Marreese Speights Gone for Good

This isn't a breaking news story. In fact, draft experts had already been counting Speights in mock drafts for months. Still, Speights has now positioned himself as yet another NCAA Basketball casualty in the never-ending drive for early dollar.

The good news for Speights is that he's being universally projected in the first round. I've seen him listed as high as the lottery, but also sinking towards the bottom of the first round. It would be a big surprise if he fell to the second round, but one never knows.

I don't like this decision for two reasons:

1. The once-green Gators were ready to make a serious tourney run this year, with Speights leading the way. It's a tough and unexpected (I think) blow to their hopes...but then, it's hard to feel sympathy for a school that just won two of the last three titles! (Yes, I like saying that). I wonder what Billy Donavan really thinks about this.

2. Marreese Speights, what are you doing? Look at the history of early mid-late first round picks! Odds are, you won't be playing serious minutes until at least 2010, possibly later. You may never even get off the pine, and your contract will be expendable. These aren't the great NFL riches that await you. Imagine if you had boosted your position with a great Gator run...sigh. These kids never learn.

Marreese Speights Should Stay in School

The first mistake in Marreese Speights' life was the spelling of his name. I'm sure it was intentional, but you have to wonder how Maurice turned into Marreese.

There had to be a plethora of other mistakes along the way, but I can assure you that the most recent is his decision to test the NBA Draft waters. This is a guy who has everything to gain by staying in school. The Gators should be bolted to the Top 25 next year, if not the top 10, and Speights is primed for national exposure.

As a general principle, a college player should never leave early unless he's a lottery pick. Marreese Speights is not even close to that right now.

The only good news is that he's going in without an agent, which means he can keep his eligibility (but he hurts his brittle draft stock at the same time). For the good of the Gators and yourself, stay in school and give Marreese a good name.

College Basketball Season Over in Florida

The last remaining Florida college basketball program was eliminated from post-season play today.

The Florida Gators were defeated by UMass 78-66 in the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden. The Gators blew a 9 point halftime lead and the Minutemen never looked back as they took the lead with 11:29 left in the 2nd half. A major reason for the loss was Florida's pathetic free-throw shooting: 8 for 21 from the line. It's a real shame because UF seemed to be playing at their highest level this year, having dominated wins over San Diego State, Creighton, and #1 Arizona State to reach the NIT semi-finals. Billy Donovan cannot be pleased with this performance.

The Majority of the posts will now be concentrated on the baseball season, primarily the Florida Marlins and a little on the Tampa Bay Rays. We'll also keep you in touch with the collegiate teams (Canes, Gators, Noles).

It's Over - An NIT Bid for the Gators

Am I dissapointed? You betcha...but to quote asponge, my brother, friend, and colleague of many years, "The Gators will be just fine if they enter the NIT, maybe even better off (they could win it)." A shocking statement from such a devoted Gator fan. I'm incredibly impressed that he was able to gather the words to say so about such a heart-breaking 80-69 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for myself. So thank you for stating what all Gator fans should be thinking to themselves. It's been a good run of 9 consecutive NCAA Tournament bids, but I'm not gonna lie. I'm devastated that it's all over. Gotta go - Lipstick Jungle is coming back on.

Must-Win for Gators?

Is tonight's first-round SEC matchup with Alabama a must-win? It depends on how you look at it. Sure, it's a must-win if they're going to qualify for the Big Dance, but is anything in sports truly a must-win, especially when it involves academic athletes in pursuit of things far beyond an NCAA title?

The Gators will be just fine if they enter the NIT, maybe even better off (they could win it). Also, it's not as if this team has been cursed lately, winning the last two titles. Gator fans, don't be too sorrowful if they lose. Just reach into your back pocket and pull out your tri-championship banner.