DICKIE V ONLINE NEWSLETTER - Feb 2007

Return to Aggie Country
I made my first trip to College Station, Texas in over 25 years.  Yes, the last time I was at Texas A&M was on January 20, 1981 when Rice played versus Texas A&M.  Sad to say, coaching that day for Texas A&M was Shelby Metcalf, who recently passed away after a lengthy illness.  He would be so proud to watch his Aggies today.  They represent everything Shelby believed in...they defend well, they understand shot selection and Billy Gillespie’s kids had 48 super hours.  On Saturday night, February 3rd, they went to Rock Chalk Jay Hawk Land and shocked the Jay Hawks with a brilliant performance by AC Law.  Then, on Monday, February 5th, they returned at home to hold off frosh phenom, Kevin Durant and the Texas Longhorns.  Yes, my friends, there was 48 big time hours in Aggie basketball.  On another Aggie note, if you are looking for someone to have the ball late in the game, no one does it better in the last five minutes than A.C. Law.

Generous Spirits
Speaking of the Aggies, Billy Gillespie showing a generous side donated $50,000 to the V Foundation for Cancer Research to become a member of the President’s Club.  Other members from the coaching fraternity who are also part of the V Foundation’s President’s Club are: Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Izzo, John Calipari, Mike Brey, and former coaches, Rick Majerus and Digger Phelps.  From TV, members include John Saunders and Yours Truly, plus many others who are helping us in the fight against cancer. 

Gators On a Roll
Who would ever believe that Florida has dominated the recent series with Kentucky.  Yes, Billy’s kids have won five in a row from the Cats and the last time an SEC school has done that was Tennessee in 1975 through 1977 when they were led by Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld (a.k.a The Bernie and Ernie Show).

Get Well Soon
I would like to wish the best to Jim O’Connell for a speedy recovery as he is a passionate and knowledgeable writer about the game he loves, college hoops.  Jim, the AP college basketball guru, is recovering from recent surgery.  Get back soon, Jim.

What’s Up With Duke?
People are wondering what is wrong with Duke and the answer is very simple.  This is not a vintage Duke team as they lack a big time scorer and someone to make plays late in the game.  Duke suffered three consecutive heartbreaking losses, to Florida State, Virginia and North Carolina.  Certainly, Josh McRoberts is versatile and multi-talented, but he is not a prolithic scorer like they have had over the past decade.  Such past players include the likes of J.J. Redick, Shane Battier, Elton Brand and Jason Williams.  In my opinion Coach K is getting maximum out of his players and they are playing their hearts out and they really excel on the defensive side.

Watch the Hoyas
A team to keep a real eye on during March Madness is John Thompson III’s Georgetown Hoyas.  Their recent domination of Marquette was special for two reasons: 1) Because the Golden Eagles are outstanding; and 2) The tandem of Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green scored 47 points between them....that was Thompson III’s seventh consecutive win and they are getting better and better as the season progresses. 

Best 5 in the Nation?
Who has the best starting five in the nation?  That is easy... it belongs to the Gators down in Gainesville,  Florida as their quintet has no equal when you factor in basketball skills, plus a winner’s mentality.

Mid-Majors to Watch
Hey, some mid-majors that could cause havoc come March Madness will be the Salukis of Southern Illinois, Winthrop, and Davidson.  These teams come to play and know how to compete.  Most of all, they welcome the challenge of playing against the Goliaths in basketball.

Pac 10 and Washington State
Who would ever believe that the Washington State Cougars would be battling for honors in the PAC 10.  Remember, the conference is tougher than ever and Tony Bennett in his rookie season has been brilliant in leading them to a 24-1 record at this moment.  If they continue on a hot path, Bennett will be considered for National Coach of the Year honors.

Happy Hoops !

Visit Dick Vitale's website at www.dickvitaleonline.com

website design by Anexio New Media