Lucas at Large

It just dawned on me why Mel Kiper is so annoying on television. Too many moving parts. We're not talking about his freeze dried hair. That hasn't moved in years. But Kiper's spastic jaw action can be a distraction when he's engaged in debate or straining to make a point. His message is easier to digest when he's on the radio. To this end, Todd McShay has been an upgrade in many instances simply because of his delivery. He has less experience than Kiper. But his presentation is better. On the second day of the draft, Cris Carter was an upgrade as an analyst over dopey Keyshawn Johnson, who offered little when he offered anything at all. Trey Wingo was also an upgrade as a moderator over sappy Chris Berman, who has yet to gain any separation from the Eagles, Hotel California or the late '70s. One of... READ MORE

Couldn't help but think of Eddie Bumbacco when Notre Dame squared off against Boston College in the NCAA men's college hockey finals Saturday night. Couldn't help but think of the legendary Charles (Lefty) Smith, too. Indulge me by hitting rewind to the 1972-73 season. Anybody under 40 must get permission from their parents before accepting a ride in the time machine. Especially if you can't tell the difference between a Butters (Billy), a Bessone (Amo) and a Bumbacco. Bumbacco? A high-scoring Notre Dame forward. John Noble was his crafty center and Ian Williams was his powerful wingman. Bumbacoo led the WCHA in scoring that season with 31 goals in 28 games. The Irish, coached by Smith, could do more than just score, thanks to the skill of Bill Nyrop on the blue line. Bumbacco and Nyrop were All-Americans. Although Denver won the... READ MORE

When the irascible Bob Huggins bolted for his alma mater, West Virginia, there was an immediate sense of betrayal on the K-State campus, not unlike what Marquette loyalists may be feeling today on the heels of Tom Crean's sudden departure to Indiana. But whereas Crean established deep roots in Milwaukee during his successful nine-year run, Huggins was more of a house guest, a transient in Manhattan. Huggins left after one season, making a hasty and unpopular exit. Not unlike Crean's unexpected move last week that caught almost everyone off guard and bruised some egos. Fearing the loss of credibility with returning players and incoming recruits, K-State acted quickly in filling the Huggins void by naming one of his assistants Frank Martin. It was widely viewed as an "appeasement'' hire. The Wildcats wanted to hold on to Bill Walker and a... READ MORE