How were the champions constructed, and comparing that to the Browns of Pat Shurmur, Eric Mangini and Romeo Crennel.

View full sizeElise Amendola, Associated PressJason Pierre-Paul (90) was a first-round choice of the Giants in 2010 who fulfills two of former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi's pet theories about building a solid team -- your first-round picks must produce and "you pick pass-rushers 'til the cows come home. You never, ever have enough pass-rushers."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here are snapshots of the last five Super Bowl winners:

2011 New York Giants

Average age: 26.3

Average years in NFL: 4

Average height: 6-2 1/2

Average weight: 244

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 7 (5 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 6 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 1

Free agents/trades: 7

Quarterback: Eli Manning, No. 1 overall pick by San Diego in 2004

Head coach: Tom Coughlin, eighth season with New York after eight years with Jacksonville. Never played in NFL.

In context: The Giants, who heated up late in the season, have ranked among NFL elite since gambling on Manning with a draft-day trade in 2004. New York's second Super Bowl in five years came after a 9-7 regular season, but followed campaigns of 10-6, 8-8 and 12-4.

2010 Green Bay Packers

Average age: 26.3

Average years in NFL: 3.2

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 243

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 7 (5 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 5 (5 homegrown)

Undrafted: 4

Free agents/trades: 4

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, first-round pick (24th overall) in 2005

Head coach: Mike McCarthy, fifth season with Green Bay. Never played in NFL.

In context: The Packers finished 10-6, in second place in the NFC North Division that season. Their Super Bowl year followed an 11-5 season in 2009 -- also good for second place and a wild card position -- and a 6-10 season in 2008 in which Rodgers, the Packers' first-round choice four years earlier, was finally handed the starting quarterback job, replacing Brett Favre.

View full sizeRusty Costanza, Associated PressLike Eli Manning, Drew Brees was an original draft choice of the San Diego Chargers, but found Super Bowl success away from southern California.

2009 New Orleans Saints

Average age: 27.7

Average years in NFL: 4.6

Average height: 6-11/2

Average weight: 240

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 8 (6 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 6 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 4

Free agents/trades: 10

Quarterback: Drew Brees, second-round pick (32nd overall) by San Diego in 2001

Head coach: Sean Payton, fourth season with New Orleans. Appeared in three games as quarterback with Chicago in 1987.

In context: New Orleans went 3-13 just four years earlier. But the Saints, once head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees arrived in 2006, improved to 10-6 and advanced to the NFC Championship. Theirs wasn't a direct arc to the championship, however. They slipped to 7-9 and 8-8 before rebounding to win the Super Bowl in 2009. The Saints have remained a dominant team, going 11-5 in 2010 and 13-3 in 2011.

2008 Pittsburgh Steelers

Average age: 27.2

Average years in NFL: 4

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 245

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 6 (5 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 3 (3 homegrown)

Undrafted: 5

Free agents/trades: 2

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger, first-round pick (11th overall) in 2004

Head coach: Mike Tomlin, second season with Pittsburgh. Never played in NFL.

In context: The Steelers finished 12-4, winning six of their last seven regular-season games that season. They built a champion with a nucleus of home-grown talent, consistently scoring with first-round draft choices: nose tackle Casey Hampton (2001), safety Troy Polamalu (2003), quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (2004), tight end Heath Miller (2005) and wide receiver Santonio Holmes (2006). Tomlin, just the third head coach Pittsburgh hired since 1969, won the Super Bowl in his second year.

2007 New York Giants

Average age: 26.4

Average years in NFL: 3.4

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 246

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 5 (3 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 7 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 6

Free agents/trades: 6

Quarterback: Eli Manning, No. 1 overall pick by San Diego in 2004

Head coach: Tom Coughlin, fourth season with New York after eight years with Jacksonville. Never played in NFL.

In context: Eli Manning, the first overall pick in the 2004 draft by San Diego, was a draft-day gamble by the Giants. He became a starter in 2005 and they've been competitive ever since. The Giants went 6-10 in 2004, then 11-5 in 2005 with Manning at the helm. They slipped to 8-8 in 2006. In 2007, Manning and the Giants shocked the NFL and unbeaten New England by finishing second in the NFC East at 10-6, but ran the playoff table.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerRookie defensive end Jabaal Sheard (right) is one of several talented youngsters who have been added to the Browns' defense over the last couple of years -- including second-year cornerback Joe Haden.

Browns recent coaching regimes

Pat Shurmur (2011); went 4-12

2011

Average age: 25.7

Average years in NFL: 2.7

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 244

Makeup of starters

First-round picks:5 (4 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 5 (5 homegrown)

Undrafted: 0

Free agents/trades: 7

Quarterback: Colt McCoy, third-round pick (85th overall) in 2010

Head coach: Pat Shurmur, first season with the Browns. Never played in NFL.

In context: The offense and team record regressed to 4-12 under first-year coach Shurmur and McCoy, who was handed the starting job from Day One. Rookie mistakes and uncanny slip-ups cost the team probably two or three wins. If building through the draft is the road to success, the Browns have a nucleus of first- and second-year players on which to build, namely defensive backs Joe Haden and T.J. Ward, defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard and wide receiver Greg Little. The team's 2011 draft class started a combined league–high 66 games.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerThe quarterback combination of (left) Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson couldn't produce any offensive success in a 1-11 start to Eric Mangini's first season with the Browns in 2009.

Eric Mangini (2009-10); went 10-22 in back-to-back 5-11 seasons

2009

Average age: 27.2

Average years in NFL: 3.9

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 244

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 5 (4 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 7 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 4

Free agents/trades: 15

Quarterback: Derek Anderson, sixth round pick by Baltimore in 2005/Brady Quinn, first-round pick by Browns (22nd overall) in 2007

Head coach: Eric Mangini's first year with the Browns. Never played in NFL.

In context: Mangini's first season, with a 1-11 start, was a disaster. But the Browns won their last four, probably saving his job under new team President Mike Holmgren, who was hired after the season. The 2009 season was also marked by the hiring, then odd mid-season firing, of General Manager George Kokinis, formerly Mangini's friend and hand-picked choice for the job. It appeared the player personnel department was unsettled. The Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn experiment resulted in an offense that scored just over 14 points per game, good for 29th of the 32 teams.

2010

Average age: 27.5

Average years in NFL: 4.2

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 243

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 4 (3 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 7 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 4

Free agents/trades: 13

Quarterback: Colt McCoy, third-round pick (85th overall) in 2010

Head coach: Mangini's second and final year with the Browns.

In context: Third-round draft pick Colt McCoy was thrown into the starting role because of injuries. Second-year running back Peyton Hillis, a seventh-round pick acquired from Denver, stunned the NFL with a 1,200-yard, 13-touchdown season and provided the team a much-needed blue-collar identity. McCoy encouraged Browns fans with wins over New Orleans and New England and an overtime loss to the New York Jets. But four straight losses to end the season derailed a 5-7 record and a sense of progress.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCharlie Frye -- like Colt McCoy -- was a third-round draft choice who briefly raised the hopes of Browns fans before being brought to earth by Troy Polamalu and other NFL defenders.

Romeo Crennel (2005-08); went 24-40 (6-10, 4-12, 10-6, 4-12)

2005 (Crennel's first season)

Average age: 26.4

Average years in NFL: 3.4

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 247

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 4 (2 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 4 (2 homegrown)

Undrafted: 3

Free agents/trades: 14

Quarterback: Trent Dilfer, first-round pick (sixth overall) by Tampa Bay in 2005/Charlie Frye, third-round pick by Browns in 2005.

Head coach: Romeo Crennel's first season with the Browns. Never played in NFL.

In context: The quarterback position changed hands from free agent Trent Dilfer, a former first-round choice by Tampa, to Akron rookie Charlie Frye. Reuben Droughns rushed for over 1,200 yards -- a bright spot in a starting lineup that was mostly a patchwork of marginal free-agent signings. The team finished last in offense with 14.5 points a game and lost seven of nine from mid-October to mid-December.

2008 (Crennel's last season)

Average age: 26.7

Average years in NFL: 3.8

Average height: 6-2

Average weight: 250

Makeup of starters

First-round picks: 7 (4 homegrown)

Second-round picks: 5 (4 homegrown)

Undrafted: 3

Free agents/trades: 10

Quarterback: Derek Anderson, sixth-round pick by Baltimore in 2005

Head coach: Crennel's fourth and last season with the Browns

In context: The Browns had no draft choices until the fourth round, stealing defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin in round six. Quarterback Derek Anderson, a sixth-round pick by Baltimore in 2005, couldn't repeat his 2007 magic as the Browns' offense sputtered to 14.5 points per game -- good for 30th among the 32 teams.

Mickelson's 8-under 64 leaves behind Woods, whose 75 left him in a 15th-place tie. Third-round leader Charlie Wi finished two strokes behind Mickelson.

Associated PressPhil Mickelson walks the 17th fairway during his 8-under par, 64 round that won him the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday.

Phil Mickelson fired an 8-under par 64 to finish 17-under and win the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday.

(Leaderboard)

Mickelson, who began the round six shots behind Charlie Wi, carded six birdies, one eagle and no bogeys. Wi shot an even-par 72 to finish second at 15-under.

Ricky Barnes finished third at 13-under, closing with a final round 67. Aaron Baddeley's 67 gave him a fourth-place finish at 12-under.

Mickelson was paired with Tiger Woods, who began the day 11-under: four strokes behind Wi and two ahead of Mickelson. Woods shot a 3-over par 75, and finished in a tie for 15th place at 8-under for the tournament.

Mickelson, 41, now has 40 career PGA Tour wins, one more than Tom Watson and Dr. Cary Middlecoff and ninth on the all-time list.

A glance at the makeup of the last five Super Bowl champions, plus insight from NFL personnel gurus, reveals some common themes.

View full sizeChris O'Meara, Associated PressEli Manning and the Giants were up and down in 2011, finishing at 9-7 and not qualifying for the playoffs until the final weekend of the season. But the former No. 1 pick in the 2004 NFL draft now has two Vince Lombardi trophies as a Super Bowl champion quarterback.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What's the right mix of draft picks, undrafted players and free agents to make a Super Bowl champion?

Does choosing a quarterback in the first round pay off in a world title? Is finding players in the draft more important than through free agency and trades? How many years does it usually take a head coach to lead his team to the promised land?

A glance at the makeup of the last five Super Bowl champions with data from Pro-Football-Reference.com, plus insight from NFL personnel gurus Ernie Accorsi and Gil Brandt, reveals some common themes:

• Super Bowl champions are led by quarterbacks who have been drafted in the first round. Drew Brees of New Orleans, a second-rounder, was the lone exception.

"I learned real early that, number one, you have to get the quarterback when you have a chance," said Accorsi, a former Browns general manager from 1985-92. "I don't care what the circumstances are."

Green Bay, even with Brett Favre at quarterback, chose to draft Aaron Rodgers in the first round in 2005. Although Kerry Collins had led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl, the organization decided to take a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft. Had the Giants not been able to trade up for Eli Manning, who was taken first overall by San Diego, they were set to draft Ben Roethlisberger, who Pittsburgh chose with the 11th overall pick.

"When you have a chance to reach for greatness," Accorsi said, "you have to do it. I don't care how many other needs you have, because you aren't going to get there very many times."

It was Accorsi, as GM of the Browns, who nabbed Bernie Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft.

• Super Bowl champions are led by quarterbacks San Diego drafts in the first round and then lets get away.

Brees and Manning, who led the New York Giants to titles in the 2007 and 2011 seasons, were both drafted by the Chargers. Manning was chosen first overall, but the Giants pulled a draft-day deal to acquire him. Manning had already made it clear he wasn't going to play for San Diego.

View full sizeAP fileWhen the Packers defeated the Steelers in the 2011 Super Bowl, high draft picks Nick Collins (second round, 2005) and Clay Matthews (first round, 2009) demonstrated Green Bay's success in building through the draft.

• Super Bowl champions are built through the draft, period.

"Even though it's only seven rounds, I still feel the draft is the foundation and lifeblood of your organization," said Accorsi, who helped build champions as GM with the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants.

That philosophy spills over into undrafted free agents, he said, because the draft has fewer rounds than it used to. That means many coveted players remain on the draft board.

Teams can fill in holes with free agents, but must consistently hit on first- and second-round draft choices. The Packers and Saints fielded nearly half of their starting lineups with players they chose in the first two rounds.

But they'd better find talent that sticks in the final five rounds, too. With the draft limited to just seven rounds, teams can't afford to miss on any of them.

"You should hit on your seven [picks]," said Brandt, vice president of player personnel for Dallas from 1960-89. Teams should have six draftees make the team, and four to five contributing in a big way, he said.

"You've got to get all seven [draft picks] in your system," Accorsi said. "By that I mean at least if the guys don't make your team they should be good enough for your practice squad. You really can't miss on many."

Of the 16 players Browns' General Manager Tom Heckert has taken in the last two drafts, 13 finished the 2011 season on the active roster and eight were starters.

Accorsi's draft philosophy is find a franchise-changing quarterback, then protect him. He'd spend a high draft slot on a left tackle, like the Browns did with Joe Thomas, but not for guards or centers -- positions he believes can be developed.

"And then you pick pass-rushers 'til the cows come home," he said. "You never, ever have enough pass-rushers. They mask a lot of weaknesses, and give you a chance to build a back seven [linebackers and defensive backs] while they're putting pressure on the passer."

He'd also take a big-time wide receiver high in the draft, but not a running back.

"I don't think you have to go out and get the greatest running back in college football. You have to have a good, sound running game," Accorsi said. He pointed out that Hall of Fame running backs O.J. Simpson, Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and, until the end of his career, Walter Payton, never won a championship because important pieces around them were missing.

Getting lucky with a late-round gem like New England quarterback Tom Brady (an afterthought in round six) is just that -- luck. Top talent is thoroughly scouted and pursued, not stumbled upon.

• Free agents/trades are definitely in the mix, but don't dominate the starting lineup.

"Free agency, to me, is a key ingredient," Accorsi said, "as long as you discipline yourself into making a key pick-up here or a key pick-up there."

When the Giants desperately needed a big-bodied, big-play receiver that defenses would have to game-plan, they failed to land one in the draft. So they signed Plaxico Burress to fill that gap, and added linebacker Antonio Pierce, a center and an offensive right tackle through free agency -- all key to the 2007 Super Bowl team.

Free agents are seasoning, not a main ingredient.

The Saints were an exception in 2009, filling around their top draft choices with 10 starters from other teams, beginning with Brees.

• The head coach usually hits paydirt around his fourth or fifth season, although coaches who reached the Super Bowl the last five years ranged from their second year (Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin) to their eighth (New York's Tom Coughlin, after eight years with Jacksonville).

• The head coach of a champion wasn't good enough to play in the NFL. The exception was Sean Payton, who appeared in three games at quarterback with Chicago in 1987.

"The other thing you have to have is stability of the organization," Brandt said, because when leadership isn't under the gun to win or save its job, a team can take more risks in the draft and on other personnel decisions.

The Monsters have won three in a row and five of six. They are unbeaten in regulation in six straight since losing to Toronto on Jan. 26.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The previous time the Monsters played the Syracuse Crunch, they served up an historic clunker. A seven-goal loss Oct. 26 at The Q established the franchise record for largest margin of defeat and dropped their season record to 2-6-1-0.

The Crunch must not have recognized the opponent Sunday afternoon at The Q. The name on the front of the sweater is the same, but the Monsters are a decidedly different outfit than they were four months ago.

Lake Erie, continuing to be relentless at both ends, disposed of the Crunch, 2-1, in front of 6,457. Ryan Stoa and the sizzling Patrick Rissmiller each scored a goal and Gerald Coleman made 39 saves. The Monsters (24-22-2-2) have won three in a row and five of six. They are unbeaten in regulation in six straight (5-0-0-1) since losing to Toronto on Jan. 26 at home.

The Monsters' last three victories have been by one goal.

During Lake Erie's periodic struggles, coach David Quinn has preached patience, maintaining that a legitimate hot streak was imminent. That run apparently is here, and it has carried the Monsters to the edge of the postseason pool with 26 games remaining in the season.

Quinn does not want to limit his club's aspirations to simply qualifying for the Calder Cup playoffs, which features eight teams from the Eastern and Western conferences. Quinn thinks the Monsters can win the Western's North Division. Toronto is first in the North with 60 points, followed by Rochester (53) and Lake Erie (52). Toronto and Rochester also have 26 games remaining.

"We're climbing the ladder, and it's fun to watch," Quinn said. "Every point is so vital. We're playing playoff hockey from here on out."

The Monsters are on enough of a roll that, even when they do not play up to standard, they still find a way.

"[Sunday] was a little drop in performance from the last three weeks," Quinn said. "We were inconsistent. It was a typical first game after a long trip."

The Monsters wrapped a four-game trip Friday night with a comeback victory over Peoria, 3-2. They were out-shot, 34-23. Sunday, Syracuse held a 40-19 advantage in shots, thanks in part to six power plays (1-for-6). Lake Erie was 0-for-3.

"Our power play wasn't very good," Quinn said. "We weathered the storm."

After a scoreless first period, the Crunch held a 19-8 advantage in second-period shots. But the Monsters led, 2-0. Stoa beat goalie Antero Niittymaki at 1:25 of the second for his 10th goal. Rissmiller found the back of the net at 10:37 for his sixth.

Rissmiller has points in four straight games and six of eight.

"Patrick has been very good for us for a while," Quinn said. "It's not just the points with him, either. He's doing everything well."

In the 7-0 loss Oct. 26, Rissmiller did not play because of injury.

Syracuse's only answer for Coleman resulted from a fortuitous bounce out of traffic on the power play at 7:33 of the third. Coleman won for the seventh time in 10 starts since being signed to a tryout contract Jan. 11. He had been with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.

Coleman is in Cleveland and starting because the Monsters' top two goalies, Cedrick Desjardins and Trevor Cann, are injured. He continues to maximize his opportunity -- and then some.

"I'm sure the guys might have wondered: 'Can this guy handle it coming from the ECHL?'" Coleman said. "I probably would have wondered the same thing. But I think they have confidence in me now."

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Wide receiver is one of the most glaring needs for a team that went 4-12 in 2011. One observer writes Browns should go for Jackson and Amendola. Links to more Browns stories.

Associated PressWide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) is one of the Philadelphia Eagles eligible for free agency.

(A Starting Blocks Browns poll is at the bottom of this report)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns, coming off a 4-12 season in 2011 and 18-46 over the last four years, have an obvious multitude of needs.

One of the most glaring is at wide receiver.

Dave Kolonich, writing for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report, analyzes the group of NFL wide receivers who could be available in free agency.

Kolonich concludes that DeSean Jackson and Danny Amendola could be realistic, and sensible, wideouts for the Browns to pursue. Both players, by the way, also return kickoffs and punts.

Kolonich writes:

One would assume that Holmgren and Heckert will not again follow the same pattern of inactivity. After all, trying again in 2012 with the 2011 cast will likely produce the same results. It's obvious that the Browns need to add at least one wide receiver; focusing on both an outside threat and a slot receiver. If such a strategy seems appropriate, then a combination of Jackson and Amendola makes sense. Jackson would instantly become the lone Browns' talent that would cause an opposing defense anxiety, while Amendola could benefit from the continual underneath dump offs that are a staple of Shurmur's offense. Additionally, both players have Cleveland ties. Jackson was drafted by a front office that included Heckert and Amendola was formerly coached by Shurmur.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Bill Lubinger's story on how recent NFL champions have built toward success; Mary Kay Cabot's story, also about the pool of free agent wide receivers the Browns might look at; also, "Terry Pluto's Talkin;' " and more.

Post patterns

The offseason is filled with questions for the Browns. By the Sports Exchange on Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

If the Browns are able to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III, could they get statistics similar to those compiled by Cam Newton in his rookie season for the Carolina Panthers? By Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

An NFL analyst says the Browns must consider a way to draft Robert Griffin III. By Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

A ranking of the NFL's top 50 free agents. By Pete Prisco on CBSSports.com. 

A mock draft, from Wednesday, from the NFL Network.

On the blog "Dawgs By Nature," who SB Nation has the Browns taking with the Nos. 4 and 22 overall picks in the draft.

The Cavaliers' rookie forward ultimately should become the biggest benefactor of Anderson Varejao's unfortunate injury.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerTristan Thompson (battling Charlotte's Corey Maggette) has averaged 18 minutes per game this season, producing 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game as a rookie for the Cavaliers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As the shock of losing Anderson Varejao to a fractured wrist subsides, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott must fill the minutes and void left by his absence.

It won't be easy or accomplished by one player. In Semih Erden, Ryan Hollins and Samardo Samuels, the coach has three centers from which to choose and none which he trusts. Each has played his way out of the rotation at some point.

On a club receiving decent bench contributions, the backup center has been a nettlesome position for Scott. Now, one of those three must assume a starter's role for the immediate future.

There is another option, of course. Scott isn't ready to fold rookie Tristan Thompson into the starting lineup, which is understandable given his lack of experience. But the 6-9, 227-pound Texas product ultimately should become the biggest benefactor of an unfortunate circumstance.

The No. 4 overall pick in the draft, Thompson has the most upside of any Cavaliers' big man. He also has most to prove. He's probably going the get that opportunity over the final 40 games -- whether he plays center or his natural position of power forward. His minutes figure to increase as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

In his return to the lineup, Thompson played 28 minutes and much of the second half and overtime in place of Varejao on Friday against Milwaukee. He finished with 13 rebounds, three blocked shots and five points. Thompson wasn't nearly as effective on Saturday, missing all six of his shots against Philadelphia, but he still managed to grab eight rebounds in 18 minutes.

"I want to keep him coming off the bench for right now," Scott said. "That was his first game back ... and he did pretty good. But he missed a while and I want him to get a few more practices in and get his timing back."

Thompson, who will play in the Rising Stars Challenge as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend, shows real promise as a weak-side defender, shot blocker and rebounder. He is long, athletic, active, and in a league which has few true centers he can play the position despite giving up 20 or 30 pounds to opponents. Varejao is, after all, a converted power forward as well.

Among rookies, Thompson ranks first in rebounds (5.3) and second in blocks (1.2).

"I pride myself on defense," he said. "Guarding a [power forward] or [center] it's probably not that much difference."

It's on the offensive end where Thompson remains as raw as an April wind whipping through Progressive Field. His jump shot and foul shooting need work. He rarely passes the ball once in scoring position regardless of the defenders around him. It's one reason he has just three assists in 360 minutes.

"I told him the one thing he has to do a better job of [is] when he offensive rebounds the ball, if he can't go right back up and dunk it, he has to bring it out," Scott said. "Three things can happen and two of them aren't very good. Being a young player, I think he'll learn that."

With Antawn Jamison as one of the team's few scoring options and Varejao enjoying an All-Star caliber season, there were only so many minutes for Thompson to develop. But his playing time and his comfortable level in the offense figure to increase. He has good hands and can use both to finish around the basket.

The Cavaliers know what they have in Erden, Hollins and Samuels. There's still much to discover about Thompson, whose game, at least among the reserves, most resembles Varejao's.

Injuries afford opportunity. Thompson is about to get his.

Dribbles: Erden is expected to start against Indiana on Wednesday. ... The Cavaliers did not practice on Sunday.

Links to reports on Asdrubal Cabrera, Lonnie Chisenhall, the Indians infield, Indians prospects and more.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe Cleveland Indians (right field line) and the Cincinnati Reds (left field) during the playing of the national anthem before their 2011 exhibition game opener at Goodyear BallPark in Goodyear, Arizona. The teams meet in the 2012 spring opener on March 3.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians' pitchers and catchers will report for spring training in Goodyear, Arizona on Feb. 20 -- one week from Monday.

Three days later, the rest of the team will report, and on Feb. 25, the first full-team workout will be held.

The Indians and Cincinnati Reds both make Goodyear Ballpark their spring training homes. The teams will open their exhibition game schedules by playing each other on Saturday, March 3.

The Indians, 80-82 last season, open the 2012 campaign at home on Thursday, April 5, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays (81-81) at Progressive Field.

The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes will again be in Goodyear to report on the Indians.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Hoynes' analysis of whether all-star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera fits into the Indians' long-term plans; Hoynes' "Hey, Hoynesie!;" answering readers' questions about the Indians; "Terry Pluto's Talkin;' " and more. 

Talkin' Tribe

Tribe happenings by Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider, including commentary that third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall is not assured of making the Indians' big league roster out of spring training.

A look at the Indians infield. By Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

A review of the Indians' offseason, on Indians Prospect Insider.

A ranking of the Indians' top prospects. By Jonathan Mayo for MLB.com.

A look at the Indians from the standpoint of starting players' ages. On the blog "Let's Go Tribe."

Would it make sense for both teams for the Indians to trade designated hitter Travis Hafner to the New York Yankees for starting pitcher A.J. Burnett? By Stephanie Liscio for the blog "It's pronounced 'Lajaway.' "

About the Indians having just one player listed among MLB.com's top 100 prospects -- shortstop Francisco Lindor. By Stephanie Liscio for "It's pronounced 'Lajaway.' "

Ohio State is the same team it was before the loss to Michigan State -- one that can't afford to miss almost all of its outside shots.

View full sizeKyle Robertson, Columbus DispatchDraymond Green (left) and the rest of the Spartans appeared to get a winner's share of the loose balls during Saturday's victory over Aaron Craft and the Buckeyes. But Doug Lesmerises believes a particularly cold shooting day had more to do with the outcome.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After a second look at Ohio State's 58-48 loss to Michigan State on Saturday, only one of the 10 misses by Deshaun Thomas came on a truly terrible shot, a rushed 3-pointer in the first half when Jared Sullinger had position in the post.

As for William Buford, five of his 10 misses were obviously ill-advised, including three of his last four shots when his day already had gotten away from him. As for Sullinger, at least four of his 10 misses were post moves that he typically makes at least 70 to 80 percent of the time. He had another easy bank shot rim out on what could have been a three-point play on the basket and foul.

The loss included 30 misses from the Buckeyes' three leading scorers who average a combined 46.7 points per game, which accounts for 61 percent of the OSU scoring. They scored 29 points against the Spartans, making nine of 39 shots.

Ohio State is still the same team I thought it was before Saturday; still, I believe, a half-step below last year's team but not particularly vulnerable to a specific type of opponent or easily felled by a fatal flaw. It still has a shot at the Final Four.

There's a thought out there that Michigan State showed how to beat the Buckeyes, by attacking but not doubling Sullinger, wearing him out, banging him with big bodies and forcing perimeter players to make shots. Maybe. There's a thought that the Buckeyes were exposed against an MSU team now tied for first in the Big Ten, unveiling cracks in the OSU foundation. Maybe.

But I don't buy it. The bottom line from Saturday is that the best way to beat the Buckeyes is to have them shoot terribly.

The 2-for-12 for Thomas, by far the worst shooting performance of his career, was mainly on reasonably good looks and shots he should take. The 2-for-12 for Buford was more scattered, especially as he forced outside jumpers off the dribble late in the game, getting blocked on one shot. My belief isn't that the Buckeyes have to make a lot of jumpers to beat Michigan State on March 4 or to win the Big Ten Tournament or to advance well into the NCAA Tournament.

They just can't miss almost all of them. Especially Buford. That's far from a revelation. Buford's 2-for-16 against Kentucky helped bounce Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen last season. All the Buckeyes needed then, and now, is more like 4- or 5-for-16. After Saturday, I haven't changed on whether Buford will provide that when it's needed most -- I still have no idea.

Tangled up in green: Both the Big Ten title and player of the year race could come down to March 4, with Sullinger and Michigan State's Draymond Green probably the leading contenders right now. They got tangled up Saturday after a rebound, after exchanging words earlier, but they hugged it out during the game and in the postgame handshake line.

"Jared is a tremendous competitor and I'm a competitor," Green said after the game. "We're two of the top players in the league, so sometimes things like that are going to happen, but at the end of the day I have tremendous respect for him and he has respect for me. So it's not about disrespecting each other, but in the heat of the battle, we just battled with each other."

BracketBusters is this week, and it looms large for teams that once looked invincible but are now vulnerable as the season winds down to its final games.

View full sizeStephen Lance Dennee, Associated PressSaturday's win over Austin Peay boosted the spirits of Murray State's Latreze Mushatt (left) and Isaiah Canaan, but the Racers will face a far stiffer test this week against Saint Mary's.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Time to meet the basketball teams you don't know.

BracketBusters is this week, and it looms large for teams that once looked invincible but are now vulnerable as the season winds down to its final games.

In the last 10 days, No. 9 Murray State (24-1), No. 16 Saint Mary's (23-3) and No. 17 Creighton (21-5), plus highly regarded Davidson (19-6), Oral Roberts (23-5) and Cleveland State (20-6) have all been taken down a notch or two. Teams that were cruising along building at-large resumes for the NCAA Tournament have lost games that put their position in question.

The Vikings lost to Valparaiso and Butler last week. Creighton has lost three straight, including one to middling Evansville.

The following BracketBuster games should help define potential mid-major NCAA participants.

• Saint Mary's at Murray State, 6 p.m. Saturday: The player to watch is Murray's Isaiah Canaan, a 6-0 junior guard averaging 19.6 ppg. He is shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 48.1 percent on 3-pointers with over half of his field goal attempts from behind the arc. But Canaan's not just a shooter. He goes to the line 5.9 times a game and has made 123 of 148. He also hands out 3.8 assists.

• Wichita State (22-4) at Davidson, noon Saturday: Davidson could use another marquee win to go with its earlier triumph over Kansas.

On the rise: Two teams in particular -- Drexel (21-5) and Akron (18-7) -- could boost their national profile with road wins after enduring early-season struggles.

The Dragons will play at Cleveland State, 11 a.m. Saturday, are on a 13-game winning streak and tied for first in the Colonial Athletic Association. They have a hot guard in 6-4 sophomore Frantz Massenat (13.4 ppg, 4.3 assists) who has scored 19 points or more in three of his last five games and above his average in four of the last five.

Akron, winners of seven straight, play 2 p.m. at Oral Roberts, the leader of the Summit League. The Zips are 3-7 against the Top 100 in the RPI, with at least three more chances coming after ORU.

Then there is Northern Iowa (17-10), which brings an RPI rating of 54 to VCU (22-5) to open BracketBuster weekend Friday night.

On the Horizon: Just as Cleveland State has typically struggled during February, Butler seems to get its act together down the stretch. Last season, the Bulldogs rose from fifth to a tie for first in the league during February. Now a team that had just four road wins this season has picked up two last week over Youngstown State and Cleveland State. That lifted Butler to 15-12, 9-6, and into a tie for third place.

MAC attack: Round two of divisional play starts this week. The team to watch is Buffalo (16-6, 9-2). The Bulls have the lone victory over East-leading Akron this season and have won eight straight overall. Akron is chasing first regular-season MAC Championship in school history.

Elton's Top 25

1. Kentucky; 2. Syracuse; 3. Missouri; 4. Kansas; 5. Ohio State; 6. North Carolina; 7. Duke; 8. Michigan State; 9. Baylor; 10. Florida; 11. Murray State; 12. Georgetown; 13. Marquette; 14. San Diego State; 15. UNLV; 16. Florida State; 17. Saint Mary's; 18. Louisville; 19. Wisconsin; 20. Michigan; 21. Virginia; 22. Creighton; 23. Mississippi State; 24. Long Beach State; 25. Wichita State

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Strange things have been known to happen at high school basketball tournament pairings meetings and that held true on Sunday during the gathering to determine the pairings for the Division I boys tournament at Solon. Cleveland Heights, fresh off Saturday's stunning victory over rival Shaker Heights, was voted the top-seeded team by the 12 coaches who...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Strange things have been known to happen at high school basketball tournament pairings meetings and that held true on Sunday during the gathering to determine the pairings for the Division I boys tournament at Solon.

Cleveland Heights, fresh off Saturday's stunning victory over rival Shaker Heights, was voted the top-seeded team by the 12 coaches who will compete at Solon, regarded as one of the toughest sectionals in the state.

No surprise there, as the Tigers (13-2) also own a victory over St. Edward.

Senate Athletic League champion John F. Kennedy received some support in the voting for the first seed. And the second seed. And the third and fourth.

But the Eagles (15-1) did not get enough support to gain one of the top four coveted seeds.

• Complete boys basketball seedings announced.

Lake Erie League leader Shaker Heights (14-2) was voted second, the third seed went to Northeast Ohio Conference contender and reigning regional champion Garfield Heights (13-4) and the fourth seed went to St. Ignatius (12-4), always a tough out in the postseason. Finally, JFK's Eagles landed in the fifth spot, a fate that coach William Marrow feared.

"Am I disappointed?" Marrow asked. "Yes. Am I surprised? No. It was an election and people voted along party lines. I felt all along that we wouldn't be able to get higher than the five. But, our kids want to play and they want to win."

The Eagles will play SAL foe Lincoln-West in their first game with the winner advancing to play the second-seeded Raiders and multitalented point guard Terry Rozier.

Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson said basketball fans should circle March 8 on their calendar. That is the night that Garfield would play Cleveland Heights, if both are able to avoid the upset and reach the district semifinals in the lower half-bracket.

St. Ignatius and Kenston are in the same half-bracket (upper) as JFK and Shaker Heights. Despite its sparkling 16-1 record, Kenston fell in behind JFK in the sixth spot. Coach Josh Jakacki was not disappointed.

"I think things worked out as well as they could have for us," said Jakacki, whose team opens the postseason against Euclid (6-10). "If you look at the whole bracket, it's like an honor to be included with all these elite teams. It is exciting for us."

Most Division I tournaments unfolded as expected. Mentor (16-1), St. Edward (11-6), Stow (13-3), Warren Harding (14-3) and Canton Timken (14-3) were voted the top seeds in their respective tournaments.

A mild surprise took place at Midview, where Westlake (15-2) edged Brecksville (13-4) for the first seed. Brecksville defeated Westlake, 53-37, on Friday in their Southwestern Conference showdown for first place.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Here's today's and tonight's sports listings for TV and radio for the Cleveland area.

Associated PressKyle Kuric (14) and Louisville's Cardinals go for an upset tonight, when they host Syracuse in a game televised on ESPN at 7.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Iowa State at Baylor, ESPNU (preview) 

7 p.m. Syracuse at Louisville, ESPN (preview)

9 p.m. Kansas at Kansas State, ESPN (preview) 

9 p.m. Maryland-Eastern Shore at Coppin State, ESPNU

NBA

7 p.m. Minnesota at Orlando, NBATV (preview)

10 p.m. Phoenix at Golden State, NBATV

NHL

7:30 p.m. San Jose at Washington, NBC Sports Network 

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Kentucky at Tennessee,  ESPN2

7:30 p.m. Nebraska at Minnesota, Big Ten Network 

9 p.m. Connecticut at Oklahoma, ESPN2

There's no business like show business, and there's no better show business than the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: It makes the Grammys look like the ESPYs.

Associated PressHickory, a Scottish deerhound, strikes a pose with her handler, Angela Lloyd, and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show judge Paolo Dondina after she was named Best in Show at last year's competition.

There's no business like show business, and there's no better show business than the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: It makes the Grammys look like the ESPYs. Once again, intrepid Siberian husky Chuchi's Yuki kept an exclusive journal for Couch Slouch on his four-legged week in New York:

Wednesday: Due to heightened security measures, we now have to give paw prints when we register at Westminster. . . . Everyone's happy to see us back. The Ziegfeld Theater is showing “Tinker Tailor Soldier Samoyed.” . . . I think the beagle's new handler is from Denver. His commands were sit, stay, heel, Tebow. . . . I wasn't there, but Occupy Wall Street didn't seem dog-friendly. . . . Had to travel from LAX to JFK in the cargo hold. Probably a blessing – the in-flight movie was “One for the Money.” . . . If I never have to pee or poop again in the rain, it would be fine by me.

Thursday: Six new breeds at Westminster this year, although I don't think the Wirehaired Glove Chewer has been AKC-approved. . . . If I have to hear the Boston terrier yapping about Tom Brady, there's going to be trouble. . . . When I howl at the moon, it's because I can hear Nancy Grace on HLN. . . . Public perception aside, some of the nicest dogs I've ever met have been Rottweilers and pit bulls. . . . Last week I TiVoed “Bones” on Fox. It was, ahem, not what I thought it would be. . . . If Lindsay Lohan shows up, I hope she steals the Pomeranian.

Friday: Charles Barkley can tout Weight Watchers all he chooses, but if he wants to drop the excess pounds, he should just do like we do: Eat only twice a day. . . . Why do I bark at postal carriers? Because their pensions are killing off the U.S. Postal Service. . . . I would never want to be the First Dog – D.C.'s too humid in the summer. . . . You can tell the golden retriever is from Seattle. He's got a “venti” water bowl. . . . Memo to Oprah: Looking for a way to jump-start your struggling OWN network? More dog shows! . . . I'd kill for an Angus burger.

Saturday: Sponsorship is out of control. I mean, an American Vitaminwater spaniel? A Red Bull terrier? Really? . . . My Vizsla buddy in Ohio wants me to send him some rugelach from Zabar's. Hope there's not a line. . . . There's a German shepherd in Stall 231 who acts like they won World Wars I and II. . . . My agent's here in New York trying to get me a spot on “Heeling With the Stars”. . . . Maybe it's a “people thing,” but for the life of me, I don't find Jimmy Kimmel funny. . . . If I weren't a show dog, I guess I would've gone into pediatrics.

Sunday: “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” was great. The pointer with the dragon bandanna is just embarrassing. . . . Lately, my owner's been adding a little PBR to my dry food in the morning – not bad. . . . If Kathy Griffin has a pet, I assume it's a Chihuahua who won't shut up. . . . The border collie is wearing a black collar in memory of Borders bookstore. Nice touch. . . . You wouldn't believe what went on in Ring 17 last night: A Republican debate! . . . Next year, I'm putting all this stuff on Twitter.

Monday: I had a dream the other night: They threw all the people out of Texas and all you could see for miles and miles were steakhouses and fire hydrants. . . . Donald Trump stopped by and asked to see the American foxhound's birth certificate. . . . There are – what? – 27 ESPN networks, and we're still stuck on CNBC? . . . I'm tired of all the “War Horse” press. Nobody ever mentions the dog in “The Artist.” . . . Happy birthday to New Yorker and Broadway star Stockard Channing. She looks great for 476. . . . Little-known dog fact: The Australian terrier chases its tail counterclockwise.

Tuesday: High unemployment has hit Westminster. In addition to the Working Group, we now have the “In Transition” Group. . . . There was a rumor that Best in Show was going to be chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. . . . Remember when Gordon Gekko told Bud Fox that some stock was “a dog with fleas”? I walked out of the theater. . . . I always get nervous playing the Garden, but I just try to channel Sinatra playing the Sands. . . . To break the tension, a game of Twister broke out in the VIP room. . . . This show would be more fun if Ricky Gervais were hosting.

Ask The Slouch

Q. I'm sure you have a “bright lights, big city” background – any words of wisdom for Jeremy Lin?

– Bryan Bell, Albany, N.Y.

A. No. But I do have a couple of words for Spike Lee: SIT DOWN.

Q. Any truth to the rumor about a new TV show called “Poker Wives” in which you have the market cornered? – Bob Cayne, Scottsdale, Ariz.

A. Actually, production for the show was halted last summer because I could not produce one more ex-wife.

Q. Since the New York Giants play in New Jersey but the parade was in New York City, if the St. Louis Rams win a Super Bowl, is their parade in L.A.?

– David Filar, Fishers, Ind.

A. Pay the man, Shirley.

Q. Is it true that Bill Belichick, being the genius that he is, has already developed a game plan for next season that lets Tom Brady both throw and catch the ball?

– D.R. Nash, Roanoke, Va.

A. And pay this genius, too.

You, too, can enter the $1.25 Ask The Slouch Cash Giveaway. Just email asktheslouch@aol.com and, if your question is used, you win $1.25 in cash!

Norman Chad is a freelance writer in Los Angeles.

Who will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns at the start of the 2012 season?

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerQuarterback Colt McCoy.

Fifty years ago this year, Oscar Robertson finished the NBA season averaging a triple-double. Will it ever happen again?

APOscar Robertson

Former NBA and college great Oscar Robertson ended the 1961-62 NBA season with the Cincinnati Royals averaging 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game.

No player since has averaged a triple-double for a season, and it will probably never happen again.

Tom Groeschen of Cincinnati.com writes:

This is the 50th anniversary of Robertson’s special season. Back then, did the young “Big O” have any idea what he had accomplished?

“Not at all,” Robertson said in a recent interview with The Enquirer. “I didn’t know anything about it forever, to be honest. I was just part of some history, I guess.”

Jon Garland, if healthy, will be the latest in a long line of major league veterans that the Indians are inviting to spring training on minor league deals.

AP FileJon Garland made only nine starts and pitched 54 innings for the Dodgers last season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pending a physical, the Indians have reached a minor league deal with veteran right-hander Jon Garland. If Garland passes the physical, the deal should become official in about a week, and will include an invitation to big league camp.

Garland, 32, made only nine starts and pitched 54 innings for the Dodgers last season. He opened the year on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle. Then he needed rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder in July.

If healthy, he is  expected to compete for a spot in the Indians rotation. Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Josh Tomlin and veteran Derek Lowe have the inside track on the first four spots. Kevin Slowey, Jeanmar Gomez and Garland will be among those competing for the fifth spot. The Indians still have no time table on when the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona might be able to join the team from the Dominican Republic after being arrest in January for identification fraud.

Garland, 6-6 and 210 pounds, is 132-119 in his career. He was 14-12 for the Padres in 2010.

Kyrie Irving will face challenge from Minnesota's Derrick Williams, Ricky Rubio before it's all over.

PD FileCleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving drives to the basket against Toronto.

The NBA Rookie of the Year derby is heating up.

Minnesota's Derrick Williams has stepped up his game in the last couple of weeks and started in place of the suspended Kevin Love. Kyrie Irving of the Cavaliers was spectacular until suffering a concussion and missing time. He may return this week. And Spanish import Ricky Rubio has impressed in Minnesota, averaging more than 10 points and eight assists per game. Check out this week's rookie rankings to see where Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer ranks them.

As you look into your crystal ball, which player do you think will end up with the NBA's Rookie of the Year Trophy at season's end? And hear what Mary has to say on the issue in today's edition of Starting Blocks TV.

Plain Dealer reporter can't recall an unwanted player making such a dramatic impact, so quickly, as Lin is doing for Knicks. Watch video

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

The Cavaliers are hurting, with both rookie point guard Kyrie Irving (concussion) and veteran forward Anderson Varejao (wrist) sidelined by injuries. Looking toward the rest of the season, is Irving the player who will win the NBA's Rookie of the Year award? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer reporter Mary Schmitt Boyer, who compiles the weekly "Rookie Rankings" for the PD and cleveland.com. She says there are some other candidates out there, including two in Minnesota, but she thinks Irving will end up winning the award.

Mary also talks about the Jeremy Lin phenomenon in New York; what Varejao's absence will mean for the Cavs; and the opportunity that his injury presents to Cavs rookie forward Tristan Thompson.

SBTV will return Tuesday with Plain Dealer reporter Dennis Manoloff.

Cespedes, 26, has said the Cleveland Indians were among the teams interested in signing him. Four-year deal with Oakland totals $36 million.

Associated PressYoenis Cespedes, who holds the Cuban League single-season home run record with 33, has agreed to a contract with the Oakland Athletics.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes and the Oakland Athletics have agreed to a $36 million, four-year contract.

Agent Adam Katz confirmed Monday the outfielder had reached agreement on a deal, with details still to be finalized. This is a significant move for Oakland, which now has the steady hitter it sought to boost the roster heading into 2012.

The right-handed hitting Cespedes will earn $9 million per season.

The team also has expressed interest in slugger Manny Ramirez. The A's, hoping to be given clearance from Major League Baseball to relocate to San Jose and construct a new ballpark, have been in rebuilding mode this winter. Oakland traded starting pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill and also All-Star closer Andrew Bailey.

Cespedes toured the Miami Marlins' new downtown ballpark last Wednesday, and appeared to have other suitors, as well.

In a surprising move, it was the A's who made a splash and outbid some big-spending clubs for Cespedes, who -- besides his power hitting -- is a superb defensive outfielder and runs very well.

Cespedes said six teams were interested in signing him: the Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.

Major League Baseball has said it has been told Cespedes' agent that he has obtained an unblocking license from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

In 90 games in Cuba last season, Cespedes hit .333 with 33 homers and 99 RBIs, setting the Cuban League's single-season home run record.

Cespedes was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, when he hit .458 (11-of-24) for Cuba with three triples, two homers and five RBI.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the agreement.

If there are no setbacks, Irving will participate in a full-contact practice on Tuesday, according to coach Byron Scott.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- In a good sign for the Cavaliers, rookie point guard Kyrie Irving took part in all the non-contact parts of practice on Monday at Cleveland Clinic Courts, and if he does not have any setback, he will take part in a full contact practice on Tuesday, according to coach Byron Scott.

Irving has missed the team's last three games after suffering a concussion at Miami on Tuesday, when he fell and his head hit Dwyane Wade's knee. If he can practice on Tuesday, it's not out of the question that he could play on Wednesday against the Pacers.

"It's good to have him out here,'' teammate Antawn Jamison said. "To me, he seems normal. I think we'll have a better gauge of his progression tomorrow after practice with some contact and so forth. It's one of those things you don't want to play around with and the doctors have done everything to make sure he's 100 percent. He's not going to be on the court unless he is 100 percent.''

However, there was no update on center Anderson Varejao, who broke his wrist in a collision with Milwaukee's Drew Gooden on Friday. Scott said he had not heard the word ''surgery'' mentioned, but said he expected to know more later this week.

Guard Anthony Parker (back) remains out, while guard Daniel Gibson, who twisted his ankle against Philadelphia, just did some shooting on Monday. Scott said if there was a game, Gibson would be able to play.

Buckeyes had their 39-game homecourt winning streak snapped on Saturday by Michigan State, after a difficult win over Purdue.

Associated PressOhio State All-American forward Jared Sullinger (0) and starting guard Deshaun Thomas (1) walk off the court after the Buckeyes' 58-48 loss to Michigan State on Saturday in Columbus.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kentucky and Syracuse remain Nos. 1 and 2 in The Associated Press' Top 25, and Wichita State and Notre Dame are ranked for the first time this season.

The Wildcats received 63 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel on Monday, while the Orange got the others.

Missouri moves up one spot to third and is followed by Kansas, Duke, Ohio State, Michigan State, North Carolina, Baylor and Georgetown.

Ohio State, 21-4 and tied with No. 7 Michigan State (20-5, 9-3) for first place in the Big Ten, is also ranked sixth in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25.

(AP, Coaches and RPI rankings)

The Buckeyes dropped from No. 3 to No. 6 after an unimpressive week. They barely escaped with an 87-84 win over Purdue (16-9, 6-6) on Tuesday night, before losing to Michigan State, 58-48, on Saturday. Both games were at Ohio State, and the loss to the Spartans ended the Buckeyes' 39-game home winning streak, as reported by The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises.

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

The Buckeyes play at Minnesota (17-8, 5-7) on Tuesday night.

Notre Dame, winners of six straight and ranked as high as fourth last season, is No. 23. Wichita State, which has won 12 of 13 and is ranked for the first time since 2007, and Gonzaga, which returns after being out for one week, are tied for 24th.

Creighton, losers of three straight, dropped out from 17th. Mississippi State fell out from 20th and Harvard from 25th.