Frequent NCAA critic Jay Bilas believes the NCAA got this one right.
The organization will permit Division I spring-sport athletes — such as baseball, softball and lacrosse players — who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus pandemic to gain an additional year of eligibility.
Winter sport athletes are out of luck.
“It’s certainly reasonable not to grant that simply because more of those sports had come to conclusion or near conclusion,” Bilas said Tuesday on ESPN’s “Get Up!” show. “So you’d be opening up something totally different for a Cassius Winston to come back to Michigan State.
Allowing some spring sport athletes to return bears some financial consequence, though less than for the winter sports. Division I baseball teams, for example, dole out just 11.7 scholarships, which are divvied up among the players.
Not all seniors playing spring sports will be permitted to return at the same scholarship level as 2020. Schools simply have the flexibility to offer them.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Curly Neal
Fred "Curly" Neal, whose flashy dribbling skills and smile made him a Harlem Globetrotters legend, has died at 77, according to the team.
Neal died at his home near Houston.
Between 1963 and 1985, the bald-headed Neal was widely known for his stylish ball-handling and crowd-dazzling moves on the court.
"We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known," said Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said. "His basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide. He always made time for his many fans and inspired millions."
Neal played in more than 6,000 games over 22 years for the Globetrotters while making numerous television appearances, ranging from the "Ed Sullivan Show" to "Scooby-Doo."
His number 22 was retired by the team in 2008 as he became the fifth player to receive this honor. Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum were the others.
"For those who say the game has evolved? I say what's old is new again! Distance Shot making and dribbling is back!! #CurlyNeal and #MarcusHaynes taught me how to dribble #Globetrotters," basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas tweeted.
Ballislife.com
@Ballislife
RIP Curly Neal!
The basketball legend played 22 seasons (over 6,000 games) with the Harlem Globetrotters! @Globies
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1243250676987281411
Sports commentator Mike Greenberg said Neal made many people happy.
"When I was a kid, there was nothing more fun than going to see the Harlem Globetrotters. And this man was the reason," he tweeted. "He made as many people smile as any athlete that ever lived. About as good an epitaph as you could ever have. Rest In Peace, Curly Neal. Thanks for all the fun."
***
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also offered some condolences saying: “Hard to express how much joy Curly Neal brought to my life growing up. RIP to a legend." It's clear that Neal had a huge impact on many people's lives and he will certainly be missed in the basketball community.
***
NBA remembers.
Neal died at his home near Houston.
Between 1963 and 1985, the bald-headed Neal was widely known for his stylish ball-handling and crowd-dazzling moves on the court.
"We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known," said Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said. "His basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide. He always made time for his many fans and inspired millions."
Neal played in more than 6,000 games over 22 years for the Globetrotters while making numerous television appearances, ranging from the "Ed Sullivan Show" to "Scooby-Doo."
His number 22 was retired by the team in 2008 as he became the fifth player to receive this honor. Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum were the others.
"For those who say the game has evolved? I say what's old is new again! Distance Shot making and dribbling is back!! #CurlyNeal and #MarcusHaynes taught me how to dribble #Globetrotters," basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas tweeted.
Ballislife.com
@Ballislife
RIP Curly Neal!
The basketball legend played 22 seasons (over 6,000 games) with the Harlem Globetrotters! @Globies
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1243250676987281411
Sports commentator Mike Greenberg said Neal made many people happy.
"When I was a kid, there was nothing more fun than going to see the Harlem Globetrotters. And this man was the reason," he tweeted. "He made as many people smile as any athlete that ever lived. About as good an epitaph as you could ever have. Rest In Peace, Curly Neal. Thanks for all the fun."
***
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also offered some condolences saying: “Hard to express how much joy Curly Neal brought to my life growing up. RIP to a legend." It's clear that Neal had a huge impact on many people's lives and he will certainly be missed in the basketball community.
***
NBA remembers.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
NFL to expand to 17 game season
In one of the most hotly contested votes in the history of the NFL player’s union, a collective bargaining agreement promising labor peace through 2030 has been approved by the league’s players.
A total of 1,978 players voted and the CBA passed 1,019-959 — or by 60 votes, what amounts to roughly one NFL team’s roster and practice squad.
The passage comes after weeks of sometimes fierce debate among NFL stars and other rank-and-file players, many of whom stood to gain different benefits from a deal that took nearly 10 months to negotiate. The broad headline of the deal will be in how it ultimately changes the league’s schedule, which will now expand to 17 regular-season games as early as the 2021 season and add two additional playoff teams. The agreement also paves the way for the league to begin locking down new television deals in the coming weeks and months, albeit under a cloud of coronavirus uncertainty that could trigger significant economic ripples in the future.
A total of 1,978 players voted and the CBA passed 1,019-959 — or by 60 votes, what amounts to roughly one NFL team’s roster and practice squad.
The passage comes after weeks of sometimes fierce debate among NFL stars and other rank-and-file players, many of whom stood to gain different benefits from a deal that took nearly 10 months to negotiate. The broad headline of the deal will be in how it ultimately changes the league’s schedule, which will now expand to 17 regular-season games as early as the 2021 season and add two additional playoff teams. The agreement also paves the way for the league to begin locking down new television deals in the coming weeks and months, albeit under a cloud of coronavirus uncertainty that could trigger significant economic ripples in the future.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
University of Hawaii top point guards
Floor leader. Playmaker. Facilitator. Distributor. Coach on the court. These are all descriptions of basketball’s point guard position. The University of Hawaii has had some terrific point guards over the years, including two that would showcase their talents in the NBA. But who are the best UH point guards of all time? Here is one highly subjective Top Ten list. The list doesn’t include some of some all-time favorites, including Kalia McGee, Jeremiah Ostrowski and Brocke Stepteau. Aaron Strayhorn and Matt Gibson led their respective teams in assists, but we felt they were more shooting guards. Also, we did not include players who were at UH for only one year; thus, Reggie Carter and Victor “Tiny” Kelley were also left out. Here we go…''
1 – TOM HENDERSON – The standard. Heady floor leader came to Hawaii with a lofty résumé, including a starting spot on the 1972 U.S. Olympic team. In his two seasons at UH, he could dish the ball (6.4 assists per game) and score (20.0 points per game). Earned First Team All-American honors for the 1973-74 season (Sporting News). Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 7 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Was the starting point guard on the Washington Bullets’ 1978 NBA Championship team.
2 – ANTHONY CARTER – “You’re going to like Anthony Carter,” former UH coach Riley Wallace once promised me. “He’s got hops.” Perhaps the most electrifying player in program history, “AC” dazzled with his flashy passing and gravity-defying dunks. Like Henderson, never had a consistent jump shot, but made up for it with penetrating drives and relentless motor. Teamed with shooting guard Alika Smith to form the “Dynamic Duo.” Holds the single season record for assists (212) and is the career leader in assists average (6.9). Later played 13 NBA seasons.
3 – RODERICK BOBBITT – The floor leader of Hawaii’s 2016 NCAA Tournament team. Fifth all time in UH career assists (367) and first in steals (168). In 2014, in just his fourth game as a Rainbow Warrior, Bobbitt recorded the program’s first triple-double (12 points, 10 assists, 10 steals) since Reggie Carter did it in 1975. Played all 40 minutes in Hawaii’s historic win over Cal in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, scoring 17 points, dishing 4 assists and grabbing 7 boards. Led UH in both assists and steals in both of his seasons in Manoa.
4 – JEROME FREEMAN – “The Hook” made the “Fabulous Five” go. The 5-9 guard led Hawaii in assists for two seasons, compiling a 5.3 assists-per-game average (fifth all time). A crowd favorite for his dribbling prowess and flashy style. Along with his fellow “Fabulous Five” teammates, Freeman helped UH earn its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 1972. The Harlem Globetrotters reportedly offered him $12,000 to sign with them straight out of Crane Tech High School in Chicago.
5 – TROY BOWE – Hawaii has had more talented point guards, but none were as tough as the 5-11 Bowe. Until Buggs surpassed him earlier this year, held the school’s all-time record for career assists (412). Played sturdy defense throughout his three seasons at UH, twice leading the team in steals. Was the floor leader for Hawaii from 1989 to 1991, playing alongside the likes of Chris Gaines, Phil Lott, Vincent Smalls, Terry Houston and Ray Reed.
6 – THOMAS LOUDEN – Heady floor leader who was highly recruited out of junior college powerhouse Independence Community College in Kansas. Two-year starter led Hawaii in assists both seasons. Frankly, Louden might be ranked higher on this list if his Rainbow Warrior teams had more success; the ’Bows were a combined 23-31 in his two seasons (1978-80). Scored 18 points and added 4 assists in Hawaii’s first-ever win in the Western Athletic Conference (80-78 in OT).
7 – MARK CAMPBELL – The 2001-02 edition of the Rainbow Warriors had a great roster of talent – Predrag Savovic, Carl English, Phil Martin, etc. – but it was the addition of Mark Campbell that kept the engine running. Savvy passer and defensive-minded bulldog helped the team to a then-school record 27 wins that season and a second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. Led team in assists in both of his seasons at UH. His 192 assists in the 2001-02 campaign ranks third all time in single season performances.
8 – DREW BUGGS – The program’s all-time assists leader (437 and counting), and he’s still a junior. Dislodged Troy Bowe from the top spot on Feb. 8 in a road loss to Cal Poly. Came to the Islands as a combo guard, and has steadily grown as a PG. Injuries have limited his effectiveness at different points of his UH career. Topped the Big West Conference this season (5.4 per game), easily outdistancing Cal State Fullerton’s Austen Awosika (4.3). Was today named to the Big West All-Conference Team (honorable mention).
9 – DAVID HALLUMS – The floor leader for Riley Wallace’s first UH team. In his senior season, Hallums quarterbacked Hawaii to the program’s first postseason appearance in 15 years. Teamed with Chris Gaines to form a formidable backcourt. Led UH in assists in both of his seasons in Manoa. Transferred from BYUH.
10 – WILLIAM COLSTON – Four-year player made totaled 352 assists in his career, good for fifth in the all-time career list. Served as co-captain his senior season (with post player Ray Arthur).
-- by Lance Tominaga
1 – TOM HENDERSON – The standard. Heady floor leader came to Hawaii with a lofty résumé, including a starting spot on the 1972 U.S. Olympic team. In his two seasons at UH, he could dish the ball (6.4 assists per game) and score (20.0 points per game). Earned First Team All-American honors for the 1973-74 season (Sporting News). Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 7 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Was the starting point guard on the Washington Bullets’ 1978 NBA Championship team.
2 – ANTHONY CARTER – “You’re going to like Anthony Carter,” former UH coach Riley Wallace once promised me. “He’s got hops.” Perhaps the most electrifying player in program history, “AC” dazzled with his flashy passing and gravity-defying dunks. Like Henderson, never had a consistent jump shot, but made up for it with penetrating drives and relentless motor. Teamed with shooting guard Alika Smith to form the “Dynamic Duo.” Holds the single season record for assists (212) and is the career leader in assists average (6.9). Later played 13 NBA seasons.
3 – RODERICK BOBBITT – The floor leader of Hawaii’s 2016 NCAA Tournament team. Fifth all time in UH career assists (367) and first in steals (168). In 2014, in just his fourth game as a Rainbow Warrior, Bobbitt recorded the program’s first triple-double (12 points, 10 assists, 10 steals) since Reggie Carter did it in 1975. Played all 40 minutes in Hawaii’s historic win over Cal in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, scoring 17 points, dishing 4 assists and grabbing 7 boards. Led UH in both assists and steals in both of his seasons in Manoa.
4 – JEROME FREEMAN – “The Hook” made the “Fabulous Five” go. The 5-9 guard led Hawaii in assists for two seasons, compiling a 5.3 assists-per-game average (fifth all time). A crowd favorite for his dribbling prowess and flashy style. Along with his fellow “Fabulous Five” teammates, Freeman helped UH earn its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 1972. The Harlem Globetrotters reportedly offered him $12,000 to sign with them straight out of Crane Tech High School in Chicago.
5 – TROY BOWE – Hawaii has had more talented point guards, but none were as tough as the 5-11 Bowe. Until Buggs surpassed him earlier this year, held the school’s all-time record for career assists (412). Played sturdy defense throughout his three seasons at UH, twice leading the team in steals. Was the floor leader for Hawaii from 1989 to 1991, playing alongside the likes of Chris Gaines, Phil Lott, Vincent Smalls, Terry Houston and Ray Reed.
6 – THOMAS LOUDEN – Heady floor leader who was highly recruited out of junior college powerhouse Independence Community College in Kansas. Two-year starter led Hawaii in assists both seasons. Frankly, Louden might be ranked higher on this list if his Rainbow Warrior teams had more success; the ’Bows were a combined 23-31 in his two seasons (1978-80). Scored 18 points and added 4 assists in Hawaii’s first-ever win in the Western Athletic Conference (80-78 in OT).
7 – MARK CAMPBELL – The 2001-02 edition of the Rainbow Warriors had a great roster of talent – Predrag Savovic, Carl English, Phil Martin, etc. – but it was the addition of Mark Campbell that kept the engine running. Savvy passer and defensive-minded bulldog helped the team to a then-school record 27 wins that season and a second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. Led team in assists in both of his seasons at UH. His 192 assists in the 2001-02 campaign ranks third all time in single season performances.
8 – DREW BUGGS – The program’s all-time assists leader (437 and counting), and he’s still a junior. Dislodged Troy Bowe from the top spot on Feb. 8 in a road loss to Cal Poly. Came to the Islands as a combo guard, and has steadily grown as a PG. Injuries have limited his effectiveness at different points of his UH career. Topped the Big West Conference this season (5.4 per game), easily outdistancing Cal State Fullerton’s Austen Awosika (4.3). Was today named to the Big West All-Conference Team (honorable mention).
9 – DAVID HALLUMS – The floor leader for Riley Wallace’s first UH team. In his senior season, Hallums quarterbacked Hawaii to the program’s first postseason appearance in 15 years. Teamed with Chris Gaines to form a formidable backcourt. Led UH in assists in both of his seasons in Manoa. Transferred from BYUH.
10 – WILLIAM COLSTON – Four-year player made totaled 352 assists in his career, good for fifth in the all-time career list. Served as co-captain his senior season (with post player Ray Arthur).
-- by Lance Tominaga
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