The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

PHOTO: Bowling is not his thing, but Obama didn't look half bad during his scrimage with the Heels on Tuesday. See video. That was cool....but was it ok for Roy to be there? See story below

Getting your mind right:
Obama game odd but OK : "At issue is the timing of the informal scrimmage and the fact that UNC coach Roy Williams watched it from the sideline."

Four-team BCS playoff to get "thorough" discussion

Mike Wise of the Washington Post: Win One for the Owner: "Wizards owner Abe Pollin, 84 years old and suffering from a debilitating disease, offers his team inspiring words in preparation for Game 5." Very nice read.

Source: Brown to Coach Bobcats : "The veteran coach received a long, loud standing ovation from fans, guests and staff members who attended a news conference Tuesday introducing him as the new coach of the Charlotte Bobcats." Let's just go ahead and make alternative uniforms that are carolina blue and white and be done with it. More - Larry Brown a good hire for Bobcats

Karmanos' involvement to increase : "Having completed a hands-on restructuring of the sales force of Compuware, the software company he helped found, Peter Karmanos says he's going to try to do the same with the Carolina Hurricanes."

Paul's triple-double helps Hornets oust Mavs with 99-94 win : "Byron Scott accepted his NBA coach of the year award, then guided his team to the second round of the playoffs. Chris Paul had 24 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets held on for a 99-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night to win their first-round series in five games."

The Conference Headlines:

Who wins the ACC?: "Mr. College Football breaks down the '08 prospects for conference teams."

ACC seeks national dominance in '08

ACC and area free-agent signings

ACC will look at expanding basketball schedule: "ACC athletic directors plan next month to discuss expanding the conference men's basketball schedule to 18 games." Round robin ehhh.

ACC may expand basketball schedule: "Lack of NCAA berth may force league to push docket to 18 games. Amid concern over a lack of NCAA tournament at-large bids in two of the past three years, ACC athletics directors plan next month to discuss expanding the conference men’s basketball schedule to 18 games."

Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun: Dascenzo: Barth could be answer for Chiefs: "Last August, on one of the those sweltering and humid days, Connor Barth took a seat inside the comfort zone of the Kenan Football Center."

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: UNC Trio Make Right Decisions

Clemson
Spear: Fans see hope in '08 Tigers: "THEY CAME WEARING orange and optimism Monday night, and who can blame them?"

Coaches plan to hit recruiting trail this week: "THE SPRING EVALUATION period for college football recruiting is underway and USC and Clemson coaches plan to hit the road this week. Staffs are allowed four weeks of evaluation through May 31."

Tigers finish off Hokies: "Time will tell whether Clemson’s weekend success bears significance. But for a team clinging to hopes of prolonging its streak of 21 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, the Tigers get to hope for another weekend."

Georgia Tech

READY TO RUN THE SHOW?:"If you ask Mr. College Football, the key to Georgia Tech's football fortunes in '08 may rest squarely on the shoulders of QB Josh Nesbitt, who 'has the abilities to be the starter' according to new head coach Paul Johnson."

Johnson loses another player: "Offensive lineman says option not a good fit; will become 4th Jacket to transfer since coach's arrival."

North Carolina
Saturday shows patience pays: "There was a time when it appeared Indianapolis Colts All-Pro center Jeff Saturday would never get a chance to play football on Sunday."

Duke

Wallace Wade improvements put on hold: "Duke's first phase of improvements to Wallace Wade Stadium will have to wait until next year. The school had hoped to have the first of four new buildings that will house both a concession stand and restrooms ready for this upcoming season, but a delay in gaining approval for the project from the city of Durham will prevent that from happening."

Wake Forest

Deacs beat Jackets 7-5

Virginia Tech

Five Hokies sign free-agent deals

Two-grand finale: "Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher becomes the third pitcher in NCAA softball history to record 2,000 career strikeouts."

Miami

UM freshman pitcher garners ACC honor: "University of Miami freshman Chris Hernandez was named Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday -- three days after Hernandez gave up two hits and struck out 11 in eight innings during UM's 1-0 shutout of No. 16 Virginia."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!!

Getting your mind right:
Yesterday's NFL Draft Selections

ACC, SEC supply nearly half of first-round picks

Fifty selected from ACC and SEC on second day

AFC draft grades

NFC draft grades

Mike Wise of the Washington Post - A Poised Performance: "LeBron James's physical ability has nothing on his mental superiority, which he uses every spring to psychologically crush the Wizards."

Redskin draftee gets dose of reality: "Colt Brennan knew his stock in the NFL draft was falling, but he didn’t realize just how far he had dropped until late Sunday afternoon. The Washington Redskins drafted a punter, Durant Brooks, before they selected Brennan, a much-heralded quarterback from the University of Hawaii."


The conference headlines:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Time was right for Dawkins to make move

Duke
Duke assistant coach headed to Stanford: "Duke basketball icon and associate head coach Johnny Dawkins is leaving his alma mater to become the head coach at Stanford."


North Carolina
Williams not shocked by Green's decision :"North Carolina coach Roy Williams said Sunday he was not surprised by junior Danny Green's decision to enter his name into the NBA Draft but not hire an agent."

Heels take series with Noles in a walk : "After 10 innings, four double plays, three hits and three errors (by one player) for North Carolina, it may have seemed anticlimactic that the Tar Heels beat Florida State 2-1 on a walk."


Wake Forest
Three Deacons picked on draft's second day

Deacs beat Jackets 7-5


Clemson
Coaches plan to hit recruiting trail this week: "THE SPRING EVALUATION period for college football recruiting is underway and USC and Clemson coaches plan to hit the road this week. Staffs are allowed four weeks of evaluation through May 31."

Tigers finish off Hokies:"Time will tell whether Clemson’s weekend success bears significance. But for a team clinging to hopes of prolonging its streak of 21 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, the Tigers get to hope for another weekend."

Kansas City adds two Tigers:"Former Clemson offensive lineman Barry Richardson’s wait was longer than he hoped but not in vain. Richardson, touted earlier in his career as a likely high draft choice, was taken by Kansas City in the sixth round (No. 170) "

Merling sinks, swims to Fins:"For all the glasses clanging and the background conversations, the toasts likely stretched on an hour after former Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling was drafted by the Miami Dolphins."


Virginia Tech
5 Hokies taken on draft day 2


Virginia
Rams jump at Long

Like father, like son?

All eyes on UVa's Albert


Georgia Tech
Three former Jackets selected

COWBOYS CHOOSE CHOICE

Tech aides don't stop for spring

Tech's Hammonds ready to compete in stock circuit

Joe Hamilton joins Georgia Tech's football staff


Miami
Slow activity on the final day for Canes: "University of Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden of Fort Lauderdale was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 71st overall pick Sunday morning -- the eighth choice of the third round."

A look back at UM and the NFL Draft


FSU
FSU's Fluellen first to be drafted: "Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, selected by the Detroit Lions with the 24th pick (87th overall) in the third round, was the first Seminole selected."

FSU draft streak in jeopardy: "During their seven-year slide toward mediocrity, Florida State fans have found themselves wrestling with a classic debate. Is the talent no longer there? Or are the coaches not getting enough out of their players."


Boston College
Boston College football hits holes in McGillis spring scrimmage: "Questions. So many questions for the Boston College football team, which yesterday closed its spring drills with the annual Jay McGillis Memorial game."


NC State
N.C. State's Morgan headed to Kansas City


Maryland
Md.'s Quarterback Battle Unsettled

Tracking the Terps: Vasquez to decide soon about future

BREAKING NEWS: Lawson to Enter the Draft....

.......and not hire an agent. Prediction: Mr. Lawson returns to the Hill for the 2008-2009 season.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Forbes: UNC Most Valuable Basketball program in the country. Top five: UNC, Kentucky, Louisville; Arizona, Duke. Good read. NCSU comes in at #13.

Dunbar basketball : "Three Dunbar alums are making a documentary on the rich tradition of the boys basketball program. Find out about the film and view photos of Poet greats." Sounds cool...

Top first-round flops for each NFL franchise

NBA Roundup: Celtics romp past Hawks; Pistons even series

Three Mountaineers may be picked

Staying Patient: Earnhardt hasn't won since moving to Hendrick Motorsports, but the wait may end soon

Selling Point: Can NASCAR capitalize on Patrick's breakthrough IndyCar victory?

The conference headlines:

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Wake alumni shine

Frank Dascenzo of the Durham Herald Sun: 2008 season will tell a ton about Big Four football: "Nearly every college football coach I've met has told me that history means nothing. Dick Sheridan once told me that looking back is not always the smartest idea. Sheridan's wisdom was well worth listening to."

Terence Moore of the AJC: Tech's Johnson clearly in charge

Miami

FIU stuns top-ranked Miami: "The Golden Panthers, who were 16 games below .500, took the sting out of the Hurricanes' bats and hung on for a surprising victory, their first against UM since '04."

This and that: Shannon, Morris and more

FSU

State Attorney will prosecute FSU player Preston Parker on previous charge

Hands have joyful race at ACC meet

Boston College

Boston College Football Player Dismissed From Team

North Carolina
UNC's Balmer may go in opening round : "A year ago, defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer wasn't even listed as a potential free agent on some NFL scouting reports. Saturday, he could become the first North Carolina football player drafted in the opening round since 2002."

Coach: Tar Heels' trio still undecided: "UNC basketball coach Roy Williams says the process of deciding whether to declare for the NBA Draft has been harder than in previous years." The later it gets, the better news that is for Tar Heel fans.

NC State
On the record: Tom O'Brien : "With spring practice completed, N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien sat down Wednesday for questions and answers with staff writer Chip Alexander."

Spartans stun Pack in baseball: "The UNC-Greensboro baseball team rallied to tie the score with two runs in the ninth inning before beating visiting N.C. State 8-7 in 10 innings on Wednesday."

Virginia Tech
Life on the A-list: "Duane Brown's NFL stock has recently risen."

Air time for Hokies

Whitaker's TD is play of the day

Switching sides

Kansas signs ex-Virginia Tech basketball recruit

Clemson

Seeing is believing: "Clemson defender will work out for pro scouts on campus today to show how far he has come with his health — and his maturity."

Auditions set to fill talent gap: "The saying goes that if a team splits time between multiple good players at a specific position, it really does not have a great player among the bunch."

Georgia Tech

TECH IS NOT WRECKED:"Fear not, Tech fans: Mr. College Football contends that the weaknesses highlighted during the Jackets' spring football game are no indication of how well new head coach Paul Johnson is preparing his team."

Wake Forest
Deacons fend off Chanticleers to win 8-7

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Jake Long signs $57M deal with Dolphins, will be No. 1 pick : "Jake Long seemed at ease in his new role as the NFL's No. 1 draft pick, leaning into a news conference microphone to talk about his mean streak while his mother sat in the corner, nodding as she smiled."

MR. CFB: LEAVE BCS ALONE

Paul stepping up in playoffs: "Hornets star has 32 points, 17 assists in rout of Mavericks." Once a Star.....

A little home town love: A Waiting Game : "WSSU's Hayes eager to see if he gets drafted."

The conference headlines:

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: No spring in the step of ACC football

'Big Four' hopes spring optimism leads to success in fall: " Ask the coaches of the state's four Atlantic Coast Conference schools about spring football practice and familiar phrases litter their responses."

Florida State
Another Nole arrested: "Team MVP Parker charged with carrying a concealed handgun."

FSU's Parker arrested on gun and drug charges: "Leading receiver Preston Parker's future at Florida State could be in jeopardy after his arrest early Tuesday on gun and drug charges."

FSU players eye NFL success: "Leaving early for the NFL Draft has been a lucrative decision for Florida State's best defensive players the past few years. In 2006, linebacker Ernie Sims and cornerback Antonio Cromartie skipped their seniors seasons and cashed in when teams snared them in the top 20 of the first round. In 2007, linebacker Lawrence Timmons did the same, when Pittsburgh grabbed him at No. 15."

Postgame scene mars Canes' win: "The Hurricanes held off a late rally to win the series in a game that was held to seven innings, but the real fireworks began after the last out, when tempers flared and even some FSU fans got involved."

Maryland
Maryland football: Franklin's fresh approach

Ex-Terp Henderson feels all grown up

The Flip Side: Dropped ball

Recruiting Report: QB C.J. Brown discusses UM commitment

Virginia
Eyes on Albert: "The UVa offensive lineman is moving up on NFL draft charts."

Cavaliers air it out to wide receivers

Lalich gets competition

Groh removes J'Courtney Williams from Cavaliers

Georgia Tech

Tech QB deals with guilt, gratitude

Lessons learned from Jackets' spring practices

Gimme 5: Tech player's all-time favorite Braves

Radakovich: No signs of a drug problem with Hutts

Coaches look for 'red flags' with players

Hutts roommate stands by account to police

Tech's Booker adjusts to system

Clemson

Bowden off the hot seat: "Clemson coach, with job security, shows confidence team can win ACC title. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden sees one welcome change this fall — it will be his Tigers instead of himself in the crosshairs."

Clemson avenges loss to Western Carolina: " Three Clemson pitchers combined for a three-hitter as the Tigers beat Western Carolina 6-0 on Tuesday night."

Rivers withdraws name from NBA draft: "In the end, Clemson junior guard K.C. Rivers had cold feet about sticking a toe in the NBA draft waters. Rivers will return for his senior season, the school announced Tuesday, five days before the deadline for underclassmen to declare early entry."

Miami

UM's Campbell remains upbeat : "As a defensive lineman, Calais Campbell can only think of one occasion where he will have to run 40 yards during a game. And it's a situation defensive players want to avoid."

Shalala: Games will boost recruiting: "University of Miami president Donna Shalala said having the McDonald's All American High School Basketball Games on campus next year will help the Hurricanes in recruiting ``across the board.''"

Brouhaha follows UM's baseball win against FSU

UM men stumble in title match

Seminoles' bullpen stymies Hurricanes

NC State
N.C. State's Morgan working his way up : "When Wolfpack safety DaJuan Morgan first announced for the draft, he was projected as a fourth-round pick. But he steadily has moved up the board to a potential second-rounder and rated by some behind only Miami's Kenny Phillips at safety."

North Carolina
Son usurps UNC mascot throne : "After five seasons as the UNC Chapel Hill mascot, Rameses XVII was knocked from the throne by a head-butt from his own son Pablo."

Ackley, Holt help UNC baseball team remain hot

Tar Heels switch Taylor from offense to defense

Virginia Tech

Hokies' Royal Improves Draft Stock

Air time for Hokies

Whitaker's TD is play of the day

Switching sides

Tech tailback Darren Evans no longer an unknown

Duke

Tight end commits to Duke for 2009

WFU Original Reportage

The Old Gold & Blog is run by Zach. On Thursday Zach went to Wake Forest practice and wrote the following:

When I showed up to practice today at about 4:55, the offensive line was busy being directed by Coach Lobo in a game of Duck Duck Goose.
When I got the chance to talk to coach after practice, I of course had to ask him about it. “The bottom line in our football program is competition,” said Grobe, “so we try to compete as much as we can.”
Even Duck Duck Goose, Coach? “Yea! That’s the key! If you do that you’ve got a chance!” responded Grobe with a laugh.

That's the sort of reporting you simply cannot get from an MSM outlet. It reveals quite a bit about WFU's overachieving program. Furthermore, it tells you a whole lot about the type of man leading Wake's football program. Coach Grobe is doing a remarkable job at one of the smallest D1 programs in the nation and he deserves a lot of attention for his unconventional style.

Finally, it tells you a lot about the MSM. The sports market is so highly segmented and their target market so diverse that the MSM simply cannot report this sort of human interest story. A blog can devote a dozen column inches to their favorite silliness because the readers can scroll right past what doesn't interest them; no worries.

Anyway, we at the BasketBlog salute Zach's efforts. And if you, our readers, find a story from another blog that deserves attention, let us know.

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: We are Duke Football!!!

Getting your mind right:
Fans lose in cable, NFL war: "The most difficult assertion to accept is the league's claim that, by taking a few games off free television, it seeks only to attract more fans to its relatively new network."

What the heck: How about a little local minor league baseball news: A New Lineup: Baseball team will move to downtown stadium with different name, management and sponsors

UCLA's Love to go pro, Collison unsure

DIVERSIFYING: Earnhardt trying to expand beyond racing by opening a bar in Charlotte:Dale Earnhardt Jr. was dressed in his customary jeans, T-shirt and baseball cap, soaking it all in.Earnhardt, NASCAR's most popular driver, already sells cars and jeans among other products. Now, he was standing in front of reporters explaining why the color orange dominates his new bar. The mechanical bull was directly behind him, and the giant dance floor and stage were to his right." I understand that it's a good spot....need to go check it out.

Robbins heading to Hall?: "Dave Robbins, Hall of Famer? The former Virginia Union University basketball coach, who retired Tuesday, was nominated by VUU for the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007." Players of note he coached: Charles Oakley and Ben Wallace


The conference headlines:
Andrew Jones, The ACC Insider: In-state underclassmen should stay in school

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Final ACC Report Card, Part II

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Looking At ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News: 1 vote for a QB race to last till August


Duke
Cutcliffe's first spring at Duke is intense : "Duke football coach David Cutcliffe says the Blue Devils must become more consistent to end a string of 13 straight losing seasons."

Devils' Boyette carrying a revamped run game: "Duke's defense looked like a pretty potent unit when it came to stopping the run in practice last season. Consider the competition."

Cutlcliffe says Blue Devils are hungry : "Duke finishing up intense spring practice under its no-nonsense football coach."

Changes for Duke are going to start with Cutcliffe:"It has been 124 days since the culture of Duke football began to change. On Dec. 15, 2007, at a Yoh Center crying for somebody to show the Blue Devils out of a long dark tunnel, Duke ushered David Cutcliffe in as its head football coach."


Miami
UM guard Jack McClinton to return for senior season Owls to host 'Canes for 1st time since 2001 : "Florida Atlantic got a big bump in confidence after the Owls beat No. 1 Miami last week in Coral Gables." That's big news

Home run caps Hurricanes' comeback victory: "The University of Miami baseball team was down to its final out Wednesday, facing a pitcher who opened the ninth inning with two strikeouts."

Frank Haith Q&A (Part II) : "OK, I'm back again with the next installment of the lengthy interview with UM men's basketball coach Frank Haith.…"

DB no longer a DB? :"There are a couple reports out there saying UM sophomore Damien Berry has..."


North Carolina
UNC banquet could tell story: "If Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington remain mum about their futures at tonight's end-of-season awards banquet, it could be telling."


Maryland
Tracking the Terps : "Is Maryland guard Eric Hayes thinking about transferring? The Sun's Don Markus explains."


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Tech's dual quarterbacks still dueling

Attention span: "Following a solid spring, Tech tailback Darren Evans is no longer an unknown."

Kansas signs ex-Virginia Tech basketball recruit

Wisconsin to visit Virginia Tech in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Tech sweeps Liberty in front of huge crowd


Virginia
UVa Insider: More musings on Gus Gerard

Cavaliers Head to Atlanta for ACC Championships

Virginia Golf Team Begins ACC Play Friday

UVa Women’s Golfers Head to Florida for ACC Championship


Georgia Tech
TECH DUO DOUBLING ITS KICKS

Last practice before T-Day: "Matt Winkeljohn reports on a light workout Wednesday; talks to Paul Johnson."

Door's open for Barnes: "Linebacker who played sparingly in '07 expected to become a cornerstone of Tech's defense."


Wake Forest
Deacons hit three homers in 10-8 win


Florida State
FSU baseball defeats North Florida, gets respite before Miami

FSU basketball honors seniors in annual banquet

ACC meet still big for FSU men's track

Rynarzewska learns FSU tennis team ways

FSU men's tennis try to find winning formula in ACC


Clemson
Gamecocks lower broom on Tigers: "Clemson’s losing streak hits 11 in a row. Clemson’s batting order was shuffled. A veteran reliever made a surprise start. Coach Jack Leggett even dusted off yesteryear’s head-first slide into his huddled team during pregame introductions."

Clemson lands title games: "Williams-Brice Stadium’s run as host for the high school football Weekend of Champions ends this year."

Tigers will face Coastal Carolina in 2009: "The Clemson football team has filled its 2009 nonconference schedule by adding Coastal Carolina, officials from both schools said Wednesday."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

Williams sketch removed from john: "Kansas fans display forgiveness after win. Roy Williams is out of the outhouse. The large sketch of the former Kansas coach was removed from the men's room of the Downtown Barbershop on Monday where it had hung as a symbol of fan anger ever since he departed for North Carolina in 2003."

Winston-Salem's Davis Cup legacy grows stronger: "Another Davis Cup tie in Winston-Salem has come and gone. For those who still don't quite get it, the United States is 3-0 in these affairs, not 0-0-3. For those who do understand, especially for those who saw the U.S. beat France this past weekend to move on to the 2008 World Group semifinals, these weekends are starting to become a little like the family with three children. It's hard and unfair for the parents to pick their favorite."

Walker discusses disorder: "Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker once played Russian roulette with a loaded pistol as he struggled with a personality disorder."

John Feinstein: Golf Will Survive Without a Grand Slam by Woods

The conference headlines:
Dascenzo: Calm after hoop storm : "The culture of writing sports in the Triangle every spring comes down to one thing -- explaining basketball success. Or sometimes failure."

O'Brien noticing progress during second spring at N.C. State : "On the first day of spring workouts, North Carolina State's players made it all the way through an entire practice script."

The ACC Insider Andrew Jones: Tar Heels' future depends on lessons learned in the past

NC State

Pack quarterbacks battle for position : "N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien says redshirt freshman Russell Wilson has been impressive at quarterback. But the coach may not decide on a starter until days before the season opener against South Carolina."

O'Brien says Wolfpack on track: " N.C. State wrapping up spring football practice."

Florida State

FSU thinks QB E.J. Manuel is the missing puzzle piece : "E.J. Manuel is going to physics class and moving with speed because he has someplace to be and little time to waste, as usual. His is a different walk from those who take their time through the halls at Bayside High. Manuel steps with purpose -- a subtle strut befitting of perhaps the nation's best high school quarterback -- and he arrives at locker No. 719."

Florida State baseball pounds Boston College

Ex-Little Leaguer Stuart Tapley now starts for Florida State

From Andrew Carter's Chopping Block Blog:

Thoughts on the spring
More with Bradham, Amato
Nigel Bradham adjusting to great expectations, college life
Florida State fans: Are you ready to rock your face off?

Get over there!!!!

North Carolina
UNC trio might not hit lottery: "One NBA Draft analyst said Monday that basketball players Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington likely won't be lottery picks if they declare early." Totally believable...they are not Felton, May and McCants...they are a half step down from trio. You heard it hear first: If he can get his ball handleing together, Danny Greene has more NBA potential than any of these guys.

Kansas And Roy Should Move On

Duke
King commits to Villanova: "Former Duke basketball player Taylor King has committed to Villanova. King, who announced two weeks ago that he would leave Duke after his freshman year, told ESPN.com that he planned to enroll at Villanova in June. He could not be reached for comment."

Virginia Tech

Moving On: Hokies turn focus to ACC Championship

First love (football) pays off for Porch: "After turning his back on baseball, Dorian Porch will likely start for Tech."

Tech tailback Cheeseman breaks fibula

Clemson

Former Horn recruit at WKU signs with Clemson: "After a four-day courtship, Narcisse gives the Tigers a four-player class. North Augusta basketball player Bryan Narcisse is following Darrin Horn back across state lines but not to USC."

Georgia Tech

TECH'S NEXT GREAT LB? : "Sophomore linebacker Brad Jefferson has some big shoes to fill, but the man he's replacing, NFL-bound Philip Wheeler, left him with a few pointers."

Fumble-itis infects the Flats: "Ball security is just one of a "million" things the Jackets have to work on, says Johnson."

Miami

'Canes sweep Georgia Tech in doubleheader : "Blake Tekotte went a combined 7-for-10 with three homers and eight RBIs in No. 1 Miami's doubleheader sweep of Georgia Tech on Saturday."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Congats to the BC Eagles on their Ice Hockey National Championship.

Getting your mind right:

John Feinstein of the Washington Post: When Unfair Perceptions Meet Reality - Great read on the preceptions of the Memphis basketball program vs. the blue bloods. Not sure how we missed this.

Boston College Wins NCAA Hockey Title : "Nathan Gerbe no longer has to be a gracious runner-up. Twenty-four hours after missing out on the Hobey Baker award, the nation's leading scorer led Boston College to the NCAA hockey championship that had eluded the talent-laden Eagles the last two seasons."

At BC, a moment to savor: "After beating Notre Dame, 4-1, in the national title game Saturday night, the Boston College seniors in particular felt the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders."

For now, Spurrier has no reason to be cocky: "For Steve Spurrier, the struggles of the South Carolina football team didn't stop at the end of last season."

The conference headlines:

From the Above the Rim Blog: Elite talent missing from ACC in '07-08

Andrew Jones of the Wilmington Star: Final ACC Report Card Part I

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Heels could see a repeat of 2005

Duke

New Duke AD will face big issues: "Whomever replaces Joe Alleva as the next Duke athletic director will oversee a department that faces a big issue: When will basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski retire and how will he be replaced?"

Clemson
Clemson baseball Skidding Tigers drop 9th in a row: "Clemson ties the school mark for consecutive losses set 89 years ago. As much as the veteran players quietly hate to admit it, a sense of inevitable doom has crept into Clemson’s dugout."

Top QB prospect makes rounds in S.C.: "CLEMSON AND USC entertained one of their top quarterback prospects last week when Morgan Newton (6-foot-5, 215 pounds) of Carmel, Ind., passed through while on spring break. Newton was at Clemson last Tuesday where he met with Tommy Bowden and sat in on the quarterbacks meeting. Wednesday, Newton was at USC where he got a tour of the campus and facilities, and he met with Steve Spurrier. From meeting with Bowden and Spurrier, Newton believes both are seriously interested."

Baseball Stress fracture puts Johnson on bench: "Coach Jack Leggett has frequently suggested Clemson’s offense is missing that little something. That little something will be missing the rest of the season."

Harper shines in spring game tuneup: "Clemson quarterbacks Michael Wade, left tor right, Willy Korn and Cullen Harper perform a drill during the first day of spring practice Saturday March 8, 2008 in Clemson S.C.. Entering the 2008 season, Wade is listed as the Tigers' third-string quarterback, Korn second and Harper first-string. There were some exciting plays on offense, and the defense showed some glimpses of why they have the potential to be one of the ACC’s best this fall. But the overwhelming feeling after Saturday’s 16-7 Orange team victory in Clemson’s annual Orange and White game at Death Valley is that none of it really means anything."

NC State
Payne, Pond pound Devils: "Matt Payne and Ryan Pond drove in four runs apiece to lead the host N.C. State baseball team to a 12-7 victory over Duke on Sunday."

North Carolina

UNC coach loves to hit the links: "Roy Williams stands accused by his golfing buddies of being a serial sandbagger. How does he plead?"

Miami

'Canes sweep Georgia Tech in doubleheader : "Blake Tekotte went a combined 7-for-10 with three homers and eight RBIs in No. 1 Miami's doubleheader sweep of Georgia Tech on Saturday."

'Little Ice' is a cool customer: "Tim Harris, Beijing Olympics 800-meter hopeful, is known as ``Little Ice.'' His father, Tim Sr., Miami Booker T. Washington's football coach and USA Today's National Coach of the Year, is just ``Ice.''"

Offense needs more polish

Running game returns

Attention already coming for UM hoops: "Looks like UM coach Frank Haith won't have to worry about being picked to finish."

Faith in Haith:"The UM athletic department showed it fully supports basketball coach Frank Haith."

Wake Forest

Deacons knock off Hokies 3-2

Maryland

Olympics: Terps' Langhorne, Harper Asked to Join U.S. Team

Recruiting Report: Maryland weekly recruiting roundup

Virginia

Notebook: Petit Perseveres, Gets His Chance in Net for Virginia

Former Virginia basketball standout shares story of addiction

Leitao to demand defense

Cavaliers air it out to wide receivers

Groh removes J'Courtney Williams from Cavaliers

Virginia Tech

In an Instant, Message Has a Lasting Impact

Tech tailback Cheeseman breaks fibula

Tech running back Lewis sidelined

Leaner Thompson what Hokies need

QBs fair game for defense

Georgia Tech

Tech to mourn teammate: "Game against Ga. Southern postponed so team can attend funeral for pitcher Hutts."

WHEELER'S DRAFT VALUE HIGH

'Positives' in scrimmage: "Jackets fumbled just six times, but coach says, "there's still a million things we need to work on.""

Tech's Gardner had options, and chose to play

Florida State

Defense rules FSU's spring game: "With three-year starter Drew Weatherford on the sidelines with a knee injury, Florida State's spring game was supposed to be a chance for sophomores Christian Ponder and D'Vontrey Richardson to strengthen their cases for playing time this fall."

Ponder makes case to become starter at quarterback: "After three weeks and two full scrimmages, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher gave his strongest endorsement yet of sophomore quarterback Christian Ponder, who is trying to wrest the starting job from senior Drew Weatherford."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!


PHOTO: Tears flowed freely from Wayne Ellington after the humiliating loss to Kansas. Will he and some of his teamates return next year to finish the job?

Madness Monday:
Ultimate clash of styles : "Memphis will pit its offense against the Jayhawks' tough defense in tonight's NCAA championship game."

NCAA Championship: Memphis vs. Kansas


Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: Glue guy for Memphis sticks to dirty work


On Hoops from the Washington Post: Perceptions Meet Reality

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Calipari, Self underrated strategists



Former Mt. Zion teammates meet today for NCAA title: "The NCAA Tournament championship game is more than just the realization of a random dream for a pair of former Mt. Zion Christian Academy players that will oppose each tonight."

Calipari was courted by Pack in 2006

Jayhawks defense to face test


The conference headlines:
Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer: Final Four flop still stunning to Heels: "As North Carolina tries to recover from one of its most embarrassing Final Four flops ever, many questions swirl around the program."

Dascenzo: When one loss outweighs all those wins: "Roy Williams said his North Carolina basketball team had bigger dreams, but dreams sometime turn to nightmares. Over the last two seasons under Williams, UNC has won 67 games -- but the landscape of major college basketball isn't always measured in total victories."

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: North Carolina failed to answer the bell against fired-up Kansas

David Steele of the Baltimore Sun: Chalk knocked out of Heels

Andrew Jones, the ACC Insider: Riverwalk W/out The Heels

Heels' star honored: "North Carolina junior forward Tyler Hansbrough accepted two more national player of the year awards Sunday." We think he'd rather be playing than getting the awards....




North Carolina
UNC can learn from KU loss : "Like last year's meltdown against Georgetown, the Tar Heels hope this year's 84-66 domination by Kansas will serve as a catalyst." Lesson: Wear more padding in the seat of your shorts!!! What a beatdown.......

Dazed and Confused: Heels say their minds weren't right against torrid Jayhawks: "Marcus Ginyard could tell almost immediately Saturday night that something was wrong with North Carolina.Something was so wrong that it ended UNC's season in the NCAA Final Four semifinals in a stunning 84-66 loss to Kansas." Clearly.....

Upsetting end for Tar Heels

Hansbrough says he needs more time to think about his future

Tar Heels 'frustrated' by their loss to Jayhawks: "There were moments when it looked possible. Maybe the first was when Danny Green sprinted to the Kansas basket for a fast-break layup with seconds left in the first half."

Questions abound after UNC loss: "Only a week ago, it felt like North Carolina's season was just beginning. "We felt like we've been trying to get to this point since last year, since we were sitting in the locker room after the Georgetown game," junior forward Marcus Ginyard said before the Tar Heels disposed of Louisville in the East Regional final last Saturday in Charlotte."

UNC's Larkins an All-America: "Coaches pick senior for all-star team."


Georgia Tech

Johnson is 'embarrassed': "Afer scrimmage, new Jackets' coach assess, "Clearly, we don't know what we're doing.""

Fumbles mark Tech spring scrimmage

Full power ahead for Jackets blockers

Barrick odd man out of backfield

Jackets' offensive line preparing to move forward

Tech receiver 'didn't have the passion' for football


Clemson
Tigers unsettled at tackle: "Clemson’s starting left tackle position is open for all comers, and it might be the end of August before the right candidate fills the spot."


Florida State

Peter Tom Willis out at Florida State; De'Cody Fagg says he'll be back

C'mon Florida State - build the man an indoor practice facility

Second full Florida State scrimmage: Ponder separates himself

Former Seminole Stanford Samuels enjoying life in the CFL

Kansas-UNC game

Well, that was a miserable game for the first half. And the second half was fun for about the first 15 minutes. But Kansas was sure enough the better team.

To date, I've found this tournament nearly unwatchable. Here's hoping the championship is competitive the whole way.

I've not much more to say for some while.

Just In Case

If some of you get stuck at work for the Final Four there is hope!

SAN ANTONIO, TX, April 3, 2008 – For the first time, CBSSports.com, in partnership with CBS Sports, CBS College Sports Network and the NCAA^® will provide a live online broadcast of the Final Four and Championship game of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship via their NCAA March Madness^® on Demand video player. It will be the first time ever that a major U.S. sporting event has been shown live and in its entirety on the Internet.

CBS is doing a great job with this type of technological outreach.

Now...
If they'd just let me talk to them about Billy Stinkin' Packer...

How Many Five Year Olds Could You Take

This is a fun site. Basically, the question is how many fearless (zombie-ish) five year old children you could take in a fight. You're in an enclosed space and they'll keep coming relentlessly until they're knocked out or worse. Ed and I could both take 28 according to the site.

Tell us how many you could take in the comments.

28

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:

This is cool: Flash Presentation of the assent of the nations top four programs by wins: Kentucky, UNC, Kansas, and Duke.

Fox: Peppers will bounce back: "Carolina Panthers coach John Fox emphatically expressed his confidence Wednesday that defensive end Julius Peppers will return to form this fall after a disappointing season."

The conference headlines:

The ACC Insider, Andrew Jones: Williams can even up numbers with a title

Spears, Kaba to transfer from BC: "Boston College announced that sophomores Shamari Spears, a forward, and Daye Kaba, a guard, have been granted releases from their scholarships and will transfer."

North Carolina

Lawson at the wheelfor speedy Tar Heels: "UNC guard kept coach on road in 2005. If you're a basketball coach and you care a lot about what you do, there's a real problem with your job. It never ends."

Once a fan at the Final Four, Hansbrough now is the center of attention:"It was the morning after North Carolina's win over Louisville that reality set in for Tyler Hansbrough. The Tar Heels' star center was on the phone with his mom on Sunday, making sure that she made it home all right."

Men's Final Four: No stopping now for North Carolina's Hansbrough

Green Isn't Blue: "Forward says he's happy in his role as UNC's top reserveThe days couldn't be much better right now for Danny Green. He is the top reserve on the nation's No. 1-ranked basketball team, and he has helped North Carolina to 15 straight victories, ACC regular-season and tournament titles and the NCAA East Regional title. He will play in his first Final Four on Saturday night, when UNC meets Kansas in the national semifinals at the Alamodome in San Antonio."

Williams says he can't let his team be distracted: "UNC coach will be going against Kansas, his former school, in NCAA semifinals."

These Heels look a lot like the '05 Heels: "As Sean May watched the North Carolina basketball players matter-of-factly cut down the NCAA East Regional nets in Charlotte last Saturday, the former Tar Heels center felt a burst of deja vu."

Recruiting -- and practice -- brings North Carolina to Final Four:"Two days after North Carolina won the national championship in 2005, Roy Williams and Joe Holladay met at the Smith Center at the crack of dawn before they embarked on a three-hour drive to Virginia to see Ty Lawson at Oak Hill."

Searching for the Heels' soft spot? Keep looking :"What seems obvious about North Carolina’s Final Four team is that it has no weakness. And, it appears to be flawless at the right time."

Shorts story: Marine loves UNC: "Marine Cpl. Robert L. Rens hasn't changed his North Carolina-blue shorts since Selection Sunday, March 16, and he's getting lonelier by the day."

Duke
Alleva a finalist for AD job at LSU

Boston College

BC goes to Frozen Four:"Boston College pushed Miami (Ohio) to overtime, then netted the game-winner in the extra period and earned a trip to hockey's Frozen Four."

Virginia Tech

No racin' for Frank Beamer

Lewis eyes opportunity

Virginia Tech has high hopes for next season

Virginia

Groh removes J'Courtney Williams from Cavaliers

UVa linebacker Williams charged with larceny

Leitao to demand defense

Report: ODU got better CBI deal

CBI puts Virginia in the red

Clemson
Scott gains speed as he loses weight: "Defensive tackle likes results after motivating self to drop 20 pounds. Once Clemson defensive tackle Dorell Scott quit drinking the Kool-Aid, he got serious about his diet. Scott, a 6-foot-3 junior out of Ridge View High, has drawn rave reviews this spring in large measure because he does not measure as large.

Tigers' stuggles on offense continue: "A hurricane warning is in effect for Clemson’s baseball team. The Tigers’ cold offense left Doug Kingsmore Stadium after Wednesday’s 6-4 loss to Georgia and heads this morning to the No. 2-ranked Miami Hurricanes in a slump that could lead to an extending losing streak."

Georgia Tech

James Johnson leaves Tech: "Veteran receiver hampered by injuries tried to leave earlier; only 3 of top 9 pass-catchers back."

'TOUGH' JACKETS:"New coach Paul Johnson believes in an equal playing field. Like every other offensive player, quarterbacks Josh Nesbitt and Calvin Booker (above) have been taking their share of hits this spring."

Tech WR Donley transfering to Purdue

Miami

Fire at Miami's Orange Bowl quickly extinguished : "Miami fire officials say embers from a demolition project likely started an early morning fire at the Orange Bowl stadium."

UM defeats FIU in big way: "UM defeats FIU in big way, 13-2 The University of Miami went out with a bang in its final game at FIU. The No. 2 Hurricanes punished the Golden Panthers' pitching staff for a season-high 17 hits and trounced FIU 13-2."

UM freshmen stand out in spring game

Newcomers shine at UM scrimmage

UM freshman linebacker Spence knows defense like veteran

Judge tells detective to finish report on slain Redskin Sean Taylor, or else

Florida State
Is Everette Brown Florida State's next great defensive end?

FSU spring football: Old problems reappearing

Mel Kiper on Geno Hayes: No Derrick Brooks

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Salute to a champion during Championship Week. Whhhhhoooooooo!!!!

Getting your mind right:
AP All-America

A Run for the Ages: Davidson's dazzling streak of victories in NCAA Tournament inspired many

NCAA Tournament from the Washington Post: Pieces Are 'All There' For a Fantastic Finish

Historic final weekend in hoops

LSU sets tempo, knocks off UNC :"Most everyone figured LSU's top-ranked defense would manage to hold North Carolina's top-ranked offense below its season scoring average. No one could have dreamed that the Tigers would hold UNC below their average for points allowed."

Stanford Beats Maryland 98-87 : "Candice Wiggins checked off the one accomplishment missing in her career at Stanford -- getting the Cardinal back to the Final Four."

Lopez Twins Both Turning Pro: Not sold on both.....


The conference headlines:
Duke
King leaving Duke: "Taylor King won't be wearing Duke blue next season. The school announced late Monday that the rising sophomore will transfer out of the men's basketball program." Interesting......anyone have the scoop?


North Carolina
UNC 2008 mirrors national championship team of 2005: "UNC 2005 vs. 2008? Quentin Thomas and Will Graves were goofing around in North Carolina’s locker room the day before the Tar Heels disposed of Louisville and advanced to the Final Four."

The soul of 'Psycho T': "Be it Swahili, pedicures or sushi, Heels' Hansbrough hungers to develop himself. There are many things to like about Tyler Hansbrough. But one of the most important is this: He pushes himself outside his comfort zone."

Kansas holds a special place in Ol' Roy's heart :"Roy Williams allows kids to wear shirts with only two school logos at his North Carolina summer basketball camps: UNC or Kansas."

KU fans can't forget :"Saturday's UNC-Kansas game will be a lot about the two schools' coaching connections and about Roy Williams, who built KU into a national power but then left to restore UNC to national prominence."

5 years after Roy Williams left Kansas, Jayhawks get their shot : "Tucked snugly into a 100-year-old building in the middle of this college town's bustling commercial district is a place where hair is cut and a statement is made."