At the morning press conference explaining the firing of head football coach Butch Davis a week before practice begins, Dick Baddour has asked Chancellor Holden Thorp to start a search for a successor.
The words Baddour used are "as soon as possible" serving out his contract, but will assume duties other than Athletic Director when a successor is named. Baddour wants to have the new AD start a seamless transition for the recruiting process with a new head football coach...
Interviews are this afternoon for the interim head football coach, but sources are telling OSG Sports that the Offensive Coordinator has the inside track for the sake of the athletes on the roster...
Here's coverage from our friends at WRAL-TV and wralsportsfan.com
Showing posts with label University of North Carolina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University of North Carolina. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Butch Davis Had To Go
On Monday at the ACC Football Kickoff in Pinehurst, N.C. Butch Davis was answering questions about the past year and a half and accepting the responsibility. It all happened under his watch.
I had a chance to discuss this with Davis Monday and while the 2010 season was the most brutal in his coaching career he admitted that season turned into his most gratifying.
All that is water under the bridge. UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp and the UNC Board of Trustees decided it was time to cut bait and fired Davis Wednesday.
What the powers that be at UNC-Chapel Hill came to the conclusion that the Universities reputation was at stake after taking a major hit during the John Blake affair and tutor-gate and that bad smell would linger if Butch Davis were to remain in charge, so now he's gone.
The general consensus is that Davis may have coached this season but may not have survived following the conclusion of the NCAA investigation.
Keep in mind Butch Davis has never been directly linked to any of the inpropriorties listed in the NCAA report.
All a major university with a high academic standing has to sell to potential students and would be donors is it's reputation and UNC had to rebuild that.
And that meant firing Butch Davis.
North Carolina wanted to get serious about football. For the foreseeable future the Tar Heel football program will face series challenges.
Here's reaction from UNC and Butch Davis. (Thanks WRAL-TV)
Here's team coverage of Butch Davis' firing from WRAL-TV.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
DEVELOPING: Butch Davis fired by UNC
((ht: newsobserver.com))It had to happen this way. Particularly after he took full responsibility for everything just two days ago.
The University of North Carolina fired head football coach Butch Davis today, just before practice for the upcoming season was about to begin next week.
The University spoke in a press conference at length about "Restoring Integrity" and "Moving Forward", which wasn't wrong.
Really the question is just "Why now?"
Read the entire story from the Raleigh News and Observer RIGHT HERE
There's a long list of problems the program has come under fire for over the past two years. Several players were suspended for the entire 2010 season for alleged improprieties and the list of problems continues to grow.
We suspect this was the first move to show the NCAA that administrators at the school are still in control, but again, the question is, "Why now...?" There's been nothing new since the Michael McAdoo incident...and that was a few weeks ago.
No word on an interim replacement for Davis, but the school is going to have a lot of work ahead to try and restore its reputation and live through what happened over the past few years.
Here's the release from our friends at UNC their ownselves...
University of North Carolina Chancellor Holden Thorp announced this evening that Butch Davis has been dismissed as head coach of the Carolina football program.
Davis was informed by Thorp and Director of Athletics Dick Baddour of the decision.
“To restore confidence in the University of North Carolina and our football program, it’s time to make a change,” said Thorp. “What started as a purely athletic issue has begun to chip away at this University’s reputation. I have been deliberate in my approach to understanding this situation fully, and I have worked to be fair to everyone involved. However, I have lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution. Our academic integrity is paramount and we must work diligently to protect it. The only way to move forward and put this behind us is to make a change.”
Thorp said the decision was not related to any change in the NCAA investigation, but that it was the result of the cumulative damage to the University’s reputation over the past year.
“Athletics and football are an important part of this University, and a successful football program is essential to the overall health of our athletic program,” Thorp continued. “That’s why we have to put this behind us and move forward.” Baddour said, “The last 13 months have been some of the most difficult that anyone associated with the athletic department and football program have dealt with. At this time, a decision has been made to change the leadership of the football program to help the entire University community move forward.
“I want to thank Butch Davis and his family for their four‐plus years of service and dedication to the University and the Chapel Hill community,” continued Baddour. “My staff and I will work with Chancellor Thorp to transition to an interim head coach as soon as possible. It is critical that we do all we can to help our students and other staff members on the football team since preseason training camp begins in just eight days.”
A presser is set for campus tomorrow morning...
More when we know more...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
McAdoo Sues North Carolina
Not THAT McAdoo...
We're talking football this time...
Defensive end Michael McAdoo, who is technically in the eyes of the NCAA an "ex-football player," is suing the school demanding he be reinstated after being declared ineligible for academic misconduct. He's also seeking damages from the school and the NCAA. The lawsuit also, while it's at it, accuses the NCAA of "gross negligence" in ruling him ineligible based on "inaccurate information." McAdoo's attorneys filed the lawsuit back on Friday.
McAdoo was one of seven players forced to sit out all of last season while the NCAA investigated all those improper benefits and academic misconduct allegations.
The lawsuit also "seeks to compel" chancellor Holden Thorp to reinstate McAdoo while also preventing the NCAA from interfering in the process. A hearing on that request is scheduled for July 15.
The HQ would like to tell McAdoo "good luck on all that..."
Here's some file tape on McAdoo that got him to Chapel Hill...
((HT: youtube))
We're talking football this time...
Defensive end Michael McAdoo, who is technically in the eyes of the NCAA an "ex-football player," is suing the school demanding he be reinstated after being declared ineligible for academic misconduct. He's also seeking damages from the school and the NCAA. The lawsuit also, while it's at it, accuses the NCAA of "gross negligence" in ruling him ineligible based on "inaccurate information." McAdoo's attorneys filed the lawsuit back on Friday.
McAdoo was one of seven players forced to sit out all of last season while the NCAA investigated all those improper benefits and academic misconduct allegations.
The lawsuit also "seeks to compel" chancellor Holden Thorp to reinstate McAdoo while also preventing the NCAA from interfering in the process. A hearing on that request is scheduled for July 15.
The HQ would like to tell McAdoo "good luck on all that..."
Here's some file tape on McAdoo that got him to Chapel Hill...
((HT: youtube))
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
DEVELOPING: UNC Gets NCAA Notice- And It Ain't Good...
And you know that's never good news...
Here's the Notice of Allegations from the folks at the NCAA...
Basically, it says that UNC, through their relationship with former assistant coach John Blake providing false and misleading information to the NCAA enforcement staff and to the institution and for failure to cooperate with the investigation, steered athletes to agent Gary Wichard, and Blake got paid for things he didn't report to UNC that he got paid on.
Tutor Jennifer Wiley refused to provide information to the NCAA enforcement staff and to UNC and provided extra benefits by paying travel and parking expenses and tutored athletes.
There are also allegations of academic fraud against unnamed student-athletes and Wiley, allegations that student-athletes received preferential treatment and accepted impermissible benefits, allegations against a former student-athlete for unethical conduct, and... the ever popular...
"Failure to monitor" Chris Hawkins, the social media activity of the football team in 2010; and possible extra benefits to a student-athlete triggered by agent legislation connected to Hawkins...
That's a lot...
Quoting Chancellor Holden Thorp:
"I deeply regret that Carolina is in this position. We made mistakes, and we have to face that. When the investigation started a year ago, we pledged to cooperate fully with the NCAA, to go where the facts took us, and to face the issues head on. Our level of cooperation is evident in the allegations, some of which arise from facts that we self-reported to the NCAA. We will emerge with a stronger athletics program, and we will restore confidence in Carolina football."
Quoting AD Dick Baddour:
"We are disappointed to be in this position because it goes against everything we believe in, but we are thankful to get to the next step in the process. These are the issues that we have been dealing with since last summer. We will gather the information the NCAA has requested and prepare to address the notice with the NCAA in the fall. We have a strong staff that will help get us through this and put us in a position where we will be a better athletic department as a result. Our fans have been through a lot this past year, and we appreciate their continued patience and support as we work through these next steps with the NCAA."
And quoting head coach Butch Davis:
"I feel terrible that these allegations occurred under my watch. I especially regret that the university has had to endure this scrutiny because of the football program. The responsibility for correcting any problems that put us in this position is mine, and I take that responsibility very seriously.
"I want to thank our fans for the tremendous support we have received. Their loyalty and support has been especially appreciated by our student-athletes. The opportunity I have to serve the University of North Carolina is one that I cherish, and I will continue to focus on improving every aspect of our football program."
UNC has 90 days to provide a response to the NCAA Committee on Infractions. The gets to appear before the committee in Indianapolis on October 28th...
So, who's fired in all of this before we're done...???
Davis...??? Baddour...??? Both...??? None of the above...???
The HQ thinks Davis lasts one more season before he's blown up as a "See...??? See...???" move by the school. Baddour may last. He probably shouldn't...
Here's the early Breaker from our friends at WRAL-TV
((HT: WRALSportsFan.com))
WRAL's wall-to-wall coverage is hyah...
It's a must read...
and all of this leads to deep doodoo...
Here's the Notice of Allegations from the folks at the NCAA...
Basically, it says that UNC, through their relationship with former assistant coach John Blake providing false and misleading information to the NCAA enforcement staff and to the institution and for failure to cooperate with the investigation, steered athletes to agent Gary Wichard, and Blake got paid for things he didn't report to UNC that he got paid on.
Tutor Jennifer Wiley refused to provide information to the NCAA enforcement staff and to UNC and provided extra benefits by paying travel and parking expenses and tutored athletes.
There are also allegations of academic fraud against unnamed student-athletes and Wiley, allegations that student-athletes received preferential treatment and accepted impermissible benefits, allegations against a former student-athlete for unethical conduct, and... the ever popular...
"Failure to monitor" Chris Hawkins, the social media activity of the football team in 2010; and possible extra benefits to a student-athlete triggered by agent legislation connected to Hawkins...
That's a lot...
Quoting Chancellor Holden Thorp:
"I deeply regret that Carolina is in this position. We made mistakes, and we have to face that. When the investigation started a year ago, we pledged to cooperate fully with the NCAA, to go where the facts took us, and to face the issues head on. Our level of cooperation is evident in the allegations, some of which arise from facts that we self-reported to the NCAA. We will emerge with a stronger athletics program, and we will restore confidence in Carolina football."
Quoting AD Dick Baddour:
"We are disappointed to be in this position because it goes against everything we believe in, but we are thankful to get to the next step in the process. These are the issues that we have been dealing with since last summer. We will gather the information the NCAA has requested and prepare to address the notice with the NCAA in the fall. We have a strong staff that will help get us through this and put us in a position where we will be a better athletic department as a result. Our fans have been through a lot this past year, and we appreciate their continued patience and support as we work through these next steps with the NCAA."
And quoting head coach Butch Davis:
"I feel terrible that these allegations occurred under my watch. I especially regret that the university has had to endure this scrutiny because of the football program. The responsibility for correcting any problems that put us in this position is mine, and I take that responsibility very seriously.
"I want to thank our fans for the tremendous support we have received. Their loyalty and support has been especially appreciated by our student-athletes. The opportunity I have to serve the University of North Carolina is one that I cherish, and I will continue to focus on improving every aspect of our football program."
UNC has 90 days to provide a response to the NCAA Committee on Infractions. The gets to appear before the committee in Indianapolis on October 28th...
So, who's fired in all of this before we're done...???
Davis...??? Baddour...??? Both...??? None of the above...???
The HQ thinks Davis lasts one more season before he's blown up as a "See...??? See...???" move by the school. Baddour may last. He probably shouldn't...
Here's the early Breaker from our friends at WRAL-TV
((HT: WRALSportsFan.com))
WRAL's wall-to-wall coverage is hyah...
It's a must read...
and all of this leads to deep doodoo...
Friday, June 17, 2011
Blake, UNC Players Talked In 2009
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com, Raleigh News and Observer/Giglio))
Surprising no one, really, the release of the University of North Carolina phone records revealed that former assistant coach John Blake was in contact with suspended players Marvin Austin and Cam Thomas during the trip to a California training facility in 2009.
The same cell phone records also indicate:
1) That contact was made among Blake, Butch Davis, and agent Gary Wichard and,
2) Blake contacted Wichard and Austin during the first NCAA visit of the investigation...
From Giglio... How-evah...
Austin said in a March 2011 interview that no one at UNC knew about the trip to California. The trip came under scrutiny during the NCAA investigation into whether players received preferential treatment, benefits or services.
"They had no reason to know," Austin said of the trip at UNC's pro day before the NFL draft on March 31. "I didn't think I had to call the university and say, 'Well, I'm going to California to go train.'"
Oops...
WRAL-TV's Erin Hartness has the first words out of the Triangle...
Surprising no one, really, the release of the University of North Carolina phone records revealed that former assistant coach John Blake was in contact with suspended players Marvin Austin and Cam Thomas during the trip to a California training facility in 2009.
The same cell phone records also indicate:
1) That contact was made among Blake, Butch Davis, and agent Gary Wichard and,
2) Blake contacted Wichard and Austin during the first NCAA visit of the investigation...
From Giglio... How-evah...
Austin said in a March 2011 interview that no one at UNC knew about the trip to California. The trip came under scrutiny during the NCAA investigation into whether players received preferential treatment, benefits or services.
"They had no reason to know," Austin said of the trip at UNC's pro day before the NFL draft on March 31. "I didn't think I had to call the university and say, 'Well, I'm going to California to go train.'"
Oops...
WRAL-TV's Erin Hartness has the first words out of the Triangle...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
UNC Prelim Numbers Reveal $13K In Unpaid Tickets
((HT: Raleigh News and Observer/Perez, Blythe))
The University of North Carolina has released their preliminary findings in the investigation in and around their football program, and the early numbers show $13,000 in unpaid parking tickets...
Robbi Pickeral has the numbers breakdown for the N&O...
The inundation of paperwork requested by a lot of media outlets came on the same day that the state Court of Appeals denied UNC's request to delay the release of those records. This may give us all an idea where the NCAA is heading in their investigation at present...
The News and Observer requested information on:
Charles Brown, Kendric Burney, Bruce Carter, Ryan Houston, Dwight Jones, Donte Paige-Moss, Robert Quinn, Kevin Reddick, Greg Little, Johnny White, Deunta Williams.
But, in return, UNC did not release the names of players listed on the citations, and did not release the citations either. The school maintains there is only one copy of the ticket.
More when we know more... and there should be more...
The University of North Carolina has released their preliminary findings in the investigation in and around their football program, and the early numbers show $13,000 in unpaid parking tickets...
Robbi Pickeral has the numbers breakdown for the N&O...
The inundation of paperwork requested by a lot of media outlets came on the same day that the state Court of Appeals denied UNC's request to delay the release of those records. This may give us all an idea where the NCAA is heading in their investigation at present...
The News and Observer requested information on:
Charles Brown, Kendric Burney, Bruce Carter, Ryan Houston, Dwight Jones, Donte Paige-Moss, Robert Quinn, Kevin Reddick, Greg Little, Johnny White, Deunta Williams.
But, in return, UNC did not release the names of players listed on the citations, and did not release the citations either. The school maintains there is only one copy of the ticket.
More when we know more... and there should be more...
Monday, June 13, 2011
Vanderbilt Head Coach Rooting For North Carolina, Has A Great Excuse
[HT: The Tennessean]For the College World Series, Kevin Stallings, the head coach of Vanderbilt's men's basketball team, will be rooting for North Carolina.
Stallings has a great reason why, his son Jacob is the starting catcher for the Tar Heels.
By the luck of the draw Vanderbilt opens the CWS against North Carolina.
A bit of a dilemma for the elder Stallings?
“There is no dilemma,” Kevin Stallings told The Tennessean. “It’s a little awkward. But my two favorite baseball teams have made it to Omaha. It’s the best kind of dilemma … if you want to call it a dilemma."
“It’s a case of two things that I was really hoping would happen, happening.”
Jacob Stallings says it will be a fun week for the ole man but he hopes Commodore fans understand.
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110613/SPORTS0602/306130035/Vandy-basketball-coach-s-blood-runs-blue-CWS-opener?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
North Carolina Receives Formal "Notice Of Inquiry" From NCAA
Do you ever wonder how a "Notice of Inquiry" is delivered to a University. Is it in a plain manilla envolope or Fed Ex.UNC Chancellor Holden Throp received such notice on his desk Tuesday.
Click on the link to read the "Notice of Inquiry":
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/unc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/NoticeofInquiry0607.pdf
The letter is a formal declaration of an investigation into the program, which originally began in June, 2010.
"The notice of inquiry is a formal notification from the NCAA that they have been reviewing our football program," said North Carolina Athletic Director Dick Baddour in a statement released by the University. "We have been working with the NCAA and cooperating with them on this investigation. We are committed to the process and will continue to cooperate."
For almost an entire year the NCAA has been investigating North Carolina's athletic program for impermissible benefits and academic misconduct.
You recall 14 football players missed games last season during the investigations, seven were permanently ineligible including Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn and Greg Little for receiving money and other benefits from agents.
This won't get as juicy as Ohio State is currently but don't ignore.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tar Heels Tricked. Maryland Pulls Off "Hidden Ball Trick"
Let's call in May Madness. The NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament had it's first round upset and it was between ACC rivals. Maryland defeated 8th seed North Carolina in Chapel Hill 13-6 to survive and advance.
The Terps useds the old hidden ball trick to halt the Heels.
Those of us at the OSG HQ are now hooked on NCAA Lacrosse.
The Terps useds the old hidden ball trick to halt the Heels.
Those of us at the OSG HQ are now hooked on NCAA Lacrosse.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Woody Durham Signs Off After 40 Years At UNC
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))
And now we lose another voice of our growing up...
Woody Durham retired from his place as the voice of North Carolina athletics...
So many people will not be able to hear the pipes- and that's a shame...
Enjoy your time, and thanks...
Remember calls like this...
((HT: NCAA/youtube))
And now we lose another voice of our growing up...
Woody Durham retired from his place as the voice of North Carolina athletics...
So many people will not be able to hear the pipes- and that's a shame...
Enjoy your time, and thanks...
Remember calls like this...
((HT: NCAA/youtube))
Monday, April 18, 2011
Harrison Barnes Returns To Chapel Hill
And with Zeller and Henson staying as well, the odds are that either UNC or Kentucky will be your preseason number one... whenever those preseason things are released...
Here's the rather-lengthy prepared statement meant to sound like Harrison in his own words... choose for yourself...
"As an 18-year old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes says. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA.
"Opportunities, both beneficial and life changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey an easy decision. But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports.
"The experiences I've enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond.
"I look forward to meeting the challenging journey in the NBA, but my decision on November 13, 2009, still holds true. I'm focused on being a student-athlete. And my decision is to continue this part of my journey at the University of North Carolina.
"As a team, we're preparing for a special season. My off-season plans are to diligently work on honing my basketball skills in all areas with one team-goal in mind -- to bring the 2012 national championship home to UNC."
More when we know more...
Here's the rather-lengthy prepared statement meant to sound like Harrison in his own words... choose for yourself...
"As an 18-year old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes says. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA. And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA.
"Opportunities, both beneficial and life changing, can seem to make the next phase of my journey an easy decision. But I am a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina. I'm here to experience college life, grow as a person, receive a quality education, and be part of the greatest basketball family in college sports.
"The experiences I've enjoyed on and off the court will be invaluable. These experiences will help fuel my journey in the NBA and beyond.
"I look forward to meeting the challenging journey in the NBA, but my decision on November 13, 2009, still holds true. I'm focused on being a student-athlete. And my decision is to continue this part of my journey at the University of North Carolina.
"As a team, we're preparing for a special season. My off-season plans are to diligently work on honing my basketball skills in all areas with one team-goal in mind -- to bring the 2012 national championship home to UNC."
More when we know more...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Larry Drew II Heading West. Enrolled At UCLA
This last we heard from Larry Drew II he was leaving North Carolina because he lost his starting point guard position. The Tar Heels thrived with a pass first dribble with you head up point guard in Kendall Marshall. Heck Marshall almost led North Carolina to the Final Four.
It appears Larry Drew II has found a home and it's UCLA. Drew must like the baby blue colors, this time with gold trim.
UCLA's Scout.com site is citing a source say Drew enrolled Monday for the spring quarter at UCLA and will be eligible for the 2012-13 season. Drew will have one year of eligibility with the Bruins.
By the way Drew will be paying his own way through UCLA until he is eligible to play.
Interesting to see how Larry Drew will do playing for Ben Howland.
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Saturday, March 26, 2011
VCU Knocks Off Florida State In OT To Get To Final 8
Now, they get Kansas...
The Jayhawks had no issue with Richmond
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))
Others that moved to the next round included North Carolina- who get Kentucky after their upset of Ohio State...
The Tarheels had no issue with Marquette...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))
Here's the end of the Kentucky-Ohio State game...
Until it gets pulled...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA/youtube))
More when we know more...
The Jayhawks had no issue with Richmond
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))
Others that moved to the next round included North Carolina- who get Kentucky after their upset of Ohio State...
The Tarheels had no issue with Marquette...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))
Here's the end of the Kentucky-Ohio State game...
Until it gets pulled...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA/youtube))
More when we know more...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Politics Of Dancing: Dook Is A One Seed
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))
Fifth-ranked Duke ((depending on your poll)) has now added their 19th ACC tournament title to its mantle. Nolan Smith had 20 points and the Blue Devils ended 6th-ranked North Carolina's run of comebacks all week in Greensboro, beating the Tar Heels 75-58 in the championship game.
Dook led the entire way...
The Blue Devils won their third straight tournament and their 10th in the last 13 years. Smith was named tourney MVP...
Here's your postgame from the Blue Devils win...
Fifth-ranked Duke ((depending on your poll)) has now added their 19th ACC tournament title to its mantle. Nolan Smith had 20 points and the Blue Devils ended 6th-ranked North Carolina's run of comebacks all week in Greensboro, beating the Tar Heels 75-58 in the championship game.
Dook led the entire way...
The Blue Devils won their third straight tournament and their 10th in the last 13 years. Smith was named tourney MVP...
Here's your postgame from the Blue Devils win...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
In His Mind Larry Drew II Got The Hell Out Of Carolina.
So how has North Carolina's fortunes changed since Roy Williams replaced Larry Drew II at point with Kendall Marshall? How about an ACC regular season title and now a Final Four threat.
Drew left Chapel Hill to transfer to a school yet to be determined. Well Drew has resurfaced with a rap song reflecting on his North Carolina day.
http://www.twitvid.com/3SRFD
Some of the lyrics are:
"They tried to tell me just to play my role ... but who wants to stick with a script full of typos?" and "I refuse to be another robot..."
Real classy
Drew left Chapel Hill to transfer to a school yet to be determined. Well Drew has resurfaced with a rap song reflecting on his North Carolina day.
http://www.twitvid.com/3SRFD
Some of the lyrics are:
"They tried to tell me just to play my role ... but who wants to stick with a script full of typos?" and "I refuse to be another robot..."
Real classy
Monday, March 7, 2011
Broseph's Bits And The Tuesday Gospel
The real conference tournaments kick off this week as teams make their last second push to glory and a chance to be one of 68 in the NCAA tournament or one of seemingly hundreds who will play in a tournament that only gamblers will care about. With that, let's take a look and see who is going to make some noise.
ACC (3/10 - 3/13) -- It's a down year for the conference despite what their fans want to tell you. North Carolina and Duke are the cream of the crop with Florida State being the 3rd seed by default. They are a shell of themselves without Chris Singleton. It would be a major upset if Carolina and Duke didn't meet again this season for the 3rd time in the title game. If you are looking for a sleeper, it could be the winner of UVA and Miami. The Hoos grind it out and force you to play at a pace you just aren't used to while the Canes are the head scratching team with a ton of talent that just hasn't been put together. CHAMPION: North Carolina
Atlantic 10 (3/8 - 3/13) -- This is a conference that always seems to have upsets and intrigue. Xavier and Temple are the cream of the crop and definite tournament teams. The Spiders have the talent to knock off anyone in the conference. The Musketeers haven't exactly treated the tournament as life or death and that strategy has paid off in the NCAA Tournament. Temple should heed that and look to bow out gracefully as the Owls don't have the depth they had in past years. If Richmond can get past Rhode Island, a team they lost to at home this season, the Spiders will be your conference champion. CHAMP: Richmond
Big 12 (3/9 - 3/12) -- Plenty of intrigue with Texas sliding and Kansas State seemingly hitting their stride. The Wildcats are a dangerous team and a quarterfinal matchup against the Jayhawks will light up the Sprint Center. On the other half of the bracket, Baylor and Missouri will present problems for the two and three seeded squads from Texas. This conference is a tough one to call so I'm going to go chalk and take the Jayhawks. Their road isn't tough until the title game. CHAMP: Kansas
Big East (3/8 - 3/12) -- The best tournament in America gets underway this week in the historic Madison Square Garden. This one is WIDE open with a whole host of teams who could take it. We've seen the squads with the double bye fail last season so those teams aren't a guarantee to take it. The best matchup could be the eventual 4/5 game with St. Johns looking to wrest away the title "New York's team" from Syracuse. Ninth seeded UConn would win a lot of conferences, but they are playing in the first round in this monster. I don't think the double byes will be an issue this year. CHAMP: Pittsburgh
Big 10 (3/10 - 3/13) -- Yawn. I'll admit it...this conference is about as intriguing as paint drying in my eyes. I keep waiting for Michigan State to wake up and play like Tom Izzo teams do. They'll have to roll thru Iowa, Purdue and Wisconsin before getting to the title game. I don't see much intrigue out of this conference. Give me the chalk. CHAMP: Ohio State
Conference USA (3/9 - 3/12) -- This one is on UTEP's campus as the Miners get the benefit that Memphis had all those years it was in their town. The one seed is UAB. This conference is a one big league barring one of the bubble teams making an uber run. Remember UCF? Yeah, they fell down big time after their undefeated start. Homecourt rules in this one. CHAMP: UTEP
MAC Conference (3/8 - 3/12) -- Some may be asking why this is here. This conference has always provided excitement and fun as the teams battle on campus sites and then Cleveland. Kent State is the class of the conference, but Ohio may be the hottest team in there. Buffalo is about as dangerous an eight seed as there is in ANY conference in the country. They've had some good wins this season and could upset Kent State in the second round. We're going to take the team playing some of the best basketball right now. CHAMP: Ohio
Mountain West Conference: (3/8 - 3/12) -- It's Jimmer's world vs. UNLV's home court. This tournament will be intriguing to see if BYU can handle the step up in talent without Brandon Davies. UNLV gets a tough first matchup with Air Force who makes you work for every basket and takes time running their offense. Should they win that, they'll most likely face the Aztecs and their balanced attack. This is an underrated conference with Jimmer vs. the Running Rebs my final. CHAMP: UNLV
PAC-10 (3/9 - 3/12) -- The Staples Center will host this spectacular tournament as the PAC 10 tries to get more teams into the tournament. Washington and USC are on the bubble as well as UCLA. Arizona held on for dear life at home against the Huskies. U-Dub has way too much talent, but a first matchup with Wazzu could prevent any sort of run and a postseason bid. Still, I think Washington puts it together and gets help from USC who will knock off Arizona. CHAMP: Washington
SEC (3/10 - 3/13) -- Underwhelming. Outside of Florida and Kentucky, this conference has a lot of teams that you can mix and match. The one squad to keep a look out for is Mississippi State who has been a thru a ton with the problems of talented Renardo Sidney and Ravern Johnson. Still, when they want to play, they are going to beat a lot of teams. Mississippi State may have the most talent outside of UK and Florida. Tennessee and Georgia are also intriguing if they get past their first round matchups. Who knows what Volunteers team will show up on a day-to-day basis. CHAMP: Mississippi State
ACC (3/10 - 3/13) -- It's a down year for the conference despite what their fans want to tell you. North Carolina and Duke are the cream of the crop with Florida State being the 3rd seed by default. They are a shell of themselves without Chris Singleton. It would be a major upset if Carolina and Duke didn't meet again this season for the 3rd time in the title game. If you are looking for a sleeper, it could be the winner of UVA and Miami. The Hoos grind it out and force you to play at a pace you just aren't used to while the Canes are the head scratching team with a ton of talent that just hasn't been put together. CHAMPION: North Carolina
Atlantic 10 (3/8 - 3/13) -- This is a conference that always seems to have upsets and intrigue. Xavier and Temple are the cream of the crop and definite tournament teams. The Spiders have the talent to knock off anyone in the conference. The Musketeers haven't exactly treated the tournament as life or death and that strategy has paid off in the NCAA Tournament. Temple should heed that and look to bow out gracefully as the Owls don't have the depth they had in past years. If Richmond can get past Rhode Island, a team they lost to at home this season, the Spiders will be your conference champion. CHAMP: Richmond
Big 12 (3/9 - 3/12) -- Plenty of intrigue with Texas sliding and Kansas State seemingly hitting their stride. The Wildcats are a dangerous team and a quarterfinal matchup against the Jayhawks will light up the Sprint Center. On the other half of the bracket, Baylor and Missouri will present problems for the two and three seeded squads from Texas. This conference is a tough one to call so I'm going to go chalk and take the Jayhawks. Their road isn't tough until the title game. CHAMP: Kansas
Big East (3/8 - 3/12) -- The best tournament in America gets underway this week in the historic Madison Square Garden. This one is WIDE open with a whole host of teams who could take it. We've seen the squads with the double bye fail last season so those teams aren't a guarantee to take it. The best matchup could be the eventual 4/5 game with St. Johns looking to wrest away the title "New York's team" from Syracuse. Ninth seeded UConn would win a lot of conferences, but they are playing in the first round in this monster. I don't think the double byes will be an issue this year. CHAMP: Pittsburgh
Big 10 (3/10 - 3/13) -- Yawn. I'll admit it...this conference is about as intriguing as paint drying in my eyes. I keep waiting for Michigan State to wake up and play like Tom Izzo teams do. They'll have to roll thru Iowa, Purdue and Wisconsin before getting to the title game. I don't see much intrigue out of this conference. Give me the chalk. CHAMP: Ohio State
Conference USA (3/9 - 3/12) -- This one is on UTEP's campus as the Miners get the benefit that Memphis had all those years it was in their town. The one seed is UAB. This conference is a one big league barring one of the bubble teams making an uber run. Remember UCF? Yeah, they fell down big time after their undefeated start. Homecourt rules in this one. CHAMP: UTEP
MAC Conference (3/8 - 3/12) -- Some may be asking why this is here. This conference has always provided excitement and fun as the teams battle on campus sites and then Cleveland. Kent State is the class of the conference, but Ohio may be the hottest team in there. Buffalo is about as dangerous an eight seed as there is in ANY conference in the country. They've had some good wins this season and could upset Kent State in the second round. We're going to take the team playing some of the best basketball right now. CHAMP: Ohio
Mountain West Conference: (3/8 - 3/12) -- It's Jimmer's world vs. UNLV's home court. This tournament will be intriguing to see if BYU can handle the step up in talent without Brandon Davies. UNLV gets a tough first matchup with Air Force who makes you work for every basket and takes time running their offense. Should they win that, they'll most likely face the Aztecs and their balanced attack. This is an underrated conference with Jimmer vs. the Running Rebs my final. CHAMP: UNLV
PAC-10 (3/9 - 3/12) -- The Staples Center will host this spectacular tournament as the PAC 10 tries to get more teams into the tournament. Washington and USC are on the bubble as well as UCLA. Arizona held on for dear life at home against the Huskies. U-Dub has way too much talent, but a first matchup with Wazzu could prevent any sort of run and a postseason bid. Still, I think Washington puts it together and gets help from USC who will knock off Arizona. CHAMP: Washington
SEC (3/10 - 3/13) -- Underwhelming. Outside of Florida and Kentucky, this conference has a lot of teams that you can mix and match. The one squad to keep a look out for is Mississippi State who has been a thru a ton with the problems of talented Renardo Sidney and Ravern Johnson. Still, when they want to play, they are going to beat a lot of teams. Mississippi State may have the most talent outside of UK and Florida. Tennessee and Georgia are also intriguing if they get past their first round matchups. Who knows what Volunteers team will show up on a day-to-day basis. CHAMP: Mississippi State
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
DEVELOPING: Agent Finances Subpoenad In UNC Case
Investigators have issued a search warrant for the financial records of suspended NFL agent Gary Wichard. They're checking on the idea that the laws governing agents in the state of North Carolina have been broken and/or circumvented when Wichard was allegedly wooing North Carolina players Marvin Austin and Kentwon Balmer.
The search warrant is for Bank of America documents concerning Wichard's Pro Tect Management LLC since January of 2009. The idea is that PTM reimbursed Austin and Balmer's high school coach who paid for plane tickets to the west coast.
A copy of the search warrant is hyah
The North Carolina Secretary of State's office started their investigation after the NCAA began looking into possible agent-related benefits in North Carolina's football
program.
Secretary of State spokesman George Jeter said the search warrant was "definitely a step forward in the investigation."
The statement from the Secretary of State's office also believes, in the warrant, there is "probable cause to believe that PTM and Wichard furnished items of value to Austin."
The NFL Players Association suspended Wichard in December for nine months for his role in the UNC probe.
Here's a story from October where WRAL-TV's Jason Jennings caught up with Tarheel teammates after the initial suspensions...
The search warrant is for Bank of America documents concerning Wichard's Pro Tect Management LLC since January of 2009. The idea is that PTM reimbursed Austin and Balmer's high school coach who paid for plane tickets to the west coast.
A copy of the search warrant is hyah
The North Carolina Secretary of State's office started their investigation after the NCAA began looking into possible agent-related benefits in North Carolina's football
program.
Secretary of State spokesman George Jeter said the search warrant was "definitely a step forward in the investigation."
The statement from the Secretary of State's office also believes, in the warrant, there is "probable cause to believe that PTM and Wichard furnished items of value to Austin."
The NFL Players Association suspended Wichard in December for nine months for his role in the UNC probe.
Here's a story from October where WRAL-TV's Jason Jennings caught up with Tarheel teammates after the initial suspensions...
Friday, February 4, 2011
Larry Drew II Leaves UNC
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))
Larry Drew leaves the North Carolina basketball program with more questions than answers...
Could he deal with all the jawing about his ability...?
Is he going to transfer...?
How did he feel about being a back-up...?
Apparently, the answer was "not very well" to the first and third...
And, yes, to the one in the middle...
Drew only averaged 4.6 points per game this year. Following UNC’s 20-point loss at Georgia Tech on January 16th, head coach Roy Williams switched out Kendall Marshall and Drew at point.
The Tar Heels did not practice on Wednesday due to a late arrival back into Chapel Hill that morning. Practice resumed on Thursday afternoon, and by all accounts, everything seemed normal.
But that is far from what went down...
Here's Roy Williams talking about the departure...
He's not happy...
Larry Drew leaves the North Carolina basketball program with more questions than answers...
Could he deal with all the jawing about his ability...?
Is he going to transfer...?
How did he feel about being a back-up...?
Apparently, the answer was "not very well" to the first and third...
And, yes, to the one in the middle...
Drew only averaged 4.6 points per game this year. Following UNC’s 20-point loss at Georgia Tech on January 16th, head coach Roy Williams switched out Kendall Marshall and Drew at point.
The Tar Heels did not practice on Wednesday due to a late arrival back into Chapel Hill that morning. Practice resumed on Thursday afternoon, and by all accounts, everything seemed normal.
But that is far from what went down...
Here's Roy Williams talking about the departure...
He's not happy...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
After Successfully Fighting Cancer UNC's Jessica Breland Is Back On The Court
Those who know North Carolina junior center Jessica Breland refer to her heart of gold and how she has a sweet spirit.Those who go up against Breland on the basketball court will tell you about her soft shooting touch and her tenacity on defense.
Breland is all that. Following her junior season at North Carolina Breland led the league in blocked shots while averaging double figures in points and among the top rebounders in the ACC. She was becoming one of the top all-around players in the country.
Then cancer reared its ugly head. For more, read this article I wrote for Foxsports.com
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/01/19/11/Brelands-Battle/landing_acc.html?blockID=394103&feedID=3644
Breland's mission now is to help kids who suffer from this dreadful disease. on November 7th the North Carolina women's basketball program and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center kicked off Jessica Breland's "Comeback For Kids Fund" providing support for cancer research and treatment at UNC’s pediatric oncology program with a gala known as "Rhinestones and Rebounds."
Here's more of Jessica's story told in her own words, her father Charles Breland and North Carolina head coach Sylvia Hatchell.
The "Rhinestones and Rebounds" gala kick started Jessica Breland's foundation raising $57,200.
If you would like to make a gift to the Comeback For Kids fund, go to http://www.unclineberger.org/comeback/
Photo Courtesy: CHUCK LIDDY / Raleigh News Observer
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