THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 26, 1995 TAG: 9505260664
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
On the bench: Knicks coach Pat Riley is rumored to be taking over for everyone but Judge Ito. Come to think of it, that wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Hoop dreams: The Chicago Bulls' playoff effort would have been better served had Michael Jordan occassionally become part of Scottie Pippen's supporting cast.
Trial and error: O.J. Simpson honestly looks happier in the courtroom some days than Jordan looked during most of the playoffs.
Making the grade: As another college sports calendar comes to an end, perhaps the most significant accomplishment at Old Dominion University is the 86 percent graduation rate among student-athletes.
True lies: With his new book, ``The Whole Truth,'' Kato Kaelin has done for literature what Mike Tyson did for romance.
Work in progress: Despite his bursts of brilliance last season, former East Carolina star and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jeff (Shake and) Blake has been asked to work on his footwork and passing accuracy. His 51 percent completion rate was the second worst in the NFL.
In passing: Try to understand Dennis Rodman? It's easier to pity him.
Quick hit: For the duration of the playoffs, I think I've become a Houston Rockets fan.
Scoring at will: Did my eyes deceive me, or was Hakeem Olajuwon badly using David Robinson in the Rockets' Game 2 victory?
Pivotable position: It's not too early to wish for an NBA Finals between Shaquille O'Neal and Olajuwon.
Moving up: After his talents were celebrated during the playoff victory over the Bulls, Horace Grant relinquished his unsung-hero role to Orlando Magic teammate Nick Anderson.
All in the family: If the Boston Celtics management insists on hiring only former Celtics to coach the team, Dave Cowens, a Spurs assistant, might be an interesting choice.
Noise pollution: The NBA looks Mickey Mouse when the P.A. system at the Orlando Arena blares silly music while the ball is in play.
He'll be back: Don't believe what you read. Charles Barkley is neither the shy nor retiring type.
What to do: If the Washington Bullets get an opportunity to draft North Carolina's Jerry Stackhouse, they should leap at it. If not, they should trade their No. 4 pick for a point guard.
Net gains: Whoever wins the men's championship at the upcoming French Open, chances are his last name will end in a vowel.
Tube talk: Among electronic sports commentators, the level of talent falls off steeply after versatile, intelligent Bob Costas.
Annoying: With every NBA playoff victory by a visiting team, TV announcers cry that so and so has just ``stolen'' a game on the road. Fact is, homecourt advantage during the postseason is not such a big deal, owing to the fact that the visitors have plenty of time to prepare.
Bandana brouhaha: To Deion Sanders and other players who favor do-rags, the NFL should have said don't. by CNB