Engin Atsür on ESPN

ESPN is running USA Basketball against Turkey a couple of times today. I've only seen a few moments of it so far but enough to see Engin get used by Kobe. Great to see him though.

Sidney get a big one

WRAL reports...

Wolfpack gets commitment from four-star guard

Lorenzo Brown, a four-star guard from Georgia, has committed to N.C. State, packpride.com is reporting.

The 6-foot-4 Brown becomes the Wolfpack’s second basketball commitment for the Class of 2009. He plays at Centennial High in Roswell, Ga. Brown is considered a quick player and solid shooter who could evolve into a college point guard. He continues Sidney Lowe’s push for sleek, versatile players who can play a more up-tempo style.

State also has a commitment from 6-5 Scott Wood of Marion, Ind. More...

Leaving early for Europe

This is the newest trend that will steal away ACC Stars

Dickey gives up senior season to go pro in Ukraine

Georgia Tech center Ra'Sean Dickey has given up his senior season to play professionally in the Ukraine.

Coach Paul Hewitt said Wednesday the 6-foot-10 Dickey signed a contract with Budivelnyk Kiev of the Ukrainian Super League. He redshirted last season to recover from acute tendinitis in his right knee and had a year of eligibility remaining.

"Ra'Sean and his family have decided that the time is right for him to begin his professional basketball career, and we wish him all the best," Hewitt said.

Dickey played in 89 games over three seasons, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 60.1 percent from the field. His best season was 2005-06, when he averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets were 15-17 last season, including 7-9 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Billy Packer Retires

This is a shock to me. Most of my friends HATE Billy Packer as we've talked about before. But growing up watching Thacker and Packer, I came to love the way he calls games. I trust his opinions. He wasn't perfect, made some mistakes at time, but all in all, I think knows more about the game than just about anyone on TV.

Well, news today is that CBS decided they were done with him. Speculation is that Clark Kellogg, who I also like a lot, will be paired with Jim Nance for Final Fours. Latest word is that today Packer said he is probably done calling basketball for good, meaning no Raycom/JP ACC Games. My hope is that this is just his initial feeling and that he'll change his mind on this front.