Friday's Tidbits: June 12

1. Game. Set. Series over.

By winning game 4 last night in Orlando, the Lakers have all but sealed the deal in this year's NBA finals. Unsung hero and 12 year NBA veteran, Derek Fischer, was 0-5 from behind the arc through 3 quarters in Thursday's contest, before hitting two three pointers, one in regulation and one in overtime, to help the Lakers take a 3-1 series lead over Orlando. No team has even come back from a 3-1 deficit, and chances are, the trend will continue this year.

Despite shooting 11-31 from the floor, Kobe Bryant had a game high 32 points, while going 8-8 from the charity stripe. I don't think it's a question who the Finals MVP will be this time around for the Lakers.

2. IU Recruiting

Whispers from beneath....

-2010 standout Kyrie Irving recently told Zagasblog.com that Indiana is in the lead for his committment, with Duke, UConn and Kentucky following close behind. While Irving states IU as his leader, I'm not sold on his committment yet. A decision likely won't come until October.

-The latest word from the Marquis Teague saga is that the Hoosiers have moved ahead of Louisville for his committment. Currently, Teague the 8th best prospect in the 2011 class. Like Irving, I have a funny feeling about this one, but I'm more confident in Irving's pledge, though.

-The next Indiana committment could come from the 2012 class. Indianapolis Broad Ripple Guard Ron Patterson is said to be a 'heavy' IU lean. However, with his every growing game comes an overgrowing offer list. Tennessee and Illinois have offered the 6-3 guard in the last week, and this could delay his decision date. Despite the new offers, I believe Patterson becomes a Hoosier when it's all said and done.

3. Notre Dame Quarterback Recruiting

Well, Nick Montana is a Huskie. Most Notre Dame fans wish him well, only because they are waiting on a committment from a prospect with more upside and a better arm: Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix, a 6-3, 220 pound gun-slinger from Cincinnati, recently made recruiting trips to Notre Dame and Ohio State. He likes both, and a decision could come at anytime. I like Notre Dame's chances in this one.

As mentioned previously, the Irish would like to land two quarterbacks in this class for insurances purposes. At the point, Hendrix is a must get. Other names that have been brought up recently as quarterback targets are Sean Robinson and Luke Massa. Both do not hold offers from the Irish, but both plan to attend Notre Dame's summer camp next week in hopes of earning the paperwork from Charlie Weis.

4. Purdue Recruiting

-Despite the limited scholarships available in the 2010 class, the Boliermakers are in play for 6-8, 195 pound power forward Donnie Hale. Hale holds offers from Purdue and Xavier, and he is receiving interest from Iowa, Indiana and Louisville. All signs favor Purdue.

-Purdue is also in pursuit of 6-9, 225 pound Mitch McGray out of Chesterton (IN) Chesterton. The 2011 power forward holds an offer from the Boilers, and lists having interest from Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Notre Dame and Michigan. Purdue has the early lead in this recruitment.

- Hot off the presses...2009 Purdue signee and Indianapolis guard Jeff Robinson did not qualify academically for the 2009 semester, and will not be attending West Lafayette in the fall. However, this now opens up a scholarship for the 2010 recruiting cycle for the Boilers, which means they can now offer five-star Dominique Ferguson out of Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. A scholarship offer is no guarantee, but very likely. Ferguson has said he likes coach Painter and Purdue.

5. Dear Brett Favre,

For the love of ESPN and my sanity, make up your mind. It's beyond ridiculous what's transpiring right now. I personally don't care if you want to play. If you want to come back, fine. I still think you have a little gas left in the tank. If not, stay in Mississippi. Canton will be waiting for you. However, my five year cousin makes decisions everyday. You should too.

-John

6. NBA Draft whispers

-With the #2 pick, the Memphis Grizzles are looking to move down, hoping another team desires to move up and take Spain's Ricky Rubio.

-The Pacers are looking to draft a point guard or a power forward. Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday and DeJuan Blair are names to look out for.

-The most underrated (well, not underrated since he's a surefire lottery pick) player in this year's draft is USC's DeMar DeRozan. If you have time, watch his highlights.

7. Shaq to the Cavs?

It's no done deal, but there's a very good chance this could happen. Besides getting the 37-year old "Deisel,' the Cavs would dump one of the worst contacts in recent memory. Did Ben Wallace earn his 14.5 million a year? Uhhh... 2.9 points, 6.9 rebounds earned him a spot on the team's bench. Big N-O to that question.

Rumored trade: Shaq (21 mil) for Ben Wallace (14.5 mil) and Sasha Pavlovic (4.5 mil).

**Note: The Suns would like take the extra cash and try and buy out Wallace's existing contract and hope to resign him at a more affordable and reasonable price.