Each week I'll write about the game I love, college basketball:

• I am so excited that Midnight Madness is here! There is attention on hoops at campuses all over America. Whether it is Hoosier Hysteria in Bloomington, Memphis Madness, or Big Blue Madness at Kentucky, you see the enthusiasm and energy for the sport! That means the regular season tip-off is right around the corner. College basketball is back, baby! There are so many early in-season tournaments creating interest. My friends, this should be a thrilling season.  

• I have spoken time and time again about accountability. Stanford center Brook Lopez admitted that it was his fault, but the bottom line is his failure to get the job done in the classroom has him academically ineligible for the first semester. The Cardinal big man has to work hard and this wake-up call should lead to his return for Pac-10 play.  

• Injuries have already taken their toll for several players. At Cincinnati, forward Mike Williams was lost for the season due to a ruptured Achilles suffered in a preseason workout. Williams transferred from the University of Texas and sat out last season. He was expected to have an impact for the Bearcats, but now Mick Cronin has to fill a major void up front.  

• New Mexico coach Steve Alford received bad news when 6-5 Tony Danridge, the team's top returning scorer (12.5 ppg.), suffered a broken leg in a pickup game. Alford hopes to have the Lobo standout back around mid-season.  

• Providence guard Sharaud Curry broke his foot in a workout. He is likely to miss the start of the season when the Friars face Temple at the Puerto Rico tip-off. Curry averaged 15.3 ppg. as the floor leader for coach Tim Welsh.  

• Western Kentucky suffered a setback when sophomore center A'Darius Pegues suffered a season ending torn ACL. The injury occurred during a pickup game.  

• UCLA did not get a new big man named Real. If you see that name in the boxscores early in the season, understand that Lorenzo Mata added his mother's name to his jersey!  

• Washington State 6-1 guard Taylor Rochestie showed his generous side when he decided to up his scholarship next season, his senior year, so coach Tony Bennett the Cougars could sign highly-touted recruit Marcus Capers from Florida. Rochestie started six games for Washington State last season and may be the full-time starter this year. Rochestie said his family could afford to pay for his final year at the school, estimated to cost $25,000.  

• It was nice to see former Wright State coach Paul Biancardi get another opportunity to coach. He was recently hired to join the Saint Louis staff by Rick Majerus. Biancardi has a wealth of knowledge and experience and he should be a factor for the Billikens.   

• Villanova coach Jay Wright made a solid move, bringing former Wildcat and NBA player Doug West onto his staff. West filled the vacancy created when another ex-Villanova star and NBA player, Ed Pinckney, accepted a coaching job in the pros.  

• Kansas State will get an opportunity to play at the new Sprint Center. Florida A&M will be the opposition on December 17th. The new arena seats 18,500 and will also serve as host of the 2008 Big 12 tournament.