Dave Sez

Roanoke Riflemen

As you've probably heard, last night J.J. Redick broke the NCAA record for career three-pointers. The man whose record he broke, Virginia's Curtis Staples, was actually in the house to watch the title switch hands (does anyone know how or why that came to be? Did Staples have to transfer a title belt or something?) During the game, Billy Packer pointed something out that I had never thought about before - Staples and Redick both grew up in Roanoke, Virginia.

On top of that, the number five all-time shooter, Doug Day is from Blacksburg and played at nearby Radford University.

Weird, huh? I can't explain what it is about southwest Virginia that creates these shooters. Maybe it's the mountains - number three all-time shooter Keith Veney played at Marshall in West Virginia.

p.s. Have I ever mentioned that I was born in Radford, VA? That must explain my silky-smooth stroke.

p.p.s. Check number four on that list. It's active player Keydren Clark of St. Peter's. It's possible that Redick may gain and then lose two career NCAA marks this year - three-pointers made and career free throw percentage (Missouri State junior Blake Ahearn will pass J.J. once he gets enough attempts to qualify).