If you are interested in participating in our ATB2 feature, send in your submissions to rushthecourt@gmail.com. We will add to this post throughout the day as the submissions come in so keep on sending them.
General News
- Jeff Hathaway is out at UConn: After a long power battle Hathaway is out and Paul Pendergast is replacing him as the interim athletic director. (The UConn Blog: Part 1 and Part 2)
- Lithuania 76, USA 74: “For the second time in less than two months a Lithuanian team eliminated an American team from medal consideration in an international tournament, as the Americans dropped a two point decision, 74-76, to that Baltic Republic in the World University Games held at Shenzhen University.” (Villanova by the Numbers and Kentucky Sports Radio)
- USA 94, Romania 73: “A change in the starting five brought a change of fortunes at Shenzhen University Sunday as Team USA posted a 21 point win over fellow quarter final loser Team Romania, and advanced to a showdown with Team Germany for fifth place at the World University Games.” (Villanova by the Numbers)
- Georgetown Hoyas Defeat Liaoning Dinosaurs 91-69 in Shanghai: “In their first game since the infamous game ending brawl with the Bayi Rockets, the Georgetown Hoyas got another win against a professional Chinese team, defeating the Dinosaurs of Liaoning by a score of 91-69.” (Casual Hoya)
- Cal Men’s Basketball Beats Danes, 81-73: The Bears defeated the Danish National Team behind 21 points from Robert Thurman. (California Golden Blogs)
- Cal Men’s Basketball Has Room for Seconds, Polishes off Danish 95-78: “For the weekend re-match against the Danish national team, the Golden Bears would have to get it done without starting big men Harper Kamp (knee) and Richard Solomon (eye). Although both players could probably have made a go of it for a regular season game, it was a great experience for the youngsters to step up.” (California Golden Blogs)
- Gonzaga Conference Schedule: A look at the current schedule with times and TV appearances. (The Slipper Still Fits)
- Blackshear and Ware good to go, Swop nearing 100%: Rick Pitino offers some updates on the eligibility of several players. (Card Chronicle)
- Pac-12 Basketball Tournament May Be Moving: “Larry Scott talked to ESPN.com earlier this week about some of the changes that have come to the conference since he bacame commissioner two years ago. While the conference’s expansion and the two massive media deals were the lead topics of the discussion, Scott teased that he is rethinking how the Pac-12 basketball tournament is organized, including its current home in LA.” (Bruins Nation)
Recruiting
- Marcus Hunt commits to Georgia Tech: “Very surprising news this morning as North Clayton (Ga) shooting guard Marcus Hunt has committed to Georgia Tech and new head coach Brian Gregory.” (Card Chronicle)
- 2012 guard Darrick Wood commits to St. John’s: “Once again, the St. John’s program gets their man. After Darrick Wood’s official visit to the university on Thursday, it took just two days for Wood to decide to join the high-end talent at St. John’s. Wood announced via Twitter.” (Rumble in the Garden: News and Analysis)
- Pitt Completes 2012 B-Ball Recruiting Class: “I mean, assuming no transfers or squeezing out anyone. Right now, Pitt has only two scholarships available for the 2012 recruiting class. Ashton Gibbs and Nasir Robinson are the only seniors on the team. One spot is going to New Zealander — and now the #8 recruit in the 2012 class according to Scout.com — Steven Adams. That alone has seemed like a big get, even though Pitt was the only one aware of him for what seemed a year before blowing up. Well, the other open scholarship is going to a point guard. Truly. A legit point guard. James Robinson. This consensus 4-star player from DeMatha High. Is also a top-100 recruit for the 2012 class in every list: #94 on Scout.com; #56 on Rivals.com; and #49 on ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc. A true rarity, all three sites list his height at 6-3, and put his weight at 195-200 pounds.” (Pitt Blather)
- UK Makes Kasey Hill’s Final Seven: “John Calipari and the University of Kentucky Wildcats made the final list of seven schools that Kasey Hill will consider. This should surprise absolutely no one, but Hill has made it official that these are the only schools he plans to focus on as his recruitment move forward. Kasey is a 6′1″ Floridian PG from the class of 2013. The rankings from site to site differ on him at the moment, but let’s be clear – he is a stud and probably the best point guard of his class.” (Kentucky Sports Radio)
Analysis
- The Rise of Yarou: “The talk at Villanova is always about the guards. Jay Wright likes to trust his point guard to take the reins and become the star of his offense. He preaches from the pulpit of the church of the scoring point guard, at least in recent years. In 2011-12, however, it seems that his center may truly become the focal point of the team for the first time of his tenure on the Main Line. According to Jay Wright, and the stat sheets that back him up, Yarou was very impressive in Europe.” (VU Hoops)
- 2011-12 Tennessee Basketball Schedule – Cuonzo Martin vs RPI: “It’s interesting to me that we used to hear Bruce Pearl talk about his power and influence on the basketball schedule all the time, and yet just two days ago we heard Derek Dooley say he wasn’t in charge of the football schedule. Maybe they both had the same amount of influence over their respective schedules and just said it differently, or maybe the athletic director has more say so over the non-conference games in football because there’s so much money involved. Either way, UT’s 2011-12 basketball schedule is Pearl’s last “gift” to the program: a truly elite schedule for a team that is, according to all observers and prognosticators, no longer truly elite.” (Rocky Top Talk)
- What Happens Next For Mizzou Basketball?: “I had hoped that if I were to be writing a full basketball post in mid- to late-August, it would be about Rodney Purvis committing to Mizzou. No such luck, eh? Instead, we have to do some speculation regarding whether we will soon be making yet another hire to lead the Missouri Basketball program. Good times.” (Rock M Nation)
- What Now? Without IA Changes Coming: “Minutes varied by player throughout the European trip, but the starting lineup was rather constant. In all three games, the ‘Cats opened the first period with the same five players on the court: Maalik Wayns, Dominic Cheek, James Bell, Isaiah Armwood and Mouph Yarou. Now, Armwood has left school to return home to Baltimore and contemplate where he will finish his college career. So where does that put Villanova?” (VU Hoops)
- Opinion: It’s Time For Jim Calhoun To Go: Calling for the Hall of Fame coach to resign. (A Sea of Blue)
- An early look at the 2011-2012 backcourt: Previewing what Indiana’s backcourt will look like this year. (Inside the Hall)
- Rising Seniors — Eight to Watch: Trying to predict which rising seniors will have breakout seasons. (Villanova by the Numbers)