Big 12 and Pac 10

New coaches, stud recruits highlight Big 12 spring

2006-05-26T21:40:00+02:00

Identification name tags were not needed at this week's Big 12 coaches meetings in Colorado Springs, but there definitely were a lot of new faces. Five of the conference's 12 schools have made coaching changes -- the most in its 10-year history. Combine that with the arrival of some of the nation's best high school talent, as well as the departure of some of the league's best players to the NBA, and you have more storylines than a season's worth of "Lost" episodes.

The coaching changes have provided the biggest buzz, with each of the five having its own unique impact on the hoops landscape.

After a wild and wooly search, Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden hit a home run, hiring Mike Anderson away from UAB. The former Tulsa guard and long-time Arkansas assistant already has roots in this part of the country and his frenetic, pressing style -- which turned out a Sweet 16 team in 2004 -- will be the most unique in the league. When the cupboard fills up talent-wise, Missouri will create havoc for opponents in what has been, through the years, a grind-it-out league.

Bush parents have no incentive to talk about allegations

2006-05-03T21:28:28+02:00

Representatives from the NCAA, the Pac-10 Conference and USC have arrived in San Diego to begin investigating whether NCAA rules were broken when Reggie Bush's parents lived in a house that was owned by an investor in a fledgling sports marketing agency.

San Diego sports agent David Caravantes was interviewed by the investigators yesterday but declined comment.

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Angie Cretors, the NCAA's assistant director for Agent, Gambling and Amateurism Activities, is joined in San Diego by Ron Barker, the Pac-10's associate commissioner for governance and enforcement. USC is represented in the joint inquiry by faculty athletics representative Noel Ragsdale, a law professor.
They're expected to attempt interviews with the main players in the case: Bush's parents, LaMar and Denise Griffin, plus representatives from the agency, New Era Sports and Entertainment.

But their investigative powers may be limited. Because they don't have subpoena power, they'll have to rely on the cooperation of witnesses in answering questions. They'll also have to hope the Griffins cooperate despite having little incentive to do so now that Bush, USC's Heisman Trophy-winning running back, has turned pro and exhausted his NCAA eligibility.

Barker and Cretors declined to comment on the case. But speaking in general terms, Barker said such investigations rely on “calling people and trying to see if they'll sit down with us.”

Added Barker: “If it involves a current student with eligibility left, there's that carrot to hang out (to provoke cooperation by threatening the loss of remaining eligibility). If they have nothing to do with the NCAA or Pac-10, there's not really much we can do. There's only so much we can do when we don't have such carrots to dangle. It's a matter of which people will cooperate.”

The main issue they're expected to explore is if Bush's parents received an impermissible benefit in their relationship with New Era investors.

One of the investors, Michael C. Michaels, said they lived in the three-bedroom house he owned for almost a year without paying any of the $54,000 owed in rent. New Era's attorney, Brian Watkins, also wrote in a letter to the Bush family attorney, David Cornwell, that the parents were given $100,000 in cash disbursements from investors, since late 2004.

New Era had sought to represent Bush in the NFL, and Watkins said the money was given to the parents as loans. But after Bush decided to hire a different sports marketing representative (Mike Ornstein) and agent (Joel Segal) earlier this year, the deal fell apart.

New Era's investors since have sought the return of money they said they gave to Bush's parents, as well as money they spent to start the business. Watkins said they are planning a $3.2 million fraud suit against Bush's parents.

It is a violation of NCAA rules for student-athletes or their relatives to receive extra benefits from prospective agents. If an athlete or his family committed such a violation, the athlete would be ruled ineligible, even if it's retroactive. USC could face sanctions, including possible forfeiture of games.

Watkins said the two sides – New Era investors and Bush's parents – had been negotiating for a settlement in recent months but so far have failed.

Meanwhile, Watkins adamantly denied recent claims he heard from the Bush side that this was an extortion attempt by the investors. The NFL is investigating such claims against Caravantes, which he also adamantly denies. Caravantes once was recruited by New Era to become its CEO but said he was never hired.

“Our story is unrefuted, and they've called us every name in the book but liars,” Watkins said.

Longhorns put Texas-size whooping on Red Raiders

2006-01-24T21:59:24+01:00

The Texas Longhorns didn’t let Bob Knight’s Texas Tech Red Raiders get in the way of their winning streak.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds as No. 5 Texas whipped Tech 80-46 on Tuesday night.

Brad Buckman recovered from his latest leg injury and added 16 points and nine rebounds for Texas, 15-2 and 3-0 in the Big 12. Texas has won seven straight.

Texas has played stellar defense throughout its winning streak and used another superb effort to stifle the Red Raiders from the opening tip. Texas forced 19 turnovers and held Tech to 37-percent shooting.

Jarrius Jackson led the Red Raiders, 10-8 and 2-2, with 21 points. Knight is 2-8 against Texas in his five seasons with the Raiders.

The Longhorns built a big early lead by taking — and making — just about any shot they wanted.

Buckman, who has missed four games because of various injures, had 14 points and five rebounds in the first half. One of Texas’ strongest post players, Buckman also hit two three-pointers.

Pac 10 Fearless Predictions

2005-11-10T17:20:43+01:00

This should be a classic Pac 10 shootout with the nation's sixth (UCLA) and ninth best scoring offenses squaring off. Arizona State got back into the bowl mix after going on a two-game winning streak sweeping the Washington teams, but with Arizona suddenly playing well Dirk Koetter's crew would like to wrap up the sixth win now against a UCLA squad still shell-shocked from last week's amazing 52-14 loss to Arizona. After weeks of flirting with disaster needing comeback after comeback to stay unbeaten, the Bruin defense was blown apart for 519 yards of Wildcat offense and 315 rushing yards. With the USC game coming up in three weeks, a loss to the Sun Devils might mean a three-game slide and a tumble down the Pac 10 bowl pecking order.
Why Arizona State might win: More then just UCLA's pride is hurting after the loss to the Wildcats. Starting center Mike McCloskey is likely out with a shoulder injury, linebacker Justin London is having problems with his ankle, and star RB Maurice Drew is questionable with a knee injury. Against the firepower that ASU brings, the Bruins can't afford to lose many of its top players, and really can't survive if Drew can't go. UCLA hasn't done anything in the first half over the last six games; that won't work against Arizona State. Arizona struck with its ground game, but UCLA's defense could blink and be down 21 with the way the Sun Devils throw the ball.
Why UCLA might win: Arizona State can be run on. UCLA hasn't been able to get its ground game on track, and Drew and McCloskey's injuries won't help the problem, but when the offense should be able to pound the ball when it absolutely has to. If the MRI on Drew's knee comes back fine and he's able to play, he should make even more of an impact in the punt return game than as a running back. ASU is 114th in the nation in punting averaging a fewer than 29 yards per kick, while UCLA, thanks to Drew, leads the nation in punt returns averaging 26.76 yards per try.
Who to watch: The Arizona State passing game hardly needs any help with Rudy Carpenter chucking for an average of 362 yards per game over the last three, but the coaching staff would really love to get its two tight ends on the field at the same time. Jamaal Lewis is back from a separated shoulder providing Carpenter with a crisp route runner and a big target, but the offense lost its other top tight end, Zach Miller, who's likely out with a foot injury. Meanwhile, star receiver Derek Hagan is just seven catches away from being the Pac 10's all-time leading receiver. Currently one catch behind Washington's Reggie Williams and six back from Stanford's Troy Walters, Hagan should be able to at least come close this week. He has 15 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks.
What will happen: UCLA is far, far better than it played last week, but Arizona State will get up early and won't let go. The Bruins won't have an answer for what will be a balanced Sun Devil attack until it's too late

The Pac-10: Conference is better than ever. No, really, it is

2005-11-10T17:18:26+01:00

It's a rite of fall that Pac-10 basketball coaches declare their conference, from top to bottom, is better than it has been in years.

This year, they might actually be right.

Unlike the past three seasons, when there was an obvious favorite or two, the Pac-10 is a harder call at the top, with Arizona, Stanford and UCLA all getting first-place votes in the preseason media poll, and Washington, California and Oregon also able to make a legitimate case for contenderhood.

And while there are some obvious bottom-feeders, all but Arizona State appear to be on the upswing, making for a conference that should feature few easy nights and lots of intrigue.

Here's a quick look at each team entering the season.

Arizona

THE MISSION: As always, the Wildcats are a contender for the Pac-10 title and a deep NCAA tournament run, despite the loss of all-conference players Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire. Every other significant player returns, led by senior swingman Hassan Adams.

THE STAR: Adams is one of the flashiest players in the country and after resisting the lure of the NBA, seems set to have his best season. How versatile is Adams? Last year he led Arizona in steals and was second in rebounding and assists.

THE NEWCOMER: The Huskies couldn't keep all of last year's marvelous Seattle high school class at home and one who got away, Marcus Williams of Roosevelt, should make an impact immediate as a swingman for the Wildcats.

THE QUESTION MARK: Can mercurial junior point guard Mustafa Shakur finally play to his potential? Word is he's ready for a breakout year now that the domineering presence of Stoudamire beside him is gone.

SEC Basketball Preview

2005-11-10T17:13:58+01:00

The Southeastern Conference lost a lot of underclassmen to the NBA Draft last June . . . most of which were blanked on draft night. But the conference will still be plenty strong across the board, with Alabama and Kentucky looking like the best in the SEC's respective divisions.

Seven underclassmen from the Southeastern Conference entered the NBA draft pool last spring and only one of those (LSU sophomore forward Brandon Bass, a second-round choice of the Hornets) was selected.

Nice advice and/or decisions, fellows.

The losses did put a dent into the conference’s Class of 2006 (four of the players would be seniors now) but shouldn’t affect the number of teams that will be sprinkled among the NCAA tournament field of 65 in March.

The projection from this corner says that there will be at least five SEC members – equal the number who participated last March – playing when first-round games get under way on March 16-17.

And, especially if they can roll up impressive non-SEC records and approach .500 in conference, there could be two or three others being tabbed as well.

A closer look at the SEC

Projected finish:

EASTERN

1. Kentucky

Frank’s Spin: This is one of those programs whose teams are always good. The annual question is just how good? I’m not going to be convinced that the Wildcats are one of the half-dozen or so squads with the best opportunities to get to Indianapolis on the first weekend of April until I can judge how capable Tubby Smith’s team is of accounting for the firepower that left with Kelenna Azubuike and Chuck Hayes, and the inside determination and leadership skills of the latter. And when will center Randolph Morris be reinstated by the NCAA and how much has he improved from his so-so freshman season? There’s no nit-picking Smith’s perimeter players, though, led by returning starters at guard in Rajon Rondo and Patrick Sparks, and a sophomore wing (Joe Crawford) who seems likely to replace Azubuike.

Postseason possibilities: Some might think we’re soft-selling the Wildcats but, as of now, they appear to be, at best, a Sweet 16 team.

2. Vanderbilt

Frank’s Spin: The Commodores won a couple of NCAA tournament games in 2004. And, two seasons later, Kevin Stallings – one of the most nationally underappreciated coaches – may have an even better team on hand. Senior guard Mario Moore (nearly as underrated as Stallings) returns for what only seems his eighth year in Nashville. And Stallings has three players (Shane Foster, Alex Gordon and DeMarre Carroll) who were solid as freshmen and should be exceptional as sophomores.

Postseason possibilities: The Commodores will snag one of those 34 at-large bids on March 12.

3. Tennessee

Frank’s Spin: Did you check out Bruce Pearl’s team in the NCAA tournament last March, when the Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers pressed and shot their way into a Sweet 16 game against Illinois by upsetting Alabama and Boston College? Look for the Volunteers to exercise the same style on both ends of the floor – only, at least for a season or two, minus quite the number of caliber players Pearl coached at the Horizon Conference school. Guards C.J. Watson and Chris Lofton, who combined to average 25 points per game last season, should flourish in Pearl’s system.

Postseason possibilities: The NIT* (or whatever it’s being called in March), for sure.

4. South Carolina

Frank’s Spin: In case you weren’t paying attention, the Gamecocks went 15-13 during the regular season in 2004-05, then reeled off consecutive victories over Miami, UNLV, Georgetown, Maryland and Saint Joseph’s to claim the title of “NIT champions”. The best player off of that team (forward Carlos Powell) has departed, leaving returnees Tre’ Kelley, Tarence Kinsey, Renaldo Balkman and Brandon Wallace as the front-runners to claim that tag for this team.

Postseason possibilities: The Gamecocks will be presented the opportunity of successfully defending their NIT* title.

5. Florida

Frank’s Spin: The Gators haven’t missed out on NCAA tournament festivities since 1998 (Billy Donovan’s second season as the program’s coach) but they are in reasonable danger of doing so in 2006 following the loss of three players in David Lee, Matt Walsh and Anthony Roberson who combined to average nearly 46 points per game. Corey Brewer and Al Horford are a couple of sophomores who will keep the Gators snapping at the heels of one of those 34 precious at-large bids.

Postseason possibilities: NIT*, unless Donovan’s guards prove better than they appear to be.

6. Georgia

Frank’s Spin: The Bulldogs averaged 12 wins in Dennis Felton’s first two seasons as the program’s coach. They’ll be fortunate to win that many games in Season III. But Felton has a couple of freshmen guards (Mike Mercer and Billy Humphrey) good enough to start, although he returns three quality backcourt players in Levi Stukes, Sundiata Gaines and Channing Toney.

Postseason possibilities: Check again 12 months from now.

WESTERN

1. Alabama

Frank’s Spin: Coach Mark Gottfried lost the bulk of his perimeter scoring attack (in the persons of Kennedy Winston and Earnest Shelton), as well as the guy he recruited to compensate for their departure when JC All-America Ravone George failed to quality academically. So why do I think Alabama, and not Kentucky, could prove to be the best team in the SEC? Because Gottfried (in returnees Chuck Davis and Jamareo Davidson, along with 2005 McDonald’s All-America Richard Hendrix) has the best post play in the conference. He’s also got a sophomore point guard who is every bit the equal of his more nationally touted counterpart in Lexington, Ky. And look for freshman Alonzo Gee to provide the jump shooting that left with Winston and Shelton.

Postseason possibilities: Something will have to go seriously haywire for Alabama not to win 25 or so games (with a couple of them in the NCAA tournament) this season.

2. LSU

Frank’s Spin: SEC Player of the Year Brandon Bass departed for the NBA draft after his sophomore season but the Tigers are still fully capable of exceeding last season’s 20-victory/but bounced in the first round of the NCAA tournament-performance. Sophomore Glen Davis, he of the NFL offensive left tackle’s frame, and Tasmin Mitchell (who could produce the best freshman stats in the conference), will give Coach John Brady a post presence to rival Alabama’s.

Postseason possibilities: An NCAA tournament experience that should last longer than last season’s.

3. Arkansas

Frank’s Spin: The Razorbacks won 18 games last season but only six of them were against SEC competition, which neatly sums up why they didn’t get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. With the conference’s best all-around player in 6-7 Ronnie Brewer, a quality scorer in Jonathon Modica and an underrated sophomore trio of big guys in Darian Townes, Charles Thomas and Steven Hill, there seems, barring injury or other calamity, little room for excuses for not winning at least 10 SEC games this season.

Postseason possibilities: I would guess that anything short of a spot in the NCAA tournament would leave a lot of folks disappointed in Fayetteville.

4. Mississippi State

Frank’s Spin: Let’s see, what did the Bulldogs lose from a 23-win, NCAA second round-season? Ah . . . just about everything. Coach Rick Stansbury has an entire starting lineup to replace and some very good freshmen – Vernon Goodridge, Jamont Gordon and twins Richard and Reginald Delk – who figure to do a lot of the replacing.

Postseason possibilities: A non-conference schedule built to offer up 10 or 11 victories should help the Bulldogs get into the NIT*.

5. Misssippi

Frank’s Spin: Surpassing or equaling last season’s 14 victories (only four of those coming against SEC foes) could take some doing, unless several newcomers, including Auburn transfer Dwayne Curtis (who averaged just 2.9 points per game in his one season at the other SEC school), can kick start an offense than accounted for just 63.8 points per game last season.

Postseason possibilities: They don’t appear to be likely.

6. Auburn

Frank’s Spin: Coach Jeff Lebo, the former McDonald’s All-America and North Carolina guard who I’m guessing is still a better jump shooter than anyone on his squad, returns just one starter in sophomore Frank Tolbert. And he dropped in all of 6.9 points per game during the team’s 14-17 (4-12 in the SEC) debut under Lebo. A quality group of newcomers, including another McDonald’s selection (forward Kovortney Barber, who said “no” to Tubby Smith before signing with the Tigers), obviously, will be a major part of any success the team enjoys this season.

LSU, SEC Basketball Preview

2005-11-10T17:10:28+01:00

While losing the SEC Player of the Year is never positive, the Tigers return SEC Freshman of the Year Glen Davis, who will contend for the league’s top honors as a sophomore. Freshman Tasmin Mitchell is arguably the conferences’ top newcomer and could be LSU’s third straight player to be named freshman of the year behind Bass and Davis.

The Tigers’ are loaded in the frontcourt.

Things begin with a slimmer 6-9, 300-pound Davis. Joining “Big Baby” down low will be junior college all-American and Baton Rouge native Kentrell Gransberry (6-9, 270).

The dependable Darnell Lazare (6-8, 240) is back for his junior season. Redshirt freshman Tyrus Thomas (6-9, 215) has had a year to mature and has grown from project to potential major contributor.

Freshmen Magnum Rolle (6-10) and Chris Johnson (6-11) give LSU the size they have lacked in the past and Mitchell, a 6-7 swingman, can play down low or bounce out with a nice outside shot.

The backcourt, however, will be the X-factor for the Tigers.

Veteran point guard Tack Minor has missed all of preseason workouts and will sit out the first five games while finishing up an academic suspension. That leaves shooting guard Darrel Mitchell to make things happen. While a playmaker who can fill it full from outside, Mitchell is smallish in size standing only 5-10.

Brady will look to 6-5 redshirt freshman Garrett Temple, the younger brother of Collis Temple III, to run the point. Also newcomer Ben Voogd, a freshman from Oregon, will be called on to contribute early.

LSU will be as good as its front court can carry it, that is until Minor returns and is running at full speed. Brady describes his team as “long,” meaning the Tigers consist of rangy athletic players that defend, block shots and rebound the basketball.

The Tigers face the toughest schedule of Brady’s nine-year tenure in Baton Rouge. The slate is highlighted by a January trip to No. 2 Connecticut and also includes travel to Elite Eight participant West Virginia, Ohio State and a meeting with Cincinnati in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic.

Alabama is the most talented team in the SEC West and is no doubt the favorite to win the division. But LSU has more than enough talent to capture the western division title and the Tigers seem to have had the Tide’s number the last couple of years.

Arkansas has the talent to compete for the divisional title, but always seems to underachieve meaning a third place finish is likely. Ole Miss and Auburn are two teams that seem to be growing while Mississippi State is in total rebuilding mode after losing all five starters.

In the east, there is little question Kentucky is the best team. The Wildcats aren’t as dominant as in years past, but should take the division with ease. But look out for Vanderbilt. Kevin Stallings has done a good job in Nashville and the Commodores could make a run this season. South Carolina could also surprise some people as well. Tennessee is in a rebuilding phase after a coaching switch while Florida coach Billy Donovan faces his toughest test yet in much the same situation as Mississippi State in the west.

Sadly, the conference will be competitive, mainly due to the lack of dominant teams. Only three teams should be in the mix for the title. Kentucky will most probably win the league with Alabama and LSU nipping at its heels. However, do not discount Vanderbilt, Arkansas or South Carolina.