Scheduling

I've always been fascinated by the art of non-conference scheduling. The trouble mid-majors are rumored to have. The preference certain teams (Syracuse) demonstrate for cupcakes and others (Temple) for the Top 25. The give and take between friends -- and enemies -- on the coaching circuit.

And the results. News and notes, compiled from various sources:

-- Boston College is finalizing plans to contest UCLA in the Wooden Classic in Anaheim on December 5th.
-- The University of Hawaii will play at Saint Louis on December 4th. (Money talks. SLU will pay UH $25,000 for making the trip).
-- Xavier and Tennessee recently finalized a home-and-home series. XU will travel South this fall, with the Volunteers making the return trip the year after.
-- Should a federal court rule in favor of abolishing the NCAA's 2-in-4 rule (which limits college teams to participation in two early-season tournaments every four years), Notre Dame will join Mississippi State, Missouri and Ohio State as hosts in November's 2004 Guardians Classic. First- and second-round games will be played Nov. 15-16. The four winners would then advance to the Final Four in Kansas City, Mo., on Nov. 22-23.
-- Steve Fisher is smiling. The first "San Diego Slam" will take place on December 11th and feature the University of San Diego against the University of Southern California in the opener, followed by San Diego State University against the University of California in the nightcap.
-- Memphis will start a home-and-home series at Purdue in December. The Tigers also hope to begin the season against Georgia Tech at the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts.