Summer Sports

Hello all.
Let me reintroduce myself to those of you who may have forgotten who I am. I'm Birkel. And once upon a time I was a co-author of this here blog.
Well, that was before life got in the way of things but I'm now back and better than ever. Well, I'm back anyway. And I'm pretty darned happy to be posting about sports again. I've got some things to say and some time to say it, if I manage my time well so I should be a regular again. And as such I want to inform everybody that

this blog needs comments.

We depend on you, the reader, for stories and analysis and basic banter. So I'm going to try to write some things to push you guys into the comments again. I hope some of our regulars are still here and still reading so that we can engage in some good old fashioned smack talk.
Anyway, it's nice to be back.
Birkel

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Kobe Demands, Retracts Trade Request : "Believing he had been insulted and misled, Kobe Bryant asked the Los Angles Lakers for a trade Wednesday and insisted nothing could change his mind. Then something did. He spoke with coach Phil Jackson and backed off his request." Kobe needs to sit down somewhere and be quiet. Least we remind him of this little tidbit that the Lakers helped him bury just a few years ago (for their mutual benefit, of course).

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Bryant puts focus where he likes it: on himself

Cuban, Group Eye New Football League: Dead meat if they try to go head to head with the NFL....dead meat. Go in the Spring, right after March Madness, and they have a chance.

NCAA: Number of Black Coaches Up 76 Pct.

Prosecutor: Evidence links Vick to dogfighting

Bobcats front office stays busy: "Peterson may be scout; Brezec sticks with team
It appears Rod Higgins is coming, Primoz Brezec is staying, and Buzz Peterson is deciding." Buzz Peterson....Bobcats scout....Michael, Michael, Michael.

Caulton Tudor of the Roaleigh News and Observer - Big shot for Wake, Simpson


The conference headlines:
Slow start for area golf teams: "Duke, North Carolina and Wake Forest got off to a rough start on Wednesday at the NCAA Division I men's golf championship. "


Duke
Extra year for lacrosse players: "All 13 of Duke's senior lacrosse players are leaving today for what has become a tradition within the program, a post-graduation trip to a tropical locale. "


Virginia Tech
Seth Greenberg's comments on Augustus Gilchrist

Tech adds recruit

Tincher named first-team All-American by NFCA


Virginia
Virginia Finishes its Final Foreign Tour With a 72-58 Win at Tenerife: " The Virginia women's basketball team finished its international tour"

Limited Number of Reserved Ticket Books on Sale for NCAA Regional


Clemson
Fans show true colors of home: "Junior shortstop Taylor Harbin remembers standing on second base at Coastal Federal Field, soaking in the atmosphere."

Clemson guard transfers to Florida women’s team: "Clemson guard Susan Yenser, one of the top 3-point shooters in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season, is transferring to Florida."


North Carolina
Give him water -- lots of water : "UNC swimmer Chip Peterson wins the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races at the 2007 USA Swimming Open Water National Championships in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. "It's good just to get out there, not to lose the feeling of open water," he says. "

Tickets moving briskly for UNC : "Folks who weren't sure about their plans and figured that they might wander over to Boshamer Stadium to watch some baseball this weekend could be out of luck. "

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Congressional Testimony: "Tiger Woods says he would like Congressional Country Club to become the permanent home for his annual AT&T National tournament and that he plans on playing in the July 5-8 event unless his wife gives birth to the couple's first child. " Video: Tiger at Congressional

Higgins, Bobcats near deal: "Warriors GM, a friend of Jordan, top candidate for same role with Charlotte. Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan is considering old friend Rod Higgins for the vacant general manager's role." This could get interesting.

Greg Cote of the Miami Herald - UM's first star QB: "George Mira, who was nicknamed 'The Matador' because of his elusiveness during his time as UM's star quarterback in the 1960s, has been tracked down. He's 65 now and living west of Perrine."

Oden signs deal with Topps: "Greg Oden has been drafted by a trading card company, and will be on the same team as Bill Russell."

The conference headlines:

NCAA Div. I Baseball Tournament Update

It's been forever since an ACC diamond champion: "t's about time the Atlantic Coast Conference breaks through in baseball. "

Clemson
Tigers post a record semester in the classroom: "Clemson’s athletes combined for a 2.93 GPA for the spring semester, the school’s highest since 1987, the school announced Tuesday."

Tigers land Florida offensive lineman: "Offensive lineman Matt Sanders (6-foot-6, 295 pounds) of Crestview, Fla., committed to Clemson while on an unofficial visit Tuesday."

Kopp or Moskos to start Clemson’s NCAA opener: "Clemson may start either right-hander David Kopp or left-hander Daniel Moskos in Friday’s NCAA regional opener against St. John’s, coach Jack Leggett said."

Local Digest Post Comment : "Eleven student-athletes from the Clemson men's track & field team were selected to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championships next week in Sacramento, Calif."

Duke
Seligmann to play lacrosse at Brown: "Former Duke player decides to transfer." Yep...that would have been tough returning to Duke.

Florida State

B-CU threatens with speed: "FSU coach Mike Martin doesn't need to call his good friend, Tennessee coach Rod Delmonico, to know this about Bethune-Cookman: They'll be running against Florida State on Friday night."

Stroud returning to FSU: "Florida State football players should be under new direction when their volunteer summer workouts begin next week."

FSU secures elite RB »

Miami

Answer Session III: "Who are the must get recruits for the 2008 signing class for the Hurricanes? -..." From the Omar Kelly Blog. Get over there!

Georgia Tech

REGAINING HIS FOCUS : "After struggling in the fall season, Tech's Cameron Tringale has been reaching his stride heading into this week's NCAA championships."

Wake Forest
Big shot for Wake, Simpson : "Wake Forest hasn't won an NCAA men's golf championship since 1986, and the odds are against that string ending this week. "

NC State

Healing: Pack recruit is back on court again

Virginia

Seven Cavalier Men Earn All-American Honors: "First-team selection Ben Rubeor highlights seven Cavaliers..."

Somdev Devvarman Wins NCAA Singles Championship: "Cavalier junior Somdev Devvarman (Chennai, India) became..."

Virginia Tech

Women's track and field wins East Regional Championship: "Four Hokies earn East Region titles"

North Carolina
After a loss, a resounding success for UNC's Carignan: "Andrew Carignan was enjoying dinner with his North Carolina teammates a couple of weeks ago when pitching coach Scott Forbes told him he needed to call home. "

Boston College

BC names King coach: "Boston College, which conducted a national search to locate a new women's hockey coach, found her inside its own rink, promoting assistant Katie King to the head job yesterday."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage:
PHOTO: So close....so close! We salute you, and your fans!!!
Getting your mind right:
Devils' storybook run ends in a familiar way: "In so many ways, the Duke men's lacrosse team rejoiced that it seemed like 2005 all over again. But in one significant way -- the way that mattered the most for two hours Monday afternoon -- the Blue Devils regretted that it seemed like 2005 all over again. "

Emotional ending for Blue Devils: "There were hugs, handshakes, and plenty of tears. The Duke lacrosse team had run through a myriad of emotions over the past 14 months, and now it was over."

Feinstein: Still Problems at Duke

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun - Despite final chapter, book isn't closed on Duke saga

Patriot Hill is found dead: "Authorities recovered the body of Marquise Hill from New Orleans's Lake Pontchartrain yesterday. Hill went missing Sunday following a Jet Ski accident."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star:Examining Non-ACC Football Slates: Maryland - "Maryland's nonleague schedule includes two big-time patsies and two of the toughest teams in the nation. Opportunities are there for the Terrapins to make some national noise. "


The conference headlines:
NCAA baseball produces interesting matchups : "North Carolina will host a regional at Boshamer Stadium that includes in-state rival East Carolina. N.C. State will play at South Carolina, which is coached by a former Wolfpack player. "

North Carolina
UNC wins first ACC title since 1990 :"The title drought is over for the Tar Heels. North Carolina's Josh Horton tripled home Dustin Ackley for the winning run in the eighth inning to give the Tar Heels a 3-2 win over Wake Forest on Sunday in the title game of the ACC Baseball Championship. "

Tar Heels' duo takes home tennis title:"Sara Anundsen and Jenna Long started the match unable to win a point. They ended it as national champions. Anundsen and Long, a pair of seniors at North Carolina, won the first NCAA tennis title in school history Monday afternoon. They rallied to defeat William & Mary's Megan Moulton-Levy and Katarina Zoricic, the nation's top-ranked tandem, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the NCAA doubles final at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Ga."


Miami
UM's Cohen makes history:"Top-ranked women's tennis player Audra Cohen badly wanted an NCAA team championship for her University of Miami Hurricanes. But what she got Monday night in Athens, Ga., was just as special: the first individual NCAA championship for the Hurricanes' women's tennis program."

UM gets travel plans: "You would think after an NCAA-record 35 consecutive appearances in the NCAA baseball tournament, the Miami Hurricanes would treat their latest conquest with barely an acknowledging nod. But on Monday, when the Hurricanes heard on ESPN that they had been selected to open against Louisville in the Columbia, Mo., Regional, shouts of glee echoed through their locker room."

UM sees new proposal for a refurbished OB A new $206 million proposal to renovate the Orange Bowl would be fully funded, add amenities across the stadium and allow for preservation of the aging venue the Miami Hurricanes have called home for decades. Orange Bowl renderings and more Orange Bowl renderings

From the Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - Keeping Tabs: "Tracking the University of Miami's talks with the City of Miami over the..." Get over there!


Florida State
Stroud returning to FSU: "Florida State football players should be under new direction when their volunteer summer workouts..."

'Noles seeded sixth in nation: "First things first, and that means Florida State must take care of business in an NCAA Tallahassee Regional that also includes Mississippi State, Stetson and Bethune-Cookman."


Georgia Tech
TECH MISSES NCAA BID : "Danny Hall's Georgia Tech baseball team has lost 25 games this season but with 32 wins the Jackets still hoped to land one of the 34 at-large NCAA tournament berths. Word came Monday, however, that they didn't make it."

Star guard is NBA-bound: "Freshman guard Javaris Crittenton's keeping his name in upcoming draft."

Dublin lineman picks Tech: "McRae is Jackets' third commitment for 2008; top recruits work out at combine."


Virginia
Virginia Earns No. 1 Seed in Charlottesville Regional:"The Virginia baseball team has been awarded the No. 1 seed..."


Wake Forest
WFU golf team sets its sights on NCAA crown:" Deacs have turned to McCartin for leadership."

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Have a great weekend. We'll be back on Tuesday.

Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys: Stogie Spirits: Sam Adams:

People generally look to the more potent spirits for cigar pairings, but, in my experience, a good beer can be an excellent accompaniment to a handmade stogie. And by good beer I mean a well-crafted, flavorful brew, not that watery stuff that is constantly advertised during televised sporting events.

Get over there!

Word is out on Moton : "David Noel, left, is willing to go back to high school and look a little bit silly in order to get a little bit better. The former UNC forward and current Milwaukee Bucks player works out with Sanderson boys basketball coach LeVelle Moton. "

From the Andrew Jones ACC Blog:

Swinton Has Plenty Of Upside:"Former Wake Forest forward Kevin Swinton had more downs than ups with the Demon Deacons, but there's still time for this talented athlete to experience success in college and help UNCW rebound from the depths of this past season. North Carolina and basketball coach Roy Williams agreed to a four-year contract extension keeping him at UNC through 2015."

Ol' Roy & UNC Aligned Through 2015:"North Carolina and basketball coach Roy Williams agreed to a four-year contract extension keeping him at UNC through 2015. Big-name programs fill Florida State's non-league schedule, but only one should pose a major threat to a team that has the potential to return to its former dominance."

Examining Non-ACC Football Slates: FSU:"Big-name programs fill Florida State's non-league schedule, but only one should pose a major threat to a team that has the potential to return to its former dominance."

Get over there!!!

Family Feuds on Track: "Kurt and Kyle Busch's dustup last week at the All-Star Challenge is just the latest in a long tradition of sibling rivalries as brothers fiercely battle for NASCAR supremacy."

Wilbon: In Lottery, NBA Is Big Loser

The conference headlines:

Bob Gibbons tourney is loaded

Miami
UM takes day off, regroups for FSU :"After Wednesday night's draining 5-4, 13-inning loss to Clemson in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Miami players and coaches saw Thursday's off day as a chance to reenergize before facing No. 1 seed Florida State at 7 tonight. "

UM won't face FSU's ace in ACC tourney: "It turns out the University of Miami's opening loss in the ACC baseball tournament had additional fallout. Now Florida State won't send its ace against the Hurricanes."

From the Eye on the U Blog:
Weekend Wrap-Up: A chat with Coach Shannon & more

Summer workouts with Doug E. Fresh

Hunting Devin Ebanks Chasing down Kayne
Get over there!!!!

Virginia Tech

Bell opts to leave Hokies for Division II Catawba: Wow......

Duke

Year later, Devils seek first title, vindication: "Rape insults still fresh, team driven to excel."

Redemption

Virginia
Cavs still perfect in ACC tourney
Brandon Marsh had two hits and scored twice as Virginia moved within one win of reaching the championship game of the ACC baseball tournament with a 4-1 victory over Georgia Tech Thursday.

North Carolina
Tar Heels knock off Wolfpack: "North Carolina keeps its ACC tourney title hopes alive."

UNC inks point guard: "Larry Drew Jr. has chosen to attend college about 3,000 miles away from his family, but part of the reason for his decision is the family-oriented atmosphere he's going to enter at North Carolina. "

Point guard Drew says UNC his college choice•

Clemson

Tigers look ahead to FSU: "Clemson coach Jack Leggett is still withholding judgment on the new ACC tournament format. But Leggett needed only a few hours into the new round-robin, pool play format to realize the major drawback."

Clemson's Padgett racing against the clock: "When Travis Padgett settles into the blocks at the starting line for the 100-meter dash today in Gainesville, Fla., he'll look down the track and block out everything but the sound of the starter's gun."

Florida State

Clemson game key to 'Noles: "Because of what happened on the opening day of the ACC baseball tournament, there is..."

FSU gets another receiver: "Avis Commack had informed First Coast teammate Nigel Carr that he might visit a few more schools before determining his college football future. But Carr, who had already committed to Florida State, sensed that the talented wide receiver was ready to join..."

Georgia Tech
Jackets fall to Virginia: "Murton struggles as Cavs eliminate Jackets from contention for ACC tourney title.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post: Georgetown's Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green both made the right choices in their respective decisions to stay at school and turn professional.

Boozer joins U.S. men's roster: "The USA men's national basketball team got heavier on the Duke end and lighter on the Wake Forest end Wednesday."

Keyshawn Johnson announces retirement

Mustain Transfers From Arkansas to USC: That whole situation stinks to high heaven.

Race to win over Earnhardt Jr. wide open

Danica Gains Confidence With New Team :"After two years of feeling isolated and closed off from her teammates, Danica Patrick says, she's now part of a team with a fun-loving group of drivers who have made her more comfortable and confident."


The conference headlines:
ACC Baseball Tournament
Top-seeded Seminoles Wrap Up First Day of Action With 11-2 Victory over Wake Forest

Virginia Takes Opening Game of ACC Baseball Championship

Clemson Edges Past Hurricanes, 5-4, in 13 Inning Affair

Yellow Jackets Upend No. 2 seed North Carolina in Game Two of ACC Baseball Championship


Miami
Family of murdered UM football player to get $2 million :"The family of slain Miami Hurricanes player Bryan Pata will get $2 million from the insurance companies of the apartment complex where he was murdered, family attorneys said Wednesday." Wow......

Q&A with Michael Irvin: " As well as he played - and he will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August - the former St. Thomas Aquinas, University of Miami and Dallas Cowboys receiver talks an even better game. Staff writer Ethan J. Skolnick caught up with Irvin at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for his Playmaker Charity Weekend. "

From the great Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog:
Answer Session II:"If one of your children were to grow up and play for UM, of all the coaches in..."
Answer Session I: "What's your best prediction of what the Canes football and basketball team's..."
Get over there!!


Duke
Duke files appeal for lacrosse eligibility: "The Duke men's lacrosse team never will get back its promising 2006 season that was cut short, but players could get a second chance. "

Patterson just couldn't click with Blue Devils : Signs with Kentucky.


North Carolina
Drew commits to Tar Heels: "The University of North Carolina went cross country Tuesday night to secure a commitment from basketball point guard Larry Drew Jr. "


Clemson
Bowden's religious passion runs deep: " He doesn't wear a cross on the lapel of his sport coat like his father, but Clemson University football coach Tommy Bowden has never tried to hide his religion or speak of it only when he's off the record with reporters. "

When D’Alessio heats up, homers and victories come in bunches: " Take Clemson’s Andy D’Alessio out of the heat, and you can take the heat from the slugging first baseman’s bat."


Florida State
This topic is right on schedule: "A few weeks ago, we took an early look at football schedules. We'll do the same today in different categories."


Georgia Tech
Fla. prep stars to visit Tech: "Miami high school teammates Sabino, Howard to visit Jackets early next month."

We're off today.....

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
I'm at a conference today so we' ll keep it short and sweet:

PHOTO: Apparently, Greg Oden is pretty happy with the draft. Wow, Greg.....you are clearly a student of the Michael Jordan School of Dance. Hat tip to the Rush the Court Blog.

Georgia Tech Wins NCAA Women's Tennis Title

Blazers buck the odds : "With just a 5.3 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick, the Blazers won the NBA's draft lottery Tuesday night.

Was One and Done worth it to these programs?: Great look at how UNC, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, and others were affected (or not) by the siren call of the NBA (and what a photo of Oden)

'Unbelievably huge' – Blazers get No. 1 pick
GM Pritchard: No decision yet on Oden or Durant, but 'Rip City again, here we come'

Sports Briefs: Oden, Durant will join U.S. basketball team for summer tournament

Source: Hibbert Not Staying in Draft: "Hoyas center Roy Hibbert reportedly will return to school for his senior season. Hibbert and Georgetown teammate Jeff Green will announce their official intentions Wednesday." Wow....that's big news for college basketball.

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!


PHOTO: Hewitt must sit and wait on the draft.

Getting your mind right:
Oden, Durant Are NBA Lottery Plums : "After all those losses -- some of them suspected on purpose -- there's finally a payoff. Two of the NBA's worst teams will be rewarded at the draft lottery Tuesday, winning the chance to choose Greg Oden or Kevin Durant."

Challenge for Vick doesn't end with case: "After meeting for about two hours Monday, U.S. and Virginia officials did not charge Michael Vick or his cousin with anything related to dogfighting. But they could. The investigation is not complete."

Kyle Busch talented, but a headache to Hendrick: "To get Earnhardt Jr., owner would have to dump a driver." Hmmmmm.....

Expert Has Concerns About Landis Testing :"The witness wagged his finger, wouldn't let anyone get a word in edgewise and warned everyone not to stake lives and careers on the basis of shaky scientific data. Floyd Landis? No, Dr. Wolfram Meier-Augenstein, a spike-haired, jeans-wearing expert with a pinky ring and German accent who proved Monday that, indeed, not all dense scientific testimony has to be boring."






The conference headlines:
Deacons, Blue Devils add to football classes



Conference ushers in a high-visibility change:" Continuing changes in wind direction have left ACC officials uncertain whether smoke from wildfires in Georgia and north Florida will affect the conference baseball tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., which begins Wednesday."



ACC won't tire out teams now »






NC State
Pack up, move on : "After Chuck Amato is fired, N.C. State's football staff goes in different directions. Former N.C. State assistant Todd Stroud talks with Cardinal Gibbons players last week."


Pack coping with recent tragedies: "N.C. State's baseball team has more on its mind than this week's tournament. "






North Carolina
Postseason posture: UNC braces for ACC tourney: "While traditionalists might prefer the ACC baseball tournament of old, North Carolina's players and coaches have embraced the change in format for the 2007 edition. "


Heels put seven on All-ACC baseball teams : "North Carolina placed a school-record seven players on the All-ACC baseball teams, which were announced Monday. UNC first baseman Dustin Ackley, who was named the ACC's freshman of the year, joined junior shortstop Josh Horton and junior relief pitcher Andrew Carignan on the first team. Senior starting pitcher Robert Woodard, junior outfielder Reid Fronk, sophomore utility man Tim Federowicz and freshman outfielder Tim Fedroff made the second team for the Tar Heels."






Virginia
Record Five Cavaliers Earn All-ACC Baseball Honors: "A school-record five Virginia baseball players have been..."


Once a Celtic ...: "UVa star J.R. Reynolds makes a triumphant return to Roanoke Catholic."






Clemson
Clemson welcomes Chalk back Post Comment : "The return of their best hitter should be a lift to the Clemson baseball team this week at the ACC Tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., but Coach Jack Leggett said he'll be cautious in using Brad Chalk."



Tigers linebacker Clay attends summer school Post Comment : "Player withdrew after fall term, 11 starts in 2006."



Coaches search for Shrine Bowlers Post Comment : "The Shrine Bowl coaching staff discovered some talent on Saturday. More than anything, the coaches confirmed their belief that a combine would be helpful."






Maryland
Terps Q&A with Heather A. Dinich






Georgia Tech
BRADLEY: HEWITT'S HANDS TIED : "There are two many possible scenarios for next season that Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt has to consider, writes Mark Bradley. So, as he awaits the outcome of the NBA draft, Hewitt merely stands pat."






Florida State
ACC lauds FSU stars: "Atlantic Coast Conference baseball coaches were impressed - obviously."






Miami
UM's Raben can beat you with his bat - or his arm : " When the Hurricanes were recruiting Dennis Raben, they immediately fell in love with his powerful left-handed swing. But two years into his development, UM's coaches admit they have become infatuated with his arm.

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Duke Lax rolls Heels!

Getting your mind right:

Top-Seed Duke Rolls: "Top-seeded Duke gets seven goals from Zack Greer and sprints to a 19-11 victory over North Carolina."

Dascenzo: Memories of the Duke Children's Classic : "One of springtime's crown jewels in Durham long has been the Duke Children's Classic. Former director Jerry Neville used to greet me on Friday nights at the Governor's Inn by saying, "Welcome to my party." I can still hear his words and, sometimes, what a party he'd throw. "

Wilbon: Spurs Redefine ExcellenceWilbon: Spurs Redefine Excellence

Costly exit:"After last season's NBA title run, the Heat's first-round playoff exit left a multimillion-dollar financial void in the local economy and the organization."

Passion unites fans in NASCAR Nation


The conference headlines:
ACC Tournament goes round-robin: "Rivals North Carolina and N.C. State will be in the same bracket in the 2007 ACC Baseball Tournament and will meet on the second day of the event, which will introduce a more streamlined format this season. "


Miami
With winning came healing: "Robert Marve's season earned him Mr. Football honors and saved his mother from despair." Great read.

UM donors given tour of Dolphin Stadium: "Several University of Miami donors and Board of Trustee members were given a tour of Dolphin Stadium on Friday as UM continues to strongly consider leaving the Orange Bowl."

Potential Canes recruit killed: "Dante Anderson, a 6-4 junior guard for Gainesville Eastside High, who rivals.com said was being recruited by the University of Miami, died in a single-car accident early Saturday morning. "

Ely's Boynton loses close friend, rival in crash: "At the Wallace Prather Memorial Classic in Atlanta the weekend of May 11, Pompano Blanche Ely sophomore Kenny Boynton Jr. and Gainesville Eastside 6-4 junior Dante Anderson -- both nationally ranked shooting guards, reflected on their past season and a busy summer basketball schedule ahead. "


NCState
From our Friends at SFN:
Flashback Friday: ‘Sidney Lowe Should Be Sendek’s Choice’

No Soup For K!

Well, Mr. Patterson will join Billy Gillispie at Kentucky instead - an early sign that the reclusive Texan is indeed ready for primetime and national recruiting wars. Side note - remember SFN has a history of noting the accomplishments and potential of Gillispie.

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from StogieGuys.com: Stogie Reviews: Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection Toro

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Somewhere, next coach is developing: "Wearing subdued neckties and three-piece suits with flare-bottom slacks, then-seniors Randy Wiel, Dudley Bradley and Ged Doughton graced the cover of the 1978-79 North Carolina basketball media guide."

LeMond Threatened: "Greg LeMond discloses that Floyd Landis's manager threatened him against testifying at Landis's arbitration hearing on Thursday." Man....this is absolutely crazy stuff.

Michael Waltrip's life is under caution flag: "Michael Waltrip remembers going to Daytona International Speedway three months ago for his first race as a team owner."


The conference headlines:
ACC Football Forecast

Deacons' title puts heat on rest of ACC: Without question, Wake has uped the ante on every single program in the conference. It's a backhanded complement, but AD's all over are saying "Coach, if Wake can do it........."

Potential schedule changes met with mixed response : "Much like their male counterparts, the ACC's women's basketball coaches aren't keen on the idea of adding two more conference games to the schedule. "


NC State
Byrd called to Hall: "Pack lineman one of nine inductees."

From our friends at SFN:
NC State SuperFans Pics
OTR: 18 Game Conference Schedule?
State Tennis Advances to Final 8!!! (That's awesome. Keep it up, Pack!!!)
As always, great stuff. Get over there!!!


Clemson
Clemson lands commitment from 7-footer: " Landing a 7-footer would leave most college basketball coaches jumping for joy. Securing one who can do consecutive cartwheels to celebrate a victory was bound to broaden Clemson coach Oliver Purnell’s gymnastic horizons."

Tigers add size Post Comment : "Clemson University basketball coach Oliver Purnell added nearly 13 1/2 feet of basketball player to his roster Thursday afternoon when two teammates from Veritas Christian Academy near Asheville, N.C., committed to the Tigers."

Former Clemson Football Great Jim Bundren to be Honored:"Former Clemson football All-American Jim Bundren will be inducted into the Deleware Sports Hall of Fame Tuesday night, May 15, at the Bank One Center on the Wilmington, DE Riverfront. This will be the 32nd class of inductees into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. There are now 249 people in 28 different sports that have been honored."


Wake Forest
Deacons made us believers : "The heartbeat of Wake Forest football never has been this rapid -- and for obvious reasons. Jim Grobe didn't bolt for another challenge in the Big Ten or the SEC. Or even to another ACC school, where there were a couple of vacant spots, including at ChapelHill and Raleigh. That 11-win season, conference title and Orange Bowl, has Wake grads making reference to their alma mater as a football school, which should make Skip Prosser feel really good. "


Georgia Tech
WHERE THE PLAYERS PLAY? :"Georgia Tech football recruiting coordinator Giff Smith says his staff is on track in its effort to convince high school stars to come play under the Atlanta skyline at Bobby Dodd Stadium."

Tech lands commitment: "Florida high schooler Peeples chooses Jackets; local two-sport star Avery considers Tech."

Tech Ranked No. 14 by Athlon:"The Georgia Tech football team is ranked No. 14 in the nation by Athlon Sports preseason magazine, which hits the newstands May 29. Athlon tabbed Tech punter Durant Brooks as a preseason first-team all-America."


Miami
50 years of history: "Today, The Miami Herald will name an All-Dade Athlete of the Year for the 51st time. We look at what the previous winners have accomplished and what they are doing now."


Florida State
From Across The Pond: Seminole Freshman All-American Myron Rolle Checks In From London:"Big red busses, heavy foot traffic and smart-sounding accents. One can find all of these in London, England. I have been here for approximately two weeks. There are some experiences that I have enjoyed and others that I have not. Nevertheless, it is always interesting meeting new people, seeing historic sights and comparing my American culture with the British one."


Maryland
Three Terps Invited to USA Women's Basketball Team Trials


North Carolina
Heels reward Williams : "Roy Williams' four-year extension through 2014-15 ups his salary to about $2.6 million a year. " That's good loot.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Dascenzo: Looking at the Devils' all-time top starting five :"The last time I looked, only five can start a basketball game. They might tinker with that 3-point line and somewhere somebody is going to bring up that silly thought about raising the basket, but the day they try to play six against six is when I'm going to take up golf." Hmmmmm.....By position: Dawkins, Reddick, Hill, Lattener, Giminski. Don't agree? Take it to the comments section

Vick dogfight video alleged: "Investigator says informants hint that a tape involving Falcons QB exists; no proof yet." We think that this is just the beginning for Mr. Vick. Bet the Falcons are starting to kick themselves for moving Mr. Schaub.

Good sense must temper NBA rules: "When Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw left the Phoenix Suns' bench Monday night, everyone familiar with the NBA system of justice knew they were in trouble." Nonsense. Nobody on the Spurs bench moved an inch. It's called discipline!!! Don't leave the bench area means just that. If anything, the league should make the rule more definitive i.e. "If an altercation arises on the court, all players and non head coaches will be seated on the bench immediately and remain seated until notified by the referees" or something like that. They'd love that.

Is Jordan's highprofile part of plan?: "Michael Jordan, who kept a purposefully low profile during his first season as a Charlotte Bobcats executive, seems to be popping up all over the place these days."

Triple crown: "Hendrick, Roush and Gibbs are the kings of Nextel Cup - their teams have combined for 84 wins in the past 119 races - and change is not imminent."

'Sense' and Sensibility: "Street Sense is installed as a commanding 7-5 favorite to win the second leg of the Triple Crown after he draws post No. 8 in the nine-horse field."

Combine camps can help high school athletes solidify their status for colleges :"Patrick Johnson's skin-tight white shirt had about five sets of dirt-smeared handprints on them courtesy of the players trying to get up close and personal with the Ely High football standout. "

The conference headlines:

ACC Baseball Standings

North Carolina
North Carolina's Wright to remain in draft, signs with agent : "North Carolina forward Brandan Wright signed with an agent and will remain in the NBA draft. The Atlantic Coast Conference rookie of the year will be represented by Jim Tanner of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Williams and Connolly."

North Carolina State
Williams is healthy, ready to get to work: "Mario Williams begins preparations for his second season with the Houston Texans with a wide smile and a spring in his step. "

From our friends at SFN:

N&O: Officer Faced Accusation Before (Larry Harris case)

Schools take different approaches in promoting new coaches

Get over there!!

Miami

From Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog- Questions Anyone?: "When I turned 28 I celebrated because I was thrilled to be alive! I possessed..." Get over there!

Florida State

RB coach Carter tells story of being recruited by Bowden: "This is the third installment of a series of blogs written by former Florida State center David Castillo, who has been accompanying FSU football coach Bobby Bowden on his tour of booster clubs around the state."

Georgia Tech

JOHNSON LEARNING THE ROPES : "Former Tech receiver Calvin Johnson speaks with Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz during minicamp. Johnson, the No. 2 overall pick by the Lions in last month's NFL draft, is expected to give us "a lot of options" according to QB Jon Kitna."

Tech lands commitment: "Florida high schooler Peeples chooses Jackets; local two-sport star Avery considers Tech."

Jackets face tough basketball schedule: "Tech opens Paradise Jam against Charlotte; Kansas and Vandy among non-conference games."

Virginia

Jacob Thompson Named to 2007 USA Baseball National Team: "Jacob Thompson has been named to the 2007 USA Baseball National Team."

Virginia Tech

Three Hokies named all-region by NFCA: "Tincher earns honor for third time in as many years."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
Getting your mind right:
PHOTO: The ACC is in the money!!

NASCAR penalty stingsEarnhardt Jr. team: "100 driver, owner points; $100,000 fine NASCAR matched its largest points penalty and fine ever Tuesday, hitting Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team for 100 driver and car owner points and fining crew chief Tony Eury Jr. $100,000 for a violation found in inspection Saturday at Darlington, S.C."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer- Eventually, ACC will play 18-game conference sched: "The ACC's basketball coaches will have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the bank deposit window before they accept an expanded league regular-season schedule."

Report: Syracuse to name Hopkins as Boeheim's eventual successor

Sparing No Expense: "The $23 million Hanley Center for Athletic Excellence at Georgetown Prep, above, is part of a growing trend among area private schools that are spending in excess of $150 million on sports facilities." Look at this place!!! Wow.


The conference headlines:
Headfirst into the new job: "Jeff Jagodzinski is sitting on a couch in the bar of the posh Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The Atlantic Ocean is churning 100 yards behind him. It has been a day filled with work (morning meetings) and play (afternoon round of golf)."

ACC SPLITS A FORTUNE : "A study finds that expansion has done nothing to diminish the revenues paid out to member schools. Some schools had worried that expanding to 12 teams would hurt their conference payouts."

From the Dave Sez Blog - Big Charles. Get over there!


Miami
Bears moving former UM star Hester to offense :"Devin Hester is taking his game-breaking skills to the Chicago Bears' offense."

From the Eye on the U Blog - Q&A with Frank Haith

UM Should Buy Orange Bowl: "What is the Orange Bowl worth to you.... and the Miami Hurricanes? That's a..."

Canes improve local ties: "One complaint heard the past several years is that UM wasn't as aggressive recruiting South Florida (more so early in the process) as it should have been. Nobody is saying that now."


Virginia
College Football: Best Seats at Scott Stadium Just Got More Expensive


Florida State
Seminoles are right to analyze strength program: "Bobby Bowden wondered aloud last season if his team had been, to borrow a little coach-speak, “out-physicaled."


Clemson
From Mickey Plyer's Clemson Blog: Seedings; Spring Meetings; FSU; Chalk; BC. Get over there!

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Choice should be behind an improved line this year. Will it help?

Getting your mind right:

Colleges urged to back up reforms:"Panel tries to bolster strict academic rules."

Utah's Fisher Torn Between Family and Game

NASCAR Consumed With Earnhardt Watch : "Dale Earnhardt Jr. needs some time to decompress. It's been all Earnhardt all the time since he announced he was defecting from his late father's company. Rumors swirled through the garage, false reports showed up on television and the Internet buzzed after Earnhardt said he was leaving DEI at the end of the year."

Imus flap sparks a shakeup on 'The Buzz': "The end of the "Imus in the Morning" program has caused a considerable change in the lineup at "850 The Buzz," the Triangle's first sports-talk radio station and one of two currently owned by McClatchey Broadcasting."

Paradise for 49ers hoops: an ACC foe

Lucas decides to join Gators: "McDonald's star finally makes pick."

The conference headlines:

ACC forecast right on money: "Added revenue from expansion allows schools to break even.
It's almost astounding how close the numbers are. When exploring the idea of expanding from nine members to 12 a few years ago, ACC officials predicted additional revenue would allow the existing conference members to at least break even financially despite sharing with three additional schools.

See you later, Gator? ACC may move game:"The Atlantic Coast Conference started its new era of a 12-team, two-division league three years ago, with Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville (formerly the Gator Bowl) serving as host of the conference championship game.

ACC could lengthen hoops league schedule: "The ACC's basketball coaches oppose it. Television executives are in favor of it. "

Revitalized Georgetown increases challenges for Cavs and Hokies

Aaron McFarling of the Ricmond Times Dispatch: Whether Vick knew or not, this is disturbing

Big Ten/ACC women set for first challenge: "A rematch of the 2007 NCAA regional final between Purdue and North Carolina will be part of the first Big Ten/ACC Challenge for women's basketball." More of the same?

Imus flap sparks a shakeup on 'The Buzz': "The end of the "Imus in the Morning" program has caused a considerable change in the lineup at "850 The Buzz," the Triangle's first sports-talk radio station and one of two currently owned by McClatchey Broadcasting."

Georgia Tech

A NICE CHOICE TO HAVE : "The AJC's Mike Knobler wonders how much better Tashard Choice will be with a more experienced offensive line blocking for him."

Jackets, BC prime time?: "ESPN considering moving the Sept. 15 ACC contest to prime time."

Recruit keeps Tech in mind: "Lovejoy's Tajon Brown has already visited The Flats, says he's wide open for now."

Florida State

FSU guard transfers to FIU: "Former Florida State freshman point guard Josue Soto transferred to Florida International and will be eligible to play in the 2008-2009 season for the Golden Panthers."

North Carolina
Heels vying for U.S. team spots: "North Carolina women's basketball teammates Erlana Larkins and Rashanda McCants are among 45 top players who have accepted invitations to the USA Basketball Women's National Team Trials that start Thursday at the U.S. Olympic Training Center."

NC State

From our friends at StateFansNation:

Men’s Tennis Downs UNC In The NCAA Tournament: "Pretty amazing. The men’s tennis team defeats UNC for the first time in 19 years. The win is even more impressive when you consider the scope of the historic win...."

Get over there!

N.C. State rewards coaches with extended deals

Clemson
Clemson drops coach's pregnancy policy

Linemen drawing the bulk of attention: "OFFENSIVE LINEMAN Dalton Freeman (6-foot-6, 285 pounds) of Pelion remains one of the state’s most heavily recruited prospects. He added offers from Georgia and Illinois last week pushing his total near 20."

Boston College

Vermont transfer Trapani lands with Eagles of Boston College: "The official word had not reached either Boston College basketball coach Al Skinner or athletic director Gene DeFilippo yesterday morning. Both were in business sessions at the Atlantic Coast Conference spring meetings at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel."

The Daily Roundup - Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

UNC surges past Navy with 5-goal fourth: "Tar Heels next face Duke in quarterfinals."

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun - Players have themselves to blame for new policies

Change comes to college basketball foot by foot: "WHEN QUESTIONED EARLIER this week about the new distance for the 3-point line in college basketball, Oliver Purnell was not exactly sure how far it had been pushed from the basket."

Andrew Jones of the the ACC Insdier/Wilmington Star with a "two for":
Examining Non-ACC Football Slates: Duke: "Although not daunting to many teams from power conferences, Duke's nonleague schedule offers the Blue Devils quite a challenge. If a losing streak currently at 20 is to end this season, it will likely happen in one of these games."

Examining Non-ACC Football Slates: Clemson:"The college football season is still about four months away, but it's always fun to look ahead, especially at nonconference schedules. Here's the second of 12 looks at the ACC's out-of-conference slates for 2007. "
Get over there!!

Patterson, Lucas nearing decisions

DeGeare, former Glenn standout, not letting knee injury end his dream

The conference headlines:

Proposal for 18-gameslate riles coaches: "Meetings this week will address expanding conference schedule. The serenity of the seaside Ritz-Carlton resort is the perfect place for ACC Commissioner John Swofford to discuss a contentious issue with the league's men's basketball coaches."

ATL seeks ACC or SEC game: "Sports Council trying to lure team from either league to move a home date to Georgia Dome by 2008."

Clemson

ESPN: track athletes turn to abortions to save aid: "At least seven current and former Clemson women’s track and field athletes have had abortions out of fear of losing their scholarships, according to an ESPN report to be televised today." This is interesting....I had a friend who ran track in the ACC some time ago who told me that he knew of coaches in the Big 12 & SEC who at one point actually told their runners to get pregnant and abort in order to get a "natural" hormone boost and competitive edge. Sick.....hope that's not the case in Tiger Land.

Miami

UM looking at pros, cons of stadiums : " The University of Miami is getting closer to deciding on whether to move football games from the Orange Bowl to Dolphin Stadium. "

Ex-Canes donate; Bowden feels no entitlement: "Never too early for college football chatter: If Randy Shannon has as much success as a head coach as he has had raising money, UM football will be in great shape. Although he won't discuss it, we hear 38 former Hurricanes football players have combined to contribute about $300,000 since Shannon became head coach and wrote a letter asking former Canes to contribute to upgrade UM's athletic facilities. And more donations apparently are on the way. "

Freshman getting ready to take Canes to new heights: "Inside a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art training facility in Orlando, former NBA guard Dee Brown has his eyes intently fixed on future University of Miami point guard Edwin Rios."

UM's Anthony King granted extra season : "Miami forward Anthony King has been granted a medical redshirt, allowing the three-year starter to return to the Hurricanes basketball team next season. " That's great news for King.

From the Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog -

Meriweather's First Impression:"Now that New England fans have gotten over the initial shock of Bill Belichick..."

Yeah, I Said It: "In our what have U done for me lately world it appears Paul Dee is moving on..."
Position Breakdown: Secondary:"The strength of Miami's dominant defense for the past six seasons has been the..."
Get over there!!!

Duke

Krzyzewski offers alternative for ACC schedule

Boston Globe interview with former Blue Devil, Tommy Amiker - A Career Slam-Dunk: "You've spent the last 10 years coaching at Seton Hall and Michigan. Why did you accept the head coaching job at Harvard?"

The Duke lacrosse Class of '07 has been on quite a ride :"John Danowski still remembers his initial reaction when he saw Duke’s 2003 recruiting class. Unfortunately, it needs some sanitizing before it can be related here. Let’s just say it was something along the lines of “Oh, shoot” and leave it at that. "

Virginia

UVa changes football seating plan

UVa Ticket Servers Down Due to Power Surge: "The Virginia Athletics Ticket Office main ticket server..."

Virginia Tech

Hoops signee changes his mind

Punting the NFL

Future of No. 32 in the air at Tech

Georgia Tech

Burnett to start on defense: "Incoming freshman gets his assignment in the first installment of Tech Football Buzz."

The Daily Roundup:FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage:

Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the Stogie Guys: A "three for" Friday:

Stogie Reviews: Don Pepin Garcia Blue Generosos

Stogie Reviews: Butera Vintage Select Toro

Stogie Tip: Pass the Wooden Matches, Please

Get over there!!!

Junior's decision brings no joy: "Fans show up more than two hours before Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 11 a.m. news conference Thursday, and when it ends a few minutes before noon, 50 fans still wait outside."

Green flag drops on race for Earnhardt: If he joins Hendrix, it's a wrap for the field. Gordan, Johnson, and Jr in the same stable.....forget about it.

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: PIT STOP: Junior trying to jump-start his career

Farther 3-pointer a step back for freshmen: "The NCAA's proposal to lengthen the 3-point shooting range in men's basketball is long overdue."

The Conference Headlines:

From the Dave Sez Blog:

ACC Bible

Terps To Lose Scholarships?

Three The Hard Way

Get over there!!!

Wake Forest:

A Legacy Secured: Paul has gained status as best in Deacons history :"Wake Forest won't retire Todd Paul's number, and there's not much chance that Deacon Boulevard will ever be renamed Todd Paul Avenue.That's fine.Tennis players don't wear numbers, anyway, so there's no number to retire.But Paul will play his last matches on campus this weekend when the Deacons participate in the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament team competition, and regardless of the outcome, Paul's legacy is secure." It's Tennis, but a very nice read.

BC

From the Eagle in Atlanta Blog:

More Fluite, more bowls stuff, more USC

Get over there!

Clemson

From the Micky Plyler Clemson Blog:

The Judge :"I remember the 1980 Clemson-North Carolina game where Jeff Davis set the Clemson record for tackles against an ACC team with 24 tackles as he outplayed Lawrence Taylor. "

Get over there!

Duke

From the Duke Basketball Report:

Carlos Boozer Update - People really haven’t talked about it enough, but Carlos Boozer’s improvement since leaving Duke has been just stunning.

More to come.....

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Miami AD Paul Dee is calling it quits in 2008. Story below.

Getting your mind right:
Flutie elected to college football hall: "Hail Flutie! The little quarterback who made a career of proving doubters wrong is now a Hall of Famer. Doug Flutie was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday in his first year of eligibility, joining Ahmad Rashad and 10 other players honored by the National Football Foundation."

Steve Ellis of the Tallahassee Democrat - Maybe 'Prime Time' wasn't a good fit for Hall - not yet: "This was just too good."

From The ACC Blog and the Wilmington Star:
Swinton to visit- "Wake Forest transfer visiting UNCW.
Benny Moss Q & A- "Additional comments from Moss."
Get over there!!!

From Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Examining Non-ACC Football Slates: Boston College: "The college football season is still about four months away, but it's always fun to look ahead, especially at nonconference schedules. Here's the first of 12 looks at the ACC's out-of-conference slates for 2007."

Earnhardt Jr. departing DEI for free agency: "NASCAR's most popular driver leaving in feud with stepmom. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expected to become a high-profile free agent this morning after announcing he won't return to the team founded by his late father for the 2008 NASCAR season." Well, Teresa, now you have 100% of nothing!!! Congratulations, and good luck trying to remain in sport you now have no support in. Idiot.

NBA gets high diversity marks: "Study: League sets records for minority VPs, office personnel."


The conference headlines:
Florida State
Not time for 'Prime Time': "Former Florida State star Deion "Prime Time" Sanders was not among those elected to the College Football Hall of Fame 2007 class."


Clemson
Davis heads to Hall confident of example: " Leave it to Jeff Davis to flip the spotlight into a motivational tool. It is the trait that suited the former Clemson standout linebacker well as a football leader, preacher, educational mentor and fund-raiser."

Tigers' Bowden, Purnell share words of optimism Post Comment :"Reducing grown men and women to giggling children with smiles and a handshake, Oliver Purnell and Tommy Bowden sat side-by-side Wednesday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, posing for pictures and signing anything orange."


Miami
Dee day: UM's athletic director to step down in 2008 : "Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee has announced he will step down from his position running the Hurricanes athletic program in June 2008. "

Paul Dee's UM legacy

From the Omar Kelly Hurricane Blog - Position Breakdown: Secondary: "The strength of Miami's dominant defense for the past six seasons has been the..." Get over there!


NC State
From our friends at State Fans Nation
Comparisons to Wolfpack Past
Tailgating Talk: Another Hour
Get Over there!!

From The Red and White of NC State Blog:
Chuck Amato Checks In With News 14 (Video Interview)
Strength & Condition Coaching Change Yielding Dividends
Get over there!!


Duke
An offseason of change in women's basketball: "Maybe Gail Goestenkors was just taking an educated guess. Maybe the new Texas coach knew exactly what was in store for her and women's college basketball."


Boston College
BC, USC close to renewing football ties: "First comes a resumption of a lively -- and competitive -- series with Notre Dame, and next, apparently, a two-game series against another marquee program, Southern Cal."


Maryland
Former Terp signee Alaeze pleads guilty to assault in Balto. Co. shooting: "Terms of agreement not revealed; ex-Randallstown football star still faces gun possession charges."

From the Tracking the Terps Blog:
Scholarship Reductions
Can I get a Beer in Byrd?
Ranking the Fridge
Get over there!!!


Virginia
Virginia notebook: Weight added to Olympic sports


Georgia Tech
From the Tech Vent Blog - Is Senator Obama the person who counts attendance at Tech football games? Get over there!