21st Century Indiana College Basketball: Who is No. 1?--
SB Nation Indiana
5. Valparaiso Crusaders
Record since 2000: 223-161
NCAA Appearances since 2000: 3
Unlike Indiana State, the Crusaders haven't won a tournament game since Bryce Drew's magical run in 1998. They have a better overall record though, despite not making the dance in seven years. This year's Horizon League Player of the Year Brandon Wood had them on the cusp of the tournament. They were a top 50 RPI team after beating Missouri State in the BracketBusters event and in the discussion for an at learge bid, but they dropped consecutive games to Wisconsin Green bay and Loyola-IL, costing them the Horizon League regular season title.
This was a tournament-worthy team until late February. They played Purdue and Kansas in the non-conference, and they own a win over Butler. Much of their progress depends on Wood's decision regarding the NBA Draft. He has declared himself eligible, but has not hired an agent, so he could return. Valpo has a better shot of making the tournament as an at large team in the Horizon League after leaving the now Summit League, but they have yet to break through. Next year could be the year if Wood returns, but Butler will always be in the way in the Horizon League.
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1. Butler Bulldogs
Record since 2000: 272-85
NCAA Appearances Since 2000: 8
NCAA Wins Since 2000: 16
Sweet 16's Since 2000: 4
Final Fours Since 2000: 2
Butler is the new king of college basketball in Indiana, and it really isn't even that close. The Bulldogs have had more success than everyone but Indiana and Purdue even if you take away these two great runs the past two seasons. They lose coaches to bigger schools (Thad Matta, Todd Lickliter, Barry Collier) and only reload. They have the best young coach in America and maybe the best coach in America period. They don't recruit big names, but they recruit guys that buy into "The Butler Way" so much that the final product is better than the parts.
Many people forget that Butler was an NCAA snub despite winning 25 games in 2002. That year they beat Indiana State, Purdue (in Mackey Arena), Evansville, and a ranked Ball State team, but they got upset in the Horizon League Tournament and were snubbed on selection Sunday. Otherwise, they would have a ninth appearance and maybe another Sweet 16.
Butler has failed to record 20 wins only twice this century, going 16-14 in 2004 and 13-15 the following year. Like Purdue, they are on a streak of five straight NCAA appearances, and could be hours away from a National Championship.
Rick Pitino seriously considered retirement--
College Basketball Nation Blog
Pitino, 58, added he was committed to coaching for at least the next few years and has a successor in mind he would recommend to athletic director Tom Jurich. The coach he likes to replace him isn't 28-year-old son Richard Pitino, who could soon join the program as associate head coach, but rather Butler's Brad Stevens.
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"I think I can do it for anywhere from three to five more years. I don't know who the successor would be. My first guy on the list I would recommend three to five years from now is the coach at Butler. He would be the type of person that I would recommend. It's that type of person I think would be great at the University of Louisville. I'm sure there are other guys out there like him that will develop that we'll move on."
Old coaching assumptions are fading--
ESPNButler Will Be Back--
The HoyaGlobetrotters’ Basketball Soul Outshines Rash of Rough News--
Hoopville
1. Although Phil Jackson seems pretty convinced that there won’t be a next season for the NBA next season, several college players are gambling that they’ll still be making NBA money within a few months. Here are a few of the players who announced during the past few days that they’ll be entering the NBA Draft.
* Arizona’s Derrick Williams, with agent
* Butler’s Shelvin Mack, no agent
* Connecticut’s Kemba Walker, with agent
* Florida State’s Chris Singleton, with agent
* Kansas’ Josh Selby, with agent
* San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard, with agent
* UCLA’s Malcolm Lee, with agent
Utah Jazz reflect on strange season--
Deseret News
Rookies Gordon Hayward, who ended the season with a career-high 34 points, Favors and Jeremy Evans showed enough oomph and talent to get fans and the team giddy about their future.
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The Jazz also have player personnel decisions to make to fill the roster, which currently includes eight players under contract. Barring trades, Bell, Evans, Favors, Harris, Hayward, Jefferson, Millsap and Okur will be back whenever the 2011-12 season begins.
Utah Jazz players' summer plans--
Deseret News
GORDON HAYWARD
Position: Small forward
First season
Stats: 5.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg
Summer plans: Will go back to Indianapolis to work out at St. Vincent's where he worked out before last year's NBA Draft.
Contract situation: One more guaranteed year on rookie contract worth $2.4 million per year.
Quote: "I proved to myself I belong in the league; it was a real confidence-booster. Not making the playoffs and watching them will definitely keep me motivated and try to be a better player."
Utah Jazz rookies looking to work on games during offseason--
Deseret NewsMonson: Jazz go through depths of hell to reach heavenly limits--
Salt Lake TribuneJazz left to decide which direction it will take — and who will take it--
Salt Lake TribuneKentucky, UNC Top Our NCAA Basketball Rankings For Next Season--
SB Nation
On the Outside Looking In
... you may have heard of this Butler team, one that should be good even without Matt Howard.
Dawg recruiting update--
The Indy Star
Dunk master Doug Anderson headed to Detroit Mercy--
The Detroit News
Iowa point guard transfers to Loyola--
The Chicago TribuneCully Payne Transfers To Loyola--
LoyolaRamblers.com
Virginia adds three games against Tony Bennett's alma mater, Wisconsin-Green Bay--
Streaking The LawnMen's basketball: UW-Green Bay to play Virginia, face former star Tony Bennett--
Green Bay Press GazetteWardle Reflects on His First Year at the Helm--
uwgbathletics.com
Horizon League coach to Miami?--
Eye On College BasketballOff-Season Workouts Have Panthers Turning Focus To 2011-12 Campaign--
uwmpanthers.com
Hawkins takes over at IUN--
The Post-Tribune
The last word on defense: A comprehensive title-game study--
Sports IllustratedNuggets-Jazz notebook--
NBA.comUtah Jazz: Confident Gordon Hayward scores 34--
Deseret NewsJazz fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about franchise's future--
Deseret News
Youth. These guys remain mostly kids. Jefferson, a seven-year veteran, is still only 26. Derrick Favors is 19, Jeremy Evans 23, Gordon Hayward 21, Paul Millsap 26, Harris 28, Ronnie Price 27, C.J. Miles 24. Babies, compared to guys like Steve Nash and Tim Duncan.
Youth isn't a plus unless you can play. Luckily for the Jazz, these guys can. Witness Evans' and Favors' dunks in the first half and Hayward's in the second half against Denver, not to mention Hayward's 34 points. OK, we mentioned it.
It's enough to make even cynics smile.
Utah Jazz: Game at a glance--
Deseret NewsUtah Jazz win final game of season--
Deseret NewsHayward rocks the house--
Salt Lake TribuneFuture was on display with Hayward, Favors--
Salt Lake TribuneKragthorpe: Loyal Jazz fans deserved a lot better--
Salt Lake TribuneMonson: Jazz go through depths of hell to reach heavenly limits--
Salt Lake TribuneJazz's Hayward on 34 points, confidence, going out on top (watch video)--
Utah Jazz NotesFinishing with flourish: Hayward’s 34--
Indy Star Butler InsiderButler Women's Hoops Hands Out 2010-11 Team Awards--
ButlerSports.comHolman Picks-Up Defensive Honor from CollegeInsider.com--
detroittitans.com
Moore Inks Chicago Native Rob Robinson in Late Period--
uicflames.comUW-Green Bay assistant women's basketball coach Mike Divilbiss happy to stay but would like a top job--
Green Bay Press GazetteUWGB adds Virginia to the schedule, other odds and ends--
UWGB Basketball
Newest Raider a ‘special’ shooter--
Dayton Daily NewsAll-stater from West Virginia signs with Wright State--
Wright State University SportsWSU now has a Poca Dot — but no Macon Whoopie--
Through the ArchCuffee Signs with Raiders--
RaiderRoundball.comCuffee Signs with Raiders--
wsuraiders.com
Devan Matkin Signs NLI to Join YSU Women's Basketball Program--
ysusports.com
Butler Continues to Lead McCafferty Trophy Standings--
Horizon League Network
NBA labor strife benefits NCAA game--
Fox Sports
While Sullinger and Jones both maintain that a potential NBA work stoppage didn’t play an integral role in their decision, it is a factor.
“It is — especially for me,” said Butler junior guard Shelvin Mack, who announced Tuesday he was declaring for the draft but wouldn't sign with an agent. “I’m like a late first-rounder or a second-rounder, and if I stay in and go in the second round, it’ll be tough because there probably won’t be workouts for me to make the team.”
Mack is admittedly confused but has heard from numerous people there will, in fact, be a work stoppage of some kind. He, like most of these kids, is completely in the dark about how long it will last.
Butler's Mack in draft ... at least for now--
Parrish: The ThoughtsShelvin Mack to test NBA draft process--
ESPNUtah Jazz close difficult season vs. Nuggets--
Deseret News
It sucks that you're not in the playoffs; that's what you ultimately want to do," Jazz rookie Gordon Hayward said after Monday's 90-78 win at New Orleans. "But I think we can try to just treat the games as a learning experience, try to get better from them as a player and build for the future."
Sounds like the 21-year-old has been listening to his coach, who has been extolling the need for playing smart, hard and together despite the circumstances.
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Though disappointed his team's plans went awry, Jefferson admitted he's optimistic about the Jazz's future. He loves Corbin. He gets along with teammates. And he believes good things will happen with Utah's blend of veteran experience, including himself, Paul Millsap and Devin Harris along with promising young talent in Hayward and Derrick Favors.
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"Anytime you go on the floor, you want to pick up a victory — especially because it's the last one, playing in front of your home crowd," Hayward added. "You don't want to let them down, so it'll be important."
Utah Jazz gameday--
Deseret NewsUtah Jazz’s Ronnie Price is a rare breed--
Salt Lake Tribune
Remove the late-season development of rookies Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors and Jeremy Evans, and the mid-career progression of Paul Millsap, and the Jazz’s season has been a mess bordering upon failure.
Butler's Shelvin Mack drops name into NBA draft--
The Indy StarButler star went pro long before the NBA--
The Indy StarButler's Shelvin Mack submits name for NBA draft--
The Indy StarMack opts for NBA draft--
Indy Star Butler InsiderButler celebrates '11 basketball season--
WISH TVButler’s Shelvin Mack Declares For NBA Draft--
ButlerSports.comLet the rebuilding begin--
Loyola PhoenixGive the man some time--
Loyola PhoenixPhoenix Working Hard to Improve in Spring Workouts--
uwgbathletics.comNCAA should not pay student-athletes to play sports--
UWGB Fourth EstateBollant Receives Coach of the Year Awards--
uwgbathletics.comThe Best Class just got better--
PantherUWSU hoops heads to Italy in August--
Dayton Daily NewsRaiders to play basketball in Italy--
Wright State University SportsRaiders Combine Basketball and Life Experiences During Trip to Italy--
RaiderRoundball.comMen's Basketball Heading to Italy This August--
wsuraiders.comGreen Bay women's basketball head coach Matt Bollant named Coach of the Year--
Horizon League Network
Butler Earned Microscopic Percentage of NCAA Tournament TV Revenue--
The Big LeadUtah Jazz: Tyrone Corbin sticking with starting five--
Deseret News
With only nine players to choose from, Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin will stick with the same opening five he's used the past two games: Devin Harris, Gordon Hayward, C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.
Utah Jazz: Despite hecklers, Jazz still have some pizzazz--
Deseret News
The Jazz can thank C.J. Miles, who snapped out of a shooting funk by scoring 10 of his 18 points in the first quarter, along with Devin Harris and Gordon Hayward for a quick start.
Those three combined for 25 first-quarter points — Harris had eight and Hayward added seven — to help build an early 12-point lead and, well, set the strong Jazz tone.
And the rest of the nine-deep team contributed to a balanced victory the rest of the way, with multiple players on this shorthanded squad playing key roles and effective execution happening on both sides of the court.
"It felt like we held control of that game the whole game," Jazz forward Paul Millsap said. "When we do that and don't let up, we're a good team. That's all due to experience and chemistry — all of that is going to come in the future. But I like the way we played tonight."
While the Jazz rolled on offense — with Harris tying Miles for team-scoring honors with 18 points, Millsap adding 16 and Hayward chipping in 14 — Utah's defensive effort was the deciding factor.
Jazz pull it together, down Hornets 90-78--
Salt Lake TribuneIndiana schools fare well in college basketball--
The Indy StarNew Castle to honor Butler's Zach Hahn, Chase Stigall with parade--
The Indy StarButler's Hahn, Stigall get parade in New Castle--
The Indy StarNew Castle honoring its Dawgs--
Indy Star Butler Insider
Latas transfers to Houston Baptist--
Let's Go Vikes!Titan Club Announces Elections for 2011 Board--
detroittitans.comWomen's Basketball Holds End-Of-Season Banquet--
uicflames.comUW-Green Bay women's basketball coach Matt Bollant doesn't get Wisconsin job--
Green Bay Press GazetteUW-Green Bay women's basketball coach Matt Bollant 'thrilled' to stay put--
Green Bay Press GazetteUW passes on Bollant--
UWGB BasketballUWM lands a big man in versatile Harris--
Milwaukee Journal SentinelMen's Basketball Hands Out Hardware at Postseason Awards Banquet--
ysusports.comBrown Named Team MVP at Postseason Banquet--
ysusports.com
Jazz become the team that nobody knows--
Deseret News
Whether this matters to Jazz fans is debatable. They certainly know Jeremy Evans and Gordon Hayward. But outside the Intermountain area, Jazz players draw a blank. Even coach Ty Corbin is just a nice guy with a great selection of neckties.
Monson: Jazz can lean on Lombardi’s wisdom--
Salt Lake Tribune
Then there’s Gordon Hayward. Veteran teammates have laid it on a little thick lately, going on and on about the rookie, saying he has no idea how good he can be, noting his intelligence, his court awareness, his overall game and even his defense.
After the Jazz’s recent win against the Lakers, in which Hayward scored 10 fourth-quarter points, no less than Kobe Bryant praised Hayward, saying: “He’s going to have a very bright future in this league.”
If Kobe believes that, Hayward and the Jazz should, too.
He’s particularly effective when he’s aggressive at the offensive end — and when Corbin utilizes him from the outside in, allowing him to take advantage of his versatility. Like Favors, Hayward should have been logging more than a mere 16 minutes a game.
Never, ever count out Butler--
Victory Firelight
