THE DICK VITALE CENTER COURT CLUB
November 09, 2007
THE MADNESS BEGINS….
I know they are only exhibition games, but what a shock it had to be for the Spartans of Michigan State and the Buckeyes of Ohio State in losing respectively to Grand Valley State and Findlay. However, that’s the beauty and essence of playing the games. Yes, watching the Davids challenge the Golliaths….it’s “Awesome Baby!” and it is what makes college basketball so special.
GARDNER-WEBB DEFEATS KENTUCKY AND HEAD TO NYC
Now my friends, what about this major shock: Gardner-Webb upsetting Kentucky at Rupp Arena and earning a trip to the semi-finals of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament at Madison Square Garden. It’s very simple, a bunch of kids playing their hearts out with passion, trying to gain respect and notoriety in their magical moment of prominence. Trust me, Billy Gillespie, Tom Izzo and Thad Matta will utilize these early setbacks to inspire and motivate their teams in a positive fashion.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Some teams that didn’t make it to the NCAA tournament last year but will be in the hunt this season are the following:
Clemson – Oliver Purnell’s club was 17-0 last season and looked like a tournament lock before struggling down the stretch. With James Mays, KC Rivers and company returning look for a big year out of the Tigers.
NC State – Sydney Lowe has brought toughness to Raleigh and the Wolfpack, behind the outstanding play of Brandon Costner. They will be an upper echelon team in the ACC.
Missouri – Mike Anderson’s team has a solid nucleus returning from last year’s 18-12 squad. Anderson adds DeMarre Carroll, a 6’ 8” transfer from Vanderbilt, who should be a major factor.
Washington – Lorenzo Romar’s team will be dangerous in the loaded Pac-10. A key reason why they will succeed will be the brilliant play of John Brockman.
Syracuse – Jim Boeheim was stunned and had every right to be upset with the Orange being left out of last year’s tournament. They will have a different look this season, but will still succeed as they will get positive contributions from Diaper Dandies Jonny Flynn and Donte Greene.
FAMILIAR FACES IN NEW PLACES
I can’t wait to see how veteran coaches, Tubby Smith, Rick Majerus and Bob Huggins do in their new environments. Smith is excited to be in Minnesota and will bring enthusiasm back to Golden Gopher basketball. Majerus will be a hero in St. Louis as he is exactly what the Billikens need to be a factor in the Atlantic-10 and Huggins is back at his alma mater and should bring special toughness to the Mountaineer squad.
ONES TO WATCH
Also, I can’t wait to lay eyes on the following Diaper Dandies:
Kevin Love (UCLA)
OJ Mayo (USC)
Derrick Rose (Memphis)
Kyle Singler (Duke)
Eric Gordon (Indiana)
Michael Beasley (Kansas State)
ON THE INJURED LIST
Injuries have already made an impact early in the season…..Ronald Steele (knee) has decided to redshirt this year at Alabama….Juan Pacacios (knee injury) at Louisville…..Providence guard Sharaud Curry….Mike Williams of Cincy out for season (achilles)…..Tony Danridge of New Mexico (broken leg)…
UCLA RENEWS CONTRACT
UCLA has given Ben Howland a seven-year contract extension and let me tell you that he flat out deserves it as he has brought back pride in wearing the UCLA jersey. Back-to-back trips to the Final Four certainly played a key role in his new contract, but knowing Howland, he will not be satisfied until the Bruins put another championship banner in Pauley Pavilion.
NEW MOTIVATIONAL DVDS ARE AVAILABLE NOW
I hope you get a chance to take a look at my new motivational DVDs as I am extremely pleased with the response that we are receiving. After years of receiving numerous request for a video copy of my motivational speeches, I finally had the opportunity to go into the studio and deliver three powerful messages for all people in all walks of life. They are available now on my website. Check out the short video presentation to get a preview.
Happy Hoops !
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