Why the Big Ten/ACC Challenge matters

ACC 10, Big Ten 0. That's the tally in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. And if you think that doesn't matter, just ask any fan, coach, player or administrator on either side.

Ebanks epitomizes players with volatile stock

...Point: Late first round Durrell Summers, G, Michigan State Summers has always been a favorite of scouts despite middling production in his first two years for the Spartans. Last year several scouts insisted that had...

Blog Entry | Conversation | November 19, 2009

Recruits mustn't forget common courtesy

...spaced placards with the logos of the schools among which he was deciding: Oklahoma, UCLA, Kansas, Iowa State, Duke and North Carolina. It looked like a version of the NBA draft lottery show and was...

Blog Entry | Conversation | November 18, 2009

What many are thinking, but won't say publicly

...team that should make a lot of noise. If not … 9. Cut off the western United States in terms of true national championship contenders. Good luck finding "home" teams for the West Region. Washington...

Blog Entry | Conversation | November 02, 2009

Enough madness to go around

...sandwiched into the long rows of seats. • Michigan State's Tom Izzo has figured everything out. He...

These 12 styles get the job done in college hoops

...ball inside and quality depth, Self's style is both popular and effective. Also used at: Illinois State and St. John's. Duke This program's pressure defense, epic charge-taking and dribble-penetrating offense...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 15, 2009

Dissecting Sagarin's all-time rankings

Pat Forde loves the first 1,195 pages of the "ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia." But when it comes to Jeff Sagarin's all-time rankings, well … let the debate begin.

...2009; Detroit, MI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Deon Thompson (21) celebrates after defeating the Michigan State Spartans 89-72 in the championship game of the Final Four in the 2009 NCAA mens basketball...

Red-hot rivalries burn down the house

When it comes to red-hot rivalries for the 2009-10 season, Tobacco Road takes a back seat to Kentucky and Louisville.

Jayhawks the team to beat ... for now

There will be plenty of movement between now and November, but Kansas tops next season's initial Top 25.

Insider Intel: Huskies closing strong

UConn is Final Four bound because it erased whispers of softness with a gritty effort against Missouri, one its foes will be hard-pressed to match.

Story | Conversation | March 28, 2009

Insider Intel: Nova's winning balance

Villanova's versatile lineup has enabled the Wildcats to overcome a variety of styles on the way to the Final Four.

Story | Conversation | March 28, 2009

Insider Intel: Pitt's problem

Pittsburgh has overcome three shaky offensive efforts by dominating the offensive glass, but that won't be enough to get past Villanova on Saturday.

Story | Conversation | March 26, 2009

Insider Intel: Sweet indicators

Each team's preparation and approach will be on full display in the first five minutes of Sweet 16 games. Here are the key factors to watch in the South and Midwest.

Story | Conversation | March 25, 2009

Postseason Power Rankings: Sweet 16 version

...Panthers, who beat No. 16 seed East Tennessee State by 10 points in the first round and...and Rick Jackson slow down Blake Griffin? 8. Michigan State If there were any doubts about the...