Freshman guard Dominique Jones set the USF freshman scoring record and became the first Big East freshman to score 30 points in consecutive games since Allen Iverson did it while playing for Georgetown.
However, despite leading the Bulls in scoring, Jones was passed over for the Big East Rookie of the Year honor.
Two players shared the award — Syracuse's Jonny Flynn and Pittsburgh center DeJuan Blair. Jones, however, was a unanimous selection to the Big East's all-rookie team.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Leavitt to stick around, WBB looking for postseason berth
The only football coach USF has ever known has decided to stick around the Bay area a little while longer. On Monday, Jim Leavitt signed a contract extension that runs through 2014 and increases his annual salary to around $1.5 million per season.
No funding from the state was used in the deal.
During his 11 seasons, Leavitt has led the Bulls to a 79-47 record (63%) and three consecutive Bowl games (1-2).
Now, lets talk women's hoops. The Bulls ended the season needing two wins and help just to get into the Big East Tournament. The Bulls upset both Pittsburgh (at home) and Marquette (on the road) to earn the No. 11 seed in the Tournament.
While in Hartford, USF pulled off another upset, knocking off No. 6 seeded Syracuse 68-67 in overtime to become just the fifth No. 11 seed to advance into the second round.
The Bulls luck, however, ran out on Sunday. The Bulls lost 64-42 to No. 3 seed (and No. 14 ranked in the nation) West Virginia.
Bulls junior guard Shantia Grace was also recently named to the All-Big East Conference second team, after finishing the season fourth in the Big East in points (18.6) and sixth in the Conference in assists (4.1) per game.
All of the upsets that USF ended its season with did a lot for USF, namely giving the team some life at making a postseason tournament for the fifth straight year. The Bulls finished 16-15, 5-11 on the season.
-Joe Rienzi
No funding from the state was used in the deal.
During his 11 seasons, Leavitt has led the Bulls to a 79-47 record (63%) and three consecutive Bowl games (1-2).
Now, lets talk women's hoops. The Bulls ended the season needing two wins and help just to get into the Big East Tournament. The Bulls upset both Pittsburgh (at home) and Marquette (on the road) to earn the No. 11 seed in the Tournament.
While in Hartford, USF pulled off another upset, knocking off No. 6 seeded Syracuse 68-67 in overtime to become just the fifth No. 11 seed to advance into the second round.
The Bulls luck, however, ran out on Sunday. The Bulls lost 64-42 to No. 3 seed (and No. 14 ranked in the nation) West Virginia.
Bulls junior guard Shantia Grace was also recently named to the All-Big East Conference second team, after finishing the season fourth in the Big East in points (18.6) and sixth in the Conference in assists (4.1) per game.
All of the upsets that USF ended its season with did a lot for USF, namely giving the team some life at making a postseason tournament for the fifth straight year. The Bulls finished 16-15, 5-11 on the season.
-Joe Rienzi
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bulls win in dramatic fashion once again
Welcome to The Oracle's Spring Break Update. Hope you are enjoying spring break.
The USF Baseball team swept its weekend series against Savannah State. But it wasn't easy.
The Bulls were down by three runs or more in two out of the three games.
A series sweep and a 6-5 record certainly sounds better than "team crisis" and "4-7" doesn't it?
Meanwhile, the men's tennis team feels very comfortable under the radar at 10-2 overall and having earned its seventh straight win against Georgia State while battling 20 mph winds.
The women's tennis team is also on fire at 11-5 and having won five straight.
All in all a good weekend for Bulls Country. I'll be back on Wednesday with updates on the baseball team's two games against UNF and FAU and more tennis.
-Martin Bater
The USF Baseball team swept its weekend series against Savannah State. But it wasn't easy.
The Bulls were down by three runs or more in two out of the three games.
A series sweep and a 6-5 record certainly sounds better than "team crisis" and "4-7" doesn't it?
Meanwhile, the men's tennis team feels very comfortable under the radar at 10-2 overall and having earned its seventh straight win against Georgia State while battling 20 mph winds.
The women's tennis team is also on fire at 11-5 and having won five straight.
All in all a good weekend for Bulls Country. I'll be back on Wednesday with updates on the baseball team's two games against UNF and FAU and more tennis.
-Martin Bater
Bulls sweep Under Armour Invitational
The USF softball team(15-8) went undefeated in the Under Armour Invitational in Clearwater defeating Maine, St. Joseph's, NC State, Jacksonville, and Penn State. Junior second baseman Britta Giddens led the Bulls in batting for the tournament with five runs, seven hits, four RBI, and a home run. Senior pitcher Courtney Mosch led the pitching staff with four wins and freshman Capri Catalano was credited with a win and a save in the tournament.
The Bulls were no match against the defending Olympic Gold Metalist US National Team dropping the exhibition game 18-0.The atmosphere was electric as the at the beginning of the game as the team and spectators cheered when the Bulls were able to hit pitches against Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman.
The Bulls' only offense of the game came from lead off hitter Giddens starting the game off with a single and Senior outfielder Kit Dunbar followed with a single of her own. Sophomore catcher Hillary Wolf added another hit in the fifth inning.
The team will play in the spring break tournament Tuesday and Wednesday at the USF softball field where they will take on Indiana, George Mason, Boston University, and Ball State.
-Carrie Johnson
The Bulls were no match against the defending Olympic Gold Metalist US National Team dropping the exhibition game 18-0.The atmosphere was electric as the at the beginning of the game as the team and spectators cheered when the Bulls were able to hit pitches against Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman.
The Bulls' only offense of the game came from lead off hitter Giddens starting the game off with a single and Senior outfielder Kit Dunbar followed with a single of her own. Sophomore catcher Hillary Wolf added another hit in the fifth inning.
The team will play in the spring break tournament Tuesday and Wednesday at the USF softball field where they will take on Indiana, George Mason, Boston University, and Ball State.
-Carrie Johnson
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Notre Dame holds on for 67-60 win
The Bulls had several chances to make the game closer, but two missed three-pointers and a missed layup by Gransberry seemed to doom the Bulls.
The Bulls finished the season 12-19, 3-15.
Quick Stats:
Notre Dame:
Harangody: 21 points, 9 rebounds,
USF:
Jones: 9/24, 20 points, 7 rebounds.
Ajayi: 6/9, 12 points, 9 rebounds.
The Bulls finished the season 12-19, 3-15.
Quick Stats:
Notre Dame:
Harangody: 21 points, 9 rebounds,
USF:
Jones: 9/24, 20 points, 7 rebounds.
Ajayi: 6/9, 12 points, 9 rebounds.
Bulls hanging tough, trail by 5
USF cut the ND lead to one with just under 5:00 remaining here at the Sun Dome, but the Fighting Irish built the lead back to 5, 60-55, with 3:50 left to play.
The Sun Dome continues to give life to a Bulls team looking for a season-ending upset.
The Sun Dome continues to give life to a Bulls team looking for a season-ending upset.
Sun Dome erupts as Bulls trail by 3
The USF scoring run continues, and the Bulls now trail 56-53.
Jesus Verdejo has scored five points in less than 30 seconds to continue to chop at the ND lead.
The Sun Dome has erupted into a frenzy as the Bulls are continuing their run.
Jesus Verdejo has scored five points in less than 30 seconds to continue to chop at the ND lead.
The Sun Dome has erupted into a frenzy as the Bulls are continuing their run.
Bulls still fighting, trail by 9
USF trailed by as many as 19, but it is not going down easy to No. 19 Notre Dame.
The Bulls are on a 14-4 run, and the Ajayi/Harangody battle is still very physical. The referee appeared to make a comment to Ajayi in order to keep the peace. With 7:36 remaining, the game could go down to the wire.
The Bulls are on a 14-4 run, and the Ajayi/Harangody battle is still very physical. The referee appeared to make a comment to Ajayi in order to keep the peace. With 7:36 remaining, the game could go down to the wire.
Ajayi taking over
Just under 12:00 remaining in the game, and junior BJ Ajayi has been a wrecking crew for the Bulls. Since falling behind by 19, Ajayi has scored 8 of 12 points for the Bulls — putting the Sun Dome into a frenzy and cutting the ND lead to 52-43.
Irish begin to pull away
USF started the second half with turnovers on consecutive possessions, and the Fighting Irish have been on fire, jumping out to a 52-33 lead just four minutes into the final period.
The Bulls have had several shots bounce around the rim, but haven't had many of them fall.
As I've been writing this, however, the Bulls have gone on a 8-0 run, cutting the Irish lead to 11.
The Bulls have had several shots bounce around the rim, but haven't had many of them fall.
As I've been writing this, however, the Bulls have gone on a 8-0 run, cutting the Irish lead to 11.
Bulls down at the half
A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Notre Dame's Troy Jackson gave the Fighting Irish a 36-27 lead going into the half.
USF had closed the gap to one with just under 6:00 left, but ND ended the half on a 13-5 run.
The Bulls are only shooting 34 percent from the field, which looks dismal next to ND's 51 percent.
Harangody leads all scorers with 10 points at the half, with Dominique Jones leading the Bulls with eight.
USF had closed the gap to one with just under 6:00 left, but ND ended the half on a 13-5 run.
The Bulls are only shooting 34 percent from the field, which looks dismal next to ND's 51 percent.
Harangody leads all scorers with 10 points at the half, with Dominique Jones leading the Bulls with eight.
Bulls still trail physical game
USF trails 27-22 with 3:37 remaining in the first half, but the game is getting physical.
Junior guard Jesus Verdejo seemed to injure his wrist diving for a lose ball (but he remains in the game and shows no ill-effects), Luke Harangody has been harassed with double teams, hitting the floor three times, and Bulls' sophomore guard Solomon Bozeman was nearly put in a headlock while going after a lose ball.
Junior guard Jesus Verdejo seemed to injure his wrist diving for a lose ball (but he remains in the game and shows no ill-effects), Luke Harangody has been harassed with double teams, hitting the floor three times, and Bulls' sophomore guard Solomon Bozeman was nearly put in a headlock while going after a lose ball.
Bulls pulling closer
The Bulls have found the touch on offense, going on a 14-4 run over the last 6 minutes to cut the Notre Dame lead to 23-19.
Freshman guard Dominique Jones was quiet at the beginning of the game, but has scored eight of the Bulls' last 14 points.
Freshman guard Dominique Jones was quiet at the beginning of the game, but has scored eight of the Bulls' last 14 points.
Bulls still trail
There is 11:21 remaining in the first half, and the Bulls trail 21-11. USF trailed by as many as 13, but a 6-0 run cut the Notre Dame lead to 7.
The Bulls have not been able to get going defensively, and the Fighting Irish — who average a Big East leading 81.0 points per game — have been able to to run their offense.
The Bulls have not been able to get going defensively, and the Fighting Irish — who average a Big East leading 81.0 points per game — have been able to to run their offense.
Bulls trail 13-5 early
The game is just getting started, but Notre Dame is playing its game here at the Sun Dome.
Harangody has four points, and is being guarded by junior forward BJ Ajayi. The two have been very aggressive early on.
Harangody has four points, and is being guarded by junior forward BJ Ajayi. The two have been very aggressive early on.
Live on senior night
The Oracle is at the Sun Dome, keeping everybody up to date on the USF men's basketball team.
Tonight is the season finale the last time for Bulls fans to watch seniors Kentrell Gransberry, Mohamed Esseghir, and Eddie Lovett.
The Sun Dome is filling up with what could end up being a season-high number of fans.
Gransberry will end his USF career trying to stop Notre Dame's sophomore forward Luke Harangody — who leads the Big East in points per game (21.0) and is second in rebounding (10.4).
-Joe Rienzi, sports editor
Tonight is the season finale the last time for Bulls fans to watch seniors Kentrell Gransberry, Mohamed Esseghir, and Eddie Lovett.
The Sun Dome is filling up with what could end up being a season-high number of fans.
Gransberry will end his USF career trying to stop Notre Dame's sophomore forward Luke Harangody — who leads the Big East in points per game (21.0) and is second in rebounding (10.4).
-Joe Rienzi, sports editor
Friday, March 07, 2008
Kiffin talks about Jenkins
NFL scouts came to the University of South Florida today to watch 15 draft-eligible seniors -- 11 from USF -- work out and showcase their athletic abilities on Pro Timing Day.
Monte Kiffin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator, showed up and offered his thoughts about one player in particular -- former USF cornerback Mike Jenkins. Kiffin likes Jenkins' coverage skills, hands and speed.
"(Jenkins has) got good man (coverage) skills," Kiffin said.
USF played a lot of man coverage last season because of the talent at the cornerback position. Jenkins played right cornerback last year with Trae Williams -- who also worked out today -- at left cornerback. Jenkins has some left-side cornerback experience, which he might have to switch to in the NFL, according to scouts.
Kiffin said switching from one side to the other will not be a problem. "There is no adjustment needed. No way. Corners are corners."
Jenkins speed helped him be an effective corner.
He recorded 4.38 seconds at the NFL Combine last month, which was tied for seventh among cornerbacks, according to NFL.com.
"We can't teach speed," Kiffin said.
Kiffin also said that Jenkins didn't need to be taught how to catch the ball.
"Some young DB's will come in (the NFL) and not have great hands. We'll get the ball machine out there -- throw the ball, throw the ball -- and they'll get better and better. But the real good ones, they just got the hands, and you don't have to coach them.
"And that's what this kid has."
Last season, Jenkins intercepted three passes.
-Aaron Oberlin, assistant sports editor
Monte Kiffin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator, showed up and offered his thoughts about one player in particular -- former USF cornerback Mike Jenkins. Kiffin likes Jenkins' coverage skills, hands and speed.
"(Jenkins has) got good man (coverage) skills," Kiffin said.
USF played a lot of man coverage last season because of the talent at the cornerback position. Jenkins played right cornerback last year with Trae Williams -- who also worked out today -- at left cornerback. Jenkins has some left-side cornerback experience, which he might have to switch to in the NFL, according to scouts.
Kiffin said switching from one side to the other will not be a problem. "There is no adjustment needed. No way. Corners are corners."
Jenkins speed helped him be an effective corner.
He recorded 4.38 seconds at the NFL Combine last month, which was tied for seventh among cornerbacks, according to NFL.com.
"We can't teach speed," Kiffin said.
Kiffin also said that Jenkins didn't need to be taught how to catch the ball.
"Some young DB's will come in (the NFL) and not have great hands. We'll get the ball machine out there -- throw the ball, throw the ball -- and they'll get better and better. But the real good ones, they just got the hands, and you don't have to coach them.
"And that's what this kid has."
Last season, Jenkins intercepted three passes.
-Aaron Oberlin, assistant sports editor
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
The wait for football continues
Today was supposed to mark the first football practice of the spring, but the bad weather forced the coaching staff to cancel the practice.
The practice is scheduled to be made up after Spring Break, but no exact date is known.
Practices are closed to the public, but they mark the beginning of the 2008 football season. The Bulls will have some good position battles going on this season — namely on defense — as the Bulls try to fill the void left by former players Mike Jenkins, Trae Williams, Richard Clebert, and Ben Moffitt.
The practice is scheduled to be made up after Spring Break, but no exact date is known.
Practices are closed to the public, but they mark the beginning of the 2008 football season. The Bulls will have some good position battles going on this season — namely on defense — as the Bulls try to fill the void left by former players Mike Jenkins, Trae Williams, Richard Clebert, and Ben Moffitt.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Oklahoma State 14-USF 3. Final
The last few innings went by without much fanfare, and most of the fans left after the seventh inning.
The Bulls can't seem to hang with a Top 25 team, as they were outscored 20-5 in the series by the Cowboys.
Pitching is a concern for USF, as it allowed 28 runs during this weekend's three games.
The offense, which looked like it had come alive against Nortwestern, only managed to get five hits and went scoreless after the third inning.
Prado will have to address these issues if the Bulls aspire to do big things this season.
The Bulls can't seem to hang with a Top 25 team, as they were outscored 20-5 in the series by the Cowboys.
Pitching is a concern for USF, as it allowed 28 runs during this weekend's three games.
The offense, which looked like it had come alive against Nortwestern, only managed to get five hits and went scoreless after the third inning.
Prado will have to address these issues if the Bulls aspire to do big things this season.
Oklahoma State 13- USF 3. Top 7th
USF leading 3-0 is nothing but a fading memory now, as the Cowboys pull away. The Cowboys scored five runs in the sixth and one more in the seventh.
Most of the fans are still in their seats.
Most of the fans are still in their seats.
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