LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe

Sorry, can't resist

This Calipari stuff is just too good. Here's a mention of the "scoundrels" who hover around his programs, complete with a reference to Tom Izzo as a counterpoint to Cal's favorite defense.

Shine on

Even if you don't like the NBA playoffs (I still love them, for the record, despite the league's increasing attempts to make the games unwatchable with this ridiculously overbearing officiating), you should check out some Lakers-Nuggets tonight to see if Shannon Brown can keep it going.

Caliviolation

Sources have told ESPN what appeared obvious when the Memphis Commercial-Appeal first reported that the NCAA has charged Memphis with major violations -- that Derrick Rose is the player in question in the allegation of "knowing fraudulence or misconduct" on an SAT exam.

What Blue read

Wisconsin basketball suffered a significant "de-commitment" recently, but the circumstances around Vander Blue's decision are what make it interesting. Apparently, anonymous message boarders helped push him over the edge.

Texas date set

According to this blog post from the Austin American-Statesman, Texas and MSU will meet on Dec. 22 in Erwin Center. I'm somewhat surprised it's a Tuesday game, rather than a Saturday afternoon meeting like a year ago in Houston.

Milking USC

A reader who wanted to be known as "Eric from Okemos" writes:

Coaches tour

Clarification: The MSU coaches road show, with Tom Izzo, Mark Dantonio, Suzy Merchant, Rick Comley, Cathy George and others, will be in Grand Rapids a week from today (on May 27) and in Novi on June 5. Tickets can be ordered at msuspartans.com.

Big Ten meetings

Each May, Big Ten coaches and athletic directors meet quietly (media free) to discuss issues and potential rules changes.

Duran going FCS

MSU left things open for tight end David Duran to return when it gave him his release recently, but he said Monday afternoon he is "transferring for sure," with FCS teams Furman and Coastal Carolina atop his current list -- schools that are much closer to his hometown of Marietta, Ga., and which will allow him to play in 2009 without having to sit out a year.

Boylen extension, raise

Things have moved quickly in one direction for Jim Boylen at Utah.