ACC Basketblog Friday Webrun

The Weekend Smoke from My Cigar Blog: Padron Anniversary Maduro 1964 Imperial. Get over there!

USOC bans Graham: "Track coach Trevor Graham, long embattled by allegations that he encourages doping, was sanctioned Thursday when the U.S. Olympic Committee banned him from its training centers and training sites." Had to. When six of your athletes turn up or are suspected dirty, there's a problem.

Team USA should aim to win -- and win only: "Coach K's team needs to earn FIBA title any way it can."

The Headlines:

Lowe snags 6-year deal: "New N.C. State basketball coach gets a longer contract to help build the program." That's a good move by the Pack. This guy is in a pretty bad situation and is going to need some time. Let's hope the fans give it to him and don't calling for his head in year 4 if he hasn't told enough jokes and made it to the final Four. Ok ok......before Wolfgang kills me, I'm just joking! Good news for Lowe and NC State!! Go Pack and all of that good stuff!

From State Fans Nation: Brackman Update - Good News, Bad News. The kid has talent on the Court. There can be no doubt about that. However, he's on basketball scholarship. If the coaches want to work with him, then fine. He has to be careful, however, to avoid the appearance that he is being disloyal to the group that is paying his way. I picked up on a bit of that when he said "my concentration is on baseball." Perhaps I read it wrong, but when your scholarship is basketball, and the question is about "bball v. baseball," the answer should be "Coach Sendek and Lowe gave me a great opportunity to attend NCSU and pursue my love for Baseball in the offseason. It's the offseason and that's what I'm doing. I'll sit down with Coach Lowe and discuss the upcoming season as soon as school starts." Perhaps I'm being picky. Get over there!

'Canes recruit headed home:"Incoming University of Miami freshman Chris Lewis has been released from his scholarship and plans to transfer to Fresno State this fall."

The Excellent Omar Kelly's Hurricanes Blog - UM Nuggets - Two of Two: "What's in store for the run down Orange Bowl." This sounds like a really exciting project. Part of the magic of the Orange Bowl is that, well, it's a hole. Not that Miami should settle for playing in a hole, but that grimy feel can go a long way in making for a big home field advantage. I like the fact that players are attracted to The "U" not because of the world class stadium they get to play in, but rather, because of the world class athletes they get to train with. Nice.Get over there!!

See the complete ACC Web run at the ACC Basketblog. http://accbasketblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/daily-roundup-freethrowfriday.html