On The Horizon

Jim Squire

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

Jim Squire

2014 Portsmouth Invitational Rosters Released--Mid-Major Madness

K&D Rounds Landscaping

Richard Solomon, Cal
Ronald Roberts Jr., St. Joseph's
Augustine Rubit, South Alabama
Cameron Clark, Oklahoma
Travis Bader, Oakland
Mark McLaughlin, Central Washington
Eric Atkins, Notre Dame
Trevor Releford, Alabama
...
Mike Duman Auto Sales

Killian Larson, Grand Canyon
Josh Davis, San Diego State
Sam Dower, Gonzaga
Jamil Wilson, Marquette
Davion Berry, Weber State
Kareem Jamar, Montana
Jason Brickman, Long Island
Kendrick Perry, Youngstown State

Top 10 Mid-Major Games of the Year--Mid-Major Madness

10. Detroit at Valparaiso

Juwan Howard Jr. made some serious noise when he nailed a game-winner from downtown with just 5.7 seconds left on the clock to take down Valpo 59-57 in a back and forth affair. Howard finished the night with 19 points in the big win.

2014 Portsmouth Invitational Day 2 Wrap Up--Mid-Major Madness

Trying to dissect box scores of games you didn't watch with teams named after landscaping services is exhausting. I think I did an admiral job yesterday but today you're just getting the breakdown of how your favorite mid-major players performed:

Travis Bader (Oakland): 5-10 FG, 3-6 3PT, 16 pts, 1 reb, 1 steal
...
Kendrick Perry (Youngstown State): 3-14 FG, 1-7 3PT, 7 pts, 5 rebs, 3 assts, 2 blocks, 1 steal

Ultra Early Horizon League Preview: Cleveland State and Green Bay atop early projections--The Catch and Shoot

Miami Heat’s Toney Douglas, Rashard Lewis look to be playoff factors--Miami Herald

On the offensive end, Douglas chipped in by scoring 14 points in 35 minutes in addition to three assists. The Florida State product could provide a counterbalance to Norris Cole, whose offense has suffered in the last month of the season.

Late signing period for basketball expected to be bountiful for Akron, Cleveland State and Kent State--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State, Kent State recruits sign in; Akron still waiting--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland State's Douglas, Dauda likely won't be back next season--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State offers Nyaires Redding--Cleveland State Hoops
2013-14 Cleveland State Men's Basketball Highlight Video--Cleveland State Hoops
Kenny Carpenter signs with Cleveland State--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State offers Xavier Simpson--Cleveland State Hoops
Ismaila Dauda transfers to North Florida--Cleveland State Hoops
Vinnie Zollo to Visit Cleveland State this week--Cleveland State Hoops
Men's Basketball Announces Award Winners at Banquet--csuvikings.com
Kenny Carpenter Signs With CSU Basketball--csuvikings.com
Kimbrough Selected to Participate in Villa 7 Program--csuvikings.com

Women’s Basketball Holds Annual Awards Banquet--csuvikings.com

Goodwin helps Suns to 104-99 win over Kings--Sacramento Bee

Ben McLemore had 31 points and five assists, both career highs, for the Kings, who lost for the sixth time in seven games while playing starters Rudy Gay and Isaiah Thomas limited minutes. Travis Outlaw had 15 points and Ray McCallum 13.

Detroit Titans add JUCO transfer Shy McClelland to 2014 basketball class--The Detroit Free Press
Men's Basketball Holds 2013-14 Awards Banquet--detroittitans.com
Registration Now Open For Annual Titan Club Basketball Camp For Special Needs Players--detroittitans.com
Men's Basketball Signs Shy McClelland to National Letter of Intent--detroittitans.com
Men's Basketball 2014 Summer Camps Announced--detroittitans.com

Lammers, Bedell Earn Prestigious President's Award at Annual Academic & Athletic Awards Dinner--detroittitans.com

Shearer Finishes Top 10 In The Nation In Three Point Field Goals--detroittitans.com
Abby McCollum Featured In April Edition Of NCAA Championship Magazine--detroittitans.com

Morning Five: 04.15.14 Edition--Rush The Court

It was a busy day at St. John’s yesterday. Former St. John’s guard Max Hooper announced that he will be transferring to Oakland. This will be Hooper’s second transfer as he started his college career at Harvard and he will be eligible to play next year (with two years of eligibility remaining) as he is expected to graduate in May. Hooper is a three-point specialist and even though some are suggesting he could replace Travis Bader we don’t see that happening since Hooper only averaged 3.2 points per game. In more favorable news for St. John’s fans it appears that Chris Obekpa had a change of heart and is looking to return to St. John’s. This does not necessarily mean that Obekpa will be welcomed back by Steve Lavin, but it does place Lavin in an interesting predicament. Our guess is that he will give Obekpa some internal punishment that the other players in the program will know about just to show them that he is still committed to their program.

Former St. John’s guard/forward Max Hooper transfers to Oakland--CollegeBasketballTalk
Hooper to transfer to Oakland U--USA Today
2014 Portsmouth Invitational: Mid-Major Stars Raise Stock--Mid-Major Madness

The Portsmouth Invitational is over and once again some mid-major stars may have bolstered their stock a bit with their performances in the Tidewater region of Virginia. Six mid-major players were named to the all-tournament team and have likely enticed some pro prospects.

Travis Bader, Oakland: If the Golden Grizzlies' sharpshooter has NBA hopes then it has to be as a three point specialist like former Creighton standout Kyle Korver. Bader averaged 19.7 points per game in three outing in Portsmouth and was 11-for-23 beyond the arc. He certainly played well but you have to wonder if scouts were expecting a more impressive showing from downtown? (But 47% certainly isn't bad)

St. John's basketball sophomore Max Hooper to transfer to Oakland--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland's Travis Bader happy with shooting, defense at Portsmouth Invitational--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland University enlists search firm to find next athletic director--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland basketball lands transfer Max Hooper from St. John's--The Detroit News
Oakland's Travis Bader named to Portsmouth Invitational All-Tournament Team--The Detroit News
Sporting blitz week of 4/16--Oakland Post

Men’s Basketball-

Two players from the Oakland University men’s basketball team were named Academic All-Horizon League last week. The team’s former three-point star, Travis Bader, and current center, Corey Petros were honored for their strong GPAs. Petros is currently working on his MBA while Bader is finishing up his masters in communication. The two join Evan Bruinsma and Ugochukwu Njoku of Detroit, Kendrick Perry of Youngstown State, and Matt Vest of Wright State on the list.

MAX HOOPER TRANSFERS TO OAKLAND--ougrizzlies.com
BADER NAMED TO PORTSMOUTH INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND BASKETBALL 2013-14 REVIEW--ougrizzlies.com

BETH MAHURIN TRANSFERS TO OAKLAND--ougrizzlies.com

JUCO guard D’Juan Miller officially commits to UIC--The Catch and Shoot
UIC Basketball Adds D'Juan Miller From Eastern Arizona College--uicflames.com

Katie Hannemann Featured in The Southtown Star--uicflames.com
WBI CHAMPIONS IN REVIEW: Katie Hannemann Highlights--uicflames.com
WBI CHAMPIONS IN REVIEW: Emily Kobel Highlights--uicflames.com

Green Bay, head coach Brian Wardle agree to new five-year contract--CollegeBasketballTalk
Brian Wardle, Green Bay agree to five-year extension--Eye On College Basketball
Men's basketball: UWGB's Wardle gets new 5-year deal--Green Bay Press Gazette
Belmont joins Horizon League for men's soccer--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB's Sykes gets input on NBA draft potential, will return--Green Bay Press Gazette
Wardle signs five-year deal to stay with Phoenix--UWGB Fourth Estate
Brian Wardle Agrees to New Five-Year Contract--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Brian Barone Promoted to Associate Head Coach--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Phoenix basketball looks ahead to 2014-15--UWGB Fourth Estate
UWGB athletic director Gillespie: 'People invest in winners'--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Women's basketball: Borseth thanks UWGB fans for a great season--Green Bay Press Gazette
Former Phoenix Adrian Ritchie Named EBL Player of the Year--GreenBayPhoenix.com

New arena conversation should involve Panthers--PantherU

Valparaiso AD views unionization as flawed approach--The Post-Tribune
Men’s Basketball: Midwest Elite standout David Skara commits to Valparaiso--The Post-Tribune
Hutton: Bryce Drew may — or may not — be candidate for Tulsa job--The Post-Tribune
Valparaiso's Bryce Drew puts rumors to rest of trip to Tulsa--The NWI Times
Drew looking at Tulsa (and beyond?)--Inside VU Sports
Inside the Tulsa Tip--Inside VU Sports

Women Finish Among the National Leaders--wsuraiders.com
Courtney Boyd Featured by NCAA--wsuraiders.com

Perry in Portsmouth: KP hopes to shine at NBA pre-draft camp--The Jambar
‘I Wasn’t Really Happy Here’: Weber speaks out about leaving YSU--The Jambar
Men's Basketball Adds Guard Shaun Stewart During Late Signing Period--ysusports.com

Hirsch to follow YSU teammate Schlegel to India on CCO trip--Youngstown Vindicator
Women’s Basketball Staff to Hold Summer Camps--ysusports.com

Wardle Earns New Five-Year Contract--Horizon League Network
Bader, Perry Wrap Successful Portsmouth Invitational Trips--Horizon League Network

Former GB Standout Ritchie Named EBL Player of the Year--Horizon League Network
WSU WBB Player Courtney Boyd Featured by NCAA--Horizon League Network

Jim Squire

Dwyane Wade returns to Miami Heat’s starting lineup, scores 24 after missing nine games--Miami Herald

Battier has gone from starter to playing in the second unit to now being replaced in the regular rotation by Rashard Lewis. The Heat’s second unit against the Hawks also included Norris Cole, Ray Allen and Chris Andersen. Toney Douglas also played in the second quarter as a defensive stopper against Hawks point guard Jeff Teague.

Winderman's view: Hawks 98, Heat 85--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Douglas entered after several shaky minutes from Norris Cole, who struggled against Teague.

-- Rashard Lewis retained his spot with the second unit.

-- That unit also featured Ray Allen, Cole, Chris Andersen and Lewis.

Postgame notes: Ray McCallum learns from playing the best--Sacramento Bee
Kings notes: Thomas wants to come back from injury before season ends--Sacramento Bee

The Kings have been impressed by rookie Ray McCallum’s play in place of Thomas, but they still would like to see Thomas back on the court.

Morning Five: 04.10.14 Edition--Rush The Court

Wisconsin-Milwaukee will not be repeating its surprise run to the NCAA Tournament next year. In fact, they won’t even be able to defend their Horizon League Tournament crown after receiving a one-year post-season ban for its low APR score. This clearly is not as high-profile as Connecticut’s one-year ban in 2013 and we don’t expect to see a player (sorry student-athlete) standing next to Rob Jeter talking about being banned, but it is a significant blow to the program. At this point, we have to place blame the program particularly when they have known about these APR guidelines for years.

Wisconsin-Milwaukee latest school hit with questionable APR postseason ban--SB Nation

Men’s Basketball: Bryce Drew could be a candidate for Tulsa job--The Post-Tribune

Released YSU players wanted to return--Youngstown Vindicator

Jim Squire

2014-15 Preview: Mid Majors, Part II--Basketball Predictions

Horizon League

Green Bay certainly felt like they had a case for an at-large bid this season. And considering the way that the Selection Committee thinks (rewarding tough non-conference schedules) they had to be in the mix. Instead, they somehow only got a 4 seed in the NIT, where they got rolled by a Belmont team that appeared much more motivated (Keifer Sykes being out was a factor as well). In all it wasn't a particularly successful postseason for the Horizon League. Milwaukee stole the Horizon League auto bid (including an overtime victory over Green Bay), but they could only get a 15 seed and were crushed by Villanova. Cleveland State, Valparaiso and Wright State all went to the CIT, where none got further than the second round.

Green Bay was powered by the inside-outside duo of Keifer Sykes and 7'1" Alec Brown. Brown is gone (with a real chance to be drafted by the NBA), but Horizon League Player of the Year Sykes should be back for one more season. Green Bay returns their top four minute earners after those two as well, led by the interior duo of 6'9" Greg Mays and 6'7" Jordan Fouse. One player to look for next season is 6'7" Kenneth Lowe, who was effective in limited minutes as a true freshman. They don't have any prominent transfers or recruits, though, so if Green Bay is going to get back near where they were this last season, several of their bench players will need to get significantly better.

Cleveland State finished the season strong, winning 10 of their final 11 regular season games before being stunned by Wright State in the Horizon League tournament. Their offense was awfully good, and their three-point shooting (40.2%) was third best in the nation. They only lose one regular from their rotation, Jon Harris. They return their best outside shooter (Bryan Forbes), their point guard (5'8" Charlie Lee) and their most important big man (Anton Grady). They will hope to have shooting guard Sebastian Douglas back fully healthy after he missed about half of the games in January, February and March, and who ended up having knee surgery after the season ended. They add 6'0" Andre Yates, who played sparingly as a freshman at Creighton in 2012-13. They will also get back 6'9" Aaron Scales, who didn't play much as a freshman and took a redshirt season in 2013-14 to improve his game. It's very likely that Cleveland State will be the media's preseason Horizon League favorite heading into next season.

The automatic bid, of course, was won by Milwaukee, but that run was pretty fluky. They lost four of their final five regular season games, so it's not like there was much evidence of improvement from a team that was actually 8th (out of 9) in the conference in efficiency margin. On top of that they lose two starters (their top two scorers, in fact) as well as a key bench piece. Their top returner is probably swing forward Austin Arians. Their top addition is probably transfer Akeem Springs, who averaged 7.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as a freshman at Northern Illinois in 2012-13. Wright State is a team hit even harder by graduation, losing five of their top six minute earners. Their only real proven returner is 5'9" point guard Reggie Arceneaux.

A team that might be down next season but has a nice core for the futre is Valparaiso. They lose four players from their ten man regular rotation, but four more were only freshmen. The two biggest losses are clearly leading-scorer Lavonte Dority and 7'0" defensive presence Moussa Gueye. Their top two rising-sophomore returners are point guard Lexus Williams and 6'8" Alec Peters, who scored 12.7 points per game with a 56.1 eFG% as a true freshman. The most important non-freshman returner is 6'10" Yashil Fernandez. Their most important addition is 6'7" E. Victor Nickerson, who averaged 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Charlotte in 2012-13. And if the success Bryce Drew had with a not-particularly-highly-rated 2013 recruiting class is a sign for the future, look for a couple of these 2014 recruits to be significant factors as well.

If there's a sleeper team to finish near the top of the Horizon League next season, I think it's Detroit. They only went 6-10 in conference play, but they only lose two players from their regular rotation. Those two losses (Evan Bruinsma and Ugochukwu Njoku) were their top two rebounders, so they are going to need some size. 6'8" Patrick Onwenu is the one proven returner. They add 6'11" Patrick Ackerman, who played sparingly in two seasons at Penn State, and also add a 2014 recruit in 6'6", 250 pound Jaleel Hogan. But while the front court is a bit of a question mark, they return everybody else, led by swing forward (and leading-scorer) Juwan Howard, Jr. Their top returner aside from Howard is probably shooting guard Jarod Williams, who was one steal behind Evan Bruinsma for the team lead in significantly fewer minutes. They need a point guard, but Detroit is in the mix for a few different high school and Juco recruits who could fill the void, so you have to expect that Ray McCallum will land somebody to fill that spot.

In the end, here's how I see the top half of the Horizon League playing out:

1. Cleveland State
2. Green Bay
3. Detroit
4. Valparaiso
5. Milwaukee

Ultra Early Mid-Major Rankings for the 2014-15 College Basketball Season--The Catch and Shoot

9. Cleveland State

Key losses: Jon Harris, Devon Long

Key returners: Bryn Forbes, Trey Lewis, Anton Grady, Charlie Lee, Sebastian Douglas, Marlin Mason

Key additions: None

Cleveland State finished the 2013-14 season on a tear before losing in the Horizon League Tournament. And now the Vikings return four starters from a team that won 21 games.

The Vikings won’t have the best guard in the conference because of Keifer Sykes at Green Bay, but overall they will have the best backcourt. Bryn Forbes led the team in scoring with 15.6 points per game and 81 3-pointers. Trey Lewis and Charlie Lee combined for 22.9 points and 7.5 assists per game, and both were also great 3-point shooters. Lewis shot 36.9% while Lee led the team, in terms of percentage, at 43.3% from deep.

Cleveland State will not have much depth in its frontcourt, but it has a great forward in Anton Grady and another solid one in Marlin Mason. Grady averaged 10.4 points and 6.8 rebounds last season while Mason posted 5.9 points per contest on 55.0% shooting and also grabbed 4.2 boards.
...
19. Green Bay

Key losses: Alec Brown, Vincent Garrett

Key returners: Keifer Sykes, Greg Mays, Carrington Love, Jordan Fouse, Kenneth Lowe, Lamin Fulton, Alfonzo McKinnie

Key additions: None

Green Bay may have some struggles with Alec Brown departing, but the Phoenix still return five of their top six players. That includes Horizon League Player of the Year Keifer Sykes.

Sykes will once again be the best player in the Horizon League, and he also has a very solid supporting cast. Carrington Love, who averaged 7.9 points and 2.5 assists, joins him in the backcourt while Greg Mays, Jordan Fouse and Kenneth Lowe will man the frontcourt.

Miami Heat takes a step back in the Eastern Conference standings with loss to Memphis Grizzlies--Miami Herald

A lean-in jumper from 20 feet by James gave the Heat a five-point lead with 20 seconds left in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies amazingly reeled off five points in the final second of the quarter to tie it. Following a layup by Gasol with one second remaining, Heat reserve point guard Norris Cole committed a turnover in the open court. Memphis guard Tony Allen inbounded the final possession to Courtney Lee, who somehow got off a running one-handed three-pointer before the buzzer. Officials initially ruled the shot came after the buzzer, but overturned the ruling after a video review. Lee finished with 18 points.

LeBron stopped at the rim as Nets stop Heat 88-87--South Florida Sun Sentinel

James started the fourth quarter on the bench, with Spoelstra going with the limited firepower of a lineup of Chris Andersen, Lewis, Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen and Norris Cole.

Winderman's view: Grizzlies 107, Heat 102--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- In the second quarter, Norris Cole alley-oops to LeBron about five feet short of the rim. LeBron ends it with a layup.

Heat come up short against Grizzlies; Pacers showdown next--South Florida Sun Sentinel

But off a Norris Cole turnover with seven-tenths of a second left in the third period, Courtney Lee converted a running 3-pointer to tie it 80-80 heading into the fourth, with James having played 31 of 36 minutes to that point.

ESPN's Outside the Lines: "First Cinderella"--Cleveland State Hoops
Waters Named Finalist for Ben Jobe Award--Cleveland State Hoops
Cleveland State Adds Detroit Guard Kenny Carpenter--Cleveland State Hoops

Kings notes: McCallum doesn’t mind playing heavy minutes--Sacramento Bee
Kings’ effort improves but execution lags--Sacramento Bee

The Kings had a chance to win but were unable to execute their final play as drawn up, and rookie Ray McCallum missed a 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds to play.
...
McCallum said he liked his final shot.

“I thought I got a good look,” he said. “It’s just a shot that I’ve got to make and knock it down.”

The Kings dropped to 3-32 when scoring fewer than 100 points.

“It’s an area that we’ve got to improve on, being able to close out games,” McCallum said. “… It’s just something for me to build on and learn from, learning how to close a game out. And as a team we’ve got to get some stops and execute down at the end.”

Said Malone: “We didn’t have great execution on that last play but great opportunity for Ray to try and make a play at the end. But it was a little bit short.”

Cousins finished with a game-high 30 points with 12 rebounds. McCallum had 23 points and eight assists.

Kings notes: Malone wants Williams on the attack--Sacramento Bee

Tough assignments – Kings rookie Ray McCallum is learning there are no easy nights playing point guard in the NBA.

In the final three games, the Kings play perhaps the NBA’s best point guard (Chris Paul of the Clippers), one of the league’s best passing guards (Ricky Rubio of the Timberwolves) and Phoenix’s dual attack of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe.

McCallum held his own against Portland All-Star Damian Lillard with 23 points, eight assists and no turnovers.

“I love the opportunity to play against the best,” McCallum said. “It’s going to be a huge challenge for myself, but I’m up to it. Go out there and compete and kind of see where I stack up and all the things in my game that I need to work on.”

Detroit Titans Men's Basketball Year-End Banquet Set for April 14--detroittitans.com
11 Titans Named to Horizon League Winter All-Academic Team--detroittitans.com

Shearer To Attend Pro Combine At 2014 Final Four--detroittitans.com
Women's Basketball Announces Team Shootout Date--detroittitans.com

Bader garners more national accolades--Oakland Post
Sporting blitz week of 4/9--Oakland Post

Men’s Basketball-

Senior Oakland University basketball star Travis Bader finished in second place in the Quicken Loans college 3-point competition Thursday. The event was held at SMU’s Moody Coliseum. Bader was only edged out by Brady Heslip of Baylor, who managed to outscore Bader 18-14 in the final round. Erik Kangas also finished second in this event in 2009 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Felder named to Kyle Macy Freshman All-American Team--Oakland Post
BADER FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT 3-POINT CHAMPIONSHIP--ougrizzlies.com
BADER AND PETROS NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-HORIZON LEAGUE--ougrizzlies.com

Watterworth reflects on illustrious women's basketball career--Oakland Post
POPKEY NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-HORIZON LEAGUE TEAM--ougrizzlies.com

Howard Moore in National Spotlight via His UW Recruit Frank Kaminsky--uicflames.com

Story and Hannemann Named to WBI All-Tournament Team--uicflames.com
Dates Announced for 2014 Regina Miller Basketball Camps--uicflames.com
UIC Has Strong Showing in Final NCAA Statistical Report--uicflames.com
WBI CHAMPIONS IN REVIEW: Rachel Story Highlights--uicflames.com

Ultra Early Mid-Major All-America Teams for the 2014-15 College Basketball Season--The Catch and Shoot

First Team
...
Keifer Sykes, Green Bay

Sykes, the reigning Horizon League Player of the Year, averaged 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists. He may be small at 5’11″, but he’s got some amazing hops.

Men's basketball: UWGB will play at Miami on Dec. 6--Green Bay Press Gazette

Six Phoenix Student-Athletes Earn Winter Academic All-League Honors--GreenBayPhoenix.com

APR sanctions result in postseason ban next season for Milwaukee--CollegeBasketballTalk
Wisconsin-Milwaukee banned from 2015 postseason due to APR--Eye On College Basketball
Milwaukee Loses Appeal, Will Be Banned From Postseason Due to Low APR Score--Mid-Major Madness
Milwaukee banned from 2014-15 postseason play--The Catch and Shoot
UWM men's basketball banned from postseason play--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
UWM men's basketball program banned from postseason play--On Milwaukee
UWM Men’s Basketball Banned from 2014-2015 Postseason (Updated 4/10/13 4:30 PM)--UWM Post
Panthers banned from basketball postseason--PantherU
Appeal Of Milwaukee Men's Basketball Postseason Ban Denied--uwmpanthers.com

Women's Basketball Golf Outing Set For June 23--uwmpanthers.com

Milwaukee banned, Drew bouncing?--The NWI Times

Former Raider Receives Presidential Early Career Award--wsuraiders.com
Eight Student-Athletes Named Winter HL All-Academic--wsuraiders.com

Ryan Weber to transfer from Youngstown State--CollegeBasketballTalk
Ryan Weber will transfer from Youngstown State--The Catch and Shoot

2013-14 YSU Women’s Basketball Season Highlights--ysusports.com

Milwaukee to Miss 2015 Men's Basketball Postseason--Horizon League Network

Jim Squire

Mid-Major Transfers List: March 31 Edition--Mid-Major Madness

2014 Outgoing Transfers:
...
Ismaila Dauda, 6'10, JR, Cleveland State
...
Ryan Bass, 5'9, SR, Oakland
...
Joey Miller, 6'3, JR, UIC
...
Incoming Transfers (From Power Conferences)
...
Chris Jenkins, 6'7, FR, Colorado -- DETROIT

Cinderella Watch: Mid-Major Teams to Watch in 2014-15--Mid-Major Madness

Cleveland State Vikings: Cleveland State finished the regular season on a 10-1 run before getting bounced from the Horizon League Tournament courtesy of Wright State. Gary Waters probably can't wait for next year after the Vikings CIT appearance, as Anton Grady, Trey Lewis and Bryn Forbes all have two years left in the green and gold.

Recap: Indiana vs. Miami--Miami Herald

James, Rashard Lewis and Norris Cole each hit from long range during a quarter-ending 15-4 run that gave Miami a 68-63 advantage.

Indiana Pacers rally late to edge Miami Heat--Miami Herald

The Heat gave itself life with three seconds remaining when Bosh made a three-pointer. Following a timeout and a quick foul by Norris Cole with 2.3 seconds left, Pacers point guard George Hill missed two free throws to give the Heat one last chance, but Bosh’s attempt never reached the rim.
...
Wade left the game with 1:59 to play and his team leading 80-79. The Heat’s starting shooting guard grabbed at his left hamstring away from the ball and quickly motioned at the Heat’s bench for a substitution. Cole finished the game in place of Wade.

ASK IRA: Is Norris Cole's regression a concern? --Miami Herald
Winderman's view: Heat 93, Raptors 83--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Spoelstra this time closed with Toney Douglas and Mario Chalmers, instead of Chalmers and Norris Cole.

Cleveland State looks to be the Horizon League favorite for 2015--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Waters Named Finalist for Ben Jobe Award--csuvikings.com

Kings’ McCallum making his point while Thomas heals--Sacramento Bee

Memories Shared At The 2014 Detroit Women's Basketball Banquet--detroittitans.com

Oakland's Travis Bader named to mid-major All-America team--The Detroit News
Thursday's NCAA notebook: Oakland guard Bader will be in 3-point event--The Detroit News
Sporting blitz week of 4/02--Oakland Post

Men’s Basketball-

Travis Bader was named to the Lou Henson mid-major All-American team for the second straight season. Bader is also eligible for the mid-major player of the year. Two other Horizon players were named to the list, Green Bay’s Alec Brown and Kiefer Sykes.

Bader was also named to the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athlete Team for the third straight year. Bader earned his undergraduate degree in communications and will graduate with a master's degree this May. Bader currently boasts a 3.51 grade point average in the communications graduate program.

BADER SELECTED FOR STATE FARM 3-POINT CHAMPIONSHIP--ougrizzlies.com
BADER NAMED MID-MAJOR ALL-AMERICAN--ougrizzlies.com
BADER NAMED DIVISION I-AAA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE--ougrizzlies.com
FELDER NAMED FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN--ougrizzlies.com

Assistant coaches announce departure--Oakland Post
Tungate confirms departure of assistant coaches--Oakland Post

Flames advance to tournament semifinals--UIC News
Flames win semifinals, head to tourney championship--UIC News
Flames capture women’s basketball title--UIC News
Flames Defeat Eastern Michigan, Advance to WBI Semifinals--uicflames.com
Flames Dominate Fairfield, Advance to WBI Championship--uicflames.com
UIC WINS 2014 WBI CHAMPIONSHIP--uicflames.com

Sykes nets rare honor with All-America team recognition--Green Bay Press Gazette
Season ends for Sykes-less Phoenix--UWGB Fourth Estate
Season ends for Phoenix men--UWGB Fourth Estate
Wardle Among Finalists for Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Brown, Sykes Named to 2014 Lou Henson All-American Team--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay's Wardle Named NABC District 12 Coach of the Year--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Sykes Named Third AP Honorable Mention All-American--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Green Bay's Brown Named Finalist for Lefty Driesell Award--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Brian Wardle Named 2014 Skip Prosser Man of the Year--GreenBayPhoenix.com

'Untapped potential,' state performances have UWGB excited about Lindstrom--Green Bay Press Gazette
Young UWGB women's squad ready to take next step--Green Bay Press Gazette
Women's basketball: Barnett, Thomas leave UWGB program--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay falls in conference tournament, drops NIT opener--UWGB Fourth Estate
Women's Basketball to Play at 2014 Gulf Coast Showcase--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Old dog, new trick: Begel supports UWM athletics--On Milwaukee
Loyalty Should Be Rewarded--UWM Post
UW (Um, What?): Panther Pride (Kind Of… Not Really)--UWM Post
Remember the magic--PantherU
Shuffling off to Buffalo--PantherU
Time for us to embrace Rob Jeter--PantherU
Matt Tiby goes on epic fan rant @UWM @MKEPanthers @MKE_MBB #UWM #mkebb @UWMShoutouts--PantherU
A Week To Remember: The Panthers In The NCAA Tournament--uwmpanthers.com
Annual Senior Salute Set For April 24; Ticket Renewal Info--uwmpanthers.com

Crusaders looking forward as workouts begin--The NWI Times
Joseph, Walker Conclude Stellar Season for Vanier--valpoathletics.com
Crusader Men’s Basketball to Hold Summer Camps--valpoathletics.com
Ron Howard Sets NBA D-League Career Scoring Record--valpoathletics.com

Women's Basketball to Host Trio of Summer Camps--valpoathletics.com

Men’s Basketball: Donlon’s alma mater looking for head coach--The Guardian
Vest Named HL Male Scholar-Athlete of the Month--wsuraiders.com

Women’s Basketball: James turning to professional ranks--The Guardian

Report: YSU grants Weber his release--Youngstown Vindicator
Kendrick Perry’s Historic Season and Career Highlight Exciting Men’s Basketball Season--ysusports.com
Kendrick Perry Selected to 2014 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament--ysusports.com

Hornberger Named 2013-14 Coach Ed DiGregorio MVP at Women’s Basketball Banquet--ysusports.com

Jim Squire

Winderman's view: Heat 91, Grizzlies 86--South Florida Sun Sentinel

-- Birdman added a needed spark in the third period after the Heat went down 12.

-- As did the dual-point backcourt of Chalmers and Norris Cole.

Heat can't discount draft--South Florida Sun Sentinel

Since Dwyane Wade came aboard with the No. 5 pick in 2003, it can be argued that the Heat's best draft pick was a player they dealt away on draft night (Marcus Thornton) and arguably their best draft-night acquisition (Patrick Beverley) was a player who never wore the team's uniform during the regular season (although perhaps that designation should go to two-time-champion Norris Cole).

Cleveland State's last shot fails, and the Vikings fall, 64-62, to Ohio University--Cleveland Plain Dealer
ESPN Outside the Lines show 'The first Cinderella' looks at ex-Cleveland State coach Kevin Mackey--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Eight up-transfers who will impact the NCAA tournament--CollegeBasketballTalk

Jason Calliste and Joseph Young, Oregon-via-Detroit and Houston

Joseph Young is a scorer, and that was evident from the first moments he took the court for the Ducks, but the ultimate surprise of all these up-transfers is Calliste. The ex-Detroit guard was a good shooter in the Horizon League, but Calliste’s accuracy has completely transformed in Euegene. He is leading the nation in true shooting percentage, and several of his offensive statistics rank within the top percentile for KenPom.com. While occupying a similar percentage of shots attempted as he did in Detroit, Calliste is converting more than 50 percent of his threes.

Is No. 7 Oregon heading for another surprise NCAA Tournament run?--CollegeBasketballTalk

With reserves like Cook stepping up for Moser and solid guard play from Joseph Young, Jason Calliste, Johnathan Loyd and Dominic Artis, the Ducks are confident heading into Saturday’s game against Wisconsin.

Cook schools Cougs--The Register-Guard

Cook also regained the nickname his teammates gave him earlier this season.

“He’s our X factor,” senior guard Jason Calliste said. “He’s why we won this game.”
...
Calliste and Amardi are just the latest in a line of Ducks who have raved about Cook’s athleticism and potential, and he showed off both of those qualities against the Cougars. What the Ducks see in practice was on display for the nation.
...
Joseph Young added 19 points as the Ducks (24-9) shot 50 percent from the field despite making just 2-of-13 three-pointers. Cook helped Oregon get a season-high 49 points from its bench, and Calliste added 14 points. Amardi had five points and eight rebounds.
...
BYU (23-12), a No. 10 seed, led only when Tyler Haws opened the game with a jumper before the Ducks ran off the next six points. They built their lead to 39-24 on two free throws by Calliste with 3:07 left in the first half before the Cougars scored the final seven points of the half to get within 39-31 at the break.
...
“We knew they’d go on a run, that is a good offensive team,” Calliste said. “We had to weather the storm, stick to our principles. We tightened up a bit on defense.”
...
Oregon followed with a 22-6 run starting with Cook’s three-point play which marked the first of eight straight possessions when the Ducks scored. Calliste made two free throws and a three-pointer to give Oregon a 78-59 lead with 6:38 left in the game.

Oregon, Wisconsin present intriguing contrast in styles--The Register-Guard

Jason Calliste and Mike Moser both had NCAA Tournament experience but had not been part of a tournament victory before arriving at Oregon.

Calliste’s sophomore year at Detroit ended with a 65-50 loss to second-seeded Kansas in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Calliste was 1-for-6 from the field, missed all four three-point attempts and scored three points in the loss.

Two years later, Calliste had 14 points and four assists to help Oregon defeat BYU 87-68 on Thursday afternoon at the Bradley Center.

“I wanted to get that bad taste out of my mouth,” Calliste said. “I finally did it.”
...
“Me and Jason kept saying to each other throughout this game, ‘We need this one’,” Moser said. “It makes it easy to forget the losses we had. It is desperation at its finest.”

Calliste and Moser were motivated by not wanting their college careers to end without a win in March Madness.

“I would never get another chance at it,” Calliste said. “It’s satisfying, but I am not satisfied so on to the next one.”

Former Detroit Mercy player Jason Calliste made right call at Oregon--The Detroit Free Press

Pat Birt Featured in RedEye's March Madness Edition--uicflames.com

Flames face No. 1 EMU in tourney semifinals Monday--UIC News
Flames Play in WBI Quarterfinals at No. 1 Eastern Michigan--uicflames.com

Video: Top 5 Dunks 2013-2014--Phear The Phoenix
Green Bay's Memorable 2013-14 Season in the Books--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Peaks and Valleys--The Mid-Majority

There were four games at the First Niagara Center, and I needed Dayton, Western Michigan, Saint Joseph’s, or Milwaukee to win one of them because my very existence depended on it. Because if all four failed - and all four would enter as underdogs - there would be no TMM games here for the second day, Saturday. And although I’ve eaten plenty of complimentary food over the course of the season, I’m no freeloader. If we didn’t have a dog or a hawk or a bronco in the hunt, I wasn’t hanging around.
...
Anyway, from my selfish perspective, things were still ascending, Dayton would play Syracuse, and if Saint Joseph’s or Milwaukee could win, I would still have two games to watch.
...
Milwaukee led for much of the first half in the finale, and with some better shooting could have given Villanova a run, but it ended up like most 2 vs 15 NCAA games finish, 73-53 for the higher seed.

NCAA Game Analysis: Second Round, Thursday Evening--Rush The Court

#2 Villanova vs. #15 Milwaukee – East Region Second Round (at Buffalo, NY) – 9:25 PM ET on TBS

These two teams enter the NCAA tournament on considerably different notes. Second seeded Villanova blew its chance for a one seed by losing to Seton Hall in the Big East quarterfinals while Milwaukee salvaged a 7-9 regular season with four consecutive wins in the Horizon League tournament. In fact, three of the Panthers’ wins in that event came away from home with two being true road games. It was a special March run for a team that otherwise would have been an afterthought. If Villanova is to right the ship and get back to playing good team basketball as it has for most of the year, the Wildcats have to do a better job on the perimeter. Villanova’s Achilles heel all year long has been three point defense, significantly exposed in all four of its losses to aforementioned Seton Hall (42 percent), Creighton (60 percent in each of two losses) and Syracuse (54 percent). While Milwaukee is not a great three point shooting team, Rob Jeter’s squad attempts just over 21 threes per game. If they get hot, the Wildcats could have a tougher game than they might expect. Jordan Aaron was phenomenal in the Horizon tournament and is fully capable of putting the Panthers on his back. Austin Arians is also another deep threat for Milwaukee. The bad news for the Panthers is getting hot from three is probably their only chance of pulling this one off. Milwaukee is not very efficient on either end of the floor and it would take its best game, combined with a sloppy game from the Wildcats, in order for Jeter’s team to win. While Milwaukee is a respectable opponent, Villanova has been too good all year long to slip up here.

The RTC Certified Pick: Villanova.

Rushed Reactions: #2 Villanova 73, #15 Milwaukee 53--Rush The Court
NCAA Tournament Tidbits: 03.21.14 Edition--Rush The Court

East Region
...
Villanova started slow, but UW-Milwaukee proved to be no problem for the Wildcats behind Darrun Hilliard’s 16 points.

No. 2 Villanova overcomes off-night to beat No. 15 Milwaukee--CollegeBasketballTalk
Late Night Snacks: Tournament-record four overtime games on Thursday--CollegeBasketballTalk

NOTABLES
...
East Region No. 2 Villanova didn’t get off to the best of starts against No. 15 Milwaukee, but the Wildcats woke up in the second half to beat the Panthers 73-53 in Buffalo. The Wildcats will face former Big East foe UConn Saturday.

Day 3 Open Thread + Picking The Lines--Basketball Predictions

Villanova (-16.5) over Milwaukee: Milwaukee is a "happy to be here" team. They were 7-9 in Horizon League play and below the conference average in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The only way they cover this spread is if Villanova, as a team that relies heavily on threes, goes ice cold.

Crazy Thursday in NCAA tourney, and it's just the beginning--Eye On College Basketball

19: That's the number of 3-pointers Villanova missed in its 73-53 win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Wildcats were 0 for 11 from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes and finished 4 of 23. Still, they cruised -- mostly because they were 24 of 39 on 2-pointers.

Game Preview: (2) Villanova vs. (15) Milwaukee--Big East Coast Bias
2014 NCAA Tournament results and bracket: Final score for Milwaukee vs. Villanova 73-53--VU Hoops
Final Score: (2) Villanova 73, (15) Milwaukee 53--Big East Coast Bias
Game blog: Villanova 73, UWM 53--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers' dream fades in second half--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
An awful night for UWM's Jordan Aaron--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Panthers game report: Thursday at a glance--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
An Unbelievable Experience: Panthers Fall in NCAA Tournament--UWM Post
UWM Seniors Lead Their Team to the Big Dance--UWM Post
Behind Enemy Lines: VUHoops.com Q&A--PantherU
Milwaukee faces Villanova in NCAA Tournament--PantherU
Milwaukee’s season comes to an end--PantherU
No. 15-Seeded Milwaukee Pounded by No. 2-Seeded Villanova 73-53 in NCAA Tournament--UWM Update
Milwaukee bows out to Villanova 73-53 in NCAA tourney--uwmpanthers.com
Panthers' Run Comes To A Close In Loss To Villanova--uwmpanthers.com

2014 CollegeInsider.com Tournament: Ohio vs. Wright State Preview, TV Listings, Streaming, Odds & More--Hustle Belt
2014 CollegeInsider.com Tournament Ohio vs. Wright State Recap: Bobcats 56, Raiders 54--Hustle Belt
Raiders hope to continue roll at OU--Dayton Daily News
Men Fall Short at Ohio--wsuraiders.com

Notre Dame Region Recaps: Top seeds perform and Cowgirls survive OT--Swish Appeal

#3 Kentucky Wildcats 106, #14 Wright State Raiders 60

MVP: DeNesha Stallworth was just a dominating force in the post today. She finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and blocked five shots as the Wildcats led 51-25 at halftime and continued to pour it on in the second half to show why they are a 3-seed.

Bench was big... 56 points from the reserves for the Wildcats and that could prove to be a really big confidence boost going forward in the tournament. If you can get that production from any bench, you're going to win a lot of games. Jennifer O'Neill scored 21 off the bench for Kentucky.

It was over win... After Wright State tried to climb back into the game, cut it to 34-22. The Wildcats would close the first half on a 17-3 run and never look back, pushing the lead doubling the point production of the Raiders.

WSU’s Elkins smiles through the pain--Dayton Daily News
WSU women say no reason to be nervous--Dayton Daily News
Dream season ends for WSU--Dayton Daily News
Women’s Basketball: Wildcats’ size, depth proves too strong for Raiders--The Guardian
Women’s Basketball Notebook: James among three seniors who play for final time--The Guardian
Women Fall to #10/11 Kentucky in NCAA First Round--wsuraiders.com

Panthers' Run Ends in NCAA Tournament--Horizon League Network
Wright State's Season Ends at Ohio--Horizon League Network

Wright State Ready for NCAA Tournament Debut--Horizon League Network
Raiders Fall to Kentucky in NCAA First Round Game--Horizon League Network

On The Horizon

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

News On The Horizon 4/30/2014

Saturday, April 26, 2014

News On The Horizon 4/26/2013

Sunday, April 13, 2014

News On The Horizon 4/13/2014

Saturday, April 12, 2014

News On The Horizon 4/12/2014

Sunday, April 6, 2014

News On The Horizon 4/6/2014

Sunday, March 23, 2014

News On The Horizon 3/23/2014

About Me