Five-time NBA All-Star Sidney Moncrief is interested in the coaching vacancy at Colorado.
His name, thanks to that impressive pedigree, looks good in lights as he was a tremendous player in college at Arkansas and at the professional level with Milwaukee but all that means what?
Nothing.
Exciting to hear Moncrief is interested in replacing Ricardo Patton but so are many others -- with superior experience and success.
Thanks for dropping by, Sidney. You have a good trip back to Texas now, ya' hear?
No tight end for you
Former CU All-American tight end and current New England Patriot Daniel Graham is a NFL free agent and that has many hungry for the Buff to return home and play in a Denver Broncos' uniform.
While Graham might be open to such a thought, the money is going to decide the deal, as it usually does and the truth likely is Denver can't or is not willing to show its' love to that extent to convince the powerful-blocking underused-receiving big-game experienced Graham to make Denver his in-season home.
Nice daydream though, isn't it?
Graham may not Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez but it says here is has been seriously underutilized in the passing game as a Patriot. Only speculation here but the Black and Gold Truth thinks Graham wants to be included in the game plan again along with stuffing his bank account.
Lewis leaving
Michael Lewis, the former Buffs' standout safety, lost his starting job last season and is now reportedly on his way out of Philadelphia, according to a report in the Sporting News.
Lewis never had great speed and is not the ball-hawking difference maker most teams covet. He is, however, a thumper in the run game and will make a few token plays a year on the ball.
He can still play and is not done doing good things in the League. Lewis is hard-nosed, tough, plays with passion and if he is smart enough to realize his next stop should be more about the right fit than money, he will show he can make an impact on games.
Recruiting thoughts
As I was reading CU sports information director Dave Plati's profiles on the 2007 football recruiting class I was struck by how intelligent and academically accomplished this group is and how big a dreamers they are when it comes to their post-football future.
Impressive collection of young men.
Coach Dan Hawkins is bringing in character, stressing it, demanding it. Add up that character, desire and athletic ability and there is no doubt that there is teachable talent that can be groomed and developed.
This class must further define the program. Hawkins is fond of saying he is looking for "our kind of guys." He thinks he found an boat load full of them. If he and his staff identified that personnel correctly and if CU can coach 'em up -- it will go places real soon. The launch should be this season and 2008 should be the first signs of Return to Dominance.
Or something like that.
Rumor has it
The word is no secret -- CU is in on talented quarterback recruit Landry Jones out of the state of New Mexico.
A big, strong, productive talent, Jones signing would be yet another giant step forward for coach Dan Hawkins and the Buffs' program, especially considering the significant importance of the position Jones play.
One slight thing to mention though, a warning shot, as it were -- it is still too early in the recruiting process to get overly excited about Jones in a CU uniform, marching the Buffs on scoring drives and up the national rankings.
If he continues to improve, if he keeps producing at the high school level, he is going to get bull rushed, speed rushed by much more accomplished programs around the land. He is going to have numerous attractive choices.
Now, if Hawkins can keep building a relationship with Jones and his family while also leading a stunning on-field improvement of his own team, then the odds might go up that Jones would consider signing on. If Hawkins and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks' coach Mark Helfrich can incorporate and showcase more of their offense this season, that too would likely entice a quarterback, who wants to see tangible signs of success to imagine how he could fit in and star himself.
So, for the time being, Jones coming to Boulder, call me warm about the whole soap opera.
Going back in time
The BGT has a Friday one-on-one with a former Buffs' star to talk about what he's up to these days, his experience in Boulder and some other thoughts. Look for that conversation next week.
Will say this, CU is still looking for players like him to do the things he did and did so very well.
For-dead Cowboys poke Wildcats
Oklahoma State, who has fallen apart in conference play having lost six of its' last seven games took a bite out of Kansas State, 84-70, in Stillwater Tuesday.
Sure, Cartier Martin and David Hoskins played well for the Wildcats, combining for 45 points but the Cowboys could not be stopped, scoring with ease on KSU all night long, hitting 55 percent of their shots from the field and 53 percent from 3-point territory.
Guards JamesOn Curry and Terrel Harris each had their best game in a month, totaling 44 points between them. Mario Boggan added 17 more and Byron Eaton and David Monds scored 10 apiece.
BGT: OSU is dangerous but had completely lost its' way during its' losing streak, becoming monumental underachievers. The Wildcats may have peaked too soon. After winning seven-straight conference games they are now riding that roller coaster of mediocrity, losing four of their last seven. Both teams could do damage in the Big-12 postseason tournament but are also so schizophrenic they could bow out in their first game.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Matta, Hawkins brothers; BGT poll
Dynamic people move mountains.
Just ask Florida about Urban Meyer.
Or Ohio State about Thad Matta.
Read what Andy Katz of ESPN.com had to say about the Buckeyes' developer."Ohio State coach Thad Matta had a sales pitch that most coaches may use, but few can hardly deliver on: Come to my school and we're going to win championships. Not down the road, but right away -- league, tournament, and NCAA.
"This wasn't spin. It wasn't some sort of fantasy. It was, in this fluid era of college hoops, a distinct possibility for a talented group of freshmen."
Stop.O.K., who does that sound like to you?
Some guy in Boulder?
Now, Matta has been successful because he knows how to coach which makes it easier for him to recruit. Then he dreams big, doesn't believe in settling and then rolls strikes over and over once out talking to all the best talent. He's not intimidated by those names, not surprised when he reels them in.
Who's that sound like?
Dan Hawkins sounds half-crazy at times to many but that is who he is and one day, he will likely be thought to be crazy like a fox.
Either that or he's going to get locked up in some hospital for living a delusional existence.
Now for more Katz.
"[Matta] laid it out for us and said we would win the Big Ten, [and] the national championship. He basically told us what we're going to do, and I believed him," freshman point guard Mike Conley Jr. said. "He had so much confidence in us in year one."
Sounds like the statements made by Hawkins' recruits, especially Ryan Miller, the newest Flatiron.Jayhawks escape Norman with victory
It fought off Oklahoma, 67-65, in Norman behind 18 points each from Mario Chalmers and Julian Wright. The Jayhawks' offense was sub-standard --45 percent shooting from the floor and 22-of-34 makes at the foul line -- but its' defense was so stout (33 percent shooting allowed) that it got what it came to town for -- victory.
BGT: Over the course of a season, some wins are going to be ugly. This was one of them but the important thing is that KU did not get upset and blow all the momentum they have been building coming down the stretch. The Jayhawks are becoming the power everyone expected them to be out of the gate this season. Look out.
BGT Big-12 Poll
- Texas A & M
- Kansas
- Texas
- Texas Tech
- Kansas State
- Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Iowa State
- Baylor
- Ricardo Patton's ego
Easy pickins': Iowa State, CU
Dangerous come Big-12 tournament time: KSU, Texas Tech, OSU, OU
NCAA heavyweights: Texas A & M, Kansas
Coaches due a pat on the back: Billy Gillispie (TAM), Bob Huggins (KSU), Bob Knight (TT)
Coaches due a timeout: Sean Sutton (OSU), Scott Drew (Baylor), Ricardo Patton (CU)
Letters
From Dan, who is in Dan Hawkins' camp and believes CU will be one of the most-improved teams in the country next season.
"My feeling about Dan Hawkins' 2007 team is they will win 7-8 games and play everyone close. They are not far away from everyone in the North division. If they had just had the 70th-best offense in the land last year, they would have had a chance to win the division.
"Hawkins is a winner and will be the 2007 Big 12 coach-of-the-year.
"Bank on it."
BGT: Dan, that is a big jump you're forecasting for the Buffs, especially considering the talent question marks on the roster. However, you can't pay attention to Hawkins, can't look at his track record and doubt he will get it done. It says here he will be successful at CU. Will he win a national championship? Who knows, but I do believe his tenure will eventually match the heights of Gary Barnett and be more consistent from season to season. As said before, his personality, drive and history indicate he will be an achiever. And after last season, you can see it in his attitude coming forth and by reading between the lines you hear it -- he failed in some people's eyes and that has Hawkins' feeling judged unjustly. He badly wants to prove naysayers wrong, pound his chest and let out a jungle cry.
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
That's powerful motivation.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Part II big, thick and rich recruiting notes
As promised, today the Black and Gold Truth brings you the second of a two-part series on the 2007 football recruiting class.
The coaching comments and analysis on the new talent hitting the field in Boulder.
Let's roll.
LB Josh Hartigan
"It's a good thing he's coming in next year because he can help us next year. He is going to be a force here in the close future."
-Brian Cabral, linebacker's coach
BGT: Wow. Hartigan is undersized, not highly recruited and yet Cabral is making him out to be the next-coming of Ronnie Woolfork or Chad Brown. For Cabral to lay it on the line, publicly, for Hartigan, it must mean the respected coach thinks the Floridian is a super-sleeper, incredible competitor and with skills that translate. Remember the name.
OL Mike Iltis
"He's a tough guy, a very smart guy on the field."
-Chris Strausser, former offensive line coach and assistant head coach
BGT: Both head coach Dan Hawkins and Strausser talked of Iltis' passion. Hawkins also mentioned his strength and Strausser goes with intangibles in his comment. So what does it all mean then?
Iltis likely doesn't possess all-conference talent but he wants to be a good player, badly and will do all he can to achieve his potential. You don't get all five-star guys on a team. Sometimes you have to win with military-type guys like Iltis. Doesn't sound like he will ever cheat his teammates, coaches or himself. Sounds like a real slobberknocker.
TE/HB Devan Johnson
"He's a very athletic and versatile player. He can come in here and make us a better football team right away."
-Darian Hagan, running back's coach
BGT: O.K., this is an easy one. Johnson is not going to set the world on fire with statistics but he has skills and his versatility will allow the Buffs' offensive flexibility and thus, options, making for more-complex game plans and more difficulty in defending this team. Hagan sees him as so unique that Johnson will compete to contribute early. Could be a Lawrence Vickers' type of player.
TB Brian Lockridge
"He's an explosive kid and great person."
-Darian Hagan
BGT: Hagan is saying that Lockridge has the breakaway talent this program lacked so much last season. If you go back to part one of this feature you'll see similar things said of receiver Kendrick Celestine. Both players put up some numbers in high school but the CU coaches are talking more about their speed and the hopes the Buffs can get it into open space. They are not talking about well-rounded, ready-made players.
So sounds like players like Lockridge (an Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com favorite) and Celestine will be given every opportunity to see the field but will probably need two or three years to evolve into dependable studs.
OL Kealakai and Maiava
"He's got some great versatility and I like the guy, he's a worker. He's a kid we've always really liked."
-Dan Hawkins
"He is really competitive, very athletic."
-Brian Cabral
BGT: Sounds like that Hawkins'-kind-of-guy, meaning tough, all-out, never-say-quit, work, work, work. Cabral sees good feet and balance. Sounds like a sleeper to keep your eye on and to the BGT, Maiava sounds like a future starter.
OL Ryan Miller
"He's a tremendous, tremendous athlete; he's a great football player. He is totally our kind of guy. I totally see him as a guy that can come in here and be an All-American and help us win a national championship and get drafted by the Broncos."
-Dan Hawkins
BGT: Hawkins loves Miller, sees him as the real deal and maybe there should be an investigation to see if the coach is doubling as his agent already. If Miller can avoid the curse of injury, he likely will be that cornerstone tackle that will make quarterbacks smile and running back's eyes pop. Hawkins is putting a lot of responsibility on the Columbine mountain of a man but Miller, from all interviews, seems to relish it all. Hawkins wants and needs him to reboot CU's in-state recruiting of the best talent.
Miller has that defensive player's mentality, that drive to be special and could end up being one of the best end-of-the-line players to ever wear a CU uniform.
QB Nick Nelson
"Nick is a kid that won a bunch of games in high school and a bunch of games in junior college. He is a tough kid, he is a smart kid, he is a leader, and he's used to winning."
-Hawkins
BGT: You don't have to be an academic All-American to understand what Hawkins is saying here -- winning matters because it becomes a pattern, becomes a habit. Quarterbacking is as much about intangibles as it is the physical attributes. Look at Ryan Leaf, a physical prototype for the San Diego Chargers but a nickel head. Tom Brady (sixth-round pick) of the New England Patriots and Drew Brees (second-round selection) of the New Orleans Saints, and even Hall-of-Famer Joe Montana (third-round pick) all lacked the knockout bodies and physical skills but did possess the winner's DNA.
Former Buff Mike Moschetti told me he is not overly impressed with Nelson's ability after seeing him play and I trust him so it sounds like Nelson is more of a game manager than someone who is going to light it up and carry a team. If you have a staunch defense and effective running game, along with better receiving talent, Nelson could, however, be successful. He has played more QB and will likely would make less of the mistakes that Bernard Jackson was plagued with last season.
However, don't expect Nelson to pass anyone silly, ala Koy Detmer or rally a team from a deep deficit. He could, however, become a Bobby Pesavento type in time, one solid, dependable, winner.
DL Conrad Obi
"He is very new to football and very electric."
-Hawkins
"He's a great guy; very athletic, the guy can run."
-Romeo Bandison, defensive line coach
BGT: Hawkins is saying that Obi is raw as grocery-store meat but has ability on the defensive line rare to the program. Bandison is saying the same. Translation -- he could provide more speed and movement than the typical pass rushers over the years at CU but it likely will take Obi three years to show the goods, so you might want to let him age a little before expecting something worthy. If he stays healthy, it might be a rewarding wait for Buff fans.
DB Anthony Perkins
"He's got top-notch speed, change of direction and vision. The thing that is impressive about Anthony when you watch him is that he is able to see where he needs to go on the field and out run angles."
-Greg Brown, secondary coach
BGT: People in Colorado knew of Perkins but he wasn't an all-everything recruit. That said, sounds like Brown loves him. Notice that Brown didn't just say Perkins was a good kid, played hard, blah, blah, blah -- he gave characteristics of a productive football player -- speed, fluid hips, vision, intelligence, feel for the game. I'd keep my eye on Perkins as he might push hard to play early in his career.
DL Chris Perri
"He also has a great motor and always goes fast."
-Bandison
BGT: Bandison isn't talking about Perri's talent but he loves the intense way he competes, which we all know, can be contagious to a team. Sounds a little like a smaller version of Tyler Brayton in player mentality. Will add this -- Munsterteiger (BuffStampede.com) is picking him as a player to watch next season.
DL Lagrone Shields
"He's a tweener...we'll see where he fits. He's tough and he plays hard."
-Bandison
BGT: Shields brings strong pass-rushing numbers (stats) to CU but Bandison is honest -- he's not overwhelmed by Shields' potential, meaning the DL has to get bigger, stronger and outwork his opponent to become someone. It's going to take time to see the results with him.
WR Markques Simas
"He is a very polished receiver from a program that really throws the football, won a lot of games and ran a college-type offense.
-Hawkins
"He has big-time playmaking ability which is what we need to be able to do what we want in the passing game."
-Eric Kiesau, passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach
BGT: Merrrrrrrrrrry Christmas! The coaches got exactly what they asked for in Simas -- size, physical nature, experience, ability, production. They are begging Simas to be assert himself as a freshman. If he's up to the challenge, the field is his canvas to paint his talent on. It's up to him.
Might be the best pure talent, at the position, to hit Boulder since Rae Carruth. The BGT, though, sees him more like former Buff standout Charles Johnson who just happened to turn into a first-round pick. Simas might not prove to be that productive but that's the comparison being made. Book it.
WR Josh Smith
"He is an outstanding defensive back and a great return guy."
-Hawkins
"He is very elusive, has very good hips, is very fast. He's another guy who is very, very raw but he is going to have a bright future here."
-Kiesau
BGT: There is a lot being said here if you look closely. First, Smith has mad athleticism but his skills need work. He will be tried at receiver because of his natural talent but failing there, could be a defensive back with size and ability. CU needs help in the return game and Smith might be a guy to watch for next season. He can make people miss and has that game-breaking speed.
Notice also what Kiesau says -- it's telling. CU is recruiting talent that has to be assembled. Most guys are not considered just-add-water guys, which means it is going to take time to develop their skills and translate it all to production.
One more thing -- wish, just once, someone would compliment me and say I have great hips.
DB Lamont Smith
"Lamont has a great deal of speed and quickness, ball skills and change of direction."
-Brown
BGT: Smith is a pocket cornerback, as in small, which means he will have to compensate with speed, skills, and tenacity which apparently Brown thinks are not lacking. On the contrary, he sees potential for Smith to be a starter if the mighty mite works and pans out. Maybe a poor-man's Ben Kelly or Damen Wheeler.
OL Sione Tau
"He is a big dude."
-Hawkins
"He has the potential to be a great offensive tackle."
-Cabral
BGT: Hawkins is beside himself, thinking of Miller and Tau blocking out the sun with their NFL size. Cabral mentioned Chris Naeole's name when speaking of Tau and sees talent. He will get an early look but without certain, specific love being poured all over him by the coaches in these comments, it sounds like Tau will need to be developed more before he is starter-quality, which he one day should become.
DB Nate Vaiomounga
"He is an extremely physical defender."
-Brown
BGT: Will that last name even fit on the back of a jersey? How 'bout we just call him "V." If the Vaiomounga has sufficient speed, change of direction and top-notch anticipation he could be that needed physical presence in the secondary. A lot of "ifs" so we'll have to wait and see. Sounds like a real popper, though. No tag football with him.
DB Anthony Wright
"To get MVP out of that league, coming from a school that had not produced a D-1 player in 20 years speaks volumes for this kid."
-Brown
BGT: Wright was a Best-in-the-West selection on the annual Long Beach Press-Telegram postseason list. He has skill, he got noticed.
Look for him to get playing time as a freshman and push to be a starter by his sophomore season. Could become a highly-productive player. One of the best in this class.
BGT: There you go, all the 2007 recruits and the comments and breakdowns. If CU can show significant improvement on the field, as in the won-loss column, Hawkins and his staff could really put on a show in the recruiting free-for-all. Six wins would likely be all Hawkins needs to sell his program. More victories than that and you should expect a knockout class. The men of 2007 will prove if CU can coach and develop. The grades, however, don't come out for four-to-five years.
Durant gone to NBA, who's next
If Kevin Durant does bolt Texas after one season, as expected, for the NBA, who's the next impact freshman in the Big 12?
Try this guy who is going to a what has been a black hole for winning until this season.
Bang for your buck
So which team is the best in college basketball right now? Is it any of the teams the BGT has in its' top-4 rankings -- Florida, Texas A & M, Ohio State or Wisconsin?
Check here.
Best your way,
Truth
The coaching comments and analysis on the new talent hitting the field in Boulder.
Let's roll.
LB Josh Hartigan
"It's a good thing he's coming in next year because he can help us next year. He is going to be a force here in the close future."
-Brian Cabral, linebacker's coach
BGT: Wow. Hartigan is undersized, not highly recruited and yet Cabral is making him out to be the next-coming of Ronnie Woolfork or Chad Brown. For Cabral to lay it on the line, publicly, for Hartigan, it must mean the respected coach thinks the Floridian is a super-sleeper, incredible competitor and with skills that translate. Remember the name.
OL Mike Iltis
"He's a tough guy, a very smart guy on the field."
-Chris Strausser, former offensive line coach and assistant head coach
BGT: Both head coach Dan Hawkins and Strausser talked of Iltis' passion. Hawkins also mentioned his strength and Strausser goes with intangibles in his comment. So what does it all mean then?
Iltis likely doesn't possess all-conference talent but he wants to be a good player, badly and will do all he can to achieve his potential. You don't get all five-star guys on a team. Sometimes you have to win with military-type guys like Iltis. Doesn't sound like he will ever cheat his teammates, coaches or himself. Sounds like a real slobberknocker.
TE/HB Devan Johnson
"He's a very athletic and versatile player. He can come in here and make us a better football team right away."
-Darian Hagan, running back's coach
BGT: O.K., this is an easy one. Johnson is not going to set the world on fire with statistics but he has skills and his versatility will allow the Buffs' offensive flexibility and thus, options, making for more-complex game plans and more difficulty in defending this team. Hagan sees him as so unique that Johnson will compete to contribute early. Could be a Lawrence Vickers' type of player.
TB Brian Lockridge
"He's an explosive kid and great person."
-Darian Hagan
BGT: Hagan is saying that Lockridge has the breakaway talent this program lacked so much last season. If you go back to part one of this feature you'll see similar things said of receiver Kendrick Celestine. Both players put up some numbers in high school but the CU coaches are talking more about their speed and the hopes the Buffs can get it into open space. They are not talking about well-rounded, ready-made players.
So sounds like players like Lockridge (an Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com favorite) and Celestine will be given every opportunity to see the field but will probably need two or three years to evolve into dependable studs.
OL Kealakai and Maiava
"He's got some great versatility and I like the guy, he's a worker. He's a kid we've always really liked."
-Dan Hawkins
"He is really competitive, very athletic."
-Brian Cabral
BGT: Sounds like that Hawkins'-kind-of-guy, meaning tough, all-out, never-say-quit, work, work, work. Cabral sees good feet and balance. Sounds like a sleeper to keep your eye on and to the BGT, Maiava sounds like a future starter.
OL Ryan Miller
"He's a tremendous, tremendous athlete; he's a great football player. He is totally our kind of guy. I totally see him as a guy that can come in here and be an All-American and help us win a national championship and get drafted by the Broncos."
-Dan Hawkins
BGT: Hawkins loves Miller, sees him as the real deal and maybe there should be an investigation to see if the coach is doubling as his agent already. If Miller can avoid the curse of injury, he likely will be that cornerstone tackle that will make quarterbacks smile and running back's eyes pop. Hawkins is putting a lot of responsibility on the Columbine mountain of a man but Miller, from all interviews, seems to relish it all. Hawkins wants and needs him to reboot CU's in-state recruiting of the best talent.
Miller has that defensive player's mentality, that drive to be special and could end up being one of the best end-of-the-line players to ever wear a CU uniform.
QB Nick Nelson
"Nick is a kid that won a bunch of games in high school and a bunch of games in junior college. He is a tough kid, he is a smart kid, he is a leader, and he's used to winning."
-Hawkins
BGT: You don't have to be an academic All-American to understand what Hawkins is saying here -- winning matters because it becomes a pattern, becomes a habit. Quarterbacking is as much about intangibles as it is the physical attributes. Look at Ryan Leaf, a physical prototype for the San Diego Chargers but a nickel head. Tom Brady (sixth-round pick) of the New England Patriots and Drew Brees (second-round selection) of the New Orleans Saints, and even Hall-of-Famer Joe Montana (third-round pick) all lacked the knockout bodies and physical skills but did possess the winner's DNA.
Former Buff Mike Moschetti told me he is not overly impressed with Nelson's ability after seeing him play and I trust him so it sounds like Nelson is more of a game manager than someone who is going to light it up and carry a team. If you have a staunch defense and effective running game, along with better receiving talent, Nelson could, however, be successful. He has played more QB and will likely would make less of the mistakes that Bernard Jackson was plagued with last season.
However, don't expect Nelson to pass anyone silly, ala Koy Detmer or rally a team from a deep deficit. He could, however, become a Bobby Pesavento type in time, one solid, dependable, winner.
DL Conrad Obi
"He is very new to football and very electric."
-Hawkins
"He's a great guy; very athletic, the guy can run."
-Romeo Bandison, defensive line coach
BGT: Hawkins is saying that Obi is raw as grocery-store meat but has ability on the defensive line rare to the program. Bandison is saying the same. Translation -- he could provide more speed and movement than the typical pass rushers over the years at CU but it likely will take Obi three years to show the goods, so you might want to let him age a little before expecting something worthy. If he stays healthy, it might be a rewarding wait for Buff fans.
DB Anthony Perkins
"He's got top-notch speed, change of direction and vision. The thing that is impressive about Anthony when you watch him is that he is able to see where he needs to go on the field and out run angles."
-Greg Brown, secondary coach
BGT: People in Colorado knew of Perkins but he wasn't an all-everything recruit. That said, sounds like Brown loves him. Notice that Brown didn't just say Perkins was a good kid, played hard, blah, blah, blah -- he gave characteristics of a productive football player -- speed, fluid hips, vision, intelligence, feel for the game. I'd keep my eye on Perkins as he might push hard to play early in his career.
DL Chris Perri
"He also has a great motor and always goes fast."
-Bandison
BGT: Bandison isn't talking about Perri's talent but he loves the intense way he competes, which we all know, can be contagious to a team. Sounds a little like a smaller version of Tyler Brayton in player mentality. Will add this -- Munsterteiger (BuffStampede.com) is picking him as a player to watch next season.
DL Lagrone Shields
"He's a tweener...we'll see where he fits. He's tough and he plays hard."
-Bandison
BGT: Shields brings strong pass-rushing numbers (stats) to CU but Bandison is honest -- he's not overwhelmed by Shields' potential, meaning the DL has to get bigger, stronger and outwork his opponent to become someone. It's going to take time to see the results with him.
WR Markques Simas
"He is a very polished receiver from a program that really throws the football, won a lot of games and ran a college-type offense.
-Hawkins
"He has big-time playmaking ability which is what we need to be able to do what we want in the passing game."
-Eric Kiesau, passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach
BGT: Merrrrrrrrrrry Christmas! The coaches got exactly what they asked for in Simas -- size, physical nature, experience, ability, production. They are begging Simas to be assert himself as a freshman. If he's up to the challenge, the field is his canvas to paint his talent on. It's up to him.
Might be the best pure talent, at the position, to hit Boulder since Rae Carruth. The BGT, though, sees him more like former Buff standout Charles Johnson who just happened to turn into a first-round pick. Simas might not prove to be that productive but that's the comparison being made. Book it.
WR Josh Smith
"He is an outstanding defensive back and a great return guy."
-Hawkins
"He is very elusive, has very good hips, is very fast. He's another guy who is very, very raw but he is going to have a bright future here."
-Kiesau
BGT: There is a lot being said here if you look closely. First, Smith has mad athleticism but his skills need work. He will be tried at receiver because of his natural talent but failing there, could be a defensive back with size and ability. CU needs help in the return game and Smith might be a guy to watch for next season. He can make people miss and has that game-breaking speed.
Notice also what Kiesau says -- it's telling. CU is recruiting talent that has to be assembled. Most guys are not considered just-add-water guys, which means it is going to take time to develop their skills and translate it all to production.
One more thing -- wish, just once, someone would compliment me and say I have great hips.
DB Lamont Smith
"Lamont has a great deal of speed and quickness, ball skills and change of direction."
-Brown
BGT: Smith is a pocket cornerback, as in small, which means he will have to compensate with speed, skills, and tenacity which apparently Brown thinks are not lacking. On the contrary, he sees potential for Smith to be a starter if the mighty mite works and pans out. Maybe a poor-man's Ben Kelly or Damen Wheeler.
OL Sione Tau
"He is a big dude."
-Hawkins
"He has the potential to be a great offensive tackle."
-Cabral
BGT: Hawkins is beside himself, thinking of Miller and Tau blocking out the sun with their NFL size. Cabral mentioned Chris Naeole's name when speaking of Tau and sees talent. He will get an early look but without certain, specific love being poured all over him by the coaches in these comments, it sounds like Tau will need to be developed more before he is starter-quality, which he one day should become.
DB Nate Vaiomounga
"He is an extremely physical defender."
-Brown
BGT: Will that last name even fit on the back of a jersey? How 'bout we just call him "V." If the Vaiomounga has sufficient speed, change of direction and top-notch anticipation he could be that needed physical presence in the secondary. A lot of "ifs" so we'll have to wait and see. Sounds like a real popper, though. No tag football with him.
DB Anthony Wright
"To get MVP out of that league, coming from a school that had not produced a D-1 player in 20 years speaks volumes for this kid."
-Brown
BGT: Wright was a Best-in-the-West selection on the annual Long Beach Press-Telegram postseason list. He has skill, he got noticed.
Look for him to get playing time as a freshman and push to be a starter by his sophomore season. Could become a highly-productive player. One of the best in this class.
BGT: There you go, all the 2007 recruits and the comments and breakdowns. If CU can show significant improvement on the field, as in the won-loss column, Hawkins and his staff could really put on a show in the recruiting free-for-all. Six wins would likely be all Hawkins needs to sell his program. More victories than that and you should expect a knockout class. The men of 2007 will prove if CU can coach and develop. The grades, however, don't come out for four-to-five years.
Durant gone to NBA, who's next
If Kevin Durant does bolt Texas after one season, as expected, for the NBA, who's the next impact freshman in the Big 12?
Try this guy who is going to a what has been a black hole for winning until this season.
Bang for your buck
So which team is the best in college basketball right now? Is it any of the teams the BGT has in its' top-4 rankings -- Florida, Texas A & M, Ohio State or Wisconsin?
Check here.
Best your way,
Truth
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sunday Truth
So which is most important quality for the next head basketball coach of Colorado -- a great recruiter or excellent tactician?
Yes, you need players but someone who knows the game, can relate, teach and motivate is superior to a talent harvester.
A special coach wins with less and when he has more, dominates. A mere recruiter is loved on signing day but never wins much.
If you can find the right man who will hire an accomplished staff of assistants, look out.
If any or all of them can sell recruits, well, nirvana.
Bohn driving the bus forward
CU athletic director Mike Bohn might frustrate many for a variety of reasons but you can't say the man is not a worker, not committed, not pushing the athletic program in a new direction. Just take a look at Neill Woelk's column in the Daily Camera today for proof.
BGT: Bohn's biggest flaw for many is he can't clean up the athletic department's mess on the carpet overnight. Look at the starting point from when he was first hired and where the school is today. There is clearly defined progress. In another year, there will be even more.
Reconstruction takes time. It requires from followers of the program that quality none of us want under the Christmas tree -- patience. Sort of like getting socks as a present as a kid. Boring and a tough sell but necessary.
Woelk's point is that CU now has something solid to show prospective new hires as a hook to consider working in Boulder. That's one big deal, one attractive trait, one that will get the attention of quality candidates.
Don't lie to me
The BGT truly appreciates the talent of Ohio State center Greg Oden, especially as a freshman, especially playing one-handed. He is long, a natural rebounder and shot blocker and will become an outstanding scorer soon. Oden also plays a position where there are never enough elite talents.
He will be a star in the NBA. A tremendous player. A multiple-time All-Star.
But if I'm picking first in the June draft and you give me 100 chances to change my mind, I'm not doing it. I'm sticking with Texas' forward Kevin Durant as my selection.
Grade-A beef.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, the day after that and as the old commercial went "and so on, and so on, and so on."
Durant is the closest thing to Larry Bird the BGT has seen. No, he isn't the the amazing passer and winner that the Hick from French Lick was for years but wait until you get a load of him at the next level, especially if he has any talent around him as Bird always had.
The Longhorns have plenty of talent but it all plays off Durant. He is so good he doesn't have to pass. In the NBA, while excelling at scoring the ball, he will also learn the need for sharing, which he will end up doing. Durant loves the game and plays with endless energy. He will become, mark it down, an above-average passer. Considering the attention he will draw in the Association, how could the Tall Cool One not pile up assists. After all, he's built to please. I'm convinced he will. He is LeBron James-type of premium talent.
Comparing anyone to Bird is almost cruel but look at Durant -- he can shoot it deep, attack the basket, run the floor, finish, he is more athletic than Bird, can handle the ball, rebound and all this while being several protein shakes shy of being called skinny. He makes "skinny" look thick.
He is a legend-to-be in the NBA. Danny Manning was a diamond at Kansas but the last time the BGT remembers a freshman this good it was Oklahoma's Wayman Tisdale, a dominating force, but not as long and as well-rounded as Durant.
Rankings
BGT Best-of-the-Big 12: Texas A & M, Kansas, Texas, Kansas State/Texas Tech
BGT Best-in-the-Land: Florida, Ohio State, Texas A & M, Wisconsin
Barnett gets no love
Earlier this week, an alert was sent out in this space about a Dennis Dodd column on Gary Barnett. If you didn't yet see the reaction to that CBSSportsline.com piece, here you go.
The one who, thankfully, got away
From FoxSports.com, a story on a former Denver prep who left the state, first for Texas and then Washington. No tears lost for seeing this character not in the CU media guide.
BGT: Really, what was going through his mind at the time of this incident? What thoughts tied together in that instant to say, "hey, I have a good idea...let's just take this cab. How cool would that be! What a great story we'll have to tell and laugh about later."
Money question
This from FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki on that former Buff standout who just got a big raise.
"Center Andre Gurode, who actually shared his position with Al Johnson in 2005, is now the second-highest paid player on the (Dallas) Cowboys.
I think there are a multitude of other signs I'd be looking for if scouting the mountains up front.
Even quickness matters more than pure speed.
Yes, you need players but someone who knows the game, can relate, teach and motivate is superior to a talent harvester.
A special coach wins with less and when he has more, dominates. A mere recruiter is loved on signing day but never wins much.
If you can find the right man who will hire an accomplished staff of assistants, look out.
If any or all of them can sell recruits, well, nirvana.
Bohn driving the bus forward
CU athletic director Mike Bohn might frustrate many for a variety of reasons but you can't say the man is not a worker, not committed, not pushing the athletic program in a new direction. Just take a look at Neill Woelk's column in the Daily Camera today for proof.
BGT: Bohn's biggest flaw for many is he can't clean up the athletic department's mess on the carpet overnight. Look at the starting point from when he was first hired and where the school is today. There is clearly defined progress. In another year, there will be even more.
Reconstruction takes time. It requires from followers of the program that quality none of us want under the Christmas tree -- patience. Sort of like getting socks as a present as a kid. Boring and a tough sell but necessary.
Woelk's point is that CU now has something solid to show prospective new hires as a hook to consider working in Boulder. That's one big deal, one attractive trait, one that will get the attention of quality candidates.
Don't lie to me
The BGT truly appreciates the talent of Ohio State center Greg Oden, especially as a freshman, especially playing one-handed. He is long, a natural rebounder and shot blocker and will become an outstanding scorer soon. Oden also plays a position where there are never enough elite talents.
He will be a star in the NBA. A tremendous player. A multiple-time All-Star.
But if I'm picking first in the June draft and you give me 100 chances to change my mind, I'm not doing it. I'm sticking with Texas' forward Kevin Durant as my selection.
Grade-A beef.
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, the day after that and as the old commercial went "and so on, and so on, and so on."
Durant is the closest thing to Larry Bird the BGT has seen. No, he isn't the the amazing passer and winner that the Hick from French Lick was for years but wait until you get a load of him at the next level, especially if he has any talent around him as Bird always had.
The Longhorns have plenty of talent but it all plays off Durant. He is so good he doesn't have to pass. In the NBA, while excelling at scoring the ball, he will also learn the need for sharing, which he will end up doing. Durant loves the game and plays with endless energy. He will become, mark it down, an above-average passer. Considering the attention he will draw in the Association, how could the Tall Cool One not pile up assists. After all, he's built to please. I'm convinced he will. He is LeBron James-type of premium talent.
Comparing anyone to Bird is almost cruel but look at Durant -- he can shoot it deep, attack the basket, run the floor, finish, he is more athletic than Bird, can handle the ball, rebound and all this while being several protein shakes shy of being called skinny. He makes "skinny" look thick.
He is a legend-to-be in the NBA. Danny Manning was a diamond at Kansas but the last time the BGT remembers a freshman this good it was Oklahoma's Wayman Tisdale, a dominating force, but not as long and as well-rounded as Durant.
Rankings
BGT Best-of-the-Big 12: Texas A & M, Kansas, Texas, Kansas State/Texas Tech
BGT Best-in-the-Land: Florida, Ohio State, Texas A & M, Wisconsin
Barnett gets no love
Earlier this week, an alert was sent out in this space about a Dennis Dodd column on Gary Barnett. If you didn't yet see the reaction to that CBSSportsline.com piece, here you go.
The one who, thankfully, got away
From FoxSports.com, a story on a former Denver prep who left the state, first for Texas and then Washington. No tears lost for seeing this character not in the CU media guide.
BGT: Really, what was going through his mind at the time of this incident? What thoughts tied together in that instant to say, "hey, I have a good idea...let's just take this cab. How cool would that be! What a great story we'll have to tell and laugh about later."
Money question
This from FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki on that former Buff standout who just got a big raise.
"Center Andre Gurode, who actually shared his position with Al Johnson in 2005, is now the second-highest paid player on the (Dallas) Cowboys.
"Yes, this is great for Gurode, the kid who had his head mashed by Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth last season, but it exemplifies how out-of-whack some salaries are in the NFL. A $5 million average for Gurode? Does this mean Pro Bowl quarterback Tony Romo ten million?"
Speaking of the NFL
I love it when the NFL becomes infatuated with speed for an offensive lineman, who do most of their work in a short box. Yes, guards have to pull and yes, linemen are expected to block downfield but how necessary is it for these guys to be blazers?I think there are a multitude of other signs I'd be looking for if scouting the mountains up front.
Even quickness matters more than pure speed.
Monday: Look for second installment of a two-part series on breaking down the Buffs' 2007 recruiting class. We'll name the names, bring you the coaches' comments, what those words mean and some player comparisons. A big conclusion to that feature. Monday morning.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Buffs defenseless; Aggies ring up scoreboard
Loss no. 18 and counting.Kansas State 87, Colorado 71.
David Hoskins and Cartier Martin combined for 40 points and guards Clent Stewart and Blake Young totaled 29 more as the Wildcats won their 20th game under first-year coach Bob Huggins.
K-State's talent was no better this season than what the new Buffs' coach will inherit soon. Coaching was the difference.
Huggins came to Manhattan not accepting excuses, rolled up his sleeves, implemented a winning mentality and now has the skinny Cats flexing muscle. The NCAA's are a lock and KSU might actually win a game there once invited. The future looks even brighter next season when Bill Walker returns from injury and super-recruit Michael Beasley hits the court.
All this in one season.
Boulder is not Manhattan and vice-versa. The local situation presents its' own challenges but read: none of them are insurmountable.
CU athletic director Mike Bohn has noticed, I promise.
Richard Roby (pictured) is looking like an NBA scorer again, with 26 points and six rebounds while Xavier Silas returned from injury to score 17 but do little anywhere else (one rebound, one assist, no steals and four fouls).
KSU shot 51 percent from the floor, attempted 32 foul shots and rode out of town a winner.
The Buffs were left with another pile of mistakes and another loss, at home no less.
BGT: Yes, most knew CU was young and would struggle, but similar to the football team, not many could have predicted a struggle to this extent, nor would they have expected to witness such a lack of effort and execution on defense. This season gets a failing grade but that starts at the top. There is little that has gone right. Getting young players court time is not a positive. Coach Ricardo Patton had no choice. Bad habits have been developing all season, the players have minimal confidence, if that, and fundamental skills were not developed well.
The BGT will make some calls this week to some contacts to learn if any new names are floating out there to replace Patton.
Them other schools
Sixth-ranked KU dismantled Iowa State, 89-52, in Lawrence in a game that wasn't close much after the opening tip. Six Jayhawks scored in double figures, led by guard Mario Chalmers 18 points. No Cyclone scored more than eight.
BGT: Earlier this season KU was an enigma and overrated. Coach Bill Self continued to challenge his team and they have responded. As of now, the Jayhawks look like who everyone predicted they would be at the beginning of the season -- a power. They aren't a team with a star but everyone on the roster has talent. The emergence of freshmen Darrell Arthur and Sherron Collins have only made KU more dangerous. Brandon Rush and Julian Wright have to become more consistent, however, for the Jayhawks to make a run at the Final Four.
Eighth-ranked Texas A & M played little defense, which will earn a group spanking from coach Billy Gillispie pronto, but still outlasted Baylor, 97-87, in College Station. The Bears are loaded with productive guards and they showed off on Saturday as Curtis Jerrells, Henry Dugat, and Aaron Bruce combined for 64 points. Thankfully for the Aggies, Acie Law was playing Playstation and ripped it up for 31 points. Joseph Jones had his back with 22 more.
BGT: A & M allowed Baylor to shoot the lights out but I guess that's o.k. if you're going to shoot 56 percent from the floor as the Aggies did. Law could finish second in the balloting for Big 12 Conference Player-of-the-Year. Said it before and will say it again -- the Bears are not that far away from being a powerful team. They need as in need a power broker inside to balance that fantastic talent on the perimeter.
Texas showed it can play physical by going down to Norman and beating Oklahoma, 68-58. Some freshman named Kevin Durant scored 32 to lead the Longhorns and fellow frosh D.J. Augustin added 18 more.
BGT: UT seems like a mature team for being so youthful. If they can keep their focus and hit the boards, they could win some games in March. Earlier in the season, I thought, as exciting as UT was, they would bow out early come postseason. Now, I'm not so sure. The Horns weren't their best against the Sooners but still won by 10.
No surprise as Texas Tech pulled another upset, although this one was mild, as the Red Raiders beat up in-the-dumps Oklahoma State, 59-57, in Lubbock. Martin Zeno had 13 points and nine rebounds to lead the way.
BGT: The Cowboys are home sick and have been for a while. Who's wearing the uniforms on this team is unknown. Texas Tech has some quality wins but needs more victories to get into the NCAA tournament. Bobby Knight is showing he hasn't lost his coaching touch. If he only had a little more talent -- tough with his outdated personality -- he could do wonders.
Nebraska knocked off Missouri, 82-77, in overtime out in Lincoln as talented Huskers' big man Alexs Maric had his way with the Tigers, scoring 31 points and collecting 19 rebounds.
BGT: Maric only needs a little more consistency to his game to establish himself as an All-American caliber player. If he returns next season and Nebraska can find another big man to play alongside him, look out for coach Doc Sadler's bunch. Missouri is weak inside and that cost them a game they needed to keep their postseason NCAA hopes alive.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Academics exposed; Big 12 predictions
Are athletics the only ones capable of corruption or is academia in on the sleaze game too?
Seems a Matt Hayes' story at Yahoo! Sports, courtesy of the Sporting News, looks into that very question, one that wonders how Clemson football program could be told by the school's Athletic Advisory Review Committee that two players -- defensive tackle Ian Williams and wide receiver Dwight Jones -- were high academic risks and thus could not sign letters of intent to become Tigers.
So where did Williams and Jones end up going to school, these risky students that they are?
How about Williams signing on with Notre Dame and Jones becoming a North Carolina commitment.
Notre Dame. North Carolina. Anyone who knows anything about higher education knows those are two highly respected academic institutions.
The questions then are how does the school explain players it rejected getting into better colleges and who might end up getting fired at a place where football is important?
Big 12 courts
Colorado hosts Kansas State in a season too long and too difficult to believe. The Wildcats are much improved but hardly dominant. A typical Buffs' team could win this game...but this, as you've seen, has not been a group that has lived up to standards.
KSU will hit CU early. It is imperative the home team respond offensively, which is the only way it seems to gain confidence. If it falls behind, the Cats will pick up the pressure, CU will wilt and the game will become a runaway.
In the end, sorry to be the bearer of bad news yet again -- but KSU will win because the Buffs will not be able to round up Cartier Martin and David Hoskins. Cats' coach Bob Huggins will find enough answers defensively to outpoint the Buffs.
Sixth-ranked Kansas is at home against Iowa State. The Cyclones lost a four-point game in Ames but the sledding will be much more difficult at Allen Fieldhouse. Look for a Jayhawks' rout. KU is finally playing to its' vast potential.
Eighth-ranked Texas A & M hosts Baylor and it looks like this is a lock as the Bears are terrible on the road (0-7) and the Aggies are near-perfect at home (16-1). Baylor can score but no one loves body heat more than A & M with its' smothering defense. It might be close, it might not but the Aggies win either way.
No. 19 Texas is in Norman to take on dangerous Oklahoma and the Sooners will likely give the Longhorns a game. If UT can take a punch or two and still keep swinging and connecting, it will win. If it has a glass chin, look for the upset. The BGT will take the Horns in a tougher-than-expected contest.
Improving Missouri travels to Lincoln to take on Nebraska in a game where the Tigers should be the pick despite the Huskers' success at home. If Alexs Maric can dominate the paint, Nebraska could earn the win but the BGT likes Tigers' guards Stefhon Hannah and Keon Lawerence too much to pick against the road team.
Lifeless Oklahoma State is in Lubbock and it says here Bobby Knight's Texas Tech team will pull off another upset. The Cowboys have simply gone in the tank despite their talent and the Red Raiders will smell blood come tip-off. Jarrius Jackson and Martin Zeno will be too difficult to match up with for visiting OSU.
BGT note: Look for Big 12 breakdowns later tonight and the Sunday Truth column. On Monday, the big ending as the BGT brings you the second of a two-part series on the 2007 football recruiting class.
NBA: For a Denver Nuggets' fix, check out NuggetsNoise. NBA news several times a week and all Nuggets' games and happenings.
Seems a Matt Hayes' story at Yahoo! Sports, courtesy of the Sporting News, looks into that very question, one that wonders how Clemson football program could be told by the school's Athletic Advisory Review Committee that two players -- defensive tackle Ian Williams and wide receiver Dwight Jones -- were high academic risks and thus could not sign letters of intent to become Tigers.
So where did Williams and Jones end up going to school, these risky students that they are?
How about Williams signing on with Notre Dame and Jones becoming a North Carolina commitment.
Notre Dame. North Carolina. Anyone who knows anything about higher education knows those are two highly respected academic institutions.
The questions then are how does the school explain players it rejected getting into better colleges and who might end up getting fired at a place where football is important?
Big 12 courts
Colorado hosts Kansas State in a season too long and too difficult to believe. The Wildcats are much improved but hardly dominant. A typical Buffs' team could win this game...but this, as you've seen, has not been a group that has lived up to standards.
KSU will hit CU early. It is imperative the home team respond offensively, which is the only way it seems to gain confidence. If it falls behind, the Cats will pick up the pressure, CU will wilt and the game will become a runaway.
In the end, sorry to be the bearer of bad news yet again -- but KSU will win because the Buffs will not be able to round up Cartier Martin and David Hoskins. Cats' coach Bob Huggins will find enough answers defensively to outpoint the Buffs.
Sixth-ranked Kansas is at home against Iowa State. The Cyclones lost a four-point game in Ames but the sledding will be much more difficult at Allen Fieldhouse. Look for a Jayhawks' rout. KU is finally playing to its' vast potential.
Eighth-ranked Texas A & M hosts Baylor and it looks like this is a lock as the Bears are terrible on the road (0-7) and the Aggies are near-perfect at home (16-1). Baylor can score but no one loves body heat more than A & M with its' smothering defense. It might be close, it might not but the Aggies win either way.
No. 19 Texas is in Norman to take on dangerous Oklahoma and the Sooners will likely give the Longhorns a game. If UT can take a punch or two and still keep swinging and connecting, it will win. If it has a glass chin, look for the upset. The BGT will take the Horns in a tougher-than-expected contest.
Improving Missouri travels to Lincoln to take on Nebraska in a game where the Tigers should be the pick despite the Huskers' success at home. If Alexs Maric can dominate the paint, Nebraska could earn the win but the BGT likes Tigers' guards Stefhon Hannah and Keon Lawerence too much to pick against the road team.
Lifeless Oklahoma State is in Lubbock and it says here Bobby Knight's Texas Tech team will pull off another upset. The Cowboys have simply gone in the tank despite their talent and the Red Raiders will smell blood come tip-off. Jarrius Jackson and Martin Zeno will be too difficult to match up with for visiting OSU.
BGT note: Look for Big 12 breakdowns later tonight and the Sunday Truth column. On Monday, the big ending as the BGT brings you the second of a two-part series on the 2007 football recruiting class.
NBA: For a Denver Nuggets' fix, check out NuggetsNoise. NBA news several times a week and all Nuggets' games and happenings.
Big and rich recruiting notes; new opening
So what do we know about the 2007 recruiting class for Colorado now that coach Dan Hawkins and his staff have been able to talk about their talent harvest? And what do their words really mean?
Sometimes, what is said between the lines or what isn't said tells more of the story.
In part one of a two-part series, the Black and Gold Truth takes a look at all that. The coaches' comments on the players were provided by cubuffs.com.
Before we get started it should be noted that the BGT clearly observes what a historian Hawkins is of this program and how he longs to become just as relevant as a leader as Eddie Crowder and Bill McCartney, two men who were more than coaches. Others had success but there was something special about EC and Mac.
Rick Neuheisel was a supernova, Gary Barnett, as Crowder described him -- an enigma.
How Hawkins will be viewed and remembered one day remains to be seen but there seems to be, even after a 2-10 debacle, clues of special gifts. He is a dynamic personality with a burning desire to make this program his and return the Buffs to winning Saturdays, December's and January's.
First, he has to dig this program out of the mud it's in and he must do it soon or risk losing support of many not considered insiders.
That starts with many things -- including talent.
So here we go:
OL Ethan Adkins
"He's a big ole' horse. He's used to working really hard."
-Dan Hawkins
BGT: Hardly a ringing endorsement. Doesn't sound like Hawkins is sure what Adkins is or who he might become. He does like his size and work ethic.
Now, former offensive line/assistant head coach Chris Strausser did mention Adkins' athleticism, calling it "great," and his strength and passion, so in the right system, it says here Adkins could be a highly serviceable lineman, though probably as a reserve.
LB Tyler Ahles
"When I saw him last year I really saw something in him...I look to see great things from him."
-Linebackers' coach Brian Cabral
BGT: Would say Cabral wasn't necessarily bowled over by Ahles' overall talent but did recognize some workable skills that if magnified could make him a solid player.
OL Matt Bahr
"He's very athletic, moves his feet very well, he's explosive and likes to finish his blocks. His leadership, his work ethic, his passion for the game, his drive to be successful -- those things are all off the charts."
-Strausser
BGT: Yeah, Strausser liked him, just a little. Keep an eye of Bahr. He sounds like an impact player in time.
QB Matt Ballenger
"Just that competitiveness and size are things that we are excited about....He's a guy we think is going to be a great quarterback."
-Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks' coach Mark Helfrich
"Enormous potential."
-Hawkins
BGT: Ballenger was not an all-world recruit but by listening to Helfrich and Hawkins you get the feeling that there are flashing lights and sirens going off alerting them to stardom. We don't yet know if this is pure salesmanship or honest excitement over very real talent. It might take three-to-four years before we know how accurate these assessments are but to make it, he will have to prove he can compete against better players and get stronger. The coaches, though, now must feel confident, having Cody Hawkins and Ballenger under center in coming seasons.
OL Blake Behrens
"A very athletic guy, explosive, has a desire to come in and compete."
-Strausser
BGT: Now that short sentence leads the BGT to believe Behrens is the epitome of what you want in an offensive lineman. Add this to the comments on Bahr and the ones coming on other lineman and one of the program's weakest areas last season may soon be solidified.
WR Kendrick Celestine
"He is a very, very electric guy with the ball in his hands. He has speed to burn."
-Hawkins
BGT: Obviously, speed was a major problem last season for the CU receivers so getting someone who can stretch the field was imperative. When Hawkins says "electric" we can take that to mean that Celestine is the confident, aggressive, talented open-field runner who can make game-winning plays, ala names of the past -- Michael Westbrook, Charles Johnson, Mike Pritchard and Rae Carruth and maybe even D.J. Hackett and Derek McCoy.
Of course, that begs the questions -- can he get off the jam, run strong routes, get open and catch, with all apologies to Keyshawn Johnson "the damn ball."
Neither Hawkins or receivers' coach Eric Kiesau mentioned much about Celestine but speed. Lesson learned long ago -- being a productive receiver is about more than how quickly he covers ground. Example: Blake Mackey.
OL Shawn Daniels
"He expects to win, he loves Colorado. He's a tough, blue-collar, smart guy."
-Hawkins
BGT: No mention of talent. That says something. However, Boss Hawkins loves Daniel's intelligence, toughness and tenacity and believes he will be a starter, his "kind-of-guy."
TB P.T. Gates
"He's a Reggie Bush-type of guy."
-Hawkins
"We haven't had a guy like him like (Eric) Bieniemy."
-Running backs coach Darian Hagan
BGT: No pressure on P.T, now is there? Bush. Bieniemy. Why not compare him to Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Emmit Smith, too?
Gates is also loved by former CU quarterback Mike Moschetti, now a junior-college assistant coach, who also made the Bush comparison.
However, Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com told me that there are still some concerns about getting the future college football hall-of-famer into school so Buff fans should not get too amped up quite yet.
But if Gates does make it academically, if he proves the hype is real, if the offensive line becomes better-than-average, then Gates could be that gamebreaker CU has lacked at RB for years.
DL Eugene Goree
"We just couldn't believe nobody else was recruiting him....a guy who I think is a steal for us."
-Defensive line coach Romeo Bandison
BGT: Goree sounds like a project, someone who is going to take some time to contribute. There were reasons he wasn't being recruited much, especially in Tennessee, a state that likes a little football. But Goree does have rare size for a CU defensive lineman recruit and from what Bandison says, might be able to get off blocks. We'll take a wait-and-see on Goree. Right now, we'll peg him as a backup.
Part II on Monday.
Crosby gaining momentum
CU legendary kicker Mason Crosby looked good to Pete Fiutak of the College Football News, to the point where he says the Buff will be a top-100 pick in the 2007 NFL draft.
BGT: It says here that if a team is in big need of a kicker, especially with range, Crosby's leg could get him selected in round 2. I just don't see a team going Sebastien Janikowski on him, like when the Raiders took the Florida State Seminole in round 1 and have since experienced mixed results. Of course, Crosby isn't the lunkhead Janikowski has proved to be but he was lusted after for his booming kicks at FSU.
The pick here? Crosby going somewhere in the second round, not round three.
BGT note: Did you happen to see the Associated Press report saying that Ritchie McKay is out at New Mexico at the conclusion of the season? Just another school now looking for a basketball coach, and one, even if not in the Big 12, with a proud history, and also another opportunity for a coach looking for a new home. We'll see how talented a recruiter that CU athletic director Mike Bohn is when we maybe read 'this five-star coaching prospect has offers from CU and New Mexico...he loves the culture of the great southwest, the jewelry, the food but is keeping the Buffs in mind.'
A taste of beer, cigarettes and shirts, Japanese style
O.K., what's the relevance to a story on Japanese culture and this space? Not sure, but if you are looking for a fast but interesting read, check out Paul White of USA Today.
You'll like it.
In his Feb. 22 installment, he wrote of beer, cigarettes and shirts.
"Buffaloes coach Jon Debus, who accompanied (Terry) Collins from the USA, already is chronicling his experiences. He makes notes about all his impression, including a growing list focusing on the general efficiency in Japan. He calls it "Why Didn’t We Think of That?" Debus said he decided his new home would be just fine when he noticed beer among the items in the proliferation of vending machines virtually everywhere – on street corners, in parks, along sidewalks.
Sometimes, what is said between the lines or what isn't said tells more of the story.
In part one of a two-part series, the Black and Gold Truth takes a look at all that. The coaches' comments on the players were provided by cubuffs.com.
Before we get started it should be noted that the BGT clearly observes what a historian Hawkins is of this program and how he longs to become just as relevant as a leader as Eddie Crowder and Bill McCartney, two men who were more than coaches. Others had success but there was something special about EC and Mac.
Rick Neuheisel was a supernova, Gary Barnett, as Crowder described him -- an enigma.
How Hawkins will be viewed and remembered one day remains to be seen but there seems to be, even after a 2-10 debacle, clues of special gifts. He is a dynamic personality with a burning desire to make this program his and return the Buffs to winning Saturdays, December's and January's.
First, he has to dig this program out of the mud it's in and he must do it soon or risk losing support of many not considered insiders.
That starts with many things -- including talent.
So here we go:
OL Ethan Adkins
"He's a big ole' horse. He's used to working really hard."
-Dan Hawkins
BGT: Hardly a ringing endorsement. Doesn't sound like Hawkins is sure what Adkins is or who he might become. He does like his size and work ethic.
Now, former offensive line/assistant head coach Chris Strausser did mention Adkins' athleticism, calling it "great," and his strength and passion, so in the right system, it says here Adkins could be a highly serviceable lineman, though probably as a reserve.
LB Tyler Ahles
"When I saw him last year I really saw something in him...I look to see great things from him."
-Linebackers' coach Brian Cabral
BGT: Would say Cabral wasn't necessarily bowled over by Ahles' overall talent but did recognize some workable skills that if magnified could make him a solid player.
OL Matt Bahr
"He's very athletic, moves his feet very well, he's explosive and likes to finish his blocks. His leadership, his work ethic, his passion for the game, his drive to be successful -- those things are all off the charts."
-Strausser
BGT: Yeah, Strausser liked him, just a little. Keep an eye of Bahr. He sounds like an impact player in time.
QB Matt Ballenger
"Just that competitiveness and size are things that we are excited about....He's a guy we think is going to be a great quarterback."
-Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks' coach Mark Helfrich
"Enormous potential."
-Hawkins
BGT: Ballenger was not an all-world recruit but by listening to Helfrich and Hawkins you get the feeling that there are flashing lights and sirens going off alerting them to stardom. We don't yet know if this is pure salesmanship or honest excitement over very real talent. It might take three-to-four years before we know how accurate these assessments are but to make it, he will have to prove he can compete against better players and get stronger. The coaches, though, now must feel confident, having Cody Hawkins and Ballenger under center in coming seasons.
OL Blake Behrens
"A very athletic guy, explosive, has a desire to come in and compete."
-Strausser
BGT: Now that short sentence leads the BGT to believe Behrens is the epitome of what you want in an offensive lineman. Add this to the comments on Bahr and the ones coming on other lineman and one of the program's weakest areas last season may soon be solidified.
WR Kendrick Celestine
"He is a very, very electric guy with the ball in his hands. He has speed to burn."
-Hawkins
BGT: Obviously, speed was a major problem last season for the CU receivers so getting someone who can stretch the field was imperative. When Hawkins says "electric" we can take that to mean that Celestine is the confident, aggressive, talented open-field runner who can make game-winning plays, ala names of the past -- Michael Westbrook, Charles Johnson, Mike Pritchard and Rae Carruth and maybe even D.J. Hackett and Derek McCoy.
Of course, that begs the questions -- can he get off the jam, run strong routes, get open and catch, with all apologies to Keyshawn Johnson "the damn ball."
Neither Hawkins or receivers' coach Eric Kiesau mentioned much about Celestine but speed. Lesson learned long ago -- being a productive receiver is about more than how quickly he covers ground. Example: Blake Mackey.
OL Shawn Daniels
"He expects to win, he loves Colorado. He's a tough, blue-collar, smart guy."
-Hawkins
BGT: No mention of talent. That says something. However, Boss Hawkins loves Daniel's intelligence, toughness and tenacity and believes he will be a starter, his "kind-of-guy."
TB P.T. Gates
"He's a Reggie Bush-type of guy."
-Hawkins
"We haven't had a guy like him like (Eric) Bieniemy."
-Running backs coach Darian Hagan
BGT: No pressure on P.T, now is there? Bush. Bieniemy. Why not compare him to Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Emmit Smith, too?
Gates is also loved by former CU quarterback Mike Moschetti, now a junior-college assistant coach, who also made the Bush comparison.
However, Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com told me that there are still some concerns about getting the future college football hall-of-famer into school so Buff fans should not get too amped up quite yet.
But if Gates does make it academically, if he proves the hype is real, if the offensive line becomes better-than-average, then Gates could be that gamebreaker CU has lacked at RB for years.
DL Eugene Goree
"We just couldn't believe nobody else was recruiting him....a guy who I think is a steal for us."
-Defensive line coach Romeo Bandison
BGT: Goree sounds like a project, someone who is going to take some time to contribute. There were reasons he wasn't being recruited much, especially in Tennessee, a state that likes a little football. But Goree does have rare size for a CU defensive lineman recruit and from what Bandison says, might be able to get off blocks. We'll take a wait-and-see on Goree. Right now, we'll peg him as a backup.
Part II on Monday.
Crosby gaining momentum
CU legendary kicker Mason Crosby looked good to Pete Fiutak of the College Football News, to the point where he says the Buff will be a top-100 pick in the 2007 NFL draft.
BGT: It says here that if a team is in big need of a kicker, especially with range, Crosby's leg could get him selected in round 2. I just don't see a team going Sebastien Janikowski on him, like when the Raiders took the Florida State Seminole in round 1 and have since experienced mixed results. Of course, Crosby isn't the lunkhead Janikowski has proved to be but he was lusted after for his booming kicks at FSU.
The pick here? Crosby going somewhere in the second round, not round three.
BGT note: Did you happen to see the Associated Press report saying that Ritchie McKay is out at New Mexico at the conclusion of the season? Just another school now looking for a basketball coach, and one, even if not in the Big 12, with a proud history, and also another opportunity for a coach looking for a new home. We'll see how talented a recruiter that CU athletic director Mike Bohn is when we maybe read 'this five-star coaching prospect has offers from CU and New Mexico...he loves the culture of the great southwest, the jewelry, the food but is keeping the Buffs in mind.'
A taste of beer, cigarettes and shirts, Japanese style
O.K., what's the relevance to a story on Japanese culture and this space? Not sure, but if you are looking for a fast but interesting read, check out Paul White of USA Today.
You'll like it.
In his Feb. 22 installment, he wrote of beer, cigarettes and shirts.
"Buffaloes coach Jon Debus, who accompanied (Terry) Collins from the USA, already is chronicling his experiences. He makes notes about all his impression, including a growing list focusing on the general efficiency in Japan. He calls it "Why Didn’t We Think of That?" Debus said he decided his new home would be just fine when he noticed beer among the items in the proliferation of vending machines virtually everywhere – on street corners, in parks, along sidewalks.
Yes, beer in vending machines. It's quite a concept. I don't believe I've come across anything quite so … shall we say revolutionary … unless it was when I visited Colombia and found out the truck from the beer distributor there makes home deliveries.
Ever-present charcoal heaters – open metal half-barrels lying on their sides – have been getting a workout in many camps this spring. The mornings have been chilly. Once upon a time, veteran players tell us, broken bats helped fuel the dugout warmers. The ashes in the heaters are as close as it gets to untidy in Japanese dugouts. No wads of tobacco, no Gatorade cups, no general trash. The dugout floors are spotless, even at the end of a game.
Buffaloes pitcher Lance Carter, in his first month in the country, marvels at the cleanliness everywhere. "This whole country smokes like a chimney and you never see a cigarette butt on the street," says the former Devil Rays and Dodgers reliever.
The smoking is part of the baseball culture too. Collins keeps forgetting to include in his daily workout schedules the expected breaks for changing shirts.
"That's what you're supposed to put on the schedule," Collins says. "Shirt changing. It's really a smoking break."
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Buffs shocked; Hawkins renting basement
This one had to to hurt a little more.Winnable matchup, on the road no less. Iowa State on the ropes, staggered, CU up 15 points, punching away, confidence flowing.
And the wheels came off.
No brakes. No answers.
Another loss.
55-53, Cyclones over Colorado.
More pain for a young team swimming in it.
Chasing that carrot that keeps moving.
The Buffs played without injured swingman Xavier Silas, out with a bad left ankle, but all that did was let the deferential Richard Roby (pictured) demand the ball more and put it to good use by scoring a game-high 23 points. Pro scouts don't know what to make of the talented guard who continues to have an inconsistent season. Talented, capable, explosive, often uninspiring, yet tonight, and many times during his career, all the looks of a pro.
Dominique Coleman was the only other CU player in double figures, finishing with 11. Most everyone else was a wallflower. Marcus King-Stockton had but five points but did contribute in an important way with nine rebounds and four blocks.
Corey McIntosh led three ISU players in double digits by scoring 13 points, not bad for a guy getting no love, averaging but 3.7 points-per-contest. Nice of the Buffs to allow him to come out of the closet, so to speak, and show off.
CU hit the boards hard, outrebounding the Cyclones 42-28, but eight assists, at any level of basketball is just not, well, basketball. Who doesn't practice passing the first time they sign up for the sport? I know all Buffs' players have arms and the muscles to get it to others. They are college men so thinking -- they aren't stupid either. The opponent was not quite a defensive juggernaut so what do you think the reason might be for the lack of effective ball movement and flow?
Your term papers are due Friday, double-spaced, typed, original thought, please don't be late.
BGT: Did forward Jeremy Williams transfer? Wasn't he a player on the rise, showing real promise? After a three-game run in January in which he averaged 14.7 points and 6.7 rebounds, the man has been an afterthought. Think coach Ricardo Patton decided to garage Williams to keep his miles down.
Some thoughts coming your way, late-night induced: Athletic director Mike Bohn's new professor of basketball has to be able to teach offense 101, the fundamentals.
While Bohn is at it he should consider hiring a psychologist for the emotional instability this team has endured this season.
And I wonder if CU could lure noted big-man teacher Pete Newell to Boulder to show the Buffs' trees that offense good, assertiveness good, zeroes bad.
Or maybe hire a former Buff for that duty, say a Shaun Vandiver, now an assistant at Wyoming, no matter his frequent snubbing of this publication or how about Scott Wilke, who has expressed an interest in helping his school. Neither one of those players were scrubs. They could ball and the record books are their scoreboard.
Trippin' the Big 12
Eighth-ranked Texas A & M continued the slide of suddenly clueless Oklahoma State, 66-46, and did it in the Cowboys' back yard, Stillwater.
If Eddie Sutton were still coaching OSU there would be people screaming he has gone senile. That his son, Sean, is now courtside, in his first full season, makes things easier. No one wants to risk upsetting the elder Sutton quite yet. And just wait until Pat Knight takes over for his dad in Lubbock. That should be a lot of fun.
The Aggies got 19 points from Acie Law in the victory Wednesday and held the Pokes to 31 percent shooting. Ah, defense, how about CU becoming more defiant on that end of the court itself.
BGT: A & M, Kansas and Texas make for three solid representatives for the Big 12 come postseason. All have flaws but all are dangerous and capable of making a run in March.
In a game not seen on ESPN or any major network, Baylor beat Nebraska, 63-59, in Waco. Three Bears finished in double figures and Alexs Maric almost had a triple-double for the Huskers with 11 points, 12 rebounds and seven turnovers. O.K., so maybe not a traditional definition of that accomplishment.
BGT: Watch Baylor next season -- they are young, loaded with talent, have some offense and are learning to play with one another. If Darrell Arthur had picked the Bears over Kansas, as he was mulling over, to pair up with forward Kevin Rogers in the frontcourt, Baylor would really be something. Nebraska, meanwhile, has some intriguing pieces but needs a significant addition or a couple more solid guys to make any noise.
Sneak preview
It's like the birthday that just won't get here for some -- the start of football. So, to that end, a little taste of birthday cake for now, courtesy of Olin Buchanan of Rivals.com, in an article printed on Yahoo! Sports.
Will warn you, the prognosis is not good.
Word is CU coach Dan Hawkins will be again renting the basement, not the penthouse suite, for his team.
Seems Colorado is picked to finish dead last in the North division of the Big 12.
Seems that little improvement is expected from the Buffs.
Seems like their talent level is not seen as even adequate.
Not picking CU to win the division here, and maybe they won't even earn a bowl berth, which these days is saying something, but the Black and Gold Truth surely sees signs of growth on the horizon. It says here that Hawkins is too smart a coach not to have learned from last season, while adding some new resources and has the track record of success to get the Buffs out of first gear for the first time since he was hired.
A winning record, while not guaranteed, is possible.
Hey, it's a start.
In 2008, the expectations, whether Hawkins and CU are ready for them are not, will be much higher -- demanding even.
Part of the problem in Buchanan's mind is that only three Buffs are viewed as amongst the best in the Big 12 -- linebacker Jordon Dizon, defensive back Terrence Wheatley and punter Matt DiLallo.
No offensive linemen, no skill players, no defensive linemen.
Other schools who might be dissatisfied with Buchanan's assessment might be Oklahoma (picked behind Texas in the South), Oklahoma State (behind Texas A & M) and Texas Tech (picked fifth in the South).
BGT: CU still needs a heavy dose of talent added to this roster but there are names of intriguing possibilities. What the coaching staff has to do is teach, encourage, and push those players into being talents since it can't grab a handful of four-and-five star guys each season. They need to "create" surprises, help make their own magic. Do that and competing becomes easier, the wins more frequent.
Stevens dies
Former Iowa State-standout and Denver Nuggets'-draftee Barry Stevens, the second-leading scorer in Cyclones history, died Wednesday while exercising in Gary, Ind., at the age of 43, according to an Associated Press report.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Stevens played for the school from 1982-85 and scored 2,190 points, twice averaging over 20 points-per-game.
Stevens was married and a father to three children.
BGT: Stevens, a second-round pick of the Nuggets in the 1985 NBA draft, was an explosive talent who ran all day, scored all day and left a mark, athletically. Only Jeff Grayer scored more in an ISU uniform. The those two talents played together and were joined by longtime pro Jeff Hornacek. Condolences to the Stevens' family, their friends and Iowa State.
Tomorrow: CU recruiting notes, comments and breakdown on the 2007 class.
Next Page: For some Denver Nuggets and NBA trade talk, hit the streets here with NuggetsNoise.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Barnett hugged, Gurode paid, Barnes does it
Gary Barnett certainly has taken some hits in his days, both during his tenure at Colorado and since his departure, but on Tuesday he got a big hug and sloppy wet kiss from Dennis Dodd of CBSSportsline.com.
Dodd got up on the pulpit and pounded his fist in defense of an unemployed coach and the travesty of it all, how such an accomplished leader as the former CU head man could not be coaching on a sideline in 2007.
Barnett, still stinging from his forced exit, bled for Dodd, making for quite a bar-room moment.
Black and Gold Truth: Regardless of which side of the fence you sit about Barnett's exit at CU or his inability to get back on the sideline, what matters is this -- no coach is guaranteed re-hire anywhere once fired. Plus, the college game isn't quite as blatant in its' use of retreads as the NFL.
Not saying Barnett is a fraud who doesn't deserve another chance but his name is no longer hot as it was after playing Dr. Frankenstein at Northwestern or leading the Buffs to a pocket full of Big-12 North division titles.
Believe, for argument's sake, that Barnett was totally vilified in all that happened in Boulder, that he was a scapegoat, that nothing happened on his watch, that it was all a witch hunt. If athletic directors think a coach can win, he will get hired. Come on now, look at now-retired Jackie Sherrill in football or Bob Huggins in basketball.
The word here is Barnett is not, contrary to some opinion, done being a head coach. Mike "Roll Tide" Price got back into the college game, Dennis Erickson, a shady character if there ever was one, keeps moving back up the ladder. George O'Leary, who tried to lie and cheat his way into a institution all about God, is coaching again.
Barnett will have to start small and show his ability again but some school, after the smoke has cleared, will get all aroused to get a man of his stature and the Barnett will be eager to commit. You can tell. He is squirming, completely uncomfortable not being what defines him -- a head coach.
The best thing he can do, honestly, is be quiet. The more he talks, the more he sounds like Pete Rose, as in ' I wasn't responsible for anything.' Accept the punishment, no matter how unjust, do a great job in his TV gig, showing off his knowledge of the game and impress some school who is a big loser on the field -- just one school -- and Barnett is back in business.
Getting paid
Center Andre Gurode, a dominant player at Colorado before being drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002, has just earned himself a six-year contract that will keep him off the free-agent market.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder was a big part of the muscle that cleared trees and rocks out of the way for the Buffs' offense, earning All-Big 12 and All-American honors.
Gurode was a Pro Bowl replacement after last season.
Black and Gold Truth: Gurode was a rare talent but exactly the type of massive, physical, intelligent, fire-in-the-belly masher coaches salivate over and CU is hungry to reel in again. Gurode is also a great reference point for recruiting other offensive linemen.
The formula
O.K., it may not be "the" formula but it looks good, sounds good.
Check out Alabama coach Nick Saban's approach to putting together a staff, what he was looking for and what he thinks he found.
Whether it works out or explodes in his face, who knows, but it says here Saban is going to take the Crimson Tide to great heights.
Trippin' the Big-12 courts
Texas blasted Texas Tech and no word of what Red Raiders' coach Bob Knight thought of the officiating, his favorite topic.
No superiority complex, no condescending attitude after his team lost in Austin, 80-51.
A.J. Abrams led five Longhorns in double figures with 18 points while no Texas Tech player finished with more than nine points on a night when, as a team, the Red Raiders shot 28 percent from the floor.
BGT: The Longhorns can beat anyone on any given day in the Big 12, even if they aren't the best team in the conference. No one -- not Kansas, not Texas A & M -- wants to play UT. And no one in the NCAA tournament will want to either. That team is also made for television -- all athleticism and skill.
And a big thank you to Longhorns coach Rick Barnes and his team for shutting up the pompous Knight -- for a day or two.
Missouri upset Oklahoma, 72-68, in Columbia, as the Tigers continue to show improvement under first-year coach Mike Anderson.
Stefhon Hannah led four Missouri players in double figures with 16 points while Michael Neal dropped 18 on MU in the loss.
BGT: The Tigers are not a power, make no mistake, but this was a program that was a shell of its' former self. Anderson is selling his message and getting the Tigers out of the ditch. He has talent but not the level of the past, showing the value of coaching. OU is another school with a first-year coach doing well.
BGT note: Later this week, some notes about Buffs' recruiting.
Dodd got up on the pulpit and pounded his fist in defense of an unemployed coach and the travesty of it all, how such an accomplished leader as the former CU head man could not be coaching on a sideline in 2007.
Barnett, still stinging from his forced exit, bled for Dodd, making for quite a bar-room moment.
Black and Gold Truth: Regardless of which side of the fence you sit about Barnett's exit at CU or his inability to get back on the sideline, what matters is this -- no coach is guaranteed re-hire anywhere once fired. Plus, the college game isn't quite as blatant in its' use of retreads as the NFL.
Not saying Barnett is a fraud who doesn't deserve another chance but his name is no longer hot as it was after playing Dr. Frankenstein at Northwestern or leading the Buffs to a pocket full of Big-12 North division titles.
Believe, for argument's sake, that Barnett was totally vilified in all that happened in Boulder, that he was a scapegoat, that nothing happened on his watch, that it was all a witch hunt. If athletic directors think a coach can win, he will get hired. Come on now, look at now-retired Jackie Sherrill in football or Bob Huggins in basketball.
The word here is Barnett is not, contrary to some opinion, done being a head coach. Mike "Roll Tide" Price got back into the college game, Dennis Erickson, a shady character if there ever was one, keeps moving back up the ladder. George O'Leary, who tried to lie and cheat his way into a institution all about God, is coaching again.
Barnett will have to start small and show his ability again but some school, after the smoke has cleared, will get all aroused to get a man of his stature and the Barnett will be eager to commit. You can tell. He is squirming, completely uncomfortable not being what defines him -- a head coach.
The best thing he can do, honestly, is be quiet. The more he talks, the more he sounds like Pete Rose, as in ' I wasn't responsible for anything.' Accept the punishment, no matter how unjust, do a great job in his TV gig, showing off his knowledge of the game and impress some school who is a big loser on the field -- just one school -- and Barnett is back in business.
Getting paid
Center Andre Gurode, a dominant player at Colorado before being drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys in 2002, has just earned himself a six-year contract that will keep him off the free-agent market.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder was a big part of the muscle that cleared trees and rocks out of the way for the Buffs' offense, earning All-Big 12 and All-American honors.
Gurode was a Pro Bowl replacement after last season.
Black and Gold Truth: Gurode was a rare talent but exactly the type of massive, physical, intelligent, fire-in-the-belly masher coaches salivate over and CU is hungry to reel in again. Gurode is also a great reference point for recruiting other offensive linemen.
The formula
O.K., it may not be "the" formula but it looks good, sounds good.
Check out Alabama coach Nick Saban's approach to putting together a staff, what he was looking for and what he thinks he found.
Whether it works out or explodes in his face, who knows, but it says here Saban is going to take the Crimson Tide to great heights.
Trippin' the Big-12 courts
Texas blasted Texas Tech and no word of what Red Raiders' coach Bob Knight thought of the officiating, his favorite topic.
No superiority complex, no condescending attitude after his team lost in Austin, 80-51.
A.J. Abrams led five Longhorns in double figures with 18 points while no Texas Tech player finished with more than nine points on a night when, as a team, the Red Raiders shot 28 percent from the floor.
BGT: The Longhorns can beat anyone on any given day in the Big 12, even if they aren't the best team in the conference. No one -- not Kansas, not Texas A & M -- wants to play UT. And no one in the NCAA tournament will want to either. That team is also made for television -- all athleticism and skill.
And a big thank you to Longhorns coach Rick Barnes and his team for shutting up the pompous Knight -- for a day or two.
Missouri upset Oklahoma, 72-68, in Columbia, as the Tigers continue to show improvement under first-year coach Mike Anderson.
Stefhon Hannah led four Missouri players in double figures with 16 points while Michael Neal dropped 18 on MU in the loss.
BGT: The Tigers are not a power, make no mistake, but this was a program that was a shell of its' former self. Anderson is selling his message and getting the Tigers out of the ditch. He has talent but not the level of the past, showing the value of coaching. OU is another school with a first-year coach doing well.
BGT note: Later this week, some notes about Buffs' recruiting.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Patton keeps talking, promoting
Give credit to CU coach Ricardo Patton for continuing to talk when not much good is being said about him or his team but also realize that he brings much of the pain upon himself with his comments.The latest emotional masturbation was his cry out -- again -- for a hug in a B.G. Brooks' article in the Rocky Mountain News.
"I think there is a great respect for what we've done here . . . outside the state, certainly outside of Boulder."
That might very well be true so I won't even begin to argue that point but even if accurate it is irrelevant except in the context of Patton landing his next job. If Patton focused more on relationship building with coaches and players as well as learning more about the game than being a P.T. Barnum-type promoter he likely wouldn't be in this mess.
What matters is how his employers feel about his work and for years they were satisfied. They aren't anymore. Of course, trying to embarrass your athletic director doesn't help nor does putting a sloppy, inconsistent product on the floor.
Now, more Patton from the Brooks' story, this time stroking himself over the support from legendary Bob Knight, using Knight to build himself up.
"He's said he would have no problem speaking with any athletic director or any university about hiring me. But I've gotten that not only from him but a number of coaches and athletic directors in the league."
That's good news because Patton will need a new job soon. So I guess this change works out well for everyone. Maybe Knight's not-for-the-public endorsement of the CU coach would mean more if not for Patton's public hero worship of Knight, as read on more than a few occasions in newspapers. Somehow, one thinks, that Patton equates his discipline and abrasive behavior to Knight. One difference -- Knight has won big, for years. Some in this life will you a pass for boorish behavior if you shine. Patton doesn't have those accomplishments and so he doesn't get that star treatment.
Patton's act, like many would say of mine, has grown tiresome. This divorce may not have been mutual in the beginning but it likely is now. Both parties need a fresh start. They can bad mouth one another for a while, heal, and move on to better things.
Lincicome foaming, Hawkins laughing
A columnist that a faction of CU fans love to hate is Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post, for supposedly, his black heart toward the Buffs.Maybe Bernie Lincicome of the Rocky Mountain News will be the next target come open season.
Monday's newspaper roasting of CU coach Dan Hawkins' response to the exodus of six players recently seemed disconnected and off target.
What Lincicome maybe failed to grasp was Hawkins' quotes were not meant to satisfy the media, but instead grab the attention of the fans, players and future recruits.
Calculated, Lincicome writes of Boss Hawkins' "rant." Yeah, possibly, but the sentiment was real and the majority of fans, whether they approve of the coach or not, likely couldn't argue with what he said.
Is it a surprise that success requires commitment? Don't recruits don't know what they are signing up for when they decide to play Divison 1 college football? And are players shocked when the coach believes a little more might be required of them to turn around a stink hole, as 2-10 CU was last season?
Lincicome must have been adopted by the culture that is Boulder but only that side of the wall that sees success at athletics as a foolish pursuit.
By all means call Hawkins a loser. Just check his pre-Buffs' record first and realize Greg Schiano was one big loser at Rutgers once too, and some chump named Bill McCartney was also thought to be a loser too, and that Mac guy took a lot more grief than Hawkins likely ever will.
A nut, Lincicome writes. O.K., to each his own but I think Gary Barnett had some of that thrown his way as well, and he happens to have some impressive marks on his resume.
Hawkins has a duty to change the culture and sometimes you get knocked down in the beginning before you get it turned around, something some fans and media don't realize.
It is also important to point out to Lincicome that in college football, in life, toughness wins -- mentally first, physically second.
All of us non-athletes even realize that, why doesn't he.
So Lincicome isn't impressed with Hawkins "rant," and sees him as a nut. His opinion, while just as important as the one expressed here, are not the ones Hawkins seeks. That would be his players and his recruits.
No coach can rebuild Rome in a day, no matter Lincicome's expectations. Think Florida one the national championship on one recruiting class? Was uber-recruit Tim Tebow the reason why the Gators won it all? Did Pete Carroll win everyone over after year 1 at USC? What about Mack Brown at Texas? His 2005 class won the national championship for him?
I think the people who need to get it, got it, respect it and will be better off for it.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Bohn has choices playing in his backyard
Saracastic or insincere as this might sound, Ricardo Patton has done the next head coach at Colorado some big favors.
For one, he leaves better-than-average talent for the new hire in Richard Roby, Xavier Silas, Jeremy Williams, Kal Bay and Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, no matter how many bad habits he allowed them to develop, especially on the defensive end.
He also leaves his replacement with no place to go but up as the Buffs are a longshot to win 10 games this season.
With those two presents, almost anyone will be a hero in year 1. Throw in the kicker that the new kid in town will be the anti-Patton and well, that's all a good start for a new day in CU basketball.
Kyle Ringo's article in the Daily Camera on Sunday took a deeper look at one of the most-mentioned candidates in the search, Denver Nuggets' assistant Mike Dunlap. Interesting read for one main reason -- it focused on his people skills, something that many I've spoken to say Patton lacks and doesn't care much about.
I've also been told that Dunlap is highly-respected in the basketball world, maybe more so outside of Colorado than inside the state. Along with former Nuggets' head coach and current Air Force commander Jeff Bzdelik, Dunlap is the hot property to replace Patton for many fans.
Both are outstanding candidates and would likely instantly instill the structure that the program has long been deficient in and sorely needs.
I can only assume CU athletic director Mike Bohn has tremendous peripheral vision and is not limiting his interest to Dunlap and Bzdelik, which would be shortsighted (see Neuheisel, Rick). For such an important and yes, critical hire, few should be disqualified without an FBI-type background check on them first.
The Black and Gold Truth file on Dunlap says he would be the best basketball hire the school has made since it has followed the program (Bill Blair days). Bzdelik's appointment to the position would earn an equal endorsement.
For starters, those are heart-beating names to hear as potential leaders and more so when you believe those two men are sincerely interested.
Want more on Dunlap, take a look at Ringo's blog, right here.
Like the rollercoaster ride that isn't ready to stop yet when you're sick, this season rolls on, not allowing fans to get off, but when it does, there should be room for mass optimism.
Bohn really can't go wrong. The only question is how right can he get it with his hire.
Truth
For one, he leaves better-than-average talent for the new hire in Richard Roby, Xavier Silas, Jeremy Williams, Kal Bay and Jermyl Jackson-Wilson, no matter how many bad habits he allowed them to develop, especially on the defensive end.
He also leaves his replacement with no place to go but up as the Buffs are a longshot to win 10 games this season.
With those two presents, almost anyone will be a hero in year 1. Throw in the kicker that the new kid in town will be the anti-Patton and well, that's all a good start for a new day in CU basketball.
Kyle Ringo's article in the Daily Camera on Sunday took a deeper look at one of the most-mentioned candidates in the search, Denver Nuggets' assistant Mike Dunlap. Interesting read for one main reason -- it focused on his people skills, something that many I've spoken to say Patton lacks and doesn't care much about.
I've also been told that Dunlap is highly-respected in the basketball world, maybe more so outside of Colorado than inside the state. Along with former Nuggets' head coach and current Air Force commander Jeff Bzdelik, Dunlap is the hot property to replace Patton for many fans.
Both are outstanding candidates and would likely instantly instill the structure that the program has long been deficient in and sorely needs.
I can only assume CU athletic director Mike Bohn has tremendous peripheral vision and is not limiting his interest to Dunlap and Bzdelik, which would be shortsighted (see Neuheisel, Rick). For such an important and yes, critical hire, few should be disqualified without an FBI-type background check on them first.
The Black and Gold Truth file on Dunlap says he would be the best basketball hire the school has made since it has followed the program (Bill Blair days). Bzdelik's appointment to the position would earn an equal endorsement.
For starters, those are heart-beating names to hear as potential leaders and more so when you believe those two men are sincerely interested.
Want more on Dunlap, take a look at Ringo's blog, right here.
Like the rollercoaster ride that isn't ready to stop yet when you're sick, this season rolls on, not allowing fans to get off, but when it does, there should be room for mass optimism.
Bohn really can't go wrong. The only question is how right can he get it with his hire.
Truth
Sunday Truth on recruiting, patience, future
You warmed up and ready to go?
Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com is back, sharing more recruiting news with the Black and Gold Truth because, well, that's the kind of guy he is -- straight up.
BGT: O.K., Adam, if Dan Hawkins can take a 2-10 disaster to six or seven wins next season, what do you anticipate he and his staff might be able to do on the recruiting warpath?
Munsterteiger: It is a big deal because if they go 2-10 again it's going to be a lot harder for CU to come back to kids and say 'oh yeah, we're turning things around even though we've won four games in the last two years.'
You do have to be showing you're making improvements.
I think if they go for six or seven wins that means going from, potentially, having a top-25, top-35 class maybe to breaking into the top 20. It could be that big a difference.
BGT: The Buffs, more than I ever remember in my days, were all over the country on some wild road trip pulling players in but what happened to Texas? Did that state cede from the Union? How do you get blanked in a talent supercenter like that, Adam, and can CU afford to be denied admission to the pickins' down there?
Munsterteiger: It's a different state. Connections mean so much and on the staff you didn't really have anybody who had longstanding ties there. It's not like they didn't offer kids there, they just didn't get a lot of response, a lot of interest
Even (former coach) Gary Barnett's later years they were having trouble getting kids from out of there.
The new offensive line coach (Jeff Grimes) has ties in Texas so it will be interesting to see how that benefits the Buffs.
BGT: Last year, the talent deficiency on this team was strongly apparent. How far did CU go toward rectifying that issue?
Munsterteiger: It's all on paper but this is the best class they've had in four years. There are a lot of kids on this commitment list who are going to play early.
BGT: What was the best thing about the 2007 collection and what was something the Buffs needed to do better?
Munsterteiger: They put together an impressive group at wide receiver and they did a great job on the offensive line.
Things they need to work on -- for whatever reason, CU has not been able to recruit defensive tackles. There are just not a lot of guys out there and they all like the same (top) programs, which are stockpiling these kids.
BGT: Let's run out the clock with this one, Adam -- what is your early and I do mean early pick on the team for next season? Answer that and then you can hit the showers.
Munsterteiger: I think a six-win season is realistic and, given their schedule, I think it's going to be pretty tough to win more than that.
How quickly times change
Rutgers has upped the ante for football coach Greg Schiano, forking over a four-year extension, his second extension in less than two years. Schiano is now signed through 2016.
Montgomery has reportedly been eyed by Colorado and now, according to ESPN magazine, New Mexico. The publication says that current Lobos' coach Ritchie McKay, once of Colorado State, is likely to be exiled at the end of the season, maybe catching up with Ricardo Patton at the bus station, talking hoops, race, good memories, tough times.
It says here Montgomery is itching to coach at the college level again and will be wait to find the right fit to be successful right off the bat. He ain't looking for any rebuilding job. He's looking for microwave quick. He wants talent on the roster, tradition, resources and commitment. CU might be a possibility but honestly, the reality is him ending up in Boulder is a real longshot.
Lombardi basketball
NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Vince Lombardi knew football like few others and obviously Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan was impacted by his philosophy.
Ryan, also written of in ESPN magazine, drew up his offense based on Lombardi's principles.
"Everybody blocked, everybody learned how to read their man, everybody learned how to find a hole," Ryan said of Lombardi's offensive approach.
Ryan used that strategy to go 353-76 with four D3 championships at Platteville and now to drive the Badgers into the top 5 in the country.
Watch out for the copycats. Wisconsin isn't pretty but it doesn't matter because winnin' sure is and the Badgers are doing an awful lot of that these days.
BGT rankings
BGT Best-of-the-Big 12: Texas A & M, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma/Kansas State.
BGT Best-in-the-land: Florida despite a fluke loss to Vandy, Texas A & M despite getting bit by Texas Tech, Ohio State, and finally going to kick talented-but-puzzling North Carolina out and bring in Wisconsin, just ahead of UCLA.
BGT All-Big 12, early look: Acie Law (TAM), D.J. Augustin (UT), and Brandon Rush (KU) in a three-guard lineup and Kevin Durant (UT) and Mario Boggan (OSU) in the frontcourt with Billy Gillispie (TAM) as the coach.
BGT Best Big-12 coaches: Gillispie, Bill Self (KU), Bobby Knight (TT), Huggins (KSU) and Jeff Capel (OU).
Lists
Five Thoughts on CU football
Five Thoughts on CU baskets
Checkin' out, best your way
Truth
Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com is back, sharing more recruiting news with the Black and Gold Truth because, well, that's the kind of guy he is -- straight up.
BGT: O.K., Adam, if Dan Hawkins can take a 2-10 disaster to six or seven wins next season, what do you anticipate he and his staff might be able to do on the recruiting warpath?
Munsterteiger: It is a big deal because if they go 2-10 again it's going to be a lot harder for CU to come back to kids and say 'oh yeah, we're turning things around even though we've won four games in the last two years.'
You do have to be showing you're making improvements.
I think if they go for six or seven wins that means going from, potentially, having a top-25, top-35 class maybe to breaking into the top 20. It could be that big a difference.
BGT: The Buffs, more than I ever remember in my days, were all over the country on some wild road trip pulling players in but what happened to Texas? Did that state cede from the Union? How do you get blanked in a talent supercenter like that, Adam, and can CU afford to be denied admission to the pickins' down there?
Munsterteiger: It's a different state. Connections mean so much and on the staff you didn't really have anybody who had longstanding ties there. It's not like they didn't offer kids there, they just didn't get a lot of response, a lot of interest
Even (former coach) Gary Barnett's later years they were having trouble getting kids from out of there.
The new offensive line coach (Jeff Grimes) has ties in Texas so it will be interesting to see how that benefits the Buffs.
BGT: Last year, the talent deficiency on this team was strongly apparent. How far did CU go toward rectifying that issue?
Munsterteiger: It's all on paper but this is the best class they've had in four years. There are a lot of kids on this commitment list who are going to play early.
BGT: What was the best thing about the 2007 collection and what was something the Buffs needed to do better?
Munsterteiger: They put together an impressive group at wide receiver and they did a great job on the offensive line.
Things they need to work on -- for whatever reason, CU has not been able to recruit defensive tackles. There are just not a lot of guys out there and they all like the same (top) programs, which are stockpiling these kids.
BGT: Let's run out the clock with this one, Adam -- what is your early and I do mean early pick on the team for next season? Answer that and then you can hit the showers.
Munsterteiger: I think a six-win season is realistic and, given their schedule, I think it's going to be pretty tough to win more than that.
How quickly times change
Rutgers has upped the ante for football coach Greg Schiano, forking over a four-year extension, his second extension in less than two years. Schiano is now signed through 2016.
Funny how things work out, isn't it? Just a couple of years ago, fans and media were ready to run him out of Rutgers as an all-out failure.
This is Rutgers by the way, a program with little positive history. But the school held on tight and gave Schiano a little more clock, which reminds me when Tommy Tuberville was almost whacked at Auburn before turning the Tigers into a beast.
Get to the point, Truth, you say.
Hey, hang with me, I'm getting there -- Dan Hawkins.
Yeah, maybe the Buffs' program wasn't Scarlet Knights-ugly back in Jersey but it certainly wasn't the premium brand it once was either, no matter how shortly removed it was from Gary Barnett's zenith.
Promise you one thing -- Hawkins is motivated to prove his doubters wrong and "face" them with some success. Can he do it? Who knows but former CU coach and athletic director Eddie Crowder likes to talk about "lifetime batting average" which is a coach's track record and if that is a strong indicator of anything, then you have to be patient and wait for the odds to work out in favor of Boss Hawkins.
Whatever criticisms that might be pointed his direction they need to be tempered, at least slightly when it is apparent he is not allergic to work, and has great energy and passion for this job.
Wanted man
Montgomery has reportedly been eyed by Colorado and now, according to ESPN magazine, New Mexico. The publication says that current Lobos' coach Ritchie McKay, once of Colorado State, is likely to be exiled at the end of the season, maybe catching up with Ricardo Patton at the bus station, talking hoops, race, good memories, tough times.
It says here Montgomery is itching to coach at the college level again and will be wait to find the right fit to be successful right off the bat. He ain't looking for any rebuilding job. He's looking for microwave quick. He wants talent on the roster, tradition, resources and commitment. CU might be a possibility but honestly, the reality is him ending up in Boulder is a real longshot.
Lombardi basketball
NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Vince Lombardi knew football like few others and obviously Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan was impacted by his philosophy.
Ryan, also written of in ESPN magazine, drew up his offense based on Lombardi's principles.
"Everybody blocked, everybody learned how to read their man, everybody learned how to find a hole," Ryan said of Lombardi's offensive approach.
Ryan used that strategy to go 353-76 with four D3 championships at Platteville and now to drive the Badgers into the top 5 in the country.
Watch out for the copycats. Wisconsin isn't pretty but it doesn't matter because winnin' sure is and the Badgers are doing an awful lot of that these days.
BGT rankings
BGT Best-of-the-Big 12: Texas A & M, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma/Kansas State.
BGT Best-in-the-land: Florida despite a fluke loss to Vandy, Texas A & M despite getting bit by Texas Tech, Ohio State, and finally going to kick talented-but-puzzling North Carolina out and bring in Wisconsin, just ahead of UCLA.
BGT All-Big 12, early look: Acie Law (TAM), D.J. Augustin (UT), and Brandon Rush (KU) in a three-guard lineup and Kevin Durant (UT) and Mario Boggan (OSU) in the frontcourt with Billy Gillispie (TAM) as the coach.
BGT Best Big-12 coaches: Gillispie, Bill Self (KU), Bobby Knight (TT), Huggins (KSU) and Jeff Capel (OU).
Lists
Five Thoughts on CU football
- The 2007 recruiting class should prove a worthy foundation for success
- Ryan Miller needs to be ready to start as a true freshman for this offense to go places
- Bernard Jackson will start the season but Cody Hawkins will be ready at signs of distress
- Thomas Perez, not P.T. Gates or Hugh Charles, will start at RB, due to his size/talent
- With improvement at WR, Riar Geer is going to emerge as an all-conference caliber TE
Five Thoughts on CU baskets
- Ricardo Patton's approach to his final season unraveled much of the goodwill he established
- Tom McGrath and Mike Bohn are likely to bypass those with no head-coaching experience
- There is no joy in Boulder -- the players are ready for this season to end
- The Buffs are one right coach, one legitimate rebounder & lowpost scorer from movin' up
- If CU keeps all players on board, the Buffs will have a winning record in 2007-08
Checkin' out, best your way
Truth
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