News On The Horizon 5/8/2013

Oakland joining Horizon League--ESPN
Oakland accepts invitation into Horizon League--Press Row's Not Safe
A New Horizon--OUGrizzlies.com
Board approves Oakland University's move to Horizon League--The Oakland Press
Oakland accepts invitation to join Horizon League--The Detroit News
Fans could attend Horizon League Tournament at the O’rena--Grizzlies Den
Oakland gaining natural rival Detroit through forced Horizon reunification--Grizzlies Den
Oakland coach Greg Kampe’s ‘scheduling-up’ philosophy could be winding down--Grizzlies Den
Farewell, Summit League. Oakland Heads to Horizon--My Summit League
Oakland U. accepts invitation to join Horizon League--The Detroit Free Press
Morning Five: 05.08.13 Edition--Rush The Court

From players on the move to programs, two more schools are jumping conferences in the timeless yet endless pursuit of greater glory somewhere up the food chain. Davidson‘s Stephen Curry may own the NBA Playoffs at this point, but he never owned the A-10! At least that’s the logic behind the tiny school’s jump from the SoCon (where it has been a member for the better part of 80 years) to the Atlantic 10 beginning in July 2014. The school has arguably had a move like this on its agenda for a while, because it turned down an invitation to the CAA last year, presumably expecting a bigger and better offer to come soon enough. One of the residual effects of all the football-driven conference realignment nonsense is that there has been a bit of an unanticipated pooling of talented mid-major basketball programs as a result. Along the same lines, Oakland University (remember, it’s in Michigan, not California) announced that it would be joining the Horizon League starting this summer. Even though Butler is now gone from the HL, Oakland brings a solid program to the fold led by Greg Kampe that has been to the NCAA Tournament in two of the last four seasons (2010, 2011).

Oakland to join the Horizon League in July--CollegeBasketballTalk
Oakland University to join Horizon League in fall of 2013--Sports Illustrated
Oakland University Board of Trustees vote to join the Horizon League--Horizon League Hoops
Horizon League adds Oakland--USA Today
Oakland officially joins the Horizon League, effective July 1--Eye On College Basketball

Miami Heat’s LeBron James ready if called upon to guard Bulls’ Nate Robinson--Miami Herald

The days between games in a tight series are always about making the proper adjustments, but Spoelstra bristled when asked a question about his decision to sub out defensive specialist Norris Cole in favor of starter Mario Chalmers with 5:38 left in the game. With Chalmers and Ray Allen guarding the perimeter, Robinson had a hand (points or assists) in 14 of the Bulls’ final 17 points, including a driving, finger-roll layup that put Chicago ahead 90-86 with 45.5 seconds left.

“The guy had [27 points], so he had it going most of the game,” Spoelstra said of Robinson.

Too early for LeBron to lose confidence in shooters--South Florida Sun Sentinel

LeBron vs. Nate Robinson?

Spoelstra appeared uncomfortable when answering a question about his decision to leave Norris Cole on the bench while Nate Robinson was having a big fourth quarter.

Cole fared much better on Robinson than Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen, who were on the court in the closing moments. Spoelstra said Robinson had his way on offense "most of the game" instead of just the fourth quarter.

Oakland University joining the Horizon League, and Cleveland State Vikings are happy about it--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Oakland to replace Loyola in Horizon League--The Chicago Tribune
Three-star recruit joins basketball team--UIC News

UWGB recruits Botz, Lowe support coach Wardle during investigation--Fox 11
Oakland joins the Horizon League--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB hoops blog: Oakland joins the Horizon League--UWGB Hoops Blog

Women's Basketball Plans 2013 Prevea Fore Hoops Golf Classic--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Ritchie and Sension Help Keep NetScouts Team USA Undefeated--GreenBayPhoenix.com

High School Varsity Team Shootout Is Sold Out--uwmpanthers.com

New chapter of VU-Oakland rivalry on Horizon--The Post-Tribune
Oakland accepts invitation to Horizon League--The NWI Times

It’s official: Oakland joins Horizon League--Dayton Daily News

Oakland joining Horizon League--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU excited about Oakland joining HL--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle

Oakland University to Join Horizon League--Horizon League Network