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/Harper Filling Yow's Big Shoeshttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/harper-filling-yows-big-shoes-at-n-c-state/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/harper-filling-yows-big-shoes-at-n-c-state/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/06/harper-filling-yows-big-shoes-at-n-c-state/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Kellie Jolly HarperKay Yow is still very much a presence in the North Carolina State women's basketball program.

Her name is on the athletic department's Wall of Fame, and on the basketball court at Reynolds Coliseum. Her photo still hangs in the women's basketball locker room.

"She was North Carolina State basketball, and you don't and you can't wipe that away with a new staff," said new N.C. State head coach Kellie Jolly Harper.

Harper is making one of the toughest transitions in college basketball this season. She is taking over the Wolfpack program, moving it in a new direction after the passing of Yow last January following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Yow fought bravely and publicly, her players and coaching staff rode the ups and downs of her treatment with her until her death. Stephanie Glance, Yow's assistant of 15 years took over the program until the end of the season and was the favorite of many who supported the program to take the job permanently.

But the administration was looking for a fresh start and Harper, who was a star guard at Tennessee under Pat Summitt and coached Western Carolina to two NCAA appearances in five seasons, was offered the job.

Harper said saying yes was not automatic.

"I made sure I did my homework," Harper said. "I had to talk to different people, to make sure I understood the landscape. Being a young coach, I did not want to jeopardize my future by putting myself in a bad situation. But after visiting the campus and talking to people and the players, I knew it was going to be a good situation."

Among those she talked to was her former coach, Summitt.

"It was important to me for her to have that confidence in me," Harper said. "Having her tell me that she thought it was a great fit for me and a great fit for N.C. State, that pushed it over the top for me."

Harper accepted the job and said she knew she had done the right thing when the North Carolina State coaches did their annual caravan around the state.

"I was 100 percent sure," Harper said.

Now comes the hard part, moving the program to a new place. Harper said her focus has been on the players.

"I can't imagine what those kids went through the last couple of years," Harper said. "Not only dealing with the loss of their head coach, but still trying to be student-athletes, with the uncertainty of the future of the program. There were so many things weighing on them."

The Wolfpack returns four starters and three seniors to the team that struggled to a 13-17 mark last season. Her starting lineup in Monday's exhibition game included junior Amber White, who missed last season with an Achilles tendon injury and sophomore Bonae Holston, who led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Harper, for her part, has worked hard to be visible and accessible, let the community in Raleigh get to know her better.

"I want to meet the fans, I want to get myself out in front of them," Harper said. "I want our program to be supported. I want them to step out and play in front of big crowds. I feel like they deserve that."

EXHIBITION FUN: The games that mean nothing have begun. Division I teams around the land playing an exhibition game or two before the real action begins next week.

That doesn't mean some of the scores aren't interesting.

For example, Tennessee defeated Cardinal Newman 124-34 a couple of days after Pat Summitt said her team has been overrated in the national polls. A 90-point win might not be a portend for the Final Four, but it certainly suggests that the Lady Vols have plenty of offensive game. Six players scored in double figures.

At one point in the first half, junior Angie Bjorklund had more points individually than Cardinal Newman had collectively as a team.

On the opposite coast, Oregon tried out its new fast-break offense under coach Paul Westhead and defeated Southern Oregon 109-47. Oregon got to triple digits without senior guard Taylor Lilley, who missed the game with an ankle injury.

Oregon hadn't hit double-digits on the scoreboard in any game -- exhibition or otherwise -- since 2005 and not at home since 1998.

Harper Filling Yow's Big Shoes originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Angie BjorklundKay YowKelly Jolly HarperPat SummittPaul WestheadMichelle SmithFri, 06 Nov 2009 20:10:00 EST 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 John Wall's Misdemeanor Likely Won't Impact Recruitmenthttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/john-walls-misdemeanor-wont-likely-impact-recruitment/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/john-walls-misdemeanor-wont-likely-impact-recruitment/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/john-walls-misdemeanor-wont-likely-impact-recruitment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

John Wall, the nation's top point guard recruit and possible No. 1 pick of the 2010 NBA draft, was charged with misdemeanor breaking and entering yesterday.

Contrary to what my colleague wrote, this will likely have minimal impact on the teams recruiting him.

So far no team or coach has even circulated a rumor that they are done recruiting Wall (though NCAA regulations prohibit coaches and programs from speaking directly about an unsigned recruit).

After Wall makes a decision, no doubt the snubbed coaches will imply or let intermediaries suggest that they stopped recruiting him after this incident. Fans of the snubbed schools will doubtlessly claim that they are happy that a "thug" and "criminal" like Wall is not going to sully their program.

Please.

Wall was cited -- not even arrested -- for misdemeanor breaking and entering (North Carolina GS Sec. 14-54(b)) last week. It was into an empty house, with no sign of forced entry (not a bad house, judging by the listing).

Essentially, Wall and a couple friends were stupid enough to decide to walk into an empty house. They did not take anything. Essentially, the police wrote him a ticket.
The officer saw Wall leaving from the rear door of the residence and detained him without incident, [Raleigh police spokesman Jim] Sughrue said.

A few minutes later, a second teenager, Bria Renea Draughn, 16, was detained while walking on a nearby street. A third, Reginald Leonard Jackson II, 17, was detained when he returned to the Laurel Glen Drive house, Sughrue said.

Each of the three was issued a citation on a misdemeanor charge of breaking and entering, said Wake County chief magistrate Gary Wills.

The citation is similar to one issued for a traffic violation, Wills said. "You can be cited for a misdemeanor breaking and entering," he said. No warrant was executed.
This is not to minimize what he did, but sneaking into an empty, abandoned house is not exactly an unheard-of action for teenagers, even an 18-year-old under plenty of scrutiny for his basketball prowess. When even a county magistrate is comparing it to a traffic violation, it is hard to draw real outrage.

Athletes in Trouble With the Law

    May 4: Prized recruit John Wall is charged with a misdemeanor breaking and entering. Click through to see more sports figures in trouble with the law.

    Chris Williams, Icon Sports Media

    May 4: NFL wide receiver Biren Ealy, pictured, and tight end Kolomona Kapanui were accused of being drunk, urinating in public and exposing themselves.

    Getty Images

    April 30: Former football star Lawrence Phillips, pictured here with the Dolphins in 1998, will go to trial on charges that he attacked his girlfriend in 2005. Phillips already is serving a 10-year sentence for hitting three teenagers with his car in Los Angeles.

    AFP / Getty Images

    April 26: Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips was cited for misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking a security guard in the face at a hotel.

    Tom Hevezi, AP

    April 22: Former Jaguars star Jimmy Smith faces multiple drug charges, plus a charge of driving with a suspended license following an arrest.

    Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

    April 20: Purdue point guard Lewis Jackson pleads guilty to illegal alcohol consumption and possession of drug paraphernalia.

    Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

    April 15: Eugene Edgerson, a former Arizona basketball player who tours with the Harlem Globetrotters, was arrested for the second time in two months on domestic violence charges.

    Jesse D. Garrabrant, NBAE / Getty Images

    April 16: Former Broncos running back Travis Henry admitted to a single count of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and faces 10 years or more in prison.

    Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

    April 13: Michigan State's Glenn Winston was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to assault charges.

    Carolyn Kaster, AP

    April 11: Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested on charges of aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting police outside a Cleveland nightclub.

    Paul Jasienski, Getty Images

John Wall's Misdemeanor Likely Won't Impact Recruitment originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>john wallChas RichTue, 05 May 2009 13:44:00 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 Roy Williams Has a Public Potty Mouthhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/roy-williams-has-a-public-pottymouth/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/roy-williams-has-a-public-pottymouth/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/roy-williams-has-a-public-pottymouth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

North Carolina effectively handled N.C. State last night, further cementing their status as top dog in the ACC. Roy Williams, however, didn't really have a predictable reaction. See, normally, you expect Williams to toast everyone with a Coca-Cola and to throw out an "Aw, shucks, ya'll" to help complete his public persona.

Instead of doing that, though, when repeatedly asked by ACC writer Andrew Jones about his team's inability to properly apply full court defensive pressure, he let loose with a little F-bomb.
If I knew the answer to that, do you still think we'd be $#&%-ing stinking? Everybody strike that f-word, I meant to say 'frickin.' Seriously, if you think I could figure it out, don't you think I would do it?
You can also hear the audio at 850 the Buzz if you're so inclined (NSFW) and basically when he drops the F-bomb, everyone breaks out laughing. Unfortunately, as WRAL's Jeff Gravely pointed out, you can't "strike live interviews."

It's not that big a deal; Williams has dropped an "S-bomb" on live television before, but it does speak to his two separate identities. As far as most of the public knows, Williams is a congenial Southerner who won't even let obscenities into his practice. Several of the public slips, though, tell us something different.

Roy Williams Has a Public Potty Mouth originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>roy williamsRoyWilliamsWill BrinsonThu, 19 Feb 2009 12:40:00 EST Tyler Hansbrough Suffered Concussionhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/17/tyler-hansbrough-concussed-sunday/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/17/tyler-hansbrough-concussed-sunday/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/17/tyler-hansbrough-concussed-sunday/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

North Carolina remained one of the nation's hottest team heading into the conference home stretch last week, beating up on Duke and then squeaking by a dangerous Miami team. They now have a very minor speed bump in their quest to win the ACC regular-season championship with a rivalry game against N.C. State Wednesday.

However, that hump may have gotten a touch bigger with the news that Tyler Hansbrough suffered a concussion during Sunday's game against the Hurricanes.
North Carolina forward Tyler Hansbrough suffered a slight concussion early in the second half of Sunday's win at Miami, coach Roy Williams said Monday night during his radio show.

His eight-point performance was "one of the worst games he's played all year," Williams said, until he took a charge in the final minutes to help secure the 69-65 victory.
Now, there are some people who might say that Williams often exaggerates with his players' injury status. For example, on Sunday, Ty Lawson was "sick as a dog" en route to hitting the game winner. Perhaps he picked up this trait from Michael Jordan while working Dean Smith's bench, or perhaps Carolina is just really suffering from some freak woes this year.

If Hansbrough's concussion is serious, you have to think that it could greatly impede Carolina's march to an ACC title. On the other hand, there's a decent chance that, with the way Lawson is playing these days, combined with the Tar Heels' overall talent edge over the Wolfpack, Hansbrough may not play at full throttle tomorrow night.

Tyler Hansbrough Suffered Concussion originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dean SmithDeanSmithMichael JordanMichaelJordanRoy WilliamsRoyWilliamsTy LawsonTyLawsonTyler HansbroughTylerHansbroughWill BrinsonTue, 17 Feb 2009 16:50:00 EST Virginia Tech Storms Back While N.C. State Collapses Againhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/vatech-downs-ncsu-in-ot/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/vatech-downs-ncsu-in-ot/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/vatech-downs-ncsu-in-ot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The way the first half of N.C. State's game against Virginia Tech played out Sunday, you'd be excused for thinking the Wolfpack were on the heels of Duke and North Carolina in the ACC. But as has been typical of N.C. State all season, they couldn't hold a lead in the second half and let Virginia Tech claw its way into overtime and an 91-87 win.

This was essentially a must-win game for both teams, but particularly for the Hokies, who rebounded from a so-so non-conference performance into a spot on the happy side of the NCAA tournament bubble and are in the mix for a possible ACC tournament bye . The Wolfpack, meanwhile, were merely trying to eke out their third consecutive ACC win and move within two games of .500 in the ACC.

N.C. State led 49-35 at the half, but went stone cold in the second as the Hokies stormed back before putting the Pack away in overtime.

A.D. Vassallo led the way for Virginia Tech, scoring 24 points, pulling down seven rebounds and draining the game-tying shot near the end of regulation, a difficult look over Courtney Fells. Most importantly, he hit four straight free throws down the stretch to put the Wolfpack away

Ben McCauley was State's best answer on the offensive end, scoring 25 with 15 boards. Sidney Lowe called McCauley's number on an attempted game winner with just a few seconds left, but the big man got mugged on an uncalled foul while making his move towards the hoop. (And, in the swallow-your-whistle file, McCauley likely travelled, uncalled, as well.)

All told, it was another painful example of N.C. State's inability to complete a full game. The Pack's offense almost never clicks well enough to pour 50 points in during a half and it sums up the team's season to see N.C. State flounder its way to 27 in the second half.

Part of that appears to be a lack of talent -- this isn't an upper tier ACC team regardless of who's in charge. The other issue appeared, at least today, to be Lowe's willingness to let the the Wolfpack try and burn clock in the second half, hoping to hold off the Hokies for just long enough.

The crazy thing is that Virginia Tech, even as streaky as they've been, is now in an excellent position to make a run in the ACC.Following a Wake Forest win over Boston College today, the Hokies in a four-way tie for second place in the ACC, behind Duke and North Carolina. And with a nice stretch of Georgia Tech, Maryland and Virginia in the next week and a half, the Hokies are poised to make a move.

Virginia Tech Storms Back While N.C. State Collapses Again originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>ad vassalloAdVassalloben mccauleyBenMccauleycourtney fellsCourtneyFellssidney loweSidneyLoweWill BrinsonSun, 08 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST Vandals Deface Kay Yow Memorialhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/vandals-deface-kay-yow-memorial/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/vandals-deface-kay-yow-memorial/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/vandals-deface-kay-yow-memorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Kay Yow's recent passing struck an emotional chord, not just in Raleigh and North Carolina, but across the sports world as a whole. The level of respect that Coach Yow received from fans, friends, family and colleagues cannot be understated.

Which makes it that much more difficult to comprehend why vandals would deface a memorial created to honor Coach Yow with a "blue mustache" and the phrase, "Cancer Rules."
A blue mustache and the phrase "cancer rules" were added to the painting, which shows a portrait of Yow against a pink background. The graffiti was removed and the mural restored by early Sunday morning, but the incident did not sit well with students.

"This is still like her memorial," said Caren Lohr, a senior biology and chemistry major from Trinity in Randolph County. She came to paint the tunnel as part of an annual tradition by her co-ed fraternity. "She was definitely not one to be disrespected like that."
No one should be disrespected like that, and frankly, it's beyond sickening to think that anyone would find this remotely humorous. Judging from the color of the mustache and the vandalism occurring the same day as the N.C. State-North Carolina game, the logical thing is to presume that a Carolina fan/student did this; I get the whole rivalry issue, but anyone who could find this not remotely despicable needs to re-evaluate their moral compass.

There is also, of course, the issue of where the mural was painted: the Free Expression Tunnel. The FET has always been open to nearly whatever (hence the name), but was the subject of national scrutiny recently when students wrote inflammatory words about Barack Obama.

And just as Chancellor James Oblinger responded in thoughtful and swift fashion, I expect the same here. Free speech is free speech, but has limits when its purely hateful. Whoever did this will hopefully be identified and punished to whatever extent may be possible.


Vandals Deface Kay Yow Memorial originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>barack obamaBarackObamajames oblingerJamesOblingerkay yowKayYowWill BrinsonMon, 02 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST Brandon Costner Denies NBA Rumorhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/brandon-costner-denies-crazy-internet-rumor-that-hes-leaving/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/brandon-costner-denies-crazy-internet-rumor-that-hes-leaving/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/brandon-costner-denies-crazy-internet-rumor-that-hes-leaving/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Brandon Costner, right now, is all that Sidney Lowe has in Raleigh. Take him away and there's the semi-emergence of Courtney Fells, Ben McCauley's swan song, and the unlikely possibility of landing John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. Which isn't saying much.

Logically, the news/rumor that Costner was bolting for the NBA after this season should be terrifying for Sid. Fortunately for Lowe, though, Costner is referring to that report as "one of those crazy Internet rumors."
"I definitely didn't definitively say I'm leaving," Costner said. "Just another one of those crazy Internet rumors that goes around about me. I'd rather people just shut up and stop making up stuff."
That's, um, definite, right? Bear in mind, here, that there's a lot more at play than just what Costner wants right now. For starters, there's a lot less chance that Lowe lands Cousins or Wall if they think Costner won't be there to help them on offense next year. And there's a lot less chance that Costner wants to hang around without either of those guys.

Add in Cousins and Wall and the Wolfpack could be temporarily dangerous; take away all three guys and State fans are in a nightmare. In other words, there's a lot of ifs here, and there's a distinct possibility that Lowe just wants Costner to act like he's hanging around regardless, at least for now.

Brandon Costner Denies NBA Rumor originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>ben mccauleyBenMccauleybrandon costnerBrandonCostnerdemarcus cousinsDemarcusCousinsjohn wallJohnWallsidney loweSidneyLoweWill BrinsonSat, 31 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST Danny Green Called NC State Fans 'Country' Before Saturday's Gamehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/danny-green-called-nc-state-fans-country-before-todays-game/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/danny-green-called-nc-state-fans-country-before-todays-game/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/danny-green-called-nc-state-fans-country-before-todays-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When N.C. State plays North Carolina, it is a rivalry game. Ignore what many Tar Heel fans will say -- beating the Wolfpack matters (albeit a lot less than defeating Duke in basketball.)

If it wasn't an important matchup, then Danny Green wouldn't bother referring to State fans as "country."
"From our perspective, their fans are kind of crazy, a lot of country guys over there,'' UNC forward Danny Green said. "They're pretty harsh; they speak their mind, they say whatever comes to mind, they try to hurt your feelings, and it's probably one of the toughest places to play.

"You've got the wolf howling in the background, which is kind annoying. And then when they run out, one time I got hit by one of the batons when they were swinging the flags - I got hit with one of those in the head; that was kind of annoying, too. It's a tough place to play with all of the fans in the crowd; they get into it."
That, folks, is the very definition of a "backhanded compliment." While Green was kind enough to mention that the RBC Center is one of the tougher places to play (it is, but there are definitely tougher), dogging the wolf howls and calling the fans "country" is absolutely insulting.

It doesn't really matter; State fans will never like Carolina players (feel free to add on as many vice-versas as you want) and Carolina paddled the Pack, so Green can say what he wants, I suppose. But that doesn't make it less unnecessarily bourgeois.

Danny Green Called NC State Fans 'Country' Before Saturday's Game originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Danny GreenDannyGreenWill BrinsonSat, 31 Jan 2009 22:45:00 EST Video: Mike Copeland, Ben McCauley Tussle at the End of NCSU - UNChttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/video-mike-copeland-ben-mccauley-tussle-at-the-end-of-ncsu-u/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/video-mike-copeland-ben-mccauley-tussle-at-the-end-of-ncsu-u/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/video-mike-copeland-ben-mccauley-tussle-at-the-end-of-ncsu-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Remember the "high emotions" between Mike Copeland and Ben McCauley I described at the end of the NC State-North Carolina game? Well, if you didn't get a chance to see it, here you go, via the N&O. Who do you think is in the wrong? (I'm going with Mike Copeland: trying to score there = wholly unnecessary.) Also, +1000 to Roy Williams for yelling, "MICHAEL!" like an angry father near the end of the clip.

Video: Mike Copeland, Ben McCauley Tussle at the End of NCSU - UNC originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>ben mccauleyBenMccauleymike copelandMikeCopelandroy williamsRoyWilliamsWill BrinsonSat, 31 Jan 2009 21:15:00 EST Carolina Rolls Wolfpack, Kay Yow's Celebration Marred By Ugly Endinghttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/carolina-rolls-wolfpack-kay-yows-celebration-marred-by-ugly-en/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/carolina-rolls-wolfpack-kay-yows-celebration-marred-by-ugly-en/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/31/carolina-rolls-wolfpack-kay-yows-celebration-marred-by-ugly-en/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It wasn't actually "Kay Yow Day" in Raleigh, but it might as well have been (and it wouldn't surprise me if that holiday actually popped up) with all the pink in the crowd. A good 60-70 percent of N.C. State's fans were wearing pink shirts to honor Coach Yow, and both Sidney Lowe's and Roy Williams' coaching staffs wore tennis shoes, in the traditional "Coaches vs. Cancer" form. Too bad a couple players had to rumble at the end (Video here).

But none of the motivation that Yow's memory could provide was enough for the Wolfpack, which have, in effect, proven themselves to be a 34-minute basketball team this year. And Tyler Hansbrough returned to his normal ways, scoring 31 points as North Carolina topped State 93-76.

The Pack started out hot -- particularly Brandon Costner, who scored seven points in the first five minutes. He went stone cold, though, needing another 12 minutes to score again. And in the last five or so minutes of the first half, Carolina went on one of the runs that makes them so deadly and feared by Jay Bilas and everyone else in America.

State closed the gap several times throughout the second half -- mainly on Courtney Fells' 18 points following the intermission -- but the reality is that this game was a really good team outmatching a really average team: nothing less, nothing more.

Yeah, it was a "life kick", and even though the late Mrs. Yow might find it tough to find a positive lesson in all of this, the Pack hung with an upper-echelon ACC team for most of the game (again), which is at least something.

It's a more positive thing to remember about this contest than focusing on the end of game antics between Ben McCauley and late game, end-of-the-pine senior Mike Copeland; Copeland attempted to score with 1.6 seconds left (a Busch-L move if there ever was one) and McCauley fouled him, um, hard. After Copeland got off the hardwood, he went after McCauley, which brought out the wrath of both the N.C. State student section and coach Williams.

Williams, for all the goshdaggumits we like to give him about being so ... Roy, deserves praise for not only chastising Copeland but also appearing to apologize in the direction of Lowe and the Wolfpack in general. It -- meaning the field goal attempt and instigation -- was a classless act on a day that was designed to honor a classy lady, and hopefully Copeland will be reprimanded properly.

Carolina Rolls Wolfpack, Kay Yow's Celebration Marred By Ugly Ending originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>ben mccauleyBenMccauleybrandon costnerBrandonCostnercourtney fellsCourtneyFellsjay bilasJayBilasmike copoelandMikeCopoelandroy williamsRoyWilliamssidney loweSidneyLowetyler hansbroughTylerHansbroughWill BrinsonSat, 31 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST Brandon Costner Indicates This Is Last Year in Raleighhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/30/brandon-costner-indicates-this-is-his-last-year-in-raleigh/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/30/brandon-costner-indicates-this-is-his-last-year-in-raleigh/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/30/brandon-costner-indicates-this-is-his-last-year-in-raleigh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Brandon Costner's time at N.C. State has been tenuous, to say the least. The only "good" times were the run in the ACC tournament that the Pack made two years ago; last year, locker room turmoil and expectations tore the team apart. This year, State has shown to good when they play well and really, really bad when they don't.

Unfortunately for Costner, it looks like his legacy will be linked directly with Sidney Lowe and these downtrodden Pack teams; he appears, based on the following quotes, headed out of Raleigh after his junior season.
NB: How many years are you planning on staying in college?
BC: This is my fourth year, so it's probably my last year.

NB: Aren't you a redshirt junior?
BC: Yeah, I am, but I'm graduating early, so I don't really want to stay too far back.

NB: You don't plan on doing a grad school year and playing your senior season [of eligibility]?
BC: No.
Now, it's worth noting that the timing on this interview, pulled from PackPride by a friend (and later seen on SFN), is a little bizarre. The article was published on January 2, 2009, but the interview allegedly comes from some training session in the summer (hence the Steve Nash mention in there.)

Regardless though, losing Costner for next season would be a tremendous blow to State's chances at being anything other than "barely decent", unless they can land both DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall. Starting Nick Horner at the three (or, gasp, four) isn't exactly a formula for success.

Brandon Costner Indicates This Is Last Year in Raleigh originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brandon costnerBrandonCostnerdemarcus cousinsDemarcusCousinsjohn wallJohnWallWill BrinsonFri, 30 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST Ranking the Rankings: Duke's No. 1http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/26/ranking-the-rankings-and-yada-yada-yada-dukes-number-one/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/26/ranking-the-rankings-and-yada-yada-yada-dukes-number-one/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/26/ranking-the-rankings-and-yada-yada-yada-dukes-number-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ranking the rankings criticizes the critics as soon as the polls come out.

Headlining: It's obvious, right? Duke tops both polls for the first time since the end of the 2005-06 regular season and we're all depressed ecstatic! I want to say that it's hard to like this Blue Devil team, but when is it easy to like Duke? (Answer: When you're a Duke fan. Or when the Blue Devils are playing Carolina.) That being said, the 2008-09 incarnation isn't nearly as hate-able as previous teams.

Gerald Henderson is a freakish athlete who tries hard, Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer embody a certain Durham stereotype, but at least they're not Chris Collins and Wojo, and Greg Paulus has been relegated to a supporting role and has yet to play more than 24 minutes a game.

The antipodal proposition alone should be worth a slightly less odoriferous and palatable annoyance. (Yes, I'm pretending that I graduated from Duke and write for Slate.) Of course, there's still the matter of butting heads with the previous top team, Wake Forest, Wednesday, but for now: Everyone respects Duke.

Freefallin': Georgetown (12/14 to 25/23), Syracuse (8/8 to 15/15) and Notre Dame (19/19 to UR/22). In fairness to all three teams, the Big East is really good. And in fairness to the pollsters, this group of teams combined to lose five games (the Irish lost that Saturday prime timer as their only game of the week en route to three straight losses; coughing one up to Marquette Monday won't help their case either) last week, so it's not that shocking. The Big East teams are certainly going to beat up on each other all season long and they'll fluctuate; anything other than the same from the top tier ACC teams would be surprising as well.

You Gotta Rise Up: Kentucky (UR/UR to 24/UR), UCLA (17/16 to 13/11). It's never a total shock when two big name programs -- Louisville could apply here too, I suppose, just based on the relative inaction of the top 10 -- win a couple of games and start vaulting higher. In Kentucky's case, it's Jodie Meeks helping to propel the Wildcats back into the rankings for the first time since November ... 2007. It wouldn't seem that long if it wasn't Kentucky we're talking about, but the Wildcats are held to a higher standard. Presuming they can beat both Mississippi and South Carolina this week, it's safe to say you'll see them ranked in both polls next week.

Hyped: Clemson (12/11). Yes, the Tigers only have two losses, but they're still in the top 15. And while I don't necessarily know that the Tigers are en route toward a total and utter meltdown, I certainly won't vouch that they aren't, either. They've got games against Virginia Tech, Duke, Florida State and Boston College in their next four matchups. Two of those teams have beaten No. 1-ranked squads ... and they're the two inferior teams on the schedule. A win against Georgia Tech kind of righted the ship, but there's a distinct possibility that they could go 0-4 over that span.

Bunked: Arizona State (14/14). Call me a Herb Sendek homer if you want, and I won't care. I love the guy, and all he does is produce teams that go to the NCAA Tournament. His last five teams at N.C. State went to the Big Dance and It's not far-fetched to say that the Wolfpack would probably deal with an annual tourney bid right now. The Sun Devils are not a high-scoring bunch, and losses to USC and Cal aren't impressive, but James Harden is a baller and 22 points per game in Sendek's offense might be equal to 49 anywhere else.

WTF?: No one from the coaches' poll dropped. Like, literally no one. Florida is this -- makes pinching motion with index and thumb -- close to inching in, just one point shy of Gonzaga, and Utah State is right behind, but it's still really unusual to see a poll with no movement whatsoever.

People That Vote Are Smart: Ron Morris of The State in Columbia, S.C., takes the cake. He really thinks highly of Luke Harangody, so much so that he puts Notre Dame at No. 14 in his poll. Yes, the Irish are a talented team, but when he voted they had lost three straight, and they've dropped four straight now. It's kind of tough to bump a team from No. 14 to unranked in one week, but here it's arguably deserved. He also has UConn and North Carolina ahead of Duke.

Ranking the Rankings: Duke's No. 1 originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chris collinsChrisCollinsgerald hendersonGeraldHendersongreg paulusGregPaulusherb sendekHerbSendekjames hardenJamesHardenjodie meeksJodieMeeksjon scheyerJonScheyerkyle singlerKyleSinglerluke harangodyLukeHarangodyRankingtheRankingsron morrisRonMorrisWill BrinsonMon, 26 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST Raleigh Newspaper Fires Back at Mike Krzyzewski On Duke Coveragehttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/raleigh-newspaper-fires-back-at-mike-krzyzweski-regarding-duke-c/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/raleigh-newspaper-fires-back-at-mike-krzyzweski-regarding-duke-c/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/17/raleigh-newspaper-fires-back-at-mike-krzyzweski-regarding-duke-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mike Krzyzewski has claimed this year that Duke gets no respect from the media. It seems like a silly claim, considering that they are ranked in the top five in both the Associated Press and coaches' poll. But national respect isn't really the chief source of his beef, it's the local coverage provided by the Raleigh News & Observer.

See, the N&O is, unfortunately, a North Carolina (meaning: Tar Heel) paper. It's located in Raleigh, home of the N.C. State Wolfpack, which makes that pretty awkward.

If you don't believe me re: coverage, just take a look at the various college sections; N.C. State, who already won in overtime today, has two January 17 articles. Carolina, who hasn't even played yet, has three today. And Duke has three too ... only one of them is the N&O firing back at Coach K.
As for Coach K's comments: We've covered Duke extensively in the past and will continue to do so. We even sent a reporter to China last summer to cover Krzyzewski's coaching of the U.S. men's team in the Olympics.

Coach K, you've received a fair deal from us. To tell you the truth, we didn't know you cared about us. We thought you only cared about ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The New York Times.
Me-ow. K's comments were vastly more applicable before North Carolina lost two straight to Boston College and Wake Forest, even if the local and national bandwagons have righted themselves following a fairly meaningless win. But they apparently still resonate with N&O Executive Editor John Drescher, since he decided to pen this himself right around midnight Friday.

This probably won't be the last time you hear about K and the N&O, although you can bet everyone will be keeping a closer eye on the coverage of the Devils in the coming weeks. Especially with the Carolina matchup only a few weeks away.

Raleigh Newspaper Fires Back at Mike Krzyzewski On Duke Coverage originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>john drescherJohnDreschermike krzyzewskiMikeKrzyzewskiWill BrinsonSat, 17 Jan 2009 18:00:00 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 Derrick Favors, Country's Top Prospect, Commits to Georgia Techhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/14/derrick-favors-commits-to-georgia-tech-completes-monster-jacket/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/14/derrick-favors-commits-to-georgia-tech-completes-monster-jacket/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/14/derrick-favors-commits-to-georgia-tech-completes-monster-jacket/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Derrick Favors, the number one college basketball prospect in the country according to Scout, announced his college decision today and he's going to be a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.

Paul Hewitt (right), GT coach, is probably pretty thrilled. Sidney Lowe, who runs the the coffee-less N.C. State Wolfpack, well, probably not so much.

It was mentioned as well during the press conference that the Jackets are hoping to land John Wall, the number one point guard in the country. That seems unlikely though -- Wall and Favors only had Memphis as a common recruiting link.

It was rumored that Favors was heading to Tech anyway -- it's not a total coincidence that he announced his intentions on ESPNU ... 30 minutes before the Jackets tipped off against the Blue Devils in ESPN's prime spot.

And even if Georgia Tech doesn't get Wall, they're already set for the class of 2009; Favors joins Mfon Udofia (ranked sixth at point by Scout) and Kammeon Holsey (28th at power forward) to give Hewitt three out of the top 100 overall recruits.

Derrick Favors, Country's Top Prospect, Commits to Georgia Tech originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>derrick favorsDerrickFavorsjohn wallJohnWalljonathan wallJonathanWallkammeon holseyKammeonHolseymfon udofiaMfonUdofiapaul hewittPaulHewittsidney loweSidneyLoweWill BrinsonWed, 14 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST N.C. State Coughs Up an 'L' to Florida State, Bans Coffee From Locker Roomhttp://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/13/n-c-state-coughs-up-an-l-to-florida-state-bans-coffee-from-l/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/13/n-c-state-coughs-up-an-l-to-florida-state-bans-coffee-from-l/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/13/n-c-state-coughs-up-an-l-to-florida-state-bans-coffee-from-l/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lest you miss the reference in the title, coffee is for closers only. So says Alec Baldwin anyway. N.C. State and Sidney Lowe, at the moment, don't know much about the sweet, sweet joys of caffeine.

That's because, following a 78-65 loss to Florida State tonight (a classic "closer-than-the-box-score if there ever was one), State has lost a trio of heartbreaking games on the season. Marquette and Florida were the traditional kind; late buzzer beaters or tough shots by their opponents sunk the Wolfpack's chances.

This, on the other hand, was a total collapse on both ends by Lowe's team in the final five minutes. Courtney Fells' best play was tumbling over the scorer's table, Brandon Costner couldn't hit from outside, Ben McCauley was busy being overmatched on both ends of the floor and Julius Mays, bless his soul, was trying to fill a void that has haunted the Pack for a few years now.

That's not to take away from Florida State -- Solomon Alabi made a couple of huge baskets down the stretch, Toney Douglas balled it up en route to leading the 'Noles with 21, and Leonard Hamilton had his team up at halftime. But State his this game and it was, as it has been all season, one of those games that the Pack just let get away from them.

The awkward thing, if you're a State fan, is that it might almost hurt less to get beat at the last second then it did to full on cough up a "blowout" win by not showing up to play in the last five minutes of the game. But it definitely hurts more to look at your schedule, debate tourney possibilities and realize that half of your next 10 games are against Duke, BC, Wake Forest and North Carolina.

N.C. State Coughs Up an 'L' to Florida State, Bans Coffee From Locker Room originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>alec baldwinAlecBaldwinben mccauleyBenMccauleybrandon costnerBrandonCostnercourtney fellsCourtneyFellsjulius maysJuliusMaysleonard hamiltonLeonardHamiltonsidney loweSidneyLowesolomon alabiSolomonAlabitoney douglasToneyDouglasWill BrinsonTue, 13 Jan 2009 22:10:00 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 ACC Power Poll: Does Anyone Have a Chance to Top North Carolina?http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/14/acc-power-poll-does-anyone-have-a-chance-to-top-north-carolina/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/14/acc-power-poll-does-anyone-have-a-chance-to-top-north-carolina/http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/11/14/acc-power-poll-does-anyone-have-a-chance-to-top-north-carolina/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

College basketball is back, ladies and gentlemen! That means it is time for the first ACC Power Poll of the season. Most of this is based on projections, theories and guess-work.

There is always one team that surprises us each year (Miami was that team last year) and one that disappoints us (NC State). Let's begin!

1-North Carolina: There hasn't been a favorite this heavy in a long, long time.

2-Duke: Remember that the Blue Devils were a game from winning the ACC last year. Gerald Henderson is my darkhorse for ACC Player of the Year.

3-Miami-FL: The Canes have a great shot at the ACC Championship and a deep run in the NCAAs.4-Wake Forest: The young Deacs surprised many last year. This year, they get that great recruiting class Skip Prosser put together right before he passed away.

5-Virginia Tech: The Hokies' bubble burst last season, but much of that team remains. Can a team be a darkhorse three straight seasons?

6-Clemson: The Tigers go back to mediocrity. There is talent here but no James Mays or Cliff Hammonds to be the soul of the team.

7-Maryland: Greivis Vasquez is an outstanding leader but the Terps lack any inside presence to contend in the ACC.

8-Florida State: If freshman Chris Singleton can live up to all his hype, maybe the Noles could contend for a postseason berth.

9-Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have had a tough offseason that has gutted the roster. Some talent remains, just not enough.

10-NC State: Will it really be addition by subtracting J.J. Hickson? Let's see which Brandon Costner will show up this year.

11-Boston College: Tyrese Rice is the first, second and third options for the Eagles this season.

12-Virginia: Sean Singletary did everything for the Cavs last year. He's gone now.

ACC Power Poll: Does Anyone Have a Chance to Top North Carolina? originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brandon costnerBrandonCostnerchris singletonChrisSingletoncliff hammondsCliffHammondsgerald hendersonGeraldHendersongreivis vasquezGreivisVasquezjames maysJamesMaysjj hicksonJjHicksonsean singletarySeanSingletarytyrese riceTyreseRiceShiloh CarderFri, 14 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST