THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 12, 1995 TAG: 9505120665
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Expectations: Because North Carolina is supposedly reeling from the loss of its two best players, Duke is regrouping, and Maryland is looking for someone to fill Joe Smith's shoes, Virginia may be anointed basketball favorite in the suddenly watered-down ACC. Can the Cavaliers handle that?
Lionized: With Villanova junior Kerry Kittles resisting the temptation of this year's NBA draft, Wildcat fans have Old Dominion to thank. Against the inspired Monarchs in the NCAA tournament, the Big East player of the year came up very small.
If only: With Bobby Cox still on the job in Atlanta, ex-Michigan football coach Gary Moeller must wish he had grown up to be a major league baseball manager.
Still ugly: Another year has not made the New York Knicks any easier on the eyes.
Small nuisance: There is no excuse for Spike Lee.
Roots: Despite his frightful hair and weird court demeanor, the San Antonio Spurs must humor Dennis Rodman.
The franchise: Rockets center extraordinaire Hakeem Olajuwon still doesn't get the attention he would receive if he'd only dye his hair purple.
Today's game: If the Knicks' Anthony Mason and the Hornets' Dell Curry are the best in the NBA at coming off the bench, you know the quality of sixth men has diminished since the days of John Havlicek. All because of expansion, of course.
In passing: Anybody who can decipher the Atlanta Olympics' 46-page ticket-request form can probably understand the point of rhythmic gymnastics.
Counting the days: When Monica Seles' father says his daughter will eventually make a tennis comeback, let's hope he's not referring to the ladies seniors tour.
Say what? It was only a matter of time before somebody blamed baseball's problems on the media. Complaining about the fourth estate, Kansas City Royals third baseman Gary Gaetti said, ``You make a big deal out of the salaries and you get fans to stay away or boo.'' Oh, please.
Still a commodity: Air Jordan may be gone from baseball, but the hype lives after him. Recently, his old team, the Birmingham Barons, held ``Michael Jordan Poster Day.''
Student of the game: Reader Tony Stein says that when third base coaches flash signs they look like they're doing an impersonation of a man suffering from allergies.
TV timeout: Considering the dangers of drinking, especially for teenagers, it's too bad when an established figure like football announcer Keith Jackson lends his celebrity to a jocular beer commercial. There are so many more responsible messages his unmistakable voice could be delivering.
On the spot: If the Seattle SuperSonics fire George Karl, finally putting him out of his misery, the decision will be made by team president and former U.Va. star Wally Walker.
Fashion disaster: Those gray caps the Baltimore Orioles sometimes wear on the road couldn't be more hideous.
Armstrong: Orioles reliever Doug Jones likes to keep his arm in shape by pitching batting practice before games. And what if he's called on that night to save a game? ``BP's early,'' he says, ``there's time to bounce back.''
Time line: As if major league baseball didn't have enough troubles, games this year are running an average of 12 minutes longer than last season. by CNB