Roundball Chatter
Every Friday I will give my thoughts on the sport I love, basketball.
• UAB coach Mike Davis has landed another former Indiana Hoosier. Guard Armon Bassett has decided to transfer to the Conference USA school. Remember that the Blazers previously landed ex-Hoosier Robert Vaden. I believe Bassett, in the future, can be a positive factor for the Blazers.
• I want to wish the best to former Missouri coach Norm Stewart. He recently underwent open heart surgery.
• Texas has decided to retire the jersey #35 of Kevin Durant during the 2008-09 season. He played just one season for the Longhorns, but what a season it was!
• It seems like the summer is the time for more coaches to receive contract extensions. Oregon's Ernie Kent, Quinnipiac's Tom Moore (the former Connecticut assistant under Jim Calhoun) and South Alabama's Ronnie Arrow are among the latest to receive new deals.
• Former Tennessee Vols star guard Chris Lofton has agreed to play overseas for a team in Turkey. I wish him all the best as he has battled back from adversity.
• Sad to hear the news of the passing of Dave Cawood. He handled media relations at the Final Four for many years. It is a tragedy to lose your life at age 64.
• Michigan suffered a blow when 6-10 German big man Robin Benzing failed to reach NCAA eligibility requirements. Coach John Beilein could have used Benzing to go along with Manny Harris in the Maize and Blue jersey.
• I love when the mid-majors take on some of the big boys. Central Connecticut State, coached by former Connecticut assistant Howie Dickenman, is taking on a tougher schedule. The Blue Devils will travel to Arizona State, Boston College and Rhode Island this season. Wow, facing James Harden, Tyrese Rice and Jimmy Baron will be challenging, baby!
