I had the chance to get over to MSG the other night for the Jimmy Volvano Classic. What a night to be a basketball fan. Though the garden was not full the vibe in the building was quite lively first during the Kansas St. Notre Dame game that featured Kansas St. freshman Michael Beasley and red shirt freshman Billy Walker and the Irish’s junior point guard Kyle McAlarney (Staten Island native) and sophomore big man Luke Harangody. ND won the game by 9 pulling away down the stretch but keep an eye on the duo from Kansas St. Beasley has grabbed many headlines thus far this season and deservingly so, but with Billy Walker back healthy they form quite a duo in the frontcourt. The second game which was very hyped going in with USC and #2 ranked Memphis facing off. While it was quite competitive the game was flat out ugly. The Memphis offense, Princeton on steroids, never found its rhythm and while USC hung tough it was sloppy on both ends. We all know what OJ Mayo is capable of but the night was not the best indication on the MSG stage. But the real story of the evening is what the Jimmy V Foundation has done in its fight against cancer. They have raised millions upon millions of dollars for research and given so many people who are in for the fight of their lives hope. Jimmy V’s contribution to society will far outlast all the love and memories he gave the basketball world. His wife, brother and many members of the college basketball community have taken it upon themselves to carry on the mission that Jimmy V started. To them we all need to say thank you. For more information on how you can help those with Cancer visit http://jimmyv.org/.
The Classic also a great night to see different people from the basketball world. On hand were my man PR from Nike, and the boy wonder Justin Leonard at Dime magazine. Coach Dwayne "Tiny" Morton from Lincoln in Brooklyn who coaches Lance Stephenson was in the building as well. On my way out of the arena I had the opportunity to meet Danny Ainge who was is town to check out Beasley, Mayo and company...the man is always working...hence the turn around in beantown. He was definitely staying low key but it was cool to chat for a few moments...The Coach has to be heading to practice...thanks for reading.
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