Friday, February 29, 2008

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!!




Getting your mind right:

The Weekend Smoke from the Stogieguys.com: Stogie Reviews: Padrón 7000

Ron Morris of The State (South Carolina) See Dick run (his mouth): "Vitale’s enthusiastic endorsement of Bob Knight for USC job is irresponsible. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE get Dick Vitale to shut up about Bob Knight and South Carolina basketball?"

Study: Football would spike UNCC fees:"Bringing football to UNC Charlotte would result in students paying far more in athletic fees than any other school in the UNC system, according to a study released by the school. "


Barren times for Northeast college basketball:"What happened to college basketball in New England and the Northeast? There have been feel-good stories all over the country this season, but few in the Northeast."


Michael Wilbon- Oden Gets a Vote: "In these days of political and social inactivity among America's most famous athletes, it's refreshing to hear Greg Oden voice his opinion."

Small-college teams make do :"Schools, such as St. Augustine's and Shaw play without extra frills and with less fanfare than major programs, but NCAA Division II athletes are just as dedicated, the coaches just as committed, the games often just as dramatic."


Lowe's mother has heart attack: " The mother of N.C. State basketball coach Sidney Lowe suffered a heart attack early Wednesday." The prayers of the Basketblog are with the Lowe family.



The conference headlines:

ACC & The RPI: "Three ACC teams are NCAA locks; five others battling for inclusion."

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: Terrapins' Williams gets the final word


Maryland

Gist Gets It Done for Terps: "James Gist scores 18 of his career-high 31 points in the first half and makes crucial free throws late in the second half of Maryland's 74-70 victory over Wake Forest, which snaps the Terrapins two-game losing streak."

Gist, Terps rebound vs. Wake :"James Gist emerged from his late-season slump, scoring a career-high 31 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to help the Terps (18-11, 8-6 ACC) beat Wake Forest, 74-70, breaking a two-game losing streak."


Wake Forest

Terrapins trip Deacs :"Maryland plays well enough to get key ACC winWake Forest made a stunningly low percentage of high-percentage shots in last night's 74-70 loss to Maryland at Joel Coliseum."

Close Enough: Blind Deacons fan enjoys home games in one of the best seats in the house


Miami
A different kind of practice for ex-Canes

UM hoops no longer a one-man show

McKenzie loving the spring:"This is the first time receiver Jermaine McKenzie has participated in any type..."


North Carolina

Lawson close to return

Lawson may be ready for return to lineup :"The path has been charted for Ty Lawson to return Saturday against Boston College. Now it's up to Lawson's balky left ankle to cooperate."


Georgia Tech

Tech eyes Bremen star: "Jay Stansberry, a big junior tight end/linebacker, also gets interest of UGA, Alabama."

Hewitt unhappy with ESPN announcer over Causey injury comments

Tech's Nnamaka caps career


Florida State

Johnson clarifies academic statements: "Garrett Johnson, former NCAA track national champion at Florida State who is now a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, issued a statement Thursday morning via e-mail to the Tallahassee Democrat , saying comments he made in an interview with the..."

FSU hopes to refuel before UNC »

Williams keeps NCAA hopes alive »

FSU baseball remains perfect, defeats Auburn »

Madison County’s Thompson commits to FSU »


Duke
Back in the slam of things :"Gerald Henderson looked like a picture of health Wednesday night, the brace on his right wrist seeming more like a fashion accessory than a medical aide."


UVa

UVa Insider: Numbers don't lie; another small class likely


Clemson

Clemson plans position changes: "Spring football practice lends itself to tinkering, and Clemson plans to give several veterans the chance to prove their merit at other positions."

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Friday, February 29, 2008 |

Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
'Black Magic' is truly magical: "It's a four-hour movie worth watching." An excellent, excellent look at some of the country's best basketball players and coaches that many don't know anything about.


The conference headlines:
Dascenzo: Treasured memories of the event abound : "Jerry Neville would be sad today. Perry Como, too. The Duke Children’s Classic is going away — its final event is this spring. Its departure leaves an amazing and charming trail of treasured memories only some were fortunate, like me, to experience. "

Neil Amato of the Wilmington Star: Your NCAA guess just as good as mine, but I've got help - "It’s that time again, February Foolishness. Everyone’s an expert on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, even me."
Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Future of the Pack depends on players' passion today: "N.C. State's basketball season isn't over yet. There's still time for the Wolfpack to prove it has pride, it trusts one another, and that coach Sidney Lowe hasn't lost his team."



Duke
Devils work for win : "The ACC basketball game in which No. 7 Duke beat Georgia Tech 71-58 at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday did not feature scintillating offense. The Blue Devils, instead, worked the ball inside and scored repeatedly."

Defense carries the day as Duke pulls away from GT: "Points still aren’t coming as easily for Duke as they were a couple of weeks ago, but the Blue Devils haven’t allowed their opponents to score as easily in the last couple of games."

Trademark Defense: Duke wins 71-58 by clamping down on Georgia Tech: "Duke did last night what it does best, playing smothering, disruptive defense to beat Georgia Tech and move back into a tie for first place in the ACC.Forcing 20 turnovers behind the quick hands of Gerald Henderson, Duke won 71-58 at Cameron Indoor Stadium and moved Mike Krzyzewski to the doorstep of coaching history."


Clemson
Tigers roar back: "Miami erases Clemson’s 21-point lead, but Rivers and Hammonds help write happy ending. Nearly every day of Clemson’s week-long break, senior guard Cliff Hammonds studied Miami sharpshooter Jack McClinton’s every move, watching a handful of games between 2-3 times apiece."
Tigers need wins to get to dance: " Clemson knew it left a mess when departing for vacation, but its fears about leaving the faucet on could be realized."


Florida State
FSU staves off Wolfpack: "North Carolina State went to its bench to dig out of a 19-point hole and put together a serious rally on Wednesday night. Down just three points with under eight minutes to go, the Wolfpack seemed ready to summon up the same dark..."







Georgia Tech
LEARNING CURVE AT QB : "Although Josh Nesbitt (left) and Calvin Booker return with experience under center for the Yellow Jackets, Mr. College Football says both will need some time to learn Paul Johnson's offense."

Tech dukes it out with Duke: "Causey smacked around as foul-prone Yellow Jackets drop physical battle to Blue Devils."


NC State
Wolfpack packs it in early vs. Noles : "N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said "our starters were just awful" to explain his team's terrible start against Florida State on Wednesday night."


Miami
Canes fall at Clemson: "UM, which had won four in a row, committed 12 first-half turnovers and could not overcome a 17-point halftime deficit."

Tough transition for Hurricanes' QBs: "University of Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix knows the transition from veteran to rookie quarterback won't be seamless. ''It's tough,'' Nix said Wednesday, the lone day assistant coaches are accessible to the media. ``You've got to shelter them a little bit, put them in situations and then try to not put too much on them. But at the same time, it's also fun because you have a clean slate. They don't have good experiences, but they don't have bad experiences either.''"


McKenzie loving the spring"This is the first time receiver Jermaine McKenzie has participated in any type..."

It's Spring again:"Yes, it's that time of year again. I know it's only February, but it's Spring..."


North Carolina
More than just hoops to keep Roy busy : "In the last nine days, Roy Williams has: n Caused a minor stir when he suggested Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski concentrate on his own “damn” basketball team and not worry about whether North Carolina announces its injuries or not."

Blue Devils get another big recruit : "Not that long ago, Mason Plumlee’s list of college suitors didn’t even include Duke. Now Duke is the only school on his list."


Wake Forest
Deacons facing critical stretch : "WFU to play Maryland tonight as teams try to bolster their NCAA resumes."


Maryland

From the Tracking the Terps Blog: A game of hoarse :"Gary Williams was not at full volume at his…"


Virginia Tech

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posted by Ed at Thursday, February 28, 2008 |

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Neal carried Smith on to Globetrotters: "Former All-American with Golden Bulls grew worldly from local roots. Ask Curly Neal how many basketball games he played for the Harlem Globetrotters and he'll tell you it was more than 6,000."



Foolishness reigned at Fontana: "This just in: The Jeepers Creepers Where'd You Get Those Weepers 500 finally ended 15 minutes ago at the Cali racing emporium known as Brian's Folly - Carl Edwards nosing out Jimmie Johnson by four umbrellas and a squeegie."


The conference headlines:
What's going on in the ACC?: "Mr. College Football has five questions about the conference heading into spring practice."

UM gets taste of the big leagues: 'Anthony Nalepa had just struck out Cameron Maybin to end the fifth inning, but he didn't get the full bolt of juice that comes with fanning a big-leaguer until after he left the mound." That's pretty cool...

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News: Hokies focus on games, not NCAA bids


Caulton Tudor of the Charlotte Observer - The point is, Lowe needs good guards : "Sidney Lowe, in just his second season, is in the midst of a pickle that is being compounded by unusually optimistic preseason expectations."

Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun: Take time to appreciate Hansbrough : "Sometimes we forget to enjoy what we’re seeing. It happens to most of us, actually. It’s a bit like driving on a spring afternoon and forgetting to smell the flowers. Most of us are in a hurry, whether the chore is meeting a deadline, being responsible for whatever or proving that your real value is consistent production. "





Virginia Tech
Tech gets stingy: "The Hokies hold BC to the lowest point total they've allowed in the ACC."




Boston College
BC falls to Va. Tech in men's basketball: "Barely treading water with a .500 record, the Boston College men's basketball team is in a precarious situation with just three regular-season games remaining. Do the Eagles sink or swim? Do they stand and fight or take flight?"


North Carolina
Stepheson's dad gets to see development of Tar Heels : "If Alex Stepheson is playing, chances are that Art Stepheson is watching. “Whatever my son is doing, that’s what I watch,” Art said. “I watch all the college games. I record every game. I could watch each game about 10 times. My son will call and say, ‘Whatcha doing Dad?’ I’ll say, ‘I’m watching the game again.’ ‘You’re watching it again?’ ” "


Duke
Zoubek's return may give Duke a head up on the competition : "Duke sophomore Brian Zoubek stands nearly one foot taller than many of his teammates, but his height doesn’t make much of a difference if he’s trying to play on one foot."

Krzyzewski closing in on 800th victory : "Duke can push Coach Mike Krzyzewski closer to his 800th career victory when it meets Georgia Tech at 9 p.m. today at Cameron Indoor Stadium.Duke's next victory will give Krzyzewski 799 wins in a 33-year career that includes five seasons at Army, his alma mater. He can become the sixth major-college coach to reach 800 career wins and only the second from an ACC program."


Clemson
Tigers need wins to get to dance: "Clemson hope beating Miami, Maryland will lock up their case for tournament berth. Clemson knew it left a mess when departing for vacation, but its fears about leaving the faucet on could be realized."


NC State
Hickson focuses on task at hand : "N.C. State center J.J. Hickson said the question pops up every day, from fellow students, from Wolfpack fans, from someone. Is he leaving after his freshman season for the NBA?"


Florida State
FSU, N.C. State change ways: "Leonard Hamilton believes adversity has worked its magic."

Budget cuts nix Florida State, Gator days at Capitol: "Florida State University Day at the Capitol is canceled, so is Gator day, both a victim of budget cuts."

Brookes speaks at Black History Month congregation: "People make history when they give their lives to God. But to become closer to God, one must first engage in a contact sport with Jesus, said Pensacola native, former FSU All-American and Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Derrick Brooks."








Miami
Stories abound at first UM practice: "University of Miami defensive tackle Marcus Forston's first college football practice was like an unexpected ice-cold bath of Gatorade: exhilarating, gratifying -- and shocking."

UM's early enrollees get jump on schoolbooks, playbook : "The ribbing began the moment Hurricanes kicker Jake Wieclaw was surrounded by reporters."




Virginia


Georgia Tech
HE'S ONE FAST GUY(TON) : "Former Tech linebacker Gary Guyton chugs to a 4.47 time at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He was the fastest of all the linebackers showcasing their wares before pro team officials."

Jackets' confidence fading: "Wednesday game at Duke not good timing for Tech, which has lost four games in a row."

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Wednesday, February 27, 2008 |

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Memphis falls hard from lofty perch: "A glance around Memphis' dressing room showed the challenge facing coach John Calipari now that the Tigers' chase for perfection is over." I'll say this and let it go: I was unimpressed with either team. It was one of the most fun, sloppy and uninspiring basketball games I have seen in some time. I suspect that their are at least 2 and perhaps 4 ACC teams that would beat (Duke and Carolina) and or give either of those teams an excellent run.

Michael Wilbon - Celtics Set the Pace: "The Celtics are mighty again thanks to a massive makeover last summer, a move mirrored in the recent flurry of trade activity around the NBA."

Ex-NBA star remembers when race trumped talent: "As a Milwaukee Bucks scout, Bobby Dandridge periodically attends games at the University of Richmond. The Richmond native and former NBA all-star never considered coming to UR as a student, however, because the school's basketball coaches didn't recruit African-Americans during the mid-1960s."

Tiger sinks Cink: "With a record-breaking victory yesterday in the Accenture Match Play Championship, Tiger Woods claimed his fifth straight tournament and captured his 15th World Golf Championship, holding all three world titles for the first time."


The conference headlines:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Despite loss, Wake is on the upswing: "While there's probably no way to say for certain which ACC team is third-best at this stage, Wake deserves serious consideration."

Dascenzo: Tar Heels just too much for the Deacs to handle: "February in the ACC can make your pulse run quicker, your blood pressure higher and you can lose sleep wondering what could have been."

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - METHODICAL: UNC's game isn't pretty, but gets job done

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News on Virginia Tech: Tough early slate begins to pay dividends.
ISRAEL GUTIERREZ of the Miami Herald: UM has right mix to thrive in the big dance: "The beauty of March Madness is that you rarely have to wait until March to experience it. All it takes to prompt that accepted form of lunacy is a glance at a projected bracket. ESPN ''bracketologist'' Joe Lunardi's bracket is always a fun place to start, given that he has somehow made a profession, if not a science, strictly out of predicting the 65-team field, making his madness a year-round malady."


A "hat tip" to the 3 time National Champs: Appalachian State to start spring practice today: Moore says shortage of quarterbacks will force him to limit scrimmages


North Carolina
Heels pull away from Deacons : "Tar Heels reserve Danny Green turns in a 15-point, nine-rebound performance Sunday during UNC's 89-73 victory over Wake Forest. Teammate Tyler Hansbrough adds another 29 points for North Carolina."

Heels not hurting: "If North Carolina keeps this up, the most pressing question surrounding the Tar Heels won't be: When will Ty Lawson return?"

Efficient offense propels Heels: "North Carolina has become quite comfortable playing without point guard Ty Lawson. "


Virginia

Sticky fingers: "Virginia finishes with 16 steals and forces 25 turnovers in a blowout victory."

Singletary's defense carries Cavs: "Whether it was freshman Javier Gonzalez or sophomore Marques Johnson with the basketball, Sean Singletary's eagerness to challenge N.C. State's inexperienced point guards was almost palpable yesterday."

Cavs' Singletary burns Wolfpack: "A week off to enjoy a victory was a much needed respite for Virginia, and it was evident from the start against N.C. State."


Florida State
Seminoles keeping postseason hopes alive: "Leonard Hamilton was feeling flush in the aftermath of FSU's 66-63 win over Boston College on Saturday, a victory he described as "a typical ACC blowout: three points.""

Minutes adding up for FSU:"When Leonard Hamilton studies a box score, one of the statistics he zeroes in on is "minutes." It's a sore subject for the Florida State men's basketball coach."

De'Cody Fagg injures leg at NFL combine: "Florida State wide receiver De'Cody Fagg hurt his left leg during Sunday morning's drills for quarterbacks and receivers and was taken from the RCA Dome field on a stretcher."






NCAA tourney hopes looking good:"I'll be the first to say that I didn't think the Hurricanes would sweep these..."

A relaxed Randy Shannon:"The most noticeable thing I got from this morning's press conference was how..."

`Canes land another Brown:"The timing surprised me. But the fact Bryce Brown has given a verbal..."


Boston College
Eagles' woes unresolved: "Each game it is something different. Something that must be fixed. Something that causes Boston College basketball coach Al Skinner to look at his bench and wonder if the problem can be remedied with a timeout or a substitution."


Wake Forest

Heels top Deacons: "UNC pulls steadily away to win 89-73North Carolina forced Wake Forest into serious foul trouble early last night and paraded to the free-throw line to capture an 89-73 win at the Smith Center take sole possession of first place in the ACC."


Virginia Tech


Georgia Tech
ONE MORE THING TO FIX ... : "The tarp came off Alexander Memorial Coliseum shortly after Virginia scurried out of the arena. The roof is fixed, but what about the hoops program?"

Would Choice, Falcons fit?:"Ex-Tech running back doesn't have ideal size but he's shown productivity and pro skills."



Clemson

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, February 25, 2008 |

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Down go the Devils...Down go the Devils! The conference is now back to day one with Miami and Wake looking to be alive for the Big Dance...if just barely.

Getting your mind right:
No doubt for Heavyweight Quinn: "Fort Dorchester’s Robert Quinn has his confidence — and his health — back as he chases third title in a row." One of the top Defensive Linemen in the Country, this kid had brain surgery in November and was told he might not ever play again. He's made a full recovery and will football at North Carolina next year. Apparently, he's a heck of a wrestler as well. Good read....

Wrestling Pioneer: Neal, from Goldsboro Rosewood, will be first female to wrestle in NCHSAA championships : "On Friday morning at Joel Coliseum, Olivia Neal will step onto the mat with Ray Farnsworth, a freshman from Catawba Bandys, for a first-round Class 2-A/1-A match at 103 pounds. At that moment, she will become the first female to compete in the NCHSAA wrestling championships in any classification."


The conference headlines:
Mike Berardino of the South Floida Sun Sentinal: Win answers big question for Haith :"No longer must Frank Haith privately wonder if his Miami basketball program has what it takes to play with -- and beat -- the national elite."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Still, Tyler could use a title - North Carolina's junior forward Tyler Hansbrough is the lone constant in this ACC basketbll season.

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - NEMESIS: Hansbrough is a thorn in Pack fans' sides

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Thomas' doubters eating crow. Shaky....

Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun: Poise gets job done for UNC : "'Before this one began, they put a video of Jim Valvano on the video screens at the RBC Center. Nice idea, right? Anything to get the crowd more into it."



Miami
UM MEN 96, NO. 5 DUKE 95 - U serious?: "The Hurricanes beat fifth-ranked Duke for the first time in 45 years Wednesday - and perhaps picked up the 'signature win' it needs to earn an NCAA tournament bid next month."

Courtside Blog: UM 96, Duke 95 (F) : "The frantic finish is over. Duke is done making three-pointers. And the Hurricanes have the big victory coach Frank…"

Spring battles looming at UM: "Quarterback will command lots of attention when UM begins spring practice next week (Robert Marve is the front-runner over Jacory Harris and Cannon Smith). Chatter on some of the other position battles..."



Virginia Tech
Hokies Rally Past Terps to End Skid: "After leading by as much as 14 points, Maryland squanders much of its margin for error with an ill-timed 69-65 loss to Virginia Tech and Coach Seth Greenberg, which snaps the Hokies three-game losing streak." That's amazing...they looked absolutely dead vs. UNC.....great turnaround by Coach Greenberg.

Rally lifts Tech: "Seth Greenberg did something that's not usually part of Va. Tech's pregame routine: He challenged freshman forward Jeff Allen to play better in front of everyone in the room."



North Carolina
Tar Heels feel betterin Raleigh this year: "North Carolina avoids another upset at N.C. State
The rookie center had the highlight-reel play, the alley-oop dunk that increased N.C. State's lead to six points and brought a hungry crowd to its feet."

Pack fades against UNC : "North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough again did so many things in so many ways for the Tar Heels' 84-70 victory over N.C. State. He scored 32 points. He attacked the boards for 12 rebounds. He hustled on defense for five steals."

Tyler, heels blow past pack: "Marcus Ginyard came back into the North Carolina locker room after Wednesday’s pregame handshake with N.C. State’s captains and sought out Quentin Thomas."


Duke
Devils drop another on the road: "The Duke Blue Devils had hoped that their loss at Wake Forest on Sunday night would be a one-game slipup."


Maryland
Lead slips; Terps fall : "Adrian Bowie (left) and Landon Milbourne sit on the bench after Maryland blew an 11-point second-half lead in a 69-65 loss to Virginia Tech. The loss dropped the Terps to 17-10 (7-5 ACC), hurting their chances of making the NCAA tournament."


NC State


Virginia






Georgia Tech
IS IT TIME TO LOOK TO FUTURE? : "Just because Georgia Tech's postseason dreams are fading, doesn't mean youngsters like Gain Lawal will be receiving more playing time than some of the veteran Jackets."

It could always be worse: "Disappointed by an 11-13 season? Virginia, next up for Tech, is dead last in ACC."
Tech gets Columbus DT: "Northside's John Drew still being pursued by UGA, Auburn, Gators, LSU and Clemson."


More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Thursday, February 21, 2008 |

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Gaudio puts his mark on Deacs:"I'll never forget my 25-minute phone conversation on July 3 with Wake Forest."


The conference headlines:
Williams, Krzyzewski exchange barbs over injuries ... sort of: "Duke and North Carolina don't play again for another 17 days, but that isn't stopping Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski from giving their relationship a bit of contentiousness."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Upset could benefit Duke and Wake

Jack Daly of the Durham Herald Sun: As one of UNC's best ever, Hansbrough gets used to being known -- and unknown - Maybe the burgeoning public speaker in Tyler Hansbrough had misgivings about the interview he gave to TV analyst Len Elmore earlier this season."

Dascenzo: Memories of the G-Man : "The news that Mike Gminski will be among the 12 ACC Tournament Legends in 2008 brought back a slew of treasured memories Duke basketball fans should love."


Florida State
Seminoles topple cold-shooting Tigers: "Clemson shoots just 3-of-27 from 3-point range in loss."


Virginia Tech
Bump Provided Nudge: "A moment that could have tainted Jeff Allen's freshman year at Virginia Tech has instead spurred the forward to work harder."


Maryland


NC State
Pack in need of another big upset: "North Carolina and N.C. State are different basketball teams than when the Tar Heels routed the Wolfpack by 30 points in Chapel Hill on Jan. 12."


North Carolina
Lawson Will Sit Wednesday: "UNC point guard won't play against Wolfpack."

Heels add a threat for Pack : "In an effort to improve his game -- and his team's chances at a national championship -- North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough has added something new to his repertoire: a soft touch." We don't really think that helps this Carolina team at all. Jump shots by Hansbrough against most college competition = fewer free throw attemps by Hansbrough and fewer fouls on their big men which could add up to a disadvantage for Carolina. Example: When Carolina plays Duke, they need to foul out as many of Duke's multi talented wing players as possible. Hansbrough shooting jumpers won't get that done. Good for the critics. Good for his draft position. Bad for Carolina? Perhaps.....

Report: UNC Hires New D.C.: "Minnesota defensive coordinator reportedly UNC's man."


Duke
Duke still sold on 3-pointer: "The 3-point shot: Duke feeds off of it. And Sunday night, the Blue Devils' unbeaten ACC streak ended because of a lack of it -- and because of Wake Forest."

Devils will try to bounce back :"Duke to play at Miami tonight after suffering its first ACC loss of season."

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Wednesday, February 20, 2008 |

Monday, February 18, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Wake makes things interesting again at the top, and makes their case for an invite to the Big Dance.


Getting your mind right:
Newman slips past his rivals down stretch: "Owner Penske wins his first Daytona 500 when Toyotas falterTony Stewart made a rare mistake, perhaps even two, while leading in the final moments of the Daytona 500. And teammate Kyle Busch made two critical mistakes, too, at the end. So it was Ryan Newman, with a big push - "a push from heaven," he said later - from teammate Kurt Busch, coming from out of nowhere during a crash-marred final 30 minutes to upset Toyota strongmen Stewart and Kyle Busch to win Sunday's 50th running of the NASCAR season opener."


The Conference Headlines:
LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: Win could help Wake Forest in its drive to NCAA tourney
Wake Forest
Teague helps Deaconsstun No. 2 Blue Devils: "Freshman scores 26 as Wake Forest ends Duke's win streak at 12. Standing in the team huddle midway through the second half Sunday night, Wake Forest basketball coach Dino Gaudio looked at his Deacons."
Duke
Duke starters must watch loss from bench: "Nearly all season, the Duke Blue Devils have left everything they had on the court. But Sunday night at Joel Coliseum, Duke's five starters -- all of whom had fouled out -- could only watch from the sidelines as the Wake Forest Demon Deacons put everything they had on the court: energy, effort and eventually a celebration with their fans."
North Carolina
Furr heading to North Carolina :"Speedy running back helped Mount Tabor reach 4-A title game last year."
Report: UNC to Hire Withers : "Minnesota defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Everett Withers has decided to take the same position at North Carolina, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting. According to the paper, Withers accepted the job on Sunday."

More to come......

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, February 18, 2008 |

Friday, February 15, 2008

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Geting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the Stogie Guys.com: Stogie Reviews: Cohiba Robusto (Cuban)

Paul's Biggest Assist: "In addition to making his All-Star Game debut, former Wake Forest star Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets is the de facto host for this weekend's festivities."

Jr. strikes again: "So far, Hendrick's Chevys up 2-1 on Gibbs Toyotas. The preseason storylines in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing are playing right out as Speedweeks hurtles toward the 50th running of the Daytona 500."

NASCAR not simply lying to the media - but lying to the fans


The confeence headlines:

Boston College
Eagles too hot for Pack :"N.C. State follows up a miserable loss at Maryland with an even uglier performance Thursday night at Boston College, falling behind early and stumbling and bumbling its way to an 82-65 loss to the Eagles."


BC ends slump, beats N.C. State:"It was a game Boston College needed to win - desperately. That's hardly surprising for a team with a six-game losing streak."


Clemson
Tigers erase taste of debacle: "Hammonds scores 22 points, and Clemson runs over Tech from start to finish."

Postgame Buzz:"Oliver Purnell had a telling response to why Clemson suddenly found its free-throw stroke. “Well, we got there,” Purnell said, tongue-in-cheek."

Hammonds meets all challenges:"The calming influence and unflinching nerve that defines Clemson guard Cliff Hammonds was put to the test two summers ago."



Georgia Tech
Jackets fall flat at Clemson:"Ugly loss to Tigers puts damper on recent surge, NCAA Tournament hopes."

Jackets' shooters stuffed in ACC loss



Wake Forest
Deacons race past Seminoles : "Wake Forest gets first ACC road win behind McFarland, Teague."

Mauk is denied an extra year of football


Florida State
FSU to name Coley as tight-ends coach:"James Coley isn't lacking for ties that will be beneficial to him as the newest member of the Florida State football coaching staff. "


FSU athletics on probation:"FSU places its athletics department on a two-year probation and reduces scholarships in several sports."

Questions and answers About FSU's academic-misconduct case »


New rules, technology to minimize cheating at FSU »


Duke
Duke's rising stars:"As Duke freshman Kyle Singler gets further removed from his high school days and further entrenched as a college star, Singler said the things going on around him on the court have seemed to slow down. "


Virginia Tech
Hokies travel to #5 North Carolina


Miami
From the Eye on the U blog:
Spring Forecast: Defensive line : "When the 2007 season began the most recognizable face of the University of Miami's football team belonged to its…"

Spring Forecast: Quarterback : "When spring practice gets underway at the University of Miami on Feb. 26, the school once known as Quarterback…"

Springing Forward :"Go ahead and admit it Canes fans: You're already counting down the days until spring practice! Well, there are…"
Get over there!!!


North Carolina
UNC gets 2 football players for the Class of 2009


Virginia
Ex-Herd coach rejoins Al Groh

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Friday, February 15, 2008 |

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Look at Roger in this picture from 2003...around the time he is accused of using HGH. Hmmmm, no gut, cut face, wife (an admitted user) with washboard abs....come on Roger?!?!?
Getting your mind right:
Mike Wise of the Washington Post: Untruth Be Told- "It isn't just that he almost certainly lied; it is the audacity of Roger Clemens to think that he is big enough to get away with perjury."

Clemens Denies Using Steroids

Pitcher's Legacy Is Clouded

New Orleans not sweating All-Star game security: "If the NBA ever had any doubts about New Orleans' ability to provide security for the All-Star game this weekend, Mardi Gras took care of it."

NCAA accuses Sampson of major recruiting violations: "Kelvin Sampson's future at Indiana was in doubt yesterday following the release of an NCAA report that says he committed five "major" violations."

Daytona start isn't guaranteed: "Top-level drivers fighting to make field."

The ACC Insider Andrew Jones:

IU Deserves Harsh Penalties: "Fabled program knew what it was getting in Sampson."


A Reminder About Lawson:"Perhaps some need a refresher course on how well UNC's point guard was playing."

Get over there!!



The Conference Headlines:

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: Singler makes his presence felt in many different ways



Duke
Duke duo staves off Maryland rally : "Duke freshman forward Kyle Singler and junior guard Greg Paulus made sure to grab a bigger piece of the celebratory pie during the No. 2 Blue Devils' 77-65 dismantling of Maryland on Wednesday."


Maryland
Terps Fade in the Stretch: "On a night when three starters struggle offensively and no one emerges from the bench, Maryland does not have enough scoring punch, despite Greivis Vasquez's 25 points, to keep pace with No. 2 Duke, which pulls away to a 77-65 win."






NC State
Pack wants to correct second-half woes:"Early in the season, the Pack couldn't get started in games. Now, especially on the road in ACC games, the Pack can't get going in the second half."





Wake Forest

Deacons hoping for breakthrough : "WFU will try for its first ACC road win of season tonight at FSU."



Florida State
Rickards' Harley picks FSU:"While riding around town Wednesday afternoon, Rickards High star junior JaJuan Harley decided to head over to the Florida State football offices for an impromptu (and unofficial) visit."

'Noles try to get even with Wake: "Does FSU have an answer for James Johnson?"

Cassell still big-time in NBA »

Spetman has a lot to prove at FSU »



Miami

Eight athletes inducted into UM Hall of Fame: "This wasn't a Super Bowl ring, but for New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles, it was more than fulfilling. Feagles, his introduction saved last for an appreciative crowd of about 500, was one of eight former Hurricane heroes inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night."


Can the `Canes finish 5-2? :"Most of you are probably still excited about National Signing Day and already..."



Clemson

Hammonds meets all challenges: "Junior guard balances college and family life while thriving in Tigers’ new lineup. The calming influence and unflinching nerve that defines Clemson guard Cliff Hammonds was put to the test two summers ago."





Georgia Tech








More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Thursday, February 14, 2008 |

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Earl "The Pearl" Monroe (left) and legendary coach Big House Gaines enjoy a moment. More from Frank Dascenzo below.

Getting your mind right:
DASCENZO of the Durham Herald Sun: 'The Pearl' knows about 'Magic':"Basketball ushered Vernon Earl Monroe from the South Philadelphia playgrounds to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. "

Memphis Remains No. 1 in AP's Top 25 : "Memphis is still the only unbeaten and still a unanimous No. 1. The Tigers (23-0), easy winners over SMU and Central Florida last week, were a runaway choice at the top of The Associated Press' college basketball poll for a second straight week Monday."

John Feinstein of the Washington Post: Vitale Is One of a Kind -- And That's a Compliment

Looking Solid: Hendrick's fearsome foursome showing they have the cars to beat this season: Jimmie Johnson is showing no signs of any slump as the new season opens, and rivals hoping for a break, or a breakdown somewhere inside Hendrick Motorsports, may just be wishing and hoping.
NASCAR's season all about Junior: "In a garage-turned-theater a couple of weeks ago at the sprawling Hendrick Motorsports complex, seven banners commemorating NASCAR championships hung from a crossbeam at the back of the room -- but nobody hung Dale Earnhardt Jr. out to dry."


The conference headlines:
MIDSEASON ACC REPORT from the Atlanta Journal Constitution: "We've reached the midway point of the ACC season, and we know exactly two things: Duke and North Carolina are locks for the NCAA Tournament, and Paul Hewitt's Yellow Jackets have very little room for error if they want to go dancing."


ACC honors Hansbrough, Singler: "North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough and Duke's Kyle Singler shared weekly honors from the Atlantic Coast Conference on Monday."

Neil Amato of the Wilmington Star: Devils have it figured out; Heels still do not

These are take-charge guys : "Sometime tonight, North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough will inevitably stand his ground, hit the floor, draw a whistle -- and Virginia fans will call foul."




North Carolina
Cavs' Singletary to test Heels' backcourt
North Carolina coach Roy Williams said he's never had to determine a fifth-string point guard. That might change when the No. 5 Tar Heels (22-2, 7-2 ACC) play at Virginia (11-11, 1-8) tonight.

Tar Heels will have quick turnaround : "UNC, coming off big win over Clemson, to play at Virginia tonight."

Strength from sibling for Hansbrough: "Tyler Hansbrough's drive comes from his brother's zest for life."


UNC's Williams more concerned about health than fatigue: "Here's an abridged list of what North Carolina is up against as it tries to win at Virginia tonight: * Point guard Ty Lawson has been all but ruled out of his third straight game with a sprained left ankle. The sophomore didn't practice on Monday and doesn't seem to be on the verge of making a return."

Tar Heels did just enough to recover from sloppy start: "North Carolina committed turnovers on its first five possessions and nine times in the first eight minutes of Sunday night's 103-93, double-overtime victory over Clemson at the Smith Center."

Pagano leaves Heels: "Chuck Pagano has resigned as North Carolina's defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach to become an assistant coach with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens."


Virginia
UVa Insider: No excuses-mentality needs to extend to recruiting



Virginia Tech
Jeff Gilbertof the Roanoke News: A sudden shift in expectations



Florida State
Seminoles need lift from youth: "While it's not definite Isaiah Swann is going to miss Thursday's FSU men's basketball game against Wake Forest, coach Leonard Hamilton is preparing for life without the senior sharp-shooter."

Godby's Downs chooses FSU:"Back in November, Willie Downs let it slip."


Georgia Tech
Star RB headed for Tech? : "Louisville's leading rusher Allen is leaving the Cardinals and could land on the Flats."


Duke
Duke tradition on the block : "If Duke beats UNC in basketball March 8, its students may not be able to burn a bunch of stuff in celebration." Terrible.....great tradition.

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Tuesday, February 12, 2008 |

Monday, February 11, 2008

NCAA Tourney on Demand

UPDATE: Apparently the service is free. All you have to do is sign up and it's yours. Thanks for the update, Alex.

It's about time CBS moved away from their old-school broadcast system. I know there are regional considerations for the broadcast partners, but I really don't want to watch Duke beat VMI by 40 in the first round of The Dance. And I don't care that UNC beats Alcorn State by 40 either. I'd rather watch Davidson try to upset Louisville in a 11 vs. 6 match-up. And so finally CBS will do the right thing:
CBS Sports.com, in partnership with CBS Sports, CSTV and the NCAA, today announced that in 2008, for the first time, its NCAA March Madness on Demand (MMOD) service would give users the ability to view all 63 games* of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship, from the first round of the tournament through the Men's Final Four® and Championship in San Antonio.
I may not buy the service myself, but I know sports bars all around the country will satisfy my basketball and basketblog jones-ing.

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Birkel at Monday, February 11, 2008 |

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage:
PHOTO: 53 years, and counting....wow.

Getting your mind right:
Blue Heaven: Memory lane calls Carolina fans for a stroll into the past: "Visitors to the new Carolina Basketball Museum, which opened Jan. 28, will find a slick, high-tech temple celebrating 97 years of UNC basketball. They can discover many tidbits worthy of a sports version of Trivial Pursuit.The UNC basketball legacy includes five national championships, 16 Final Four appearances, Hall of Fame coaches and such storied players as Lennie Rosenbluth, Phil Ford and James Worthy - the kind of legacy that would interest any serious fan of college basketball."

Doug Doughty of the Roanoke News: Overflow roster not cutting it for Cavs: "Less than one year after his selection as ACC coach of the year, Leitao has lost his magic. The Cavaliers, who tied for first in the regular season last year, sink deeper into last place with each successive outing."


The conference headlines:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Heels' unlikely rally shows divide in ACC

Dascenzo: This one will hurt the Tigers for a long time to come: "Oh-and-53. They will be saying the phrase now for another year, but this one probably hurts more than the other 52."

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: Tigers unable to capitalize after splendid early effort

Tim Stevens of the Raleigh News and Observer: Finally, good news for ACC


North Carolina
UNC's streak survives : "Playing without point guard Ty Lawson, North Carolina comes back from a 15-point, second-half deficit and pulls away in the second overtime."

UNC rallies past Clemson: "It was almost as if North Carolina’s confidence hung in the balance. And Roy Williams sensed it. North Carolina’s coach didn’t stomp his feet or punch the scorers’ table as Clemson built an 11-point halftime lead on Sunday evening at the Smith Center and pushed the advantage to 15 points in the second half. Instead, Williams gently encouraged his troops, who he thought were “tentative” and “timid” four days after a discouraging loss to Duke."



Clemson
Clemson Woe and 53: "Hansbrough leads No. 3 Tar Heels past Clemson 103-93 in double overtime. K.C. Rivers stomped his heel in frustration after Clemson’s last gasp.
Clemson basketball postgame: "KEY MOMENT: Up 79-70 with three minutes remaining in regulation, Clemson yields a 9-0 run, capped by a pair of Danny Green 3-pointers, that pulls UNC within two, 82-80. Point guard Quentin Thomas then converts a driving layup with 0:25 left to force overtime."






Miami
McClinton's 19 leads UM past Virginia Tech-

Hocutt inspires plenty of hope: "He says he is the youngest athletic director in ''Division I-A,'' but those who know Kirby Hocutt insist he is anything but inexperienced."

Wright, McClinton the best of friends"Jack McClinton raced down the court, grabbed a pass just beyond the top of the key, and launched a three-pointer without hesitation. The University of Miami trailed North Carolina by 12 at the time, and the Hurricanes guard was determined to close the gap."

UM football season begins Thursday, Aug. 28


Virginia Tech



Georgia Tech

Jackets face tough ACC start: "Coach Paul Johnson's first two ACC games will be road contests vs. BC and Virginia Tech."


Florida State


More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, February 11, 2008 |

Friday, February 08, 2008

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys.com: Stogie Reviews: La Aroma de Cuba Monarch


Michael Wilbon - Shaq Brightens Suns: "Despite having the best record in the West, the Phoenix Suns needed a spark and it arrived Thursday in the form of Shaquille O'Neal."



The conference headlines:
Dascenzo: Win pushes Duke further ahead in ACC : "Look what’s obvious about Duke’s basketball team: It’s entertaining style, chock full of perimeter pressure and 3-point shooting, not only is alone in first place in the ACC, but continues to bring an element of surprise to every game."


Clemson
Rivers burns Cavs with 3s: "Tigers, who led by as many as 38, gain biggest road victory in ACC play. "Sizzle" had it working, and he smoked Virginia. Teammates call K.C. Rivers "Sizzle" in practice, and he lived up to the moniker Thursday night, using his sweet stroke to hit eight 3-pointers and score a career-high 32 points as sharp-shooting Clemson embarrassed reeling, inept Virginia 82-51."

Clemson leaves Virginia in ruin:"The Tigers get their most lopsided ACC road win ever as UVa struggles on defense."

Clemson gets commitment for 2009: "Clemson picked up an oral commitment from Sumter High running back Roderick McDowell Sunday. McDowell, who ran for 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns, chose the Tigers over South Carolina and Kentucky."


Virginia
Cavs Hit New Low: "Virginia slogs through its ugliest loss in a season full of them, a shield- your-eyes, 82-51, defeat at home to Clemson on Thursday night."


U.Va. looks inward after stunningly inept effort :"A players-only meeting was called after an 82-51 loss to Clemson extended the Cavaliers losing streak to five games."



Duke
Center rises out of Krzyzewski's commitment : "New building stands as a testament to coach Mike Krzyzewski's contributions to Duke and what many acknowledge is the power he wields there after 28 years and three NCAA titles."

Devils' first reaction to facility? Wow: "Even with construction constantly going on next door to Cameron Indoor Stadium over the last 18 months, Duke’s basketball players were too busy building toward their own goals to really notice."


Florida State
FSU's Swann out indefinitely: "Florida State basketball guard Isaiah Swann will be out indefinitely because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee."


Wake Forest


North Carolina
Straight to the point: Heels missed Lawson: "Quentin Thomas' numbers from Wednesday night's 89-78 loss to Duke at the Smith Center don't reveal the full scope of his performance."


Virginia Tech



Georgia Tech
ECI's Lanier commits to Tech: "Jackets score with junior defensive tackle, who is ranked as 20th best nationally by Rivals.com."




Miami
Hocutt expected to be named Miami athletic director: "The University of Miami will name Kirby Hocutt the new athletic director Friday at a press conference. Hocutt, 35, is a former All-Big 8 linebacker who spent the past two years as athletic director at Ohio University and six years before that as a fundraiser at the University of Oklahoma."




Florida State
Mike Bianchi: Appropriately, a cheat sheet for FSU's AD : "Perhaps it is only coincidence that new Florida State Athletic Director Randy Spetman is a retired Air Force colonel who was once in charge of the European nuclear weapons arsenal."

'Noles hope signees will be ready fast: "Bobby Bowden's reputation as a closer never came to play on Wednesday. The veteran Florida State football coach didn't mind one bit. FSU didn't need another dramatic finish to make this 2008 recruiting class the one that may help the Seminoles return to..."
Bowden likes the way FSU's schedule shaping up: "Given the circumstances of being without as many as 12 scholarship players for the first three games, FSU football coach Bobby Bowden is fine with the opening 2008 football games."

Madison's McDaniel a 'Nole: "The 2009 Florida State recruiting class has officially started with a bang."

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Friday, February 08, 2008 |