By: Matt Laurie
Sports Editor, Daily Helmsman, University of Memphis
Before a banquet at the Holiday Inn near The University of Memphis campus, basketball coach John Calipari finally talked to the media.
Fifteen minutes later, the silence was shattered and Calipari told why he didn't leave Memphis for North Caroline State.
"It was the players, it wasn't the deal," Calipari said. "If it were the deal I'd be at the other school."
Along with staying in Memphis Calipari earns a new contract that will, in theory, keep him here through the 2010-11 season.
According to reports, Calipari's base salary will increase from $1.1 million to $1.3 million, not including incentives that boost the package to $1.7 million.
The new deal also stipulates a raise for Calipari's assistants and improvements to the Finch Center.
However, Calipari admits, the N.C. State job was enticing.
"You're talking about an ACC job, unbelievable facilities and resources, you're talking about quality of life," he said. "There's just so many things when it got to where 'Maybe I should look at this,' So I did."
Calipari confirmed that a flight was taken to N.C. State and equated the trip to a CIA mission, completed under secrecy.
U of M Athletic Director R.C. Johnson, who was on the road with the Tiger Scholarship Fund, was not there for the press conference, but said in a statement released by the athletic department earlier today, "Six years ago we hired John Calipari as head coach for our basketball program and he made three commitments," said Johnson. "First, graduate student-athletes under his tutelage. Next, place this basketball program on a national stage and compete for championships. Finally, rekindle and strengthen the bond between the city and the basketball program. He's accomplished all three. John has committed to the university and the community, just as we have committed to him."
Calipari said the relationship between he and Johnson is fine and both Johnson and University President Shirley Raines knew every step he was taking in looking at N.C. State.
"The thing that was most important to me is the vision that I have for the program, and that everyone is on the same page," Calipari said.
When asked if there was a job that could make him leave Memphis, Calipari said, "…not right now."
In his six years at Memphis, Calipari has compiled a record of 148-59 and a record of 341-130 in 14 seasons. He's won four NCAA championship games while at Memphis and has averaged almost 25 wins per season.
His 148 victories are the most by a Memphis coach in any six-year span.
However, with that success, he still hasn't completed what he's set out to do at Memphis.
"What I want to do here we haven't accomplished yet," he said.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Calipari's Press Appearance After Signing New Contract
Players' hopes swayed Calipari
His courtship with North Carolina State officially over, John Calipari can now focus on who will be in uniform next season.
By Gary Parrish
April 14, 2006
John Calipari met with media members Thursday for the first time since signing a new contract with the University of Memphis. Among his constant themes was that loyalty to his current players was more important than the additional money he could've made by accepting an offer to be the next basketball coach at North Carolina State. "This wasn't about money because if it was I wouldn't be standing here," Calipari said before a YES Foundation function at the Holiday Inn on the UofM Campus. "You're sitting here and you have a staff and their families, and then you have your other family -- those 13 or 14 basketball players. And at the end of the day there are a lot of young people pinning their hopes on what we do. We have a good group of young people, and I'm ecstatic about coaching them."
Calipari's remarks came near the close of a whirlwind week that began with N.C. State offering a deal worth close to $2 million per year that he ultimately rejected in favor of agreeing to an extension with Memphis. While details of the new contract have not been disclosed, sources told The Commercial Appeal it will increase Calipari's base salary from less than $1.1 million to about $1.3 million, though that number does not include additional shoe contract money or various incentives that will escalate the package. So in the end, everything worked out.
Memphis got the coach it wanted.
The coach got what he wanted.
But make no mistake, none of it came easy, the negotiations got testy and Calipari, at times, said he felt like he was on the verge of cardiac arrest. He wasn't eating. He wasn't sleeping. He was guzzling coffee like a Hummer does gas.
"I had chest pains so bad one night in bed and told my wife and she said 'Go to sleep' and I said, 'I won't wake-up. What are you talking about go to sleep?'" Calipari said with a laugh. "This is not something I wanted to go through or plan on going through again."
Now all the focus turns towards Darius Washington and Shawne Williams, each of whom has a decision to make about whether he will also return to the UofM. While analysts agree both could benefit from at least another year of college, Washington, a sophomore point guard, and Williams, a freshman forward, are admittedly considering turning pro.
Players who want to enter the NBA Draft have until April 29 to file the proper paperwork.
However, Calipari said Washington and Williams could announce their decisions "in the next couple of weeks" while adding through implication he'd have no issues if either or both opted to at least test the process without hiring an agent.
Under that scenario, the duo could work out for teams and participate in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp June 6-10. They would then have until June 18 to withdrawal.
"How can I tell them if they want to look at things not to?" Calipari said in reference to his serious look at N.C. State this week. "I'll meet with Darius and his father and Shawne and his grandfather. ... But this is not about us. This is about them."
-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365
His courtship with North Carolina State officially over, John Calipari can now focus on who will be in uniform next season.
By Gary Parrish
April 14, 2006
John Calipari met with media members Thursday for the first time since signing a new contract with the University of Memphis. Among his constant themes was that loyalty to his current players was more important than the additional money he could've made by accepting an offer to be the next basketball coach at North Carolina State. "This wasn't about money because if it was I wouldn't be standing here," Calipari said before a YES Foundation function at the Holiday Inn on the UofM Campus. "You're sitting here and you have a staff and their families, and then you have your other family -- those 13 or 14 basketball players. And at the end of the day there are a lot of young people pinning their hopes on what we do. We have a good group of young people, and I'm ecstatic about coaching them."
Calipari's remarks came near the close of a whirlwind week that began with N.C. State offering a deal worth close to $2 million per year that he ultimately rejected in favor of agreeing to an extension with Memphis. While details of the new contract have not been disclosed, sources told The Commercial Appeal it will increase Calipari's base salary from less than $1.1 million to about $1.3 million, though that number does not include additional shoe contract money or various incentives that will escalate the package. So in the end, everything worked out.
Memphis got the coach it wanted.
The coach got what he wanted.
But make no mistake, none of it came easy, the negotiations got testy and Calipari, at times, said he felt like he was on the verge of cardiac arrest. He wasn't eating. He wasn't sleeping. He was guzzling coffee like a Hummer does gas.
"I had chest pains so bad one night in bed and told my wife and she said 'Go to sleep' and I said, 'I won't wake-up. What are you talking about go to sleep?'" Calipari said with a laugh. "This is not something I wanted to go through or plan on going through again."
Now all the focus turns towards Darius Washington and Shawne Williams, each of whom has a decision to make about whether he will also return to the UofM. While analysts agree both could benefit from at least another year of college, Washington, a sophomore point guard, and Williams, a freshman forward, are admittedly considering turning pro.
Players who want to enter the NBA Draft have until April 29 to file the proper paperwork.
However, Calipari said Washington and Williams could announce their decisions "in the next couple of weeks" while adding through implication he'd have no issues if either or both opted to at least test the process without hiring an agent.
Under that scenario, the duo could work out for teams and participate in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp June 6-10. They would then have until June 18 to withdrawal.
"How can I tell them if they want to look at things not to?" Calipari said in reference to his serious look at N.C. State this week. "I'll meet with Darius and his father and Shawne and his grandfather. ... But this is not about us. This is about them."
-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
$2M Questions: Where Does Cash Come From?
$2M question: Where does cash come from?
Robbi Pickeral, Staff Writer
News & Observer
Raleigh, North Carolina
So how do you find enough money to offer someone $2 million to coach college basketball? If N.C. State goes that high for a new men's basketball coach, it would have to put together a complicated deal that would include funds from the athletics department -- which gets its revenue from sources, including ticket sales, TV contracts and the ACC -- plus radio/television money, shoe contract dollars and fundraising from the booster club.Executive Director Bobby Purcell said the N.C. State Student Aid Association -- commonly known as the Wolfpack Club -- a nonprofit booster organization that provides scholarships for student-athletes -- is prepared to help fund a package for a new men's basketball coach. It currently funds $840,000 in annuities for football coach Chuck Amato.
North Carolina's Educational Foundation, commonly known as the Rams Club, raised money for a $3.9 million "replacement package" for coach Roy Williams, so he would not lose money when he was hired away from Kansas in 2003. The Wolfpack Club might have to take a similar approach.
"We have funds in place, but we would try to do something special for that," said Purcell, adding that the university would need to propose a figure to the Club's 20-member board for approval.
Like at Carolina, Purcell said, the funds -- in whatever form -- would be paid to the University, not directly to the coach.
It's unclear what the ripple effect of such a high salary might be in the ACC. Williams' package is worth an average of $1.6 million a season; according to tax returns, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was paid just less than $1.5 million in 2003.
"I can assure you that all successful coaches want and expect raises regardless of whether there has been a recent search in the region -- and they all know the 'market' value of their work," East Carolina athletics director Terry Holland said in an e-mail. "Some university positions are driven by national market forces, others by regional market forces and still others by local market forces -- it is pretty certain that coaching positions in the so-called 'revenue' sports are driven by national market forces.
"I believe the concerns about the 'arms' race, including rising coaches' salaries, are legitimate concerns, but antitrust legislation to protect a free market economy prevents institutions from being able to address the issue by collusion."
Here's a breakdown of what coaches make -- and where it comes from -- locally:
ROY WILLIAMS, UNC BASKETBALL
Total package per season: roughly $1.6 million
Base salary: $260,000
Bonuses: 1/12 salary each for making NCAA Tournament, round of eight, and when team graduation rate equals that of the student body
Expense account: $25,000
TV/radio: $347,300 from Learfield
Extras: $3.9 million over five seasons, raised by Rams Club; separate $500,000 deal with Nike
JOHN BUNTING, UNC FOOTBALL
Total package per season: roughly $650,000
Base salary: $260,000
Bonuses: 1/12 salary for participating in postseason play
Expense account: $25,000
TV/radio: roughly $225,000 from Learfield
Extras: separate $150,000 deal with Nike
SKIP HOLTZ, ECU FOOTBALL
Total package per season: at least $400,000
Base salary: $150,000
Bonuses: $25,000 for making NCAA bowl, $25,000 for making BCS bowl or league championship bowl
Expense account: reimbursement for expenses "reasonably incurred"
TV/radio: $240,000 (with $25,000 increases each season)
Extras: $10,000 from Pirate Club appearances; also earns money from summer camps and is allowed apparel and endorsement deals
RICKY STOKES, ECU BASKETBALL
Total package per season: at least $200,000
Base salary: $150,000
Bonuses: $15,000 for NIT bid, $25,000 raise the following season for NCAA bid
Expense account: reimbursement for expenses "reasonably incurred"
TV/radio: $40,000 (with $25,000 increases each season)
Extras: $10,000 from Pirate Club appearances; also earns money from summer camps and is allowed apparel and endorsement deals
HERB SENDEK, FORMER NCSU BASKETBALL
Total package per season: roughly $800,000
Base salary: $175,000
Extras: information not immediately available
CHUCK AMATO, NCSU FOOTBALL
Total package per season: roughly $900,000
Base salary: $206,601
Bonuses: Three months' pay for making bowl
Extras: Also eligible for $840,000 in annuities, funded by the Wolfpack Club, to be paid by the University on Jan. 6, 2008; other information not immediately available
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, DUKE BASKETBALL
Total package per season: According to Duke's 2003 tax return, Krzyzewski made $1,488,888 -- $800,000 in compensations, $71,860 in contributions to employee benefit plans and deferred compensation, and $617,028 in an expense account and other allowances. Duke is a private school and there is no public information on compensation.
TED ROOF, DUKE FOOTBALL
Unavailable.
Robbi Pickeral, Staff Writer
News & Observer
Raleigh, North Carolina
So how do you find enough money to offer someone $2 million to coach college basketball? If N.C. State goes that high for a new men's basketball coach, it would have to put together a complicated deal that would include funds from the athletics department -- which gets its revenue from sources, including ticket sales, TV contracts and the ACC -- plus radio/television money, shoe contract dollars and fundraising from the booster club.Executive Director Bobby Purcell said the N.C. State Student Aid Association -- commonly known as the Wolfpack Club -- a nonprofit booster organization that provides scholarships for student-athletes -- is prepared to help fund a package for a new men's basketball coach. It currently funds $840,000 in annuities for football coach Chuck Amato.
North Carolina's Educational Foundation, commonly known as the Rams Club, raised money for a $3.9 million "replacement package" for coach Roy Williams, so he would not lose money when he was hired away from Kansas in 2003. The Wolfpack Club might have to take a similar approach.
"We have funds in place, but we would try to do something special for that," said Purcell, adding that the university would need to propose a figure to the Club's 20-member board for approval.
Like at Carolina, Purcell said, the funds -- in whatever form -- would be paid to the University, not directly to the coach.
It's unclear what the ripple effect of such a high salary might be in the ACC. Williams' package is worth an average of $1.6 million a season; according to tax returns, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski was paid just less than $1.5 million in 2003.
"I can assure you that all successful coaches want and expect raises regardless of whether there has been a recent search in the region -- and they all know the 'market' value of their work," East Carolina athletics director Terry Holland said in an e-mail. "Some university positions are driven by national market forces, others by regional market forces and still others by local market forces -- it is pretty certain that coaching positions in the so-called 'revenue' sports are driven by national market forces.
"I believe the concerns about the 'arms' race, including rising coaches' salaries, are legitimate concerns, but antitrust legislation to protect a free market economy prevents institutions from being able to address the issue by collusion."
Here's a breakdown of what coaches make -- and where it comes from -- locally:
ROY WILLIAMS, UNC BASKETBALL
Total package per season: roughly $1.6 million
Base salary: $260,000
Bonuses: 1/12 salary each for making NCAA Tournament, round of eight, and when team graduation rate equals that of the student body
Expense account: $25,000
TV/radio: $347,300 from Learfield
Extras: $3.9 million over five seasons, raised by Rams Club; separate $500,000 deal with Nike
JOHN BUNTING, UNC FOOTBALL
Total package per season: roughly $650,000
Base salary: $260,000
Bonuses: 1/12 salary for participating in postseason play
Expense account: $25,000
TV/radio: roughly $225,000 from Learfield
Extras: separate $150,000 deal with Nike
SKIP HOLTZ, ECU FOOTBALL
Total package per season: at least $400,000
Base salary: $150,000
Bonuses: $25,000 for making NCAA bowl, $25,000 for making BCS bowl or league championship bowl
Expense account: reimbursement for expenses "reasonably incurred"
TV/radio: $240,000 (with $25,000 increases each season)
Extras: $10,000 from Pirate Club appearances; also earns money from summer camps and is allowed apparel and endorsement deals
RICKY STOKES, ECU BASKETBALL
Total package per season: at least $200,000
Base salary: $150,000
Bonuses: $15,000 for NIT bid, $25,000 raise the following season for NCAA bid
Expense account: reimbursement for expenses "reasonably incurred"
TV/radio: $40,000 (with $25,000 increases each season)
Extras: $10,000 from Pirate Club appearances; also earns money from summer camps and is allowed apparel and endorsement deals
HERB SENDEK, FORMER NCSU BASKETBALL
Total package per season: roughly $800,000
Base salary: $175,000
Extras: information not immediately available
CHUCK AMATO, NCSU FOOTBALL
Total package per season: roughly $900,000
Base salary: $206,601
Bonuses: Three months' pay for making bowl
Extras: Also eligible for $840,000 in annuities, funded by the Wolfpack Club, to be paid by the University on Jan. 6, 2008; other information not immediately available
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI, DUKE BASKETBALL
Total package per season: According to Duke's 2003 tax return, Krzyzewski made $1,488,888 -- $800,000 in compensations, $71,860 in contributions to employee benefit plans and deferred compensation, and $617,028 in an expense account and other allowances. Duke is a private school and there is no public information on compensation.
TED ROOF, DUKE FOOTBALL
Unavailable.
Calipari Spurns N.C. State
Calipari spurns State
After a visit to Raleigh, men's basketball coach John Calipari tells his players he will stay at Memphis for the 2006-07 season
Chip Alexander and Caulton Tudor, Staff Writers
The News & Observer
The new N.C. State men's basketball coach will not be John Calipari.Late Tuesday afternoon, Calipari called his Memphis players to his home to tell them that he was staying for the 2006-07 season.
Calipari took a whirlwind visit to Raleigh on Monday night, and those associated with the Wolfpack program were optimistic they would receive a quick reply from him on Tuesday. NCSU was offering Calipari a package worth about $2 million a year.
But as the hours passed Tuesday, that optimism began to fade.
Calipari, whose Tigers were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament this year, will receive a new contract at Memphis that should pay him between $1.5 million and $1.7 million a year, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.
What next for N.C. State?
Good question.
Those with knowledge of the search say Texas coach Rick Barnes and Calipari were far and away the Pack's top two targets. Now that both have rejected NCSU's entreaties, Wolfpack athletics director Lee Fowler may next contact LSU coach John Brady, who guided the Tigers to the Final Four this year.
One potential choice, Virginia Commonwealth's Jeff Capel, is no longer available. Capel, an ex-Duke player, was introduced Tuesday as Oklahoma's coach.
Brady has been at LSU for nine years. He just finished the third of a five-year contract that pays him $715,000 a year, among the lowest salaries in the Southeastern Conference, but has received a raise to about $1 million a year.
Fowler and NCSU chancellor James Oblinger flew to Memphis on Sunday to meet with Calipari. When Calipari and members of his staff jetted to Raleigh late Monday night, it was seen as a positive sign.
But a question about state taxes may have been a snag in the negotiations. North Carolina's state income tax is higher than in Tennessee, where the state income tax is based only on dividends and interest income.
Even had Calipari taken NCSU's offer, there may have been questions about his years as head coach at Massachusetts, where he was head coach before leaving for the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1996.
The Boston Globe published stories in 1994 and 1995 about academic deficiencies on the team. In 1997, UMass reported to the NCAA that star Marcus Camby gave an agent $28,000 after the 1996 season to keep agent John Lounsbury from being killed by loan sharks -- money the newspaper said Camby was given when the agent recruited him as a client.
The NCAA later made UMass return $151,000 in tournament money and stripped the Minutemen of their 1996 Final Four recognition.
On Tuesday, ex-UMass athletics director Robert Marcum said Calipari was absolved of any wrongdoing in the case. Marcum, now at Marshall, said UMass self-reported the violations to the NCAA and that the NCAA ruled UMass did not know in advance about Camby's improper gifts.
N.C. State is looking to replace Herb Sendek, who had a 191-132 record in 10 seasons before leaving for Arizona State.
(Staff writer Jaymes Powell Jr., news researcher Denise Jones and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Staff writer Chip Alexander can be reached at 829-8945 or chipa@newsobserver.com.
After a visit to Raleigh, men's basketball coach John Calipari tells his players he will stay at Memphis for the 2006-07 season
Chip Alexander and Caulton Tudor, Staff Writers
The News & Observer
The new N.C. State men's basketball coach will not be John Calipari.Late Tuesday afternoon, Calipari called his Memphis players to his home to tell them that he was staying for the 2006-07 season.
Calipari took a whirlwind visit to Raleigh on Monday night, and those associated with the Wolfpack program were optimistic they would receive a quick reply from him on Tuesday. NCSU was offering Calipari a package worth about $2 million a year.
But as the hours passed Tuesday, that optimism began to fade.
Calipari, whose Tigers were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament this year, will receive a new contract at Memphis that should pay him between $1.5 million and $1.7 million a year, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported.
What next for N.C. State?
Good question.
Those with knowledge of the search say Texas coach Rick Barnes and Calipari were far and away the Pack's top two targets. Now that both have rejected NCSU's entreaties, Wolfpack athletics director Lee Fowler may next contact LSU coach John Brady, who guided the Tigers to the Final Four this year.
One potential choice, Virginia Commonwealth's Jeff Capel, is no longer available. Capel, an ex-Duke player, was introduced Tuesday as Oklahoma's coach.
Brady has been at LSU for nine years. He just finished the third of a five-year contract that pays him $715,000 a year, among the lowest salaries in the Southeastern Conference, but has received a raise to about $1 million a year.
Fowler and NCSU chancellor James Oblinger flew to Memphis on Sunday to meet with Calipari. When Calipari and members of his staff jetted to Raleigh late Monday night, it was seen as a positive sign.
But a question about state taxes may have been a snag in the negotiations. North Carolina's state income tax is higher than in Tennessee, where the state income tax is based only on dividends and interest income.
Even had Calipari taken NCSU's offer, there may have been questions about his years as head coach at Massachusetts, where he was head coach before leaving for the NBA's New Jersey Nets in 1996.
The Boston Globe published stories in 1994 and 1995 about academic deficiencies on the team. In 1997, UMass reported to the NCAA that star Marcus Camby gave an agent $28,000 after the 1996 season to keep agent John Lounsbury from being killed by loan sharks -- money the newspaper said Camby was given when the agent recruited him as a client.
The NCAA later made UMass return $151,000 in tournament money and stripped the Minutemen of their 1996 Final Four recognition.
On Tuesday, ex-UMass athletics director Robert Marcum said Calipari was absolved of any wrongdoing in the case. Marcum, now at Marshall, said UMass self-reported the violations to the NCAA and that the NCAA ruled UMass did not know in advance about Camby's improper gifts.
N.C. State is looking to replace Herb Sendek, who had a 191-132 record in 10 seasons before leaving for Arizona State.
(Staff writer Jaymes Powell Jr., news researcher Denise Jones and The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Staff writer Chip Alexander can be reached at 829-8945 or chipa@newsobserver.com.
Frenzy Ends Without Incident
Frenzy ends without incident
Jeff Calkins, Memphis Commercial Appeal
April 12, 2006
You are now free to go back to your regularly-scheduled life. Do those taxes. Fertilize that lawn.
Don't waste another minute fretting that John Calipari is going to bolt for North Carolina State. Calipari is staying right where he is. As expected, Memphis barbecue carried the day.
Or Memphis hospitality.
Memphis humidity?
It wasn't the Memphis dollars, anyway.
North Carolina State offered Calipari roughly $2 million a year.
Memphis kept him by offering:
A base salary of roughly $1.3 million.
A salary bump for his assistants.
Improvements to the Finch Center.
Wait, you're saying. What else was there?
A modest share of the Memphis riverfront?
The Zippin Pippin?
Mineral rights to Shelby Farms?
No!
That's it.
It's going to be a hard day for cynics, isn't it?
Calipari decided to stay in Memphis for roughly $700,000 a year less than he was offered by North Carolina State.
Go ahead, read that again.
Calipari decided to stay in Memphis for roughly $700,000 a year less than he was offered by North Carolina State.
The guy took less money to stay in a city he likes, to coach a team he believes in.
That's what you call a life lesson, isn't it?
So endeth our civic mini-drama and it's hard not to feel a little ridiculous about it all.
Just look at the way we've acted the last few days. Over a basketball coach.
By agreeing to meet representatives of North Carolina State, Calipari caused otherwise reasonable people to do unreasonable things.
Witness the scene at Olive Branch Airport early Tuesday morning.
ESPN.com had been reporting that Calipari went to Raleigh, N.C., for a visit. Shortly before midnight, word traveled by fan message board that a jet from Raleigh was arriving at Olive Branch Airport.
How did the fans know this?
Because of a Web site called flightaware.com, which tracks the flights of private planes. Punch in a departure site and a destination, and you'll get a list of all the planes making that trip in a defined time period.
There was a flight from Raleigh scheduled to arrive in Olive Branch at 12:20 a.m.
So the news hit the message boards and, soon, hundreds of fans were tracking the flight on its lonely trip through the skies.
Mind you, there was no evidence to suggest Calipari was actually on the plane. It could have been a businessman, drawing up an agreement to buy a North Carolina timber farm, blissfully unaware he was being tracked.
Gary Parrish, who covers Tiger basketball for this paper, went to the airport to meet the flight.
"There were two cars of fans already there," he said.
It was after midnight, on a Tuesday, and two groups of fans showed up to watch a basketball coach get on or off a plane.
Oh, and the plane was diverted to Memphis International Airport. Nobody saw a darn thing.
But why let a detail like that get in the way of our fervor, or should we call it craziness?
Calipari's decision notwithstanding, the coaching arms race has gotten out of hand. When one school is desperate enough to pay a coach $2 million a year, every other school eventually has to do the same.
A decade ago, $500,000 was a hefty salary for a basketball coach. Now $1.1 million is a slap in the face.
How long before the number hits $5 million? Or $10 million? Is any number too high?
Ahhhh, that's just the market at work, you say. Just like anything else.
But it's the market at work in a university setting, and doesn't that change things a bit? Shouldn't universities have values apart from market values? If not, what's the difference between college and pro teams?
The nice thing is, Memphis now has its two high-profile coaches signed to long-term deals. Calipari agreed to his new contract Tuesday. Tommy West put the finishing touches on his, too.
So y'all can relax and get back to whatever you were doing before the panic broke out.
It's done, over.
At least until next year.
To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail
All's well: Calipari expected to stay at U of M
All's well: Calipari expected to stay at U of M
Coach decides against N.C. State, sources say
By Gary Parrish
April 12, 2006
Ending 48 hours of speculation, John Calipari agreed in principle Tuesday to remain at the University of Memphis and in turn reject an offer to become the next basketball coach at North Carolina State. Multiple sources told The Commercial Appeal that Calipari reached the decision following an afternoon meeting with athletic director R.C. Johnson.
Though details of the new deal are unclear, sources said it includes a raise for Calipari that will push his salary from less than $1.1 million to around $1.3 million plus incentives -- that could take the package to about $1.7 million -- through the 2010-11 season. His assistants will enjoy pay increases and there is a guarantee that improvements will be made to the Finch Center practice facility.
An announcement is expected today.
"It's an all's-well-that-ends-well situation," said Harold Byrd, a prominent UofM booster. "I think all the fans wanted coach Cal to stay, and coach Cal just wanted to know he was respected and wanted. It's good that he's staying. As I said before, he is like the Muhammad Ali of coaches. He brings attention from around the nation."
According to sources, when N.C. State chancellor James Oblinger and athletic director Lee Fowler visited Calipari on Sunday the school offered a package worth nearly $2 million per year.
In the subsequent 48 hours, Calipari mulled the situation and considered accepting. But ultimately he turned away dollar signs for the opportunity to remain in Memphis and continue coaching a team that is coming off an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament and expected to challenge for a Final Four berth next season.
The UofM players gathered at Calipari's home in East Memphis around 5 p.m. Tuesday for a meeting where their coach apparently relayed the news. But while exiting, they each avoided much dialog.
"He just told us to keep going to class," said point guard Andre Allen, who, like his teammates, claimed at the time he remained unsure whether Calipari was rejecting N.C. State. However, when Allen was asked whether he thought he'd be playing for Calipari next season, he didn't hesitate, answering, "Yeah."
In other developments, assistant Tony Barbee told The Commercial Appeal on Tuesday afternoon that he was withdrawing from Murray State's coaching search after recently interviewing for the job. "I want to stay with Cal," he said. Late Tuesday, Murray State athletic director Allen Ward told the Associated Press the school will hire Miami assistant Billy Kennedy to replace Mick Cronin, who left last month to coach at Cincinnati.
Also, Darius Washington and Shawne Williams each said Tuesday they remain undecided on whether to return to school to play for Calipari or enter the NBA Draft. Washington said he is still "exploring all options." Williams added he is "gathering all the right information" to make an educated decision.
But sources close to the UofM have said Calipari's loyalty to the program could help sway the talented underclassmen to return.
-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365
Coach decides against N.C. State, sources say
By Gary Parrish
April 12, 2006
Ending 48 hours of speculation, John Calipari agreed in principle Tuesday to remain at the University of Memphis and in turn reject an offer to become the next basketball coach at North Carolina State. Multiple sources told The Commercial Appeal that Calipari reached the decision following an afternoon meeting with athletic director R.C. Johnson.
Though details of the new deal are unclear, sources said it includes a raise for Calipari that will push his salary from less than $1.1 million to around $1.3 million plus incentives -- that could take the package to about $1.7 million -- through the 2010-11 season. His assistants will enjoy pay increases and there is a guarantee that improvements will be made to the Finch Center practice facility.
An announcement is expected today.
"It's an all's-well-that-ends-well situation," said Harold Byrd, a prominent UofM booster. "I think all the fans wanted coach Cal to stay, and coach Cal just wanted to know he was respected and wanted. It's good that he's staying. As I said before, he is like the Muhammad Ali of coaches. He brings attention from around the nation."
According to sources, when N.C. State chancellor James Oblinger and athletic director Lee Fowler visited Calipari on Sunday the school offered a package worth nearly $2 million per year.
In the subsequent 48 hours, Calipari mulled the situation and considered accepting. But ultimately he turned away dollar signs for the opportunity to remain in Memphis and continue coaching a team that is coming off an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament and expected to challenge for a Final Four berth next season.
The UofM players gathered at Calipari's home in East Memphis around 5 p.m. Tuesday for a meeting where their coach apparently relayed the news. But while exiting, they each avoided much dialog.
"He just told us to keep going to class," said point guard Andre Allen, who, like his teammates, claimed at the time he remained unsure whether Calipari was rejecting N.C. State. However, when Allen was asked whether he thought he'd be playing for Calipari next season, he didn't hesitate, answering, "Yeah."
In other developments, assistant Tony Barbee told The Commercial Appeal on Tuesday afternoon that he was withdrawing from Murray State's coaching search after recently interviewing for the job. "I want to stay with Cal," he said. Late Tuesday, Murray State athletic director Allen Ward told the Associated Press the school will hire Miami assistant Billy Kennedy to replace Mick Cronin, who left last month to coach at Cincinnati.
Also, Darius Washington and Shawne Williams each said Tuesday they remain undecided on whether to return to school to play for Calipari or enter the NBA Draft. Washington said he is still "exploring all options." Williams added he is "gathering all the right information" to make an educated decision.
But sources close to the UofM have said Calipari's loyalty to the program could help sway the talented underclassmen to return.
-- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365
Monday, April 10, 2006
Memphis Needs a John Calipari
I disagree with some earlier posts saying that the University of Memphis will be just fine if John Calipari does indeed take another job.
Apparently some of you have forgotten the down years of the 1990's. Sure the Tigers made one Elite Eight apparance and another Sweet 16 in the 90's, but frankly I'm hopeing for the NCAA tournament annually with Sweet 16s pretty regular.
Yeah, I know that is what North Carolina does. Well, I think Memphis can be there, but there are not many coaches who can get you there.
Even Calipari is only 1 for 6 getting to the Sweet 16, but the future looks promising. If Cal leaves then things probably turn south.
Considering Memphis is not a North Carolina in tradition, and considering most people outside of the Memphis metropolitan area don't think of Memphis as a "Top 25" program year in and year out, Memphis needs a big name coach with a proven track record of recruiting and winning.
I still remember all of those names thrown around six years ago when Tic Price left this program in disgrace (at least when Dana Kirk left in disgrace, Memphis was a Top 10 program). Most were pipe dreams - and that was when Memphis was in a decent conference.
Mark my words, if Cal leaves, Memphis will be forced to go to another mid-major conference to find a coach (i.e. Winthrop, George Mason, Hofstra, Bucknell, etc.). Think Bruce Pearl.
Apparently some of you have forgotten the down years of the 1990's. Sure the Tigers made one Elite Eight apparance and another Sweet 16 in the 90's, but frankly I'm hopeing for the NCAA tournament annually with Sweet 16s pretty regular.
Yeah, I know that is what North Carolina does. Well, I think Memphis can be there, but there are not many coaches who can get you there.
Even Calipari is only 1 for 6 getting to the Sweet 16, but the future looks promising. If Cal leaves then things probably turn south.
Considering Memphis is not a North Carolina in tradition, and considering most people outside of the Memphis metropolitan area don't think of Memphis as a "Top 25" program year in and year out, Memphis needs a big name coach with a proven track record of recruiting and winning.
I still remember all of those names thrown around six years ago when Tic Price left this program in disgrace (at least when Dana Kirk left in disgrace, Memphis was a Top 10 program). Most were pipe dreams - and that was when Memphis was in a decent conference.
Mark my words, if Cal leaves, Memphis will be forced to go to another mid-major conference to find a coach (i.e. Winthrop, George Mason, Hofstra, Bucknell, etc.). Think Bruce Pearl.
My Post About Cal and N.C. State on CollegeHoopsNet.com
The following was a post this afternoon on a tread about Memphis fans being worried about Calipari taking the N.C. State job.
Enjoy.
As earlier posts have pointed out Cal is well paid at Memphis, but I can hardly blame a guy for evaluating his options. Every single person who works for a living would do the same. If as a fan you feel "betrayed" by this then get over it. If some headhunter or a competitor calls you and says let's talk about a job, you'd do it. If you won't you are not maximizing your potential as a wage earner or supporting your family.
Remember everything here is RUMOR. No one posting here, or ESPN or the Memphis Commercial Appeal is privy to the inside.
I personally think Cal will stay in Memphis as it is a great job situation for him. He'll get some raise, his assistants will be taken care of, the $2.5 million retention annuity is only four years away, the cost of living in Memphis is below the national average, he is a near-Elvis figure in Memphis (especially after going 33-4 this year), he is the #1 non-BCS coach around (in pay and recognition), the competition in CUSA is below his program, the ACC while tempting is not worth the pressure, and his current players and recruits are strong.
NOTE to HATER, while Cal's 4-3 NCAA record is not impressive in his six years, I believe Cal's recruiting strategy changed when Dajuan Wagner (one year at Memphis), Amare Stoudemire, Qyntel Woods and Kendrick Perkins all went to the NBA. I think Cal decided to avoid the top 10 in each high school class and go for the 15 to 50 type players that would stick around for three years or so. While Shawn Williams may be one and done, the rest are more career (2 and 3 years) type players.
Enjoy.
As earlier posts have pointed out Cal is well paid at Memphis, but I can hardly blame a guy for evaluating his options. Every single person who works for a living would do the same. If as a fan you feel "betrayed" by this then get over it. If some headhunter or a competitor calls you and says let's talk about a job, you'd do it. If you won't you are not maximizing your potential as a wage earner or supporting your family.
Remember everything here is RUMOR. No one posting here, or ESPN or the Memphis Commercial Appeal is privy to the inside.
I personally think Cal will stay in Memphis as it is a great job situation for him. He'll get some raise, his assistants will be taken care of, the $2.5 million retention annuity is only four years away, the cost of living in Memphis is below the national average, he is a near-Elvis figure in Memphis (especially after going 33-4 this year), he is the #1 non-BCS coach around (in pay and recognition), the competition in CUSA is below his program, the ACC while tempting is not worth the pressure, and his current players and recruits are strong.
NOTE to HATER, while Cal's 4-3 NCAA record is not impressive in his six years, I believe Cal's recruiting strategy changed when Dajuan Wagner (one year at Memphis), Amare Stoudemire, Qyntel Woods and Kendrick Perkins all went to the NBA. I think Cal decided to avoid the top 10 in each high school class and go for the 15 to 50 type players that would stick around for three years or so. While Shawn Williams may be one and done, the rest are more career (2 and 3 years) type players.
ESPN's Andy Katz vs. the Memphis Commercial Appeal
Gary Parrish, a reporter for the Memphis Commercial Appeal, said today at 4:23 p.m. that the story of John Calipari flying to Raleigh, NC to meet with N.C. State officials was false. This was a direct contridiction of a story broken by ESPN's Andy Katz earlier in the afternoon.
He said, she said!
He said, she said!
Calipari Reportedly 'Overwhelmed' By Wolfpack Offer
David Glenn, Editor of the ACC Sports Journal, reported on his blog, http://html.wral.com/sh/blogger/2006/04/ncsu-offer-overwhelms-calipari.html , that N.C. State has offered Tigers Coach John Calipari a package worth $1.7 million per year. A coach said to be "close" to Calipari reported said the Tiger Coach was overwhelmed' by the offer and didn't expect that the University of Memphis could compete with such a large offer. This offer was under the reported $2.0 per year that was offered and turned down by Texas coach Rick Barnes.
Calipari's current deal is a base of $1.1 million annually but has built in incentives that can move the number as high as $1.5 million. In 2005/2006, Cal is supposed to receive at least $1.3 million after earning $200,000 for the Tigers winning the conference regular season championship, the conference championship and reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Cal also as a retention bonus built into his contract that will award him a $2.5 million annuity if he stays at Memphis for four more years.
Glenn's blog also mentioned that Louisville's Rick Pitino and Villanova's Jay Wright were also targets of N.C. State, but neither is considered likely.
Calipari's current deal is a base of $1.1 million annually but has built in incentives that can move the number as high as $1.5 million. In 2005/2006, Cal is supposed to receive at least $1.3 million after earning $200,000 for the Tigers winning the conference regular season championship, the conference championship and reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Cal also as a retention bonus built into his contract that will award him a $2.5 million annuity if he stays at Memphis for four more years.
Glenn's blog also mentioned that Louisville's Rick Pitino and Villanova's Jay Wright were also targets of N.C. State, but neither is considered likely.
Tiger Signee Willie Kemp in All-Star Classic
Kemp at ease playing at Tigers' home
Bolivar Central star's 13 points, 8 assists lift team to victory in All-Star Classic
By Craig Wack, Commercial Appeal
April 9, 2006
University of Memphis basketball fans can take heart -- point guard signee Willie Kemp is very comfortable playing in FedExForum. The Bolivar Central star showed all of his skills in his future home arena Saturday at the Memphis All-Star Classic.
"I came out and my shot was falling," Kemp said. "I'm looking forward to coming up here and playing for the University of Memphis. It's going to be great for me to come up here and play." Kemp led the Black Team to a 92-71 victory over the Red Team with 13 points, eight assists and zero turnovers.
"We had a great game, I had some good perimeter players around me," Kemp said.
The game was an opportunity for Memphis's best players to have one more game in front of the home crowd.
Hamilton High's Jay Watkins, a San Francisco signee, did his best to put on a good show.
Watkins wowed the crowd -- and his teammates -- with an array of dunks and 3-point shots.
"He's a good player," said Wayne Chism, a Tennessee signee from Bolivar Central who was on the Red Team with Watkins on Saturday. "He came out and played good too. He had a couple of assists, blocks and 3-point shots. He got his own rebound and dunked it -- that's a sign of a good player."
Watkins led all scorers with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting with six rebounds and two assists.
"Any time you have and all-star game, you are going to try and make it fun," Watkins said. "Especially me, I'm kinda the clown out there. I try to make everybody laugh and take the tension out of the game. This is our last game together playing with and against each other. So we're trying to make it a game we can all remember."
For the unsigned players, the game was an opportunity to make an impression on college scouts.
Darren Currie, who played on the Black Team, made the most of his opportunity.
Currie, who played for Class A Middle College, scored 11 points, was a perfect 4-for-4 from the floor and was 3-of-4 from the free throw line. He also dished out more than a couple flashy assists.
Currie said he has offers from Chattnooga, Austin Peay and Freed-Hardeman, but he said his play would maybe turn the heads of larger programs.
"Because my school is very small, I don't get much exposure like everybody else," Currie said. "But today I went out there and had fun."
Austin Peay signee Wes Channel of Ridgeway added 17 for the Black squad, while Mitchell's Brandon Powell (Florida) had 11.
-- Craig Wack: 529-2799
Sunday, April 09, 2006
SI.com's Luke Winn's 2006-07 Preseason Top 10
SI.com Luke Winn
The End, Or Only Act I? (A 2006-07 Top 10)
INDIANAPOLIS -- As the clock neared midnight on Monday, Florida's Joakim Noah was still partying with the level of passion that had fueled his brilliant rise from freshman nobody to, as a sophomore, the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament.
The Ponytailed One was at first sprawled on the floor near center court under a mob of teammates; then he was up, bounding toward his school's student section, then maniacally screaming and Gator-chomping at them from atop a press-row table. Before bolting into the stands to hug his famed father, Yannick, and his mother and sister, Joakim did the unthinkable and heaved his sweaty, No. 13 jersey into the students' orange-and-blue mob. Tangible mementos, presumably, aren't important when one's identity is based on the intangible of emotion. With a wild grin on his face, Noah was deeply feeling Florida's first national championship.
The question now is does he truly want to feel this for an encore? Before taking the stage at midcourt, Noah stopped to tell a handful of reporters, "I love this! How can I not do this again?" Is this euphoria so enticing that the chase for a repeat championship as a junior trumps being a top-three pick in June's NBA Draft? "It's like you can't even feel your legs; it's like you're eating the best food in the world, like everything tastes good, everything smells good," he said. And then he added, for emphasis, before strutting away, "It's better than sex!"
On Noah's decision -- which will be made later this month, in a less orgasmic setting, sans the streamers, confetti and commemorative Ts -- hinges the crest of college basketball's rankings for 2006-07. If he stays in Gainesville, and fellow Gator pro prospects Al Horford and Corey Brewer follow suit, Florida would be the unanimous preseason top dog -- and the first title-game participant since Arizona in 1997 to bring its entire starting lineup back intact.
Conventional wisdom and recent history suggest that all the good Monday Nighters turn pro and their teams rebuild, but '06-07 could be a departure from the norm. The Gators and runner-up UCLA realistically may retain their super-sophs and remain heavyweights. If '05-06 was stacked with surprises -- the rise of the mid-majors, the early departures of the No. 1 seeds, and a non-guard-dominated champ -- why can't '06-07 be the Season The Kids Actually Stuck Around?
Minutes after Noah and his teammates watched an RCA Dome video-board display CBS' One Shining Moment montage -- the final frames of which were a roof-camera looking down on him, atop that press-row table -- he was sitting with his legs dangling off the stage. In response to another inevitable inquiry about his future, Noah made a broad swoop with his hands toward the celebration that was unfurling in front of him, and said "The NBA can't do this!"
And so, unless we receive different news from Noah, the Gators should begin next season the same way they ended this one: at No. 1.
Now, for the rest of the top 10 -- a very similar version of which appears in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. (We're operating with a few educated guesses on early entrants to the NBA Draft: UConn's Rudy Gay, Texas' LaMarcus Aldridge, LSU's Tyrus Thomas and Gonzaga's Adam Morrison.)
2. North Carolina: The Baby Heels were ahead of schedule this season, finishing second in the ACC on the shoulders of "Psycho T" -- national freshman of the year Tyler Hansbrough. He'll be joined in the fall by the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, which includes the top-ranked high school point guard (Tywon Lawson), shooting guard (Wayne Ellington) and power forward (Brandan Wright). If that trio assimilates into coach Roy Williams' system as speedily as Hansbrough did, UNC will be scary.
3. UCLA: Westwood's fearless defenders will gain some offensive punch with the return of swingman Josh Shipp, who was the Bruins' most dangerous scorer before missing most of the season with a hip injury. If point guard Jordan Farmar eschews the draft to team up with Shipp, two-guard Arron Afflalo and power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA will have the best 1 through 4 quartet in the nation.
In a somber Bruins locker room after Monday night's loss, Afflalo indicated that he didn't expect any defections. "We lost some pieces this year in [seniors] Cedric [Bozeman] and Ryan [Hollins], but we've got our two leading scorers [himself and Farmar] coming back, our leading rebounder [Mbah a Moute], and Josh will be back, so we should be good," he said. "We're very fortunate to have gone through this this year, and have the potential to come back [to the title game] next year."
4. Memphis: The fastest-paced, most efficient team in Conference USA returns every key player other than Rodney Carney. With athletes like Darius Washington Jr., Antonio Anderson and Shawne Williams running the Tigers' high-scoring show, another 30-win season and No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament are likely. The rest of the C-USA will once again be gunning for second place. (ed - Luke's assuming both Williams and Washington return - I'm afraid I'm not so optimistic)
5. Kansas: Sophomores stole the spotlight at this Final Four, and KU's clan of freshman stars -- guard Mario Chalmers, swingman Brandon Rush and elastic forward Julian Wright -- could make a similar push in '07. But first they'll need to overcome their school's recent first-round NCAA woes (the Bucknell-Bradley curse). Will an even more beefed-up backcourt -- after the addition of Chicago stud Sherron Collins, a McDonald's All-American -- make coach Bill Self consider a Villanova-esque lineup in '06-07?
6. Ohio State: The Buckeyes' ranking all comes down to how much one believes in The Oden Factor. Will 7-foot freshman center Greg Oden carry the Buckeyes to a title, a la Carmelo Anthony, in what will probably be his only season in Columbus? Thad Matta's defending Big Ten regular-season champs will be rebuilt around the blue-chip recruiting class of Oden, his high-school teammate Mike Conley (a talented point guard), as well as shooting guard Daequan Cook and small forward David Lighty. Incumbent point Jamar Butler -- the most valuable returnee -- will help OSU's new wave handle the adjustment.
7. Georgetown: With UConn, Villanova and West Virginia all set to lose significant pieces, the new Beasts of the Big East will reside in D.C. Upsets of No. 1-ranked Duke (in January) and No. 2-seeded Ohio State (NCAA second round) this season may foreshadow greater things for the Hoyas, who have NBA-caliber talent in forward Jeff Green and center Roy Hibbert. The 7-2 Hibbert -- whom coach John Thompson III said he needed to teach how to run when he initially arrived on campus -- is only beginning to realize his potential.
8. Texas: Even if Aldridge makes the jump, the Horns retain an elite inside-outside tandem in guard Daniel Gibson and forward P.J. Tucker, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year. McDonald's All-American Game co-MVP Kevin Durant -- the nation's top recruit not named Oden -- is a sweet-shooting 6-9 forward who could step in and be an instant force. Fellow incoming freshman D.J. Augustin, a vaunted point-guard prospect out of Louisiana, can take ballhandling heat off Gibson and A.J. Abrams.
9. Texas A&M: The Aggies are the perfect top 10 sleeper: On the strength of their lockdown D, they closed the season by winning nine of their final 11 games, nearly upsetting Final Four-bound LSU in the second round of the NCAAs. With guard Acie Law IV and future pro forward Joseph Jones leading the way, this seasoned squad can make a run at the Big 12 crown. A&M loses just one starter (senior Chris Walker), and sophomore guard Dominique Kirk is ready to get national recognition as a defensive stopper.
10. Southern Illinois: If '06 was the Year of the Mid-Majors, what kind of encore will they have in store? The Salukis, who tied for second in the Missouri Valley Conference, have their top nine scorers back, including the senior backcourt of Jamaal Tatum and Tony Young, who will be gunning for their fourth -- and the school's sixth -- straight NCAA tournament appearance. Veteran squad + prior Big Dance experience + strong guardplay = dangerous in March. Blowout loss to West Virginia this year be damned.
ON THE FRINGE:
Boston College, Duke, Wisconsin, Wichita State, Pittsburgh, Hofstra, Tennessee, LSU, UConn, Washington, Arizona, Villanova, Xavier.
The End, Or Only Act I? (A 2006-07 Top 10)
INDIANAPOLIS -- As the clock neared midnight on Monday, Florida's Joakim Noah was still partying with the level of passion that had fueled his brilliant rise from freshman nobody to, as a sophomore, the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament.
The Ponytailed One was at first sprawled on the floor near center court under a mob of teammates; then he was up, bounding toward his school's student section, then maniacally screaming and Gator-chomping at them from atop a press-row table. Before bolting into the stands to hug his famed father, Yannick, and his mother and sister, Joakim did the unthinkable and heaved his sweaty, No. 13 jersey into the students' orange-and-blue mob. Tangible mementos, presumably, aren't important when one's identity is based on the intangible of emotion. With a wild grin on his face, Noah was deeply feeling Florida's first national championship.
The question now is does he truly want to feel this for an encore? Before taking the stage at midcourt, Noah stopped to tell a handful of reporters, "I love this! How can I not do this again?" Is this euphoria so enticing that the chase for a repeat championship as a junior trumps being a top-three pick in June's NBA Draft? "It's like you can't even feel your legs; it's like you're eating the best food in the world, like everything tastes good, everything smells good," he said. And then he added, for emphasis, before strutting away, "It's better than sex!"
On Noah's decision -- which will be made later this month, in a less orgasmic setting, sans the streamers, confetti and commemorative Ts -- hinges the crest of college basketball's rankings for 2006-07. If he stays in Gainesville, and fellow Gator pro prospects Al Horford and Corey Brewer follow suit, Florida would be the unanimous preseason top dog -- and the first title-game participant since Arizona in 1997 to bring its entire starting lineup back intact.
Conventional wisdom and recent history suggest that all the good Monday Nighters turn pro and their teams rebuild, but '06-07 could be a departure from the norm. The Gators and runner-up UCLA realistically may retain their super-sophs and remain heavyweights. If '05-06 was stacked with surprises -- the rise of the mid-majors, the early departures of the No. 1 seeds, and a non-guard-dominated champ -- why can't '06-07 be the Season The Kids Actually Stuck Around?
Minutes after Noah and his teammates watched an RCA Dome video-board display CBS' One Shining Moment montage -- the final frames of which were a roof-camera looking down on him, atop that press-row table -- he was sitting with his legs dangling off the stage. In response to another inevitable inquiry about his future, Noah made a broad swoop with his hands toward the celebration that was unfurling in front of him, and said "The NBA can't do this!"
And so, unless we receive different news from Noah, the Gators should begin next season the same way they ended this one: at No. 1.
Now, for the rest of the top 10 -- a very similar version of which appears in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. (We're operating with a few educated guesses on early entrants to the NBA Draft: UConn's Rudy Gay, Texas' LaMarcus Aldridge, LSU's Tyrus Thomas and Gonzaga's Adam Morrison.)
2. North Carolina: The Baby Heels were ahead of schedule this season, finishing second in the ACC on the shoulders of "Psycho T" -- national freshman of the year Tyler Hansbrough. He'll be joined in the fall by the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, which includes the top-ranked high school point guard (Tywon Lawson), shooting guard (Wayne Ellington) and power forward (Brandan Wright). If that trio assimilates into coach Roy Williams' system as speedily as Hansbrough did, UNC will be scary.
3. UCLA: Westwood's fearless defenders will gain some offensive punch with the return of swingman Josh Shipp, who was the Bruins' most dangerous scorer before missing most of the season with a hip injury. If point guard Jordan Farmar eschews the draft to team up with Shipp, two-guard Arron Afflalo and power forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA will have the best 1 through 4 quartet in the nation.
In a somber Bruins locker room after Monday night's loss, Afflalo indicated that he didn't expect any defections. "We lost some pieces this year in [seniors] Cedric [Bozeman] and Ryan [Hollins], but we've got our two leading scorers [himself and Farmar] coming back, our leading rebounder [Mbah a Moute], and Josh will be back, so we should be good," he said. "We're very fortunate to have gone through this this year, and have the potential to come back [to the title game] next year."
4. Memphis: The fastest-paced, most efficient team in Conference USA returns every key player other than Rodney Carney. With athletes like Darius Washington Jr., Antonio Anderson and Shawne Williams running the Tigers' high-scoring show, another 30-win season and No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament are likely. The rest of the C-USA will once again be gunning for second place. (ed - Luke's assuming both Williams and Washington return - I'm afraid I'm not so optimistic)
5. Kansas: Sophomores stole the spotlight at this Final Four, and KU's clan of freshman stars -- guard Mario Chalmers, swingman Brandon Rush and elastic forward Julian Wright -- could make a similar push in '07. But first they'll need to overcome their school's recent first-round NCAA woes (the Bucknell-Bradley curse). Will an even more beefed-up backcourt -- after the addition of Chicago stud Sherron Collins, a McDonald's All-American -- make coach Bill Self consider a Villanova-esque lineup in '06-07?
6. Ohio State: The Buckeyes' ranking all comes down to how much one believes in The Oden Factor. Will 7-foot freshman center Greg Oden carry the Buckeyes to a title, a la Carmelo Anthony, in what will probably be his only season in Columbus? Thad Matta's defending Big Ten regular-season champs will be rebuilt around the blue-chip recruiting class of Oden, his high-school teammate Mike Conley (a talented point guard), as well as shooting guard Daequan Cook and small forward David Lighty. Incumbent point Jamar Butler -- the most valuable returnee -- will help OSU's new wave handle the adjustment.
7. Georgetown: With UConn, Villanova and West Virginia all set to lose significant pieces, the new Beasts of the Big East will reside in D.C. Upsets of No. 1-ranked Duke (in January) and No. 2-seeded Ohio State (NCAA second round) this season may foreshadow greater things for the Hoyas, who have NBA-caliber talent in forward Jeff Green and center Roy Hibbert. The 7-2 Hibbert -- whom coach John Thompson III said he needed to teach how to run when he initially arrived on campus -- is only beginning to realize his potential.
8. Texas: Even if Aldridge makes the jump, the Horns retain an elite inside-outside tandem in guard Daniel Gibson and forward P.J. Tucker, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year. McDonald's All-American Game co-MVP Kevin Durant -- the nation's top recruit not named Oden -- is a sweet-shooting 6-9 forward who could step in and be an instant force. Fellow incoming freshman D.J. Augustin, a vaunted point-guard prospect out of Louisiana, can take ballhandling heat off Gibson and A.J. Abrams.
9. Texas A&M: The Aggies are the perfect top 10 sleeper: On the strength of their lockdown D, they closed the season by winning nine of their final 11 games, nearly upsetting Final Four-bound LSU in the second round of the NCAAs. With guard Acie Law IV and future pro forward Joseph Jones leading the way, this seasoned squad can make a run at the Big 12 crown. A&M loses just one starter (senior Chris Walker), and sophomore guard Dominique Kirk is ready to get national recognition as a defensive stopper.
10. Southern Illinois: If '06 was the Year of the Mid-Majors, what kind of encore will they have in store? The Salukis, who tied for second in the Missouri Valley Conference, have their top nine scorers back, including the senior backcourt of Jamaal Tatum and Tony Young, who will be gunning for their fourth -- and the school's sixth -- straight NCAA tournament appearance. Veteran squad + prior Big Dance experience + strong guardplay = dangerous in March. Blowout loss to West Virginia this year be damned.
ON THE FRINGE:
Boston College, Duke, Wisconsin, Wichita State, Pittsburgh, Hofstra, Tennessee, LSU, UConn, Washington, Arizona, Villanova, Xavier.
Jeff Goodman / FOX Sports Preseason Top 25
Preseason Top 25 men's hoops rankings
Jeff Goodman / FOXSports.com
It's not easy to put together a preseason Top 25 less than 24 hours removed from the national championship game because of the uncertainty surrounding which players will leave school early.
We'll take a stab at it anyway! After an inexperienced Florida team ran the table, we're sticking with the theme — as our top three teams are also going to be extremely young and talented.
1. Kansas: The Jayhawks lost for the second straight year in the first round, but don't expect that to happen next season with Bill Self's club. They return their top seven scorers, including Brandon Rush — and they will add heralded freshman point guard Sherron Collins to the mix. Expect Julian Wright to assert himself as one of the most versatile players in the nation.
2. Ohio State: Greg Oden will enter college basketball not only as the top freshman, but also as the best big man and arguably the top overall player in the country. Yes, he's that good. He's joined in Columbus by a stellar recruiting class that also includes his summer teammates, point guard Mike Conley Jr. and shooting guard Daequan Cook — as well as athletic wing David Lighty. The Buckeyes lose Terence Dials, but they return Ron Lewis and Jamar Butler from a team that went 26-6.
3. North Carolina: The Tar Heels went much farther than anyone, including Roy Williams, could have imagined this season — despite losing nearly the entire team from the 2005 national championship team. Tyler Hansbrough will return, and he'll team with incoming freshman Tywon Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Brandan Wright, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson — all Top 100-caliber recruits — to put the Tar Heels back in contention for a national crown. The only significant loss is that of senior David Noel.
4. Florida: We're betting that Joakim Noah eventually opts to leave Gainesville, but the Gators will still be pretty darn good. With Noah, they'd be our preseason No. 1 — without him, they are still a clear Top 10 team. Sophomores Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green and junior Lee Humphrey each averaged double figures this season and in the NCAA tournament. They also add another shooter in Doneal Mack, a solid forward in Jonathan Mitchell and a physical big man in Mareese Speights.
5. UCLA: The Bruins will lose seniors Ryan Hollins and Cedric Bozeman — both starters off a team that advanced to the championship game. However, the key returnees are in the backcourt — Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo. The freshman class of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Alfred Aboya, Darren Collison, Mike Roll and Ryan Wright will continue to improve, and the Bruins will welcome in solid freshman power forward James Keefe.
6. Texas: It's basically a lock that LaMarcus Aldridge won't be returning to Austin, but the key is whether or not junior forward P.J. Tucker decides to return or not. If he does, the Longhorns have a chance of getting to the Final Four — with guards Daniel Gibson and A.J. Abrams, incoming stud recruit Kevin Durant and point guard D.J. Augustin.
7. Memphis: The Tigers lose senior Rodney Carney, and who knows whether Darius Washington Jr. and Shawne Williams could test the waters. Williams' loss would hurt, but the Tigers have someone better than Washington coming in — freshman floor leader Willie Kemp. Coach John Calipari also returns a strong freshman class that includes Antonio Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Robert Dozier and Kareem Cooper.
8. Georgetown: If Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert both come back, the Hoyas will be a force in the Big East and could win the league in a down year. They lose Brandon Bowman and Ashanti Cook; but they gain far more than they lose, with incoming frosh DaJuan Summers, Vernon Macklin and guard Jeremiah Rivers.
9. Wisconsin: The Badgers literally bring everyone back other than Ray Nixon, and Bo Ryan's team will be led, once again, by forward Alando Tucker. Wisconsin big man Brian Butch and guard Kammron Taylor will give Tucker some help. Look for Michael Flowers' role to expand next season. The Badgers will also bring in a pair of highly regarded recruits — guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes.
10. Louisville: Rick Pitino will lose Taquan Dean, but the Cardinals head man returns Juan Palacios and David Padgett up front, wing Terrence Williams and guard Andre McGee. He also welcomes in a talented recruiting class that includes maligned big man Derrick Caracter, versatile 6-foot-8 fellow New Jersey native Earl Clark, point guard Edgar Sosa and combo guard Jerry Smith.
11. Indiana: Kelvin Sampson is the new coach, replacing Mike Davis, and it's still unclear whether Robert Vaden and D.J. White will be back. However, expect both to return. Sampson will have plenty of other talent, however, including guards A.J. Ratliff, Roderick Wilmont and Earl Calloway.
12. Pittsburgh: Panthers guard Carl Krauser is gone, but Jamie Dixon still has plenty of quality guards at his disposal — Ronald Ramon, Levance Fields and Keith Benjamin. Seven-footer Aaron Gray may have been the most-improved big man in the country, and Pittsburgh will also bring back Sam Young and Levon Kendall — who split time at power forward this season.
13. Duke: If Josh McRoberts leaves — and your guess is as good as mine on this one — the Blue Devils shouldn't even be ranked in the Top 25 entering the season. J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams aren't replaceable. Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson return, but if McRoberts bolts for the NBA, the frontline could read as follows: incoming freshman Gerald Henderson Jr., Jamal Boykin and either Eric Boateng or another freshman 7-footer Brian Zoubek. Look for Jonathan Scheyer to step right in and play, but it's hardly an imposing cast, huh?
14. Southern Illinois: The Salukis will be the cream of the crop in the Missouri Valley next season. They return all five starters — Jamaal Tatum, Tony Young, Matt Shaw, Randal Falker and Bryan Mullins — from a team that went 22-11 this past season.
15. Washington: Brandon Roy is history, and his stat-stuffing numbers and versatility will be nearly impossible to replace, but the Huskies will have a pair of talented young big men — freshman Jon Brockman and incoming freshman center Spencer Hawes — to go along with wing Joel Smith and point guard Justin Dentmon. Lorenzo Romar has also brought in three more Top 100 recruits in addition to Hawes — wings Quincy Pondexter and Phil Nelson and guard Adrian Oliver.
16. LSU: It's a pretty good bet that Tyrus Thomas will leave after one year on the court for the Tigers. However, if Glen Davis returns, John Brady's club will still be near the top of the SEC. They'll need to find a way to replace Darrel Mitchell, but Tasmin Mitchell should increase his consistency and production.
17. Florida State: The Seminoles just missed out on making it to the Big Dance this year. If everyone who is supposed to return comes back, that shouldn't be a problem. Junior forward Al Thornton will be one of the top returnees, and he'll have help up front in Alexander Johnson. Guards Isaiah Swann and Jason Rich are also back — and Auburn transfer Toney Douglas gives Leonard Hamilton's club a major upgrade talent-wise over Todd Galloway.
18. Tennessee: The Vols lose C.J. Watson, but Bruce Pearl still has shooting machine Chris Lofton, big man Major Wingate and wing Dane Bradshaw — in addition to a trio of recruits who could make an instant impact — power forward Duke Crews, big man Wayne Chism and combo guard Marques Johnson.
19. Hofstra: There's a good reason why Tom Pecora stayed put. He's got his top three returning scorers back in the fold — guards Loren Stokes, Antoine Agudio and Carlos Rivera. Pecora will need to find frontline guys to replace Aurims Kieza and Adrian Uter.
20. UConn: Talk about getting hit hard. Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown, Hilton Armstrong and Ed Nelson all graduate, while Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams are both near-locks to head to the NBA. Josh Boone is a question mark; so what does that leave Jim Calhoun with? Jeff Adrien and Craig Austrie return, and A.J. Price, who was suspended all year, could be the team's best player. Freshman forwards Stanley Robinson and Curtis Kelly — along with guards Doug Wiggins and Jerome Dyson — should all get a chance to play.
21. Boston College: The loss of Craig Smith is a big blow, but the Eagles still have one of the top forwards in the country — Jared Dudley. Sean Williams will see more action and is a game-changer on the defensive end, while Tyrese Rice could be a future star in the ACC. Look for forward Akida McLain to pick up some of the slack left by Smith's departure.
22. Villanova: Randy Foye, Allen Ray and Jason Fraser are all history. Foye and Ray were the cornerstone to the squad in the team's Elite Eight run. Don't be shocked if fellow guard Kyle Lowry leaves after his sophomore year, either. That's the bad news. The good is that Curtis Sumpter will come back after two major knee injuries and try and team with Mike Nardi and forwards Will Sheridan, Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark to make another tournament run.
23. Arizona: Lute Olson loses Hassan Adams and Chris Rodgers. Adams didn't have a great senior campaign, and Rodgers was a chemistry killer. Mustafa Shakur finally looked like the highly touted point guard he was supposed to be out of high school. Freshman Marcus Williams is a budding star, and the Wildcats also welcome back Ivan Radenovic and Kirk Walters. Incoming freshman Chase Budinger should waste little time before making an impact in Tucson.
24. Texas A&M: Aggies coach Billy Gillespie did an impressive job this season, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament with a bunch of unheralded players in College Station. Texas A&M returns almost all of its key players — guard Acie Law and big man Joseph Jones are the big two — and they also have a large in-state recruiting class that includes forward Bryan Davis.
25. Georgia Tech: Paul Hewitt's Yellow Jackets should be the most improved team in the country — thanks to a pair of incoming freshmen, point guard Javaris Crittenton and forward Thaddeus Young. Crittenton will get the ball from Day 1, and he'll have some other talent around him: Forward Jeremis Smith and Ra'Sean Dickey and guards Anthony Morrow and Lewis Clinch.
Trio On the Bubble:
San Diego State: — This one depends on what Marcus Slaughter and Brandon Heath decide to do. Slaughter already put his name in and withdrew a year ago; so if the junior forward does it again, he can't come back. The Aztecs also will bring back Florida transfer Mohamed Abukar.
Syracuse: Freshman Paul Harris could have the single biggest impact of any newcomer not named Greg Oden in the country. He's a born leader, plays as hard as Joakim Noah and is tough as nails. The frontcourt has plenty of experience with Terrence Roberts, Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins. The key may be whether Josh Wright can handle the point.
California: - If Leon Powe returns, the Golden Bears should be Top 25 material. If he doesn't, they won't be in the mix. Point guard Ayinde Ubaka is back; so is 6-10 big man DeVon Hardin and the Wilkes brothers — Omar and Jordan. Add in incoming freshman guard Patrick Christopher and speedy point guard Jerome Randle and you've got a team that can compete with anyone, including UCLA, in the Pac-10.
Jeff Goodman / FOXSports.com
It's not easy to put together a preseason Top 25 less than 24 hours removed from the national championship game because of the uncertainty surrounding which players will leave school early.
We'll take a stab at it anyway! After an inexperienced Florida team ran the table, we're sticking with the theme — as our top three teams are also going to be extremely young and talented.
1. Kansas: The Jayhawks lost for the second straight year in the first round, but don't expect that to happen next season with Bill Self's club. They return their top seven scorers, including Brandon Rush — and they will add heralded freshman point guard Sherron Collins to the mix. Expect Julian Wright to assert himself as one of the most versatile players in the nation.
2. Ohio State: Greg Oden will enter college basketball not only as the top freshman, but also as the best big man and arguably the top overall player in the country. Yes, he's that good. He's joined in Columbus by a stellar recruiting class that also includes his summer teammates, point guard Mike Conley Jr. and shooting guard Daequan Cook — as well as athletic wing David Lighty. The Buckeyes lose Terence Dials, but they return Ron Lewis and Jamar Butler from a team that went 26-6.
3. North Carolina: The Tar Heels went much farther than anyone, including Roy Williams, could have imagined this season — despite losing nearly the entire team from the 2005 national championship team. Tyler Hansbrough will return, and he'll team with incoming freshman Tywon Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Brandan Wright, Deon Thompson and Alex Stepheson — all Top 100-caliber recruits — to put the Tar Heels back in contention for a national crown. The only significant loss is that of senior David Noel.
4. Florida: We're betting that Joakim Noah eventually opts to leave Gainesville, but the Gators will still be pretty darn good. With Noah, they'd be our preseason No. 1 — without him, they are still a clear Top 10 team. Sophomores Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green and junior Lee Humphrey each averaged double figures this season and in the NCAA tournament. They also add another shooter in Doneal Mack, a solid forward in Jonathan Mitchell and a physical big man in Mareese Speights.
5. UCLA: The Bruins will lose seniors Ryan Hollins and Cedric Bozeman — both starters off a team that advanced to the championship game. However, the key returnees are in the backcourt — Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo. The freshman class of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Alfred Aboya, Darren Collison, Mike Roll and Ryan Wright will continue to improve, and the Bruins will welcome in solid freshman power forward James Keefe.
6. Texas: It's basically a lock that LaMarcus Aldridge won't be returning to Austin, but the key is whether or not junior forward P.J. Tucker decides to return or not. If he does, the Longhorns have a chance of getting to the Final Four — with guards Daniel Gibson and A.J. Abrams, incoming stud recruit Kevin Durant and point guard D.J. Augustin.
7. Memphis: The Tigers lose senior Rodney Carney, and who knows whether Darius Washington Jr. and Shawne Williams could test the waters. Williams' loss would hurt, but the Tigers have someone better than Washington coming in — freshman floor leader Willie Kemp. Coach John Calipari also returns a strong freshman class that includes Antonio Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Robert Dozier and Kareem Cooper.
8. Georgetown: If Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert both come back, the Hoyas will be a force in the Big East and could win the league in a down year. They lose Brandon Bowman and Ashanti Cook; but they gain far more than they lose, with incoming frosh DaJuan Summers, Vernon Macklin and guard Jeremiah Rivers.
9. Wisconsin: The Badgers literally bring everyone back other than Ray Nixon, and Bo Ryan's team will be led, once again, by forward Alando Tucker. Wisconsin big man Brian Butch and guard Kammron Taylor will give Tucker some help. Look for Michael Flowers' role to expand next season. The Badgers will also bring in a pair of highly regarded recruits — guards Jason Bohannon and Trevon Hughes.
10. Louisville: Rick Pitino will lose Taquan Dean, but the Cardinals head man returns Juan Palacios and David Padgett up front, wing Terrence Williams and guard Andre McGee. He also welcomes in a talented recruiting class that includes maligned big man Derrick Caracter, versatile 6-foot-8 fellow New Jersey native Earl Clark, point guard Edgar Sosa and combo guard Jerry Smith.
11. Indiana: Kelvin Sampson is the new coach, replacing Mike Davis, and it's still unclear whether Robert Vaden and D.J. White will be back. However, expect both to return. Sampson will have plenty of other talent, however, including guards A.J. Ratliff, Roderick Wilmont and Earl Calloway.
12. Pittsburgh: Panthers guard Carl Krauser is gone, but Jamie Dixon still has plenty of quality guards at his disposal — Ronald Ramon, Levance Fields and Keith Benjamin. Seven-footer Aaron Gray may have been the most-improved big man in the country, and Pittsburgh will also bring back Sam Young and Levon Kendall — who split time at power forward this season.
13. Duke: If Josh McRoberts leaves — and your guess is as good as mine on this one — the Blue Devils shouldn't even be ranked in the Top 25 entering the season. J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams aren't replaceable. Greg Paulus and DeMarcus Nelson return, but if McRoberts bolts for the NBA, the frontline could read as follows: incoming freshman Gerald Henderson Jr., Jamal Boykin and either Eric Boateng or another freshman 7-footer Brian Zoubek. Look for Jonathan Scheyer to step right in and play, but it's hardly an imposing cast, huh?
14. Southern Illinois: The Salukis will be the cream of the crop in the Missouri Valley next season. They return all five starters — Jamaal Tatum, Tony Young, Matt Shaw, Randal Falker and Bryan Mullins — from a team that went 22-11 this past season.
15. Washington: Brandon Roy is history, and his stat-stuffing numbers and versatility will be nearly impossible to replace, but the Huskies will have a pair of talented young big men — freshman Jon Brockman and incoming freshman center Spencer Hawes — to go along with wing Joel Smith and point guard Justin Dentmon. Lorenzo Romar has also brought in three more Top 100 recruits in addition to Hawes — wings Quincy Pondexter and Phil Nelson and guard Adrian Oliver.
16. LSU: It's a pretty good bet that Tyrus Thomas will leave after one year on the court for the Tigers. However, if Glen Davis returns, John Brady's club will still be near the top of the SEC. They'll need to find a way to replace Darrel Mitchell, but Tasmin Mitchell should increase his consistency and production.
17. Florida State: The Seminoles just missed out on making it to the Big Dance this year. If everyone who is supposed to return comes back, that shouldn't be a problem. Junior forward Al Thornton will be one of the top returnees, and he'll have help up front in Alexander Johnson. Guards Isaiah Swann and Jason Rich are also back — and Auburn transfer Toney Douglas gives Leonard Hamilton's club a major upgrade talent-wise over Todd Galloway.
18. Tennessee: The Vols lose C.J. Watson, but Bruce Pearl still has shooting machine Chris Lofton, big man Major Wingate and wing Dane Bradshaw — in addition to a trio of recruits who could make an instant impact — power forward Duke Crews, big man Wayne Chism and combo guard Marques Johnson.
19. Hofstra: There's a good reason why Tom Pecora stayed put. He's got his top three returning scorers back in the fold — guards Loren Stokes, Antoine Agudio and Carlos Rivera. Pecora will need to find frontline guys to replace Aurims Kieza and Adrian Uter.
20. UConn: Talk about getting hit hard. Rashad Anderson, Denham Brown, Hilton Armstrong and Ed Nelson all graduate, while Rudy Gay and Marcus Williams are both near-locks to head to the NBA. Josh Boone is a question mark; so what does that leave Jim Calhoun with? Jeff Adrien and Craig Austrie return, and A.J. Price, who was suspended all year, could be the team's best player. Freshman forwards Stanley Robinson and Curtis Kelly — along with guards Doug Wiggins and Jerome Dyson — should all get a chance to play.
21. Boston College: The loss of Craig Smith is a big blow, but the Eagles still have one of the top forwards in the country — Jared Dudley. Sean Williams will see more action and is a game-changer on the defensive end, while Tyrese Rice could be a future star in the ACC. Look for forward Akida McLain to pick up some of the slack left by Smith's departure.
22. Villanova: Randy Foye, Allen Ray and Jason Fraser are all history. Foye and Ray were the cornerstone to the squad in the team's Elite Eight run. Don't be shocked if fellow guard Kyle Lowry leaves after his sophomore year, either. That's the bad news. The good is that Curtis Sumpter will come back after two major knee injuries and try and team with Mike Nardi and forwards Will Sheridan, Dante Cunningham and Shane Clark to make another tournament run.
23. Arizona: Lute Olson loses Hassan Adams and Chris Rodgers. Adams didn't have a great senior campaign, and Rodgers was a chemistry killer. Mustafa Shakur finally looked like the highly touted point guard he was supposed to be out of high school. Freshman Marcus Williams is a budding star, and the Wildcats also welcome back Ivan Radenovic and Kirk Walters. Incoming freshman Chase Budinger should waste little time before making an impact in Tucson.
24. Texas A&M: Aggies coach Billy Gillespie did an impressive job this season, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament with a bunch of unheralded players in College Station. Texas A&M returns almost all of its key players — guard Acie Law and big man Joseph Jones are the big two — and they also have a large in-state recruiting class that includes forward Bryan Davis.
25. Georgia Tech: Paul Hewitt's Yellow Jackets should be the most improved team in the country — thanks to a pair of incoming freshmen, point guard Javaris Crittenton and forward Thaddeus Young. Crittenton will get the ball from Day 1, and he'll have some other talent around him: Forward Jeremis Smith and Ra'Sean Dickey and guards Anthony Morrow and Lewis Clinch.
Trio On the Bubble:
San Diego State: — This one depends on what Marcus Slaughter and Brandon Heath decide to do. Slaughter already put his name in and withdrew a year ago; so if the junior forward does it again, he can't come back. The Aztecs also will bring back Florida transfer Mohamed Abukar.
Syracuse: Freshman Paul Harris could have the single biggest impact of any newcomer not named Greg Oden in the country. He's a born leader, plays as hard as Joakim Noah and is tough as nails. The frontcourt has plenty of experience with Terrence Roberts, Demetris Nichols and Darryl Watkins. The key may be whether Josh Wright can handle the point.
California: - If Leon Powe returns, the Golden Bears should be Top 25 material. If he doesn't, they won't be in the mix. Point guard Ayinde Ubaka is back; so is 6-10 big man DeVon Hardin and the Wilkes brothers — Omar and Jordan. Add in incoming freshman guard Patrick Christopher and speedy point guard Jerome Randle and you've got a team that can compete with anyone, including UCLA, in the Pac-10.
Tiger AD Cuts Trip for Calipari Talks
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N.C. State focused on U of M coach, reports sayBy Gary Parrish, Commercial Appeal
April 9, 2006
While John Calipari reportedly surged to the top of North Carolina State's coaching wish list, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson canceled a trip Saturday to remain in town and focus on reworking the contract of his most-visible employee. "I have a NCAA Management Council meeting (this) morning (in Savannah, Ga.,), but I have called (C-USA commissioner) Britton (Banowsky) and told him I am not going to make it," said Johnson, who is simultaneously working on a new deal for football coach Tommy West. "I'm going to work diligently to get both contracts reworked. That is my focus right now."
Johnson's change of plans came as multiple media outlets reported that N.C. State's attention will now turn toward Calipari following Texas coach Rick Barnes reportedly declining an offer of more than $2 million per year. It's unclear whether N.C. State will make an official offer to Calipari, and if so whether it would be similar to what it offered Barnes. But, Johnson said Saturday no school has requested permission to speak with Calipari, which is a common courtesy in coaching searches, though not a prerequisite to engaging in talks. "Just about every year it's been like this with John, and I'm OK with that," Johnson said. "The more successful we are, this is going to happen. ... The good thing is that we've developed a pretty good core of donors."
With Calipari back in town following a week in which he fulfilled national TV obligations and went recruiting, he and Johnson could meet as early as today and potentially end this N.C. State speculation. Though Calipari has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Memphis, he has constantly been mentioned as a possible replacement for Herb Sendek, who left for Arizona State last week amid rabid criticism from fans.
Ironically, Calipari, unprovoked, took issue with that criticism before Memphis and N.C. State both played in the NCAA Tournament last month in Dallas.
"There are some people saying they should buy out Herb Sendek," Calipari said. "That is the business we are in. ... It is ridiculous."
Calipari's current contract runs through the 2009-2010 season and has a base salary of about $1.1 million per year plus incentives that could push the total package to roughly $1.5 million per year. For example, Calipari recently earned $200,000 in NCAA Tournament bonus money thanks to the Tigers advancing to the Elite Eight, which this year placed his pay at a minimum of close to $1.3 million (the season-ending loss to UCLA, it's worth noting, cost Calipari an additional $100,000).
Furthermore, Calipari will collect a $2.5 million annuity if he finishes the 2009-2010 campaign. Add that to the fact that the Tigers are expected to be Final Four contenders again next season, and leaving would require Calipari to walk away from a lot in favor of rebuilding N.C. State in the shadows of Duke and North Carolina.
Regardless, Johnson doesn't want things to get that far. That's why he's turned his focus toward securing a better deal for Calipari and his assistants as soon as possible.
"The analogy I use is that I'm the director of a Broadway play and my two lead actors are my football coach and my basketball coach," Johnson said. "They are the ones out front. They are the ones who get the perks and salaries and attention. I just direct the Broadway play. But my job as the director is to keep my two lead actors as happy as I possibly can, and that's what I'm trying to do."
- Gary Parrish: 901-529-2365
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
I was Live at the Final Four
Here are some of my own observations on the Final Four in Indianapolis that I was fortunate to attend. This was my second Final Four to see in person (my first being 1987, my freshman year of college, in New Orleans when Indiana's Keith Smart hit the game winner to beat Syracuse).
My dad (who also has attended both) and I got a kick out of the fact that we went to New Orleans 19 years ago to see Indiana and we went to Indianapolis this year to see LSU. Also tying these two Final Fours together was the presence of Billy Donavan, who was a starter for Providence in 1987 (they lost in the semi-finals to Syracuse) and the head coach of the Florida Gators in 2006.
Anyway, for all of you who read the media and see reports that this was the least watched Final Four in several years, I say ignore. Watching the Final Four on the television does not do it justice. If you can ever afford the trip and you live and breathe college basketball, make a point to attend just one Final Four.
The atmosphere is amazing and the pomp and circumstance has grown dramatically over the years. The 1987 New Orleans Final Four was nothing like 2006 in Indy. Also I hear that Indy is even more amazing and unique that other locations. Indy has a contract with the NCAA to get the men's Final Four every five years for like the next 35 years. In 2010 the event will move from the RCA Dome next door to the new Lucas Oil Arena currently under construction. Indy also has a contract to get a women's Final Four every five years and a 1st and 2nd round site for the Men's tournament every five years. The NCAA also awards Indy their annual convention and some smaller events. All in all the NCAA is providing a huge financial windfall for the city of Indianapolis - enough to warrant a new arena (the RCA Dome, formerly the Hoosier Dome, was built in 1984). Also the new arena works out well since the Indianapolis Colts were threating to bolt the city unless they got a new stadium deal.
I attended several of the events over the weekend besides the semi-finals and finals. We went to Conseco Fieldhouse on Friday night to see the NABC College All-Stars play the Harlem Globetrotters. I was proud to see that the University of Memphis was well represented this night as the top two leading scorers for the Globetrotters were Keiron Shine (19 points, won the MVP award for the losing team) and Scooter McFagdon (25 points).
Keiron Shine played his junior and senior years for Memphis ('98/'99 and '99/'00). He is also a graduate of Craigmont High School in Memphis.
Scooter McFagdon, a 2005 graduate of the University of Tennessee (All-SEC '04/'05) played his freshman and sophomore seasons for Memphis. Scooter is also a graduate of Raleigh-Egypt High School in Memphis.
Anyway, it was a fun event and Conseco Fieldhouse is an impressive arena. I believe the FedEx Forum in Memphis was modeled after Conseco Fieldhouse.
On Saturday, we went to Hoop City in the Indianapolis Convention Center next to the RCA Dome. This was a collection of basketball goals and courts for youngsters (there were multiple 3 and 3 tournaments being played all four days), basketball instruction (I saw Coastal Carolina's Buzz Peterson teaching kids ball fundamentals), trivia, giveaways, photo ops, official merchandise, etc.
Right next to Hoop City was the NABC meetings with hundreds of division 1 coaches in attendance.
In Monument Circle a few blocks away was held the "world's largest pep rally". I saw Hoobastank perform. Collective Soul, the BoDeans and several others also played on Saturday. On Sunday evening, Carrie Underwood opened for John Melloncamp. John wrapped up just in time for a huge storm to hit packing serious wind and some reported tornados.
The food in Indy was great. We did Shapiros Deli, Milanos, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, St. Elmo's and the Cheesecake Factory. (We saw Bill Russell, of the San Franciso Dons and Boston Celtics fame eating at St. Elmo's).
Lastly, we attended the NCAA Hall of Champions on Monday afternoon.
Our tickets for the games were fantastic.
We sat on the 16th row on the second risers on the lower deck. These were at an angle to the court between the Florida bench and the Florida cheerleaders (opposite those dreaded Bruins). This section was for the college coaches. While several sold their seats, many were present.
We sat next to Robert McCullum (South Florida) and his wife. In the row in front of us was Leonard Hamilton (Florida State) and his wife. Directly behind us was Steve Fisher (San Diego State, and former National Champion coach while at Michigan '88/'89). Coach Fisher did not attend the Monday game and Shawn Finney, former coach at Tulane, was in his seats.
In our section we also saw Tom Penders (Houston), Gary Williams (Maryland), Buzz Peterson (Coastal Carolina), Bruce Pearl (Tennessee), Rob Evans (formerly of Arizona State and Ole Miss) and Neil Dougherty (TCU) .
Ok, yes the games were all blow outs, but the Florida and UCLA dance squads were nice. I have pictures.
My dad (who also has attended both) and I got a kick out of the fact that we went to New Orleans 19 years ago to see Indiana and we went to Indianapolis this year to see LSU. Also tying these two Final Fours together was the presence of Billy Donavan, who was a starter for Providence in 1987 (they lost in the semi-finals to Syracuse) and the head coach of the Florida Gators in 2006.
Anyway, for all of you who read the media and see reports that this was the least watched Final Four in several years, I say ignore. Watching the Final Four on the television does not do it justice. If you can ever afford the trip and you live and breathe college basketball, make a point to attend just one Final Four.
The atmosphere is amazing and the pomp and circumstance has grown dramatically over the years. The 1987 New Orleans Final Four was nothing like 2006 in Indy. Also I hear that Indy is even more amazing and unique that other locations. Indy has a contract with the NCAA to get the men's Final Four every five years for like the next 35 years. In 2010 the event will move from the RCA Dome next door to the new Lucas Oil Arena currently under construction. Indy also has a contract to get a women's Final Four every five years and a 1st and 2nd round site for the Men's tournament every five years. The NCAA also awards Indy their annual convention and some smaller events. All in all the NCAA is providing a huge financial windfall for the city of Indianapolis - enough to warrant a new arena (the RCA Dome, formerly the Hoosier Dome, was built in 1984). Also the new arena works out well since the Indianapolis Colts were threating to bolt the city unless they got a new stadium deal.
I attended several of the events over the weekend besides the semi-finals and finals. We went to Conseco Fieldhouse on Friday night to see the NABC College All-Stars play the Harlem Globetrotters. I was proud to see that the University of Memphis was well represented this night as the top two leading scorers for the Globetrotters were Keiron Shine (19 points, won the MVP award for the losing team) and Scooter McFagdon (25 points).
Keiron Shine played his junior and senior years for Memphis ('98/'99 and '99/'00). He is also a graduate of Craigmont High School in Memphis.
Scooter McFagdon, a 2005 graduate of the University of Tennessee (All-SEC '04/'05) played his freshman and sophomore seasons for Memphis. Scooter is also a graduate of Raleigh-Egypt High School in Memphis.
Anyway, it was a fun event and Conseco Fieldhouse is an impressive arena. I believe the FedEx Forum in Memphis was modeled after Conseco Fieldhouse.
On Saturday, we went to Hoop City in the Indianapolis Convention Center next to the RCA Dome. This was a collection of basketball goals and courts for youngsters (there were multiple 3 and 3 tournaments being played all four days), basketball instruction (I saw Coastal Carolina's Buzz Peterson teaching kids ball fundamentals), trivia, giveaways, photo ops, official merchandise, etc.
Right next to Hoop City was the NABC meetings with hundreds of division 1 coaches in attendance.
In Monument Circle a few blocks away was held the "world's largest pep rally". I saw Hoobastank perform. Collective Soul, the BoDeans and several others also played on Saturday. On Sunday evening, Carrie Underwood opened for John Melloncamp. John wrapped up just in time for a huge storm to hit packing serious wind and some reported tornados.
The food in Indy was great. We did Shapiros Deli, Milanos, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, St. Elmo's and the Cheesecake Factory. (We saw Bill Russell, of the San Franciso Dons and Boston Celtics fame eating at St. Elmo's).
Lastly, we attended the NCAA Hall of Champions on Monday afternoon.
Our tickets for the games were fantastic.
We sat on the 16th row on the second risers on the lower deck. These were at an angle to the court between the Florida bench and the Florida cheerleaders (opposite those dreaded Bruins). This section was for the college coaches. While several sold their seats, many were present.
We sat next to Robert McCullum (South Florida) and his wife. In the row in front of us was Leonard Hamilton (Florida State) and his wife. Directly behind us was Steve Fisher (San Diego State, and former National Champion coach while at Michigan '88/'89). Coach Fisher did not attend the Monday game and Shawn Finney, former coach at Tulane, was in his seats.
In our section we also saw Tom Penders (Houston), Gary Williams (Maryland), Buzz Peterson (Coastal Carolina), Bruce Pearl (Tennessee), Rob Evans (formerly of Arizona State and Ole Miss) and Neil Dougherty (TCU) .
Ok, yes the games were all blow outs, but the Florida and UCLA dance squads were nice. I have pictures.
Commercial Appeal Reports Tiger Assistant Tony Barbee Interviews at Murray State
Tiger aide seeks job at Murray St.
By Gary Parrish
April 5, 2006
University of Memphis basketball assistant Tony Barbee did more than just watch games at the Final Four. He also met with Murray State athletic director Allen Ward and interviewed for the Racers' vacant head coaching position.
"It's the best job in that league," Barbee said Tuesday. "So it's a place where you have a good chance to win."
The Murray State position opened when Mick Cronin left two weeks ago to become the coach at his alma mater, Cincinnati. In addition to Barbee, a list of potential candidates includes Alabama assistant Philip Pearson, Florida assistant Anthony Grant, Kentucky assistant Reggie Hanson, Louisville assistant Kevin Willard and LSU assistant John Trelor.
Earlier this week, Ward released a statement explaining what type of person he desired to take over a program that won two Ohio Valley Conference titles in three seasons under Cronin. In part, it read Murray State wanted "a coach that has had success on the recruiting trail."
That seems to be an advantage for Barbee, who has been responsible for much of the Tigers' recruiting accomplishments during John Calipari's six-year tenure. With Barbee and colleague Derek Kellogg on the road, Memphis has consistently signed classes that rank among the best nationally, and Barbee's best coup was the discovery of Rodney Carney, who went from an unknown commodity to an Associated Press All-American in four years while leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
"Murray State is a place where you have to recruit," Barbee said, "and I have a track record for recruiting."
Ward has given no timetable for when he will make a hire. But whoever gets the job will inherit a Racers team expected to return three of its top four scorers from this past season's team that went 24-7 and lost to North Carolina, 69-65, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Attempts to reach Ward for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
By Gary Parrish
April 5, 2006
University of Memphis basketball assistant Tony Barbee did more than just watch games at the Final Four. He also met with Murray State athletic director Allen Ward and interviewed for the Racers' vacant head coaching position.
"It's the best job in that league," Barbee said Tuesday. "So it's a place where you have a good chance to win."
The Murray State position opened when Mick Cronin left two weeks ago to become the coach at his alma mater, Cincinnati. In addition to Barbee, a list of potential candidates includes Alabama assistant Philip Pearson, Florida assistant Anthony Grant, Kentucky assistant Reggie Hanson, Louisville assistant Kevin Willard and LSU assistant John Trelor.
Earlier this week, Ward released a statement explaining what type of person he desired to take over a program that won two Ohio Valley Conference titles in three seasons under Cronin. In part, it read Murray State wanted "a coach that has had success on the recruiting trail."
That seems to be an advantage for Barbee, who has been responsible for much of the Tigers' recruiting accomplishments during John Calipari's six-year tenure. With Barbee and colleague Derek Kellogg on the road, Memphis has consistently signed classes that rank among the best nationally, and Barbee's best coup was the discovery of Rodney Carney, who went from an unknown commodity to an Associated Press All-American in four years while leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
"Murray State is a place where you have to recruit," Barbee said, "and I have a track record for recruiting."
Ward has given no timetable for when he will make a hire. But whoever gets the job will inherit a Racers team expected to return three of its top four scorers from this past season's team that went 24-7 and lost to North Carolina, 69-65, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Attempts to reach Ward for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
Tigers #9 in CBS Sportsline's Gregg Doyel Preseason Top 25
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9359992/1
Preseason Top 25: All about Heels and Gators
April 5, 2006
By Gregg Doyel
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Sometimes do I exaggerate? Maybe a little. Am I exaggerating the following statement? Not a bit:
The 2006-07 college basketball season could be the best we've had in many, many years.
Could be, because underclassmen need to return to make it happen. But if they're back at places like Florida, UCLA, LSU and Kansas, next season will be so good, the Sweet 16 will look like one enormous Final Four.
Here's CBS SportsLine.com's first Preseason Top 25, which will be updated later this spring after the NBA Draft pool is set.
1. North Carolina: Other than David Noel, everyone of importance returns from a team that earned a No. 3 seed in the 2006 NCAA Tournament -- and the freshman class is considered by some analysts to be the best in college basketball history. The analysts could be right. Power forward Brandan Wright, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and point guard Tywon Lawson are at least as good as the exalted ex-UNC trio of Sean May, Rashad McCants and Raymond Felton. It would take something extraordinary to unseat defending national champion Florida if every Gator returns. UNC will be extraordinary.
2. Florida: Call me naïve, but I've got all four UF sophomore stars -- Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green -- coming back. Lee Humphrey also is back. That's the starting five from the reigning NCAA champion. A solid recruiting class is coming in, too. If it's possible to be underrated at No. 2, here it is.
3. UCLA: NBA scouts say sophomore PG Jordan Farmar would be a late-first round pick in 2006, but wouldn't play much as a rookie. By returning for his junior season and building up his body, Farmar would play his way into the 2007 lottery ... and lead UCLA back to the Final Four.
4. Ohio State: With a straight face, basketball insiders say freshman C Greg Oden could be the 2007 national player of the year. They say he could average 15 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots. Imagine that. And imagine him being surrounded by Jamar Butler, Ron Lewis, two more McDonald's All-Americans (PG Greg Conley and SG Daequan Cook) and two more ready-to-play recruits in SF David Lighty and PF Othello Hunter.
5. Texas: Even if sophomore PF LaMarcus Aldridge turns pro, the Longhorns will be loaded. Freshman Kevin Durant was the best player in the McDonald's All-American game, and guess what? He plays Aldridge's position. We're assuming junior P.J. Tucker and sophomore Daniel Gibson will return rather than become second-round NBA Draft picks. Throw in McDonald's All-American PG D.J. Augustin, plus returning contributors A.J. Abrams and Mike Williams, and Texas is the best-looking preseason No. 5 team I've ever seen.
6. Kansas: And the No. 6 team doesn't look bad, either. Holy cow, all those freshmen are going to become sophomores. Brandon Rush already has said he's coming back. We're guessing one of the following underclassmen will turn pro -- Mario Chalmers, C.J. Giles, Julian Wright or Sasha Kaun -- but if so ... so what? There's still plenty coming back, and Sherron Collins will be the country's best freshman PG.
7. Wisconsin: Awfully high for Wisconsin, right? Nah. If junior Alando Tucker doesn't get a yen for Portuguese basketball, every Badger returns but PF Ray Nixon. We're guessing C Brian Butch will be an All-Big Ten player. We know the Big Ten will be easier. And Wisconsin will get another scorer in freshman SG Jason Bohannon.
8. Georgetown: Lots of senior losses for the Hoyas -- Brandon Bowman, Ashanti Cook and Darrel Owens -- but their best players should be back (Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert) along with veteran G Jonathan Wallace and a fabulous foursome influx of Indiana transfer Pat Ewing Jr. and freshmen DaJuan Summers, Vernon Macklin and Jeremiah Rivers.
9. Memphis: Even if Shawne Williams and Darius Washington turn pro -- we're guessing Williams will, Washington won't -- the Tigers are loaded with young talent, and another deep recruiting class is on the way. Stop us if you've heard this before. (Not a ringing endorsement of Cal's history of retaining top recruits, ed.)
10. Pittsburgh: Once center Aaron Gray decides it's in his best interests to return, the Panthers will be a Top 10 team. Sophomore Levance Fields can step in for Carl Krauser, whose absence will allow Pitt's young talent to expand their offensive impact. And defense will never be a problem for a Jamie Dixon team.
11. Georgia Tech: Absolutely, Georgia Tech. Did you watch the McDonald's All-American game? Two of the most impressive players were 6-8 SF Thaddeus Young and 6-5 PG Javaris Crittenton. Both are going to Georgia Tech, which returns a good young core of talent led by Jeremis Smith, Anthony Morrow, Ra'Sean Dickey, Zam Fredrick and Lewis Clinch. The 2007 Final Four is in Atlanta, you know. Just saying.
12. LSU: We're guessing PF Tyrus Thomas turns pro. We're assuming C Glen Davis returns. Marquette transfer SG Dameon Mason becomes eligible, and PG Tack Minor returns from his knee injury. LSU has all the makings of another awesome team.
13. Duke: With Josh McRoberts, without him, Duke will find a way. Freshman SG's Gerald Henderson and Jonathan Scheyer will contribute immediately. If McRoberts turns pro, can 7-0 freshman Brian Zoubek play right away? Can Duke come up with another ACC-ready big man on the recruiting trail? Coach K will have answers.
14. Syracuse: Wait a minute. Gerry McNamara is gone. Does this mean freshman SF Paul Harris is that good? Yes ... he's that good. He'll need some help, though, and that means a return to school for knucklehead SG Eric Devendorf and F's Terrence Roberts and Demetris Nichols.
15. Tennessee: Losing PG C.J. Watson and PF Andre Patterson will leave a mark, but fine pieces return -- mainly Chris Lofton -- and UT fans will love freshman PF Duke Crews. He tries to dunk everything, including the poor sap guarding him.
16. Washington: The Huskies lose a ton (Brandon Roy, Jamaal Williams, Bobby Jones and Mike Jensen), but they return enough parts to surround incoming freshman center Spencer Hawes. How good is Hawes? Maybe the 2007 Pac-10 Player of the Year. Not just freshman. Player.
17. Villanova: 'Nova fans, please don't e-mail with anger. This is love for your program, OK? Losing two All-American guards, and still making the top 17? Lots of love. PG Kyle Lowry needs to return, and SF Curtis Sumpter needs to stay healthy. If those two things happen, 'Nova's not leaving the Top 25.
18. Southern Illinois: All five starters are back from a 22-9 team. You can't name them, but that's OK. If this is next year's George Mason -- and it could be -- there's plenty of time.
19. Louisville: Here we go again, falling for another sexy recruiting class. But it's damn sexy. C Derrick Caracter is a bonehead, but he's a huge, skilled bonehead. PG Jerry Smith and SG Edgar Sosa one day will be an upgrade over Taquan Dean and (returning) Brandon Jenkins. And 6-9 SF Earl Clark is sublime. Plus, David Padgett and Juan Palacios return. Lots of pieces here.
20. Wichita State: Everyone's back from the Shockers' Sweet 16 team but Paul Miller, whose minutes will go to Colorado State transfer Phillip Thomasson. G's Sean Ogirri and P.J. Couisnard are as physically talented as any twosome anywhere.
21. Xavier: The same group that won the A-10 Tournament and nearly beat Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament is back, and Oklahoma transfer Drew Lavender is an upgrade at the point. In other words, Xavier started winning big when it went small, and is about to go smaller. Small is big nowadays.
22. UConn: Even if every underclassman that can leave, does leave -- and we think Rudy Gay, Josh Boone and Marcus Williams are gone -- the Huskies will be formidable. Great recruits are on the way, most notably Stanley Robinson, Curtis Kelly, Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins. PF Jeff Adrien could be a 15-and-10 guy. Jim Calhoun will get it done. I'll find something to gripe about, but he'll get it done.
23. Gonzaga: Without J.P. Batista and Adam Morrison, the Zags still will have one of the best starting lineups out West, especially if fully healed C Josh Heytvelt can turn his enormous athletic ability into enormous production.
24. Hofstra: The best three-guard lineup you know nothing about -- Loren Stokes, Antoine Agudio and Carlos Rivera -- returns from a 26-win team. The Pride must develop a big man or two, but will. As for George Mason's absence from the Top 25: The Patriots lose three of their top scorers from their Final Four team (Jai Lewis, Tony Skinn, Lamar Butler). They'll be good, but not great. Good isn't bad.
25. Virginia Tech: Bite me. I'm telling you, the Hokies will be good. Everyone's back from a team that underachieved under the stress of massive off-court heartache. A year heals a lot of wounds, and the addition of Nigel Munson means another guard for one of the country's deepest backcourts.
Preseason Top 25: All about Heels and Gators
April 5, 2006
By Gregg Doyel
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Sometimes do I exaggerate? Maybe a little. Am I exaggerating the following statement? Not a bit:
The 2006-07 college basketball season could be the best we've had in many, many years.
Could be, because underclassmen need to return to make it happen. But if they're back at places like Florida, UCLA, LSU and Kansas, next season will be so good, the Sweet 16 will look like one enormous Final Four.
Here's CBS SportsLine.com's first Preseason Top 25, which will be updated later this spring after the NBA Draft pool is set.
1. North Carolina: Other than David Noel, everyone of importance returns from a team that earned a No. 3 seed in the 2006 NCAA Tournament -- and the freshman class is considered by some analysts to be the best in college basketball history. The analysts could be right. Power forward Brandan Wright, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and point guard Tywon Lawson are at least as good as the exalted ex-UNC trio of Sean May, Rashad McCants and Raymond Felton. It would take something extraordinary to unseat defending national champion Florida if every Gator returns. UNC will be extraordinary.
2. Florida: Call me naïve, but I've got all four UF sophomore stars -- Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green -- coming back. Lee Humphrey also is back. That's the starting five from the reigning NCAA champion. A solid recruiting class is coming in, too. If it's possible to be underrated at No. 2, here it is.
3. UCLA: NBA scouts say sophomore PG Jordan Farmar would be a late-first round pick in 2006, but wouldn't play much as a rookie. By returning for his junior season and building up his body, Farmar would play his way into the 2007 lottery ... and lead UCLA back to the Final Four.
4. Ohio State: With a straight face, basketball insiders say freshman C Greg Oden could be the 2007 national player of the year. They say he could average 15 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots. Imagine that. And imagine him being surrounded by Jamar Butler, Ron Lewis, two more McDonald's All-Americans (PG Greg Conley and SG Daequan Cook) and two more ready-to-play recruits in SF David Lighty and PF Othello Hunter.
5. Texas: Even if sophomore PF LaMarcus Aldridge turns pro, the Longhorns will be loaded. Freshman Kevin Durant was the best player in the McDonald's All-American game, and guess what? He plays Aldridge's position. We're assuming junior P.J. Tucker and sophomore Daniel Gibson will return rather than become second-round NBA Draft picks. Throw in McDonald's All-American PG D.J. Augustin, plus returning contributors A.J. Abrams and Mike Williams, and Texas is the best-looking preseason No. 5 team I've ever seen.
6. Kansas: And the No. 6 team doesn't look bad, either. Holy cow, all those freshmen are going to become sophomores. Brandon Rush already has said he's coming back. We're guessing one of the following underclassmen will turn pro -- Mario Chalmers, C.J. Giles, Julian Wright or Sasha Kaun -- but if so ... so what? There's still plenty coming back, and Sherron Collins will be the country's best freshman PG.
7. Wisconsin: Awfully high for Wisconsin, right? Nah. If junior Alando Tucker doesn't get a yen for Portuguese basketball, every Badger returns but PF Ray Nixon. We're guessing C Brian Butch will be an All-Big Ten player. We know the Big Ten will be easier. And Wisconsin will get another scorer in freshman SG Jason Bohannon.
8. Georgetown: Lots of senior losses for the Hoyas -- Brandon Bowman, Ashanti Cook and Darrel Owens -- but their best players should be back (Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert) along with veteran G Jonathan Wallace and a fabulous foursome influx of Indiana transfer Pat Ewing Jr. and freshmen DaJuan Summers, Vernon Macklin and Jeremiah Rivers.
9. Memphis: Even if Shawne Williams and Darius Washington turn pro -- we're guessing Williams will, Washington won't -- the Tigers are loaded with young talent, and another deep recruiting class is on the way. Stop us if you've heard this before. (Not a ringing endorsement of Cal's history of retaining top recruits, ed.)
10. Pittsburgh: Once center Aaron Gray decides it's in his best interests to return, the Panthers will be a Top 10 team. Sophomore Levance Fields can step in for Carl Krauser, whose absence will allow Pitt's young talent to expand their offensive impact. And defense will never be a problem for a Jamie Dixon team.
11. Georgia Tech: Absolutely, Georgia Tech. Did you watch the McDonald's All-American game? Two of the most impressive players were 6-8 SF Thaddeus Young and 6-5 PG Javaris Crittenton. Both are going to Georgia Tech, which returns a good young core of talent led by Jeremis Smith, Anthony Morrow, Ra'Sean Dickey, Zam Fredrick and Lewis Clinch. The 2007 Final Four is in Atlanta, you know. Just saying.
12. LSU: We're guessing PF Tyrus Thomas turns pro. We're assuming C Glen Davis returns. Marquette transfer SG Dameon Mason becomes eligible, and PG Tack Minor returns from his knee injury. LSU has all the makings of another awesome team.
13. Duke: With Josh McRoberts, without him, Duke will find a way. Freshman SG's Gerald Henderson and Jonathan Scheyer will contribute immediately. If McRoberts turns pro, can 7-0 freshman Brian Zoubek play right away? Can Duke come up with another ACC-ready big man on the recruiting trail? Coach K will have answers.
14. Syracuse: Wait a minute. Gerry McNamara is gone. Does this mean freshman SF Paul Harris is that good? Yes ... he's that good. He'll need some help, though, and that means a return to school for knucklehead SG Eric Devendorf and F's Terrence Roberts and Demetris Nichols.
15. Tennessee: Losing PG C.J. Watson and PF Andre Patterson will leave a mark, but fine pieces return -- mainly Chris Lofton -- and UT fans will love freshman PF Duke Crews. He tries to dunk everything, including the poor sap guarding him.
16. Washington: The Huskies lose a ton (Brandon Roy, Jamaal Williams, Bobby Jones and Mike Jensen), but they return enough parts to surround incoming freshman center Spencer Hawes. How good is Hawes? Maybe the 2007 Pac-10 Player of the Year. Not just freshman. Player.
17. Villanova: 'Nova fans, please don't e-mail with anger. This is love for your program, OK? Losing two All-American guards, and still making the top 17? Lots of love. PG Kyle Lowry needs to return, and SF Curtis Sumpter needs to stay healthy. If those two things happen, 'Nova's not leaving the Top 25.
18. Southern Illinois: All five starters are back from a 22-9 team. You can't name them, but that's OK. If this is next year's George Mason -- and it could be -- there's plenty of time.
19. Louisville: Here we go again, falling for another sexy recruiting class. But it's damn sexy. C Derrick Caracter is a bonehead, but he's a huge, skilled bonehead. PG Jerry Smith and SG Edgar Sosa one day will be an upgrade over Taquan Dean and (returning) Brandon Jenkins. And 6-9 SF Earl Clark is sublime. Plus, David Padgett and Juan Palacios return. Lots of pieces here.
20. Wichita State: Everyone's back from the Shockers' Sweet 16 team but Paul Miller, whose minutes will go to Colorado State transfer Phillip Thomasson. G's Sean Ogirri and P.J. Couisnard are as physically talented as any twosome anywhere.
21. Xavier: The same group that won the A-10 Tournament and nearly beat Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament is back, and Oklahoma transfer Drew Lavender is an upgrade at the point. In other words, Xavier started winning big when it went small, and is about to go smaller. Small is big nowadays.
22. UConn: Even if every underclassman that can leave, does leave -- and we think Rudy Gay, Josh Boone and Marcus Williams are gone -- the Huskies will be formidable. Great recruits are on the way, most notably Stanley Robinson, Curtis Kelly, Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins. PF Jeff Adrien could be a 15-and-10 guy. Jim Calhoun will get it done. I'll find something to gripe about, but he'll get it done.
23. Gonzaga: Without J.P. Batista and Adam Morrison, the Zags still will have one of the best starting lineups out West, especially if fully healed C Josh Heytvelt can turn his enormous athletic ability into enormous production.
24. Hofstra: The best three-guard lineup you know nothing about -- Loren Stokes, Antoine Agudio and Carlos Rivera -- returns from a 26-win team. The Pride must develop a big man or two, but will. As for George Mason's absence from the Top 25: The Patriots lose three of their top scorers from their Final Four team (Jai Lewis, Tony Skinn, Lamar Butler). They'll be good, but not great. Good isn't bad.
25. Virginia Tech: Bite me. I'm telling you, the Hokies will be good. Everyone's back from a team that underachieved under the stress of massive off-court heartache. A year heals a lot of wounds, and the addition of Nigel Munson means another guard for one of the country's deepest backcourts.
Tigers 2006/2007 Preseason #7 by ESPN's Andy Katz
ESPN.com 2006-07 April Top 25
INDIANAPOLIS -- OK, get ready to zing us. It's time for our annual post-national-title-game Top 25. This poll for the 2006-07 season is for sheer enjoyment. Post it, poke fun of it and rip it as you'd like.
Keep in mind, we're projecting who we think likely will stay for another year or head into the NBA draft, so there is potential for this to be messed up completely by June.
With all that said, here's our best first shot. Now get ready to take yours …
1. Florida (33-6)
We're going on the assumption that Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and Al Horford all are back. We know Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey aren't going anywhere, so five starters would be returning from a team that reached the national title game. If that's the case, then tell us why Florida wouldn't be picked to win the 2007 title in the SEC's adopted hometown of Atlanta? This club will be as experienced as any in the country.
2. Kansas (25-8)
The Jayhawks could lose Brandon Rush, but all indications right now are that he'll be back next season. If that's true, the baby 'Hawks should develop into men and be a force in the coming year. The Jayhawks signed one of the top point guards in the class of 2006 in Sherron Collins and the loss to Bradley in the first round -- on top of last season's first-round exit against Bucknell -- is extra motivation for the Jayhawks. Kansas will be tested plenty in the Big 12 by Texas but the Jayhawks have the talent and motivation to soar.
3. North Carolina (23-8)
The easy pick is to put the Tar Heels at No. 1, but UNC still will be relying on national freshman of the year Tyler Hansbrough to carry a heavy load inside. The expectation is that the super freshman class, with Tywan Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Brandan Wright, will come in immediately and star. They might, but we'd like to see a bit more before we anoint the underclass-dominated Tar Heels as the favorites.
4. LSU (23-9)
Once again, the problem here is the draft. In theory, the Tigers return everyone but Darrel Mitchell, but it's hard to assume at this point that Tyrus Thomas and Glen Davis won't test the NBA draft process. So, just because we don't know, we'll knock the Tigers down a couple of pegs. LSU actually could have all five "starters" back if you include Tack Minor, who originally was penciled in the starting five before he got hurt. They also get a transfer in Marquette's Dameon Mason, who should be another high-flyer on the squad.
5. UCLA (32-6)
The Bruins are a natural to be in the top five and could be a contender for the No. 1 spot. UCLA will lose two key players off its title-game team in seniors Cedric Bozeman and Ryan Hollins, but the return of Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo, a pair of all-Pac-10 first-team players, in the backcourt and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year Luc Richard Mbah a Moute up front makes the Bruins as talented along the perimeter and wing as any team in the country. The problem is not knowing whether Farmar will test the draft and locking in on a post player. Getting Josh Shipp healthy on the wing will help ensure the Bruins have some scoring outside the backcourt.
6. Ohio State (26-6)
Hmm, wonder who the Buckeyes are adding next season? Some guy named Greg Oden and a few of his friends who could form one of the best freshman classes in recent memory. Still, they're not coming to a program in need of an overhaul. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten regular-season title and were a No. 2 seed. The Buckeyes lose seniors Terence Dials and Je'Kel Foster, but scorers Nos. 3 and 4 -- Ron Lewis and Jamar Butler -- return. We're asking a lot of the freshman class to put the Buckeyes this high, but why not?
7. Memphis (33-4)
OK, this is a hard one. Memphis easily could check in at No. 1 with the talent it has returning and coming in, but losing Rodney Carney won't be a small hit. Carney was one of the nation's top defenders, as well as a legit scorer and a game changer with his dunks. One NBA scout believes he could be a top-10 pick. We're also not sure yet on Shawne Williams and Darius Washington and whether or not they'll try the draft. Still, the core is in place for the Tigers to be a top-10 team all season. Adding 6-foot-2 guard Willie Kemp could help offset the loss of Washington should he elect to go pro.
8. Texas (30-7)
Once again, this is a hard team to place. If LaMarcus Aldridge returns, the Longhorns could be No. 1. If he doesn't -- and P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson also bolt -- the Longhorns certainly would drop. For now, this is a happy medium. One thing is certain: Texas is adding big-time talent, led by forward Kevin Durant. If you watched the McDonald's All-American game and got a taste of his talent, you'll see why the Longhorns won't slide next season.
9. Alabama (18-13)
The Tide nearly knocked off UCLA in the second round. If those two teams were to meet in next season's NCAA Tournament, it probably would be in the Elite Eight or Final Four. Alabama got the good news that Jermareo Davidson is returning. That means four starters are back (with point guard Ronald Steele apparently not considering the jump). The Tide will have more depth next season and the experience of getting close but failing to finish off an opponent in the second round. The SEC should be the spot next season with more national title contenders than any other conference.
10. Pittsburgh (25-8)
The Panthers only lose Carl Krauser. He was a major player for the Panthers throughout the course of his career, but Pitt can take the hit of losing the veteran point guard. Big man Aaron Gray and forwards Sam Young and Levon Kendall give the Panthers one of the toughest front lines in the country. Guards Ronald Ramon, Levance Fields, Antonio Graves and Keith Benjamin should show everyone that the Panthers have the goods on the perimeter to match up with any team in the country. And you wonder why Jamie Dixon stayed?
11. Connecticut (30-4)
OK, let's think for a minute here. If Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams and Josh Boone all return, where would UConn be ranked? Possibly at No. 1. The problem is that the word around Storrs is that Williams is gone and Gay is as well. That could change, but the feeling right now is that the Huskies won't have either back. Boone is a question mark -- he's not ready but still is possibly considering the jump. Still, the Huskies got sensational bench play this season from Jeff Adrien, a potential star in making in the post, and the recruiting class is one of Jim Calhoun's best, with a stud at each spot. The collection of Stanley Robinson, Ben Eaves, Curtis Kelly, Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins could win a title before they're done.
12. Duke (32-4)
The Blue Devils have to drop without J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams, but they won't fall that far. Assuming Josh McRoberts returns, which he should despite talk that he could be a first-round pick, the Blue Devils have the anchor they need in the post. They already have the point guard in Greg Paulus, and they're bringing in a serious haul of recruits, led by Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer.
13. Georgetown (22-16)
Two names for you here: Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. With them, the Hoyas have the top frontcourt in the Big East. Hibbert is a rising star while Green continues to develop into a steady scorer. The Hoyas do lose experience with the departures of Brandon Bowman, Ashanti Cook and Darrel Owens, but they had a solid recruiting season, with Vernon Macklin, a power forward, as the head of the class. Georgetown's style is playing well in the Big East and the Hoyas should be one of the tougher offensive teams to stop next season.
14. California (20-11)
There were a few gasps in the RCA Dome press room when we discussed putting Cal this high, but we're projecting (for now) that Leon Powe will return to the Bears. If he does, he returns as the top player in the Pac-10, and the Bears aren't too shabby in other spots. Cal also returns Ayinde Ubaka, who had a solid junior season, as well as big man DeVon Hardin, who some think could end up being a better pro than Powe. Theo Robertson and Omar Wilkes had solid seasons in their first runs at Cal. This team has size and depth along the frontline.
15. Arizona (20-13)
Wildcats' coach Lute Olson isn't shying away from why Arizona will be a factor again next season. He said the Wildcats only lose Hassan Adams and Chris Rodgers. The first one is a big hit because of his versatility, but assuming Marcus Williams doesn't declare, the Wildcats bring back their second, third and fourth scorers, including point guard Mustafa Shakur, who finally played to his potential down the stretch. The Cats also can't wait to start coaching small forward Chase Budinger, who was impressive during the McDonald's All-American game.
16. Villanova (28-5)
The easy thing would be to assume the Wildcats won't be any good next season because they lose Randy Foye, Allan Ray and Jason Fraser, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Expect the Wildcats to again be a contender for the Big East title with the likely return of Kyle Lowry, who would be joined in the backcourt by Mike Nardi. 'Nova also will enjoy the return of a potential Big East player of the year candidate in Curtis Sumpter (back from ACL injury) and forwards Will Sheridan, Shane Clark and Dante Cunningham. Adding Antonio Pena, a 6-6 power forward, only increases the frontcourt depth.
17. Wisconsin (19-12)
The Badgers could be much higher by season's end. They return more than any other Big Ten contending team. Back for Wisconsin is Alando Tucker, the likely preseason Big Ten player of the year, along with Kammron Taylor in the backcourt and Brian Butch upfront. Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said he expects Greg Stiemsma and Marcus Landry, both of whom were ineligible for the second semester this season, to make it back as well. The Badgers also are pumped to add point guard Jason Bohannon. Wisconsin struggled at times offensively down the stretch, but a lot of that had to do with depth. That shouldn't be an issue next season with more scoring options.
18. Texas A&M (22-9)
The Aggies could be the sleeper team that challenges for the Big 12 title. We're not convinced they could take out Kansas and Texas with all that those schools have coming back, but what if either team loses a key player or two? The Aggies could return their top six players, notably Acie Law and Joseph Jones. Adding freshman power forward Bryan Davis only piles on the depth up front. Billy Gillispie didn't need to entertain any offers because he has something really good going with the Aggies. He has a chance to make Texas A&M a basketball school next season.
19. Florida State (20-10)
The politicking that the Seminoles are going to be a fine squad next season has begun in Tallahassee. Well, they should be with the talent that is returning. There really is no excuse if the Seminoles aren't in the NCAA Tournament, with Al Thornton, Alexander Johnson, Jason Rich, Isaiah Swann and the eligibility of Auburn transfer Toney Douglas. With that kind of athleticism, scoring and potential for shot-altering along the backline, the 'Noles should be a tourney team.
20. Boston College (28-8)
The easy thing would be to punt the Eagles out of the Top 25 because Craig Smith and Louis Hinnant are gone, but that would show you haven't been following Al Skinner lately. He maximizes his talent and there is still plenty left on the roster. Jared Dudley will be the premier small forward in the ACC with his ability to score inside and outside. Sean Williams is emerging as the most feared shot-blocker in the country and has the offseason to get an offensive game. Sean Marshall needs to find a consistent stride but can hit the jumper. Tyrese Rice, Akida McLain and John Oates all had their moments where they were major contributors on the Sweet 16 Eagles.
21. Oklahoma State (15-14)
The Cowboys, whether it's Eddie or Sean Sutton coaching, should be a major player in the Big 12 race. Everyone -- and we mean, everyone -- is back. The Cowboys return their top 10 scorers, led by Mario Boggan inside and JamesOn Curry on the perimeter. The Suttons also corralled shooting guard Obi Muonelo with the expectation that he could come in and help right away. Expect the Cowboys back in the Dance.
22. Tennessee (22-8)
The Vols were the surprise team in the SEC this season. They ran, and pressed, and converted. Bruce Pearl's style of play was a major hit in Knoxville. Losing C.J. Watson, Andre Patterson and Stanley Asumnu hurts the experience of this club but the Vols still have a solid core returning in Chris Lofton, Major Wingate, JaJuan Smith and Dane Bradshaw. The Vols also added a major contributor in power forward Duke Crews.
23. Gonzaga (29-4)
We have to keep the Bulldogs on the list because we're not 100 percent sure that Adam Morrison will declare for the draft. Can they be this good even without Morrison and J.P. Batista? Well, we're taking a leap of faith, but the there is still plenty of talent with Derek Raivio, Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes, Jeremy Pargo, the men up front in Josh Heytvelt, Sean Mallon and David Pendergraft, and the addition of Matt Bouldin. This team might lack star power but will still win its share of games.
24. Marquette (20-11)
This is the second consecutive season the Golden Eagles will lose a senior starter who was the heart and soul of the team. Last year it was Travis Diener. Now it's Steve Novak. Still, the Eagles are loaded, with the Big East's top newcomer in guard Dominic James, and fellow freshmen Jerel McNeal and Wes Matthews. The Eagles will play with passion and energy and will be an exciting team to watch.
25. Michigan (23-7)
OK, we've been here before with the Wolverines. They've had injuries, but the talent is in place to be an NCAA Tournament team next season. Michigan should have three senior starters next season in Dion Harris, Courtney Sims and Lester Abram. Ron Coleman is back as a junior and Brent Petway should be a senior role player. Never short on recruiting, Tommy Amaker added small forward Deshawn Sims so the depth shouldn't be an issue.
Others in consideration:
• Louisville: Loss of Taquan Dean puts them just outside the Top 25.
• NC State: Hard to lock in on the Wolfpack without knowing who the coach is, but the talent is in place with Cedric Simmons.
• Illinois: The Illini will knock on the top 25 door but losing Dee Brown and James Augustine makes the argument tough in April.
• Indiana: We don't know if D.J. White and Robert Vaden are back, and until then it's hard to commit to the Hoosiers.
• Washington: The Huskies lose the Pac-10 player of the year in Brandon Roy, but the talent is in place with a stellar recruiting class led by Spencer Hawes.
• Oregon: The Ducks return the core of their team but this is still a squad that has underachieved for two seasons.
• USC: Don't be surprised to see Tim Floyd get this squad in the Top 25 at some point next season.
• Oklahoma: Have to wait on the new coach, and losing the frontcourt means the Sooners can't be in the Top 25 yet, but Kelvin Sampson did recruit his best class before he bolted to Indiana.
• Kentucky: Rajon Rondo is declaring. Who knows about Randolph Morris? There are too many questions to put them in right now.
• Arkansas: This could be a mistake to keep Arkansas on the outside looking in at this point but we're making an assumption that Ronnie Brewer will declare. If that happens, the Hogs would have lost their top two scorers (with senior Jonathon Modica).
• South Carolina: The Gamecocks are the kings of the NIT and lose Tarence Kinsey, their top scorer. They'll be good with three potential senior starters, but we're not sure how good yet.
• George Washington: The Colonials lose three key seniors in Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and Omar Williams, but should still have a core back with Maureece Rice, Danilo Pinnock and Carl Elliott -- enough to make a run at the top 25.
• Xavier: The Musketeers finished strong, winning the A-10 tournament and nearly taking out Gonzaga in the first round. They could return four of their top five scorers and added a top shooting guard in Adrion Graves.
• Nevada: Not knowing if Nick Fazekas is returning makes it hard to commit to the Wolf Pack in April.
Five mid-majors that could crack the preseason Top 25
Think the George Mason magic has worn off already? Guess again. Don't be surprised to see one or more mid-majors in the preseason Top 25. Here are five possibilities:
Bucknell -- If you liked the two Round of 32 runs, get ready for what could be the best Bison team yet. 6-10 Deutschlander Chris McNaughton, defense-destroying point guard Abe Badmus and wing Donald Brown will all be seniors, and a cadre of young shooters is in line to pick up departing guard Kevin Bettencourt's slack.
Hofstra -- With every George Mason win, the selection snub of the team that beat them twice looked more and more unfair. Next season, the Pride will return a powerful backcourt in Antoine Agudio and Loren Stokes, the latter of whom will become nationally known for his game rather than getting punched in the groin. If the Pride live up to their potential, nobody will be able to keep them away from the dance.
Southern Illinois -- 2005-06 was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but the Salukis went ahead and won the black-and-blue Valley tourney championship anyway. While they had mass graduation losses last spring, they'll have none this year, so their painfully efficient defense will return intact. The only thing that could stop them from repeating their conference tourney title is if Chris Lowery decides to coach elsewhere.
Missouri State -- The Valley's pre-preseason player of the year most likely will be returning senior Blake Ahearn, a deadeye shooter who's Division-I's all-time best free-throw shooter. Head coach Barry Hinson only loses two to graduation, so ex-SMS will be almost fully stocked for its revenge run. As an aside, no team will ignore the RPI as much as the Bears next season -- a No. 19 ranking couldn't get them in this year.
Fresno State -- The preparation work for the 2006-07 season began last November, when Fresno self-imposed a postseason ban for past recruiting violations. Former BYU savior and new sheriff in town Steve Cleveland has spent the last year grooming a roster (including shooting star Ja'Vance Coleman) that will have zero turnover next season. Next March, the Bulldogs could very well win the WAC, overcoming Nevada and Utah State squads decimated by key graduations.
Five mid-majors who could make a midseason appearance
These five teams won't start in the Top 25, but could find themselves there at some point next season:
Creighton -- With the return of Nate Funk from injury, coach Dana Altman will be able to run his offense the way he originally wanted to this year. With imposing post presence Nate Tolliver and eye-opening sophomore point guard Josh Dotzler, they could be a very dangerous Valley threat again.
Winthrop -- No, the Eagles never go away. They came within a shot of a 15-over-2 upset against Tennessee and Gregg Marshall's two best players are coming back: oversized shooting guard Torrell Martin and do-everything 6-10 New Zealander Craig Bradshaw. The Eagles will receive some more Big South battle-testing from Buzz Peterson's resurgent Coastal Carolina squad, and if they can secure a good non-conference schedule, they'll have chances to grab some national buzz of their own.
Butler -- The loss of the NCAA tournament's only all-senior starting five at Milwaukee means a vacuum in the Horizon League, and the Bulldogs are best positioned to take advantage. They lose three seniors but the hot-shooting, undersized-but-skilled post players who remain may win the award for "2006-07 roster that looks most like George Mason 2005-06." With their conference runner-up status this season, Butler is back on the upswing toward the run of perennial 20-plus win seasons that ended abruptly in 2003.
Akron -- The Zips will come in with the best senior class in the Mid-American, including two of LeBron's old high school teammates (quick Dru Joyce and wide Romeo Travis), as well as a stack of shoulder chips resulting from their embarrassing MAC semifinal loss to 7-seed Toledo.
George Mason -- The Patriots will have to absorb the loss of leading scorers Tony Skinn, Jai Lewis and Lamar Butler, but the junior class includes NCAA stars Folarin Cambpell and Will Thomas, and they'll get help from two current redshirts -- 6-7 Jesus Urbina (who'll replace Lewis on one block) and hot-shooting swingman John Vaughan, coming back off an ACL tear. And, of course, they have all that championship experience.
INDIANAPOLIS -- OK, get ready to zing us. It's time for our annual post-national-title-game Top 25. This poll for the 2006-07 season is for sheer enjoyment. Post it, poke fun of it and rip it as you'd like.
Keep in mind, we're projecting who we think likely will stay for another year or head into the NBA draft, so there is potential for this to be messed up completely by June.
With all that said, here's our best first shot. Now get ready to take yours …
1. Florida (33-6)
We're going on the assumption that Joakim Noah, Corey Brewer and Al Horford all are back. We know Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey aren't going anywhere, so five starters would be returning from a team that reached the national title game. If that's the case, then tell us why Florida wouldn't be picked to win the 2007 title in the SEC's adopted hometown of Atlanta? This club will be as experienced as any in the country.
2. Kansas (25-8)
The Jayhawks could lose Brandon Rush, but all indications right now are that he'll be back next season. If that's true, the baby 'Hawks should develop into men and be a force in the coming year. The Jayhawks signed one of the top point guards in the class of 2006 in Sherron Collins and the loss to Bradley in the first round -- on top of last season's first-round exit against Bucknell -- is extra motivation for the Jayhawks. Kansas will be tested plenty in the Big 12 by Texas but the Jayhawks have the talent and motivation to soar.
3. North Carolina (23-8)
The easy pick is to put the Tar Heels at No. 1, but UNC still will be relying on national freshman of the year Tyler Hansbrough to carry a heavy load inside. The expectation is that the super freshman class, with Tywan Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Brandan Wright, will come in immediately and star. They might, but we'd like to see a bit more before we anoint the underclass-dominated Tar Heels as the favorites.
4. LSU (23-9)
Once again, the problem here is the draft. In theory, the Tigers return everyone but Darrel Mitchell, but it's hard to assume at this point that Tyrus Thomas and Glen Davis won't test the NBA draft process. So, just because we don't know, we'll knock the Tigers down a couple of pegs. LSU actually could have all five "starters" back if you include Tack Minor, who originally was penciled in the starting five before he got hurt. They also get a transfer in Marquette's Dameon Mason, who should be another high-flyer on the squad.
5. UCLA (32-6)
The Bruins are a natural to be in the top five and could be a contender for the No. 1 spot. UCLA will lose two key players off its title-game team in seniors Cedric Bozeman and Ryan Hollins, but the return of Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo, a pair of all-Pac-10 first-team players, in the backcourt and Pac-10 Freshman of the Year Luc Richard Mbah a Moute up front makes the Bruins as talented along the perimeter and wing as any team in the country. The problem is not knowing whether Farmar will test the draft and locking in on a post player. Getting Josh Shipp healthy on the wing will help ensure the Bruins have some scoring outside the backcourt.
6. Ohio State (26-6)
Hmm, wonder who the Buckeyes are adding next season? Some guy named Greg Oden and a few of his friends who could form one of the best freshman classes in recent memory. Still, they're not coming to a program in need of an overhaul. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten regular-season title and were a No. 2 seed. The Buckeyes lose seniors Terence Dials and Je'Kel Foster, but scorers Nos. 3 and 4 -- Ron Lewis and Jamar Butler -- return. We're asking a lot of the freshman class to put the Buckeyes this high, but why not?
7. Memphis (33-4)
OK, this is a hard one. Memphis easily could check in at No. 1 with the talent it has returning and coming in, but losing Rodney Carney won't be a small hit. Carney was one of the nation's top defenders, as well as a legit scorer and a game changer with his dunks. One NBA scout believes he could be a top-10 pick. We're also not sure yet on Shawne Williams and Darius Washington and whether or not they'll try the draft. Still, the core is in place for the Tigers to be a top-10 team all season. Adding 6-foot-2 guard Willie Kemp could help offset the loss of Washington should he elect to go pro.
8. Texas (30-7)
Once again, this is a hard team to place. If LaMarcus Aldridge returns, the Longhorns could be No. 1. If he doesn't -- and P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson also bolt -- the Longhorns certainly would drop. For now, this is a happy medium. One thing is certain: Texas is adding big-time talent, led by forward Kevin Durant. If you watched the McDonald's All-American game and got a taste of his talent, you'll see why the Longhorns won't slide next season.
9. Alabama (18-13)
The Tide nearly knocked off UCLA in the second round. If those two teams were to meet in next season's NCAA Tournament, it probably would be in the Elite Eight or Final Four. Alabama got the good news that Jermareo Davidson is returning. That means four starters are back (with point guard Ronald Steele apparently not considering the jump). The Tide will have more depth next season and the experience of getting close but failing to finish off an opponent in the second round. The SEC should be the spot next season with more national title contenders than any other conference.
10. Pittsburgh (25-8)
The Panthers only lose Carl Krauser. He was a major player for the Panthers throughout the course of his career, but Pitt can take the hit of losing the veteran point guard. Big man Aaron Gray and forwards Sam Young and Levon Kendall give the Panthers one of the toughest front lines in the country. Guards Ronald Ramon, Levance Fields, Antonio Graves and Keith Benjamin should show everyone that the Panthers have the goods on the perimeter to match up with any team in the country. And you wonder why Jamie Dixon stayed?
11. Connecticut (30-4)
OK, let's think for a minute here. If Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams and Josh Boone all return, where would UConn be ranked? Possibly at No. 1. The problem is that the word around Storrs is that Williams is gone and Gay is as well. That could change, but the feeling right now is that the Huskies won't have either back. Boone is a question mark -- he's not ready but still is possibly considering the jump. Still, the Huskies got sensational bench play this season from Jeff Adrien, a potential star in making in the post, and the recruiting class is one of Jim Calhoun's best, with a stud at each spot. The collection of Stanley Robinson, Ben Eaves, Curtis Kelly, Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins could win a title before they're done.
12. Duke (32-4)
The Blue Devils have to drop without J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams, but they won't fall that far. Assuming Josh McRoberts returns, which he should despite talk that he could be a first-round pick, the Blue Devils have the anchor they need in the post. They already have the point guard in Greg Paulus, and they're bringing in a serious haul of recruits, led by Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer.
13. Georgetown (22-16)
Two names for you here: Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert. With them, the Hoyas have the top frontcourt in the Big East. Hibbert is a rising star while Green continues to develop into a steady scorer. The Hoyas do lose experience with the departures of Brandon Bowman, Ashanti Cook and Darrel Owens, but they had a solid recruiting season, with Vernon Macklin, a power forward, as the head of the class. Georgetown's style is playing well in the Big East and the Hoyas should be one of the tougher offensive teams to stop next season.
14. California (20-11)
There were a few gasps in the RCA Dome press room when we discussed putting Cal this high, but we're projecting (for now) that Leon Powe will return to the Bears. If he does, he returns as the top player in the Pac-10, and the Bears aren't too shabby in other spots. Cal also returns Ayinde Ubaka, who had a solid junior season, as well as big man DeVon Hardin, who some think could end up being a better pro than Powe. Theo Robertson and Omar Wilkes had solid seasons in their first runs at Cal. This team has size and depth along the frontline.
15. Arizona (20-13)
Wildcats' coach Lute Olson isn't shying away from why Arizona will be a factor again next season. He said the Wildcats only lose Hassan Adams and Chris Rodgers. The first one is a big hit because of his versatility, but assuming Marcus Williams doesn't declare, the Wildcats bring back their second, third and fourth scorers, including point guard Mustafa Shakur, who finally played to his potential down the stretch. The Cats also can't wait to start coaching small forward Chase Budinger, who was impressive during the McDonald's All-American game.
16. Villanova (28-5)
The easy thing would be to assume the Wildcats won't be any good next season because they lose Randy Foye, Allan Ray and Jason Fraser, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Expect the Wildcats to again be a contender for the Big East title with the likely return of Kyle Lowry, who would be joined in the backcourt by Mike Nardi. 'Nova also will enjoy the return of a potential Big East player of the year candidate in Curtis Sumpter (back from ACL injury) and forwards Will Sheridan, Shane Clark and Dante Cunningham. Adding Antonio Pena, a 6-6 power forward, only increases the frontcourt depth.
17. Wisconsin (19-12)
The Badgers could be much higher by season's end. They return more than any other Big Ten contending team. Back for Wisconsin is Alando Tucker, the likely preseason Big Ten player of the year, along with Kammron Taylor in the backcourt and Brian Butch upfront. Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said he expects Greg Stiemsma and Marcus Landry, both of whom were ineligible for the second semester this season, to make it back as well. The Badgers also are pumped to add point guard Jason Bohannon. Wisconsin struggled at times offensively down the stretch, but a lot of that had to do with depth. That shouldn't be an issue next season with more scoring options.
18. Texas A&M (22-9)
The Aggies could be the sleeper team that challenges for the Big 12 title. We're not convinced they could take out Kansas and Texas with all that those schools have coming back, but what if either team loses a key player or two? The Aggies could return their top six players, notably Acie Law and Joseph Jones. Adding freshman power forward Bryan Davis only piles on the depth up front. Billy Gillispie didn't need to entertain any offers because he has something really good going with the Aggies. He has a chance to make Texas A&M a basketball school next season.
19. Florida State (20-10)
The politicking that the Seminoles are going to be a fine squad next season has begun in Tallahassee. Well, they should be with the talent that is returning. There really is no excuse if the Seminoles aren't in the NCAA Tournament, with Al Thornton, Alexander Johnson, Jason Rich, Isaiah Swann and the eligibility of Auburn transfer Toney Douglas. With that kind of athleticism, scoring and potential for shot-altering along the backline, the 'Noles should be a tourney team.
20. Boston College (28-8)
The easy thing would be to punt the Eagles out of the Top 25 because Craig Smith and Louis Hinnant are gone, but that would show you haven't been following Al Skinner lately. He maximizes his talent and there is still plenty left on the roster. Jared Dudley will be the premier small forward in the ACC with his ability to score inside and outside. Sean Williams is emerging as the most feared shot-blocker in the country and has the offseason to get an offensive game. Sean Marshall needs to find a consistent stride but can hit the jumper. Tyrese Rice, Akida McLain and John Oates all had their moments where they were major contributors on the Sweet 16 Eagles.
21. Oklahoma State (15-14)
The Cowboys, whether it's Eddie or Sean Sutton coaching, should be a major player in the Big 12 race. Everyone -- and we mean, everyone -- is back. The Cowboys return their top 10 scorers, led by Mario Boggan inside and JamesOn Curry on the perimeter. The Suttons also corralled shooting guard Obi Muonelo with the expectation that he could come in and help right away. Expect the Cowboys back in the Dance.
22. Tennessee (22-8)
The Vols were the surprise team in the SEC this season. They ran, and pressed, and converted. Bruce Pearl's style of play was a major hit in Knoxville. Losing C.J. Watson, Andre Patterson and Stanley Asumnu hurts the experience of this club but the Vols still have a solid core returning in Chris Lofton, Major Wingate, JaJuan Smith and Dane Bradshaw. The Vols also added a major contributor in power forward Duke Crews.
23. Gonzaga (29-4)
We have to keep the Bulldogs on the list because we're not 100 percent sure that Adam Morrison will declare for the draft. Can they be this good even without Morrison and J.P. Batista? Well, we're taking a leap of faith, but the there is still plenty of talent with Derek Raivio, Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes, Jeremy Pargo, the men up front in Josh Heytvelt, Sean Mallon and David Pendergraft, and the addition of Matt Bouldin. This team might lack star power but will still win its share of games.
24. Marquette (20-11)
This is the second consecutive season the Golden Eagles will lose a senior starter who was the heart and soul of the team. Last year it was Travis Diener. Now it's Steve Novak. Still, the Eagles are loaded, with the Big East's top newcomer in guard Dominic James, and fellow freshmen Jerel McNeal and Wes Matthews. The Eagles will play with passion and energy and will be an exciting team to watch.
25. Michigan (23-7)
OK, we've been here before with the Wolverines. They've had injuries, but the talent is in place to be an NCAA Tournament team next season. Michigan should have three senior starters next season in Dion Harris, Courtney Sims and Lester Abram. Ron Coleman is back as a junior and Brent Petway should be a senior role player. Never short on recruiting, Tommy Amaker added small forward Deshawn Sims so the depth shouldn't be an issue.
Others in consideration:
• Louisville: Loss of Taquan Dean puts them just outside the Top 25.
• NC State: Hard to lock in on the Wolfpack without knowing who the coach is, but the talent is in place with Cedric Simmons.
• Illinois: The Illini will knock on the top 25 door but losing Dee Brown and James Augustine makes the argument tough in April.
• Indiana: We don't know if D.J. White and Robert Vaden are back, and until then it's hard to commit to the Hoosiers.
• Washington: The Huskies lose the Pac-10 player of the year in Brandon Roy, but the talent is in place with a stellar recruiting class led by Spencer Hawes.
• Oregon: The Ducks return the core of their team but this is still a squad that has underachieved for two seasons.
• USC: Don't be surprised to see Tim Floyd get this squad in the Top 25 at some point next season.
• Oklahoma: Have to wait on the new coach, and losing the frontcourt means the Sooners can't be in the Top 25 yet, but Kelvin Sampson did recruit his best class before he bolted to Indiana.
• Kentucky: Rajon Rondo is declaring. Who knows about Randolph Morris? There are too many questions to put them in right now.
• Arkansas: This could be a mistake to keep Arkansas on the outside looking in at this point but we're making an assumption that Ronnie Brewer will declare. If that happens, the Hogs would have lost their top two scorers (with senior Jonathon Modica).
• South Carolina: The Gamecocks are the kings of the NIT and lose Tarence Kinsey, their top scorer. They'll be good with three potential senior starters, but we're not sure how good yet.
• George Washington: The Colonials lose three key seniors in Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and Omar Williams, but should still have a core back with Maureece Rice, Danilo Pinnock and Carl Elliott -- enough to make a run at the top 25.
• Xavier: The Musketeers finished strong, winning the A-10 tournament and nearly taking out Gonzaga in the first round. They could return four of their top five scorers and added a top shooting guard in Adrion Graves.
• Nevada: Not knowing if Nick Fazekas is returning makes it hard to commit to the Wolf Pack in April.
Five mid-majors that could crack the preseason Top 25
Think the George Mason magic has worn off already? Guess again. Don't be surprised to see one or more mid-majors in the preseason Top 25. Here are five possibilities:
Bucknell -- If you liked the two Round of 32 runs, get ready for what could be the best Bison team yet. 6-10 Deutschlander Chris McNaughton, defense-destroying point guard Abe Badmus and wing Donald Brown will all be seniors, and a cadre of young shooters is in line to pick up departing guard Kevin Bettencourt's slack.
Hofstra -- With every George Mason win, the selection snub of the team that beat them twice looked more and more unfair. Next season, the Pride will return a powerful backcourt in Antoine Agudio and Loren Stokes, the latter of whom will become nationally known for his game rather than getting punched in the groin. If the Pride live up to their potential, nobody will be able to keep them away from the dance.
Southern Illinois -- 2005-06 was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but the Salukis went ahead and won the black-and-blue Valley tourney championship anyway. While they had mass graduation losses last spring, they'll have none this year, so their painfully efficient defense will return intact. The only thing that could stop them from repeating their conference tourney title is if Chris Lowery decides to coach elsewhere.
Missouri State -- The Valley's pre-preseason player of the year most likely will be returning senior Blake Ahearn, a deadeye shooter who's Division-I's all-time best free-throw shooter. Head coach Barry Hinson only loses two to graduation, so ex-SMS will be almost fully stocked for its revenge run. As an aside, no team will ignore the RPI as much as the Bears next season -- a No. 19 ranking couldn't get them in this year.
Fresno State -- The preparation work for the 2006-07 season began last November, when Fresno self-imposed a postseason ban for past recruiting violations. Former BYU savior and new sheriff in town Steve Cleveland has spent the last year grooming a roster (including shooting star Ja'Vance Coleman) that will have zero turnover next season. Next March, the Bulldogs could very well win the WAC, overcoming Nevada and Utah State squads decimated by key graduations.
Five mid-majors who could make a midseason appearance
These five teams won't start in the Top 25, but could find themselves there at some point next season:
Creighton -- With the return of Nate Funk from injury, coach Dana Altman will be able to run his offense the way he originally wanted to this year. With imposing post presence Nate Tolliver and eye-opening sophomore point guard Josh Dotzler, they could be a very dangerous Valley threat again.
Winthrop -- No, the Eagles never go away. They came within a shot of a 15-over-2 upset against Tennessee and Gregg Marshall's two best players are coming back: oversized shooting guard Torrell Martin and do-everything 6-10 New Zealander Craig Bradshaw. The Eagles will receive some more Big South battle-testing from Buzz Peterson's resurgent Coastal Carolina squad, and if they can secure a good non-conference schedule, they'll have chances to grab some national buzz of their own.
Butler -- The loss of the NCAA tournament's only all-senior starting five at Milwaukee means a vacuum in the Horizon League, and the Bulldogs are best positioned to take advantage. They lose three seniors but the hot-shooting, undersized-but-skilled post players who remain may win the award for "2006-07 roster that looks most like George Mason 2005-06." With their conference runner-up status this season, Butler is back on the upswing toward the run of perennial 20-plus win seasons that ended abruptly in 2003.
Akron -- The Zips will come in with the best senior class in the Mid-American, including two of LeBron's old high school teammates (quick Dru Joyce and wide Romeo Travis), as well as a stack of shoulder chips resulting from their embarrassing MAC semifinal loss to 7-seed Toledo.
George Mason -- The Patriots will have to absorb the loss of leading scorers Tony Skinn, Jai Lewis and Lamar Butler, but the junior class includes NCAA stars Folarin Cambpell and Will Thomas, and they'll get help from two current redshirts -- 6-7 Jesus Urbina (who'll replace Lewis on one block) and hot-shooting swingman John Vaughan, coming back off an ACL tear. And, of course, they have all that championship experience.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
AD Johnson: Contract for Calipari Just a Matter of Time
Tiger AD: Contract for Calipari just matter of time
April 4, 2006
INDIANAPOLIS -- The original plan was to have a new contract featuring, among other things, pay increases for John Calipari and his assistants done by the end of last week. And while that hasn't yet been completed, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson reconfirmed Monday it's only a matter of timing. "We've both been so busy we haven't even seen each other, to be honest with you," Johnson said. "But don't read anything into that. It's just a busy time of the year for everybody."
Johnson on Monday remained in Indianapolis -- site of the NCAA Tournament title game between Florida and UCLA -- and said no school (Oklahoma and N.C. State included) has called to request permission to speak with Calipari about a job opening. Meanwhile, Calipari left Indianapolis prior to tip-off Monday and was headed to Los Angeles, where he will be the guest host of Fox Sports Net's "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" tonight and Wednesday. The hour-long show is scheduled to air in Memphis at 10:30 each night.
After that, he is planning to spend the rest of the week recruiting potential Class of 2007 targets like Derrick Rose, a 6-2 point guard from Chicago ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the nation by Scout.com.
-- Gary Parrish Commercial Appeal
April 4, 2006
INDIANAPOLIS -- The original plan was to have a new contract featuring, among other things, pay increases for John Calipari and his assistants done by the end of last week. And while that hasn't yet been completed, University of Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson reconfirmed Monday it's only a matter of timing. "We've both been so busy we haven't even seen each other, to be honest with you," Johnson said. "But don't read anything into that. It's just a busy time of the year for everybody."
Johnson on Monday remained in Indianapolis -- site of the NCAA Tournament title game between Florida and UCLA -- and said no school (Oklahoma and N.C. State included) has called to request permission to speak with Calipari about a job opening. Meanwhile, Calipari left Indianapolis prior to tip-off Monday and was headed to Los Angeles, where he will be the guest host of Fox Sports Net's "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" tonight and Wednesday. The hour-long show is scheduled to air in Memphis at 10:30 each night.
After that, he is planning to spend the rest of the week recruiting potential Class of 2007 targets like Derrick Rose, a 6-2 point guard from Chicago ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the nation by Scout.com.
-- Gary Parrish Commercial Appeal
Tigers to Participate in November 2006 Maui Classic, Make Your Travel Plans Now to Seek Revenge on UCLA
The Tigers will participate in the 2006 Maui Classic to be held November 20, 21 and 22. Other teams joining Memphis will be DePaul ('05/'06 RPI #91, Big East Conference), Georgia Tech (#160, ACC, see incoming freshman Memphian Thaddeus Young), Kentucky (#41, SEC), Oklahoma (#16, Big 12), Purdue (#174, Big 10), UCLA (#9, Pac 10, National Runner-Up) and Chaminade.
http://www.mauiinvitational.com/
Calipari to Guest Host Fox's "Best Damn Sports Show Period"
Memphis' John Calipari To Guest Host BDSSP Tuesday and Wednesday
Show times slated for 9:00 and 10:30 p.m. (CT) both days.
April 4, 2006
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - University of Memphis head coach John Calipari will be a guest host on Fox Sports' "Best Damn Sports Show Period" Tuesday and Wednesday. The shows are slated to air at 9:00 and 10:30 p.m. (CT) both days. The Wednesday show will also air at 8:00 p.m. (CT).
On Tuesday's show, Calipari will break down the Florida-UCLA national championship game and also give his analysis of the NCAA Tournament. Other guests on Tuesday's show are A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox, Kevin Millar of the Baltimore Orioles and national baseball analyst Ken Rosenthal.
Wednesday's show is scheduled to have Atlanta Braves All-Star Andruw Jones.
Calipari, who guided the Tigers to a school-record 33-4 record and an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance in 2005-06, has been a frequent guest and guest host on the "Best Damn Sports Show Period" this year. His most recent show appearances came during Memphis' run in the NCAA Tournament.
Show times slated for 9:00 and 10:30 p.m. (CT) both days.
April 4, 2006
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - University of Memphis head coach John Calipari will be a guest host on Fox Sports' "Best Damn Sports Show Period" Tuesday and Wednesday. The shows are slated to air at 9:00 and 10:30 p.m. (CT) both days. The Wednesday show will also air at 8:00 p.m. (CT).
On Tuesday's show, Calipari will break down the Florida-UCLA national championship game and also give his analysis of the NCAA Tournament. Other guests on Tuesday's show are A.J. Pierzynski of the Chicago White Sox, Kevin Millar of the Baltimore Orioles and national baseball analyst Ken Rosenthal.
Wednesday's show is scheduled to have Atlanta Braves All-Star Andruw Jones.
Calipari, who guided the Tigers to a school-record 33-4 record and an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance in 2005-06, has been a frequent guest and guest host on the "Best Damn Sports Show Period" this year. His most recent show appearances came during Memphis' run in the NCAA Tournament.
Profit/Losses or Who Gets the Best Bang for Their Bucks?
PROFIT-LOSSES IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL OR WHO GETS THE BEST BANG FOR THEIR BUCKS?
Team, Head Coach Pay, Revenues, Expenses, Profit
Duke $1.4 Million $12.4M $7.4M $5M
Michigan State $1.6 Million $11M $6.3M $4.7M
Marquette $1.1 Million $5.8M $5.8M Even
Kentucky $1.9M $12.9M $5.6M $7.3M
Syracuse $380,000 $12.4M $5.6M $6.8M
Arkansas $800,000 $11.1M $5.6M $5.5M
UConn $1.5 Million $7.9M $5.5M $2.4M
Texas $1.3 Million $12M $5.1M $6.9M
Texas A&M $630,000 $6.5M $4.9M $1.6M
North Carolina $1.4 Million $15M $4.8M $10.2M
Florida $1.4 Million $6.5M $4.6M $1.9M
Iowa $800,000 $10.5M $4.5M $6.5M
Tennessee $800,000 $5.4M $4.5M $.9M
Memphis $1.2M $5.6M $4.5M $1.1M
Kansas $1 Million $11.8M $4.3M $7.5
Oklahoma $1 Million $6.2M $4.1M $2.1
Ohio State $830,000 $11.4M $4.1M $7.3
Arizona $700,000 $16.6M $4.1M $12.5M
Alabama $1 Million $6.5M $3.7M $2.8M
UCLA $910,000 $7.1M $3.7M $3.4M
Cincinnati $180,000 $5.7M $3.7M $2.0M
Illinois $700,000 $11.3M $3.2 $8.1M
Pittsburgh $490,000 $7.8 $3.2 $4.6M
Villanova $510,000 $4.2 $2.6 $1.6
Boston College $530,000 $3.4 $2.5 $.9M
Gonzaga $500,000 $2.5M $1.6M $.9M
UAB $600,000 $1.9M $2.1 -.2M
LSU $720,000 $4.6M $2.2M $2.4M
N.C. State $900,000 $11.4M $2.4M $9.0M
* Some Figures Obtained From The Wall Street Journal
* Figures Are For The 2004-05 Season
Team, Head Coach Pay, Revenues, Expenses, Profit
Duke $1.4 Million $12.4M $7.4M $5M
Michigan State $1.6 Million $11M $6.3M $4.7M
Marquette $1.1 Million $5.8M $5.8M Even
Kentucky $1.9M $12.9M $5.6M $7.3M
Syracuse $380,000 $12.4M $5.6M $6.8M
Arkansas $800,000 $11.1M $5.6M $5.5M
UConn $1.5 Million $7.9M $5.5M $2.4M
Texas $1.3 Million $12M $5.1M $6.9M
Texas A&M $630,000 $6.5M $4.9M $1.6M
North Carolina $1.4 Million $15M $4.8M $10.2M
Florida $1.4 Million $6.5M $4.6M $1.9M
Iowa $800,000 $10.5M $4.5M $6.5M
Tennessee $800,000 $5.4M $4.5M $.9M
Memphis $1.2M $5.6M $4.5M $1.1M
Kansas $1 Million $11.8M $4.3M $7.5
Oklahoma $1 Million $6.2M $4.1M $2.1
Ohio State $830,000 $11.4M $4.1M $7.3
Arizona $700,000 $16.6M $4.1M $12.5M
Alabama $1 Million $6.5M $3.7M $2.8M
UCLA $910,000 $7.1M $3.7M $3.4M
Cincinnati $180,000 $5.7M $3.7M $2.0M
Illinois $700,000 $11.3M $3.2 $8.1M
Pittsburgh $490,000 $7.8 $3.2 $4.6M
Villanova $510,000 $4.2 $2.6 $1.6
Boston College $530,000 $3.4 $2.5 $.9M
Gonzaga $500,000 $2.5M $1.6M $.9M
UAB $600,000 $1.9M $2.1 -.2M
LSU $720,000 $4.6M $2.2M $2.4M
N.C. State $900,000 $11.4M $2.4M $9.0M
* Some Figures Obtained From The Wall Street Journal
* Figures Are For The 2004-05 Season
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