The Hokie’s quest to have a T. Taylor leading their football and basketball teams continues as Tech continues to recruit 2008 point guard prospect Tyshawn Taylor from Jersey City, NJ. Taylor was a marquette signee but has since been granted a release from his letter of intent with former marquette Head Coach Tom Crean moving to indiana. VT is considered one of five schools in serious contention, including 2008 National Champs kansas.

Taylor had been considered a three-star recruit and #101 overall in the Class of 2008 by Rivals.com but was bumped up to a four-star ranking, #77 overall, and the #11 point guard in their newest ratings.

At this point, it is unknown how Virginia Tech could take him. VT is currently maxing out all 13 scholarships for next year based on returning players and the three signees they have coming in for next season. Someone would have to transfer, quit the program, get a medical waiver (keep a scholarship but it doesn’t count against your 13 since they are unable to play due to medical conditions), or a recruit will have to not enroll.

That’s right. Tyrone Appleton, who led midland college of Texas to the national JUCO title in 2007 has signed with kansas.

Months ago I decided to take today off from work, similar to what I did one year after the attacks of 9/11, for personal reflection on an event that touched me deeply. Like with the Virginia Tech shootings, 9/11 impacted me indirectly, but very profoundly. I worked and lived a mile from the Pentagon. I saw the smoke rising off the Pentagon from where the plane had hit it that morning. I walked from my apartment later that day and saw the hole. All of those images made it extremely “real” to me.

Last year on this day, I was returning from a friend’s wedding in St. Louis. A trip of such happiness quickly turned to bitter sadness. Before heading into work, I started getting flooded with texts to check out the news. I began watching, and sat there stunned as the newscasts kept raising the death toll to unfathomable numbers.

In the days following, I struggled with my own grief. Why did this event make me so sad? I had long since graduated from Virginia Tech. Though I had friends that were neighbors of some of the victim’s families, and others that were taught by professors lost in the shootings, I had no connection to any of the victims or families. I almost felt guilty for being down in the dumps, when I couldn’t even imagine the pain the victims’ friends and families were feeling.

Then, it hit me. I realized how deep and strong my love for Virginia Tech was. It dawned on me why this event hurt so much. Virginia Tech, and all who have attended or worked there, are family. They are my brothers and sisters. It occurred to me that the pain I felt so deeply was because I truly felt like I had lost 32 siblings in those shootings. Though I will never know the excruciating sting this tragedy had on the blood-relation families or direct friends of these victims, I now have a better understanding of how deeply my fondness of Virginia Tech runs.

In the year since, my bond with VT has only grown stronger. That is due in part to my realization of my feelings. But more so, it has to do with the way the Virginia Tech community has reacted. Instead of being torn apart, Hokies have bonded together more tightly than ever. We have not let this define us, instead, it has driven us to do more. I only hope we can represent those who were lost proudly. And the outpouring of support from other communities all over the world has touched me and strengthened my belief in the human spirit.

Upon waking this morning, after realizing the news outlets were barely covering today’s events at VT, at least in the morning hours, I decided to read the biography of each victim on VT’s web site (Victims’ Biographies). It was extremely sad to read about the accomplishments, hopes, and dreams of each person. It was sad to see what might have been, and know it would never be.

One thing stood out in particular. It was in the biography of Mike Pohle, Jr. Mike struggled with a speech development issue early on in life, leading to teasings from other kids. As a result, Mike appreciated the struggles of others. “Based on his own experiences and even with his athletic success, Mike befriended those who felt they did not fit in or who were lost in the crowd with no one to turn to. It was instinctive for Mike to help; it was his calling,” stated his biography.

I only wish Mike had met Cho before that fateful day. Maybe, with such a wonderful person as a friend, this tragedy that still saddens all Hokies would never have happened. Going forward, if we all reach out to someone in need, the outcasts or “lepers” of society and show them the same courtesy we show everyone else, instead of fearing them and further isolating them, we can avert a similar situation, or at least make their blue days a little brighter. I know I could improve in this area.

To the 32 victims, here’s thinking of you. You are not forgotten, and never will be. You will always be an inspiration to me to enjoy life and to do more.

This is a re-post of the Tribute Desktop created by our own 8ball last year to honor the victims of April 16th. We are still thinking of all of you and pray for your families.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the 32 innocent Hokies that lost their lives, their families and friends, those injured, the friends and families of those injured, those yet to contact their student or loved one, and the entire Hokie nation. Today is a day we will never forget, and it will take a long time to even begin to start healing. Our beloved university will never be the same. God bless each person affected today. May your family and friends find the strength to cope with this horrible tragedy.

–The Team at TechHoops.com

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Tribute Desktop by 8ball:

We are Virginia Tech
Download | 800×600 | 1024×768
Letter (8.5 x 11; 144 dpi) | Tabloid (11 x 17; 144 dpi)

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Visit vt.edu for the latest updates on the tragedy.

We will resume posting basketball content on Monday, April 23.

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This is a re-post of our article that captured some of the various images and words following the tragedy of last April 16th. TechHoops.com has not forgotten any of the 32 victims from last year and never will. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the impacted families this week especially, but really every day. Not a day goes by that we don’t think of those that lost their lives, so full of hope and promise, way too early. We miss you.

We at TechHoops.com want to post some of the inspiring images and words to help the Hokie community cope with this tragedy. If you have any to share, please leave us a comment.

Nikki Giovanni at the Convocation:

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The Hokies will host defending Big Ten regular season and tournament champions, wisconsin on Monday, December 1 to tip off the 10th annual ACC-Big Ten challenge. This will be Tech’s first ever meeting with the badgers on the hardwood.

This is definitely one of the marquee games of the 2008 challenge, and a clear sign of respect for the Hokies from the schedule makers and ESPN. Other big match-ups include duke at purdue (12/2), clemson at illinois (12/2), ohio state at miami (12/2), indiana at wake forest (12/3), and unc vs. michigan state (12/3). However, the Hokies and badgers will be the first game of the challenge and the only game on the 1st. It’s got the making for a big-time non-conference tilt in the Cassell, which has been rare this decade.

The Hokies are 1-2 all time in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Tech defeated iowa in 2006 and lost to ohio state in 2005 and penn state in 2007.

Check out hokiesports.com for more info.

Washington averaged 17 points, 6 boards, 2.67 assists, and 2 blocks per game, and shot 5 of 12 of his three point attempts. You can read more about his performance at hokiesports.com.

Found this 2008-09 ACC preview on a random blog tonight. Hokies are picked 5th.

Frankie Allen, who coached the Hokies for four seasons from 1987-1991, is now the head coach of the women’s program at maryland-eastern shore. Coach Allen wasn’t too successful at Tech even though Bimbo Coles played for him during Allen’s first three years.

Allen went 56-61 during his four years, but only had one winning season - his first when the Hokies finished 19-10. However, the Hokies did not play in the postseason that year, despite their strong record. I was a freshman in 1989 and recall an Allen-coached Hokie victory over a Top 25 ranked alabama team that resulted in a massive celebration on campus, and specifically in the “prairie”. I look back at that and laugh because Tech basketball has come a long way since then. Now we are beating the likes of duke and carolina. Call me crazy, but I don’t think a victory over the crimson tide would trigger a similar response.

You may be wondering what classifies as a “basketball” movie.  Well, I’m being pretty liberal here.  Let’s count anything that focuses on a basketball player, a team, or just has a lot of basketball in it.  It can be a comedy, drama, or documentary.  Pretty much, everything is fair game.  So without further adieu, let’s get to the list.

The Top Shelf Six Pack

1. Hoosiers (1986) - Based on a true story - Plot: A small town team with just six or seven players battles for the Indiana state title (there’s only one division) - The gold standard for basketball movies.  It is also one of my Top 10 favorite movies of all-time in any category, maybe even Top 5.   Based on a true story in a basketball-mad state about maybe the greatest Cinderella/David beating Goliath team of all time.  Sure it is sappy, but it is also extremely uplifting.  The musical score is great and the acting is superb.   And Coach Normal Dale (Gene Hackman) is a Bobby Knight you can actually love.  Basketball scenes are well done.  Rewatchability: 10 - Seriously, if it is on, I’m watching it.  Or at least seeing where in the movie it is.
2. Hoop Dreams (1994) - Documentary - Plot: A filmmaker follows around two high school basketball players, one of which is a phenom, for four years, detailing their lives, too - Believe me, this movie is close to #1.  The thing that drops it down is that because it is a documentary, it is slow at times and very long.  But the concept of following a high school phenom and a slightly above average player around for all four years of high school was brilliant.  This was reality long before Survivor and all the other reality TV shows came along.  The real life drama that these two kids, and their families, face in Chicago is spellbinding.  And there’s a stunning twist during their senior seasons.  Random drinking game: take a drink every time someone says “downstate”.  You won’t make it to the end of the movie if you do.  Real basketball footage.  Rewatchability: 6 - I have watched it twice since I saw it in the theater.  It is worth watching every four of five years and laughing at the clothes from the late 80s/early 90s and remembering the story.  But it is slow.
3. He Got Game (1998) - Drama - A Spike Lee Joint (guys get that) - Plot: A high school phenom (Ray Allen) goes through the recruiting process with eveyone telling him where to go, including his dad (Denzel Washington) who was let out of jail just to lure him to go to a state official’s alma mater - I walked out of this movie thinking to myself, “Man, I wish I had practiced basketball every day so I could have gone on college recruiting trips.”  (I’m referring to the three-some scene)  The story is very good and draws you in.  Of course Denzel Washington’s acting is brilliant but Ray Allen puts forth an amazing performance, too.  The movie is a nice look at how everybody wants something from a talented star.  Not much in the way of actual “basketball” action, yet the whole movie is about life off the court.  Rewatchability: 8 - Like I said, the story really draws you in and makes you root for Jesus and his dad.
4. White Men Can’t Jump (1992) - Comedy - Plot: Two basketball players (Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes) hustle games for money and drop a thousand one-liners - By far the funniest basketball movie of all time.  I still use quotes from this movie: “It’s too easy!”  Coincidentally, Woody is in the least funny bball movie, too, Semi-Pro.  This movie will have you laughing the entire time and the basketball scenes are decent.  Would be #3 but He Got Game has more plot and a greater message.  Rewatchability: 10 - I’ll watch it any time it is on.
5. Above the Rim (1994) - Drama - Plot: A high school kid wants to overcome the streets and make it to play for Georgetown - I’m biased to this movie because I’m in the crowd in the final scene.  I think you can see my hat.  Anyway, this movie is a cross between He Got Game (even though it came first) and Hoop Dreams.  It is sombering watching Tupac, who actually does a good job in this movie.  Basketball scenes are average, but the story keeps you hooked.  Rewatchability: 5 - I haven’t seen it on TV too much lately.  I need to dial it up on Netflix.
6. Finding Forrester (2000) - Drama - Plot: A really smart and really good high school basketball player befriends a reclusive writer as he adjusts to an uppity school - This is the least “basketball-ish” of these six movies.  But since it is based on a basketball player, I’m counting it.  Quality acting with Sean Connery and a good supporting cast.  And what’s funnier that hearing Connery, in an English accent, say, “You’re the man now, dog!”  Rewatchability: 4 - Haven’t watched it again since I first saw it.  Hmm… should I add it to Netflix?

Six Pack of One-Timers (see them once)

• Blue Chips (1994) - Drama/Comedy - Plot: College coach becomes corrupt to win - How can a movie with Nick Nolte, Shaq, Larry Bird, Bobby Knight, Penny Hardaway, and Dick Vitale stink?  Not sure, but this movie found a way.  But watching Shaq play a college freshman is pretty entertaining, as is bribing a recruit with a tractor.  And the basketball scenes are great since they have a NBA all-star team on one college team.
• Teen Wolf (1985) - Comedy - Plot: A high school kid adjusts to being part wolf - Classic “what were the writers smoking” 80s comedy.  A wolf playing high school basketball is more believable than Michael J. Fox as a basketball player, yet somehow this movie works.  Funny and entertaining.  You just have to put on your 80s glasses and remember: it doesn’t have to make sense. 
• Rebound: The Legend of Earl “The Goat” Manigault (1996) - Based on a true story - Plot: A high school can’t-miss prospect misses because of drug abuse - This is NOT the Martin Lawrence movie.  It is a very sad story, and because it is mostly true, really gives a good lesson.  But the acting is poor, budget is low, and basketball scenes aren’t very good.  Read up on The Goat.  The legends about him, if true, are incredible.
• Through the Fire (2005) - Documentary - Plot: Sebastian Telfair, a high school point guard, has to figure out if he wants to go to college or the NBA - Read the book, The Jump, instead.  It is 100 times better.  This movie is a like a Subway sandwich: no meat.  But still worth trying to get through once.
• Coach Carter (2005) - Based on a true story - Plot: A strict disciplinarian coach whips an urban LA team into shape - See my Glory Road comments below and wash, rinse, repeat.  At least this movie has Samuel L. Jackson and isn’t “hurrah for everything”.
• Baseketball (1998) - Comedy - Plot: Two losers invent a sport to get chicks and not suck - I think it is pretty darn funny, especially the taunting.  But it isn’t really a baseketball movie, so it is down here.

Disappointments

• Basketball Diaries (1995) - Leonardo DiCaprio gives a great performance and I knew this movie wasn’t really about basketball, but it still stunk overall.  The one or two basketball scenes are awful and the rest of the movie is just about drunks and JO’ing.
• Semi-Pro (2008) - Will Ferrell, but not funny.  He’s forcing things now.  He’s the new Adam Sandler.   Needs to go back to being a supporting star, not the main guy.
• Glory Road (2006) - Based on a true story - Plot: Texas Western, with an all black starting lineup, beats an all white team - A poor man’s Remember the Titans without Denzel Washington.  Way too sappy.  A classic Disney puke fest.  Would be better as a documentary with interviews and old game footage. 

Haven’t Seen:

• Love & Basketball (2000) - If it was “Basketball & Love”, I might watch it.  But it isn’t.
• A Season on the Brink (2002)  - I refuse to ever watch this because ESPN made it, they showed 4,142,387 commercials about it leading up to it, and I hate Bobby Knight.  Plus, if I watch an ESPN movie, it is like saying it is OK for them to do stuff like this.  Next thing you know, they are like MTV (no music videos).

Summary - there really hasn’t been a good college basketball movie yet.  Shocking, especially considering how big the NCAA Tournament is.  Blue Chips was crap, as was Glory Road.  And A Season on the Brink is a better book than movie.  All the top movies are about high school kids or teams (five of my top six are high school based).  I smell an untapped market!