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April 29, 2006

Spencer In 3d

Filed under: Uncategorized — Chas @ 10:35 pm

Charles Spencer was the only Pitt player drafted on day one of the NFL Draft. Not exactly a shock. Actually, almost as expected. It was a little surprising that he was the very first pick of the 3d round, going to the Houston Texans. Not a lot said one way or the other about him, essentially that he had potential, but it might be a reach to be the top of the 3d.

Just a couple other draft thoughts. Seemed the Steelers gave up a little too much to get OSU WR Santonio Holmes — switching spots in the 1st plus a 3d and a 4th round pick at that point struck many as excessive. Of course how hard do you argue with the decision making of the defending Champs? But I did like the grab of Syracuse Safety Anthony Smith in the 3d round.

Not an impressive first day for the Big East. Only Spencer, Smith and Center Jason Spitz from Louisville were drafted. All in the 3d round. Not that it means that much considering how many players from the ACC were drafted in just the 1st round and that conference’s showing during the season.

Kind of surprised Louisville DE Elvis Dumervil didn’t get drafted, but apparently he didn’t do well at the Senior Bowl or at the combines. Same that South Florida RB Andre Hall didn’t get picked — though it seemed running backs were kind of devalued in the first day of the draft.

Everybody’s In Akron

Filed under: Uncategorized — Chas @ 10:53 am

LeBron James may be in DC playing in the NBA playoffs but the inaugural LeBron James AAU Tournament — King James Shooting Star Classic — is underway in Akron, Ohio. Unlike last week’s split of AAU talent between Pittsburgh and Houtston, this tournament really seems to have brought a bigger confluence. Both Adidas and Nike sponsored teams are in attendance, meaning lots of top talent on hand. Of course, that includes Pope, Pryor, Blair and the rest of the Pittsburgh JOTS team. It also means top talent like O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose are playing.

That much talent in one place also means lots and lots of coaches to come and watch.

The three-day event, which features more than 300 teams from across the country, will showcase some of the nation’s top high school players.

More than 250 college coaches are expected to attend.

Earley said he has heard from several big-name college coaches, including UCLA Bruin’s men’s head coach Ben Howland and Texas Tech men’s head coach Bobby Knight.

The tournament is one of the premier stages where players perform and coaches can identify and evaluate potential college recruits.

Most local hotels are booked or on the brink of it.

Akron’s Courtyard by Marriott sold out in December, said assistant general manager Laura Valiante. “We’ve been turning people away ever since.”

Earlier this week, the Hilton in Fairlawn had four rooms available and the Hampton Inn in Stow had “a limited number” of smoking, king-sized rooms. Both venues were booked by Thursday.

All of that is exciting for Dru Joyce II, the St. Vincent-St. Mary High boys coach who spearheaded the tournament.

Have to believe Coach Dixon is at this one as well. Not to mention that Jerome Lane still lives in the area. I would expect him to be around, and hopefully encouraging kids about Pitt.

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