Congrats to Lazar Hayward!

The Wizards selected Marquette SF Lazar Hayward with the last pick of the first round. Congratulations to Lazar. He was a pleasure to watch at Marquette and I can't think of a guy I'd like to find some NBA success more.

Sounds like Lazar is going to Minnesota. Should have a chance to see some time.

Things That Are Surprising

Mock Drafts on ESPN:

55. Utah Jazz

Jon Scheyer | SG | Duke
Before you start cracking jokes about Scheyer, don't overlook the fact that he'd be a terrific fit in Utah. He can play both guard positions and can shoot the lights out. I've heard him compared to Jeff Hornacek before and it's not a bad comparison.



58. Los Angeles Lakers

Brian Zoubek | C | Duke
Zoubek didn't have a huge career at Duke, but he was a terrific rebounder and could give the Lakers some size and toughness in the middle.

Daily Conference Realignment Rumors

Orangebloods.com who has been all over the conference realignment reported today that Arkansas has sent some feelers out to the Big 12, er 10 about leaving the SEC. Supposedly, super alum Jerry Jones would help make this economically feasible. Jones has a stake in this because he is scheduled to host the next 4 Big 12, er 10 title games and after this year, well, there will not be a title game unless the NCAA grants a waiver.

In the same report, it's mentioned that the other school to be sought after would be...Notre Dame. The biggest selling point would be the ability of Notre Dame to start its own TV network similar to Texas, something the Big 11, er 12 can't offer. All rumor and speculation at this point but very interesting.

The Big East is denying reports they are soon to offer Central Florida and Memphis membership. Memphis has FedEx money to help and try and get it into a BCS conference. Central Florida has Florida in its name.

And finally, Houston has the backing of the Texas legislature in trying to gain membership into the Big 12, er 10. And Texas is like Canada but probably has a better army.

Deflation...

One week ago, we were looking at conference armageddon and a possible huge loss in East Lansing. Well...

Tom Izzo is staying at Michigan State and all of East Lansing breathes a huge sigh of relief.

The only changes in conferences are Nebraska joining the Big 11 after the Big 11 feared being left behind by the Pac-10 who was hard after Texas and Oklahoma. As it turns out, the Pac-10 will end up with only Colorado and Utah.

Winners?

Utah, Texas, Kansas and Nebraska's athletic budget.

Utah joins a BCS conference immediately improving its stature. Texas becomes the richest athletic department ever and should never not contend in any sport. Kansas actually now plays in a tougher conference for basketball losing deadweights Colorado and Nebraska after staring at the sobering reality of possibly joining the Mountain West (Some reports circulated the Big East may have actually taken the 4 non-affiliated North schools of the Big 12 to form a 12 team football league and 20 team basketball mega-conference). And Nebraska improves the bottom line and despite losing a great rival in Oklahoma, they should easily replace that with Iowa and maybe even, Wisconsin.

More conference armageddon...

Many outlets are reporting it's a done deal between the Pac-10 and Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma & Oklahoma State. Wow, what a fun football conference.

Texas A&M is wavering between the SEC and an invite from the Pac-10, opening a potential window for Kansas to sneak into the Pac-10. That might improve the Pac-10 on the hardwood, no?

Conference Armageddon Begins

Good night, sweet Big 12...

Nebraska and the wise Tom Osborne make the smart move to the Big 11 where they can play "Nebraska" football and avoid the monolith that is Texas. Nebraska's recent history versus the Big 11 has been real good but they'll have to recruit Texas without playing Texas schools.

Nebraska makes more money in this move first and foremost but they'll no longer be under the thumb of Texas and definitely be on an even playing field in the new Big 12, er 10 or whatever they'll call it. $50 says it'll be the Big 10 still.

Also today, Colorado agreed to join the Pac-10 and TMZ (Yes, TMZ) is reporting Oklahoma State will announce tomorrow they have accepted the Pac-10's offer all but assuring Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and Tech are soon to follow.

What does this mean for Kansas basketball? Good question. If you look at the breakdown of Final Four teams since the tournament expanded, the Big 12 has a spotty record with only Kansas bringing home the title in 1988 and 2007 and a few appearances by Oklahoma, Okie State and Texas.

Mountain West? Yikes. Think Bill Self might listen the next time Oklahoma State comes calling if that's the case?

Anyway, I for one hate all of this but understand it. To think, in a few seasons, Oklahoma-Nebraska might be the Rose Bowl game...

EDIT: Despite reports at jsonline.com, Texas & Texas A&M are not going to join the Big 11 but A&M is in play with the SEC.

It's summer, damnit!

Izzo to Cleveland?

Nebraska to the Big 11?

Mass chaos in college sports?

Buckle up..

The Wizard of Westwood, 1910-2010

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

Great coach, better man.

Pac-10 Moving First on Expansion?

Reports are surfacing that the Pac-10 may offer Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State & Colorado invites to form the first Super Conference.

Should this be the case, Nebraska and Missouri better hope the Big 11 expands and invites them. Kansas, Kansas State & Iowa State? Good luck!