FSU hasn't had a world-beating season thus far, but they have managed to be
competitive against some pretty good teams, and they have also found out that Nigel
Dixon has improved a lot. The big, big, big man who was the subject of ACC
fun-making last season has gotten himself in better shape, though still not good
enough, and is having an effect on the game, scoring 12 against DePaul and 23
last night against Rhode Island. And when asked what size he
wears, Dizon said "Nigel size," which sounds cute and funny, but is
also true: Nike supplies FSU, and they specially make his shorts and shirts and
the size tag says "Nigel."
And at least they are willing, and have been willing, to play tough teams.
It's a new concept for Herb Sendek and the Pack, and it's been painful thus
far. But last night they got back to .500 with
a win over Charleston Southern. Rah, rah. Damien
Wilkins is on crutches after an ankle sprain, and may well be out for the
ACC-Big 10/1 Challenge. They'll be hosting Penn State, who you may have
noted upset Kentucky last night - in Rupp. Unfortunately
for State, Thornton is still out due to idiocy, Michael Bell has a sore
knee, and Cornelius Williams is out too. That pretty much shoots out all their
big men.
Incidentally, after beating State in Raleigh, Charlotte turned
around and choked against St. Bonaventure.
Continuing in the no-big-whoop-department, Wake
ran over Campbell. About the most exciting aspect of that game is the
schism the two schools represent in the Baptist Convention: Wake Forest was an
early defector in the political war over the direction of the Convention;
Campbell picked up most of the in-state slack - and money - and stuck with the
Conservatives. Didn't help on the court, though, and all the prayer in the
world wouldn't have changed this outcome.
Remember former UVa assistant Bobby Gonzales, who made his name recruiting
for Pete Gillen? He
continues to build his rep. You may hear from him again soon.