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All content by Cole Claybourn

COLUMN: It’s been a fun ride

Cole Claybourn
May 4, 2012
Phil Cunningham

Phil Cunningham joins WKU basketball staff

Cole Claybourn
May 1, 2012
Former Toppers Vinny Zollo is experiencing problems with his transfer due to an APR rule. Zollo's GPA sits below a 2.6, which is below the NCAA's APR benchmark for transfers. If Zollo left without getting his GPA up, it would affect WKU's APR number.

APR rule delaying Zollo’s transfer process

Cole Claybourn
April 30, 2012

WKYU producing documentary on WKU basketball’s postseason run

Cole Claybourn
April 27, 2012

WKU moving on after Gordon’s early departure

Cole Claybourn
April 9, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon will transfer from WKU, a source confirmed to the Herald on Thursday. Gordon led the team in scoring and rebounding as a freshman en route to being named a Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference Selection.

Freshman guard Derrick Gordon transferring from WKU

Cole Claybourn
April 5, 2012
DAVID BOYDEN

Boyden returns to WKU as assistant coach

Cole Claybourn
April 4, 2012
Kip Wellman/WKUsports.com

Wellman, Theokas won’t return next season

Cole Claybourn
March 28, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon catches a pass during their first-round NCAA tournament game between WKU and UK at the YUM! Center in Louisville on Thursday. UK beat WKU 81-66.

Harper, Toppers excited for ‘bright’ future

Cole Claybourn
March 20, 2012
Freshman guard T.J. Price and sophomore forward Kene Anyigbo try to take the ball away from a UK player during the first round NCAA tournament game between WKU and UK at the YUM! Center in Louisville Thursday night. UK led WKU 45-26 at halftime.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Future proves bright for WKU

Cole Claybourn
March 16, 2012
Head Coach Ray Harper embraces senior guard Kahlil McDonald after UK beat WKU 81-66 in a second round NCAA tournament game at the YUM! Center in Louisville on Thursday night.

WKU’s season ends with loss to No. 1 Kentucky

Cole Claybourn
March 16, 2012

How to get tickets for Thursday’s game against Kentucky

Cole Claybourn
March 14, 2012
President Barack Obama shakes hands with a referee during the First Four game between WKU and Mississippi Valley State Tuesday at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio. WKU beat MVSU 59-58.

Players relish opportunity to play in front of Obama

Cole Claybourn
March 14, 2012
Junior Jamal Crook puts the ball up over Mississippi Valley State Tuesday at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio. WKU beat MVSU 59-58.

Toppers look for historic win over No. 1 Kentucky

Cole Claybourn
March 14, 2012
Freshman Vinny Zollo hugs Big Red after WKU's defeat of Mississippi Valley State Tuesday at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio. WKU beat MVSU 59-58.

WKU pulls off record-setting comeback to earn First Round win

Cole Claybourn
March 14, 2012
Head Coach Ray Harper shouts instructions to the Toppers at the Sun Belt tournament against FIU on Saturday, March 3, in Hot Springs, Ark. Senior guard Kahlil McDonald scored 19 points to help WKU win 67-63.

Critics quiet after Harper’s success

Cole Claybourn
March 12, 2012
WKU prepares before their game against North Texas in the Sun Belt Tournament in Hot Springs, Ark. WKU defeated the Mean Green 74-70 to win the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and earn an NCAA Tournament berth.

WKU to face Mississippi Valley State in Dayton

Cole Claybourn
March 12, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald celebrates with his teammates after winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament against North Texas on March 6 in Hot Springs, Ark. WKU defeated North Texas 74-70 to earn an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament — its first since 2009.

WKU’s storybook season continues in ‘Big Dance’

Cole Claybourn
March 12, 2012

Participate in the Herald’s bracket challenge to win a $100 gift card

Cole Claybourn
March 12, 2012
(From left) WKU basketball players Kahlil McDonald, Teeng Akol and Jamal Crook laugh during the viewing party on Selection Sunday. WKU enters as a 16 seed and will play fellow 16 seed Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio in the "First Four." The winner plays No. 1 overall seed Kentucky on Thursday in Louisville.

WKU earns 16 seed, will play Miss. Valley St. in ‘First Four’ matchup Tuesday

Cole Claybourn
March 11, 2012
WKU players get pumped up before the Sun Belt Tournament Championship game on March 6. WKU beat North Texas 74-70 to win the Sun Belt's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Most projections have the Toppers as a 16 seed playing in the First Four game in Dayton, Ohio.

Bracketologist Lunardi: WKU likely candidate for First Four game in Dayton

Cole Claybourn
March 9, 2012
Sun Belt Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Player George Fant hoists the championship trophy over his head as the WKU men's basketball team was greeted by fans at South Campus on Wednesday.

Hundreds show up at South Campus to greet Sun Belt Champion WKU

Cole Claybourn
March 8, 2012

Celebration for Toppers planned for 4 p.m. at South Campus

Cole Claybourn
March 7, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald holds up his piece of the net after WKU won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship. WKU defeated North Texas 74-70 to earn its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since 2009.

McDonald ending career ‘with a bang,’ just like he planned

Cole Claybourn
March 7, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald celebrates with his teammates after winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament against North Texas on March 6 in Hot Springs, Ark. WKU defeated North Texas 74-70 to earn an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament — its first since 2009.

Going Dancing: WKU completes improbable run to earn NCAA Tournament berth

Cole Claybourn
March 7, 2012
Freshmen George Fant (44), Derrick Gordon (5) and Vinny Zollo (41) have all played vital roles in WKU's run to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship game.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Newcomers growing up before our eyes

Cole Claybourn
March 6, 2012
WKU players celebrate their 67-63 win over Denver in the Sun Belt Tournament semifinals on Monday. WKU will play North Texas at 6 p.m. for a chance to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

WKU’s unlikely run continues with upset of No. 3 seed Denver

Cole Claybourn
March 6, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon throws up a shot at the Sun Belt Tournament against UALR on Sunday, March 4 in Hot Springs, Ark. Gordon scored 25 points to help WKU win 68-63. 

Men’s Basketball Notes: Gordon takes over once again

Cole Claybourn
March 5, 2012
The Toppers celebrate after beating No. 2 seed Arkansas-Little Rock 68-63. WKU moves on to face Denver in the Sun Belt Tournament Semifinals at 8:30 p.m. on Monday.

WKU rallies from 13 down to knock off No. 2 seed UALR

Cole Claybourn
March 5, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon prepares to shoot a free throw at the Sun Belt Tournament against FIU on Saturday, March 3 in Hot Springs, Ark. Gordon scored nine points to help WKU win 67-63. 

Men’s Basketball Notes: WKU preparing for ‘tough’ UALR team in second round

Cole Claybourn
March 4, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald shoots a layup at the Sun Belt Tournament against Florida International on Saturday, March 3 in Hot Springs, Ark. McDonald scored 19 points to help WKU win 67-63.

McDonald’s career night keeps WKU’s season alive

Cole Claybourn
March 4, 2012
New Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson is talks at the Sun Belt Conference Tournament on Saturday, March 3 in Hot Springs, Ark. Benson said he hopes to see the Sun Belt return to sending multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament each year.

Benson optimistic about Sun Belt’s future

Cole Claybourn
March 4, 2012
WKU will enter the Sun Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 7 seed. The Toppers will be looking to become to first No. 7 seed to win the tournament and earn and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Sun Belt Conference Tournament Preview: WKU preparing for ‘battle’

Cole Claybourn
March 1, 2012
The WKU men's basketball team celebrates with senior guard Kahlil McDonald (middle) after McDonald scored the final basket of Saturday's senior night game against MTSU at Diddle Arena. WKU beat MTSU 73-67 in front of a sellout crowd of 7,326.

WKU must win Sun Belt to stay alive

Cole Claybourn
February 28, 2012
WKU enters Sun Belt Conference Tournament as No. 7 seed

WKU enters Sun Belt Conference Tournament as No. 7 seed

Cole Claybourn
February 27, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald acknowledges the crowd after scoring a basket during Saturday's senior night basketball game at Diddle Arena. McDonald scored 10 points including the game's last 2 points to help WKU beat MTSU, 73-67.

Basketball Notes: WKU sends McDonald out in style

Cole Claybourn
February 26, 2012
WKU celebrates with senior guard Kahlil McDonald (middle) at the end of Saturday's Senior Night game at Diddle Arena. McDonald scored the last basket of the game to help WKU edge out MTSU, 73-67 in front of a sellout crowd of 7,326 fans.

WKU beats rival MTSU in front of sold-out Diddle

Cole Claybourn
February 26, 2012

WKU inching close to sellout for MTSU game

Cole Claybourn
February 24, 2012
New head coach Ray Harper hugs former head coach John Oldham after a pep rally to announce Harper’s hire on Monday in Diddle Arena. After playing for both WKU and the Fort Wayne Pistons of the NBA, Oldham coached the Toppers from 1964 to 1971.

Harper wants Diddle full for MTSU game

Cole Claybourn
February 24, 2012
New men's basketball head coach Ray Harper speaks at a pep rally to announce his hiring Monday in Diddle Arena.

Harper emotional when introduced as WKU head coach

Cole Claybourn
February 21, 2012

Statements from Ransdell, Bjork and Harper on coaching hire

Cole Claybourn
February 19, 2012
Ray Harper was named the full-time coach for WKU's men's basketball team on Sunday. Since Harper took over on Jan. 6, WKU has seen the four largest home attendances this season in Harper's four games at Diddle Arena.

Harper officially hired as WKU’s head basketball coach

Cole Claybourn
February 19, 2012
Freshman guard Spence Sheldon, a walk-on on the men's basketball team, listens to instructions from Interim Head Coach Ray Harper during practice Feb. 14. The men's basketball team's record is 8-17 this season.

Local walk-ons fulfilling lifelong dreams at WKU

Cole Claybourn
February 17, 2012

Crook, Toppers looking to get revenge on FAU Thursday night

Cole Claybourn
February 16, 2012
Senior guard Kahlil McDonald drives for a basket Thursday against Middle Tennessee State at the Murphy Center. WKU lost 72-64.

Second half troubles haunt WKU yet again

Cole Claybourn
February 14, 2012
WKU blows 11-point second half lead to lose at Troy

WKU blows 11-point second half lead to lose at Troy

Cole Claybourn
February 11, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook dribbles at the top of the key during WKU’s 75-66 win over South Alabama at Diddle Arena Feb. 4. Crook scored 24 points against the Jaguars on 9-of-10 shooting.

Crook harnessing leadership role for WKU

Cole Claybourn
February 10, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon celebrates a three-pointer by freshman guard T.J. Price during an 8-0 run against South Alabama, giving WKU their biggest lead of the game. at Diddle Arena on Feb. 4. WKU won 75-66 in front of 6,407 fans — the largest home attendance of the season.

WKU fans harping for Harper as next head coach

Cole Claybourn
February 7, 2012
Big Red crowd surfs up the student section during the second half of the game. An announced crowd of 6,407 fans showed up to Diddle Arena for WKU's 75-66 win over South Alabama. It was the largest home attendance of the season.

Basketball Notes: Fans pack Diddle Arena once again

Cole Claybourn
February 5, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook charges to the paint during WKU's game against Southern Alabama at Diddle Arena on Saturday. WKU beat Southern Alabama 75-66. Crook finished with a career-high 24 points and six assists.

Crook’s career night paces WKU to home win over South Alabama

Cole Claybourn
February 5, 2012
WKU Football Head Coach Willie Taggart talks to President Gary Ransdell and other faculty members before the Wednesday's Signing Day banquet at the Topper Club celebrating the signing of 13 new players to the Hilltopper program for the 2012 season.

COLUMN: Taggart looking for national identity

Cole Claybourn
February 3, 2012
WKU's 2012 signing class official at 13 players

WKU’s 2012 signing class official at 13 players

Cole Claybourn
February 1, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook hugs freshman forward Vinny Zollo after Zollo scored while being fouled during the second half of WKU's game against Troy Saturday in Diddle Arena. WKU lost the game 67-65.

FIU win shows new signs of Topper maturity

Cole Claybourn
January 31, 2012

The Herald’s plan for Signing Day

Cole Claybourn
January 31, 2012
WKU takes control in second half, picks up road win over FIU

WKU takes control in second half, picks up road win over FIU

Cole Claybourn
January 29, 2012

WKU set for rematch against Florida International

Cole Claybourn
January 28, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook is blocked by University of Arkansas at Little Rock players Ben Dillard, Reggie Fondren and Courtney Jackson while trying to make a shot in the last minutes of a game Jan. 21.

Harper looking to Crook after Kaspar’s injury

Cole Claybourn
January 27, 2012
Interim coach Ray Harper talks to players in a huddle during the men's basketball game against Troy on Saturday, Jan. 7 in Diddle Arena. Harper is the interim replacement for former Head Coach Ken McDonald. WKU lost during Harper's first game, 67-65.

Toppers playing up-tempo under Harper

Cole Claybourn
January 24, 2012

From the editor: We’re here for you — the students

Cole Claybourn
January 24, 2012
Freshman guard Kevin Kaspar and sophomore forward Stephon Drane will miss the remainder of the season after suffering knee injuries.

WKU’s Kaspar, Drane to miss remainder of season due to injuries

Cole Claybourn
January 22, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook is blocked by UALR players Ben Dillard, Reggie Fondren and Courtney Jackson while trying to make a shot in the last minutes of the game.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Crook steps up in the clutch

Cole Claybourn
January 22, 2012
Kaspar undergoes MRI after spraining knee in Saturday's game

Kaspar undergoes MRI after spraining knee in Saturday’s game

Cole Claybourn
January 22, 2012
Freshman guard T.J. Price collides with UALR freshman forward Taggart Lockhart while attempting to make a shot in the first half of the game. WKU won 65-53.

WKU all smiles after beating Sun Belt leader Arkansas-Little Rock

Cole Claybourn
January 21, 2012
Ken McDonald was fired as WKU's Head Men's Basketball coach after leading his team to a disappointing 5-11 record so far this season. Assistant Coach Ray Harper will assume duties as interim head coach. McDonald said he was "disappointed" he couldn't finish the season out with the team.

McDonald ‘disappointed’ he couldn’t finish season with young Toppers

Cole Claybourn
January 17, 2012
WKU can't respond from 27-point halftime deficit, falls to Denver

WKU can’t respond from 27-point halftime deficit, falls to Denver

Cole Claybourn
January 15, 2012

Mitchell too much for WKU as North Texas routes Toppers

Cole Claybourn
January 13, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon takes a shot during the men's basketball game against Troy Saturday in Diddle Arena. Gordon, WKU's leader in points, rebounds and assists, will try to lead WKU to its first victory of 2012 Thursday night at 7 p.m. vs. North Texas.

Struggling Toppers to meet ‘talented’ North Texas team

Cole Claybourn
January 12, 2012
JOHN PELPHREY

Florida’s Pelphrey ‘respectfully declines’ to discuss WKU job

Cole Claybourn
January 11, 2012
Interim Head Coach Ray Harper yells from the sideline during WKU's game against Troy on Saturday, Jan. 7 in Diddle Arena. Harper was named interim head coach after former Head Coach Ken McDonald was fired on Friday. WKU lost 67-65.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Harper bringing up-tempo style to WKU

Cole Claybourn
January 8, 2012
Interim Head Coach Ray Harper speaks with freshman forward George Fant during a timeout Saturday. WKU lost Troy 67-65.

WKU falls to Troy in Harper’s debut

Cole Claybourn
January 8, 2012
Newly appointed interim Head Coach Ray Harper discusses the dismissal of former WKU Head Coach Ken McDonald at a press conference in Diddle Arena's Media Room on Friday. Harper will be in consideration for the job full-time after his interim stint, along with a pool of other candidates.

Bjork: WKU to move quickly in head coaching search

Cole Claybourn
January 7, 2012
Bellarmine Head Coach Scott Davenport said he was "flattered" to be mentioned as a candidate for WKU's head coaching job, but said he hasn't given the opening any thought yet.

Bellarmine’s Davenport: ‘Haven’t even thought about’ WKU job

Cole Claybourn
January 7, 2012
Newly appointed interim Head Coach Ray Harper discusses the dismissal of former WKU Head Coach Ken McDonald at a press conference in Diddle Arena's Media Room on Friday. Harper said he is focused soley on Saturday's game against Troy, which will mark his first official game as a Division-I head coach.

Harper to bring new energy to WKU program starting with Saturday tilt against Troy

Cole Claybourn
January 7, 2012
Newly appointed interim Head Coach Ray Harper discusses the dismissal of former WKU Head Coach Ken McDonald at a press conference in Diddle Arena's Media Room on Friday. Harper said he is focused soley on the next game, and getting the season back on track.

Bjork not worried about Harper’s past catching up to him

Cole Claybourn
January 7, 2012
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon watches Friday's press conference where Athletics Director Ross Bjork announced that Head Coach Ken McDonald was fired and would be replaced in the interim by Assistant Coach Ray Harper. They were given the news of Head Coach Ken McDonald's dismissal earlier in the morning on Friday, Jan. 6. Before the conference ended the team was dismissed to begin preparing for practice.

Bjork: WKU players were ‘suffering’ in environment under McDonald

Cole Claybourn
January 6, 2012

McDonald’s tenure: By the Numbers

Cole Claybourn
January 6, 2012
Ken McDonald was fired as WKU's Head Men's Basketball coach after leading his team to a disappointing 5-11 record so far this season. Assistant Coach Ray Harper will assume duties as interim head coach. McDonald said he was "disappointed" he couldn't finish the season out with the team.

Ken McDonald fired as Head Men’s Basketball coach, Harper to take over

Cole Claybourn
January 6, 2012
Junior guard Jamal Crook walks teammate senior guard Kahlil McDonald (right) off the court during the basketball game against Louisiana-Lafayette at Diddle Arena on Thursday. Louisiana-Lafayette won the game in overtime with a final score of 72-70 despite ULL playing the final possession with six players on the court.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Crook becoming a scorer

Cole Claybourn
January 6, 2012
Freshman forward George Fant (center) shows frustration immediately after their overtime loss against Louisiana-Lafayette after realizing that the Ragin' Cajuns had six players on the court for a play that resulted in the game-winning basket. WKU lost 72-70.

WKU loses on final possession as Louisiana-Lafayette plays six players

Cole Claybourn
January 6, 2012
Head Coach Ken McDonald motions to his team during the second half of Saturday's game against Florida International. WKU will face Louisiana-Lafayette at 7 p.m. Thursday.

WKU expects ‘tough’ matchup with Louisiana-Lafayette as it tries to build confidence

Cole Claybourn
January 5, 2012
WKU head coach Ken McDonald directs his team during the second half of WKU's game against No. 4 Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center on Dec 23. McDonald's future at WKU has come under a microscope after the team's recent struggles.

Mum’s still the word on McDonald’s future heading into weekend games

Cole Claybourn
January 5, 2012

Promotions planned for weekend Topper games to boost attendance

Cole Claybourn
January 4, 2012

WKU survives overtime battle for ULM to earn first Sun Belt win

Cole Claybourn
December 30, 2011
WKU head coach Ken McDonald directs his team during the second half of WKU's game against No. 4 Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. WKU lost the game 70-60. The Toppers open Sun Belt Conference play Thursday night against Louisiana-Monroe.

WKU hoping momentum from Louisville game carries over to conference play

Cole Claybourn
December 29, 2011
Freshman forward George Fant fights for a loose ball with Louisville guard Russ Smith. Fant finished with six points and five rebounds as WKU fell to No. 4 Louisville 70-60 at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. WKU dropped to 4-9 with the loss.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Strong showing against No. 4 Louisville leaves WKU with reason to believe

Cole Claybourn
December 24, 2011
From left, senior guard Kahlil McDonald, freshman guard Kevin Kaspar and freshman guard T.J. Price gather after losing to 70-60 to No. 4 Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center on Friday. WKU dropped to 4-9 with the loss.

WKU comes up just short in upset bid of No. 4 Louisville

Cole Claybourn
December 24, 2011
WKU and Louisville native Jamal Crook (14) will head to the KFC Yum! Center to take on No. 4 Louisville on Friday at 6 p.m. CT.

WKU to take on No. 4 Louisville in just ‘another game’

Cole Claybourn
December 23, 2011
WKU assistant basketball coach Jake Morton, seen in the center talking to Head Coach Ken McDonald, was named in August in a Yahoo! Sports report regarding impermissable benefits at Miami (Fla.) from 2002-2009. Morton coached there from 2008-2011. The player in which Morton was allegedly involved with, DeQuan Jones, won an appeal on a season-long suspension in wake of the allegations and will be allowed to play the remainder of the season for Miami.

Miami (Fla.) recruit who was allegedly involved with WKU’s Morton cleared to play

Cole Claybourn
December 20, 2011
Sophomore forward Kene Anyigbo goes up for a shot during Saturday's game against Furman in Didddle Arena. WKU lost the game, 76-63.

Men’s Basketball Notes: Poor preparation plaguing WKU

Cole Claybourn
December 18, 2011
Freshman forward George Fant drives to the basket on Furman's Chris Toler. WKU lost 76-63 to fall to 4-8 on the season.

Mental lapses, missed free throws sink WKU in home loss to Furman

Cole Claybourn
December 18, 2011

WKU ‘tired’ of losing, ready to get back to winning ways Saturday against Furman

Cole Claybourn
December 17, 2011
Junior guard Caden Dickerson falls holding his left shoulder last season against FIU. Head Coach Ken McDonald on Tuesday announced that Dickerson will miss the remainder of the season after he undergoes surgery on the shoulder. He played in four games this season and started two of them and will seek a medical redshirt.

Junior guard Dickerson to miss remainder of season due to shoulder surgery

Cole Claybourn
December 13, 2011

IUPUI’s Young explodes for 43 points as WKU falls 84-76

Cole Claybourn
December 11, 2011
Freshman guard Derrick Gordon leads WKU in scoring and is second in rebounding. He's one of just three freshmen in the conference to be averaging at least 10 points.

Freshman Gordon showing versatility

Cole Claybourn
December 9, 2011

COLUMN: WKU’s bowl snub highlights much needed changes

Cole Claybourn
December 9, 2011

Gordon’s double-double propels WKU to second straight win

Cole Claybourn
December 8, 2011
Freshman guard Kevin Kaspar is fouled as he attempts a shot during  Sunday's game against Bowling Green State. WKU won the game 60-53 for its third win of the season.

Toppers ‘grow up’ in win over Bowling Green State

Cole Claybourn
December 6, 2011

COLUMN: Want WKU to go to a bowl next year? Fill the stadium

Cole Claybourn
December 6, 2011
Freshman guard Kevin Kaspar shoots the ball during the basketball game against Bowling Green State. WKU won the game 60-53.

WKU blows 18-point lead, staves off Bowling Green State

Cole Claybourn
December 4, 2011

WKU guard Kaspar proving tough as a freshman

Cole Claybourn
December 2, 2011
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