Monday Grab Bag: Dinwiddie headed to Russia

I'm still caught up in the euphoria of hearing Andre Roberson's name belted out by a departing David Stern last week at the NBA Draft.

I only wish I could pull off that look.

This time of year, seeing a player drafted in the first round is about as good as it gets for a program.  With players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Xavier Johnson, Josh Scott, and Wes Gordon sure to get professional looks in future years, draft-watching may become a yearly tradition for BuffNation.

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Today in the bag, I'm talking Spencer Dinwiddie and the WUG, yet another recruiting win for football, Confederations Cup soccer, and the Tour de France.

Click below for the bag...


Dinwiddie makes final cut - 

While former Buff Andre Roberson was living out his draft day dreams, current CU star Spencer Dinwiddie was toiling in Colorado Springs in the hope of joining Team USA at the 2013 World University Games.  That hope was fulfilled Saturday, when it was announced that Dinwiddie had survived the week-long process to make the final 12-man roster.  Spencer will now travel to Kazan, Russia to compete in the tournament held later this month.

Spencer plying his trade in the Springs.  From: USA Basketball.

Already the first CU undergraduate since Chauncey Billups to be invited to a USA Basketball training camp, his mere presence in the Springs was a credit to both his talents, and the growing program in Boulder.  To make the final cut is only further validation.

According to Sports Illustrated's Andy Glockner, Spencer's quiet quality and versatility out of the point guard spot gave him the inside track from early on in the process.  The coaches in Colorado Springs agreed, and they selected Dinwiddie over conference rival Chasson Randle, among others.

I think this will be great for both Dinwiddie and the Buffs.  International experience has been a boon in past years for both players (Levi Knutson in 2010, Austin Dufault in 2011) and the team as a whole (last year's European excursion), and I have no doubt the same will be true for Spencer's trip to Russia.

Congrats to Spencer, and good luck at the WUG!


Coach Mac 2.0 on a roll - 

Another week, another football commitment.  I'm starting to believe that Coach Mike MacIntyre just can't help himself.

This time, it's Rick Gamboa, a 6-1 linebacker from California.  Rated as 3-star prospect by most services, he announced his commitment over the weekend, becoming the fifth recruit to declare himself a Buffalo this summer. Gamboa, the LA Daily News' Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, had been receiving reported interest from a slew of Pac-12 powers, including Oregon, UCLA, and Washington, prior to his commitment.

Welcome aboard, Rick!


Spain blasted by Brazil in Confederations Cup - 

In a surprising twist, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final between Spain and Brazil turned out to be a dud.  The defending World Champions, Spain, had no answer for the home-standing Brazilians, and were swept aside over the course of a 3-0 thumping.

Once Fred slotted home a scrap goal in the 2nd minute, you could tell Spain was on their back heels, with the result all but assured when Neymar blasted home a roof-shot just before halftime.  Fred would add another goal in the second half.  With their trio of back-breaking strikes, the pair of attacking wonders once again showed the scoring class that few on the international stage can match.

Fred and Neymar were too much for Spain.

I never thought Spain were invincible, but I couldn't believe how easily they were shoved aside by the obviously superior Brazilians.  Sure, the home crowd may have added to the outcome, but La Furia Roja seemed to want nothing to do with a Brazil side at the top of their game.

The good news for the Spaniards is that the winner of the Confederations Cup has never gone on to win the following World Cup, leaving them still in the hunt for a second consecutive title next summer.


Tour de France - 

Yes, the Tour de France is still a thing.  Sure, come August, we'll find out that every single rider has been caught doping, but, for now, it makes for an interesting summer pastime.

Through two stages, the 2013 narrative has yet to really develop. As I write, they're winding up Stage 3 on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.  Belgian Jan Bakelants was wearing the yellow jersey this morning, but, with 19 stages left to run, it's anyone's race.

Bakelants with the early victory.

My good friend Jarod - a leader of men, a brewer of beer, and a rider of bikes - is keeping up with the action.  If you're so inclined, you should check out his blog for analysis and celebration of the Tour's 100th running.


Happy Monday!