Fiery head coach Bob Knight almost failed to win his 880th game for the second time, but has now passed Dean Smith on the all-time Division Ivictories list. Texas A&M held a large against New Mexico before blowing the lead and barely escaped by a score of 70-68. Still, “the General” and friends in attendance were glad to get the extra hoopla out of the way.

Knight may not have to worry about the attention from the record since his name has been closer associated with throwing chairs and slapping players, but many of the people who have worked with Knight regarded the growing experience a good one. During a tribute to the coach, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “You are the best there’s ever been. I’m so glad you’ve been my mentor, you’ve been my coach and you’ve been my friend.”

The NBA has now returned to the old leather ball, which will be used for the rest of the season. Spalding and the NBA plan on creating a new composite ball, this time with more input from the players. Tony Parker admitted to liking the old “new ball,” as the complaints coming from players now are because of the mid-season change.

The Los Angeles Clippers still want to trade Corey Maggette, but the rumored Ron Artest trade isn’t going to happen. The San Antonio Spurs are interested, and the Utah Jazz may be as well though the team hasn’t made any public statement. The Jazz, who have a huge hole at shooting guard, signed Maggette to an offer sheet a couple summers ago that was matched by the Clippers.

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