Retweet of the Day - November 15, 2013

There is nothing like the over anticipation of young people. Blue chip basketball recruit Cliff Alexander of Chicago, Illinois announced where he would play his college ball. A group of University of Illinois students filmed themselves watching the announcement press conference. The conclusion was priceless!

From BroBible (@BroBible): University of Illinois Students Have an HILARIOUS #FAIL Reaction When Cliff Alexander PIcks Kansas http://t.co/eDZep89Guz

Jarell Martin of Madison Prep Academy Chooses LSU

Madison Prep Academy senior forward Jarell Martin, number 14 ranked basketball player in the ESPN 100 for the class of 2013, chose to attend Louisiana State University in his hometown of Baton Rouge today. Below is a video of an interview with Martin and several media members following his announcement at a school assembly.

Retweet of the Day - July 26, 2012

I really have sympathy for Penn State Head Football coach Bill O'Brien, the Penn State football team, the student body, and the thousands of uninvolved people affected by the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal and the corresponding sanctions levied by the NCAA against the football program. These people didn't do anything wrong. They are going to suffer.

Among the myriad NCAA sanctions against Penn State, one of the punishments included the ability for any of their football players to transfer anywhere, including within the conference, immediately without having to sit out a year. Upon the revelation of that news, the buzzards came calling to State College, Pennsylvania. This morning, for instance, The Jim Rome Show relayed reports of a half dozen University of Illinois assistants waiting outside the apartment of an unnamed Penn State football player. Rome also discussed reports that O'Brien said that as many as 50 NCAA schools have tried to recruit his players this week.

Today's retweet is from Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs), who succinctly sums up the State College Jock Rush of 2012 in tweet a quote by the new Penn State coach.

"'It's like NFL free agency without the rules.' - Bill O'Brien"

Even the vultures find the other member schools to be bad for the "vulture" brand.

Image from www.hootingyard.org

Conversation with Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris

The high school I cover, Madison Prep Academy, advanced to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association semifinal round with a thrilling win over Hornbeck High School on Tuesday night. Jarell Martin, Madison Prep’s star player, had a few eyes upon him in the audience. While Tennessee assistant John Harris is not permitted, by NCAA rules, to discuss recruiting, I doubt his wife was out of town, there was nothing on TV, and he decided to drop in to Baton Rouge to watch a little high school basketball.

I had an opportunity to speak with Coach Harris, whose Volunteers play LSU in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center tonight. I stuck to questions about Tennessee and the SEC so nobody would get into trouble! Here is what he had to say.

Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): I am here with University of Tennessee Assistant Coach Jon Harris. Coach, thank you for visiting (and) looking at these fine students in Louisiana here tonight. I know you guys have LSU tomorrow at the PMAC. Big game…. Tell me what’s going through the minds of the Tennessee players right now as you guys are battling really hard for positioning in the (SEC) Tournament.

Jon Harris: We’re just trying to stay the course, man. Taking this thing…one game at a time. LSU is playing some really good basketball right now.

TDHT: You guys had some ups and downs this year. A while ago, people in Baton Rouge (sports media) were saying (that LSU could) write this Tennessee game off as a loss. And now, with the run they’ve made lately, it looks like it’s going to be a real battle. What do you think are going to be the keys for your team in tomorrow’s game?

Harris: You know, again, just staying consistent, man. Playing together…playing our defense…working the ball around trying to control the tempo.

TDHT: In the SEC, who do you think, besides the obvious, Kentucky, are going to be the other real threats to the Vols in the SEC Tournament?

Harris: (scoffs) We’re fighting for our lives, man. You know, like I said, taking this thing one game at a time. Every game in this league is going to be a dogfight.

TDHT: After what happened to (fellow SEC school) Alabama last year, going 12-4 in the league (and being excluded from the NCAA Tournament), would it be fair to say that you guys are feeling a little “bubbly” right now?

Harris: You know, again, that’s something that’s out of our control, man. We’re just trying to do what we can control and play our game and win the games we can win and see what happens.

TDHT: I appreciate you coming down to visit and I hope that you enjoyed your stay here and this game tonight.

Harris: Appreciate it.


I have had the privilege of meeting a number of coaches in major college basketball while covering Madison Prep Academy. Some coaches are very open and willing to talk basketball. Some keep their thoughts closer to the vest. I respect that. They have a job to do and their programs should come first.

Coach Harris clearly kept his thoughts close to the vest. But what he did reveal through his tone of voice, body language, and verbiage is that his Volunteers, while talented, were streaky and as a result of the losing portions of those streaks, his team has its back against the wall for an NCAA Tournament berth. Every game, including tomorrow’s game against my LSU Tigers, will be critical to Tennessee’s survival into March. The Daily Hat Trick is very appreciative for Coach Harris’ time and interest in our athletes here in Louisiana.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from www.utsports.com

Conversation with Jarell Martin – Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee, Louisiana

With the Louisiana High School Athletic Association boys basketball playoffs starting today, I thought it would be fitting to discuss some high school hoops action. I have the privilege of covering the athletic program of Madison Prep Academy in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Their boys basketball team is enjoying a very special season, having won its first ever District 8-B championship.

This special team also has a special player, Jarell Martin. Martin, a 6’7” junior is one of ESPNU’s top 20 among their Super 60 of the class of 2013. Martin was recently nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana.

The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character among high school athletes. Gatorade acknowledges an athlete in each category of sport in every state. Ultimately, a National Player of the Year is chosen.

I had a conversation with Jarell Martin about his nomination for this prestigious award. Coincidentally, his nomination was announced on the same day that Madison Prep clinched its district title with a win at home over Centerville High School.

Jarell Martin dunks against Baton Rouge area basketball powerhouse Glen Oaks. 1

The Daily Hat Trick: Jarell, first of all, you had an outstanding game tonight, a double-double (for points and rebounds). (Madison Prepatory High School Boys Basketball Head) Coach (Jeff Jones) informed me before the game that you were nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year Award. What does that entail?

Jarell Martin: It’s a state thing, (competing with) the top players in the state.

TDHT: I also saw, according to the ESPN rankings for the class of 2013, you are currently ranked number 20. So you are really climbing up the ladder very quickly. Have you found that the interest from recruiters has increased throughout the year?

Martin: Yes, sir. College coaches come in and talk to me (and) talk to my coach. I’m enjoying it right now!

TDHT: Who has called on you so far?

Martin: Louisville, Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma State…they’re the ones who have been calling lately. There have been plenty more who have been calling my coaches.

TDHT: Can you tell me who is in your top three or four? Who looks most favorable, so far?

Martin: I haven’t really been looking into it this year, really taking the time right now. I’ll wait until next year to start looking at colleges.

TDHT: What are you looking for in a college? What is most important to you?

Martin: Their style of play.

TDHT: Is geography or any part of the country important? Weather...or academic programs offered…do any of those factor in or is it mainly style of play is that the big driver?

Martin: Mainly style of play…the coaching staff. I look into the players they’ve got on their team who play my position.

TDHT: And you are currently listed as a small forward, is that right?

Martin:  Yes, sir.

TDHT: Is that where you think you’ll be in college?

Martin: Yes, sir.

TDHT: Alright. Well, keep up the good work. You’re doing everybody proud!

As you can gather from the preceding transcript, Martin is a humble young man who appears to be taking a lot of positive publicity in stride. His grounded demeanor is going to go a long way with college coaches and scouts. It has been a pleasure to watch him and his teammates develop and achieve this season. Hopefully, the run will extend all the way to a championship banner. Regardless, the college that eventually lands Martin will pick up a true asset to any major college program.

Jarell is a quiet kid, but he can play with a little flare when he wants to! 2

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from www.theadvocate.com
2) Video from www.youtube.com

Conversation with Coach Rick Pitino

Last month, the high school whose basketball games I cover, Madison Prep Academy, played a road game at Lafayette, Louisiana against Lafayette Christian Academy (audio from the game can be heard at the Louisiana All American Sports on USTREAM). That evening, Louisville Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Pitino was in the audience, scouting Madison Prep center Jarell Martin (ranked in ESPN’s top 20 prospects of the class of 2013). I had the opportunity and privilege to speak with Coach Pitino after the game. The following is a transcript of our interview.

Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino 1

The Daily Hat Trick (TDHT): We have special guests visit us often, but this is, far and away, the most special guest of my short broadcasting career. I am here with…1996 National Champion, 1997 (NCAA) runner up…2005 Final Four participant and 1992 Elite Eight finalist…future Hall of Fame, Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino. Coach, thank you for coming down to Louisiana tonight. First of all, how are things up in Louisville?

Coach Rick Pitino: Everything’s great. We’re 17-5. The Big East is a tough league this year. There’s no bottom to it, not as great at the top, but extremely competitive.

TDHT: I see that you have Georgetown, Connecticut, Syracuse, Marquette, everybody looks really tough this year. How are the Cardinals?

Pitino: You know, we’ve been injured this year, but even with that, we started out 12-0, beat some good teams. Vanderbilt was good, Long Beach State was very good. We weren’t as good as the 12-0 record and, certainly, we’ve reached a little bit of a lull, where we lost four out of five. But now we’ve won the last three in a row.

TDHT: Do you think that, this year, that the Big East is so loaded that you can have (a team) like Connecticut, last year, (who) was the ninth place team in the Big East in the regular season and they ran through (the NCAA Tournament). Do you think the Big East has that kind of muscle this year?

Pitino: I don’t. I think Syracuse is the real deal. They could win the National Championship. They’re probably the only team that would give Kentucky, in terms of a style of play with that zone, problems. I don’t see anybody beating Kentucky, unless (Anthony) Davis is on the bench. Now, on a given night, anybody can get beat, but you’re talking about the number one player in the draft and he changes the game with his length.

TDHT: He is a special young man. I actually saw him down here this weekend at LSU and I wanted to ask you, with Kentucky there and that being the long time team you coached…with them being a cross-state rival, you must keep up with them. What do you think about them right now?

Anthony Davis of Kentucky 3

Pitino: They’ve got the best talent in the game. You’re talking about five draft choices of a year ago. This year, they’re probably going to have three go in the lottery. So, they’re always going to be there. That’s the way they recruit. We’re a different program. We like to develop our talent to keep them around for a while. That’s their signature and we’ve got a different type of signature. They’re both successful.

TDHT: It has been an honor and a privilege to chat with you. Thank you every much for your time.

     

 

Besides knowing how to dress (check out that suit) Pitino knows how to find talent. He found Dominican born Edgar Sosa (left), who became a standout at Louisville and now plays professionally. 2

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

1) Image from http://www.time.com/

2, 3) Image from http://www.zimbio.com/