Jaden Daly

1 week ago | dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com | Jaden Daly

Rutgers and St. John’s tip off exhibition game on October 17, where the latest crazy journey started six months ago today. (Photo by Jaden Daly/Daly Dose Of Hoops)I’m writing about a milestone again, which means it must be April 17. Before I fill this space with thousands of other words to come, let me get through the obligatory stuff first. It was on this day in 2009 that this outlet came to be, initially with no direction and someone who had no clue how to drive.

2 weeks ago | dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com | Jaden Daly

Walter Clayton, Jr. stands atop ladder after cutting remnants of net following Florida’s national championship win. Former Iona Gael, who passed on chance to play football at Georgia, finally has his title after chasing his dream and passion. (Photo by Jaden Daly/Daly Dose Of Hoops)SAN ANTONIO — Walter Clayton, Jr.’s backstory is now much more widely known than it was four years ago. By now, everyone understands that Clayton was an all-state high school football player in his native Florida.

3 weeks ago | dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com | Jaden Daly

SAN ANTONIO — Kelvin Sampson grew up in Pembroke, a blue-collar town in southeastern North Carolina with a current population of 2,823. It was there that Sampson, the son of a nurse and a high school basketball coach, authored his humble beginnings and dedicated himself to the game he learned at the hand of his father, for whom he played in high school.

3 weeks ago | dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com | Jaden Daly

Walter Clayton, Jr.’s move to point guard and primary ball handler may be decision that wins Florida a national championship. (Photo by USA Today Sports Images)SAN ANTONIO — Walter Clayton, Jr. has made a recurring theme of being the focal point whenever he is on the floor. Whether it is at the top of opposing teams’ scouting reports, or simply as the man entrusted to get a bucket or find someone else who will, the Iona transfer has relished his status as Florida’s primary ball handler.

3 weeks ago | dalydoseofhoops.blogspot.com | Jaden Daly

Kevin Hovde (center) will be taking analytical approach he learned under former boss Kyle Smith back to Columbia. (Photo by Columbia University Athletics)SAN ANTONIO — Kyle Smith’s nascent coaching tree has blossomed as March has turned to April, with his former assistant, Todd Golden, leading Florida back to the national championship game for the first time in 18 years. Golden is not the only Smith disciple drawing attention, though.