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College Basketball News: Sat, Aug 23

Buffalo G Robinson given 3-game suspension -- The AP reports: Leading scorer Andy Robinson was suspended for three games by the University at Buffalo on Friday for posting an advertisement on the Internet last spring to pay someone to write a course paper. Buffalo coach Reggie Witherspoon said the suspension will cover the Bulls’ first three regular-season games. Robinson, a senior guard who topped Buffalo in scoring last season, has resumed practicing with the team after being suspended in April.

Larry Hennessy, Villanova hoops great, dies at 79 -- The AP reports: Larry Hennessy, an All-American at Villanova who played in the NBA, has died. He was 79. Hennessy died Wednesday in Williamsburg, Va., according to a statement from the school. Hennessy scored 1,737 points from 1950-53 at Villanova, which retired his No. 14 jersey. He averaged 23.2 points for the Wildcats, ranking 11th in school history.

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College Basketball News: Fri, Aug 22

AU’s Jones defies skeptics, gets 6-year extension -- The AP reports: When Jeff Jones was hired by American in 2000, conventional wisdom had him staying at the school for just a few years before moving on to a bigger conference. Conventional wisdom has proved wrong. Jones, who last season led the Eagles to the NCAA tournament for the first time as a Division I school, has signed a six-year contract extension that will keep him in northwest Washington through the 2013-14 season. “It was really funny,” Jones said Thursday following the school’s announcement of the new contract. “Because there were so many people that assumed that I was coming to American and trying to use it as a stepping stone of sorts. I tried telling people and they just didn’t listen, that I appreciated that at a time when I had been out of coaching, American gave me a great opportunity to come back. There’s a lot to that.”


College Basketball News: Thu, Aug 21

Pitt F Cook denied extra year by NCAA -- The AP reports: The NCAA rejected Pittsburgh forward Mike Cook’s request for an extra year of eligibility on Wednesday. His senior season was cut short by a knee injury. Cook played 11 games before injuring his knee Dec. 20 during overtime of a 65-64 win over Duke.


College Basketball News: Wed, Aug 20

Indiana’s Crean signs 10-year, $23.6M contract -- The AP reports: New Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean got the job security he wanted, signing a 10-year contract worth at least $23.6 million. The deal includes an annual base salary of $600,000 and additional payments for promotional work, school officials said Tuesday. He will receive $1.4 million this season from outside income, a total that will increase slightly each year of the contract... Crean could earn up to $685,000 in bonuses if he wins a national championship. He’d get $125,000 for a Big Ten regular-season title and $125,000 if the Hoosiers reach the Final Four.

N.Carolina player pleads guilty to underage drinking -- The AP reports: North Carolina basketball player Ty Lawson has pleaded guilty to underage drinking and driving. The 20-year-old Lawson appeared in court Tuesday after completing community service and other terms of his plea agreement. Prosecutors agreed to drop charges of violating a noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Davidson leads NIT Season Tip-Off field -- The AP reports: Stephen Curry will lead Davidson against James Madison in the opening round of the NIT Season Tip-Off. The Wildcats are one of seven teams from last season’s NCAA tournament in the field of 16, which was announced Tuesday by the NIT Selection Committee... Boston College will host the East Regional and will play Loyola, Md., while Cornell faces St. John’s. Purdue hosts the North Regional and will play Eastern Michigan. Georgia will play Loyola, Ill., in the region’s other game. Arizona hosts the West Regional and will play Florida Atlantic, while Santa Clara faces UAB.


College Basketball News: Tue, Aug 19

Mikalauskas out, Soroye back at Virginia -- The AP reports: Laurynas Mikalauskas, one of the more popular players at the University of Virginia, was dismissed from the team by coach Dave Leitao on Monday, while he announced that Tunji Soroye will return next season. Leitao said that Mikalauskas, a 6-foot-8 native of Lithuania, is no longer a member of the team because he has not lived up to the standards set by the program. Leitao said he will not elaborate.

Former Iowa State coach Anderson dead at 79 -- The AP reports: Former Iowa State basketball coach Glen Anderson, the third-winningest coach in school history, has died. He was 79.


College Basketball News: Fri, Aug 15

Indiana names McLeod assistant basketball coach -- The AP reports: Former NBA player Roshown McLeod has been hired as an assistant coach at Indiana. New coach Tom Crean said Thursday that McLeod will work with the Hoosiers’ inside players.


College Basketball News: Wed, Aug 13

McKillop hires son as assistant -- The AP reports: The Davidson bench will be loaded with McKillops this season. Davidson coach Bob McKillop announced Tuesday that he's hired his son, Matt, as an assistant coach. The head coach's younger son, Brendan, will be a sophomore guard on this season's team.

Fighting Irish getting head start in Ireland -- The AP reports: The Irish are going to Ireland for a head start to their season. Basketball season, that is. Notre Dame left Tuesday for a 13-day trip that will include six games before the football team plays its first. The Irish started practicing Aug. 4, four days before the football team and two months ahead of the traditional October start of basketball practice. “We’re so far ahead right now,” said Luke Harangody, a second-team All-America last season who led the Irish with 20.4 points and 10.6 rebounds a game. “We feel like we’re in season now.” Naturally, Notre Dame was the first NCAA choice for the inaugural Emerald Hoops Program developed by the Basketball Federation of Ireland, which is trying to build the sport there.


College Basketball News: Tue, Aug 12

Man pleads guilty in killing of Howard Porter -- The AP reports: A second defendant pleaded guilty Monday in the beating death of former Villanova basketball star Howard Porter, taking a plea agreement that calls for him to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Rashad Raleigh, 29, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and will be sentenced Sept. 8. In exchange, Ramsey County won’t prosecute him for last year’s triple murder of a St. Paul woman, her boyfriend and daughter, though federal prosecutors could still charge him in that case, lawyers said. Another defendant, Tonya E. Johnson, admitted earlier to luring Porter to her St. Paul home, and pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting aggravated robbery. Fredquinzo King also is charged with first-degree murder in Porter’s death. Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Mike Furnstahl said King has been offered a deal—plead guilty to second-degree murder and be eligible for parole after 30 years—but has declined it so far.

Khalil Murphy examining all options -- Rivals (Justin Young) reports: New Jersey forward Khalil Murphy is moving to a new school for his senior year and he’s taking a handful of scholarship offers with him. The 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward is off to the APEX Academies from the Life Center school in Burlington. The three-star combo forward is hoping to see his game transform much like the Kansas bound Morris twins did last year. “I wanted to go to Apex because I know they’ll make me push myself harder and make me work harder,” Murphy said. “It should help me with my strength and conditioning a lot, too.”

Size doesn't matter for prep standout Pressey -- CBS Sportsline (Gary Parrish) reports: Pressey's official measurements are 5-10, 160 pounds. Still, he acknowledged he's only 5-9 (but swore he's 165 pounds). My guess is that something along the lines of 5-8, 155 pounds is closer to the truth. Either way, the bottom line is the same: Pressey -- the son of former NBAer Paul Pressey -- is a diminutive dude and he looks it, particularly because he's constantly competing against and surrounded by people who are 6-10, 6-11 and 7-feet. Put him in a mall with regular people and he looks normal. But when he's on a basketball court beside relative giants he looks out of place, that is until the ball is tipped and he starts gliding around the court, making plays and creating havoc.

Ex-Toledo player linked to point-shaving leaves his pro team -- ESPNdeportes (Yoel Adames) reports: The former University of Toledo basketball player charged with fixing games in a nearly two-year federal gambling probe is leaving the Dominican Republic en route to Puerto Rico, where he plans to cooperate fully with the authorities. "Sammy Villegas will travel to Puerto Rico on Wednesday to meet with his relatives and his lawyer," said a source close to Dominican team Los Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris, where Villegas played this year. "Due to the accusations, Villegas has become a distraction to other players while several key sponsors of the club are expressing serious concern in regards to the bad press that the team is getting," added the source, who asked not to be named. Villegas faces charges of shaving points in games in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, according to federal documents filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit.


College Basketball News: Mon, Aug 11

Nothing new today. So for the fun of it I'll just state the obvious, that North Carolina are the early favorites to win the 2008-09 NCAA championship.

Also, well-known recruit John Riek has committed to go to Cincinnati. Post your reaction to this news here.


College Basketball News: Sun, Aug 10

Ex-Jayhawks F Arthur's high school grades cleared by Dallas district -- The AP reports: The high school grades of former Kansas forward Darrell Arthur have been ruled legitimate by an investigation of the Dallas Independent School District. His grades at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas were called into question in May when his former teacher claimed he was not passing math as a junior and his grade was changed by school administrators without the teacher's knowledge.


College Basketball News: Sat, Aug 9

UA says Razorbacks Beverley ‘will not compete’ -- The AP reports: Arkansas guard Patrick Beverley won’t play for the Razorbacks this season, the school said Friday.

ESPN (Andy Katz) reports: But multiple sources close to the program told ESPN.com that Beverley was academically ineligible to compete for Arkansas. Sources said Beverley wouldn't be transferring to another school but is considering whether or not to stay in Fayetteville for the year or become a professional and secure a contract overseas. Beverley was the Razorbacks' leading returning scorer at 12.1 points a game.

UNLV coach Kruger receives extension -- Ticker reports: The University of Nevada-Las Vegas on Friday signed men’s basketball coach Lon Kruger to a one-year extension. The deal, which was approved by the Nevada Board of Regents, will keep the 55-year-old Kruger in “Sin City” until 2013. “The extension is well-deserved and we’re looking forward to continuing the success of Rebel basketball with Lon Kruger as our coach,” UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said.

Angelo Johnson leaving USC -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: I found out last night that USC point guard Angelo Johnson, who was expected to compete for a starting spot with the departure of O.J. Mayo to the NBA, is leaving the program. Sources told me it was because USC coach Tim Floyd wouldn’t guarantee Johnson a starting spot. ``He asked me with O.J. [Mayo’s] departure if I could guarantee him a starting spot at the point,” Floyd told the Los Angeles Times. “I told him, ‘Angelo, you’re going to play a bunch and could start on 95 percent of the teams in the country, but I can’t guarantee you that.”


College Basketball News: Fri, Aug 8

Indiana will make written response to allegation -- The AP report: Indiana University will not request a second hearing in front of the NCAA infractions committee, but will send a written response to the NCAA’s newest allegation of failing to monitor the men’s basketball program. University spokesman Larry MacIntyre confirmed the decision Thursday. He had no explanation for why it was made after university president Michael McRobbie promised to vigorously fight the charge in June. Indiana has until Sept. 17 to file a response, something MacIntyre said has not happened yet.

Coach doubts former Toledo player shaved points -- The AP report: Sammy Villegas was the Mid-American Conference freshman of the year. The following season he helped Toledo reach the National Invitation Tournament. Villegeas seemed ready to become a star, but everything fell apart in his final two seasons. He couldn’t score. His playing time dropped off. His coaches were mystified. Now, federal prosecutors say Villegas was shaving points in some games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. Villegas also paid another player who took part in point-shaving, prosecutors said. The other player was not charged or named in documents filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Courtside seating at Walton Arena comes with hefty price tag -- The AP reports: Arkansas basketball fans with deep pockets will be able to get closer to the action at Bud Walton Arena. The university announced Thursday that it will add 34 courtside seats along the south side of the hardwood, across from the team benches. The seats will be offered only to donors who give a minimum of $10,000 per year, known as the Broyles Matthews donor level. There were 799 boosters in that category as of Thursday, according to the UA.

Guard Angelo Johnson leaving Southern Cal -- Sporting News (Mike DeCourcy) reports: The Southern California Trojans are losing the third member of their 2007 recruiting class with the departure of point guard Angelo Johnson, a source close to the program confirmed to Sporting News on Thursday. The reasons for his departure were not disclosed.


College Basketball News: Thur, Aug 7

Bill Self signs huge new contract with Kansas -- The AP reports: Bill Self, the Kansas basketball coach who guided the Jayhawks to their first NCAA championship in 20 years, signed a 10-year, $30 million contract Wednesday. The deal had been in the works since April, when Self’s Jayhawks came from nine points down in the final minutes to beat Memphis in a thrilling title game and he subsequently turned down an offer to return to Oklahoma State, his alma mater... Under Self’s new contract, his salary will remain at $229,900. But the package will include an annual payment of $2,270,100 in private money for “professional services” and other incentives. Athletic director Lew Perkins said the contract was easy to work out.

Ticker reports: Self on Wednesday signed a 10-year deal extension that will keep him under contract at Kansas through 2018 and provide an annual compensation package of $2.2 million. A week after winning the title, Self agreed in principle to the deal, turning down overtures from Oklahoma State. His prior contract, which was set to expire in March of 2011, paid him an annual total of 1.6 million... Self has an overall mark of 349-137, beginning his coaching career at Oral Roberts in 1993. After three seasons at Illinois, he took the Kansas job in 2003, replacing Roy Williams.

Former Toledo player charged with point-shaving -- The AP reports: A former University of Toledo basketball player has been charged with point shaving, according to a federal bill of information filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Sammy Villegas, who played basketball for four years at Toledo and has followed that with a professional career in his native Puerto Rico, is accused of shaving points in games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. The case comes a little more than a year after a Toledo football player was accused in a gambling scheme, though the charges against him were dropped. A university spokesman described the cases as isolated incidents. Villegas, a guard who finished his college career in 2006, also paid another player who took part in the point-shaving ring, prosecutors said. The other player was not charged or named in the bill of information, which was filed June 30.

Ticker reports: In March 2007, a Toledo football player, Harvey McDougle, was charged in connection with a point-shaving scheme in which he allegedly recruited players from the school’s football and basketball teams. The charges were dropped three months later.


College Basketball News: Wed, Aug 6

North Carolina opens Maui tourney with Chaminade -- The AP reports: North Carolina, which returns national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough and its top five other scorers from last season’s Final Four team, will open the 25th annual EA Sports Maui Invitational against host Chaminade. The pairings for the early season tournament, which will be held Nov. 24-26 at the Lahaina Civic Center, were announced Tuesday. The other first-round games will have Texas, a regional finalist last season, against Saint Joseph’s, Indiana meeting Notre Dame in an all-Hoosier state matchup, and Oregon facing Alabama.


College Basketball News: Tue, Aug 5

Top underclassmen from AAU Nationals -- Rivals (Justin Young) reports: Juwan Staten, PG, All Ohio Red 16U, Jordan Sibert, SG, All Ohio Red 16U, Jared Sullinger, C, All Ohio Red 16U, Noah Cottrill, PG, Kentucky Patriots 16U, Doron Lamb, SG, New York Gauchos, Phil Pressey, PG, BABC, Tyrone Garland, PG/SG, Philly Pride, Jake Kitchell, PF, SYF Players 16U.


College Basketball News: Sun, Aug 3

Arkansas' Pelphrey gets raise -- The AP reports: Arkansas basketball coach John Pelphrey will see his salary increase to $795,000 and his contract extended one year to April 2013, athletic director Jeff Long says. Long said written documentation for Pelphrey's raise and extension still need to be completed, but will be done shortly. Pelphrey currently gets a base salary of $750,000. His contract will continue to include incentive bonuses for winning Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament titles, reaching the NCAA Tournament Sweet16 and Final Four and winning the national title and meeting academic goals.


College Basketball News: Sat, Aug 2

Former Missouri player stars in independent movie -- The AP reports: Jimmy McKinney, the former guard and sometime scapegoat for Missouri’s woes during the tumultuous years under coach Quin Snyder, has embarked on an acting career. He’s the star of a well-received independent film called “Streetballers,” in a role that plays to his strengths while somewhat mirroring his life as a kid who made it out of a rough inner-city upbringing. “On the screen with a camera right in your face it’s totally different,” said McKinney, a four-year starter at Missouri from 2003-06. “But I can be more myself, so that makes it easier.” The film took the second place jury prize at the recent Hollywood Black Film Festival, and played to a receptive crowd at the Tivoli Theater in suburban St. Louis late last month. It will be shown in September at the Urban World Film Festival in New York City...


College Basketball News: Fri, Aug 1

NU names new assistant -- Rivals (WildCatReport.com) reports: Northwestern head men’s basketball coach Bill Carmody has announced the addition of Ivan Vujic to the Wildcats’ staff as an assistant coach. Vujic comes to NU after most recently serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at DePaul University the past two years. He begins his duties August 1. “My staff and I are very excited to welcome Ivan to our program,” Carmody said. “I know he is excited about the opportunity to move into a full-time assistant coaching position and I believe his addition will pay dividends in recruiting as well as on the floor. He has learned from two coaches I have great respect for in Coach Homer Drew and Coach Jerry Wainwright and they could not say enough good things about him. I look forward to watching Ivan instill his work ethic and toughness in our talented big kids as well as the rest of the team.”

Illinois dismisses Smith after probation violation -- The AP reports: Junior guard Jamar Smith was dismissed from the Illinois men’s basketball team on Thursday, two days after a prosecutor asked a judge to revoke his probation for allegedly drinking alcohol. Coach Bruce Weber said Smith’s decision to violate terms of a personal agreement for his return to the team left him without a choice. “At this time, Jamar and his family need to focus their attention on the issues that have brought Jamar to this point,” Weber said in a statement posted on the team’s Web site. “For the good of our program and players we need to move forward and prepare for the 2008-09 season.”

Memphis reports possible violation to NCAA -- The AP reports: The University of Memphis men’s basketball program reported a possible violation to the NCAA on Thursday. School officials said they learned that Dave Bronczek, president of Memphis-based FedEx and a school booster, telephoned a woman who is a FedEx employee and the mother of a high school player being recruited by the school. Boosters are prohibited by NCAA rules from having any contact with recruits or their parents.


College Basketball News: Thu, July 31

Bucknell hopes for fresh start with Paulsen -- Rivals (Andrew Skwara) reports: Of the 43 Division I basketball teams that made coaching changes this offseason, two hired coaches from Division-III: Bucknell and St. Francis (Pa.). The later isn’t so surprising. St. Francis (Pa.), which replaced Bobby Jones with Lycoming College’s Don Friday, has only been to one NCAA Tournament in school history - and that was 18 years ago. But Bucknell’s hiring of Dave Paulsen from Williams College in Williamston, Mass., was a bit of a surprise. The Patriot League program was one of the best available jobs in the low or mid-major ranks. Just two years ago, the Bison won an NCAA Tournament game. Bucknell knocked off Arkansas in a matchup of Nos. 8 and 9 seeds. The previous season, the Bison upset Kansas in an NCAA Tournament first-round game. That kind of postseason success should have attracted plenty of D-I head coaches and fast-rising assistants. So, why hire the 43-year-old Paulsen - who hasn’t worked at the D-I level since 1994? Because at Bucknell, finding a coach that can win isn’t enough. The Bison need someone who can win with extraordinary students - the average SAT score at Bucknell is about 1360. Paulsen’s under-the-radar background is perfect for the Bison.


College Basketball News: Wed, July 30

2 WVU basketball players arrested in Pittsburgh -- The AP reports: Two West Virginia University basketball players were charged with scuffling with police and underage drinking after a fight at a Pittsburgh Pirates game. Joe Mazzulla and Cameron Thoroughman were arrested Monday at PNC Park, where the Pirates were playing the Colorado Rockies. The two were in custody and awaiting arraignment Tuesday. “We will let the judicial process take its course and the matter will be handled internally,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said.

Illinois snags Leonard -- Rivals (Jerry Meyer) reports: Once maligned for his recruiting efforts, Bruce Weber, who already has a strong 2009 recruiting class in place, added another solid piece to a strong 2010 recruiting class with the commitment of Meyers Leonard out of Robinson (Ill.) High School. “It just seemed like the right fit for me,” said Leonard, a 6-foot-9, 195-pound center. “I like the academics there, and I fit in well with the players and the coaches. They also have a lot of other good recruits coming in.”

Illinois’ Smith allegedly violated probation -- The AP reports: Just a few months before junior guard Jamar Smith was expected to return to the basketball court for Illinois, a prosecutor said Tuesday she wants a judge to revoke his probation for allegedly drinking alcohol. Smith is serving two years’ probation after pleading guilty last year to felony driving under the influence causing great bodily harm. He drove a car into a tree on a snowy night in February 2007, injuring former teammate Brian Carlwell. Under the terms of Smith’s probation, he can’t drink. Champaign police allegedly spotted Smith outside a campus bar about 2:30 a.m. Friday while they broke up an argument, according to Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz and a statement Tuesday from police.


College Basketball News: Tue, July 29

Indiana guard Crawford transfers to Xavier -- The AP reports: Indiana guard Jordan Crawford has accepted a scholarship from Xavier, making him the second Hoosiers recruit to join the Musketeers in the last three months. Crawford played in 30 games for Indiana last season as a freshman, including eight starts. He averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists. He accepted a scholarship from Xavier on Monday.

Ticker reports: Due to transfer rules Crawford will have to sit out next season, but the Detroit native has three years of eligibility remaining. “Jordan Crawford is an exceptionally talented player,” Xavier coach Sean Miller said. “He is extremely versatile, which will allow him to play with numerous combinations of players on the floor. He is also a great competitor that has proven himself against the best competition at the highest level of college basketball.”


College Basketball News: Mon, July 28

Nothing really new out in the college basketball world today, but as you should always do on a Monday, scroll down and check out the weekend stuff.


College Basketball News: Sun, July 27

NCAA accuses A&M-Corpus Christi of 8 major violations between '04 and '08 -- The AP reports: The NCAA has accused Texas A&M-Corpus Christi of nine rules violations, including use of ineligible players, recruiting violations in men's basketball and lack of institutional control. The alleged violations, eight of them major, occurred mainly between 2004 and 2008 in men's basketball, women's volleyball and men's tennis. The NCAA's notice of allegations, obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, also accuses athletic director Brian Teter of not reporting to the NCAA his knowledge of two ineligible players and later submitting a false self-report regarding one of those players. Teter failed to conduct himself in accordance with the association's "high standards of honesty and sportsmanship," the notice said.

Richmond's Geriot likely to miss season -- The AP reports: Richmond Spiders basketball player Dan Geriot is expected to miss the upcoming season due to an injury. University of Richmond basketball coach Chris Mooney says the top scorer and rebounder suffered a knee injury during summer-league competition in Philadelphia.

UL-Monroe women's player expelled after gun incident arrest -- The AP reports: Regena Jackson, a leading scorer on the Louisiana-Monroe women's basketball team last season, was arrested early Saturday for firing a gun from an apartment balcony, a university spokeswoman said, and was dismissed from school. The spokeswoman, Laura Harris, said nobody was hurt, and university police were called after Jackson threatened several students and staffers, and fired one shot into the air.


College Basketball News: Sat, July 26

Former Razorback gets 15-year prison term -- The AP reports: Elmer Martin Jr., who played on Arkansas’ 1994 NCAA championship basketball team, received a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty to drug charges.


College Basketball News: Fri, July 25

Georgia Tech center Dickey leaves for Europe -- The AP reports: Georgia Tech center Ra’Sean Dickey has given up his senior season to play professionally in the Ukraine. Coach Paul Hewitt said Wednesday the 6-foot-10 Dickey signed a contract with Budivelnyk Kiev of the Ukrainian Super League. He redshirted last season to recover from acute tendinitis in his right knee and had a year of eligibility remaining.

Norm Stewart recovering from heart surgery -- The AP reports: Former Missouri basketball coach Norm Stewart is recovering from open-heart surgery.


College Basketball News: Thu, July 24

IUPUI coach, players will take shoes to Peru -- The AP reports: IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter, who went barefoot for a game last season, won’t be able to deliver shoes to the poor in Nigeria this month because the U.S. State Department said it wouldn’t be safe to go. Instead, Hunter said his group will travel to Lima, Peru, on Thursday to deliver about 15,000 pairs of shoes. Originally, a group of about 40 people from IUPUI and Samaritan’s Feet, a charitable organization based in Charlotte, N.C., planned to deliver shoes and visit orphanages, schools and hospitals in Nigeria. Hunter and some of his players also planned to hold basketball clinics.


College Basketball News: Wed, July 23

Former NCAA executive Dave Cawood dies -- The AP reports: David E. Cawood, a former high-ranking NCAA executive who helped run the Final Four for more than two decades, died Sunday at his home in Louisville. He was 64. Cawood had just finished his morning run and complained to his wife that he was not feeling well; he then collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, according to the NCAA Web site. From 1975 to 1997, his NCAA responsibilities included the coordination of media and marketing for the men’s Final Four. In that role, he helped negotiate the first $1 billion rights fee for a sporting event with CBS, and the subsequent $1.725 billion agreement.

F-C Carter transfers to UMass -- Ticker reports: Oregon State forward-center Sean Carter has transferred to Massachusetts, Minutemen coach Derek Kellogg announced Monday. The 6-9 Carter played in 29 games for the Beavers last season, starting nine, and averaged 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. He also blocked 15 shots while averaging 15 minutes per contest.


College Basketball News: Mon, July 21

Alabama names Pettway assistant coach -- Ticker reports: Alabama named former point guard Antoine Pettway as an assistant coach on Sunday. Pettway played four seasons at Alabama, averaging 9.1 points during his senior campaign and helping the Crimson Tide reach the Elite Eight in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

USA U18 National Team loses to Argentina in championship game -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: UConn-bound freshman Kemba Walker, who is a terrific insurance policy for Jim Calhoun in the event that A.J. Price doesn’t recover quickly from a torn ACL last March, scored 21 points in the loss and won tournament MVP honors.


College Basketball News: Sun, July 20

Dalton Pepper picks WVU -- Rivals (Justin Young) reports: Dalton Pepper said he wanted to leave Philadelphia to play college basketball. On Friday night, the Rivals150 guard found an opportunity to do so. Pepper, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound shooting guard from Pennsbury (Pa.) High School, verbally committed to West Virginia.


College Basketball News: Sat, July 19

Coach Ernie Kent and Oregon agree to new contract -- The AP reports: Basketball coach Ernie Kent and Oregon have agreed to terms on a new contract that will run through the 2012-13 season. The agreement, which took effect July 1, raises Kent’s annual minimum guaranteed salary from $1 million to $1,060,000. It also will provide more than $347,000 in additional salary and benefits for his staff. It will take the place of Kent’s previous contract, which ran through 2010.

Ticker reports: The agreement also calls for Kent’s buyout of the contract to be raised to $1.15 million. “Ernie’s acknowledgment of the role that his staff has played in the program’s success reached the point that he was willing to deflect substantial personal gain to aid the continued growth of the program,” Oregon director of athletics Pat Kilkenny said. “That speaks a lot not only for the commitment he has for his players and staff, but also the university and this community.”

Arrow receives contract extension at South Alabama -- Ticker reports: South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow signed a two-year contract extension Friday to keep him with the school through the 2013 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Seton Hall C Okosun to transfer -- Ticker reports: Seton Hall junior center Augustine Okosun has left the men’s basketball program and will pursue transfer opportunities, coach Bobby Gonzalez announced Friday.


College Basketball News: Fri, July 18

East Carolina gives Mack McCarthy extension -- The AP reports: The deal, which was approved Thursday, will pay McCarthy $225,000 per year in base salary and compensation for radio, television and Pirate Club appearances. The contract also includes a $50,000 bonus to monitor academic goals such as continuing to improve the program's grade-point average and graduation rate.

Gonzaga's Daye doesn't have ACL tear, will only miss 3 weeks -- ESPN (Andy Katz) reports: All is good again at Gonzaga after star sophomore forward Austin Daye was told Thursday that he doesn't have a torn ACL that will require surgery and jeopardize his status for the upcoming season. Daye was told by doctors at UCLA that he has a bone bruise and a minor, low-grade tear that won't require surgery. Instead, Daye and his parents Darren and Tamara said Thursday that he simply needs to rest the next three weeks.

Oral Roberts kicks three off team -- The AP reports: Oral Roberts basketball coach Scott Sutton has kicked three players off the team including forward Marchello Vealy. ORU announced in a news release that Vealy and guards Curtis Allen and Jonathan Dunn are off the team for failing to comply with team policies.

7-footer transfers to Ohio State -- The AP reports: Seven-foot center Zisis Sarikopoulos has transferred from UAB to Ohio State, Buckeyes coach Thad Matta announced Thursday... Sarikopoulos played in 20 games at UAB last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds.

Ticker reports: “Zisis will give us a physical presence and some size,” Ohio State coach Thad Matta said. “We have a year to work with him on getting stronger and learning our system. He entered college at only 17 years old. He will help immediately in practice. We are excited about his decision to join our program.”

UK’s Patterson ahead of schedule in ankle rehab -- The AP reports: Kentucky star Patrick Patterson is ahead of schedule in rehabbing an ankle injury that cut short the center’s freshman season in February.

Report: Stepheson transferring to USC -- Ticker reports: Alex Stepheson plans to transfer from North Carolina to Southern California according to a report by the Los Angeles Daily News on Thursday. The 6-9 junior forward averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels last season.


College Basketball News: Thu, July 17

Ex-Arizona recruit Jennings to play in Italy -- The AP reports: Former Arizona recruit Brandon Jennings has agreed to play professionally in Italy, signing with Virtus Roma. Jennings, who played his final two high school seasons for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, had not yet become academically eligible to play at Arizona.

Ticker reports: Expected to be a one-and-done player for Arizona, Jennings announced his decision to spur the Wildcats and play internationally on July 9. The 18-year-old made the choice despite still awaiting the results of a standardized test that would determine his eligibility. According to a report on ESPN’s web site, Jennings is expected to sign a two- or three-year contract with Pallacanestro Virtus Roma that would probably include a provision to allow him to be released from the contract to head to the NBA.

Temple extends Dunphy through 2013-14 -- The AP reports: Temple basketball coach Fran Dunphy on Wednesday signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the school through the 2013-14 season. Dunphy led the Owls to a 21-13 record and an Atlantic 10 championship last season, giving Temple its first NCAA tournament berth in seven years.

Ticker reports: “We knew when we hired Fran Dunphy two years ago that he was the right man to lead Temple basketball,” athletic director Bill Bradshaw said. “Now I am even more pleased to be able to tell the Temple community that he will be leading the program for at least the next six years. We could not have a better person, nor a better coach, at the helm.”

Mississippi State's Stewart breaks ankle during pickup game -- The AP reports: Mississippi State guard Barry Stewart fractured his ankle during a pickup game earlier this month and is rehabilitating the injury.


College Basketball News: Wed, July 16

Report: Caracter plans to play for UofL in ‘09 season -- Rivals reports: According to a report by Adam Zagoria of New York SportsNet and Rivals.com, Louisville power forward Derrick Caracter is planning to sit out the 2008-09 season and return to playing for the Cardinals at 2009-2010. Zagoria quotes Stacy Brooks, a professor in the Pan-African Studies Department at the University of Louisville, who has become an adviser to Caracter.

Report: Student sought in US to play in Serbia -- The AP reports: A Serbian student wanted in the United States on assault charges signed a contract on Tuesday with a Serbian basketball team, a news agency said. Miladin Kovacevic, 20, had been recruited to play basketball for Binghamton University in northern New York state, but fled the United States in early June after being charged in the severe beating of Bryan Steinhauer during a May 4 bar fight.

NC State coach’s son sentenced to 15 months -- The AP reports: A judge has sentenced the son of North Carolina State basketball coach Sidney Lowe to 15 months in a low-security prison farm on dozen charges, including robbery and kidnapping.

San Francisco Hall of Famer DeJulio dies -- The AP reports: Hal DeJulio, who played on Pete Newell’s 1949 NIT championship team at the University of San Francisco, has died. He was 83. The school said the USF Hall of Famer died Saturday. While he was a role player for the Dons in the late 1940s for Newell, DeJulio worked closely hosting recruits and selling the school to potential student-athletes. In fact, DeJulio’s hard work is considered one of the key reasons Bill Russell came to USF.

Sutton's signature remains in new Oklahoma State court design -- The AP reports: Eddie Sutton's signature will remain on the court at Oklahoma State, although the handwriting will be a little smaller. Athletic director Mike Holder announced the winning design for the court at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Tuesday following a monthlong online poll. The court will feature the words Gallagher-Iba Arena in capital letters spanning the midcourt line above a simple OSU logo.

Sooners player charged with stealing makeup -- The AP reports: Oklahoma basketball player Jenna Plumley was arrested and charged with trying to steal makeup from a Wal-Mart store. Plumley, a starting guard, was stopped by security personnel Monday and signed a ticket that will require her to appear in municipal court, police said. Police spokeswoman Jennifer Newell said the petty larceny charge is a misdemeanor involving theft of items worth less than $500.

Marshall signs Florida recruit -- The AP reports: Florida recruit Dago Pena has been given a scholarship to play basketball at Marshall. The 6-foot-6 guard-forward averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game last season at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Fla. Pena finished second to fellow Marshall signee Shaquille Johnson as the Florida Class 5A player of the year.


College Basketball News: Tue, July 15

Packer out, Kellogg in as CBS lead announcer -- The AP reports: Billy Packer didn’t sound like a man who found out his 34-year run as part of the Final Four broadcast had ended. On Monday, CBS announced that Clark Kellogg would replace Packer after 27 years as the network’s lead college basketball analyst. Including his earlier years at NBC, Packer had done every Final Four since 1975, an unparalleled run for a national sports championship. “These are really good circumstances,” Packer told The Associated Press by phone. “This decision was made with myself and CBS over a year ago. Their timing to announce it is their business. I have nothing to do with that. I was working on a series of 1-year contracts for several years. … I did say there would be no mention during the season so as not to detract from the games and the guys involved.”

Teddy Dupay makes initial court appearance -- The AP reports: Teddy Dupay, who played on the Gators’ runner-up team in the 2000 NCAA basketball tournament, made an initial court appearance Monday on charges of raping and kidnapping a woman at a Utah ski resort. Teddy Dupay did not enter a plea Monday in 3rd District Court. The 29-year-old Dupay is charged with felony rape, aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping. In court documents, Dupay denies raping the woman. The two had been in a relationship for two years.

Tar Heels know pressure will be on to win title -- The AP reports: After an uncertain offseason that ended with an unlikely outcome by today’s standards, the Tar Heels are left with an inescapable fact: They are the clear preseason favorite to win the national title that has eluded Hansbrough in his first three years. Underclassmen Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green withdrew from the draft, while veteran reserve Bobby Frasor is returning from a knee injury. The top six scorers are back and the Tar Heels have added one of the nation’s top recruiting classes... The Tar Heels figure they won’t be short of motivation either, not after their loss to eventual champion Kansas in last year’s national semifinals. They trailed 40-12 in the first half of that game and never recovered in a humbling finish to a season in which they were ranked No. 1 for all but five polls, went unbeaten on the road and won the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and tournament titles for the second straight year.

Sidney Lowe II to plead guilty to 12 charges -- The AP reports: The son of North Carolina State basketball coach Sidney Lowe pleaded guilty on Monday to dozens of charges connected to a March 2007 armed robbery. A sentencing hearing for Sidney Lowe II began Monday and is expected to end Tuesday in Guilford County Superior Court.

Former Kentucky G Jasper transfers to UNLV -- Ticker reports: Former Kentucky guard Derrick Jasper has enrolled in classes at UNLV and become a member of the men’s basketball program, the school announced on Monday. The 6-6 inch, 210-pound Jasper will have to sit out the upcoming season because of NCAA transfer rules but will be eligible to play for UNLV as a junior during the 2009-10 season.


College Basketball News: Mon, July 14

DeRozan qualifies to play at USC in '08-09 -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: Demar DeRozan won't be joining Brandon Jennings overseas. DeRozan, one of the top incoming freshman in the country, confirmed to FOXSports.com that he received a qualifying ACT score and will be eligible to play at USC this season... Just days after Jennings, who also hails from California, said he would opt to play professionally in Europe instead of attending Arizona this season, DeRozan received the news and is set to attend classes on Aug. 25 at USC.

Bruce Pearl trying to get ahead this July -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl is trying to get ahead this July since he’ll miss about 75 percent of next July’s recruiting period to coach USA’s team in the Maccabi Games in Israel. ``2010 is a very important class for us, so what I’m going to have to do is try hard this summer to focus on 2010 and see if we can get ahead,” Pearl said. Pearl has already held two training camps – one in New York and one in Knoxville less than two weeks ago. He’ll have one more in Los Angeles next month before announcing the team. ``It’s an opportunity to represent our country in international competition,” Pearl said.


College Basketball News: Sun, July 13

Previewing the ‘08-09 Tar Heels -- UNC Athletic Communications via Rivals writes: Carolina returns all five starters and its top six scorers among 13 lettermen, including consensus National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, from last year’s team that won a school-record 36 games and reached the program’s 17th Final Four. The Tar Heels are hoping to sweep the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and Tournament titles for a third consecutive season, a feat that has been accomplished just twice before in the league’s first 54 years (UNC 1967-69, Duke 1999-2001). Last year, Carolina went 36-3 and won the ACC regular-season title outright with a 14-2 mark that included an 8-0 record on the road. The Tar Heels beat Clemson in the ACC championship game to win an unprecedented 17th ACC Tournament and was the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. UNC advanced to the Final Four in San Antonio with an 83-73 victory over No. 3 seed Louisville in the East Regional final in Charlotte.


College Basketball News: Sat, July 12

Mack returning to Tigers after announcing exit -- The AP reports: Tigers coach John Calipari says guard Doneal Mack will return to Memphis for the 2008-09 season after all. Mack’s father said last month his son would be transferring after two seasons with the Tigers because he wanted more playing time.

Ticker reports: “I’m happy for Doneal, and I’m proud of our university for allowing him to return,” Tigers coach John Calipari said. “When working with kids, they sometimes make illogical decisions. Once again, our administration steps up and does the right thing by letting this young man return and attend this great university.”

No criminal charges filed against Kansas guard -- The AP reports: No criminal charges will be filed against Kansas guard Sherron Collins in the case of a woman who claimed he assaulted her on an elevator on the campus. Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson said Friday there was insufficient evidence to prove that Collins had done anything wrong. “This information comes as no surprise to me,” Kansas coach Bill Self said in a statement. “Sherron has maintained his innocence since the day these allegations were made over a year ago. I have supported Sherron since these claims were made and will continue to do so.”

Foreign excursions gaining popularity -- Rivals (Andrew Skwara) reports: At least 24 Division I men’s teams are heading overseas or crossing an international border this summer. Twenty of those teams are using a Seattle-based company called Basketball Travelers Inc. to organize their foreign trips. That’s the most since BTI opened its doors in 1985... The NCAA allows teams to make a foreign trip once every four years, and many have chosen this year to take advantage because beginning in 2009, you no longer can drive into Canada with only a birth certificate. Ten teams (including eight that hired BTI) are heading to Canada over Labor Day, where most will be facing Canadian universities in a series of exhibitions. Some will fly into Buffalo, then rent a van or bus and make the 80-mile drive to Toronto. That can cut down on the overall cost, which Hawkinson says runs between $130,000-$200,000. There is another major benefit to making a trip over Labor Day: Any team making a foreign trip gets 10 days of practice before leaving, and freshmen and junior college transfers can participate in the practices and the trip if it is during Labor Day, providing classes have begun.

Stephen Curry has come far -- SI.com (Seth Davis) reports: Curry proved during his first two years at Davidson that he is one of the top college guards in America. During his first season, he set an NCAA freshman record for made three-pointers (122), and last year he ranked fourth in the nation in scoring (25.9 ppg) before spearheading the Wildcats' storybook run to the Elite Eight. This summer, Curry is answering doubts that he can excel as a professional as well. As dozens of NBA scouts watched the collegians play in Akron this week, Curry glided around the court with his usual efficiency, drilling three-pointers, scoring on a variety of floating buckets and demonstrating that he has the ability to run a team as a point guard. The NBA bird-dogs were impressed. One eastern conference scout compared Curry favorably to Monta Ellis, a 6-3 shooting guard who averaged 20.2 points for the Golden State Warriors last season.


College Basketball News: Fri, July 11

Ex-Florida player Dupay charged with rape -- The AP reports: Teddy Dupay, who played on Florida’s runner-up team in the 2000 NCAA basketball tournament, was charged with beating and raping a woman last month at a Utah ski resort. Dupay acknowledged in court documents that he and the woman got “a little rough” but denied rape. The woman said she and Dupay had a two-year relationship, although it was not clear whether they were still a couple when police were called to a Deer Valley lodge June 19.


College Basketball News: Thu, July 10

UCLA’s Guerrero named D-I men’s basketball chair -- The AP reports: UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero has been selected chairman of the Division I men’s basketball committee for 2009-10. His term begins Sept. 1, 2009. Guerrero will replace current chairman Mike Slive, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference.


College Basketball News: Wed, July 9

Arizona recruit Jennings opts to play in Europe -- The AP reports: Arizona signee Brandon Jennings will pursue a professional basketball career in Europe, backing out on his commitment to the Wildcats. “Over the course of the last two months I have consulted a number of people in basketball before coming to this decision,” Jennings said in a statement released Tuesday night through his attorney, Jeff Valle. “I would like to thank the University of Arizona for their interest and support through this process.” Jennings, who played his final two high school seasons for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, had not yet become academically eligible to play at Arizona.

Lawson’s court appearance delayed until August -- The AP reports: North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson’s traffic case has been continued for another month. The 20-year-old Lawson was scheduled to have his first appearance in court Tuesday following his June arrest for driving after consuming alcohol, violating a noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license.


College Basketball News: Tue, July 8

Jacob to transfer from Georgia -- The AP reports: Georgia freshman Jeremy Jacob will transfer after a foot injury limited him to only six games as a freshman. Georgia coach Dennis Felton said Monday the 6-foot-7 Jacob, from Baton Rouge, La., wants a fresh start at another school “where he can play a more prominent role than he believes he will play at Georgia.”

Brey agrees to 2-year extension at Notre Dame -- The AP reports: Notre Dame’s Mike Brey, the Big East basketball coach of the year the past two seasons, has agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the Irish through the 2014-15 season. “As his peers have acknowledged by selecting him coach of the year the past two seasons, Mike has built one of the top men’s basketball programs in the Big East Conference,” the Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president, said in a statement Monday. “His quiet confidence and class are a perfect fit for Notre Dame, and I am sure that we’ll enjoy still more success in coming years.”

Ticker reports: Entering his ninth year in South Bend, Brey has guided the Fighting Irish to a 167-86 (.662) mark and last season joined Lou Carnesecca of St. John’s (1985-86) and P.J. Carlesimo of Seton Hall (1988-89) as the only mentors in league history to win coach of the year honors in consecutive seasons. Notre Dame is coming off a 25-8 season - the third-highest win total in school history - and a program-best 14-4 mark in the Big East.

Ralph returns to UConn as assistant coach -- The AP reports: Former University of Connecticut standout Shea Ralph will return to Storrs as an assistant coach. Ralph was captain of the Huskies when they won the 2000 national championship. She finished her college career eighth on UConn's all-time scoring list and in the top 10 in assists, steals and field goal percentage.

John Henson shines -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: First of all, after watching North Carolina commit John Henson last night, I’m ready to anoint the long and talented big man as more than just the elite long-term prospect in the entire class. He just may be the top current player in what has shaped up to be a lackluster Class of 2009. Henson absolutely dominated last night and I don’t expect anything to change – because he plays hard all the time and will only improve as his body develops.

Sporting News (Mike DeCourcy) reports: Henson, who stands 6-9, has the reach of Dr. Octavius. His wingspan is measured at nearly 7 feet, 5 inches. He could clean your gutters with a stepstool. No time for that, though. A resident of Round Rock, Texas, committed to attend North Carolina in the fall of 2009, Henson is busy playing his way from a position of relative obscurity to status as the best college basketball prospect in the senior class. None of the big Internet services have Henson rated there now, but don't worry, they'll catch on eventually. On a day when it wasn't easy to find brilliance, even from some of the big-name prospects, Henson bumped up against Detroit's bigger, stronger DaShonte' Riley and revealed extraordinary levels of invention and tenacity.

DeRozan hoping long road still ends at USC -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: Brandon Jennings isn't the only one playing the waiting game. Demar DeRozan, another supremely talented player from California who is set to attend USC in the fall, is also in a holding pattern until his test score is posted. But there is one major difference between Jennings and DeRozan. DeRozan actually wants to go to college. There was some initial thought that DeRozan would attempt to back out of his commitment to USC in the wake of the allegations that O.J. Mayo received compensation from runner Rodney Guillory. However, DeRozan re-affirmed his desire to play for Tim Floyd's program — as long as he is able to academically qualify.


College Basketball News: Mon, July 7

New Mexico State point guard transfers to Wyoming -- The AP reports: Wyoming has filled its final scholarship position of the 2008-09 recruiting class with the addition of New Mexico State transfer JayDee Luster. Transfer rules require the 5-foot-9 point guard from Hoover High School in San Diego to sit out the upcoming season, but he will be eligible to play as a redshirt sophomore starting in the fall of 2009.


College Basketball News: Sun, July 6

Brandon Jennings -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: The Arizona-signee, who has openly talked about heading overseas for a year whether he receives a qualifying test score or not, was slated to receive the results of his most recent ACT. However, Jennings' advisor, Kelly Williams (also the father of New Jersey Nets point guard Marcus Williams), said via text message that the date was "pushed back to July 11th."


College Basketball News: Sat, July 5

S.E. Missouri accepts NCAA penalty -- The AP reports: Southeast Missouri will not appeal NCAA sanctions calling for the forfeiture of 44 women's basketball victories as well as placing both the women's and men's programs on two years of probation. The university released a one-sentence statement late Thursday saying officials decided not to appeal the penalty. A spokeswoman for the school did not return a message seeking comment. The NCAA Committee on Infractions announced the penalty in June. The violations in the women's program in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons primarily involved impermissible housing, transportation and meals for prospective student athletes who moved near the university in the summer before enrolling for the first time, according to the committee.

At USA U-18 trials, one star who still needs to grow up -- SI (Seth Davis) reports: On Tuesday evening, 18 of the top teenage basketball players in America gathered on the Washington Wizards' practice court at the Verizon Center. The players had been invited by USA Basketball to try out for the team that will compete at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship tournament in Argentina later this month. When it came time for full-court scrimmaging, Lance Stephenson, the much-heralded guard who has led Brooklyn's Lincoln High to three consecutive New York City championships, tried taking over the point guard duties. Stephenson wanted to show off the skills he picked up at Nike's Steve Nash camp last month, but he turned in an awful performance. He dribbled into traffic and committed sloppy turnovers. He fired no-look passes that sailed out of bounds. He drove to the basket and heedlessly forced up bad shots. Even worse, after every mistake he acted like it was someone else's fault. He barked at his teammates. He whined to the refs. He rolled his eyes and slapped his thighs. He shook his head and muttered to himself.


College Basketball News: Fri, July 4

Three leave Oral Roberts -- The AP reports: Three players have left Oral Roberts' basketball team, including one of the team's top returning players. The Tulsa World is reporting that seniors Marchello Vealy of Oklahoma City and Curtis Allen of Long Beach, Calif. have left the Golden Eagles along with sophomore Jonathan Dunn of Toledo, Ohio.


College Basketball News: Thur, July 3

Hoosiers to lose 2 scholarships -- The AP reports: Indiana University will give up two basketball scholarships for the upcoming season in anticipation of penalties related to the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate, assistant athletic director Frank Cuervo confirmed Wednesday. The APR is a percentage score over a rolling four-year period that measures retention and eligibility of players. Teams can lose scholarships if their score is subpar and they have a player who left school early and would not have been academically eligible had he remained. University officials do not comment on players’ academic standing due to privacy laws, but coach Tom Crean has said he “inherited a tremendous amount of dysfunction.”

Memphis G Mack transfers to New Orleans -- Ticker reports: Memphis sophomore guard Doneal Mack has decided to transfer to New Orleans, the school announced Wednesday. Mack, who led the Tigers with 66 3-pointers last season, has enrolled in summer classes. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he will be eligible in the 2009-10 season.

Game over: struggling UK basketball museum closes -- The AP reports: The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum has shut its doors due to falling attendance and financial problems. The museum, located in the Lexington Center near the entrance to Rupp Arena, has struggled to find an audience since opening in 1999.


College Basketball News: Wed, July 2

UCLA, Howland agree to seven-year deal -- The AP reports: UCLA coach Ben Howland, who has guided the Bruins to the Final Four each of the past three years, agreed to a new seven-year contract with the university Tuesday. The deal, which adds one year onto the agreement he signed last October, runs through the 2014-15 season and includes a guaranteed $1.97 million for next season, rising to $2.3 million in the final year of the contract. The incentive package from his previous agreement, a maximum of $235,000, is retained in the new contract. His previous contract guaranteed compensation of $1.5 million for the 2007-2008 season and a boost to $2 million in the final year. He earned $1.2 million for the 2006-2007 season.

Ticker reports: Since the NCAA expanded the NCAA Tournament to 64 teams in 1985, UCLA is one of only four schools to make three straight appearances in the Final Four. Michigan State was the last to do it from 1999-2001. “(Howland) has returned UCLA to the nation’s elite, as illustrated by three straight Final Fours and three consecutive 30-win seasons,” UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said. “He is an outstanding recruiter, and the foundation Ben has built for our program promises to keep us at the forefront for the foreseeable future.”


College Basketball News: Tue, July 1

IU president: Sampson shouldn’t have been hired -- The AP reports: Indiana University’s president told the NCAA infractions committee that the hiring of ousted basketball coach Kelvin Sampson was “a risk that should not have been taken.” President Michael McRobbie told the committee during a private session on June 14 that Sampson had betrayed the school’s trust in violating NCAA regulations on telephone calls to recruits. The text of McRobbie’s statement was released Monday by the university under a public records request and was first reported by The Herald-Times of Bloomington on its Web site. The NCAA has accused Sampson of providing false and misleading information to investigators about more than 100 impermissible phone calls to recruits. Indiana announced Thursday—the same day that athletic director Rick Greenspan said he would resign at the end of the year—that the university faced a new NCAA allegation of failing to adequately monitor the basketball staff.


College Basketball News: Mon, June 30

Travis Ford's meteoric rise in coaching ranks ends at OK State -- ESPN (Dana O'Neil) reports: A whirling dervish with a three-Red-Bulls-a-day habit, Ford will need all of that game-on-the-line calm now. He has landed in the soup, moving into Stillwater, Okla., where the university's attitude belies its serene-sounding location. Oklahoma State, Ford's new employer, has been more "churning cyclone" than "still water." In April, the university gave the hook to Sean Sutton despite a $2.2 million buyout, a 39-29 record in two seasons and a last name that once was revered in north-central Oklahoma. Before the press conference to announce Sutton's dismissal had ended, the school, with billionaire alum T. Boone Pickens' bottomless wallet serving as the come-on, started winking and smiling at Bill Self. OSU's crush went unrequited when Self re-upped at Kansas. Two weeks later, the Cowboys hired Ford.


College Basketball News: Sun, June 29

Former Texas Tech coach dies -- The AP reports: Polk Robison, whose success as Texas Tech’s basketball coach helped the school break into the Southwest Conference in 1956, has died. He was 96. Robison died early Friday, university spokesman Chris Cook said.

Davidson’s McKillop gets extension through 2015-16 -- The AP reports: When Davidson coach Bob McKillop signed a contract extension a year ago, there was no announcement, no news conference, no publicity. On Saturday, a conference room was crammed with television cameras and reporters as Davidson announced a three-year extension, one that will keep McKillop at the tiny liberal arts school through at least the 2015-16 season.


College Basketball News: Sat, June 28

Humphrey kicked off Georgia team following arrest -- The AP reports: Georgia coach Dennis Felton has dismissed Billy Humphrey from the team following Humphrey’s third arrest in less than a year. The 20-year-old Humphrey was charged with DUI, failure to maintain his lane and the underage purchase of alcohol and taken to the Gwinnett County jail early Tuesday.

Groce hired as men’s basketball coach at Ohio U -- The AP reports: Ohio University has hired Ohio State assistant John Groce as its men’s basketball coach. The 36-year-old Groce was introduced at a news conference Friday. He had been the top assistant under Ohio State coach Thad Matta for the past four years. He also worked under Matta at Xavier University and at Butler University.


College Basketball News: Fri, June 27

Indiana AD to resign amid NCAA basketball probe -- The AP reports: Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan will resign at the end of December amid new NCAA allegations that the school failed to monitor the men’s basketball team. The NCAA initially alleged former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson committed five major recruiting violations during his 1 1/2 years at the school but dropped one of the charges before school officials testified in front of the NCAA infractions committee. Indiana is awaiting a decision on penalties from the NCAA. The infractions committee listened to the university’s defense on June 13-14.


College Basketball News: Thu, June 26

Duquesne coach Everhart signs contract extension -- The AP reports: Duquesne basketball coach Ron Everhart was rewarded for turning around one of the nation’s worst Division I basketball programs in only two seasons, signing a three-year contract extension Wednesday that runs through the 2013-14 season. Duquesne hadn’t had a winning season since 1993-94 before it went 17-13 last season, only two seasons after the Dukes were 3-24 under former coach Danny Nee. Everhart’s first Dukes team went 10-19 in 2006-07, despite having five players shot following an on-campus party two months before the season began. Everhart has also dramatically upgraded the Dukes’ recruiting, signing players who were recruited not only by other Atlantic 10 Conference programs, but also Big East Conference schools.

Ticker reports: “Duquesne is a very special place,” said Everhart, who has turned around the program in just two seasons as coach. “It really is an honor to receive an extension. I am fortunate to be part of a program that has such a strong commitment to basketball excellence.” Ohio University is focused on Ohio State assistant John Groce -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: Groce met with Ohio athletic director Jim Schaus last night and he's emerged as the front-runner to replace Tim O'Shea. Groce has been a hot commodity recently and an integral part of Ohio State's success since Thad Matta took over the program.

Capel, OU athletic director receive salary boosts -- The AP reports: University of Oklahoma regents approved raises on Wednesday for athletic director Joe Castiglione, men's basketball coach Jeff Capel and three other head coaches for the Sooners. Castiglione received a raise for the second straight year. Entering his 11th year at Oklahoma, Castiglione's total annual compensation will rise by $20,000 to $700,000, effective next Tuesday. Castiglione also will be eligible for a so-called "stay bonus" of $300,000 if he remains at Oklahoma until the end of his contract in 2014, and the university will contribute $50,000 each year to a supplemental retirement play during the contract's term.


College Basketball News: Wed, June 25

Valley names Sean Woods as new basketball coach -- The AP reports: Former Texas Christian University assistant Sean Woods was chosen as the new head basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State University on Tuesday. Woods replaces James Green, who left earlier this year to become the new coach at Jacksonville State in Alabama.

Center on Duke’s first NCAA tournament team dies -- The AP reports: Junior Morgan, the starting center on Duke’s first NCAA tournament team, has died. The school said Tuesday that Junior Morgan, a center for the Blue Devils from 1953-56, died Saturday of prostate cancer at his home in Winnetka, Ill. He was 74.

Temple extends athletic director's contract for five more years -- The AP reports: Temple University and athletic director Bill Bradshaw agreed to a five-year contract on Tuesday that will keep the AD with the Owls through the 2011-12 academic year. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2007.


College Basketball News: Tue, June 24

Top prospect signs with Arizona -- The AP reports: Greg Smith, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound center from Bethel High School in Vallejo, Calif., chose the Wildcats over Fresno State and several other schools, his uncle, Stephen Shelley, said Monday.

Brandon Jennings serious about Europe -- Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman) reports: Sounds like Brandon Jennings is serious about heading to Europe – even if he gets a qualifying test score later this week. Blame Sonny Vaccaro for putting the idea in Jennings’ head. I like Vaccaro, but I just find it interesting that the same guy who has made a living off kids (and I mean that literally) is now on a personal crusade to give kids options such as being allowed to go to the NBA directly from high school. Anyway, I spoke to Kelly Williams (Jennings’ advisor and also the father of Nets point guard Marcus Williams) and he said that Jennings is exploring the possibility of playing overseas – with a few major concerns: 1) It has to be the right team. 2) It must be a quality coaching staff 3) The coach would have to be someone who would allow Jennings to develop 4) He must have an American mentor.

Next year's freshman class no match to star-studded '07 group -- SI (Seth Davis) reports: In my mind the only dead-certain straight-to-the-pros player amongst next season's freshmen class is Memphis-bound guard Tyreke Evans. Beyond that, there are a couple of promising big men (Georgetown-bound Greg Monroe and Ohio State-bound B.J. Mullens), a pair of solid point guards (UCLA's Jrue Holiday and Arizona's Brandon Jennings) and at least one dazzling wing (USC-bound Demar DeRozan). But those guys don't compare to players like Oden, Beasley and Rose, nor do these two classes come close to matching the astounding depth of the ones that came before. "We've been so spoiled the last few years, people have forgotten what an average class looks like," said Van Coleman, the publisher of Hoopmasters.com. "We're just going back to the way it used to be." Added Dave Telep of Scout.com, "You have to look at recruiting as cyclical. The '07 group was so exceptional that it's unfair to these guys to ask them to measure up. It's too tall an order."


College Basketball News: Mon, June 23

Bryant hires O’Shea to coach men’s basketball -- The AP reports: Bryant University has hired Tim O’Shea as its new men’s basketball coach. O’Shea had been the head coach at Ohio University for the last seven years. He was previously an assistant at Rhode Island and Boston College.

2 ex-Duquesne athletes shot in 2006 sue university -- The AP reports: Two former Duquesne basketball players are suing the school over a 2006 shooting that injured them and three other teammates. Kojo Mensah and Shawn James accuse the university of negligence in the on-campus incident. They are seeking punitive damages.

No complacency at Davidson -- The Sporting News (Mike DeCourcy) reports: Before he devotes most of July to coaching the U.S. team in the U-18 FIBA Americas Championship, Davidson's Bob McKillop visited several Wildcats players to "make sure they understand how much we need them to get better, how important it is for us to stay together as a team." Coming off an appearance in the Elite Eight, the Wildcats will face the challenge of replacing PG Jason Richards, who led the nation in assists last season. McKillop is confident that can be accomplished if returning players improve and he can fine-tune some offensive and defensive schemes. All-American Stephen Curry might be asked to play more on the ball.


College Basketball News: Sun, June 22

Crean continues rebuilding, lands 8th Indiana recruit for this fall -- The AP reports: On Saturday, Malik Story, a 6-foot-5 guard who originally committed to Southern Cal, said he would attend Indiana this fall. Story averaged 14.7 points last season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia after scoring 13 points a game as a junior at another high school. He chose the Hoosiers over Kentucky, Oregon, Arizona and Georgetown. He also considered Marquette, where Crean coached until Indiana hired him in April.

Ex-coach Nee, Strickland set to be inducted into Nebraska hoops HOF -- The AP reports: Former Nebraska coach Danny Nee and ex-Cornhusker Erick Strickland are going to be inducted into the Nebraska Basketball Hall of Fame.

Rose works out for Heat in Santa Monica Saturday -- ESPN (Andy Katz) reports: Memphis freshman guard Derrick Rose worked out in front of the Miami Heat coaching staff Saturday at St. Monica Catholic High School in Santa Monica, Calif. Rose's agent, former NBA guard B.J. Armstrong, confirmed that Heat coaching staff watched Rose to get a sense of him as a player on the court and also took him out to lunch Saturday. Heat president Pat Riley wasn't able to attend but Armstrong said Rose spent time with Riley on the phone.


College Basketball News: Sat, June 21

Jennings considering playing in Europe instead of college -- ESPN (Andy Katz) reports: Brandon Jennings, who signed a letter of intent to play at Arizona, is looking at the unprecedented option of playing overseas next season to get ready for the 2009 NBA draft if he's not eligible to play for the Wildcats next season. Jennings told ESPN.com that he is exploring the possibility of a professional basketball career. Jennings' mother, Alice Knox, has retained an attorney, Jeffrey Valle, to help look into the possibility that Jennings could play professionally in Europe while he waits to become eligible for the 2009 NBA draft. .. Jennings has been staying with New Jersey Nets point guard Marcus Williams while playing in a summer league in the area in the tri-state area. He is close friends with Williams' father, Kelly, who is from Los Angeles as well.

Attorney: No charges for ex-IU assistant over alleged violations -- ESPN (Dana O'Neil) reports: What could have been an agonizing wait ended quickly for one former member of the Indiana University coaching staff. Just a week after the university's hearing with the Committee on Infractions, ex-assistant Jeff Meyer was told via letter that he would not be charged with any major infractions nor would the committee impose any penalties against him, Meyer's attorney Stu Brown said Thursday. That means Meyer, who has yet to be rehired, will not receive a show-cause penalty and is free to work at any college or university.

Senior class has rare depth, breadth and quality -- ESPN (Andy Glockner) reports: After two seasons of freshman-filled frenzy, the 2008-09 season looks like a throwback to the 1990s, when the nation's best players were seniors. The Class of '09 is certainly noteworthy for its combined skills. There's a returning national player of the year, a number of leading men from this season's Final Four and a plethora of big-time scorers. There is a surprising number of quality bigs and, perhaps more important in a year when the 3-point line is moving a foot farther out, a host of experienced guards who know how to orchestrate. Somehow, this class stayed together in an age that the phrases "NBA-caliber" and "college senior" have become almost mutually exclusive. Injuries, draft question marks and a simple love of college have combined to create a class with breadth, depth and quality.

Glancing at Indiana -- Yahoo (Jason King) reports: Indiana’s 2008-09 roster features just two returning players from last year’s squad – and they averaged a combined 0.8 points. The Hoosiers’ six signees all have solid reputations, but you won’t find their names at the top of any Top 100 lists. Toss in the recruiting restrictions and NCAA sanctions that will be levied later this summer, and the future of Indiana basketball – or at least the immediate future – appears anything but rosy. “The opportunity to play a lot of minutes here over the next few years is enormous,” Crean says. “It’s like you’re at this jewelry store, and you’ve been looking at this diamond for a long time, but you were never able to afford it. Then, you walk in one day, and that sucker is 80 percent off. “Grab the opportunity now, because it’s not going to be like this for long.”

Brey introduces Hansbrough, Martin -- IrishIllustrated (Rivals) reports: Consider these two guys early commitments…with NCAA tournament experience. Irish men’s basketball coach Mike Brey introduced Mississippi State transfer Ben Hansbrough and Purdue transfer Scott Martin to the media Thursday before the start of the summer semester next week. “I’m thrilled to have these two guys join us,” said Brey of Hansbrough, who averaged 10.5 points per game as a sophomore and Martin, who tossed in 8.5 points per game as a freshman. “I think they’re great fits for our institution. Certainly, they can do the math and see what’s leaving from the senior class (after next season), and know the opportunity for playing time really opens itself up. Yet there are still some very good players to play with when they become eligible.”


College Basketball News: Fri, June 20

College coaches oppose 8th grade recruiting -- The AP reports: If college basketball coaches have their way, Michael Avery would be the last eighth grader making a college commitment. The National Association of Basketball Coaches said Thursday it strongly opposes accepting commitments from students who have not yet completed their sophomore season in high school. The decision comes a little more than a month after the 15-year-old Avery said he would attend Kentucky, and cites NCAA rules that prohibit coaches from contacting athletes before mid-June following their sophomore season. “If the current rules state coaches cannot offer scholarships or accept commitments from students earlier than June 15 following the conclusion of the sophomore year, it certainly makes sense that this should apply to anyone in lower grades,” said NABC president Tubby Smith in a written statement released by the association. The board of directors said the decision was made, in part, because younger athletes had not yet demonstrated “sufficient academic credentials” to be admitted to school. The board also acknowledged it was too difficult to project how refined their basketball skills would be by graduation.


College Basketball News: Thu, June 19

10 cities vie to host NCAA Men’s Final Four -- The AP reports: Indianapolis and New Orleans are among 10 cities that submitted bids Wednesday to host the 2012-16 NCAA Men’s Final Fours. San Antonio, which hosted this year’s final won by Kansas; Detroit, the 2009 host; Houston (2011) and Indianapolis (2010), which has held more Final Fours than any other city—five—are all in the running again.

Air Force agrees to 5-year contract with basketball coach -- The AP reports: The Air Force Academy agreed to a five-year contract with coach Jeff Reynolds that would keep him at the school through the 2012-13 season. Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh said Wednesday that details of the contract are still being worked out.


College Basketball News: Wed, June 18

Ga. Tech coach livens up Knight Commission meeting -- The AP reports: Georgia Tech basketball coach Paul Hewitt turned a tedious discussion of numbers into something lively. Amid questions and answers about grade point averages, graduation rates, surveys and APRs on Tuesday morning during a routine Knight Commission meeting, Hewitt turned on his microphone and chided the reform-minded panel for making “incomplete conclusions” and taking “a fly-over view of the supposed carnage that is college basketball.” “While I like to see everyone who reaches college earn a degree,” Hewitt said, “we need to find more effective ways to achieve our goals.”

Tennessee F Childress undergoes knee surgery -- Ticker reports: Tennessee forward Ryan Childress underwent successful surgery on his right knee, the school announced on Tuesday.


College Basketball News: Tue, June 17

Lawson, Ellington and Green to stay at UNC -- The AP reports: North Carolina underclassmen Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Danny Green will return to Chapel Hill next season after removing their names from the NBA draft Monday. The school’s announcement came less than an hour before the deadline for underclassmen who had not hired agents to withdraw from the draft. It means the Tar Heels figure to enter next year as prohibitive favorites to reach the Final Four. North Carolina will return its top six players while also adding one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.

Dick Davey joins Dawkins’ staff at Stanford -- The AP reports: Former Santa Clara coach Dick Davey was hired Monday to be one of the assistants on new Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins’ staff a year after retiring from the profession. Former Loyola Marymount coach Rodney Tention and Mike Schrage, who spent nine seasons with Dawkins at Duke, are the other two assistants on the staff officially announced Monday. Former Saint Mary’s assistant Dan Shell and Yale assistant Mark Sembrowich also were hired for undetermined roles on the basketball support staff. Davey has been a fixture in college basketball in the area, spending 30 years with the Broncos, including 15 as head coach before retiring after the 2006-07 season. Davey is a four-time West Coast Conference coach of the year, who led Santa Clara to 251 wins and three NCAA tournament appearances.

Judge rules against Kansas guard in woman’s suit -- The AP reports: A judge has ruled in favor of a woman who filed a lawsuit against Kansas guard Sherron Collins concerning an assault she said took place in an elevator. Douglas County District Court Judge Jack Murphy granted a judgment Monday for damages in excess of $75,000 to Jessica J. Brown. Murphy ruled in Brown’s favor because Collins had failed to file a legal response to the lawsuit since it was filed May 14.

Mario Chalmers to stay in NBA draft -- The AP reports: Guard Mario Chalmers, the most outstanding player of the 2008 Final Four, has decided to skip his senior year at Kansas and stay in the NBA draft. Jayhawks coach Bill Self made the announcement Sunday night, just hours after Chalmers informed him of his decision. He joins teammates Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur in giving up their collegiate eligibility for the NBA. The NBA draft is June 26.


College Basketball News: Mon, June 16

W.Va.’s Alexander to remain in NBA draft -- The AP reports: West Virginia forward Joe Alexander will remain in the upcoming NBA draft. Alexander entered his name in the draft on April 9, but initially said he would not sign with an agent. The university announced Sunday night that Alexander won’t return for his senior season.

Kansas G Chalmers to remain in draft -- Ticker reports: Kansas junior guard Mario Chalmers announced Sunday that he will remain in the upcoming NBA draft. Chalmers, who will be remembered by Jayhawks fans for making the game-tying 3-pointer in the waning seconds of Kansas’ national championship win over Memphis, joins teammates Brandon Rush and Darrell Arthur as early entrants in the draft.

Hickson officially stays in NBA Draft -- NC State Media Relations (via Rivals) reports: NC State center J.J. Hickson has signed with an agent, and will remain in the 2008 NBA Draft and will not be returning to NC State. The NBA Draft will be held June 26. “Getting to the NBA has always been a dream of mine,” said Hickson. “I want to thank Coach Lowe and everybody associated with NC State for all that they have done for me.”


College Basketball News: Sun, June 15

IU thanks NCAA for hearing into alleged infractions -- The AP reports: Kelvin Sampson ended two days of playing public peek-a-boo by slipping out as his former boss at Indiana thanked the NCAA for its two-day, closed-door hearing before a panel that will determine whether the former coach violated recruiting rules. “I would like to thank the NCAA Committee on Infractions for granting us the opportunity to present our case and our institutional position during this hearing,” Indiana athletic director Rick Greenspan wrote in a statement handed out Saturday by senior associate athletic director Tim Fitzpatrick in the lobby of the Hotel Deca to complete a cloak-and-dagger weekend in which no one wanted to talk. As Fitzpatrick issued IU’s statement, Sampson, whom the NCAA accuses of providing false and misleading information to investigators about more than 100 impermissible phone calls to recruits, left out of view. The NCAA also accuses Sampson with knowingly violating NCAA recruiting restrictions imposed because of a previous phone-call scandal at Oklahoma. Sampson, who also formerly coached Washington State, is now an assistant coach with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.


College Basketball News: Sat, June 14

NCAA hearing on alleged violations against IU, coach begins -- The AP reports: Stacey Osburn, associate director of media relations for the NCAA, said the decision on possible sanctions likely won’t be known for at least six weeks. Indiana officials are trying to avoid additional penalties beyond the scholarship and recruiting restrictions the school imposed when the allegations came to light last year. They will issue a statement at the end of Saturday’s hearing. Athletic director Rick Greenspan, current Hoosiers coach Tom Crean and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany are among those attending. Greenspan and Crean refused comment. When asked whether the day was as long as it seemed as he left the hearing room shortly after 6 p.m., Delany just laughed.

UNLV F Shaw to have knee surgery -- Ticker reports: Nevada-Las Vegas forward Matt Shaw needs knee surgery and will miss the entire 2008-09 season, the school announced Friday. The 6-8 Shaw will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. The operation will be performed in two to three weeks after swelling in the knee decreases.


College Basketball News: Fri, June 13

Florida’s Speights decides to stay in NBA draft -- The AP reports: Florida center Marreese Speights has decided to keep his name in the upcoming NBA draft, hiring an agent and skipping his final two years of eligibility.

Unhappy with playing time, Mack leaving Tigers -- The AP reports: Guard Doneal Mack wants more playing time than he’s receiving with the Memphis Tigers, and his father says his son will be transferring once he receives his release. The Commercial Appeal reported on its Web site Thursday that the 6-foot-5 guard feels it’s time to move on. Greg Mack told the newspaper that they believe it’s time to go now with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Ekpe Udoh transfers to Baylor -- The AP reports: Former Michigan forward Ekpe Udoh on Thursday transferred to Baylor, according to men’s basketball coach Scott Drew. The 6-10 forward will sit out the 2008-09 season to satisfy the NCAA’s transfer policy and will retain two years of eligibility.

Tennessee F Childress to undergo knee surgery -- The AP reports: Tennessee forward Ryan Childress will require surgery on his right knee after getting injured in a recent pickup game, the school announced Thursday.


College Basketball News: Thu, June 12

G Jordan Crawford leaves IU basketball team -- The AP reports: Guard Jordan Crawford has quit the Indiana basketball team, leaving the Hoosiers facing possible NCAA sanctions with just two players returning from last season. The 6-foot-4 Crawford started eight games as a freshman and averaged 9.7 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Hoosiers, whose roster has been depleted with transfers and dismissals since last spring’s departure of former coach Kelvin Sampson.

Indiana ready to defend itself vs. NCAA -- The AP reports: Indiana University is about to go on defense with the NCAA. School officials are scheduled to go before the NCAA infractions committee Friday in Seattle over alleged rules violations by former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson. They will be trying to avoid penalties beyond the scholarship and recruiting restrictions the school imposed when the allegations came to light last year. The case against Sampson was detailed in a 96-page report sent to the university in May and made public last week. The NCAA accuses Sampson of providing false and misleading information to investigators about more than 100 impermissible calls and knowingly violating NCAA recruiting restrictions imposed because of a previous phone-call scandal at Oklahoma.

Ex-DePaul basketball player Curtis Watkins dies -- The AP reports: Curtis Watkins, a member of DePaul’s 1979 Final Four basketball team, has died. He was 51. Watkins died Monday night, the school said. His daughter, Monique, told the Chicago Sun-Times that he died of a blocked artery at his home in the Chicago suburb of Harvey.


College Basketball News: Wed, June 11

UCLA’s Shipp out of NBA draft, returns to Bruins -- The AP reports: UCLA’s Josh Shipp has withdrawn from the NBA draft and will return to the Bruins for his senior season. The guard declared himself eligible in April on the final day underclassmen could enter the draft, but did not hire an agent, which allowed him to back out under NCAA rules. “I am glad I went through this process, ” Shipp said in a statement Tuesday. “But at the end of the day, I wanted to come back and make another run for the championship. We’ve been close three times and a goal of mine is to win the NCAA championship.”

SIU-Edwardsville to join Ohio Valley Conference -- The AP reports: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is joining the Ohio Valley Conference, becoming the 11th school in that league. The conference and the school announced the move Tuesday, as the Cougars transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. SIU-Edwardsville will officially become part of the conference on July 1.




Duquesne's Kojo Mensah signs with agent
Duquesne's Shawn James signs with agent

OLD ARTICLES

College: Princeton destroyed by Seton Hall The Tigers' defense got shredded. Read.

College Hoops: Floriani Notes On St John's, Gonzaga, Seton Hall, Notre Dame, Dominic James and more. Read.

Dec. 7, 2006: Jimmy V Classic -- Notes from the annual event.
July 14, 2006: Kojo Mensah in limbo at Siena.
May 29, 2006: Chris McCray interview on working out for Wizards.
May 6: Sidney Lowe is new NC State basketball coach
March 20, 2006: Women's college basketball player rankings
Older college basketball news stories and features are here.