March 2008 Entries
A rare sight greeted us as we entered Monday's Notre Dame practice at the Loftus Center: Green jerseys. Well, two of them, anyway, for injured walk-on receiver Kris Patterson and injured defensive lineman John Ryan. Neither was a surprise: It was announced last week that both guys would be limited this spring.A couple unfortunate absences today: linebacker Kallen Wade, whose mother died; and offensive lineman Chris Stewart, who accompanied Wade back to Cincinnati to join his family. Both are expected back on campus tomorrow and could practice Wednesday. The preliminary plans are for coach Charlie Weis to fly to Cincinnati...
A rare sight greeted us as we entered Monday's Notre Dame practice at the Loftus Center: Green jerseys. Well, two of them, anyway, for injured walk-on receiver Kris Patterson and injured defensive lineman John Ryan. Neither was a surprise: It was announced last week that both guys would be limited this spring.A couple unfortunate absences today: linebacker Kallen Wade, whose mother died; and offensive lineman Chris Stewart, who accompanied Wade back to Cincinnati to join his family. Both are expected back on campus tomorrow and could practice Wednesday. The preliminary plans are for coach Charlie Weis to fly to Cincinnati...
Notre Dame senior forward Rob Kurz is heading to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, the nation's oldest amateur basketball tournament and the top stop for NBA scouts before the pre-draft camp in Orlando.The tourney runs from April 9-12 in Portsmouth, Va.Here's a look at the players who have been selected so far. More will be added before the tourney.
Notre Dame senior forward Rob Kurz is heading to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, the nation's oldest amateur basketball tournament and the top stop for NBA scouts before the pre-draft camp in Orlando.The tourney runs from April 9-12 in Portsmouth, Va.Here's a look at the players who have been selected so far. More will be added before the tourney.
As practice began Friday at the Loftus Center, I noticed Irish coach Charlie Weis razzing someone standing on the track about his haircut. It took me about a minute to realize that the guy getting teased was Irish defensive lineman Pat Kuntz — I didn't recognize him without his mohawk. Anyway, both Kuntz and suspended tight end Will Yeatman were at practice today (Yeatman was here Wednesday, too), so clearly both those guys are eyeing a return in the fall.As I said I would on Wednesday, I concentrated on defense Friday afternoon. The 'D' started by setting up garbage cans...
As practice began Friday at the Loftus Center, I noticed Irish coach Charlie Weis razzing someone standing on the track about his haircut. It took me about a minute to realize that the guy getting teased was Irish defensive lineman Pat Kuntz — I didn't recognize him without his mohawk. Anyway, both Kuntz and suspended tight end Will Yeatman were at practice today (Yeatman was here Wednesday, too), so clearly both those guys are eyeing a return in the fall.As I said I would on Wednesday, I concentrated on defense Friday afternoon. The 'D' started by setting up garbage cans...
Hey, football's back! And so is the wildly popular (OK, a couple people e-mailed and said they kinda liked it) feature "20 Minutes," where I stand around at Notre Dame football practice during the media-allotted time period and write things down.Let's get right to the first day of spring ball:Cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Gary Gray started practice by leaping up and hitting each other in the air like Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson do before basketball games. Maybe Walls and Gray saw that hoops coach Mike Brey came over to watch practice today. Brey seemed to be enjoying himself, but...
Hey, football's back! And so is the wildly popular (OK, a couple people e-mailed and said they kinda liked it) feature "20 Minutes," where I stand around at Notre Dame football practice during the media-allotted time period and write things down.Let's get right to the first day of spring ball:Cornerbacks Darrin Walls and Gary Gray started practice by leaping up and hitting each other in the air like Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson do before basketball games. Maybe Walls and Gray saw that hoops coach Mike Brey came over to watch practice today. Brey seemed to be enjoying himself, but...
Have at it ...NOTRE DAME FOOTBALLSPRING DEPTH CHARTOFFENSE'X' WR18 ˜ Duval Kamara, 6-5, 225, So.19 ˜ George West, 5-10, 200, Jr.1 ˜ D.J. Hord, 6-1, 197, Sr.80 ˜ Richard Jackson, 6-3, 205, Jr.LT72 ˜ Paul Duncan, 6-7, 308, Sr.70 ˜ Matt Romine, 6-5, 290, So.LG77 ˜ Mike Turkovich, 6-6, 301, Sr. OR55 ˜ Eric Olsen, 6-4, 303, Jr.78 ˜ Trevor Robinson, 6-5, 306, Fr.C51 ˜ Dan Wenger, 6-4, 300, Jr.67 ˜ Thomas Bemenderfer, 6-5, 300, Sr.RG55 ˜ Eric Olsen, 6-4, 303, Jr. OR59 ˜ Chris Stewart, 6-5, 340, Jr.76 ˜ Andrew Nuss, 6-5, 303, So.RT74 ˜ Sam Young, 6-8, 330,...
Have at it ...NOTRE DAME FOOTBALLSPRING DEPTH CHARTOFFENSE'X' WR18 ˜ Duval Kamara, 6-5, 225, So.19 ˜ George West, 5-10, 200, Jr.1 ˜ D.J. Hord, 6-1, 197, Sr.80 ˜ Richard Jackson, 6-3, 205, Jr.LT72 ˜ Paul Duncan, 6-7, 308, Sr.70 ˜ Matt Romine, 6-5, 290, So.LG77 ˜ Mike Turkovich, 6-6, 301, Sr. OR55 ˜ Eric Olsen, 6-4, 303, Jr.78 ˜ Trevor Robinson, 6-5, 306, Fr.C51 ˜ Dan Wenger, 6-4, 300, Jr.67 ˜ Thomas Bemenderfer, 6-5, 300, Sr.RG55 ˜ Eric Olsen, 6-4, 303, Jr. OR59 ˜ Chris Stewart, 6-5, 340, Jr.76 ˜ Andrew Nuss, 6-5, 303, So.RT74 ˜ Sam Young, 6-8, 330,...
About 50 minutes from tipoff here at the Pepsi Center. Here are today's starting lineups:Washington StateF — Robbie CowgillF — Kyle WeaverC — Aron BaynesG — Derrick LowG — Taylor RochestieNotre DameF — Zach HilleslandF — Rob KurzC — Luke HarangodyG — Tory JacksonG — Kyle McAlarneyAnd your officials: Mark Whitehead, Ted Valentine and John Hughes.
About 50 minutes from tipoff here at the Pepsi Center. Here are today's starting lineups:Washington StateF — Robbie CowgillF — Kyle WeaverC — Aron BaynesG — Derrick LowG — Taylor RochestieNotre DameF — Zach HilleslandF — Rob KurzC — Luke HarangodyG — Tory JacksonG — Kyle McAlarneyAnd your officials: Mark Whitehead, Ted Valentine and John Hughes.
The nice folks at the hotel ask that you exchange your goldfish if you're going to be there for three days or more, so yesterday I got a new roommate.It was hard to say good-bye to Luke Harangoldy, but I was happy to welcome my new fish friend: Zach Gillesland.And since I'm running out of fish puns, I'm glad I'm heading home tomorrow.
The nice folks at the hotel ask that you exchange your goldfish if you're going to be there for three days or more, so yesterday I got a new roommate.It was hard to say good-bye to Luke Harangoldy, but I was happy to welcome my new fish friend: Zach Gillesland.And since I'm running out of fish puns, I'm glad I'm heading home tomorrow.
I picked Notre Dame in this game when I filled out my bracket and I'm sticking with the Irish today, but Washington State was extremely impressive in the second half of their game against Winthrop Thursday night, especially with their team game. The Cougars won't wow you with athletic ability, but every one of their players seems to have bought into coach Tony Bennett's system and they run it extremely efficiently.I think today's game is going to depend on which team can be smarter, more patient and more poised. One team is going to establish the tempo right out of...
I picked Notre Dame in this game when I filled out my bracket and I'm sticking with the Irish today, but Washington State was extremely impressive in the second half of their game against Winthrop Thursday night, especially with their team game. The Cougars won't wow you with athletic ability, but every one of their players seems to have bought into coach Tony Bennett's system and they run it extremely efficiently.I think today's game is going to depend on which team can be smarter, more patient and more poised. One team is going to establish the tempo right out of...
Notre Dame's storied football history reflects on everything that goes on at the university, even men's basketball. When Washington State coach Tony Bennett was asked what he thought of when he heard the words "Notre Dame," the first name he mentioned was former Irish football coach Lou Holtz."I think Washington State, they almost had them beat in that football game four or five years ago, when we had a chance," Bennett said, referring to Notre Dame's comeback win in 2003. "That comes to mind."Bennett said he also things of "a lot of great basketball.""Bill Hanzlik was my assistant coach when...
Notre Dame's storied football history reflects on everything that goes on at the university, even men's basketball. When Washington State coach Tony Bennett was asked what he thought of when he heard the words "Notre Dame," the first name he mentioned was former Irish football coach Lou Holtz."I think Washington State, they almost had them beat in that football game four or five years ago, when we had a chance," Bennett said, referring to Notre Dame's comeback win in 2003. "That comes to mind."Bennett said he also things of "a lot of great basketball.""Bill Hanzlik was my assistant coach when...
Washington State guard Derrick Low, a native of Honolulu, committed to WSU without even visiting the campus because, coach Tony Bennett said, he wanted to play as a freshman in a major conference and be part of the Cougars' turnaround.Bennett told Low he would let him out of his commitment if he arrived on campus and hated it."We took him to the finest beaches in Pullman, so everything was OK," Bennett said.
Washington State guard Derrick Low, a native of Honolulu, committed to WSU without even visiting the campus because, coach Tony Bennett said, he wanted to play as a freshman in a major conference and be part of the Cougars' turnaround.Bennett told Low he would let him out of his commitment if he arrived on campus and hated it."We took him to the finest beaches in Pullman, so everything was OK," Bennett said.
Here's something you don't see every day — make that ever — a college athlete giving up his scholarship. But that's just what Washington State junior guard Taylor Rochestie did before the season.Said Rochestie today: "I think I've been blessed my whole life, just given so many opportunities that maybe I'm undeserving of. Just to be part of this program, be part of this team, be given a chance from Tony Bennett, when I was down, hurt, looking for a school, I feel like he gave me something that maybe I was undeserving of, like I said."To be able...
Here's something you don't see every day — make that ever — a college athlete giving up his scholarship. But that's just what Washington State junior guard Taylor Rochestie did before the season.Said Rochestie today: "I think I've been blessed my whole life, just given so many opportunities that maybe I'm undeserving of. Just to be part of this program, be part of this team, be given a chance from Tony Bennett, when I was down, hurt, looking for a school, I feel like he gave me something that maybe I was undeserving of, like I said."To be able...
Notre Dame's players told of a couple pranks they've played during today's media session. Here's Kyle McAlarney telling of one he and Luke Harangody pulled on freshman Tim Abromaitis involving some scary masks:"Knocked on his window, stood outside his window with the masks on," McAlarney said."He got a little scared," Harangody said. "That was it."And then there's this one:"At one team meal, we crushed up laxatives and put in our walk-on Tim Andree's drink," McAlarney said.So I guess that makes Andree the team's X(-Lax) Factor.
Notre Dame's players told of a couple pranks they've played during today's media session. Here's Kyle McAlarney telling of one he and Luke Harangody pulled on freshman Tim Abromaitis involving some scary masks:"Knocked on his window, stood outside his window with the masks on," McAlarney said."He got a little scared," Harangody said. "That was it."And then there's this one:"At one team meal, we crushed up laxatives and put in our walk-on Tim Andree's drink," McAlarney said.So I guess that makes Andree the team's X(-Lax) Factor.
Notre Dame busted out new long-sleeve shirts today with the slogan "ND believes in we" on the front and "March is a brotherhood" on the back."If we get the whole outfit for winning games, I'll keep winning, if that's what it's going to be," said Irish forward Luke Zeller. "I've got no problem with that."This is sort of the reverse of the situation in the movie "Major League" — the more you win, the more clothes get put on.Meanwhile, over in the Washington State locker room, some of the Cougars were wearing T-shirts they received before the tourney with the...
Notre Dame busted out new long-sleeve shirts today with the slogan "ND believes in we" on the front and "March is a brotherhood" on the back."If we get the whole outfit for winning games, I'll keep winning, if that's what it's going to be," said Irish forward Luke Zeller. "I've got no problem with that."This is sort of the reverse of the situation in the movie "Major League" — the more you win, the more clothes get put on.Meanwhile, over in the Washington State locker room, some of the Cougars were wearing T-shirts they received before the tourney with the...
We were in the Notre Dame locker room during interviews when the San Diego-Connecticut game ended, and the funny thing was there was one television in the part of the room where the players (and media) were and another in another part of it. The feed of the second TV was a couple seconds ahead for some reason, so there was an "Oh!" when San Diego hit the winning shot that was echoed in the part of the locker room where we were a few moments later. So we knew the Toreros had hit a big shot before we saw...
We were in the Notre Dame locker room during interviews when the San Diego-Connecticut game ended, and the funny thing was there was one television in the part of the room where the players (and media) were and another in another part of it. The feed of the second TV was a couple seconds ahead for some reason, so there was an "Oh!" when San Diego hit the winning shot that was echoed in the part of the locker room where we were a few moments later. So we knew the Toreros had hit a big shot before we saw...
There are at least a few Purdue Boilermakers fans in Denver, we found out today. Well, sort of. "I think we look out for them," Michigan State's Raymar Morgan said of their Big Ten counterparts during today's press conference. "I don't know so much about rooting for them. But there's always support there. We're happy for them in that they're winning. But we're worried about ourselves."I do know of at least one person in the Mile High City who will be pulling for Xavier tomorrow, but I'm not going to identify him.
There are at least a few Purdue Boilermakers fans in Denver, we found out today. Well, sort of. "I think we look out for them," Michigan State's Raymar Morgan said of their Big Ten counterparts during today's press conference. "I don't know so much about rooting for them. But there's always support there. We're happy for them in that they're winning. But we're worried about ourselves."I do know of at least one person in the Mile High City who will be pulling for Xavier tomorrow, but I'm not going to identify him.
Rob Kurz only made two baskets last night, but those six points were enough to make him the 48th player in Notre Dame basketball history to score over 1,000 points in his career. He now has 1,005 points.Luke Harangody has 1,021 and beat Kurz to 1,000 by one game.The 49th 1,000-point man could be Kyle McAlarney sometime next season. McAlarney has 801 points through last night's game.
Rob Kurz only made two baskets last night, but those six points were enough to make him the 48th player in Notre Dame basketball history to score over 1,000 points in his career. He now has 1,005 points.Luke Harangody has 1,021 and beat Kurz to 1,000 by one game.The 49th 1,000-point man could be Kyle McAlarney sometime next season. McAlarney has 801 points through last night's game.
So I'm having lunch at the Paramount Cafe, sitting at the bar and eating an elk burger with cheese and french-fried onions (the best meal of the trip so far, edging the chicken-fried steak at the Rocky Mountain Diner), when Western Kentucky's Ty Rogers sinks that 3-pointer from the right wing at the buzzer to beat Drake.And the place EXPLODES.It wasn't as though the Paramount was filled with Hilltopper fans, of course. People just love to see a kid step up and hit a game-winning shot, and Rogers obliged.I'm back at the Pepsi Center for today's second-round press...
So I'm having lunch at the Paramount Cafe, sitting at the bar and eating an elk burger with cheese and french-fried onions (the best meal of the trip so far, edging the chicken-fried steak at the Rocky Mountain Diner), when Western Kentucky's Ty Rogers sinks that 3-pointer from the right wing at the buzzer to beat Drake.And the place EXPLODES.It wasn't as though the Paramount was filled with Hilltopper fans, of course. People just love to see a kid step up and hit a game-winning shot, and Rogers obliged.I'm back at the Pepsi Center for today's second-round press...
With Notre Dame seemingly on its way to a win here over George Mason (it's 63-46 with 2:41 to go), the NCAA has announced the game times for Saturday.The Irish will play Washington State at 4:40 p.m. local time (6:40 Eastern), followed by Pittsburgh and Michigan State.I don't know how you feel about it, but that announcement made my night.
With Notre Dame seemingly on its way to a win here over George Mason (it's 63-46 with 2:41 to go), the NCAA has announced the game times for Saturday.The Irish will play Washington State at 4:40 p.m. local time (6:40 Eastern), followed by Pittsburgh and Michigan State.I don't know how you feel about it, but that announcement made my night.
If Notre Dame wins tonight and advances to the second round, they'll be playing a tremendous defensive team. Wazzou held Winthrop to 17 percent shooting in the second half and outscored the Eagles 42-11 to win 71-40 and advance.By the way, that groan you just heard was the folks in the media room watching Belmont's last-second shot fall short against Duke. Not that we had anything against the Blue Devils — well some people might have — but we really appreciate a good story and that would have been a tremendous one.It looks as if we're going to get under...
If Notre Dame wins tonight and advances to the second round, they'll be playing a tremendous defensive team. Wazzou held Winthrop to 17 percent shooting in the second half and outscored the Eagles 42-11 to win 71-40 and advance.By the way, that groan you just heard was the folks in the media room watching Belmont's last-second shot fall short against Duke. Not that we had anything against the Blue Devils — well some people might have — but we really appreciate a good story and that would have been a tremendous one.It looks as if we're going to get under...
Notre Dame's baseball team set a school record for runs today in a 25-1 Big East Conference win over Georgetown in Bethesda, Md. It's the most runs scored in a game in the 116-year history of Irish baseball.Notre Dame had 28 hits and hit .519 as a team in the game. All nine starters got a hit by the fourth inning and 13 Irish players had hits in all. Among them were Evan Sharpley, who went 3-for-5 with six RBI, and Golden Tate, who had two hits off the bench.Notre Dame is 8-7 overall and 1-0 in the Big East...
Notre Dame's baseball team set a school record for runs today in a 25-1 Big East Conference win over Georgetown in Bethesda, Md. It's the most runs scored in a game in the 116-year history of Irish baseball.Notre Dame had 28 hits and hit .519 as a team in the game. All nine starters got a hit by the fourth inning and 13 Irish players had hits in all. Among them were Evan Sharpley, who went 3-for-5 with six RBI, and Golden Tate, who had two hits off the bench.Notre Dame is 8-7 overall and 1-0 in the Big East...
It's Washington State 54, Winthrop 33 with 7:35 to play in the second half in tonight's first game. Neither one of these teams has been terribly impressive tonight, but Winthrop has gone ice-cold from the field to start the second half to allow the Cougars to pull away.For the second consecutive season, I'm seated directly in front of the Winthrop fans, who aren't too happy with referee Ted Valentine at the moment. Something tells me they're not the first group to disagree with his officiating.Here are your starting lineups for Game 2:Notre DameF — Zach HilleslandF — Rob KurzC —...
It's Washington State 54, Winthrop 33 with 7:35 to play in the second half in tonight's first game. Neither one of these teams has been terribly impressive tonight, but Winthrop has gone ice-cold from the field to start the second half to allow the Cougars to pull away.For the second consecutive season, I'm seated directly in front of the Winthrop fans, who aren't too happy with referee Ted Valentine at the moment. Something tells me they're not the first group to disagree with his officiating.Here are your starting lineups for Game 2:Notre DameF — Zach HilleslandF — Rob KurzC —...
Before I head over to the Pepsi Center to get situated and watch some of the Washington State-Winthrop game, it's prediction time.There are some intriguing matchups — and mismatches — on both sides. The forwards will get the most publicity, and rightly so: Notre Dame's Luke Harangody (20.8 ppg., 10.2 rpg.) and George Mason's Will Thomas (15.8, 10.5) both average a double-double. I doubt they'll actually guard each other tonight, to keep out of foul trouble if for no other reason, but it'll be interesting to see which has the bigger game. The Irish are probably more capable of both giving...
Before I head over to the Pepsi Center to get situated and watch some of the Washington State-Winthrop game, it's prediction time.There are some intriguing matchups — and mismatches — on both sides. The forwards will get the most publicity, and rightly so: Notre Dame's Luke Harangody (20.8 ppg., 10.2 rpg.) and George Mason's Will Thomas (15.8, 10.5) both average a double-double. I doubt they'll actually guard each other tonight, to keep out of foul trouble if for no other reason, but it'll be interesting to see which has the bigger game. The Irish are probably more capable of both giving...
Former Notre Dame basketball standout Russell Carter will be watching his former teammates tonight from Sioux Falls, S.D.Carter signed Thursday with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA developmental league. He'll wear No. 19 and is expected to be in uniform Friday night when the Skyforce play Iowa at home.Sioux Falls has seven games remaining in its regular season.
Former Notre Dame basketball standout Russell Carter will be watching his former teammates tonight from Sioux Falls, S.D.Carter signed Thursday with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA developmental league. He'll wear No. 19 and is expected to be in uniform Friday night when the Skyforce play Iowa at home.Sioux Falls has seven games remaining in its regular season.
For comparison's sake, here's a look at how the Irish and Patriots stack up, by the numbers:Field goal percentage: ND 45.9, GMU 46.9Opponents' field goal percentage: ND 45.4, GMU 41.93-point field goal percentage: ND 41.0, GMU 35.2Opponents' 3-point field goal percentage: ND 40.7, GMU 32.8Free throw percentage: ND 73.6, GMU 70.4Offensive rebounds per game: ND 13.3, GMU 10.0Total rebounds per game: ND 41.6, GMU 34.4Opponents' offensive rebonds per game: ND 12.7, GMU 9.4Opponents' total rebounds per game: ND 35.8, GMU 30.4Fouls per game: ND 15.0, GMU 15.5Assists per game: ND 18.9, GMU 13.2Turnovers per game: ND 13.0, GMU 12.0Assist to...
For comparison's sake, here's a look at how the Irish and Patriots stack up, by the numbers:Field goal percentage: ND 45.9, GMU 46.9Opponents' field goal percentage: ND 45.4, GMU 41.93-point field goal percentage: ND 41.0, GMU 35.2Opponents' 3-point field goal percentage: ND 40.7, GMU 32.8Free throw percentage: ND 73.6, GMU 70.4Offensive rebounds per game: ND 13.3, GMU 10.0Total rebounds per game: ND 41.6, GMU 34.4Opponents' offensive rebonds per game: ND 12.7, GMU 9.4Opponents' total rebounds per game: ND 35.8, GMU 30.4Fouls per game: ND 15.0, GMU 15.5Assists per game: ND 18.9, GMU 13.2Turnovers per game: ND 13.0, GMU 12.0Assist to...
I've read a lot of opinions saying that today and Friday are the two best days on the sports calendar. I don't exactly agree — I'm more of a football guy, so I'll take the first two days of the NFL playoffs — but it is a fun couple days.Unless, that is, you have to work, which, of course, I do.It's an absolutely beautiful day today in Denver today — 64 degrees and brilliantly sunny. It'd be a great day to sit on one of the rooftop bars in the city's fun LoDo area and sip a beer while watching...
I've read a lot of opinions saying that today and Friday are the two best days on the sports calendar. I don't exactly agree — I'm more of a football guy, so I'll take the first two days of the NFL playoffs — but it is a fun couple days.Unless, that is, you have to work, which, of course, I do.It's an absolutely beautiful day today in Denver today — 64 degrees and brilliantly sunny. It'd be a great day to sit on one of the rooftop bars in the city's fun LoDo area and sip a beer while watching...
Notre Dame held its football pro day back on campus, with five senior players demonstrating their abilities in front of pro scouts. Here are the notes that were forwarded to me from the Notre Dame sports information department:31 scouts from 23 teams attended Notre Dame's Pro DayLinebacker Joe Brockington40-yard dash time, 4.89 twiceVertical leap 28.53 cone time 7.35Notes: Worked out the same drills with Zbikowski … A lot of running andchanging directions when the coaches pointed in different directions,running backward and catching passes and running side to side and catchinghard thrown passesTight end John CarlsonBench press 21 repsVertical jump 35.5...
Notre Dame held its football pro day back on campus, with five senior players demonstrating their abilities in front of pro scouts. Here are the notes that were forwarded to me from the Notre Dame sports information department:31 scouts from 23 teams attended Notre Dame's Pro DayLinebacker Joe Brockington40-yard dash time, 4.89 twiceVertical leap 28.53 cone time 7.35Notes: Worked out the same drills with Zbikowski … A lot of running andchanging directions when the coaches pointed in different directions,running backward and catching passes and running side to side and catchinghard thrown passesTight end John CarlsonBench press 21 repsVertical jump 35.5...
No, it's not football season, but it is a Notre Dame open practice. So here's a look at what went on when the Irish took the court in front of about 250 people at the Pepsi Center.5:10 p.m.: The team takes the floor. Their intro music: "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard. Interesting choice. (And probably not theirs.)5:13 p.m.: The "white" team (the starters) goes to one end of the floor and the "blue" (the reserves, obviously) go to the other. They're running some offensive sets at the moment.5:14 p.m.: The post guys work on their moves while...
No, it's not football season, but it is a Notre Dame open practice. So here's a look at what went on when the Irish took the court in front of about 250 people at the Pepsi Center.5:10 p.m.: The team takes the floor. Their intro music: "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard. Interesting choice. (And probably not theirs.)5:13 p.m.: The "white" team (the starters) goes to one end of the floor and the "blue" (the reserves, obviously) go to the other. They're running some offensive sets at the moment.5:14 p.m.: The post guys work on their moves while...
All lower-seeded teams talk about a "miracle" run in the tournament, but one of the teams here in Denver may have an inside track on this: Oral Roberts University, which plays Pittsburgh in tomorrow's second South Regional game.The Golden Eagles are using the slogan "expect a miracle" this week, and while it may not be a miracle if ORU beats Pitt, the Big East Conference tourney champ, it will be a pretty substantial upset."I don't think you have to play perfect, but I think you have to play awfully well," Golden Eagles coach Scott Sutton said this afternoon. "Hopefully Pitt...
All lower-seeded teams talk about a "miracle" run in the tournament, but one of the teams here in Denver may have an inside track on this: Oral Roberts University, which plays Pittsburgh in tomorrow's second South Regional game.The Golden Eagles are using the slogan "expect a miracle" this week, and while it may not be a miracle if ORU beats Pitt, the Big East Conference tourney champ, it will be a pretty substantial upset."I don't think you have to play perfect, but I think you have to play awfully well," Golden Eagles coach Scott Sutton said this afternoon. "Hopefully Pitt...
One funny thing I noticed here at the tournament: The games are being played at the Pepsi Center, and the Pepsi logo is on just about everything, including the towel dispensers in the men's room.But since Coke is one of the NCAA's big sponsors, I doubt you can buy a Pepsi at the Pepsi Center this weekend. You can't get one in the media room, anyway.And speaking of corporate sponsorship run wild, take note of the background during a TV shot along the sidelines sometime during the tournament. If you see anyone, whether it's a member of the media or...
One funny thing I noticed here at the tournament: The games are being played at the Pepsi Center, and the Pepsi logo is on just about everything, including the towel dispensers in the men's room.But since Coke is one of the NCAA's big sponsors, I doubt you can buy a Pepsi at the Pepsi Center this weekend. You can't get one in the media room, anyway.And speaking of corporate sponsorship run wild, take note of the background during a TV shot along the sidelines sometime during the tournament. If you see anyone, whether it's a member of the media or...
The one question every team in Denver will hear today is the one about how they plan to handle the altitude here in the mile-high city.Here's how Notre Dame point guard Tory Jackson answered the altitude question before the Irish left for Colorado. And yes, his tongue was in his cheek."You can't even run up the court. After a couple times, you just pass out. I've been thinking about how Allen Iverson can get up and down the court. I think I can do it, but I'm kind of scared because people have been messing with me about it. A...
The one question every team in Denver will hear today is the one about how they plan to handle the altitude here in the mile-high city.Here's how Notre Dame point guard Tory Jackson answered the altitude question before the Irish left for Colorado. And yes, his tongue was in his cheek."You can't even run up the court. After a couple times, you just pass out. I've been thinking about how Allen Iverson can get up and down the court. I think I can do it, but I'm kind of scared because people have been messing with me about it. A...
I made it to Denver this afternoon from O'Hare, despite our plane being grounded before takeoff for about 45 minutes due to "engine problems." I know — uh-oh. But everything else went smoothly.The big news is the hotel where I'm staying offers complimentary goldfish for guests to keep in their rooms during their stay. Naturally, I took advantage. His (I'm saying it's a he) name is "Luke Harangoldy." (Credit to the Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton for the name. I was going to call it The Fish That Saved Denver. Anyone get that? Anyone?)If you'd like to see a photo of Luke,...
I made it to Denver this afternoon from O'Hare, despite our plane being grounded before takeoff for about 45 minutes due to "engine problems." I know — uh-oh. But everything else went smoothly.The big news is the hotel where I'm staying offers complimentary goldfish for guests to keep in their rooms during their stay. Naturally, I took advantage. His (I'm saying it's a he) name is "Luke Harangoldy." (Credit to the Chicago Tribune's Brian Hamilton for the name. I was going to call it The Fish That Saved Denver. Anyone get that? Anyone?)If you'd like to see a photo of Luke,...
Here's CBS' announcer lineup for the first two rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament, courtesy of the blog "Awful Announcing."Notre Dame fans will be hearing the tremendously excitable Gus Johnson and his partner, Dan Bonner. Johnson is the play-by-play man you want in a close game.Purdue fans, you get Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel, who I think is one of the better analysts around. I always learn something when I watch him, and I don't have to fight through a lot of hyperbole to do it.Indiana will get CBS' top team — Jim Nantz and Billy Packer. I may be...
Here's CBS' announcer lineup for the first two rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament, courtesy of the blog "Awful Announcing."Notre Dame fans will be hearing the tremendously excitable Gus Johnson and his partner, Dan Bonner. Johnson is the play-by-play man you want in a close game.Purdue fans, you get Craig Bolerjack and Bob Wenzel, who I think is one of the better analysts around. I always learn something when I watch him, and I don't have to fight through a lot of hyperbole to do it.Indiana will get CBS' top team — Jim Nantz and Billy Packer. I may be...