Tim Floyd was hired today to be the next head basketball coach of the Texas-El Paso Miners in a surprising move.
Floyd is currently part of an investigation into the athletic department at the University of Southern California. Although officials at UTEP do not believe that any investigation will mention Floyd specifically, it is a questionable decision by the UTEP athletic department to bring in a coach under such scrutiny.
Floyd enters his new position about a year after stepping down at USC under allegations that he gave $1,000 to an adviser of star O.J. Mayo. To bring unnecessary attention to its program, UTEP put itself under the microscope and brought unneeded criticism to its basketball team.
Elsewhere in the country, Boston College fired coach Al Skinner after its men's basketball team finished with a losing record in two of the previous three seasons. It would be a smart move by the Eagles Athletic Director Gene DiFillippo to hire Harvard's Tommy Amaker.
Finally, St. John's needed a big name. The Red Storm needed media attention, a strong personality, a respected basketball mind, and a man dedicated to rebuilding the program. Steve Lavin fits all of those qualities. The one thing he lacks though is the experience of building a successful program (he was hired at UCLA the off-season after the Bruins won a national championship). Who knows if Lavin will succeed in New York, but the Red Storm came out winners today.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Is It Sunday Yet?
We are five days away from Opening Night for Major League Baseball and I don't know if I can control my excitement any longer. Coming off the first Yankees title since 2000, I will admit to being a typical Yankees fan and expecting another World Series title this year in the Bronx.
It will not come easy though.
This off-season the Yankees looked to bolster its starting rotation in hopes of avoiding the October 3-man rotation that was forced upon manager Joe Girardi. Although Javier Vasquez struggled during his first tour in New York, his ability to pitch deep into games will make his acquisition a success for GM Brian Cashman.
Vasquez's arrival also forced a four-man race for the last rotation spot, a spot that went to Phil Hughes, who hoping to carry the success he experienced in the bullpen last season to his starting career. It is important to remember that two years ago Hughes was considered the top starting pitching prospect before injuries derailed his season.
Those injuries opened the door to Joba Chamberlain's arrival as the Yankees 8th inning man. This year Joba returns to that role (although Girardi has yet to make this official) and should thrive in being the bridge to Mariano Rivera.
An improved rotation and bullpen will help the Yankees win in October, but the offense has the ability to carry the team over major stretches this summer. I believe the key to that lineup will be Robinson Cano. Cano, believed by many scouts destined to win a batting title, appears ready to move up to 5th behind Alex Rodriguez in the lineup. He should face many situations with runners on base and the potential to come up with clutch, game-winning at-bats.
Although this team appears ready for another World Series push, the road to title 28 will not be easy. The Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles all improved during the winter. Outside the division, the Mariners traded for Cliff Lee and have him slated to pitch behind Felix Hernandez in the rotation. The Twins also appear ready for another run at the Central title and are entering a new ballpark that may signal the end of Minnesota as a "small-market" team.
Across the league in the National League, the Phillies, Cardinals, and Rockies are the favorites to win the NL. I do not want to count the Dodgers out based on my belief in Joe Torre as a manager.
It should be an outstanding summer, Sunday night cannot come soon enough.
It will not come easy though.
This off-season the Yankees looked to bolster its starting rotation in hopes of avoiding the October 3-man rotation that was forced upon manager Joe Girardi. Although Javier Vasquez struggled during his first tour in New York, his ability to pitch deep into games will make his acquisition a success for GM Brian Cashman.
Vasquez's arrival also forced a four-man race for the last rotation spot, a spot that went to Phil Hughes, who hoping to carry the success he experienced in the bullpen last season to his starting career. It is important to remember that two years ago Hughes was considered the top starting pitching prospect before injuries derailed his season.
Those injuries opened the door to Joba Chamberlain's arrival as the Yankees 8th inning man. This year Joba returns to that role (although Girardi has yet to make this official) and should thrive in being the bridge to Mariano Rivera.
An improved rotation and bullpen will help the Yankees win in October, but the offense has the ability to carry the team over major stretches this summer. I believe the key to that lineup will be Robinson Cano. Cano, believed by many scouts destined to win a batting title, appears ready to move up to 5th behind Alex Rodriguez in the lineup. He should face many situations with runners on base and the potential to come up with clutch, game-winning at-bats.
Although this team appears ready for another World Series push, the road to title 28 will not be easy. The Red Sox, Rays, and Orioles all improved during the winter. Outside the division, the Mariners traded for Cliff Lee and have him slated to pitch behind Felix Hernandez in the rotation. The Twins also appear ready for another run at the Central title and are entering a new ballpark that may signal the end of Minnesota as a "small-market" team.
Across the league in the National League, the Phillies, Cardinals, and Rockies are the favorites to win the NL. I do not want to count the Dodgers out based on my belief in Joe Torre as a manager.
It should be an outstanding summer, Sunday night cannot come soon enough.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Evaluation Needed in Charlottesville
On a night when Virginia Tech beat Connecticut in the NIT, the state of basketball in Virginia became a bit more foggy. Tristan Spurlock, a top recruit for the University of Virginia out of Woodbridge, Virginia, announced on Monday that he is transferring from the Hoos.
This transfer should not come as a surprise to anyone who follows U.Va., but it can be notched as a loss in Tony Bennett's career so far in Charlottesville. After Bennett's arrival about a year ago, he said that his first two priorities were to retain Spurlock and fellow recruit Jontel Evans. He achieved both of these goals and began working on his 2010-2011 class, still ranked by many to be a top 15 class.
But as the season got going, Cavalier fans realized that the Spurlock era was going to be a short one. Rumors swirled that Spurlock was lazy defensively and he was quickly stashed towards the back of Bennett's bench. In rare appearances, though, Spurlock showed the flash of offensive talent that the Hoos needed as they struggled down the stretch of the ACC season.
Spurlock's decision to transfer does not come as a surprise. It seemed that he and Bennett could not find the right solution to his development and a fresh start was needed for both parities. The next step for the Cavaliers has to be finding a way to convince Sylven Landesberg to come back to school. Landesberg, suspended before the ACC tournament, is the heart and soul of the Hoos and could help lead a team that does have a solid post presence in Mike Scott.
For Bennett, he needs to find a way to alter his coaching techniques for U.VA. Virginia is not Washington State and what worked in one place may not be the perfect answer in Virginia. If he does not evaluate his coaching style, The University of Virginia may have to evaluate their coaching situation once again.
Virginia Tech might only be playing in the NIT, but at least they are still playing in March.
This transfer should not come as a surprise to anyone who follows U.Va., but it can be notched as a loss in Tony Bennett's career so far in Charlottesville. After Bennett's arrival about a year ago, he said that his first two priorities were to retain Spurlock and fellow recruit Jontel Evans. He achieved both of these goals and began working on his 2010-2011 class, still ranked by many to be a top 15 class.
But as the season got going, Cavalier fans realized that the Spurlock era was going to be a short one. Rumors swirled that Spurlock was lazy defensively and he was quickly stashed towards the back of Bennett's bench. In rare appearances, though, Spurlock showed the flash of offensive talent that the Hoos needed as they struggled down the stretch of the ACC season.
Spurlock's decision to transfer does not come as a surprise. It seemed that he and Bennett could not find the right solution to his development and a fresh start was needed for both parities. The next step for the Cavaliers has to be finding a way to convince Sylven Landesberg to come back to school. Landesberg, suspended before the ACC tournament, is the heart and soul of the Hoos and could help lead a team that does have a solid post presence in Mike Scott.
For Bennett, he needs to find a way to alter his coaching techniques for U.VA. Virginia is not Washington State and what worked in one place may not be the perfect answer in Virginia. If he does not evaluate his coaching style, The University of Virginia may have to evaluate their coaching situation once again.
Virginia Tech might only be playing in the NIT, but at least they are still playing in March.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Mystique of Notre Dame
The last national championship that Notre Dame football won was over 20 years ago.
Tim Brown is the last Fighting Irish player to win a Heisman Trophy, and that was in 1987.
Since the 1994 Cotton Bowl, the only bowl victory for the Irish was 2008 in the Hawaii Bowl against Hawaii.
Anyone under the age of 30 may be able to recall some of the Irish football glory, but probably understands the tradition of football in South Bend through stories from the media, family, or friends.
The idea of the University of Notre Dame football team joining an athletic conference, with the most common rumor saying the Big 10 would be the most likely destination, is nothing new. It was about five years ago that talk began that Notre Dame needed a conference more than a conference needed the Irish. Once again, talk was dismissed and the Irish continued to be one of the few independent schools in college football.
Yet today Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick admitted that he is watching conference alignment carefully and foresees a situation where the Irish may join a conference format.
Supporters of the Fighting Irish joining a conference point to the shared revenue and stability that an affiliation brings. They look at the struggles of Notre Dame in recent years, such the hiring of five coaches since legendary Lou Holtz stepped down in 1996. There has been a lack of stability in South Bend (remember one coach never coached a single game after it was found that George O'Leary lied on his resume). But joining a conference in hopes of finding stability is not the solution for Notre Dame.
The problem on the field in recent years with the Irish was the lack of defensive support for the high scoring offense led by Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen. In 2006, Charlie Weiss led the Irish to a 10-2 record and sent eleven players to the NFL draft. Unfortunately that defense also gave up 44 points to rival USC after losing to Michigan earlier in the season by giving up 47 points, at home.
Only one year earlier Notre Dame could have secured a victory over the top-ranked Trojans with one final defensive stand. Instead, Reggie Bush pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone for a 34-31 victory in South Bend.
In 2005 and 2006 the national media attention returned to South Bend as the Irish played with pride and respect for their traditions. In 2005 I was a college freshman and remember cramming my room with friends to watch what some in the media said could be one of the greatest games of all time. We were babies when the Fighting Irish won its last championship but the anticipation for the game was as high as any other game in recent memory.
Years like 2005 and 2006 should serve as examples to the Notre Dame athletic department that a change in conference affiliation is not necessary to develop a winner once again in South Bend. It's going to take a return to the culture of success that was prevalent for so long under Lou Holtz. Players went to the Irish to win championships. They bought into his system, respected the past, cherished their place in the history, and did what each of them symbolically promised to do before every game, they played like champions.
Notre Dame needs to remain an independent in college football. The team needs to continue to schedule neutral site games like against Army in Yankees Stadium next season, or Maryland in Washington D.C. in 2011.
The scheduling of those games proves that Notre Dame is still a national draw. Sports fans, whether they support Notre Dame or not, like the tradition and enjoy the powerhouses that dominant athletics. It is a powerhouse that Notre Dame needs to return to, and remind conference leaders that the Irish do not need a conference to succeed, but a conference may need a Notre Dame to succeed.
Elsewhere...
With conference tournaments well under way, and the Big East tournament starting earlier today, I figured I would make some picks for the big match ups taking place tomorrow. I will go ahead and pick every game from the major conferences.
Georgetown over South Florida
Texas Tech over Colorado
UPSET SPECIAL: St. John's over Marquette
Missouri over Nebraska
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma
Louisville over Cincinnati
Texas over Iowa State
UPSET SPECIAL: Seton Hall over Notre Dame
Tim Brown is the last Fighting Irish player to win a Heisman Trophy, and that was in 1987.
Since the 1994 Cotton Bowl, the only bowl victory for the Irish was 2008 in the Hawaii Bowl against Hawaii.
Anyone under the age of 30 may be able to recall some of the Irish football glory, but probably understands the tradition of football in South Bend through stories from the media, family, or friends.
The idea of the University of Notre Dame football team joining an athletic conference, with the most common rumor saying the Big 10 would be the most likely destination, is nothing new. It was about five years ago that talk began that Notre Dame needed a conference more than a conference needed the Irish. Once again, talk was dismissed and the Irish continued to be one of the few independent schools in college football.
Yet today Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick admitted that he is watching conference alignment carefully and foresees a situation where the Irish may join a conference format.
Supporters of the Fighting Irish joining a conference point to the shared revenue and stability that an affiliation brings. They look at the struggles of Notre Dame in recent years, such the hiring of five coaches since legendary Lou Holtz stepped down in 1996. There has been a lack of stability in South Bend (remember one coach never coached a single game after it was found that George O'Leary lied on his resume). But joining a conference in hopes of finding stability is not the solution for Notre Dame.
The problem on the field in recent years with the Irish was the lack of defensive support for the high scoring offense led by Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen. In 2006, Charlie Weiss led the Irish to a 10-2 record and sent eleven players to the NFL draft. Unfortunately that defense also gave up 44 points to rival USC after losing to Michigan earlier in the season by giving up 47 points, at home.
Only one year earlier Notre Dame could have secured a victory over the top-ranked Trojans with one final defensive stand. Instead, Reggie Bush pushed Matt Leinart into the end zone for a 34-31 victory in South Bend.
In 2005 and 2006 the national media attention returned to South Bend as the Irish played with pride and respect for their traditions. In 2005 I was a college freshman and remember cramming my room with friends to watch what some in the media said could be one of the greatest games of all time. We were babies when the Fighting Irish won its last championship but the anticipation for the game was as high as any other game in recent memory.
Years like 2005 and 2006 should serve as examples to the Notre Dame athletic department that a change in conference affiliation is not necessary to develop a winner once again in South Bend. It's going to take a return to the culture of success that was prevalent for so long under Lou Holtz. Players went to the Irish to win championships. They bought into his system, respected the past, cherished their place in the history, and did what each of them symbolically promised to do before every game, they played like champions.
Notre Dame needs to remain an independent in college football. The team needs to continue to schedule neutral site games like against Army in Yankees Stadium next season, or Maryland in Washington D.C. in 2011.
The scheduling of those games proves that Notre Dame is still a national draw. Sports fans, whether they support Notre Dame or not, like the tradition and enjoy the powerhouses that dominant athletics. It is a powerhouse that Notre Dame needs to return to, and remind conference leaders that the Irish do not need a conference to succeed, but a conference may need a Notre Dame to succeed.
Elsewhere...
With conference tournaments well under way, and the Big East tournament starting earlier today, I figured I would make some picks for the big match ups taking place tomorrow. I will go ahead and pick every game from the major conferences.
Georgetown over South Florida
Texas Tech over Colorado
UPSET SPECIAL: St. John's over Marquette
Missouri over Nebraska
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma
Louisville over Cincinnati
Texas over Iowa State
UPSET SPECIAL: Seton Hall over Notre Dame
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Accepting the Facts
I like to think I will admit when I'm wrong. For example, I will admit that I was wrong for thinking that Joba Chamberlain should be a starter for the Yankees. That's flat out wrong. Between his demeanor, lack of consistency as a starter, and ability to make an above average fastball nearly untouchable once he enters the bullpen, it's safe to say that Joba was born to be a closer.
On the other hand, I do not like to think I am wrong very often. Was I wrong to think that Virginia men's basketball has a team this year that can compete for a NCAA tournament berth? Eight straight losses, including six by double digits, seem to answer that question, though I still believe that with a different rotation the Hoos would be competitive.
The bottom line, though, is that tonight I'll admit I could not have been any more wrong about the Maryland Terps. I was not a believer even as Maryland continued to rise in the ACC standings. But after watching them dismantle Virginia, pull off a tight one at home against Georgia Tech, play two overtimes and come out victorious against Virginia Tech, and take one from the No. 4 team in the country in Duke tonight I have to tip my hat to them.
Throughout it all the Terps, led by Jersey Shore cast member Greivis Vasquez, looked like a team coming to life at the right time. Tonight they proved that even when Vasquez is not having his best game (11 of those points came late in the second half after he sat on the bench for additional rest), the team can still score.
Four players scored in double figures for Maryland. Off the bench Adrian Bowie provided a lift as Vasquez rested and hit a step-back three to give Maryland a five-point lead midway through the second half. That allowed enough time for their leader, who I will admit should be named ACC Player of the Year, to sit and prepare for the stretch run.
After he returned, Vasquez came through for Maryland. With Maryland up two and only a minute remaining, Vasquez secured a rebound, drained the shot clock and pulled off a running one-handed floater, sealing the game for Maryland. The only thing left to give him is that Player of the Year trophy.
Now that is about all of the love I can ever give Maryland. Sure, no one outside of College Park believed that this team could have this kind of season. Once again, Gary Williams showed that he can still coach mediocre recruits and turn the team into a very good one. But lets not get carried away.
Down the stretch, Duke appears to still be the team poised to make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. I think that Maryland is no better than a Sweet 16 team mainly because of the lack of interior offense. Landon Milbourne has scored over 1,000 points in his career, but his 6-7 frame will struggle against big foes. Jordan Williams notched a great game against the Blue Devils with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but what if he gets into foul trouble. Maryland cannot rely on 6-7 Dino Gregory to take up space and pound underneath.
Maryland has one game remaining with hopes of carrying this momentum into an ACC Tournament run. My Wahoos stand in their away and I would love nothing more than slowing down the Terps and seeing those veins of Coach Williams popping out of his forehead.
Other quick thoughts on headlines:
-I'm sad to see Allen Iverson announcing that he is not going to return to the 76ers this season. It is also rumored that he will officially retire after the season concludes. Iverson should be remembered not for his "practice" press conference, his personality that appeared selfish at times, or his hip-hop image that seems to have taken over the NBA. Instead, Iverson should be applauded for giving his fans and teammates 150% every night. His body started to break down in his early 30's after years of punishment. I am sad to see him go and look forward to watching ESPN Classic highlights of his career.
-I am beginning to understand the NFL and these "tender" contracts that restricted free agents receive. That does not mean that I like what this offseason is going to bring, but it does add a new aspect to what should be an exciting summer. At the very least it has taken the spotlight off Brett Favre.
-Finally, I hope a safe and speedy recovery for Peyton Manning. Surgery on the neck is never a good thing. I hope the true nature of the injury is not as serious as it can sound.
On the other hand, I do not like to think I am wrong very often. Was I wrong to think that Virginia men's basketball has a team this year that can compete for a NCAA tournament berth? Eight straight losses, including six by double digits, seem to answer that question, though I still believe that with a different rotation the Hoos would be competitive.
The bottom line, though, is that tonight I'll admit I could not have been any more wrong about the Maryland Terps. I was not a believer even as Maryland continued to rise in the ACC standings. But after watching them dismantle Virginia, pull off a tight one at home against Georgia Tech, play two overtimes and come out victorious against Virginia Tech, and take one from the No. 4 team in the country in Duke tonight I have to tip my hat to them.
Throughout it all the Terps, led by Jersey Shore cast member Greivis Vasquez, looked like a team coming to life at the right time. Tonight they proved that even when Vasquez is not having his best game (11 of those points came late in the second half after he sat on the bench for additional rest), the team can still score.
Four players scored in double figures for Maryland. Off the bench Adrian Bowie provided a lift as Vasquez rested and hit a step-back three to give Maryland a five-point lead midway through the second half. That allowed enough time for their leader, who I will admit should be named ACC Player of the Year, to sit and prepare for the stretch run.
After he returned, Vasquez came through for Maryland. With Maryland up two and only a minute remaining, Vasquez secured a rebound, drained the shot clock and pulled off a running one-handed floater, sealing the game for Maryland. The only thing left to give him is that Player of the Year trophy.
Now that is about all of the love I can ever give Maryland. Sure, no one outside of College Park believed that this team could have this kind of season. Once again, Gary Williams showed that he can still coach mediocre recruits and turn the team into a very good one. But lets not get carried away.
Down the stretch, Duke appears to still be the team poised to make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. I think that Maryland is no better than a Sweet 16 team mainly because of the lack of interior offense. Landon Milbourne has scored over 1,000 points in his career, but his 6-7 frame will struggle against big foes. Jordan Williams notched a great game against the Blue Devils with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but what if he gets into foul trouble. Maryland cannot rely on 6-7 Dino Gregory to take up space and pound underneath.
Maryland has one game remaining with hopes of carrying this momentum into an ACC Tournament run. My Wahoos stand in their away and I would love nothing more than slowing down the Terps and seeing those veins of Coach Williams popping out of his forehead.
Other quick thoughts on headlines:
-I'm sad to see Allen Iverson announcing that he is not going to return to the 76ers this season. It is also rumored that he will officially retire after the season concludes. Iverson should be remembered not for his "practice" press conference, his personality that appeared selfish at times, or his hip-hop image that seems to have taken over the NBA. Instead, Iverson should be applauded for giving his fans and teammates 150% every night. His body started to break down in his early 30's after years of punishment. I am sad to see him go and look forward to watching ESPN Classic highlights of his career.
-I am beginning to understand the NFL and these "tender" contracts that restricted free agents receive. That does not mean that I like what this offseason is going to bring, but it does add a new aspect to what should be an exciting summer. At the very least it has taken the spotlight off Brett Favre.
-Finally, I hope a safe and speedy recovery for Peyton Manning. Surgery on the neck is never a good thing. I hope the true nature of the injury is not as serious as it can sound.
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