Dana O'Neil
@DanaONeilWriter
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Villanova athletics, author The Big East: Inside the Most Entertaining and Influential League in College Basketball History. Tweets are my own.
Joined April 2009
On the glasses (and the story behind them), a specialist, a Rubik's Cube nerd and a new Olympic hero. Meet @USAGym Stephen Nedoroscik.
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A coach just called with a great idea: release the bracket, pay the coaches all of their bonus $ for making the tourney, pool the bonus $ and donate it to the workers at the NCAA sites who've lost income w/ tourney cancellation. This is BRILLIANT.
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Some cool news from the NCAA Basketball Committee: 2026 Final Four in Indy also will include D2 and D3 title games as well as semis and finals of the NIT. A veritable hoops feast.
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So college basketball will be LaVar Ball free this year? Happy Holidays to one and all.
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Pardon my French, but those are some serious f-ing bad asses
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Wow. If the measure of a man is how many wonderful memories people have to share about him upon his passing, than Bill Walton truly was a giant. Somedays this site is lovely.
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"Kill yourself for taking that 3 you f-ing worthless loser. Slit your f-ing throat you f-ing f– that was completely uncalled for. I hope you f-ing kill yourself." For late-game subs, their joy is someone else's misery and they're hearing about it.
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Source confirmed that UConn will be added as a member of the Big East. Announcement likely this week.
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Add me to the list. Just got the 'call.' I've been informed my contract will not be renewed at ESPN.
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Goodbye cardboard people. I hope I never see you again.
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Top 25 is out: No Duke. No North Carolina. No Kentucky. No Kansas. No UCLA. The Year without a Blueblood. First since 1961.
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How is this not a T? We need to give coaches collars and zap them when they leave the coaching box.
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Some news: After 30-plus years, it's time for a pivot. My choice and my good fortune that I get to go to Villanova, a place filled with people I know and respect. Grateful to the athletes, coaches and families who trusted me to tell their stories.
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Impressive win for West Virginia. Tough tough team. And I will say without apology, college hoops is better when Huggs is relevant.
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Choose whatever side of the political aisle you want, but there is absolutely no way to defend this. It is terrifying and horrific, and there is nothing democratic or patriotic about it.
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(1 of 2) Thrilled to announce some great news: Beginning Oct. 1, I will join @TheAthleticCBB as a senior writer.
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Perhaps instead of cracking jokes at his demise, we should question whether he needs help and hope that, if that’s the case, he gets it.
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BREAKING: @TexasMBB head coach Chris Beard has been arrested for third degree felony assault on a family member/impeding breadth circulation. More to come.
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Watching Bob Knight back at Indiana, one life lesson we should all heed: grudges just ain't worth it. Be happy, not angry.
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Oklahoma State, USC, Louisville left out on Sunday. Miami, NC State home already. Arizona going down in flames. FBI . ultimate one seed.
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So this is kinda cool. Galleys have arrived. Officially coming out in November
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So @RutgersMBB won't play Sun.-Tues.-Sun. to accommodate 2 schools whose game was canceled by a shooting. Because of "travel days?" Meanwhile @GopherMBB is willing to play Sat.-Tues.-Thurs.-Sun. and @MSU_Basketball is willing to go Sat.-Tues.-Thurs-Sat. Right, Rutgers.
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Lost in the Trae Young party is that Lon Kruger allows his players to play. That’s why it works. He’s the most unassuming yet among the most self-assured coaches in the game.
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Ivy League plays Friday and Saturday every weekend. And buses everywhere, including the Saturday game after the Friday night game. Strong-ass student athletes, I guess.
New: Will Wade is ticked off with #LSU's SEC schedule this week with Wednesday's late game at Florida before an early Saturday tip vs. Texas A&M. "I got to stick up for LSU and I got to stick up for our players.". "This is not student-athlete welfare.".
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For those who don't know him, Michael Sowers of @TigerLacrosse is a terrific person, role model and player. Frontrunner for player of the year. Never made tourney. His team is 3rd in the country. He's a senior. Season is over. Crushing.
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My son wrote this three years ago, when he was 10. Apparently the NCAA wasn’t moved. CC @DavidWorlock
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Whatever happens next for Eli Manning, Giants fans should be grateful how he carried himself through the entirety of his career. Class and dignity all the way.
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This needs to make One Shining Moment. I don't care if Nebraska isn't in the tourney.
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Among the pieces of evidence the firm presented was a detailed schedule of Michigan’s planned sign-stealing travel for the rest of this season, listing opponents’ schedules, which games Michigan scouts would attend, and how much money was budgeted
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Pau Gasol, thank you. Not just for saying what’s obvious about Becky Hammon but for sledgehammering every sexist argument about why women shouldn’t be involved in men’s sports. Bravo!
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That UMBC, a 16seed, is hanging in the second round with a shot at the Sweet 16 is amazing. That Bill Raftery is calling the game is heavenly.
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My son just did a math lesson on Bryce Harper's deal, trying to figure out his weekly take-home salary. I suggested he go outside and play baseball.
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Greg Kampe is one of the best people in the business. Truly. Forget Kentucky losing. Celebrate Oakland winning.
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Classy move by Gregg Marshall. And hopefully other coaches are paying attention. Doing the right thing isn’t hard
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College basketball >college football. Reveal 68 teams faster than four.
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People will say Florida played poorly. Like they said Michigan State played poorly. Truth is, UConn is really good.
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Purchased the deck decor of my dreams today. Feel free to come replicate @springsteen @nilslofgren
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Keep hearing @VUCoachJWright name in the UNC candidate pool. Source tells me Wright is not interested, and is not leaving Villanova.
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So McNair died on June 13. Were it not for ESPN report, does none of this happen? The president and AD apologized today. He died two months ago. I appreciate the candor and the remorse but can’t help but wonder where we are without @CFBHeather report.
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ESPN just credited @Brett_McMurphy for breaking news. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
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PSA from a mom a lot of miles away from her son, who is at Michigan State where there is an active shooter (he's safe, thank god): don't spread rumors. Don't guess. Don't act like an expert when you don't know anything. Don't terrorize people who are already terrified.
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Why is @BoilerBall successful every year? This is why.
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In an already crowded Big Ten, @BoilerBall has won four in a row. Young Boilers are getting confident.
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Ages ago, I was doing a story on Henry Bibby. I called Bill Walton for a quote. He called me back, no lie, eight times. First because the connection was lousy; and then to share yet another story he'd just remembered.
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China silences LaVar Ball. Never thought we'd be grateful to China.
LaVar Ball said he has been advised by council not to speak “due to the legal nature of the matter.” He had previously scheduled a press conference for 10:45 am from his hotel suite in Shanghai.
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A bourbon and a Fitbit? Bob Huggins only seems like a contradiction. Truth is, he's pretty simple.
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Mike Krzyzewski said he won't suspend Grayson Allen b/c others demand it. He's right. He should do it b/c it's right
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We need to put @ChickfilA drive thru in charge of TSA, airline boarding and maybe even voting.
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A lot of people have a lot of opinions about @BoilerBall Zach Edey. The player I learned about over the past three weeks is as good a person as he is a player. Cap tip to an incredible career.
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Notre Dame just orchestrated the retirement of a legend and the hiring of its new coach in the span of about five tweets. With no leaks. No hiccups. Nothing. Someone get Jack Swarbrick a mic to drop. Epic, sir.
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How bad did IU fans think that call was on Reneau? Elder gentleman in front of me just stood up from his wheelchair, Lazarus- like, to protest.
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I would like to start a petition right now to make Porter Moser stay at Loyola Chicago forever, and become Mark Few, Jay Wright and so forth.
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De Sousa can return for the regular-season finale and all of the postseason. Strippers, suspensions and the FBI. When Kansas raises the trophy to the soaring notes of One Shining Moment, I hope they give everyone small bottles of disinfectant.
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This will be complicated, but one thing ought to be non-negotiable: if stadiums can have fans, the first ones in should be the students.
If college football attendance is limited, who gets in? . Factors could include how much money the season-ticket holder donates annually; how long they have had those tickets; and are they an alumnus or former letter winner. by @ericolson64 #weekendreads.
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“When John Beilein goes to the NBA, it tells you how fucked up college basketball is.” On a crummy day for the sport.
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Sadly can confirm the most heartbreaking news of the year: John Chaney has passed away. I am gutted, and have no words.
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Just got off phone w Travis County Sheriff office. Chris Beard is still in jail and will remain until probable cause affidavit received. Has to appear before judge within 24 hours of arrest, so can be up until 4am. Also Texas has a game tonight.
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Let's quash this stuff before it gets started: source told me Jay Wright is not going anywhere. Not to the Knicks. Not to the Sixers. Not to Oz. His house is for sale. He's not.
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So about that whole "this game is going to suck narrative?" Eat it.
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Sometimes life isn't hard. If, for example, as a professional, ethical, impartial reporter it would not occur to you make a heart at, say, Victor Wembanyama, don't make one at Caitlin Clark.
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A little news and a new project I'm excited to announce: I'm doing a book on @BIGEASTMBB. The moments, people and stories that have defined the league. Can't wait to dive in.
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16-year-old son stumbles out of room. Tell him @BaylorMBB-@ZagMBB is off. Turns around, goes back to bed. I agree.
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Third-seeded Michigan is the highest remaining seed on the entire left side of the bracket.
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Ivy League personnel just told me it will likely request a blanket waiver/extra year for all spring sport athletes whose seasons were just canceled.
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Note to the 350 other coaches: should you draw Syracuse in future tournaments, the Orange play a zone and is very good at it. Try not to play like your surprised.
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Hello college administrators? You there? Pitt-West Virginia is bananas because rivalries matter. Consider that maybe every now and again as you count your money and continue with mindless, geographically senseless expansion.
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Big win for Penn State. Not just because Iowa is good, and the Big Ten is tricky, but because it was played in Philly - in front of a packed house (and recruits). Alums will jump on the bandwagon, so long as they think it's worth riding.
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Adidas new marketing campaign: we may get investigated by the FBI, but our shoes don't fall apart.
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Purdue assistants write names of play on whiteboard and hold up. Pretty sure essentially everyone is, "Give it to Carsen and get the F out of the way.''.
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This is why @danajacobson is a pro. Right question but asked w delicacy and pointedness combined. Journalism class lesson right here
Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton on the decision not to foul with 11 seconds remaining. #MarchMadness
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Pretty sweet 2nd half from @BoilerBall. 76-63 final. May not stay No. 1 with the loss to Rutgers, but that doesn't matter. One of best teams in the country. Period.
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Also: I will fight anyone who wants to tell me there is a better conference tournament final than @BIGEASTMBB at the Garden on Saturday night. Mike Tranghese's brilliant move to take game off Sunday continues to deliver.
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Never have I ever rooted harder for a team than I am rooting for Team Vaccine.
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As we head to a bananas finish, i'd like to thank the Big East for withstanding conference mayhem, sticking to its guns and keeping hoops alive. Tremendous stuff here.
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Inaction and callous indifference has now caused the very foundations of 3 universities to crumble - Penn State, Baylor and Michigan State. Maybe now people will learn to listen when victims speak out.
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No cheering in the press box? Sorry. Just broke the rule watching @YahooForde daughter win a national championship. Amazing, Brooke.
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Booger McFarland should just call Roger Goodelland and repeat what he just said. Simple, sensible and powerful.
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I know folks will speculate that @VUCoachJWright is headed to the Lakers or NBA. I would be shocked. He made it abundantly clear to me not too long ago that @NovaMBB was his last coaching stop.
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After Kentucky-Duke in 1992, I remember Bob Ryan walking into press room and saying 'we're not worthy.' Ditto no way words can do that game justice. Absolutely no way.
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Absolutely nauseous for Justin Moore right now. Just not supposed to happen that way.
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Remember when folks said Villanova didn’t produce NBA Draft picks? Saddiq Bey joins Josh Hart, Omari Spellman, Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges as first rounders just since 2017, plus second rounders Jalen Brunson and Eric Paschall in that timeframe.
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Terrific hire for Indiana. Archie Miller is a smart hoops mind, great recruiter.
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FWIW. UCLA won this game, 51-49. Gonzaga scored 49 in the first half . against a top-10 defensive team.
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ESPN permitted an untenable situation. You can’t be an analyst & work for a team. Conflict of interest is a thing for those who exist in the real world of journalism & credibility. My Italian grandmother had a very good saying about this: s*** or get off the pot.
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So @nytimes, I'm one of you. A journalist. And an actual newspaper subscriber. Two weekends in a row paper hasn't shown up. Two weekends in a row, ridiculous run around w customer service. No paper. How about we save the industry the easy way? Deliver the damned paper.
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Scene: hotel bar. Dude talking total BS about college hoops to a woman.He’s a super fan, is she? Nope. He then goes on to describe seeeing the Michigan State buzzerbeater to beat Kansas for the national title. That, of course, did not occur. Restraining myself. #StruggleIsReal.
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I always assumed it would be a wild buzzerbeater. Instead it was an ass whoopin. History made. Unreal.
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Son to me this morning: who won? .Me: Duke by 34.Him: Oh that’s cool but I meant the House of Representatives .#ProudMama.
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And hey look at that: a league that prioritizes basketball, the @BIGEASTMBB, has two teams in the Elite Eight.
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Great gesture from Mark Few. He just brought Dan Gavitt, the NCAA exec VP in charge of pulling off this Tourney, to his team. They applauded him. Rightly so.
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Have covered @VUCoachJWright from day he started at Nova. Will have more to say later. For now, I'll just say, and I know @jensenoffcampus @DickJerardi @mikekerndn @JoeJulesinq @TerryToohey @MikeSielski @SRyanAthletic will agree, he is a class act. Made our job incredibly easy.
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140 characters isn't enough to describe the quality of the person, father, husband, friend and journalist that is @ESPNAndyKatz.
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To those who will be affected, your friends will tell you it will work out and you’ll be happier someday. You won’t believe them. You’ll feel ashamed and gut punched. And then they’ll be proven right. Trust me.
ESPN's John Skipper: "Today we are informing approximately 150 people at ESPN that their jobs are being eliminated. in studio production, digital content, and technology.".
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Matt Painter is one of the most decent people in this sport. He has a brilliant basketball mind. He runs a great program. All that said, this is awful for @BoilerBall. No way around it.
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"if you cared to understand the man, you learned to appreciate where he was coming from because, even if you didn’t always agree with his convictions, you simply could not argue about his heart.'' My memories of John Chaney. Unlocked for all to read.
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