Notes from the Big Rock. …
Does Jeff Bzdelik plan to upgrade CU’s basketball schedule? Let’s put it this way: By the time he’s done, Texas A&M figures to be the last ampersand standing.
During his days at Air Force, Bzdelik talked to Duke, among others, about playing a home-and-home series. Mike Krzyzewski declined a date in Colorado Springs, but Bzdelik says he’ll revisit that conversation and initiate several others with big-time programs now that he’s running the show in Boulder.
“I think it’s important,” Bzdelik said. “People don’t want to come and see four-name schools. At Air Force, we went and played people. If they didn’t want to come to us, we found them. If we’re afraid to play those kinds of teams, what in the world are we doing in the Big 12? How am I going to recruit players? I’m a little sick with that, but I think it’s the right thing to do.” …
How active will Bzdelik be in the community? Moments after his introductory news conference, he headed for Coors Field, where he was schedule to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Then it was off to a pep rally at a Denver middle school, a couple of media appearances and a meet-and-greet at a Denver bistro. …
You already know the answer, but I’ll tell you anyway. No, Ricardo Patton never threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Coors Canaveral …
Enough already with the speculation about when Bzdelik accepted the CU job. “We never met until Monday,” he said. But for the record, he does own a cellphone. And he didn’t assemble his coaching staff, whose names will be announced in the near future, over breakfast Wednesday morning. …
Bzdelik’s first order of business was to get a guarantee of improved facilities. Now he can focus on filling all those empty seats at the Coors Events Center, a feat he was able pull off at Air Force. Cracked Bzdelik, “We had the fire marshal at one game telling us we had too many people. But you know what? He stayed for the whole game.” …
Bzdelik may settle for some B-listers, but make no doubt, he’ll pursue top-shelf high school talent. And with a message most other college coaches can’t send: “I can tell them what it takes to play in the NBA.” …
Hoops lifer Tom Abatemarco, an assistant at CU during the Joe Harrington error, er, era, is expected to oversee recruiting for Bzdelik, but the head coach has every intention of being involved. Said Buzz, “I’m one of those sickos who enjoys it, to be honest with you.” …
Having launched this writing gig during the Carter administration, I figured I was finished with career firsts. But no. I’m typing this in the lobby of the student union. The last time I was in a student union, I don’t remember leaving. …
The two most unhittable pitchers from baseball’s opening week? Felix Hernandez and Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, whose ceremonial first pitch scattered the first-base dugout. …
Tiger Woods, telling reporters at Augusta National about a recent round with a certain famous pitcher: “John Smoltz, I hope he’s watching this right now, because he’s my ATM machine.” …
Famous bald people spotted courtside at Lakers games this season: Bruce Willis, Vin Diesel and Britney Spears. …
OK, so I’m not sure Willis and Diesel have seen Kobe Bryant up close and personal. But Britney was courtside the other night wearing a Kobe jersey. …
George Mitchell, Major League Baseball’s steroids snoop, reportedly has requested interviews with several active players. Hate to break this to him, but George Ruth has a better shot at getting a player to ‘fess up. …
By now, chances are the Avs won’t be popping any postseason champagne. But I’m thinking, if Joe Sakic scores 100 points at age 37, it’s got to be worth at least a cold brewski or two. Super Joe is at 95 and counting. …
And finally, so long and farewell to a legend, the one and only Eddie Robinson.
Staff writer Jim Armstrong can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
