In the fall of 2005, four young men arrived on the campus of Bryant University with a college basketball career in front of them. At the time, the program was in Division II, and a highly successful one at that. The four young men all roomed together right away, and as their journey draws to a close, they are now part of a Division I program. In light of that, it’s safe to say they’ve had quite the college experience.

Rod Barnes talked about his team going through a building process. Lest anyone think that the Georgia State coach is stepping back after what some might consider has been a disappointing season, the reality is that he said this all along. Even after his team pulled out a 70-68 win at Northeastern on Wednesday night, he’s saying the same thing while feeling like there are some real positives for his team.

The second annual Black History Month Classic was held on Monday, a set of four high school games in row. Helping even more is that a standing room-only crowd witnessed much of the action at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.

It was fitting that Jared Dudley was in the house. Fitting, because the last time fans rushed the court at Conte Forum – nearly four years ago to the day, as it was February 19, 2005 – Dudley was a sophomore and the Eagles beat Syracuse. This time, Dudley witnessed the Eagles showing once again that they are the epitome of the wacky season of college basketball this has been, knocking off Duke 80-74 on Sunday.

It kind of snuck up on seemingly everyone, because it wasn’t very fast and not necessarily all that gradual. But at one point, “it” was there – a comeback by Rutgers after one could have left them for dead in the first half.