NCAA Basketball FanHouse

Henry Family Reconfirms Commitment to Kansas for a Year

Chas Rich — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas, Kentucky, Big 12, SEC, Media Watch, Recruiting, Rumors

For a rather wild day, it looked like things were going to get even weirder than they usually do in the college basketball offseason. Even before the summer recruiting began. In the end, it was a lot of noise but no change. Xavier and C.J. Henry are still going to Kansas for the 2009-10 season, not reversing field to go to Kentucky to be with John Calipari.

Xavier Henry is one of the top-5 high school players in the country. He had already switched his commitment from Memphis to Kansas, but since he could not sign a new National Letter of Intent (NLI) he is not actually bound to Kansas until he shows up on the campus and signs the scholarship papers. His older brother, C.J. Henry, is a walk-on with the New York Yankees paying his way following a failed baseball career.

Then there is dad. Carl Henry played basketball for Kansas, and holds strong views about his sons, their talent, future plans and comparing them both rather favorably versus the other talent on the Kansas basketball team. He let many of them fly during a feature article in the Kansas City Star.

Among the gems: Xavier is not that interested in going to college, this is definitely a one-and-done thing for him (duh), they considered Europe for a year, C.J. is probably better than both Sherron Collins and Tyshawn Taylor, and that coach Bill Self needs to be on-board with the Henry plan,

Shockingly, with opinions that suggested that the Henrys were bigger than Kansas, it was not embraced by the Jayhawk faithful. This led to an angry Carl Henry to go on a local sports radio station to complain that the article made him and his sons look like prima donnas and that all Carl does is talk. Plus, the negative reaction on the internet and elsewhere by Kansas fans has the Henrys so upset that they were leaning very strongly towards going to Kentucky instead. Interestingly, in the radio interview, Carl Henry admitted that there was nothing factually inaccurate in the story.

Recapping that last bit. A reporter hangs out with the Henrys. Gets the facts right. Carl Henry and his sons do not like the way it made them look, because it made them look spoiled. Carl in particular disliked that it portrayed him as someone always talking. So in response, Carl Henry goes on the radio to talk some more and announces that while they are not prima donnas, they had their feelings so hurt by the negative reaction to the story that they might very well go to Kentucky instead.

Well played, sir.

So for several glorious hours yesterday there was chaos on the Kentucky and Kansas message boards over all of this. Especially since a decision could come that night. It did, in a text message to the same Kansas radio show.

But late Tuesday, Xavier Henry sent a text message to Cory Anderson of the Chris and Cowboy Show on 610 Sports Radio confirming he would not change his mind.

"I'm goin to Kansas and that's final," the text read.

The thing is, that while most of this was about Carl Henry's mouth and the tantalizing talent of Xavier Henry, it was probably C.J. Henry's situation that kept things as the status quo.

The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy Tweeted this point.

The Henry's hadn't much leverage. If X took off on KU, what about CJ? Think the NCAA would have given him immediate eligibility everywhere?

C.J. was already a freshman on the Memphis roster this past year (PDF). He sat out while recovering from surgery. He has already had to apply to get immediate eligibility at Kansas. What are the odds the NCAA would let him switch to Kentucky as well? Probably not that good. Which means that Carl Henry was -- once more -- just doing a lot of talking.

Henry Family Reconfirms Commitment to Kansas for a Year originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lance Stephenson Has Really Limited Choices

Chas Rich — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:52:00 EST

Filed under: Memphis, Conference USA, Mid-Majors, Campus, Recruiting, Rumors

Lance Stephenson is one of the top high school players in the country. He was a McDonald's All-American. He is also just about the only major recruit not running screaming from the rubble of USC that is without a college destination.

Where once he seemed headed for Kansas, that door has closed. Arizona opted against wanting him. Now Maryland has decided they are not interested any longer.

At this point, the only programs that still seem to be pursuing him have nearly as many warts as he does. The choices for Stephenson have dwindled to a school under a major NCAA cloud and one that toils in obscurity, but with a new "name" coach.

Memphis needs talent and recruits. As the Tigers wait to find out what the NCAA has in store for them, they see no risk at this point in taking a player that will certainly draw heavy scrutiny from the NCAA for his academics and the Born Ready web documentary of Stephenson.

The other is regular Sun Belt Conference cellar dweller, Florida International now being coached by Isiah Thomas. Thomas tried to get Stephenson interested right after being hired, but it seemed to go nowhere. Now Pete Vecsey is reporting (for whatever that is actually worth) that Stephenson may be reconsidering the Miami school.

While in Orlando, an on-campus source informed me the Lincoln HS whiz had a sleepover a couple of weeks ago at Florida International University in Miami.

It is more rumor than anything else -- but what do you expect with a Vecsey story. Still considering Stephenson came from the same high school as Stephon Marbury, and Thomas' own history with Marbury the storyline seems too juicy to resist (or make up?).

In all the scenarios Lance Stephenson considered coming out of his senior year of high school, this definitely was not one of them.

Lance Stephenson Has Really Limited Choices originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After Floyd, USC's Top 5 Candidates

Gary Washburn — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: USC, Pac-10, Rumors

It's June, a.k.a., a terrible time to find a quality basketball coach. But that will be USC's task after Tim Floyd's sudden resignation Tuesday amid a slew of allegations regarding the recruiting of star guard O.J. Mayo. Athletic director Mike Garrett (right) is used to hiring coaches on the fly. He fired Henry Bibby just four games into the 2004-2005 season, tabbed Jim Saia as interim coach for the season and then nabbed Floyd.

Garrett has time before having to go the interim route and there are some qualified coaches who either are unemployed or at mid-majors and would likely leave their schools and incoming recruiting classes for a job at a major school in a major conference. The USC athletic director has a history for going after tough gets and succeeding, but the question is whether the Trojans basketball program will be severely punished for the Mayo situation? Floyd was accused by former Mayo associate Louis Johnson of giving $1,000 to Rodney Guillory, an alleged street agent representing Mayo.

Those allegations came after Johnson said that Mayo also received money from a sports agent years before enrolling at USC. The NCAA decided to combine the investigation of Mayo and former USC Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.

But even with all of that, still USC plays in the No. 2 market, in a spanking new arena and has a massive recruiting base that begins in the Southern California and expands nationally. It remains a premium job, regardless of the early adversity a new coach may endure.

So here is a list of early coaching candidates and the pros and cons for each of taking the gig.

1) Jamie Dixon, Pittsburgh -- West Coast schools have long admired Dixon from a distance and Dixon's Southern California roots (he is from North Hollywood) may be the nudge he needs to leave Pitt. Dixon is 43, a terrific recruiter and nearly took the Panthers to the Final Four and is losing a core of his club, including All-America DeJuan Blair. It may be the right time to head west for Dixon and he would be the perfect candidate to rebuild the USC program and compete against former mentor Ben Howland at UCLA.

2) Reggie Theus, former NBA coach, New Mexico State coach -- Theus has been looking to get back into the college game since being fired in Sacramento, and Rush Street Reggie would relish the chance to take his act to Figueroa. Like Dixon, Theus is relatively young and would make a major impact in recruiting. And he also took a downtrodden New Mexico State program to the NCAA tournament in 2007. Theus lives in Los Angeles and would be the perfect Hollywood type to recruit and win.

3) Randy Bennett, St. Mary's coach -- Bennett has long sought a major job and he probably deserves one. This may be the time to leave. The best player during his tenure -- Patty Mills -- is committed to the NBA draft and all-conference player Diamon Simpson is graduating. Bennett was rumored to be a candidate for the Cal job before it hired Mike Montgomery and probably has taken St. Mary's as far as it can go -- an NCAA tournament team every couple of years.

4) Larry Eustachy, Southern Miss -- The former Iowa State coach has done little at Southern Miss to earn a promotion but Garrett apparently covets the embattled Eustachy. The Eagles have yet to come close to an NCAA tournament or even challenge Memphis in Conference USA, but he did make Iowa State respectable during his time there before alcohol issues ended his reign.

5) Mike Davis, UAB coach -- Davis succeeded Bobby Knight at Indiana, so he isn't afraid to take on any challenge. And if he was interested in the Washington State job, as he was, he will be interested in this gig. Davis probably figures he has a better chance to compete consistently in the Pac-10 at USC than in Conference USA at UAB, and remember, he did take a team to the national title game in 2002.

After Floyd, USC's Top 5 Candidates originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transition to Football Gaining Popularity

Matt Snyder — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Duke, Penn State, Washington, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-10, NBA Prospects, Rumors

The few weeks after the NCAA Basketball season concludes are traditionally chock full of player movement announcements -- new recruits, transfers, entry entrants into the NBA draft, etc. This year has been no exception, but there is a trend gaining more steam. Having a collegiate basketball player become a football player isn't a new thing. Antonio Gates is an All-Pro tight end who didn't play a snap of college football, for example.

Still, the movement from football to basketball seems to be increasing in recent weeks. It makes sense, considering the speed, quickness and agility needed in both. For post players in basketball, they've become accustomed to a physical game anyway, and have the necessary strength-athleticism combo for a position like tight end. Here are four currently considering the shift:

Greg Paulus - Duke's former point guard is supposedly considering entering the NFL draft -- where the Packers are interested -- tranferring to Michigan to play football, or staying at Duke to play football. That's probably not all he's considering, but the high school All-American quarterback definitely has options. Holding a clipboard for the Packers, playing quarterback in the Big House, or playing wide receiver on a famiilar campus all seem appealing to varying degrees, so we'll see how he chooses. Of course, you could argue picking basketball over football was the wrong move in the first place, so there is precedent for a sub-par decision.

Jamelle Cornley - Here's a guy who played basketball like it was football at times. At 6-foot-4, 248-pounds, he definitely has the frame to take on the more physical sport. Apparently, he never got the chance to try his hand at the gridiron because his father didn't allow it when Jamelle was growing up. Now, after leading the Penn State Nittany Lions to an NIT Championship as a senior, Cornely is reportedly considering a go-round in pads. In fact, he would have a year of collegiate football eligibility, so it's possible he's added to the fray at Penn State for next season. He's also considering his NBA, NFL and overseas basketball options.

Jon Brockman - Friday night during his on-air visit with the Seattle Mariners broadcast team, Brockman mentioned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had contacted him and were very interested in the big man. He hasn't even been on a football field competitively since junior high. He said he played some receiver and some lineman. So that narrows it down, I guess? Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 255, though, makes Brockman yet another perfect tight end candidate, should he answer the Bucs' call. For what it's worth, he said he wanted to keep pursuing basketball, but if that didn't work out he'd certainly give football a try. Can't say I blame him.

Fendi Onobun - The former Arizona forward has never played football, but he's got the body for it (6-foot-6, 250 pounds). Onobun played basketball like a football player as well, but he had much less grace than Cornley. Unlike Cornley, he has no chance of playing in the NBA, so the NFL would be his only route, should he wish to make money in America playing a sport. He's currently learning the game, and has worked out for the Patroits, Panthers and Bills. His potential position? You guessed it: Tight end.

Transition to Football Gaining Popularity originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xavier Stays In House for New Coach

Chas Rich — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Xavier, A-10, Coaches, Rumors

According to reports, Xavier has decided to promote assistant coach Chris Mack. The announcement may not be made, though, until Wednesday at the team banquet.

Mack is 39 years old, and has no head coaching experience. He is, however, considered a rising assistant. It probably does not hurt that Mack is a Xavier alum and was a team captain on the basketball team during his time. He also served as an assistant to former Xavier coach Skip Prosser at Wake Forest before joining Sean Miller back at Xavier.Xavier athletic director Mike Bobinski had denied reports that Mack was going to be hired on Monday. Today he has not been reached for any comment.

The decision to promote Mack, would make it the second straight time that Xavier has promoted from within to replace a coach leaving for another job. Recently departed Sean Miller took over after Thad Matta left for Ohio State.

The move is not surprising and makes sense. Mack is a promising young coach. He's popular with the current players and most of the incoming recruits. He was also the pick of most of the fans in unscientific polls. Plus without any head coaching experience he comes relatively cheap compared to other possibilities.

Add in that he is an alum, and that has to push him over the top. The hope being that Mack will not be enticed away for another job and see this as his destination. While the Xavier administration and fans have to be pleased with the continued growth and success of Xavier basketball on a national level, there has been natural frustration at being seen as a stepping-stone job rather than a destination.

Xavier Stays In House for New Coach originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VMI Twins' On-Court Switch Tricks Refs

Will Brinson — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Campus, Coaches, Fans, Media Watch, Rumors

Chavis Holmes and Travis Holmes are twins. They are awesomely named. They are also basketball players for the Virginia Military Institute's basketball teams. It's probably safe to say that, aside from the whole military aspect of the school, they have a lot of fun at college.

That's because twins get to pull all kinds of shenanigans and identity swaps. And the Holmes brothers even managed to pull one off on the court, according to a recent interview with the Quad.

"When we played Richmond," Chavis said, "we did a little switcheroonie."

In that Dec. 31 game, Chavis had missed three free-throws in a row early in the first half, and Travis could see that his brother was struggling. So the next time Chavis was fouled, Travis had an idea.

"He just walked up to me like, Man, let me shoot these," Chavis said. "So I just let him."
Travis made both free-throws, and the Keydets went on to win, 73-70. The twins said their parents were the only people who noticed the switch.

First of all, those referees are fired. Right now. I understand that these guys look exactly alike, but they have to wear different numbers, right? (Answer: obviously.) And while this story is like a thousand different levels of awesome, isn't it probably worth noting that VMI barely beat Richmond, and that these free throws altered the course of the game? (Answer: probably.) But because the story is so GD hilarious, I'll probably find myself upset if Richmond decides to file a protest or anything.

VMI Twins' On-Court Switch Tricks Refs originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Economy Won't Effect Tourney Seeding

Will Brinson — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: WCC, A-10, ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, MVC, MWC, Pac-10, SEC, WAC, March Madness, Coaches, Fans, Rumors, South

Travel costs for universities are a big deal in this economic climate. Look no further than the bowl "selections" that occurred this year -- there were a substantially larger number of teams hanging close to home, presumably to allow for cheaper travel for both the schools and their fans.

But the NCAA says that will not be a huge deal this year, and supposedly, geographical distance will not affect a team's pairing.

Selection committee chairman Mike Slive said during a conference call Tuesday that while the committee is sensitive to the economic climate, it has a responsibility to the nation to provide balanced brackets for the NCAA's marquee event, which begins in mid-March.

Whether or not this actually happens (I think it will, personally), this is still a tremendously positive statement for college basketball fans. There would be nothing worse than to see March Madness' inherent beauty -- the cross-country scramble to converge on one location -- tainted for the greater good of "economic stability."

Geographical selection isn't necessarily a problem for college football, though. Outside of the BCS bowls, any reduction of costs is substantial enough of a win for a team to validate staying close to home, not to mention an increase in ticket sales. But for college basketball, where the postseason actually matters, any sort of regional favoritism would be highly detrimental to the basic setup of the postseason itself.

Economy Won't Effect Tourney Seeding originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marcus Ginyard, Will Graves Out for Remainder of Season

Will Brinson — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: ACC, Coaches, Injuries, Rumors, North Carolina

North Carolina rolled over Maryland tonight, and the Tar Heels appeared, for much of the evening, to be rounding back into championship form after two early season ACC losses.

But just when Carolina appeared to be bouncing back, their 2009 title hopes took a serious shot when Roy Williams announced that Marcus Ginyard, the team's best defensive stopper on the perimeter, will miss the remainder of the season.

Ginyard has only played in three games this season, and his presence was sorely missed against Boston College and Wake Forest. North Carolina's only two losses saw them torched by Jeff Teague and Tyreese Rice, two players that Ginyard would have defended were he healthy.

The school expects Ginyard to seek a medical redshirt, which seems likely considering the minimal time that he was able to play following preseason foot surgery.

Will Graves, a sophomore forward for the Heels, has been suspended by the team for the remainder of the season for failing to "maintain the standards we expect of a Carolina basketball player."

It's a bizarre suspension -- surely we'll find out more in the coming days -- and, while not as painful a loss as Ginyard, hurt Carolina's depth.

The Tar Heels have a pretty easy schedule heading down the stretch outside of a pair of games against Duke. A home-and-home with the Blue Devils in the next month will absolutely give us an idea as to whether or not they will legitimately compete for a national title once the tournament starts.

Marcus Ginyard, Will Graves Out for Remainder of Season originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Knight Confirms Interest in Georgia

Will Brinson — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:45:00 EST

Filed under: SEC, Coaches, Media Watch, Rumors, Georgia

There was a hefty dose of speculation yesterday that Bob Knight had interest in the now vacant head coaching position at the University of Georgia.

And today, on ESPN radio, Knight spoke with Mike Tirico and Scott Van Pelt, presumably to dismiss those rumors; instead, Knight indicated exactly why they have legs. He later followed that up by mentioning his interest in returning to coaching during the Tennessee-Oklahoma women's game.

"It has to be a situation that I think is right for me and one where I would be right for the university," Knight told ESPN Radio. "It has to be one, from my standpoint, where I think we would have the wherewithal to recruit and be able to compete with anybody."

His name has been linked to the opening at Georgia, but Knight, who resigned as Texas Tech coach almost one year ago, said he has had no contact with Georgia.

To me this sounds like he's basically telling Georgia he would take the job; otherwise, wouldn't Knight just flatly deny the rumors?

Unless of course you don't think that Georgia is wide freaking open to becoming much better in basketball, which would be silly of you, because they are. There's plenty of available recruiting, the school has the budget and name value to be successful, and the SEC isn't exactly in a dominant state at the moment.

The biggest bonus of Knight possibly getting hired by the Bulldogs? Dick Vitale said he'd quit his job as an announcer to go be Knight's assistant ... or chauffeur. Please, Coach Knight: just help us all out and call his bluff.

Latest College Basketball Photos

Baylor coach Scott Drew instructs players from the bench in second half action of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 in Waco, Texas. Kansas won 75-65. (AP Photo/Duane A. Laverty)

Kansas forward Marcus Morris (22) leaps off the bench as he celebrates a scoring play in second half action of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 in Waco, Texas. Kansas won 75-65. (AP Photo/Duane A. Laverty)

Kansas guard Sherron Collins (4) and Baylor guard Curtis Jerrells (0) collide as Jerrells goes to the hoop in second half action of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 in Waco, Texas. Kansas won 75-65. (AP Photo/Duane A. Laverty)

Baylor forward Kevin Rogers (23) looks for a way around Kansas center Cole Aldrich (45) in second half action of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 in Waco, Texas. Kansas won 75-65. (AP Photo/Duane A. Laverty)

Kansas guard Sherron Collins (4) looks for a chance to pass as Baylor guard Henry Dugat (5) covers in second half action of an NCAA college basketball game Monday Feb. 2, 2009 in Waco, Texas. Kansas won 75-65. (AP Photo/Duane A. Laverty)

LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 02: Jeff Adrien #4 of the Connecticut Huskies shoots the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals on February 2, 2009 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Adrien

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LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 02: Earl Clark #5 of the Louisville Cardinals shoots the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Connecticut Huskies on February 2, 2009 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Earl Clark

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LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 02: A.J. Price #12 of the Connecticut Huskies shoots the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals on February 2, 2009 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** A.J. Price

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LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 02: Hasheem Thabeet #34 of the Connecticut Huskies dunks the ball while defended by Terrence Jennings #23 of the Louisville Cardinals during the Big East Conference game against on February 2, 2009 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Hasheem Thabeet;Terrence Jennings

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LOUISVILLE, KY - FEBRUARY 02: Gavin Edwards #33 of the Connecticut Huskies and Samardo Samuels #24 of the Louisville Cardinals reach for a rebound during the Big East Conference game against on February 2, 2009 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gavin Edwards;Samardo Samuels

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Bob Knight Confirms Interest in Georgia originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gary Williams Gets Vote of Confidence From Maryland AD

Will Brinson — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Maryland, ACC, Coaches, Media Watch, Rumors

Debbie Yow, Maryland's athletic director, has had a pretty tough few weeks. First, her sister, Kay Yow, passed. Meanwhile, the men's basketball program continued in a total freefall as Gary Williams started spewing public vitriol in the direction of her assistant.

So forgive Yow for not being incredibly visible about the whole thing. However, today, she convened the media to announce that Williams' job security is just fine.

"The other reason I'm here is I just really - I would have done this on Friday at media availability if I had not had to be in North Carolina, but I really want to lay to rest any of these crazy rumors that are floating around related to the job security of Coach Williams. He has my personal full support, as he does from the department and from the university.

Yow also discussed the death of her sister at the press conference, which was a joint affair with Williams. Williams, naturally, had some pretty humble words:

"It's nice that, uh, she said those things. I've never felt threatened by anything. I know what I've done, just this decade. Very few programs have done what we've done this decade. I think there's probably three or four, maybe. You know, Florida, because they've won it twice. You could say UCLA, even though they haven't won a national championship this decade. (North) Carolina, Duke, you know, those two because they've won it this decade. But, you know, I'm secure in what I've done.

Sigh. Williams continued on, stating that over the past decade, he would compare what he's done "with anyone in the country," which is fantastic in terms of confidence. As for realism, well, it probably lacks a little bit of substance. I would imagine there are more people than just Florida coach Billy Donovan, who has won two titles and gone to three Final Fours, who would take umbrage with his statements.

Still, it seems as if Williams' job is safe, for now. But whiffing on the NCAA Tournament this year might make things a little bit warmer in College Park.

Gary Williams Gets Vote of Confidence From Maryland AD originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bob Knight Reportedly Interested in Georgia Job

Will Brinson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coaches, Rumors

Bob Knight has been great since he moved from the bench to the booth -- "Knight Watch" aside. He looks happy to be calling games for the WWL and he does a good job of it, so there's little reason to think he might want to get back into coaching.

Unless you listen to the AJC's Furman Bisher, who wrote Saturday that Knight is interested in the recently opened Georgia head coaching position.

"He doesn't want it to look as if he's pursuing the job. He'd like to be offered it, and if offered, he'd take it," said a mutual friend, who did not want to be named but was willing for this columnist to report Knight's interest.

"He doesn't want it to look as if he's looking for work, but I can assure you that he'd like to have the job. It's the idea of coaching a team in the Southeastern Conference that appeals to him. There are just so many things he could do for Georgia basketball. This would be his last stop, and he likes that."

That last part is probably true: Knight really resurrected basketball in Lubbock, but it also begs the question, why? As in, why would Knight be interested in saving Georgia basketball? It makes total sense that Knight wouldn't be done with basketball yet -- his passion is evident in his behavior on air. And, yes, Georgia is a big-name program. But until there's something substantial coming from either Knight or (more likely) the Bulldogs' athletic department, I say we hold off on speculation that the fiery coach is heading back to the sideline.

Bob Knight Reportedly Interested in Georgia Job originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dennis Felton Fired by Georgia

Will Brinson — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: SEC, Coaches, Rumors

Georgia basketball has struggled mightily over the past few years, and with the exception of a miracle SEC tournament run last year, Dennis Felton hasn't had a whole heck of a lot to hang his hat on.

Which explains why, after his team's seventh consecutive loss Wednesday night, the Georgia coach was fired.

"I'm disappointed that things have not worked out better," athletic director Damon Evans at a news conference. "I do think it is in the best interest of our men's basketball program that we move in a new direction. And while this may be unusual timing, I'm convinced it is the right time."

Felton's record while coaching the Bulldogs was 84-91, and despite winning the conference tournament last year, he never led any of his Georgia teams to winning records in the SEC.

Assistant coach Pete Herrmann takes the reigns as the dreaded "interim" coach, and it's pretty hard to imagine that whatever he does the rest of the way could be more disappointing than Felton's tenure. Unless Herrmann leads the Dawgs to some sort of miraculous run again, though, expect a full coaching search in the offseason.

Dennis Felton Fired by Georgia originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Houston Coach Thinks ESPN Doctored Budinger Head-Smashing Video

Shane Bacon — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Arizona, Coaches, Media Watch, Rumors

It is Super Bowl week, so I guess ridiculous news is bound to make the airwaves; it just normally isn't in college basketball.

Unnecessary Roughness

Houston guard Aubrey Coleman steps on Arizona's Chase Budinger during a game Saturday. Coleman, who denies the act was intentional, was charged with a flagrant foul and was ejected from the game.
Click through for more unnecessary roughness.

Michael Ignatov, Arizona Daily Wildcat

While a fight in the NBA may seem commonplace, it's very rare in the WNBA. Still, that didn't stop the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks from making combatant history on July 22. Ten players, as well as Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn, center, were suspended by the league because of the melee.

Jerry S. Mendoza, AP

Prince Fielder had to held back by his teammates after an altercation with starting pitcher Manny Parra during a Milwaukee Brewers loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Al Behrman, AP

In November 2004, Ron Artest took center stage in a game between the Pacers and Pistons for all the wrong reasons. After he was struck by a cup of beer, Artest ran into the seats and confronted a fan. Following the ugliest brawl in NBA history, Artest was suspended 73 games.

Duane Burleson, AP

Mike Tyson's life has had many tumultuous moments, but the one that trumps them all was truly gruesome. In a bout against Evander Holyfield in June 1997, Tyson bit a chunk from the former champ's ear and was disqualified for his carnal actions.

Jeff Haynes, AFP / Getty Images

Roberto Alomar put his pristine reputation aside for a heated exchange with umpire John Hirschbeck in 1996. Alomar, who alleged that Hirschbeck uttered a racial slur, spat in the umpire's face following a disputed strike call. He was suspended for five games. The two publicly apologized for the clash a year later.

Moe Doiron, AP

Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal (27) had a notorious exchange with Johnny Roseboro in 1965. After heated words, he clubbed Roseboro's unprotected head with his bat and the benches cleared for a 14-minute brawl. Marichal was ejected and suspended for nine days. Roseboro needed 14 stitches to close his head wound.

Robert H. Houston, AP

The low point of NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo's stint with the Warriors was the notorious attack by Latrell Sprewell (pictured) during a 1997 practice. Sprewell choked Carlesimo and threatened to kill him until being pulled off by teammates. Sprewell was suspended for 82 games, though that was later reduced.

Susan Ragan, AP

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman wormed his way into one of his more bizarre incidents when he kicked cameraman Eugene Amos in the groin after tripping over him during a game in January 1997. Rodman, who was suspended for 11 games, paid Amos a $200,000 settlement.

Carolyn Stewart, AP

Ex-NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski earned the label of the most uncontrollable player in the league during his career. Romanowski's resume included spitting on former teammate J.J. Stokes, breaking Kerry Collins' jaw with a helmet-to-helmet hit, and breaking former teammate Marcus Williams' eye socket with a punch.

Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Photo courtesy of DailyWildcat.com

Yet that's what's happening. On Saturday, the Arizona Wildcats (Bear Down!) took down Tom Penders' Houston Cougars in overtime, but the real story came when Aubrey Coleman smashed his foot down on Chase Budinger's face, causing Budinger to jump up (like any normal human would do) and go after Coleman.

The video that was on "Sportscenter" is right here. Watch it. Take it in, because Penders is saying that ESPN doctored the video.

They doctored it up, they put this X-ray vision thing in as if Aubrey was looking down, which painted a very poor picture of what actually happened," Penders told the Houston Chronicle's Lance Zeirlein. "We have replays from the game where they went through the entire sequence and run them back in slow motion. Aubrey's eyes never do anything but look straight ahead and then upward towards the ceiling when he saw the official give the charge signal. ESPN made it look like he was looking down and I thought it was a total distortion. And I think it was intentional on their part because I worked there and I've seen them do this kind of thing and they can do a lot with television. They can doctor it up."

Penders went on to say that he even called Norby Williamson (Norby!) and left messages but nobody has returned the call.

At first I thought this was a little ridiculous by Penders, but if you watch the video you do see what he is talking about. Coleman looks straight ahead and even though I think he knew what he was doing, he never looked down, but the graphic they added sure makes it seem like he did. I guess the best view of the whole thing comes from this picture from The Daily Wildcat in Tucson, where his face is straight ahead. That picture basically proves Penders' point.

Houston Coach Thinks ESPN Doctored Budinger Head-Smashing Video originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Providence Player's Brother Still Jailed After Rushing Court

Will Brinson — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Marquette, Big East, Fans, Media Watch, Police Blotter, Rumors

Jonathan Xavier just wanted to defend his brother, Jeff, a guard for the Providence Friars. No, honestly -- that's the only reason he stormed onto the court during Providence's game against Marquette last week.

The bigger problem isn't that he was arrested, though. It's that he was already on probation, and that by storming the floor, he may have violated said probation. And now he's still in jail while a judge determines that very issue.

Xavier, 24, is charged with disorderly conduct. A hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 10 for a judge to decide whether he also violated his probation in the incident.

[...]State prosecutors said Xavier pleaded no contest in 2005 to three drug charges. He received a six year sentence but only had to serve eight months, with the remainder suspended.

That suspended sentence, naturally, came with probation. And you have to believe that someone convicted of three drug charges less than four years ago who commits a seemingly violent act is going to be viewed poorly by a judge.

The good news for both Jeff Xavier and the Friars is that the District Attorney is making a point to state that this case is "not about Jeff Xavier" and instead will be focused on "the dumb and dangerous decision of a person who happens to be his brother."

Providence Player's Brother Still Jailed After Rushing Court originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill Self Allegedly Committed a Recruiting Violation With John Wall Recently

Will Brinson — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Kansas, Big 12, Campus, Coaches, Media Watch, Recruiting, Rumors

John Wall is the country's most highly sought after high school basketball recruit, particularly with Derrick Favors already out of the picture. It shouldn't be shocking to find out that coaches are wooing him left and right, or doing their daggum best to make him love their school.

But that still doesn't excuse Bill Self's alleged recent behavior at a high school basketball tournament that saw Wall turn in what was described News-Leader reporter Allen Vaughn as "mimicking Oscar Robertson." Please bear in mind that this is an "evaluation period" for coaches, where they're not supposed to be talking to players.

That's what was so curious when Kansas coach Bill Self came rolling through.

[...]Self had to know I was a reporter and even said hello to me.

I just thought he'd stand there, maybe even wave to Wall to let him know he was there. Instead, when the Holy Rams poured out of the locker room, Self was excited:

Self: "Johnny, great win man. You really played well."

Wall: "Thanks."

Self: "I'm not supposed to be talking to you, and you know that, but I just wanted to tell you that was a great win."

Then Self vanished.

It's a pretty curious way for Self to approach the whole situation, considering, you know, he knew he wasn't supposed to be chatting Wall up. Did he think that Vaughn somehow wouldn't report the conversation? Or did he think that by caveating his few lines with Wall, the exchanged would somehow be legalized? Surely not.

Of course, Vaughn contacted Missouri State NCAA compliance officer Kyle Kates who referred to the contact as "wrong, but not unique" which is just terrifying on any number of levels. Personally, I'd prefer they just make the lines black and white. Oh, and that they not let the old "self report" move become a total and utter cop-out for anything wrong that a coach does.

H/T Deadspin

Bill Self Allegedly Committed a Recruiting Violation With John Wall Recently originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Pittsnogle Teaching Middle School

Will Brinson — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: West Virginia, Big East, Fans, Media Watch, Rumors

When you receive All-America recognition as a senior in college, odds are pretty good you will have a future in professional basketball. Bear in mind that the NBA is much more exclusive -- just based on sheer numbers of "applicants" and job availability -- than either football or baseball, but still, if you're an upper-echelon performer as a college athlete, that success usually translates to the pros.

College Basketball Where Are They Now?

Then: Kevin Pittsnogle, Center, West Virginia 2002-06 | Accomplishments: After spending his first two years coming off the bench, Pittsnogle was inserted into the starting lineup late in 2005 and the Mountaineers never looked back. The 6-foot-11 big man with a soft shooting touch, led West Virginia to the Elite Eight in 2005 and the Sweet 16 the following season.

Elsa, Getty Images

Now: Surprisingly, Pittsnogle went undrafted in 2006. He played for nine different teams, including the Boston Celtics and a number of NBA Developmental League clubs, before washing out of basketball after a major weight gain, likely caused by a thyroid problem. Pittsnogle is now teaching middle school in West Virginia.

Garrett Ellwood, NBAE / Getty Images

Then: BJ Armstrong, Guard, Iowa 1985-89 | Accomplishments: Armstrong finished as the Wildcats' career assist leader and one of the nation's top long-range shooters (.443 from three-point range). He would go on to be selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls.

University of Iowa Sports Information

Now: Armstrong works for Wasserman Media Group, representing pro athletes and entertainers. NBA No. 1 pick Derrick Rose is one of his clients.

Juan Ocampo, NBAE / Getty Images

Then: Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, Guard, Syracuse 1983-86 | Accomplishments: From Big East Rookie of the Year to All-America as a junior, Washington was known for putting on a show. Lacking extradordinary leaping ability or a great outside shot, Washington relied on his ball-handling skills to ahake opponents en route to the basket.

Syracuse / Collegiate Images / Getty Images

Now: Washington is in his first season as coach of the Jefferson High School girls basketball team in New York.

Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE / Getty Images

Then: Dennis Hopson, Guard, Ohio State 1983-87 | Accomplishments: He completed his career as the Buckeyes' all-time leading scorer. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 1987 as he averaged 29 points a game.

Ohio State University Athletics

Now: Hopson is an assistant coach for Northwood University's men's basketball team in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Northwood University Athletics

Then: Shawn Bradley, Center, Brigham Young University 1991 | Accomplishments: The 7-6 freshman led the nation in blocked shots and helped the Cougars advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He went on a two-year mission for the Mormon church before being becoming the NBA's No.2 overall draft pick (Philadelphia)in 1993.

Getty Images

Now: Bradley is athletic director at West Ridge Academy in West Jordan, Utah, a school for at-risk youth

Tim Heitman, NBAE / Getty Images

Kevin Pittsnogle is one of the exceptions. After not being drafted in 2006, he played for nine (nine!) different teams before giving up on basketball. He has since quit the game and realized that the weight issues he dealt with were the result of a thyroid problem. So what exactly, you might ask, is Pittsnogle doing these days? He's teaching middle school.

No, seriously.

Inside one of the trailers last Friday stood a tall man with a familiar face. He wore a Bugs Bunny tie and a gray dress shirt with sleeves rolled to the elbows. Tattoos spilled to his wrists. He spoke kindly to two of his special education students, who called him Mr. Pittsnogle.

On the inside of the door was a sign: "You are who you choose to be."
For now, this is who Kevin Pittsnogle chooses to be.

Obviously, that snippet isn't the summation of Pittsnogle's life: he's assisting young children, volunteering as a basketball coach, and contemplating a return to the NBA. See, normally, these brief glimpses into the shattered dreams of people we saw on a national level -- if only for a microscopic few moments -- are snarky fire for bloggers. But Pittsnogle's story is pretty touching, especially when you hear that he's using his money and fame (where they came from, I'm not sure) to make their lives better.

Kevin Pittsnogle Teaching Middle School originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Missouri's Miguel Paul Apparently Fibbed About Being Related to Chris Paul

Will Brinson — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Big 12, NBA Prospects, Fans, NCAA Basketball Gossip, Media Watch, Rumors

Miguel Paul is a short point guard for Missouri. He wears number three on his jersey. His last name is, obviously, Paul. His nickname is MP3. So when you see that his claim in the most recent Mizzou media booklet that he is the "first cousin of New Orleans Hornet Chris Paul", well, you don't blink twice.

But you probably should. Michael Kelly, a senior at Missouri traveled all the way to New Orleans to do a story about the two cousins and their success on the hardwood, and was met with a shocking little surprise.

As Matt Moore, Mizzou alum says, "the hits just keep on comin'!"

[...] Chris said he had no idea who Miguel was.

As he was walking out of the Alario Center after practice, Chris said he had never heard or met Miguel.

[...]"I'm shocked at the fact that this may not be true because Miguel said all of this stuff and you have all the comparisons at Missouri,'' Kelly said.

But that's not all! Miguel had previously done an interview -- in November of 2008 -- for the Columbia Missourian in which he talked about how he and CP3 met in Raleigh ... and how he didn't want to go to Wake Forest because "I wanted to create my own footsteps, go my own way ..."

Presuming that this is all false -- and it has to be, right? -- where does this stand on creepy/stalker/identity theft levels? I mean, he didn't pretend to be Chris Paul, but he certainly did pretend to be his relative. And while I would absolutely want to emulate CP3 in all facets of my life if I were a point guard playing college basketball ... well, this is just a little to Finkle-Marino-esque for my tastes.

Missouri's Miguel Paul Apparently Fibbed About Being Related to Chris Paul originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How the Greatest Announcing Call Ever (Onions, by Bill Raftery) Was Born

Will Brinson — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fans, Media Watch, Rumors

Once upon a time at a now defunct fantasy Web site, I penned a piece that more or less proclaimed Bill Raftery the greatest announcer of all time (he had just won the 2006 Curt Gowdy Media Award) due to his proclivity for generating or reviving amazing catch phrases like: "Man-to-man!", "Send it in!", and, of course, "Onions!"

Now, thanks to Dan Levy speaking with Ian Eagle (via The Dagger) we all know the real truth behind Raftery's catchphrase.

"I remember it vividly. It was my first year and the Nets were playing a game down in Miami. And Kevin Edwards hit a big three from the corner to give the Nets a one-point lead late in the game. I had the call: 'Edwards from the corner, three is GOOD.' And Raf goes, 'OOOOH, ONIONS!!!!'

And I turn to him, and I knew Raf's Raf-to-English translation like the back of my hand. I was able to provide listeners with the track that they needed to follow along. But I had no idea what he was talking about. So I turn to him during the break and say, 'Bill, Raf, I don't get that, what is that? Onions? What, it was so good that you cried?' He said, 'Hey Bird (Raf's nickname for Eagle)...BIG BALLS.' And that was it. That's when ONIONS was born."

It makes total sense -- Raf's usage of the phrase throughout the NCAA season is, dare I say, dead-on-accurate -- but it's interesting to note that the term has also evolved differently by fans of college basketball.

Yes, we still all use it when there's a big shot that required big, um, onions to take, but I think it's also become a more common term for a huge dunk on someone as well. Although, actually, there's probably an onions-to-the-face accuracy there as well.

How the Greatest Announcing Call Ever (Onions, by Bill Raftery) Was Born originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eric Gordon Takes a Blowtorch to Kelvin Sampson Ever Coaching in College

Chas Rich — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: Indiana, Big Ten, Coaches, Rumors

Okay, so it wasn't likely that disgraced coach Kelvin Sampson was going to return to college basketball anytime soon. Not with a five-year show cause penalty and costing Indiana over $1.5 million since that time. If there was any remaining hope, however, Eric Gordon took care of that in an interview this week.

The L.A. Clippers rookie and former Indiana one-and-done wonder talked a little about what happened last season at Indiana. Specifically, part of why the season went down the drain. According to Gordon, a sizable chunk of the team was doing drugs. He didn't say who did do drugs, only that D.J. White and two players still on the team did not. So what did Kelvin Sampson do?

Gordon said Sampson "tried to stop it," but the coach "was just so focused on basketball and winning and everything."

Another former player, Adam Ahfeld, corroborated that some players did drugs.

Well done. Not only did Sampson ignore NCAA recruiting rules, but he also turned a blind-eye to drug use by some of the players. I guess he figured that the team was good enough and close enough that along with the recruiting violations he would just get through the season.

That did not work out so well for him. Or Indiana. Instead, it was left to Dan Dakich to clean up the mess in the interim -- throwing off a couple players who were rumored to have failed drug tests.

Eric Gordon Takes a Blowtorch to Kelvin Sampson Ever Coaching in College originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bruce Pearl to Wizards Rumor Squashed From Multiple Angles

Tom Ziller — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Tennessee, Rumors

An odd rumor bouncing around the past week had Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl in play for the future Wizards vacancy. Nothing was ever solid -- the only real connection seems to be Washington GM Ernie Grunfeld's Volunteer history and a smattering of talk that Pearl was considered a year ago as Eddie Jordan's tenure became more tenuous.

The rumor was news to Pearl on Wednesday, and the coach dismissed the idea he was a candidate. Today, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports Pearl isn't a serious option, as the Wizards will be looking for a bigger name with pro experience.

Washington is quietly confident that it will have no shortage of good applicants when it decides it's time to choose a permanent successor to Eddie Jordan, with the Wiz believing, among other things, that the attractiveness of the job and the city where they play has only been enhanced by Barack Obama's forthcoming installment as the nation's 44th president.

Obama as an incentive to take the D.C. job seems odd, and misplaced. Regardless, the job is attractive. The Wizards are no longer a league-wide punchline, and the roster has more strengths than a lot of other teams. To me, a defensive-minded coach makes sense: a team with a remotely free Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will score a-plenty. Even last year, with Brenden Haywood playing awesome and Antonio Daniels starting, the team's defense was mediocre. The team needs new eyes on that end, and perhaps a half-court style that allows the efficient D.C. assault to dominate.

Bruce Pearl to Wizards Rumor Squashed From Multiple Angles originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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