Nov. 15
NEW YORK -- Oklahoma came into Madison Square Garden on Thursday night with big-time billing. But the Sooners struggled offensively in losing 68-62 to Alabama in the opener of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

Before people panic, the Sooners will be an outstanding team. Why will this team be so good? First, the Sooners will find a way to get point production on the baseline. There was question going into the season regarding who would replace Aaron McGhee in scoring. Obviously, this was a shortcoming for Kelvin Sampson's team on opening night. But eventually, Johnnie Gilbert and Kevin Bookout will produce.

	Sooner fans, relax. It's one game. This Oklahoma team will be for real.

Alabama's story was stopping Hollis Price, containing him with great perimeter defense for the first 25 minutes of the game. He only took two shots in the first half, going one for two, and broke loose a little too late.

For the Sooners to win against big-time competition, they will need special nights from Price and Ebi Ere, who is as good an open-court player as there is in the college game. Sooner fans, relax. It's one game. This Oklahoma team will be for real.

As for Mark Gottfried's Alabama team, if there is a better point guard than Mo Williams, I can't wait to see him. He is the complete package. In a year of dominant point guards, Williams will be -- and should be -- on everyone's top-five list. He has improved his shooting range, his confidence level is way up, and realizes the team is his. He is the maestro man.

Williams also has great help inside from Erwin Dudley. You certainly have to include the Williams-Dudley tandem as one of the premier duos in the nation. But 'Bama is more than just Williams and Dudley. Kenny Walker is a difference-maker with his quickness inside and ability to make big shots.

Antoine Pettway and his ugly, red shoes (ha, ha) was extremely productive. If he's comfortable wearing those things, more power to him. He was like the Rolaids relief specialist -- he did the job a la Troy Percival for the Angels when he took over the game, going 5-for-5 from the field.

But the best player on the court opening night was Williams. He gets a five-star rating.

Anthony awesome with a capital 'A'
Carmelo Anthony's debut in Syracuse's 70-63 loss to Memphis was special. Take it to the bank: He is one of the most impressive new players in America. It didn't take long to see his variety of moves and multi-dimensional talent. He can score shooting the jumper, taking it to the rack, or off the offensive glass.

Despite his brilliant 27-point performance, a high for a Syracuse debut of a diaper dandy, imagine if Anthony had been effective at the charity stripe. He missed five straight with the game on the line. He will be on the line numerous times this season, and he must improve in that area of his game. Like other young players, he has to learn to get free, play without the basketball.

He's the real deal and will be sensational. In my opinion, he will be the best diaper dandy in the history of Syracuse, and that is saying a lot, given the names of Billy Owens, Pearl Washington and Derrick Coleman.