Xavier’s Brain Grant helped the Musketeers upset No. 3 seed Nebraska in the 1991 NCAA Tournament. But after a successful NBA career, Grant is once again an underdog in a much bigger battle. Grant has early onset Parkinson’s disease. Despite fighting the disease and depression, Grant is still organizing an event for the Michael J. Fox Foundation in Portland this summer, where Grant lives.
Who's Hot?
Who’s Hot?
Xavier’s Brian Grant Battling Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease, Depression
March 11, 2010 – 4:00 pm
Who’s Hot?
Arizona’s Loren Woods Called Out For On-Court Antics During Iranian Playoffs
March 11, 2010 – 9:20 am
Arizona’s Loren Woods held the NCAA record for most blocks in an NCAA Tournament (21) from 2001-06. Once considered an NBA prospect, today he’s playing for Iran’s Mahram, who recently won its league championship. But a writer admonished Woods for kicking a basketball at an opposing team during the semis and stomping on an opponent’s chest during the finals. Loren Woods profile
Who’s Hot?
George Washington’s Yinka Dare Put Memorable Name On 1993 Sweet Sixteen Run
March 10, 2010 – 3:59 pm
Every NCAA Tournament has its Cinderella and every Cinderella has their prince. In 1993 that prince was George Washington freshman Yinka Dare. The 7-foot-1 Nigerian native wasn’t difficult to notice, both for his size and unusual name. But he also could play a little basketball and helped the Colonials reach the ’93 Sweet Sixteen. He retired in 2003 but sadly died of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of just 31.
Who’s Hot?
Texas’ Terrence Rencher, ‘95 SWC Tourney MVP, Now Texas State Assistant Coach
March 10, 2010 – 9:05 am
Texas’ Terrence Rencher swatted away Texas Tech’s Mike Davis at the end of regulation, keeping the 1995 Southwest Conference Tournament title game tied. The Longhorns won in overtime, 107-104. Rencher scored 31 and was MVP. Today Rencher is still around Austin as an assistant coach at Texas State. The Bobcats start the Southland Tournament today as a No. 4 seed. Terrence Rencher profile
Who’s Hot?
Gonzaga’s Blake Stepp Crosses Over To Poker
March 9, 2010 – 4:04 pm
Gonzaga’s Blake Stepp, a two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year, last played professionally in Spain in 2006 before he was sidelined with knee injuries. He now lives in Spokane and is engaged to be married this summer. He’s also turned into quite the poker player, competing in the 2009 World Series of Poker.
Who’s Hot?
BC’s Troy Bell Dabbles In Boxing, Now In Italy
March 9, 2010 – 9:16 am
Boston College’s Troy Bell, a two-time Big East Player of the Year, was already tossed aside by the NBA by 2006. He literally fought his way back, becoming an amateur boxer to stay in shape. He won two bouts easily as a light-heavyweight but basketball was always his Plan A. Today he’s starting for Italy’s Vanoli Cremona in the country’s top division and averaging 14 points a night. Troy Bell profile
Who’s Hot?
North Dakota State’s Ben Woodside Now In France, Blogging His Experiences Overseas
March 8, 2010 – 4:11 pm
North Dakota State’s Ben Woodside got the Bison to the NCAA Tournament in dramatic fashion, then almost led them to a monumental upset. Woodside dropped a game-high 37 points on defending champion Kansas and gave the Jayhawks a scare before the world righted itself and KU won. Today Woodside plays with France’s BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral and is quite the blogger.
Who’s Hot?
Pitt’s Julius Page To Open Dream Fitness Center In April After Five-Year Pro Career
March 8, 2010 – 9:12 am
Pittsburgh’s Julius Page helped the Panthers reach the Sweet 16 in 2003. After five seasons of professional basketball Page, called it quits in 2009 and focused on opening a fitness center. The center, Just Play 24/7, has a web site set up and is supposed to open in April. Page, who also is an active Tweeter, currently resides in Pittsburgh. Julius Page profile
Who’s Hot?
Indiana’s Keith Smart Helps NBA Squads After Helping Hoosiers To ‘87 Championship
March 7, 2010 – 10:25 am
Indiana’s Keith Smart solidified himself in NCAA Tournament history when he hit the game-winning shot of the 1987 national championship game. His NBA career was brief, but it wasn’t the last time he’d be in the league. In 2000 he became an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, eventually serving as an interim coach in 2002-03. Today he’s an assistant with the Golden State Warriors. Keith Smart profile
Who’s Hot?
After Year In Jail, State Supreme Court Allows Iowa’s Pierre Pierce To Play In France
March 6, 2010 – 3:31 pm
Iowa’s Pierre Pierce has had a rocky past, which includes three arrests and two separate stints in prison. After getting released from jail in 2008, the Iowa Supreme Court allowed Pierce to travel to France to play professionally. He still plays with Hyere-Touloun Var Basket, averaging 14 points, four rebounds and six assists a night. Pierre Pierce profile
