The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Is this our ACC Coach of the Year?

Getting your mind right:
JOHN DELONG of the Winston-Salem Journal One Step at a Time: Virginia Tech's Greenberg says his team's success can continue only if it doesn't get ahead of itself. Needless to say, we like these Hokies.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - ACC should prove its depth with NCAA bids: "This isn't suggesting it will happen, but it's possible nine ACC teams could make the NCAA tournament."

5 reason UNC won't win the national title: "The talent North Carolina coach Roy Williams has put together is nothing short of amazing."

Coach K, Williams rooting for each other?

Giants get termination rights with Bonds : That's interesting....wonder if the Union will let that stand?


The conference headlines:
From our friends at StateFansNation:
Technician to Stafford: Improve or Retire
TOB - Landing Recruits From Germany
Get over there!!

Wake Forest
Deacs finish strong :"Wake Forest holds off Georgia Tech for 85-75 victoryNot a lot has gone right for Wake Forest this season, but last night was a different story." Big win for the Deacs. Bad loss for the 'Jackets. Did you see the dunks from the Williams kid of Wake Forest? My goodness....any of you basketbloggers care to find those dunks on YouTube and share them with us?


Georgia Tech
How low can Tech go?:" Jackets never recover from early deficit in falling to last-place Wake Forest. "

Tampa star eyes Tech:"Cornerback previously commited to Boston College to visit Jackets Thursday."


Florida State
FSU tops Terps: " With an undersized lineup but oversized athleticism, Florida State wanted to become an up-tempo team this season."


Virginia Tech
Tough love: "Demanding Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg recently scrapped his softer persona, and his Hokie players have responded quite well."

Guards to test Pack

Tech gets commitment


North Carolina
Jumping up to speed :"From the opening tip, Tar Heels are looking to run."

Young Heels on a roll :"Nearly two years after the NBA gutted North Carolina's national championship team the Tar Heels have risen back to the ranks of title contender. "

Deon Thompson gives Tar Heels spark in the middle :"During the summer, North Carolina coach Roy Williams referred to Deon Thompson as a diamond in the rough. As it turns out, the diamond is more polished than anyone imagined. "

Depth is serving N. Carolina well


Clemson
Tigers hire running backs coach:"Powell joins program after six years at UNC. A fisherman was chosen to oversee the most prized catches in Clemson’s pond. Andre’ Powell, North Carolina’s running backs coach the previous six seasons, was hired Tuesday for the same job with the Tigers." Interesting....very interesting....


Miami
New Mr. Football has more than a passing interest in UM :" Miami's coaches are making a frantic push to transform the signing class from solid to Marve-lous, as in Robert Marve, the Tampa quarterback expected to commit to UM today. "

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: RIP, Barbaro.

Getting your mind right:
Top 25 in AP College Basketball Poll

Death Of A Champion'What a fighter he was'Fans, veterinary staff grieve for horse viewed as 'inspiration'. More on Barbaro from John Eisenberg and Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Lawson is ACC's top rookie : Along with 23 other nearsighted visionaries, my preseason vote for ACC men's rookie of the year in basketball went to Georgia Tech's Thaddeus Young. But North Carolina's Ty Lawson, who finished second to Young in the preseason vote, is going to win."

Dascenzo: Blue Devils attack, opponents crumble : "Surrounded by camcorders and notebooks while listening to a variety of questions, Duke junior guard DeMarcus Nelson took a deep breath and used an interesting word." We're going to be testing that theory really soon.....like Feb 7, 2007 soon. For the record, Mr. Dascenzo may very well be correct.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Comparing The ACC & Pac-10: "Discussion about which is the best conference in college basketball has heated in recent weeks, and it appears most analysts are leaning toward either the Pac-10 or ACC." Most Basketbloggers would say that Saturday in Arizona was a good starting point for comparing.

ROSS RESIGNS AT ARMY : "Former Tech coach Bobby Ross would have faced his old team in October, but he announced his retirement Monday after a 9-25 run in three seasons at West Point."

Ex-Knick Sprewell being sued for $200 million: "Former New York Knicks player Latrell Sprewell was slammed by a blockbuster $200 million suit charging he dragged the mother of his four children down a flight of stairs and then slapped a cell phone out of her hands as she frantically tried to dial for help. " Not saying that he did it, but would it surprise any of you that he did?

From the Washington Post: Super Bowl's Black Coaches Indicative of 'Great Strides'


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - Confessions of a Workaholic: "I tried my best to make this a work free weekend, but failed miserably yet again..." Get over there!

Hey, what's our buddy Dave Sez been up to? He asks Who's The POY So Far? Get over there!!

Injuries pester ACC teams: "Duke, N.C. State and UNC try to get by with key players on the mendDuke's Dave McClure might be out for a while, N.C. State's Engin Atsur is back, and North Carolina's Bobby Frasor might be on the road to recovery."

UNC, N.C. State and Duke add to '07 football-recruiting classes : " Heels add another star from Ohio; Pack gets three commitments."


NC State
String of bad luck doesn't deter Atsur : "After sitting out 12 of 13 games because of a hamstring injury, Engin Atsur was back in the starting lineup Wednesday as N.C. State faced Virginia. The senior says he will remain positive about the unexpected setback and will do all he can to play, to lead, to help the Pack win. "


Florida State
No regrets for Seminoles - Rich, Thornton focus on getting Fla. State to NCAA tournament.

Thornton rising to ACC challenges: "If he keeps this up, Florida State senior Al Thornton will find himself right in the middle of the player-of-the-year debate in the ACC." That's going to be tough if his team finishes in the bottom half. He's very good, but not that good.

FSU's Thornton Already in Select Company

'Noles land offensive lineman Ganguzza: "Florida State's football program picked up a much-needed commitment at offensive line Monday night when A.J. Ganguzza accepted the school's offer - an offer he wasn't sure was coming."


Clemson
Purnell moves to the head of the class :"YOU COULD ARGUE that Oliver Purnell is too nice a guy. He should have berated ACC officials and his team following a week that was as bizarre as it was disastrous to his Clemson Tigers basketball team." Yep....that is exactly what we argued.

Tigers work to get over another gut-wrenching loss: "How long does it take to go from the penthouse to the outhouse?"


Duke
Duke's McClure doubtful for UVa: "Knee injury will be monitored this week."


Wake Forest
Deacs to play Jackets tonight : "Wake Forest to try to end six-game losing streak."


Georgia Tech
Tech faces must win on road: " Wake Forest or bust. Georgia Tech's fans might as well adopt the high-school tradition of soaping that message on their car windows for Tuesday's ride to North Carolina."

Tech hoops in disarray:"Poor shot selection, sloppy execution have mired Jackets in mediocrity."

Jackets land DE Peters: "Tech wins sweepstakes for blue-chip Baton Rouge prospect, beating out LSU and Florida. "


Maryland
Terps hire secondary coach from Boston Col.


Miami
Bears have arrived, so has former 'Cane: "The Chicago Bears arrived for Super Bowl XLI on Sunday, and return man Devin Hester came back to familiar territory as a proven threat and difference maker after leaving the University of Miami following his junior year as a player of unrealized potential. "

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: What a defender...but why was he not prepared to speak yesterday?

Getting your mind right:
Dascenzo: No. 23 hangs with the legends:"There's a new retired jersey hanging from the rafters at Cameron Indoor Stadium today and there will be another next Sunday. You just knew there would be. " Not to kill this guy or anything, but let's just say I was a bit surprised and shocked by the speaking ability (or lack thereof) of Mr. Williams. I'm sorry....I just expect more out of a kid who comes from a program and school that goes out of it's way to talk about the academic excellence of their athletes. At least he had enough pride in himself and the program to come dressed in a suit (a very nice suit, I might add), unlike the three Tar Heels who were similarly honored this year and showed up (stylishly and inappropriately) in jeans, untucked dress shirts, and ultra suede blazers. As for Mr. Williams and Duke, I just don't like seeing athletes, especially those in hyper academic settings, being placed in a position to fail. Coach K and his agent put him in a position to win for 4 years and the summer before the draft. Why, on perhaps his greatest day, would they not prepare him to win again? Don't agree? Take it to the comments section!!

Duke's Krzyzewski: I was in Tar Heels' corner for Arizona game : Isn't that sweet.

Notebook Plus: Out-of-state recruiting analysts turn backs on Tech, UVa prospects

Bradley column: No defense for Yellowjackets underachievers

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: Terps, Heels Ladies offer early hint of March

Wise: Tobacco Roadblocked

Record-stalking Tiger drives away with Buick: "Final-round 6-under 66 extends Woods' PGA Tour win streak to seven, second longest ever." The Tigar Tour continues in '07. Dude is great....just great.


The conference headlines:
From our friends at StateFansNation:
She is Going to the Super Bowl
Tell Me More about the Great Pac-10
BarCloughertyBrady Weighs In
2007 NC State Football Coaching Staff
High Praise for TOB
Getting it done, as usual. Get over there!!!!

Duke
Devils suit to thrill: "The Duke Blue Devils survived a couple of close calls against Boston College last season thanks in part to the dominating defense of big man Shelden Williams."

Duke retires soft-spoken Williams' No. 23 jersey: "Atlanta Hawks forward Shelden Williams couldn't have said it more effectively than he did on Sunday evening while his Duke jersey was being retired at Cameron Indoor Stadium."


Virginia Tech
Win in Atlanta puts Hokies alone atop ACC standings. Look at the Hokies!!! Big, big win.

From the Washington Post - Hokies Try On a New Look: Virginia Tech Confidently Dispatches Jackets, Takes ACC Lead: Virginia Tech 73, Georgia Tech 65

VT Insider: Tech's non-ACC schedule not as tough as appears


Virginia
Not road tripped:"The Cavaliers overcome a 14-point deficit to capture their second consecutive victory away from home." That's a big, big win for the Cavs and a major loss for Clemson. That's the first "bad" loss of the year for the Tigers.

An untimely collapse turns Tigers’ mood: "Cavs steal victory with game-ending 15-0 run; Clemson staggers into open date."

UVa Insider: No hard feelings between Groh, Rocco

Cavaliers receive commitment from WR


North Carolina
Tar Heels depart Arizona smiling : "Boos rained down on Wayne Ellington the second he became visible to the Arizona fans packing the student section at the McKale Center. "


Florida State
FSU men have to take care of business at home »

'Noles do just enough »


Georgia Tech
Tech 9th in the ACC: "Jackets' third loss in a row continues freefall toward bottom of 12-team conference."

Jackets' strategic ploy fails to pay off: " Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt removed the names from the back of his team's jerseys for Sunday's game against No. 24 Virginia Tech, ostensibly to send a message that they play for the name stitched on the front - Georgia Tech - and not their own surnames. "

Ramblin' On: Same mistakes surface again

Crittenton not running from his own shadow

The Daily Roundup: Free Throw Friday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: If the Devils didn't have one of these after that game, they should have. I'm no Duke fan, but I did get some perverse pleasure in seeing an elite basketball program rip the heart out of a challenger for the throne. Brutal....and exactly what a champion should do. We said it early and we'll say it again: These Devils will not go away quietly.

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the Stogie Guys - Stogie Reviews: Gurkha Class Regent Torpedo. Get over there!!!

From the Boston Globe: The shoe might fit these four: "Remember the good old days of 2006 when George Mason became the Cinderella of the NCAA Tournament and earned a Final Four berth?" Not likely, but interesting teams to consider.

Arenas: I'd Score 85 Against Duke: Funny, a really good read, but it's starting to wear thin and should like sour grapes. I'd be angry too but give it a rest, Gilbert.

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer - Clemson's demons wear Devils' blue: " Clemson has a fine set of veteran guards, a sweet shooter in K.C. Rivers and an impressive power forward in James Mays."

Dascenzo: Devils prove their heart in resonant fashion vs. Tigers: "It will, and should, be remembered as the night bedlam rippled through the balconies at Cameron Indoor Stadium when, with a pulsating 4.4 seconds remaining, a young Duke basketball team refused to lose. "

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: McClure saves sanity for Cameron Crazies

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - It Was All About Intensity For Heels: "Tyler Hansbrough knew his team needed to increase its intensity to avoid being upset at Wake Forest on Wednesday night."

NASCAR hall gets off to historic start:"Racing's biggest names, Petty, Jarrett, Waltrip, help out with shovels: Under a tent on a brisk, windy January day, NASCAR ushered in the work on its hall of fame in Charlotte with a procession of people whose busts and memorabilia will surely occupy it. "


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelley Hurricanes Blog - Cheat Sheet - Defense: "You know plenty about the offensive players, the new targets, the old targets,..." Get over there!

Blog: Returning FSU football assistants get raises. Get over there!!

Duke
Duke nearly gives it away; McClure takes it back: "Moments after Duke sophomore Josh McRoberts’ turnover opened the door for Clemson to come back from a five-point deficit in the final five seconds of Thursday night’s game, McRoberts predicted that he’d lie awake thinking about it. " And that is why you are Clemson, and they are Duke. You've GOT TO DEFEND THE BASKET on the break outs, kids!!! Good effort by Clemson, great confidence by Duke, nice game by all.

From The State: Clemson be-deviled at the buzzer: "After Tigers tie game off turnover, Duke goes length of court for game-winner. No. 19 Clemson was handed a gift at the end of Thursday night’s game against No. 10 Duke but had it cruelly taken away at the buzzer in a 68-66 loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium."

Coulda, shoulda, woulda: "Coulda, shoulda, woulda."


North Carolina
Green's bond with father unbroken by bars: "Danny Green Jr. looks forward to the phone calls, which always come collect." Really a sad and unfortunate situation...


UVa.
U.VA. NOTES

Right answer: "J.R. Reynolds responds to an earful with a sizzling final 10:57 on Wednesday."


Georgia Tech
Bradley: Tech must solve road troubles


Wake Forest
Attrition hits hard for Wake »


NC State
O'Brien hires two coaches to complete Pack's staff: "N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien now has his new staff in place. "


Miami
Coker surfaces at Senior Bowl : "He no longer coaches the Hurricanes, but Larry Coker still wore a University of Miami hat as he chatted with coaches and watched the Senior Bowl."

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Mr. Wright, dropping the hammer. One and done?

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor on NC State Basketball: Season taking ugly turn

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - Disparity: Wake Forest still has a big gap to close.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Wake Headed In The Wrong Direction: "Having witnessed three of Wake Forest’s last four games in person, it appears quite clear this program is in trouble."

More from Andrew Jones - 2002 title seems like eons ago for Maryland: "A good friend of mine is a big-time Maryland fan who has long sworn by Gary Williams. For the record, he also swore by - and sometimes at - former Terrapins coach Lefty Driesell, too."

From David Glenn's ACC Blog - Money Matters, What about Roy? :" The idea that UNC, home to one of the most famous basketball programs in the nation, would pay its football leader a similar amount as it would to hoops guru Roy Williams was hard for many to believe."

ACC releases schedule:"New coaches, old rivalries and odd twists will mark the ACC football schedule this fall."

Dascenzo: Broadway reflection :"It has been more than a week since the departure of former UNC coach and player Rod Broadway from N.C. Central to Grambling State. That's enough time for some needed reflections. "

N.C.'s bar lodges new charges in Nifong case

Roush Toughens Rhetoric Against Toyota : "With Toyota poised to enter NASCAR's Nextel Cup series this season, Ford team owner Jack Roush is revving up the combative rhetoric." Toyota will dominate this sport within 5 years....unless the NASCAR boys cheat them!

Speculation continues on Earnhardt's plans


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - Cheat Sheet - Defense: "You know plenty about the offensive players, the new targets, the old targets,..." Get over there!


North Carolina
Lawson sparks Heels :"Freshman Ty Lawson sparks the fourth-ranked Tar Heels to their largest-ever road victory in their series with Wake Forest, 88-60. He scores all 15 of his points in the second half." Great effort early by Wake and a nice win on the road for the young Tar Heels.

Notebook: Tar Heels learn lessons

Sitting Out: Foul trouble limits Wake's Smith


Maryland
Terps Back Into Fray: "Maryland's 80-65 win over visiting Georgia Tech reveals the Terps' resiliency, a trait they show for the second time in two weeks."


Virginia
Reynolds, Singletary Again Pace Virginia: Virginia 71, N.C. State 58

Reynolds steps up for UVa

UVa's snapper duties remain in Timesland hands

UVa Insider: Tucker emerging as top-producing freshman


Duke
Tigers, Devils interchangeable: "Aggressiveness is tonight's buzzword." This could be a very interesting game if the Tigers can avoid getting caught up in the Cameron highlights.

Devils' passing fancy:"From most vantage points around the RBC Center, including the unique vantage of Duke sophomore Josh McRoberts, it looked like a routine pass. "


Clemson
Cameron gives its guests a fit :"Tigers are 4-52 all-time at home of Blue Devils."

Tigers get balanced ’07 schedule: "Bowden satisfied with mid-season off week, no Thursday games this fall. For better or for worse, the next make-or-break season in coach Tommy Bowden's tenure is all but assured of taking a different shape than last year's lengthy ascent-then-decline."

Clemson tightens tailgating policies :"New policy bans trailers, tow cookers and golf carts in the name of safety."


Georgia Tech
Lost on the road:"Maryland forward Gist scores 26 as Jackets lose their 16th straight road game."

Ramblin' On: Everything went wrong . Get over there!

Tech withdraws offer:"Detroit cornerback Everson no longer on Jackets' most-wanted list. "


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Wagner puts Tech on Tour


Florida State
Tall task ahead for 'Noles: " Florida State football coaches already knew they were facing a difficult 2007 season - especially in the opening month. On Wednesday they learned the ending isn't likely to be a breeze, either. The ACC released the 2007 schedule for its 12 members on..."

FSU schedule difficult but manageable »


Miami
UM-FSU game moves back to October this year :"Normalcy has been restored to Florida State's and Miami's football schedules. "

Recruit tug-of-war for QBs : "Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon and former Dolphins coach Nick Saban, now at Alabama, are duking it out for the same two high school quarterbacks."


NC State
Culliver officially a Gamecock - "Garner High defensive back Chris Culliver made it official Wednesday: He plans to attend the University of South Carolina. " The State loses yet another great athlete to an out of state university. Kid runs a consistent 4.24 in the 40. Not too shabby.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Mr. Wright, dropping the hammer. One and done?

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor on NC State Basketball: Season taking ugly turn

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - Disparity: Wake Forest still has a big gap to close.

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Wake Headed In The Wrong Direction: "Having witnessed three of Wake Forest’s last four games in person, it appears quite clear this program is in trouble."

More from Andrew Jones - 2002 title seems like eons ago for Maryland: "A good friend of mine is a big-time Maryland fan who has long sworn by Gary Williams. For the record, he also swore by - and sometimes at - former Terrapins coach Lefty Driesell, too."

From David Glenn's ACC Blog - Money Matters, What about Roy? :" The idea that UNC, home to one of the most famous basketball programs in the nation, would pay its football leader a similar amount as it would to hoops guru Roy Williams was hard for many to believe."

ACC releases schedule:"New coaches, old rivalries and odd twists will mark the ACC football schedule this fall."

Dascenzo: Broadway reflection :"It has been more than a week since the departure of former UNC coach and player Rod Broadway from N.C. Central to Grambling State. That's enough time for some needed reflections. "

N.C.'s bar lodges new charges in Nifong case

Roush Toughens Rhetoric Against Toyota : "With Toyota poised to enter NASCAR's Nextel Cup series this season, Ford team owner Jack Roush is revving up the combative rhetoric." Toyota will dominate this sport within 5 years....unless the NASCAR boys cheat them!

Speculation continues on Earnhardt's plans


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - Cheat Sheet - Defense: "You know plenty about the offensive players, the new targets, the old targets,..." Get over there!


North Carolina
Lawson sparks Heels :"Freshman Ty Lawson sparks the fourth-ranked Tar Heels to their largest-ever road victory in their series with Wake Forest, 88-60. He scores all 15 of his points in the second half." Great effort early by Wake and a nice win on the road for the young Tar Heels.

Notebook: Tar Heels learn lessons

Sitting Out: Foul trouble limits Wake's Smith


Maryland
Terps Back Into Fray: "Maryland's 80-65 win over visiting Georgia Tech reveals the Terps' resiliency, a trait they show for the second time in two weeks."


Virginia
Reynolds, Singletary Again Pace Virginia: Virginia 71, N.C. State 58

Reynolds steps up for UVa

UVa's snapper duties remain in Timesland hands

UVa Insider: Tucker emerging as top-producing freshman


Duke
Tigers, Devils interchangeable: "Aggressiveness is tonight's buzzword." This could be a very interesting game if the Tigers can avoid getting caught up in the Cameron highlights.

Devils' passing fancy:"From most vantage points around the RBC Center, including the unique vantage of Duke sophomore Josh McRoberts, it looked like a routine pass. "


Clemson
Cameron gives its guests a fit :"Tigers are 4-52 all-time at home of Blue Devils."

Tigers get balanced ’07 schedule: "Bowden satisfied with mid-season off week, no Thursday games this fall. For better or for worse, the next make-or-break season in coach Tommy Bowden's tenure is all but assured of taking a different shape than last year's lengthy ascent-then-decline."

Clemson tightens tailgating policies :"New policy bans trailers, tow cookers and golf carts in the name of safety."


Georgia Tech
Lost on the road:"Maryland forward Gist scores 26 as Jackets lose their 16th straight road game."

Ramblin' On: Everything went wrong . Get over there!

Tech withdraws offer:"Detroit cornerback Everson no longer on Jackets' most-wanted list. "


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Wagner puts Tech on Tour


Florida State
Tall task ahead for 'Noles: " Florida State football coaches already knew they were facing a difficult 2007 season - especially in the opening month. On Wednesday they learned the ending isn't likely to be a breeze, either. The ACC released the 2007 schedule for its 12 members on..."

FSU schedule difficult but manageable »


Miami
UM-FSU game moves back to October this year :"Normalcy has been restored to Florida State's and Miami's football schedules. "

Recruit tug-of-war for QBs : "Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon and former Dolphins coach Nick Saban, now at Alabama, are duking it out for the same two high school quarterbacks."


NC State
Culliver officially a Gamecock - "Garner High defensive back Chris Culliver made it official Wednesday: He plans to attend the University of South Carolina. " The State loses yet another great athlete to an out of state university. Kid runs a consistent 4.24 in the 40. Not too shabby.

A Prayer for a WCU Basketball Player

With apologies to Ed for using this space after my extended absence (I tried to gain permission but never got that chance.) I had something important to say:

Kyle Greathouse, Western Carolina's starting point guard was involved in a traffic accident last night. This is what was reported by WLOS

Senior point guard Kyle Greathouse is at Mission Hospitals [in Asheville, NC] after the car crash about 2:30 Wednesday morning on Old Cullowhee Road. Troopers say the driver of the car Greathouse was riding in, 22-year-old Jamie Whitfield, had a blood alcohol level almost twice the legal limit when she crashed into the Tuckasegee River. Whitfield is also a senior at Western, she was not injured in the accident. Investigators have charged Whitfield with driving while intoxicated.

Early reports were very negative. More positive information started to reach campus as the afternoon progressed. I wish to extend my best wishes to Kyle and his family during this trying period. Please know that we are thinking of you.

I would like to encourage the BasketBlog's readers to offer their thoughts and prayers for Kyle's speedy recovery.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: You can't lose to this Boston College team now, can you?

Getting your mind right:
NCAA will not expand Confederate flag ban: That's an interesting move.....

Deacons a world away from heyday - No. 1 in nation in '04; last in the ACC in '07

Senior guard Michael Drum remembers the increasingly distant Wake Forest glory days in men's basketball as though they happened yesterday.
With brilliant point guard Chris Paul leading a breathtaking fast break, the Deacons ascended to No. 1 in The Associated Press' rankings in November 2004.
"It was phenomenal," Drum said last week

May be time for Skip to pack it up....no reason for that program to go through two straight seasons like this.

UNC to visit WFU tonight: "Deacons will try to snap out of slump against No. 4 Tar Heels."

Charlie Weis's malpractice lawsuit puts high-risk surgery in spotlight: "Only those closest to Charlie Weis were supposed to know. The Notre Dame football coach, then offensive coordinator for the Patriots, checked into Massachusetts General Hospital in 2002 under an assumed name."

QB Leak may face tall order: "To go high in NFL draft, he has to overcome the issue of heightHe has won state championships in high school and a national title in college. Yet, the stage Chris Leak walked onto Monday morning was in front of an unforgiving audience." This kid is a winner and will be on somebodies team, Charlie Batch style, for a long time. A good kid who was completely mistreated by the Gator fans this year.


The conference headlines:
From our friends at StateFansNation:
NC State Placement Stats
Vaccaro Backing Away
http://www.statefansnation.com/index.php/archives/2007/01/24/november-10-carolina-state/
Still the best at what they do in the game. Get over there!!!

Boston College
BC 85, FLORIDA ST. 82 Grand Marshall: "Boston College's Sean Marshall beat a pair of defenders to get the jump on Florida State with his winning 3-point shot at the buzzer. The win kept the Eagles in first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference." We're sorry, but that has to be considered a bad loss for the Seminoles. You've GOT TO beat this BC team now if you want to call yourself and upper division ACC club. Eventually, Mr. Hamilton is going to have to account for this teams consistant underachieving. There is no reason at all why FSU should not have better than decent basketball year in and year out.


Florida State
FSU switches up defense, but to no avail »

What can we expect from Florida State? »


Virginia Tech
Dowdell takes over at Miami: "The Virginia Tech senior scores a career-high 30 points to lead the Hokies to a key road victory." Hokies getting it done....winning the games they ought to and stealing a few along the way. That's how you end up winning the conference. Not saying that they will, but this is a good formula. They've already beaten Duke and UNC........just saying.

From the Press Blog: Tech wins . Get over there!


Miami
Hurricanes dig hole, fall to Hokies :"Desperate times call for desperate measures, so the injury-depleted Miami Hurricanes are trying to survive by playing small ball during the meaty portion of their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule. " Wheels falling off for Haith in Miami?


North Carolina
UNC's Terry making his point: "When 7 p.m. draws near tonight as the North Carolina men's basketball team gets set to play Wake Forest, Reyshawn Terry will do what he always does. " Kick the ball out of bounds or make a wild drive to the basket? Just kidding....Terry just needs to relax and keep playing team ball like he has for the last 3 games. He's got NBA talent, but does he have an NBA head for the game? He's a Winston-Salem kid so we have to pull for him (even that Dookie Birkel will pull for him......won't you?)

Last Time Around: UNC's Terry trying to make most of senior season : "Reyshawn Terry could almost always be found on a basketball court when he was growing up in Winston-Salem, looking for a game with anyone willing to play. "

Davis a good sell : "New football coach Butch Davis and a bold advertising campaign have Tar Heels fans snapping up season tickets."


Maryland
Remembering '01, Williams has hope for Terps:"First Final Four team had early rough patch in ACC schedule, too." One problem......they don't have Blake, Dixon, or Big Lonny.

From the Washington Post - Terps Staying Positive: "Maryland is off to its worst start in the ACC since 1993 and its hopes of returning to the NCAA tournament are fading, but Coach Gary Williams remains optimistic."

Yow signs extension: "Maryland athletic director guaranteed $350,000 per year through 2013"

Terps Q&A with Heather A. Dinich


Clemson
Tigers working to improve free-throw percentage

Purnell adds Duke atmosphere to Tigers' practice


North Carolina State
Pack looks to upgrade defense: "N.C. State's defensive strategy seemed sound enough for Duke."


Georgia Tech
Two Tech recruits jump right in :"Steven Threet and Derrick Morgan can't sign with the Yellow Jackets until Feb. 7, but they've already gotten off to a head start by enrolling early. "

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: One of the greatest ever.......

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: It's time to join Coach Yow's team : N.C. State coach Kay Yow tenaciously battles breast cancer, promotes awareness. She plans to coach in Reynolds Coliseum on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. "

Get out there. Get pink, even if your favor colors are light blue, royal blue, black, orange or whatever. Yell for the team you favor. But most of all, show Kay Yow what you really think about her. One good way might be to phone the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (1-888-888-3317) and write a check for a few bucks.

Indeed.

Dascenzo: Duke's losing skids hardly ever last long :"One of the glaring mainstays about Duke basketball is how it has avoided losing streaks. The last time the Blue Devils had anything resembling a losing streak was in 1996 when, in 11 days in January, the Blue Devils lost their first four ACC games. That same team lost its final three games, but that's the last time Duke suffered more than a two-game skid. It just could be another contributing factor as to why the Blue Devils are such a big story when they don't win. "

Rick Mease of the Baltimore Sun - Maryland's hopes for tourney reduced to 'fine' mess: One has to think that Gary is in trouble if his team misses the tourney this year.

Panel ponders rewiring recruiting in electronic age:"Coaches now able to reach players through text messages, MySpace and chat boards."

Knight Commission bashes football 'recruitniks'

Parcells leaves Dallas, coaching: "2-time Super Bowl winner retires with 9th-most wins in NFLBill Parcells could have returned to the Dallas Cowboys for one more shot at becoming the first coach to lead three teams into the Super Bowl." And, of course T.O. happy to say goodbye to Parcells .

Lovie, Dungy share a bond, now a goal

Role Models: Dungy, Smith hope to show black youth that coaching is a viable dream

NASCAR tweaks Chase: "Kasey Kahne won a series-high five races during NASCAR's regular season, yet barely qualified for the championship chase because of a points system that has long rewarded consistency over winning. "


The conference headlines:
ACC Player Of The Year Watch: "Yes, it’s still very early in the conference season, but it seemed like a fun idea to toss out the names of the leading candidates for ACC Player of the Year."

Duke, ASU land defensive stars; Tar Heels lose two commitments

For Terps, Hokies, Life on The Edge

Gary Williams thinks the NCAA selection process needs to be changed, but we agree with the Washington Post: It'd Be Crazy To Mess With Madness. Win more games and stop crying, Gary.

Recruiting updates: "There's just two weeks and two days until national signing day. Super Southern 100 "

A "twofor" from the Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog: Who Is Buying What: "Here's a true story. I decided I wanted to go to college, and knew the exact..." and Is The Sky Falling?:"I have come to the conclusion the only safe thing to do these days is believe..." Get ocer there!!

From our friends at StateFansNation:
Fanblogs On Fire
Odds to win 2007 College FBall Title
Lowe: Duke was Aggressive
Get over there!!!


NC State
Don't try to tell Pack the Devils are young :"Duke's roster may be as young as it's ever been, but Duke's last opponent saw the same old Blue Devils. "


Clemson
Hammonds steps up game in ACC play:" No one figured more prominently in setting the tone for Clemson's victory over Boston College last Saturday than Cliff Hammonds."


Georgia Tech
Roadkill could be deadly: "The Jackets' inability to win away from home may dash their chances of making the Dance."

Ramblin' On: Agitated with coach Hewitt . Get over there!

Gailey stays with Georgia Tech


Florida State
BC an easier target:" Just a week ago, Florida State sat alone in last place in the ACC and was trying to prevent its season from slipping away so soon."

'Noles keep Tucker as closer »

What can we expect from Florida State? »

Paul updates his impression of FSU »


Miami
Injuries force UM's Haith to regroup :"The last thing Frank Haith wanted to rely on this season was the gimmicky three-guard lineup he used out of necessity his first two seasons as Miami's basketball coach. "

Canes lose 4th QB recruit: "Nick Fanuzzi changes his commitment to Alabama, but Tampa Plant's Robert Marve could switch from Alabama to Miami. Another quarterback who has pledged his allegiance to the University of Miami has changed his mind. But if the situation proceeds the way it is heading, what Miami is about to gain will be the young man on Monday named Florida's top high school football player. "

UM hires Georgia Tech's Nix to run offense

Virginia Tech
CSN, Cox blame each other for partial Hokie game blackout


Virginia
New venue, new result

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Dungy, Smith make it to top:"Colts, Bears coaches first two blacks to lead NFL teams to Super Bowl."

McInnis shows he's still got it:"I didn't think I'd like Jeff McInnis. ... Then he came to the Bobcats and admitted his mistakes. He knew he had been a jerk and promised he had grown up." McInnis looked excellent on Sat night...looks like a good addition...so far.

Dascenzo: Scheyer the star for Devils:" Most likely, they will remember Jon Scheyer's 20 points Saturday in Duke's 79-56 dismantling of N.C. State and the way he sought out his shot and seemed totally confident in taking them. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Extended Georgia Tech-UNC Report Card:" North Carolina’s 77-61 victory over Georgia Tech on Saturday night at the Smith Center wasn’t a performance Tar Heels fans will keep in a vault for future viewing and their enjoyment."


The conference headlines:
Virginia Tech
Hokies' extra effort downs Terrapins:"The proof of Virginia Tech's development, to Seth Greenberg, came at the end of regulation, after his No. 23 Hokies blew an eight-point lead."


Virginia
Reynolds wraps up Wake: 40 pts.......big night for Mr. Reynolds.


North Carolina
Not Quite There: Williams says Tar Heels have work to do :"North Carolina keeps on winning, and it also keeps on searching. Coach Roy Williams and his players are seeking an elusive target." Plenty of work......plenty.

Lineman from Ahoskie commits to Heels


Clemson
Tigers get back on track :"Clemson blows out undermanned BC as the Tigers stop a two-game slide."

Recruiting Tigers pull in six new recruits this weekend:" AFTER GOING WITHOUT a verbal commitment for three months, Clemson landed six this weekend, including one for their 2008 class. The Tigers had seven visits from uncommitted seniors, and five of them pledged before leaving town."

Spence turns down Minnesota job offer:" Offensive coordiantor the second assistant this week to return to team."

Boston College
Something missing for BC:"No one wanted to give any more ammunition to the pundits who declared the Boston College men's basketball team was done, its season over following the dismissal Wednesday of junior starting center Sean Williams and junior reserve forward Akida McLain. " We'll go ahead and say it: The coach did the right thing, and the Eagles are done for this year.


More to come......

We're off today, but........

....you know we wouldn't leave you completely high and dry. So.....

The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys- Stogie Reviews: La Aurora 1495 Robusto. Get over there!

Vick has turbulence at airport:"Water bottle with marijuana smell, substance confiscated. " Next.........

Duke's defense helps spark offense:"In a season so far filled with extended struggles on the offensive end of the court, Duke players accustomed to just the opposite often have worn faces of frustration. "

Dascenzo: Duke's energy on defense wins the night :"Here's how you normally get Mike Krzyzewski's attention, especially if you're a player. You play defense. You play it passionately and with high energy. "


Tough love motivated Heels against Clemson :"Roy Williams praised his team for putting together two strong practices after its loss at Virginia Tech on Saturday. What did the North Carolina men's basketball coach see from his players in those workouts? "

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Sorensen Tigers no match for UNC

Gap still exists between UNC, Clemson

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - A Few Thoughts On The ACC: "North Carolina didn’t play as well as it can or it eventually will on the road, but the Tar Heels’ 77-55 win at Clemson was impressive, nonetheless."

More from Andrew Jones - Youngest Heels need to grow up for tourney:"There’s a general belief that depth is overrated in the NCAA tournament."

Roof makes his case and the Devils listen: "While N.C. State fired a football coach that had produced five bowl teams in seven seasons and North Carolina did the same to a coach with two bowl trips in six seasons, Duke decided against shaking up a staff coming off an 0-12 season and mired in a 20-game losing streak. "


The conference headlines:
North Carolina
Tar Heels Declaw Tigers :" Eager to get back into the win column following Saturday’s loss to Virginia Tech, fourth-ranked North Carolina bounced back on the road with a dominant 77-55 performance at No. 19/16 Clemson. Brandan Wright’s 17 points led all scorers, as the Tar Heels broke open a close game late in the first half." I'll tell you this much....Mays can play, Clemson defends and blocks shots, they athletes at every position.......that really should not have been a 20 point blow out loss. We think they got caught up in the moment and played a bit outside of themselves. Clemson's a good squad, and will get better. Props to Oliver for the job he's done in Tiger town improving that program. Remember, they were 19-13 last year and already have 17 Ws in this season. Very nice.


Florida State
Seminoles knock Hokies off Cloud 9:"With just two seconds left on the shot clock and Jason Rich inbounding the ball from behind midcourt, Florida State was just about out of options."

Amato rejoins FSU as associate head coach : Good for Chuck, and props to Bobby Bowden for being loyal to a guy who was loyal to him for so long.

Amato caps FSU retro look:" Bobby Bowden has turned to his past one more time to complete the largest overhaul of his staff in 31 years at Florida State."

Former teammate praises Dexter Carter’s hire: "Sammie Smith had lost track of Dexter Carter in recent years, but he was pretty certain his former backup at Florida State wasn’t involved in coaching. "

Hart appreciated tough situation for Fisher:"While Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden kept mostly quiet throughout the search for assistant coaches, it became clear that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, offensive-line coach Rick Trickett and receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey were his top..."


Boston College
Williams and McLain are dismissed by BC: "His patience evidently worn thin, Boston College men's basketball coach Al Skinner last night announced the permanent dismissal of junior starting center Sean Williams and junior reserve forward Akida McLain, dealing a huge blow to the Eagles' chances of making the NCAA Tournament and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship." This Williams kid had every chance and second chance given to him. Way to stand your ground, coach.


Maryland
Terps keep 'em guessing: "Maryland men play roller-coaster game, digging themselves 1-3 hole in conference." And they looked so good, early.

Duke
Nelson finding voice:" Duke wants junior guard DeMarcus Nelson, left, to be more fiery. The Blue Devils (14-3, 1-2 ACC), who play Wake Forest (9-7, 1-3) at 7 tonight, need emotion from Nelson because they're still finding their legs after a wobbly start in conference play. "


NC State
State gives Archer three-year contract:"Mike Archer, N.C. State's newly hired defensive coordinator, has a three-year contract that will pay him $225,000 a year, athletics director Lee Fowler said Wednesday."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Wake recruit, Dennis Godfrey, kinda admitted that if his rape case went to court, he might be in a bit of hot water. Let's hope that five years from now, Mr. Godfry and Wake Forest will both be able to look at his admission to the school as a positive step in his development. See story below.

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - ACC star search yields a surprise:" Although the ACC still is known generally as a "basketball league," its impact on the NBA is beginning to wane. "

Parsons caredand it showed:"NASCAR champion grew from taxi driver. Benny Parsons, whose competitive fire drove him from his father's taxi company in Detroit to the championship in stock-car racing's top division, died early Tuesday at Carolinas Medical Center."

Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer - Big heart lifts little guard: "Little Chris thought he'd never play at Littlejohn. To see him is to know why. Chris Poole, a former guard at Raleigh's Broughton High, weighs 160 pounds and stands what he calls "a generous 5-9." "

From the Baltimore Sun - Va. Tech's upsets put in perspective

Bob Lipper of the Richmod Times Dispatch - Cavs off the skids, back in ACC mix


The conference headlines:
ACC NOTES

Going far in ACC means going deep

Heels, Tigers pick up the pace:"A week ago, both teams were on top of the world. Or on top of the nation, at least. "

The Ramblin' On Blog: Why Chan hasn't won more. Get over there!


Wake Forest
Godfrey enrolls at WFU, will start classes today:" Coveted recruit from Lee County is admitted by school after felony charges were dropped in plea agreement." Look at Wake Forest.....they tried to slide that one right on under the table.

Godfrey was indicted in June on several charges stemming from an incident that occurred in Oct. 2005, including first-degree kidnapping and second-degree rape. Those felony charges were dropped on Jan. 12, in exchange for Godfrey entering an Alford plea to two misdemeanors, simple assault and obstruction of justice. Godfrey was put on probation for one year and required to perform community service.Under the Alford plea, a defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence, but acknowledges that sufficient evidence exists to likely convince a judge or jury of his or her guilt.

Win an ACC Championship, play in an Orange Bowl, enroll a simi admitted rapist? Not that every team and school doesn't admit players and students with checkered pasts every year, but we would have expected a school like Wake, that spends many hours touting it's "doing it the right way" image, would have simply taken a pass on this one. I guess Wake Forest has truly arrived in the big time. We're not sure how great that kind of "big time" is for any school in the ACC. Good luck to you, Mr. Godfrey. Hopefully you've learned your lesson and will take advantage of this gift the good folks on Polo Road have given you.


Boston College
A starry night for Eagles: "Everybody was in the house. Mayor Tom Menino sat in the second tier at press row with several of his aides. Theo Epstein was near the visitors' bench, part of an entourage of Red Sox brass that included chief operating officer Mike Dee. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison sat behind the visitors' bench, and even Billy Packer was at Conte Forum ... "


Virginia
Virginia 103, Maryland 91 - Terps fall to 1-3 in ACC:"Vasquez's five 3-pointers go for naught."

U-Va.'s Diane Torments the Terrapins

Groh adds 2 more recruits


North Carolina
Tar Heels freshmen find tough sledding in ACC

Heels get a second chance: "A veteran backcourt. A deep bench. An up-tempo style. An inspired road crowd." Another tough, tough, game for the Heels. They could be looking at two Ls in a row.

Davis releases Sanders: "Marvin Sanders, North Carolina's defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach under former coach John Bunting, has been released by new coach Butch Davis."


Clemson
Spiller says he is committed to Tigers: "Tigers halfback reassures coaches that he will stay for the next two years."

Tigers lose two longest tenured assistants

NC State
N.C. State urges Fells to excel: "With Pack coaches pushing him, guard aims to play without fear."

Break in action fine with Pack:"Four of the ACC's five leaders in minutes played wear the red and white of N.C. State. "

Pack hires Archer to lead its defense: "N.C. State's new defensive coordinator has head coaching experience, once served on a staff with Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien and comes from a program that won eight games, including a bowl, this past season. "

N.C. State lands junior-college punter


Virginia Tech
The will to win: "Ball-hawking Hokies rising from ashes of painful, haunting past."

Vick tries to dismiss lawsuit

Perennial bridesmaid finally breaks through

Tech's Foster honored


Georgia Tech
Tech commitments holding: "Jackets' recruits haven't budged despite Gailey's talks with NFL; some say they understand."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: These Hokies are no longer a surprise to the Basketblogger community.

Getting your mind right:
NBA elite? Bobcats' prices ritzy : Terrible team with the 8th most expensive tickets in the Association!?!?!?

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - ACC & The RPI:"The two teams currently atop the ACC basketball standings have each lost a pair of games unbecoming of an ACC challenger."

Neil Amato of the Wilmington Star - Talking hoops, and a little college football: "A few tidbits, but first some public service: The Super Bowl is Feb. 4, North Carolina at Duke is Feb. 7 and the Daytona 500 is Feb. 18."

Van Brimmer of the Macon News: Deciphering the Chan code:" Chan Gailey's NFL flirtation has led to plenty of head-scratching among the Georgia Tech faithful recently. "


The conference headlines:
The Great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - The Color MovementIt was pointed out to me by someone I respect a great deal that Miami will...Get over there!

Virginia Tech
Hokies suddenly toast of topsy-turvy ACC: "At 3-0, Virginia Tech is one of only two unbeaten teams in the league, along with 4-0 Boston College."

Va. Tech back in AP poll after beating ACC powers

Tech's Dowdell earns ACC honor


Clemson
Injured Rivers likely to play against UNC:"Clemson sophomore guard K.C. Rivers is expected to play Wednesday against No. 4 North Carolina despite lingering back spasms. Rivers was slowed in the second half of Saturday’s loss at Maryland after tweaking his back during a first-half fall."

Students camp out for UNC tickets :"When pondering the best strategy for securing tickets to Wednesday night's Clemson versus North Carolina basketball game at Littlejohn Coliseum, Kevin Jett and Brandon Rogers decided to sleep on it."

High school coach calls free-spirited Reese a 'gamer':"As a high school senior Tribble Reese earned a reputation for keeping the team loose and throwing a tight spiral."

Assistant to quit for Alabama job :"Burns is one of two still on staff who came with Bowden from Tulane."


Maryland
Which way will Terps trend?:"They hit heights vs. Clemson, bottom in Miami game."


Duke
Devils get into rhythm: "For Duke's returning players who complemented a dynamic duo last season and for Duke's freshmen who watched on television as that team -- and other Duke teams before them -- piled up 30-plus victories, it didn't take long to realize that it wouldn't come so easily this season. "


North Carolina
Hokies humble No. 1 Tar Heels: "First Duke, now North Carolina. Virginia Tech has beaten them both in a span of eight days, riding the play of senior guards Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon and an unheralded cast of role players through a magical week." That was not a surprising loss for this young Tar Heel team. VaTech may have the best backcourt in the nation and are senior deep 1-7. The Heels are talented, but young. As stated whe nthe season started, this Heels team is no lock to win the conference and may lose as many as 4 conference games. Don't agree? Take it to the comments section.

No break for Frasor : "Bobby Frasor left Cassell Coliseum on Saturday afternoon unsure about the status of his right foot, but he said he believed he had not suffered a broken bone. "


Miami
Physical BC up next for depleted 'Canes :"Injuries have wiped out the Hurricanes' front line to the point that coach Frank Haith joked he's hoping a really tall student enrolled at UM for the spring semester has interest in walking on the team. "

UM still looking for offensive coordinator:" With former Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter accepting the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator position, Miami has turned its overtures elsewhere in pursuit of its next play-caller."


Florida State
Bowden picks Dexter Carter for coaching vacancy: "The final piece of Florida State's new-look offensive staff will be officially in place today with the naming of Dexter Carter as the running-backs coach."

Reichert's time finally arrives »

Coach search takes FSU for a wild ride »


Georgia Tech
Gailey misses Steelers' cut:"Tech coach eliminated from bid to succeed Cowher; still slated for 2nd Dolphins interview."

Tech improving south Georgia recruiting efforts

Crittenton honored by ACC

Inbounding errors, turnovers burn Tech


Virginia
Cavs in must-win situation

Zone slows Cavaliers, but UVa prevails

Tackle shifts to Cavs