Thursday, March 31, 2011
Kansas ticket scheme: Ex-asst. AD jailed (AP)
A former assistant athletics director at the University of Kansas was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison for a $2 million ticket-scalping conspiracy so extensive that the judge cited the length of time it lasted and the economic damage it caused in rendering his decision. Rodney Jones of Lawrence fought back tears as U.S.
Report: Ex-Penn State coach being probed (AP)
Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State defensive coordinator known for his charitable work helping at-risk children, is being investigated by a state grand jury on allegations he indecently assaulted a teenage boy, a newspaper reported. Sandusky has not been charged. A grand jury examines accusations to determine if evidence warrants filing charges.
Buckeyes open workouts with questions (AP)
While Jim Tressel's NCAA violations hang like a specter over his program, the Buckeyes begin spring practice faced with a number of other key questions. Tressel says it's going to be "a little bit different team" on display during the 15 workouts which began Thursday. The Buckeyes, who went 12-1 last year, have been hit heavily by graduation, and also by suspensions -- with five...
CB Peterson denies payment allegations (AP)
Former LSU star cornerback Patrick Peterson says he "never had any type of relationship" with a man who runs a Texas-based recruiting service now under scrutiny by the NCAA. In a statement released by LSU on Thursday, Peterson says Willie Lyles of Complete Scouting Services had no influence on his decision to attend LSU and had no involvement with his recruiting process.
BCS considering dumping Fiesta Bowl (AP)
Fiesta Bowl officials have been quiet in the aftermath of a scolding from the head of the BCS who wondered if Arizona's scandal-ridden event is worthy of its status as one of the nation's four elite postseason games. Requests for a reaction were met with silence from Fiesta Bowl board chairman Duane Woods after BCS executive director Bill Hancock said the Arizona event must "follow...
Kansas ticket scheme: Ex-asst. AD jailed (AP)
A former assistant athletics director at the University of Kansas was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in prison for a $2 million ticket-scalping conspiracy so extensive that the judge cited the length of time it lasted and the economic damage it caused in rendering his decision. Rodney Jones of Lawrence fought back tears as U.S.
Calhoun has young Huskies in Final Four (AP)
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun joked before the Maui Invitational that not only did he not know what to expect from his team, he was still trying to learn their names. Four months later, he has the young Huskies in the Final Four, capping what might be the best coaching job of his 25-year career in Storrs.
Maine coach says she was 'fired without cause' (PA SportsTicker)
By CLARKE CANFIELD Associated Press
Purdue keeps Painter for $2.3M annually. (AP)
Matt Painter is back at Purdue. The coach returned to campus on Thursday, one day after the Boilermakers kept him as the men's basketball coach following a bidding battle with Missouri. The school said his new eight-year deal will keep him in West Lafayette through the 2018-19 season and pays him a guaranteed $2.3 million per year, with additional incentives based on academic and athletic...
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Dixon making most of last moments as a Husky (AP)
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma hoped for a little more fight from Lorin Dixon during her four years at UConn. Dixon entered the program a highly touted point guard out of Christ the King High School in New York, where she had made a name for herself dishing the ball to Tina Charles. Charles became a national player of the year at Connecticut.
Hofstra coach Cassara signs 5-year deal (AP)
Hofstra has signed first-year coach Mo Cassara to a new five-year contract through the 2015-16 season. The move was announced Thursday by Hofstra, which finished 21-12 in Cassara's first season. The Pride were 14-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association, tied for second. Hofstra reached the semifinals of the CAA tournament for the first time since 2006.
Missouri turns to backup plan for coach (AP)
Missouri needs to go to its backup plan in its coaching search after Matt Painter's decision to stay at Purdue. Mike Anderson left the Tigers last week to take the job at Arkansas. Missouri had offered a package worth about $2 million to keep Anderson and to lure Painter, the three-time Big Ten coach of the year, who ended up with an eight-year extension to stay put in West Lafayette, Ind.
Women's Final Four has decidedly local flavor (AP)
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer feels as if she's coming home to the women's Final Four. She played at Indiana, coached at Ohio State and won four Big Ten titles before turning Stanford into one of the most prestigious programs in women's basketball. Even her college coach, Bea Gorton, plans to be around for the games in Indianapolis.
4 Penn Sate athletes charged in scuffle (AP)
Police have charged four Penn State athletes -- two football players and two basketball players -- with disorderly conduct in connection with a scuffle at an off-campus apartment building last month. State College police Lt. Keith Robb said Wednesday they were among seven suspects charged with the summary offense following the Feb.
Marquette coach Williams gets new deal (AP)
Marquette took a chance on Buzz Williams back in 2008, hiring a relative unknown whose name elicited head scratches and shoulder shrugs from fans and alumni in the wake of Tom Crean's disappointing departure for Indiana. Now that Williams has led the Golden Eagles to the NCAA tournament in all three of his seasons as head coach -- including a surprise run to the round of 16 this year -- it is...
Aggies crash Final Four filled with past winners (AP)
As a second seed, the Texas A&M Aggies are not exactly a Cinderella in their first Final Four. But in a field with Connecticut, Notre Dame and Stanford, the Aggies are probably the team most would call the underdog. They knocked off top-seeded Baylor in the Dallas Regional to become the only team remaining in the field that hasn't already been to a Final Four.
Hundreds of fans give Butler big sendoff (AP)
Matt Howard looked around Hinkle Fieldhouse in disbelief Wednesday afternoon. He saw hundreds of fans lining the front hallway of Butler's home arena, and dozens more waiting outside in snow flurries. One fan even brought her own pet bulldog. To the senior forward, it was a strange to see all these people in the daylight.
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Stanford ready to make run at coveted NCAA title (PA SportsTicker)
By JANIE McCAULEY AP Sports Writer
BC G Jackson to test NBA waters (AP)
Boston College junior Reggie Jackson has made himself eligible for the NBA draft. But the 6-foot-3 guard says he won't hire an agent, so he could remove his name from the list and return to school. Jackson averaged 18.2 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season. He was the team's leading scorer as it rebounded from a sub-.500 season and went 21-13 (9-7 Atlantic Coast...
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Walker, Fredette picked for Wooden team (AP)
Kemba Walker of Connecticut and Jimmer Fredette of BYU are among the 10 players picked to the John R. Wooden Award All-American men's team. Stanford teammates Jeanette Pohlen and Nnemkadi Ogwumike and 2009 Wooden Award winner Maya Moore of UConn are among the five players picked to the women's team.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Report: Ex-players say Auburn paid them (AP)
Four former Auburn players have told HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" that they received thousands of dollars while being recruited by or playing for the Tigers. Stanley McClover, Troy Reddick, Chaz Ramsey and Raven Gray made the allegations in an episode of the show airing Wednesday night.
BCS confident it can dump Fiesta Bowl (AP)
The executive director of the Bowl Championship Series is confident the BCS could boot the Fiesta Bowl out of the system college football uses to crown a champion before its contract with the game expires in three years. The Fiesta Bowl released an internal report Monday that uncovered "excessive compensation, nonbusiness and inappropriate expenditures and inappropriate gifts" and fired...
Michigan's Hoke gets up to $3.25M a year (AP)
Brady Hoke became Michigan's coach more than two months ago without asking how much money he would make. His faith was rewarded. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said Hoke will average $3.25 million annually -- almost five times more than he made last year at San Diego State -- if he fulfills the six-year contract signed Monday.
Irish to play home night game vs. USC (AP)
Notre Dame will play a home football game at night for the first time in 21 years when the Irish host Southern California on Oct. 22. The game will mark the first night game at Notre Dame Stadium since the Irish beat Michigan 28-24 in 1990. Notre Dame will also raise prices for single-game tickets for three of its home games at Notre Dame Stadium.
Fickell to coach first 5 Ohio St. games (AP)
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel apologized Wednesday for letting people down by violating NCAA rules, calling it "a difficult past couple of months." "The largest regrets I've had in my life have been when I've disappointed people, when I've let people down," Tressel said while facing the media for the first time since March 8, when the violations were revealed.
Suspended RB Fogerson practices (AP)
Suspended Washington running back Johri Fogerson participated in the Huskies' first day of spring football practice Tuesday. Fogerson was suspended after he was arrested for investigation of resisting arrest and possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana by police on March 3. He was taken into custody after running from police following a traffic stop.
Weis sued over housing copyright laws (AP)
A lawsuit alleges former Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis, his wife and a homebuilder violated copyright laws in constructing a house for developmentally disabled adults for a charity started by the couple. Garden Homes by E.L. filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in South Bend on March 18 alleging that Charlie and Maura Weis and Rans Custom Homes violated copyright laws in building a third...
Notre Dame RB Roberson, LB McDonald hurt;(STRYLINK NAME:v5346; SLUG:2060 APBc-FBC--Notre Dame Injuries,0211;))(HEADLINE XHL:Nebraska DT Crick out with knee injury (AP)
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says defensive tackle Jared Crick will miss the rest of spring practice because of a knee injury. Pelini said Tuesday that Crick should be full speed in a few weeks and will participate in the Cornhuskers' offseason program. Pelini said there's no reason to rush him back onto the field this spring.
Griner has 2 more chances at Baylor for title (AP)
Brittney Griner has two more chances to get back to the NCAA Final Four and win a national championship at Baylor. The 6-foot-8 All-American will have plenty of familiar faces around her. After getting to the national semifinals when Griner was a freshman last year, the Lady Bears (34-3) came up one game short of that this season even while setting a school record for wins, winning the Big 12...
La. Tech hires Ole Miss' White as coach (AP)
Michael White earned his reputation as a strong recruiter in the South during his seven seasons as an assistant at Mississippi. Louisiana Tech expects him to build on that as the new head coach of a program that has produced several NBA players, from Karl Malone to P.J. Brown, but has fallen on hard times.
NCAA should look to past for future regional sites (AP)
Geno Auriemma always will have fond memories of his first trip to the NCAA regionals in 1991. It was in his hometown of Philadelphia, and UConn was playing on his birthday at one of his favorite arenas -- the Palestra. The Huskies went on to win that regional and lay the groundwork for their incredible run to seven national championships in the last 16 seasons.
UC Davis coach Stewart stepping down (AP)
UC Davis men's basketball coach Gary Stewart is stepping down after eight seasons with the Aggies. Athletic director Greg Warzecka announced Wednesday that Stewart will become a special projects administrator in the athletic department. Stewart had an 88-148 overall record during his tenure with the Aggies and was 21-43 in four seasons of Big West play.
AP College Basketball Awards (AP)
EDITORS: The Associated Press' women's player and coach of the year will be announced Saturday, April 2. AP Sports
Walker, Fredette picked for Wooden team (AP)
Kemba Walker of Connecticut and Jimmer Fredette of BYU are among the 10 players picked to the John R. Wooden Award All-American men's team. Stanford teammates Jeanette Pohlen and Nnemkadi Ogwumike and 2009 Wooden Award winner Maya Moore of UConn are among the five players picked to the women's team.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Gonzaga's Graves may be looked at for other jobs (AP)
Mike Roth is used to other schools coming after one of his coaches. This time the target is different -- women's coach Kelly Graves. The Bulldogs are coming off the finest season in the school's history, capped by an appearance in the Elite Eight. Gonzaga lost to Stanford in the Spokane Regional final 83-60 on Monday night, ending their season at 31-5.
Alabama gets past Colorado in NIT semis (AP)
Alabama is making sure Anthony Grant stays focused on his own team rather than watching his former team's incredible NCAA tournament run. After all, the Crimson Tide are playing for a championship. JaMychal Green scored 22 points, Trevor Releford scored the go-ahead basket in the closing seconds, and the top-seeded Crimson Tide withstood a late rally to beat fellow No.
Texas A&M finally beats Baylor for Final Four (AP)
As the Texas A&M team bus arrived for a game with an NCAA Final Four berth on the line, coach Gary Blair wanted to give his players some parting words of motivation. He thought about something along the lines of, "Don't get off this bus unless you're going to play aggressive." Then an assistant coach reminded him what he told his 1998 Arkansas team that was in the same situation.
15-5 Spartans start B10 play thinking championship (AP)
Michigan State's hitting and pitching are best in the Big Ten, and the Spartans are coming off their first three-game sweep of archrival Michigan since 1955. All that has them believing they can make a run at their first conference championship since 1979. The Spartans have had only nine winning seasons since 1990 and finished higher than fifth in the Big Ten just five times since 1988.
Krzyzewski says Rose comments insulting (AP)
^ Jalen Rose's recent comment that he considered black Duke players like Grant Hill "Uncle Toms" was insulting to everyone at the school, coach Mike Krzyzewski said Tuesday. The Duke coach was responding on a radio show Tuesday to a question about remarks made by Rose during a recently aired ESPN documentary about Michigan's Fab Five teams, which went to two Final Fours in the...
Roberts throws Virginia's 1st perfect game (AP)
Virginia's Will Roberts tossed the first perfect game in school history, striking out 10 in the Cavaliers' 2-0 victory over George Washington on Tuesday. The junior right-hander from Richmond needed 98 pitches in the eighth NCAA Division I nine-inning perfect game since 1957. Roberts (5-0) recorded 27 straight outs to complete the 19th perfect game of any length in Division I, and the first...
Moore gets No. 3,000 and UConn heads to Final Four (AP)
Maya Moore has always saved her best games for the biggest stage. So it was no surprise to Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma that his star would rise to the occasion with another trip to the Final Four on the line. Moore scored 28 points, including the 3,000th of her career, to lead top-seeded UConn to a 75-40 win against Duke on Tuesday night.
Calhoun to decide on future after NCAAs (AP)
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun says he won't make a decision on his future until well after the Final Four. The 68-year-old Hall of Famer, with two national championships, is taking his fourth UConn team to the national semifinals. He said Tuesday if UConn wins another title, "standing on the podium would be a bad time to make a decision, and quite frankly if things don't go well it...
VCU coach Smart's grandfather dies (AP)
Walter King, the grandfather of Virginia Commonwealth University men's basketball coach Shaka Smart, has died. Scott Day, VCU's basketball sports information director, says King died early Tuesday. He was 90. Smart, who still plans to travel with the Rams to the Final Four on Wednesday, says his grandfather was the "second biggest influence in my life" and helped develop his...
Memphis' Pastner signs 5-year extension (AP)
Memphis coach Josh Pastner has signed a five-year contract extension after leading the Tigers to the NCAA tournament in his second year on the job. The university said Tuesday that Pastner's extension is worth $1.7 million annually and runs through the 2015-2016 season. Pastner was hired in April 2009 to replace John Calipari when he took the Kentucky job.
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fiesta Bowl CEO fired for money 'scheme' (AP)
The Fiesta Bowl has fired its longtime CEO John Junker after a scathing internal report found "an apparent scheme" to reimburse employees for political contributions. Such reimbursements would be violations of state and federal campaign finance laws. The Arizona attorney general's office is conducting a probe of the matter.
Auburn's Pelton faces Fairley big task (AP)
Mike Pelton seems awfully happy for a guy replacing two Lombardi Award winners. Auburn's new defensive line coach is charged with plugging holes on the front four at his alma mater, filling the shoes of predecessor Tracy Rocker and replacing Nick Fairley. Both Lombardi winners are gone to the NFL, either as a coach or an expected first-round pick.
Pitt G Gibbs to declare for draft (AP)
Pittsburgh junior Ashton Gibbs will declare for the NBA draft, but he will not hire an agent during the process. Gibbs has until April 24 to formally apply and submit his NBA paperwork. As long as he doesn't hire an agent, he would have until May 8 to withdraw his name without losing his eligibility with the Panthers.
UCLA G Lee to enter NBA draft (AP)
UCLA guard Malcolm Lee will put his name in the NBA draft, although he won't an hire agent, leaving open the possibility of returning for his final year of eligibility. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior from Moreno Valley, Calif., announced his decision on Tuesday, a day after sophomore Tyler Honeycutt said he planned to hire an agent and enter the draft.
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Kansas may play USC in Wichita in Dec. (AP)
Kansas may play USC next December in Wichita, Kan., and it would be a home game for the Trojans. Kansas coach Bill Self confirmed Tuesday that USC has asked that the game be moved from Los Angeles to Wichita's Intrust Arena, which seats about 15,000. The two signed a home-and-home agreement last year.
Purdue's Painter to meet with Missouri (AP)
Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter has had one of the most successful runs in school history. It looks like he's about to cash in. Painter will meet with Missouri officials regarding their vacant head coaching position. However, Purdue said in a statement that it is committed to keeping him. "The Board of Trustees, president (France) Cordova and (athletic director) Morgan Burke clearly...
Former Heels PG Drew II enrolls at UCLA (AP)
Point guard Larry Drew II has enrolled at UCLA after abruptly leaving North Carolina last month. Coach Ben Howland said Drew attended classes on Monday, the first day of spring quarter. The junior will sit out next season because of NCAA rules and will have one season of eligibility remaining. Drew left the Tar Heels in February, with coach Roy Williams saying he was shocked by the player's...
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Butler's Howard, Mack back in Final Four (AP)
Matt Howard followed his heart. Shelvin Mack took the best offer he had. So many people thought these two guys could have done better than playing basketball at Butler. Better than three league championships, three straight NCAA tournament appearances and the first Indiana team to make consecutive Final Fours?
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Ga. Tech picks Dayton's Gregory as coach (AP)
Brian Gregory is ready to get started on rebuilding Georgia Tech's beleaguered basketball program. He certainly wasted no time getting the attention of his new players. "He's not a pushover," freshman forward Jason Morris said Monday, shortly after Gregory met with the team and was introduced as the Yellow Jackets coach.
UConn's Maya Moore leads AP All-America team again (AP)
Make it a perfect 4 for 4 for Maya Moore. The Connecticut star became only the second four-time All-American when she was honored by The Associated Press on Tuesday. She was joined on the team by Baylor's Brittney Griner, Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen, Texas A&M's Danielle Adams and Ohio State's Jantel Lavender.
Irish beat Tennessee, reach third Final Four (AP)
Moments before they climbed the blue stepladder to cut down the net, Skylar Diggins and her Notre Dame teammates joined arms, formed a circle and did a jig at the free-throw line. There's a little history in that step. The Fighting Irish began kicking up their heels during the 1999-2000 season, turning it into a pregame ritual.
Kentucky glad it chose Calipari as coach (AP)
When Kentucky officials met with coach John Calipari two years ago to talk about the program's vacant head coaching position, they came armed with a sales pitch. Turns out, they didn't need one. Instead, it was Calipari who ended up doing the selling. When university President Lee Todd and athletic director Mitch Barnhart outlined their vision for returning the Wildcats to glory, Calipari...
Confident VCU ready for Final Four (AP)
Our time. Right now. That is the rallying cry Virginia Commonwealth University has adopted during its basketball team's improbable nothing-to-lose, everything-to-gain run to the Final Four. The Rams are having blast and their confidence is growing with each win. "It comes from our personalities and coach (Shaka) Smart," forward Bradford Burgess said.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Monday, March 28, 2011
Cable channel FX to broadcast 2011 games (AP)
Cable channel FX will broadcast a weekly college football game during the coming season. The Fox-owned network said Monday it would air at least 13 games involving teams from the Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA. FX is available in more than 99 million homes. The channel has shown other sports in the past, including Major League Baseball and NASCAR.
Fredette, Nolan Smith lead All-Americans (AP)
Seniors dominated The Associated Press All-America team for the first time in five years. Jimmer Fredette of BYU, Nolan Smith of Duke and JaJuan Johnson of Purdue, all seniors, were joined on the team Monday by junior Kemba Walker of Connecticut and freshman Jared Sullinger of Ohio State. It's the most seniors since four made the 2006 team.
Michigan G Morris may head to NBA (AP)
Michigan coach John Beilein says Darius Morris is asking the NBA's undergraduate advisory committee to project where the guard would be selected if he entered the draft. Beilein made the announcement Monday during a news conference scheduled to wrap up the season. Morris helped the Wolverines surpass expectations, helping them finish tied for fourth in the Big Ten.
Michigan State C Sherman to transfer (AP)
Michigan State center Garrick Sherman is transferring. The school made the announcement Monday. He averaged 12 minutes, three points and 2.6 rebounds a game last season as a sophomore. Sherman says he believes it is time for a fresh start. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo says he met with every player after the season and Sherman later chose to leave after talking with his family.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
A look behind the scenes at the NCAAs with DePaul (AP)
With a senior-laden roster, DePaul coach Doug Bruno knew that this could be a special season for his team. Boy was he right, as the Blue Demons had the best year in school history, finishing tied for second in the Big East Conference regular season. They won 29 games -- the most at the school. Led by the five seniors, the third seed in the NCAA tournament beat Navy and Penn State to get to the...
Ga. Tech picks Dayton's Gregory as coach (AP)
Georgia Tech has picked Dayton coach Brian Gregory to rebuild its beleaguered basketball program, which fell on hard times after reaching the national championship game in 2004. Dayton senior associate athletic director Dave Harper said Monday that Gregory was leaving to take the Georgia Tech job. He told his players at a 7:30 a.m.
Aggies handle Lady Bulldogs to make regional final (AP)
Texas A&M easily handled Georgia in the regional semifinal. Next up, the Baylor Bears, a team that handed the Aggies three of their five losses this season with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Danielle Adams had 23 points and a career-high 14 rebounds and Texas A&M built a 31-point halftime lead on the way to a 79-38 win over Georgia on Sunday and a spot in the Dallas Regional final.
Kentucky tops Heels, makes Final Four (AP)
This wasn't supposed to be the season Kentucky ended its 13-year Final Four drought. That was supposed to happen last year, in coach John Calipari's first season on the bench, when John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins electrified a flagging program one fast break at a time. Or maybe next year, when another high-profile flock of recruits follows college basketball's pied piper to the place...
Griner scores 40 as Baylor beats Green Bay 86-76 (AP)
Brittney Griner had no idea how many points she was scoring for Baylor. Be assured that Wisconsin-Green Bay did as the feisty bunch went against the 6-foot-8 standout. Griner scored a career-high 40 points with 10 rebounds and six blocked shots and the top-seeded Lady Bears defeated Green Bay 86-76 on Sunday night to advance to the Dallas Regional final against a very familiar foe.
VCU shocks Kansas for spot in Final Four (AP)
Virginia Commonwealth players, jubilant after an astonishing Final Four berth, paraded the trophy into the stands. Their few fans serenaded guard Brandon Rozzell with an impromptu "Happy Birthday." Coach Shaka Smart was so candid he stopped short of cursing. Twice. That's how the 11th-seeded Rams, a team that was so dubious of getting an NCAA tournament invite that they didn't...
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Top teams and players remain in women's bracket (AP)
While the gap may be shrinking, the women's NCAA tournament is still ruled by the elite programs. Unlike the men's bracket where top teams became mostly extinct by the regional finals, the women's field is dominated by the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds. Seven of the eight teams still playing in the regional finals are top seeds.
Tennessee hires Missouri State's Martin (AP)
Tennessee has turned to Missouri State's Cuonzo Martin to stabilize a basketball program facing NCAA sanctions following recruiting violations by former coach Bruce Pearl. Tennessee announced Sunday it had hired the 39-year-old Martin as the Vols' 18th head coach. A press conference to introduce Martin was scheduled for Monday.
Gonzaga-Stanford Preview (AP)
Before every season, Kelly Graves tries to find a theme to help define the year for Gonzaga. It can be a rallying cry or just a general picture of what Gonzaga's coach believes the Bulldogs can accomplish. When he saw that not only would Gonzaga be hosting first- and second-round games in the NCAA tournament this year, but the regional was also being played in the Bulldogs' home town,...
Richmond's Mooney signs 10-yr. extension (AP)
Richmond men's basketball coach Chris Mooney has signed a 10-year contract extension with the Spiders after leading them to the Sweet 16. The school, clearly anticipating that Mooney could attract interest from schools in the traditional power conferences, said Mooney signed the deal Sunday night.
No. 11 seed Gonzaga ready for top-seeded Stanford (AP)
Before every season, Kelly Graves tries to find a theme to help define the year for Gonzaga. It can be a rallying cry or just a general picture of what Gonzaga's coach believes the Bulldogs can accomplish. When he saw that not only would Gonzaga be hosting first- and second-round games in the NCAA tournament this year, but the regional was also being played in the Bulldogs' home town,...
UConn caps tough season with Final Four (AP)
Jim Calhoun missed Connecticut's First Night season-opening event for the first time last October because he was in Indianapolis, defending his embattled program against an NCAA investigation. The 68-year-old coach isn't missing another action-packed minute of the improbably sunny ending to a season that started under such a cloud.
Butler hopes to seize second chance (AP)
Butler's Ronald Nored stayed right on message early Sunday morning. He doesn't want any more talk about how a small-school team won over college basketball fans with another improbable Final Four run. Nope. This time it's win or bust in Houston. "This year we're going to get the real call from President Obama and not the runner-up call," Nored told hundreds of Butler fans...
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Syracuse has first scrimmage of spring (AP)
Doug Marrone signed autographs, posed for photos, thanked many of the couple hundred fans who turned out on a bone-chilling day, then assessed Syracuse's first scrimmage of spring. "The defense did a nice job," the Orange's third-year head coach said Saturday as he stood on the artificial turf field at Sahlen's Stadium, the towering Kodak building dominating the downtown...
Irish's Riddick, Wood eye bigger roles (AP)
Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick should be more involved in Notre Dame's offense this season. Especially if the Irish have to play without suspended star receiver Michael Floyd. Riddick, converted from tailback to slot receiver, caught 40 passes last season, three for TDs, despite missing four games with an ankle injury.
Butler to get another raucous homecoming (AP)
Butler prefers old-school basketball and old-style celebrations to all the preseason nonsense. That's why the Bulldogs wait until late March to hold Midnight Madness. Hours after earning a second straight Final Four trip, fans moved the party inside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse to get a late-night glimpse of their favorite team -- just back from its latest conquest in New Orleans.
UConn edges Arizona to reach Final Four (AP)
Jim Calhoun could scarcely watch when the most improbable postseason run of his coaching life at Connecticut came down to an open 3-point attempt by Arizona's Jamelle Horne. The shot clanged off the back rim. The clock hit zeros. Nine victories in just 19 days. Calhoun has seen just about everything, but nothing like this -- and now his Huskies will keep running all the way to Houston.
UConn rallies to beat Georgetown 68-63 (AP)
Maya Moore had 23 points and 14 rebounds to help Connecticut rally from a seven-point second half deficit and beat Georgetown 68-63 on Sunday in the regional semifinals. Bria Hartley added 17 points for UConn (35-1), which is now three victories away from a third straight national championship that would match the school's own run from 2002-04 and Tennessee's from 1996-98.
Perennial powers Kentucky, UNC to meet (AP)
In an NCAA tournament filled with stunning upsets and unlikely party crashers, the East region has provided an oasis of sanity. Kentucky. North Carolina. College basketball bluebloods whose gyms are ringed with national championship banners and whose fan bases are disappointed any time a season ends without confetti and celebratory newspaper fronts on the first Monday night in April.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
No. 1 seed Stanford pulls away for win over UNC (AP)
Nnemkadi Ogwumike was out of the play and unaware of what was taking place after the Stanford star missed in the lane with less than a minute ago. She wasn't surprised to learn her sister Chiney had come up with another big play for the Cardinal. When Stanford needed its sister act the most Saturday night, Chiney and Nnemkadi Ogwumike came through.
Arizona spurts not enough to beat UConn (AP)
Derrick Williams and his Arizona teammates dunked their way to another big second-half run. This time, it wasn't enough. In a matchup of streaky shooting teams, the Wildcats couldn't stay hot long enough to beat Connecticut, losing 65-63 in the West Regional final on Saturday. It was a crushing end to fifth-seeded Arizona's run that came just a year after the Wildcats' streak of 25...
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
NCAA Tournament Capsules (AP)
Nnemkadi Ogwumike and her freshman sister, Chiney, scored 12 of Stanford's final 15 points and the top-seeded Cardinal held on in the final minute for a 72-65 win over No. 5 seed North Carolina on Saturday night in the Spokane Regional semifinals. Stanford (32-2) kept alive its hope for a fourth straight Final Four trip -- a string that started four years ago on this floor in Spokane -- thanks...
Butler returns to Final Four with OT win (AP)
Of course Butler erased a late deficit. Of course the Bulldogs hit a clutch 3-pointer late in overtime. Of course they're going back to the Final Four. This is the Butler Way. Shelvin Mack scored 27 points, including five in overtime, and Butler reached the Final Four for the second year in a row with a 74-71 victory over Florida on Saturday.
Gonzaga beats Louisville 76-69 to reach Elite 8 (AP)
Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves figured the realization of what the Bulldogs have accomplished won't settle in until the most inopportune of times -- like the middle of the night. "At about 3 a.m. when I haven't slept yet, we'll start to think about it," Graves said. But what might seem like a dream run for the Bulldogs is very much real.
Gators collapse in OT loss to Butler (AP)
Florida had a double-digit lead in the second half, was dominating in the low post and slowly suffocating Butler's second-straight Final Four run. How it all went wrong will haunt the Gators for a long, long time. "I don't really know what to say," Florida guard Kenny Boynton said, his head leaning against his locker and a blank stare on his face.
McCallum leads Charlotte past Virginia, 79-74 (AP)
Shannon McCallum scored 24 points and Charlotte ended Hall of Famer Debbie Ryan's career at Virginia with a 79-74 victory in the WNIT quarterfinals Saturday. Ryan, who announced at the end of the regular season that she was resigning, finishes with a career record of 739-324 in 34 years with the Cavaliers.
Kansas lone No. 1 seed remaining (AP)
The Kansas Jayhawks are the only No. 1 seed left in the NCAA tournament, essentially favored to win it all at this point. Then again, the Jayhawks should still be around. This is a team that reached No. 1 in the Top 25 this season, and all they've had to play so far are teams seeded 16th, ninth and 12th.
Georgetown's Rodgers had budding golf career (AP)
Ask Georgetown guard Sugar Rodgers what her best sport is and she readily admits it's not basketball. "I was a really good golfer," she said Saturday before her Hoyas took the court for practice. "I was No. 1 in the state for three years running and then I played on a Tiger Woods' team at junior nationals in California." The sophomore said she met Woods a few times when...
Underdog VCU ready for top seed Kansas (AP)
Calling 11th-seeded Virginia Commonwealth the new George Mason is the obvious comparison. Yet the Rams see their reflection in something else entirely. "It's kind of like the movie 'Dumb and Dumber,"' said VCU coach Shaka Smart on Saturday, setting up a popular line from the gap-toothed doofus played by Jim Carrey.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Catch 22: Fresno St. tops USD in 3rd-longest game (AP)
Garrett Weber's RBI single in the 22nd inning gave Fresno State a 3-2 victory over San Diego on Saturday night in a game that lasted over 7 hours and tied for the third-longest in NCAA Division I history. Fresno State (17-2) tied it at 2 in the bottom of the ninth on Brennan Gowens' two-run double.
Wis.-Green Bay-Baylor Preview (AP)
Before 6-foot-8 Brittney Griner can score for Baylor, the ball has usually already been in the hands of freshman point guard Odyssey Sims. Although Sims is about a foot shorter than the sophomore standout known for her blocks and dunks, coach Kim Mulkey quickly points out a similarity Baylor's top two scorers share.
Freshman PG Marshall keeps Heels running (AP)
Sitting on the dais with his five starters, a little more than 24 hours before North Carolina was to play Kentucky for a trip to the Final Four, Tar Heels coach Roy Williams was loose. He joked about the NCAA having $10 billion contract but only two microphones to pass around the interview room at the East Regional in the Prudential Center.
Sullinger: I'm coming back to Ohio State (AP)
Ohio State star freshman Jared Sullinger says he will return to the Buckeyes next season rather than enter the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 Sullinger, who led top-ranked Ohio State in scoring and rebounding, made the announcement right after Friday night's 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the East Regional semifinals.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Australian making impression at Alabama (AP)
Jesse Williams is hoping to be the next Terrence Cody: a supersized junior college transfer who makes a big impact on Alabama's defensive line. Williams has more tattoos, a little less girth and an accent from Down Under not Down South. But Crimson Tide fans would be ecstatic if the Australian out of Arizona Western Community College works out nearly as well as his JUCO-to-Bama predecessor on...
Gamecocks DE Clowney cuffed by police (AP)
South Carolina's top football recruit Jadeveon Clowney was detained and handcuffed briefly by Columbia police early Friday morning because authorities say he fit the description of burglar. Clowney was questioned and released. To demonstrate -- and downplay -- what happened to Clowney, Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier was detained and handcuffed briefly by Police Chief Randy Scott while talking...
Penn State WR Drake hurts left leg again (AP)
Penn State wide receiver Curtis Drake hurt his left leg this week in a non-contract drill, and the team said Friday he will miss the rest of spring practice. Drake missed his entire sophomore season in 2010 after breaking the same leg last August. A former high school quarterback, Drake was expected to play a key role in coach Joe Paterno's offense with his ability to line up all over the...
Killer of UConn player gets 18 years (AP)
The man who fatally stabbed University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard during an on-campus fight in 2009 tearfully apologized to Howard's family Friday as he was sentenced to 18 years in prison. John Lomax III, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit with his hands and feet shackled, sobbed loudly as he told Howard's family that he regretted what he did.
Kansas dominant in rolling past Richmond (AP)
Kansas might be sick of hearing how it's taking the easy way toward the Final Four, even if the top-seeded Jayhawks aren't exactly running into much trouble. Twelfth-seeded Richmond sure didn't put up much of a fight. Even after getting into a shoving match with Kansas players before the game.
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Zeller's 27 help Heels rout Marquette (AP)
Getting out on the break and scoring has never been the issue for North Carolina. The question mark always has been the Tar Heels' defense. If they could shut down opponents, Roy Williams' kids from Chapel Hill could make people forget the disappointment of missing the NCAA tournament in 2010 in a heartbeat.
Behind Stricklen, Lady Vols beat Ohio State 85-75 (AP)
There are halftime chats and then there are coach's rants. Pat Summitt hasn't won 1,071 games by not knowing when to let her team have it. Summitt absolutely lit up her Tennessee Lady Vols at the break and their regional semifinal game Saturday tilted soon after. With Shekinna Stricklen scoring 14 of her 20 points in the second half and touching off a critical 11-3 second-half run, Summitt...
Kentucky stuns Ohio St. on Knight jumper (AP)
Ohio State roared through the regular season, the Big Ten tournament and two rounds in the NCAA tournament as a swashbuckling juggernaut riding the talents of freshman star Jared Sullinger and torrid outside shooting to romp after romp. Kentucky's frantic defense slowed the Buckeyes down, then coolhanded Kentucky guard Brandon Knight sent Sullinger and company home early.
Sydney Carter and Sydney Colson key for Texas A&M (PA SportsTicker)
By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer
VCU continues surprising run with OT win (AP)
A few years ago, George Mason showed that a No. 11 seed from an unheralded conference can make it to the Final Four. Now league rival Virginia Commonwealth is on the verge of topping that -- taking a No. 11 seed from the First Four to the Final Four. The Rams had to win a play-in game just to secure their spot in the NCAA tournament, and have been unstoppable ever since.
Sullinger: I'm coming back to Ohio State (AP)
Ohio State star freshman Jared Sullinger says he will return to the Buckeyes next season rather than enter the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 Sullinger, who led top-ranked Ohio State in scoring and rebounding, made the announcement right after Friday night's 62-60 loss to Kentucky in the East Regional semifinals.
Georgetown-Connecticut Preview (AP)
Maya Moore isn't expecting UConn's third meeting with Georgetown to be any different than the first two this season -- a giant challenge. The two Big East teams are playing for the third time in 30 days Sunday in the regional semifinals. The winner will face either DePaul or Duke in the Philadelphia championship game on Tuesday with a trip to the Final Four at stake.
Butler 1 win shy of return to Final Four (AP)
Butler's Brad Stevens likes being the young coach from the small school whose second straight run deep into the NCAA tournament is capturing the imagination of the basketball-loving public. More important to him, though, is how his players see it. "The cool part is -- our guys -- it's not above their imagination," Stevens said of upsetting one higher seed after another.
Green Bay preps for Baylor and shot-blocker Griner (AP)
Kayla Tetschlag swished jump shot after jump shot before practice over a teammate with a little extra something. Tetschlag was forced to hit her baskets over 6-foot-2 Katie Bushman, who was playing defense with a foot-long green piece of foam extending from her outstretched arm. That is one of the ways Wisconsin-Green Bay is getting ready for Baylor and 6-foot-8 sophomore shot-blocking sensation...
UConn, Arizona meet in regional final (AP)
Lamont Jones spent his last spring break staring at his dorm room walls in Tucson, fuming over Arizona's failure to make the NCAA tournament after 25 straight trips. Kemba Walker had a few similarly sleepless nights in Storrs when Connecticut also missed the tournament last spring. "It happens to all great programs from time to time, but I just decided I wouldn't go through that...
Aztecs' rebuilding hinges on Leonard (AP)
San Diego State's basketball team had never been this good, which made it that much harder for the Aztecs to absorb their season's sudden end. After the Aztecs lost 74-67 to UConn in the West regional semifinals in Anaheim on Thursday night, coach Steve Fisher told his players to "give one another a hard hug and tell them how much you love them, and don't be ashamed to cry.
North Carolina-Stanford Preview (AP)
If there is one thing Tara VanDerveer and Sylvia Hatchell have learned to do is win. They have a combined 1,683 career coaching victories. Each are members of the exclusive 800-win club in women's college basketball and with one more NCAA tournament win, Hatchell can join VanDerveer as one of seven coaches with at least 40 tournament victories.
USC F Vucevic to enter NBA draft (AP)
Southern California forward Nikola Vucevic decided to enter the NBA draft, skipping his final year of eligibility. Vucevic announced his decision during a Friday news conference. He has already signed with an agent, ending the possibility of a return to the Trojans. The 6-foot-10, 260-pounder is coming off the best season of his career.
BYU faces challenge replacing Fredette (AP)
Jimmer Fredette's next big shot will be the one he attempts trying to prove wrong a new set of critics who question whether he can thrive at the NBA level. For BYU, the task of moving forward without the Jimmer may be just as challenging. The Cougars, whose season ended abruptly with Thursday night's overtime loss to Florida in the NCAA round of 16, have to replace not only all-time scoring...
Friday, March 25, 2011
Irish QB Crist begins latest comeback (AP)
Dayne Crist knew what was ahead when a second knee injury in as many seasons sent him to the surgeon. There was no time to sulk or feel sorry for himself or wonder, "Why me?" When he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 2009 season as a backup quarterback, Crist made it back through arduous rehab, was able to practice in coach Brian Kelly's first spring a...
Michigan State cuts ties to booster club (AP)
Michigan State has suspended all activities with a football booster club after learning the Michigan Lottery Commission is investigating the organization. The Downtown Coaches Club is a nonprofit organization that runs raffles at the university's football games, among other activities. Athletic Director Mark Hollis said in a statement released Friday that he became aware several weeks ago that...
Killer of UConn player gets 18 years (AP)
The man who killed University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard during an on-campus fight in 2009 was sentenced Friday to 18 years in prison during an emotional court hearing at which he and Howard's mother wept. John Lomax III, of Bloomfield, stabbed the 20-year-old defensive back in the abdomen during a fight between a group of football players and a group that included Lomax,...
Balanced Florida ousts Jimmer, BYU in OT (AP)
Florida handled the nation's hottest scorer in Jimmer Fredette. The second-seeded Gators beat BYU 83-74 Thursday night, led by Alex Tyus' 19 points and 17 rebounds. Now the Gators have to deal with one of the nation's hottest teams. Florida (29-7) will face eighth-seeded Butler (26-9) on Saturday in the Southeast Regional final.
Ohio St.-Tennessee Preview (AP)
It only took a minute to raise the temperature of the Ohio State-Tennessee game. Asked an innocuous opening question about the Buckeyes, Lady Vols post player Glory Johnson wasted little time in offering up material suitable for the bulletin board leading up to Saturday's regional semifinal at the University of Dayton Arena.
Butler 1 win shy of return to Final Four (AP)
Matt Howard started squirming. After looking so composed while making the clutch plays Butler needed to pull off another NCAA tournament upset, Howard seemed uncomfortable talking about his leading role in the game. "I don't know if that's best for me to say," Howard said after his 20-point, 12 rebound performance lifted the Bulldogs to a 61-54 triumph over Wisconsin on Thursday...
Smack talk spices Ohio State-Tennessee (AP)
It only took a minute to raise the temperature of the Ohio State-Tennessee game. Asked an innocuous opening question about the Buckeyes, Lady Vols post player Glory Johnson wasted little time in offering up material suitable for the bulletin board leading up to Saturday's regional semifinal at the University of Dayton Arena.
Arizona routs defending NCAA champ Duke (AP)
In barely more than four minutes, the damage was done and so was Duke. Arizona hit the defending national champions with an offensive barrage so swift and surprising that the Blue Devils had no answer. Derrick Williams scored 25 of his career-high 32 points in the first half, then his teammates carried the Wildcats the rest of the way to a 93-77 victory in the West Regional semifinals on Thursday...
Notre Dame-Oklahoma becoming tourney rivals (AP)
Notre Dame and Oklahoma have gone overtime to develop an NCAA tournament rivalry. The second-seeded Fighting Irish (28-7) play the Sooners (23-11) in a Dayton regional semifinal on Saturday. It'll be the third time in the last four years that they've played in the tournament. The two previous games went overtime.
Walker's 36 spark UConn by San Diego St. (AP)
When Kemba Walker led Connecticut back into a very hostile gym for the second half of its eighth game in 17 days, Jim Calhoun wondered whether this frenetic March run finally had drained the fight out of his team. With resilience and brilliance to spare, these Huskies just keep thrilling their veteran coach -- and their lead dog is turning into the biggest star of the NCAA tournament.
Mizzou begins search to replace Anderson (AP)
Billed as "The Fastest 40 Minutes in College Basketball," Missouri never quite became a must-see team in five seasons under Mike Anderson. The search began Thursday for Anderson's replacement, and for someone who can build more excitement at a school that's coming off its third straight NCAA tourney bid but seemed to regress this season after briefly cracking the Top 10.
Stanford gets boost from reliable freshman Kokenis (AP)
Toni Kokenis never generated much hype as Stanford's third-best incoming freshman last fall. Chiney Ogwumike had the National Player of the Year pedigree and proven lineage as younger sister to Cardinal star Nnemkadi Ogwumike. Highly regarded Sara James had the All-American status and was considered the program's next point guard to succeed senior Pac-10 Player of the Year Jeanette Pohlen.
FSU a heavyweight compared to VCU (AP)
Florida State has all the pieces to be a second-weekend darling in the NCAA tournament: a double-digit seed, a star player working his way back from foot surgery last month and a 26-year-old big man who served three tours of duty in the Middle East for the Air Force. Yet the Seminoles aren't even the most compelling team in their Southwest Regional semifinal.
Lady Vols: Better 'D' needed after 'wake-up call' (AP)
Tennessee's second-round win over Marquette was a little too close for comfort, so the Lady Vols had a team meeting this week to discuss what needs to change to make a Final Four run. "We just basically made a pact," senior guard Angie Bjorklund said. "I think the Marquette game was a wake-up call ...
Year after NIT, Heels in regional semis (AP)
Leslie McDonald remembers walking through the center of campus and down the main drag in Chapel Hill, N.C., last year and getting a sickening, uncomfortable feeling. People seemed to be staring, wondering what was wrong with the Tar Heels. The team that won the national title in 2009 had become mediocre in less than a year.
Virginia beats Boston College 53-48 in WNIT (AP)
Ariana Moorer scored 15 points and Virginia kept Hall of Famer Debbie Ryan's career going Thursday night with a 53-48 victory over Boston College in the WNIT. The Cavaliers (19-15), who lost 73-50 to the Eagles here last month, won their third straight since Ryan announced she would step down at the end of her 34th season at Virginia.
Kentucky 0-5 against Buckeyes in NCAAs (AP)
Kentucky prides itself on its history, and rightfully so. The Wildcats have done just about everything there is to do in college basketball. Whether you're talking about their 51 NCAA tournament appearances, 13 Final Fours or seven national championships, few programs rival the bluebloods from the Bluegrass State.
Richmond latest low seed for Kansas (AP)
So far in this NCAA tournament, the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks are riding an easy-looking path toward the Final Four. Yet again. The Jayhawks returned to Alamodome on Thursday for the first time since winning their last national championship here in 2008. Most recall that overtime win over fellow top seed Memphis after first beating North Carolina to open the Final Four.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Nader: Eliminate athletic scholarships (AP)
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is calling for the elimination of college athletic scholarships, saying the move is necessary to "de-professionalize" college athletes. Nader's League of Fans, a group aimed at reforming sports, proposes that the scholarships be replaced with need-based financial aid.
Charges against 4 Pace players dropped (AP)
As soon as the charges against them were dropped Thursday, a group of college football players switched from defense to offense, saying they plan to sue the police who arrested them after a teammate was killed by an officer. Their lawyer, Bonita Zelman, said they would seek at least $1 million for "brutality, false arrest, malicious prosecution and violations of their civil, constitutional...
Iowa looks to overcome trying offseason (AP)
For the first time in months, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is getting a chance to focus on football -- and only football. The Hawkeyes opened spring practice Wednesday after a trying offseason of arrests, dismissals and the shocking hospitalization of 13 players. They returned on the same day a report cleared the players and coaches of any wrongdoing in the much-publicized rhabdomyolysis incident from...
Anderson leaves Mizzou to coach Arkansas (AP)
Mike Anderson is returning to Arkansas to become the Razorbacks' basketball coach. The school confirmed the move on Wednesday night. Anderson leaves Missouri after five seasons to return to the school where he was an assistant to Nolan Richardson for 17 seasons. He replaces John Pelphrey, who was fired on March 13.
Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Arizona's Williams back home, faces Duke (AP)
One of the last times Derrick Williams came home to play basketball, things didn't go well for Arizona. The Wildcats arrived in Los Angeles with a two-game lead in the Pac-10 standings and got swept by Southern California and UCLA. Williams scored a season-low eight points against the Trojans before rebounding with 15 points against the Bruins.
Ohio State coach won't be wearing orange in NCAA (AP)
Ohio State coach Jim Foster spent 11 years at Vanderbilt battling the women's basketball juggernaut just 160 or so miles away that is mighty Tennessee. He gets to renew old acquaintances again on Saturday when his Buckeyes meet the Lady Vols and coach Pat Summitt in a regional semifinal game in Dayton, Ohio.
Calhoun leads UConn vs. Fisher's Aztecs (AP)
Connecticut flew clear across the continent for the next round of the NCAA tournament. San Diego State hopped in a bus and cruised 90 minutes up the interstate. Huskies coach Jim Calhoun and Aztecs coach Steve Fisher have been doing this long enough to realize miles don't matter at this point in the West regional -- not compared to the distance both teams already traveled this season to reach...
Butler, Badgers not interested in flash (AP)
Butler's Matt Howard took a stroll down Bourbon Street on Tuesday night, experiencing a strip of restaurants, bars and hangouts known for lavish parties and excess. The senior forward knew within minutes that it wasn't his type of place. Too much flash. Too crazy. "It's not my personality, it's not what I like to do," Howard said.
Injured Doty contributing from UConn's bench (AP)
Connecticut guard Caroline Doty has spent a lot of time this season working on her trick shots. In a video that became popular on YouTube, the 5-foot-10 guard hits them from half court, from the stands, from the arena concourse. But on game days, the junior sharpshooter is relegated to the bench, where she has been sitting all season, recovering from a third tear to the anterior cruciate ligament...
Jimmer not Gators' only concern vs. BYU (AP)
Just like everyone else in college basketball, Florida is quite familiar with Jimmer-mania. Jimmer Fredette's production -- 28.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game -- is impossible to ignore. If anything, BYU's senior guard is getting stronger, scoring at least 30 points in six of his last seven games.
Stanford heads to familiar site: Spokane Regional (AP)
Tara VanDerveer remembers the moment almost as if it were yesterday: Candice Wiggins and her fellow starters huddled in a circle, holding hands in close-knit celebration after finally ending Stanford's 10-year Final Four drought. That was four years ago at the Spokane Regional after a thrilling victory over top-seeded Maryland.
VCU PG Rodriguez going out on high note (AP)
VCU point guard Joey Rodriguez was talking with Shaka Smart before the second round of the NCAA men's tournament when he turned to his coach with a revelation. "I whispered to him, I said, 'Coach, you know we can win this whole thing, right?"' Rodriguez said this week. "And he looked at me and was like, 'You serious?' And I said, `Yeah.' "And he said,...
Utah removes interim tag from Levrets' title (AP)
Utah has removed the interim tag from women's basketball coach Anthony Levrets' title. Athletic director Chris Hill announced Wednesday that Levrets will officially replace Elaine Elliott, who has retired after taking a year's leave of absence. Elliott coached at Utah for 31 years, the last 27 as the head coach.
FSU star Singleton hopes to play more (AP)
Florida State heads to the NCAA's round of 16 in San Antonio and a date with Virginia Commonwealth hoping that star forward Chris Singleton is ready for more playing time. The 6-9 Singleton -- the Seminoles leading scorer and rebounder -- played sparingly in Florida State's wins last weekend over Texas A&M and Notre Dame.
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
It's Duke vs. the Big East in Philly (AP)
This might be as close as Joanne P. McCallie will ever get to coaching in the Big East tournament. Her Duke team is the lone outsider in a four-team Philadelphia regional field that includes three Big East schools: DePaul, Georgetown and powerhouse Connecticut. "We're definitely the outsider," McCallie said Wednesday.
Veteran trio sparking Kentucky (AP)
Until a week ago, Josh Harrellson's NCAA tournament experience consisted largely of towel waving. The Kentucky senior center admits he grew pretty good at it while spending most of last season on the bench watching soon-to-be NBAers DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall and Patrick Patterson revitalize the Wildcats.
Texas Tech introduces Gillispie as coach (AP)
The Billy Gillispie era has begun at Texas Tech. The school introduced its new basketball coach Wednesday and Gillispie said it feels like he has come home. The 51-year-old Abilene native is 140-85 in seven seasons as a Division I coach, and he previously led UTEP and Texas A&M to remarkable turnarounds.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Iowa State to look for new QB in spring (AP)
Steele Jantz arrived from California this past winter looking every bit the player Iowa State was looking for. The 6-foot-3 quarterback with a trendy faux-hawk haircut had tremendous stats for City College of San Francisco last season. He appeared to many to be the favorite to take over for departed senior Austen Arnaud from the moment he signed his letter of intent.
Tannehill enters spring as Texas A&M QB (AP)
Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill was expected to spend last season at receiver and backing up senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson. Instead Johnson struggled and Tannehill was promoted to starter midway through the season. He led the Aggies to six straight wins and a trip to the Cotton Bowl. Tannehill and the Aggies began spring drills on Tuesday hoping to build on last year's progress.
Mississippi's Powe works out at pro day (AP)
Mississippi's Jerrell Powe hopes his perseverance leads to NFL success. The 320-pounder's college career started with a three-year NCAA eligibility saga and ended with two seasons of dominance in the Southeastern Conference. Powe and 14 other former Ole Miss players went through the school's pro day on Tuesday, working out for scouts from 24 NFL teams.
Iowa injuries: Workout blamed, not staff (AP)
A report on 13 University of Iowa football players hospitalized after a strenuous workout in January clears the players, trainers and coaches of any wrongdoing, but recommends that the workout that led to the injuries be abandoned. A five-member committee appointed by university President Sally Mason released its finding Wednesday to the Board of Regents.
Lavender scores 37 as Buckeyes top Spartans 72-57 (AP)
If Saturday's second semifinal of the Big Ten is any indication of what the upcoming NCAA tournament will be like, fans better strap in. Ohio State outbullied top-seeded and No. 11 Michigan State in a contest that had more than a win-or-go-home feel. It felt more like a title game. Jantel Lavender tied a career high with 37 points and grabbed nine rebounds to send the Buckeyes into Sunday's...
Chastened Taylor helps spark Kansas (AP)
Fearlessly driving to the basket and making almost 60 percent of his shots, Kansas point guard Tyshawn Taylor is playing awfully well for somebody who was in danger of losing his job. Or was he? Taylor thought he was. So did just about everybody else who follows the Jayhawks. Suspended for two games and then benched for a couple of more, Taylor seethed as sophomore Elijah Johnson seized an unexpected...
Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News
Irish uncertain when Floyd will return (AP)
Brian Kelly was ready to kick off his second spring practice at Notre Dame and build on the four-game winning streak that closed out last season, including a Sun Bowl victory over Miami. His systems are installed, the coaches and players know each other and the Irish were full of promise, especially with star receiver Michael Floyd deciding to return for his final season instead of heading to the...
Problems arise from old timing system (AP)
This was a familiar scene during the first week of the NCAA tournament: Officials huddled around the scorer's table, looking over replays to determine just how much time should be on the clock. So unnecessary. The NCAA -- unlike the NBA, the Olympics, all major conferences and even some high schools -- doesn't use an automatic timing system for its signature event.
Mizzou's Anderson may take over Arkansas (AP)
A person familiar with the situation says Missouri coach Mike Anderson is close to returning to Arkansas to become the school's next basketball coach. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations are still ongoing, said Wednesday that Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long "working hard" in hopes of bringing Anderson back to the school where he was an assistant...
Texas Tech introduces Gillispie as coach (AP)
The Billy Gillispie era at Texas Tech has begun. The school introduced its new basketball coach Wednesday, and Gillispie says it feels like he has come home. The 51-year-old Abilene native is 140-85 in seven seasons as a Division I coach, and he previously led UTEP and Texas A&M to remarkable turnarounds.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)