• Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim saw his team suffer a blow when guard Andy Rautins injured his knee at the FIBA Tournament of the Americas. Rautins was representing Canada and playing for his dad, former Syracuse star Leo Rautins. A good long-range shooter, Andy Rautins is expected to miss the entire 2007-08 campaign. He started 20 games last season and averaged 7.2 ppg. Of his 84 field goals made, 67 were trifectas.
• The Tournament of the Americas was also a great opportunity for Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez, who competed for Venezuela. I'm sure Gary Williams was happy to see his sophomore guard playing and gaining valuable international experience.
• Louisville guard Edgar Sosa should be back in plenty of time for the regular season. Sosa is recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in a pickup game, which may sideline him from playing until early October. Sosa showed flashes of brilliance for Rick Pitino's Cardinals last season.
• Speaking of Louisville, mark down December 29 for an interesting match-up. Pitino's squad faces Iona, coached by former Cardinals lieutenant Kevin Willard. Iona also has to face North Carolina in November in another tough test.
• As I have mentioned in recent weeks, a number of schools are taking advantage of a rule that allows them to play overseas. Indiana was played exhibition games in the Bahamas. Baylor was playing down in Cancun, Mexico. Lorenzo Romar took his University of Washington squad to Greece.
• Speaking of the Hoosiers, center Ben Allen, who played in 55 games over the last two seasons, has left the school. That will affect the depth up front for Kelvin Sampson's squad.
• A number of schools have learned that players are academically ineligible for the first semester. Nevada lost guard Lyndale Burleson, who was expected to fill the void left when Ramon Sessions entered the NBA draft early. Mark Fox's club will also miss Nick Fazekas.
• Colorado State lost a prominent recruit as guard Donte Poole was declared academically ineligible. Marquette lost out on diaper dandy Damian Sanders. The 6-8 forward didn't have the grades and test scores to be admitted. Illinois guard Quinton Watkins was not approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse and will sit out the first semester.
• Former Iowa State player Mike Taylor, who led the Cyclones with a 16 ppg. average last season, has found a new home. Taylor has transferred to Division II Clayton State in Atlanta. Off-court issues led to his departure from Ames, Iowa.
• San Diego State dismissed 6-10 center Jerome Habel. Steve Fisher's team will miss his 10.9 ppg and 6.2 rpg.
• For those who were wondering, here is a subtle reminder … this year's national championship game is a little later than usual. Mark down the calendar, April 7th in San Antonio as we'll see who cuts down the nets and wins it all.
