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Kansas gets even stronger with the addition of coveted transfer Tarik Black (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:33:03 PDT

Bill Self already landed the nation's most coveted high school recruit last week. Now the Kansas coach has also received a commitment from one of the most prized transfers on the market. Tarik Black, a 6-foot-9, 260-pound big man who played at Memphis the past three years, has chosen Kansas over Duke, Oregon and Georgetown, among others, CBSSports.com reported Monday . The rising senior has graduated from Memphis and will be eligible immediately for the Jayhawks. It's a testament to the laws of supply and demand that Black had all these powerhouse programs pursuing him considering he lost his starting job at Memphis last season and averaged a modest 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds off the bench. One reason he was in such high demand is there simply weren't many available big men with size and athleticism that teams could plug into their rotation right away. The other is that teams felt he has untapped potential he was never able to fully utilize at Memphis. Once projected as a potential NBA draft pick early in his college career, Black fell out of favor in Memphis because his production plateaued after his freshman season and he was often foul-prone and inconsistent. His NCAA tournament performance was a microcosm of his Memphis career: 12 points and seven rebounds on perfect 5 of 5 shooting against Saint Mary's in a round of 64 victory gave way to six points, two rebounds and four fouls in a loss to Michigan State two days later. Nonetheless, Black may yet be a significant addition for Kansas if a change of scenery and Self's history of success developing big men can help.

Scouting Video: Semi Ojeleye - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:47:00 PDT

Stock increases for Briscoe - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Mon, 13 May 2013 02:23:00 PDT

Grandstaff talks Duke, game improvement - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:24:00 PDT

Ranking the Big Ten-ACC Challenge games from most to least intriguing (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:48:13 PDT

ESPN announced the schedule for next season's Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday. Here's a look at each of the games ranked from 1 to 12. 1. Michigan at Duke (Dec. 3): If the Wolverines and Blue Devils had to go this long without meeting in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, at least it's a marquee matchup that ought to be worth the wait. Both teams should begin the season in the top 10 with Michigan returning three starters from a team that reached the national title game and Duke boasting one of the nation's best perimeter units. 2. North Carolina at Michigan State (Dec. 4): Two experienced potential top 10 teams will meet in East Lansing for the fifth time in Challenge history, with both teams having split the previous four meetings. Michigan State returns every key player besides Derrick Nix, while North Carolina is highlighted by the inside-outside duo of James Michael McAdoo and P.J. Hairston. 3. Indiana at Syracuse (Dec. 3): A young but talented Hoosiers team seeking to replace Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo will try to prove it has learned how to attack a two-three zone. Indiana had little success against Syracuse in the Sweet 16 this past March when the Orange sprung an upset on their way to the Final Four. 4. Maryland at Ohio State (Dec. 4): The ACC's latest parting shot to Big Ten-bound Maryland? How about a road game against a Big Ten title contender? Deshaun Thomas' departure creates a scoring void for the Buckeyes, but Sam Thompson and LaQuinton Ross are capable of filling it. Plus, Aaron Craft should be a nightmare defensive matchup for Maryland freshman point guard Roddy Peters.

Michigan to face Duke in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge - Michigan (Rivals)

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:26:00 PDT

The Wolverines drew a big name for next season's Big Ten-ACC Challenge.

Michigan to play at Duke - Michigan (Rivals)

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:10:00 PDT

Michigan is headed for Cameron Indoor Stadium for the 2013 Big Ten/ACC Tournament, according to a source down in Raleigh, N.C.

Is a formidable non-league schedule too tough for a Kansas team losing five starters? (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:19:38 PDT

Just because all five Kansas starters are either graduating or turning pro doesn't mean the Jayhawks are scheduling like it's a transition year. In fact, Kansas coach Bill Self has assembled a non-conference slate as difficult as any he has ever put together. Depending on the draw in the formidable Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, Kansas could face as many as seven preseason top 25 teams before the start of Big 12 play. The only surefire wins on the schedule are Louisiana Monroe, Toledo and ... well ... that's pretty much it unless you think quality mid-majors Towson and Iona pose no threat. The marquee games on the schedule are a Nov. 12 matchup with Duke in Chicago, a Dec. 10 visit to Florida and the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament in the Bahamas from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. The Blue Devils may have the best perimeter talent in the nation next season, the Gators are likely to start the season in the top 10 and the Battle 4 Atlantis field includes the likes of Tennessee, Villanova, Xavier and Iowa. Besides those matchups, Kansas still has a handful of other challenging games against quality teams. A Dec. 7 visit to old Big 12 foe Colorado will be difficult with the Buffs returning four of five starters and likely to contend with Arizona and UCLA for the Pac-12 crown. Games against Mountain West favorite New Mexico in Kansas City and new Big East contender Georgetown in Lawrence will also be tough. Heck, even a Jan. 5 visit from rebuilding San Diego State is no gimme, especially if the Aztecs have found new scorers to replace departed stars Jamaal Franklin and Chase Tapley by then.

Duke still on Pinson's radar - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Fri, 03 May 2013 03:30:00 PDT

Duke announces signing of recruit Jabari Parker (The Associated Press)

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:03:16 PDT

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Top recruit Jabari Parker has signed his letter of intent to play at Duke.

Looney Talks Duke, Recruiting - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Wed, 01 May 2013 02:23:00 PDT

Hampered by the limits of its authority, the NCAA found no violations in Lance Thomas case (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:41:21 PDT

The NCAA's investigation into ex-Duke forward Lance Thomas ended Tuesday afternoon in the most predictable way possible. Unable to prove Thomas accepted extra benefits in order to purchase nearly $100,000 of jewelry from a New York jeweler in Dec. 2009, the NCAA wrapped up its inquiry and moved on to other cases. Duke associate athletic director Jon Jackson sent out a press a release Tuesday indicating no evidence of wrongdoing was found and the NCAA now considers the matter closed. A lawsuit filed by Manhattan-based Rafaello & Co. in Sept. 2012 brought attention to the purchase by Thomas because it raised eyebrows that a college senior from a single-parent home would attempt to purchase $97,800 in diamond necklaces, watches and earrings. The infractions case was especially noteworthy because it had the potential to jeopardize Duke's 2010 national championship that Thomas helped win. Thomas forked over $30,000 for a down payment for the jewelry and initially agreed to pay the rest within 15 days, but Rafaello & Co. eventually sued him almost three years later because it did not receive the money. If Rafaello & Co. awarded Thomas a loan based on future earnings he could make as a professional either in the NBA or overseas, that would violate NCAA rules prohibiting such transactions. Once Thomas and Rafaello & Co. reached a settlement last September, however, the NCAA's hopes of proving the Duke forward did anything wrong instantly became remote . Since a confidentiality agreement was likely part of the settlement and the NCAA lacks subpoena power, investigators would have needed to make their case without any input from either Thomas or the jeweler. In addition to not cooperating with NCAA investigators, Thomas spoke publicly about the infamous jewelry purchase only once, and he did not shed any light on where he acquired the money for the down payment.

Duke: No wrongdoing in player's jewelry purchase (The Associated Press)

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:36:05 PDT

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Duke says the NCAA did not find any wrongdoing after looking into a jewelry purchase of nearly $100,000 by a basketball player on the Blue Devils' most recent national championship team.

One on One with Jahlil Okafor - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:17:00 PDT

Jon Scheyer returns to Duke as special assistant (The Associated Press)

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:46:27 PDT

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Duke is bringing back former basketball player Jon Scheyer as a special assistant.

Jones still in no hurry - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:43:00 PDT

Scouting Video: Grayson Allen - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:56:00 PDT

Coach's Corner: Grayson Allen - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:36:00 PDT

Duke's youngest Plumlee has foot surgery (The Associated Press)

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:59:58 PDT

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Duke says Marshall Plumlee will be out 12-16 weeks after having left foot surgery.

A way-too-early look at college basketball’s best teams for the 2013-14 season (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:41:59 PDT

All the confetti on the floor at the Georgia Dome hadn't even been picked up yet Monday night when speculation about next year's college basketball season began. Will Kentucky go from the NIT to preseason No. 1? Can Louisville defend its title? How good can Arizona and Marquette be? It's too early to answer most of those questions since some top recruits haven't chosen a school, transfer season is only beginning and we don't know which NBA draft prospects are staying in school and which will leave. Nonetheless, based on my best guesses for who's staying and who's going, here's a look at a very early top 10 for the 2013-14 season, along with 15 others worth watching. 1. KENTUCKY Key losses: G Julius Mays (graduating), G Ryan Harrow (transferring), C Nerlens Noel (projected to enter NBA draft), G Archie Goodwin (entering NBA draft) Key returners: F Alex Poythress, C Willie Cauley-Stein, F Kyle Wiltjer Notable newcomers: F Julius Randle, G Andrew Harrison, G Aaron Harrison, F James Young, C Dakari Johnson, F Marcus Lee Why they're too high: If the 2011-12 Wildcats proved it was possible to win a championship with a freshman-heavy roster, then the 2012-13 version also showed talent won't translate into victories if the chemistry, work ethic and willingness to sacrifice isn't also there. Next season's Kentucky team has all the talent needed to contend for a championship, but they'll have to jell in a way this season's team never did. Why they're too low: Well, Kentucky can't start the season any higher than preseason No. 1, but its roster can get deeper and better if No. 1 overall recruit Andrew Wiggins selects the Wildcats over Florida State, Kansas and North Carolina. That would give the Wildcats the No. 1 player at every position in the Class of 2013 to go with a couple other key recruits and three talented returners.

A look back: U-M in the title game - Michigan (Rivals)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:55:00 PDT

The Wolverines are playing for the NCAA Tournament National Championship for the first time in 20 years, but before that drought, they had been a fairly regular fixture on the sport's largest stage.

Kevin Ware supports Louisville teammates at Final Four a week after gruesome injury (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:50:38 PDT

Injured Louisville guard Kevin Ware is doing whatever he can to help the Cardinals in a national semifinal game in Atlanta just a week after suffering an injury that has received worldwide attention. Ware, who suffered a gruesome broken leg in an Elite Eight victory over Duke, is wearing his No. 5 jersey today as the Cardinals play Wichita State for an opportunity to play in the national title game Monday night. The Cardinals fell behind 8-0 early but rallied to take a 9-8 lead and television cameras focused on Ware waving his arms trying to encourage the rally and Louisville fans. Ware has been the center of attention with the Cardinals because of the unusual, and high-profile nature of his injury last week. He suffered a compound fracture of his lower leg during a routine play while defense against the Blue Devils.

Louisville overcomes Ware's injury to beat Duke (The SportsXchange)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:24:11 PDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- It took awhile, but Louisville's players eventually recovered after witnessing a horrific injury to one of their teammates.

Louisville beats Duke 85-63 to reach Final Four (The Associated Press)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:09:14 PDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Crying and shaken by the sight of Kevin Ware writhing on the court, his right leg splintered, Rick Pitino and his Louisville players had no idea how they were going to pull it together with a half still left to play and a Final Four berth on the line.

Kevin Ware's courage, strength after horrific leg injury inspires Louisville to Final Four (Yahoo! Sports)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:52:31 PDT

Ware's gruesome injury could've crippled his team, but his message to them gave Louisville strength instead.

Louisville 85, Duke 63 (The SportsXchange)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:20:14 PDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- No. 1 overall seed Louisville rallied after guard Kevin Ware suffered a gruesome right leg injury in the first half, and the Cardinals defeated second-seeded Duke 85-63 in the Midwest Regional final Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium to advance to the Final Four.

Inspired by Kevin Ware’s request, Louisville wins for its injured teammate (The Dagger: College Basketball Blog)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:57:11 PDT

Once top-seeded Louisville was on the verge of finishing off Duke on Sunday afternoon to clinch its second Final Four bid in the past two seasons, forward Chane Behanan stripped off his own jersey and donned the No. 5 of teammate Kevin Ware. It was a fitting gesture for the player who inspired the Cardinals not to let their championship dreams go to waste on his behalf. As he was lying in front of the Louisville bench in the first half with his right leg broken so badly that the bone was protruding from the skin, Ware called his teammates over and told them not to worry about him and to go win the game. The top-seeded Cardinals did just as he asked, breaking open a three-point game at halftime and pulling away from second-seeded Duke for an 85-63 rout. [Slideshow: Players, coaches react to Kevin Ware's gruesome injury ] Ware's injury was on the minds of his teammates throughout their game-changing 24-8 blitz midway through the second half. Since Ware is an Atlanta native and that is the host city for the Final Four, coach Rick Pitino said Louisville players and coaches reminded one-another during every timeout that the goal was to bring Ware home. "We won this for him," Pitino told CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. "We're all choked up with emotion for him. We wanted to get back to Atlanta." It was two of Louisville's other guards who were most responsible for the Cardinals turning a 35-32 halftime lead into a rout. Seniors Russ Smith and Peyton Siva torched Duke off the dribble via the pick and roll the entire game, beating their defenders easily and then drawing fouls on late-arriving Duke big men around the rim.

Louisville pressure and quickness too much for Duke - Duke (Rivals)

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 05:13:00 PDT

INDIANAPOLIS - In an Elite-Eight matchup that almost had a national title game feel, between two of college's perennial powerhouses, Duke and Louisville, the showdown between the Blue Devils and Cardinals had all the makings to be a good one.

Hoops Game Preview: Louisville Cardinals - Duke [$$] (Rivals)

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 23:32:00 PDT

Mike Krzyzewski, Rick Pitino know encore of classic East Region game is unlikely (Yahoo! Sports)

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:10:17 PDT

This time the coaches meet in the Midwest final with another Final Four berth on the line.