June 23, 2006
Each Friday I will write about the sport I love, college basketball
Really tough news out in Buckeye land, where there is so much excitement over the recruitment of Greg Oden from the state of Indiana. To me, Oden is the next Patrick Ewing. The center suffered a recent setback with wrist surgery, and the worst case scenario would sideline him for six months, which would include the start of the season and a battle against North Carolina. Let's hope he has a quick recovery, gets into his Ohio State uniform and makes a big splash on the collegiate scene. It would be great for college basketball to watch a talent like Oden develop.
At California, it was great to hear that the school extended the contract of coach Ben Braun. He is highly respected by his peers and he did a phenomenal job taking Eastern Michigan to the Sweet 16 when he was in the MAC. Braun has been a solid leader with the Golden Bears. They suffered a tough blow when Leon Powe was hurt; he would have been a legitimate candidate for national Player of the Year if he didn't suffer injury problems.
Iowa also gave Steve Alford a one-year extension. Alford was rumored to return to his alma mater, Indiana, but that school never even gave him an interview. I say shame on you Indiana administrators for not even allowing a meeting with the school's brass. He deserved a chance after doing a good job at Iowa and his history with the Hoosiers speaks for itself. It is nice that Iowa recognized his talents.
Word is Indiana will be expanding its facilities in the near future. It is on the drawing board and I believe it will be a reality. It is about time as the school should try to catch up with the likes of Florida, Texas and others. My understanding is the practice facilities and locker rooms will be improved. It is a positive move. Maybe Michigan, making the dollars in football, can do the same for Tommy Amaker and the basketball program.
NC State's new coach, Sidney Lowe, has received his share of tough news. Cedric Simmons decided to go into the NBA draft, then a couple of recruits opted for other schools. Larry Davis and Dan Werner did not honor their original commitments to go to Raleigh. Davis is now cleared to attend Seton Hall, while Werner, one of the top players out of New Jersey, committed to Florida. Oh, the fruits of winning for Billy Donovan's club! Davis will get his chance to face the Wolfpack at the Meadowlands this season.
Kansas center CJ Giles recently injured his thumb while dunking before campers at Bill Self's basketball camp. Giles should be fine for the season, though one must wonder if he will be more careful when throwing the ball down!
Montana suffered a loss when coach Larry Krystkowiak decided to leave for an assistant coaching position with his former NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks. Krystkowiak led Montana to a pair of NCAA berths and an upset over Nevada in this year's tournament. Wayne Tinkle was named as the new coach of the Grizzlies.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.
