Linking Laconically Is Reviving the Cold War

First, you may have seen here last evening that Derrick Walton was offered a scholarship; that news was premature.  We thought we had good information, but as it happens so often with recruiting, wires can get crossed, morse code gets misheard, etc.  We apologize for the error.

Second, the Favorite Spartan Athlete Bracket is going on, and I have no idea how this one will go: Alyssa DeHaan v. Robin Roberts.  On one side, a hall of fame pitcher, and on the other side, a basketball player who some of you are quite enamored with.  As always, vote or die y'all.

Third, the links!

FIBA U19 Basketball: Russia 79, USA 74  It's a major upset, as the national team goes down in the quarterfinals.  They'll have two qualification games to decide 5th place over the weekend, and head back stateside.  If you're looking for a silver lining, Keith Appling received significant minutes in the 4th quarter of a close game, and had two points, two assists, a rebound and a block in nine minutes. 

Recruiting: Michigan State in no rush to fill remaining spots | Detroit Free Press | freep.com  The Spartans have about eight more scholarships to hand out in the 2012 class, and it sounds like the coaching staff is going to be quite judicious.  Keep in mind that there's eight scholarships to give out right now, with transfers or medical disqualifications that number could increase.

God helps forgotten Michigan State 'Flintstone' Anthony Mull get on the right path | MLive.com  Mull was a walk-on guard who earned a scholarship in the '95-'96 season.  He now works as a minister in Flint and a machine operator in Brighton.  It's definitely worth your time.

2011 recruiting trip: 7th-graders are too old - CBSSports.com  The one where Tom Izzo can't talk to a kid because he's in 7th grade.  There's a lot in basketball recruiting that's similar to sorority recruiting, I swear.

Seth Mitchell Aims to be the Next American Heavyweight Star | thebtbc.com  The former Spartan linebacker talks about his upcoming HBO fight and the state of the heavyweight division.

LeBron James Skills Academy Day 1 recap - ESPN  Kenny Kaminski is mentioned (he's grown an inch and put on some good weight from last year) as well as 2013 target James Young.

Pinar Karsiyaka lands Raymar Morgan | Turkey | Europe | Sportando  Morgan will be playing in the Turkish Basketball League and EuroChallenge, the third tier of competition in Europe below EuroLeague and EuroCup.

Four Big Ten kickers on Groza watch list - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

Seven from Big Ten on Mackey watch list - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

More watch list goodness, as Brian Linthicum made the Mackey watch list for the nation's top tight end, and Dan Conroy made the Groza watch list for the nation's top kicker.