Good Knight Bobby, The Palestra Rocks, Ty Lawson

Bobby Knight suddenly and unexpectedly stepped down yesterday at the age of 67. After almost 1,300 career games and an amazing 902 wins, Knight decided he had had enough and handed the reigns over to his son, Pat. Say what you want about him and his acerbic personality, but Bobby Knight was one of the best coaches ever to stalk the sidelines (29 20-win seasons), and he was great for the game. He certainly had some unfortunate outbursts, but he cared about his kids and teaching them the game the right way. And he always made things more interesting. Duke fans all have a special spot in their heart for Coach Knight for coaching our guy, Coach K, and then getting him the head coaching gigs at Army and later Duke. Speaking of which, Coach K is now 108 wins behind Knight...and counting.

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the game between St. Joseph's and Villanova at the Paestra. Now of course I am biased when I say that, in my opinion, there is no equal to Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the Palestra is not far behind. It had been decades since I had graced the halls of the legendary basketball barn. As you walk in, the rafters and walls ooze tradition and history. As you walk toward your seats, you brave the hundred degree temperatures (no AC) and pack into your tiny seats like sardines. It is just a magnificent building. Some highlights (or lowlights) from the game:

• After the National Anthem, the PA announcer asked for a moment of silence for those who had played in the rivalry and had passed away. As the moment was about to attend, a St. Joe fan screamed out "F*&^ Nova" that all 8,700 people could easily hear. Immediately after, the PA announcer said "Thank You." Priceless. Classic. Phenomenal.
• St. Joe is looking more and more like a tournament team. Their defensive pressure and overall D was outstanding all night. This team can win at least a game in the big dance.
• Rob Ferguson, who shows flashes of the player he was supposed to be, played a great game, with his 20 points coming inside and outside. Pat Calathes continues to have a better year than his much more heralded brother (who is having a great freshman year for the Gators).
• Villanova looks lost. Jay Wright has not done a good job developing this team, and has no continuity in his substitution patterns. (That being said, Jay Wright is a great coach for this program). They clearly have some talent on this team, but everybody is playing inconsistently and the confidence level is at an all-time low.
• Scottie Reynolds has regressed more than any player I can remember since Mark Macon or Greg Koubek. Just painful to watch. He is so hesitant with the ball. Does not know what to do. His shot is off. It is painful to watch. And remember, this is a kid that was good enough as a freshman last year that there was some speculation that he would jump to the NBA.

As Duke and UNC prepare to play in their first battle of the year tomorrow night (9:00 pom, espn, Dick Vitale's season debut), Ty Laswson is questionable for the game with a bad ankle. I, for one, am hoping he plays. If he doesn't, and Duke pulls out the win, then all the billions of Duke haters will say it is only bvecause Lawson didn't play. I want to play our best (although Zoubek is still out fo rthe Devils, costing them some size) against their best and let the chips fall where they may. Back tomorrow with more on that tilt.

Back later with a few thoughts from the Super Bowl....