College Hoops, L.J. Smith

Duke 89, UNC 78.

The Devils controlled the game from about the second TV timeout though the end of the game. They were able to utilize their lack of size as an advantage by spreading the floor, and creating open looks at 3-balls all night that they were able to convert at a 44.8% clip. In addition, I think Coach K really outcoached Roy Williams (certainly not always the case in this match-up). He put his players in positions to make plays and force turovers (both of which they did). He also made the smart decision to let Hansbrough get his, but not let the other guys beat him. The result: 28 & 18 for Psycho T, big struggles from Ginyard, Ellington, Green, and Thomas from the perimeter. It will be great to see the return match up in Cameron with Lawson back at full strength.

Last night, UCLA continued to show two things. First, they are as strong a National Championship contender as any team in the country. Kevin Love is a beast inside. Darren Collison is the best defensive point guard in the country. They play good defense, they rebound, and Love's outlet passes are one of the best weaopns in the country. On the other hand, Washington State has lost 5 of their last 8, and it seems that thoughts of a deep run into March were wildly exaggerated. This team looks ripe, with certain match ups, to be one and done in March.

Eric Gordon, Indiana's super Frosh, made his much anticipated trip to Champaign to face the Illini team and the fans he jilted ahen he backed out of his verbal commitment when that scumbag cheater Kelvin Sampson kept recruituing him (does Sampson remind nobody else of a crooked Jim Calhoun). He clearly felt the heat of the crowd and the energy of the defenders, asd he struggled mightily and then some in this game. But ultimately, Illinois let him off the hook (they were who we thought they were...) and squandered a big second half lead and lost in double-OT. Indiana, who has perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the Nation in Gordon and D.J. White, has not looked right for about a month now. It will be interesting to see if they can get on track by March.

The Eagles placed the franchise tag on L.J. Smith, meaning they are committing to paying him a salary of the average of the top 5 tight ends in the NFL. Did I miss the announcement that Pat Gillick took over running the Eagles? Are you kidding me? Smith has been largely a disappointment since coming into the league. He has been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, a propensity to fumble, and dropped passes. He was picked when Jason Witten, the Cowboys perennial All-Pro (who was rated higher by most people but the genius brain trust of the Birds thought they knew better) was still suitting on the board (he got picked by the Cowboys the following round). If I were making the decisions, I would let L.J. take a walk, and turn the reigns over to Brent Celek, who had a very nice rookie year and looks like he can be a productive starting tight end in this league. UGH!