Greg Paulus used his final year of eligibility to return home to upstate New York and play quarterback for Syracuse University. What seemed like a good idea at the time for the former Duke point guard has suddenly turned into a debacle. The team is 3-5, Big East leading receiver Mike Williams quit the squad, and head coach Doug Marrone teared up while talking about fans booing Paulus Saturday.

“I put in a lot of time and thought … and I’d like to make a statement about Greg Paulus,” Marrone said as he began the press conference. “I took some time, yesterday, last evening and this morning and I really wanted to write some things down, so if I look down at the notes, I want to make sure I get it correct.

“I have never seen an athlete, at any level including the NFL, work as hard, mentally and physically, as Greg has worked since he’s joined us here at Syracuse. Really, what he’s accomplished is extraordinary. Maybe it can’t be fully appreciated because most don’t know just how difficult it is to play quarterback at a Division I program.

“In the era of video games, virtual reality, it’s easy to believe that throwing a pass, reading a defense, avoiding a sack is as easy as the push of a button, that any of us can do. The problem, it’s not that easy. We can’t do that.

“Despite the turnover and mistake that Greg made, as any quarterback makes, he’s exceeded expectations at every level. I think Greg is a victim of his own success. We’ve seen him make great plays and great decisions and we’ve come to expect that from him every time. But football is a team game. People don’t know when an offensive linemen misses a block or a receiver runs a wrong route. They only see the decisions that Greg makes.

“Calling for a backup quarterback and backup pitcher, backup point guard, I understand that’s just a part of sports. But Greg is one of us. He grew up here. He came back to do something that’s never been done before and he’s poured every once of his body and soul in that task.

“Let me say this again – it’s really been remarkable. If his performance and preparation and dedication drop off, then obviously it’s just like every other position, that he will not be a starter for a team.

“When he’s in the game, it’s because we believe that he gives us the best chance to win. And I truly, truly, truly thank him for being here. And I hope my kids grow up (tears begin filling his eyes) … to have the courage … and determination of a Greg Paulus. I get emotional when I talk about my family.”

Hard to blame Marrone for crying. Syracuse is on the road at #13 Pittsburgh this weekend, Mike Williams is gone, and Orange Dukie is still the quarterback. Don’t worry Orangemen and women, college basketball season is here.

Marrone makes tear-filled defense of Paulus, who was booed by SU fans on Saturday [Orange Football Blog]

I was checking out NBA TV when they rolled out the first in a new series, The All (fill in the conference) team. The teams are made up of current NBA Players and the Big East was the inaugural conference. The squad will be posted at NBA.com a little later, but who wants to wait?

The teams are based on how the player is playing now.

ALL BIG EAST NBA 1ST TEAM
PG Allen Iverson, Georgetown
SG Dwyane Wade, Marquette
C Emeka Okafor, UConn
SF Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
PF Ron Artest, St. John’s

ALL BIG EAST NBA 2ND TEAM
Ray Allen, UConn
Caron Butler, UConn
Samuel Dalembert, Seton Hall
Rudy Gay, UConn
Ben Gordon, UConn
Jeff Green, Georgetown
Richard Hamilton, UConn

ALL BIG EAST RESERVE TEAM
Troy Murphy, Notre Dame
Alonzo Mourning, Georgetown
Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown

ALL BIG EAST DEVELOPMENTAL SQUAD
Matt Carroll, Notre Dame
Francisco Garcia, Louisville
Ryan Gomes, Providence
Kyle Lowry, Villanova
Kenyon Martin, Cincinnati
Jason Maxiell, Cincinnati
Hakim Warrick, Syracuse
Marcus Williams, UConn
Tim Thomas, Villanova

Quick note: The developmental team doesn’t mean that the guy sucks.. Andre Aldrigde of NBA TV explained it this way:

“We had to have a developmental squad for our team because we’re making this a franchise. This isn’t just about all-stars, this is a franchise.”

With that said… Where the hell is Charlie Villanueva? If Tim Thomas’ sometimey ass can make this squad, then I know Chuck V could make the team… And Rip Hamilton, ouch.. It’s hard to find a spot for a guy that runs non-stop, can stick the midrange jumper consistently, and that has big game experience… Can’t really argue with AI and Wade tho.

Tags: NBA, All Big East NBA Team, Basketball, Big East Basketball, NBA TV

Former NBA star Derrick Coleman opened the “SNYX Sneaker Studio” Saturday in the neighborhood in which he grew up. The store carries all Nike merchandise, including warm-ups and top-of-the-line athletic sneakers. Shoes range in price from $75 to $280.

In addition to the “SNYX Sneaker Studio,” Coleman plans to develop a strip mall, which will include a “Hungry Howies,” a car wash, a barber shop, a laundry, and a bill-paying center.

The SNYX Sneaker Studio sounds like a great place to work. Can you think of a cooler boss than Derrick Coleman? He doesn’t like training, meetings, or dress codes. As long as you show up and pick up your check, it’s all good.

Derrick Coleman Opens Nike Athletic Store in Detroit. Courtesy of Click On Detroit

Tags: Former NBA Player, NBA, Sports, Nike, Derrick Coleman

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fvu9_8-lk[/youtube]

By day, Morlon Greenwood is a mild-mannered 7 year veteran linebacker for the Houston Texans. At night, he’s the super rapper known as Ultimate 56. Greenwood’s music is more than a hobby, as evidenced by his MySpace page. Morlon Ultimate was born in Jamaica if you’re wondering why he’s going with the reggae style.

Musicians always wanna be athletes and vice versa. I guess getting all of the chicks isn’t enough. If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decides to add an end of season talent show, I’m going with Washington Redskins receiver Brandon Lloyd over the Colts’ Hunter Smith in the finals.

Morlon Greenwood’s MySpace Page

Athletes As Musicians:
Washington Redskin Brandon Lloyd
Boston Red Sock David Ortiz
Indianapolis Colt Hunter Smith

Tags: Morlon Greenwood, Rapper, NFL, Houston Texans, You Tube, MySpace

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CxMhc28qGg[/youtube]

Storming the field looks like a fun and safe time for all when you edit it properly.. I’m sure nobody got trampled.. As far as the South Florida Bulls go, live it up. The dream could be over by Sunday morning.

I’m not trying to rain on USF’s parade, but in a season where Appalachian State beats Michigan, Stanford beats USC, and Kentucky takes down LSU, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bulls lost at either Rutgers, Syracuse, or Pittsburgh. Hell, maybe Cincinnati will get ‘em.. Or maybe this college football season is so nuts that South Florida will run the table and end up playing Arizona State for the national championship.

Tags: South Florida, College Football, You Tube, Storming The Field, Bulls