SELECT GROUP College basketball: Duke pounds Maryland, poised for top spot. Page 5C Jack Britt’s Xavier Nixon has been named to the annual Parade Magazine high C school All-American football team. Check out SUNDAY the squad in the magazine. SPORTS January 25, 2009 HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING 3C • TENNIS 7C • NFL 8C • NBA/NHL 9C www.fayobserver.com/sports

KAY YOW: 1942-2009

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE RECRUITMENT OF WORD OF GOD’S JOHN WALL WHAT’S THE DEAL? AP file photo Kay Yow ‘created an amazing awareness’ of the fight against cancer, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Saturday. COACH. MENTOR. TEACHER. PIONEER. Most of us only knew her as a coach, and Kay Yow was one of the best the game of women’s basketball has ever known. But when the N.C. State icon died Saturday after a long, heroic battle against breast cancer, the world lost far more than a coach. Gone is a pioneer, an innovator, an ambassador, a mentor and teacher, a spiritual adviser, and a spirit that inspired hundreds of young women throughout a 38-year coaching career. Yow, 66, had struggled SAMMY with breast cancer since first BATTEN being diagnosed in 1987. It Photographs provided by The (Raleigh) News & Observer and the Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald resurfaced during the 2004-05 season and again in 2006-07, INSIDE causing Yow to miss a total % By Dan Wiederer NCAA RULES of 18 games. But Yow refused Career Staff writer to submit to the wicked highlights, The NCAA rulebook includes recruiting disease and would become reaction, RALEIGH — If John Wall bylaws that attempt to regulate the hiring The point appears just a tad bored, if it one of the leading advocates Page 7C of employees who may be closely tied with looks as if he is just going supporting research to find a % Coach was guard from through the motions, maybe prospective student-athletes. NCAA cure. spokeswoman Gail Dent said the rules are in “The really great thing a symbol it’s because he’s in need of a of courage, Raleigh and bigger stage and hungry for place to protect the student-athlete and about her was that she had greater competition. maintain the integrity of the NCAA and its the courage to fight her hope, Page 1A nation’s No. 1 On this particular member institutions. Dent also said the battle (with cancer) in Wednesday night in early following bylaw, although not worded as such, public,” Duke men’s December, Wall is barely applies to parents, friends and basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said recruit is the breaking a sweat. Yet his AAU coaches of recruits. Saturday. “And as a result, she not only Word of God Holy Rams are fought for her, she fought for everyone who has cancer or will have cancer, and for the talk of the rolling to an 86-47 blowout of FROM THE NCAA’S RULEBOOK families that are involved. She created an St. David’s. BYLAW 13.8.3.3.1 amazing awareness of that fight and served recruiting You want big fish in a A member institution is permitted little pond? This is the very See BATTEN, Page 7C to enter into a contractual scene — definition with Wall, the No. 1 high school basketball recruit agreement with a high school, in the country playing in a preparatory school or two-year MOTOR SPORTS as much for bandbox gym — capacity: 555 college coach for an employment opportunity — against an obviously that begins with the next academic year, the saga overmatched opponent. provided the employment contract with the Kvapil keeps The arena, with just five member institution is not contingent upon the as for his rows of purple bleachers on enrollment of a prospective student-athlete either side of the court, is jammed. At least a dozen and the coach does not begin any coaching positive amid dynamic play. camcorders glow red as Wall duties (e.g., recruiting, selection of coaching makes a steal at midcourt staff) for the member institution while and, with one jet-pack burst, remaining associated with the high school, difficult times See WALL, Page 4C preparatory school or two-year college. By Thomas Pope Motor sports editor Travis Kvapil’s meeting with his boss a few weeks ago was of the good news-bad news va- TWO-FOR-ONE riety. The bad news was that the NASCAR Sprint Baylor’s hiring of Dwon Clifton has raised questions, but it’s far from the first time something like this has happened Cup points Kvapil earned in 2008 were going to in college basketball recruiting. Here’s a closer look at the Clifton-Wall situation, along with some similar events: be transferred to a new team- mate, Bobby Labonte, as well as his entire crew. That 23rd- place finish in the points that guaranteed a starting spot in the first five races of 2009? Those were given to Labonte and Hall of Fame Racing for JOHN DWON MARIO RONNIE DANNY ED MICHAEL DALONTE joining the fold. WALL CLIFTON CALMERS CHALMERS MANNING MANNING BEASLEY HILL The good news? For taking Kvapil one for the team, he’ll have a chance to qualify in at least the first five races { { { { of the season. After that, racing proceeds on a In July, Clifton, Wall’s Mario’s father, Ronnie, was hired Danny ended up at Kansas after Beasley went to Kansas State race-to-race basis, all of it contingent on spon- summer league coach from as Kansas’ director of basketball his father, Ed, was hired by after the school hired Hill, sorship. Greensboro-based D-One Sports, operations in June 2005, a little Jayhawks coach Larry Brown who had previously been a coach was named Baylor’s director more than a year after Mario as an assistant coach just before for the same D.C. Assault AAU It’s a good thing, then, that Kvapil is a of player development. committed to the Jayhawks. Danny’s senior year of high school. program for which Beasley played. See KVAPIL , Page 7C 4C SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009 COLLEGE BASKETBALL THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER Wall: Top recruit will announce his decision in April From Page 1C kind of dog-and-pony show are you running here? Have you turns it into a left-handed satisfied yourselves that this is windmill dunk just before the all above board?’ ” third-quarter buzzer. Only one problem: The Just like that, the chatter folks at Baylor haven’t elevates. Suddenly, the names exactly been eager to open up of Ty Lawson and Derrick on the matter. According to Rose and Chris Paul are Chris Yandle, Bears assistant bouncing around the stands as director of media relations, so many curious spectators neither Driscoll nor head try to determine Wall’s future coach Scott Drew would agree place on the totem pole of to an interview for this story, elite point guards. sticking only to the statement Visitors here in recent they released at the time of weeks have included N.C. Clifton’s hiring. State coach Sidney Lowe and That testimonial from Drew Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski. read: “We're pleased that Dwon But like the helpless Clifton will be joining the defenders Wall bewilders with Baylor family. His professional his ballhandling, the Holy playing experience and ability Rams senior is also toying as a former player to relate to with several college basketball young student-athletes make programs right now. him a great addition to our Wall’s most recent list of staff.” finalists: Baylor, Memphis, In a subsequent e-mail N.C. State, Kansas, Oregon, exchange with the Observer, Miami and Duke. Baylor athletic director Ian Many recruiting experts McCaw wrote, “Dwon Clifton and even more speculative has been a great addition to fans believe Wall ultimately our staff and is doing a will give Baylor the nod. terrific job working with our That’s because in July, Wall’s men's basketball program as summer league coach, Dwon Director of Player Clifton from Greensboro-based Development. Dwon's playing D-One Sports, was given a job experience, both as a in Baylor’s program, successful Division I player accepting the newly created and a professional overseas, position of director of player are a benefit to our players as development. he helps them develop. We Under NCAA guidelines, it believe his ability to mentor was a perfectly legal hire. But our student-athletes will be an at the time, many saw asset to our program.” Baylor’s move as a quid-pro- When asked why the quo strategy of, “Bring John director of player Wall to Waco, and we’ll get development position was you on the payroll.” deemed necessary at Baylor One recruiting analyst said this summer and what on the condition of anonymity: (Raleigh) News & Observer photo specifically about Clifton left “Wall has to end up at Baylor. John Wall’s most recent list of finalists includes Baylor, Memphis, N.C. State, Kansas, Oregon, Miami and Duke. ‘Everybody an impression on the Bears Unless you just think Baylor thinks they know what’s going on in my head,’ Wall says. ‘Everybody thinks they know the answer.’ coaches, McCaw declined was taking a chance that further comment. maybe, just maybe, they legitimate candidates for Lowe found a position for “Based upon the nature of would get John Wall by jobs.” Clifton, the Wolfpack would be these questions, it seems as making that hire. But there’s So, if Wall winds up at higher up Wall’s list than though your story is focusing a big part of me that can’t Baylor thanks in part to his Baylor. Instead, those on the recruitment of a believe that’s true. There had connection to Clifton, it won’t positions have been flip- prospective student-athlete,” to be some pre-arranged be the first time such a two- flopped. McCaw said. “With that, it is understanding.” for-one package has “It’s really a blurry line,” best if I stick to my original Yet with a shrug and a materialized. Lowe said. “I don’t think you statement surrounding Dwon’s smile, Wall says he still has a Last April, Kansas won its want to get into a habit of hiring at Baylor, as anything plethora of factors to consider third national title after Mario hiring associates of recruits outside of that could be and admits feeling amazed by Chalmers hit a 3-pointer in where it gives people the idea considered an NCAA the minute-by-minute Internet the final seconds of the that this is how it’s done and recruiting violation.” analysis of his decision-making championship game to force if you don’t do it, you can’t McCaw also declined to process. overtime with Memphis. The get a kid. But at the same discuss Clifton’s salary, “Everybody thinks they Jayhawks eventually won 75- time, I don’t know if you want compensation Baylor isn’t know what’s going on in my 68, Chalmers was named the to exclude those guys who obligated to release because of head,” Wall said. “Everybody Final Four’s Most Outstanding might have all the credentials its status as a private thinks they know the answer. Player, and he was left to to be a coach.” institution. But trust me, there will be a celebrate that night with It’s worth noting that as a %%% different thread with a Kansas’ director of basketball player at Clemson from 2000- Here’s Wall again on a fast different theory next week.” operations: his dad, Ronnie 2002, Clifton forged a strong break, and St. David’s guard %%% Chalmers, who was hired in relationship with Tigers Anthony Thomas has no It’s easy to understand why June 2005, a little more than assistant coach Matt Driscoll, chance. With a blinding Dwon Clifton would jump at a a year after Mario’s who’s now in his sixth season crossover and a cyclone spin golden opportunity to climb commitment. (Ronnie as an assistant at Baylor. into the lane, Wall keeps the ladder. A former player at Chalmers resigned that Furthermore, Wall is not control of his body and with Clemson and UNC-Greensboro, position in August, just six the only elite recruit Clifton some sixth sense underhands a Clifton played professionally weeks after Mario was coached with D-One Sports. no-look, left-handed lob to C.J. in Portugal and has selected in the NBA Draft.) Raleigh’s Ryan Kelly, a Leslie for an alley-oop jam. aspirations of advancing his Also on the Kansas bench surefire 2009 McDonald’s All- This time, the roar elicits a coaching career. was former Jayhawks star American, has signed his wide-eyed smile from Wall, And it’s not hard to see Danny Manning, who’d won letter of intent to play at who looks to the home why Wall would put his close his own national title 20 years Duke. D-One’s J.T. Terrell, a bleachers with his arms relationship with Clifton on earlier. As a teenage recruit, senior at Cummings High outstretched — like a rock the “pro” side of his Baylor Manning was long projected to School in Burlington, is headed star reveling in the adulation. play his college ball at North to Wake Forest next season. Sitting in the front row on analysis, viewing his former Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald photo coach as a mentor, a Carolina. But he wound up at And C.J. Leslie, a Class of the far end of the court is confidant and something of a Kansas after his father, Ed, a The position for which Dwon Clifton, left, was hired at 2010 N.C. State commitment, Brian Clifton, Dwon’s older father figure. former pro player, was hired Baylor, director of player development, didn’t exist six is expected to play with D- brother, the founder of D-One So the natural next step is by Larry Brown to become an months ago. Before July, Clifton had no college coaching One next summer. So the Sports and one of the main to put Baylor under the assistant coach with the experience and no high school coaching experience. pipeline from the D-One dartboards for criticism in microscope, to see if its legal Jayhawks just before Danny’s Sports program that Clifton is this soap opera. senior year of high school. so closely affiliated with hiring of Clifton passes muster is not on a major crusade to to be boys with the best Brian Clifton has heard promises to run strong for from an ethical standpoint. Michael Beasley, last examine and investigate hiring player I can find and I’m every rumor you can imagine, years to come. If, ultimately, Wall winter’s marquee freshman, practices such as the one that going to package myself with listened to detractors claim he commits to the Bears, skeptics spent his lone college season brought Clifton to Baylor. him to get in.’ ’” Yet it’s also worth noting and Dwon have taken wonder how Clifton’s hiring putting up remarkable ESPN analyst Jay Bilas Many college coaches are that before July, Clifton had advantage of Wall to serve wouldn’t be seen as buying a statistics at Kansas State. believes that approach is the still grappling with the issue. no college coaching experience their own interests. recruit. Beasley, of course, only wound right one, noting there’s just Before this season, Duke’s and no high school coaching But he maintains that there “It certainly doesn’t look up playing for the Wildcats too much potential gray area Mike Krzyzewski said he experience. At the time of his was no pre-arranged deal at good when schools do this,” after they hired Dalonte Hill, to legislate against hiring would never hire an AAU hiring, he was working in Baylor implying that Dwon’s said Jeff Goodman, the senior who had previously been a coaches associated with elite coach to join his staff in order Greensboro as a basketball hiring would bring Wall to college basketball writer for coach for the same D.C. prospects. to help his chances of landing trainer who doubled as a D- campus. FoxSports.com. “However Assault AAU program for “If a coach wants to work a recruit. One coach. “Dwon got a tremendous qualified Dwon Clifton might which Beasley played. his way up in the business and “I’d say, ‘God bless you,’ Furthermore, the position opportunity that he is more be, the way it looks on the (Before arriving at Kansas get to the college level, how and we’ll go recruit someone he now holds at Baylor did than qualified for,” Brian surface is that they’ve hired State, Hill had spent three are they supposed to get else,” Krzyzewski said. “We’d not exist six months ago. And Clifton said. “He’s going to get him to get John Wall. There’s years as an assistant coach at there?” Bilas asked. “Are you never hire an AAU coach according to multiple sources, an opportunity to learn and no way around that.” his alma mater, Charlotte, not allowed to have good because of a player. Because Clifton was given a multi-year grow and develop as a coach, NCAA bylaws prohibit which had prompted Beasley players if you want to make any other kid on my team, we deal worth more than $100,000 as a guy who can relate to programs from hiring to make an oral commitment that jump? What’s the statute didn’t hire their AAU coach, annually. kids, as a guy who can individuals associated with to the 49ers. But former of limitations for being in an either. That doesn’t mean all So, it’s easy to see why develop talent, as a guy who recruits as an enticement. Kansas State coach Bob AAU program with good AAU coaches are bad. But eyebrows have been raised. can increase his ability to be a According to NCAA Huggins lured Hill away for players?” they should be hired on the %%% play caller and run a practice. spokeswoman Gail Dent, what has been reported as an Still, purists wonder what’s merit of whether they’re a Bilas does not believe there He’s found a situation that’s universities also are prohibited annual salary of more than to stop the recruiting process good coach and not on who is a widespread problem with perfect for any young guy from providing high school $400,000. Beasley later from becoming an all-out they’re coaching.” these specific recruiting who’s an aspiring coach. coaches with gifts to induce followed.) bidding war, with coaches, N.C. State coach Sidney tactics. But he did “If John decides to go to them to send their prospects Quite simply, Wall’s relatives and associates of Lowe, however, believes it’s acknowledge that the high- Baylor, Dwon will be great in to that school. connection to Dwon Clifton elite prospects naming their difficult to take a firm black- profile nature of Wall’s that position. And if John But the rules are and Clifton’s new connection price to steer recruits toward and-white stance on the recruitment attracts an decided he wanted to go to ambiguous, at best. And while to Baylor are hardly a new the most cooperative program. matter. obvious spotlight. the University of Hawaii, the NCAA has admitted storyline. But that doesn’t “Absolutely this is a bad Ironically, it’s Lowe who “There’s no question that Dwon’s still going to have that concern and vowed to make the dynamics any less thing for college basketball,” might have the most to lose if things like this have happened position. Baylor hired him examine such dubious hires controversial. Goodman said. “I have no Wall takes his skills to Baylor. before with the eye on getting with the knowledge that these more aggressively, there %%% problem saying that. Because N.C. State, as it is known, is a player,” Bilas said. “But I were two separate events.” seems to be no way to strictly Dent said he believes much now, guys coming up and in desperate need of a game- don’t think it’s so big of a Indeed, six months have regulate the hiring process at of the responsibility for trying to get in the (coaching) changing point guard. And the problem that we need to passed since Dwon Clifton was programs across the country maintaining ethical integrity industry are asking No. 1 recruit in the nation just make a blanket rule that hired at Baylor, and Wall has without inadvertently in such cases lies with the themselves, ‘What’s the best happens to be attending school could hurt good people. In this not yet made a verbal impeding opportunity for, as individual schools. And avenue for me to get there 12 miles from where the situation, the question is best commitment. Suddenly, the Dent says, “individuals who therefore the NCAA, while quickly?’ And the obvious Wolfpack plays its home directed to the administration belief that Wall to Baylor is a may be involved with trying to become more answer is, ‘Well, I’m going to games. at Baylor. Someone needs to done deal has lessened as prospects but who are aggressive with its legislation, hook onto a kid, and I’m going It stands to reason that had ask, ‘Wait a minute. What See WALL, Page 5C THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER ACC BASKETBALL SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009 5C

ACC STANDINGS DUKE 85, MARYLAND 44

Conf. All WL W L Duke 5 0 18 1 Wake Forest 3 1 16 1 Duke poised for return to No. 1 Virginia Tech 3 1 13 5 N. Carolina 3 2 17 2 Florida State 3 2 16 4 ! The Blue Devils Miami 3 2 14 4 crush Maryland with a POSTGAME B. College 3 3 15 6 REPORT Clemson 2 2 16 2 complete game. Maryland 2 3 13 6 By Dan Wiederer Duke vs. Maryland N.C. State 1 4 10 7 Staff writer Virginia 1 4 7 9 GOOD NEWS Georgia Tech 0 5 9 9 DURHAM — Earlier this % In five ACC wins, Duke has month, after his Duke Blue Saturday’s results held its opponents to an Devils had risen to No. 2 in the average of 49.6 points. Duke 85, Maryland 44 national polls, coach Mike B. College 79, N.C. State 68 Krzyzewski grumbled that the BAD NEWS Florida State 73, Virginia 62 accomplishment hadn’t re- % Maryland suffered its worst Today’s games ceived enough media attention. loss against Duke in 164 Virginia Tech at Miami, 5:30 p.m. Well, now the Blue Devils meetings all-time. have another triumph to com- Ga. Tech at Clemson, 7:45 p.m. memorate. Thanks to Saturday OUTSIDE THE BOX Tuesday’s games afternoon’s 85-44 defeat of % If Duke returns to No. 1 in Miami at N.C. State, 7 p.m. Maryland at Cameron Indoor the AP poll Monday, (ESPNU) Stadium, Duke is almost certain Wednesday'’s game at Wake B.College at Maryland, 7:30 p.m. to leapfrog ACC rival Wake Forest will mark the 189th (ESPN2) Forest in the polls, returning to No. 1 for the 14th season in time the Blue Devils have Wednesday’s games played as the top-ranked Duke at Wake Forest, 7 p.m. Krzyzewski’s 29 years on the bench. team under coach Mike (ESPN) The Blue Devils blasted the Krzyzewski. N. Carolina at Florida St., 9 p.m. Terrapins with another com- plete performance on both ends. AP photo Gerald Henderson led the scor- FLA. STATE 73, ing with 17 points before check- Duke’s Gerald Henderson, left, and Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez battle for a rebound. No.2Duke85, ing out of the game with 9:34 to Maryland 44 VIRGINIA 62 FG FT Reb play. And Jon Scheyer made For the game, Maryland shot “That may just be the loud- the third ACC team this season MARYLAND Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PT Milbourne 30 9-16 1-1 2-5 2 2 19 four of his eight 3-point at- just 28.1 percent and its 44 est it’s been here all season,” to hold the No. 1 ranking, a feat Neal 17 2-4 0-0 0-1 1 2 5 Hayes 20 1-6 0-0 0-1 0 1 2 tempts to finish with 12 points. points marked the program’s Henderson said the conference has only enjoyed Vasquez 28 2-10 0-0 0-1 1 2 4 Bowie 30 1-10 1-2 2-5 2 2 3 Seminoles But it was again Duke’s de- lowest scoring output in 20 Added Krzyzewski: “That once before — in 1985-86 when Dupree 8 1-5 1-3 1-1 0 0 3 Kim 5 0-3 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 fense that ruled the day. By years under coach Gary was a pretty damn good posses- Georgia Tech, North Carolina Mosley 23 1-7 1-2 2-5 2 3 4 Pearman 3 0-1 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 holding Maryland to 7 for 25 Williams. sion. For all of you who think and Duke all spent time in pos- Tucker 17 1-1 0-0 1-2 2 1 2 shooting in the first half and “We didn’t play with the en- you can play, you can’t do that. Goins 3 0-0 1-2 2-2 0 1 1 win with session of the top ranking. Gregory 16 0-1 1-2 1-4 0 1 1 forcing 12 turnovers, the Blue thusiasm necessary to walk in That’s sort of the beauty of Totals 200 18-64 6-12 15-38 10 15 44 Krzyzewski seemed excited Percentages: FG .281, FT .500. 3-Point Goals: 2-12, Devils led 40-15 at halftime. It here and play well,” Williams watching sports when you .167 (Neal 1-2, Mosley 1-2, Bowie 0-1, Pearman 0-1, about this return to No. 1. Hayes 0-2, Kim 0-2, Vasquez 0-2). Team Rebounds: 9. was the third time in five ACC said. watch something like that. I Blocked Shots: 6 (Gregory 3, Goins, Mosley, Mil- defense “It’s a big deal for us be- bourne). Turnovers: 17 (Bowie 4, Vasquez 4, Hayes 4, games Duke had held its oppo- The game was over at half- mean I could Wii it and it’s not Gregory 2, Goins, Mosley, Neal). Steals: 5 (Milbourne cause it means that we’re play- 2, Mosley, Kim, Bowie). Technical Fouls: None. The Associated Press nent below 20 points in a half. time with Duke ahead by 25. going to look like that. That was ing really well,” he said. FG FT Reb Duke won the rebounding But the Devils kept their foot on beautiful basketball.” DUKE Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PT CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Singler 22 3-9 4-4 3-7 2 0 11 battle 56-38, the seventh time the accelerator and provided a Duke (18-1, 5-0 ACC) has won But the Duke coach was also Henderson 23 7-8 1-3 2-8 4 0 17 Coming off a loss at Miami in Zoubek 18 4-7 1-2 7-9 3 3 9 this season it has posted a re- vintage SportsCenter sequence 10 consecutive games and is the realistic about the challenges Smith 19 2-6 2-2 1-2 4 1 8 which its commitment to de- that come with that top rank- Scheyer 24 4-13 0-0 1-5 3 1 12 bounding margin of 15 or more. early in the second half when only ACC team without a loss in Paulus 17 3-6 0-0 1-5 4 1 7 fense was lacking, Florida State The Blue Devils also put the Henderson deflected a Vasquez conference play. ing. Pocius 11 1-4 0-0 1-2 1 0 3 Czyz 9 0-2 0-0 0-1 1 0 0 made sure not to repeat the mis- clamps on Maryland’s All-ACC pass to the sideline, Kyle Sin- Next up Wednesday: a trip to McClure 11 1-2 0-0 0-4 0 1 2 “It’s an honor and it says Williams 14 3-5 2-4 0-1 1 3 9 take against Virginia. point guard, Greivis Vasquez, gler saved the ball ahead to play current No. 1 Wake Forest, Plumlee 12 0-5 0-0 2-5 0 2 0 that you’re playing really well,” Thomas 17 3-6 1-4 2-3 0 2 7 The Seminoles didn’t. Using who came into the game aver- Scheyer, who hit Nolan Smith, which suffered its first loss of Johnson 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 Krzyzewski said. “But you don’t Totals 200 31-73 11-19 21-56 23 15 85 an in-your-face defense that aging 17 points, 6 assists and 4.8 who made a no-look touch pass the season last week to Virginia really get anything from it ex- Percentages: FG .425, FT .579. 3-Point Goals: 12-25, .480 (Scheyer 4-8, Henderson 2-2, Smith 2-2, Williams pushed Virginia’s shooters far rebounds. But with Henderson to Henderson, who scored while Tech, likely squashing any cept a really big headline when 1-1, Singler 1-3, Paulus 1-3, Pocius 1-4, Czyz 0-2). Team Rebounds: 4. Blocked Shots: 12 (Zoubek 4, Plumlee 3, outside and keeping a hand in and Scheyer giving chase, the being fouled by Sean Mosley. dreams of a No. 1 vs. No. 2 you lose.” Thomas 2, Singler 2, Czyz). Turnovers: 10 (Paulus 2, the face of anyone trying to Henderson 2, Singler 2, Scheyer, Czyz, Pocius). Steals: Terrapins junior totaled just That was the exclamation showdown in Winston-Salem. 11 (Thomas 2, Singler 2, Henderson 2, Plumlee, shoot, Florida State held Vir- four points, one rebound and point to a 20-3 Duke run that Duke’s return to No. 1 seems Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached Zoubek, Scheyer, Smith, Pocius). Technical Fouls: at [email protected] or 486- None. ginia to just three first-half field one assist and committed four blew the game wide open and to be a foregone conclusion, Maryland 15 29 — 44 3536. Duke 40 45 — 85 goals Saturday in a 73-62 victo- turnovers Saturday. blew the roof off of Cameron. meaning the Devils will become A—9,314. ry that was never much of a con- test. In the process, the Seminoles showed themselves what they BOSTON COLLEGE 79, N.C. STATE 68 can do when they try. “We just came off a bad loss and our defensive intensity wasn’t there when we played Rice carries Eagles past Wolfpack Miami,” guard Toney Douglas said after leading the Seminoles with 21 points. “We had to make The Associated Press scored 16 straight points — six who remembers the team that apiece from Tracy Smith and lost 12 of its last 13 last season sure if we were going to lose a BOSTON — Tyrese Rice Ben McCauley — but couldn’t after starting 12-4. game, we’d lose with all-out ef- scored 25 points and Joe Tra- take the lead. fort, intensity and energy.” pani had 12 points and 10 re- “We went through it last That was more than enough bounds to lead Boston College to Smith had 17 points and Mc- year,” he said. “We know how a to overpower a Virginia team a 79-68 victory over North Car- Cauley added 15 for N.C. State, season can go from good to bad that is reeling, having lost four olina State on Saturday. which was coming off a 73-56 in five games. ... We’ve had our in a row since opening confer- Corey Raji had eight re- loss to No. 2 Duke and plays slide and I don’t think we’ll go ence play with a surprising bounds for the Eagles (15-6, 3-3 fifth-ranked North Carolina through that again.” overtime victory at Georgia Atlantic Coast Conference), who next Sunday. Boston College 79, Tech. had lost five straight league BC led 47-28 with 18:25 to N.C. State 68 The Seminoles (16-4, 3-2 At- play before the Wolfpack scored FG FT Reb games at home since beating the N.C. STATE Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PT lantic Coast Conference) led 30- the next 16 points, and it was 56- Fells 31 4-10 2-4 0-0 3 0 10 Wolfpack last Valentine’s Day. Costner 26 2-6 2-3 1-4 1 4 6 16 at the intermission, then ex- 53 before the Eagles made six McCauley 26 7-13 1-1 1-6 1 5 15 Tracy Smith scored 17 points Degand 30 4-7 0-0 0-1 7 0 10 tended their lead to as many as and Ben McCauley added 15 for consecutive free throws to make Williams 11 0-2 0-0 0-1 0 1 0 21 points even when the Cava- Ferguson 9 0-2 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 N.C. State (10-7, 1-4), which was it a nine-point game. TSmith 24 6-9 5-8 5-8 0 4 17 liers started making shots. Mays 10 1-1 0-0 0-0 1 3 3 coming off a 73-56 loss to No. 2 BC outrebounded N.C. State Thomas 14 1-2 2-2 2-2 0 0 5 Horner 19 0-4 2-2 1-2 1 0 2 “They systematically and me- Duke. The Wolfpack learned 46-25, getting eight board from Totals 200 25-56 14-20 10-25 14 18 68 thodically wore us down,” Vir- Percentages: FG .446, FT .700. 3-Point Goals: 4-14, earlier Saturday that women’s Corey Raji. The Eagles, who had .286 (Degand 2-4, Thomas 1-1, Mays 1-1, Horner 0-1, ginia coach Dave Leitao said. Costner 0-1, Ferguson 0-1, Williams 0-1, Fells 0-4). basketball coach Kay Yow had lost five straight league games Team Rebounds: 1. Blocked Shots: 5 (McCauley 2, at home since beating the Wolf- Degand, Costner, Fells). Turnovers: 10 (Costner 2, died of cancer; both teams ob- Fells 2, Degand 2, T.Smith 2, Williams, Mays). Steals: 8 Florida State 73, pack last Valentine’s Day, have (Degand 3, Fells, Horner, Ferguson, Costner, Mc- served a moment of silence be- Cauley). Technical Fouls: None. Virginia 62 fore the game. won two in a row after losing FG FT Reb FLORIDA STATE (16-4) B. COLLEGE Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PT Singleton 3-6 0-0 7, Echefu 1-3 4-4 6, Alabi 5-10 0-0 BC led 47-28 with 18:25 to four straight — three of them in Raji 30 3-10 2-2 6-12 2 1 8 10, Kitchen 2-6 1-2 6, Douglas 8-11 4-4 21, Gibson 2-3 Trapani 33 4-12 3-3 4-10 3 1 12 0-1 4, DeMercy 1-3 2-2 5, Loucks 2-5 0-0 6, Dulkys 2-5 play before the Wolfpack scored the ACC and the other to Har- Southern 25 3-9 1-4 5-7 0 3 7 0-0 6, Reid 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 27-54 11-13 73. Rice 36 8-13 6-6 1-4 3 2 25 VIRGINIA (7-9) the next 16 points, six from Mc- vard. Sanders 19 4-8 2-2 3-4 1 3 12 Scott 1-4 0-0 2, Sene 0-1 0-0 0, Baker 2-8 2-2 6, Jackson 26 4-8 2-2 0-2 3 2 10 Zeglinski 2-5 4-8 8, Landesberg 5-11 14-14 24, Far- Cauley and six from Smith. It “It really took us a while to Paris 4 0-1 0-0 0-0 2 0 0 rakhan 0-5 0-0 0, Tucker 3-5 2-2 10, Soroye 0-0 0-0 0, Roche 7 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 1 0 Jones 3-7 0-0 8, Diane 1-2 1-2 3, Meyinsse 0-0 1-2 1. was 56-53 before the Eagles recover from that loss to Har- Elmore 5 1-2 0-0 0-1 0 0 3 Totals 17-48 24-30 62. Dunn 15 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 3 2 Halftime-Florida State 30-16. 3-Point Goals-Flori- made six consecutive free vard,” Eagles coach Al Skinner Totals 200 28-64 16-19 22-46 15 16 79 da State 8-15 (Loucks 2-3, Dulkys 2-4, Singleton 1-1, said. “We’re a young team. Percentages: FG .438, FT .842. 3-Point Goals: 7-19, Douglas 1-2, DeMercy 1-2, Kitchen 1-3), Virginia 4-14 throws to make it a nine-point .368 (Rice 3-7, Sanders 2-2, Elmore 1-2, Trapani 1-5, (Tucker 2-2, Jones 2-4, Baker 0-1, Diane 0-1, Zeglins- game. We’ve got to regroup when we’re Jackson 0-3). Team Rebounds: 6. Blocked Shots: 2 ki 0-2, Landesberg 0-2, Farrakhan 0-2). Fouled Out- (Jackson, Trapani). Turnovers: 13 (Southern 4, Rice 3, AP photo None. Rebounds-Florida State 31 (Singleton 7), Vir- Boston College opened a 19- going through that.” Trapani 2, Sanders, Jackson, Raji). Steals: 4 (Rice, ginia 25 (Landesberg 6). Assists-Florida State 16 Jackson, Raji, Paris). Technical Fouls: Rice. (Douglas 5), Virginia 8 (Baker 3). Total Fouls-Florida point lead early in the second Rice is the only senior on the N.C. State 27 41 — 68 Boston College’s Tyrese Rice goes up to shoot between State 22, Virginia 13. A-10,981. B. College 42 37 — 79 half. The Wolfpack (10-7, 1-4) BC roster, and one of the few A—8,167. N.C. State’s Dennis Horner, left, and Farnold Degand.

well-being at the top of their Clifton asks. “Life is about different school,” Brian Clifton Wall priority list. ‘Life is about connections and networking. connections and networking. said. “From the very beginning,” This isn’t something unique to Will Dwon Clifton’s place From Page 4C Brian Clifton said, “our core This isn’t something unique to recruiting.’ recruiting.” at Baylor be enough to land a focus has been on John and So is a commitment to commitment from Wall? If it Krzyzewski, Kansas coach Bill doing what’s best for him.” Brian Clifton, Dwon Clifton’s older brother Baylor forthcoming? It’s well isn’t, cynics wonder, will that Self and Memphis’ John and the founder of D-One Sports Critics label the Cliftons within the realm of possibility. lessen the controversy of this Calipari have remained active But according to Wall, Dwon matter, or simply hinder in the chase. Wall’s “handlers” — intermediaries who may Clifton’s hiring to the Bears Clifton’s job security? Still, whether Wall heads to receive even greater rewards to attitude problems. their best interest on John,” program was not the deal For those eagerly awaiting Baylor or takes his talents if they can help deliver Wall Through the Cliftons, Brian Clifton said. “They don’t sealer. Wall’s landmark elsewhere, detractors believe to an agent when he’s ready however, he found guidance know where he’s come from. “Dwon told me even before announcement, don’t hold your what the school has attempted to join the NBA. Wall calls and support. They don’t know where he’s last summer that regardless breath. The star point guard is to do is still ethically wrong. the Cliftons his friends and “Maturity-wise, I don’t going. They have no point of of where he wound up that I waiting until the spring Brian Clifton admits the mentors, a compass in his know where I’d be without reference and no idea what is had to do what’s best for me,” signing period in April to dynamics throughout the development as a person. them,” Wall said. truly going to be best for this Wall said. make his move, a decision he kid. And they don’t do any recruiting scene are grayer Wall’s father, John Sr., died With all of that growth, Still, there’s no denying that plans to announce on ESPNU’s research before they start than a winter sky in Seattle. of cancer nearly 10 years ago, with all of Wall’s heartfelt Dwon Clifton’s hiring to head Recruiting Insider show. casting aspersions about him But it’s also not his a blow the young point guard thanks, Brian Clifton can only coach Scott Drew’s staff is the “That way I can let the and the people around him.” responsibility to change them. admits took him years to fully shake his head at those who predominant reason the Bears whole country know at once,” And while he has been accept. He battled bitterness believe he and his brother Has Dwon Clifton benefited have made Wall’s short list. he said. “It’ll be cool.” irritated by the rampant and immaturity issues and have taken advantage of the from his tight relationship “I don’t know that Baylor Inevitably, the chatter will criticism he and his brother only wound up at Word of God situation. with the No. 1 prep point would be getting a visit or elevate again. guard in the country? have absorbed, Brian Clifton after he was cut from the “So many people try to even be in the conversation Staff writer Dan Wiederer can be reached is also quick to point out that team at Broughton High project what they want and Undeniably. with John if Dwon had at [email protected] they have always put Wall’s School in Raleigh due in part what they need and what’s in “But so what?” Brian decided to go to a completely or 486-3536.