After last week's poor showing at the Conference USA tournament, Tulane bounced back with a 7-4 win over the Florida Gators in the Tallahassee regional. Tulane fans may not like this, but this is a fact: this team was looking forward to going on the road. More than one player complained to me this week about the way they were treated by a handful of their own fans in last weekend's conference tournament. No doubt that a loose, relaxed team played like it today in Tallahassee.
I attended Saints mini camp this morning. Quarterback Mark Brunell threw some really nice passes in the morning workout. Brunell tossed a deep slant to Lance Moore, and a long ball to Adrian Arrington that Arrington could not run down. I know there's been a lot of chatter about how impressive Arrington has been in workouts. But, Arrington does not have closing speed to catch up with the long ball, and we don't know yet if he can defeat bump and run coverage. Arrington may be a very good player, but I would reserve judgment. In round 5 in 2001, the Saints drafted Onome Ojo from Cal Davis. He looked the part of NFL receiver, but could never stick.
I hope the Hornets are super aggressive in the off season. Remember this: the Lakers are in the NBA finals and will likely win it, even without injured starting center Andrew Bynum. The Hornets may need one more outstanding player to compete with the Lakers. Perhaps Julian Wright, last year's first round pick, is that player. If not , the Hornets better find one if they plan on competing with the Lakers, and: the young and talented Portland Trailblazers.
Ed Daniels