The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

The Headlines:

Bacause we care, Jim Crammer's MAD MONEY & Radio recap.

In a nod to the Big Ten Wonk, we honor the Illini for their victory on the Hill. Carolina shows the will, but can't find the way as they fall to the Illini 68-64. For the most part, I liked what I saw last night. Lots of heart, lots of talent, lots of youth, lots of upside. For the most part, a good if not great show by both clubs. As soon as James Augustine figures out that he is a basketball player, watch out!

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: UNC lost game but won respect as Tar Heels give reason for excitement. I'm not generally too big on the moral victory thing, but I do think folks are grossly underestimating this team.

Deacs win: Gray pumps in 37 points; Wake Forest needs them to hold off Wisconsin rally. I like what I saw out of Wake last night. Much improved over the last 3 games. They have to let Gray be the scorer he is, go with Hale at the point, play wide open and let the chips fall where they may. Nice win!

Lennox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: Finding a Rhythm: Gray gives Deacons a lift.

Purdue can't stand FSU's rock: Johnson, Seminoles open up offense (and the "can") in ACC-Big Ten rout! If that was the real FSU, they will make a little bit of noise in the conference this year.

Tigers hold off Penn State.

Canes 'manhandled' by Michigan: "UM was undone by an 18-3 Michigan run in the second half, and the Hurricanes also lost starting center Anthony King to an ankle injury."

Duke's McRoberts expects hostile homecoming tonight when he goes back to Indiana. Family plans on skipping the game. Call up Sean May and ask him about that experience, Josh. There's only one way to shut those folks up, so, shut 'um up!

N.C. State to face tough test against No. 14 Iowa : Wolfpack impressed with well-balanced Hawkeyes.

You can't can't cram for this exam, Georgia Tech. Facing Michigan State at the Breslin Center is a pretty tough challenge.

Terps go to Ibekwe from start: Ailing forward expected to be back in the lineup against Minnesota in new inside role.

Leitao, Cavaliers will get a second look at the Princeton offense as Northwestern visits University Hall.

Sendek's tenure at State faces defining season: Does it, really!!! If Pack fans are waiting for NC State to beat Duke, Carolina, or Wake on a consistent basis again, they may as well keep waiting. Herb has earned his stripes. Unless they are going to go out and hire a legend to coach there (see Knight, Pitino, Thompson, etc.) they need to shut it down and let this guy do his job. Best offensive sets in the conference, hands down. Love watching that team (especially Rodger Clemens Jr.) play ball. Keep doing what you're doing, Herb.

Footblog News

Virginia Tech's Beamer is, again, ACC's top coach.

Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch: No choice but Beamer for award. Ain't that the truth!!!

Hokie Notes from the Times Dispatch.

Even with injury, Clemson's Davis named ACC's top rookie: "James Davis was on his way to a spectacular freshman season at Clemson. Then he broke his wrist. Perhaps how the talented tailback handled that injury defined him as much as his performance on the field."

Bowden girds for 2nd Vick.

Top recruits still have faith in FSU.

UM's Hester says he's likely to stay: "UM buzz as the Canes look ahead to their bowl and 2006: Versatile junior Devin Hester told coach Larry Coker in the past few days he definitely will return next season, Coker said."

Jack Concannon, former star QB at Boston College: "Jack Concannon, who rose from the lots and fields of Dorchester to become a star quarterback with Boston College before turning pro and playing 11 seasons in the National Football League, died Monday of a heart attack at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 62. Concannon's career was a highlight reel! He was the BC Flutie before Flutie, the standard against which all post-1963 Boston College quarterbacks were to be judged."

Hokies know FSU's pain: Virginia Tech fell apart after great start during 2003 season.

More to come.......

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

The Headlines:

UNC-Illinois no rematch: "The day after North Carolina's 75-70 victory against Illinois in the NCAA title game last season, Bobby Frasor, now the starting point guard, wore a Tar Heels T-shirt -- to classes at his high school in Chicago......"

Illinois hopes to pay UNC back for loss in championship game: Funny....that's exactly the attitude that this Tar Heel fan is hoping the Illini enter the game with. Folks, Illinois doesn't get that banner back if they beat the Heels tonight. The Chicago Sun Times calls this game a mismatch. We shall see.........

Tonight: Clemson at Penn State

ACC has braggin' rights: Big Ten hopes to make it more of a challenge this year with four ranked teams. Looks like they are off to a pretty good start.

Series between ACC, Big Ten provides more than good TV

Dascenzo: Can ACC still meet Challenge?: "Former Duke basketball coach Vic Bubas, one of the classiest guys I've ever been around, once told me to always be careful not to become a homer....."

Late run subdues Hokies: Ohio State shows toughness down the stretch in 10-0 spurt. Hokies didn't look to good last night. Hope they turn it around.

Duke's Nelson to miss 6-8 weeks after surgery: "Top-ranked Duke survived a tough test against Memphis on Friday night without injured sophomore DeMarcus Nelson. Monday, the Blue Devils got a better idea of how many more tests they'll try to pass without Nelson." Ok, I'll say it now and explain later.............the Duke team that I have seen so far is not National championship quality. In my opinion, through their first 4-5 games, they are deeper but don't appear as cohesive a unit as last years squad. They desperately miss Daniel Ewing, the most talented and complete player on the Duke squad for 3 of his 4 years in the program. If they are the best team then college basketball must be down this year (and that very well could be the case). They just seem to lack the punch that I've come to expect from the media hyped Duke teams from the past. Last years team was not overly hyped coming in, but looking back they should have been. They were an excellent unit. This one..........very good, but the best college basketball has to offer? I just can't see it right now.

There, I've said it.

Don't agree? Take it to the comments section!

Indy prep star Gordon picks Illinois over Duke: "On the eve of its big showdown with North Carolina, Illinois has scored a big victory against Tobacco Road's other college basketball giant."

N.C. State back among the ranked teams.

Haith not cool with UM's effort: After being embarrassed by Temple, coach Frank Haith challenged UM to be tougher and not `so cool.'

The Big Stage for UNC point guards and youthful squad.

Footblog News

The All-ACC Team. Our picks will come after bowl season concludes.

ACC now a league with teeth: Recent additions boost prestige; veteran teams build to keep up.

Michael Irvin, Michael Irvin, Michael Irvin! Representing The "U" in the way that only you can manage.

GEORGIA TECH REPORT: Johnson receives unanimous vote onto All-ACC first.

Beamer wary of Seminoles: Though FSU is on a slide, Tech coach is winless vs. Bowden. That FSU team has talent. No doubt, they can beat the Hokies.

Expect Clemson or N.C. St. in Charlotte: Big East to send UConn or S. Florida. I think the Tigers are a bit more deserving of the home game, don't you? More on the Pack's growing list of bowl options.

BC may be ripe for spot in Peach: "Boston College's evolving bowl prospects may have turned north, as the Eagles very well could be headed to the Peach Bowl Dec. 30 to face Georgia, LSU, Alabama, or South Carolina. "

Canes must wait, see.

For Bowden, an Unfamiliar State: Coach Laments Seminoles' Longest Skid Since 1983.

UVa still waiting for bowl bid: The Cavs must wait for the upper-tier games to make their choices before their fate is determined.

Rebuilding the Heels' morale: The Tar Heels were more competitive than expected -- beating two ranked teams (No. 23 Virginia and No. 19 Boston College) and coming within striking distance of two others (No. 17 Georgia Tech and No. 6 Miami). Ron Green Jr. of the Charlotte Observer adds

If John Bunting is going to have a breakthrough year as coach at North Carolina, it needs to be next year. It's his sixth season in Chapel Hill, so he's coaching players he recruited. The non-conference schedule drops off with home games against Rutgers, South Florida and Furman, but there is a Nov. 4 trip to Notre Dame. Also, the Tar Heels trade Boston College and Maryland for games against Clemson and Wake Forest.

Have to agree with him. Tar Heels need to win at least 7 next year and continue their trend of winning at home. Winning at Kenan is about the best thing Coach Bunting has done over the last 2 years. Now, if he would just stop kicking field goals on third and goal......

Friedgen is judged by house he built

As Terps Wrap Up Season, Statham, Davis Might Move On.

Post-TD antics not tolerated in college. That's too bad.

UVa. Notes from the Times Dispatch.

More to come........

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The Best ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

The Headlines N.C. State 61, Notre Dame 48

No. 23 UM puts away Nicholls State: Terps open second half with 16-0 run; McCray scores 20.

Las Vegas trip pays off for BC: " After his 10th-ranked Eagles won a come-from-behind 76-68 victory over Oklahoma State Saturday night in the final of the Las Vegas Holiday Invitational, Boston College men's basketball coach Al Skinner departed for home yesterday with the hope this city's advertising slogan -- ''What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" -- did not apply to his team."

Reynolds goes off, Cav's defense does rest: J.R. Reynolds scores 16 of his 25 points in the second half as Virginia stymies the Richmond Spiders. But..... 'Zona routs U.Va.: No. 9 Wildcats start second half with 20-1 run; Reynolds shoots 3 of 14 for Cavaliers. Don't worry.....you won't be the only ACC team they rout this year.

Terps Are Putting The Pieces Together: Maryland Is Optimistic After Maui.

Tigers’ ‘D’ makes believers of Bucs: Charleston Southern commits 27 turnovers against Clemson’s full-court pressure. Good stuff, Oliver.

Free or Costly? Latest struggles at foul line have Wake Forest's Williams in need of regular pep talks. "Contrary to their name, free throws are exacting a heavy price these days from Eric Williams."

Rookie Paul starring in Hornets' early roll. Looks like he may have made the right decision.

ACC-BIG TEN CHALLENGE: This Challenge -- not so 'Big'

Footblog News

ACC gains Emerald Bowl spot.

Hokies Are Ready for First ACC Title Game.

Bowden tries to refocus FSU.

Dogs have their day again: Shockley's TD pass, Jennings' pick seal 5th straight win over Jackets. Tough loss in a hard faught game.

Wolfpack savoring sixth victory and bowl eligibility

Hokies slam door on 2005 Tar Heels: Virginia Tech finishes off what Terps started.

Ground game gets Va. Tech back on track Eagles hunting for Gator: "Boston College's chances of playing in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando took a nosedive over the weekend, but as of last night the Eagles were working on a deal that could get them into the Jan 2. game in the Gator Bowl against Louisville. "

Canes find consolation in win: "Despite ending the regular season with a victory against Virginia, two earlier losses will keep Miami from playing for the ACC, national championships."

Edwin Pope: Only in Miami can two losses be too much.

Terps Are Going Nowhere: "Maryland Finishes 5-6 Again and Out of the Bowl Picture: N.C. State 20, Maryland 14"

Florida dominates FSU, handing the 'Noles their third straight loss

Florida State flat out wasn't prepared for the Gators.

Plenty of bright points in Heels' season: "Their theme for the season was "building a champion." North Carolina's football players and coaches were unable to do it in 2005, but they left the season feeling as though UNC was closer to a return to prominence than when the year began." More to come......

Holiday Gift Giving

The BasketBlog would like to endorse this list of great holiday books and movies compiled by the SportsProf. There are some really interesting and, IMO, off-the-beaten-path selections that many of you will have forgotten but might want to consider again.

And that got me wondering what you, our readers, find to be the most compelling sports books and/or sports movies of all time.

Please go to the comments section and share your thoughts. I'll be along to share mine when I've given it more careful thought.
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Meanwhile, the Big Ten Wonk has a good breakdown of the Michigan State-Gonzaga triple overtime game. (And yes, I know that's a bit dated.)

But the main thing to notice from that post comes in the reader E-mail at the bottom:

and, yes, I am getting my anti-ACC mojo workin'

Good on ya, Big Ten fans. But call me when this actually becomes a "Challenge" for the ACC.

We're your frickin' daddy, punks. Ask Illinois about the championship game if you don't remember the 411.

Holiday Questions -- Open Thread

I would like our regular (and irregular -- you know who you are) readers to leave their thoughts to some, any or all of the following questions.

1) How good is Gonzaga? My answer is that if they beat Maryland, Michigan State and Connecticut on three consecutive nights is that they're very good as of November 23rd.

2) Do the two close games Texas has played in Kansas City reveal serious weaknesses in their backcourt? My answer here is: Abso-frickin'-lutely.

3) If Duke wins the preseason NIT and beats Texas are they the concensus #1? My answer: If they are undefeated after the Texas game then no other team should receive a first place vote.

4) Will Clemson finally beat UNC in CH? Uh, no. Your thoughts?

5) Ham or turkey for Thanksgiving? I went with a HoneyBaked Ham this year. Better leftovers than a turkey, IMO.

6) Could the Tim Duncan/Manu Ginobli/Tony Parker trio represent the greatest NBA triumverate of all time? If they win a couple more titles they could be considered in the same conversation with Cousy/Havlicek/Russell, Magic/Worthy/Kareem and Bird/McHale/Parrish. But one thing is for sure: They're the best foreign-born trio of all time. Right. Now.

7) Can Duke go undefeated in the ACC this year? Answer: They can but probably (5% chance) won't.

8) Will WFU make the NCAA tournament? Answer: Based on early-season performance I think it's a 50-50 proposition.

And feel free to discuss whatever you like as posting over the holiday may be somewhat light.

ACC Basketblog Team Preview: North Carolina

Don't forget Wednesday's Daily Roundup

To be the Man, You've Got to Beat the Man (Or, Welcome Back, Roy!)

By Ed

Welcome Back.
Your dreams were your ticket out.
Welcome Back.
To that same old place that you laughed about.
Well the names have all changed since you hung around.
But those dreams have remained and they've turned around.
Who'd have thought they'd lead ya' (Who'd have thought they'd lead ya)!
Back here where we need ya' (Back here where we need ya')!
Yeah we tease him a lot cause we've got him on the spot, Welcome Back!
Welcome Back,
Welcome Back, Welcome Back!
Welcome Back, Welcome Back,
Welcome Backkkkkk!

There are many who will say that Roy Williams's dream of building his own empire in Kansas was his ticket out of Chapel Hill 17 years ago. Upon his return to the kingdom that Dean built, the names had, indeed, all changed. It took him just two years to do with strangers what he had been unable to accomplish with familiar faces as a Jayhawk: win a National Championship.

He wasn't expecting a complete house cleaning weeks later.

The National Champs start this season with one mantra: To be the man, you've got to beat the man! Without a doubt, four essential ingredients were stripped from the mix that would have made backing those words up much easier: Felton, May, McCants and Williams. Oh, what a season this could have been! If you've been around UNC Basketball long enough, you are somewhat used to the stars leaving for the big lights (and graduating in due time). Never before, however, have the top 7 scorers left in the same year. It is not a scenario Coach Roy Williams would like to see play out again. Instead of basking in the glow of the team's National Championship, Roy and Co. set out to sign recruits to replace those departing underclassmen.

Mission Accomplished!

With the signing of C Tyler Hansbrough, G Bobby Frasor, WF Danny Green, G Marcus Ginyard, and utility big man Mike Copeland, Coach Williams brought in a group loaded in 3 essential categories:

(1) immediate scoring ability;
(2) stellar credentials that the Carolina faithful expect, and most importantly;
(3) a likely 3-4 year stay on the Hill.

Add those players to a team returning three year 6th man David Noel and you have a squad long on potential in 2005.

Carolina will score points in bunches. That is evident from the games already played (98.5 pts per game avg. so far). They will defend in stretches, and turn the ball over early and often. The fact is that Carolina can run the court at all 5 positions and shoot the long ball from 4 of 5 positions (Frasor, Terry,Green, Noel, Hansbrough). That ability will make up for some of those turnovers. They're going to blow some teams out of the Smith Center this year (a few good ones, too). However, if those transition shots aren't falling this team will struggle in the half court against just about any decent team (See Gardner Webb). Freshmen don't box out as they should. Those same freshmen tend not to play defense for the full shot clock. They can also be subjected to lots of man/ball tricks (Teams like NC State and Duke SHOULD be able to exploit this young Heels team with the best set and motion offense in the ACC).

They have to grow up, and fast!

The Guards

The key to Carolina's season is very simple: By the time ACC play starts in earnest, they must have a serviceable point guard . This team doesn't need a Felton. They need a Derrick Phelps, Ronald Curry (sophomore year) type. Simply put, they need a guard who can get them into their sets and not turn the ball over.

We won't even talk about Wes Miller. If he gets more than spot minutes in ACC play the Champs are in big trouble. For all of his accolades coming out of high school as the best guard from the west coast, Quentin Thomas has, apparently, under whelmed the coaches with his preparedness for high stakes college basketball. That's not to say he's a bust....yet. You're not a bust when you played behind a lottery pick and averaged 2 minutes a game (albeit, for the most part, unproductive minutes). I may change my tune if he end's up playing behind Mr. Miller.

Freshman Bobby Frasor (5 pts, 4.5 assts, 3 TO) may provide the answers. The McDonald's All- American and Chicago Catholic City League MVP was known as a shooter in high school. He also demonstrated enough competence to play point guard for the city's best team and eventual champ. That says a lot. After preseason practice, Coach Williams put the ball in his hands against Gardner Webb and Cleveland State. That says even more. Frasor promptly turned the ball over 4 times in the first 8 minutes of his college career, but settled down to record 9 assists against just 2 more turnovers during his next 42 minutes of combined play (GW and Cleveland State). Not too shabby.

If Frasor can slow his play down and stay focused on letting the game come to him, this long guard will be just the tonic Carolina needs. Help is on the way in 2006 in the form of the next great ACC floor general, #1 point guard recruit Tywon Lawson. Until such time, stability at the point is all that is needed. Frasor may provide that stability.

If the first two games are any indication, the shooting guard spot should be in good hands with the emergence of Reyshwan Terry (14.5 pts, 6.5 rebs, 3.5 assts). He, along with wing Danny Greene should prove quite valuable as the Champs attempt to spread teams out and hit the open man off the break. Add in defensive wiz Marcus Ginyard (10 pts, 2 assts, 2 steals), and North Carolina should prove quite capable of, in time, holding their own against stiff competition.


The Frontcourt

The fact that these Heels were taken down to the wire against a senior laden and talented Gardner Webb team should not be such a surprise (hindsight being what it is). Teams with gritty, quick and strong point guards will give this group trouble all year. The fact that the front court of pre-season ACC Freshman of the Year Tyler Hansbrough (19 pts and 6 Rebs) and Sr. David Noel (16 pts, 6 ReMcDonald'sts), along with McDonalds All-American Danny Green (12 pts, 5 rebs), scored early and often should put the league on notice: These Heels are not to be taken lightly.

This group will produce the points. With newcomer Mike Copeland and Sr. Byron Sanders (7 pts. 4.5 rebs) providing defense and fouls off the bench, they should be able to avoid the fatigue and foul trouble that could derail any chance for the Champs to compete.

The Coach

He's one of the best in the business. He has the highest active win percentage in Division I. He has the luxury of recruiting to one of the four truly historic and elite destinations in college basketball (Lexington, Chapel Hill, Lawrence, and Durham). He's a National Champion. Nuff Said.

The Summary

To be the man, you've got to beat the man! Make no mistake, the Champs are here and not backing down from anyone. They WILL play the games! Anyone who has read the Blog over the last 3 weeks knows that I have been calling for North Carolina to win 20 "the hard way" in '05-'06. They may not return a superstar guard, but they return a senior leader and coach who know how to win. Their ability to coach and motivate the freshmen to higher attainment is of paramount importance. Coach Williams may very well have his most enjoyable season teaching the "Carolina Way" to what amounts to his first group of recruited players at UNC. David Noel may play himself into a professional career.

Expectations in Chapel Hill are high and will remain so. These players will be forced to grow up quickly if they wish to attain expected levels of accomplishment. While the Champs may look a bit wobbly early, I expect steady improvement over the course of the year. Their most trying stretch will come over 11 days in January when they play at Virginia, at Florida State, Boston College, Arizona, and at Maryland. They could very easily come out of that stretch 0-5, devastating their chances of defending their crown. 2-3 would be completely acceptable no matter who the wins are against. However, a 3-2 run would guarantee a victory against a top team. That is exactly what a young squad needs to bolster their confidence. It is exactly what this Carolina squad needs to put them over the top. You never give a young team hope! With an accomplished coach and a senior leader determined not to let the hyenas of the ACC and the broader basketball world take their prize without a fight, North Carolina may be more game than people hope, or expect.

There will be no 8-20 repeat for all the ABC'ers who seethed as North Carolina cut down the nets in St. Louis last April. Roy is on the spot yet again. His dreams and dedication brought him back to Chapel Hill. He delivered! Those dreams have now turned around. He must lead a group of determined men to build for the future. Six more super talents land on the Hill in '06. I predict lots of blood in the water before this is settled.

It won't all be Carolina Blue.

Welcome Back!

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Don't forget the Maryland team preview.
The Headlines:

Because we care, Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and Radio Recap.

Tar Heels, Sanders really get cooking in demolition of Cleveland State. A few blowouts will happen, both ways, for Carolina this year. They just happened to be on the right side of this one.

Eagles feast on Buffalo: "The Boston College men's basketball team didn't get rattled when preseason All-American Craig Smith walked off the court with blood trickling down the left side of his face. Smith suffered a six-stitch cut while diving for a loose ball with 18:43 left in the second half....."

Terps awaken, win: Chaminade scares UM before 23-0 run

Cavs' guards stand tall: Singletary, Reynolds combine for 37, U.Va. pulls away from UR.

Fresh faces at UVa. and Richmond meet old challenges.

They're new on the job and figure to mostly travel parallel roads, but Chris Mooney and Dave Leitao intersected at the Robins Center last night. Mooney wore a blue blazer for the occasion, Leitao a gray suit. Mooney coaches Richmond. Leitao oversees Virginia. Mooney isn't playing with a full deck. Leitao isn't holding many trump cards himself.....

What's next for NIT? Krzyzewski says event is special.

John DeLong of the Winston-Salem Journal - It's All New: All of Tobacco Road's freshmen basketball players are going to have to learn things on the fly.

Different Story, Same Ending? Terps Aren't Like Last Year's Team, but Record Might Be.

At UNC, sign of the times

A pair of bright blue, 6-foot by 8-foot "Wachovia" signs were hung on two of the four video boards at the University of North Carolina's Smith Center on Tuesday, ending a tradition that up until now has kept that venue free of fixed commercial advertising. The signage is part of the eight-year, $9.1 million deal North Carolina announced with Wachovia to boost the school's $46 million athletics department budget. This year's $1 million payout will go to one-time facility improvements, such as the new, larger video boards, athletics director Dick Baddour said. In the future, the money will go toward everything from venue improvements to other department needs.

A truly Devilish tandem: "Duke's men's basketball team plays its fourth game tonight, but the meeting with Drexel in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off will be Duke's true debut."

Footblog News:

Gator Bowl for Jackets?: A win over UGA, and a Hokies' ACC title, may net Jan. 2 game in Jax.

Canes face critical time: "Fans questioned the Hurricanes after Saturday's loss to Georgia Tech, but the team is staying focused. 'You can't let what they say bother you,' Miami QB Kyle Wright said."

Bowden 'scared to death' of Leak. Funny, nobody else seems to be.

Trying times for McHale's line: Coach spends first season at FSU patching holes.

Second Chance Brings Message About First Task From Beamer.

Edwards losing time: UNC coach Bunting says Warren, Arnold will get more carries. Interesting.....

McDonald milks time with Terps: After 2nd thoughts, center makes most of final year of eligibility.

Olsen claims seniority as competition looms: A readin goes here and here and here four decks.

Virginia Tech players give soup kitchen boost: Imoh says helping people was 'humbling experience' for seniors.

Clemson AD lauds seven-win 2005 season: Phillips-"seven wins an “outstanding season” given youth, conference strength." Should have had at least two more.

UNC players will spend Thanksgiving together: "They won't be with their relatives, but they will be with family. Such is Thanksgiving 2005 for North Carolina's football players. With the Tar Heels wrapping up their regular season Saturday at Virginia Tech, Coach John Bunting is trying to mix fellowship with preparation. "

Ga. Tech takes defensive stand: Resilience pays off against then-No. 3 Miami.

Yellowjackets Houston, who remains under indictment on a charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, may see lots of time against Georgia.

UVa. Notes from the Times Dispatch.

Hokie Notes from the Times Dispatch.

The Carolina Team Preview today at Noon............

ACC Basketblog Team Preview: Maryland

Don't forget the Tuesday Daily Roundup

Terps fans, the gang's all here. With exception of one notable exception who was never really here mentally anyway, your 1995-1996 Terps are your 1994-1995 Terps. And we all know how that turned out.

Maryland comes into this season with essentially the same basketball team as last year. Few major D-I teams in the early 21st century iteration of college hoops can boast of a lineup featuring 4 seniors and 5 juniors. That's nine upperclassmen on a team that fields only 12 players any given night. Unless I finally got my experimental time machine to work (maybe I was forgetting the crystals), what we are looking at is a highly unusual lineup of veteran players.

But is that a good thing?

The pessimist in me says, if you have nine upper classmen on a team that failed to make the tournament the previous season, you have two problems: 1) the vast majority of your nine are mediocre players not worthy of NBA attention who have stayed on because they have no other recourse but to play out their eligibility before heading to Asia or Eastern Europe to scratch out an existence in some rat-infested B-league gym...or go to law school, and 2) roster spots that could be filled with younger, more talented players are instead wasted on entrenched mediocrity, kinda like the U.S. Congress, if you get my drift.

The optimist in me looks at this as a positive development. Veteran players tend to play their best in high pressure situations because they've been there before. This Maryland team swept the floor with this year's #1 team a year ago, Coach K's Duke Blue Devils (yeah, you!). Veteran players also know the system and are more likely to buy into what the coach is selling, in my book one of the most compelling aspects of successful teams in any sport. Terps fans need only look at last season to see what defying your coach can do for your team's prospects. Thankfully, the face of that defiance, John Gilchrist, is now scrubbing toilets in a restroom on the Pennsylvania turnpike somewhere near Altoona (OK, maybe that's what I wish he was doing…in reality, he's probably playing hoops in one of the aforementioned rat-infested gyms). And finally, veteran players will be key in the ACC this year. The league has some young teams and experience may make up for what is lacking in athleticism in some of the closer games.

What are the Terps bringing to the table this year? Let's look at the positions. (The rest is below the fold so click the link if you wish to read on.)

Guards

Maryland fans know what happens to a team with a selfish point guard. This year promises to be a strong one at the point position, with DJ Strawberry taking over the offense. Strawberry missed most of last season with a knee injury, so he's hungry to get back on the court and show what he can do. What he lacks in talent, he more than makes up for in attitude and confidence. Not the most accurate shooter on the court, Deej knows his role and will look to dish the ball in a tough spot, rather than force ill-advised shots like his predecessor. While no Steve Blake, Strawberry should be a league leader in assists. Defensively, he has demonstrated quick hands that will produce a bevy of turnovers. No player on this team wears his emotions more on his sleeve than DJ, and on a team as stoic as the Terps' squad, any emotional boost is welcome.

The Terps offense will again feature Chris McCray at the two guard. McCray has the ability to put up big offensive numbers when he's hot...and even when not so hot...which can be a problem. McCray is a streaky shooter. Anyone who is a sports fan in the DC area knows of two former Georgetown guards that McCray has a tendancy to emulate: Allen Iverson and Victor Page. Though not as flashy or as talented a ball handler as A.I., and not as crafty with a mop handle as Page, McCray will often match their profligacy with the jump shot, and is just as (in)accurate. Anyone can score 20 points if they take 20 shots. McCray will have to prove more accurate if the Terps want to contend this year.

Reserve guards include the streaky but extremely talented Mike Jones, senior and perennial back-up Sterling Ledbetter, and juco transfer Parrish Brown. Mike Jones is the player to watch this season. On a squad of veteran players, only so much improvement can be expected. Mike Jones is due to break out. After struggling the first two seasons, and garnering a reputation is a less-than-dedicated player, Jones enters this season in the best shape he has displayed in a Terps uniform. Early season performances indicate that he is ready to become a force off the bench, if not eventually a key starter.

Forwards

The Terps are surprisingly deep at a position where they field no real star. Maryland will rotate in four players with completely different games, giving Gary the versatility to show a number of different looks by mixing and matching players.

Nik-Caner Medley, the favorite of opposing fans, has big talent but a tendancy to exercise poor judgment. No player on the Maryland squad has the utility belt of skills that NCM brings to the floor. He can bang inside, pass as well as any player on the floor, and hit shots from any spot on the floor. He'll put up big numbers again this year, but will continue to make key mistakes. The most disappointing feature of NCM's game, however, is his lack of leadership. As the most talented senior on the squad, this team should be his. Don't expect him to seek the role.

Kenny Ibekwe has always been one of my favorite Terps. Lean, cat-quick and athletic, Ibekwe is a stat machine. Points, boards, blocks. He puts them up in bunches during his brief time on the floor. Brief, unfortunately, because he fouls out nearly every game. Should Kenny exhibit better control on defense and keep himself on the floor, he could be a star on this year's team.

Travis Garrison and James Gist round out the four-deep set of starting-quality forwards on the Terps squad. Garrison, the senior, is the biggest body on the team, but has a reputation as a softy. On the defensive side of the ball, he's a capable, if average big man on the post. On the offensive side, don't expect to hear his name called often by the PA announcer. Gist is still gaining experience on the floor, and has shown some flashes of brilliance. He played very well in last year's post-season NIT. Expect marked improvement and increased playing time this season for the talented sophomore forward.

Center

What can I say about Will Bowers? My expectations from the 7'1" big man started very low. I saw Bowers as nothing more than the next Mike Mardesich, the big, klutzy white dude who (speculation alert) I blame for denying Maryland back-to-back National Championships during the Blake-Dixon-Baxter days. Is Will Bowers better than Mardesich? Heck, yeah! In general, is he a help or a hindrance to the Terps program? That's more debatable. Yes, I have been impressed at times by Will Bowers. But is this the guy Gary should be recruiting after winning a national championship? A big, slow marginal talent who barely started as a high school player...a project? I'm happy to have Will Bowers contribute, which he does on occasion. But I wonder whether we could (or should) have a bigger talent at this position. I'm sure you will hear more from me regarding the Terps' dismal recruiting as the season wears on.

Things to Look For

Leadership. The lack of leadership is squarely at fault for last season's exasperating inconsistency. Who, if anybody, will step up this season? My money is on DJ Strawberry if he stays healthy. The remaining starters are veterans of last season's dysfunction and none showed the desire to take over as team leader. If DJ goes down again to injury, this season could be another struggle.

A Mike Jones breakout season. The talented shooting guard has been hot early. Expect it continue into the ACC regular schedule.

An easy ACC schedule. The Terps have a relatively easy ACC schedule this season, which should make an NCAA berth a high possibility.

A win against Clemson. Please, God.

A bigger dry cleaning bill for Coach Gary Williams. The sweatiest coach in basketball is now three years removed from his feel good national championship season. His crew of upperclassmen have no excuse for failure after 3-4 years in the Williams system. Expect this to be one of his tougher seasons as a coach, as he tries to coach an under-talented team but veteran team to an ACC championship and NCAA berth.

Fearless Prediction: 21-7 (11-5), ACC Semis, Second Round loss in the NCAA's. Quick Purdue Boilermakers Preview: My wife went to Purdue, so I have to quickly mention her Boilermakers. The one and only question facing Purdue this season is: will they win a single game in the Big Ten this season?

A final note: One of the most exciting new additions to the Maryland basketball family, for my money, is Michael Adams. The former PG for the Washington Bullets is now an assistant on the Terps sidelines. I cannot tell you how much I loved to watch the little guy play. Nobody could make longer three pointers with greater consistency than Adams (at least it seemed that way, because the Bullets never seemed to field many players who could play much that resembled "basketball"). I still have foggy but fond memories of a few Bullets from my childhood that I loved to watch: Bernard King, first and foremost, Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, Rex Chapman, Mark Alarie, Manute Bol (who could forget?), and the Malones. Michael Adams was always one of my favorites. Glad to have him aboard.

The Daily Roundup- Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
Don't forget the Maryland Team Preview.
The Headlines:

Because we care, Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and Radio Show recap.

Late Gonzaga Run Dooms Terrapins: Gonzaga 88, Maryland 76

Life lessons larger than victories for Terps Dickerson.

Wake defeats UNC-Asheville: "Starting at off-guard for the first time this season, Justin Gray paces a balanced offense with 16 points and No. 24 Wake Forest finally gets a breather with a 79-63 victory over pesky UNC-Asheville on Monday night."

Deacs return Gray to shooting guard: Move works to improve offense, cut turnovers. Amazing what happens when coaches start reading the blog and taking our advice. Wake is now a 20+ win team.

Depleted Hokies up to challenge in 74-51 defeat of Marshall: Deron Washington leads the way for a Virginia Tech team withered by injuries and illnesses.

Jackets play it a trip at a time: Georgia Tech 81, Elon 69

'Noles ride Thornton's heat in 85-67 victory over Alcorn State.

Williams expected uneven play early on: "Roy Williams wasn't surprised. After all, the North Carolina men's basketball coach had seen it before. He knew his freshmen would look great at times during UNC's season opener against Gardner-Webb, but he also knew they would struggle."

Heels hoping freshmen grow up fast North Carolina, after a scare against Gardner-Webb, will play Cleveland State tonight.

Clemson Men's basketball: The buzz.

Footblog News:

ACC bowl picture still jumbled: "Much to be settled in final week of seasonAmong bowl-eligible teams, Clemson is the Meineke Car Care Bowl officials' clear first choice from the ACC for the Dec. 31 game in Charlotte. "

Music to ACC's ears: N.C. State and North Carolina will have at least one more postseason possibility if they win this weekend: The Music City Bowl. The ACC has seven teams qualified for the postseason and only six bowl tie-ins.

Hey Jackets! Tech's buying!!! They ought to....what a favor the Jackets did for them.

Dogs hate to admit it: They hate Gators more then Jackets.

UM RB Moss out of hospital: "University of Miami running back Tyrone Moss was released Monday morning from Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables after spending six nights there for a blood clot around his left calf, said Moss' father, Ronald. "

Clemson's Bowden sees bigger things ahead.

Bowl bets: At worst, Clemson fans likely face a short drive to Charlotte.

USC, Tigers find a will and the way.

Ex-QBs look out for Drew: FSU's passing fraternity offers key tips to Weatherford.

Bowden reflects on Florida rivalry and where it's going

For coach Bobby Bowden, this meeting between FSU and Florida remains a big deal. "It's a crucial game no matter what (the) records are," Bowden said during a Monday afternoon teleconference. "I doubt our kids will react any different. To our players and coaches this is still a very big game."

Season gone awry now one win shy of bowl eligibility for Wolfpack.

Issue of wait carries weight: "How much time off is too much time off? That is a question Boston College's football team will ponder during the next six weeks."

BC bowl plans hit cold spot: "When he walked out of Byrd Stadium in College Park, Md., after Boston College's 31-16 victory over Maryland Saturday, athletic director Gene DeFilippo believed the Eagles had made a nice closing argument for themselves."

Pack happy to have a shot: "Chuck Amato seemed to be in a very happy mood on Monday, and there was a good reason for it.........."

Return of No. 2 QB for Cavs uncertain: Determination about Olsen's status hasn't been made, Groh says.

Cavs might play Big Ten foe in Music City Bowl. Better hope Carolina doesn't pull off the victory of the year (well, perhaps the last 10 years) this weekend, Cavs.

Pirates making progress: "East Carolina is at least 100 percent better than it was a year ago, but coach Skip Holtz doesn't call this football season a success. The Pirates gained their fourth victory Saturday by winning at Marshall, 34-29."

More to come at noon today with the Carolina team preview....

Gonzaga over Maryland

Is it me or did Maryland look really ragged today? They had some spurts and were in the game 'til the last five minutes or so... But that ballhandling was B.A.D.

It was a good early-season test for the Turtle, which Gonzaga did not fear. Unfortunately tests sometimes teach us the most when we don't perform well.

ACC Basketblog Team Preview: Duke

Don't Forget the Monday Daily Roundup

The real question about this Duke team is not whether they are good but rather "How good is it?"

The Superstars
There is no denying that Duke has the best 1-2 punch in the nation with JJ Redick on the outside and Shelden Williams on the inside. JJ has a terrific ball fake that defenders must respect because of his pure, NBA-caliber range. But this year he has added a great hesitation dribble that gives him a credible shot of getting to the rim off the bounce. In other words, he's the most dangerous catch-and-shoot player in college and now he can score with the ball in his hands as well. That's dangerous.

Last year, I thought, JJ needed to take a page or two out of Reggie Miller's books on using screens. Reggie would pop to the corner if the defender came over the top of a pick or would move to the foul line extended if the defender tried to follow him around the pick. And just for good measure Reggie would sometimes curl off the screen and attack interior defenders with soft, mid-range jumpers. The problem I had with JJ's use of picks was that he seemed to run to the foul line extended on every baseline double screen set. He wasn't reading defenses well enough to really punish the defender. I say that as somebody who things JJ is a terrific player, of course.

So this year I was very pleased to see JJ use screens to great affect. He has curled into the lane where he can get short jumpers and fouls if the defender tries to follow him around the pick. He has popped to the corner when the defender tries to come over the top of the pick. And yes, he has drifted out to the foul line extended where he is a most dangerous three point shooter. Add that to JJ's improved physical fitness (he's running out on the break very well) and added strength and I expect Johnny Dawkins all-time scoring record is truly in jeopardy. And perhaps JJ is a better defender too, although I'm not sure.

As for Shelden, he has refined back-to-the-basket low post moves and very solid footwork. (I say that as somebody who thought him a bit plodding his first couple of years.) On the defensive side he works relentlessly to gather rebounds and has great timing for blocked shots. (See, e.g. the Davidson game) The true question about Shelden is whether he can step away from the basket 15-17 feet as a credible jump shooter/passer. I saw signs last year that he was capable of doing just that but think the emergence of McRoberts as a perimeter-oriented big man will force Shelden to accept a limited roll on the perimeter.

Speaking of roll, I'm very much in favor of the Dukies utilizing the pick and roll with Shelden and JJ. If Shelden has added a solid 17 foot jumper then there is not a college basketball team in America that could handle that two-headed monster. Especially not with Melchionni spotting for threes in the weak-side corner and Paulus, Dockery or Nelson at the top of the key ready to drive and McRoberts or Nelson near the free throw line. Un-frickin'-stoppable.

Click the link to see the rest of this post.

Point Guards
Sean Dockery is exactly what every good team needs. He's solid, reliable and level-headed. (e.g. 6 assists, 1 TO against Davidson) He can hit an occasional jumper and can beat his man off the dribble. Furthermore, he doesn't need a lot of points to make a real impact on an opponent. He is a very good on-the-ball defender with quick hands and a knack for disrupting passing lanes. He'll get an early test against Texas when lots of pressure will be on him to check a variety of skilled backcourt players.

Then there's Greg Paulus. He's shown me only that he belongs on a D-I team but not much more. He's got some range, some ball handling ability and some above average passing ability. But if anybody on this team loses playing time over the course of the season I would not be surprised if it is Paulus. Once K gives Redick 35 minutes, Dockery 28, Nelson 25 and Melchionni 25 I just don't know how Paulus finds the floor that often. Perhaps he'll get 12-15 a night unless it's a blowout. (I'm looking at you, Clemson!)

Shooting Guards and Small Forwards -- Non-JJ Division
DeMarcus Nelson is a great slasher, if slightly undersized. Anybody who watched the
Seton Hall game knows that he can finish around the rim and is very quick to the rim. He's the kind of guy who can disrupt defensive sets because he's athletic enough to get his own shot and grab offensive rebounds. I do wonder whether he has fallen from Coach K's favor due to poor effort in the game against Boston U. But he played 26 minutes against Davidson so perhaps all is forgiven.

Lee Melchionni cannot start for a team like Duke. He's a great change of pace guy off the bench but can be exposed if he plays significant minutes against starters. Given that, he's a better player than most 6^th men and can provide needed firepower when JJ or Shelden is out of the game. If his jumper is falling, that is.

Pocius, OTOH, can be a starter someday. He's skilled and aggressive. Also, he looks to pass as demonstrated by the fact he's had 5 assists in 18 minutes. I see Pocius getting much better as the season progresses and look for him to be a contributor if injury or foul trouble requires it. Otherwise, we'll wait 'til next year.

Big Forwards
McRoberts is as good as advertised on the boards. He hasn't pressed too much so he's not taking bad shots. (7 of 12 on the season) But if he's going to pound the glass he needs to improve his FT shooting. (2 of 7) Otherwise he might set a record for having the lowest FT percentage in history while on the same team as the best FT shooter in the game. And to top it off, he's not just missed but also been brutal.

There is no chance of him getting the "shooter's roll".

Furthermore, he's been foul prone, getting called for 10 in 3 games. All that while committing 4 turnovers and getting 0 assists. He's a solid big and would've taken Shav's minutes eventually. But so far it's obvious he has a way to go before truly becoming a threat on both ends of the court.

That said: I'm glad he's at Duke because I've seen flashes of brilliance.

Finally, Eric Boateng -- or neo-Deng -- has contributed quite well. He's long and wiry and appears comfortable shooting the ball. (2 of 2 from the field and the line) I'm not sure he's completely ready for the rigors of ACC basketball but I think he's a solid addition to a smallish team that might need minutes from a 6'10" player if McRoberts continues to accumulate fouls at his current rate. And the good news is that he'll stay longer than did Deng.

Coaching
Coach K is one of the best in the business and he has assembled what is, by all accounts, a top-flight staff. 'Nuff said.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

Don't Forget the Monday Morning Weekend Review

The Headlines:

Because we care, the MAD MONEY Recap.

Pack plucks foul Hens: N.C. State wins it at free-throw line.

Short-handed Hokies win: Virginia Tech defeats Mount St. Mary's without starting center Coleman Collins.

Eagles find a second gear: "The second game of Boston College's season offered a glimpse into what to do -- and what not to do -- when playing an unknown, overmatched nonconference opponent."

Miami's King leads Canes in home opener: Center Anthony King scored 15 points and grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds to lead Miami past Morgan State.

Prosser ponders Deacs' point-guard problem. He better do more than ponder!

Maui hot spot for Terps, rest: "Maryland, most others in field take chances with play in formidable early tournament"

Maryland Warms to the Task in Maui.

Picking up the pace at Clemson: With the departure of Sharrod Ford and the arrival of an up-tempo offense, Akin Akingbala can expect to run

FSU freshman ready for first home game.

Footblog News:

Hokies Back in the Conversation.

Virginia Tech Football: Hokies' BCS path clear. No help from U.Va. is needed after Miami fell to Georgia Tech.

Hokies' weekend simply dreamy: Rolling over rival UVa feels even better after the 'Canes are upset.

Canes still hurting: A day after a loss to Georgia Tech ended Miami's hopes of playing for a national title, the Hurricanes tried to focus on the rest of their season.

FSU-Florida just isn't the same rivalry.

Bunting officially not happy. UNC coach has questions for ACC.

UNC preparing to visit Virginia Tech: Heels, 5-5 after incident-filled win over Blue Devils, needs win to keep bowl hopes alive.

BC bowl plans hit cold spot: "When he walked out of Byrd Stadium in College Park, Md., after Boston College's 31-16 victory over Maryland Saturday, athletic director Gene DeFilippo believed the Eagles had made a nice closing argument for themselves."

Year of living dangerously: Close, rugged victory against USC symbolizes Clemson’s ‘unique team’ this season.

Cavs need to bounce back quickly with Miami next.

Georgia Tech focusing on remaining games.

Shocker enhances Jackets' prestige: Focus turns toward finally beating Dogs.

Terps look to avoid rut: Loss to N.C. State would end hopes for bowl game, ensure second losing season in row.

FSU calls upon its freshmen - Newcomers have had to learn fast.

The Monday Morning Weekend Review

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

NOTE: Blogger is really messed up this morning so we'll try to get this format fixed as time allows. Sorry for the mess and missing stories (that, for some reason, Blogger keeps trashing when I try to post.) Enjoy as you can.

The Headlines:

Pack runs away from The Citadel: There was nothing classic about the first nine minutes of N.C. State's matchup Saturday night against The Citadel.

In debut, Leitao gets 'W' and 'T': Blowout victory over Liberty doesn't mean the first-year coach is going to accept mistakes.

Devils too much for Cats

Hamilton asks FSU to pick up tempo.

Leitao tries to make 1st steps count: The first-year Cavs' basketball coach has a promising 2006 recruiting class and is getting the word out on UVa. No reason a school like UVa. Shouldn't win 20 every year in basketball.

Footblog News:

Wild week for Georgia Tech ends with upset of Miami: Jackets' win is biggest since 1990. Virginia Tech should send the Jackets a check!

Edwin Pope of the Miami Herald: Canes' season loses its luster after upset loss.

UM can't back up the swagger: Penalties prove costly to a Hurricane defense which prides itself of coming up with the big play.

Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch: Virginia Tech shows separation in 'rivalry'. That was some beating they put on the Cavs. Wonder if the Heels will fare any better?

Cavs feel low: Virginia players are abashed after being smashed at home.

PERFECT STORMING: Hokies' offense, defense and special teams raze their rivals at Scott Stadium.

Orange crush: Clemson comes up with the big play as usual. Bowden survives another year in the Valley!

Whitehurst is rivalry's first QB to go 4-0

USC changed from one future Hall-of-Fame coach to another but could not change the outcome of what is fast becoming a one-sided rivalry. Clemson (7-4) has won four in a row and eight of the past nine meetings with the Gamecocks, the best stretch in the 103-year series history since the Tigers took eight of nine between 1934-42.

Close play costs Duke a possible win over rival UNC. I was at the game. A comedy of errors and dirty play, it was.

Ned Barnett of the News and Observer - looking peachy for BC: After wrapping up their inaugural AtlanticCoast Conference campaign with an impressive 31-16 victory overMaryland yesterday, the No. 23 Eagles (8-3 overall, 5-3) seemed toimprove their postseason position by climbing up the pecking order forconsideration in the Peach Bowl Dec. 30 in Atlanta."

PackSlips Extend Slide.

Coach Ralph Friedgen's Maryland program has struggled the past couple of seasons and needs a win next week to become bowl eligible.

FSU player says he landed in the right place: Former Wakulla High star passed up UF to be closer to mom, sister. This is a nice read.

Weekend Thoughts

Or is that weakened thoughts? Can't ever be too sure...

Carolina had to depend on a three pointer to beat Gardner-Webb? I assume that's not considered a great sign even for those with the light-bluest of glasses. But then I'm sure Ed will leave a note to explain why I'm wrong on that point. And truthfully I think it's a good sign to see a young team win a close game or two early -- assuming it's Illinois. But not against G-W. That's an indeterminate sign, to say the least.

Meanwhile Duke rolled, behind JJ's 29 points and Shelden's 20, 10 and 9 blocks, to a big win over a solid Davidson team. That's a Davidson team that's picked to win the SoCon over a pesky WCU team, btw.

Speaking of Western, we lost another game to a big-time program. This time it was South Carolina who came to Cullowhee and shot 20 of 30 (including 8 of 11 from 3) in the second half to cruise to a big victory after a closer-than-expected first half. Western showed great grit and determination while several SC fans acted like the mascot of their school. Without the "Game" part, that is. (At least the SC angle gives it an ACC connection -- even if it's tenuous. Editor. Whatever. Birkel)

File this under the "What were they thinking?" heading. UVa travels to Arizona on Nov 27th and to Gonzaga on December 17th. First of all, let's admit they're going to lose both games -- badly, IMHO. But let's also question the need to make two separate West Coast trips that bookend the exam period at a big-time academic institution. Does that make any sense?

I think NC State will be pretty good this year. I think Wake will not. And GaTech is my pick as a sleeper team. They lost some quality minutes off that team but I like what they're doing in Hotlanta.

P.S. My fantasy football team is still terrible.

The Daily Round Up: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage:

I know we're supposed to be leading with Basketblog news, but I had to give you an excerpt from the University of Miami's newly discovered 7th floor crew rap. Listen to an excerpt of the 7th Floor Crew song!!! Actually.......not a bad first effort at explicit rap with a popular hook.

The Headlines:

Because we care, Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY Recap.

Gators handle erring Deacs: "Wake Forest commits 22 turnovers in defeatWake Forest's big three wasn't big enough to beat Florida last night in the semifinals of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic at Madison Square Garden." Not to belabor the point, but Wake is in a bit of trouble if Gray is going to continue playing the point. He's a fine player, but Wake needs him at the 2 spot. They need to take their lumps now a develop one on the true guards on the team and let Gray play 80% shooting guard. If not, Wake is going to be in deep trouble. I saw it in the WSSU game and it was apparent again last night: Surprisingly, Wake lacks overall team speed. Amazing how losing two players at the guard spot can make your new team quickness look very, very average.

Different Paths, Same Destination: Terrapins Hope Their Seniors Will Inspire a Trip Back to the NCAAs.

Heels To Start Three Freshmen In Opener: "North Carolina coach Roy Williams announced his probable starters for Saturday's season opener versus Gardner-Webb with an emphasis on probable. They will be Bobby Frasor, Marcus Ginyard, Reyshawn Terry, David Noel and Tyler Hansbrough. " I like those five. Poor Q. Thomas may as well go ahead and transfer right now. The season review of the National Champs comes to you on Monday.

Engin Atsur: Turkish delight

Tonight, as the Pack opens a new season against Stetson, Engin Atsur will be starting his 59th consecutive game. Yet, many fans likely know little about the 6-foot-4 junior guard other than he can be streaky good on 3-pointers.

I like his game....nice player.

John Delonof thehe Winston-Salem Journal- Old Wolf: Ilian Evtimov has weathered much during his long career at N.C. State

With familiar faces, Terps begin season of unknowns.

Purnell follows his sixth sense: Coach counting on Robinson to keep providing points off the bench.

Hamilton needs to get the 'Noles back on track. They always have talent....and always find a way to screw it up!

On the precipice of potential, Thornton emerging at FSU: A consistent, refined game could make forward stand out in the ACC.

For Progress, Leitao, Cavaliers Have Work. More on the improving Cavs. They open tonight with Liberty.

UNC a giant step for Gardner-Webb: Bulldogs are seeking upset, not autographs. I like that attitude. Besides, whose left to get autographs from, Reyshawn Terry?

Pulling together to push forward: Torn apart by individualism, Terps now stress unity.

Terp seniors' goal? Rebound!: Beginning with tonight's opener, group hopes to forget last season.

They were treated "like rock stars," Maryland coach Gary Williams said, freshman basketball players who arrived on campus and basked in the afterglow of a national championship they didn't win.Now, four years later, Nik Caner-Medley, Chris McCray and Travis Garrison are trying to earn one of their own.

Never forget, guys...never forget.

Footblog News (Rivalry Week)

Players' crude rap draws ire, fire: A sexually explicit song made by some Hurricanes players two years ago came to light on the Internet. Listen to an excerpt of the 7th Floor Crew song!!!

Dan LeBatard: Latest UM embarrassment is just stupid.

Hooked on a feeling: Hamilton and Tapp recall when they were drawn into the Virginia Tech v. Virginia rivalry.

Preparation for Spurrier gets tricky: "In preparing to defend South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier for the first time, Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning said his staff compiled a tape of trick plays, mostly from Spurrier's career at Florida."

UNC wide receiver honors late grandma on the field : "Jesse Holley will get ready for Saturday's game against Duke the way he always does. He'll head over to Kenan Football Center to get taped and have breakfast, listening to Michael Jackson's greatest hits along the way. He'll eat three pancakes and an omelet -- extra cheese and just a little ham, please -- and drink two Gatorades......"

Terps Are Hitting the Long Ball: Strong-Armed Hollenbach's Deep Passes Open Up the Offense.

In bowl derby, Eagles a long shot for Gator: "In ''The Godfather: Part III," an aging and ailing Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) is attempting to divest himself of the family business, but, ''Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in," says Pacino."

ACC FOOTBALL: N.C. State tailback Washington mulls transfer. A. Brown is kicking his butt, now he wants to run home. I love it!!!

Duke's hopes lie in future: "On an unseasonably warm November night, Ted Roof leaned back on an aluminum bench with his wife next to him and their two sons blithely running around them." He noticed that his little boys had more speed and explosiveness than did many players on his team! Coach K, stop killing that football program and help this guy out with the administration. All he has to say is "if you don't give that guy what he needs to win football games, I'm outta hear." That would be a site to behold.

Bowl fate still a mystery for Seminoles - A BCS bowl is still possible - as is an early trip north. "In most years by mid-November, Florida State had narrowed its postseason bowl possibilities to an either/or type of scenario on which trip it would make. "

Terps, ACC focus in on bowl picture: Eligible schools outnumber slots.

Cavs' Glaspy Is Earning Larger Role:

When Byron Glaspy called his father more than a year ago and told him he hadn't made Virginia's football team through open tryouts, Archie Glaspy had this advice for his son: "Keep yourself in shape. Stay dedicated. You never know how things are going to turn out." His father's advice proved to be prophetic.

GEORGIA TECH REPORT: Tough going against tight ends.

Blue Devils' freshmen are starting and making an impact.

Conference shuffles left Pack in lurch: Middle Tennessee is replacement for Temple.

On a Roll: Baker hopes to carry Tar Heels.

Georgia Tech on probation: NCAA cites use of 17 ineligible athletes. Department wide, folks....department wide.

Toal forced to sideline: "When he met with reporters Wednesday, Brian Toal was reluctant to rule himself out of Boston College's season finale tomorrow at Maryland. "

MARQUEE HAGANS: Forget that he stands only 5-10 -- U.Va.'s quarterback is as good as advertised.

'Johnny' from the block: Virginia Tech's Jonathan Lewis may be best known for making key tackles but is also a performer off the field.

Close kinship: Luck often decides tight games, and Spurrier has had more than Bowden.

Forward thinking: "No one ever really doubted Will Blackmon's ability to make the switch from cornerback to wide receiver his senior year at Boston College. ''Everybody knew he was a really good athlete," said sophomore quarterback Matt Ryan. ''So switching sides of the ball, in terms of physical play, wouldn't be that difficult for him.""

More to come, including (I think) the Duke Team Review.