Two topics that probably can't go without some kind of comment.

1. Nutt steps down

Dickey, of the famous Coaching Nutts.

That Sun Belt's a killer, man.

2. Fairfield beats Marist in 2OT

The MAAC is mad already! What sounded like a typical, wild MAAC contest in most write-ups turns out to have been one wild and wooly affair. (The reference to Margaret McCaffery is explained quite well here .

So much so, in fact, that the MAAC released this statement Tuesday afternoon:

Continue reading "Nutt Gone; MAAC Madness" »

Posted by David Scott at 12:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When I first started looking at schedules for the 2007-08 college basketball season, one of the games that intrigued me for one reason or another was Villanova's Thursday night meeting with LSU at the Wachovia Center.

The game was part of the Big East/SEC Invitational that began this year to rival the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and the inaugural Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series that just finished up last week with No. 4 Texas' win over UCLA in Westwood, a game that yours truly was fortunate to take in from press row.

But if the Big East/SEC Invitational was looking for a game to hang its hat on, it was Thursday night's contest between the Tigers and Wildcats.

After all, LSU led by as many as 21 points with eight minutes remaining before blowing the lead and allowing the 25th-ranked Wildcats to steal a 68-67 victory at the Wachovia Center.

And to top it all off, Villanova didn't lead until its final possession, one that saw Dante Cunningham hit the boards and put back a Malcolm Grant shot from the right side of the floor with 5.4 ticks left on the clock.

Continue reading "Nova's Crazy Comeback" »

Posted by Josh Herwitt at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're still more than a month away from the official start of the 2007-08 season, but yesterday was a busy day off the court as several players from different schools found their way onto the AP wire for various degrees of criminal activity.

So without trying to be another lowly police log, here's a few quick notes from around the country...

Continue reading "Off The Court Troubles" »

Posted by Josh Herwitt at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the catfish, etouffee, gumbo, and pecan pie are whisked away from the grateful coaches and media, the Sun Belt Media Days come to a successful end. Through the hurried interviews (we had two hours to try and talk to 26 different coaches), we were able to find some great stories, good information, and enjoyed our time here in Lafayette.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Wrapping Up From Lafayette" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 09:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wimp Sanderson and Sonny Smith coached schools that were the most bitter of rivals. Sanderson, who coached Alabama, and Smith, the former Auburn coach, remained friends despite the intense rivalry and even hosted their own radio show in Birminghamm for six years. Both decided to pay the Sun Belt coaches a visit, as they were the keynote speakers at today's Sun Belt banquet.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Advice From Sonny and Wimp" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 08:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The question was asked to Sun Belt coaches if they talk to their team about being the next George Mason, who surprised the entire nation with their Final Four run last March. Do any of them dream about being the next George Mason?

Continue reading "Sun Belt: The Next Cinderella?" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As dean of the men's coaches in the Sun Belt, Dickey Nutt strode across the Mardi Gras Ballroom with ease, striking up conversations wherever he went, and drawing laughs with everyone as well. The energetic Nutt is ready to begin another season in Jonesboro, and feels he's got a great season ahead of him.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Nuttin' But Fun at Ark. State" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Talking with the coaches today, the role of the JUCO player has grown to be important for Sun Belt programs, who need to fill voids immediately to stay competitive for NCAA Tournament berths.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: JUCO a key to the men's game" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 07:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's not a rarity for Western Kentucky to be at the top of the preseason polls. After all, WKU is a dominant program with a great tradition. And this year, the Hilltoppers look to continue their success, thanks in part to All-Conference Preseason Player of the Year, Courtney Lee.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Hilltoppers enjoying view at the peak" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rashad Jones-Jennings is the nation's leading returning rebounder, and with such a powerful weapon on his side, Steve Shields has high hopes for his UALR Trojans.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Jennings, Sheild Building Success at UALR" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 02:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the media and coaches have gathered for breakfast, the Sun Belt Poll and All-Conference Teams were announced. Here's how the coaches see this year's season....

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Preseason Honors Announced" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CSTV.com has arrived in Lafayette, home of the Ragin' Cajuns and the 2006-07 Sun Belt Media Days. Tonight, we sat with former Auburn coach Sonny Smith and Alabama/UALR coach Wimp Sanderson as dinner was held for the media and coaches inside the Cajundome.

Continue reading "Sun Belt: Greetings From Lafayette" »

Posted by Jean Neuberger at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)