NCAA Basketball FanHouse http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com NCAA Basketball FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Basketball FanHouse http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ACC Players, Coaches Wag Finger at New Taunting Rulehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/acc-players-coaches-wag-finger-at-new-taunting-rule/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/acc-players-coaches-wag-finger-at-new-taunting-rule/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/acc-players-coaches-wag-finger-at-new-taunting-rule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

ACC referee Karl HessGREENSBORO, N.C. -- The talk of the Atlantic Coast Conference's basketball media day Sunday was the trouble a player could get into if he talked too much.

Or said the wrong thing, or gestured the wrong way, or celebrated excessively, or did anything else that might be considered "unsporting behavior,'' according to a new zero-tolerance policy approved for this season by the NCAA.

Many of the players and coaches gathered at Greensboro's Grandover Resort bluntly said they either did not like the change, didn't understand why it was necessary, or both. The biggest issue: there is too much room left for the wrong interpretation.

"If you dunk on someone or whatever -- that's just someone's game. They take pride in it, "insisted Virginia Tech guard Malcolm Delaney. "They don't mean to disrespect people, but that's sometimes how it comes out.

"I think they should have done a survey with the players, asked us for our input,'' he added. "We're the ones playing, and they wouldn't know how we feel about it unless they ask us. They wouldn't know how it affects how we play if they don't ask how we feel."

Said Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez -- formally voted by the media as preseason first-team all-ACC, and informally picked as the player most constrained by the new rule -- "What if you dunk on someone, and it's a crazy dunk, and you can't keep the emotions inside of you? I guess that's what they want us to do. But, that's why they have rules.''

Not even a coach's reputation as "old school'' kept him from being perplexed by the new rules, which call for a technical if an official -- at his discretion -- deems a player's actions as over the line.

"That's why college basketball is a great game, because of that exuberance,'' Maryland coach Gary Williams said, adding that there is a distinct difference between celebration and taunting. "These are 18-and-22-year-old kids who have grown up playing a certain way. It may not be the way I grew up playing it, but it's a great way to play.

"And I hope nobody gets penalized for making a great play and being penalized for it. You've seen it in football already,'' he added. "Hopefully, nobody loses a game over something like that.''

Williams was referring to the infamous "excessive celebration'' football penalty that essentially cost Georgia a victory over LSU earlier this month, a mistake the Southeastern Conference later had to admit to and for which the officiating crew was suspended. Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt also recalled that play, and laughed when asked about the new basketball rule.

"You always teach your players to respect the game, so I think it's important that you're serious about that -- but I'm smiling, because you're putting a lot on the officials,'' Hewitt said. "They're officiating the best athletes in college sports ... This is just another thing you're piling on their plates.''


The taunting rule is one of a handful of changes or areas of emphasis to be put into play this season. There now will be a specific blocking-charging area under the basket, but one that will not be marked by a line as in the NBA. Also, the use of replay will be expanded to determine whether certain fouls are called flagrant, intentional or technicals; three-seconds will be scrutinized more; excessively swinging elbows by a player with the ball will be subject to flagrant fouls; the choices coaches have in picking a replacement foul shooter when the fouled player is injured were narrowed, and distracting free-throw shooters once they are at the line was outlawed.

Even as he was explaining the new taunting rules, ACC officiating supervisor John Clougherty admitted that the Georgia-LSU situation "went too far.'' On the other hand, he said, the basketball officials would now have wide latitude on calling, for example, pointing at an opponent or standing over him after a dunk, flexing muscles, posing, speaking or gesturing to him.

The players would have to walk a fine line between celebrating with teammates and inspiring a home crowd, Clougherty said, and acting unsportsmanlike. As a guide, he said, "Act like you've been there, don't embarrass your opponent.''

Coaches and players don't mind the obvious unsportsmanlike acts being whistled, but they said there are too many that are being confused with normal expressions of excitement. With those, they said, there's no good reason to halt them anyway.

"You're not doing anything wrong, you're just showing the love of the game,'' Williams said. "It doesn't bother me. Obviously it bothers some people ... This is the 2009-2010 season. We're not playing in the 1960s, where everybody wears a crew cut.''

One of the few players who believed it would not alter how he plays was North Carolina forward Deon Thompson: "Not with our team. Our coaches don't like when our team dunks in a guy's face and taunts him -- he doesn't like that,'' meaning head coach Roy Williams.

Hewitt pointed out that with the way players grow up playing ball nowadays, traveling all over the country and building friendships in competition that continue as they move to differing college teams, what might look like trash-talk might be a completely innocent exchange between long-time acquaintances. "I don't think that was considered when they put this in,'' Hewitt said, adding that it would not have hurt for coaches as well as players to be "consulted'' on such a move.

Ironically, Thompson has such a bond with Clemson's Trevor Booker, a teammate on the United States' under-19 World University Games squad in Belgrade last summer; Booker, also a preseason all-ACC pick, boasted of what he and his team would do to Thompson's Tar Heels, and said of the rule, "That's a big one for me; I like showing my emotions ... They have to let you get your crowd into it.''

North Carolina, the defending regular-season and NCAA champs, and Duke, winners of last year's ACC tournament, tied for first in the preseason voting, the first time there has been a tie in 41 years of media voting. Duke's Kyle Singler was chosen player of the year and was joined on the all-conference first team by Vasquez, Booker, Delaney and North Carolina's Ed Davis. Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors was the overwhelming pick for rookie of the year.

The 2012 tournament, already awarded to Atlanta, will be played in Philips Arena rather than the Georgia Dome, the site the last two times the city hosted it, conference officials announced. The two preceding it and the three following it will be held at the Greensboro Coliseum.

ACC Players, Coaches Wag Finger at New Taunting Rule originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Derrick FavorsEd DavisGary WilliamsKyle SinglerKyleSinglerPaul HewittDavid SteeleSun, 25 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST Boom Goes the Bubblehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/05/boom-goes-the-bubble/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/05/boom-goes-the-bubble/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/03/05/boom-goes-the-bubble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

March started days ago. The Madness started Wednesday night.

On an evening where bubble teams could've punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament and boosters could've started humming bars of "One Shining Moment," teams turned down invitations like they were to a wedding without an open bar or the People's Choice Awards.

A memo, fellows. This isn't an invitation to a candlelight dinner with Randy Johnson. "Big Dance" doesn't mean you're cutting a rug with Mark Madsen or waltzing cheek-to-cheek with Mike Tyson.

You actually want to go to this thing.

Yet any team with bubble aspirations did its best impersonation of your 401k.

Virginia Tech had the equivalent of a print-at-home ticket to the Big Dance, but had no more luck finding their way into the tournament than coach Seth Greenberg would have recommending a good barber. But at least they lost to North Carolina. What's your excuse, Boston College?

The Eagles, who have already cleared a whole carton of egg of their face by losing to Harvard in a something that doesn't involve fractals, lost to N.C. State, a team that could only generously be described as a bubble team if, in fact the NIT has a bubble.

The formerly storied Kentucky Wildcats lost to a Georgia team that's 11th in what might be a three-bid conference and long ago fired its coach. Then again, that's what playing with the passion of a man waiting on a bus will do to you.

Miami, which made Duke and North Carolina sweat like Gary Williams in back-to-back games in early February, and looked like a possible Sweet 16 team a month ago, ensured its postseason wouldn't get in the way of Spring Break, falling to Georgia Tech.

Minnesota, a borderline-out bubble team beat Wisconsin, a borderline-in bubble team in the Big Ten, officially giving the league more possibly qualifiers than the total of points some of its teams have scored in a half this season.

And then there was the Gators, a team that just two years ago was flirting with Tom Emanski territory as back-to-back national champions.

Florida lost to Mississippi State in a game that wasn't even as close as its 80-71 score indicates. The Bulldogs took a nine-point lead in at the half, led by 16 in the second and never once so much as had the Gators in drafting distance in the final frame. The Bulldogs, we're fairly certain, could tell you where the CBI will be held without looking it up.

And Florida's loss could be magnified for all the teams that counted the Gators among their top-50 RPI wins, like Syracuse and South Carolina. The Gators were 49th in the RPI before falling to the Bulldogs. And that number will certainly gain a few pounds after getting dumped by Mississippi State. In fact, should the Gamecocks lose tonight against Tennessee, they could conceivably enter Selection Sunday with double-digit SEC wins and zero victories over the RPI top 50.

Of course, this is America. There's always a reward for kicking back and laughing at the misery of others (This, we suppose, is why Detroit Lion games make it on television). So who benefits from the bubble burst?

Maryland, who has four wins in four tries over N.C. State, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, and whose two top wins over North Carolina and Michigan State match up with anyone on the bubble, should get a bump out of all the wreckage, provided the Terps beat ACC doormat Virginia this weekend. Providence might find its way in now with a solid league record and, like Maryland, a recent marquee win, over Pittsburgh. Michigan can play the big-win card too, with victories over Duke and UCLA, but the Wolverines' most notable victory in the past two months, Purdue, perhaps predictably for last night, lost to Northwestern, a team whose good old days involve Evan Eschmeyer.

And Penn State, who has no great wins to speak of, must look a lot more attractive this morning because the Nittany Lions have nothing that's even in the same Congressional district as a bad loss. If last night proved anything, it's that avoiding embarrassment might be the toughest thing to do in college basketball.

That, or get Wojciechowksi spelled correctly in caligraphy.

But each of those teams are written in pencil, and lightly at that.

So who was the real winner? The conference tournaments. These weekend events were usually three and four-day practices for the NCAA Tournament, an exercise in seeding and souvenir programs. Now they'll be stage for nearly every team to play their way onto, or off, the bubble.

And, of course, the college basketball fan. Beacuse the Madness is finally here.

Boom Goes the Bubble originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>boston collegeflorida gatorsgeorgia bulldogsmarylandmaryland terrapinsmiamimiami hurricanesmississippi stateNC statencaa tournamentvirginia techRay HollomanThu, 05 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST Onion Peels: Duke, Carolina Have Similar Sunday Games, Different Endingshttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/16/onion-peels-duke-carolina-have-similar-sunday-games-with-diffe/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/16/onion-peels-duke-carolina-have-similar-sunday-games-with-diffe/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/16/onion-peels-duke-carolina-have-similar-sunday-games-with-diffe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Onion Peels is a recap of last night's action and an unofficial Bill Raftery blog.

Duke and North Carolina were separated by a single game in the ACC standings heading into Sunday; little did Duke know it, but they nearly had a chance to tie the Tar Heels again. However, games against Boston College and Miami, respectively, ended the wrong way for the Devils.

Boston College 80, Duke 74: The same problems that have plagued the Blue Devils all season -- point guard play as well as lack of an inside presence -- came into play again Sunday afternoon.

Another problem, the ability to close teams out, was acknowledged by Gerald Henderson after the game:
"You can't mess around. If you have a team down you have to step on their throats," Henderson said. "That's been a problem with us this year - we haven't approached leads like that, so we need to change that."
Of course, the bigger problem again is at the point position. Greg Paulus played a whopping 25 minutes but only registered two points, two assists and dealing with four fouls. Additionally, Tyrese Rice was nearly unstoppable, hitting big shot after big shot down the stretch en route to 21 points, six boards and six assists. Joe Trapani, held to just five points in a loss to Clemson, posted 20 in 37 minutes while adding five blocks and seven boards.

North Carolina 69, Miami 65: The fact that Miami was 14-0 this season when holding opponents under 70 points didn't seem to bother the Tar Heels, even though Jack McClinton, with 35 points last night, was a pretty big thorn. In the end though, it was Ty Lawson who again looked like Carolina's MVP and -- despite being sick -- managed to score 21 points while dropping what amounted to the game winning three pointer with just over 10 seconds remaining. Miami's a dangerous team, obviously, but the Tar Heels holding on gave them a two game ACC lead and seemingly, based on their remaining schedule, locked sights on this year's conference title.

Elsewhere: Arizona State, behind Jeff Pendergraph's double-double, helped kick Southern Cal a little further off the bubble. Virginia managed to really honor Sean Singletary, upsetting No. 12 Clemson at home. Nationally ranked Butler stumbled for the second time in two weeks, despite Matt Howard's 30 points, as they head into a February 21 matchup with Davidson, this time to Loyola-Chicago and Jordan Hicks, who poured in 23 for Loyola. Illinois took care of Indiana by double figures in a game that should really be more important.

Onion Peels: Duke, Carolina Have Similar Sunday Games, Different Endings originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>gerald hendersonGeraldHendersongreg paulusGregPaulusjack mcclintonJackMcclintonjeff pendergraphJeffPendergraphjoe trapaniJoeTrapanionionpeelssean singletarySeanSingletaryty lawsonTyLawsontyrese riceTyreseRiceWill BrinsonMon, 16 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Duke Narrowly Maintains Perfection in Cameron Indoorhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/07/duke-narrowly-maintains-home-perfection/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/07/duke-narrowly-maintains-home-perfection/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/07/duke-narrowly-maintains-home-perfection/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There was some belief coming into the Miami-Duke game that Duke would just pound on Miami. The Hurricanes had won just a single conference road game in four tries. They were coming off a huge blowout win over sixth-ranked Wake Forest in Coral Gables. Duke on the other hand, has been perfect at home and were still smarting from a blowout loss on the road.

A letdown by Miami was expected and a determined Duke team would control this game and never give Miami any hope. That did not happen. Instead, Duke had to make a big comeback to get in the game in the second half and finally prevail in overtime, 78-75.

In the first half, Duke acted like it had never seen a zone defense. The Blue Devils had a spell of over six minutes where they went without a field goal. The Blue Devils continually settled for shots from outside. Duke ended up with over half of their shots being 3-point attempts, the easiest shot to get against the zone. Duke only shot 6-for-31 in the first half.

Miami built a 13-point halftime lead, that grew to 16 a few minutes into the second half. Duke, however, finally adjusted to the zone and got the ball inside. Gerald Henderson took advantage and scored 18 of his 19 points in the second half and overtime.

Once Duke started getting some shots, they could set up the pressure defense, which Miami did not handle at all. Miami had eight turnovers in the second half and Duke was able to convert them all into points. The game was tied with more than 12 minutes left.

Miami appeared on the verge of wilting as they often have in games like this as Duke extended its lead. But Miami responded. Led by Jack McClinton, they fought back and forced overtime when the Hurricanes star drilled a long 3-pointer with two defenders in his face on the 'Canes final possession.

But Duke never trailed in the overtime. Much-maligned point guard Greg Paulus came up big in the game and especially the overtime for Duke. He grabbed an offensive rebound that led to another Duke score, stole the ball to keep Miami from getting a chance to take the lead and sank both free throws at the end of the game to ice it for the Blue Devils.

As for Miami, they just could not get shots to fall any longer. Still it was an impressive showing for the Hurricanes. They have found ways to lose in excruciating fashion, as this was their third overtime loss in conference play. They keep getting close to breaking through, but have not. At the same time, they keep fighting and playing. Just a mentally tougher team than they have ever been since joining the ACC.

Duke Narrowly Maintains Perfection in Cameron Indoor originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chas RichSat, 07 Feb 2009 16:23:00 EST Can Tigers, Hurricanes Storm the ACC?http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/can-tigers-hurricanes-storm-the-acc/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/can-tigers-hurricanes-storm-the-acc/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/can-tigers-hurricanes-storm-the-acc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you wanted to play a parlay on Miami and Clemson road-grading Duke and Wake Forest the kind of clubbings usually reserved for the Knicks or Andy Kennedy's cab rides, you probably would've had to look far, far down your betting slip.

Think somewhere in the area of Alex Rodriguez autographing a copy of Joe Torre's new book and Alex Rodriguez shacking up with a woman whose age is less than his homer totals.

And then keep looking down.
Back-to-back, the Hurricanes' and Tigers' 27-point wins over the Deacons and Blue Devils were about as shocking as anything on ACC-area hardwood since the seams came off the ball.

Miami had lost three straight games, including two to teams that probably spent the second half wondering just what this collegeinsider.com tournament is all about. Clemson hadn't beaten Duke in the regular season in 22 straight regular-season contests. Twenty-two.

Let's put it another way. The last time the Tigers beat Duke in the regular season, they probably celebrated by doing the Macarena.

But any big win in the ACC is never so much an exclamation point as a well-placed comma. There's always more where the last challenge came from.

And, with the celebrations of Wednesday behind them, only one of these teams is headed up.

Step forward Clemson. And don't stop until you're close enough to Ford Field to need your own bailout package.

Give the Hurricanes credit, though. Following last year's breakthrough season, 2009, thus far, seemed like a sequel so bad it must've been cooked up by George Lucas. Point guard Eddie Rios was arrested and dismissed after apparently trying to steal his way to his own Best Buy franchise in his dorm room. The Hurricanes collapsed against Ohio State after the dubious ejection of Jack McClinton and fell to the bubble-bound Buckeyes. Then they dropped four out of five in conference play in late January. Only a win at Kentucky hinted at the ability of a team ranked 25th to start the season.

So, before Wednesday's win over Wake Forest, their RPI sat at a buffet-bloated 49, squished beneath South Carolina and Temple.

And the worst still isn't over for the Hurricanes.

Credit Miami for disposing of Wake Forest, but since beating North Carolina, the Deacons' offensive philosophy seems to be pass the ball to Jeff Teague, then chat about the value of the Bun & Thigh Roller. While the former No. 1 team is still a defensive force, it's now struggling to get everyone in the same book, let alone the same page, on offense. The Deacons are still fifth in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, but have cannon-balled to 67th in offensive efficiency.

Credit the Hurricanes for a great defensive effort. Credit them for timely free throw shooting. Credit them for shooting the lights out.

And then question whether they can consistently do it again

For the season, they're an awful free throw shooting team (67.4 percent) that's terrible at producing turnovers (305th in the nation in defensive turnover percentage) and they're more dependent on the 3-pointer than any team in the ACC.

Against Wake Forest, they hit 45 percent from behind the arc and managed a near season-best 59.1 percent effective field goal percentage (The 'Canes topped 60 percent against lightweight Florida International). For the season, they're shooting just 50.1 percent, seventh in the ACC. They have just two gifted offensive performers, Jack McClinton and Dwayne Collins, and a margin for error thinner than a South Beach sunbather.

And like everyone else, they're searching for consistent play out of their point guard.

All of which may spell trouble on a road to March that couldn't be more dangerous if it took a left turn through Afghanistan. Up next the Hurricanes play at Duke and host North Carolina. Should Miami lose both, the road to .500 in the ACC will require a 4-1 finish. Its win over Wake Forest likely put Miami on the comfortable side of the bubble, and the Hurricanes should be favored to make the Big Dance.

Clemson should be favored to make a big splash.

Like Miami's upset, Clemson's victory was at least in part an indictment of its opponent.

Duke is a team in the midst of an identity crisis. New point guard Nolan Smith has a sub-1.00 assist-to-turnover ratio. Backup point guard Greg Paulus leads the nation in number of times he's been smacked in the face by an opponent's thigh while getting dunked on. Kyle Singler, after making a run at All-America honors earlier in the season, has disappeared (11 points in his last two games), and try as he might, Mike Krzyzewski hasn't yet got this team to respond to him.

But Clemson did to Duke what effectively no team has done since the Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter Tar Heels handled Duke by 20-plus in two games in 1998. No one has won by more points than the 1990 Running Rebels. And that darn sure means something.

And it means something you should've already known: these Tigers can play with anyone.

They proved it earlier in the season, beating Illinois and Temple out of conference and routed Miami on the road. Sure, Oliver Purnell's team lost to Wake Forest and was blown out by North Carolina (and struggled against Virginia Tech on the road), but at 19-2 and 5-2 in the ACC, they've got a clear shot into March with only a return against Wake Forest and games against bubble teams Florida State and Virginia Tech. As far as ACC schedules go, the second half of the year is darn near a two-foot putt.

And unlike Miami, or even Wake Forest, the Deacons rank in the top 25 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, a classic hallmark for national title competition, as each of the last eight Final Four participants have finished in the top 25 in both categories. They've got three reliable offensive weapons in low-post banger Trevor Booker, swingman K.C. Rivers and guard Terrence Oglesby, and can score inside or out.

And as Duke could tell you, the Tiger full court press could put enough pressure on to turn the basketball into a diamond.

But in the ACC, there aren't many free passes. Except, perhaps, Virginia.

Just don't be surprised if Clemson finishes with the league's best regular-season mark and in the mix at season's end.

And from there? Can the Tigers make it to the Final Four? Maybe not. But after Wednesday, that's a bet you at least won't have to search for.

Can Tigers, Hurricanes Storm the ACC? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>clemsonclemson basketballclemson tigersClemsonBasketballClemsonTigersjack mcclintonJackMcclintonmiami hurricanesMiamiHurricanesoliver purnellOliverPurnellterrence oglesbyTerrenceOglesbytrevor bookerTrevorBookerRay HollomanFri, 06 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST Miami Gets Signature Win With a Flourishhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/miami-gets-signature-win-with-a-flourish/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/miami-gets-signature-win-with-a-flourish/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/miami-gets-signature-win-with-a-flourish/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When your best wins are over bubble teams like Kentucky and Florida State and your conference record is below .500, any hopes for playing in the NCAA Tournament require some big wins. The Hurricanes accomplished that tonight with a second half blow out of Wake Forest, 79-52.

This was a complete decimation of Wake Forest in the final 20 minutes. Miami only held a three-point lead at the half, but blew the game open from the start of the second half. The Hurricanes went on a 25-8 run. Jack McClinton had a huge game scoring 32 points, dropping a slew of 3-pointers and getting to the basket.
For Wake Forest, Jeff Teague may have acknowledged that teams are now planning to stop him, but he has yet to show he can adjust to overcome that. Teague went for 19 points, but needed 14 shots to do it, and missed all of his 3-point attempts. Even worse, he was abused defensively by McClinton.

No one else for Wake Forest showed any shooting touch, though. The Demon Deacons shot below 32 percent and failed to play defense. The Hurricanes shot nearly 50 percent.

Wake Forest has now lost three out of their last four games. The Deacons are in a mid-season slump as the conference competition wears on them. Right now they have been playing to the level of their competition.

Miami Gets Signature Win With a Flourish originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chas RichWed, 04 Feb 2009 23:25:00 EST Miami's Eddie Rios Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Electronicshttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/miamis-eddie-rios-busted-stealing-thousands-worth-of-electronic/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/miamis-eddie-rios-busted-stealing-thousands-worth-of-electronic/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/miamis-eddie-rios-busted-stealing-thousands-worth-of-electronic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eddie Rios hasn't really had a great basketball season. He's been suspended twice and he's only averaging about four points per game (in 12 minutes of play.)

And after being arrested for "grand theft" and burglary, it appears that he's really been on a hijacking tear, having stolen several thousand dollars worth of electronic equipment from other Miami students.


Rios helped steal four laptops, two Xbox game consoles and a credit card among other items, the report said. He was arrested and booked Wednesday on two counts of burglarizing an unoccupied dwelling, and two counts of grand theft.

Police responded to a burglary call at the University of Miami's Mahoney Residential building Tuesday night and spotted Rios getting into a car, the report said. Rios and the driver, Stephanie Elizabeth Flores, 19, were pulled over and found with a Dell laptop computer that did not belong to either of them.
As Chas noted, Rios was originally tagged with some pretty serious crimes; to top everything off, Rios also confessed to stealing a bunch of other items when police got a hold of him. I suppose now would be the (in)appropriate time to make a joke about paying college players. But, clearly, I'm above that. But really, why's he stealing when he's already on salary?

Plus, Rios was a top recruit in the state of Florida and supposed to help Miami win an ACC title. It's always a sad story when you see a young kid with a bright future turn to illegal activity for no apparent reason.

Miami's Eddie Rios Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Electronics originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Eddie RiosEddieRiosWill BrinsonMon, 02 Feb 2009 12:15:00 EST Who Let the Football Player on Miami's Basketball Team?http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/28/who-let-the-football-player-on-miamis-basketball-team/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/28/who-let-the-football-player-on-miamis-basketball-team/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/28/who-let-the-football-player-on-miamis-basketball-team/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Miami's Edwin Rios was supposed to be one of the team's building blocks. The sophomore was a top-20 point guard in the recruiting rankings when he signed with Miami. Instead, he has underachieved and been a problem child. He was first suspended for one game in December, then suspended indefinitely in January. Why? The ever popular "violating team rules."

That is now the least of his concerns as he has been arrested and charged with "two counts of burglarizing an unoccupied dwelling, and two counts of grand theft." So far Miami and the athletic department has no comment.

Miami, has a "zero-tolerance" policy concerning the behavior of its athletes on-the-field after the FIU-Miami football brawl a couple years ago; that has not really been enforced in the realm of basketball. It is a good bet, as the athletic department still tries to overcome the reputation of lawlessness earned by the football program, that Rios is likely done as a Hurricane.

Who Let the Football Player on Miami's Basketball Team? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chas RichWed, 28 Jan 2009 22:17:00 EST Wayne Ellington Orchestrates a Sudden Blowout of Miami on ESPN's Primetimehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/wayne-ellington-orchestrates-a-sudden-blowout-of-miami-on-espns/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/wayne-ellington-orchestrates-a-sudden-blowout-of-miami-on-espns/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/wayne-ellington-orchestrates-a-sudden-blowout-of-miami-on-espns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I have no clue why ESPN scheduled North Carolina and Miami for Saturday night primetime. Oh wait. Yes I do. It's because, two weeks ago, the line for that game would have been "Carolina minus infinity" and expecting anything short of a total Hurricane bloodbath would have been insanity.

Then UNC lost twice. And suddenly this matchup was more of a "holy mess let them lose!" type of event where the WWL and the Carolina national bandwagon would be thoroughly embarrassed. Frankly, the game had the making of a potential upset heading into half.

The Tar Heels were only up four, they looked totally ineffective and suddenly Miami was dangerous. Then Wayne Ellington happened.

With the Hurricanes hanging around to a degree, Ellington went off, dropping eight consecutive baskets (seven of which were three-pointers) in a show that ended up as a 23-point -- all in the second half, mind you -- effort. Tyler Hansbrough, in a very underreported story, was fairly ineffective (he's still Bilas' POY, though!).

Yes, he scored 24 points, but he only managed seven boards and still shot under 50 percent. I use this not as a way to say that Psycho T is bad ... he's not; it's just people simply refuse to talk about his inability to really dominate this year.

Or perhaps it's just Marcus Ginyard, who's lack of presence has had this Tar Heel defense suffering. Roy Williams spoke about it before the game and mentioned this his team just needed to "relax" (a far cry from Danny Green's message that this team didn't care).

The Heels, outside of Jack McClinton's 21 points and Dwayne Collins/Adrian Thomas combining for 23, shut down the 'Canes. But this is a Miami team that is "not Duke" and "worse than Wake Forest". If UNC wants to win the ACC -- and at 2-2 now it's entirely possible still, of course -- they'll need better defense.

Wayne Ellington Orchestrates a Sudden Blowout of Miami on ESPN's Primetime originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian thomasAdrianThomasdanny greenDannyGreendwayne collinsDwayneCollinsjack mcclintonJackMcclintonmarcus ginyardMarcusGinyardroy williamsRoyWilliamstyler hansbroughTylerHansbroughwayne ellingtonWayneEllingtonWill BrinsonSat, 17 Jan 2009 23:50:00 EST John Wall Won't Be Swayed By Derrick Favors' Decision to Attend Georgia Techhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/15/john-wall-wont-be-swayed-by-derrick-favors-decision-to-attend/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/15/john-wall-wont-be-swayed-by-derrick-favors-decision-to-attend/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/15/john-wall-wont-be-swayed-by-derrick-favors-decision-to-attend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Derrick Favors and John Wall are the top two recruits in the nation -- Favors, as we mentioned yesterday, was rated number one by Scouts and Wall has been listed as Rivals number one overall prospect.

Favors is now off the board, having committed to be a Yellow Jacket for one year his college career. Wall, meanwhile, remains on the market, so to speak, but there's good news for the teams (Baylor, Duke, N.C. State, Memphis mainly; Kansas, Oregon and Miami are also in consideration) currently pursuing the point guard.

He won't be swayed by Favors decision to attend Georgia Tech when making his decision.
Word of God [Raleigh] coach Levi Beckwith confirmed that notion Thursday.

"I doubt he's going to Georgia Tech," Beckwith said, laughing during a telephone interview.

"I don't think he's sitting by the TV or sitting by the radio trying to find a reason to go where he's going to go," Beckwith said.
So, in theory, if you're Sidney Lowe and the NCSU Wolfpack, you're feeling fairly decent about your chances. Although, purportedly, Wall's commitment to the Pack would probably hinge on landing DeMarcus Cousins. Otherwise, expect to see him roll to one of the higher profiles schools that have courted him for the past few years; although regardless, he's going to hold off for a while before announcing where he actually attends.

John Wall Won't Be Swayed By Derrick Favors' Decision to Attend Georgia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>demarcus cousinsDemarcusCousinsderrick favorsDerrickFavorsjohn wallJohnWallsidney loweSidneyLoweWill BrinsonThu, 15 Jan 2009 23:20:00 EST Miami Finally Ends Decade Long Dry Spell in Chestnut Hillhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/10/miami-finally-ends-decade-long-dry-spell-in-chestnut-hill/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/10/miami-finally-ends-decade-long-dry-spell-in-chestnut-hill/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/10/miami-finally-ends-decade-long-dry-spell-in-chestnut-hill/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Eagles had won 13-of-14 against the Hurricanes. Going back to their days in the Big East, it had been ten years since Miami won a game in Chestnut Hill. The drought came to an end tonight as Miami knocked off Boston College, 77-71.

The Hurricanes simply took and made better shots than the Eagles. Whether it was in the paint, from the perimeter or from the free throw line. Miami just shot better than Boston College. Miami spread it around with five players finishing in double-digits, but no player with more than thirteen points. The Hurricanes continually drove to the basket looking for shots inside. Dwayne Collins absolutely killed Boston College inside, drawing a slew of fouls that led to all but two of his thirten points coming from free throws.

Boston College, by contrast shot poorly and spent too much time launching threes. The Eagles launched 27 threes out of 55 shots and only made nine. The offense came almost exclusively from their guards and wing players. The Eagles spent much of the game settling for jumpers until late in the game, when they realized they were going to lose.

Sixteen top-25 teams were in action today. The ranked or higher ranked team won every game with this exception. It was a short stay in the rankings for Boston College. With this and their loss to Harvard earlier in the week, their upset of North Carolina looks a lot more like the exception not the expectation.

Miami Finally Ends Decade Long Dry Spell in Chestnut Hill originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chas RichSat, 10 Jan 2009 21:45:00 EST Atlantic Coast Conference Season Set to Begin: A Quick Once-Overhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/03/atlantic-coast-conference-season-set-to-begin-a-quick-once-ove/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/03/atlantic-coast-conference-season-set-to-begin-a-quick-once-ove/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/03/atlantic-coast-conference-season-set-to-begin-a-quick-once-ove/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The ACC has had an interesting start to the season. You have top-ranked North Carolina just rolling over everyone and flexing their muscle. Duke has looked very impressive for most of the year. Wake Forest and Clemson are still undefeated and climbing the polls.

Still, there have been some bad moments. Miami hasn't looked as good as advertised, Maryland followed up one impressive win by getting blown out twice. Virginia Tech has lost on two buzzer beaters. Then there is the glut of also-rans that litter the bottom half of the league.

Conference season doesn't get into full swing for another week or so and there has already been two league games played. There are some big non-conference game this week (Ga Tech at Alabama, Xavier at Virginia, NC State at Florida, Wake Forest at BYU) but the highlight will be the ACC's top two teams starting conference play.

The big game will be North Carolina opening up conference play against Boston College. Sure, they are on other ends of the spectrum, but the game boasts the two favorites for ACC Player of the Year. We know all about UNC's Tyler Hansbrough, but BC's Tyrese Rice was right behind Psycho T all last year. In their last meeting, Rice dumped 46 points on the Heels and nearly pulled off a late season upset (Sunday, 5:30 PM ET).

Other big games this week: Virginia Tech at Duke (Sunday, 7:45 PM ET)

Player to watch: Other than Rice and Hansbrough, all eyes at the Dean Dome should be on Ty Lawson. Lawson is having an All-American season thus far but hasn't faced anyone like Rice, yet. Like I said, Rice popped 46 points on the Heels. That was also Lawson's first game back from an ankle injury so he was at a disadvantage. Let's see if his new defensive intensity will be effective against one of the ACC's best.

Pre-Conference Power Rankings

1. North Carolina -- The No. 1 ranked team in the nation has won all 12 of their games by double-digits, a school record.

2. Duke -- When on, they are one of the best teams in the country. But we all saw in Michigan what they look like when they aren't.

3. Wake Forest -- Still undefeated and could be a top four team next week. One of the deepest teams filled with guys you've never heard of.

4. Clemson -- The Tigers have shown that toughness that Oliver Purnell has injected into the program. Their blasting of Miami proved that.

5. Miami -- There is no question that Jack McClinton and the Canes are a tournament-calibar team. However, they don't seem to be on the same page at times, the offense bogs down and the defense isn't focused.

6. Florida State -- The Seminoles may actually be putting together the kind of season we've been waiting for. The loss to Northwestern was puzzling but they gave good effort in a loss to Pitt. Let's see how they do against Duke in ten days.

7. Maryland -- They followed a blowout of Michigan State by getting ran out of the gym by Gonzaga and Georgetown. Still, they've beaten Michigan and all the teams they are supposed to.

7. NC State -- Injuries and inconsistent play has hit the Wolfpack yet again.

9. Virginia Tech -- Well, they've beaten the teams they are supposed to and have been close in their four losses. Remember that Xavier needed a miracle shot to beat them and Wisconsin beat them at the buzzer.

10. Boston College -- They have a few nice wins on the resume, but nothing overly shocking. Let's see how they handle a January stretch at UNC and then hosting Miami and Wake Forest.

11. Virginia -- Three of their four losses aren't horrible. Losing at home to Liberty is.

12. Georgia Tech -- Their home loss to Virginia knocks them down here. Their upcoming schedule looks daunting as well so they may stick here for a while.

Atlantic Coast Conference Season Set to Begin: A Quick Once-Over originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jack mcclintonJackMcclintonty lawsonTyLawsontyler hansbroughTylerHansbroughtyrese riceTyreseRiceShiloh CarderSat, 03 Jan 2009 01:16:00 EST Miami Tries To Give Kentucky the Win But Wildcats Can't Take Advantagehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/07/miami-tries-to-give-kentucky-the-win-but-wildcats-cant-take-adv/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/07/miami-tries-to-give-kentucky-the-win-but-wildcats-cant-take-adv/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/07/miami-tries-to-give-kentucky-the-win-but-wildcats-cant-take-adv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Miami jumped all over Kentucky early by playing nearly a perfect first half. The Hurricanes went into halftime with a 46-26 lead.

However, they tried their darndest to let Kentucky back in the game before holding on for the 73-67 win. Down the stretch, Miami missed seven of its last nine free throws, including the front end of two one-and-ones.

Miami was saved by Kentucky's own crappy shooting. The Wildcats missed 23 of 25 shots from behind the arc and hit just 35% from the field.

Kentucky's defense was awful too. In that first half, Miami got into the paint at will and either converted shots, got to the line or dished it out for a wide open three. And for some reason, the Wildcats seem to forget that their best player is Patrick Patterson since they don't get him the ball. Patterson attempted just four shots in the first half. When they decided to look for him, he poured in 19 points and 16 boards.




After the game, Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie complained how his team lacks leadership when times are tough. He's right. They need someone to calm everyone down and get them on the same page. Someone has to notice that everyone is taking bad shots and not dumping the ball off to Patterson.

Miami Tries To Give Kentucky the Win But Wildcats Can't Take Advantage originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shiloh CarderSun, 07 Dec 2008 15:33:00 EST Miami's Jack McClinton Will Play Saturday Against Kentuckyhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/04/miami-fls-jack-mcclinton-will-play-saturday-against-kentucky/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/04/miami-fls-jack-mcclinton-will-play-saturday-against-kentucky/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/04/miami-fls-jack-mcclinton-will-play-saturday-against-kentucky/#commentsFiled under: ,

Neither the ACC nor the University of Miami will place any disciplinary action on guard Jack McClinton. McClinton was ejected from Tuesday's game against Ohio State after taking a swipe at the Buckeyes' Anthony Crater.

That means McClinton will play in the Hurricanes upcoming game at Kentucky Saturday. I guess zero tolerance policies work, eh?

McClinton was given a flagrant foul on the play -- not a foul for fighting which would have resulted in a suspension of at least one game. McClinton is sorry for his actions and says it won't happen again:
"That was definitely not me," he said. "I am not that type of person. I would never do anything to put myself or my team in jeopardy. It was a bad reaction on my part. You have to stay composed. The best ones do that."
In other news, Miami has reinstated guard Eddie Rios. Rios was suspended indefinitely just before the Ohio State-Miami game for breaking a team rule.

Miami's Jack McClinton Will Play Saturday Against Kentucky originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>eddie riosEddieRiosjack mcclintonJackMcclintonShiloh CarderThu, 04 Dec 2008 23:20:00 EST Jack McClinton Slap Shows University of Miami 'Zero Tolerance' Policy Was a Jokehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/jack-mcclinton-slap-shows-university-of-miami-zero-tolerance-p/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/jack-mcclinton-slap-shows-university-of-miami-zero-tolerance-p/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/jack-mcclinton-slap-shows-university-of-miami-zero-tolerance-p/#commentsFiled under:

In 2006, the football teams at the University of Miami and Florida International got into this ugly brawl:

In the aftermath of that brawl, Miami slapped the offenders on the wrist, simply benching them for one game, against a Duke team that Miami knew it would beat easily.

Stung by criticism of those slaps on the wrist, University of Miami President Donna Shalala claimed that her school would implement a "zero tolerance" policy toward on-field misconduct in its athletic program. But the truth is, Shalala was lying when she made that claim, and the case of Jack McClinton will demonstrate that.

McClinton was ejected from Tuesday night's game against Ohio State for slapping Ohio State's Anthony Crater. He probably deserves to face some kind of discipline -- beyond getting ejected and leaving his team shorthanded -- for what he did, but he certainly doesn't deserve to get kicked off the Miami team for it. That would be a ridiculous overreaction.

But that's the corner Shalala painted herself into with her silly "zero tolerance" claim. In the aftermath of the Florida International brawl, Shalala said that any Hurricane athlete who hit an opponent would immediately be kicked out of the Miami program. McClinton hit an opponent. He won't be kicked out of the program. Shalala was full of it.

The truth is, blanket "zero tolerance" policies are stupid. A school should evaluate discipline for student-athletes on a case-by-case basis, and not implement far-reaching policies in response to one extraordinary incident. Shalala came out with her "zero tolerance" policy because she wanted to sound tough, but the case of McClinton will show that her rhetoric was empty.

Jack McClinton Slap Shows University of Miami 'Zero Tolerance' Policy Was a Joke originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jack McClintonJackMcclintonMichael David SmithWed, 03 Dec 2008 11:53:00 EST ACC/Big Ten Challenge Heads Into Final Day as Even as It Can Gethttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/acc-big-ten-challenge-heads-into-final-day-as-even-as-it-can-get/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/acc-big-ten-challenge-heads-into-final-day-as-even-as-it-can-get/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/03/acc-big-ten-challenge-heads-into-final-day-as-even-as-it-can-get/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The ACC/Big Ten Challenge is entering its final day of action. Both conferences have won three games. The ACC has a slim lead in points, 405 to 402.

One interesting note is that the ACC was 33-4 at home during the first nine years of the Challenge. They've already lost two home games this year.

Let's take a look back at what has happened:

Wisconsin 74, Virginia Tech 72: The Badgers avoided an upset with a Trevon Hughes jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining. The Tech loss was the first for an ACC team at home in the Challenge in 11 games. Big Ten leads 1-0

Ohio State 73, Miami-FL 68: How about another road win for the Big Ten? Miami's Jack McClinton was ejected after taking a swipe at a Buckeye player. After an agressive run by the Canes, Ohio State mounted a second half comeback and pulled out the win. Big Ten leads 2-0.

Clemson 76, Illinois 74: Clemson puts the ACC on the board with their own road win. The Tigers' Demontez Stitt led the Tigers with 18 points and they used their defensive pressure to force 17 Illini turnovers. Big Ten leads 2-1.

Boston College 57, Iowa 55: Iowa's Andrew Brommer missed the front end of a one-and-one with 0.4 seconds left as the Hawkeyes fell to BC. Boston College held on despite scoring just one point in the final 4:45. Challenge tied 2-2.

Duke 76, Purdue 60: Jon Scheyer came back to his home turf and scored 20 points for the Blue Devils. Kyle Singer was scorching hot late to put the game away. The win helped flex the ACC's muscle. ACC leads 3-2.

Minnesota 66, Virginia 56: The Cavs shot a horrid 31% from the field and the Gophers tied up the Challenge again. Freshman Colton Iverson led Minnesota with 14 points. Series tied 3-3.

That means that tonight's games will determine the winner of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Big Ten has never won this thing but has a decent chance to get it done tonight. There are at four winnable games, even though the ACC is the oddmaker's favorites in each contest. Here are the Big Ten's best bets tonight:

1-Florida State at Northwestern: The Noles are the better team in this one, but they are by no means locks to win on the road.

2-Michigan at Maryland: Can you really trust the Terps? They did beat Michigan State last week, but Michigan has a win over UCLA under their hat.

3-Penn State at Georgia Tech: Tech is usually tough at home and it will be interesting to see how the Nittany Lions fare on the road. Still, it is hard to trust the Yellow Jackets who nearly lost to Jacksonville State.

4-North Carolina vs Michigan State: UNC is the unanimous No. 1 team, but the Spartans are scared of no one.

5-Indiana at Wake Forest: The ACC can already chalk this one up.

ACC/Big Ten Challenge Heads Into Final Day as Even as It Can Get originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>accbigtenchallengeShiloh CarderWed, 03 Dec 2008 01:37:00 EST Miami's Jack McClinton Is Ejected For a Slap; Canes Go On to Losehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/02/miamis-jack-mcclinton-is-ejected-for-a-slap-canes-go-on-to-los/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/02/miamis-jack-mcclinton-is-ejected-for-a-slap-canes-go-on-to-los/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/02/miamis-jack-mcclinton-is-ejected-for-a-slap-canes-go-on-to-los/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Miami Hurricanes missed their leader tonight. All-ACC guard Jack McClinton was ejected in the first half of their ACC/Big Ten Challenge game against Ohio State after he took a swipe at Anthony Crater.

After passing the ball, McClinton swiped or slapped or smacked Crater in the face. It wasn't much, but it did tick off Buckeyes coach Thad Matta who made sure the officials took some sort of action. After a lengthy conference, they gave McClinton a flagrant foul and ejected him from the game. By the way, McClinton did this right after Crater hit him. Crater stayed in the game.

What made it worse is that the Canes had suspended sophomore point guard Eddie Rios before the game. Rios violated team rules and has been suspended indefinitely.

Miami, who was up by 12 when McClinton was thrown out, blew a second half lead and lost, 73-68.

When McClinton left the game he had 12 of the Canes' 19 points -- all on three point shots. The rest of the Canes would go on to shoot 2-of-19 from behind the arc and 19-of-53 from the field.

Ohio State exposed Miami's lack of guard play by pressuring them into all kinds of mistakes. The Buckeyes would go on a 13-0 second half run to get back into the game and just wore out Miami down the stretch.

This is the second road win for the Big Ten in this Challenge after the ACC reeled off 11 straight..

Miami's Jack McClinton Is Ejected For a Slap; Canes Go On to Lose originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>accbigtenchallengeanthony craterAnthonyCraterjack mcclintonJackMcclintonthad mattaThadMattaShiloh CarderTue, 02 Dec 2008 22:30:00 EST ACC/Big Ten Challenge Begins Tonighthttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/01/acc-big-ten-challenge-begins-tonight/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/01/acc-big-ten-challenge-begins-tonight/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/12/01/acc-big-ten-challenge-begins-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The ACC/Big Ten Challenge is back once again. This is the 10th edition of the Challenge with the ACC winning it in each of the first nine seasons.

The ACC has won 16 of the last 22 games in this series.

Already we've seen a few games between ACC and Big Ten teams: Duke beat Michigan in the 2K Sports Championship game; Maryland beat Michigan State in the Old Spice Classic. Purdue beat Boston College in the Preseason N.I.T.

So let's take a look at what the next three days have in store.

Wisconsin at Virginia Tech (Mon. 7 pm ET): The Badgers are 0-5 as the road team in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Tech is coming off a tough showing in the Puerto Rico Tip Off. They lost two games by a total of five points and barely beat Elon in the 7th-place game at home. Both could find themselves in the NCAA Tournament in March. Watchability: It is a decent appetizer to get ready for the Challenge.

Ohio State at Miami (Tue. 7 pm ET): This would have made on heck of a football game several years ago. Now it's a darn good hoops game. It will be interesting to see Ohio State deal with the Miami guards and Miami deal with Ohio State's size. Miami is the only school on either side to not have won a game in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Watchability: One of the darkhorses to be the best game this week.

Iowa at Boston College (Tue. 7 pm ET): Neither team has big plans this year but both have the ability for a few upsets. The Eagles have won both their previous ACC/Big Ten Challenge games. Watchability: The best part of this game is seeing BC's Tyrese Rice tear it up. The fact that it's relegated to ESPNU says it all.

Clemson at Illinois (Tue. 7:30 pm ET): This is potentially a great game. Neither team is of elite status, but both are solid. The Illini just beat Vanderbilt while Clemson is already 7-0. Watchability: It's definitely good for a flip during the Ohio State-Miami game. Don't watch if you are allergic to the color orange.

Virginia at Minnesota (Tue. 8:30 pm ET): Two teams that no one expects anything from. These are the games, however, that prove the ACC's superiority as the ACC's bottom is usually better than the Big Ten's. Watchability: You probably won't be able to see the game anyways.

Duke at Purdue (Tue. 9 pm ET): Seeing Duke play an actual road game is a rarity. So is seeing the Blue Devils lose in the Challenge (they are 9-0). Both teams have high hopes for the season and the atmosphere in West Lafayette will be outstanding. Watchability: The best game of the day.

Indiana at Wake Forest (Wed. 7 pm ET): This has the potential to be the biggest mismatch of the Challenge. This game was set up according to last year's standings. Wake is extremely talented and extremely deep. Indiana is neither. Watchability: Use this as a chance to see the Demon Deacons' talented squad. Nothing more.

Penn State at Georgia Tech (Wed. 7:30 pm ET): This is the best chance for a Big Ten upset. As usual, Tech is struggling against weak opponents. Penn State has looked pretty good to start the season. Watchability: Only if you are a big, big fan.

Michigan at Maryland (Wed. 7:30 pm ET): Both the Wolverines and Terps have pulled off two of the biggest upsets thus far against UCLA and Michigan State, respectively. Both are as hit-and-miss as you can get from each conference. The Terps, for example, followed up an 18-point win over the Spartans with a 22-point loss to Gonzaga and a 27-point loss to Georgetown. Watchability: This should be a good game with a ton of runs. Worth a look if you have ESPNU.

North Carolina vs Michigan State (Wed. 9 pm ET): This is the biggest game of the Challenge. So big that they are playing it at Ford Field. Interesting note: Michigan State is the only Big Ten team with a winning record in the Challenge. North Carolina is just 4-5 in the Challenge ... tied for worst among schools who have been in all nine of them. Watchability: This game is the best chance for the Heels to lose a game before ACC play. See them get beat or see them continue their dominating season.

Florida State at Northwestern (Wed. 9:30 pm ET): This should be an easy Noles win (again, the ACC's bad is better than the Big Ten's). Watchability: With it going on at the same time as UNC-Michigan State, why watch?

ACC/Big Ten Challenge Begins Tonight originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shiloh CarderMon, 01 Dec 2008 06:10:00 EST Recap of the FanHouse 2008 Semi-Preseason BlogPollhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/21/recap-of-the-fanhouse-2008-semi-preseason-blogpoll/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/21/recap-of-the-fanhouse-2008-semi-preseason-blogpoll/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/21/recap-of-the-fanhouse-2008-semi-preseason-blogpoll/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Well, there you have it. The FanHouse Preseason College Hoops BlogPoll for 2008 is complete.

The voting for No. 1 was not close. North Carolina was atop every single ballot. UCLA, Louisville and UConn usually followed in a variety of orders. From there, it was a typical free-for-all as there is a glut of teams from No. 5 to No. 12 that was very fluid.

The poll also had some newcomers to it. Davidson is now a household name; St. Mary's will soon be; UNLV is back on the map while schools like Arizona State, Miami-FL and Wake Forest are primed to make their move. Defending champion Kansas didn't make the cut.

Still, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The top two ranked teams were in the Final Four last year, UConn takes back its place among the elite and six of last March's Elite Eight are ranked in the top twenty.

Will we be wrong with this poll? Of course! Heck, our No. 2 team has already been beaten. But name me the last time the Associated Press or the coaches got their preseason poll completely right. The key is that these teams will be the ones to know when March Madness rolls around.

Big thanks to all the bloggers across the internets for lending a hand and breaking down these teams.

1 - North Carolina Tar Heels
2 - UCLA Bruins
3 - UConn Huskies
4 - Louisville Cardinals
5 - Michigan State Spartans
6 - Gonzaga Bulldogs
7 - Oklahoma Sooners
8 - Pittsburgh Panthers
9 - Purdue Boilermakers
10 - Memphis Tigers
11 - Texas Longhorns
12 - Duke Blue Devils
13 - Miami-FL Hurricanes
14 - Arizona State Sun Devils
15 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
16 - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
17 - Tennessee Volunteers
18 - UNLV Runnin' Rebels
19 - St. Mary's Gaels
20 - Davidson Wildcats
21 - Florida Gators
22 - Marquette Golden Eagles
23 - LSU Tigers
24 - USC Trojans
25 - Syracuse Orange

Recap of the FanHouse 2008 Semi-Preseason BlogPoll originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shiloh CarderFri, 21 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST FanHouse NCAA Hoops BlogPoll: No. 13, Miami-FL Hurricaneshttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/18/fanhouse-ncaa-hoops-blogpoll-no-13-miami-fl-hurricanes/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/18/fanhouse-ncaa-hoops-blogpoll-no-13-miami-fl-hurricanes/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/18/fanhouse-ncaa-hoops-blogpoll-no-13-miami-fl-hurricanes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week, FanHouse is taking an early look at the top teams heading into 2008 with a BlogPoll decided on by our college hoops bloggers. To help with the team capsules, we've brought in some of the top fan bloggers around the internets to give us insights on their teams.

Today, we have enlisted Tom Popadak of Cane Space to break down the Miami Hurricanes.

The Canes are led by Frank Haith who is entering his fifth year as head coach. Canes fans and new UM AD Kirby Hocutt have "Faith in Haith" who signed a five year extension during the off-season and had the Hurricanes ranked as high as No. 19 in the AP Poll last season. In 2007-08, the Canes improved by 10 games over the previous season, beat #4 Duke and finished with a 23-11 record, leading to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament where the Canes managed to advance to the second round of the tourney before losing to Texas.

Miami returns four starters and 82.8 percent of its scoring from last year's team, including Preseason Wooden Award nominee and All-ACC Team pick Jack McClinton. Affectionately known by Canes fans as McClutch or McMoney for his knack of hitting the big shot when needed, McClinton averaged a team-high 17.7 points per game en route to First Team All-ACC honors as a junior in 2007-08. He is the nation's top returning free throw shooter, having converted an ACC-high 91.9 percent of his free throws last season and also finished among the league's leaders in scoring (4), three-point field goal percentage (2) and minutes played (13).

Why the Canes should be ranked here: The Canes had a surprisingly good 2007-08 season while sneaking up on opponents as big underdogs. And while all signs point to the Canes being better than last year when they topped out at #19 during the season, things change this year when everyone in the ACC will be ready and waiting for these upstarts. The Canes will have to prove they can consistently play with the big boys, on the road and in the toughest conference in college basketball. There are no easy games in the ACC, but these Canes appear to be ready for most of the challenges they will face.

Why the Canes should be ranked higher: I recently had a discussion with local Canes insider and Miami Herald reporter Manny Navarro about the Canes' strengths this year. He agreed that in spite of the tough ACC and non-conference schedule, that with some hard work, a little luck and lots of support from Canes fans at "The BUC" (BankUnited Center) that these Canes could go further than anyone expects this year. Here's why: The Canes return four starters, several key bench players and their best player in ACC All-American and Wooden nominee Jack McClinton. They will add to the mix highly regarded freshman recruit DeQuan Jones (#28 overall by ESPN) who is expected to see early playing time and the team will be guided by a seasoned, successful and secure head coach in Haith. These factors all add up to the potential for the Canes best season since joining the ACC five years ago.

Why the Canes should be ranked lower: I previously mentioned that McClinton is one of the nominees for the Wooden Award. Problem is so are seven other ACC players including 2007-08 award winner Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Wayne Ellington (North Carolina), Gerald Henderson (Duke), James Johnson (Wake Forest), Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Tyrese Rice (Boston College) and Kyle Singler (Duke). The ACC is stacked and it will be tough sledding for Miami all season long.

In addition, the Hurricanes play at least five games versus 2008 NCAA Tournament teams, including home games versus Clemson and North Carolina, road games versus Kentucky, North Carolina and Duke and up to two neutral site games in the Virgin Islands. And that doesn't even include a nationally-televised ACC/Big 10 Challenge match up versus 2008 NIT champion and 2007 NCAA runner-up Ohio State on Tuesday, December 2.

No matter how the season unfolds, U will get to see plenty of Miami this year. The Canes will have at least seven nationally televised games, including three appearances on ESPN, one on ESPN2 and three on Fox Sports Net. Miami will be gunning for the 2008-09 ACC Tournament which is scheduled for March 12-15 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta where the Canes will be hoping for a hot time in the City.

Thanks to Tom Popadak of Cane Space and Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald for coming into the 'House to break down the Hurricanes.

FanHouse NCAA Hoops BlogPoll: No. 13, Miami-FL Hurricanes originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>08blogpolldequan jonesDequanJonesfrank haithFrankHaithjack mcclintonJackMcclintonShiloh CarderTue, 18 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST