http://www.yardbarker.com/content/school/21 Recent Yardbarker Articles: Villanova Wildcats en-us Three-point specialist (and defensive liability) Taylor King has decided to attend Villanova after earlier transferring from Duke. He'll have to sit out a year before playing, but that's good news for King. By then Shane Clark and Dante Cunningham will have graduated, freeing up more playing time for the 6'6" forward who also considered USC and Gonzaga before pulling the trigger on Jay Wright's scholarship offer. "I asked blunt questions, but I wanted everything they offered. They laid down their game plan for me and I couldn't resist." Presumably Jay's game plan includes shooting recklessly deep three-pointers. Gotta love the deep ball. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:16:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236863 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236863 Sometime on or around April 16, All-Delco guard Tyreke Evans from American Christian Academy will wait for the ESPN cameras to hum to life, clear his throat, pluck an officially licensed baseball cap from a backpack and announce where he will play college basketball. Whatever happens then —- or so insist many around college basketball and recruiting and marketing and coaching —- Villanova cannot lose. Either Jay Wright will sign a consensus All-America guard who plays bigger than his 6-5 frame, or he will play the hand he has, a 22-win team that returns every regular from a Sweet 16 party. While there could be some green-party candidates for Evans' many possible on-court services (Texas?), thinking people insist his choice will be either the Wildcats or Memphis. Either program would be wooing an athletic, long-armed, offensive-minded wing player capable of starting immediately at the one, two or three spot. It would also receive a player whose reputation out-glows his basketball polish —- the MVP of the McDonald's All-America game and a consensus All-Everywhere, albeit one whose outside shooting needs improvement and who displays selfish on-court tendencies. There are 341 Division I teams. Exactly 341 of them would welcome a recruit of Evans' skill, Villanova naturally included. But not many have Wright's returning nucleus. That means few, if any, would be risking as much turbulence should Evans drag a blue-and-white cap with a capital "V" over his head when that signing-hour beauty show hits cable TV. Three high school All-America guards are already playing for Villanova —- sophomores-to-be Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher, and Scottie Reynolds, who will be a junior. The Cats lost in the NCAA Tournament to Kansas, a No. 1 seed that just blasted North Carolina in the Final Four and will play tonight for a national championship. To inject Evans successfully into the Villanova mix would be an achievement worthy of a chapter in any how-to coaching manual. But Wright did simultaneously use guards Randy Foye, Allan Ray, Kyle Lowry and Mike Nardi en route to the Elite Eight. So it can be done. The question, though, is this: Why the gamble? Why add such a visible player —- one who has been permitted to shoot at will throughout an extended high school career, and one with a known demanding support group conditioned to expect movie-star treatment? Under NCAA rules, Wright is prohibited from discussing any unsigned recruits and thus declined to be interviewed on the Evans issue. But this is why Villanova is recruiting Evans, according to various sources: - He's good. He's very good. He's not LeBron James or Kobe Bryant good, but he is All-America good. "I know this," one recruiter with knowledge of Villanova said. "They really do like him. He's got long arms and can do so many things. There aren't many players like that. They have liked him for a long time. They really want him." - There would be a buzz. "You sign Tyreke Evans, and now all of a sudden people are talking, 'Villanova, Villanova, Villanova,'" was the way another coach put it. "There is a value to that, alone. So the next time a player comes along with the reputation of being the best in the country, he is thinking, 'Well, the best players in the country go to Villanova.' That has to help down the line." Advertisement Consider the added revenue streams. More Villanova merchandise would move. The added publicity almost surely would boost applications. Giddy alumni could go deep-wallet fishing for donations. More games could go to the Wachovia Center, where more (and higher priced?) tickets would be available. Evans would mean attention for Villanova. - The recruiting of Evans by 'Nova will apply another layer of salve to a burn that may never fully heal. Though it is history almost as ancient now as the Broad Street Bullies, Villanova did have a reputation a couple of decades ago of being indifferent to the finest Philadelphia-area talent. Alvin Williams, Jason Lawson, Lowry, Malik Allen, Shane Clark and enough others have halted if not reversed that trend. But because of past sins, committed or implied, Villanova could not cover the P.R. cost of ignoring a player from its very county with Evans' skills and recruiting value. "They could not afford to not recruit Tyreke Evans," one source said. "Not if they wanted to recruit a player like that out of Philly again —- and they will." - Evans is a luxury —- a sport-recruiting expedition, even. One source said that if Villanova really needed a player at Evans' position to compete for a Big East championship, Wright would have had one (two?) signed in the early period last November. Typically, programs of Villanova's status are scouting high school sophomores by now, not waiting for a cockeyed, made-for-TV thumbs-up from a high school senior. "Nothing to lose," is the way one coach put it. If Evans picks Villanova, Villanova acquires a special player. If he goes somewhere else, Villanova cashes in on its dedicated, in-town recruiting push and almost certainly wins another 20-plus with a Reynolds-Fisher-Stokes backcourt rotation. So … what will happen? The best sources have been insisting for weeks that Memphis is "a done deal." But word at the Final Four began to seep that Memphis coach John Calipari could be recruited himself —- to coach the Chicago Bulls or the New York Knicks. If so —- and if Evans truly wants to become a better overall player —- he could pick Villanova, where he has been attending games and playing pickup and organized basketball for six years. The signing period starts April 16. When it does, and however it ends, Villanova will add one more win to its 2008 record. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:24:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231984 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231984 Okay, it's not a team analysis, but could be, in a way. It's not a prediction on who is going to win the NCAA BB title. It's just a quiz to get everyone's mind off of the drudgery of the same old thing every day. Have fun with it. Hell, I didn't know Pennsylvania was a big wine-producing state or that the apple was the state fruit of WV (I figured that would be Washington state). Learn something new every day. Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:39:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230302 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230302 Tyreke Evans, the super-talented American Christian Academy guard and MVP of the McDonald's All- American Game, said last night that he was leaning heavily toward picking Villanova after making an official visit with the basketball coaching staff Tuesday night. "After eating with Jay and talking to Jay, he kept it real with me," Evans said of the meeting with Villanova coach Jay Wright. "He told me the things I wanted to hear and some things I didn't want to hear but will make me a better player." Evans, the nation's top unsigned basketball recruit, and several relatives and a family friend attended a two-hour meeting with Wildcats staff at Wright's Main Line residence. "He showed me the respect he has for the players and how much of a family they are," Evans said. Villanova's strong pitch made a strong impression. "They pretty much wanted 'Reke's undivided attention," said Reggie Evans, Tyreke Evans' older brother and legal guardian. "It was a very thorough, detailed visit," said Lamont Peterson, an assistant coach at American Christian. "They went over how they planned to use him, how they could help him" in his quest to reach the NBA. In addition to Evans, his older brothers - Reggie, Doc and Pooh - cousin Meek Evans, and Peterson visited with Wright and his staff. Evans has said his list of college choices is narrowed to Villanova, Memphis, Texas and Connecticut. The 6-foot-6 Evans said he would announce his decision on April 16, the first day of the spring signing period. ESPNU and ESPN News both plan to carry the press conference live. Evans also made an official visit to Memphis and unofficial stops at Texas, Connecticut, Seton Hall and Louisville. Evans will not make any more visits. "For me, it's about who can take 'Reke, break him down and build him back up," Reggie Evans said of the decision. "There are good and bad perks about staying close to home and playing. . . . People say I will have [a major influence on the decision], but this is 'Reke's decision." Evans, a Parade All-American, will compete in the 11th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 12 in Portland, Ore. While there, he and his brothers will go over his options, Reggie Evans said. He said they hope to come close to having a decision before they head back home. "We are going to sit down and say, 'This [current college player] is leaving' " for the NBA, Reggie Evans said. 'This is who is staying.' " At least one person close to Tyreke is pulling for the Wildcats. Peterson, who wore a Villanova T-shirt on Evans' visit to Memphis, would love for him to stay home. "Jay is a great coach," Peterson said, referring to Wright. He pointed out that Wright's former guards - Kyle Lowry and Randy Foye - are both in the NBA. Another former 'Nova guard, Allan Ray, is playing professionally in Italy after a season with the Boston Celtics. "He's proven to be a great guard coach," Peterson said of Wright. "If Tyreke stayed home, it would be great for the community." Evans averaged 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and 4.3 steals per game this season. After the Nike Hoop Summit, the 18-year-old will play in the Jordan Brand All-American Game on April 19 at Madison Square Garden. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:00:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/228494 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/228494 The nation's wait is over: We finally get to see Steph Curry and the Davidson Wildcats play again. Okay, let's be honest: We finally get to see Steph Curry play again... Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:39:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222491 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222491 Which teams will win tonight in the South and Midwest regions? Who would you select against the spread? Click on each team to visit their home page and view their latest information from the local newspapers and bloggers. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:57:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222441 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222441 If you don't believe me, check out this animated video, which looks into the future and accurately forecasts the game's outcome. Animated videos DO NOT LIE. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:47:21 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222435 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/222435 The folks over at produnkhoops.com might have had a little too much time on their hands this time. They broke down which 16 mascots still in the NCAA Tournament would advance to the "Elite 8"....if they dueled in a cage match. The article comes complete with pictures and "cool facts" about the mascots, as well as a detailed breakdown of why each mascot would win. Stanford Tree was never meant to take such abuse... Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:18:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220415 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220415 The Sweet 16 kicks off tonight! Whether you are an NCAA nut or have never watched a game, there is a good chance you are playing a bracket. Everyone loves to brag about their bracket science and I am no different. Currently I am tied for first in my pool which is from a lot of luck. Where do you rank? Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:36:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220101 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/220101 After two exciting and entertaining rounds of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, FIO staff writer Dan Mesday releases his picks for the Sweet 16. Included, find Mesday's personal bracket, as well as some interesting commentary on each match-up. Also, find a recap of last weekend and why everyone should have tons of respect for Davidson's Stephen Curry. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:15:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218988 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218988 We are just a day from the NCAA Tournament resuming with the round of 16. This tournament has it all right now - all four 1-seeds, a few Cinderellas, and Stephen Curry. TSP is taking a look at each region and its games while providing a gut feeling on the outcomes. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:25:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218390 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/218390 After an exciting first weekend, the NCAA Tournament continues on Thursday night with the Regional Semifinal round, otherwise known as the Sweet 16. Here are the exclusive Sports Fan Base game previews for the Sweet 16 on Thursday and Friday: WEST REGION (7) West Virginia vs. (3) Xavier As predicted by Sports Fan Base.com, the West Virginia Mountaineers were able to upset the #2 seeded Duke Blue Devils in the 2nd round. With Joe Alexander inside and Alex Ruoff hitting three-point shots from the outside, West Virginia is a very dangerous team. The Xavier Musketeers defeated a very tough Purdue team in the 2nd round and have quietly advanced into the Sweet 16. Xavier is athletic and balanced with big men Josh Duncan and Derrick Brown, versatile guards Stanley Burrell, C.J. Anderson and B.J. Raymond and the little court general, Drew Lavendar. Because of this, Xavier may be a little too much too handle for West Virginia. SFB Prediction: Xavier wins 74-68 (12) Western Kentucky vs. (1) UCLA The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are perhaps this year`s biggest surprise into the Sweet 16. Their thrilling 101-99 overtime victory over Drake in the 1st round permanantly won the hearts of basketball fans everywhere and put the Hilltoppers` guard Ty Rogers into the NCAA Tournament history with his three-point shot at the buzzer. Western Kentucky has two very athletic guards in Courtney Lee and Tyrone Brazleton and can certainly give UCLA some problems. For the Bruins, Naismith Award finalist Kevin Love is a force in the paint. Combine that with guards Darren Collison and Russel Westbrook along with forward Josh Shipp, you have a great basketball team. UCLA should win this game, but it will be closer than many people think. SFB Prediction: UCLA wins 79-74 EAST REGION (4) Washington State vs. (1) North Carolina This is probably the worst possible matchup for North Carolina, other than Wisconsin. Why do I say this? Simply because the Cougars are well-coached and always put together a great defensive scheme. Head coach Tony Bennett will have a plan ready for the Tar Heels and use the big bodies of Aron Baynes and Robbiw Cowgill to frustrate UNC`s Naismith Finalist, Tyler Hansbrough. Washington State was able to shut down Notre Dame`s high-powered offense in the 2nd round, could they do the same against North Carolina? The only problem is that Washington State just does not have the scoring to even come close to what North Carolina scores. But the Cougars could provide the blueprint for Louisville or Tennessee to take down the Tar Heels in the next round. SFB Prediction: North Carolina wins 71-62 (3) Louisville vs. (2) Tennessee In what may be the most entertaining Sweet 16 game, the Louisville Cardinals take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Louisville has had a somewhat easy tournament so far with dominating Boise State and Oklahoma in the 1st and 2nd rounds, respectively. Meanwhile, the Vols had a fairly easy game against American in the 1st round, but had a tough take with #7 seeded Butler in the 2nd round, nearly being bounced from the NCAA Tournament. This is a great matchup of athletic players with Tennessee`s Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith versus Louisville`s Terrence Williams and Eric Clark. The x-factor in this game may end up being Tennessee guard Chris Lofton. If he can make his outside shots, the Vols win. If he struggles, Louisville may move on to the Elite 8. SFB Prediction: Tennessee wins 86-84 MIDWEST REGION (10) Davidson vs. (3) Wisconsin While many sports fans were hoping for a classic Big East-Big Ten showdown in the Sweet 16 with Georgetown and Wisconsin, Stephen Curry and the Davidson Wildcats had other plans. Curry went off for 30 points in the 2nd half (35 overall) to single-handedly take down the Georgetown Hoyas in the 2nd round. If anyone wasn`t a Davidson believer before, believe it now. In addition to Curry, point guard Jason Richards and power forward Andrew Lovedale are very solid players. Wisconsin is a great defensive and fundamentally sound team with experienced players such as Brian Butch and Michael Flowers. The matchup of Flowers, one of the best defensive players in the country, versus Curry, one of the top scorers in the country, is very intriguing. That matchup will be the key to the game for both teams. If Flowers can hold Curry under 20 points, it will be hard for Davidson to defeat the Badgers. SFB Prediction: Wisconsin wins 70-65 (12) Villanova vs. (1) Kansas The Villanova Wildcats were the 8th team put into the NCAA Tournament for the Big East Conference and perhaps were the last team into the Big Dance this year. But a 1st round win over Clemson and a dominating victory over another surprise, Siena, has put Nova into the Sweet 16. Led by play-making guard Scottie Reynolds, the Cats are experienced, athletic and could be a threat for Kansas. The Jayhawks are deeper, more athletic and more balanced than Villanova. Guards Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins combined with the frontcourt of Darrel Arthur and Darrell Jackson gives Kansas a lethal starting lineup. SFB Prediction: Kansas wins 85-73 SOUTH REGION (3) Stanford vs. (2) Texas The Stanford Cardinal and Texas Longhorns run their offenses distinctly different ways. Stanford has the twin towers witgh 7-footers Brook and Robin Lopez and they are the Cardinal`s two leading scorers and rebounders. Meanwhile, the Longhorns rely on guard play, primarily from D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams. Texas` big man Conor Atchley will have a large task in defending Brook Lopez, who will most likely be a Top 10 NBA Draft Pick this coming year. Stanford had a tough take with Marquette in the 2nd round, winning 82-81 in overtime. The good thing for Texas is that Marquette also relies on their guard play. So the Longhorns should certainly watch the game film from this past Saturday if they want a good idea of how to defeat Stanford. SFB Prediction: Texas wins 79-77 (5) Michigan State vs. (1) Memphis Sports Fan Base.com counted out the Michigan State Spartans early in the NCAA Tournament with a 1st round loss to #12 seed Temple. Of course that did not happen and now the Spartans are in the Sweet 16 with a solid win against Big East Champion Pittsburgh in the 2nd round. Guard Drew Neitzel is the leader of this Michigan State squad and he will need to lead his team not only with his three-point shooting and scoring ability, but also with his ability to distribute the ball and get his players involved. The Memphis Tigers will be a tough team to defend as they have a lot of ways they can score. Chris Douglas-Roberts is probably the best player on this team and guard Derrik Rose may be the most athletic. Their front court consists of Robert Dozier and Joey Dorsey and combined they pull down over 16 rebounds per game. But the achilles heel for Memphis has been free throw shooting and that did not change in their 2nd round game against Mississippi State with a free-throw percentage of 47%. If Michigan State can get Memphis to the free throw line, they have a shot to win. SFB Prediction: Memphis wins 79-75 Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:13:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216820 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216820 The first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament provided plenty of drama and excitement. The sports blogosphere reaction to the madness was just as fierce. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:56:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216485 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216485 March Madness is about great team runs spurred by uncanny individual performances, and this year's tournament has been no different. But who earns the honor of being the '2nd Round Workhorse?' Stephen Curry, Brook Lopez, AJ Abrams, Kevin Love? Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:31:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216338 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/216338 Heading into the Second Round of 2008 NCAA Tournament, FIO staff writer Dan Mesday releases his picks for the regional games. Included, find Mesday's personal bracket, as well as some interesting commentary on each match-up. Also find a recap of Days 1 and 2 from the First Round. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:04:25 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215757 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215757