Friday, June 26, 2009

A Return for the Draft

Wow...that was some break we took and we needed it!!!! Here is a little recap of last nights NBA Draft.

ACC has 7 first-rounders
Duke wing Gerald Henderson was the first of seven conference players taken in the first round. He was chosen 12th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough went 13th, the first of four Heels to go in the draft.

NBA draft: Pick-by-pick analysis
As expected, the Los Angeles Clippers took Oklahoma's Blake Griffin (above) with the first overall pick in the NBA draft Thursday night. Memphis selected Connecticut's Hasheem Thabeet with the second pick and Oklahoma City took Arizona State's James Harden at No. 3. In the second round, two players with local ties -- Georgetown's DaJuan Summers (McDonogh) and Miami's Jack McClinton (Calvert Hall) were picked by Detroit and San Antonio, respectively



Michael Jordan interested in buying Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats are for sale and Michael Jordan is interested.


Meet your new Hawks
Atlanta finalized its deal for Jamal Crawford (left), then picked up Jeff Teague from Wake Forest in the draft.

Wizards Will Regret Rubio
MICHAEL WILBON The Wizards' draft-night dream could have come true if they'd held on to the No. 5 pick and taken Spanish guard Ricky Rubio.



Duke
Williams could help Memphis
If the decision to relocate closer to home means Duke's Elliot Williams will soon play basketball for Memphis, it would be another sign the school easily can survive the losses of coach John Calipari and player Tyreke Evans, plus possible NCAA sanctions.

New Devil serious about workouts
Desmond Scott arrives at Duke today for the start of his college football career. He'll unpack, meet his roommate and start classes on Monday.

NC State
NCSU builds on success
N.C. State's success in football recruiting this spring and summer was a factor in the Wolfpack getting a commitment from 6-foot-2, 315-pound defensive lineman Thomas Teal on Wednesday.


Boston College
QB backs away from BC
The ever-changing quarterback situation at Boston College was jolted again when Joe Boisture, the junior from Saline, Mich., backed out of the verbal commitment and switched to Michigan State.


Clemson
Like cousin, like brother
While Clemson forward Trevor Booker and younger brother Devin are visiting Serbia and Clemson, respectively, their mother Tracey will be elsewhere.

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Friday, June 26, 2009 |

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Return of the Daily Roundup: Monday

Sorry folks, had to take some time away from the blog. So here we go.....

Getting your mind right:
GREG COTE of the Miami Herald: Former Virginia Tech QB Vick deserves a chance

Mr. College Football: ACC Atlantic: What we still don’t know
Race City USA etches its passion in granite: "Mooresville creates a walk of fame for great NASCAR drivers on Main Street."

Dan Shaughnessy : "Imposing man, even bigger shot - It's the one you shoot in the driveway every day when you are a kid. You do this even if you are a big fella and everybody wants you to play close to the basket. "

The conference Headlines:
ACC teams' academic progress

Some question ACC lodgings: "Conference officials hold spring meetings at The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in Florida."

ACC faces big changes

Dan Wiederer of the FayObserver - John Wall carnival still rolling on

Mark Bradley of the AJC: Bradley’s Buzz: More bad news for Georgia Tech hoops


Duke
Devils' Gerald Henderson to sign with an agent: "Duke junior Gerald Henderson intends to sign with an agent and thus eliminate the possibility that he would return to school, according to a FoxSports.com report, but a Duke official said that Henderson is yet to do any official."

Devils still in contention: "Duke standouts Matt Danowski and Zack Greer rank as the all-time points leader and the all-time goals leader in Division I men's lacrosse history."


North Carolina
Tar Heels to meet Obama today : "One of the perks of winning a national championship is a meet-and-greet with the president. Today, UNC's men's basketball team gets its moment with President Barack Obama."

Nicks impresses Giants at minicamp


Georgia Tech
ACC hosts Orange Bowl in new schedule

Murton finds his sweet spot

NCAA academic progress: Tech hoops fails; UGA passes

ACC teams' academic progress

ACC baseball tournament moved from Fenway

Dogs, Jackets adjusting to life in NFL

The stars of spring in the ACC, SEC


Clemson
Recruiting: Manning DB favors Alabama
USC and Clemson will have to come from behind if one of them is going to land standout defensive back John Fulton (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) of Manning.

Tigers switch up duties to reflect new philosophy : "Together, Clemson's Billy Napier and Kevin Steele form a combo that appears to devote substantially more of their attention to recruiting than any other coordinator duo in the ACC, and perhaps most in the Southeast."

Big third inning boosts Tigers : "Clemson scored eight runs on eight consecutive hits in the third inning en route to an 11-3 victory against UNC Wilmington at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Saturday night."

Clemson tennis routs Tar Heels

Tigers ground Seahawks


NC State
Pack stops Heels: "To keep its slim hopes alive for a bid to the ACC baseball tournament, N.C. State had to pull off the improbable: win its third ACC series of the season against one of the country's top-ranked teams." Big win for the Pack...

Miami

Wall gives UM high marks after visit : "The Miami Hurricanes took their best shot at the nation's No. 1 available basketball recruit this weekend. So, did staying on South Beach and hanging out with Jack ..."


Lamar Miller is scary fast : "Lamar Miller hasn't had a conversation with a University of Miami coach since he attended the spring game last month. It's not because Miller is mad at the Canes, or the ..."


Why John Wall should pick Miami before going pro : "In a little more than a year, John Wall will walk to a podium in New York City, shake NBA commissioner David Stern's hands and walk out a happy 20-year old millionaire. ..."

Virginia Tech
Hokies land 2nd quarterback

Virginia Tech: Players did nothing wrong

Virginia Tech lands star quarterback from D.C.

Tech basketball aide resigns post

Dr Pepper case nets probation

Hokie women add 1

Tech basketball aide resigns post

Dr Pepper case nets probation

Hokie women add 1


Wake Forest
Focus On Golf: Deacs ready for NCAA Regionals

Just for Kicks: Swank, ex-kicker for Wake Forest, to try out for Eagles


Florida State
Florida State softball falls to Georgia Tech in ACC title game »

FSU football right on target in recruiting for 2010 class »

FSU women's tennia falls to Florida in NCAA Tournament »

Live blog: FSU baseball at Georgia Tech »

Seminoles tennis lands in Sweet 16 »

Gast FSU's unsung hero in win »

FSU rallies past Ga. Tech »

A New Orleans adventure for the Seminoles in 1983 »

FSU women's tennis advances »

Former Lincoln standout helps 'Noles tennis into Sweet 16 »



Virginia
Phillips goes to Dallas in second day of draft

Jaguars select Virginia OL Monroe in NFL draft

Virginia's Eugene Monroe: Best yet to come in NFL draft?

Virginia coach Bennett quick to address tempo

Williford back with UVa

Bennett's dad led to McKay hiring

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, May 11, 2009 |

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Sports Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
From basketball to NFL?: "Greg Paulus hasn't played a down of college football, but the Duke basketball player worked out for the NFL's Green Bay Packers last week." This should be interesting.....


The conference headlines:
John Wall may be eligible for NBA draft: "NBA spokesman Tim Frank told Tom Ziller of fanhouse.com that if Wall applies for 2009 draft eligibility, the NBA will do its "due diligence to determine his eligibility.""

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: NFL should give a look to ACC backs in 2010 "After a long wait that's likely to continue later this month, ACC running backs are on the verge of regaining significant popularity with NFL scouts."

Wake Forest
Curry invites Alabama youth recovering from cancer to come to New York with him for NFL Draft: "When linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest realized that he would be one of nine players invited to the NFL." He better do something after that stunt he pulled in SI last week listing "North Carolina Basketball" as his favorite team. Class act....way to rub your fans and school's faces in it, Aaron



Georgia Tech
Jackets wrap up practiceTech will strap on pads on Wednesday for last time before Saturday's T-Day game.

Aminu boosts NBA chances: "Hartstein: Former Jackets big man impressive during last weekend's Portsmouth Invitational."


Miami
UM's Santana shuts down FAU, again: "Florida Atlantic University's frustration with playing the University of Miami in baseball continued Tuesday night. The Hurricanes used a strong pitching performance from Jason Santana to shut down the Owls 3-1 in front of 1,603 at Alex Rodriguez Park."

University of Miami tennis star follows family tradition: "UM's Julia Cohen, one of the top collegiate tennis players, is following a family tradition of champions."

UM splits doubleheader against Clemson: "The fifth-ranked University of Miami baseball team hit three home runs, and it held on to defeat Clemson 12-8 on Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader in Clemson, S.C."

Matt Sanders' bat lifts Clemson past Miami Hurricanes: "Matt Sanders went 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBI to lead No. 20 Clemson to a 9-6 victory over No. 5 Miami on Sunday in Clemson, S.C."

Intruders breaching UM's local recruiting wall : "Cover your eyes Canes fans, or just turn away. What you are about to read might burn your eyes and cause your blood pressure to rise. Consider this your final warning. ..."

FSU series has evolved into real dislike : "Florida State and Miami are rivals when it comes to every sport. But there may not be more real hate involved in any of them moreso than in baseball. At least that's ..."

A chat with Kirby Hocutt & more : "Two weeks ago when the University of Miami was on the road in the NIT at Providence, I got a chance to catchup with athletic director Kirby Hocutt and pick his mind on a ..."


Florida State
Florida State offense torches Andrews' defense: "Florida State Seminoles football notebook: Offense torches Mickey Andrews' defense Twenty minutes after Florida State's final spring practice, defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews trudged off the practice fields Wednesday afternoon and met reporters."

Ranking the state's top NFL draft prospects: "Though UM's streak of 14 consecutive NFL Drafts with at least one first-round pick will end, at least a half-dozen in-state players likely will be selected April 25-26. Sporting News draft analyst Russ Lande, an ex-Browns scout, ranked for us the top 10 in-state prospects and projected round:"

FSU's receiver Rod Owens suspended after DUI charge: "Florida State's already-depleted receiving corps took two more hits Monday, as senior Rod Owens was suspended indefinitely and the NCAA denied an extra year of eligibility for senior Corey Surrency."


North Carolina
Scouts: Hansbrough is still 1st-rounder - "North Carolina senior Tyler Hansbrough shouldn't worry too much about what pro scouts think of him."




Virginia Tech
Professional wrestling helped change Hokie LB Jake Johnson: "Virginia Tech linebacker Jake Johnson shows off the large tattoos on his arms. The sophomore-to-be saw action in 11 games last season as a true freshman."



Virginia



Clemson
Tigers' big bats rip the Catamounts :"Jeff Schaus, Ben Paulsen, and Kyle Parker combined for nine hits and seven runs to lead Clemson to an 11-1 victory against Western Carolina in front of 1,249 fans at Hennon Stadium on Tuesday."

Clemson football: 5 issues to solve : "Dabo Swinney jokes he was so flustered with Clemson’s place-kickers early in spring practice that he nearly set up a table at the local grocery store to recruit more kickers." Gallery: Clemson spring game 2009

Check back on QB situation in 3 months :"It is premature to project Kyle Parker as the team’s starting quarterback come August, much less lock him into the spot. That’s not a vote for Willy Korn, either."

Baseball pregame: Clemson vs. Western Carolina : "Clemson (23-12) vs. Western Carolina (20-12) WHEN: 7 p.m. today, Hennon Stadium, Cullowhee, N.C.; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Clemson"

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Wednesday, April 15, 2009 |

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Tar Heel Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Photo: Congratulations to the North Carolina Tar Heels, National Champions for the 5th Time.

Getting your mind right:
Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: Tar Heels' hallmark is staying power: "In the last four years, Carolina quietly has separated itself from the rest of the ACC, Duke included. And it didn't take the Heels long to put some distance between themselves and Michigan State, not to mention its hordes, last night."




Goal reached in emphatic fashion: "After North Carolina dashed past Michigan State and everyone else to the national basketball championship, the best description of the 2008-09 Tar Heels' superiority remained the words spoken by Brad Greenberg way back on March 18."


The Conference Headlines
North Carolina
Not even close: UNC rolls to title : "No matter the outcome of Monday's game, Tyler Hansbrough -- one of the most decorated players in school history -- would have left UNC a winner. But by helping shellac Michigan State 89-72 at Ford Field, he finished his career with the pride of being a national champion."

Return engagement ends perfectly : "Bobby Frasor remembers hearing it from the moment Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green announced on June 16 they were returning for the 2008-09 season instead of leaving for the NBA."

Heels fulfill their destiny : "At North Carolina, basketball has long been about winning championships, clipping nets, hoisting trophies and hanging banners."

Full Throttle: UNC wins fifth title, and second under Williams: "North Carolina's battle-scarred veterans won the one significant game missing from their resumes, defeating Michigan State 89-72 last night in....."

Tar Heels Roll to Fifth Title (Washington Post): "North Carolina completely dominates Michigan State on a near home court for the Spartans, cruising to an uneventful 89-72 win for its fifth national title in school history."


High Heels (Boston Globe): "It was party time for Tyler Hansbrough and his North Carolina teammates after they romped past Michigan State for the NCAA championship."

Lawson steals show: "Throughout Ty Lawson's career, coach Roy Williams has said the North Carolina point guard was only scratching the surface of his ability to be disruptive as a defender."
Jordan speaks on title: "Since he didn't do it when North Carolina won the 2005 national championship in St. Louis, Michael Jordan did not plan to speak to the Tar Heels before they played Michigan State on Monday night for the NCAA title at Ford Field."

Lawson grabs his award: "All eyes were on point guard Ty Lawson's grasp on the Cousy trophy Monday morning when he accepted the award for the nation's best point guard."

UNC seniors end their careers with a flurry: "Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green and Bobby Frasor were entrusted as stewards of the North Carolina program back in 2005, baby-faced freshmen coming to a school that had just won its fourth NCAA championship."

Tar Heels all contribute in NCAA championship win: "As is tradition, every North Carolina player got the pleasure of climbing the ladder and snipping a section of the net after the Tar Heels claimed the NCAA championship Monday night."

NCAA Champs: "Tar Heels dominate Spartans to win title."

It was a game to remember: "It was there in Danny Green's head-bob and smile during pregame introductions. It was there in Tyler Hansbrough's clenched-teeth chase of the game's opening tap."







Other Conference News

Clemson
USC, Clemson rivalry offers no rest : "If Clemson and South Carolina were looking for a respite from their weekend series against two of the toughest college baseball conferences in the country, they will not find it this week."

Steele tries to mix, match LBs : "Before spring practice kicked off last month, new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele planned to mix and match Clemson’s returning linebackers at the three linebacker spots in his scheme."

Golf: Clemson men leads U.S. Collegiate : "At Alpharetta, David May fired a five under par 67 on Sunday to lead Clemson to a five under par team score of 283 and a one shot team lead after the first round of the United States Collegiate at the Golf Club of Georgia."

Tennis: Tiger women blank Boston : "At Clemson, senior Alexandra Luc won in straight sets in her final regular season match at the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center, and Clemson posted a 7-0 victory against Boston College. ..."


Georgia Tech
Want to return punts at GT?: "Hartstein: Auditions for punt returner continuing as Jackets look to improve at key position."


More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Tuesday, April 07, 2009 |

Monday, April 06, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Championship Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
PHOTO: The winner of the Lawson v. Lucas matchup will determine the outcome.

Getting your mind right:
Hansbrough can cement place in Tar Heel history: "Tyler Hansbrough's career will be defined by 40 minutes. For better or worse. Like it or not."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Running final lap to title: "It's all simple in North Carolina's camp. Unlike opponent Michigan State, the Tar Heels aren't on a profound socio-economic mission tonight to make folks back home forget slumps."



Rochelle Riley of the Detroit Free Press: Thanks, Spartans! We really needed this: "Thank you, Spartans, for more than you know. Saturday's victory tasted sweeter because we've been counting them on one hand lately. This was the second stimulus package that we needed."

John Feinstein of the Washington Post: Final Has an Epic Feel: "Monday night's championship game has all the makings of a David and Goliath classic."

MITCH ALBOM of the Detroit Free Press Pride not pity should be legacy: "It will not save us. No basketball game can do that. No matter who wins tonight, Tuesday morning the jobs still will be gone, the factories still silent and empty, the houses still for sale or abandoned altogether."

MICHAEL ROSENBERG of the Detroit Free Press: The Spartans are underdogs, but does that mean they don't have a chance? :"I have a theory about upsets: They usually aren't as big as we think they are. One team gets overhyped. (Typical headline: "These guys make Superman jealous.") The other team, the underdog, is outstanding, but people don't realize it yet."

It could be another Magical moment for Michigan St.: "All of the following scenarios would work for Michigan State tonight when it plays for college basketball's national championship against North Carolina at Ford Field."

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: Hansbrough spurs bull sessions: "He is the most recognizable player on the most recognizable team. All college basketball fans have their feelings about North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, and they're not always favorable. He has taken the baton from J.J. Reddick as the Man You Love To Hate."

Lucas and Lawson drive their teams with dazzling quickness : "Ask North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of Kalin Lucas and he doesn't hesitate. "Speed," Lawson said."

Tudor's Take: Title game thoughts


The Conference Headlines:

Falling short in NCAA: "Even if North Carolina gives the ACC its second national championship in five years tonight, the NCAA Tournament continues to produce evidence that the conference isn't as good as it was before it added a 12th team in 2006."


Who's worth their salary?: "ACC coaches continue to make big money. Who's earning their pay? Who isn't?"



North Carolina
For Heels, the dream is now : "The Tar Heels face a Spartans team they beat by 35 points here in December. But Michigan State has since been lifted by the return of injured players and the hopes of an economically depressed city."



UNC goes after fifth NCAA title :"The Tar Heels (33-4), who are gunning for their fifth NCAA championship (and second in five seasons) always expected to be here. That was a motivating factor as to why seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green, as well as juniors Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, chose to put off the NBA for another year." Well....6th if you count the Helms Cup....



Lawson UNC's Brightest Star


'Embarrassing' Loss Solidified Spartans

Roy working hard to keep his Heels humble: "North Carolina can play dumb, ignore what December seemed to have illustrated in painstaking detail and pretend there isn't a gulf between the Tar Heels and Michigan State."

Reality Check: Lawson living out his dream: "There are players, and then there is North Carolina's Ty Lawson. There are dreamers, and then there is Ty Lawson."

End Is Near: UNC seniors seek fantastic finish

Hansbrough, Heels trying to go out on top: "You could see it in Tyler Hansbrough’s eyes late Saturday night. You know, those always intense, always focused, wider-than-the-Detroit River eyes? Only now, after North Carolina’s 83-69 Final Four beatdown of Villanova, Hansbrough’s trademarked stare had a new glint to it."

Roe nearly was a Tar Heel : "Two years ago, Delvon Roe found himself "a pen and paper" away from signing to play basketball for North Carolina, but earlier this season, he got an ink job in the form of a Michigan State tattoo just below his left shoulder."

A year building to this: "Tyler came back ... Ty came back ... Wayne came back ... Danny came back ... For this -- another shot at an NCAA men's basketball championship."

You can see it in their eyes: "You could see it in Tyler Hansbrough's eyes late Saturday night. You know, those always intense, always focused, wider-than-the-Detroit River eyes?"

Heels' haven't seen a close one yet this tourney: "Ty Lawson hates close games. "I don't like close games -- close games are a little more scary than blowouts and things like that," North Carolina's point guard said Sunday ahead of tonight's NCAA Championship game between the top-seeded Tar Heels (33-4) and second-seeded Michigan State (31-6) at Ford Field (WRAL, 9:21 p.m.)."

Taking Center Stage: Heels, Spartans are focusing on just one thing: title


Clemson

Golf: Clemson men leads U.S. Collegiate
At Alpharetta, David May fired a five under par 67 on Sunday to lead Clemson to a five under par team score of 283 and a one shot team lead after the first round of the United States Collegiate at the Golf Club of Georgia.

Tennis: Tiger women blank Boston : "At Clemson, senior Alexandra Luc won in straight sets in her final regular season match at the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center, and Clemson posted a 7-0 victory against Boston College. ... "

Recruiting: Rivals battle for defensive back recruit : "THE OFFERS ARE piling up for defensive back Bashuad Breeland (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) of Allendale-Fairfax, but this still looks like a Clemson-USC battle. He attended junior days at both and found something to like at each place."
Baseball: Leggett notches 700th win : "Deeming a four-run inning to be an offensive onslaught summarizes Clemson’s prolonged labors in the scoring department."




Georgia Tech

Favors committed to Tech: "Nation's top high school basketball player not considering UGA or Calipari, Kentucky."

More Travel with the Jackets: "Here's a guide to help fans plan for the Tech's 2009 football season and games away from the Flats."

Former Tech star has record-setting quarter

Safety Taylor tackles new role in defense

Defense misses shots during Tech scrimmage

Yellow Jackets O-line hit by injuries

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, April 06, 2009 |

Thursday, April 02, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Wall will consider UK, but he's still evaluating : "Coach John Calipari's move to the University of Kentucky doesn't necessarily mean that highly sought basketball recruit John Wall of Raleigh Word of God is bound for the Wildcats."

McDonalds Game - Favors comes up big: "Georgia Tech recruit Derrick Favors scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the East past the West 113-110 in the boys McDonald's All-American game Wednesday night."

A City Turns to Basketball: "Organizers hope this weekend's Final Four gives Detroit a boost that will serve as a prototype for cities hosting similar lucrative events."

Aaron McFarling of the Roanoke News: Now is the time for relevance to return to UVa basketball

Sammy Batten of the FayObserver: Duke pulls in top recruit for 2010

Wildcats in right place: "A week ago, they squared off against Duke in an East Regional semifinal. No problem for coach Jay Wright's Villanova Wildcats, as they blew past the Blue Devils, 77-54, earning a date with top-seeded Pittsburgh."

Peterson is asked to return: "Mountaineers offer their former coach a chance to succeed Fancher."


The conference headlines:
North Carolina
Heels have to be on guard :"The script has played out the same in all four North Carolina losses this season. Villanova has ultra-quick guards who excel at getting into the lane for easy baskets off the dribble. Their strengths mirror those of the four guards who shredded UNC." Yes, but the Heels no longer seem to be going under ball screens and getting burned for jumpers and quick dumps to the basket....they are fighting through those screens now.

Davis wins playing time with Heels, if not arguments:" Ed Davis and Bobby Frasor went back and forth at a team breakfast during North Carolina's East Regional in Memphis, arguing about what they'd do if they were in Jason Capel's shoes and their alma mater faced a school coached by a family member."

Less demand for Hansbrough at this Final Four: "North Carolina senior Tyler Hansbrough admits he felt a bit of relief Sunday evening when the Tar Heels finally captured the South Regional championship and booked a return trip to the Final Four."

Twice as Nice: Copeland, former Reynolds star, will be making his second trip to Final Four: "Mike Copeland is a career reserve at North Carolina, but he's one of the most fortunate players in all of ..."


Ginyard sits, watches, contributes : "Senior Marcus Ginyard sat amid the celebration in the North Carolina locker room on Sunday, a smile pasted on his face as he posed with his team's NCAA Tournament South Regional trophy."


NC State
Wolfpack progressing: "Near the halfway point of N.C. State's spring drills, with seven workouts completed, the improved play at defensive tackle might be the most unexpected development."


Virginia Tech


Clemson
Jamie Harper is slim, trim and ready :" Two side straps held the bottom of Clemson running back Jamie Harper’s practice jersey to rib level Wednesday, exposing his abdominal muscles and flat stomach."

Late pitching dogs Tigers : "Senior closer Matt Vaughn sat alone on the Clemson dugout bench before walking out for a hug from family members."

Tigers increase pay for Purnell, football assistants : "Football season-ticket renewals are in the process of being mailed, and Clemson athletic department officials have their fingers crossed the recession won’t make a major dent in revenue. That hasn’t stopped the Tigers from forking over more money to basketball coach Oliver Purnell and football assistant coaches.


Georgia Tech


Miami
Florida Sports Buzz: A peek in the UM huddle: "UM spring football and basketball postscripts: Though there were encouraging signs, questions linger about a defense that ranked 75th against the run and last (119th) with just four interceptions."

Prep basketball all-stars kept with their sport: "He has looked up to Kobe Bryant since he was 8, and dreamed of having his name on his own basketball shoe one day. Yet even Kenny Boynton Jr. had to go through what seems like a South Florida athlete's right of passage -- giving football a chance first."


Florida State
Future Seminole Snaer showcased on big stage: "With a national television audience watching this was a matchup Michael Snaer embraced."

FSU's Hamilton named nation's best coach »: Yes, because you would choose him over K, Williams, Calhoun, or Mr. CalWILDCAT. Whatever....




More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Thursday, April 02, 2009 |

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!


PHOTO: Heels bringing the "D"!!

Getting your mind right:
From Kentucky.com: It's official: Kentucky hires Calipari : "John Calipari has accepted the University of Kentucky’s offer to become its basketball coach, UK confirmed Tuesday night. College basketball’s leader in overall victories gained the coaching star power its fan base has craved for more than a decade." Wow....Kentucky is going to be working people again as soon as next season. Great, great hire by the Wildcats.


From the Memphis Commercial Appeal:
John Calipari won, recruited stars, graduated players and packed the house
Geoff Calkins: Calipari is just the operator he always was
Cal-culus: Some of John Calipari's accomplishments
Timeline of John Calipari in Memphis





College-Basketball Notebook: Another Florida coach gets top job at VCU

Looking Sharp: Wright, known for his fashion sense, shows he can coach: "For a guy who knows his labels, here's one that Jay Wright, Villanova's 47-year-old dapper dandy, might enjoy more than ..."


The conference headlines:

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Three issues at Final Four: "Three things to anticipate during this Final Four: Jim Calhoun dodging recruiting questions, ticket-scalping gone wild and an unlikely star emerging."


North Carolina

Heels find defense makes a difference : "After uneven efforts throughout the regular season, UNC has turned up its defensive intensity during the NCAA Tournament. One of coach Roy Williams' mantras has been that he's never seen a bad defensive team make it to the Final Four."

Tar Heels finally applying pressure: "Defense was supposed to be North Carolina's lone bugaboo this season, the one reason the Tar Heels might not reach the Final Four."

Heels to be on familiar ground

Heels head to Detroit tonight

Green's shooting stroke returns, as he knew it would

Queasy memory for Williams

Color a Heels win anything but blue: "Planning to paint your living room Carolina blue this weekend? Maybe you should hold off because you might not be able to buy the paint -- at least not in Chapel Hill."

Green's shooting stroke returns, just as he knew it would: "Sometimes it seems a lid is on the basket. Sometimes it seems an invisible hand is swatting your shots off the rim."


NC State

N.C. State's spring drills show improved defensive play: "With seven workouts completed, the improved play at defensive tackle might be the most unexpected development at N.C. State's spring drills."


Virginia
Virginia gets a gem: "Tony Bennett isn't Rick Barnes, Tubby Smith or Jeff Capel, but he is an excellent basketball coach and a great hire by Virginia." He'll have to show us...just not sure how that style of play is going to attract the type talent UVa should be getting.


Duke

Blue Devils focus on future: "One game over the course of a 37-game schedule shouldn't dominate the way an entire season is viewed, but for a while, the last image of Duke basketball will be a lasting image."


Georgia Tech

Tech coach could be good fit for Ga. Southern opening

Tech's Dietrich juggles success on, off field

Wide receiver Melton making strides

DE Peters making case to start at tackle

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Wednesday, April 01, 2009 |

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!

PHOTO: How does the one who wins ACC Player of the Year NOT make first team All American....but his teammate does? Not saying Hansbrough is undeserving, but ahead of Lawson? This is a classic case of hype vs. reality.


Getting your mind right:
Tony Bennett, meet the ACC: "We’re not sure if the snail’s pace basketball Tony Bennett used to become one of the nation’s hottest coaches in 2007 and 2008 will work at Virginia." He may turn out to be a fine coach, but we're REALLY disappointed that a school like the University of Virginia is to the point where Tony Bennett gets the nod.

Why CBS is making us fans night owls

Izzo has Spartans locked in: "Commit to a Michigan State team coached by Tom Izzo for the full four-year run, and you will play in a Final Four. Since Izzo took over in 1995, every recruiting class has made it to the Final Four once in its four-year cycle."

Woods vs. Nicklaus: "As Tiger continues to climb the sheer face of Mount Jack, only one question will really be left: If both were the same age, would Tiger really have thumped Jack?"


The conference headlines:

Hansbrough repeats as AP All-America

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal: "Wait Over: Heels finally have shot at redemption

Dan Wiederer of the FayObserver - Carolina still the best bet


North Carolina

Tar Heels winning big -- or too big? : "While the lopsided wins indicate North Carolina (32-4) is playing extremely well heading into Saturday's national semifinal against Villanova (30-7), they don't guarantee success in the Final Four."

Don't bet against Lawson: "North Carolina hopes to hit the jacket when it heads to Detroit this weekend for the Final Four. Maybe Ty Lawson can show the Tar Heels how."

Making Amends: Heels say that loss to Kansas in semis last year still hurts: "Very little upsets easy-going Danny Green, but one memory has gnawed at him often in the last year. And he's ..."


Duke

Wall visits Duke, keeps Memphis first : "John Wall visited Duke on Sunday and learned a lot about the basketball program from Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, but Memphis is still Wall's leader." This is also quite interesting....a kid with as many red flags around him as this one and Duke is hot and heavy on him? Perhaps the coaches know something we don't....perhaps he meets the supposed rigid academic requirement of the Basketball program....perhaps Coach K is feeling the heat and knows he needs a world class athlete to lead his charges. Perhaps.....

Duke gets proven commodity in Curry: "Future Duke wing Seth Curry might be as close to a sure thing as you can get in recruiting as a transfer from Liberty University."

Blue Devils land 4-star linebacker : "Duke has received a verbal commitment from Aramide Olaniyan, a highly touted junior linebacker/defensive end who picked the Blue Devils over a long list of strong suitors."


Wake Forest

Wake Forest defense will have a new look next season after losing seven starters


Maryland
Tracking the Terps: UM's $1 million promise fuels debate

Franklin received $1 million promise from Maryland


Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech spring football practice: Hokies back to work with high expectations


Clemson
Clemson's Steele upgrades 'bandit' position
First-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele prefaces most of his comments about Clemson’s new scheme by saying the defense wasn’t broken before — so it didn’t require a lot of fixing.

Purnell hints at shakeup : "In a nutshell, Oliver Purnell blamed defense for Clemson’s late-season basketball demise. Part of it had to with a drop off in intensity and focus."

Booker returns for final season






Georgia Tech

Wide receiver Melton making strides

DE Peters making case to start at tackle


Miami

Jimmy Johnson holds court at Hurricanes practice: "Former UM coach Jimmy Johnson was back on the sideline for spring practice, saying the current crop of Canes has `some tremendous talent.'"


Florida State

FSU senior guard Toney Douglas named third-team All-American: "Add All-American to the already impressive resume Toney Douglas authored in his final season as a Florida State basketball player."

FSU's offense shines in situational scrimmage »

FSU baseball set to face Florida »

FSU men's tennis falls to No. 1-ranked Virginia, 4-3 »

FSU'S Toney Douglas named third-team All-American »

Florida State's Goodman finally feeling good again »

FSU baseball completes weekend sweep vs. Terps »

FSU baseball takes two in Maryland »

Coaches see good signs at FSU football scrimmage »

FSU quartet lightning fast »

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Tuesday, March 31, 2009 |

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Basketball Coverage!!!
Photo: And then there were Four....

Getting your mind right:
David Dupree: It all comes down to four :"So now we're down to three -- conferences, that is. That seems to have been the focus for many people, especially pundits, during the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament."

Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post:Tournament Missing Upsets

From the Garden, a feast for the eyes: "The court at TD Banknorth Garden was homogenized. There was no parquet floor, nor were there any Celtics banners to give the place a feel of tradition. What carried the week, especially Saturday night, was the basketball."

Huskies cut celebration short:"By tradition, NCAA regional champions stage elaborate net-cutting ceremonies, with everyone from the leading scorer to the student managers climbing a ladder and taking a snip."


Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer-Tudor's Take: Behind the 72 points



Sammy Batten of the FayObserver: Coach K answers critics


The conference headlines:
Furman Bisher of the AJC: The Case of ACC basketball

North Carolina
Tar Heels head to Final Four : "Despite watching their star senior get outdueled by Oklahoma star sophomore Blake Griffin, the Tar Heels dominated the Sooners 72-60 with their depth, defense and dynamic point guard Ty Lawson."

Tar Heels shut down Sooners in Elite Eight:"Here was the golden rule to North Carolina's 72-60 victory over Oklahoma, the edict that helped the Tar Heels put the squeeze on the Sooners and advance to the 18th Final Four in program history."

Tar Heels Trounce Oklahoma: "Ty Lawson scores 19 points and Danny Green adds 18 to lead the top-seeded Tar Heels to a 72-60 win over heavily hyped Blake Griffin and Oklahoma in the South Region final."


Lawson in UNC's playmaking pantheon :"Entering Sunday's NCAA South Regional championship game, North Carolina's Ty Lawson had a modest personal goal."



Duke
Seth Curry decides to join the Blue Devils : "Seth Curry has found his new basketball home, and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has found a future scorer. Under NCAA rules, Curry will not be allowed to participate next season." Exactly what Duke needs....another shooter. Great for Seth....good kid, good family, good school.


Maryland
Seniors show off tonight :"Maryland and Louisville meet tonight at RBC Center with a women's Final Four berth on the line."


NC State
Holt brothers earn grant for foundation: "On the football field, Torry Holt gained fame catching passes. Brother Terrence Holt carved his niche as a defensive back."


Virginia


Clemson
Kornblut: Quarles clarifies his search process :"USC commitment Kelcy Quarles, a defensive lineman from Greenwood, sent a chill through the spines of Gamecock fans last week after he told a North Carolina fan Web site he was going to decommit and re-start the recruiting process.
Tigers."

Tigers' offense shines in first scrimmage : "Two Clemson defensive assistants declined interview requests as they sloshed off the rain-drenched field Saturday. Minutes later, the defense followed after spending 15 minutes running sprints as punishment."

Georgia Tech



Miami
New UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple adds creative touch: "New UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple and players emerged encouraged after spring practice, and with good reason. Safety Randy Phillips said this offense will be ''way more creative'' than last year's: ``We have an offensive coordinator with a great mind.''"

Spring game thoughts : "It's hard to really measure this spring game since I came away feeling like we only saw about 25 percent of UM's playbook, and about half of the."

Spring Game highlights, stats: "Greetings from Lockhart Stadium where the Canes are set to kickoff the spring game at 10:30 a.m. If you don't have CSS or don't have a radio."


Florida State








More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, March 30, 2009 |

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC BASKETBALL Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
What we learned in the first two rounds : "If North Carolina wins the national basketball championship, Roy Williams should send Louisiana State a thank-you card."


The conference headlines:
And then there were two: UNC, Duke: Road worriers in NCAAs - "There was no denying that the home court was an advantage for both UNC and Duke, particularly on Saturday."

LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - Rebound: Heels, Devils win for ACC

Dan Wiederer of the FayObserver - LSU’s defensive whiz no match for Ellington


North Carolina
North Carolina's Lawson hopes his injured toe will not hinder him in Friday's game with Gonzaga
: "A five-day period could determine how long North Carolina lasts in the NCAA Tournament."

Blue Devils stun top-ranked Heels: "The Duke baseball team took its first three-game series from North Carolina since 2001."


Duke
Special-K: Krzyzewski enjoying this Duke team


Maryland
Williams hopes more height helps Terps next year

Toy Department: The Conversation -- The state of Maryland basketball

More Hooping Below the Fold!

posted by Ed at Monday, March 23, 2009 |