Hoopraker

Hoopraker’s editorial board engaged in its annual rite of passage on Sunday night at the Spotted Pig, devoting the better part of two transcendent hours at a tiny table crowded with empty pints of Old Speckled Hen to debate, gerrymander and tabulate the 2007-08 Hoopraker All-Big Ten list. (more…)

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An increasing rarity in this mercenary age when many of the best players use college as little more than stats’ aggrandizing NBA auditions, D.J. White is a throwback to those sepia-colored days of yore when players chose programs out of loyalty, stayed out of love for game and team, and by their junior and senior seasons evolved into formidable, championship-caliber leaders. (more…)

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The Duke mythology that has continued to shield Tommy Amaker’s reputation and coaching career was dented further by allegations of questionable recruiting practices at his latest stop in Cambridge. (more…)

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Like hyenas lurking near the bounty of a lion, the Tigers are circling Bloomington. By all indications, Indiana recruit Devin Ebanks (Queens, NY/Thomas More (CT)) and one of the most highly regarded players in the country won’t wait for IU to name a new permanent coach and will instead re-open his recruitment. Still, Ebanks has yet to be formally released from his National Letter of Intent to IU. Such formalities are apparently but a minor detail to John Calipari’s Memphis Tigers. (more…)

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In a just world a 28 point, 13 rebound, 6 assist game from your freshman point guard might garner some attention from big media types, but when your team plays in State College you take nothing for granted. While Penn State (14-14, 6-10) toils in relative obscurity, Talor Battle (Albany, NY) has emerged as one the few bright spots for Ed DeChellis and the Nittany Lions. Perhaps when Battle is a sophomore, Brent, Steve and Erin will arrive to watch the talented guard play meaningful games in March. (more…)

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The beneficiary of the low expectation arroyo that is Northwestern basketball, it is increasingly clear that Carmody will be spared the abattoir and granted a ninth life next season. Will there be more timid mews or a long-awaited roar from Evanston? (more…)

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Between weathered fences and barren fields, through a Winter of grey skies and a remarkable volume of snow, the Wisconsin Badgers (24-4, 14-2) have shined. In a season that finds them once again atop the Big Ten heap after securing their fifth consecutive victory with a 57-42 win over Michigan State (22-6, 10-5), the Badgers demonstrated the efficiency and power of team basketball as well as what may be a perfect offense.
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