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Thirty-Two Regular Season Champions, Part Four
With the college basketball season finally on the horizon, the game that's been overlooked by many in conference realignment will once again have the center stage. Perennial contenders will once again make a run at a national title while some new faces will pop up as well. The first four-part preview will focus on the conferences, and more specifically who will win each of the 32 leagues. In the final part of this series, the final eight conference champions are selected.
Jon Teitel's "Coaching Greats" Series: UL Monroe's Mike Vining
In the latest installment in his "Coaching Greats" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with former UL Monroe head coach Mike Vining, who remains the winningest coach in Southland Conference history. During his time at UL Monroe Vining won 401 games and led the Warhawks to seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Having resigned before ULM moved into the Sun Belt, Vining (elected to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame last summer) now works for former player (and current Monroe mayor) Jamie Mayo as his Executive Administrative Officer. Jon Teitel's "Forgotten Legends" Series: North Texas' Kenneth Lyons
In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Kenneth Lyons, who to this day remains the greatest player in the history of North Texas basketball. Lyons remains the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, and he was a two-time All American in college. Jon Teitel: Why did you decide to go to North Texas?
Southeast Region Final Thoughts: What's in Store for 2011-12?
Next up is the Southeast region, which contributed to the craziness of the NCAA Tournament beginning with Butler knocking off top-seed Pittsburgh in the third round. The question now is what's next for the entire region beginning with the Panthers, who welcome a solid recruiting class while also waiting to see what Ashton Gibbs' decision in regards to staying in the NBA Draft will be.
First Four Tuesday Recap: Bulldogs Come Back to Beat UALR
Tuesday marked the beginning of the NCAA Tournament, although it's tough for most people to consider anything earlier than Thursday being the starting point. The first game of the "First Four" matched Big South champion UNC Asheville and Sun Belt winner Arkansas-Little Rock and the game did not disappoint, requiring an extra five minutes to determine the winner. A Matt Dickey three pointer from the left corner with 11 seconds remaining pushed the game into overtime, where the Bulldogs took the lead for good on a pair of J.P. Primm free throws with 1:11 remaining.
First Round Tuesday: Your Commentary
6:40 PM UNC-Asheville vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (TruTV)
Southeast Region Overview: Can Pitt Reach the Final Four?
Washington, D.C. (March 17)(1) Pittsburgh vs. (16) UNC Asheville/Arkansas-Little Rock
Jon Teitel's "Big Dance" Interviews: Arkansas-Little Rock's Steve Shields
Recently CHN writer spent some time with Arkansas-Little Rock head coach Steve Shields, whose team won four games in four days to win the Sun Belt conference tournament. Where the Trojans get seeded remains to be seen, but the shot-making ability of senior guard Solomon Bozeman and their five seniors are things opponents will need to account for next week.
Jon Teitel: How do you go from being an all-conference golfer for your dad Gene at Baylor 25 years ago to winning a conference tournament title as a basketball coach?
Jon Teitel's "Big Dance" Interviews: UALR's Solomon Bozeman & Joe Kleine
In the latest installment in his "Big Dance" interview series CHN writer spent some time with the hero of Arkansas-Little Rock's comeback win over North Texas in yesterday's Sun Belt title game (guard Solomon Bozeman) along with assistant coach Joe Kleine. Both names are quite familiar to basketball fans, even before last night, due to Bozeman beginning his career at USF before transferring and Coach Kleine's playing career in both college and the NBA. Jon Teitel: You transferred from USF in 2008.