The Bracket Blauggh (Thursday edition)

DJ Gallo is providing us with his own unique coverage of the Big Dance, via his Bracket Blauggh. It'll be updated several times daily.

Counting down the most prestigious programs since 1984-85

How do you evaluate the 50 best programs in the modern era of college hoops (since the 1984-85 season, when the NCAA tourney expanded to 64 teams)? That's the issue ESPN's researchers tackled with the Prestige Rankings. Here are programs Nos. 41-50.

UCLA's class could help Bruins to another Final Four

With the late signing period coming to an end, Antonio Williams ranks ESPN.com's top 25 2008 basketball recruiting classes.

Iowa v Illinois CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 20: Pierre Pierce #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives against the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 20, 2005 in the Assembly Hall at the...

White, Gordon give Sampson reason to smile

Now that Indiana is accustomed to Kelvin Sampson and Kelvin Sampson has D.J. White and Eric Gordon at his disposal, the rest of the Big Ten should watch out, writes Jeff Shelman.

Roundball Chatter

Dick Vitale talks about world of college basketball.

IU's Davis has himself to blame

Racism isn't the reason Mike Davis lost his job at Indiana. He screwed up this golden opportunity all by himself.

Pierce must heed conditions while facing charge

A judge says former Iowa basketball player Pierre Pierce can travel to Illinois to attend a camp in preparation for next month's NBA draft.

UConn is early title favorite; BC, 'Cuse join club

With UNC and Washington out of the equation due to NBA defections, BC and Syracuse join my early Dozen.

Smith selects NBA over Indiana

Indiana signee Josh Smith has decided to skip college and enter the NBA draft.

Big Ten poised to rebound in '04-05

Next season in the Big Ten, Michigan State will be primed for the top 10 and Minnesota could be better without Kris Humphries.

Davis decides to join Iowa State

The Cyclones picked up a pledge from a JUCO guard, while the Warriors also grabbed a guard commit.

Isiah Thomas

Ex-Pacers coach Isiah Thomas discussed his dismissal by Larry Bird and the current state of the NBA.

Hoosiers, Horns are Signing Day heavyweights

The Early Signing Period is underway, and it looks like Indiana and Texas will have the top 2004 classes.

Perry joins Purnell at Clemson

Clemson, Iowa, and Seton Hall scored with pledges from guards, while Oklahoma St. grabbed a forward.