Didn’t want to post today, as a parent that has a child away at college who drives on two lane roads over hills and around curves for 3 hours to get home, I swallow uneasily and check the life 360 every time…as a parent I can’t imagine the shock here and in New Milford, NJ a place where growing up I had family and saw a HS game as a child…for all the technology that connects us, close is never close enough.
May UGA Sports.com: Georgia rallies late for road win at Ole Miss
UGASports - Georgia rallies late for road win at Ole Miss
Gadogs.com: Bulldogs Earn First Road Win of Season Against Ole Miss
https://georgiadogs.com/news/2023/1...arn-first-road-win-of-season-against-ole-miss
Boxscore
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/georgiadogs.com/documents/2023/1/14/uga_om_game_book.PDF
MISS: Men’s Basketball Edged Out By Georgia 62-58
https://olemisssports.com/news/2023...ns-basketball-edged-out-by-georgia-62-58.aspx
Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss basketball blows second-half lead, falls below .500 with sixth straight loss
“Roughly an hour before tipoff, news broke that Ole Miss would be without point guard Daeshun Ruffin (illness) and forward Malique Ewin (personal).
On top of that, Davis adjusted his starting lineup, giving Amaree Abram the nod at the point and adding an extra guard in Tye Fagan.
Abram, who had struggled since the onset of conference play, took advantage of the opportunity and was one of Ole Miss' best players on the afternoon.
Ole Miss missed Ewin's contributions on the interior, as Davis shuffled around his forwards looking for a spark. Ewin, a true freshman, had been giving the Rebels some solid minutes inside lately.”
https://www.clarionledger.com/story...continues-after-georgia-collapse/69787308007/
Tweets
Big Movement Alert: Georgia moved up 10 spots in the NET rankings to #93. See their full NCAA Tournament Resume:
https://bracketologists.com/team/georgia-bulldogs?20230114
Recruiting
UGA Women’s Basketball
Gadogs.com: WBB Notes: SEC’s Winningest Programs Meet in Knoxville
https://georgiadogs.com/news/2023/1...es-secs-winningest-programs-meet-in-knoxville
Game Notes
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/georgiadogs.com/documents/2023/1/13/23WBB_GameNotes_UT.pdf
Tennessee
UT: HOOPS CENTRAL: Lady Vols vs. Georgia
https://utsports.com/news/2023/1/12/womens-basketball-hoops-central-lady-vols-vs-georgia.aspx
SEC Basketball
Alabama
Alabama.com: Alabama routs LSU in first half, cruises in second half to stay undefeated in SEC
https://www.al.com/alabamabasketbal...in-second-half-to-stay-undefeated-in-sec.html
Arkansas
Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas basketball can't withstand Vanderbilt's second-half burst, Razorbacks fall on road
“There were five technical fouls assessed in the first half. Three of them came on a particularly wild sequence in the final minute, which resulted in seven free throws for Arkansas. The Razorbacks went to the locker room with an 8-point lead, and it looked like the free throws might turn the game's tide.
But Vanderbilt came out of halftime with a vengeance. The Commodores (9-8, 2-2 SEC) shot 69% from the field and 67% from beyond the arc in the second half on their way to 63 points.
"We've lost three state straight games by double digits," coach Eric Musselman said. "I don't recall a team that we've coached doing that. ... Disappointed with the competitiveness, disappointed with, when a team makes a run, combating that run. But again, we have a group of guys that's learning, and we're trying to learn as well.”
https://www.swtimes.com/story/sport...res-anthony-black-eric-musselman/69782484007/
Auburn
Montgomery Advertiser: Jaylin Williams gets hot early, Auburn basketball holds off Mississippi State late in win
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.co...jaylin-williams-mississpii-state/69786385007/
Montgomery Advertiser: What makes Auburn basketball's Neville Arena so dang tough? Just ask the Tigers
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.co...-basketball-neville-arena-jungle/69786390007/
Kentucky
Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball bounces back from consecutive SEC losses with win at No. 5 Tennessee
Here’s what happened today: we defended and fought like my teams normally do," said UK head coach John Calipari. "We haven’t been that to this point. They made a commitment to each other that they would fight this game, and it was between them. I wasn’t in a couple of the meetings that they had.
“Today every guy was locked in and focused on us."
“And Tennessee entered its home arena healthy — Josiah-Jordan James returned two weeks ago after a four-game absence with knee soreness — against a depleted Kentucky team without starter Sahvir Wheeler (shoulder) and reserve Daimion Collins (foot), while point guard Cason Wallace was limited to just 22 minutes and no points (he did have six assists) while nursing a back injury…
More important than that development, though, was the game Tshiebwe played. He was not perfect and again got caught a few too many times in between defenders on pick-and-rolls or was overpowered by 7-foot-1 Uros Plavsic (19 points, three rebounds). But Tshiebwe finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds — he had a double-double five minutes into the second half — and took over in key stretches…
Kentucky did not play a perfect game. Calipari and his staff need to continue working on Tshiebwe’s defense and figure out a way to defend more bigs. And the Wildcats turned the ball over 19 times, 11 of them in the second half to nearly cough up the game.”
https://www.courier-journal.com/sto...etball-game-cats-upset-no-5-vols/69774519007/
LSU
Daily Advertiser: LSU basketball annihilated by No. 4 Alabama for a fourth straight SEC loss
“Alabama kept LSU guessing with its consistent spacing and lightning pace on offense.
It's no secret that Alabama takes a lot of 3-point shots. LSU knew all of that was coming. And yet, the Tigers couldn't stop any of it.
Their guards were overwhelmed by Alabama's quickness in transition, surrendering nine fast-break points by halftime. Their perimeter defense was in shambles, as the Crimson Tide converted on 14-of-33 3-point attempts by the end of the half, many of them wide open.”
https://www.theadvertiser.com/story...-loss-brandon-miller-kj-williams/69785305007/
Missouri
St. Louis Post Dispatch: Mizzou basketball loses at Florida for Tigers' third straight SEC road defeat
With 6-foot-10 Florida center Colin Castleton impacting both ends of the floor at UF’s O’Connell Center, the Tigers still managed to outscore the Gators in the paint 42-26 but only attempted 15 free throws — much to Gates’ dismay.
“Now, the issue is this,” Gates said, “we have Kobe Brown, all-league player. I thought he should have went to the foul line a lot more (than six attempts). He should have been in double-digit foul shots, and he wasn’t tonight.”
With Castleton, the SEC’s top shot-blocker, anchoring the Florida defense, the Tigers flubbed 10 shots at the rim on missed dunks or layups. Asked if Castleton’s presence affected those point-blank shots the Tigers normally make, Gates said, “I have no comment on that.”
“I thought our guys did execute. They did everything that I asked them to do,” Gates said. “We came away with 15 free throw attempts, and (Florida) made 15 free throws altogether and didn’t shoot 100%. So that game is won or lost on the stripe. Ultimately, we’re a physical team. They’re a physical team. There’s no way to score 42 points in the paint and come away with 15 foul shots. That’s impossible. That just does not make sense.”
Gates reinforced his point for more fouls, saying Florida played just one possession of zone defense on Mizzou’s 70 possessions
“If we go back and look, 42 points in the paint is a lot,” Gates added. “We should have had 60, by way of multiple free throws as well.”
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/col...cle_f601fc7e-0298-5210-b072-d7defa9a6a6d.html
South Carolina
Charlotte Observer: Gamecocks lay big egg at home vs. Texas A&M, just days after upset win over Kentucky
https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/article271192252.html
Tennessee
Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes, Vols fans disappointed after Kentucky loss
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/spor...vols-fans-react-to-kentucky-loss/69809248007/
College Basketball
Rothstein: The Breakfast Buffet: Clemson could be this year’s Providence, Kentucky may have found a lineup, Xavier/Marquette
“With all due respect to Sahvir Wheeler — who missed Saturday’s win against Tennessee due to a shoulder injury — the Wildcats had significantly better rhythm, chemistry, and flow on offense when freshman Cason Wallace was at the point of attack on offense and Antonio Reeves, CJ Fredrick, and Chris Livingston were cemented on the wings. Wallace didn’t score, but had six assists in the victory and completely changed the complexion of this team offensively. Remember: John Calipari has tweaked his point guard in the middle of the season before. During his final year at Memphis in 2008-09, Calipari moved Tyreke Evans from the wing to point guard which resulted in the Tigers ultimately earning a two seed in the NCAA Tournament.”
“Regardless of how good Tennessee is defensively, Saturday’s 56-point performance against Kentucky reiterates why the Vols will be America’s early upset pick on Selection Sunday unless they become more potent on offense.”
https://collegehoopstoday.com/index...cky-may-have-found-a-lineup-xavier-marquette/
Colorado State
Colorodoan: Isaiah Stevens hits highlight-reel shot to force OT, then game winner for Colorado State
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sp...ars-as-colorado-state-beats-unlv/69805663007/
Creighton
Omaha World Herald: Baylor Scheierman's big first half propels Creighton over No. 19 Providence
https://omaha.com/sports/college/cr...cle_2fd31cce-9448-11ed-ba74-2339a91855ec.html
Duke
Raleigh News Observer: Clemson rallies past No. 24 Duke to cement its place atop ACC standings
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article270946427.html
Florida State
Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State men's basketball struggles with perimeter defense again in loss to No. 13 Virginia
https://www.tallahassee.com/story/s...irginia-cavaliers-in-acc-matchup/69789235007/
Georgia State
GSU: Hudson Scores Career-High 26 in 100-66 Win
https://georgiastatesports.com/news...dson-scores-career-high-26-in-100-66-win.aspx
Indiana
Herald Times: Challenged by Mike Woodson, Jordan Geronimo responds with his best game of the season
https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/s...r-wisconsin-mike-woodson-indiana/69809126007/
Kansas
Topeka Capital Journal: KU basketball is alone atop the Big 12 standings, continuing to collect nail-biting wins
https://www.cjonline.com/story/spor...-schedule-big-12-iowa-state-game/69802685007/
North Carolina
Raleigh News Observer: UNC basketball and Armando Bacot rout Louisville for first road win of season
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/article270963357.html
North Carolina State
Raleigh News Observer: NC State basketball edges Miami in overtime, 83-81, behind career game from Ernest Ross
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article270962267.html
Notre Dame
South Bend Tribune: A lot for the Irish to like in this one, well, except for the final score
https://www.southbendtribune.com/st...ainst-syracuse-except-at-the-end/69769152007/
Oregon
Oregon Live: N’Faly Dante, Jermaine Couisnard lead Oregon men’s basketball to redemption in upset of No. 9 Arizona
https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/20...-in-upset-of-no-9-arizona.html?outputType=amp
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Good, bad and ugly: A closer look at Pitt's road victory over Georgia Tech
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports...-yellow-jackets-analysis/stories/202301150138
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt’s John Hugley To Miss Remainder of 2022-23 Basketball Season
https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/202...-miss-remainder-of-2022-23-basketball-season/
St. Louis
St. Louis Post Dispatch: How SLU basketball adjusted without Yuri Collins to win at George Washington
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/col...cle_2c28bf69-c507-5f85-89c3-ceb6a099506b.html
Seton Hall
NJ.com: Seton Hall beats DePaul for 3rd straight win to get back to .500 in the Big East: 5 observations
https://www.nj.com/setonhall/2023/0...e-big-east-5-observations.html?outputType=amp
Syracuse
Syracuse.com: Orange lads top Irish elders: Syracuse basketball defeats Notre Dame
https://www.syracuse.com/orangebask...otre-dame-brent-axe-recap.html?outputType=amp
Tulane
Tulane: Tulane Knocks Off UCF 77-69 to Earn 5th Straight AAC Win
https://tulanegreenwave.com/news/20...f-ucf-77-69-to-earn-5th-straight-aac-win.aspx
UAB
Alabama.com: UAB basketball ends 3-game skid with 81-74 win at LA Tech
https://www.al.com/uab/2023/01/uab-basketball-ends-3-game-skid-with-81-74-win-at-la-tech.html
West Virginia
West Virginia Sports Now: Free Throws Cost West Virginia Against Oklahoma, Drops Fifth-Straight Game 77-76
https://wvsportsnow.com/free-throws...nst-oklahoma-drops-fifth-straight-game-77-76/
NBA
Arizona Central: Pace, rule changes are driving NBA stars' 50-point performances this season
“But there has been an uptick of about 20-times that through the past four seasons. Last season, there were 21 games in which a player scored at least 50 points, eight in March alone. In the abbreviated 2020-21 season, there were 14 performances of 50 or more. This season, there were 15 heading into Friday night's games.
Coaches and the NBA media have cited the league's rule changes, space and pace with the popularly of positionless small-ball offenses.
“Our league is in a hell of a place," Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff told The Republic before they faced the Phoenix Suns Jan. 8. "There’s talent just up and down that I think as far as across the board, I don’t know if we’ve seen it as good of a place it is right now and spread out."
"If you look at the teams, the teams are really good, too. There’s not a lot of just bad teams out there. I also think the rules are set up for guys to be able to play a little bit more freely. The spacing on the floor with everybody playing a lot of small ball gives guys opportunities.
"So I think there’s been some systematic changes, stylistic changes that have helped, but I do believe the guys are really, really good at this point.”
The game has evolved into a much faster pace and higher team scoring, which can be attributed to the rule changes over the past few years.
The Freedom Of Movement rule was implemented before the 2019-20 season. Long gone is the physicality of the NBA's former era, where hand-checking and hard fouls in the 1970s through '90s were common. Officials didn't do play reviews for flagrant fouls every few plays like they do now.
Games ending with teams scoring under 90 are now considered low compared to when they were the norm 20 years ago.
Freedom of Movement increased team scoring instantly. Teams produced almost five more points per game (111.2) from the 2017-18 to the following year. All of the teams averaged at least 103.5 a game with 18 averaging at least 111.7, and this season teams are averaging 113.8 points, the highest since 1970.
Plus, teams this season are averaging about 100 possessions per 48 minutes. Since teams are getting more possessions that means there will be more points scored. That will lead to more touches and points scored by their star players.
Like Williams, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was initially befuddled saying "I don't know" when The Republic asked him about the uptick in 50-point games this season.
"I think just the way the game is trending right now," Spoelstra said before the Heat beat the Suns on Jan. 6.
"The rules. The spacing. The 3-point shooting. The skill level of players, they can go on runs now. It used to be if you had a 15-, 18-point quarter it was pretty significant. Now, guys can go for 25-, 30-point quarters. And that’s why everybody’s just trying to figure out something defensively to slow down offenses around the league right now. It’s great for fans."
The rise of 3-point-shots made has driven players to reach 50 much quicker, too.
Twenty-five years ago, teams averaged four to six makes from the perimeter per game. That number increased to 7.2 a decade ago, and this season it's at 12.2 made 3s per game.
Among the 15 total 50-point performances through Thursday, those players average four 3s made, and eight of them made at least six from beyond the arc.
The elimination of the transition foul, or commonly known as take fouls, before the start of this season increased the pace. No more intentionally grabbing players to stop fast breaks, or else the violator will be assessed a technical foul.
But Warriors' coach Steve Kerr believes the transition defense among teams is less valued, enabling players to score more.
"Transition defense is at an all-time low in this league,” Kerr said on Jan. 5. “Every single night on League Pass, you see five guys standing there, somebody shoots, somebody runs long, and everybody goes: ‘Oh, the guy’s laying it up down there.’
“We do it, every team does it. I think the game has gotten really loose and the players are so talented, it’s made for a lot of big scoring nights.”
https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...0-point-performances-this-season/69803249007/
Atlanta
History
Hoops Birthdays 1-15
HOF Bob Davies PG Seton Hall ROC 1948-1955 born 1-15-1920 died 4-22-1990
HOF: “Honored as the Sixth Greatest Player in the First Half Century by Sport magazine in 1970, Bob Davies stunned and amazed opponents with his deceptive slight-of-hand ball handling. Nicknamed the “Harrisburg Houdini,” Davies made the extraordinary look simple. He often used behind-the-back, through-the-legs, and over-the-head ball maneuvers not to show off but to produce results. With his exciting repertoire of moves, Davies led Seton Hall to 43 consecutive victories from 1939 to 1941. After a stint in the military, Davies brought his magic touch to the professional level, playing two seasons in the American Basketball League before embarking on a ten-year career with the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League, the Basketball Association of America, and then the NBA, where he captured two titles in 1946 and 1951. Davies is considered one of the finest guards in basketball history, an innovative playmaker and floor general.”
Ernie DiGregorio PG Providence BUF, LAL, BOS 1973-1978 1-15-1951 72 YOA
SI: IN THE BRAVES' NEW WORLD, A COOKIE DOESN'T CRUMBLE
THE NBA'S TWO TEAMS THAT NEED EXCITEMENT MOST, THE BRAVES AND 76ERS, SHOW OFF THEIR PRIZED NEW GUARDS. THE RESULT: ERNIE D EARNS AN 'A' (7-09-1973)
https://vault.si.com/.amp/vault/1973/07/09/in-the-braves-new-world-a-cookie-doesnt-crumble
Joe Graboski PF Chicago HS CHI, IND, PHI, STL, CHI, SYR 1948-1962 born 1-15-1930 died 7-2-1998
“Joe ''Bones'' Graboski played for the Stags in 1949 & 1950. As a 6-8, 18-year-old high school dropout, Graboski was discovered shooting baskets in a neighborhood park by Stags president John A. Sbarbaro. In two seasons in the NBA, he scored 328 points for Chicago before going on to a lengthy career with Indianapolis and Philadelphia.”
Don Kojis SF Marquette BAL, DET, CHI, SD, SEA, KCO 1963-1975 born 1-15-1939 died 11-18-2021
Donald Sloan PG Texas A&M ATL, NO, CLE, IND, BRK 2011-2016 1-15-1988 35 YOA
Ricky Sobers SG UNLV PHO, IND, CHI, WAS, SEA 1975-1986 1-15-1953 70 YOA
Felton Spencer C Louisville MIN, UT, ORL, GS, SA, NYK 1990-2002 1-15-1968 55 YOA
May UGA Sports.com: Georgia rallies late for road win at Ole Miss
UGASports - Georgia rallies late for road win at Ole Miss
Gadogs.com: Bulldogs Earn First Road Win of Season Against Ole Miss
https://georgiadogs.com/news/2023/1...arn-first-road-win-of-season-against-ole-miss
Boxscore
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/georgiadogs.com/documents/2023/1/14/uga_om_game_book.PDF
MISS: Men’s Basketball Edged Out By Georgia 62-58
https://olemisssports.com/news/2023...ns-basketball-edged-out-by-georgia-62-58.aspx
Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss basketball blows second-half lead, falls below .500 with sixth straight loss
“Roughly an hour before tipoff, news broke that Ole Miss would be without point guard Daeshun Ruffin (illness) and forward Malique Ewin (personal).
On top of that, Davis adjusted his starting lineup, giving Amaree Abram the nod at the point and adding an extra guard in Tye Fagan.
Abram, who had struggled since the onset of conference play, took advantage of the opportunity and was one of Ole Miss' best players on the afternoon.
Ole Miss missed Ewin's contributions on the interior, as Davis shuffled around his forwards looking for a spark. Ewin, a true freshman, had been giving the Rebels some solid minutes inside lately.”
https://www.clarionledger.com/story...continues-after-georgia-collapse/69787308007/
Tweets
Big Movement Alert: Georgia moved up 10 spots in the NET rankings to #93. See their full NCAA Tournament Resume:
https://bracketologists.com/team/georgia-bulldogs?20230114
Recruiting
UGA Women’s Basketball
Gadogs.com: WBB Notes: SEC’s Winningest Programs Meet in Knoxville
https://georgiadogs.com/news/2023/1...es-secs-winningest-programs-meet-in-knoxville
Game Notes
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/georgiadogs.com/documents/2023/1/13/23WBB_GameNotes_UT.pdf
Tennessee
UT: HOOPS CENTRAL: Lady Vols vs. Georgia
https://utsports.com/news/2023/1/12/womens-basketball-hoops-central-lady-vols-vs-georgia.aspx
SEC Basketball
Alabama
Alabama.com: Alabama routs LSU in first half, cruises in second half to stay undefeated in SEC
https://www.al.com/alabamabasketbal...in-second-half-to-stay-undefeated-in-sec.html
Arkansas
Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas basketball can't withstand Vanderbilt's second-half burst, Razorbacks fall on road
“There were five technical fouls assessed in the first half. Three of them came on a particularly wild sequence in the final minute, which resulted in seven free throws for Arkansas. The Razorbacks went to the locker room with an 8-point lead, and it looked like the free throws might turn the game's tide.
But Vanderbilt came out of halftime with a vengeance. The Commodores (9-8, 2-2 SEC) shot 69% from the field and 67% from beyond the arc in the second half on their way to 63 points.
"We've lost three state straight games by double digits," coach Eric Musselman said. "I don't recall a team that we've coached doing that. ... Disappointed with the competitiveness, disappointed with, when a team makes a run, combating that run. But again, we have a group of guys that's learning, and we're trying to learn as well.”
https://www.swtimes.com/story/sport...res-anthony-black-eric-musselman/69782484007/
Auburn
Montgomery Advertiser: Jaylin Williams gets hot early, Auburn basketball holds off Mississippi State late in win
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.co...jaylin-williams-mississpii-state/69786385007/
Montgomery Advertiser: What makes Auburn basketball's Neville Arena so dang tough? Just ask the Tigers
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.co...-basketball-neville-arena-jungle/69786390007/
Kentucky
Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball bounces back from consecutive SEC losses with win at No. 5 Tennessee
Here’s what happened today: we defended and fought like my teams normally do," said UK head coach John Calipari. "We haven’t been that to this point. They made a commitment to each other that they would fight this game, and it was between them. I wasn’t in a couple of the meetings that they had.
“Today every guy was locked in and focused on us."
“And Tennessee entered its home arena healthy — Josiah-Jordan James returned two weeks ago after a four-game absence with knee soreness — against a depleted Kentucky team without starter Sahvir Wheeler (shoulder) and reserve Daimion Collins (foot), while point guard Cason Wallace was limited to just 22 minutes and no points (he did have six assists) while nursing a back injury…
More important than that development, though, was the game Tshiebwe played. He was not perfect and again got caught a few too many times in between defenders on pick-and-rolls or was overpowered by 7-foot-1 Uros Plavsic (19 points, three rebounds). But Tshiebwe finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds — he had a double-double five minutes into the second half — and took over in key stretches…
Kentucky did not play a perfect game. Calipari and his staff need to continue working on Tshiebwe’s defense and figure out a way to defend more bigs. And the Wildcats turned the ball over 19 times, 11 of them in the second half to nearly cough up the game.”
https://www.courier-journal.com/sto...etball-game-cats-upset-no-5-vols/69774519007/
LSU
Daily Advertiser: LSU basketball annihilated by No. 4 Alabama for a fourth straight SEC loss
“Alabama kept LSU guessing with its consistent spacing and lightning pace on offense.
It's no secret that Alabama takes a lot of 3-point shots. LSU knew all of that was coming. And yet, the Tigers couldn't stop any of it.
Their guards were overwhelmed by Alabama's quickness in transition, surrendering nine fast-break points by halftime. Their perimeter defense was in shambles, as the Crimson Tide converted on 14-of-33 3-point attempts by the end of the half, many of them wide open.”
https://www.theadvertiser.com/story...-loss-brandon-miller-kj-williams/69785305007/
Missouri
St. Louis Post Dispatch: Mizzou basketball loses at Florida for Tigers' third straight SEC road defeat
With 6-foot-10 Florida center Colin Castleton impacting both ends of the floor at UF’s O’Connell Center, the Tigers still managed to outscore the Gators in the paint 42-26 but only attempted 15 free throws — much to Gates’ dismay.
“Now, the issue is this,” Gates said, “we have Kobe Brown, all-league player. I thought he should have went to the foul line a lot more (than six attempts). He should have been in double-digit foul shots, and he wasn’t tonight.”
With Castleton, the SEC’s top shot-blocker, anchoring the Florida defense, the Tigers flubbed 10 shots at the rim on missed dunks or layups. Asked if Castleton’s presence affected those point-blank shots the Tigers normally make, Gates said, “I have no comment on that.”
“I thought our guys did execute. They did everything that I asked them to do,” Gates said. “We came away with 15 free throw attempts, and (Florida) made 15 free throws altogether and didn’t shoot 100%. So that game is won or lost on the stripe. Ultimately, we’re a physical team. They’re a physical team. There’s no way to score 42 points in the paint and come away with 15 foul shots. That’s impossible. That just does not make sense.”
Gates reinforced his point for more fouls, saying Florida played just one possession of zone defense on Mizzou’s 70 possessions
“If we go back and look, 42 points in the paint is a lot,” Gates added. “We should have had 60, by way of multiple free throws as well.”
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/col...cle_f601fc7e-0298-5210-b072-d7defa9a6a6d.html
South Carolina
Charlotte Observer: Gamecocks lay big egg at home vs. Texas A&M, just days after upset win over Kentucky
https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/article271192252.html
Tennessee
Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes, Vols fans disappointed after Kentucky loss
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/spor...vols-fans-react-to-kentucky-loss/69809248007/
College Basketball
Rothstein: The Breakfast Buffet: Clemson could be this year’s Providence, Kentucky may have found a lineup, Xavier/Marquette
“With all due respect to Sahvir Wheeler — who missed Saturday’s win against Tennessee due to a shoulder injury — the Wildcats had significantly better rhythm, chemistry, and flow on offense when freshman Cason Wallace was at the point of attack on offense and Antonio Reeves, CJ Fredrick, and Chris Livingston were cemented on the wings. Wallace didn’t score, but had six assists in the victory and completely changed the complexion of this team offensively. Remember: John Calipari has tweaked his point guard in the middle of the season before. During his final year at Memphis in 2008-09, Calipari moved Tyreke Evans from the wing to point guard which resulted in the Tigers ultimately earning a two seed in the NCAA Tournament.”
“Regardless of how good Tennessee is defensively, Saturday’s 56-point performance against Kentucky reiterates why the Vols will be America’s early upset pick on Selection Sunday unless they become more potent on offense.”
https://collegehoopstoday.com/index...cky-may-have-found-a-lineup-xavier-marquette/
Colorado State
Colorodoan: Isaiah Stevens hits highlight-reel shot to force OT, then game winner for Colorado State
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sp...ars-as-colorado-state-beats-unlv/69805663007/
Creighton
Omaha World Herald: Baylor Scheierman's big first half propels Creighton over No. 19 Providence
https://omaha.com/sports/college/cr...cle_2fd31cce-9448-11ed-ba74-2339a91855ec.html
Duke
Raleigh News Observer: Clemson rallies past No. 24 Duke to cement its place atop ACC standings
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article270946427.html
Florida State
Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State men's basketball struggles with perimeter defense again in loss to No. 13 Virginia
https://www.tallahassee.com/story/s...irginia-cavaliers-in-acc-matchup/69789235007/
Georgia State
GSU: Hudson Scores Career-High 26 in 100-66 Win
https://georgiastatesports.com/news...dson-scores-career-high-26-in-100-66-win.aspx
Indiana
Herald Times: Challenged by Mike Woodson, Jordan Geronimo responds with his best game of the season
https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/s...r-wisconsin-mike-woodson-indiana/69809126007/
Kansas
Topeka Capital Journal: KU basketball is alone atop the Big 12 standings, continuing to collect nail-biting wins
https://www.cjonline.com/story/spor...-schedule-big-12-iowa-state-game/69802685007/
North Carolina
Raleigh News Observer: UNC basketball and Armando Bacot rout Louisville for first road win of season
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/article270963357.html
North Carolina State
Raleigh News Observer: NC State basketball edges Miami in overtime, 83-81, behind career game from Ernest Ross
https://amp.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article270962267.html
Notre Dame
South Bend Tribune: A lot for the Irish to like in this one, well, except for the final score
https://www.southbendtribune.com/st...ainst-syracuse-except-at-the-end/69769152007/
Oregon
Oregon Live: N’Faly Dante, Jermaine Couisnard lead Oregon men’s basketball to redemption in upset of No. 9 Arizona
https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/20...-in-upset-of-no-9-arizona.html?outputType=amp
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Good, bad and ugly: A closer look at Pitt's road victory over Georgia Tech
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports...-yellow-jackets-analysis/stories/202301150138
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt’s John Hugley To Miss Remainder of 2022-23 Basketball Season
https://pittsburghsportsnow.com/202...-miss-remainder-of-2022-23-basketball-season/
St. Louis
St. Louis Post Dispatch: How SLU basketball adjusted without Yuri Collins to win at George Washington
https://www.stltoday.com/sports/col...cle_2c28bf69-c507-5f85-89c3-ceb6a099506b.html
Seton Hall
NJ.com: Seton Hall beats DePaul for 3rd straight win to get back to .500 in the Big East: 5 observations
https://www.nj.com/setonhall/2023/0...e-big-east-5-observations.html?outputType=amp
Syracuse
Syracuse.com: Orange lads top Irish elders: Syracuse basketball defeats Notre Dame
https://www.syracuse.com/orangebask...otre-dame-brent-axe-recap.html?outputType=amp
Tulane
Tulane: Tulane Knocks Off UCF 77-69 to Earn 5th Straight AAC Win
https://tulanegreenwave.com/news/20...f-ucf-77-69-to-earn-5th-straight-aac-win.aspx
UAB
Alabama.com: UAB basketball ends 3-game skid with 81-74 win at LA Tech
https://www.al.com/uab/2023/01/uab-basketball-ends-3-game-skid-with-81-74-win-at-la-tech.html
West Virginia
West Virginia Sports Now: Free Throws Cost West Virginia Against Oklahoma, Drops Fifth-Straight Game 77-76
https://wvsportsnow.com/free-throws...nst-oklahoma-drops-fifth-straight-game-77-76/
NBA
Arizona Central: Pace, rule changes are driving NBA stars' 50-point performances this season
“But there has been an uptick of about 20-times that through the past four seasons. Last season, there were 21 games in which a player scored at least 50 points, eight in March alone. In the abbreviated 2020-21 season, there were 14 performances of 50 or more. This season, there were 15 heading into Friday night's games.
Coaches and the NBA media have cited the league's rule changes, space and pace with the popularly of positionless small-ball offenses.
“Our league is in a hell of a place," Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff told The Republic before they faced the Phoenix Suns Jan. 8. "There’s talent just up and down that I think as far as across the board, I don’t know if we’ve seen it as good of a place it is right now and spread out."
"If you look at the teams, the teams are really good, too. There’s not a lot of just bad teams out there. I also think the rules are set up for guys to be able to play a little bit more freely. The spacing on the floor with everybody playing a lot of small ball gives guys opportunities.
"So I think there’s been some systematic changes, stylistic changes that have helped, but I do believe the guys are really, really good at this point.”
The game has evolved into a much faster pace and higher team scoring, which can be attributed to the rule changes over the past few years.
The Freedom Of Movement rule was implemented before the 2019-20 season. Long gone is the physicality of the NBA's former era, where hand-checking and hard fouls in the 1970s through '90s were common. Officials didn't do play reviews for flagrant fouls every few plays like they do now.
Games ending with teams scoring under 90 are now considered low compared to when they were the norm 20 years ago.
Freedom of Movement increased team scoring instantly. Teams produced almost five more points per game (111.2) from the 2017-18 to the following year. All of the teams averaged at least 103.5 a game with 18 averaging at least 111.7, and this season teams are averaging 113.8 points, the highest since 1970.
Plus, teams this season are averaging about 100 possessions per 48 minutes. Since teams are getting more possessions that means there will be more points scored. That will lead to more touches and points scored by their star players.
Like Williams, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was initially befuddled saying "I don't know" when The Republic asked him about the uptick in 50-point games this season.
"I think just the way the game is trending right now," Spoelstra said before the Heat beat the Suns on Jan. 6.
"The rules. The spacing. The 3-point shooting. The skill level of players, they can go on runs now. It used to be if you had a 15-, 18-point quarter it was pretty significant. Now, guys can go for 25-, 30-point quarters. And that’s why everybody’s just trying to figure out something defensively to slow down offenses around the league right now. It’s great for fans."
The rise of 3-point-shots made has driven players to reach 50 much quicker, too.
Twenty-five years ago, teams averaged four to six makes from the perimeter per game. That number increased to 7.2 a decade ago, and this season it's at 12.2 made 3s per game.
Among the 15 total 50-point performances through Thursday, those players average four 3s made, and eight of them made at least six from beyond the arc.
The elimination of the transition foul, or commonly known as take fouls, before the start of this season increased the pace. No more intentionally grabbing players to stop fast breaks, or else the violator will be assessed a technical foul.
But Warriors' coach Steve Kerr believes the transition defense among teams is less valued, enabling players to score more.
"Transition defense is at an all-time low in this league,” Kerr said on Jan. 5. “Every single night on League Pass, you see five guys standing there, somebody shoots, somebody runs long, and everybody goes: ‘Oh, the guy’s laying it up down there.’
“We do it, every team does it. I think the game has gotten really loose and the players are so talented, it’s made for a lot of big scoring nights.”
https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo...0-point-performances-this-season/69803249007/
Atlanta
History
Hoops Birthdays 1-15
HOF Bob Davies PG Seton Hall ROC 1948-1955 born 1-15-1920 died 4-22-1990
HOF: “Honored as the Sixth Greatest Player in the First Half Century by Sport magazine in 1970, Bob Davies stunned and amazed opponents with his deceptive slight-of-hand ball handling. Nicknamed the “Harrisburg Houdini,” Davies made the extraordinary look simple. He often used behind-the-back, through-the-legs, and over-the-head ball maneuvers not to show off but to produce results. With his exciting repertoire of moves, Davies led Seton Hall to 43 consecutive victories from 1939 to 1941. After a stint in the military, Davies brought his magic touch to the professional level, playing two seasons in the American Basketball League before embarking on a ten-year career with the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League, the Basketball Association of America, and then the NBA, where he captured two titles in 1946 and 1951. Davies is considered one of the finest guards in basketball history, an innovative playmaker and floor general.”
Ernie DiGregorio PG Providence BUF, LAL, BOS 1973-1978 1-15-1951 72 YOA
SI: IN THE BRAVES' NEW WORLD, A COOKIE DOESN'T CRUMBLE
THE NBA'S TWO TEAMS THAT NEED EXCITEMENT MOST, THE BRAVES AND 76ERS, SHOW OFF THEIR PRIZED NEW GUARDS. THE RESULT: ERNIE D EARNS AN 'A' (7-09-1973)
https://vault.si.com/.amp/vault/1973/07/09/in-the-braves-new-world-a-cookie-doesnt-crumble
Joe Graboski PF Chicago HS CHI, IND, PHI, STL, CHI, SYR 1948-1962 born 1-15-1930 died 7-2-1998
“Joe ''Bones'' Graboski played for the Stags in 1949 & 1950. As a 6-8, 18-year-old high school dropout, Graboski was discovered shooting baskets in a neighborhood park by Stags president John A. Sbarbaro. In two seasons in the NBA, he scored 328 points for Chicago before going on to a lengthy career with Indianapolis and Philadelphia.”
Don Kojis SF Marquette BAL, DET, CHI, SD, SEA, KCO 1963-1975 born 1-15-1939 died 11-18-2021
Donald Sloan PG Texas A&M ATL, NO, CLE, IND, BRK 2011-2016 1-15-1988 35 YOA
Ricky Sobers SG UNLV PHO, IND, CHI, WAS, SEA 1975-1986 1-15-1953 70 YOA
Felton Spencer C Louisville MIN, UT, ORL, GS, SA, NYK 1990-2002 1-15-1968 55 YOA
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