On a quick vacation with the DirtQueen (dumped the kids on the grandparents). I’ve been ordered to stay off of HoopDirt – she just stepped out….here’s a speed round of the dirt….

• Flip Saunders is emerging as a leader at Minnesota. He is a former NBA head coach with the Timberwolves, Pistons, and Wizards.

• There are reports that former UCLA head coach Ben Howland has expressed interest in the vacant USC gig.

• Former Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith is emerging as a candidate at Texas Tech. Southern Illinois head coach Barry Hinson has withdrawn his name at TTU – does he know something that we don’t (Tubby is going to get the job)?

• ESPN is reporting that Brad Stevens will stay at Butler. I guess this quiets the Stevens to UCLA rumors.

• Word on the street is the Northern Iowa head coach Ben Jacobson is in the process of finalizing at ten-year contract extension.