Tragedi Marco Simoncelli

Tragedi Marco Simoncelli


Moto gp pada hari minggu kemarin adalah akhir dari perjalanan Marco Simoncelli dalam debutnya di motogp.
Berikut video Tragedi Marco Simoncelli di Malaysia sirkuit Sepang:




Pendapat saya, bahwa mengapa pembalap sekelas moto gp dalam ke ada'an tersebut tidak melepaskan motornya???

Bagaiaman pendapat kalian?

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Noypistuff's First Blogversary Giveaway

In celebration of the first blogversary of Noypistuff, a brand new touchscreen phone (a Samsung Champ) and five (5) P300 cellphone prepaid cards will be given away to lucky Noypistuff readers.

To earn an entry to the raffle, simply "like" both the Noypistuff and Webhost-choice fan pages on  Facebook. Be sure to like both the pages to earn 1 entry.

You can also earn additional entries by doing the following (optional):

1. Write about this giveaway on your blog. (+3 entries)
2. Follow Noypistuff on Twitter. (+1 entry)
3. Tweet the link of this post. (+1 entry) (Here's the link: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/noypistuff-first-blogversary-giveaway.html)
4. Like "Music in My Religion" on Facebook. (+1 entry)
5. Post the link to this post on your Facebook wall. (+1 entry) (Here's the link again: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/10/noypistuff-first-blogversary-giveaway.html)
6. Like Noypistuff's Google Plus One button at the right sidebar of this page (+1 entry) (Please go to the HOME PAGE  and click on the Google Plus One button at the right side bar just below the search box.)
7. Follow Noypistuff on Google Friend Connect (+1 entry)

To make your entry(ies) be counted please fill-up this form:


This giveaway is open to all Noypistuff readers from all over the world provided that you have a valid Philippine address to which the prize can be shipped to or a valid Philippine cellphone number for the prepaid card prize. This will run from October 15 until November 30, 2011.

There will be one (1) winner of Samsung Champ and five (5) winners of P300 prepaid card of choice. Winners will be announced 1-2 weeks after the end of the giveaway.

Thanks for supporting Noypistuff. God bless to all of you!

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Inside The Big East: Marquette

Described as a "hoops savant" by coach Buzz Williams, Darius Johnson-Odom will fly to new heights for Marquette this season. (Photo courtesy of New York Daily News)

Bob Huggins and his alma mater of West Virginia had the spotlight yesterday, and next up is the unlikely Sweet 16 participant from the Big East a year ago.

Marquette Golden Eagles (2010-11 Record: 22-15, 9-9 Big East)
Head Coach: Buzz Williams (4th season at MU, 69-37; 83-54 overall)

Returning Starters: G Darius Johnson-Odom (6-2 Sr., 15.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 43% FG, 36% 3pt, 71% FT, 2.4 APG)

F Jae Crowder (6-6 Sr., 11.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 49% FG, 36% 3pt, 62% FT, 1.6 APG, 1.3 SPG)
C Chris Otule (6-11 Jr., 5.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 55% FG, 58% FT, 1.5 BPG)
Other Key Returning Players: G Vander Blue (6-4 So., 5.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 39% FG, 61% FT, 1.6 APG)
F Davante Gardner (4.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 58% FG, 75% FT)

G Junior Cadougan (6-1 Jr., 4.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 42% FG, 64% FT, 3.2 APG)
Key Losses: F Jimmy Butler (15.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 49% FG, 35% 3pt, 78% FT, 2.3 APG, 1.4 APG)

G Dwight Buycks (8.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 46% FG, 41% 3pt, 68% FT, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG)

Four jerseys. Three guards. Two consecutive years of producing a first-round pick in the NBA draft. One constantly underrated program that will once again be going into the season having flown under the radar in the minds of analysts, and will once again surprise everyone.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Marquette basketball.

The Golden Eagles have made a trademark of this unexpected success for years, even back when Mike Deane was coaching in the 1990s and even through the Tom Crean era that was highlighted by the school's Final Four appearance in 2003, their first since the great Al McGuire brought a national championship to Milwaukee in 1977. Head coach Buzz Williams returns for his fourth season at the helm of Marquette; and for the first time in his relatively short tenure, Buzz (his real first name is Brent, by the way) finally has more players coming back than he does leaving, a change from recent years in which the likes of Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, Dominic James and Lazar Hayward among others have come and gone. "This is my first time since my first year that we have more returnees than newcomers," said Williams when interviewed recently by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein.

A big contributor to that factor is the presence of 6-2 senior guard Darius Johnson-Odom, who will almost certainly be a first team all-Big East selection by season's end; and possibly the conference's Player of the Year. Johnson-Odom, described last year by Williams as a "hoops savant," comes into his final campaign off a season in which he was the Golden Eagles' leading scorer, averaging nearly sixteen points per game and shooting 36 percent from three point range, not to mention making several highlight reel-worthy plays that helped Marquette defy the odds from their No. 11 seed in the Big East to earn a trip to the Sweet 16, where they were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in Newark by Roy Williams and North Carolina.

Joining Johnson-Odom in the backcourt trio that has become a staple of Marquette since the days of Travis Diener, Steve Novak and some guy named Dwyane Wade, who has since gone on to become one of the best in the NBA while playing for the Miami Heat, will be sophomore Vander Blue, who was a highly touted recruit last season. Blue averaged just five points per game a year ago while making the transition to the Division I level, but has improved over the offseason to the point where Williams has stated that he would "help us more because he has a better understanding" of the game and the competition. Replacing Dwight Buycks at the point will be Junior Cadougan, the Canadian import entering his junior season. Williams has raved about Cadougan to no end every time I mention him in an interview; and although he is really a sophomore in relation to his playing time, both myself and his coach are confident that he will have a breakout year as the primary facilitator for the Golden Eagles.

Up front, Jimmy Butler is gone after he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, but Williams returns the services of senior forward Jae Crowder. One of the many junior college transfers to have come to Marquette in recent years, Crowder made quite the first impression in the Big East last season by averaging nearly twelve points and seven rebounds per game while also shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc. Crowder will be the power forward in most situations while 6-11 big man Chris Otule comes back for his junior season to man the middle for Williams.

Sophomore Davante Gardner headlines the bench for Williams, and the coach has gushed about the development of both the 6-8 Gardner and the aforementioned Otule. "They've put me in a position to think about finishing a game with one of them on the floor," said Williams in the Jon Rothstein interview. Sophomore forward Jamail Jones, who competed in eighteen contests for the Golden Eagles last year, will also be an integral part of the Marquette rotation. Williams also welcomes freshman Todd Mayo to the team, a 6-3 guard who Williams believes is reminiscent of former New York Knick John Starks; as well as former Oregon transfer Jamil Wilson, a 6-7 swingman returning to his native Wisconsin. In addition, the Golden Eagles bring in two more freshmen in 6-6 swingman Juan Anderson, who should see a sizable amount of minutes following a conclusion to his high school career in which he averaged over sixteen points per game; and six-foot guard Derrick Wilson, a three-time player of the year in high school that could push Cadougan for minutes at the point.

Marquette opens their season at their home court of the Bradley Center with two games against Mount St. Mary's (November 11th) and Norfolk State (November 14th) before heading to the Virgin Islands to take part in the Paradise Jam, with three games that will take them up to Thanksgiving week. A home game against Jacksonville precedes the Golden Eagles' annual showdown with in-state rival Wisconsin, which takes place at the Kohl Center in Madison on December 3rd. Three days later, the Golden Eagles head to Madison Square Garden to take on Washington in the Jimmy V Classic, a one-night tournament that also includes fellow Big East program Villanova.

Home games against Wisconsin-Green Bay and Northern Colorado follow the excursion to the Garden; and Marquette will next head to the bayou to face Louisiana State in Baton Rouge on December 19th before two more nonconference games at the Bradley Center, with the first coming against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on December 22nd. One week later, Marquette will host Vanderbilt in what should be one of the more intriguing and competitive interconference contests all season, as the Golden Eagles will be going up against Kevin Stallings and a Commodores team that brings virtually everyone from last season back, headlined by John Jenkins, Jeffery Taylor and big man Festus Ezeli.

Marquette opens 2012 and Big East play with a New Year's Day home game against Villanova that is sure to go down to the wire like every other meeting in recent memory between the Golden Eagles and Wildcats. Road games against Georgetown and Syracuse precede a three-game homestand in which Marquette will pay tribute to its glorious history, first on Al McGuire Night January 11th against St. John's. The 95th anniversary celebration of Golden Eagles basketball comes next when Pittsburgh invades the Bradley Center three days later, with Rick Pitino and Louisville coming into town on January 16th for a Martin Luther King Day matinee.

A road trip to Providence and home game against USF are next on Marquette's ledger before the Golden Eagles wrap up a home-and-home series with Villanova on January 28th at the Wells Fargo Center. A home meeting with Seton Hall closes out January, and Marquette hits the road immediately following for collisions with Notre Dame and DePaul. Three years ago, Marquette ended the Fighting Irish home winning streak, and could be in line to do that again when they come to the Joyce Center on February 4th.

The start of a home-and-home series with Cincinnati is next for the Golden Eagles on "National Marquette Day" at the Bradley Center on February 11th, with a road game at the XL Center against Connecticut preceding Marquette's penultimate home game on February 22nd against Rutgers. A road trip to West Virginia and then Cincinnati to complete the back end of a home-and-home series concludes February, with the Golden Eagles celebrating senior night at home on March 3rd when Georgetown will square off against Marquette for the second time this season.

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Inside The Big East: West Virginia

Bob Huggins could be excluded from a best-dressed list, but don't count his West Virginia team out of Big East. (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

After profiling Jamie Dixon and Pitt, the next topic of conversation is the Panthers' archrival.

West Virginia Mountaineers (2010-11 Record: 21-12, 11-7 Big East)

Head Coach: Bob Huggins (5th season at WV, 101-42; 691-253 overall)

Returning Starters: F Kevin Jones (6-8 Sr., 13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 45% FG, 60% FT, 1.1 APG)
G Darryl "Truck" Bryant (6-2 Sr., 11.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 33% FG, 83% FT, 3.0 APG)
F Deniz Kilicli (6-9 Jr., 6.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 49% FG, 57% FT)
Other Key Returning Players: None

Key Losses: G Casey Mitchell (13.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 42% FG, 38% 3pt, 87% FT, 1.1 APG)
F John Flowers (9.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 47% FG, 76% FT, 1.7 APG, 2.2 BPG)
G Joe Mazzulla (7.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 46% FG, 67% FT, 4.2 APG)

One year removed from a run to the Final Four behind the late-game heroics of DaSean Butler, West Virginia struggled last season; finishing 21-12 and only reaching the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament after trying to replace both Butler and forward Devin Ebanks, who had been drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers following the 2009-10 campaign in which the Mountaineers reached the national semifinals. The good news in Morgantown is that coach Bob Huggins has three returning starters from each of the previous two teams coming into this season. The bad news, however, is that his bench is no longer as deep as it has historically been; meaning that West Virginia will need to rely on a combination of new faces and talent that has yet to prove itself if they are to be among the 68 programs to hear their names announced by Greg Gumbel on Selection Sunday.

Senior guard Darryl "Truck" Bryant, a local product by way of St. Raymond's in the Bronx, is the undisputed point guard now that Joe Mazzulla has graduated; and will be the primary option in the backcourt for Huggins as well. Up front, senior Kevin Jones and junior Deniz Kilicli will serve as the go-to guys inside. Last year, Jones and Kilicli averaged nearly 20 points and over 11 rebounds combined; and both could be double-double per night players under the right circumstances. Huggins' bench will be occupied by a number of incoming freshmen in a recruiting class highlighted by 5-11 guard Jabarie Hinds. Hinds comes to the Mountaineers from Mount Vernon High School and coach Bob Cimmino, the same program that produced Kevin Jones; and should make an impact immediately.

West Virginia opens the season on November 11th against Summit League favorite Oral Roberts before hosting Kent State four days later at 10AM as part of ESPN's 24 hours of college basketball. One last home game against Alcorn State awaits before a matchup with last year's NCAA Tournament darling Morehead State on a neutral court in Charleston, site of the Mountaineers' game with Marshall last season.

West Virginia returns home to face Huggins' former employer Akron before hitting the road to meet Mississippi State as part of the SEC/Big East Challenge. Next up is a clash with another former Huggins program, as Kansas State meets the Mountaineers in Wichita before three home games in Morgantown; the first of which comes against former Big East opponent Miami. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Tennessee Tech are next on West Virginia's ledger before the Mountaineers head to Las Vegas for showdowns with Missouri State and Baylor.

After opening Big East play in Morgantown against Villanova on December 28th, West Virginia closes 2011 two days later in Newark against Seton Hall, and plays its first contest of 2012 at the RAC against Mike Rice's Scarlet Knights four days later. A home meeting with Georgetown precedes a trip to the XL Center to face Jim Calhoun and reigning national champion Connecticut, with Rutgers invading the WVU Coliseum on January 14th to complete a home-and-home series. Four days later, West Virginia returns to Charleston to reprise their in-state rivalry with Marshall, who could be a contender in Conference USA under coach Tom Herrion.

A home game against yet another former Huggins school is next for the Mountaineers, as Mick Cronin and Cincinnati make their way into Morgantown on January 21st. Four days later, West Virginia heads into Madison Square Garden looking to avenge a bitter loss from last season when they take on Steve Lavin and the youngest team in St. John's history. Last season, the Red Storm opened conference play with a rather convincing win in Morgantown, a key in their 3-0 Big East start that set them up for their miraculous stretch run. The Mountaineers stay in New York to meet Syracuse at the Carrier Dome following their trip to the largest city in the United States, with Pitt closing out January on the 30th when the Mountaineers and Panthers play the first of two games in the Backyard Brawl.

A trip to Providence opens the month of February for West Virginia, with Notre Dame coming into Morgantown on February 8th for the front end of a home-and-home series. Three days later, Rick Pitino and Louisville are the next opponent the Mountaineers play host to, with Pittsburgh next on the schedule from the Petersen Center on February 16th. The back end of the Notre Dame home-and-home takes place next for West Virginia at the Joyce Center six days following the Pitt game; with Marquette and DePaul coming into Morgantown for the final homestand of the season, one that will take the Mountaineers through the month of February. West Virginia will play its final regular season game in St. Petersburg on March 3rd when they fly to the Sunshine State to face USF in their final tuneup before the Big East tournament.

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Christopher Lao BPI Auto Insurance Commercial (Video)

Christopher Lao is back! This time as a star in his own auto insurance commercial where he again demanded he should have been informed.

A screengrab of Christopher Lao's BPI commercial

In the said BPI auto-insurance commercial, Christopher "Chris" Lao does a spoof of his Bagyong Kabayan outburst on National TV which initiated quite a commotion online, a couple of months ago. Here's the said video ad:

Christopher Lao BPI Auto Insurance Commercial | Video courtesy of "bpiloans"

The above Chris Lao BPI commercial, which was uploaded on Youtube just a while back, is now generating some buzz in Twitter. "Chris Lao" is a trending topic in the popular microblogging site (again) as of this writing. These are some of the tweets:

"ang galing ng new commercial ni chris lao! :)) woo!" - Justin Pollentes

"Christopher Lao got it going on =)) Good job on the Commercial gig." - Maria Carmina Valdes

"you na already Chris Lao....turn every misfortune into gold...so to speak" - Rachel Callejo

"Great maneuvering, Christopher Lao. This one should be more talked about than the former." - Ivan Villegas

"Oh My Chris Lao is Trending siya ba ang nawawalang kapatid ng Informed Citizen na si Christopher Lao?" - AiAi delas Alas

"good examples of crisis management -- Maricar Reyes and Christopher Lao. Kumita pa! Make it or break it on youtube!" - Ros Juan

In a GMA news interview, Chris Lao, who admitted going through a depression after the Typhoon "Kabayan" incident, said, "Some good finally came out of this crisis. It became an opportunity. I can now pay for the tuition of my daughter."

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SM Pampanga Shooting Incident Video Surfaces

An amateur video of the recent shooting incident in SM Pampanga has made its way online.

The said SM Pampampanga Shooting Incident Video shows one of the two teens still showing signs of life after shooting himself in the head. The 13-year-old was still able to move his feet and rolled from prone to lying position while police and security officers were still waiting for the medics to arrive.

According to a Philippine National Police (PNP ) official interviewed by TV Patrol earlier, the police who acted as first responder to the crime were prohibited by the PNP Manual on Crime Scene Operations to do anything to the two boys.  Instead, they were expected in making an "immediate call for an emergency response unit to save the injured persons" which they did.

The PNP official, however, added that they will be investigating the video to see if errors in handling the situation were committed by the police officers and security guards as other people can be seen walking near the crime scene on the video. 

Check out the said SM Pampanga Shooting Incident Video below courtesy of "ramlydiosa" of Youtube:


The said SM Pampanga shooting incident happened last September 20, 2011. According to reports, the 13-year-old boy first shot using a caliber .22 pistol his alleged lover, a 16-year-old boy, in the head and later aimed the gun to his own head and pulled the trigger. Police said the younger boy shot his companion due to a "lovers' quarrel."  Both died a day after they were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

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Bagyong Ramon continues to move northwestward: PAGASA

Bagyong Ramon (Tropical Depression Ramon) has continued moving in a Northwest direction, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Thursday.

Bagyong Ramon satellite image as of 5 p.m., October 13, 2011 | Source: PAGASA

According to the 5 p.m. bulletin from PAGASA, Bagyong Ramon was last spotted based on satellite and surface data at 270 km West of Metro Manila (14.3°N 118.3°E). It is packing maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is moving to the Northwest at 19 kph.

The state weather bureau has lowered storm signals in all areas. Fishermen with smaller fishing boats, however, are are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.

Tropical Depression Ramon is expected to be at 850 km West of Laoag City by Saturday.

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Inside The Big East: Pitt

Pitt guard Ashton Gibbs passed on NBA draft to lead Panthers into his senior season. (Photo courtesy of NBC Sports)

After taking a look at what to expect from Jay Wright and Villanova on the Main Line, next up is the other Big East school in the Keystone State.

Pittsburgh Panthers (2010-11 Record: 28-6, 15-3 Big East)
Head Coach: Jamie Dixon (9th season, 216-60)

Returning Starters: G Ashton Gibbs (6-2 Sr., 16.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 47% FG, 49% 3pt, 89% FT, 2.8 APG)
F Nasir Robinson (6-5 Sr., 9.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 55% FG, 53% FT, 1.3 APG)
Other Key Returning Players: G Travon Woodall (5-11 Jr., 6.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 36% FG, 73% FT, 3.4 APG)
F Dante Taylor (6-9 Jr., 5.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 62% FG, 56% FT)
F J.J. Moore (6-6 So., 3.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 44% FG, 70% FT)
F Talib Zanna (6-9 So., 3.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 56% FG, 48% FT)

Key Losses: G Brad Wanamaker (11.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 45% FG, 33% 3pt, 76% FT, 5.1 APG, 1.4 SPG)
F Gilbert Brown (11.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 46% FG, 41% 3pt, 79% FT, 2.7 APG)
C Gary McGhee (6.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 57% FG, 49% FT, 1.3 BPG)

Every year for the Pittsburgh Panthers, it's been the same old story; much to the chagrin of their rabid fan base. Pitt sets the Big East and nation on fire with a stellar regular season record and a Top 10 ranking throughout most of the year, yet somehow cannot close the deal in the NCAA Tournament. Last season provided more of the frustrating status quo for the Oakland Zoo, when the Panthers were defeated in the round of 32 on a last-second comeback by eventual national runner-up Butler. Head coach Jamie Dixon now heads into his ninth season as Ben Howland's successor in the Steel City; but still has just one trip to the Elite Eight on his ledger, and will look to guide the reigning regular season champions of the Big East through the gladiator pit once again this season as his star guard returns for his final season.

Ashton Gibbs entered his name into the NBA draft following Pitt's shocking NCAA Tournament exit last season, but preserved his eligibility by not signing with an agent and withdrawing before the final deadline. Now a senior, the sharpshooting Gibbs will anchor a Pitt backcourt that will include the full-time presence of junior point guard Travon Woodall in the starting lineup. A product of Bob Hurley's perennial powerhouse program at St. Anthony's in Jersey City, Woodall has the unenviable task of replacing the former Mr. Everything for the Panthers, as he takes over for the now-graduated Brad Wanamaker.

Swingman Gilbert Brown and big man Gary McGhee also completed their fourth years last season; and will be replaced by sophomores J.J. Moore and Talib Zanna, with the latter of the two set to defy expectations and surprise a lot of Big East aficionados this season. One of the biggest contributors for Pitt during the first month of the season last year, Zanna's production declined during conference play; but the 6-9 power forward is one in the Ben Wallace mold that should see increased opportunities to make his presence known on the defensive glass. Fellow forward Dante Taylor, a Westchester County product, will push Moore for a starting spot; and could also establish himself as a force on the boards if Zanna gets into foul trouble. Senior Nasir Robinson may only stand 6-5, but he is just as much an inside presence as each of the aforementioned Pitt big men are.

After a pair of exhibition games, Pittsburgh opens Dixon's ninth campaign on November 11th by rolling out the red carpet for America East favorite Albany at the Petersen Center. The Panthers' homecourt dominance will get several chances to be extended early in November, with Rider, Long Beach State and LaSalle each making their way into the Oakland Zoo before Pitt heads to the iconic Palestra to square off against Penn in the Philly Hoop Group Classic on the night after Thanksgiving. On November 27th, Pitt will play the first of two consecutive games against intra-city rivals, first hosting Robert Morris at the Petersen Center before facing Duquesne three days later on a neutral court at the Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A rematch with Tennessee as part of the SEC/Big East Challenge is next up for the Panthers, who were defeated at the Consol Energy Center by the Vols last season in a game where Pitt was handed its first loss of the season. A home game against VMI awaits before heading to New York for a December 10th tilt with Oklahoma State at Madison Square Garden. South Carolina State heads to the Petersen Center on December 17th; and Pitt wraps up their nonconference schedule with two home games against Northeast Conference opponents, as St. Francis University and Wagner College coming into the Steel City before the Panthers open Big East play at the Joyce Center on December 27th against Mike Brey and Notre Dame.

Pittsburgh opens 2012 at home when Cincinnati invades the Petersen Center on New Year's Day, with a road trip to DePaul sandwiching a second home game versus Mike Rice and Rutgers. Away games against Marquette and Syracuse serve as the precursor to a three-game homestand that features dates with Louisville, Providence and Georgetown before the Panthers play the front end of a home-and-home series with West Virginia on January 30th in Morgantown in a matchup that will be the latest installment of the Backyard Brawl. Pitt opens February with a home game against Villanova six days removed from their showdown with the Mountaineers.

A two-game road trip starting with the front end of a home-and-home series with USF is next up for the Panthers, followed by a collision with Seton Hall in Newark at the Prudential Center. From there, Pitt wraps up the Backyard Brawl series when West Virginia returns the favor on February 16th at the Petersen Center; and USF will follow suit three days later when the Bulls wrap up their home-and-home series with Pittsburgh.

Rick Pitino and Louisville are the third home-and-home opponents for Pitt, and will welcome the Panthers into the Yum! Center on February 26th. Senior night for Pittsburgh comes on the anniversary of leap year when Steve Lavin and St. John's come into the Petersen Center on February 29th, with Pitt's final regular season game coming on March 3rd in Storrs, Connecticut against Jim Calhoun and reigning national champion Connecticut inside Gampel Pavilion.

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American Country Awards 2011 Nominees (Full List)

The nominees for the American Country Awards 2011 have been bared. Leading the pack with most number of nominations are Jason Aldean and the Zac Brown Band with eight each. Newcomer Thompson Square got seven nods while The Band Perry and Taylor Swift both received six.

To be hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the 2011 American Country Awards will be aired on Fox on December 5 at 8 p.m. (ET).

Here's the full list of nominees of the ACA 2011:

2011 AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS NOMINEES

Artist of the Year

Jason Aldean

Kenny Chesney

Lady Antebellum

Taylor Swift

Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Kenny Chesney

Brad Paisley

Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female

Sara Evans

Alison Krauss

Miranda Lambert

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group

The Band Perry

Lady Antebellum

Rascal Flatts

Sugarland

Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist

Eric Church

Eli Young Band

Justin Moore

Jake Owen

Chris Young

Artist of the Year: New Artist

The Band Perry

Scotty McCreery

Jerrod Niemann

Pistol Annies

Thompson Square

Album of the Year

Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party

Kenny Chesney, Hemingway’s Whiskey

Brad Paisley, This Is Country Music

Taylor Swift, Speak Now

Keith Urban, Get Closer

Zac Brown Band, You Get What You Give

Single of the Year

Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”

Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Chris Young, “Voices”

Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Single of the Year: Male

Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”

Luke Bryan, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”

Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”

Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”

Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Female

Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”

Miranda Lambert, “Heart Like Mine”

Reba, “Turn On The Radio”

Taylor Swift, “Mean”

Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group

The Band Perry, “You Lie”

Rascal Flatts, “Why Wait”

Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Zac Brown Band, “Colder Weather”

Single of the Year: New Artist

The Band Perry, “You Lie”

Craig Campbell, “Family Man”

The JaneDear Girls, “Wildflower”

Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration

Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”

Brad Paisley with Alabama, “Old Alabama”

Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffet, “Knee Deep”

Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Touring Headline Act of the Year

Jason Aldean

Kenny Chesney

Toby Keith

Tim McGraw

Brad Paisley

Rascal Flatts

George Strait

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Keith Urban

Music Video of the Year

Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”

Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”

Blake Shelton, “Who Are you When I’m Not Looking”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”

Music Video: Male

Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”

Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”

Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”

Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”

Keith Urban, “Put You In A Song”

Music Video: Female

Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”

Reba, “Turn On The Radio”

Ashton Shepherd, “Look It Up”

Taylor Swift, “Back To December”

Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration

Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

The Band Perry, “You Lie”

Lady Antebellum, “Hello World”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Music Video: New Artist

The Band Perry, “You Lie”

Craig Campbell, “Family Man”

Brett Eldredge, “Raymond”

Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want”

Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

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Top TV Celebrity Endorsers in the Philippines | January-June 2011 Nielsen Survey

Nielsen has released its list of "Top TV Celebrity Endorsers in the Philippines" based on the data it gathered from January to June 2011.

Kris Aquino is the number 1 TV celebrity endorser in the Philippines according to a Nielsen survey

Nielsen ranked the local celebrities on the number of brands they endorsed on TV during the first half of 2011. Not surprising at all, Queen of all Media Kris Aquino topped the said list with 10 brands endorsed on TV, closely followed by Box Office King John Lloyd Cruz with 8.

Check out the full list below:

Top TV Celebrity Endorsers January-June 2011 (Nielsen)

1. Kris Aquino - 10 Brands

2. John Lloyd Cruz - 8 Brands

3. Carmina Villaruel and Zoren Legaspi, Ryan Agoncillo, Sarah Geronimo and Vic Sotto - 7 Brands

4. Anne Curtis, Marie Lozano, Michael V, and Sharon Cuneta - 6 Brands

5. Judy Ann Santos and Kim Chiu - 5 Brands

6. Derek Ramsey, Dingdong Dantes, KC Concepcion, Kim Atienza, Manny Pacquiao and Marian Rivera - 4 Brands

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New 'Alvin and the Chipmunks 3' trailer debuts

A new teaser trailer of the third 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' movie is now up online - it can be watched on the MSN video player below.

Set for December 16, 2011 release, "Alvin and the Chipmunks - Chipwrecked" is directed by Mike Mitchell and stars Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.

In the movie, the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become 'chipwrecked' on a remote island. As the 'Munks and Chipettes try various schemes to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

Check out the latest "Alvin and Chipmunks 3" trailer below:

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Christopher Chaney, alleged celebrity hacker, speaks out

Christopher Chaney, who was nabbed by authorities on Wednesday after identified as the man who allegedly hacked into accounts on computer and other devices of dozens of people including some celebrities, said in an interview with Fox30 that he was “addicted” to the cyber invasions and was “relieved” to have been caught.

Check out the video of Christopher's Chaney's interview below:


Among the stars that were allegedly hacked by the 35 year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida were Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera, Mila Kunis, Simone Harouche and Renee Olstead.

According to U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr., Chaney "also took financial information, movie scripts and conversations that the celebrities believed to be private."

Christopher Chaney may face a 121-year imprisonment if convicted on all the charges filed against him.

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'The Avengers' trailer is now up online

The first full trailer of Joss Whedon's "The Avengers" has been released by Marvel Studios earlier today. Check out the said "The Avengers" trailer below:

"The Avengers" teaser trailer courtesy of Marvel

Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in "Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man 2," "Thor" and "Captain America: The First Avenger" "The Avengers" is set for a May 4, 2011 release. Leading its powerhouse cast are Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson.

Here's its plot:

"When an unexpected enemy emerges who threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, the director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team of superheroes to pull the world back from the brink of disaster."

Check out some previously released stills from "The Avengers" movie below:

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Tropical Depression Ramon approaches Mindoro area: PAGASA

Tropical Depression Ramon (Bagyon Ramon) has changed its direction and is now approaching Mindoro area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wednesday.

Tropical Depression Ramon satellite image as of 6 p.m., October 12, 2011 | Source: PAGASA

According to the 5 p.m. bulletin from the PAGASA, Tropical Depression Ramon was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 70 km Southwest of Romblon (12.2°N, 121.6°E). It has maintained its strength at 55 kph maximum sustained winds near its eye. It has changed its course and now heading Northwest at 15 kph.

Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 has remained raised over the following areas: Marinduque, Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, Southern Quezon, Burias Island, Northern Palawan, Calamian Group of Islands, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Metro Manila, Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The state weather bureau also reminds residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals to remain alert against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Rainfall amount from Bagyong Ramon is now estimated to be 5-25 mm per hour (heavy) within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

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Jessy Mendiola covers Speed Magazine October 2011 issue

Jessy Mendiola, known for her lead role in now defunct Kapamilya teleserye "Sabel," is the gorgeous cover girl of the October 2011 issue of technology magazine Speed.

Jessy Mendiola covers Speed Magazine October 2011 issue

This month's issue of Speed contains articles about the evolution of social media, Toshiba's gaming laptop, reviews of several new gadgets in the market, an outlook of the personal computers in the future and a lot more. It is now available in your favorite newsstands and bookstores.

Jessy Mendiola, meanwhile, is currently seen on the recently premiered advocacy series "Budoy." She is one of the lead cast which also include Gerald Anderson and Enrique Gil.

"Budoy" airs weeknights on ABS-CBN primetime.

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'Austin Powers' actor Joseph Son alleged in killing prison cellmate

"Austin Powers" actor Joseph Son has been considered as suspect in the death of his cellmate at a California prison where he is serving a life sentence.

"Austin Powers" actor Joseph Son being investigated in the murder of cellmate

Joseph "Joe" Hyungmin Son, 40, who played the role of Random Task, one of Dr. Evil's henchmen in the 1997 blockbuster film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," was convicted in the 1990 gang rape and torture of a 19 year-old Southern California woman. He arrived at Wasco State Prison, in Central California, on September 16th.

Son's cellmate, a 50-year-old man who remains anonymous as his next of kin is still being notified, was found dead in his cell on the evening of October 10th. Prison officials are investigating Son's alleged involvement in the death. Son has been placed in solitary confinement for "safety reasons."

Joseph Son is a retired mixed martial arts fighter and manager who later became an actor. Apart from "Austin Powers," he also appeared on other movies like "Shootfighter II," "Bad Blood" and "Bloodfist V: Human Target."

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Inside The Big East: Villanova

Now a junior, Mouphtaou Yarou should become a household name for Villanova this season. (Photo courtesy of New York Times)

Mike Rice and his seven-member recruiting class at Rutgers were profiled in depth yesterday, and next up on the list is the program that fell victim to the Scarlet Knights on a four-point play in the final seconds.

Villanova Wildcats (2010-11 Record: 21-12, 9-9 Big East)

Head Coach: Jay Wright (11th season at VU, 224-101; 346-196 overall)

Returning Starters: G Maalik Wayns (6-2 Jr., 13.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 40% FG, 82% FT, 4.5 APG, 1.2 SPG)
F Mouphtaou Yarou (6-10 Jr., 8.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 50% FG, 66% FT, 1.0 BPG)
Other Key Returning Players: G Dominic Cheek (6-6 Jr., 5.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 36% FG, 76% FT)
Key Losses: G Corey Fisher (15.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 42% FG, 33% 3pt, 79% FT, 4.8 APG, 1.5 SPG)
G Corey Stokes (14.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 43% FG, 43% 3pt, 89% FT, 1.3 APG)
F Antonio Pena (9.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 50% FG, 68% FT, 1.5 APG, 1.0 BPG)

Through the last decade, Villanova has always managed to find their way to the top half of the Big East standings, thanks in large part to a roster filled with talented players at each position and enough depth to last coach Jay Wright several seasons. After reaching the Sweet 16 in 2008 as a No. 12 seed with a roster comprised entirely of underclassmen, Wright brought the whole team back the following season and brought the Wildcats to the first Final Four in program history since their magical national championship in 1985. The honeymoon period ended abruptly, however, with two consecutive exits on the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, the most recent of which being a round of 64 loss to George Mason a year after Villanova was ousted in the round of 32 by St. Mary's.

With the exception of reserve guard Dallas Ouano, Wright has essentially a similar situation to 2007-08 in front of him as he begins his eleventh season on the Main Line. Every other player will be back next year, barring any transfers from one of the most stable and successful Big East programs in recent memory. The stability experienced by the fans of 'Nova Nation will take a significant hit this year, though, with the graduation of three mainstays that etched their names into the illustrious history of Villanova basketball: Forward Antonio Pena and the Coreys, guards Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher.

Fisher's replacement in the starting lineup will be junior guard Maalik Wayns, who will now run the point exclusively after serving as more of a combo guard when he was part of Wright's starting five last year. The 6-2 junior homegrown talent has had the benefit of learning from Fisher and Scottie Reynolds in his first two seasons; and after a sophomore campaign in which he averaged nearly fourteen points and over four assists per contest, Wayns will be the man everyone looks to on the Main Line this season, and his biggest test will be whether or not he will be able to handle the pressure of being a team leader for a full season after serving a piece of the supporting cast as a freshman and sophomore. Villanova's only other incumbent in the starting five is one who should defy expectations and have a year to remember. After a freshman season in which he was plagued by an early-season bout with hepatitis, 6-10 Mouphtaou Yarou blossomed as a sophomore, averaging eight points and seven rebounds per contest a year ago. With Pena having departed, Yarou should be the go-to guy in the paint for the Wildcats; and a double-double per night is definitely not out of the question for the junior from the African nation of Benin.

Jay Wright may not have the depth he has enjoyed in years past, but will still be able to play his trademark four-guard sets on the Main Line this season, as reserve guards Dominic Cheek and James Bell will return for their junior and sophomore seasons, respectively. Cheek and Bell should start alongside Wayns, with freshman guard Tyrone Johnson seeing a great deal of minutes at the point while Wayns moves off the ball in situations where Wright chooses to play "four quick." Johnson, a product of Stu Vetter's Montrose Christian program, and 6-9 power forward Markus Kennedy make up the centerpieces of Wright's recruiting class, which also includes the returning JayVaughn Pinkston, the forward from Brooklyn who was dismissed from the team for an off-court incident before last season began. Maurice Sutton returns as well to give the Wildcats a boost in the middle with his 6-11 frame.

Villanova opens the 2011-12 season with three on-campus home games at the Pavilion, first welcoming Monmouth on November 11th before playing host to Big 5 rival LaSalle and Delaware. After the homestand, the Wildcats head to Anaheim for three games in the 76 Classic, with a Big 5 game at the Pavilion against Penn serving as their homecoming from the West Coast on December 3rd. For the second year in a row, Villanova gets to play a game at Madison Square Garden prior to the Big East tournament, when Missouri and the Wildcats square off on December 6th in the Jimmy V Classic. Last season, Villanova played two games at the Garden against UCLA and Tennessee at the end of November in the Preseason NIT.

Villanova's first game at the Wells Fargo Center comes against Boston University on December 13th, and sandwiches Big 5 road meetings with Temple and Saint Joseph's. American University, who almost upset the Wildcats as a No. 14 seed in the 2009 NCAA Tournament, serves as Villanova's final nonconference opponent in their December 22nd matchup at the Pavilion, with the Wildcats opening Big East play six days later against West Virginia in Morgantown.

Next up for the Wildcats will be the front ends of two home-and-home series, first at Marquette on New Year's Day before USF comes into the Pavilion on January 5th. The Wildcats stay on campus three days later to host DePaul before welcoming Syracuse into the Wells Fargo Center for their third consecutive home game on January 11th. Villanova starts their final home-and-home series at Cincinnati on January 14th; with Seton Hall invading the Pavilion before the Wildcats make their second trip to Madison Square Garden on January 21st, when they look to avenge a 13-point loss at the hands of St. John's this past February at the Wells Fargo Center.

Speaking of the Wells Fargo Center, the back end of a home-and-home series with Marquette sandwiches two road games at Louisville and Pittsburgh in a stretch of games that take the Wildcats through the first weekend of February. Villanova next hosts Providence at the Pavilion on February 7th prior to flying to Florida to face USF in St. Petersburg on February 15th. Two games against Notre Dame and Connecticut at the Wells Fargo Center serve as the final two that the Wildcats will play in Philadelphia, as Georgetown and Rutgers welcome Villanova into the Verizon Center and RAC, respectively. The March 1st meeting between the Wildcats and Scarlet Knights in Piscataway will be the first since Rutgers upset Villanova on Jonathan Mitchell's aforementioned four-point play. Villanova's last regular season contest comes on March 3rd against Mick Cronin's Cincinnati Bearcats at the Pavilion.

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Tropical Storm Ramon PAGASA Update - October 11, 2011

Tropical Storm Ramon (Bagyong Ramon) "continues to threaten Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao," the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Tuesday.

Tropical Storm Ramon (Bagyong Ramon) satellite image as of 8 p.m., October 11, 2011 | Source: PAGASA

According to the 5 p.m. bulletin of the PAGASA, Tropical Storm Ramon was last spotted based on satellite and surface data at 180 km East Northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (8.9°N, 127.9°E). Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center with gustiness of up to 80 kph, Bagyong Ramon is forecast to move Northwest at 17 kph.

The state weather bureau has also hoisted Public Storm Warning Signals over the following areas:

Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds)

Southern Leyte
Eastern Samar
Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island
Surigao del Sur
Dinagat Island

Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds) Masbate

Masbate
Ticao Island
Romblon
Sorsogon
Northern Leyte
Biliran Island
Bohol
Cebu
Northern Negros
Northern Samar
Western Samar
Panay Island
Guimaras Island
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Misamis Oriental
Camiguin Island

The PAGASA also warns residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signal against possible flashfloods, landslides and storm surges; and those living in coastal areas against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Ramon is forecast to bring an estimated rainfall amount of 10 - 30 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within the 400 km of its diameter.

According to an ABS-CBN report, Tropical Storm Ramon is expected to make a landfall on Wednesday in Southern Leyte and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday.

Bagyong Ramon is the 18th weather disturbance to hit the Philippines this year.

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'Austin Powers' actor allegedly murders jailmate

"Austin Powers" actor Joseph Son is being suspected in the death of his cellmate at a California prison where he is serving a life sentence.

"Austin Powers" actor Joseph Son being investigated in the murder of cellmate

Joseph "Joe" Hyungmin Son, 40, who played the role of Random Task, one of Dr. Evil's henchmen in the 1997 blockbuster film "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," was convicted in the 1990 gang rape and torture of a 19 year-old Southern California woman. He arrived at Wasco State Prison, in Central California, on September 16th.

Son's cellmate, a 50-year-old man who remains anonymous as his next of kin is still being notified, was found dead in his cell on the evening of October 10th. Prison officials are investigating Son's alleged involvement in the death. Son has been placed in solitary confinement for "safety reasons."

Joseph Son is a retired mixed martial arts fighter and manager who later became an actor. Apart from "Austin Powers," he also appeared on other movies like "Shootfighter II," "Bad Blood" and "Bloodfist V: Human Target."

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Inside The Big East: Rutgers

It only took one year for Mike Rice to do the improbable: Get people talking about Rutgers again. (Photo courtesy of New York Daily News)

Yesterday, Mike Brey and Notre Dame were the topics of conversation, and now it's time to shift the attention to another head man named Mike as his Big East team looks to capitalize off one of their better seasons in recent memory.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2010-11 Record: 15-17, 5-13 Big East)
Head Coach: Mike Rice (2nd season at RU, 15-17; 88-48 overall)

Returning Starters: F Gilvydas Biruta (6-8 So., 9.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 53% FG, 72% FT)
F Dane Miller (6-6 Jr., 9.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 42% FG, 55% FT, 2.6 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.0 SPG)

Other Key Returning Players: G Mike Poole (6-5 So., 5.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 42% FG, 71% FT, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG)
F Austin Johnson (6-8 Jr., 4.5 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 53% FG, 50% FT)
G Austin Carroll (6-4 So., 2.7 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 38% FG, 37% 3pt, 64% FT)

Key Losses: F Jonathan Mitchell (14.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 45% FG, 39% 3pt, 79% FT)

G James Beatty (8.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 40% FG, 37% 3pt, 72% FT, 3.1 APG, 1.7 SPG)
G Mike Coburn (8.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 43% FG, 36% 3pt, 64% FT, 4.0 APG, 1.4 SPG)
F Robert Lumpkins (3.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 38% FG, 86% FT)

Just seventeen months ago, Rutgers University basketball was a ship without a captain after former coach Fred Hill resigned amid an incident involving an umpire in a game coached by Hill's father Fred Sr., the Scarlet Knights' baseball coach. Athletic director Tim Pernetti moved quickly to hire a replacement, luring Mike Rice away from Robert Morris following a three-year tenure in which Rice guided the Colonials to three consecutive Northeast Conference regular season championships and two postseason championships; as well as a near-upset of Villanova in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. During the season, Rice and the Scarlet Knights surprised everyone along the way by not just competing, but contending as well. When the dust settled on the year, Rutgers finished a much better than expected 15-17, with five Big East wins that included a thrilling upset of Villanova at the RAC on a last-second four point play by Jonathan Mitchell. The Scarlet Knights nearly defeated St. John's in the Big East tournament; but a controversial missed call involving Red Storm forward Justin Brownlee stepping out of bounds and traveling cost Rutgers the game, yet showed a side of Rice in the coach's postgame press conference that won the coach more respect in a situation where hardly anyone expected him to take the high road.

This time around, Rice will attempt to lead Rutgers further up the Big East ladder without three of his key players. Guards James Beatty and Mike Coburn have graduated; as has aforementioned Mr. Everything Jonathan Mitchell, who is now playing in Spain. Forwards Gilvydas Biruta and Dane Miller are the only incumbents from last year's starting lineup that are back on the banks of the old Raritan, and each will be expected to carry a bigger share of the offense this season. Biruta had a very impressive rookie campaign, nearly averaging ten points per game while also pulling down five rebounds on average and shooting 53 percent from the field. Miller, who now enters his junior year as the swingman for Rutgers, managed to accumulate nine points and six rebounds per contest during an inconsistent season; but Rice and those close to the Rutgers program insist he is on the precipice of a breakout year.

Rice will once again have a blend of youth and experience on the hardwood in Piscataway, as a highly regarded seven-man recruiting class comes into the Garden State for their freshman year at Rutgers and introduction to Mike Rice basketball. These kids will undoubtedly be thrown into the fire early, but the exposure to in-game situations early in the season will better prepare them for the battles to come once Big East play opens at the end of December. Homegrown talent Myles Mack is the centerpiece of Rice's group of incoming rookies. A 5-9 dynamo from Bob Hurley's national powerhouse of St. Anthony's in Jersey City, Mack is expected to push fellow first-year guard Jerome Seagears for the starting spot at point guard; and is the second St. Anthony's guard in the last four years to pass up other schools for a chance to play the hero in his home state, joining Mike Rosario, who has since transferred to Florida.

Former St. Anthony's standout Eli Carter joins Mack and Seagears among the new blood for Rutgers, and his experience playing alongside Mack before transferring to Brewster Prep in New Hampshire should serve Rice and his staff well when both Mack and Carter are on the floor at the same time. Swingman Malick Kone and burgeoning 6-9 forward Greg Lewis project as bench contributors at the moment, with Brooklyn native Derrick Randall being among the diamonds in the rough for Rice. Kadeem Jack, a 6-9 forward from Rice High School in Manhattan, is the last of the "magnificent seven" to come into the RAC this season; and could see a starter's share of minutes once he returns following ankle surgery that will cost him at least the first three months of the season.

Among the incumbents, guard Mike Poole will enter his sophomore season with a probable starting position at shooting guard. Poole played exceptionally well at times when used off the ball alongside James Beatty and Mike Coburn last season, and the sharp shooting of fellow second-year guard Austin Carroll gives Rice two options in the backcourt to go with whoever ends up running the point. Junior Austin Johnson, one of the last recognizable faces of the Fred Hill regime, will serve as a mentor up front to the new recruits while also having greater opportunities to better his averages of four points and two rebounds per game from last season.

Rutgers opens at home when Dartmouth invades the RAC on November 11th, and a road trip to Miami sandwiches regional games in the Cancun Challenge. The November 15th clash with the Hurricanes and new coach Jim Larranaga serves as the back end of a home-anRd-home series that was started last year when Miami and current Missouri head man Frank Haith came to New Jersey last year to play the Scarlet Knights at the RAC. Prior to heading to Mexico, Rutgers will entertain Sacred Heart and Hampton at home, with Illinois State being the first opponent for Rice and company south of the border. Depending on the outcome of Rutgers' meeting with the Redbirds, they will facee either Illinois or reigning Atlantic 10 champion Richmond in the second of two games in Mexico.

A stretch of four consecutive home games ensues for Rutgers, with UMBC coming into the RAC prior to the SEC/Big East Challenge game on December 3rd against Louisiana State. In-state rivals Princeton and Monmouth are next on the Knights' ledger before a return trip to Madison Square Garden on December 17th, when Rutgers will square off against Stony Brook in the Holiday Festival, which is now a one-day tournament instead of its traditional two-day setup. The Scarlet Knights will compete on the undercard, with St. John's and Fordham immediately following.

A December 22nd meeting with NJIT in Piscataway precedes what could arguably be the most intriguing nonconference game anyone will play this year, as the aforementioned Mike Rosario returns to New Jersey for his long-awaited homecoming on December 29th. Rosario, coach Billy Donovan and the rest of the Florida Gators come into the RAC for a showdown with a Rutgers team that will definitely take Florida to the limit. The Scarlet Knights open conference play on New Year's Day in Tampa against South Florida, with home-and-home series against West Virginia, Notre Dame, and archrival Seton Hall.

Rutgers' next two Big East games following the opener with the Bulls come at home against West Virginia and reigning national champion Connecticut, who will have coach Jim Calhoun back on the bench for this one following his three-game suspension that covers the Huskies' contests against USF, St. John's and Seton Hall. After UConn, Rutgers goes to the Petersen Center for a matchup with Pittsburgh before invading Morgantown on January 14th to complete the home-and-home with West Virginia. A home showdown with Notre Dame and road trip down Interstate 95 into Georgetown await Rutgers before a two-game homestand against DePaul and Cincinnati that will close out the month of January.

The Scarlet Knights open February with road games at Providence and Louisville before their first of two against Seton Hall, which will take place at the RAC on February 8th. After the collision with the Pirates, Rutgers heads to the Joyce Center to battle Notre Dame before returning home to welcome Syracuse into Piscataway on February 19th. Rutgers finishes their road schedule with a trip to Marquette on February 22nd that precedes the conclusion of their in-state rivalry three days later with Seton Hall at the Prudential Center. Villanova comes back to the RAC on March 1st for the first time since the aforementioned four-point play, with Steve Lavin and St. John's serving as Rutgers' final opponent on March 3rd at the RAC.

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