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(10/04/01 5:32am)
During the past few seasons, the workload of the NFL running back has been growing larger and larger. This season, it appears to have reached a point where the backs are carrying the team more than even the quarterback.\nRunning backs like Marshall Faulk of St. Louis and Edgerrin James from Indianapolis are more than just runners; they are integral receivers as well. And while Faulk and James are the best at their position, be assured that this is a league-wide trend.\nNine running backs are averaging more than 35 receiving yards per game. Many are catching the ball between five and seven times a game -- a number that certain top notch receivers (we won't mention any names, Randy Moss) would live to reach.\nThere are some reasons why these backs are becoming so useful. For one, the defenses are so worried about their running abilities that they are taking away that part of their game.\nAlmost all defenses now line up with four linemen, rather than three. This leads to fewer linebackers and the defense is more vulnerable to a five or six yard pass. Offenses are moving from handing the ball off to throwing screen passes to the running back.\nWhen running the ball, backs must first break through the defense's front line. If they can get a screen pass instead, they are more likely to already be past that line and be in the open field. Once in the open field, running backs can use their talents to gain massive yardage, as they are faster than virtually all linebackers.\nScreen passes to backs are also more prevalent with the new wave of strong defenses. Teams like Baltimore, Philadelphia and Miami (among others) are so good at stopping the run, that teams are simply no longer trying. Baltimore, in fact, has not allowed a 100 yard rusher in more than two years.\nIn the Rams' week three victory over the Dolphins, Faulk rushed for 88 yards and one touchdown; a modest day for an all-pro running back. But he caught a team high six passes for 72 yards an two TDs; exceptionally high numbers for the position.\nDefenses who pride themselves on pass rushing are potential victims to receiving backs as well. Often offenses will put in two backs -- one to help block and one as a safety pass if the quarterback's pocket breaks down. QB's look to dump off short passes if no receivers are open, rather than throwing the ball away as they did in the past.\nThis is most obvious in Tampa Bay, San Francisco and both New York teams, as they all have two capable backs. It seems as though offensive coordinators have found a loophole in the tough defenses throughout the league, but not without potential problems.\nWhen so much responsibility is placed in the hands of one player, an injury could be disastrous. Atlanta and Seattle are already in deep trouble with the losses of Jamal Anderson and Ricky Watters. If teams in playoff contention later in the season lose their running backs, then they may not be able to recover.\nFatigue is also an issue they must face. October games may not be so tough, but when a back has been this involved for three months, he will become less productive when games mean the most.\nThis is an interesting turn in offensive schemes. Now the defenses must react to combat for such potent players.
(09/28/01 5:27am)
OK, so he's coming back. Yeah, yeah, big surprise. \nNow that we are over the sudden shock, what does it mean?\nDoes Michael Jordan's return mean that we can write the Wizards off as NBA champions? Does it mean that Allen Iverson and Shaquille O'Neal can put away any thoughts of MVP? Does it mean that the NBA's problems are over? \nMuch to the despair of Jordan fans across the world, the answer to all of these questions is no -- and resoundingly so.\nJordan's return brings as much certainty as your average weather forecast. The man is 38 years old and has not played competitively for three seasons. To assume greatness from him would be absurd.\nBut don't think that the league won't take every chance it can to let him try to regain his status. NBA commissioner David Stern has been praying for this day since Jordan left, as the league's ratings have fallen and popularity has declined.\nSo now Stern has a selling point again, which is a shame.\nFor those of us oddballs who are not Wizards fans, or who already have loyalties, get ready to be frustrated again. Remember the days when the NBC game of the week was called, "let's see who the Bulls can beat this time?" Yeah, that was great. But it was OK, see, because when Michael Jordan is playing, nothing else matters anyway. \nNow please, don't get me wrong. I believe that Jordan was the best player in the game's history. I thought he was amazing and incredible to watch. But excuse me for getting excited these last few years.\nIn Jordan's absence, look at what has emerged. The Sacramento Kings, laughingstock of the league forever and as small market as they come, are now both popular and powerful. Milwaukee, Toronto, Philadelphia and Dallas were all division doormats in Jordan's heyday, but are now at the top of the league.\nAnd I'm not just talking about phases -- these teams were bad for a long, long time. Quite simply, nobody wanted to play in those cities, because the only chance to be exposed was to play in a big market where your team would play on NBC against Jordan.\nNow that there is finally balance and excitement throughout the league, they're going to back up and resume the "Where's Michael Now? Tour."\nThe league has so many young, talented players that must be showcased instead of boxed up. Of course it will be difficult the first few years, but eventually fans will recognize the new stars as well as the old ones.\nWith NBC and Turner set to show the Wizards week in and week out, forget about building a bond between fans and players. The league will be helping itself in the short run, but hurting itself in the long run.\nI am anxious to see Jordan again. I, like everyone else, want to see if he still has it -- and honestly, I hope that he does -- but not at the expense of other players.\nThe league should showcase every team, not just Washington. The players that have begun to bloom over the past three years need to remain in the limelight. If their connections to the fans are lost, the NBA will have to start over, again, when Jordan decides enough is enough.
(09/21/01 4:33am)
As the baseball season reaches its twilight, the pieces are starting to fall in place. The excitement of the division races is slowly giving way to reality, and the playoff image is becoming much clearer.\n Forget about the American League. It's set; Seattle, New York, Cleveland and Oakland are in. And while we're at it, forget about Cleveland and Oakland, too. Sure, the A's may win more regular season games than the Yankees, and hey, I'd like to see them win as much as the next guy, but by now we know the Yankees will find a way to beat them in the playoffs. If Cleveland or Oakland is lucky enough to win one playoff series, they certainly will not win a second.\nThe National League is a bit hazier, but we can narrow it down to eight or nine teams.\nHouston will win the central division, and Arizona is looking strong in the west. Atlanta and Philadelphia are still tight in the East, but neither team is really strong enough to make playoff noise. \nIf they can dig themselves out of the hole they are in right now, Los Angeles has a realistic shot of winning a playoff series. They are the only team in the wild card race that has a good enough balance of pitching and hitting.\nSure the Cardinals have a powerful lineup, and sure the Cubs pitching has been solid - but to win a series against the best teams in the league, both areas must be strong.\nThe Dodgers lineup is powerful with Gary Sheffield, Shawn Green and Eric Karros in the middle, but they also get people on base with solid hitting from Marquis Grissom, Mark Grudzielanek, and the extremely underrated Paul Lo Duca, who is hitting .325 (and how many catchers hit lead-off?).\nThey also boast a very solid pitching staff in Kevin Brown, Chan Ho Park and Terry Adams. All three hurlers have double digit wins. Piece that with stopper Jeff Shaw, and the Dodgers can easily compete with Atlanta, Houston and Arizona.\nThat being said, I still like Arizona representing the National League in the World Series. When the playoffs reduce starting rotations to just three men, they can throw Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in two-thirds of their games. The lineup is strong enough and has enough experience to win big games. In the end, this makes them better than any other NL team.\nBoth League Championship series will be exciting. The predicted Yankees/ Mariners bout is an unusual case of the underdog being a far better team than the favorite - and the Yankees are the favorite. \nThe fact that the Bronx Bombers have won four World Series in five years is enough to make even the mighty Mariners shiver. Fans will be split down the middle in rooting for these two teams. New Yorkers will pull for their dynasty, not to mention the fact they want to win in honor of their devastated city. Virtually the rest of the nation will pull for Seattle, in the hope that Yankees' dominance will finally be overcome. I believe this series will go the full seven games, but even I cannot guess who will come out on top.\nThe National League is balanced enough that any combination of playoff teams will make for a strong series. Every team in the race has a superstar name and exciting chemistry. Only Philadelphia can say they are full of no-names, and that fact may pull in fans who want to see the underdogs win.\nWe can only hope that baseball's post season lives up to the excitement we have seen so far. If it does, it will be remembered for a long, long time.
(09/13/01 5:10am)
One of the many affected industries of the terrorist attack on America is the world of sports, which has come to a screeching halt. Since sports is essentially entertainment, it is a very tender issue after such a tragedy.\nAre Americans ready to be entertained? Not yet. While the importance of regaining normalcy has been the theme of almost every official, I do not understand how any American could celebrate things like home runs or touchdowns, knowing that thousands of our own citizens are dead, and that the nation's biggest city lies in ruin.\n There will be a time when this has affected us so much that entertainment will be craved; when we will turn to sports and other performers to help us forget about our loss for a few hours. But for now, we as United States citizens would only be insulting those who lost their lives by entertaining ourselves.\nInstead, we must focus on helping as best we can. Whether it comes from blood donations, volunteers to help clean or simply keeping current with events and details of the aftermath, we can help. Even honoring victims by event cancellations is a way for us to show that we, too, were attacked.\nAnother reason America is not ready to resume entertainment is for safety. While teams have to travel across the country in airplanes for games, Americans may not feel safe gathering with tens of thousands of other fans. Since we do not know if these attacks are over, gathering in such large crowds puts innocent civilians at an unnecessary risk. If, indeed, these horrible terrorists strike again, stadiums are prime targets.\nOnce flights are again in regular circulation, much of the entertainment world will begin to slowly rebound. Each day of normalcy that passes will add comfort to citizens, eventually enough so that we can gather again to do and watch the things we enjoy so much. \nWhile nobody wants to appear defeated, it is more important to show respect for victims as well as remain as safe as possible. Until that time, the games and shows should not go on, as painful as that is for us to do. As excited as I was to watch football this weekend, or baseball as the playoff races heat up, I could not, at this point, rightfully root and cheer knowing what we are all going through.
(09/06/01 3:58am)
If you are a fan of the NFL, you most certainly do not need me to tell you that there is parity in the league. The biggest story for the last two seasons has been the rise of teams from division doormats to Super Bowl contenders and even champions.\nBut this parity has been the subject of debate. Fans of the NFL and other sports have debated whether or not it is good or bad for football.\nI say give me parity any day over dynasties. The fact that any team can improve so quickly is far more exciting than watching the same teams win for five years in a row. \nThe drama of sport comes from its unpredictability. As the season unfolds we see both hope and anxiety, because the promised land is reachable for so many teams. \nKnowing who will win is, quite simply, boring. It dilutes the fun of being a fan, even to the point where supporters are lost.\nThe league's parity creates hope in San Diego, where the Chargers were the laughingstock of the NFL just last year. It also creates doubt and urgency in Baltimore, where their Super Bowl title in January guarantees nothing, as a dozen teams feel -- and probably are -- just as strong as them.\nWhile Major League Baseball's Yankee fans might disagree, saying they want to see their superior team stick together rather than break up, ask Pittsburgh Pirates loyalists what they prefer. Ask diehard Royals fans if they want to see their dismal franchise remain that way year after year. This is why the Montreal Expos draw a sick 4,000 people to home games, and why the Marlins get booed at home when they walk Sammy Sosa.\nIt is exciting to know that as the NFL experts across America try to predict this year's champion, there will be a team that surprises everybody and has a wonderful season. Maybe it will be Cleveland, or New England, or the Bengals. (OK, OK, so it won't be the Bengals.) The point is that fans of these teams will continue to show support because there is evidence that success is not far away.\nDynasty supporters are rare. In fact, they really only show up when their team does. For instance, I'm sure that Cowboys fans will still go on and on about keeping their team together for several years.\nSo as the 2001 season opens this weekend, the only certainty we have is that the unpredictable will happen. And while some teams will surprise the world and win games, others will shock us and fall apart.\nAnd when the players and coaches of these teams leave, they'll find their ways to Buffalo, Arizona or Carolina, and we can be sure that probably sooner than later those teams will soon be the talk of the NFL.
(04/26/01 5:17am)
Many NBA stars refer to the playoffs as the "second-season" -- a description meant to imply that the slate is wiped clean and focus is regathered. But perhaps the players give it a different meaning. Perhaps they are referring to the length of the post-season, which feels more and more like the regular season.\nAbout 55 percent of teams get to play in the playoffs. But the more frustrating issue is that a winner will not be crowned until mid-June.\nThe first of four NBA playoff rounds began last Saturday and will conclude a week from tomorrow. That means 12 days to play five games.\nThe obvious reason for extending the season is for television revenue. The league will do just about anything to get as many weekend games as possible, even if it means playing just one game during the week.\nTake the Philadelphia/Indiana series. Game one was played Saturday and game two was played three days later. Both games were played in Philadelphia, so there was no need for travel.\nThree days seems like a long time, but the break between games two and three is four days. At that point, the series will be eight days old, with only three games finished. \nWhen scheduling the post-season, the league is afraid there could be a sweep; top teams would idle while they awaited their next opponents.\nAttention spans wane when the playoffs drag on for weeks. Fans across America (and the world, for that matter) stop caring. Storylines build and fall apart because so much time passes.\nThe playoffs are a time of focus and commitment from the players and the fans, but keeping focus for so long is difficult. Ratings for the NBA Finals have been low during the past few years, as people have lost interest by that point.\nThe league wants as many weekend games as possible. This boosts ratings for the early playoff games, but decreases them for later rounds. \nThe NBA needs to work on condensing the playoff schedule, for the sake of keeping fans interested and keeping players focused. The longer it lasts, the more like the regular season it becomes, and the less exciting it seems.\nThe NBA playoffs are full of exciting potential. The best players and teams are battling for the annual crown in a sport the entire world embraces. Playing series allows for drama and rivalries to build between two teams. But the league has spread the excitement too thin in the name of higher television revenues, a practice that works against the best interest of the players and fans.
(04/26/01 5:03am)
Marc Davenport applied for a credit card when he turned 18 two years ago. He wanted to establish good credit. He knew he would eventually need a loan, and wanted to be in a position for the best possible interest rate.\nNow 20, Davenport, a nonstudent, is $3,000 in debt and owes money to four credit card companies. Enrolled as a sophomore at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis in the fall, Davenport took the spring semester off to work and pay his bills. \nDavenport is an example of what can happen when trying to establish a good credit history. Establishing good credit helps people save money on interest rates for future loans, because it shows lenders their money is more likely to be repaid. While using a credit card can be helpful in establishing credit, it can be risky if one does not have the financial resources to pay the bill on time, said business school Lecturer in Management David Haeberle. Haeberle said establishing good credit without a credit card is the best way to go.\nHe explained several ways to build good credit and never open the Pandora's box of credit cards:\nPut rent in your name\nPaying rent on time is a better way to build good credit history than using credit cards.\nA future lender wants to know that borrowers will make their payments on time. Living in a house or apartment involves a monthly payment. Whoever's name is on the paperwork will benefit from the good credit history generated by timely payments. \nWhile being late on these payments is not a good idea, it is not as bad as putting off a credit card bill, which can charge more than 15 percent in annual interest.\nPay bills on time\nCredit card bills are not any more important or persuasive to a future lender than other kinds of bills. Phone bills, utility bills, cable bills, even Internet bills -- it makes no difference. Payment of these bills and any other kinds of loans are reported to credit bureaus.\nThe important thing is that all these non-credit card bills carry much lower interest rates than credit card bills, so being late is not nearly as costly. These bills have advantages because they demonstrate to future lenders that paying for services in a timely fashion is important to the borrower. \nFor example, IU bills about 13,000 people statewide for student loans. About 20 percent of them have problems paying them back, said Barbara Bright, director of student loan administrations at IU. But the interest they have to pay is no more than 5 percent annually, Bright said.\nApply for a few credit cards, but don\'t use them\nFuture lenders are not as interested in seeing borrowers pay back credit as they are in seeing that they did not abuse it. \n"When they see you have been granted credit, that right there is enough to get a loan," Haeberle said. \nThis means simply getting the credit card is good enough to impress lenders. But Haeberle said to be cautious. \n"Applying for too many is dangerous," Haeberle said. "When a company offering cards reviews your application and sees several previous applications, they see something is fishy and will refuse to grant you a card."\nThis denial appears on credit reports and never vanishes. Being denied credit is worse than owing a debt.\nKeep a healthy checking account and debit card\nA debit card acts just like a credit card. The only difference with a debit card is money is immediately removed from the checking account. There is no worry about getting into debt, as long as there is money in the account.\n"If you don't bounce checks or go spend more than you have, that looks good to lenders," Haeberle said.\nBeware of sliding into bad credit\nRemember that establishing good credit is not as important as avoiding bad credit, Haeberle said. He said having no credit is a good thing, but once a student slides into bad credit, it can take a long time to climb out. Davenport is a good example.\n"Eventually I couldn't keep up with all the payments … I can't even afford the 80 bucks a month between the four cards," Davenport said. "It builds up really quickly"
(04/12/01 6:01am)
Major League Baseball has many unique characteristics that make it great. It is relaxed, emphasizes strategy and its long season rewards consistency and dedication.\nBut some things can be done to gather new fans and keep old ones (which is growing in importance with another work stoppage on the horizon). \nI am not referring to a salary cap or revenue sharing. I am suggesting some ideas that would make the game more fan friendly, for those at the ballpark and people tuning in at home.\nFirst, regular season games need to hold more weight. Time and time again, people have suggested shortening the season would solve this problem -- but that would disregard all of the wonderful trademarks that come with a long season. Teams must perform well all the time to reach the postseason; a few streaks will not be enough to sneak in. And a player who struggles can turn around and have plenty of time to improve his season.\nRather than reducing the number of games on the schedule, I suggest standings be determined with a point system instead of wins and losses. \nBaseball teams play in series, usually three games at a time against the same opponent. If a team gets two games in the series, it gets one point. If a team sweeps a series, it gets two points, and if a team gets swept, it loses a point.\nThis sounds complex at first but consider the benefits:\nA 162-game season would remain, but be reduced to between 50 and 100 points. Each game's value would increase, as it could be the difference between getting a point and losing one.\nConsider the difference between a crowd at a baseball game and a crowd at a football game. Football fans are seeing, in the NFL's case, one-sixteenth of the season. Baseball fans are seeing a much smaller fraction, and consider the game less important. Using this point system would add to the drama of a game without compromising the length of the season.\nAnother way to increase a baseball fan's interest is to reduce downtime. \nThere are two kinds of downtime in baseball -- during and between play. During play, downtime is important. If batters want to step out of the batter's box or pitchers want to throw to first base, let them. These moves are strategic, as they are used to scare a baserunner or break a pitcher's rhythm.\nBut downtime between plays is a different story, and should be reduced. It breaks the flow of the game and keeps fans, especially those watching at home, from remaining interested. \nWhy does a relief pitcher need to come into the game and throw warm-up pitches? This is an unnecessary waste of time that is unheard of in other sports. Basketball players do not get to take a few jump shots before entering the game. Quarterbacks are not allowed to take a few warm-up snaps before coming in. Imagine a hitter in baseball getting in some batting practice before every at-bat.\nPitchers already have an advantage; they get warmed up in the bullpen. They should be able to come right in and get to work. The game would speed up dramatically, and the flow would improve. \nThe pitchers are good enough (and are certainly getting paid enough) to start immediately, no matter how different the pitchers' mounds are across the league.\nThe goal of these changes is to encourage excitement among fans without losing any of the game itself. Major League Baseball should concentrate first and foremost on looming contract negotiations, but the league should consider these changes for the sake of fans.
(04/02/01 5:25am)
Tonight's NCAA national championship game marks the 25th anniversary of IU's undefeated season.\nTwenty-five years and teams have passed, but none of them duplicated the feat of that Hooiser squad.\nA perfect 32-0 season culminated March 29, 1976 with an 86-68 win against Michigan in the national championship game. After trailing by six at halftime, the Hoosiers dominated the second half, outscoring the Wolveriness 57-33.\n"Playing in that game, the season as a whole and the quest for the national championship were all great memories," said Kent Benson, the team's center who was named Final Four MVP.\nSince the Hoosiers cut down the nets, ending that magical season in the Spectrum in Philadelphia, the question has been fired at them hundreds of times: "Will it happen again?"\nThe University of Nevada-Las Vegas, featuring NBA players Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony and Larry Johnson, claim the closest team to matching IU's mark, but were upset by Duke in the national semi-final, halting UNLV's 34-game unbeaten streak.\nIU had an unmatched work ethic, players said. Before the school year started, the players were out at the football field, running up the stadium steps -- with ankle weights. Working for then-coach Bob Knight was an amazing experience, Mark Haymore, then a freshman, said.\n"I can't believe how hard a person can work you with a whistle," said Haymore, a reserve on the 1976 team. "I haven't worked that hard since Indiana."\nThe tough mentality Knight exemplified affected floor leader Quinn Buckner. While there are a lot of tough coaches, Buckner's dedication and commitment to leading the team drove them to excellence.\n"He was the closest thing to Coach Knight on the floor," Haymore said. "If you were out past curfew, you'd rather have Coach catch you than Quinn."\nHaymore said he understands how strong the team was, but adds that the reason no team will ever complete a season undefeated is because of the changes the game has seen. In 1976, there was no shot clock and no three-point line. IU took its time finding good shots, using the dominance of Benson inside to outbattle opponents.\n"It's the day of the forward now," Haymore said. "The center can run, and the shot clock forces the action. The addition of a third referee allows them to catch a lot of things that we could get away with." \nAnother hurdle for today's teams in equaling IU's perfect season is the high player turnover rates coaches must deal with. Searching for money and more notoriety, many of the best players leave for the NBA after just a season or two.\n"The teams just aren't as mature, now," Benson said.\nThe dedication and focus of the team was unique as well. The players wanted to win, but each one knew his role and stuck to it, Rich Valavicius, then a freshman on the team, said. Whether it was Buckner or Benson leading things, each one knew what his job was, and how it would help the team. Benson said Knight was able to put together a team that realized group goals were more important than individual ones.\n"We believed in the coaches' system and we played as a team," Valavicius said. "My job was to play defense. I'd come in and just help out as much as I could, giving guys a rest. That kind of teamwork carries on throughout your life."\nThe Hoosiers did not run through a cakewalk of a schedule, either. They opened the season with victories against UCLA, Kentucky, and Notre Dame, all strong title contenders. The Big Ten season was tough as always, Valavicius said. \nThe team's focus and work ethic were accompanied with talent which put them over the edge. The players were actually good enough to win the title one year earlier, but an arm injury to Scott May, led to a tournament loss to Kentucky -- their only loss of the season.\n"The year before," Valavicious said, "I remember they were a great team. That gave them experience. I feel honored to have played on a team like that."\nThe legacy they created was obvious from the moment the final buzzer sounded in Philadelphia, as the difficulty of the accomplishment was recognized by utter confusion from opponents.\n"There's no question Indiana's the best team in the country," then-Michigan head coach Johnny Orr told the IDS after IU's championship win, his Wolverines being the final hurdle. "I don't think I could have done anything different that would have changed the outcome."\nNobody seems to think a team can win every game, but at the same time, nobody is counting the possibility out. After listing reason after reason why going undefeated won't happen, there is still enough doubt to through in the inevitable clause:\n"But records are meant to be broken," Benson said. "It's going to take an incredible group of guys, though"
(03/22/01 5:03am)
Every year, after two rounds of the college basketball tournament, people look for a theme. Did upsets prevail? Was there a myriad of buzzer-beaters? Is this the most exciting tournament ever?\nThis year, while there were plenty of upsets, not one of the remaining teams can be accused of getting lucky. Even Georgetown, which was fortunate enough to play No. 15 seed Hampton in the second round, had to upset Arkansas to get there.\nThere are three double-digit seeds still breathing, but none of them are flukes. Along with the Hoyas, 11th-seeded Temple not only started the season ranked, but thoroughly destroyed Florida Sunday. The Owls proved they are a top team.\nNo. 12 seed Gonzaga is no surprise, either. The Bulldogs will compete in Round 3 for the third consecutive season, again proving that their small-school status is not enough to stop them from winning.\nBut as Round 3 tips off at 7:38 tonight, the intriguing teams are the ones that are still supposed to be alive, rather than the Cinderellas. Michigan State, Duke, Kansas, Illinois and Arizona all played their own games and won convincingly in each of the first two rounds. While last weekend might have lacked the close games and dramatic finishes fans crave, this weekend should be full of excitement.\nThis year, the first two rounds merely set up the theme. What we have left is the most diverse group of teams in recent memory. Fans of all different styles of basketball can finally go head-to-head to see which style will come out on top.\nThere is the strong offensive team in Duke. The Blue Devils didn't need much time to prove their firepower, opening the tourney with a 14-0 run against Monmouth. While it is the most talented of the remaining teams, its style clashes with strong defensive teams such as Michigan State and Illinois. These two Big Ten schools are the toughest teams left and have a workman's mentality.\nUCLA and Kentucky swear by the full-court press, which worked last weekend, but might not against quick, guard-heavy third-round opponents Duke (which battles UCLA) and USC (which meets UK). \nKansas comes in high on emotion, as coach Roy Williams is using a stuffed monkey as a gimmick to psych up his team, but that might not help against the no-nonsense teams, which are too focused on winning to enjoy tournament time.\nThen there is Arizona. The Wildcats are hands down the most complete team in the country. They have a true center in Loren Woods, great swingmen in Richard Jefferson and Gilbert Arenas and a terrific point guard in Jason Gardner. They have speed, energy and skill. They play for a great coach in Lute Olson, whose importance was proven as they struggled while he tended to his wife, who died New Year's Day. They even have character -- who doesn't love Eugene Edgerson's throw-up afro haircut and knee pads? \nArizona is the team that was supposed to be here all along, as it was ranked No. 1 in the preseason. The Cats have been through such an emotional season, it is a wonder they never caved. But they didn't stop then, and they are not ready to call it quits now. The Wildcats are playing their best basketball of the year. \nMore than any recent year, the tournament has not yet begun in earnest. Patterns have yet to be formed, and the exciting match-ups have yet to be played.\nSo what are the big match-ups? Look for Kansas and Illinois to go down to the wire and expect a good but useless game between Penn State and Temple. \nBut the most exciting match-up has to be the game that could be played Saturday in Philadelphia. Nine years ago, Duke and Kentucky met in Philly in a game that ended with Christian Laettner's infamous overtime buzzer-beater. If anyone believes Kentucky fans have forgotten, think again. The Wildcats would love nothing more than to get revenge on the Blue Devils and continue their journey to the Final Four.
(03/07/01 4:26am)
Although Residential Programs and Services will close three residential dining facilities next fall, a new eating option will be made available to students. \nRPS has decided to open a new health food-oriented store in both Wright and McNutt Quads called Gaea's Cornucopia. It will be a small shop providing a juice bar, sandwiches, homemade bread, a large salad bar, soups and frozen entrees.\n"Health has been discussed at various times," said Special Services Manager Graham Shepfer. "We wanted to keep all of the services provided from the closing facilities."\nShepfer said RPS has promised that anything lost with the closings would be replaced somewhere within that neighborhood. For instance, since Teter's Hoffman dining hall will be shutting down, the food it provides will be added somewhere in the Central Neighborhood.\nGaea's Cornucopia will be placed in Wright's center store, located on the lower level of the residence hall. While it is undetermined at this point how the new facility will look, Shepfer said RPS believes it will be placed behind the snack bar. He said the location in McNutt is tentative, but the areas under consideration are the coffee shop and center dining room.\n"There is certainly a possibility of remodeling," Shepfer said. "Plans are still up in the air, especially in McNutt."\nRPS has also developed a Web site that offers nutrition facts and ingredient lists for all of its food items. At www.indiana.edu/~dine, students can search for their favorite foods and find out what they are eating. There are also plans to put a kiosk with similar information outside the Wright food court.\nThe demand for health food can be credited to increased student popularity of food court dining.\n"Everything is fried and fast food," freshman Cliff Jack said. "I make sure to always get some fruit, but it isn't the best quality."\nJack said he still eats in a food court every day, and likes it better than traditional dining.\nIndiana is not the only school to face this issue. While corporate names and food courts have popped up across the country, other universities have used creative ways to keep the benefits of board dining in tact.\nAt the University of North Carolina, a facility was remodeled into a huge venue that offers a variety of foods that keep the students' health in mind.\n"We wanted a variety," said UNC's marketing manager April McMahan. "We provide a different ethnic food every day, make chicken to put in salads and even provide a barbecue with green beans."\nAt the University of Virginia, the administration has decided that giving up on board (traditional) dining is a bad idea. Students are not given full access to food courts, as part of their meal plans remain in traditional dining.\n"Students utilize both parts of the meal plan," said Susan Presto, a UVA dining employee. "Board operations cater to a healthier style of eating."\nBut the food courts are taking over, and instead of waiting to see if it is simply a phase, many universities are deciding to react and provide different ways of eating well.
(03/01/01 5:53am)
After watching the Philadelphia 76ers acquire center Dikembe Mutombo last week, most analysts and fans have given them the Eastern Conference title. But before the Sixers can waltz with the West, they will have to stop and dance in Milwaukee.\nIf any division leader can be a sleeper, it is the Bucks. But they are no fluke. The reason this team has succeeded early on, and could march into the NBA Finals, is because it is a team in every sense of the word. It has a chemistry that is envied nowadays. \n The players have shown patience with and displayed support for coach George Karl. The meat of the team (with exception to Lindsay Hunter) has been in town since the 1998-99 season, Karl's first. Former No. 1 pick Glenn Robinson has been with the team since 1994. He could have grown tired of the team's losing ways and lack of direction, but he has stayed dedicated.\nRay Allen also has been patient. This guard is an excellent shooter (he won this year's long distance shootout) and a clutch performer. He is one of the league's most under-rated players, and could have distracted the team with demands for a high contract, or to be traded to a contender. \nAnd let's not forget Sam Cassell. The league's biggest yapper is still around -- and that is music to Milwaukee's ears. \nBut the reason this team will continue to surprise opponents is the fact that they're missing something -- a single leader. There is no go-to guy at the end of the game. No one can be described as "the heart and soul of this team." That is because everyone has sacrificed that title for the sake of the team. The players are unified and confident in each other, and all steering toward a common goal.\nLook no further than Milwaukee's focus. When was the last time a Buck was in the news for getting into trouble with the law? These guys want to win, and nothing will stop them. Like Philadelphia, the team's biggest opponent for the East crown, it has been eliminated from each of the past two postseasons by the Indiana Pacers. But while the 76ers broke down against the Pacers and reduced themselves to childish attempts to injure Reggie Miller, the Bucks displayed a bit more class. After Travis Best stuck a dagger in them at the end of Game 5 of last year's first round playoff series, they did not hang their heads -- they got to work.\nThat element is magnified during the playoffs. Maybe the 76ers are more talented. Maybe they are bigger and stronger, and maybe they are more popular. But the Bucks have what it takes to win games they are not supposed to win. They have the drive, ability and focus to stay close. They possess the leadership to get them over the top.\nPhiladelphia picked up Mutombo to be competitive against the West, but it needs more than talent to win in the playoffs. That is why the Bucks will prevail.
(02/22/01 5:43am)
The recent mess with the Continental Basketball Association has made this a perfect time for the NBA to step up and take control of the small-city market. It is an old and worn argument, but one that is yet to be resolved, and the NBA is paying for it. While the NCAA might be against it, it is time to set up a minor league.\nThere are several reasons why it should be done, and several reasons why it will work. \nDuring the past 15 years, the talent level has obviously declined. While the biggest reason for this -- too many teams in the league -- cannot be resolved, a minor league will allow players who come into the league at a young age time to grow, without teams losing them after the maturation process has completed.\nSince 1995, rookies have been forced to sign three-year contracts with the team that drafted them. The goal was to avoid large contracts to unproven players. But this has been solved. As a side effect, high schoolers are entering the league at an amazingly high rate, and using the three years as preparation, instead of playing in college. After the three years end, they are ready to go anywhere for lots of money. \nThe most notable cases are Tracy McGrady of Orlando and Jermaine O'Neal of Indiana. McGrady spent his three years on Toronto's bench. He could have soared in college, but the experience he gained watching all of those NBA games and practicing with NBA players was far more valuable than competing at the college level. And let's not forget the paycheck. Now he is battling for the league scoring title, and helping the Magic return to the top of the Eastern Conference.\nWhile O'Neal was traded to the Pacers (rather than signed), it was obvious he was in the same situation. The talented center learned from great players and coaches in Portland, and when his time came there was no room for him, but he was coveted as much as a No. 1 draft pick by others in the league.\nThe argument against having a minor league is that it would reduce the talent in the NCAA, creating weaker play. I disagree.\nThe fact is the best players are already skipping college anyway. The level of talent in the NCAA is not as high as it used to be, but the game is still prospering. As a matter of fact, the past two NCAA tournaments have been arguably the most competitive in 15 years. Connecticut and Michigan State are unusual champions, which displays the equality of the competition.\nEven the best players in college are not staying for long. The 2000 NBA draft saw underclassmen become 34 of the 58 picks. The fact is, the NCAA will not decline in talent enough to ruin the game if a minor league is created. \nWhile the NCAA might prosper from having such wonderful talent for so many years, it is obvious there are several players who are not college material, anyway. These teams are supposed to represent the schools, and often this does not happen. By allowing the players with sure shots at the NBA to go right in, the NCAA can regain its own identity, and the players will work hard to improve enough to become NBA material.\nIf a minor league were installed, the three-year rule would have to go. Teams would have to know that a prospect is worth teaching. As it stands right now, it is almost dangerous for a player to become too good, as he might use what he has learned to make more money elsewhere.\nTeams could be patient with youngsters, and even let them come up to the top level at times, allowing a simpler adaptation to the pros.\nFinally, the NBA would be saving basketball in smaller cities -- places where basketball is loved, but towns are too small to support teams. The NBA is not in danger of folding, and these cities would see talent, albeit raw. \nThe system works in major league baseball, and would work in basketball as well. No one would lose, as long as all parties played their cards right. Most importantly, the talent would rise again in the NBA, and that is well worth the investment.
(02/15/01 5:54am)
There is no question Major League Baseball has seen better days. With outrageous salaries, teams that don't try and the same teams in the playoffs every year, there are many reasons for fans to steer toward other sports.\nWhile the structure is not there, and the action is far less obvious, there will always be one area where baseball will have the advantage over its rival sports -- strategy.\nI'm not trying to say football schemes and decisions are rare, or that basketball coaches don't have rough jobs. And I'm not trying to imply that hockey players and coaches don't have to make decisions at all times. \nBut baseball is for the fan who thrives on out-thinking his or her opponent. Or for the fan who likes a game where every decision can be scrutinized. Or for the fan who relishes that every action has a reason behind it. In this regard, there is no sport that compares to baseball.\nSo as pitchers and catchers report to spring training this week, take a closer look at the season. Pay attention to the details of the game. See how interesting it really is.\nThe strategy begins long before the first pitch, as scouting reports divulge information about how players hit against a given pitcher, about what pitches hitters like and so on. Once the game does begin, every play has a purpose. \nBefore the pitch, fielders align themselves as to where they believe the ball will go. Every pitch is thrown with thought behind it; even the pitches that seem useless are usually set-ups. When a pitcher throws a curveball with a 1-1 count, it's not without thought. Whether the batter hits it depends not only on execution -- which is difficult in itself -- but on anticipation. The hitter might decide to lay off, expecting a better pitch later. Or he might be waiting for the wrong type of pitch, and not have adequate time to adjust.\nEven when the batter does make contact with the ball, a decision is being made. Most Major League hitters are good enough to determine where on the field the ball will go. If the pitch is outside, maybe he will take it to the opposite field. If there is a runner on third base, he might want to hit a fly ball.\nPlayers' actions -- what pitch to throw, when to steal, what pitch to take -- are often a by-product of their managers wishes. Not only are managers deciding whether or not to steal, or to throw a pitchout, but they are making decisions for the long season as well. A pitcher struggling in the fifth inning in May could get yanked, simply to save his arm for the long summer.\nThere is no question that baseball is a different game. During the last 10 years, professional sports have developed into much more physical and aggressive games, but baseball has remained the same. Brutality is now in vogue, but that usually comes at the expense of intelligence -- if you don't believe me, look at a certain football league that, while exciting, is anything but intelligent.\nSo instead of complaining that baseball is boring, make an attempt to get more involved and think along with the teams. Try to guess what pitch will be thrown. Try to guess where the ball will be hit. Try to anticipate which teams will win on home runs, and which teams will win by stealing bases.\nBy becoming more involved, fans can begin to appreciate all the unique facets that professional baseball has to offer. No other sport puts teams against each other three games in a row. This does have an impact on what happens over the course of the series. No other sport plays seven days a week, allowing players who struggle a chance to immediately redeem themselves.\nI am not trying to put down the other professional sports. I love football, and I am a huge fan of basketball. But ever since I was a Little Leaguer, I could always tell that there was something special about baseball. \nGive the sport a chance from a different angle, because there will not be too many collisions at home plate, or an abundance of "base-brawls," but there will be continuous action. It just requires a closer look.
(02/08/01 4:48am)
on't even think about bothering me this weekend.\nEvery year at this time, the NBA selects the finest performers of the first half of its season and allows them to display their talent in front of everyone in a cultivating atmosphere. This year is no exception.\nI will be glued to my couch beginning Saturday night, so I can see all of the NBA's best. Legendary dunkers such as Desmond Mason and DeShawn Stevenson. Deadly shooters such as Steve Nash and Rashard Lewis. And, of course, what would an All-Star Weekend be without the most exciting minute in sports, NBA 2Ball? Personally, I give the early edge to Trajan Langdon and Eva Nemcova.\nSensing the sarcasm?\nOK, so maybe they aren't household names. But what choice is there? It's not like NBA executives have the option of displaying better talent. Who would want to watch perhaps the most exciting dunker ever in Vince Carter? Just because he is the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers doesn't mean Reggie Miller is good enough for this year's shootout.\nWhat ever happened to the "stars coming out to shine?" Why do we have to be subjected to watching young players who have no effect on the league do dunks we have already seen a thousand times? What is the fun of watching two players compete in a glorified game of Horse? \nIt's all a part of the NBA's marketing strategy. Through expansion and the lack of a minor league, the NBA has begun to ruin itself by allowing this mediocre talent in. It is trying to promote these average players by giving them the chance to perform on a national stage.\nThe funny part is that, although the NBA is promoting these players instead of the bona fide talent, we won't see them again for awhile. Most of the B-level talent seen this weekend comes from teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Vancouver Grizzlies -- teams the NBA would rather part with than show to a national audience. \nEven three-point shootout contestant Ray Allen, who is a household name and worth promoting, plays in Milwaukee. And while the Bucks lead the Central Division and have a legitimate shot at competing in the finals, the NBA (and NBC and the Turner networks) would rather televise the Lakers and 76ers for the umpteenth time in a row.\nThe bottom line is if the NBA wants to promote these young stars, it should do it in earnest. What is the point in continuing expansion if only eight or 10 teams can ever be seen? \nAnd as far as the All-Star weekend goes, it is not the place to display these unknown players. Other legitimate stars have battled hard and accomplished more, and for the league to bypass them for marketing is a slap in the face.\nBut at least I can have peace of mind watching the All-Star game itself, because like most fans, I know that endorsing Sprite is a tough thing to do, and anyone who can will get my vote any day.
(02/02/01 5:43am)
After opening the season with a win at Notre Dame Jan. 25, the men's tennis team looks to continue its early success with a pair of matches Saturday at the Indiana Winter Invitational.\nThe 27th-ranked Hoosiers will play at home for the first time since April when they face Western Michigan at 9 a.m. and DePaul at about 2:30 p.m.\n"I have a better idea of the building dimensions (at home)," senior Paul Jacobson said. "On the road, you encounter rough crowds like we did last week in Notre Dame. I think that aspect affects a lot of guys on the team."\nThe opposing crowd did not stop the Hoosiers from pulling off the victory in South Bend, as the match came down to two upsets. One came from the doubles team of senior Ricardo Jordan and junior Rahman Smiley, and the other by senior Ian Arons. Arons knocked off the nation's 75th-ranked singles player, Javier Taborga, in consecutive sets (6-3, 6-3), and is coming into the weekend full of steam.\n"Before last weekend, I was not happy with the way I had been playing," Arons said. "I played an unbelievable match, and am using that as motivation in practice and hopefully in matches to come."\nArons' confidence comes at the right time. After a fall schedule consisting of individual tournaments, the team plays at least once a week until March 14. The team said it is concentrating on the match at hand, rather than looking too deep into the season.\n"Thursday at Notre Dame was the first time all year we went out on the court as a team," Arons said. "That alone brought out our concentration and intensity."\nIU's first opponent, Western Michigan, comes in at 2-3. The Broncos began the season with two convincing victories in Kalamazoo, but have since lost three consecutive matches to Big Ten schools.\nDePaul, the second team IU will face Saturday, also had problems with the Big Ten. Illinois and Michigan both dropped the Blue Demons. Kentucky will also be competing in the Invitational, but will not play the Hoosiers. But the two teams will face off March 10 in Lexington.\n"DePaul and Western Michigan are good teams," coach Ken Hydinger said. "We need to play well against both of them to come away with two wins, which we feel we are capable of doing."\nThe Hoosiers could use a sweep to move up in the rankings. The Hoosiers are aiming for a spot in the top 20, which will help when the conference season begins.\n"(A top-20 ranking) is what I am aiming for," Jacobson said. "Notre Dame was a solid win, but we can beat better teams. The two teams we play on Saturday will be very tough. If we do not prepare, there is no doubt we can get upset"
(02/01/01 6:08am)
As the NBA moves past the midway point of the season, the stage appears to be set for an exciting stretch run. While there seemed to be little doubt in November as to who would be competing for the title, now there seems to be a few more teams in the chase. Whether it is because of surprisingly good play by unexpected teams or poor execution from the league's top contenders, there has been much more competition than expected. \nThe first half of the season has proven two things -- the champion will be the team that shows up and plays hardest, and Charles Barkley (recently redubbed Sir Cumference) is the greatest analyst in the history of the game.\nThe brightest surprise has been the Midwest Division. With six teams at or near .500, it is tightly packed. The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets are having great seasons, and neither's success is a fluke. \nWhile Dallas has two all-star claiber players, the success of the team has come from its balance. Dirk Nowitzki (shunned by the NBA elite by not getting an all-star bid) and Michael Finley are neck-and-neck for top scorer honors, but Steve Nash and Howard Eisley, both averaging double-figures in scoring as well, might be the reason for the early success. Their production has discouraged defenses from committing to a single player, as they have taken advantage of scoring opportunities.\n The Nuggets are balanced scoring-wise, but their top asset might be the sense of unity created by the near fallout they experienced when the players thought of boycotting a practice. Coming dangerously close to a disaster, the team was able to pull together and has been playing excellent ball ever since. They showed commitment to success by acquiring forward Kevin Willis from Toronto. Willis' post-season experience in Houston will work wonders for this team -- and they will need it. Because there are several teams above .500, the Nuggets will be fighting just to get in to the playoffs, thanks to the abundance of great teams in the Western Conference.\nTeams such as Dallas and Denver are hopeful because of the poor play of the Lakers. While they are still in prime position for a repeat shot, they have fallen short of expectations so far. The obvious feud between their two stars (Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant) is one reason, but with other teams bulking up and O'Neal only getting worse from the charity stripe (a career low 41 percent), their dominance is not as strong as it was a year ago.\nWhile Portland leads the West, San Antonio also has a legitimate shot of knocking out L.A., as David Robinson refuses to age, and their interior defense (second in the NBA in blocked shots) might be enough to upset either Portland or the Lakers.\nThe Eastern Conference has gone according to form, for the most part. While the extent of Philadelphia's success might be a shock, they were expected to be a contender. Many experts picked Milwaukee to lead the Central division. Teams such as Charlotte and New York are right about where they should be without a true center, which is why the best performance in the East might be from Miami. \nEven a slow start has not stopped Pat Riley's team from climbing through the standings, and since there is no dominant center in the conference, a trip to the finals is certainly not out of the question. \nRumors have begun to circulate that Riley has shown interest in Hakeem Olajuwon, who would simply play the remainder of the season and then go elsewhere when Alonzo Mourning returns next season.\nWhile scoring has dropped unbelievably, and two of the East's starting all-stars (Mourning and Grant Hill) have seen little or no action, the first half of the season has still managed to provide excitement, and has certainly sparked plenty of reasons to pay attention the rest of the way.
(01/25/01 5:06am)
After a rigorous fall individual season, the men's tennis team will begin its spring season at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Notre Dame.\nIt is the first dual meet of the year for the Hoosiers, ranked No. 25 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and the team is eager to begin competitive play.\n"I think everyone's excited," junior Rahman Smiley said. \nThe Hoosiers cannot be accused of easing their way into the season; the Fighting Irish are No. 33 in the nation. Notre Dame is already 2-0.\nThey claim two ranked singles players, Javier Taborga (No. 75) and Casey Smith (No. 95), and one ranked doubles team in Taborga and Aaron Talarico (No. 38).\n"Notre Dame is a good team," coach Ken Hydinger said. "They always play well at home. \n"We will definitely have to play tough up there to have a shot at doing anything."\nAfter a three-month off-season, the players said they feel they are playing well.\nAnother reason for IU's confidence is experience. Even freshman Bernard Tsepelman can claim some. \nHe defeated Notre Dame players at the Tom Fallon Invitational in the fall at South Bend. Although this might be his first scored match, Tsepelman said he isn't nervous.\n"I get more pumped up than nervous," said Tsepelman, from Forest Hills, N.Y. "This team has a lot of motivation."\nTsepelman is one of three underclassmen on the team. The other Hoosiers already know what it is like to play in season openers.\n"I've been ready," Smiley said. "This is what we've been working towards"
(01/25/01 5:02am)
With two weeks to prepare for the NFL's premiere event, the media has been able to dig up several stories about players' backgrounds on and off the field. Writers are reopening the Ray Lewis murder trial and focusing on the past of each team's quarterback.\nThrough all this sensationalism, it seems the fact that the Super Bowl will determine a champion is irrelevant. These two teams come into this event incredibly focused, yet game analysis seems to be about anything except the game.\nThe most intriguing story is the mirror images these two teams present.\nEach arrived on defense. While Baltimore's ability to stop opponents has been well documented, the Giants have been just as tough. In playoff games against Philadelphia and Minnesota, the New York defense allowed just 10 points. It squashed the powerful Vikings offense, forcing eight turnovers and controlling the line of scrimmage. \nBoth teams come in on top of their games. New York has won seven games in a row after coach Jim Fassel guaranteed a playoff berth for his team. The Ravens have run off 10 consecutive games, including two postseason road wins at Tennessee and Oakland. \nSomeone's streak is going to end, which is why the coaches have tried hard to keep their players focused.\nRavens coach Brian Billick delayed his team's arrival in Tampa by a day, so the team could practice at home, away from the media frenzy. Fassel lectured his players about the distractions of the city, such as dangerous clubs and police that might be out to get them.\nBecause both teams have such strong defenses, chances are the game will be close by the fourth quarter. One fluke play could make the difference. The play of wide receivers and running backs is crucial, as a strong performance from either will create an advantage that will be difficult to counter.\nThat said, I think the advantage goes to the Giants. Their offense has a stronger potential to break out. With a pair of dangerous running backs, they have more options. Kerry Collins, the Giants QB, is coming off of a 381-yard, 5-touchdown performance. He read the Minnesota defense with ease and delivered the ball perfectly. While he has never been considered a great quarterback, he is playing the best football of his career.\nLook for a close game, with one big play making the difference.\nGiants 20 Ravens 10.\nWho would have thought it?
(01/12/01 5:47am)
After more than two months off, the men's tennis team will resume play with the Big Ten Indoor Singles Tournament, beginning Saturday at Michigan. The three-day event will feature the conference's best singles players and is often viewed as a prestigious tournament to win.\nIndiana's nine participants will be split into two tournaments, with the top six squads in one bracket and the remaining three in the other. The event will not be scored by teams, but IU still sees it as an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Big Ten season, which opens Feb. 17 at Minnesota.\n"Winning this would be huge for both the program and the individual," junior Rahman Smiley said. "It's also good because the match play will help to get back in a groove."\nThere is little time for the Hoosiers to adapt to competitive play, as the schedule fills up quickly with one more January match (at Notre Dame Jan. 25) and six more matches in February. This weekend's tournament serves as the final practice for players to touch up on their game. \n"We want to do damage in the tournament," coach Ken Hydinger said. "I think all of our players are capable of doing well."\nThe 64-draw event will be single elimination with a consolation bracket. While a large event such as this can often overwhelm participants, Smiley said that will not happen. This has proved fatal for him in the past, while attempting to finish off his opponents. He has learned that gaining an early lead does not allow for a change in play.\n"To close out matches, I have to concentrate better," he said. "I need to seize advantages and continue to play aggressively, rather than defensively."\nThroughout the fall season, only two or three players would be sent to a given tournament. Because this weekend's tournament will allow so many participants, IU's wide spectrum of playing styles will be on display.\n"We have a combined style," said senior Brendan Storey, whose IU career ended in surgery Thursday. "We have baseliners who try to wear down opponents, and aggressive players, too"