The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Best of the Rest: "Gamecocks wallop Wolverines to repeat as NIT champions. USC ended a season of hard bumps by setting things to cruise control. The Gamecocks, whose lack of depth and rocky regular-season performance appeared to ruin a promising year, never flinched Thursday when they swatted Michigan 76-64 for their second consecutive National Invitation Tournament championship." Always good to see an old school ACC team achieving. I've always felt that WINNING the NIT is an accomplishment to be proud of. Congrats, Dave.

TOM SORENSEN of the Charlotte Observer - It's time to get to truth of Duke scandal: "I don't know much about lacrosse. Maybe it only seems as if a team is not complete unless it features players named Chip, Chad, Carter, Biff and Gray." Slow down, Tom. You want answers today, but what we really NEED is the truth in due time. The reputations of these young men and the young women are in the balance. Rushing the process will only lead to more mistakes which could lead to the guilty party walking. Slow down!!

Duke lacrosse cannot forfeit: "As recently as Tuesday, however, Duke athletics director Joe Alleva was characterizing the two canceled matches as forfeits. But the NCAA has ruled that the Saturday and Tuesday matches will count as "no contest" games that do not count against any of the teams' records."

Coaches push expansion of Tournament: "They point to success of George Mason as proof." Nope, keep it like it is and make the NIT one big play-in for a spot in the NCAA Tournament's Final Four. Put the Final Four teams in a hat and draw a name. The name that's pulled plays (this year South Carolina) in a play-in on Thursday of Final Four week. Sucks for the team drawn, but it (a) returns credibility to the NIT, and (2) "expands" the NCAA field without messing with the 64 team format that we know and love. Don't like that plan? Take it to the comments section.

Women's tournament deserves a better deal. When the women's games start drawing bigger crowds, they'll get a better deal. Do you know what the average attendance was at 32-1 North Carolina's home games this year? Around 3,600 people (Duke was nearly double that....go figure). Give the sport time to grow at the grass roots first, folks.

The diminutive Latta has no fear venturing into the land of the giants

College Park Fanfare Muted For Final Four-Bound Team


The Headlines:

Tar Heel player's father arrested: Danny Green's father is 1 of 3 accused of being in huge cocaine distribution network. Ohhh no......that's terrible. If this turns out to be true, the kids at NC State are going to have a field day.

Dascenzo: Missing the Final Four: "I wish I had a dollar for every time somebody has said that we're spoiled around here. Those who say it must have an extra gleam in their eyes right now. You want to know why? Because Duke didn't make the Final Four, and North Carolina got sent home by the newest national Cinderella, George Mason."

Jackets to face UConn in Dome: "Rematch of 2004 NCAA title game slated for Feb. 11, 2007."


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

New football coaches keep UNC seniors on toes: "Mark Weber describes it as energy. Brian Chacos calls it an aura. Whatever it is, everyone associated with the North Carolina football team can feel it this spring."

Improving Warren will contend for playing time: "Tailback for Tar Heels needs to get a little bit meaner, according to coaching staff."

Duke, UNC football players facing charges: "Four Duke football players and one UNC football player are scheduled to appear in Orange County District Court on Monday to face misdemeanor charges stemming from a fight in a Chapel Hill nightclub. For Duke safety Andreas Platt, it will be his second court case in recent months."


NCAA Tourney Central:

LSU gains purpose from Katrina tragedy: "Team plays to lift region."

Devastation at home led to spirited runs: "The greatest moment in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on the campus of Louisiana State University had nothing to do with a young Shaq dunk or even another double-double by Tigers star Glen Davis."

George Mason: Gonzaga of the East?: "George Mason's run to the Final Four could have benefits that last far beyond this weekend." An interesting thought......great location, big student body, very decent school, small conference that they might be able to get on top of with a steady diet of 1 top 50 player for every 4 overlooked players. Perhaps......

Horrible: Gators didn't like workout

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe - Noah was prepped to win: "Because the University of Florida's Joakim Noah exists, Armond Hill's heretofore unquestioned status as the Best Player in the History of The Lawrenceville School is in jeopardy."

For UCLA, Afflalo lends helping hand

The biggest hits of the Dance:" Mark Bradley's greatest moments include Lethal Weapon 3, Jimmy V, Laettner and a Mouse."


George Mason Central:

Mason's Five of a Kind
It is no coincidence that George Mason's starting five ended up in Fairfax and not at a bigger school, for they all share a common profile.

University Faces Balancing Act
Wise: Loss Lingers for Hernandez
Feinstein: Larranaga Met His Match
Patriot Alumni Beam With Pride
Coach Is No. 1 With the Neighbors
Notebook: Mason Nation Growing

More to come.......

More on IU and Sampson

Hey, BEVOR, perhaps I was wrong about Sampson? See this piece from the Courier Journal.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap

ACC deals 3 of a kind: "This is the most impressive postseason performance ever for the ACC women with Maryland joining UNC and Duke in Boston. It also comes in a rare year in which no ACC men's team is in the Final Four."

With friend like Huggins, just be careful

Lacrosse players' lawyers object: "Defense lawyers representing members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team say prosecutors are trying to convict their clients in public in a rape investigation before any charges have been filed. The lawyers said their clients strongly deny that any assault took place." Birkel has an interesting take on all of this. I'll let him share it with you later today. This is an interesting tidbit: Butch Williams, a well respected attorney in Durham who happens to be Black is representing team Captain Flannery and has this to say

Durham lawyer Butch Williams represents captain Daniel Flannery. "Once these young men are vindicated, I feel that a big apology from the community is in order," Williams said.

It's not that Butch wins all of his cases or that all of his clients are clean as a whistle....far from it. His rep as a strong attorney and master of swaying PUBLIC opinion in favor of his clients is legendary. Coupled with the fact that he is thought of very highly among the common folk of the black community in Durham, and you must conclude that Captain Flannery made a very, very good choice. This should get interesting.

David Steele- Lacrosse afflicted by sense of entitlement

Battle Plan: Odom has the rare ability to turn NCAA Tournament disappointment into NIT dominance.

Michael Wilbon: Women's Game Is in Need Of Parity

West rolls past East in McDonald's game: "Duke recruit Henderson nets 16 in loss."

The Headlines:

Hansbrough to stay at UNC: "North Carolina coach Roy Williams told Tyler Hansbrough he would be an NBA team's No. 1 draft pick if he left school early. Instead, the freshman has decided he will return to Chapel Hill next season in hopes of making his college team No. 1." Silence from the McRoberts camp......hmmmmm.

It's official: Diaz signs with Miami agent.....he's gone!

Paulus has surgery: "Goal is ending wrist discomfort caused by bone chip." Didn't know that he was hurt........

BC's Smith to undergo wrist surgery: "Even if the Boston College men's basketball team went on to win the Minneapolis Regional, it appears the Eagles would have been without their best player, Craig Smith ."

John Feinstein on former Maryland player and assistant coach Billy Hahn: "Coach for Hire."

Professional grade: "Rick Carlisle has a soft spot in his heart for what he accomplished playing at Virginia, but in the NBA his principal achievements are coming as a coach."

ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Duke's Oghobaase says knee is back to normal. This kid made the worst choice for his football career that he could have possibly made. He should have stayed home, gone to Texas, and gotten a world class education AND and world class football experience. I wish him luck, but fear the worst.

FSU's Griffin packs a punch: "Mention nose guard Paul Griffin, and Florida State tailback Lorenzo Booker responds with a big smile."

RBs give Seminoles joy: "Bobby Bowden has seen plenty to like as spring practice begins to wind down."

Spring brings changes for Cavaliers

Bell gets chance to impress: "After spending last season way down on the Hokies' depth chart, George Bell is in the spotlight during spring drills."

Defense is running toward success: "Even after pursuit drills, defense still holds slight edge over offense."

Price of Clemson's success evident to ticket holders: "The price of tickets at Clemson has nearly doubled over the last 10 years."

Tigers seek strong finish to spring drills: "Tommy Bowden said he'd like to see the defense assert itself during spring drills."

GEORGIA TECH SPRING FOOTBALL: Choice ready to be a leader

NCAA Tourney Central:

At UCLA, success is a family business: "Ben Howland is quick to call attention to the man responsible for the UCLA program: John Wooden."

With flair to spare, Noah is quite rare: "Florida sophomore not defined just by basketball exploits."

'He's my heart': "While Corey Brewer emerges as Florida's star swingman, his dying father savors every moment of UF's Final Four run."

Patriots' Family Union: "The GMU bandwagon is growing exponentially, but the the families of players and coaches have enjoyed a front-row seat all along."

Tigers Fans Send Off Men's Basketball Team at Pep Rally

Breaking News:

Bad news, North Carolina fans: Former UNC CB Robert "Quick" Williams charged with sexual assault.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO Recap

Duke Lax games suspended amid continued controversy. Police release 911 tapes while players deny sex of any kind with dancer at party. This gets worse by the day.

Dancer gives details of ordeal: "A woman hired to dance for the Duke lacrosse team describes a night of racial slurs, growing fear and, finally, sexual violence." And this tidbit, as mentioned yesterday in the comments section, is why lots of these boys are going to go down hard unless somebody speaks up, and quickly

Bissey saw two women arrive and, after they were in the house 20 minutes, come out. As they got into a car, men shouted, Bissey said.
"Some of them were saying things like, 'I want my money back,' " Bissey said.
He recalled the racially charged statements at least one man was yelling at the victim.
"When I was outside, one guy yelled at her, '... Thank your grandpa for my cotton shirt,' " Bissey said.

That's the wrong city for rumors of comments like that to be floating around in. Somebody better start talking....soon!

NFL's robots want to end TD parties: "Remember Panthers receiver Steve Smith's boat-rowing act against the Vikings last year? It was the most brilliant and creative touchdown celebration in NFL history." Let them dance!!!

Bob Lipper of the Richmond Times Dispatch: "GMU's stars enjoy their school daze."

The Headlines:

UM's Diaz to enter draft: "University of Miami junior guard Guillermo Diaz has decided to forgo his senior season and make himself eligible for the June 28 NBA Draft, sources said Tuesday. An announcement is expected as early as today." Interesting.....from NBA Draft.Net

Let's hear it for the girls - ACC party in Boston: "The Tar Heels oust the Lady Vols 75-63 to earn second trip to the national semifinals where they will play Maryland. Duke also joins the Final Four with an overtime win against Connecticut." So, I guess that makes us the best Women's basketball conference in the country. Take note, all of you ACC men's teams who are now at home on the couch.

The ride of Pringle's life

Duke goes to OT, knocks off UConn; "Duke's Monique Currie said she wanted to leave Connecticut's fans in "stunned silence" at the end of the Bridgeport Regional final on Tuesday night." Very, very good game.

Nothing pretty, but Devils will take OT victory

Terps get taste of more than best wishes: This is unbelievable

It's success that's worth celebrating - but not everywhere. The world of women's basketball can be a petty, jealous place. It's a sorority house for grown-ups - who don't always act like grown-ups.
If you scroll the Internet or listen to the whispers, you'd find it easy to discredit Frese's success. She didn't pay her dues, they say; she doesn't play by the rules; and she doesn't deserve this success - all charges stained with envy, with few traces of veracity.
As the Terps began their push for the NCAA tournament, a tip landed at the NCAA home office. Someone - the person's exact identity isn't publicly known - thought the NCAA should look into Maryland's recruiting practices.

All of that hating....and for what?

Hey, Clemson fans: Remember Larry Shyatt? He's back....with the Gators - It's all good for Shyatt, Gators.

Well-Heeled: Dean Smith's legacy influences Patriots

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Experience trumps compelling stories.

Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe - Son of a trail blazer: "Some wanted him dead. He was the Jackie Robinson of LSU basketball, and they were segregationists."

Days of being overlooked over for G. Mason's Lewis: "Even NFL now beating path to ex-Aberdeen High player's door."

Wise: Would You Buy This Script?

The Gators' Athletic Bloodlines
"Florida's Joakim Noah, Al Horford, pictured, and Taurean Green - all sons of professional athletes - have created a winning chemistry for the Gators."

ACC Football News from the Footblog:

3 Cavs off the team

U.VA. NOTES from the Times Dispatch

A long to-do list for Jackets: "Help for C.J., backing up Ball and filling defensive holes headline spring practice issues."

TB proves his health to UM's Coker: "Miami tailback Andrew Johnson might be running with the third team this spring, but that doesn't mean he hasn't caught his coaches' attention."

At Wake, spring practice gives football redshirts chance to show their improvement.

More to come.....

Breaking News: Sampson to Indiana

Kelvin Sampson to Indiana. Wow........that's a fantastic hire for IU (and a BIG loss for Oklahoma).

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

MARCH MANIA: Billy Packer is more than rallying cry.

Felton plan to undermine NBA dress code hits snag

By George, they did it: "The spontaneous pep rally following the game had just ended, and the Verizon Center was starting to clear out."

Berry Saunders on Duke Lacrosse: Beauty in place of horror

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: History was made right here

The Headlines:

Redick, Morrison headline AP team


How about a little love for the ladies......

Heels, Lady Vols to play game many thought would take place, but in Boston: "Sylvia Hatchell and her North Carolina women's basketball team suspected Tennessee would cross their path sometime this season."

Hatchell and Summitt: Close friends square off for Final Four berth: "Sylvia Hatchell thinks she still has a copy of Pat Summitt's first coaching contract at Tennessee. "It was a nine-month -- I think it was $8,000," UNC's coach said about her Lady Vols' counterpart on Monday. "I'm serious -- I still think I've got a contract.""

Now, the fun begins: "Blue Devils stay loose as they prepare to face Connecticut tonight in the heart of Husky Country."

Devils are picking it up in the Big Dance

Terps Going to Final Four


George Mason Central:

Rising to New Heights
Patriot big men Jai Lewis and Will Thomas have outplayed their larger and more ballyhooed counterparts throughout the NCAA tournament.
• Boswell: One For the History Books
• Mid-Major Coaches Celebrate
• Notebook: Hofstra Gets Over Snub
• GMU Bandwagon at Full Capacity
• Graphic: Mason's Little Big Men
• Photos: GMU Campus Pride
• Video: Lamar Butler's Motivation

Upside-down NCAA gets its surprise four: "George Mason coach Jim Larranaga planned all along on making it to the Final Four. But he'll have more pressing business than the annual coaches convention."

Gator fever is easy to catch. A flight to Indy isn't

Collison Quick, to the Point
"UCLA freshman guard is willing to wait his turn to be a starter, but he's already a major contributor."

Big Baby talk of the tournament.

Well-traveled Treloar back in Final Four: "To get to Baton Rouge and LSU, John Treloar’s circuitous journey took him all over this country and to some unique locations outside of the United States. Right before a tough-to-make career change, Treloar was comfortably entrenched at one of college basketball’s elite programs. So it took a few strange twists of fate and luck to bring Treloar and LSU together."


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Foes take note of Davis : "Florida State linebacker Buster Davis never is at a loss for words."

Clemson football Bowden lauds TE:"Tigers coach looking for standout along young, but athletic defensive front."

Bowden says Tigers sharp after layoff: "The only player who didn't practice was backup center Barry Humphries, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the scrimmage right before break."

More to come.....

Fantasy Tournament

This is a fairly interesting look at what would've happened in the NCAA Tournament if all the players who jumped to the NBA had gone to school for four years.

LeBron would be at Ohio State.
Carolina would be loaded -- again.
Duke would have Luol Deng and Shaun Livingston.

These teams are ridiculous to imagine and I don't think George Mason would've made the Final Four. What do you guys think.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

George Mason stuns UConn, crashes Final four party:"GMU guard Lamar Butler said it first. Maybe it was before the Patriots beat Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, maybe prior to their upset of North Carolina. "They don't know what's coming."" Well, since all of our teams are out, I've made an executive decision that until their run ends, we'll be the George Mason Basketblog. Great run, great game, great story. Has there ever been a better run to a Final Four? These guys have beaten 3 powerhouse programs coached by 3 Hall of Fame coaches. Pretty impressive.

George Mason Is a Giant-Killer

Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post: Best Tournament Upset

John Feinstein: The Basketball Gods Must Be Crazy

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Believe it or not, Mason succeeds with self-confidence

Video: Roundtable Discussion
Audio: Fans, coach, players react

Latta pain, big gainIvory Latta shakes off doldrums and a cramping calf to hit winner for Tar Heels.

Devils blow out Spartans, earn spot in Elite Eight

Terps defense rises to occasion: "Utah's motion offense tests it today."

Duke Lacrosse team faces rape allegations.


The Headlines:

Sweet nothings: "BC comes up empty, losing to 'Nova in OT."

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: "This one there for the taking."

Eagles pass ACC survival test

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Triangle teams get tough lessons

A few little holes sunk the Devils' season

Dascenzo: This Duke team wasn't a dominant one.

In end, Devils lack an identity: "Duo cannot shoulder load."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Sendek needs to make changes

FSU: March Sadness: "I was talking with one of my friends the other day, and we came to an agreement on the status of this year's NCAA Tournament. The way this postseason has played out so far is not only crazy, but borderline ridiculous. "

McCray ponders moving on:"Former guard is taking 12 credits and staying close with his team."

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal- Plan: LSU used a perfect defense

Duke looks for new leaders: McRoberts, Nelson crucial


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Punter turns heads at WR: "Brian Monroe's teammates call him "slash," borrowing the nickname from former NFL quarterback-receiver Kordell Stewart. On Saturday, the Hurricanes' athletic punter showed why the name is fitting."

Bain making strong bid for starting role for Miami: "Andrew Bain's college career has been slow to take off, much like the 50 pounds he spent his first two seasons shedding, getting his weight under 320 pounds."

Beason, Gooden, Cook leave no doubt: "When Jon Beason, Glenn Cook and Tavares Gooden signed scholarship offers from the University of Miami three years ago, many questioned how they would coexist."

Sunday Pro / Con: Armando Salguero Changes sweeping, but not irrationally so
Sunday Pro / Con: David J. Neal UM's moves flunked elementary logic

Dunbar has impressive return: "Though he had been released from a local hospital just a few days earlier, Emmanuel Dunbar wasn't about to miss Florida State's first full spring scrimmage Saturday."

Quarterback job at North Carolina is still up for grabs

Learning to play like a pro :" To become a QB in the NFL, Charlie Whitehurst turns to the man who put his dad in the league."

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Audio from LSU victory post game coverage: LSU coach John Brady: The Tigers set the tone early. (:15) Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski disappointed in his team's offense (:12) LSU forward Tyrus Thomas says it was a great win for the Tigers (:16) LSU center Glen 'Big Baby' Davis says the Tigers are proud of their accomplishment. (:13)

UNC's Little has big impact on, off court: "Camille Little's game is strong enough that it gives Marvin Williams trouble. When the forward on North Carolina's women's basketball team and the former men's standout are in the same zip code -- and that doesn't happen often with Williams' schedule with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks -- they'll play a game or two of one-on-one."

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: "It's not selection committee with egg spread across face."

John Feinstein:" Mid-Major Commissioners Came of Age Together, and So Have Their Conferences"

Gay Makes His Return With Bittersweet Twist. How did Maryland let this kid get out of town?


The Headlines:

Duke's season ends with loss to LSU: "With nine seconds still remaining on the clock but the outcome of the game already decided, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski removed seniors J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams from the floor and waited near the scorer's table to greet them with a hug." Obviously, I'm no Duke fan and I became less of one last night after the game. Folks, quotes from K like "We weren't prepared for the physicality.....not to take anything away from the LSU kids..." and from JJ like "I'm not a great athlete and the LSU kids are great athletes and really play a physical style" is nothing but cover for "we were getting fouled and the refs weren't helping us out."

Horse crap!

I saw just as much bumping of JJ on the perimeter as I did clearing out and pushing off BY Mr. Redick of the LSU defenders. The Duke kids (save Shelden, who is, was, and always has been THE MAN on that team) got a little intimidated by those long shotblockers and pulled the string on countless drives to basket. They couldn't lob over the top to Shelden. The flops weren't working (you don't get as many charging fouls against kids who can move their feet), the illegal screen/hipchecks to clear defenders off of JJ weren't working (again, quick feet defeat these tactics), JJ was blanketed and forced to drive into the teeth of a game defense and, alas......the Dukies came up short. It could have, and should have been worse.

Let's just call it what it was: a failed attempt by JJ in his first tryout against long NBA caliber defenders. He may have lost himself some money last night~

Birkel should have more on this later in the day.

Dascenzo: Devils out of character in loss: "Duke's basketball season died Thursday night -- painfully, uncharacteristically, horribly. If you listened carefully, you could have heard a pin drop in the Duke locker room after the Blue Devils' debacle against LSU in their Sweet 16 loss." Shouldn't that lede read "Devils FORCED out of character in LSU victory." I told Birkel last night that in all of my life, I have never seen a K coached team defensively handled and blanketed in the manner the Devils were last night. I was very impressed with the potential and ability of LSU. If only they had tier 1 point guard support.

Joseph Schiefelbein of the Baton Rouge Advocate: Temple halts Redick

Ned Barnette of the Raleigh News and Observer: Experienced Duke falls apart vs. LSU freshmen

Lenox Rawlings - EMPTY: Redick unable to get clutch shots to fall

It's all over for Duke: "Devils go down in GeorgiaThere were tears flowing in the Duke locker room last night after it was bounced from the NCAA Tournament in a 62-54 loss to LSU, and for good reason."

Ed Hardin of the Roanoke Times takes it to far: Duke gets blinded in spotlight

In an outcome as shocking as the NCAA tournament can produce, top-seeded Duke was felled by LSU 62-54 before the second weekend even began, stumbling in the bright lights in what ultimately will be the most memorable scene of the four-year career of J.J. Redick. One of the greatest players in ACC history, the conference's leading scorer and one of the most polarizing players of our time, scored 11 points in his final game and moves on having never won a national title, having never even playing for one.

I'm just not sure what is so shocking about the SEC champs defeating Duke. I'm also not sure what is so shocking about JJ pulling a whoodini in the NCAA tournament. I think that has been his MO four years running.

Paulus feels sad for Duke's senior class: In my opinion, GP didn't have a bad game at all last night. Despite what many Basketbloggers think about this guys ability, he shows lots of moxy on the court and will be a 4 year leader for the Devils.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - "BC needs time to make mark: The two guys sitting behind me on the airplane on Monday were fiddling with their NCAA Tournament brackets when one casually mentioned the "the whole Big Ten is gone and the ACC is down to Duke.""

Reaching Heights: "There's a lesson to be learned with Jared Dudley, who was recruited by only three Div. 1 schools." That's remarkable because he is 100% basketball player!!!

Something special, Smith blossoms into one of BC's best ever: "Boston College was worried. Its prized recruit - a bulky, undersized, and under-the-radar power forward 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles - was nowhere to be found. Craig Smith was scheduled to make his official recruiting visit to BC, but he never landed at Logan Airport. "

Diaz undecided about leaving Canes for NBA

Numbers favor Cavs: Leitao pleased with first season, but having more players next year should equal more success

Hokies expecting better results: "After a seeming unending series of off-the-court distractions and on-court disappointments, Tech goes into the offseason looking forward to 2006-07."


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

North Carolina's Arnold will make the switch from tailback to free safety

Mauk expected to start, but Grobe has options at Wake Forest.

VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL NOTES

Deal for Virginia Tech's Whitaker gives chance to clear record


NCAA Coverage:

Texas sinks W. Virginia: What a shot.

Defense Drives Bruins to Elite Eight
UCLA pulls out a 73-71 victory over Gonzaga with a stunning 11-0 rally.

Tigers blitz Bradley for spot in Elite Eight

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap

Panthers, Keyshawn will talk: "Receiver could fill offensive gap. After wading through the pool in the early stages of free agency, the Carolina Panthers are jumping in head first by talking today with receiver Keyshawn Johnson."

Pressure nothing new for Tigers: "Facing Duke in the NCAA Tournament will be a new experience for LSU's young players, but facing a college basketball power in a pressure-packed environment won't be anything new.

Bruins have tradition, but Zags have been best in West recently

Mid-majors seeking big-time moments: "The number is now 16. Make that Sweet 16, and there are 16 different stories to tell in the NCAA men's basketball tournament."

Rankings seen as an 'honor': "High school sports rankings can be dead-on or dead wrong."

Hall-of-Fame Hook-Up: "Unlike the other seven players selected directly out of high school in the 2005 NBA Draft, Lakers center Andrew Bynum is surrounded by unusually qualified instructors such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar."

It's not Olympics, but NCAAs close

How much do people love/hate Duke? "Unscientific woman-on-street research finds mostly respect."


The Headlines:

Canes' NIT title hopes are derailed: "Despite Guillermo Diaz's 20 points and Robert Hite's 19 points, the Wolverines dealt the the Hurricanes a season-ending loss in the NIT."

Michigan bumps UM from NIT: "Robert Hite and Guillermo Diaz looked tired."

Bad luck, worse foul shooting beset Tigers: "Mays’ injury altered personality of team Purnell envisioned for his third season."

Five Questions for Clemson basketball for next season.

'Big Baby' ready to shine against Duke. Hmmmmm......smells a little like a wanna be King. You know how I feel about Duke and wanna be Kings.

Marc Bradley of the AJC may say it best - "LSU has talent to beat Duke, but likely not the coach." That's kind of funny.

'Big Baby' in spotlight, says he's ready for the 'Landlord': "Glen Davis plays for LSU. He weighs 310 pounds, give or take midnight munchie madness. His head glistens and his smile fills a room. His playful patter fills a tape recorder, and the realization that larger audiences might hear the words fills his heart."

Dascenzo: Looking back at how the '05 Devils' season ended: "For a brief moment Wednesday at the Georgia Dome, Mike Krzyzewski turned back the hands of time. The Duke coach reached back to March 25, 2005, at Austin, Texas, where his Blue Devils were beaten by Michigan State 78-68 in the Sweet 16. The loss ended Duke's season at 27-6, a disappointment to say the least."
Bob Lipper of the Times Dispatch: "Duke's blue-collar star, Williams quietly excels."

The maturation of LSU's `Big Baby'

Teams searching for 'The J.J. Rules': "As long as Duke stays alive in the NCAA Tournament, the top priority for opposing defenses won't change: Stop J.J. Redick. The guard has had a hot hand for most of the season."

Ned Barnett of the News andObserverr: "Baby's game is all grown up."

Devils hoping one long run produces another: "Sean Dockery never thought he'd see the day. Tonight at the Georgia Dome, Dockery and the Duke Blue Devils will continue their run at the school's fourth NCAA championship when they take on LSU in the Sweet 16."

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: "Assembly required, but in different ways."

Bench work is lifting BC: "Boston College's bench strength has increased as the season has gone along, which has helped the Eagles land in the Sweet 16."

Seminoles need another growth spurt: "Success in the National Invitation Tournament isn't necessarily a springboard to greater glory. Dave Odom and his South Carolina players were the latest to learn that difficult lesson, following up their "We're No......."

FSU looks ahead to bright future: "The Florida State men's basketball team reached the 20-win mark for the first time in nine years and went from the bottom of the Atlantic Coast Conference to fifth place."

FSU sends timing system for checkup: "Florida State associate athletic director Bernie Waxman said Wednesday that the school's portable timing system will be returned to the manufacturer for a checkup after clock management again was an issue during Tuesday night's NIT game against South..."

FSU players debate entering NBA draft: "Florida State men's basketball coach Leonard Hamilton doesn't want power forward Al Thornton and center Alexander Johnson fueling a draft watch with their own words."


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Glennon excited about fresh start: "Virginia Tech QB enters spring No. 1 on the depth chart with a chance."

Harris covets 2nd role: "Cornerback "Macho" Harris is happy to audition at tailback for Virginia Tech in spring practice."

Seminoles hold their third half-scrimmage: "The effort didn't dazzle Florida State coaches. But quarterback Drew Weatherford did enough in the Seminoles' third half-scrimmage of spring practice to keep offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden happy."

Linebackers jockey for spots: "If the Hurricanes played a game tomorrow, the starting linebackers would all be from Broward County."

More to come in the PM........

Thoughts on FSU

By Basketblogger Colin:

Last night’s season-ending loss to South Carolina (box score is here) displayed many of the traits which characterized the season.

FSU showed excellent talent (Alexander Johnson and Isiah Swann in particular – if you didn’t see Swann’s tie-breaking steal and monster-dunk (in which the 6’1” and left-handed Swann jumped from well outside the lane, off two feet, and floated in to crush a dunk with his right hand), leave work now and watch SportsCenter). But questions remain about whether the parts can all fit together (most glaring is the lack of a shooter - USC zoned throughout the game, and FSU couldn’t make enough jumpers to hurt the zone), and questions about whether the team can close games (more on that below)).

So, what might next year hold?

First off, FSU has excellent talent (assuming everyone returns). Their starting five next year will be:
(1) Tony Douglas (transfer from Auburn, averaged 17 ppg and was all-freshman in his one year in the SEC)
(2) Jason Rich (10 ppg this year)
(3) Isaiah Swann (8.4 ppg)
(4) Al Thronton (all ACCBasketblog team)
(5) Alexander Johnson (13.2 ppg and 7 rpg)

FSU’s complete steam states are here.

And depth has never been a problem for FSU during Hamilton’s regime. They should have some contributors (including a couple of long, athletic defenders in Jerel Allen and Uche Echefu) coming off the bench.

Of course, many things can happen in the offseason. But right now, FSU looks like a team that wins 11 or 12 ACC games in 2006-07. Al Thornton’s end-of-year back problems may help FSU in that he’s more likely to return to Tally next fall, with his NBA prospects deflated by his decreased production (and apparent injury susceptibility). On the other hand, Alexander Johnson may have played himself into NBA thoughts (he has an NBA body, but sorely needs to develop some offensive skills – his next up-and-under move will be his first). It must be noted that Johnson was FSU’s best player last night and, in fact, during the last half of the season games (eight double/doubles in FSU’s last 14 games).

However, the “closing games” issue won’t go away. Last night, FSU had two crucial late-game TOs while trying to inbounds under USC’s basket. Both TOs turned scoring opportunities into fast-breaks for USC (one TO came with three seconds left in regulation and resulted in USC having – and failing to convert – a two-on-none break that would (should) have won the game, and the other TO handed USC a crucial basket in overtime). With the game on the line, good teams get the ball in bounds, and usually get a decent shot. FSU’s end-game disorganization is both long-standing and troubling.

Mix in some mystifyingly bad decisions on the last possession, and FSU managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For those who didn’t see it: FSU scored to cut USC’s lead to one point with five seconds left in OT. USC inbounded under its own basket and made a bad pass – trying to pass to player at the free throw line extended, there is miscommunication and the player cuts away from the ball – and the ball bounced harmlessly toward the sideline (no USC player nearby) at about mid-court. Instead of letting it go (which, since no one touched it, would have given FSU the ball under USC’s basket and no time off the clock), Casaan Breeden runs over to pick it up. Off balance and near the sideline, Breeden wings a pass to Todd Galloway in the opposite corner, who has to jump (and nearly falls out of bounds) to gather the pass. Galloway stays in bounds, but (with no USC defender near him), hurriedly fires up an off-balance three-pointer with two seconds on the clock (meaning he had plenty of time to gather himself, and even dribble, before shooting). Predictably, the shot was an airball, and FSU’s season ends thusly. Sigh…

One hopes that such problems can be solved with a bit of maturity and Hamilton’s conveying some of that legendary NBA experience to his players. If it works out, FSU could be ready to shift the balance of ACC power away from Tobacco Road next season.

This ACC offseason is certain to be filled with speculation and uncertainty. Be sure to add FSU’s guys to the list of players (along with McRoberts and Hansbrough) whose NBA departures could affect the top of the league standings in 2006-07.

Colin is an attorney in Charlotte. We appreciate his contribution to the Blog on behalf of the Seminoles.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap

Dascenzo: Duke should look past recent tourney history: "History means little in NCAA Tournaments. You know it, I know it. But as good as Duke's basketball program has been under Mike Krzyzewski, whose deviation from motion offense and man defense is as rare as a snowstorm in Key West, Fla., here are the facts....."

seeking Advice: Hatchell quizzes top men's coaches on strategies: " Hatchell changed UNC women's style of playCoach Sylvia Hatchell had hit a wall. After building and sustaining one of the most consistent women's-basketball programs in the country at North Carolina, she still felt that something was missing."

The Headlines:

Seminoles tick away: "Time stood still at the end of regulation. And then the clock ran out on Florida State's season in overtime." All the kid had to do was let the ball roll out of bounds and the clock would have never started b/c the ball had not been touched. They would have had a full 5.4 seconds to get a good look at the basket and, potentially, hit a game winner.

Turnovers are FSU's downfall: "Brandon Wallace's arms were stretched out wide. His 6-foot-10 frame was bouncing up and down along the baseline."

FSU signee named Florida's top player: "Jacksonville Arlington Country Day's Josue Soto, a Florida State signee, has been named Gatorade's 2005-06 Florida Boys' Basketball Player of the Year."

Wall came tumbling down for Duke star: "Duke's Williams removed emotional barriers, let teammates in."

Friend in need spurs Dockery: "When Sean Dockery invited Tony Scales to spend last summer with him in Durham, he was reaching out to help his friend get his life back on track. When Scales accepted, he came intending to carve Dockery into the kind of clutch basketball player who could help make the Blue Devils champions."

Round of 16 not so sweet for Duke men lately: "The NCAA Tournament regional semifinal round, affectionately known as the "Sweet 16," hasn't been so sweet for the Duke Blue Devils of late." Big Baby awaits......not quite so sure how good a game this is actually going to be. LSU looks the part of "Duke Beater" but K has had a week to prepare. IF they lose, I'm really not thinking it will be on Thursday night.

Big jump in BC hoop tickets

Plaudits roll in for Tar Heels: "Writers honor Williams, Hansbrough."

Fowler says Sendek is secure: "N.C. State athletics director Lee Fowler offered another voice of support Tuesday for Herb Sendek."

TOM SORENSEN of the Charlotte Observer- Public opinion not likely to run Sendek off: "We hear about bubble teams. N.C. State's Herb Sendek is a bubble coach...." Let's here from some of you Wolfpakers on Herb. Should he just quit? Who would you replace him with? How many NCAA tournaments in a row would he have to go to before you would be satisfied that he is the right coach? Is it already too late to change your mind? Take it to the comments section.

Terps Q&A with Heather A. Dinich: "Sun reporter discusses Maryland basketball."

'Canes have eye on NYC: "Once the UM men's basketball team learned it was invited to participate in the NIT, senior guard Robert Hite wasn't shy about announcing his team's goal."

Prosser: Deacs to face challenge: "Coach says that WFU needs to get the magic back after a difficult season."

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: "Redick gets most of the attention, but Williams is Duke's most important player."


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Health of Sharpe is top priority for UM: "Miami's coaches have one goal for their often-injured cornerback Glenn Sharpe this spring -- to stay healthy. But Sharpe has other plans."

UM opens football spring practice :"The University of Miami opened spring football Tuesday with six new coaches, a new offense and enough enthusiasm to seep far into the three-and-a-half-week session at Greentree Field. "

UM's Coker feels a sense of urgency: "College football's annual month of ''spring practice'' is unnecessary. The NCAA could eliminate it with no harm done if schools decided that saving money or (better yet) allowing student-athletes more unfettered student time sounded like pretty good ideas."

Things to watch Florida State Seminoles: "Florida State fans will have to wait a little longer to find out if Xavier Lee has what it takes to wrestle the quarterback job from Drew Weatherford. Lee, a former Florida Mr. Football, won't throw this spring after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. He will return to action this summer, but Weatherford likely will extend his lead in the quarterback race this spring."

Battle at Virginia Tech QB set to begin

At UVa, 'Biscuit' hopes to make gravy

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO Recap.

Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: This dance will kick you to the curb: "The first four days of the NCAA tournament are a whirlwind romance. A trip to Paris. A midnight train. A dinner at a five-star restaurant."

Win gives school the spotlight: "University benefits from Patriots' strong NCAA showing."

Tony Kornheiser: A Poor Reflection of Prognostication

'Little guys' help Littlepage: "Mid-major success in NCAA tournament answers CBS critics."


The Headlines:

Diaz's free throw lifts 'Canes to quarterfinals: "There was one moment late in the first half Monday when the Miami basketball team figured this was just going to be its night."

Wild win by Canes: "Guillermo Diaz hit a free throw with 2.6 seconds left as UM edged Creighton in a controversial finish.

NIT win not in the Cards for Clemson: "Cold shooting, especially at the line, does the Tigers in when Louisville wins, 74-68.

Williams has been a stalwart for Devils: "Duke senior Shelden Williams is enjoying another banner season, even if no one is waving a banner for him. That's just fine by Williams, as long as the Blue Devils are hoisting a banner in Cameron Indoor Stadium when his playing days are done. "

Monster matchup:"Duke's 'Landlord' vs. LSU's 'Big Baby'? Yeah, this one's huge."

Dascenzo: Paulus is improving every game: "Face it, all Duke point guards from here to eternity are eventually going to be compared to Bobby Hurley. It might not be fair, but neither is life."

Oates gladly feeding off role player status with BC: "Center John Oates has started all 35 games for BC this season."

Heels plan to build on solid foundation: "It was supposed to be a team that would hold the fort until the arrival of North Carolina's top-ranked 2006-07 recruiting class. UNC thrived thanks to the heart of senior David Noel, the belief of coach Roy Williams and the grit of freshman Tyler Hansbrough."

North Carolina men's surprise season proves promise: "Reyshawn Terry didn't like it, but there was nothing else he could do. His third-seeded North Carolina men's basketball team had just been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, losing in the second round of the Washington Regional to No. 11 seed George Mason 65-60 at University of Dayton Arena."

Special: Williams says Heels took him on great ride

Assumptions needed to gauge Pack future: "There are a few assumptions about N.C. State basketball that must be considered when looking ahead to the Wolfpack's 2006-2007 season and its possibilities."

John Delong of the Winston-Salem Journal - Obstinate: N.C. State coach has stubbornly clung to his ways: "Sendek, despite his successes, has made part of the Pack's fanbase howling mad." IS it just me, or do others think that there is about to be some changes on the Raleigh Campus. Herb has a pretty good resume and the Iowa job is getting ready to be available. Think about it, Herb....for your own sake, think about it. Those folks are not going to rest until you are gone or win a National Championship. I don't see the latter happening any time soon. The folks in Iowa don't care quite as much. Compete well in the Big Ten, win a championship every now and then, and all will be well.

Krzyzewski says that criticism of Pack's Sendek is unwarranted

Seminoles find Metro reunion: "Florida State sophomore Jason Rich was stumped when asked for his recollections of the Metro Conference."

Devils get a leg up: "Shelden Williams, one of four captains, thought it would be a good idea to get together with his teammates for dinner at his apartment."


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

FSU offense sets off Andrews: "It's been some time since role reversal occurred during a Florida State spring football scrimmage. "

Coker will keep UM's new offense under wraps: "The Miami Hurricanes will conduct spring practices under a cloak of secrecy over the next four weeks, closing the sessions to the public. And for good reason."

For Coker and Hurricanes, change is good

More to come from Birkel in the PM!!!

Not Much to Say

Like many of you, I just don't know what to say about the first two rounds of the Big East Invitational Tournament.

Bye bye Big Ten. Nice knowin' ya.

Texas is the lone defender of the honor of the Big 12 and they blew the doors off Herbie's NCSU Love Bug. Owwwee! Texas is good at every position except coach. (Sorry Clemson fans!) Rick Barnes just ain't that good.

Duke looked solid but not overly impressive in two games against inferior competition. That's the way it's supposed to go when you're a #1 seed. UConn, otoh, did not look particularly impressive.

BC has faced down one serious threat and may be poised to make a serious run. I'm hoping so for my bracket's (remaining if pitiful) sake.

And then there is UNC. Up 18-5 I thought the 'Heels just started shooting themselves out of the game. No ball movement. Shooting early in the shot clock. GMU zone getting tight. Hansbrough no room to operate. And then six turnovers on six consecutive possessions to start the 2nd half. That must be an ignominious record for the usually sound Carolina program.

Everything that can go wrong did. Hopefully the ACC BasketBlog will have a team for which to cheer one week hence. We shall see.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO recap.

Mid-major revolution? Not so fast

Last 16 sure is sweet for those who like upstarts

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: UConn pushed to brink twice, but too soon to write it off

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: "Is ACC's glass half full or is it half empty? It's your choice."

FEW CHOICE WORDS: TONY KORNHEISER - NIT Is NOT For the ACC, Especially U-MD! "


The Headlines:

Down go the Heels! Down go the Champs! Tar Heels fall in unfortunate fashion, 65-60 to George Mason. "Third-seeded Carolina lost 65-60 to 11th-seeded George Mason because it was frazzled by the Patriots' zone defense, unnerved by its inability to make shots, and unhinged when it couldn't get the ball to Tyler Hansbrough." That about sums it up. Too many jump shots, too many turnovers, and not enough patience when it mattered. All in all, a great season for these Heels, but this ranks as one of those losses that we predicted would make you raise an eyebrow in wonderment. They'll remember this one, and that may serve this young team well for next season.

N.C. State sent packing: "Whether coach Sendek hits the road is up in the air." Yeah, Herb's guys really stunk this one up a bit. At some point, you must be able to do more than shoot 3s......and if you're going to shoot them, you have to make a few. I have rarely seen a team shoot themselves out of games like this NC State team does. What happened to the Princeton principles of close shots at the rim first, THEN bombs from the outside? Herb, you may want to so some soul searching my friend. You did yourself no favors yesterday.

McRoberts, Paulus show their mettle: Blue Devils freshmen assist seniors in win over Colonials.

BC 69, MONTANA 56: Eagles salt it away, Seasoned BC in Sweet 16. No surprise there.

'Noles not finished yet: "Johnson tip-in seals FSU's NIT victory over Butler."

Tigers toe the line and live another day - Clemson hits 15 free throws in a row to seal first-round NIT victory

Terps End 'Embarrassing' Season With Early Exit, Manhattan 87, Maryland 84

Williams expects to keep big man. Hansbrough is back, without doubt. If he learned anything yesterday, he saw that unconventional (i.e. fat boys with great feet and surprising stamina) give him some problems. He's got a ways to go to approach the polished game of a Shelden Williams. Tyler is a very good player now, but his upside is not great if he leaves today. With the development of patience, a mid range jumper, and a SheWill like up and under game, his upside could be tremendous. The prediction: Hansbrough returns to the Hill.

Caulton Tudor of the News and Observer: Dismal end a stunner for surprising Heels. Not really a stunner to these Basketbloggers. Birkel and I discussed during the Murry State game on Friday night that, perhaps, the worst thing that could happen to UNC was to face another non conventional team that would press their athletic and experience limits. Then Michigan State and Tenn. fell. The rest, as they say, is history.

Noel has last game as Heels' leader: "In the quiet sadness that was North Carolina's locker room Sunday, reporters asked player after player what he would remember most about the season." David Noel, you 'done good', my man. You carried that team just about as far as you personally could. Well done.

Bob Ryan of Boston Globe: Bounce in BC's step: "See? It wasn't about the seed. It wasn't about the location. It wasn't about the morning game time. It was about basketball."

Eagles know next foe: "Boston College won't have to do any extra reconnaissance on its next opponent ('Nova) in the NCAA Tournament." That's going to be a great game!!!

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: No reading all about it for BC.

Barnes sticks up for Sendek.

Workouts keep heels' hansbrough hale, hardy. Good read.

Seminoles have high hopes for Douglas:
"Transfer point guard Toney Douglas hasn't been allowed to talk to the media while sitting out this season at Florida State. He's been mumbling to everybody else this week after having his wisdom teeth removed."

FSU's injured hope to return: "Al Thornton and Todd Galloway were still aching on Sunday but optimistic."

UM only too glad to extend season : "Like most college players, Hurricanes forward Gary Hamilton has buddies from his hometown of Los Angeles playing for other schools, and for once he can brag that his season lasted longer than theirs."

Thomas gets education in first year with 'Canes : "In those rare instances when Adrian Thomas' busy schedule presents him the opportunity to go home, this former Flanagan High standout makes sure he brings two things with him: a basket full of dirty laundry and an empty stomach."
Canes' Hicks evolves on, off court: "Raymond Hicks' UM career got off to a slow start, but the sophomore forward enters tonight's NIT game on a roll."


ACC Football news from the Footblog:

Patience key for Seminoles' Brown


More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Because we care:

Jim Cramer's MAD MONEY and RADIO Recap

Fight for No. 30: "Finishing last in the NBA comes with a sweet prize -- lottery ballsYou're watching Adam Morrison, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay this week, and maybe you're thinking, "What must the Charlotte Bobcats."

Lenox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: Winthrop's dream turns into an awful nightmare

Football may be king in South Florida, but its power isn't absolute. The area's emerging basketball stars illustrate a ... State of transition

John Feinstein: Victories for Two Teams and One Committee

The Headlines:

Devils power past opening challenge: "Sheldon Williams' inside presence helps the Blue Devils pull away from Southern. The Blue Devils held form for No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament by beating the Jaguars 70-54 late Thursday night in the Atlanta Regional game at the Greensboro Coliseum." Not quite 40 pts, was it Mr. Birkel! The problem was on a night when their teammates should have been contributing and giving JJ a blow, they showed up for only 12 points. That's not going to cut going forward.

Dascenzo: Williams, Redick carry Duke
GREENSBORO -- Duke looked frustrated and played like it Thursday night. So what, right? It's March. It's the NCAA Tournament. You survive, you advance to play another day. In this case, it's on to Saturday's game vs. George Washington.

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer: Colonials will try to gain respect from Duke, nation. Let me be honest about this: Mr. Birkel called my house last night and declared that Duke was going to run Southern by 40 (he then backed it down to cruising by 20 with 10 min. left win by 30). I told him that wasn't going to happen b/c Southern has exactly what Duke can't stop: players who are quick and can dribble drive. I was thinking a Duke win by 15 or 20 pts. He also seems to think, for some reason, that Duke is going to destroy GW tomorrow. Let me ask you folks something: When was the last time Duke "destroyed" anyone? Let ask a few more questions: Does GW have long athletes, a 220 pound bowling ball of a point guard, a defensive minded and rebounding big man, capable scorers (not shooters, scorers...far more dangerous against Duke's overplay style of defense), pure athletes at every position, and a chip on their shoulder as big as their home town of Washington DC? That would be yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and *bleep*yes! Duke got no favors with this bracket and their first weekend. GW is ready made to send these Devils home early. Remember FSU, G'Town, nor UNC were/are as good as these Devils, either. However, they all had an inside presence, they all had long defensive capable wing players, and they all had guards who good dribble drive Duke's guards.

All I'm saying is be prepared to play ball, and beware GW!!!

Coach K says he's 'offended':"In the closing moments of his post-midnight news conference after Duke's 70-54 win Thursday against Southern, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski lashed out at the rumors that he had something to do with North Carolina being sent to Dayton, Ohio, for its first-round game rather than playing alongside the Blue Devils in Greensboro." That means the rumors are true!!! Any time I hear I a high profile person respond to an accusations with "how dare you," or "I'm offended that you would suggest that I had anything to do with such a thing,".......they're guilty!!!

Up for seconds, BC 88, Pacific 76: "Boston College got the first NCAA thriller out of the way, a double-overtime 88-76 victory that derailed scrappy Pacific and the Maraker Express."

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe- Getting better over time: "What kind of team wins this game? A team with just about every component wins this game."

The Students perspective: Eagles survive double OT thriller

Heels putting coach at ease: "Nearly a year after getting the monkey off his back by winning a national title, even a painful bulging disc has not kept Roy Williams from enjoying the Tar Heels' surprising sprint to a 22-7 record, a top-10 ranking and a third seed in the NCAA Tournament."

Silence is scary with rookies: "Tar Heels count heavily on freshmenSilence is scary with rookies Tar Heels count heavily on freshmen."

Racers' Jenifer is 3-1 vs. Tar Heels: "Keith Jenifer knows what it feels like to beat North Carolina. Several times. "

Surprising year pleases UNC coach: "This was supposed to be a painful season for Roy Williams. It has been -- just not in the way that many people expected."

Pack views 'good things': "N.C. State's players were expecting to see a scouting tape of California, the Wolfpack's opponent today in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament."

Wolfpack is optimistic that California will have trouble dissecting its Princeton-style offense in the first round. I feel the same way. Pack advances.

Powe set to show Wolfpack his game:"It won't be easy for the 10th-seeded Wolfpack to dismiss Golden Bears forward Leon Powe, a bruising, 6-foot-8 sophomore who has developed into one of the top college basketball players in the country."

Get Ready for 'The Show' From California: "For all the folks who only follow college basketball in March, get ready to meet California's Leon Powe. A formal introduction isn't necessary. Just call him "The Show.""

FSU looks to bounce back: "Florida State knows how it could get national attention even with the college basketball world fixated on the NCAA tournament." The best thing that the Seminoles could do is go out and dominate their opposition. Whatever you do today, don't lose!!!

Deacs ended the season in disappointing fashion


ACC Football News from the Footblog:

Gailey signs new contract
Tech assistants also will get bonus of $5K each for any win over Georgia.

Sims, Cromartie living their dream: "Their memories raced with a variety of emotions."


News from the League:

QB Rivers to start for Chargers this season: Congrats, Phillip. Do the ACC proud!!!


Enjoy the games, Basketbloggers!!!!