The Shotgun/Throwdown: Thursday (5/6/10) Edition

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions.  We're being brought to you today by Watney's Red Barrel Beer, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

I certainly hope everyone enjoyed the festivities surrounding Cinco de Mayo yesterday.  It seems I missed another holiday on Tuesday:  Star Wars Day - May the Fourth be with you.  Gotta give 'em credit for the creativity at least.  And I almost forgot...Happy Birthday Drue!  Send in your your tips, suggestions and requests via email or Tweet me.  See you after the jump...

What You May Have Missed:

Bland, Butler Win Schaus Award - MSNsportsNET.Com

WVU's Jones decided against entering NBA Draft - Charleston Daily Mail

News of Note:

One Man's View - BGN
"In my dream conference realignment scenario, the Big East ceases to exist."

Best of the spring - ESPN

What we learned this spring - ESPN

Big East's star poised to burn bright in 2010 - ESPN

Steep price for success - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Ebanks has Fantastic Reality: Devin Ebanks has the opportunity to bring childhood dreams to fruition this summer - WVillustrated.com
Article includes video

Sights Set on Future: Jonnie West leaves WVU basketball team with a lifetime of memories - WVillustrated.com
Article includes video

Deniz Kilicli: "We're Gonna Get The Title" - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video link

Recruiting:

WVU Recruiting Update: KY Forward Chane Behanan - EerSports

Around the League (and Beyond):

NCAA Proposes Tighter Restrictions On Elbows- NCAABB FanHouse

A look at the 2010 Louisville quarterback race - Card Chronicle

Pitino: Samardo Samuels trying to support his family, blesses decision - Courier-Journal

Of Course There Will Be New Football Uniforms In 2010 - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Former Syracuse star receiver Mike Williams tells his side of the story - syracuse.com

Former opponents say playing Mike Rice-coached teams is like 'hand-to-hand combat' - Star Ledger

Pitt's Wannstedt quiet on Big Ten question - PPG

Kentucky Flunks Economics on Calipari - NCAABB FanHouse

Will Notre Dame Recruit Matt James' Death Change A Single Behavior? - NCAAFB FanHouse

What's On Tap:

West to Speak at Commencement - MSNsportsNET.Com

Video of Interest:

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

...and now, further proof that Ohio State is lame (I'm begging you WVU students/fans...don't ever do anything like this):

Tequila Babes Gallery of the Week:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown continues the fine tradition of British Page 3 Girls serving as Miss Throwdown.  Here's Sammie Pennington.

Watney's Red Barrel Beer image  via www.brewpalace.com