Antonio Gonzalez

SAN FRANCISCO -- If USGA executive director Mike Davis has his way, the record low scores at last year's U.S. Open at Congressional are unlikely to travel to the West Coast.

Davis said Monday at San Francisco's majestic Olympic Club that the course will be "the hardest start in a U.S. Open" when players tee off June 14. The unleveled Lake Course in the serene setting just across the street from the Pacific Ocean will play at a Par-70 7,170 yards -- 373 yards longer than the last time it hosted the national championship in 1998 -- including the 670-yard 16th hole that is one of the longest Par 5s in the event's history.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- At the end of last season, Doug Smith never imagined his son would play for the San Francisco 49ers again, not after hearing the quarterback get booed out of Candlestick Park and yet another coaching change on the way.

Alex Smith sat down with his father -- a former Weber State student and sibling to current WSU coach John L. Smith -- to seek advice ahead of free agency. The 2005 No. 1 overall pick was intrigued by new coach Jim Harbaugh, an offensive guru at Stanford and a former NFL quarterback who embraced Smith instantly.

Still, the quarterback had his apprehensions about staying in San Francisco.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Jimmer Fredette shook fellow rookie Isaiah Thomas with a crossover dribble, spun back to his left and put up a pump fake that sent the defender tumbling to the ground. Fredette looked down at Thomas and swished a shot from above the free throw line that drew cheers from teammates.

Maybe the first time an NBA player got Jimmered.

Probably not the last.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Larry Scott was wrapping up a late business lunch at a downtown San Francisco restaurant this week, taking one last sip of coffee, parting ways with a handshake and sliding one booth over to start another meeting with new visitors almost simultaneously.

A year after rocking the college sports world with expansion plans, the commissioner of what officially becomes the Pac-12 Conference today with new members Utah and Colorado doesn't waste a moment. There's a network to launch, marketing opportunities to pursue and a host of other issues to capitalize on with the momentum behind the league's growing national spotlight.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Utah Jazz rallied again, coming back from a double-digit deficit for the second night in a row.

Deron Williams scored 30 points, Paul Millsap added 23 points and the Jazz beat the Orlando Magic 104-94 Wednesday night.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Dwight Howard had heard it all before, people offering constructive criticism and invitations to improve his game -- he never really seriously listened.