Feb. 18
CO-PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
There's no doubt that Tubby Smith has a blue-chipper in Tayshaun Prince, who is playing as was expected at the start of the season. He is the go-to guy for the 'Cats and a leading candidate for SEC Player of the Year. He scored 30 points on the road at Tennessee, hitting nine of 13 shots.
Prince then followed up against Vandy with a solid 27-point, nine-rebound performance.
Tarise Bryson of Illinois State had 37 big points versus Evansville Monday, hitting four for eight from trifecta land. He also had 26 points against Southern Illinois. He doesn't get much PR, but we see what he's doing.
DIAPER DANDY OF THE WEEK
Iowa State's Jake Sullivan came through big time with 22 big points against Kansas, hitting six three-pointers. This is the second time this season I've picked Sullivan as my Diaper Dandy of the week. Sullivan and Shane Power were key as the Cyclones knocked off the Jayhawks
TEAM OF THE WEEK
A salute to Perry Clark, whose Miami (Fla.) team played brilliantly in road victories over Syracuse and Villanova.
Shot selection and defense were key to Miami's two big wins. There was no letdown versus Villanova and its star center Michael Bradley. Darius Rice scored 28 points against the Wildcats to key that win.
The Hurricanes are maturing quickly and this young squad could make some noise come Big East Tournament time.
By the way, the Hurricanes should get a new arena in Coral Gables. Come on fans, support it! This isn't football, baby, but Miami came through with two big wins, earning team of the week.
COACH OF THE WEEK
Steve Lavin of UCLA has come through in tough times and his Bruins have won five straight games versus quality competition. They are really building Uncle Mo -- momentum.
The crowd chanted "We love Lavin" during the scintillating overtime performance against Arizona. Dan Gadzuric had 22 big points and 17 rebounds in that victory. Earl Watson, Jason Kapono, Billy Knight and company have been playing well and AD Peter Dalis has finally heaped some praise on Lavin.
SHOCK OF THE WEEK
Wow, what a wild week in college basketball -- upset city. North Carolina loses at Clemson. Miami wins at Syracuse and Villanova and Baylor wins over Kansas.
But the shock of the week goes to Florida St. The Seminoles were a 74-71 winner over Maryland in Cole Fieldhouse. The 'Noles came in 1-9 in ACC play and 6-17 overall.
A lot of love to Steve Robinson, whose team regrouped. Give him credit for his coaching. In Seminole land they were on cloud nine versus the Terps. Robinson did a superb job and never let his players quit. They've been beaten most of the year yet he kept their spirit alive.
Florida St. then came oh-so-close to upsetting Virginia before falling over the weekend.
