for first time since Iverson played and/or his retirement ceremony (Exaggerated that a bit)

They keep saying how Lou Williams is a former Sixer. We get it, you miss having NBA players.

With 4 left in the first Kobe has 13 points. Go for 50 duh duh duh duh duh, go for 50 duh duh duh duh duh, is what I am imaging the crowd is chanting in their minds.

I envy Nerlens Noel's high top fade.

Man they love Lou Williams more than Drake did. The last two minutes has all been about Lou! We get it, he was 6th man of the year.

Metta World Peace checks in.

Stauskus shot rightly described as awkward.

After one: Lakers up 33-26

2nd Quarter

The three announcers approach is always interesting in terms of air time.

What's it like to be the announcers of a win-less team? I honestly think it would be fun. Kind of like how it's fun to be a parent of a kid on a crappy middle school team, because you don't have to put that  much effort into it, don't have to worry about playoffs, but get good experience nonetheless. 

AAAAAAND ANOTHER LOU WILLIAMS GUSH FEST! "I am a huge Lou Williams fan." says Jim Lynam. You don't say.

0 Lakers field goals in the last four minutes, yet the Sixers have only closed the gap by two. That's what kind of game this is.

Jakarr Sampson missed second free throw, somehow got his own rebound and then got fouled again. Why is that important? It isn't.

Swaggy P breaks the field goal drought and lets the crowd know he did.

French interviewing Kobe's Lower Merion head coach. You can tell he's a coach by his raspy voice. Oh, he just apologized for his voice. Beat her to it! 

Okafor fought hustled for that basket. Sorry, I do feel bad for the guy. Who wouldn't be frustrated being a top tier player on a win less team? He's young, we all make mistakes, no one is perfect. That's my quick take on that whole situation.

Kobe used to go against former Sixers draft prospects, including Jerry Stackhouse. Fun fact.

It's almost sad to watch this Lakers team. They have some nice young pieces but nothing much else. At least they don't have 10 plus undrafted guys or however many Philly has.

Playing "I Can't Feel my Face" as they advertise a Sixers-Nuggets game coming up.  I can't feel any emotions when thinking about that game.

Kobe now 5-13. A very quiet 8 misses I must say. No one can hide misses with the occasional make like Kobe can.

Sixers honoring Moses Malone.

Quick CSN tangent: I looked up who their announcers were and was led a little astray. Late in the second they show the announcers, who look cramped and a little unhappy, but that's when I realized there were two Lynams calling this game. After some research it turns out that Dei is the daughter of Jim! A father-daughter combo! That's taking your daughter to work to the extreme. I wonder if Zumoff feels like the third wheel or the distant uncle. (She looks like a cross between Amy Poehler and Hilary Clinton)

I keep having weird mental flashes of "Why the hell am I watching a game between teams with a combined 2-32 record?" Basketball. I love basketball. Yes. That's good enough reasoning for me. Basketball.

Interview with Doctor J! Talking about the late-great Moses Malone.

The Chairman of the Boards is a top five nickname in sports, that being Moses' nickname of course.

Stauskus fixing his hair before walking out. Yes, the hair will help you, fix the hair.

Kobe nails a 3! What is he, 8-8 from 3? Oh, he's 4-10, still not bad. Unless you question 10....make that 11 3 point attempts before halftime. 

At the half: Lakers up 58-50

3rd Quarter

Kobe leads all scorers at the half. 

Just showed that someone left Philly cheese-steaks in Kobe's locker. How I wish someone would leave cheese-steaks in my locker

For those of you who haven't seen the Sixers yet this year, which I am guessing is all of you, I really like what I see from both Okafor and Noel. Just don't trade them Hinkie! Don't do it!

Vitaly Potapenko was drafted before Kobe.

Philly just tied it up at 58. As Covington drains the 3, Sam Hinkie pulls out his phone and sends a mass text to the 29 other GM's reading "Covington is available, looking for 3-6 second rounders."

Pushing through this one. It's the most unexciting one point game ever. 

Covington hits another three, Hinkie checks inbox, which is disappointingly empty. 

Hibbert and Sampson fight!!! Here we go.

Announcers: Hibbert is known for throwing elbows. 

Okafor was trying to hold people back, see, he can be nice!

The look on Hibbert's face as he was slowly forcing his elbow towards Grant is priceless. No emotion, mouth agape. Does Hibbert have any other emotion other than sullen? He's the Jay Cutler of the NBA.

Decided to skip most of the official review, the beauty of league pass.

Hibbert was awarded a tech. Weird phrase, not really an award. 

Kobe just took a contested fall away deep two from the baseline and missed, but I'll just pretend he made it.

Larry Nance Jr sighting as Kobe misses again to fall to 6-20 and 4-14 from three.

Wait, Lou Williams is a former Sixer? Thanks for that fun fact Marc!

Sixers new uniforms are pretty nice. 

Despite for this game being pretty dull, at least its a close game and the Sixers look so motivated because they know this is pretty much their best chance to get a win for a while.

Score after 3: Sixers up 80-75.

4th Quarter

Its sad that undrafted, former walk on, TJ McConnell is outplaying number 3 overall D'Angelo Russel. As I typed that Russel threw down a nice dunk. Only has 7 points though.

Kobe comes out shooting 7-23 with 19 points. 

I went to sixers.com just to succumb to the sideline URL. Not a bad site.

Sixers on a nice run to get up 94-80 with seven to go.

Isaih Canaan is number 0. I love when players are 0 but I love when they are 00 even more. That's what kind of game this is.

Showing all of the Sixers blown 4th quarter leads over the past few games. That's a depressing hometown view on this lead.

Jordan Clarkson doesn't get nearly enough credit.

Sell out crowd doesn't seem that enthused about the Sixers being up and possibly winning a game. A Russel three actually drew some cheers.

Kobe back in, crowd goes wild.

Yeah, this crowd may lean Lakers.

Sixers vs Nuggets tickets start at $10 for kids. That seems high considering the match up. The Sixers should take a dollar off tickets for every second rounder they trade for.

Kobe missed a three that would have put them within 5.

Hollis Thompson with a dagger 3.

McConnell can really dish it, set up Okafor with a nice driving layup.

Sixers coach Brett Brown has grin on his face, its the "man this will make me look good" grin.

I love how the announcers start every Kobe dig with "I love Kobe but..."

With a minute left and the Sixers up ten, Hinkie is coming up with all the convoluted ways his team could blow this one. Sadly for Hinkie, it's unlikely.

Wow the Sixers players look relieved. 

It happened, it actually happened, the Sixers won a game. 

Final Score: Sixers 103- Lakers 91.

"The Sixers my friends, have won a basketball game." Says Zumoff. That sounds weird out of context.

Sixers finally win yet crowd chants Kobe. That's just how great of a player he was. Definitely a crowd pleaser.

So, the game got a little slow at time, but overall it was nice to see Kobe's career honored. It was also nice to see Moses Malone honored. Oh, and the Sixers finally won.

I put the highlights here so you couldn't just watch them and skip my ramblings! HAHAHA