The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

We've had a rough few days with work, and today is another one. We'll be back full force on Monday. As always, we won't leave you completely hanging:




The Weekend Smoke from the Stogieguys.com: Stogie Reviews: Montecristo Platinum Habana No. 2



ACC Leads with Six First Round Selections in the 2007 NBA Draft



2007 ACC NBA Draft Notes

Bobcats trade No. 8 pick for veteran guard Richardson: Charlotte chooses, then deals UNC's Wright. Two grand questions hovered over the Charlotte Bobcats this summer: Would they ever get a go-to scorer and would they ever prove they'd spend what it takes to win in the NBA?" Mike escapes the torching he was getting ready to receive from Charlotte fans by getting what they need now: a good NBA player who scores and rebounds the ball. Didn't like it at first, but this may be a very good move by MJ (especially if he resigns Wallace).


2007 All-ACC Academic Men's Basketball Team Announced


2007 All-ACC Academic Women's Basketball Team Announced

We're running late.......

More work related interference. We'll be back up this afternoon.

Duke claims NBA's best alumni class: "The next time the University of North Carolina's NBA stars gather for the World's Greatest Alumni Game, they're going to have to add a qualifier to the previously indisputable title." Let the debate begin!!!

Draft Stuff

This guy has some formula for determining who will succeed in the NBA. It's not altogether clear how he's using the stats but it's interesting.

Thaddeus Young of GT is projected 4th. Brandan Wright of UNC is 5th. Jared Dudley of BC is 10th. Sean Williams of BC is 13th. Javaris Crittenden is ranked 17th. D.J. Strawberry of MD is ranked 21st. Al Thornton of FSU is 25th. Zabian Dowdell is 29th.

And he has Josh McRoberts of Duke going eighth. And Kyle Visser of WFU @ 15th.

That's some heavy-duty ACC representation. And it fits the BasketBlog's selections for All-ACC rather nicely, I might add.

Out of pocket today...

Sorry, but we're out of pocket today on work related assignments. As we never leave you completely hanging, here's an interesting piece for your reading pleasure:

How former ACC players stack up

: "One day and counting until the 2007 NBA Draft in New York on Thursday. Here is a look at what online draftniks are predicting for ACC players"

We'll catch you in the morning.

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: RIP Chris Benoit and family

Getting your mind right:

Double murder-suicide: "WWE.com has reporterd that according to the Fayette County, Ga. Sheriff's Office, the deaths of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel Monday were the result of a double murder-suicide from within the home. " More from ESPN

Mike Knobler of the AJC on Georgia Tech - STYMIED BY A STYLE? :"Tech hasn't flourished as a team with one-year basketball wonders on the floor. Mike Knobler wonders whether Paul Hewitt's system is to blame, or if there are other reasons."

Nifong says DA job came with no strings attached: "Just before his N.C. State Bar disciplinary hearing, now-suspended District Attorney Mike Nifong disputed Gov. Mike Easley's claim that he had promised the governor he wouldn't run in the 2006 election."

Lakers in trade talks to get Garnett: They continue talks with Minnesota over a deal that could include Odom and Bynum. A four-team trade is dismissed by Boston." Bryant and Garnett wouldn't be a bad tandum.

NBA Draft: Rick Bonnell ranks the top forwards

Taking Their One Shot: "NBA riches beckon Jeff Green, but ex-Georgetown teammates Sead Dizdarevic and Kenny Izzo pursue a vastly different hoop dream."

Tim Stevens of the Raleigh News and Observer: Leslie already picks Pack basketball

Column: How to Stop Cheating in NASCAR : "When six crew members were thrown out of the Daytona 500 for cheating it was suggested that NASCAR start suspending drivers as part of the penalty process. Jimmie Johnson was aghast at the idea."

Hendrick can't buy the No. 8 for Earnhardt Jr.

Penske's palace: "The 105 acres that house the Penske Racing shop complex hold more than just a place to build cars." Slideshow

The conference headlines:

North Carolina State

Energized Yow feels better : "Kay Yow will be back at Reynolds Coliseum today, talking to her summer basketball campers about the attitudes that build winners. "

Lowe discusses situation at point : "Sidney Lowe will use incoming freshman Javier Gonzalez at the point next season. N.C. State's coach will also give Iowa State transfer Farnold Degand a chance to run the show. "

Wolfpack getting to point at guard: "Three players vie for open starting spot."

Lowe doesn't see point in worrying

Wolfpack came calling after WTVD shake-up ended Shea's long tenure: "When Rich Brenner arrived at WTVD in 1984 -- a former sportscasting rival from Raleigh's WRAL by way of Chicago -- things began to change for Don Shea."

Florida State

Frontcourt playerscould be in Bobcats' plans: "Brewer, Noah or Florida State's Thornton could fill hole. It sure sounds like Corey Brewer, Joakim Noah or Al Thornton could be a Charlotte Bobcat come Thursday."

Drafts are kind to 'Noles: "Whether Al Thornton proves to be a top-10 selection Thursday night, this NBA Draft promises to be one that even Leonard Hamilton should be able to enjoy."

Depleted FSU loses Burge »

Injuries have way of hurting a career »

New facility might be available for FSU track »

Delmonico: FSU has a shot »Curry hops for the world »

7th not bad for Rhodes scholar Johnson »

Virginia Tech
Two for the show?: "Dowdell, Gordon work to impress NBA teams."

Four Hokies named to watch lists

Wake Forest

Visser trying to make impression:" Former Deacon has worked out for 10 NBA teams in anticipation of draft."

North Carolina
Heels look to future : "As each Tar Heel received his NCAA runner-up plaque Sunday night, he was greeted by baseball coach Mike Fox for one last, emotional handshake. "What a run," Fox, choked up, said he thought in those moments. "What a team." "

Woodard doesn't regret second chance: "He put off pro career for a year hoping to break through in College World Series. "

Fans celebrate Tar Heels' return: "The most diehard fans of the UNC baseball team got another test on Monday as to whether or not they would show support for their team, rain or shine."

Virginia

Beavers' title chews at Cavs: "U.Va. let Oregon State escape and coach Brian O'Connor is left with a sense of regret."

Clemson

State colleges Hamlin, Richardson honored by Street & Smith: "Clemson safety Michael Hamlin and offensive tackle Barry Richardson have both been named preseason All-Americans by Street & Smith Magazine."

Clemson's Chalk signs with Padres : " His Clemson University baseball career ended all too quickly, but Brad Chalk began a seamless transition to the pro game when last week he signed a contract with the San Diego Padres."

Duke
Duke golf gets new coach: "O.D. Vincent, who guided UCLA to two Pac-10 crowns and four top-10 NCAA championship finishes over the past five seasons, has been hired as the men's golf coach at Duke."

Georgia Tech

Chasing after Chase - "Recruiting: Tech's one of six finalists for Walton LB Chase Thomas, who has many offers. "

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Congrats to OSU. Heels leave Omaha undone by better team and lack of fundamentals, again!

Getting your mind right:
David Steele of the Baltimore Sun - Sadly, NBA still playing in Jordan's shadow: "Constant comparisons to departed star hold league back."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Coach K always thinking hoops: "Three weeks at an unnamed Southeastern North Carolina beach allowed Mike Krzyzewski a chance to get away from his daily grind."

U.S. Track and Field Championships - Gay Wins Convincingly:"Tyson Gay dominates the 200-meter final in a stunning 19.62, the second fastest in history behind Michael Johnson's 19.32 run in 1996."

Troubled runner Jones is plagued by money woes: That is a real shame and, frankly, just hard to believe. Marion is a very smart young women.....you have to think there is more to this story than is being reported. More on this story.

NASCAR to 'lay down the law': "Organization pledges to penalize COT infractions."


The conference headlines:
College World Series
A title twice as nice : "OSU makes history with its second title in as many years."

Canzano: Truth, not magic

UNC Swept In CWS Finals


Boston College
Ex-BC star Williams thrives in transition game: "Well before the workout is to begin on a typically clammy June day, Sean Williams strolls into Fox Gymnasium on the campus of Rice University, unrecognized by the scores of high schoolers participating in a basketball camp. Williams removes himself to a corner of the gym and does some stretching exercises."


Miami
From Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog: Roberts chooses Miami: "The University of Miami landed its first men's basketball commitment for 2008..." Get over there!


Georgia Tech
INEXPERIENCE HURTS : "The AJC's Mark Bradley makes his annual college football predictions and says of Tech: "I can't imagine how losing the nation's most talented player (Calvin Johnson) and a 4-year starting quarterback (Reggie Ball) makes you better." Taylor Bennett (above) steps in at QB for the Jackets. "

Chasing after Chase: "Recruiting: Tech's one of six finalists for Walton LB Chase Thomas, who has many offers."


Clemson
Vacation precedes Bowden Bowl Post Comment : "Wouldn’t you love to watch some hidden video, all wired for sound, of this year’s annual Bowden family retreat at Panama City Beach, Fla."

Clemson to revise seating for season ticket holders : "Clemson football tickets are among the most affordable in the nation based on the average face value and the annual average IPTAY contribution, but a substantial percentage of the 55,000 season tickets now are in the hands of the most modest donors."

Tigers set times for two kickoffs:" Clemson University’s home football games against Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 8 and against Furman University on Sept. 15 will begin at 1 p.m., the school announced on Friday."


Virginia
Link, Kirkaldy Named to US National Developmental Team

Virginia Names Eileen Schmidt Softball Coach

Stephanie Garcia Wins US Junior National Championship


Virginia Tech
Harrison wins USA Junior title

Weaver wins British Amateur

Hokies advance in 400m hurdles


Florida State
Thornton set to quiet doubters :"Spring arrived, and here came the questions about Al Thornton."

Prospect Manuel enjoys campus visit at FSU:"E.J. Manuel gave the Florida State football program positive reviews following his weekend visit to Tallahassee."

QB Manuel finishes FSU visit, will decide Wednesday »


Duke
Coach K laments portrayal of Duke :"Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski recently completed a three-week family vacation to a secluded stretch of North Carolina coastline, only occasionally crossing paths with fellow beachgoers during his daily one-hour walks. "

Congratulations

Walter Dix of FSU finished third in the 100 meter dash at yesterday's US Track & Field Championships. This backs up his NCAA Championship nicely and signals that he is a real contender for the Olympics next year.

His time of 10.09 was one quarter of a second slower than the ultra-fast Tyson Gay who won the event.

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the Stogieguys.com: Stogie Reviews: 5 Vegas Series ‘A’ Alpha. Get over there!

Supreme Court upholds limits on prep recruiting

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - O'Brien runs program with military efficiency: "When N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien released his team's depth chart last week, he called it an "organizational chart.""

Speedway Motorsports to put `The Rock' on the block: "Wheeler notifies Rockingham's mayor of intent to auction track Speedway Motorsports Inc. plans to sell North Carolina Motor Speedway, the 1.017-mile track near Rockingham that hosted NASCAR races from 1965 until 2004, at auction, an SMI spokesman said Thursday."

Darlington to get face lift

Junior signs with Sony for Hendrick ride:

Budweiser has been Earnhardt's primary sponsor since 1999, and the beer manufacturer wants to continue its relationship with him at Hendrick. But car owner Rick Hendrick isn't actively pursuing new sponsors, and it's possible Bud could get shut out.

Garnett rejects Celtics trade, says his agent

Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post - Kobe's Tainted Beef: "With a now infamous 24-second diatribe against teammates and the Lakers front office, Kobe Bryant may have shown his true colors as a disgruntled malcontent."

Tim Stevens of the Raleigh News and Observer -SI's list leaves out better programs: "This week's Sports Illustrated magazine, as part of a state-by-state listing of top high school athletics programs, chose Charlotte Independence as North Carolina's best."

Bond with Jordan strong for Bobcats' Peterson: "Buzz Peterson is preparing for the withdrawal symptoms."

Redick helps roll in campers at Cave Spring: "The youth basketball program gets a boost as the former star at Duke and current Orlando Magic guard joins the staff."

Rollins settling into WNBA gig: "Accidental coach still a gentle giant as he tries to right the Mystics’ ship. Former Clemson star Tree Rollins was chillin’ by his pool, playing with his dog and sipping a drink with a tiny umbrella when he got the call."

The conference headlines:

College World Series
UNC returns to finals : "The third-seeded Tar Heels belted four home runs -- twice as many as they had in their previous 14 games -- to beat second-seeded Rice 7-4 on Thursday and earn their second consecutive crack at a national title. Next up, a showdown against Oregon State, which beat the Tar Heels for the national title last summer. "

White likely starter for finals
Fox says freshman is the most rested.

Florida State

Dix moves on, makes vow: " Sensational sprinter Walter Dix stumbled slightly as he exploded out of the blocks in what will be his last competitive weekend of a phenomenal 2006-07 season. But the seven-time NCAA champion didn't stumble one bit when asked about his..."

QB prospect to visit FSU: "A high-school coach who once lived in Leon County has given E.J. Manuel a sense of what Tallahassee is like. So has fellow Virginian and current Florida State receiver Damon McDaniel, whom Manuel has known since he was 10 years old."

Booker's already turning heads »

Virginia Tech

No European vacation: "Former Tech standout Cornell Brown is now attempting to show what he brings as a coach, working as an NFL Europa assistant."

Castlin and Harrison to head to Brazil

Weaver advances into quarterfinals at British Amateur

Wake Forest

Wake Forest recruit qualifies: "Johnson, small forward from Wyoming, becomes third member of class."

Maryland

Grades block UM's Gaither from field: "Offensive lineman ineligible for."

Virginia

Midwest Team Advances to National Championships

Ferguson Sets School Record at USA Track and Field Championships

Georgia Tech

Tech courts Chamblee star: "Ex-teammate may help Jackets lure lineman; Banneker safety looking to move past arrest."

No pics allowed of Wreck: "Donations flowing in to repair Tech's 1930 Model A, but caretakers will keep damage private."

Miami

From the Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - Roberts chooses Miami: "The University of Miami landed its first men's basketball commitment for 2008..." Get over there!

UM player juggles motherhood, basketball: "Lamese James' life was cruising along nicely in the spring of 2006. She was doing well in classes at the University of Miami, starting for the basketball team, dreaming of a pro career -- and smitten with her football player boyfriend."

Funny!

Stolen from Best of the Web:

Police Identified the Victims as Blinky and Clyde
"Pacman Charged With Two Felonies in Melee"--headline, AOL Sports, June 21

That's funny!

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Born to run.

Getting your mind right:
From KFC to NBA? Dreamer has doubters :6-7 JOHNSON STAYS IN DRAFT, Little-known freshman played in Rock Hill.

PGA moves toward drug testing:" The PGA Tour is getting closer to a rule on performance-enhancing drugs, and with testing likely to follow, commissioner Tim Finchem says golf organizations around the world should make sure they're on the same page." Very, very interesting.

Dascenzo: Duncan shines in San Antonio : "As perplexing as it may seem -- even to those so-called purists who claim the NBA is more entertaining than college basketball -- the truth is still the truth."

Fans Back Earnhardt's Move to Hendrick : "Eileen Hill was slicing potatoes and onions under the awning of her camper, covered in Dale Earnhardt Jr. garb close to a red chair with a No. 8 -- of course."

Jordan fine for hiring in the 'family': "If I ran a business, I'd fill the most important jobs with people I respect and trust. In other words, I'd hire a lot of my friends and relatives."


The conference headlines:
College World Series
Ackley finally awakens : "Freshman Dustin Ackley's 3-run homer helps the Tar Heels avoid elimination in a 6-1 victory against Rice. Today's game will decide who advances to this weekend's best-of-three championship series."

Woodard atones for bad outing: "Pitcher Robert Woodard returned for his senior season intent on leading North Carolina to an NCAA baseball championship."


U.S. Track and Field Championships
Dix Has Own Timeline: "Florida State track sensation Walter Dix is seen as the nation's most promising young sprinter and also something of an enigma."


Miami
UM hoops secures combo guard Roberts: "The University of Miami wrapped up its first men's basketball commitment for 2008 Wednesday when 6-5 combo guard Quincy Roberts of Harrisburg, Pa., announced he was picking the Hurricanes over Florida State and Virginia Tech."
From the Eye on the U Blog - Summer Check-In: "Can't lie to you Eye on The U Crew. I've been enjoying my summer break even though a few stories have roped me back into work and kept me away from the beach. That being said, its never a bad thing to give you a place to talk Canes. Let's start with the men's basketball team." Get over there!


Georgia Tech
Ramblin' Wreck a wreck: "Vintage car that has led Jackets onto field since '61 damaged while being towed to wedding."

Woodson likes Crittenton: "Hawks coach says ex-Tech guard has 'great body, great size for a point guard' after workout."


Florida State
Bowden's new staff can make difference: " Florida State needed to get back its energy after six-loss season."


NC State
Crest linebacker commits to Pack: "Shelby Crest linebacker Dwayne Maddox committed to N.C. State on Tuesday."

From StateFansNation:
1986: V Interview on CBS
ACC’s Point Guard Situation
Get over there!!


Clemson
Tigers to be represented at U.S. track meet


Virginia Tech
Weaver advances in British Amateur

Porcha named women's basketball assistant


Virginia
Thompson Adds ABCA All-America Honors to Postseason Awards


Duke
Devils won't see Coach G soon: "Texas-Duke women's game canceled." Of course.....

The Daily Rounup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Whooooooooo!!!!

Getting your mind right:
Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer: When wrestling was king

Ind. Football Coach Terry Hoeppner Dies

NCAA showdown: "BCS title game vs. NCAA Tournament vs. College World Series
Media glare BCS: Intense, but usually revolves around a team that isn’t even playing. NCAA Tournament: CBS in March stands for College Basketball Station."

NCAA dragnet to scoop unlucky, too: "The idea of justice once was that it is better for 100 guilty people to go free than for one innocent person to go to jail."

'Confident' on Woods: "Even though nothing is official yet, the director of the AT&T National says Tuesday he believes new father Tiger Woods will play in the early July event at Congressional."

KOBE + BOBCATS ...: "... Equals an unlikely, but intriguing scenario. First of all, I believe Phil Jackson. The Lakers coach told the Los Angeles Times he's confident Kobe Bryant will be on his roster when training camp opens in October. That makes perfect sense, despite all of Bryant's assertions he wants a trade."

Change of guard in ACC - "Tudor:With Georgia Tech's Javaris Crittenton leaving for the NBA and Virginia's Sean Singletary returning to school, the pecking order among ACC point guards is essentially set for the beginning of the 2007-08 season. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Shavlik Randolph Q&A: "Shavlik Randolph has been through the highs of being the most talked-about basketball recruit in North Carolina in many years to the lows of going undrafted after leaving Duke a year early following an underachieving career. And he's more at peace now than ever before."


The conference headlines:
College World Series
North Carolina
Heels get some pitching : "Luke Putkonen ties a career high with seven strikeouts and surrenders only one run in seven strong innings as North Carolina eliminates Louisville. Center fielder Seth Williams, left, goes airborne. "

Back in black, and no longer nameless

Woodard gets a crack at redemption


Duke
Duke deal shields faculty : "As Duke shut the door on lawsuits by the players in the lacrosse case, the Durham County sheriff on Tuesday slammed shut District Attorney Mike Nifong's access to the courthouse where he has worked 29 years."


Virginia
Legacy doesn't concern UVa star

Six Cavaliers Earn Berths to US National Track and Field Championships

Cavalier Swimming Recruits Fare Well at NCSA All-American Meet

Midwest Remains Undefeated at US Field Hockey National Championships


Clemson
Tigers to be represented at U.S. track meet

Roundtree Joins Clemson Women’s Basketball Staff


Georgia Tech
Another Cox for Tech: "Football: Younger brother of FB Mike Cox to transfer from UConn, fill sibling's role."

From the Ramblin' On Blog:
Wish they were staying
Can't say I'm surprised
Get over there!!

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: One more year!!!

Getting your mind right:
Judge to suspend dallying Nifong today : "The county's top judge plans to suspend Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong today after learning that the prosecutor, soon to be stripped of his law license, intended to hang around until July 13. "

Duke, three lacrosse players announce settlement :"On Monday, Duke University leaders announced they have reached a settlement with David Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann. Below are statements about the settlement. "
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Middie's life inspires O'Brien

Move Over, Soccer: Cabrera's U.S. Open win, coming on heels of Ginobili's NBA title with Spurs, excites Argentina : "First it was Manu Ginobili and his third NBA crown splashed across the front pages. Now it's golfer Angel Cabrera winning the U.S. Open.Argentina is no longer just a soccer power. "

A New Life: Bobcats' Morrison is eager to put his difficult rookie season behind him

The conference headlines:
Curry remains in draft
Jackets' Young also off to NBA, but Singletary stays at UVa.

Back to school: "A thousand watts brighter: That's how the 2007-08 season looks for University of Virginia men's basketball now that Sean Singletary has decided to return for his senior year."

North Carolina
North Carolina center fielderknocked down, not out - North Meck grad fights back from eye injury to help Heels to CWS. : "Mike Cavasinni sat dazed in Chapel Hill's UNC Hospitals emergency room one afternoon in early February, his left eye badly bruised and bleeding, several bones in his face shattered by a fouled-off baseball."

Heels make call to arms : "The reason for using a record eight pitchers during Sunday's blowout loss to Rice, North Carolina pitching coach Scott Forbes said, was to test who would be ready for today's game. "

Family bond bolsters Heels' Horton: "Shortstop and younger brother, a UNC batboy, share special times on field."

Report: White Commits to UNC
North Carolina reportedly picked up its first commitment of the 2008 class over the weekend in 6-5, 230-pound tight end Randy White of Bristol (Va.) Virginia High, according to the Bristol Herald Courier.


NCState
From the StateFansNation Blog:
Remember the 80s - A Golden Era of ACC Basketball
ACC Football Schedule Rankings
Goodman: ‘The Lowe Down’
Get over there!!!


Miami
UM's Haith shuffles coaching staff: "University of Miami men's basketball coach Frank Haith announced changes to his coaching staff Monday, including the hiring of two assistants -- one a former Hurricane."

FSU, Miami off to fast starts : "If nothing else, coaching changes at Florida State and Miami have led to a ton of early recruiting commitments at each school. Both are far ahead of where they usually are at this stage of the recruiting "season." "


Georgia Tech
NOT AS BAD AS IT LOOKS : "Georgia Tech basketball coach is reacting calmly to the news that freshman forward Thaddeus Young is sticking to his decision to enter the NBA draft."

Young feels the draft: "Departure of freshman forward to NBA raises questions about future of Tech program."


Clemson
Clemson-bound prospects up to a dozen

Former USC, Clemson stars among investors in BurnLounge


Virginia
Cavaliers gain commitments for '08 from 4 football prospects

Duke Non-Rape Update

Duke University has reached a financial settlement with the three lacrosse players it treated so badly after they were falsely accused of rape. Terms of the agreement were likely confidential, as is standard procedure in these sorts of deals. Let's hope it was a significant number.

I read recently that Duke's application pool was 1.3% smaller this year than last. I imagine the PR hit Duke took from its shoddy treatment of three students contributed to that decrease.

Meanwhile, Mike Nifong attempted an apology a couple of months ago? Really? If he needs a road map I have directions to where he ought to take his apology. Now that he's been disbarred and completely pwn3d by the NC Bar he might want to change his spending habits.

The lawyers for the three former Duke students ought to do this one pro bono. And Nifong better hope he gets a homestead exemption after he declares bankruptcy. This will be ugly.

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Meanwhile, what are the odds the Duke 88 (professors, mainly) will apologize for their outlandish rhetoric?

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: According to Mr. Dascenzo, we can expect more of the same from Coach O'Brien. That's a good thing, Pack fans.

Getting your mind right:

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: The magic of Woods has pulled vanishing act: Really......I saw a pretty magical Saturday afternoon from him. He shot 69, but that was a 63, 64 round of golf if he had made any putts. It is interesting that he hasn't been able to win coming from behind in a major, but I think that's more of a blip on the screen. Don't agree? Take it to the comments section.

NASCAR sues AT&T:"NASCAR filed a $100 million counter claim against AT&T Inc. on Sunday, accusing the wireless provider of interfering with its exclusive sponsorship agreement with rival wireless company Nextel."

Dascenzo: Expect much of the same from O'Brien : "Looking for a good angle? Try this one. Go ask Tom O'Brien what a difference 10 years can make. Hired in 1997 to take over a Boston College football program that was rocked by a gambling scandal, O'Brien had to listen to all the cliches. The usual ones like starting from scratch, picking up the pieces, you gotta walk before you run. "

The conference headlines:

North Carolina
Tar Heels run out of rallies : "Rice roughs up North Carolina and drops the Tar Heels into the loser's bracket at the College World Series. UNC must beat Louisville at 2 p.m. on Tuesday -- and then top the Owls twice more later this week -- in order to advance to the three-game championship series. "

Tar Heel does double duty: "UNC's Burney aims to make an impact in baseball and football."

Clemson
Clemson-bound prospects up to a dozen

Former USC, Clemson stars among investors in BurnLounge

Hogan opts to return to school

Georgia lineman commits to Clemson

Miami

Recruit Ebanks spurns Canes: "Highly touted basketball recruit Devin Ebanks, considered one of the nation's top 10 high school players in the Class of 2008, passed on the University of Miami on Saturday afternoon and made an oral commitment to Indiana."

Florida State

Smith set to live his dream as a 'Nole: "One of the top high-school football prospects in the state of Florida last year, Kendall Smith is on the verge of fulfilling his lifelong dream."

FSU's Hayes expects to lead defense by example »

Georgia Tech

GETTING IN THEIR LICKS : "Phillip Wheeler's on the preseason Bronko Nagurski watch list, and the Yellow Jackets will run into several of his rivals for the honor during the season."

Virginia Tech

Hokies add football recruit

Pieper named an IWLCA Scholar-Athlete

Virginia

Cavaliers Fare Well at US Field Hockey High Performance National Championships

Cavaliers Compete at IWLCA North-South All-Star Game

Nifong is Guilty!

There was never much doubt. Here are the counts, one by one.Here's my favorite ones:

11) False statements of material fact to court? Yes. (b) conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, deceit? YES.

12) False statements of material fact to opposing counsel? Yes. (b) conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, deceit? YES.

13) Failure to disclose everything re DSI report to court--false statements to court? Yes. (b) conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, deceit? YES.

14) False claim that all Meehan oral statements included in his report? Yes. (b) conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, deceit? YES.

He's now officially toast.

San Antonio

I have a couple of observations about the NBA Finals that I must share.

First, Coach Popovich gets too little credit for the job he does. I tried to identify what made San Antonio's defense so much better than all the other teams. (And while I give Duncan a large share of the credit, it can't all be him.) I couldn't identify a single thing they did that I don't see every other team do. The difference is that the Spurs do it every single time without fail. The Spurs are more disciplined than are other teams and the Coach has to earn credit for that.

Sure, Pop's players are coachable: Duncan is easy going; Ginoboli will come off the bench; Finley seemed hungry for a ring. And, yes, his players are smart: Barry, Finley, Horry, Duncan, Oberto and Elson are really solid veterans with very high basketball IQs (and maybe IQ generally, too). But Coach Pop directs all that to one goal that the Spurs have attained every other year for the last 5 years. Think about that. The Spurs have had a five year run with three titles. No team has won more titles in a five year stretch since the 1968-1969 Boston Celtics. So Coach Pop has earned many more accolades than he has received.

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Tim Duncan is as dominant a big man as I have seen in my lifetime. He wins. He never makes the tabloid press. His teammates seem to really, truly like him. He makes everybody else on the floor better than they ought to be (I'm looking at you Tony Parker and Manu Ginoboli.) And he asks for no recognition from the non-NBA fan -- and gets less.

Tim Duncan is likely to go down in history as the second or third winningest center/low post player in NBA history. He's passed all of the following: George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Walton, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and Karl Malone. Timmy is now tied with Shaq and is likely to pass him -- soon! That leaves only the incomparable Bill Russell (11 titles in 13 years) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6 titles in 21(?) NBA seasons) in front of Duncan. Now, don't get me wrong. Russell, Wilt and Kareem are secure as the top three bigs in NBA history -- now and likely forever. But Duncan can win another two or three championships over the next 5 years with his current crew and who knows about any late career possibilities. And that is what marks a winner.

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Tony Parker has 3 titles and is 25 years old. Why isn't he given more credit for his own superior play? The obvious answer is that he's got Duncan. But is that it? Could there be more to it? Is San Antonio that bad a market that people can't see with their own eyes how good he is?

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

I salute Robert Horry. 7 titles in 15 years without missing the playoffs is tremendous. He plays the game the right way and appears to be a good teammate. He is truly one of the greatest role players ever. The NBA will miss him.

Duke Non-Rape Case

Mike Nifong has, per this UPI report, admitted to negligently (?) violating the rules of professional conduct. He says the violations were not willful or intentional.**

I don't buy it. He has every motivation to lie and his credibility is non-existent.

Let me make a prediction: Mike Nifong will never practice law again. He has debased himself and the office he held and the NC State Bar will do the right thing.

**Of the law geeks: Is there an actus reus necessary for an ethics violation? Does intent matter? I thought a lot of those issues involved strict liability.

UPDATE: For the very best coverage of the Nifong hearing in front of the State Bar Association, visit KC Johnson's blog.

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Instead of a Cigar recommendation, how about a little commentary from the StogieGuys instead Stogie Commentary: Cigars, Globalization, and Pencils. Well, if you just have to get one this weekend, I'm going to go with the Stogie Reviews: Oliva Serie G Special.

Dascenzo: Huskies will face determined Duke team : "Most college football coaches would consider opening a season at Duke next to a luxury. The Blue Devils are known for many things, and football isn't one of them. Their current coach, Ted Roof, is 5-34 and riding a 20-game losing streak. Their coach before Roof was Carl Franks, and his record, the worst in school history, was 7-45. "

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Second Base Sparkplug: "Garrett Gore is quick to shrug off his importance in North Carolina's NCAA baseball super regional victory over South Carolina last weekend."

Now comes the hard part for Junior:"Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports a perfect marriage?"

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke Times: Fans see red, but drivers see green

Busch: Job talks haven't started: "No contact with other teams yet, driver says. Kyle Busch says he hasn't talked with any race team about where he'll drive next season after leaving Hendrick Motorsports.

HIRING TESTS OWNER'S BEHAVIOR STANDARDS FOR TEAM: Bobcats assistant faced drug charge- Mokeski pled no contest to cocaine possession

Sports blogger dispute may foreshadow bigger war over content

Always have to give a shout out to the home school that strokes the checks: WSSU field house to be ready soon. It's very, very, nice!

The conference headlines:

USC, ECU to play football in Charlotte : Too bad Carolina nor NC State could make this deal happen. Good for ECU!!!

College World Series:

2007 Men's College World Series :"It would be pretty harsh to say that North Carolina choked in last year's College World Series. But the Tar Heels were up a game and five runs in the second game of the Championship Series, and, well, they didn't win.They're back in Omaha this year, a little shakier in the pitching department but seemingly with more heart - they trailed by at least two runs in each of their last four regional-tournament wins. And Oregon State, the team that won last year? It's back, too, in the other bracket. "

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Omaha, fans make CWS special - "There can't be many events in all of sports more unique than the College World Series. "

North Carolina
Tar Heels get another shot: "Great team chemistry, a desire to find a way to win and a tenacious work ethic both on and off of the diamond have helped put the North Carolina baseball team right back where it wants to be, at the College World Series with a chance to win it all. "

Mixing hoops with hits : "UNC coach Mike Fox applies Dean Smith's coaching techniques to baseball. The third-seeded Tar Heels begin play tonight in their second consecutive College World Series. "

Wooten provides relief: "UNC pitcher has excelled in tourney."

Florida State
FSU's Al Thornton: From not knowing basketball to lottery pick » : Dude can play this game, no question about it.

Smith set for FSU RB stage:"This isn't just any offseason for Antone Smith. It's the summer before a season of high expectations for the Florida State tailback."

FSU's Guinn has surgery; Stidham may be next: "Mark Hallberg remains uncertain about his next step, but the ones that fellow junior Dennis Guinn..."

Clemson
O’Sullivan leaves vacancy

Clemson adds member to men’s basketball staff

Clemson’s Hammonds to compete in Taiwan

Virginia

Breslin, Kalkstein, Myers Highlight VaSID Lacrosse Team

Leah Wigger Named Third-Team Academic All-American

Ben Rubeor Named Third-Team Academic All-America

Georgia Tech

HEARD HEARS TECH'S CALL : "Mays High School receiver/track star Corey Heard says Georgia Tech leads the pack of colleges recruiting him currently. The speedster is reserving a verbal commitment, however, while he waits to see if North Carolina offers a scholarship."

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Is this the NASCAR Dream Team?

Getting your mind right:

Dascenzo: Who's going to miss McRoberts?: "So far I haven't seen a tear from any of Duke's basketball bastion of loyalists over Josh McRoberts making it official he will be in the 2007 NBA Draft. "

Is this UNC's year in College World Series?: "It would have taken more than a little drizzle to dampen the spirits of UNC baseball fans on Wednesday. Their team is headed back to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., with only one way to improve on last season's runner-up finish."

Junior saddles up in Hendrick stable : "Dale Earnhardt Jr., right, joins longtime friend Rick Hendrick for 2008, making Hendrick Motorsports the New York Yankees of NASCAR."

Jr. gets wish; will others come true?:"It's all on Junior now. He said a month ago he wanted to join a team where he can compete for wins consistently and shoot for titles. Fine."

Who's paying the bills?: "Dale Earnhardt Jr. sitting next to Rick Hendrick with a backdrop of Hendrick Motorsports logos was a jarring sight. Think Joe Gibbs coaching the Dallas Cowboys."

Earnhardt signing puts Hendrick back in the headlines again : 'Rick Hendrick has always had a knack for making headlines. He beat cancer, which helped him stay out of prison after pleading guilty to federal mail fraud. He has guided his NASCAR team to six titles and through the tragedy of a plane crash that killed four members of his family and six friends."

Rick gets richer: "Personal ties to Hendrick made it an easy decision."

Michael Wilbon: James Needs an Assist: "After Cleveland came up short in Game 3 at home, it's now clear that LeBron James is not going to beat a great team like the Spurs all alone."

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun: "Sympathy for Bonds long shot, but not all the way out of park"

The conference headlines:

Clemson
Clemson pitching coach a candidate at Florida

Clemson’s Hammonds to compete in Taiwan

Report: Tigers assistant to be new Florida coach

Florida State

McNeill gets to realize dream: "George McNeill is living a dream that has quickly become a job."

Dix named top track athlete »

Miami

Northwestern High QB Harris commits to UM: "The University of Miami landed one of the state's top recruits Tuesday when Miami Northwestern quarterback Jacory Harris verbally committed to the Hurricanes."

From the Great Omar Kelly Hurricanes Blog - Patrick Nix Unfiltered: "Patrick Nix said he's thrown Miami's old offense out. Scrapped it completely,..." Get over there!

Georgia Tech

Tech frontrunner for receiver : "Mays' Heard gets scholarship offer from Jackets; Carver Columbus QB likes Auburn. "

Jackets move at own pace in recruiting: "Coordinator doesn't see process as a sprint."

North Carolina
Heels get a 'second chance' at CWS: "Excited about a return trip to Omaha, players have put costly error behind them. "

Wake Forest
Deacons' Justice on Outland watch list: "Wake Forest senior center Steve Justice has been named to the 2007 Outland Trophy watch list, an award given to college football's best offensive or defensive lineman. "

Virginia

Wigger Qualifies for U.S. Open

Back Again

My internet service has been AWOL. Did I miss anything?

So, I guess I was overly optimistic w/rt the Cavs, eh? Brooms are on sale all across the greater San Antonio metropolitan area. Will Tony Parker by the Finals MVP or will Timmy D make it 4 for 4?

And no, Phil Mickelson will not pass Tiger Woods regardless of what Butch Harmon has to say. If he were that good he'd be on the PGA beating Tiger himself. Instead, he makes a really bad argument while hiding behind the coattails of Phil *Choke* Mickelson? Come on, Butch.

Have you guys seen the recently graduated pole vaulter who is heading to UC-Berkeley? Here's a peek. WARNING: extreme *ahem* cheesecake! But safe for work.

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: See Ya DEI! Hello Hendrick?

Getting your mind right:

Earnhardt Jr. joining NASCAR dream team: "Best shot at winning a title? Unless he surprises everyone, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce today that he's about to defect." That's strong....If Johnson and Gordan were smart, they would turn that into a true team in every sense of the word and make sure Jr. wins a Championship next year. He's the third best driver on that team and still the cash cow. The more he wins, the more $$$ they all make.

David Poole of the Charlotte Observer - Why Hendrick? Dale Jr. goes with shot at title: "Unless he surprises everyone, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce today that he's about to defect. But an end the a rivalry may give most popular driver the best shot at winning a title."

For fans of Earnhardt, ride could turn bumpy

Spurs Are on the Brink: "San Antonio's big three -- Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli -- combine for just 34 points Tuesday, yet the Spurs escape with a 75-72 victory over the Cavaliers to take a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals."

Wise: LeBron Not Ready to be King

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star - Second Base Sparkplug: "Garrett Gore is quick to shrug off his importance in North Carolina's NCAA baseball super regional victory over South Carolina last weekend."

John Delong of the Winston-Salem Journal - Mavericks are out, but not because of Howard

Bobcats lure Peterson from college ranks : Dean Smith is next, I'm telling you.

The conference headlines:

NCAA Baseball College World Series

North Carolina

FEELING NASTY: Carignan, UNC's closer, subscribes to notion that nice guys finish last

Postseason is time for Flack to shine : "UNC infielder Chad Flack heats up after disappointing regular season in which his batting average dropped to .251. He has hit .317 in nine playoff games. "

UNC baseball keeps its title hopes alive:"For a while Sunday, it looked like Mike Fox would join Roy Williams and Sylvia Hatchell in leading their respective North Carolina teams to monumental postseason breakdowns. "

Virginia Tech
Family ties allow Hokies to snag coveted recruit

Adibi, Hall named to Nagurski Watch List

Hokies make mark on international stage

Vick awaits judgment

Duke
McRoberts to stay in NBA draft : "Josh McRoberts has signed with an agent and is staying in the NBA draft, the agent said Tuesday. Bob Myers, an agent with the Wasserman Media Group in Los Angeles, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he is representing the former Duke star who has worked out for three teams in the past week in preparation for the June 28 draft."

Police say Nifong knew case troubled:"As Mike Nifong was calling the Duke lacrosse team a "bunch of hooligans" in public, a police investigator says the veteran prosecutor was also acknowledging privately.

Virginia

Virginia notebook: Weight added to Olympic sports

Five Cavaliers Named to USFHA High Performance Field Hockey Teams

Men's Lacrosse Program Wins ACC Sportsmanship Award

Georgia Tech

STAYING CLOSE TO HOME? : "Javaris Crittenton isn't coming back to Tech, but he might be on the Hawks' radar as they ponder taking a point guard in the NBA draft."

Riley commits to Jackets: "Hawkinsville receiver commits to Tech for '08; Miami prep LB also interested in Jackets."

Clemson

Tigers’ roster in need of major rebuilding: "MLB Draft, graduation may have coaches’ scrambling to fill holes."

State colleges Clemson rower named to All-America team:"Clemson senior Sarah Cooper was named second-team All-America by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association on Monday. It is the second consecutive year she was honored by the coaches’ organization as an All-American. Cooper was a first-team All-American in 2006."

Florida State

Hyde inks with Yanks: "Michael Hyde will have a job waiting for him when he completes his undergraduate degree".

Young used to playing waiting game »

Krikorian confident in hire of Rogers »

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Stars Caught Off Guard: "In the month since the NCAA prohibited players from attending prep schools to improve their grades after high school, the rule remains a mystery to those it directly affects."

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun: Internet reporting has NCAA exploring what rights are left

Brick by brick, coach rebuilds program : "Dale Steele, a career assistant, is embracing the task of bringing back the Campbell football program, which hasn't seen the sunlight since 1950."

College World Series:At Rosenblatt Stadium Omaha, Neb.

Michael Wilbon - A Time for Urgency: "Gilbert Arenas's decision to opt out of his contract next summer could be exactly what both sides need to make sure the Wizards improve enough for the guard to stay."

Ravens' Lewis still calling shoes at linebacker: "The Ravens' Ray Lewis deflects talk that he's slowing down, saying his best is still to come."

The conference headlines:

Florida State

An interview with FSU defensive lineman Letroy Guion: "FSU defensive end Letroy Guion recently met with the media to discuss summer workouts and preparation for the 2007 season."

Xavier Lee upbeat about 2007 season »

Time for 'Noles to work has arrived »

FSU baseball loses two: "Florida State baseball coach Mike Martin will be without one of his options for replacing second... "

'Noles celebrate another title »

FSU brings Williams close to his family »

Can 'Noles make it three? »

Track sets standard for FSU athletics »

North Carolina

ACCept it: UNC the better Carolina

On A Quest: Tar Heels want the NCAA baseball title that eluded them last year

Heels to face upstart 'Dogs : "Mississippi State, picked to finish last in the SEC West, is North Carolina's first opponent at the College World Series. MSU and Carolina meet in a first-round game at 7 p.m. Friday. "

Heels rolled into the College World Series without much help from the long ball: "North Carolina's baseball team showed its strength during the past three weekends. Perhaps most impressively, the Tar Heels did so without flexing their muscle."

Miami

All in the family: "Frank Gore's success in the NFL has helped him fulfill a promise: to take care of his family, especially his ailing mother."

Regal, iconic OB deserves to be saved: "We might be too late. The decision to trample tradition might already have been made in all but the public announcement. We might be dreaming, and yet we want to believe that, somehow, some way, there still is hope. Save the Orange Bowl."

From Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - Who Got U: "The drought is over. I'm back to give The Legion a little love. I see that the..." Get over there!

Georgia Tech

PUMPING UP FOR '07 : "Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler is ranked as the fifth-best middle linebacker in the nation in the Sporting News' preseason football rankings."

Tech over UGA in '07?: "According to the Sporting News preseason football predictions, the Jackets will beat the Dogs."

Jacket freshmen hit campus: "Prep All-American Dwyer, QB Nesbitt among key players in heralded recruiting class."

Virginia

U.Va. lacrosse player faces charges of beating student

Duke

Versatile speed demon commits to Duke

The untold story: "One of the best stories in college lacrosse this year revolved around Bryant College, the Division II program headed by ex-Duke coach Mike Pressler."