Remember how I said yesterday that Monday could end up being one of the craziest days of the college hoops season? No? Well that’s what I was thinking. Sure enough, Monday delivered. The Silverswords of Chaminade defended their home turf for the first time since 2007, Maryland makes the move with Rutgers soon to follow. Injuries and upsets were had, Shabazz Muhammad made his NCAA debut and Rotnei Clarke hit the season’s best buzzer-beater.
Tuesday’s Top Games:
1:30 p.m. – Austin Peay vs. Western Carolina
2:30 p.m. – Marquette vs. Mississippi State
4:30 p.m. – James Madison vs. Youngstown State
5:00 p.m. – Texas vs. USC
6:00 p.m. – UC-Irvine vs. Southern Miss
7:00 p.m. – No. 11 UCLA vs. Georgia
7:00 p.m. – Washington State vs. Texas A&M
7:00 p.m. – North Texas @ Virginia
8:00 p.m. – Boise State @ No. 15 Michigan State
8:00 p.m. – No. 9 North Carolina vs. Butler
8:00 p.m. – Harvard @ St. Joseph’s (NBC Sports Network)
9:00 p.m. – USC-Upstate vs. Santa Clara
9:30 p.m. – No. 12 Kansas vs. Saint Louis
10:00 p.m. – No. 1 Indiana vs. Georgetown
10:30 p.m. – Illinois @ Chaminade
Read of the Day: Make sure to read The transcript of Scott Van Pelt’s radio segment today about Maryland’s departure. SVP is a Maryland-native and born-n-bred Terps fan. You don’t find a lot of big time media guys who wear it on their sleeve as much as SVP, and still he always remains so balanced and impartial while remaining extremely passionate and loyal at the same time. I genuinely feel for him. I completely understand the sorrow he’s feeling, and his explanation is tremendous. When my Georgetown Hoyas eventually depart the Big East, I am positive this is exactly what I will feel like. I hope I’m that lucky. For God’s sake, read this. (Testudo Times)
Read of the Day: 100 thoughts about 100 NCAA teams from the Basketball Prospectus Guide to the 2012-2013 Season. Read it. (Deadspin)
Top Stories:
It’s unfair to rush to judgement about Shabazz Muhammad after just one game: UCLA’s freshman phenom made his debut last night against Georgetown, and if you consider everything (which you should), he didn’t play too bad.
Chaminade upsets Texas; Barnes second loss to Silverswords: Everybody’s favorite Maui Invitational hosts stunned a young Texas squad en route to their first tournament win since defeating Oklahoma in 2007. It just so happens that Texas head coach Rick Barnes was the head coach of the 1991-92 Providence team that lost to the Silverswords.
The Indiana Hoosiers can be effective even when they don’t always go through Cody Zeller: It certainly wasn’t pretty, but with a bevy of alternative weapons to choose from, Indiana was able to grind past a tired Georgia squad at The Barclays Centers.
Sean Woods might not have too friendly of a return in Lexington: The Former-Kentucky “Unforgettable” and current Morehead State head coach voiced his concern for the lack of basketball history displayed by today’s brand of college player, and referenced the current Kentucky roster.
Arizona has options this season, something that hurt them a year ago: Last season the Wildcats had a bunch of potential but not proven help. This season, with another crop of young talent, there is depth on the roster for when situations go awry.
Back from mission, Tyler Haws is the same player but a new man: It’s been a long time since Tyler haws suited up for the Cougars, but the experience gained on the guard’s mormon mission shaped him into the man he is today.
Expanisionocalypse:
- The worst part of it all is that Maryland’s move actually makes sense. Well, no it doesn’t, but this will get the school more money, and the school really (See: REALLY!) needs money. This decision was a no-brainer (CSN Baltimore)
- It really does need rehashing: This is a desperation move by Maryland. It’s a wise move but very desperate (Washington Post)
- Maryland is hoping that change in conferences will help “bail out” the seven varsity programs that were discontinued over the summer (Washington Post)
- Terrapin coaching icon Lefty Driesell chimed in on the move, feels sorry for the players (Sporting News)
- An awesome list (with video) of the five things that Maryland will miss about the ACC (CSN Baltimore)
- Did Rutgers actually “win” conference realignment? It certainly looks like that might be the case (New Jersey Star-Ledger)
- Despite Rutgers likely departure to the Big-10, the Scarlet Knights rivalry with Seton hall is likely to remain (New Jersey Hoops Haven)
- The RAC at Rutgers is one of the more under-appreciated home venues on the east coast. But in order for the Scarlet Knights to compete (See: $$$), they will need a new arena (Statehouse Bureau)
Hoops Housekeeping:
- Ryan Harrow could return to practice for Kentucky today after missing most of last week due to illness (Kentucky Sports Radio)
- The NCAA will hear appeals of two suspended Indiana players later today (Sporting News)
- Louisville and North Carolina will headline the 2013 Hall of Fame Tip-Off tournament (ESPN)
- Missouri guard Michael Dixon remains suspended foe now, but is travelling with the team to the Bahamas for the Battle for Atlantis (College Basketball Talk)
Observations & Insight:
- Make sure Gary Parrish’s “Poll Attacks” are a weekly Monday read. This week, a voter keeps NC-State at No.6, OK-State un-ranked (Eye On College Basketball)
- Drexel has had a tough early stretch. They entered the season with much hype and dropped their first two games of the season. They beat Penn to earn their first win, but lost senior guard Chris Fouchs to a season-ending ankle injury. With Delaware gaining momentum, what does the future hold for the Dragons? (City of Basketball Love)
- Jordy Hulls had a tremendous game for the Hoosiers last night, but he can’t possibly be NBA material, can he? Tom Crean thinks he is (SNY.tv)
News & Notes:
- A quick historical look at the trend of big-time conference realignment (College Hoopedia)
- Some great numbers from Illinois-Chicago’s upset victory over Iona (Horizon League Hoops)
- Amidst all the hype surrounding Shabazz Muhammad’s debut, it was a trio of Hoya stars that shined brightest (SNY.tv)
- The Flames of Illinois-Chicago are down in the Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam and spent some of their free time snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean waters (UICFlames.com)
- Am I the only one who thinks Rick Pitino is turning in to the “Mercury Morris” of expansionocalypse? (The Card Connect)
Dunk of the Day: Doug “The Freakshow” Anderson. Or for you sports entertainment fans out there: “MMMMMMIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSTTEEERRRR AANNNNNNNNDDEERRSSSSSOOOOOONNNNNN” (Ballin’ is a Habit)
Video of the Day: Say hello to your new gun-slingin’ overlord Rotnei Clarke. That is all. (Sporting News)
Do you like the new Morning Mix? Hate it? Have a suggestion or wanted something featured? Troy Machir will take all your praise, insults and inquiries via Twitter (@TroyMachir)
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Kentucky phenoms choose 2013-14 preparation over other possibilities
May 22, 2013, 10:04 PM EDT
AP
As a recruiting class that has been hailed by some as the best in the history of college basketball, Kentucky’s incoming freshmen will receive a lot of attention throughout the 2013-14 campaign. And with the skills that players such as Julius Randle, Aaron and Andrew Harrison, Dakari Johnson and James Young possess a number of…
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AP
A third player with eligibility remaining will not return to the BYU program next season, as it was reported that 6-8 forward Agustin Ambrosino will not be a member of the basketball program in 2013-14. Ambrosino, who played an average of 6.2 minutes in 31 games last season, joins Raul Delgado (transferring to Metro State)…
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UMKC head coach Kareem Richardson completes coaching staff
May 22, 2013, 7:07 PM EDT
One week ago UMKC announced the addition of a fourth player to the program, as 6-10 forward/center Isaac Kreuer will return to the Kansas City metropolitan area after spending last year at the Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas. According to the Kansas City Star, first-year head coach Kareem Richardson has filled out his coaching…
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Report: Elon to officially join Colonial Athletic Association Thursday
May 22, 2013, 5:55 PM EDT
AP
With the loss of four institutions the Colonial Athletic Association has some work to do on the realignment front. Apparently the league has found a new member, as it was reported by the Wilmington Star-News that Elon will officially join the CAA on Thursday. Elon has announced a press conference for 2:00 p.m. EST Thursday…
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Nate Robinson, other Washington greats to play in alumni game June 23
May 22, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
University of Washington
On Tuesday, the University of Washington announced plans for an alumni basketball game to be held on June 23. Returning for the game will be former Husky stars such as Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson and Jon Brockman among many. Festivities will begin at 1:00 p.m., with there also being three-point and slam dunk competitions for…
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Will Yeguete out four months after another surgery on right knee
May 22, 2013, 3:10 PM EDT
Getty Images
Will Yeguete just cannot get healthy. The Florida forward missed the final nine games of his sophomore season with a broken foot and then had to sit out much of February after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee as a junior. He returned to play the final six games of the season. Yeguete underwent more…
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Is Antonio Barton the answer for any of the four schools chasing him?
May 22, 2013, 2:04 PM EDT
On Monday afternoon, former Memphis big man Tarik Black announced that he would transferring to Kansas where he’ll team up with Andrew Wiggins, Wayne Selden and Joel Embiid to give Bill Self the nation’s best non-Kentucky recruiting class and a shot at a national title. Black, who will be eligible immediately, may never end up…
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USA Basketball has released a list of 24 players that will be attending training camp in Colorado Springs from June 14th-19th to try and earn a spot on Team USA for the U19 championships, which take place in Prague from June 27th-July 7th. While there is some solid talent on that roster, it’s not necessarily…
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AP
It’s all-but official now: Mike Krzyzewski will be returning to coach Team USA in the 2014 World Championships in Madrid and the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro. That’s according to a report from Pete Thamel of SI, who reported over the weekend that Coach K was strongly considering returning to head up the stars…
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Five-Star NC native Theo Pinson commits to North Carolina
May 22, 2013, 12:34 PM EDT
On Wednesday afternoon, five-star small forward Theo Pinson officially announced his intentions to stay in-state and attend North Carolina. The Greensboro, NC, native picked the Tar Heels over Indiana, Louisville, Georgetown and Duke. A 6-foot-6 athlete on the wing, Pinson is known for his ability to get up and down the floor and finish around…
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FBI: San Diego point-shaving scandal netted ‘more than $120,000′
May 22, 2013, 11:52 AM EDT
Getty Images
Back in March, former San Diego Torero Brandon Johnson, the school’s all-time leader in points and assists, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for his role in a point-shaving scheme during the 2009-2010 season back in March. Johnson was lucky; the state wanted to give him a year. He’ll begin serving his sentence…
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Memphis emerging as the leader to host the AAC tournament?
May 22, 2013, 10:38 AM EDT
The last that we had heard about the AAC tournament, Mohegan Sun was planning on cobbling together an offer to get bring the ‘old Big East’ to Connecticut to play out their league championship. That does not look like it’s going to end up happening, however. According to a report from the Memphis Commercial-Appeal’s Kyle…
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Enosch Wolf’s suspension lifted, but no scholarship available at UConn
May 22, 2013, 9:47 AM EDT
AP
Enosch Wolf’s suspension from the UConn basketball team has officially been lifted, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the 7-foot-1 German will be returning to Storrs next season. Wolf was suspended back in February as a result of a domestic dispute where he refused to leave a women’s apartment, pushed her and knocked her glasses…
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Renovations to Hinkle Fieldhouse to cost $34 million dollars
May 21, 2013, 9:52 PM EDT
AP
Butler will begin play in the Big East next season with Hinkle Fieldhouse, its home floor for more than 80 years under renovations that will cost up to $34 million dollars. The university believes the renovations will be complete around November 2014. “The important role our athletic programs have had within Butler’s strategy and national…
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AMHERST, Mass. — In the Class of 2014, one player who should continue making a name for himself is 7-foot-2 center Paschal Chukwu. He is fresh off his junior season at Fairfield College Preparatory School (Conn.), leading the Jesuits to the championship game of the Class LL. Chukwu is currently on the AAU circuit with Connecticut Basketball…
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After spending one year on the coaching staff at LSU, long-time assistant Robert Kirby is once again leaving the SEC, this time to join Josh Pastner and the Memphis Tigers. Jim Kleinpeter of The Times-Picayune reports that the first-year LSU assistant resigned as an assistant coach on Monday night in order to take a similar position…
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Jay-Z gives Skylar Diggins a Mercedes Benz as graduation gift
May 21, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
Tulsa Shock guard Skylar Diggins wrapped up a great career with the Fighting Irish earlier this spring. Following her graduation from the University Notre Dame on Sunday, her sports agency, Roc Nation Sports — founded by Jay-Z — rewarded her with a Mercedes Benz. Got surprised with a new mercedes! Thanks so muchto Jay and…
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Getty Images
The Connecticut back court was already in good shape with the return of Shabazz Napier, Ryan Boatright and Omar Calhoun. On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Ollie added to his guard depth with George Washington transfer Lasan Kromah. This news came according to CBSSports.com, who confirmed the transfer through a source. Kromah is graduating from George Washington,…
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Getty Images
The field for the Legends Classic has been announced. Pittsburgh highlights the field and will be joined by Stanford, Houston and Texas Tech. Each of the four teams will host a pair on games on campus prior to going to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the semifinals and the finals. The final two rounds…
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Montana announced on Tuesday that Washington transfer Martin Breunig would be transferring into the program. “We are very excited about signing Martin Breunig at the University of Montana,” head coach Wayne Tinkle said in a statement. “He’s a strong, athletic post player, and he really adds good size and strength to our front line.” “We…
