News On The Horizon 4/30/2014

LeBron James, Miami Heat in prime position to sweep first-round series--Miami Herald

• The Heat committed just seven turnovers in Game 3. Since 2011, the Heat is 15-4 in the postseason when committing 10 or fewer turnovers in games, according to Elias.

“We understand that stat,” point guard Norris Cole said. “We know that stat. We love that stat.”

Miami Heat sweeps Charlotte Bobcats to advance to second round--Miami Herald

Norris Cole had 13 points off the bench to cap a strong first-round series, and starting point guard Mario Chalmers finished with 10 points. James Jones, who emerged during the series as an unlikely rotation player, had three three-pointers for nine points.

Chalmers likely to play in Game 2 but will be a game-time decision; Bobcats' Jefferson says he's playing--Heat Check

Chalmers is expected to play, but if the Heat’s trainers and coaches hold him out as a precaution, then either guards Norris Cole or Toney Douglas will be inserted into the starting rotation.

With Cole entrenched as the second unit’s point guard, it’s likely Douglas would be the first option off the bench to replace Chalmers. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra made it a point during the regular season to keep his second unit intact.

“We’re a key to the team’s success,” Cole said of the second unit off the bench. “Making sure that that next wave that comes in the game is consistent and gives us a boost.”

Winderman's view: Heat 109, Bobcats 98--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Spoelstra, on why he has gone to more of Norris Cole-Chalmers in tandem this series, "I think Dwyane can play at an extremely high level at these minutes right now."

-- Cole's 3-pointer at the end of the third period allowed for a Heat exhale, especially with Kemba having some of that UConn look.

Heat's Norris Cole concludes series with strong Game 4--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Heat sweep Bobcats with 109-98 win; Nets or Raptors up next--South Florida Sun Sentinel

The Heat went into the fourth quarter up 84-71 after backup point guard Norris Cole converted a 3-pointer from the right corner at the third-quarter buzzer.

Cole closed with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 2 of 3 on 3-pointers.

"Offensively, he made strides this series," Spoelstra said. "I just liked how he managed the game from the point guard position."

NW Florida State's Vinny Zollo signs with Cleveland State--Cleveland State Hoops
Vinny Zollo Signs With CSU Basketball--csuvikings.com

Men's Basketball Elite Camp Sold Out--detroittitans.com

OU to look for new AD--Oakland Post

Former UIC guard Othyus Jeffers named NBA D-League Co-MVP--The Catch and Shoot
Ex-Illini star Deon Thomas added to UIC coaching staff--The Chicago Tribune
Deon Thomas Added to UIC Basketball Staff; Buttell Promoted--uicflames.com

Regina Miller Appears on MeTV's CPS Sports Edition--uicflames.com

GB offers scholarship to Marlon Stewart--Phear The Phoenix
Admiral Schofield receives GB scholarship offer--Phear The Phoenix

UIC Adds Thomas, Promotes Buttell on Men's Basketball Coaching Staff--Horizon League Network