Highlights include the Indians' season opener, against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV sports listings

BASEBALL

3 p.m. Baltimore at Tampa Bay, MLB Network

7 p.m. CLEVELAND INDIANS at Toronto, SportsTime Ohio

10 p.m. Regional coverage, San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers

or St. Louis at Arizona (9:30 p.m. start), MLB Network

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. NIT, semifinal, BYU vs. Baylor, at New York, ESPN2

9 p.m. NIT, semifinal, Maryland vs. Iowa, at New York, ESPN2

NBA BASKETBALL

8 p.m. New York at Miami, TNT

10:30 p.m. Dallas at L.A. Lakers, TNT

NHL

7:30 p.m. Buffalo at Pittsburgh, NBCSN

SOCCER

2:30 p.m. UEFA Champions League, quarterfinals, Juventus at Bayern Munich, FSN

8 p.m. UEFA Champions League, quarterfinals, Barcelona at Paris Saint-Germain (same-day tape), FSN

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. NCAA Division I tournament, regional final, Notre Dame vs. Duke at Norfolk, Va., ESPN

9 p.m. NCAA Division I tournament, regional final, Tennessee vs. Louisville, at Oklahoma City, ESPN

Colt McCoy was done in by the Cleveland Browns' idea that they could turn the players around him, metaphorically, from lead into gold. It didn't work out.

View full size The Colt McCoy era, such as it was, is over now that the Cleveland Browns have sent him to the San Francisco 49ers. Mark Duncan, Associated Press  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The most popular man in a losing  football town is always the backup quarterback. Still, Colt McCoy was more popular than most.

Several factors were at work, including a glittering college career at a big-time program, the University of Texas. McCoy did more at the previous level than anyone who took snaps for the Browns since Ken Dorsey -- whose powderpuff arm revealed him to be a product of the talent around him at Miami -- and Vinny Testaverde -- who lost, like McCoy, in the collegiate championship game, but because of five interceptions and a poor performance, not an injury early in the game that made so many of us ask, "What if ...?"

Life is not fair. McCoy was proof of that, both in the early shoulder injury that forced him from the Alabama-Texas BCS championship game after the 2009 season, and in the way he was treated by a Browns regime that first didn't want him and then did little to help him.

Shunned by coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, McCoy finally was called on to substitute for Seneca Wallace, the backup to over-the-hill, injured starter Jake Delhomme in 2010. McCoy showed promise, despite the fact that his promotion sent Wallace into a petulant pout. Wallace often stood as far as possible from McCoy on the sidelines when the Browns' defense was on the field. This happened a lot, it being the Browns' defense.

Considerable time could be spent, therefore, examining the frostiest relationship between teammates this side of quarterback Brady Quinn and defensive lineman Shaun Smith. That was a contentious relationship in which the former was punched in the face by the latter.

Mike Holmgren, the vague, ineffectual football supremo who fired Mangini, spent a third-round draft choice on McCoy. But Holmgren also liked Wallace after their years together in Seattle, so he never stepped in to demand professionalism. By the way, Trent Dilfer never tutored Charlie Frye after Dilfer, another bright idea that winked out like a cheap light bulb, was benched. The Browns have tolerated such divas for years.

McCoy's 2011 season as a starter ended with a concussion inflicted by Pittsburgh's James Harrison, a situation which the Browns handled so poorly, because of a multitude of injury problems, that the NFL soon changed its medical protocols for dealing with head injuries.

More than the concussion, McCoy was sacrificed to the "philosopher's stone" theory of offense Holmgren and his hand-picked coach Pat Shurmur seemed to embrace. In the Dark Ages, alchemists searched for a substance which could turn lead into gold. They called it the philosopher's stone, but, unfortunately, it didn't exist.

For their part, the Browns sent McCoy out to play with an offense in which turnstiles could have replaced the offensive line, in order to better slow down the pass rush, always excepting left tackle Joe Thomas; in which drafted receivers could not get open; and in which the focus of the attack, Peyton Hillis, turned out to be a muscle-bound malingerer.

When the Browns drafted Brandon Weeden, who was 28 years old at the time and had played minor league baseball before playing collegiately at Oklahoma State, the McCoy era, such as it was, was over before it began. Big-armed quarterbacks tease coaches and get more chances than soft-tossers like McCoy. Weeden was handed the job before last season. The competitive McCoy had no chance, because there was no real competition.

The fact that Weeden had a mediocre year in every way did little to enhance McCoy's stature, nor did Holmgren's departure during the season for a land of umbrella drinks and a life of comfort and ease -- although, minus the beach drinks, he had pretty much reached the comfort and ease level here.

During my interview before last season with Pro Football Hall of Famer Roger Staubach, who served in the Navy before joining the Dallas Cowboys as an aging rookie in the 1960s, Staubach abruptly asked me how McCoy was doing with the Browns. "I've thrown with Colt McCoy. He has a strong arm. He's pretty fast. I think he's going to be a good NFL quarterback," Staubach said.

I never forgot that comment. Who's to say Staubach doesn't know this quarterback better than the Browns did? I'll be surprised if McCoy becomes more than a backup with the 49ers, but he has a better chance with a new start and a smart organization than he ever had here.

To reach Bill Livingston:

blivingston@plaind.com, 216-999-4672

On Twitter: @LivyPD

With a merger scheduled for fall, the rivalry between Midpark and Berea is winding down to a few precious events and the baseball teams did their part Tuesday to feed the memory banks. Juniors Alex Agresta and Jake Miller combined on a four-hitter and Berea broke a 1-1 tie with a four-run fifth inning that led to a 5-1...

With a merger scheduled for fall, the rivalry between Midpark and Berea is winding down to a few precious events and the baseball teams did their part Tuesday to feed the memory banks.

Juniors Alex Agresta and Jake Miller combined on a four-hitter and Berea broke a 1-1 tie with a four-run fifth inning that led to a 5-1 victory in the Southwestern Conference opener for both teams.

Junior center fielder Eddie Harper began the rally with a leadoff triple and put his team in front when he scored on a single by freshman right fielder Ben Medvetz. The Braves went on to score three more times on hits by senior third baseman Alan Torres, senior designated hitter Shawn Bucy and a sacrifice fly by Miller.

Agresta, a junior left-hander, struck out five and walked one in five innings.

NDCL 9-5, Northview 8-10: In Bradenton, Fla., senior right-hander Corbon Angermeier helped the Lions split a doubleheader with the team from Sylvania, Ohio, and raise their record to 2-1. Angermeier, an Ashland recruit, pitched the final 4 innings and gave up one earned run to pick up his first decision of the season. He struck out six and walked two while his teammates broke a 5-5 tie by scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth. Junior catcher Pat Heckman went 2-for-2 and drove in two runs. Junior first baseman Connor Kavcic went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs.

Amherst 9, North Olmsted 4: Senior pitcher Brandon Chesmar struck out three over 4 innings and went 3-for-4 with two doubles and one run batted in as the Comets won a road game in the SWC. Junior shortstop Kody Bledsoe backed Chesmar with three hits in four at-bats, with a double, a triple and one RBI.

Fairview 6, Lincoln-West 5: Sean Kerrigan had two hits in three at-bats and drove in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead the Warriors to a nonleague victory. Tyler Cain scattered six hits to pick up the victory.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights 9, Avon Lake 7: Senior Danny Pushpak drove in three runs and junior Ricky Farina scored three times as the visiting Bees held off Avon Lake's rally in an SWC game. Brad Hamilton hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh for the Shoremen. Pete Fischer and Kyle Kovacevic scattered eight hits with Fischer picking up the win.

Westlake 5, Olmsted Falls 3: Westlake scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to prevail in an SWC game. Junior Justin Runevitch went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs during the winning rally. Tom Keany pitched the final 21/3 innings for the victory, striking out four.

Softball

Cuyahoga Heights 6, Fairview 0: Sophomore Jenna Stegmaier hit two home runs and drove in four runs during a 3-for-3 day at the plate, and junior pitcher Meredith Chopka struck out 16 batters while pitching a one-hitter in a nonleague game.

Keystone 5, Westlake 3: Carleigh Harrington's second home run of the game -- a two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth inning -- was the difference as the reigning Division II state champs ran their winning streak to 33 games, dating back to last season. Sara Lowman pitched the final three innings to pick up the victory.

Highlights include the Indians at the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Cavaliers' home game against the Brooklyn Nets.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

AHL

11 a.m. LAKE ERIE MONSTERS at Toronto, AM/1540

BASEBALL

2 p.m. Kansas City at Chicago White Sox, WGN

7 p.m. Boston at N.Y. Yankees, ESPN2

7:07 p.m. CLEVELAND INDIANS at Toronto, SportsTime Ohio; AM/1100

10 p.m. San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers, ESPN2

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

9:30 p.m. McDonald’s All American Game, ESPN

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE

11 p.m. Cin. Moeller at Worthington Kilbourne (tape), TWCS

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. McDonald’s All-American Game, ESPNU

MEN’S COLLEGE LACROSSE

5 p.m. Villanova vs. Georgetown, ESPNU

NBA

7 p.m. Brooklyn at CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Fox Sports Ohio; FM/100.7

7 p.m. New York at Atlanta, ESPN

NHL

7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, NBCSN

SOCCER

2:30 p.m. Champions League, Dortmund at Malaga, Fox Sports Ohio

Excellent defense, timely hitting, a big bullpen combine with Justin Masterson to give the Tribe a great start to the season.

There are 161 games, six months and at least 500 hours of baseball left in the Tribe season.

So I know that one game is just one game, it's a grain of sand on the beach, the first step of a marathon.

But the Tribe's 4-1 victory in the opener at Toronto Tuesday night shows what this team can do with some starting pitching.

The defense, the speed, the bullpen...all of those different parts of the game should hold steady for the season.

The Tribe made four Gold Glove caliber plays.

Nick Swisher made a back-handed snare of a what looked like a double down the first base line. Into his big glove it went, Swisher smiling as he ran to touch the base to record the out.

Second baseman Jason Kipnis delivered a belly-slam of a stop on a grounder, popped up and threw the runner out at first base.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera speared a fierce one-hop rocket that spun him around, knocked him down -- and then he flipped it to Kipnis, to start a double play pivot.

Right fielder Drew Stubbs bolted for the line, skidding on his behind as he caught a short fly ball and crashed feet-first into the stands.

It's an old baseball cliche, but I loved it when Sportstime Ohio's Rick Manning watched those plays and talked about the lads "slapping some leather out there."

All of those plays helped Justin Masterson, but the fact that the Tribe's right-hander pulled himself together after a shaky start and threw enough strikes to allow his defense to work was the key to the game.

When it comes to the Tribe, good starting pitching will equal a contending team this season.

It wasn't always pretty at the plate, but they scored four runs off R.A. Dickey. The exceptional knuckleballer was the National League Cy Young Award winner. His stuff was dancing with such delight, his catcher couldn't handle it as there were three passed balls and a wild pitch.

So you know it was tough to hit.

But Stubbs laced a high knuckleball to left field for a run-scoring single.

Cabrera whacked another over the right field wall for a two-run homer. Don't be surprised if he has a big year with 20-some homers. I wrote a few Sunday's ago that he was in his best shape in years because you could see it in spring training.

Lonnie Chisenhall put enough bat on a knuckler to drive in a run from third base.

After six innings, the Tribe was in front...4-1.

And it was 1-2-3.

Joe Smith in the seventh.

Vinnie Pestano in the eighth.

Chris Perez in the ninth.

Three relievers, three scoreless innings, only one Toronto baserunner.

The Tribe has enough arms in the bullpen -- and some more in Class AAA with Nick Hagadone and Matt Capps -- that the starters should know that six solid innings is all that will be required to win most games.

Everything can change tonight if Ubaldo Jimenez looks lost and confused in his start.

But this opening game showed what the Tribe can do when the starting pitching gives the rest of the team a chance to do its job.

Shaq joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, Jerry West and the rest of the Lakers' greats Tuesday night when the club retired his No. 34 jersey in a halftime ceremony.

LOS ANGELES  — When Shaquille O'Neal visited the Forum during the summer he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Jerry West encouraged him to look up at the retired jerseys hanging above the court.

"He said, 'You can be as great as these guys,'" O'Neal recalled.

West's prediction is finally official. Shaq joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, West and the rest of the Lakers' greats Tuesday night when the club retired his No. 34 jersey in a halftime ceremony.

"I just wish Dr. Buss was here to see this, to enjoy this joyous occasion," O'Neal said of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who died in February. "I always hoped and prayed it would come. It was a dream come true."

Although O'Neal rarely finds himself speechless, he's thrilled to receive the honor he first imagined back in 1996 when he chose the Lakers. O'Neal's yellow jersey with white numerals was unveiled to a standing ovation, hanging next to Magic Johnson's No. 32.

"It gets me real emotional," O'Neal said before the game. "Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and my father teaching me about the game, always mentioning Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and telling me when I was a young medium juvenile delinquent that, 'If you do things right, son, maybe one day you can be as great as those guys.'"

There's no longer any doubt O'Neal ranks among the greatest centers in basketball history. The NBA's sixth-leading career scorer played eight of his 19 seasons with the Lakers, winning three championships and reaching four NBA finals during his basketball prime.

Although O'Neal began his career in Orlando and played for four more teams including the Cavaliers after leaving Los Angeles, the 15-time All-Star says he considers Los Angeles his NBA home.

"I did most of my damage here, won most of my championships here, had most of my fun here," he said. "Even though I got one in Miami, it was fun, but we had three great ones here, three in a row. If I'm good enough to get into the Hall of Fame, I'll definitely go in as a Laker."

Kobe Bryant was in the locker room during halftime of the Lakers' game against Dallas, but he filmed a video tribute to kick off O'Neal's ceremony, calling him "the most gifted physical specimen I've ever seen play this game.

"What you've meant to the city has been absolutely historical, what we've done together," Bryant added. "I know you've played for other organizations, but you'll always be truly remembered for playing for one."

O'Neal's eight years alongside Bryant are among the most tumultuous and successful times in the team's history. They overcame initial struggles to win three straight titles from 2000-02 with the arrival of coach Phil Jackson, who returned to Staples on Tuesday for O'Neal's ceremony.

O'Neal and Bryant eventually split in 2004 after numerous personal and professional clashes, and their verbal sparring continued through Bryant's fifth championship in 2010. O'Neal insists any feud is long squashed, chalking it all up to posturing and mutual motivation.

"We've talked a lot since our playing days," O'Neal said. "There's two different kinds of dislike. There's an athletic dislike, and there's a real dislike. We never had a real dislike. We had a million good times and a thousand bad times. ... If I had it all over to do again, would I do it different? Probably not."

Jackson got his own attention while attending what was likely his first Lakers game since walking away from the club in 2011 — and the sellout crowd clearly would rather see him back in the seat currently occupied by Mike D'Antoni. Jackson sat in the second row next to his fiancee, Jeanie Buss, and received several "We Want Phil!" chants of increasing intensity during the ceremony.

"I want to thank you for your dedication and your leadership and the hard work that you put in," Jackson said to O'Neal.

Although he retired in 2011, O'Neal still is making an imprint on the Lakers — specifically on the psyche of Dwight Howard, their new franchise center.

O'Neal's pointed criticism of Howard in his new job as a television pundit has been an intriguing subplot to the latest Lakers big man's rough debut season. O'Neal didn't back off Howard on his special night, saying Howard should try to average 28 points and 10 rebounds per game if he hopes to be taken seriously as an elite center.

"We don't really have a relationship, but I'm just doing to him what the others did to me," O'Neal said of Howard, recalling Abdul-Jabbar calling him "an OK player" before he had any rings.

"I think it was Kareem's challenge to me to step it up," O'Neal added. "I'm not criticizing (Howard). I'm just issuing a challenge. I think I have the right to say, 'You have to average 28-10 in order to get a championship.' I just see a kid with a lot of talent."

When asked if he empathized with Howard's struggles to get healthy after offseason back surgery, O'Neal said: "My father was a military drill sergeant, and his motto was, 'If you can walk, you can play.' I wish there was a time I was injury-free when I played. I empathize with his pain, but no pain, no gain. He has the potential to be one of the greatest big men ever, but he has to want it."

O'Neal's celebration included profuse thanks to the Buss family, several former coaches and Lakers employees. He name-checked nearly everybody who worked for the Lakers during his eight-year tenure, even extending a detailed thanks to former assistant coach Bill Bertka.

"The only regrets I have are missing 200 games and missing 5,000 free throws," O'Neal said. "Other than that, I had fun, did it my way. Made a lot of friends, made a lot of enemies. It was all fun."

Rutgers said it would reconsider its decision to retain basketball coach Mike Rice after a videotape aired showing him shoving, grabbing and throwing balls at players during practice and yelling gay slurs at them.

NEWARK, N.J. - Rutgers said it would reconsider its decision to retain basketball coach Mike Rice after a videotape aired showing him shoving, grabbing and throwing balls at players during practice and yelling gay slurs at them.

• Update: Rutgers coach Mike Rice fired following abusive actions

The videotape, broadcast Tuesday on ESPN, prompted scores of outraged social media comments as well as sharp criticism from Gov. Chris Christie and NBA star LeBron James. The head of the New Jersey Assembly called for Rice to be fired.

More Mike Rice coverage from NJ.com »

Athletic director Tim Pernetti was given a copy of the video in late November by a former employee. He suspended Rice for three games a month later, fined him $50,000 and ordered him to attend anger management classes.

In an interview with WFAN Radio in New York on Tuesday, Pernetti said university president Robert Barchi also viewed the tape last fall and agreed with the punishment.

Phone messages left for Rice by the AP were not immediately returned.

But ESPN's broadcast (see clips below) prompted an outcry, led by the governor himself.

"Governor Christie saw the video today for the first time and he is obviously deeply disturbed by the conduct displayed and strongly condemns this behavior," spokesman Michael Drewniak said. "It's not the type of leadership we should be showing our young people and clearly there are questions about this behavior that need to be answered by the leaders at Rutgers University."

The Miami Heat's James weighed in with a tweet: "If my son played for Rutgers or a coach like that he would have some real explaining to do and I'm still gone whoop on him afterwards! C'mon."

The video shows numerous clips of Rice at practice firing basketballs at players, hitting them in the back, legs, feet and shoulders. Rice was also shown pushing players in the chest and grabbing them by their jerseys and yanking them around the court. Rice could be heard screaming obscenities and gay slurs at players.

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) called Rice's conduct "unacceptable not only at our state university, but in all circumstances. It is offensive and unbecoming of our state."

"Mike Rice should no longer be employed by Rutgers University," Oliver said. "He must go. Meanwhile, the decision not to dismiss him last year needs a complete and thorough review."

Rice, who was hired by Pernetti three years ago, is 44-51 at Rutgers, including 16-38 in the Big East, after going 73-31 in three seasons at Robert Morris. The Scarlet Knights went 15-16 this season and 5-13 in the Big East.

"You have to be always cautious about public reaction, because the reaction the public is having is the same I had when I saw it (the film)," Pernetti told the radio station. "I am factoring everything into what we do going forward. The most important thing I am factoring in is trying to make sure that we don't do harm to Rutgers University, because we are small slice of the pie here at this great place. I don't want to put any negatively on the university when we have a lot of real good things going on."

Pernetti said he understands why many are asking why Rice wasn't fired after the initial investigation.

"I spent more time with that option on whether we should fire Mike or not than any other option," he said. "At the same the results of the investigation where we ended up, the determination was made to suspend him. My biggest concern as the AD is that I am always trying to protect the interests and reputation of the university and that's what makes this one so difficult. There is a lot of hindsight, 20-20, .... that there will be no other option than to terminate Mike. I made that decision. I am accountable for it. I have to live with it."

Rice was Pernetti's first major hire after getting the AD's job.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) called Rice's conduct is indefensible, and said he should have been fired in December, after the tape was given to Pernetti.

Gusciora also said Pernetti's decision deserves a full review.

"If the university does not act, I will seek to add a provision to the state budget defunding Mr. Rice's salary," Gusciora said. "Taxpayers should not be paying for this behavior."

Pernetti said his decision to only suspend Rice was made in part because the coach was remorseful and admitted he made mistakes. Pernetti said Rice also worked hard to improve himself with the counseling, the practice monitor while working on his own behavior.

Rice had a reputation as being "a fiery guy with an edge" before coming to Rutgers and Pernetti said the two talked about it for five hours before he was hired.

"He convinced me he understood his reputation, but he also understood where the line was," Pernetti said. "I made clear to him if he crossed the line he would be held accountable. In this case he did, and we held him accountable for it."

That might not be enough in the wake of the video made by Eric Murdock, the former NBA player who was hired by Rice to be director of player development.

The two had a falling out over Murdock's appearances at a camp, and Pernetti said Murdock's contract was not renewed. Murdock, who said he was fired, then compiled the video, splicing together the practice lowlights of Rice's first three years as coach.

Pernetti said about 60 percent of the incidents happened in Rice's first season. He also was upset with Rice using a certain gay slur at a university where student Tyler Clementi committed suicide after a roommate used a webcam to see him kissing a man.

"I would tell you that that word was at the core of the suspension," Pernetti said. "It absolutely concerns me. It's not acceptable."

Get your questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe baseball.

Paul Hoynes answers your Indians questions today at noon.

Get your questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe baseball.

Paul will chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Tribe's 4-1 win over the Blue Jays Tuesday night, Justin Masterson's performance and Asdrubal Cabrera's big game.

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.

"Good start by the Tribe after losing 4 straight opening games, with Masterson winning the battle of the 'aces' and the pen looking it is picking up where it left off last season. Also liked the timely hitting especially against Dickey (who consistently throws the hardest knuckler I can recall seeing) although he has to prove he was not just a flash in the pan." - Big M

Justin Masterson danced out of trouble last night against the Blue Jays. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn  

"Good start by the Tribe after losing 4 straight opening games, with Masterson winning the battle of the 'aces' and the pen looking it is picking up where it left off last season. Also liked the timely hitting especially against Dickey (who consistently throws the hardest knuckler I can recall seeing) although he has to prove he was not just a flash in the pan.

Swaggering > staggering."

The day after video showed Rutgers coach Mike Rice verbally and physically abusing players during practice on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, he's been fired by the school.

The day after video showed Rutgers coach Mike Rice verbally and physically abusing players during practice on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, he's been fired by the school.

Got questions about the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers for our beat writers? What are you waiting for? Send them in! Mary Kay Cabot, Paul Hoynes and Mary Schmitt Boyer tackle your questions every Sunday in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com in their Hey! columns.

Paul Hoynes is the one usually asking the questions, but you can turn the tables on him by submitting your questions for Hey, Hoynsie! Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer

Did the Browns make a good move dealing Colt McCoy? How much should we read into these first few games for the Indians? What exactly is Byron Scott's defensive system?  

Got questions like these about the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers for our beat writers? What are you waiting for? Send them in!

Mary Kay Cabot, Paul Hoynes and Mary Schmitt Boyer tackle your questions every Sunday in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com in their Hey! columns. But you must use the links to the forms below to submit your question.

Submissions must be received by Thursday at noon for them to be considered for that weekend's column.

Send a Browns question now to Mary Kay Cabot »

Send an Indians question now to Paul Hoynes »

Send a Cavaliers question now to Mary Schmitt Boyer »

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom has followed in his father's footsteps, proving he has become even better with age by cruising to a commanding victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup.

Youngstown horseman Bruce Zoldan of Team Valor International with Went the Day Well, another horse owned by the syndicate. (Submitted photo) Submitted photo  

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Animal Kingdom's commanding victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday might compel his owners to keep on racing, rather than retire the 5-year-old chestnut son of Leroidesanimaux to Arrowfield Stud, an Australian breeding farm.

The accolades are rolling in for the winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby. Campaigned by Barry Irwin and Team Valor International -- which includes Youngstown's Bruce Zoldan, owner of Phantom Fireworks and the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team -- trainer Graham Motion had Animal Kingdom in top shape for the world's richest race.

Jockey Joel Rosario said he was just along for the ride, keeping Animal Kingdom close to the lead until the final turn in the 1 1/4-mile race. Heading into the long stretch Rosario let Animal Kingdom have his head, roaring past early leader Royal Delta to take complete command. He cruised to a three-length victory in 2:03.22 despite the talented international field of 11.

After Animal Kingdom's performance, watched worldwide by millions of horse racing fans, John Messara of Arrowfield Stud seems to have second thoughts about his retirement and the expected demand as a sire. Messara hinted racing at England's Royal Ascot in June is still an option, as well as running in a pair of major stakes races in Australia.

It's probably because Animal Kingdom, an impressive Kentucky Derby winner as a 3-year-old, keeps getting better with age. It's in his bloodlines. Brazilian-bred Leroidesanimaux reached his racing peak as a 5-year-old, winning the Eclipse Award as the leading turf horse. Animal Kingdom's dam is Dalicia, a German-bred stakes winner bought by Team Valor who is a daughter of the great German sire Acatenango, seven times a winner in Grade I stakes.

The Independent, a British newspaper, described Animal Kingdom "a prototype for the 21st-century international thoroughbred." It praised Irwin for racing and winning on every type of track surface and in races, such as the Dubai World Cup, that ban the use of race-day medications. 

Northfield notes: State Of The Union ($11.20) was a wire-to-wire winner of Monday's $5,000 Open Handicap at Northfield Park. Driver Ryan Stahl and trainer Nichole Gagnon co-own the pacer, who notched a 1:55.2 victory. It pushed State Of The Union's career totals to 35 victories and $229,625 in winnings. Norma's Rose ($7.20) scored in the $5,000 Open Handicap Trot on Monday with Chris Page in the sulky for owner-trainer Lee Blodgett of Warren. Also a gate-to-wire winner, the trotter has 33 career wins and career earnings of $261,107.

Northfield begins a free Sunday handicapping series this week with $900 in weekly prizes. Featuring New York's Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga race tracks, the top four handicappers qualify for a $5,000 final on Sept. 1. Players Club membership is required. Entry forms are available at 11 a.m., and must be submitted before the first race post time.

New voice in town: A native of Cambridge, England, with an accent to match, Craig Braddick, 36, is the new track announcer at Thistledown, which opens its season on April 19. Braddick has bounced around a few tracks in recent years. His last stop was at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M.

"This is the longest meeting I've ever called," said Braddick, getting ready for 122 afternoons of thoroughbred racing. "I'll be on the Thistledown staff all year, becoming the voice of racing and the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland. I've only been in town for a couple of days, but one of the things I'm anxious to do is watch the Cleveland Indians play baseball."

Braddick enjoyed the sport while working at Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colo., watching the Colorado Rockies in action.

Stall applications have been plentiful this spring, said Braddick, and horsemen are excited about the new season and increased purses driven by Thistledown's racino, which makes its public debut on Monday. A private racino party earlier in the week for employees, friends and relatives helped get the bugs out of the racino system. Earnings were given to three local charities.

Run for the Roses nears: The field is shaping up for this year's Kentucky Derby after last weekend's stakes for 3-year-olds. Lines of Battle won the $2 million UAE Derby in Dubai; Orb captured the $1 million Florida Derby; and Revolutionary nailed the $1 million Louisiana Derby. Orb now leads the standings with 150 points, followed by Revolutionary (110), Lines of Battle (100), Will Take Charge (60) and Itsmyluckyday, Vyjack, Governor Charlies, Black Onyx, Verrazano and Hear the Ghost (50). The AP's top five heading to the May 4 classic at Churchill Downs are Orb, Verrazano, Revolutionary, Vyjack and Itsmyluckyday.

River Downs racing goes north: A transportation bill signed by Gov. John Kasich on Monday included an amendment to grease the wheels for moving 65 racing dates at Cincinnati's River Downs to Beulah Park in Columbus starting May 19. River Downs grandstand and some horse barns were demolished earlier this year by Pinnacle Entertainment to make way for a new race track and racino. River Downs will still be in action, with simulcast wagering and video lottery terminals at the track's clubhouse in Cincinnati.

Zenyatta has a boy: Team Zenyatta confirmed the champion mare has given birth to her second foal on April 1. The 2010 Horse of the year, Zenyatta was matched with top sire Tapit at Lane's End Farm in Lexington, Ky., the young male weighed in at 145 pounds and was described as a "leggy chestnut with a white blaze similar to Zenyatta's." Zenyatta's first offspring was a yearling colt by Bernardini, and has yet to be named.

By Scott Branson | National Desk As with every year, the NCAA tournament is saturated with star athletes — especially so when the field is narrowed down to the Final Four. Matchups are analyzed and previous performances are dissected, but what about the coaches? Let's take a look at each coach that was able to guide his team to the Final Four...

By Scott Branson | National Desk

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim talks to his players during a timeout in the first half of the East Regional final in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament against Marquette, Saturday, March 30, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)

Jim Boeheim, Syracuse

Head coaching resume: 

1976-present —€” Syracuse

Overall record: 920-310 (.748)

NCAA Tournament record: 52-28 (.650)

Accomplishments:

» One NCAA Championship (2003)

» Four Final Four appearances (1987, 1996, 2003, 2013)

» 30 NCAA Tournament appearances

John Beilein's Wolverines got past South Dakota State 71-56 despite a rough night for Trey Burke (right).
The Associated Press

John Beilein, Michigan

Head coaching resume: 

1975-1978 —€” Newfane HS

1978-1982 —€” Erie CC

1982-1983 —€” Nazareth

1983-1992 —€” Le Moyne

1992-1997 —€” Canisius

2002-2007 —€” West Virginia

2007-present —€” Mighigan

Overall record: 672-402 (.624)

NCAA Tournament record: 12-7 (.632)

Accomplishments:

» NIT Championship (2007)
» One Final Four appearance (2013)

» Eight NCAA Tournament appearances

The matchup:

Boeheim and Beilein are both seasoned coaches, each having been a head coach since the mid-1970s. But while Boeheim is no stranger to college basketball's biggest stage — ” having made four previous trips to the Final Four — Saturday will be Beilein's first.

When Michigan and Syracuse meet Saturday to fight for a shot at a national championship, it won't be the first time Boeheim and Beilein's paths have crossed. Syracuse hired Boeheim as its head coach way back in 1976 and he has been the man in charge ever since, while Beilein took a more circuitous route to his current position.

Beilein has held eight different head coaching positions in the time since Boeheim took over at Syracuse. Interestingly, Beilein credits Boeheim for making a phone call that helped land the Wolverines' coach his first Division I coaching job at Canisius College in 1992.

While Boeheim holds the advantage in tournament experience with 30 trips to the Big Dance under his belt, this isn't Beilein's first rodeo, either. At his previous coaching stop at West Virginia, Beilein twice took the Mountaineers on tournament runs, finishing in the Elite Eight in 2005 and the Sweet 16 in 2006.

But it will take a change of course for Beilein to come out on top Saturday. In nine career meetings between the two coaches, Boeheim is a perfect 9-0.

Wichita State vs. Louisville

Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall points as he walks off the court after Wichita State defeated Ohio State 70-66 in the West Regional final in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 30, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Gregg Marshall, Wichita State

Head coaching resume:

1998-2007 —€” Winthrop

2007-present —€” Wichita State

Overall Record:  333-152 (.687)

NCAA Tournament Record: 5-8 (.385)

Accomplishments:

» NIT Championship (2011)

» One Final Four appearance (2013)

» Nine NCAA Tournament appearances

Louisville head coach Rick Pitino directs his team against Duke during the second half of the Midwest Regional final in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Rick Pitino, Louisville

Head coaching resume:

1978-1983 — ” Boston University

1985-1987 — €”Providence

1987-1989 —€” New York Knicks

1989-1997 —€” Kentucky

1997-2001 —€” Boston Celtics

2001-present —€” Louisville

Overall collegiate record: 662-239 (.734) 

NCAA Tournament record: 46-16 (.742)

Accomplishments:

» One NCAA Championship (1996)

» Seven Final Four appearances

» 18 NCAA Tournament appearances

The matchup:

Pitino finds himself in the Final Four for the seventh time after a decidedly whirlwind coaching career that includes a pair of stops in the NBA and an NCAA championship in 1996 while at Kentucky. The Cardinals skipper has taken four different teams to the tournament and three to the Final Four, including guiding Providence College to the Final Four in 1987 (where he lost to former boss Jim Boeheim and Syracuse in the semifinals).

On Selection Sunday, Marshall found his team in the tournament for the ninth time, but until this season he and his squad had been tripped up in the first round all but one time.

Marshall spent nine seasons at Winthrop University, compiling a 194-83 record and seven trips to the tournament before taking the head coaching job at Wichita State in 2007.

Under Marshall's guidance, the Shockers won the NIT Championship in 2011 and followed it with a berth in the NCAA tournament in 2012, but not until this season has Marshall found a way to keep his team alive deep into March and April.

Entering the NCAA tournament, Pitino had 42 won tournament games to Marshall's one —€” a first round victory while coaching at Winthrop in 2007. Four games later and Marshall is one win away from spoiling Pitino's 18th tournament appearance and two wins from a title to call his own.

"Not sure I understand this at all. We're already extremely thin at LB & S. Sure, these two guys aren't that good.. I realize that. But what's the point of releasing them?" - whitego0dman

One cleveland.com reader doesn't understand why the Browns are releasing players at positions where they are thin. (John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)  

"Not sure I understand this at all. We're already extremely thin at LB & S. Sure, these two guys aren't that good.. I realize that. But what's the point of releasing them? We already had 29M in cap space before cutting them... if there was other people they wanted, they didn't need to cut these guys to make it happen."

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Asdrubal Cabrera played a key role in the Tribe's 4-1 win over the Blue Jays Tuesday night. The Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes talks about the win during his weekly podcast. (AP Photo/Frank Gunn)  

What were the keys to the Tribe's win last night against the Blue Jays? How about is tonight' start for Ubaldo Jimenez?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Tribe's defense.

• Justin Masterson's performance.

• Timely hitting by bottom of the order.

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

By Scott Branson | National Desk With the days ticking down before the 2013 Final Four gets underway in Atlanta, here's a roundup of content from Syracuse.com as it ramps up for the Orange's matchup against Michigan on Saturday: » Here's a collection of links, tweets and other interesting tidbits pertaining to Syracuse basketball, including a quick video of Orange senior...

By Scott Branson | National Desk

Syracuse huddles before the first half of the East Regional final in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)

Defensive tackle is one of the deepest positions in this year's NFL draft. Who are the best of the bunch? Chris Fedor gives his Top 5 defensive tackles.

The two best defensive tackles in free agency this offseason stayed put (Miami's Randy Starks and Chicago's Henry Melton). Aside from that duo, free agency didn't offer much. The draft, on the other hand, offers plenty as defensive tackle is one of the deepest positions this year. Depending on the needs of teams, as many as eight could go in the first two rounds. Two attributes stick out with this year's class: versatility and athleticism. The versatility means they can play all over the defensive line. And these big boys can move, bringing rare explosiveness that should cause nightmares for opposing quarterbacks.

1. Star Lotulelei, 6-2, 311 lbs, Utah

Lotulelei's collegiate career got off to a rocky start. The defensive lineman started at the Junior College level and even quit the game for a short period. He sat out a year, rededicated himself and ended up at Utah where he turned into a star – in deed as well as name. In 2011, Lotulelei was named the top defensive lineman in the Pac-12. He recorded 44 tackles, 9.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks. The NFL was calling. But he stayed for one more year to finish up his degree and shined even brighter. His great play on the field (42 tackles, 11 for loss and 5 sacks) earned him first team All-Pac-12 honors once again.

Star has a unique combination of size, strength and quickness. He played both defensive tackle and end with the Utes. While he relies a little too much on his physical gifts and needs to use his hands more consistently, Lotulelei can't be blocked one-on-one. He's a force at a position that doesn't get a lot of love. He had a health scare in February. A heart condition forced him to miss the Scouting Combine. If he checks out medically, Star is worthy of being a Top 10 pick in this year's draft.

2. Sharrif Floyd, 6-3, 297 lbs, Florida

Sharrif Floyd lacks elite production but has immense potential. Associated Press  

Floyd was one of the top high school prospects coming out of Philadelphia. Everyone wanted him. He ended up at Florida and it took the Gators a little while before they found his best position. In 2011, Florida used Floyd as a defensive end. That's not his natural position and it showed. Floyd had just 46 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In 2012, the Gators moved him back inside and Floyd earned first team All-SEC honors.

Floyd is athletic and versatile. He gets up the field quickly. He disrupts both the running and passing game. Floyd was more of a flash player than a consistently dominant force in college. He didn't have great production during his time in Gainesville (26 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in two years) but his combination of size, strength and quickness isn't easy to find. He has the tools to be an elite defensive lineman at the next level with coaching and development.

3. Sheldon Richardson, 6-3, 294 lbs, Missouri

Sheldon Richardson was one of the best high school football players in the country coming out of Missouri. But his football career got off to a rough start. Richardson didn't qualify academically and ended up going the junior college route where he dominated. When he first got to Missouri he was a part-time player (only made two starts) but still got recognition as All-Big 12 honorable mention. The Tigers switched conferences, going from the Big 12 to the SEC, and Richardson became a full-time player. He shined.

Using his great combination of size, speed, athleticism and explosiveness, Richardson earned first-team All-SEC honors. He led all interior defensive linemen in the SEC in tackles (75). He also added 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Richardson isn't technically sound and he lacks a bit of strength. Some will wonder whether he is just a one-year wonder. But 2012 wasn't a fluke. Richardson has a chance to dominate at the next level. He is as gifted as any defensive tackle in the draft.

4. Kawann Short, 6-3, 299 lbs, Purdue

Kawann Short started every game as a freshman for Purdue. He only got better from there. He comes into the draft as one of the most productive and decorated defensive tackles – due in large part to how much playing time he received for the Boilermakers. Short played both inside and outside. He combines size and athleticism and despite playing through an ankle injury his senior year, Short had his best season (47 tackles, 14.5 for loss and 6 sacks). He earned second-team All-American honors.

The numbers are tremendous but they don't tell the whole story. There are concerns. Short doesn't have great moves to penetrate the line of scrimmage. He has a hard time playing with consistent leverage. He needs to get in better shape. And inconsistency is Short's biggest shortfall. The former Boilermaker doesn't play with the same effort week-to-week and even play-to-play. During his senior year, he had seven games where he didn't record a sack. He had eight games where he had three tackles or less. It's up to Short how good he becomes at the next level.

5. Sylvester Williams, 6-3, 313 lbs, North Carolina

Is the inconsistent Sylvester Williams worthy of a first round pick? Associated Press  

Williams got his college career started at the Junior College level after playing one year of high school football. After a productive JUCO career, Sly went to North Carolina. It didn't take him long to showcase his talent. As a junior Williams posted 54 tackles, 7 for loss and 2.5 sacks. Despite getting even more attention from the defense during his senior campaign, Williams got even better (42 tackles, 13.5 for loss and 6 sacks). Sly started all 25 games for the Tar Heels and lined up all over the defensive line.

He comes to the NFL armed with a vicious swim move, which can be seen on tape a lot but it's the only move in his pass-rushing arsenal right now. He will need to develop more at the next level. There were times at North Carolina, like the Virginia game (8 tackles, 2 for loss and 1 sack), when Williams looked like a first round talent. There were other times, like against Miami (2 tackles), when Sly left you wanting more. He's still learning the game but if he ever figures out a way to keep his motor running for the entire game and keep from getting stuck on blocks, Williams will be a dominant force.

More Chris Fedor's Top 5...

• Offensive guards
• Offensive tackles
• Tight ends
• Wide receivers
• Running backs
• Quarterbacks
  

Also: Chris Fedor's Mock Draft 4.0: Back to Barkevious Mingo at No. 6 for the Browns

Kyrie Irving and C.J. Miles will play for the Cavaliers in tonight's game against Brooklyn at The Q after missing Monday's game at Atlanta.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving and swingman C.J. Miles will play for the Cavaliers against Brooklyn tonight at The Q.

Irving, still recovering from a sprained left shoulder suffered at Toronto on March 10, was held out of Monday's game at Atlanta because it was the second game of a back-to-back. Miles missed Monday's game with a sore right foot suffered at New Orleans on Sunday,

Rookie Dion Waiters, still suffering from a sore left knee, will not play tonight, and coach Byron Scott said today there really was no update on his condition.

Waiters took himself out of a game after the first quarter against Indiana on March 18. At the time, the Cavs said he had a loose cartilage fragment in his knee and would be out a week for rest, treatment and additional observation and examination. They said at the time arthroscopic surgery could be an option, clearly as a last resort.

Scott was asked today whether he was holding out any hope Waiters could still play this season. Counting tonight's game against Brooklyn, the Cavs have nine games left.

"I'm not holding up anything,'' Scott said. "The guys who are out here are the guys I'm going to coach. Until the medical staff tells me something different, that's how I'm going to look at it.''

ESPN analyst said teams looking to move up to draft offensive tackles could make for good trading partners with the Browns

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns have plenty of needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, but offensive tackles aren’t among them, thanks to the presence of Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz.

In a draft filled with high-end tackles, the Browns’ No. 6 pick offers them a chance to trade down a few slots and potentially regain a second-round pick. It’s a scenario ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper thinks is a possibility if the Browns don’t like what’s available when they’re on the clock April 25.

“They’re going to have, I think, great opportunities to move down because that pick is going to represent either Eric Fisher, possibly, the left tackle from Central Michigan, or Lane Johnson, the left tackle from Oklahoma,” Kiper said during a conference call Wednesday. “So that’s going to be a valuable pick that somebody’s going to want. So, yeah, I think they could move down.”

The Browns need defensive backs, particularly a cornerback to play opposite Joe Haden as they transition to a 3-4 defensive front. Kiper believes the best cornerback available, Alabama’s Dee Milliner, will be selected by the time the Browns pick. Beyond Milliner, he doesn’t think a corner warrants being taken any higher than No. 19, when Xavier Rhodes (Florida State) or Desmond Trufant (Washington) should be available.

The Browns are thin in the secondary. The club waived Usama Young on Tuesday, leaving them youngsters Tashaun Gipson and Eric Hagg as possible free safety replacements. Hagg struggled in his second season and Gipson remains raw. Many believe the Browns need to upgrade the position.

Kiper expects a run on safeties in the second round – one that currently doesn’t include a Browns pick because of their decision to take receiver Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft. Gordon had a solid rookie season, but for an organization in transition and with many holes to fill, it would covet an additional early-round choice.

Kiper mentioned the San Diego Chargers, who hold the No. 11 pick and need an offensive tackle, as a possible trade partner.

During the combine, Browns CEO Joe Banner told reporters he’s had a history of trading down with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kiper wonders if the Browns might use the No. 6 pick to take another outside linebacker to play opposite of free-agent acquisition Paul Kruger. New coach Rob Chudzinski said the plan is to move defensive end Jabaal Sheard to linebacker, a position he hasn’t played in the pros or college ranks. Sheard was a second-round pick in 2011, who’s recorded 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons.

“That’s the question – do you take Dion Jordan (Oregon) knowing that Sheard’s a question mark or do you just say, ‘Roll the dice with Sheard,’” Kiper said. “He was an early-round pick. He’s shown flashes. The kid’s got some ability.”

Kiper also listed some middle-round, pass-rushing alternatives for the Browns: San Jose State’s Travis Johnson, Stanford’s Chase Thomas, Texas A&M’s Sean Porter, Harding’s Ty Powell, Buffalo’s Steven Means and Washington State’s Travis Long.

Meeting time: Former Bills wideout David Nelson will visit the Browns on Thursday, a league source confirmed. News of the meeting was first reported by Buffalo News’ Tim Graham.

The 6-5, 214-pound slot receiver was the Bills’ second-leading pass catcher in 2010 and 2011 before suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s opener. The Browns are looking to replace oft-injured free agent Mohamed Massaquoi.

An undrafted free agent from the University of Florida, Nelson built his reputation on sure hands, dropping just six passes over his first 141 targets, according to ProFootballFocus.

In two-plus seasons, Nelson has 94 receptions, averaging 11.1 yards per catch with eight touchdowns. While he lacks quickness, Nelson became one of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets. He had 61 receptions for 658 yards in 2011. The injury certainly factored into the Bills’ decision to not to extend Nelson a $1.3 million tendered offer.

“The way it’s progressing right now, I’m hoping to be full-go for OTAs,” Nelson told the Buffalo News in February. “I’ll try to work myself in slowly and then be full-go for mandatory minicamp and then hit camp at 100 percent. ... It was a blessing to have it happen so early. Now I can be ready to go.”

It’s believed Buffalo still has an interest in Nelson, but at a reduced salary.

Brownies: Former New York Giants receiver Domenik Hixon signed with the Carolina Panthers. The Browns had interest in the Akron product. ... Brigham Young pass rusher Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah and San Diego State tight end Gavin Escobar are expected to visit the Browns in the coming days, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott has decided to try a zone in hopes of improving his team's defense

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers call it ''spider.'' In general basketball terms, it's a zone defense.

Given the Cavs injury situation and lack of size, not to mention their difficulty defending the pick-and-roll, coach Byron Scott broke it out against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday and promised it will be a regular feature the rest of the season -- especially since the team was finally able to practice it during Wednesday's shootaround.

"We went through it a little bit more on both ends -- our offense and our defense against zone,'' Scott said before Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets at The Q. "What we tried to do today is give them a little bit more of the specific rules we want to stick by.

"I think the guys know some of the rules. It's just more of a 'let's go back to the basics.' It will even be better tonight than it was last game because we did have a day to work on it. It's not something that's foreign to us. It's something that we have in our arsenal. We just haven't used it a lot. We'll use it a lot more so our guys get a little bit more comfortable with it.''

The zone got the Cavs back into the game at Atlanta, which was a bit surprising since Scott admitted he went to it on the fly in the second game of a back-to-back with no practice or shootaround to install it. He wanted to make the Hawks into a jump-shooting team, which he did. But they hit a lot of those jump shots.

Another problem Scott foresees is rebounding in the zone, because players still have to block out opponents, even if they're not assigned to guard guys one-on-one.

Scott admitted he didn't know why more coaches in the NBA don't use zones.

"I think in the NBA because of the schedule it's so hard to work on it on a day-to-day basis,'' Scott said. "I know Dallas won the championship and they used a lot of zone the year they won. It's just something we as coaches have a hard time dealing with trying to go back to zone because it is a little foreign to us because we haven't been in college for a long time, especially me.

"It is something I think you can do in certain situations because it does give you a different look. Sometimes it throws that team off balance a little bit. For the rest of the season for us, we're going to switch back and forth as much as possible.''

Scott laughed when reporters noted it was too bad he was without rookie Dion Waiters, who played for two years in the famed Syracuse 2-3 zone but is currently out with a sore left knee.

"This would be perfect for Dion right now,'' Scott said. "He would be great. He could probably be teaching our guys a thing or two about Syracuse's zone. We might have put that in if he was playing, since they do it so well.''

Autism Speaks: Coaches and players will be sporting blue lapel pins, ties and shoes as the NBA partners with Autism Speaks in recognizing April as National Autism Awareness Month. For Nets star Deron Williams, it's a personal cause. His son was diagnosed with autism last summer.

"Autism Speaks was great helping me find a school for my son, different therapies, different options and finding out more about autism,'' Williams said on Wednesday.

Williams had some experience with the condition as he watched cousins and friends deal with it. When his son began exhibiting some of the symptoms, he and his wife had an inkling what was happening.

"By that time, we knew,'' Williams said.

Now he's using his foundation to focus on autism.

"I'm not going to say everything I do is with autism, but that's the main focus now,'' he said. "I have a great partnership with Autism Speaks. They do a lot of great things. It's just working together. They've come to me with stuff and I'm happy to do whatever I can to spread the word about autism, do public service announcements, wear the shoes, do anything I can to help them out.''