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Daughter of NDCL girls basketball coach Wally Kesling killed in Monday car accident

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Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin girls basketball coach Wally Kesling was involved in an auto accident Monday in which his daughter, Maggie, was killed. Maggie Kesling, 20, was a junior at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. Wally Kesling was driving her back to school.

Wally Kesling, left, Rhonda Kesling, right, and their daughter Maggie in a 1995 photo. - (Plain Dealer file)

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin girls basketball coach Wally Kesling was involved in an auto accident Monday in which his daughter, Maggie, was killed.

Maggie Kesling, 20, was a junior at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. Wally Kesling was driving her back to school.

According to published reports, Wally Kesling was driving on U.S. Route 224 in Big Lick Township. He lost control of his 2002 Chevrolet Tracker and struck an on-coming 2004 Chevrolet pickup driven by Andrew May, 24, of Fostoria. Maggie Kesling was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hancock County Coroner's Office.

Wally Kesling was treated and released and has returned home to Painesville Township.

As a toddler, Maggie twice was featured on the CBS news program "48 Hours" in the 1990s. The show chronicled Maggie's development after she was born four months premature weighing only 1 pound, 7 ounces, in 1990.

A spokesperson at Heidelberg said the school had counselors on hand at her classes today and opened up the chapel for students wishing to remember Maggie. A prayer service is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. at Heidelberg.

Wally Kesling is in his first year as NDCL's girls basketball coach. The Lions (11-9) are scheduled to play a sectional tournament game Thursday against Jefferson at Pymatuning Valley. NDCL Athletic Director Frank Platzar said the game will be played.

"The kids are upset and the school is doing everything it can to help Wally and his family,'' Platzar said.

Wally Kesling previously coached Fairport Harbor's football team for 22 years. He also coached Fairport's boys basketball and girls basketball teams, and was the school's athletic director.

Arrangements for Maggie Kesling are pending. 


P.M. Cleveland Indians links: Grady Sizemore's recovery worrisome to fantasy leaguers; pizza delivery; a new pitcher?

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Grady Sizemore's surgically repaired knee worries fantasy league expert.

grady-sizemore-ap.JPGView full sizeGrady Sizemore is trying to come back from a groundbreaking type of surgery.
Fantasy leagues have become quite di rigueur in today's sports-watching world. In many ways, it adds to the fun ... and stress. Do you want a guy on your fantasy team to hit for the cycle and drive in eight runs ... against your home team? It's like having your girlfriend ask if your wife's jeans look better on her.

Talk about a no-win situation.

But we were talking fantasy BASEBALL here, so let's go that way: Will Carroll writes a fantasy league column for si.com, and the subject for his latest piece is Grady Sizemore. Specifically, Sizemore and his surgically repaired knee.

As Carroll points out, there's not much precedence in baseball for the success of the microfracture surgery Sizemore underwent. (For the eleventy-seventh time: It involves drilling tiny holes in the kneecap to stimulate cartilage growth.) Right now, Sizemore is running drills at about 50 to 60 percent. We wouldn't bet the farm on him achieving what Sizemore and the Indians hope: a Grady sighting in center field on Opening Day.

Carroll is even less optimistic:

With Sizemore, it's too early to tell whether he's headed down the path we've seen before or if he could be the Amare Stoudemire of baseball. (The Knicks forward was the first truly successful microfracture in the NBA, though many have had it since with solid results.) There's reason to believe that Sizemore will see a significant portion of his speed gone, costing him steals and doubles. It could force him to shift out of centerfield, as well, prompting some lineup issues for manager Manny Acta. Both Michael Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo can play CF, but neither is a plus defender like Sizemore -- if Grady can be that again.
Oh, joy.

A pizza the action

Papa John's Pizza has added Mark Shapiro to its board, according to tradingmarkets.com. But don't worry, it's Mark S. Shapiro, former head of Six Flags, not   Mark Shapiro, president and ex-general manager of the Indians. Otherwise, pepperoni  already would've been traded to Domino's for two veggie toppings and a 2-liter cola.

From The Plain Dealer
Indians writer Paul Hoynes caught up with Tribe DH Travis Hafner, which isn't that hard to do, as the pair have about the same footspeed (and yes, we'll pay for that later, we're sure).

We all remember Pronk just intimidating the heck out of pitchers a few years ago, which is why, as Hoynsie noted, he's making $13 million this year and next. But we also all remember that for the past few years, it seems like Pronkville should be relocated from the right-field bleachers at Progressive Field to midway between the dirt in the infield and the warning track.

But that may change this year.

"The past couple of years I don't get the same extension through the ball," said Hafner. "But I think we're in a pretty good spot with that right now. I'm ready to go."

Hafner was able to put in a full off-season of training this winter. He lifted weights and swung the bat much more than he's been able to do since the surgery. He called it a normal off-season, but couldn't remember the last time he'd had one.

Hoynsie also covered what's pretty much been the talk of spring training: Cleveland Heights native Justine Siegal pitching BP to Tribe minor leaguers and a trio of Indians catchers on Tuesday.

"She would have fit right in if you hadn't seen her two pony tails," said (Paul) Phillips, trying to make the Indians as Carlos Santana's backup. "When she threw a couple of balls, she stopped, gathered herself and threw a strike. That's just what you're supposed to do."

Catcher Lou Marson added, "She was good. She was better than some of our guys."
Well, that fifth spot in the rotation IS still open ...

 

 






Ohio State Buckeyes P.M. Links: Questions; Threes please; Depth

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The Buckeyes have lost two out of their last three games and fans want answers. Coach Thad Matta didn't have any answers following OSU's loss to Purdue, but maybe that will change following tonight's game against Illinois. In The Columbus Dispatch: "That's why I wasn't hopping on the bandwagon when we beat Purdue here," Matta said, referring to the Buckeyes'...

osu-matta-vert-ap.jpgThad Matta

The Buckeyes have lost two out of their last three games and fans want answers. Coach Thad Matta didn't have any answers following OSU's loss to Purdue, but maybe that will change following tonight's game against Illinois.

In The Columbus Dispatch:

"That's why I wasn't hopping on the bandwagon when we beat Purdue here," Matta said, referring to the Buckeyes' 87-64 rout of the Boilermakers on Jan.25. "Everybody thought that was the greatest thing they'd ever seen. You keep a level head and know that sometimes things may not go exactly the way you want them to go."

  

Threes please

The Chicago Tribune has an article that gives Illinois a chance to win over OSU tonight if it can drain some 3-pointers. But in its last four games, Illinois shot just 18-for-69 (26 percent) from 3-point range. By comparison, over their first four conference games, they were 35-for-60 (58 percent).

"It's a combination of some questionable shot selection, some quick threes and just missing some," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said.

Weber pointed to "four or five wide-open looks" in Illinois' loss Saturday to Michigan State that probably would have fallen earlier in the season. As such, they did not and Illinois lost 61-57.

Illinois lost to Ohio State by five on Jan. 22. The Illini led in the second half despite shooting 4-for-17 from 3-point land. 

"We have to make some shots to ease the pressure on our defense, because they are so hard to stop," Weber said.

 

Deep

Ohio State lacks depth, writes Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer, but they have enough star power to carry them.

Terry Pluto talks Cavaliers, Indians and Browns - Podcast

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The NBA trading deadline is Thursday. Will the Cavaliers make a deal? What about the Indians in spring training and the Browns' draft plans? Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talked about that and more in his weekly podcast.

Terry will be speaking at Stow Public Library (directions) Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Terry Pluto use this new head shotTerry Pluto answers your questions live every Tuesday at noon.
The NBA trading deadline is Thursday. Will the Cavaliers make a deal? What about the Indians in spring training and the Browns' draft plans?

Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto talked about that and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Would you trade Ramon Session for the right deal?

• Who might the Cavaliers have an interest in?

• What is your ideal Indians lineup?

• What about the starting rotation?

• Do you expect the Browns to re-sign Phil Dawson?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player below.






P.M. Cleveland Browns links: D'Qwell Jackson could fit in a 4-3; Maria Cribbs sticks up for her hubby

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D'Qwell Jackson's past performance and history of injuries makes re-signing the NFL's leader in tackles in 2008 a true conundrum.

dqwell-jackson-ahman-green-ap.JPGView full sizeIn 2008, Browns linebacker D'Qwell led the NFL in tackles, including this stop of Houston's Ahman Green.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The Browns are shifting to a 4-3 defense under new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. That means the linebackers are going to have to be pretty active fellows.

How'd you like to have one who led the NFL in tackles with 154, and even had six pass deflections?

Guess what? You DO have one ... sort of. D'Qwell Jackson led the NFL in tackles in 2008, the last year he was able to play the entire season. He missed 2009 with a torn left pectoral muscle and the 2010 season with a torn right pec, and underwent surgery each time.

Jackson is a free agent this year -- assuming there IS a this year -- and because of the injuries, could come relatively cheap. He does have the speed and versatility to succeed in a 3-4. The question is whether he can stay healthy.

Our thought is that Terry Pluto hit the nail on the proverbial head with a Plain Dealer column this weekend:

The early medical reports on D'Qwell Jackson's recovery from his pectoral surgery are positive. Jackson had surgery on his left pectoral in 2009, and his right one in 2010. It's hard to know if he can stay healthy. But the Browns believe he is better suited for the 4-3 defense than the 3-4 Jackson played starting in 2006. They would not pay big money for a guy who has missed most of the last two seasons, but they do have an interest in bringing him back for the right price.
Brian Murphy of bleacherreport.com followed up Terry's piece with one today that summed up the situation thusly:

Pat Shurmur and the rest of his coaching staff will have to take a long look at Jackson and if he can bounce back from yet another season on injured reserve. If the coaches feel confident enough to re-sign him, Jackson was seeking a long-term deal last summer before signing a one-year tender with the Browns.
Depending on what the Browns are able to acquire in the draft, we're kind of thinking that Cleveland should take another chance on Jackson. When healthy, he's everything you need in a middle linebacker in a 4-3. The OTAs and training camp will be a good chance to see if he can stay that way, and turn into a worthwhile investment.

More on the Cribbs tweet
Maria Cribbs, Josh Cribbs' wife, went to Twitter herself to stick up for her husband after the wideout/returner tweeted a picture of LeBron James from the NBA All-Star game . . . while sitting in seats provided by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.

She's been known to use Twitter to advocate for him before, back when he and the Browns were going toe-to-toe over a new contract.

Her twitter account, with the handle @mrs_one_six, is set to private, but here's a sample of some of her tweets to her husband, according to Pete Kenworthy of newsnet5.com:

“@JoshCribbs16 Why don't u just tell everyone to kiss ur (expletive)!! Ur a grown (expletive) man&can like who u damn well please!!”

“@JoshCribbs16 Misery loves company!! Learn to pay no mind to miserable folks and what they have to say!!”

“@JoshCribbs16 Oh yeah their just mad that they're not YOU or Lebron!! LMBAO!! Hehehe”

After those tweets, she responded to what was apparently tweeted to her. A Twitter user with the handle @cavs3125 was referring to Cribbs sitting at the All-Star game in seats provided by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert.

Her response comes before the comment that was sent to her.

“He can do what the [expletive] he want to!! Just know that!! RT @cavs3125: @MRS_ONE_SIX he can like whoever he wants but don't take pics of bron and says he's your boy while in gilberts seats. Not smart.”

Not long after that tweet, Maria Cribbs offered this one:

“If u don't like what me or my husband @joshcribbs16 have to say DON'T [expletive] FOLLOW US”
Gotta respect one spouse sticking up for another, albeit with less than ideal language. And we still think sitting in Gilbert's seats and tweeting a picture of LeBron James tagged "My Boy" wasn't the best public relations move he could've made. But his first 40-yard punt return for a score will make it all better.

To read our original version of the tweeting story, click here. Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff discusses the tweet and the potential fallout on yesterday's edition of SBTV. Which also, just for the record, has a poll to assess Browns' fans reaction to the tweet and subsequent tizzy.




Cleveland Browns: Miami Dolphins add another former assistant coach

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Former Cleveland Browns assistant coach Byron Cox joins Brian Dabol in Miami.

coachescareyjg.jpgReferee Mike Carey is confronted by Browns head coach Eric Mangini and assistant Bryan Cox.

It looks like LeBron James is not the only former sports person from Cleveland that took his talents to South Beach.

Former Browns assistant coach Bryan Cox is now the pass rush coach for the Miami Dolphins. That's right. The pass rush coach.

This is the second fromer Browns coach (under Eric Mangini) to get hired by the Dolphins.

SunSentinel.com reporter Mike Beradino writes how offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was the other. And like Cox, Daboll was with Mangini in Cleveland and with the New York Jets.

And it looks like Beradino is not too happy about the hiring of Cox at his new position.

What next? The “set-the-edge” coach? The “tackle-to-the-ground” coach? Or maybe a “stiff-arm in the second level” coach?
Here’s an idea. Why don’t the Dolphins hire Chris Carter as the NFL’s first-ever touchdown coach?
 

Seneca Wallace needs to know his place - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Wallace needs to go, just for the simple fact that he doesn't know his place. This guy will never be more than a viable back up, and him thinking otherwise will do nothing but cause problems in the locker room." - jskzes

Cleveland Browns beat Green Bay Packers, 27-24View full sizeSeneca Wallace will likely be the Browns No. 2 quarterback in 2011.

In response to the story P.M. Cleveland Browns links: Combine means we'll all be drafting mock drafts; Seneca Wallace wants to start; a birthday wish, cleveland.com reader jskzes thinks it might be time for Wallace to go. This reader writes,

"Wallace needs to go, just for the simple fact that he doesn't know his place. This guy will never be more than a viable back up, and him thinking otherwise will do nothing but cause problems in the locker room."

To respond to jskzes' comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Only Carmona should be guaranteed rotation spot - Indians Comment of the Day

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"It's amazing how the first four starters just have their jobs handed to them - Fausto, Masterson, Talbot and Carrasco. Seriously, are they that much better than all the guys competing for one final spot that they don't even have to try? Last I checked, only Fausto should be guaranteed a spot." - Common Sense

Cleveland Indians beat the Twins, 2-0View full sizeFausto Carmona re-established himself as part of the Indians future last season.

In response to the story Manny Acta talking consistency instead of fast start: Cleveland Indians spring training briefing, cleveland.com reader Common Sense thinks only Carmona should be guaranteed a spot in the rotation. This reader writes,

"It's amazing how the first four starters just have their jobs handed to them - Fausto, Masterson, Talbot and Carrasco. Seriously, are they that much better than all the guys competing for one final spot that they don't even have to try? Last I checked, only Fausto should be guaranteed a spot."

To respond to Common Sense's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

UConn's men's basketball violations won't keep team out of postseason play

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Recruiting violations won't keep the Unviersity of Connecticut out of postseason play, the NCAA ruled today.

jim-calhoun-ap.JPGView full sizeRecruiting violations won't keep University of Connective coach Jim Calhoun and his team out of play, but the NCAA ruled today that UConn will lose scholarships and be on probation for three years.


The University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball team won’t be banned from the postseason by the NCAA for violations committed under coach Jim Calhoun.

Calhoun was cited by the NCAA on Tuesday for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within his program and was suspended for three Big East games during the 2011-12 season.

The NCAA has scheduled an afternoon conference call to discuss the findings of its investigation that began in March of 2009.

The NCAA also hit UConn with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years probation.

As a part of the disassociation of the booster, the university will not be able to accept financial contributions, recruiting assistance or provide him with any benefit and privileges.

The NCAA and the school have been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to Connecticut, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.

As a former team manager, Nochimson is considered a representative of UConn’s athletic interests by the NCAA and prohibited from giving Miles anything of value.

The school said it found that the basketball staff exchanged more than 1,400 calls and 1,100 text messages with Nochimson between June 2005 and December 2008.

Miles was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without ever playing for the Huskies.

Nochimson was attempting to become an NBA agent.

The school imposed sanctions on itself, including reducing scholarships from 13 to 12 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years. It also put itself on probation for two years.

The NCAA also tacked on scholarship reductions from 13 to 12 for 2012-13.

Two members of last year’s basketball staff, Beau Archibald, the director of basketball operations, and assistant coach Patrick Sellers lost their jobs after allegations they provided false and misleading information to NCAA investigators.

The Division I Committee on Infractions levied a two-year show-cause penalty on Archibald.

The report states UConn athletic director Jeffrey Hathaway said Calhoun’s pursuit of Miles was the “most intense” he has ever seen him recruit a player.

UConn will be on probation from Feb. 22, 2011 through Feb. 21, 2014.

Calhoun will be suspended for the first three conference games next season and can’t be present in the arena where the games are played, nor have contact with the coaching staff or athletes during the games.

The program is banned from recruiting calls during the 2011-12 academic year until 30 days after the first day that phone calls are allowed. The number of men’s basketball coaches allowed to make phone calls was cut from three to two, not including the head basketball coach, for six months after the university’s response to the notice of allegations.

UConn also faces a reduction of the number of men’s basketball off-campus recruiting days by 40, from 130 to 90, for the 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 recruiting periods.  


Cavaliers need more than just one trade to start winning again - Comment of the Day

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"The Cavs need to be able to add two significant pieces per season in order to be relevant again in three seasons. The four keepers on the current roster are Sessions, Eyenga, Hickson and Andy. The rest can be traded without a second thought." - Ctown-kb

Cleveland Cavaliers beat Los Angeles Lakers, 104-99View full sizeChristian Eyenga may be a part of the Cavaliers' future, but the team is still a few seasons away.

In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers preaching patience as trade deadline approaches, cleveland.com reader Ctown-kb thinks the Cavs need a good two or three years of adding players to compete again. This reader writes,

"The Cavs need to be able to add two significant pieces per season in order to be relevant again in three seasons. The four keepers on the current roster are Sessions, Eyenga, Hickson and Andy. The rest can be traded without a second thought."

To respond to Ctown-kb's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cleveland Browns franchise kicker Phil Dawson for more than $3 million in 2011

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Veteran is the only placekicker the team has had since its 1999 return.

phil dawson field goalPhil Dawson will most likely be back with the Browns in 2011 after receiving the franchise tag.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns have franchised veteran kicker Phil Dawson, a league source said.

Dawson, who has been seeking a new contract for several years, is expected to make about $3.25 million, the franchise amount for kickers.

Dawson, who made $1 million a year under his previous contract, sold his house in Westlake and didn't expect to be back with the Browns. He can continue to negotiate a long-term deal with the Browns depending on what happens with the new collective bargaining agreement.

A 13-year veteran, Dawson passed Hall of Famer Lou Groza (234) for first place on the team's all-time field goal list in 2010.

Dawson converted all 28 extra points in 2010 and 23 of 28 field goals with a long of 48. He's also third in most points scored by a Browns player with 1,063, trailing Groza and Don Cockroft.

Dawson is the only player on which the Browns have used the franchise tag.

Cleveland Indians prospect watch: Nick Weglarz

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Outfielder needs to show consistency and be injury free to impress the organization.

weglarz-bat-vert-spring11-cc.jpgView full sizeThe Indians are hoping for a healthy and productive season in Columbus for outfielder Nick Weglarz.

Here's a daily glimpse at one of the Indians prospects in big-league camp. A different player will be profiled daily until the start of Cactus League games on Sunday.

Nick Weglarz

Age: 23.

Resides: Stevensville, Ontario.

Bats: Left. Throws: Left.

Height/Weight: 6-3, 240.

Position: Corner outfielder.

How acquired: Drafted by the Indians, third round, 2005.

2011: Should open the season at Class AAA Columbus.

Skinny: Weglarz needs to stay healthy. He had his Triple-A season at Columbus cut short last year when he needed surgery on his right thumb after tearing it trying to make a diving catch in the outfield. In winter ball, he collided with his shortstop while playing for Caracas in Venezuela. He suffered back spasms and had to return to Cleveland. He has good power, good patience at the plate, but needs to be a more consistent hitter. He's big, but he's become a better defender.

Personal: Asked how he relaxed, Weglarz said, "I check the [Toronto] Maple Leafs scores, but that's not relaxing, it's more stressful." Weglarz played hockey and baseball until he was 15. Then he was asked to join the Canadian Junior National baseball team. "That's when baseball became a year-round sport and I couldn't play hockey," he said.

Pondering the Cleveland Cavaliers' trade deadline options: Terry Pluto's scribbles

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Terry Pluto is scribbling in his notebook as the NBA trade deadline looms.

wallace-char-vert-mct.jpgView full sizeGerald Wallace has been a frequent topic of trade speculation involving the Cavaliers, but Charlotte remains in the playoff hunt, which means it's unlikely the Bobcats would deal their veteran forward.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my notebook as Thursday's NBA trade deadline looms...

1. Will the Cavs make a big trade by Thursday's deadline? I keep hearing rumbles that they are trying hard. New Jersey is another team looking to deal, and the Nets and Cavs talked a lot during the Carmelo Anthony 3-way trade discussions. Atlanta, Portland and some other teams want Nets point guard Devin Harris. Could the Cavs be part of a 3-way deal in a Harris trade? They are looking for picks and young players, and New Jersey was willing to trade both for Anthony.

2. I don't know if Harris is of interest to the Cavs. He's averaging 15 points and 7.6 assists this season. As a starter, Ramon Sessions is giving the team 14.2 points and 6.5 assists. Sessions is shooting slightly better than Harris (44 to 42 percent). At 24, Sessions is four years younger. But the Cavs certainly would like to grab some of the picks that the Nets were willing to trade to New York.

3. For months, the Cavs have had on-and-off discussions with Charlotte about Gerald Wallace. The 6-7 small forward is of at least mild interest, and the Bobcats keep acting as if they want to dump his contract -- $10 million this season, and about $11 million in the next two years. Wallace is 28. He's one of the best rebounding small forwards (8.2) and is averaging 15.5 points. Charlotte says it wants to keep Wallace and try to make the playoffs.

4. I'd love to see a deal for Andre Iguodola, Philadelphia's 6-6 shooting guard. For months, it seemed the Sixers were in payroll-cutting mode, and wanted to dump his contract: $16 million this season, followed by $17 million and $18 million. I'm told the Cavs have had talks with the Sixers, and even made an offer last week. But the Sixers are one of the NBA's surprise teams and in position to make the playoffs -- so it appears they have decided to keep him.

5. The appeal of Iguodola is that he is athletic and can defend. The Cavs are really lacking when it comes to shooting guards and small forwards. Christian Eyenga has the physical gifts in terms of running and jumping. His defense is respectable, given that he's a rookie from the Congo with so little experience. But the Cavs need so much more at those positions, which is where the league's top scorers are often found.

6. Yes, Iguodola is overpaid for a guy who averages 14.3 points and shoots 44 percent. But I like his total game -- 6.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and he's only 27. He also draws praise from coach Doug Collins for his defense and unselfishness. Assuming he stays with the Sixers for the rest of the season, don't be surprised if the Cavs try to deal for him in the off-season.

7. You know I'm desperate when I report this rumor: I hear the Cavs have a mild interest in Hasheem Thabeet, the No. 2 pick in the 2009 draft who has been a major disappointment for Memphis. The UConn product is 7-3, 270 pounds and extremely raw on offense. But he can block shots and perhaps can be a factor on defense. Memphis wants to dump his contract, which is worth about $5 million annually over the next three years.

8. Not much is being said about this because of the Cavs have a 10-46 record, but Byron Scott is doing a nice job developing J.J. Hickson, Sessions and Eyenga. Hickson is averaging more than 10 rebounds a game since being benched by Scott on Jan. 5. Sessions still makes some outrageous turnovers, but his point guard skills are improving. In eight games this month, Sessions is averaging 19.6 points, 8.9 assists and shooting 59 percent. He also leads in free throws attempted, a big deal because he shoots 84 percent at the foul line.

Cleveland State now in the driver's seat for Horizon League title and host's role in postseason tourney

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If the Vikings can win their last two regular-season games, they will host the Horizon League tournament.

waters-csu-gestures-horiz-jk.jpgView full sizeGary Waters' Vikings need only to win two home games against Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Wisconsin-Green Bay to win the Horizon League's regular-season title.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After Monday night, Northeast Ohio college basketball fans are as close to three weekends of hoops nirvana as they could ever hope to get.

Valparaiso's surprising 81-80 overtime loss Monday night at Wisconsin-Green Bay has opened the door for Cleveland State to capture the Horizon League men's basketball regular-season title and start the basketballs bouncing all over downtown Cleveland.

• If the Vikings (23-6, 12-4) can win their last two regular-season games -- at the Wolstein Center against Milwaukee on Thursday night and Green Bay on Saturday -- the Vikings will clinch the crown.

With that title would come the right to host the Horizon League Tournament quarterfinals and semifinals at the Wolstein Center on March 4-5. If CSU were to win its semifinal game, it would host the Horizon championship on March 8 on ESPN. The HL Tournament champion earns the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

• The next day, the Mid-American Conference men's and women's tournament tips off at Quicken Loans Arena and runs through March 12.

• Quicken Loans Arena is also a first- and second-round site for the NCAA Tournament, with games on March 18 and 20. Ohio State is expected to earn one of the top seeds in the NCAA Tournament and would likely be assigned to play in Cleveland.

Even though those NCAA Tournament games will be at The Q, CSU will serve as the host institution. As of late Tuesday morning, CSU officials noted there are just under 1,500 tickets -- available through TicketMaster -- remaining for the games at The Q.

The last time Cleveland State hosted the Horizon League Tournament was in 2002. This HL Tournament could lead to a third matchup against league powerhouse Butler (20-9, 12-5), which defeated CSU twice this season; or Valpo (20-9, 11-5), which split with the Vikings.

"Our [HL] tournament is designed to reward regular-season success," said CSU interim AD John Parry. "Believe me, it's exciting. We've played a lot of good basketball against some good teams. There's a lot to be excited about. We're just about there."

CSU's next challenge -- if the Vikings win both of their remaining regular-season games -- is to deal with the logistics of hosting the Horizon tournament.

"I think by time Thursday's game starts, we would have laid out our plan, based on us winning on Saturday," Parry said. "I think we could have enough flexibility where we could start selling [tickets] on Monday."

Tad Carper, vice president for communications at The Q, said the next few weeks are a great time of year.

"If you're a college hoops fan and you want to experience March Madness, there is no better way to do it than following these tournaments," he said.

"The MAC Tournament is an internal favorite with us -- always strong crowds and great atmosphere, which we expect again. The anticipation always builds the week leading into the tournament. Now we're looking forward to seeing that again and again for several weekends."

The setback by Valparaiso was huge for CSU. Vikings coach Gary Waters said this week that the last thing his team could afford was to not land one of the top two HL Tournament seeds. In the Horizon League, the top two teams are automatically seeded into the semifinals.

Now, by winning twice this week, the Vikings could trigger college basketball bliss in Greater Cleveland.

Take that, critics! Ohio State gets big games from Lighty, Buford in easing past Illinois, 89-70

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Ohio State coach Thad Matta was a bit peeved with anyone who doubted the Buckeyes after Sunday's loss and Tuesday's 19-point point win over Illinois showed why.

lighty-drive-vert-ill-ap.jpgView full sizeDavid Lighty soars past Illinois' Jereme Richmond for two points in the first half of Tuesday's Ohio State victory in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Thad Matta thought about keeping his players completely out of the gym Monday with Ohio State's quick turnaround after Sunday's loss at Purdue, but he instead decided to let them get a sweat going before some light shooting.

"It was one of the most pathetic things I've ever seen trying to watch some of these guys run," Matta said. "[Aaron Craft] was struggling to walk, his body was so sore. He was banged up, as hard as he played Sunday, and so were a lot of our guys."

The Buckeyes were getting beaten up a bit in some other ways on Monday, Matta noting that the tone of the questions in his pregame news conference made him think he'd "lost a bowl game."

So when No. 2 Ohio State busted what never was a slump Tuesday night with a convincing 89-70 win over Illinois that saw David Lighty, Jon Diebler and even Deshaun Thomas find their offensive games, Matta was asked if he wanted to offer an I-told-you-so.

"No, to be honest, it was probably great motivation from the standpoint of it probably made our circle even tighter," Matta said.

After trading texts with Jim Tressel on Tuesday morning, Matta even asked the OSU football coach, who has actually lost some bowl games, to speak before the game. "He kind of relayed the same message," Matta said. "The only thing that matters is us in the room."

Whether many Ohio State fans actually had major doubts about the Big Ten-leading Buckeyes (26-2, 13-2) doesn't really matter. What does is that a team that was once 24-0 felt it got a little kick in the pants, and now the Buckeyes are that same team -- with the same talent, offensive balance and attacking defense -- and maybe a little extra edge.

"I would say as a team we don't like to lose," freshman Jared Sullinger said. "We wanted to bounce back and start another winning streak."

There wasn't all that much to bounce back from as a team, though the 18 turnovers at Purdue were an obvious concern. Matta said he wasn't worried that his team couldn't pass or dribble, he just said "take care of it."

So the Buckeyes responded with a season-low three turnovers, their best effort in more than a decade, while forcing Illinois into 16 turnovers.

"They take care of the ball and we don't," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said, "and that's 13 different opportunities they get that you don't. It catches up to you."

Individually, Lighty hadn't been as efficient offensively for the last month, shooting 39 percent and averaging only 10 points per game. Diebler had been struggling to get open 3-point looks and freshman Deshaun Thomas had been lost, shooting 3-for-22 in his last six games.

Much of that seemed to get solved against Illinois (17-11, 7-8). The Illini have struggled to keep their heads on straight all season, Weber saying what they lacked most was a tough senior leader like Lighty. So they aren't the ultimate test.

Still, those three Buckeyes gained some valuable confidence.

Lighty exploded with 17 second-half points to finish with 21, his highest total since putting up 29 on UNC Asheville two months ago. Diebler made four of five shots, including all three of his 3-pointers, and was more effective putting the ball on the floor. While it wasn't much, Thomas making a 3-pointer and converting a 3-point play underneath to finish with six points might mean a lot to a first-year player who has had a tough time getting anything going.

Throw in William Buford's sparkling first-half, when he carried the Buckeyes with 17 points, and Sullinger's steady 12 points and 11 rebounds, and there was a lot to like. Ohio State led by 15 at the half, and the lead never dipped below six points in the second half and was in double figures for the final 10 minutes.

"The main thing was we have to protect our homecourt," Diebler said. "Yes, we lost two, and as coach told us, it's not the end of the world."

If for two days the Buckeyes thought others believed that it was, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.


Doug Lesmerises' Four Things from Ohio State-Illinois

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Aaron Craft once again played older than his years in the Buckeyes' victory.

osu-craft-illini-rebound-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeAaron Craft may have come up short on this rebound by Illinois' Mike Davis in the second half on Tuesday, but the freshman point guard was once again a steady leader of the offense.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four things I think after the Buckeyes dismissed the Illini.

1. Aaron Craft isn't going to the NBA, but Ohio State coach Thad Matta was shaking his head about it anyway after Tuesday's 89-70 win over Illinois. After some loose play in recent games, the freshman point guard was right back on point controlling the offense, putting up 12 points with six assists and, crucially, no turnovers.

Afterward, Matta was asked about Craft winning two matchups this season against Illinois senior Demetri McCamey, when McCamey is one of 10 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award as the best point guard in the country and Craft is not.

"Shhh," Matta said, hoping to keep his secret. "Aaron is just a little freshman. He's trying real hard out there."

I reminded Matta that trying to keep Mike Conley Jr. a secret four years ago didn't work, when Conley wound up as the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft.

"That would be my luck," Matta said with a rueful smile. "Geez, write it. He's one and done."

2. On Monday, I wrote about the minutes played by the Buckeyes' main five guys, and none of that really concerns me much. The one guy who I thought could maybe be helped by a slightly lighter load was Jon Diebler. We may have seen the start of a small change there on Tuesday.

Coming in, Diebler was second in the Big Ten, averaging more than 38 minutes per game in conference play, playing 40 minutes in five of 14 games and playing fewer than 36 minutes just once, in a blowout win of Purdue. Against Illinois, Diebler played 34 minutes, and that might be the perfect number for him. Keeping his legs fresh as he curls off screens might help him get more shots off.

3. The OSU student section is still coming along. There are two more home games remaining, Indiana on Sunday and Wisconsin the following Sunday, and the crowd should be great for the revenge game with the Badgers. The students were the only ones who kept the energy up Tuesday, so it was nice to hear Matta and assistant Jeff Boals sent pizzas out to the most diehard students while they were waiting to get into Value City Arena before the game. The students aren't all the way to being a game-changing force yet, but they're trying.

4. The most amusing part of Tuesday night was following former Buckeye and current Philadelphia 76ers rookie Evan Turner on Twitter. You can check it out at Twitter.com/thekidet. He was describing what he saw during a mall visit as a kid tried, unsuccessfully, to steal some Kobe Bryant sneakers from a store. A highlight – "He tried to run away wearing skinny jeans. That's a big no no."

Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for Wednesday's game vs. Rockets, shrug off impact of Anthony trade

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The Cavaliers don't expect the Carmelo Anthony trade to impact the Eastern Conference or their ability to make deals of their own before Thursday's trade deadline.

Anthony Parker, Jason KiddView full size"I feel like I have a lot invested here this year," Cavaliers guard Anthony Parker (left, against Dallas' Jason Kidd) said Tuesday about Thursday's trade deadline and the rumors of other teams showing interest in him. "I continue to express the want to be here when this thing turns around, and I think we're going in the right direction."

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- From the Cavaliers' point of view, the trade that finally sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks doesn't change anything.

The Knicks aren't suddenly automatic contenders for the Eastern Conference throne, let alone an NBA title. The Cavaliers' trade options haven't dried up as a result, and they're still pursuing all possibilities before Thursday's trade deadline.

By the way, they're also still hosting Houston Wednesday night, hoping to turn their surprising victory over the L.A. Lakers before the All-Star break into a little streak.

The Knicks' game at The Q on Friday might be Anthony's first game with New York, as the trade has been slow to be finalized and approved by the NBA. So the blockbuster trade was on the minds of the Cavaliers at Tuesday's practice, though coach Byron Scott was hesitant to express his opinion on the ability of star players to force trades in the league.

After LeBron James and Chris Bosh went to Miami in free agency last summer, and Amar'e Stoudemire and Anthony appear to be intent upon building a similar triumvirate in New York, top players appear to have the upper hand in the NBA.

"I'm going to leave it alone because you're going to get me talking about it and I don't really want to voice my opinion on how I really feel about our league and our players," the old-school Scott said. "I'm going to leave it alone."

He did, however, emphasize that the top teams to beat in the East remain Boston, Orlando and Miami. The Knicks, who now have little left on the squad aside from Anthony, Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups, merely remain in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack unless more moves are to come, he said.

Speculation has it that New Orleans point guard Chris Paul is eyeing New York when he has the potential to be a free agent in 2012. Before then, there's also the matter of the NBA's expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement -- something that could affect future player movement. The possibility of owners demanding a hard salary cap and franchise player tags has long been expected to lead to a lockout.

"That's the biggest thing right now, that's the biggest question mark -- the fact that we don't know what's going to happen this summer," Scott said. "If there's going to be a lockout, or if there's a lockout, why. There's a lot of uncertainty with what's going on with the league."

Uncertainty surrounds the Cavaliers' roster, too. With a league-worst 10-46 record, everyone is expendable. Guard Anthony Parker's expiring contract is perhaps the most attractive to teams looking to make deals before the deadline, but Parker is unsure of what to expect.

"I have no control over it. I show up to practice, show up to the games and we'll see," Parker said. "I feel like I have a lot invested here this year. I continue to express the want to be here when this thing turns around, and I think we're going in the right direction."

Last week's 104-99 victory over the Lakers is something the Cavaliers hope to build upon with their new emphasis on defense.

"We left the last game playing pretty good basketball, and we don't want to take a step back," Parker said. "We've done that a lot, been kind of inconsistent game to game and even quarter to quarter. So our next challenge is just trying to get more consistent."

Staying consistent and focused on the next game are two priorities right now. It's easier when they are able to dismiss the Anthony trade as one that doesn't impact them or the Knicks' standing in the league.

"I don't think it makes them a contender," Parker said. "They still have to face a lot of issues that new teams face when they get together. It's getting on the same page, chemistry. We had a team in Miami that has two of the best four players, and it takes a while, as we saw the beginning of this year."

Trade rumors: Despite rumors that have them trading everybody but the bus driver, team officials maintained the chances of making a move by Thursday's 3 p.m. trading deadline are slight. They did not confirm or deny reports they'll buy out Jamario Moon and/or Leon Powe after the trading deadline. Agents for those players did not return messages on Tuesday.

As a sign that everybody is getting into the game, J.J. Hickson tweeted Tuesday night, "Breaking News* Carmelo has been traded to the Knicks, you've heard it here first lol."

Injury update: Mo Williams did not practice Tuesday, and is questionable for Houston with a sprained ankle. Daniel Gibson missed practice to tend to personal matters, but will play Wednesday.

Staff writer Mary Schmitt Boyer contributed to this report.

Cleveland Indians' young prospects bide their time under the Arizona sun

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The Indians' pipeline between the minors and Cleveland is reportedly teeming with good players. So how and when will prospects such as Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis and Alex White reach Progressive Field?

chisen-spring11-vert-field-cc.jpgView full size"You get an itch," Indians third-base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall says about waiting to play in the big leagues. "You get close to the major leagues and feel you should be there, but sometime you don't see the small things that other people see."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Only the clock can move time. It does not recognize good intentions or impatience.

So we wait. We wait for good news and bad, in check-out lines and at red lights. Time doesn't care. It moves when it wants to move.

It's the same in baseball. Especially for players such as Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis and Alex White, who are trying to get to Cleveland to play in the big leagues. They are close, but in baseball that can mean many things. It can mean next season or it can mean a promotion at the All-Star break. It can be a September call-up or a spot start in July.

"I'm patient to a point," said Chisenhall, a third baseman rated by Baseball America as the Indians' top prospect. "You get an itch. You get close to the major leagues and feel you should be there, but sometime you don't see the small things that other people see."

The Indians ended last season with 93 losses and the youngest roster in the big leagues. They aren't much older, but manager Manny Acta says this upcoming season is about winning, not baby steps. Managers get paid to talk like that, but if it were within the Indians' power, they would probably be tempted to hit the fast-forward button to see what 2012 and 2013 have to offer.

Jason Donald, who played shortstop and second base last season, will get the first chance to play third this year. If he wins the job, Opening Day will be his first big-league start there.

At second base, 36-year-old Orlando Cabrera is going to get a long look. If he doesn't win the job, Jayson Nix, claimed on waivers last year, or Luis Valbuena, who hit all of .193 in 91 games in 2010, will be among Acta's prime options.

kipnis-fielding-spring11-cc.jpgView full size"What does matter to me is that I put my head down, play hard and get better every day," second-base prospect Jason Kipnis said Tuesday. "Where they put me, is where they put me."

Flash forward to 2012 and Chisenhall could be at third with Kipnis at second and White in the starting rotation. If not those three, how about Nick Weglarz in left field, Cord Phelps at second and Bryce Stowell in the bullpen?

But this is precisely what one should never do in baseball -- look too fast and too far into the future. That is why Acta and GM Chris Antonetti meet with every player in big-league camp to tell them exactly where they stand in terms of making the club and where they'll be spending the season. It sounds as if Chisenhall, Kipnis and White received a version of the same speech.

"We make it clear to them that they're probably not going to be contributing to this club on April 1," said Acta, "but they have to be ready for April 15 or April 30. For the most part these guys are very good self-evaluators. They know when they need work on secondary pitches and other stuff."

Chisenhall, Kipnis and White are expected to open this season at Class AAA Columbus, but no promises were made. Although Kipnis was promoted to help Columbus in the International League playoffs last year, none have played a regular season game at Triple-A.

"I couldn't tell you," said Kipnis, when asked at what level he'd play at this year. "Don't even know ... don't care. What does matter to me is that I put my head down, play hard and get better every day. Where they put me, is where they put me."

This is Antonetti's first year as general manager, but the former farm director knows what a player has to do.

"Two things need to happen for a player to get an opportunity at the major-league level," said Antonetti. "First, there needs to be an opportunity. Second, they need to be prepared for and positioned for that opportunity from a development standpoint and a performance standpoint."

Antonetti and Acta stressed that to every prospect in camp in their 1-on-2 meetings.

White, a No.1 pick in 2009, was told he needed to refine his delivery and work on his secondary pitchers (slider and splitter). Chisenhall, a No.1 pick in 2008, is a converted shortstop who needs to continue to improve at third base. Kipnis, a second-round pick in 2009, moved from center field to second before last season and needs more work at the position.

Such straight eye-to-eye talks seem to work.

"When my time comes, my time comes," said Kipnis. "I have no idea when that is."

Only time can tell him that.

The most persistent of Buckeyes, David Lighty demonstrates his worth in win over Illinois: Bill Livingston

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Villa Angela-St. Joseph's David Lighty scores 13 points inside three minutes in the second half to spark Ohio State to victory against Illinois.

lighty-steal-illini-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeA dominant performer throughout the second half Tuesday, David Lighty (right) knocks the ball away from Illinois' Demetri McCamey as the Buckeyes pulled away from the Illini.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The beauty of college basketball is not the Next Big Thing, although everyone is always chasing after that player, eager for a glimpse, lingering if possible, before he is gone.

Such stars are here, touching fans lightly, then they are gone. What might have been is the discussion point for many of them at Ohio State -- Greg Oden, Mike Conley, Kosta Koufos, B.J. Mullens, even Daequan Cook.

The real beauty of college basketball, though, is the few who stay the course. They are denigrated as not skilled enough, big enough, quick enough, whatever enough, to have the NBA general managers throwing bullion their way. The good ones, returning year after year, are not static. They develop, hopefully they get their degrees, and they accumulate more layers of experience, further strata of wisdom, additional tiers of move and countermove.

No one ever wonders what might have been. They have given their all.

David Lighty, a fifth-year senior, has more staying power than most. The 6-5 swing man from Villa Angela-St. Joseph came in with Oden and Conley when they were all freshmen, and he will be leaving, perhaps, with Jared Sullinger, the Buckeyes' latest freshman Player of the Year candidate.

Lighty has been slump-ridden ever since the first Illinois game in Champaign, a narrow Buckeyes victory. That was exactly a month before the rematch Tuesday night. He shot 38.8 percent during his month in the wilderness.

Lighty played the first half of Ohio State's 89-70 victory over the Illini Tuesday night as if he did not want anything other than a point-blank shot. His offensive reputation is that of a slasher. A couple of his moves in the first half were trailers for a slasher flick. One contorted shot, surrounded by defenders, slammed off the underside of the backboard and deflected back at him, like a boomerang spiking itself.

"Blocking foul," Lighty said, matter of factly.

Wasn't called. That was a matter of fact, too.

At halftime, Lighty was 2-for-6 from the field for four points. Although he was contributing with four rebounds and two steals, his outside shot was both reluctantly taken and errantly executed.

Then in the second half, over a span of two minutes, 52 seconds, Lighty dunked and laid up, three-pointed (from the arc and the old-fashioned way) and stole, disjointed and disheartened. He scored 13 points in a literal rush. He stole the ball three times, once on a "swim" move similar to a pass rusher in football, which picked the pocket of Illinois' Crandall Head. The latter had no clue what was bearing down on him from behind.

"When someone beats you around the corner, the ball's on the outside. I got lucky," said Lighty, who scored after all three steals.

Illinois had to think there were four or five Lightys out there, each playing different roles. And why not? Lighty has been a starter and a bench player. He has been the defender no one wants to see shadowing him. He has been hurt. He has been down. Through it all, said Illinois coach Bruce Weber, "He has been their heart and soul."

Weber also said Lighty is the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player, "but he won't get it because people aren't smart enough."

Lighty started the binge with a three-pointer, which Illinois dared him to shoot. "They were leaving [Aaron] Craft and me open," he said. Then came a steal and two free throws from a 63 percent shooter at the line.

The "swim" move deep-sixed Head next. In an instant came Lighty's dunk as he rampaged to the rim, Head's foul on the play, Lighty's touchdown and the scream he bellowed into the awakened din of Value City Arena. He added the free throw.

Lighty jumped into the passing lane seconds later, Illini heads swimming now, and hot-footed it to a layup. Finally, he ripped another three-pointer.

"We made a run, and he just took over the game," said Weber. "If you have a Lighty, everything he does is what you need. That toughness was the difference."

"Dave's second-half performance was at a high level," said OSU coach Thad Matta, after Lighty scored 21 points, his season high in Big Ten games. "He's out there smiling, but something is ticking inside. He's been here five years, and he's never gotten close to the credit for the player he is."

A coach gets to know the ones who stay. "There's no doubt he's one of my favorites. There should be a statue of David Lighty outside the Schottenstein Center," Matta said.

They have seen it all, together. Including the night the one who stayed became the biggest one of all.

Follow Bill Livingston on Facebook and on Twitter @LivyPD

Talk Indians with Paul Hoynes Wednesday at noon

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Hoynsie's back! Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe. Hear Paul's thoughts on the Indians' new additions, their players returning from injury and more.

hoynes-headshot.jpgPaul Hoynes answers your Indians questions on Wednesdays at noon.

Hoynsie's back! Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe live fromo spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.

Hear Paul's thoughts on the Indians' new additions, their players returning from injury and more.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Hoynsie's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.



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