Author Archives: ianbethune

2013 NCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings – Week 13 (Jan. 29)

AP & USA Today Coaches Polls

The latest NCAA women's basketball rankings are out and the UConn Huskies remain at No. 3 in the AP Poll and No. 2 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

The Baylor Lady Bears remain No. 1 in both polls and are followed by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, UConn, Stanford Cardinals and Duke Blue Devils in the AP Poll. Baylor is followed by UConn, Notre Dame, Duke and Stanford in the Coaches Poll.

Joining UConn and Notre Dame in the top 25 from the Big East are the Louisville Cardinals (12/12). The Syracuse Orange are No. 24 in the Coaches Poll but are among the others receiving votes in the AP Poll.

The Villanova Wildcats are the only team from the Big East amongst the others receiving votes in both polls. The DePaul Blue Demons are among the others receiving votes in the Coaches Poll.

For a full look at the 2013 NCAA Women's Basketball Rankings – Week 14 (Jan. 29), please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

AP Top 25 USA Today Coaches Poll
RK TEAM REC PTS PVS RK TEAM REC PTS PVS
1 Baylor (37) 18-1 997 1 1 Baylor (25) 18-1 743 1
2 Notre Dame 19-1 953 2 2 Connecticut (4) 18-1 717 2
3 Connecticut (3) 18-1 930 3 3 Notre Dame (1) 19-1 699 3
4 Stanford 18-2 853 6 4 Duke 18-1 639 5
5 Duke 18-1 834 4 5 Stanford 18-2 631 6
6 California 17-2 790 7 6 California 17-2 589 7
7 Penn State 17-2 768 8 7 Kentucky 19-2 576 4
8 Kentucky 19-2 695 5 8 Penn State 17-2 543 8
9 Tennessee 16-4 691 9 9 Maryland 17-3 500 10
10 Maryland 17-3 674 10 10 Tennessee 16-4 492 9
11 North Carolina 19-2 495 11 11 Purdue 17-3 400 13
12 Louisville 17-4 491 13 12 Louisville 17-4 398 12
13 Georgia 17-3 470 14 13 South Carolina 18-3 378 14
14 Purdue 17-3 446 15 14 Georgia 17-3 362 14
15 South Carolina 18-3 442 18 15 Dayton 17-1 319 16
16 Texas A&M 16-5 435 16 16 Oklahoma State 15-3 297 11
17 Dayton 17-1 357 17 16 Texas A&M 16-5 297 1
18 UCLA 15-4 339 19 18 North Carolina 19-2 230 16
19 Oklahoma State 15-3 315 12 19 UCLA 15-4 201 20
20 Florida State 17-3 253 22 20 Oklahoma 15-4 188 19
21 Oklahoma 15-4 211 20 21 Florida State 17-3 176 21
22 Colorado 15-4 205 20 22 Iowa State 14-4 85 24
23 Iowa State 14-4 102 24 23 Colorado 15-4 64 23
24 Iowa 16-5 79 NR 24 Syracuse 16-3 58 22
25 Delaware 15-3 66 NR 25 Iowa 16-5 37 NR
Dropped from rankings: Dropped from rankings:
Michigan 23, Michigan State 25 Villanova 25
Others receiving votes: Others receiving votes:
Michigan 42, UTEP 21, Villanova 11, Texas Tech 10, Syracuse 6, Michigan State 4, Duquesne 4, Green Bay 4, Kansas 2, Nebraska 2, Vanderbilt 2, LSU 1 Villanova 28, Delaware 22, Middle Tennessee 18, Michigan 16, UTEP 15, DePaul 9, Green Bay 7, Nebraska 7, Texas Tech 3, Vanderbilt 3, Miami (FL) 2, Pacific 1

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adidas Basketball Debuts NBA All-Star Footwear Collection

adidas Basketball 2013 NBA All-Star Collection

adidas, Dwight Howard, Jrue Holiday, Tim Duncan and others will debut special NBA All-Star editions of the D Howard Light, adizero Crazy Light 2 and the all-new Crazy Fast at the 62nd NBA All-Star Game in Houston. Inspired by Houston’s history of aviation, speed, style and atmosphere of NBA All-Star weekend, the new editions roll-out February 1. 

The NBA All-Star editions feature an impact camo pattern, which is designed to stand out on the court, showcase bold style and evoke the exhilaration that comes from being faster than your opponent.

The Crazy Fast design is inspired by the speed and power of a combustion engine and the drive inside players to dominate on the court. The bold, green zest Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition will be worn on-court by Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (East), Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (West) and Rising Stars Challenge and NBA All-Star Saturday Night participants.

Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

adidas Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

adidas Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

adidas Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

adidas Crazy Fast NBA All-Star edition

The D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition signature shoe will roll-out in an impact camo red colorway for one of the most explosive players in the league – seven-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard. The D Howard Light is his lightest signature shoe to date and features more support and comfort. It features a reflective tongue made of chrome material inspired by the backside of a compact disc to pay homage to his passion for music. The chromed three stripes and heels will pop under the bright lights at the NBA All-Star game.

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

D Howard Light NBA All-Star edition

The adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition will roll-out in the impact camo green zest colorway. At 9.5 ounces, it is the lightest basketball shoe on the planet.

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

adizero Crazy Light 2 NBA All-Star edition

Stay tuned to the adidas Basketball Facebook page, and follow on Twitter @adidasHoops with #allin4allstar, #crazyfast, #dhowardlight, and #crazylight.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

MELO M9 and Air Jordan 1 High Year of Snake Collection

Melo M9 & Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake Collection

In celebration of 2013 as the Year of the Snake on the Chinese lunar calendar, the Jordan Brand will introduce the YOTS collection that will be available at retail on February 2. The pack includes both a MELO M9 and an Air Jordan 1 High for an SRP of $280.

Drawing inspirational cues from a snake's sixth sense-like ability to detect body temperature and environmental changes in its prey, the YOTS collection brings that heat sensory story to life through rich colors and materials. The Air Jordan 1 High YOTS uses a gradient outsole and upper featuring both suede and patent leather with distinct colors to symbolize the effects of temperature change.

Both shoes share rich color palettes that include Blacken Blue/Bright Citrus/Hyper Red/Raspberry Red/Deep Royal Blue and Volt.

MELO M9 Year of the Snake

Melo M9 Year of the Snake

MELO M9 Year of the Snake

MELO M9 Year of the Snake

MELO M9 Year of the Snake

Melo M9 Year of the Snake

MELO M9 Year of the Snake

Melo M9 Year of the Snake

Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan I High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan I High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan 1 High Year of the Snake

Air Jordan I High Year of the Snake

photo credits: nike, inc

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 1/29

UConn Huskies Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

It's game day for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team as they'll host the Villanova Wildcats at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast locally in CT on SNY. You can catch the game online for a small fee at SNYUConn.com. You can also listen on the IMG/UConn Radio Network.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

Doty wants to be part of something big [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

Huskies face unique test with Villanova [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

UConn wasn’t always wild about Harry [carl adamec – snyuconn.com]

WNBA: Renee Montgomery On Why She Loves The Baltimore Ravens [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Balanced Offense Leads To Healthier UConn Team [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Villanova Presents Different Type Of Challenge For Huskies [rich elliott – ct post]

Another familiar face squaring off against Geno [jim fuller – new haven register]

No. 3 UConn Takes On Villanova Tuesday at XL Center [uconnhuskies.com]

Doty learning to accept new UConn role [ct post]

UConn Women's Up-Tempo Approach Is Proving Potent [hartford courant]

Huskies, Villanova not afraid to shoot from long distance [new haven register]

UConn TV Timeout: Bria Hartley [snyuconn.com]

UConn women on defensive high entering Villanova game [the day]

UConn Men's Basketball links

Napier-to-Boatrght for the Dunk: It’s In The Running for Play of the Year [dom amore – hartford courant]

Notes/Quotes with Mike Aresco: Big East will “probably” add 12th team, no UConn for this year’s Big East tournament [kevin duffy – ct post]

UConn football commit Fuchs could play hoops [kevin duffy – ct post]

Bracket Experts Say UConn Is Tournament-Worthy, Talent-Wise [hartford courant]

Three Points from Sunday's win over Rutgers [new haven register]

Giffey fills key role for UConn men [the hour]

UConn Football links

DC answered a question in his mailbag [desmond conner – hartford courant]

Prolific Pennsylvania WR commits to UConn [jim fuller – new haven register]

Two Football Recruits Commit To UConn [hartford courant]

Other UConn related links

Big East boss unintentionally funny [ct post]

What Should UConn Do? Sit Tight [hartford courant]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

adidas Unveils D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Today, adidas Basketball and Dwight Howard launch the D Howard Light, his latest signature sneaker to date. The new model, designed to make Dwight faster with more support and comfort, will be worn for the second half of the season.

Inspired by Dwight's power and paint domination, the D Howard Light features his "DH" logo in a diamond shape on the reflective tongue, representing unity and his famous superhero persona. Z-TORSION technology in the midsole provides agility and flexibility for Howard and also increases support and protection during hard lateral movements.

The D Howard Light will arrive at adidas.com and adidas retailers in the very near future

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Adidas D Howard Light

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits: nice kicks

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ collection

Runners lacing up in preparation for the spring race season won’t make sacrifices. They need a shoe that fits perfectly to take on the miles, has enough structure to feel supportive, offers cushioning for amazing comfort – and sports some style on top of it all. With this inspiration, the lightweight Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ brings the virtually seamless upper using Nike Flyknit technology together with the plush, responsive cushioning of Lunarlon.

Since its launch in February 2012, Nike Flyknit technology has redefined the development and creation of footwear with its ability to be engineered to provide a more precise fit for the specific needs of the foot. Support and structure are knitted right into the Nike Flyknit upper, which helps reduce seams, weight and areas of friction and keeps the shoe lightweight.  This spring the Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ provides support, flexibility and breathability with a more cushioned midsole – a great solution for everyday runners.

The Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ combines Nike Flyknit with plush, responsive Lunarlon. The resilient foam provides ultra-soft cushioning, and springy response and support. The Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ has a neutral platform that benefits a wide array of runners looking for a responsive and well-cushioned shoe. Strategically placed durable rubber inserts in the outsole deliver maximum impact protection in key areas on the heel and forefoot. The upper incorporates dynamic Nike Flywire, adaptive support that tightens and relaxes to accommodate the natural motion of the foot.

Nike Flyknit construction also eliminates the need for the multiple materials and material cuts used in the uppers of traditional sport footwear manufacturing. This revolutionary construction reduces waste by an average of 80 percent in the Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ when compared to typical Nike running footwear.

Nike Flyknit was created for performance in world-class marathon events, and many elite runners have crossed the finish line in the Nike Flyknit Racer, part of the first Nike Flyknit collection. The Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ expands the franchise to the everyday runner, offering a bright color palette to make sure runners look as great as they feel on the road. The Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ will be available beginning in February.

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Mens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Mens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Men's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Mens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Men's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Mens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Men's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Womens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Women's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Womens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Women's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Womens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Women's

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+  Womens

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ Women's

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credits:  nike, inc.

Update

You may have noticed last week that I went "missing" for a few days. And while you may have seen some posts go up from those days, I can tell you they are back dated as I started working back on the site Saturday night.

There is a reason why. And I do want to explain because there's going to be times over the coming days and weeks where I may "disappear" again.

First off, I am not looking for sympathy or anything of that nature. I have a pretty loyal following here and some of you I even know personally. After some serious thought, I wanted to let everyone know why.

For now, I am going to keep the details of what is going on private. But I am battling a medical issue which is serious but fixable. When I am ready to let people know what is going on I will do just that. That'll probably happen when I know more myself and what the process is going to be.

While you may say I don't owe anyone an explanation, I felt as though I did.

I appreciate everyone who follows the site whether through an RSS feed, Twitter, Facebook, family and friends. And that means a lot to me. Without y'all, SOX & Dawgs wouldn't have become what it is today.

You may have also noticed in the past month or so that I started a footwear category. In the coming weeks, a new site will launch on the Bloguin network called Mo Better Shoes. We are still in the design phase of the site and once that site is live, all of the old footwear posts will go to that site and continue to be posted there. You can follow that site on Twitter @mobettershoes.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – Week 13 (Jan. 28)

AP & USA Today Coaches Polls

The NCAA men's basketball rankings are out and the UConn Huskies remain out of the polls.

There's a split in the polls as to whom the No. 1 team is.

In the AP Poll, the Michigan Wolverines are ranked No. 1. In the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Kansas Jayhawks are No. 1.

The Wolverines are followed by Kansas, Indiana Hoosiers, Florida Gators and Duke Blue Devils in the AP Poll. In the USA Today Poll, Kansas is followed by Michigan, Indiana, Florida and Duke.

Teams from the Big East that are ranked are Syracuse (6/6), Louisville Cardinals (12/13), Cincinnati Bearcats (24/23) and Marquette Golden Eagles (25/25).

The Georgetown Hoyas, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Pittsburgh Panthers are the Big East teams among the others receiving votes in both polls. The Villanova Wildcats are among the others receiving votes in the AP Poll.

For a full look at the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Rankings – Week 13 (Jan. 28), please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

AP Top 25 USA Today Coaches Poll
RK TEAM REC PTS PVS RK TEAM REC PTS PVS
1 Michigan (51) 19-1 1,611 2 1 Kansas (16) 18-1 760 2
2 Kansas (13) 18-1 1,572 3 2 Michigan (14) 19-1 757 3
3 Indiana 18-2 1,457 7 3 Indiana 18-2 686 8
4 Florida (1) 16-2 1,420 8 4 Florida (1) 16-2 685 7
5 Duke 17-2 1,328 1 5 Duke 17-2 644 1
6 Syracuse 18-2 1,322 3 6 Syracuse 18-2 624 4
7 Gonzaga 19-2 1,177 10 7 Gonzaga 19-2 580 10
8 Arizona 17-2 1,160 6 8 Arizona 17-2 557 6
9 Butler 17-3 1,023 9 9 Michigan State 17-4 459 11
10 Oregon 18-2 969 16 10 Butler 17-3 447 9
11 Ohio State 15-4 945 14 11 Ohio State 15-4 438 15
12 Louisville 16-4 905 5 12 Oregon 18-2 435 19
13 Michigan State 17-4 897 13 13 Louisville 16-4 422 5
14 Miami (FL) 15-3 894 25 14 Wichita State 19-2 340 21
15 Wichita State 19-2 621 20 15 Miami (FL) 15-3 326 NR
16 Ole Miss 17-2 473 23 16 Ole Miss 17-2 252 24
17 Missouri 15-4 464 22 17 Creighton 18-3 249 12
18 Kansas State 15-4 463 11 18 Missouri 15-4 234 22
19 North Carolina State 16-4 431 18 19 North Carolina State 16-4 194 18
20 New Mexico 17-3 333 15 20 San Diego State 16-4 171 25
21 Creighton 18-3 312 17 21 Kansas State 15-4 166 13
22 San Diego State 16-4 302 NR 22 New Mexico 17-3 159 17
23 Minnesota 15-5 281 12 23 Cincinnati 16-4 134 20
24 Cincinnati 16-4 220 21 24 Minnesota 15-5 87 14
25 Marquette 14-4 216 NR 25 Marquette 14-4 75 NR
Dropped from poll: Dropped from poll:
Virginia Commonwealth 19, Notre Dame 24 Virginia Commonwealth 16, Notre Dame 23
Others receiving votes: Others receiving votes:
Georgetown 121, UNLV 56, Wisconsin 45, UCLA 34, Arizona State 14, Notre Dame 12, Pittsburgh 10, Louisiana Tech 8, Villanova 6, Baylor 5, Iowa State 4, Memphis 4, Virginia Commonwealth 4, La Salle 3, Saint Mary's 2, Colorado State 1 Georgetown 33, UNLV 32, Virginia Commonwealth 27, Wisconsin 25, Pittsburgh 18, Notre Dame 13, UCLA 10, Southern Miss 7, Baylor 7, Colorado State 6, Saint Mary's 5, La Salle 3, Oklahoma State 3, Arizona State 2, Middle Tennessee 2, Louisiana Tech 1

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Breanna Stewart Named Big East Freshman of the Week

UConn forward Breanna Stewart reacts after failing to come up with a loose ball during the second half.

For the third time this season, UConn Huskies women's basketball player Breanna Stewart has been named Big East Freshman of the Week.

Here's the release:

STORRS, Conn. – UConn women’s basketball standout Breanna Stewart was tabbed as this week’s BIG EAST Freshman of the Week as announced by the conference office on Monday morning. This is Stewart’s third time this season to earn the accolade.

The freshman center averaged 11.5 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game in a 2-0 week for the Huskies, which included a win over No. 4 Duke and a league victory at Cincinnati. After not attempting a shot in the opening period against Duke, Stewart finished the evening with 13 points, five rebounds and three blocks while shooting 71 percent against the Blue Devils.

She followed that up with a 10-point, seven-rebound effort at Cincinnati where she played 22 minutes. Stewart also added two assists and a block against the Bearcats.

Stewart and the Huskies return to action on Tuesday, January 29 at the XL Center when the welcome conference foe Villanova for a 7 p.m. tip.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credit: richard messina – hartford courant