As Promised...

Adam Lucas' piece on Marcus Ginyard, courtesy of TarHeelBlue.com.

A few other quick thoughts on the week in college hoops:

- Outstanding hire by the University of Kentucky. That's all you're going to read these next few days, and rightfully so. When Billy Gillispie was forced out, the natural candidates to me were Rick Pitino (might as well ask him if he's interested in returning) and John Calipari. I laughed when I read last week, according to a source close to Calipari, that he would not be interested in the UK job. Are you joking? If it's not the best job in America, it's certainly in the top five. Plus, you knew they would be willing to pay big bucks. Combine that with Calipari's interest in coaching in a major conference and you have the next Wildcats coach. Things just got tougher in recruiting for the Heels, Blue Devils, Jayhawks, and other major programs, as Calipari might be the best recruiter in the nation and is now coaching for one of the best programs in the nation. Consider that, depending on how things shake out with the Memphis recruits, Calipari could realistically have a lineup next season with Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Xavier Henry (doubtful), Jon Hood, and Daniel Orton. Definitely an NCAA Tournmament team right there.

- Interesting hire by Univeristy of Virginia, who have brought in Tony Bennett from Washington St to lead their program. He meets their criteria: young coach who is polished, effective communicator, even-keeled, and successful. He also brings a very slow-paced offense that some are saying will drive away recruits. Um, what recruits? It's not like UVA is consistently bringing in McDonald's All-Americans here. Landesberg was great as a freshmen and Tristin Spurlock will be as well (if he stays with UVA), but I would not claim to be losing a lot of top-level guys when you are already losing those same guys because...well, because you're losing. I personally like the hire and think Bennett is a good coach with a lot of potential. Time will tell though.

- Mike Anderson is making the right decision by staying at Missouri. They have a good following and nice facilities, plus it is indeed possible to win big in the Big 12. The folks at Georgia are certainly emphasizing basketball more now than in the past, but it seems like a lateral move at best. Plus, the SEC is not any easier to win in than the Big 12, not when Kentucky and Florida are around, plus other good programs like LSU and Tennessee.

- Heading to Detroit for another Final Four this weekend. Everything is taken care of much earlier than it has been in years past, and Balla and I are pumped to see the Heels. Not so pumped about Detroit itself, but let's all collectively get over that. Anyway, I am looking forward to the games and hopefully a better ending than last year, but the best part is taking folks to their first Final Four. I was completely in awe in 2005 with my Dad and tried to soak in as much as possible. Last year was a bit disjointed because we stayed outside of San Antonio, but our entire group was pumped. This year brings a couple of new folks to the mix for their first event. I am just wondering who is going to sit with me at the coaches' hotel and people-watch with a pitcher of Yuengling.

- McDonald's High School All-American game is Wednesday night and four future Tar Heels will be playing: Dexter Strickland, John Henson, and the Wear twins, David and Travis. Henson is the highest-rated of the four, but Strickland might be pushing for the starting lineup next season as well, depending on who leaves early. Tune in and check'em out.

We'll have some in-depth Final Four analysis later on Wednesday night or Thursday.