Let’s just say that North Carolina junior guard Dexter Strickland set the tone early, and freshman guard P.J. Hairston had to follow suit.

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It takes a full-time job, or a full-time class schedule, for one to truly appreciate a four-day weekend. And when those two extra days off come courtesy the Thanksgiving holiday, the full-time college basketball fan (or writer) goes into overtime mode.

Just about every D-I team in the country seemed to be playing in a holiday tournament this past weekend – from the balmy paradise of the Bahamas to the cold-ass bustle of New York City on Black Friday. When it was over, some top dogs were going home with their national-championship promise in doubt, while some underdogs returned to campus with brand-new hero status.

Here are the highlights and lowlights from the long weekend: Read More »

*College basketball is here (unlike the NBA), and this year might be one of the best in recent memory. The powerhouse is back, while the Cinderellas believe. That’s a deadly combination. We know some of y’all have been asking for some previews. We have you covered – we’ve previewed each of the top 16 teams in the country. Today is the final one. After we broke down contenders Ohio State and Kentucky yesterday, we’ll finish this off with the best team in the country, No. 1-ranked UNC (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll).* Read More »

While everyone normally talks about summer hoops in NYC, L.A. and D.C., you’d be crazy to forget about Raleigh, N.C., and the Greater NC Pro-Am. Known by many as the “Rucker of the South,” this summer league brings out the best from the area, which last night meant Raleigh’s own John Wall going head-to-head with former NC State star Julius Hodge. In front of a packed house of 3,000 people, Wall (12 points) and incoming UNC freshman P.J. Hairston squeaked out a two-point victory over Hodge (20 points), Jawad Williams, Miles Plumlee and incoming Duke freshmen Quinn Cook and Marshall Plumlee.

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You think you know, but you have no idea. Find out how Austin Rivers, the Dime/2K Sports National High School Player Of The Year, transformed from a regular, lovable kid to a cold-blooded basketball assassin, hated on for his dominance and swagger on the court. Read More »

Before the NBA All-Star Game’s hottest debate turned into a LaMarcus Aldridge celebration — I think the people of Portland are vying to get LMA awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom as we speak — the big argument was over Yao Ming being voted in as an All-Star starter despite playing only five games this season.

In high school basketball, a similar situation has surfaced with today’s unveiling of the Jordan Brand Classic rosters. The annual prep all-star game, played April 16 at the Charlotte Bobcats’ arena, is one of the most popular postseason showcases where college fans get their first look at next year’s freshmen. Read More »

I’ve grown so accustomed to college basketball’s one-and-done culture that now it’s startling to see an NCAA team with as much veteran poise as Duke. The current landscape has also trained me to stop looking at a team like North Carolina and making predictions for next year.

In the Blue Devils’ latest win over their blood rivals this week, the defending national champions were down 14 at halftime as Carolina was beating Duke at their own game in their own gym. Read More »

Now that the AAU season has basically ended for the summer, if you’re into prep hoops, it’s time to turn your attention to college basketball. And with that in mind, we decided to catch up with one of the game’s most talented scouts, Evan Daniels. As a National Basketball Recruiting Analyst for Scout.com, Daniels gives his two cents on what he’s thought of the nation’s best high school players this summer, as well as how he got into the game. Read More »

Rajon Rondo isn’t the only guy making his national magazine cover debut this month. On the other half of our Dime #56 double-cover we have Jared Sullinger, the first-ever Dime/2K Sports National High School Player of the Year.

If you haven’t seen Sullinger play yet, you can still catch him at the Jordan Brand Classic on April 17, or you can wait until he’s ripping it up at Ohio State next season. Read More »

While the news in the NBA may be slow today, some of the top programs in college basketball got one step closer to a National Championship. Jim Boeheim and Syracuse added all seven feet of top 5 prospect Fab Melo to an already stacked Class of 2010, while Roy Williams and North Carolina landed one of high school’s best shooters in P.J. Hairston. Read More »