size matters

-- Washington Post sports columnist Mark Wise heaps praise on John Gilchrist following Maryland's win against Georgia Tech, noting the point guard's troubles with Gary Williams are (seemingly) long gone. Wise also suggests Gilchrist will turn pro at season's end, in no small part due to the presence of no less than eight scouts from seven NBA teams at yesterday's game. Hope not, but if so, we'll miss ya John.

-- The percentage of men's basketball tickets reserved for University of Wisconsin students is the lowest among Big Ten schools. I hope an Associated Students of Madison petition to increase the size of the Kohl Center's student section moves the UW administration to action.

-- The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy notes that Louisville's Larry O'Bannon has become a much more potent offensive threat after learning to move without the ball. O'Bannon, a senior guard, torched Marquette for 30 points last week. DeCourcy also notes Texas remains hopeful that LaMarcus Aldridge will return this season and Oklahoma State misses Tony Allen, particularly when opposing teams zone the Cowboys.

-- The Virginian Pilot's Bob Molinaro arguest that at 17-2, North Carolina has championship-level talent. Watching the Virginia game, "you got the sense that the Tar Heels may actually encounter tougher competition during a typical practice." Ouch.

-- In his last season at Purdue, Gene Keady finally secured a Big 10 win. His Boilermakers crushed Michigan, 84-55.