Five Tiny Tidbits On: The Western Athletic Conference

rickchand|published: Wed 15th November, 13:30 2006

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Thought we were done previewing things? How could you think that, with your NCAA Basketball Tournament office pool a mere five months away? You've got to start studying now if you want to wash away the shameful taste of your finish in last year's Oscar pool . So who's with me? Let's Gooo! Please send contributions to tips@deadspin.com.

• 1. Streetball Legend. Fresno State's Rafer Alston may be the only man to play streetball, college basketball, the NBA, then start his own traveling streetball league, then return to the NBA (Houston Rockets). From his Wikipedia page: "During a streetball tournament at the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem, Alston once performed what most would regard as an impossible move: during a fastbreak, he supposedly glided in the paint for a layup attempt but made a change of plans in the air as he rolled the ball down his right arm, across his shoulder and down his left arm to a trailing player for a finishing dunk." — (Thanks to John Hendrix).

• 2. Showdown At The House Of Blue Leaves. During the Jerry Tarkanian years, Fresno State player Avondre Jones was arrested for threatening a student with a samurai sword. Also, Terry Pettis was arrested for murder while on the team (he was sentenced to life without parole in July 2006). — (Thanks to Ed Bove).

• 3. Feel The Excitement. According to the school's athletic web site, San Jose State freshman guard Justin Ayers "has not declared an academic major" and "used to enjoy collecting trading cards."

• 4. Hee Haw And Merry Christmas, Sam Wainwright. The University of Idaho's men's basketball and football teams both play in the Kibbie Dome. Distinguished alumni include 1996 decathlon Olympic gold medalist Dan O'Brien, and Idaho Gem, the world's first cloned mule, which was created by researchers at the University.

• 5. ... And Eat Your Vegetables!. Hawaii senior guard John Wilder has a tattoo of his grandparents on his upper left arm, which he consults during games in tight situations.

Tomorrow: West Coast Conference