8B
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007
MLB
Matsuzaka's home debut spoiled by Mariners
BOSTON — Fans were treated to a great pitching performance in Daisuke Matsuzaka's Fenway Park début — only it was by Felix Hernandez.
Hernandez didn't allow a hit until the eighth inning, overshadowing the first major league matchup between Dice-K and Ichiro Suzuki.
Matsuzaka (1-1) allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings and Sukzi went 0-for-5 in the game.
Associated Press
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NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COMMENTARY
UCLA junior Arron Affilalo speaks to media at a news conference Tuesday in Los Angeles. Affilalo, who led UCLA to its second straight Final Four this season, is passing up his final year of eligibility with the Bruins to turn pro. With Affilalo is coach Ben Howland.
UCLA fans should thank Afflalo
BY SAM ALLEN
DAILY BRUIN
LOS ANGELES — At Tuesday's press conference Arron Afflalo calmly explained his decision to leave school for the NBA. He was confident and articulate as he demonstrated his love and appreciation for UCLA, and he thanked the community for all of its support.
UCLA fans should be the ones thanking Afflalo, whether they agree with his decision or not.
Affloalo was the first recruit Ben Howland signed as UCLA coach. The program's meteoric rise can be traced to that recruiting class of 2004, which included Affloalo, current Laker Jordan Farmar, junior Lorenzo Mata and redshirt sophomore Josh Shipp. When Affloalo arrived, UCLA had missed the tournament two years in a row; he's leaving after guiding the team to two straight Final Fours.
Those players were recruited with the understanding that the NBA was their dream. Last year it was Farmar's time to go, and he was selected in the first round and has found a home with the Lakers. Affalo wisely declared, gauged his draft stock, and returned to UCLA for a junior season.
This year, Affalto became one of the Bruin greats. He was UCLA's first consensus All-American since Ed O'Bannon in 1995. He was the Pac-10 Player of the Year and the Bruins' top scorer. UCLA won 30 games, and basketball was alive in Westwood, Calif., for four great months.
But after the emotions settled and the tears dried up from this year's loss to Florida, Affalo had to make the smart choice, the best one for him and his family, to leave the school he has grown to love.
Clearly Afflao has proven himself as a Bruin on and off the court. After three years he is just a few classes away from graduating and still wants
Howland is certain that Affalo will be a first-round pick. It's obvious that he would be very attractive to teams selecting at the end of the first round. If Howland is right, Affalo will be earning no less than $700,000 next season.
But it's not just the money. Affloh has fully developed as a player and person in Westwood. He has gained the physical strength to confront the rigorous NBA schedule. He has cultivated a jump shot and defensive game that are NBA-ready. Affloh has put in all the work and now has the opportunity to realize his ultimate dream. And after all he has done for UCLA, he has earned the right to make the decision that is best for him.
NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL COMMENTARY
Loss of Oden won't hurt title hopes Ohio State has ringer in Mike Conley Jr.
BY JOSH LEHMAN THE LANTERN
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Don't let the depression set in.
Speculation is rampant that we've seen Greg Oden play his last game in the scarlet and gray. After a dominating performance in Ohio State's loss to Florida in the national title game, he definitely looks ready to go to the next level. Twenty-five, 12 and four makes for a difficult counter-argument.
And who could blame him? He's a lock to be the top pick in the NBA draft, make millions in salary and endorsements and set up shop in the painted area in arenas throughout the
body. Mike Conley Jr. is the best player in the country.
He's a scorer who can't be stopped. He has the speed to beat anybody off the dribble and the only way to keep his runners out of the basket is to foul him. Ask Xavier and Memphis how that worked out.
"Conley is selfless. On a team abundant with shooters, he passed the ball around to make sure that everyone got their touches, even at the expense of his own."
Conley is selfless. On a team abundant with shooters, he passed the ball around to make sure that everybody got their touches, even at the expense of his own.
country, I can't name a single center in the NBA who I think could stop him right now not named Shaq. and the Diesel's tank is running out of, well, diesel.
Crazy right? Just hear me out.
Although I disagree that the "Bigger O" is a mortal lock to leave the Buckeye state this summer, even if he does go, this team has a chance at a title next year.
The reasons can be counted on one hand, one finger and one jersey. Specifically, the jersey that reads '1'.
Mike Conley Jr. will lead the Buckeyes back to the promised land. By "promised land," I mean the 2008 Final Four in San Antonio. You can bet your tuition money on it. In fact, I'll go a step further and say you can bet your beer money on it.
Simply put, he's the best player in the country. Not after Texas phenom Kevin Durant, not after his teammate Oden, not after any-
He takes care of the ball. His ability to hit his teammates without turning the ball over makes him the best point guard in the country. The difference between
Durant and Oden's clubs was the difference between D.J. Augustin and Conley.
But more than anything else, he's a leader. Think about it. Who brought us back so many times with Oden riding pine? Who took over in overtime against Xavier? Who calmly walked up the court after Georgetown took a 34-33 lead early in the second half and promptly took the lead back?
Mike Conley Jr., that's who. Because he's already said that he is coming back for at least one more season, I'm feeling really good. Obviously nothing's set in stone until the April 29 declaration deadline passes, but I like the odds here.
Oden might get all the press, but make no mistake about it. You're not wearing that Final Four T-shirt if Conley isn't on this team, and I'm writing about another early March exit.
Tradition Keepers Appreciation Day
Thursday,April 12 Adams Alumni Center 1266 Oread Ave. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Attention current 2006-07 members! Join us for Tradition Keepers Appreciation Day at the Alumni Center. Wear your current TK shirt or show your membership card to receive a free hot dog and soft drink!
Stop by to learn how you could get $20 from the KU Credit Union! Renew or join for 2007-08 school year, and receive a free KU coffee mug too!
www.kualumni.org
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