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The Secondary Break: Tuesday’s Links

Utah Valley v Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 12: Le’Bryan Nash #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys drives on Chad Ross #22 of the Utah Valley Wolverines November 12, 2013 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Wolverines 93-40. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

Brett Deering

NBA player supports Dayton’s First Four efforts (Dayton Business Journal)
Dayton’s hosted the opening round of the NCAA tournament since the bracket expanded from 64 to 65 teams in 2001. Since 2011 four games have been played at UD Arena, and the city is doing its best to make sure that the NCAA tournament continues to begin in Dayton. Joining the efforts: Golden State Warriors guard Kent Bazemore, who made a “significant financial contribution” to the cause.

Three- and four-and done still has merit in college basketball (USA Today)
One of the biggest issues in college basketball these days is the stigma attached to some players who end up spending multiple years in college. If a player’s expected to be a “one-and-done” prospect, some rush to label him a disappointment if that doesn’t turn out to be the case. And frankly, that’s highly unfair.

One-two punch keeps San Diego State on the rise in college basketball (Los Angeles Times)
No. 6 San Diego State has surpassed the expectations many had for the program before the season began, with senior guard Xavier Thames leading the way for a team that was picked to finish fourth in the Mountain West. Two other key figures are head coach Steve Fisher and top assistant (and head coach-in-waiting) Brian Dutcher, with this tandem being together since their days at Michigan.

Mihalich is rebuilding quickly at Hofstra (City of Basketball Love)
Some were quite surprised when Joe Mihalich made the move from Niagara to Hofstra this past offseason. And the move has been a successful one for the Pride, which has surpassed last season’s win total with Dion Nesmith and Zeke Upshaw leading the way. And the future is bright, with Niagara transfer Juan’ya Green and Ameen Tanksley eligible to play next season.

Black basketball pioneers walked rocky path (Louisville Courier-Journal)
In 1962 Eddie Whitehead was one of three African-American players recruited by the Louisville program, and that ended up being an important moment for the school as they helped integrate college basketball in Kentucky. The process was difficult but also necessary, with Louisville benefitting from the courage of those three.

Washington’s energy gives NC State a lift (Raleigh News & Observer)
On Saturday NC State nearly upset No. 1 Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, falling 56-55 on a C.J. Fair basket with 6.7 seconds remaining. One of the reasons why the Wolfpack were competitive throughout was freshman forward Kyle Washington, who tallied 14 points and ten rebounds on the evening.

This week, Okon’s basketball travels take him to a familiar place (Wichita Eagle)
One person who has been with Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall throughout his time at the Missouri Valley Conference school is Dominic Okon, who has been the program’s director of basketball operations for seven years. Okon’s journey began in his native Nigeria, and on Wednesday night he’ll return to the school where he played his last two seasons of college basketball when the Shockers visit MVC newcomer Loyola (Chicago).

Abreu wants to return to University of Akron basketball team (Akron Beacon-Journal)
Alex Abreu was the starting point guard for the Akron Zips last season before being arrested on charges of marijuana trafficking. With Abreu no longer in the fold the Zips pushed forward, earning an NCAA tournament berth few expected them to get due to his suspension. Now released from jail, Abreu spoke to schoolchildren about his mistakes and hopes that his story will have a happy ending.

Pitt has little margin for error in bid for NCAA tournament spot (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
In the aftermath of their loss at North Carolina on Saturday afternoon, more people are taking a closer look at Pittsburgh’s NCAA tournament resume. And upon closer inspection, the Panthers have a resume that lacks much in the way of quality wins. Entering the stretch run in the ACC Jamie Dixon’s team won’t lack for opportunities to change that, but they have to take advantage.

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