Owners approved modified changes to kickoffs at league meetings Tuesday that will lead to more touchbacks and minimize the impact of Cribbs and other explosive kick returners.

View full sizeChuck Crow l The Plain DealerExplosive kick returns helped Josh Cribbs make his mark in the NFL, so he's not crazy about the NFL's rule change that will lead to more touchbacks.

NEW ORLEANS — NFL players and management don't agree on much during this period of labor strife. But the Browns and return specialist Josh Cribbs agree the changes to the kickoff rules stink.

Owners approved modified changes to kickoffs at league meetings Tuesday that will lead to more touchbacks and minimize the impact of Cribbs and other explosive kick returners.

Almost immediately upon the news breaking that the changes were official, Cribbs sounded off on his Twitter account and in multiple interviews with news organizations.

"It's just eliminating a lot of the opportunities for returners to make their names in the NFL," Cribbs said on ESPN. "It was already tough for a lot of guys like me. This is eliminating future opportunities as well."

The changes move up the kickoff line 5 yards to the 35-yard line and prohibit players on the coverage team from getting more than a 5-yard running start on kickoffs. Kickoffs out of bounds will continue to be brought back to the 40-yard line or at the spot the ball went out, and the two-man blocking wedge was not eradicated.

The key modification, however, is the 20-yard line will remain the spot after a touchback.

In other words, touchbacks will be easier to achieve for teams afraid to kick to Cribbs, and there is no disincentive for doing it. The original proposal brought back touchbacks to the 25. It was restored to the 20 after coaches complained that was too great a giveback in field position.

The Browns were one of six teams that voted against the changes. The rules passed with two votes to spare.

The changes were made to reduce injuries. Without providing data, league officials say injuries were increasing significantly, and coaches and players were calling the kickoff one of the most violent plays in the game because of high-speed collisions.

"I commend their reasoning behind it," Cribbs said. "They're trying to make the game safer, but they say the kickoff coverage can't go past 5 yards, only get a 5-yard head start. That's still room for injury. All you're eliminating is kickoff return units and a big way teams can win and lose football games."

Cribbs contends the league is feigning interest in player safety to advance its agenda of expanding the season to 18 games.

The average landing spot of kickoffs last year was about the 6-yard line. Proponents of the changes say most kickoffs still will fall short of the end zone and be returnable. But even they expect touchbacks to increase from last year's rate of roughly 20 percent of all kickoffs.

In defending his team's vote for the changes, one AFC team official said, "Would I rather give [Browns quarterback] Colt McCoy the ball at the 20 or put the ball in Cribbs' hands?"

The length of kickoffs typically decreases in the cold months, especially in venues such as Cleveland Browns Stadium. But whenever the Browns play in dome stadiums, opponents will kick for the touchback. They have games in Houston's Reliant Stadium, whose retractable roof is almost always closed, and Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium in 2011.

Browns fined? The NFL would not confirm the Browns were one of five teams fined for violating league rules by meeting with players prior to the lockout.

The rules -- on the books for years -- went virtually unenforced until the current labor dispute.

The Browns contend players were just getting acquainted with new coach Pat Shurmur. The club did acknowledge Shurmur gave McCoy a copy of his playbook, but the rules do not specify that as a violation.

Other action on rules: The aggressive crackdown on illegal hits against defenseless players -- which would include suspensions -- was tabled until league meetings in May to clarify and streamline what is allowed and prohibited.

The replay rule was modified to allow the replay official in the stadium booth to have jurisdiction over all scoring plays and not require a coach to use a challenge. This is only on plays ruled a score by the on-field officials, however. If an official rules a play in the end zone was not a score, a coach will have to challenge it. The proposal was modified so coaches can still be granted a third challenge in a game if they have two successful challenges.

The league formally wrote a rule that bans a team from coloring its field blue or red or anything but "a league-approved shade of green."

Buck has been on the disabled list five times since 2007, but now he's in good shape and is having a solid spring with the Tribe, earning praise from manager Manny Acta.

View full sizeEric Risberg l Associated PressTravis Buck has battled injuries throughout his career, but now he's health and playing well during spring training.

1. Here comes Travis Buck, who homered twice in Tuesday's game. He came in for Grady Sizemore -- who had a flyout to the warning track in left and a strikeout -- and Buck crushed two balls over the right field wall. He now has four homers this spring and is batting .435. Indians manager Manny Acta praised him enthusiastically after the game -- doing everything but officially naming Buck to the team.

2. Buck had only four homers in 177 at-bats between the minors and Oakland last season. He is 27, and has been on the disabled list five times since 2007. "He's healthy, that's the difference," said Acta. "Our front office always liked him." Buck is a .308 minor-league hitter, and can play all three outfield spots and some first base.

3. It's not exactly a surprise, but Acta announced that with Sizemore not ready for Opening Day, Michael Brantley will start in center and lead off. He didn't want to name his lineup, but it seems the first five spots are Brantley, Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner.

4. Fausto Carmona started and threw 100 pitches in six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits. Acta was bubbling as he talked about his Opening Day starter, especially because Carmona walked only one in six innings. In his last three starts, Carmona has allowed six earned runs in 16 innings, walking only four.

5. In the minor-league camp, Josh Tomlin didn't allow a run in five innings, facing the Class AAA Columbus lineup. He will be the fifth starter whenever Acta gets around to naming it.

6. Acta raved about Asdrubal Cabrera, who homered for the third time this spring. Cabrera is hitting .432. His defense has been solid. The Indians are confident that the two Cabreras up the middle -- Orlando at second and Asdrubal at short -- will be a significant upgrade for the infield defense. The two Cabreras have made only one error this spring.

7. It was good to see Carlos Santana rip two hits, raising his average to .278. He started slow at the plate -- probably a byproduct from his off-season knee surgery. But he looks healthy, and threw out a baserunner.

8. Vinnie Pestano worked a scoreless ninth inning and is very close to clinching a spot on the team. He has 10 strikeouts and no walks in 7 innings, and his ERA is 1.35. In the minors, he has a career 2.55 ERA with 185 strikeouts in 173 innings. He is a 26-year-old right-hander, picked in the 20th round of the 2006 draft.

9. When the Indians sent Jensen Lewis to the minors, it made me think back to 2007. That was his rookie season, when Lewis came up in July from the minors, as did Raffy Perez. They combined with Raffy Betancourt and Joe Borowski to give the Indians a super bullpen in the second half of that 96-win season.

10. That was the year Browoski somehow saved 45 games with a 5.07 ERA. Lewis had a 2.15 ERA. Other key relievers were Raffy Perez (1.78), Aaron Fultz (2.92) and Tom Mastny was 7-2 with a 4.68 ERA. Betancourt was a stunning 5-1 with a 1.47. If the Indians had a lead after six innings, the game was over -- at least in the second half when Perez and Lewis were promoted from Class AAA. Lewis or Perez pitched the seventh, Betancourt worked the eighth and Browoski recorded his usual scare and a save in the ninth. The Indians thought Lewis would be their next Betancourt, a top set-up man. Now, when you look at that bullpen, the only ones still in the majors are Betancourt (with Colorado) and Raffy Perez.

To reach Terry Pluto: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com, 216-999-4674

The Monsters are 22-6-0-1 since Jan. 13, a stretch dominant enough to move them into sole possession of first place in the AHL's Western Conference North Division.

View full sizeMonsters defenseman Travis Gawryletz.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Monsters have come a long way in 10 weeks -- and show no signs of letting up.

They set a franchise record with their sixth straight victory Tuesday night, grinding past the Rochester Americans, 2-1, at The Q.

Lake Erie's previous five games were on the road.

On the morning of Jan. 13, the Monsters were 16-19-3-4, sixth in the Western Conference North Division, six points out of a playoff spot. They are 22-6-0-1 since, a stretch dominant enough to have moved them into sole possession of first place in the North with 84 points. They had entered Tuesday tied with Manitoba.

In the final minute of the second period, the Americans were whistled for too many men. The Monsters' power play took advantage of the fresh ice to open the third.

David van der Gulik created a chance, then banged a shot off the pipe at 1:00. van der Gulik stayed in the mix and fed defenseman Shawn Belle, who beat goalie Marc Cheverie with a laser at 1:06.

Rochester answered with an even-strength tally at 5:06 of the third.

Monsters defenseman Travis Gawryletz put a wrister past Cheverie at 12:08 for the game-winner.

Through the scoreless first 40 minutes, each team went 0-for-4 on the power play. The Monsters held a 21-13 advantage in shots.

Lake Erie goalie Jason Bacashihua made a terrific glove save during a Rochester power play early in the first period. He had another scintillating stop in the second.

Cheverie made back-to-back strong saves at the end of a Lake Erie power play late in the first.

A young Kent team is getting valuable experience in the NIT that can only help it next season, says coach Geno Ford.

View full sizeJack Dempsey l Associated PressKent State forward Justin Greene goes up for a shot against Colorado during the first half Tuesday in Boulder, Colo.

BOULDER, Colo. — At the start of the season, they could have been known as the Kent State Green Flashes.

The Golden Flashes welcomed 10 players new to the program and just one senior. But after winning the Mid-American Conference regular-season title and advancing to the National Invitation Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday night at Colorado, this has become a much more seasoned bunch.

Win or lose, Kent State coach Geno Ford said before facing the Buffaloes that this deep NIT run can do nothing but help the team for next season.

"It's given us a lot of confidence going forward," said Ford, whose Golden Flashes opened play in the NIT with road wins over St. Mary's and Fairfield. "The future is very bright for where we are as a program. It's given us the experience of playing on national TV and playing some very good teams."

But there is perhaps one drawback to Kent State surprising many observers by winning a second straight MAC regular-season crown and making a fine showing in the NIT.

"Expectations will go up," Ford said. "We'll be looked upon as one of the favorites for the MAC next season. We'll go from this year, where nobody picked us, to a fair amount of people next year who should."

Porrini back: Kent State point guard Michael Porrini was knocked out of last Sunday's win at Fairfield. But he answered the bell Tuesday.

The MAC Defensive Player of the Year started against the Buffaloes and scored seven of his team's first 16 points after he had been lost against the Stags with 9:04 remaining in the game when he took an elbow in the head while setting a screen.

"He's fine," Ford said before the game. "He's all right. He was cleared the other night to go back in the game, but we were just trying to be cautious."

Ford said Porrini passed all tests for a concussion and had what the coach called a "real bad headache." Porrini was able to practice Monday in Boulder without complication.

While Kent State got its playmaker back, Colorado was without its starting point guard. Nate Tomlinson, who averages 3.1 points and 2.5 assists, was unable to play due to a separated AC joint in his left shoulder suffered last Friday against California.

Not tourists: There was no sightseeing by the Golden Flashes on Monday night in Colorado. Instead, they went to bed early.

Kent State players last Saturday night were taken for a few hours to Times Square in New York, about 60 miles from where the game was played the next day in Bridgeport, Conn.

"We got up at 4 a.m. and flew from Hartford to Denver," Ford said of what the team did Monday. "Then we practiced."

It's no wonder "Do Not Disturb" signs were hung early on doorknobs Monday night. The Golden Flashes wanted to get their rest to prepare for a third game in eight days in a third different time zone.

"It's been challenging and demanding, but we've got a tough group," Ford said.

The JCU-St. Norbert game will be the first regular-season Division III game in Europe since Nov. 29, 1992.

JCU will play St. Norbert College, of DePere, Wis., which is just outside Green Bay. Both teams compete in NCAA Division III. The weekend will feature a Division I game, Navy against Notre Dame, on Sept. 1.

The JCU-St. Norbert game will be the first regular-season Division III game in Europe since Bowdoin defeated Tufts, 7-6, on Nov. 29, 1992, in Galway, Ireland.

NDC golf coach: Notre Dame College in South Euclid hired Jimmy Hanlin as its new coach for its men's and women's golf programs. Hanlin, owner of two local golf facilities (Little Mountain Country Club in Concord Township, StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights), will be assisted by former head professional Bryan Huff.

NDC Athletic Director Susan Hlavacek indicated that both Little Mountain and StoneWater will be utilized as practice and competition facilities for the Falcons golf teams. NDC also practices and plays out of Mayfield Country Club.

Huff attended Kent State out of high school on a baseball scholarship, but then transferred to South Florida to play golf. Huff graduated from South Florida and moved back to Northeast Ohio, where he has served as head golf professional at two courses (Madison CC, Red Tail GC) in recent years.

B-W All-Americans: Two Baldwin-Wallace senior track and field standouts, Kim Chinn and Emily Oliver, earned NCAA Division III All-America honors at the recent National Indoor Track & Field Championship Meet at Capital University in Columbus.

Chinn earned All-America honors for the third time by placing sixth in the mile run. Chinn also is an All-American in cross country and outdoor track.

Oliver earned her first All-America accolade by placing third in the five-event pentathlon and scoring a school-record 3,411 points.

In addition, senior Kevin Phipps, a four-time Division III All-American, competed in the 35-pound weight throw (ninth) and shot put (10th).

On to nationals: B-W's Todd Richert (North Royalton) and Julie Pinter (Brecksville-Broadview Heights) will compete at the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships at Tennessee, which run from today through Saturday.

Richert and Pinter will compete in the 1- and 3-meter events. Richert is the Ohio Athletic Conference Male Diver of the Year for the third time in four years. Pinter was the OAC Female Diver of the Year for the second straight season.

Postgraduate award: Case Western Reserve senior football player Joey Baum (Walsh Jesuit) was named one of just 29 male student-athletes from around the nation to be awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. He started all 10 games at quarterback and was the University Athletic Association's top-rated passer in his first year as a starter. Baum, an international studies and political science double-major, carries a 3.93 grade-point average and plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree upon graduating from CWRU.

Hollinger honors: CWRU women's basketball junior forward Erin Hollinger (Chardon) was selected to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-American team. She is a three-time Academic All-American, having earned the honor for both basketball and track and field last year. Hollinger, who led the UAA in scoring at 16.8 ppg, was a D3hoops.com All-Great Lakes Region selection and a finalist for the Jostens Trophy, which honors the men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year.

Whenever right-hander Vinnie Pestano is called to pitch in a game, he sprints out of the bullpen to the mound. This spring, he seems to be sprinting to a job in the Indians' bullpen.

View full sizeChuck Crow l The Plain DealerReliever Vinnie Pestano is 0-1 with a 1.35 ERA and one save during spring season. He has 10 strikeouts and no walks.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Vinnie Pestano would make a good cavalry charge. All by himself.

He comes out of the bullpen gate sprinting at full speed and doesn't stop until he reaches the mound. The only thing missing is a bugle call and battle flags whipping in the wind. Pestano was so excited about pitching in his first game for Cal State Fullerton in 2004 that when his name was called, he didn't stroll out of the bullpen. He made a mad dash.

"I was just so fired up to get in there," Pestano said. "I liked it and I stuck with it."

Hometown fans love it. On the road, Pestano hears some boos, but he doesn't care.

"It's part of my routine," he said. "It gets my adrenaline going, my blood pumping. It gets everything hot."

This spring Pestano is not only sprinting toward the mound, but also a job in the Indians' bullpen. On Tuesday, Jensen Lewis was outrighted to Class AAA Columbus and manager Manny Acta made it official that Joe Smith will not open the regular season with the Tribe because of a strained abdominal muscle.

Those moves open three spots in the bullpen to be decided among five relievers -- Pestano, Frank Herrmann, Justin Germano, Jess Todd and Doug Mathis. Pestano, Herrmann and Germano have to be considered the favorites, although Todd has pitched well this spring. In six appearances, he has allowed one run in 6 innings.

Todd, Herrmann and Pestano each pitched a scoreless inning in the Indians' 7-3 Cactus League victory over Arizona on Tuesday. Pestano sprinted in for the ninth and retired the side in order. He threw seven pitches -- all for strikes.

This spring Pestano is 0-1 with a 1.35 ERA (one earned run in 6 innings) and one save. He has 10 strikeouts and no walks. For a team whose pitchers finished last in the big leagues in strikeouts and fifth in most walks allowed, those are welcome numbers.

"He has a legitimate chance of making the team," Acta said. "He's pitched very well."

Pestano, who made five appearances with the Indians in September, plugs his ears when such comments as Acta's come his way.

"I try not to get caught up in that," he said. "I don't want to put any undo pressure on myself. I don't want to think about possibilities or expectations or things like that."

Lewis pitched parts of four seasons with the Indians, making his debut in 2007. The Indians announced Tuesday he had cleared waivers and been outrighted to Columbus. His $650,000 salary for 2011 is guaranteed.

"Jensen has had some success in the past," Acta said. "We need to get him back on track. Hopefully, he can be an option for us down the road."

Lewis' velocity was down this spring, but Acta said that wasn't the main issue. He said Lewis struggled with command and was having trouble throwing quality strikes with his fastball. Lewis struck out one, walked three and allowed nine earned runs and 13 hits in 5 innings.

Acta met with Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer, Monday afternoon. Soloff told Acta he didn't think Smith would be ready for Opening Day on April 1.

"Lonnie said that with Joe's sidearm delivery, that they haven't had a lot of success pushing him in the past," Acta said.

Smith hasn't pitched in a game since March 9 and just started playing catch Sunday.

Asked if Lewis' demotion and Smith's injury pushed a particular reliever to the forefront, Acta said: "We still have two or three spots in the bullpen. It's the same guys [with] more chances. We don't have to make a decision. The players make the decisions themselves."

Back in center: Grady Sizemore made his Cactus League debut in center field Tuesday. He went 0-for-2 and caught a lazy fly ball from Russell Branyan in the third inning.

Sizemore played three innings. He's scheduled to DH on Thursday and play center field again Saturday.

So far he has had four at-bats and played a combined five innings in two games in his recovery from microfracture surgery on his left knee.

"I'm just trying to get out there and get as much work as I can," Sizemore said. "It's small steps. The next time I go out there I'll probably play four or five innings.

"I wasn't expecting to get a whole lot of work in three innings. It's what we were expecting."

Sizemore has not played in a regular-season game since May 16.

"Being out for so long, you want to get in there and get as much work as you can and as many at-bats as you can," Sizemore said. "Both games have come and gone by very quick."

Sizemore said his timing at the plate needs a lot of work.

"My time, right now, is a major issue for me," he said. "I definitely feel like I've been out for 10 months."

He's back: Infielder Adam Everett (sprained left thumb) said tests were negative and that he will practice and try to play today.

On the prowl: Milwaukee, its rotation in shambles because of injuries, is looking for starting pitching. Tribe lefty David Huff could be on the Brewers' radar.

Nice outing: In a minor-league game in Goodyear, Josh Tomlin pitched five innings, retiring 15 straight batters, against Class AAA Columbus. He struck out five.

Tomlin threw just 53 pitches and had to go to the bullpen and throw 20 more.

Chad Durbin and Germano each allowed an unearned run in an inning's work.

Finally: Jason Donald said he will get another CT scan on the cracked bone in his left middle finger Thursday to see how it's healing. Donald's chances of winning the third-base job ended March 5 when he was hit by a Gavin Floyd pitch.

"It's frustrating," Donald said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

UPDATED: The Golden Flashes get 20 points from forward Justin Greene, but it's not enough to counter Alec Burks and the Buffaloes, who end Kent's run one game short of the semifinals in New York.

View full sizeJack Dempsey l Associated PressColorado guard Alec Burks (10) and Kent State guard Rodriquez Sherman reach for a rebound during the first half Tuesday in Boulder, Colo.

Chris Tomasson / Special to The Plain Dealer

BOULDER, Colo. — Well after the final buzzer sounded Tuesday night, a bunch of fans were waiting in the bowels of the Coors Events Center, chanting: "We want Burks. We want Burks."

The Kent State Golden Flashes didn't want Alec Burks. But, like it or not, they got him.

The sophomore guard, who is projected to be a top-10 pick in June's NBA Draft, scored 25 points to lead Colorado to an 81-74 win over the Golden Flashes in a National Invitation Tournament quarterfinal.

Just as Kent State's deepest run ever in the NCAA Tournament came to an end in 2002 one win short of the Final Four, its deepest NIT run ended at the same stage.

The Buffaloes (24-13) advance to New York's Madison Square Garden for an NIT semifinal next Tuesday against the winner of today's quarterfinal between Alabama and Miami (Fla.). It only was appropriate that Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" blared out of the loudspeakers after the final buzzer.

"He's really good," Kent State coach Geno Ford said of Burks. "There's a reason why he's on everybody's draft board. . . . We don't see a wing that big [6-6] and that athletic [in the Mid-American Conference]."

Burks was the first expected NBA lottery pick the Golden Flashes have run into all season. Their top player, forward Justin Greene, scored 20 points, but it wasn't enough as Kent State finishes the season 25-12.

It would have been a tough task for Kent State, a No. 7 seed, to defeat No. 1 Colorado as its third straight win in an NIT road game. Since the NIT went to campus sites in 1979, only three schools have won three straight games on the road to advance to New York.

Still, the Golden Flashes were in the hunt for another unexpected win when they led, 67-66, with just over five minutes remaining. But the Buffaloes then took the lead for good by scoring five straight points, including a spectacular reverse layup by Burks for a 71-67 advantage with 4:21 remaining.

Kent State closed it to 77-74 before guard Rod Sherman's 3-pointer to tie clanged off the iron with 1:30 left. Colorado then hit four straight free throws to secure the win.

"Nobody wanted it to end right now," said Sherman, the team's only senior. "We felt like we deserved to be in the Garden. We've been playing our butts off."

The Golden Flashes were playing a third game in eight days in a third different time zone. They had logged more than 8,000 miles in the NIT, starting with St. Mary's in Moraga, Calif., before playing a second-round game last Sunday against Fairfield in Bridgeport, Conn.

Throw in playing Tuesday at an altitude of 5,345 feet, which is prominently written on a wall in the arena, and one would think the Golden Flashes would be weary. But that hardly was the case as Kent State stayed close until the end.

"They were pretty down after the game," Ford said of his players. "There were a lot of guys crying. We wanted to win. We wanted the season to go on. I'm sure in another week or so, we'll look back on it and feel good about what we accomplished with the [MAC regular-season] championship, the 25 wins and the third round of the NIT. But right now, they're just hurt from the loss."

Point guard Michael Porrini added 14 points and five assists for the Golden Flashes. Sherman scored 12 points.

The Golden Flashes, who refused to use all their recent travels as an excuse, fell behind, 36-31, at halftime thanks to Burks. He shot 6-of-8 from the field for 15 points in the half en route to going 11-of-18 for the game while also pulling down 10 rebounds.

But any momentum Colorado had didn't immediately carry over to the second half. The Golden Flashes took a 58-56 lead on a 3-pointer by guard Randal Holt with 11:20 remaining. But Colorado guard Cory Higgins, the son of former NBA player and current Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins, drilled a 3-pointer and later hit a pair of free throws to put the Buffaloes up, 61-58, with 10:15 left.

Kent State, though, was far from done. The Golden Flashes took a 64-61 lead on a 3-pointer by Holt with 7:40 remaining. And they went up for the final time at 67-66 when Porrini made a layup with 5:05 left.

But then the Buffaloes had their key 5-0 run. The final two came on a Burks drive that is sure to show up plenty on the highlights.

"That was a backbreaker," Ford said.

The Golden Flashes weren't looking forward to seeing Burks the way those fans were after the game. But they got him.

Chris Tomasson is a Denver-based freelance writer.

As the quarterback of the No. 1 basketball team in the nation, freshman Aaron Craft has run Ohio State's offense at an elite level for the last month.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter l The Plain DealerFreshman point guard Aaron Craft steals the ball from George Mason's Andre Cornelius in the first half of the Buckeyes' romp at The Q Sunday afternoon.

Aaron Craft fired the pass from a three-quarters arm angle, and the 14-yard completion led to a layup and a foul for Jared Sullinger, the play the most memorable of Craft's school-record 15 assists during Ohio State's NCAA Tournament win over George Mason on Sunday.

"People ask me how I got it there," said Craft, who started at quarterback for three years in high school before giving up football to focus on basketball as a senior. "And I said I just threw it as hard as I could. Sully can catch just about anything. I was reading the guy guarding Dave [Lighty], and he made a play to the middle, so I took a chance with Jared."

Yes, this is basketball, not football. But when it comes to the No. 1 Buckeyes, who face No. 4 seed Kentucky in an East Regional semifinal in Newark, N.J., on Friday, Craft is most assuredly their quarterback.

Craft's showdown with Kentucky leading scorer and freshman point guard Brandon Knight could swing the game. The Buckeyes should be OK with that.

"He played his heart out," OSU junior William Buford said after Sunday's win. "He was hustling like crazy."

View full sizeAPKentucky's Brandon Knight (12).

There's both a physical and an emotional component to every great quarterback, an expectation to run the offense and lead the team.

Playing with three seniors and a junior, Craft doesn't need to lead. That's taken care of.

"We have great leaders on the court. I didn't come in expecting to be this great leader. I know you have to be a follower before anything else," Craft said. "You have to be willing to learn from the other guys, and I think they're willing to learn from me as well, which just shows the type of team we have."

"He had no problems adjusting because he's a guy who's willing to be led," OSU senior Jon Diebler said. "He's very mature and smart for his age, so he knew what his role would be when he got here, and he's accepted that."

His role, then, is to pick other teams apart.

Craft's defensive skills are well established by now -- he made the Big Ten's All-Defense team for a reason. After losing to Ohio State on Friday, Texas-San Antonio point guard Devin Gibson said of Craft, "I knew he was scrappy, but he was scrappier than I thought he would be."

But it's running the offense where Craft has grown the most, his ability to find his receivers and spread the wealth evident on Sunday. Of those 15 assists, four were to Sullinger, four to Lighty, three to Diebler, two to Buford and one each to Deshaun Thomas and Dallas Lauderdale. And they came against just two turnovers. If this were football, Craft would have completed 88 percent of his passes.

After the win, OSU coach Thad Matta whispered to a reporter that Craft could have described each and every pass he made, his brain a basketball vault, with Matta saying Craft's basketball IQ is among the highest he has ever seen.

"I think he's one of the best I ever had in terms of that," Matta said. "His mind is . . . there's probably a good chance someday if you need surgery, he'll be operating on you, because he's thinking about being a doctor or a surgeon. His mind is just amazing for as young as he is and the things he's able to see."

Over the last month, Craft has exhibited that type of surgeon's precision on the court. Since committing six turnovers against just one assist in the Buckeyes' loss at Purdue on Feb. 20, Craft has 53 assists and 11 turnovers in his last nine games.

Assist-to-turnover ratio is the most important stat for a point guard, and three-to-one is excellent.

For instance, Craft's 2.24 ratio on the year is seventh among players still alive in the Sweet 16. Pretty good.

But a month of a 4.8 ratio is elite.

Matta said he didn't offer Craft any reminders after the Purdue loss. The freshman just straightened himself out.

"The thing I love about Aaron is he's as hard on himself as any kid I ever coached," Matta said. "I've got great trust in him in knowing those are the type of things that drive him nuts."

The trust goes so deep that against George Mason, Matta moved Craft to small forward for a play and asked him if he knew what to do from that position.

Craft told his coach, "I know exactly what to do."

That didn't last long, though. Soon enough, the Buckeyes had their quarterback running the show again, the ball, and their hopes, in his hands.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Haden, speaking before an appearance at the Lake Erie Monsters game, says he thinks the NFL lockout will not affect the regular season and that games will be played.

PDJoe Haden says some of the Browns are still working out together and staying ready for football during the lockout.

Haden, who's mostly working out at home in the Washington, D.C., area with his dad, a personal trainer, has also gone to California to train with fellow Browns defensive backs T.J. Ward and Eric Wright. They've also traveled to Florida to condition with safety Abe Elam.

"I'm working out really hard," Haden said before an appearance Tuesday at the Lake Erie Monsters hockey game at The Q. "I'm working out as if we were going to play. We don't want to come into the season and do the conditioning and not be ready for it.

"(But) I don't think the lockout is going to affect the season. It's going to take a little time but I think the games are going to be played.''

Haden said Browns players receive almost daily emails from linebacker Scott Fujita, a member of the NFLPA's executive committee, and tight end Ben Watson. He said the two have urged players to stay strong and united during the work stoppage.

Haden said that unlike quarterback Colt McCoy, who received an offensive playbook from the Browns, the defensive players are operating without one despite shifting to a 4-3 alignment.

"On defense, you can do your drills and footwork and stuff like that, but we're not practicing specific plays,'' he said. "On offense, it's a lot more timing and work between the quarterback and receivers. We just have to learn our craft and the plays are not that hard.''

Like fellow kick returner Josh Cribbs, Haden is unhappy about the new NFL kickoff rule, which moves kicks to the 35-yard line and is expected to limit opportunities for big returns.

"It's definitely depressing because it's going to take away some big plays -- especially because we have (Josh Cribbs) and I was doing some returns,'' he said. "We think it takes away a big part of our game. (They want to make it safer but) it's still football. People are going to get hit and there will still be collisions.''

Unlike a year ago, the Browns might be in prime position to trade down in the first round of the draft to collect extra choices. They said it will be a consideration.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter l The Plain DealerCleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren, left, and General Manager Tom Heckert might have some opportunities to make a deal with their top pick on draft day.

"I think we're open to it this year," President Mike Holmgren said at the NFL league meetings. "We have a couple of [needs] I'd like to deal with, specifically. We'd move down for the same reason you'd always trade back."

That reason would be to acquire an extra pick to patch another need without sacrificing a desired player with the first pick.

The Browns elected to use their top pick last year, No. 7 overall, on cornerback Joe Haden. General Manager Tom Heckert said there was no demand from other teams to move up.

This draft could be a lot different.

"This draft might fall kind of funny because of the quarterbacks," Holmgren said.

At league meetings this week, there was speculation quarterbacks Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert could both be taken within the first three picks. If one is left for the Browns at No. 6, San Francisco (seventh), Tennessee (eighth) and Minnesota (12th) all could be interested in moving up.

View full sizeAPClemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers.

"I think anytime you have a quarterback situation, that probably changes things," Heckert said. "There's a chance both are gone [by No. 6]. There's a chance both are still there. I don't know. I do know this: There's more than six players that are really good that people are going to like. Definitely."

Coach Pat Shurmur said, "I think [sixth] is a pretty interesting place to pick. We'll have good choices there. I think there's a handful of guys that could be available, and they're all very attractive."

In separate interviews this week, the Browns' top three football minds all made reference to team "needs." It is very apparent they feel the team needs to match up well with what will be available to them.

The Browns haven't hid the fact they need defensive linemen to fill in their new four-man front defensive scheme. Holmgren also said he's looking for "a home run hitter" on offense. Heckert will seek to fill two needs with his top two choices, No. 6 and No. 35. Taking linemen with each of those picks -- one on a pass-rushing end and one on a tackle -- is not out of the question.

The need to address "needs" is more relevant this year because the labor dispute stopped free agency before it started. Heckert acknowledged Tuesday that in a normal off-season, he probably would have signed a starting defensive lineman in free agency by now.

As it is, tackle Ahtyba Rubin is the only bona-fide defensive line starter on the Browns' roster at this time.

"We'll make it work," Heckert said. "It's not a dire situation, I don't think."

Still, Heckert said he will "definitely" attend the pro day workout of Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers on April 1. It would be Bowers' first workout in front of scouts since he had knee surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus. Heckert also has April 8 circled on his calendar. That's the date Bowers returns to Indianapolis to have his knee re-checked by NFL doctors. All teams then will receive that report.

Despite rampant reports questioning Bowers' knee, Heckert said the top sack specialist in the draft is very much "in the mix" to be a high pick.

Bowers joins Alabama tackle Marcell Dareus and Auburn tackle Nick Fairley at the top of a very deep group of defensive linemen in this draft. The entire Browns' football operation -- minus Holmgren -- attended the pro day workouts of Dareus and Fairley.

In other draft-related news:

• Heckert and Shurmur had to miss Georgia receiver A.J. Green's pro day workout Tuesday. Shurmur indicated he would visit with Green prior to the draft.

"We got to know him quite a bit at the combine and through the initial stages of this process," Shurmur said. "I think he's a fantastic kid, a terrific player. As we go forward here in the next few weeks, we'll get some more detailed information . . . There's a very good chance I'll go and see some of these players individually."

• Heckert said Alabama receiver Julio Jones is also drawing strong interest league-wide and might be another player that attracts teams to the top 10.

"No question about it," Heckert said. "Everybody's talking A.J., A.J., A.J., but different people have Julio up there."

• Shurmur conceded it will be difficult for him to pass up an offensive playmaker with the first pick. Green and Jones are the only two -- besides the quarterbacks -- considered in the top 10.

"You know, it's intoxicating to go after the playmaker," Shurmur said. "But our team has needs in areas that we can address [with the top pick]. So I think that's the way we need to approach it."

• Heckert said he hasn't determined how far he would be willing to move down. That limit depends on the final makeup of the Browns' draft board.

"We'll probably start sitting down with Pat this week and going over the board," he said.

• Heckert said he expects to attend "probably" two more pro days and "maybe" one or two private workouts.

Division III First team

Division III

First team

Co-Player of the Year Anton Grady, Cleveland Central Catholic: The 6-8, 200-pound senior has led the Ironmen (18-8) to their second state semifinal appearance in the past three years by averaging 20.9 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. A Cleveland State signee, he was a starter on the school’s state title team in 2009. He shares the award with Cincinnati Taft 6-6 junior Adolphus Washington, also a state semifinalist.

Division IV

First team Devonta Brooks, St. Peter Chanel: The 6-5 senior averaged 12 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.3 blocked shots in leading the Firebirds to a 17-5 record and a spot in the district semifinals. He is regarded as one of the top defenders in the area.

- Tim Rogers

All-Ohio Boys Basketball Honors

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The 2010-11 Associated Press Division III and IV All-Ohio boys basketball team, based on the recommendations of a media panel:

DIVISION III

FIRST TEAM: Adolphus Washington, Cin. Taft, 6-foot-6, junior, 19.1 points per game; Anton Grady, Cleve. Cent. Cath., 6-8, sr., 20.9; Brennan McKean, West Salem Northwestern, 6-0, sr., 28.0; Paul Honigford, Sugarcreek Garaway, 6-8, se., 16.8; Evan Jamison, Richwood North Union, 6-7, sr., 22.1; Nathan Copley, Chesapeake, 6-2, sr., 14.5 Derek Zeiter, Ontario, 6-4., sr., 19.4

Players of the year: Adolphus Washington, Cin. Taft; Anton Grady, Cleve. Cent. Cath.

Coaches of the year: Zach Ruth, Galion Northmor; Shawn Brewer, Paulding.

SECOND TEAM: Blake Justice, Peebles, 6-2, sr., 27.3; Marquice Taylor, Cols. Africentric, 6-0, sr., 19.4; Dan Monteroso, St. Clairsville, 6-3, soph., 23.0; Jalen Billups, Cin. Shroder, 6-6, sr., 19.2; Tyler O'Connor, Lima Cent. Cath., 6-3, jr., 12.8; Telly Fricke, Archbold, 5-11, sr., 11.0; Zach Wasson, Orrville, 6-5, sr., 19.3; Demonte Flannigan, Cleve. VASJ, 6-8, soph., 16.0.

THIRD TEAM: Nick Gibson, Milford Center Fairbanks, 6-2, sr., 19.8; Brett Farnsworth, Sarahsville Shenandoah, 6-2, sr., 21.4; Ronnie Drinnon, Jamestown Greeneview, 6-7, jr., 14.3; Orlando Berry, Cin. Taft, 5-8, jr., 13.1; Austin McMaster, Chesapeake, 6-5, jr., 18.9; Evan Legg, Piketon, 6-2, sr., 22.8; Andy Stegman, Wheelersburg, 6-6, sr., 18.4; Cody Dillon, Newton Falls, 6-4, jr., 19.4; Drew Frizell, Smithville, 6-2, sr., 21.2; Tim Goff, Burton Berkshire, 6-7, jr., 18.0.
Special Mention

Steven Bridgeman, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; Anthony Kendrick, Cols. Horizon Science; Garrett Legraen, Beverly Fort Frye; Thomas Ellis, West Lafayette Ridgewood; Marcus Schumacher, Woodsfield Monroe Central; Dakota Bennett, Camden Preble Shawnee; Travis Elliott, Ironton; Andrew Bendolph, Portsmouth; Wayne Evans, Portsmouth; A.J. Henson, Orwell Grand Valley; Karl Garner, Cleve. VASJ; Mike Zavagno, Gates Mills Gilmour Acad.; Brandon Easton, Andover Pymatuning Valley; Nolan Todd, Collins Western Reserve; Travis Schomaeker, Ottawa-Glandorf; Mark Noble, Akron Manchester; Bob Peters, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA; Jacob Jaros, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Jordan Jenior, Rootstown; Brendan Milburn, Atwater Waterloo; Ryan Moore, Jeromesville Hillsdale.
Honorable Mention

Roger Gleckler, Heath; Isaac McGlone, Carroll Bloom-Carroll; Drew Osborne, Centerburg; Zack Ratcliff, Cols. Acad.; Kolby Snyder, Mount Gilead;

Tyler Fitzpatrick, Barnesville; Darian Arnold, Newcomerstown; Shon Smith, Beverly Fort Frye; Clayton Patton, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley; Hunter Shaw, Sugarcreek Garaway; Jordan Wilson, Zanesville West Muskingum;

Evan Bradds, Jamestown Greeneview; Josh Foster, Middletown Madison; Jake Overbeck, Reading; Evan Wolf, Casstown Miami East; Elliot Young, Williamsburg;

Zac Carter, Ironton; Colin Kennedy, Chesapeake; Andy Countryman, Peebles; Dion McKinley, Portsmouth; Drew Cannon, Oak Hill; Blake Barnes, South Point; Blake Yates, Lucasville Valley; Dylan Gragg, Chillicothe Huntington;

Rasaun Smith, Cleve. Central Cath.; Duane Gibson, Cleve. VASJ; Marcus Spelich, Rocky River Luth. West; Ethan Nobbe, Wickliffe; Will Starks, Gates Mills Hawken; Mitchell Lake, Orwell Grand Valley; Adam LaMonica, Wickliffe;

Brian Bollenbacher, Huron; T.J. Waldock, Bloomdale Elmwood; Levi Gleason, Bluffton; Matt Metcalf, North Robinson Colonel Crawford; Blake Green, Delta; Lucas Pennington, Metamora Evergreen;

Ryan Burfield, East Canton; Peyton Aldridge, Leavittsburg LaBrae; Jeremy Quinlan, Brookfield; Devonte Jenkins, Youngs. Ursuline; Kyrie Gregorey, Youngs. Ursuline; Kyle Dack, Akron Manchester; Cody Berg, Garrettsville Garfield; Levi Licata, Jeromesville Hillsdale.

DIVISION IV

FIRST TEAM: Nick Levin, Cols. Tree of Life, 6-foot, senior, 17.6 points per game; Dylan Kaufman, Berlin Hiland, 6-4, jr., 14.0; Cody Latimer, Dayton Jefferson, 6-3, sr., 16.2; Travis Combs, Manchester, 6-1, jr., 20.0; Devonta Brooks, Bedford Chanel, 6-5, sr., 12.0; Luke Kohls, Columbus Grove, 6-4, sr., 16.9; Matthias Tayala, McDonald, 6-2, sr., 18.3; Zak Kirkbride, Zanesville Rosecrans, 6-6, jr., 20.3.

Players of the year: Dylan Kaufman, Berlin Hiland; Luke Kohls, Columbus Grove; Zak Kirkbride, Zanesville Rosecrans.

Coaches of the year: Todd Rock, Zanesville Rosecrans; Art Winston, Dayton Jefferson; George Whittaker, Salineville Southern.

SECOND TEAM: Shakir Dunning, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 6-1, sr., 15.5; Andy Hoying, Jackson Center, 6-4, jr., 14.4; Blake Blevins, Manchester, 6-7, sr., 18.2; Marcus Reineke, New Knoxville, 6-1, sr., 22.1; Mason Roth, McComb, 5-11, sr., 18.0; J.J. Buckey, Tol. Ottawa Hills, 6-1, sr., 11.5; Michael Johnston, Wellsville, 5-9, sr., 22.7; Rico Jones, Richmond Hts., 5-11, soph., 14.0.

THIRD TEAM: Grant Harris, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep, 6-1, jr., 19.1; Travis Tucci, Malvern, 6-4, jr., 19.8; Hayden Hagerman, Spring. Cath. Cent., 6-1, sr., 16.5; Chris Cox, Leesburg Fairfield, 6-5, sr., 18.0; Brock Homier, Continental, 5-11, sr., 16.0; Tyler Lilly, Mansfield Christian, 6-3, sr., 18.9; Brock Justice, Hartville Lake Ctr. Christian, 5-9, sr., 19.5.
Special Mention

Marco Comianos, Marion Cath.; Alton Frizzell, Millersport; Aaron Parry, Zanesville Rosecrans; Corey Fickiesen, New Matamoras Frontier; Brandon Bailey, Bowerston Conotton Valley; Ryan Arington, Cin. Christian; Max Davis, Cin. Seven Hills; Devon Baum, Reedsville Eastern; Luke Taylor, Willow Wood Symmes Valley; T.J. McCloud, Franklin Furnace Green; Noah Guthrie, Glouster Trimble; Tyler Hendrix, Reedsville Eastern; Connor Scott, South Webster; Anthony DeBaltzo, Bedford Chanel; Ben Hemingway, Willoughby Hills Cornerstone Christian Acad.; Mike Fidel, Newbury; Abe Valentine, Elyria Open Door Christian; Tommy Scales, Richmond Hts.; Brian Burdine, Cleve. Hts. Luth. East; Dallas Smith, Defiance Ayersville; Patrick Rufener, Rittman; Matt Knight, Windham; Ryan Tarter, Mogadore; Cole O'Dell, Vienna Mathews; Eric Baker, Salineville Southern.
Honorable Mention

Steven Carpenter, Lancaster Fairfield Christian Acad.; Keegan Parsons, Gahanna Christian; Luke Shetler, Plain City Shekinah Christian; Jett Speelman, Newark Cath.; Gershom Tadesse, Gahanna Christian;

Andrew Rigaud, Steubenville Cath. Cent.; Sam Ramsier, Hannibal River; Ellis Brown, Shadyside; Noah Boyd, Berlin Hiland; Seger Bonifant, Berlin Hiland; Jake Phillis, Zanesville Rosecrans;

Cody Albers, Ft. Loramie; Joby Jackson, Dayton Jefferson; Drew Moore, New Madison Tri-Village; Josh Redd, Houston; Tyler Schrodi, Pitsburg Franklin Monroe;

Tanner Riley, Ironton St. Joseph; Austin Loop, South Webster; Cameron Rolark, Leesburg Fairfield; Tyler Noel, Portsmouth Notre Dame; Zach Manuel, Racine Southern; Joe Michael, Mowrystown Whiteoak; Levi Porter, Waterford; Cory Haner, Crown City South Gallia; Nathan Burchett, Portsmouth Clay;

Damon Jones, Bedford Chanel; Richard Smith, Cleve. Hts. Luth. East; Ishaam Smith, Richmond Hts.; Kareem Rock, Richmond Hts.; Mike Terry, Elyria Open Door Christian; Charlie Prince, Thompson Ledgemont; Bret DiBacco, Newbury;

Jared Sturt, Tol. Maumee Valley Country Day; Zach Garber, Vanlue; Thayne Recker, Arlington; Zach Chatlain, Bucyrus Wynford; Logan Lucas, Antwerp; Konnor Baker, Ada; Ross Heitkamp, Minster;

Devyn Turbeville, Rittman; Nick Rota, McDonald; Matt Byler, North Bloomfield; Andrew Holko, Bristolville Bristol; Jake Boyle, Salineville Southern; Jalen DeSarro, Wellsville; Anthony Walker, Youngs. Christian; MarTae Hainesworth, Warren JFK; Matt Spitler, Cortland Maplewood; Anthony Alfano, Lowellville.

Players are not happy about new kickoff rule.

Tracy Boulian | The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs

It's no surprise that Josh Cribbs is not happy about the new kickoff rules changes. Cribbs built his reputation and his career on being one of the most prolific kick returners in NFL history.

Plain Dealer reporter Tony Grossi writes how the owners approved modified changes to kickoffs at league meetings Tuesday that will lead to more touchbacks and minimize the impact of Cribbs and other explosive kick returners.

It means kickoffs were moved up five yards to the 35-yard line, and  prohibit players on the coverage team from getting more than a 5-yard running start. 

The owners made the move to protect the players, but the players are not buying it. What about you? Is this good for the game?

Ohio State or Kentucky?

Associated PressJared Sullinger

The road to the Final Four for the Ohio State Buckeyes will get a little tougher on Friday when they play Kentucky in an East Regional semifinal in Newark, N.J.

It won't be home sweet home for the Buckeyes, who turned The Q into home away from home, but that will change in Newark. OSU fans, especially for football, no how to travel. But that's nothing compared to those zany fans from the bluegrass state when it comes to Kentucky basketball.

They will be in force. But is that support enough for UK to defeat OSU?

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe live from spring training in Goodyear, Arizona. Hear Paul's thoughts on Grady Sizemore's debut, the fifth spot in the rotation and more.

Paul Hoynes answers your Indians questions on Wednesdays at noon.

Get your Indians questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe live from spring training in Goodyear, Arizona.

Hear Paul's thoughts on Grady Sizemore's debut, the fifth spot in the rotation 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.

"The idea of trading down only makes sense if both Green and Peterson are off the board, and then you've got your pick of D-linemen. Taking a QB makes no sense at this time." - Sorry, but you're wrong

View full sizeAP photoPatrick Peterson.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns might have option of trading down in NFL Draft, cleveland.com reader Sorry, but you're wrong thinks trading down depends on who's there at 6. This reader writes,

"The idea of trading down only makes sense if both Green and Peterson are off the board, and then you've got your pick of D-linemen. Taking a QB makes no sense at this time."

"I think Buck makes the big league club because of his versatility in the outfield and his ability to play first. So far, Matt LaPorta hasn't shown any improvement this spring with his hitting, and he is totally healthy . The Tribe needs someone who can hit and hit with some authority at first base." - capmjh

View full sizeMatt LaPorta remains a mystery for the Indians.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians' Travis Buck playing healthy and well: Terry Pluto's Scribbles, cleveland.com reader capmjh is concerned about Matt LaPorta. This reader writes,

"I think Buck makes the big league club because of his versatility in the outfield and his ability to play first. So far, Matt LaPorta hasn't shown any improvement this spring with his hitting, and he is totally healthy . The Tribe needs someone who can hit and hit with some authority at first base."

"Play these young guys. At this point, there is no reason not too. Give them all extended minutes. The Cavs need to determine who is and isn't in their plans for the future. You can't do that by warming the bench." - jabbyjo

View full sizeAmy Sancetta | Associated PressSome fans are ready to see youngsters like Christian Eyenga get as many minutes as possible the remainder of the season.

In response to the story Cavaliers need to see what Manny Harris can do - Comment of the Day, cleveland.com reader jabbyjo doesn't see much point to playing guys like Anthony Parker. This reader writes,

"Play these young guys. At this point, there is no reason not too. Give them all extended minutes. The Cavs need to determine who is and isn't in their plans for the future. You can't do that by warming the bench."

Baron Davis will play sooner or later.

Scott Shaw / The Plain DealerCleveland Cavalier Baron Davis.

Baron Davis may return to action tonight, or maybe he won't. If not, he will certainly play on Friday against Detroit.

Or will he?

Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer writes whenever Davis returns, it will be a boost for the Cavaliers.

"From an experience standpoint, he's head and shoulders above a lot of guys," said Byron Scott, who coached Davis in New Orleans. "He understands exactly what's going on on the floor. He sees plays way before they happen."

Bob Finnan of The News-Herald writes how coach Byron Scott vowed not to play Davis  until he could participate in a full-contact, five-on-five practice.

When that was scrapped because of the number of nagging injuries on the Cavs (13-55), it might have forced Davis to wait until Friday's game against Detroit to return to the court. Davis has missed the previous two games with back spasms.

And Ohio.com's Jason Lloyd writes how Davis, whenever he plays again, is not running on an empty tank.

Nets player

The Cavaliers host the New Jersey Nets tonight and The Newark Star-Ledger has this story on Sundiata Gaines.

Gaines joined the Nets after he got a call last month. Not only did he earn a 10-day contract, but Gaines is signed for the rest of the season.

Gaines looks pretty comfortable now with the Nets, who face the Cavaliers Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena. In nine games, he has played 15.7 minutes per game, while averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds. That includes a career-high 18 points Monday in the Nets’ 102-98 loss to Indiana.

He didn’t say much about getting his career high.

“We lost,’’ he said. “To me, it’s pointless, career high or not. I’d rather win than get a career high. I’m not saying we were going to make the playoffs, but it would have been good to beat Indiana coming down the stretch toward the end.’’

Plain Dealer OSU beat writer expects Buckeyes' experience to be the difference Friday night. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Ohio State will take on Kentucky on Friday night in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men's tournament. Who do you think will win, and by how many points? Cast your vote in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV, Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, says he thinks the Buckeyes will be in a back-and-forth game Friday, but he expects the OSU experience to win out over Kentucky's youth.

Doug also discusses an Orlando Sentinel blog comparing the Bruce Pearl firing this week to the Jim Tressel NCAA violation; whether Doug is still picking Kansas to win the NCAA championship; and what next year's Buckeye basketball team could look like with graduations and NCAA defections possibly ahead.

SBTV will return Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In order to counter the height of New Jersey's 7-0 center Brook Lopez, 7-0 Ryan Hollins will start at center for the Cavaliers tonight against the Nets, with 6-9 J.J. Hickson moving back to his customary power forward spot and 6-9 rookie Samardo Samuels heading to the bench. In announcing the move after this morning's shootaround...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In order to counter the height of New Jersey's 7-0 center Brook Lopez, 7-0 Ryan Hollins will start at center for the Cavaliers tonight against the Nets, with 6-9 J.J. Hickson moving back to his customary power forward spot and 6-9 rookie Samardo Samuels heading to the bench.

In announcing the move after this morning's shootaround at The Q, coach Byron Scott said he wanted to take advantage of the energy Hollins has played with recently. He made it clear Samuels had done nothing wrong.

"We need the size,'' Scott said of Hollins. "The last week or so, he's been playing pretty good. He has been playing with a lot of energy. I think that will help us as far as our starts are concerned as well.''

The Cavs have been getting off to terrible starts, like in Wednesday's loss to Orlando, when they trailed after the first quarter, 30-15.

Hollins hopes he can help correct that.

"If all else fails, we've got to come out and compete,'' he said. "The ref's going to call some fouls or things might not go your way. But when we compete, we get results out of it, so we've got to come out and scrap tonight.''

What's his plan against Lopez?

"Try to make everything hard for him,'' Hollins said. "You're not going to completely shut him out. He's such a good player. But make his catches tough. You make him work. Run him. Put him in pick and rolls. Make him expend energy on offense and compete with him.''

Hickson also has a tough cover in Nets power forward Kris Humphries.

"Humphries is a man,'' Scott said. "He plays hard. He goes after every ball that's shot up there, offensively and defensively. He runs the floor extremely hard. He's a great matchup for J.J. This guy is going to make sure he brings it.''