CIAA in the Queen City

CIAA tournament pairings

2009-02-23T11:05:00.002-05:00

TUESDAY, FEB. 24
Women #8 Livingstone vs #9 Virginia Union, 7:00pm
Women #7 St. Augustine’s vs #10 Elizabeth City State, 9:00pm

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 25
Women #4 Virginia State vs #5 St. Paul’s, 11:00am
Women #3 Johnson C. Smith vs #6 Shaw, 1:00pm
Women #1 Bowie State vs 8/9, 3:00pm
Women #2 Fayetteville State vs #7/10, 5:00pm

Men #7 Virginia State vs #10 St. Paul’s, 7:00pm
Men #8 Livingstone vs #9 Fayetteville State, 9:00pm

THURSDAY, Feb. 26
Men #4 Bowie State vs #5 St. Augustine’s, 1:00pm
Men #2 Elizabeth City State vs #7/10, 3:00pm
Men #3 Johnson C. Smith vs #6 Shaw, 7:00pm
Men #1 Virginia Union vs #8/9, 9:00pm

FRIDAY, Feb. 27
Women, 1:00pm
Women, 3:00pm

Men 7:00pm
Men 9:00pm

SATURDAY, Feb. 28
Women's Championship Game, 5:00pm
Men's Championship Game, 8:00pm

-- The men's quarterfinals, men's and women's semifinals and championship games will be televised on ESPN Classic and ESPN2. For more tournament information visit, www.ciaatourment.org.

JCSU men fall to Augusta State

2008-03-16T20:47:00.006-04:00

Observer Staff Reports

The moral victory didn’t soothe Johnson C. Smith sophomore forward Jerry Hollis.
Still, Golden Bulls coach Steve Stephen Joyner Sr. wanted his team to remember what they accomplished this season after a 58-54 first-round Division II tournament loss Saturday to No. 10 Augusta State.
"This game indicates to us how much we have improved," Joyner said. "I asked them to please not let this game take away from the things they’ve done this year."
CIAA tournament champion J.C. Smith, a No. 7 seed, almost upset the second-seeded Jaguars on their home court. The Golden Bulls nearly overcame an 11-point halftime deficit, falling just short.
Hollis scored on a layup to pull J.C. Smith (21-10) within one with two minutes remaining.
The Golden Bulls trailed by two before Augusta State All-American senior forward Tyrekus Bowman, who scored a game-high 22, drained two free throws with 12 seconds left to seal the victory.
"We just needed one stop," Hollis said. "We just couldn’t get over the hump. "As a team, we were looking forward to make a deep run in the regionals. It’s bittersweet."

Augusta State (23-6), which will advance to play Wingate in the semifinals at 5 p.m. today, handed J.C. ohnson C Smith its worst loss of the season – a 23-point defeat – Nov. 24 here at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Hollis scored 14 points with 11 rebounds and four assists to lead J.C. ohnson C Smith. Ryan Scott added 14 points and Edmund Rainey had 11.

J.C. Smith women lose to Wingate

2008-03-14T19:08:00.003-04:00

From Observer News Services

Wingate University sophomore forward/center Erica Crumlin (Irmo, S.C.) missed a triple-double by one block as the Bulldogs defeated Johnson C. Smith University 61-50 in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional tournament Friday afternoon. The NCAA contest was held in the Smith University Center on the campus of Francis Marion University.

With the victory, Wingate improves to 24-7 overall. The Bulldogs will play Augusta State University Saturday night at 6 p.m. in the regional semi-finals. The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls conclude the 2007-08 campaign 21-10 overall.

Crumlin posted 14 points, 15 rebounds and a career-high nine blocked shots in 28 minutes of playing time. She hit seven-of-12 field goals and added three assists and two steals to her statistics ledger. Wingate senior guard Kate Edwards (Laurinburg, N.C.) added 10 points and seven rebounds for the victors.

For Johnson C. Smith, sophomore guard/forward Kyria Buford (Charlotte, N.C.) posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds. In addition to her game-high point and rebound totals, the Florida State University transfer snatched a game-best five steals. Buford was the only JCSU player to hit double figures Friday.

Wingate led 23-17 following a cold-shooting first half for both teams. The Bulldogs started the second half with a 9-2 flurry to take a 32-19 lead on a short jumper by sophomore center Stacie Rhodes (Raleigh, N.C.) with 15:05 to play in the contest. The 13-point bulge was Wingate's biggest lead of the afternoon.

A hoop by freshman forward Jessy Keitt (Charlotte, N.C.) put the Bulldogs up 36-26 at the 12:55 mark. The JCSU Golden Bulls made their move, answering with a 9-2 run of their own to cut the deficit to 38-35 on a three-pointer by Buford with 8:19 to go. Buford had five points during the run.

Johnson C. Smith would get no closer than the three-point deficit down the stretch. The Golden Bulls had the ball only one time with a chance to tie the game. Bulldog junior point guard Anna Atkinson (Marion, N.C.) stepped up and made a steal to end the aforementioned JCSU possession. The 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® first team member was fouled on the play and converted a one-and-one opportunity to give Wingate a 42-37 lead with 5:56 remaining.

Wingate worked the lead back to 13 in the waning moments. Two Atkinson charity tosses put the Bulldogs up 58-45 with 1:02 to go. Wingate hit five-of-six free throws in the final 1:02 to keep JCSU at bay. The Golden Bulls hit two field goals and one free throw in the final 47 seconds to settle the final margin.

Atkinson dished out double-figure assists for the 11th time this season with her game-high 11 helpers. On the afternoon, Wingate made 25 turnovers that JCSU converted into 16 points. The Bulldogs shot 40.4 percent from the floor (23-of-57) for the day. The Golden Bulls managed only 27 percent shooting Friday (20-of-74). Thanks to Buford's efforts, the JCSU bench outscored the Wingate bench 30-16.

Wingate hit six-of-seven field goals (85.7 percent) out of the starting blocks, taking a 12-4 lead on a Crumlin jumper at the 16:11 mark. Wingate scored on its first six possessions. The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 19-10 on a transition basket by senior forward/guard Kasey Gillis (Indian Trail, N.C.) with 10:03 remaining in the opening frame.

The Golden Bulls cut the margin to 19-14 on a long jumper by Buford at the 9:13 plateau. Following the Buford basket, neither team would hit paydirt for six-plus minutes. Edwards broke the scoring drought with a follow shot at the 3:07 mark. The Edwards jumper gave the Bulldogs a 21-14 advantage.

Wingate outrebounded JCSU 28-16 in the first half. The Bulldogs hit 39.3 percent of their first-half field goals (11-of-28), while the Golden Bulls hit only 22.6 percent in the opening frame (seven-of-31). In the first 20 minutes, Gillis and Crumlin led Wingate with six points each. Buford posted seven markers for the JCSU in the first half.

Special day for J.C. Smith and Dr. Yancy

2008-03-02T10:16:00.006-05:00

You just knew this CIAA Tournament was going to be special.
Not just the parties and reunions. Those always hold a special place in our hearts til we meet again.

I'm talking about on the court, the venue that gave birth to this extravaganza 63 years ago.

From Virginia State's 30-foot bank-shot buzzer-beater against St. Paul's to Shaw University's first tournament win in six years.
Something was in the air.

Then both Johnson C. Smith's teams made the finals - and the men won the crown, a grand send-off for University President Dorothy Cowser Yancy, who's stepping down after 13 years.

Yancy, her alma mater's first female president, played a huge role in bringing the CIAA to Charlotte. She's also the school's biggest hoops fan.

If you haven't seen her run onto the court to congratulate or console her players at each tournament, you've missed something really special.

Congrats, Dr. Yancy.
And we'll see you next year.

R. Kelly wasn't at the club

2008-03-01T12:10:00.004-05:00

So I paid $60 at the Backstage Nite Club Friday night to see R. Kelly.
Problem is he wasn’t there.
I don’t know if I should be outraged that I got ripped off, or if I should be kicking myself for being so gullible.
Here’s what the party listing said: "R. Kelly Official CIAA Best of Both Worlds Kickoff Party hosted by Fat Joe."
In my mind, that means R. Kelly is suppose to be at the club. It would be great if he were actually performing, too. But I’d settle for his mere presence if his name is what’s selling it. Oh, and there was no Fat Joe sighting either, as far as I could tell.
Now correct me if I’m wrong. There were hundreds of people there, so one or both of them could’ve been chillin’ in a back room somewhere, but I doubt it.
Or maybe they made an appearance and left before I arrived. I got there about 11:45, and there was a huge line of people waiting to get in, two lines actually. One was for people who had the laminated flier (or invitation) announcing the party. They could go right in.
The other line was for people paying cash.
I should’ve known something was amiss when I couldn’t get a straight answer from the bouncers organizing the lines.
Is R. Kelly in there? I asked.
One bouncer said yeah in a tone that I now realize was sarcasm. Everybody doesn’t do sarcasm well.
That’s OK. I’ll just stay in line and find out for myself when I get inside.
While in line, every now and then I would turn to somebody in line and say: "R. Kelly’s suppose to be in here, right?"
They weren’t very engaging.
The only guy who gave me a definitive ‘yes’ was the dude who walked up selling invitations for $60. Why wait in this line when you can walk right in with this invitation, he asked.
"It’ll cost you $100 at the door," he said, obviously lying.
Just then, another patron in line said "I don’t like R. Kelly that much."
Ah ha, so at least there’s one other person who thought R. Kelly was suppose to be there.
Anyway, once I got in and looked around I could tell no one else cared.
Maybe they know the code words, like party "hosted by" means the host isn’t necessarily there.
As I shot some photos and mingled, I asked various people had they seen R. Kelly. The guys stared at me like I was an idiot. The girls thought that was my pickup line. All the girls looked so young (insert R. Kelly joke here).
One girl who I photographed was doing a nasty dance on a pole near the dance floor. I started to ask her, but she interrupted me.
"You better not put this on YouTube," she said. She’s concerned about the YouTube audience, but not the 300 people watching her in person.
"I’m serious. I know how to find you," she said.
Hmm, maybe she can find R. Kelly.

Did anybody else think R. Kelly was going to be at Backstage Nite Club? And were there other no-shows at other clubs? Was Keith Sweat at the Woods on South Blvd? Post your comments in the section below.

George Clinton concert

2008-02-29T14:33:00.004-05:00

Most of all we need the funk.
And trust me, last night I got all the funk I needed when George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic landed in Charlotte.

Clint and the P-Funk mob (all 14 of them) jammed for about three hours on a small stage at the Neighborhood Theatre in the North Davidson district, or NoDa as we call it in the Queen City.

First, they told us to free our minds and our (butts) would follow. Harken back to 1975 when they first landed the Mothership. And many in the crowd did there best. I could tell by the smell of whatever they were puffing and passing.

There was a mix of eclectic NoDa regulars and out-of-town funkateers, who knew every word to every song. Some of them knew the names of all the band members, even the relatively new ones, like the guy dressed as Sir Nose. He had ripped abs, so I’m guessing he was in diapers when the original Sir Nose was introduced in the ‘70s.

And speaking of diapers, yes Gary Shider (Clint’s right-hand man) still wears one on stage. Gary, you know you’re my dog, but when you’re almost 60, it’s not a diaper. It’s a Depends. (That line brought to you by editor Glenn Burkins).

But he’s just as funky as he ever was on guitar and vocals. They all were.

The group, which had 13 top ten hits between 1967 and 1983, played some of everything: "Flashlight," "Funkentelecky," "Cosmic Slop," "Maggot Brain," "Atomic Dog," "Knee Deep."
The songs went on and on. Just when you thought it was the finale (they played every song like a finale) they’d strike a familiar chord, and the fans would go nuts again.

Clint, who is 67, still has his stage legs. He must be taking good care of himself, maybe even gave up smoking. Then the joint made its way on stage.
Guess not.

Time to party (Wish I could dance)

2008-02-28T19:38:00.003-05:00

OK, the CIAA Tournament finally is in full swing.
The arena seats are filling up, alums are reuniting, steppers are stepping and vendors and vending.
Now it’s time for me to party.
Quick, somebody teach me the latest dance so I won’t have to do the rock-from-side-to-side move the whole weekend.
Like many of you, I haven’t been to a dance party since last year’s tournament, unless you include a Charlotte Observer’s Christmas party, where I showed up and did the water sprinkler dance.
But with the lineup of parties I’ve been assigned to cover, I’m going to shake my tailfeathers till they ruffle.
Thursday, it was George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at the Neighborhood Theater.
Tonight, R. Kelly at Backstage Nite Club, Biz Markie at HOM and Doug E. Fresh at the Hilton Center City.
I was planning to check out Jermaine Dupri’s party at Jillian’s, but a guy at the arena handed me a flier for a Keith Sweat party at Woods on South Boulevard.
The guy had a great sales pitch: "Keith Sweat is $10 if you get there before 10."
Sorry, Jermaine.
Y’all know what I’m talking about. I’ve heard you complaining about the cost of some of these parties, too.
I like the "Day Parties" but even those are expensive. A friend of mine defines day party as a party before the police come out.
We attended one last year (I won’t say where) that charged $20 and they didn’t even have hors d’oeuvres.
The night parties cost $30, some $40, even $60 to hang out with the celebrity hosts.
For instance, Floyd Mayweather’s party at Jillian’s Thursday cost $30. For VIP advance tickets it was $75. I don’t know about you, but for $75 I want to see Floyd hit somebody, even if it’s just one of the guests.
Come to think of it, if you read the fine print, the flier I have never says Keith Sweat is actually singing at his party, either.

Can today's games top Wednesday's?

2008-02-28T10:14:00.002-05:00

If you missed Wednesday's games, you missed some really good drama play out.

In the 7 p.m. game, Virginia State beat St. Paul's at the buzzer when Jamar Fleming hoisted a 30-footer that banked in for a 57-54 win.

Then in the 9 p.m. game, Shaw shot 72 percent in the second half to upset Livingstone, 74-60. It was Shaw's first postseason victory since 2002.

If tonight's games are half as exciting, we're in for great CIAA Tournament quarterfinals.

Tonight's lineup:
(No. 3) Elizabeth City vs. (No. 6) Fayetteville State, 1 p.m.
(No. 1) Virginia Union vs. (No. 8) Virginia State, 3 p.m.
(No. 4) J.C. Smith vs. (No. 5) St. Augustine's, 7 p.m.
(No. 2) Bowie State vs. (No. 10) Shaw, 9 p.m.

Barry, it's cold outside

2008-02-27T09:30:00.004-05:00

Great, it's 9 a.m. on Day 3 of the CIAA Tournament and there are snow flurries over here in northwest Charlotte.

Did this cold spell have to hit in the middle of the tournament? Wednesday is suppose to be cold and windy. Thursday even colder. Throw in some scattered showers later in the week and some of us are gonna have to change outfits at least two or three more times a day.

I mean, it's hard enough planning what to wear to the CIAA parties when the weather's mild. But if you're a true fan, I guess the cold is just another reason to accessorize. Grab a scarf and matching hat, and you're set.

With that in mind, I wonder what my friend Barry Anderson is going to do now. We were just talking the other day about his wardrobe plans for the week. This year Barry's not spending too much on clothes. You know, gas prices and the economy and all, he says.

One day it'll be jeans, a nice blazer and some cowboy boots. The next day, maybe this pin-striped suit he got for a bargain at Value City. What kind of shoes with the suit, Stacy Adams?

"Nah, I'm not old enough for Stacys yet. That's old school," says Barry, who's 37 and looking at me like he thinks I own a pair. "I'm wearing some Cole Hahns."

Oh well, I just looked outside again and noticed the snow has stopped and the sun is out. Things are looking up. I guess I can throw the snow boots back in the closet and put on my Stacys.

Gloomy day brightened by old friends

2008-02-26T18:50:00.005-05:00

The day started out gloomy, usually a bad sign for attendance, especially on the second day of the CIAA women's tournment.

But the rain stopped by late morning and the few early fans - mostly locals - started filing in for the games.

And for me it was like old home week already. Out of about a thousand people, I knew a bunch of them.

First, I ran into my friend and Down East homey Ellie Howard on the concourse. I'm from Rocky Mount and he's from nearby Murfreesboro, home to Chowan University, whose football team will join the CIAA next year. He was with his friend Reggie McKinney, a local bail bondsman. Let me get your card, Reggie. You just never know.

Then I saw my 7th-grade guidance counselor Betty Payne, a Fayetteville State grad. She's also one of my mother's best friends. She was with her friend Althea Rudrow, a J.C. Smith grad. Ms. Payned wanted me to put a good word in for Fayetteville State's women, who beat St. Augustine's. "We don't get much coverage around here."

Then there's Cornelia Curry, JCSU class of 63, and Constance Sims, class of 64. I know them from the McCrorey YMCA, my home away from home.

If Tuesday was any indication of what the week's going to be like, I can't wait for the crowds really start coming in.

The CIAA tournament starts today (See Brackets)

2008-02-25T07:38:00.005-05:00

Hey, CIAA fans. Welcome back to Charlotte.

Today kicks off the CIAA Tournament's third straight year in the Queen City, and it's going to be here at least three more years. I couldn't be more excited. I know you are too because many of you have let me know through emails and comments on this blog over the past month leading up to the tournament.

I can't wait to hit some of the parties and check out this year's lineup of recording artists like R.Kelly, CeCe Winans, Bow Wow and Omarion. I mean, where else could you catch entertainment like this in one three-day span?

But I'm just as excited about the games. You should be too, because that's what brought us all here. So enjoy yourselves at all the various entertainment venuse, but by all means, please go support your teams too. In fact, here's a breakdown of who's playing and when. Enjoy!

Women's Tournament
Monday, February 25
(7) Elizabeth City State University vs (10) Virginia Union University 7:00pm
(8) Livingstone College vs (9) Virginia State University 9:00pm
Tuesday, February 26
(4) St. Augustine's College vs (5) Fayetteville State University 1:00pm
Winner of ECSU/VUU vs (2) Bowie State University 3:00pm
Winner of LC/VSU vs (1) Shaw University 7:00pm
(6) St. Paul's College vs (3) Johnson C. Smith University 9:00pm
Friday, February 29
Winner of SAC/FSU vs Winner of 7:00pm game 1:00pm
Winner of 3:00pm game vs Winner of SPC/JCSU 3:00pm
Saturday, March 1
Women's Championship Game 5:00pm

Men's Tournament
Wednesday, February 27
(8) Virginia State University vs (9) St. Paul's College 7:00pm
(7) Livingstone College vs (10) Shaw University 9:00pm
Thursday, February 28
(6) Fayetteville State University vs (3) Elizabeth City State University 1:00pm
Winner of VSU/SPC vs (1) Virginia Union University 3:00pm
(4) Johnson C. Smith University vs (5) St. Augustine's College 7:00pm
Winner of LC/SU vs (2) Bowie State University 9:00pm
Friday, February 29
Winner of 9:00pm game vs Winnder of FSU/ECSU 7:00pm
Winner of JCSU/SAC vs Winner of 3:00pm game 9:00pm
Saturday, March 1
Men's Championship Game 8:00pm

All CIAA Basketball Teams announced

2008-02-21T18:34:00.002-05:00

Men's All-CIAA Basketball Team:
Joshua Johnson, Sr. forward, Bowie State
David Paris, Sr. center, Bowie State
Anthony Hilliard, Jr. forward, Elizabeth City
Jerry Hollis, Soph. forward, J.C. Smith
Damola Obadina, Sr. forward, Shaw
Brad Byerson, Sr. forward, Virginia Union
Phillippe' Harris, Sr. guard, Fayetteville State
Andy Gebru, Jr. guard, Fayetteville State
Maurice Hooper, Sr. guard, J.C. Smith
William Gill, Jr. guard, St. Augustine's
Trey Mines, Soph. guard, Virginia State

Women's All-CIAA Basketball Team:
Markeya Watson, Jr. forward, Bowie State
Allyson Swailes, Sr. forward, Bowie State
Celeste Trayan, Sr. center, Elizabeth City
Kyria Buford, Soph. forward, J.C. Smith
Rochelle Bodie, Sr. forward, J.C. Smith
Nicky Souter, Sr. forward, Shaw
Katchona Johnson, Sr. forward, Virginia Union
Bianca Lee, Soph. guard, Bowie State
Leticia Dickson, Sr. guard, Fayetteville State
Ashley Chase, Sr. guard, J.C. Smith
Jamie Goshen, Sr. guard, Shaw
Katania Walker, Jr. guard, Virginia Union

CIAA Players of the Year

2008-02-21T18:19:00.004-05:00

The CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches Associations have selected the honorees of the 2008 All-CIAA Teams and Players of the Year.

This year's Players of the Year hail from the same institution, Elizabeth City State University. Celeste Trahan and Anthony Hilliard will mark the third Player of the Year duo in CIAA history to claim the title in the same year; and a first for ECSU. (Previous years: 1995 Norfolk State and 2005 Bowie State) This also marks Trahan's second year in a row as CIAA Player of the Year.

Both Trahan and Hilliard lead the conference in scoring (23.7ppg/20.1ppg), total rebounding (15.9rpg/11.9rpg) and defensive rebounding (11.1rpg/8.5rpg). Trahan, who broke ground this season as the first NCAA Division II women's basketball student-athlete to score 2,000 career points and 2,000 career rebounds, is also the 2008 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. Celeste leads the conference in rebounding (15.9rpg), blocked shots (2.13pg), defensive (4.7rpg) and offensive rebounds (11.1rpg).

The 2008 Men's Defensive Player of the Year, Brad Byerson hails from Virginia Union University. Byerson currently ranks second in the conference in rebounding with 8.0rpg and third in blocked shots with a 1.25 avg. Not only is he a dominant defensive player, he shows versatility, ranking third in the conference in scoring, 16.8ppg.

The All-CIAA Teams and Players of the Year will be honored at the Women's and Men's Tip-Off Banquets on February 24th and 26th, respectively, in Charlotte.

CIAA tickets and parking pass for sale

2008-02-18T17:54:00.005-05:00

I have 1 booklet of tickets, section 221, Row L, Seat 18 for sale for $125.00. This is for the whole tournament Monday-Saturday. I can be reached at rlewis555@carolina.rr.com or 704-248-1376
Ronald

Mr. Hart,
Please post that I have two CiAA Basketball Tournament Books for sale. Each priced at $225. The seats are in Section 117, terrific floor views. I can be reached at williamjsin@aol.com and 703-981-0585.
Jay

And here's a reader offering a parking pass:
I have a parking card for an uptown parking deck that can be used for $100 for the week with a $20 deposit.
I can be contacted at d_greenhouse@hotmail.com or 704-779-4261.

Any others with tickets or parking passes for sale, post them in the comments section below or email me at khart@charlotteobserver.com

JCSU vs. Shaw women on Fox Sports

2008-02-15T17:45:00.003-05:00

Hey, CIAA fans. Check out the Johnson C. Smith women vs. Shaw on television Saturday, February 16. It will be televised on CSTV and Fox Sports Net. Time Warner Cable subscribers in the Charlotte area can turn to channel 40 (Fox Sports) or channel 139 (CSTV) to watch the game. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.

Use the following link to watch the game live via the internet.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH GAME LIVE!

Townhome, room for rent during CIAA

2008-02-08T17:10:00.001-05:00

If you can't a find a hotel rate to your liking or you'd just rather stay at a house or condo, a couple of readers offer these options:

I live in a towmhome on the eastside of charlotte not far from uptown, and if anyone is interested in renting a room i have one for rent for the week of ciaa conference, i can be contacted at 704-713-8587.

Hi Kelvin,
My name is LaTasha and I’m new to Charlotte. This will be my first CIAA, pretty excited. Wanted to let you know that if you know of anyone looking for a place RIGHT uptown, I’ve got a townhome available for $375/night. It can accomodate up to four people. It’s on Fifth and Poplar, really nice. lcartersolo@yahoo.com

From Ice:
I live in charlotte and I have a house that I rent out normally but will be using to house tournament watchers, I still have room left. If more people would come up with alternative living arangements for each others maybe hotels would lower their prices based on the new competition.919-491-5566

If anyone else has homes, apartments or rooms to rent, put your contact info in the comments section below or email me at khart@charlotteobserver.com

Hotel rates an issue already

2008-02-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

As the CIAA draws near, the price of hotels always goes up. But one curious reader has checked into whether the prices are up higher for CIAA week than they will be for the ACC tournament. The ACC tournament is actually March 13-16, so the rates he or she checked for March 5-9 are not comparable. But it would be interesting to see if the rates are lower during the ACC tournament. Hmmm

Hello Mr. Hart:
A conversation about hotels raising their prices during the CIAA sparked a debate on whether hotels have a right to raise their rates when an influx of people are visiting Charlotte.

Which brought up the question whether the hotels would charge more during CIAA weekend than they would during the ACC weekend.

My curiosity peaked, so I did some research by performing an internet search of hotel rates from Wednesday, February 27 through Sunday, May 2nd and compared them with hotel rates from Wednesday, March 5th through Sunday, March 9th.

Many of the hotels were already sold out CIAA weekend, however, two hotels (Doubletree-Gateway and Hilton Executive Park) had availability and the rates for CIAA were drastically higher ($100-$150).

This result makes me wonder what pricing has already been sold to CIAA attendees. I called the Doubletree and their first response was that it's a longer stay; when I clarified the hotel stay was for the same days and same amount of days; I was referred to the voicemail of the Sales Office.

Is it price gouging?

Anonymous

JCSU men and women win

2008-02-06T00:07:00.000-05:00

Men
The Golden Bulls ran their winning streak to three games Tuesday with
an 85-57 CIAA win against Virginia State at Brayboy Gym to remain in
second place in the West Division behind St. Augustine’s. J.C. Smith
(14-7, 8-5) put together one of its best efforts of the season,
connecting on 63.5 percent of its shots, including a torrid season-
best 70.4 percent in the second half. Herb White

Women
Virginia State took an early five point lead over the Lady Golden Bulls but their efforts would not last long as JCSU pulled away late in the first half and never looked back en route to a 70-50 victory. JCSU’s record improved to 14-7, 10-3 in league play.
JCSU took a double-digit lead capitalizing on 19 Lady Trojan turnovers. The Bulls quickly turned that into 19 points. By the time the first half was over with, JCSU controlled a 13-point lead, 37-24. Kristene Kelly

JCSU vs Virginia State, 7:30 tonight

2008-02-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

Johnson C. Smith takes on Virginia State tonight at 7:30 at Brayboy Gym. Smith has won its last 3 our of 4 games, including a win over perennial power Virginia Union.

The Golden Bulls' most recent win was an overtime victory Saturday against Livingstone. Virginia State is also coming off a win last Saturday against St. Paul's.

Rules for buying CIAA tickets TODAY

2008-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

From JCSU

A limited number of ticket booklets for the CIAA basketball tournament will go on sale at Johnson C. Smith at 7 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1 at Brayboy Gym. Tickets must be purchased in person at the gymnasium or by calling one of four telephone numbers set up for ticket sales: (704) 378-1087, (704) 378-1278, (704) 378-1083, and (704) 378-1145. Once allotted tickets are sold, the telephone sales lines will be closed.

Ticket prices: $275; $175; $100; $50 (students).

These are the rules that will govern the orderly and timely sale of CIAA tickets. There will be no deviations from these rules during the sale process.

1. Access to the campus will be through the Martin Street entrance, with parking in the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium parking lot.
2. The gates will open at 5 a.m.
3. Security will oversee the formation of an orderly line outside the gymnasium.
4. The doors of the gymnasium will be opened at 7 a.m. Ticket sales will commence immediately thereafter.
5. The university will make available a limited number of tickets to purchase over the telephone. The university is not guaranteeing that calls will get through immediately because of the anticipated call volume. Please do not leave voicemails. You must speak with a person. The university will start taking telephone calls at the same time the gymnasium opens for walk in purchasers at 7 a.m. These tickets will be mailed to the purchaser for an additional fee to cover shipping and handling.
6. Once the allotted tickets for telephone sales are sold, the telephone lines will be immediately shut down.
7. Tickets to be sold at the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium will continue until all tickets are sold. Once all tickets are sold, the doors will close.
8. Student tickets will be sold in conjunction with the general public tickets. 9. Cash, credit cards and debit cards (with the Visa or Mastercard logos) will be the only accepted form of payment. No money orders, checks or bank drafts.
10. The university will not guarantee that seating will be together. Tickets that are on hand will be sold regardless of where the seating is located within the Bobcats Arena.

Why not cover CIAA like the ACC?

2008-01-31T00:19:00.000-05:00

Each week, I'll answer some reader questions about the CIAA tournament. Here are a few of them:

QUESTION: Hey, here’s an idea, why not cover the CIAA like it’s a sporting event. The Observer leaves me cold with it’s coverage of the CIAA. It’s more than a party. Are you all going to cover the ACC the same way as you all cover the CIAA? Anonymous

ANSWER: True, it is more than a party. The games are the reason the tournament exists. And we do cover the games. But you must admit the CIAA is an experience that no other tournament can match. The fellowship, the cultural events, the $27 million it brought in last year.Meanwhile, the ACC is all about the games. UNC and Duke are national powers. When they lose, their fans go home too. Not so at the CIAA.In fact, most of the e-mails I get about the CIAA are about the parties and events surrounding it. Haven’t gotten one yet asking about an ACC party.

QUESTION: I find it interesting that on the (charlotte.com) sports page, both UNCC and Davidson have team pages, but JCSU does not... I think it would not only draw more attention to Smith, but also to your website as people who went to Smith can easily read about what’s going on sports wise... What would it take to get Smith a link on the Sports page? Lance Albright

ANSWER: Good question. We set up team pages as the interest level and coverage of the team grows. For instance, we just started the Davidson team page 3 months ago because of all the national interest and stories about Stephen Curry. News coverage dictates a lot of it because you wouldn’t want a team page and not have lots of stories on the page. That would look skimpy. By those standards, I agree it may be time to start a JCSU and/or CIAA page year-round. So stay tuned.

QUESTION: How about going to a JCSU game and actually write about something you know?!?! It’s really sad how you’re being pimped by this paper. Anonymous

ANSWER: That’s cold. I’ve been following the CIAA standings for much of the season. Myself and the guys at the McCrorey YMCA talk CIAA hoops all the time. And I plan to go to the JCSU vs Livingstone game this Saturday.
I would go to more games, but I work weeknights at the paper. You know, it’s hard out here for a pimp.

Tickets go on sale at JC Smith on Feb. 1

2008-01-25T17:05:00.000-05:00

A limited number of ticket booklets for the CIAA basketball tournament will go on sale at Johnson C. Smith University at 7 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1 in the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium on the university campus.

Tickets must be purchased in person at the gymnasium or by calling one of four telephone numbers set up for ticket sales - (704) 378-1087, (704) 378-1278, (704) 378-1083, and (704) 378-1145. Once allotted tickets are sold, the telephone sales lines will be closed.

Entrance to the gymnasium parking lot for ticket purchasers is restricted to the Martin Street gate, which will open at 5 a.m. on Feb. 1. Gymnasium doors will open at 7 a.m.

Prices for the tournament booklets are $275, $175, and $100. Individual game tickets are not available. Cash, credit card, or debit card payments only will be accepted. For more information, check the JCSU Website at www.jcsu.edu for more information.

CIAA players to watch as tournament approaches

2008-01-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

When the CIAA tournament starts, make sure you check out Bowie State because they tell me point guard Carlos Williams is worth the admission.

He's the spark that's got Bowie State breathing down the neck of perennial CIAA power Virginia Union, who's holding on to first by a thread in the Eastern Division.

Williams was recently named one of six Division II finalists for the Bob Cousy Award, which honors the nation's top point guard. The list includes point guards from all NCAA levels.

Williams, a senior from Louisville, Kentucky, leads the CIAA in Assists per Game (6.4), ranks second in CIAA Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.17), first in team Free Throw Attempts (52), Free Throws Made (39) and Steals (19). The finalists will be announced on Feb. 1 and the winner will be presented with the award at the NCAA Men's Final Four in San Antonio Texas on April 7.

Mens' Player of the Week
Anthony Hilliard, ECSU, Jr., Guard, 6-3, 205, Fayetteville, NC.
Notes of interest: With his career high 42-point performance against Lincoln, Hilliard became the first Viking since 2004 to score 1000 career points. He followed that with 23 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists against Fayetteville State, helping the Vikings remain undefeated at home this season.

Womens' Player of the Week
Celeste Trahan, ECSU, 6-2, Center, Senior, Stockton, CA.
Notes of Interest: Besides her 32-point, 16-rebound, 4-block performance in a two-point loss to Fayetteville State, Trahan registered a 25-point, 24-rebound, 4 block game against Columbia Union College on January 16th. She now has 76 career double-doubles and is 74 points and 90 rebounds shy of 2,000 points and 1,500 rebounds in a career, which would make her the first ever to do so in NCAA Division II women's basketball history.

Read more about other CIAA players, coaches and team standings at http://www.theciaa.com/

It's official: CIAA is here through 2011

2008-01-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

The CIAA will indeed be in Charlotte for another three years.

That came straight from CIAA commissioner Leon Kerry Thursday during a press conference at the Convention Center. Watch the video.

"The next three years it's going to be Charlotte. We're working on that. Will we put it up for bids in the next few years, I don't know, probably... Things you gotta watch for is hotels. We're trying to get great rates from the hotels. Fans drive here, gas is high, you gotta pay tipping, you gotta pay for parking. But the good thing about Charlotte is the new rail system, you can ride in... Sometime in February we'll submit a deal to be in Charlotte through 2011."

Kerry also said ticket sales are going well.

"We still got about 2,000 upper-level seats, 100 box seats... They're still selling tickets at the individual schools. My office has sold over $1 million in tickets already. So ticket sales are ahead of schedule, compared to last year."

Other highlights from the press conference:

- Entertainment will feature gospel great CeCe Winans and rapper Chingy.

- The Steve Harvey Morning Show will return. (Big hit last year).

- Golf tournament at Ballantyne.

- The CIAA's official Web site will show tournament game highlights.

For the complete list of events and dates, go to http://www.ciaatournament.org/

Comments, questions: Post them below. Thanks

News about CIAA Tournament Thursday

2008-01-16T21:45:00.001-05:00

The CIAA tournament will be here before you know it, back for its third straight year in the Queen City.

And so am I, back to provide a running dialog with the fans about all things CIAA.

I know it’s a little early, but I’ve already gotten questions from some of you about this year’s tournament, which runs Feb. 25-March 1.

For instance:
Question: Did Charlotte get the CIAA tournament for 2009-2011??
Gail A. Hoggard, Atlanta.

A nswer: Not yet, but CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry said in September that he wants to make Charlotte the CIAA’s permanent home. It won’t be official until other cities are allowed to bid on it.

The answers to some of your questions may be answered Thursday when CIAA and city organizers hold an 11 a.m. news conference at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The press release says they’ll discuss ticket sales, new CIAA events, national artist appearances and an MLK community event, among other things.

So stay tuned. I’ll keep you posted.

If you have questions or comments, you can put them in the comments section below. Thanks.

After-party with The Spinners

2007-03-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

I ate breakfast with The Spinners. Well, not exactly.
We were in the same room at an after-party in their honor. They were mingling. I was eating. But I'm sure they ate too, eventually.

At first, I didn't know what to expect of this party at the Wadsworth House on Summit Avenue. It's a beautifully restored two-story frame house in the historic Wesley Heights neighborhood, just west of uptown. It's 4,500 sq. ft. and rented out for meetings, parties and wedding receptions.

I was invited to party with The Spinners after their Saturday night concert at Charlotte Convention Center. The 1 a.m. affair was hosted by the Charlotte Music Awards. But when I walked in, there was a Groove Phi Groove party going on.

The woman at the door made it perfectly clear: Don't eat the Grooves' food and don't drink their liquor. The Spinners party is upstairs.

But they were running late, so I went up to check it out. Great, they're serving breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, pancakes. I ran into a couple of Grooves I know, including Taylor, an emergency room doctor who graduated from Duke. You can pledge Groove at Duke?

About an hour has passed and still no Spinners. I've been mingling with others who've been waiting, too. There was the lady whose favorite Spinners song was actually a song by the Whispers. The guy in a pin-striped suit and hat who sings Sinatra at private parties and nursing homes. The Groove who gave me a beer.

Just as we were about to give up on the Spinners, their limo arrives. A crowd followed them upstairs. I took some pictures, shook hands with two of them and told them how much I loved "Sadie" and "Rubberband Man."

Then it was time to go. But first, one more trip to the breakfast bar.

Almost partied with almost Nelly

2007-03-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

When your day begins at 6 a.m. Friday and ends at 4 in the morning, you know Saturday is going to be hazy. But it'll be that way for thousands of others, too.

After going to the "Steve Harvey Morning Show," I went to the arena to catch some games and talk to CIAA fans and snap their photos. Then I hit a couple of fish fries. Shout out to the Imani Chapter of Eastern Star #396. The fish sandwich and chicken basket hit the spot. After that I returned to work to write about the events of the day. The newspaper won't pay me if I don't.

I leave there about 9 p.m., dragging. But I'll have to find some energy before I get home. My wife and out-of-town guests wouldn't have it any other way. So we toast to the weekend and prepare for an evening of partying in the Queen City.

However, the women were taking too long to get dressed. So my brother-in-law, Matthew, and I set out alone. We'd been together much of morning so I know he's tired too. The highlight of his day was when a motorist flagged us down because they thought Matt was Nelly, the rapper. That's Matt pictured at top.

It's now 1 a.m and the uptown traffic is bumper-to-bumper. We decide to park at the newspaper and walk to a party at the Hilton, where about 200 people were hanging out in the lobby. It costs $40-$60 to go upstairs to the party, unless you're a VIP. You mean like my brother-in-law, Nelly?

Didn't work. By now my wife is calling on the cellphone to find out where we are. They're just leaving the house at 1:30. We meet up with them, then all decide it's too late to party, but we can always get something to eat.

We'll try it again tonight.

Steve Harvey Morning Show woke us up Friday

2007-03-02T10:08:00.000-05:00

Ruben Studdard awakened a sleepy crowd at the Charlotte Convention Center this morning. And they were sleepy with good reason. Many of them had been in line since 3 a.m. to make sure they got a seat for the 6 a.m. "Steve Harvey Morning Show," which featured Ruben.

I stood in the back with the stragglers. We arrived around 6:30, just in time to hear Ruben belt out a couple of tunes. He sounded great. Then Harvey invited members of the audience to come on stage and sing. They didn't sound great. Actually, one of them was OK.

Off to the side of the stage was a sign-up table for aspiring JET Magazine swimsuit models. Don't get too excited, guys. They were just taking their information and head shots, fully clothed. But I shot some photos anyway.

Two people who applied were Lewis Steward (they need male models too) and his girlfriend Tukesia Garner of Trenton, N.J. They're in the picture above. Steward, who's from Philadelphia, asked me what I thought his chances were. I told him pretty good.

He was starting to get his hopes up, then realized I wasn't the JET photographer. My bad.

Swimsuit models and fashion shows, oh my!

2007-03-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

You gotta love this job.
After watching basketball and talking to CIAA fans for half the day, I come back to the office and get another assignment: Cover the JET Magazine swimsuit model search Friday morning.

JET is asking aspiring models to bring their best headshots and swimsuit photos to the Charlotte Convention Center during a live broadcast of the Steve Harvey Morning Show. The show starts at 6 a.m., which is way earlier than I normally rise. But hey, I'm a trooper.

The swimsuit photos will be used in a calendar, an extension of the popular Beauty of the Week feature. Yeah, you know the second-most famous centerfold of all time. The one that always appears on page 42.

If that's not enough, I later learn that I'm also suppose to cover the CIAA fashion show Saturday.

OK, if I must.

Should Charlotte bid on CIAA Tournament Again?

2007-02-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

There's a rumor floating around Bobcats Arena that Charlotte officials are not planning to bid on bringing the CIAA Tournment back after 2008, when our contract expires. Apparently it was a false alarm. They haven't said what their plans are.

But after talking with some of the local fans, I was surprised at how mixed opinions are on the matter. Some love the tournament being here. It's one of the biggest events of the year and it's right in our backyard. No travel involved. You have access to all the happenings and when it's over, you can retreat to the comforts of home. But enough about me.

Others say they liked it better in Raleigh because the RBC Center has a hugh central parking lot, instead of the scattered parking of uptown Charlotte. It simply was easier to come and go. And they liked getting away for the tournament, like a vacation. And I'm sure out-of-towners are split, too.

But for those who make the decision on whether to bid, it'll boil down to money. How much does the CIAA add to the local economy? Last year, local restaurants and bars said they didn't make nearly as much money as they had expected. But on the other hand, it's more than they would've gotten with any other tournament taking place this week. And the ACC Tournament doesn't start till the following week.

If they want my opinion (and I'm sure they do) I'd at least wait until this year's CIAA Tournament is over before deciding.

What do you think? Should we try to bring it back after 2008? Why or why not?

Invite me to your party, please

2007-02-26T06:07:00.000-05:00

The CIAA Tournament starts today and I was up like a kid on Christmas morning. It's going to be a busy day. Gotta get an Observer-issued laptop and camera so I can write about the fans and take their photos. Then I'll attend several inner-office meetings where the bosses will tell me to write about the fans and take their photos. This will take up much of the day.

After that, I'm going to hit the streets looking for CIAA color. I know it's early but as you can tell by our lengthy calendar of events, folks are getting their party started already. I don't mean the big celebrity-studded galas. Those will be covered by my friend and colleague Tonya Jameson, who's "Paid to Party" year-round. In fact, just last week I asked TJ how we were going to cover all these huge bashes. Surely we'll have to split the list down the center. No, she said. She'll cover the big parties. Kelvin, you cover the house parties and cookouts and stuff.

Who does she think she is? Does she think I'd be intimidated because I'm pretty much paid NOT to party? You think I'm scared? Uh oh, here comes TJ...

As I was saying, I'm going to the house parties and cookouts and stuff. But I'll need your help. Anybody having a CIAA party, fish fry, BBQ, whether it's at a house, park or street corner, drop me a line with the location so I can come by and take some photos of you and publish them throughout the week.

I know you're thinking: "What a shameless way to get a meal." And you're right. But I also have unlimited space to write about how good your food was. Trust me, nobody puts their stamp of approval on some ribs like me.

Go Party But Don't Miss The Hoops

2007-02-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

Q: Khart, I'm driving up to Charlotte from Ohio to kick it at the parties down there. I didn't attend last years festivities but I went to the Raleigh-Durham Tournament three times in the last six years. I lived in Durham years ago so i had no problem getting around there but now that it's in Charlotte I hope I don't miss the livest parties. I must confess I have never seen one basketball bounce or the arena at the tournaments but don't tell my wife that. I'm bringing the crew and at least 4 first timers so if you know about a Diddy party or a celebrity smash, let me know where it's going to be between Mar 1st-3rd. I'm like you, I need that long drive back to Ohio to get my mind right. Counseling is in order. Any info you provide I'd apprciate. MC

A: First of all, Uncle Merle, I know that's you. But I won't tell Aunt Edna. Anyway, I'm glad you're coming to the show this year, but if you haven't seen any of the games, you don't know what you're missing. There's some major talent in the CIAA. It's produced NBA players such as Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace and Ronald "Flip" Murray, to name a few.

In fact, just this week an ACC alum who went to last year's tournament was telling me how surprised he was at the skill level. However, he decided not to buy CIAA tickets this year. He said he'll wait till the losing teams' fans leave and just buy their tickets for cheap. Sorry, dude, this isn't the ACC. Nobody leaves till the weekend's over.

But if it's parties you want, there are way too many for me to list for March 1-3. So I'll just list a few that I'm planning to hit. The rest you can find on www.charlotte.com:
March 1

'80s R&B: Coca-Cola presents Showtime At The Apollo with special guests Boyz II Men. 10 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center, $30. http://www.ticketmaster.com/, 704-522-6500.
HAPPY HOUR: The Alphas host the 2nd Annual Phrozen Hour with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and free draft beer while it lasts. The place is small, and the party was packed last year. Get there early and grab a table. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Brevard Court Sundries, 145 Brevard Court. Free.
KAPPA HOUR: Joins the Kappas for Kappa Kocktail Hour. Drink and appetizers specials. Speciality drinks are: The Diamond Martini, Krimson Punch and The HurriKane. 4 p.m. Zink. Free.
March 2
RISE AND SHINE: Steve Harvey Morning Show featuring guest performer Anthony Hamilton. 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College Street, 704-339-6000, http://www.charlotteconventionctr.com/. Free.
LEGENDS OF HIP-HOP: EPMD kicks off its reunion tour in Charlotte. After-party hosted by "The World's Greatest Entertainer," Doug E. Fresh. Sponsored by Sol Kitchen, Crown Royal and VH-1. 9 p.m. Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $30. 704-377-6874; http://www.charlottevibe.com/, www.amossouthend.com.
CELEBRITY PARTY: NFL players, Grammy nominated artists, actors and models are expected for the Supreme Clientele party. 10 p.m. Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, corner of McDowell and Morehead. $20. 800-807-7602. http://www.revolutionaryentertainment.net/.
March 3
OLD SCHOOL R&B: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will perform at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.{confirmed}, 704-335-3100. $50-$60. www.ticketmaster.com.
LIVE MUSIC: Digital Divas presents a jazz and R&B trio at their party Dream. Sponsored by Jack Daniels. 10 p.m. Blue restaurant. (corner of Fifth and College.) $10-$15. 201-304-2933,{confirmed} or tiffany@digitaldivasinc.com.
GO-GO GREAT: Dynasty5 presents the 2nd Annual Chuck Brown After Party & Show. Wind-me-up Chuck did his thing last year. Don't miss it this year. 9 p.m., Hilton Charlotte Center City,. 222 E. Third Street, 704-377-1500. $30-$60. http://www.dynasty5.com/.

The Anticipation Is Killing Me

2007-02-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

Next Monday the CIAA Basketball Tournament tips off again in Charlotte and I can hardly wait. Last year's tournament was so much fun that I almost went into withdrawals when it was over. It was hoops everyday and parties every night. I was hanging out with old friends and classmates and staying up so late that going to bed was like a pit stop. If CIAA '07 is anything close to last year's, I'm going to need counseling.

Tourney officials say it'll be even better. For starters, there are more musical acts and more daytime events for kids and folks who want to enjoy the festivities and still go to work the next day.

Another improvement will be more parking closer to Bobcats Arena. Charlotte's "Tournament Village" approach puts fans in walking range of many uptown restaurants, hotels and party venues. But walking range is relative. If you wear Hush Puppies and hit the treadmill everyday, you can walk. If you're wearing $400 stilettos, then probably not.

Beginning this week, I'll be blogging about any news leading up to the tournament, including on-the-court happenings as it relates to the tournament brackets. Right now, Virginia Union (the defending champs) are tops in the Eastern Division; Fayetteville State is leading the West with Charlotte's own Johnson C. Smith a close second.

Once the games begin Feb. 26, I'll be there writing about the sights and sounds. I'll interview people in the stands and fans on the street and answer any questions or comments about the CIAA, the city, places to eat or drink, or anything else. Got any CIAA-related photos? Email them too. I'm at khart@charlotteobserver.com.
And if you see me at the games, holler at me.

Stephen A. Smith, a CIAA Success Story

2006-03-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

Well I've had a blast this week, watching CIAA hoops and reuniting with old friends and acquaintances. One of them I haven't seen in almost a decade, Stephen A. Smith, the opinionated NBA analyst on ESPN. Stephen A., a Winston-Salem State grad and basketball player, did the on-air announcing for the championship game. He's a bona-fide CIAA success story.
He came to the Greensboro News & Record in the mid-90s, a fresh-face cub reporter in our High Point office, where I was the editor. I still remember driving him around High Point to look for apartments. One by one, he shot them down with the same disdain that he dismisses a bad call by a referee. He wrote some stories, we played some hoops, then he moved on.
Stephen A.'s career took off soon after. A short stint reporting in New York, then on to the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he's still a columnist. But he found his niche on ESPN covering the NBA. He recently got his own show, "Quite Frankly," on ESPN2, where he does interviews in his animated pull-no-punches style that viewers either love or don't love.
Me, I love that he's doing his thing and staying true to himself. And I finally got a chance to tell him after the game.

What do you think about Stephen A. Smith? Post comments below.

Don't Make Me A Grill, Please

2006-03-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

As I made my way through the arena crowd after the championship game, I couldn't help but notice the number of grills in young people's mouths as they spoke. I'm sorry if I cringed when you looked my way. But I have a personal stake in the battle against grills. I'm raising a teenager who has one.
For you uninformed types, a grill is that gold-plated or platinum fitting that covers the teeth, and it's mostly a guy thing. I've heard of them costing anywhere from $90 to $1,000. It's become a hip-hop phenomenom. Nellie even wrote a song about it. "I robbed the jewelry story and told 'em make me a grill."
Ok, if you're still a kid, I'll give you a pass. It's a fad and your brains haven't fully developed, according to Dr. Phil.
But if you're over 21 (and some of you are) you should know and care what other adults were thinking when you opened your kisser at the concession stand: Grow Up!!
And the young ladies aren't really feelin' it either. How would I know? I asked one. Her response: "My brother has one, and his breath stinks."

What do you think about grills? Post comments below.

Old Dogs Need Culture Too

2006-03-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine who's in town for the CIAA tournament wanted to know where the best parties were. Hmm, I don't really party enough to know but I didn't want to come across as un-cool. So I told him that Magic's "Grown and Sexy" party at the Hyatt will be the hot spot. He said that's cool, but what about the theater, like plays and stuff.
Plays? When did you discover the arts?
Well, he said, I've matured over the years.
Now, I'm baffled. Had the quintessential "dog" been tamed?
FRIEND: Nah, dog, I've gone a couple of times and apparently women love a well-dressed man with some culture.
ME: Sure, but don't they love a well-dressed man who knows how to get his party on?
FRIEND: Yeah, dog, but at the club they have their pick. At the theater, it's mostly just me.
ME: So you're still an old dog. You've just learned some new tricks.
FRIEND: Yeah, dog, exactly.

So my question is, were there enough things (other than parties) for CIAA visitors to do? What should we add next year? Post comments below.

Silent Tribute on Press Row

2006-03-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

I was trying to keep my emotions in check while watching my N.C. Central Eagles get smacked down by Virginia Union Thursday night. I mean, as part of the media, it's in bad form to do the "ride-the-pony" dance after a rim-shattering dunk. Not that Central provided many highlights. So instead of cheering, I just sat on press row wearing the team colors - maroom and gray - as sort of a silent tribute. I know, clever, right?

But with Central losing, you know what that means: There may be some stray tickets available for tonight's game. Rumor has it that Central fans are notorious for leaving the tournament after the Eagles lose, sometimes giving away their tickets.

Drop-off Lane's a Hit

2006-03-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

One of the most user-friendly aspects of Bobcats Arena is the handicap drop-off lane and it's getting plenty of use during the CIAA tournament. Because so many senior citizen alums attend - many of them in wheelchairs or on walkers - the drop-off was a popular gathering place. Mrs. Francis Arthur, 73, of Atlanta had gotten dropped off Thursday night and was waiting for her son-in-law to park. "Everybody's so nice," she said. "I just got out of car and it was like the red carpet at the Oscars or something. A couple of my friends were already over here waiting."

What do you think of the handicap drop-off? Is it convenient enough? What do you think of parking in general? Post your comments at the bottom

Old School Reunion

2006-03-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

The crowds are starting to pick up at the CIAA Tournament. I walked in the arena Wednesday night and you could feel the energy. The seats were filling up for the Winston-Salem State vs. St. Paul's game and old friends were starting to meet for their annual get together. I was fortunate to be in ear-shot when a couple of tourney regulars reunited for the first time in 47 years. Ernest Holley and William Hale were fraternity brothers (Kappas) at Tuskegee Institute but had not seen each other since they left in 1959. Holley, who lives in Stanton, Va., and Hale, of Cary, N.C., had each come to the tournament several times over the past 20 years but hadn't run into each other until Wednesday. Wonder how they recognized each other after all these years. "His face hasn't changed that much," Holley said. "Yeah, but my waistline has," Hale joked.

Have you run into any long lost friends? Anybody you're hoping to see? Post your comments at bottom.

Say it Ain't So, Central

2006-02-28T17:26:00.000-05:00

The CIAA Tournament is finally here and the good news is that it's gonna be in Charlotte through 2008. The bad news, however, is that it's the last year N.C. Central and Winston-Salem State will be members of the conference. Next year, they're both making the jump to the MEAC, a Division 1 conference that'll bring in more cash, more scholarships and a shot (I know, a long shot) at the NCAA Tournnament.
But as a Central alum, I'm disappointed. The MEAC tournament doesn't come close to the CIAA. The MEAC doesn't have the flair, the flavor, the fashion. (Where else will you see macho men put as much thought into what they're gonna wear as the women?) You won't find that at the MEAC. What you will find is NCCU and WSSU getting their butts kicked for a few years until the extra scholarships land some Division 1 talent. And you'll find MEAC member N.C. A&T, our arch rivals, ready to pounce. Of course, that's the one team I think we can beat. Correction, add WSSU to that list because they'll be in the same boat as us.

Do you think it's a good move for NCCU and WSSU? Can they compete right away?

Speaking of what to wear, I'm probably going more casual this year than in year's past. First of all, I'm in a work-related workshop most of the week and will be heading straight to the arena from there each day. I'd feel out of place in the class wearing a Burberry suit with matching fedora. Don't laugh, a friend of mine tells me there's one for sale for $300 at an area "thrift" store. He said it jokingly but I know he started planning his outfits three months ago. He'll probably show up wearing a pair of gators fresh out of the Everglades. Secondly, I'm so out of the loop, I don't know what's fashionable these days. The last time I went to the tournament (I forget the year) I was wearing a royal blue suit with Freddie Jackson-style shoulder pads. They say it was a hit, but I think they were clowning me.

If you see any outfits that you like or if you're wearing something you want published, e-mail me the photos and I'll publish them.

I just drove around the Bobcats Arena several times looking for a place to park long enough to pick up my media credentials. No luck. The folks in charge of handing them out say they're located at 5th and Caldwell. Isn't that the arena? The police said they had no idea. An arena security guard said it's around the corner and through a tunnel. One of the helpful volunteers said they're here to help the visitors, not the media. Thanks. So I figured I'd just park illegally and walk around the building till I found it. Dude, the tow truck was on the way before I got up the block. So I turned around, got back in and drove back to the Charlotte Observer. I'll pick up the media pass tomorrow.

Anybody having trouble with parking or finding their way around? What do you think of the new host city so far?