Archive - Nov 2012 - News / NCAA Daily

North Texas knew they had a rough start to the season facing off against a Top 20 in Creighton. Doug McDermott got the better of former 2011 U19 Team USA teammate Tony Mitchell and the Bluejays won the match-up 71-51. Following that up with a match-up against a DII school would be easy for the Mean Green. Turned out that was not the case.

After only garnering 10 minutes in Kentucky's 72-69 victory over Maryland, it was assumed that Ryan Harrow might already be in Coach Calipari's dog house. Despite the great story that came of former walk-on Jarrod Polson playing very well he was on the sidelines, the truth behind it all was that Harrow is coming off of a bout with the flu.

It may have only been one game, but Michael Carrera made his presence felt for South Carolina. Carrera finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in a 82-75 OT victory over UW Milwaukee. He also hit a pair of FT's in overtime that gave South Carolina the lead for good. After a season where they only had 10 victories, getting a player with Carrera's redounding and defensive ability could go a long way towards improvement.

With Jeff Withey set to graduate after this season, the Jayhawks found a possible replacement in 7-foot Cameroon native Joel Embiid. The Jayhawks recruiting class had yet to add a front court player and now has a huge body in young Embiid.

New to the game, Embiid got a slightly rude awakening last year in the ESPN National High School Invitational by top 2012 recruit Brandon Ashley. Well, despite his lack of experience, Embiid took that as motivation, with his combination of size and athleticism vaulting him to near the top of 2013's center prospects.

Expected to have a breakout sophomore season, Otto Porter did not have much of a chance to make noise Sunday against Duquesne. Porter had a rebound and assist before getting hit in the head with 11:55 left in the first half. Porter did not return and was being monitored for a possible concussion. The Hoyas were still able to get the W as D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera had a very strong first collegiate contest, finishing with 19 points on 6-7 FG (4-4 3PT). No news on the severity of Porter's injury, though the initial feeling is that he was held out for cautionary reasons.

Isaiah Austin had an impressive showing in Baylor's season opening win against Lehigh with 22 points in 17 minutes. The downside of his debut was his having to leave the game after his spraining his right ankle. The Bears did not really need him in their 78-47 thrashing of Jackson State, though after witnessing his offensive prowess, it is obvious they would like him back sooner rather than later.