Alonzo Gee will start at shooting guard for the Cavaliers against the Heat on Tuesday night.

View full sizeAPAlonzo Gee will be seeing plenty of court time tonight against the Heat, moving into the starting lineup for the short-handed Cavaliers.

MIAMI, Fla. -- Alonzo Gee will start at shooting guard for the Cavaliers against the Heat on Tuesday night.

"Didn't have anybody else,'' Cavs coach Byron Scott said, referring to the fact that Anthony Parker (back) and Daniel Gibson (neck) are not with the team. "Plus, right now with the guys we have down, he's probably the best matchup that we have against Dwyane Wade.

"At least you've got athleticism against athleticism. He'll play a lot of minutes at two and three, but I just thought it would be the best thing to do.''

Cavs rookie power forward Tristan Thompson also is out with a sprained left ankle.

Cavs starters: F Antawn Jamison, F Omri Casspi, C Anderson Varejao, G Kyrie Irving, G Alonzo Gee

Heat starters: F LeBron James, F Chris Bosh, C Joel Anthony, G Dwyane Wade, G Mario Chalmers

Referees: Ken Mauer, Josh Tiven, Gary Zielinski

The Cavaliers look to build off their win Saturday against the Mavericks, as they will take on the Heat tonight in Miami. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

The Cavaliers look to build off their win Saturday against the Mavericks, as they will take on the Heat tonight in Miami. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

View full sizeAP Photo/Wilfredo LeeThe Cavaliers look to get their first win this season against LeBron James and the Heat tonight in Miami.

The Cavs have done some subtle promotion, but nothing like sending out IPods as one team did, loaded with highlights of a candidate.

View full sizeJohn Raoux, Associated Press"You have to game-plan for him," an admiring Dwyane Wade said Tuesday of Anderson Varejao. "He's not one of those guys you can say, 'Just box him out.' That doesn't work. You've got to do other things."

MIAMI, Fla. -- When push came to shove, Byron Scott decided to do neither when it came to lobbying for Anderson Varejao or Kyrie Irving to make the All-Star team as reserves. The NBA will announce the reserves on TNT on Thursday night.

"I lobby enough in the media," Scott said. "I don't make calls. I don't send videos. I don't do all that. I think the way especially Andy has played speaks for itself. My lobbying is telling the truth. I think [Varejao] is definitely deserving. I think Kyrie is starting to get the national attention now, like most first-round picks are. Other than that, I just try to be honest and tell them what I think.

"It would be great if they both made it, but I don't think that's going to happen."

The Cavs have done some subtle promotion, but nothing like sending out IPods as one team did, loaded with highlights of a candidate. Scott gave that to his son, Thomas, a coach with the Canton Charge in the DLeague.

Varejao did get All-Star endorsements from Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, although James did say, "We know Kyrie and Andy are definitely their 1-2 punch."

Said James of Varejao, "He's playing some great basketball. I thought Andy was an All-Star in the past and he never got the nod. He's giving you 15, 17 rebounds, 20 [points] and 20 [rebounds] like the other night, there's not many players in the Eastern Conference playing some good ball like he's playing. If he does get an opportunity, it will be well-deserved. I know how hard he works."

Added Wade: "This could be his year. He's putting up the numbers. You can't argue, he's averaging 12 rebounds, 11 points a game. Even more than that what he brings to the game, you have to game-plan for him. He's not one of those guys you can say, 'Just box him out.' That doesn't work. You've got to do other things. That's the kind of player you look for. I heard something about role-player slots in the All-Star Game. He would be high on the list."

Asked if he was anxious about his first All-Star nod, Varejao said, "I'm not saying I'm not, but it's not my priority."

Said Irving, "It would be a great honor to be picked for it, but if I don't, there's always next year and the years after that. This year is just about winning games. If I get those accolades, that will be career milestones I could put in my book. I'm just looking forward to getting to the All-Star break without any injuries."

New format: Although he's a lock to make the Rising Stars Challenge game during All-Star weekend, Irving said he had no comment on the new format in a pool of rookies and sophomores will be divided into two teams and play together instead of facing each other.

"Am I on that team?" Irving asked.

The pool of players will be named Wednesday, and the Cavs are hoping Tristan Thompson also will be considered. Alonzo Gee is not eligible because this is technically his third year in the league. TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will serve as the general managers and conduct a draft on Feb. 16 to determine each team.

The head coaches will be the lead assistants of the All-Star Game coaches, who haven't been set yet. The coaches of the teams with the best record in each conference coach the All-Star teams, but a coach can't hold the honor two years in a row.

"Hopefully I'm on it," Irving said. "I don't really have a take on it until I'm actually picked. Ask me that question next week."

Home sweet home: Wednesday's game with the Clippers begins a nine-game homestand that lasts until Feb. 28, the most consecutive home games in franchise history. Other teams coming in are Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Indiana, Miami, Sacramento, Detroit, New Orleans and Boston.

"It will feel pretty good," Scott said. "We've been on the road enough. It seems like every other day we've been on the road. So being at home for an extended period of time is going to be nice."

Most of the Indians best prospects, such as Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall, are already being counted on at the big league level. Links to more Indians stories.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerInfielder Cord Phelps struggled during his brief time with the Indlans last season, but he could get another chance to help the team at some point, especially if there's an injury among the middle infielders.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Most talent analysts say that the Cleveland Indians' best prospects are already being counted on at the major league level, with second baseman Jason Kipnis and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall chief among them.

For the sake of organizational depth that could provide help at the big league level -- a need that arises virtually every season for virtually every team -- the Indians need some minor leaguers to emerge as surprise prospects, or some to live up to the high-level prospect status they once held.

Jim Piascik writes for Indians Prospect Insider about five Indians minor leaguers who (a) may have once been held in higher regard than they are now (b) still have realistic major league hopes (c) have a lot to prove in 2012.

Piascik writes about each player (including Cord Phelps, who spent some time with the Indians last season), and summarizes: 

...being in the minor leagues is all about proving yourself at the level you're at so you can continue climbing the ladder toward the major leagues. If a player is in the minors, then they inherently still have something to prove. For Cord Phelps, Nick Weglarz, Jason Knapp, Beau Mills and LeVon Washington, however, there's a little extra they need to do in 2012. If these five prospects don't impress in 2012, they'll be left behind for the next hot wave of young ballplayers. It's on them to make themselves into can't-miss prospects again.

Indians pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona for spring training on Feb. 20. Longtime Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes will be there to provide extensive PD and cleveland.com Indians coverage.  

Some Indians' moves, primarily the signing of free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman, indicate that the team isn't counting on much help from Matt LaPorta in 2012. A Sept. 16, 2011 Starting Blocks story (accompanied by a poll) detailed how LaPorta's career track, by age, has mirrored that of some other active right-handed hitters who have gone on to solid big league careers as run-producers.

Of course, there were others who never became better than marginal players. Is it too soon, though, for the Indians -- especially having so little hitting punch from the right side of the plate -- to so dramatically diminish LaPorta's chances of helping them?

The Indians have made some sensible points on why they think Kotchman, another left-handed hitter, can help them. He's an above-average fielder and consistently makes contact. Still, to make one simple point: LaPorta, with erratic playing time hurting his chance to get in a groove, drove in five more runs last season than did Kotchman, and in 148 fewer at bats.

LaPorta just turned 27; Kotchman is about to turn 29.

Around the horn

Left-handed designated hitter Travis Hafner should not play against left-handed pitchers this season. On the blog "Let's Go Tribe."

A look at the Indians' "window to win." By David Fung for the blog "Beyond the Box Score."

Lonne Chisenhall is among the relatively-new "names to know" for baseball fans in 2012. By Paul White of USAToday.com.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com answers readers' questions about the Indians.

Listing the top 12 prospects in the Indians organization, by Dave Gershman for the blog "Beyond the Box Score."

Shortstop Omar Vizquel, former Cleveland Indian. By Kevin Schneider for the blog "Did The Trbe Win Last Night?"

Brown received treatment Monday and now it's just a matter of when he feels able to play.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerD'Aundray Brown hopes to be back at full speed for Cleveland State's big Horizon League matchup against Valparaiso on Thursday at the Wolstein Center.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The groin injury of Cleveland State forward D'Aundray Brown is nothing new. He has had it for several years, according to Vikings coach Gary Waters -- Brown receives treatment and soon returns to play.

"Once it kicks in, he's good," Waters said.

Brown was treated at the start of the season, and had no issues until Friday in CSU's victory at Loyola (Ill.). Brown received treatment Monday and now it's just a matter of when he's able to play.

"He's day to day," Waters said Tuesday.

This week the first-place Vikings (20-4, 10-2 Horizon) have home games against second-place Valparaiso (17-8, 10-3) at 7 p.m. on Thursday and fading Butler (13-12, 7-6) at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Brown might not play, but Waters said if the treatment Brown had Monday to ease the inflammation does its job, the 6-4 senior could be on the court.

"If he shows me Thursday he can go, he's in the game," Waters said.

Follow the leader: The Vikings hold a half-game lead over Valparaiso and a win on Thursday would provide a two-game lead over Valpo in the loss column, which because of tiebreakers would effectively be a three-game lead.

The Vikings play four of their final six league games at the Wolstein Center.

On the road: In the Mid-American Conference, first-place Akron (16-7, 8-1) plays at Western Michigan (10-13, 4-5) Wednesday in a game that has now lost some luster.

Akron and WMU were favorites to win the East and West divisions, respectively. But starting with 6-6 sophomore Juwan Howard Jr.'s defection before the season -- from Western Michigan to Detroit -- a seven-game road trip to start the season and injuries to starters Demetrius Ward, Flenard Whitfield and Matt Stainbrook (St. Edward), the Broncos are just now getting all their players healthy and in the lineup.

Akron, meanwhile, has been the picture of health during conference play with a deep and versatile nine-man rotation. Akron is tied for the league lead in scoring (73.5), but the highest-ranked Zip is Zeke Marshall, at No. 25 with 10.6 ppg.

Kent State (16-5, 6-3) is at Eastern Michigan (10-13, 5-4) Wednesday in a matchup of former Kent assistants. KSU coach Rob Senderoff and EMU's Rob Murphy were assistants under former coach Jim Christian. Murphy left to become an assistant at Syracuse before getting the job at EMU last spring.

"I wanted Mario to play great and the Patriots to win -- that's what I wanted," said Thom McDaniels, who coached Manningham at Warren Harding. "But I didn't get all I wanted."

View full sizePatrick Semansky, Associated PressMario Manningham's clutch catch in Sunday's Super Bowl was a decisive play, one that was the culmination of success achieved at Warren Harding and Michigan for the Warren, Ohio native.

Tim Rohan

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS -- Thom McDaniels watched from the stands in Indianapolis as the greatest receiver he has coached made the biggest play of his career against his son's team.

It was McDaniels who first taught the New York Giants' Mario Manningham how to run a fade route. But now, McDaniels -- whose son, Josh, is the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator -- wished Manningham had not beaten the cornerback with a stutter step off the line of scrimmage, had not looked the ball into his hands over his shoulder, had not tapped his feet as he fell out of bounds after making an improbable 38-yard catch with 3:39 remaining in Sunday's Super Bowl.

"I wanted Mario to play great and the Patriots to win -- that's what I wanted," said Thom McDaniels, who coached Manningham at Warren Harding High School. "But I didn't get all I wanted. That's life."

Manningham's quickness, his spatial awareness and his body control caught McDaniels' eye when Manningham was in high school. Before Manningham's sophomore season -- his first year playing varsity at Warren Harding -- he was already a basketball legend. "He could dunk as an eighth-grader, for goodness' sakes," McDaniels said. McDaniels' goal was to harness Manningham's formidable physical ability and teach him how best to use it.

Every practice under McDaniels, Manningham would run fade routes against a cornerback and a deep safety -- the situation Manningham faced in the fourth quarter Sunday. He practiced releasing off the line, beating press coverage with quick jabs or fakes, skills he excelled at.

Once Manningham beat the press coverage at the line, McDaniels wanted the ball to arrive 18-20 yards down the field and within 3-4 feet of the sideline, where he thought the safety would not have a chance to get over and help the cornerback.

With time, Manningham's big plays came by design.

But McDaniels' most important lesson may have come during preseason practice before Manningham's sophomore year. As he had done every year, McDaniels held up a football.

"We only have one of these on every play," he said with the football raised high. "And if you thought that you were good enough -- that you were so good -- that you ought to get it every play, then you need to stand up and say so in front of your teammates."

Nobody ever did.

The longtime high school coach knew it was in the team's best interest to spread the wealth. Manningham never complained, perhaps because the ball always managed to find him.

In a game against powerful Glenville, Manningham caught a 99-yard touchdown pass on a fade route, turned a short reception into another score of more than 60 yards and, playing briefly at cornerback, returned an interception for the winning touchdown.

"He baited the quarterback into throwing it, and he jumped the route and he housed it," said McDaniels, who added that Manningham's quickness was his greatest strength and that his ability to know where his body was on the field was like "radar."

Lloyd Carr, who coached Manningham at Michigan, said people wanted to watch Manningham during the Wolverines' practices, always waiting to see something spectacular.

He soon became known as Super Mario on campus, and according to Erik Campbell, his position coach at Michigan, he made too many big plays during his training camp not to play immediately, despite the presence of Steve Breaston and Jason Avant, established upperclassmen, at receiver.

In the seventh game of Manningham's college career, Michigan had the ball on the 10, trailing by four points, with only enough time for one play against undefeated Penn State. Against man coverage, Manningham ran a post pattern and caught the winning touchdown pass.

"Nobody could cover him," Carr said, adding, "My guess is he's never been intimidated in his life, because he's got such wonderful ability."

Confident as ever, Manningham, a third-round pick of the Giants in 2008, found another opportunity to shine Sunday.

On the eve of the Super Bowl, Campbell called Manningham and predicted he would be the "X-factor" while the Patriots focused on Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.

"It's going to come sometime during the game; you don't know when, but you're going to make a key play," Campbell said.

Manningham laughed and said he was ready.

After the game, McDaniels texted Manningham, congratulating him on the "great catch."

Manningham's reply was simple: "Thanks."

The Miami Heat had too many superstars for the short-handed Cavaliers, rallying in the fourth quarter for a double-digit victory.

MIAMI, Fla. -- Alonzo Gee's promotion to the starting lineup didn't come with the strongest endorsement.

"Didn't have anybody else," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said before Tuesday's game, referring to the fact that Anthony Parker (back), Daniel Gibson (neck) and Tristan Thompson (ankle) were not with the team against Miami in AmericanAirlines Arena.

But Gee came through with 17 points and played good defense against LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and although the Cavs lost to the Heat, 107-91, Scott praised his new shooting guard afterward.

"I thought he played well," he said. "We asked him to guard Wade at times. The other half of the time he had to guard LeBron. He still was able to give us 17 points. Overall on both ends of the floor, I thought he played pretty well."

The main problem was that without the spark Gee usually provides off the bench, the reserves were woefully overmatched. Ramon Sessions did have nine points, five rebounds and four assists, but Christian Eyenga, Ryan Hollins, Luke Harangody and Samardo Samuels combined for seven points. All together, the reserves made four of 23 shots -- 17 percent.

"Our second unit just couldn't make a basket, couldn't throw anything in the ocean," Scott said as the Cavs fell to 9-14. "You're not going to win a whole lot of games if you're not getting any contributions.

"But a lot of it has to do with the injuries. I'm not trying to make excuses. You've got to give them a lot of credit. They're a very good basketball team. But as young as we are, you need those guys healthy for us to really, really compete."

Antawn Jamison led the Cavs with 25 points and nine rebounds, but had only five points and three rebounds in the second half and tweaked his right Achilles, although he said he'd be fine for Wednesday's home game against Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers.

"I'll get it [massaged] tomorrow and get ready for the jumping jack," he said with a smile.

He said the injury had nothing to do with him going 2-for-8 in the second half.

"I knew they were going to be a lot more aggressive and not let me get too many open shots," he said. "I got the same type of shots I got in the first half. I just couldn't knock them down."

He had plenty of company there. The Cavs made just 13 of 41 shots in the second half. But in spite of that, Cleveland opened the third quarter on a 9-2 run for a 57-56 lead, and they pushed that to 66-63 after two free throws by Gee. They were still leading, 67-65, when Jamison picked up his fourth foul and went to the bench. Miami responded with a 13-5 run, including two 3-pointers by Mario Chalmers, for a 78-72 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

From that point on, Wade and James took turns making spectacular plays. Wade finished with 26 points, four rebounds and six assists, while James had 24 points, five rebounds and six assists as the Heat improved to 19-6, 12-2 at home.

They're a pretty tough assignment for a young player like Gee, no matter how athletic he is -- or how game.

"They're All-Stars, so it was tough," said Gee, a former high school star from nearby Palm Beach Dwyer who had about a dozen friends and family members here cheering him on. "I was trying to do my best to contain them."

Antawn Jamison is a lightning rod for Cavaliers fans, who think the team should trade him for younger players or draft choices. But what he brings to the Cavs _ in addition to his uncanny ability to score _ is leadership and professionalism.

MIAMI, Fla. -- Antawn Jamison was joking about his sore right Achilles in the locker room after the Cavaliers 107-91 loss to the Heat on Tuesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.

He said he tweaked it twice during the game, but he didn't seem to think it would be a problem going forward.

"That's what happens with old age,'' he said with a smile.

The 35-year-old Jamison is something of a lightning rod for the Cavaliers. Some fans think he's too old to contribute. Some think he takes too many shots. Some want the Cavs to trade him and his expiring contract to a team for either young players or draft choices.

It's possible that could happen, although Jamison has said he thought it was more likely last season before he got hurt. But those who want him gone just don't realize how valuable he is.

Without his 25 points and hsi weird assortment of shots, Tuesday's game is a complete blowout. His uncanny ability to score keeps the Cavs in games. Some will argue that's precisely why the Cavs should trade him. Those fans want the Cavs to lose as many games as possible this season in order to try to get the highest possible lottery pick.

It's a valid point. But with youngsters like Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson and Alonzo Gee, the Cavs want them to taste success. Not too much, at least not this year. But enough to keep them engaged. They don't want their first experience in the NBA to be a drudge like last year was.

So Jamison can help the Cavs win games. But what's more important is what he brings that many fans don't see _ leadership in the locker room. He's a fine example of professionalism, and the youngsters can learn a lot about how to conduct themselves from watching Jamison. Through all the tough times last season, he never once turned away a reporter or turned down an interview request. It could not have been easy, but he saw it as part of his job.

He has talked about wanting to stick this out and mentor the youngsters, watch them grow, and be around to reap the benefits. If they turn out anything like him, the Cavs will be the better for it.

The second half included five ties and 14 lead changes before Buford helped the Buckeyes get a bit of breathing room in the final four minutes.

View full sizeChris Russell, Columbus DispatchWilliam Buford drew a foul on Purdue's D.J. Byrd on this first-half shot Tuesday night in Columbus. Buford's 29 points helped the Buckeyes turn back the Boilermakers' upset bid.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State needed more from William Buford. With the Buckeyes' home winning streak on the line Tuesday night, he gave them more than enough.

Buford scored a career-high 29 points as the No. 3 Buckeyes struggled with Purdue the entire game before surviving with an 87-84 victory. The second half included five ties and 14 lead changes before Buford helped the Buckeyes (21-3, 9-2 Big Ten) get a bit of breathing room in the final four minutes, the senior smiling while holding his follow-through on jump shots as the Value City Arena crowd leapt to its feet.

"When I'm feeling it, it's hard to stop me," Buford said. "I wasn't thinking about my shooting, I was just taking shots, like my teammates have been telling me to do."

The game was tied at 40 at the half after two smooth shooting performances, the teams combining to shoot 62 percent from the field and 67 percent from 3-point range in the first 20 minutes. D.J. Byrd had 17 for Purdue, one off his career-high, and Aaron Craft led the Buckeyes with 10, getting to double figures for just the fourth time in 15 games.

But Craft would struggle defensively more than he has all season. Purdue point guards Kelsey Barlow and Lewis Jackson both proved tough matchups, and the Boilermakers burned the Buckeyes repeatedly with high screens, getting either open jumpers or easy drives to the basket.

It was one of the first games of his career where Craft had trouble on that end of the court, and he was forced to the bench for a stretch with four fouls with just under 10 minutes left. It was just one of the ways in which the Buckeyes, who have typically enjoyed 20-point wins at home this season, were tested.

Jared Sullinger went to the bench with four fouls with just under seven minutes remaining, requiring Ohio State to call on its subs in a tight game like at no other point this season. Beyond the point guards, both Boilermaker forward Robbie Hummel (who finished with 13 points and eight rebounds) and the incredibly hot Byrd (24 points) posed matchup problems.

Offensively, the Buckeyes had been making fewer than five 3-pointers per game, by far the fewest in coach Thad Matta's eight seasons in Columbus. But they needed that part of their offense, and went 9-of-16 from behind the arc.

After an inconsistent offensive stretch that saw Buford score no more than 15 points in nine straight games, after what was then a career-high 28 in the Big Ten opener against Northwestern, Buford proved he could respond when the Buckeyes really needed him. He punctuated a new career high with a dunk in the final minute.

"Any time you've got a scorer like Will he's due for games like this," Craft said.

"I haven't been worried about Will," Matta said.

The Buckeyes also don't seem to be worried about Sullinger, who sat out the final few minutes after hurting his left hip. He had ice on his hip and was limping after the game, but he said he'd be ready for Michigan State on Saturday.

Ohio State will be trying to keep its streak alive. They have won 39 straight at home, their last home loss to 60-57 to Purdue on Feb. 17, 2010. The Boilermakers (15-9, 5-6 Big Ten) were at their best that night and were close to it again Tuesday.

"I thought we played well enough to win," Purdue coach Matt Painter said, "but you've got to stop their runs, and we weren't able to do that."

Beyond Buford, the Buckeyes got 18 points from Sullinger, 13 each from Craft and Deshaun Thomas, and Sam Thompson, Shannon Scott and Evan Ravenel combining for 37 solid minutes off the bench.

The Buckeyes needed all of it.

Kyrie Irving and the young Cavaliers are giving fans a reason to leave the past behind.

View full sizeDavid Santiago, Miami HeraldCavaliers fans are showing signs of moving on with their team after the departure of LeBron James, says Terry Pluto, who believes the optimism surrounding the rebuilding franchise is a major reason.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Are you over LeBron James leaving the Cavaliers for Miami?

I am.

OK, it's not like Jim Evans, who posted this on my Facebook page: "Did he play in Cleveland?" It's more like James Kelley, who posted: "I've moved on, but still rooting against him. Rivalries and enemies are a part of sports."

The best part of the season is the shocking revelation that is 19-year-old prized point guard Kyrie Irving. The rookie has given Cavaliers fans something to cheer for ... rather than just hoping James and his Miami Heat again freeze in the playoffs.

I like watching these Cavaliers, who went into Tuesday's game at Miami with a modest 9-13 record. It's not about being better than Miami (not even close). Let's face it, James seems in position to finally win a title. In fact, if James doesn't win a championship this season, when the NBA is void of any other super teams -- when will it happen?

But I'm in agreement with Stephanie Moore, who posted: "It's a total team with many players playing well instead of just supporting LeBron."

While Irving is the young star of this group, the Most Valuable Cavalier is floppy-haired Anderson Varejao. He ranks fourth in the league in rebounding and first in floor burns. Byron Scott challenges his team to "play like Andy." Guys leap off the bench to give a standing ovation when a teammate draws a charging foul, while other players rush to pick him up off the court.

This is not a winning team, not even a .500 team.

At least not yet.

'Let Kyrie be Kyrie'

View full sizeTony Dejak, Associated PressKyrie Irving's quick acclimation to the NBA has validated the Cavaliers' front office, which was under some pressure to choose Arizona's Derrick Williams, instead.

But it is an endearing team, a team not about any one player. Yes, Irving is at the heart of what the Cavs are building. Just imagine where they'd be had General Manager Chris Grant selected Derrick Williams at No. 1, rather than the kid who played only 11 games at Duke.

Williams has talent as a scorer, but he's had a rocky rookie season in Minnesota. Irving looks as if he's been in the NBA for a few seasons, rather than a few weeks. Already, there are comparisons between Irving and James, and Irving is having a statistically superior rookie season than when James came from St. Vincent-St. Mary High straight to the NBA. It's fascinating to look at those numbers.

But I like what Erica Simon posted, "I wish people would quit comparing Kyrie to LeBron, and let Kyrie be Kyrie."

He is a gifted 6-2 point guard, James is a 6-8, 260-pound, 7 percent body fat physical specimen the likes of which has perhaps never been seen in the NBA.

"I guess you can say I miss the guy," posted Sue Eacott Bandy. "But I love Kyrie and the direction the Cavs are in."

Yes, some fans still want to debate his ESPN Decision Show and departure. Of the 78 fans who commented on Life After LeBron, most are still upset by how he left.

But Christopher Bell posted: "I never understood the whole hatred towards him anyway ... he made the decision to go try and win a title ... that was never going to happen here ... Cleveland fans have this idea they are owed something."

Life after LeBron

Fans now talk about trades. Can the Cavs grab more draft picks by dealing Ramon Sessions or Antawn Jamison? Does it make sense to keep Varejao, or deal him at his peak? How can they find a small forward and shooting guard? Is Alonzo Gee for real, and can he fill one of those holes?

Jenna Skidmore posted: "Initially, I was upset and hurt ... how can he be a local and up and leave? Doesn't he want to win the big one for his state and his fans? Now, after seeing the youth they have put around Andy and Jamison, there is more than enough hope for this team to be good in the very near future. ... What we have now, is more team oriented, less "me" oriented.

Or as Matt Coan posted: "Do you really want a guy on your team who can't even be happy playing basketball for a living in Miami for $100 million?"

James won two MVP awards with the Cavs. The team won more games with him -- and made its only trip to the Finals -- than at any other time. But there was something almost exhausting about his final two years. Would he stay, would he go? Are the Cavs "doing enough" to keep him happy? Is Cleveland big enough and good enough for this young man from Akron?

In the end, he made his decision to leave. Now, many fans are working hard to put those years far back in their sports rear-view mirror. Television ratings are up 50 percent from this time a year ago. It's another indication they are talking Cavs, and not just LeBron.

That's a very pleasant change.

On Facebook: facebook.com/terrypluto

Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter says that with the Big Ten Conference on board, not many hurdles remain. Watch video

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

The Big Ten has reportedly thrown its support behind a four-team college football playoff that would hold semifinals on campus sites, with the winners going to the BCS Championship game. How many teams do you think should be in a playoff? That's our question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State reporter Doug Lesmerises, who says he has long favored an eight-team playoff, but a four-team even would be the next best thing. He also talks about what roadblocks remain to getting the deal done after the current BCS contract expires; and what can be taken from the Ohio State men's basketball team's close win over Purdue on Tuesday night..

SBTV will return Thursday.

Holmgren was asked mostly about the Super Bowl. About the upcoming draft, he indicated the obvious -- that the Browns' greatest need is on offense. Holmgren is also scheduled to be interviewed on Cleveland's WKNR/850-AM at 6 p.m. today.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerCleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren.

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Updated at 2:10 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren was interviewed this afternoon on Sports Radio KJR (950-AM/102.9-FM) in Seattle.

Holmgren was a guest on the show hosted by Dave "Softy" Mahler.

Holmgren is also scheduled to be interviewed today at 6 p.m. on Cleveland Browns Daily, the show hosted by Vic Carucci on Cleveland's WKNR/850-AM.

During the show from Seattle, Mahler didn't ask Holmgren about the Browns until the latter portion of the interview of about 22 minutes.

Holmgren, who is now in Cleveland, said he will attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 22-28, adding that besides his Browns' work, he will attend meetings of committees he serves on. 

Referring to the April 26-28 NFL draft, in which the Browns own two first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 22 overall), Holmgren said, "It's a big year. It's a big draft for us."

Asked about the Browns' approach to the draft, Holmgren said, "I think if you look at our football team, we did not score enough points."

Given that, Holmgren said that the Browns will likely emphasize boosting their offense, but also referred to the possibility of taking the "best player available."

Holmgren coached the Green Bay Packers from 1992-98 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008. His teams played in three Super Bowls: the Packers defeated the New England Patriots in the 1996 season Super Bowl and lost the game the next year to the Denver Broncos.

Seattle reached the Super Bowl in the 2005 season, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mahler asked Holmgren about Cortez Kennedy, the Seahawks' defensive tackle who played the final two years of his career with Holmgren as his coach, and was voted into the Hall of Fame last week.

Holmgren was asked by Mahler if he thinks about his own Hall of Fame possibilities.

Holmgren mentioned some coaches whom he regards of Hall of Fame caliber, and said, "I just don't think of myself that way."

Paul won Rookie of Year honors in 2005-06 under coach Byron Scott

View full sizeAPLos Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, shown here with New Orleans, says Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving is in good hands with coach Byron Scott

TWINSBURG, Ohio - Twinsburg girls basketball player Malina Howard is among 20 seniors named Wednesday to the 2012 Women's Basketball Coaches Association High School All-America game. The roster also includes former Regina player and UCLA recruit Nirra Fields, now playing for Mater Dei in California.

Twinsburg girls basketball player Malina Howard is among 20 seniors selected to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association High School All-America game. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

TWINSBURG, Ohio - Twinsburg girls basketball player Malina Howard is among 20 seniors named Wednesday to the 2012 Women's Basketball Coaches Association High School All-America game.

The roster also includes former Regina player and UCLA recruit Nirra Fields, now playing for Mater Dei in California.

Howard said she would have been disappointed if she had not been selected.

"Yeah, probably," she said. "But it wasn't as if it was expected. I am surprised, but it is something I wanted."

Howard, The Plain Dealer's Player of the Year last season, has signed a letter of intent with Maryland. She is averaging 16.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Howard said she knew for about a week that the official announcement was upcoming.

"I am excited about it," she said.

The 21st annual game will be played March 31 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, site of the NCAA Women's Final Four.

For more Twinsburg news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Do the Browns go offense or defense with their first pick in this year's draft? While many teams see the Browns landing Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, the question is where will the Browns pick him.

AP photoThe Browns may have to trade up to the second spot in the draft to nab Heisman quarterback Robert Griffin III.

For more Cinesport video on cleveland.com, go here.

Game will air on TNT on Feb. 24 from Orlando

View full sizeAP Photo | Tony Dejak Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving, left, and Tristan Thompson will be play in the Young Stars Challenge as a part of NBA All-Star Weekend, Feb, 24-26.

In this episode, Perez and Indians OF/1B Shelley Duncan talk about the upcoming season and competing for a roster spot.

David J. Phillip, Associated PressTribe closer Chris Perez had fellow teammate Shelley Duncan on this week's episode and talked about Duncan competing for spot in the lineup this year.

Listen to the third edition of "30 Minutes of Pure Rage" with Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, heard only on cleveland.com.

Chris is joined by Indians OF/1B Shelley Duncan today as Duncan talks about the upcoming season and competing for a roster spot.

Perez and Duncan also discussed:

• Preparing for spring training.

• Super Bowl XLVI.

• Fans criticizing the Dolans for not getting big free agents.

• Duncan's two home run game against Justin Verlander last season.

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right. The chat is live every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

Be sure to also follow Chris Perez on Twitter.

National writer leaves both off his all-star team, but says Irving is having "one of the finest rookie seasons in history," and that Varejao is a "great, great player." Links to more stories on the Cavs, who host the Clippers tonight.

Gus Chan, The Plain DealerCavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving (2) is among the NBA's best point guards in getting to the basket.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers are 9-14 going into their home game tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Their two best players all-star chances would be enhanced if the win-loss record was beter. Regardless, the pundits are, rightfully, saying some great things about rookie point guard Kyrie Irving and veteran center Anderson Varejao.

Zach Lowe, writing for Sports Illustrated's SI.com, lists his Eastern Conference all-star picks and, while excluding Irving and Varejao, raves about them: 

• Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers. Having one of the finest rookie seasons in history, quite a feat, considering the lack of potent scorers around him. Very tough to leave out, but it’s hard to bestow such a high honor upon a rookie in this small of a sample size.

• Anderson Varejao, Cavaliers. An even tougher snub than Irving, in a way. Varejao is one of the NBA’s great defenders, and he leads the entire league in offensive rebounding rate. He has become a decent pick-and-roll threat, but he’s not quite on Chandler’s level in terms of working as a foundational offensive piece. A great, great player.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Tom Reed's story that star Clippers' point guard Chris Paul says Kyrie Irving has the right coach in Cavs boss Byron Scott; Terry Pluto's column that Cavs fans are learning to leave the past behind regarding LeBron James; Mary Schmitt Boyer's story on the Cavaliers' 107-91 loss at Miami on Tuesday night; and much more.

Jump shots

Cavs vs. Clippers, a pre-game report. By Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The best Cavaliers draft picks not named Kyrie (Irving), LeBron (James), Brad (Daugherty) and Austin (Carr) -- all No. 1 overall picks. By Jim Ingraham for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade talk about Anderson Varejao as an all-star candidate. by Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Observations after the Cavs' game at Miami. By Conrad Kaczmarek for the blog "Fear The Sword."

Observations after the Cavs-Heat game by Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio.

Injuries catch up to the Cavaliers. On the blog "WaitingForNextYear."

Cavs rookies Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson are selected for the "Rising Stars Challenge" during All-Star Weekend.

"Comparing Kotchman to LaPorta, the Indians were no doubt looking at the difference in on base percentage between the two ballplayers. LaPorta had a .299 on base percentage, which includes ending the season on an 8 game hitting streak, Kotchman .378." - MyTribe

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerJust by the numbers, Casey Kotchman is a better option than Matt LaPorta, above, at first base says one Cleveland.com reader.

"Comparing Kotchman to LaPorta, the Indians were no doubt looking at the difference in on base percentage between the two ballplayers. LaPorta had a .299 on base percentage, which includes ending the season on an 8 game hitting streak, Kotchman .378.

That is a significant difference. Indians know they need at least three guys who can put up a .375-.380 OBP and who can last a full season. Santana, Choo and Kotchman could be those three guys."

"Irving needs his David West to get the Cavs to be a playoff contender. But hopefully the Cavs can give Irving more than just one other player who can play. Then they can be a championship contender instead of a playoff contender." - benny1699

AP Photo/Chuck BurtonWhile Kyrie Irving is shining in his first year in the NBA, one cleveland.com readers states the will need his "sidekick" in order for the Cavs to compete in the future.

"Irving needs his David West to get the Cavs to be a playoff contender. But hopefully the Cavs can give Irving more than just one other player who can play. Then they can be a championship contender instead of a playoff contender."