Evaluating early-entry decisions--
Sports Illustrated
Could've Gone Either Way
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Shelvin Mack, PG/SG, Junior, Butler*
A huge part of Butler's two straight runs to the national title game, Shelvin Mack has quite a few fans among NBA teams, but he may have difficulty being guaranteed a spot in the first round by May 8th.
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Testing for the Sake of Testing
Every year of group of juniors enter the draft solely because they have nothing to lose. Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are allowed to "test the waters" once without jeopardizing their eligibility. While it's debatable how much these players will actually accomplish due to the shortened window legislated by the NCAA -- they must withdraw by May 8th at the latest -- the following players will almost certainly return to school when the smoke ultimately clears.
...
Brandon Wood, SG, Junior, Valparaiso*
Reaction to new names on NBA draft list--
ESPN
• Valparaiso leading scorer Brandon Wood declared for the draft. But according to Valpo assistant coach Bryce Drew, Wood wanted to see the process and get a sense of where he stood. If he doesn't hear anything positive, then he will withdraw from the draft. But there is another curveball. Wood is a fourth-year junior at Valpo and is graduating. He started his career at Southern Illinois and went to a junior college for a year. The Crusaders aren't expecting Wood to return, even if he were to withdraw with the option that Wood would transfer to a Big Ten school for graduate school and a fifth year. One option for him might be Michigan State, according to a source. If Wood were to join the Spartans, it would be a huge pickup because of his ability to score from the perimeter.
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• A number of NBA personnel said they wouldn't be surprised if Maryland's Jordan Williams, Butler's Shelvin Mack, Washington's Isaiah Thomas, Boston College's Reggie Jackson or Fresno State's Greg Smith all stayed in the draft. But there is a consensus already that Michigan's Darius Morris, Xavier's Tu Holloway, Georgetown's Hollis Thompson, Miami's Reggie Johnson, Pitt's Ashton Gibbs and Northwestern's John Shurna should go back to school before they make a mistake of leaving too soon, and in the case of those who can't make an NBA roster, a major error in giving up their eligibility.
Chris Harrison-Docks--
ESPN: College Basketball RecruitingMore on Mason's Drake decision ..... "The Bus" talks his high school days--
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteHappy Campers--
Muncie Star PressNCAA sets earlier date to withdraw from NBA draft--
The Indy Star
Transfers clear way for Vikings recruits: Local College Notebook--
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Holman Named to National All-Jesuit Honorable Mention Team--
detroittitans.com
UIC Men's Basketball Camps Now Open for Registration--
uicflames.com
Boggs eager to return to court--
Roanoke Times
Another WSU product finds success in Holland as first-year pro--
Wright State University SportsHelp support Cooper Land’s basketball journey--
RaiderRoundball.com
Chicago attendance figures--
ChicagoNow.comNCAA Attendance Figures: A Closer Examination--
Rush The Court
Moving on to some other thoughts, who are the schools that generally surprised us with a lack of support (or expected support)? Removing any of the above from our list, here’s our top eight.
We hate to bust on Pitt at 86.7%, but come on Panther fans… you’re the only hoops game in town and your arena isn’t all that big at 12,508. Considering your team ended up as a #1 seed last season, how do you not fill that place? BYU — you had the most must-see player in the country on your team and a rabid fan base — no excuse to not be above 90% last season. Ohio State… sigh. Football school, we get it. But you were #1 most of the season — nothing more needs to be said. Look at some of the others… Butler is completely shocking to us, coming off a national runner-up season;
Saying Goodbye: Matt Howard--
Ballin' is a HabitCollege hoops teams that could slip in 2011-12--
Rivals.comUtah Jazz: Jeff Hornacek enjoys coaching despite missing family--
Deseret News
"It's really valuable because a lot of times you're not going to have very many people to talk to who played in the same exact system, that played the same position and had a successful career in the NBA," Jazz rookie Gordon Hayward said. "There's not very many guys like that around. Just the knowledge that he has is really valuable."
Though he worked hard to hone his outside shot, Hayward credited Hornacek's assistance and advice for helping him shoot a respectable 48.5 percent overall and a sizzling, team-high 47.3 percent from 3-point range in his first NBA season.
Hayward also said Hornacek's tips and pointers proved invaluable. The 47-year-old coach helped him be more confident and showed him the importance of using spacing and timing in the NBA game.
Corbin also lauded Hornacek for helping Jeremy Evans improve his shot, something that happened over time as the Western Kentucky product and Hayward worked with the coach on a consistent basis.
NCAA sets earlier date to withdraw from NBA draft--
The Oakland PressMichigan standout point guard Chris Harrison-Docks commits to Butler--
The Indy StarKentucky guard Remy Abell to join IU this fall--
The Indy StarDawgs land another point guard--
Indy Star Butler InsiderButler to induct new Hall of Fame class--
Butler CollegianTop mascots a memorable group--
Butler Collegian
2. Blue II: Some might argue that our lovable live mascot should be No. 1, but keep reading to see why he is my runner-up. Blue II is easily the cutest mascot in all of sports, and he represents Butler’s sports teams well. He is tough, has endurance and enjoys a good nap—just like most college students do.
Marc Brown Competes for USA Elite Team in France--
uicflames.com
Loyola signs St. Louis forward Thomas--
The Chicago Tribune2010-11 Solomon Awards--
Loyola Phoenix
Honorable Mention
Monica Albano Basketball - PG
The sophomore guard paced the Ramblers this year with 16.7 points per game, good for fifth in the Horizon League. Besides leading the team in scoring 17 times on the season, Albano led the Ramblers in minutes per game, logging an average of 33.8 minutes while playing in all 31 games.
Selling LUC: wooing potential players--
Loyola Phoenix
Spots still open in UWGB coach Wardle's summer camps--
UWGB BasketballSpots Still Remain for Coach Wardle's Summer Camps--
uwgbathletics.com
'11-'12 is Looking Classy--
Milwaukee Panther TracksCelebrate A Championship At The Fourth-Annual Senior Salute--
uwmpanthers.comTwo high school seniors visiting WSU this week--
Dayton Daily NewsWSU balances need to win, need for tough competition with schedule decisions--
Wright State University Sports6-10 Michigan senior to visit WSU on Sunday--
Wright State University SportsFormer WSU star leading Germany’s top league (full of locals) in scoring--
Wright State University SportsWright State to play in Global Shootout--
Fairborn Daily HeraldIt’s no joke: Raiders set to meet Ohio State and Florida--
The GuardianSandifer to be Featured on Changing Lives Billboards--
wsuraiders.com
YSU signs Kansas all-stater--
Youngstown VindicatorSlocum signs 'tough, strong' point guard--
The JambarMen's Basketball Adds Guard DJ Cole During Late Signing Period--
ysusports.com
Updated Transfer List: Now at 220-Plus--
Yard Barker
2011 TRANSFER LIST
Shaun Adams, 6-5, F, Soph., Loyola (Ill.)
...
Tre Brewer, 6-5, F, Jr., Youngstown State
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Darian Cartharn, 6-0, G, Soph., Wright State
...
Kegan Clark, 6-4, G, Fr, Wright State
...
Josh McCoy, 6-4, G, RS Soph., Cleveland State
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Cully Payne, 6-1, G, Soph., Iowa - LOYOLA
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Garrick Sherman, 6-10, C, Soph., Michigan State – Notre Dame, Texas, Butler
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Patrick Souter, 6-4, G, Soph., Miwaukee
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Charlie Woods, 6-7, F, RS Soph., Cleveland State
Chicago 5 - Day 3--
ChicagoNow.comChicago 5 - Day 4--
ChicagoNow.comChicago 5 - Day 5--
ChicagoNow.comChicago 5 - Leaders and Wrap Up--
ChicagoNow.comTesting the waters: What teams have the most on the line?--
Ballin' is a Habit
No. 3 Butler: Shelvin Mack
When Butler made their first national title game back in 2010, the Bulldogs were led by a three-man attack of Gordon Hayward, Matt Howard, and Mack. Hayward went pro after the 2010 season, and Matt Howard will graduate this spring. That leaves Mack, who is currently a borderline first-round pick, as the only one with a chance to be a Bulldog next season.
Butler has some talent coming back next season, as well. Khyle Marshall looks primed to be the next Butler star and is the kind of athlete you rarely see in the Horizon League. Andrew Smith is a solid interior presence. Floor leader Ronald Nored returns, as do Chase Stigall, Chrishawn Hopkins, and Garrett Butcher. Without Mack, this team will once again be at the top of the Horizon. But with Mack's scoring, leadership, and ability to knock dow
Draft Decisions: Which teams have the most hanging in the balance?--
Sports IllustratedMason chooses Drake--
The Indy StarMason picking Drake no big surprise--
Indy Star Butler InsiderAward scholarship now, or wait for 2012?--
Indy Star Butler InsiderButler Continues Basketball Success Run--
ButlerSports.com2011 NBA Draft: Scouting Cleveland State's Norris Cole--
Mid-Major MadnessShayok Ends Season As HL Leader & 27th In Nation In Rebounds--
detroittitans.com"Detroit Titan Court Report" Nominated for Emmy--
detroittitans.comVanderMeer Stars for Iowa Energy in NBDL Finals--
uicflames.comReport card: Grading the coaching hires--
Sports Illustrated
MID-MAJORS
...
LOYOLA-CHICAGO
In: Porter Moser
Out: Jim Whitesell
Moser had a successful three-year run at Arkansas Little-Rock before struggling for three of his four years at Illinois State. He gets a third chance, after spending the past four years as an assistant at Saint Louis.
GRADE: C
Loyola Men's Basketball Signs Christian Thomas To National Letter Of Intent--
LoyolaRamblers.comThe Year in Photos: Best of 2010-11 Men's Basketball--
uwgbathletics.comTwo new UWM recruits showed versatile skills at junior colleges--
Milwaukee Journal SentinelPanthers Add Two Junior College Standouts In Spring Signing Period--
uwmpanthers.comSeniors hoop stars say farewell to Valparaiso--
The NWI TimesBrandon Wood Update--
Section EEShootout tournament will help Raiders’--
Dayton Daily NewsCharlotte point guard, candidate for final ‘11 scholarship, to visit WSU on Thursday--
Wright State University SportsWSU will play Ohio State, Florida as part of five-team event--
Wright State University SportsAddition of Ohio State, Florida boosts already strong WSU schedule--
Wright State University SportsRaider Basketball to Play in Global Sports Shootout – Will Meet Ohio State and Florida--
RaiderRoundball.comRaider Basketball to Play in Global Sports Shootout--
wsuraiders.com
Next college hoops season will make up for last one--
CBS SportsState of hoops: Rivalries among neighbors--
Rivals.com
INDIANA
1. Butler: Two consecutive appearances in the NCAA title game and a committed coach in Brad Stevens … enough said.
2. Purdue: The Boilermakers will be glad they ponied up extra dough for Matt Painter.
3. Notre Dame: Mike Brey was a national coach of the year candidate this past season.
4. Valparaiso: The Crusaders have been a model of consistency under Homer Drew, who has had just three losing season in his past 16.
5. Indiana: Tom Crean is in the midst of a major rebuilding project in Bloomington.
...
OHIO
1. Ohio State: The Buckeyes will join North Carolina, Kentucky and a few others as NCAA title favorites next season.
2. Xavier: The Musketeers haven’t missed a beat under Chris Mack.
3. Cincinnati: Mick Cronin’s squad won 26 games this past season, and the Bearcats will be even better in 2011-12.
4. Cleveland State: The Vikings tied Butler and Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Horizon League title.
5. Dayton: Archie Miller was the perfect hire for the Flyers, who benefit from strong fan support.
Updated Transfer List: Now at 175-Plus--
YardBarker
2011 TRANSFER LIST
...
Tre Brewer, 6-5, F, Jr., Youngstown State
...
Darian Cartharn, 6-0, G, Soph., Wright State
...
Kegan Clark, 6-4, G, Fr, Wright State
...
Nolan Dennis, 6-6, G, Soph., Baylor – DETROIT
...
Josh McCoy, 6-4, G, RS Soph., Cleveland State
Cully Payne, 6-1, G, Soph., Iowa - LOYOLA
...
...
Garrick Sherman, 6-10, C, Soph., Michigan State – Notre Dame, Texas, Butler
...
Patrick Souter, 6-4, G, Soph., Miwaukee
...
Charlie Woods, 6-7, F, RS Soph., Cleveland State
Reserve Bizoukas transferring from DePaul--
The Chicago Tribune2011-2012 non-conference schedule: What we know--
Inside The Hall
Here’s what we know thus far about next year’s non-conference schedule:
...
- Butler at Assembly Hall. This will be the fourth game of an exempt tournament in which both IU and Butler will host three games at home and then meet in Bloomington.
It's time to play the "What if?" game--
ESPNUtah Jazz players say future looks bright with Corbin--
Deseret News
Ask him for an individual head-coaching highlight, and Corbin might point to the Jazz's thrilling Gordon Hayward-led road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Or the win at New Orleans. Maybe the season-finale victory against Denver.
Butler's Howard finalist for toughness award--
The Indy StarButler keeps an eye on Pennsylvania shooting sensation Mason--
The Indy StarAnalysis of UConn defense--
Indy Star Butler InsiderCleveland State's McCoy, Woods are transferring--
Let's Go Vikes!FLAMES TAB VETERAN REGINA MILLER AS NEW COACH--
uicflames.comBizoukas transferring from DePaul--
ChicagoNow.comMatt Gordon Named Director Of Men's Basketball Operations At Loyola--
LoyolaRamblers.comShaun Adams To Transfer From Loyola--
LoyolaRamblers.comMSU possible destination for Valparaiso guard--
State NewsValpo Junior Brandon Wood Considers MSU, Other Options--
The Only ColorsNewest Raider brings needed scoring mentality--
Dayton Daily NewsWSU checking out Indiana guard called ‘absolute bully with the ball’--
Wright State University SportsWSU women’s basketball reshaping roster even more--
Wright State University SportsEight winter Penguins honored in Horizon League--
The JambarMen's Basketball Coaches to Hold Four Summer Camps--
ysusports.comWomen's Basketball Staff to Offer Three Camps This Summer--
ysusports.com
The Chicago Five--
ChicagoNow.comFinal Four recruiting ripple effect for Butler, VCU?--
Yard BarkerEvaluating early-entry decisions--
ESPN
To be determined
...
Butler
The Bulldogs will wait for Shelvin Mack to make a decision in the next two weeks. It's quite simple: If Mack returns, no one should doubt Butler's ability to make another Horizon title/NCAA run, even without Matt Howard inside. If Mack stays in the draft, the Horizon League will be wide open.
Your 2011 college basketball bowl game lineup--
Card Chronicle
I used the 2010 bowl tie-ins, but switched the BCS conferences up to better represent the college basketball landscape. The swaps were made based on conference size, strength and relevant tie-ins. Keep in mind this isn't based just on the past season (the tie-ins are always set before a football season begins).
For this exercise...
SEC (Football) = Big East
Big 12 (Football) = ACC
Big Ten (Football) = Big Ten
ACC (Football) = Big 12
Pac-10 (Football) = SEC
Big East (Football) = Pac-10
Additionally, I took all of the other conference tie-ins and made them available to all mid-major teams, which I ranked based on the RPI (aka, BCS Formula). Two mid-major teams - BYU and San Diego State - were automatic qualifiers for BCS bowl games based on their top five RPI rankings. This left 20 bowl spots for mid-majors.
If a team from a major conference had a losing record, they were not bowl eligible (Virginia was the only team close at 16-15).
Purdue took the third at-large BCS bid since Ohio State qualified for the national title game and the Rose Bowl needed a Big Ten representative. This left Duke (BCS #4) to claim the fourth at-large bid.
Conference champions were based on final regular season standings, not conference tournament results.
Here's what the 2011 college basketball bowl schedule would have looked like:
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March 31
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl: BUTLER (Mid-Major #11) vs. HARVARD (Mid-Major #12)
...
April 11
BCS National Championship Game: KANSAS (BCS #1) vs. OHIO STATE (BCS #2)
NOTES:
--Of the 70 bowl participants, 18 - California, Cleveland State, Miami, Northwestern, Boston College, Colorado, Virginia, Harvard, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri State, Saint Mary's, Washington State, Princeton, Baylor, and UTEP - did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
--National champion Connecticut is facing Old Dominion in the Liberty Bowl.
--National runner-up Butler is facing Harvard in the Armed Forces Bowl.
--This would have sucked
One spot filled--
Gold & Black IllustratedSix from Louisville named to Kentucky All-Star boys' basketball team--
Courier-Journal
Eastern's Remy Abell, Lyonell Gaines, Kameron Woods and Arman Marks were selected to the Kentucky squad that will face Indiana on June 10 in Louisville and June 11 in Indianapolis.
Two new faces for Moser’s reign--
Loyola PhoenixWSU lands junior college guard--
Dayton Daily NewsWSU lands commitment from junior college guard--
Wright State University Sports
