Musings From The College Hardwood – 11/5

Arizona Wildcats head coach Lute Olsen has left the ‘Zona program for unspecified reasons. He says they are not related to any health problems.

“For the past 25 years, I have always given 110 percent to the team and this job. In light of this personal matter, I feel it is in the best interest of the team and the University of Arizona to take a leave of absence.”

“I want reassure everyone that this isn’t a health scare, but rather a personal matter that needs my undivided attention.”

Until Olsen returns, his top assistant Kevin O’Neill will take the helm. O’Neill has head coaching experience from his days at Marquette, Tennessee and Northwestern.

The winner of the NCAA play-in game, traditionally held the Tuesday before the start of the NCAA Tournament, will cash in this year and in coming years. Last year, the winner received $177,000. This year it’s expected that the winner will get close to $190,000. The NCAA also said that they might move the date to announce those two teams to an undetermined day and time before the Selection Show.

Indiana head coach Kelvin Sampson was happy with the report Indiana officials submitted to the NCAA about the rules infractions committed by his staff. He hopes the NCAA will be satisfied with the report and self imposed penalties. Sampson forfeited his $500,000 raise, and the school will give up one scholarship for the 2008-2009 season. If you remember, Sampson was sanctioned by the NCAA for impermissible phone calls to recruits. The new infractions stem from that ruling that Sampson’s contact with recruits had to be limited. With the ruling in place, he was three-wayed in on the calls.

Shockingly enough, Rutgers women’s head coach, C. Vivian Stringer was back in the news again. She spoke out about Don Imus being rehired to go back on the airways.

Even though it was an exhibition game, Grand Valley State knocked off the Michigan State Spartans in men’s basketball.

The men’s AP Preseason All-American team is out and this is how it shapes up:

• Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina
• Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
• Chris Lofton, Tennessee
• Drew Neitzel, Michigan State
• Darren Collison, UCLA

During the year, I will use the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll when I show the rankings but here’s one last look at the preseason rankings as college basketball gets underway tonight.

Men’s Polls

Women’s Polls