Behind the Red Curtain
Lots of little things that stuck out in the first half of the State-Clemson game that could lead to questions later.
1) Ced Simmons, after playing just 19 minutes against Seton Hall, doesn't start today. Is Sendek sending him a message, or is he not 100 percent?
2) Courtney Fells gets playing time in the first half and gets on the court before Gavin Grant. Is Fells earning that playing time? Or is that an indication that Grant has fallen into disfavor.
3) Brandon Costner in uniform. He appeared headed for a redshirt. Maybe that's not the case.
Oh yeah, the score's 38-34, Wolfpack. State's scoring on just 3s, layups and free throws. I wonder how long this can last.
Comments (2)
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Hey Jim,
I'm in Germany, and I've just seen the replay of the game. Since you cover them, can you tell me what is going on between referee Mike Wood and Cameron Bennerman?
Wood seems to have it out for the guy. First he stared him down at the Dean Dome (one of the most unprofessional things I've ever seen).
Then the Technical on the dunk (and another little staredown) at Clemson.
Any clue what is going on with those two?
Posted on January 30, 2006 4:10 AM
Steve,
Believe me, you're not the first person that has brought this up to me. I'm not really sure what to make of it. Mike Wood is generally viewed as one of the top refs in the league, so I doubt he'd have a special little vendetta against Bennerman. That said, the tech call did raise my eyebrows and yes, I did eventually see a replay of the staredown in Chapel Hill.
My best guess? Bennerman and Wood have crossed paths over the last four years and I'd bet that somewhere along the way they've had enough exchanges that Wood has put Bennerman on is "ones to watch" list. Is that justified? Is it fair? I can't really say. But it does seem like there's a little bit extra below the surface with those two.
Posted on January 31, 2006 5:01 PM