Three Dots…Paola Boivin Leaving, Coach K and Hurley, Lebron and Scottsdale…

Paola Boivin is going into academia full-time. My friend is leaving the Arizona Republic to become part of the Walter Cronkite School,teaching sports journalism classes. I tried to call her the last couple of days to congratulate  but the “inbox is full” recording keeps coming on. She deserves all the congrats and well-wishes. The Republics loss, is future journalists gain. Understand, that not many people have gone before Paola in the sports journalism world, she has paved the way for many women. Of course she will shake her head at all of this, but it’s true. Christine Brennan, Pam Oliver, Lesley Visser, Sally Jenkins, Andrea Kramer are all names that come to mind that I’ve read or watched over the years, and  I am sure I am leaving more than a few out, but Paola is right at the top…

Mike Krzyzewski took a leave of absence from Duke earlier this week to undergo back surgery. Of course whenever anything happens around Coach K, his future is brought up. Let’s be clear on this one. When he retires, Bobby Hurleys name IS going to be front and center for that job. So I wasn’t surprised when some media friends dropped me a line wondering how he’s doing out here. I see progress on the court from a season ago. Look, Arizona was AWFUL before Lute arrived in Tucson. It doesn’t turn over night.

I do think Hurley has the right tools to become a VERY GOOD  head coach, he just needs time. 109 career coaching games isn’t nearly enough for anyone at a high level, but I see progress. Hurley can’t control the poor facility he coaches in. Yes, he missed on Sam Cunliffe(ranked 36th in nation), but he handled it the right way. Missing on players happen across the college basketball landscape. He also has “hit” on a player. Torian Graham has been terrific…

If Columbus can win 16 straight hockey games WHY can’t we have a team in Glendale win just 3 or 4 in a row?…

Did you know Lebron is in town Sunday night?  It’s stunning to me when I talk Suns with my circle, how few are plugged into the day in and day out schedule of the team. NEVER used to be that way. Good thing for the Suns is the home game against Cleveland on Sunday night is a “Scottsdale Game”. If you’re unaware of that term, it refers to NBA teams coming into Phoenix on a day off and having a free night to tear it up in the Scottsdale night scene. The Cavs are off Saturday night. Look out…