There are so many talented writers out there, sharing their wealth of college basketball information and knowledge.

Here is my Sweet 16, picked in memory of my buddy, Larry Donald. The publisher of the Basketball Times passed away Nov. 16 from an apparent heart attack.

I start with a salute to Dick "Hoops" Weiss, who is being honored by the NIT as its Man of the Year. Jack Powers and his NIT committee should be proud of its selection for this prestigious award.

“

Dick Weiss proves that you can be positive as a writer and reporter and be a big-time success. ”

Weiss has shown so much dedication as fans of his read his information in the New York Daily News. They don't come any better as a journalist in terms of knowledge of college athletics. He is highly respected by his peers, fans, coaches and players alike. He also proves that you can be positive as a writer and reporter and be a big-time success.

Hoops headlines -- my Sweet 16, baby! These men all create basketball magic at their computers.

Here is the whole list, in alphabetical order:

Rick Bozich, Louisville Journal-Courier
He has great insight communicating views on Kentucky, Louisville and Indiana.

A.J. Carr, Raleigh News and Observer
He is very dedicated to his readers and the sport.

Frank Dascenzo, Durham Herald Sun
Another fine writer down on Tobacco Road.

Ken Davis, Hartford Courant
With Connecticut having an entourage of media outlets which follow the Huskies, Davis stands out. He whets the appetite of UConn fans while also covering the national scene.

Seth Davis, CNN-SI
He provides loads of basketball information through his different media outlets.

Mike DeCourcy, The Sporting News
He does a sensational job enlightening hoop lovers. Mike also has a great feel for the tradition and history of the sport.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times
For good information from the West Coast, this is the columnist to read.

Al Featherston, Durham Herald Sun
Another star from the Carolina area. He's a basketball junkie who has a special knowledge of Duke hoops history.

Andy Katz, ESPN.com/ESPN
Our rising star has a wealth of hoop knowledge and contacts.

Curry Kirkpatrick, ESPN
He has had a great history as a writer and presence around college basketball.

Malcolm Moran, USA Today
He's a super addition to USA Today. Malcolm has a large network of college hoop sources, and he's willing to share many tidbits with fans across the land.

Jim O'Connell, Associated Press
If there's a big hoop game, you'll see Mr. O'Connell there. He does a super job for the wire service.

Steve Rivera, Tucson Citizen
He's a basketball aficionado who provides in-depth detail on the dynamite Arizona basketball program.

Lenn Robbins, New York Post
Besides Weiss, if you want basketball info in the New York City area, Lenn is on top of the situation.

Caulton Tudor, Raleigh News and Observer
Another one of the stars in the Triangle down in ACC country.

Dick "Hoops" Weiss, New York Daily News
As I said earlier, he's a class act who is highly regarded by everyone in the basketball community.