News & notes

As play begins in the round of 64 in the NCAA men's basketball tournament this afternoon, two former UAlbany players, one with local ties, will see action.

Scotia graduate Joe Cremo, now with Villanova, will see action this evening against St. Mary's. David Nichols and Florida State are playing at this writing against America East champion Vermont, and, at last check, the Catamounts had an early 7-4 lead.

It does make one wonder why UAlbany didn't do enough to convince either player to stay, as the Great Danes' season ended earlier this month in the America East tournament.
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Meanwhile, down the road at Siena, Thomas Huerter, Jr. won't duplicate his father's full run at the Loudonville school.

Huerter is one of two players to transfer out of Siena this week, hoping that, like Nichols & Cremo, a different school will increase his chances, with one year of eligibility left, to reach the NCAA tournament, if not also the pros. Brother Kevin, of course, is getting quality points and minutes with Atlanta in the NBA, and sisters Meghan & Jillian had an outstanding season for Shenendehowa's women's basketball team.

Huerter's problem is that he wasn't getting enough minutes playing for first year coach Jamion Christian. Could the Saints have done better with Huerter getting more minutes? Hard to say.
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A prodigal son is coming back to the NBA.

That would be Glens Falls native Jimmer Fredette, who has signed a contract with Phoenix, one of the worst teams in the league this season, for the rest of this year, and carrying a player option for next season. As soon as Fredette gets clearance from his Chinese league team, he'll be ready to return to the NBA after a three year absence.

For whatever reason, the skill set he displayed at Glens Falls and Brigham Young didn't translate in the NBA, and some people still don't think it does.

Joseph Girard III should pay close attention as he finishes his high school career this weekend in the Federation Tournament of Champions in Glens Falls, then plays his college ball at Syracuse. If he isn't careful, the same thing could happen to him a few years down the road.

Roughly translated, the NBA doesn't respect the 518. Considering how so few have reached that level, I'd say they never have.