"Senior moments" a good thing for UA trio

Salim pours it on, Frye dominates in the middle, and Brase has a career night as the three AZ seniors played their final game in front of the home crowd, beating Jay John's OSU Beavers easily in the process. Salim set the UA school with 9 3-pointers in a game (on 9 of 14 shooting) and Frye had another double double (15 pts. 11 boards), while Matt Brase had career highs in points (4), boards (4), and didn't miss a dunk. The Cats put OSU away early and never looked back; they haven't looked better in a long time, catching fire at just the right time. With a possible 12 games remaining, don't count these guys out - this is not a team that will bicker its way out of the PAC10 and NCAA tourneys early.
Read more about the game here.......here........here........and here.
Box score here.

Salim vs. Redick on Sunday -
Salim - 9 of 14 3pt. shots, 10 of 16 overall, 31 points (left game with 10:14 remaining)
Redick - 6 of 10 3pt. shots, 9 of 15 overall, 38 points

More Bruschi

Corky Simpson has a great column about Tedy Bruschi, reminding us of why he's one of the best Wildcats ever.

Channing looking back

Frye reflects as run at UA comes to endHere's a good article from the Arizona Republic. It is also revealed that this Arizona Republic writer had to put in a little jab about going to the big dance. Actually, we always get to go........counter punch.

They just don't get it out east.................

NCAA Basketball For Olson, the sun rises in the West - CBS SportsLine.com

Bruschi undergoes tests

Tedy Bruschi reportedly suffered partial paralysis yesterday and was admitted to MassGen for some more tests to determine status. Sounds like a little TIA (ministroke), with vision and speech returning to normal shortly after the episode. Best of luck to one of our favorite Wildcats.

Reggie comes clean

Reggie Fowler admitted to bio errors after the story broke yesterday (Wilma saw it on Wizbang) that the new Minnesota Vikings owner had padded his resume. Not that he did anything the rest of us haven't done to get a job - embellish the truth to look a little better - but he did get caught doing it.
The revised version is in the mail.

Hot seat warming up for asu's Evans

Time to circle the wagons, Rob - a scalping party is headed your direction. Sounds like this could be the end of the line, but miracles have happened before. With such phrases as "listless performances" and "a coaching job that is a mirage" it can't be long before a search committee is formed. So who wants that job, anyway?

Get the Duck out

Looks like oregon is going to be a man down (goose down?) for their swing through the desert this week. I hope they don't plan on using this as an excuse when we whup 'em Thursday, but I still don't see this as a plus for asu....they still don't stand a chance.

DukeSucksCenter - the dream will have to live on

The Denver Post picked up on FARK obtaining naming rights for one day to Boston's FleetCenter. Interestingly enough, Drew Curtis of FARK paid $2550 for the honor of renaming the arena, while the world famous Golden Palace Casino.com paid $35099 today for the same privilege. What are the odds of that?
According to the story,

(FARK's) initial proposal of "Fark.com Duke Sucks Center" was rejected. Among the ideas submitted so far: Fark.com Abe Vigoda Memorial Center, the Farkatorium and the Boston Garden.

Maybe they'd go for asu SUCKS.

Grudge Match 2005 Part I

I don't know how this happened, but there's a UA/asu baseball game today that hasn't been getting much press. Maybe the fact that it is a non-league game (how does that happen?) makes it less important. I can't say much, though - I didn't know about until today.

Check out the rankings, though: #9 AZ #18 asu

......Where'd I put that damn baseball schedule.......

A day all Duke haters can look forward to

In a moment of divine inspiration FARK.com has purchased - on ebay - the naming rights to Boston's FleetCenter for Feb.28, 2005 - it will be known as the Duke Sucks Center for that day. And just look at all the things they get:

You are bidding on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to the naming rights of Boston's FleetCenter for Monday, February 28, 2005. This unique package includes:
Front-page exposure on arena website (www.fleetcenter.com), one of the most highly trafficked entertainment sites in New England. 'YourCenter' will be online for 24-hours beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST of your day.
One designated parking spot in the 'YourCenter' lot conveniently located in front of the building.
'YourCenter' exposure on in-arena Jumbotron and LED 360o signage system.
'YourCenter' announced on the FleetCenter's phone line & on-hold script.
A press release distributed to local and national media announcing your naming rights agreement.
A framed photo collage commemorating 'YourCenter,' including a ticket issued from your Box Office and an official certificate will be shipped to you at a later date.
Plus a special surprise gift package.

Check out the thread to this story, and stay tuned for Dookie V.'s response.

Tip-off time announced for Cats and Dawgs II

The rematch between the conference's top two teams takes place in Seattle on Sat., Feb. 26, at 1 PM PST, 2 PM MST. It will be a nationally televised game on Fox Sports (are they paying us enough?) and could be the game of the year. With the Cat's ugly loss to washington state and the bad Dawgs' performance against oregon state, neither team can afford any more mistakes for the next 3 weekends. And then? The PAC10 tourney. The big question these days is which teams are not going to make it to Staples.

Cats home for oregon schools this week

With a little boost in the polls after last week's blitzkrieg through "Los Angheleez," an impressive late-season surge, and washington's loss to oregon state, Arizona sits atop the PAC10 standings alone - and liking it. Team chemistry has greatly improved since the loss to wsu at home. Each player has stepped up when needed, and all this unselfish play has paid dividends at gametime, adding to the enjoyment of the game by both the players and the fans. We've got the horses to kick butt, so let's do it.

St. John Fisher Cardinals go to 23-0

Athletics at St. John Fisher College tells of my new favorite Division III team and its quest for the Empire 8 Conference title.

"J.J. is Redickulous" and other student cheers

Seen and heard around the arena at the Duke/MD game. An argument in favor of grouping students together at games?

Keep him..........please

If Evans goes, ASU may not do any better

Olson takes aim at Dookie Vitale

East coast bias is one thing. Just plain ignoring the facts is entirely different. Lute called out "Dookie" Vitale this week for not giving Salim his due as the country's best pure shooter, and he had some facts to back his talk up.

"There's a bit of information that Rich (Paige, UA SID) shared with me about (J.J.) Redick being the greatest shooter in the country,'' Olson said. "If he hit 71 consecutive field goals, he'd reach Salim's field goal percentage shooting. If Redick made 53 consecutive three-pointers, he'd tie Salim for three-point field goal percentage."

Interesting enough, Marques Johnson brought up the same point during the UA/ucla telecast, so the message has not been falling on deaf ears.
Frankly, I was quite surprised not to see Vitale race out to Coach K's side and start CPR when K hyperventilated and hit the floor earlier this week.

stanford wins and loses

stanford's emotional win over cal came at a price - the loss of leading scorer Dan Grunfeld for the remainder of the season. He tore the ACL in his right knee" in a non-contact play," with surgery to be scheduled soon. If all goes well and rehab is successful, Grunfeld, a junior guard, should be ready to return for next season. Wilbur will let you know where to send those cards and candy.

Cats find "La Chispa" in LA

The Cats continued their new-found winning ways while wearing the Red road jerseys, this time leaving ucla in the dust for a share of the PAC10 lead with an 83-73 victory in LA. Ivan played great this weekend, just missing 2 double/doubles by a single point on Thursday. He also might be the next in line for kneepads, after his hustling diving style found him on the floor a few times scrambling for the ball. His enthusiasm has rubbed off on the rest of the team, making him "La Chispa" (the spark) of this current streak.
And Duke lost, too? It doesn't get much better.

Nike sweatshops uncovered

Corky Simpson reports that UA AD Jim Livengood and others recently toured the Nike factories in SE Asia to investigate the "sweatshop issue" that has dogged Nike for years, especially on college campuses. The group was given free reign to talk to anyone, anywhere about problems that might exist, and the only problem was that everybody wanted to work there.

"The living and working conditions at the Nike factories are extremely good by Vietnamese standards. They offer home care for children, medical benefits and good cafeteria food. The issue I found was a concern that everybody over there might want these jobs. Nike working conditions have forced other manufacturers to improve their workplaces."

I'm waiting to see if the outcome of this trip merits as much press coverage as the protests that initiated it.

Kind words for Channing Frye

A very nice article here about AZ's senior center, one big man who lived up to his promise and more. His steady growth and development as a person and a player has been rarely matched, and he is well on his way to making us all proud that he's a Wildcat.
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Cats en fuego in LA

Got to listen to some of the game tonight against usc, however ER did its best to keep our scanners going. So - I'm just sitting down to watch the game. Congratulations to Lute on his 300th PAC-10 victory, joining John Wooden as the only coaches in league history to achieve that milestone. Can the new Redshirt Cats win number 301 on Saturday at ucla with The Legend himself in attendance? With the bruins' new-found confidence and inspired play, and the game being at Pauley, I'd wager the attendance will top the Sports Arena crowd of 4400+/-.
Hot Sauce...

Tucson may get third pro team soon

Reggie Fowler, former Sahuaro prep star turned Chandler business whiz is close to buying the Minnesota Vikings,which would make him...well, here. Read about it in the Republic:

If successful, Fowler would become the third Tucson native in less than two years to buy a major professional sports franchise. He would join Arte Moreno of Phoenix, who became the first Hispanic to own a major U.S. sport when he bought the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in May 2003 for $184 million, and Robert Sarver, who now lives near San Diego and bought the Phoenix Suns last spring for $401 million.

Pretty neat, huh? I love this town.

usc always scares me

The local press' low-key approach to tonight's game at usc has me concerned. The Cats have a (well-earned) reputation of playing at the level of the competition, and if they think they're going to just mail this one in we could be in for a long night. Bibby or no Bibby, usc could pull off a shocker if we're not careful or caught looking ahead to ucla.
Put on those red road jerseys and get r done

Where are they now? Joe McLean

This guy was the Charlie Hustle of Wildcat basketball, diving for loose balls, playing smothering defense, always with the fashionable kneepads on. We could use a good scrambler, not afraid to get down and dirty for a loose ball.
Kneepads required.
Thanks for the inspirational play, Joe. But...moving to Phoenix

Thanks, Chuck

AZ sports legend Chuck Cecil and his wife Carrie recently announced a fundraising committee to benefit the UMC Trauma Center. Plans are for a celebrity golf tournament in early June, with a goal of $74K for the one-day event. Sounds like I better start saving my greens fees...imagine playing in a foursome with, say, Tom Tolbert? Chuck himself? Now we owe him a double debt of gratitude; first, for giving us the pleasure of watching him play here for 4 years, and second for his continuing gift of himself and his time.

One thing, though - I take offense to the "Ex-Wildcat" used in the headline of the article. Once a Cat, always a Cat.

Extreme betting

Cruel cut for Welsh rugby fan as he goes One-Nut Lance one better. I've felt bad after a loss before, but never this bad.

What happened to Vince?

In the WWE's latest PPV, "Royal Rumble," owner Vince McMahon tore quad muscles in both legs doing a storyline stunt. That's what happens when you don't stay in ring-shape, I guess. The Wrestling Superstars were in town yesterday, an event I'm sorry to have missed, especially since Superfly Jimmy Snuka had a match. The AWA Title Match even rated a mention in today's paper.

Hit the road, Cats

No. 14 Arizona makes stand, routs Cardinal, now gets ready to take the show on the road this week. The victory over the tree put a stop to Stanford's 4-game winning streak at McKale and showed an AZ team playing with a passion and pride not seen in quite some time. This week's games against sc and ucla, on the road, should give us a good idea if the guys have indeed jelled. What are the chances of another road sweep in those lucky red jerseys?

Charlie Camp leaves Old Miss

Charlie Camp, former UA linebacker/coach/good guy, has had things a little rocky recently. Barely a month after joining the staff at Ole Miss Charlie has resigned for personal reasons. Sadly, it seems the reasons include a DUI, which likely will prevent his return to Oregon State, according to this Oregon newscast. This is a pretty expensive "learning experience," and should instead be filed under "Wasted Opportunities."

Get in the Hole!

Greg Hansen's Sunday column, always
chock full of interesting tidbits about Tucson sports and the comings and goings of our local sports heroes, was especially interesting today. Along with stories about Lute Olson, UA softball, Michael Wright,among others, this one stood out as I read the column:

"UA alumnus Rory Sabbatini, for example, is wearing decidedly non-Tour camouflage pants on the Thursday of every event this year. It is his pledge to support American troops overseas. Sabbatini is donating $250 for every birdie and $1,000 for every eagle to the Fallen Heroes Fund. Through Friday, that meant $14,100 and could reach $100,000 this year if Sabbo continues as a top-30 golfer.

The staid PGA Tour informed Sabbatini that his camouflage outfit is unacceptable, but he continues to wear the pants - tailored to fit him nicely - while a players review board studies the situation."

Greg failed to mention that Rory is a native of Durban, South Africa, so this patriotic gesture takes on a little global flavor. Makes the first round a little more interesting for the TV audience. If Wilma will pledge her winnings ($1 for a bogie, $2 a par, and $5 for a birdie) from our weekly contests I'll match it. Since Rory has never recorded an ace, maybe this will be the year for that, too!

Git 'R Done

The Cats bounced back even better than expected in tonight's victory over Cal, and look to be just picking up steam. I don't know if it's because I didn't set the DVR for this one or what, but this sounded like a win from 17 or 18 years ago. Remember? AZ jumps out to a quick big lead, the opponent is demoralized early, and we cruise to a 20+ point win. We could watch a game without a doubt in our mind that the Cats would be victorious. Victory parties would be held at Flaky Jake's in Tempe before the game even started.
Perhaps tonight's game signals a return to those types of games.
In Lute's post-game show, in fact, he mentioned that he had shown the team films this week of those '87 & '88 teams and their jump out of the box.
Can't wait for the replay on FoxSports tomorrow so I can see the game for myself.

Cats vs. Cal

Greg Hansen has some interesting points in today's gameday column. Haven't brought myself around to watching the debacle against Dick Bennet, so we won't be dwelling on the past here. Best bet is we'll see a riled up Zona team tonight. When the heck are we ever going to kick someone's ass???

Thanks Jeff and family

I finally get to go spend my Golfsmith Christmas gift certificate and I can't wait. We're taking off for our nearest Superstore, which happens to be in San Diego. What are the odds? We'll check in with the Ramada and start the ball rolling for the big Fiesta in June. It's so much better to do these types of things in person, you know.
Beat Wazzu!

Boo Hoo Hoo

Arizona's free-for-all too much for UW You have to admit that 31 in a row is awesome baby

Salim and None

Huskies topple from first "Only I can stop myself"........or as Jawann McClellan says you have to hold him to stop him.

Cats still pickin' up steam

FOXSports.com - COLLEGE BASKETBALL- Arizona took over first place in Pac-10 with a win at home over a very athletic and talented Washington team, bucking tradition again by beating the huskies. Actually, I knew it was in the book on my way into work this afternoon. Driving past the boneyard at DM, an SUV passed me in the opposite direction. With two purple husky flags fluttering from their backseat windows. Heading straight out of town.

It's midnight and time for me to watch the game - it was an awesome radio broadcast again, as always. Great on FM.

Former UA hoopster Hanour closes out college career

Travis Hanour, : senior guard for San Diego State and former UA player (2000-01) will miss the rest of this season due to knee injuries, a sadly lingering problem for the lad. Wilbur wishes Travis only the best in the future

Surreal camera shots for Fox's Super Bowl

Fox has decided to place up to 12 cameras, each about the size of a pencil eraser, in and around the grass playing field for the Super Bowl. Already used at last year's All-Star game (and I remember seeing some shots from inside a golf hole), the TurfCams will be imbedded in the turf and placed in the 4 endzone pylons. Couple those with that aerial camera on wires that gives broadcasts a video-game appearance - I'll be watching all this technology as much as the commercials.

What are the chances that the Lingerie Bowl will have the same setup

Anybody here seen my old friend Mike Montgomery

The New York Times (of all places) has an interesting article about ex-Stanford coach Montgomery. Wonder if he misses the bus trips to Pullman?

Dookies take a dive

Maryland beats Duke and knocks them out of the ranks of the unbeaten. At Cameron. What do you say, Coach K.?

"They were the team that deserved to win tonight," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose Blue Devils lost for the first time in 16 games. "That's not easy for me to say, but they deserved it." Durham Herald Sun

Ever gracious in defeat.

From the Dawgs POV

From the enemy camp - notes on the UA/UW game tomorrow. It makes some interesting points, including this take on Arizona's depth this season:
"Last year, for instance, when Arizona lost to UW in the semifinals of the Pac-10 tournament, Arizona's bench — depleted by injuries, transfers and early entry to the NBA — played just 39 minutes, and the team's starters seemed visibly tired at the end. Against Oregon State last week, the bench played 72 minutes, allowing key players to save some juice for the end of the game. "

If we can just swat that pesky little Nate we'll be fine.

Wilbur sez..

Matt at Lets Talk About Sports: has this to say about this week's game with the Huskies. Check out his page for lots of info on UA and the Red Sox!

"Washington vs. Arizona 8:30pm FSN

Being a huge Arizona fan, this is a game I have been looking forward to since last year. Washington beat Arizona three times last year, which for Lute Olson has to be unacceptable. This is a chance for the Wildcats to get revenge. Arizona is coming off a week by beating Oregon and Oregon State on the road, while Washington only played one game last week beating Washington State. This game could not be more evenly matched. Both teams come in with a record of 6-1 in conference. Washington is 16-2 overall, with Arizona a step behind at 16-3. Salim Stoudamire has averaged 19 points, and hit 65% of his three pointers in his last ten games. Look for Salim to have another huge game if Arizona is to win."

Bennet loses cool, apologizes to Washington fans

The most frequent apologies come from those who use "The Gesture" while expressing their anger and frustration. Who could ever forget Larry Smith leaving Arizona Stadium, flipping the fans off, after a miserable performance against I believe UCLA. He didn't apologize - didn't think he had to. Thought the fans were out of line.

Red Roaders do it again, with a little help from their frosh

The 2004-05 version of the Kiddie Corps have stepped it up a notch recently, and in my eye they are responsible for the UA's comeback win against OSU this past weekend. It was these youngsters who were in the game when AZ came clawing back from a 15-point deficit in the first half, cutting it to one point at halftime. Let's all welcome Jesus, Jawann, and Kirk to PAC10 ball!

Real-time stats

Wilma likes to keep up with the official scorebook, and this is the closest I've found to one yet....College Sports.com

Wardrobe Malfunction Alert

Paul McCartney and Charlie Daniels will headline the Superbowl XXXIX Halftime Show, as well as a salute to America's military. A tribute to Ray Charles is also planned. Hopefully, the game can will be a classic as well.

Stop the Bleeding

Pac-10 tourney now a reach for ASU.....I think they need to start looking for a new coach. No...............they can keep him.

Together again

OSU's John will return for Arizona from the Oregonian in Portland

Preview of UA vs. Oregon State

Olson/John showdown in Corvallis

OSU's John back for 'special game,' and there couldn't be any better news than that. Beating the Beavers if their head coach wasn't there just wouldn't be the same. Can't imagine how ASU must have felt losing to OSU without Jay John...

Wilma wants to know

Wilma raised a good question will she and I were watching last night's game against Oregon again - why is Fox Sports showing ASU school promos during our game with UO? Any body else notice this, like the PAC-10, the network, or UA Athletics?

Arizona's "Red Roaders" do it again

The Wildcats collected their third straight victory over the Ducks in Eugene, 74-66, as Salim continued his "Head Band Hot Streak" with 27 points and lights-out shooting from beyond the arc. Maybe this is the team can win in those red road unis, something previous groups have not been able to do. Could it be another tradition in the making?
Did you see see Hassan "Hot Sauce" just take the ball away from that Duck on an attempted lay-up? In-freaking-credible! What a monster that guy is, even if he has backed off the celebrations a little.

UA beats UCLA at the wire

UA beats UCLA at the wire, as Salim's beautiful 3-pointer arched towards and into the basket to give UA it's 3-point margin over the Bruins. The following 2 seconds were crazy, with a personal foul, a technical foul, and four missed free throws before the final whistle.
Past teams might have been more "fun" to watch, but there are few purer shooters as sweet as Salim- what a stroke! His hair's lookin' better, too.

Cats Rank 8th in today's Rivals100 list for football recruits

He's Stoops, he scores!" Not only are we #8, but the next PAC10 team - SC - is at 16! Watched some of the US Army All American Bowl today from the Alamodome - nice show. Unique the way high-profile recruits announced their decisions live on-the-air throughout the game, too.
Best of health and luck to all these budding stars!

More UA here

Heads up and a salute to another AZ Wildcat blog - Xeth Waxman and his Wildcat blog.
Go Cats!

Rick Neuheisel misses assignment, gets flagged in lawsuit

Defamation of character will not be an issue in Neuheisel's NCAA lawsuit against Washington after the judge blew the whistle on that play and dismissed it from the case. "The Core of the case" will go on, as his attorney says, which is a shame; the guy simply should not have been betting on sports, period. Slots, blackjack, poker, no problem. There shouldn't be a problem finding a casino somewhere around Seattle that would be more than happy to lighten your wallet, but where's your common sense?

Just another example of failure to take responsibility for one's actions.

UA gridiron recruit reports on All Star experience

Daniel Borg, a local prep star and UA recruit, reports here on his experiences at the US Army All-American game in Texas. Other than a hint at bad news about Ekom Udofia from Scottsdale (sounds like we might have lost him) it's filled with lots of insight into Daniel and his aspirations.

Wilbur's future's so bright he's gotta wear shades.

Arizona Stadium - Are You Ready to Rock?

ASUA Speaker's Board is considering going more mainstream this year with their concert/talent events, with Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle, U2 and the Dave Mathews Band on the "getting-shorter" list.

This semester, ASUA wants to hold an outdoor "Spring Rock Concert" in Arizona Stadium, which can seat 56,002 people. Depending on travel plans/promo tours for name bands we could have a great show.

More later....

Moon over the Frozen Tundra

Whatever amount the NFL fines Randy Moss for Sunday's "foolin' round" it won't be enough, but there's an interesting twist to this story. Seems that Cheeseheads stick around after home games and moon the visiting teams as they leave.....

of course it's small - it's freezing out here

Modern Science

It must have been stem cell theraphy that rejuvenated Stanford's offense and Chris Hernandez's back in yesterdays Wildcat loss to the Cardinal in the Bay Area. I spent the whole game at work (though I did manage to watch the first half at Chuy's between cases) so I missed the collapse in the second half. Hey - remember when a split on the road was a good thing?

Copy Cats

Matt Leinart could join the list of college QB's leaving school, a list that already includes Aaron Rodgers of Cal and Alex Smith of Utah. I saw signs of this coming when Nic Costa and Kris Heavner left the Wildcats earlier, and I can only blame them for this mass exodus of talent from the college game.

Miles Simon back to help out

The practice and scout teams at McKale got a boost when 1997 Final Four MVP Miles Simon returned to campus to finish his education. Nothing surprising about this, esp. with the family first atmosphere with Lute and the team.


Also seen around town - Reggie Geary, helping out at a local high school while he pursues his degree. Hmmm - he'd be a fiery and exciting coach to play for.

The Orange Bowl

While watching USC decimate the Sooners tonight I couldn't help but think of our game against the Trojans. I am really encouraged now about our team - we gave SC a better battle than Oklahoma did! At least we were only down 14-3 at the half - in the Coliseum. Can't help but start dreaming about a M. Stoops vs B. Stoops major bowl matchup sometime in the future. My Way News

Family feud underlies ASU-UA rivalry

From the Arizona Republic I didn't know that these two were related. I think I'll take Hassan.

Lute Olson.....so wise

College BasketballI wonder how long Dukie V will be around

Another ASU thug

Figures it would take a blind side hit to get Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger out of a game, and form Scum Devil Terrel Suggs was happy to oblige. I'm sure it was a clean hit (I didn't see it myself), so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Besides, we'll always have Chuck Cecil.

Volunteers needed for Final Four

St. Louis is looking for a few volunteers for the 2005 Final Four. Get your application here.

Nice link, Yoni.

Department of Justice probe scares some big-name schools

Here's a story to keep an eye on down the road - it's about a community college basketball program that appears to actually be a farm team (JV?) with some Div. I ties. As reported on College Basketball Blog, it could be the beginning of bigger and badder things to come.

It's okay to run your little men's club, but looks like it's time to tidy up a little bit.

Majerus wobbles, has change of his very big heart

No sooner did Rick Majerus leave the press conference announcing his hiring as the Next Big Thing at Southern Cal (I hear they hate it when they're called "Southern Cal") than he began to have second thoughts about the whole deal. By playing the Health Card he is hoping to slip out of LA before the locals figure out that they've been duped....check out this clip from the aforementioned press conference just three days ago:


"The nicest thing is no one will ask me how soon you are going to leave here. I hope I die here. I hope I coach here for the rest of my life. I have no aspirations to go to pro ball. I hope to end my career here, but only after a long stint. I want to be here as long as they would want to have me." -- Rick Majerus


Way to go, Rick. Making it even worse was the praise Digger Phelps heaped on RM during halftime of our AZ/Marquette game, all but calling Majerus the annointed Messiah of PAC-10 basketball.

Gimme a freakin' break.

Read all about it.

Mankind aka Cactus Jack aka Mick Foley joins up

Former champion and best selling author Mick Foley is teaming up with
WWE to travel to the Middle East for the upcoming Smackdown! tour in
Iraq. Foley, along with Vince McMahon, 18 WWE Superstars and crew will
be traveling to the war-driven country on December 14th for a five day
tour which will lead up to a special Christmas edition of Smackdown!
tapings for the troops. During those five days everyone will travel with
the troops and make appearances at several bases delivering care
packages. Last year's visit to Iraq was a very successful trip for the
company and the Smackdown! tapings with the thousands of troops,
military vehicles and snipers in the background was quite a sight to
see!

Also heard that Todd Grisham, the former sports anchor with KOLD-TV and now on-air personality with the WWE, is getting married. Todd was a local favorite, and his hilarious teaming with Scott Kilbury for Friday night high school football coverage won't soon be forgotten.



Thanks to my Wrestling-online newsletter for keeping me informed.

Tomey ends up in the Rose Bowl - finally

Detour lands Tomey in Pasadena, just not with our beloved Cats. I miss his down-home attitude, but I gotta tell ya Stoops sure fires it up on gameday. Can't wait for football season next year. Did I just say that?

Tweak the BCS

Here are some guys who have been doing their BCS homework. Against all odds, they have come up 6 (six) different playoff systems for Div I, all of which are bigger moneymakers than the bowls we have now (New Mexico vs. Troy?). The main problem, however, is that they all make perfect sense, generate bigger bucks, and have a national championship game (how about the weekend before the Super Bowl?); of course, if it makes sense the NCAA won't do it. I really thought this would be settled in my lifetime.

That'll leave a mark

Even as a diehard 'Cat fan I was sorry to hear that Andrew Walter will have to miss ASU's bowl game this season. Looking at the replay of his injury it certainly wasn't an illegal hit or cheap shot that bent his wing, just one of those things.

Here's wishing ASU's QB a speedy recovery , and a few more "meetings" with Lance Briggs, Chris MacAllister, Tedy Bruschi and others in the NFL.

Rebound Bowl??

This is the sixth time since 1982 that the Sun Devils are going to a bowl coming off a loss or tie to Arizona. They are 4-1 in those rebound bowls, beating Oklahoma in the '83 Fiesta, Michigan in the '87 Rose, Air Force in the '87 Freedom and Iowa in the '97 Sun. The only bowl defeat after a loss to UA was 18-17 to Arkansas in '85 in the Holiday Bowl, where ASU appears headed to face Texas A&M (7-4) on Dec. 30 in San Diego.

Here's the whole AZRepublic story about the ASU awards banquet this year.

Hardcore Holly goes berserk!

Whoa! I thought you said this all was fake! HH snapped after a fellow grappler made a few bad choices with Holly's car. Some beach! Too bad the match wasn't televised.

Basket Cats start the regular season tonight

Lute takes the gang into yet another early season tournament (he loves those things), and who can forget Dickie V. "discovering" Sean Elliott and the Cats in Alaska back in the 80's. Tonight's Preseason NIT game at McKale finds 'Zona (we hate that) taking on San Diego in a first-round game. If all goes well, we should be watching UA/Wake Forest for the tourney title when Jeff,Zenna, and family are here!

45-0??

once again Greg Hansen proves that he's no homer when it comes to Wildcat football. The only thing missing here is the irritating reference to Larry Smith. I'll take Corky Simpson on this one.

Can the Cats pull this one off? It'll be tough. but not impossible (think Rudy, Hoosiers, '81) -

UA 22 Usc 19

No Foreign Objects

I don't know about you, but I recognize all the wrestlers that are lined up for this WRESTLING REUNION show in N.J. Look for Superfly Jimmy Snuka to make a surprise entrance from an upper balcony...

(wonder what the Golden Ticket package is....yikes!)

"To be the man you have to beat the man........Whoooooo"
Ric Flair

Final tune-up tonight for 'Cats

Sonoma State drops into McKale tonight for the competition as the Cats get ready for their run to March Madness '05. I'm waiting to see if Isaiah Fox gets any minutes tonight, or if he's still in Lute's doghouse for undisclosed reasons (I'm guessing this time he lifted a Krispy Kreme from Gas City). With preseason polls putting us only as high as #10, maybe we can fly under the radar for awhile until we gel as a team. Let's hope the Cats don't try to sleepwalk through this one tonight - if they play like it's Somnambulate State they'll be in trouble.

Tonight also marks the debut of Mohamed Tangara, which make the question of I. Fox moot.

Ouch!

SI.com opens a can of whoop-ass on the 'Cats and slaps 'em good in a recent article. Seems to me, though, that the chemistry on this year's team is much-improved from last season's one-and-done squad. Don't these guys know what happens when you back a Cat into the corner?

Bear Down!

Where are they now?

Chris Dunn

It's only been a year since he left the UA (couldn't handle going to class), but he has had a very busy 12 months, as told so well in this story. Thanks to Yoni for the great research, and only the best to Chris D.

Rare article about UA basketball team here

Sorry, I meant a rare article about the ASU hoops team. This PAC-10 preview is just a little of the wealth of info at I found at College Basketball Blog. Great week to be a Cat - just beat Washington, playing #1 USC in three days (and anything can happen, folks), and the basketball team is working out the kinks before they begin play in the Preseason NIT. Slap a little family, a little turkey and dressing in there, spanking the Devil, and it's going to be a November to Remember.


(withholding my UA/'SC prediction for the time being)

Arizona's Bowl Games

After finally winning a PAC10 game, and on the road to boot, the Wildcats are looking at November as their bowl season. Two games - against #1 USC and arch-rival ASU - remain. Looking forward to a great effort from our guys this week! CAts talk about the plan.

C'mon, Cole

A drive-by at Siegfried and Roy's?? Here's a mugshot fit for the Smoking Gun

The Best and Worst of College Football

The top 10 best and worst things about college football are all spelled out for us. I gotta put the "Pageantry" higher than 10, though.

Tough week for LA school point guards

UCLA and USC both lost point guards, which really breaks my heart. Looks like the Cats have depth enough this year to be able to handle such a loss, heaven forbid. Then again, last year we were feeling pretty good, too, and things sort of imploded from the get-go. Sunday's exhibition game will be our first look....hope it's on TV.

Tommy, Tommy. Tommy !!!

A word from General Franks

Rincon graduate epitome of courage

Exhilarating story here about by Greg Hansen about Cory Crowell - Greg Hansen: Rincon graduate epitome of courage | The Arizona Daily Star �. We grew up in the same neighborhood, learned the game at Randolph park, and although we were not very close friends he's one of those guys I seem to cross paths with every so often. Last time I saw him was at a Best-Ball tourney I played with Jeff and Chris A. at El Rio. What an inspiration to us all.

STOOPS

Nice column here about Coach and his handling of our football players. Athletes have to be more accountable than the rest of us because they are athletes, and have to walk the line of right and wrong just like the rest of us. Problem is, they end up in the newspaper for every little thing they do.

Hey! I'd trade for that and a hard body!

UA to start QB Kovalcheck

I really wasn't surprised to read UA to start QB Kovalcheck - we haven't really been lighting it up, have we? I think the fact that Heavner turned the red zone into the dead zone had lots to do with it; the Cats just couldn't put it in the end zone. And what do we have to lose? We're only playing Cal, right?

SportsBlog

SportsBlog, for the sports-fan who has everything.

In NBA news - 3-pt shot being re-examined

League looking at plan to limit three-point shot

Wire Reports

The NBA is considering a plan to abolish the three-point shot until the end of games to increase shooting percentages and make the sport more aesthetically pleasing.

Steve Kerr, who made a record 45 percent of the three-pointers he attempted in his career, supports the elimination of the long-range shot.

"I kind of liked the three-pointer before every player on every team was a three-point shooter," Kerr, who won five NBA championships, said in a telephone interview. "It's being shot way too often these days, and it's hurting the game. I wouldn't mind seeing an experiment that gets rid of it."

The NBA might do just that. The league is considering banning three-pointers until there are five minutes left in the game in its development league, National Basketball Development League, this season. The NBDL season begins Nov. 19.

"We've talked about it," Stu Jackson, NBA senior vice president of basketball operations, said in a telephone interview. "We're wrestling with the idea."

Banning the three-point shot until late in the game might lead to a more up-tempo style and higher shooting percentages because players would be encouraged to take shots closer to the basket. It also would stop players on fast breaks from pulling up for a shot from the three-point line instead of going for layups.

NFL Office Pool Quick Picks

I've been using this site for my weekly NFL Office Pool Quick Picks, and although I haven't won yet, I've been in the running til the end.

Jake the Snake and his tribute

Every once in awhile one of those Scum Devils surprises me, but what Jake did to honor Pat Tillman goes above and beyond. Kudos to him for blowing off the NFL and their edicts and for wearing his heart on his helmet. Teammates are forever...


Update - 10/14 - Jake to remove the decal, will not be fined. Word is they'll be planning a new tribute.

Sammy - Say it ain't so!

Guess the corked **pop** bat should have tipped me off, or the irritating two-step as he eyes the ball leaving the field, but I always thought Sammy was one of the good guys of the game, a team player. That's a short-enough list (Jeter and Schilling come to mind) as it is without losing one more.

The list just got shorter.

Last game of the year, no play-offs again, and Sosa takes himself out of the starting lineup, doesn't even dress out, and leaves early. Sounds like he didn't play to me!

I heard Sammy's original story was that he stayed until about 30 min. left in the game, but the security cameras caught his much-earlier exit.

Then again, it is the Cubs.

Read it here

And he's fighting the fine, too - just another OPUP athletes (Over Payed, Under Played)

My Way - Sports News

Point Guard U

Sorry, Devil fans - here's yet another one that got away. What? You weren't even on his list??

UA gets Memphis basketball star

Williams wants to rejoin Dolphins, agent says

In other news, agent stands to lose $9M if Ricky Williams doesn't re-sign with the Dolphins.

Wonder what these two have been smoking?

Williams wants to rejoin Dolphins, agent says

Vegas Trip later this month

We'll be heading off for Vegas Oct. 19 for my MRI conference at the Luxor. Three days of meetings is a small price to pay for things to do up there. We're going to finally hit the downtown Fremont area, maybe take in a show, and we're even thinking about playing some golf while we're there. Just have to toss the clubs into the back of the Ranger when packing, that's all.

I'm planning on checking out a par 3 course up there, Cloud Nine, which is lighted for night playing and has duplicated some of the famous golf holes in the world. Hope it works out.

Cross-dressing can save your life

Those crazy baseball players - they seem to act the most like kids when they're not playing their game. This time, it worked out for the best. The bad news - a Cleveland Indian was shot in the leg while riding on the team bus. The good news - his knee-high white go-go boots saved his career.

Un-freakin'-believable.

Here's the story