My Morning Jacket

Never too early to start it up.  It's great to see a down year for the ACC.  Twould be huge if Illinois could pull it off against Purdue today.

I'm ready.  One of the greatest signs of spring!  I think Mizzou cemented their spot with that big win against Texas last week.  Now I'm just hoping to work towards a 6 seed in the midwest!

This is about when I finally start getting interested in NCAA b-ball...Problem is, I have no clue who is any good outside of how theyve been moving up/down the rankings. I hate Kansas, and I know their center is white, so Im guessing they suck.

Watched the Pitt-Nova game yesterday...Pret-tay, pret-tay good

I like all of my regional teams and they're fairing pretty well this year.  Well, the one regional team I don't like is doing best of all (Kentucky).  UofL should make it to the dance as long as they don't totally screw the pooch.  Purdue is really tough this year, I love watching them play.  Butler looks good but hasn't had a lot of competition.  Cincy is still trying to recover from Huggie bear leaving.  Ohio State is tough, it was fun watching them beat MSU this weekend.  I'm definitely looking forward to the Madness despite the fact that I can't stand the top two teams this year.

I grew up on UK basketball, but to be honest John Wall and Demarcus Cousins (especially) get on my nerves.  I realize that they are very talented, but they are just a little bit too cocky in my opinion.  I am sure that they will both be gone next year anyway.

QuoteI grew up on UK basketball, but to be honest John Wall and Demarcus Cousins (especially) get on my nerves.  I realize that they are very talented, but they are just a little bit too cocky in my opinion.  I am sure that they will both be gone next year anyway.

I can't stand Cousins.  I was so happy when Oglivy from Vandy gave him a taste of his own medicine this weekend.  I wish Vandy could have pulled that one out.

Quote

QuoteI grew up on UK basketball, but to be honest John Wall and Demarcus Cousins (especially) get on my nerves.  I realize that they are very talented, but they are just a little bit too cocky in my opinion.  I am sure that they will both be gone next year anyway.

I can't stand Cousins.  I was so happy when Oglivy from Vandy gave him a taste of his own medicine this weekend.  I wish Vandy could have pulled that one out.

There was no turning back for me after Cousins threw that elbow to Swopshire's head.  I mean, yes it did look like Swopshire's knee hit him, but Cousin's action couldn't have been more deliberate.  I think that my distaste for him only really started when he didn't get thrown out of that game.  At least he'll be in the NBA next year.

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Quote

QuoteI grew up on UK basketball, but to be honest John Wall and Demarcus Cousins (especially) get on my nerves.  I realize that they are very talented, but they are just a little bit too cocky in my opinion.  I am sure that they will both be gone next year anyway.

I can't stand Cousins.  I was so happy when Oglivy from Vandy gave him a taste of his own medicine this weekend.  I wish Vandy could have pulled that one out.

There was no turning back for me after Cousins threw that elbow to Swopshire's head.  I mean, yes it did look like Swopshire's knee hit him, but Cousin's action couldn't have been more deliberate.  I think that my distaste for him only really started when he didn't get thrown out of that game.  At least he'll be in the NBA next year.

He's gotten away with that a few times this year.  And he's always talking to the student sections on the road. I hope he does something to get thrown out of the tourney.  

Not to mention the fact that Calipari has gotten his last two universities in trouble for recruiting violations and now he has, hands down, the best recruiting class this year.  I REALLY don't want to see them win this thing.

I despise (too harsh a word?) Calipari and Huggins.  I wish them to fail. >:(

My UCONN Huskies take out #8 WVU  8-)  Da Ville is coming to Storrs next and I may just be in attednace for that shootout...oh yes

QuoteI hate Kansas, and I know their center is white, so Im guessing they suck.

Why do you hate Kansas?  Their center, although white, has been hailed all year as the best true center in college basketball.  You must not have watched any games recently because the guy is a dominant force in the paint.  He's been getting 5 blocks a game and alters at least another 5 shots.  Plus, he's the Academic All-American of the Year.  That means he's THE top dog of all Academic All-Americans.  (If you can't tell, I kind of like him.   ;))  Finally, if the single loss #1 team in the nation sucks, what does everyone else do?

QuoteI despise (too harsh a word?) Calipari and Huggins.  I wish them to fail. >:(

Tennessee just granted your wish for the regular season.  I hope KU gets to grant your wish in the tourney.

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QuoteI hate Kansas, and I know their center is white, so Im guessing they suck.

Why do you hate Kansas?  Their center, although white, has been hailed all year as the best true center in college basketball.  You must not have watched any games recently because the guy is a dominant force in the paint.  He's been getting 5 blocks a game and alters at least another 5 shots.  Plus, he's the Academic All-American of the Year.  That means he's THE top dog of all Academic All-Americans.  (If you can't tell, I kind of like him.   ;))  Finally, if the single loss #1 team in the nation sucks, what does everyone else do?

Im know theyre good, I just hate Kansas. Paul Pierce is the only Kansas player I can think of that I didnt/dont hate. I hate Aldrich, Drew Gooden, Raef Lafrentz, Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Jeff Boschee, Aaron Miles, Wayne Simien, Jacque Vaughn, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, Julian Wright, and probably more that I cant think of.

I cant stand Kansas


Ok, I liked Keith Langford too

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Quote

QuoteI hate Kansas, and I know their center is white, so Im guessing they suck.

Why do you hate Kansas?  Their center, although white, has been hailed all year as the best true center in college basketball.  You must not have watched any games recently because the guy is a dominant force in the paint.  He's been getting 5 blocks a game and alters at least another 5 shots.  Plus, he's the Academic All-American of the Year.  That means he's THE top dog of all Academic All-Americans.  (If you can't tell, I kind of like him.   ;))  Finally, if the single loss #1 team in the nation sucks, what does everyone else do?

Im know theyre good, I just hate Kansas. Paul Pierce is the only Kansas player I can think of that I didnt/dont hate. I hate Aldrich, Drew Gooden, Raef Lafrentz, Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Jeff Boschee, Aaron Miles, Wayne Simien, Jacque Vaughn, Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers, Julian Wright, and probably more that I cant think of.

I cant stand Kansas


Ok, I liked Keith Langford too

But why?  Is it their style of play, attitude?  Is it the coach (apparently not b/c you hate Roy Williams era players as well as Self)?  Are you a Mizzou fan?

Quote Are you a Mizzou fan?

that's why i hate them.   ;)

I dont have feelings one way or the other for any other Big 12 b-ball teams, but Kansas just seems to get an incredibly high rate of douchebags, thus leading me to hate their team.

I think I also lost my bracket pool and a couple hundo in 2008 thanks Kansas beating Memphis

1st off, I agree with you Headdy but I believe it has more to do with my utter disdain for Bill Selfish.  

Now, onto the Duke/Maryland game.  Obviously it was a big game over here and boy did it deliver.  That was the most rockin' I have ever heard the Comcast Center and it was great to see Scheyer the Cryer fail at the end.  Yes this is the Scheyer that verbally committed to Illinois (he played for Bruce Weber's brother in Illinois high school b'ball where he won a state championship) only to bail for Duke.  Note my dislike of all who screw over the Illini. ;D

Congrats to Maryland for a great win.

Jay Bilas made some retarded comments that only Bill Walton could have pulled off properly.

1.  Landon Milbourn is one of the best open 15ft jump shooters in the ACC.
2.  Eric Hayes is not only one of the best cutters in the ACC but in the nation.

::) ;D ::) ;D

Please Bilas.  Tell me you study cutters from 200 D I schools on a daily basis.

I'm done

A little peeved Terps beat Duke as I was planning on them as a upset team to go on a run in the tourney and now everyone else probably has the same idea.

QuoteA little peeved Terps beat Duke as I was planning on them as a upset team to go on a run in the tourney and now everyone else probably has the same idea.

They are an interesting team.  As long as the D keeps playing the way they do and they rebound the ball on the defensive end, they could make a run.  I just feel like they might hit the wall in the tourney but they sure are playing good ball right now.

I can't stand Kansas, Kentucky or Duke.  I really hope a dark horse steals it this year.  Was really a shame that Purdue lost Hummel.  I liked their chances.

I like Wisconsin to make a deep run.  Probably my Big Ten bias but they are deep and talented and playing well with Heuer healthy.

IMO, Purdue was the best team in college before Hummel went down. I still think theyre very good, and have a feeling most people will underrate them in the tourney/on their brackets bc of all the Hummel hubbub. Yeah, its a big loss, but theyre still a damn good team.

I got the Big 10 bias too, but I think outside of the Big East, the Big 10 easily has the most teams that can make a run: Purdue, Mich St, Ohio St, Wisc

....sick game tonight with Weber St vs Montana. Weber was winning like 40-18 at the half, and on the back of this dude for Montana (Jackson or Johnson, dont remember his name) who goes off for 35 points in the 2nd half, Montana won by a point. It was ridiculous. Dude was running shit more than Kobe or The King. I doubt there will be more than a few games in the NCAA tourney that are better than this one. unbelievable.

Also: how teams get home court advantage in conference champ games is bullshit. Why not play on another conf team's court for the champ game?! Just in the games Ive seen this week, Weber St, Quinnipiac, and Butler were playing on their own court in the conf champ (and Im probably forgetting about another couple). I guess thats just protocol for these minor conf's, but its dumb

not NCAA, but nice dunk by JR Smith last night

http://sports.yahoo.com/sportsminute

What a day in the Big East!  So my sportsbook is offering a 20% reload for March Madness.  I'm in.  Action packed March begins next Thursday! :D

I don't like basketball, but I've reported you to the NCAA for Trademark dilution and copyright Infringement.

Oh my, Big Ten bias.  I just don't understand it.  That's the least enjoyable conference to watch in all of college basketball.  Just stick with football guys.  No need to play the same game but on hardwood.  Now if we want to talk basketball, it seems the Big 12 is getting no love here.  They'll probably put 7 teams in the tourney and are arguably the best conference in the league (RPI says so at least).

I also understand there's a lot of hate towards Bill Self for leaving Illinois, but can you blame him?  Seriously.  Basketball was invented at KU.  I don't hate Roy Williams for going to North Carolina.  Seriously, can you blame him?  It made sense.  It's been 7 years.  You should be thankful for what Self did for the Illini program, National title contenders and all.  Your anger should be directed at Bruce Weber for squandering the program Self had built up.  I'm just sayin'  ;)

QuoteOh my, Big Ten bias.  I just don't understand it.  That's the least enjoyable conference to watch in all of college basketball.  Just stick with football guys.  No need to play the same game but on hardwood.  Now if we want to talk basketball, it seems the Big 12 is getting no love here.  They'll probably put 7 teams in the tourney and are arguably the best conference in the league (RPI says so at least).

I also understand there's a lot of hate towards Bill Self for leaving Illinois, but can you blame him?  Seriously.  Basketball was invented at KU.  I don't hate Roy Williams for going to North Carolina.  Seriously, can you blame him?  It made sense.  It's been 7 years.  You should be thankful for what Self did for the Illini program, National title contenders and all.  Your anger should be directed at Bruce Weber for squandering the program Self had built up.  I'm just sayin'  ;)

Ahh, the return of BobLoblaw.  I don't personally hate Bill Self.  It's just popular to hate on him and I'm merely a lemming in line.  What I will say is that I'm still not sold on Bill Self as a basketball coach.  I put him more in line with the Caliparis of the world.  This clearly isn't a bad thing but he is more a recruiter (a great one) than an x's and o's guy.  As we saw, Weber took Self's team to the miracle season and I still think we should have beaten UNC.  I guess one shot from Mario Chalmers can cement a man's legacy.  

I don't understand why people love to hate on Big Ten basketball.  All they do is consistently put numerous teams in the Sweet Sixteen.  Don't be surprised to see more Big Ten than Big Twelve teams in the Sweet Sixteen this year to.

That said, I gotta think Kansas is the clear favorite.  They are STACKED!

Oh yeah, Sharon Collins screwed us over too ;)

I know, I don't make it in a lot so I apologize for jumping into the middle of conversations...

Anyway, what fun are sports without manufactured outrage?  I grew up in Big 12 country and moved into Big Ten land about 6 years ago so talking trash on the Big Ten is one of my new past times.  It's all in jest.  My boss hates Bill Self and gives me the "he's a good recruiter but bad coach" argument alot.  I agree that he may be a better recruiter than x & o's but I'm just not buying the overall argument that that makes him an inferior coach.  You mentioned Sherron Collins earlier.  If you look at how that guy has progressed from Frosh to Soph, that's clear player development.  (Not to mention the fact that he's now the winningest Jayhawk in history and will get a degree this summer.)  TX A&M was in control of the game for 30 minutes last night and going from a man to man to zone defense completely turned the game around.  We get alley-oops off of inbounds plays all the time.  That's x's and o's too.  I just find it hard to argue with the overall success of Bill Self.  He's done great everywhere he's been.  From ORU, to Tulsa, to Illinois and he won a National Championship with Kansas.  Sure, Mario made a miracle shot but that happens.  Sure, Memphis couldn't hit their free throws but Self decided when to start fouling.  Any other coach in any of the previous games could have done the same but they didn't.  

Finally, it hurts a little to hear the Calipari comparison.  Calipari has been so close to so many infractions and Self just hasn't.  I don't like it when people put them in the same category.  I'd love the opportunity to end Kentucky's season in the big dance.  Anyway, enough stream of consciousness for one post...

Oh yeah, what do you mean when you say Sherron Collins screwed you over?  Do you mean by going to KU instead of Illinois?

Quote[Don't be surprised to see more Big Ten than Big Twelve teams in the Sweet Sixteen this year to.

I'll take your half of the bet but I'll offer the other half.  Don't be surprised to see more Big Twelve than Big Ten teams in the Elite Eight and Final Four.

You make good points and feel free to jump in anytime.  I love good sports convos.  In the end, Bill Self is a great coach.  Just trying to knock the man down a peg ya know.

I attended Illinois during the Lon Kruger years and graduated the year we got Self.  We loved him because we hadn't gotten that kind talent to start looking at us since the Flyin' Illini years.  I speak from experience though as I recall many a game where we just weren't defensively motivated and he seemed flustered and indecisive in certain late game situations.  My apologies for misspelling Sherronaman's name.  He didn't screw us over but it was just another Chicago boy bailin for all the beautiful women of Kansas. ;)

Perhaps comparing him to Calipari is unfair because he is an ubashed greaseball.  Self just puts on a better front.  The way I look at it, if you haven't cheated in recruiting, you don't belong in DI basketball.

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Quote[Don't be surprised to see more Big Ten than Big Twelve teams in the Sweet Sixteen this year to.

I'll take your half of the bet but I'll offer the other half.  Don't be surprised to see more Big Twelve than Big Ten teams in the Elite Eight and Final Four.

Purdue is still playing well w/o Hummel.  I'll concede to you on the Final Four Front but I can imagine at least 2 Big Ten teams making the E8 depending on how the brackets look.  It's always a question of whether the refs will let 'em play or not.

I dont get how (for football or basketball) people can say the Big 10 is boring. Why? Because they play good defense? Because the games are low scoring? Because there is more halfcourt play than transition?

Ive watched almost every game of the Big East tourney, and the majority of those games have been in the 50's-60's point wise at the end of the game and all of them have been great. Nothing boring about it.

...and saying the Big 12 will have more teams in the Final 4 isnt exactly going out on a limb. Kansas will likely be there and no Big 10 team will be expected to make it to the final 4. I agree with Ruckus that the Big 10 could have more in the Elit 8 though

I agree with everything you said, especially the beautiful Kansas women.  ;)

Purdue is definitely a great team.  Where do you think the Illini stand right now?  Bubble team?  The win over Wisconsin and a good first half against Ohio State should help them out a lot if they are.

I wouldn't mind blanking out the entire East & West Coasts with a KU, K-State, Purdue, Ohio State Final Four.

QuoteI agree with everything you said, especially the beautiful Kansas women.  ;)

Purdue is definitely a great team.  Where do you think the Illini stand right now?  Bubble team?  The win over Wisconsin and a good first half against Ohio State should help them out a lot if they are.

I am loving this game right now!  They can be so erratic though.  Either way, win or lose, after the the win over Wisconsin, I think they are in already as a likely 10ish seed.

QuoteI wouldn't mind blanking out the entire East & West Coasts with a KU, K-State, Purdue, Ohio State Final Four.

Where are the Illini? :-/

QuoteI dont get how (for football or basketball) people can say the Big 10 is boring. Why? Because they play good defense? Because the games are low scoring? Because there is more halfcourt play than transition?

Ive watched almost every game of the Big East tourney, and the majority of those games have been in the 50's-60's point wise at the end of the game and all of them have been great. Nothing boring about it.

...and saying the Big 12 will have more teams in the Final 4 isnt exactly going out on a limb. Kansas will likely be there and no Big 10 team will be expected to make it to the final 4. I agree with Ruckus that the Big 10 could have more in the Elit 8 though

Boring mostly because of the low scoring.  I like games that get into the upper 70's or 80's.  Wasn't there a game Illinois was part of this year where total scoring was under 80?  That's just not enough action for me.  Just my opinion but I like games with a lot of steals and transition.  Note that this does not mean I like running and gunning.  Steals and transition offense should come from really, really good defense.

I wasn't really trying to go out on a limb either it was just another underhanded way to claim the Big XII is better than the Big X overall.  [insert obligatory smiley emoticon]

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QuoteI wouldn't mind blanking out the entire East & West Coasts with a KU, K-State, Purdue, Ohio State Final Four.

Where are the Illini? :-/

Well there's nothing wrong with being hopeful but I'd keep that to my personal bracket, not the one that I've got to pay $20 to get in to the competition.

Preapology for complete tangent but at least you're the OP...  Is your name, Ruckus, at all a reference to the Old Crow?

QuotePreapology for complete tangent but at least you're the OP...  Is your name, Ruckus, at all a reference to the Old Crow?

I think its related to him bringing da muthaeffin ruckus like the muthaeffin Wu Tang Clan

and if it isnt, it should be  ;D

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QuotePreapology for complete tangent but at least you're the OP...  Is your name, Ruckus, at all a reference to the Old Crow?

I think its related to him bringing da muthaeffin ruckus like the muthaeffin Wu Tang Clan

and if it isnt, it should be  ;D

The Ruckus part was always a nod to the Jacket in Elizabethtown.  Yes, the original BringDa was a natural Wu fit.

Ahh, yes. I forgot about Ruckus. They can play a mean Freebird.

Illini folding unda pressure!

QuoteAhh, yes. I forgot about Ruckus. They can play a mean Freebird.

Illini folding unda pressure!

This is a fiasco!  20-0 run?  Now coming back?

Wow, KY beat the living hell out of TN...

 :'(

Wow, Im really glad I put some $$$ on Purdue -2.5

Freakin 37-11 at the half. I dont think they have a chance.

Not only do I think the Illini played their way into the tourney today, but I think Minnesota may have after beating Mich St yesterday and likely Purdue today (and who knows what tomorrow vs tOSU)

Someone gonna setup a bracket pool?

QuoteSomeone gonna setup a bracket pool?

I just signed into my CBS account and My Morning Bracket still exists. I'm not sure who set it up originally, and if they're the ones that need to restart it. Any idea who we need to get this going? If we don't hear by tomorrow, I'll try and set one up...cuttin' it close though.

EDIT: Actually, I just found the bracket for this year's tournament. If you still remember your sign-in from last year, sign in and fill out your brackets!

Ohio Bobcats, baby!

Lets hear some Final Four picks......As of now i have:
Kansas
Pittsburgh
Kentucky
Baylor

....but that could easily change before Thursday

I've only filled out one bracket so far (I usually do a couple) and it was extremely Big XII centric.  My final four is...

Kansas
Kansas State
Kentucky
Baylor

The Orange all the way (unless they aren't healthy for the Sweet 16 game).

I filled out mine.

Mountaineers baby!

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QuoteSomeone gonna setup a bracket pool?

I just signed into my CBS account and My Morning Bracket still exists. I'm not sure who set it up originally, and if they're the ones that need to restart it. Any idea who we need to get this going? If we don't hear by tomorrow, I'll try and set one up...cuttin' it close though.

EDIT: Actually, I just found the bracket for this year's tournament. If you still remember your sign-in from last year, sign in and fill out your brackets!

I was the one who originally did the my morning bracket.  Can you send me a link to the group or is it too late????

Quote

Quote

QuoteSomeone gonna setup a bracket pool?

I just signed into my CBS account and My Morning Bracket still exists. I'm not sure who set it up originally, and if they're the ones that need to restart it. Any idea who we need to get this going? If we don't hear by tomorrow, I'll try and set one up...cuttin' it close though.

EDIT: Actually, I just found the bracket for this year's tournament. If you still remember your sign-in from last year, sign in and fill out your brackets!

I was the one who originally did the my morning bracket.  Can you send me a link to the group or is it too late????

I don't think it's too late...like I said, I just used my old username and password, and my morning bracket was still there...and I had this year's brackets to fill out. I'm still not completely sure that the bracket is linked specifically to our group...I guess I'll see tomorrow after the games start.

As far as a link for the group...this is where my bracket is: http://mmjforum.mayhem.cbssports.com/brackets

Try it out!

Oh, and Ruckus, I've got the WV over Syracuse in the title game... >:(

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Mountaineers baby!

word

(http://www.wvuf.org/storyImages/da%27sean-butler26(by%20charles%20leclair).jpg)

Boy has the Madness begun in a BIG WAY!

A whopping 8 of us in this year's My Morning Bracket!  ;D

Villanova just about ruined everything for me...Notre Dame didn't help either. Shaky start so far...  :-/

Man, that Vandy/Murray St. game was classic!  I was sure that last shot was gonna miss and then...bam.  Great game!

And Oklahoma State wins the National Championship!

...in Cross Country, that is. (They showed the trophy presentation in OKC on CBS)

Ohio Bobcats, baby!

QuoteOhio Bobcats, baby!

YES !! what a stunner!

Good thing I had Tenn knockin' out G'town.  So my sportsbook had a 25% bonus on MMadness betting.  I started out 1-6 but finished ahead by a hair after 32 games.

I love it!

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QuoteOhio Bobcats, baby!

YES !! what a stunner!

Damn, can't keep it going!  

Paging BobLoblaw, paging BobLoblaw

Kansas HATES Oklahoma City!

QuoteKansas HATES Oklahoma City!

good fer my bucks.

[size=96]M  I  Z[/size]

Quote[size=96]M  I  Z[/size]

?

Is that what Norm Stewart calls his wife?

quite possibly the best 4 days of basketball I have ever watched.

Now, can Cornell really beat Kentucky?  :o

Quotequite possibly the best 4 days of basketball I have ever watched.

Now, can Cornell really beat Kentucky?  :o

I'm hardly getting over it, I'm hardly getting used to getting by.

Huevos.

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Quotequite possibly the best 4 days of basketball I have ever watched.

Now, can Cornell really beat Kentucky?  :o

I'm hardly getting over it, I'm hardly getting used to getting by.

Huevos.

yeah, I was just going to leave you alone on that one.

don't get too far down

Just watched the Kentucky press conference.  Wow that was uncomfortable to watch.  Obviously those 5 aren't the brightest kids in the world and it made me laugh every time they referred to them as the student athletes.   Most awkward was listening to DeMarcus Cousins answer questions.  Regardless, what annoyed me more was the race baiting of them by the media.  God they piss me off, those smarmy, sleazy losers.

Something to the effect of:  "Cornell gets so much credit for being a smart team that executes so well.  The media has mentioned a lot entering this game tomorrow.  Do you feel slighted by that because it may imply that you get by on sheer athleticism.  Has coach said anything about this to help motivate you..." >:(

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Quote

Quotequite possibly the best 4 days of basketball I have ever watched.

Now, can Cornell really beat Kentucky?  :o

I'm hardly getting over it, I'm hardly getting used to getting by.

Huevos.

yeah, I was just going to leave you alone on that one.

don't get too far down

Can you make the Black Sheets of Rain stop?  Can you?!

I caught pieces of games here and there over the weekend, did get to see the 2nd half of the Kansas/N. Iowa game. Farokhmanesh taking that 3 with 25 (or so) seconds remaining was so fucking badass.

Congrats to the St. Mary's Gaels! (Even though they knocked out one of my Final Four teams)

QuoteI caught pieces of games here and there over the weekend, did get to see the 2nd half of the Kansas/N. Iowa game. Farokhmanesh taking that 3 with 25 (or so) seconds remaining was so fucking badass.

Congrats to the St. Mary's Gaels! (Even though they knocked out one of my Final Four teams)

I've been making Faroukhmanesh jokes all week.  Kidding aside, that was one of the biggest, "yeah that's me slapping my balls in your face" shot I've ever seen.

Quote

QuoteI caught pieces of games here and there over the weekend, did get to see the 2nd half of the Kansas/N. Iowa game. Farokhmanesh taking that 3 with 25 (or so) seconds remaining was so fucking badass.

Congrats to the St. Mary's Gaels! (Even though they knocked out one of my Final Four teams)

I've been making Faroukhmanesh jokes all week.  Kidding aside, that was one of the biggest, "yeah that's me slapping my balls in your face" shot I've ever seen.

And it wasn't even like the game was secured yet. Kansas was just owning N. Iowa off the inbounds and had pressed and stolen their way back into the game. I think it was only a 2 or 3 point game when Farokhmanesh had that break down the court, pulled back beyond the 3-line with NO TEAMMATES down the floor yet to position for a rebound or pass the ball to, thought about it for about half a second and then just nailed it. He was totally calm about it afterward too, no fist pumps or chest bumps, just a cold fucking killer.

We'll be seeing that play for a long time. I hope we will, anyway.

Quote

Quote

QuoteI caught pieces of games here and there over the weekend, did get to see the 2nd half of the Kansas/N. Iowa game. Farokhmanesh taking that 3 with 25 (or so) seconds remaining was so fucking badass.

Congrats to the St. Mary's Gaels! (Even though they knocked out one of my Final Four teams)

I've been making Faroukhmanesh jokes all week.  Kidding aside, that was one of the biggest, "yeah that's me slapping my balls in your face" shot I've ever seen.

And it wasn't even like the game was secured yet. Kansas was just owning N. Iowa off the inbounds and had pressed and stolen their way back into the game. I think it was only a 2 or 3 point game when Farokhmanesh had that break down the court, pulled back beyond the 3-line with NO TEAMMATES down the floor yet to position for a rebound or pass the ball to, thought about it for about half a second and then just nailed it. He was totally calm about it afterward too, no fist pumps or chest bumps, just a cold fucking killer.

We'll be seeing that play for a long time. I hope we will, anyway.

I was sitting in a Mexican restaurant enjoying my chimichanga, guac, etc, and the game was on a 20" tv in the far corner.  As it got towards the end, every guy in the place was watching. Faroukhmanesh took that shot and I yell out at the table "No he didn't!".  My wife, who's back was to the TV and didn't even realize I was watching, looked at me like, who the hell are you talking to!  Then she realized what I was doing, shook her head at me and went back to her margarita.

March Madness!  ;D

Ive been awol for a week or 2, but the tourney has been awesome thus far.

My final 4 (before it all started, ill also state my hate for Kansas and Duke played into this):
Ohio St
Kansas St
Kentucky
Baylor

If I were to re-eval this before today, I probably wouldve picked the Orange for the F4 bc they looked great last week and I thought Onuaku would be a big miss for them. I didnt expect Butler to give them trouble.

K-State is who I thought they were. I love that team, great game tonight, Pullen and Clemente are the shiz, their frontourt is more athletic than Kentucky, and I love rooting for them and Frank Martin.

my final is Kentucky beating K-State.

I didnt expect upsets really today or tomorrow bc I think that highly of the higher ranked teams, but Butler beating the Orange is very surprising

I expect Kentucky-WVU to be awesome. If they werent in the same region, both would be in my F4. I think Wall-Bledsoe will be too much for WVU's backcourt though, and thats why I ended up going KY over WVU. Also id expect KY to get WVU's bigs in foul trouble. If WVU wins though, I wouldnt be surprised at all.

WV is the team I am rooting for to win it all. I'm a big Da'sean Butler fan and also love me some Bob Huggins. I have watched Kentucky all year and still not sold on them being as dominant as people think. If they run into "the right team" they'll have some troubles. By right team I mean a seasoned team. Butler is a senior but has only Wellington Smith as a fellow senior. I think WV can win, but would really be intrigued to see Duke play KY. I think Duke wins that based on their 3 seniors (and I HATE Duke) Sheyer, Singler and Smith. I know Dicky V. likes talent over experience, but I disagree. I have not been impressed when KY loses their focus, and that's strictly and age thing (and thinking about the NBA). Plus, free throws, free throws, free throws! Calipari's Memphis team was crusing 2 years ago but met Kansas and lost b/c of their free throws and inability to close out a game against an experienced team.

FT %

Duke #9  75%
WV #119  70%
KY #231  67%

KY is not as good as Corolina was last year and I have a hunch they'll get beat and it will happen late and on the FT line.

or not    :-/

That's my theory too, Tracy.  Caliparri said FT shooting wouldn't bite his team in the ass when he took tyreke evans and company to the finals with memphis but it did in the final game.

Also, the elephant in the room:  Caliparri's last two trips to the final four have been vacated due to recruiting violations.  Do we have any reason to believe that won't happen with this year's UK squad?

QuoteWV is the team I am rooting for to win it all. I'm a big Da'sean Butler fan and also love me some Bob Huggins. I have watched Kentucky all year and still not sold on them being as dominant as people think. If they run into "the right team" they'll have some troubles. By right team I mean a seasoned team. Butler is a senior but has only Wellington Smith as a fellow senior. I think WV can win, but would really be intrigued to see Duke play KY. I think Duke wins that based on their 3 seniors (and I HATE Duke) Sheyer, Singler and Smith. I know Dicky V. likes talent over experience, but I disagree. I have not been impressed when KY loses their focus, and that's strictly and age thing (and thinking about the NBA). Plus, free throws, free throws, free throws! Calipari's Memphis team was crusing 2 years ago but met Kansas and lost b/c of their free throws and inability to close out a game against an experienced team.

FT %

Duke #9  75%
WV #119  70%
KY #231  67%

KY is not as good as Corolina was last year and I have a hunch they'll get beat and it will happen late and on the FT line.

or not    :-/

The loss of Truck is huge in this game I think.  I haven't seen WVU play as much as KU this year but I think they have the toughness inside to come close to neutralizing the KU inside game.  If WVU can keep it at their tempo and force KU to hit outside shots, I like WVU's chances.

I think only Scheyer is a senior BTW

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I think only Scheyer is a senior BTW

shit, he is. Why does it feel like Singler and Smith have been there since 01?

QuoteWV is the team I am rooting for to win it all. I'm a big Da'sean Butler fan and also love me some Bob Huggins. I have watched Kentucky all year and still not sold on them being as dominant as people think. If they run into "the right team" they'll have some troubles. By right team I mean a seasoned team. Butler is a senior but has only Wellington Smith as a fellow senior. I think WV can win, but would really be intrigued to see Duke play KY. I think Duke wins that based on their 3 seniors (and I HATE Duke) Sheyer, Singler and Smith. I know Dicky V. likes talent over experience, but I disagree. I have not been impressed when KY loses their focus, and that's strictly and age thing (and thinking about the NBA). Plus, free throws, free throws, free throws! Calipari's Memphis team was crusing 2 years ago but met Kansas and lost b/c of their free throws and inability to close out a game against an experienced team.

FT %

Duke #9  75%
WV #119  70%
KY #231  67%

KY is not as good as Corolina was last year and I have a hunch they'll get beat and it will happen late and on the FT line.

or not    :-/

Clearly, no team this year was as good as UNC last year. Hansbrough, Lawson, Danny Green, and whoever Im forgetting from that team were much better than any team this year when you combine talent with experience

I really like WVU as well, and outside of finishing 1st in the pools im in, Id probably rather see WVU beat KY...my main reason for picking KY over WVU in that assumed matchup was I just didnt think WVU could contain Wall and Bledsoe and match that backcourt defensively, and without Bryant that is even more relevant. WVU has length, but they dont really have size/inside offense. Ebanks and Jones are very good players, but Id favor KY inside bc both those guys usually score from 4ft out or more...either way, should be an awesome game and def the one I want to see the most this weekend.

Duke-Baylor is the close 2nd game I want to see

...Im not sure what Vitale prefers, but he prefers a good Duke team over anything whether its PTP's, Diaper Dandy's, you name it, so Im not concerned with what that dude thinks bout Duke. I picked Baylor for a reason, and I hope and expect them to beat Duke.

QuoteThat's my theory too, Tracy.  Caliparri said FT shooting wouldn't bite his team in the ass when he took tyreke evans and company to the finals with memphis but it did in the final game.

Also, the elephant in the room:  Caliparri's last two trips to the final four have been vacated due to recruiting violations.  Do we have any reason to believe that won't happen with this year's UK squad?

I think youre referring to the year with Derrick Rose vs Kansas, not Evans last year.

Also, I know they vacated everything from 07-08 (aka the Rose year), but I wasnt aware of any infractions last year with Evans although it wouldnt surprise me if that did occur.

Quote

QuoteThat's my theory too, Tracy.  Caliparri said FT shooting wouldn't bite his team in the ass when he took tyreke evans and company to the finals with memphis but it did in the final game.

Also, the elephant in the room:  Caliparri's last two trips to the final four have been vacated due to recruiting violations.  Do we have any reason to believe that won't happen with this year's UK squad?

I think youre referring to the year with Derrick Rose vs Kansas, not Evans last year.

Also, I know they vacated everything from 07-08 (aka the Rose year), but I wasnt aware of any infractions last year with Evans although it wouldnt surprise me if that did occur.

Yeah, I was thinking of Rose, not Evans.  It's hard to keep his recruiting violations straight.  And he didn't get to the final four with evans last year.  His other final four appearance came when he was at UMass.  That season was also vacated due to recruiting violations with Marcus Camby.

My bad.  I guess you know you were sauced when you keep referring to UK as KU.  

I have been waiting for Cousins of KY to "snap" all year long, you know, like punch someone? I was having my coffee this morning, being thankful for God and nature and what not, and I had a thought that ol Bob Huggins may have something up his sleeve, some "tactic" to get inside Cousins' head. The kid's a great player but he's only 19 and he's been sooooo close all year to losing his composure. I dunno, sounds like an evil, sinister plan to be rooting for, but I like that dark, sinister side of Huggins; I think it's in him to come up with something.
Hell, maybe Cousins will punch coach Calipari...

(http://clubhousecancer.typepad.com/clubhouse_cancer/WindowsLiveWriter/BobHuggins.jpg)

QuoteI have been waiting for Cousins of KY to "snap" all year long, you know, like punch someone? I was having my coffee this morning, being thankful for God and nature and what not, and I had a thought that ol Bob Huggins may have something up his sleeve, some "tactic" to get inside Cousins' head. The kid's a great player but he's only 19 and he's been sooooo close all year to losing his composure. I dunno, sounds like an evil, sinister plan to be rooting for, but I like that dark, sinister side of Huggins; I think it's in him to come up with something.
Hell, maybe Cousins will punch coach Calipari...

(http://clubhousecancer.typepad.com/clubhouse_cancer/WindowsLiveWriter/BobHuggins.jpg)

I love the 'hatin' on Cousins.  I can't stand that guy.

Alrighty, this is what I got today.  It's been a hot two weeks.  I've doubled up so far since the tourney started.

WVU +4
KSU -4

Damn, I cant believe Butler beat K-State...Clemente def appeared hampered and Im sure that hurt, but pretty poor shot selection the entire game is what killed them.

Maybe its just me, but right I have a hard time getting real interested in watching Butler vs Vols/MSU to go to the finals

Duke is the team that peaked during the tourney so far; Butler played iffy and beat a game Michigan St. squad.

Duke is favored by 7.

If Duke plays like they did against WV, they win. If Butler plays like they did against Michigan St., Duke wins. All it will take is a little swing of Duke playing a little poorly and Butler playing a little better for Butler to win. I am really anxious to see Butler's defensive plan.

Go Butler    :)

Maybe someone who has seen more of Duke can explain this to me, but why the hell did WVU not switch to their 1-3-1 zone D?!? They consistently used it down the stretch to win the Big East Tourney, and used it more often than man in the NCAA tourney. They started out man D in the KY game and after 6-7 minutes were losing by 10pts or so. They switched to the 1-3-1 zone at that point, and KY didnt have an answer the rest of the game.

At first I thought Huggins was saving it for the 2nd half so coach K couldnt adjust at the half, but clearly they didnt switch to it, and it makes no sense to me why. Duke had soo many open shots it was ridiculous, and maybe they still would even against the zone, but how dont you at least try the zone D that got them to where they are out?!

Just based on that, WVU deserved to lose. Sucked to see Da'sean Butler go down like that, and that made the game even more frustrating. Man do I hate Duke and havent felt that much disdain for them bubble up to that level in a few years. It'll make my week if Duke loses, but Butler is so undersized on the inside against them so I dont see how they will be able to keep up with Duke on the boards. They also really need this game to be below 60 points to have a shot IMO. I know they havent given up more than 60 points yet in a game, but they cant let Duke take open shots wherever and whenever they want and expect to win

Duke shoots too well to play a 1-3-1 against them.  It would have been even uglier.

Looks like I won the brackets this year.  Pretty amazing considering I didn't pick one final four team, I guess that's what happens when there's a ton of upsets and only seven people filled out brackets.

QuoteMaybe someone who has seen more of Duke can explain this to me, but why the hell did WVU not switch to their 1-3-1 zone D?!? They consistently used it down the stretch to win the Big East Tourney, and used it more often than man in the NCAA tourney. They started out man D in the KY game and after 6-7 minutes were losing by 10pts or so. They switched to the 1-3-1 zone at that point, and KY didnt have an answer the rest of the game.

I'm not sure it was so much the WV 1-3-1 against Kentucky as much as it was Kentucky missing their first 20 3-pt. shots. Kentucky shoots 6-20 instead of 0'fer, then it's Kentucky's game, IMO. Duke was making what Kentucky was missing; I agree that Duke's shots were a little more wide open, but I don't think anyone beats Duke last night, especially with the 2nd chance shots, a lot of which were kick outs to the 3 point line. I was also waiting for WV to turn up the heat on D, but they seemed a little awe struck to be in the Final 4 and that by simply beating Kentucky would get them to the Championship.

I have never seen the air go out of a team or an arena as it did when Butler went down.

QuoteDuke shoots too well to play a 1-3-1 against them.  It would have been even uglier.

Maybe so, but they were getting shots without a hand in their face on 75% of their mid range or 3pt shots in my estimation. The zone couldnt have really been any worse. The zone D was what carried them to the Final 4, and not only do I think they should have switched to it by the half at the latest, they shouldve probably started out with it

Based on your theory, if Syracuse was playing Duke in the Finals tomorrow, they would switch from their patented zone and into man. I dont see that happening.

When you have a long 6'9 guy in Ebanks playing at the top of the key, it makes even more sense

Quote

QuoteMaybe someone who has seen more of Duke can explain this to me, but why the hell did WVU not switch to their 1-3-1 zone D?!? They consistently used it down the stretch to win the Big East Tourney, and used it more often than man in the NCAA tourney. They started out man D in the KY game and after 6-7 minutes were losing by 10pts or so. They switched to the 1-3-1 zone at that point, and KY didnt have an answer the rest of the game.

I'm not sure it was so much the WV 1-3-1 against Kentucky as much as it was Kentucky missing their first 20 3-pt. shots. Kentucky shoots 6-20 instead of 0'fer, then it's Kentucky's game, IMO. Duke was making what Kentucky was missing; I agree that Duke's shots were a little more wide open, but I don't think anyone beats Duke last night, especially with the 2nd chance shots, a lot of which were kick outs to the 3 point line. I was also waiting for WV to turn up the heat on D, but they seemed a little awe struck to be in the Final 4 and that by simply beating Kentucky would get them to the Championship.

I have never seen the air go out of a team or an arena as it did when Butler went down.

Clearly KY's 3pt shooting was their demise. I wouldnt say the 1-3-1 was necessarily the reason either, but once they changed to it KY rarely was able to get into the lane and get easy inside buckets. In this instance that was their priority and they baited them into a ton of those 3's. I think against Duke they couldve smoothly changed the gameplan to focusing on the perimeter.

I agree Duke still probably wins last night since the big 3 all seemed to be on point, but not switching to the zone makes me think Huggins gave away any chance his team had to win

Just saw that Butler did in fact tear his ACL. Not sure where he was supposed to be drafted, but IMO he was a mid first round pick. The new projections are 2nd round to undrafted. I think he'd still be a great pick for one of those playoff teams who already have a good bench and will be picking in the late 2nd. I think Cleveland picking him would make a lot of sense.

Quote

QuoteDuke shoots too well to play a 1-3-1 against them.  It would have been even uglier.

Maybe so, but they were getting shots without a hand in their face on 75% of their mid range or 3pt shots in my estimation. The zone couldnt have really been any worse. The zone D was what carried them to the Final 4, and not only do I think they should have switched to it by the half at the latest, they shouldve probably started out with it

Based on your theory, if Syracuse was playing Duke in the Finals tomorrow, they would switch from their patented zone and into man. I dont see that happening.

When you have a long 6'9 guy in Ebanks playing at the top of the key, it makes even more sense

I wouldn't see Syracuse switching from their zone either since that's all they played throughout the year.  WVU played the 1-3-1 against certain opponents and man against others.  Before the game Caliparri predicted WVU wasn't going to play their 1-3-1 against Duke because of their shooters and it seems to me he was right.

Quote

Quote

QuoteDuke shoots too well to play a 1-3-1 against them.  It would have been even uglier.

Maybe so, but they were getting shots without a hand in their face on 75% of their mid range or 3pt shots in my estimation. The zone couldnt have really been any worse. The zone D was what carried them to the Final 4, and not only do I think they should have switched to it by the half at the latest, they shouldve probably started out with it

Based on your theory, if Syracuse was playing Duke in the Finals tomorrow, they would switch from their patented zone and into man. I dont see that happening.

When you have a long 6'9 guy in Ebanks playing at the top of the key, it makes even more sense

I wouldn't see Syracuse switching from their zone either since that's all they played throughout the year.  WVU played the 1-3-1 against certain opponents and man against others.  Before the game Caliparri predicted WVU wasn't going to play their 1-3-1 against Duke because of their shooters and it seems to me he was right.

Whether Calipari was right or not is kind of a moot point in that sense because against the man D, Duke shot 52.7% from the floor and 52% on 25 three point attempts.

When your D is getting worked liked that, you gotta at least try the zone

Quote

Quote

Quote

QuoteDuke shoots too well to play a 1-3-1 against them.  It would have been even uglier.

Maybe so, but they were getting shots without a hand in their face on 75% of their mid range or 3pt shots in my estimation. The zone couldnt have really been any worse. The zone D was what carried them to the Final 4, and not only do I think they should have switched to it by the half at the latest, they shouldve probably started out with it

Based on your theory, if Syracuse was playing Duke in the Finals tomorrow, they would switch from their patented zone and into man. I dont see that happening.

When you have a long 6'9 guy in Ebanks playing at the top of the key, it makes even more sense

I wouldn't see Syracuse switching from their zone either since that's all they played throughout the year.  WVU played the 1-3-1 against certain opponents and man against others.  Before the game Caliparri predicted WVU wasn't going to play their 1-3-1 against Duke because of their shooters and it seems to me he was right.

Whether Calipari was right or not is kind of a moot point in that sense because against the man D, Duke shot 52.7% from the floor and 52% on 25 three point attempts.

When your D is getting worked liked that, you gotta at least try the zone

Your question was why didn't they play the 1-3-1 and I shared with you Caliparri's reason why, that's the opposite of a moot point.

However, while watching the game I also had the opinion that they  should have at least tried the 1-3-1, but I'm also okay with the idea the John Caliparri and Bob Huggins probably know more about college basketball than I do and since they both were independently of the opinion that the 1-3-1 wouldn't work against Duke, they're probably right.  

Huggins actually addressed this in the post game conference in the first couple minutes. What he said makes sense, although I dont remember seeing the zone at all.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-O5dYXvo5FAo/mountaineertv_bob_huggins/


GO BUTLER!!!!

Awesome game. I really didnt expect Butler to hang like that, especially the whole game. Whst surprises me most and is a big ups to Butler though is that they held Duke to 61.

My only complaint to Butler is: Why didnt Mack get more chances in the 2nd half? It felt like he didnt even touch the ball until like 3 minutes left. I realize Hayward had a driving spree midway thru the 2nd half, but it seemed like Mack barely touched the ball in the 2nd half.

Who knows if that wouldve made a difference, but it stood out to me.

Either way, that was the most exciting game Ive watched without having a team of rooting interest in a few years

Great game!  So many things to talk about.  I wanna say Butler blew it by not finishing in close opportunities throughout the game but in the end, gotta give credit to a really good Duke team that brought it when it counted.

I parlayed Butler +7 then accidentally took 128.5 over when I meant to hit the under!  Damn I was hoping for OT! ;D  My bad.

It's always a sickening sight seeing Duke win. Great game though.

QuoteGreat game!  So many things to talk about.  I wanna say Butler blew it by not finishing in close opportunities throughout the game but in the end, gotta give credit to a really good Duke team that brought it when it counted.

That was huge...they missed a ton of those in the 1st half

And not even close opps, but just good/open looks. They got a lot more open shots than Duke did

...to me, Singler was the difference. He hit a ton of big shots, and came up with 3 ordinary, but timely, blocks

(http://rlv.zcache.com/puke_anti_duke_tshirt-p235786613223628425qtdg_400.jpg)

Didn't watch Butler a lot until the tournament and it seems last night they did what they did to beat Michigan State, it's just that Duke scored 61. Someone said if Duke scores over 60 they will win. Pretty spot on.

I think if they played 10x, ech team would win 5.

Here's to team basketball and all the seniors and juniors who play the game. Last night was old school at its best!  :)

I'm not looking forward to a 96 team field, but $$ will win out. Seems the BCS can't get its act together for a playoff and NCAA basketball is about to ruin a perfect formula by expanding the tourney. It's a shame.

Quote

I'm not looking forward to a 96 team field, but $$ will win out. Seems the BCS can't get its act together for a playoff and NCAA basketball is about to ruin a perfect formula by expanding the tourney. It's a shame.

amen

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Here's to team basketball and all the seniors and juniors who play the game. Last night was old school at its best!  :)

I'm not looking forward to a 96 team field, but $$ will win out. Seems the BCS can't get its act together for a playoff and NCAA basketball is about to ruin a perfect formula by expanding the tourney. It's a shame.

I was surprised yesterday to see that none of Butler's 4 best players are seniors. Veasley is the only starter theyll be losing. Im not saying they'll be in the NC game again next year, but hard to see this team going down early in the tourney with another year of experience and maturity, and maybe some good new freshmen.

I dont know the guy's exact position, but 1 of the big boys on some committee in that meeting last week was saying that wouldnt expanding the tourney to 96 force the kids to miss more school and how that was a big "reason" why football wasnt going to a playoff. I dont want to see 96 teams, and I wont be holding my breath, but expanding to 96 teams might be the first step to a football playoff. If thats the case, i'll take 96 teams.

Brad Stevens signed up to stay at Butler through 2022.  :) This is going to be a fun ride...