Big 5
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
So here we are in mid-February, and the pressure is really starting to build on local teams hoping to make the NCAA Tournament.
Right now, the city has three candidates: La Salle, Temple and Villanova. They've all had roller-coaster seasons, and there are lots of twists and turns yet to come.
We could end up with all three in the Big Dance, and we could end up with none. Anything's possible.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
I have a group of guys who are childhood friends who are so special to me. I was a sophomore in high school and this same group of guys got into some legal trouble in 1995, and unfortunately they are still not here today. But these same guys call me all the time just to let me know how proud they are of me. And I love them so dearly.
Last, but not least, Phil Martelli. Phil, as of today, you have 330 wins at St. Joe’s, and you’re the number one all-time. But to be honest with you, those numbers really mean nothing to me. It’s the time you took out to give me words of encouragement and just the things that you’ve done for all the players.
I could possibly write a book just from some of things you’ve done for so many guys that you’ve encountered. And I love you for that.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
"P" is for "Passion," and did my father ever have passion for the Big 5. Through his years at the Temple News, and through Penn’s 1979 Final Four run at the Daily News. That’s nearly 20 years of stories, which he chased with passion every day – no matter how tired he was, no matter how busy he was...
"P" is for "The Palestra." What more can you say about the Palestra? People who know me know how I feel about this building. It’s why I spent more hours here than I did at home. I did my homework, I watched tripleheaders, I saw my dad work a 25-hour day while never complaining. How can you complain here at the Palestra? It would be impossible...
You were taken from us much too early, but I know you’re looking down and smiling as this event is unfolding.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
After Temple rallied past Penn for a 76-69 at the Liacouras Center, I got together with the Inquirer's Keith Pompey to discuss some highlights from the game. We also talked about what each team can take from the night as they head into conference play for the rest of the season.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Venue: The Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
Radio: WPHT 1210-AM
If you're on a mobile device, click here.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 2:00 p.m. EST
Venue: Tom Gola Arena, Philadephia, Pa.
Radio: WFIL 560-AM (Penn)/WNTP 990-AM (La Salle)
If you're on a mobile device, click here.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Legendary former Daily News basketball writer Phil Jasner and former Saint Joseph's backcourt standout Marvin O'Connor headline the 2013 Big 5 Hall of Fame class.
In addition to his many years covering the 76ers, Jasner also covered the local college basketball scene for a long time. He passed away in 2010, and it's too bad that he will be inducted posthumously. I'm sure the event will be a celebration of his life and career, though, and I'm also sure his son Andy - a talented writer in his own right - will help lead those celebrations.
Here's more information on O'Connor, Jasner and the rest of the Hall of Fame honorees, by way of the Big 5's media relations office:
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
UPDATE: When I originally wrote this post Tuesday morning, I did not mean it to be entirely serious. It was just an idea to kick around.
But now ESPN.com's Andy Katz is reporting that the Atlantic 10 is in fact open to welcoming the Big East's Catholic contingent. As such, this idea becomes a lot more real, with the possibility of a 21-team league once Temple and Charlotte leave the A-10. I've added another potential division alignment to reflect the news.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
Venue: The Palestra, Philadelphia, Pa.
TV/Radio: NBC Sports Network (Randy Moss and Dalen Cuff)/WIP 610-AM (Villanova)/WNTP 990-AM (Penn)
We all know that Penn and Villanova are not at the level where either program wants to be. But it's still a Big 5 game, and it's still a Saturday night at the Palestra. So let's do this.
If you're on a mobile device, click here.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Temple at Villanova
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Venue: The Pavilion, Villanova, Pa.
TV/Radio: ESPN2/WPHT 1210-AM (Temple)/WIP 610-AM (Villanova)
Penn State vs. La Salle
Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.
