November 2009 | Page 13 of 16 | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Saturday / November 23.

UConn senior guard Jerome Dyson and junior guard Donnell Beverly were both cleared for full participation in practice and outside competition, the university announced Friday.

Freshman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel has been also been cleared to participate in practices, but the NCAA has not granted him full eligibility.

All three sat out Wednesday’s exhibition when No. 12 UConn downed American International College, 106-67, “due to pending evaluation of recently submitted paperwork pertaining to their eligibility certification,” the university said.

The team had just seven scholarship players available for that game.

NEW YORK –– After celebrating their 27th world championship with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes, the Yankees enjoyed an after-party with King James.

Alex Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Joba Chamberlain, Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano are among the Bombers expected to be on hand when LeBron James and the Cavaliers meet the Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Grandmaster Flash and Reggie Jackson are also supposed to be in the house, and former Yankee centerfielder Bernie Williams will play the national anthem.

“The fact that they would take time out of their schedule, especially what they just accomplished, to come see a basketball game, to come see us play, to come see the Knicks play, it’s humbling for me as an individual,” James, a big Yankees fan, said before tipoff. “It’s humbling for our team that people come out and support us. So the most we can say is thank you and congratulations to them once again.”

SDMC_LogoThe two most important things in Sharette Dixon’s life were her family and education.  Now that she has passed away, her husband, Kimani Young, and the NYC basketball community are banding together to make sure that her children get the support and education that they need in the future.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, New York City legends Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson and a host of others NYC basketball personalities will participate in the Sharette Dixon Classic, a showcase of the top talent from New York and New Jersey.

Duke commit Kyrie Irving and uncommitted standouts Jayvaughn Pinkston and Tobias Harris are expected to participate. Harris is visiting West Virginia this weekend and may or may not return in time for the event.

LeBron James won’t be in the Canyon of Heroes Friday for the celebration of the Yankees’ 27th world championship.

“No, my parade starts at 8 [o’clock] at night,” James, a big Yankee fan, told reporters in Cleveland Thursday before the Cavs lost to the Chicago Bulls, 86-85.

The Cavs on Friday visit the Knicks for their only appearance of this season — a circus-like atmosphere that will be broadcast on ESPN.

Devon Collier, the 6-foot-8 forward from St. Anthony, has opted to play for Oregon State of the Pac-10.

“He called [head coach] Craig Robinson and committed,” said New Heights director Kimani Young. “That’s where he felt most comfortable.”

Collier, a Bronx native ranked No. 134 in the Class of 2010 and No. 25 among power forwards by Rivals, chose Oregon State over Big East schools St. John’s, Seton Hall and Providence.

“I think Devon really liked the players, the coaching staff and I think at the end of the day he wants to create his own legacy for himself,” Young said.

“He’s very comfortable with Craig Robinson,” added St. Anthony coach Bob Hurley. “He seemed very sure that it’s the right move for him and I feel good for him because he was very comfortable that he had made the right decision.”

Cincinnati freshman guard Lance Stephenson has been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center and won’t miss any games.

“Clear,” Cincinnati coach  Mick Cronin said by text.

Cincinnati was informed early Thursday evening and Stephenson then scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in Cincinnati’s 86-58 victory over Saginaw Valley State. He played 18 minutes off the bench.

“I am happy to be able to put this behind me,” Stephenson said in a statement. “Since I committed to the Bearcats back in the summer, all I have wanted to do was get here and start playing ball with my teammates. I want to thank everyone that has given me encouragement and support during this, especially my family, coaches and teammates. They have been with me every step.”

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