The best photos from college basketball's December

A black ribbon and patch as a tribute to former Utes head coach Rick Majerus, who died Dec. 1. (Douglas C. Piza/US Presswire)

It's time again to look back and give a big nod of thanks to the unseen men and women who illuminate our game throughout the season: the photogs. Good and bad, happy and sad, quirky and curious, the game provides so many opportunities for awe, commentary and introspection -- all through photography. I love putting these posts together. It's work, but it's worth it. I hope you enjoy.

Here are the best shots of college basketball from December.

Utah honored Rick Majerus, with a chair courtside, draped with one of his cream sweaters. (Steve Griffin/Salt Lake Tribune)

Members of the Saint Louis University pep band perform at the end of a memorial service for Majerus. (Jeff Roberson/AP)

Former Illinois coach Lou Henson, left, and John Groce meet following the Illini's W over Eastern Kentucky. (Robin Scholz/AP)

Jabari Parker calls Mike Krzyzewski on Dec. 20 after announcing he will play for Duke. Great shot. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

At Taylor University in Upland, Ind., things get ... well ... unusual for the team's Silent Night game. (Taylor Athletics)

This is Taylor Coons, who made the big basket for Taylor in each of his four years. Read more about it here. (Taylor Athletics)

Can I go next year please? (Taylor Athletics)

Jim Boeheim gets a nice keepsake for No. 900 while James Southerland hams it up. (Rich Barnes/US Presswire)

AD Daryl Gross and Detroit mayor Dave Bing, a teammate of Boeheim, join in the celebration. (Nate Shron/Getty Images)

Missouri's Laurence Bowers dunks. I love the way the net bends when a ball falls through a certain way. (Chris Lee/AP)

Here's about the most entertaining thing so far for Boston College's season. (Michael Ivins/US Presswire)

This is cold, but expected, from the Crosstown Classic. The Bearcats defeated Xavier, 60-45. (Frank Victores/US Presswire)

NC State's C.J. Leslie, so beautiful from above. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Very scary moment for Anthony Collins in South Florida's win vs. George Mason. Fortunately, he's OK. (J. Meric/Getty Images)

Billy Donovan debates with an official over the best way to hold a newborn koala. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star)

Love this shot of Duke's coaches, mid-play. Should be in the offices in Durham. (Mark Dolejs/US Presswire)

Georgia Tech's Brian Gregory tries to set up a play or awaits high fives from Manute Bol's ghost. (Josh D. Weiss/US Presswire)

Michigan State-Tuskegee played on Dec. 15 at Jenison Field House to honor the Game of Change. (Al Goldis/AP)

This is how it looks like when Minnesota's Rodney Williams Jr. dunks on you. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

The view from above prior to the start of Notre Dame's Dec. 8 game against UK. (Matt Cashore/US Presswire)

I'd welcome a mini Otto the Orange to my kit any time. (Nate Shron/Getty Images)

Something you don't often see: Father and son as opposing coaches. Here, the Pitinos. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Travis Releford gets absolutely up in one of the best dunk shots you'll see this year. Strike a pose. (Rich Sugg/KC Star)

Something that actually was planned and went through: UCLA and Texas playing at Reliant Stadium. (David J. Phillip/AP)

UConn mascot, just chilling with the Hartford elite. This casual moment unnerves me. (David Butler II/US Presswire)

Ryan Boatright in a moment of silence, honoring those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary. (Fred Beckham/AP)

Pierre Jackson's shoe. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

UConn's Caroline Doty, left, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and kids from Newtown's youth basketball league. (Jessica Hill/AP)

A defibrillator saved Utah State's Danny Berger after he went into cardiac arrest at practice . (Ravell Call/The Deseret News)

I must know how these are made. Should anyone replicate this with Jeff Goodman's head, I'll pay you. (Isaac Brekken/AP)

I can't help but wonder what prompts a photographer to saunter over and take a shot like this. (Evan Habeeb/US Presswire)

George Washington took the Metro for its Dec. 2 game against Manhattan. Love this. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Shaka Crouch! Few coaches are as lissome and active on the sideline as Smart. (VCU Athletics)

UNLV player Mike Moser, right, watches from the bench with coach Dave Rice, looks so similar to ... (Don Ryan/AP)

UNLV guard Justin Hawkins shooting a 3 in a game against Portland. Shot went in. Vegas won 68-60. (Don Ryan/AP)

Life in the first row. Sometimes you'd love to hear the convos these refs have with fans.. (Nate Shron/Getty Images)

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