DaytonDailyNews.com

Once a Wildcat ... now a Cardinal?

It wasn't hard to miss a big-time name in the hoops world when he walked through the doors of James S. Trent Arena on Monday, Jan. 19.

Walter McCarty, the former University of Kentucky star and NBA veteran, joined Louisville coach Rick Pitino to take in the game between Cleveland Heights and San Diego (Ca), which featured Cardinals' recruit Jeremy Tyler.

McCarty is now putting the lessons he learned from his former coach to good use as an assistant at Louisville.

"It's a chance to be back with Coach P and to learn from one of the best has been phenomenal," said McCarty. "We have a lot to give to our players, guys who are striving to be professional basketball players and successful off the court, as well. It's been a lot of fun."

McCarty, who probably never dreamed of wearing Louisville colors when he was filling up the hoop in Lexington, said the message he preaches is about keeping things simple, something the Cardinals did in a recent upset of No. 1 Pittsburgh.

"Kids tend to make things complicated," he said. "You just have to stay simple. The game is simple if you just stick to the basics."

Senior Center

Monday's opening matchup between Dayton Christian and the Martinsburg Bulldogs of West Virginia featured a total of 18 seniors between the two rosters. Martinsburg had the most of any team in the event with 10, while Dayton Christian dressed 8. The experience showed in the final stat line as the teams combined for just 10 first-half turnovers. Martinsburg also sowed veteran savvy, hitting 9-of-10 free throws in the second half.

More Hoop Dreams

Remember the names William Gates and Arthur Agee? They were the two Chicago ballers featured in a four-year-long documentary titled Hoop Dreams.

Jeremy Tyler is getting a taste of what life was like for Gates and Agee. Tyler's had a film crew following him around for some time, making a similar film.

In an interview with SLAM magazine last December, Tyler said he hoped the documentary would be an example of how to make it if he realizes his dream of playing NBA ball or the pitfalls to avoid if he doesn't. The crew didn't make it out to Kettering for FTTH.

United Nations

Findlay Prep has a distinct international flavor with players from Puerto Rico, Nigeria and Canada.

"I took a visit to the school and I really liked it," said Toronto-born guard Cory Joseph, in his first year at the Henderson, Nev., school.

The different backgrounds haven't prevented the team from forming a tight bond.

"We all get along," said Joseph. "Puerto Ricans, Africans, Americans. We all get along."

The freebies can pay off

The Chaminade Julienne Eagles must practice their free-throw shooting a lot. CJ shot 92 per cent from the line in their 72-50 thumping of Massanutten Military Academy. They were a perfect 11-for-11 in the first half and finished the day hitting 23-of-25.