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ven before the referee floats the first tip-off, NCAA basket­ball has had some serious off-the-court action that left things up in the air. The biggest news involves Louisville coach Rick Pitino's affair-news more appropriate for TMZ than ESPN. In fact, some details of his dalliance seem fit for a National Enquirer story. Have we heard the last of it? Speaking of Kentucky coaches, John Calipari takes over the Wildcats post Pitino held in the 1990s. How quickly will he make an impact? You probably saw a tweet about John Wall dunking on Jerry Stackhouse. Is Wall destined to be the new collegiate star? If college basketball had a Tim Tebow (someone who stays in

school until he earns his degree and is a morally sound poster boy) it would have been Tyler Hansbrough. who graduated after winning the national championship last season. Is another Hansbrough out there? Can the team fill his high-tops at North Carolina? Who's the favorite to hear "One Shining Moment"? Why did so many guaranteed pros decide to return to campus? Michigan State's Kalin Lucas is one player who could have been on the NBA payroll but chose to stay in East Lan­sing. Coach Tom Izzo retained five of his top six scorers, which is why we think MSU will cut down the nets come March. For answers to other questions, turn the page and enjoy watching the season play out.

TOP -25

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KENTUCKY

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ODD COURTSHIP

We haven't heard much about Louisville coach Rick Pitino's affair in months. Hoping to put the issue to rest, the man in the white suit—dhly he and fellow Ken-tuckian Colonel Sanders can pull off that took—addressed the allegations as soon as they came to light this past summer. When Pitino plays on thejoad, opposing teams' fans will likely make it a hot topic again, taking poster boards and turning TV net­work acronyms into quips about the torrid affair. fl

"I DO NOT WALK ON WATER. I DO NOT HAVE A MAGIC WAND."—JOHN CAUPARI TO KENTUCKY WILDCAT FANS

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KENTUCKY'S BASKETBALL JESUS

When John Calipari joined Kentucky he had to explain to Wildcat fans that he does "not walk on water." That's how much they believe in him. After reinvigorating the Memphis Tigers with nine 20-win seasons, including an NCAA record 38-win season(*), Calipari defected north. And he won't be rebuilding; he is already reloaded with three of the nation's top 15 recruits: DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton and John WalL The Cats are the most exciting young team since the Fab Five.

SportsLne.

Imagine March J

ness without CBS. After this season the NCAA can opt out of the 11-year $6 bil­lion contract that allows the network to televise one of the nation's most watched sporting events. The option gives the NCAA a chance to""' get richer. In the words of beloved CBS commentator Bill Raftery, let's see if ESPN has the "onions" to make an offer despite the tricky economy.

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Coaches are using Twitter to bypass NCAA strictures against e-mail communication with recruits. George Mason coach Jim Larranaga tweeted about another regulation:

-Compliance meetings begin tmw for the new year. New NCAA rule allows us to provide players bagels but no cream cheese or butter. Love it! -There is nothing I like better than a dry bagel after a hard woikout. LOL

He has suspended tweeting— and hopefully using "lHb

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>ST-ERIZI

hiis is where Jerry itackhouse was Wien Kentucky fresh-pan John Wall (left) nked over him during i summer league game. 'Earlier that summer Xavier sophomore Jordan Crawford showed up LeBron James at King James's own camp. These would have been urban myths five years ago, but amateur video and Internet uploads have made the two underclassmen legendary.

zero points, more than

BENCH BLOG

The best player blog is Club Trillion by Ohio State bench-warmer Mark Titus: "Gordon [of Butler] and I combined for 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Because I didn't get in the game, Gor­don shouldered most of [it], but I looked really good with the towel around my neck.... Despite Gordon's best effort, in the end my good looks obviously weighed much more heavily in the outcome than his 25 points because my team was victorious."

I BIG SNEAKERS TO FILL

Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson left UNC after three 30-win« sons«hd a national championship last year. So will it be medk rity this year? Not if coach Roy Williams is involved. He's nurturin sanior center Deon Thompson, who averaged roughly 10 point and six boards at the World University Games this summer.

UNDERDOG

Everyone loves a small school that shows up during March Madness. This season our money is on the Siena Saints. They should win the MAAC again, and they return with four of the five starters who advanced in last year's tourney. Though Siena won't win it all (bookies have them at 20,000 to one), they'll win hearts.

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Our number one travels earty to test the new Tar Heels.

UCONN VS. KENTUCKY

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Calhoun's fresh crop or Calipari's new school?

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Kalin Lucas, vs. Jai Lucas.

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Match of the manliest mascots.

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The entire state shuts down.

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Can Kansas beat up the Vots? ^g

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UCONN RT MICHIGRN

Which storied school will rebuild more quickly?

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The Gators, or anyone, cant sleep on the A-10.

GIN THE AIR

SHOE OF THE vpdb iqqi-rnD 2010

Sneakerheads and bailers are anticipating