DICK'S TIDBITS | Jan. 12, 2004

How about a salute for the Western Michigan Broncos!

So far, so good, as the Broncos are 9-1 following a blowout win at Buffalo.

Steve Hawkins is in his first season as head coach after taking over for Robert McCullum. So far, so good as the Broncos are 9-1 following a blowout win at Buffalo on Saturday.

Western Michigan has a dynamic duo in junior guard Ben Reed (20.7 ppg) and senior forward Mike Williams (19.8 ppg).

The Broncos have impressive nonleague wins over USC, Arizona State and UAB.

NITTANY LIONS ROARING
Another coach in his first season at his current school faring well is Ed DeChellis at Penn State.

The Nittany Lions are 2-0 in Big Ten play with victories over Minnesota and Ohio State. Penn State held the Buckeyes to 47 points!

Penn State has been led by Jan Jagla, the seven-footer from Berlin who is averaging 17.4 ppg. and 8.7 rpg.

The Nittany Lions have a couple of tough road test the next two Wednesdays, visiting Michigan State and Illinois.

GEORGETOWN GETTING DOSE OF REALITY
The Georgetown Hoyas raced off to a great start, winning their first 10 games.

Craig Esherick's club has stumbled the last two times out, falling at home to Boston College and at West Virginia. The Mountaineers were without top scorer Drew Schifino (suspended) but still fought off the Hoyas.

I've said that you don't control your schedule when it comes to league play. Now the Hoyas have to visit Connecticut on Wednesday. We are finding out more about what Georgetown is like this season.

Many teams schedule easier teams early to bolster their record. It is reality check time now.

LAWRENCE ROBERTS FOR REAL
Mississippi State has received a real boost with the addition of Lawrence Roberts, who transferred from Baylor.

I can't wait to see him in person Tuesday when the Bulldogs host Kentucky in a key SEC match-up.

Roberts has already posted nine double-doubles, shooting almost 60 percent from the floor while averaging almost 17 ppg. and 11 rpg.

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