Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011
HOUSTON — When Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun called to recruit Jeremy Lamb, he was shocked by who answered the phone.
The voice belonged to Lamb's father, Rolando, who hit a last-second shot for Virginia Commonwealth to eliminate a Calhoun-led Northeastern team 70-69 in the first round of the 1984 NCAA Tournament.
"I said: 'I don't hate you at all; I just kind of dislike you, and that was working its way down to like,' " Calhoun said. " 'But you can do me a big favor and we can wipe it all out, have your son come and play for me, because he's going to be terrific.' "
Jeremy Lamb thinks his work this season might have helped Calhoun forget about the shot that gave VCU the win. The 6-foot-5 freshman has started 38 of 39 games for the Huskies and is averaging 11.1 points and 4.3 rebounds a game.
"I think he has (forgotten)," Lamb said. "Every now and then he would say something about it, but he doesn't bring it up anymore."
'Family' reunion: One of the first texts Kentucky F Darius Miller received after the Wildcats beat North Carolina for the East Region title last week came from friend Shelvin Mack.
"I told him 'Welcome to the Final Four,' " the Butler guard said.
The two met while playing AAU basketball in eighth grade and became so close they even considered playing at the same school. Though they didn't, Mack and Miller have maintained what Mack describes as a "brother-type" relationship.
Mack has had the upper hand over Miller for years and pointed out that his season has ended after Miller's the past two years. He'd love to make it three straight: "I'm trying to keep that alive."
Kudos for Kemba: UConn's Kemba Walker won the Bob Cousy Award on Thursday as the nation's top point guard. The award, named for the Hall of Fame former Boston Celtics guard, is voted on by a 20-person committee. Walker has averaged 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Wichita State wins NIT: J.T. Durley and Graham Hatch scored 12 each to lead a balanced offense, and Wichita State (29-8) rolled to a 66-57 win over top-seeded Alabama (25-12) in the NIT title game at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Around the nation: Purdue coach Matt Painter received an eight-year contract that will pay him at least $2.3 million per year. … Hofstra signed coach Mo Cassara to a five-year contract through the 2015-16 season. … Washington junior G Isaiah Thomas plans to enter the NBA draft but hasn't hired an agent.
Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/uconns-lamb-helping-calhoun-forget-past/1161009
Caribbean Food & drink Liverpool Burlesque Tim Cahill Premier League
No comments:
Post a Comment