The Halfcourt Trap

The Halfcourt Trap

With Super Sunday upon us, the conference races are taking shape across the country. Here are some topics to ponder from around the college hoops universe:

1. Goodbye, Gottfried. Alabama had little choice. Star players leaving the program. Fan apathy setting in across the state. That said, it’s never clean and neat when you part ways with an alum. My guess is that both parties will come out of this just fine. Mark Gottfried is respected enough that he will find suitable employment. Alabama has enough historical success and a solid in state recruiting base to draw a quality coach.

2. UGone. Dennis Felton is a fine gentleman. Nobody seems to debate that issue. However, class doesn’t win games and fill arenas. Damon Evans gave Felton ample opportunity to get the Bulldogs headed in the right direction. He could not do so. Evans must now find a coach who can awaken the listless UGA basketball supporters.

3. Maryland’s Mess. Gary Williams is an icon. It’s never good when an icon takes his athletic department to task for not allowing him to bring in two stud recruits. The antimosity resulting from Gus Gilchrist and Tyree Evans not being allowed to matriculate at Maryland boiled to the surface this week. Williams’ complaints were immediately refuted by Maryland senior associate Athletic Director Kathy Worthington. It looks highly unlikely that this will end well.

4. Buzz Kill? Marquette has done a brilliant job of avoiding upsets in handling the first third of their Big East schedule. Now, the challenge for Buzz Williams’ squad is to handle the other heavyweights in their league. If the Golden Eagles can do that, they will receive, and deserve, a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

5. Hoya Headaches. An example of the Big East’s oppressive strength is Georgetown’s current struggles. JTIII’s squad dropping games at Seton Hall and Cincinnati is a testament to the fact that there are few, if any, gimmes on the Big East road.

6. The Road Less Traveled. DePaul announced this week that Jerry Wainwright would return next season. In an environment where coaches are cast aside quickly, often on a whim, it is interesting to see a major conference program buck the trend. Wainwright is a quality coach. We’ll see if he justifies his administration’s faith.

Until next week, stay classy, Volnation.