Dave Sez

And I believe him. Good read with pretty colored graphics. Maybe someday I'll learn how to program in HTML.

Nahh...

I'll just keep sending you to Dave Sez.

What's it about? If your team is on the Bubble and you're wondering if they'll get it, you'll just have to read for yourself.

Birkel's Top 20 (of the last 33 years)

So I'm down to a Top 30 list. Ten more must go.

Here's a list of those who made the first cut with a list of those who fail to do so at the end:

Shane Battier, Duke 1998-2001
Len Bias, Maryland 1983-1986
Tom Burleson, NC State 1971-1974
Randolph Childress, Wake Forest 1991, 1993-95
Brad Daugherty, North Carolina 1983-1986
Walter Davis, North Carolina 1974-1977
Johnny Dawkins, Duke 1983-1986
Juan Dixon, Maryland 1999-2002
Tim Duncan, Wake Forest 1994-1997
Len Elmore, Maryland 1972-1974
Danny Ferry, Duke 1986-1989
Phil Ford, North Carolina 1975-1978
Mike Gminski, Duke 1977-1980
Grant Hill, Duke 1991-1994
Bobby Hurley, Duke 1990-1993
Antawn Jamison, North Carolina 1996-1998
Bobby Jones, North Carolina 1972-1974
Michael Jordan, North Carolina 1982-1984
Albert King, Maryland 1978-1981
Christian Laettner, Duke 1989-1992
Jeff Lamp, Virginia 1978-1981
John Lucas, Maryland 1973-1976
Tom McMillen, Maryland 1972-1974
Sam Perkins, North Carolina 1981-1984
Mark Price, Georgia Tech 1983-1986
Wayne "Tree" Rollins, Clemson 1974-1977
Ralph Sampson, Virginia 1980-1983
David Thompson, NC State 1973-1975
Jason(sic) Williams, Duke 2000-2002
James Worthy, North Carolina 1980-1982


Didn't Make the List
Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech 1990-1991

Only played two years

Elton Brand, Duke 1998-1999

Only played two years

Horace Grant, Clemson 1984-1987

Solid performer who just doesn't qualify on this most distinguished list

Matt Harpring, Georgia Tech 1995-1998

Great 4 year player who faces too much stiff competition

Rodney Monroe, NC State 1988-1991

Great scorer, but didn't have the "will to win" demonstrated by near-contemporary Randolph Childress

Joe Smith, Maryland 1994-1995

Only played two years

Dennis Scott, Georgia Tech 1988-1990

Great shooter who was limited his first two years because of conditioning and one great year doesn't make this particular list

Buck Williams, Maryland 1979-1981

Compared to the other PFs on this list Buck has to settle for nearly making Birkel's list. I'm sure he'll cope.

Thoughts
I was going to eliminate Jeff Lamp until I found this:

Lamp lettered four times for Virginia from 1978-81, and was a first-team All-America selection in 1980 and 1981. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in 1979 and 1981, and was a second-team All-Conference selection in 1978 and 1980.

He played in three National Invitation Tournaments (NIT) and one NCAA Tournament during his UVa career. Lamp helped lead the Cavaliers to the 1980 NIT Championship and the 1981 NCAA Final Four. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1981 NCAA East Regional and was an All-Tournament selection at the 1981 Final Four.

Lamp led the ACC in scoring (22.9 ppg.) in 1979, and in free throw percentage in 1979 (84.6 percent) and 1981 (86.5 percent). A team captain during his UVa career, he ranks second on Virginia's all-time scoring list with 2,317 points. He averaged 18.8 points and 4.2 rebounds a game for his career, while shooting 49.2 percent (841-1710) from the field and 84.9 percent (635-748) from the free throw line.

And let's be clear, he's a 6-6 SG who compares rather favorably to JJ Redick in scoring, rebounding and shooting percentage. I didn't remember how good he was but then I was only 8 when he left UVa. First Team All-American in 1980 but only second-team All-ACC? Wow!

Please help me whittle this list by sharing your thoughts in the comments section.

Most Likely Not to Make the Next Cut
Brad Daugherty
Juan Dixon
Danny Ferry
Mike Gminski
Bobby Hurley
Jeff Lamp
Tree Rollins

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Smith turns 75, out of spotlight: "Coaching legend happy with Tar Heel program in Williams' hands."

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap

MEAC tourney outlook hopeful: "The NCAA Division I conference of 11 historically black universities hopes to transform its tournament into something more than an athletic event." We talked about the CIAA Tournament last week. This is the conference that will, eventually, overrun the CIAA. It is now comprised of 1/2 former Div II CIAA schools who have made the jump to Div. I. North Carolina Central University is next. Not nearly as big a deal as the CIAA right now, but give it time.

Cold comfort: "Black hockey players of past generations played for love of the game." Nice read from the Boston Globe.

Latta, Currie lead ACC first team: "UNC point guard Ivory Latta and Duke guard/forward Monique Currie are unanimous choices."


The Headlines:

Hewitt's fault? "Jackets coach blames self for season struggles, adjusts approach."

Heels' road to success: "After losing the top seven scorers from last year's national championship team, North Carolina coach Roy Williams has built a scrappy, defensive-minded-minded squad that expects to play deep into March."

The Madness of March

WFU's Prosser says well-wishers have helped him cope with tough season: Go offer Jay Wright any amount of money and be done with it, Deacs. What a move that would be!!! If not the Deacs, perhaps you Pack fans would be happy with Jay. I don't care that he just signed a deal with Villanova. If NC State or Wake came calling, he would have to listen.

BC set to apply finishing touch: "Things looked pretty rocky when the Boston College men's basketball team stumbled to an 0-3 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play. But with two games remaining, things couldn't look much rosier for the 12th-ranked Eagles (22-6, 9-5), who have rebounded from that sluggish start by winning nine of 11 ACC contests and have pulled within one victory of clinching....."

FSU Seniors take tough road: "Andrew Wilson and Diego Romero were supposed to be long gone by now. Todd Galloway's college career took a drastic turn even before it started."

ACC refs vulnerable to stars: "So you think Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski gets more than his fair share of calls in the ACC? Impossible."

Point, counterpoint: "Terps men's program struggles as women's flourishes; Men: Improvement isn't there, but inconsistency persists."

Former Duke stars reunite as pros: "Maybe a handful of times during the 2003-04 season, Chris Duhon, Luol Deng and Shavlik Randolph shared the Duke bench, cheering on their teammates while waiting to take to the court." Oh yeah, and for all of you who thought that Shavlik couldn't make it in the pros, see Exhibit A of the Basketblog's prediction that he would, indeed, make a roster and be fine. 9 min per game is not bad burn for an undrafted rookie.

Dascenzo: What if Duke and BC faced off?: " People really like to look ahead, you know it. On Saturday afternoon, a Boston sports writer asked me what the Greensboro Coliseum crowd might be like if Duke and Boston College were to meet for the ACC Tournament championship on Sunday, March 12. "

ACC Notes: Focus on Redick takes toll - Krzyzewski: Emotions caused sub-par games. I think that's right. I expect for JJ to have a great end of season run, a good ACC Tourny, and get cold in the Dance. Wishful thinking, I know, but hey...that's all I have.

Buzz is back, this time at the coast: Former UNC player and Vols Coach rebounds from Tennessee tenure.

ACC Musings from the Times Dispatch


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

I've learned from my mistakes, says FSU's Nicholson: "Seven weeks after being sent home from the Orange Bowl for having a woman in his hotel room after curfew, Florida State linebacker A.J. Nicholson said he knows he has damaged his reputation but hopes he has not hurt his NFL draft position." Yeah....I know its been more than 7 weeks, but hey, I just saw the story. Enjoy the read.

Hurricanes will play Gators in football in 2008

Olson hopes second time is the charm: "New offensive coordinator Rich Olson, who ran UM's offense from 1993 to '94, is eager to win his first national title with UM and help the program return to form."

So many X-rays, I must be radioactive: Georgia Tech's Tarquinio talks about his combine experience.

McCargo's combine diary (Day 4): "Former N.C. State redshirt junior defensive tackle John McCargo checks in each combine day with N&O writer Lorenzo Perez."

Pack promotes strength coach: "N.C. State football coach Chuck Amato is making a habit of turning his strength and conditioning coaches into assistant coaches."

New Georgia Tech AD focused on the future:"The interview had a friendly tone. No controversial questions were asked, no political or philosophical issues discussed."

Birkel's Top 20 (of the last 33 years)

I'm going back to the post-Wooden era, basically.

I'll develop a list of contenders. You guys can vote these guys on or off the island, so to speak. Then we'll get down to the nitty gritty of a list.

Contenders (Stolen from this list)
Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech 1990-1991
Shane Battier, Duke 1998-2001
Len Bias, Maryland 1983-1986
Elton Brand, Duke 1998-1999
Tom Burleson, NC State 1971-1974
Randolph Childress, Wake Forest 1991, 1993-95
Brad Daugherty, North Carolina 1983-1986
Walter Davis, North Carolina 1974-1977
Johnny Dawkins, Duke 1983-1986
Juan Dixon, Maryland 1999-2002
Tim Duncan, Wake Forest 1994-1997
Len Elmore, Maryland 1972-1974
Danny Ferry, Duke 1986-1989
Phil Ford, North Carolina 1975-1978
Mike Gminski, Duke 1977-1980
Horace Grant, Clemson 1984-1987
Matt Harpring, Georgia Tech 1995-1998
Grant Hill, Duke 1991-1994
Bobby Hurley, Duke 1990-1993
Antawn Jamison, North Carolina 1996-1998
Bobby Jones, North Carolina 1972-1974
Michael Jordan, North Carolina 1982-1984
Albert King, Maryland 1978-1981
Christian Laettner, Duke 1989-1992
Jeff Lamp, Virginia 1978-1981
John Lucas, Maryland 1973-1976
Tom McMillen, Maryland 1972-1974
Rodney Monroe, NC State 1988-1991
Sam Perkins, North Carolina 1981-1984
Mark Price, Georgia Tech 1983-1986
Wayne "Tree" Rollins, Clemson 1974-1977
Ralph Sampson, Virginia 1980-1983
Dennis Scott, Georgia Tech 1988-1990
Joe Smith, Maryland 1994-1995
David Thompson, NC State 1973-1975
Buck Williams, Maryland 1979-1981
Jason(sic) Williams, Duke 2000-2002
James Worthy, North Carolina 1980-1982

That's 38 players if I counted correctly. And I'm willing to lose Jeff Lamp, Joe Smith, Ho Grant and Matt Harpring without debate. So we've got to find 14 other players to eliminate plus we've got to find a player to bump from the Top 20 to make room for JJ if you think he should make it -- an open question.

NOTE: When this list was compiled in 2003 for the 50th anniversary of the ACC it listed David Thompson #1, Laettner #2, Ralph Sampson #3, Jordan #4 and Phil Ford #5.
Ain't no way JJ Redick gets to sniff the Top 5. Ever. I could start that team against any five players ever assembled and get a great run. And that's with Laettner ahead of Duncan who came in at #6. Which is stupid. Laettner got the success and the rings and made the shot against Kentucky but everybody outside of Coach K would rather have Duncan. Just sayin'...

So I'll let you guys give me your take and then we'll see where JJ goes.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Ron Green Sr. of the Charlotte Observer: Frazzled, but lovin' it- This time of year, being hated isn't that bad.

JJ Redick's place in ACC History. I must say, I like this list from Mark Bradley of the AJC better than this list from Caulton Tudor. Bobby Hurley ahead of Michael Jordan and Reddick ahead of Dawkins???? Sometimes, numbers DO lie. Tudor's list is a case in point. Who is on your list? Take it to the comments section!!!

Charlotte leads in bidfor NASCAR hall: "NASCAR sources say city nearly certain to be awarded Hall of Fame."


The Headlines:

Redick breaks ACC scoring record during Duke's win at Temple / Blue Devils senior Shelden Williams dominates in the first half and grabs his 14th double-double of the season in a close win over the Owls."

UNC hitting its goals: "After dismantling Maryland 81-57 on Sunday at the Smith Center, No. 21 UNC has earned a coveted first-round bye in the ACC Tournament thanks in part to the efforts of freshman Tyler Hansbrough and senior David Noel." When you're young and you can still play ugly and win....that's a good sign. Heels are going to do more than show up at the Dance. They are going to actually DEFEND their title.

Dascenzo: Young Heels keep getting better:"Here's how impressive North Carolina's 19-6, 10-4 ACC basketball team is today: The Tar Heels were 33-4, and won the NCAA title last season, remember? They were 7-1 in February, remember? The only February loss was by a point, Feb. 9, at Duke, remember?"

Feels like deja vu to Williams- "Terrapins' coach lauds Hansbrough."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News & Observer: Terps long way from NCAA bid. No guards = no chance. They just look lost out there.

Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post: Terrapins Trying to 'Stay Positive'

Virginia Done In by 29 Turnovers, Clemson 90, Virginia 64: "After Mistake-Prone Loss, 'the Boston College Win Means Nothing"

Otherworldly: In season's best performance, Tigers avenge earlier loss to Cavaliers."

Clemson gets it from the neck up: "You can sugar coat it, you can change the subject, you talk about what it's like at other schools. At some point, the challenge of developing a winning basketball program at Clemson University is seen with all its potholes, inclines and slippery slopes and you realize this is a serious, long-term project."

Double trouble for Wolfpack: "Boston College hands N.C. State a tough loss to swallow, 74-72 in double OT." You've got to have better end of the game play than that, Herb! You State fans can say all you like: you miss a guy like Hodge at the end of games when you need someone to wave off your coach and take the ball to the hole and score or draw the foul. As much as BC's guys were flying around, a simple pump fake would have gotten the job done. Bad, bad way to lose a game.

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal - Failing Grade: Wolfpack flunks final home game of 2006

Yellow Jackets keep Deacons in ACC cellar: "Ice-cold shooting in second half sends WFU to 76-61 defeat in spite of a big game from Williams."

Dowdell, Tech subdue FSU 72-61: "Junior guard scores 20 to help Hokies stop a three-game slide." What a choke job by the 'Noles.

FSU slow from the get-go: "Early struggles lead to crushing loss for 'Noles."

J.R. Reynolds finishing strong for Cavaliers: "Reynolds, who scored 28 points in UVa's win over B.C., is averaging 20 points in the Cavaliers' last six games." He's making a strongargumentt for 2nd team All Basketblog.

It's playoff time already for FSU: "The postseason has come early for the Florida State men's basketball team. But it's as a No. 16 seed." IF you want to Dance, you better beat Duke....and pray.

Duke expects to see 'junk' :"Defense designed to slow down Redick may be flourishing."

Eagles relax -- for now: "Yesterday was a well-deserved and sorely needed day of rest for the Boston College men's basketball team."

Tar Heels say they still have unfinished business.


ACCfootballl News from the Footblog:

Beamer hires ex-Wolfpack coach

UM's Winston shows speed at NFL Combine:" University of Miami tackle Eric Winston ran the second-fastest time in the 40-yard dash of any of the 44 participating offensive linemen Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "

Terps' Jackson gets NFL look

More to come......

Weekend Reax

Like most of you (probably), I watched the UConn-Villanova rematch today. It was a decent game although I thought the first tilt was better. Not because of the result, but rather because the winner didn't seem to be a foregone conclusion. UConn was simply too deep and talented on their home-away-from-home court.

And that brings me to my point: UConn is not a "program" in the classic sense of the word. UNC, Duke, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas and UCLA are the prototypical programs. Some teams come and go through the years but those six* are by far the most history-rich. (And yes, I'm not counting Harvard even though it was the team of the '90s -- the 1890s.) Look back at the history of the Final Four and you'll see that certain names appear throughout the decades. Coaches come and go but the programs continue.

And UConn is not a program. It is Jim Calhoun's baby. And it will fade once he's gone.

Want the clearest evidence? During the game there was a play where a 'Nova guard bounced a ball off a UConn player who was out of bounds. The fans behind the action all pointed as if UConn deserved the ball. (Silly fans are a sign of the lack of "program-hood".) And what did I see?

A "DUCK FUKE" shirt.

If you're at a game involving the #2 and #3 teams in the country in a state 10 hours from the great state of North Carolina and you're wearing an anti-Duke shirt you can rest assured that your team of choice is not a program. Rest assured.

All that said, UConn is my pre-tourney favorite to go all the way. This year. Once K and Calhoun are gone, Duke will still be there. And UConn will have faded from memory very quickly.

IMHO, of course.

*corrected

JJ

So JJ Redick is the ACC's All-Time Leading Scorer. I wasn't sure if he could do it when the season began but then again I never expect any ACC player to average over 25 points per game.

And so I was cruising over at ESPN when I saw this article on Redick.

"I didn't get tattoos so other people would say, 'Oh, J.J.'s got tattoos. He's got a basketball on his arm that says King of the Court,' or something like that," Redick said. "I got a tattoo for me. It's a constant reminder, every day, of what God has done and what he will do in my life."
The reminders are etched upon the senior guard's lean torso -- one on his chest, one on his abdomen.
The script lettering on his stomach reads, "Isaiah 40:31," referring to this Bible verse: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The other tattoo, on his chest, came first. It's the Japanese word for courage, and beneath it is reference to another Bible verse, Joshua 1:9. That one reads: Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
That's the tat he got with grandma. And if there is one thing you can say about J.J. Redick, it's this: He's got basketball courage.

(italics in original)
That's interesting, if a little odd. As they say, read the whole thing.

ACC Coach of the Year

Who is the ACC Coach of the Year?
	Leitao (UVa)
	Coach K (Duke)
	Roy Williams (UNC)
	Herb Sendek (NCSU)
	Frank Haith (Miami)
Free polls from Pollhost.com

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO Recap.

Not the ACC, but the biggest basketball story of the coming week in the Southeast - The CIAA Tournament is coming to town! Parties, reunions and, yes, hoops:

"The CIAA finally got it right. After holding its basketball tournament in towns such as Richmond, Va., Raleigh and Winston-Salem, they moved it to a city. The basketball begins next week at Charlotte Bobcats Arena."

Now some of you don't know it, but the CIAA tournament is the Granddaddy of modern day, end of year Conference Tournaments (and not the ACC Tournament). The CIAA is the home of coaching legends, the late Big House Gains of Winston-Salem State University and John McClendon of North Carolina Central University (ask Dean Smith who he learned the secondary break and vaunted four corners offense from?.) Before Jordan, Duncan, Battier or Paul could play for the Big 4, before Bias, Anderson, Sampson, or Rollins could play for majority schools from Maryland to Georgia, those caliber players did their work in the CIAA. Can' t think of any CIAA players who have impacted the league or at least play a nice supporting role for their team? Try Hall of Famers Sam Jones and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Cleo Hill, Earl Lloyd, Ronald Murry, Darrell Armstrong, Ben Wallace and, of course, Charles Oakley. Not a bad list! Want to know more about the CIAA and it's impact on basketball? See this article (about 1/4 of the way down). If you can make it to a game or two, you should!

CIAA: The 12 schools at a glance

Sorting seeds won't be easy: "Normally, it is a perfunctory conference call with the media to get people talking about next month's NCAA men's basketball tournament. The selection committee chairman talks about the field in general terms, handing out guidelines. This year's committee chairman, Craig Littlepage, Virginia's director of athletics, tried to take the same tack Wednesday."

Mike Wise of the Washington Post: Way Off the Mark on Diversity

The Headlines:

UNC's rebuilding plan ahead of schedule : "Tar Heels can wrap up another 20-win season heading into tourney."

Doug Doughty, the Virginia Insider - Fordham loss won’t be a killer :NCAA might be tempted if Cavs get to ‘17’.

Wolfpack let down its guard: "N.C. State's inability to control the boards has been a weakness this season, even though the Wolfpack has won eight games (and lost only four) when outrebounded. What was clear Wednesday night agsinst UNC, however, was that mixing a poor rebounding effort with frequent defensive lapses produces a losing formula."

Fans gave Tar Heels earfull at RBC center: "David Noel had an answer for everything N.C. State threw at him Wednesday night. But postgame interviews? That was a different story."

Wolfpack must rebound in time for BC: "Herb Sendek certainly could have had a better time on his 43rd birthday. If things had gone the way Sendek had planned, the N.C. State basketball coach would have tied Wolfpack legend Everett Case (191) for 14th place on the ACC career victories list. "

FSU tries not to trip at Virginia Tech: "The students were already chanting to bring on Duke in the waning moments of Florida State's victory over Maryland on Wednesday."

Dascenzo: Protect the ball, perfect the win: "The road to Indianapolis isn't likely to be easy for anybody, including teams such as Duke, Villanova and Connecticut. Those three are likely to show up prominently in most brackets once Selection Sunday arrives on March 12. "

U.VA. NOTES from the Times Dispatch


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Randy King, the Va. Tech Insider: Tech's revolving coaching door

'Canes add Pannunzio to coaching staff: "Former Murray State coach Joe Pannunzio was hired to coach the Hurricanes' tight ends and special teams. UM expects to add Northern Illinois University assistant Marquis Mosely to the staff to coach receivers before the end of the week."

Vick accuser charged

McCargo prepares for combine: "Pack defensive tackle ready for Indianapolis."

Weber joins Tar Heels' coaching staff: "Mark Weber figured he was saying goodbye to Frank Cignetti when Cignetti left Fresno State in January to become the offensive coordinator of North Carolina's football team. "

Beamer to add 3 new assistants

Georgia Tech LB Barnes ineligible

Former Virginia coach and AD Holland has formed roots as ECU's AD.


News from the League:

On former Hurricane Ray Lewis:

John Eisenberg of the Baltimore Sun: If R. Lewis is going to pout, Ravens should ship him out

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun: Here's the real deal: R. Lewis just latest ungrateful athlete. What a name...."Schmuck." Classic

On Former Hokie Mike Vick:

Knapp: No rift with Vick
Falcons: 'It's a good thing Mike's got this edge,' offensive coordinator says of QB's comments.

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Bobcats admit mistake: "Team to lower ticket prices." What a disaster. The problem now is that it will be 10 years before they can ever raise prices. When you suck, and the natives are already pissed that you shoved an arena down their throats, and then.....you suck, you don't charge sky high prices for every thing in the arena. $25 6-Pack of Bud Light, plus tax, plus tip, PLUS a 20% BOB JOHNSON IS A JERK SERVICE CHARGE!!!! Yep, that takes your Bud Light to about $40!!!! Not great business when.....you suck!

Selection committee faces challenges

The Headlines:

Heels stuff Pack: "The Tar Heels continue to come up big on the road in the ACC, crushing the Wolfpack on the boards en route to a crushing 95-71 defeat for N.C. State. The Heels are 6-1 in ACC road games this season." Now, that was an a$$ whoopin'. In a conversation with my sister last night (another Carolina grad) I told her that I now understood the anger NC State fans must feel when it comes to their coach and their team. If you're NC State/Herb, and you don't beat Carolina this year when, exactly, do you plan on beating them? Herb, you have two big losses to a team that you probably should have beaten twice this year. You are deep, have good size across the board, have a beautiful offensive system, you defend......and you loose to a Carolina team that starts one star (Hansbrough), one curiosity as a shooter and player (Terry), two walk on's (Noel and Miller), and a truly workman like point guard (Frassor).

I've defended you over and over on this board, Herb. Now I must say it: you're messing up! You need to get your *bleep* straight and understand where you work, or hit the road. NC State fans are realistic and don't expect sweeps of the modern Carolina and Duke every year. They do, however, have the right to expect not to get handled at home by this Carolina team. You coach an all time TOP 20 program of national stature. You have history, tradition, and National Championships. You coach the 3rd winningest program in ACC history. Get your thumb out of your a$$ and act like it!!

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: Loss is why Sendek's no fan favorite

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Tar Heels walk all over passive Pack

"Noel has last word." Did he ever. What a game by the senior from Durham.

Williams carries the load for Duke: "Dickie Hemric's ACC record is safe for now. So is Duke's ACC record -- barely." Wow...was I wrong. GT put up a heck of a fight. Man, if they had Jack this year they would be an entirely different team. Good effort, Jackets.

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer: Off night doesn't worry Redick -- or Blue Devils

"Jackets limit Redick -- for a while."

Seminoles win 7th ACC game: "Reaching the seven-win mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the first time since the days of Bob Sura, Doug Edwards and Sam Cassell, Florida State took a step closer to its NCAA dreams with a 71-60 triumph over Maryland on Wednesday."

Dubious technical brings discussion:"The phantom technical against Alexander Johnson will be talked about by those who matter if Florida State remains on the bubble until the end."

Terps Are Slipping Out of the Picture

Hurricanes snap losing streak, defeat Hokies 70-59: "It was a must-win game, one the Hurricanes needed to end the misery and kill the doubts that had crept in courtesy of a four-game losing streak."

UM keeps its NCAA hopes alive: "Guillermo Diaz scored 29 points as Miami stopped a four-game losing streak and preserved its hopes of making the NCAA tourney."

WAKE WINS, WAKE WINS!!! Deacons slip past Tigers in overtime. Dang......I'm happy for those Deacs. Ben, you can rest easy for a day, my friend.

Another OT, another OT loss for Clemson: "Tigers blow three-point lead in final moments to lose in OT for third time."

Dascenzo: Noel all over the court to help bury the Pack: "A sacred name here is David. Not Goliath. Not the Statue of. But David Thompson. Rumor had it that he could take a quarter in one hand, jump to the top of the backboard and come down with two dimes and nickle. Oh yes, somebody once wrote, back in 1974 when Thompson led N.C. State to its first national championship, that he was learning to play "Flight of the Bumblebee" on the piano, too. "

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal: NO CAKE: Williams gives Sendek a birthday to forget

News from the Association:

Haywood, Thomas Move On After Altercation. Brendon Haywood actually stood up and fought somebody? Wow....

ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Curry: Disappointed, not bitter - "Georgia Tech Runner-up for AD post says he respects decision to hire Radakovich."

Weber to join Heels: "Fresno assistant to coach O-line."

Duke captain Patrick leaves for Delaware: "Ben Patrick, a tight end and team captain who led Duke in receptions last season, said Wednesday that he will transfer to the University of Delaware for his final season of eligibility. " His parents ought to slap him in the mouth for talking that kind of nonsense and make him complete the degree from the TOP 5 institution of higher learning. Look, kid, you picked Duke so it's obvious you didn't go to school to play football (I'm very serious about that....not trying to be funny). You're a senior. Unless you have flunked out or the Coaches have given you the 'ol "you need to hit the road speech", you gotta stay and get that Duke degree. If this comes to pass, you will become the latest recipient of the Basketblog's Fred G. Sanford Award.

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

John Delong of the Winston-Salem Journal- SLAM DUNKS: ACC awards should be obvious this season. He makes the argument for Coach K being the Coach of the Year in the ACC. In sum

Here's one to ponder. Dean Smith was the ACC coach of the year only seven times in his 36-year career. UNC went 26-5 in 1972, finished first in the ACC standings, won the ACC Tournament, went to the Final Four. And the ACC coach of the year that year was Bill Gibson of Virginia. Gibson was that year's version of Leitao, getting votes because he finished higher than expected. Krzyzewski has been ACC coach of the year only five times in 24 seasons. Sendek, Prosser and even Seth Greenberg have been ACC coach of the year since Krzyzewski last received the award six years ago. But Krzyzewski has won five ACC titles in the past six years and has been either first or second in the regular-season standings four times. This season makes it five times. Again, who has really done the best job?

Good read.

Furman Bisher of the AJC: The more NASCAR changes, the more it's the same

The Headlines:

ACC Notes from the Times Dispatch

Cavs Shoot From Deep to Bring Down Eagles: Virginia 72, No. 11 Boston College 58. Big, big win for the Cavs. Which of you Basketbloggers would have thought that at the start of the season that these Cavs would be fighting for a top 4 finish in the ACC?

Eagles go south: "There are only three games left on Boston College's regular-season schedule. There are only three more chances to improve its postseason seeding, not only for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, where the top four seeds get a first-round bye, but also the NCAA Tournament."

Paul Woody of the Times Dispatch:Cavs Dutiful Diane finally got ball to fall.

Flawless form fuels Redick's rise in ACC: "J.J. Redick is averaging 28.9 points per game for No. 1 Duke by doing more than sinking long-range jump shots. He drives, scores on fast breaks and racks up points at the foul line. He even has thrown down a couple dunks. But the core of his success is the jump shot he honed on his dirt and gravel court outside his Roanoke mountain home."

PRO OR NO? Breaking down Redick's NBA chances. I say PRO, and a good one. IF in the right system, a very good pro for many, many years.

State forging tradition at RBC Center: "North Carolina is 4-2 against the Pack at the RBC Center -- 2-0 since Roy Williams became the UNC coach."

Pack's task: Try to stop Hansbrough: "UNC freshman big man scored 40 in recent game against Georgia Tech."

Hansbrough dominates quickly: "North Carolina freshman standout Tyler Hansbrough has exceeded expectations. Even his own."

Tar Heels making noise of their own: "UNC has won six of past seven games."

Terps Refuse to Play The Numbers Game

Eyes on court, not bubble: "Ibekwe and Terps try to focus on task at hand against Florida State."

'Noles sift out NCAA noise: "Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton doesn't allow himself to be drawn into all the speculation. "

Keeping it loose: "Miami junior Guillermo Diaz noticed that one of his teammates, walk-on Keaton Copeland, showed up to practice sporting an Afro wig and immediately asked to borrow it before practice."

Diaz of old starts to emerge: "Miami's Guillermo Diaz -- a disappointment so far this season -- is finally starting to recapture his sophomore magic." People need to cut this guy some slack. He's been injured all season and still is one of the better players the ACC has to offer. An All Basketblogger, no less!!!

Hemric, former Deacons standout, back in vogue: "ACC's all-time scoring leader is getting lots of attention as Redick nears record." I wonder if Wake will market some of those "Sweet Dickie" Hemric throwback jerseys? Dang......I just made somebody some money. Contact me at the Basketblog's email to get the address where you can forward my royalty check.

Jackets Redick's first shot at history: "Georgia Tech's Mario West stands between J.J. Redick and history. " I feel for you....Mario. JJ may have mercy and decide that he wants to get the record in Durham. I doubt it, but the possibility does exist.

How Tech can beat the Dookies: With 3 baseball bats, a couple of shot guns.....and lots of prayer.

Deacons seek more balance

Tigers take on woeful Wake after long break: "Hamilton’s status uncertain for crucial game against ACC cellar dweller."

ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Franklin placed on probation: "Drug charge dropped if U.Va. football player completes treatment program."

'Canes set to make offer: "The University of Miami is expected to offer former Murray State head coach Joe Pannunzio one of two vacant assistant positions, UM sources say."

More to come......

100,000 and counting!!!

Basketbloggers,

We passed the 100,000 visit mark today......and we owe it all to you!!! For those who haven't hit our site meter, we have grown from 1,500 visitors in January '05 to 13,000 visitors in January '06. We are expecting to eclipse that number in February by nearly 3,000 visits, toppling last February's mark by some 9,000 visits year to year. That's great growth any way you count it....... and, again, we owe it all to you!

Thanks for spreading the word about this thing we call the Basketblog. Thanks for hanging in there with us as we try to figure out exactly what we want this be. We have some strong ideas but are short on time these days. We do what we can to keep you coming back for more. Often, we feel that it is not enough. Have some ideas for us on how we can make this site better for you? Shoot us an email at accbasketblog@yahoo.com.

Thanks again for your support!!!!

Ed and Birkel

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

University of Missouri System President Elson Floyd (a double UNC grad and the former Provost in Chapel Hill) opens up 2nd investigation into Synder resignation.

It's tough not to notice: These youths are the truth: "Some aren't in high school yet."

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston Salem Journal: Early NASCAR, Daytona have retained some of their charm.


The Headlines:

Leitao's focus is small things

Johnson now right at home with Seminoles: "Alexander Johnson was finished at Florida State. At least that's what he told assistant men's basketball coach Tony Sheals last summer."

For Devils, going to line part of plan: "From the moment he arrived at Duke in 1980, coach Mike Krzyzewski has emphasized defense. But recently, Krzyzewski has defended the Blue Devils' free-throw shooting edge, a statistic that has stirred the wrath of several opponents. The Devils are burying foes at the foul line in addition to the baseline and the 3-point line."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer- No conspiracy: Talent translates into free throws.

Blue Devils remain focused on goals, not Redick's marks: "For the last week or so, much of the focus on Duke basketball has been pointed squarely toward senior J.J. Redick and his pursuit of various scoring records."

Williams hopes Heels don't settle for current ACC win total: "The significance of the eighth victory wasn't lost on anyone holding a notebook or tape recorder. But if North Carolina men's basketball coach Roy Williams cared about securing at least a .500 record in ACC play, which usually means an NCAA Tournament berth, he did a good job of hiding his feelings Sunday afternoon."

Dascenzo: Familiar ring at Cameron
Each time Nate James touches his 2001 NCAA championship ring, he knows it feels the same. The exact element of the final drive, those last 10 victories, culminating with a national title win over Arizona.

Dan Foster of the Greenville SC News: Television changed the way we select nation's No. 1 team


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Curry among AD finalists at Georgia Tech.

Terrapins' Vernon Davis Is Ready To Take It to Next Level

Former Virginia Tech aide, Bernstein, now U.Va. assistant.

UNC assistant leaves for job on USC staff

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Stewart finds himself right in middle of hot tempers at the 500.

Terence Moore: Earnhardt's chances go poof with late goof

Michael Wilbon: An Issue That Follows the NBA Like a White Shadow

The Headlines:

All hail the King! JJ Redick scores 30 pts, passes Dawkins for All Time scoring mark at Duke in win over Miami.

Dascenzo: Redick passed a true legend: "In the time capsule of a basketball program's life, there was Johnny Dawkins, once upon a time resurrecting Duke and launching a coaching legend."

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer: Redick's statistics don't lie.

UNC aiming high after victory: "Now that Roy Williams has seen what his youth-laden team can accomplish -- the latest being an 83-72 victory at Wake Forest, which secured at least a .500 ACC finish and likely an NCAA berth -- he wants more." Big win for the Heels, even if it did come against what now appears to be the worst team in the ACC. Wake just has no leadership on that team, and that's really too bad b/c they have some nice players. I'm beginning to wonder about the leadership on the bench as well. They should not be 1-11 in the conference.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Tar Heels gain a lot with win

Terry's focus is becoming clearer: Change in junior's attention has led to consistent play, giving No. 23 Tar Heels reason to shout

Terrapins Find a Building Block: "Jones's Defensive Play Spurs Overtime Win: Maryland 87, Georgia Tech 84." Good win. Terps still have a chance to dance!!!

Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post: For Terps, the Time To Get Going Is Now

Wilson's seven 3s lift 'Noles over Uva. 'Noles, keeping hope alive!!!

Ball movement key to FSU win: "Improved passing leads to 11 3-pointers for Seminoles."

John Delong of the Winston-Salem Journal - Glad He Stayed: Eric Williams doesn't regret remaining at Wake Forest. I'll tell you what, this kid can play in the NBA but he is going to have to get a pair and come to dominate for an entire game! He was working Hansbrough over in the first half (the way that a leader on the last place team in the league should). He demanded Hansbrough understand that he was in Eric's house, and he spun, dunked, jump hooked, headlocked, and shoved his way to making that point. And then......he was gone!!!! That kid should have scored 30 yesterday b/c there was no one on that floor who could stop him. That is Big E's problem.....typically, there is NEVER anyone on the floor who can physically challenge him 5 feet from the basket, and Eric plays the same game: very solid, but not a crushing game as he should. I'm not sure where the fault is, but I don't see him doing enough barking at Strickland and Hale when they come down and jack 3's or make wild drives to the basket without ever looking his way. If I'm Prosser, and my team is not going to the Dance, I'm going to do my best to make Big E a high first round pick by feeding him every single time down the court, letting him do his thing until moral improves!!!

Deacons' Hemric admires Redick: ACC's first star about to lose mark

Wolfpack hangs on for victory over Virginia Tech: With injured Ilian Evtimov watching from the sideline, Cameron Bennerman sinks clutch foul shots down the stretch for N.C. State. Bennerman ties a career high with 26 points.

Dascenzo: Selection Sunday


News from the Association:

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Going into All-Star break, NBA counting its blessings.

Michael Wilbon: What's Out Beyond The Stars?


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Brooks' father expects him to stay with U.Va.

Andrews gives roasters plenty of material: "Just about the time Jack Rye was disrespecting a baseball at Dick Howser Stadium, friends and peers of Mickey Andrews were about to give the Florida Sate defensive coordinator the same treatment. All in good fun, of course."

More to come.....

Note to the ACC

Josh McRoberts had 14 points and 7 rebounds against Miami. For the love of all that is good and right with the world teams should not allow J.McR. to become the third scorer on a team that has so many three point shooters. If he can get it going inside Duke may not lose an ACC game this season. (It's not right to mock the rest of the league -- Editor)

And I would now officially like to ask where you, the readers, see JJ Redick's legacy now that he's passed Johnny Dawkins on the All-Time Duke scoring list and is only 30 points away from becoming the All-Time ACC scoring leader.

So? What say you?

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Tightening brackets provides a quick fix: "With just less than a month remaining before the NCAA Tournament gets under way, it is time to look at how the 65-team field might look."

NASCAR's voice sure has a lot to say: "CEO weighs in on Hall of Fame, Stewart, etc....Speedweeks at Daytona, NASCAR will put its Hall of Fame in Charlotte, right?"

NASCAR still 'proud of its heritage': "NASCAR president Mike Helton tells reporters in Washington, D.C., last week that, "the old Southeastern redneck heritage that we had is no longer in existence." But a week after that statemen, Helton sought to soothe any hurt feelings among longtime fans." Folks, you can't serve two masters and that's what NASCAR is trying to do. TRUST me.....this sport is still "Red", but the future is GREEN. Which way will NASCAR turn.

Hoosiers moving forward without Davis. Don't like how Indiana fans, or Mike Davis, have handled the last few weeks of this mess. Really too bad....


The Headlines:

A twister for the Eagles: "Al Skinner had seen it before. So had Craig Smith, Louis Hinnant, Jared Dudley, and the rest of the Boston College veterans who have been part of a succession of teams that went from average to elite the last few years."

Rookie in name only: "Freshman" no longer applies to a 20-year-old who can smash an ACC rookie scoring record set before he was born -- while leading his team back from a double-digit deficit. Tyler Hansbrough is, simply, the difference between rebuilding and contending.

Caulton Tudor of the News and Observer: Young star about to feel heat. Tudor is so right about this

If I'm Prosser, I'm thinking: "I don't care how lousy we are on defense, we are not going to let that kid just breeze in here Sunday and take over like a T-Rex at a tea party. We'll play five-on-one, Tippecanoe and tackle Tyler, too, before we're going to have that."
Carolina's arrival in Winston-Salem on Sunday will double as the Deacons' version of an NCAA championship. Chilling Hansbrough and tripping the Heels couldn't make up for Wake's world of wrongs this season, but it's about all that's left for the Deacs to pursue. Whatever fight they have left will be directed immediately at Carolina and Hansbrough.

He takes things a little far comparing the guys short range game to Tim Duncan, but you get the point.

Hansbrough does things old-school way: "40-point performance was most since Shammond Williams scored 42 vs. Georgia Tech in '98."

The Dawkins dilemma: "Redick on verge of surpassing Duke assistant's scoring mark."

Doug Doughty, the UVa. Insider: "Reynolds' expanded role; Sloppy win helps get players' attention."

Randy King, the Hokie Insider: Ex-Hokie gets into recruiting business

Turnovers continue plaguing 'Noles: "Suggested headline: Turnovers plaguing 'Noles Ralph Mims' pass to Andrew Wilson was just off the mark. Al Thornton fumbled away an inbounds pass on Florida State's next possession. Alexander Johnson was called for a double-dribble less than a minute later. "

Left foot injury sidelines Evtimov: "No timetable set for forward's return."

Marks remain from Tech's UNC loss

ACC Football news for the Footblog:

'Canes hire Olson as offensive coordinator :"Veteran NFL assistant Rich Olson, who spent three years as part of the Hurricanes' coaching staff under Dennis Erickson, is returning to the University of Miami for his second stint as offensive coordinator, a source said Thursday. " Nice pick up by Coker.

Hokies interview Mike O'Cain: Mike O'Cain will coach at every school in the conference before it's all said and done.

Tigers' Hobby joins Saints: "Clemson defensive line coach Marion Hobby has accepted a similar position with the New Orleans Saints. The announcement was made by the Saints Thursday."

Georgia Tech hires 2 assistants: "Pair of former defensive coordinators join Gailey's staff."

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The Best ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Terence Moore of the AJC: It's time to lay off the refs and enjoy the game.

Eighth-place Kildow shows heart of gold after crash: "Two days after she crashed flying 60 mph over a knoll called the Restaurant Jump, and one day after crawling out of a hospital bed, Lindsey Kildow went back to the top of the mountain."

The Headlines:

Hansbrough pulls Heels past Ga. Tech: "North Carolina freshman Tyler Hansbrough led his team back from a 20-point deficit on Wednesday night with a 40-point scoring effort during No. 23 UNC's 82-75 comeback over Georgia Tech." If you missed Hansbrough last night, you missed, perhaps, the greatest single game performance in the ACC this year. He's first team All ACC, no doubt, and may make the Basketblog's first team. Very nice.

A crazy evening for 'Psycho T,' Tar Heels: ""Psycho T" went crazy Wednesday. He went off for 40 points. Beat Georgia Tech by himself. Set a record for freshmen in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Set a scoring high for Carolina players in the Smith Center......"

Dascenzo: No doubt about it, Hansbrough was terrific: "It wasn't magic -- well, not exactly -- but it looked close. First there was North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, twisting and turning and jumping and reaching and slashing through Georgia Tech like a knife through a stick of butter while scoring 40 points -- setting new freshman records for UNC, the ACC and the Smith Center. "

Wolfpack enjoys a breather: "What's this? N.C. State plays a basketball game and it doesn't go down to the last possession? Try as it might, Florida State couldn't make a close game of it as the 21st-ranked Pack built a 25-point lead in the second half and coasted to an 86-64 victory at the RBC Center." Very nice win by the Pack. FSU.....what is Hamilton going to do with this bunch. All of the talent in the world and still can't win in a weak ACC. There's a problem on the reservation, and it may be the chief.

Evtimov's status a concern for Pack: "Until Ilian Evtimov went to the bench, then to the locker room and eventually to the hospital because of a left foot injury, Wednesday night was a near-perfect experience for N.C. State's basketball team."

N.C. State torches FSU at 3-point arc: "Ilian Evtimov used a shot-fake to create space against Al Thornton. Tony Bethel wasn't denied against Todd Galloway."

A win for Cavs is about all that it is: "U.Va. rolls to nonconference win; coach unhappy with performance."

VA. TECH NOTES from the Times Dispatch

Haith hoping UM shows some resolve, toughness: "How much fight is left in the Miami Hurricanes?"

Canes battle history, Eagles tonight: "Miami has lost eight straight against the Eagles and needs a win to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive."

Slide does number on Terps' chances: "At 5-6 in the ACC, odds of NCAA bid are getting longer." Must agree......this is not looking too good for Maryland.

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: Krzyzewski again takes umbrage at whispers that game officials favor Duke at free-throw line. The longer this talk goes on, the worse Duke's chances to win it all become. K needs to stop commenting about this and help move the story off of the front pages.

Paulus learning to be a leader: "Duke freshman starting to take charge." Amazing what making the 3rd team midseason ACC Basketblog roster can do for your game.


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Devilish defender might be given his due - Clemson linebacker Levon Kirkland is said to be atop short list of Ring of Honor candidates: "The glistening trophy immediately caught his eye when he walked into the luncheon that preceded the Gator Bowl that day in Jacksonville, Fla. Levon Kirkland knew the award was to go to the most valuable player in the game between Kirkland’s Clemson team and West Virginia."

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO Recap

NBA Gains in China: "As the NBA continues to push into China, the Chinese youth are beginning to love the league, not just home-grown talent Yao Ming."

The Headlines:

ACC-SEC FOCUS: "Your update on the best in the Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences."

Redick rolls record into win - Duke star breaks NCAA mark for 3s: "Curtis Staples hugged J.J. Redick as he presented him with the game ball and formally turned over the top spot in the NCAA record book Tuesday night." Next up.....the ACC scoring title. The guy is great, and will work out very nicely at the next level.

Barnett: Deacons remain a mystery: "Skip Prosser and The Enigmas played Cameron Indoor Stadium Tuesday night in the latest performance of their ACC Heartbreak Tour." Don't worry.....they have the get better game against UNC coming this weekend. I'm telling you, those folks treat that Carolina game like the National Championship every year. The whole place will be gold, they'll take pictures and hang them in the bars of Winston-Salem if they win. That will be the Heels toughest road test yet!

Lennox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: Redick, Duke too much for Wake Forest in a dark season.

Mary Mary, why you bugggggin'!!! Tigers smack Turtles.....again, 89-77!!! Four in a row......Gary.......come on, man!?! I just defended you last week. Good win for the Tiggers. Bad loss for the Turtle.

Terps Q&A with Heather A. Dinich of the Baltimore Sun.

Yellow Jackets catching on: "Hewitt shakes up Georgia Tech lineup, begins to see results from youngsters." Danger game for the Heels!

Heels get ready for Jackets, look ahead to title defense.

Anjirlic Aminu, mother of Jackets freshman reserve forward Alade Amin, always has a song in her heart.

Wolfpack will be trying to get back its intensity N.C. State to play Florida State in Raleigh tonight.

FSU running out of top chances:"Still without a win that will resonate on Selection Sunday, the Florida State men's basketball team visits No. 18 North Carolina State tonight in Raleigh."

Cavs' quiet contributor - "Shiembob stays ready though minutes are few and far between."

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News - Walk-on rolling: "Hokies Chris Tucker's decision to concentrate on basketball is paying off."


News from the Association:

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun - All-Star miss is good shot for Anthony. I'm sure Birkel is pleased. I'm certain Battier will be added since he is better than 'Melo.


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Virginia Tech loses another assistant coach: "Wide receivers coach Tony Ball takes RB job with Georgia Bulldogs." Wow.....

News from Miami - Dee: Coaching duties separate: "Rebuilding the Miami coaching staff is taking longer than expected, but one thing seems certain: coach Larry Coker is unlikely to also serve as offensive coordinator."

UConn and Villanova*

Both of the above named teams looked pretty good yesterday... at times. But was it me or did they both seem to have a whole bunch of holes? For example, UConn can play great defense in spurts but seemed almost disinterested as 'Nova made its run. 'Nova seemed good on the perimeter but vulnerable on the inside when UConn played under control and got the ball to the bigs in position to score.

But UConn didn't always seem compelled to play under control. They do not appear to be as under control as the Ben Gordon/Emeka Okafor team that beat Duke in the NCAA finals. That team played with purpose and knew to pound the ball down low on the majority of its possessions. This team apparently hasn't listened to Coach Calhoun as well as that one.

**********************************************

I was watching the NBATV Network earlier this afternoon. (Ain't a job where I get to do that grand, simply grand?) Anyway, the 1988 NBA All-Star Game was on and I was struck that in spite of my own bias toward the players of my youth today's All-Stars match up fairly well.

On the Eastern squad you could start Zeke at 1, MJ at 2, Bird at 3, the Chuck Wagon at 4 and Pat Ewing at 5. The Western squad could start Magic at 1, Clyde the Glide at 2, Alex English at 3, Karl Malone at 4 and Kareem at 5. (I'm basing this on career performance so I give Kareem the nod over Hakeem.) Those are some pretty good line-ups, no doubt.

But are they really that much better than the current crop of All-Stars?

Here are my picks for both starting fives:
The Eastern squad would start Lebron at 1, Iverson at 2, Wade at 3, Jermaine O'Neal at 4 and Shaq at 5. The Western squad would start Nash at 1, Kobe at 2, Dirk Diggler at 3, Garnett at 4 and Timmy at 5.

As great as I think the older players were I think the young guys would give them a run. That's a little weird because in general I think NBA play is down a bit from the hey day of the late 80s. But maybe the talent is just diluted because there were so many expansion teams added over the last 15 years.

(Note too all the international flavor. And the straight-from-HS flavor.)

*Spelling Corrected.

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap

Teresa: No. 3's return unlikely: "In rare interview, Earnhardt's widow addresses Jr.'s desire to race dad's number before he retires."

Tom Talks Blog from the Charlotte Observer : Officials not reason for Steelers, Duke success: "It ought to be an interesting few weeks, with the Daytona 500 and CIAA tournament. ... But before we move ahead, there is some unfinished business. "

The Headlines:

Collins' dad dies of lung cancer - Jackson Collins Sr., 56, dies at the Georgia hospice where he lived since November: "Coleman Collins' biggest fan has died. Jackson Collins Sr., the father of Virginia Tech's leading scorer and rebounder, died early Monday morning of cancer at the age of 56. He was diagnosed with lung cancer last February, and the cancer spread to his lymph nodes." Our deepest condolences to Coleman and the entire Collins family.

Eagles get past Stony Brook, 59-47: "It was so different from the hoopla of two weeks ago. No fan frenzy, no Dickie V, no ESPN cameras telling the story to the world of college basketball. No big-time Atlantic Coast Conference feel to it. No television coverage of any kind, in fact." A little close, don't you think?

A FEW CHOICE WORDS: TONY KORNHEISER: Showing Some Love for the Man They Love to Hate. Nice read.

Last-place Deacons still a threat to Duke: "Each basketball season, Duke Student Government selects two men's basketball games as "tenting games," the must-see games for which students camp out in Krzyzewskiville for weeks on end for the right to cram into Cameron Indoor Stadium......" Perhaps it could happen, but no point guard + Coach K Court, generally, = Pain!!!

Wake Forest will try to win its first ACC game in almost a month at Duke

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - No quick fixes for Prosser: "Wake Forest's Skip Prosser is going to have to coach his way out of this mess." He had a good start with a nice win over a decent Charlotte team.

Dascenzo: Seniors are nearly done at Cameron: "Time is running out, so enjoy the moment. Duke's men's basketball team is in first place in the ACC today, something that surprises none of us. The Blue Devils have a consistent program, usually in first or second place about this time every season. They rely on motion offense, man-to-man defense and they are difficult to defeat, at home or away."

Will assertive Paulus become norm for Blue Devils?

Burden follows Terps to Clemson:"0-3 vs. Tigers last year, men need road win."

Clemson’s Hamilton doubtful for Terps.

Young UNC team has shown unexpected savvy while playing on the road: "Young and inexperienced ACC teams are not supposed to win regularly on the road. North Carolina isn't listening, or maybe not paying attention to how a season should go by the book."

Noel, King matchup had a little bit to brag about: "David Noel joked in the days leading up to the game that his friend Anthony King spent much of his time in foul trouble."

Canes' King, Tar Heels' Noel are all business on the court: "Just after the University of Miami stunned defending NCAA champion North Carolina in front of 21,000 baby-blue clad fans last month, Hurricanes 6-9 junior Anthony King walked over to dejected Tar Heels senior David Noel and put his lanky arms around the 6-6 forward."

ACC NOTES from the Richmond Times-Dispatch: "WHO'S NO. 1? Only three teams have faced both Duke and Gonzaga this season: Maryland, Virginia and Memphis. That makes Maryland coach Gary Williams and U.Va. coach Dave Leitao well-qualified to compare the leading candidates for the national-player-of-the-year honors: Duke guard J.J. Redick and Gonzaga forward Adam Morrison......"

Georgia Tech Moving deliberately in AD hunt .

ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Montgomery, London get spots on Duke staff: "Scottie Montgomery and Charles London know a thing or two about what it takes to be successful skill-position players in the Duke football program."

Dugans now a grad assistant: "Ron Dugans already had a positive effect on Florida State's receivers last season as an assistant strength coach. But now as a graduate assistant coach, the former FSU receiver can be more involved with the group."

More to come.......

Dave Sez is Right

I think it was Stormy that tipped me to look at Dave Sez's take on the whole Duke foul advantage thing. Not sure, though. So I apologize in advance if it was somebody else. Here's the nugget:

The strange thing is that I don't recall any outrage after FSU's previous game, a win over Clemson. In that game, played at Clemson, the Seminoles shot twice as many free throws as the Tigers (35 to 18) and committed one third fewer fouls (17 to 26). In the game before that, a loss to Miami, FSU attempted 23 freebies to the Hurricanes' nine.
Such disparities, but no complaints. I wonder why that is. Could it be that these sorts of differences in fouls and free throws are completely ordinary? Could it be that the numbers don't add up to incontrovertible evidence of a double-standard?
Hmmmm.
p.s. In the game before they played Duke, BC shot nearly three times as many free throws as Georgia Tech (32 to 13) while committing ten fewer fouls (13 to 23).

That about covers it, no? Once again I will direct your attention to the obvious reason for the hue and cry of last week. Namely, selection bias and confirmation bias.

And so you know, I'm hoping to produce something sophisticated enough to avoid just those problems.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Michael Wilbon: After Loss to Duke, Maryland Is Feeling Bubbly.

The Headlines:

Jackets stun Wolfpack 71-68- "Fredrick applies lessons in 22-point effort." I think it was just a matter of time before GT figured things out. I know that one game does not a season make, but this was a great win for them (and not as "bad" a loss for the Pack as some fans will try to twist it.)

Hewitt: Pressure's all in Jackets' heads.

Mark Bradley of the AJC: "Yellow Jackets finally play up to their talent."

For Pack fans, there's no you in ESPNU

Heels tough enough, defeat 'Canes 80-70. Young Heels continue to show their resolve on the road.

CUNNINGHAM: UM needs big plays from its big men: "This three-guard thing from the University of Miami men's basketball team is good for the highlight shows."

Frasor's late heroics help Heels hold on: "Jason Frasor is known for doing the relief pitching in the family. But while he makes a living as a setup man for the Toronto Blue Jays, his cousin is becoming quite a closer on the basketball court during his freshman season."

FSU turns back UMass:"Near the midway point of the second half of Sunday's basketball game between Florida State and Massachusetts, it was still anyone's game. That's when Alexander Johnson decided to make it his."

Duke holds off Maryland, 96-88: "Redick, Williams make their final visit to Maryland a happy one." Birkel said all there needs to be said on this one.

John Eisenburg of the Baltimore Sun- It's official: Refs help Duke

John Feinstein: "Williams Isn't Fans' Favorite Sweater." Good read.

Dudley's late heroics pace BC: BC 67, CLEMSON 61

Sweeping success for Cavaliers in 81-77 victory over Va. Tech.: "OT victory vs. Tech gives Virginia season series in state rivalry."

Cavs' rebounds well-timed: "Hokies perform well in close defeat but falter in the clutch."

"Narrow losses frustrate Virginia Tech"

Deacs edge cold 49ers: "Wake Forest breaks out of slump with 59-56 win." Good win for the Deacs. Bad loss for the 49ers come tourney selection time.

Deacons say fire was fueled by 49ers, record, Swinton: "Wake Forest displayed forgotten passion in Saturday win over UNCC." Whatever it takes, Deacs. Whatever it takes.

News from the Association:

Arenas Gets His Just Due. Glad to see it. 4th leading scorer in the game not on the All Star team?

More to come.....