Assorted News

(From CBS Sportsline) - Northwestern's Kevin Coble has left his team to be beside his mother, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer in Phoenix. Coble averaged 13.4 points and 5.2 rebounds last season, so the Wildcats are missing him. But it's impressive to see a basketball player put something above basketball, and if it's time with his ailing mother, then I say good for him. And her. As for the other indefinite leave, it's less clear-cut. Wisconsin's Michael Flowers announced Thursday that he's taking a "medical" leave. An explanation was not given, nor was a timetable for a possible return. But either way, the Badgers are now down their top perimeter defender, and Flowers is the second Wisconsin player to take a medical leave in the past three years (Greg Stiemsma, who has since rejoined the team, took a leave in 2005 to deal with a case of depression).

Can You Hear Me Now?

Practice is barely underway, and he's already cheating.

***UPDATED 10/23 - Indiana will open its men's basketball practice to the public Friday. Fans will be able to watch the practice, which is normally closed, from the west stands in Assembly Hall starting at 4 p.m., coach Kelvin Sampson said Monday.

Recording devices are not permitted. However, unlimited text messaging will be provided, courtesy of "The Sampson Foundation."

The Madness Has Begun!