Jerry Tampering: Sandusky Case Coupled With Cline-Heard Hurts PSU Hoops
Whether it should or not, aftershocks from the Jerry Sandusky earthquake child-molestation case and sentencing will spill over from Penn State's football program and affect the entire athletic program. But what further damaged the hoops program specifically was a sentencing to 16 years in federal prison of Gyasi Cline-Heard, leaving him among the all-time "Bad Boys of College Basketball."
The leading rebounder and second-leading scorer for the Jerry Dunn-coached Nittany Lions' 2001 Sweet 16 squad was apprehended in February in Clearwater, Fla., for spearheading a drug/gun ring. Raids of his tattoo shop and multiple other residences in the area unearthed four dozen guns. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the enormity of the stockpile of weapons shocked investigators (most of them assault rifles and machine guns with rounds capable of penetrating officer's vests and cruisers).
The bust unfolded after undercover agents purchased, in the course of 11 transactions over the winter, more than a pound of cocaine - crack and powder - plus a .380-caliber handgun from the son of former NBA player and coach Gar Heard. The guns seized were "to kill people and to keep their drug operation going," the sheriff said.
Second-year coach Pat Chambers has a massive job keeping PSU's basketball operation going; especially after star point guard Tim Frazier was lost for the season because of an Achilles injury. It is akin to reviving disbanded programs at Miami (FL), San Francisco, Southwestern Louisiana and Tulane. The Sweet 16 team in 2001 was the only time since 1954 that Penn State won multiple games in an NCAA Tournament. Unhappy Valley indeed.
Conference Kingpins: KU Could Become 4th School to Win Nine Straight Titles
Kansas, bolstered by Missouri's touted transfers bound for the Tigers' new SEC digs, could become only the fourth school to capture at least nine consecutive regular-season conference championships. Despite the early departure to the NBA of leading scorer and rebounder Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks boast a sterling Big 12 Conference track record under coach Bill Self while surviving the loss of 10 undergraduates in the last six NBA drafts - 2007 (Julian Wright), 2008 (Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush), 2010 (Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry), 2011 (Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris and Josh Selby) and 2012 (Robinson).
UCLA's streak of 13 straight undisputed league titles from 1967 through 1979 is considered one of the foremost achievements in NCAA history. Following is a summary of the seven schools to secure at least eight straight regular-season league titles:
UCLA (13 in Pacific-8/10; 171-15 from 1966-67 through 1978-79)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coaches | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966-67 | 14-0 | Lew Alcindor (29 ppg) | Lew Alcindor (15.5 rpg) | John Wooden | 30-0 |
| 1967-68 | 14-0 | Lew Alcindor (26.2) | Lew Alcindor (16.5) | John Wooden | 29-1 |
| 1968-69 | 13-1 | Lew Alcindor (24) | Lew Alcindor (14.6) | John Wooden | 29-1 |
| 1969-70 | 12-2 | Sidney Wicks (18.6) | Sidney Wicks (11.9) | John Wooden | 28-2 |
| 1970-71 | 14-0 | Sidney Wicks (21.3) | Sidney Wicks (12.8) | John Wooden | 29-1 |
| 1971-72 | 14-0 | Bill Walton (21.1) | Bill Walton (15.5) | John Wooden | 30-0 |
| 1972-73 | 14-0 | Bill Walton (20.4) | Bill Walton (16.9) | John Wooden | 30-0 |
| 1973-74 | 12-2 | Bill Walton (19.3) | Bill Walton (14.7) | John Wooden | 26-4 |
| 1974-75 | 12-2 | David Meyers (18.3) | David Meyers (7.9) | John Wooden | 28-3 |
| 1975-76 | 12-2 | Richard Washington (20.1) | Marques Johnson (9.4) | Gene Bartow | 27-5 |
| 1976-77 | 11-3 | Marques Johnson (21.4) | Marques Johnson (11.1) | Gene Bartow | 24-5 |
| 1977-78 | 14-0 | David Greenwood (17.5) | David Greenwood (11.4) | Gary Cunningham | 25-3 |
| 1978-79 | 15-3 | David Greenwood (19.9) | David Greenwood (10.3) | Gary Cunningham | 25-5 |
Connecticut (10 in Yankee; 71-8 from 1950-51 through 1959-60)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coach | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950-51 | 6-1 | Vincent Yokabaskas (15.5) | William Ebel (9) | Hugh Greer | 22-4 |
| 1951-52 | 6-1 | Vincent Yokabaskas (16.8) | Burr Carlson (14.5) | Hugh Greer | 20-7 |
| 1952-53 | 5-1 | Art Quimby (16.7) | Art Quimby (20.5) | Hugh Greer | 17-4 |
| 1953-54 | 7-0 | Art Quimby (16.3) | Art Quimby (22.6) | Hugh Greer | 23-3 |
| 1954-55 | 7-0 | Art Quimby (23.2) | Art Quimby (24.4) | Hugh Greer | 20-5 |
| 1955-56 | 6-1 | Gordon Ruddy (16.6) | unavailable | Hugh Greer | 17-11 |
| 1956-57 | 8-0 | Bob Osborne (15.6) | Al Cooper (11.8) | Hugh Greer | 17-8 |
| 1957-58 | 10-0 | Jack Rose (13) | Al Cooper (11) | Hugh Greer | 17-10 |
| 1958-59 | 8-2 | Jack Rose (16) | Ed Martin (12.1) | Hugh Greer | 17-7 |
| 1959-60 | 8-2 | John Pipczynski (15.2) | Walt Griffin (11.5) | Hugh Greer | 17-9 |
UNLV (10 in PCAA/Big West; 165-13 from 1982-83 through 1991-92)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coach | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-83 | 15-1 | Sidney Green (22.1) | Sidney Green (11.9) | Jerry Tarkanian | 28-3 |
| 1983-84 | 16-2 | Richie Adams (12.7) | Richie Adams (6.7) | Jerry Tarkanian | 29-6 |
| 1984-85 | 17-1 | Richie Adams (15.8) | Richie Adams (7.9) | Jerry Tarkanian | 28-4 |
| 1985-86 | 16-2 | Anthony Jones (18) | Armon Gilliam (8.5) | Jerry Tarkanian | 33-5 |
| 1986-87 | 18-0 | Armon Gilliam (23.2) | Armon Gilliam (9.3) | Jerry Tarkanian | 37-2 |
| 1987-88 | 15-3 | Gerald Paddio (19.4) | Jarvis Basnight (6.9) | Jerry Tarkanian | 28-6 |
| 1988-89 | 16-2 | David Butler (15.4) | Stacey Augmon (7.4) | Jerry Tarkanian | 29-8 |
| 1989-90 | 16-2 | Larry Johnson (20.6) | Larry Johnson (11.4) | Jerry Tarkanian | 35-5 |
| 1990-91 | 18-0 | Larry Johnson (22.7) | Larry Johnson (10.9) | Jerry Tarkanian | 34-1 |
| 1991-92 | 18-0 | J.R. Rider (20.7) | Elmore Spencer (8.1) | Jerry Tarkanian | 26-2 |
NOTE: UNLV tied New Mexico State in 1989-90.
Idaho State (eight in Rocky Mountain; 76-4 from 1952-53 through 1959-60)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coach | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952-53 | 10-0 | Les Roh (16.6) | unavailable | Steve Belko | 18-7 |
| 1953-54 | 9-1 | Les Roh (17.1) | unavailable | Steve Belko | 22-5 |
| 1954-55 | 9-1 | Les Roh (21.7) | unavailable | Steve Belko | 18-8 |
| 1955-56 | 9-1 | Les Roh (20.8) | unavailable | Steve Belko | 18-8 |
| 1956-57 | 12-0 | Jim Rodgers (15) | Jack Allain (12.5) | John Grayson | 25-4 |
| 1957-58 | 10-0 | Lloyd Harris (14.7) | LeRoy Bacher (9) | John Grayson | 22-6 |
| 1958-59 | 9-1 | Jim Rodgers (17.4) | Homer Watkins (11.6) | John Grayson | 21-7 |
| 1959-60 | 8-0 | Myrl Goodwin (16.4) | unavailable | John Evans | 21-5 |
Kansas (eight in Big 12; 111-19 from 2004-05 through 2011-12)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coach | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-05 | 12-4 | Wayne Simien (20.3) | Wayne Simien (11) | Bill Self | 23-7 |
| 2005-06 | 13-3 | Brandon Rush (13.5) | Brandon Rush (5.9) | Bill Self | 25-8 |
| 2006-07 | 14-2 | Brandon Rush (13.8) | Julian Wright (7.8) | Bill Self | 33-5 |
| 2007-08 | 13-3 | Brandon Rush (13.3) | Darnell Jackson (6.7) | Bill Self | 37-3 |
| 2008-09 | 14-2 | Sherron Collins (18.9) | Cole Aldrich (11.1) | Bill Self | 27-8 |
| 2009-10 | 15-1 | Sherron Collins (15.5) | Cole Aldrich (9.8) | Bill Self | 33-3 |
| 2010-11 | 14-2 | Marcus Morris (17.2) | Markieff Morris (8.3) | Bill Self | 35-3 |
| 2011-12 | 16-2 | Thomas Robinson (17.7) | Thomas Robinson (11.9) | Bill Self | 32-7 |
NOTE: Kansas tied Oklahoma in 2004-05 and Texas in 2005-06 and 2007-08.
Kentucky (eight in SEC; 82-3 from 1944-45 through 1951-52)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coach | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944-45 | 4-1 | Jack Tingle (11.7) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 22-4 |
| 1945-46 | 6-0 | Jack Parkinson (11.3) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 28-2 |
| 1946-47 | 11-0 | Ralph Beard (10.9) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 34-3 |
| 1947-48 | 9-0 | Alex Groza (12.5) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 36-3 |
| 1948-49 | 13-0 | Alex Groza (20.5) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 32-2 |
| 1949-50 | 11-2 | Bill Spivey (19.3) | unavailable | Adolph Rupp | 25-5 |
| 1950-51 | 14-0 | Bill Spivey (19.2) | Bill Spivey (17.2) | Adolph Rupp | 32-2 |
| 1951-52 | 14-0 | Cliff Hagan (21.6) | Cliff Hagan (16.5) | Adolph Rupp | 29-3 |
NOTES: Kentucky tied Tennessee in 1944-45 and Louisiana State in 1945-46. . . . UK did not field a team in 1952-53 before tying LSU in 1953-54 and winning outright in 1954-55.
Long Beach State (eight in PCAA; 75-13 from 1969-70 through 1976-77)
| Season | League Mark | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader | Coaches | Overall Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969-70 | 10-0 | George Trapp (16.3) | Sam Robinson (7.8) | Jerry Tarkanian | 23-5 |
| 1970-71 | 10-0 | Ed Ratleff (19.9) | George Trapp (11) | Jerry Tarkanian | 24-5 |
| 1971-72 | 10-2 | Ed Ratleff (21.4) | Nate Stephens (10.3) | Jerry Tarkanian | 25-4 |
| 1972-73 | 10-2 | Ed Ratleff (22.8) | Leonard Gray (9.3) | Jerry Tarkanian | 26-3 |
| 1973-74 | 12-0 | Clifton Pondexter (15.6) | Clifton Pondexter (8.6) | Lute Olson | 24-2 |
| 1974-75 | 8-2 | Rich Johnson (17.8) | Bob Gross (8.5) | Dwight Jones | 19-7 |
| 1975-76 | 6-4 | Anthony McGee (14.8) | Clarence Ruffen (7.4) | Dwight Jones | 14-12 |
| 1976-77 | 9-3 | Lloyd McMillian (15.8) | Lloyd McMillian (7.9) | Dwight Jones | 21-8 |
NOTE: Long Beach State tied Cal State Fullerton in 1975-76 and San Diego State in 1976-77.
Twin Billings: How Will Harrisons Rank Among All-Time Best Sets of Twins?
For those who revel in recruiting rhetoric and reviews, the world stopped revolving when the Harrison twins (Aaron and Andrew) announced their intention to attend Kentucky. There are all sorts of short-term Harrison Hysteria questions regarding how they reached their verdict. But the biggest long-term question is how will they rank among the most touted twins in college basketball history; especially in regard to impact including multiple seasons.
If the Harrisons simply become the latest additions to UK's list of "one-and-done" players, they won't crack the Top 10 of the most influential sets of twins at the same school - 1. Van Arsdales (Indiana); 2. O'Briens (Seattle); 3. Lopez (Stanford); 4. Morris (Kansas); 5. Collins (Stanford); 6. Graham (UCF/Oklahoma State); 7. Hughes (Wisconsin); 8. Holmes (VMI); 9. Hayes (Western Carolina/Georgia); 10. Williams (VMI); 11. Kerrs (Colorado State); 12. Stanley (Texas A&M); 13. Nelsons (Duquesne). Here is a chronological look at them plus many of the nation's most outstanding sets of twins who played together at least one season on the same team:
- George and Francis Coakley were members of Clemson's 1939 Southern Conference Tournament championship team. It is the Tigers' only league tourney title.
- Clifford and Beauford Minx combined for 10.9 ppg for Missouri's 1944 NCAA Tournament team.
- Forwards John and Rupe Ricksen combined to average 9.7 ppg for California in 1950-51, 15.9 ppg in 1951-52 and 18.4 ppg in 1952-53. The Bears won at least 16 games each of their seasons together. They were co-captains as seniors when Cal captured the PCC South Division title and John earned first-team all-conference status.
- Bantam-sized Johnny and Eddie O'Brien were the top two scorers for Seattle (26-3 record) when it reached the 1953 NCAA Tournament in the Chieftains' first season at the major-college level. They also were infielders for the Pittsburgh Pirates the same year. Johnny O'Brien, a 5-8 unanimous first-team All-American who played center on offense, is the only player to score more than 40 points in his first NCAA Tournament game (42 in an 88-77 victory against Idaho State). Eddie contributed 21 in the same playoff contest.
- Bob (8.6 ppg in 63 games) and Bill (7.5 ppg in 40 games) Gaines played together for Furman from 1954-55 through 1956-57. Each of them averaged 10.3 ppg as a senior.
- Don and Pat Stanley combined for 17.3 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1959-60 and 24.8 ppg and 11.7 rpg in 1960-61 for Texas A&M. They earlier played at Kilgore when it won a national J.C. title.
- Don and Doug Clemetson combined for 9.5 ppg for Stanford in 1960-61 and 11 ppg in 1961-62. The 16-6 Cardinal finished AAWU runner-up to UCLA, which wound up at the 1962 Final Four.
- Tom and Dick Van Arsdale ranked sixth and seventh on Indiana's list of all-time leading scorers when they graduated in 1965. They were among the nation's top 60 point producers as juniors in 1963-64 and combined for 76 points in a 108-102 neutral court victory over Notre Dame. The Hoosiers went 19-5 their senior campaign. They each played 12 seasons in the NBA, where they both scored more than 14,200 points.
- Lloyd and Floyd Kerr were swingmen who combined to average 25.3 ppg and 10.7 rpg for Colorado State from 1966-67 through 1968-69. Brothers Kerr each scored more than 10 points in all three NCAA playoff games when the Rams reached the Midwest Regional final their senior season (17-7 record) before becoming NBA third-round draft choices.
- Barry and Garry Nelson combined for 21.7 ppg and 16.9 rpg for Duquesne teams that compiled a 59-16 record from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Garry led the team in field-goal percentage all three seasons and in rebounding as a sophomore and junior.
- In 1974, seniors Kim and Kerry Hughes carried Wisconsin to its only winning record in Big Ten Conference competition (8-6; 16-8 overall) in a 34-year span from 1963 through 1996. Kim was the Badgers' top rebounder as a sophomore. The 6-11 identical twins combined for 27 ppg and 22 rpg in their junior season and 26 ppg and 20.3 rpg in their final year. Kerry had 21 points and Kim contributed 20 in a home game versus Northwestern their senior year.
- Billy and Bobby Martin excelled for UNC-Wilmington in 1976-77 and 1977-78 after transferring from junior college. Bobby and Billy still rank among the school's all-time leaders in assists.
- Harvey and Horace Grant combined for 16.4 ppg and 11.1 rpg as sophomores for Clemson's 16-13 NIT team in 1984-85. Harvey transferred after the season to a junior college before enrolling at Oklahoma. Each of them had long NBA careers.
- Wichita State's Dwayne and Dwight Praylow combined for 16.3 ppg in 1987-88 (20-10 record) and 20.1 ppg and 8.8 rpg in 1988-89 (19-11 record).
- Victor and Vincent Lee played for Northeast Louisiana from 1986-87 through 1988-89. Their best season was 1988-89 when they were juniors (9.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg).
- Terry and Perry Dozier combined for 9.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg with South Carolina from 1986-87 through 1988-89.
- Damon and Ramon Williams combined for 28.9 ppg in their four-year VMI careers from 1986-87 through 1989-90. They were All-Southern Conference Tournament first-team selections as sophomores in 1988. Ramon was an all-league first-team pick as a junior and Damon achieved the feat as a senior. They rank among the school's top scorers in history.
- Carl and Charles Thomas were among the top 40 scorers in Eastern Michigan history when they finished their careers following the 1990-91 campaign. They combined to average 16.9 ppg and 7.2 rpg in college before making brief stints in the NBA.
- Sean and Shawn Wightman played together with Western Michigan for three years (1990-91 through 1992-93) after transferring from Illinois State. They combined for 17.9 ppg as juniors. Sean was the nation's top three-point marksman as a junior and led the Mid-American Conference in free-throw shooting as a senior.
- Joe and Jon Ross played together with Notre Dame from 1990-91 through 1993-94. They combined for more than eight rebounds per game their last two seasons.
- Sammie and Simeon Haley of Missouri combined for 12.5 ppg and 8.8 rpg for an NCAA Tournament team in 1994-95 (20-9 record) and 14.6 ppg and 9.2 rpg for an NIT team in 1995-96 (18-15 record) after transferring from junior college.
- Jim and David Jackson combined for 7.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Virginia Tech's NCAA Tournament team in 1995-96 (23-6 record) and 13.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 1996-97 (15-16 record).
- Bill and Bob Jenkins combined for 14.9 ppg and 12.5 rpg for Valparaiso's NCAA playoff Sweet 16 team in 1997-98 (23-10 record).
- Stanford's Jarron and Jason Collins combined for 19.3 ppg and 12.6 rpg in 1999-2000 before powering the Cardinal to a 31-3 record in 2000-01 with 27.3 ppg and 14.5 rpg.
- Jarvis and Jonas Hayes combined for 25.1 ppg as freshmen with Western Carolina in 1999-2000. They transferred to Georgia after Jarvis led the Southern Conference in scoring with 17.1 ppg. With the Bulldogs, the twins teamed for 25.8 ppg and 10.3 rpg in 2001-02 and 25 ppg and 8.8 rpg in 2002-03.
- Joey and Stevie Graham combined for 25.3 ppg and 9.5 rpg as sophomores with Central Florida in 2001-02 before they transferred to Oklahoma State. They collaborated for 15.2 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 2003-04 and 24.2 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 2004-05 for two OSU NCAA playoff teams.
- Errick and Derrick Craven combined for 17.6 ppg and 7.5 rpg for Southern California in 2002-03, 17.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg in 2003-04 and 10.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 2004-05.
- Lodrick and Rodrick Stewart combined for 13 ppg and 4.8 rpg with Southern California in 2003-04 before Rodrick transferred to Kansas.
- Yale swingmen Caleb and Nick Holmes combined for 12.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg from 2004-05 through 2007-08.
- Travis and Chavis Holmes combined for 18.7 ppg with VMI in 2005-06, 34.2 ppg in 2006-07 and 34 ppg in 2007-08. They colloborated for 57 points in a 156-95 victory over Virginia Intermont in 2006-07 when they each ranked among the nation's top five in steals (placed 1-2 in the Big South Conference). Finished 1-2 nationally in thefts their senior season.
- Centers Brook and Robin Lopez combined for 20.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg and 4.1 bpg with Stanford as freshmen in 2006-07 and 29.4 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 4.4 bpg as sophomores in 2007-08 before they both left school early and became NBA first-round draft choices.
- La Salle's Jerrell and Terrell Williams combined for 12.3 ppg and 8.5 rpg from 2007-08 to 2009-10.
- Charles and Philip Tabet combined for 7.2 ppg and 3 rpg with South Alabama in 2008-09 before falling off to 2.8 ppg with 4.5 rpg in 2009-10.
- Markieff and Marcus Morris from Philadelphia combined for 12 ppg and 9.2 rpg with Kansas in 2008-09, 19.5 ppg and 11.4 rpg in 2009-10 and 30.8 ppg and 15.9 rpg as All-Big 12 Conference selections in 2010-11 before they both left school early and became NBA first-round draft choices. Marcus was KU's leading scorer (17.2) and Markieff its leading rebounder (8.3) for the Jayhawks' 2011 Big 12 champion.
- David and Travis Wear combined for 6.5 ppg and 3.8 rpg as freshmen for North Carolina in 2009-10 before transferring to UCLA.
- Charlie (freshman RS in 2009-10) and Colin Reddick combined for 7.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg with Furman in 2010-11.
Basketball Report: Week 5 Update on Active NFL Players Who Were College Hoopsters
The NFL Injury Report comes out in mid-week although it isn't nearly as important to genuine hoop fans as the NFL Basketball Report. Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, who excelled in the 1997 NCAA playoffs with California, is off to a splendid start with the Atlanta Falcons. But Gonzalez doesn't lead his team in pass receptions like fellow ex-college hoopsters Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints), Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Kendall Wright (Tennessee Titans).
Luminaries Donovan McNabb (Syracuse), Terrell Owens (Chattanooga) and Jason Taylor (Akron) are gone, but the NFL still boasts the following versatile players who previously were college hoopsters:
| Player | Pos. | NFL Team | College(s) | Summary of 2012 NFL Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Barwin | OLB | Houston Texans | Cincinnati | one forced fumble and six tackles in fourth season but no sacks (after 11 1/2 last year) |
| Demetress Bell | OT | Philadelphia Eagles | Northwestern State | newcomer after signing 5-year deal in off-season following 30 starts with Buffalo Bills the previous three seasons |
| Jordan Cameron | TE | Cleveland Browns | Brigham Young/Southern California | six pass receptions for 60 yards in second campaign |
| Demar Dotson | RT | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Southern Mississippi | 6-9 lineman started three of first four games in fourth season |
| London Fletcher | LB | Washington Redskins | Saint Francis, PA/John Carroll, OH | 23 tackles (15 solo/8 assists) plus one fumble recovery and one interception in 15th season |
| Antonio Gates | TE | San Diego Chargers | Kent State | 10 pass receptions for 124 yards (long of 33) in 10th year |
| Tony Gonzalez | TE | Atlanta Falcons | California | 26 pass receptions for 265 yards and three touchdowns in 16th campaign |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | New Orleans Saints | Miami, FL | third-year pro has team highs of 24 pass receptions, 248 yards and three touchdowns |
| Todd Heap | TE | Arizona Cardinals | Arizona State | long-time Baltimore Raven has eight receptions for 94 yards (long of 28 yards) in 12th season |
| Vincent Jackson | WR | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Northern Colorado | team highs of 16 receptions, 304 yards and two touchdowns in eighth campaign |
| Evan Moore | TE | Seattle Seahawks | Stanford | first season in NW for third-stringer after three years with the Cleveland Browns, including four touchdowns in 2011 |
| Julius Peppers | DE | Chicago Bears | North Carolina | eight solo tackles and 2.5 sacks in 11th season |
| Julius Thomas | TE | Denver Broncos | Portland State | second-year backup hopes to get a start similar to last season |
| Kendall Wright | WR | Tennessee Titans | Baylor | rookie has team-high 16 pass receptions (for 148 yards and two touchdowns) |
Quick Return: Self-Worth Shown by Coaches Earning #1 Seeds in First Year
Bill Self, who secured a contract extension with Kansas to become among the six active coaches with a pact through 2021-22, managed one of his principal achievements at his previous job. He became the only coach in NCAA history to reach an NCAA Division I Tournament regional final in back-to-back years with different schools (Tulsa in 2000 and Illinois in 2001). Self is among the following five immediate-success coaches who paid dividends right away, guiding their schools to a #1 seed in their first year at the helm of the program:
| Coach | School | Year (Regional) | What Happened in NCAA Playoffs? | Predecessor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Hodges | Indiana State | 1979 (Midwest) | Lost in national final. | Bob King |
| Eddie Sutton | Kentucky | 1986 (Southeast) | Lost in regional final. | Joe B. Hall |
| Bill Guthridge | North Carolina | 1998 (East) | Lost in national semifinal. | Dean Smith |
| Bill Self | Illinois | 2001 (Midwest) | Lost in regional final. | Lon Kruger |
| John Calipari | Kentucky | 2010 (East) | Lost in regional final. | Billy Gillispie |
In an economic climate where colleges should be practicing some restraint, they are instead immersed in an arms race throwing money around like the government. No wonder coaches become self-absorbed as the highest-paid employees in their states when they receive the following lucrative estimated annual salaries:
- Duke's Mike Krzyzewski ($5 million-plus)
- Kentucky's John Calipari ($4.6 million)
- Louisville's Rick Pitino ($3.9 million)
- Kansas' Bill Self ($3.857 million)
- Florida's Billy Donovan ($3.5 million)
- Michigan State's Tom Izzo ($3.5 million)
- West Virginia's Bob Huggins ($3.33 million)
- Ohio State's Thad Matta ($3.2 million)
- Indiana's Tom Crean ($3.16 million)
- UCLA's Steve Alford ($2.6 million)
- Texas' Rick Barnes ($2.2 million)
- Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg ($2 million)
- North Carolina's Roy Williams ($2 million)
- North Carolina State's Mark Gottfried ($1.95 million)
- Syracuse's Jim Boeheim ($1.9 million)
One and Only: Larry Eustachy Could Go Where No Coach Has Gone Before
Larry Eustachy, inheriting a talented Colorado State squad that participated in the NCAA playoffs last season, became the first coach in NCAA Division I history to win at least 24 games in a single season with five different DI schools. He previously achieved the feat with Idaho, Utah State, Iowa State and Southern Mississippi.
Eustachy, one of six coaches this year to leave an NCAA playoff participant, was an assistant coach at Idaho under Tim Floyd. Eustachy and Floyd are joined by Cliff Ellis as the only coaches ever to post at least 24 victories in a single season with four different DI schools. Iowa's Fran McCaffery could join the following list featuring 17 mentors to reach the 20-win plateau with four universities:
Cliff Ellis - won at least 25 games in a single season with four different DI schools (South Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and Coastal Carolina)
Larry Eustachy - won at least 24 games with five different NCAA Division I schools (Idaho, Utah State, Iowa State, Southern Mississippi and Colorado State)
Tim Floyd - won at least 24 games with four different DI schools (New Orleans, Iowa State, Southern California and Texas-El Paso)
Lon Kruger - won at least 23 games with four different DI schools (Kansas State, Florida, Illinois and UNLV before joining Oklahoma)
Tubby Smith - won at least 23 games with four different DI schools (Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky and Minnesota)
Eddie Sutton - won at least 23 games with four different DI schools (Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State)
John Beilein - won at least 22 games with four different DI schools (Canisius, Richmond, West Virginia and Michigan)
Bill E. Foster - won at least 22 games with four different DI schools (Rutgers, Utah, Duke and South Carolina)
Bob Huggins - won at least 22 games with four different DI schools (Akron, Cincinnati, Kansas State and West Virginia)
Mike Jarvis - won at least 21 games with four different DI schools (Boston University, George Washington, St. John's and Florida Atlantic)
Rick Pitino - won at least 21 games with four different DI schools (Boston University, Providence, Kentucky and Louisville)
Oliver Purnell - won at least 21 games with four different DI schools (Radford, Old Dominion, Dayton and Clemson before joining DePaul)
Bill Self - won at least 21 games with four different DI schools (Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas)
Rick Barnes - won at least 20 games with four different DI schools (George Mason, Providence, Clemson and Texas)
Rick Majerus - won at least 20 games with four different DI schools (Marquette, Ball State, Utah and Saint Louis)
Tom Penders - won at least 20 games with four different DI schools (Rhode Island, Texas, George Washington and Houston)
Gary Williams - won at least 20 games with four different DI schools (American University, Boston College, Ohio State and Maryland)
NOTE: Floyd (once with Idaho) and Penders (four times with Fordham) posted a high of 19 victories with another school.
Basketball Report: Weekly Update on Active NFL Players Who Were College Hoopsters
The NFL Injury Report comes out in mid-week but it isn't nearly as important to genuine hoop fans as the NFL Basketball Report. Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez, who excelled in the 1997 NCAA playoffs with California, is off to a splendid start with the Atlanta Falcons. Luminaries Donovan McNabb (Syracuse), Terrell Owens (Chattanooga) and Jason Taylor (Akron) are gone, but the NFL still boasts the following versatile players who previously were college hoopsters:
| Player | Pos. | NFL Team | College(s) | Summary of 2012 NFL Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Barwin | OLB | Houston Texans | Cincinnati | six tackles but no sacks (after 11 1/2 last year) |
| Demetress Bell | OT | Philadelphia Eagles | Northwestern State | newcomer after signing 5-year deal in off-season following 30 starts with Buffalo Bills the previous three seasons |
| Jordan Cameron | TE | Cleveland Browns | Brigham Young/Southern California | five pass receptions for 45 yards |
| Demar Dotson | RT | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Southern Mississippi | 6-9 lineman started two of first three games |
| London Fletcher | LB | Washington Redskins | Saint Francis, PA/John Carroll, OH | 22 tackles (14 solo/8 assists) and one interception in 15th season |
| Antonio Gates | TE | San Diego Chargers | Kent State | seven pass receptions for career-low average of 9.3 yards per catch |
| Tony Gonzalez | TE | Atlanta Falcons | California | team-high 21 pass receptions and three touchdowns |
| Jimmy Graham | TE | New Orleans Saints | Miami, FL | team-high three touchdowns (17 catches for 172 yards with long of 23) |
| Todd Heap | TE | Arizona Cardinals | Arizona State | eight receptions for 94 yards (long of 28 yards) |
| Vincent Jackson | WR | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Northern Colorado | team highs of 10 receptions and 204 yards with one touchdown |
| Evan Moore | TE | Seattle Seahawks | Stanford | first season in NW after three years with the Cleveland Browns, including four touchdowns in 2011 |
| Julius Peppers | DE | Chicago Bears | North Carolina | seven solo tackles and 2.5 sacks |
| Julius Thomas | TE | Denver Broncos | Portland State | second-year backup hopes to get a start similar to last season |
| Kendall Wright | WR | Tennessee Titans | Baylor | rookie has team-high 14 pass receptions (one for a touchdown) |
Ebb and Flow: Calhoun Among Coaches Going From Rock Bottom to Rock Solid
It wasn't always basking in the spotlight of capturing conference championships and appearing in postseason competition. Recently-retired Jim Calhoun is on the following list of 39 all-time winningest coaches who posted the most defeats in a single season for the same school:
| School | Worst Season | W-L | Pct. | All-Time Winningest Coach (Year at School) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 1969-70 | 4-22 | .154 | Ned Wulk (13th of 25) |
| Boston University | 1999-2000 | 7-22 | .241 | Dennis Wolff (6th of 15) |
| Brown | 1968-69 | 3-23 | .115 | Stanley Ward (15th of 15) |
| Cal State Fullerton | 1964-65 | 1-25 | .038 | Alex Omalev (5th of 12) |
| Connecticut | 1986-87 | 9-19 | .321 | Jim Calhoun (1st of 26) |
| Duke | 1994-95 | 13-18 | .419 | Mike Krzyzewski* (15th of TBD) |
| Gardner-Webb | 2002-03 | 5-24 | .172 | Rick Scruggs (8th of 15th) |
| Harvard | 2003-04 | 4-23 | .148 | Frank Sullivan (13th of 16) |
| Houston Baptist | 2010-11 | 5-26 | .161 | Ron Cottrell (20th of TBD) |
| La Salle | 1995-96 | 6-24 | .200 | Speedy Morris (10th of 15) |
| Louisville | 1997-98 | 12-20 | .375 | Denny Crum (27th of 30) |
| Miami (Ohio) | 2011-12 | 9-21 | .300 | Charlie Coles (16th of 16) |
| Montana | 1944-45 | 7-23 | .233 | George Dahlberg (1st of 11) |
| Mount St. Mary's | 2001-02 | 3-24 | .111 | Jim Phelan (48th of 49) |
| Nebraska | 1999-2000 | 11-19 | .367 | Danny Nee (14th of 14) |
| New Hampshire | 1987-88 | 4-25 | .138 | Gerry Friel (19th of 20) |
| New Mexico State | 2004-05 | 6-24 | .200 | Lou Henson (16th of 16) |
| UNC Greensboro | 2008-09 | 5-25 | .167 | Mike Dement (8th of 11) |
| Pepperdine | 1965-66 | 2-24 | .077 | Robert Dowell (18th of 20) |
| Prairie View A&M | 1991-92 | 0-28 | .000 | Elwood Plummer (8th of 18) |
| Presbyterian | 2009-10 | 5-26 | .161 | Gregg Nibert (21st of TBD) |
| Providence | 1984-85 | 11-20 | .355 | Joe Mullaney (18th of 18) |
| Purdue | 2004-05 | 7-21 | .250 | Gene Keady (25th of 25) |
| Rice | 2007-08 | 3-27 | .100 | Willis Wilson (16th of 16) |
| Rider | 1988-89 | 5-23 | .179 | John Carpenter (23rd of 23) |
| Sacred Heart | 1999-2000 | 3-25 | .107 | Dave Bike (22nd of TBD) |
| Saint Joseph's | 2010-11 | 11-22 | .333 | Phil Martelli (16th of TBD) |
| San Diego | 2003-04 | 4-26 | .133 | Brad Holland (10th of 13) |
| Stanford | 1992-93 | 7-23 | .233 | Mike Montgomery (7th of 18) |
| Texas Southern | 2007-08 | 7-25 | .219 | Robert Moreland (27th of 27) |
| Texas Tech | 1990-91 | 8-23 | .258 | Gerald Myers (21st of 21) |
| UCF | 2000-01 | 8-23 | .258 | Kirk Speraw (8th of 17) |
| Utah Valley | 2009-10 | 12-18 | .400 | Dick Hunsaker (7th of TBD) |
| Valparaiso | 1989-90 | 4-24 | .143 | Homer Drew (2nd of 22) |
| Vermont | 1987-88 | 3-24 | .111 | Tom Brennan (2nd of 19) |
| Washington State | 1952-53 | 7-27 | .206 | Jack Friel (25th of 30) |
| Western Kentucky | 1945-46 | 15-19 | .441 | Ed A. Diddle (24th of 42) |
| West Virginia | 2001-02 | 8-20 | .286 | Gale Catlett (21st of 24) |
| Wyoming | 1958-59 | 4-22 | .154 | Everett Shelton (19th of 19) |
*Krzyzewski wasn't in charge of team the entire season. Pete Gaudet substituted for him the last 19 games while he was sidelined because of an ailing back.
Stars Stay Home: Bright Lights of NCAA Playoffs Miss Shining on Name Schools
In 2012, West Virginia became the 36th school to appear in at least 50 NCAA playoff games. At least 10 of the 36 schools failed to participate each year since the field expanded to at least 64 teams in 1985. Half of the "star schools" stayed home in 2004, including Houston being in the midst of a 17-year drought from 1993 through 2009.
Who will join struggling Illinois, Utah and Wake Forest plus academically-deficient Connecticut in missing the 2013 NCAA playoffs? Following is a chronological list of big-name universities not in the tourney during since 1985:
1985 (13) - Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Indiana, Kansas State, Louisville, Marquette, Oklahoma State, Texas, UCLA, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia
1986 (11) - Arkansas, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Kansas State, Marquette, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Texas, UCLA, Wake Forest
1987 (13) - Arkansas, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Marquette, Maryland, Memphis State, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Texas, Utah, Villanova, Wake Forest
1988 (12) - Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Marquette, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Texas, UCLA, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia
1989 (15) - Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Purdue, St. John's, Temple, Utah, Wake Forest
1990 (11) - Cincinnati, Iowa, Kentucky, Marquette, Maryland, Memphis State, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia
1991 (13) - Cincinnati, Illinois, Houston, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Marquette, Maryland, Memphis State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, West Virginia
1992 (10) - Illinois, Kansas State, Marquette, Maryland, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Purdue, UNLV, Utah, Villanova
1993 (14) - Connecticut, Georgetown, Houston, Maryland, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Syracuse, Texas, UNLV, Villanova, West Virginia
1994 (13) - Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Memphis, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, St. John's, UNLV, Utah, Villanova, West Virginia
1995 (11) - Duke, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Marquette, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, St. John's, UNLV, West Virginia
1996 (10) - Houston, Illinois, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, St. John's, UNLV, West Virginia
1997 (15) - Arkansas, Connecticut, Houston, Kansas State, Memphis, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, St. John's, Syracuse, UNLV, West Virginia
1998 (13) - Georgetown, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Marquette, Memhis, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Villanova, Wake Forest
1999 (12) - Georgetown, Houston, Illinois, Kansas State, Marquette, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, UNLV, Wake Forest, West Virginia
2000 (12) - Georgetown, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Marquette, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Villanova, Wake Forest, West Virginia
2001 (14) - Connecticut, Houston, Kansas State, Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina State, Purdue, St. John's, UNLV, Utah, Villanova, West Virginia
2002 (15) - Arkansas, Georgetown, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, Syracuse, Temple, UNLV, Villanova, West Virginia
2003 (14) - Arkansas, Georgetown, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio State, St. John's, Temple, UCLA, UNLV, Villanova, West Virginia
2004 (18) - Arkansas, Georgetown, Houston, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Marquette, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Purdue, St. John's, Temple, UCLA, UNLV, Villanova, West Virginia
2005 (15) - Arkansas, Georgetown, Houston, Indiana, Kansas State, Marquette, Maryland, Memphis, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Purdue, St. John's, Temple, UNLV
2006 (14) - Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Purdue, St. John's, Temple, UNLV, Utah, Wake Forest
2007 (15) - Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, St. John's, Syracuse, Temple, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia
2008 (13) - Cincinnati, Houston, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, St. John's, Syracuse, Utah, Wake Forest
2009 (12) - Arkansas, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Houston, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Kentucky, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, St. John's, UNLV
2010 (15) - Arizona, Arkansas, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, St. John's, UCLA, Utah
2011 (10) - Arkansas, Houston, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Utah, Wake Forest
2012 (13) - Arizona, Arkansas, Houston, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, St. John's, UCLA, Utah, Villanova, Wake Forest
Underemployed? Overqualified Davis Faces Groundbreaking Opportunity
Underemployment in the coaching community resembles beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder. Whether or not Mike Davis is overqualified to be coaching Texas Southern, he has an opportunity to become the first individual to post a winning record for a historically black college or university after serving in a similar capacity for a non-HBCU institution.
Davis guided Indiana to a runner-up finish in the 2002 NCAA Tournament, one of four playoff appearances for the Hoosiers under him, before averaging 23 victories annually with UAB in a four-year from 2007-08 through 2010-11. But it is not beneath his dignity to join the following list of HBCU coaches who previously were mentors for at least four seasons with a non-HBCU school:
| Head Coach | Subsequent HBCU (Record; Tenure) | Non-HBCU (Record; Tenure) |
|---|---|---|
| Frankie Allen | Maryland-Eastern Shore (34-89; since 2009) | Virginia Tech (56-61; 1988-91) |
| Tim Carter | South Carolina State (63-96; since 2008) | Texas-San Antonio (160-152; 1996-2006) |
| Mike Davis | Texas Southern (since 2013) | Indiana (115-79; 2001-06)/UAB (122-73; 2007-12) |
| Henry Dickerson | North Carolina Central (47-98; 2005-09) | Chattanooga (72-73; 1998-2002) |
| Dwight Freeman | Norfolk State (63-83; 2003-07) | Marshall (46-65; 1991-94) |
| James Green | Mississippi Valley State (44-51; 2006-08) | Southern Mississippi (123-111; 1997-2004) |
NOTES: Allen also coached Tennessee State (115-140; 1992-2000) and Howard (52-93; 2001-05). . . . Green is currently coach for Jacksonville State.
Ollie, Ollie Oxen Go Free: UConn May Pay Big Price Playing Game With Coaching Job
At first glance, Connecticut appears to be taking the ultimate short-term risk in filling the big shoes of retiring legend Jim Calhoun. Assistants George Blaney (29), Karl Hobbs (10) and Glen Miller (11) were available with a total of 50 years of Division I head coaching experience. This assistant trio also had a cumulative 29 years as UConn aides to Calhoun, but the Huskies chose to give Kevin Ollie an opportunity in 2012-13 and beyond (five-year contract awarded near end of calendar year) although he has a meager total of two seasons as an assistant coach.
Is Ollie being thrown in way over his head to sink or swim in the Big East Conference ocean? The other 14 league coaches have an average of 24.4 years of experience as an assistant or head coach at the collegiate and NBA levels, ranging from Seton Hall's Kevin Willard (15 including administrative roles with the Boston Celtics under Rick Pitino) to Syracuse's Jim Boeheim (43).
Nearly one-fifth of the nation's current DI schools didn't need to pay moving expenses because they promoted coaches from with-in their ranks. Among the 65 active head coaches in this category, the average tenure as an aide before being promoted to bench boss was 5.2 years.
Believe it or not, Ollie is among 16 active DI head coaches who were employed by the school less than three seasons prior to being hired to their current positions. Following is a list from shortest to longest assistant stints for said individuals:
*Alma mater.
Calling Card: Notable Nicknames Necessary for Some Players to Be Known Better
Freshman Danrad "Chicken" Knowles, projected to possibly spark Houston to its first NCAA playoff victory since the Cougars finished runner-up to Georgetown in 1984, is academically ineligible this season. But there will still be a gifted guard with an entertaining nickname hoping to help a school shake off some postseason cobwebs.
Lamont "Momo" Jones, a transfer from Arizona, aspires to propel Iona to its first NCAA Tournament triumph since 1980 when the Jim Valvano-coached Gaels defeated Holy Cross before they were eliminated by Georgetown. Momo isn't 100% positive, but he thinks the origin of his nickname stems from him always being on the go as a child with his "mo(tor)" running. Jones joins the following long list of collegians over the years with distinctive monikers:
- Forest (Frosty) Able, Western Kentucky
- Greg (Cadillac) Anderson, Houston
- Paul (Curly) Armstrong, Indiana
- Raymond (Peanut) Arrington, Radford
- William (Bird) Averitt, Pepperdine
- Norwood (Pee Wee) Barber, Florida State
- Jim (Bad News) Barnes, Texas Western
- Amadou (Coco) Barry, Maine
- Segado (Cookie) Belcher, Nebraska
- Ralph (Stork) Bishop, Washington
- Roderick (Moo Moo) Blakney, South Carolina State
- Daron (Mookie) Blaylock, Oklahoma
- Tyrone (Muggsy) Bogues, Wake Forest
- Jermaine (Itchy) Bolden, Morgan State
- Roylin (Boot) Bond, Pepperdine
- Charles (Tub) Bradley, Wyoming
- Frank (Flash) Brian, Louisiana State
- Fred (Downtown) Brown, Iowa
- Murray (Mule) Brown, Florida State
- Luther (Ticky) Burden, Utah
- Michael (Spiderman) Burns, UNLV
- George (Chink) Busch, Creighton
- (Pogo) Joe Caldwell, Arizona State
- Bruce (Soup) Campbell, Providence
- Bowyer (Ducky) Castelle, Xavier
- Sam (The Bam) Clancy, Pittsburgh
- Craig (Speedy) Claxton, Hofstra
- Nathaniel (Sweetwater) Clifton, Xavier (La.)
- Vernell (Bimbo) Coles, Virginia Tech
- Derwin (Tank) Collins, New Orleans
- John (Chubby) Cox, Villanova/San Francisco
- Earl (The Twirl) Cureton, Robert Morris/Detroit
- Adrian (Ace) Custis, Virginia Tech
- Edwin (Greedy) Daniels, UNLV/Mississippi State
- E.B. (Ox) Darby, Texas A&M
- Anthony (Amp) Davis, George Mason
- Arthur (Yah) Davis, St. Joseph's
- McKinley (Deacon) Davis, Iowa
- Louis (Pick) Dehner, Illinois
- Alfred (Dusty) DeStefano, St. John's
- John (Hook) Dillon, North Carolina
- Julius (Daddy) Dolnics, Texas Christian
- Clyde (The Glide) Drexler, Houston
- Dwight (Dike) Eddleman, Illinois
- LeRoy (Cowboy) Edwards, Kentucky
- Theodore (Blue) Edwards, East Carolina
- Eyo (Bubbles) Effiong, Winthrop
- Emil (Box) Englebretson, Creighton
- Julius (Dr. J) Erving, Massachusetts
- James (Bruiser) Flint, St. Joseph's
- Jackie (The Shot) Foley, Holy Cross
- Arnold (Clyde) Gaines, Wisconsin
- Lauren (Laddie) Gale, Oregon
- Harry (The Horse) Gallatin, Northeast Missouri
- Erin (Helicopter) Galloway, Hawaii
- George (Iceman) Gervin, Eastern Michigan
- Carlos (Bunny) Gibson, Marshall
- Ward (Hoot) Gibson, Creighton
- Jack (Goose) Givens, Kentucky
- Bonnie (Country) Graham, Mississippi
- Paul (Snoopy) Graham, Ohio University
- Mike (Fly) Gray, Nevada-Reno
- Ken (Tree) Green, Nevada-Reno
- Kenneth (Apple) Green, Pan American
- Harold (Happy) Hairston, New York University
- Wade (Swede) Halbrook, Oregon State
- Bill (Biff) Hall, Montana
- Earl (Bus) Hall, Virginia Tech
- Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway, Memphis State
- Herbert (Hawkeye) Hargett, Mississippi State
- Clem (The Gem) Haskins, Western Kentucky
- John (Hondo) Havlicek, Ohio State
- Robert (Bubbles) Hawkins, Illinois State
- Clarence (Kleggie) Hermsen, Minnesota
- Jermaine (Squirt) Hicks, Weber State/Chicago State
- John (Babe) Higgins, Stanford
- Clinton (Bread Truck) Hinton, UNC Charlotte/Oral Roberts
- James (Lindy) Hood, Alabama
- Tecumseh (Tee) Hooper, The Citadel
- Alfredo (Tito) Horford, Miami (Fla.)
- Greg (Stretch) Howard, New Mexico
- (Hot) Rod Hundley, West Virginia
- Jimmy (Snap) Hunter, Memphis
- Hernell (Jeep) Jackson, Texas-El Paso
- Frank (Spoon) James, UNLV
- Arthur (Brownie) Jaquay, Creighton
- Antonio (Scoop) Jardine, Syracuse
- Keith (Mister) Jennings, East Tennessee State
- Carldell (Squeaky) Johnson, UAB
- Dana (Binky) Johnson, Canisius
- Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Michigan State
- Gary (Cat) Johnson, Oral Roberts
- Gus (Honeycomb) Johnson, Idaho
- Kevin (Butter) Johnson, Charlotte
- Lynbert (Cheese) Johnson, Wichita State
- Albert (Slab) Jones, New Mexico State
- Byron (Snake) Jones, San Francisco
- Gerald (Wimpy) Jones, Arizona State
- Lamont (Momo) Jones, Arizona/Iona
- Wallace (Wah Wah) Jones, Kentucky
- Wilbert (Wibs) Kautz, Loyola of Chicago
- Robert (Jeep) Kelley, UNLV/Hawaii
- Bill (Pickles) Kennedy, Temple
- Eugene (Goo) Kennedy, Texas Christian
- Bob (Trigger) Kenney, Kansas
- Bruce (Sky) King, Pan American
- Raymond (Circus) King, San Diego State/California
- William (Dolly) King, Long Island
- Donald (Pinky) Knowles, Creighton
- Cletus (Goob) Kuehler, West Texas State
- David (Big Daddy) Lattin, Texas-El Paso
- Albert (Cappy) Lavin, San Francisco
- Hal (King) Lear, Temple
- Arnold (Butz) Lehrman, Minnesota
- Bob (Slick) Leonard, Indiana
- Andrew (Fuzzy) Levane, St. John's
- Lafayette (Fat) Lever, Arizona State
- Eugene (Junie) Lewis, Pittsburgh/South Alabama
- Brant (Pinky) Lipscomb, Vanderbilt
- Lewis (Magic) Lloyd, Drake
- (Jungle) Jim Loscutoff, Oregon
- John (Dub) Malaise, Texas Tech
- Karl (The Mailman) Malone, Louisiana Tech
- (Pistol) Pete Maravich, Louisiana State
- Floyd (Biggy) Marshall, Tennessee
- Slater (Dugie) Martin, Texas
- Cedric (Cornbread) Maxwell, UNC Charlotte
- Ayome (Paco) May, Kansas State
- Marvin (Moon) McCrary, Missouri
- Ken (Mouse) McFadden, Cleveland State
- Billy (The Hill) McGill, Utah
- Eric (Cricket) McLaughlin, Akron
- Don (Monk) Meineke, Dayton
- Francis (Ick) Miller, Creighton
- Ryan (Archie) Miller, North Carolina State
- Roland (The Cat) Minson, Brigham Young
- Earl (The Pearl) Monroe, Winston-Salem State
- Ed (Britches) Montgomery, Tennessee
- Bryan (Dinty) Moore, Stanford
- Harry (Moo) Moore, West Virginia
- Jonathan (Stitch) Moore, Furman
- Javone (Bam) Moore, Canisius
- Tony (Zippy) Morocco, Georgia
- Charles (Stretch) Murphy, Purdue
- Charlie (Feed) Murphy, Loyola of Chicago
- Charles (Cotton) Nash, Kentucky
- Sherman (Nemo) Nearman, North Carolina
- Bill (Fig) Newton, Louisiana State
- Bob (Bevo) Nordmann, St. Louis
- Ken (Snake) Norman, Illinois
- Martyn (Moochie) Norris, Auburn
- Ralph (Buckshot) O'Brien, Butler
- Garland (Mule) O'Shields, Tennessee
- Bill (Fumbo) Ouseley, William & Mary
- Carlton (Silk) Owens, Rhode Island
- Horace (Pappy) Owens, Rhode Island
- Togo Palazzi, Holy Cross
- J.P. (Bubber) Farish, Auburn
- William (Smush) Parker, Fordham
- Choppy Patterson, Clemson
- Herschel (Bones) Pedersen, Brigham Young
- James (Scoonie) Penn, Boston College
- Ray (Cookie) Pericola, South Carolina
- Edward (Pancakes) Perry, Middle Tennessee State
- Ron (Spider) Perry, Virginia Tech
- Philip (Pap) Peyton, Texas
- John (Squint) Phares, West Virginia
- Clarke (Pinky) Pittenger, Toledo
- DeWayne (Pooh) Powell, Tennessee-Martin
- George (Tic) Price, Virginia Tech/Virginia Commonwealth
- Carl (Dusty) Pullian, UT-Chattanooga
- Cal (The Hawk) Ramsey, New York University
- Earl (Shadow) Ray, Wyoming
- Bryant (Big Country) Reeves, Oklahoma State
- Richie (The Cat) Regan, Seton Hall
- Jesse (Cab) Renick, Oklahoma A&M
- Angelo (Rock) Reynolds, Penn
- Billy (The Kid) Reynolds, Northwestern (La.) State
- Jerry (Ice) Reynolds, Louisiana State
- Rudolph (Zip) Rhodes, Montana
- Jerome (Pooh) Richardson, UCLA
- Oscar (Big O) Robertson, Cincinnati
- Glenn (Big Dog) Robinson Jr., Purdue
- Alvin (Fats) Roth, City College of New York
- Michael (Campy) Russell, Michigan
- Forest (Aggie) Sale, Kentucky
- Sebastian (Subby) Salerno, Creighton
- Albert (Apple) Sanders, Louisiana State
- Tom (Satch) Sanders, New York University
- Frank (Pep) Saul, Seton Hall
- Philip (Flip) Saunders, Minnesota
- Nevil (The Shadow) Shed, Texas-El Paso
- Emilio (Zeke) Sinicola, Niagara
- Adrian (Odie) Smith, Kentucky
- Robert (Bingo) Smith, Tulsa
- Jermaine (Sunshine) Smith, UNLV
- Vernon (Catfish) Smith, Georgia
- William (Beaver) Smith, St. John's
- John (Squeaky) Spanbauer, Niagara
- Dave (Ditto) Sparks, George Washington
- Marion (Odie) Spears, Western Kentucky
- Dave (The Rave) Stallworth, Wichita State
- Bob (Sweeper) Stephens, Drexel
- George (Swede) Sundstrom, Rutgers
- Harley (Skeeter) Swift, East Tennessee State
- Anthony (Ace) Tanner, Davidson
- Clarence (Babe) Taylor, Vanderbilt
- Claude (Sleepy) Taylor, Middle Tennessee State
- Roland (Fatty) Taylor, La Salle
- Irv (Swede) Terjesen, New York University
- Albert (Bobo) Thomas, Centenary
- Blackstone (Blackie) Thompson, Alabama
- Marvis (Bootsy) Thornton, St. John's
- Nate (The Great) Thurmond, Bowling Green
- Gene (Bumper) Tormohlen, Tennessee
- Carlyle (Blackie) Towery, Western Kentucky
- Victor (Slick) Townsend, Oregon
- Robert (Tractor) Traylor, Michigan
- Ernest (Kiki) Vandeweghe, UCLA
- Charles (Chico) Vaughn, Southern Illinois
- Mathias (Mutt) Volz, Nebraska
- Malcolm (Sparky) Wade, Louisiana State
- Chet (The Jet) Walker, Bradley
- Vincent (Spotlight) Walker, Western Carolina
- Adrian (Spike) Walters, St. Francis (Pa.)
- Ray (Shag) Warren, Texas Christian
- Duane (Pearl) Washington, Syracuse
- Anthony (Spud) Webb, North Carolina State
- Marvin (Human Eraser) Webster, Morgan State
- Gawen (Bonzi) Wells, Ball State
- Joseph (Jo Jo) White, Kansas
- Milton (Bus) Whitehead, Nebraska
- Charles (Hawkeye) Whitney, North Carolina State
- Pookey Wigington, Seton Hall
- Anthony (Scoop) Williams, Toledo
- Donald (Duck) Williams, Notre Dame
- James (Bug) Williams, Syracuse
- James (Fly) Williams, Austin Peay State
- John (Hot Rod) Williams, Tulane
- Ron (Fritz) Williams, West Virginia
- Sylvester (Sly) Williams, Rhode Island
- Jim (Jiggy) Williamson, Rhode Island
- (Super) John Williamson, New Mexico State
- David (Poncho) Wright, Louisville
- Gerry (Sir Jamalot) Wright, Southern California/Iowa
- Joseph (Joby) Wright, Indiana
- Desmond (Boggie) Yates, Middle Tennessee State
- Paul (Hooks) Yesawich, Niagara
- Max (Slats) Zaslofsky, University of Chicago/St. John's
- Bob (Zeke) Zawoluk, St. John's
Beat 'em, Then Join 'em: Calhoun Clobbered UConn Before Huskie Switch
Overlooked amid the Jim Calhoun Collection of retirement information overload was examining how he wound up at Connecticut in the first place. In retrospect, it might have stemmed from a one-game Huskie job audition.
In 1985-86, Calhoun was the Northeastern Huskies' all-time winningest coach but what likely really impressed the Connecticut Huskies' administration was a 90-73 victory that season over the Big East Conference member. He was UConn's bench boss the next year and, despite struggling in Big East competition his first three seasons, became the school's all-time winningest coach in 1998-99.
Non-conference schedules frequently are frustrating for fans of power league schools because of what seems like feasting on a steady diet of cupcake opponents. But you never know when a single game can become a career changer.
Similar to most any job, timing is everything. Here is an alphabetical list of impressionable coaches like Calhoun who generated such favorable reviews after defeating a school in a non-conference game one season they were hired by that institution in the same role before the next campaign:
| Coach | Departing School | Triumph Over Foe Hiring Him the Next Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Amaker | Michigan | Defeated Harvard, 82-50, in 2006-07 |
| John Brady | Samford | Defeated Louisiana State, 53-50, in 1996-97 |
| Tom Brennan | Yale | Defeated Vermont, 84-75, in 1985-86 |
| Jim Calhoun | Northeastern | Defeated Connecticut, 90-73, in 1985-86 |
| Joe Callero | Seattle | Defeated Cal Poly, 60-59, in 2008-09 |
| Ben Carnevale | North Carolina | Defeated Navy, 51-49, in 1945-46 |
| Charles "Lefty" Driesell | Davidson | Defeated Maryland, 83-69, in 1968-69 |
| Pat Foster | Houston | Defeated Nevada, 92-80, in 1992-93 |
| Maury John | Drake | Defeated Iowa State, 87-63, in 1970-71 |
| Ed Kelleher | Fordham | Defeated Army, 68-42, in 1942-43 |
| Lake Kelly | Austin Peay State | Defeated Oral Roberts, 80-76, in 1976-77 |
| Billy McCann | Washington & Lee (VA) | Defeated Virginia, 73-69, in 1956-57 |
| Neil McCarthy | Weber State | Defeated New Mexico State, 62-56, in 1984-85 |
| Dan Monson | Gonzaga | Defeated Minnesota, 75-63, in 1998-99 |
| Don Monson | Idaho | Defeated Oregon, 56-53, in 1982-83 |
| Donald "Dudey" Moore | Duquesne | Defeated La Salle, 74-55, in 1957-58 |
| Stew Morrill | Colorado State | Defeated Utah State, 68-59, in 1997-98 |
| Richard "Digger" Phelps | Fordham | Defeated Notre Dame, 94-88, in 1970-71 |
| Elmer Ripley | Georgetown | Defeated John Carroll, 73-53, in 1948-49 |
| Les Robinson | East Tennessee State | Defeated North Carolina State, 92-82, in 1989-90 |
| Lorenzo Romar | Saint Louis | Defeated Washington, 71-70, in 2001-02 |
| Charles "Sonny" Smith | Auburn | Defeated Virginia Commonwealth, 85-79, in 1988-89 |
| Charlie Spoonhour | Southwest Missouri State | Defeated Saint Louis, 66-59, in 1991-92 |
| Bill Strannigan | Colorado State | Defeated Iowa State, 65-57, in 1953-54 |
| Raymond "Bucky" Waters | West Virginia | Defeated Duke, 90-88, in 1968-69 |
| Tim Welsh | Iona | Defeated Providence, 68-62, in 1997-98 |
| Gary Williams | Boston College | Defeated Ohio State, 87-74, in 1985-86 |
| Matt Zunic | Boston University | Defeated Massachusetts, 75-55 & 61-56, in 1958-59 |
Learning Curve: What's Ahead in New Power League Digs for First-Year Members?
Last spring, self-serving coaches Mike Brey (Notre Dame) and Rick Pitino (Louisville) tried to convince Pittsburgh and Syracuse to stay put with them in the fraying Big East Conference. Well, circumstances and spiels can change in a hurry.
Brey was singing the ACC's praises after Notre Dame announced it will join the league ASAP with Pitt and the Orange. And was there any doubt that nomadic Louisville, which was already affilated with four different leagues in the last 40 years, was next to abandon ship for a higher profile loop when a slot opened up in the ACC upon Maryland's departure to the Big Ten? Perhaps Pitino would have been obligated to remain in the Big Easy (after most of the power went out), but his salvage job brainstorm of hiring ESPN analyst Jay Bilas as commissioner didn't gain any traction.
Final Four matchups such as Memphis/Providence (1973), Georgetown/Louisville (1982), Georgetown/Houston (1984) and Memphis/Villanova (1985) were great in the view of Big East visionary Dave Gavitt, but they're not what he had in mind for regional regular-season conference competition when the league was introduced at the start of the 1980s. Half of the Big East's 14-member lineup in 2003-04 will be gone upon the latest ACC-bound defections. The Big East would have had as many members (seven) from Conference USA's 2004-05 alignment next year if Texas Christian didn't renege on its commitment, switching gears for the Big 12. If the C-USA wasn't considered a power conference, then why should a stitched-together Big Least?
Louisville, Maryland, Notre Dame, Pitt, Rutgers and Syracuse should keep an eye on how Missouri, Texas A&M, TCU and West Virginia make the transition to new digs. History shows that it frequently is a difficult adjustment. Fans of Mizzou, A&M and TCU are hoping their woeful non-conference slates don't leave the newcomers ill-prepared for the rigors of competing in a new league.
There is good reason to be anxious. Only seven of the last 24 schools to join power conferences, including three of the first 11 since 2005-06, posted a winning league record in their inaugural campaign. Arkansas is the only school to win a championship in its debut campaign in a power league (1991-92 in SEC Western Division after leaving SWC). Boston College (2005-06) and Florida State (1991-92) posted the next best first-year league marks in the ACC, where Notre Dame, Pitt and Syracuse will strive to duplicate their performances.
The average conference record for the last 24 schools in this category is four games below .500. Michigan State posted a comparable anemic mark (5-9) in its first season in the Big Ten in 1950-51. Following is a look at the first-year league records compiled by schools joining an existing power alliance since Arizona and Arizona State left the WAC for the Pac-8/10 in the late 1970s:
| Power School | 1st Year | New League (Mark/Finish) | Previous League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1978-79 | Pac-10 (10-8/T4th) | Western Athletic |
| Arizona State | 1978-79 | Pac-10 (7-11/T6th) | Western Athletic |
| Arkansas | 1991-92 | Southeastern (13-3/1st in West) | Southwest |
| Boston College | 2005-06 | Atlantic Coast (11-5/3rd) | Big East |
| Cincinnati | 2005-06 | Big East (8-8/8th) | Conference USA |
| Colorado | 2011-12 | Pac-12 (11-7/T5th) | Big 12 |
| DePaul | 2005-06 | Big East (5-11/T13th) | Conference USA |
| Florida State | 1991-92 | Atlantic Coast (11-5/2nd) | Metro |
| Georgia Tech | 1979-80 | Atlantic Coast (1-13/8th) | Metro |
| Louisville | 2005-06 | Big East (6-10/T11th) | Conference USA |
| Marquette | 2005-06 | Big East (10-6/T4th) | Conference USA |
| Miami (Fla.) | 1991-92 | Big East (1-17/10th) | independent |
| Miami (Fla.) | 2004-05 | Atlantic Coast (7-9/T6th) | Big East |
| Missouri | 2012-13 | Southeastern (TBD) | Big 12 |
| Nebraska | 2011-12 | Big Ten (4-14/T11th) | Big 12 |
| Notre Dame | 1995-96 | Big East (4-14/6th in BE 6) | independent |
| Penn State | 1992-93 | Big Ten (2-16/11th) | Atlantic 10 |
| Pittsburgh | 1982-83 | Big East (6-10/6th) | Eastern 8 |
| Rutgers | 1995-96 | Big East (6-12/6th in BE 7) | Atlantic 10 |
| South Carolina | 1991-92 | Southeastern (3-13/6th in East) | Metro |
| South Florida | 2005-06 | Big East (1-15/16th) | Conference USA |
| Texas A&M | 2012-13 | Southeastern (TBD) | Big 12 |
| Texas Christian | 2012-13 | Big 12 (TBD) | Mountain West |
| Utah | 2011-12 | Pac-12 (3-15/11th) | Mountain West |
| Villanova | 1980-81 | Big East (8-6/T3rd) | Eastern Athletic Association |
| Virginia Tech | 2000-01 | Big East (2-14/7th in East) | Atlantic 10 |
| Virginia Tech | 2004-05 | Atlantic Coast (8-8/T4th) | Big East |
| West Virginia | 2012-13 | Big 12 (TBD) | Big East |
Historical Perspective on Retiring Jim Calhoun for UConn's Husky Horde
All things Jim Calhoun from a historical perspective for Connecticut's horde to assess in the aftermath of the three-time cancer survivor stepping down as coach of the Huskies:
Where should Calhoun rank among the best coaches in NCAA history?
What victory with Northeastern probably helped Calhoun get the UConn coaching job?
Calhoun didn't hang around too long at the end of his career like many of his celebrated colleagues.
What's in store for Calhoun's successor or anyone who replaces a legend?
Do you remember whether Calhoun's predecessor had a winning career record?
It's a distant memory, but Calhoun set the UConn record for most losses in a single season.
Where did Calhoun rank among the nation's veteran coaches in close contests when he retired?
Calhoun got off to a shaky start in Big East Conference competition.
UConn failed to live up to preseason billing in Calhoun's final campaign.
Tony Award: Gonzalez's Goal Post Dunk Makes for Tight End(ing) at K.C.
Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez, who became the Kansas City Chiefs' all-time leader in pass receptions by a TE way back in 2000 en route to an NFL-best at that position by the time he joined the Falcons, had a successful farewell appearance at K.C. in the season opener. The NFL's all-time runner-up in receptions (behind WR Jerry Rice) caught a TD pass for the Falcons, adding to his all-time leadership in yards from scrimmage by a TE.
Gonzalez, who averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg from 1994-95 through 1996-97 as a California Bear hoopster, promptly displayed his trademark dunking of the football over the goal post. Back in the day, he scored a career-high 29 points against Washington State en route to setting a Cal basketball freshman record by shooting 64% from the floor. Rising to the occasion, he averaged 18 points and shot 61% from the floor in the Bears' first two NCAA playoff games in 1997.
Gonzalez is one of several prominent tight ends in the NFL who previously played major-college basketball including Antonio Gates (Kent State/San Diego Chargers), Jimmy Graham (Miami/New Orleans Saints) and Todd Heap (Arizona State/Phoenix Cardinals). Graham also caught a TD pass in the Saints' season opener. For those all-round sports fans interested in dual-sport athletes, check out CollegeHoopedia.com's extensive research on college hoopsters who made a bigger name for themselves on the football field. You'll find previous standout tight ends who were regulars in basketball at the NCAA Division I level such as Mike Ditka (Pittsburgh), Rickey Dudley (Ohio State), Andrew Glover (Grambling), Ron Howard (Seattle), Marcus Pollard (Bradley), Pat Richter (Wisconsin) and Joe Senser (West Chester State).
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Gory: Manufacturing Many Misguided Mismatches
What is the NCAA's abuse excuse? Why can't the governing body short-circuit such shortsighted showcases? Who came first - the pimp, the prostitute or the John?
Savannah State's prostitution pummelings by football "Johns" Oklahoma State and Florida State (combined 139-0 despite FSU game suspended by inclement weather with nine minutes remaining in third quarter) triggered inquiries as to whether similar stirring shutouts occurred in basketball.
Well, one of the most unbelievable feats in college hoops history occurred on January 23, 1907, when Dayton blanked Cedarville, 80-0. Two years later, Mississippi State whitewashed Brownsville AC, 75-0, on January 22, 1909. The only shutout in Big Ten Conference history occurred on January 6, 1914, when undefeated Wisconsin blanked Parsons, 50-0.
Perhaps the degrading games represented the sport's oldest profession. At any rate, Savannah State will oppose Florida and Ohio State this winter but at least it will be in basketball rather than possibly adding to its shutout futility on the gridiron. The Savannah Campaign also includes games at Marquette and Saint Louis.
Universities charge good money to watch these bad examples of sportsmanship equivalent to prearranged, onesided cockfights/dogfights. A couple of non-league gimmes can be tolerated for an assortment of reasons. Three or four raise eyebrows and spark rebate requests. But a half dozen or more for power conference members is preposterous, bordering on fraud with visions of class action lawsuits no matter the quality of other non-conference foes.
Fresh faces continue the flogging fiasco. Fearless Frank Martin was supposed to bring some bravado to South Carolina. But the mighty Gamecocks will commence a quest to secure their first NCAA playoff victory since 1973 by opposing a steady stream of lightweights. It serves them right that they lost to Elon for the second straight season.
Let's hope that elite schools, especially Maryland edging out Arizona State, Iowa, Michigan State, Missouri, Texas A&M and Virginia this season, feel good about themselves as they subject their fans to such vivid voyuerism. The "classic cupcakes" won't be shutouts, but this is the self-absorbed mindset resulting in the following shamelessly extensive nonsensical non-conference homecourt opponents by power league basketball "Johns":
| Power League Member | Excessive Picking on Patsies | "Challenging" Press Release Spin |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Coppin State, Cornell, Dartmouth, Florida A&M, Hartford, Northridge State and Sacramento State | "appropriate for this team right now" |
| Arkansas | Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Longwood, Northwestern State and Sam Houston State | "one of the toughest lineups in the nation. . . . definitely a challenge and we will be tested early and often. . . . important to have tough non-conference schedule to prepare us for SEC" |
| Cincinnati | Arkansas-Little Rock, Campbell, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Mississippi Valley State, North Carolina A&T and Tennessee-Martin | "wanted to challenge ourselves with difficult games and we feel we have accomplished that goal" |
| DePaul | Austin Peay, UC Riverside, Fairfield, Gardner-Webb, Maryland-Baltimore County, Milwaukee and Northern Illinois | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Florida State | Buffalo, Louisiana-Monroe, Maine, Mercer, North Florida and South Alabama | "numerous opportunities to play against elite-level competition. . . . quality of schedule will serve as a motivator for our players to stay focused" |
| Georgia | East Tennessee State, Florida A&M, Iona, Jacksonville, Mercer and Youngstown State | "could possibly be the hardest this program has ever had. . . . lots of teeth in the non-league schedule" |
| Georgia Tech | Alabama State, Chattanooga, The Citadel, Fordham, UNC Wilmington and Presbyterian | "our home non-conference schedule will bring a lot of exciting basketball to our new home (McCamish Pavilion). . . . challenging opponents will also act as another step in the process of rebuilding our program" |
| Illinois | Colgate, Eastern Kentucky, Gardner-Webb, Norfolk State, St. Francis (NY) and Western Carolina | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Indiana | Bryant, Central Connecticut State, Coppin State, Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville, Mount St. Mary's, North Dakota State and Sam Houston State | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Iowa | Central Michigan, Coppin State, Gardner-Webb, Howard, South Carolina State, South Dakota, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas-Pan American | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Iowa State | Alabama A&M, Campbell, Florida Gulf Coast, Nebraska-Omaha, North Carolina A&T, Southern (LA) and Yale | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Kentucky | Eastern Michigan, Lafayette, Lipscomb, Long Island, Morehead State, Portland and Samford | "gives chance to work on things. . . . opportunity to focus on final exams" |
| Louisiana State | Bethune-Cookman, UC Santa Barbara, Chattanooga, Houston Baptist, McNeese State, Mississippi Valley State and Northwestern State | "it is a demanding schedule and we look forward to our program embracing the challenges" |
| Maryland | Delaware State, Georgia Southern, IUPUI, Lafayette, Long Island, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Monmouth, Morehead State, South Carolina State and Stony Brook | "very exciting and competitive. . . . look forward to the challenge" |
| Michigan State | Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Boise State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Loyola of Chicago, Nicholls State, Oakland, Texas Southern and Tuskegee | "combines challenges and unique events, giving us great competition on the court and a lifetime of memories" |
| Minnesota | American, Lafayette, North Dakota State, North Florida, South Dakota State, Tennessee State and Toledo | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Mississippi | Arkansas-Little Rock, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Fordham, Lipscomb, McNeese State and Mississippi Valley State | "packed with exciting matchups for fans. . . . each team we face will bring a different style of play that will challenge our team in a variety of ways" |
| Mississippi State | Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Central Arkansas, Florida Atlantic, New Orleans and Texas-San Antonio | "no question it's going to be challenging. . . . invaluable opportunity for this team to bond" |
| Missouri | Alcorn State, Appalachian State, Bucknell, Nicholls State, South Carolina State, Southeast Missouri State, SIU-Edwardsville and Tennessee State | "some big-time opportunities. . . . our team will be tested early and often" |
| Nebraska | Jacksonville State, Kent State, Nebraska-Omaha, Nicholls State, Southern (LA) and Valparaiso | "we will be challenged a great deal. . . . it is going to be fun for our fans" |
| Northwestern | Brown, Delaware State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Illinois-Chicago, Mississippi Valley State, Texas Southern and Texas State | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Notre Dame | Brown, Chicago State, IPFW, Kennesaw State, Monmouth, Niagara and Saint Francis (PA) | "one of most challenging in program history. . . . one of things I have been most proud during my time here is the consistency we've shown from year to year and how we've been able to manage the schedule" |
| Ohio State | Albany, Chicago State, Missouri-Kansas City, UNC Asheville, Northern Kentucky, Savannah State and Winthrop | "our roster will be challenged throughout the year as we prepare for Big Ten competition" |
| Oregon | Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Houston Baptist, Idaho State, Jacksonville State, Northern Arizona, Portland State and Texas-San Antonio | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Oregon State | Chicago State, Grambling State, Howard, Montana State, Niagara, Texas-Pan American and Towson | "will prepare us for the challenges of Pac-12 play. . . . the uptick in competition will be welcomed" |
| Pittsburgh | Bethune-Cookman, Delaware State, Howard, Kennesaw State, Mount St. Mary's, North Florida and Oakland | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| South Carolina | Appalachian State, Elon, Jacksonville, Morgan State, Presbyterian, Rider and South Carolina State | "will challenge us to grow and prepare for SEC schedule" |
| Stanford | Alcorn State, Belmont, UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton, Denver, Lafayette and Seattle | "arguably the most challenging schedule in recent memory. . . . opportunity to quickly establish a high RPI" |
| Texas A&M | Army, Houston Baptist, Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State, Prairie View A&M, Southern (LA), Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Troy | "although schedule is challenging, it will prepare us for the tough games we are going to have in the SEC" |
| Texas Christian | Cal Poly, Centenary, Mississippi Valley State, Navy, Prairie View A&M, Southern (LA) and Southern Utah | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Texas Tech | Florida A&M, Grambling State, Jackson State, McNeese State, Nebraska-Omaha, North Carolina A&T, Northern Kentucky and Prairie View A&M | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Utah | Boise State, Central Michigan, College of Idaho, Idaho State, Northridge State, Sacramento State, Williamette (OR) and Wright State | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Virginia | Delaware, Fairfield, Green Bay, Lamar, Mississippi Valley State, Morgan State, North Texas, Seattle and Wofford | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Washington | Albany, Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Jackson State, Loyola (Md.), Northern Illinois and Seattle | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
| Washington State | Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Buffalo, Eastern Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Jackson State, Portland and Utah Valley | "each year we try and put together a nonconference schedule that will best prepare us for Pac-12 play" |
| Wisconsin | Cornell, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Nebraska-Omaha, Presbyterian, Samford and Southeastern Louisiana | didn't attempt to embellish or justify |
Doubting Thomas: Questions Linger About Sur(ety) Lance(alot)'s Jewelry Debt
There is doubt we will ever know a lot of the precise details regarding how on earth a mediocre college player had the out-of-this-world fiscal wherewithal to make a down payment of $30,000 and go in debt for $67,800 to purchase custom jewelry in New York in the middle of an eventual NCAA championship season. But Lance Thomas, a senior forward who averaged 4.8 ppg for Duke in 2009-10, sure(ty) has a lot of questions to answer regarding an escapade that could be dubbed "Diamonds Are Forever" (at least finishing payments for them until settling lawsuit in mid-September).
Thomas likely will leave inquiring minds wanting a lot more much like he did on the court. Rather than striving for bling to look like a tall rapper, he should have been more concerned about the tall order of living up to his billing as a McDonald's All-American in 2006.
There is no doubt the Blue Devils have a history of dealing in bulk when it comes to McDonald's Unhappy Deals. While observers sift through Thomas' train-wreck transaction adding to a woeful offseason for power conference schools, following is a list including him among 10 McDonald's All-Americans who averaged fewer than 5 ppg in their Duke careers:
| Year | McDonald's All-American | Duke Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Martin Nessley | 2.4 ppg |
| 1987 | Greg Koubek | 4.9 ppg |
| 1988 | Crawford Palmer | 2.4 ppg |
| 1993 | Joey Beard | 1.3 ppg |
| 1995 | Taymon Domzalski | 4.2 ppg |
| 1997 | Chris Burgess | 4.9 ppg |
| 1999 | Casey Sanders | 2.7 ppg |
| 2002 | Michael Thompson | 1.4 ppg |
| 2005 | Eric Boateng | 0.7 ppg |
| 2006 | Lance Thomas | 4.6 ppg |
NOTE: Beard (Boston University), Boateng (Arizona State), Burgess (Utah), Palmer (Dartmouth) and Thompson (Northwestern) transferred to other schools to finish their college careers.
Craig's List: POTUS Brother-in-Law Among Most Overrated Power League Coaches
Oregon State coach Craig Robinson, beseeching the country for seven-footers for his welfare, was part of the Democratic Convention in Charlotte helping introduce sister Michelle Obama. Amid questioning whether the party was guilted into putting God back into its platform, a "Fluke" inquiry lingers regarding if Robinson gets a vacation from significant media criticism because he is brother-in-law of POTUS. At the very least, he should be grilled for taking a vacation during a major portion of the Beavers' non-league campaign while exploiting the poor in spirit (and ability) such as Chicago State, Grambling State, Howard, Montana State, Niagara, Texas-Pan American and Towson. Amid the "workplace violence," Niagara, resembling a Marine with a bayonet, is the only one of these seven sacrificial lambs ever to win an NCAA playoff game.
At least Oregon State is sufficiently God-fearing to know not to put Seattle back on its schedule after losing at home to the Reclassifying DI school, 99-48, in 2009-10. That regrettable result reminiscent of Reagan mauling Mondale has to qualify as the most embarrassing setback by a power league member thus far this century. It was perhaps as appalling as his brother-in-law failing to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister while giving money indirectly to the Muslim Brotherhood, fund-raising with Beyonce and Jay Z plus having time for gadfly David Letterman and being eye candy for "The View" vixens.
Let me be clear about the ideology as defenseless as the U.S. consulate in Benghazi! There is no need to be Clintonesque and parce "is is" words. No evidence exists that Robinson is on the verge of ending OSU's bump-in-the-road streak of 30 consecutive campaigns winless in the NCAA playoffs. At least Robinson doesn't chronically immerse himself in the Bush-league ploy of blaming his predecessor (Jay John) for the past four lackluster years. They are not in a binder, but following are some optimal "facts" why Robinson didn't deserve a recent contract extension because he is among the following alphabetical list of the 10 most overrated coaches from power six conferences (minimum of four campaigns at their current school):
Jeff Bzdelik, Wake Forest - Career losing overall record and abysmal 15-65 mark in first five seasons in Big 12 and ACC league competition. No NCAA playoff victory in nine DI campaigns.
Mick Cronin, Cincinnati - Total of 10 games below .500 in Big East competition in first six seasons with the Bearcats, finishing among top five in Big East only once.
Johnny Dawkins, Stanford - Total of 12 games below .500 in Pac- 10/12 competition in first four seasons with the Cardinal with no NCAA playoff appearance.
Stan Heath, South Florida - Only two winning league records in first 10 seasons in the SEC and Big East.
Andy Kennedy, Mississippi - Losing record in Big East/SEC competition and no NCAA playoff appearances in seven seasons.
Kevin O'Neill, Southern California - Coming off last-place finish, he has career losing record at DI level and has only three winning conference marks among first 15 years of league competition.
Oliver Purnell, DePaul - Total of 40 games below .500 in conference competition the last nine seasons in the ACC and Big East. Never won an NCAA playoff game in 24 years.
Craig Robinson, Oregon State - Losing overall record with the Beavers the last four seasons when he posted losing mark in Pac-10/12 competition each year.
Herb Sendek, Arizona State - No regular-season conference championship and only six winning league records in first 16 seasons in the ACC and Pac-12. Worst record in the nation among veteran active coaches in close contests (minimum of 125 games decided by fewer than six points).
Bruce Weber, Kansas State - Losing record in Big Ten competition with Illinois over the previous six seasons.
The Wonder Years: Gifted Guards Guide Lehigh and South Dakota State to New Heights
With a striking number of power conference members bogged down by an assortment of controversies, the scene is set for mid-major schools to thrive in 2012-13. Creighton All-American forward Doug McDermott is a leading national player of the year candidate, Murray State guard Isaiah Canaan will strive to move up from second- to first-team All-American and versatile guards C.J. McCollum (Lehigh) and Nate Wolters (South Dakota State) aspire to lead their teams back to the NCAA playoffs via pacing their squads in scoring and rebounding again.
Canaan, McCollum, McDermott and Wolters combined to average 28 1/2 wins last season in sparking each of their schools to all-time highs in victory totals. One of the biggest questions entering this campaign is whether they will be able to duplicate or surpass last year's success.
Schools setting records for most triumphs in a single Division I season last year with winning marks included Kentucky (38-2/coached by John Calipari), Syracuse (34-3/Jim Boeheim), Murray State (31-2/Steve Prohm), Baylor (30-8/Scott Drew), Creighton (29-6/Greg McDermott), Drexel (29-7/Bruiser Flint), Virginia Commonwealth (29-7/Shaka Smart), Ohio University (29-8/John Groce), Middle Tennessee State (27-7/Kermit Davis), Oral Roberts (27-7/Scott Sutton), Lehigh (27-8/Brett Reed), South Dakota State (27-8/Scott Nagy), Mercer (27-11/Bob Hoffman), Harvard (26-5/Tommy Amaker), Norfolk State (26-10/Anthony Evans), Robert Morris (26-11/Andy Toole), Wagner (25-6/Danny Hurley), Southern Mississippi (25-9/Larry Eustachy), Loyola, Md. (24-9/Jimmy Patsos), Texas-Arlington (24-9/Scott Cross), UNC Asheville (24-10/Eddie Biedenbach), Colorado (24-12/Tad Boyle), Stony Brook (22-10/Steve Pikiell), Savannah State (21-12/Horace Broadnax), SC Upstate (21-13/Eddie Payne) and North Carolina Central (17-15/LeVelle Moton).
Colorado and fellow power league members Georgia, Miami (Fla.), Northwestern and Southern California never have won as many as 25 games in a single season. If the Pac-12 isn't significantly better than last season, Colorado probably boasts the best chance among this group to finally crack the 25-win plateau.
Although schedules include significantly more games than several decades ago, seven Pac-12 members are among the 15 power league members who first set their existing single-season record for victories before the NCAA playoffs expanded to at least 32 teams in 1975. Following is a school-by-school look at the scoring and rebounding leaders for teams when they posted a school's winningest season at the DI level:
| School | Most Wins | Season | Scoring Leader | Rebounding Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene Christian | 17-8 | 1971-72 | Kent Martens (15.4 ppg) | Willie Calvert (14.2 rpg) |
| Air Force | 24-7 | 2005-06 | Antoine Hood (14.9) | Jacob Burtschi (6.1) |
| Akron | 26-7 | 2006-07 | Romeo Travis (14.9) | Jeremiah Wood (7.8) |
| Alabama | 28-5 | 1986-87 | Derrick McKey (18.6) | Michael Ansley (7.8) |
| Alabama A&M | 19-10 | 2001-02 | Desmond Cambridge (20.7) | Garik Nicholson (6.1) |
| Alabama State | 22-6 | 1982-83 | Lewis Jackson (23.8) | Joe Williams (7.6) |
| Alabama State | 22-6 | 1983-84 | Lewis Jackson (29) | Joe Williams (7.7) |
| Alabama State | 22-10 | 2008-09 | Brandon Brooks (13.7) | Wesley Jones (6.5) |
| Albany | 23-10 | 2006-07 | Jamar Wilson (18.8) | Jamar Wilson (6.2) |
| Alcorn State | 28-1 | 1978-79 | Larry Smith (17.6) | Larry Smith (13.7) |
| American | 24-6 | 1980-81 | Russell "Boo" Bowers (23.5) | Russell "Boo" Bowers (6.6) |
| American | 24-8 | 2008-09 | Garrison Carr (17.9) | Brian Gilmore (5.4) |
| Appalachian State | 25-8 | 2006-07 | D.J. Thompson (15.6) | Jeremy Clayton (7.1) |
| Arizona | 35-3 | 1987-88 | Sean Elliott (19.6) | Anthony Cook (7.1) |
| Arizona State | 26-3 | 1962-63 | Joe Caldwell (19.7) | Art Becker (11.2) |
| Arkansas | 34-4 | 1990-91 | Todd Day (20.7) | Oliver Miller (7.7) |
| Arkansas-Little Rock | 26-11 | 1986-87 | Curtis Kidd (15.6) | Curtis Kidd (8.4) |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 18-16 | 2009-10 | Terrance Calvin (10.2) | Lebaron Weathers (6.7) |
| Arkansas State | 23-9 | 1990-91 | Bobby Gross (15.4) | Fred Shepherd (6.9) |
| Army | 22-6 | 1969-70 | Jim Oxley (15.6) | Max Miller (7.5) |
| Auburn | 29-4 | 1998-99 | Chris Porter (16) | Chris Porter (8.6) |
| Austin Peay | 24-4 | 1976-77 | Calvin Garrett (17.4) | Otis Howard (8.3) |
| Austin Peay | 24-11 | 2007-08 | Drake Reed (14.4) | Fernandez Lockett (6.8) |
| Ball State | 29-3 | 1988-89 | Curtis Kidd (14) | Paris McCurdy (8.5) |
| Baylor | 30-8 | 2011-12 | Pierre Jackson (13.8) | Perry Jones III (7.6) |
| Belmont | 30-5 | 2010-11 | Ian Clark (12.2) | Mick Hedgepeth (5.9) |
| Bethune-Cookman | 21-13 | 2010-11 | C.J. Reed (18.8) | Alexander Starling (6.7) |
| Binghamton | 23-9 | 2008-09 | D.J. Rivera (20) | Reggie Fuller (7) |
| Birmingham-Southern | 19-9 | 2002-03 | Josiah James (13.7) | Josiah James (6.3) |
| Birmingham-Southern | 19-9 | 2005-06 | James Collins (13) | Sredrick Powe (6.1) |
| Boise State | 25-9 | 2007-08 | Reggie Larry (19.4) | Reggie Larry (9.2) |
| Boston College | 27-5 | 2000-01) | Troy Bell (20.4) | Kenny Harley (5.6) |
| Boston University | 25-5 | 1996-97 | Tunji Awojobi (19.4) | Tunji Awojobi (10.2) |
| Bowling Green | 28-7 | 1946-47 | Charles Share (9.1) | unavailable |
| Bradley | 32-5 | 1949-50 | Paul Unruh (12.8) | unavailable |
| Bradley | 32-6 | 1950-51 | Gene Melchiorre (11.3) | unavailable |
| Bradley | 32-3 | 1985-86 | Hersey Hawkins (18.7) | Mike Williams (7.1) |
| Brigham Young | 32-5 | 2010-11 | Jimmer Fredette (28.9) | Brandon Davies (6.2) |
| Brown | 19-10 | 2007-08 | Mark McAndrew (16.5) | Chris Skrelia (6.6) |
| Bucknell | 27-5 | 2005-06 | Charles Lee (13.2) | Charles Lee (6) |
| Buffalo | 23-10 | 2004-05 | Turner Battle (15.5) | Yassin Idbihi (5.9) |
| Butler | 33-5 | 2009-10 | Gordon Hayward (15.5) | Gordon Hayward (8.2) |
| California | 30-6 | 1945-46 | Andy Wolfe (13.4) | unavailable |
| UC Irvine | 25-5 | 2000-01 | Jerry Green (19) | Adam Parada (6.2) |
| Cal Poly | 19-11 | 2006-07 | Derek Stockalper (14.4) | Derek Stockalper (7) |
| UC Riverside | 17-13 | 2008-09 | Kyle Austin (16.2) | Aaron Scott (6.6) |
| UC Santa Barbara | 23-9 | 2007-08 | Alex Harris (20.2) | Ivan Elliott (5.7) |
| Cal State Fullerton | 24-9 | 2007-08 | Josh Akognon (20.2) | Scott Cutley (7.4) |
| Cal State Northridge | 22-10 | 2000-01 | Brian Heinle (20.2) | Brian Heinle (9.2) |
| Cal State Sacramento | 15-15 | 2005-06 | Alex Bausley (13.6) | Jason Harris (5.5) |
| Campbell | 20-9 | 1993-94 | Joe Spinks (20.9) | Joe Spinks (8.8) |
| Canisius | 22-6 | 1956-57 | Henry Nowak (20.1) | Henry Nowak (10.7) |
| Canisius | 22-7 | 1993-94 | Craig Wise (16.1) | Micheal Meeks (7.5) |
| Centenary | 25-4 | 1974-75 | Robert Parish (18.9) | Robert Parish (15.4) |
| Central Arkansas | 14-16 | 2007-08 | Nate Bowie (17.5) | Durrell Nevels (8) |
| Central Connecticut State | 27-5 | 2001-02 | Corsley Edwards (15.4) | Ron Robinson (9.3) |
| Central Florida | 25-6 | 2003-04 | Dexter Lyons (18.3) | Roberto Morentin (6.9) |
| Central Michigan | 25-7 | 2002-03 | Chris Kaman (22.4) | Chris Kaman (12) |
| Charleston Southern | 21-9 | 1985-86 | Ben Hinson (19.7) | Bernard Innocent (7.3) |
| Charleston Southern | 21-9 | 1986-87 | Ben Hinson (22.6) | Oliver Johnson (8.7) |
| Charlotte | 28-5 | 1976-77 | Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell (22.2) | Cedric "Cornbread" Maxwell (12.1) |
| Chattanooga | 27-4 | 1981-82 | Willie White (15.8) | Russ Schoene (7) |
| Chicago State | 22-6 | 1985-86 | Darron Brittman (18.2) | Shawn Bell (6.7) |
| Cincinnati | 31-4 | 2001-02 | Steve Logan (22) | Donald Little (6.9) |
| The Citadel | 20-7 | 1978-79 | Tom Slawson (17.1) | Tom Slawson (6.6) |
| The Citadel | 20-13 | 2008-09 | Demetrius Nelson (16.4) | Demetrius Nelson (6.5) |
| Clemson | 25-6 | 1986-87 | Horace Grant (21) | Horace Grant (9.6) |
| Cleveland State | 29-4 | 1985-86 | Clinton Smith (16.2) | Eric Mudd (8.3) |
| Coastal Carolina | 28-7 | 2009-10 | Chad Gray (14.3) | Joseph Harris (9.6) |
| Coastal Carolina | 28-6 | 2010-11 | Desmond Holloway (18.5) | Sam McLaurin (7) |
| Colgate | 18-10 | 1992-93 | Tucker Neale (21.9) | Darren Brown (11.3) |
| Colgate | 18-14 | 2007-08 | Kyle Roemer (16.2) | Alex Woodhouse (6.3) |
| College of Charleston | 29-3 | 1996-97 | Thaddeous Delaney (15.8) | Thaddeous Delaney (9.5) |
| Colorado | 24-14 | 2010-11 | Alec Burks (20.5) | Andre Roberson (7.8) |
| Colorado | 24-12 | 2011-12 | Carlon Brown (12.6) | Andre Roberson (11.1) |
| Colorado State | 23-10 | 1988-89 | Pat Durham (18.5) | Pat Durham (7.6) |
| Columbia | 23-5 | 1967-68 | Jim McMillian (22.3) | Jim McMillian (9.8) |
| Connecticut | 34-2 | 1998-99 | Richard Hamilton (21.5) | Kevin Freeman (7.3) |
| Coppin State | 26-7 | 1989-90 | Reggie Isaac (21.2) | Larry Stewart (11.2) |
| Cornell | 29-5 | 2009-10 | Ryan Wittman (17.5) | Jeff Foote (8.1) |
| Creighton | 29-5 | 2002-03 | Kyle Korver (17.8) | Kyle Korver (6.3) |
| Creighton | 29-6 | 2011-12 | Doug McDermott (22.9) | Doug McDermott (8.2) |
| Dartmouth | 22-4 | 1941-42 | George Munroe (15) | unavailable |
| Dartmouth | 22-5 | 1957-58 | Rudy LaRusso (15.3) | Rudy LaRusso (18.6) |
| Dartmouth | 22-6 | 1958-59 | Rudy LaRusso (18.9) | Rudy LaRusso (16.1) |
| Davidson | 29-5 | 2006-07 | Stephen Curry (21.5) | Boris Meno (8.2) |
| Davidson | 29-7 | 2007-08 | Stephen Curry (25.9) | Andrew Lovedale/Boris Meno (5.4) |
| Dayton | 28-5 | 1951-52 | Don Meineke (21.1) | Don Meineke (11.7) |
| Delaware | 27-4 | 1991-92 | Alex Coles (14.3) | Spencer Dunkley (8.8) |
| Delaware State | 21-14 | 2005-06 | Jahsha Bluntt (14.6) | Jahsha Bluntt (4.8) |
| Delaware State | 21-12 | 2006-07 | Roy Bright (15.5) | Jahsha Bluntt (4.9) |
| Denver | 20-11 | 2004-05 | Yemi Nicholson (18.1) | Yemi Nicholson (8.4) |
| DePaul | 28-3 | 1986-87 | Dallas Comegys (17.5) | Dallas Comegys (7.5) |
| Detroit | 25-4 | 1976-77 | John Long (20.3) | Terry Tyler (11) |
| Detroit | 25-4 | 1977-78 | John Long (21.4) | Terry Tyler (12.6) |
| Detroit | 25-6 | 1997-98 | Derrick Hayes (13.8) | Brian Alexander (7.1) |
| Detroit | 25-12 | 2000-01 | Rashad Phillips (22.4) | Terrell Riggs (6.5) |
| Drake | 28-5 | 2007-08 | Josh Young (15.9) | Jonathan Cox (8.6) |
| Drexel | 29-7 | 2011-12 | Frantz Massenat (13.7) | Samme Givens (7.9) |
| Duke | 37-3 | 1985-86 | Johnny Dawkins (20.2) | Mark Alarie (6.2) |
| Duke | 37-2 | 1998-99 | Elton Brand (17.7) | Elton Brand (9.8) |
| Duquesne | 26-3 | 1953-54 | Dick Ricketts (17.2) | Jim Tucker (13.6) |
| East Carolina | 19-9 | 1974-75 | Gregg Ashorn (15.2) | Larry Hunt (10.1) |
| Eastern Illinois | 21-10 | 2000-01 | Kyle Hill (23.8) | Henry Domercant (6.8) |
| Eastern Kentucky | 22-9 | 2004-05 | Matt Witt (14.4) | Alonzo Hird (8.4) |
| Eastern Michigan | 26-7 | 1990-91 | Marcus Kennedy (20) | Marcus Kennedy (8.1) |
| Eastern Washington | 20-8 | 1985-86 | Roosevelt Brown (16.3) | John Randa (9.2) |
| East Tennessee State | 28-5 | 1990-91 | Keith "Mister" Jennings (20.1) | Rodney English (5.8) |
| Elon | 15-14 | 2005-06 | Chris Chalko (12.6) | Jackson Atoyebi (5.4) |
| Evansville | 25-6 | 1988-89 | Scott Haffner (24.5) | Dan Godfread (8) |
| Fairfield | 25-8 | 2010-11 | Derek Needham (14.1) | Ryan Olander (6.8) |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 23-7 | 1987-88 | Jaime Latney (18.3) | Jaime Latney (8) |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | 23-7 | 1997-98 | Elijah Allen/Rahshon Turner (17.8) | Rahshon Turner (10.8) |
| Florida | 35-5 | 2006-07 | Taurean Green (13.3) | Al Horford (9.5) |
| Florida A&M | 22-8 | 1987-88 | Aldwin Ware (19.5) | Aldwin Ware (5.3) |
| Florida Atlantic | 21-11 | 2010-11 | Greg Gantt (14) | Brett Royster (6) |
| Florida Gulf Coast | 15-17 | 2011-12 | Sherwood Brown (12.8) | Sherwood Brown (5.9) |
| Florida International | 21-8 | 1997-98 | Raja Bell (16.6) | Darius Cook (6.1) |
| Florida State | 27-6 | 1971-72 | Ron King (17.9) | Reggie Royals (11) |
| Fordham | 26-3 | 1970-71 | Charlie Yelverton (23.3) | Charlie Yelverton (12) |
| Fresno State | 27-3 | 1981-82 | Rod Higgins (15.1) | Rod Higgins (6.3) |
| Furman | 23-7 | 1979-80 | Jonathan Moore (18.4) | Jonathan Moore (10.1) |
| Gardner-Webb | 23-9 | 2001-02 | Bruce Fields (12.4) | Bruce Fields (8.2) |
| George Mason | 27-8 | 2005-06 | Jai Lewis (13.7) | Jai Lewis (7.8) |
| George Mason | 27-7 | 2010-11 | Cameron Long (15.1) | Ryan Pearson (6.7) |
| Georgetown | 35-3 | 1984-85 | Patrick Ewing (14.6) | Patrick Ewing (9.2) |
| George Washington | 27-3 | 2005-06 | Danilo Pinnock (14.5) | Mike Hall (7.6) |
| Georgia | 24-10 | 1982-83 | Vern Fleming (16.9) | Terry Fair (6.6) |
| Georgia Southern | 25-6 | 1991-92 | Tony Windless (17.6) | Dexter Abrams (7.4) |
| Georgia State | 29-5 | 2000-01 | Shernard Long (18) | Thomas Terrell (7.5) |
| Georgia Tech | 28-7 | 1989-90 | Dennis Scott (27.7) | Malcolm Mackey (7.5) |
| Gonzaga | 29-4 | 2001-02 | Dan Dickau (21) | Cory Violette (8.3) |
| Grambling State | 22-8 | 1979-80 | Robert Williams (17.9) | Robert Williams (10.1) |
| Green Bay | 27-7 | 1993-94 | Jeff Nordgaard (15.6) | Jeff Nordgaard (6.4) |
| Hampton | 26-7 | 2001-02 | Tommy Adams (19.7) | Isaac Jefferson (9.4) |
| Hartford | 18-16 | 2007-08 | Joe Zeglinski (16.2) | Michael Turner (5.5) |
| Harvard | 26-5 | 2011-12 | Kyle Casey (11.4) | Keith Wright (8.1) |
| Hawaii | 27-6 | 2001-02 | Predrag Savovic (20.3) | Haim Shimonovich (6.6) |
| High Point | 19-11 | 2003-04 | Danny Gathings (15.8) | Danny Gathings (8) |
| Hofstra | 26-5 | 2000-01 | Norman Richardson (16.7) | Greg Springfield (7.3) |
| Holy Cross | 27-3 | 1946-47 | George Kaftan (11.1) | unavailable |
| Holy Cross | 27-4 | 1949-50 | Bob Cousy (19.4) | unavailable |
| Houston | 32-5 | 1983-84 | Michael Young (19.8) | Hakeem Olajuwon (13.5) |
| Houston Baptist | 24-7 | 1983-84 | Terry Hairston (14.7) | Anicet Lavodrama (7.1) |
| Howard | 24-4 | 1986-87 | George Hamilton (12.8) | John Spencer (9.3) |
| Idaho | 27-3 | 1981-82 | Ken Owens (15.6) | Ke vin Smith (6.5) |
| Idaho State | 25-5 | 1976-77 | Steve Hayes (20.2) | Steve Hayes (11.1) |
| Illinois | 37-2 | 2004-05 | Luther Head (15.9) | James Augustine (7.6) |
| Illinois-Chicago | 24-8 | 2003-04 | Cedric Banks (18.4) | Armond Williams (5.8) |
| Illinois State | 25-6 | 1997-98 | Rico Hill (18.4) | Rico Hill (7.5) |
| Illinois State | 25-10 | 2007-08 | Osiris Eldridge (15.8) | Anthony Slack (7.1) |
| Indiana | 32-0 | 1975-76 | Scott May (23.5) | Kent Benson (8.8) |
| Indiana State | 33-1 | 1978-79 | Larry Bird (28.6) | Larry Bird (14.9) |
| IPFW | 18-12 | 2010-11 | Frank Gaines (14.8) | Frank Gaines (6.2) |
| IUPUI | 26-7 | 2007-08 | George Hill (21.5) | George Hill (6.8) |
| Iona | 29-5 | 1979-80 | Jeff Ruland (20.1) | Jeff Ruland (12) |
| Iowa | 30-5 | 1986-87 | Roy Marble Jr. (14.9) | Brad Lohaus (7.7) |
| Iowa State | 32-5 | 1999-2000 | Marcus Fizer (22.8) | Marcus Fizer (7.7) |
| Jackson State | 25-9 | 1992-93 | Lindsey Hunter (26.7) | Godfrey Thompson (7.1) |
| Jacksonville | 27-2 | 1969-70 | Artis Gilmore (26.5) | Artis Gilmore (22.2) |
| Jacksonville State | 20-10 | 2002-03 | Omar Barlett (15) | Omar Barlett (7.1) |
| James Madison | 24-6 | 1981-82 | Linton Townes (16.3) | Dan Ruland (6.3) |
| Kansas | 35-4 | 1985-86 | Danny Manning (16.7) | Danny Manning (6.3) |
| Kansas | 35-4 | 1997-98 | Paul Pierce (20.5) | Raef LaFrentz (11.4) |
| Kansas | 35-3 | 2010-11 | Marcus Morris (17.2) | Markieff Morris (8.3) |
| Kansas State | 29-8 | 2009-10 | Jacob Pullen (19.3) | Curtis Kelly (6.2) |
| Kent State | 30-6 | 2001-02 | Trevor Huffman (16) | Antonio Gates (8.1) |
| Kentucky | 38-2 | 2011-12 | Anthony Davis (14.2) | Anthony Davis (10.4) |
| Lafayette | 24-7 | 1999-2000 | Brian Ehlers (17.3) | Stefan Ciosici (6.5) |
| Lamar | 26-5 | 1983-84 | Tom Sewell (22.9) | Kenneth Perkins (7.4) |
| La Salle | 30-2 | 1989-90 | Lionel Simmons (26.5) | Lionel Simmons (11.1) |
| Lehigh | 27-8 | 2011-12 | C.J. McCollum (21.9) | C.J. McCollum (6.5) |
| Liberty | 23-9 | 1996-97 | Peter Aluma (15.7) | Peter Aluma (6.6) |
| Liberty | 23-12 | 2008-09 | Seth Curry (20.2) | Anthony Smith (6.5) |
| Lipscomb | 21-11 | 2005-06 | Eddie Ard (16.2) | Shaun Durant (7.2) |
| Long Beach State | 26-3 | 1972-73 | Ed Ratleff (22.8) | Leonard Gray (9.3) |
| Long Island | 28-3 | 1936-37 | Jules Bender (9.1) | unavailable |
| Longwood | 17-14 | 2008-09 | Dana Smith (14.8) | Dana Smith (6.4) |
| Louisiana-Lafayette | 25-4 | 1971-72 | Dwight "Bo" Lamar (36.3) | Roy Ebron (14.2) |
| Louisiana-Lafayette | 25-9 | 1999-2000 | Orlando Butler (13.1) | Lonnie Thomas (7.2) |
| Louisiana-Monroe | 26-5 | 1992-93 | Ryan Stuart (21.1) | Ryan Stuart (9.5) |
| Louisiana State | 31-5 | 1980-81 | Howard Carter (16) | Durand "Rudy" Macklin (9.8) |
| Louisiana Tech | 29-3 | 1984-85 | Karl Malone (16.5) | Karl Malone (9) |
| Louisville | 33-3 | 1979-80 | Darrell Griffith (22.9) | Derek Smith (8.3) |
| Louisville | 33-5 | 2004-05 | Francisco Garcia (15.7) | Ellis Myles (9.2) |
| Loyola Chicago | 29-2 | 1962-63 | Jerry Harkness (21.4) | Les Hunter (11.4) |
| Loyola (Md.) | 24-9 | 2011-12 | Erik Etherly (13.7) | Erik Etherly (7.5) |
| Loyola Marymount | 28-4 | 1987-88 | Eric "Hank" Gathers (22.5) | Eric "Hank" Gathers (8.7) |
| Maine | 24-7 | 1999-2000 | Nate Fox (17.5) | Nate Fox (7.5) |
| Manhattan | 26-5 | 1994-95 | Ted Ellis (14) | Jason Hoover (6.4) |
| Marist | 25-9 | 2006-07 | Will Whittington (17.6) | James Smith (6) |
| Marquette | 28-1 | 1970-71 | Dean Meminger (21.2) | Jim Chones (11.5) |
| Marshall | 25-6 | 1983-84 | LaVerne Evans (20.5) | Jeff Battle (4.5) |
| Marshall | 25-6 | 1986-87 | James "Skip" Henderson (21) | Rodney Holden (8.8) |
| Maryland | 32-4 | 2001-02 | Juan Dixon (20.4) | Lonny Baxter (8.2) |
| Maryland-Baltimore County | 24-9 | 2007-08 | Ray Barbosa (16.5) | Darryl Proctor (8.4) |
| Maryland-Eastern Shore | 27-2 | 1973-74 | Rubin Collins (18) | Joe Pace (12.8) |
| Massachusetts | 35-2 | 1995-96 | Marcus Camby (20.5) | Marcus Camby (8.1) |
| McNeese State | 21-11 | 1985-86 | Jerome Batiste (18.4) | Jerome Batiste (8.6) |
| McNeese State | 21-9 | 2001-02 | Jason Coleman (14.4) | Fred Gentry (7.2) |
| McNeese State | 21-12 | 2010-11 | Patrick Richard (16.1) | P.J. Alawoya (10.3) |
| Memphis | 38-2 | 2007-08 | Chris Douglas-Roberts (18.1) | Joey Dorsey (9.5) |
| Mercer | 27-11 | 2011-12 | Langston Hall (11.4) | Jake Gollon (5.9) |
| Miami (Fla.) | 24-8 | 2001-02 | Darius Rice (14.9) | James Jones (6.3) |
| Miami (Ohio) | 24-6 | 1983-84 | Ron Harper (16.3) | Ron Harper (7.6) |
| Miami (Ohio) | 24-8 | 1998-99 | Wally Szczerbiak (24.2) | Wally Szczerbiak (8.5) |
| Michigan | 31-5 | 1992-93 | Chris Webber (19.2) | Chris Webber (10.1) |
| Michigan State | 33-5 | 1998-99 | Morris Peterson (13.6) | Antonio Smith (8.4) |
| Middle Tennessee State | 27-7 | 2011-12 | LaRon Dendy (14.6) | LaRon Dendy (7.1) |
| Milwaukee | 26-6 | 2004-05 | Ed McCants (17.4) | Adrian Tigert (6.7) |
| Minnesota | 31-4 | 1996-97 | Bobby Jackson (15.3) | Courtney James (7.2) |
| Mississippi | 27-8 | 2000-01 | Rahim Lockhart (13) | Rahim Lockhart (8.1) |
| Mississippi State | 27-8 | 2001-02 | Mario Austin (16.1) | Mario Austin (7.6) |
| Mississippi Valley State | 22-7 | 1995-96 | Marcus Mann (21.7) | Marcus Mann (13.6) |
| Mississippi Valley State | 22-7 | 2003-04 | Attarrius Norwood (14.3) | Willie Neal (7.6) |
| Missouri | 31-7 | 2008-09 | DeMarre Carroll (16.6) | DeMarre Carroll (7.2) |
| Missouri-Kansas City | 20-8 | 1991-92 | Tony Dumas (21.5) | David Robinson (6.8) |
| Missouri State | 28-6 | 1986-87 | Winston Garland (21.2) | Greg Bell (7) |
| Monmouth | 21-10 | 2000-01 | Rahsaan Johnson (19.1) | Rahsaan Johnson (6.1) |
| Monmouth | 21-12 | 2003-04 | Blake Hamilton (16.3) | Blake Hamilton (6.4) |
| Montana | 27-4 | 1991-92 | Delvon Anderson (14.5) | Daren Engellant (8.8) |
| Montana State | 36-2 | 1927-28 | John "Cat" Thompson (16.6) | unavailable |
| Montana State | 36-2 | 1928-29 | John "Cat" Thompson (16.6) | unavailable |
| Morehead State | 25-6 | 1983-84 | Earl Harrison (12.9) | Earl Harrison (7.6) |
| Morehead State | 25-10 | 2010-11 | Kenneth Faried (17.3) | Kenneth Faried (14.5) |
| Morgan State | 27-10 | 2009-10 | Reggie Holmes (21.4) | Kevin Thompson (11.8) |
| Mount St. Mary's | 21-8 | 1995-96 | Chris McGuthrie (22.3) | Riley Inge (6.5) |
| Murray State | 31-5 | 2009-10 | B.J. Jenkins (10.6) | Tony Easley (5.8) |
| Murray State | 31-2 | 2011-12 | Isaiah Canaan (19) | Ivan Aska (6) |
| Navy | 30-5 | 1985-86 | David Robinson (22.7) | David Robinson (13) |
| Nebraska | 26-8 | 1990-91 | Rich King (15.5) | Rich King (8.1) |
| Nevada | 29-5 | 2006-07 | Nick Fazekas (20.4) | Nick Fazekas (11.1) |
| New Hampshire | 19-9 | 1994-95 | Matt Alosa (23.1) | Scott Drapeau (9.8) |
| NJIT | 15-15 | 2010-11 | Isaiah Wilkerson (13.6) | Isaiah Wilkerson (6.2) |
| NJIT | 15-17 | 2011-12 | Isaiah Wilkerson (16.2) | Isaiah Wilkerson (6.6) |
| New Mexico | 30-5 | 2009-10 | Darington Hobson (15.9) | Darington Hobson (9.3) |
| New Mexico State | 27-3 | 1969-70 | Jimmy Collins (24.6) | Sam Lacey (15.9) |
| New Orleans | 26-4 | 1986-87 | Ledell Eackles (22.6) | Ronnie Grandison (9.7) |
| New Orleans | 26-4 | 1992-93 | Ervin Johnson (18.4) | Ervin Johnson (11.9) |
| Niagara | 27-4 | 1921-22 | unavailable | unavailable |
| Nicholls State | 24-6 | 1994-95 | Reggie Jackson (21.6) | Reggie Jackson (10.8) |
| Norfolk State | 26-10 | 2011-12 | Kyle O'Quinn (15.9) | Kyle O'Quinn (10.3) |
| North Carolina | 36-3 | 2007-08 | Tyler Hansbrough (22.6) | Tyler Hansbrough (10.2) |
| UNC Asheville | 24-10 | 2011-12 | Matt Dickey (16.1) | Jeremy Atkinson (6.6) |
| North Carolina A&T | 26-3 | 1987-88 | Claude Williams (16.2) | Claude Williams (8.1) |
| North Carolina Central | 17-15 | 2011-12 | Dominique Sutton (16.4) | Dominique Sutton (7.4) |
| UNC Greensboro | 23-6 | 1994-95 | Scott Hartzell (15.7) | Eric Cuthrell (9.8) |
| North Carolina State | 30-7 | 1950-51 | Sam Ranzino (20.8) | Paul Horvath (13.2) |
| North Carolina State | 30-1 | 1973-74 | David Thompson (26) | Tom Burleson (12.2) |
| UNC Wilmington | 25-8 | 2005-06 | T.J. Carter (13.6) | Beckham Wyrick (5.4) |
| North Dakota | 19-15 | 2010-11 | Troy Huff (13.3) | Patrick Mitchell (5.8) |
| North Dakota State | 26-7 | 2008-09 | Ben Woodside (23.2) | Brett Winkelman (7.5) |
| Northeastern | 27-5 | 1983-84 | Mark Halsel (21) | Mark Halsel (9.6) |
| Northeastern | 27-7 | 1986-87 | Reggie Lewis (23.3) | Reggie Lewis (7.9) |
| Northern Arizona | 21-7 | 1996-97 | Andrew Mavis (15) | Billy Hix (5.4) |
| Northern Arizona | 21-8 | 1997-98 | Andrew Mavis (13.9) | Casey Frank (6) |
| Northern Arizona | 21-11 | 2005-06 | Kelly Golob (14.3) | Ruben Boykin Jr. (7.2) |
| Northern Colorado | 25-8 | 2009-10 | Will Figures (16.6) | Mike Proctor (5.6) |
| Northern Illinois | 25-6 | 1990-91 | Donnell Thomas (17) | Donnell Thomas (8.2) |
| Northern Iowa | 30-5 | 2009-10 | Jordan Eglseder (11.9) | Jordan Eglseder (7.2) |
| North Florida | 16-16 | 2011-12 | Parker Smith (14.5) | Travis Wallace (5.3) |
| North Texas | 24-9 | 2009-10 | Josh White (14.5) | George Odufuwa (10.7) |
| Northwestern | 20-14 | 2009-10 | John Shurna (18.2) | John Shurna (6.4) |
| Northwestern | 20-14 | 2010-11 | John Shurna (16.6) | Luka Mirkovic (5.2) |
| Northwestern State | 26-8 | 2005-06 | Clifton Lee (14.2) | Clifton Lee (6.2) |
| Notre Dame | 33-7 | 1908-09 | unavailable | unavailable |
| Oakland | 26-9 | 2009-10 | Keith Benson (17.3) | Keith Benson (10.5) |
| Ohio University | 29-8 | 2011-12 | D.J. Cooper (14.7) | Ivo Baltic (5.0) |
| Ohio State | 35-4 | 2006-07 | Greg Oden (15.7) | Greg Oden (9.6) |
| Oklahoma | 35-4 | 1987-88 | Stacey King (22.3) | Harvey Grant (9.4) |
| Oklahoma State | 31-2 | 1945-46 | Bob Kurland (19.5) | unavailable |
| Oklahoma State | 31-4 | 2003-04 | Tony Allen (16) | Ivan McFarlin (6.7) |
| Old Dominion | 28-6 | 2004-05 | Alex Loughton (14.1) | Alex Loughton (8.2) |
| Oral Roberts | 27-7 | 2011-12 | Dominique Morrison (19.8) | Michael Craion (6.3) |
| Oregon | 30-13 | 1944-45 | Dick Wilkins (12.9) | unavailable |
| Oregon State | 29-8 | 1924-25 | unavailable | unavailable |
| Pacific | 27-4 | 2004-05 | Guillaume Yango (13.2) | Guillaume Yango (7.4) |
| Penn State | 27-11 | 2008-09 | Talor Battle (16.7) | Jamelle Cornley (6.3) |
| Pennsylvania | 28-1 | 1970-71 | Bob Morse (15.4) | David "Corky" Calhoun (8.6) |
| Pepperdine | 25-5 | 1985-86 | Dwayne Polee (15.7) | Anthony Frederick (6.9) |
| Pepperdine | 25-9 | 1999-2000 | Brandon Armstrong (14.4) | Kelvin Gibbs (7) |
| Pittsburgh | 31-5 | 2003-04 | Carl Krauser (15.4) | Chris Taft (7.5) |
| Pittsburgh | 31-5 | 2008-09 | Sam Young (19.2) | DeJuan Blair (12.3) |
| Portland | 21-8 | 1994-95 | Canaan Chatman (18.3) | Canaan Chatman (6.8) |
| Portland | 21-11 | 2009-10 | Nik Raivio (14.1) | Luke Sikma (7.5) |
| Portland State | 23-10 | 2007-08 | Jeremiah Dominquez (14.2) | Deonte Huff (6) |
| Portland State | 23-10 | 2008-09 | Jeremiah Dominquez (12.9) | Jamie Jones (5.3) |
| Prairie View | 17-12 | 2002-03 | Gregory Burks (18.1) | Roderick Riley (7) |
| Presbyterian | 14-15 | 2011-12 | Allonzo Coleman (16.9) | Allonzo Coleman (8.8) |
| Princeton | 27-2 | 1997-98 | Gabe Lewullis (14.2) | Gabe Lewullis (5.3) |
| Providence | 28-4 | 1973-74 | Marvin Barnes (22.1) | Marvin Barnes (18.7) |
| Purdue | 29-4 | 1987-88 | Troy Lewis (17.9) | Todd Mitchell (5.8) |
| Purdue | 29-5 | 1993-94 | Glenn Robinson Jr. (30.3) | Glenn Robinson Jr. (10.1) |
| Purdue | 29-6 | 2009-10 | E'Twaun Moore (16.4) | JaJuan Johnson (7.1) |
| Quinnipiac | 23-10 | 2009-10 | James Feldeine (16.5) | Justin Rutty (10.9) |
| Radford | 22-7 | 1990-91 | Doug Day (20.2) | Tyrone Travis (6.6) |
| Rhode Island | 28-7 | 1987-88 | Carlton "Silk" Owens (21.8) | Kenny Green (7.3) |
| Rice | 25-4 | 1939-40 | Bob Kinney (12.5) | unavailable |
| Richmond | 29-8 | 2010-11 | Justin Harper (17.9) | Justin Harper (6.9) |
| Rider | 23-11 | 2007-08 | Jason Thompson (20.4) | Jason Thompson (12.1) |
| Rider | 23-11 | 2010-11 | Justin Robinson (15.2) | Danny Stewart (7.1) |
| Robert Morris | 26-8 | 2007-08 | Jeremy Chappell (14.9) | Tony Lee (6.6) |
| Robert Morris | 26-11 | 2011-12 | Velton Jones (16) | Lucky Jones (6.1) |
| Rutgers | 31-2 | 1975-76 | Phil Sellers (19.2) | Phil Sellers (10.2) |
| Sacred Heart | 18-14 | 2006-07 | Jarrid Frye (13.3) | Brice Brooks (6) |
| Sacred Heart | 18-14 | 2007-08 | Brice Brooks (12.8) | Drew Shubik (5.8) |
| St. Bonaventure | 25-3 | 1969-70 | Bob Lanier (29.1) | Bob Lanier (16) |
| St. Francis (N.Y.) | 23-5 | 1953-54 | Hank Daubenschmidt (20.2) | Hank Daubenschmidt (13.4) |
| Saint Francis (Pa.) | 24-8 | 1990-91 | Mike Iuzzolino (24.1) | Joe Anderson (6.3) |
| St. John's | 31-4 | 1984-85 | Chris Mullin (19.8) | Walter Berry (8.7) |
| St. John's | 31-5 | 1985-86 | Walter Berry (23) | Walter Berry (11.1) |
| Saint Joseph's | 30-2 | 2003-04 | Jameer Nelson (20.6) | Dwayne Jones (7) |
| Saint Louis | 27-10 | 1988-89 | Anthony Bonner (15.5) | Anthony Bonner (10.4) |
| Saint Mary's | 28-7 | 2008-09 | Patrick Mills (18.4) | Diamon Simpson (10.8) |
| Saint Mary's | 28-6 | 2009-10 | Omar Samhan (21.3) | Omar Samhan (10.9) |
| Saint Peter's | 24-4 | 1967-68 | Elnardo Webster (25) | Pete O'Dea (14.6) |
| Saint Peter's | 24-7 | 1990-91 | Tony Walker (19.2) | Tony Walker (7) |
| Samford | 24-6 | 1998-99 | Reed Rawlings (16.5) | Marc Salyers (5.4) |
| Sam Houston State | 25-8 | 2009-10 | Gilberto Clavell (17.1) | Gilberto Clavell (6.4) |
| San Diego | 24-6 | 1986-87 | Scott Thompson (15.9) | Scott Thompson (7.4) |
| San Diego State | 34-3 | 2010-11 | Kawhi Leonard (15.5) | Kawhi Leonard (10.6) |
| San Francisco | 29-0 | 1955-56 | Bill Russell (20.5) | Bill Russell (21) |
| San Jose State | 21-9 | 1980-81 | Sid Williams (15.1) | Sid Williams (7.2) |
| Santa Clara | 27-2 | 1968-69 | Dennis Awtrey (21.3) | Dennis Awtrey (13.3) |
| Savannah State | 21-12 | 2011-12 | Rashad Hassan (13) | Arnold Louis (7.8) |
| Seattle | 26-2 | 1953-54 | Joe Pehanick (20.5) | Joe Pehanick (10) |
| Seton Hall | 31-2 | 1952-53 | Walter Dukes (26.1) | Walter Dukes (22.2) |
| Seton Hall | 31-7 | 1988-89 | John Morton (17.3) | Ramon Ramos (7.6) |
| Siena | 27-8 | 2008-09 | Edwin Ubiles (15) | Ryan Rossiter (7.9) |
| Siena | 27-7 | 2009-10 | Alex Franklin (16.1) | Ryan Rossiter (11.1) |
| South Alabama | 26-7 | 2007-08 | Demetric Bennett (19.7) | DeAndre Coleman (7.8) |
| South Carolina | 25-3 | 1969-70 | John Roche (22.3) | Tom Owens (14) |
| South Carolina State | 25-8 | 1988-89 | Rodney Mack (15.2) | Rodney Mack (11.1) |
| South Carolina Upstate | 21-13 | 2011-12 | Torrey Craig (16.4) | Torrey Craig (7.7) |
| South Dakota | 22-7 | 2007-08 | Dylan Grimsley (14.8) | Tyler Cain (8.1) |
| South Dakota | 22-10 | 2009-10 | Tyler Cain (14.7) | Tyler Cain (10.4) |
| South Dakota State | 27-8 | 2011-12 | Nate Wolters (21.2) | Nate Wolters (5.1) |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 24-9 | 2004-05 | Ricky Woods (17.2) | Nate Lofton (7.2) |
| Southeast Missouri State | 24-7 | 1999-2000 | Roderick Johnson (14.1) | Roderick Johnson (8.6) |
| Southern (La.) | 25-6 | 1989-90 | Joe Faulkner (21.7) | Joe Faulkner (9.2) |
| Southern California | 24-2 | 1970-71 | Dennis Layton (17.6) | Ron Riley (15.3) |
| Southern California | 24-5 | 1973-74 | Gus Williams (15.5) | John Lambert (6.9) |
| Southern California | 24-6 | 1991-92 | Harold Miner (26.3) | Yamen Sanders (8) |
| Southern California | 24-10 | 2000-01 | Sam Clancy (17.3) | Sam Clancy (7.5) |
| Southern Illinois | 29-7 | 2006-07 | Jamaal Tatum (15.2) | Randal Falker (7.7) |
| Southern Methodist | 28-7 | 1987-88 | Kato Armstrong (16.1) | Terry Thomas (7.9) |
| Southern Mississippi | 25-9 | 2011-12 | Neil Watson (12.3) | Jonathan Mills (6.1) |
| Southern Utah | 25-6 | 2000-01 | Fred House (17.8) | Dan Beus (7.9) |
| South Florida | 22-10 | 1982-83 | Charlie Bradley (28.2) | Jim Grandholm (9.2) |
| Stanford | 30-5 | 1997-98 | Arthur Lee (14.5) | Mark Madsen (8.2) |
| Stanford | 30-2 | 2003-04 | Josh Childress (15.7) | Josh Childress (7.5) |
| Stephen F. Austin | 26-6 | 2007-08 | Josh Alexander (16.1) | Josh Alexander (5.9) |
| Stetson | 22-4 | 1974-75 | Otis Johnson (15.9) | Otis Johnson (9) |
| Stony Brook | 22-10 | 2009-10 | Muhammad El-Amin (16.7) | Tommy Brenton (9.7) |
| Stony Brook | 22-10 | 2011-12 | Bryan Dougher (13.2) | Tommy Brenton (8.1) |
| Syracuse | 34-3 | 2011-12 | Kris Joseph (13.4) | Fab Melo (5.8) |
| Temple | 32-4 | 1986-87 | Nate Blackwell (19.8) | Tim Perry (8.6) |
| Temple | 32-2 | 1987-88 | Mark Macon (20.6) | Tim Perry (8) |
| Tennessee | 31-5 | 2007-08 | Chris Lofton (15.5) | Tyler Smith (6.7) |
| Tennessee-Martin | 22-10 | 2008-09 | Lester Hudson (27.5) | Lester Hudson (7.9) |
| Tennessee State | 19-10 | 1992-93 | Carlos Rogers (20.3) | Carlos Rogers (11.7) |
| Tennessee Tech | 27-7 | 2001-02 | Damien Kinloch (16.2) | Damien Kinloch (8.5) |
| Texas | 30-7 | 2005-06 | P.J. Tucker (16.1) | P.J. Tucker (9.5) |
| Texas A&M | 26-8 | 1979-80 | Vernon Smith (15.1) | Rudy Woods (7.6) |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 26-7 | 2006-07 | Chris Daniels (15.3) | Chris Daniels (6.7) |
| Texas-Arlington | 24-9 | 2011-12 | LaMarcus Reed (17.8) | Jordan Reves (7.8) |
| Texas Christian | 27-6 | 1997-98 | Lee Nailon (24.9) | Dennis Davis (9.8) |
| Texas-El Paso | 28-1 | 1965-66 | Bobby Joe Hill (15) | Harry Flournoy (10.7) |
| Texas-Pan American | 22-2 | 1974-75 | Marshall Rogers (26.7) | Gilbert King (13.3) |
| Texas-Pan American | 22-4 | 1977-78 | Michael Edwards (24.3) | Henry Taylor (14.2) |
| Texas-San Antonio | 22-7 | 1989-90 | Bruce Wheatley (13.9) | Bruce Wheatley (9.9) |
| Texas Southern | 22-7 | 1982-83 | Harry Kelly (28.8) | Harry Kelly (11.7) |
| Texas Southern | 22-7 | 1994-95 | Kevin Granger (19.7) | Anthony Jones (7.4) |
| Texas State | 25-7 | 1993-94 | Lynwood Wade (18.5) | Lynwood Wade (8.5) |
| Texas Tech | 30-2 | 1995-96 | Jason Sasser (19.5) | Tony Battie (8.9) |
| Toledo | 24-6 | 1939-40 | Bob Gerber (14.4) | unavailable |
| Towson | 21-9 | 1993-94 | Terrance "Scooter" Alexander (17.4) | John James (7.7) |
| Troy | 26-6 | 2002-03 | Ben Fletcher (13.9) | Rob Lewin (8.1) |
| Tulane | 24-4 | 1948-49 | Jim Riffey (13.5) | unavailable |
| Tulsa | 32-5 | 1999-2000 | David Shelton (13.5) | Brandon Kurtz (7) |
| UAB | 25-6 | 1981-82 | Oliver Robinson (21.1) | Chris Giles (7.6) |
| UAB | 25-9 | 2009-10 | Elijah Millsap (16.1) | Elijah Millsap (9.5) |
| UCLA | 35-4 | 2007-08 | Kevin Love (17.5) | Kevin Love (10.6) |
| UNLV | 37-2 | 1986-87 | Armon Gilliam (23.2) | Armon Gilliam (9.3) |
| Utah | 30-4 | 1990-91 | Josh Grant (17.5) | Josh Grant (8) |
| Utah State | 30-5 | 2008-09 | Gary Wilkinson (17.1) | Gary Wilkinson (6.8) |
| Utah State | 30-4 | 2010-11 | Taj Wesley (14.8) | Taj Wesley (8) |
| Utah Valley | 22-7 | 2006-07 | Ryan Toolson (15.5) | Jordan Brady (5.2) |
| Valparaiso | 25-8 | 2001-02 | Lubos Martin (14.9) | Raitis Grafs (6.8) |
| Vanderbilt | 28-6 | 1992-93 | Billy McCaffrey (20.6) | Bruce Elder (6.1) |
| Vermont | 25-7 | 2004-05 | Taylor Coppenrath (25.1) | Taylor Coppenrath (8.9) |
| Vermont | 25-8 | 2006-07 | Mike Trimboli (15.8) | Chris Holm (12.2) |
| Vermont | 25-10 | 2009-10 | Marqus Blakely (17.3) | Marqus Blakely (9.3) |
| Villanova | 30-8 | 2008-09 | Dante Cunningham (16.1) | Dante Cunningham (7.5) |
| Virginia | 30-4 | 1981-82 | Ralph Sampson (15.8) | Ralph Sampson (11.4) |
| Virginia Commonwealth | 29-7 | 2011-12 | Bradford Burgess (13.5) | Juvonte Reddic (6.7) |
| Virginia Military | 26-4 | 1976-77 | Ron Carter (20.4) | Dave Montgomery (8.9) |
| Virginia Tech | 25-10 | 1994-95 | Shawn Smith (16) | Adrian "Ace" Custis (10.5) |
| Virginia Tech | 25-9 | 2009-10 | Malcolm Delaney (20.2) | Jeff Allen (7.4) |
| Wagner | 25-6 | 2011-12 | Latif Rivers (14.6) | Jonathon Williams (5) |
| Wake Forest | 27-6 | 2004-05 | Eric Williams (16.1) | Eric Williams (7.7) |
| Washington | 30-3 | 1952-53 | Bob Houbregs (25.6) | Bob Houbregs (11.5) |
| Washington State | 26-6 | 1940-41 | Paul Lindeman (10.2) | unavailable |
| Washington State | 26-9 | 2007-08 | Derrick Low (14.1) | Aron Baynes (6) |
| Weber State | 27-3 | 1968-69 | Willie Sojourner (21.2) | Willie Sojourner (13.1) |
| Western Carolina | 22-12 | 2009-10 | Brandon Giles (11.9) | Harouna Mutombo (4.6) |
| Western Illinois | 20-11 | 1982-83 | Joe Dykstra (21.1) | Todd Hutcheson (6) |
| Western Illinois | 20-8 | 1994-95 | Garrick Vicks (17.7) | Garrick Vicks (7.7) |
| Western Kentucky | 30-3 | 1937-38 | Harry Saddler (11.8) | unavailable |
| Western Michigan | 26-5 | 2003-04 | Mike Williams (18.9) | Anthony Kann (7.2) |
| West Virginia | 31-7 | 2009-10 | Da'Sean Butler (17.2) | Devin Ebanks (8.1) |
| Wichita State | 29-8 | 2010-11 | J.T. Durley (11.3) | Gabe Blair (6.4) |
| William & Mary | 24-10 | 1948-49 | Chester "Chet" Giermak (21.8) | unavailable |
| Winthrop | 29-5 | 2006-07 | Michael Jenkins (14.8) | Craig Bradshaw (6.3) |
| Wisconsin | 31-5 | 2007-08 | Brian Butch (12.4) | Brian Butch (6.6) |
| Wofford | 26-9 | 2009-10 | Noah Dahlman (16.6) | Tim Johnson (7.9) |
| Wright State | 23-10 | 2006-07 | DaShaun Wood (19.6) | Drew Burleson (5.8) |
| Wyoming | 31-2 | 1942-43 | Milo Komenich (16.7) | unavailable |
| Xavier | 30-7 | 2007-08 | Josh Duncan (12.4) | Derrick Brown (6.5) |
| Yale | 29-7-1 | 1906-07 | unavailable | unavailable |
| Youngstown State | 20-9 | 1997-98 | Anthony Hunt (14.4) | David Brown (7.3) |
Peon to Pedestal: Where Will Nyarsuk Rank Among DI Transfer Centers From Small Colleges?
Will 7-1 David Nyarsuk rank high among major-college centers who began their college careers playing for a four- year small college before transferring? Cincinnati-bound Nyarsuk averaged 9.8 points and 8 rebounds per game for NAIA Tournament semifinalist Mountain State (WV) last season before the school encountered accredidation problems.
Nyarsuk signed with West Virginia out of high school but failed to qualify. The Sudanese native collected 19 points and 14 rebounds in an exhibition game against Morehead State. The largest African country by area previously supplied prominent Division I centers such as Mustafa Al-Sayyad (Fresno State), Deng Gai (Fairfield), Longar Longar (Oklahoma), Makor Shayok (Dayton) and Dud Tongal (Fordham).
Former NBA centers Tom Boswell and Billy Paultz are in this unique category. Following is an alphabetical list of previous DI centers who started their careers at a small four-year college:
| Transfer Center | Small College | Division I School | Career Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Akin | William Carey (MS) | Morehead State 64-65 | Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection averaged more than 11 rebounds each of his two seasons with the Eagles. |
| Scott Barnes | Eastern Montana 81-82 | Fresno State 84-85 | Averaged 9.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Eastern Montana before averaging 11.7 ppg and 6.6 rpg for Fresno State. Barnes was an All-PCAA second-team selection as a senior when he led the Bulldogs in rebounding (7.4 rpg). Grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds against Karl Malone-led Louisiana Tech when Fresno bowed to the Bulldogs in the first round of the 1984 NCAA playoffs. |
| Andrew Betts | C.W. Post (NY) 95-96 | Long Beach State 98 | Averaged 13.8 ppg and 10.4 rpg while shooting 52.6% from the floor in two years with c.W. Post. All-Big West Conference first-team selection in his only season with the 49ers averaged 18.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg and 1.7 bpg. |
| Don Boldebuck | Nebraska Wesleyan 52-53 | Houston 55-56 | Averaged more than 20 ppg for Nebraska Wesleyan before averaging 23 ppg and 17 rpg in leading Houston in scoring and rebounding both of his seasons with the Cougars. He paced them in scoring in both of their NCAA playoff games in 1956. |
| Tom Boswell | South Carolina State 72-73 | South Carolina 75 | Two-time All-MEAC selection (averaged more than 17 points and 11 rebounds each season with SCSU) outscored teammates Mike Dunleavy and Alex English to lead the Gamecocks' NIT squad in scoring average with 16.5 ppg. Boswell became a first-round draft choice of the Boston Celtics as an undergraduate. |
| John Bunch | Lincoln (PA) 03-04 | Monmouth 06-07 | Led Division III in blocked shots as a freshman and sophomore, including two games when he rejected an NCAA record 18 shots. Member of Monmouth's 2006 NCAA Tournament team before leading the Northeast Conference in blocked shots with 3.3 per game as a senior in 2006-07. |
| Pete Cornell | Puget Sound (WA) 95 | Loyola Marymount 97-98 | Averaged 4.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg as a sophomore and 8 ppg and 5.3 rpg as a junior with LMU before graduating early. |
| Jack Eskridge | Graceland (IA) 42-43 | Kansas 47-48 | After his college career was interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Marines during World War II, he set a Kansas school with 30 points in one half against Nebraska. Following a couple of years in the NBA, he returned to KU and served as an assistant coach during the Wilt Chamberlain era. |
| Tyler Field | UC San Diego 98 | San Diego 00-01 | Division III Freshman of the Year when he averaged 24.2 ppg and 14.3 rpg and shot 65% from the floor. Averaged 8.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg in two years with the Toreros. Led the WCC in field-goal shooting as a sophomore (60.6%) in 1999-2000. |
| Willie "Hutch" Jones | Buffalo State 78 | Vanderbilt 80-82 | Paced the Commodores in scoring (15.8 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg) as a senior. Led Vandy in field-goal shooting all three seasons to finish his DI career at 60.5%. Averaqed 7.1 ppg and 7 rpg as a freshman with Buffalo State. |
| Marcus Kennedy | Ferris State (MI) 87-89 | Eastern Michigan 91 | Mid-American Conference Player of the Year when he paced the league in scoring (20 ppg) and field-goal percentage (68.2 FG%). Led winningest team in school history in scoring in NCAA playoff victories against Mississippi State and Penn State. Averaged 17.1 ppg and 8 rpg while shooting 60.7% from the floor with Ferris State, leading the team in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore and junior. |
| Matt Massey | Nova Southeastern (FL) 08 | Southern Utah 10-11 | Averaged 7.1 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Nova. Averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg in his first two seasons with the Thunderbirds. |
| Tony Massop | Sacramento State 87 | Kansas State 89-90 | Averaged 10.3 ppg and 8 rpg as a sophomore at Sacramento State. Averaged 5.9 ppg and 5.6 rpg as a junior and 8.1 ppg and 6.6 rpg as a senior for a pair of NCAA tourney teams. He was the Wildcats' leading rebounder in 1989-90. |
| Bob McCann | Upsala (NJ) 83 | Morehead State 85-87 | Averaged 9.9 ppg and 8 rpg for Upsala. Three-time All-OVC first-team choice paced Morehead in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots all three seasons. He averaged 17.5 ppg and 10.5 rpg in his career with the Eagles. |
| Bret Mundt | Bethel (TN) 85-86 | Memphis State 88-89 | Averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 1987-88 and 6.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg in 1988-89 for a pair of NCAA tourney teams. Scored 13 points when the Tigers lost to Purdue in the 1988 Midwest Regional. |
| Nick Neumann | Binghamton (NY) 99 | Florida Atlantic 01-03 | Averaged 5.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg with Binghamton. Grabbed 13 rebounds in a game against Campbell in his first season with FAU. Averaged 6.8 ppg and 5.9 rpg as a senior. |
| Yemi Nicholson | Fort Lewis (CO) 02 | Denver 04-06 | Played in only one game for Fort Lewis. Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year as a junior when he averaged 18.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg and 3 bpg for Denver's all-time winningest team at the DI level. Averaged 15.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 2.4 bpg in three-year career with the Pioneers. |
| Ime Oduok | Pacific Christian (CA) 92 | Loyola Marymount 94-96 | Two-time All-WCC selection averaged 11.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg while shooting 59% from the floor during his LMU career. The Eket, Nigeria native grabbed 22 rebounds against Buffalo as a sophomore. |
| Billy Paultz | Cameron (OK) 67 | St. John's 69-70 | Averaged 9.5 ppg and 5 rpg with Cameron before transferring back to the East Coast. Participated in the 1969 NCAA playoffs with the Redmen before averaging 15.8 ppg and 13.4 rpg for the 1970 NIT runner-up. |
| Justin Rowe | Clearwater (FL) Christian 99-00 | Maine 02-03 | Finished among the top four in the nation in blocked shots with more than four per game as a junior and senior. All-America East Conference first-team selection in 2001-02 when he led the league in field-goal shooting (59.4%). Averaged 11.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 4.1 bpg with the Black Bears. |
| Dwayne Scholten | Seattle Pacific 83-84 | Washington State 86-87 | Led the Pacific-10 Conference with 9.2 rpg as a senior when he also contributed 11.5 ppg. Missed half of junior year because of a broken foot. Averaged 12 ppg and teaqm-high 10.3 rpg as a sophomore with Seattle Pacific after contributing a modest 4.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg as a freshman. |
| Bill Sherwood | Oglethorpe (GA) 84-85 | Oregon State 87-88 | Averaged 7.7 ppg in 1986-87 and 14.7 ppg in 1987-88 for the Beavers. Outscored teammate Gary Payton with 17 points in OSU's 70-61 loss to Louisville in the 1988 Southeast Regional. Averaged a modest 7.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg in two seasons with Oglethorpe. |
| Bill Simonovich | Hamline (MN) 52 | Minnesota 54-56 | Averaged 15.3 ppg and a team-high 10.9 rpg for Minnesota as a junior in 1954-55. |
| Anthony Smith | Clark (GA) 83 | Western Kentucky 88-89 | Led WKU in rebounding as a sophomore (10.4 rpg) and junior (10.1 rpg) before he was dismissed from the team. Averaged more than 11 ppg each season with the Hilltoppers. Averaged 1.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg as a freshman with Clark before joining the military. Served in the U.S. Army and played against WKU while with the Ft. Hood Tankers team before joining the Hilltoppers. |
| Scott Snider | Pacific Lutheran (WA) 92-93 | Gonzaga 95-96 | Led Pacific Lutheran in scoring as a freshman with 11.9 ppg before averaging 14 ppg and 5.6 rpg as a sophomore. Paced the WCC in field-goal shooting (62.9%) as a senior when he averaged 10.4 ppg and 7.4 rpg after averaging 5.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg the previous year for the Zags' first NCAA Tournament team. |
| Adam Sonn | Lipscomb (TN) 99 | Belmont 01-03 | Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year as a senior. Two-time All-Atlantic Sun first-team selection averaged 16.1 ppg, 10.7 rpg and 3 apg with the Bruins. Runner-up for Freshman of the Year in the TranSouth Conference when he was named to the All-Newcomer team after averaging 12 ppg and 6 rpg. |
Don't Buy Hype: High School Player Ratings Are Little More Than Ridiculists
Many high school player ratings need to be printed on toilet paper so they can be flushed down the commode. If you seek the latest evidence of their actual worth, simply assess the prep senior class of 2009/college senior class of 2013.
Two of the biggest busts in multiple ways were Renardo Sidney (Mississippi State) and Lance Stephenson (Cincinnati). Have the genius analysts who acknowledged these colossal cancer-causing clowns among the 2009 top 10 recruits on their manifestos gone to confession to deal with their selection sins? In retrospect, it seems inconceivable that Sidney and Stephenson were rated so far ahead of Arizona All-American Derrick Williams.
This critique also extends to rush-to-judgment plaudits from announcers who rely on these lists to hype recruits beyond reason before the impressionable teenagers set foot on a major-college court. There should be a "Duds Not Studs" web site devoted to so-called expert hyperventilating proclamations detailing the seemingly endless sizzle that wound up becoming little more than fizzle.
For instance, the following total of 11 McDonald's All-Americans from 2009 enter this season with college career scoring averages of less than eight points per game: Dominic Cheek (Villanova/7.6 ppg), Abdul Gaddy (Washington/6.4), Milton Jennings (Clemson/7), Wally Judge (Kansas State & Rutgers/4), Ryan Kelly (Duke/6.3), Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut & Missouri/7.2), Mason Plumlee (Duke/7.3), Dexter Strickland (North Carolina/6.7), Dante Taylor (Pittsburgh/5), David Wear (North Carolina & UCLA/6.8) and Travis Wear (North Carolina & UCLA/7.4).
This mistake-ridden mess isn't exactly a new trend. To their credit, at least the current underachievers all have higher scoring averages than McDonald's All-Americans since 1977 such as Darryl Barnes (1989/Georgia Tech/1.5 ppg), Bret Bearup (1980/Kentucky/3.6), Barry Bekkedam (1986/Villanova/2.1), Milton Bell (1988/Georgetown/3.7), Jimmy Braddock (1979/North Carolina/3.7), Pete Budko (1977/North Carolina/1.9), Vasco Evtimov (1996/North Carolina/2.8), Neil Fingleton (2000/North Carolina & Holy Cross/2.6), Bobby Frasor (2005/North Carolina/3.7), Shaun Golden (1989/Georgia/3.2), Bill Heppner (1987/DePaul/0.9), Pete Holbert (1980/Maryland/3), Reggie Jackson (1978/Maryland/3.9), Cedric Jenkins (1984/Kentucky/2.5), James Keefe (2006/UCLA/2.2), Dan Larson (1978/Utah and Santa Clara/3.6), Majestic Mapp (1999/Virginia/3.4), Glenn Mayers (1980/Wake Forest/3.5), Lonnie McFarlan (1980/St. Joseph's/3.7), Raymond McKoy (1979/San Francisco and DePaul/1.5), Martin Nessley (1983/Duke/2.4), Calvin Rayford (1991/Kansas/1.5), Casey Sanders (1999/Duke/2.7), Rodney Walker (1985/Syracuse and Maryland/2.3), Kevin Walls (1984/Louisville/2.7) and Matt Wenstrom (1989/North Carolina/1.6).
Ironic or not, all claims against fast-living Bekkedam and his former Radnor, Pa.-based investment firm were dismissed by investors last winter. He was CEO of Ballamor Capital Management, an integral feeder, funneling $100 million, into what turned out to be a Florida Ponzi scheme. Scott Rothstein, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer, enticed investors by promising a 15% return to invest in confidential settlements that his law firm had supposedly negotiated for plaintiffs.
"I sympathize completely with my fellow victims in this terrible deception," said Bekkedam, who had a reputation for using a private jet to visit clients in out-of-the-way places. "All of us were cruelly swindled by Rothstein (convicted of fraud and serving a 50-year prison sentence)." Seems to resemble the hoax being lured into putting too much stock into high school basketball player ratings!
Meanwhile, the following college seniors-to-be virtually overlooked when they left high school have had just as much, if not significantly more, impact on the sport: Murray State's Isaiah Canaan, Montana's Will Cherry, Central Florida's Keith Clanton, Notre Dame's Jack Cooley, Ohio's D.J. Cooper, BYU's Brandon Davies, Penn State's Tim Frazier, Baylor's Pierre Jackson, Lehigh's C.J. McCollum, Kansas State's Rodney McGruder, San Diego State's Chase Tapley and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters.
When will the myriad of breathless recruiting services and gurus playing loose and fast with the truth invest time issuing "corrections" after all of the returns are in? Errick McCollum Jr., C.J.'s dad, probably summed up the debilitating dialogue best when he told espn.com: "All those coaches and scouts don't know what they're doing. They have jobs to scout talent, but they don't know what they're doing. A plain eye can see that."
If they comprehend accountability, any overdue apologies from the recruiting services can simply lift phrases from Bekkdam's press release about "this terrible deception" and "all of us were cruelly swindled."
Leave of Absences: Majerus Missed All or Most of Four Seasons
Rick Majerus, one of the all-time Top 50 coaches, passed away in early December - three months after longstanding health issues surfaced again, forcing him to miss a season for the fourth time in his coaching career. Complicating things at the time were Majerus' age (64) plus the fact his original six-year contract with Saint Louis expired after this campaign and the school chose not to secure an extension despite him making Billiken hoops relevant again.
SLU interim Jim Crews inherited a squad that should end his personal nine-year streak of losing records with Evansville and Army because the Billikens are the consensus preseason favorite to win the Atlantic 10 title. It will be a major surprise if Crews doesn't win more conference games this season than he did over his first five years with Army in the Patriot League (nine). Crews, who guided Evansville to four NCAA playoff appearances, probably would be content to duplicate Kerry Rupp's 24-9 overall record in 2003-04 when Rupp was Majerus' third different interim with Utah.
Prior to arriving at SLU, an overweight Majerus underwent seven heart bypass procedures ("one for each food group" he joked) before having a stent inserted last summer. He previously hadn't been out for an extended period while with the Bills but did miss a total of six contests for an assortment of reasons - one because of food poisoning, one after ingesting the wrong mixture of medicine, three after incurring a severe leg infection when a couple of players diving for a loose ball collided with him and one when his girlfriend was in an automobile accident.
Majerus set a scholastic standard most coaches can't come remotely close to duplicating when his 1998 Utah squad became the only Final Four team ever to feature three Academic All-Americans among its regulars - Michael Doleac, Drew Hansen and Hanno Mottola.
But no coach ever has had as many extended leave of absences like Majerus. Among marquee mentors, head-coach designate Sean Sutton guided Oklahoma State to a 4-6 record in 2005-06 after his father compiled a 13-10 mark before taking a medical leave of absence following an automobile accident.
Most interim coaches who temporarily replace a prominent mentor don't compile a mark anywhere close to the success Rupp managed with the Utes. Following is an alphabetical list of prominent coaches since World War II who, similar to Majerus, didn't retire at the time but missed all or about half a season for a variety of reasons:
| Sidelined Coach | School | Season (Record) | Reason For Leave of Absence | Interim Coach (Record) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forrest "Phog" Allen | Kansas | 1946-47 (8-5) | Ordered to take a rest. | Howard Engleman (8-6) |
| Lyles Alley | Furman | 1949-50 (DNC) | Sabbatical to work on master's degree at Columbia. | Melvin Bell (9-12) |
| Harold Anderson | Bowling Green | 1950-51 (10-4) | Health reasons. | George Muellich (5-8) |
| Jimmy Collins | Illinois-Chicago | 2006-07 (6-7) | Abdominal aortic aneurysm. | Mark Coomes (8-11) |
| Bill E. Foster | South Carolina | 1982-83 (10-4) | Suffered heart attack during a game. | Steve Steinwedel (12-5) |
| Amory "Slats" Gill | Oregon State | 1959-60 (9-3) | Illness. | Paul Valenti (6-8) |
| Jack Hartman | Kansas State | 1984-85 (9-4) | Suffered a heart attack. | Darryl Winston (5-10) |
| Lou Henson | New Mexico State | 2004-05 (4-12) | Illness. | Tony Stubblefield (2-12) |
| Paul "Tony" Hinkle | Butler | 1956-57 (3-5) | Reason unavailable. | Bob Dietz (8-9) |
| Mike Krzyzewski | Duke | 1994-95 (9-3) | Recovering from a back ailment. | Pete Gaudet (4-15) |
| Rick Majerus | Utah | 1989-90 (4-2) | Underwent heart surgery. | Joe Cravens (12-12) |
| Rick Majerus | Utah | 2000-01 (1-0) | Personal leave of absence. | Dick Hunsaker (18-12) |
| Rick Majerus | Utah | 2003-04 (DNC) | Deal with health issues. | Kerry Rupp (24-9) |
| Rick Majerus | Saint Louis | 2012-13 (DNC) | Medical leave to deal with health issues. | Jim Crews (TBD) |
| Robert "Lute" Olson | Arizona | 2007-08 (DNC) | Going through divorce with second wife. | Kevin O'Neill (19-15) |
Repeat Offenders: Three Coaches Vacated NCAA Play With Different Schools
"We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." - Air Force honor code
College presidents finally seem to be paying at least a little more than just lip service to proposals for upright athletic programs. But the well-worn cliche "cheaters never prosper" isn't quite valid for coaches who didn't exactly abide by the aforementioned Air Force honor code.
Fool me once, shame on thee; fool me twice, shame on me. Shouldn't the three coaches who were in charge of two different schools when they were forced to vacate NCAA Tournament records be viewed as damaged goods rather than being canonized as they are in some quarters?
One man's trash is another man's treasure. It shouldn't be any surprise that John Calipari and Jim Valvano have a significant number of suspect characters among the list of "Bad Boys of College Basketball" assembled by CollegeHoopedia.com although their contributions to men behaving badly pales in comparison to the coddling of college cons by Jerry Tarkanian.
Six of Calipari's UMass players each reportedly received $12,000 to settle invasion-of-privacy complaints when their "alarming" grades were leaked to the media. After all, we can't have a serious discussion regarding scholastic standards; now can we? If the NCAA is indeed serious about draining the swamp, the governing body should embrace academic standards forcing the NBA to establish a reform school division in its developmental league. Studies have shown that a college education does not appear to diminish the probability of an eventual pro player getting in trouble with the law.
Rattling skeletons, following is the short but dubious list of repeat offenders among coaches who probably have support from shills thinking any transgression was worth it because they each won an NCAA championship during their careers:
| Two-Time Tainted Coach | Two Teams Vacating NCAA Playoff Action | National Titlist |
|---|---|---|
| John Calipari | Massachusetts (1996) and Memphis (2008) | Kentucky (2012) |
| Jerry Tarkanian | Long Beach State (1971 through 1973) and Fresno State (2000) | UNLV (1990) |
| Jim Valvano | Iona (1980) and North Carolina State (1987 and 1988) | N.C. State (1985) |
Flip Flop: Brown and Dakich Vie for Best Story Reneging on Coaching Job
New SMU bench boss Larry Brown began his nomadic head coaching career by resigning following only a couple of months at Davidson's helm in 1969. Brown reportedly departed primarily because the Wildcats didn't increase their recruiting budget and lower high academic requirements for prospective recruits. He was also annoyed about the school's summer basketball camp and receiving bills for his temporary residence and carpeting he ordered for his office.
Reducing academic standards has triggered an abundance of exceptions - scholastically challenged "prize prospects" who don't meet a school's usual admission standards but gain entry because of their special athletic talent. In other words, a classless institution of lower learning "looks the other way" when being more attracted to someone adept at throwing a no-look pass than exhibiting a citadel of higher learning focusing more on authentic students infinitely more capable of passing a genuine college class.
But Brown Out has competition for the most unusual tale for walking away from a new coaching position. In a sidebar to an account regarding prize West Virginia recruit Jonathan Hargett closing in on finishing a five-year prison sentence, the New York Times reported that Dan Dakich bolted in 2002 about a week after accepting a seven-year, $3.5 million contract upon discerning the "culture of dishonesty" in the Mountaineers' program, including Hargett telling him he had not been paid the full amount of money promised ($20,000 annually).
Dakich, now one of ESPN's most credible commentators, said he told David Hardesty, then the university's president, about Western Union receipts showing Hargett had received money. According to the NYT, Dakich recalls Hardesty threatening him, "If you go any further with this, we'll destroy you."
Hardesty, now a law professor at the school, told the NYT: "I would never condone a corrupt program." Wonder what his classroom stance is on truth serum or the admission of a lie detector test if he and Dakich could be hooked up to help weigh the honesty of Hardesty's assertion that Dakich's story is a "gross exaggeration" and "revisionist history."
A tragic tale unfolded in Evansville's initial season at the NCAA Division I level in 1977-78 when coach Bobby Watson and 13 members of his Purple Aces squad perished in a plane crash moments after taking off en route to their fifth game of the season. Watson, a Vietnam veteran with five Purple Hearts, was hired after former UE All-American Jerry Sloan, who went on to a distinguished coaching career with the NBA's Utah Jazz, had been named coach of the Purple Aces before abruptly changing his mind.
Davidson was also shunned by Dartmouth's Gary Walters in 1976. Following is an alphabetical list of coaches who had a change of heart and reneged on deals for a variety of reasons:
| Coach | Shunned School/Team (Year) | Subsequent Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Creighton's Dana Altman | Arkansas (2007) | John Pelphrey |
| Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Ken Anderson | Wisconsin (1982) | Steve Yoder |
| Oakland Oaks (ABA) guard Larry Brown | Davidson (1969) | Terry Holland |
| Capital's Vince Chickerella | Cincinnati (1972) | Gale Catlett |
| Capital's Vince Chickerella | Kent State (1978) | Ed Douma |
| Georgia Tech's Bobby Cremins | South Carolina (1993) | Eddie Fogler |
| Bowling Green's Dan Dakich | West Virginia (2002) | John Beilein |
| Florida's Billy Donovan | NBA's Orlando Magic (2007) | Stan Van Gundy |
| North Carolina assistant Bill Guthridge | Penn State (1978) | Dick Harter |
| Texas-El Paso's Don Haskins | Detroit (1969) | Jim Harding |
| Kansas State's Jack Hartman | Oklahoma State (1977) | Jim Killingsworth |
| ESPN analyst Rick Majerus | Southern California (2005) | Tim Floyd |
| Winthrop's Gregg Marshall | College of Charleston (2006) | Bobby Cremins |
| Appalachian State's Buzz Peterson | Southwest Missouri State (1999) | Barry Hinson |
| Chicago Bulls scout Jerry Sloan | Evansville (1977) | Bobby Watson |
| Dartmouth's Gary Walters | Davidson (1976) | Dave Pritchett |
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