Beyond the Arc : Mid-majors

Better re-think those preseason assumptions

Mike Miller — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:28:00 GMT

On a night when college hoops’ top two teams escaped upsets, what’d we learn?

That Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins are the key to Kansas’ season? Or that Kalin Lucas is Michigan State’s go-to guy? We knew all that going in.

Try this: Don’t forget recent history because Gonzaga and Memphis are actually good. Again. Re-think those preseason assumptions of who's good and who's not. There's no reason to adhere to what the rankings say when your eyes tell you different.

The old cliché still applies, I guess. The more things change – Gonzaga and Memphis both lost four starters from last season – the more they stay the same.

Al Goldis / AP

As Raymar Morgan found out Tuesday, nothing's going to come easy against Gonzaga.

Start with the Zags. Like Miami (Ohio) against Kentucky on Monday night, Gonzaga outplayed the No. 2 Spartans for most of the game, particularly along the frontline.

Sophomore center Robert Sacre played just 19 minutes due to foul issues, but finished with 17 points. Elias Harris (17 points, 9 rebounds) was effective as an undersized power forward who gave Draymond Green and Delvon Roe matchup issues. Matt Bouldin and Steven Gray didn’t shoot well (a combined 8 for 29), but had to do pretty much everything along the perimeter. And the bench surely gave Mark Few more options for later in the season when more hostile environments await.

Perhaps Michigan State isn’t the second-best team in the country. But hey, Tom Izzo said as much in the preseason, not that anyone was listening. The frontcourt was going to be an issue, which is why guys like Lucas, Durrell Summers and Raymar Morgan will carry the Spartans until then.

“It’s a big win for us because we didn’t play real well,” Izzo said. “Gonzaga took it to us for at least 30 minutes. I have a lot of respect for Mark and their program. They punched us in the mouth, picked us off the ground and punched us again.”

The same applies to Memphis and Kansas.

The Tigers lost their coach and most of their scoring from last season’s 33-4 squad. Yet they’re just as athletic and downright stingy on defense. Ask the Jayhawks.

“We’ve known for the past few days that they’re really going to give us a challenge and it proved to be right,” Aldrich said afterward.

Memphis coach Josh Pastner used just six players (well, seven, but D.J. Stephens played 1 whole minute), all of whom were aggressive on defense and fast in the open court. Will Coleman gave up 4 inches to Aldrich, but held his own in the post and even blocked one of Aldrich’s shots. Elliot Williams jacked up 18 shots – his potential game-winner was long – but that was because Kansas couldn’t stay in front of him.

The result made for one ugly game, though. Kansas went for .877 PPP, while Memphis was at .814. Neither team’s eFG% was above 50. The Jayhawks committed a turnover on nearly a third of their possessions. And without Collins and Aldrich – a combined 12 of 17 shooting for 30 points and 4 turnovers; the other 7 ‘Hawks were 8 for 26 and 16 TOs – it gets real bad.

Don’t expect anything easy against Memphis. Or Gonzaga. If a night like tonight didn’t convince you otherwise, you weren’t watching.

Follow me on Twitter (@BeyndArcMMiller) and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Butler's older, better ... and stronger!

Mike Miller — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:05:00 GMT

In case you didn’t know, or simply refused to live in reality, Butler’s one of the big boys in college hoops.

The Bulldogs have won 85 games the last three seasons, better than Duke, UConn or Michigan State. They’ve won the preseason NIT tournament, been to the Sweet 16 and figure to be entrenched in the Top 10 all season.

Chuck Burton/AP

Matt Howard's already the Horizon player of the year. Now imagine him even stronger and more physical.

I mean, they’re the only non-BCS school previewed by the folks at BP! C’mon! What else do you need? What about … strength training? How does Butler stack up to those BCS powerhouses?

The Bulldogs are working on it.

After an offseason of hitting the weights, coach Brad Stevens told the Indianapolis Star that the players are bigger and stronger than their predecessors. They bench press 282 pounds on average. Six exceed 300 pounds. And while bench-pressing really doesn’t help with those jump shots, there’s another reason.

Like last season’s NCAA tournament loss to LSU. The Bulldogs aren’t about to get pushed around again. According to guard Ronald Nored, the Tigers were “huge” and made more plays late in the game because of their size and strength.

"If we just take the time out to focus in the weight room, I think some of those plays are eliminated," Nored told the paper.

It’s not for everybody. Swingman Gordon Hayward didn’t want to lift, but couldn’t help himself. He didn’t bulk up, but teammates say he’s stronger and leaner.

So, to recap: Butler returns all five starters from a 26-6 team filled with talented young players who got stronger, thus improving their chances of finishing strong against BCS schools.

The other big boys should beware.

Follow me on Twitter (@BeyndArcMMiller) and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Memphis making an ultra-clean Calipari break

Mike Miller — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:17:00 GMT

Memphis is doing its best to make a clean break from John Calipari.

It might sound odd, given that Calipari’s nine years at the school resulted in its most glorious seasons. The Tigers racked up wins like no other school in NCAA history, dominated Conference USA and came this close to an NCAA title in 2008.

But between the offseason double whammy of Calipari’s departure for Kentucky and the NCAA vacating 38 wins and that runner-up finish because of an eligibility mess, a clean break seems smart. And this is as clean as it gets. From the Memphis Commercial-Appeal:

Now, just seven months after the Calipari-Memphis divorce, it's hard to find evidence that he was even here. The Elvis-like poster of him hanging on the wall of the Finch Center has been taken down. The 2009-10 Memphis media guide includes no mention or picture of Calipari outside of the school records.

At Memphis Madness, Calipari's image was excluded from a video montage highlighting every great era in Tiger basketball history. In perhaps an even more poignant statement, the video opened with the words, "Not one player, not one coach, not one season."

To be fair, no school spends much time lauding the coaches who leave for other jobs, particularly in the media guide. That’s a space reserved for the new regime and the current season’s players. As Mark McGwire might say, why dwell on the past?

And it can’t be easy for current coach Josh Pastner, who was a Calipari assistant last season. He knows how important his former boss was to Memphis’ ascension the last few years.

But this seems like a smack at Cal, who did his best to promote Memphis and his own brand. Even now, Calipari is a non-stop promoter of Kentucky hoops … but he also does a fine job of touting his own success at the same time.

That’s just who Calipari is. And as long as Kentucky is successful under him, it won’t matter one bit to Big Blue Nation.

The same goes for Memphis. If the Tigers can win under Pastner, it won’t matter one bit how he does it compared to Calipari. Then we can move on from media guide posts and back to games.

Follow me on Twitter (@BeyndArcMMiller) and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Dollar banking on area talent at Seattle U

Mike Miller — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:52:00 GMT

Just last spring Cameron Dollar was touted as one of the country’s top assistants.

So what’s he doing as the head coach of Seattle University? The Redhawks aren’t eligible for the NCAA tournament until 2013 and don’t belong to any conference. They’re still making the transition back to D-I status. Sounds like a thankless, under-the-radar job.

After all, it’s been a long time since Elgin Baylor tore it up at Seattle U. The guy averaged 30 and 20 in two seasons and took Seattle U to the 1958 NCAA tournament title game.

Dollar doesn’t see it that way. He spent the last seven years at Washington recruiting the area’s massive talent base and tells the Seattle Times he couldn’t be more excited.

"One of the things that make this really, really special is that there is no ceiling," Dollar said. "Being in Seattle, one of only two D-I schools in this area and the talent of the kids in this area, playing at KeyArena [where Seattle U will play all of its home games] — you have the potential to develop and grow outside the box."

It’s not new that the Seattle-Tacoma area produces a fair share of elite players, but it would be new for a small school like Seattle U to snag one.

In the last five years, guys like Terrence Williams, Jon Brockman, Brandon Roy, Marvin Williams, Nate Robinson, Terrence Williams and Aaron Brooks hailed from the area. Current players like Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Abdul Gaddy and coveted prospects like Josh Smith and Tony Wroten are all garnering plenty of attention.

And that’s just the stars. There’s even more talent when it comes to supporting players. It’s a similar tact to what Florida International and South Florida have tried in football. The state produces more than enough D-I players than Florida, Florida State and Miami can handle.

All it’ll take is one star or a couple three-star prospects for Dollar to make his mark. It’s a longshot, but one worth taking.

Follow me on Twitter (@BeyndArcMMiller) and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Finally, the Mid-Majority returns

Mike Miller — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:09:00 GMT

The hardest working man in college hoops is back.

OK, there are plenty of people out there logging long hours. Andy Katz, Jeff Goodman and Gary Parrish churn out enough copy to rival Proust. Beat guys like Gary Bedore and Jerry Tipton do the same on a local level.

The Bally Club members know who I’m talking about. Sunday marked the return of Kyle Whelliston and the Mid-Majority.

And did Whelliston ever open with a doozy of an essay.

His 5,300-word prologue to Season 6 of the Mid-Majority chronicles his poor health during the end of Season 5 (brought on by inhaling carbon monoxide because he often was sleeping in his car, among other things), his marriage, the end of his ESPN tenure and what drives him to do what he does.

He loves college hoops. It’s easy enough to say because most people reading this blog feel the same way. Yet it’s clear Whelliston feels something toward the sport most of us only wish we could fully express or experience. He’s doing everything he can to be part of the sport in the best way he knows how, and he’s – to borrow the cliché – giving 110 percent.

That’s to say, if you’re not already reading the Mid-Majority, start now. It’s a marvelous site, awash in insight, stats and enough stories to fill up a week of sick days. And it’s no longer just Whelliston. Damon Lewis is on board for 2009-10. And if you’re really game, join the Bally Club. It’ll help the Mid-Majority do its thing for another year.

And we’ll all benefit from that.

Follow me on Twitter (@BeyndArcMMiller) and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Is Jordan's son worth $3 million to UCF?

Mike Miller — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Marcus Jordan’s pride in his dad may end up costing his school big bucks.

Jordan, a freshman guard at Central, Florida, is Michael Jordan’s son. Maybe you’ve heard of him, and his shoes. Well, as to be expected, Marcus is an Air Jordan guy, and only an Air Jordan guy.

Except … the school has a $3 million, six-year contract with adidas that requires coaches and athletes to wear its stuff, including the shoes. Therein lies the rub.

Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

Marcus Jordan

It’s a surprise to Marcus, who says he isn’t budging.

"When I was being recruited, we talked about it," Marcus told the Orlando Sentinel. "They said they had talked to the adidas people, and it wasn't going to be a problem. I think everybody understands how big of a deal it is for my family.

"It's a level of importance with the Jordan brand and my family. It's no disrespect to adidas. I have a high level of respect for adidas, but I'm going to be wearing Jordan shoes. I'm wearing the adidas uniform, and all my other UCF gear is adidas, but the shoes are going to be Jordan brand."

The school is trying to work out a solution that will work for both parties, but it comes down to this: Is Marcus Jordan – and thus, a connection to Michael Jordan – worth more to Central Florida than a multi-million contract?

I’d say no. Even if there wasn’t a recession, that’s a lotta dimp.

Mike Bianchi from the Sentinel offers four possible outcomes from this whole thing.

1. adidas can bend and allow Marcus to wear his own shoes.
2. Nike can come to the rescue.
3. UCF can release Marcus from his scholarship and he can go play at a Nike school.
4. Marcus can become his own man, step out from his father's immense shadow and take one for the team.

I vote for No. 1, No. 2 or -- if it comes to it -- No. 4

No. 2 makes the most sense. Nike’s made millions off of Marcus’ dad. Why can’t it pay UCF?

Follow me on Twitter and get more college basketball news at NBCSports.com.

Even Binghamton's tryouts against the rules

Mike Miller — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:40:00 GMT

Just when Binghamton’s hoops program tries to dig its way out of rock bottom, it finds another crevasse and falls on its face. Again.

Fresh off the recent dismissal of six players for various infractions, the school announced Tuesday it would try to bolster the depleted hoops roster by holding open tryouts. Any able-bodied student with a physical could come on down (seven scholarships are available!) and potentially play for a program coming off its first-ever NCAA tournament berth.

Or not.

Binghamton canceled Tuesday’s tryout because it could have been against NCAA rules.

Ouch.

The problem was the number of students interested in trying out. Per NCAA rules, teams can’t hold their first practice until Oct. 16, but they can have skill sessions. In other words, no five-on-five. If more than nine students would’ve showed up, that would’ve been a no-no in the eyes of Binghamton compliance director Dave Eagan.

Except it’s not even that clear. From the Press & Sun-Bulletin,

America East Conference associate commissioner for compliance Brian Barrio said that would be a reasonable interpretation of the rules.

But the bylaw clause addressing skill instruction is vague, Barrio said, and does not place specific limitations on how many players may attend a skill session once the school's academic year has started.

"It's not very well-defined," Barrio said. "The sticking point is there has to be instruction going on."

Ah! So don’t advertise the tryout. Just let it be known that coach Kevin Broadus is “looking” for able bodied men (apparently I think he’s an Army recruiter as well) and perhaps they’ll be on the team.

In any case, a tryout has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. on Oct. 17. By then, everything with the NCAA will A-OK.

(H/T: Pete Thamel, now the Times’ national hoops/Binghamton reporter.)

Binghamton hoops holding open tryouts

Mike Miller — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:26:00 GMT

What happens when your imploding program dismisses six players just before the season starts? You hold tryouts.

Binghamton’s men’s basketball is having tryouts Tuesday and Wednesday for any available students (provided they can bring proof of having had a physical). Lots of schools have tryouts, but they’re usually for scout team spots and guys who will be at the end of the bench.

Anyone who impresses the Bearcat coaches at these things could be one of the first guys off the bench…

"So far, about 25 students have expressed an interest in trying out," said Gail Glover, University spokeswoman.

Could be an entertaining tryout. All they need now is to convince a former star point guard who never used up his eligibility to return to school for one last shot at glory. They could turn it into a movie!

(H/T: Pete Thamel)

The program isn't a zoo, says Binghamton Zoo

Mike Miller — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:58:00 GMT

The Binghamton basketball, contrary to conventional wisdom and most reasonable assessments, is not a zoo.

So say the folks from the actual Binghamton Zoo.

Not long after Binghamton athletic director Joel Thirer compared the basketball team to a zoo, the zoo’s business manager, Amanda J. Padwa, sent an angry letter to the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on Tuesday. The complete letter follows.

I am tired of hearing that blight on Binghamton University, the men's basketball team, being referred to as a "zoo." The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park has just received re-accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the industry's governing authority. We achieved this status by being in the top 10 percent of all the zoos in the country.

Our animal care, safety, employees and educational and service standards are set high and met accordingly. Not one of our tigers has been arrested with cocaine. No otter knocks over old ladies to shoplift condoms. Our bear doesn't have temper tantrums and storm off his exhibit. You won't find any of our lemurs busted for smoking pot. So, please, stop insulting zoos by comparing those criminals to us.

Amanda J. Padwa
Business Manager
Binghamton Zoo

No word if Amanda is going to start writing for Jay Leno’s show.

(H/T: Storming the Floor, the Quad)

2nd fiddle at a football school? Sign me up

Mike Miller — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:14:00 GMT

What do Thad Matta, Rick Barnes, John Beilein and Bruce Pearl have in common? Is it:

A) They all won at least 20 games last season.

B) They all make more than $1.3 million per year.

C) They all work at football schools.

D) All of the above.

The observant reader and college hoops fan undoubtedly chose D. Yet oddly enough, C plays a big reason why the answer is all of the above.

Ah, college football. The monster revenue machine in college sports. Check out this list of D-I school listed by athletic revenue. It’s loaded with football schools from BCS conferences. And it’s that BCS revenue that helps hoops coaches build their programs.

Some coaches may find it difficult to play second fiddle at a football school, but Dana O’Neil informs us it depends on that coach’s attitude.

Take a guy like Rick Barnes. He’s been at Texas since 1998, hasn’t missed an NCAA tournament since ’99, went to a Final Four in 2003 and had the national player of the year in 2007. Yet no one would argue that regardless of his program’s success, football always takes precedence in Austin. Always.

But it’s not a bad thing.

"Football is a major help,” he told O’Neil. “You bring kids in for visits on home weekends, the exposure your school gets, you can't match that.”

Billy Donovan says it wasn’t easy building Florida into a contender, but all it took was a few good recruiting classes and some NCAA tourney success. Because until you convince basketball players that people will care about them at a hoops school, it’s hard to get them to come.

Still, being one of the haves is better than being one of the have-nots. Even if coaches like Oklahoma’s Jeff Capel complain about recruiters “sending negative mailouts or will just tell kids, ‘You don’t want to go there. That’s a football school,’” surely it’s better to be at a high-profile spot than struggling somewhere that doesn’t have the football factor.

After all, these guys all came from mid-major schools, eager to leave that challenge for more money and possibly a run in the Big Dance.

Who wouldn’t play second fiddle for that?