Smith and Minnesota an unlikely pairing
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comTubby Smith's departure from Kentucky to Minnesota may have been the unlikeliest coaching move this offseason. But his arrival has brought a rare optimism to the Golden Gophers' program, writes Jeff Shelman.
Story | Conversation | November 06, 2007Being on your own isn't easy
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comLife as an independent isn't easy. Long travel, brutal games and little to no chance for NCAA Tournament glory. But these teams are looking for the silver lining, writes Jeff Shelman.
Story | Conversation | September 19, 2007Summit League undergoes major changes
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comGone is Valparaiso, perhaps the most recognizable team in the conference. But the Summit League, with a new name and three new teams, is ready to move on, writes Jeff Shelman.
Story | Conversation | August 23, 2007Lowery, SIU get money to back the program
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comSouthern Illinois is making the financial commitment -- to both the program and coach Chris Lowery -- to continue to be one of the best mid-majors in the country, writes Jeff Shelman.
Story | Conversation | August 15, 2007Five Valley teams are alive; how many will get in?
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comHalf of the Missouri Valley is still alive for at-larges, but will the ultracompetitiveness of the league cost it in the end?
Story | Conversation | February 13, 2007Jayhawks have won 32 of last 33 games vs. Wildcats
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comKansas State fans might think their games against Kansas mark a rivalry, but coach Bob Huggins disagrees (for now), writes Jeff Shelman.
Story | Conversation | February 07, 2007Razorbacks, Red Foxes gain from Old Spice showing
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comSeveral teams, including Arkansas, walk away from the Old Spice Classic feeling pretty good about themselves, Jeff Shelman writes.
Story | Conversation | November 27, 2006Mid-Con affiliation is next big step for NDSU
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comThe biggest story in the world of independents was how North Dakota State managed to keep its head coach.
Story | Conversation | August 31, 2006Rambling men could be dancing come March
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comBlake Schilb's return to Loyola could mean the Ramblers return to the NCAAs. • Big West • More Sessions
Story | Conversation | July 20, 2006OSU two Ws away from unlikely Big Ten crown
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comOhio State is closing in on a Big Ten title that most observers thought would come next season, Jeff Shelman writes.
Story | Conversation | March 01, 2006Huskies' ability, depth are Final Four-worthy
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comConnecticut is simply too talented and too deep not to make it to Indy, Jeff Shelman writes.
Story | Conversation | January 26, 2006Marquette's Novak outshines all of UConn's stars
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comPlaying a UConn team that has, as Marquette coach Tom Crean phrased it, a lot of guys who are going to make a lot of money in the NBA, Steve Novak was the clear star.
Story | Conversation | January 03, 2006Indiana St. has surprised everyone but its coach
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comComing off of four terrible seasons, Indiana State might be the nation's most unexpected unbeaten.
Story | Conversation | December 23, 2005How does one mid-major league get respect?
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comThe MVC has received multiple bids to seven straight NCAAs. What is it doing that other mid-majors aren't?
Story | Conversation | November 11, 2005Will second chance at NCAAs prove Golden for ORU?
Jeff Shelman, Special to ESPN.comOral Roberts looks to redeem itself after a shocking loss kept it out of last year's NCAAs.
Story | Conversation | August 18, 2005TOP SEARCHES IN OCTOBER
NFL Expert Picks tops ESPN.com searches in October. Did "next" make the list?
