college basketball - CLNS Media https://www.clnsmedia.com/tag/college-basketball/ Covering Boston Sports Since 2009 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 03:01:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.clnsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Favicon.png college basketball - CLNS Media https://www.clnsmedia.com/tag/college-basketball/ 32 32 An Epic Crosstown Shootout Brings Out Best In Both Programs As Xavier Survives UC, 80-77 https://www.clnsmedia.com/an-epic-crosstown-shootout-brings-out-best-in-both-programs-as-xavier-survives-uc-80-77/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-epic-crosstown-shootout-brings-out-best-in-both-programs-as-xavier-survives-uc-80-77 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 03:01:17 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=114750 CINCINNATI — There have been fantastic finishes to the Crosstown Shootout. There have great performances and unforgettable moments. There have been coaching feuds and of course, one very ugly brawl. But never before in the previous 89 editions of the most heated collegiate inter-city rivalry in the country has there been an ending like the [...]

The post An Epic Crosstown Shootout Brings Out Best In Both Programs As Xavier Survives UC, 80-77 appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> CINCINNATI — There have been fantastic finishes to the Crosstown Shootout. There have great performances and unforgettable moments.

There have been coaching feuds and of course, one very ugly brawl.

But never before in the previous 89 editions of the most heated collegiate inter-city rivalry in the country has there been an ending like the one Cincinnati college basketball fans were treated to Saturday at Fifth Third Arena.

Souley Boum used a ball screen to drive to the basket and get fouled by Viktor Lahkin. His free throw with 1.4 seconds left broke a 77-77 tie and allowed the Muskies to eventually escape, 80-77.

But that hardly tells the story of the final 60 seconds.

The Bearcats had fought back from 76-65 with three minutes left. They were down 76-73 on a David DeJulius three with 34 seconds left. Boum had made just one of two free throws with 17 seconds left. So, the Bearcats needed a miracle. They got one as part of one of the craziest finishes in the history of the legendary series.

Desmond Claude was called for fouling David DeJulius as DeJulius banked in a desperate heave with 11 seconds remaining. Naturally, DeJulius hit the free throw to tie the game. To say the crowd was delirious would be the height of understatement. A crowd that was frustrated for the first 20 minutes and became hysterical as UC made a push with eight minutes left turned into uncontrollable pandemonium on DeJulius’ miracle four-point play.

“That environment tonight is the best environment,” Bearcats coach Wes Miller said. “I’ve ever been a part of as a college basketball player or coach, and I’ve been part of some cool environments. It’s the best I’ve ever been a part of.

For 20 minutes, it was the Crosstown Blowout.

In the first half, Xavier shot 15-of-32, 6-of-13 from long range and Cincinnati missed 11 of their first 13 shots. The Bearcats were 7-of-27 from the field. The halftime score was 41-24 Xavier, and there was little indication of what was to come.

Even five minutes into the second half, as Cincinnati made a couple of charges, Xavier still had command of the game. Then UC made its push. DeJulius got hot. The Cincinnati inside game, which they established after Kenyon Martin ripped a new one for the kids playing for his Alma Mater. That first 20 minutes was an display of how NOT to play this rivalry game.

Martin, sitting courtside, sneaked in at halftime before the coaches had a chance to address the players and told them to wake the heck up, only in much stronger language.

“I honestly did not know that,” Wes Miller said. “But he came in after the game and talked to our team. What an honor. You’re talking about one of the greatest players to ever play our game. One of the greatest competitors, great winners and his jersey hangs here.

“I can’t tell you how bad I wanted it for our team, the people that support this program, and the people that have played in this program and coached. I can’t tell you how bad I want us to get to where we’re supposed to be as a Cincinnati basketball program. We’ll freakin’ get there or I’ll damn be in the grave. It’s that simple. We will get there. You look at that building tonight. You want it so bad for those people. They deserve it. You want it so bad for these kids. They deserve it. And we will get there.

“And Kenyon Martin and the list of former players in there tonight. You kiddin’ me? Lloyd Batts, he played in the 70s. He was a helluva player. Steve Logan was here. Ruben Patterson was here. I want it so bad for those people and the people that support this program. I hate that we can’t get over the hump for the people who are supporting us. But we freakin’ will.”

There’s Duke-North Carolina. There’s Villanova-Temple and Villanova-St. Joe’s in the Big 5 of Philadelphia. Back in the day, Kentucky-Louisville was must-watch.

Those are all epic college basketball rivalries. But the intensity with which the last three minutes were played Saturday speaks to just why this showdown still means so much in Cincinnati.

Don’t let the high praise the two Millers had for each other after this game mislead you. There was still an intensity that made winning a relief for Xavier and bitter heartbreak for UC. Saturday, however, was proof positive that two teams can have an intense dislike for the uniform but a complete respect for the player in the uniform.

David DeJulius had it for Souley Boum in his postgame press conference and Sean Miller had it for every Bearcat that made life a living hell for his team in the second half.

“If it’s lost luster, it’s news to me. It felt like the same old difficult game,” Xavier coach Sean Miller said. “Wes Miller is building their program. You can see it when you scout them. You can see it by the players he’s recruiting. And you can see it from what he did before coming to Cincinnati. He’s building it. On our end, we’re trying to do the same thing, and move toward the top of the Big East, where we were in 2018. I think you have two programs trying to do the same thing. I think fans have a lot to be proud of and a lot of hope here as we move forward.”

That sounds like a win-win for this rivalry going forward and, more importantly, for rich college basketball tradition in Cincinnati.

The post An Epic Crosstown Shootout Brings Out Best In Both Programs As Xavier Survives UC, 80-77 appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Electric Atmosphere, Sensational Game Signals True Return of Sean Miller At Xavier https://www.clnsmedia.com/electric-atmosphere-sensational-game-signals-true-return-of-sean-miller-at-xavier/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=electric-atmosphere-sensational-game-signals-true-return-of-sean-miller-at-xavier Sat, 19 Nov 2022 02:37:31 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=113303 CINCINNATI – Miller Time is back. Sure, Sean Miller was rehired on March 19 to return the Xavier men’s basketball program back to the heights it enjoyed in his first run on Victory Parkway in the late 2000s. But the first three games of the season were a mere warmup to what energized fans enjoyed [...]

The post Electric Atmosphere, Sensational Game Signals True Return of Sean Miller At Xavier appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> CINCINNATI – Miller Time is back.

Sure, Sean Miller was rehired on March 19 to return the Xavier men’s basketball program back to the heights it enjoyed in his first run on Victory Parkway in the late 2000s.

But the first three games of the season were a mere warmup to what energized fans enjoyed Friday night at Cintas Center.

Yes, Xavier lost 81-79 to No. 12 Indiana when Adam Kunkel’s left-handed layup danced around the rim but fell off with four seconds left. That layup would’ve given the Muskies (3-1) an improbable and electrifying win. Still, it was a game that offered a glimpse of what is to come with this bunch.

“We have to keep our eyes on what’s most important, which is getting better and improving. If Adam Kunkel went down the left (side) of the lane and made the shot, it would’ve felt like a parade here tonight,” Miller told me. “But we still have the same issues.”

Those issues are a defense that allowed 50 points in the paint and 43 points in the second half.

“There aren’t too many college basketball games before Thanksgiving that are going to have what we had here tonight. I thought it was a heckuva game. We had a tremendous crowd as always. I’m disappointed we weren’t able to take advantage of it with a win.”

From the moment Colby Jones returned from his ankle injury and led the Muskies onto the court for warmups to the standing ovation the head coach received parting the student section and onto the court, the building was buzzing.

“There are a lot of kids who would not have played tonight,” Miller said of Jones. “We didn’t put him at risk. But a great player, a great kid.”

It was the kind of atmosphere and environment Miller was brought back to foster on a regular basis.

“It feels amazing,” Miller said. “Right now, I feel guilty because we lost. This is one of the great places to be at. I know that. We have a good basketball team. I know that.”

The Muskies played to the crowd perfectly in the opening minutes, knocking down open threes while – more importantly – showing no hesitation in taking it to the Big 10 visitors in the paint early and often.

Xavier built a lead of nine points in the opening 20 minutes, 28-19, and Jones was flying all over the court, playing very much the part of his status as a preseason All-Big East selection. Xavier led 40-38 at the half.

But then Indiana, behind star Trayce Jackson-Davis, made a predictable run for a team that has its sights set on the Top 10 all season. They led 54-46 and looked like they were about to pull away.

“The key to the game was the first four minutes of the second half. To me, that’s what I’m the most disappointed in. We played the first half and the game kind of went back and forth. But the first four minutes of the second half, we weren’t ready.”

And that lack of preparedness resulted in five fouls in three-and-a-half minutes.

Then Indiana suffered its second unsportsmanlike technical following a made basket and Souley Boum converted two free throws.

Adam Kunkel took over. The guy who kept Xavier in the game in the first half on Tuesday against Fairfield, hit from 30 feet out on the left wing with 13:49 left to make it a three-point game.

Then Kunkel hoisted a shot from the right baseline in front of the Xavier bench with 9:49 left. The shot hit off the front iron, bounced in the air and back down through the basket to tie the game, 60-60.

From there, it might as well have been March Madness in November.

“Let’s go X!” chants filled Cintas. Even the rally against Villanova that fell just short last February didn’t feel like this. Maybe because the fan base just didn’t believe.

Miller slammed the scorer’s table after Jackson-Davis grabbed an offensive rebound hit a reverse layup to tie the game, 62-62, with seven minutes left. Defense and rebounding.

An Indiana three for the lead. A Zach Freemantle drive and dunk with 6:30 left for the lead back.

But, with Xavier up 66-65, Indiana responded with the next eight points and a 73-66 lead.

“Let’s go Hoosiers!” chants from the hundreds of Cream and Crimson fans was met with boos quickly as two Jack Nunge free throws brought Xavier within six, 78-72, with 2:10 left.

Colby Jones was fouled on a made runner with 1:51 left that made it 78-75. The sellout crowd didn’t sit the rest of the way. Souley Boum’s three with 56.5 left drew Xavier within one, 80-79, and sent Cintas into pandemonium.

There was almost an inevitability to it. And that sense only grew when Indiana’s Malik Peneau missed two free throws with 12 seconds left. No timeouts and Xavier with the ball and a chance at a stunning win.

But Kunkel’s layup wouldn’t fall.

“I feel like we got a good look,” a dejected Kunkel told me after. “It just didn’t go in this time.”

“Every game is a learning experience, especially when it’s coming down the stretch,” added Xavier forward Jack Nunge.

When Miller left, Xavier was still in the Atlantic-10. Now, the Musketeers have a chance to ride a wave to the top of the Big East, a conference that is as competitive and intense top-to-bottom as any in the country.

To survive on the big stage, you have to have perform in big stage games. Friday was just that as Xavier had the opportunity to host Indiana in the Dave Gavitt Big East-Big Ten Challenge.

Indiana, with head coach Mike Woodson, came in ranked No. 12 in the country, with designs on awakening their dormant dynasty of decades past. Friday was an early exam for this Muskies team.

Xavier, the defending NIT champs, didn’t win, but if it improves defensively then games like Friday night will turn into wins and those shots will start to fall at the buzzer. And Sean Miller and Xavier fans might have realistic dreams of a thrilling run in that other March tournament.

The post Electric Atmosphere, Sensational Game Signals True Return of Sean Miller At Xavier appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Can Gonzaga Finally Win an NCAA Championship in 2022-23? https://www.clnsmedia.com/can-gonzaga-finally-win-an-ncaa-championship-in-2022-23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=can-gonzaga-finally-win-an-ncaa-championship-in-2022-23 Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:09:03 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=109533 Well – I’m getting hosed betting on both college and NFL football, so it’s time to shift the focus to college basketball! Let’s get right to it. I’ve been all over Gonzaga basketball for the past several seasons. Year in and year out, the Bulldogs dominate the West Coast Conference, play high quality basketball in [...]

The post Can Gonzaga Finally Win an NCAA Championship in 2022-23? appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Well – I’m getting hosed betting on both college and NFL football, so it’s time to shift the focus to college basketball!

Let’s get right to it. I’ve been all over Gonzaga basketball for the past several seasons. Year in and year out, the Bulldogs dominate the West Coast Conference, play high quality basketball in their out-of-league schedule, and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

But they’ve failed to get over the hump.

This doesn’t matter for oddsmakers, though. For the third year in a row – Gonzaga is the betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament according to BetOnline.ag. Here are their top ten:

2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion

Gonzaga                                   +750

North Carolina                       +800

Kentucky                               +1000

Houston                                 +1100

Kansas                                    +1400

Baylor                                     +1400

Arkansas                                +1600

Creighton                              +1800

Duke                                       +1800

UCLA                                     +1800

Forward Drew Timme is returning to Gonzaga for his senior season and will look to lead the Bulldogs to the promised land. The 2x Second-Team All American and 2022 WCC Player of the Year is starved for another chance at a title.

Junior Julian Strawther will also return to the team in 2022. The 6’7″ guard started 31 games for the Zags last year and scored 11.8 points per game. They’ll lean on him to continue improving in his third year in Spokane.

Malachi Smith is a massive addition to the Gonzaga team. A transfer guard from UT-Chattanooga, Smith led the Mocs to the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22 and was the Mid-Major player of the year. The addition of Smith is the reason why I will again be taking the Bulldogs to win the NCAA Title in 2022-23.

My pick: Gonzaga +750

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston sports news!

Also be sure to check out our new sports betting Twitter account @CLNSBetting for all the latest odds and content from CLNS Media.

Use code CLNS50 for 50% off your first deposit at Betonline.ag.

The post Can Gonzaga Finally Win an NCAA Championship in 2022-23? appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Providence Survives, UConn Falters; NCAA Men’s Tournament Day 1 Recap https://www.clnsmedia.com/uconn-huskies-lose-to-new-mexico-providence-friars-win-over-south-dakota-state-kentucky-upset-saint-peters-day-one-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-buster/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uconn-huskies-lose-to-new-mexico-providence-friars-win-over-south-dakota-state-kentucky-upset-saint-peters-day-one-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-bracket-buster Fri, 18 Mar 2022 11:55:08 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=101193 In one of the more popular upset picks throughout Thursday’s 16 game field, Providence men’s basketball staved off NCAA March Madness in Buffalo, New York. The Friars ran through their Big East schedule due to their ability to stop opposing offenses in their tracks. That remained true against the nation’s second leading scoring team— 13-seed [...]

The post Providence Survives, UConn Falters; NCAA Men’s Tournament Day 1 Recap appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> In one of the more popular upset picks throughout Thursday’s 16 game field, Providence men’s basketball staved off NCAA March Madness in Buffalo, New York.

The Friars ran through their Big East schedule due to their ability to stop opposing offenses in their tracks. That remained true against the nation’s second leading scoring team— 13-seed South Dakota State and its 86.7 points per game. Providence held the Cinderella hopefuls to 23 points in the first half and won the matchup 66-57 after a late push from their opponents. 

A critical foul by San Diego State’s Douglas Wilson on a closeout with 29 seconds remaining in the game proved to be the matchup’s pivotal moment. Jared Bynum made all three of his free throws, stretching the Firar lead to six and putting the game out of reach. 

South Dakota State went into the halftime locker room after their lowest scoring half of the year. Instead of getting pulled into a fast paced shootout, the preferred tempo of the Jackrabbits, the Friars were able to weather the frenetic pace early on and settle into the play style that helped the team win 25 games this year. 

“We talked to the players about our culture and I thought this was a culture game versus style and I thought our players were resilient today,” Providence Coach Ed Cooley said after the game. “They did a great job. It also tells you that the strength of the Big East and the styles of play we have to play against.”

This win is bounced back from their disappointing Big East tournament loss to hot-shooting Creighton. Cooley saw elements of both the Blue Jays and Villanova in the Jackrabbits, and Providence was able to take those lessons into Thursday’s matchup.

 

Senior guard Al Durhan led the way for Providence, setting the pace for the fourth seeded squad with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first 20 minutes. He finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the win. Forward Nate Horchler chipped in 13 points of his own to go with 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. 

“We hear the noise that everybody says, but we can’t let that rattle us,” Durham said. “We knew what we were capable of, we knew coming in we’re going to have an edge, a fire, and a chip on our shoulder. And we just came out and played our game, and we just proved the whole world wrong.”

Providence moves on to face the 12th-seeded University of Richmond Saturday.

Huskies Humbled 

The fifth-seeded University of Connecticut Huskies are one-and-done in the tournament following a microwave-hot shooting performance from New Mexico’s junior guard Teddy Allen. 

Allen has starred for the Aggies all year, averaging 19.3 points enroute to the Western Athletic Conference Championship. Allen surpassed that total Thursday night, scorching the nets in Buffalo for 37 points in the 70-63 win by the 12th seed. New Mexico State shot 64.7 percent from three as a team, and Allen hit all 13 of his free throws. UConn ends its season 23-10 with a second-consecutive first-round exit. RJ Cole led the Huskies with 20 points and was the only Connecticut athlete to score over 10. 

Bracket Buster

St. Peter’s is officially the 2022 March Madness Cinderella team. The Peacocks defeated No. 2-seed Kentucky 85-79 in an overtime thriller. 

Doug Edert came off the bench to score 20 points for St. Peter’s, including the game-tying jumper with 24 seconds left in regulation. Poor free throw shooting sunk the Wildcats down the stretch, as they missed five shots from the foul line in the extra period. Likely national Player of the Year winner Oscar Tshiebwe scored 30 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for Kentucky, but it was not enough to escape the upset. Daryl Banks III led the Peacocks with 27 points and hit two free throws to put them ahead for good with 1:24 left in overtime. 

Hawkeyes Grounded

The second fifth-seeded squad to fall during Thursday’s opening round were the  Iowa Hawkeyes. Led by All-American forward Keegan Murray, Iowa, coming off a Big-10 tournament championship run, was regarded as one of the hottest teams in the country. 

That was before they faced the Spiders and senior Jacob Gilyard. The star point guard is the NCAA’s all-time leader in steals, and he helped shut down the high-octane Hawkeye attack. Iowa guard Jordan Bohannon averaged 11 points this season, but the Spiders held him to 6 on 2-8 shooting.

The Spiders won 67-63 and now have the chance to face Providence in the round of 32. 

The post Providence Survives, UConn Falters; NCAA Men’s Tournament Day 1 Recap appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Juwan Howard Suspended for Altercation with Wisconsin https://www.clnsmedia.com/juwan-howard-suspended-for-altercation-with-wisconsin/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=juwan-howard-suspended-for-altercation-with-wisconsin Wed, 23 Feb 2022 19:48:57 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=99845 Bob, Jeff and Gary discuss Michigan’s Head Coach Juwan Howard’s suspension due to his alteration with Wisconsin Head Coach Greg Gard. Also will Lebron James play with Bronny and how will the new look Sixers and Nets look. All that and more on the latest episode of the Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman Podcast w/ [...]

The post Juwan Howard Suspended for Altercation with Wisconsin appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Bob, Jeff and Gary discuss Michigan’s Head Coach Juwan Howard’s suspension due to his alteration with Wisconsin Head Coach Greg Gard. Also will Lebron James play with Bronny and how will the new look Sixers and Nets look. All that and more on the latest episode of the Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman Podcast w/ Gary Tanguay!

Show Topics:

  • Juwan Howard suspended
  • Did Greg Gard “put hands” on Juwan Howard?
  • Is a five-game penalty too severe?
  • Has Bob ever seen anything like this before?
  • Greg Gard’s punishment & suspensions
  • Bronny James’ trajectory
  • Is LeBron James putting too much pressure on his son?
  • Chris Paul’s injury
  • Will James Harden work with the 76ers?
  • How will Ben Simmons do with the Nets?

The CLNS Media Network is Powered by BetOnline.ag, Use Promo Code: CLNS50 for a 50% Welcome Bonus On Your First Deposit!

The post Juwan Howard Suspended for Altercation with Wisconsin appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach https://www.clnsmedia.com/jeff-goodman-gregg-marshall-punched-shaq-morris-as-wichita-state-head-coach-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jeff-goodman-gregg-marshall-punched-shaq-morris-as-wichita-state-head-coach-2 Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:07:37 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=87201 Gregg Marshall, according to separate reports from CLNS Media’s Jeff Goodman and The Athletic, punched a player, demeaned another for his weight and used racist, insulting language throughout a history of reported abuse by dozens of players who he coached at Wichita State. Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster discussed the allegations and what they mean [...]

The post Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]>

Gregg Marshall, according to separate reports from CLNS Media’s Jeff Goodman and The Athletic, punched a player, demeaned another for his weight and used racist, insulting language throughout a history of reported abuse by dozens of players who he coached at Wichita State.

Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster discussed the allegations and what they mean for the future of Marshall in Wichita on the Good N’ Plenty Podcast.

More from Jeff Goodman this week: 

Chris Mack ANNOUNCES Louisville and Kentucky Basketball to play December 26

After several months of scheduling conflict and uncertainty that’s part of the larger college basketball preparation debacle for 2020-21 amid COVID, Kentucky and Louisville announced they’ll continue their rivalry on Dec. 26. Chris Mack joined Jeff Goodman to discuss the spat he and Coach Cal briefly had and why he chose to go along with Kentucky’s preferred date and location (in Louisville with less than full capacity). Full interview here:

 

The post Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach https://www.clnsmedia.com/jeff-goodman-gregg-marshall-punched-shaq-morris-as-wichita-state-head-coach/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jeff-goodman-gregg-marshall-punched-shaq-morris-as-wichita-state-head-coach Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:07:05 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=81238 Gregg Marshall, according to separate reports from CLNS Media’s Jeff Goodman and The Athletic, punched a player, demeaned another for his weight and used racist, insulting language throughout a history of reported abuse by dozens of players who he coached at Wichita State. Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster discussed the allegations and what they mean [...]

The post Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Gregg Marshall, according to separate reports from CLNS Media’s Jeff Goodman and The Athletic, punched a player, demeaned another for his weight and used racist, insulting language throughout a history of reported abuse by dozens of players who he coached at Wichita State.

Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster discussed the allegations and what they mean for the future of Marshall in Wichita on the Good N’ Plenty Podcast.

More from Jeff Goodman this week: 

Chris Mack ANNOUNCES Louisville and Kentucky Basketball to play December 26

After several months of scheduling conflict and uncertainty that’s part of the larger college basketball preparation debacle for 2020-21 amid COVID, Kentucky and Louisville announced they’ll continue their rivalry on Dec. 26. Chris Mack joined Jeff Goodman to discuss the spat he and Coach Cal briefly had and why he chose to go along with Kentucky’s preferred date and location (in Louisville with less than full capacity). Full interview here:

 

The post Jeff Goodman: Gregg Marshall Punched Shaq Morris as Wichita State Head Coach appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman https://www.clnsmedia.com/discovering-lebron-james-brad-stevens-and-kawhi-leonard-with-jeff-goodman-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=discovering-lebron-james-brad-stevens-and-kawhi-leonard-with-jeff-goodman-2 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:33:52 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=86903 Jeff Goodman started his career after graduating from the University of Arizona covering college basketball recruiting. He discovered that patrolling this middle ground allowed him to look up, to the NBA, and down to AAU where it’s possible to form early connections with players. He continues to cover basketball at all three levels 26 years [...]

The post Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jeff Goodman started his career after graduating from the University of Arizona covering college basketball recruiting. He discovered that patrolling this middle ground allowed him to look up, to the NBA, and down to AAU where it’s possible to form early connections with players.

He continues to cover basketball at all three levels 26 years later. He knows LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum from meeting them during their earliest years. Leonard gave him his first major interview at San Diego State and he watched James and Tatum in AAU. Cedric Maxwell hosted him on his CLNS Media podcast this week to reminisce on that career arc.

Goodman, now covering basketball for Stadium and CLNS from the Boston area, couldn’t believe when he received a call in 2013. The Celtics hired Brad Stevens as their 17th head coach. Jeff remembered the first time he discovered the now-heralded head coach he continues to cover.

“I was actually at a game his rookie year … at Southern Illinois,” he said. “They win the game on a half court shot, and what does Brad do? Nothing. No emotion. Zero emotion. He shakes hands and walks off, I’m like who is this dude?”

ESPN sent Goodman to cover the introduction at Boston’s practice facility. He learned then, a career-long writer, he would appear on Sportscenter. That TV appearance put him on track to becoming a prominent on-camera, sideline analyst for the network before following the Ball brothers to Lithuania during their infamous, unconventional road to professional basketball.

Connections don’t always promise access. Goodman couldn’t get LeBron James to talk about his rumored helicopter ride from Springfield after watching Bronny play before a Celtics game. Leonard doesn’t remember him, but Goodman used that experience to talk to him through the common connection.

“I went up to him and said hey, I’m doing a story on your former coach,” he remembered. “No problem. Spent like 10 minutes with me … Kawhi talking about other people, he will do. Kawhi talking about himself, he has no desire.”

Goodman and Maxwell also debated the Kevin Durant experience one year later. Max questioned why Durant left a situation where he was assured winning and continued front-line status. Goodman backed his decision to go to the Nets, comparing it to his own career leaps as both media and basketball have moved away from talent staying in one location. Max also re-told his story of what the former reward was for winning Finals MVP.

Goodman also told the story of his on-air appearance from Las Vegas in 2014. As he staked out LeBron’s free agency decision, ESPN told him Stephen A. Smith would take the following day’s TV appearances. When Stephen A. backed out, Goodman needed to take the air all day after a night out in Vegas.

Subscribe to the Cedric Maxwell Podcast on all platforms here and CLNS Media on Youtube and DailyMotion for coverage of the NBA’s return. 

 

The post Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman https://www.clnsmedia.com/discovering-lebron-james-brad-stevens-and-kawhi-leonard-with-jeff-goodman/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=discovering-lebron-james-brad-stevens-and-kawhi-leonard-with-jeff-goodman Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:33:14 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=80939 Jeff Goodman started his career after graduating from the University of Arizona covering college basketball recruiting. He discovered that patrolling this middle ground allowed him to look up, to the NBA, and down to AAU where it’s possible to form early connections with players. He continues to cover basketball at all three levels 26 years [...]

The post Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jeff Goodman started his career after graduating from the University of Arizona covering college basketball recruiting. He discovered that patrolling this middle ground allowed him to look up, to the NBA, and down to AAU where it’s possible to form early connections with players.

He continues to cover basketball at all three levels 26 years later. He knows LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum from meeting them during their earliest years. Leonard gave him his first major interview at San Diego State and he watched James and Tatum in AAU. Cedric Maxwell hosted him on his CLNS Media podcast this week to reminisce on that career arc.

Goodman, now covering basketball for Stadium and CLNS from the Boston area, couldn’t believe when he received a call in 2013. The Celtics hired Brad Stevens as their 17th head coach. Jeff remembered the first time he discovered the now-heralded head coach he continues to cover.

“I was actually at a game his rookie year … at Southern Illinois,” he said. “They win the game on a half court shot, and what does Brad do? Nothing. No emotion. Zero emotion. He shakes hands and walks off, I’m like who is this dude?”

ESPN sent Goodman to cover the introduction at Boston’s practice facility. He learned then, a career-long writer, he would appear on Sportscenter. That TV appearance put him on track to becoming a prominent on-camera, sideline analyst for the network before following the Ball brothers to Lithuania during their infamous, unconventional road to professional basketball.

Connections don’t always promise access. Goodman couldn’t get LeBron James to talk about his rumored helicopter ride from Springfield after watching Bronny play before a Celtics game. Leonard doesn’t remember him, but Goodman used that experience to talk to him through the common connection.

“I went up to him and said hey, I’m doing a story on your former coach,” he remembered. “No problem. Spent like 10 minutes with me … Kawhi talking about other people, he will do. Kawhi talking about himself, he has no desire.”

Goodman and Maxwell also debated the Kevin Durant experience one year later. Max questioned why Durant left a situation where he was assured winning and continued front-line status. Goodman backed his decision to go to the Nets, comparing it to his own career leaps as both media and basketball have moved away from talent staying in one location. Max also re-told his story of what the former reward was for winning Finals MVP.

Goodman also told the story of his on-air appearance from Las Vegas in 2014. As he staked out LeBron’s free agency decision, ESPN told him Stephen A. Smith would take the following day’s TV appearances. When Stephen A. backed out, Goodman needed to take the air all day after a night out in Vegas.

Subscribe to the Cedric Maxwell Podcast on all platforms here and CLNS Media on Youtube and DailyMotion for coverage of the NBA’s return. 

 

The post Discovering LeBron James, Brad Stevens and Kawhi Leonard with Jeff Goodman appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jay Wright: On the NBA to Address One-and-Done, NCAA and G-League Issue https://www.clnsmedia.com/jay-wright-on-the-nba-to-address-one-and-done-ncaa-and-g-league-issue-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jay-wright-on-the-nba-to-address-one-and-done-ncaa-and-g-league-issue-2 Fri, 08 May 2020 11:54:34 +0000 https://www.clnsmedia.com/?p=87356 Jay Wright suspects the NBA is using its G-League prospect program as a way around one-and-done, which isn’t a bad thing. With the unlikelihood of the player’s union ending the infamous one-and-done rule, the G-League program could integrate players into the pros with one buffer year. Jalen Green will attempt to be its pioneer. It’s [...]

The post Jay Wright: On the NBA to Address One-and-Done, NCAA and G-League Issue appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]> Jay Wright suspects the NBA is using its G-League prospect program as a way around one-and-done, which isn’t a bad thing.

With the unlikelihood of the player’s union ending the infamous one-and-done rule, the G-League program could integrate players into the pros with one buffer year. Jalen Green will attempt to be its pioneer. It’s less clear if he’ll make noticeable history, or remain obscure until the draft like Darius Bazley did.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/k4xbRF3SS8rfW4w1LFx

Wright, who joined Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman’s CLNS Media podcast this week, is rooting for the program. Its success could restore authenticity to the NCAA. He wants players who desire professional careers to go, leaving those interested in college behind.

Another idea calls upon the long-successful MLB format. Players can jump directly from high school to the minor leagues. They have the option to attend college after being drafted, knowing in a set amount of time that they’ll join that pro team. College baseball successfully maintains amateurism without much controversy, though it does not rake in the billions of dollars that March Madness does.

“Everybody loves to criticize the NCAA,” Wright said. “Granted, the NCAA always reacts too late, it’s always reactionary. We don’t have enough vision and leadership, but the NBA controls whether these guys go to college or not, and how long they’re in college. The NBA controls that, not us, it’s all on the NBA.”

Between 1995-2005, players freely entered the NBA from high school without exception until the new CBA set a mandatory year between high school and the league. That manifested in one-season college tenures from Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving and numerous stars.

It worked for college, until recent disdain from Ben Simmons and James Wiseman’s Memphis departure this season. RJ Hampton and LaMelo Ball, likely lottery picks in this draft, opted for paid seasons overseas.

The G-League program, as Adam Silver proposed, allows those types of players on and off-court development with occasional games against G-League teams. Green and others will then enter the 2021 NBA Draft. Jalen Green will make $500,000 during this program, a possible point of contention for other G-League players, said Ryan Arcidiacono, recently of the Windy City Bulls.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/k5JcqL0F5dvCddw1LG7

That calls into question how much this program actually aims to develop the G-League, which still caps out at $75,000 salary for two-way players like Arcidiacono and others.

“If an 18, 19 year-old kid comes in, he’s going to have to spend his fair share of time in the G-League,” Arcidiacono said. “It’s going to take a while.”

The post Jay Wright: On the NBA to Address One-and-Done, NCAA and G-League Issue appeared first on CLNS Media.

]]>