Pac-Tending 06-30-06

"They believe the college basketball world revolves around ESPN."

- Pac-10 assistant commissioner Duane Lindberg, speaking about the conference's hoop coaches' preference to have league games televised by ESPN than Fox.

It was championship week at the Creek as the conference officially lived up to their "conference of champions" moniker. With Oregon State's season-ending national championship in baseball, the Pac-10 claimed nine team championships in the 2005-06 athletic year – more than any other conference. The icing on the cake came when Stanford was officially awarded their 12th consecutive Director's Cup. The final numbers were released and although the Cardinal had already clinched the crown two weeks ago, it was a 1-2 finish for the Pac-10 as UCLA was runner-up and every conference school placed in the Top 75.

Meanwhile at NCAA HQ, what was once known as the Houston Bowl will stay in Houston for the 2006-07 season but will get a different name and be managed by a marketing agency affiliated with the NFL's Houston Texans.

The National Association of Basketball Coaches has recommended the NCAA expand their post-season tournament from 65 teams to 128 teams. NCAA officials have indicated that such a large expansion is not likely in the near future.

USC

For the third time in six years, USC finished in the Top 10 of the NACDA Director's Cup. This year, the Trojans scored 840 points and were 11 points out of ninth place.

UCLA

In men's hoop, assistant coach Ernie Ziegler was named as the head coach at Central Michigan.

Arizona

The Wildcats received a verbal commitment from linebacker Terrance Pritchett.

WSU

The Cougars received a verbal commitment from Kevin Freitag. Freitag selected Wazzu over Oregon, Illinois and Utah.

In men's hoop, center Aron Baynes had surgery on his left ankle and will be out for four months.

Washington

Washington finished 18th overall in the final NACDA Director's Cup standings with 692.25 points – seventh-best among Pac-10 schools.

Arizona State

Receiver Kerry Taylor gave an oral commitment to the Sun Devils. Taylor selected ASU over Oregon State, California and USC.

Oregon

Running back Terrell Jackson, defensive lineman Thor Pili, linebacker Tucker Callahan and offensive lineman Levi Horn will transfer.

Oregon State

The Beavers defeated Miami, Rice and North Carolina to win the 2006 NCAA title in baseball. It was Oregon State's first national title in 45 years.

Oregon State signed a financial aid agreement with JC quarterback Lyle Moevao.

Two assistant volleyball coaches - Salima Rockwell and Karla McDermott - resigned.

Stanford

Stanford received a verbal commitment from punter David Green. Green selected Stanford over LSU and Oregon.

In women's hoop, the Cardinal received a verbal commitment from center Kayla Pedersen. Pedersen selected Stanford over Duke, Arizona State and USC.

California

Senior quarterback Steve Levy was jailed on felony assault charges last week after allegedly tossing a glass at a bouncer at a bar after the bouncer had asked Levy to leave the establishment.

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