Each week I'll write about the sport I love, college basketball:
• Congratulations to North Carolina coach Roy Williams. He was honored by the school when they named the court at Dean Smith Center after the three-time national championship coach.
• Kansas fans have to be excited about the upcoming season. The decision of Udoka Azuibuike to return to Lawrence is a major positive. Right now I have Bill Self's team as the preseason favorite to cut down the nets.
• Kentucky coach John Calipari continues to be a big-time winner in recruiting. Big Blue Nation will be smiling again as it contends for another national title.
• Penny Hardaway is already making a difference down at Memphis. He is working hard in recruiting, and he did a great job hiring Mike Miller to his staff. The AAC will be improved with new coaches in Hardaway and Danny Hurley at Connecticut.
• Oklahoma State is on its way Italy, going to Venice, Rome and Athens on a 10-day European tour that will feature three games against international competition as well as numerous educational and team-building activities.
• Maryland is also making a trip to Italy. The Terrapins will visit Rome, Florence, Venice and Lake Como during the August excursion, while playing games against the Rome All-Stars (August 6), the Pisa All-Stars (August 8) and the Netherlands National 'B' team (August 11).