Back again for another year of basketball, but as usual, we'll cover other things as well. I just got done watching IU play UT-Chattanooga - the "Mocs". I wasn't sure if that was short for Moccasin or Water Moccasin. I didn't know if I would get bit by a snake or stepped on by a shoe. The two glaring things I came away with from this game: 1. How good Eric Gordon is - he was really impressive. 2. Why was he in the game with a 20pt lead and 3 minutes to go? That's almost as smart as using up all of your rollover minutes.

After going to a few early season games and numerous games this summer, I've noticed several young coaches walking around with these big bags -- I'd like to know what's in these bags? I could understand having a first aid kit, but these things are big enough to have open heart surgery. Back when I coached, I was lucky to get to the game by myself, much less carry around a big bag of stuff.

It is time for pre-season predictions: In the WRV sectional, I look for White River to be improved, but look for the winner to come from Shakamak or North Central. I like North Central at this point, because Shakamak may struggle with "Chemistry" class. With Bloomfield going into the 2A sectional at North Knox the crowd they always brought to Switz City will be missed. I just wonder how many will travel to North Knox? In that sectional, I like South Knox.

Last Friday I ventured to Rockville to watch the Miners take on the Rox. I spent most of my time in the hospitality room because I found food, a radio, and warmth. Matt King, the QB for the Rox was very impressive. It's amazing to see a 1A quarterback throw the ball all over the field like he does -- AND he's only a junior. I would like to congratulate the miners on a great season.

A few weeks ago, I read an article by Eastern coach Andy Igel, regarding misgivings about playing the final two regular season games in the new version of the "Thunderdome." I think anybody who has had to coach or take their team into Eastern's gym would be glad to go someplace else. The locker room facilities are not too good there. I have trouble completely buying into Igel's thought that his senior might want to end his career in his old gym. I would think that, as a player, I might want to be the first to play in the new facility. Of course, I was never much of a player -- after all, I averaged 3pts per game counting pre-game warm-up. When you bring the subject up to most people they point out "what's the difference as long as Eastern is still hiring the officials." Of course all home teams hire their own officials. Also, are you trying to tell the taxpayers in that district that they've built a gym they don't need?

I hope what ever team you are rooting for makes all their shots and blows out all the bulbs on the scoreboard. After all, Joe Hart and defense have never been mentioned in the same sentence.