Countdown to NCAA Basketball

[Windy City Irish]

since every other sport has some sort of countdown and off-season news section I figured we should do one here.


Post away any news about your team, any D-1 team, and any players that will be affecting their teams good or bad this coming year!!!!!

look forward to all of your thoughts, news and predictions in the months to come.

November cant come soon enough!!!!


W C I

[Windy City Irish]

Indiana guard Crawford transfers to Xavier
Jul 28, 5:25 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (AP)—Indiana guard Jordan Crawford has accepted a scholarship from Xavier, making him the second Hoosiers recruit to join the Musketeers in the last three months.

Crawford played in 30 games for Indiana last season as a freshman, including eight starts. He averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists. He accepted a scholarship from Xavier on Monday.

He will join point guard Terrell Holloway, a prep player who initially committed to Indiana but changed his mind after coach Kelvin Sampson resigned amid a phone-call scandal.

Holloway averaged 14 points last season for Harmony Prep School in Cincinnati.

[Dr. Jack]

WCI - I am curious to see what an NCAA Birth and a long time extension for Frank Haith means for the Hurricanes. This year is big for them. They have to build on a great year.

[Windy City Irish]

2 WVU basketball players arrested in Pittsburgh


PITTSBURGH (AP)—Two West Virginia University basketball players were charged with scuffling with police and underage drinking after a fight at a Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Joe Mazzulla and Cameron Thoroughman were arrested Monday at PNC Park, where the Pirates were playing the Colorado Rockies. The two were in custody and awaiting arraignment Tuesday.

“We will let the judicial process take its course and the matter will be handled internally,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said.

Mazzulla, a 6-2 junior from Johnston, R.I., was charged with aggravated assault, hindering apprehension and underage drinking. Thoroughman, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from Portsmouth, Ohio, was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and underage drinking.

The 20-year-old players began arguing with police when they refused a request for identification, according to a criminal complaint. The officers said the two smelled of alcohol.

Thoroughman said he did not have ID, according to the report. Police said he lied about his age and threatened a security guard. Police said officers brought Thoroughman to the ground when he refused to put his arms behind his back. While Thoroughman was struggling with the officer, Mazzulla tried to grab his teammate and punched a police sergeant.

Mazzulla was a reserve in all 37 of the team’s games last season. He averaged 5.8 points and was third on the team in steals. Thoroughman appeared in 16 games, averaging 1.3 rebounds.

[Windy City Irish]

Georgia Tech center Dickey leaves for Europe


ATLANTA (AP)—Georgia Tech center Ra’Sean Dickey has given up his senior season to play professionally in the Ukraine.

Coach Paul Hewitt said Wednesday the 6-foot-10 Dickey signed a contract with Budivelnyk Kiev of the Ukrainian Super League. He redshirted last season to recover from acute tendinitis in his right knee and had a year of eligibility remaining.

“Ra’Sean and his family have decided that the time is right for him to begin his professional basketball career, and we wish him all the best,” Hewitt said.

Dickey played in 89 games over three seasons, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 60.1 percent from the field. His best season was 2005-06, when he averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets were 15-17 last season, including 7-9 in the Atlantic Coast Conference

[Windy City Irish]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

WCI - I am curious to see what an NCAA Birth and a long time extension for Frank Haith means for the Hurricanes. This year is big for them. They have to build on a great year.

Jack, with 4 starters and their top 5 scorers coming back from an NCAA team a year ago including their PG and one of the best scorers in the ACC you can bank it that this team will be a top 3 ACC team next year.

the fact that they brought in two athletic wingman who can score and rebound I think they are 8 deep with tons of talent.

fan base needs to get behind them!!! This team is going to score alot of points this year as Haith said he wants to play up tempo and use their athletism to wear down other teams

watch out Duke and UNC

[Dr. Jack]

I think the fan base is ready. They really haven't ever had any momentum when building. They almost had it years ago with Leonard Hamilton until he went to the Wizards. I love Haith though and hope you're right

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by Windy City Irish

Indiana guard Crawford transfers to Xavier
Jul 28, 5:25 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (AP)—Indiana guard Jordan Crawford has accepted a scholarship from Xavier, making him the second Hoosiers recruit to join the Musketeers in the last three months.

Crawford played in 30 games for Indiana last season as a freshman, including eight starts. He averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists. He accepted a scholarship from Xavier on Monday.

He will join point guard Terrell Holloway, a prep player who initially committed to Indiana but changed his mind after coach Kelvin Sampson resigned amid a phone-call scandal.

Holloway averaged 14 points last season for Harmony Prep School in Cincinnati.

good thread windy...

....creans a pussy.. hopefully he goes through as much shit as possible at IU

[cuse_man]

sucks for gtech, but cant blame dickey. I wouldn't want to play for them either

[Windy City Irish]

Originally Posted by cuse_man

good thread windy...

....creans a pussy.. hopefully he goes through as much shit as possible at IU

thanks buddy. i know you will be in here often.

plan on keeping this light, post some team previews and news that can affect what we are wagering on.

[Windy City Irish]

FROM RIVALS.com

Rivals.com 2008-09 Preseason Top 25:


1. NORTH CAROLINA
With or without the three players who put their names in the draft, the Tar Heels were a contender for the national title – they were No. 5 in our previous poll. Add guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington and versatile wing Danny Green back to the mix, and the Heels clearly are the team to beat. Tyler Hansbrough, who could be the first back-to-back national player of the year since Virginia's Ralph Sampson in the early 1980s, and virtually his entire supporting cast return from a team that won 36 games and reached the Final Four. The Heels have also added a top-15 recruiting class.
2. CONNECTICUT
The Huskies have an abundance of talent, experience and size. They return every key player from a 24-win team, including 7-3 center Hasheem Thabeet, who surprisingly never entered the draft. The big question is health. Point guard A.J. Price tore an ACL in the NCAA Tournament and coach Jim Calhoun will begin radiation treatments next week for his second battle with skin cancer. Calhoun's doctors believe he'll be in good shape for the start of the season.
3. PITTSBURGH
The Celtics have the "Big Three" in the NBA. Pitt has its own version in the college ranks with guard Levance Fields, forward Sam Young and center DeJuan Blair. Each ranks among the best at his position. The Panthers could get a boost if guard Mike Cook receives a medical redshirt. Cook was averaging 10.4 points when he tore his ACL in the 11th game last season. But with or without Cook, the Panthers have enough firepower to reach their first Final Four since 1941.
4. PURDUE
Every coach will tell you players make their biggest improvement between their freshman and sophomore years. That's exactly why the "Baby Boilers" could leap into the elite ranks after a surprising second-place finish in the Big Ten last season. The two leading scorers (guard E'Twaun Moore and forward Robbie Hummel) on that young squad were freshmen. Sophomore-to-be big man JaJuan Johnson looks poised for a breakout season, as well.
5. NOTRE DAME
Irish coach Mike Brey won't be able to play the underdog card with this team. Not with a roster that boasts the reigning Big East Player of the Year (Luke Harangody), the league's top outside shooter (Kyle McAlarney) and the league's top assist man (Tory Jackson) from this past season. If that trio remains healthy, the Irish should go to the Sweet 16 and beyond.
6. DUKE
The Blue Devils haven't fixed their problems on the inside, but they still have a tremendous amount of firepower on the perimeter. Mike Krzyzewski will have two guards on his bench who would start for most ACC teams. Athletic wing Gerald Henderson has a future in the NBA. Senior point guard Greg Paulus enters what seems like his sixth year. There's also Jon Scheyer (11.7 ppg) and talented sophomore-to-be Nolan Smith. Skilled forward Kyle Singler is a dangerous 3-point shooter.
7. OKLAHOMA
Big man Blake Griffin was considered a first-round lock, but chose to stay in school. A glance at his supporting cast next season may have played a role. The Sooners are adding five-star guard Willie Warren, who likely will be playing with Griffin in the NBA someday. Experienced guards Tony Crocker (11.3 ppg) and Austin Johnson (8.6 ppg) are back, and UCLA transfer Ryan Wright will help make up for the loss of center Longar Longar.
8. LOUISVILLE
As usual, Cardinals coach Rick Pitino isn't hurting for talent. Terrence Williams and Earl Clark – both of whom Pitino expected to turn pro by now – stuck around for another season. Clark was the Cardinals' best player in the NCAA Tournament. The Cards also are adding two of the top big men in the 2008 class: power forwards Samardo Samuels and Terrence Jennings.
9. UCLA
The Bruins lost three players (Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook) and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute) to the NBA Draft, but it could have been worse. Veteran wing Josh Shipp opted to stay in school, a move that gives the Bruins a significantly better chance of reaching a fourth consecutive Final Four. Shipp and senior point guard Darren Collison will be the leaders of a young team that welcomes the nation's No. 1 recruiting class.
10. TENNESSEE
One probable starter (point guard Ramar Smith) and a top reserve (center Duke Crews) were kicked off the team since our last poll, but the Vols dropped only one spot. That's largely because coach Bruce Pearl has put together the kind of talent and depth to absorb such losses. Versatile forward Tyler Smith, the best returning player in the SEC, chose not to test the draft waters. Five-star guard Scotty Hopson should make a big impact immediately.
11. GEORGETOWN
Hoyas coach John Thompson III's system isn't built around one or two players, so losing point guard Jonathan Wallace and 7-2 center Roy Hibbert isn't as damaging as it would be at most programs. Remember, the Hoyas bounced back fine from the loss of lottery pick Jeff Green a year ago. Veterans Jessie Sapp (11.1 ppg) and DaJuan Summers (9.7 ppg) return, and they are joined by a solid recruiting class that boasts prize recruit Greg Monroe.
12. MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans lose a key player, but there still are high expectations and with good reason. Guard Drew Neitzel (13.9 ppg) is the only major loss, and Tom Izzo once again has stockpiled a large amount of talent. Athletic wing Raymar Morgan should contend for Big Ten player of the year honors. Point guard Kalin Lucas has great physical tools. Five-star recruit Delvon Roe will be counted on to provide some much-needed help on the inside.
13. GONZAGA
No single player who chose to pull out of the draft may have meant more to his team than point guard Jeremy Pargo. Without Pargo, Gonzaga probably is staring at another first- or second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament. With him, they are a legitimate Final Four threat. The Zags return three other double-digit scorers and a have a roster loaded with former top-100 recruits, but no one could replace Pargo's playmaking ability.
14. TEXAS
The Longhorns jumped up seven spots thanks to A.J. Abrams's decision to stay in school. Abrams' backcourt mate, D.J. Augustin, made it clear he was leaving for good weeks ago, but Texas returns every other key player from an Elite Eight run. That includes a deep frontcourt led by forward Damion James, who averaged 13.0 points and 11.6 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament.
15. MEMPHIS
As expected, Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier pulled out of the draft. That gives John Calipari two starters from the national runner-up squad to build around. Two other contributors, guard Willie Kemp and center Shawn Taggart, also return. Add a top-five recruiting class that is highlighted by guard Tyreke Evans - another possible one-and-done - and the Sweet 16 looks like a reachable goal.
16. KANSAS
There is the small matter of replacing all five starters from the national championship team. The key returnees are point guard Sherron Collins (9.3 ppg, 3.1 apg) and center Cole Aldrich (2.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg), who had a coming-out party in the Final Four against North Carolina and will have to continue to improve. But the real key for coach Bill Self is a recruiting class ranked No. 2 nationally that features two top junior college prospects.
17. VILLANOVA
The Wildcats made a surprising run to the Sweet 16 last season. A repeat of the feat would not be a shock. They return their top seven scorers, including star guard Scottie Reynolds (15.9 ppg). Coach Jay Wright wouldn't mind at all if he received bigger contributions from the Coreys, former five-star guard prospects Corey Fisher (9.1 ppg) and Corey Stokes (6.4 ppg). They're certainly capable.
18. WAKE FOREST
Dino Gaudio is stockpiling young talent in Winston-Salem. Everyone returns from a team that went 17-13. Forward James Johnson (14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and guard Jeff Teague (13.9 ppg) were on the ACC All-Freshman team. The Demon Deacons add to that already-solid nucleus a recruiting class ranked No. 3 nationally. It's a three-man class with enough stars to fill a constellation.
19. FLORIDA
Can the Gators return to form after missing the NCAA Tournament? Big man Marreese Speights won't return, so there will be minutes up front to be had by some highly ranked incoming freshmen. SEC Co-Freshman of the Year Nick Calathes will only get better. The guys who must step up were with Calathes in 2007's top-ranked recruiting class. Billy Donovan must get more from Jai Lucas and Chandler Parsons.
20. MARQUETTE
There's no question about the talent. The veteran guard trio of Dominic James (12.9 ppg, 4.4 apg), Jerel McNeal (14.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.5 apg) and Wesley Matthews (11.3 ppg) returns intact. The Golden Eagles also welcome back a fourth double-digit scorer, forward Lazar Hayward (12.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg). The intrigue surrounds the coaching change, where Tom Crean has departed and assistant Buzz Williams takes over.
21. USC
The Trojans got only a year out of O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson, but it was a good one. The same may hold true for Demar DeRozan, the top-ranked shooting guard prospect in the nation. Coach Tim Floyd has some other key parts returning; he can turn to forward Taj Gibson (10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and guards Dwight Lewis (10.8 ppg) and Daniel Hackett (8.6 ppg, 3.2 apg).
22. DAVIDSON
Gone is point guard Jason Richards, who led the nation in assists last season. Fortunately for coach Bob McKillop and the Wildcats, the guy on the other end of so many of those dimes returns. Guard Stephen Curry (25.9 ppg) is expected to take over duties at the point while still carrying much of the scoring load. Andrew Lovedale (6.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg), who emerged in the NCAA Tournament run, must step up in the frontcourt.
23. UNLV
The Rebels are about to embark on an exhibition trip to Australia. That will give the three returning senior starters more time to mesh with redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga, a 7-foot former five-star prospect, and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis. Coach Lon Kruger took an unheralded Florida team Down Under in the summer of 1993. The team bonded and produced the school's first-ever Final Four appearance.
24. WEST VIRGINIA
Yes, Joe Alexander stayed in the draft, but the Mountaineers will continue to climb the mountain in the Big East. Coach Bob Huggins can build around talented off-guard Alex Ruoff (13.8 ppg) and forward Da'Sean Butler (12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg). He also is bringing in the nation's 18th-ranked recruiting class, headlined by five-star small forward Devin Ebanks and four-star power forward Kevin Jones.
25. ARIZONA
Chase Budinger's surprise return to campus makes the Wildcats a threat to crack the top 25. Budinger comes off a sophomore season in which he averaged 17.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. Other returning starters include improved big man Jordan Hill (13.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and point guard Nic Wise (9.2 ppg, 4.4 apg). Arizona also brings in point guard Brandon Jennings, the No. 4 overall prospect nationally.
OTHERS CONSIDERED (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY): Arizona State, Baylor, Kentucky, Miami, Ohio State, San Diego, Wisconsin, Xavier.

[Windy City Irish]

sorry Jack...cant believe that Miami is not in top 25.

will be a great story when the get it all going!

[Windy City Irish]

So, who will be the teams to disappoint in 2008-09? We look at a number of candidates in this week's mailbag.


ANDREW'S MAILBAG
Who's too high?
I saw where you picked out some sleepers in a recent mailbag. Who do you think will be the most overrated teams in 2008-09?

— Jason from Kansas City, Mo.
-----


We've got Purdue at No. 4 in our early top 25, and I'm worried that's a little too high. The Boilermakers reached the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament with a very young team. That has many thinking they are poised for a big improvement. However, the 'Baby Boilers' don't have a great player to lean on this season. When I look around at the other teams in the top 10, they don't have as much athleticism or firepower.

I'm not buying into the hype surrounding Davidson (ranked No. 22) either. Stephen Curry might be the best guard in the country, but he lost his sidekick. Jason Richards led the nation in assists last season. How can you get better when you lose someone that good?

I'm skeptical of USC (No. 21) as well. Big man Taj Gibson didn't improve on the promise he showed as a freshman. Perhaps Gibson is one of those players that just never get much better. The Trojans also need highly touted freshman Demar DeRozan to replace O.J. Mayo. DeRozan is a great talent, but that is asking for quite a bit.


Top 25 snub?
Where's 'Bama in your preseason top 25? With the additions of Ronald Steele, Andrew Steele, Tony Mitchell, Anthony Brock, and Jamychal Green to the team - which includes seven returning players – 'Bama will have a great mix of talent and experience.

— Brian from Columbia, S.C.
-----


When we re-voted for our top 25 after the early entry withdrawl deadline on June 16, Alabama did not receive one vote.

Some of that may be due to the uncertainty hanging around Ron Steele. The veteran point guard looked decent at the NBA pre-draft camp, but it has still been a year since he played a real game. It has been more than two years since he looked like one of the nation's top players.

However, even if we knew Steele has fully recovered, I doubt the Tide would crack our top 25. Losing Richard Hendrix was a huge blow. Green, the prize recruit in that impressive recruiting class, has the potential to be as good as Hendrix was - maybe better. However, Green isn't going to be able to replace a first-team All-SEC big man in his first year in college.

The Tide is also losing Mykal Riley, their second-leading scorer and one of the SEC's top outside shooters. Without Hendrix and Riley, they are going to struggle to score. Forward Alonzo Gee - who averaged 14.5 ppg - is back, but he doesn't have the kind of game to carry the offense or be a go-to scorer.

I do have some good news for you though. Despite not being a top 25-caliber team, the Tide could contend for the SEC West title. That's because the division is wide open. Mississippi State and Arkansas, which finished in first and second last season, each lost a number of their best players and are going to take a step back. The difference between the best and the worst team in the division looks minimal.


Skwara's selections
Who would make your preseason All-American team? Obviously you have to put Tyler Hansbrough on there, but I'm not sure anyone else is a lock.

— Chad from Pittsburgh
-----


Notre Dame power forward Luke Harangody and Curry should also be considered locks. Harangody was the runaway winner for Big East Player of the Year last season, and Curry's numbers and NCAA Tournament heroics warrant a spot.

You can make a strong case for a slew of other guys, but I'd pick Tennessee small forward Tyler Smith and Marquette guard Jerel McNeal. Smith may be the nation's most versatile and most clutch player. I saw him beat Memphis and Ole Miss with tough shots in the final minute last season. McNeal isn't quite as good on offense as other top guards, but he makes up for it on defense and he was terrific in the postseason last year.

Here's some of the other guys I considered: Darren Collison (UCLA), Lee Cummard (BYU), Blake Griffin (Oklahoma), James Harden (Arizona State), Jack McClinton (Miami), Tyrese Rice (Boston College), Sam Young (Pittsburgh) and Terrence Williams (Louisville).

Louisville's Earl Clark and Texas' Damion James are two other guys to watch. They haven't been as productive as most of the guys mentioned above, but I could see both being selected All-Americans at the end of the year. Both really came on at the end of last season.


Out of the shadows?
Andrew, we all know Tennessee is known as a women's basketball school. Do you think Coach Bruce Pearl will get past the Sweet 16, or will his teams continue to live in the shadow of Pat Summitt?

— Catarano from parts unknown
-----


I think Pearl and the men's program stopped living in Summitt's shadow a couple years ago. They've been consistently selling out a huge arena (more than 20,000) and have emerged as a nationally relevant program. The Vols have been part of some huge games (see their win over then-No. 1 Memphis last season) and have been contending for SEC titles in recent years.

It's only a matter of time before Pearl and the Vols get past the Sweet 16. In fact, it could be a moot point by this time next year. The Vols have a great blend of talent and experience thanks to the additions of five-star guard Scotty Hopson and junior college transfer Bobby Maze. Tyler Smith, J.P. Prince and Wayne Chism return from last year's team. Those five, combined with some talented role players, make the Vols a legitimate Final Four threat.

Even if that group doesn't get the job done, don't expect the Vols to fade away anytime soon. Pearl has proven to be an excellent recruiter, and the school appears to be committed to keeping him in Knoxville. Pearl recently signed a deal that makes him one of the nation's highest-paid coaches.


Pros and cons
What are the pros and cons for players like Brandon Jennings and Ra'Sean Dickey choosing to play professional basketball overseas rather than in college? Will it hurt or help Jennings' development?

— Taylor from Clarksville, Tenn.
-----


The biggest plus is obviously getting paid to play. Neither has to worry about getting by on scholarship stipends and per diems anymore.

The atmosphere in Europe (Jennings signed with an Italian team and Dickey with a Ukrainian team) is also more like college than the NBA. There are a lot of tournaments, smaller venues and the teams tend to be more tight-knit. It doesn't have the business-like feel of the NBA.

The biggest challenge may be off the court. Living in a strange place thousands of miles from home presents all sorts of difficulties. Even something as simple as trying to order food can be frustrating.

Adapting to the style of play is another big obstacle. There is a bigger emphasis on skills and fundamentals in Europe, which creates a different kind of game. Most big men can shoot outside and handle the ball. That could be a problem for Dickey, because he is best near the basket.

I think that could actually slow down the development of Jennings. The dynamic point guard will have to adjust to all these changes, including different rules and a different court. Playing with grown men will certainly help him down the road, but his experience in Italy will be far different from what he hopes to eventually encounter in the NBA.

[Windy City Irish]

Memphis:

Whether you spell it Robert or Roburt, Memphis will be looking for a new go-to guy in 2008-09.
Gone are Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey. They scored 53 percent of the Tigers' points last season, and Dorsey was the team's leading rebounder and shot-blocker. Together they helped lead Memphis to the brink of a national championship. As John Calipari looks to regroup without them, he'll look to someone old and someone new.



Robert Dozier averaged 9.2 points last season for Memphis.
"We don't know yet (about a go-to guy)," Calipari said in a conference call Thursday. "That will all play out. I think Tyreke (Evans, a Rivals.com five-star freshman guard) will be one of them. It could be Robert Dozier. Robert Dozier should be one of the top 10 players in the country. Antonio (Anderson, one of two returning starters with Dozier) is a glue guy. His assist-to-turnover ratio after the beginning of the year was ridiculous.

"We come at you in different ways. Roburt Sallie, we're trying to figure him out. We think he could be really good."

Dozier averaged 9.2 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. He had 19 points against Georgetown and 18 against Arizona in consecutive December victories. He had 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds in the national-title loss to Kansas.

When Calipari says Dozier could be the breakout guy, you have to believe him. Dozier is long and athletic, and he can finish at the rim. With more strength (he was listed at 215 last season), he could be a 15-and-8 guy for the Tigers this season.

"Robert worked out for four to five (NBA) teams," Calipari said when asked about Dozier's decision to enter the draft, then pull out. "What I enjoyed hearing was those general managers saying he could be a lottery pick if he works hard this summer. He's long, active. He's got to get stronger and improve his skills.

"It's better to hear that for me than anything else. It wasn't an agent or a family member. It was the guy who was going to pick you telling you this. He said, 'It doesn't look like I'm going to get drafted,' and I said, 'Then you better come back here.' If what those GMs told you doesn't inspire you there's nothing that will ever inspire you because those are the guys who pick the players."

Sallie has taken a circuitous route to Memphis. He committed to Nebraska coming out of prep school, spurning offers from Memphis and Kansas, no less. He enrolled at Nebraska part-time in 2006 while awaiting word on his eligibility, unaware that a Big 12 rule would prevent him from ever playing for a school in the league should he attend classes without having met initial-eligibility requirements. Sure enough, he was ruled ineligible, and Big 12 rule 6.2 kicked into effect.

The Huskers were shocked to lose him, and he couldn't go anywhere else in the Big 12, either. With his recruitment back open after he'd had a stellar season at City College of San Francisco, the Tigers beat out Kentucky for Sallie, a 6-5 combo guard.

"I did my research talking with (Nebraska coach) Doc Sadler, who's a good friend of mine, to make sure he's what I thought he was," Calipari said. "Robert and Antonio said he's a great guy and will be a great teammate. He's what you're looking for. That was the ringing endorsement that I needed to hear.

"Last year we had a team that was friends first and teammates second. Can we get back to that? That's what we're trying to do."


TRIVIA QUESTION

Which player holds Memphis' NCAA Tournament single-game records for scoring and rebounding? (Answer at the end of the column.)


TIP-INS



Wesley Witherspoon is one of the incoming freshmen that John Calipari is excited about.
Calipari is high on incoming freshmen Evans (the No. 6 overall recruit in his class, and the No. 3 point guard) and Wesley Witherspoon (No. 34 overall, No. 5 small forward). "Tyreke won't play the same position as Derrick. He'll be more like Chris Douglas-Roberts," Calipari said. "We're telling him to be him, don't try to be anybody else. It's the natural position for him to score the ball and create double-teams so he can make easy passes out to teammates. Wesley Witherspoon – people watching them this summer, people all are saying he has a chance to be unbelievable. He could play the '1,' '2,' '3' or '4.' We could play him at the '4' and have a point forward there. He's 6-8 and can play above the rim. He just has to improve his shooting. … He needs to get stronger and improve his shot. Tyreke physically is ahead of Wesley, but Wesley will be tremendous for us."

Calipari was thrilled to see one of Justin Timberlake's ensembles during his duties hosting the ESPYs. The singer, who is from Memphis, wore a Tigers basketball jersey during one number. "I'm excited about Justin Timberlake and how he used the ESPYs in a way to really help us," Calipari said. "Whether he was teasing or not, he is still a big fan and it was just truly appreciated. If there is a better entertainer in the world, I don't know who it is. He is the new Frank Sinatra, it appears. He can do everything, and I was really impressed with that."

West Virginia point guard Joe Mazzulla is tearing up the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League. But what to make of it? The league is one of the most competitive of the offseason anywhere on the college landscape, with established players and incoming recruits from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Duquesne and Robert Morris. Mazzulla was MVP of the league last year, raising expectations for his sophomore season with the Mountaineers. But he managed only 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 18.5 minutes per game last season. He didn't start a single game as senior Darris Nichols made all 37 starts for the Mountaineers. The job will be his to lose this season, and he again is playing well in the summer league. He had two 30-point outings in seven games and led his team to a second-place finish.

Another player who seems to have gotten a huge boost from the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League is Pitt sophomore guard Brad Wanamaker, a former four-star prospect. He was a disappointment in his first season, averaging just 2.2 points and shooting a miserable 32.9 percent. In the summer league, he has shot the ball better and also scored going to the basket. Wanamaker averaged 23 points over the final three games of the summer season. He told PantherLair.com this has been a great experience. "I've been playing with a lot more confidence," he said. "I've been working on my jump shot. It makes me feel more comfortable, to shoot in a game. It's fun."


TRIVIA ANSWER

Larry Kenon had 34 points on March 15, 1973, against South Carolina and 22 rebounds against Providence on March 24, 1973. The Tigers reached the NCAA final that season, losing to Bill Walton-led UCLA.

[Windy City Irish]

Here's an SAT-type question for you.

Derrick Caracter is to untapped potential as:

A. Tyler Hansbrough is to tapped potential;
B. Brandon Jennings is to uncharted territory;
C. Tom Crean is to a long first season;
D. All of the above.

The answer is "D."



Derek Caracter pulled his name out of the NBA Draft.
Caracter is an erstwhile power forward at Louisville. In two seasons with the Cardinals, he has averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, rather pedestrian numbers until you consider that he has put up those numbers in only 15.7 minutes per game.

Why does he play so few minutes? Because he has a hard time following Rick Pitino's rules. He spends enough time in the coach's doghouse that the back of his jersey should read "Fido."

He ended up declaring for the NBA Draft but pulling his name out. Pitino was ready to pack his bags for anywhere else, and the coach said he was not welcome back on the team even after he pulled out.

The final resolution appears to be this from Pitino: "If Derrick is willing to grow up in the game of life and we can help him realize his potential, then we are there to help him. But that's a big 'if.' He will not be a part of our team next year. He will have to measure up in three areas – as a student, as a person and as a basketball player – before I will entertain the possibility of him returning to our team for the 2009-10 season.

"We expect him to get a job, pay for school on his own, get in shape and abide by the other steps I have reviewed with him. If he measures up, then he can earn his way back. But that remains to be seen."

Should Pitino allow Caracter to play at UofL again? That's the question we posed to basketball editor Bob McClellan and staff writer Andrew Skwara.


SKWARA'S PICK: NO

I'm all for second and sometimes even third chances. I went to Florida State, where perhaps nobody gives out more of those than Bobby Bowden.



Rick Pitino opened the door for Caracter's return to the team.
But even college football's most forgiving coach draws the line at some point. Just ask Laveranues Coles or Randy Moss.

Caracter deserves the same treatment. The former five-star recruit has broken so many of Pitino's rules that it's tough to pinpoint exactly how many chances he has been given. I think this makes his eighth or ninth.

At what point do you draw the line? Do you wait for Caracter to reach double-digits?

This whole scenario makes Pitino, who long has had a reputation as a demanding coach, look weak. He has said on multiple occasions that Caracter is off the team for good, only to let him back time and time again.

Worse yet, it sets a terrible example for the next generation of college athletes, particularly those with tremendous talent who arrive at school with lots of hype, as did Caracter. They are being taught that it doesn't matter if you follow your coach's rules. It doesn't matter what kind of shape you are in or how many times you break curfew. It doesn't matter how many times you sell out your own teammates.

Pitino should stop this dangerous cycle immediately and tell Caracter he will not let him back under any circumstances. That's the kind of example that finally would place some accountability on Caracter and earn the respect of the rest of the team.


MCCLELLAN'S PICK: YES

Caracter isn't a bad character. He just doesn't abide by Pitino. I'm not saying that's a good thing at all, but he hasn't been a miscreant during his time with the Cardinals, either.

Pitino never played Caracter more than 20 minutes in a game after Jan. 17. But when the coach needed him in the first couple of months because of injury problems, the player seemingly stayed out of trouble. To that point, he was averaging 10.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and more than 20 minutes, solid numbers for any sophomore in the Big East.

Caracter's minutes and production dropped off dramatically from that date. He appeared in every game, but scored in double-figures only three times in the final 19 games and never played more than 18 minutes.

He must not have become too much of a distraction, though, because like I said, he played in every game from Dec. 18 until the season ended in the Elite Eight against North Carolina.

If Caracter meets Pitino's demands, he should be reinstated fully. The structured environment of college and basketball will be good for the player, and the player's productivity will be good for the Cardinals.