VCU’s Smart and Rodriguez earn invites to the White House

The benefits of making the Final Four for the first time in school history continue to roll in for VCU. Coach Shaka Smart and star senior point guard Joey Rodriguez have earned separate invites to the White House to celebrate their success. Smart will be the first to visit on April 30 as a guest of the Washington Times for the annual White House Correspondents dinner. He’ll meet President Barack Obama during a cocktail reception prior to the dinner. “This is an honor that is truly humbling,” Smart said on the team's website. “I look forward to meeting President Obama, a man who my wife and I have admired for many years. It's a privilege to be included among such a distinguished guest list and such a historic event.” Rodriguez will visit the White House on May 5 as part of the Cinco de Mayo dinner celebration. Rodriguez had 15 minutes (or six) of fame on April 6 as a guest on TBS’ George Lopez Tonight, but getting to meet the President is something he could have never imagined. “I'm blown away by this and really can't believe it,” Rodriguez said via the VCU website. “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm truly honored. It's really a testament to all my teammates and the way we pushed each other to reach goals that only we thought were possible. The past month is something that I'll never, ever forget.” Wonder if either will bring up the President’s pick of Kansas to win the national championship?

Reid leaves Northeastern, reportedly signs with San Jose

Brodie Reid, the freshman standout for Northeastern, has reportedly signed with the San Jose Sharks, reports College Hockey News’ Joe Meloni . Word of Reid’s departure was rumored last night and confirmed this afternoon via Twitter, when Northeastern athletic director Peter Roby made a comment about Reid’s decision: Disappointed to learn of Brodie Reid’s departure. NHL rules not very friendly toward college hockey or players getting degrees. – Peter Roby, via Twitter Reid leaves Northeastern after scoring 11 goals and tallying 28 points, becoming Hockey East’s second-leading freshman scorer and Huskies’ top rookie this season. The decision is a major blow to a Huskies team which is poised to return a talented freshman corps next season. With Reid’s departure, the Huskies now have lost their top four scorers (McNeely, Macleod, and Silva are all graduating seniors), including 57 goals’ worth of offense.

Arlington man, VCU grad nearly misses ESPN bracket title

I know the rule about how no one cares about your NCAA tournament bracket. And I know the rule that no one especially cares five days after the tournament is over. I mean, people care more about spelling mistakes on Nats Park banners than they do about this.

Texas A&M beats Notre Dame 76-70 for NCAA title

This NCAA tournament had plenty of twists and even before the championship game. Gary Blair and Texas A&M delivered a thrilling ending.

Post Sports Live: Championship game, NFL lockout, Nats, Caps and The Masters

Dan and Redskins/NFL editor Lenny Bernstein joined LaVar Arrington , and host Jonathan Forsythe on this week’s webcast to discuss the horrific NCAA championship game, the U.S. District Court hearings on the NFL lockout, the Nats first weekend, the Caps bid for a No. 1 playoff seed and whether Tiger will ever catch Jack.

Huskies got serious with Bulldogs

The University of Connecticut Huskies are what the Butler University Bulldogs would be if Butler played at the “major” instead of the “mid-major” level.

UConn wins national title the old-fashioned way

Connecticut battles inside, shuts down Butler 53-41 for Jim Calhoun’s third NCAA championship.

Butler holds edge in low-scoring title game

Shelvin Mack hit a 3-point shot as the clock expired in the first half, giving Butler a 22-19 lead over Connecticut at halftime of the NCAA men’s championship game.

GAME BLOG: Three-pointer gives Butler the halftime lead

Paul Woody covers the NCAA championship game live from Houston.

Towson, VCU, JMU Refuse to Stand Pat. Well, Towson Sorta’ Does…

Three quick hitters as we get life back together: Towson has hired Pat Skerry as its new coach, replacing Pat Kennedy. Skerry was an assistant at Pitt this past year. Skerry has crossed paths with CAA teams frequently in his past. He was an assistant at three schools who are popular nonconference foes–Providence (2008-2010), Rhode Island (2005-2008), and College of Charleston (2003-2005). Skerry has also been on the bench at Nor’easter (1998-2000) and William & Mary (2000-2003). Skerry was the head coach at division 3 Curry College in Massachusetts from 1996-98. *** The JMU Board of Visitors approved a new arena to be constructed in 2014 as part of its six year capital outlay plan. Estimated cost: $87.5 million. According to Mark Selig at the DNR: “In July, 2010, JMU athletic director Jeff Bourne said the school would spend $5 million to renovate the Convocation Center – including a new video scoreboard and new lighting. That plan appears to now be on hold.” I agree. *** Finally, in a news item slightly more shocking than the sun coming up tomorrow, Shaka Smart has reached a contract extension at VCU. The administration is holding off on contract terms, but my keen grasp of the situation allows me to say that Smart will earn “more money for a greater number of years.”

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