The Halfcourt Trap

As the start of practice arrives, here are some topics to ruminate over.

1. Cursed Cards? One has to begin to wonder if Rick Pitino broke a mirror. Louisville has had its last three seasons sabotaged, to varying degrees, by injuries. Now comes word that Terrence Williams will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. The ‘Ville is fortunate it wasn’t an ACL, but it certainly is a bad start for a team with a history of health misfortunes.
2. Everything Is Bigger In Texas. Having seen the success of the Michigan State-Kentucky regular season tilt at Ford Field, Jerry Jones is negotiating with Texas and North Carolina to have those two powerhouses square off in his new stadium in ‘09-’10. That has the potential to be a huge boon for college hoops in the Lone Star State.
3. Dividends For Creativity. Billy Gillispie’s ingenuity in moving up Big Blue Madness appears to have paid off. Big time center Daniel Orton attended, then commited to UK. It’s always good to be ahead of the curve.
4. Bay Area Blues. The tension between Warriors’ ownership and Chris Mullin and Don Nelson is at a boiling point. The public and unnecessary hidestripping of Monta Ellis has further exposed a rift first noticed when Mullin was overruled on the resigning of Baron Davis. Look for Nellie and Mullin to both be gone shortly after the season ends.
5. Bad Karma. No coach ever had better fortune at the start of ahead coaching career than Steve Fisher. Now, however, all that luck appears to have been used up. After being fired amidst scandal at Michigan, Fisher landed at San Diego State. While the Aztecs have had their moments, off the court and academic issues have stunted the program’s growth. Now comes word that Lorenzo Wade, SDSU’s best player and a possible first round pick, has been charged with burglary. I guess fortune has a way of evening out.
6. UMASS Appeal. Derek Kellogg has hit the ground running in Amherst. The Minutemen have commitments from three solid prospects. Look for UMASS to be back in the Top 25 consistently within two years.

Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.