National Notebook - AthlonSports.com

NCAA Tournament stage is set

Memphis coach John Calipari was singing the No. 2 seeding blues on Selection Sunday, but Ken Davis says the NCAA men’s basketball committee got the No. 1 debate between Memphis and Connecticut right.

Handing out 08-09 college hoops awards

Championship Week is upon us. Where did the time go? Before Selection Sunday arrives, let’s pause to reflect on the top performances of the regular season. We present the Athlon college basketball awards for 2008-09:

James' injury a major blow to Marquette

Just imagine the disappointment that had to be flooding the senses of Marquette guard Dominic James as he sat on the bench in the second half of a loss to Connecticut last Wednesday. James’ season – and his career at Marquette – ended with a freakish foot injury about four minutes into that game.

Aldrich growing into a leader for Jayhawks

The emergence of sophomore center Cole Aldrich is one of the big reasons why Kansas has surprised as a Big 12 contender. Tonight, he matches up against Blake Griffin in a battle of the league's best teams.

Pennell has done an outstanding job at Arizona

Not much had gone right for Arizona at the beginning of this season. But now, the Wildcats have won seven straight games and are on the verge of an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. All things considered, interim head coach Russ Pennell has done an amazing job.

Final push for NCAA Tournament begins

We’ve reached that critical stage where teams make or break their seasons. This is that final stretch that is so closely observed by the NCAA tournament selection committee. A winning streak can suddenly lift a team into the postseason debate. An extended slump can put a team on the bubble — or worse.

Calhoun, Pitino have lengthy history

UConn's Jim Calhoun and Louisville's Rick Pitino have a history of disagreements but they have since put their differences behind them and lead two of the nation's best teams against each other this week.

Five guys who don't get enough respect

There are several players around the country who don’t get enough credit on their teams. With that in mind, Ken Davis fills out his starting lineup on the 2009 Can’t A Guy Get Some Respect Team.

OSU's Robinson joins Obama on Capitol Hill

Craig Robinson has never been to the White House, but that is about to change. The Oregon State coach and his family will rest tonight in Blair House, the President’s official guesthouse. And if there is any spare time, Robinson will get a personal tour of the White House from his sister, Michelle Obama.

New coaches seeing immediate success

New coaches generally need some time to turn struggling teams around, but five first-year guys are having great success during their initial season at their new school.

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- RB Sleepers

Athlon continues its release of the 2009 college fantasy draft kit with a look at the runn... more

- The Tide has turned in Alabama

Thanks to the hiring of Nick Saban, the balance of power has shifted between Alabama's two... more

- 13 things to watch in 2009: Part 4

This is Part 4 of a four-part series detailing 13 things to watch during the 2009 NFL seas... more

- 2009 Stanford Cardinal Preview

He’s got a 9–15 record in his first two seasons, but Jim Harbaugh has created a buzz a... more

- 2009 Boston College Eagles Preview

Even though Boston College returns 12 starters from last year’s 9–5 squad, it would be... more