No surprise that Florida, UCLA and Ohio State are heading to Atlanta for the Final 4 but Georgetown?

Yes, the Hoyas were an outstanding team this season but not many would have predicted North Carolina's defense being unplugged all day long against the Big East Frankenstein.

Have to confess -- thought the Tar Heels were bigger, more confident, had more striking power and the composure advantage.

I was wrong.

The four remaining teams now promise to put on a fireworks' show. Florida trying to repeat as champions, loaded with experience, size and coaching against UCLA, which was spectacular in beating Kansas, looking to win another title to add to its' legendary total. Then Georgetown, coached by the son of a legend, going against the best freshman center and point guard in the land for the up-and-coming Buckeyes.

The streets

Denver shot 60 percent on the road and beat Lebron James and Cleveland. If that's the Nuggets' formula for success, fantastic, but let's see them do it again. Thinking that's going to be a difficult approach to duplicate.

Nene finally awoke from his slumber to score 21 and yank down nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony was good enough and Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith did their job from the backcourt.

So why am I so bored with that team?

The Rockies annual run at mediocrity begins soon. Get your tickets, get your tickets.

Or get some pitching and make things interesting.

So let me see if I have this down -- the Broncos are willing to give new money to stiffs like defensive lineman Alvin McKinley, formerly of Cleveland and quarterback Patrick Ramsey, formerly of, well, who knows where, but linebacker Al Wilson is an expense they can no longer afford?

And what is up with Denver and large-bodied, small-game defenders? Gerard Warren and Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson were Superman coming out of college but turned out to be skinny producers in the pros, yet the Broncos are enamored of them. Maybe its' like going to a high school reunion, remembering and lusting for the hot girl for how she once was, not how she is now or remembering friends for the good times, not after they change. Denver coach Mike Shanahan must be nostalgic.

Sunday Truth

Jon Major, the big 6-foot-4, 230-pound Parker (Colo.) linebacker from Ponderosa High School is being hounded by college recruiters and now can brag on 27 scholarship offers, according to Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com.

How heart-pumping a sight it would be to see the big thumper in a Colorado uniform, becoming another elite state player to believe in Buffs' coach Dan Hawkins' vision.

The questions that beg asking here are is Major truly open to staying in state and two, what will CU have to show him this fall to make that decision the one to make.

It might be too much to ask to get a "yes" from a another premier talent (see Ryan Miller) coming off another terrible season.

Would six wins and an exciting brand of play do the trick? Would an upset over a ranked team sell Major when he will likely have his pick of powerhouse schools?

You have insight, don't be shy, get off the wall and bring it. This is your place to be heard and respected. No bar-room insults thrown in this saloon.

Hittin' the field

Colorado State will get a real charge for not only its' offense but the whole team when running back Kyle Bell proves healthy. His loss a season go was too much to bear as the Rams had no dependable alternative at his position.

The 6-foot-2, 226-pound bruiser is a difference-maker if the repair work on his body sticks by the school-accredited mechanics. He's that pack mule CSU can load up and ride, making life a lot easier for quarterback Caleb Hannie.

Laying it down

Florida is too big, too experienced, better on defense and too much for a solid Oregon team and North Carolina will scrap out another win and deny Georgetown's advancement on Atlanta.

Ain't no lie

The Big 12 has been vanquished from the NCAA Tournament as Kansas was dismantled by UCLA's defense while allowing the Bruins to also shoot lights out from the floor in an Elite 8 matchup. Brandon Rush, a supposed defensive stalwart was thoroughly undone by UCLA's Arron Afflalo.

Said before the tournament that, despite the records, there were no dominant teams in college basketball this season. That has been proven in March. Yet the better teams keep finding ways to win and advance, which shows how important know-how and intestinal fortitude mean and how far all that goes toward victory. The margin for error, even for no. 1 seeds, is slimmer than slim, razor thin.

Enough already! Greg Oden shows flashes for dominance, no doubt, and he has played with one hand and there simply aren't enough great centers around but he is not anywhere near as polished and ready to roll out and star in the NBA like Kevin Durant is -- case closed. Think of Oden as more Dwight Howard for now, an excellent player, but not The Boss.

Oden is good and he's going to get better but give me a young Akeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson or Patrick Ewing. See the point? Oden just seems to be missing that necessity for greatness -- passion, hunger, whatever you want to call it. He certainly doesn't lack athleticism, skill or potential.

John Calipari should be one of Kentucky's top desires to replace Tubby Smith, who jetted out of Lexington for some northern outpost. Why? Calipari's track record of success, recruiting ability and maybe most of all his confidence/arrogance, which all coaches need at UK to deal with the Wildcats' fans and their sense of entitlement. Rick Pitino had it, Calipari has it.

On the streets

Is it just me or are Colorado State and Wyoming shopping from the bargain bin, hiring Tim Miles and Heath Schroyer to head their respective basketball programs? Not saying those two aren't fine men and won't be upgrades over their predecessors but neither inspire much confidence and excitement from the fan bases. Good luck selling tickets. For an alternative point of view, look how Minnesota fans are acting like they are in the promised land now in response to the hiring of Tubby Smith. You'd think Phil Jackson or John Wooden were taking over the Gophers.

The good news? The Colorado Rockies won't be any worse than they were last year and general manager Dan O'Dowd and skipper Clint Hurdle will retain their jobs come 2008. Will the team be better? Maybe, if it stays healthy, the young players take a step forward and the pitching surprises (don't hold your breath). A lot to ask but certainly possible. O'Dowd has done an excellent job building the farm system, which is producing quality position-player prospects, something it rarely has done in the past. Now, some pitchers have to emerge as top-quality prospects. The book is still out on that, especially on the starters.

What this team still lacks is not more sinkerballer pitchers but that dominating power broker on the mound. Yet, last June, the Rockies passed on both lefthander Andrew Miller of North Carolina (over signability concerns), who went to Detroit and another lefty, Clayton Kershaw from a Texas high school, who ended up with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That's how bad teams stay bad -- the Colorado Cubs.

The real deal on Broncos' linebacker Al Wilson is Denver management either thinks he is damaged goods or isn't making enough plays for them, not that his salary is too much to bear. After trying to dump him off to the New York Giants, one might think reconciliation between Wilson and the Broncos might be too difficult, no matter what the two parties spin in public. We'll have to see what goes down as the draft approaches and then mini-camp.

The question

Should CU athletic director Mike Bohn be talking to the long list of outstanding coaches who's teams have been bounced from the postseason or is Jeff Bzdelik just too good to turn your back on?

That's one tough question here, even for one who greatly respects Bzdelik's accomplishments.

Check my eyesight

Think I'm ugly? Check out Charley Rosen here. Dude is delusional on LeBron James. And you think all his chatter on James is sick, read on to see what Rosen says about college basketball compared to the pro game. Then make an appointment and come see me. We'll talk. Warning you, Rosen is wild and out there, which I like, but his medication probably should be changed, one way or another. Just can't tell if he needs a higher or lesser dose. Although, I do wonder if his reasoning is why college coaches struggle to be effective in the NBA.

The reasons

A little sampling going on today, from basketball to letters to pro sports.

Why Bzdelik

If Colorado does go ahead and hire Air Force coach Jeff Bzdelik, here could be the laundry list of reasons why he ended up being the pick.

1. He's going to push guys to do the work in the classroom
2. He's all about structure, defense and playing hard
3. Once voted the NBA's best advance scout so he knows how to break down an opponent
4. He has the resume of turning around sorry teams (see Nuggets, Air Force) quickly
5. Has learned up close and personal from Pat Riley
6. He can block out distractions and just coach
7. Might be able to pull off a Texas A & M-like turnaround in Boulder
   

Bashing

Interesting to me how much flak Tubby Smith has received in the press lately. No wonder he skipped town to go to -- Minnesota?

Let me get over the shock of Smith's relocation plans for a moment. I will say that from all the attacks against Smith you'd think the man never won a thing at the collegiate level. All those victories at Tulsa, Georgia and Kentucky were just a joke, I guess. A national championship? Yeah, that was all smoke and mirrors, too. Smith couldn't coach himself out of paper bag.

All that criticism must have got to him, too as he went muy loco by going igloo hunting into Canada South to coach some basketball in Minnesota. That's the best he could do? They'll love him there but a very sad ending for all his contributions to UK, even if he never was Adolph Rupp or Rick Pitino.

A lot of names might be mentioned to replace Smith, amongst them Rick Barnes of Texas and Billy Gillispie of Texas A & M. The BGT says Barnes has his own sweet set up at Texas and that school will do all it can to keep him. Gillispie could definitely be a leading candidate, though. Other possible matches include John Calipari of Memphis and Mark Few of Gonzaga. Maybe even Anthony Grant of Virginia Commonwealth.

Ready for a bold nugget?

Forget me mentioning Grant or other quality prospects like Chris Lowery of Southern Illinois or Karl Hobbs of George Washington. UK felt it took a chance on Smith, a black coach, and despite him winning a national championship and an awful lot of games, he didn't live up to the school standard for achievement so the Wildcats won't hire a black coach anytime soon, no matter how successful.

Hey, don't rail against the messenger. It's Kentucky! I've never been a part of all the South's skeletons.

Letters

This one from that big family with the surname "Anonymous," who asks what if Air Force coach Jeff Bzdelik prefers staying put at the academy or ends up somewhere else, what then for CU athletic director Mike Bohn?

"If Bzdelik falls through, will Bohn turn to Mike Dunlap again?"

BGT: I'm afraid Dunlap is yesterday's news. Whatever the reasons for him pulling his name from consideration for the job, both he and CU have moved on, likely to never go out romancing one another again. If, for some reason, Bzdelik does not end up with his name on the position, the Buffs have plenty of other options. The question that would then loom large would be -- would anyone of stature desire the job? Personally, I'd like to think so but that's my opinion. What is the perception of Colorado from outside state lines? We'd quickly find out.

Anyway, in a completely unrelated note, wondering when Bohn and Northern Illinois are going to put together a CU-UNI game.

Why are you laughing?

Next letter comes from Dan, who thinks I've lost it or Todd Helton has done so.

"Read where you don't believe Helton has "lost it". I disagree- he has. Seems like more than a coincidence that ever since the steroid thing happened he lost weight and lost power. I was begging for the Rockies to trade Helton two years ago when he would have brought some great, young players in return. Of course, the Rockies being the Rockies didn't do it. Name the amount and I will bet you Helton does not hit 30 HR's this year."

BGT: Dan, stop! You have me laughing, amigo. O.K., here's the thing. I believe Helton's numbers have slipped because his back has been injured or he's had other health concerns (intestinal), not because he has lost his taste for steroids or other juices.

Coors Field also plays differently these days. I truly think that with the development of Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins, a steady Brad Hawpe to go with dangerous Jeff Baker, and up-and-comers Troy Tulowitzki and Chris Iannetta that the Colorado lineup is going to be potent again, netting Helton more good pitches to hit. If healthy, I do see 30 home runs and 100 RBI, just not the 40-homers and 130 RBI seasons.

But never shy I will say this, Dan. You asked for the amount of the wager. How's this work for you -- if Helton does fall short of the mark, then I take a picture of myself holding a sign saying "Dan knows best" and post it on this site. If Helton comes through, like I believe him capable, you go to a game and when they announce him coming to bat, you yell "Todd, I was wrong, can we hug and make up?"

Local Side Roads

The Denver Broncos caught a break. When linebacker Al Wilson flunked his physical with the New York Giants, the trade on the table between the two teams that would have netted the Broncos some Eli's cheesecake and little more was off. Wilson is dinged but he is playable and watch for him, for now, to be back in Denver next season. It is unlikely another team is going to pass him now as healthy enough to suit up. The Broncos could flat out release Wilson but that would be as stupid as it would be insulting as losing Wilson for nothing is just not a move of a champion. He may not be Randy Gradishar but he's not Brian Bosworth either. You find a way to get something for him if you've decided you can't or won't pay him.

The Nuggets get blasted at Toronto, 121-94, and looked like CU in doing so, allowing the Raptors to shoot 57 percent from the field while looking clueless on offense. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony may have played their worst games of the season, hardly contributing anything, combining for 24 points, three rebounds and five assists. That was a pretty expensive night on the court for owner Stan Kroenke as he didn't get much of a return on his game investment. He isn't wealthy by allowing such performance to continue. Keep hearing this team needs more time to learn to play together. Garbage. How long do you and I get to assimilate into a new work environment before we're expected to be good at what we do? A week or two? A month? This group is out of excuses and its' obvious right now that changes have to be made this offseason.

CNNSI.com is bagging on Rockies' second baseman Kaz Matsui and that ain't right. The former Met was sensational after coming to Colorado in a late-season trade. He got on base, he hit and was a definite upgrade at the position. To say that Jamey Carroll, a nice backup, is a better player, is a crime. Carroll is cheaper and good in spots, nothing more.

Troy Tulowitzki is the Rockies' starting shortstop, which was expected, and Clint Barmes and Cory Sullivan get kicked out of the party, getting stationed at Colorado Springs. Tulowitzki is an unknown but provides promise of some offensive punch. Barmes will likely be dealt this season and Sullivan, a fourth outfielder masquerading as a starter will also probably be leaving town in the next few months if no injuries occur.

Could Rockies' prospect Ian Stewart be changing addresses? Maybe. Look here.

Them other guys

With Texas A & M going down only Kansas remains in the NCAA Tournament as a Big 12 representative, which is o.k., because the Jayhawks are a legitimate team to win the whole enchilada.

Brandon Rush must start to exert himself, make KU his team, though and Julian Wright has to become more consistent. All I hear is that Wright is a top-3 or a top-5 pick in the NBA draft. Such a decision would have bust written all over it right now. If he can't dominate from game to game now how's he going to do it at the next level. Those complaints aside, the BGT is taking those Buff Bullies to beat UCLA in a tight one.

The answer; Collins on Bzdelik

Ever been fooled?

Like it?

Seems the Colorado coaching staff wants us to think that Nick Nelson still has a shot at starting at quarterback. With each passing week it becomes more clear that only injury is going to stop Cody Hawkins from being the man under center when the season starts.

Nelson was recruited to be the opening act for Hawkins but Hawkins has shown he is the more dynamic player now. He is also having more big moments. Of course, if Hawkins shows he is not durable or becomes mistake prone once the games start, he will get a timeout and watch Nelson "manage" a game.

But that is not the plan CU coaches want. They know to jump-start the offense, to accelerate the growth of this program, Cody Hawkins has to be out with the starters and making plays in 2007.

Coach Dan Hawkins, offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich and receivers coach Eric Kiesau know for them to get the most out of their efforts and their players, they need Cody Hawkins' skills, mind, and makeup on the field. He will make everyone look better -- the backs, receivers and the coaches. And the scoreboard will be prettier.

That said, don't expect many 30-point explosions this season.

But don't expect many 12-14 point games either.

Charles scores

So I hear Hugh Charles ripped off a long scoring run at practice. And had a long kickoff return. The coaches continue to push him to be more physical, run harder, be more well rounded and hopefully that all gets through to him because the fact is CU needed him on the field more last season and will need him between the lines this season because he is a game-breaker, something in short supply on the roster. The Buffs have to get playmakers on the field doin' their thing and Charles, if he's up to it, could have a significant season. He's never lacked talent or explosiveness.

Collins and BGT look at the coaching search

The BGT had to know more about the search for gold for the basketball program so it had a meeting of the minds with Mark Collins of the Buffalo Sports News to break it all down.

BGT: For the longest time, it was speculated that either Mike Dunlap or Jeff Bzdelik would replace Ricardo Patton as coach at Colorado -- that those two seemed like the usual suspects, the logical choices. Then Dunlap pulls out, leaving most to believe that the Bzdelik hiring is now rock solid. How accurate an assumption is that to make?

Collins: I think its' accurate to say that Bzdelik is still their no. 1 target but I don't know that its' accurate that it is rock solid at this point. I think Bzdelik has to finish his season at Air Force and still has to decide if he wants to come to Colorado.

BGT: Is it Bzdelik or bust for CU?

Collins: I think they have some plan B's and plan C's. I would hope they do, assume they do, and think they do.

BGT: Bzdelik can coach, there can't be many doubters on that, Mark, but is he markedly better in other areas where Patton was said to be deficient, like being a player in the community, with boosters, being out there selling the program?

Collins: I don't have a sense on that but I think that's something (CU athletic director) Mike Bohn really wants in the hire.

He does seem like a loyal employee and willing to be a team player.

BGT: If Bzdelik is Bohn's choice to run this program will the fans believe what they've been told, which is the search for Patton's replacement really was a wide sweep through the coaching ranks?

Collins: Down the road, if Bzdelik can bring a winner then no one will even remember. If he struggles, then that will be something that fans and media types could always mention -- how much did (CU) really look, was the focus too narrow?

My own personal bias is I wish they would get somebody who would come in here and employ an up-tempo running style of basketball. That style is entertaining whether you're making the NCAA Tournament every year or not. It's fun to watch and you can draw fans.

If (Bzdelik) comes here he might do more what he's done at Air Force and I don't think you can do that in one year, one offseason and get it up to speed.

BGT: What about hiring assistants? I had a conversation with a media member who told me it was imperative that Bohn ask a prospective hire who he plans to have on his staff. Can Bohn do such a thing with Bzdelik?

Collins: The other question mark on him is recruiting. That's where hiring really good assistants comes into play. Definitely, Bohn needs to bring that up (hiring assistants) and feel that out with him.

But I don't know that Bohn has the bargaining power at this point to say we want you to come here as long as you hire x-y-z as your assistants. I don't know if he quite has that juice at this time.

Quickies

For a 2-10 team, Colorado got some attention from Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com when he did his story on the top 10 quarterback battles for his blog. He believes Bernard Jackson is slated for "Slash" duty, something the BGT thinks is likely overstated since Jackson will not prove capable enough at wide receiver with such a short time to learn routes. Yeah, he might take some snaps in line up in the backfield, like, oh...rarely. Think B-Jack is going to collect a lot of dust this season unless he can catch punts and/or kicks, which, now that I think of it, might be a fantastic fit for him.

Iowa is having nothing to do with firekirkferentz.com so it bought all the rights to the site to avoid chumps from starting a forest fire should the Hawkeyes' football program go in the toilet. Too bad, CU was slow to act as I own firedanhawkinsbecausehewontletmecallplays.com.

Local Side Roads

Trading Al Wilson? For a possible mid-round choice, as reported by Bill Williamson of the Denver Post? Did Dan O'Dowd take over running the Denver Broncos too? Salary cap problems or no, how blatantly obvious of a salary dump is that and how foolish. There is never an excuse to give away talent of Wilson's caliber for money reasons. If you get a proven player in return or the draft pick or picks to compensate for his loss and yes, leadership, fine.

Such a move would be highly offensive to most Denver fans.

Ah, them Nuggets. They really have turned the corner haven't they? Give up 109 points and without Marcus Camby in the lineup, gave up a tip-in at the buzzer. The Denver backcourt played no defense, Luol Deng worked Carmelo Anthony on the boards and in the end, the Nuggets were left exposed for what they truly are -- vanilla. Nothing special despite all their high-priced ingredients.

Colorado State's hiring of Tim Miles to replace Dale Layer really can't be assailed too much as Miles is a winner and Rams' athletic director Paul Kowalcyzk once hired Southern Illinois' Chris Lowery but it is also fair to ask if this is best CSU could do? Miles will not sell tickets and I'd have to believe there were other hungry coaches who could have generated more enthusiasm and maybe have been better choices. But, then again, maybe this says more about CSU's relative unattractiveness than it does Kowalcyzk's decision.

By the way, Miles will have no say or sway on whether star forward Jason Smith returns to the team next season. If Smith projects to go in the first round, he's gone, especially if he's top-15, top-20. If he's seen as a second-rounder, he'll likely be back. Miles just has to wait for Smith's call.

The beat goes on; Air Force angry

Air Force, the little engine that could, keeps moving forward in the NIT, edging DePaul, 52-51 to advance to the semifinals in New York where it will meet ACC afterthought but South Region top seed Clemson.

Falcons' coach Jeff Bzdelik is now an outrageous 50-15 at the academy.

It would be difficult to imagine many coaches being able to accomplish what he has at a military school. That record would be astonishing at almost any place in the country but Air Force?

Almost unbelievable.

No matter what happens against Clemson.

Oh, please

Seems Air Force athletic director Dr. Hans Mueh is furious at CU athletic director Mike Bohn for contacting Bzdelik before the season is over.

Yes, maybe that is official protocol to wait but come on now -- you, reading this, might have a contract with your company but if another organization hears of your stellar work (it is stellar, right?), then they are going to inquire if you might be interested in working for them. Even a stiff like me has had that happen on a couple of occasions. I didn't seek alternative employment -- they came to me. And like Mueh at Air Force, one of my employers hit the roof.

He got over himself.

After I left.

Point being this -- it is up to Bzdelik, not Bohn, to say something akin to "hey, I'm interested, but can we not talk until after my season is over. I don't want distractions or to disrespect my boss or the Air Force Academy."

Bohn is doing, it says here, what he should be doing, which is being aggressive, serving CU and trying to find the right coach, the right fit, in a highly-competitive environment. Many think Bohn has lusted for Bzdelik for some time, put all his eggs in one basket, so to speak, so if he lets the Falcons' leader get off the hook then Bohn's got nothin' and looks the part of the fool.

He realizes what's at stake and he's doing what he thinks is best for the Buffs without being immoral or even, it says here, unethical.

Mueh is like a jealous girlfriend -- insecure. He fears he just isn't good enough to keep his man.

On the field

Patrick Ridgell's report on CU football in the Daily Times-Call had some interesting nuggets. Here's what the BGT extracted from Ridgell's work.

1. Dusty Sprague -- is poised for a rebound season. The guy has size, works hard, wants to be good and if he can stay healthy, a better marriage with the quarterback is sure to equal 40-50 catches this season. Watch him.
2. Bernard Jackson -- CU coaches love his athleticism but have no clue where to put him now. B-Jack could see his career end being that appliance that no longer excites and ends up jammed in the back of a cupboard or out in the garage. Dan Hawkins, Mark Helfrich and Eric Kiesau might bluster differently but is Jackson all of a sudden going to learn how to run pass routes effectively as a senior? Is he going to spell Hugh Charles, Demetrius Sumler and possibly Thomas Perez and P.T. Gates? Riiiiiiiiiiiight. Jackson will be the trick-play specialist, not Slash, for the Buffs in 2007. Not saying he won't have an impact but am sharing he won't be a heavy-use guy.
3. Anyone noticing from reports just how often former CU quarterback Bobby Pesavento is hanging out at practice? I'd watch him. He might be asking for a jersey soon. He has told me one of his desires is coaching so getting a look at how things are going down at Camp Hawkins is likely educational and he doesn't have to pay for the credits.

Natalie Meiser looks at Hugh Charles in a Denver Post story. Read it and see that running backs coach Darian Hagan sounds like former coach Eric Bieniemy, all fire. He is pushing, pushing, pushing Charles to be more aggressive, physical and determined. He knows Charles brings big-play capability but that the little one needs to balance his game out to stay on the field. Hagan also foreshadows the future for Sumler.

Bill Williamson of the Denver Post reports that CU's Jashon Sykes is going pro, as in internship with the Denver Broncos. Just rounding out his impressive resume.

Local Side Roads

O.K., now Tom Davis retires! If he would have done this after last season, CU athletic director Mike Bohn would have had an interim coach to consider to step in for one season, on the cheap likely, after the Ricardo Patton fast-one resignation.

At one time, former Metro State College coach and current Denver Nuggets' assistant Mike Dunlap was said to be a strong candidate for openings at Colorado and possibly, New Mexico. Now, it appears Bzdelik is the only candidate in Boulder and Indiana legend and current Iowa top dog, Steve Alford, is in as the Lobo's man. Dunlap might truly be staying in the NBA, as Nuggets coach George Karl speculated.

Was reading Peter King of CNNSI.com and there was a mention of former CU All-American Daniel Graham. Seems Mr. King believes what he saw in New England and that Graham is a one-trick pony. The BGT believes the ex-Buffs' tight end has more skills than he was allowed to show as a Patriot. Maybe not All-Pro but definitely more than an afterthought in the passing game. While he's not going to bench second-year pro Tony Scheffler, he is going to be a factor in the running game while also making plays down the field.

Colorado State gets points for being bold and hiring some cat named Tim Miles from North Dakota State. Who? He does have some achievements but seems like a reach to me. Not saying he won't be successful but makes you wonder if anyone replied to the Rams' help-wanted ad.

Todd Helton gets interviewed by Bernie Lincicome of the Rocky Mountain News and gotta say that Mr. Rocky sounds aggravated and ready to prove people wrong -- he's not done. I don't believe for a moment that Helton has "lost it" and can't hit for power. If he's truly healthy, he'll hit 30 homers and drive in 100 + runs. Especially with Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe/Jeff Baker in the lineup. If he falls short of those numbers, it's because his body, like most of us, ain't what it used to be and if so, then I'd part Helton out to some other team for peanuts, a Dan O'Dowd specialty.
Side Roads

According to a story written by Gary Parrish of CBSSportsline.com, Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant, a hot young property, is not going to take just another job -- he wants the Miami Hurricanes' post, which might be available in a year.

It says here that the talk of Michigan landing UNLV's Lon Kruger or Oregon's Ernie Kent is drunken lunacy. Kruger can get a better job than Ann Arbor and Kent, while under pressure in Eugene until this season, would be in even hotter water at Michigan at the first sign of trouble.

Little can play big at college level

Colorado's offense just needs playmakers. It doesn't matter what size, shape, form, whatever they come in -- they just need to get things done.

So forget for a moment about Cha'pelle Brown's size (5-foot-7) or that he was a defensive back a season ago because receivers' coach Eric Kiesau likes him -- a lot.

At the college game, little guys can be big talents and if Brown is fast, if he's quick, if he can find seems with his routes and catch the ball consistently, the Buffs will have another piece, another dimension for their offense.

Brown might, one day, turn out to be lightning for the team's return game and as a high-energy jolt in the slot. Maybe, and yes, this is a stretch, he can become a poor-man's Santana Moss.

And how sweet that would be for coach Dan Hawkins and offensive boss Mark Helfrich. CU has to make something out of scratch for the time being. All-Americans are not busting down the door to get into Boulder like USC or Texas.

Now, Brown is a player to watch but if the Buffs are going to make things happen on offense this season, the offensive line is going to be have to be healthy and prove itself capable of run and pass blocking, the quarterback is going to have to prove himself capable of making the right decision, quickly and consistently and the receivers are going to have to look Big-12 quality, and that means Dusty Sprague becomes a 40-50 catch down-the-field guy, that tight end Riar Geer becomes the same in the intermediate routes, that the touted freshman take our breath away and maybe one other pass catcher emerges.

The running backs look like a solid-enough collection of talent to balance it all out.

To wrap it up, this nugget from Kyle Ringo of the Daily Camera, from the mouth of Hawkins.

"We're definitely getting a lot better," Hawkins said. "We're doing a lot of little things way better. The kids came in and watched the film afterward, and they were texting me going, 'Coach, man we are so much better than we were last year. I'm psyched.' That's the beauty of it, just being able to master the little things and we are making strides."

This is to be expected after everyone has been in the system for a year. What is exciting is that the players are seeing it as much as the coaches.

Hawkins class

Dan Hawkins is unique, everyone knows that by this point.

Patrick Ridgell of the Daily Times-Call wrote of Hawkins' having his team lie on the ground after practice, closing their eyes and visualizing success.

Sure Bear Bryant did that, too.

Point is there are many ways to build a successful team and Hawkins knows it all starts upstairs in the head. Personally, I like his creative approach, giving most of these players something fresh to use, not only on the field but in the rest of their lives.

No genius required

Illinois State moved quietly but its' actions will likely speak loudly in the next five years.

Needing a new coach for its' basketball program, it hired an under-the-radar leader that should to prove to be a wise choice.

What's interesting is Colorado State didn't know of him. Will be interesting to see if they make a better, stronger play on someone else now or settle for table scraps.

Local Side Roads

Former Air Force coach Joe Scott is back in Colorado, this time to coach Denver University. Scott did not do well at Princeton and the feeling is the school is happy to see him go.

The Pioneers get a coach who could provide structure and do a much better job than Terry Carroll did but seeing Scott's struggles at Princeton makes one wonder if DU looked hard enough for a better alternative. And honestly, how do you successfully sell Scott to your fan base after what he did with the Tigers?

The Denver Broncos sign wide receiver Brandon Stokely in hopes he can be the elusive third or fourth receiver that they have long searched for but never found. It says here that if Stokely can get healthy, they found a significant piece for their offense. Stokely is an ideal fit in that he is not flashy but just a producer on the football field. He will make plays and fans will love him. The Broncos have done a fine job in free agency and if, and it's a big if but if Denver can draft well, not a given with this organization, it will give itself a chance at again being a team that can win in the postseason.

The Broncos also signed defensive lineman Alvin McKinley for depth and he should be a contributor if nothing more.

Patrick Kerney was a pass rusher Denver coveted. He ended up in Seattle. Now reports are out that a rape happened at his home. He isn't a suspect. After the deaths of two players in the offseason and the trade of Jake Plummer, its' a good thing that the organization doesn't also have a police investigation to deal with now. Officials are saying, "whewwwwwww!"

The Nuggets won at New Jersey with defense. Yes, Vince Carter again beat Denver up but no one else did and with Carmelo Anthony lighting it up for 30 points, the Nuggets have themselves their fifth-straight victory. Not getting overly aroused about it all but it is encouraging. We'll see how this psychological experiment evolves.

Patton back in the saddle again

"Patton was hired at Northern Illinois... no good luck wishes?"

Well, how could the Black and Gold Truth not extend our best wishes to Ricardo Patton. Never wanted to see the guy buried, only exiled.

And to show there are no hard feelings, I did send him a cookie bouquet.

And signed it from all of us.

By the way, everyone, did you happen to see Patton's comments at his press conference?

Read on, from Dan Babwin of ChicagoSports.com.

"Patton said he is confident that he can turn things around at Northern Illinois.

"We should be playing for conference championships," he said."

So is that playing for or contending for titles?

Maybe NIU has all the advantages that CU lacked so it's easy for Patton to talk the talk already.

Next, from the school's website, covering the press conference, describing Patton.

"Renowned as a teacher who is dedicated to developing all aspects of his student-athletes, Patton also tirelessly worked to promote Colorado basketball during his time in Boulder."

Teacher is debatable, promoting tirelessly inaccurate from all with whom I've spoken to, but today is not for further assailing. It's for a new beginning for Buffs' basketball and for Patton.

It says here that Patton will improve what is a crummy program but he will not lead them into the NCAA Tournament. Hope I'm wrong as I take no satisfaction in seeing others fail but the gut feel is that Patton doesn't have the allure of the Big 12 to recruit with any longer and he has never been a great tactician.

Bzdelik's star still bright

Air Force destroys Georgia, 83-52, in the second round of the NIT and if past media reports are to be believed, that effort only further cements Falcons' coach Jeff Bzdelik's stranglehold on becoming the next head coach at CU.

Of course, some have implied the offer has already been made by Buffs' athletic director Mike Bohn and that Bzdelik has already accepted.

What all this is for sure is great theater.

Is he or is he not?

How deep can he take a service academy into the tournament?

Is Bohn going to ignore NCAA Tournament success of some coaches?

Or is Air Force's brilliance over the last two seasons too much to ignore?

I admit I bought a ticket for this crazy show and am enjoying it all and I'm guessing Bohn is liking all the handringing and the edge-of-the-seat suspense by those excited for Bzdelik and those who think him the easy bail-out choice.

Local Side Roads

Wow, how bold a move would it have been for Denver to acquire the second overall pick in the NFL draft from Detroit, to possibly select Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson to be quarterback Jay Cutler's catcher?

But, those Lions must be wising up in personnel decisions as it asked for way more than the Broncos were willing to give up.

The thinking here is you go hard for potential stars, as Johnson is, but if you are astute in drafting, you can get more value by not overpaying, as Denver would have had to do. The Broncos, until last season, were highly questionable drafters. We'll see if coach Mike Shanahan can string together two good classes in a row.

Side Roads

CNNSI.com is reporting some pro wrestlers are tied to a steroid ring.

Noooooooooooooo!

Who did the magazine think they were going to find needling themselves -- bus drivers?

Monday heat

That didn't take long.

Read between the lines, and that doesn't take much, and Bernard Jackson is through as a quarterback at Colorado.

Now, that's no surprise at the Black and Gold Truth, which had Nick Nelson pegged for the starter's job just until Cody Hawkins got warmed up last week in practice and before Saturday's scrimmage when Hawkins seemingly lapped Nelson to extend his lead to become the "Zabransky" in the Buffs' offense.

Jackson being forgotten like yesterday's newspaper has been an action in motion since the end of last season. His slow mental development in grasping the nuances of quarterback play and the offense has obviously frustrated head coach Dan Hawkins and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. And these days, coaches can't afford to be patient as school administrations, donors, other fans and media aren't tolerant of slow-cooked meals.

Jackson has done this to himself.

That's not a body slam. It is, instead, a sad reality about a guy who patiently waited his turn and has been a good soldier about it all yet couldn't get the car out of first gear.

Your depth chart reads as such -- Hawkins, Nelson and true freshman Matt Ballenger.

Jackson, despite the link above, will not make it as a wide receiver, which requires a little more than the standard playground "go deep" fare.

Running back?

Like he's going to play over Hugh Charles, Demetrius Sumler and Thomas Perez and P.T. Gates (if these final two decide school is cool).

Jackson is in his own episode of Lost. Disappointing really as he is a player with ability to make plays but where do you place him on the field?

The Pool

Now available: Gregg Marshall, Winthrop; Anthony Grant, Virginia Commonwealth; Tony Bennett, Washington State; Sean Miller, Xavier; Mark Fox, Nevada; Tom Crean; Marquette

Sorry, in a meeting: Todd Lickliter, Butler; Lon Kruger, UNLV; Chris Lowery, Southern Illinois; Jamie Dixon, Pitt; Kevin Stallings, Vanderbilt.

Rumor Town

Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings is on short list to fill the vacancy court-side at Minnesota, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

BGT: Is Minnesota a much better job than Boulder? Where would you rather live? Which conference would you like better? Stallings could be good at CU. Dan Monson was a winner until he got to that winter wasteland. Now, he will be coaching some chump school, his star fallen.

The Pioneer Press also reports that UNLV's Lon Kruger could end up at Minnesota or Iowa.

BGT: Forget what you think of me for one moment. Where does that newspaper get their information? Do they even bother to think about what's being said? Kruger is not going to leave Vegas for those two schools. Clem Haskins went Dirty to win for the Gophers and the Hawkeyes haven't been great since Lute Olson split for Tucson to coach Arizona.

Think the Pioneer Press believes Stallings and Kruger to be mentally deficient to believe them interested in those Big 10 jobs.

By the way, Kruger would sooner come to Boulder, being a Big 8/Big 12 guy by heritage.

Bank it.

Tommy Amaker's star is burned out after getting kicked by Michigan, where basketball's biggest sin is it ain't football, which is a cult in Ann Arbor. Amaker will resurface but the Wolverines could have serious trouble bringing in a replacement. And this may surprise you, but that job is no better than the one at CU.

New Mexico is the opening, off the top of my head, that bears watching. That is a place with great potential and one that could attract attention away from Boulder. Another school with potential is Utah.

That said -- THIS IS THE BIG 12!

Sorry coach Hawkins but felt it necessary to "borrow" your line to make a point

Big 12 representatives

Kansas is looking good and has now become the pick in this space to not only reach the Final Four but to play in the championship game. What was most impressive in the win over Kentucky on Sunday was that the Jayhawks' two best players finally played like it -- at the same time. Brandon Rush and Julian Wright, the Yo-Yo Brothers, looked like the stars they are against the Wildcats. If KU coach Bill Self can keep the engines of those two slackers turned on then he has a chance to do special things this season. Special. Maybe even roll into Atlanta to face an old friend.

Texas A & M has a pair of wins in its' pocket, having kicked Penn and Louisville out of the tournament, setting itself up for a matchup with athletic Memphis, which has taken down Creighton and Nevada.

Texas was able to get by New Mexico State but got ambushed by Tim Floyd's up-and-coming USC Trojans. Longhorns' coach Rick Barnes has to be stunned at how poorly his team played in Kevin Durant's last game in a UT uniform. This wasn't supposed to be the way it all ended.

Will also go George Washington here and admit I bricked it picking UT over SC. I assumed the balanced scoring of the Longhorns would break the Trojans, who wouldn't be able to keep up in the second half. I'm not like an ex-spouse or politician -- I can say "I was wrong" and I was -- wrong.

Local Side Roads

Aaron Cook has been name the Colorado Rockies' opening-day starter, which, sorry, isn't quite met with the same excitement as Johan Santana taking the ball one spring day. Not that Cook is a stand-up fellow and inspirational story but if a pitcher who is 28-28 lifetime is the best you can show your fans, well, that says it all about your work in developing and acquiring pitching.

Sunday Truth

Last spring many fans downplayed the consistent offensive ineptitude seen in scrimmages, saying by the opening game, all would be well.

Denial is a terrible thing.

After one scrimmage, improvement seems to be a real possibility in 2007.

That might all begin with the quarterback play, where redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins completed five of his seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Cha' pelle Brown and Dusty Sprague impressed as pass catchers as did running back Demetrius Sumler, who had a big grab.

The offensive line just doesn't have the numbers to be dominant thus the running game, well, what running game. Just have to learn from last season and not deny that could be a problem if come fall, some newcomers don't prove themselves ready to play and be effective.

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins did make an interesting comment, though, at cubuffs.com.

"When (Jeff) Tedford took over at Cal, I think he had four (offensive) linemen," Hawkins said. "And everything they did was kind of half-sided and one-on-one things. It's interesting because I thought it was a pretty creative way to practice."

BGT: It's but one scrimmage but you'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to recognize this is Cody Hawkins' offense to lose. Now, the coaches would nuclear to hear that and it sounds terribly unfair to incumbent Bernard Jackson and junior college transfer Nick Nelson but no one has more understanding of the offense, more confidence and leadership ability than the big, little man from Idaho. Not saying he is a lock to be the new BMOC but he is the prohibitive favorite. And if he doesn't start the season he will likely own the job before 2007 is over.

Now, before the heat arrives in my mailbox, let me share this -- Nelson's collegiate experience and winning resume gives him some serious bones in the race to lead this team. He is also the one you would assume would be least likely to make mistakes, a plus on this team, but he may not possess the play-making ability or swagger of Hawkins. Jackson, meanwhile, let's just say for all his positive demeanor and exciting athleticism, it's no secret there are doubts about the speed of him learning the nuances of quarterback play. B-Jack has more raw ability than QB on the roster but that alone will not make him the point man of the Buffs' offense.

It ain't over yet

If you're one who likes but doesn't love the speculation that Jeff Bzdelik of Air Force being the choice as the next men's head basketball coach at Colorado then you had to be encouraged by Neill Woelk's story in the Daily Camera on Saturday.

Ever since word leaked that Bzdelik has the job or some assumed the search was over some local writers have broke out with pieces questioning the sanity of such a quick decision. That includes this space, too. But let's push that aside for a moment. In Woelk's article, however, it infers no decision has been reached yet on Ricardo Patton's successor.

If true, that's good news. Not because Bzdelik is unworthy but because, regardless of the spin, not waiting to see how certain coaches work their schools through the tournament shows desperation. Bzdelik has done wonders with the Denver Nuggets, although he was later forced out and with the Falcons, two accomplishments that cannot be minimized yet there are no guarantees he is Billy Gillispie, just add water.

CU owes its' fan base a relatively patient, well thought out, thorough search. It can't get caught dragging its' feet but being impulsive and buying the first thing you see on the shelf is foolish, too.

Oklahoma once saw Bob Stoops available in football and leaped at him. That was obvious. Colorado once did the same in football, and found Rick Neuheisel, who, while not a colossal disaster, was far from the right choice. Thought it then and despite a 20-4 start to his career, still know it to be true.

The Buffs have options. Maybe this program isn't a plum opportunity but it certainly isn't a hell hole or prison either, no matter how much Patton tried to sell that notion.

CU has waited this long. One more week, or two is not too much to ask before it pulls the trigger on a critical move.

Big 12 success

Texas A & M fought off Louisville as the Aggies are showing signs of a resurgence after sloppy play down the stretch in the Big 12. Their next game, however, against the winner of Nevada and Memphis, could be extremely dangerous, as in a loss. Something is missing from the A & M team we saw earlier this season -- that same edge and defensive dominance.

Coaching notes

Butler's Todd Lickliter has his team in the Sweet 16 but his run is likely to end there as Florida is his next likely opponent. It won't matter as he will be moving on to a new school for next season. He has earned that promotion.

Jamie Dixon of Pitt faces his former boss, Ben Howland, now at UCLA, today and a win would shoot his name to a new level around the country. A Panthers' victory could happen but the pick here is the Bruins' in a close one.

Chris Lowery is working on his next job right now and a victory over Virginia Tech will have schools eating out of his hand. Regrettably for Southern Illinois, the pick here is Seth Greenberg's Virginia Tech Hokies.

Look for Indiana to take off next season in year 2 under former Oklahoma coach Kelvin Sampson. He was a strong hire for the Hoosiers.

If Kentucky gets blown out by Kansas, Tubby Smith might be escorted out of the Bluegrass state in short order.

UNLV can beat Wisconsin and the Badgers know it. Lon Kruger is building something powerful and without the appearance of impropriety of one-time coach Jerry Tarkanian.

If Winthrop's Gregg Marshall tops Oregon, he will be ready for a new address next season and well, will get one.

Mark Fox needs his Nevada Wolf Pack to upset Memphis to get the recognition he wants nationally.

Remember the name Kevin Stallings. Not a flashy guy but a solid teacher and program builder. And if he leads his Commodores past Georgetown into the Elite 8, he could look like a Hollywood leading man to many schools.

BGT: Want an updated list of college names for CU -- potential good fits?

1. Kruger, UNLV -- done it over and over at the college level
   
2. Stallings, Vandy -- successful at two schools, including an SEC one
   
3. Lowery, SIU -- one of best young coaches in the land
   
4. Anthony Grant, Virginia Commonwealth -- Billy Donovan disciple, won big this season
   
5. Marshall, Winthrop -- incredible consistency and record
   
6. Lickliter, Butler -- rock-solid candidate
   
7. Jeff Bzdelik, Air Force -- tough-minded, big winner at service academy, NBA success
   
8. Fox, Nevada -- intense and a riser in the coaching ranks
   
9. Greenberg, Virginia Tech -- a football school until now
   
10. Tony Bennett, Washington State -- he is going to be a big-time coach
11. Mark Turgeon, Wichita State -- recruiting the only question mark on him
12. Mark Few, Gonzaga -- would sell tickets immediately, may not be interested
13. Dixon, Pitt -- unlikely to make the move but would be a great hire
14. Smith, Kentucky -- too expensive but would bring instant credibility
15. Tom Crean, Marquette -- unlikely and not best choice but would be an improvement
16. Dana Altman, Creighton -- unlikely but built a solid program in the MVC

Final note: NFL coaches have hit college football and had success so why couldn't the NBA coaches do the same thing? Just a thought.

A look ahead

Sunday, Kansas is going to kick Kentucky to the curb and its' going to be easy while conference neighbor Texas is going to find a way to eliminate Southern California.

To recruit or not to recruit

Recruiting is known to be the lifeblood of a program, either football and basketball and the voice here couldn't agree more but to say that good coaching can't overcome many deficiencies in that area would be inaccurate.

A short bit by Mike DeCourcy in the Sporting News talks about Boston College basketball coach Al Skinner's success without All-Americans littering his roster. We all can agree the Eagles are a rock-solid program, right? No, they aren't national title contenders in any year but they are winning, consistently.

Did you know that Skinner is getting results from players considered mid-major-plus talents when they left high school, and that three of them are now averaging over 14 points-per-game?

BGT: So what does it all mean? Maybe that coaching does matter and maybe, as Scout.com recruiting analyst Dave Telep says, "they evaluate so well that they are able to identify diamonds in the rough."

O.K., you ask next, "how does this affect me, Truth? Just get to the point!"

Thought you'd never ask.

This is how the next CU basketball coach can supplement the better talent he will be expected to get, by evaluating players not being asked to prom, the ones that will work, will accept teaching and grow. This is also what football coach Dan Hawkins was noted for at some potato school out West and is now implementing in Boulder -- find clay to mold and then turn it into something great. Not all outstanding players come ready-made.

There's more than one way to skin a cat, you know?

Running the football in a different way

In another article in the Sporting News that was flashing red as I approached it, Tom Dienhart writes of West Virginia's spread offense and how the Mountaineers have used it on the field to go 47-16 in the last five years with four New Year's day bowl trips.

West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, one of the better offensive minds around, decided running out the spread was the way to go and look what he found.

"I liked the big splits in this offense and thought: Why not try to run out of this thing and do something that no one else is doing?"

BGT: The spread -- not just your passing offense. Get those defenders spaced out, making holes easier to create and then get your playmakers (gotta have playmakers) into space, where they can build up momentum before encountering the bad guys. Make one or two miss, turn on the jets, as quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton do for the Mountaineers, and you get a little something we like to call big plays.

Calling running back recruit P.T. Gates -- are you getting into school? Keep working those books. Fellow back Hugh Charles would also be dynamite in such an offense. So would quarterback Bernard Jackson but only if he is going to supplement his athletic gifts with some much needed classroom work. His cognitive skills need to catch up to his arm, legs and feet.

Side Roads

The next purported Kevin Durant is still a ways away from the college game -- Renardo Sidney, a California guy I've been hearing about for over a year. Big at 6-foot-9 and skilled as the Texas freshman currently casting a spell over the nation, the scouts are in love with Sidney.

But you have to wait to see him as he's only a sophomore in high school.

Maybe I'm immature (o.k., I am) but former Texas standout and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, a hedonist and flake if there ever was one, banned from the NFL for now because of his recreations, is living currently in Grass Valley, Calif. You supply the punch line.

Local Side Roads

The Denver Nuggets, a psychological head case, ripped Phoenix 131-107 on Saturday. Guard Allen Iverson put on an elite performance with 44 points and 15 rebounds. For all the talk of whether Iverson was a team player, The Answer has been just that. He has subjugated his game when necessary to win, only the Nuggets haven't done so much since his arrival. The problems on that team are not in the slightest on the one who everyone was waiting to blame.

Saw a note on former Denver Broncos' running back Clinton Portis the other day and it made me wonder -- does Portis regret forcing a trade to Washington? Did Bobby Humphrey feel the same after getting a ticket to Miami? Both got paid and Portis received a king's ransom from the Redskins but neither was the same player elsewhere that they were as a Bronco. Not even close.

Speaking of the local pro football team, here are some thoughts to chew on today. The deal for cornerback Dre' Bly with Detroit was partly done because the last time Denver needed a cornerback unexpectedly, it forced a pick on Cal's Deltha O'Neal, who had an up-and-down time with the coaches, before doing his better work in Cincinnati. Broncos' coach Mike Shanahan did not want to be forced into selecting anyone this time around. Next, remember the name Tyrone Moss come draft day. The squatty Miami Hurricanes' running back will get a lot of attention on day 2 of the talent flea market because of the success that another injured Cane -- Frank Gore -- has had in San Francisco. Couple that with the fact that Denver needs depth in the backfield and you could have a match.

The early prediction for the team's draft moves in round one, and this is subject to change, is a trade up for a defensive end, such as Clemson's Gaines Adams or Arkansas' Jamal Anderson. The addition of free agents Travis Henry (RB), Daniel Graham (TE) and Patrick Ramsey (QB) whittled the Broncos' offensive needs down to offensive linemen and maybe another wide receiver. Cal running back Marshawn Lynch is no longer a possibility.

Dayn Perry of FoxSports.com continues his countdown of the top 100 prospects in baseball and he keeps naming those in the Colorado Rockies' organization. His latest picks are catcher Chris Iannetta (#30) and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (#26). It says here both players have the potential to be plus-talents.

Quiz, not a test; Crosby kicks; coaches

Kickoff is here.

Colorado will put on a scrimmage that will further wet the appetites of its' faithful.

Don't expect crispness and great individual performances as much as improvement from last spring and more consistency with an offense that is not right out of the package.

This day is more about evaluation for the coaches as to where the team is as a group and getting an early look at how players will work within the system.

Yes, there will be standouts but it won't quite be like it is at Florida with jaw-dropping plays here and there.

The fall is where the show will be put on after more work is done and even more newcomers hit town.

This is but a sneak preview, a trailer to generate more questions to the bag full we all have now.

Kickin' it

CU can get its' punters into the NFL but why no kickers?

That problem comes to an end in April when Mason Crosby will be the object of desire for pro teams, as he's the top prospect at the position.

Who knows which team will pick him up but of the teams mentioned in the link, I'd hope it would be Dallas and not Cleveland or New York simply because of the weather conditions. You want every chance for success for him.

Contrary to that report which has Crosby slated for the fourth round, it says here he will go somewhere between the latter part of round 2 or mid-part of round 3.

Speaking of specialists, in that same breakdown of specialists is a guy named Daniel Sepulveda, with a king of a leg himself. This Baylor punter could really help Denver Broncos' coach Mike Shanahan if he truly wants to improve his special teams. The pro homeboys need a power leg.

NCAA pokes

Look out, but the star of Lon Kruger is again rising. As expected, his UNLV team beat talented but young Georgia Tech in the NCAA Tournament. Kruger has always been successful, would be a wonderful fit at Colorado and is likely to end up elsewhere.

Gregg Marshall led Winthrop by a solid Notre Dame team and he too is going to be big-timing it soon, just not at CU, it appears.

Bo Ryan, who wasn't good enough for Denver University but was for Wisconsin, just got his Badgers into the round of 32.

Matt Painter, who won at Southern Illinois, just led Purdue past Arizona.

Chris Lowery, one of the hottest coaching candidates around, and the current coach at SIU, is advancing to the next round, too.

Seth Greenberg is getting some real love this season and has Virginia Tech into the round of 32 after beating Illinois.

Hot-head Mark Fox has Nevada excited after leading the Wolfpack to victory over Dana Altman and Creighton.

And finally, check out Neill Woelk of the Daily Camera, who says Jeff Bzdelik isn't yet the lock for CU that some of his fellow media and fans believe he is for the post.

Coaches to watch: Butler's Mark Lickliter could beat Maryland, Winthrop's Marshall could knock off Oregon and UNLV's Kruger could get attention by shocking Wisconsin.

SIU's Lowery would be basking in the limelight with a Sweet 16 berth but Greenberg's Virginia Tech team might be too athletic.

Anthony Grant of VCU could lead his team past Jamie Dixon and Pitt, which would be yet another "wow" factor effort.

A great matchup is Kevin Stallings of Vandy and Tony Bennett of Washington State, two underrated coaches.

If Nevada's Fox can lead his Wolf Pack past John Calipari's Memphis Tigers, Fox will have a new address next season.

Big 12 representatives

Kansas destroyed Niagra but the interesting thing is that Brandon Rush did not assert himself. Unless he takes it more upon himself to lead, the Jayhawks are going to be vulnerable. Mark it down.

Texas beat New Mexico State behind Kevin Durant's 27 points but point guard D. J. Augustin and backcourt mate A.J. Abrams also scored well. Durant is the power in this offense but for the Longhorns to move through the tournament they are going to need the contributions of Augustin, a much-overlooked talent, and Abrams. It wouldn't hurt for forward Damion James to be a little more consistent instead of consistently inconsistent.

BGT: Looking ahead in the Big 12, KU should move past Kentucky and Texas should top USC but Texas A & M is going to have a battle with Louisville. That game is dangerous for the Aggies.

Side Roads

Kobe Bryant is all about drama. He loves it. Rape trials, the Shaq divorce, bickering with coach Phil Jackson, suspensions for smacking players, scoring outbursts that exceed Michael Jordan's best. The man is something to examine. Just ripped off 65 against Portland. He's a piece of work as a human being but how much fun can he be with the basketball in his hands. Worth the price of admission just because of the possibility of what might happen when he's in the building.

Want to know what's possible for CU basketball with the right coach on board? Check Kansas State with Bob Huggins (NIT team) or Washington State's Tony Bennett (11-17 last season) work in 2006-07.

Nick Fazekas might not be a Big-12 player in the eyes of many but he only dominated like few in Nevada school history did and his work this season at center earned him second-team All-American honors from the Sporting News.

NCAA Tournament success has long been known to come from strong guard play. Question -- where is CU most talented? Get some consistent role players up front and a smart, passionate, people person at coach and look out -- next season.

Something to consider here. UCLA lockdown defender and pass-happy point guard Darren Collison was not an all-everything recruit. Dude was not even a top-150 player, a report in the Sporting News says. Yet, he dishes, defends, hits the long-ball accurately and score the ball. He's smart, hungry, driven (a Rick Pitino formula for success, by the way).

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, one of the great personalities in the college game, said it like it's been said here -- Texas freshman Kevin Durant is going to go down as one of the best players in history -- at the NBA level. Pearl says the Maryland telephone pole will become one of the 50-best players ever. Truth is Durant is but 18 but scoring at will, rebound with ease, as athletic as LeBron James, long and getting better. He is a leader and confident beyond belief. He appears to have a Michael Jordan-type arrogance on the court. He believes he can do anything and then he backs up that faith in himself. He will prove to be a better passer in the pros, his only known, necessary weakness.

Is Greg Oden potentially as great? Possibly. Look at how good he was this season with one hand. If he would have been 100 %, he likely would have averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and four-to-five blocks a contest and we really would have had a debate as to the best player in the land.

Remember the name Yia Jianlian, a seven-footer from China. He's already 29 years-old but he is dominating in the Far East to the point where he is being lusted after by NBA scouts. With the success of Houston's Yao Ming, Jianlian could be a nice alternative choice for some team at the top of the draft that doesn't get the luxury of hooking up with Greg Oden. Jianlian is no stiff, having shown quickness, shooting touch from the perimeter and adequate strength. And remember this, when Yao first touched down in the states, reports said he was slow and methodical, inferring he would never amount to much. Guess those reports were wrong.

Local roads

Colorado Rockies' pitcher Jeff Francis and his boss, manager Clint Hurdle both were notified of their jailing for their roles in retaliation against Doug Brocail hitting two Rockies' hitters. Francis gets five days and Hurdle gets a game.

The interesting thing here is that punishment is greater than what they would have received had this gone down in the regular season. What a joke. And what about Brocail? Oh, that's right, just part of the game. Whatever.

Speaking of the Rockies, do you realize that without Colorado pitching Barry Bonds would be nowhere close to Hank Aaron's record? Guys like Bonds, Mike Piazza and the retired Eric Karros and should-be retired Sammy Sosa have always treated the local arms with disdain, crushing batting practice tosses deep into the Colorado airspace.

Coming attractions: An interview with Dayn Perry of FoxSports.com on his book "How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones." Look for it early next week.

Naming names; Dizon; coaching trail

Gooooooooooooooood morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrninnnnnnnng, CU fans.

O.K., all apologies to Robin Williams on that one but you are not going to believe what the Black and Gold Truth is about to share.

Of course, I have to make sure we have an understanding -- this is as unsubstantiated as it is out there, but I'm all about the "giving" so here it is -- a source has told me that a new name is "in the mix" so-to-speak in the CU coaching search to replace Ricardo Patton.

That name, and remember I just share them, I don't make them up, is Tom Abatemarco, a man with a wealth of experience.

Now, it was also shared with me that Abatemarco is a fall-back guy for Air Force's Jeff Bzdelik.

And it says here in this space that Buffs' athletic director Mike Bohn will look at NCAA Tournament coaches. I have to believe that even if it might not be accurate.

Nice to see that those with dissenting views on Bzdelik are not few as Woody Paige of the Denver Post echoes the sentiments expressed here and elsewhere. Settling on Bzdelik right now would be foolish, as has been written in this space for a week.

Dizon touted

Buffs' linebackers' coach Brian Cabral sees more in pupil Jordon Dizon than Dizon sees when he looks into the mirror, as Ryan Thorburn writes about in the Daily Camera.

"I think with his understanding of this defense now, he'll make a lot more big plays," Cabral said.

Then this dandy from Cabral.

"He is critical of himself and he is humble. When it's all said and done, I fully expect him to be in the class of all those guys. But he's got a lot of work to do still and he knows it."

BGT: Dizon is not a finished product. Cabral wants more out of him and know's he's capable. The coach is also just doing his job, trying to motivate Dizon and let him know that all the praise being sent his way by the media doesn't help him make tackles or steal the ball from opponents. That comes from w-o-r-k.

Scrimmage time

CU is ready for a football scrimmage Saturday, which fans like because they find it a better barometer of progress than practices. Seeing who emerges early and who or what is lacking is a good thing.

Cormier and Holz new branches on the Buffs coaching tree

Cedric Cormier and Nick Holz are the latest additions to the coaching ranks from Buffs' players.

BGT: Cormier was huge recruit who played hard but did not fully blossom as expected. Attaching his wagon to former CU assistant Bobby Hauck could pay nice dividends for him.

Holz going to Nebraska, well, does it get any more sick than that? Opportunity is opportunity though and you have to be open to any door that presents itself. He just walked through the one he saw and it will be a good thing for his aspirations.

Congratulations to both men.

NCAA pokes

Interesting that Butler beat Old Dominion in the fact that Todd Lickliter, a flavor-of-the-moment coach nationally beat Blaine Taylor, who has been mentioned as a possibility for Colorado. That might be a tough sell now. Taylor is a winner but going down early in March would not sit well with fans with other coaches still, well, coaching.

Admire Duke's basketball program but their air of superiority rubs many the wrong way. Seeing them undone by Virginia Commonwealth and coach Anthony Grant was as satisfying as a great meal. Grant is one of the hottest coaching candidates in the land but remember this was not a typical dominant Blue Devils' team. Talented but not overflowing with it and the chemistry was never just right. And now, they might lose their best overall player (Josh McRoberts) to the NBA draft.

Mark Few's stock slipped this season at Gonzaga, especially after losing to Indiana last night but he still will end up elsewhere in the next few seasons, bank on it. He's a winner.

Kelvin Sampson took a lot of grief for ditching Oklahoma last year but he's going to turn that Hoosier program around, no doubt.

Vanderbilt shredded George Washington. Commodores' coach Kevin Stallings is an under-the-radar coach who, while not exciting the masses, could be a good fit in Boulder. Karl Hobbs' star took a hit in the loss but he remains highly desired as a leader.

Who's hotter than Washington State's Tony Bennett? An out-of-nowhere guy who is going to be very rich very soon. Like yesterday.

Xavier's Sean Miller is gaining ground as a hot name around the country.

Anyone notice Rick Pitino doing a great job done Louisville way?

Or that Georgetown is a feel-good story behind John Thompson III. If it weren't for Thompson having Hoya blood, he too could be a good fit at CU.

Big 12 representatives

Texas Tech stunk defensively against Boston College and now goes home.

Texas A & M, however, got back to playing its' trademark "D" and knocked out Penn.

Side Roads

Anytime Denver beats the Los Angeles Lakers, it's significant because those guys from Cali own the homeboys. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony were special in the 113-86 blowout because they played all-around games. They looked like the elite players their wrapping says they are.

And Kiki Vandeweghe's gift of Linas Kleiza ripped it up for 29 points. Continue to say that the former Missouri Tiger has the ability to help this team with more consistent minutes.

Jason Hirsh, who came to the Colorado Rockies in the Jason Jennings' trade showed he his minor league numbers weren't a fluke -- he can pitch. The Rockies beat the A's behind Hirsh's sometimes rocky but effective work. Expect struggles this season but flashes of talent, too. Maybe not a no. 1 starter but hopefully no worse than a Jennings' clone -- workhouse and a .500 pitcher with a ceiling of a consistent 14-16 game winner.

Is Nene hurt again? After looking like a future All-Star for a while, he's hit the skids and looking like Joe Ordinary.