Five for Friday: The good, the bad and the funny of Pitino case

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Following every detail of the Karen Sypher/Rick Pitino case, Gary Parrish understands the gravity but also can't help but laugh. Most impressive of all, though, is Pitino emerging so well.

Flourishing Five No. 3: Backyard gives Matta, Bucks all they need

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Wonder how Ohio State has become a power on the court? Look no further than the talent-rich Buckeye State. It doesn't hurt to have Thad Matta, either, Gary Parrish says in part three of the series ranking the top comibined college basketball/football programs.

Coble's exit underscores difficulty of Northwestern's passage

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Poor Bill Carmody. The Northwestern coach loses his best player to a lack of interest. It shows why the Wildcats are the only high-major program to never make the big dance, Gary Parrish says.

Flourishing Five No. 4: Ryan molding parts into winning Wisconsin machine

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His recruits aren't always sparkly, and Bo Ryan doesn't care. Instead the Wisconsin coach finds players who fit a system that cranks out tourney teams, Gary Parrish says in part two of the top football/basketball schools series.

Five for Friday: Leuer gains a fan, early Vegas impressions

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Early returns in Vegas are good, including for Wisconsin's Jon Leuer. The Badger gains a big fan in Jay Wright, Gary Parrish says as he also stakes a few claims on the recruiting class of 2011.

Flourishing Five No. 5: Pitt committed to hoops excellence

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Once an afterthought, Pitt is now a Top 25 college basketball staple. You can thank the coaches, but the Panthers aren't on the top combined programs list without their commitment to hoops, Gary Parrish says.

Marist-JMU case may alter handling of coaching deals

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With Matt Brady serving as a precedent, college coaches who break contracts may now be more likely to answer in court.