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CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Par was more than just a number at 18

June 19, 2015

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (AP) - For some players who were at Chambers Bay for the U.S. Amateur five years ago, the one concern was a forward tee would be used on the 18th hole to make a par 4 in the U.S. Open. That's what the USGA did Friday, and the results were predictable.

No one was more bothered by it than Jordan Spieth.

''This is the dumbest hole I've ever played in my life,'' Spieth said after catching the lip of a fairway bunker.

He went on to make double bogey, and while he said the hole at 514 yards doesn't make much sense, ''when I didn't hit the right shots, it's going to make less sense.'' He was aware the microphone picked up his comment and shrugged it off.

Spieth wasn't alone. Some thought it was bad. Others thought it was cool. Most seemed to think it was a bit awkward.

''You feel like you're trying to hit into the left rough off the tee, which doesn't make it feel like a great golf hole,'' Justin Rose said. He went down the right side, which Rose thought was a mistake, and was happy to see it stop just short of the bunker.

Brad Fritsch called it a hard hole, but not the best par 4.

''You're trying to carry it 275, but not run it out 320,'' he said. ''With these fairways, it's going to roll a lot. I hit 3-wood to the right, and subsequently, it's a much harder shot in with a 5-iron for me.''

Spieth said it was a big advantage for the big hitters who could carry it some 310 yards over the trouble.

''If it's going to be a par 4 and you're going to bring that other bunker into play, I think the tee should have been moved up more,'' he said. ''I just didn't know where I could hit that tee shot. I wasn't going to hit a 3-iron into a par 4. I wasn't going to hit 3-iron off the tee and then hit a 3-wood. So all in all, I thought it was a dumb hole today.''

Jamie Lovemark and Tony Finau, both power players, thought it was cool. That's not to say it didn't present problems off the tee. Lovemark said he had 275 yards over the left bunker and 325 yards to the right bunker. He took a little off a driver and tried to go down the right into the fescue.

''If I had to play it all over again, I'd probably hit a hard driver down the left side and hopefully it bounces out of the fescue,'' Lovemark said.

He shot a 68 and was at 2-under 138. And over the weekend, he most likely will get to play it again. The USGA is alternating the par 4 and par 5 between No. 1 and No. 18. Still to be determined is what par is used for the final hole on Sunday.

---

HAMMER TIME: Cole Hammer made one birdie in 36 holes and finished 26 shots out of the lead.

And the 15-year-old from Houston had the time of his life at the U.S. Open.

''Oh, man, it was awesome,'' Hammer said after an 84 at Chambers Bay. ''It was a blast. It was the best time of my life.''

Hammer was the third-youngest qualifier in U.S. Open history, and the 125-pounder faced long odds. He didn't hit the ball as well as he would have liked, and he didn't think he made many putts - not many players did.

He got a reasonable consolation prize. By playing in the U.S. Open, Hammer is exempt from qualifying for the U.S. Junior and U.S. Amateur later this summer.

''I've got some good strong tournaments lined up for this summer, so I'm excited to get that going,'' he said. ''I'm sure this will give me a good experience going forward.''

And he wants to be at Oakmont next year for the U.S. Open.

''I will try. Yes, sir, I definitely will,'' he said.

---

HOSSLER'S STANDARD: Beau Hossler joined some exclusive company at Chambers Bay this week. According to the USGA, the 20-year-old Californian is only the fifth player to qualify for the U.S. Open three times as an amateur.

The others were Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw and Bobby Clampett.

That's all well and good, but Hossler doesn't want to settle for just that.

''Any time you are in company with Jack Nicklaus, I guess you're doing something right,'' Hossler said. ''Obviously, it's nice making it here, but I'm trying to contend. That's the goal. I've proven to myself that I can qualify for the event, but I think it's time I start making a move toward the lead a little bit.''

Hossler had a 72 on Friday and made the cut. There is a reason for his high standard. Three years ago, Hossler contended on the weekend at Olympic Club as a 17-year-old until he faded to a 76 in the final round and tied for 29th.

---

HOMETOWN MISS: So much for the feel-good story of Ryan Moore coming home and contending for his first major.

He will be a spectator for the weekend.

Moore shot a 74 on Friday and finished his two days at 9 over. The native of Puyallup, Washington, just a few miles from Chambers Bay, made bogey on four of the first five holes to start his second nine.

''I'm disappointed with how I played,'' Moore said. ''I would be lying if I said I felt great coming into this week. I tried getting out there, getting a lot of time on the golf course, getting comfortable with it. This course does not set up all that well for me.''

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

good luck and i'll be back for the evening action......

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Texas announces review of academics

June 16, 2015

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The University of Texas has hired an outside investigator for an independent probe into allegations of academic fraud within the men's basketball program.

School spokesman Gary Susswein said late Monday the investigation will be overseen by Gene Marsh, a former chairman of the NCAA infractions committee, who has already begun his work.

The review was ordered by new school President Greg Fenves, who assumed the post June 3. Last week, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported on three cases of alleged academic misconduct by men's basketball players.

The university scheduled a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning to discuss the investigation. The cost of the probe and how long it will take were not immediately announced.

The announcement of the investigation was first reported by the Austin American-Statesman.

In the report by the Chronicle of Higher Education, a former academic counselor said a math instructor told him she saw former basketball player Martez Walker cheating on an exam, and that Walker was allowed to pass anyway. Walker has since transferred.

The counselor also said he believed former Longhorn P.J. Tucker received impermissible help with a paper while preparing for the NBA draft, and a former academic mentor said he helped write papers for former player J'Covan Brown.

Texas officials said last week they had looked into a Chronicle report last year that questioned men's basketball academics and ''determined that the university had no knowledge of two former student-athletes allegedly receiving improper help with high school coursework before they enrolled.''

''We now are reviewing three other cases purported to have occurred over a nine-year period since 2006 to determine if any university of NCAA rules were violated and if any action is needed,'' the school said.

That time span covers part of the tenure of former coach Rick Barnes, who was fired in March after 17 seasons. Barnes was then hired at Tennessee.

Texas said last week it ''has no information that suggests'' Barnes knew of or was involved in any academic improprieties.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Kentucky season tickets are going up

June 19, 2015

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky basketball fans will pay 13 to 21 percent more for season tickets under the first price increase in three years.

School trustees on Friday approved the increases. Tickets for the lower level in 23,000-seat Rupp Arena will increase from $945 to $1,140 each. Upper-level tickets will rise from $840 to $950 each.

A five-tier price system for single-game seats will increase slightly, ranging from $40 to $95 in the lower bowl and $25 to $90 in the upper level. Prices vary because of the profile of Southeastern Conference and nonleague opponents and which days of the week games are played.

Kentucky's conference schedule will be released this summer.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

UNC, Williams extended through 2020

June 19, 2015

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Roy Williams, keeping the Hall of Fame coach with the Tar Heels through the 2019-20 season.

The deal, announced Friday, will pay Williams a base salary of between $408,169 this fall and $595,409 in 2019-20, with supplemental compensation ranging from $1.55 million this fall and $1.75 million in the final year. There's also a $40,000 annual expense account, along with outside contracts with Nike and for multimedia obligations.

The extension comes amid UNC's long-running academic fraud scandal involving a department popular with athletes across numerous sports, including men's basketball. Williams wasn't charged with wrongdoing in an independent investigation led by former U.S. Justice Department official Kenneth Wainstein nor in the NCAA's probe that resulted in five charges against the school.

''Roy is a man of character and integrity and I have great respect for the way he leads our basketball program,'' athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement.

There are also bonuses for the team's NCAA Tournament finish and its academic progress rate scores. In a statement, Williams said the extension puts him close to his goal of coaching another six to 10 years.

''I appreciate the confidence Chancellor (Carol) Folt and Bubba Cunningham have in my leadership of the basketball program,'' Williams said.

Williams has 750 career wins in 27 seasons that include 15 at Kansas, and he won NCAA titles at UNC in 2005 and 2009.

The school also announced three-year contracts and raises for women's tennis coach Brian Kalbas and women's lacrosse coach Jenny Levy.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Terrapins get attention

May 25, 2015

The 2015-16 college basketball season doesn’t begin until November but oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag have future numbers available and they’re receiving early attention.

“Maryland was a 12/1 betting choice in April and that number has dropped to 9/1 after players started buying into the Terrapins with players staying and new transfers. They’ll likely be the team to beat in the Big Ten after showing it had no issue in their debut season in the conference last year,” said Matt James, Senior Odds consultant at Sportsbook.ag.

In early May, head coach Mark Turgeon announced the addition of former Duke guard Rasheed Sulaimon to his roster. Sulaimon was dismissed from the Blue Devils in late January for being “unable to consistently live up to the standards” of the program. He’s expected to graduate from Duke this spring and be eligible immediately to play this fall in College Park.

Along with Sulaimon, the Terps return rising sophomore Melo Trimble and senior Jake Layman, and they signed McDonald's All-America big man Diamond Stone.

Last year, Maryland went 28-7 with a school-record 26 regular-season wins, finished second in the Big Ten in its first year in the conference and reached its first NCAA Tournament since 2010, losing to West Virginia in the third round.

After the Terrapins, Michigan State (20/1) and Indiana (25/1) are the two schools expected to challenge them on the court next season. Maryland posted 2-1 record against both the Spartans and Hoosiers last season.

Nationally, Kentucky and North Carolina are listed as 8/1 co-favorites.

VegasInsider.com college basketball expert Brian Edwards offered up his thoughts on the Terrapins and their high expectations.

"Mark Turgeon has clearly done an outstanding job of assembling a talent-rich roster. Melo Trimble is one of the best point guards in the country, and incoming freshman center Diamond Stone is considered to be the best post player in the 2015 class. Duke transfer Rasheed Sulaimon has loads of experience just like Ga. Tech transfer Robert Carter, who is the likely starter for the Terrapins at power forward. Jake Layman is another solid player who returns and Turgeon is still trying to add another transfer. VCU's Terry Larrier, who averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Rams as a freshman, should be deciding between Maryland and UConn at some point this week. Larrier was a Top-40 recruit in the 2014 class," said Edwards.

"The talent is there for the Terps, but what about the chemistry? We've seen Fred Hoiberg enjoy a lot of success at Iowa St. by collecting players galore via the transfer route. However, you never know how well players will mesh, especially when dealing with multiple Alpha-Dog egos. There's plenty of competition in the Big Ten, too. Michigan is poised for a huge bounce-back year and Tom Izzo is, well, Tom Izzo.

"Again, Maryland will be talented, but I'm not sold on this squad being the favorite to win the 2016 national title. I'm not even sure the Terps will be the best team in their league."

Listed below are the odds to win next year’s national championship at Sportsbook.ag.

Odds to win 2015-16 Men's NCAA Basketball Championship

Kentucky 8/1
North Carolina 8/1
Maryland 9/1
Duke 12/1
Kansas 15/1
Iowa State 17/1
Gonzaga 22/1
Villanova 22/1
Virginia 22/1
Michigan State 25/1
California 30/1
Arizona 33/1
Oklahoma 33/1
Texas 33/1
Wichita State 33/1
Indiana 44/1
LSU 50/1
Michigan 50/1
Butler 55/1
Notre Dame 55/1
Texas A&M 55/1
Wisconsin 55/1
U Conn 60/1
Baylor 65/1
Louisville 65/1
Syracuse 65/1
Utah 65/1
Dayton 80/1
Memphis 80/1
Miami FL 80/1
NC State 80/1
SMU 80/1
Cincinnati 100/1
Florida 100/1
Florida State 100/1
Georgetown 100/1
Georgia 100/1
Illinois 100/1
Iowa 100/1
Ohio State 100/1
Oregon 100/1
Providence 100/1
Purdue 100/1
San Diego State 100/1
UCLA 100/1
Vanderbilt 100/1
West Virginia 100/1
Field (Any Other Team) 150/1
Alabama 200/1
Auburn 200/1
Pittsburgh 200/1
Rhode Island 200/1
Tulsa 200/1
UNLV 200/1
Xavier 200/1
Arkansas 300/1
Boise State 300/1
Colorado 300/1
Marquette 300/1
Minnesota 300/1
Northern Iowa 300/1
Old Diminion 300/1
Ole Miss 300/1
South Carolina 300/1
State Johns 300/1
TCU 300/1
VCU 300/1
Arizona State 500/1
BYU 500/1
Belmont 500/1
Buffalo 500/1
Davidson 500/1
George Washington 500/1
Illinois State 500/1
Kansas State 500/1
Miss State 500/1
Missouri 500/1
Nebraska 500/1
Oklahoma State 500/1
Oregon State 500/1
Penn State 500/1
Richmond 500/1
State Marys 500/1
Stanford 500/1
Stephen F Austin 500/1
Temple 500/1
Tennessee 500/1
UAB 500/1
Valparaiso 500/1
Washington 500/1
Cal Irvine 1000/1
Central Michigan 1000/1
Clemson 1000/1
LaSalle 1000/1
Louisiana Tech 1000/1
New Mexico State 1000/1
Northwestern 1000/1
USC 1000/1
UTEP 1000/1
Wake ForeState 1000/1

Odds Subject to Change - Update 5.24.15

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Musselman on frenetic pace at Nevada

June 12, 2015

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Eric Musselman watched and learned as his father, Bill, coached nearly every level of basketball imaginable. He's been a coach at the highest levels of the sport, too, including stints as the head man for the NBA's Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.

But when Musselman decided to become a Division I head coach, he didn't just jump right in. There was too much to learn, too many subtleties he knew he didn't understand, so he spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Arizona State and LSU.

The decision made the transition much easier when he became Nevada's next coach.

''If I would have been fortunate enough to get a head job at the collegiate level prior to being an assistant, it would be too much of an adjustment,'' Musselman said. ''I had to sit and watch for three years and I needed it. I don't know how somebody could do it without the experience.''

As Musselman quickly learned, the view from atop a program is much more complicated and filled with more pressure than as an assistant.

Musselman's crash course began March 24, when he interviewed with Nevada officials at a hotel in Reno, picked up a rental car and drove to his home in Danville, California, to visit his son.

The next day, his phone rang. Musselman had the job. A whirlwind ensued.

The first calls were to family, letting them know he had the job. He set up flights so his mother, wife and daughter could attend the news conference. Next, Musselman called and texted everyone he knew at LSU, including head coach Johnny Jones, fellow assistants, athletic department officials and players to let them know he was leaving and thanking them for the opportunity.

''The first thing you do, all the people who helped you get the job, you've got to reach out to,'' Musselman said. ''You've got to close all the loose ends where you just came from.''

Then it was time to open new doors.

Not long after getting the job, Musselman made the quick turnaround back to Reno for his introductory news conference. There, he spoke to reporters, met alumni, boosters, members of the athletic department, school administrators and players on the current team, laying the groundwork for relationships that will build over time.

Once the dust settled, the real work began.

The problem is, where to start? Musselman started new jobs when he was in the NBA, but being a head coach at a Division I program was about like trying to catch silly string and pull it all in the same direction.

To figure out what to tackle first, Musselman asked new director of basketball operations Anthony Ruta - a former graduate assistant while he was at Arizona State - to head to his house in Danville to start mapping out their program-building strategy.

Ruta, who spent last season as an assistant coach with the NBADL's Fort Wayne Mad Ants, was on a plane within two hours and started covering Musselman's home with poster boards, the blueprints for their 60-day plan.

From there, it was like an attack on several fronts: Hiring staff, reaching out to current and new recruits, watching film to evaluate the team, figuring out the final pieces of a schedule puzzle that wasn't complete.

Musselman began calling mentors and colleagues, basketball veterans like Mike Fratello, Lon Kruger and Buzz Williams to ask their advice.

''I'm reaching out to people I respect, trying to pick their brains,'' Musselman said.

Some things Musselman still had to experience himself.

The hiring process was one.

Get hired in the NBA, the job is yours once you sign the contract. Land a college job, a Board of Regents will weigh the pros and cons of your contract - as you sit in the room listening.

With a limited number of coaches with enough experience, the process of hiring assistants in the NBA was relatively simple.

Division I basketball has over 300 teams, so the hiring pool is much deeper and the calls from people wanting jobs - from close friends to random coaches - came like they were on speed dial.

''I was blown away and humbled by the number of people who were either out of work and looking to get back in or just the people who want to move to what they believe is a better position,'' Musselman said.

The issue of scheduling was also an eye-opener.

He had the basics down after serving as an assistant. Doing it as the head coach brought a litany of new considerations: Travel logistics, days off between games, what type of team should his team face, paying for a game or getting paid to play somewhere else.

''The struggle of building a schedule is bigger and more monumental than what people would think because it's easy as an assistant to throw out, `Yeah, let's go play this game,''' Musselman said. ''As the head coach, you sit there and think about the difficulties that come with it.''

Keeping up with it all has been difficult, even for a 50-year-old who has been involved with basketball since before he could walk.

Musselman's wife, Danyelle, stayed in Baton Rouge so 5-year-old Mariah could finish school, leaving him to live alone in a hotel.

Not that he's there that often.

Since being hired, Musselman has spent nearly as much time on the road as home, a seemingly endless string of packing bags, checking in and out of hotels.

Because of his vagabond life and long days - sometimes he and the coaches work until midnight - Musselman washes his clothes at the Lawlor Events Center and hangs them up to dry in his car instead of taking everything to the laundry.

''I've lived out of a suitcase and a hotel before, but like three weeks; not like this, which is going to end up being a two-month residency,'' Musselman said.

The residency is finally about to end.

Musselman and his wife have found a house in Reno and are going through closing. The staff is in place and has been working on the current team while building the program for the future. Recruits have started visiting and the basketball offices are shaping up, though Musselman still has stacks of Wolf Pack gear on the tables in his office.

But with the end of one phase comes another: The frenetic recruiting period that starts in July

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Gambler in Toledo bribery gets prison

June 16, 2015

DETROIT (AP) - A rogue Detroit gambler who bribed players to fix the results of University of Toledo games was sentenced to nearly six years in prison Tuesday for corrupting college sports and committing other crimes.

U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith said he would reluctantly accept a sweeping plea deal that capped Ghazi ''Gary'' Manni's prison sentence at 70 months.

''He was the prime actor in those conspiracies,'' the judge said. ''The result of his actions was not simply to degrade those sport or athletic events. He also ended up destroying the careers of the people he bribed, the athletes at the University of Toledo and at least one jockey.''

Manni, 58, admits bribing players at the Ohio school from 2004 to 2006 to influence the final score, especially in basketball. A court filing lists more than $300,000 in bets, but the government said there were more.

Seven former Rockets pleaded guilty over the last few years, along with Manni and his Detroit-area gambling partner, Mitchell ''Ed'' Karam. The athletes were placed on probation.

Manni's sentence covers bribery at Toledo, the fixing of horse races, $1.4 million in food stamp fraud and a gun crime. As part owner of a grocery store, he and others paid cash to food stamp recipients in exchange for taking a larger amount off their debit-style card, cheating the government.

''I'm sorry to cause all this commotion, whatever you want to call it,'' said Manni, who will get credit for two years already spent in custody.

The judge began the hearing by suggesting that he might reject the plea agreement because the recommended sentence was too light. After a brief recess, however, he said he would stick to the deal.

''We think a 70-month sentence is a good hit,'' Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Helland told Goldsmith, noting that three trials could take many weeks. ''There is no concern about winning any of them. It's a cost-benefit analysis.''

Toledo is 60 miles south of Detroit. Players said they received money, groceries and meals from Manni to alter their performances and affect the final score, even if Toledo still won the game.

Adam Cuomo, a running back, was the first player in the conspiracy and recruited others, according to the government. Quinton Broussard received more than $2,000 in cash or goods, including $100 to fumble in the 2005 GMAC Bowl.

Basketball player Keith Triplett received or delivered to other players between $2,000 and $5,000. He was Toledo's leading scorer during three of his four seasons.

Karam will be sentenced on June 30.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Last independent school, NJIT, joins A-Sun

June 12, 2015

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - NCAA men's and women's basketball no longer has any independent institutions now that the New Jersey Institute of Technology agreed Friday to join the Atlantic Sun Conference.

The lone independent among 351 Division I basketball schools over the past two years will be part of the conference in all sports beginning in the fall.

NJIT will be immediately eligible to compete for all Atlantic Sun postseason tournaments, plus have a chance to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The NJIT men's soccer team already had a commitment to be a working member of the Sun Belt for the 2015 season, but the Highlanders will join the Atlantic Sun for soccer in 2016.

The Atlantic Sun now has eight members after Northern Kentucky left the conference to join the Horizon League, beginning July 1.

Atlantic Sun commissioner Ted Gumbart admitted that the move to secure NJIT as a league member was hastened by the departure of Northern Kentucky.

''We always have to be aware of future possibilities,'' said Gumbart, whose conference already had a relationship with NJIT in men's and women's swimming and diving.

''The door was always open for NJIT to prove it belonged with us,'' he said. ''This is a celebration for us as it is for NJIT.''

It's more of a party for NJIT, which gained Division I status in soccer in 2004 and in the rest of its sports in 2006. NJIT was briefly part of the Great West Conference, but the league did not have an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and subsequently disbanded in 2013, leaving NJIT as the nation's lone independent.

''A lot of the kids I recruited always asked me first, `What conference are you in?''' said NJIT head men's basketball coach Jim Engles. ''I had kids come here knowing that they might never get a chance to play in a conference tournament and have a chance at the NCAAs. It's been hard, dealing with the fact that we couldn't be in a conference. But this is now the future.''

NJIT still holds the dubious distinction of holding the record for the nation's longest Division I losing streak, losing 51 straight games from 2007 through 2009. The Highlanders snapped the streak with a win over Bryant, then lost the final 12 games that season, going 1-30 during Engles' first season.

But the program continued to improve yearly. Last season, the Highlanders shocked the college basketball world by knocking off then No. 17-ranked Michigan at Crisler Arena. The Highlanders went on to win 21 games and reach the semifinals of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

Gumbart said the Highlanders' late season run helped them get in the league, as well as the school's general proximity to New York and the promise the school has made to build a $100 million wellness and events center by 2017.

NJIT athletic director Lenny Kaplan said the deal was 10 years in the making, but came together within the last six weeks.

''The biggest thing we missed over the last 10 years was the benefit of having a conference,'' Kaplan said. ''We're no longer representing ourselves. We can now take the next step.''

Winfield Willis, who will be a senior guard on the Highlanders' basketball team in the fall, said he didn't think it was going to happen, so stopped hoping for the school to join a conference.

''Now, we're going to be able to compete for something on another scale,'' Willis said. ''You can definitely feel the excitement here.''

Engles said the conference affiliation makes his job easier. Over the past two seasons, while other teams played a regular season conference schedule, the independent Highlanders had to fill their schedule with games against Division III opponents.

''You can't put a price tag on this,'' Engles said. ''We now have the opportunity to do some special things. It's hard to put this all into words, but it was hard being the only one.''

The Highlanders join Jacksonville, Stetson, North Florida and Florida Gulf Coast from Florida, as well as Kennesaw State of Georgia, South Carolina Upstate and Lipscomb of Nashville as members of the Atlantic Sun.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Lon Kruger building basketball powerhouse at Oklahoma

June 19, 2015

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger could make this the best of his many success stories.

The man who has spent three decades fixing struggling programs has done it again. Now, the Sooners are on the verge of becoming a powerhouse after three straight trips to the NCAA Tournament.

With Big 12 Player of the Year Buddy Hield returning after considering going pro and three other starters returning, Kruger's team is expected to make a deep run after reaching the Sweet 16 this past season. Kruger, as usual, is taking a low-key approach to the high expectations.

''First and foremost, we always talk about just getting better every day,'' he told The Associated Press. ''Coming in with the right mindset, coming in with the attitude of working hard every day to be great, and not getting so far down the road that you can't focus on what you need to do to be great this week. This group has had a good handle on that.''

Kruger is the only coach to take five schools to the NCAA Tournament (Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, UNLV, Oklahoma) and four to the Sweet 16. He took Kansas State to the Elite Eight in 1988, Florida to the Final Four in 1994, UNLV to the Sweet 16 in 2007, and Oklahoma to the Sweet 16 this year.

But this is just the second time the 62-year-old coach has strung together three straight seasons with 20 or more wins, and the second time he has taken a program to the NCAA tourney more than twice in a row. Even by his standards, what he has done at Oklahoma stands out. Kruger said that is, in part, due to the tools he has to work with in Norman.

''I think OU's brand is very strong nationally,'' he said. ''Talk to anyone, and they want to find out more about Oklahoma. Not that we'll get everyone, but we're very selective in identifying people that want to be here, that want to be good teammates, that have a team-first attitude, that want to work hard, that want to get a degree. All of those things combined result in what we have now, in a great group of players who work hard and want to be as good as they can be.''

The magic, he says, is in the values. When he talks about working with players, he talks about family, making it clear he believes the same concepts make him successful in dealing with both.

''I think that's one of the biggest things is just communication,'' he said. ''Just talking to the players, asking how we can help. Spending time - no shortcut for time. Talk to them every day, and I think over time, they understand that we're in it for them, that we're about each of our guys being as good a student, as good a player, as good a person as possible.''

He certainly has the players. Hield and starters Jordan Woodard, Ryan Spangler and Isaiah Cousins are back from last year's team, which went 24-11 and barely lost to Michigan State in the Sweet 16. Junior college transfer Akolda Manyang, incoming freshmen guards Christian James and Rashard Odomes and forward Dante Buford, who sat out last year and will be a freshman, also should contribute.

''It's great that we have an experienced group, and a new group that will challenge those guys to continue to get better,'' Kruger said. ''It certainly will improve our depth. Depth probably last year was a shortcoming in terms of production. Depth this year should be much improved, which means you should be better able to tolerate foul trouble, injuries, whatever the case might be.''

The schedule will be rugged. The Sooners play Wisconsin, Creighton, LSU, Villanova and Memphis in non-conference play. Kruger said the Sooners loaded up because they believe they can handle it.

''Non-conference scheduling is always important, as it relates to kind of the experience of your team,'' he said. ''We've got an experienced group. They've been through some good battles. They've been through the Big 12 now a couple of years. I think playing a very difficult non-conference schedule is good for them and will challenge them.''

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

MLB Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

7:10 PM Boston +115 273 24.38% Kansas City -124 847 75.63% View View

7:10 PM Miami +115 284 28.29% Cincinnati -125 720 71.71% View View

1:07 PM Baltimore +103 343 30.01% Toronto -111 800 69.99% View View

4:10 PM Milwaukee +119 357 32.34% Colorado -129 747 67.66% View View

10:10 PM San Diego -108 389 39.65% Arizona +100 592 60.35% View View

7:15 PM San Francisco +134 410 40.67% LA Dodgers -145 598 59.33% View View

4:05 PM Pittsburgh +123 478 42.26% Washington -133 653 57.74% View View

7:10 PM NY Mets -109 451 43.83% Atlanta +101 578 56.17% View View

4:05 PM LA Angels +119 510 45.41% Oakland -129 613 54.59% View View

7:10 PM Tampa Bay +166 505 48.51% Cleveland -181 536 51.49% View View

2:10 PM Chi. Cubs -102 592 52.48% Minnesota -106 536 47.52% View View

7:15 PM Detroit +116 562 53.52% NY Yankees -126 488 46.48% View View

2:10 PM Texas +146 738 61.65% Chi. White Sox -158 459 38.35% View View
10:10 PM Houston -118 748 69.39% Seattle +109 330 30.61% View View

7:05 PM St. Louis -150 775 72.09% Philadelphia +138 300 27.91% View View

TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

4:05 PM Pittsburgh 6.5 265 37.43% Washington 6.5 443 62.57% View View

2:10 PM Texas 8.5 247 37.71% Chi. White Sox 8.5 408 62.29% View View

7:10 PM Miami 8.5 218 38.45% Cincinnati 8.5 349 61.55% View View

2:10 PM Chi. Cubs 8.5 254 39.08% Minnesota 8.5 396 60.92% View View

7:10 PM NY Mets 7 234 39.66% Atlanta 7 356 60.34% View View

10:10 PM San Diego 8 272 47.47% Arizona 8 301 52.53% View View

7:10 PM Tampa Bay 7 259 47.52% Cleveland 7 286 52.48% View View

7:15 PM San Francisco 7.5 314 55.18% LA Dodgers 7.5 255 44.82% View View

7:10 PM Boston 8 313 55.99% Kansas City 8 246 44.01% View View

7:15 PM Detroit 8.5 315 56.86% NY Yankees 8.5 239 43.14% View View

10:10 PM Houston 6.5 327 57.37% Seattle 6.5 243 42.63% View View

7:05 PM St. Louis 7.5 349 58.66% Philadelphia 7.5 246 41.34% View View

1:07 PM Baltimore 8.5 422 63.46% Toronto 8.5 243 36.54% View View

4:05 PM LA Angels 7.5 455 67.01% Oakland 7.5 224 32.99% View View

4:10 PM Milwaukee 10 505 70.24% Colorado 10 214 29.76% View View

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Fever's defense has the over cashing

The Indiana Fever carry a 5-2 over/under record so far in the early goings of the WNBA season. The Fever's solid over record has much to do with their defense that has been allowing 81.5 points per game so far.

The average closing total of Fever games this season has been 152, which means that Indiana has allowed their opponents to contribute 55 percent of offense needed to top the totals.

Indiana will host the Washington Mystics Saturday with a current total of 147.5.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Bettors hope Stars can remain a flawless total play

The San Antonio Stars has gone under in each of their five games so far this season. The Stars anemic offense is averaging 64.4 points per game, which is the third worst mark in the WNBA this season.

Through San Antonio's first five games, there has been a combined average score of 141 with the lowest closing total do far coming in their last game at 148.

The Stars host the Chicago Sky Saturday with a current total of 155.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Porcello has not registered a win in over a month

Rick Porcello has been struggling this year, especially of late, with the pitcher registering a loss in his past five games. Porcello has pitched 31 innings while allowing 24 runs over his past five starts.

Porcello is currently posting a career-worst 5.29 ERA while posting a 4-7 record.

The Sox are currently +115 when they travel to Kauffman Stadium Saturday.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Padres posting ugly numbers with Ross on the bump

The San Diego Padres are 1-5 in Tyson Ross's last six outings.

Bettors of the Friars will be hoping that trend doesn't continue Saturday when they travel to Arizona for a date with Robbie Ray and the Diamondbacks.

Oddsmakers have priced the Pads as slight -108 faves with a total of 8.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Alabama, Florida State finalizing deal for 2017 game

Alabama and Florida State, winners of four of the last six national championships combined, reportedly have agreed to open the 2017 season in Atlanta.

FSU athletic director Stan Wilcox told a group of Seminoles boosters at a board of directors meeting in Charleston, S.C., on Friday that the game is set, according to the Palm Beach Post. A source confirmed the report to ESPN.

The newspaper reported that although a contract has not been signed, an agreement was in place that would match Alabama coach Nick Saban against Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. The game is expected to be played in the new stadium that will serve as the home of the Atlanta Falcons, which is scheduled to open in 2017.

The Palm Beach Post reported the schools will earn a payday between $4 million and $5 million from the game. The contracts are expected to be signed soon at which time an official announcement will be made.

In November, the newspaper was first to report discussions were underway by the two schools to meet on the neutral field.

The Crimson Tide captured national titles following the 2009, 2011, 2012 seasons and the Seminoles won the championship in 2013.

This past season, Alabama and Florida State were participants in the first-ever College Football Playoff. The Seminoles lost to Oregon and the Crimson Tide lost to eventual national champion Ohio State.

The programs have met four times, most recently in 2007 in Jacksonville, Fla., when Florida State won 21-14 for its only victory in the series. The other three games were played in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where Alabama won in 1965 and 1974, and the teams tied in 1967.

Fisher coached under Saban for five seasons (2000-2004) at LSU as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Titans not concerned signing QB Mariota

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is the only unsigned first-round pick from the 2015 NFL Draft, but the team doesn't seem concerned.

Titans general manager Ruston Webster said Friday he doesn't see a problem getting a deal done soon with the second overall pick.

"It's going like most contract situations go about this time of year," Webster told ESPN's Paul Kuharsky on Nashville's 104.5 The Zone. "We have had good conversations. We'll continue to have good conversations. Looking forward to getting that done and him being in here for camp.

"I personally don't see there being a major issue. ... I don't concern myself too much with it if a guy misses a few days. We've had good talks. We're motivated. Marcus is motivated. So I would expect that we would be able to get something done. As you said, we have plenty of time right now, so we'll just see where it all goes."

The Titans finished mandatory minicamp on Thursday and players will report for training camp on July 30, with practice starting the next day.

Mariota still has plenty to learn, but head coach Ken Whisenhunt and Webster like what they have seen from the rookie during OTAs and minicamp.

"I think he's done a great job to this point for a rookie quarterback coming to a new offense and a new situation," Webster said. "Obviously very prepared when he steps on the field. I think the physical talent is evident when you watch him out here, which is really one of the main things I look for when they get here that we see in him or any player what we saw on film and live in games. That's been really good. He handled himself great in situations. I like the way he deals with our team and the other players. He's working hard at it. He's working very hard at it. So we feel very good about it."

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Orioles make five roster moves

Jun 20, 2015

The Baltimore Orioles reinstated right-hander Kevin Gausman from the disabled list to start Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Gausman, 24, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis on May 8. He made three rehab appearances with Class A (Advanced) Frederick and Double-A Bowie, going 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings.

In eight games with the Orioles this season, Gausman is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 innings. Over 48 career major league appearances (25 starts), he is 11-12 with a 4.21 ERA.

The Orioles also selected the contract of right-hander Mychal Givens from Double-A Bowie, and optioned right-handers Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk.

Givens, 25, went 3-1 with a 1.60 ERA and 12 saves in 23 games with Double-A Bowie this season. Wilson, 25, has gone 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in five games (one start) with the Orioles. Wright, 25, has gone 2-3 with a 5.16 ERA over six games with the Orioles.

In addition, the club transferred right-hander Jason Garcia the 60-day disabled list. Garcia, 22, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis on May 13.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Holy $hit Betting Stat of the Day: Pirates are a scorching-hot play for Under bettors

Jun 20, 2015

The Pittsburgh Pirates have participated in a lot of low-scoring affairs as of late, and Under bettors are profiting in a big way as a result.

The Bucs are 1-11 to the Under in their last 12 outings. Andrew McCutchen and company have averaged 2.8 runs per game during that span while giving up a microscopic 1.4 runs/game.

Pittsburgh takes on the Washington Nationals in D.C. Saturday. Francisco Liriano (4-5, 2.94 ERA) is slated to get the ball for Pittsburgh, while Max Scherzer (7-5, 1.93) is the probable starter for the Nats.

Sportsbooks have set a 6.5 run total for the contest.

CNOTES · Jun 20, 2015

Marlins' Stanton will hit in Home Run Derby if asked

Jun 20, 2015

Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the major league's home run leader at 25, is willing to participate in the 2015 Home Run Derby.

"If I'm asked, I'll do it," Stanton told reporters Friday before the Marlins' 5-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Stanton currently leads the big leagues in home runs after leading the National League with 37 last season.

Stanton was upset by Reds third baseman Todd Frazier in last year's Home run Derby semifinals. Frazier has 22 homers this season.

Yoenis Cespedes of the Detroit Tigers won last year's All-Star event but isn't sure whether he will participate in this year's Home Run Derby, which takes place at Cincinnati's ballpark next month.

Stanton has hit four home runs in his past 10 games heading into Saturday night's game against the Reds.

"I find myself trying to make too much of the little park in previous years," Stanton told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Last year I finally calmed down a little bit when I'm here. You get super-excited and by the time your three games are up, you have no homers and nothing hit to the wall. Then your next series you hit five balls that would have been out here -- that's what I feel like I used to do. I've kind of calmed it down a little bit."