Five Things I Learned – The Worm Goes To Springfield

As we get ready for college basketball's National Championship game tonight, here are five things I learned this week in sports.

1. You don't have to score to get into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Dennis Rodman, pictured above with the Detroit Pistons, was one of the best rebounders in the history of basketball. Long before the tattoos, body piercings, and bleached hair, Rodman was known for his hustle, rebounding, and defense. It's good to see him join Chris Mullin and the rest of the Class of 2011 in Springfield.

2. The best young coaches can resist temptation. When VCU head basketball coach Shaka Smart spurned a more lucrative offer from NC State in order to stay in Richmond with the Rams, it makes you feel good about loyalty in sports. 

3. The Orioles will be a fun team to watch in 2011. Manager Buck Showalter has a nice mix of young pitching and veteran offense to make things interesting for awhile in the AL East. Baltimore will be flying completely under the radar all season long.

4. Finally someone wants the Oklahoma Men's basketball job. In was surprised to hear that Lon Kruger was finally leaving UNLV for a shot to coach in the Big 12. It seemed like every coach approached by the Sooners turned down the job, despite the $2.2 million a year annual salary. It will be interesting to see how many years it takes Kruger to bring Oklahoma back to the NCAA Tournament.

5. Jay Novacek is one of the best ex-athletes you will ever meet. After spending time with Jay and his wife Amy at Sunday's Sports and Health Expo, I cannot say enough nice things about the former Dallas Cowboys tight end. He attracted a huge crowd at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and the wind did not keep 7,000 people from attending the event.