The Morning Mix

By Troy MachirDec 10, 2012, 8:00 AM EST

We had ourselves quite the weekend. While there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of high level hoops on this weekend, there was a lot of action. There was a bevy of highlights, and even more lowlights. The Morning Mix is going to get to them all.

By the way. Today is the beginning of “Exam Week”, which just so happens to be the lightest week of college hoops. If you have stuff to do at night this week, do it. You won’t be missing much.

Lets hit the links.

Monday’s Top Games: No joke, this is the entire D-I schedule for today
7:00 p.m. – Longwood @ No.15 Georgetown
7:00 p.m. – Mississippi Valley State
7:00 p.m. – Bryant @ Navy
7:30 p.m. – Alabama State @ Detroit
8:00 p.m. – Southeastern Illinois @ Louisiana-Monroe
8:00 p.m. – William Carey (NAIA) @ Southern
9:05 p.m. – Seattle @ Eastern Washington

Read of the Day:
More intriguing details about the African-American Studies classes at UNC and the participation of college basketball players. Read it. (Raleigh News & Observers)

Top Stories:
Late Night Snacks: The best recap of Sunday’s action you will find, including why UNLV’s close victory over Cal could potentially cost them a few days in March.

Hollywood Union goes on strike against the Pac-12 Network: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, one of the largest unions in Hollywood, plans to strike against the newly formed Pac-12 Network, calling it an “unfair employer”.

Noreen breaks out as WVU hands Virginia Tech first loss: The Mountaineers’ sophomore big man had a breakout performance against Virginia Tech, in which the Hokies were handed their first loss of the season.

Appalachian State center Brian Okam shoots worst foul shot ever: This is the worst foul shot you have ever seen. I’m sure there is an explanation as to why this was so bad, but it’s not really necessary.

Illinois no longer “a feel good story”, are now a real threat: Not many believed Illinois would be able to contend this season under John Groce. But thanks to the outstanding efforts of Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson, the Illini are 10-0 which includes a huge road victory over Gonzaga.

Unexpected challenger emerged in the MAAC this weekend: in a conference many felt had as many as six teams capable of winning the conference, Canisius was discussed as a few in the offseason, sits atop the standings with a 2-0 conference record. Bolstered by the arrival of head coach Jim Baron and son Billy, the Golden Eagles now 6-1 on the season after their 94-82 win over Marist on Sunday afternoon.

Taylor’s “Silent Night Game” is best tradition in hoops: The small NAIA school has gained a reputation for hosting the single best tradition in college hoops, and it took place this past weekend.

Is offense a concern for the Hoyas following ugly 49-40 win over Towson? The No. 15 Georgetown Hoyas are 7-1 with the loss coming against the nation’s top team in overtime. Despite this, the Hoyas are averaging just 49-ppg in their last three games.

Hoops Housekeeping
– UNLV star Mike Moser dislocated his elbow last night in the Runnin’ Rebels 76-7 win over California. His status remains up in the air, but he could be out for the remainder of the season (Eye on College Basketball)

– A big ol’ hat-tip is in order for Kansas center Jeff Withey, who graduated early this weekend (KUsports.com)

– Indiana sophomore Austin Etherington fractured his patella against Central Connecticut State on Saturday and will miss the remainder of the season (Indianapolis Star)

– Former Murray State guard Zay Jackson will be in court today for his arraignment. If he had taken a previously offered plea deal he could have limited the amount of jail time he gets. But because he turned it down, he may be looking at a lot more (Mid-Major Madness)

– Kentucky center Nerlens Noel is battling through knee soreness (Lexington Herald-Leader)

– Norvelle Pelle has yet to be cleared by the NCAA and is unlikely to play for Iona this season (SNY.tv)

Observations & Insight:
– In its last full year as a basketball power, the Big East Conference is showing its dominance over other BCS conferences. (Cracked Sidewalks)

– Mike DeCourcy provides a thorough look at the week ahead. (Sporting News)

– Some excellent commentary on the Ohio Valley Conference and expansionocalypse (OVC Ball)

– It shouldn’t be too shocking to see that Providence is 7-2. But all things considered, it’s pretty shocking that Providence is 7-2. (Hoopville)

– Jeff Borzello thinks it’s a good thing that Duke freshman Rasheed Sulaimon isn’t Austin Rivers (Eye on College Basketball)

– Following the Wildcats’ Big-5 victory over Penn on Saturday, Villanova head coach Jay Wright stated he feels optimistic about the future of the Big-5 (Philly.com)

– Mississippi State will travel to Loyola (Ill.) this weekend to face the Ramblers in a rematch of the historic 1963 “Game of Change”. This will be the first time the two programs have faced off since then. (Jackson Clarion-Ledger)

– After yet another loss, this time to in-state rivals Marquette, is it time for the Wisconsin Badgers to panic? (Bucky’s 5th Quarter)

– Younger fans are starting to board the Oklahoma State bandwagon, but it’s the older generation that needs to show support (The Oklahoman)

Odds & Ends:
– Gonzaga bench “Air Guitar” is the new “Hammer of Dill” (Backyard Sports)

– Texas and UCLA played at Reliant Stadium on Saturday. Only 3,000 people showed up. The following video needs to get burried and this game should never get discussed ever again. (Deadspin)

– It needs reiterating. The game between UCLA and Texas was a comedy of errors (Los Angeles Times)

– Mantaque Gill-Cesear: Future #AllNameTeam member (NBE Basketball Report)

– Northern Arizona commit Ako Koluna shatters another backboard. I saw another because he has a history of this (Big Sky Basketball)

Picture of the Day:
This is what “the worst foul shot ever” looks like prior to launch. (Backyard Sports)

Dunk(s) of the Day:
Indiana’s Victor Oladipo is you clubhouse leader for “Poster Dunk of the Year”. (Ballin’ is a Habit)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Tt77kuECoh0]

Dunk(s) of the Day:
Archie Goodwin is in a close second place (Ballin’ is a Habit)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JqYk989ZpCU#!]

Video(s) of the Day:
Worst. Free throw. Ever.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=x-MW5tkTWtQ]

Video(s) of the Day:
Rick Pitino gives one of the better press conferences in the country. Here he is answering a reporters phone during a presser. Improvisation at it’s finest.

This video is no longer available. Click here to watch more NBC Sports videos!

Do you like the new Morning Mix? Hate it? Have a suggestion or wanted something featured? Troy Machir will take all your praise, insults and inquiries via Twitter (@TroyMachir)

Biden celebrates LSU women’s and UConn men’s basketball teams at separate White House events

Associated PressMay 26, 2023, 11:56 PM EDT

Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK

WASHINGTON – All of the past drama and sore feelings associated with Louisiana State’s invitation to the White House were seemingly forgotten or set aside Friday as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed the championship women’s basketball team to the mansion with smiles, hugs and lavish praise all around.

The visit had once appeared in jeopardy after Jill Biden suggested that the losing Iowa team be invited, too. But none of that was mentioned as both Bidens heralded the players for their performance and the way they have helped advance women’s sports.

“Folks, we witnessed history,” the president said. “In this team, we saw hope, we saw pride and we saw purpose. It matters.”

The ceremony was halted for about 10 minutes after forward Sa’Myah Smith appeared to collapse as she and her teammates stood behind Biden. A wheelchair was brought in and coach Kim Mulkey assured the audience that Smith was fine.

LSU said in a statement that Smith felt overheated, nauseous and thought she might faint. She was evaluated by LSU and White House medical staff and was later able to rejoin the team. “She is feeling well, in good spirits, and will undergo further evaluation once back in Baton Rouge,” the LSU statement said.

Since the passage of Title IX in 1972, Biden said, more than half of all college students are women, and there are now 10 times more female athletes in college and high school. He said most sports stories are still about men, and that that needs to change.

Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded education programs and activities.

“Folks, we need to support women sports, not just during the championship run but during the entire year,” President Biden said.

After the Tigers beat Iowa for the NCAA title in April in a game the first lady attended, she caused an uproar by suggesting that the Hawkeyes also come to the White House.

LSU star Angel Reese called the idea “A JOKE” and said she would prefer to visit with former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, instead. The LSU team largely is Black, while Iowa’s top player, Caitlin Clark, is white, as are most of her teammates.

Nothing came of Jill Biden’s idea and the White House only invited the Tigers. Reese ultimately said she would not skip the White House visit. She and co-captain Emily Ward presented team jerseys bearing the number “46” to Biden and the first lady. Hugs were exchanged.

Jill Biden also lavished praise on the team, saying the players showed “what it means to be a champion.”

“In this room, I see the absolute best of the best,” she said, adding that watching them play was “pure magic.”

“Every basket was pure joy and I kept thinking about how far women’s sports have come,” the first lady added, noting that she grew up before Title IX was passed. “We’ve made so much progress and we still have so much more work to do.”

The president added that “the way in which women’s sports has come along is just incredible. It’s really neat to see, since I’ve got four granddaughters.”

After Smith was helped to a wheelchair, Mulkey told the audience the player was OK.

“As you can see, we leave our mark where we go,” Mulkey joked. “Sa’Myah is fine. She’s kind of, right now, embarrassed.”

A few members of Congress and Biden aides past and present with Louisiana roots dropped what they were doing to attend the East Room event, including White House budget director Shalanda Young. Young is in the thick of negotiations with House Republicans to reach a deal by the middle of next week to stave off what would be a globally calamitous U.S. financial default if the U.S. can no longer borrow the money it needs to pay its bills.

The president, who wore a necktie in the shade of LSU’s purple, said Young, who grew up in Baton Rouge, told him, “I’m leaving the talks to be here.” Rep. Garret Graves, one of the House GOP negotiators, also attended.

Biden closed sports Friday by changing to a blue tie and welcoming the UConn’s men’s championship team for its own celebration. The Huskies won their fifth national title by defeating San Diego State, 76-59, in April.

“Congratulations to the whole UConn nation,” he said.

Marquette’s Prosper says he will stay in draft rather than returning to school

Associated PressMay 26, 2023, 7:08 PM EDT

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

MILWAUKEE — Olivier-Maxence Prosper announced he is keeping his name under NBA draft consideration rather than returning to Marquette.

The 6-foot-8 forward announced his decision.

“Thank you Marquette nation, my coaches, my teammates and support staff for embracing me from day one,” Prosper said in an Instagram post. “My time at Marquette has been incredible. With that being said, I will remain in the 2023 NBA Draft. I’m excited for what comes next. On to the next chapter…”

Prosper had announced last month he was entering the draft. He still could have returned to school and maintained his college eligibility by withdrawing from the draft by May 31. Prosper’s announcement indicates he instead is going ahead with his plans to turn pro.

Prosper averaged 12.5 points and 4.7 rebounds last season while helping Marquette go 29-7 and win the Big East’s regular-season and tournament titles. Marquette’s season ended with a 69-60 loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32.

He played two seasons at Marquette after transferring from Clemson, where he spent one season.

Kansas’ Kevin McCullar Jr. returning for last season of eligibility

Associated PressMay 25, 2023, 9:18 PM EDT

Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports

Kevin McCullar Jr. said that he will return to Kansas for his final year of eligibility, likely rounding out a roster that could make the Jayhawks the preseason No. 1 next season.

McCullar transferred from Texas Tech to Kansas for last season, when he started 33 of 34 games and averaged 10.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. He was also among the nation’s leaders in steals, and along with being selected to the Big 12’s all-defensive team, the 6-foot-6 forward was a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.

“To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog,” McCullar said in announcing his return.

Along with McCullar, the Jayhawks return starters Dajuan Harris Jr. and K.J. Adams from a team that went 28–8, won the Big 12 regular-season title and was a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where it lost to Arkansas in the second round.

Perhaps more importantly, the Jayhawks landed Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson, widely considered the best player in the portal, to anchor a lineup that was missing a true big man. They also grabbed former five-star prospect Arterio Morris, who left Texas, and Towson’s Nick Timberlake, who emerged last season as one of the best 3-point shooters in the country.

The Jayhawks also have an elite recruiting class arriving that is headlined by five-star recruit Elmarko Jackson.

McCullar declared for the draft but, after getting feedback from scouts, decided to return. He was a redshirt senior last season, but he has another year of eligibility because part of his career was played during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “Kevin is not only a terrific player but a terrific teammate. He fit in so well in year one and we’re excited about what he’ll do with our program from a leadership standpoint.”

Clemson leading scorer Hall withdraws from NBA draft, returns to Tigers

Associated PressMay 25, 2023, 9:15 PM EDT

Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson leading scorer PJ Hall is returning to college after withdrawing from the NBA draft on Thursday.

The 6-foot-10 forward took part in the NBA combine and posted his decision to put off the pros on social media.

Hall led the Tigers with 15.3 points per game this past season. He also led the Tigers with 37 blocks, along with 5.7 rebounds. Hall helped Clemson finish third in the Atlantic Coast Conference while posting a program-record 14 league wins.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell said Hall gained experience from going through the NBA’s combine that will help the team next season. “I’m counting on him and others to help lead a very talented group,” he said.

Hall was named to the all-ACC third team last season as the Tigers went 23-10.

George Washington adopts new name ‘Revolutionaries’ to replace ‘Colonials’

Associated PressMay 24, 2023, 7:12 PM EDT

Getty Images

WASHINGTON — George Washington University’s sports teams will now be known as the Revolutionaries, the school announced.

Revolutionaries replaces Colonials, which had been GW’s name since 1926. Officials made the decision last year to drop the old name after determining it no longer unified the community.

GW said 8,000 different names were suggested and 47,000 points of feedback made during the 12-month process. Revolutionaries won out over the other final choices of Ambassadors, Blue Fog and Sentinels.

“I am very grateful for the active engagement of our community throughout the development of the new moniker,” president Mark S. Wrighton said. “This process was truly driven by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and the result is a moniker that broadly reflects our community – and our distinguished and distinguishable GW spirit.”

George the mascot will stay and a new logo developed soon for the Revolutionaries name that takes effect for the 2023-24 school year. The university is part of the Atlantic 10 Conference.