See Ohio high school boys basketball statewide scores for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are Ohio high school girls basketball statewide scores for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

Ada 63, Lima Temple Christian 38

Adrian Lenawee Christian, Mich. 52, Tol. Christian 40

Akr. Manchester 61, Akr. Springfield 57

Akr. SVSM 72, N. Can. Hoover 58

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 54, Kansas Lakota 44

Bay Village Bay 101, Elyria Cath. 85

Beloit W. Branch 71, Mogadore Field 65

Berea-Midpark 46, Westlake 42

Can. Cent. Cath. 61, Massillon Perry 54

Centerburg 84, Bellville Clear Fork 49

Cin. Summit Country Day 73, Hamilton Badin 42

Cle. E. Tech 75, Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 63

Clyde 51, Oak Harbor 36

Cortland Lakeview 42, Campbell Memorial 32

Cory-Rawson 78, Ridgeway Ridgemont 68

Creston Norwayne 75, Ashland Mapleton 45

Cuyahoga Hts. 58, Fuchs Mizrachi 46

Dalton 75, Mansfield Temple Christian 51

Defiance Ayersville 58, Liberty Center 44

Elyria Open Door 68, Sheffield Brookside 64

Fairborn 69, Springboro 59

Findlay Liberty-Benton 62, Hamler Patrick Henry 54

Girard 60, New Middletown Spring. 57

Glouster Trimble 87, Belpre 83, 3OT

Hartville Lake Center Christian 74, Can. Heritage Christian 39

Holgate 52, Delta 32

Hudson 50, Wadsworth 37

Kettering Alter 57, Urbana 50

Lakewood St. Edward 99, Cle. Benedictine 77

Lewis Center Olentangy 79, Marysville 59

Loudonville 66, Howard E. Knox 55

Louisville 62, Uniontown Lake 59, OT

Macedonia Nordonia 70, Twinsburg 54

Mansfield Christian 56, Fredericktown 38

Mansfield St. Peter's 73, Lucas 45

Marion Harding 50, Delaware Hayes 45

Massillon Tuslaw 56, Akr. Hoban 36

Medina Buckeye 66, Lodi Cloverleaf 48

Medina Highland 48, Barberton 44

Mogadore 67, Windham 47

Mt. Gilead 59, Bucyrus 43

N. Olmsted 61, Avon Lake 34

Navarre Fairless 55, Millersburg W. Holmes 49

New Riegel 53, Tiffin Calvert 43

New Washington Buckeye Cent. 54, Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 32

Old Fort 63, Carey 54

Ontario 43, Norwalk 39

Parma 61, Brooklyn 44

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Here are Ohio high school girls basketball statewide scores for Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016.

Ada 63, Lima Temple Christian 38

Adrian Lenawee Christian, Mich. 52, Tol. Christian 40

Akr. Manchester 61, Akr. Springfield 57

Akr. SVSM 72, N. Can. Hoover 58

Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 54, Kansas Lakota 44

Bay Village Bay 101, Elyria Cath. 85

Beloit W. Branch 71, Mogadore Field 65

Berea-Midpark 46, Westlake 42

Can. Cent. Cath. 61, Massillon Perry 54

Centerburg 84, Bellville Clear Fork 49

Cin. Summit Country Day 73, Hamilton Badin 42

Cle. E. Tech 75, Cle. Hts. Lutheran E. 63

Clyde 51, Oak Harbor 36

Cortland Lakeview 42, Campbell Memorial 32

Cory-Rawson 78, Ridgeway Ridgemont 68

Creston Norwayne 75, Ashland Mapleton 45

Cuyahoga Hts. 58, Fuchs Mizrachi 46

Dalton 75, Mansfield Temple Christian 51

Defiance Ayersville 58, Liberty Center 44

Elyria Open Door 68, Sheffield Brookside 64

Fairborn 69, Springboro 59

Findlay Liberty-Benton 62, Hamler Patrick Henry 54

Girard 60, New Middletown Spring. 57

Glouster Trimble 87, Belpre 83, 3OT

Hartville Lake Center Christian 74, Can. Heritage Christian 39

Holgate 52, Delta 32

Hudson 50, Wadsworth 37

Kettering Alter 57, Urbana 50

Lakewood St. Edward 99, Cle. Benedictine 77

Lewis Center Olentangy 79, Marysville 59

Loudonville 66, Howard E. Knox 55

Louisville 62, Uniontown Lake 59, OT

Macedonia Nordonia 70, Twinsburg 54

Mansfield Christian 56, Fredericktown 38

Mansfield St. Peter's 73, Lucas 45

Marion Harding 50, Delaware Hayes 45

Massillon Tuslaw 56, Akr. Hoban 36

Medina Buckeye 66, Lodi Cloverleaf 48

Medina Highland 48, Barberton 44

Mogadore 67, Windham 47

Mt. Gilead 59, Bucyrus 43

N. Olmsted 61, Avon Lake 34

Navarre Fairless 55, Millersburg W. Holmes 49

New Riegel 53, Tiffin Calvert 43

New Washington Buckeye Cent. 54, Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 32

Old Fort 63, Carey 54

Ontario 43, Norwalk 39

Parma 61, Brooklyn 44

Parma Hts. Holy Name 71, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 58

Pemberville Eastwood 60, Tol. Ottawa Hills 57

Plain City Jonathan Alder 63, Delaware Buckeye Valley 52

Rocky River 55, Parma Normandy 48

Rossford 66, Maumee 44

Sandusky 62, Tiffin Columbian 35

Shelby 71, Bellevue 63

Streetsboro 57, Canfield 55

Tol. Cent. Cath. 45, Sylvania Northview 31

Upper Sandusky 61, Galion 55

Vermilion 66, Columbia Station Columbia 60

Wooster 89, Massillon Washington 85

Wooster Triway 74, Smithville 60

Chillicothe 47, Circleville 45

McArthur Vinton County 61, Thornville Sheridan 52

Minerva 57, Rayland Buckeye 47

Vincent Warren 66, Athens 33

Washington C.H. Miami Trace 43, Waverly 36

Albany Alexander 68, Bidwell River Valley 32

Lynchburg-Clay 56, McDermott Scioto NW 36

Minford 75, Crooksville 60

Seaman N. Adams 64, Portsmouth W. 53

Woodsfield Monroe Cent. 56, Steubenville Cath. Cent. 49

Ironton St. Joseph 63, Stewart Federal Hocking 50

Leesburg Fairfield 70, Manchester 69

Christian Community School vs. Kingsway Christian, ccd.

Akr. Kenmore vs. Can. Glenoak, ppd. to Feb 18.

Ravenna vs. Canal Fulton Northwest, ppd.

Richmond Hts. vs. Massillon Jackson, ppd.

Alliance vs. Akr. Coventry, ppd. to Feb 17.

Green vs. Akr. Firestone, ppd. to Feb 17.

Kirtland vs. Aurora, ppd. to Feb 20.

Akr. Garfield vs. Cuyahoga Falls CVCA, ppd.

Copley vs. Kent Roosevelt, ppd. to Feb 17.

Madison vs. Mayfield, ppd. to Feb 17.

Warren Lordstown vs. Orwell Grand Valley, ppd.

Burton Berkshire vs. Perry, ppd. to Feb 17.

Berlin Center Western Reserve vs. Rootstown, ppd. to Feb 17.

Newton Falls vs. Mantua Crestwood, ppd. to Feb 18.

New Albany vs. Westerville Cent., ppd. to Feb 17.

Magnolia, W.Va. vs. Hannibal River, ppd. to Feb 17.

Toronto vs. Oak Glen, W.Va., ppd. to Feb 17.

Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant vs. East Carter, Ky., ccd.

No NFL team has sacked the quarterback fewer times than the Browns since 2002.

BEREA, Ohio - Since the Browns' returned to the NFL, quarterbacks have haunted them on both sides of the ball.

The inability to pick them up in the draft and knock them down on game day has been a constant over 17 miserable seasons. So it's not surprising the organization's new brain trust heads to the NFL combine next week looking for a franchise quarterback and a formidable edge rusher. They are arguably the Browns' two biggest needs.

The search for a quality passer is well documented. The frustration in developing a consistent pass rush sometimes gets obscured because of the team's other shortcomings. It must be illuminated, however, especially after watching the Super Bowl-champion Broncos overwhelm Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady and Cam Newton in consecutive playoff games.

The NFL is a passing league and the Browns are ill-equipped to defend it, intimidate it or even throw a scare into it with regularity. The club is dead last in sacks (430) since the league expanded to 32 teams in 2002, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. It got so bad in 2008 that Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware registered more sacks (20) than the entire Browns' defense (17).

Not surprisingly, the Steelers (581), who have won two titles and played in four AFC Championship Games in that 14-year span, are tied for first. Pittsburgh's return to prominence last season was accompanied by more hits on the quarterback, a trait uncharacteristically lacking in recent years.

It's not as though the Browns have ignored this deficiency. They have thrown ample resources toward improving it, getting unlucky with oft-injured Courtney Brown (first overall pick in 2000) and just plain whiffing on Barkevious Mingo (sixth in 2013). Kamerion Wimbley (13^th in 2006) never came close to duplicating his 11-sack rookie season, while 2013 free-agent splash Paul Kruger has enjoyed only one productive campaign.

Related: Paul Kruger frustrated with low sack total

Perhaps the return of defensive coordinator Ray Horton, whose unit generated 40 sacks in 2013, can help revive Kruger's game. The outside linebacker made no attempt to hide his disappointment with how often Jim O'Neil dropped him into coverage last season. Regardless, Horton and the Browns must put more bite in a pass rush that managed just 29 sacks this past year with 16 coming in two wins over the hapless Titans and Niners.

Desmond Bryant had a solid season, but a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme should never lead a team in sacks as he did with six. Second-round pick Nate Orchard finished with a flourish, yet didn't flash enough potential to dissuade the Browns from upgrading the position. Mingo's regression saw him fail to record a sack - he has two since his rookie season - and none of the outside backers were good at setting the edge for the league's worst run defense.

The team's one promising edge rusher, converted defensive lineman Armonty Bryant, is facing felony charges for possession of Adderall and Oxycodone in connection with a Christmas Eve traffic stop. Even if Bryant avoids jail time, the league could suspend him.

Free agency doesn't offer the Browns a realistic high-end fix, which means Horton and new coach Hue Jackson had better get to know their edge rushers in the draft. If the Browns use the second overall pick on a quarterback, they could target a pass rusher at No. 32.

The club has two-plus months to set a draft board, work the combine and rejoin the NFL tradition of attending college "pro days," which former GM Ray Farmer seemed to give up for Lent.

Would Georgia edge rusher Leonard Floyd fall to the Browns with the first pick in the second round? Is Clemson's Kevin Dodd an option? How about intriguing Boise State prospect Kamali Correa?

The Browns have time to formulate a draft plan, and buttressing the pass rush must be part of it. Just like at signal caller, they have missed far too often at a critical position on defense, leaving the Browns to sack almost as many coaches as opposing quarterbacks since 1999.

The former star showed what a player can develop in to. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Evan Turner's halftime speech Tuesday night was too long and difficult to hear in the upper deck as he ran through basically every teammate from his Ohio State career.

This was Turner's moment, his No. 21 unveiled in the rafters at the Schottenstein Center as part of the night honoring Ohio State's former National Player of the Year.

It was awkward, kind of like Turner's career.

Part of coach Thad Matta's video tribute included the story of telling Turner to "grow up or go home."

He was glad Turner stayed. But remember, this was a player nicknamed Evan Turnover at one point during his career, who constantly seemed to be in a battle with himself to maintain his composure. 

That's who Turner was. That's exactly what Ohio State needs now.

Matta pulled off the recruiting coup of his career when he persuaded Indianapolis natives Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Jr., to play in Columbus, and that led to a national title appearance for the Buckeyes in Matta's third season. 

He prospered with a raft of Ohio big men who signed up as Buckeyes, from Kosta Koufos to B.J. Mullens to Jared Sullinger. He mined Ohio for key starters like William Buford, David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Aaron Craft.

And last year he flipped a kid from Kentucky, D'Angelo Russell, into the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft in one season.

But Matta never had a player like Turner, his first Buckeye to see his number raised.

"It was great to follow up (after) being the first player he ever kicked out of practice, too," Turner said after the jersey ceremony Tuesday. "I think I was the first and only player he ever kicked out."

Turner's career wasn't easy. It wasn't assured. There was no guarantee that a three-star recruit from Wisconsin, whose mother wanted him to go to Wisconsin, would develop into anything, much less the best player in college basketball.

Most players who show up in the Ohio State program, no matter how talented they are, will know they aren't going to be Oden or Sullinger or Russell. Few will be All-American quality as freshmen.

But every Buckeye should show up and think he can be Turner - a work in progress who worked out better than either Turner or Matta could have hoped. That should go for current Buckeyes like Keita Bates-Diop, Jae'Sean Tate, Daniel Giddens and JaQuan Lyle.

"Thad means so much to me, and the opportunity he has given me is unreal," Turner said.

He thanked Matta for showing faith and confidence in him while it wasn't easy, even while he was kicking him out of practice. Turner isn't the only player who left Ohio State better than when he arrived, who developed a game along the way that made him a go-to guy. You could add Deshaun Thomas or LaQuinton Ross or Lenzelle Smith to a list like that.

But they weren't Turner. They aren't in the rafters.

"We had some tough times, but he stuck with me," Turner said.

After Tuesday's win over Michigan, Matta and Turner joked with each other that they almost had to delay the start of the second half because the speech went on so long.

It wasn't perfect. Sometimes, it's better that way.

ICYMI: @OhioStAthletics raised 2010 national player of the year @thekidet's No. 21 to the rafters last night. https://t.co/TVyNCvoYD2

-- Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) February 17, 2016

The Cleveland Browns announced today that they will honor Jim Brown with a statue at FirstEnergy Stadium. Brown is celebrating his 80th birthday today. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Brown received a special 80th birthday present today when the Cleveland Browns announced they will erect a statue in his image during the team's 2016 Alumni Weekend.

The statue will stand outside of the southeast corner of FirstEnergy Stadium.

Jim Brown remains relevant

The Browns announced the news in a team release.

"Everyone admires the incredible impact that Jim Brown has made for Cleveland, the Browns and the NFL throughout his lifetime, and we have had the special opportunity to know and learn from his contributions to our team on a personal level, as well," said owner Jimmy Haslam and his wife Dee.

"It is only fitting that one of the most iconic professional football players and members of Cleveland and the Browns is commemorated with this statue as he will always be such a permanent fixture in our city."

The statue will become the first replica of Brown, outside of the historical marker in Mount Pleasant, his bust at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and his image in the Ring of Honor at First Energy Stadium.

For many, a statue is long overdue for Brown, who retired from the Browns after the 1965 season as the league's single-season, career rushing and touchdowns leader. Councilman Zack Reed, responsible for the historical marker in Mount Pleasant, was overjoyed when told about the news of the statue.

"This was long overdue," Reed said. "I'm happy. Thanks to the Haslams for making this happen. Jim Brown is looked up to by so many people whether they're in sports, politics or any other walk of life. ... I will definitely be there when they unveil the statue. I won't miss it." 

The same Brown who still holds several records, including the only rusher in NFL history to average more than 100 yards per game for a career. He also helped the city when its last championship in 1964.

"It humbles me to be honored in this manner," said Jim Brown in the same release. "Dee and Jimmy Haslam, thank you for the respect and love. Your investment in Cleveland is unparalleled. To the fans of the Cleveland Browns, I guess I'll always be with you - thank you."

Ohio State released Studrawa's salary on Wednesday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- New Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa will make $400,000 this season according to contract details released by Ohio State on Wednesday.

Studrawa hasn't signed an official contract, but according to the terms of his employment detailed in two pages, he'll work under a two-year deal, which is the norm for Ohio State assistants.

Going off the salaries of OSU assistants from last season, Studrawa should rank seventh among the nine OSU assistants in salary. The contract of new co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano hasn't been released by Ohio State, but as a former head coach in college and the NFL, and as a co-coordinator, he'll certainly make more than Studrawa.

Here's what the other OSU assistants made last season, and where Studrawa fits. Expect similar salaries for most of them this season.

$640,000 Luke Fickell, co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach

$600,000 Ed Warinner, offensive coordinator/tight ends coach

$525,000 Tim Beck, quarterbacks coach

$410,000 Larry Johnson, defensive line coach

$400,000 Tony Alford, running backs coach

$400,000 Greg Studrawa, offensive line coach

$350,000 Kerry Coombs, cornerbacks coach

$220,000 Zach Smith, receivers coach

TV schedule, live stream and preview for Team USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada vs. Costa Rica in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semifinals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The U.S. women's national soccer team plays Trinidad and Tobago on Friday in the CONCACAF semifinals. Canada plays Costa Rica in the other semifinal. The winners earn berths in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Here are the times, TV listings, live streaming information, previews and other details:

USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago

What: Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) women's soccer semifinal.

At stake: Semifinal winners automatically qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The CONCACAF final is Sunday.

When: Friday, 8:30 p.m. Eastern

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

Live stream: nbcsports.com/live-extra

TV: NBCSN and NBC Universo

Notable

• Team USA won Group A with a 3-0-0 record and outscored its opponents, 16-0.
• The U.S. beat Puerto Rico, 10-0, on Monday night. Crystal Dunn scored a team record-tying five goals.
• After Trinidad beat Guyana, 5-1, the team achieved its goal of advancing past group play.
• The U.S. beat Trinidad, 1-0, in a 2014 CONCACAF World Cup qualifier.
• Team USA is the defending World Cup and Olympic champion. It has won the last three Olympic tournaments and four of five.
• The U.S. has never lost a match in Olympic qualifying.
• Other teams that have qualified for the Olympics are Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand.

Canada vs. Costa Rica

What: Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) women's soccer semifinal.

At stake: Semifinal winners automatically qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The CONCACAF final is Sunday.

When: Friday, 5:30 p.m. Eastern

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

Live stream: nbcsports.com/live-extra

TV: NBC Universo

Notable

• Canada's Rebecca Quinn and Nichelle Prince each had a hat trick in a 10-0 victory against Guatemala on Tuesday.
• Canada rested Christine Sinclair Tuesday. On Sunday, she scored her 159th goal and passed Mia Hamm for second in women's soccer history. Abby Wambach is No. 1 with 184 goals.
• Canada won bronze at the 2012 Olympics. It played host to the 2015 World Cup, and was upset by England in the quarterfinals.

Final

• When: Sunday, 5 p.m. Eastern.
• TV:NBC Universo. (Tape-delayed on NBCSN at 11:00 p.m.)
• Live stream: nbcsports.com/live-extra

Nine ACC teams are considered NCAA Tournament caliber with eight in line for potential tournament bids. And this is not the No. 1 basketball conference in the country.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There is little argument that the No. 1 college basketball conference in the country this season is the Big 12. But if you are following the projections for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the tournament selection committee is about to give a lot of love to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Nine ACC teams are considered tournament worthy, although Louisville's self imposed tournament ban for this season trims that list to eight.

Compare that list to just six teams for the Big 12, or any other power conference. Even for the 15-team ACC, that is a very large number to embrace and would account for a huge chunk of the 68-team field.

The question is not whether, individually, Associated Press Top 25 teams North Carolina, Duke, Notre Dame, Virginia and Miami are worthy.

It's the tag-alongs -- Clemson, Syracuse and Pitt -- that raise an eyebrow.  How do they rank?

First, let's look at league-leading North Carolina (21-4, 10-2) as a baseline.

Half of the Tar Heels conference wins have come against the bottom five teams in the league standings that have just 12 ACC wins between them. Nearly half of those (five) belong to Virginia Tech (13-12, 5-7).

So what qualifies the tag-alongs for the NCAA field, if even the top ACC records are padded from the bottom up?

Syracuse (18-8, 8-5) -- The Orangemen probably count St. Bonaventure -- a fringe bubble team -- as their best non-conference win and that was at home. Of their eight conference wins, five have come against the bottom feeders. Road games at Louisville and at North Carolina will likely show if Syracuse is truly worthy.

Pittsburgh (18-7, 7-6) -- The Panthers have no quality non-conference wins to speak of, and are 4-1 against the five ACC bottom feeders with two games left against them, both on the road. Can't lose either of those. But back-to-back home games next week with Louisville and Duke could be an ever bigger measuring stick.

Clemson (15-10, 8-5) -- The Tigers NCAA at-large hopes are strictly ACC related. Three consecutive home court wins over ranked teams Louisville, Duke and Miami is where Clemson hangs its hat, along with another home court win vs. Pitt and a road win at Syracuse. What's it prove? Clemson is tough on its home court, but that is about it.

Five of its last six games are against those ACC bottom feeders, with three of them on the road. Even if Clemson's record improves, and the Tigers get another quality home win over Virginia, is that really enough for an NCAA Tournament slot?

Right now, a lot of folks think so, along with Syracuse and Pittsburgh.

Brown turned 80 on Wednesday.

Cleveland Browns legend and Hall-of-Famer Jim Brown turned 80 on Wednesday. The team's all-time leading rusher is considered by many to be the greatest running back of all-time.

Related: Watch highlights of Jim Brown

Of course, when you're the greatest at something -- or close to it -- some significant people are going to wish you a happy birthday. Take a look at some of the celebrities, former and current players and others who took time out to wish the former running back well wishes on his birthday.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes. At this stage in my life, friendships and humanity are so clear...#blessed pic.twitter.com/rmPzGwHIxV

-- Jim Brown (@JimBrownNFL32) February 17, 2016

Happy Birthday to my friend @JimBrownNFL32 The man that all of us running backs inspired to be on & off the field. #HappyBirthdayJimBrown

-- Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) February 16, 2016

Happy 80th Birthday to @ProFootballHOF and @Browns legend @JimBrownNFL32! pic.twitter.com/zhGg6Q7Z7W

-- NFL (@NFL) February 17, 2016

As a kid growing up in Cleveland, we'd walk past your crib. Proud. Excited! Dreaming! Happy birthday @JimBrownNFL32. pic.twitter.com/NnGT4jrwEM

-- Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) February 17, 2016

Happy 80th Bday to @JimBrownNFL32 You are and always have been awesome! Much love!!!#HappyBirthdayJimBrown

-- Laila Ali (@TheRealLailaAli) February 17, 2016

80?? No way!! @JimBrownNFL32? #HappyBirthdayJimBrown
The Peetes love you, Jim! [?] [?] [?] pic.twitter.com/SjktKpKyaP

-- Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) February 17, 2016

Happy 80th Birthday to the [?] @JimBrownNFL32 pic.twitter.com/d3SAiYJwcB

-- NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) February 17, 2016

Happy 80th birthday to @JimBrownNFL32!

The [?] turns 80 today. Wow.

-- Rich Eisen (@richeisen) February 17, 2016

Dawg Pound, celebrate the GOAT! Use #HappyBirthdayJimBrown to wish @JimBrownNFL32 a Happy 80th Birthday. https://t.co/6IXeJkNxLa

-- Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 17, 2016

Michael Jordan, Jim Brown. One turns 53 today. The other 80.

But the greatness of both will live on for the ages. pic.twitter.com/QvzO4lfQle

-- ESPN (@espn) February 17, 2016

Happy Birthday to @NFL legend @JimBrownNFL32! pic.twitter.com/C2kscmUmjf

-- OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) February 17, 2016

happy birthday to the GOAT @JimBrownNFL32

-- michael symon (@chefsymon) February 17, 2016

Happy birthday to a great legend and HALL OF FAMER @JimBrownNFL32. I can't wait to watch this special tonight on @nflnetwork.

-- Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) February 17, 2016

I just want to recognize the great @JimBrownNFL32 on his special day. #HappyBirthdayJimBrown @NFL #LegendsoftheGame

-- Giovani Bernard (@G_Bernard25) February 17, 2016

Happy birthday to Michael Jordan and Jim Brown The Cleveland great Jim Brown

-- Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) February 17, 2016

Happy Birthday Jim Brown

-- Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) February 17, 2016

Power forward Kevin Love and point guard Matthew Dellavedova participated in Wednesday's practice session and are listed as probable for Thursday's nationally televised game.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - The Cleveland Cavaliers might be whole come Thursday against the Chicago Bulls at The Q.

Power forward Kevin Love and point guard Matthew Dellavedova participated in Wednesday's practice session and are listed as probable for Thursday, which will be TNT's showcase game.

Love suffered a left shoulder contusion in the team's final game before the All-Star break against the Los Angeles Lakers. It looked more serious at the time, being it was the same shoulder he dislocated in last year's playoffs.

After the game, Love told media members he was good and didn't expect to miss any time.

Dellavedova has been sidelined five games with a left hamstring injury. His absence was due more to the team being cautious than being unable to perform.

Head coach Tyronn Lue all along wanted Dellavedova to get as much rest as possible. It is expected that both players will suit up.

Chicago has won the two previous games this season between the teams.

Here's the skinny on spring training for the Indians in Goodyear, Arizona and the Cactus League.

What: Indians spring training.

Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona.

Reporting dates: Pitchers and catchers reported to camp Wednesday, will take their physicals Thursday and go through their first workout Friday. Position players are scheduled to report Sunday, take their physicals Monday and participate in the first full-squad workout Tuesday.

Key dates: The Cactus League opener against Cincinnati is March 1 at 3:05 p.m. ET. The Indians break camp on March 31 and travel to Globe Life Park in Arlington to play two games against the Rangers on April 1 and April 2 before returning to Cleveland to open the regular season April 4 against Boston at Progressive Field.

Manager: Terry Francona begins his fourth year as manager. His record is 258-227.

Coaching staff: Last year's staff was retained as Brad Mills, bench coach, Sandy Alomar, first base coach, Mike Sarbaugh, third base coach, Mickey Callaway, pitching coach, Ty Van Burkleo, hitting coach, Matt Quatraro, assistant hitting coach and Jason Bere, bullpen coach, are back.

Practice: Practice is open to the public and usually starts at 9:30 a.m. The Indians practice at their training facility, not at Goodyear Ballpark. The training facility is about a mile from the ballpark.

Tickets: For ticket information go to Indians.com or call the Goodyear Ballpark ticket office at 623-882-3130.

Radio/TV: Fox SportsTime Ohio will televise eight games this spring: March 1, 2 and 3 against the Reds, March 5 against San Francisco, March 8 against Seattle, March 23 against Kansas City, March 25 against Arizona and March 27 against Milwaukee.

The Indians' radio network WTAM/1100, WMMS/100.7 and 99X (99.1FM) will broadcast 15 Cactus League games.

Who's coming? Forty-man roster.

Who else is coming? Spring training invitees.

Coming off a dismal 3-13 season, the Browns are keeping ticket prices the same for 2016.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam informed season ticket holders in a letter Wednesday that they're not raising prices this season for the seventh time in eight years, assuring them "we are fully committed to providing you a winning football organization that properly represents you, our great city and fans.''

In addition to not raising prices, limited sections will actually see a decrease.
The Browns are coming off a 3-13 season, including a 2-6 record at home. During the season-ending 28-12 loss to the Steelers, more Pittsburgh supporters were left in the stands at the end than Browns fans.

In their letter, the Haslams pointed to new coach Hue Jackson as a reason for hope.

"Hue is passionate, competitive and driven to succeed, all of which are important attributes towards building an expectation of winning but that also reflects you as a Browns fan,'' they wrote.

They also cited two draft picks in the first 32 for an infusion of new talent.

The Browns raised ticket prices in 2015 for the first time in seven years when they were coming off a promising 7-9 season. Before that they were 31st out 32 teams in average ticket prices.

Home opponents for 2016 are the Cowboys, Giants, Patriots, Jets, Chargers, Ravens, Bengals and Steelers.

Related: Hue Jackson: 'We're chasing greatness'

Here is the full letter sent to season ticket holders:

Dear Season Ticket Member,

While we were faced with difficult decisions at the end of the 2015 season, we immediately focused our attention on finding strong, smart leaders with high character who would be relentless in their efforts to advance our football team. We knew it was necessary to find the right individuals who would embrace collaboration and be comprehensive in all areas as we implement a more effective approach to create short and long-term success.

As we strive to establish that for Cleveland, hiring Head Coach Hue Jackson was a critical step in building the winning environment that the Browns and you as a season ticket member deserve. We are confident in Hue and his ability to make intelligent choices and lead our players to reach their full potential. This was evident from our in-depth conversations with him, as well as the vast support from the NFL players, coaches and staff who have benefited from his contributions during their careers. Hue is passionate, competitive and driven to succeed, all of which are important attributes towards building an expectation of winning but that also reflects you as a Browns fan.

As we have begun making the necessary changes for 2016, we are excited about the opportunities for our team to grow and develop by empowering respected leaders in our front office and adding to the talent of our players, including through having two of the first 32 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Your support and loyalty to the Browns is beyond compare, and as the stewards of this franchise, we take to heart the task of rewarding your incredible passion. We are fully committed to providing you a winning football organization that properly represents you, our great city and fans.

We are devoted to making significant improvements and giving you a team that you can be proud of for years to come. We greatly respect and appreciate your unmatched dedication to the Browns, especially during home games in 2016 that will feature our AFC North rivals, along with premier matchups against the Cowboys, Patriots and Giants.

Respectfully yours,

Dee and Jimmy Haslam

Fifty years after walking away from the game, Brown's legacy is as difficult to tackle as the running back in his prime.

BEREA, Ohio - Legendary Jim Brown leaned against a bar in a crowded Public Square tavern last month before the annual Cleveland Sports Awards and watched the world come to him as it has for more than 50 years.

Other athletic greats were in attendance, but none commanded the same attention. Captains of commerce excitedly shook his hand and asked if their wives could get a picture with the Hall of Famer. A month shy of his 80^th birthday, Brown's gravitational pull remained as irresistible as ever.

Two reporters stood waiting to speak with him about Johnny Manziel. The troubled Browns quarterback had exhausted almost all his goodwill with local fans because of numerous transgressions. Manziel still had one famous supporter in Brown.

"To be honest, I don't want to see him traded or anything like that," Brown said days before Manziel's latest domestic incident in Dallas all but sealed his fate with the franchise. "I just never feel that's the answer to anything. But that's my opinion and I don't expect you to feel that way. I like Johnny."

It would have been easy for Brown to sidestep the question or join the growing chorus of those who think football should be the least of Manziel's concerns. Brown doesn't do easy, though. Never has.

Fifty years after walking away from the game, Brown's legacy is as difficult to tackle as the running back in his prime. He is fabled and flawed, one of the most complex figures in sports history. His greatness on the gridiron is undeniable. His history off the field is complicated. He's a man who's fought for social justice and against allegations that he's abused women.

Brown is hard to define or label, and as the sports world recognizes his 80^th birthday we must make peace with that fact. Even in the autumn of his life, he makes a lot of people uncomfortable. In some ways, that's an admirable quality. In other ways, not so much.

Related: Browns will honor Jim Brown with a statue

Wednesday, tributes poured in for the franchise's greatest player. The team announced plans to unveil a statue of Brown, who's had an on-again, off-again relationship with the organization he currently advises. New coach Hue Jackson recently called him a "humanitarian" and said he values his insights.

The NFL Network aired an hour-long special on No. 32's impact on football and society. On the same day, however, the sports website, The Big Lead, published a story detailing Brown's litany of off-field problems since 1965. It's an unsavory roll call of incidents and allegations that range from choking a golf partner to physically assaulting various women. The story referenced a CNN.com timeline of Brown's accomplishments and missteps.

In a 1994, a Plain Dealer reporter asked Brown about his treatment of women:

"I'm not going to go over all that dried-up s--- about women I supposedly beat up . . . Anything I did regarding the law is part of the record."

As the NFL vows to take a tougher stand against domestic violence some wonder if Brown could have played and survived in today's era of social media and viral videos. Then again, sports' halls of fame teem with immortals tethered to dubious deeds. The past has a way of catching up to everyone as Peyton Manning is learning.

Brown remains a polarizing celebrity, a product of the turbulent 1960s in which he came of age. The running back confronted controversial topics such as race relations the same way he did middle linebackers - head on.

He spearheaded voter registration drives in the segregated South and helped minority entrepreneurs through the Black Industrial and Economic Union. He brokered peace on violent Los Angeles streets talking with gang members, and has empowered countless youngsters through his Amer-I-Can program. It's through this prism he still sees hope for Manziel.

Along with Muhammad Ali, Brown ranks among the most influential and important athletes of his time. His words still resonate with today's superstars.

A statue of Brown outside of FirstEnergy Stadium is long overdue - and not just because he led Cleveland to its last title in 1964. Hopefully, it sparks conversation about the role of athletes in society. The good and the bad. His imperfections are as vital to the narrative as all the rushing yards and social change he championed.

With Jim Brown, it's always complicated. Just like life itself.

A case can be made that players are abusing the national platform given the rock star Cavaliers to further enhance personal businesses over team success.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Cavaliers are a talented group, the true dominant force in the Eastern Conference.

But they're a collection of individuals trying to walk the fine line of balancing their own off-the-court ventures against unifying to cultivate a championship culture.

There are too many individual brands on this team. Head coach Tyronn Lue stated that when he took over, but it's not just about LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. You'd have to throw J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert in the mix as well.

Smith has clothing apparel called "Team Swish," which has its own customized logo. Shumpert has a rap career that he takes extremely seriously and a clothing line called "Post 90" that features a silhouette of his head with "90" in the middle for the year he was born.

Both sport their personalized attire. You can order from their respective websites a sweater, T-shirt, hat or coffee mug. They're not shy about promoting their brands.

But a case can be made that players are abusing the national platform given the rock star Cavaliers to further enhance personal businesses over team success.

This is what one league executive speculated during the All-Star Weekend in Toronto.

"There's too much off-the-court stuff going on in that locker room," a general manager told cleveland.com on the condition of anonymity. "Too many players trying to be seen and heard for the wrong reasons."

Out west, you don't see San Antonio or Golden State players going out of their way to self-promote. They're unified and zoned in on obtaining that Larry O'Brien Trophy. Nothing else matters.

James is a corporation. His basketball resume has allowed him to maximize his earning potential, but he doesn't allow those endeavors to take him away from clocking in countless hours on the hardwood. His work ethic is unmatched. Others? Not so much.

The Cavaliers are listening to all trade propositions, cleveland.com is told. The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m.

With the exception of James and Irving, no player is off the table. Cleveland's conference-leading 38-14 record is a bit misleading. They're not of championship mettle right now. It's going to take more than just time together to catch up with the Warriors and Spurs.

Winning the East isn't good enough. Expectations have been elevated. Owner Dan Gilbert isn't forking out nearly $170 million to finish in second place.

Maybe a roster tweaking is needed. But if not, a renewed commitment to a team-first attitude is in order. All the nationally televised games, exposure and time sharing James' spotlight have their benefits. But it also can present challenges that some players haven't yet managed appropriately.

In another year, the Cavaliers might still be the title favorites just as they were before the season began. But nobody expected the Warriors to take such a gigantic leap. It's going to take more than just a collection of talented individuals to dethrone the defending champs.

It's going to require a total, bought-in team effort. Do the Cavaliers have what it takes?

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James shares a special bond with Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh, one that extends far beyond the basketball court.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James shares a special bond with Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh, one that extends far beyond the basketball court. 

That's why when James was asked about Bosh, who is dealing with another blood clot scare, the sadness was written all over his face. 

"There's nothing really I can say to make things better for him," James said following Wednesday's practice. "I texted him today and told him I was sorry and I hate that he has to go through this again.

"Guy means so much to not only the Heat family but his personal family as well. Just a great guy, a professional, a great guy and for something like this to happen to him after he was cleared, it just sucks. It sucks big time. His health is the No. 1 care and obviously basketball comes secondary to what he's going through right now. It's just tough."

Bosh was in Toronto over the weekend for the All-Star Game festivities. He was slated to be a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad while also participating in the Three-Point Contest. But he was abruptly ruled out of both events with what was then being called a strained right calf. 

The specific details on Bosh's latest health problem remain scarce. He missed practice on Wednesday and will not travel with the Heat to their first game back from the All-Star break on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, the team announced.

According to the Miami Herald, Bosh is back on blood thinners to treat the clotting in his calf. But unlike last year, when he missed the second half of the season with blood clots in his lungs and an infection that caused fluid to be backed up in his chest, Bosh reportedly didn't need to stay in the hospital early this week, as the clots haven't traveled to that area of his body. 

James and Bosh teamed up, alongside Miami stalwart Dwyane Wade, in the summer of 2010, forming the most impressive trio in recent NBA history. The Miami Big Three won two NBA championships in four years before James' announced his return to Cleveland during the 2014 off-season. 

Wade, like James, shared his support for Bosh on Instagram. 

23 combine AllStars.. I would say we are pretty good.. I haven't met many as tough as @chrisbosh #heatnation #ibelieve

A photo posted by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Feb 17, 2016 at 9:47am PST

There's no word on when, or if, Bosh will return to the court this season. In his 13th NBA season, the versatile power forward is averaging 19.1 points per game. 

Willie Jackson scored a game-high 21 points, while Frankie Hughes and Braun Hartfield each added 16 to lead Garfield Heights.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Garfield Heights avoided a second straight boys basketball loss Wednesday night and closed its regular season with a 66-60 home win against St. Ignatius.

The Bulldogs (18-4), ranked fourth in the cleveland.com Top 25, rebounded from a loss Friday to Division III-power Beachwood and gave coach Sonny Johnson is 200th career victory.

Willie Jackson scored a game-high 21 points, while Frankie Hughes and Braun Hartfield each added 16. Matt Davet scored 13 points to lead No. 6 St. Ignatius (14-6), which also came off a weekend loss at Massillon Jackson.

The Wildcats, though, have another chance to end their skid before next week’s postseason. They play host Saturday to rival St. Edward. Those teams also are the top seeds in the upcoming Division I Strongsville District tournament.

Garfield Heights, which is ranked ninth in this week’s Associated Press Division I state poll, is the top seed at Solon. It build a 32-23 halftime lead Wednesday on St. Ignatius, but the Wildcats quickly answered with a 10-point run in the third quarter.

The Bulldogs regained control, but their lead was slight. A Ryan Berger 3-pointer cut St. Ignatius’ deficit to three with about a minute remaining. Before that basket, Garfield Heights slowly extended its lead with two Hartfield trips to the free-throw line.

Hughes’ steal with about 22 seconds left ended the Wildcats’ threat and extended Garfield Heights’ lead to the final score.

Earlier reports stated the Cavs' interest in Orlando's Channing Frye. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Cavs are still in the mix for the stretch forward.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA rumor mill continues to churn as the trade deadline fast approaches. Deep into the night, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be one of the most active teams. 

Earlier reports stated their interest in Orlando's Channing Frye, who appeared bound for Los Angeles. However, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Cavs are still in the mix for the stretch forward. 

ESPN sources say Cavaliers have made an offer featuring Anderson Varejao for Channing Frye in an attempt to pre-empt Clippers' deal for Frye

-- Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016

While the Cavs could still put together another package for Frye -- one that includes their $10 million trade exception -- Anderson Varejao doesn't appeal to Orlando, according to USA Today's Sam Amick.

I'm told the Magic don't plan on accepting the Anderson Varejao-for-Channing Frye offer from Cleveland that @ESPNSteinLine reported.

-- Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 18, 2016

Frye was asked Wednesday about the possibility of being traded and didn't offer much. 

"I think what happens between me and upper management is kind of between us," he said, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. "I'm here. I came to practice today. I had a good practice. I'm just focused on the Magic and just kind of focusing on what's going on right now. If something happens we'll kind of approach that. But the league is a funny, fickle place."

Cavs eyeing Ryan Anderson

While the Cavs continue to be involved in discussions for Frye, they are also focused on another target with a similar skill set: New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson.

The Cavaliers are showing strong interest in acquiring Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson, sources said.

-- Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) February 17, 2016

The Pelicans have been fielding numerous calls for the three-point specialist, who has also been linked to Detroit, Washington and possibly the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Love rumors continue

The Cavs pursuit of Anderson remains clear. It's also pretty apparent that rumors centering on Kevin Love, the third member of Cleveland's Big Three, won't fade.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News -- who first mentioned the possibility of a three-team blockbuster involving the Cavs, Knicks and Celtics for Carmelo Anthony -- is still hearing the Cavs haven't yet shut down Love talks. 

Cleveland remains very active. Cavs in talks with Pelicans about Ryan Anderson. A 3-team deal that includes Kevin Love still in play.

-- Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 17, 2016

That tweet seems to point to two separate pursuits.

However, Sherrod Blakely, the Celtics Insider for Comcast Sportsnet New England, is adding to Isola's speculation about Love. Blakely points to a scenario in which the Cavs adding Anderson would help Boston's long-time pursuit of Love in a three-team deal.

"The particulars of the deal are still in the discussion phase, but the end result if it comes to pass would send Love to Boston, according to a league source. The deal is still "very fragile" at this point, but it does provide Boston the best shot it has had in landing a player the Celtics have coveted for some time now. 

Boston has spent a significant amount of time in recent weeks trying to convince the Cavs to part ways with Love, only to be rebuffed. The Celtics have pursued bringing a third team into the mix as a way of sweetening the deal to Cleveland's liking."

McLemore on the move?

Our Chris Haynes reported on the Cavs' interest in Kings shooting guard Ben McLemore recently. Unhappy in Sacramento and seemingly falling out of favor, McLemore, a first-round pick in 2013, could be moved before Thursday afternoon.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, there are other teams besides the Cavs intrigued.

I'm told Chicago and Minnesota have interest in Ben @BenMcLemore

-- Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 18, 2016

Brook Lopez staying in Brooklyn?

At the center of trade speculation the last two years and with the Nets morphing into one of the most dysfunctional teams in the league, it looked like this was going to be the year for Lopez to get traded. But Chris Mannix from The Vertical is hearing otherwise.  

As the deadline gets closer, interest in Nets center Brook Lopez has been nonexistent. Doesn't matter: Ownership wants to keep him around.

-- Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) February 18, 2016

Perhaps not having a general manager plays a part in the decision. 

Kevin Martin wants out of Minnesota

Martin returned to practice on Wednesday and is hoping by Thursday he's no longer with the Timberwolves.

The 33-year-old swingman, who is one of Minnesota's most likely trade chips, is in the midst of one of the worst seasons of his career. His minutes are down from 33.4 per night to 22.6 and he's started just 12 of the 35 games in which he played. 

According to Yahoo Sports, he's hoping to play for a contender. 

Wolves' Kevin Martin is hopeful to be traded to a winning team as reward for his professionalism & mentoring of young teammates, source said

-- Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) February 17, 2016

Houston staying aggressive

Last year's Western Conference finalist could go a number of different directions at the deadline, especially after falling out of the playoff picture.

They continue their search for a Dwight Howard trade partner. But they are also looking to move on from troubled point guard Ty Lawson. The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting the Jazz are one team with interest. 

The Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets are discussing a deal that would send Trey Burke out for Ty Lawson, league sources tell The Tribune

-- Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) February 17, 2016

for this trade to go through, the Jazz would have to add a player to the deal. Burke and Lawson's salaries don't match

-- Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) February 17, 2016

Sources tell the Tribune the Jazz have been interested in potentially acquiring Lawson for a few weeks

-- Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) February 17, 2016

On the first day of spring training for the Indians on Wednesday, Michael Brantley took some dry swings in the batting cage to test his surgically repaired right shoulder. GM Mike Chernoff and hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo were encouraged.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Not much happens on the first day of spring training when pitchers and catchers report, but Michael Brantley changed the script Wednesday when he took some swings in the batting cage at the Indians' spring training site in Goodyear, Arizona.

Brantley was taking only dry swings, so there were no pitches coming his way. He was simply swinging his bat through air to test his surgically repaired right shoulder. For someone who is expected to open the season on the disabled list and not return until late April or early May, it was an encouraging day.

MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reported the news from Goodyear.

Hitting coach Ty Van Burkleo, who watched Brantley swing, told Bastian, "It's a good sign to see that he's this far along in his rehab, that he's able to go out and take dry swings. And he's getting closer to transitioning to hitting off a tee and doing the stages to getting to where he's taking batting practice, and then getting in a game. It's encouraging to see where he's at. He's done a really good job of rehabbing it and getting it to where he's at this point."

Getting Brantley back earlier than expected would be good for the Indians defensively and offensively. It would be especially good offensively because Brantley has been the Indians' most consistent hitter over the last three years. If Brantley could step back into the No.3 spot ahead of schedule, it would allow manager Terry Francona to keep the top of the order - Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Brantley - intact instead of scrambling it to fill Brantley's spot.

At Tribe Fest in January, Francona said reports on Brantley's shoulder were encouraging, but he was still cautious.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_indians_outfielder_m_6.html#incart_river_index

GM Mike Chernoff, in a text message Wednesday, said, "Each step of his rehab has been encouraging although not surprising given his diligence and work."

Chernoff added that Brantley's timeline for recovery has not changed.

Brantley injured the shoulder on Sept. 22 trying to make a diving catch against the Twins at Target Field. For the season he hit .310 (164-for-529) with an AL-high 45 doubles, 15 homers and 84 RBI. He scored 68 runs in 137 games and stole 15 bases in 16 attempts.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2016/02/what_does_outfield_for_clevela.html#incart_river_index

Finally: Right-hander Ryan Webb, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, is close to signing with the Rays. In 40 appearances last year for the Indians, Webb went 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 50 2/3 innings.

The Indians had four free agents at the end of last season with Webb, Gavin Floyd, Mike Aviles and Ryan Raburn. Floyd and Aviles signed big-league deals with Toronto and Detroit, respectively.

As the clock ticks toward Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, LeBron James' focus is elsewhere.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- As the clock continues to tick toward Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline and with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the center of the chatter -- linked to New Orleans three-point specialist Ryan Anderson and Orlando's Channing Frye, among others -- LeBron James' focus is elsewhere.

"For me, control what you can control and that's not something none of us can control what happens," James said following the first practice since the All-Star break. "The trade deadline happens every year and there's teams that make moves, teams that don't make moves. We're all here to find out what happens and if there's nothing we'll be ready to go. But I'm in the mindset that I'm ready to get these guys for tomorrow and the Bulls game."

The Cavaliers made two separate transformative deals a little more than a year ago, acquiring Timofey Mozgov as well as J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. It helped push them two wins from an NBA championship. This year could be just as busy, as the Cavs search for another piece to help them close the gap on the top team in the league, the 48-win Golden State Warriors.

Mozgov and Shumpert are two names that have been floated as potential trade chips. Rumblings have also included Kevin Love and even Anderson Varejao, whose minutes have been sporadic for most of the season.

"I'm not involved," Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue said Wednesday when asked about his role. "Whoever we have, that's who I have to coach. I stay out of that."

Despite early injuries and a coaching change, the Cavaliers will begin the post-All-Star portion of the schedule as the East's clear-cut favorite. They're sitting atop the conference, holding a three-game edge on the surprising Toronto Raptors.

The Cavs have been active, but could just as easily choose to stand pat, play it out with their pricey and currently healthy roster.

"It still doesn't guarantee," James said. "We got everyone here. Our only concern is being injury free. It's all we can worry about. Guys came here today and they worked as if nothing was going on or any speculation was going on. That's the case of true professionals. We had a great, hell of a practice today."

When the team reassembled, Lue didn't feel it necessary to address the importance of ignoring the noise. 

"The guys came in and responded well. That wasn't a problem at all," Lue said. "It's the nature of the business. It's unfortunate, but it happens."

Lue, however, attempted to convey a different message.

"We just have to keep pushing forward," he said. "We don't have a lot of time -- 30 games left. We just have to continue to get better. We have to continue to try to get home-court advantage in the East."

There's plenty of work before the Cavs get to that point and with the schedule so tight (30 games in 56 days), the limited practice time becomes even more important.

"It's all about the mental side for our team," James said. "The physical is going to take care of itself, but mentally if we engage, we can be very, very good and when we're not engaged, we can lose a lot of ballgames."

The Cavs finished the first half with three wins and James was disappointed at the timing of the break. He believed the team was starting to play really well, with the consistency he's demanded since the beginning of the season. 

The defensive end of the floor, however, will continue to be a point of emphasis. The Cavs have allowed eight of 11 teams to reach at least 100 points since Lue took over on Jan. 23, falling from second in average points allowed to fourth.

"Getting back to having a defensive foundation, being better defensively," Lue said. "I think now we're starting to push the ball. We're starting to score the ball a lot more, continue to move the ball, not get stagnant when things get hard or things get tough for us. It's the same thing we've been preaching from Day One.

"If we continue to do that, continue to get better, we'll get better and better going into the playoffs."

Friday's Kent State-Akron basketball matchup could be the first of three over the next seven games between the two Northeast Ohio rivals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Kent State vs. Akron rivalry is marking its 100th annual confrontation to the day, Feb. 19, 1916, with the first game won by the Zips, 37-17.

The matchup has been closely competitive ever since, with Kent taking a 72-71 series lead into Friday's game (6 p.m., ESPNU) in the M.A.C. Center.

Here are five things I think about the matchup.

1. Injuries abound: Both teams are ailing. For Akron, 6-11 Pat Forsythe (shoulder), guard Josh Williams (ankle), center Isaiah Johnson (ankle) and forward Jake Kretzer (wrist/back) are all hobbling.

Kent will be playing its eighth straight game without guard Jaylin Walker (foot) and seventh straight without guard Xavier Pollard (foot), two of KSU's top four scorers when they went down.

2. Isaiah Johnson, Akron: The 6-10, 275-pound center has blossomed into a huge force. His presence inside demands double-teams, which means Akron's small sharp-shooting guards have plenty of room to fire away on the perimeter. Johnson has rarely played more than 25 minutes a game, but when he is on the court his impact is huge, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.  

Kent State's Jimmy Hall (35) has been the top power forward in the Mid-American Conference this season. Thomas Ondrey/The Plain Dealer 

3. Jimmy Hall, Kent State: Despite his strong overall numbers (16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds), this has been a rough season for Hall, the clear No. 1 power forward in the conference. His efforts have been more strained than dominant, due in part to injuries to his teammates. Hall's best performances have come on nights when he has had four or more assists. But that has only happened once in conference play.

4. What's at stake: With a two-game lead and three straight at home to end the season, Akron looks like the 2016 MAC champs even if they get upset by KSU. But already beset with nagging injuries and the injury bug dominant around the conference, the Zips should not waste this opportunity to take out their wounded rival.

Kent State, some how, some way, likely needs at least three more victories to be in the mix for a MAC Tournament first-round bye. This is the first of the final five games on the schedule, with only two at home. Clearly, the deck is stacked. But if the Flashes can somehow win their two home games, including this one over favored Akron, finding one more win on the road would not be insurmountable.

5. Absolutely terrible: Somebody needs to be called on the carpet in the MAC office for scheduling the first game of the biggest basketball rivalry in the league so late in the season. Traditionally, all MAC basketball rivalry games have been played the last week in January and the last week of the season. Win or lose, Akron-Kent is always emotionally draining and carries huge implications.

But there is normally time to recover/rebound from the first game and build up to the second. This is not Duke-North Carolina, where NCAA Tournament bids are already locked in for both teams, NIT bids aren't even a thought, and conference tournament seedings have little consequence. All that and more is usually on the line for Akron-Kent

By itself the final game, March 4, should be great Kent-Akron theater and usually a showcase for the league. But this late in the season the first game not only has huge impact across the board, it could potentially be too demoralizing to quickly recover from.

Also, it sets the stage for potentially three Akron-Kent matchups over the next seven games, including the conference tournament. Good theater? Perhaps from the MAC standpoint. But not good scheduling at all.

See 7 takeaways from Wadsworth girls basketball's regular season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Wadsworth girls basketball team finished the regular as the No. 1 team in the cleveland.com Top 25 and AP Poll this season.

This marks the first season that any sports program at Wadsworth has finished as the No. 1 ranked team in the AP Poll.

“I think we’ve just been really consistent and performed on the defensive side better than I would’ve thought,” said Wadsworth coach Andy Booth.

Wadsworth is going for its second state title since 1997. The Grizzlies will play their first playoff game Thursday at home against Brecksville.

See seven takeaways on how the Grizzlies never moved from the No. 1 spot in each poll.

4 – straight regional appearances. Wadsworth is going for its fifth.

7 – of the last 10 district titles have been by the Grizzlies. Team is going for sixth straight, fifth straight regional final appearance and fifth state tournament appearance.

10 – of the last 11 Suburban League titles have been won by Wadsworth. Lauren Palitto and the Johnson sisters have combined for 56 straight wins in the past four years.

18.1 – points per game is leading scoring average by Jodi Johnson. She is followed by Sophia Fortner with 8.6 and four assists to lead the Grizzles. Other team leaders are Jenna Johnson 83 percent from the free-throw line, Jodi Johnson 40.7 from the 3-point line, and Lexi Lance with seven rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

21 – wins this ties the program’s record set in 2014. The largest win streak was 14.

31.8 - points allowed this season. Wadsworth averaged scoring 56.3 points.

1,000 – points scored this season by Ashland signee Jodi Johnson. She needs 13 for 1,392 points to finish second to pass Cassie Schrock who played at Eastern Michigan. Katelyn Vujas (Florida State) who graduated in 1999 holds the most points.

Contact Nathaniel Cline via email (ncline@cleveland.com) and Twitter (@nathanielcline).