College Basketball Tip Off!

With the NBA in lockout, basketball fans must turn to college if they want to get their fix of basketball. College basketball is actually a lot more talented and competitive than in recent years because the NBA lockout prevented many skilled underclassmen from entering into the draft. Those guys definitely made the right decision because instead of sitting at home with no paycheck, they are still out on the court representing their colleges. A week into the season, there were already a few key highlights:

Opening Night on the U.S.S, Carl Vinson:
The first game of the season tipped off on Veterans Day at a location never done before. Fans have seen basketball games played in arenas, stadiums, etc... No one has ever seen a  basketball game played on a boat. Last Friday to support Veterans Day, UNC and Michigan State traveled all the way out to San Diego to play a game on the navy ship ported in Coronado, the U.S.S. Carl Vinson. With a crowd of just over 8,000 #1 ranked UNC was able to show off their skills on a windy night in San Diego and defeat Michigan State. Much of the crowd were men and women serving in the navy here in San Diego so it was definitely a special moment for them. The game was so big, even President Obama made an appearance with his wife. It was quite a scene here in San Diego and if you don't believe a basketball game was played on a boat, here is a picture to prove it.

The U.S.S Carl Vinson on the sea. (left)



The U.SS Carl Vinson ported in San Diego with 8000 fans crammed in to watch a basketball game. (right)

Coach Mike Krzyzewski breaks Bob Knight's Record:

Coming into the season, everyone knew Duke head coach, Mike Krzyzewski needed only two wins to break Bob Knight's record for most wins in Division I history as a head coach. Tuesday night, at Madison Square Garden, Coach K was able to notch that 902nd victory which puts him alone on top as having the most wins ever for a college coach. Coach K called Bob Knight his role model so the two were able to embrace and enjoy this moment together. For those of you who do not know Coach K, he took over the basketball program at Duke University in 1980. Since then, he has made it into a powerhouse team in the ACC as Duke has won four national titles ('91, '92, '01, '10). He also led the United States to a gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. This decorated coach has set the standard on how you are suppose to coach a college basketball team and it was a great sight to see him accomplish yet another record.

There is much respect between Bob Knight (left) and Mike Krzyzewski (right) as both are legends and role models to college basketball.

STARTING THIS WEEK, I WILL HAVE A POWER RANKING FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL'S TOP TEN TEAMS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLOG!