This is nothing other than what I posted yesterday, but in a more readable format.

I/We have genuflected before the Greek God of Hoops Naismithius.

 I have tapped into a love of inner fandom of the Philadelphia SPHAS. (OK that’s pushin’ it for some dramatic creativity. But I have read about the history of that early pro barnstorming outfit.)

 At the gym the other day when a member of the local sports media — a fellow who should have known better despite his relative youth — reminisced that U of L’s first hoops natty was the ‘56 NIT title, I tsked tsked the whippersnapper, reminding him of Peck Hickman’s late 40s NAIB crown, besting John Wooden’s Indiana State.

 (By the by, the heralded one’’s only L in a national title game.)

 I hoped to go to the Bahamas to follow the new look Cardinals. But tight-fisted, Scroogian miser Glorious Editor threw the request in the office shredder. Am of course still anxious to follow the Cards, even if it’s via the radio. (Bought some new C batteries for the transistor radio in case the power goes again.)

 Which is to say I/ We are oh so ready for the way better than Aunt Martha’s rumaki appetizer the Gods have bestowed upon us.

 Hoops this Saturday afternoon in Freedom Hall, the Grand Dame of the Sport.

 YES!!!!!!!!!

 (If only John Tong could be there to do the PA.)

 And kinda sorta like Meat Loaf and his teenaged inamorata in the anthemic Phil Rizzuto-infused “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” ain’t no doubt about it we are doubly blessed.

 The Ville, featuring some national champions, will be playing UKnighted, with members of the national champs of the Harvard of Norris Place, Bellarmine.

 Cue the Hendrix:

 Look out/ Look out baby/ Coming through/  Crosstown traffic

 * * * * *

Of course with Silent L making his rehab return to town, I have reminisced about his two signature moments.

 That dunking whirlwind in the amazing comeback against the Orange in Big East tourney.

 Plus of course . . .

 . . . “And just like that, Louisville has the lead.”

  * * * * *

 Homie David Johnson is on board.

 Hopefully for a redo of that unbelievable breakout performance at Cameron Indoor.

 Let’s just hope Russdiculous allows DJ to handle the ball.

 Hot hoops fun in the summertime.

 Let’s tip it.

 — c d kaplan