what a klotz

-- Oregon lawmakers approved the Ducks' proposal to purchase the Williams' Bakery site and move the local bakery to another home in the hope of building a new basketball arena on the current bakery site. The University of Oregon, however, still doesn't know if it can afford a new arena that would run close to $200 million. But because constructing such a pavilion has "long been a dream" of school President Dave Frohnmayer, I believe Ernie Kent will sooner rather than later find himself enjoying new facilities.

-- Comparing Emeka Okafor's numbers with those of Shelden Williams, Blogger Ken Pomeroy argues Williams is nearly as good as Okafor and, therefore, "the best all-around player in the ACC." The statistical evaluation is impressive -- until one realizes that Okafor's numbers are for the entire 2004-2005 season, including conference play, while Williams' stats are for only the first half of the season, excluding ACC games.

-- Losing streaks do wonders for an institution's willingness to accommodate fan requests. Memphis, for example, just announced it is allowing more flexibility within seating sections. "For example, if your seats are in section 107 you can visit with friends in section 116 and in the Club section before the game and during halftime." Seems like pre-flexibility days were more than a bit draconian.

-- Texas' much-improved center, Jason Klotz, has been suspended for one game for throwing a punch during the Longhorns' recent win over Memphis. Look for Klotz to take advantage of the time off by recording a rap with Ron Artest.

-- Steve Valentik of the Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune pens a nice write-up about Iowa State's Curtis Stinson, the highlight of which is Valentik's explanation of how former Cyclones coach Larry Eustachy, acting with the help of Jamaal Tinsley, convinced the Bronx native to play in the land of corn.

-- Mike Lucas of the Madison Capital-Times notes "Vultures are circling Indiana's [Mike] Davis." Yes, that is to be expected of any Indiana coach whose teams lose three consecutive games to Northwestern.

-- The Philadelphia Inquirer's Mike Jensen goes to print with a few thoughts, including a suggestion that USC, for humor's sake, call Mark Few, a shout-out to Boston College All-American Craig Smith, a note on newfound love between Temple and Villanova, and an observation that Philly-educated go-to-guys have had a bad week, health-wise.