Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is voted into the starting lineup of the All-Star Game Feb. 16 in New Orleans.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's official. Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving will start with Miami's Dwyane Wade in the Eastern Conference backcourt at the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 16 in New Orleans.

Irving will be the third Cavalier voted into the starting lineup, following Shawn Kemp and LeBron James.

"Thank you fans for voting me as an All-star starter,'' Irving tweeted. "Wouldn't be there without you all!! #blessed''

Thursday night's announcement on TNT confirmed what had been obvious since the first results of fan voting were released. Wade (929,542 votes) and Irving (860,221 votes) ranked first and second in each update, and the top two backcourt vote-getters were going to start.

They will be joined in the starting lineup by Miami's LeBron James, the leading vote-getter overall with 1,416.219 votes, Indiana's Paul George and New York's Carmelo Anthony.

The Western Conference All-Star starters are the Lakers' Kobe Bryant (likely out with his broken leg), Golden State's Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the Clippers' Blake Griffin and Minnesota's Kevin Love.

Irving, who was named by the coaches as an All-Star reserve last year, is the sixth-youngest player (20 years, 331 days) named to an All-Star team and the fifth-youngest to be playing in his second All-Star Game (following James, Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Isiah Thomas).

The 16th All-Star in Cavaliers history, Irving had 15 points in 25 minutes in last year's game in Houston and won the Foot Locker 3-point shootout, joining Mark Price as the only Cavalier to win that event. Price won in 1993 and 1994.

Irving, who was selected to the USA Basketball men's national team roster on Thursday morning -- the first step toward making the 2014 World Cup team and the 2016 Olympic team -- is averaging 21.7 points in 39 games, fifth in the league, and also averages 3.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 35.2 minutes.

Irving was coy on Thursday afternoon when asked about the possibility of being named an All-Star starter on Thursday night. All he wanted to talk about was being named to the USA Basketball men's national team.

"I was just happy to be on the Olympic roster,'' he said after practice. "That’s best answer I can give you right now until it’s officially out. I’m just happy to be on the Olympic roster.

Cavaliers vs. Bucks

Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday at The Q

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100

Notable: Teams have split two games this season. Cavs won the last matchup, 114-111, in overtime at The Q on Dec. 20….Third game in a five-game homestand, but Cavs have lost the first two to fall to 10-10 at home….Bucks are 4-18 on the road.

Mike Pettine might be a fine coach. But right now he's the candidate who most wanted the job, not the best candidate for the job.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Enough about the past. Every regime makes mistakes. It’s time to move on and think about the future.

So as a public service, here is some advice looking ahead:

If the Browns are conducting another coaching search next January, put your money on the NFL special teams coach who isn’t interviewing anywhere else.

Twelve months after hiring the otherwise unsolicited Rob Chudzinski because of his bright, offensive mind (and willingness), the Browns on Thursday hired Mike Pettine. He's known for his bright defensive mind (and, now, also for his sense of adventure).

“There are only 32 of these jobs in the world,” Pettine said Thursday, adding that when people told him he should wait, told him that opportunities could come again next year, he said to himself, “I don’t know if I believe that.”

Wonder why people told him to wait until next year? Is 2015 his lucky number or something?

Right. Of those 32 employment opportunities, this was the only one still hanging a shingle. The same place where Chudzinski and a veteran coordinator tandem got axed after just 11 months. The place where power resides outside the coach's office.

Pettine, who was available since the end of Buffalo’s 6-10 season and wasn’t contacted for more than two weeks, obviously knows the trend in hiring coaches lies on offense. That preference was high on Joe Banner’s list a year ago. The fact the Browns waited on Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase until he finally pulled out, and talked with New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (more than once and recently, too), suggests that was still Banner’s preference.

So when Banner came calling, Pettine, a 47-year-old defensive coordinator who last held the head coaching position in high school, wasn’t about to let it go to voicemail based on what he was hearing about the toxicity of the Browns’ organization.

Pettine says he didn’t give much thought to Chud’s short plank, that in taking the job he was “betting on myself.”

I’d say the same thing, too. Right after I begged my agent to get the same five-year contract Pettine did and ask him to pay special attention to the severance language.

Pettine also tried not to care that the Browns were flying to Florida to talk with fired Tampa coach Greg Schiano or considering a second mystery candidate on the day Pettine was trying to catch a flight from Atlanta to Cleveland. Asked if he felt that created the impression the Browns weren’t sold on Pettine even after two interviews, Banner said it was more a case of wanting to talk to as many candidates as possible for as long as possible.

(For the record, the Browns did not make any calls to other candidates during Thursday’s press conference.)

Banner said even “11 or 12 hours” spent interviewing a candidate isn’t enough when you consider the importance of the hire. Yet they were in no rush to interview Pettine.

Banner said Pettine was always on his list. Last January, he stood in a different space in Berea and said Chud was on the lists he kept in Philly. Both could be true. Or not. And, in either case, totally moot.

What else is he going to say?

Nothing can dismiss the perception of the Browns’ rudderless organization more quickly than winning and that can't happen until September (unless you celebrate wins in the GLC). Stability requires a long hiatus from the annual fire-the-coach press conference.

Can we count on that? Who knows? Offense is king one year. Defense is good enough the next. Two coaching searches. Approximately 20 coaches met and dissected.

The result: two first-time head coaches who weren’t near the top of the list when the process began. That speaks to a self-limiting organizational structure.

When I mentioned that to Haslam, he disagreed, saying they had a “great talent pool” this time around.

“The perception of people about who did and didn’t want the job is completely false,” Banner added.

Both years, the Browns took a rather circuitous route to find the coach they later said they considered as a top candidate all along. If that gives you faith in the organizational structure and Mike Pettine’s place in it as a driving force, I’ll have what you’re drinking.

Don’t get me wrong. Pettine might be a fine coach. The doubts surrounding him aren’t of his making, tied instead to his status as the late-arriving choice of a management team that just fired its last late-arriving choice.

He'll get a chance to win you over, as if you have any other choice.

But the coaching searches that landed Chud and Pettine -- noteworthy for the candidates not interviewed as much as for the ones it identified and the two “winners” it produced -- are too similar to feel good about Pettine as the answer in this reboot.

“I don’t think anything I can say or do today – or for that matter up to September – really matters,” the Browns' new head coach smartly said Thursday. “I don’t want to win the press conference.”

He came closer to winning it than losing it.

But by now, most of us are too numb to keep score.

If Mike Pettine wants to survive for a few years as Browns coach, the front office must find him a quarterback.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that Mike Pettine has been hired, the real pressure is on the Cleveland Browns' front office.

Of course, the new coach has to do a good job handling the players and preparing for games. But the key people in any NFL franchise are those who pick the players. When it comes to the Browns, that's CEO Joe Banner assisted by General Manager Mike Lombardi and his staff.

The Browns continually chanted the litany of 10 draft choices (three in the top 35), lots of salary cap room, and six Pro Bowlers. It's part of what made this job attractive to Pettine.

But they must draft the right players. They must use the salary cap room wisely. They must re-sign Pro Bowlers Alex Mack and T.J. Ward, who also must be convinced the team is indeed becoming something besides "the same old Browns."

When coach Rob Chudzinski was shockingly fired after only one season, owner Jimmy Haslam insisted this was a move not worthy of "the same old Browns." Pettine talked about breaking the cycle of losing, and how the team can't fall into the "same old Browns" mentality.

But the only way that changes is if the front office has one of the best off-seasons in team history, both in the draft and with free agency.

Right now, many fans doubt that can happen. Despite the 4-12 record, many believed firing Chudzinski after one season was unfair. And they became even more skeptical when no immediate replacement loomed.

Finally, the team's efforts to contact 10 candidates led to many dropping out. While some did it because they knew they would not be hired, it nevertheless gave the impression that the job was a stinker and it was best to stay away.

It's a reflection of a rocky first season for Haslam/Banner/Lombardi. Their draft produced little, some expensive free agents underachieved and by their own admission, they failed in their first attempt to hire a coach.

Certainly, another coaching change can't happen a year from now. Not after five different coaches in the last seven seasons.

Full force ahead

Pettine's dream was to coach an NFL team. This hard-driving son of a legendary high school coach has defied the odds to even become the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, as he also started as a high school coach.

Right now, Cleveland is football fantasy land for him -- as he was hired the first year that he received an NFL head coaching interview. Yes, the Browns were the only team to consider him. He doesn't care if he was the 88th choice of the Browns.

The man whose nickname is Blunt Force Trauma desperately wanted this job, and I loved how he said, "I'll bet on myself (to succeed)."

He mentioned how he wasn't a coach who "fits players to a system … (instead), fit the system to the players." That's smart. But he does play primarily a 3-4 defense, and that's how the Browns are built.

In fact, his Buffalo defense played the "attacking style" that the Browns hoped to have last season. So he makes sense for this team, at least in terms of defense.

The quarterback question

Like every coach since Marty Schottenheimer (who had a young Bernie Kosar in the 1980s), Pettine will be searching for a quarterback.

"To win in this league, you need a great quarterback," he said.

The Browns may have a solid one if Brian Hoyer (who Pettine likes) can fully recover from his knee surgery and remain healthy. But the team must find and develop a young quarterback. This draft is set up for them to secure one, either at the No. 4 spot or by trade.

But they have to find right one, and that goes back to the front office.

Yes, Pettine was a high school quarterback (for his father), but his pro background is all defense. He needs to hire an experienced and gifted offensive coordinator. He also has to hope the front office correctly answers the quarterback question.

That will determine if he can come close to being around for all five years of his contract -- and if the fans will have any reason to believe that the franchise is finally headed in the right direction.

Two teams, Kent State and Western Michigan, looked to get back into the victory column Thursday night in the M.A.C. Center.

John Kuntz/The Plain Dealer

KENT, Ohio -- Kent State played to the weather, cold in nearly every aspect, as they fell to Western Michigan, 75-59,

Thursday night in the M.A.C. Center. Cold from the field, cold from behind the arc and cold from the free throw line spelled doom for the Golden Flashes.

Kent put a quick dent into a 34-24 halftime deficit on a 3-pointer to start the final session. But the Broncos then went on a 12-0 run for a commanding 46-27 lead over the Golden Flashes who just could not get anything going their way.

Kent called a timeout with 16:13 on the clock, trailing by 19. But a turnover followed and that led to an alley-lop dunk to put the Broncos up even more, 48-27. Another Kent turnover, another alley-oop for WMU. By the time a Darren Goodson hoop inside stopped WMU's 16-0 run, the hole was 50-29 and pretty much decided.

This drops Kent to 11-7, 2-3 in conference play with a daunting road game, Sunday, at Toledo. WMU lifted its slate to 10-7, 3-2.

Kent State got an early break as 6-11 center Shayne Whitington (18 points) was whistled for two offensive charging calls by the 15:27 mark and went to the bench with KSU holding a slim 5-4 lead. But the Flashes were not able to take immediate advantage as they were cold from the field, and struggled to get defensive rebounds.

With 11:40 to play Kent trailed the Broncos, 10-6, as WMU was able to convert some offensive rebounds into hoops, while KSU was getting no offensive production in the paint. Kent was 2 of 12 from the field at that point with just six rebounds, half of the Broncos total.

Kent turned to seldom used 6-8 Marquiez Lawrence to get some fire inside. And while he supplied some inspiration, the Broncos kept to their formula of attacking the rim as their lead grew to 19-11. With 7:56 to play Kent was only 4 of 21 (19 percent) from the field, 1 of 9 on 3-pointers.

As the opening half drew to a close nothing got better for Kent as the Broncos lead inched up to 29-20 with 3:43 to play. Kent could have helped itself at the free throw line, but like everything else with the Flashes, they were cold there too, hitting just 4 of 9.

By halftime WMU's lead was up to 34-24 as the Flashes were only shooting 9 of 34 (26.5 percent) from the field, 2 of 13 (15.4 percent) on 3-pointers and 4 of 10 (40 percent) from the line.

the only think keep the game from being a complete blowout was KSU closed WMU's rebounding advantage down to 22-21 including a whopping 13 on the offensive glass. But even with that the Broncos still had the advantage with second-chance points, 9-7.

After that opening 3-pointer in the second half, Kent remained cold the rest of the night.

After being introduced as the Browns' coach, Pettine talks about his new job with Mary Kay Cabot.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns have a new coach.

Mike Pettine, formerly the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator, finalized a contract and was introduced Thursday evening as the Browns' seventh full-time coach since 1999.

Pettine's father, Mike Pettine Sr., won four state championships at Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, Pa., before retiring in 1999 as the winningest coach in state history. Pettine was asked Thursday what was the most important lesson he learned from his father.

"Control the things you can control, and don't worry about anything else," Pettine said.

Pettine shares his thoughts on being hired in this exclusive interview with Northeast Ohio Media Group Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot.

Junior LaQuinton Ross led the Buckeyes with 18 points, while senior Lenzelle Smith Jr., who came into the game on a cold streak, added 16.

Learn more about Mike Pettine, the 15th man to take over as the Browns' head coach.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Get to know more about new Browns coach Mike Pettine, from his NFL positions over the last decade to playing for, coaching alongside and coaching against his father, Mike Sr., in Pennsylvania – including video of a 1998 matchup of state powers.

Pettine was named as the Browns' 15th full-time head coach in franchise history on Thursday.

Age: 47.

Birthdate: Sept. 25, 1966.

About the name: Last name Pettine is pronounced PETT-in.

Family: Two daughters, Megan and Katie, and one son, Ryan.

NFL experience: Defensive coordinator for Bills, 2013; defensive coordinator for Jets, 2009-12; outside linebackers coach for Ravens, 2005-08; defensive assistant for Ravens, 2004; coaching assistant/quality control coach for Ravens, 2003; coaching and video assistant for Ravens, 2002.

Notable during Bills tenure: Implemented a 3-4 hybrid scheme similar to what Ray Horton ran in Cleveland, and Bills unit set franchise record with 57 sacks, second-most in the NFL in 2013.

Notable during Jets tenure: Defense allowed second-fewest yards per game (294.8) and nine 100-yard receiving games from 2009-12, the fewest in the league.

Notable during Ravens tenure: Defensive unit ranked fifth (2005), first (2006), sixth (2007) and second (2008) in the NFL during his seasons as outside LB coach. 

Early days: Head coach at two high schools in Pennsylvania, North Penn (Towamencin), 1997-2001, and William Tennent (Warminster), 1995-96. Short college stint from 1993-94 as defensive graduate assistant at Pittsburgh. High school assistant coach under dad's Central Bucks West team, 1988-92.

See video of a 1998 game between Pettine's North Penn team and his father's Central Bucks West squad played in a downpour.

Team subject of ESPN movie: ESPN documented Pettine's North Penn team in 1999 in a film called, "The Season."

As a player: Played high school football for his father at Central Bucks West (Doylestown, Pa.), where he was named all-state as a quarterback and a defensive back. Went on to play free safety at Virginia for two seasons. Led Cavaliers in interceptions in 1986. Graduated in 1987 with a degree in economics.

LODI, Ohio -- The Cloverleaf girls basketball team has been playing much better as of late, and they continued that with a 61-38 victory over Villa Angela-St. Joseph. After having No. 1 Wadsworth on the ropes last week, the Colts have now defeated two consecutive ranked teams after defeating No. 18 Nordonia last night.

LODI, Ohio -- The Cloverleaf girls basketball team has been playing much better as of late, and they continued that with a 61-38 victory over Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

After having No. 1 Wadsworth on the ropes last week, the Colts have now defeated two consecutive ranked teams after defeating No. 18 Nordonia last night.

Cloverleaf was sparked by its defense on Thursday night, as they had 13 steals that helped get their offense rolling.

Lexi Civittolo had 15 points for the Colts, while Emily Civittolo also put in 14. Mariah McGhee and Toni Beuck led the Vikings with 14 points each.

Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff breaks down the Browns' hiring of Mike Pettine.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - New Browns head coach Mike Pettine wasted no time Thursday explaining what he foresees in his future with the team.

“My vision here in Cleveland, having spent time in Baltimore, to compete in the AFC North you have to be willing to bloody your nose a little bit," Pettine said at his introductory press conference after he was hired by the Browns on Thursday.

"I think that’s the mentality that we’re going to take here. This team is going to be built on toughness. Most people think of toughness in just the physical sense, I think as important or more important is the mental toughness, is the ability to think through things when they aren’t going well, to hang tough when things go bad, that the heads don’t drop and that same old Browns, and teams talk themselves into losing.

"That to me is the culture that needs to be changed here."

In this video, Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff - who chronicled every snap of the Browns' 2013 season - breaks down the Pettine hire with Cinesport's Brian Clark.

Brian Hoyer and Bernie Kosar talk about new Browns coach Mike Pettine.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The time arrived for Cleveland Browns fans after 24 days of anguish, despair and ridicule.

Mike Pettine became the eighth coach of this franchise since 1999 on Thursday, and quarterback Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, is as satisfied as many Browns followers.

Hoyer sees through the dark mood that loomed over the city.

"Listening to him talk today gets you excited," Hoyer said. "He talks about accountability, and mental toughness. Those are things I definitely agree with. That's part of a winning culture."

There was plenty of talk about Pettine and plenty of award winners during the 14th Annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Thursday night at the Renaissance Hotel. Hoyer, who presented the Collegiate Athlete of the Year Award to Michigan State's Connor Cook, has recovered from the torn ACL that he suffered in Week 5 against Pettine's former team the Buffalo Bills. Hoyer said he's been running and throwing and he's on track with his rehab.

"I know coach Pettine from playing against him during my years in New England, so I know how difficult his scheme was to prepare for," Hoyer said. "I'm excited."

Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, is happy the search for a coach is over.

"Since the team has been back, we've wanted the program to get restored and we hope it's right this time," Kosar said.

Getting it right, at least under Pettine, comes with a coach that has a tough guy persona. Intense, passionate and fierce have been used to describe Pettine. Those attributes don't always equal success.

"I liked coaches that understood the game," Kosar said. "When you're genuinely fiery, when it's passionate, players can tell. He has the reputation for being fiery for the right reasons. I talked to [former Bills QB] Jim Kelly and he spoke highly of him."

Despite Kelly's praise of Pettine, he certainly isn't a name well known. Former Browns wide receiver Reggie Langhorne isn't familiar with Pettine, but his unfamiliarity doesn't affect his desire.

"I'm just hoping we find some continuity," Langhorne said. "I hope we can retain our free agents and bring some free agents in and make some good choices with our draft picks. I don't know who this guy is but it doesn't matter until they get on the field. These fans deserve a winning football team. That's all I'm concerned with."

Award winners

High School Athlete of the Year

Dante Booker, football, St. Vincent-St. Mary

Booker, a linebacker, led his school to the state title. Booker, who committed to Ohio State, is also the Ohio Div. III Defensive Player of the Year.

Professional Athlete of the Year

Josh Gordon, wide receiver, Browns

Gordon who made his first Pro Bowl, became the first Browns player to lead the NFL in receiving yards (1,646 yards on 87 receptions). Gordon's per-game average of 117.6 receiving yards ranks sixth in NFL history.

Collegiate Athlete of the Year

Connor Cook, football, Michigan State

Cook, a sophomore QB, led the Spartans to an 11-1 overall record and a Rose Bowl victory. He completed 58 percent of his passes and passed for 2,423 yards. Cook is a graduate of Walsh Jesuit.

Amateur Athlete of the Year

Dartanyon Crockett, USA Judo, Cleveland

Crockett, who is legally blind, won the bronze medal in judo in the London 2012 Paralympics. He won a gold medal in the Senior National Paralympic Championships as well as a silver medal in the German Open for the visually impaired.

Courage Award

Courteney Belmonte, Westlake, competitive cheerleading

Belmonte has overcome severe scoliosis and competes in competitive cheerleading.

Sports Developments Gold Medalist Award

Mark Owens, St. Pat's Gaelic Football Club

Owens has chaired multiple events. He's one of the founding fathers of the Cleveland Irish Network, a business group launched in August of this year.

Best Moment in Cleveland Sports

Jason Giambi's walk-off home run on Sept. 24 against the White Sox.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters are reeling. A bad first period against Rochester on Thursday night at The Q led to a 4-1 loss -- their sixth in a row. Lake Erie (17-19-0-3) and Rochester (18-15-3-3) are members of the five-team Western Conference North Division. Lake Erie entered the night in fourth; Rochester, third. The Monsters' previous five losses...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters are reeling.

A bad first period against Rochester on Thursday night at The Q led to a 4-1 loss -- their sixth in a row.

Lake Erie (17-19-0-3) and Rochester (18-15-3-3) are members of the five-team Western Conference North Division. Lake Erie entered the night in fourth; Rochester, third.

The Monsters' previous five losses came during a road stretch that began Jan. 10 in Rockford, Ill., and ended Jan. 18 in Des Moines, Iowa. They lost three games by one goal and two by scores of 6-1.

The Monsters have not won since Jan. 4, when they disposed of Milwaukee, 6-1, at The Q. They are 12-7-0-1 at home.

Rochester, which has won three straight and four of five, dictated terms in the first period. It held a 17-9 advantage in shots and led, 3-0.

The Americans opened the scoring at 10:45, Luke Adam beating goalie Calvin Pickard with a backhander from tight right. They had goals at 14:42 and 15:19, the latter sending Pickard to the bench in favor of Sami Aittokallio.

The Monsters pulled within 3-1 at 19:47 of the second. Brad Malone redirected Karl Stollery's shot on the power play.

Rochester re-established a three-goal cushion on Adam's one-timer on the power play in the third.

The Browns traded with Miami for Bess soon after he was hospitalized against his will in Florida in March 2013.

BEREA, Ohio – Browns owner Jimmy Haslam admitted Wednesday he had no idea that troubled receiver Davone Bess was hospitalized against his will last March – a month before the franchise acquired him in a trade and signed him to a three-year contract extension.

“I personally did not (know) so I can’t answer that,” Haslam said at the introductory news conference of new coach Mike Pettine.

Browns CEO Joe Banner did not want to entertain questions regarding Bess other than to say, “we’ve been in contact and are trying to do everything we can to support and help Davone through the entire process.”

A week ago, Bess was arrested for assaulting an officer in a Fort Lauderdale airport and released on $100 bond. He also made headlines for a series of bizarre social media posts, including a picture of himself naked and another one with what appeared to be a packet of marijuana on a table.

Last Friday, the Miami Herald reported police had been called to Bess’ South Florida home in March. His behavior was so irrational and disturbing that night family members had him hospitalized without his consent so he could be evaluated and receive treatment for emotional or psychological issues that seemed to be troubling him, according to the report.

Bess was still a member of the Miami Dolphins at the time.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources who said the Dolphins were aware of Bess’ problems and did not mention them to the Browns prior to consummating the April trade. Did the Browns perform a background check on Bess? Are they filing a grievance with the NFL?

“I don’t want to answer anything beyond what I just said,” Banner said when pressed on matters.

Banner also was asked if Bess, who posted career low numbers in receptions and yards, would remain on the active roster. Should the Browns opt to release him, they cannot do it until Feb. 3, the day after the Super Bowl.

“He’s on our active list while we speak,” Banner said. “I don’t anticipate that changing, but obviously at some point we’ll review that.”

The Browns had a second interview with Pettine on Tuesday night. Pettine will take over for Rob Chudzinski, who was fired after a 4-12 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Deciding not to wait until after the Super Bowl to hire their man, the Browns on Thursday afternoon reached a deal and named fiery former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine their seventh full-time head coach in the new era.

Pettine, 47, replaces Rob Chudzinski, who was fired Dec. 29 after going 4-12 in his inaugural season. Casting a wide net, the Browns interviewed 10 candidates over the past 25 days.

The Browns flew Pettine to Cleveland on Thursday afternoon for a third meeting and finalized the deal shortly thereafter.

"We are thrilled to announce Mike Pettine as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns," owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "Mike is the epitome of what we want the Browns to be -- tough, aggressive and innovative -- with a blue-collar, team-first mentality. 

"He knows what's necessary to beat teams in the AFC North. Most importantly, Mike has repeatedly shown the ability to lead his players to consistent improvement and success, clearly what we are striving for as he leads the Cleveland Browns moving forward."

As of Thursday morning, they were still mulling two finalists. League sources told cleveland.com that Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn remained in the mix right up until the end.

Pettine picked up steam in the search during his second interview with the Browns Tuesday night at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. The session lasted for four hours, but the Browns left town without a deal. On hand for the meeting were Haslam, CEO Joe Banner, team president Alec Scheiner and general manager Mike Lombardi.

On Wednesday, they touched base with at least two other candidates, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and fired Bucs coach Greg Schiano. The Koetter interview was believed to be over the phone, and the Schiano session took place in Florida.

The Browns also reached back out to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, according to NFL Network's Albert Breer. However, a source told cleveland.com that McDaniels opted not to jump back into the mix.

On Wednesday afternoon, Pettine told cleveland.com from the Senior Bowl that he expected "some feedback'' by the Browns by the end of the day. Meanwhile, Bills players and coaches told the Buffalo News they expected Pettine to get the Browns job.

The Browns interviewed Pettine for the first time last Thursday and immediately liked him, a source said. In fact, Pettine's teenage daughter, Megan, tweeted that night that her dad would be brought back a second time. The tweet was later deleted, and the account deactivated.

The Browns moved quickly on Pettine instead of waiting for Seahawks Quinn, who will coach against the Broncos in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2. They would've had to wait until after the Super Bowl to hire Quinn, but could have interviewed him again by Sunday.

Quinn, who has been an NFL coordinator for only one season, presided over the top-ranked defense in the NFL in 2013. The Seahawks were also first in points allowed and takeaways.

Pettine was the seventh of 10 candidates interviewed by the Browns. The others were Quinn, Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, McDaniels, former Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, former Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo, fired Titans coach Mike Munchak, Cowboys special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, Koetter and Schiano.

"We wanted to be thorough from the start," Banner said in a statement, "and we interviewed as many people as we could. From that group, we hired the best individual for this job. Our players and fans are going to really enjoy Mike Pettine and his leadership style. We're excited to have him out in front of our team, and we look forward to working closely with him."

Bowles, McDaniels and Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase all took their names out of the running. McDaniels, a longtime favorite of Lombardi, pulled out when told he wasn't the frontrunner, a source told cleveland.com.

Gase withdrew when he was informed the Browns didn't want to wait until after the Super Bowl to interview him for the first time. A source close to Gase said that he wanted to remain with Peyton Manning for another year and possibly have a chance at multiple head-coaching opportunities in 2015. The ability to hire a quality staff at this point was also a factor, the source said.

Whisenhunt, another big-name offensive coordinator, interviewed with the Browns and Lions, but opted for the Titans job instead.

Another possible candidate for offensive coordinator under Pettine is Packers running backs coach Alex Van Pelt, the former quarterback for the Steelers, Chiefs and Bills. Van Pelt has also coached quarterbacks for the Bucs and Bills, and served as Bills offensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010 under Dick Jauron before the staff was fired after a 6-10 season.

Pettine spent only one season as Bills coordinator, but made a big impact in his lone season there. Running a 3-4 hybrid scheme similar to what Ray Horton ran in Cleveland, Pettine's big-play unit finished 10th overall, including fourth against the pass and 28th against the run. The Bills were also second in sacks (57) and interceptions (23).

Pettine coached two Bills players to double-digits sack seasons: defensive end Mario Williams with a team-high 13 for second-most in his career; and defensive end Kyle Williams with a career-high 10.5.

The Bills finished 6-10 in 2013, including a 37-24 loss to the Browns on Oct. 3 -- but the Browns scored on a punt return and an interception return.

Pettine also served as Jets defensive coordinator from 2009-2012 under his longtime mentor Rex Ryan, who brought him to New York from Baltimore. At the time, Ryan said, "Mike is a rising star in this league. We’re fortunate that we were able to get him on our staff.”

Pettine's Jets defenses finished in the top 10 all four years, including No. 1 in 2009. That year, his first as an NFL coordinator, Pettine installed a new defense in New York and still managed to rank first in points allowed and pass defense.

That season, Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis recorded what Ryan referred to as: “…the best year a corner has ever had (and) the most impact a corner has ever had in the National Football League. That's my opinion.” Revis was rewarded with first-team honors on every recognized team that year.

Pettine, long known as Ryan's right-hand man, also spent seven seasons as a defensive assistant with the Ravens, including the last four as outside linebackers coach when Ryan was defensive coordinator. Pettine's familiarity with the AFC North was undoubtedly a big selling point for him.

In 2008, the Ravens finished second overall in defense and third in points allowed. They led the NFL with 34 takeaways, 26 interceptions and a league-low 60.6 opponent passer rating. Baltimore also yielded a league-low four rushing touchdowns.

Prior to joining the NFL ranks, Pettine was the head coach at North Penn High in Towamencin, Pa., from 1997-2001.

He also served as head coach for two years at William Tennent High in Warminster, Pa.

Before that, Pettine spent two seasons (1993-94) on the college level, serving as a defensive graduate assistant at Pittsburgh.

His father, Mike, Sr., was the head coach for 33 years at Central Bucks West High in Doylestown, Pa., where Pettine played under his father and earned all-state honors as a quarterback and a defensive back.

He later served as an assistant coach on his father's staff for five seasons (1988-92). Mike Sr., retired as head coach after the 1999 campaign as the winningest coach in the history of Pennsylvania high school football with a career record of 326-32-4.

Pettine was a two-year letterman as a free safety at Virginia. He led the team in interceptions in 1986, including tying a school record with three in a game against North Carolina State. He graduated with a degree in economics.

Born Sept. 25, 1966, Pettine has two daughters, Megan and Katie, and one son, Ryan.

Pettine takes over a Browns team that has two picks in the first round of the May draft, No. 4 and No. 26 overall. The team also has plenty of cap space to sign free agents, and six players who made the Pro Bowl.

A key hire for Pettine will be the offensive coordinator, considering the Browns will most likely draft a quarterback in the first round of the draft. He's associated with experienced assistants such former Ravens coordinator Cam Cameron, who is now at LSU, and Van Pelt.

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, Chris Fedor, Zack Meisel and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff for live coverage from Tribe Fest at Progressive Field. Watch our live video stream from 10 a.m. to noon.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore, Chris Fedor, Zack Meisel and The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff for live coverage from Tribe Fest at Progressive Field. Watch our live video stream from 10 a.m. to noon in the player at the top of this post.

Glenn, Chris, Zack and Dennis will look ahead to spring training and talk to players, fans and special guests during the two-hour broadcast. Some of the scheduled guests are Tribe greats Jim Thome, Charles Nagy and Kenny Lofton. Current Tribe players Danny Salazar and Dave Murphy are also scheduled to join the show.

Tribe Fest doors open at 10 a.m.. The event, which goes on until 8 p.m., features autograph sessions with Indians players past and present, Q&As with team members, hitting in the batting cages, clubhouse tours and more. Admission is $10 with an extra fee for the autograph sessions. Go to indians.com/tribefest for more details.

The 3rd Annual Dunk 4 Diabetes shootout is taking place this weekend at Walsh University in North Canton, and cleveland.com will have live audio coverage of 4 of the 11 contests. Check out our live broadcast schedule for this weekend's games and listen live in the player below: Saturday, 7:15 p.m.: Cleveland Central Catholic vs. La Lumiere (IN) Saturday,...

The 3rd Annual Dunk 4 Diabetes shootout is taking place this weekend at Walsh University in North Canton, and cleveland.com will have live audio coverage of 4 of the 11 contests.

Check out our live broadcast schedule for this weekend's games and listen live in the player below:
Saturday, 7:15 p.m.: Cleveland Central Catholic vs. La Lumiere (IN)
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.: Shaker Heights vs. Huntington Prep (WV)
Sunday, 4:45 p.m.: VASJ vs. Mentor
Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: St. Edward vs. Walnut Hills

You can see the full schedule of Dunk4Diabetes games here: dunk4diabetes.com.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio – The Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout is one of the best regular season events on the high school sports calendar and cleveland.com is pleased to provide extensive coverage of the 11-game boys basketball showcase today and Sunday. This single post is your one stop shop Saturday for all things Dunk 4 Diabetes, including a continuous string...

NORTH CANTON, Ohio – The Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout is one of the best regular season events on the high school sports calendar and cleveland.com is pleased to provide extensive coverage of the 11-game boys basketball showcase today and Sunday.

This single post is your one stop shop Saturday for all things Dunk 4 Diabetes, including a continuous string of live updates and analysis for more than nine hours on all five games at Walsh University.

In this post you’ll also get:

* Links to all the game stories, as well as picture galleries and videos from every game, including action highlights and interviews. We have seven staffers covering all angles of Saturday’s action.

* Links to live audio play-by-play and commentary from two games Saturday and two games Sunday (broadcasted games marked below).

Today’s schedule:

(check back for links to coverage added here all day, along with final scores)

No. 11 Beachwood vs. Leavittsburg LaBrae, 2 p.m.

Uniontown Lake vs. No. 14 North Royalton, 3:45 p.m.

Newark vs. No. 23 Brunswick, 5:30 p.m.

No. 5 Cleveland Central Catholic vs. La Lumiere (Ind.), 7:15 p.m. (live audio webcast will begin 10 minutes before tipoff)

No. 2 Shaker Heights vs. Huntington Prep (W.Va.), 9 p.m. (live audio webcast will begin 10 minutes before tipoff)

Sunday’s schedule:

Wadsworth vs. Cornerstone Christian, 11:30 a.m.

No. 20 Warrensville Heights vs. La Lumiere (Ind.), 1:15 p.m.

No. 4 St. Ignatius vs. Canton Timken, 3 p.m.

No. 17 Mentor vs. No. 3 Villa Angela-St. Joseph, 4:45 p.m. (live audio webcast will begin 10 minutes before tipoff)

No. 1 St. Edward vs. Cincinnati Walnut Hills, 6:30 p.m. (live audio webcast will begin 10 minutes before tipoff)

No. 9 Garfield Heights vs. North Canton Hoover, 8:15 p.m.

We hope to see you and interact with you in the live comments section, which can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this post.

The comments section will also include score updates, stats, analysis and pictures. It’s also a great place to chat with fellow fans and share your take on the games. If you have questions post them in the comments and our reporters will answer you.

Saturday’s cleveland.com team on site consists of Tim Bielik, David Cassilo, Nathaniel Cline, Kristen Davis, Dan Labbe, Bill Landis and Robert Rozboril.

Click here to get an account so you can comment if you don’t have one set up yet (it's free and quick).

The North's defensive linemen have shined all week in one-on-ones and scrimmages. Watch video

By Mike Herndon | AL.com

He won the Outland, Bednarik, Nagurski and Lombardi awards this year - a rare clean sweep of the major awards for which a defensive lineman would qualify. And yet, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald is not satisfied.

"I don't want to be good; I want to be great. That's my mindset," Donald said this week. "I want to continue to work on my run-stopping, holding against double-teams, getting release off blocks. I want to be able to rush the passer better.

"I want to be considered one of the best at my position. Like people say about Warren Sapp - I want to be remembered like that."

Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman is a 6-foot-6, 318-pound disruptive force. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

His performance during Senior Bowl practices this week may remind many of Sapp or two of the other NFL standouts he says he enjoys watching - Ndamukong Suh and Geno Atkins. He has been dominant in the North squad's practices this week, utilizing a mixture of quickness, technique and surprising power to earn the Most Outstanding Overall Player award for the week.

"Donald is a very quick, athletic defensive tackle," said Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith, who is leading the North squad this week. "I think he plays with great leverage, he plays with great hands and playing the defensive line, you've got to be able to do that. It's a low-man-wins mentality when you're playing offensive and defensive line and it's the guy who gets his hands inside. If you guys have really watched him, you can see he does a great job of playing with his hands inside the frame of the body."

But he's only one of several impressive defensive linemen on a unit that appears to be the strength of the North team.

"We've got a bunch of competitive guys," Smith said. "I really like what they've done in terms of their effort - they're going all the time in practice. We tried to put them in situation where we can evaluate their athleticism."

From space-eaters like Louisiana Tech's Justin Ellis (6-1, 342) to edge rushers like Stanford's Trent Murphy and Louisville's Marcus Smith, who tied for the FBS lead in sacks this season, the defensive line has shined all week in one-on-one drills and scrimmages. At one point, UCLA linebacker Jordan Zumwalt quipped during a scrimmage: "C'mon, D-line ... you're making it too easy for us."

Two players who have displayed an intriguing blend of size and athleticism this week are Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman (6-6, 311) and West Virginia's Will Clarke (6-6, 271). Hageman is a projected first-rounder, and has shown why this week.  "I just try at the end of the day to do my job - kind of stand out and be disruptive in the backfield and in one-on-ones to show my athleticism and showcase my talent," Hageman said. "You're going against the top O-linemen in the country to test yourself. I feel like I graded well. I definitely took some losses and definitely learned from them, and I also dealt out some punishment as well."

While Hageman combines an ideal frame for a 3-4 defensive end with the quickness and ability to penetrate necessary for a 4-3 defensive tackle, Donald 's smallish 6-foot, 288-pound frame would seem to limit him to a 4-3 set. But he's not buying it, noting that he's played everything from nose guard to five-technique in three-man fronts at Pittsburgh.

"I'm a defensive lineman. You don't have to be 6-6 to be a solid defensive lineman," Donald said.  "I never let that get to me, never got mad about it. Getting mad about it or letting it get to me isn't going to make me any taller. I just go out there and compete and play the game of football and let my game film and my game talk for me."

This week, it has said plenty.

Bobrovsky, the hottest goalie in the NHL, is one of five Blue Jackets named to Olympic rosters, including four Russians.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Blue Jackets' clubhouse nearly was empty, with a few reporters waiting for the hottest goalie in the NHL to finish a dry-land workout. Every other weary player and even coach Todd Richards had gone home following a morning skate Friday, 14 hours after a game.

If anyone deserved a morning off it was Sergei Bobrovsky, who Thursday won his ninth consecutive start, and seventh in a row since returning from a groin injury. Columbus beat Philadelphia, 5-2, and Bobrovsky is scheduled to start Saturday night against Buffalo and Monday at Carolina.

But “Bob,'' as he is known to teammates, had work to do. Bobrovsky, 25, didn't get to this point in his young career by accident, and it's that approach that could help make the him a breakout star of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Not for the United States, but for his native Russia.

View full sizeBlue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, the hottest goalie in the NHL, was the last player left in the clubhouse Friday after a morning skate.Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer

Bobrovsky compiled a 1.77 goals-against average during his nine-game winning streak and .929 save percentage – the kind of numbers that last season earned him the Vezina Trophy, which goes to the league's top goalie.

“To me, he looks reminiscent of the Bob from last year,'' Richards said. “He was playing at a really high level, and he's playing at a really high level now.''

Russia is considered a strong medal contender and it is not a far-fetched scenario to envision Bobrovsky leading the home team to Olympic glory – if he starts.

The biggest hockey mystery heading into the Olympics is whether Russia will start Bobrovsky or Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche. Bobrovsky is the hotter goalie. Varlamov has more international experience. Varlamov backstopped Russia to silver and gold medals at the 2010 and 2012 World Championships, respectively.

The soft-spoken Bobrovsky chose not to weigh in on the debate.

“That's going to be the coaches who are going to decide who is going to play,'' he said. “We're going to do our best to help the team win, no matter who is going to play.''

Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin – one of four Columbus players on Team Russia – said coaches have a difficult decision.

“The most important thing is confidence,'' said Tyutin, who has played in two Olympics. “For Bob, every save he makes looks easier than the one before. It would be great for Team Russia if he keeps playing the way he's been playing.

“We have another goalie who, I think, is playing just as good as Bob. It's going to be a tough choice for the coaches. We're happy to have that problem – a good problem to have.''

Matt Larkin, associate editor of The Hockey News, called Bobrovsky vs. Varlamov “a dead heat” this week.

Olympic quintet: Five Blue Jackets have been named to Olympic rosters. Four of Russia's 15 NHL players are in Columbus – Bobrovsky, Tyutin, center Artem Anisimov and defenseman Nikita Nikitin.

Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik will be a key player for Slovakia – if he's healthy. He had surgery to repair a broken collarbone Christmas Eve and began light skating this week. A decision probably will be made at the last minute, and he said this week he will not go to Sochi if he's not cleared to play ahead of time.

“I'll have another X-ray and we'll see how things go,'' said Gaborik, who has played in two Olympics. “I'm working on getting my legs back and in another week or so I'll start playing with a puck. Each and every day, it's getting closer.''

Slovakia was a surprise team in 2010, advancing to the bronze medal game, which it lost. The Blue Jackets are hoping Gaborik is healthy enough to play in Sochi, so he can have the added ice time before returning to the team.

“As long as he's cleared, and he's strong and he's healthy, I would want him to play,'' Richards said.

Richards is an assistant coach on the U.S. Olympic team, and Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is Finland's assistant general manager.

No Vito: He didn't make the U.S. Olympic halfpipe team, but we haven't seen the last of Ohio's Louie Vito.

Ohio native Louie Vito isn't returning to the Olympics, but we'll still be seeing plenty of him.Associated Press

The charismatic snowboarder is doubling as a competitor and co-host of X Games 2014 in Aspen, Colo., this week. Broadcasting is not a big leap for Vito. He grew up in Bellefontaine, where his father, Lou, owns a group of small radio stations. Louie was on “Dancing with the Stars” months prior to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, where he placed fifth.

Vito placed a surprising seventh at the final Olympic qualifier at Mammoth Mountain, Calif., last week.

No Bleiler, either: Another stunner was Ohio native Gretchen Bleiler not making the the women's snowboard halfpipe team. The 2006 Olympic silver medalist appeared on track for Sochi after she recovered from a 2012 training accident in which she shattered an eye socket. She earned a bronze at the Copper Mountain Grand Prix in December, but the 32-year-old did not place high enough in the final round of qualifying events.

She said she will retire at the end of this season. Bleiler was born in Toledo and lived in Dayton until she was 10, and her family moved Colorado.

“It definitely makes me sad,” she told reporters at the X Games on Wednesday. “I’ve grown up through the X Games, and it’s like a chapter in my life is ending. But I’m so grateful I’ve had such a long career filled with amazing friends and memories.”

Bleiler arguably is the most successful U.S. women's snowboarder with five X Games medals and two Olympics.

She wrote in a Tweet this week: “Gave it everything I had & came #SoClose. Proud/Grateful for how far I came but timing is everything & this time it was just not #meanttobe.''

Gretchen Bleiler smiles during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The two-time Olympian from Ohio was left off the U.S. Olympic snowboard team this week and announced her retirement.Associated Press

Not so fast: Two-time Olympic snowboard cross champion Seth Wescott, 37, said he is not quitting after he missed the cut Friday for the final U.S. team berth. He said he will continue to compete with the aim of returning for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Alpine next: The 22-person U.S. Alpine ski team is to be named Sunday following the men's and women's FIS Alpine World Cup. The team can have no more than 14 of either gender and a maximum of four in any event, except super combined, which allows three.

Here's a look at the big matchups and top storylines from around the nation as we begin another busy weekend of college basketball action.

Here's a look at the big matchups and top storylines from around the nation as we begin another busy weekend of college basketball action:

The Big Buzz: Stauskas leading the way in Ann Arbor

With all the current hoopla surrounding the Wooden Award, it's easy to forget who captured college basketball's most coveted individual honor last year. That was Michigan's Trey Burke. And for that matter, it's easy to neglect the sexy names from the preseason -- like Michigan's Mitch McGary.

Both of those Wolverines are gone this season -- Burke to the NBA and McGary to early-January back surgery. But after a shaky 6-4 start with McGary, Michigan seems to have found a way to win without its two biggest stars from a season ago. The Wolverines have reeled off eight straight victories and, at 6-0 in the Big Ten, have a chance to put the nation's best conference in a choke hold with a win over 18-1 Michigan State (7-0 Big Ten) in East Lansing tonight.

While Michigan State guard Gary Harris was the runaway favorite in the preseason for Big Ten player of the year, it's been his sophomore counterpart at Michigan who has set the pace in the early going of conference play. Fresh off pinning a combined 49 points on top-10 teams Wisconsin and Iowa, Michigan's Nik Stauskas has become the centerpiece of one of the nation's hottest teams. Shooting 49.5 percent from the field, 44 percent from three and 80 percent from the line, the six-foot-six sophomore's star has ascended as the lights of the Big Ten have shone brighter.

Michigan head coach John Beilein gestures from beside his bench, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Michigan won 75-67. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)Tony Ding

After eight straight wins, what was deemed a disastrous start suddenly looks surmountable for the Wolverines, who have lost to highly-ranked Iowa State, Duke and Arizona along with lowly Charlotte. Topping the Spartans in East Lansing would truly return Michigan to the national spotlight it so enjoyed last March. At the very least, it would continue a successful trend for the Ann Arbor crew against Sparta; the Woverines have won four of six in the series after dropping 18 of the previous 21.

Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com describes Michigan's trip to East Lansing a year ago as a "dumpster fire," while adding that a more seasoned Wolverines team should be better prepared, led by the surging Stauskas:

"They punked us," the sophomore guard said Wednesday. "They came out from the very start and were more aggressive than we were. They were getting every loose ball, every rebound and throwing the ball in the post and we couldn't do anything about it."

Back-to-back marquee wins have transformed Michigan back into the confident, hungry bunch that nearly won a national title a year ago, as Glenn Robinson III explains: (via MLive.com)

"This team is capable of winning every game we play, especially with the hard work we put in every day," Robinson added. "I've never seen a group of guys come to practice ready to play with the will to get better every day.

"Some guys get complacent and relaxed when you win games, but this team comes with the right mindset. Every day."

The Wolverines have had to work hard to adjust to life without Burke, McGary and Tim Hardaway Jr., as point guard Spike Albrecht explains via Chantel Jennings of ESPN.com:

"People are definitely settling into their roles and we're playing a lot better down the stretch. That's kind of what was getting us in the early-on games. Some of those tough losses we had earlier were kind of heartbreakers, but they help you down the stretch and that's what's happening right now for us."

The Wolverines have more than played their way back into the tournament picture, and Patrick Stevens of Syracuse.com has the Wolverines on his short list of January standouts:

Outside of Kansas, no team has impressed more this month than Michigan. Down forward Mitch McGary, the Wolverines (14-4, 6-0 Big Ten) have defeated Minnesota and Wisconsin on the road and now Iowa at home. Michigan owns six top-100 victories now, and Wednesday's 75-67 defeat of Iowa was the first of those to come in Ann Arbor.

Watch former Wolverines star and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose give his take on the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry heading into tonight's game: (via MLive.com)

Top games

Here's a look at some of this weekend's can't-miss matchups involving teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25:

• Florida State at No. 18 Duke, Saturday at 12 p.m. ET

• No. 2 Syracuse at Miami, Saturday at 1 p.m. ET

• Texas at No. 24 Baylor, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET

• No. 4 Villanova at Marquette, Saturday at 2 p.m. ET

• No. 22 Kansas State at No. 16 Iowa State, Saturday at 1:45 p.m. ET

• Tennessee at No. 6 Florida, Saturday at 4 p.m. ET

• No. 21 Michigan at No. 3 Michigan State, Saturday at 7 p.m. ET

Headlines

• Michigan State's Branden Dawson broke his right hand slamming it on a table during film study and will require surgery, the team announced Thursday. The Spartans will be without their leading rebounder for four to five weeks. (via MLive.com)

Michigan State guard Branden Dawson (22) shoots against Northwestern during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. Michigan State won 54-40. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Nam Huh

 • While X-rays and an MRI ruled out anything serious, Minnesota leading scorer Andre Hollins is doubtful for Sunday's tilt against Nebraska after spraining his ankle against Wisconsin on Wednesday. (via ESPN.com)

• Kentucky assistant strength coach Brian Shorter was arrested on Thursday morning on charges of fourth-degree assault after an altercation with his wife. (via SI.com)

• The Bubu Palo saga rolls on in Ames, as Iowa State is now refuting reports that the school intentionally delayed the reinstated guard's attempts to transfer after he was kicked off the team this summer. (via Yahoo! Sports)

• Many coaches will be in sneakers this weekend as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative, but Marquette will take it one step further, as the Golden Eagles plan to don pink uniforms on Saturday when they host Villanova. (via CollegeBasketballTalk.com)

• Syracuse center Dajuan Coleman, who has been out since January 7 with a leg injury, needs surgery and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced earlier this week. (via Syracuse.com)

What they're saying

• Knowing they had six days off afterwards, Ohio State treated Thursday night's triumph over Illinois as a must-win, says point guard Aaron Craft: (via Cleveland.com)

"There's never everything lost this early in the year. But we do have to have a sense of urgency ... I think (the line had to be drawn). We didn't do anything special, we didn't do anything that was earth-shattering. We just have a group of guys who have been through the battles." 

• As they eye their third straight win over a ranked opponent on Saturday, Rick Barnes' Texas Longhorns have revived their season in large part thanks to their defense, writes Chris Johnson of SI.com:

This team lacks the offensive firepower to challenge Kansas for the Big 12 title - though the strides its made on offense and rebounding should not be dismissed - but the Longhorns have cemented their identity as a tough defensive team that deters opponents from scoring in the paint. 

Duke forward Jabari Parker (1) dunks against Miami as forward Erik Swoope, right, looks on, during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Coral Gables, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)Alan Diaz

• Florida may be banged up, but Billy Donovan has the sixth-ranked Gators rolling as they host Tennessee on Saturday afternoon in hopes of making it 11 straight wins, as CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein outlines:

This isn't Donovan's best shooting team, but Florida has a veteran point guard in Scottie Wilbekin along with several proud veterans such as Casey Prather, Will Yeguete, and Patric Young. Expect the Gators to be in the conversation for a number one seed in a month. This team is Final Four good.

• After the teams combined for only 93 points on January 4, Jim Boeheim knows his group is in for another slugfest on Saturday against Miami in a battle of the zone defenses: (via Syracuse.com)

"The matchup has made a huge difference. It's a difficult defense because they have great size at every position and they've got a really good shot-blocker. I think Miami is as good defensively, or better, than any team in our league."

• David Cassilo of Cleveland.com ranks Duke's Jabari Parker third in this week's Wooden watch, suggesting the freshman could be next week's big riser if his recent adjustments prove effective against Florida State, Pitt and Cuse:

The sign of a great player is making adjustments. The ACC has brought tougher defenses, and Parker has shifted his role. The freshman is starting to work more down low. His size allows him to excel in the post...

...This won't be the last time Parker needs to make adjustments this season, but the fact that he seems to have hit his low point and bounced back is yet another reason why he could be the top selection come June.

Jones is ranked as the No. 94 overall player in the Class of 2014 by Rivals.com and is one of five offensive line recruits in the Buckeyes' class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – In anticipation of National Signing Day on Feb. 5, Cleveland.com is putting together player profiles for each prospect Ohio State will soon officially add to its roster.

Jamarco Jones

School: De La Salle High School, Chicago

Position: Offensive lineman

Height, Weight: 6-foot-5, 295 pounds

Rivals.com rating: Jones is rated as a four-star prospect, the overall No. 94 player in the Class of 2014, the No. 4 player in Illinois and the No. 7 offensive tackle.

Other schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Notre Dame, Wisconsin

How he fits into Ohio State’s plans: Jones decided to stay in the Midwest, and winning the battle over the Wolverines and Spartans was a solid Big Ten win for the Buckeyes. At the time, Jones was the third offensive line recruit in this class at a position where Ohio State had to add talent, so he was a big get. Since then, Demetrius Knox and Brady Taylor joined the class, but Jones still remains a big part of the future. This five-man offensive line group will have to provide a foundation in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Getting a deep group this year was probably the No. 1 priority for Urban Meyer, and it appears to have happened.

Projection for 2014: The Buckeyes will be replacing four offensive line starters, but it's unlikely any of the freshmen really battle for any of those jobs. Starting right away is always a lot to ask of any freshman offensive lineman. But a player like Jones could be in position to make the two-deep. Jones looks like he could play tackle or guard, and it's not unusual for a young player to start at guard and then slide to tackle when he's older. Pat Elflein looks to have one guard spot locked down for 2014, but the other spot should be wide open. And that goes for the two guard spots on the second team as well. Jones could earn a backup job and wind up on the field at some point in 2014 during blowouts or if there's an injury.

What we’ve written about Jones:

• Pledge of Jones adds beef at position of need, makes staffer think of pancakes

• Style points vs. running up the score? Jones is confused

What others have written about Jones:

• Jones gets Under Armour jersey

• "Jamarco is mature beyond his years"

Videos: