Around the Nation

A decade ago, you could count on Wilkes and Franklin and Marshall being Sweet 16 regulars and Final Four contenders. Wilkes made it to Salem in 1998 and Franklin and Marshall in 2000. But last year, you couldn't even count on them making their conference tournaments.

What happened to these former Pennsylvania powerhouses? The Colonels and Diplomats are hovering around the .500 mark, but after finishing a combined 20-28 last season, even that is a step forward. It's a step below the historical dominance, however, that F&M coach Glenn Robinson, the winningest coach in Division III history, and longtime Wilkes coach Jerry Rickrode had become accustomed to.

What's the answer? Find out more in this week's Around the Nation.

The second semester is underway, which in basketball means roster changes. Who gets to reload and bring back players from last year's tournament team, who is losing a key piece of a title run and what newcomers are joining rosters?

We have a huge weekend of basketball coming up -- which teams have to put up on "Show Me Saturday?" It's not just the Chase Tournament championship this weekend, or even just Amherst/Williams, as games between contenders and hopefuls litter the schedule.

That, plus a player coming back home and the Final Four, in this week's Around the Nation.