[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Hello, friends. I hope you’re well, and happy Friday. When we last spoke on Wednesday, we were looking at some of our comrades in the Hall of Fame Tip Off Tournament, and today we round out the pack with the remaining teams. I’d also like to note that, and I’ll put it in bold in case you’re skimming, that this piece will likely take at least two minutes to read. I love you, readers, and that’s why if time is very precious to you, and you cannot afford these moments, you might want to better use these minutes to spend time with your loved ones or better yourselves. I only advise this because I love you. There. Now that’s said, let’s spread some love to our mid-majors pals and learn a little bit about them in the second half of our Neighborhood Watch: Hall of Fame Tip Off Tournament, shall we? We shall. And have a great weekend.

Radford University
Location: Radford, Virginia
Coach: Mike Jones
What You Should Know: You gotta hand it to Radford; they’re not afraid to play major names to help their team grow. The Highlanders – not to be confused with this or this – have signed on to play Kentucky, Maryland and Cincinnati in their pre-conference play (and you have to love that on their schedule, they put an exclamation point after Kentucky, which is kind of cool). Chalk that fearlessness up to the program-rebulding efforts of head coach Mike Jones, who was part of “it” coach Shaka Smart’s VCU staff for the last two seasons. Jones and crew may not be an explosive team offensively at roughly 59 ppg, but sophomore guard Jareal Smith may provide a great boost this season. They also play High Point during their season, so when they’re here next week we can ask them how the Panthers have been since we haven’t played them since Tubby left. You know, we should mail those guys a Christmas card this year or send them a Facebook request. It’s been too long, High Point. You never call.
Interesting Fact: Radford is located on the New River between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, and is only reachable by guided sherpa. In fact, last year alone the school’s home schedule was decreased by five teams who perished en route to playing them and were eaten by wolves.

University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, Florida
Coach: Stan Heath
What You Should Know: Settled in the Big East conference, the USF Bulls are, aside from being perpetually thankful for teams like DePaul and Seton Hall, always in a tough position with a very difficult schedule. It’s not entirely their fault, as former Razorback and Golden Flash coach Stan Heath has done his best to step up against the big names. It’s worth noting that the Bulls also rely on a Gilchrist to get the job done: Augustus Gilchrist, backed up by Shaun Noriega and Jawanza Poland, who he’s going to need to help him out a bit. Good thing they’ve got Reggie Hanson on staff, right? Right?
Interesting Fact: Many believe that Stan Heath’s resemblance to a young Gordon from Sesame Street has undoubtedly helped him numerous times in his storied coaching tenure — much in the same way Kevin Stalling’s resemblance to another beloved children’s character has helped propel Stalling’s own career.

Penn State
Coach: Patrick Chambers
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
What You Should Know: When was the last time you heard anything in the news about Penn State? It’s like nobody ever talks about that university. But former Boston University head coach Patrick Chambers is hoping to change all that as he steps into the 2011-12 season. He’ll have his work cut out for him with last year’s much-vaunted guard Talor Battle and three other top-earning seniors absent this year. It’ll be a rebuilding year for the Nittany Lions but Chambers is likely hoping junior Tim Frazier steps up to lead the team. Might be a good thing people are looking elsewhere concerning Penn State right now — like at the the top notch fencing program!
Interesting Fact: Penn State lists a whopping 24 campuses as part of its educational empire. In 2009, its soldiers marched on Drexel and La Salle, conquering and enslaving them and claiming the respective campuses for the Nittany Lions. They believe it is God’s will that they control the entire state of Pennsylvania.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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November 18th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
These posts suck…seriously! No one wants to read about these crappy teams.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I think our Wildcat mascot needs to put on a shower cap and bath towel for this game.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Penn State is also on Radfords schedule so I would not put much weight behind that. THey average 59ppg? This should be interesting.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
#2 too soon.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
These teams are not good…..at all. Penn State is becoming the university of phoenix with all of their online degrees. Except, they have a good virtuous football program. Oh….wait.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Does anyone know what a Nittany Loin is? My 12 year old son asked and I told him I didn’t have a clue. Thanks!
November 18th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
It’s basically a mountain lion, Ben. There’s a mountain called Nittany Mountain near University Park.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
It is great to have someone tell us about these teams since we likely would not go search out the information ourselves.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
6 – sick joke. i think it’s LION haha
November 18th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Except the conquering Lions kill the women and men and enslave the little boys.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
#9 Just a typo! You are right it would be a sick intentional joke! enough said. Thanks!
November 18th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Is our Sat b-ball gonna be on TV???? Can’t find the answer online. Perhaps it’s not going to be because of the overlap with the football Cats?
November 18th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
#6 – It’s origin was derived from Mountain Lions that lived around Mount Nittany. Not even joking. So in essence…it’s just a mountain lion.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
#8 – If I had searched it out on my own, I would not have had the pleasure of your asshole comment. Everyone to their own taste.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
12 joe says) “C’MON MANE!” its on espn 3.. get with it Joe
November 18th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I go to Radford and it’s great I’ll get to watch my two favorite schools face off from right behind the UK bench. The scene at Rupp is going to be totally different than playing in front of a crowd of about 1,100.
The odds of RU pulling off the upset? 1 in a million… so I’m saying there’s a chance.
November 18th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
helpful tip to uk players : if a member of state pen .. er .. penn state coaches ask you to come to the showers to “horse around” DONT GO
November 18th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Cal is big ballin on Sportscenter right now
November 18th, 2011 at 1:45 pm
So Joe Paterno doesn’t walk into a police station…
November 18th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
great advice bluetooth
November 18th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
dickie v apologized on twitter Ok BBN u r right about 3 Goggles- Didn’t realize it was in fun & not to ridicule but I Totally feel there is no reason 4 FLEXING & POSING!
November 18th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Thanks #15! Never even heard of ESPN 3, but I’ll see if my host has it!
November 18th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
THESE POSTS ARE WORTHLESS! WHO CARES, REALLY!?
November 18th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Again…if you don’t like them don’t read them and shut up. Quit complaining about it. It is free and no one has a gun to your head.
November 18th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
can anyone tell me where i can see a bracket for this stupid tourney
November 18th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Real good piece; except it isn’t Radford, it’s Old Dominion. Radford’s at Rupp on Wednesday night..
November 19th, 2011 at 11:15 am
haha, the interesting fact Radford was classic.
November 21st, 2011 at 2:05 pm
constantly a large enthusiast of linking to blog writers which i adore but don’t get a lot of hyperlink really like through.