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How determined? He’s so determined to prove that he can coach in the NBA that he has reportedly thrown his hat in the ring for the Sacramento King’s job. “Rick Pitino has emerged as a candidate for the Sacramento Kings’ coaching job, multiple sources told Yahoo! Sports. Pitino has communicated his interest in a possible NBA return to Kings ownership, sources say, and one league official describes the Maloof family as “intrigued.” It is believed that Pitino intermediaries initiated the contact. No Kings offer is imminent and so far conversations have been exploratory in nature. Sources caution that there are significant hurdles that need to be cleared before Pitino could become Sacramento’s coach, but say for a variety of reasons Pitino is feeling the pull of the pros again.”

A golden rule, in my opinion, is that Hollywood should not remake a movie until at least 20 years have passed since the original release. The production is then re-introduced to a new generation, while also using modern advancements in studio technology to arouse interests of the original fan base. In 1994, ‘Blue Chips’ was released in theaters. The movie starred Nick Nolte and Shaquille O’Neal, with a storyline focused on the use of improper benefits by college basketball programs to lure the nation’s top recruits. As an additional piece to the side show, the screen writers also included a point-shaving scandal. Today, 15 years later, we have Blue Chips redux, and it comes in the form of a documentary. Instead of actors, we have one of the nation’s top recruits, Renardo Sidney, portraying himself…

For the Tar Heels of North Carolina, the goal was simple, just finish where you started. One year removed from a disappointing performance in the Final Four, Hansbrough, Lawson, and company returned to make right on everything that went wrong in 2008. Starting anew, and as the preseason No. 1, the Heels made good on their goals and expectations, finishing in the same position

Michigan State continued their title run by upending top seeded UConn in the first of Saturday’s semifinal games. Hours later, North Carolina made easy work of Villanova and coasted to victory. This set the stage for a championship bout featuring the powers of the ACC and Big 10. It also guaranteed that for the 5th straight year, the Big East, arguably the nation’s premiere basketball conference, is left on the outside looking in.

Recession is typically defined as a significant decline in activity, lasting longer than a few months, and always used in relation to the economy. With recess being the root of the word, and meaning “to pause”, can we rightfully say the State of Michigan is going through both an economic and athletic recession? Just as Detroit’s auto industry spent many years prospering before it stalled, isn’t it the same for Michigan’s most popular sports?

When I see the above photograph, it’s hard to believe 19 years have passed since it was first captured. The old saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words, but the story told is dependent of the receiving eyes. The young may see it as just another cover, marking just another moment in the NCAA tournament. The longtime followers of the college game will see and remember one of the most tragic events in sports, and the heart warming conclusion.

One week removed from the NCAA tournament selection show, three things are apparent. First, there is no true Cinderella dancing at this year’s ball, with the clock quickly striking midnight for Siena, Western Kentucky, Dayton, and Cleveland State. Also, both the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds have remained true to selection, all advancing, despite struggles and bumps here and there.

Tim Floyd’s USC program entered the week with one goal, which was to win the Pac 10 basketball tournament. The difference between achieving and failing to do so, would be the significant difference between playing in the NIT and NCAA tournament. The Trojans reached their goal, defeating 24th ranked Arizona State 66-63 to win the Pac 10 title for the first time in the school’s history. And appearing as the conference’s sixth seed, they also became the lowest to ever be crowned.

Make no mistake, Davidson’s Stephen Curry is more than worthy of a mention in discussions about the best players in college hoops. Even I was prepared to name him the best pound-for-pound player in the sport. But that was early in the season, when he was still riding a wave of popularity from the 2008 NCAA Tournament. And though this year shows statistical increases, team needs accompanied by his own desire, forced the program to alter the role of their natural two-guard, disguising him at the point, which only led to inconsistency.

The word “champion” is being kicked around and abused by college basketball. As I see it, a champion stands tall, becoming the envy of all others. Their names are recorded in history, ensuring timeless memories. They are the jewel of a crown, receiving the greatest reward for their achievement.   But a [...]