Did you guys see the contracts signed between Michigan and Nike plus Under Armour and Notre Dame ? They will not have to worry about finances for a long time if ever again. They just happen to be academic first schools to my big surprise. They apparently know how to negotiate !

Arden, as we have had several discussions and, at times, you have seemed to be under the impression that I didn't like or appreciate Terry Holland and his accomplishments at UVa, Check out this can that now serves as my Avatar. This is just to let you know I appreciate all that he did here, just as you are gaining confidence, I would assume, in what Tony B will get done here. Trust me, this is not to open one of our discussions from the past. I know we both get each others point, this is just my good natured way of saying I, too, loved Holland and to show off one of my all time favorite Christmas gifts. I guess the mention of Santa Clause in another thread got me to finally post this. Haven't spoken to you in a while, hope you and your wife are doing well, my friend. Actually I have been agreeing woith you a lot lately, really makes me question my own opinions!! ha ha
p the past

For me, its Jarred Reuter. I know he may never even see the court. And I know I should probably be saying something like Jack Salt or Darius Thompson. But for some reason, I"m beyond excited about this kids potential.

Jerome had 10 points by making 4 of 5 shots with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Coleman had 14 points by making 7 of 8 shorts with 3 assists and 2 rebounds.

Richmond-area Hoos who have a little free time this weekend might want to check out the following (h/t JBrigg4Hoos):
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As many of you know, I won the local Dunk Contest and will be going on to the nationals. I
appreciate all the support from this board. Evidentially, I set a new record eating 26 Dunkin Donuts in
8 minutes. This white man can't jump but I definitely eat very well!
This post was is a light hearted joke, it's not meant to offend anyone or waste anyone's time. A little humor while we all wait for updated news on both Mamadi and Nichols.

I saw where we just offered him - 6'9" inside player, I believe 2016? Saw video clip that didn't show much other than he appears to like contact inside and looks quick off of his feet like Gabriel. I believe that even if we get Nichols and Diakite, Tony might take one more of these inside players like Gabriel or White if they wanted to come. That'd leave a spot open for a wing in either 2016 or 2017,and then our PG in 2017 (Coleman, or etc.)

Like we did last summer when the July evaluation period opened, we'll still do a War Room on Friday and break down where everybody is but the period opens later today and I wanted to pass along a couple of notes.

What I've heard is that UVa is going into the first period (today through Sunday) with plans to watch the usual suspects. The two guys I've heard getting more attention than ever? Wenyen Gabriel and Jalen Johnson. Don't be surprised if Tony Bennett tracks them through the week. Also don't be surprised if things get a little more "focused" next week, especially as far as where Bennett goes, depending on what the staff sees this week.

Word around the campfire is that the Cavaliers still feel very, very good about where things are with Mamadi Diakite. And with good reason given what he's been telling other players. The only question is "when" and it sounds more and more like it'll be before the end of the month.

Gotten some questions about Tyus Battle from off the board and wanted to pass along what I heard last night: Don't get your hopes up....yet. Much like before his commitment to Michigan, sources say UVa is hearing good things but there's some skepticism about follow through. The lines of communication are open, though the feeling is still that Syracuse will likely find a place for him even though the Orange are full right now.

Wish he would have fell to 27th for the Lakers

He will be just fine in the pros.

And I have not been impressed with Russell. The knock about him was he didn't have great athleticism and I see that so far in summer league. Justin doesn't have that issue

Really cannot stand when the sports talking heads say how great some coaches are. Bla Bla they won so many games and championships.

Really how hard is it to win and recruit for basketball at duke unc and kentucky??? How hard is it to win and recruit for football at alabama, fsu, ohio state etc.

being vt and bama you can make an easier schedule too.

On a positive. It has been enjoyable to see Roy have to dig deep to recruit.
Whew rant over for now

You'll want to give this a read.

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So Goodman from ESPN wrote...

"Sources told ESPN that Virginia is high atop Nichols' list of suitors because of a connection between Nichols' former summer coach, Ernie Kuyper, and the family of John Paul Jones -- whom Virginia's arena is named after. Kuyper runs an event in Memphis called the Jack Jones Shootout."

Does this bug anyone else??? He writes that as if that could be the only possible reason he would be interested in UVA. I think its really crappy journalism.

my favorite so far is the 2 star kid from Colorado. He is extremely quick off the ball and has great feet. You cannot teach that!

There is a lot of great stuff. Sborz was untouchable, Waddell was a horse, Kirby's reemergence, Pavin's clutch perfomance, and the play by Towns to save a run, oh my goodness! The two out hitting was remarkable, also. But I am going to throw out a new one that just occurred to me and am hoping to here other opinions and maybe a couple new suggestions. I think the key stat was UVA holding Vandy to 2.33 runs per game. Vandy only scored 7 runs all series. They needed two performances like Fulmer (sp) gave them.....didn't happen!

Had Memphis not blocked UVa, looks like this thing was getting done.

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