Hoopraker sources indicate that coach Bill Carmody’s performance, particularly in the area of recruiting, is beginning to raise skepticism in Evanston. Suffice to say, Carmody is being watched more closely than ever before during his tenure. What has appeared at times to be limitless patience and a hands-off approach from administration is expiring. The promising classes of 2006 and 2007 acknowledged, Carmody needs some additional recruiting breakthroughs.

Hoopraker was bullish on Carmody’s hiring six seasons ago. Mentored by rumpled basketball Yoda Pete Carril, Carmody put up high altitude numbers in his four years as Princeton head man. With its ability to control game tempo and beat more athletic teams the Princeton system looked like a snug fit for Northwestern. Carmody was also accustomed to the challenge of recruiting kids who knew their way around the classroom as well the key. All signs suggested he was a smart hire.

There is no argument that Carmody has elevated the competitiveness of the NU program. Given how badly the program had bottomed out under his two immediate predecessors this was no mean feat. The Cats have become a very tough out at home and have turned in three straight seasons of near .500 basketball. They are no longer the league laughingstock. Carmody is a very capable bench coach. He’s engineered some nice upsets. He conducts himself and his program with class and wit.

With this growth curve acknowledged it is time for the program to go higher. Even modest success breeds greater expectations. At places like Northwestern where perennial losing has dulled the administration and much of the fan base into an easier acceptance of mediocrity sometimes these expectations take longer to develop. There is no question one has to be patient and realistic about the rebuilding process. The past six seasons the NU administration has been exactly that. But there are indications this patience is not infinite. Hoopraker believes Carmody needs to take the Cats to at least two NITs or 1 NCAA in the next four seasons. Or some close approximation of the same.

This will only be possible if Carmody makes a significant leap in recruiting. Granted, Coble, Ryan, and Nash are good gets. Coble is going to be an all-time Wildcat before he’s done. The pundits also suggest 2007 signees Mike Capocci and Michael Thompson are the right stuff as well. The problem is, even if these players exceed expectations, it won’t be enough. The perimeter is ably manned, but with the departure of Vince Scott and what appears to be the slow development of Ivan Puljusic and Nikola Baran, Carmody’s team will have little to no post presence in the near future. It’s a fatal flaw. The lack of a strong rebounder, low block scoring threat, and post defender dooms the Cats to status quo results. Carmody apologists will be harshly reminded of this flaw once conference play starts next week.

All of Carmody’s teams, the current one included, exhibit this deficiency. And while Carmody can coach his way out of this deficit to .500 seasons, he won’t be able to make the leap to the postseason. Carmody needs a few good big men and quick. At the very least he needs some players, tall or not, who have the strength and determination to defend and rebound the low block. As Gerry Claxton proves on a regular basis, it isn’t merely about height. Hopefully, Carmody and his assistants Paul Lee, Mitch Henderson, and Tavaras Hardy are doggedly on the case. If not, the word on Central Street is that the growing impatience with Carmody’s program may reach critical mass.

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I had the rather sobering realization that this year will mark a quarter century of my attendance at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament. What this means, among other things, is that I no longer have a Carol Alt poster above my bed, the 6′2″, 135 lbs. I quoted for my first Illinois Driver’s License are distant bygones, and I’ve been party to some fantastic high school basketball over the years. For the Illinois high school basketball fan the tournament is nothing short of hallowed ground. On the occasion of my twenty-fifth visit, here are some recollections of the players, coaches, and epic tilts that have been burned into my basketball memory.

The 1980 Tournament Final
Gene Pingatore’s St. Joseph’s Chargers beat Ron Nikcevich’s Lyons Township squad in a 3 OT roof raiser. St. Joe’s was led by Daryl Thomas (Indiana, Sacramento Kings) while the Lyons’ team had Jeff Hornacek (Iowa State, Utah Jazz) at point and Elmer Robinson (Iowa State) underneath. This was my first Proviso West tournament and watching this contest with a crowd of nearly 4000 cheering every basket, I was hooked for life.

The King Jaguars and head coach Landon “Sonny” Cox
Coach Cox benefitted from a Chicago Public League climate that was ostensibly lawless. His teams until the early 1990’s were All-Star teams by virtue of his outright recruitment of the city’s best players. Efrem Winters (Illinois), Marcus Liberty (Illinois, Denver Nuggets/Detroit Pistons), Levertis “Levertical” Robinson (Cincinnati), Jamie Brandon (LSU), Rashard Griffith (Wisconsin), Thomas Hamilton, Michael Hermon (Indiana) and Leon Smith (Atlanta Hawks/Seattle Supersonics) all played for the Pimp of the Public League. It was this kind of stratospheric talent that enabled Cox to steal three state titles (1986, 1990, 1993) despite having a coaching IQ in the single digits. Cox’s coaching philosophy consisted of dressing in double-breasted, wide lapeled suits, spending most of the game muttering on the bench, and occasionally rising to yell “Red!” “Red!” was the only play I ever heard Cox call out to his charges. “Red!” involved one of his players jacking a low percentage perimeter shot or driving and forcing a shot in heavy traffic. The fact that Cox has a trio of state titles is a crime. Fortunately, when the Public League began to enforce even a modicum of rules, Cox’s fortunes plummeted and he disappeared. Despite it all I miss watching him on the sidelines. He and his teams were entertaining spectacles. I will never forget the sight of his 1993 squad that started 7′0 Griffith and 7′2″ Hamilton.

Townsend Orr, Thornridge
Orr (Minnesota, Harlem Globetrotters) took Proviso West hostage as a junior and senior in 1988 and 1989, leading the Falcons to two straight tournament titles. At 6′1″ he was a potent scorer both inside and out. He was one of four players to make the PW All-Tourny team three times. Longtime coach Mike Flaherty was another of the great coaches to grace the sidelines at Proviso West, always fielding well drilled, talented teams.

Proviso East, The Three Amigos, and coach Bill Hitt
The Three Amigos, who played together from 1988-1991, were Sherrell Ford (UIC, Seattle Supersonics, Harlem Globetrotters), Donny Boyce (Colorado, Atlanta Hawks) and Michael Finley (Wisconsin, Dallas Mavericks/San Antonio Spurs). State champions in 1991. Demonstrating why he was another of the tourny’s great coaches, Bill Hitt took his 1992 team to another state title despite losing all three to graduation. The Three Amigos team with its combination of talent and coaching was the best high school team I’ve ever seen and was one of the finest in IHSA history. Finley was a late bloomer and was the third option on the team. Boyce was a smooth 6′5″ scorer, Ford a deadly operator on the post.

The Westinghouse Warriors
Beginning with the 1992 tournament which the Warriors won in record breaking fashion, Westinghouse cut a wide swath into the late ’90’s. The 1992-93 team featured Kiwane Garris (Illinois, Denver Nuggets/Orlando Magic). They also won the 1998 and 1999 tournaments behind Cedric Banks (UIC), brothers David Bailey (Loyola, Chicago) and Martell Bailey (UIC), and head coach Chris Head. The Head teams played a frenetic brand of full-court pressing basketball that depended on ten man constant rotations. Head had the athletes to execute this style to marvelous effect.

The Garnett/Fields Show
The 1994 transfer of Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves) from a South Carolina high school to the Farragut Admirals of the Public League was a gift from the basketball deities. Garnett and Ronnie Fields (CBA) were an electrifying duo that produced highlights on nearly every play. Garnett was the most gifted high school player I’ve ever seen. He played every position on the floor including point guard, ran the floor like Edwin Moses, had freakish passing skills, and had a feathery soft jumpshot of unlimited range. Equal to his skill level was his infectious exuberance on the floor and his interest in making his teammates better. He was a consummate team player. Fields may have been the better athlete. Only 6′2″ and change, he played like a 6′8″ power forward. His 48 inch vertical was no exaggeration. His no-step dunks and rebounds over players half a foot taller were commonplace. His wunderkind leaping ability postponed his development of polished guard skills and a jump shot and he was a disinterested student. Add a rape charge to the mix and colleges and the NBA never came calling. He is seeking redemption in the CBA where he has continued to be a potent scorer. A freshman on the 1994 team, Michael Wright (Arizona) became the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in PW history by the end of his string. Wright was a strapping manchild who was impossible to stop on the low block.

The Shooters
Guess what? The jumpshot remains a deadly weapon in basketball. Given its teachability I wonder why it sometimes seems like a neglected art. Maybe it requires too much dull repetition and gym time to perfect. The dunk gets more ballyhoo from live crowds. But the PW careers of Ryan Hogan (Kentucky), Matt Lottich (Stanford), and Jon Scheyer (Duke) are reminders of its efficacy. All three of these practitioners took their talent poor teams great distances with lights out shooting. Hogan was the most one dimensional of the bunch, but he put together some huge games, especially the 1996 tournament when he scored 136 points in four games. Lottich was a fierce competitor who took his New Trier team to the Elite Eight in 2001. Lottich was also a star quarterback, ace pitcher, and 3.79 student. Scheyer’s 21 points in 75 minutes at last year’s tournament was a ridiculous display of shooting and will to compete. More impressive was his leading his Glenbrook North team to the state title the same year. He took a thin collection of role players on his back to get it done.

Other PW Notables, Thoughts
Proviso West’s Michael Ingram (Missouri, Iowa). Knee injuries blew up his college career but he was a dominant force in high school. One of the best defenders in PW history.

Chicago Vocational’s Juwan Howard (Michigan, various NBA) had the most mature, polished game I’ve seen from a high schooler. Smooth post moves as both a back-to-the basket and face up player. Silken, rangy jump shot. Good passer. Hit his free throws. He turned in double doubles without breaking a sweat. His effortless game may have also been a curse. Poker faced on the court, maybe for lack of heart, love of the game. NBA journeyman career may be proof of the pudding.

Fenwick’s Corey Maggette (Duke, Los Angeles Clippers). Falls into the too smooth for his own good category. Wasted a lot of talent. Able to score 20 points without trying. Another example of Coach K’s greedy recruitment of McDonald’s All-Americans, regardless of their internal makeup and approach to the game.

Proviso East’s Browns. Dee Brown (Illinois, Utah Jazz) played every second at PW like it was his last. Pure love of the game. Shannon Brown (Michigan State, Cleveland Cavaliers) was the kind of player who would coast through three quarters then score 25 points in the last frame. Unstoppable when he put his mind to it. Tom Izzo maximized his potential. Both obviously made great decisions about where to play college ball.

Hillcrest’s Shelby Jordan. Could be my favorite PW player. 6′1″ kid with a smart, crafty game and the heart of a lion. Found a way to score, rebound, make plays at every turn. Lack of a jump shot and poor academics sent him to JUCO land and I never heard from him again. But he was everything a high school coach and fan could wish for. Under the radar gem.

Just a few reasons for my twenty-five years of loyalty to Proviso West. The tournament is a gift that keeps on giving. I’m sure this year’s tournament won’t disappoint. It hasn’t yet.

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Robert Montgomery Knight is on the brink of sanctifying what any clear sighted hoops cognoscenti already knows to be as inviolable, irrefutable, and immoveable as the ball screens he’s taught his charges the past four decades. Sometimes numbers lie. In this case, however, they deliver the clean burning truth. Knight is the finest college basketball coach and teacher to ever stalk a sideline.

And while he will summit the all-time wins list this week in the block letters of Texas Tech (and O’Reilly Auto Parts) it seems a worthy juncture to take stock of what this son of Orville, Ohio meant to the conference that both forged and benefited most from his coaching genius.

His thirty-two year residence in the Big Ten as a player and coach is peerless and appears untouchable. Before we consider his legacy to the conference, let’s stare gape mouthed for a moment at the numbers:

As a player (Ohio State University, 1960-62)
Overall record of 78-6
Big Ten Champion 1960-1962
NCAA Champion 1960

As a coach (Indiana University, 1971-2000)
661-240 overall, 53-23 postseason
11 Big Ten Titles (1973-76, 1980-81, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993)
0 losses in Big Ten Conference (1974-76)
5 Big Ten Coach of the Years (1973, 1975-76, 1980, 1981)
10 Consecutive seasons with a player on the Academic All- American team or Academic All-Big Ten Team
18 Academic All-Americans and/or Academic All-Big Ten players
4 National Coach of the Years (1975-76, 1987, 1989)
1 NIT Championship (1979)
5 Final Fours (1973, 1976, 1981, 1987, 1993)
3 NCAA Championships (1976, 1981, 1987)
1 Olympic Gold Medal (1984)

Of course, the same personality traits–perfectionism, megalomania, taurine obstinacy, easy combustibility–that produced the statistical anomalies cited above go centrifugal from time to time. It is a personality that produces numbers as follows: (sing along if you’ve the gills):

1 coldcocked Puerto Rican
1 canned Cajun
1 chair Steve Reided
1 neck Neil Reeded
1 buttock Cheaneyed
1 Kent Harveyed
1 Jeremy Schapped
1 chin Princed
And other partridges in ye ole pear tree

The theatrics d’absurd notwithstanding, RMK’s influence on the conference of his longest and greatest service is as pure as a Brian Evans step-in twelve foot jump shot. With all due respect to the Big Ten legends that preceded him–Ward “Piggy” Lambert (Purdue), Walter Meanwell (Wisconsin), Everett Dean and Branch McCracken (IU), Harry Combes (Illinois), Fred Taylor (OSU)–it is Knight (and Gene Keady) who are most responsible for the style and high quality of basketball and coaching that both defined their rivalry and prevail in the best programs of the conference today.

What are the bedrock Big Ten basketball precepts that Knight made holy and continue to inspire rapture and devotion from the correspondants of Hoopraker? Here are a few:

Smart, 5-man basketball
Knight’s championship teams certainly had superstars: Kent Benson, Quinn Buckner, and Scott May of the 1976 team; Isiah Thomas, 1981; Steve Alford, 1987. But even those teams were defined by their balance and division of labor. To wit, the 1987 team’s five starters all averaged double figures. The ‘81 team had three in double figures and the other two averaged nine and change. The ‘76 team was Knight’s most talented team, but it was typical in its emphasis on team play and sharing of the load.

Wise development and use of role players
Tom Abernethy, Bobby Wilkerson, Ray Tolbert, Ted Kitchel, Randy Wittman, Uwe Blab, Daryl Thomas, Dean Garrett, Ricky Calloway, Keith Smart are obvious examples from his best teams. But all his teams reflected his ability to grow even modestly equipped players into formidable Big Ten ballplayers by their upperclass years. The growth curves of Knight charges from year one to four were stark. Revisit the Indiana careers of Brian Evans, Matt Nover, Joe Hillman, Kirk Haston for salient examples. Even players who arrived in Bloomington with more obvious potential–Calbert Cheaney and A.J. Guyton–evidenced steep development curves. Lesser coaches, even ones who recruit well, often fail to take the good players higher. Knight turned them into All-Americans.

Respect for seniors
A subcategory of the above was Knight’s respect for and reliance on seniors. Knight had both deep respect and high expectations for his seniors. When one of his senior laden teams streamed onto a visiting court in their candystripes opposing coaches and fans gulped in anticipation. Four years of Knight tutelage rendered a player whose execution, toughness, and understanding of the game was remarkably complete. Knight also never failed to acknowledge the outstanding performances of rival seniors. Watching Knight take several minutes after the final buzzer in Evanston to congratulate and bend the ear of senior Shon Morris was typical. Knight always honored effort and never stopped teaching.

Emphasis on academics
The bevy of Academic All-Americans and Big Ten All-Academic players is a striking complement to the way Knight ran his programs. His ninety percent graduation rate is a stern rejoinder to those that think winning and academic commitment are mutually exclusive. He took his responsibility as an educator of young men seriously. And he made sure his players didn’t squander the unique opportunity of collegiate student-athleticism. Also, whether it was a specific priority or the by-product of his methodology and style of play, Knight didn’t recruit many early jumpers to the NBA. Certainly this didn’t hurt his graduation rates. Some may argue that it made his later teams unable to play deep into the tournament. It is a specious claim. From 1993 to 2001 schools with graduation rates sixty percent or higher won five National Titles and sixteen Final Four berths. In a system where it was and remains easy to relegate academics to the back burner, Knight was a commendable self-regulator.

Overall style of basketball
Knight did not invent his style of play from the ether. He was a keen historian and observer of the game, stealing ideas from a wide variety of sources and mentors. John Wooden, Pete Newell, Hank Iba, Fred Taylor, and others are reflected in the Knight philosophy. Nonetheless, Knight’s teams always had a unique identity built around certain core values. He prepared and expected his players to play an intelligent, fundamentally sound, patient brand of basketball that featured constant motion on offense, man-to-man principles of defense. Crisp passing and ball reversals were favored over dribbling. Post players set high ball screens opening up wide open looks on the perimeter. Picks and sharp cuts to the basket yielded more high percentage opportunities. Help and switching made his defenses into red brick curtains. When opponents did get a shot off, Knight’s players found their men and boxed out.

The depth and quality of today’s Big Ten play and coaching owes a huge debt of gratitude to Knight. During his conference service he, Keady, and Heathcote were obvious stars amidst a revolving host of lesser lights. Johnny Orr, Lou Henson, Dr. Tom Davis, Lute Olson, Gary Williams, Eldon Miller, Bill Foster, and Jim Dutcher had their moments, but blanch when compared to these three. It is my contention that Knight and his core basketball values set the curve for the modern Big Ten. And his collisions with Keady in particular took the conference even higher.

Today’s conference is, with a few obvious exceptions, defined by excellent coaching and patient, smart Knight/Keady-tinged basketball. It isn’t a reach to argue that the Big Ten today is a house that these two had the biggest hands in building. In honor of RMK’s impending all-time wins record, we at Hoopraker nod our caps and say thank you.

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We’ve digested our spiral and organic Christmas hams, Happy Holidays and all that stuff. Unfortunately, three days removed from December 23, Hoopraker can’t shake the nausea attributable to the collective efforts of Ohio State and Michigan. These brutal games tempt me like a beautiful pint of Guinness on a winter night to wax on the fundamental deficiencies in the head basketball coaches for Ohio State and Michigan. (more…)

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December 23, 2006
Loyola University Gentile Center
Chicago, Illinois
Loyola Academy (Wilmette) 60 New Trier (Winnetka) 55
Simeon 62 Carver 38

Judging by the company in the bleachers, I’ve been picking the right gyms to visit. Last month it was Barack Obama at Welsh-Ryan, Saturday at Loyola’s petite gem of a gym it was Michael Jordan and Bill Wennington. The latter two were there in support of their basketball heirs.

The Loyola Academy squad’s current incarnation seems to be as a Jesuit club team for the sons of former Chicago pro athletes. Joining senior Jeff Jordan, sophomore Marcus Jordan, and freshman Robert Wennington is Joey Suhey, son of Matt. The Ramblers entered the tangle with their North Shore rivals undefeated against a string of patsies and ranked third in Chicagoland.

New Trier is helmed by one of the area’s finest basketball minds, Rick Malnati (Bradley ‘81). Malnati assumed the mantle of the proud Trevian program in 1999 after several years as the top assistant to IHSA coaching lion Mel Sheets. Sheets’ eighteen year reign was distinguished by everything short of a state title. And despite fielding rosters with only two notable Division 1 level players, Matt Lottich (Stanford ‘04) and Todd Townsend (Marquette ‘04), Malnati has racked up a winning percentage over .700 in his seven year span. One need only cite the 2002 Supersectional game when Malnati’s team of slow-footed, sharp shooting overachievers took out a hugely favored Proviso East team that featured a backcourt of Dee Brown and Shannon Brown. That game was the kind of basketball clinic that says everything you need to know about Malnati as a coach.

There are many capable coaches in Chicagoland who might be able to match wits with Malnati, but three year Loyola head man Bryan Tucker isn’t one of them. Were it not for an uncharacteristically gaffe prone performance by New Trier and the substantial athletic advantage of his team, Tucker would’ve found himself on the losing side of things. Switch rosters and Malnati would win a state title. Tucker will be lucky to take them downstate.

The contrast in coaching was obvious from the layup line. While the Trevians ran through a tight choreography of shooting and defensive drills, Loyola took aimless jumpers and giggled and high fived as the Jordan brothers put on a dunking display for an appreciative crowd. The differences didn’t end there. Loyola plays a brand of basketball that resembles a summer playground run. A typical offensive series: Jeff Jordan dribbles for ten seconds while his teammates watch then passes to brother Marcus who takes defender one on one and throws up off balance jumper. Or vice versa. Or substitute any Loyola starter for the Jordans and repeat. New Trier on the other hand emphasizes motion and cutting on offense, crisp ball reversals, and patient pursuit of high percentage looks. If the Trevians have an even modest imitation of a point guard, something they appear to lack this year, this system is both a joy to watch and deadly effective.

Predictably, the brothers Jordan are above average athletes. Jeff, a 6′1″ point, and Marcus, a 6′3″ guard/forward, have gym crafted, strong frames and do make their share of plays. Occasionally, they make an acrobatic layup or dunk as dad chuckles amidst his phalanx of bodyguards. Some of their fundamental basketball skills–jumpshooting range, defense, movement without the ball, passing, ability to make their teammates better–are not yet fully developed. Much of this is attributable to incompetent coaching. A good mid-major coach will be able to maximize their talent.

Hoopraker was sad to learn the nightcap would be played without Memphis recruit and top ranked Illinois senior, Derrick Rose of Simeon. A turned ankle had him ensconsced on the bench, recuperating for the following week’s holiday tournament in Pontiac. The defending state champs did not use this as an excuse. Simeon is a well coached team with depth and cohesion. The UW-Milwaukee recruits, 6′5″ Tim Flowers and 6′6″ Kevin Johnson anchor the frontcourt and consistently find a way to make plays. Surrounding them are jump out of the gym athletes at every position. They outclassed a strong Carver team from the outset. It is scary to think how good this team is with Rose on the floor. They appear to more than deserve their number one state ranking. Until proven otherwise, they are the team to beat in March.

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Dear Bill:

We studied with great interest your department’s salary releases last week. The following line items were of particular interest to us:

Bill Martin, Athletic Director
2005-06 $346,080
2006-07 $355,770
2.8 percent increase

Tommy Amaker, Men’s Basketball
2005-06 $167,187
2006-07 $172,203
3.0 percent increase

Rich Maloney, Men’s Baseball
2005-06 $81,689
2006-07 $98,000
20 percent increase

Joe McFarland, Men’s Wrestling
2005-06 $76,000
2006-07 $95,000
25 percent increase

Bill, the Board of Trustees and the taxpayers of the great state of Michigan are on to you. There is a scarlet A on your back and the clock is ticking. Your move Bill. The time to save your hide is nigh.

Saturday’s toxic viewing from Pauley Pavilion shouldn’t be a surprise. The evidence has been accumulating for six years and running. It’s not necessary to catalogue it here. Revisit the Hoopraker and Nathan Fenno Ann Arbor News archives if you need primary source reminders.

Hopefully you already know what the method of recompense must be. I have to imagine that certain self-respecting and clear visioned segments of the alumni base have articulated, I hope with some vitriol attached, exactly what is called for. Last week’s salary disclosures seem to suggest that you are, at least, willing to address the issue indirectly.

Unfortunately, damning the problem with faint praise isn’t adequate. Hoping the double digit increases to the deserving high performers in your department will deliver the necessary message to the lackeys isn’t leadership. It’s time to be direct. Decisive. Take a cue from the company that doubles or triples your head basketball coach’s total fleecing to north of a half million per annum. Just do it Bill. Your job may depend on it. The reputation of your basketball program surely does.

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Heading into Saturday’s game with Florida, Ohio State will hopefully find the answers to at least two significant issues: (1) whether Ohio State’s guards can co-exist with Greg Oden and (2) whether the Buckeyes defend well enough to win big games on the road. After the game, we’ll have a much better indication of how strong Ohio State is and can be. So far, the three pointers are generally falling although with less regularity since the arrival of Greg Oden. This should be a major concern for Thad Matta as it is reminiscent of the Buckeye’s cold streak that commenced in Febraury 2006 and ended with a demoralizing loss to Georgetown in March. Through four games, the team still looks as if they’re searching for a rhythm with the big man on the floor. Faced with a veteran Florida team that should be able to defend the entire floor, Thad Matta will have an opportunity to show how well he’s been able to integrate Oden’s back to the basket post game into the flow of Matta’s guard-oriented offense.

Even with Oden, the strength of Ohio State remains its depth on the perimeter with Ron Lewis, Daequan Cook, Ivan Harris and the two point guards. After 11 games it’s clear Mike Conley is not only extremely good but he may be the best point guard in the Big Ten. He’s subtly supplanted Jamar Butler leaving Butler’s career in jeopardy of flatlining as a decent Big Ten role player and little more. In a sense, this is unfortunate as Butler, a three year starter, endured playing in the same backcourt with Tony Stockman as a freshman and then deferred shots to J’Kel Foster last season, patiently waiting his turn. Now, unless he becomes more assertive, Butler’s about to watch the bus drive right by his stop.

In order for the Buckeye’s to fulfill the potential of their apparent talent, they need to defend. Although the numbers indicate that they’re playing solid defense, the one good team Ohio State played thus far (North Carolina) put up 98 points on them. If the Florida game becomes a shoot out like the Carolina game, it will be a harbinger of bad things for Ohio State as it will neutralize Oden who isn’t as fast as Joakim Noah. While Florida has started slowly this season, perhaps on the receiving end of everyone’s best barroom punch, they have shooters, they can defend and they have a Gainesville audience. If Ohio State keeps Florida under 75 points and manages to make it out of the O’Connell Center in one piece, they may indeed be ready to wreak havoc on the Big Ten.

As for the matchup between Oden and Noah, it’ll be intersting to see if the thin yet quick Noah attacks the rim or seeks to bring Oden away from the basket. Watching Donovan’s teams and considering his coaching pedigree, Oden will not command respect by his mere presence on the floor. It may or may not happen this weekend with Noah and without Horford, but beginning January 6 in Champaign, Big Ten teams certainly will not be reluctant to attack Oden.

The hyperbole surrounding Oden is reminiscent of the aura of invincibility surrounding Mike Tyson in the late 80’s. The mental approach taken by opposing teams thus far playing against Oden appears similar to the approach taken by Michael Spinks as he looked vacantly into the eyes of Tyson before getting dropped minutes later. If 6′10″ athletes are so intimidated by Oden’s mere presence to even attack him, he’s won without even being challenged. As established time and time again, basketball rewards the aggressor. You rarely see a passive team smiling in the Conference Championship Photo. Whether Oden turns into the next Bill Russell or Bill Walton or the next Sam Bowie or Ralph Sampson not only remains to be seen but it is irrelevant to Ohio State’s success as a team.

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With two short weeks of Holiday Basketball remaining before the Big Ten season kicks up, two teams from States separated by the Mississippi River are flowing in distinctly opposite directions.

After bringing down #17 Marquette in Milwaukee last week, the most impressive performance in the Big Ten if not college basketball this weekend took place in Madison where Bo Ryan’s Badgers applied the Wisconsin swing offense like a tourniquet to previously unbeaten and #2 Pitt. Although he still can’t jump more than four inches off the ground, Brian Butch must have been motivated by either a Bo Ryan boot in his arse or the challenge of playing Pitt’s Aaron Gray, because for the first time I can recall, he actually looked like the McDonald’s All-American from Appleton, Wisconsin he was rumored to be.

Alando Tucker’s game is inspired. Like Devin Harris and Mike Wilkinson before him, the development of Tucker during his time in Madison is a testament to Ryan’s ability to find under-recruited players that blend within his system and, eventually, make them champions. Badger underclassmen Joe Krabbenhoft, Marcus Landry, Jason Bohannon, Trevan Hughes all fit the Bo Ryan pattern of success. As we approach the start of the Big Ten season, enjoy Tucker’s last go around, it may be reminicent of Scott Skiles’ dominant 1986 season for the Spartans, without the drug arrests.

And then there’s Steve Alford. There’s no excuse for Iowa playing as poorly as it is right now. Alford owes a truckload of thanks to graduated Hawkeyes Greg Brunner and Jeff Horner for his, um, interesting contract extension. There must be more than one person in Iowa’s Athletic Department wondering if the contract bestowed upon Alford by former Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby shortly before he bolted to Stanford has a window of rescission. I don’t live anywhere near Iowa City, but I can smell the stink on that sweetheart deal and right about now most of Hawkeye Nation does as well. It strikes one as unseemly when an administrator commits a University to an unnecessary long term contract with one hand while he’s packing boxes with the other.

With losses to Alabama, Arizona State, Virginia Tech and an embarrassing blowout at the hands of Villanova, Iowa desperately needed a clean sweep of in-state rivals Northern Iowa, Iowa State and Drake. Unfortunately a sweep was not in the cards as the Hawkeyes lost for the first time in three decades to Northern Iowa in a game where they looked completely lethargic. After pulling out a win against a weak Iowa State team, Alford’s Hawkeyes reverted to form and got blown out by ex-Iowa coach Dr. Tom Davis and Drake for the first time in 28 years. Somewhere under a clay tile roof in Palo Alto, Bowlsby is chuckling.

With 11 games under his belt, the season thus far has exposed Alford’s inability to coach without the Brunner/Horner class around to bail him out. This year’s version of the Hawkeyes has been completely dependent on the streakiness of former Iowa State transfer Adam Haluska. And while Iowa doesn’t get enough production from its sophomores or juniors, the team certainly has sufficient talent to beat Northern Iowa and Drake.

The responsibility for the mounting losses belongs to Alford. Not only did Alford extract too little from last year’s senior-laden team, since the Brunner/Horner class, Alford hasn’t developed young players, which are the foundation to building a successful program. After setting up camp in Iowa for the better part of eight years, apart from freshmen Tyler Smith and Haluska, Iowa’s roster is loaded with marginal role players and underachievers. For Iowa to remain in the top tier of the Big Ten, Alford needs to do better. As for the remainder of this season, it’s not too late. However, without consistent big nights from Haluska, it’s becoming apparent that Alford will be unable to turn the ship around before the Big Ten season takes Iowa under. Long winters await the faithful in Carver Hawkeye.

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December 14, 2006
Evanston, Illinois
Northwestern 41 Wheaton College (IL) 39

The NU academic quarter came to a close last Friday.  Students are gone, but the basketball team had post-exam work against Wheaton College- a DIII team- from Wheaton, Illinois.  Wheaton is in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and they have had competitive, successful teams over the years. Coming into this game, the Thunder were ranked 20^th among DIII colleges.

A total of 3542 fans showed up with a very loud and large contingent from Wheaton, about 1.5 hours from Evanston.  Both teams got off to a slow start with Wheaton holding a 5 to 4 lead after 6 minutes.  Northwestern’s offense began to heat up with a couple of steals and two threes for a 11-0 run and had a 16 to 5 lead at 8:31 remaining in the half.  The Cats defense was very difficult for the Thunder and they simply were having difficulty finding open shots.  The Cats athleticism and size was making a difference as one should expect against a DIII.  Then things changed as the Thunder went on a 13-0 run to take the lead at the half 18 to 16 with the Cats offense being totally ineffective.    

Wheaton played an aggressive defense, particularly on Craig Moore.  The Cats offense was not getting good 3-point shots so they tried to exploit their size by posting up Vince Scott who had a decided height advantage.  Scott was presented good, open shots, but his lazy soft hooks did not connect. He only made two lay-ups in the first half, thanks to two nice assists.  The Cats took 10 shots in the paint and made 7 points; they clearly were not having success in exploiting their decided height and athletic advantage.

You could sense that the Thunder gained confidence in the close of the first half, convinced that they had a good chance to pull off a big upset.  The score sea-sawed during the second half with the score tied at 27 at the 10:57 mark.  It was clear from the stands that the Cats inside game would not gain superiority as long as Scott remained in the line-up.  He simply was having a bad very exam, missing hook shoots and not taking advantage of his substantial height advantage down low. As a fan who has watched him over his four years, he has no sense of a power move towards the basket.  Finally, Coach Carmody took Scott out of the line-up and allowed Williams, Coble, and Doyle to post up in the paint.  Coble provided the necessary energy and score 8 straight points to give the Cats a 5 point lead.  The Cats were having success posting up the smaller less athletic Wheaton team. Even Moore was able to maneuver for a nice shot under the basket.

After the Cats clawed their way to a lead, Coach Carmody brought Scott back, and it is difficult for Cat fans to understand why.  One can only conclude that Carmody was administering a special post-up test to Scott, and it was clear that he not only flunked the post-up test, but failed to get a single rebound the entire game!  The Cats were out rebounded 20 to 11. As the Big Ten season nears, it is clear that the Cats will need to have some successful post-up play in the paint to loosen up the aggressive defenses that deny good three-point shots.

The Cat lead slowly faded as Scott made a turnover at the 4:42 mark with the Thunder narrowing the Cats lead to 39 to 37.  The Cats tried to manage the clock forcing Wheaton to use its allotment of fouls.  With 17 seconds and the score 41 to 39, Williams missed the front end of 1 and 1 free throw.  Thanks to some fundamental coaching lapses by Carmody, the Cats were unable to take advantage of the clock and the fact that Wheaton had to foul them to get the ball back. After the Williams free throw miss, the Thunder had possession with 16 seconds, but confusion at the scoring table caused by an erratic time clock that had to be re-set several times to 16 seconds may have kept the Thunder from getting a good shot for the tie or the upset.  Cats win 41 to 39.  This is the same Cat team that beat DePaul and Miami?  Make no mistake, the Thunder wanted this game and they played the game of their lives.  The Wheaton team had a clear disadvantage in size and athletic talent with perhaps only one player, Kent Raymond, showing the potential to have played DI basketball. The Cats simply were not prepared for this game and one would think that after the Cornell defeat, they would have recognized the danger a DIII team like Wheaton presented.

The Cats did very badly on this post exam test with Scott, in particular, failing to demonstrate any knowledge of fundamental post play that should be expected from a 6’11” senior with substantial playing experience.

The Wheaton Thunder were aggressive, totally exhausted as one of their players was flat on the floor, totally spent, after the final buzzer.  I am sure he was totally exhausted and very disappointed as they came so close to pulling off a very huge upset.

 

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