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Home , ABCD Camp, Alex Stepheson, Al Skinner, Brandan Wright, Buck Williams, Chris Mills (basketball)

Eagles suspend Terrell Owens indefinitely. Page 3C

C SUNDAY SPORTS Novembe r 6,2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2C-4C • MOTOR SPORTS 10C • GOLF 11C www.fayettevillenc.com/spor ts

Staff photo illustration by David Smith

By Dan Wiederer Staff writer As Dominique Sutton catches the ball in transition, his skills sparkle like a new bride’s smile. A crossover dribble and quick spin allow him to complete an effortless left- handed . He smirks, enjoying the simplicity of it all. Unlike many of the 252 players attending the Bob First of a FROM Gibbons Evaluation Clinic in Winston-Salem, Sutton plays three-par t carefree. He feels no urgency to impress scouts, no series. immediate need to prove he is the best player in camp. After all, Sutton’s college plans have been set for some time. Even though the 6-foot-5 forward still had yet to play a game in his junior season at The Patterson School, a prep school northwest of Charlotte, he made a verbal INSIDE commitment to play for Wake Forest the summer after his % Fame and fortune are freshman year. powerful draws that lure THE more and more college “I just wanted to get it done,” Sutton said. “I fell in love with Wake the first time I came to visit and just said, stars to the pros, ‘Yeah, this is the place.’ ” % The NCAA clamps down Such is the trend these days where heightening exposure on recruiting gimmicks at an early age has high-profile prospects making their that cater to players’ egos, college commitments earlier than ever. Page 9C According to Gibbons, a -based scout and recruiting expert, early commitments have now become the MONDAY CRADLE norm. % Tr adi t ion- r ich Gibbons estimated that while only about 40 percent of programs in North Recruiting forces top prospects were committing when the NCAA added an Carolina go head to early signing period in the early 1980s, closer to 90 percent head for top talent. of the country’s elite recruits are now deciding long before are influencing the spring of their senior years. Last year, for example, 184 TUESDAY of Gibbons’ top 200 players committed during the November % For one signing period. standout, the pressure prospects That’s why when the National Letter of Intent signing to choose a college is period begins Thursday, it will carry all the suspense of a both exhilirating and game. mind-numbing. earlier than ever See CRADLE, Page 8C

COMING NOV. 13 A 28-page special section previewing the season

N.C. STATE 2 0, NO. 9 STATE 15 Playoff pairings Pack shocks Noles keep teams East SATURDAY ’ S By BrentKallestad By Earl Vaughan Jr. The ACC SCORES Scholastic sports editor % N. Carolina 16, TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — North Carolina State seems Fears turned to pleasant surprise for some Cape No. 19 right at home in Seminole country. Fear region coaches Saturday as the N.C. High Freshman AndreBrown ranfor 179yards and a School AthleticAssociation announced its state 14 touchdown and the Wolfpack intercepted three passes in football playoff pairings. % No. 5 Miami 27, a 20-15 upset of No. 9 Florida State on Saturday — the second time in fiveyears N.C. Statehas won in Tal- Twenty-four Cape Fear region teams advanced No. 3 Va. Tech 7 lahassee. to the playoffs, including eight Cumberland County % Tech 30, N.C. State’s Chuck Amato, who spent 18 seasons as schools. Wake Forest 17 an assistant to Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, is the A couple of Fayetteville schools, Jack Britt and only Atlantic Coast Conference coach to beat the Semi- Seventy-First, expected to be sent to the 4-AA West- % Clemson 49, noles on their home field. ern playoffs. Both found themselves in the Eastern Duke 20 Amatojoked he wouldn’tneed aplane ride toget AP photo bracket. Britt, the No. 9 seed in the East, goes to Wilm- % 51, back to Raleigh, N.C. N.C. State’s Andre Brown, right, runs past Florida State’s Temple 3 See WOLFPACK, next page Kyler Hall during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s upset. See PLAYOFFS, Page 7C 8C SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2005 THE CHANGING FACE THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER OF RECRUITING

Carolina coach Roy Williams. “You say that now to a kid and he looks at you and says, C r adle: Stars attract early attention ‘My AAU team’s been to Hawaii four times.’ ” From Page 1C Coaches are also finding, particularly at the elite level, Barring any last-minute that kids have become more surprises, North Carolina will egotistical, far more sign the nation’s No. 1 class, a impressed with their own coup that includes national top abilities than the scholarship 10 gems Tywon Lawson and offers being dangled in front . Duke will of them. counter with a blue-chip crop “In a lot of cases, personal headlined by humility has been replaced, Gerald Henderson, unfortunately, by a lot of and shooting personal pride bordering on guard . arrogance,” said N.C. State All five of those players assistant Mark Phelps. “When committed within weeks of you’re told how wonderful you each other in May, just after are at a young age and not their junior seasons finished. necessarily encouraged to In many cases, those decisions improve, it’s really hard to were accompanied by sighs of maintain a level head and say, relief. ‘I’ve got to keep working.’ ” “These kids are playing in While the early exposure has all these tournaments and made kids more ready for the AAU events all across the intensity of competition and the country at such a young age travel of , that I think they’re almost many people wonder whether tired of the recruiting process the exposure is too much too by the time they become soon. juniors,” said Dave Weber, Coaches say they feel Scheyer’s coach at Glenbrook entangled in a recruiting North High School near process that’s become far . “I honestly could not more complex. Prospects are have seen going through a growing more sophisticated whole summer and another about recruiting, too, having fall with Jon and trying to do been courted to play for elite this. There’s no way. I had teams as early as nothing left in the tank.” middle school, wooed with shoes and equipment and all- Early to rise expenses paid trips across the Today’s rush to country. commitment has heaped added “By the time we get to responsibility on college them, we’re talking about coaches, who find themselves ‘Hey, read our letters about under increasing pressure to our university,’” Robinson identify difference-makers and said. “And they’ve been used secure them as early as to somebody sending them possible. Gone are the days packages of gear in the mail. when recruiting heated up as How do you balance that?” a prospect entered his senior That taste of the big time year. Nowadays, kids are has begun to sculpt — and in seemingly registering on the some ways warp — their radar soon after they leave priorities. For many players, the delivery room. college basketball is no longer “It used to be that you looked at as the ultimate started recruiting a kid as an spotlight but rather a 11th-grader and you might springboard to a more send somebody to see him as luxurious stage. a 10th-grader,” said Steve “There’s a lure of ‘Hey, if I Robinson, an assistant coach can make $2 million, $3 at North Carolina. “But now million a year, then I can be I’ve been to see a kid play his on “MTV Cribs” with my MTV first game on varsity as a cars,’ ” Robinson said. “What ninth-grader. I had to go. But happened to the days of a when I’m there, it’s like, young man dreaming about ‘What am I doing?’ ” winning a national In essence, the seed for championship and walking these developments was across the stage with a planted in the early 1980s diploma in his hand? A lot of when recruiting reforms these kids are looking so far intended to reduce recruiting ahead that they fail to realize budgets and curtail the there are some nice steps unlimited access coaches had along the way.” to players spawned a revolution in summer Lack of commitment basketball. With coaches Williams fears that the forced to adhere to stricter changes have kids making guidelines and recruit within decisions before they have an NCAA-structured calendar, enough of the right new stages emerged — information. primarily during the summer “Nowadays, I’ll call a kid — for high school players to on the first contact day and showcase their skills. say, ‘This is the first day I can All-star camps and elite call you,’ and they’ll say ‘Well, AAU tournaments became I’ve already made a more prominent. More commitment,’ ” Williams said. recently, summer coaches and “That makes things difficult, to traveling team powers began Staff photo by Stephanie Bruce say the least.” to supplant the high school Dominique Sutton, shown playing in the Bob Gibbons 2005 Evaluation Clinic at Wake Forest, made an oral The North Carolina coach coach as the primary admits he has lost out on intermediary between college commitment to play for the Deacons after his freshman year of high school. ‘I just wanted to get it done,’ he says of players who were ready to programs and recruits. his early decision. In the background is a mural of former Wake star . commit because he wasn’t When Internet recruiting ready to reciprocate that sites exploded in the late would have have devoted significant loyalty. And he fears that the 1990s, players ultimately been on the ‘Well, let’s wait- resources to sponsoring current evolution will lead to began to feel pressure to and-see’ list. You can look at RECRUITING CALENDAR individual AAU teams, a predicament where players commit earlier. those things and say in today’s The NCAA sets guidelines for contacts between college coaches equipping them with uniforms will change their minds as “You just want to get it world, Michael Jordan would and potential high school recruits. Here are the basic rules. and gear, and helping often as they change clothes. over with,” Scheyer said. “For have never been a Tar Heel. Contact period: Coaches may visit recruits and also streamline travel expenses. “I worry that it’s going to He may have wound up at % me, it was a big relief.” evaluate their play. Chris Rivers, the national end up where a kid makes a Van Coleman, editor and Clemson.” grassroots basketball manager commitment and it’s like Evaluation period: Coaches can visit high schools to publisher of Future Stars Bright lights % for , estimates that eating a Milky Way,” Williams Scouting Magazine, isn’t so evaluate recruits’ play and academic qualifications, but no between 400 and 550 AAU said. “It means nothing.” sure the earlier timetables Duke sophomore DeMarcus face-to-face contact is allowed. teams nationwide are Dominique Sutton Nelson understands the rush to sponsored by one of the three have made things any better. Coaches and recruits are only allowed to visit committed early partly to commit. As an explosive % Quiet period: big shoe companies. Rivers “To me, the earlier period with one another on the university’s campus, but nowhere else. honor the loyalty the Wake does only one thing: It makes scorer at Vallejo High School said that during his tenure as coaching staff had showed him for more mistakes,” Coleman in , Nelson pledged % Dead period: Only written or phone contact is allowed. ’ national grassroots since his freshman year and said. “Certainly it puts a lot his allegiance to Mike manager, from 1999 to 2003, also to ease the angst of the more pressure on coaches. Krzyzewski and the Blue the company’s grassroots recruiting process. You’d better be right on kids Devils in May 2002, just after game, teams came gunning Jordan or LeBron James — spending increased by about It’ll be another year before that you’re recruiting in the his sophomore season and for him. He faced intricate marketable megastars who 25 percent. Sutton can put his middle or early parts of their nearly three years after defensive schemes and took a can dramatically help their “What we’re really trying commitment to Wake in junior years.” receiving his first recruiting physical beating. bottom line — the basketball to do is influence kids to writing. He is still receiving In a lot of ways, it’s letter, from Cal State “I’d get cheap-shotted, landscape has intensified at influence other kids to buy interest from Arizona, Florida become guesswork. Beyond Dominguez. elbowed, low-bridged, you the lower levels, now our products,” Rivers said. and State, and he the elite prospects, coaches From Nelson’s perspective, name it,” he said. permeated by the types of “It’s no different than when admits that it’s sometimes must often make decisions once he established a Critics watched his every sponsorship budgets that used Coke or Pepsi goes into a high strange to think he may be without knowing how kids will connection with Krzyzewski move. to be reserved for Hollywood school and puts a soda committed to Wake Forest mature or develop physically. and his staff, there was no “The spotlight definitely studios. machine in the cafeteria.” longer than he’ll actually play examining other schools. That evolution in the To emphasize the pitfalls, became a lot brighter,” Nelson In the past decade, the there. But Nelson’s early decision marketing world has had Coleman cites a late-blooming said. “I had a target on my AAU circuit has experienced Sutton also knows there is didn’t totally quell his anxiety. obvious aftershocks in from the early chest. When I played I had to an unprecedented boom with hesitation that accompanies Instead, it gave him more time recruiting. For one, kids’ 1980s. His name: Michael uphold the Duke standard long high school players filling the relief of deciding early. to hyper-analyze things. social circles have expanded Jordan. before I ever got there. I had their summers with seemingly “At first it would weigh on “I committed so early that to a point where the nation’s “At the beginning of his to change the way I would endless loops of camps and me,” he said. “I had to sit I would, not second-guess the best players know each other junior year, would North normally carry myself just to tournaments. Nike, Adidas and down with my parents. They Carolina have offered him a decision, but wonder, ‘Is it the long before they graduate make sure I didn’t do anything Reebok, which all sponsor knew I had offers from scholarship?” Coleman asked. right decision I’m making?’ ” from high school. Today’s to disgrace the Duke separate and simultaneous Arizona and I’d be like, “I’m guessing not. Because he he said. prospects are also undoubtedly tradition.” AAU showcase tournaments in ‘Should I go take the visit and didn’t even play (varsity) as a Nelson also admits that more worldly. Las Vegas in July, have just check it out?’ Sometimes sophomore. while his final two seasons of Dollars and sense “You used to go recruit a shifted their priorities I do think I’m wavering. But “That’s a great example of high school ball didn’t carry Players and coaches aren’t guy and say, ‘Listen, your I’m still committed to Wake.” why it’s so tough when you’re any pressure to land a big- the only ones rushing to get somewhat. Instead of simply sophomore year we’re going making decisions on a kid in time scholarship, they were ahead. With shoe companies hosting and sponsoring events to play at the Maui Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached as once was the norm, they at [email protected] or 486- the middle of his junior year. far from pain-free. With each always searching for the next Invitational,’ ” said North 3536. THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER THE CHANGING FACE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2005 9C OF RECRUITING NBA’s pull grows stronger Dream of going pro is a powerful draw for college stars

By Dan Wiederer time he had to make a decision Staff writer that he had a shoe contract.” After chasing his first WHO’S GOT GAME? New age limit national championship for 17 T h elureof fa me a n d f o rtu ne ha sentic e d s tar p l a y e r s at D u k e a n d N o rth Car oli n a tole a v e c olleg eear l y f o r a car eer seasons, Roy Williams spent i n th e pr os . F o r some , th e ti m i n g w a s right . O th e r sm ight ha v ebeenw i se tow ait a y e ar o r two . This summer, the NBA’s little time savoring the glory doors closed a fraction when when it finally arrived. the league’s new collective Thirty hours after North ALL-EARLY ENTRY TEAM bargaining agreement Carolina cut down the nets in implemented an age limit that St. Louis last spring and just says players must be at least 13 hours after the team’s 19 or one year out of high welcome-home celebration in school before entering the Chapel Hill, Williams was league. The change would back on the road recruiting, seem to have a two-pronged fully aware that his locker effect, putting more players room was about to be picked on the market for colleges to clean by the NBA. recruit — 28 high school On April 22, with the players have been drafted NBA’s magnetism practically since 2000 — while also pulling them from their increasing the likelihood of folding chairs, , the one-year superstar. and Roy Williams knows the impact such players can have, simultaneously announced they even if it is just for one year. were turning pro, joining Last season, Marvin Williams, Rashad McCants on the bus to the ACC Rookie of the Year, the bank. averaged 11.3 points per game It is a scene becoming and scored the game-winning more prevalent across college MICHAEL JORDAN V INCE CARTER ELTON B RAND basket in UNC’s 75-70 national basketball. As the NBA’s lure Guard (UNC, 1981-84) Guard (UNC, 199 5 -98) F o r w ard (UNC, 199 3 -95 ) F o r w ard ( D u k e , 199 7 -99) F o r w ard (UNC, 197 9-82 ) championship win over becomes more enticing to ■ T h e6 - 6 guard left ■ A ft e r h elpin g th e ■ R ebo u n din g m achine ■ A ft e r h elpin g th e B lu e ■ T h e fi rs t high-pr o fi le T ar Illinois. young players, coaches such Car oli n a aft e r hisj u n i o r T ar H eels to c onse cuti v e a n d o cca s i ona l N B A D evi ls w i n th e 1999 H eel tole a v eear l y , W o rth y as Williams are forced to deal Two years before, Roy se a son a n d went on to F i n a l F o ur appe ara n c es , pr oblem chil d, W a llacele ft n ati ona l tit le a s a so pho - t ook o ff aft e r hisj u n i o r Williams was on the losing with the reality that the four- be c ome a fi ve-time NBA Carte r w a s th e fi fth pic k i n UNC aft e r twose a sons mor e , B ra n d be came th e se a son, be came th e N o . year superstar is close to MVP w h owon s i x cha m pi- th e 1998 N B A D raft, won a n d ha s a ve ra g e d16 N o . 1pi c k b y th e Ch i c a g o 1pi c k i n th e 1 9 8 2 NBA end of the national title game extinct. ons hip s a n d w a sn a med R ook ie of th e Y e ar h ono r s p o i n t san d7 r e b oun d s i n B ulls a n d ha s a ve ra g e d D raf t a n d l at e r h elp e d th e when Syracuse freshman April’s defections at UNC ESPN’s Gr e a te s t At hlete that se a son a n d ha sm ad e 1 0 NBA s e asons a n d a lso 1 9 . 5 p o i n t san d10 . 4 “ Show time ”L os A n g e l e s scored 20 left the Tar Heels with four of th e 20t hC e n t ury . s i x A ll- S t ar te a m s . h elp e d D e tro it w i n th e r e b oun d s i ns i x NBA L a k e rs w i n thr ee c ha m p i- points in the Orangemen’s 81- suddenly vacant scholarships 200 4 NBA tit l e . s e asons . onsh i p s i n th e 1 9 8 0s. 78 championship-clinching win at a time in the year when over Kansas. few worthy seniors are still “The people at Syracuse available. ALL- BUST TEAM can criticize Carmelo for “We tried as hard as we staying only one year,” Roy could to hunt and search for Williams said. “But if you somebody to add to this year’s were to have a vote, I think club,” Williams said. “But you it’d be a huge majority that don’t want to get into a major were glad that Carmelo came, scramble mode where you’re even if it was just for one taking players just because.” year. And I’ve got to think Of the few prospects the that Marvin would win that Tar Heels seriously pursued, vote in a landslide for the they lost out on people here.” forwards Theo Davis and Krzyzewski thinks it’ll be a Uche Echefu and ended up year before the impact of the filling only one of their four age limit crystallizes. The vacant scholarships, signing Duke coach says the wild role-playing forward Michael cards in the process are third Copeland from Greensboro. parties, specifically agents and “You try to be prepared as shoe companies that can steer best you can for whatever kids away from college. situation might occur,” UNC assistant Steve Robinson said. “What if LeBron James “But losing guys to the league were not allowed to play?” WILLIAM A V ERY JEFF MCINNIS JOSEP H F ORTE SHA V LIK RANDOLP H Krzyzewski wondered. “Would at that point in the year, you Guard ( D u k e , 199 7 -99) Guard (UNC, 199 3 -96 ) Guard (UNC, 1999- 2 001) F o r w ard ( D u k e , 1998-99) F o r w ard ( D u k e , 2 002 - 0 5 ) can’t always plan he still have gotten his ($90 ■ T h e q uic k p o i n t guard ■ M c I nni ssta y e d thr ee ■ T h e 200 1 A CC P lay e rof ■ F ollow i n g his fr es h- ■ R a n d olph left D u k e million) Nike contract? I think wholeheartedly for that.” bolt e d fr om D u k e aft e r y e ar s i n Cha p e l H i ll be f o r e t h e Y e ar left s ch ool aft e r m a nse a son at D u k e , th e thisspri n g aft e r hisj u n i o r Not even he would have. So I don’t w i nni n g a n ati ona l cha m - g o i n g pr o . H e face d a to ur t wose a sons , w a s ta k en 6 -foot- 6 f o r w ard joi ned se a son cappi n g a car eer think he is going to college. So is immune to the NBA’s pull pions hip hisso phomor e o f duty i n th e C B A , w h e r e 2 1 s t i n th e N B A D raft, B ra n d a n d A v e r y a se ar l y i nw hich h e a v e rag e d 6 . 3 anymore. After coaching 18 what does he do? Does he go y e ar, b ut nev e r caught on h eev entua lly e arn e d MVP b ut fl o ppe d i n th ele agu e entri es i n t o th e 1999 p o i n t s a n d 4 . 3 rebo u n d s . to Europe? Does he play in years at Duke without ever at th ene x t lev el, a ve ra g i n g honors, be f o r e d e v elo pin g a n d w a sl a s t seen to i l i n g draft b ut ha s had onl y a H o pin g to tes t th e N B A losing a player early, 2 . 7p o i n t san d1. 4 assi s t s i n t o a relia ble N B A p o i n t ar o u n d th e N BDL f o r th e se r v ic e a ble N B A car eer w at e r s , th e p owe r f o r w ard the developmental league? Or Krzyzewski’s world changed in i n thr ee NBA s e asons . guard . A s h e v i lle A l titud e . a ve ra g i n g14 . 8 p o i n t s went un draft e d a n d i ssti ll does he go to a (basketball 1999 when freshman Corey o ve rsi x s e asons . s c ra ppi n g to m a k e an NBA academy) to work on his Maggette and sophomores ros te r w it h th e 76e rs. game year-round? What does and William he do? Because he’s not going Avery all left school to enter Staff graphic to pass up on that contract. the NBA draft. “With that element, we Five years later, straight to the NBA before selected , who left and continued to shape the of dollars,” Krzyzewski said. don’t know yet what the rule Krzyzewski found himself in ever arriving on campus. Duke after one season. way Krzyzewski views the “ is a great will do.” Livingston was taken fourth in current climate. kid. And he not only knew he more uncharted territory when Those moves left the Blue Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached Shaun Livingston became the the 2004 draft by the Clippers, Devils with just nine “A lot of kids aren’t ready was going to be drafted in the at [email protected] or 486- first Duke recruit to jump three picks before Phoenix scholarship players last season to go, but they make millions top 10 but he also knew by the 3536. NCAA puts limits on the gimmicks

By Dan Wiederer ACC Player of the Year forward Sean May. “You’d prospects, a lot of the time is Staff writer and the leading scorer in want it to be special. You’d spent playing video games or Demon Deacons history... RECRUITING BYLAW 13.6.6.9 want it to be fun. In some cruising the mall. When Justin Gray made his “It was pretty sweet,” said From the NCAA rule book: ways, you’d want it to be over “We know how the visit to Wake Forest the top. But I’d also try to tell in the fall of 2001, he was Gray. “They pretty much % Activities: An institution may not arrange miscellaneous, recruiting process is,” acted out my career before it personalized recruiting aids (e.g., personalized jerseys, them, ‘Ya know, it’s not going Williams said. “And we know already a 2,000-point scorer, a to be like this when you get consensus All-American and a ever happened. My favorite personalized audio/video scoreboard presentations ) and may the last thing they want to movie growing up was ‘He not permit a prospect to engage in any game-day simulations here? So find something that hear about is how the books shoo-in for you really love about the ACC Player Got Game.’ And to get a (e.g., running onto the field with the team during pre-game are, how the classes are and greeting like that, a ceremony introductions) during an official visit. Personalized recruiting aids place and that’ll be the reason this, that and the other. We’re of the Year you want to stay.’ ” honors. At straight out of the movies was include any decorative items and special additions to any still kids.” impressive.” May remembers the first least that’s location the prospect will visit (e.g., hotel room, locker room, time he set foot in Chapel And in many cases the what the Impressive, however, is coach’s office, conference room, arena) regardless of whether or Hill. Touring the UNC biggest factor in a kid’s Demon now a thing of the past. In not the items include the prospect’s name or picture . campus, May walked into The decision becomes his comfort Deacons May, the NCAA amended its Pit, a student activities center, level at the school and the coaching staff recruiting bylaws with a rule where he was greeted with the camaraderie he forges with wanted him to that prohibits such ceremonies excitement of your program In September, for example, type of boisterous ovation potential teammates. G r ay believe. and any such activities that comes in. You have to take North Carolina treated normally reserved for Justin “Those are the people After showing him around are considered “personalized what the kid’s seen from afar, recruits , Timberlake concerts. they’re going to spend the campus, the Wake staff took recruiting aids.” on TV or whatever, and when , Alex “When I walked by, the most time with,” said Duke Gray to Joel Coliseum where, Gone are the days of he comes to campus, now it’s Stepheson, William Graves, students were going crazy,” assistant Chris Collins. “Those as they walked out of a tunnel personalized locker stalls, your coaches and players Julian Vaughn, Tywon Lawson May said. “A lot of it was are the guys they’re going to onto the darkened arena floor, custom-made jerseys and fake selling the program to him.” and Wayne Ellington to the real. But I think a lot of it go to battle with on the court. a beacon shone from the retirement ceremonies. With many of the bells and Tar Heels’ football game was orchestrated by somebody So the main thing we try to heavens. There in the rafters, Schools aren’t even allowed to whistles now eliminated from against Wisconsin. else. I was still happy with it. do when a guy visits is get a spotlight illuminated Gray’s specially decorate their locker the on-campus visit, coaches Most important, coaches It makes you feel important.” him to spend a lot of time jersey, ready for retirement, rooms, the coaches’ offices or say the onus is on them to stress the necessity of getting Wake Forest senior Eric with our players. And you’ll as a canned audio tape a hotel room for a prospect. impress recruits. Programs prospects around their team, Williams, who received a fake have a feeling at the end of announced his “The NCAA doesn’t want therefore rely heavily on their giving them a feel for what jersey retirement ceremony the weekend as to ‘Are those accomplishments. extravagant, and I understand athletic environment, trying their life might become. identical to Gray’s, thinks the kind of guys I want to be And now the 11th jersey that as long as everyone is their hardest to get prospects “When I’d host players, recruits need to get a feel for around for four years?’ ” retired in Wake Forest doing the same thing,” said on campus to experience the we’d try to show them the reality more than they need to Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached history, the 2003 ACC Illinois coach . “I atmosphere of a home football best time of their lives,” said be wowed by the extravagant. at [email protected] or 486- Rookie of the Year, 2006 think that’s where the or basketball game. former North Carolina That’s why when he hosts 3536. Bart Bryant beats the best in golf. Page 5C

C MONDAY SPORTS Novembe r 7,2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL 5C • NBA 8C • YOUR SPORT 10C www.fayettevillenc.com/spor ts

Staff illustration by Mariano Santillan WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD Think the games between these guys are intense? You should see the recruiting battles off the court. INSIDE % Assistant coaches carry the By Dan Wiederer UNC assistant waiting for Smith.” load in recruiting rounds, Staff writer him. It sounds crazy. Two high-profile % Wake Forest has a knack for They were there to court Jerry college basketball coaches held snagging home-state talent, knew exactly what Page 7C he was up against when he walked Stackhouse, a wildly athletic and hostage in a high school gym by an into Oak Hill Academy that night versatile guard ranked among the top 18-year-old trying to figure out which TUESDAY Second of back in the fall of 1992. three prospects in the country. basketball team he liked most. Both UNC and State had been But in the extraordinary world of % For one Illinois standout, a three-part In theory, he was challenging an the pressure to choose a aging 61-year-old coach with fidgety recruiting Stackhouse for close to big-time recruiting, where one player series. three years. Their evaluations had can prove history changing, that college is both exhilarating nerves and an affinity for cigarettes. and mind-numbing. In reality, Robinson was wrestling finished long before. cauldron boils without end, Godzilla, in a friendly yet intense “But you still had to be there,” particularly in North Carolina where Ford said. three ACC programs reside within 25 ON THE WEB recruiting war with , the % For previous stories in biggest name in college basketball. And so they sat. For hours. miles of one another and a fourth, Wake Forest, is just up the road on the series, visit the So as Robinson, then the head “If you want the kid, you better I-40. Observer’s Web site at coach at N.C. State, entered the gym, stay,” Robinson said. “No one’s w w w.fay e t t e v illenc.com he wasn’t surprised to find Smith and immune to that. Not even Dean See NEIGHBORHOOD, Page 6C

COMING SUNDAY A 28-page special section previewing the season Edwards wins CAROLINA 3 4, TAMPA BAY 14 second straight Panthers playing By Mike Har ris midst of NASCAR’s Chasefor like champions The Associated Press the Nextel Cupchampionship with two races left. By Fred Goodall his players feel it’s important to — FORT WORTH, Brimming with confidence, The Associated Press keep their strong start in per- Carl Edwards gambled on a late spective. pit stop for tires, charged from Edwards told his team during TAMPA, Fla. — The Caroli- the stop that if they could get na Panthers don’t wantto get “It’s like how nobody remem- sixth to first in 11 laps and won bers halftime scores. Same way for the second straight week. him back out on the track in the ahead of themselves. top six, he could win it. with this season,” Fox said after The 26-year-old RoushRac- Five straight victories have “All night the car had been Sunday’s34-14 domination of ing wunderkind is accomplish- propelled them toa 6-2record the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ing things a driver with his lim- awesome on the restarts,” Ed- and a tie forfirst place in the AP photo “What does being 6-2 mean?” ited experience isn’t supposed to wardsaid. “The last restart it NFC South midway through the — like thrusting himself into the See EDWARDS, Page 9C beats Ronde Barber for a touchdown. season, but coach John Fox and See PANTHERS, Page 3C 6C MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2005 THE CHANGING FACE THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER OF RECRUITING Neighborhood: Duke-UNC rivalry fuels competition From Page 1C In that same period, Carolina was involved in a tussle for Shavlik Randolph, a “I don’t think there’s any marvelous prospect from the landscape in college neighborhood, a McDonald’s basketball that comes close to All-American forward out of what you find right here,” said Broughton High School in current N.C. State assistant Raleigh. All three schools in Mark Phelps. “Forget about the Triangle fought for playing the games. The sport Randolph like Christmas of basketball recruiting in this shoppers at a Toys ‘R’ Us state is unbelievable.” sale. Duke eventually won out. Balance of power Yet last May, Randolph left Throughout history, the Durham having averaged just recruiting battles have been 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds many, the consequences often over three college seasons. landmark. “Everyone thought Shav In 1971, and was a pro,” Wojcik said. “But N.C. State beat out UNC for a look what happened. You’re slick forward named David talking about N.C. State, Duke Thompson. Three years later, and Carolina all duking it out the Wolfpack was celebrating for that kid. So did Duke its first national title. make a bad decision? I don’t In 1990, Duke edged out know. You answer that.” Carolina for , who The waiting game played a major role in Duke’s back-to-back national In the fall of 1992, championships in 1991 and ’92. Stackhouse was the treasure, In that same era, Carolina a prize sought by all three sneaked past the Blue Devils programs in the Triangle. By to land 7-foot center Eric the start of his senior year at Montross, who averaged 15.8 Oak Hill, he seemed to be points and 7.6 rebounds as a leaning toward N.C. State for junior to lead UNC to the the chance to play 1993 national title. immediately. And so it often unfolds that Virginia and Florida State one player completes the were also in the fray with championship puzzle of one North Carolina running fourth. school while delivering a And yet on that long night at sturdy punch to the stomach Oak Hill, Dean Smith stood of another. his ground — or more exactly, The balance of power in stayed planted in his seat — the Triangle experienced its as Stackhouse participated in most dramatic shift in the the longest workout in mid-1980s when the rise of basketball history. Mike Krzyzewksi and Duke “Because Dean’s there, the ultimately spawned the sport’s coach is putting on a clinic,” pre-eminent rivalry between Robinson said. “He’s doing the Blue Devils and UNC. every drill ever known to Meanwhile State, once a mankind, showing off for national power, was left on Coach Smith.” the outside, So while focused on the like Paul chore at hand, Robinson Anka singing entertained himself by holding back-up for Smith captive simply with his Sinatra. AP photos presence. “That’s In 1992, was sought after by all three Triangle ACC schools. UNC’s Dean Smith won out. Les “I took pride in just what makes Robinson, then of N.C. State, says competing with Smith was a time and energy consuming task. making him stay there,” the State job Robinson said. “I’m thinking, so tough,” ‘He might get Stackhouse. But Robinson said. are 329 other programs in appearance in the NCAA Robinson Division I. tournament, the program’s he’s going to have to sit up “Because two CREAMOFTHE CROP here.’ I enjoyed that or three “We’re not just competing longest run of success since produced five Here’s alook atTop 100 prospects in the Class of 2006 immensely. One of the legends generations of Wolfpackers with them,” Sendek said. currentlycommitted toACCschoolsin NorthCarolina: “Certainly it’s unique in this straight NCAA berths from in basketball couldn’t leave as don’t want to accept that.” long as I was there.’” Since 1980, Carolina and neighborhood, given the 1985 to 1989. Duke have combined to win proximity of our schools and “If N.C. State and the NORTHCAROLINA ‘Les, you dumb #$%’ the enthusiasm of the people accomplishments that we’ve six national championships 4. W ayne E llington (6-4,190,small forward) A week later, Stackhouse and produce 81 NBA draft that support us. But as had over the last several obvious and formulaic as it years could stand alone, it 5 . B randan W right (6-9, 2 00, p ow e rforward) took his official visit to picks. Only three times in the Chapel Hill, returned home past 18 seasons — 1996, 2002 may sound, you have to begin would be, ‘Wow, that’s pretty 8 . Ty w on L a w son ( 5 -11,1 75 , p o intgu ard) with where you are at.” impressive,’ ” Phelps said. 22. D eonThompson (6- 8 , 2 5 0, c e nt e r) and announced his intentions and 2003 — have neither Duke to play at Carolina. nor Carolina played at the Mark Phelps, Sendek’s “But because you put us back 5 8 . Alex Stepheson (6- 8 , 2 10, c e nt e r) Final Four. recruiting coordinator, says in the neighborhood relative to Robinson needed some time “People would constantly State’s Duke and Carolina, now you’re to digest the disappointment. ask me, ‘When do you think mission is to looked at a little bit DUKE Not long after the recruit with differently.” announcement, he had an you’re going to be competitive 1 8 . G erald Henderson (6- 5 , 2 0 5 ,small forward) in the ACC and when do you blinders on, to Phelps thinks the epiphany. At an officials think you’re going to be set lofty yet Wolfpack’s recent 3 5 . J on Scheyer (6- 5 ,1 8 0,s h ootinggu ard) summit in Greensboro it competitive in the top 20?’ ” attainable achievements have built a 4 5 . B rian Z ou b ek ( 7 -1, 2 7 0, c e nt e r) occurred to Robinson that Robinson said. “I’d say, ‘I goals and foundation that has elite Duke — then the two-time don’t care about the ACC or then pursue players looking at State a bit defending national champion the top 20. I just want to be them. differently. This year’s — had vanished from the freshman class includes W A K EFORE S T Stackhouse sweepstakes about able to compete in the For State, Phelps neighborhood.’ If we can finish the most McDonald’s All-American 44. J amieSkeen (6- 8 , 2 1 5 , p ow e rforward) a month earlier. second in our own significant recruiting score in Brandon Costner and fellow 7 1 . Anthony G urley (6- 3 ,195 ,s h ootinggu ard) Robinson sought out recent years was undoubtedly top-100 recruits Courtney Krzyzewski for enlightenment. neighborhood, I’ll be a happy 73. L . D . W illiams (6-4,1 8 5 ,small forward) man.” , a well-rounded Fells and Ben McCauley. “I’m talking to maybe the and charismatic forward out “We’re at the point where most powerful coach in the A State of mind of Harlem who signed to play we’re recruiting Top 75, Top game at that moment and I Only once in six seasons for Sendek in 2000. Over four 50 prospects, some of the elite N . C . S TATE said, ‘I’m just curious Mike — did Robinson reach that goal. years in Raleigh, Hodge players in the country,” why’d you get out?’ ” Robinson His successor, , scored 2,040 points, was later Phelps said. “Because of the 79 . L arry D a v is (6- 3 ,1 75 ,s h ootinggu ard) remembered. “He said, ‘Les, I has accomplished the feat taken in the first round of the neighborhood that we’re in, 8 4. D ennisHorner (6- 7 ,190,small forward) knew Carolina had to have the three times in nine years. NBA Draft and raised the that’s not a process that can kid. And I knew they were Author and ACC historian profile of the Wolfpack happen overnight. It if did, going to do everything they Barry Jacobs is one of the program. you’d really have to take a SourceScout.com Staff graphic had to. Look, I know they look and say, ‘Now how was many who label Sendek’s job “That has proved to be talking about first-class While Duke and Carolina didn’t cheat. But I knew Dean at State the most pressure- important leading to berths in that done?’ Because if you do was going to pull out 30 years it with smoke and mirrors and operations,” said Montross, have the luxury of viewing packed in America because of the NCAA tournament and who was recruited heavily by just about every model on the of stoppers. And that’s a lot of higher finishes in the ACC chicken wire and bubble gum, the feats of Duke and UNC. both schools. “What they’ve showroom floor, they also stoppers.’ ” than in previous years,” said you don’t have any type of “It’s always darkest at the got is something awfully have the responsibility of As Robinson got on the Brick Oettinger of the Prep foundation.” base of the lighthouse,” said special.” choosing the right one. road that night, he was Jacobs. “Everybody else lives Stars Recruiter’s Handbook. flooded with embarrassment. in that shadow. And the closer “Hodge was a crucial guy for Earning interest Roy Williams believes so Split decisions deeply in the mystique of “I get in the car, I’m you are, I assume the bigger Herb. Without that, he Up the road, Duke and Former UNC assistant driving, I turn on the radio the shadow.” wouldn’t be coaching State UNC build on the greatest UNC basketball that he was lured back to Chapel Hill knows the just thinking and it hit me,” Seemingly unperturbed in now.” recruiting foundation: scrutiny that comes with he said. “I said ‘Les, you that shadow, Sendek has tried Last spring, with Hodge tradition. after 15 seasons establishing himself as a legend at Kansas. every leap and stumble on the dumb #$%. You were just to create his own reality in leading the way, the Wolfpack “When you think about recruiting trail. talking to the heavyweight Williams knows that Raleigh, understanding there made its fourth straight Duke and Carolina, you’re “When you’re at Carolina, champion of the world. He coaching in the Dean Dome, a it’s about decisions,” said was in the ring with Dean basketball museum where the Wojcik, now the at Smith and he ran. And you jersey numbers of Michael Tulsa. “It’s about decisions were there sparring away like N.C. State Jordan and Phil Ford hang, everywhere, but at Carolina an idiot thinking you were gives the baby blue “NC” logo those decisions occur under a going to whip him.’ ” coach Herb instant credibility. Sendek is pretty strong microscope.” After he finished pounding So while he acknowledges Needing a in his head on the steering wheel forced to that attracting interest is 2001, Wojcik and the rest of for a few miles, Robinson compete in the effortless, Williams disputes the Carolina staff went to forgave himself. shadows of the notion that Carolina’s work evaluating and “I thought about it a little tradition-strong recruiting efforts are akin to recruiting a stellar prep crop longer and said, ‘Wait a Duke and checking items off a shopping that included blue-chippers minute. Mike didn’t have to UNC. ‘It’s list. Sean Dockery, , have Stackhouse. I did. His always darkest “Understand now that we John Gilchrist and Daniel cupboard wasn’t bare. I at the base of can pick, but so does Horton. The Tar Heels, needed him.’ So I rationalized the lighthouse,’ everybody else,” Williams according to Wojcik, to myself that we had to stay said. “Duke does. Kentucky essentially had to reject a in the fight.” says ACC does. does. A lot of historian Barry well-rounded Texas point In many ways, in the state programs have that power. So guard named , of North Carolina, it’s a fight Jacobs. those old guys who say that instead staying closer to home that never ends. North Carolina doesn’t recruit, to sign lifelong Tar Heel fan Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached they select, that’s a bunch of Raymond Felton out of Latta at [email protected] or 486- hogwash.” High School in South Carolina. 3536. THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER THE CHANGING FACE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2005 7C OF RECRUITING Assistants’ life on the road By Dan Wiederer Staff writer Mark Phelps knew he had to do something. Following a galling 75-73 second-round loss to Vanderbilt in the 2004 NCAA Tournament, the N.C. State assistant coach returned to his Orlando hotel room and grieved. For all of about 20 minutes. Then with an exhale, Phelps closed the book on the 2003-04 season and quickly began working on the future. “The night of the game, I found myself getting on the phone and trying to catch up a little bit with recruits,” Phelps said. “That loss was so disappointing that rather than sit there in the hotel room waiting for the charter to be ready and just contemplating the game, it was way more therapeutic for me to get on the phone and start talking to coaches.” North Carolina assistant Steve Robinson had even less down time after the Tar Heels won the national championship last spring. Robinson’s offseason lasted approximately two minutes. He can pinpoint the moment his recruiting duties returned to the forefront. “In the locker room after the game,” Robinson said. It was there, as the Tar Heels reveled in their Staff photo by Marc Hall championship, that Robinson UNC assistant coach Steve Robinson, left, found that even winning the national championship last year gave him no time to let up on recruiting. Above, went to work on his cell he sits with coach Roy Williams at Friday’s UNC-Fayetteville State exhibition game in Chapel Hill. phone, text messaging a half- dozen recruits. Jersey and the Adidas Vegas toward the end of July to make sure the kids know his golf bag to his car for separate the recruiting needs “People were making sure Superstar Camp in Suwanee, — close to 900 teams compete who you are.” him.” of the future from the to let you know they were Ga. There, assistant coaches at 35 sites in the desert — demands of the current team. happy for you,” he said. “And Assistants also must find Ford remembers the attempt to hone in on the Robinson admits his days ways to land talent. Like an lengths he had to go to show And if there’s a constant in you were trying to let them talent they’ve already begun sometimes take on a bit of a recruiting, it’s that it’s a year- know, ‘Hey, this could be offensive lineman plowing interest in certain prospects recruiting — and, in many “Groundhog Day” feel. holes open for a tailback, and make sure that it was round process that’s never off you.’ ” cases, already offered an assistant coach’s mind. Such is the life of an He’s usually in the rental their role is to take on the noticed. scholarships. car with a schedule in hand dirty work that will open the “I remember watching “There’s always something assistant coach, an you can do,” Collins said. exhilarating and often The goal is to learn more and maps on the passenger’s door for the head coach to at band practice about targeted players and seat “making sure I’m not lost.” eventually walk through to in the summer,” he said. “It “Whether it’s writing letters grueling duty where you’re or making calls or being on often on the road but never perhaps find a surprise or Oh, and he’s always seal the deal. seemed like 115-degree two. But for the most part, sporting his Carolina blue. weather and I’m out there in the road, it’s the kind of job off the clock. The busiest “Your No. 1 duty is to try where it’s always on your months for assistants as it coaches just hope the “There are certain coaches to make the head coach’s job a coat and a tie watching him attention and interest they’re play the drums.” mind. Even when you go home relates to recruiting are April, in the world that don’t have to as easy as possible,” said Phil to your family, you’re always July and September. giving is noticed and do that. They’re pretty Ford, who spent 12 years as a This September, Duke reciprocated. thinking about how you can July is undoubtedly the identifiable,” Robinson said. North Carolina assistant under assistant Chris Collins went to make your team better or Said Wake Forest assistant most intense, a monthlong “When Coach (Roy) Williams Dean Smith and Bill work on his frequent-flier what you may be able to do : “It’s almost like blur that tests assistants’ walks into a gym, most people Guthridge. “You have to be miles, making recruiting trips in recruiting to be better. It’s the kids seeing you seeing endurance and appraisal skills. know who he is. But as there for the head coach to Chicago, Philadelphia, New something that stays with you them.” First there are the premier assistants, most of us wear whether it’s tackling extra Jersey, Indiana and no matter where you are.” events: the Nike All-American With all three shoe our gear and our logos. We’ve recruiting duties, making Washington, D.C. He admits it Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached Camp in Indianapolis, companies sponsoring separate got our Carolina shorts, shirts, suggestions on a match-up or can be a challenge, at [email protected] or 486- Reebok’s ABCD Camp in New AAU extravaganzas near Las hats. You find creative ways something as trivial as taking particularly in season, to 3536. Wake mines the in-state talent best By Dan Wiederer Staff writer PLAYING AT HOME Brick Oettinger recites the The top prospects in the classes of 2006 and 2007 playing in state. names as if he is walking down a wing in the Basketball CLASS OF 2006 CLASS OF 2007 Hall of Fame. , Walt Wake Forest Undecided Char lotte Bellamy, Lou Hudson, Happy % 36. Jamie Skeen, 6-7 power % 11. Davon Jefferson, 6-8 small % 41. Kenyan Hairston, Michael Jordan, forward, North Mecklenburg forward, The Patterson School Harmon, 6-7 small , Phil Ford, Bob McAdoo, James Worthy, % 123. Ishmael Smith, 6-0 point % 82. Kiwan Smith, 6-7 small forward, forward, The Patterson , Walter Davis. guard, Concord Central Cabarrus Laurinburg Charter School “I think you can make a North Carolina % 85. Seketoure Henry, 6-2 shooting Undecided historical argument that the 46. Eric Wallace, 73. William Graves, 6-6 small guard, The Patterson School % state of North Carolina has % 6-6 small forward, forward, Greensboro Dudley % 111. Bobby Maze, 6-1 shooting produced more superstars Kernersville Glenn than any state in the union,” Arizona guard, The Patterson School said Oettinger, the talent 114. Doneal Mack, 6-4 shooting 69. , 6-10 power % evaluator for the Prep Stars % guard, Statesville Christian Rankings by Prepstars.com forward, The Patterson School Recruiter’s Handbook. 115. Vernon Teel, 6-2 point guard, That history, however, has % The Patterson School little impact on today’s recruiting world. Unlike college football, where in-state depends on the needs of other Skeen from Charlotte. player is from is the most recruiting has become the teams and a ripple effect that Yet there will be few tears important component.” cornerstone of most programs, AP photo spreads across the country. shed in Chapel Hill, where Roy Williams supports basketball operates with a , who is from Lewisville, was one of three North Wake’s most recent All- Roy Williams has landed the Sendek’s opinion, to an extent. different set of dynamics. Carolina natives who starred for Wake Forest coach Skip American, Chris Paul, for best recruiting class in the The Tar Heels coach said that Still, with four ACC Prosser, right, last season. example, arrived in Winston- country, including No. 1 small while he first tries to scour programs and a budding mid- Salem in part because his forward Wayne Ellington, the state for talent — “I’d major (Charlotte) often position at UNC had been No. 1 point guard Tywon much rather go to Greensboro treading the same territory, it us now, that’s within the state Deacons are often shopping in filled a year earlier by Lawson and No. 1 power of North Carolina — and then a different department than or Siler City” — he will go is an interesting fight in North another blue-chip point guard forward . wherever the best players are Carolina with an increasingly ripple outwards,” Prosser said. the Tar Heels and Blue Devils. named Raymond Felton. “As good as L.D. Williams “Beyond that, we try not to be and try to sign them. consistent winner: Wake “We’ve been able to grab a “Chris Paul grew up with is and as promising of an Last season, the national Forest. concerned with who everyone couple kids that were maybe Carolina gear all over his athlete as he seems to be, you else is recruiting.” champion Tar Heels had only Last season, the Demon B-recruits for those schools at room,” said Doug Wojcik, the wouldn’t take him over Wayne one North Carolina product — Deacons had eight players on Wake Forest’s in-state a time that we thought they former Tar Heels assistant Ellington,” Oettinger said. Rashad McCants from their roster originally from success is certainly worth could be terrific players,” said who recruited both players. “And you wouldn’t take Asheville — among their top North Carolina including their noting. The Demon Deacons Demon Deacons assistant Dino “(In 2001) we get Raymond Ishmael Smith over Tywon seven scorers. have made it pay off on the Gaudio. “I think we’ve been top three players — point Felton. Now we can’t get Lawson.” “When I was at Kansas, guard Chris Paul from court with 94 wins, four fortunate in that we’ve been Chris Paul.” Wake’s advantage then, it NCAA tournament berths and able to identify kids that there was an alumni meeting Lewisville, shooting guard A similar, if far less would seem, has been its I’ll never forget,” Williams Justin Gray from Charlotte a 15-11 mark against North Carolina and Duke didn’t significant, prize will fall in ability to land in-state Carolina, Duke and N.C. State initially go after and we’ve said. “They stood up and said, and forward Eric Williams the Demon Deacons’ lap this prospects over N.C. State, a ‘Coach, I just wish you’d from Wake Forest. since Prosser’s arrival in 2001. been able to offer them week. When letters of intent reality that doesn’t faze scholarships a little bit early.” recruit more Kansas kids like Demon Deacons coach Skip But to claim Wake has are officially delivered, Wake Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek. Kansas State does.’ I said, Prosser attributes such gained a recruiting advantage Both Gray and Williams expects to continue its in-state “In some cases, your entire ‘We’ve beaten (them) 17 times success to a philosophy he on its rivals would be an say Wake’s early attention supremacy, signing a four- recruiting class is a player, in a row. What would you used in during his seven overstatement. With North was a big factor in their player class that includes L.D. one single guy,” Sendek said. rather have?’ ” seasons at Xavier. Carolina and Duke decisions to head to Winston- Williams, originally from “And so as you’re looking to consistently chasing national Salem. But the way such Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached “I’ve always believed in Yadkinville, Ishmael Smith find that one best fit, I’m not at [email protected] or 486- recruiting inside-out — and for top-50 players, the Demon pieces fall into place also from Concord and Jamie sure the hometown or state a 3536. Terrell Owens won’t return to Eagles this season. Page 2C

C TUESDAY SPORTS Novembe r 8,2005 COLLEGE FOOTBALL 3C • NBA 5C • NASCAR 8C www.fayettevillenc.com/spor ts Duke tops poll ! UNC is the first defending national champ since Kansas in 1988 to not make the preseason rankings. By Jim O’Connell The Associated Press Duke is back at No. 1 in The Associated Press’ preseason col- lege basketball poll while defend- ing champion North Carolina failed to even make the Top 25. Kansas, the preseason No. 1 last year and another regular in the poll,also wasnot among those teams ranked Monday. The Blue Devils were a run- away choice for No. 1, the sixth time TOP 5 they have % 1. Duke started the % 2. Texas season atop % 3. UConn the rank- % 4. ings. Photo by Joel Lerner/Northbrook, Ill., Pioneer Press State North Jon Scheyer was the prize at the center of a recruiting battle between Duke and Illinois. In the end, he chose the Blue Devils over his % 5. Villanova Carolina be- comes the home-state university. ‘It just felt right,’ says the Chicago area native, shown talking to a reporter after a high school playoff game. ACC first defend- ing national TEAMS champion RANKED notto bein Beyond the hype 11. Boston the presea- % son poll the College next season % 18. Wake since Kansas and the pressure, Forest in 1988-89. % 24. Maryland The Tar many recruits say INSIDE Heels lost COMFORT their top sev- Complete % en scorers Top 25 list, from last decisions come Page 4C season, three to gradua- down to a gut tion and four underclassmen as NBA lottery draft picks. feeling Bolstered by the return of All- America guardJ.J. Redickand ZONE all-conference center from a team that went By Dan Wiederer to pick either Eva Longoria or Keira 27-6 and reached the third round Staff writer Knightley as your date to the prom. of the NCAA tournament, Duke But to Scheyer, a promising shooting INSIDE For nearly a year, Jon Scheyer felt received 61first-place ballots guard from Glenbrook North High % For new coaches, and 1,785 points from the 72- the decision pulling at him as if he School outside Chicago, the pressure at recruiting is a race of were a frayed rope in the middle of a member national media panel. times became paralyzing. catch-up, fierce tug-of-war. Texas, which has four double- “For me it seemed like it was back % Big money and figure scorers back from a 20-11 On the one side tugged mighty Duke, and forth the whole time,” Scheyer said. greedy hands inevitably that was beaten by Nevada in the home of Coach K, owner of three “It was definitely a hard thing for a 17- means scandal, national championships and the NCAA’s opening round, was sec- year-old kid to handle. Because in a lot Page 7C ond with six first-place votes and standard by which modern-day college of ways I felt like it was a lose-lose 1,652 points. It matches the high- basketball programs are measured. situation.” ON THE WEB est ranking in school history. Last of a Across the way stood Illinois, Such is life in the world of high-level Duke and Texas meet Dec. 10 Scheyer’s home-state school and a % For previous stories three-par t college basketball recruiting, where in the series, visit the in East Rutherford, N.J. burgeoning national power coming off players and coaches instinctively search Observer’s Web site at Kansas hadbeen in the pre- series. an appearance in the national for comfort in a process that often season poll every year since championship. proves perplexing. w w w.fay e t t e v illenc.com 1991-92, being out of the top 10 On the surface, it would seem to be only three times. North Carolina a young man’s dream, like being asked See COMFORT ZONE, Page 6C was in all but one of the last 20 November13,2005 preseason polls, only three of the B UILDI rankings out of the top 10. NG ACHAMPION The Blue Devils had a seven- year run of at least one week at No. 1 snapped last season, reach- A 28-page special section previewing the season ing as high as second. COMING SUNDAY See TOP 25, Page 5C Injuries gave Street, Howard chance

19 of 32 first-place votes and 109 points ! Oakland’s Huston Street and Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard to beatout Houston outfielder Willy are named the AL and NL rookies of the year. Taveras, who got 78 points. Atlanta right fielderJeff Francoeur was third By Mike Fitzpatrick Street, who took overas Oakland’s with 60. The Associated Press closerin May,got 15 of 28first-place Both top rookies only got a chance to votes in balloting by the Baseball Writ- play in the big leagues this season be- — Huston Street kept the ers’ Association of America and finished cause teammates got injured. AL Rookie of the Year awardin- with97 points.New “Things just started falling in,” said house. INSIDE York Yankeessecond Howard,surprised byhiscomfortable Oakland’s poised closer became the baseman Robinson margin of victory. “You never want to second consecutive winner from the % Season Cano came in second see anyone hurt or injured, but I just Athletics, and Philadelphia Phillies first stats, rookie with57 points,fol- came up and tried to make the most of basemanRyan Howardwon the NL voting, lowed by TampaBay my opportunity.” award Monday. Page 3C designated hitter Jon- Streetisthe son of formerTexas Street hardly had to look far for in- ny Gomes with 39. quarterback James Street, who led the spiration. The previous AL winner was Longhorns to a national title in 1969. The his roommate this season, A’s shortstop Called up from the minors for good AP photo July1, Howardreplaced injured star 22-year-old righty became Oakland’s AP photo Bobby Crosby. closerwhen Octavio Dotel wentdown Ryan Howard hit 22 home runs for Jim Thome atfirst baseand led all Huston Street made 23 saves in 27 “Maybehe rubbed off,”Street rookies with 22 home runs. He received Philadelphis this season. said. See ROOKIES, Page 3C chances for Oakland. 6C TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2005 THE CHANGING FACE THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER OF RECRUITING Comfort zone: Relationships with coaches are From Page 1C performs a thorough if inexact character check. In Scheyer’s case, the “That’s a huge factor for complexity of his decision ran us. Is it somebody you’re deeper than the obvious. After going to enjoy being with?” all, his coach at Glenbrook Williams said. “And is it North, Dave Weber, is the somebody your team will feel brother of University of they’ll enjoy being with? You Illinois coach Bruce Weber, a can’t just go recruit the guys key player in the recruiting who want to come the most. battle for Scheyer. Because they may not be the Advantage: Illinois. right fit.” Sort of. The coaches at Wake Duke had its own Forest apply a four-question connections to the highly test when evaluating whether touted guard. Blue Devils a prospect fits their profile: assistant coach Chris Collins, % Can he do the work a McDonald’s All-American at academically? Glenbrook North in 1992, was % Would I like to coach a hometown hero of sorts and that kid? a player Scheyer had admired % Would I like to play with and imitated as early as 5 that guy? years old. % Would I want that kid in Advantage: Duke. my family? Sort of. To answer such questions, “It was such a tough coaches launch a tireless predicament,” Collins said. research process that involves “The situation he was in, I wouldn’t envy anyone with talking to friends, family, what he had to go through.” teammates, opposing coaches, guidance counselors, school For Scheyer, now a senior, security — anyone that’s had the decision process became enough involvement with a kid about balancing excitement to paint a true picture. with patience. In February, he attended Duke’s impassioned “If a kid’s a bad kid, it 102-92 win over Wake Forest gets back to you quick,” said and was wowed by the Wake assistant Dino Gaudio. atmosphere at Cameron “People can’t wait to give you Indoor Stadium. The next day, bad news.” he told his parents he was Who’s the one? ready to commit. Five weeks later, while on Ultimately, coaches find spring break in Arizona, he themselves playing a numbers watched TV as Illinois — game, narrowing their want employing a version of the lists down to fill the his high school of scholarships they have team uses — overcame a 15- available. That ratio, for point deficit in the final four AP photo obvious reasons, is never 1:1. minutes against Arizona to “You certainly recruit Duke had an inside connection when it recruited Jon Scheyer, right. Assistant coach Chris Collins also played at more guys than you have earn its first Final Four berth Scheyer’s high school. ‘He knows where I’m coming from more than anybody else could,’ says Scheyer. in 16 years. scholarships for,” said N.C. State assistant Mark Phelps. Said Dave Weber: “Jon identifies with Scheyer’s commercials that help sell a called me on my cell phone “And if you’re smart, you try sentiment. As a star power program. Krzyzewski found it to line up the guys that you’d immediately after that game. forward from California in beneficial to sell credit cards HEADYDAYS He was so fired up. I hung up Players past and presentsharememoriesof theirrecruitment. like to have the most in a 1981, Bilas committed to Duke in a way that also helps more favorable position for the phone and I was thinking, because of the bond he felt promote Duke basketball. ‘Wow, he’s never been this QUINSNYDER yourself. If you have 10 forming with Krzyzewski Thanks to an endorsement DUKE GUARD(1986-89) prospects and you prioritize positive about Illinois. Maybe coupled with the budding deal with American Express, this could happen.’ ” ■ them 1-10, the key is how can reputation of Blue Devils Krzyzewski has starred in a When CoachKcame todohissecondhome you give the No. 1 prospect visitwithme,he broughtone of thoseold film You just know basketball. series of commercials, which the opportunity to come seemed to run more projectors withhim. Hecarrieditin abox.Hehadit Through a frenzied and “My sense is that when before No. 10 jumps on it?” frequently during last March’s sothathe could talk tomeall about JohnnyDawkins arduous process, Scheyer Coach K recruited me, if he Like airlines overbooking NCAA tournament than the and howIcould bethattype of player.Ifigured any- relied heavily on his parents, were at UCLA, I would have flights and hoping in the end score ticker. bodythatwould carrythatthing across countryand who insisted he take most of gone to UCLA,” Bilas said. “If that the numbers magically he were at Stanford, I would The spots drew criticism showittomeonmylivingroomwall wasprobablyprettyserious. his instincts and sleep on NowIwasneverquiteJohnnyDawkins.But CoachKwasprettyde- balance, basketball programs them. Then last spring, after have gone to Stanford. But if from those who felt Duke was terminedtocarrythatfilmprojectorwithhim.Idoubtthatiteven employ similar tactics, waking up for a week straight he were at South Dakota gaining an unfair recruiting fitin the overhead. Heprobablyhadtokeepitunderhisseat. offering more scholarships with visions of Duke in his State, I wouldn’t have gone. advantage. Krzyzewski than they have open with the head, he knew it was time. On The coach is a huge part of it, shrugged off any outcry as understanding that it’s a first- May 17, Scheyer held a press but there’s a certain level. “juvenile.” come, first-served scenario. conference at Glenbrook North You might have the best “Like we had never been UNCCENTER(1991-94) The process is a smoke- to announce his commitment. coach in the history of the good before,” he said. “I guess ■ WhatIremembermost about myrecruitingwas filled poker game at best. “It just felt right,” he said. game coaching at a level I may as well take down all the amountof mail I’dreceive. Irememberasan “You try as best you can to “At Illinois, it was nothing below where you want to play of the pictures of the guys I eighth-grader,myfirstrecruitinglettercame from have a rank-and-file order of they didn’t do or could have and you’re not going to go recruited before commercials Tom DavisatIowa.Itwasthe standardletter,but it who you’re most likely to get done better. In my heart, I there.” and we’ll see who we’re going hadhisname stamped on itand thatmade me feel or most want to get,” Leitao just felt more comfortable at Commercial appeal to recruit afterwards.” prettycool. ... But itgotuptothe pointwhereitwas said. “But it doesn’t always Duke, and how can you make The ads aren’t the only 20,25letters adayin the mailbox.Asahighschool kid,itwas work out that way. You have a better decision than by While coaches play the influences lurking on cooltohavepeople interested in you.But oncethe phonecalls to know with the staff that going with the feeling in your biggest role in the recruiting television for recruits to started,theyweretoo numerous.Ihadmydadkeeptabson those you have that: one, you could heart?” process, exposure runs a close consider. forme and Iwasappreciativeofthat.Hehadanofficenumber be satisfied with any one of It’s a feeling others can second. Wake Forest coach From headbands to socks wherehecould take callsand sort of feel through them. That the four or five guys at that relate to. admits that when to travel bags, today’s recruits helped alotbecauseIknowalotof timesthatbecame aburden position. And two, know Said former North Carolina he arrived in Winston-Salem seem to be sporting the NBA forotherkidstodealwith. exactly what your strategy is All-American Eric Montross: in 2001 he was able to have logo more than ever, a clear to get the guy that you most “When you know something is an immediate impact on the indication of their ultimate ERIC WILLIAMS want.” right and you know something recruiting scene partly dreams. Instead of fighting the WAKE FOREST FORWARD(2002-PRESENT) An identical challenge because of the company the reality, college coaches are is not quite right, you get a ■ The coachesatWake reallyconnected withme. faces each prospect, who must feeling in the pit of your Demon Deacons keep. using that growing fascination take his top three to five “When you play in the ACC as a recruiting tool. Theydidn’t trytopressureme,but theydidthings stomach. It’s like, ‘Yeah, this tomake me feel comfortable. Onmyvisit,the cool- choices and decide as quickly is the right place for me.’ ” and you’re fortunate enough to “You have to show kids as possible where he’d most win some games, you’re on est thing theydidforme waspretendtohavemy The connection Scheyer felt that path to the NBA,” said jerseyretired.Forme being from asmall townand like to play, swimming with the Duke coaches and the TV a lot,” Prosser said. “The Missouri coach , becomingahighschool All-Americanand thenhav- through pressures that can relationship he had fostered kids can see the product. They who played at Duke from ingthattype of attention showed tomeitwaslike,‘Wow!’Inever trigger a domino effect among with Collins and Mike can see how you play.” 1986 to 1989. “We can talk, thoughtmyname wasout therelikethatwhereaguy likeCoach players and programs. Krzyzewski trumped all. And they can gain a sense and it’s real talk when we Prosserand aprogramlikeWake would havearetired jersey Things don’t always work “With Coach Collins, he for whether they’d feel recognize that these kids are ceremonyforme whenIcame tovisit. out cleanly. This fall, for knows where I’m coming from comfortable in your program. student-athletes. But the name example, top-10 power more than anybody else “People see you all the of the game for the elite high forward Thaddeus Young was could,” Scheyer said. “He time and they feel like they school players these days is Staff graphic reportedly ready to commit to knows what it’s like to be know you,” said Illinois’ Bruce going somewhere that can by Scout.com, Lawson AAU tournaments and UNC after taking an official from Chicago and play at Weber, whose team’s run to help them one day play committed to North Carolina summer showcase events that visit to Chapel Hill in professionally. That vision is Duke. He knows exactly where the Final Four last season last spring, eager to join a often promote selfish play. September. According to the I live, what it’s like at received wall-to-wall so much nearer to them now Memphis Commercial Appeal, program that’s produced 22 Most programs also put a (Glenbrook North). I can joke coverage. “Every time a that college in many cases first-round draft picks since Young told UNC coaches of about things like the game’s on and you play and becomes a means to an end.” premium on a player’s his intentions but also 1980. character, engaging in an homecoming assembly and he then they interview you and Tywon Lawson agrees with “Nobody really wants to be expressed interest in making knows exactly what I’m show highlights, it’s a Snyder. A senior at Oak Hill evaluation process that proves an official visit to Kentucky. in college for a long time,” stressful. talking about.” continuous commercial.” Academy and rated the No. 1 Lawson said. “So if you can On Oct. 15, the Tar Heels ESPN analyst Sometimes it’s actual prep point guard in the nation find a team and a situation “You’re putting your life instead accepted a where maybe you can play and your program’s life in the commitment from Brandan right away, get out quicker hands of a kid who’s in the Wright, eliminating the last and get to the NBA, that’s 10th grade or the 11th grade scholarship they had left. what you’re going to look at.” telling him, ‘Hey, we want you Young eventually committed to be the future of our to . Game, set, match program,’ ” said , In the end coaches, like the There was a time when in his first year as the head kids they are recruiting, have college coaches had unlimited coach at Virginia. “It’s a little to rely on their gut to reach access to the high school disheartening if you look at it an educated but often players they were courting. from a business sense. You instinctual conclusion. Before contact limits were have this multimillion-dollar It is an inexact science, to established in the early 1980s, industry and without knowing be sure. all the things you need to coaches often engaged in “Oftentimes you have to recruiting wars of endurance, know, you’ve got to put things make critical decisions,” seeing who could stay with the in the hands of young people Leitao said. “And the kids elite players as much and as who might not even have their have to make critical long as possible. driver’s license yet.” decisions on their end too. These days, with contact North Carolina coach Roy That’s what makes recruiting limits firmly in place, Williams says he looks for AP photo so ever-changing. Because coaching staffs must go to premium talent first, then there is no right answer to it.” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski got prime exposure from an American Express greater lengths to obtain true tries to determine whether a Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached commercial that ran during last year’s NCAA tournament. He dismissed criticsm that evaluations of players, a kid can play his style of at [email protected] or 486- it gave him an unfair recruiting advantage. procedure made harder by basketball. Finally, he 3536. THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER THE CHANGING FACE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2005 7C OF RECRUITING New coaches need fast start By Dan Wiederer Staff writer COA CHE S’T E N U R E Realism. Coacheschangeschools That’s the first thing Dave frequentlyin today’scollege Leitao packed in his overnight basketball environment. bag when he went out on the Success keepstheminplace recruiting trail for the first longer,but alosingseason time as Virginia’s head men’s cansound the finalbuzzer. basketball coach this spring. Here’s alook atthe number Trying valiantly to play catch- of seasonscompleted by up in a process where dallying coachesin the ACCand can be disastrous, Leitao knew from last year’sFinalFour: the mountain he faced. So he dared to think big while resisting the temptation to think too big “You have to get on a running treadmill and see if you can stay with the pace that’s been brought about by the schools you are competing with,” Leitao said. “If you try to take over a program and battle all the power brokers, you’re going to lose many more battles than you win. And you’ll quickly find yourself in an awkward DUKE: MIKEKRZYZEWSKI (24) position.” With college basketball’s coaching carousel spinning swiftly these days, some coaches have it easier than others when they switch jobs. Roy Williams won a national title in his second season at North Carolina and needed less time to make waves in recruiting. Of course, Williams had the best winning percentage (.805) of any active coach in America when he was hired in MARYLAN D: Chapel Hill and he was taking ( 16 ) over a program that had 15 Final Four appearances, three AP photo N . C . STA T E: national championships and Dave Leitao took over a struggling Virginia program in April. He found that he had to convince recruits that the HerbSendek (9) the jersey numbers of Michael Cavaliers were on the and stable despite the coaching change. B OSTON COLLE G E: Jordan, Phil Ford, James A l Sk i nner ( 8 ) Worthy and Antawn Jamison with obvious handicaps, Leitao and in the recruiting game.” threats. When he was hired at G E O R G I A T E CH: hanging from its arena’s set out to court the most Leitao also had to Weber eventually steadied Tulsa, Wojcik avoided the Pau l He w i tt ( 5 ) rafters. So it is little surprise viable and, more important, demonstrate to prospects that the boat and two years later, temptation to cast his W A KE F O R E ST: to watch Williams put the most obtainable players to the Cavaliers program was he’s finding the sailing much recruiting net nationally, Sk i p P r osser ( 4 ) together elite recruiting class sculpt his program. stable after the coaching easier, coming off a 37-win instead opting to spread F L O R I D A STA T E: after elite recruiting class. He admits that the prestige change, a plight Bruce Weber season and a trip to the himself around to his contacts. Le o n a rdH a m ilt o n ( 3 ) “Kids want to play with of the ACC became one of his is all too familiar with. When national championship game. Most of all, Wojcik relied C L E M SON : programs that have a chance major selling points and said Weber arrived at Illinois in on his resume, reminding O liv er Pu rnell ( 2 ) to win,” said ESPN analyst “Until the last (eight) his biggest priority was 2003, thanks months, no one recognized recruits of his influence in V I R G I N I A T E CH: . “That all plays a analyzing the other 11 to the building UNC’s national title Se t h Greenber g ( 2 ) vital part. The tradition, man. me,” Weber said. “Now it’s a programs in the league to coaching little different. Before when team and his more recent N O R TH C ARO L I NA: The history. That’s why I say determine where Virginia’s chain reaction success as an assistant in East R o y W illia m s ( 2 ) Carolina is bigger than any we put a call in to some recruiting niche was. that brought junior or a coach, they Lansing, Mich. M I AMI : individual player. You just Williams to F r a nk H a i t h ( 1 ) walk into the museum that is “Whether you’re in the wouldn’t call back. Now they “It gives me credibility MAC or one of the power UNC and sent call back right away and they that we went to the Final V I R G I N I A : the Smith Center and look up to D a v eLe i ta o ( new lyhired) in those rafters and you conferences, you still have to want to talk to you.” Four (at Michigan State),” he attack it the same way and Kansas, he First-year Tulsa head coach said. “It gives me credibility 2 005 F I NAL F O U R understand what a thrill it is first had to to play there.” be prepared,” Leitao said. Webe r Doug Wojcik said it’s about that I recruited Raymond M I CHI G AN STA T E: “The difference here is that deal with credibility and proving to Felton and Sean May and T o m I zzo ( 1 0 ) But few migrating coaches stabilizing the Illini program have it that easy. When Leitao every program in this league players that you can be those guys and that they all L O U I S V I LLE: can get in any door in before he could tackle influential in their futures. got drafted and they won a R i c k P i t i n o ( 4 ) arrived at Virginia in April, recruiting. Dee Brown, the de he inherited a Cavaliers America. And so you have to Wojcik was an assistant at national title. That gave me N O R TH C ARO L I NA: always be mindful that at facto face of the program, UNC under Matt Doherty credibility. But now I have to R o y W illia m s ( 2 ) program that hasn’t had a 20- was so disgruntled by Self’s win season since 2001 and some point, on some level from 2000 to 2003 then went get kids to believe in me.” I LLI N O I S : sudden departure that he was hasn’t been past the first that you’re going to have to to Michigan State to work B r u c eWeber ( 2 ) lobbying to transfer. Several Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached round of the NCAA compete against these under for two at [email protected] or 486- other players made similar Staff graphic tournament in 10 years. So programs both on the court seasons. 3536. Money stakes can breed corruption

By Dan Wiederer one of his assistants returning according to author and ACC Staff writer from a recruiting trip to historian Barry Jacobs, is that DAYS OF SCANDAL inform him that to get the with the money involved in The tales come from all A look at three recruiting-related scandals from the past 20 years. angles. Head coaches. Players. prospect they wanted they college basketball today and would have to negotiate the rewards bestowed upon Assistant coaches. Athletic The check’s in the mail Fab filth This little Piggie directors. through a reputed drug dealer. successful coaches, the % After the 1988-89 season, % In 2002, the % In 2001, AAU coach Myron Piggie Without naming names or Robinson immediately crossed temptations to break the rules Kentucky fired head coach University of Michigan pleaded guilty to one count of the kid off his want list. far outweighs the risks of pointing fingers, they’ll tell Eddie completed an internal conspiracy to commit mail and wire sordid stories of recruiting “It is irreversible,” he said. getting caught. sleaze, of crooked street Sutton and investigation that fraud in relation to a scheme in which “I’ve always said that as long “Some coaches despair that agents and devious drug his staff revealed retired he paid players to play for his AAU as Auburn wants to beat it’s worse than ever because dealers and cutthroat bidding after it was autoworker and team, using those relationships to gain Alabama, there are going to of all the agents and the wars. They’ll readily deter mined Wolverines booster Ed access to agents and sponsorship be problems. Now when money that’s involved,” Jacobs acknowledge the corruption, they were Martin had made loans contracts. Piggie, who was said to have Auburn doesn’t want to beat said. “But I find it hard to Alabama anymore and it’s not believe that it’s more corrupt then maintain that it’s harder involved in Sutton totaling $616,000 to realized $677,760 in income through to control than a caffeinated an attempt Wolverines players Chris the scheme, made illegal payments to important to the barber, the than it was when coaches kindergarten class. to pay recruits. The scandal Webber, , several players, doctor, the veterinarian, the would take you out and buy According to those involved came to light when an and including Kareem minister, the jail warden, the you clothes and a television or most closely with recruiting, envelope containing $1,000 . The Rush, JaRon Rush police officer and everybody a car would appear at your else in Auburn and corruption abounds in today’s and en route to UK recruit Wolverines made and Andre Williams, family’s house. I’m not sure Tuscaloosa, then we won’t athletic culture, not was found in a Los themselves ineligible for who were all later it’s any worse than it’s ever have these problems.” been. It’s just different. necessarily new but certainly Angeles air-freight facility and postseason play in 2003 suspended by the still as much a part of college The recruiting trail became Coaches are a little more traced back to Wildcats and through Magge t t e NCAA. Former Duke so squalid for Roy Williams circumspect now.” basketball as “One Shining assistant . self-imposed sanctions forward Corey Moment” and Dick Vitale. between 1997 and 1999 when Recruiting analyst Van Kentucky was put on forfeited 112 victories Maggette also admitted accepting Former N.C. State head he was at Kansas that he Coleman agrees with Jacobs, coach Les Robinson calls it probation by the NCAA, during the implicated $2,000 from Piggie. But the Blue Devils came close to quitting. saying that college coaches “the system,” a complex including a two-year ban from players’ careers, were not forced to forfeit any victories or “I had grown so are the only ones who can put money-driven culture that postseason play. including the 1992 and return any NCAA tournament earnings disillusioned with college a stop to the corruption. envelopes approximately 300 ’93 Final Four runs. from the 1998-99 season for using recruiting that I was ready to “There will always be that kids in each high school class Maggette, an ineligible player. go coach in the NBA, it was 5 to 10 percent out there in and exposes them to greed. so demoralizing,” Williams the world that’s doing the With today’s gigantic NBA said. “It was distasteful negative,” Coleman said. “And contracts and lucrative shoe women and rock ’n’ roll. the AAU circuit and summer of them are going to pan out because of some of the there’s always 5 to 10 percent deals, the number of outside We’re talking about 15-year- basketball scene more than and the agent will make his 4 unethical things that I felt like of the coaches that are willing influences hoping to ride a kid old kids living in an ever. percent on whatever millions were involved in recruiting. I to do it with them, And the to riches — from relatives to environment that most of us “What the agents try to do, those kids sign for.” was having a more difficult reality is that a lot of people AAU coaches to street agents were never exposed to. like any business, is build up Robinson said that during time finding scenarios that have the mentality that you — is increasing. Because one guy can take a their inventory,” said Wake his six years in Raleigh from were appealing to me from an and I have when we’re in our “I’ve always told people, hustler to the promised land.” Forest assistant coach Dino 1990 to 1996, he found himself ethical standpoint. At that car: We’re not speeding unless ‘Gimme a 15-year-old and I According to many coaches, Gaudio. “And that’s all these having to “go through some time, our scenario and the we get stopped.” can ruin him,’” Robinson said. the culture has evolved to kids are to them is inventory. pretty rough people to get the people we were recruiting Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached “You give him sweats, shoes, where agents and their If they’ve got 20 of the top best down the stretch.” In the wasn’t very pleasant.” at [email protected] or 486- eventually you give him runners are now permeating young kids in the country, two early 1990s, he remembers The biggest problem, 3536.