Paint Touches

WASHINGTON —  Often times it’s said that NCAA Tournament games are won and lost during the July open AAU period, the idea being that you need to recruit well to win the big games. While you will never get anybody to totally dismiss that notion–every team needs talent–it clearly takes more than just 5-star recruits. […]

WASHINGTON —  When opposing teams get ready to take on Marquette, Trent Lockett probably isn’t the first name that comes up on the scouting report. That honor probably goes to Vander Blue. After that one would probably spend some time game planning for the big bodies down low – Chris Otule and Davante Gardner. But […]

Buzz Williams: If the secret wasn’t out before tonight that Williams is one of the best game planners in the country, it certainly is now. The defensive strategy to push Shane Larkin out on pick and rolls and to play a version of zone defense down-low had the Hurricanes’ offense out of sorts. Later in […]

Let’s be honest for a minute here. There is no concept more abused and improperly applied than an athlete’s “Nobody Believes in Us” mantra. Whether an underdog or 15-point favorite, teams will always find some slight to lack of respect given by fan, foe or father to will themselves to an inspired performance. I’m sick […]

For all the gratuitous hyperbole Buzz Williams tends to give to opposing teams, coaches and players, he wasn’t joking around or exaggerating when he said the Miami Hurricanes have a roster that looks more like an NBA team than a collegiate one. The outright ACC champions–both in the regular season and the conference tournament–were one […]