The Cleveland State men's basketball team, seeded No. 3 in the Horizon League Tournament will go at it with No. 7 seed Illinois-Chicago at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse tonight with tip set for 8:00 p.m.

A win for the Vikings and they advance to tomorrow's semifinal with No. 2 seeded and well-rested Green Bay. That game can be seen on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Support the only Division I college program in town.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

Well, the rumors had been swirling for about two weeks now, but finally Joe Smith is once again a Cavalier. I am so happy. Last season Danny Ferry was reluctant to put him into the Damon Jones-Mo Williams trade, but it wasn't going to happen unless the ole' veteran was included.

There is no doubt, Williams was a great trade, and without him the Cavs might not be where they are at today, but...we got Smith back, and that's an important piece for a run at the 2009 NBA Championship. Smith is the perfect player the Cavs need. LeBron told the media a few days ago that he is the "perfect teammate" and that is the truth.

A big center/forward that can score is what the Cavs need, and that is exactly what Smith is. And what is even better about this whole situation...we bascically traded the self proclaimed "Best Shooter in the World" for Williams who does not need a title for himself; besides 2009 All-Star. Especially with Big Ben Wallace out for some time with that broken leg, it will be nice to have a veteran "big", to quote John Lucas, in there to help out Zyrdunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao down low.

This is going to be a fun home stretch.

Now to college hoops. Tonight I plan on watching Dayton vs. No. 19 Xavier. Two Ohio schools that I hope my Cleveland State Vikings can one day mirror. Both Brian Gregory and Brad Miller (head coaches of the Flyers and Muskateers) are as good as they come and have established programs that I hope they stay at to continue getting bigger and better.

Both teams have their eyes set on the NCAA Tournament this season and will battle it out tonight at Xavier. In the first meeting Dayton won at UD Arena. The Flyers are led by stud sophomore Chris Wright and junior forward Marcus Johnson who played his high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary's in Akron. The alma mater of King James as many know. It should be a great game, if you want to watch it's on ESPN2 at 9:00 P.M. ET.

As for the Vikes they received some bad news yesterday when sophomore forward D'Aundray Brown went out with a torn ligament in his right knee. It's been a tough season for "Dre" but the Vikings played without him for seven games when he hurt his ribs earlier in the year, so it is still possible for them to make it to the "Big Dance". A win over UIC tomorrow, UW-Green Bay on Saturday and the other finalist on Tuesday will send CSU to the tourney for the first time in 22 years. Wow! It sure would be fun wouldn't it?

All is well with me. Very tired today for some reason. Took a very uncharacteristic nap. Unlike my girlfriend who naps all the time, I am the type of person who is up all day. But it might be the weather. Spring break is coming up for me and that will be nice.

Next week I will be doing play-by-play for the Cleveland State women's basketball team which should be fun. They are trying to make another trip to the NCAA Tournament and don't be surprised if they do. The Lady Vikes are on a roll winning 11 of their past 13 games, they have a great head coach in Kate Peterson Abiad.

I will give you more details on how you can hear me, as we grow closer. Anyhow hope all is well with everyone. As always if you want to chat sports or anything else, shoot me an e-mail at nickcamino@clearchannel.com. If I do not respond, it means I no longer work here. HAHA! I promise I will get back to you.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

I have received numerous e-mails about how much people love my CSU notes that I put on this page. Yes, it's supposed to be my personality page and I do talk about my life itself, but Cleveland State men's basketball is definitely the most underrated ticket in town, and covering them a bit for WTAM and my student newspaper I feel it's my duty to give those that want it, the info. on the Vikes.

Head coach Gary Waters met with the media today just one day before their opening round Horizon League Tournament game against last-seeded Detroit, and although he admitted it is going to be tough, Waters did seem confident that his team can get back to the Horizon League Championship game as they did just one year ago for a chance to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. It would be the first time in 22 years.

It is pathetic that this team gets no publictity. This city drools over Kellen Winslow Jr. being traded to Tampa Bay because it's Browns news, yet they have an NCAA Division I team in town that could qualify for the greatest postseason tournament in all of sports.

Why people will not get behind this team I have no clue. They have 20 wins for the second straight year in a row, the national media looks at CSU as an up and coming program, yet nobody takes time to check out the Vikes. It's pathetic.

Anyhow, I guess they will be kept a good secret. I know I'll enjoy watching and covering these guys. I was in Indianapolis for their final regular season game against No. 22 Butler Saturday and it was just an awesome college basketball game. Over 9,000 fans packed into Hinkle Fieldhouse to cheer on their Bulldogs and CSU should have won the game if it weren't for a terrible call down the stretch.

I look forward to seeing the Vikings in action again this weekend. I am trying to get out there again. My boy Todd and Steph from the Indians Radio Network are helping me out to get there, but I need one more shift picked up. If that happens, you will have "TOTAL CSU COVERAGE" right here on this page all weekend. Keep checking back.

As for me, all is well. Celebrated my brother Matt's 27th birthday with some family and my girlfriend yesterday which was nice, but I got some school work to get done today.

Hope all is well with all of you. Remember, you wanna chat just shoot me an e-mail at nickcamino@clearchannel.com.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

I cannot believe the first spring training game is today! I plan to watch a little bit on Sports Time Ohio when I get home from class, I have no idea why I am excited. It's funny because we get all excited for the first game, and then these become pointless because the teams have to play 9 innings, and by the 5th, guys who are going to be cut, wearing No. 67 are playing for the Indians.

But, baseball is on its way back.

Anyone hear about Mo Williams guaranteeing the Cavs getting to the NBA Finals yesterday? Wow! Why would he do that? The Celtics, Magic and even the Hawks are definitely going to be gunning for Cleveland now. I don't know if I totally disagree with Williams' choice of words, but teams in the league know he said it so, the Cavs better back it up. Judging on how the season has gone, they should, but we'll see.

I am sick of hearing people complain about the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Talked with my Dad a bit yesterday and he goes, "Well who's paying them?"

Ya know what, no everything has to be about friggin' money! I understand the United States not caring much about the Olympic Games. They take place in the middle of the season and free agents as well as minor leaguers do pretty well anyway represnting the country. The WBC is totally different.

It starts in about a week, and I think people need to get behind the idea! It's not even the regular season yet, the United States is representing all of us. We need to root for them. And by the way, Grady Sizemore and Mark DeRosa will be playing extensively, so why not root for America? Shin Soo Choo will be playing for South Korea, who is usually very good.

I can't wait for the United States to play Cuba. Every Olympics that Cuban team whoops on everyone, including the minor league United States team's. It's time for payback, I want to see how they fair against the true United States all stars.

Cliff Lee will not be playing in the WBC, which is fine. Pitchers are a bit different, you need as many innings out of them as you can, and to me, Sizemore and DeRosa will be just fine.

Go USA!

Be Safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

Well today has been yet another busy day to say the least. All is well here, just trying to keep up with everything ranging from school to work. But I did sneak in a haircut today...unfortunately I forgot to tell my barber that I didn't want a buzz cut. It's all good though, can't go wrong for just $10.

I worked with Bob Frantz last night. A 4-hour show that went really fast. We had a lot of calls and it went really smooth. I hope he feels the same way. Bob and I don't work much together so it takes some getting used to each other, but I think it all went well.

Well, the Cavs should whoop Memphis tonight, I wouldn't even play LeBron. HAHA! I am just kidding, but if the Cavs go up by 14 or 20 or whatever, take him out, he needs to start resting a bit.

Ohio State's men's basketball team has a crucial game tonight against Penn State. I am shocked I typed crucial game and Penn State Nittany Lion basketball in the same sentence, but it's true. Ed DeChilles has turned his alma mater's program around and if the Buckeyes don't win tonight in Columbus, you can kiss an at-large birth goodbye for Thad Matta's bunch.

Next year I might box out the entire weekend to go see the Big Ten Tournament, I think that would be awesome.

Cleveland State is ready to boogie with the Crusaders of Valparaiso on Thursday night and after that will duke it out with No. 24 Butler on ESPN2 at Noon on Saturday. It is a big week for the Vikes. I will be there...blogging from Indianapolis!!!

Well, I have to get stuff done. E-mail me at nickcamino@clearchannel.com if you have any questions or anything like that.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

When I dated this post, I put "2/23/08", and then had to delete it. Sometimes it's hard for me to even believe that it is the year 2009. Anyway, tonight I am in for Mots as the producer for the Bob Frantz Show.

Dirty Kurt was next in line to run the show, but he has to run some other things during the day because I cannot due to my classes at Cleveland State. It's rare for me to be working with Bob, because when he was on from 9:00 a.m.-Noon I always had class and now since his move, the only nights I really work are Saturday, which is usually his night off. So, tonight, I will produce the Gary Waters Show, which most of you know I will love to run and then after, get to have some fun with Frantz for his 4 hour show.

It should be fun.

Well ESPN has labeled this week in men's college basketball "Judgement Week". It could not be a more perfect slogan for the Cleveland State Vikings as they try and reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 23 years.

After this week, we will know a lot more as to where CSU will be seeded in the Horizon League Tournament, a week from now, but Saturday's matchup with No. 18 Butler, is sure to provide fans with an idea as to whether this team really has a chance to do what was once thought of as "unthinkable".

I am heading out to Indianapolis, IN to see the Vikes take on the Bulldogs at historic Hinkle Field House Saturday for their regular season showdown. It should be a great game and can be seen on national television Saturday (Feb. 28) at Noon on ESPN2.

I have a feeling that I am somehow going to end up back in Indy for the Championship, but we still have a long way before that.

Check in Saturday to WTAM 1100, when Andre Knott is on to the air, he will be checking in with me from Hinkle Field House live on the radio.

That's it for now. Tune in tonight, Frantz is sure to have an interesting show and maybe I'll be talking a bit, ya never know.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

I guess it was pretty stupid to think that this snow was gone for good. But wow, it is still coming down pretty good.

After my lone class at Cleveland State today I went to my grandparents for lunch and as soon as I got done I shoveled about 2-3 inches of snow off of the driveway when I got back home to Solon. Now I plan on just relaxing for the night. No matter how many more inches, feet or even tons of snow we get, I know CSU will not cancel classes so I know I will have to be up bright and early tomorrow.

So no trade for the Cavs, I am glad. There is no reason to do it. Once Joe Smith got traded there was no one else that really appealed to me. Some folkes said that rumors of Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace to Phoenix for Shaq was in the works. Wow am I glad that didn't work out!

Who the heck wants Shaquille O'Neal. Where would you put Illgauskas? The 4? That would be the slowest team in the NBA. What we have right now is fine; enough to win the Eastern Conference and enough to even win an NBA Championship. The only team in the entire league that concerns me are the LA Lakers because of their size, but if Mike Brown makes the correct matchups, a 7-game series wouldn't even go 6 games. The Cavs are fine.

Hey, the Cleveland State men's basketball team got a big win over Youngstown State last night. They are now all alone in third place in the Horizon League, and if they win out, which is definitely possible, and Wisconsin-Green Bay loses once more, things will get interesting in the conference. I think that Cleveland State has a realistic shot of making the NCAA Tournament this season.

Well hope all is well with everyone. Give me a shout at nickcamino@clearchannel.com if you want to talk sports. Tonight I plan on watching Duke vs. St. John's on ESPN. I wonder why these two teams play every year at Madison Square Garden? Yes, I know the Red Storm's home floor is MSG, but how come they never go to Cameron Indoor. And...it's not even a conference game. St. John's is in the Big East while Duke is in the ACC. Oh wait...I know...$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Yeah. Why else would Duke travel up from North Carolina to New York City to play a non-conference game in late February.

I love sports, but it is all about money it's so sad. We the public and I in the media are partly to blame, but wow...things have changed that's for sure.

Well, I am going to go read a bit.

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino

First off I must apologize. I have not updated my blog in a long time, and now I am starting to understand why people say these are so hard to keep up with. I will try to stay on top of it, but class and work really wrap up all my time.

Anyhow, let's catch up. Are people still thinking trade for the Cavs? Give me a break!!! They have the 3rd best record in the NBA and have played well without two integral pieces at different points this season; Illgauskas and Delonte West.

The only trade I would have considered would be Joe Smith from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was in the system for a bit last season, can score and is the perfect example of a role player. With him just traded though, I say this..."if it ain't broke, don't fix it." And the Cavaliers definitely are not broke. Sure, the loss to the Pacers before the All-Star Break strikes some concern, but come on, this team is legit. Ask anyone in the league, nobody wants to play these guys.

I am headed down to the Wolstein Center tonight to check out the CSU Vikings men's basketball team. They are just one game out of second place, and that spot is imperative to get because if they can somehow take over second place in the Horizon League, they can then get a double-bye into the semifinals of the final conference tournament that determines who goes to the NCAA Tournament.

Sadly, I think the city of Cleveland has forgotten how awesome it was back in the 1985-1986 season when head coach Kevin Mackey and the Vikings upset 3rd seeded Bobby Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers en route to a Sweet 16 appearance that coined the term of a "Cinderella" run through the tournament. Take away a David Robinson blocking foul that was called a charge and CSU would have been headed to the Elite Eight, where Duke was waiting. 

Tonight is a perfect opportunity to see Gary Waters' team, he is an amazing coach and leader, and I expect him to not only stay with the forest green and white, but turn this program into the next small program with a national identity. Something like Gonzaga, Davidson, and as much as I hate to say it, even Butler, who is also in the Horizon League.

Spring training looks nice, but I am still bitter. Why Arizona? Everyone is just drooling over Goodyear, Ariz., you have got to be kidding. Hey, that's ok, I'll go watch the Orioles in Fort Myers. Fla. Believe it or not, they are my second favorite team.

Anyhow, Kelly Pavlik has a big fight coming up. He should destroy Marco Antonio Rubio. He is a good fighter, no doubt, but Pavlik is ready to prove he is one of the best in the world, and he is. Word has it, if he wins Saturday in Youngstown, something could be set up with retired undefeated champ Joe Calzaghe. Now that would be a fight to see.

On a non-sports note we celebrated my mom's 54th birthday yesterday. She doesn't look a day over 40, and I am blessed to have such a great family, it was a nice time celebrating.

Hope all is well with all of you. If you ever want to contact me about anything just drop me a line at nickcamino@clearchannel.com. I should be able to answer just about anything. 

Be safe,

Nick "EL" Camino