March 18, 2006

PLAYER OF THE DAY: Craig Smith, Boston College

He was unstoppable in the first half against Montana. The star forward from Los Angeles finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds as the Eagles marched on to the Sweet 16.

TEAM OF THE DAY: Washington

The Huskies won a seesaw battle, blowing a double-digit lead in the first half and rallying from a double-figure deficit in the second half to beat Illinois. Brandon Roy and company came through in the clutch. Washington won the contest on the foul line, hitting 28 of 39 free throws compared to nine of 11 by Illinois.

COACH OF THE DAY: Billy Donovan, Florida

How many people believed the Florida Gators would be in the Sweet 16 this season? After losing Anthony Roberson, Matt Walsh and David Lee, few would have had high expectations, but Donovan has done a great job with this young squad. Florida has had a pair of impressive wins in the first two games, including a win over giant-killer Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

SHOCKER OF THE DAY: Wichita State over Tennessee

It seems appropriate that the Shockers are in this category. Mark Turgeon's squad made Missouri Valley Conference fans proud with an upset over a Vols team that many felt was seeded too high at No. 2. All I know is Bruce Pearl has brought great energy and enthusiasm to the Tennessee program. Wichita State's P.J. Couisnard had 20 big points in the upset.

DIAPER DANDY OF THE DAY: Josh McRoberts, Duke

Coach Mike Krzyzewski needed a third weapon to go with J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams. McRoberts came through against George Washington, scoring 14 points while grabbing 13 boards.

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.