New Coaches Bring Excitement

College Basketball Returns to the NY Tri-State Area

I don't know about anyone else but I am very excited about area basketball for next season and beyond. New coaches at St. Johns, Seton Hall, Iona, Fordham, Hofstra and Wagner should bring interest back to the game we all love. It is almost a total area wide face lift. It is as if all the area ADs decided to make a huge move together. I cannot remember ever seeing this many local hires at one time.

From all indications Coach Willard at Seton Hall seems to be a person the players will love playing for. Without going into detail I will say how things happen for a reason. Years ago Willard was all signed sealed and delivered to a CAA school who at the last moment pulled the plug on him for the DUMBEST REASON! Fast forward we saw him go to Iona and do well enough to obtain the Seton Hall Job. If he went to that CAA school, this would never had happened. In fact that CAA school has not done well from the time they went back on hiring him. Reflecting back I am sure he is thrilled how things worked out.

If Iona gets a guy like Fran Fraschilla they will continue to move back towards where they were years ago. By the way the Jeff Ruland story is something that has been whispered all over the country during his tenure there. Ugly situation especially if true and done to a guy like Ruland who put Iona on the map. Guy turned down Kentucky to attend Iona and they do this to him? Back to basketball. Fran would do a nice job there. Personally I feel he would be a bases loaded home run for Iona. I love what Fran brings to the table and always have. I also hear whispers that Kentucky Assistant Steve Masiello could get this position and is being pushed hard by his Godfather Rick Pitino.

Hofstra is an interesting situation. Seems the AD at Hofstra is an ex UConn guy which explains the fact Dave Leitao, Karl Hobbs of George Washington, Tom Moore and other UConn guys are listed as candidates. I am a huge Dave Leitao fan but feel he needs to take the huge salary at St. Johns as opposed to trying to step down to a Hofstra level. He seems to excel at higher profile programs with money to spend as opposed to those with limited budgets and resources. Furthermore, Hofstra needs a NY guy like Van Macon to lead them and continue the great job done by Jay Wright and Tom Picora. If not Van Macon they should strongly consider Al Skinner who was wrongly fired this week from Boston College and is a Long Island native.

Speaking of Al Skinner I need to point out all this guy did was win, never get into trouble with the NCAA, graduate his players, defend his kids, and find hidden jewels and develop them into very good Big East and ACC players. Someone needs to call him right now! If Tom Picora did not take Fordham he would have been the perfect fit. I might have said Iona as well but after hearing what Ruland and his assistants went through I am not so sure it would be safe for him there.

Tom Picora is the type of guy who will lead Fordham back to some sort of post season play. He deserves the money he received if for no other reason than he left much better facilities than he will have at Fordham. Using the A10 as a selling point, he will work very hard to sell Fordham to recruits. Now all they need is to commit to improving the facilities in a huge way. Fordham really needs a new gym and practice facility in the worst way. Maybe a joint project with the City of New York to build a place in the Bronx to generate revenue when there are not Fordham events being held in the building and a place to use for events similar to how Temple University does it.

I hear Wagner has guys like Darren Savino, Danny Hurley, and a few others being considered. Wagner is interesting because they really have an opportunity to become Staten Islands team and capture fans from all over the boro. No reason they should not have a season ticket waiting list in that nice 2500 seat gym. If you have never been to Wagner, I will tell you it was much better than I imagined when I attended a few games there years ago.

With all of the local college basketball activity going on, the one that brings it all home is St. Johns! As I have always said, on the college level you need a Coach and a Salesman to attract great players and fans to fill up the arena when you play games. Hiring Steve Lavin is like getting a coach and PR person in the same deal.

Not sure he will get the Manhattan Coach or Dave Leitao, but if he does and also gets Jay (I remember when he was Jason lol) Williams or Jared Grasso from Fordham, WATCH OUT!!!!! Again this brings it all together for a great 2010-2011 college basketball season and one that will see many more HS players from NY, NJ, and even Connecticut attend college in the area.

Lastly, could this be a version of the Philadelphia Big 5 if they play each other?

Interesting Time Of The Year

Steve Lavin

The more I think about it the more excited I become. I only hope Lavin and St. Johns come together on a contract because if they do not it will be devastating to their program. Honestly I am shocked Steve Lavin wants to come east to continue his coaching career. Why?

Lets start with the fact St. Johns is really one of the top 8-10 programs nationally when it comes to history of the game. Remember it was not too long ago that St. Johns was mentioned with places such as Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina as super programs with history. How soon we tend to forget that at one time playing for St. Johns was like playing for the Knicks because of the huge following they had with sold out games at Madison Square Garden and the many groupies who followed the program. Yes they really had groupies!

How about nowhere to go but up? Coach Lavin would be loved based on just getting St. Johns back to the NCAA's. The great thing is the talent is there to do just that next season.

Playing Broadway is a great thing and that's just what Lavin will have as St. Johns returns to the glory years.

It seems there is now a huge Money Person (Vitamin Water) behind the program. That alone makes life easy for travel, recruitment, off season jobs, and maybe jobs for a few parents if they happen to be qualified to work in the soft drink industry lol.

With all this I still feel Lavin will need great assistants and the way it seems to be going he will get them. Smart man taking a few dollars less to hire outstanding assistants. Not sure who he will get, but it sure will not be a person without great experience and KNOW HOW!

Again I would jump up and down with the St. Johns fans if this happens. It really would help all the area schools because no matter what anyone says, when St. Johns is very good, college basketball in the tri state area benefits.

I wonder if they still serve those cold pretzels at Alumni Hall with the mustard packets. If so I will take two please.

Seton Hall

OK it has been confirmed by many of the people I know. Kevin Willard is supposed to be an outstanding individual, and a very good coach. In fact many of my friends who follow the game very closely feel Seton Hall also hit a home run and that Willard will be a great face for the University.

I honestly thought he needed more experience for a job as big (in my eyes) as Seton Hall. I felt SHU needed a great Coach and a Salesman to put bodies in the seats at around 14,500 per game. From what I am told this could happen if SHU does it's part marketing wise. I personally want to see 18,000 next season for the Battle of New Jersey with a preliminary game featuring the Seton Hall Women against Rutgers as well. Everyone from the Governor to State reps should be there. What a day it will be.

Rutgers

I think Rutgers needs some good press right about now. This is the time the RU AD needs to release detailed information about the New and improved Rutgers Athletic Center. Talk it up and keep RU in the news because right now everyone is getting full doses of St. Johns and Seton Hall.

Hope they understand that positive press of any type helps recruiting and attendance.

NBA Draft

I am stunned that Herb Pope, Jeff Robinson and Maybe Jeremy Hazell are all considering entering the NBA Draft. Must be more to this because none are guaranteed to be a first or second round draft choice. Maybe I need to introduce them to Omar Cook. I am sure Omar is doing fine in a country far away. But if he would have stayed at St, Johns he would be in the NBA today.

I still feel the big fella from Rutgers will be drafted in the 2nd round and make a team as a back up or at the least be put on injured reserve. He really brings some things to the table.

AAU Season is upon us. Look out for my HS and AAU rankings of Coaches, Administrators, and programs. As soon as I can get with my guys Jon Cano and Bobby H, we will get this done. It was quite controversial when we did this a year ago. Stay tuned!

What A Weekend

St. Johns

People are talking about the possibility of Steve Lavin going to St. Johns as Head Coach. Many love it and a few hate it. I happen to love it and feel he would bring the buzz necessary to fill Madison Square Garden again as well as sell out Alumni Hall for the season as it was years ago. This is a home run if I ever saw one. If Lavin is hired it erases all the failed efforts with Hewitt, Greenburg, etc. In fact, it could be a better hire than anyone mentioned.

I had an opportunity to sit with Lavin at the ABCD Camp years ago when he was at UCLA. He was very outgoing to all the fans who would not let him watch the game because they asked so many questions and requested so many autographs. He was a true super star and humble and personable as well. What a nice guy!

If Lavin takes the St. Johns job and convinces Dave Lateo to join him, WATCH OUT. Dave is LOVED BY EVERYONE in the NYC Tri-State area. He recruits well, and really is a good coach just as Lavin is. Now if they get any of the others mentioned they become as good a staff as West Virginia and I feel West Virginia is the best Big East Staff currently.

But the real big thing is these guys would be Fan Magnets and everyone will be drawn to them. I know I would be very excited about St,. Johns basketball with those guys aboard.

I still remain a Al Skinner fan as well as a Jim Baron fan. But Lavin and his staff would be Broadway, Carnegie Deli, Apollo Theater, Central Park, and yes Madison Square Garden all over again. In fact that staff would be so good it would only help bring back excitement to area college basketball, something that has been missing for many years.

Seton Hall Hires Willard

Hard to compare this hire with what St. Johns is talking about. I just hope it works out. I also hope this was not done because Rick Pitino pushed it? In all fairness Willard does seem like a very good coach. I am sure he will bring Seton Hall Favorite Shaheen Holloway with him. The big question is who else will he bring? Sha will do well but now Willard needs that other Big East Recruiting type with experience in GETTING IT DONE Big East style. I would hope he would also bring his Dad with him as an Assistant to help with the X and Os. Doing this makes the hire a very impressive one. Bringing the type of staff he used at Iona would be dangerous when it comes to really getting it done recruiting, Big East preparation, program management, and x and o wise.

What a huge weekend in college basketball. Butler winning and going to the final four is as close as we will get to watching Hoosiers on TV. The one real difference is Butler is a very good basketball team that has been very good for a while and has a tremendous history dating back many years. Butler in the Final Four has everyone in Indianapolis buzzing with excitement.

Still enjoy watching the Butler Head Coach, who is very good, working the sidelines. If he wins it all, Disney will definitely come calling for the movie rights. He actually looks like he is 21 years old.

West Virginia is my choice to win it all. I still feel they have the best staff in the entire country experience wise, recruiting wise, and knowing how to get it done when it comes to building a program into a TRUE national contender.

Duke............... Here we go again. After being absent from the final four for a long time they return and ............. Here we go again.

Michigan State is a great story and is coached by a true underrated SUPER COACH. I did not say underrated Coach, I said Underrated SUPER COACH! They might just be the favorites to win it all. But again I am pulling for West Virginia and if they win, Billy Hahn might just get that next Head Coaching Job he deserves. Although I am sure WVU compensates him and Larry Harris well enough for them to stay forever.

Coaching Searches and The NCAA

Interesting Developments and Games

This years NCAA tournament has been full of surprises. However, some things you could see before they really happened.

Anyone other than me see Syracuse losing to Butler before it happened? Typical Syracuse with all that talent losing to a very good Butler Team from the Horizon Conference which is kind of a Midwestern mixture of the A10 and MAAC combined depending on who is playing who. But again many could feel from the opening tip off this would not be Syracuse day.

Did anyone else see the baby face young guy coaching Butler? And this guy has done a great job for a few years it seems. But his face was straight out of a Disney Movie where the young JHS guy gets an opportunity to coach and leads the team to glory. I would bet he will be the next coach at Indiana when they decide to make a change. Or at the least if Tubby leaves for greener pastures he could slide in at Minnesota. Or maybe he will stay at Butler forever and become a true Indiana Legend. But one thing for sure, he will be one of the top coaches in America if he is not already.

Kansas State beats a very good Xavier team. Were people paying attention? What is it with Xavier? They just win and win, year after year as a private college that at one time was second fiddle to The University of Cincinnati. Not to mention it seems they continue to develop big men who eventually wind up in the NBA. Maybe it's because they made a commitment to the basketball program starting with the building of a nice arena years back. Or it could be they have the correct formula when it comes to identifying coaches.

Kansas State has also built a very good program in recent years. Place use to be half full and now they pack them in. Is it the coaching? marketing? How did they get so good in recent years? I will leave that to others to figure out. But they are now a power team that kids like alot. Coach, who is really a nice guy, looks like he could be Special Forces or at the least a ex Navy Seal. I cannot see any players talking back to him. Heck as big as I am he could get me to run the court and get a few rebounds.

West Virginia wins. Good solid win for the Big East Conferences hope to get a title. Kevin Jones has really done a great job this season as has the others including Ebanks and Butler who should be a 1st round draft choice. Ebanks needs to come back and join Jones for another season.

Speaking of the draft. Tell me why Jeff Robinson would ruin all that he has done this season to enter the NBA Draft? Is he crazy? NO! It is just some of these agent and advisor types continue to provide bad advice. Kid did not get off the bench at Memphis and attends SHU for more PT. Gets it and plays very well. But not well enough for the NBA. Plus he needs to show people that he is solid in the head as well as on the court. It is a very bad look for a kid like him to declare for the draft with more eligibility left.

Kids at Seton Hall need to pump the brakes and not even think transfer. Program should come up with a good replacement for Bobby Gonzalez very soon if not sooner. Although I do not understand why they are not going after more established coaches.

Speaking of established coaches am I missing something? Are people discriminating against older coaches? Why are the local teams not going after people like Jim Baron of Rhode Island? All this guy does is win regardless of where he coaches. He even won at St. Bonaventure and that's a hard job based on location because the school is tremendous with great support. Why has none of the local schools reached out to him?

What about a guy like Jim O'brian? This guy did a great job at Boston College before heading to Ohio State. Are they blackballing this proven winner?

Has anyone ever heard of Al Skinner? Just what the Doctor ordered for a school to turn it around or improve. Guy can coach, recruit, and find great talent under the radar. Has anyone spoken to him yet?

Fran Frachillo should be courted like a guy courts his future wife. Another proven winner.

Tubby Smith? At least reach out to him. Big Time Guy who might just listen.

Here is the guy who would most likely run to the area to coach and do a great job. Yes he is an ex Duke players but would be outstanding! His name is Jeff Capel and he currently coaches The University of Oklahoma. For the type of Money St. Johns is offering and the type of money SHU should be offering he might be interested in coming east.

Wagner Job

What is the hold up or did I miss the announcement? I still feel Darryl Jacobs who was Coach of the Year while leading Clark Atlanta to a great record this season would be outstanding at Wagner. All he needs is an opportunity and the rest would be history. Guy is that good!

Salaries

How could Fordham of the A10 pay more than SHU of the Big East? Same area but maybe a different understanding of paying for what you get?

Coaching Search Strategy?

Seton Hall Coaching Search

All I will say is you get what you pay for. If you want to pay what a good mid level coach in the A10 or Missouri Valley earns, you will get that type of coach. It could work out well and that coach could be a potential super star. But at the price they wish to pay they might just wind up with what they have always had since PJ left. a good coach who will lead SHU to a middle of the pack finish and celebration.

Lets also talk candidates. Why even settle for a person bringing things to the table you had in the past two coaches. Now is the time to step out of the box and hit a home run. This is a time to invest in your program by taking a chance on someone who might be controversial but will help you take the curtain down at the arena because attendance will increase.

Seton Hall is not a good job on paper, it is a GREAT JOB on paper based on many factors I have discussed in the past. Seton Hall needs a super star coach who will make Seton Hall his final stop. If they do not do this now, the road to recovery will be long and hard. Look at Willard, Rice, HS Coaches, and others who might jump at $500,000 (alot to me but not to coaches in demand). But remember there are some real winners out there including Bob Knight (if he wants to coach), Fran Frachello (sp) who regardless what anyone says will win wherever he coaches and would be great at SHU, Seth Greenburg, Steve Lavin, PJ, and others not mentioned who would bring instant credibility to the SHU basketball program. This is not a knock on the mid major guys mentioned, just high praise for the potential of the SHU Basketball program.

Rutgers

This is why I like the fact Fred Hill was not replaced. Short and simple. If you are not getting a super star replacement, why bother when there is improvement in the program.

AAU and Travel Team People Speak With St. Johns.

This is one of the most interesting developments I have seen in all my years watching basketball. What St. Johns has done is made it clear who they feel are important in the scope of running a successful basketball program. Did they seek out Dick Vitale, Bob Knight, Jay Bilas, Ex Successful Coaches and ADs from successful D1 programs? Not sure if they did but it seems they decided to speak with the guys who are close to the kids and the ones they feel have the most influence. Never thought I would see this happen but it is a new day and some schools are determined to get it right regardless of how they do it.

So what will these AAU and Travel Team guys say? Will they also say that St. Johns and others like SHU and RU need to learn how to bend the rules a bit without actually cheating? Is this the same as puffing a cigarette but not inhaling? Or maybe tasting food you should not eat and not swallowing? I hope they will bring intelligent suggestions to a table that many feel they do not belong. It is a chance to show AAU and Travel Team guys are not what many people think. I have always said many, including Jim Salmon, Gary Charles, Rich Leary, The New Heights People, and many others not mentioned are better than people realize. In fact say what you wish, but I continue to believe and say these guys are doing great things for the most part with our youth and providing opportunities kids would most likely never receive at certain high schools. It remains a huge joke that the real HS season starts in late March.

On the other hand I have to keep it real. Is this a smart move by St. Johns? Will local HS Coaches feel slighted? Why would they meet with the AAU/Travel Team people and not HS Coaches? very interesting and very telling. Personally I think it is a good thing to reach out to the tri-state basketball community including HS coaches and others. But this should be done as part of a State of the Basketball Program Address and Open House. Chance to show off facilities, have a bite to eat, and than have a question and answer. The way it is now set up looks as if the AAU guys are running things, and that might just send the wrong message.

At the end of the day I still wonder if it makes a difference? What can be said that is not already known? You need a coach who is out in the community and can relate! You need to be more visible! Your facilities should be made available to community groups so that kids will become acquainted to the SJU campus and feel a connection! You need a good X and O Coach! You need to hire a local AAU/Travel Team guy for your program! You should provide free tickets to community groups so they can attend games!

Yes we all know the information that will be shared. But here is what St. Johns could do to get the most out of this somewhat controversial meeting. They need to have a list of 5-7 candidates for the open St. Johns Job and ask opinions on each candidate. They could also ask the people in attendance to rank them based on set criteria. That would provide some telling information.

I still remember a high major program hiring a very well known HS coach from a inner city neighborhood as an assistant coach. The person in question had a great HS program and everyone assumed he had great connections. little did they know other coaches respected him as a coach but hated him as a person and would never allow a player to attend the school he coached at. And the rest is history at that particular school.

The same thing applies to coaching candidates at SHU, St, Johns, Fordham, Wagner, and other places. Some of the candidates are not viewed favorably by the local Rec, AAU, Travel Team, and HS Coaches. Hiring the wrong person who has not been right in treatment of local players, etc, is a bad move and a focus group of tri-state basketball people helps with eliminating someone sneaking through the cracks. Just an example is one coach who is excellent had a reputation of being uncomfortable around certain types of players. Great guy and I am not sure it is true, but it has been said.

Well I look forward to seeing how this plays out. Stay tuned!

Questions and Thoughts

I wonder if the current SHU Assistant Coaches are in touch with Stix Mitchell?

I wonder if Bobby Gonzalez is concerned?

Has Seton Hall at least done it's own investigation? If so they could just find out the true story behind this.

I think alot of potential recruits and advisers are watching how SHU handles this support wise as a University. Not saying SHU should defend Stix Mitchell's actions, just saying he was at SHU for 3 years and is a current student.

Is it normal for a university to just turn their back on people based on an accusation even without doing an investigation or the person in question being proven guilty? Legit question!

Rutgers

Now that Fred Hill Jr. is returning what will Rutgers do support wise for him to help him become more successful? After all it takes more than the coach to create a winning program and atmosphere!

Will Fred Hill retain all of his assistants?

Wagner

Who will get the Wagner Head Coaching job? I hear alot of local guys including a few local Big east Assistants have applied. On that level recruiting and LOCAL connections are extremely important, Playing on Staten Island is such a plus if they make this team Staten Islands Team. Still remember how huge Evan Pickman, current NBA Scout, made little College of Staten Island into a national D3 contender playing in front of sell out crowds and on local TV. Could be a great low/mid major job.

Seton Hall Coaching Search

This will be a very important hire. I honestly feel the position is much more attractive than people think. Great University, Great Arena, a few sellouts last season, room to go up, returning players are very good, NY area potential for stardom, closeness to NYC, Philly, and Washington not to mention GREAT BASKETBALL in New Jersey. This job is a very good one and Seton Hall needs to get the right person and not settle.

FDU

All I will say is FDU could be a much better program if they put money in the pot. What a sleeping giant. All they need to do facility wise is bring in all new bleachers and make the seating capacity 4500. Half chair backs and half colored bleachers.

They than need to put money into marketing and advertising in an effort to become North Jersey's team. Honestly they should claim the title and use it in advertising.

Mike Rice

Loved what Mike Rice did this season and what he brings to the table. If I remember correctly he is another Hoop Group Guy and that's not a bad thing. Also remember him from Fordham. Maybe Fordham needs to get this guy very soon before someone else gets him/

Tom Picora

All I will say is I am a Picora fan. I know he would work his butt off and get results wherever he coaches. But wherever he goes will require very good assistants. Honestly Jay Wright was very similar to me when he was at Hofstra. Plus it is hard to compare Hofstra to any Big east school based on what a coach has to work with.

NCAA's

A few upsets and today could be the same. Let the games begin!

WOW!

WOW!

What a day in local basketball. At a time when all focus was on what would happen with Fred Hill Jr. and Norm Roberts, who would have figured Seton Hall would fire Bobby Gonzalez? Just shows what goes on behind closed doors. It also shows what happens when an employer really wants to make a change and get rid of someone.

As I mentioned with the Binghamton situation, what a player does off campus might be linked to the their college Coach and program but is it right? Did Mitchell ever commit a robbery prior to this accusation? If not how could the SHU administration hold Bobby Gonzalez responsible for such actions? It would be the same if a player on summer break punches a person while on spring break at the Jersey Shore. Would the Coach be accountable?

Now on the other hand the on court behavior of players are a direct reflection of the coaches and the type of program a university has. So Bobby has to take a hit for Popes actions during the Texas Tech game unfortunately. That has to be something looked at regardless of win/loss records. Unfortunately some universities could care less which is why The University of Kentucky's big guy is allowed to take cheap shots and often play dirty without being reprimanded. Despite all of this I still feel Bobby Gonzalez did not deserve anything other than a reprimand for the events in question. Maybe I am just a bit more tolerant than others.

I will not say much more on this except it is easy to kick a person when they are down. I will not do that. In fact it is really sickening watching people jump on the kick Bobby Gonzalez in the butt band wagon because it is now very popular. Bobby made mistakes but so did many others who are still holding jobs and looked at as hero's on campuses across the country. One thing for sure, despite not getting to the NCAA, Bobby continued a winning tradition at Seton Hall and the caliber of players he recruited who could play were not different than many of the players recruited all over the country. Pope was not a criminal when he was recruited. Neither was Robinson, or Lawrence. Who on Seton Hall was such a bad apple that no one wanted them? NO ONE! I honestly feel Jealous Coaches put out alot of negative stuff about Bobby in fear of him becoming successful. It even started when he first got the SHU job when they floated names of potential Assistant Coaches as a way to discredit him.

I personally have always liked Bobby and that will continue. Yes I will say when I think things are wrong, However, I really saw much more good than bad! No need to say what I feel were short comings again. I will use that space to say I feel he will survive and do well in his next position. I also think there is no way that Seton Hall will not have to pay him based on his contract. They can try to use "Cause" if they wish. But only time I have seen cause work is with the ex coach at Iowa State who was caught drinking alcohol and partying with under grads while he was on a road trip. And even than I think he still received some compensation.

So good luck Bobby. I know this is a hard time for you but hopefully you have learned from your experience so that you will do well at your next COACHING job!

Extra

Odd that the NY Times piece came out when it did and now Bobby Gonzalez is fired. Was this in the works and was it planted by very connected people? I also am disappointed that coaches who are legends are now coming out and dogging this guy. If they did not comment in the past, why comment now?

Saw ex Indiana Coach Kevin Sampson on TV coaching in the NBA. All I can say is wow! The NBA, the place where even.................................

St. Johns Loses

I really know people will kill me for this. I want Norm Roberts to keep his job. He is right on the edge of turning St. Johns into a top notch program. What makes it even better is he is doing it the hard way and doing it with class.

Anyone can see that St. Johns is better than they were a year ago. Ditto Rutgers and Seton Hall although that did not help Bobby Gonzalez. How good these programs can be at a time where some college basketball programs nationally have all you can spend bank accounts available is up to debate. Will all 3 have a win at any cost mentality? Are the fans really realistic? I honestly feel all 3 will soon be programs playing in sold out arenas again.

The NCAA Starts

I love President Obama's picks and I agree with Kansas as the National Champion. Great guard play with big guys who know their role equals success. I also love the fact our President really understands college basketball. I wonder if his Brother in Law gave him some insight?

Interesting that there are so many ex college players on the Presidential staff. I heard a long time ago that people who play college sports make good leaders and employees. But in the case of this Presidential Staff, they could win a local adult tournament and even do a great job in the Pelham Fritz Adult league in Harlem NY that is 35 and older with many ex NBA, college, and tri state street legends participating including Gus Williams, Mike Bantum, Ed Pinkney, Kyrie Irving's Dad, and many more.

Well let the games start. Off to buy some snacks to eat as I watch! Enjoy the games.