In all 35 of my years in the newspaper business, going on 36, I can’t even count the number of times I have heard the following: “Hey John, wait to you see this kid so and so. He is in the sixth grade, but he is going to be the next so and so.” “Mr.…
Kentucky recruit Karl Towns is a phenom on and off the court
Former Cat Kelenna Azuibuike traded by Dallas Mavericks
The Kelenna Azubuike era didn’t last long. The Mavericks have included the small forward in the deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Mavs traded the No. 17 pick, Tyler Zeller, and Azubuike to the Cavs for the Nos. 24, 33 and 34 picks. Dallas acquired Oregon State guard Jared Cunningham with the first-round pick and Florida State power…
SEC holds welcome party for new members Missouri, Texas A&M
It’s not often Texas A&M fans in Georgia have the chance to pose for photos with Reveille, the collie mascot. It’s a similar rarity to see Missouri mascot Truman the Tiger high-stepping through the halls of an Atlanta hotel. LSU? Auburn? No, this is a different cat. Reveille and Truman have a new conference home,…
Former Cat Travis Ford one of the best former players-turned-coaches in college hoops today
ESPN.com put together a list of 10 coaches who could really play the game of basketball. Former Cat Travis Ford was included in that list. OF Ford they say: “Fun fact: Missouri fans still know Travis Ford as “Travis the Traitor,” thanks to his defection from a talented Tigers team to Kentucky after his 1990…
Former Cat Rajon Rondo dishes out double-digit assists for 17th straight game
The Boston Celtics turned consecutive games against teams they’re jockeying with for playoff positioning into a notice for the rest of the Eastern Conference: They have every intention of breaking off a postseason run. Kevin Garnett scored 20 points and Rajon Rondo dished out double-digit assists for his 17th consecutive game, finishing with 15 to help lead Boston to a…
One and fun: John Calipari gets elusive national title
From Dick Vitale: “John Calipari is a lot more than a very good recruiter. He is an exceptional basketball coach. And now he is a national champion. That was really the one thing missing from his résumé. That all changed on Monday when his Kentucky Wildcats cut down the nets after beating the Kansas Jayhawks,…
Kentucky and Kansas, the titanic finale
Back in October, we said we’d get a colossal Final Four. When the brackets were released, we forecast a chalky March. When the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight finished in thrilling fashion and the final weekend of the NCAA tournament’s marquee event took shape, we knew, after two years of unexpected mid-major incursion, we’d get…
Anthony Davis leads John R. Wooden Award All-American team
Kentucky’s Anthony Davis, Kansas‘ Thomas Robinson and Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger — all playing in this weekend’s Final Four — are on the John R. Wooden Award All-American Team, which was announced Monday. Joining them are Isaiah Cannan of Murray State, Jae Crowder of Marquette, Marcus Denmon of Missouri, Draymond Green of Michigan State, Kevin…
Former Cat Kelenna Azubuike signs with Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks signed swingman Kelenna Azubuike to fill the roster spot vacated by Thursday’s release of Sean Williams. Although Azubuike hasn’t played since early in the 2009-10 season because of a knee injury, Mavericks officials are intrigued by the progress Azubuike has made in his rehabilitation efforts, sources said. Azubuike will receive a deal…
Future Cats Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin named Gatorade Boys Hoop Players of the Year
A dedicated ESPNHS POY team managed the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in the following winners based on athletic production and impact in the 2011-12 season. These student-athletes also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership. See full list here.