NFL Scores USC Football College Football Rankings ESPN College Football
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Several Great Jumping Activities To Extend Vertical For Basketball
Jumping exercises for basketball are essential in helping you to improve your vertical. Frequently exercises to jump higher don't always improve your explosiveness, only your endurance. This is the reason why you could have performed many exercises but failed to increase your vertical very much .
Proven Sports Tips for Basketball Players
Basketball is among the many sports that people love to watch and play. But if others play it just for fun, there are some who play it professionally, thus they need to become more competitive.
Source: http://www.blogbasketball.com/2010/01/26/proven-sports-tips-for-basketball-players/
College Football Recruiting Basketball hall of fame College Football Lines College Football predictions
Missouri adds a key transfer. Could another be on the way?
On Tuesday, Haith landed one of his primary targets.
Earnest Ross, Auburn's leading scorer and rebounder last season, told CBSSports.com he has chosen Missouri over Marquette, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Clemson. The 6-foot-5 junior must sit out all of next season, but he will eligible again just in time to help the Tigers absorb the loss of seniors Kim English, Marcus Denmon and Laurence Bowers among others.
A little-known player prior to his sophomore season, Ross blossomed into one of the few bright spots for the Tigers last season, starting 27 of 31 games and averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. His departure from Auburn was somewhat of a surprise considering he appeared to be one of the cornerstones of Tony Barbee's rebuilding process.
In addition to Ross, Missouri has also reportedly shown interest in former UConn forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and ex-Pepperdine combo guard Keion Bell. Coombs-McDaniel showed promise early in his sophomore season before seeing his role decrease the postseason, while Bell averaged nearly 20 points per game as a junior but had his season cut short as a result of injury and suspension.
If a tweet from English is any indication, the Tigers may be closing in on Bell.
"One big time transfer down. One to go," English wrote Tuesday. "@KEION_BELL you gotta let me get my rematch in pool."
Responded Bell, "Alright bro. Spend some time practicing, I need some competition."
LSU Football Schedule NFL Football Schedule College Football players College Football Preseason Rankings
Building Your Outdoor Court
A lot of people nowadays value the importance of sports. This is due to the reason that it will keep you fit and at the same time entertain you in the midst of your busy life. Just like in the groups of youth. Teenagers who are more inclined with getting involved with sports are more capable of steering away from drugs and other social problems.
Source: http://www.blogbasketball.com/2010/01/26/building-your-outdoor-court-2/
NCAA Basketball Recruiting NCAA College baseball ESPN College Football
2011 NBA Draft Open Thread
Tonight is the big night for former Michigan point guard Darius Morris. Most mock drafts have Morris projected to be selected somewhere between the late first and early second rounds. We will be following along and wanted to open up the comments for any draft talk throughout the day. Basics: Time: 7:30 pm eastern TV: [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UMHoops/~3/PPwzWGneJTA/
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Jon Teitel's "Forgotten Legends" Series: Akron Great Joe Jakubick
In the most recent installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Akron great Joe Jakubick, who is the school's all-time leading scorer. Jakubick, who also ranks second all-time in steals, is now the girls' basketball coach at St. Vincent's/St. Mary's High School in Akron.
Jon Teitel: Why did you choose to go to Akron?�
Joe Jakubick: When I was in high school they recruited me during my entire senior year. I had also been recruited by other mid-major schools in the area like Bowling Green and Youngstown State.� At the end of my senior season I was named MVP of the state all-star game, and after that I was highly recruited by schools like Ohio State and Wisconsin.� However Akron wanted me really bad, and I got the impression that I would be a significant part of their team.
JT: You were on the all-freshman team your first year, then was a three-time First Team All-OVC performer. How were you able to come in as a freshman and contribute from the start, and how were you able to continue to dominate throughout the rest of your college career?�
JJ: I was unsure what to expect during my freshman year, but I gained more confidence as I went along and matured a lot.� When I look back at some of my numbers, they are impressive but I was just trying to give my team a chance to win.
JT: In 1983 you scored a school-record 47 points vs. Murray State. Was it just one of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were "in the zone"?�
JJ: I shot well from the perimeter in that game (I think I made about seven three-point shots), but I had a few other 40+ point games where I felt I could have scored more if I had not missed so many free throws. �At the time Murray State was the best team in our conference. �I was sort of shocked that I even scored that many points: it was a very intense game.
JT: During the 1983-84 season you made a school-record 37 straight free throws. How were you able to maintain your focus for such a long stretch, and what is your secret for free throw shooting?�
JJ: One of my biggest disappointments is that I do not think I shot free throws as well as I should have.� I made about 80% from the line in college but was close to 90% in HS, where I once made about 47 in a row (including back-to-back game of 19-19 and 20-20!).� The physical nature of the college game takes so much more out of you.� As a coach now, I tell my players how I spent a lot of time in the gym each summer: I shot at least 200 free throws every day.� I remember a game in 5th grade where I missed a couple of free throws that cost us the game, so I wanted to prepare myself so that it would not happen again in the future.
JT: In 1984 you led the nation in scoring with an average of 30.1 points per game. Did you feel like you were one of the best players in the country?�
JJ: We opened up my sophomore year against Kentucky when they were #1 in the country. �I scored a team-high 23 points even though they kept rotating guys in to try and guard me, so that gave me a lot of confidence.� There are many skilled guys who can score a lot of points, but I did not go out and hoist up a lot of shots: I would post up, shoot from the perimeter, etc.� I am proud of my high shooting percentage.
JT: You were a three-time Honorable Mention All-American and a two-time conference Player of the Year. What did it mean to you to win such outstanding individual honors?�
JJ: I was disappointed that we did not win more games.� Looking back, I had a successful career individually, but I wanted to get into the NCAA Tournament.� During my junior year we made it to the conference tournament final but that was the closest I ever got.� It is a goal of any player who goes to college to play in the tournament.� I feel fortunate that I had a good career and it even helped pave the way for my job.�
JT: You graduated as the leading scorer in OVC history (and held the record for almost two decades until it was broken by Henry Domercant of Eastern Illinois in 2003). Did you realize at the time how prolific a player you were?�
JJ: Honestly, I did not. I just looked at it as doing what my coach wanted me to do to help our team win.� Maybe it is the immaturity of college kids who are only focused on what they are doing right now.� I run into people even today who tell me that they remember watching me play and how good I was, but sometimes I am a little taken aback when I think about what I did.� I was very driven to win games, which helped drive me individually to be the best I could be.
JT: In the summer of 1984 you were drafted in the 7th round by Cleveland. Were you thrilled to realize your dream of making it to the NBA, disappointed that you did not get selected earlier, or other?�
JJ: I was disappointed, as I had played well against other college seniors like John Paxson, Tony Campbell, etc.� I think a lot of it is timing. I played in a college all-star game during the Final Four, which might have hurt me more than helped me.� I felt that I should have been drafted higher, but it was a great learning experience and I feel fortunate that I got to play ball and get a free education. �As a coach now, I can help kids try to realize their own dreams.
JT: You currently coach the girls' basketball team at St. Vincent-St. Mary's (LeBron James' alma mater), and you also work for a power company. Which job do you like more, and what do you hope to do in the future?�
JJ: I am an account manager at a power company and enjoy it but my true passion has always been basketball. �Whether it goes any further (like coaching in college) is something that I would really enjoy.
JT: When people look back on your career how do you want to be remembered the most?�
JJ: I hope they say that I was an all-around player who worked really hard.� Some people might think that I just shot a lot, but I also rank high on the lists for the school's career records in assists and steals.��
Jakubick is also on Jon's list of best fantasy players in MAC history.
Akron: Joe Jakubick (1984) 2583 PTS (#1), 189 STL (#2), 50.9 FG% (#1), 3-time All-American, 2-time conference POY
Ball State: Bonzi Wells (1998) 2485 PTS (#1), 843 REB (#4), 386 AST (#5), 347 STL (#1), 2-time All-American, 2-time conference POY
Bowling Green: Antonio Daniels (1997) 1792 PTS (#4), 563 AST (#2), 162 STL (#5), All-American, conference POY
Buffalo: Turner Battle (2005) 1414 PTS (#5), 458 AST (#3), 170 STL (#5), 126 3PM (#4), All-American, conference POY
Central Michigan: Dan Majerle (1988) 2055 PTS (#2), 834 REB (#5), 171 STL (#3), 95 BLK (#5)
Eastern Michigan: Kennedy McIntosh (1971) 2219 PTS (#1), 1426 REB (#1), All-American
Kent State: Trevor Huffman (2002) 1820 PTS (#1), 520 AST (#3), 80.5 FT% (#4), 210 3PM (#1)
Miami (OH): Ron Harper (1986) 2377 PTS (#1), 1119 REB (#1), 287 STL (#1), 173 BLK (#1), 53.4 FG% (#3), All-American, 2-time conference POY
Northern Illinois: TJ Lux (2000) 1996 PTS (#1), 1110 REB (#1), 130 STL (#5), 156 BLK (#3)
Ohio: Gary Trent (1995) 2108 PTS (#3), 1050 REB (#2), 105 BLK (#5), 57.3 FG% (#3), All-American, 3-time conference POY
Toledo: Ken Epperson (1985) 2016 PTS (#1), 960 REB (#1), 55.5 FG% (#4)
Western Michigan: David Kool (2010) 2122 PTS (#1), 163 STL (#5), 231 3PM (#2), 89 FT% (#2), All-American, conference POY
Source: http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/jon-teitels-forgotten-legends-series-akron-great-joe-jakubick-169259
College Football Recruiting Basketball hall of fame College Football Lines College Football predictions
Missouri adds a key transfer. Could another be on the way?
On Tuesday, Haith landed one of his primary targets.
Earnest Ross, Auburn's leading scorer and rebounder last season, told CBSSports.com he has chosen Missouri over Marquette, West Virginia, Texas Tech and Clemson. The 6-foot-5 junior must sit out all of next season, but he will eligible again just in time to help the Tigers absorb the loss of seniors Kim English, Marcus Denmon and Laurence Bowers among others.
A little-known player prior to his sophomore season, Ross blossomed into one of the few bright spots for the Tigers last season, starting 27 of 31 games and averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. His departure from Auburn was somewhat of a surprise considering he appeared to be one of the cornerstones of Tony Barbee's rebuilding process.
In addition to Ross, Missouri has also reportedly shown interest in former UConn forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and ex-Pepperdine combo guard Keion Bell. Coombs-McDaniel showed promise early in his sophomore season before seeing his role decrease the postseason, while Bell averaged nearly 20 points per game as a junior but had his season cut short as a result of injury and suspension.
If a tweet from English is any indication, the Tigers may be closing in on Bell.
"One big time transfer down. One to go," English wrote Tuesday. "@KEION_BELL you gotta let me get my rematch in pool."
Responded Bell, "Alright bro. Spend some time practicing, I need some competition."
usc Football Schedule AAU Basketball teams College Basketball teams College Football odds
Rayvonte Rice can keep his Drake tattoos, for now anyway
For a guy with a snarling bulldog tattooed on his chest and "Drake Bulldogs, No. 24" inked on his right leg, Rayvonte Rice sounds surprisingly noncommittal about finishing his college career at the school.
Rice, one of the Missouri Valley Conference's top freshmen last year, addressed speculation that he's considering a transfer, telling the Des Moines Register on Monday that he intends to stay at Drake�? at least for now.
"A lot of sports guys, web site guys from Chicago, keep calling me asking me if I'm going to transfer," Rice said. "I'm telling them, 'I'm at Drake now, so obviously if I would have wanted to leave I would have left. I'm committed to Drake right now.'"
"I mean, I can't say what's going to happen in the future. I don't have plans on leaving, but like I said, things change. I'm at Drake right now."
Although Rice didn't expand on those comments, it doesn't take much guesswork to figure out that the 6-foot-4 wing wants to see Drake make big strides next season before he'll commit to more than another year at the school. The Bulldogs finished 13-18 last season and dropped their final two games of the season to last-place Bradley by a combined 41 points, but they do return all but one player on last year's roster.
There's no doubt Rice would draw plenty of interest from high-major programs were he ever to decide to leave Drake. The Champaign, Ill. native averaged a team-high 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds as a freshman at Drake, though his 29.5 percent 3-point shooting is an area of his game with room for improvement.
One potential destination for Rice would be Xavier, which recently hired the assistant coach who recruited him to Drake. Illinois passed on the late-blooming Rice in high school, but it's possible the Illini wouldn't want to risk making the same mistake twice on a hometown kid who grew up rooting for them.
But for now, Rice is at Drake. Good thing too because tattoo removal surgery isn't cheap.
LSU Football Schedule NFL Football Schedule College Football players College Football Preseason Rankings
Betting on Sports for Massive Profit
Learn how The Ace of Sports Picks took a starting bet of $20 and turned it into over $689,000 of profit in less than 4 years betting on the Mlb and Nba! This step-by-step baseball and basketball betting system shows you how to win big! Check it out!
Source: http://www.blogbasketball.com/2010/09/23/betting-on-sports-for-massive-profit/
rivals Basketball College Basketball Recruiting College Basketball Schedule Duke Basketball Schedule
Clemson Lands Small Forward
Clemson has landed Kevin McDaniels (SF, 6’5″, 2011), a player from Birmingham, AL, and who committed to the Tigers just a few days after receiving an offer. It was no secret that McDaniels favored Clemson, after his visit he said as much and said the visit had been the best so far. This is the [...]
Source: http://accbasketballrecruiting.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/clemson-lands-small-forward/
College Football polls High School Football teams Basketball Reference College Football news
Why these players chose the sport’s least popular jersey number
Providence guard Mike Murray's introduction to life as a college basketball walk-on began long before his coaches first demoted him to the scout team in practice or relegated him to the end of the bench during games.
"I got shafted," Murray said with a chuckle. "I was excited just to get a jersey, but it's definitely not the number I'd have chosen. The only 53s I could think of were linebackers in the NFL."
Few famous No. 53s popped into Murray's mind because the number isn't exactly steeped in basketball tradition. Only seven of 345 Division I basketball programs had a player who donned No. 53 last season, making it by far the sport's least popular jersey number.
The small fraternity of players who did wear No. 53 last season each have their own rationale for choosing it.
New Mexico center Alex Kirk has worn No. 53 since high school to honor a player from his hometown of Los Alamos he idolized growing up. Ohio center Ethan Jacobs took No. 53 in college because he relished the chance to leave a mark on a number no Bobcats player in school history had ever worn before. And Texas forward Clint Chapman wore No. 53 in high school because it was the only jersey large enough to fit him, but he soon grew fond of having a number not associated with any of today's high-profile stars.
"Everybody seems to pick a number that's connected to some famous player somewhere," Chapman said. "With 53, there haven't been the Jordans, Kobes or LeBrons. So I think it's appealing to know you can have an impact on a number that hasn't already been claimed."
It's no surprise No. 53 isn't prevalent in college basketball since players have traditionally avoided numbers in the 50s for generations.
High school and middle school teams that use the same uniforms each year typically offer the highest-numbered ones in the biggest sizes, so the largest kids who require jumbo jerseys often have no choice but to take a number in the 50s. Players say that phenomenon has stigmatized those numbers at every level of basketball, contributing to the fact that only three pros have ever worn a jersey in the 50s and had it retired by an NBA team.
"Most elite performers have habits, routines and rituals that help them feel most comfortable and able to perform to their peak ability," said Dr. Charlie Brown, an AASP-certified sports psychologist based in Charlotte, N.C. "For a lot of the athletes that includes their jersey number. It has to do with a familiarity, a comfort and sometimes just a little bit of superstition."
One player whose college career counters that theory is ex-Atlanta Hawks center Jon Koncak, who wore a number he loathed in the early 1980s at Southern Methodist yet established himself as one of the nation's premier big men anyway.
The only jerseys big enough to fit Koncak in middle school and high school were No. 55 and No. 53, but the 7-footer yearned to ditch those once he got to college in favor of the No. 32 that belonged to his childhood hero Bill Walton. Instead, he had to wait until he reached the NBA to switch numbers because then-SMU coach Dave Bliss came to Koncak's high school in Kansas City the day he signed his letter of intent and presented him with a No. 53 Mustangs jersey with his last name on it.
"He didn't know I didn't want to wear 53," Koncak said. "I was so bummed, but I just figured I was in a photograph holding the jersey, so I had to stick with 53. When I went to the pros, I switched from 53 to 32 immediately."
Even one of basketball's most iconic No. 53s fittingly chose the number almost by accident.
Artis Gilmore, the 1972 ABA MVP and a six-time NBA All-Star, wore No. 32 his senior year of high school and No. 54 at Gardner Webb Junior College. Neither of those were available when he enrolled at Jacksonville University in 1969, so Gilmore settled for 53, a number he quickly grew fond of after taking the Dolphins to the national title game in 1970 and leading the nation in rebounding both seasons.
"I've been attached to it ever since," Gilmore said. "It has become me, a part of me just like my name. Artis Gilmore, No. 53. You become that number and it becomes you."
Former Philadelphia 76ers star Darryl Dawkins is one of the few noteworthy players to wear No. 53 since Gilmore, a fact that diminishes the appeal of the number to many of today's players but increases it for those who value blazing their own trail.
Recent Duke grad Casey Peters selected No. 53 before his junior year in 2009 because an uncommon number was symbolic of his atypical journey from student manager his first two seasons to walk-on guard for his final two. His father later pointed out it was a fitting choice since Peters' younger brother wears No. 13 at Emory College in Atlanta and his younger sister is No. 33 for the Duke women's team.
"I definitely think it fits me," Peters said. "One of the main reasons why I chose to wear it is because it's unique. My story is something that nobody else has ever done. My whole life I've kind of done my own thing, so the fact that it's unique is cool."
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Baseball team mocks LeBron James
? How man could buy majority of Mets for $1
? The NFL strike that led to great moments
Duke Basketball report High School baseball teams nba teams list Duke Basketball Recruiting
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Jon Teitel's "Forgotten Legends" Series: Air Force's Raymond Dudley
In the most recent installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Air Force great Raymond Dudley, who remains the school's all-time leading scorer. A two-time All-American, Dudley also leads the school in three pointers made. He currently is a coach in the Fairfax Stars AAU organization in Fairfax, Virginia. �
Jon Teitel: Why did you choose to attend the Air Force Academy?
Raymond Dudley: I actually signed a letter of intent with Missouri in the fall of my senior year of high school and indicated to Coach Norm Stewart that I still wanted to look at Air Force. I visited Air Force in the spring and decided that it was the best long-term decision for me, as I knew that I would graduate with a job. I did not know if I had all the tools to make it to the next level of basketball.
JT: How were you able to balance your on-court activities with your off-court activities, and what was it like to play a sport at a service academy?
RD: Balancing the academic, military, and athletics was tough. Luckily, we had great coaches and an academic staff that kept us focused on our real goals: graduation and a commission in the Air Force.
JT: In 1987 you were named WAC Rookie of the Year. How were you able to come in and contribute as a freshman?
RD: We had a young team with no seniors, so there were opportunities to play and contribute immediately.
JT: In 1988 you scored a career-high 38 points in a win over Portland. Was it just one of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were "in the zone"?
RD: I do not remember that game specifically, but when I did score a few points it was usually the result of PG Jeff Bowling doing a great job dishing the ball and taking the pressure off of me on the defensive end so that I could exert myself a little more on the offensive end. I would like to think that I was "in the zone", but he made a lot of my success happen, as well as guys like Chad Kimble, Mike Lockwood, Mark Slimko, Rob Marr, and Mike Hammond.
JT: In 1990 you were named an Honorable Mention All-American. What did it mean to you to win such an outstanding individual honor?
RD: The All-American honor was obviously great. Being recognized like that and coming from a school that is not a basketball powerhouse, it was great that people took notice. However, it was tough to end my career without making it to the Big Dance: I think that would have meant more.
JT: You are still the all-time leading scorer in school history. Did you realize at the time how prolific a player you were?
RD: I do not know about that, but I have always been confident in my ability to play the game. I may not have always been the best player on the court, but I was definitely going to compete when I stepped out there.
JT: In 1990 you played in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. What did you think of the competition, and how close did you come to getting drafted?
RD: The PIT was fun; it was a great environment to test your skills and see how you stacked up. I had nothing to lose, so I just played my game. I do remember Jud Buechler setting a three-point record in a game during the first day...and then I broke his record later that day! I also remember attempting to dunk on Greg Foster from UTEP...and he promptly threw my attempt out of bounds. I did talk with Danny Manning's father Ed, who was with the Spurs at the time. He asked me to let the organization know if I would be able to get out of my military commitment by draft day. I also chatted with the Clippers, who mentioned signing me as a free agent.
JT: After graduation you served as a graduate assistant and assistant coach for both the JV and varsity teams at the Academy. What was it like to coach some of your old teammates, and what did you learn about the game while sitting on the sidelines?
RD: Coaching is tough, especially after just leaving the court as a player. As a coach, you see things a bit differently than a player does. You have to manage your own expectations for a player while truly setting realistic ones for players based on their talent levels.
JT: You currently coach an AAU team in Fairfax, VA. What are your thoughts on the AAU circuit, and what do you hope to do in the future?
RD: The AAU circuit is crazy. You see teams that recruit as hard as colleges (if not harder). You also have the push for athletic brand sponsorships for AAU clubs, which plays into recruiting at the AAU level and then the college level. You have parents reclassifying their kids in order to give them another year to develop, instead of just going out and playing the game at their current age/grade. However, it does provide a competitive environment for kids of all ages/skill levels to compete in a sport that they love. It also provides student-athletes with additional exposure to colleges through national tournaments, exposure events, and various scouting services that attend those events. For boys' basketball, the scouting services are key! As far as my future, I would love to coach at the college level. March Madness validates the concept that college basketball is great, exciting, and full of talented players across the country. I would like to be a part of that again and help some young players get better and realize their full potential and reach their goals.
JT: When people look back on your career, what do you want them to remember the most?
RD: I hope they remember that I was a tough competitor, gave it my all, and left it all on the court every single night. The guys I mentioned above (Bowling, Kimble, Lockwood, Slimko, Marr, and Hammond) were like that.
Dudley is also on Jon's list of best fantasy players in MWC history.
Air Force: Raymond Dudley (1990) 2178 PTS (#1), 148 STL (#3), 285 3PM (#1), 39.6 3PM (#5), 2-time All-American
BYU: Danny Ainge (1981) 2467 PTS (#2), 539 AST (#2), 195 STL (#2), 2-time All-American, conference POY, national POY
Colorado State: Pat Durham (1989) 1980 PTS (#1), 851 REB (#1), 109 STL (#5), 171 BLK (#3)
New Mexico: Kenny Thomas (1999) 1931 PTS (#2), 1032 REB (#1), 239 BLK (#2), All-American
San Diego State: Michael Cage (1984) 1846 PTS (#2), 1317 REB (#1), 54.8 FG% (#5), 118 BLK (#2), 2-time All-American, 2-time conference POY
TCU: Corey Santee (2005) 1832 PTS (#2), 575 AST (#1), 155 STL (#2), 243 3PM (#1)
UNLV: Stacey Augmon (1991) 2011 PTS (#3), 1005 REB (#3), 275 STL (#1), 41.9 3P% (#3), All-American, conference POY, 3-time defensive POY
Utah: Keith Van Horn (1997) 2542 PTS (#1), 1074 REB (#2), 206 3PM (#2), 126 BLK (#2), 85.1 FT% (#1), 2-time All-American, 3-time conference POY, national POY
Wyoming: Fennis Dembo (1988) 2311 PTS (#1), 954 REB (#3), 410 AST (#4), 176 STL (#2), 143 3PM (#5), All-American, conference POY
Source: http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/jon-teitels-forgotten-legends-series-air-forces-raymond-dudley-169264
baseball Reference UCLA Football College Basketball Rankings College Football polls
Utah AD: Talks of four-team state tourney ‘very, very preliminary’
In the two days since Chris Hill floated the idea of the state of Utah's four premier college basketball programs annually facing off in a season-opening tournament, the Utah athletic director has learned a valuable lesson.
"I'll have to remember not to let cats out of the bag too soon," he said with a chuckle.
Hill told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday that discussions about a four-team event involving Utah, Utah State, BYU and Weber State were "very, very preliminary." He has only spoken to BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and officials at Salt Lake City's Energy Solutions Arena about the idea and the talks didn't even progress far enough to discuss the merits of potential formats.
"They said let's continue to talk, so it wasn't a 'no,'" Hill said. "We've all got a lot on the plate, but it's something we may want to look into."
The notion of a four-team event comes at a time when conference realignment has put several of the state of Utah's most historic rivalries in jeopardy. Pac-12-bound Utah has renewed its rivalry with BYU, but it will not play Utah State next winter for the first time since the 1944-45 season and its series with Weber State ends with a matchup in Ogden next December.
Utah backing out of those series represents a shift in scheduling philosophy now that the Utes are part of a power six conference for the first time. They're wary of playing too many home-and-home series against teams from smaller conferences, especially against quality opponents like Utah State and Weber State who represent an RPI hit yet are very capable of defeating the Utes.
An annual four-team event involving the Beehive State's best four teams would preserve those rivalries, but a source with knowledge of the situation told Yahoo! Sports he'd be "a little bit shocked" if the schools make it happened. The source suggested Hill may have floated the idea to deflect backlash from canceling long-running series with Utah State and Weber State.
Hill acknowledged that satisfying fans who want those rivalries to continue was part of his thought process, as was creating an event that generate interest in college basketball at a time of year when football is king.
"It's just trying to think of things differently to see what may work for all of us. If you don't throw out ideas, you don't come up with new things," Hill said. "Maybe it's something that will work. Maybe it's not. But I think it's something worth considering."
College Football Preseason Rankings ESPN golf High School Basketball Schedule NFL Football teams
Layups: LeBron James? Michael Jordan problem
At Slate, Josh Levin writes about the peculiar problem LeBron James has had forming a career narrative in a post-Michael Jordan world: Airless: LeBron James' Michael Jordan problem
Source: http://www.basketball-reference.com/blog/?p=9665
College Football teams usc Football Schedule AAU Basketball teams College Basketball teams
Live NBA draft chat @ 4:30 p.m.
Apologize for the short notice, but we're hosting a live NBA draft chat starting at 4:30 p.m. today. I'd hoped to attend a few draft parties, but plans fell through. So let's watch the draft together and talk about college basketball, the Pac-12 and Washington Huskies.
We'll track the guys from the conference and delve into Isaiah Thomas' decision to leave school early. In a story on UW's website, the junior explained why he decided to forgo his final year of eligibility.
"With (Abdul) Gaddy coming back and (Tony) Wroten coming in, I wouldn't have been able to showcase my skills as (primarily) a point guard, which is the position I will be playing at the next level," Thomas said. "My stock wouldn't be any higher next year, no matter what I did. A lot of people don't realize all that went into my decision. They just say, `Oh, he should have stayed.' They don't see all the circumstances."
Jerry Brewer wrote a terrific piece today saying Thomas can learn a lot from Sebastian Telfair, another short point guard selected 13th overall in 2004.
Here's a quick rundown of the latest mock drafts: NBAdraft.net, Draft Express, NBA Draft Dept, ESPN and CBSSports.com.
College Football polls High School Football teams Basketball Reference College Football news
Pac-12-bound Colorado puts its Big 12 banners up for sale
That's why the Buffaloes are auctioning each Big 12 school's banner that has hung in the Coors Events Center during Colorado's time in the conference.
For the Big 12 memorabilia buff with a few hundred dollars to burn and plenty of vacant wall space, the banners may be of interest. Each is eight-feet long, custom embroidered and adorned with the school's name and mascot name.
In the market for an Oklahoma State logo banner? So far the top bid is $201. How about a similar Missouri banner? $150. Or Texas Tech? That's available too, perhaps at a cheap price since the Red Raiders haven't attracted any bids yet.
Colorado completed its final Big 12 season in March, settling for a deep NIT run after being one of the final teams left out of the NCAA tournament. Star guard Alec Burks turned pro and backcourt mate Cory Higgins graduated, so the Buffs will likely be in rebuilding mode in their first season in the Pac-12.
It's probably safe to assume the Buffs will have new Pac-12 banners in their arena by the time they open the 2011-12 season. By putting the old Big 12 banners up for sale instead of in storage, maybe they'll earn much of the money needed to pay for the new ones.
Pittsburgh fans get their first look at highly touted Khem Birch
What they saw was an athletic, high-energy big man more ready to make an impact on defense than offense.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Birch blocked eight shots, including two from future teammate Dante Taylor. Birch also scored a modest four points and grabbed just two rebounds, no surprise considering the McDonald's All-American's defense has always been his greatest strength and up-tempo summer-league games are rarely conducive to big men who want the ball in the post.
"I'm a little nervous to be honest," Birch told the Post-Gazette. "I know what the expectations are and I am ready for them, but I just want to relax and play my game. I want to do the things I am good at and just get better."
How much of an impact Birch can make next season will be one of the most intriguing storylines in the Big East. Birch could make an already versatile Pittsburgh frontcourt flat-out scary if he's Big East-ready, but the Panthers have traditionally succeeded by being the rare junior- and senior-driven program.
Maybe Birch breaks that mold, blossoms as a freshman and opens the door for future McDonald's All-Americans to come to Pittsburgh. Or perhaps it takes a couple years for the 6-foot-9 forward's offense to catch up with his defense and he follows in the footsteps of past Panthers stars who didn't truly shine until they were upperclassmen.
It's silly to draw too many conclusions from a summer-league game, but it was several of Birch's future teammates who flashed the most promise on Monday night.
Sophomore forward Talib Zanna erupted for 28 points and 11 rebounds in his opening Pro-Am game of the summer. And incoming freshman John Johnson tallied 26 points and six assists, displaying impressive 3-point range in the process.
Jon Teitel's "Forgotten Legends" Series: Stanford Great Adam Keefe
In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Stanford great Adam Keefe. In four seasons on The Farm, Keefe was an All-American three times and left school as the program's all-time leading rebounder and ranks second all-time in points scored. Keefe is now the executive vice president at CSI Capital Management. �
Jon Teitel: You scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead your Woodbridge High team to a win over DeAnza for the 1987 CIF Division II state title, and the following year you were named the Cal-Hi Sports Boys Athlete of the Year (previous winners include Jackie Robinson, Mark Spitz and John Elway). What did it mean to you to win the title, and how does it feel to be in such an exclusive club?
Adam Keefe: Winning the state title was fantastic. It was especially fun because most of my teammates and I had known each other since we were 10 years old. The Cal-Hi Sports thing was a bit underwhelming, as there was no award presentation, but I was excited when I found out who else had won it before.
JT: You played for Coach Mike Montgomery at Stanford. What made Coach Montgomery such a great coach, and what is the most important thing you ever learned from him?
AK: What makes him such a great coach is his ability to evaluate talent in individuals and then put people in situations to be successful on the court. I have seen tons of guys who I call "system coaches" who just put players into their system, but Montgomery's offense could change from year to year based on the players he had. He can figure out what people are best at. When I came to Stanford as a freshman and Todd Lichti was the star, the offense would run through him as a guard. By the time I was a senior, the offense would run through me as a forward.
JT: You also played middle blocker on the Stanford volleyball team. How were you able to balance basketball and volleyball, and which sport did you enjoy more?
AK: It was difficult but not impossible to balance the two sports. Stanford probably has more multi-sport athletes than any other school. For example, Toby Gerhart played baseball while also being a Heisman Trophy runner-up. I enjoyed both sports. I was better at basketball, but I probably had more upside in volleyball.
JT: What are your memories of the 1989 NCAA Tournament (Keefe scored 22 points in 26 minutes but Marc Brown made 2 free throws with three seconds left in a two-point upset win by #14-seed Siena)?
AK: As a freshman I was distant from how big a deal it was: I just assumed we would go to the tourney every year. I remember Brown making everything he tossed up, so I just tried to rebound.
1991 Postseason NIT
JT: You scored 12 points in a six-point win over Oklahoma to the win the school's 1st basketball title in 49 years after Oklahoma coach Billy Tubbs became the first coach to ever be ejected from an NIT game. What impact did Tubbs' ejection have on the game (if any), and what was the reaction like when you got back to campus?
AK: I do not remember Tubbs' ejection having any impact on the game. I was in a street fight down in the post, as I scored several points below my season average. We came back to campus and had a big rally, so it was fun to see the momentum building for the basketball program.
JT: You were named NIT MVP. What did it mean to you to win such an outstanding individual honor?
AK: It was great...although I would have preferred to win the same award at the Final Four!! They did not base it on my performance in the final game; it simply reflected how well our team was playing at the time.
JT: In the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana you lost to Puerto Rico in the semifinals before beating Cuba for the bronze medal. How did you feel about winning a bronze medal, and which of your teammates impressed you the most (Grant Hill, Jimmy Jackson, Christian Laettner or another player)?
AK: It was great to beat Cuba on their home turf, although our goal was to play for the gold medal. There were so many great players on our team and each was unique. Grant Hill's athleticism was at another level, and Laettner's all-around game as a big man was unbelievable. The one who most people do not think of is Tony Bennett. He clearly had an understanding of the game that was unique among his peers.
JT: What are your memories of the 1992 NCAA Tournament (Keefe scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a five-point loss to Alabama)?
AK: We played pretty well, but Alabama had a lot of guys like Robert Horry and Latrell Sprewell whose talent was not fully realized until after they got to the NBA.
JT: You are one of four players in NCAA history with 2,000 PTS, 1,000 REB and a field goal percentage of 60% or higher (Lew Alcindor, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson are the others). Do you consider yourself to be one of the best big men in NCAA history?
AK: I was made aware of that stat not too long ago, and it is a huge source of pride for me as the only non-seven footer to do it. My graduating class included big men like Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal, so it is easier for me to say that I played fully to my potential.
JT: In the summer of 1992 you were drafted 10th overall by Atlanta (one spot ahead of Horry). Did you see that as a validation of your college career or the realization of a lifelong dream of reaching the NBA?
AK: Part of it was a validation of the hard work I put in and the time I spent working that people did not see (on the track, in the weight room, etc.). It was a great honor, as it is a select group of players who make it to the NBA.
JT: In your 1993 home finale you scored a career-high 30 points (12-13 FG) in a win over Milwaukee. Was it just one of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were "in the zone"?
AK: It was less of a zone, and more one of those nights where the ball broke my way every single time. I did not make any extraordinary shots, but every single time the ball could come my way it did. I hit some jump hooks, got some offensive rebounds, and made all of my free throws.
1997 NBA Finals
JT: Michael Jordan made a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer to win Game 1. Where does Jordan rank among the most clutch players you have even seen, and did you just expect him to make it?
AK: In the heat of the battle you are just focused on what your team is trying to accomplish, so I do not think that any of my teammates were thinking about whether Jordan would take/make that shot. Jordan is a tremendous player, but I hesitate to call him "clutch" because that infers that there are times when he is not making shots! He was the absolute best at understanding the fundamentals of the game and using his amazing athletic ability.
JT: Jordan scored 38 points in 44 minutes to lead his team to a win in Game 5 before collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms (the infamous "Flu Game"). Could you tell at the time how sick Jordan was that night, and where does that rank among the gutsiest performances you have ever seen?
AK: We could not tell how sick he was, but frankly we did not care because we were just trying to win the game and stay alive.
JT: In Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals you had a one-point home loss to Chicago after Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and made a 20-foot jumper over Bryon Russell to win the series. What made Jordan so amazing, and do you think that he pushed off to get free for the series-winning shot?
AK: I have seen the video a bunch of times: it is hard to say, but I do not think any refs would call a foul in that situation. There were probably only a couple of times that year when Karl got stripped in the post, so for Jordan to do that shows what a great player he truly was.
JT: Your wife Kristin was the 1991 national college volleyball Player of the Year and a member of the 1996 US Olympic volleyball team (her dad Bob was an NFL tight end for 10 years). Who is the best athlete in the family, and how athletic are your kids?
AK: I was never NCAA Player of the Year or All-American as a freshman, so I will give her the nod. However, I think I would have had a good shot at making the 1992 Olympic team if the "Dream Team" had not been formed that year. Our kids are tall and move their feet well, but only time will tell if they can become great athletes.
JT: You had a cameo in the 1980s skateboarding movie "Gleaming the Cube" starring Christian Slater, part of which was shot at your high school. How did you get into the movie, and were you ever a skateboarder while growing up?
AK: I was never a skateboarder, and I was only an extra because the movie was filmed at our high school.
JT: You currently work for CSI Capital Management. How do you like the job, and what do you hope to do in the future?
AK: I have been here since I got done playing, and I like it a lot. I see myself continuing as executive VP and helping people to invest their money wisely.
Keefe is also on Jon's list of best fantasy players in Pac-10 history.
Arizona: Sean Elliott (1989) 2555 PTS (#1), 42.8 3P% (#3), 2-time All-American, 2-time conference POY, national POY
Arizona State: Eddie House (2000) 2044 PTS (#1), 258 STL (#1), 250 3PM (#3), All-American, conference POY
California: Jerome Randle (2010) 1849 PTS (#1), 526 AST (#2), 255 3PM (#1), 88.2 FT% (#1), All-American, conference POY
Oregon: Ron Lee (1976) 2085 PTS (#1), 572 AST (#2), 3-time All-American, conference POY, NIT MVP
Oregon State: Gary Payton (1990) 2172 PTS (#1), 938 AST (#1), 321 STL (#1), 178 3PM (#2), All-American
Stanford: Adam Keefe (1992) 2319 PTS (#2), 1119 REB (#1), 141 STL (#4), 60 FG% (#2), 3-time All-American, NIT MVP
UCLA: Lew Alcindor (1969) 2325 PTS (#2), 1367 REB (#2), 63.9 FG% (#3), 3-time All-American, 3-time national POY, 3-time NCAA MOP
USC: Harold Miner (1992) 2048 PTS (#1), 176 3PM (#1), 81.4 FT% (#1), 2-time All-American, conference POY
Washington: Christian Welp (1987) 2073 PTS (#1), 995 REB (#3), 186 BLK (#1), 56.2 FG% (#3), conference POY
Washington State: Isaac Fontaine (1997) 2003 PTS (#1), 208 3PM (#5), 45.7 3P% (#1), 161 STL (#5)
Source: http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/jon-teitels-forgotten-legends-series-stanford-great-adam-keefe-169257
Jon Teitel's "Coaching Greats" Series: Former North Dakota coach Rich Glas
In the latest installment in his "Coaching Greats" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with former North Dakota head coach Rich Glas. Now the head coach at Concordia College in Minnesota, Coach Glas won 335 games and three conference titles at North Dakota.
Jon Teitel: You first became a head coach in 1974 at Minnesota-Morris. What made you get into coaching, and how have you been able to stick with it for so long?
Rich Glas: It was always what I wanted to do. I grew up on a campus due to my dad's job, and I was always around sports.
JT: In the early 1980s you were both coach and AD at Willamette. Which gig did you like more, and was it hard to do both at the same time?
RG: I learned that I did not want to be an AD, as there were a lot of tasks that you have to do all by yourself when you are at a small school. The key thing is that I could take a leave of absence after spending a set amount of time there, which allowed me to take a job at Arizona.
JT: In 1984 you spent one year as a volunteer assistant coach for Lute Olson at Arizona. What was it like to work under Olson, and what was the most important thing he taught you?
RG: He taught me to keep it simple and not let the players get away with anything. He gave me confidence that my own coaching style would work. His system was about executing the little things on the court so that we would not lose a game because of that in the future.
JT: In 2000 you told Sports Illustrated that you motivated your team to play #4 Kansas by telling them, "They put their pants on the same way we do: they just pull them up two feet higher". How did you come up with the quote, and how did you feel after the Jayhawks won by 31 points?
RG: I do not know how I came up with that quote. We had a relatively young team that year and I was proud that we were able to hang with Kansas for the first half, but our subs were not nearly as good as their subs. They played us at our place the following year because Kansas G Jeff Boschee was from North Dakota and Coach Roy Williams likes to play a road game in a player's home state at least once during their career.
JT: You later served as assistant coach and director of basketball operations for UNI coach Ben Jacobson, who played PG for you in the early 1990s. What was Jacobson like as a player, and what has made him such a great coach?
RG: Ben was also my graduate assistant and assistant coach at North Dakota, so we were together for over a decade. He wanted to go into banking at first, but later joined me on the sideline. I enjoyed working for Ben but I missed being a head coach both on and off the court, so I decided to become a head coach elsewhere.
JT: One of the things you taught Coach Jacobson about was "OER" (offensive efficiency rating), which he in turn has passed along to his own players. Why are the number of points/possession so important, and do you think it is an accurate indicator of how good a team is?
RG: The stat that is most important is actually our defensive OER. When we hold teams to under one point/possession, our record is something like 200-7, as we could usually score over one point/possession with our offense.
JT: In 2008 you left UNI to become head coach at Concordia. Why did you decide to make the switch, and what is the biggest difference between Division I and Division III?
RG: I was not planning on leaving UNI, but Concordia was closer to my home and my relatives so it was a good fit. The athleticism and size increases every level that you go up. You have to do a lot more coaching to create opportunities for your players to be successful at the Division III level. They are great guys who go to class, and their passion to play is just the same as that of the Division I guys. One of the nice things is that you do not have to babysit the players as much in Division III.
JT: Your dad John was VP of administration of Bemidji State, where they named a hockey arena after him. What did he teach you about college athletics, and why did you go into basketball instead of hockey?
RG: My dad was a sports nut who helped raise money for a lot of the buildings on campus. Since he was in northern Minnesota, he figured it was important to have a hockey arena. They did not have a lot of hockey back in my high school days. Since I was a little guy I probably should have tried hockey, but I did not want to play outside in the winter! I loved basketball. My dad taught me to play hard and never give up. If you play with a lot of heart and a lot of mind, you will have a lot of success. I always tell my players that attitude will dictate performance. If you have a lousy attitude then you are not going to win a lot of games.
JT: Your son Jeff graduated from North Dakota as the Division II career leader with 82 field goals, and he currently is a kicker for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League. Why did he go into football instead of basketball, and how proud are you of all his success?
RG: I am very proud of what he has done. He was a soccer player growing up, as was his older sister who played soccer at Washington State. One day I suggested that he try kicking the football around instead of the soccer ball, and he kicked well enough to impress the school coach. In high school he made his first attempt from 50 yards, and ended up having a great career at North Dakota.
JT: When people look back on your career, how do you want to be remembered the most?
RG: I hope they say that I cared about my players and that my players enjoyed playing for me and learned a lot.
Coach Glas is also on Jon's list of best coaches in Great West history.
Chicago State: Bob Hallberg (1977-1987): 223-84
Houston Baptist: Gene Iba (1977-1985): 128-96, 1 NCAA tourney, 2 conference titles, 1-time conference COY
N.J.I.T.: NO COACH HAS BEEN THERE FOR 5 YEARS
North Dakota: Rich Glas (1988-2006): 335-194, 3 conference titles
South Dakota: Dave Boots (1988-present): 483-197, 6-time conference COY
Texas Pan American: Sam Williams (1958-1973): 244-164, 1 NAIA title, 1-time national COY
Utah Valley: Dick Hunsaker (2004-present): 140-91
unc Basketball Schedule College Basketball players College Football point spreads ESPN 1000
Monday, June 27, 2011
New Penn State coach interested in reviving Pittsburgh rivalry
He'd like to revive the series with Pittsburgh in basketball.
"I would like a rivalry," Chambers told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week. "I think [Pitt] would be great. I think Pennsylvania would come out and watch that game.
"Am I trying to schedule that game next year? Probably not. But in the future? Yes."
Pittsburgh and Penn State last played in basketball in 2005, a lopsided 91-54 Panthers victory that prompted former Nittany Lions coach Ed DeChellis to abruptly cancel the series. Penn State holds a 78-66 all-time edge, but it has lost five straight in the series overall since a victory over Pittsburgh in 2000.
For the series to even approach the level of Pennsylvania's other great non-conference rivalries like the Big Five or even Pittsburgh-Duquesne, Penn State needs to improve its program. The Nittany Lions reached the NCAA tournament last season and won the NIT in 2009, but DeChellis left Chambers with so little talent that Penn State may struggle to be competitive in the Big Ten next season.
That's why Chambers' plan to wait a couple years before approaching Pittsburgh about renewing the series makes sense.
Perhaps by then, Penn State will be on the rise again and a home-and-home between two of the state's most prominent programs will make sense for both parties.
nba teams list Duke Basketball Recruiting Duke Basketball tickets High School baseball Schedule
Anthony Fields to Wake Forest
Anthony Fields (PG, 6’1″, 2011) has committed to Wake Forest. Anthony is currently playing at Quality Education Academy, which, like Wake Forest, is located in Winston-Salem, NC. Fields chose Wake Forest over offers from Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. He’ll be expected to shore up the depleted point guard spot, which lost Ish Smith last [...]
Source: http://accbasketballrecruiting.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/anthony-fields-to-wake-forest/
ESPN golf High School Basketball Schedule NFL Football teams rivals Basketball
Meet Fran McCaffery: Iowa?s New Coach
What Happened to…Todd Lickliter? Todd Lickliter came to Iowa in 2007-08 following six seasons, 131 wins, and a 2007 National Coach of the Year award at Butler. But Lickliter was never able to recreate any of that success with the … Continue reading 
Source: http://basketballdaily.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/meet-fran-mccaffery-iowas-new-coach/
College Basketball stats College Football Recruiting Rankings High School Basketball stats High School Soccer Schedule
USSFA High School Shootout: Day Two
CARMEL — Tournament play of the 2011 USSFA High School Shootout began Sunday morning at Carmel High School and by the end of the day, Lawrence North was the last team standing. The Wildcats, led by the stellar play of Eron Harris, finished the weekend undefeated. Inside the Hall was in attendance and here?s a [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/insidethehall/~3/NU1ejt1nMJQ/
usc Football Schedule AAU Basketball teams College Basketball teams College Football odds
Los Angeles Lakers Select Darius Morris with No. 41 Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Darius Morris with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Morris averaged 15 points and seven assists during his�sophomore�season before entering his name in the NBA Draft. Second round picks are not guaranteed contracts but Morris was the first pick of the draft for the Lakers, who [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UMHoops/~3/aPBlDliN-J8/
ESPN Soccer NFL Scores USC Football College Football Rankings
Blazers Sign All Star Guard Roy To 5 Year Contract Extension
After a summer of heated negotiations, the Portland Trailblazers have signed All Star shooting guard Brandon Roy to a five year contract extension. Roy will be in the final year of his rookie contract in the 2009-2010 NBA season, and locking up the services of their 'franchise player' was the teams top summer priority.
College Football Scores baseball Reference UCLA Football College Basketball Rankings
Around the Big Ten: June 21st, 2011
Off-season news and notes from around the conference. Illinois: Illinois picked up a late commitment from a 6-foot-8 240lb center, Ibrahima Djimde, but he’s still waiting to find out whether he’s been cleared. Meyers Leonard made the USA U19 World Championship team along with Tim Hardaway Jr. Indiana: The Hoosiers hired Calbert Cheaney as their [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UMHoops/~3/ya0KlKgmrwQ/
College Football news College Football picks College Football Recruiting Basketball hall of fame
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sports Tips ? How to Be a More Competitive Basketball Player
Basketball is watched and played by many. But then there are some who don't find it just a means of recreation. They play it professionally, so they have to be as competitive as possible.
Source: http://www.blogbasketball.com/2010/01/23/sports-tips-how-to-be-a-more-competitive-basketball-player/
College Football picks College Football Recruiting Basketball hall of fame College Football Lines
Jon Teitel's "Forgotten Legends" Series: Stanford Great Adam Keefe
In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Stanford great Adam Keefe. In four seasons on The Farm, Keefe was an All-American three times and left school as the program's all-time leading rebounder and ranks second all-time in points scored. Keefe is now the executive vice president at CSI Capital Management. �
Jon Teitel: You scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead your Woodbridge High team to a win over DeAnza for the 1987 CIF Division II state title, and the following year you were named the Cal-Hi Sports Boys Athlete of the Year (previous winners include Jackie Robinson, Mark Spitz and John Elway). What did it mean to you to win the title, and how does it feel to be in such an exclusive club?
Adam Keefe: Winning the state title was fantastic. It was especially fun because most of my teammates and I had known each other since we were 10 years old. The Cal-Hi Sports thing was a bit underwhelming, as there was no award presentation, but I was excited when I found out who else had won it before.
JT: You played for Coach Mike Montgomery at Stanford. What made Coach Montgomery such a great coach, and what is the most important thing you ever learned from him?
AK: What makes him such a great coach is his ability to evaluate talent in individuals and then put people in situations to be successful on the court. I have seen tons of guys who I call "system coaches" who just put players into their system, but Montgomery's offense could change from year to year based on the players he had. He can figure out what people are best at. When I came to Stanford as a freshman and Todd Lichti was the star, the offense would run through him as a guard. By the time I was a senior, the offense would run through me as a forward.
JT: You also played middle blocker on the Stanford volleyball team. How were you able to balance basketball and volleyball, and which sport did you enjoy more?
AK: It was difficult but not impossible to balance the two sports. Stanford probably has more multi-sport athletes than any other school. For example, Toby Gerhart played baseball while also being a Heisman Trophy runner-up. I enjoyed both sports. I was better at basketball, but I probably had more upside in volleyball.
JT: What are your memories of the 1989 NCAA Tournament (Keefe scored 22 points in 26 minutes but Marc Brown made 2 free throws with three seconds left in a two-point upset win by #14-seed Siena)?
AK: As a freshman I was distant from how big a deal it was: I just assumed we would go to the tourney every year. I remember Brown making everything he tossed up, so I just tried to rebound.
1991 Postseason NIT
JT: You scored 12 points in a six-point win over Oklahoma to the win the school's 1st basketball title in 49 years after Oklahoma coach Billy Tubbs became the first coach to ever be ejected from an NIT game. What impact did Tubbs' ejection have on the game (if any), and what was the reaction like when you got back to campus?
AK: I do not remember Tubbs' ejection having any impact on the game. I was in a street fight down in the post, as I scored several points below my season average. We came back to campus and had a big rally, so it was fun to see the momentum building for the basketball program.
JT: You were named NIT MVP. What did it mean to you to win such an outstanding individual honor?
AK: It was great...although I would have preferred to win the same award at the Final Four!! They did not base it on my performance in the final game; it simply reflected how well our team was playing at the time.
JT: In the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana you lost to Puerto Rico in the semifinals before beating Cuba for the bronze medal. How did you feel about winning a bronze medal, and which of your teammates impressed you the most (Grant Hill, Jimmy Jackson, Christian Laettner or another player)?
AK: It was great to beat Cuba on their home turf, although our goal was to play for the gold medal. There were so many great players on our team and each was unique. Grant Hill's athleticism was at another level, and Laettner's all-around game as a big man was unbelievable. The one who most people do not think of is Tony Bennett. He clearly had an understanding of the game that was unique among his peers.
JT: What are your memories of the 1992 NCAA Tournament (Keefe scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a five-point loss to Alabama)?
AK: We played pretty well, but Alabama had a lot of guys like Robert Horry and Latrell Sprewell whose talent was not fully realized until after they got to the NBA.
JT: You are one of four players in NCAA history with 2,000 PTS, 1,000 REB and a field goal percentage of 60% or higher (Lew Alcindor, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson are the others). Do you consider yourself to be one of the best big men in NCAA history?
AK: I was made aware of that stat not too long ago, and it is a huge source of pride for me as the only non-seven footer to do it. My graduating class included big men like Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal, so it is easier for me to say that I played fully to my potential.
JT: In the summer of 1992 you were drafted 10th overall by Atlanta (one spot ahead of Horry). Did you see that as a validation of your college career or the realization of a lifelong dream of reaching the NBA?
AK: Part of it was a validation of the hard work I put in and the time I spent working that people did not see (on the track, in the weight room, etc.). It was a great honor, as it is a select group of players who make it to the NBA.
JT: In your 1993 home finale you scored a career-high 30 points (12-13 FG) in a win over Milwaukee. Was it just one of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were "in the zone"?
AK: It was less of a zone, and more one of those nights where the ball broke my way every single time. I did not make any extraordinary shots, but every single time the ball could come my way it did. I hit some jump hooks, got some offensive rebounds, and made all of my free throws.
1997 NBA Finals
JT: Michael Jordan made a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer to win Game 1. Where does Jordan rank among the most clutch players you have even seen, and did you just expect him to make it?
AK: In the heat of the battle you are just focused on what your team is trying to accomplish, so I do not think that any of my teammates were thinking about whether Jordan would take/make that shot. Jordan is a tremendous player, but I hesitate to call him "clutch" because that infers that there are times when he is not making shots! He was the absolute best at understanding the fundamentals of the game and using his amazing athletic ability.
JT: Jordan scored 38 points in 44 minutes to lead his team to a win in Game 5 before collapsing into Scottie Pippen's arms (the infamous "Flu Game"). Could you tell at the time how sick Jordan was that night, and where does that rank among the gutsiest performances you have ever seen?
AK: We could not tell how sick he was, but frankly we did not care because we were just trying to win the game and stay alive.
JT: In Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals you had a one-point home loss to Chicago after Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone and made a 20-foot jumper over Bryon Russell to win the series. What made Jordan so amazing, and do you think that he pushed off to get free for the series-winning shot?
AK: I have seen the video a bunch of times: it is hard to say, but I do not think any refs would call a foul in that situation. There were probably only a couple of times that year when Karl got stripped in the post, so for Jordan to do that shows what a great player he truly was.
JT: Your wife Kristin was the 1991 national college volleyball Player of the Year and a member of the 1996 US Olympic volleyball team (her dad Bob was an NFL tight end for 10 years). Who is the best athlete in the family, and how athletic are your kids?
AK: I was never NCAA Player of the Year or All-American as a freshman, so I will give her the nod. However, I think I would have had a good shot at making the 1992 Olympic team if the "Dream Team" had not been formed that year. Our kids are tall and move their feet well, but only time will tell if they can become great athletes.
JT: You had a cameo in the 1980s skateboarding movie "Gleaming the Cube" starring Christian Slater, part of which was shot at your high school. How did you get into the movie, and were you ever a skateboarder while growing up?
AK: I was never a skateboarder, and I was only an extra because the movie was filmed at our high school.
JT: You currently work for CSI Capital Management. How do you like the job, and what do you hope to do in the future?
AK: I have been here since I got done playing, and I like it a lot. I see myself continuing as executive VP and helping people to invest their money wisely.
Keefe is also on Jon's list of best fantasy players in Pac-10 history.
Arizona: Sean Elliott (1989) 2555 PTS (#1), 42.8 3P% (#3), 2-time All-American, 2-time conference POY, national POY
Arizona State: Eddie House (2000) 2044 PTS (#1), 258 STL (#1), 250 3PM (#3), All-American, conference POY
California: Jerome Randle (2010) 1849 PTS (#1), 526 AST (#2), 255 3PM (#1), 88.2 FT% (#1), All-American, conference POY
Oregon: Ron Lee (1976) 2085 PTS (#1), 572 AST (#2), 3-time All-American, conference POY, NIT MVP
Oregon State: Gary Payton (1990) 2172 PTS (#1), 938 AST (#1), 321 STL (#1), 178 3PM (#2), All-American
Stanford: Adam Keefe (1992) 2319 PTS (#2), 1119 REB (#1), 141 STL (#4), 60 FG% (#2), 3-time All-American, NIT MVP
UCLA: Lew Alcindor (1969) 2325 PTS (#2), 1367 REB (#2), 63.9 FG% (#3), 3-time All-American, 3-time national POY, 3-time NCAA MOP
USC: Harold Miner (1992) 2048 PTS (#1), 176 3PM (#1), 81.4 FT% (#1), 2-time All-American, conference POY
Washington: Christian Welp (1987) 2073 PTS (#1), 995 REB (#3), 186 BLK (#1), 56.2 FG% (#3), conference POY
Washington State: Isaac Fontaine (1997) 2003 PTS (#1), 208 3PM (#5), 45.7 3P% (#1), 161 STL (#5)
Source: http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/jon-teitels-forgotten-legends-series-stanford-great-adam-keefe-169257
NFL Football teams rivals Basketball College Basketball Recruiting College Basketball Schedule
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)