Thursday Morning Dump

- Before you go an farther into this morning's dump, click this link and go read Jason King's outstanding article on the bond that Billy Donovan, Anthony Grant, and John Pelphrey share. Incredible.

- And when you finish that, go read Dana O'Neil's terrific piece on Steven Gray and how a trip to Africa changed his life. Those two should keep you busy for the rest of your morning.

- Jeff Goodman makes the argument that Isaiah Thomas is already ready to slide into the point guard role vacated by the injured Abdul Gaddy. He makes a convincing argument.

- The first poll results for National Player of the Year have come out, and it's no surprise who's leading the the race. In all seriousness though, this poll should be considered a sham until BIAH gets at least five votes.

- Gary Franklin is transferring to Baylor.

- West Virginia's Kevin Noreen is out for the season as he will undergo surgery on his right knee.

- Eamonn Brennan provides the Big East power rankings

- Good read from Jeff Eisenberg on Kawhi Leonard of SDSU after last night's win.

- Diamond Leung put together a great article on Fordham's Chris Gaston and the lessons he has learned from legendary coaches

- Podcast me, Matty.

- Billy Packer hasn't changed a bit since his retirement.

- My blogger in arms Mike Miller thinks Wake could end up being historically bad this season.

- Eric Angevine argues that Tony Jones is the biggest loser in the Tennessee fiasco.

- Consider this a power rankings warm up.

- The Hurleys ain't doing too bad at Wagner.

- Dick Vitale has agreed to a contract extension which will keep him with ESPN until 2015

- Part three of Lost Letterman's week-long series documenting Oak Hill Academy. They discuss how the tiny boarding school cemented their legacy

This song is horrific, but its worth watching because, well, there are a few girls that will make you wish you went to Indiana.