The Star's Bruce Pascoe previews all of the game day essentials, from projected starting lineups to storylines and series history.
Star sports columnist Greg Hansen offers his opinion on recent sports news.
Colorado forward Evan Battey, left, tries to regains possession as USC's Nick Rakocevic knocks the ball from his hands during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in Los Angeles.
Colorado’s 80-77 win over Arizona last season earned some national buzz because after the game, when asked whether beating teams involved in the federal investigation meant anything more, Colorado coach Tad Boyle said ‘Hell, yes.”
Colorado fans try to distract Arizona State guard Luguentz Dort as he shoots a free throw in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Boulder, Colo. Colorado won 77-73.
Even when times are good, the CU Events Center hasn’t been a fun place for the Wildcats to play. The Buffs enjoy a high-elevation advantage, student fans sitting adjacent to the opposing bench and a crowd that is usually strong when the Wildcats show up.
Colorado Buffaloes guard McKinley Wright IV in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Boulder, Colo.
You wouldn’t know it from McKinley Wright’s box score line against ASU — 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting with eight assists and six rebounds — but he’s been playing for over a month now with a bum shoulder that will eventually require surgery.
Colorado big man Evan Battey left the Buffs’ game with ASU early Wednesday when he aggravated a lower-back issue and he’s questionable for Sunday’s game.
Colorado's McKinley Wright IV (25) shoots between ASU defenders Kimani Lawrence, left, and Romello White during the second half of the teams' game Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Boulder, Colo.
From left, Colorado's Daylen Kountz, McKinley Wright IV and Alexander Strating in the second half of the team's game against Arizona State, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Boulder, Colo.
Tyler Bey is really playing the best basketball of his career, getting 17 rebounds against Arizona State. Like a sophomore does a lot of times he kind of grows and you can really see that. And (Wright) speaks for himself. He offensive rebounds. Against Arizona State, I thought he had a stretch in the second half where I thought he almost took over the game, passing, making his teammates better, scoring at the rim. He’s so physically strong when he drives and he’ll knock in an open 3. Plus defensively he does a lot of good things for Colorado.”
Steve Kerr was the guest of honor last week at San Francisco’s KZV Armenian School. It was the annual fundraiser for the school, but it turned out to be an event of great history and magnitude.
Two former players were expelled and a student staffer was suspended but allowed to graduate, documents show.
Former Sabino High School and UA pass-rusher Brooks Reed, an All-Pac-10 defensive player in 2010, signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals last week. Life in the NFL has been good to the 31-year-old Reed. He previously signed a $22 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons also got married while in Atlanta. Brooks and Natalie Reed are expecting their first child, a boy, in July.
Former Sabino High School and UA pass-rusher Brooks Reed, an All-Pac-10 defensive player in 2010, signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals last week. Life in the NFL has been good to the 31-year-old Reed. He previously signed a $22 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons also got married while in Atlanta. Brooks and Natalie Reed are expecting their first child, a boy, in July.
In its diligence to hire an offensive line coach, Arizona turned some heads by acquiring 34-year-old Kyle DeVan, a four-year NFL lineman who coached at Ball State last year. DeVan, who played at Oregon State, previously served on the staffs at his alma mater and USC, giving him valuable recruiting contacts in the region. After Arizona hired DeVan, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy hired Arizona alumnus and 12-year UA offensive line coach Charlie Dickey, who is a top hire anywhere. Gundy did it one day after it was reported that the Cowboys had an opening. “I’ve tried to hire coach Dickey before but was unsuccessful because of his loyalty to Coach (Bill) Snyder at Kansas State,” Gundy wrote in a Twitter message. In this case, Arizona and OSU both appear to have hired the right guy.
