Sports

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George Mason forward Ryan Pearson (grabbing rebound) averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds for a team coming off a 27-7 season and an appearance in the NCAA tournament. (Associated Press)

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Georgetown guard Markel Starks averaged 9.7 minutes a game last season as a freshman. He has huge shoes to fill with Chris Wright no longer in the backcourt. (Associated Press)

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For George Washington coach Mike Lonergan and his wife, Maggie, "courtship" means sharing their views on basketball. Lonergan is beginning his first season at GW after six seasons at Vermont. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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** FILE ** In this Oct. 28, 2011, file photo, North Carolina's Harrison Barnes looks on during the first half of an exhibition NCAA college basketball game against UNC-Pembroke in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Jim R. Bounds, File)

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Mark Turgeon advanced to the NCAA tournament in each of his last four years at Texas A&M. (Associated Press)

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With the loss of several key players from last year's team, AU point guard Daniel Munoz will be relied on heavily this season to take the next step. (American University Athletics)

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Calvin Thompson's play will greatly affect Howard's success this season. (Howard University Athletics)

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Urban Meyer was one of college football's most successful coaches while at Florida, but he's given no indication he wants to return to to the sidelines. (Associated Press)

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Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who preached success with honor for half a century but whose legend was shattered by a child sex abuse scandal, said Wednesday Nov. 9, 2011, that he will retire at the end of this season. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

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As the Washington Redskins' season continues its free fall, it's time for the organization to try out some new faces, with the hopes that some stick on the roster. On Wednesday, four new players were at Redskins' practice. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

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** FILE ** Penn State football coach Joe Paterno speaks briefly to reporters as he leaves for football practice, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/The Citizens' Voice, Michael R. Sisak)

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) tries to break free from Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher while rushing the ball in the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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** FILE ** Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear makes his victory speech during a election-night rally in Frankfort, Ky., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. (AP Photo/John Flavell)

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Roman Hmrlik (44) and goalie Michael Neuvirth (30) of the Washington Capitals stand near the bench on a time out while losing to the Dallas Stars 5-2 late in the 3rd period at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Tuesday, November 8, 2011. (Andrew Harnik / The Washington Times)