While We’re Waiting…Kyrie sits down with Grantland, Speights Debate, Urban’s 2nd year Success

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Kyrie sat down with David Jacoby of Grantland.com to give a little insight into his strategy for tonight’s 3-point shootout and his love for video games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_80UwcIVPI

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Tristan Thomspon joined InsideHoops.com for a brief interview on all-star weekend.

“Question: People when they evaluate you, they thought rebounding and energy is going to translate at the NBA level. You seem more comfortable out there this year. What’s been the biggest thing for you this year, as far as just raising your total game?

Thompson: Well, first of all, Anderson [Varejao], it’s sad with his injury and whatnot, but it gave usopportunity for guys, all our young guys to play. So with that being said, with the time and effort put in in the summertime, it’s paying dividends. Tyler is playing well, just putting the time and effort in every day; it’s showing on the court. And it’s showing people that the Cavaliers, what our young players are doing to get better.” [InsideHoops.com]

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“Thereʼs an argument Iʼve seen made that you could deal him at the deadline but still try to sign him in free agency which I donʼt buy at all. Whatever pick you may get now would pale in comparison to getting a longer look at him in your jersey, playing alongside the young talent that youʼve assembled, before making that investment. I think in the end, this is a situation where Grant has a week to decide whether he envisions Marreese Speights as a key part of a contending team in the foreseeable future.” [Nagel/StepienRules]

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“Meyer himself has been a part of that “Year 2” thing. You’ve heard it before. “Everywhere Meyer has been, the team has improved in its second season and blah, blah, blah…” It’s true. It’s not limited to Urban Meyer alone; there is often a jump in production in the second year after a coaching change.

Some of that is completing the conversion from one coach’s system to another. Some of it is a staff learning to use its personnel better and recruiting players specifically for the new offense and defense. And probably some of it is simply good fortune. But with Meyer, it has been a habit. He’s done it with every team he’s coached so far.

In the game we least enjoy talking about, Meyer won the BCS championship over Ohio State, wrapping up the 2006 college football season. It capped his second season in Gainesville. That night, he joined the likes of Tressel and Bob Stoops in winning a title in his second year at a school.” [Citro/ElevenWarriors]