Five for the Weekend: SMU's AD firing a stunner after big-time hire Weeks after bringing Larry Brown on board, SMU axes AD Steve Orsini. Gary Parrish didn't see this coming following a brand-name hire. But envisions a potential replacement for Mike Krzyzewski as Team USA coach. Addressing slippery decal issue took long, but it's not too late Remember the slippery decal on the USS Carl Vinson that nearly cost Michigan State's an ACL? Well, the NCAA rules committee is recommending a change, requiring basketball courts be 'of a consistent surface' so player safety isn't compromised. Gary Parrish says it took long, but at least it's not too late. Clippers ditch adversity, advance; Grizz wonder what might have been Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are at less than full strength, but the Clippers get strong bench play to beat Memphis in Game 7. Gary Parrish gives the Clips their due and wonders what befell the once high-flying Grizzlies. Instant analysis: Clippers unlike Clippers in Game 7 win over Grizzlies Chris Paul didn't play like Chris Paul. Blake Griffin didn't play like Blake Griffin. And yet the Los Angeles Clippers still managed to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit for the second time in four games inside FedExForum to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-72 early Sunday in Game 7 of their first-round series of the Western Conference playoffs. Five for the Weekend: For fans, title weekend in Atlanta could be sweet The NCAA will have the Division II and III title games in the same location -- Atlanta -- during the same weekend as the Final Four in 2013. Gary Parrish says it's a good deal depending on the fans' interest. Grizzlies listen to Z-Bo's daughter and give Randolph the ball It's so simple, even a 6-year-old can see it. The Grizzlies beat the Clippers in Game 5 because they give the ball to Zach Randolph (and Marc Gasol). Gary Parrish says this strategy is the only way Memphis can advance. Five for the Weekend: Losing Indiana-Kentucky a blow to the sport So the Indiana-Kentucky series is over. Is this good for the sport? Gary Parrish says fans suffer most with fewer reasons to watch early season hoops. Who wins? Coaches like John Calipari, who get rich without risk. Grizzlies win Game 2 by putting Game 1 loss front and center Most teams want to forget about choking away what looks like a certain victory. But as Garry Parrish explains, the Grizzlies use their loss in Game 1 to inspire themselves to a Game 2 victory over the Clippers. Hokies' hire a reminder that ADs need to be realistic with coaching search With Virginia Tech settling on an in-house coach, all BCS-level jobs have been filled. Gary Parrish says it's a reminder of how hard it is to lure a power-conference coach, and suggests where ADs can look.
April
After historic comeback, 'Believe' turns into unbelievable in Memphis A 24-point lead vanishes in minutes. And so does homecourt advantage. Memphis' collapse is hard to fathom, Gary Parrish says, and one that the Grizzlies could have a tough time absorbing. Five for Friday: Transfer rules are stupid, just like hiring Fine There's no rule saying coaches can't bolt programs, so why can schools hold players who want to transfer against their will? Gary Parrish says it's a dumb system that needs fixing. Also stupid? Hiring Bernie Fine. Parker's pick of Bruins boosts Howland's odds of survival It has been a trying year for Ben Howland at UCLA. But after landing All-American Tony Parker, the final piece of a top recruiting class, Gary Parrish says the coach now has a roster to restore the Bruins' lost luster. Davis an NBA star? Sure, but other underclassmen choices questionable Anthony Davis a future NBA star? That's a no-brainer, Gary Parrish and Jeff Goodman agree. But our experts differ when it comes to which underclassmen were smart to go pro and which will be disappointments. One-and-doners bury myths, leave big legacy for Kentucky Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague will go pro. Regardless of what happens, Gary Parrish says this group proved John Calipari can win his way. Muhammad's choice a shoe-in for Adidas school UCLA Shabazz Muhammad picks UCLA over Kentucky, and many believe adidas is the driving force behind this decision. Gary Parrish agrees, but notes shoe companies are entrenched in the elite recruiting process. Release of NCAA violations a great day at Baylor -- and he's not kidding It's no surprise to Gary Parrish that the NCAA found rule-breaking by the Baylor men's and women's basketball programs. But that it seems limited to impermissible calls and texts? Parrish says it's a beautiful day in Waco. When 50-50 NBA prospects tip toward school, successful seasons are made In the days ahead, underclassmen with NBA potential will decide where they'll spend next season. Gary Parrish says watch those decisions carefully: They'll be the difference between national also-ran and title contender. Calipari finally wins his way, and his title haul won't be done with one John Calipari kept hearing he couldn't win a title with a bunch of one-and-dones. Gary Parrish says now that he has proven his formula can work, Calipari is sure to keep on collecting the best talent -- and maybe more titles. Look Ahead: All signs point to Kentucky winning national title Kansas vs. Kentucky. Which team wins it all? The Wildcats outweigh the Jayhawks in talent and should have no problem taking home the title, but Gary Parrish says anything's possible. Kentucky's Kidd-Gilchrist ready to be a source of inspiration on many levels Michael Kidd-Gilchrist doesn't let his speech impediment keep him down. While it's not a simple task for Kentucky's forward to address the media after a win, Gary Parrish says it'll be a special moment if it happens.
March
Starring on biggest stage, Davis reason why UK moving on With the Superdome serving as his stage, Kentucky's Anthony Davis stars under the bright lights. The likely future No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft scores 18 points and Gary Parrish says he's the biggest reason why Kentucky is moving on. History shows it doesn't take much to fuel a Calipari-Pitino fire John Calipari and Rick Pitino enjoy their rivalry. But when did their relationship go sour? Gary Parrish can't pinpoint a big incident, but recalls instances of mind games and irritating comments over time. Scouting Kentucky: Can't stop just one, and can't score on 'em, either You can't look to stop one or two Kentucky players, because another will shred you. And Anthony Davis is a force on D. Coaches who faced UK tell Gary Parrish the Wildcats are pretty close to perfect. Final Four Look Ahead: Four powers, two hated rivals and one trophy Four national powers with 49 Final Fours and 13 national titles between them. Gary Parrish says it doesn't get any bigger Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State and Kansas in the Big Easy. Kentucky vs. Louisville in Final Four? Get ready for unprecedented buildup You want intense? Try being in the Bluegrass State this week as Louisville and Kentucky prepare to square off in the Final Four. Or, Gary Parrish says, try being John Calipari, who must beat rival Rick Pitino. High expectations lead to unfair criticisms for Baylor mainstay Jones Baylor's Perry Jones III averages 14 points and eight rebounds for a top-10 team. Yet he's likely the most criticized sophomore in the history of the sport. Gary Parrish asks if Jones is the problem. Or are expectaions? There's no denying it: Kentucky is poised for eighth title Kentucky's win over Indiana is the best game of the tournament. And the Wildcats look like the best team. Gary Parrish says anything less than a championship at this point will be a disappointment. In loss to Hoosiers, Kentucky did as much wrong as Indiana did right Two missed free throws. A foul-troubled Anthony Davis. Turnovers, and subpar 3-point shooting. Gary Parrish says sure, Indiana played out of its mind to beat Kentucky, but the Wildcats weren't who they are now. Sweet 16 Look Ahead: Marshall's availability will be biggest story Storied programs. Surprising Cinderellas. And the biggest story leading up to the Sweet 16? Gary Parrish says it's Kendall Marshall's broken wrist, and whether the Tar Heels point guard can play Friday. Bracket overview: Kentucky should win it all, but it won't be that easy Kentucky is the No. 1 overall seed, but the road to New Orleans might have a landmine or two on it. Namely, Gary Parrish says, a potential Round of 32 matchup with Connecticut, which has almost as much talent as UK. No. 1 seed: Michigan State's not most talented, but intangible there The are more gifted teams in the NCAA tournament. But Michigan State has Draymond Green, whose heart's as big as his game. Gary Parrish says add Tom Izzo to great chemistry and Sparty could run to the Final Four. After bout with failure, McDermott finds home at MVC champ Creighton Doug McDermott is a big hero in Omaha after leading Creighton to the Missouri Valley title. Gary Parrish says McDermott is thriving at the mid-major level after realizing that the pressure at a high-major program wasn't for him. MVC title game just got more interesting for nation's bubble teams Wichita State's upset loss means the Missouri Valley could send three teams to the Big Dance. Gary Parrish says that's great for the MVC, but terrible for the bubble squads, who must root hard for Creighton on Sunday. Weekend Look Ahead: ACC title, No. 1 seed at stake in UNC-Duke rematch You thought the Feb. 8 clash was epic? Check this out: ACC co-leaders No. 4 Duke and No. 6 UNC will battle again Saturday night, with a top NCAA tourney seed on the line. Gary Parrish says it's must-see TV.
