UConn’s Villanueva declares for NBA draft
Two years ago, Charlie Villanueva thought he was ready for the NBA. Now, he says he’s sure.
UConn’s 6-foot-11, 240-pound sophomore forward said Tuesday in Storrs, Conn., he will skip his final two years of college eligibility to enter the NBA draft.
It will be the second time Villanueva has gone through the NBA evaluation process. Coming out of Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J., in 2003, Villanueva declared for the draft, but changed his mind after workouts in front of NBA scouts.
“I knew I wasn’t ready,” Villanueva said. “I know I have to work on my body, to get stronger, but I’m 100 percent confident this time. I didn’t have that feeling coming out of high school.”
Villanueva led the Huskies in scoring this season, averaging 13.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Scouts have praised Villanueva’s ball-handling, passing and shot-blocking skills, and have projected he will be a late first-round pick.
Scouts also have expressed concern he’s not big enough to pound with the power forwards in the NBA, and he might not have the defense to stay with the smaller forwards in the league.
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun told Villanueva he needs a lot of work in the weight room to get ready for the pros.
Villanueva chose to go pro in part because his mother was in a serious car accident last year on her way to work, and he doesn’t want her to have to work again.
Spartans strive for elite status
Michigan State wants to be considered an elite program, worthy of being mentioned with the two teams the Spartans beat to get to the Final Four and the one they’ll face in St. Louis.
Michigan State became the first team to knock off Duke and Kentucky in the same NCAA Tournament, winning the Austin Regional and earning a Final Four matchup with North Carolina.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to play the third giant,” Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said.
Michigan State’s recent accomplishments – four Final Four appearances in seven seasons – stack up with any program in college basketball.
The Spartans have been to more Final Fours since 1999 than Duke or Connecticut. In 2000, Michigan State won the school’s second national title, and first since 1979.
Five finalists named for Wooden Award
Utah’s Andrew Bogut, Dee Brown of Illinois, Sean May of North Carolina, Duke’s J.J. Redick and Wayne Simien of Kansas were named finalists for the John R. Wooden Award as college basketball’s player of the year. The award will be presented April 9 .
Bennett rewarded for tourney berth
Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett received a six-year contract extension after leading the Gaels to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997.
The deal keeps Bennett under contract through the 2010-11 season.
“Randy’s done a wonderful job at Saint Mary’s College,” athletic director Carl Clapp said. “I’m very excited he’ll continue to be a part of the team.
Fullerton’s Burton gets extension
Cal State-Fullerton coach Bob Burton signed a contract extension through the 2009-10 season. Burton led the Titans to a 21-11 record this season as they made their first postseason appearance since 1998, winning two games in the NIT.