Browns left tackle Joe Thomas is sad to see the Johnny Manziel story end this way, but excited about the Browns taking a quarterback at No. 2.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns left tackle Joe Thomas became a genuine Johnny Manziel fan this season, and he's not enjoying the end of the movie.

"It's a sad end to the story in Cleveland for Johnny,'' Thomas said after an appearance at the Home and Garden Show at the IX Center. "He's a guy that personally I like. I believe he has a lot of talent. He's got the talent to be an NFL quarterback, but it obviously hasn't worked out so far.''

Like others in the building, Thomas began to believe that maybe Manziel could become the Browns quarterback of the future.

"Obviously we hoped Cleveland was going to be where he became that starting NFL quarterback and was the starter in Cleveland for a long time, but it didn't work out for a lot of reasons,'' Thomas said. "I'm sure he'd say that a lot of them were his own fault. So hopefully he'll get his life on track and be able to use those talents at some point here in his career."

More than anything, Thomas is concerned about Manziel's wellbeing.  The third-year quarterback is under investigation by the Dallas police for possible domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley, and faces suspension by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. His father, Paul, believes he's suicidal, and the Browns will waive him March 9th when the new league year opens.

"It's just a sad turn of events right now,'' said Thomas. "It's hard to really say too much about allegations because plenty of innocent people get accused of things all the time, so you don't really know exactly what happened and obviously I wasn't there so I don't have a first-hand experience to go off of.

"But whatever he's dealing with, I hope that he's able to get that under control and get things straightened out and hopefully if football's important to him, be able to put everything he has in his life into football.

"I hope that he has success with that, but obviously the other things that are going on in his life are more important right now because he needs to get those things solved and straightened out before he wants to make a comeback in football."

Related: Colleen Crowley suffered a punctured eardrum in their fight

Thomas admitted he didn't really see Manziel on Dec. 30th, the morning he was diagnosed with a concussion. NFL Network's Michael Silver reported that Manziel showed up drunk that day and the Browns lied and said he had a concussion. Silver later stood by his story that Manziel was drunk, but said he regretted saying the Browns lied.

"All I know is he complained of concussion symptoms, and then he was gone,'' said Thomas. "As you know,  players don't really get the inside scoop on injuries, and that was no different."

As for if Manziel seemed different that morning, he said, "I didn't really see him. I mean the first thing in the morning you have a meeting and you go to lift weights. There's not a lot of interaction until you go out to the walk through with your other teammates. It's kind of like study hall when you're just kind of to yourself when watching film. But, yeah, I guess I didn't really even see him much that day."

While Thomas lamented the unfortunate ending to Manziel's short career in Cleveland, he's hoping the Browns find their quarterback of the future with their No. 2 overall pick. Top candidates are Cal's Jared Goff, North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and Memphis' Paxton Lynch.

 "Well, I think we're in really good shape right now,'' said Thomas. "Obviously going into my 10th year I wish this was the position we were in my second or third year. We're probably going to draft a first-round quarterback, the best quarterback in the draft or the second best at worst. And we've got a guy in Josh McCown who's proven he can be a good player when he's starting and healthy.

"[He's] a tremendous mentor. You're not going to find a better mentor as a quarterback in the NFL, and he's better than you could do as a quarterback coach because he's actually on the field showing the kid how to do it. So you've got hopefully the future of the franchise getting drafted in the first round and then you've got Josh mentoring him and coaching him along the way. I can't see a better situation that the Browns could possibly be in than that.''

Thomas stressed that making the right choice this time is key.

"As long as you pick the right quarterback, if there is one out there, the future is really bright for the Cleveland Browns 'cause it doesn't really matter what you do with the rest of the team if don't have a quarterback. I mean it's great to hire a new coach and bring in free agents and stuff, but unless you solve the quarterback piece of the puzzle, you'll be finding a new coach every two years.''

Related: Browns deny NFL Network report that they lied about Manziel's concussion

Thomas pointed to the teams that went deep into the playoffs and to the Super Bowl. The quarterbacks included Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Carson Palmer  Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers.

"You look at the teams that are great in the NFL -- they've got great quarterbacks,'' he said. "That's how you have continued, sustained success, especially in our division. I mean there's three really good quarterbacks. So if you want to be competitive in the AFC North, you've got to have a top-flight quarterback."

Thomas, who met Hue Jackson in person at the Super Bowl last week, re-iterated that he wants to be back now that Jackson's on board.

"Yeah, I'm in and super-excited about Hue,'' he said. "I think he's going to do a great job like I said, as long as they hit on that quarterback pick, we're set up for a nice run, something the Browns deserve and the Browns fans deserve. You pick a guy like Ben Roethlisberger, your franchise is good for 15 years. That's what I'm hoping we do in this draft.''

Thomas didn't get a chance to meet Goff or Lynch, who both spent time at Super Bowl events.

"I didn't actually,'' he said. "I was busy having fun, so I didn't get a chance to meet any of those guys, but I would never know how to evaluate a quarterback even if I had a chance. So all I would be evaluating them on is if they're nice people.

Nice or not, for Thomas, it's time to bring on the 25th quarterback to start a game for the Browns since 1999.

The Cavaliers, among with a handful of other Eastern Conference teams, have strong interest in trading for Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore, league sources told cleveland.com.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers have capped off the first half of the season with a conference-leading 38-14 record, they recognize they need more help to contend for a championship.

The Cavaliers, among with a handful of other Eastern Conference teams, have strong interest in trading for Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore, league sources told cleveland.com.

Cleveland is on the prowl for wing assistance with the Feb. 18 trade deadline fast approaching. McLemore, 23, has been underutilized with head coach George Karl at the helm, but he's shooting a career-high 37 percent from long distance.

The Kings have declined overtures for their young 3-point marksman. But with the direction and state of the organization, external pressure could come into play when it comes to potentially moving talent.

It's widely known within league circles that agents have been pushing to get their clients out of Sacramento with the franchise embroiled in dysfunction and turmoil.

Small forward Rudy Gay wouldn't mind a change of scenery, but Sacramento hasn't received any offers to its liking.

For Cleveland, McLemore would be additional backcourt depth at a relative cheap rate. He's earning $3.1 million this season and $4 million in 2016-17 before hitting restricted free agency.

McLemore could also serve as a security blanket should J.R. Smith decide to bolt in free agency this summer.

Houston's Trevor Ariza, Atlanta's Kyle Korver and Washington's Jared Dudley are all on the Cavaliers' radar, but landing one of those three is highly unlikely.

If Joe Johnson secures a buyout in Brooklyn, league sources are adamant Cleveland would "snatch him up" for the veteran minimum.

On the trade front in terms of assets, Cleveland possesses $10.5-million and $2.9-million trade exceptions that both expire at the end of July. They also have future second-round picks. Teams will call for Mo Williams, who has been demoted to the third point guard, but the Cavaliers know how valuable it is to have three more-than-serviceable point guards.

It's not a matter of if, but when the Cavaliers make a move. They're already shelling out the second-highest payroll in the league's history at around $170 million, which shows ownership's commitment to winning.

Thanks to the Golden State Warriors' mammoth leap in performance this season and the San Antonio Spurs' disciplined and sound domination, the Cavaliers have to keep improving. It will take internal enhancements and bringing a player or two to Cleveland.

Here are the top safeties this off-season.

Russell Westbrook believes Kevin Love should have made the East All-Stars and Draymond Green thought Kyrie Irving already was.

TORONTO - The Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto was clearly absent of genuine Love, and the NBA's All-Stars noticed.

The hotel is hosting the players participating in All-Star Weekend, a list that excludes Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love. Despite the Cavs possessing the best record in the Eastern Conference at 38-14, LeBron James is the lone team representative.

"It's sunk in a little bit obviously," James said. "I looking at some of the teams here and they got multiple All-Stars. I look at the top 4 teams in both conferences, myself as far as the Cavs, Toronto, San Antonio and Golden State. It's unfortunate that we only have one, but we'll see what happens. Our guys just got to use it as motivation. I'll try to use it as motivation as well. Winning a championship is a huge piece of it, but it would have been a great treat to see us as least get two."

Golden State, the top team in the Western Conference, has Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green enjoying the Canadian hospitality. I asked Green if a team going into the break with the best record should automatically be rewarded with multiple All-Stars.

Green wasn't on top of his game this morning.

"Usually wining equates to more," he responded. "I think both teams that finished No. 1 got more guys in, right?

I said, "No, only 'Bron."

"Kyrie didn't get in the All-Star Game?" a shocked Green asked, then repeated himself. "Kyrie's not in the All-Star Game?

"Wow. I didn't know that. Wow. That's incredible. Well yeah, I definitely think so. That's a tough thing to do. Obviously in order to get there, you have some type of individual success to be that good of a team."

Green was probably too excited by his first All-Star honor that he didn't bother to look at the rest of the rosters. That's understandable. Oklahoma City has Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook playing in Sunday night's marquee game. Westbrook played with Love at UCLA and was willing to address the issue.

"I honestly think he's supposed to be in the game," Westbrook said. "To be able to get here, obviously with the East and the different guys they picked, but I think he deserves to be here with them being the No. 1 team in the East and him sacrificing some of the things he's able to do. As players, around the league and fans know what he's capable of doing when he needs to do it. So that's how I feel."

Love was left off the roster of East reserves chosen by coaches. Then a second opportunity dissolved when commissioner Adam Silver picked Chicago's Pau Gasol to replace an injured Jimmy Butler. And then a third opportunity was canned when Atlanta's Al Horford replaced Miami's Chris Bosh who withdrew from the game on Friday.

Toronto and Miami -- second and fifth in the East -- each have a pair of players in the game. Something is wrong with this system.

"I definitely would think that they would have more guys in than just one. I thought they did," Green said.

Many would agree, citing a tradition that the best in each conference be well represented. Atlanta got four guys in last year. It's strange, but as James said, the Cavaliers will try to use this snub as fuel for the second half.

No Love? It's still a head-scratcher.

UFC and Ohio State champion Kevin Randleman died Thursday. The Sandusky native was 44.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Kevin Randleman was known as "The Monster,'' but to those who remember him best, and even one of his vanquished opponents, he was far from a monster away from his UFC and Ohio State stardom.

"They saw that monster, but he had empathy and respect for people,'' said Bill Splete, a former Ohio high school state wrestling champion. "I think he was somewhat of a gentle person inside.''

Randleman, a two-time NCAA champion at Ohio State and a former UFC heavyweight champion, died Thursday. According to a statement released by his family, Randleman was away on business when he was hospitalized and died unexpectedly of complications from pneumonia. The statement did not say where he died.

Randleman, 44, lived in Las Vegas and is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Broglia, and four children.

His wife released said in a statement released to media: "Behind the man was a gentle soul and loyal friend who will be missed my many and who loved him beyond the cage. Thee Ohio State University, UFC, MMA and Sandusky, Ohio, communities share in the loss of Kevin's passing.

"Life without 'The Monster' will never be the same.''

A spokesperson said arrangements will be announced on Randleman's Facebook page.

"He was OK two weeks ago when I talked to him on the phone,'' said Jackie Collins of Sandusky, who helped raise Randleman. "It's hard to accept. God knows best and I don't know. I pray that he's in heaven with his mom and dad.''

Collins said she spoke with Broglia on Friday and was told an autopsy is planned.

Raised in Sandusky

Randleman grew up in Sandusky as the second-youngest boy among 11 siblings. Collins and others said he had a sometimes difficult childhood and lived with Collins and her family in junior high, high school and college.

"He was a good kid,'' Collins said.

Lifelong friend Andre Seavers, 46, of Sandusky, said Randleman just needed some guidance, which Collins provided.

"He had a good family, but he started knuckle-heading around and kind of falling into the wrong crowd,'' Seavers said.

Randleman was a four-year starter on the Sandusky High football team, and his old coach, Larry Cook, said everyone was fond of him.

"It's a shame to hear about this,'' Cook said. "He was a nice young man. I enjoyed every moment that I had him. He was well-liked, and yeah, he had some scrapes, everybody does, but nothing serious.''

The world lost a beautiful man today[?] who wore his whole heart on his sleeve with contagious energy RIP "The Monster" https://t.co/OXvdHy6QW3

-- Gina Carano (@ginacarano) February 12, 2016

Randleman came home last summer to attend the wedding of Collins' daughter, Beth. Seavers said they went to a local ballpark to watch youth baseball.

"It was like Muhammad Ali was there,'' Seavers said. "He was just surrounded by kids. Even though he wasn't of their era, they all gravitated toward him. He was always accessible, always gave you his undivided attention, and he was magnetic.''

Longtime friend Roberta Collins, 38, said Randleman was driven to succeed.

"That stuff that happened to him in the past, whatever it was, he wanted to prove himself to people,'' she said. "He helped me out a lot by the way he went about life. Things knocked him down and he gets back up.

"Away from (wrestling and MMA) he was funny, caring, and the life of the party, and and bigger than life. He was a blessing to have around. If you were with him and he left you, it was like you couldn't wait to see him.''

Historic wrestling career

Randleman is considered among the best wrestlers from Ohio, a state with a rich wrestling history. He was Ohio State's first two-time NCAA champion winning titles as a junior in 1992 and senior in 1993, both at 171 pounds. He also was a runner-up as a freshman. He was not eligible to compete as a senior because he did not have enough credits, Jackie Collins said.

Ohio State inducted Randleman into its Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Touchdown Club of Columbus named him Ohio State's Wrestler of the 20^th Century.

 Ohio wresting historian Brian Brakeman said Randleman reminded him of Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

"He had overwhelming strength and speed. He was impressive,'' Brakeman said.

Randleman won 108 matches at Ohio State and 122 at Sandusky High, where he was a skinny but powerful 160-pound state champion in 1989.

He defeated Splete of St. Joseph, 11-10, in one of the most memorable and controversial state finals in tournament history because of a plethora of stalling penalties. Randleman scored the final two points on a takedown as time expired.

Splete said the loss crushed him, but ultimately it was Randleman who helped him recover. The two were sparring partners at a junior national training camp later that summer.

"He got in trouble a little bit when he was younger and I had my own struggles. We understood each other,'' Splete said. "We became very good friends. We'd talk once in a while over the years. That match was a defining moment for both of us, and it helped catapult him to college. It gave him confidence.''

Jackie Collins said she gave then-Ohio State coach Russ Hellickson a warning when recruiting Randleman: "You'll have to pull him out of the weight room and you'll have to pull him off the mat,'' she recalled saying. "It was his mentality. He wanted to be the best.''

Early MMA star

Randleman became a star in mixed-martial arts as the discipline began to get a foothold in the United States. He made his MMA debut in 1999 and won the heavyweight title in 1999, defeating Pete Williams at UFC 23.

Kevin my friend , my sorrows swell and my heart sinks as the sun sets on our journey. I embrace... https://t.co/xhDqCsQ5XX

-- Randy Couture (@Randy_Couture) February 12, 2016

Randleman lost the belt and had numerous ups and downs in his career, but he won a second title in 2000 against Pedro Rizzo.

He fought in PRIDE FC in 2000 and had a memorable upset of Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic  in 2004 in what became the knockout of the year according to sportsbook.com.

He retired in 2011 and helped found a non-profit wrestling academy in Las Vegas and also was involved in some acting and working as a personal trainer.

Thursday marked three years since the Indians agreed to terms on a four-year contract with outfielder Michael Bourn. Will another free agent fall into the Indians' lap this year?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Thursday marked three years since the Indians agreed to terms on a four-year contract with outfielder Michael Bourn.

Will another free agent fall into the Indians' lap this year? Let's examine.

1. Strangers in the outfield: At this juncture, the Indians are looking at an Opening Day outfield of Rajai Davis, Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall. Although, presuming the Red Sox trot out southpaw David Price to the mound on April 4, Collin Cowgill could earn the start in right field in place of Chisenhall.

Welcome to Platoon City. Population: two per position.

That starting group, at first glance, seems, well, not exactly imposing. Michael Brantley figures to miss the first month of the season, though he claims he has his sights set on the opener.

Michael Brantley targeting an Opening Day return 

2. Mixing and matching: Davis has fared much better against lefties (.284/.339/.407 clip) in his career than righties (.250/.299/.332).

The same goes for Cowgill, who owns a .273/.330/.381 clip against lefties and a .181/.266/.237 slash line against righties. Defensive metrics laud Cowgill's ability to play the corner outfield spots. He and Chisenhall seem like natural platoon partners.

Almonte registered a .779 OPS (and a 112 wRC+, which measures his ability to create runs relative to the rest of the league, where 100 is average) against right-handers last year and a .548 OPS (and a 51 wRC+) against lefties.

So, Davis and Almonte could share time in center once Brantley returns. Perhaps Joey Butler or Shane Robinson sneaks onto the roster, or Jose Ramirez receives playing time in the outfield.

Manager Terry Francona will have his hands full mixing and matching, and even if these outfielders maximize their potential against their preferred pitchers, it still could be an underwhelming unit until Brantley returns, and possibly even after that.

3. Anybody out there? If the Indians want to add another outfielder, Austin Jackson, Dexter Fowler and Marlon Byrd have nothing on their itineraries for the next eight months. Would any of the three provide an upgrade for the Tribe?

Byrd will turn 39 during the upcoming season, but he has socked at least 23 home runs in each of the last three seasons. Jackson, 29, boasts a career clip of .273/.333/.399.

Fowler, 29, owns a career .267/.363/.418 slash line; that on-base percentage could fit nicely atop Francona's lineup. Defensive metrics frown upon Fowler in center field, however (minus-56 defensive runs saved during his eight-year career). Where would he play when Brantley returns? Or, could Brantley shift to center?

Signing Fowler, of course, would require the Indians to forfeit their first-round draft pick. That -- and the never-to-be-overlooked money factor -- could be too steep a price for the Tribe to pay. There's no guarantee that whichever player the Indians select at No. 15 in June's draft will end up as productive a player as Fowler. There is a guarantee, though, that should he reach the majors one day, he'll be inexpensive for at least a few years.

4. Fowler's skill: The Orioles are said to be after Fowler and pitcher Yovani Gallardo, which would cost the club a pair of draft picks. In his career, Fowler, a switch-hitter, has batted .303 with an .829 OPS against lefties and .252 with a .761 OPS against righties.

Jackson, a right-handed hitter, has fared about the same against both righties (.733 OPS) and lefties (.729 OPS).

Davis' contract comes off of the books at the end of the year. Clint Frazier and Bradley Zimmer seem destined to arrive to the big league scene at some point in 2017. So, an addition wouldn't block any of the Indians' top prospects, if the Indians handed out a two-year deal.

Granted, it all boils down to dollars and cents. When the Indians nabbed Bourn in 2013, his price had dropped to $48 million over four years. That boosted the Indians' payroll above the $80 million mark. The club figures to begin the 2015 campaign with a budget in the $80-90 million range. If the price for Fowler or Jackson fell somewhere in the vicinity of two years and $20 million, would the Tribe pounce? Should the Tribe pounce?

At this point, it seems more likely that the Indians strike an agreement with a third-base option, such as Juan Uribe or David Freese. The outfield could still use a lift, though.

5. The kids are all right: Zimmer and Frazier are ranked side by side on MLB.com's Top 100 prospects list. Zimmer checks in at No. 26. Frazier follows him at No. 27. Both outfielders are expected to begin the year at Double-A Akron. First-base prospect Bobby Bradley (No. 93) is the only other Tribe farmhand to make the list.

LeBron James really, really likes Gregg Popovich. Good thing the Spurs can't really afford him.

TORONTO - Perhaps the best news for Cavs from All-Star media day is it is obvious LeBron James believes he can't, as in, never, be under Gregg Popovich's tutelage every day.

Because James sure wishes he could.

"I believe he is one of the great basketball minds that we've ever had in this game," James said of Popovich, the Spurs coach who will direct the West against James' East squad Sunday night in the 65^th NBA All-Star Game here.

"I wish I could be around him every day so I could just pick his brain, what he does, what he thinks.

"I can't be there on a day-to-day basis. I wish I could."

The Spurs, with salary commitments of $84.5 million as of now for next season, could not at present sign James this summer. If Tim Duncan ($5.5 million) or Manu Ginobili ($3 million, roughly) retired, and if the club declined its $6.5 million option on Boris Diaw, there'd be more room under the projected $89 million cap, but fitting James in there would still be a long shot.

Also, let's not get ahead of ourselves. James is on a two-year, $47 million deal with the Cavs that includes a player option this summer. The Cavs' superstar is not expected to leave Cleveland again via free agency.

It's just, if you're nervous about that sort of thing and what he had to say about Popovich, well, now you have the dollar numbers so you don't have to reach for the Tums.

James and Popovich have a long history as competitors. Popovich, who has won five titles as the Spurs coach, has faced James' team three times in the Finals. The Spurs beat the Cavs in 2007, lost to the Heat in 2013, and beat Miami in 2014.

Popovich and the Spurs are 45-8 this season, good enough for second in the West. But he's coaching in the All-Star Game because coaches can't repeat as All-Star coaches in consecutive years, and Golden State's Steve Kerr headed the 2015 team.

"I believe I think the game, I'm not going to say in similar fashion, because he has more experience than me, but I think I have a high basketball IQ, so just, it's incredible to see what he does year after year after year with that franchise," James said.

There was quite a bit of talk Friday from James about Popovich, Popovich about the Cavs, and from James and Cavs coach Tyronn Lue about what Popovich was talking about.

Let's clear that up a bit.

Popovich was critical of the firing of coach David Blatt, who was dismissed last month despite coaching the Cavs to first in the East and to a Finals berth last season. Because of Blatt's firing, Lue was promoted to Cavs coach, and thus is coaching the East on Sunday.

And at these All-Star games, there is myriad international media, including Israeli reporters and journalists from different parts of the world familiar with Blatt through the Euroleague, who were naturally going to look for some answers while in Toronto.

Without further ado...

"I feel for every coach that's ever been fired, including David," Popovich said. "He's a great coach. But usually people are fired for circumstances that are beyond their control, and it usually has nothing to do with whether they're a good coach or not. I find that to be the case almost all the time. But as far as judging an organization, I'll leave that to you guys."

Blatt was fired, in large part, because he struggled to command respect from the players, including James. For instance, Friday was the one-year anniversary of James calling Blatt a "rookie" coach after a game in Chicago -- the label irked Blatt to no end.

Lue, who as a first-time head coach is of course coaching in his first All-Star Game, was told that he's "become somewhat of a villain in Israel" because of Blatt's firing.

"Yes, I've heard that," Lue said. "As long as Coach Blatt knows we have a great relationship and I've talked to him and he has my back and support, I'm at peace."

James was asked for the difference between Lue and Blatt, and he said: "their height."

Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt and assistant coach Tyronn Lue, during the game, 4th quarter, against the Los Angeles Clippers 115-102 at Quicken Loans Arena, on Jan. 21, 2015. Blatt was fired on Friday, and Lue was appointed coach. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)Chuck Crow 

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas appreciates that the Browns have said they have no plans to trade him, but he knows it can still happen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Left tackle Joe Thomas appreciates that the Browns have come out publicly that they have no plans to trade him, but he's been around long enough to know anything can still happen.

"Well, they've said the same things (to me) and it's flattering that anybody would say those things about you,'' he said Thursday night after an appearance at the Home and Garden Show at I-X Center. "I feel the same way about them, but at the same time, I don't think they were planning on trading me last year when Denver called.

"So players are commodities and if they feel like they've got a good value or a good opportunity to make the team better, they should get fired if they don't make that decision.''

The Browns came close to trading the nine-time Pro Bowler to the Broncos in November, but they essentially ran out of time before the deadline. The Broncos offered a first-round pick in 2017 and a second-rounder in 2016 in exchange for Thomas and a third-round pick in 2016. The Browns would only throw in a fifth-rounder, not a third -- and they wouldn't budge.

Team can begin trading again March 9 and the Thomas is one of the club's most marketable commodities. With owner Jimmy Haslam saying the club is in a several-year rebuilding process, the extra first-round pick will likely at least be considered despite what the Browns have been saying. Besides, the analytics might tell the team that picking up an extra first-round pick and an extra second-rounder is the way to go.

"That's your job when you're in control of a football team is do everything they can to make the team better, whether that's trade your 10-year guy or sign a guy that nobody's ever heard of but you know he's going to make the team better,'' Thomas said. "Those are the decisions that you have to make and sometimes those are tough decisions. It's a business. That's the way it goes, so it's great that they like me. I like them. I'd certainly like to be here, but those are decisions that are certainly out of my hands.''

Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown, who met with Thomas after the season, told cleveland.com at the Senior Bowl "We have no plans to trade Joe Thomas and he's a big part of what we do going forward.''

Thomas also hopes that the Browns are able to keep Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, who's gaining a reputation as one of the best in the NFL. On March 9, Mack can opt out of his contract and Schwartz is set to become a free agent.

"I understand from a business standpoint they need to move on if they get a better offer somewhere else. I certainly would understand it, but I definitely hope that they're back,'' Thomas said. "I don't know what the Browns' perspective is on it. I feel like we have a lot of salary cap space to spend on it.

Thomas noted that "we have the best right tackle and the best center in the NFL and I'd certainly like to keep those guys. You're not going to make your team better by getting a worse player at those positions. That's my take but there are decisions that are made in football that are related to contract, that are unrelated to how good you are as a player or a person, so I can understand if things go differently. But I'd like them to be here obviously.''

Thomas: A 'sad ending' to the Manziel story in Cleveland

After the season finale, Thomas hinted that he might not want to be back if he didn't like the new coaching staff. But that all changed with the arrival of Hue Jackson, who was Thomas' first choice. He met with Jackson in person at the Super Bowl last week and was even more impressed.

"Yeah, I'm in and super-excited about Hue,'' he said. "I think he's going to do a great job and like I said, as long as they hit on that quarterback pick, we're set up for a nice run, something the Browns deserve and the Browns fans deserve. You pick a guy like Ben Roethlisberger, your franchise is good for 15 years. That's what I'm hoping we do in this draft.''

Thomas admitted it crossed his mind when out in San Francisco last week that he almost played in the Super Bowl.

"I mentioned in jest before we started the interview that I have enjoyed my off-season because I haven't paid too much attention, but I definitely enjoyed watching the Super Bowl,'' he said. "Obviously it was funny or interesting to pay attention thinking, 'Well, maybe I could've been a Denver Bronco or it was really close,' but that's about all the time that I spent thinking about that 'cause I'm not a guy that dwells on what-ifs or things like that.

"But it was funny or curious or whatever word you want to use watching the game thinking, 'Oh, that could've been me out there playing in the Super Bowl.'"

Question is, will he have that chance next year?
 

The Indians, with Friday's signing of Tommy Hunter, are bringing 18 relievers to spring training as they look to fortify their bullpen.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians wanted to add another reliever to their stampede of pitchers before spring training opened next week and they did.

The Tribe reached a one-year, $2 million deal with right-hander Tommy Hunter on Friday. Including Hunter, the Indians are bringing 18 relievers to camp and 31 pitchers overall. Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Wednesday.

To make room for Hunter, 29, the Indians designated for assignment catcher Tony Wolters.

Hunter underwent surgery after the season for a core muscle injury. He will be about a month behind and is expected to miss most of April.

Originally a starter with Texas, Hunter has pitched out of the bullpen since 2013. Hunter is the second reliever the Indians signed this week. They also reached agreement on a minor league deal with Craig Stammen, who spent the last seven years with Washington.

Hunter went 4-2 with a 4.18 ERA last season in 58 games for the Cubs and Orioles. He struck out 47 and walked 14 in 60 1/3 innings. Hunter opened the year with Baltimore, but but was traded during the season to the Cubs.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/02/cleveland_indians_have_three_o.html

The 6-3, 250-pound Hunter is a power pitcher. His fastball averaged 96.4 mph last season, according to fangraphs. His cut fastball averaged 92.3 and his curveball 84.4.

Hunter was pitching well when the Orioles traded him to the Cubs on July 31. In his last 20 appearances with the Orioles, he had 19 strikeouts and a 2.55 ERA in 24 2/3 innings while allowing just seven earned runs. Hunter suffered his injury after the trade and didn't pitch well for the Cubs.

The Indians have also signed catcher Guillermo Quiroz to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Quiroz, 34, has spent the last three years playing in the Giants organization at Class AAA Sacramento.

In a 17-year career, Quiroz has played 148 games in the big leagues.

JaQuan Lyle and Keita Bates-Diop have been all over the place as scorers this season. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two accomplished Ohio State scorers sat together Friday with a total of 531 points this season, JaQuan Lyle and Keita Bates-Diop averaging a combined 21.7 points per game for the 15-10 Buckeyes.

Important question - how can players like that possibly have eight games this season in which they scored 2 points or fewer?

How can players will skills like Lyle, the muscular 6-foot-5 freshman point guard, and Bates-Diop, the lithe 6-7 sophomore wing scorer, have combined for three scoring shutouts? 

Bates-Diop has two games this year where he scored zero points, in 13 minutes at Northwestern and 22 minutes at Purdue, while Lyle absorbed a 26-minute blanking at Connecticut.

Here are Bates-Diop's two highest-scoring games this season:

24, 22

Here are his lowest-scoring games:

0, 0 

Here are Lyle's six highest-scoring games this season:

29, 27, 18, 18, 16, 16

Here are Lyle's six lowest-scoring games this season:

0, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2

Seriously. How?

"I don't know what to say," Bates-Diop said. "Mindset. That is really weird."

"Sometimes I don't know what happens," Lyle said.

Lyle, who went into a funk when benched earlier this season, admitted "I was feeling sorry for myself," and Bates-Diop figured that might happen when one of them starts out cold in a game as well.

"I don't know, we have mental stuff," Bates-Diop said.

Saturday, Ohio State (15-10, 7-5 Big Ten) visits Big Ten bottom feeder Rutgers (6-18, 0-11) and the Buckeyes shouldn't be firing any zeroes at the Scarlet Knights. Coach Thad Matta is never quite sure what to expect, though.

"It's kind of like the stock market. When it's tanking, we all ask, 'Why?'" Matta began as way of explaining swings between 20-point efforts and no-point efforts. "And there's something going on with oil over here, or there's something going on with the economy in this (other) country.

"For us, I can't figure it out. I'm not an econ major. But I know there are sometimes outside forces that are affecting what we want to do well."

Translation - keep your heads on straight, fellas.

Matta in Tuesday's win over Northwestern saw Bates-Diop drive from an open side of the floor to the side crowded with defenders for no apparent reason.

He asked Bates-Diop what he was doing. The answer was "I don't know."

He sees Lyle continue to wind up like a baseball pitcher to throw some passes.

"I think right now, by my calculations, he's 0 for 27 on it," Matta said. "So don't throw the pass anymore."

The plan for Bates-Diop and Lyle extends beyond the now. So much of this Ohio State season is about the next Ohio State season that Bates-Diop has an ingenious plan for the future.

"We're going to cut out the zero and two-point games and stuff," he said.

Imagine what that might be like?

* Who's a triple-double threat? Last time out against Rutgers, Lyle recorded the fifth triple-double in Ohio State history with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 94-68 win.

Whose turn is it Saturday? Triple-double time for KBD?

"I don't know if I have the passing ability," Bates-Diop said.

"You don't pass enough for that," Lyle said.

"I could do blocks maybe, but not assists," Bates-Diop said.

Bates-Diop could go out of his way to focus on assists, and he said maybe he'll keep finding Lyle if he's heating up.

As for other triple-double threats on the team, Lyle suggested forward Jae'Sean Tate or big man Daniel Giddens, who would have to get there with blocks as well.

Against Rutgers, anything is possible.

Wondering about the future of Ohio State basketball? Read how this year is really about next year

All-Stars aren't too thrilled about ads possibly being placed on their jersey, Chris Haynes writes.

TORONTO - This week the NBA sent out a memo to teams for the purpose of owners formulating an opinion on whether to put advertisements on jerseys.

This is another way of the league maximizing its earning potential and again, using the players as the platform of doing so. When brought up to some of the All-Stars on Friday, they were collectively lukewarm on the idea.

"It's different and obviously I'm sure that nothing's going to stop that train from coming, but just like with the sleeve jerseys and all that, something that the league is going to do," Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry said. "It won't impact the game at all, but we'll see how it looks. I don't want it to be too gimmicky where we're walking ads for everything.

"Trying to keep the classic look of a basketball uniform that we all know and love, so, we'll see. I know with soccer uniforms you've got marks all over the jerseys. Whether you like it or not, that's kind of been the look for a while, so the transition will probably be a little weird for sure."

Owners will meet on Sunday in Toronto during All-Star Weekend, but a final decision isn't expected to come until the Board of Governors meeting in April. If approved, it would go into for the 2017-18 season, the same year Nike takes over as the league's uniform apparel company.

Cleveland.com was told that a Nike swoosh will be on the front of the jerseys. Adidas, the current uniform provider, did not negotiate to have their logo on the uniform.

What has players concerned the most about the possibilities of being covered in ads is their appearance. They wondered if it would be too cluttered and too distracting for eyeballs.

"It would be very different," San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge said. "I kind of like my jersey clean, how it is. I think it would be a different look, but if they did do it, it would be tasteful."

We'll have a clearer picture on Sunday on if this idea is to pick up some steam among the owners.

When Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James was asked about his take on the subject matter, he used the question to promote his own brand similar to how his body might be used to promote someone else's brand.

"Uh, I don't know," James said. "As long as they put an Uninterrupted patch on the jersey, I'll be fine with that."

Media day at NBA All-Star Weekend is like media day at the Super Bowl -- there's some weird questions asked of the game's biggest stars. LeBron James knows the feeling well.

Kevin Hart surprises fans playing in NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Award winning music artist Drake and comedian/actor Kevin Hart played head coaches in the 2016 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.

Team Canada led by Drake defeated Hart's Team USA, 74-64. Arcade Fire's Win Butler was named the game's MVP with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

Lorain and Nazihar Bohannon did not need a miraculous ending or his short hook shot that kissed glass last year against Bedford.

LORAIN, Ohio – Lorain and Nazihar Bohannon did not need a miraculous ending or his short hook shot that kissed glass last year against Bedford.

Bohannon preferred it this way.

His Titans’ 57-53 win Friday against visiting Bedford sealed at least a share of the Lake Erie League boys basketball championship. Bohannon nearly wrapped it up midway through the fourth quarter when he beat his defender off the dribble, drove to the basket and unleashed a slam dunk that sent Lorain’s fans into a frenzy.

“I liked that one,” Bohannon said with a laugh.

Check back later for more video highlights and reaction.

Let's see if @NextUp440 can break Twitter. This Naz Bohannon dunk gave Lorain a 54-42 lead in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/gdqLNOnC3L

— Matt Goul (@mgoul) February 13, 2016

The 6-foot-5 junior scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Titans (17-3, 8-1), who are ranked sixth in the cleveland.com Top 25. They can win another outright LEL title next Friday when Cleveland Heights comes to town. No. 9 Bedford (14-6, 7-2) must hope for a Lorain loss and beat Maple Heights at home.

Lorain coach John Rositano, whose team finished last year’s regular season 22-0 and needed a one-point home win against Bedford, characterized this season more as “a grind.”

In the last four weeks, Anfernee Smothers’ back injury epitomized that challenge. The 6-7 frontcourt teammate of Bohannon’s returned from a one-game absence. Normally a starter, Smothers came off the bench and scored seven points.

When he wasn’t in the game, he retreated to the side of the stands past Lorain’s bench. Smothers pedaled on a stationary bike. When Rositano sensed he needed his big senior, he raised a finger and signaled for him to return.

“We got the word at 5 o’clock today that he could run a bit,” Rositano said. “We need Smothers to beat the elite teams. It was good to see him healthier than he was.”

Smothers’ presence provided a boost with a pair of first-half dunks, the latter a putback that pushed Lorain’s advantage to six points at halftime. The Titans jumped ahead by 10 late in the first quarter and didn’t trail from that point.

Senior guard Daviere Andrews added to Bedford’s troubles with 14 points and a handful of assists.

“When you come out on the road, especially in an environment like this, you damn near have to be perfect,” Bedford coach Pete Priola said. “When they went to a different couple of presses that we were ready for, we just got a little too fast. We didn’t want that to happen because of our numbers.”

Bedford’s issue of depth was further hampered by Lamont Rhodes’ foul trouble. Rhodes, who finished with 10 points and seven rebounds, picked up his third foul early in the third quarter. Priola sat him. While using only seven players Friday, the coach needed better play from his guards.

He got that game from senior point guard Cam Brandon, who scored a game-high 21 points after repeatedly attacking the basket. Bedford just fell behind by double digits in the fourth and couldn’t pull closer than the final score.

A 17-of-45 shooting night proved too troublesome for Bedford.

“It was just one of them days, I guess,” Priola said.

The Titans and Bearcats have made a habit of playing down to the last second. Bedford won their first meeting this season, 46-45, on Daron Falkner’s buzzer-beating baseline shot.

A year ago, Bohannon needed Bedford to commit an inbounding violation before his baby hook.

“Last year, I don’t even know how I made that shot,” he said. “I tried it three times the next day, but yeah I’ll take this one any day.”

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Led by 28 points from Tyrone Gibson and 20 from Desmond Crosby, No. 8 Beachwood upset No. 2 Garfield Heights.

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Beachwood's boys basketball team got off to a strong start and showed tremendous poise and confidence to upset Garfield Heights, 83-71, on Friday.

The Bison (19-2), ranked No. 8 in the cleveland.com Top 25, never trailed and took control of the game late in the first quarter with a 16-2 run that carried over into the second quarter. Tyrone Gibson led Beachwood with 28 points and nine rebounds, and point guard Desmond Crosby added 20 points.

"We just had to keep our foot on the gas, not let up like we have in past games," Gibson said.

Crosby's ball handing in particular was a huge factor to minimize No. 2 Garfield Heights' (17-4) pressure defense. In the first half, Beachwood committed only five turnovers.

"I feel like I'm a small guard so I can easily dribble, get between anybody. So trapping me wouldn't be an easy thing to do," Crosby said.

The Bison had a very impressive first half of offense with 24 points in the first quarter and 43 overall in the half. Beachwood's ball movement offensively frustrated the Bulldogs all night.

On defense, Beachwood relied on its ability to switch multiple players to force Garfield Heights into tough shots.

"One thing us not having a traditional big, we can pretty much switch almost anything," Beachwood coach Matt Miller said. "It helps we were able to switch everything, try to keep them in front, try to make their 3-point attempts as difficult as possible. They're extremely skilled in all five spots. They can all shoot the ball a lot like us. So we wanted to make their shots as difficult as possible."

Missouri commit Willie Jackson led the Bulldogs with 28 points and 12 rebounds. But Garfield Heights had a difficult night at the free-throw line, shooting only 4-for-13 from the line in the loss. Conversely, Beachwood shot 20 of 22 from the free-throw line.

"You just don't lace them up and beat a team," Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson said. "You've got to lace them up. You've got to be mentally in tuned to what's going on in the game to get a victory."

Braun Hartfield, a Youngstown State commit, made his season debut and had 14 points off the bench.

The win gave Beachwood its second win against a Division I team currently ranked in the top five of the cleveland.com Top 25. The Bison, the top seed in the Division III Garfield Heights District, defeated No. 5 St. Edward earlier this season.

Beachwood will travel to Harvey on Thursday, and Garfield Heights will host No. 4 St. Ignatius on Wednesday to conclude their regular seasons.

See highlights from the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge featuring Minnesota's Zach LaVine.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Minnesota's Zach LaVine helped lead Team USA to a 157-154 win against Team World on Friday in the NBA All-Star Rising Star Challenge at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

LaVine won the MVP award finishing with 30 points and seven assists in a game featuring first and second year NBA players.

Here is a look at Friday's boys basketball scores from around Ohio.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here is a look at Friday's boys basketball scores from around Ohio.

Akr. Coventry 75, Akr. Springfield 47

Akr. Firestone 72, Akr. Buchtel 62

Akr. Hoban 78, Parma Padua 64

Albany Alexander 59, Athens 31

Alliance 81, Alliance Marlington 46

Andover Pymatuning Valley 61, Vienna Mathews 51

Anna 36, Jackson Center 31

Apple Creek Waynedale 53, Jeromesville Hillsdale 40

Arcanum 58, New Paris National Trail 36

Archbold 53, Metamora Evergreen 34

Arlington 51, McComb 41

Ashland 79, Millersburg W. Holmes 47

Ashtabula Lakeside 61, Conneaut 50

Ashville Teays Valley 45, Circleville 38

Austintown Fitch 66, Warren Howland 47

Avon 59, Berea-Midpark 50

Bainbridge Paint Valley 58, Chillicothe Huntington 31

Barberton 56, Kent Roosevelt 51

Batavia Amelia 49, Mt. Orab Western Brown 45

Bay Village Bay 94, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 62

Beachwood 83, Garfield Hts. 71

Bethel-Tate 54, Williamsburg 43

Blanchester 62, Georgetown 49

Bloomdale Elmwood 48, Tontogany Otsego 29

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 58, Wadsworth 56

Brookville 50, Bellbrook 47

Brunswick 37, Strongsville 35

Burton Berkshire 60, Richmond Hts. 59

Caledonia River Valley 62, Milford Center Fairbanks 51

Can. Cent. Cath. 48, N. Can. Hoover 45

Can. McKinley 89, Warren Harding 74

Can. South 61, Beloit W. Branch 54

Cardington-Lincoln 54, Marion Elgin 45

Carey 59, Bucyrus 56

Casstown Miami E. 59, Bradford 48

Castalia Margaretta 67, Oak Harbor 37

Celina 57, Lima Shawnee 55

Centerburg 59, Mt. Gilead 47, OT

Chagrin Falls Kenston 70, Lyndhurst Brush 60

Chillicothe Unioto 66, Southeastern 63

Chillicothe Zane Trace 77, Frankfort Adena 64

Cin. Aiken 79, Cin. Woodward 68

Cin. Christian 94, Hamilton New Miami 29

Cin. Country Day 70, Lockland 48

Cin. Elder 54, Cin. St. Xavier 41

Cin. Finneytown 53, N. Bend (Cleves) Taylor 44

Cin. Hills Christian Academy 63, St. Bernard 46

Cin. Hughes 59, Cin. Shroder 56

Cin. Indian Hill 71, Reading 34

Cin. Mariemont 54, Cin. Madeira 48

Cin. Moeller 43, Cin. La Salle 41

Cin. Mt. Healthy 68, Cin. NW 54

Cin. N. College Hill 84, Cin. Clark Montessori 58

Cin. Purcell Marian 54, Hamilton Badin 39

Cin. Sycamore 68, Cin. Princeton 67

Cin. Turpin 60, Kings Mills Kings 56, OT

Cin. Withrow 66, Cin. Anderson 47

Cin. Wyoming 71, Cin. Deer Park 17

Cincinnati Christian 94, Hamilton New Miami 29

Circleville Logan Elm 77, Baltimore Liberty Union 44

Cle. Benedictine 53, Mentor Lake Cath. 48

Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 63, Cornerstone Christian 61

Cle. St. Ignatius 91, Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 83

Cle. VASJ 62, Garfield Hts. Trinity 47

Coldwater 76, New Knoxville 53

Collins Western Reserve 61, Norwalk St. Paul 48

Cols. Cristo Rey 65, Powell Village Academy 45

Cols. DeSales 46, Cols. Ready 35

Cols. Franklin Hts. 56, Sunbury Big Walnut 52

Cols. Grandview Hts. 59, London 50

Cols. Hamilton Twp. 53, Amanda-Clearcreek 35

Cols. Marion-Franklin 69, Patriot Preparatory Academy 57

Cols. St. Charles 44, Cols. Hartley 43

Columbia Station Columbia 76, Brooklyn 71

Columbiana 83, Leetonia 45

Columbus Grove 48, Bluffton 46, OT

Convoy Crestview 84, Harrod Allen E. 51

Copley 61, Aurora 55

Corning Miller 85, Stewart Federal Hocking 55

Cory-Rawson 71, Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 51

Coshocton 51, Warsaw River View 26

Covington 69, Pitsburg Franklin-Monroe 53

Creston Norwayne 50, Dalton 47

Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 38, Chardon NDCL 35

Danville 61, Lucas 52

Day. Carroll 44, Middletown Fenwick 33

Day. Christian 48, Spring. Emmanuel Christian 34

Day. Oakwood 47, Monroe 46

Defiance 51, Van Wert 31

Defiance Ayersville 69, Defiance Tinora 52

Dola Hardin Northern 65, Monclova Christian 55

Dresden Tri-Valley 68, Philo 50

Dublin Coffman 48, Cols. Upper Arlington 34

Dublin Jerome 77, Westerville Cent. 70

Dublin Scioto 62, Canal Winchester 47

Edgerton 54, Sherwood Fairview 45

Elmore Woodmore 72, Fostoria 65

Elyria Cath. 55, Rocky River 40

Fairborn 68, Xenia 59

Findlay Liberty-Benton 59, Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 57

Fostoria St. Wendelin 59, Kansas Lakota 25

Franklin 68, Eaton 62, OT

Franklin Middletown Christian 50, Troy Christian 42

Fremont Ross 54, Oregon Clay 37

Ft. Loramie 48, Houston 38

Gahanna Cols. Academy 41, Cols. Bexley 33

Galion Northmor 58, Howard E. Knox 50

Garrettsville Garfield 68, Atwater Waterloo 53

Gates Mills Gilmour 58, Hunting Valley University 48

Gibsonburg 74, Northwood 48

Girard 53, Ashtabula Edgewood 52

Glouster Trimble 62, Crown City S. Gallia 61

Gorham Fayette 40, Pettisville 25

Goshen 59, New Richmond 52

Grafton Midview 56, Avon Lake 51

Greenwich S. Cent. 66, Ashland Crestview 64, OT

Grove City Cent. Crossing 71, Galloway Westland 67

Grove City Christian 74, Fairfield Christian 64

Hamilton 64, Middletown 57

Hanoverton United 85, Columbiana Crestview 55

Harrison 55, Trenton Edgewood 45

Haviland Wayne Trace 78, Antwerp 67

Hicksville 42, Holgate 29

Hilliard Bradley 69, Hilliard Darby 39

Holland Springfield 60, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 40

Hubbard 52, Brookfield 43

Huber Hts. Wayne 61, Centerville 47

Hudson 54, Twinsburg 30

Hudson WRA 69, Cle. John Adams 50

Huron 56, Clyde 40

Ironton 51, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant 42

Jamestown Greeneview 59, Mechanicsburg 56

Jefferson Area 65, Youngs. Liberty 53

Kalida 54, Continental 47

Kettering Alter 66, Day. Chaminade Julienne 51

Kettering Fairmont 76, Beavercreek 45

LaGrange Keystone 64, Wellington 54

Lancaster Fairfield Union 62, Bloom-Carroll 56

Leavittsburg LaBrae 65, Niles McKinley 46

Leesburg Fairfield 69, Mowrystown Whiteoak 59

Leipsic 54, Van Buren 48

Lewis Center Olentangy 72, Delaware Hayes 49

Lewis Center Olentangy Orange 60, Worthington Kilbourne 49

Lewisburg Tri-County N. 53, W. Alexandria Twin Valley S. 52

Lewistown Indian Lake 46, St. Paris Graham 39

Lexington 58, Orrville 47

Liberty Twp. Lakota E. 61, Fairfield 48

Lima Bath 61, Kenton 44

Lima Sr. 82, Tol. Whitmer 74

Lisbon David Anderson 85, Lisbon Beaver 55

Lorain 57, Bedford 53

Lorain Clearview 88, Fairview 57

Louisville 79, Carrollton 31

Loveland 60, Cin. Walnut Hills 54

Lowellville 47, Berlin Center Western Reserve 36

Lynchburg-Clay 57, Peebles 51

Madison 51, Camden Preble Shawnee 50

Malvern 80, Newcomerstown 64

Manchester 58, Fayetteville-Perry 52, OT

Mansfield Christian 63, Loudonville 49

Mansfield Sr. 72, Mansfield Madison 59

Mansfield St. Peter's 66, Kidron Cent. Christian 40

Mantua Crestwood 61, Hartville Lake Center Christian 60

Maria Stein Marion Local 55, Rockford Parkway 36

Marion Harding 67, Galion 60

Marion Pleasant 37, Richwood N. Union 31

Marysville 55, Hilliard Davidson 43

Mason 79, Cin. Colerain 35

Massillon Tuslaw 50, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 42

McArthur Vinton County 77, Wellston 56

McConnelsville Morgan 67, Zanesville Maysville 53

McDonald 85, Sebring McKinley 59

Medina 54, Elyria 37

Medina Buckeye 64, Sullivan Black River 57

Medina Highland 60, Tallmadge 54

Miamisburg 63, W. Carrollton 43

Milan Edison 54, Port Clinton 44, OT

Milford 67, Cin. Glen Este 53

Millbury Lake 47, Pemberville Eastwood 25

Milton-Union 75, Day. Northridge 43

Mineral Ridge 78, N. Jackson Jackson-Milton 34

Minford 58, Lucasville Valley 55

Mogadore 74, Rootstown 47

Mogadore Field 63, Lodi Cloverleaf 60

Morral Ridgedale 71, Sycamore Mohawk 58

Morrow Little Miami 57, Clarksville Clinton-Massie 40

N. Baltimore 70, Arcadia 37

N. Lewisburg Triad 66, Cedarville 53

N. Olmsted 53, Olmsted Falls 50, OT

N. Ridgeville 86, Lakewood 57

N. Royalton 49, Macedonia Nordonia 40

Napoleon 61, Bowling Green 41

New Albany 59, Mt. Vernon 55

New Bremen 59, Delphos St. John's 49

New Carlisle Tecumseh 58, Bellefontaine 51

New Concord John Glenn 100, New Lexington 39

New London 65, Ashland Mapleton 55

New Middletown Spring. 51, Canfield S. Range 50

New Philadelphia 36, Dover 34

New Washington Buckeye Cent. 52, N. Robinson Col. Crawford 33

Newark 83, Lancaster 55

Newark Cath. 54, Hebron Lakewood 43

Newton Falls 56, Struthers 41

Norwood 64, Batavia 46

Oak Hill 70, Portsmouth W. 66, OT

Old Fort 61, Sandusky St. Mary 58

Oregon Stritch 47, Tiffin Calvert 41

Ottawa-Glandorf 57, Elida 38

Oxford Talawanda 55, Hamilton Ross 48

Pandora-Gilboa 61, Vanlue 36

Parma 75, Parma Hts. Holy Name 52

Peninsula Woodridge 74, Norton 59

Perry 64, Painesville Harvey 53

Perrysburg 57, Maumee 46

Pickerington Cent. 59, Gahanna Lincoln 49

Pickerington N. 78, Grove City 69

Plymouth 55, Monroeville 48

Poland Seminary 53, Canfield 51

Pomeroy Meigs 65, Nelsonville-York 39

Portsmouth 66, Gallipolis Gallia 52

Portsmouth Clay 74, Latham Western 66

Portsmouth Notre Dame 44, Beaver Eastern 41

Portsmouth Sciotoville 68, Willow Wood Symmes Valley 54

Proctorville Fairland 61, Chesapeake 41

Racine Southern 53, Reedsville Eastern 45

Reynoldsburg 66, Groveport-Madison 57

Rocky River Lutheran W. 63, Oberlin 51

Rossford 56, Genoa Area 50

Russia 62, Botkins 56

S. Webster 58, McDermott Scioto NW 32

Salem 56, Minerva 53, 2OT

Salineville Southern 66, Heartland Christian 46

Sandusky 69, Norwalk 45

Seaman N. Adams 55, Sardinia Eastern Brown 49

Shelby 82, Willard 61

Sidney 61, Greenville 60

Smithville 75, Doylestown Chippewa 69

Solon 89, Euclid 74

Sparta Highland 51, Fredericktown 42

Spencerville 88, Delphos Jefferson 58

Spring. Kenton Ridge 49, Riverside Stebbins 42

Spring. Shawnee 53, Tipp City Tippecanoe 48, OT

Springboro 58, Lebanon 48

Springfield 71, Clayton Northmont 47

St. Bernard Roger Bacon 55, Cin. McNicholas 45

St. Henry 59, Ft. Recovery 48

Stow-Munroe Falls 74, Cuyahoga Falls 52

Strasburg-Franklin 59, E. Can. 39

Streetsboro 87, Ravenna 50

Sugar Grove Berne Union 56, Lancaster Fisher Cath. 43

Sugarcreek Garaway 49, Berlin Hiland 44

Swanton 73, Hamler Patrick Henry 37

Sylvania Southview 56, Sylvania Northview 50, OT

Thomas Worthington 54, Powell Olentangy Liberty 50

Thornville Sheridan 58, Johnstown Northridge 54

Tiffin Columbian 49, Bellevue 38

Tol. Bowsher 88, Tol. Woodward 74

Tol. Christian 68, Lakeside Danbury 39

Tol. Ottawa Hills 49, Tol. Emmanuel Baptist 22

Tol. Rogers 55, Tol. Start 46

Tol. Scott 49, Tol. Waite 44

Tol. St. Francis 57, Tol. Cent. Cath. 55

Tol. St. John's 52, Findlay 42

Trotwood-Madison 72, Vandalia Butler 40

Troy 55, Piqua 50

Tuscarawas Cent. Cath. 75, W. Lafayette Ridgewood 50

Union City Mississinawa Valley 74, Tipp City Bethel 52

Uniontown Lake 74, Youngs. East 47

Upper Sandusky 88, Bucyrus Wynford 63

Urbana 75, Spring. Greenon 35

Van Wert Lincolnview 49, Ada 47

Vermilion 53, Sandusky Perkins 50

Versailles 64, Minster 27

Vincent Warren 56, Logan 54

W. Chester Lakota W. 45, Cin. Oak Hills 38

W. Liberty-Salem 61, S. Charleston SE 53

W. Salem NW 71, Rittman 68

Wapakoneta 75, St. Marys Memorial 46

Warren Champion 70, Cortland Lakeview 52

Warren JFK 60, Youngs. Valley Christian 25

Washington C.H. 57, Greenfield McClain 47

Washington C.H. Miami Trace 68, Hillsboro 59

Waterford 54, Wahama, W.Va. 47

Wauseon 49, Bryan 30

Waverly 60, Wheelersburg 49

Waynesville 67, Carlisle 52

Wellsville 81, E. Palestine 54

Westerville S. 82, Westerville N. 61

Westlake 45, Amherst Steele 44

Wickliffe 62, Cuyahoga Hts. 54

Williamsport Westfall 60, Piketon 58, OT

Willoughby S. 70, Madison 58

Windham 45, Kinsman Badger 38

Wood County Christian, W.Va. 80, Beallsville 61

Wooster 106, Bellville Clear Fork 42

Worthington Christian 63, W. Jefferson 52

Youngs. Mooney 75, Youngs. Boardman 60

Zanesville 76, Marietta 63

Zanesville Rosecrans 41, Uhrichsville Claymont 31

Steubenville 79, Wheeling Park, W.Va. 48

Byesville Meadowbrook 70, E. Liverpool 47

Bellaire 59, Woodsfield Monroe Cent. 45

Shadyside 61, Toronto 53

Belmont Union Local 67, Sarahsville Shenandoah 43

Cadiz Harrison Cent. 66, Brooke, W.Va. 57

Hannibal River 51, Cameron, W.Va. 44

John Marshall, W.Va. 68, Lore City Buckeye Trail 56

New Matamoras Frontier 52, Rayland Buckeye 47

Oak Glen, W.Va. 81, Barnesville 56

Richmond Edison 81, Bowerston Conotton Valley 54

Wintersville Indian Creek 39, Steubenville Cath. Cent. 38

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly had trade discussions recently involving New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly had trade discussions involving New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. 

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the potential deal would be a three-teamer between the Cavs, Knicks and Boston Celtics. 

"The Daily News has learned that the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed a blockbuster trade centered around Kevin Love," Isola wrote Friday night. "There were very preliminary discussions about expanding the deal to include the Knicks and Anthony, who would have to waive his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a deal to the Cavs."

The Cavs have been shopping for another wing ahead of the Feb. 18 trade deadline, hours before Cleveland hosts Chicago. But they don't have many assets unless they break up their promising core that came within two wins of an NBA title last season and helped them rise to the top of the conference this season. 

Center Timofey Mozgov is one player they could be willing to surrender. Mozgov, who is set to become a free agent this off-season, has already been replaced in the starting lineup by the more versatile Tristan Thompson. His struggles have been frustrating after he helped transform the Cavs during the second half of last season. 

"The Knicks would receive draft picks and players in return," according to Isola. "One of those players is believed to be Timofey Mozgov, who five years ago was traded by the Knicks to Denver in the Anthony deal. Those talks have not progressed. Plus Anthony reiterated on Friday that he has no plans to seek a trade."

Anthony and the Knicks got off to a surprising start and were in the early playoff conversation, but recent struggles have led to a coaching change, with Kurt Rambis replacing Derek Fisher. Trading Anthony, 31, could be New York's best play as they look to rebuild around promising rookie Kristaps Porzingis. 

On Friday, Anthony lamented not having a proven star as a teammate and revealed that he's had talks with fellow All-Stars about joining forces.

"I think everybody kind of dreams and hopes that they can play with another great player, another star player. It's a star player's league," he said during All-Star Media Day. "I think that's what we talk about when we all get together." 

James, his good friend, would help with that desire.

Still, Cleveland seems a curious fit, something that has driven a number of their roster decisions.

The team has been working to break bad offensive habits in which the ball sticks on one side of the floor since Tyronn Lue took over as head coach. The goal is to use the second half of the season to build a more reliable halfcourt system, one that breaks away from isolation and utilizes the kind of ball movement seen from some of the top teams in the Western Conference.

How does Anthony help with that?

The Knicks All-Star is a pouty volume scorer, who relies on iso-ball. He's also not known as a quality defender, another trait the Cavs appeared to be searching for. Add in the soreness he's been experiencing in his surgically repaired knee and Anthony becomes a risky target. 

Is that kind of player, one who doesn't fix any of the Cavs' issues, worth it, especially when the price tag could be Love, one of four players in the East averaging a double-double?  

Despite General Manager David Griffin's claim that Love is unlikely to be dealt, carrying a high price tag, Love's name continues to be at the center of rumblings because of his inconsistent production and continued struggles to fit alongside James and Kyrie Irving. 

Before getting traded to Cleveland in 2014, he took a tour of Boston and the Celtics were considered a potential landing spot. They have been hoarding assets in hopes of landing a star in a blockbuster trade and Love has been a target for years.

Anthony, a dynamic scorer, would help Cleveland in its quest for a small-ball lineup to combat Golden State. But along with being a poor fit and the time it would take -- something not on Cleveland's side -- to integrate that kind of ball-dominant player, it's also hard to imagine the Cavs helping the third-place Celtics land their coveted player, which would help them challenge for conference supremacy.

It's a move that seems highly unlikely. But this is the time of year when speculation runs rampant. 

Stay tuned. 

The Buckeyes completed a season sweep of the Scarlet Knights with the win.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Ohio State's triple-double streak against Rutgers is over.

Instead the Buckeyes had to settle for two double-doubles, and sweating out a win over the Scarlet Knights a little more than they would have liked to.

Keita Bates-Diop led Ohio State with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Jae'Sean Tate added 22 points and 13 rebounds as the Buckeyes held off Rutgers 79-69 on Saturday at Rutgers Athletic Center.

That last two times out against the Scarlet Knights, Ohio State (16-10, 8-5 Big Ten) was the benefactor of triple-doubles from JaQuan Lyle (earlier this year) and D'Angelo Russell (last year). There was no such effort on Saturday, but Bates-Diop and Tate led the way along with 19 points off the bench for Kam Williams.

The Buckeyes would rather have that kind of balanced effort anyway, and they needed every bit of it against a Rutgers team that would not go away.

Behind 23 points from guard Corey Sanders, Rutgers hung around despite going down big in the first half. The Scarlet Knights (6-19, 0-12) had the deficit within eight at different points in the second half, but couldn't close the gap.

A serious cold streak from Rutgers in the first half helped keep the Scarlet Knights in the hole. The Knights were 2 for 19 over a seven-minute stretch in the opening half. The Buckeyes went on a 16-0 run during that span, and led by as much as 16.

Lyle was far off his triple-double pace last time against Rutgers, finishing with four points, five assists and three rebounds. Junior forward Marc Loving was 0 for 5 from the floor, and only saw five minutes of playing time in the second half.

When it was over

When Williams and Bates-Diop hit back-to-back 3s to put Ohio State up 70-59 with 5:27 left. Rutgers kept hanging around, but those two buckets seemed to kill whatever rally Rutgers had in it.

Williams and Bates-Diop combined to make eight 3-pointers.

What it means

Ohio State simply had to take care of business against Rutgers and then gear up for these last five games against Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, Iowa and Michigan State again.

But the Buckeyes could have shown something different that suggested they could win a couple of these big games at the end, and for large portions of Saturday's game they looked out of sorts against the worst team in the Big Ten.

What's next

Ohio State returns home for a game against Michigan on Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 7 p.m., and the Buckeyes will put Evan Turner's No. 21 jersey in the rafters at Value City Arena during halftime.

The Buckeyes needed to show they were ready for this next five-game stretch, and they didn't. Watch video

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- That wasn't enough.

Ohio State showed up to a nearly half-empty Rutgers Athletic Center on Saturday for a game against the worst team in the Big Ten. On a day that featured marquee matchups around the country, this game was an afterthought.

The Buckeyes' main objective was to come in, get a win, get out and get ready for a final five-game stretch that will determine their postseason fate. Mostly it was to leave Piscataway without becoming a headline for what would've been an embarrassing loss.

That's what Ohio State did. So why wasn't it enough?

The Buckeyes needed more than this win, really. They needed to show some kind of sign that they're capable of winning the games they need to win over the next five. That stretch features three games against teams in the RPI top 50, another against a Michigan team that's on the cusp of the top 50.

Do you feel any better about Ohio State's chances now? More importantly, did the Buckeyes give themselves any kind of confidence boost going into those games to believe they can steal two or three and make a last-gasp effort to make the NCAA Tournament?

"I'm not taking anything away from the win, but as we always talk about, we want to raise the bar every time we take the court," Thad Matta said after Saturday's 79-69 win. "We weren't as connected today."

Matta's teams typically play well in February. Ohio State has won 55 of the 83 games under Matta in this month, but Saturday wasn't its best and leaves the Buckeyes still with questions heading into this crucial stretch.

It begins Tuesday night at home against a Michigan team that beat No. 18 Purdue on Saturday. Ohio State needs to be clicking to get a win there, and in the other games against Michigan State (twice) and Iowa. That starts with its best player getting right.

JaQuan Lyle had a promising rebound from a string of bad games with 27 points against Wisconsin and 16 against Northwestern. He had four points Saturday and played only eight minutes in the second half.

"He wasn't as sharp as he needed to be," Matta said. "I was upset more with the defense tonight than I was the offense."

Junior forward Marc Loving, who's been in a serious cold streak since the beginning of January, had his first scoreless game of the season.

"For whatever reason, Marc just didn't have it today," Matta said. "I need Marc Loving Tuesday night, I know that."

The answer to whether Ohio State showed enough on Saturday begins and ends with those two players. If they're not playing well, forget it. There's no way Ohio State has a shot at winning some of these next five games.

The Buckeyes just can't afford to have Lyle, their best player when everything is going right, and Loving, their lone upperclassmen, playing this way.

Keita Bates-Diop (24 points, 14 rebounds), Jae'Sean Tate (22 points, 13 rebounds) and Kam Williams (19 points off the bench) were special on Saturday. They need help, and can't carry Ohio State alone.

"We know if we eliminate the mistakes, we can have control over any situation," Williams said. "We've worked hard as of late, we just have to play smart."

Nineteen turnovers on Saturday wasn't smart. Allowing Rutgers back into the game after putting on a 16-0 first-half run wasn't smart. Against another team, those mistakes would have hurt.

They weren't going to hurt against Rutgers, but they should be a troubling sign given what's ahead.

A win is good, and necessary. A 16-10 record with an 8-5 mark in the Big Ten is OK considering where things looked like they were heading earlier this season. But Saturday didn't offer much of a spark, or even improvement.

"I've been telling them all year we've gotta get better," Matta said. "Certain guys know they didn't play well. Whatever we've gotta do to get those guys back in the groove, we've gotta do that from now until Tuesday."