WBB in Cincy: Saturday at Cintas & MND

By Weinman

The team arrived at the Cintas Center this morning just after 11 a.m. to fulfill a 30-minute media obligation. After a press conference and some extra interviews near the lockerroom, the Commodores had a one-hour shootaround on the main floor. ESPN2's full contigent (Producer Jonathan Labovich, Director Dan Reagan, Play-by-Play Bob Wischusen and analyst Stephanie White) was courtside to watch the proceedings, after which Coach Balcomb spent a few minutes catching up with the crew.

With only an hour allowed on court at the Cintas Center, Vanderbilt headed up to get some additional time in at Mount Notre Dame High School, where freshman Gabby Smith prepped. The team was greeted by Smith's former coach, Dante Harlan, and a host of "good luck Gabby" signs. The gym's walls were lined with championship banners, as well, including four state championship banners from 2006 through 2009, side-by-side, all with "Gabby Smith" emblazoned on them.

Here are a few photos from the day: Photo Gallery

Will have some more stuff from today's press conferences coming down the pipe soon. And make sure you're following along with our Twitter feed - when I'm away from the computer Twitter is the easiest way to shoot a quick update on what's going on.

WBB in Cincy: Montgomery Inn

By Weinman

The team arrived in Cincinnati around 8 p.m. on Friday night and headed straight to the Montgomery Inn for dinner. Montgomery Inn was one of Coach Balcomb's favorite restaurants when she was at Xavier, and I certainly can't argue with her taste after eating there.

Billed as "home of the world's greatest ribs," Montgomery Inn is owned by the family of VU women's soccer player Margaux Andrews. Margaux's grandparents, Matula and Ted Gregory, opened the institution in 1951 and the four current locations are still family owned and operated. Marguax's parents, Terry and Evan, dropped in to say hello and wish the Commodores luck this week. Evan told the team of his restaurant's history of success with visiting sports teams -- in his words, "We don't serve losers." The couple also posed for a photo with Strength and Conditioning Coach Tasha Weddle, who mentors both the basketball and soccer teams.

For dinner, I went with the ribs and shrimp combination. The ribs had a great rub on them with just the right amount of sauce and the fried shrimp were served with their own dipping sauce that was also outstanding. Most folks topped off their meals with a Graeters ice cream sundae, and I couldn't help but be overindulgent as well. Try the raspberry chocolate chip with hot fudge if you get a chance.

I took a handful of pictures at the restaurant, available here ( Photo Gallery). I have a couple meetings in the morning, then the team arrives at the arena for media availability at 11:20 a.m. followed by a one-hour shootaround. More tomorrow!

WBB Presents: A Cincinnati Top 10

By Weinman

As the women's basketball team prepares for its first round NCAA Tournament game against DePaul on Sunday, Cincinnati natives Ashlee Bridge and Gabby Smith took time out to prepare a list of the 10 best things about their hometown.

Ashlee and Gabby were eager to get the word out about a city they love, so we sat down yesterday inside Memorial to film a video Top 10. Below the video, I'll post their Top 10 list along with links to all the places that make Cincinnati a great place.



Top 10: Best Things About Cincinnati
10. Sawyer Point
9. Cincinnati Museum Center
8. Newport Aquarium / Cincinnati Zoo
7. Fountain Square
6. Riverbend Music Center
5. Sports teams: Reds (MLB) and Bengals (NFL)
4. Food: Skyline Chili, Graeters, Grippos, Montgomery Inn
3. School of Creative and Performing Arts
2. Amusement Parks: King's Island, Great Wolf Lodge
1. Ashlee and Gabby