Another job creation for Hobart’s Hancock
One of these days, Hobart native Bill Hancock is going to take a low-pressure job and learn to relax. Luckily for college football, that won’t come anytime soon.
One of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet, Hancock has been named the first-ever executive director of the Bowl Championship Series. The most volatile lightning rod in collegiate athletics now rests in the hands of a 1972 Oklahoma graduate who has no known enemies.
Hancock is so good at what he does, new positions continue to be created for him. Hancock initially caught the NCAA’s eye when he coordinated the Big Eight basketball tournament and the 1988 Final Four, both in Kansas City, Mo., the previous home of the NCAA.
The NCAA promptly made Hancock the first-ever director of the Division I men’s basketball tournament (the Final Four), and he helped make it the greatest sports spectacle on earth. Four years ago, Hancock became the first-ever BCS administrator, serving directly under the acting coordinator in day to-day operations. Now Hancock is executive director of college football’s non-tournament that seemingly everyone likes to criticize.
“This is so different for me because I came from the most popular college sports event in America to this,” Hancock said with a chuckle, “but I really think we can move the needle on the BCS. I think a lot of people’s frustration is they don’t understand it.
“When I was at the NCAA, I used to say, ‘I’ve got the greatest job in America.’ But when people asked if I could pick another job, I would always say, ‘I’d love to be the director of the football championship,’ never thinking it would happen. This is as close as it gets.”
Hancock’s promotion was announced by current BCS coordinator John Swofford, who will continue his role through the end of his term (Jan, 7, 2010).
The BCS coordinator position rotated among conference commissioners every two years, but Hancock said the demands became too great. “It became more work that the commissioner had time to do,” Hancock said. “Really, it was being run by volunteers. There was never anybody at the point, somebody who could say, ‘Here’s the problem, and this is why.’ ”
Hancock will manage the daily BCS operations, interact with bowl organizations and television rights holders and serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson. His promotion resulted from a recommendation of the BCS commissioners last month and was formally approved Monday. Hancock will report to the 11 conference commissioners and to the Notre Dame athletic director — the individuals who oversee the BCS operation.
Hancock is the father of former Oklahoma State media relations coordinator Will Hancock, who was among the 10 travel members killed on OSU’s return trip from a men’s basketball game in Colorado on Jan. 27, 2001.
This week’s AP Top 25 poll (11/16)
The 2009-10 college basketball season finally began last week, though it was difficult to notice with all the mismatches.
The action intensifies this week as No. 1 Kansas and Memphis play Tuesday night at the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase in St. Louis in a rematch of the 2008 national championship game. In the opening game at Scottrade Center, Louisville opens its season against Arkansas. Razorbacks sophomore guard and former Vertigris standout Rotnei Clarke had 51 points last Friday against Alcorn State, converting an SEC-record 13 3-pointers in just 17 attempts and finishing 15 of 21 from the field.
Also on Tuesday night, Michigan State hosts Gonzaga, which lost four starters. On Thursday, North Carolina is at Ohio State and Syracuse is at California.
Top upset last week: Rider 88, (No. 18) Mississippi State 74
This week’s showcase: North Carolina at Ohio State (Thursday)
The first Associated Press regular-season poll comes out later this afternoon. Here is how I voted:
1. Kansas
2. Texas
3. Michigan State
4. Villanova
5. Purdue
6. North Carolina
7. Duke
8. West Virginia
9. Butler
10. Kentucky
11. Tennessee
12. Georgia Tech
13. Oklahoma
14. Ohio State
15. UConn
16. California
17. Vanderbilt
18. Maryland
19. Washington
20. Siena
21. Michigan
22. Minnesota
23. Dayton
24. Clemson
25. Louisville
Be brave — don’t shout “Sooners”
Today’s Oklahoman addressed University of Oklahoma sports fans who choose to shout “home of the Sooners” rather than “home of the brave” at the end of the pregame national anthem.
I had no idea this was such a touchy topic. I considered it an overreaction, nothing more than an exaggerated entry in the “Politically Incorrect” file. Fans throughout America often replace the word “brave” with their team nickname. No big deal. Mountain out of a molehill.
But after reading the passionate pleas of those who are offended, I have quickly reversed field.
This controversy reminds me of the debate concerning athletic teams using Native Americans as team nicknames/mascots. I thought that, too, was an overreaction.
I asked legendary basketball coach Abe Lemons, who was at Oklahoma City University at the time, if depicting Native Americans should be considered offensive. Back then, OCU’s mascot was Chiefs.
As was often the case with Lemons, he deflected with humor. “How do people know what kind of chief it is?” Lemons said. “Could be a Fire Chief. Could be a Police Chief.” Shortly thereafter, OCU changed its nickname from Chiefs to Stars.
I also discussed this matter with Bethany native and former New York Yankees pitcher Allie Reynolds, who was part-Indian and nicknamed “Superchief,” which actually was the name of a popular passenger train.
Reynolds said it was embarrassing Native Americans viewed it so negatively. I figured if a prominent Native American such as Reynolds was not offended, why should I be? And yet, numerous Native American depictions in sports are now gone.
This “home of the brave” debate is easily correctable. Just don’t shout “Sooners.” Now that the shouters are more aware of the issue’s sensitivity, hopefully the conclusion of Saturday night’s national anthem at Owen Field will have a different ending.
All it takes is a little restraint, and imagine the overwhelming sign of respect if not a single fan screamed “Sooners.” Forget your freedom of speech for one measly word. Starting Saturday, don’t shout “Sooners.” Your word of silence would speak much louder than you could ever imagine.
Chat with John Rohde at 11 a.m.
Video: Bob Stoops is staying put
Watching the Thunder clock
With 6:54 remaining in its game at Detroit on Oct. 30, the Thunder led the Pistons 75-65. If this were last season, Thunder players, coaches and fans would start focusing on the game clock, wondering why the clock was moving so slowly and if the Thunder possibly could hold on for the victory.
When would the Thunder’s late-game fade begin, and what would be the cause? Fatigue? Nerves? Fright? Carelessness? Or was it simply a matter of the other team showing it was better when it mattered most? This self-wonderment resulted in a 23-59 season that occassionally brought a small portion of pleasure, but far more frustration, anger and embarrassment.
That was last year. There have been no such signs so far this season. Yes, it’s extremely early — only six games — but to me, the failure to fade late in games is the most noticeable improvement from last year’s Thunder to this year’s. Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he notices it, too. His explanation is having better players, and more of them.
“We’re much deeper,” Brooks said shortly before his team departed for Sacramento on Monday afternoon. “We’ve got some very capable guys on the bench, some of them haven’t even played yet. That helps our team, but that also helps guys get better at practice. That’s having better players. We now have the ability to rest some of our guys. We now have good enough guys who will either hold the lead or make up from a deficit.”
Getting back to that Detroit game, the Pistons closed to within 77-73 with 4:26 left, but never got closer in a 91-83 Thunder victory. In the season-opening 102-89 victory over Sacramento in the Ford Center, the final margin was the closest the Kings got since 1:08 remained before halftime. And in Sunday night’s 102-74 masterpiece against Eastern Conference champion Orlando, the Thunder took the lead for good with 4:56 left in the second quarter. With 4:56 left in the fourth quarter, the Thunder built its biggest lead at 96-63.
So far, so good for the Thunder when it comes to maintaining late-game leads. Hopefully there will come a day when the Thunder will be able to focus on the score rather than the clock in the closing minutes.
Cox a worthy Thorpe finalist, but so is Jackson
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of my favorite trophies in college football. Yes, because of who it honors. Yes, because the trophy looks cool. Yes, because the committee is locally based.
I like the Thorpe Award because it recognizes defensive backs — to me the second-most pressurized position behind quarterback. In the past, I have suggested the Thorpe Award should go to college football’s best all-purpose player. It could recognize two-way players, those who start and double-up on special teams. This would be a great way to pay tribute to the greatest athlete of the 20th century. What’s most important, however, is that the award exists and has quickly gained nationwide respect.
The list of this year’s 12 semifinalists has been released and senior cornerback Perrish Cox is Oklahoma State’s first semifinalist since Mark Moore in 1986, the first year the award was presented.
The Thorpe committee looks at multiple aspects when picking its candidates, including athletic ability and character. Certain stats can be misleading. Superb defensive backs often lack opportunities for interceptions because no one throws their way. The committee considers kick returns yards, but not all defensive backs are returners, so it’s not the end-all, be-all.
Cox is the best of both worlds. He leads the nation with 1.86 passes defended per game and has done well against prolific receivers such as Georgia’s A.J. Green and Texas’ Jordan Shipley. Cox also is the Big 12’s all-time leader in kick return yards.
Cox unquestionably is worthy of being a semifinalist, but so is Oklahoma’s Brian Jackson. The Thorpe committee noted Jackson received honorable mention, which to me is not nearly high enough status for this senior cornerback, who tied a school record with at least one interception in four straight games. Not one for hyperbole, OU coach Bob Stoops has described Jackson’s play this season as “incredible.”
This year’s semifinalists are: Javier Arenas, Sr., Alabama; Eric Berry, Jr., Tennessee; Barry Church, Sr., Toledo; Perrish Cox, Sr., Oklahoma State; Joe Haden, Jr., Florida; Brandon Harris, So., Miami (Fla.); Taylor Mays, Sr., USC; Tyler Sash, So., Iowa; Darrell Stuckey, Sr., Kansas; Earl Thomas, So., Texas; Alterraun Verner, Sr., UCLA; Kyle Wilson, Sr., Boise State.
The Thorpe list will be narrowed to three finalists on Nov. 23 and the winner will be announced Dec. 10.
My guess is Berry will win. Mays and Haden will be the other finalists.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the Lakers
Doors open 90 minutes before tipoff for Thunder games inside the Ford Center. Two-thirds of Tuesday’s early arrivals made their way to the tunnel from which the Los Angeles Lakers emerged.
For roughly 45 minutes, fans of the road team outnumbered fans of the home team.
The Lakers are one of those sports franchises that have no boundaries. Their fans are everywhere, much like the Yankees, Steelers, Cowboys, Packers, Cubs, Dodgers, Celtics and Braves. The Lakers and Yankees probably top the list.
The reigning NBA champs also draw a media crowd. Writers were bumping elbows along the sideline and baseline inside the Ford Center. Also on hand were NBA-TV and NBA.com. Several reporters normally found courtside were shipped upstairs to the hockey press box in (C)Loud City.
Newspaper writers who make road trips with their NBA teams are about to be put on the endangered species list, yet there were five LA-area beat writers on hand Tuesday. Many NBA franchises struggle to have one beat writer on the road.
During Tuesday’s game, the sellout crowd in the Ford Center easily drowned out the Lakers supporters, but the “oohs” and “ahhs” that accompany the Lakers are definitely more contagious than with other franchises.
Playing the Lakers is more than a game, it’s an event. The Lakers return to the Ford Center on March 26.
Voting in the AP basketball poll
I’ll be voting in the weekly Associated Press men’s basketball poll this season. The poll is not particularly significant because the NCAA Tournament determines the national champion each season, but it’s still enjoyable to be a participant. The preseason Top 25 is due to be released Thursday and the All-American team on Monday. The Big 12 often tops preseason football polls. Kansas and Texas provide the same optimism in basketball. Here is how I voted in the first poll:
PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Kansas: Jayhawks are experienced, talented and deep.
2. Texas: Overflowing in athleticism; a title contender.
3. Michigan State: Kalin Lucas leads 2009’s sentimental pick.
4. Villanova: Shotmaker Scottie Reynolds is (finally) a senior.
5. Purdue: Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore.
6. North Carolina: Defending champs reload with Davis and Henson.
7. Duke: Will be led by multi-talented forward Kyle Singler.
8. West Virginia: The Da’Sean Butler and Kevin Ebanks combo.
9. Butler: Big-time front court in Matt Howard, Gordon Hayward.
10. Kentucky: Potent, but new players and a new coach must mix.
11. UConn: Thabeet, Price and Adrien gone, but talent remains.
12. California: Explosive and obvious choice for Pac-10 crown.
13. Tennessee: Last year’s entire roster returns, led by Tyler Smith.
14. Georgia Tech: Freshman center Derrick Favors is big-time good.
15. Oklahoma: Blake Griffin is gone; this is Willie Warren’s team now.
16. Syracuse: Frontcourt formidable; Flynn and Devendorf missing.
17. Ohio State: Evan Turner bypassed NBA to rejoin talented team.
18. Mississippi State: Five starters return, led by C Jarvis Varnado.
19. Vanderbilt: Experience, plus heralded freshman John Jenkins.
20. Washington: Slew of role players give Huskies the right stuff.
21. Maryland: Four returning starters, plus some big-time recruits.
22. Siena: Talented and led by Edwin Ubiles and Ronald Moore.
23. Michigan: Wolverines continue slow march back to prime time.
24. Minnesota: Tubby Smith returns top nine scorers from last year.
25. Dayton: Ten of top 11 players from secon-round team return.
Whenever possible, I prefer a conventional starting five when selecting All-American teams. This year fits that mold. AP simply wanted one All-American team (no matter what position). Here’s my first team, and also my and third second and third teams.
ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS
First team
G – Sherron Collins (Kansas)
G – Scottie Reynolds (Villanova)
C – Cole Aldrich (Kansas)
F – Kyle Singler (Duke)
F – Evan Turner (Ohio State)
Second team
G – Kalin Lucas (Michigan State)
G – Willie Warren (Oklahoma)
C – Luke Harangody (Notre Dame)
F – Patrick Patterson (Kentucky)
F – Greg Monroe (Georgetown)
Third team
G – Nic Wise (Arizona)
G – Isaiah Thomas (Washington)
C – Craig Brackins (Iowa State)
F – Robbie Hummel (Purdue)
F – Tyler Smith (Tennessee)
Bryant verdict harsh, but necessary
The NCAA’s decision to suspend Oklahoma State All-American wide receiver Dez Bryant for the remainder of the season was harsh, but necessary.
The NCAA is sending a message that it’s unacceptable to lie during an investigation — not once, but (at least) three times. Lying sheds a light of guilt, even upon the innocent.
Let’s say Bryant was suspended for six games, or half the season. The next time the NCAA holds this type of investigation, an athlete might be tempted to lie and receive a six-game suspension rather than tell the truth and risk losing his eligibility for good.
Bryant’s wound was self-inflicted. OSU’s compliance office apparently didn’t do him any favors, either. Where was Bryant’s advice and representation throughout this mess?
