Campus Watch

Cuse breaks into Top 25

Syracuse, led by Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn, went from unranked to No. 16 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the ESPN rankings after impressive wins over Florida and Kansas at the CBE Classic in Kansas City last week. They also beat Virginia last week at home.

Syracuse is one of eight Big East teams in the AP poll. Connecticut, which plays at UB on Thursday, is ranked second behind No. 1 North Carolina. Speaking of UConn, ESPN's Andy Katz writes about Huskies center Hasheem Thabeet, who has the NBA scouts drooling.

---Rodney McKissic

Report: Tennessee hires Kiffin

You can scratch Lane Kiffin off Syracuse's wish list after Tennessee hired the former Oakland Raiders' coach. Kiffin was 5-15 in a year and a half with the Oakland Raiders before being fired earlier this season by team owner Al Davis.

Speaking of coaches searches, Stewart Mandel of SI.com breaks down what really goes on during the process.

---Rodney McKissic

Report: Locksley interviews at Syracuse

Rivals.com is reporting that Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, one of the top young assistants in the game, interviewed for the vacant Syracuse coaching job on Wednesday.

Locksley is a strong recruiter who helped the Illini tap into his native Washington, D.C.. He has lured the likes of receiver Arrelious Benn, cornerback Vontae Davis and quarterback Juice Williams - among others - to Illinois.

---Rodney McKissic

Who's No. 1 in New York UB or SU?

Syracuse Post-Standard columnist Bud Poliquin asks the question who has the No. 1 Division I-A program in New York: UB or Syracuse?

Online Surveys & Market Research

---Rodney McKissic

North Carolina atop coaches poll

Led by All-American Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina is the preseason favorite to win it all in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. Rounding out the top five are UConn, Louisville, UCLA and Duke.

The Big East boasts seven teams in the Top 25, but one of them isn't Syracuse who must replace the departed Donte Greene. Also missing from the Top 25 is Siena, a team talented enough to run the table in the MAAC and has Sweet 16 quality.

---Rodney McKissic 

Is Syracuse looking for a new coach?

The New York Times and Syracuse grad Pete Thamel, is reporting that the Orange have hired a search firm to help find a replacement for Greg Robinson. Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross denies the report and calls it speculation.

Robinson's dismissal is  inevitable. Syracuse, who has a bye this week, has is 8-34 in three-plus seasons under Robinson and Big East programs like Cincinnati, USF, UConn and Rutgers have surpassed the Orange during that span. Robinson, who has a year remaining on his contract which pays him $1.1 million a season, is 2-22 in the Big East during his tenure.

---Rodney McKissic

Crucial year for Gonzalez

Bobby Gonzalez, a graduate of Buffalo State, is entering his third season at Seton Hall but Steve Politi of The Star-Ledger writes Gonzalez hasn't recruited nearly at the level you would expect from a coach who was supposed to bring strong ties to the NY/NJ basketball scene.

---Rodney McKissic

Syracuse picked eighth in Big East

Syracuse was picked to finish eighth in the Big East this morning by the league's coaches.

Here is the preseason coaches' poll:
1. Connecticut
2. Louisville
3. Pitt
4. Notre Dame
5. Villanova
6. Marquette
7. Georgetown
8. Syracuse
9. West Virginia
10. Providence
11. Cincinnati
12. Rutgers
13. Seton Hall
14. St. John’s
15. DePaul
16. USF

Orange guard and former Niagara Falls All-American Jonny Flynn was selected to the league's pre-season team. Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody, the Big East player of the year last season, was picked as the league's preseason player of the year. Greg Monroe of Georgetown and Samardo Samuels of Louisville were chosen co-preseason rookies of the year. For the first time since the Big East became a 16-team conference, all the schools will participate in tournament at Madison Square Garden from March 10-14. Pitt, which won four games in as many days last March, is the defending champion.

---Rodney McKissic

NBADraft.net breaks down Big East prospects

Here's an interesting breakdown of the NBA prospects in the Big East from NBADraft.net.

The web site says that the top prospect is UConn's Hasheem Thabeet who I believe will have a breakout season and become the top pick in next year's  NBA draft. Thabeet is followed by Louisville's Earl Clark, Georgetown's Dajuan Summers, Pitt's Sam Young, and UConn's A.J. Price.

Former Niagara Falls All-American and Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn is on a list of nine players who also received consideration.

---Rodney McKissic

UB football doesn't fare well in graduation rates

The NCAA released new graduation success rates Tuesday based on the incoming classes of 1998-2001, and UB didn't fares well when compared to other MAC football programs, graduating 61 percent of its players in the NCAA's Graduation Success Rate and 50 percent when measured by the federal rate --- the GSR doesn't penalize schools for transfers who leave in good academic standing.

Here's a story from the NCAA with more details. Here are the numbers for football graduations rates for the MAC based on incoming classes of 1998-2001. UB came into the league in 1999:

GSR
Miami 83
Ohio 81
Kent State 78
Bowling Green 75
Northern Illinois 73
Ball State 72
Central Michigan 70
Toledo 63
UB 61
Akron 61
Western Michigan 58
Eastern Michigan 52
Temple 49

Federal rates
Ohio 70
Kent State 69
Ball State 68
Miami 68
Central Michigan 64
Northern Illinois 63
Akron 61
Bowling Green 56
Toledo 52
Western Michigan 51
UB 50
Temple 47
Eastern Michigan 45

The federal rates are lower for every school as they count players who transfer as players who didn't graduate as opposed to the GSR, which rewards schools if those players were in good academic standing when they left. The national GSR rate for Division I-A schools is 67 percent, while the federal rate is 56 and UB is behind with both. The 1998-2001 period encompasses the end of the Craig Cirbus and the beginning of the Jim Hofher coaching eras.

---Here are the rates for the Big 4 schools and Syracuse in men's basketball with Niagara leading the way in both GSR and Federal:

GSR
Niagara 100
St. Bonaventure 80
UB 75
Canisius 69
Syracuse 50

Federal
Niagara 90
Canisius 52
St. Bonaventure 50
UB 44
Syracuse 42

---Rodney McKissic

Bowden fired at Clemson

While Syracuse is apparently not considering an in-season coaching change, one school has: Clemson.

The Tigers fired coach Tommy Bowden today. Every firing at a major school could have implications on Syracuse, should the Orange make a change, as appears likely. Clemson, for instance, is thought to be interested in former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who has also been rumored as a possible candidate at Syracuse.

Anyway, looks as if the firing season has begun, one that for Orange fans may be as intriguing as what happens on the field.

---Rodney McKissic

Sporting News ranks Syracuse 26th

The Sporting News - which features former Niagara Falls star Paul Harris on one of its covers - has the Orange rated No. 26 in the nation in its pre-season top 40, and sixth in the Big East. Here's TSN's predictions for the Big East, Atlantic 10, Mid-American Conference and Metro Athletic Athletic Conference:

Big East
1. UConn
2. Louisville
3. Pitt
4. Notre Dame
5. Marquette
6. Cuse
7. Villanova
8. Georgetown
9. West Virginia
10. Cincinnati
11. Providence
12. Seton Hall
13. Rutgers
14. DePaul
15. St. John's
16. South Florida

Best athlete: Paul Harris, Syracuse
Best leader: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse
All Big East: Flynn

A-10
1. Xavier
2. Temple
3. Charlotte
4. Dayton
5. Saint Joseph's
6. Richmond
7. Saint Louis
8. Rhode Island
9. La Salle
10. UMass
11. George Washington
12. Duquesne
13. Fordham
14. St. Bonaventure

MAC
East Division
1. Miami
2. Akron
3. Bowling Green
4. Kent State
5. Ohio
6. UB

West Division
1. Western Michigan
2. Eastern Michigan
3. Central Michigan
4. Northern Illinois
5. Toledo
6. Ball State

Best interview: Reggie Witherspoon, Buffalo

MAAC
1. Siena
2. Niagara
3. Rider
4. Loyola
5. Iona
6. Canisius
7. Fairfield
8. Manhattan
9. Marist
10. Saint Peter's

Top newcomer: Bilal Benn, Niagara
Top coach: Joe Mihalich, Niagara
All-MAAC Team: Frank Turner, Canisius

---Rodney McKissic

Starks doubtful for Central Michigan

UB could be without injured All-MAC tailback James Starks and nose tackle Ronald Hilaire for Saturday's road game against Central Michigan.

Starks, who had 296 yards in the Bulls first three games, has a sore hip that occurred late in the win over Temple. Bulls coach Turner Gill listed Starks as doubtful on Tuesday but will be re-evaluated further this week. If Starks is out, sophomore Brandon Thermilus will likely get the start and share carries with junior Mario Henry.

Gill ruled Hilaire, who missed the Missouri game with a leg injury, out for Central Michigan. Junior Dane Robinson will start in his place.

Changes on UB's two deep for Central Michigan include junior Lawrence Rolle as the backup to senior Chris Scharon at fullback and junior Matt Bacoulis backing up sophomore Peter Bittner at left guard. On defense, true freshman Scott Pettigrew, who started at Missouri, will start again at middle linebacker and Tom Drewes is the backup. Senior Chris Callahan has moved up the depth chart and will back up senior Andrae Smith at defensive end, while redshirt freshman John Syty (Clarence) will back up sophomore Justin Winters at outside linebacker.

---Rodney McKissic

Gross: It isn't working out

Syracuse AD Dr. Daryl Gross, in this interview with ESPN.com said that the football team has yet to show the "obvious progress" necessary for Greg Robinson to remain as football coach beyond this season.

The Orange are 1-3 this season as they prepare for their Big East Conference opener Saturday at home against Pittsburgh. Robinson, in his fourth season at Syracuse, has an overall record of 8-31 including a win last week against Division I-AA Northeastern and two against UB. Syracuse has a Big East record of 2-22 in the past three seasons.

---Rodney McKissic

Athlon says Niagara third in MAAC

Here's the first of our series of overviews of the pre-season basketball magazines. Athlon predicts Niagara to finish third in the MAAC, but long seasons for the rest of the Big 4.

Here's how Athlon sees the MAAC:
1. Siena
2. Fairfield
3. Niagara
4. Rider
5. Manhattan
6. Loyola
7. Iona
8. St. Peter's
9. Canisius
10. Marist

--I think Canisius will finish higher, probably between 4-6 place but they need a signature victory early to give them confidence. Almost everyone returns and they played well during the MAAC Tournament but this is still a very young team.

MAC
East Division
1. Kent State
2. Miami
3. Bowling Green
4. Ohio
5. Akron
6. UB

West Division
1. Western Michigan
2. Eastern Michigan
3. Toledo
4. Central Michigan
5. Ball State
6. Northern Illinois

---UB won't finish in last place. Not with experienced juniors and seniors. Freshmen Titus Robinson and Mitchell Watt bring athleticsm that's been lacking recently.

Atlantic 10
1. Xavier
2. Temple
3. Charlotte
4. Dayton
5. UMass
6. Saint Joseph's
7. Richmond
8. LaSalle
9. Rhode Island
10. Saint Louis
11. George Washington
12. Duquesne
13. Bona
14. Fordham

---Lots of new faces means plenty of growing pains for the Bonnies, but they'll be slightly improved. Mark Schmidt has talent now to compete with most teams in the A-10, the only thing lacking is experience.

Big East
I. UConn
2. Louisville
3. Notre Dame
4. Pitt
5. Marquette
6. Georgetown
7. Cuse
8. Villanova
9. West Virginia
10. Providence
11. Cincinnati
12. DePaul
13. Seton Hall
14. Rutgers
15. South Florida
16. St. John's

---The magazine ranks the Orange No. 25 and its prediction of 7th place in the Big East is probably a notch or two too low. Niagara Falls Jonny Flynn is a third-team All-American selection by the magazine, although I would take him over any point guard in the country. He's also listed among the nation's best sophomores and fourth among the nation's floor leaders. Teammate Eric Devendorf is a third-team all Big East selection, while Arinze Onuaku was named the league's most underrated player.

In Athlon's fantasy section Flynn is ranked No. 39 while Paul Harris is 40 and Onuaku 100. Flynn ranks 11th among the point guards, Harris 12th among small forwards and Onuaku 12th at center.

---Rodney McKissic

Starks out for Missouri game

Columbia, Mo. - Starting tailback James Starks will not play in today's game against No. 5 Missouri because of a hip injury suffered during the Bulls' win last week against Temple. The injury was originally thought to be a leg bruise.

Starks practiced this week but is being held out as a precautionary measure in hopes his condition will improve for next week's game at Central Michigan. Sophomore Brandon Thermilus will start in his place while junior Mario Henry will serve as backup.

The other lineup change is true freshman Scott Pettigrew starting in place of sophomore Tom Drewes at middle linebacker to give the Bulls a more athletic presence against Missouri's spread offense. Drewes will play at middle linebacker as well as defensive end today.

---Rodney McKissic

Kiffin watch

If Lane Kiffin's days are numbered as the Oakland Raiders' coach, he may land on his feet as the next coach at Syracuse. And it could happen sooner than you think.

---Rodney McKissic

List for Syracuse

UB fans may not like it, but Turner Gill's name is already being tossed around for the potential opening at Syracuse. Here are some other names to keep in mind:

Skip Holtz, head coach, East Carolina - With wins over Virginia Tech and West Virginia, Holtz's name has to be at the top of the list.

Doug Marrone, offensive coordinator, New Orleans Saints - Played at Syracuse from 1983-85.

Kevin Rogers, quarterbacks coach, Minnesota Vikings - Former Syracuse assistant who helped groom Marvin Graves, Kevin Mason and Donovan McNabb.

Norm Chow, offensive coordinator, UCLA - Should have been a head coach a long time ago. Groomed Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Philip Rivers, Steve Young, Jim McMahon and Marc Wilson. Palmer and Leinart won the Heisman, McMahon won a Super Bowl and Young is the Hall of Fame.

Kevin Gilbride, offensive coordinator, New York Giants - Bills fans shouldn't laugh. The glare from his Super Bowl ring might blind you.

---Rodney McKissic

Cuse releases schedule

Syracuse released its schedule today which you can find here and you'll notice that Paul Harris, Jonny Flynn and Co. don't leave the comforts of the Dome until Jan. 2, 2009 when they play at South Florida. The Orange play host to Canisius on Dec. 17.

---Rodney McKissic

College football preview

The college football season is approaching fast, and today The Buffalo News unveils its annual college football preview section.

---The University at Buffalo football experienced a major breakthrough in 2007, so what can they do for an encore?

---UB senior quarterback Drew Willy is a rare four-yer starter in college football and when he's finished, he could be considered the best ever at the position at UB.

---Are the Bulls good enough to land a bowl bid?

---Bob DiCesare catches up with UB's Davonte Shannon.

---Who's No. 1?  It's Ohio State. Again.

---Can Florida's Tim Tebow win back-to-back Heismans?

---Pitt's Derek Kinder is on the receiving end of some good news.

Flynn cleared of sexual assualt

A Syracuse University judicial affairs panel has cleared former Niagara Falls High basketball player Jonny Flynn and two other members of men's basketball team of charges they sexualy assaulted a female student
last fall the Syracuse Post-Standard reported on Friday afternoon.

But the panel concluded some disciplinary action was warranted because the players' conduct could have threatened the mental health of the female student. Flynn, Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson and a fourth student who was not on the basketball team all were ordered to be placed on university probation through the Spring 2011 semester. They also were all ordered to perform 30 hours of community service on campus, participate in gender-sensitivity and domestic violence educational programs, undergo evaluation to determine if counseling is needed and to stay away from the female student, who no longer attends Syracuse.

---Rodney McKissic

Flynn faces Syracuse Judicial Hearing Board

Even though an Onondaga County grand jury already decided not to charge Jonny Flynn and two other Syracuse University basketball players, still have to face the school's Judicial Hearing Board today.

Flynn, Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson's case will be heard by a three-member panel of faculty and administrators. A female student, who has since left Syracuse, accused the three of sexually assaulting her on two occasions last fall.

UPDATE: The three players spent nearly six hours testifying on Monday and Flynn's attorney, Stefano Cambareri, has said that he is prepared to file a lawsuit against the university if Flynn is disciplined. The four men, including Flynn, signed an informal agreement with the university in January that they thought settled the matter.

---Rodney McKissic

Still hot for Robinson

Here's yet another coaches hot seat listing that includes Syracuse coach Greg Robinson, this one courtesy of Phil Steele. Things are not looking good for the Cuse as they were picked to finish in last place in the Big East and it looks like they will be without Mike Williams, their best offensive player, for the entire season.  Still, they could get off to a quick start. Four of the first five games are at home and they could be 3-1  with wins over Northwestern, Akron, and Northeastern - and a loss to Penn State - before the Big East schedule kicks in.

---Rodney McKissic

Greene part of Artest deal?

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the player to be named later in the Ron Artest to Houston Rockets deal is former Syracuse small forward Donte Greene. If that's the case, it would be Greene's third team since leaving SU after his freshman year.

He was drafted by Memphis and traded to Houston on draft night.

---Rodney McKissic

ESPN ranks 'em all since 1984

ESPN.com rates the college basketball programs since 1984-85, when the tournament expanded to its current 64 teams.

ESPN developed a points system, and is unveiling the top 50 teams, in groups of 10, based on the totals. It also lists the teams 51-300 in the ratings, with Niagara earning the highest rating among the Big 4 school with a tie for 148th with Colorado State. Canisius is tied at 214 with Fordham, UB is 240, while St. Bonaventure is tied with Maine and Sacramento State at 278. Syracuse, with a national championship and three Final Four appearances since 1984 should be in the Top 10.

Here are the Big 4 breakdowns by conference:

Atlantic 10
T-57. Saint Joseph's
T-65. Richmond
73. Charlotte
123. George Washington
T-132. La Salle
T-134. Rhode Island
T-148. Saint Louis
T-168. Dayton
T-214. Fordham
T-278. St. Bonaventure
293. Duquesne

MAAC
69. Siena
T-115. Manhattan
T-129. Iona
T-138. Rider
T-148. Marist
T-148. Niagara
T-196. St. Peter's
T-214. Canisius
T-229. Fairfield
T-271. Loyola (Md.)

MAC
T-53. Miami (Ohio)
T-82. Ball State
T-82. Kent State
131. Ohio
T-136. Eastern Michigan
T-177. Akron
T-189. Toledo
T-196. Bowling Green
T-221. Central Michigan
240. Buffalo
T-247. Northern Illinois

It's not hard to figure out why the Big 4 schools rank so low. Here are the schools winning seasons since 1984-85:

Niagara: 13
Canisius: 9
UB: 6 (Started Division I play in 1991-92)
Bona: 4

Niagara has two NCAA Tournament berths over that span, Canisius and Bona each have one, while UB has yet to earn an invite. The only NCAA Tournament victory among the Big 4 schools is Niagara's opening round win over Florida A&M in 2007.

---Rodney McKissic

More respect for UB

Preseason annual magazines are giving more love to the UB Bulls this season. Here are some of their predictions for 2008:

Lindy's: 7th place East Division
Athlon: 3rd
Phil Steele: T4th
Sure Fire: T3rd
USA Today: 5
TSN: 4

Now compare that to last year when Athlon, TSN, Phil Steele, Street & Smith's, College Football News, SI, Sports Form and Blue Ribbon all picked the Bulls to finish in 7th place. Gold Sheet picked the Bulls fifth, while eight other publications - including Lindy's, CBS Sportsline and USA Today - picked UB 6th.

Syracuse knows the feeling. Nearly every preseason annual selected the Orange to finish in 8th place Big East this season and last year only Street & Smith's, Sure Fire, College Football News, GamePlan, and SI predicted the Orange would finish in 7th. Everyone else picked them to finish in the cellar.

For all you college football and stat junkies, stassen.com pretty much covers everything.

---Rodney McKissic

Williams not enrolled at OCC

The Daily Orange reported last week that suspended receiver Mike Williams did not enroll at classes at Onondaga Community College as planned which he was supposed to do in order to have any chance of rejoining the team this fall.

The former Riverside star was suspended by the university because of an academic issue and is no longer enrolled at the school. Sources said Williams was suspended for cheating on an exam on at least two occasions. A Syracuse spokesperson said last month that Orange coach Greg Robinson was working with Williams to get him enrolled at Onondaga Community College, which was supposed to pave the way for his eventual return to Syracuse.

---Rodney McKissic

Pasqualoni's roots are in defense

Paul Pasqualoni's Syracuse University teams attracted national attention largely for offensive stars like quarterback Donovan McNabb, while his teams struggled defensively toward the end of his tenure.

But Pasqualoni's forte is defense. He lettered as a linebacker for Joe Paterno at Penn State, produced future NFL defensive stars including Dwight Freeney at Syracuse, and coached linebackers in Dallas before joining Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins. So there shouldn't be much of an adjustment as Pasqualoni helps rebuild the Dolphins defense as their defensive coordinator.

---Rodney McKissic

20 questions with Ronald Hilaire

Interesting answers from UB senior defensive tackle Ronald Hilaire, who loves beef jerky, wants Denzel Washington to play in his bio pic and weighed 200 pounds by the sixth grade. He also wants a date with Salma Hayek which puts him in a class with about a zillion other guys.

---Rodney McKissic

The impact of the Big East

It's been nearly five years since the Atlantic Coast Conference began an expansion process that led Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech to join the ACC and leave the Big East, forcing it to the brink of extinction. The Orlando Sentinel assesses the impact of the moves on the Big East and ACC.

The ACC hasn't been as successful on the football field. Traditional powers Florid State and Miami have become commonplace. No ACC team has won a BCS bowl game since 'Noles won the national championship at the end of the 1999 season.

Spurred by the arrival of Louisville and South Florida and by the emergence of West Virginia and Rutgers, the Big East has gone from a conference worried about losing its automatic BCS bid to one that is undefeated in three BCS games since the moves became official in 2005.

---Rodney McKissic

Bulls schedule set

With the addition of Gardner-Webb, Rhode Island and Stony Brook, UB's non-league football schedule the next three seasons looks like this with the games at UB Stadium in CAPS:

2009
Sept. 5 - at Texas El-Paso
Sept. 12 – PITTSBURGH
Sept. 26 – at Central Florida
Oct. 10 – GARDNER-WEBB

2010
Sept. 2 – RHODE ISLAND
Sept. 11 – at Baylor
Sept. 18 – CENTRAL FLORIDA
Sept. 25 – at Connecticut

2011
Sept. 10 – STONY BROOK
Sept. 17 – at Pittsburgh
Sept. 24 – CONNECTICUT
Oct. 8 – at Boston College

UB is pretty much followed the old "A-B-C'' philosophy of scheduling. Using the 2010 slate as an example they have one marquee game (UConn, two if you count Baylor), one home game against a good team but one that in most years you should be able to beat (Central Florida) and one gimme (Rhode Island). The fact that UB has the scheduling headache out of the way for the foreseeable future should be applauded.

---Rodney McKissic

Mendez, Rautins make Canadian National Team

Former Niagara University forward Juan Mendez was named to the 12-man Canadian Senior men's basketball team on Sunday. Syracuse University guard Andy Rautins is also on the team which will be coached by his father, Leo, the former Orange All-American.

Mendez and his teammates will play a series of exhibition games this week in Hamilton and Toronto in preparation for their participation in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens, Greece which will be held from July 14-20.

Here a couple of videos catching up with Mendez:

---Rodney McKissic

Start the Heisman hype

It's late June and that means its time for the Heisman Trophy hype to begin. West Virginia is first with a promo web site for quarterback Pat White.

---Rodney McKissic

Sporting News predictions

The Sporting News College Football ’08 edition is now in bookstores, and UB is picked fourth in the MAC East Division. Other than that, it’s a pretty optimistic forecast for the Bulls. UB is listed with a green “up’’ arrow, signifying teams that TSN thinks are getting better.

UB is also listed in the ascending section which reads, “Third-year coach Turner Gill injected life, not to mention a positive attitude, into the Buffalo program, and the Bulls losing ways seem to be over."

Here are TSN’s picks:
East
1. Miami
2. Temple
3. Bowling Green
4. UB
5. Ohio
6. Akron
7. Kent State

West
1. Ball State
2. Central Michigan
3. Western Michigan
4. Toledo
5. Northern Illinois
6. Eastern Michigan

TSN predicts Miami to the GMAC Bowl, Temple to the St. Pete and Ball State to the Motor City. Interesting that TSN picks Temple to finish ahead of UB considering the Bulls have outscored the Owls, 51-10 in their last two meetings.

TSN predicts doom for Syracuse in the Big East and pegs the Orange for a last place finish. They have a blue “”steady’’ arrow which isn’t a good sign considering it finished 2-10 last season.

Here’s are TSN’s picks in the Big East:
1. West Virginia
2. South Florida
3. UConn
4. Pitt
5. Cincy
6. Louisville
7. Rutgers
8. Cuse

TSN points out that in 28 losses over the last three seasons under coach Greg Robinson, the Orange have been outscored by 514 points and have won just two league games. Keep in mind these predictions were made WITH WR Mike Williams still in the lineup.

TSN picks West Virginia for the Orange, South Florida for the Texas, UConn for the Papajohns.com, Pitt for the Sun, Cincy for the International, Louisville for the San Diego and Rutgers for the Meineke Car Care.

---Rodney McKissic

Early peek at 2009 NBA Draft

I guess it's never too early to look ahead, and ESPN's Chad Ford has already put together his top 100 list. Syracuse's Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris are listed in the top 50. Personally, I think UConn's Hasheem Thabeet will emerge as the top pick in 2009.

---Rodney McKissic

Live NBA Draft blog

Conclusion: The Bulls are big winners, simply because of Derrick Rose and Miami could be a playoff contender again with Michael Beasley, Shawn Marion and DWade in the lineup. Rose, Beasley and O.J Mayo will make immediate impacts on their teams. I always felt that Jason Thompson was a lottery pick and if he played in the Big East or ACC, he would have been selected higher. Memphis will be happy with Donte Greene, who was a potential Top 5 player in 2009 if he stayed at the Cuse. On the downside, I hope Danilo Gallinari can play because he's going to have a lot pressure in New York. Charlotte picking D.J. Augustin was puzzling, especially when they needed a big man like Brook Lopez. Nicolas Batum to Houston over Greene was a reach. Just learned of the proposed deal that would send Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to Memphis for Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

10:31: The Celtics selection of J.R. Giddens is pretty surprising, but he is talented. He was a gunner when he was at Kansas but seemed to tone his game down at New Mexico. That's it for the first round, I'll check back in later.

10:24: D.J White to the Pistons at No. 29. I thought they might go for Bill Walker, but White loves to rebound so this is a quality pick. 

10:15: Memphis picks up Greene which is a steal this low. What an unbelievable slip.

10:08: Arthur is finally off the board, going to New Orleans at No. 27. Hornets land another long, athletic frontcourt player.

10:01: ESPN is reporting there's an issue with Darrell Arthur's kidney, which is why he's slipping in the draft. 

9:58: Rockets picked  Nicolas Batum from France instead of Greene. So they take a guy who averaged all of 8.5 points and shot under 30 percent from 3 instead of Greene who averaged nearly 18 points in one of the toughest and deepest leagues in the country. Go figure.

9:53: I know Houston likes Donte Greene and he fills a need for an outside shooter.

9:51: Kansas' Darrell Arthur is still in the green room and looks likes he's about to cry. Why he wasn't selected earlier is beyond me.

9:50: The Sonics take Serge Ibaka at No. 24. Saw some video of him earlier in the year and he reminds me of Shawn Kemp.

9:47: Syracuse's Donte Greene should be coming up soon.

9:46: Just heard that the Kings took Thompson on a recommendation by former Iona coach Jeff Ruland. 

9:42: Niagara coach Joe Mihalich on Rider's Jason Thompson, who was picked by the Sacramento Kings at No. 12:  "It just goes to show you how good our league is. If you're playing in the MAAC and you're an NBA player, you will be found."

9:25: I don't understand the NBA's fascination with players from overseas. The Bobcats selected Alexis Ajinca with the No. 20 pick and he averaged 5 ppg., and 5 rpg. And he's going to produce more than that in the best basketball league in the world?

9:20: OK, the Cavs need a PG and Mario Chalmers is still on the board and you draft J.J. Hickson? King James can't be happy.

9:14: Proposed trade: Indiana gets Jarrett Jack and the rights to Brandon Rush for Ike Diogu and the rights to Jerryd Bayless. Both teams fills needs with this deal.

9:08: I know Cleveland wanted Roy Hibbert but he went earlier than expected to Indiana at No. 17. He should have turned pro a year ago when he was considered a lottery prospect. 

9:04: Philly takes Marreese Speights at No. 16 and the Raptors are on the clock. They will be making this pick for Indiana as part of the Jermaine O'Neal deal. Darrell Arthur from Kansas should be the pick.

8:58: Just talked to a buddy from Charlotte and he can't believe MJ's pick of Augustin with Brook Lopez still on the board.

8:57: Robin Lopez, picked by Phoenix at No. 15m is the sixth Pac-10 player selected in this draft.

8:51: Anthony Randolph goes to Golden State at No. 14. He weights about $1.25 which means we won't see him play until about 2012.

8:47: Portland got another good young player in Brandon Rush. Now they'll add Oden and perhaps make a push for the playoffs.

8:41: Jason Thompson going this high is a bit surprising, but I've been watching him for four years and he's very good. The MAAC player of the year can shoot, put the ball on the floor and rebound. They're going to love him in Sacramento.

8:35: Indiana drafting Jerryd Bayless doesn't make sense. They made a deal for T.J. Ford and they already have Jamaal Tinsley. Obviously, Tinsley is going to be on the move.

8:30: Brook Lopez is a great pick for the Nets. Very underrated center prospect.

8:28: I'm mad because MJ just messed up my mock draft.

8:25: What are you doing Mike???? You already have a quality PG in Raymond Felton and you take D.J. Augustin? A backup with a lottery pick? Not a good move, Money.

8:21: The Bobcats are picking next. Maybe Michael Jordan can select Kwame Brown again.

8:18: Joe Alexander goes to Milwaukee. Props to John Beilein for recruiting him to WVU.

8:16: Oh goodness, someone on ESPN just dropped the name Kenny "Sky" Walker. Is Gallinari the next Sky Walker?

8:13: No real curve balls yet after the Clips took Eric Gordon. Don't know about Gordon's jacket and tie, though.

8:07: The Knicks select Danilo Gallinari and the folks in the Garden are not pleased. But Griffs coach Tom Parrotta saw lotsa film on this guy and loves him. He's a point forward in the mold of Toni Kukoc who can shoot and handle the ball.

8:04: The Bricks, er, Knicks are up next. Chances are they'll mess up this pick.

8:01: Kevin Love to the Grizzlies at No. 5 isn't shocking, either. And for all those who don't believe Love is athletic enough to compete in the NBA, what's the difference between him and Bill Laimbeer?

7:55: The Sonics need a point guard, so getting Russell Westbrook makes sense. Kevin Durant is at the draft and he looks happy because he has someone who will get him the ball.

7:48: Rose, Beasley and O.J. Mayo to the Timberwolves. Pretty much the consensus on most NBA Draft mocks. The Sonics at No. 4 should take Brook Lopez.

7:44: No surprise that Miami picked Michael Beasley, although the Heat considered trading the pick as late as Wednesday night. DWade wanted O.J. Mayo, but this is a good pick.

7:37: The Bulls pick Rose and basketball is back in Chicago.

7:23: Looks like Chicago is going to pick Derrick Rose from Memphis. It's a no brainer.

7:18: The Bulls have the No. 1 pick but sometimes not winning the lottery is a good thing. If Boston had won the lottery last year, they would have picked Greg Oden and never made the deal for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. And they wouldn't be NBA champions.

7:02: Welcome to the NBA Draft blog. We might see as many as 12 freshmen get drafted in the first round. We'll get started soon.

---Rodney McKissic

Mock NBA Draft

1. Chicago: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
2. Miami: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
3. Minnesota: O.J. Mayo, G, USC
4. Seattle: Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA
5. Memphis: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
6. New York: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
7. Clippers: Eric Gordon, G, Indiana
8. Milwaukee: Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
9. Charlotte: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
10. New Jersey: Jerryd Bayless, SG, Arizona
11. Indiana: D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas
12. Sacramento: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas
13. Portland: Alexis Ajinca, C, France
14. Golden State: Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
15. Phoenix: Brandon Rush, SG/SF, Kansas
16. Philadelphia: Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU
17. Indiana: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
18. Washington: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
19. Cleveland: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown
20. Charlotte: Jason Thompson, PF, Rider
21. New Jersey: J.J. Hickson, PF, N.C. State
22. Orlando: Marreese Speights, C, Florida
23. Utah: JaVale McGee, PF, Nevada
24. Seattle: Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo
25. Houston: Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse
26. San Antonio: Ante Tomic, C, Croatia
27. Portland: Nicolas Batum, SF, France
28. Memphis: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
29. Detroit: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF, Memphis
30. Boston: Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

---Now that New Orleans has traded the No. 27 pick to Portland for cash considerations, Chris Douglas-Roberts slides down to his hometown team, the Pistons, and Kansas State redshirt freshman Bill Walker slides out of the first round.

---Rodney McKissic

Williams status remains the same

WIVB-TV Ch. 4 reported today that Mike Williams has returned to the Syracuse University football team, but a university spokesperson confirmed Sunday night that his status is unchanged.

The spokesperson said, however, that Syracuse coach Greg Robinson is working with the Riverside product to get him enrolled at Onondaga Community College. That could pave the way for his eventual return to Syracuse.

Williams was suspended this month from the Syracuse football team for academic reasons and is no longer enrolled in school. Williams, according to sources, was caught cheating multiple times. But Williams denied he cheated to WIVB's Paul Peck.

"It wasn't no cheating situation,'' he told Peck. "Syracuse is a private school. When you take exams you got to do exactly what they say. It was the beginning of the exam and the notes was out. He said I was looking at my notes. That's what he said. That's what happened."

---Rodney McKissic

Nuggets prepared to part with Melo?

Carmelo Anthony is tired of hearing his name in trade rumors and has initiated a meeting with the Denver Nuggets to clarify the matter according to this report by ESPN's Chris Broussard.

The former Syracuse All-American has been unable to lift the Nuggets out of the first round of the playoffs for five straight years.

---Rodney McKissic

Harris in good standing at Syracuse

Rumors about Paul Harris dropping out of Syracuse University because of academics are not true, Orange coach Jim Boeheim told me today. In fact, he couldn't be happier with the former Niagara Falls High All-American's development on and off the court.

"Paul just had his best sememster academically since he's been here,'' the Hall of Fame coach said. "I think a lot of the rumors stem from the fact that me and Paul don't always see eye to eye but in a good way. I'm trying to push him, like anyone who plays for me, to be the best player he can be and in turn Paul has responded by working harder. I pleased with both Paul and (former Niagara Falls star) Jonny (Flynn). They're both doing good academically."

Boeheim added that Harris is planning to attend the LeBron James basketball camp in Akron, Ohio next month to serve as a councilor. Of Flynn, Boeheim said, "I can't think of a freshman in the country who was asked to do more than Jonny. He had a great year."

Harris and Flynn will be joined by guards Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf, who are coming off knee injuries. Rautins is fully recovered and working out with the Canadian developmental team in Toronto this week, while Devendorf is on track with his rehabilitation.

---Rodney McKissic

Who has the wimpiest mascot in college sports?

That was the question posed this week by CollegeOTR.com (or College On The Record). Some fans in Central New York may not be so amused.

Also, here's a list of the site's best dressed college football programs:

10. UCLA
9. Texas
8. Alabama
7. Florida
6. Clemson
5. Georgia
4. Miami
3. USC
2. Florida State
1. Michigan

---Rodney McKissic

The Grand National Championship

This link from CakeRocksTheParty.com gives one reason to like every single team in Division IA. Check out what the author has to say about UB and Syracuse.

---Rodney McKissic

Melo returning to the Dome

Carmelo Anthony, who helped Syracuse University to the 2003 NCAA Championship, is scheduled to return to the Carrier Dome for an NBA preseason game between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns at 7:30 p.m., on Oct. 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m., on Saturday.

Here's the link to the press release from Syracuse. It should be noted that Anthony is involved in several trade rumors, the most recent a package involving the Detroit Pistons and point guard Chauncey Billups.

---Rodney McKissic

Steele says UB's schedule 79th toughest in the nation

The University at Buffalo's schedule, which includes non-league trips to Pitt and Missouri, is the 79th toughest in the nation according to Phil Steele, who released his rankings on his website today. Syracuse University, which opens its season with four of its first five games at the Carrier Dome, has the 11th toughest schedule. Washington comes in at No. 1 followed by Arkansas, Georgia, Vanderbilt and Oregon State.

Steele doesn't think too highly of the Mid-American Conference in terms of strength of schedule. Ohio has the toughest slate in the MAC, but ranks only 72nd overall.

Here's how he sees the MAC in terms of difficulty of schedule:

1. Ohio (72nd)
2. Toledo (75)
3. Buffalo (79)
4. Central Michigan (83)
5. Northern Illinois (87)
6. Eastern Michigan (91)
7. Temple (93)
8. Akron (96)
9. Bowling Green (101)
10. Miami, Ohio (105)
11. Western Michigan (106)
12. Kent State (111)
13. Ball State (112)

Big East

1. Syracuse (11)
2. Cincinnati (17)
3. Pitt (27)
4. West Virginia (35)
5. Connecticut (45)
6. Louisville (55)
7. Rutgers (58)
8. South Florida (60)

---Rodney McKissic

Early peek at the NBA Draft

ESPN.com Chad Ford drops some knowledge on the first round of the upcoming NBA Draft. Underclassmen have until next Monday to withdraw from the draft. A couple of observations:

--- Kansas State Michael Beasley stands 6-7 without his shoes and a little more than 6-8 with his shoes on, making him an undersized power forward. Some scouts insist Beasley will have to play small forward but Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer are both under 6-10 and play at a high level. So will Beasley.

---It's going to be hard for Joe Alexander to return to West Virginia if he's a lottery pick, and he's been very impressive in his workouts. By the way, Alexander was recruited to WVU by John Beilein, another indication that the former Canisius College coach is a better salesman than he's given credit for.

---Ford has Syracuse University's Donte Greene going to the Toronto Raptors at No. 17, but they need a banger inside, not a jump-shooting big man. Georgetown's Roy Hibbert is a much better option. That's not a knock on Greene who I believe will develop into a solid NBA starter, but Hibbert fills a need.

---Joe Dumars will land a good player at No. 29 for the Detroit Pistons. Someone like Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts or KState's Bill Walker could be available.

---Rodney McKissic 

Syracuse suspends Williams

It appears Mike Williams' future with the Syracuse football program is in jeopardy. The former Riverside star was suspended by the university because of an academic issue and is no longer enrolled at the school. Sources said Williams was suspended for cheating on an exam on at least two occassions.

If Williams doesn't return, it will be a serious blow for the Orange. It is already missing WR Taj Smith, who decided to forego his senior season, and Williams was considered the team's best offensive player.

---Rodney McKissic

Bulls No. 88

The Quad, the New York Times college sports blog, is counting down all the programs in Division I-A and the University at Buffalo ranks No. 88. That still places the Bulls in the bottom half of the country but they are ahead of teams like Northern Illinois, Temple, Akron, Syracuse University, UTEP, Kent State, Eastern Michigan and Toledo on the Quad's list. Did you ever think UB would be ahead of Syracuse and Northern Illinois on anyone's list?

Being ranked 88th sure beats 120th.

---Rodney McKissic

No going back for Greene

Donte Greene's career at Syracuse University is over after announcing he's remaining in the draft. Greene signed with agent Bill Strickland. DraftExpress.com has Greene going to the Raptors at No. 17, while NBADraft.net has Greene joining Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets at No. 20.

But with his size (6-11) and his shooting ability, Greene will probably go higher, perhaps even slip into the top 10 with good workouts.

---Rodney McKissic

Solomon returns to Notre Dame

Former St. Bonaventure coach Anthony Solomon is going back to Notre Dame as an assistant. Solomon, who spent the last year as an assistant at Dayton, was an assistant under Mike Brey at Notre Dame before taking the Bona job five years ago.

---Rodney McKissic

Melo on the move?

According to this report in the Bergen Record former Syracuse University star Carmelo Anthony might shipped to the New Jersey Nets in a package that includes Marcus Camby.

---Rodney McKissic

Who's in, who's out of NBA Draft?

Sixty-nine college basketball players have applied for the NBA Draft according to a list that was released on Thursday. The list also includes 22 international players bringing the overall total to 90 underclassmen available. Before we start saying how most of the kids are crazy for applying for the draft many players (Joe Alexander? Wayne Ellington? Danny Green?) will likely return to college. They have until 5 p.m., on June 16 to make a decision.

What's interesting is that according to many NBA scouts only two seniors - Georgetown's Roy Hibbert and Indiana's D.J. White - are slated for the first round. ESPN.com's Chad Ford has his take on where the underclassmen will be drafted. Here's my lottery picks based on the team's record at the end of the season:

1. Miami - Derrick Rose, Memphis: A backcourt of Rose and D Wade would be fasinating.
2. Seatte - Michael Beasley, Kansas State: Sonics add another scorer to compliment Kevin Durrant.
3. Minnesota - DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M - Would be No. 1 overall in most years.
4. Memphis - Brock Lopez, Stanford - Strong back to the basket game.
5. New York - O.J. Mayo, USC - Moves from Hollywood to Broadway.
6. LA Clippers - Anthony Randolph, LSU - SF with game like Tayshaun Prince.
7. Milwaukee - Jerryd Bayless, Arizona - Could go higher depending on workouts.
8. Charlotte - Darrell Arthur, Kansas - Bobcats need a low-post scorer.
9. Chicago - Danilo Gallinari, Italy - The next Detlef Schrempf.
10. New Jersey - Nicolas Batum, France - Think Rudy Gay with a better jumper.
11. Indiana - Kevin Love, UCLA - Great feel for the game.
12. Sacramento - Eric Gordon, Indiana - Hoosier stays home.
13. Portland - Rusell Westbrook, UCLA - Great defender.
14. Golden State - JaVale McGee, Nevada - Uncanny shot-blocker who is still raw offensively.

---Rodney McKissic

Ohio State springs to No. 1

Now that everyone has wrapped up spring football practice, it's time to look ahead and pick the top 25 teams in the county heading into the preseason. Ohio State looks like a strong No. 1 once again, but if the Buckeyes slip Georgia, USC, Missouri and Oklahoma are all capable of overtaking the top spot:

1. Ohio State - DE Thaddeus Gibson is a rising star.
2. Georgia – Deep and talented enough to win it all.
3. USC – QB Mark Sanchez has all the tools to be great.
4. Missouri – Hosts UB on Sept. 20.
5. Oklahoma – Defense is young.
6. Florida – Secondary needs to improve.
7. Auburn – New OC Tony Franklin brings spread offense.
8. LSU – Tigers will miss QB Ryan Perrilloux.
9. Texas Tech – Defense returns eight starters.
10. Wisconsin – QB job still in question.
11. Tennessee – Vols have eight new assistants.
12. Clemson – Could start freshmen on offense line.
13. Texas – Talented, but young in secondary.
14. West Virginia – Defense lost seven starters.
15. Kansas – Offensive line has to be retooled.
16. Illinois – Need to replace RB Rashard Mendenhall.
17. Arizona State – D-line best in the Pac-10.
18. BYU – Transfers boost defense.
19. Oregon State – WR Sammie Stroughter is a star.
20. Penn State – Either Daryll Clark or Pat Devlin will play QB.
21. Oregon – Justin Roper replaces Dennis Dixon at QB.
22. Cincinnati – Needs to find a capable RB.
23. Alabama – Only six starters return on defense.
24. Virginia Tech – Top four WR are gone.
25. Pittsburgh – Hosts UB on Sept. 6.

---Rodney McKissic

FOX Sports lists top assistants

Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com conducted a poll seeking the top assistant basketball coaches in the country. He received more than 450 responses asking for the top three assistant coaches in the nation. He broke the list down into two groups: The top 20 high major assistants and the top 10 mid-major assistants. While no one from the Big 4 made the list Syracuse's Mike Hopkins, who was instrumental in the recruiting of former Niagara Falls High All-Americans Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn, was No. 5. Some observations about the list:

---There was no one from either North Carolina or Duke listed, although both schools seem to sign the best players annually.

---Guys like Wake Forest's Jeff Battle and UCLA's Donnie Daniels and Scott Duncan should been considered for head coaching jobs a long time ago. When coaching jobs pop open each spring, these guys are rarely mentioned, if ever. Daniels, however, was a head coach at Cal State Fullerton in the 80s where he coached Cedric Ceballos and Bruce Bowen.

---Rodney McKissic

Greene going pro

It's official: Donte Greene is leaving Syracuse University and turning pro.

"After discussing my future plans with my family and Coach (Jim) Boeheim today, I've decided to declare for the NBA draft. The Syracuse coaching staff is going to gather information on my behalf and help begin that process."

Greene has not signed with an agent, but is expected to do so. Greene, a 6-foot-11 forward, led Syracuse in scoring this past season, averaging 17.7 points per game. He also grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game for the Orange.

Is he making the right decision?

---Rodney McKissic