Wednesday, April 30, 2008

FIRING COACHES NOT THE ANSWER

(April 30): The Suns and Mavericks were not going to win an NBA title as they were constituted before deciding to make block-buster trades in mid-season. So they gambled. And they lost, each being eliminated last night from the playoffs.

Now they are stuck – Phoenix with Shaquille O'Neal and Dallas with Jason Kidd -- for at least another season because of contractual considerations – with a pair of future Hall of Famers who are clearly past their once-glorious primes.

The knee-jerk reaction in these types of situations is to fire the coach.

But will the Suns be better off getting rid of Mike D'Antoni, who guided them to a 232-96 record and two West finals appearances during his four full seasons on the job?

His greatest sin is having been ousted three times in the playoffs by San Antonio, the best team of its NBA era. Don't think that any number of teams will instantly make a play for D'Antoni if the Suns are foolish enough to cut him loose.

Then, there's the case of the Avery Johnson in Dallas, just one year removed from a 67-win season. But a pair of first-round losses, to the Warriors last year and to Hornets this year, could have sealed his fate.

My approach would be to keep both men and allow them a summer and a training camp to incorporate and adapt the talents of their dimming stars into their new teams. Frankly, do your really there are other coaches out there who will do a better job? I don't.

Or did escape your notice that the top three finishers in this year's Coach of the Year voting – Byron Scott, Doc Rivers and Rick Adelman --all were fired by teams that went south immediately following their departures? Just asking.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

FINALLY, SABERS WIN BASEBALL TITLE

(April 29): The long, frustrating wait is over for Maui High.

Ending a championship drought of 10 years, the Sabers defeated arch-rival Baldwin 2-1 last night before a packed house at Iron Maehara Stadium to win the MIL Division-I baseball crown.

The victory also helped Maui High secure the league's top-seed in next week's state tournament on Oahu.

The Sabers appeared headed for yet another disappointment as they trailed 1-0 going into the top of the sixth inning. Jarin Hayase's RBI single had given the Bears the lead in the fourth and Skyler Cabacungan had allowed only one hit through five innings.

But with the help of two costly errors by Baldwin, the Sabers rallied for a pair of runs to the game and the championship.

Josh Gascon opened the threat with a one-out single and eventually scored when Baldwin's infield committed on a pair of miscues on the same play. Justin Fontanilla's single pushed across the other run.

Then, it was up to Mitch Crim – who went the distance on the mound – to close the deal and touch off a celebration by Maui High's long-suffering fans.

Both the Sabers and Bears will take part in the state D-I tournament, while MIL champion St. Anthony and Molokai qualified for the D-II tourney.

The events open Wednesday at Oahu's Les Murakami Stadium and the Central Oahu Regional Park, respectively.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Monday, April 28, 2008

BRENNAN PICKED IN SIXTH ROUND

(April 28): So what did the NFL scouts think about the star players on the University of Hawaii football team that went 12-0 during the regular season before getting smashed by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl?

Obviously, all of the gaudy statistics didn't make much of an impression.

Only quarterback Colt Brennan's name was called during the marathon two-day session and he was chosen in the sixth round – 189th overall – by the Washington Redskins.

Brennan's receivers – Ryan Grice-Mullins, Davone Bess and Jason Rivers – were all snubbed, as was offensive lineman Hercules Satele. All four of those players, it should be noted, have signed free-agent deals. But Grice-Mullins and Bess didn't give up their final seasons of college eligibility to become after-thoughts.

One a more positive note, outside linebacker Jordon Dizon – a Waimea High alum who starred at Colorado -- was drafted in the second round, 45th overall, by the Detroit Lions.

At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Dizon is undersized by NFL standards. He's not overly strong, having a best of 12 reps of 225 pounds, or particularly fast, with a decent 4.63 time in the 40. But Dizon was a human tackling machine for the Buffaloes, earning Big 12 defensive player of the year honors last season.

The Lions also used a second-round pick on a player with local ties year, selecting former UH defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Friday, April 25, 2008

SOME DRAMA STILL LEFT IN DRAFT

(April 25): Some of the drama surrounding the NFL Draft was lost earlier this week when Miami announced it had reached agreement with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to make him the first overall pick.

But there are still plenty of questions as pro football stages its annual player lottery tomorrow and Sunday. Among them:

Who will the St. Louis Rams choose with the second pick? Many believe that choice will be Virginia defensive end Chris Long, son of former Raiders' great and current TV analyst Howie Long.

Will the Atlanta Falcons use the third pick to choose a quarterback to replace the imprisoned Michael Vick? Or will they instead opt to shore up their defensive line by picking LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey?

And what about Oakland, which is picking fourth? Many believe the Raiders will go after Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, while others think they may instead trade away the selection for multiple picks later in the draft.

What about Vernon Gholston, the pass-rusher from Ohio State, who seemingly has come out of nowhere to become a major draft topic?

And, if he's still around, does Kansas City go with Boston College QB Matt Ryan?

Local fans also are wondering if and where former UH players such as quarterback Colt Brennan, receivers Ryan Grice-Mullins, Davone Bess and Jason Rivers, and offensive lineman Hercules Satele will go in the draft.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Thursday, April 24, 2008

MAIAVA BOLTING FROM COLORADO

(April 24): Why would a college football team want to take a player who earned Freshman All-American honors at one position and move him to another?

That's a question that Kai Maiava was asking himself and that's the primary reason why he's decided to leave the University of Colorado after only one season.

By all appearances, the former Baldwin High School standout had a sensational first campaign at the college level.

Maiava started the final nine games of the season at offensive guard for the Buffaloes and received high marks in all the statistical categories used by coaches to judge the play of the big boys up front.

But the coaching staff then asked Maiava to make the switch to fullback, reportedly telling him that at 6-foot and about 300 pounds, he was too small to play effectively at the guard position.

Maiava went along with the plan initially, but admittedly became frustrated when he was on the field for only one snap during the annual spring game.

He then asked for – and was granted – a released from his scholarship with Colorado.

Although uncertain about his specific future plans, Maiava would prefer playing for another D-I college on the West Coast generally and in California specifically.

Older brother Kaluka Maiava plays at USC, but Kaluka is in his senior season and Kai – as a transfer – is required to sit out one full season before regaining his college eligibility.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

TOP HOOPS PROSPECT LIKES U.H.

(April 23): For all we know, the kid may have paid a visit simply to enjoy a free trip to Paradise.

But one of the nation's top junior college basketball players insists that's not the case and that he's narrowed down his choices to a pair of programs at opposite ends of the college basketball pecking order – Kentucky and Hawaii.

And to hear Roderick Flemings, it's not a slam-dunk decision in favor of the venerable Wildcats. He was taken by the beauty of the islands and the friendliness of their residents during a recent recruiting visit to the Aloha State.

Flemings originally signed with Oklahoma State after leading his DeSoto High School team to a Texas Class 5A state title.

The 6-7 swingman left the Cowboys after one year and enrolled at Weatherford JC in Texas, earning All-America honors last season by averaging more than 20.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game.

Yesterday, UH secured a signed letter of intent from JC standout Brandon Adams, a 6-7 forward who is transferring from Diablo Valley College in California.

Adams plans to red-shirt this season and play his final two years beginning in 2009.

Adams averaged 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and nearly 2 blocks in leading his team to a 26-8 record and earning MVP honors in his conference.

He's an explosive jumper, having posted a state-best height of 6-11 ¼ as a senior in high school. Adams received several offers in track from Pac 10 schools but opted to play hoops and began his career at the JC level.

Earlier, two other JC players committed to UH. Petras Balocka is a 6-8 power forward from Lithuania and Lasha Parghlava is a 6-2 guard from the Republic of Georgia.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

MAUI UNITED WINS STATE SOCCER TITLE

(April 22): It was a challenging road to a championship and the return trip home wasn't an easy one, either.

After suffering a 1-0 loss to Leahi West in Saturday morning's tournament opener, Maui United bounced back to win its remaining three matches and captured the Hawaii Youth Soccer State Cup under-14 girls' title at the Waipio Complex on Oahu.

MUSC capped its unlikely run with a dramatic 1-0 victory by outscoring the two-time defending champion Ka'oi Express 3-2 on penalty kicks after the two teams had battled through 70 minutes of regulation and another 20 of scoreless overtime.

Tina Imada, Liz Higashino and Amanda Jorgensen converted their attempts, while goalkeeper Kalei Vaivai made several key saves during the shootout to secure a berth in the Far West Regional tournament at the same venue June 16-22.

Following its opening loss, MUSC rallied to a 3-1 over Maui's Excel on Saturday afternoon on second-half goals by Nicole Nakakura, Makana Pundyke and Lauren Ichimura.

MUSC finished group play with a 1-0 win over Real Copa of Oahu on Sunday afternoon as Pundyke's goal in the 29th minute off an assist by Nakakura. United need help go get into the final, and received it when Excel played Leahi to a 0-0
tie.

Other members of the Maui United championship team are: Amber-Lei Madriaga, Breanna Gaddis, Jessica Malknecht, Kalena Kaeo, Kenna Green, Mari Ueno, Riley Sharishi, Tori-Jean Cambra and Amber Kozaki. The coaches: Ted Eck, Fred Guzman and Dave Jorgensen.

Because of the length of the championship match, the girls barely had enough time to celebrate their upset victory, collect their championship trophy and medals, and bolt for the airport.

Not everyone made it on time. Several players and parents, as well as one coach, were bumped from their flights and had to spend the night on Oahu before returning home on Monday.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Friday, April 18, 2008

NO SLAM DUNKS IN NFL DRAFT

(April 18): I've always thought of it more of a lottery than a draft.

Call it what you will, the NFL's annual distribution of new player talent is a gamble. If history has shown us anything, it's that there are no sure things when it comes to evaluating and selecting young athletes.

The list of highly hyped players who turned out to be major busts is long indeed. And the reach many club's make in hopes of landing a so-called franchise-type quarterback, is even longer.

Remember Ryan Leaf, Art Schlister, Heath Schuler, Jim Drukenmiller, Andre Ware, David Klinger, Tim Couch, Jack Thompson, Todd Blackledge, Todd Marinovich, Dan McGwire, Kelly Stouffer, Jerry Tagge, Cade McNown, and Akili Smith?

Of course, the quarterbacks that didn't live up to their draft pick are not alone.

Let's not forget Lawrence Phillips, Charles Rogers, Keith McCants, Johnny "Lam" Jones, Bo Matthews, Reggie Rogers, Joe Profit, Peter Warrick, Derek Brown, Curtis Ennis, Steve Niehaus, Blair Thomas, Tony Mandarich and Michael Westbrook.

If your reaction to some of those names is "Who?" that's exactly my point. These were all supposed can't-miss players who did. And by a wide margin. Inevitably, some new names will be added to the list of under-achievers this year.

The irony is that, for the most part, the players seem to carry the stigma of their failure more than to the teams than actually selected them. That's not particularly fair, but no one said life – or the NFL draft – are fair.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Thursday, April 17, 2008

WIDE OPEN RACE IN NBA WEST PLAYOFFS

(April 17): Thanks to a sensational race in the West, we were treated to the best NBA regular season in my memory. And the playoffs, especially in that ultra-competitive conference, should be no different.

Boston is the clear favorite to come out of the East, with Detroit a worthy and proven challenger.

But I have absolutely no idea who will win out West. You can make a strong case for six of those teams.

My list of contenders includes defending champion San Antonio as well as top-seeded Los Angeles in addition to up-and-coming New Orleans, Phoenix, Dallas and Utah.

I have serious doubts about Houston surviving without the injured Yao Ming and Denver because the Nuggets have plenty of talent but lack consistency.

But that's not to say that Denver – led by Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby – isn't capable of surprising anyone. And, yes, that includes the Lakers. Or have we already forgotten how the similarly unpredictable Golden State stunned top-seeded Dallas last year?

The most compelling first-round match-up features the Spurs against the Suns, a battle between two teams that don't like each other. Phoenix fans still feel that their team was wronged by commissioner David Stern's controversial suspension of a couple of players for leaving the bench area when the two teams tangled last year.

And despite some early and premature concerns, the Suns are a stronger contender now than they were before the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal.

The other West match-ups: L.A. versus Denver, New Orleans versus Dallas and Utah versus Houston. It should be a fun ride.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

SADLY, SONICS APPEAR DONE IN SEATTLE

(April 16): Barring some dramatic legal development or other, the Sonics are history after 41 years in Seattle and headed to Oklahoma City.

That's where the ownership group headed by Clay Bennett is based and that's where the Sonics will likely be playing next season.

I hurt for the fans of Seattle, who so faithfully supported their NBA team over the years.

And I despair as yet another municipality is held hostage by the arena/stadium extortion game played by the owners in many of the major sports.

No one argues that pro owners technically and legally can do with their teams as they wish.

But, in another sense, owning a team is more than merely an investment.

There's also a moral responsibility to be a good steward on behalf of the people who support the team by buying tickets, watching it on TV, purchasing its jerseys and financing those expensive arenas and stadiums that seem to become obsolete in a matter of a few years.

There's a lot of blame to go around regarding the impending departure of the Sonics:

Blame the politicians and voters for not being willing to finance a new arena.

Blame the ex-owner, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, for his arrogant and clumsy handling of those negotiations.

Blame the new owners, who never intended to keep the team in Seattle.

But my biggest disappointment is with NBA commissioner David Stern, who absurdly insists that Bennett dealt in good faith with the Seattle area when there is clear written evidence to the contrary.

So long Sonics. You will be missed.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

TROJANS TOPPLE SABERS, 7-3

(April 15): Don't be fooled by their classification. Although listed as A Division-II school this season and despite its small enrollment numbers, St. Anthony is an MIL baseball power.

In fact, the Trojans are the defending MIL overall champs and are finally back at full strength after a series of physical and academic setbacks.

That was evident last night as St. Anthony handed Maui High its first loss of the MIL season, defeating the Sabers 7-3 and dropping them into first-place tie with Baldwin in the D-I standings with a 9-1 record.

Michael Jahns went the distance, allowing five hits, for the win. Offensively, Mitch McCraney was 2-for-3 with a run and RBI and Aarone Santos went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

The victory improved St. Anthony's record to 6-2 for a 1.5-game lead over Molokai in the D-II standings.

In other games yesterday, Skyler Cabacungan was 3-for-3 at the place in support of Gyson Mochizuki, who tossed a two-hit shutout, as Baldwin beat Seabury Hall in 10-0 in six innings. Meantime, King Kekaulike routed Kaahumanu Hou 19-0 in three.

SUZUKI ON A ROLL: After a blazing start at the plate during which his average soared to .424, Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki had struggled small kine in recent games, going 1-for-13 in his previous four outings.

But the Baldwin High grad turned things around in a big way last night.

Suzuki went 4-for-4, including a run-scoring single in the fourth to give Oakland a 1-0 lead. He later added a double to deep right in support of rookie pitcher Greg Smith as the Athletics posted a 2-1 road win over the Chicago White Sox.

The outburst pushed Suzuki's average to .370, ranking him sixth in the American League. Suzuki also ranks eighth with an on-base percentage of .442.

The A's have won eight of 10 and lead the AL West with a 9-5 record.

Maui's other big-leaguer – Philadelphia center fielder Shane Victorino -- was placed on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a strained right calf muscle and a slight tear in the meniscus of his right knee.

He was sidelined for three weeks last year after a similar calf injury.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Monday, April 14, 2008

VICTORINO GOES ON 15-DAY D.L.

(April 14): The Valley Isle is down to one healthy major leaguer.

That development came about as a result of Philadelphia starting center fielder Shane Victorino being placed on the 15-day disabled list after leaving Saturday's game in the
seventh inning with a stained left calf muscle.

Victorino went 2-for-4 before departing. The injury is of concern because he missed three weeks with a similar ailment last season.

Victorino played mostly in right field for the Phillies last season and inherited the starting job in center when Aaron Rowand departed via free agency during the off-season.

After getting off to a very slow start, Shane had been on a roll of late, going 5-for-10 in his last three games and raising his average to .234.

Meantime, Oakland starting catcher Kurt Suzuki has cooled off considerably since a blazing start to the season, although he's still batting a highly respectable .310.

He went 1-for-3 in Oakland's 7-1 loss at Cleveland yesterday. Suzuki has gone 1-for-13 in the three games since his average soared to .424 last week.

One other players with Hawaii ties remains on a major-league roster.

Left-hander Tyler Yates, a product of Kauai, has made seven appearances for the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing just two hits and one run in eight innings while walking five and striking out five. His ERA is an impressive 1.13.

Yates was acquired via trade from Atlanta shortly before the start of the season.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

BOWS OPEN BASEBALL SERIES WITH WIN

(April 11): Maybe that tough non-conference schedule is paying dividends for the University of Hawaii baseball team in the WAC.

The Bows opened a four-game series against New Mexico State in impressive fashion last night at Les Murakami Stadium, posting a 4-2 victory behind a solid pitching performance by Jared Alexander.

The right-hander allowed a run and six hits while walking one and striking out seven over eight innings before closer Jayson Kramer came in to seal the deal in the ninth.

Offensively, freshman second baseman Greg Garcia led UH with two hits, a run and an RBI as the Bows improved to 14-20 overall and 6-7 in the WAC.

The two teams meet again tonight, and close out the series with a double-header set for a 1 p.m. start on Saturday.
Meantime, the UH football team continues spring drills at the adjoining fields on the South Campus athletic complex.

Generally, with a huge void at quarterback following the departure of the record-breaking Colt Brennan, much of the attention would be focused on the competition for that starting job.

But with a pair of junior college QBs not due in until late summer, the quasi-competition between titular No. 1 Inoke Funaki and designated No. 2 Tyler Graunke, who is coming back from an academics-related team suspension, isn't as compelling as it could be.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Thursday, April 10, 2008

U.H. GOES BACK TO OLD HOOPS FORMULA

(April 10): Now we know where Bob Nash spent the couple of weeks immediately following Hawaii's early exit from the WAC basketball tournament that ended a highly disappointing 11-19 debut season for Bows' head coach.

He spent some time in Florida. He didn't go to Disney World. But he did take an "it's a small world after all" approach to his recruiting efforts.

Reverting to a familiar formula, Nash recruited a pair of international players from American junior colleges to replenish a roster that lost seven seniors and four starters, including leading scorer Matt Gibson and the versatile Bobby Nash.

Two such players – who spent last season competing for Pensacola Junior College in Florida -- apparently are headed to Manoa.

One is a big, strong power forward from Lithuania. Petras Balocka averaged nearly 14 points and more than 11 rebounds per game. The 6-8, 250-pounder reportedly has a funky-looking but accurate shot.

The other is a 6-2 shooting guard from the Republic of Georgia. Lasha Parghalava averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists during the past season. He also led Pensacola with 45 3-pointers.

UH won back-to-back WAC titles in 2001 and 2002 with a nucleus of European players that included Predrag Savovic. Nash hopes the international approach works again.

Hawaii earlier signed Adam Jesperen, a 6-7 forward from Canada, and is holding a scholarship for point guard Hiram Thompson, who is returning from a two-year church mission.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

THE SUMMITT OF HOOPS COACHES

(April 9): Too many of us make the mistake, and I'm no exception, of overlooking this name when listing the great coaches in college basketball.

The greatest coach of all time, of course, is the iconic John Wooden, who guided UCLA to an astounding 10 NCAA championships.

But when we talk about who belongs in the pantheon of coaches, we tend to focus on the likes of Dean Smith, Bob Knight, and Coach K and acknowledge the likes of Roy Williams, Ben Howland, Jim Calhoun and, perhaps, Bill Self, who earlier this week guided Kansas to the national title.

But the accomplishments of those men pale in comparison to those of a woman who, before it's all over, may end up matching and, perhaps, even surpassing the lofty standard set by Coach Wooden.

We're speaking, of course, about Pat Summitt of the Tennessee Lady Vols.

Stanford advanced to the final with memorable wins over Maryland and U-Conn. The Cardinal was the team with the momentum, while the Lady Vols needed a put-back shot with 0.7 seconds to escape with a one-point semifinal win over LSU.

But Stanford was over-matched last night in Tampa as Tennessee rolled to a 64-48 win to claim back-to-back titles and earning its eighth national crown under the baleful watch of Pat Summitt.

Since taking over at Tennessee at the age of 22, her teams have also won 983 games and 14 conference crowns. And, at age 55, she still has plenty of years left to overtake the legendary Mr. Wooden.


________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

CALL THEM MARIO & THE MIRACLES

(April 8): A few random thoughts about last night's dramatic and entertaining conclusion to the Big Dance.

Going into the NCAA tournament, the big questions regarding Memphis were its lack of challenging games as a result of playing in a non-power conference and the Tigers' well-publicized shortcomings at the free throw line.

As the tournament progressed, it became obvious Memphis had the talent to play with anyone in the country. But, in the end, its Achilles heel proved to be Memphis' undoing.

The Tigers shot well from the stripe for most of the tournament except when it counted most – in the waning minutes of regulation as they squandered a nine-point lead en route to a 75-68 loss in overtime.

The victory gave Kansas its third national the title and its first since Danny & The Miracles did the business exactly 20 years earlier.

I'm still wondering why Memphis didn't foul when it still enjoyed a three-point lead and Kansas was still trying to get off a shot with less than five seconds left in regulation.
Instead, Mario Chalmers launched – and made – one of the most memorable shots in championship game history with 2.1 seconds left on the clock.

The overlooked turning point in the game came when Memphis big man Joey Dorsey fouled out on a needless perimeter bump. Without their intimidating shot-blocker to patrol the paint, Kansas started attacking the basket with success to get back in the game.

And what was up with freshman sensation Derrick Rose down the stretch? The talented youngster sure didn't seem to keen about taking the big shots.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Monday, April 7, 2008

IT'S MEMPHIS VS. KANSAS FOR TITLE

Memphis has to be the most unlikely underdog of all time.

Consider this: Despite having lost just one game all season and despite earning a No. 1 seed in the Big Dance, the Tigers were considered by many to be a cut below UCLA in Saturday's Final Four game.

And we all know how that ended, with Memphis mauling the Bruins 76-63 and advancing into a date with Kansas in tonight's championship game of the NCAA basketball tournament in San Antonio.

TV coverage of the game will begin at 3 p.m. on CBS.

And it will be worth tuning in simply to marvel at the athletic ability of gravity-defying Memphis guard Derrick Rose, who has led the Tigers – along with the nearly as sensational Chris Douglas-Roberts – to the most victories in college hoops history with 38.

Kansas is an interesting case of its own.

For many Jayhawks' fans, a victory tonight would merely be icing on the cake.

An 84-66 drubbing of North Carolina in the semis enabled them to feel avenged for the defection of Roy Williams, their head coach of 15 seasons, the Tar Heels five years ago.

Kansas will be bidding for its for national title since 1988, when Larry Brown was the coach and Danny Manning was the star player.

Memphis will be seeking its first national crown. The Tigers reached the title game in 1973, when they were soundly beaten by the Bill Walton-led UCLA Bruins.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Friday, April 4, 2008

BEST FOUR REACH FINAL FOUR

For the first time ever, all four of the top-seeded teams advanced to the Final Four. Between them, those teams are a combined 139-9. Impressive stuff.

For some fans, this is a very good thing. Iin their view, it represents a perfect conclusion to the college basketball season. The Best Four in the Final Four.

It's hard to argue the point. Still, I would have preferred a dash of the unexpected in this hoops stew. A little taste of, say, Davidson and the delightful Stephan Curry, providing us suckers a Cinderella to root for.

But, alas, form has prevailed like never before, and we will be subjected to watching a pair of exceptional match-ups tomorrow in San Antonio.

Although hardly qualifying as an underdog with a season record of 38-1, Memphis is certainly an outsider compared to the others still dancing.

The Tigers have been here only once before, while their opponent – UCLA – has 11 national championship banners hanging at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins are 35-3 and have constantly found ways of turning apparent losses into victories. That game will tip off at 12:07, Hawaii time, and will air on CBS.

In the nightcap, scheduled to tip off 40 minutes after the conclusion of the first game, two other storied programs will square off when top-ranked North Carolina matches a 36-2 record with 35-3 Kansas.

The championship game will be played Monday, with local coverage tipping off at 3 p.m.

For the record, my tattered bracket has UCLA cutting down the nets.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Thursday, April 3, 2008

HOOSIERS MAKE GOOD HOOPA CHOICE

HOOSIERS MAKE GOOD HOOPS CHOICE

(April 3): There may be some bumps along the way, particularly if the NCAA lays down heavy sanctions for recruiting violations during Kelvin Sampson's watch at Indiana.

But the hiring of Tom Crean will help lead the beleaguered Hoosiers on the road back to respectability and success.

Crean is an excellent basketball coach, as attested by his 190-96 record in nine seasons at Marquette. He's an exceptional recruiter. And he has no skeletons in his recruiting closet.

He's also no fool. That's why it took an eight-year deal, averaging more than $2 million per, to lure him.

He inherits a program with great tradition, a passionate fan base, and the in-state talent to compete for national titles. He also knows that the immediate challenge he's facing is daunting.

The two starting forwards have completed their eligibility. Two starting guards were dismissed this week by the outgoing coach for violating team rules. Freshman Eric Gordon will likely declare for the NBA draft. And two highly-touted recruits asked for their releases from national letters intent after Sampson's forced resignation.

Tom Crean's first team at Indiana could be without a single returning starter or any blue-chip recruits. It may take a few years, but under Crean will Indiana eventually again rank among the top programs in the country.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

BIG WIN FOR BASEBALL BOWS

(April 2): If ever a team appeared destined for failure, it had to be the Hawaii baseball team for yesterday's game at Stanford.

The Bows were right in the middle of a nine-game, 10-day road trip. They had lost six straight. The host Cardinal was ranked No. 13 nationally. And UH was 0-9 versus ranked opponents during what has all the marks of a dismal season.

But instead of packing it in, the Bows stepped it up and emerged from the Sunken Diamond with a 5-2 victory over Stanford.

In what proved to be the key move of the game, Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso moved John Hee from leadoff to No. 3 in his team's inconsistent lineup. Hee responded by driving in three runs, including the game-winner in the top of the ninth.

Stanford used seven pitchers, the Bows used five in improving their season record to 10-19.

Hawaii resumes conference play on Friday with the opener of a four-game series at San Jose State.

PRO DAY: While the remaining members of the Hawaii football team went through Day 2 of their spring camp at Manoa, 19 former UH players were going through their paces at the school's annual Pro Day at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Most of the attention of the 50 NFL scouts was firmly focused on quarterback Colt Brennan, who announced he will soon undergo hip surgery that will require eight to 12 weeks of recovery time.

Brennan did take part in all of the passing drills and, by all accounts, showed well with his accuracy and his arm strength.
Two others had particularly outstanding performances at the combine-like session.

Living up to his name, offensive guard Hercules Satele bench-pressed 225 pounds 40 times.

And slot back Ryan Grice-Mullins was clocked in a scorching 4.33 in 40. However, Grice-Mullins tweaked his hamstring during the session that limited him during passing drills.

In fact, two other UH receivers were hindered by strained hammys – Jason Rivers and Davone Bess, who did improve his 40 time to 4.49. That left a weary C.J. Hawthorne, the remaining member of UH's stellar receiving corps of last season, to run all of the deep patterns.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

HAWAII KICKS OFF SPRING DRILLS

(April 1): Although many of the names were the same, most of the biggest ones were not as Hawaii opened spring football camp yesterday morning at Manoa.

Namely, those of former head coach June Jones, several of his assistants, and the team's exceptional passing unit.

Gone are record-breaking quarterback Colt Brennan. And gone, as well, are his four targets, including Jason Rivers, Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins.

The allotted 15 spring practices will allow for new head coach Greg McMackin to imprint his style and philosophy on the team he inherited after Jones cashed in on a 12-1 season and accepted a five-year, $10 million deal from SMU.

One of McMackin's first moves after being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach was elevating the Brothers Lee – Ron and Calvin – to coordinate the
offense and defense, respectively.

Ron Lee will retain many aspects of the run-and-shoot, but his quarterback – whoever that turns out to be – will take more snaps from under center.

He'll also employ more of a power-running game, shuffling last year's rushing leader – Kealoha Pilares -- to the slot. Look for Leon Wright-Jackson to win the starting job, with the smaller and shiftier Daniel Libre serving as the change-of-pace backup.

Only five months until the season-opener on Aug. 30 at national powerhouse Florida, which will serve as quite a challenge for McMackin in his debut as UH head coach.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com