Per our conversation Saturday night:
I didn't know Eric gave Amare Stoudamire the creeps.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Is Notre Dame a Final Four team?
I'm watching Notre Dame tonight and I know they're a Top 10 team but I never really thought of them as a Final Four team but...
They look like they can be a Final Four team. They beat Pitt earlier in the season by grinding the Panthers down and limiting possessions and obviously, they can be very dynamic on offense, too. I might even say this is the closest a Mike Brey - Notre Dame team has looked like a Duke team.
They are 9th in AdjO for KenPom, their weakness being rebounding on offense and even that's not terrible. (Note - I guess rebound margin is the equivalent to batting average when evaluating). What you really have to like is how they pass and handle the ball. 15th in assists, 6th in assist/TO ratio and 16th in overall turnovers. Guys get good looks.
Only 61st in AdjD, they're still solid enough on defense to make a run through March. They simply don't foul, 7th in the nation. Again, the numbers all are solid other than guarding beyond the arc, 244th in the nation and making steals, 317th. The d isn't as good as the offense but I'm reminded them of controlling possessions against Pitt at Pitt and playing a neutral court B1G style game against Lucky and beating them ugly.
Finally, they have a legitimate guy that can carry them in Ben Hansbrough who can light you up behind the arc and break you down on the dribble.
I don't think picking Notre Dame, a member of the Axis of Evil (MSU & OSU) to make a DEEP run in March is much of a stretch. The one red flag is the losses have all been by double digits and all on the road but with a veteran-laden roster and plenty of good wins, they'll be ready come tourney time.
They look like they can be a Final Four team. They beat Pitt earlier in the season by grinding the Panthers down and limiting possessions and obviously, they can be very dynamic on offense, too. I might even say this is the closest a Mike Brey - Notre Dame team has looked like a Duke team.
They are 9th in AdjO for KenPom, their weakness being rebounding on offense and even that's not terrible. (Note - I guess rebound margin is the equivalent to batting average when evaluating). What you really have to like is how they pass and handle the ball. 15th in assists, 6th in assist/TO ratio and 16th in overall turnovers. Guys get good looks.
Only 61st in AdjD, they're still solid enough on defense to make a run through March. They simply don't foul, 7th in the nation. Again, the numbers all are solid other than guarding beyond the arc, 244th in the nation and making steals, 317th. The d isn't as good as the offense but I'm reminded them of controlling possessions against Pitt at Pitt and playing a neutral court B1G style game against Lucky and beating them ugly.
Finally, they have a legitimate guy that can carry them in Ben Hansbrough who can light you up behind the arc and break you down on the dribble.
I don't think picking Notre Dame, a member of the Axis of Evil (MSU & OSU) to make a DEEP run in March is much of a stretch. The one red flag is the losses have all been by double digits and all on the road but with a veteran-laden roster and plenty of good wins, they'll be ready come tourney time.
Monday Afternoon Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs N.Colo(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
BYU (Mwest) vs Murray State (OVC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Duke (ACC) vs UWM (Horizon)
Texas (Big 12) vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Purdue vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Notre Dame vs Kent State (MAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Wisconsin vs Long Island (NEC)
San Diego St vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Louisville vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Syracuse vs Vermont (Aeast)
4 seed vs 13 seed
North Carolina vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
St. John's vs Princeton (Ivy)
Florida (SEC) vs Oakland (Summit)
Kentucky vs Belmont (Asun)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
Georgetown vs Alabama/Baylor
West Virginia vs Richmond/Boston College
Vanderbilt vs Gonzaga
6 seed vs 11 seed
Villanova vs St. Mary's (WCC)
Arizona (Pac10) vs UAB (Cusa)
Texas A&M vs Georgia
Missouri vs Butler
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Michigan State
Temple vs Illinois
G. Mason (Colonial) vs Tennessee
UNLV vs Virginia Tech
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs Marquette
UCLA vs Washington
Florida State vs Cincinnati
Kansas State vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
Colorado State
Clemson
Colorado
Memphis
Next Four Out
Michigan
Cleveland State
Nebraska
Maryland
Also Considered
VCU
Washington State
Penn State
Wichita State
Southern Miss
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs N.Colo(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
BYU (Mwest) vs Murray State (OVC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Duke (ACC) vs UWM (Horizon)
Texas (Big 12) vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Purdue vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Notre Dame vs Kent State (MAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Wisconsin vs Long Island (NEC)
San Diego St vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Louisville vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Syracuse vs Vermont (Aeast)
4 seed vs 13 seed
North Carolina vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
St. John's vs Princeton (Ivy)
Florida (SEC) vs Oakland (Summit)
Kentucky vs Belmont (Asun)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
Georgetown vs Alabama/Baylor
West Virginia vs Richmond/Boston College
Vanderbilt vs Gonzaga
6 seed vs 11 seed
Villanova vs St. Mary's (WCC)
Arizona (Pac10) vs UAB (Cusa)
Texas A&M vs Georgia
Missouri vs Butler
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Michigan State
Temple vs Illinois
G. Mason (Colonial) vs Tennessee
UNLV vs Virginia Tech
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs Marquette
UCLA vs Washington
Florida State vs Cincinnati
Kansas State vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
Colorado State
Clemson
Colorado
Memphis
Next Four Out
Michigan
Cleveland State
Nebraska
Maryland
Also Considered
VCU
Washington State
Penn State
Wichita State
Southern Miss
Funny
Still finalizing this week's bracket but at the moment it came out as a Duke-UWM matchup as a 2-15 seeded game. That would be awesome.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Bubble Status
Lots of movement yesterday. After 2 days of 2 tournaments and league play for Evan's basketball and baseball teams I'm looking forward to going through the bracket tonight and sifting through SOS, RPI, and KenPom tomorrow to get a new bracket. We are two weeks away from Selection Sunday!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tonight's thought.
I think VA Tech just won either the Super Bowl or the World Cup based on espn's coverage. Good win for them and while I agree they're in the tournament did I just hear Vitale say they deserve it because they are a BCS school?
Gotta go, One Shining Moment should be coming on.
Gotta go, One Shining Moment should be coming on.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday Morning Bracketology
seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs Montana(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Murray State (OVC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Long Island (NEC)
BYU vs Kent State (MAC)
Purdue vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Florida (SEC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Wisconsin vs Vermont (Aeast)
Notre Dame vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Georgetown vs Harvard (Ivy)
Syracuse vs Oakland (Summit)
North Carolina vs Belmont (Asun)
St. John's vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Colorado State
Villanova vs UAB/Wichita State
Arizona (Pac10) vs Richmond/Gonzaga
Texas A&M vs Alabama
6 seed vs 11 seed
Kentucky vs St. Mary's (WCC)
West Virginia vs Memphis (Cusa)
Missouri vs Georgia
Vanderbilt vs Butler (Horizon)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Illinois
Temple vs Virginia Tech
George Mason (Colonial) vs Michigan State
UNLV vs Marquette
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs UCLA
Tennessee vs Florida State
Washington vs Kansas State
Cincinnati vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
Boston College
Clemson
Minnesota
Maryland
Next Four Out
Southern Miss
Nebraska
Baylor
VCU
Also Considered
Cleveland State
Washington State
Penn State
Princeton
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs Montana(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Murray State (OVC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Long Island (NEC)
BYU vs Kent State (MAC)
Purdue vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Florida (SEC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Wisconsin vs Vermont (Aeast)
Notre Dame vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Georgetown vs Harvard (Ivy)
Syracuse vs Oakland (Summit)
North Carolina vs Belmont (Asun)
St. John's vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Colorado State
Villanova vs UAB/Wichita State
Arizona (Pac10) vs Richmond/Gonzaga
Texas A&M vs Alabama
6 seed vs 11 seed
Kentucky vs St. Mary's (WCC)
West Virginia vs Memphis (Cusa)
Missouri vs Georgia
Vanderbilt vs Butler (Horizon)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Illinois
Temple vs Virginia Tech
George Mason (Colonial) vs Michigan State
UNLV vs Marquette
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs UCLA
Tennessee vs Florida State
Washington vs Kansas State
Cincinnati vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
Boston College
Clemson
Minnesota
Maryland
Next Four Out
Southern Miss
Nebraska
Baylor
VCU
Also Considered
Cleveland State
Washington State
Penn State
Princeton
Thursday, February 24, 2011
It's Getting Ugly
Except for Marquette. Finally a win on the road that means something. I'm thinking as long as they hold court at home they are in.
As for the rest of the bubble I am currently going through yesterday's action and the early games tonight. I feel dirty putting some of these teams in right now. Looking at my last 2 in and next 4 out we are talking about a 7-8 Big Ten team, 2 Conference USA teams with good RPI's but absolutely nothing behind it, and a couple ACC teams with +65 RPIs. This isn't even considering the Horizon team with 5 conference losses that's in, the SEC team with a 77 RPI, and the other Big Ten team at 7-8.
What a great idea that expansion. I know I'm looking forward seeing to crappy teams battle on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
As for the rest of the bubble I am currently going through yesterday's action and the early games tonight. I feel dirty putting some of these teams in right now. Looking at my last 2 in and next 4 out we are talking about a 7-8 Big Ten team, 2 Conference USA teams with good RPI's but absolutely nothing behind it, and a couple ACC teams with +65 RPIs. This isn't even considering the Horizon team with 5 conference losses that's in, the SEC team with a 77 RPI, and the other Big Ten team at 7-8.
What a great idea that expansion. I know I'm looking forward seeing to crappy teams battle on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A New Duke Post
Obviously, I track Duke more closely than other teams but this is some interesting information for all. If you're not familiar with Duke's bigs, Mason Plumlee is the more athletic of the 3 post players. He tends to operate better with a point guard who can drive and kick as opposed to posting up straight on the block. The season started with a true point guard running the show. Kyrie Irving then got hurt and Nolan Smith took over. Smith has been crushing most teams and is now in the hunt for player of the year. However, on February 2 Coach K inserted true Freshman Point Guard, Tyler Thornton into the starting lineup. Below shows the data on how that subtle change effected not only Plumlee but the entire team.
With Irving: M.Plumlee 10.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 8-0 record
With Smith: M.Plumlee 4.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 11-2 record
With Thornton: M.Plumlee 9.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 7-0 record
With Irving: M.Plumlee 10.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 8-0 record
With Smith: M.Plumlee 4.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 11-2 record
With Thornton: M.Plumlee 9.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 7-0 record
Updates
I got training from 8-5 all week so updates are going to be sporadic. I'm looking forward to Saturday and firing up the daily bubble watch. Can't wait!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It's the Game
I've been reading Basketball Prospectus and KenPom's blog and the stuff they crank out is amazing. The minuatie and the numbers they breakdown and "simplify" is quite remarkable. I've learned a lot and watch games differently because of it...but...
About 2002 I started reading Bill James and Rob Neyer and began to eschew the "old skool" rhetoric that Joe Morgan spouted at me every Sunday night as if I was somehow above the mubojumbo intended for the "average" Joe Beer Gut. I'd go to games and scoff at the jumbotron/scoreboard/monstorsity of gluttony at dated things like batting average and RBI. Where was the OPS or OBP?
Then I started not like going to games or watching games because I was listening to what I thought was nonsense as the announcers or fans in seats around me prattled on about things like "grit" or the importance of "small ball". The game was almost secondary at this point. Then the Brewers went to the playoffs and I slapped myself in the face and said, look what you missed, you asshat. Instead of enjoying a run, I was bitching about Corey Hart's OBP and Dale Sveum wasting outs. IT'S THE GAME! The camaraderie of the crowd, friends, the escapism from the mundane ritual that life can become at times.
I watched Villanova and Syracuse last night and found myself repeating the same mistakes I made as a baseball fan. Brian asked me to blog last year as we exchanged emails mid-season about Kentucky and I got back into college basketball after sort of being pretty casual about it for a while (Duke wins title, coincidence?). Of course, I jumped in feet first and started devouring all the analysis I could since that HAD to make a smarter or better fan. And then I thought more about my favorite games from my time watching college basketball (Sales reps have LOTS of free time). The games that stand out, were the games that were always part of some larger experience.
Some larger, usually shared experience. I remember games and I remember who I was with, where, when, hell, weather and other worthless points. And isn't that what sports should be? An escape into an experience? I respect the analysis, the breakdown but in the end, it's the game that brings people together and sometimes binds us longer than we'd probably ever imagine.
It's the game. And this game is pretty awesome to just sit back and watch and enjoy the wild ride.
About 2002 I started reading Bill James and Rob Neyer and began to eschew the "old skool" rhetoric that Joe Morgan spouted at me every Sunday night as if I was somehow above the mubojumbo intended for the "average" Joe Beer Gut. I'd go to games and scoff at the jumbotron/scoreboard/monstorsity of gluttony at dated things like batting average and RBI. Where was the OPS or OBP?
Then I started not like going to games or watching games because I was listening to what I thought was nonsense as the announcers or fans in seats around me prattled on about things like "grit" or the importance of "small ball". The game was almost secondary at this point. Then the Brewers went to the playoffs and I slapped myself in the face and said, look what you missed, you asshat. Instead of enjoying a run, I was bitching about Corey Hart's OBP and Dale Sveum wasting outs. IT'S THE GAME! The camaraderie of the crowd, friends, the escapism from the mundane ritual that life can become at times.
I watched Villanova and Syracuse last night and found myself repeating the same mistakes I made as a baseball fan. Brian asked me to blog last year as we exchanged emails mid-season about Kentucky and I got back into college basketball after sort of being pretty casual about it for a while (Duke wins title, coincidence?). Of course, I jumped in feet first and started devouring all the analysis I could since that HAD to make a smarter or better fan. And then I thought more about my favorite games from my time watching college basketball (Sales reps have LOTS of free time). The games that stand out, were the games that were always part of some larger experience.
Some larger, usually shared experience. I remember games and I remember who I was with, where, when, hell, weather and other worthless points. And isn't that what sports should be? An escape into an experience? I respect the analysis, the breakdown but in the end, it's the game that brings people together and sometimes binds us longer than we'd probably ever imagine.
It's the game. And this game is pretty awesome to just sit back and watch and enjoy the wild ride.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Another Ex-Marquette recruit making good
Kansas suspends Tyshawn Taylor for conduct detrimental to the team. Hard to believe. I'm having doubts on KU come March. Some character issues there.
Monday Morning Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Montana (Big Sky)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Island (NEC)
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Miami-OH (MAC)
BYU vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Purdue vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Florida (SEC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Wisconsin vs Vermont (Aeast)
Notre Dame vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Georgetown vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Harvard (Ivy)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Oakland (Summit)
Villanova vs UTEP (Cusa)
North Carolina vs Belmont (Asun)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
Syracuse vs Butler/Gonzaga
Vanderbilt vs Richmond/Minnesota
St. John's vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
6 seed vs 11 seed
Texas A&M vs Alabama
Kentucky vs Virginia Tech
West Virginia vs St. Mary's (WCC)
Missouri vs Boston College
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Michigan State
Temple vs Georgia
Florida State vs Marquette
George Mason (Colonial) vs Illinois
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs UCLA
UNLV vs Cincinnati
Tennessee vs Kansas State
Washington vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
UAB
Baylor
VCU
Clemson
Next Four Out
Southern Miss
Memphis
Nebraska
Colorado State
Also Considered
Wichita State
Maryland
Washington State
Penn State
Duquesne
Valparasio
Princeton
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Montana (Big Sky)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Island (NEC)
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Miami-OH (MAC)
BYU vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Purdue vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Florida (SEC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Wisconsin vs Vermont (Aeast)
Notre Dame vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Georgetown vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Harvard (Ivy)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Oakland (Summit)
Villanova vs UTEP (Cusa)
North Carolina vs Belmont (Asun)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Connecticut vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
Syracuse vs Butler/Gonzaga
Vanderbilt vs Richmond/Minnesota
St. John's vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
6 seed vs 11 seed
Texas A&M vs Alabama
Kentucky vs Virginia Tech
West Virginia vs St. Mary's (WCC)
Missouri vs Boston College
7 seed vs 10 seed
Xavier (A10) vs Michigan State
Temple vs Georgia
Florida State vs Marquette
George Mason (Colonial) vs Illinois
8 seed vs 9 seed
Utah State (WAC) vs UCLA
UNLV vs Cincinnati
Tennessee vs Kansas State
Washington vs Old Dominion
First Four Out
UAB
Baylor
VCU
Clemson
Next Four Out
Southern Miss
Memphis
Nebraska
Colorado State
Also Considered
Wichita State
Maryland
Washington State
Penn State
Duquesne
Valparasio
Princeton
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday's Update
Well, Duke wins but the top 4 all lose this week. Going over the data now but it looks like Duke moves into a #1 seed. My first glance puts the number 1's like this:
1.1 Ohio State - losses are at Wisky and at Purdue
1.2 Kansas - losses vs Texas and at Kansas State
1.3 Duke - losses at FSU and at St. John's
1.4 Pittsburgh - beat Texas head to head so they get the last #1 seed.
As for the bubble I need to look at the new RPI tomorrow morning before putting a bracket together. Early signs look like Memphis, Wichita State, and Colorado State dropping out. UTEP gets in with the C-USA auto bid while the last two spots look like they'll go to Richmond and Gonzaga. I'm still on the fence on whether to move Baylor back out. If they do I'm looking at UAB, VCU, Minnesota, and Clemson as a potential replacement. Nebraska and Southern Miss are coming on strong as well.
It's getting good! Well, at least it's getting interesting.
1.1 Ohio State - losses are at Wisky and at Purdue
1.2 Kansas - losses vs Texas and at Kansas State
1.3 Duke - losses at FSU and at St. John's
1.4 Pittsburgh - beat Texas head to head so they get the last #1 seed.
As for the bubble I need to look at the new RPI tomorrow morning before putting a bracket together. Early signs look like Memphis, Wichita State, and Colorado State dropping out. UTEP gets in with the C-USA auto bid while the last two spots look like they'll go to Richmond and Gonzaga. I'm still on the fence on whether to move Baylor back out. If they do I'm looking at UAB, VCU, Minnesota, and Clemson as a potential replacement. Nebraska and Southern Miss are coming on strong as well.
It's getting good! Well, at least it's getting interesting.
My Top 3 Tourney Games
3. (TIE): Thursday Night, Sweet 16 Midwest Region, 1997 - Minnesota over Clemson, Double Overtime: Minnesota 90 Clemson 84; UCLA over Iowa State, Overtime: UCLA 74 Iowa State 73
Unseasonably warm temps leading into spring break and two classic games. Minnesota holding on much to my chagrin and a big UCLA comeback.
2. Round Two, 1995 West Region - UCLA 75 Missouri 74
1. East Regional Final, 1992 - Duke 104 Kentucky 103
Not even close. The '95 tourney and '97 tourney are always underrated for best tourneys.
Worst games? 1999 First Round Wisconsin vs. SW Missouri State and the 2000 Final Four game, Michigan State vs. Wisconsin. Basketball at it's absolute worse
I didn't include regular season or conference tournament games. If I did, I'd put UConn-Georgetown Big East Final from 1996. Iverson-Allen.
Unseasonably warm temps leading into spring break and two classic games. Minnesota holding on much to my chagrin and a big UCLA comeback.
2. Round Two, 1995 West Region - UCLA 75 Missouri 74
1. East Regional Final, 1992 - Duke 104 Kentucky 103
Not even close. The '95 tourney and '97 tourney are always underrated for best tourneys.
Worst games? 1999 First Round Wisconsin vs. SW Missouri State and the 2000 Final Four game, Michigan State vs. Wisconsin. Basketball at it's absolute worse
I didn't include regular season or conference tournament games. If I did, I'd put UConn-Georgetown Big East Final from 1996. Iverson-Allen.
Best Game Ever
Here's a thought provoking question... What's the best college basketball game you remember watching? My three would be these, in order.
3. George Mason over Connecticut in the 2006 Elite Eight
2. Syracuse over Connecticut in the 2008 Big East Tournament (6 overtimes)
1. Duke over Kentucky, 1992 Elite Eight
3. George Mason over Connecticut in the 2006 Elite Eight
2. Syracuse over Connecticut in the 2008 Big East Tournament (6 overtimes)
1. Duke over Kentucky, 1992 Elite Eight
The Carnage Continues
Ohio State falls to Purdue which give all 4 of the top 4 losses this week. Who's the number 1 in the AP, who's the number in the Coaches? Who cares!
Who gets the #1 seeds is the true question. I'll wait to see if Duke wins tonight before commenting.
Who gets the #1 seeds is the true question. I'll wait to see if Duke wins tonight before commenting.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday Morning Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs TexasSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Ohio State (Big10) vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Miami-OH (MAC)
Kansas vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Long Island (NEC)
Duke (ACC) vs Montana (Big Sky)
BYU vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Notre Dame vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Purdue vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Florida (SEC) vs Vermont (Aeast)
Wisconsin vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Connecticut vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Georgetown vs Oakland (Summit)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Villanova vs Butler/Alabama
Syracuse vs Wichita State/Michigan State
Vanderbilt vs Baylor
Missouri vs Colorado State
6 seed vs 11 seed
Texas A&M vs Georgia
Kentucky vs Marquette
West Virginia vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
St. John's vs Boston College
7 seed vs 10 seed
Tennessee vs Cincinnati
Xavier (A10) vs Memphis (Cusa)
Temple vs Kansas State
Florida State vs Utah State (WAC)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Washington vs Old Dominion
George Mason (Colonial) vs Virginia Tech
Illinois vs St. Mary's (WCC)
UCLA vs UNLV
First Four Out
Gonzaga
Richmond
Minnesota
Penn State
Next Four Out
UAB
Clemson
Southern Miss
Duquesne
Also Considered
New Mexico
Maryland
VCU
Nebraska
Mississippi
Valparasio
UTEP
Oklahoma State
Washington State
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs TexasSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Ohio State (Big10) vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Miami-OH (MAC)
Kansas vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Long Island (NEC)
Duke (ACC) vs Montana (Big Sky)
BYU vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
Notre Dame vs Fairfield (MAAC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Purdue vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Florida (SEC) vs Vermont (Aeast)
Wisconsin vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Connecticut vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Georgetown vs Oakland (Summit)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Villanova vs Butler/Alabama
Syracuse vs Wichita State/Michigan State
Vanderbilt vs Baylor
Missouri vs Colorado State
6 seed vs 11 seed
Texas A&M vs Georgia
Kentucky vs Marquette
West Virginia vs Missouri State (Mvalley)
St. John's vs Boston College
7 seed vs 10 seed
Tennessee vs Cincinnati
Xavier (A10) vs Memphis (Cusa)
Temple vs Kansas State
Florida State vs Utah State (WAC)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Washington vs Old Dominion
George Mason (Colonial) vs Virginia Tech
Illinois vs St. Mary's (WCC)
UCLA vs UNLV
First Four Out
Gonzaga
Richmond
Minnesota
Penn State
Next Four Out
UAB
Clemson
Southern Miss
Duquesne
Also Considered
New Mexico
Maryland
VCU
Nebraska
Mississippi
Valparasio
UTEP
Oklahoma State
Washington State
Bubble Update
A little movement last night as Temple destroys Richmond and Minnesota loses to Penn State. The Spiders have a solid A-10 record but their SOS and RPI numbers are too hard to ignore at this point. They fall to the last 4 out. Taking their place are the Butler Bulldogs who have rallied for a bid in the last 3 weeks. As for Minnesota, their 1-5 record in the past 6 games doom them for now. Taking their place is Alabama, who's computer numbers are right around Richmond's. It's hard to ignore the 9-2 conference record in the SEC though. A full bracketology will be ready later this morning.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
America's Darlings Are Back
That's right, George Mason clinched a share of the Colonial regular season title with a thumping of VCU Tuesday night. Sitting pretty with a RPI of 26, barring a meltdown, the giant slayers should be dancing again this season - along with ODU.
They currently sit at 21 in AdjO and 31st in AdjD for KenPom, not too shabby. There's a lot to like about how they play. Offensively, they can fill the bucket (49th in scoring) and do so efficiently (14th in FG%). They're middle of the road in made 3's (117th) but they take them judiciously making neary 40% (15th). They are suspect at the line (174th) shooting 68.7%. They protect the ball as well (20th) turning it over about 11 times pg.
Defensively, they're solid as they rank 30th in scoring and 55th in FG%. They defend the long ball as opposing teams only shoot 30%. They're a little light on the boards +2.8 pg (96th). Overall, you aren't going to find a lot of things that they don't do fairly well.
If we believe in Senior backcourt play, then the Patriots have a good one to watch in Cam Long. Long scores 15ppg on 49% shooting. He can dial it up from long range as well, shooting 44% from deep. The point guard is Sophomore, Luke Hancock. Luke scores 11 ppg while dishing it and rebounding it 4.5pg. He also shoots 50% from the field and is the one guy you don't foul, shooting 82%. Juniors Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison add inside presence, averaging 7 and 6 rebounds per game respectively. Both hit over 50% from the field but Morrison is under 50% at the charity stripe.
I like George Mason's veteran team. The 3 upper classmen saw a lot of time on the court the past 2 plus seasons together. Though they haven't played a tough non-con schedule (losses at NC State, Wofford and Dayton), the Colonial is a historically tough out in the tournament and George Mason should live up to that history this season. Will they make another Final Four? Uh, no but they won't be a team anyone will want to see.
They currently sit at 21 in AdjO and 31st in AdjD for KenPom, not too shabby. There's a lot to like about how they play. Offensively, they can fill the bucket (49th in scoring) and do so efficiently (14th in FG%). They're middle of the road in made 3's (117th) but they take them judiciously making neary 40% (15th). They are suspect at the line (174th) shooting 68.7%. They protect the ball as well (20th) turning it over about 11 times pg.
Defensively, they're solid as they rank 30th in scoring and 55th in FG%. They defend the long ball as opposing teams only shoot 30%. They're a little light on the boards +2.8 pg (96th). Overall, you aren't going to find a lot of things that they don't do fairly well.
If we believe in Senior backcourt play, then the Patriots have a good one to watch in Cam Long. Long scores 15ppg on 49% shooting. He can dial it up from long range as well, shooting 44% from deep. The point guard is Sophomore, Luke Hancock. Luke scores 11 ppg while dishing it and rebounding it 4.5pg. He also shoots 50% from the field and is the one guy you don't foul, shooting 82%. Juniors Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison add inside presence, averaging 7 and 6 rebounds per game respectively. Both hit over 50% from the field but Morrison is under 50% at the charity stripe.
I like George Mason's veteran team. The 3 upper classmen saw a lot of time on the court the past 2 plus seasons together. Though they haven't played a tough non-con schedule (losses at NC State, Wofford and Dayton), the Colonial is a historically tough out in the tournament and George Mason should live up to that history this season. Will they make another Final Four? Uh, no but they won't be a team anyone will want to see.
Daily Bubble Update
There were a couple changes to the bracket last night; nothing major though. Valpo loses to UWM, and Cleveland State, who was on the bubble, gets the Horizon auto-bid. Also, UTEP loses and no longer leads Conference USA. Memphis now gets the auto-bid but since they were already in, it opens up an spot. This gets filled by Colorado State who has been a surprise out of the Mountain West. At this point I refer back to a post two months ago from Kurly who highlighted New Mexico as the most likely 4th seed in the M-West. My counter, " I think the only way they get 4 teams is if a surprise team wins the conference tournament. At this point I'd pick Colorado State over New Mexico if I needed to select a 4th team though." Blind Squirrel theory or excellent analysis?
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Kurly's Mid-Feb Final Four
Duke
Kansas
Pitt
Ohio State
Others strongly considered: BYU, Texas, Georgetown, Purdue
I think there's a team out there that we haven't recognized yet as a real good team. Purdue is a Top 20 KenPom team on both sides of the ball. I'm curious to see them this week against Lucky and the the Luckeyes.
Kansas
Pitt
Ohio State
Others strongly considered: BYU, Texas, Georgetown, Purdue
I think there's a team out there that we haven't recognized yet as a real good team. Purdue is a Top 20 KenPom team on both sides of the ball. I'm curious to see them this week against Lucky and the the Luckeyes.
My Final Four Picks v1.0
Here are my mid-February Final Four picks. For comparison I did the same thing mid-February last year and only got 1 correct.
Final Four:
Duke
Kansas
Pittsburgh
Missouri
Final Four:
Duke
Kansas
Pittsburgh
Missouri
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New layout
I had to change the entire format to widen the text field. It's a work in progress at best and is by no means set in stone. Let me know what changes you would like to see or if we should just go back to the way it was.
Layout
Ben - just granted you admin permissions. You can check out the Design now too. Happy hunting!
Changes to the layout.
Tonight's thought: Is there an easy way to make the main text column wider so we don't have to edit the youtube videos to fit? I know we looked at this last year but found no answers. Most videos are now in a widescreen format which does not fit the current layout. It's an easy edit if you are on a laptop but not so much on a smartphone.
Brian - You are the owner so I think any layout options would be viewable by you only.
Others: Any ideas?
Oh, yes. A and C. I have no facts other than a hunch. Which means I'm probably completely wrong. You should see how I did in my NFL pool. It got so bad I had my dog do my picks one week based on which paw she shook hands with. I can't imagine my NCAA skills are any better.
Which I guess explains why I love the envelope pool so much.
Brian - You are the owner so I think any layout options would be viewable by you only.
Others: Any ideas?
Oh, yes. A and C. I have no facts other than a hunch. Which means I'm probably completely wrong. You should see how I did in my NFL pool. It got so bad I had my dog do my picks one week based on which paw she shook hands with. I can't imagine my NCAA skills are any better.
Which I guess explains why I love the envelope pool so much.
The Bubble is, um, Fluid?
I spent some time today going back to look at last years updates and two things struck me. First, Kurlinski and I had some excellent predictions through the year. In early February I pegged Villanova as a top 5 team who wouldn't make it out of the first weekend (they didn't) while Kurly flagged Syracuse (lost to Butler in the Sweet 16). Also our watch list had Murray State (upset Vandy as a 13 seed) and Northern Iowa (beat Kansas in round 2), not to mention my season long Butler prediction. Second, by this time last year I was giving daily updates on teams coming in and out of the bracket. Due to the "softness" of the bubble this year it would almost be impossible at this point to do the same. A couple examples of how unpredictable it is this year one could look at Kansas State who went from being out of the bracket to a 10 seed by winning 1 game. Even at 5-6 in conference they are 1 loss away from falling out should it be a bad loss. In addition to K-State let's take a look at my 8 seeds; Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, and Temple. They are 8 seeds...the top half of the bracket and are any of them more than 2 losses in a row from being out? Can you say any of those teams are "locks" yet? Even my 7 seeds don't fill me with a ton of confidence. Tennessee? Great computer numbers but only 5-5 in the SEC. St. Mary's? I'd make sure I beat Gonzaga and at least make the conference tournament final. Xavier? 2 games away from 4th in the A-10. Florida State? Just lost their best player.
It's going to be a crazy last 3 weeks of the regular season and the conference tournaments are going to mean a ton! Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
It's going to be a crazy last 3 weeks of the regular season and the conference tournaments are going to mean a ton! Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Come on, Gators! Get up and go!
I half jokingly called the Gators NIT bound in December. As they've proved, nothing could be further from the truth. Sitting pretty at 20-5 (9-2, 1st SEC East) with a RPI of 11 and SOS of 5, the Gators are well on their way to a nice seeding and a chance (??) to make some noise in March.
December brought some bad losses to UCF and Jacksonville. They were pummeled by the Luckeyes at home in November. The best non-con win is over A-10 stalwart Xavier. But Florida has found itself in conference play, going 9-2 with losses to USC and Mississippi State and that loss to USC was answered with a thrashing at USC this past week.
KenPom rates them 40th in AdjO and 33rd in AdjD. Overall, they're actually 1 spot behind the Gold. Florida's calling card is their defense. 36th in overall scoring and 80th in FG% d, this team can guard as they are the best at not committing fouls in the land. They also crash the boards (17th). They're so-so on offense, 122nd in scoring and 110th in shooting. They do not make many 3's, about 6 per (201st). They're also weak at the line (249th), 66.1.
Florida's in position to win the SEC but does that mean much? Kentucky is not the same team, obviously. Tennessee has been in a state of flux all year. Georgia is building into something. Vandy is regular, reliable Vandy. And other than Alabama, the West has been mediocore at best represented by Mississippi State. I'll watch Florida the rest of the season. There will be something to be said if they run away and hide in the East and make a deep run in the conference tourney but I'll have some reservations about them come March, especially if they get a 3 seed as Brian projects.
Drink good wine.
December brought some bad losses to UCF and Jacksonville. They were pummeled by the Luckeyes at home in November. The best non-con win is over A-10 stalwart Xavier. But Florida has found itself in conference play, going 9-2 with losses to USC and Mississippi State and that loss to USC was answered with a thrashing at USC this past week.
KenPom rates them 40th in AdjO and 33rd in AdjD. Overall, they're actually 1 spot behind the Gold. Florida's calling card is their defense. 36th in overall scoring and 80th in FG% d, this team can guard as they are the best at not committing fouls in the land. They also crash the boards (17th). They're so-so on offense, 122nd in scoring and 110th in shooting. They do not make many 3's, about 6 per (201st). They're also weak at the line (249th), 66.1.
Florida's in position to win the SEC but does that mean much? Kentucky is not the same team, obviously. Tennessee has been in a state of flux all year. Georgia is building into something. Vandy is regular, reliable Vandy. And other than Alabama, the West has been mediocore at best represented by Mississippi State. I'll watch Florida the rest of the season. There will be something to be said if they run away and hide in the East and make a deep run in the conference tourney but I'll have some reservations about them come March, especially if they get a 3 seed as Brian projects.
Drink good wine.
Another Answer to a well posed thought
Brian is missing our favorite option that college professors used to try and trick us, the ol':
E - BOTH A & D (Which would be the correct choice)
I do not believe in Wisconsin at all. They are closer to the team that lost at Penn State and almost lost at Iowa. Lost in the hullabaloo over their win against OSU was the reality they needed to play a perfect 15 minutes to beat the Luckeyes. Can they shoot that well for that kind of stretch on a neutral court? They haven't with teams as talented or more talented. And those teams didn't give key minutes to non-entities like the red headed clown from Minnesota. Ultimately for them, it'll be based on matchups. If they play a team that can shoot or has plenty of size, they'll struggle. They could definitely make a run but I'll use history and history tells me away from Kohl against good teams, they struggle.
As for Marquette, unlike Wisconsin who CAN make a run riding stars like Taylor or Leuer, the Gold are way closer to not going or more likely, being a one and done. Marquette is a good team full of complimentary players who hasn't had a single player elevate his game to go-to guy. They have guys that could but none have. It's pretty evident by how they react in end-game situations or pressure spots. I don't see any evidence to suggest they can make any type of run.
E - BOTH A & D (Which would be the correct choice)
I do not believe in Wisconsin at all. They are closer to the team that lost at Penn State and almost lost at Iowa. Lost in the hullabaloo over their win against OSU was the reality they needed to play a perfect 15 minutes to beat the Luckeyes. Can they shoot that well for that kind of stretch on a neutral court? They haven't with teams as talented or more talented. And those teams didn't give key minutes to non-entities like the red headed clown from Minnesota. Ultimately for them, it'll be based on matchups. If they play a team that can shoot or has plenty of size, they'll struggle. They could definitely make a run but I'll use history and history tells me away from Kohl against good teams, they struggle.
As for Marquette, unlike Wisconsin who CAN make a run riding stars like Taylor or Leuer, the Gold are way closer to not going or more likely, being a one and done. Marquette is a good team full of complimentary players who hasn't had a single player elevate his game to go-to guy. They have guys that could but none have. It's pretty evident by how they react in end-game situations or pressure spots. I don't see any evidence to suggest they can make any type of run.
A Wisconsin State Question
Here's a question for all you blog followers. Rank these scenerio's in the order of most likely to happen:
A) Wisconsin gets a high seed and gets upset by a low seed
B) Wisconsin gets a high seed and makes the Elite Eight
C) Marquette gets a low seed and upsets some high seeds making a run
D) Marquette fizzles out and gets eliminated in the first round or doesn't make it at all
A) Wisconsin gets a high seed and gets upset by a low seed
B) Wisconsin gets a high seed and makes the Elite Eight
C) Marquette gets a low seed and upsets some high seeds making a run
D) Marquette fizzles out and gets eliminated in the first round or doesn't make it at all
What the Kansas Loss Means
Once again we have the #1 team in the land lose and once again I think it means a ton more for the team that beat them then what it means for Kansas. Kansas State moves from being out to in pushing out Butler. K-State's RPI was already around 40 and with this win should move into the mid-thirties. With a 5-6 conference record they should not feel safe but for the time being they are in. As for Kansas I once again don't feel they should fall off that top line. The Octogon of Doom is a tough place to play and even with two losses I don't think their resume is worse than San Diego State, BYU, Notre Dame, or Duke. The Jayhawks fall to the #4 1 seed but they are still a 1 seed.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Big East dominance
People are talking about this year morseo than the last five years in general. No one can deny the depth of the conference is far greater than any other in the land this season. Having 16 teams makes that easier but regardless, the bottom halfs of other leagues is pretty dreadful.
Since UConn won, the Big East has had UConn return, Villanova, West Virginia and Louisville who was actually still a member of the C-USA at the time represent the conference.
If we count Louisville (I don't), that's 4 different teams. In that same time frame, the Big 11 has had 3 different teams represent the conference and for it's total of 5, 3 of them belong to one school (MSU). The ACC has been represented 4 times by 2 schools. The Pac-10 has been represented those 3 times by 1 school. The Big 12 has been represented by lonely Kansas. I'd also say Memphis is probably a major more than a mid-major, especially when Calipari was there. The SEC had Florida and that odd duck LSU season.
What it shows more than anything, you really have few schools capable of winning National titles and it's usually the blue bloods:
05 - Carolina
06 - Florida
07 - Florida
08 - Kansas
09- Carolina
10 - Duke
Florida's not a true blue blood but like Ohio State in the B1G, they have a great AD and athletic department that spends more per win than most schools. The Pac-10 was repped by UCLA all those times and Michigan State went 3 times for the B1G. Blue bloods. And to be fair, it was Bill Self's kids that Bruce Weber took in 2005.
Really, what the Big East lacks, is a true, yearly lead dog(s). I'd say part of that is the lack of true football powers but that's another argument. Nearly every year, the ACC has Duke, UNC, the Big 12 has Kansas, the SEC has Kentucky, the B1G has MSU, etc...
Looking deeper, only one other conference had a better Elite 8 run than the Big East in 2009 when they had 4 schools, 2 of which played one another in that round. The B1G had 3 in that round in 2005 but UNC beat all 3 of them that year. Most years, 2 is the best other conferences do.
I wouldn't say overrated because the depth outweighs the yearly lack of a team that in reality can win it all. For all the consternation we'll go through in picking brackets in March, the reality is, there's likely only 4-5 teams built to win it all (This year? Duke, OSU, Texas, Kansas, maybe Pitt). I also don't buy the beating up part because Izzo Knows March shows playing a tough schedule should make you ready in March instead of wearing you out.
Overrated? Probably a little, but for overall top-to-bottom basketball, it's the best in 2011.
Since UConn won, the Big East has had UConn return, Villanova, West Virginia and Louisville who was actually still a member of the C-USA at the time represent the conference.
If we count Louisville (I don't), that's 4 different teams. In that same time frame, the Big 11 has had 3 different teams represent the conference and for it's total of 5, 3 of them belong to one school (MSU). The ACC has been represented 4 times by 2 schools. The Pac-10 has been represented those 3 times by 1 school. The Big 12 has been represented by lonely Kansas. I'd also say Memphis is probably a major more than a mid-major, especially when Calipari was there. The SEC had Florida and that odd duck LSU season.
What it shows more than anything, you really have few schools capable of winning National titles and it's usually the blue bloods:
05 - Carolina
06 - Florida
07 - Florida
08 - Kansas
09- Carolina
10 - Duke
Florida's not a true blue blood but like Ohio State in the B1G, they have a great AD and athletic department that spends more per win than most schools. The Pac-10 was repped by UCLA all those times and Michigan State went 3 times for the B1G. Blue bloods. And to be fair, it was Bill Self's kids that Bruce Weber took in 2005.
Really, what the Big East lacks, is a true, yearly lead dog(s). I'd say part of that is the lack of true football powers but that's another argument. Nearly every year, the ACC has Duke, UNC, the Big 12 has Kansas, the SEC has Kentucky, the B1G has MSU, etc...
Looking deeper, only one other conference had a better Elite 8 run than the Big East in 2009 when they had 4 schools, 2 of which played one another in that round. The B1G had 3 in that round in 2005 but UNC beat all 3 of them that year. Most years, 2 is the best other conferences do.
I wouldn't say overrated because the depth outweighs the yearly lack of a team that in reality can win it all. For all the consternation we'll go through in picking brackets in March, the reality is, there's likely only 4-5 teams built to win it all (This year? Duke, OSU, Texas, Kansas, maybe Pitt). I also don't buy the beating up part because Izzo Knows March shows playing a tough schedule should make you ready in March instead of wearing you out.
Overrated? Probably a little, but for overall top-to-bottom basketball, it's the best in 2011.
Big East Dominance
Everybody's been talking about how dominate the Big East has been but if we take a look at the last 6 years of the NCAA tournament since UConn won it all, it paints a different picture:
ACC - 4 Finals Fours, 3 Championship Games, 2 National Champs
Big 10 - 5 Finals Fours, 3 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
Big East - 5 Finals Fours, 0 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
Big 12 - 1 Finals Fours, 1 Championship Games, 1 National Champ
Pac 10 - 3 Finals Fours, 1 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
SEC - 3 Finals Fours, 2 Championship Games, 2 National Champs
Mid Majors - 3 Finals Fours, 2 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
The question that lingers is this: Is the Big East overrated come Championship time or does the strength of the conference lead itself to teams wearing out by the end of the year? Discuss....
ACC - 4 Finals Fours, 3 Championship Games, 2 National Champs
Big 10 - 5 Finals Fours, 3 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
Big East - 5 Finals Fours, 0 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
Big 12 - 1 Finals Fours, 1 Championship Games, 1 National Champ
Pac 10 - 3 Finals Fours, 1 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
SEC - 3 Finals Fours, 2 Championship Games, 2 National Champs
Mid Majors - 3 Finals Fours, 2 Championship Games, 0 National Champs
The question that lingers is this: Is the Big East overrated come Championship time or does the strength of the conference lead itself to teams wearing out by the end of the year? Discuss....
Monday Morning Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Kansas vs TexasSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Ohio State (Big10) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Montana (Big Sky)
Duke (ACC) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
BYU vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Notre Dame vs Bucknell (Patriot)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Georgetown vs Vermont (Aeast)
Purdue vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Florida (SEC) vs Kent State (MAC)
Wisconsin vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Connecticut vs Oakland (Summit)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Valparasio (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Texas A&M vs UTEP (Cusa)
Villanova vs Butler/Baylor
Vanderbilt vs Missouri State/Michigan State
Missouri vs Cincinnati
6 seed vs 11 seed
Kentucky vs Marquette
Syracuse vs Boston College
West Virginia vs Memphis
St. John's vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Tennessee vs Richmond
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Old Dominion
Xavier (A10) vs Georgia
Florida State vs Utah State (WAC)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Washington vs Virginia Tech
Minnesota vs George Mason (Colonial)
Illinois vs UNLV
Temple vs UCLA
First Four Out
Gonzaga
Alabama
Colorado State
Kansas State
Next Four Out
Washington State
Penn State
UAB
Oklahoma State
Also Considered
New Mexico
Maryland
Duquesne
VCU
Clemson
Southern Miss
Michigan
Cleveland State
Nebraska
Mississippi
Kansas vs TexasSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs MurraySt(OVC)/TexSo(SWAC)
Ohio State (Big10) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Montana (Big Sky)
Duke (ACC) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
BYU vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Notre Dame vs Bucknell (Patriot)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Georgetown vs Vermont (Aeast)
Purdue vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Florida (SEC) vs Kent State (MAC)
Wisconsin vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Connecticut vs Oakland (Summit)
Arizona (Pac10) vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Valparasio (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Texas A&M vs UTEP (Cusa)
Villanova vs Butler/Baylor
Vanderbilt vs Missouri State/Michigan State
Missouri vs Cincinnati
6 seed vs 11 seed
Kentucky vs Marquette
Syracuse vs Boston College
West Virginia vs Memphis
St. John's vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Tennessee vs Richmond
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Old Dominion
Xavier (A10) vs Georgia
Florida State vs Utah State (WAC)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Washington vs Virginia Tech
Minnesota vs George Mason (Colonial)
Illinois vs UNLV
Temple vs UCLA
First Four Out
Gonzaga
Alabama
Colorado State
Kansas State
Next Four Out
Washington State
Penn State
UAB
Oklahoma State
Also Considered
New Mexico
Maryland
Duquesne
VCU
Clemson
Southern Miss
Michigan
Cleveland State
Nebraska
Mississippi
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tonight's thought.
Do you think now maybe everyone will shut up about the Cavaliers not being able to win without LeBron?
One Shining Moment
Now, to be fair, nobody loves this song more than me but this is the one from 2006, which was by far the best tournament I remember. Check this video out and count the buzzer beaters and awesome moments. Plus as a bonus you get Gus Johnson screaming WHAT A GAME....U-C-L-A, multiple Adam Morrison crying shots, Brian Butch, Fear the Fro, and a shot of JJ Redick crying at the moment Luther Vandross says Lose at the win or lose part.
What the Wisconsin Win Means
With the win Wisconsin moves into a solid 3 seed. RPI should jump into top 15 and the win is late enough in the season for the committee to remember come March. Right they are sitting nicely and unless they have a total collapse they have locked up a top 4 seed. For Ohio State this lose means almost nothing. The #1, #1 seed going into the game, they will not fall off the top line. Kansas moves ahead of them and Pittsburgh will if they beat Villanova tonight. I'm going to have to think about whether Texas moves from the #4, 1 seed or if Ohio State stays at the third 1 seed. I know for a fact that none of the #2 seeds, San Diego State, Duke, BYU, or Notre Dame have enough to jump Ohio State.
All in all it was a good day for Wisconsin. Now, if Marquette could just pull one out tomorrow that would seal the weekend.
All in all it was a good day for Wisconsin. Now, if Marquette could just pull one out tomorrow that would seal the weekend.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday Morning Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs N'WesternSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs NColorado(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Notre Dame vs Murray State (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Georgetown vs Vermont (Aeast)
Purdue vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Florida (SEC) vs Kent State (MAC)
Wisconsin vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Connecticut vs Oakland (Summit)
Villanova vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Valparasio (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Arizona (Pac10) vs UTEP (Cusa)
Texas A&M vs Georgia/Michigan State
Kentucky vs Missouri State/Baylor
Syracuse vs Butler
6 seed vs 11 seed
Vanderbilt vs Old Dominion
Missouri vs Richmond
West Virginia vs Memphis
Tennessee vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Illinois vs Virginia Tech
St. John's vs Kansas State
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Utah State (WAC)
UNLV vs George Mason (Colonial)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Temple vs UCLA
Washington vs Florida State
Minnesota vs Marquette
Cincinnati vs Xavier (A10)
First Four Out
VCU
Gonzaga
Clemson
Boston College
Next Four Out
Oklahoma State
UAB
Colorado State
Southern Miss
Also Considered
Cleveland State
Penn State
New Mexico
Maryland
Northern Iowa
Duquesne
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Miami
Alabama
Washington State
Ohio State (Big10) vs N'WesternSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs NColorado(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Notre Dame vs Murray State (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Georgetown vs Vermont (Aeast)
Purdue vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Florida (SEC) vs Kent State (MAC)
Wisconsin vs Princeton (Ivy)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
Connecticut vs Oakland (Summit)
Villanova vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Valparasio (Horizon)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Arizona (Pac10) vs UTEP (Cusa)
Texas A&M vs Georgia/Michigan State
Kentucky vs Missouri State/Baylor
Syracuse vs Butler
6 seed vs 11 seed
Vanderbilt vs Old Dominion
Missouri vs Richmond
West Virginia vs Memphis
Tennessee vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Illinois vs Virginia Tech
St. John's vs Kansas State
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Utah State (WAC)
UNLV vs George Mason (Colonial)
8 seed vs 9 seed
Temple vs UCLA
Washington vs Florida State
Minnesota vs Marquette
Cincinnati vs Xavier (A10)
First Four Out
VCU
Gonzaga
Clemson
Boston College
Next Four Out
Oklahoma State
UAB
Colorado State
Southern Miss
Also Considered
Cleveland State
Penn State
New Mexico
Maryland
Northern Iowa
Duquesne
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Miami
Alabama
Washington State
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Xavier 16
On Sunday afternoon, you A-10 honks will see the battle for 1st place when the Xavier Musketeers (17-6, 8-1) take on the Duquesne Dukes. Xavier and Michigan State are the only two teams to make the last 3 Sweet 16's. At this point, only one of those appears to have a chance to extend that streak. Heck, Xavier is all of 10 points away from having 3 straight Elite 8 appearances.
Xavier currently has an RPI of 20 with a SOS rank of 28. Their best wins have been in conference, though they do have a win this week at Georgia and a home win against Butler. They have a bad loss at Charlotte and a road loss to Miami (OH). Miami (OH) could rep the MAC in March.
KenPom likes them offensively, 33rd in AdjO but they stand only 93rd in AdjD. They stand 95th in scoring and 83rd in FG%. They are not prolific beyond the arc, shooting only 33% and making 6 a game. They protect the ball okay (40th) and shoot well from the line (30th). They're steady as they go type team offensively.
On the other side of the ball, they're 131st in scoring defense and 62nd in FG%. Not terrible, hardly spectacular. They're on the plus side when it comes to rebounding (69th) but don't create steals (267th) or block shots (202nd). Like so many other things, they're okay guarding, 104th in team fouls per game. They have some deficiencies and aren't great at anything. But they are winning games.
Tu Holloway is THE GUY. He leads the team in nearly every category, including a nifty 21 ppg. Sophomore G Mark Lyons, 13.8 ppg is Holloway's running mate and Sr. F, Jamel McLean is the steady inside presence, averaging 11.5 ppg with 9 boards per game. He also shoots 54% from the field. Those of you that watched Xavier in Milwaukee last year probably remember Kenny Frease, the Xavier C. The Junior is an important cog for Xavier. In their losses, Frease has found foul trouble or was largely ineffective. If you're watching them in March, if he's not involved or in foul trouble that could be a bad sign for Xavier as could a bad shooting night from Holloway. One or the other or a combination of both spells doom.
I always like Xavier and they have a chance should matchups fall in place for them to reach another Sweet 16 but I don't think this team is as good as the last few. They'll be worth paying attention to as the regular season winds down.
Xavier currently has an RPI of 20 with a SOS rank of 28. Their best wins have been in conference, though they do have a win this week at Georgia and a home win against Butler. They have a bad loss at Charlotte and a road loss to Miami (OH). Miami (OH) could rep the MAC in March.
KenPom likes them offensively, 33rd in AdjO but they stand only 93rd in AdjD. They stand 95th in scoring and 83rd in FG%. They are not prolific beyond the arc, shooting only 33% and making 6 a game. They protect the ball okay (40th) and shoot well from the line (30th). They're steady as they go type team offensively.
On the other side of the ball, they're 131st in scoring defense and 62nd in FG%. Not terrible, hardly spectacular. They're on the plus side when it comes to rebounding (69th) but don't create steals (267th) or block shots (202nd). Like so many other things, they're okay guarding, 104th in team fouls per game. They have some deficiencies and aren't great at anything. But they are winning games.
Tu Holloway is THE GUY. He leads the team in nearly every category, including a nifty 21 ppg. Sophomore G Mark Lyons, 13.8 ppg is Holloway's running mate and Sr. F, Jamel McLean is the steady inside presence, averaging 11.5 ppg with 9 boards per game. He also shoots 54% from the field. Those of you that watched Xavier in Milwaukee last year probably remember Kenny Frease, the Xavier C. The Junior is an important cog for Xavier. In their losses, Frease has found foul trouble or was largely ineffective. If you're watching them in March, if he's not involved or in foul trouble that could be a bad sign for Xavier as could a bad shooting night from Holloway. One or the other or a combination of both spells doom.
I always like Xavier and they have a chance should matchups fall in place for them to reach another Sweet 16 but I don't think this team is as good as the last few. They'll be worth paying attention to as the regular season winds down.
The Schedule is Out
Thursday and Friday:
The scheduled start times for these games on March 17 and 18 are as follows: noon (CBS), 12:30 p.m. (truTV), 1:30 p.m. (TBS) and 2 p.m. (TNT). The second set of games begin at 2:30 p.m. (CBS), 3 p.m. (truTV), 4 p.m. (TBS) and 4:30 p.m. (TNT).
Then we get to prime time. TBS opens the coverage with a 6:45 p.m. tip-off followed by games at 7 p.m. (CBS), 7:15 p.m. (TNT and truTV). The final games of the night begin at 9:15 p.m. (TBS), 9:30 p.m. (CBS), 9:45 p.m. (TNT), and 9:55 p.m. (truTV).
Saturday and Sunday
CBS will televise four games on the opening weekend, beginning March 19 at noon. CBS will also air games at 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. TNT will carry games at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. TBS will have games at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The schedule the following day (Sunday, March 20) will be the same with the exception of truTV's airing the 7:30 p.m. game that CBS had the previous day.
The regional semifinal games on March 24 and March 25 will air on CBS (starting times are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) and TBS (7:15 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.).
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_deitsch/02/09/ncaa.cbsturner/index.html#ixzz1DaHnpANK
What this means is the games start about 25 minutes earlier in the day on Thursday and Friday. Also the games should blend from the day to the night games. No more need for the 4:10pm game that Stanford always played in.
The scheduled start times for these games on March 17 and 18 are as follows: noon (CBS), 12:30 p.m. (truTV), 1:30 p.m. (TBS) and 2 p.m. (TNT). The second set of games begin at 2:30 p.m. (CBS), 3 p.m. (truTV), 4 p.m. (TBS) and 4:30 p.m. (TNT).
Then we get to prime time. TBS opens the coverage with a 6:45 p.m. tip-off followed by games at 7 p.m. (CBS), 7:15 p.m. (TNT and truTV). The final games of the night begin at 9:15 p.m. (TBS), 9:30 p.m. (CBS), 9:45 p.m. (TNT), and 9:55 p.m. (truTV).
Saturday and Sunday
CBS will televise four games on the opening weekend, beginning March 19 at noon. CBS will also air games at 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. TNT will carry games at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. TBS will have games at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The schedule the following day (Sunday, March 20) will be the same with the exception of truTV's airing the 7:30 p.m. game that CBS had the previous day.
The regional semifinal games on March 24 and March 25 will air on CBS (starting times are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.) and TBS (7:15 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.).
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_deitsch/02/09/ncaa.cbsturner/index.html#ixzz1DaHnpANK
What this means is the games start about 25 minutes earlier in the day on Thursday and Friday. Also the games should blend from the day to the night games. No more need for the 4:10pm game that Stanford always played in.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
More TV channels? Mo' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Staggered start times? Mo' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sunday primetime (Undoubtedly for the Bagders showtime)? Mo' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The NCAA. Student athletes first.
Staggered start times? Mo' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Sunday primetime (Undoubtedly for the Bagders showtime)? Mo' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The NCAA. Student athletes first.
New NCAA schedule
I'm NOT a fan especially considering Sunday afternoon/evening is spent on an airplane without a tv.
Brian - you are right. Half of the fun is having 4 games on at one time. Hopefully we will still have enough overlap if they stagger the games correctly. Any idea on when the actual scheduled times will be released? Will they release a generic schedule early or wait until selection Sunday?
Brian - you are right. Half of the fun is having 4 games on at one time. Hopefully we will still have enough overlap if they stagger the games correctly. Any idea on when the actual scheduled times will be released? Will they release a generic schedule early or wait until selection Sunday?
Report: More NCAA tourney on TV
NEW YORK -- College basketball fans will see a whole lot more of the NCAA tournament on TV this March, including during prime time on the first Sunday night, according to a report.
CBS and Turner Sports, in the first year of a joint 14-year, $10.8 billion deal to broadcast the tournament, will announce Thursday that fans will get to see all games in their entirety thanks to staggered tip-off times and expanded coverage in the early rounds, USA Today is reporting.
Games will be seen on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV, allowing organizers to spread out start times in contrast to the regional coverage offered in years past. CBS executive vice president Mike Aresco told the paper the plan is to "create nonstop basketball from noon [ET] to midnight."
The tournament is expanding from 65 to 68 teams this year.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
--My thoughts are missed. On one hand it's nice to be able to see all the games but on the other hand having 4 tv's going at once is tradition. I am completely against the prime time Sunday games though. By that time I'm almost dead to the world.
Discuss....
CBS and Turner Sports, in the first year of a joint 14-year, $10.8 billion deal to broadcast the tournament, will announce Thursday that fans will get to see all games in their entirety thanks to staggered tip-off times and expanded coverage in the early rounds, USA Today is reporting.
Games will be seen on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV, allowing organizers to spread out start times in contrast to the regional coverage offered in years past. CBS executive vice president Mike Aresco told the paper the plan is to "create nonstop basketball from noon [ET] to midnight."
The tournament is expanding from 65 to 68 teams this year.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
--My thoughts are missed. On one hand it's nice to be able to see all the games but on the other hand having 4 tv's going at once is tradition. I am completely against the prime time Sunday games though. By that time I'm almost dead to the world.
Discuss....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Revisting an Early Post about the Big East
Let's revisit my Big East post from January 10. I highlighted 3 teams I thought would rise and 3 that would fall:
Teams that will rise:
Georgetown - was 1-3 at of 1/10 has since goes 6-1 to vault to the top half of the Big East
Villanova - has gone 5-3 since the post, also in the top 4 right now
Notre Dame - perhaps the hottest team in the nation has gone 5-1 and has a huge game tonight against Louisville
Teams that will fall:
Cincinnati - 4-4 since 1/10 with all wins against the bottom half (Rutgers, St. Johns, S.Fla, and DePaul)
St. Johns - 1 huge win over Duke but 2-5 in the other 7 games
Syracuse - Undefeated at that time they lost 4 in a row to go 4-4 in the past month
Looks like I hit that one on the head.
Teams that will rise:
Georgetown - was 1-3 at of 1/10 has since goes 6-1 to vault to the top half of the Big East
Villanova - has gone 5-3 since the post, also in the top 4 right now
Notre Dame - perhaps the hottest team in the nation has gone 5-1 and has a huge game tonight against Louisville
Teams that will fall:
Cincinnati - 4-4 since 1/10 with all wins against the bottom half (Rutgers, St. Johns, S.Fla, and DePaul)
St. Johns - 1 huge win over Duke but 2-5 in the other 7 games
Syracuse - Undefeated at that time they lost 4 in a row to go 4-4 in the past month
Looks like I hit that one on the head.
Surprisingly some people have a problem with this.
Marty Brennaman said Monday he "probably could have made a better choice of words" when he told a Huntington, W. Va., banquet audience Saturday night that Marshall University's president must be "queer" for softball.
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110207/SPT04/102080353/Reds-announcer-Marty-Brennaman-Remark-doesn-t-reflect-opinion-about-gays
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110207/SPT04/102080353/Reds-announcer-Marty-Brennaman-Remark-doesn-t-reflect-opinion-about-gays
Scott Van Pelt thoughts on TN
Tennessee leads the land in useless accessories. High Headbands / armsocks ratio. Also their coach is dressed like a Jolly Rancher
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Arizona Rising
One year ago, the Arizona Wildcats saw their 25 year NCAA tournament streak come to a crashing halt in coach Sean Miller's first season. Fast forward a year later, and Miller has Arizona back in a familiar place, 1st place in the Pac-10 (19-4, 9-2). Arizona's current RPI is 15 and have a SOS of 42 - sure to drop as Pac-10 play continues.
Arizona doesn't have a signature win out of conference (Their best win is at N.C. State) and their two best opportunities were a neutral court loss to Kansas and a thumping at BYU. The other two losses were a loss at Washington and a 1-pt. loss at a terrible Oregon State.
Arizona is an offensive-minded team. 20th in scoring and efficient at that, 11th in FG%. They make 8 3's a game (29th) and do this efficiently as well, 40.8 % (9th). They also make their free throws, 74% (35th). They are deficient in protecting the ball, as they're 222nd in TO margin. KenPom likes them on this end as they're 11th n AdjO.
Defensively, they have some concerns. KenPom ranks them 52nd. Overall, they're 141st in scoring defense and 161st in FG%. They foul a lot, almost 20 a game (221st) and don't block shots (266th) or create steals (283rd). They can clean the glass (37th). Some of this probably stems from the youth of this team.
Of the top 6 scorers, only 2 are upper classmen with only 1 being a SR. The player to know is, SOPH F, Derrick Williams. Williams is shooting a ridculous 63.3% from the field, averaging almost 20 ppg to go along with 8 rpg. Williams has been getting a lot of pub lately and righty so, but there are a few flaws. As good as Williams can be, he has fouled out of 4 games, including the last 2. To be successful in March, it'll be important for Arizona to keep him out of foul trouble. That being said, the guy is a beast and looks to be capable of carrying a team.
Arizona may not be a Final Four caliber team this year, but it looks like Sean Miller is beginning to put his stamp on this program and the future in the desert is bright. EDIT. I looked at an old post. Brian has them in the 4-5 seed.
Arizona doesn't have a signature win out of conference (Their best win is at N.C. State) and their two best opportunities were a neutral court loss to Kansas and a thumping at BYU. The other two losses were a loss at Washington and a 1-pt. loss at a terrible Oregon State.
Arizona is an offensive-minded team. 20th in scoring and efficient at that, 11th in FG%. They make 8 3's a game (29th) and do this efficiently as well, 40.8 % (9th). They also make their free throws, 74% (35th). They are deficient in protecting the ball, as they're 222nd in TO margin. KenPom likes them on this end as they're 11th n AdjO.
Defensively, they have some concerns. KenPom ranks them 52nd. Overall, they're 141st in scoring defense and 161st in FG%. They foul a lot, almost 20 a game (221st) and don't block shots (266th) or create steals (283rd). They can clean the glass (37th). Some of this probably stems from the youth of this team.
Of the top 6 scorers, only 2 are upper classmen with only 1 being a SR. The player to know is, SOPH F, Derrick Williams. Williams is shooting a ridculous 63.3% from the field, averaging almost 20 ppg to go along with 8 rpg. Williams has been getting a lot of pub lately and righty so, but there are a few flaws. As good as Williams can be, he has fouled out of 4 games, including the last 2. To be successful in March, it'll be important for Arizona to keep him out of foul trouble. That being said, the guy is a beast and looks to be capable of carrying a team.
Arizona may not be a Final Four caliber team this year, but it looks like Sean Miller is beginning to put his stamp on this program and the future in the desert is bright. EDIT. I looked at an old post. Brian has them in the 4-5 seed.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday Morning Bracketology
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs N'WesternSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs NColorado(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Connecticut vs Murray State (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Notre Dame vs Vermont (Aeast)
Georgetown vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Villanova vs Kent State (MAC)
Florida vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Oakland (Summit)
Purdue vs Princeton (Ivy)
Wisconsin vs UTEP (Cusa)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Syracuse vs Virginia Tech
Arizona (Pac10) vs Alabama (SEC)
Texas A&M vs VCU/Washington State
Kentucky vs Florida State/Baylor
6 seed vs 11 seed
Vanderbilt vs Boston College
Missouri vs Memphis
Tennessee vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
West Virginia vs Georgia
7 seed vs 10 seed
Illinois vs UCLA
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Kansas State
Minnesota vs George Mason (Colonial)
UNLV vs Missouri State
8 seed vs 9 seed
Temple vs Marquette
Washington vs Xavier (A10)
St. John's vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
Cincinnati vs Utah State (WAC)
Last Four Out
Richmond
Penn State
Gonzaga
Old Dominion
Next Four Out
Duquesne
UAB
Michigan State
Butler
Also Considered
Drexel
Valparasio
Oklahoma State
New Mexico
Clemson
Maryland
Miami
Dayton
Central Florida
Southern Miss
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Colorado State
Northern Iowa
Ohio State (Big10) vs N'WesternSt(Sland)/Hampton (MEAC)
Kansas vs NColorado(BSky)/TexSo(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Bucknell (Patriot)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Connecticut vs Murray State (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Notre Dame vs Vermont (Aeast)
Georgetown vs Colllege of Charleston (SoCon)
Villanova vs Kent State (MAC)
Florida vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Oakland (Summit)
Purdue vs Princeton (Ivy)
Wisconsin vs UTEP (Cusa)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Syracuse vs Virginia Tech
Arizona (Pac10) vs Alabama (SEC)
Texas A&M vs VCU/Washington State
Kentucky vs Florida State/Baylor
6 seed vs 11 seed
Vanderbilt vs Boston College
Missouri vs Memphis
Tennessee vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
West Virginia vs Georgia
7 seed vs 10 seed
Illinois vs UCLA
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Kansas State
Minnesota vs George Mason (Colonial)
UNLV vs Missouri State
8 seed vs 9 seed
Temple vs Marquette
Washington vs Xavier (A10)
St. John's vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
Cincinnati vs Utah State (WAC)
Last Four Out
Richmond
Penn State
Gonzaga
Old Dominion
Next Four Out
Duquesne
UAB
Michigan State
Butler
Also Considered
Drexel
Valparasio
Oklahoma State
New Mexico
Clemson
Maryland
Miami
Dayton
Central Florida
Southern Miss
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Colorado State
Northern Iowa
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Big Game Prediction
Since I have these numbers in my big money pool, I'll say:
Green Bay 26
Pittsburgh 21
One 'ol dongslinger boot through a TV
Green Bay 26
Pittsburgh 21
One 'ol dongslinger boot through a TV
Friday, February 4, 2011
Twice a Week Bracketology
I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about going to twice a week. Selection Sunday is just 37 days away.
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs Chattano(SoCon)/Jack St(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Buffalo(MAC)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Connecticut vs Austin Peay (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Notre Dame vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Georgetown vs Montana (Big Sky)
Villanova vs Vermont (Aeast)
Kentucky vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Alabama (SEC)
Purdue vs Oakland (Summit)
Florida vs Harvard (Ivy)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Texas A&M vs Duquesne (A10)
Wisconsin vs Georgia/Kansas State
Syracuse vs Gonzaga/Xavier
Arizona (Pac10) vs UCLA
6 seed vs 11 seed
West Virginia vs UTEP (Cusa)
UNLV vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
Tennessee vs Michigan State
Washington vs George Mason (Colonial)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Vanderbilt vs Boston College
Missouri vs Missouri State
Minnesota vs Virginia Tech
Illinois vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
8 seed vs 9 seed
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Marquette
Temple vs Old Dominion
St. John's vs Utah State (WAC)
Cincinnati vs Florida State
Last Four Out
Penn State
Memphis
Washington State
Baylor
Next Four Out
VCU
UAB
Richmond
Northern Iowa
Also Considered
Drexel
Valparasio
Oklahoma State
Butler
New Mexico
Clemson
Maryland
Miami
Dayton
Central Florida
Southern Miss
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Colorado State
1 seed vs 16 seed
Ohio State (Big10) vs McNeese(Sland)/B-Cook (MEAC)
Kansas vs Chattano(SoCon)/Jack St(SWAC)
Pittsburgh (Beast) vs Long Island (NEC)
Texas (Big 12) vs Buffalo(MAC)
2 seed vs 15 seed
San Diego St (Mwest) vs Fairfield (MAAC)
Duke (ACC) vs Long Beach State (Bwest)
BYU vs Florida Atlantic (Sbelt)
Connecticut vs Austin Peay (OVC)
3 seed vs 14 seed
Notre Dame vs Bucknell (Patriot)
Georgetown vs Montana (Big Sky)
Villanova vs Vermont (Aeast)
Kentucky vs Coastal Carolina (Bsouth)
4 seed vs 13 seed
Louisville vs Belmont (Asun)
North Carolina vs Alabama (SEC)
Purdue vs Oakland (Summit)
Florida vs Harvard (Ivy)
5 seed vs 12 seed
Texas A&M vs Duquesne (A10)
Wisconsin vs Georgia/Kansas State
Syracuse vs Gonzaga/Xavier
Arizona (Pac10) vs UCLA
6 seed vs 11 seed
West Virginia vs UTEP (Cusa)
UNLV vs Cleveland State (Horizon)
Tennessee vs Michigan State
Washington vs George Mason (Colonial)
7 seed vs 10 seed
Vanderbilt vs Boston College
Missouri vs Missouri State
Minnesota vs Virginia Tech
Illinois vs Wichita State (Mvalley)
8 seed vs 9 seed
St. Mary's (WCC) vs Marquette
Temple vs Old Dominion
St. John's vs Utah State (WAC)
Cincinnati vs Florida State
Last Four Out
Penn State
Memphis
Washington State
Baylor
Next Four Out
VCU
UAB
Richmond
Northern Iowa
Also Considered
Drexel
Valparasio
Oklahoma State
Butler
New Mexico
Clemson
Maryland
Miami
Dayton
Central Florida
Southern Miss
Nebraska
USC
Northwestern
Mississippi
Colorado
Colorado State
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Nice Breakdown
Hey Kurly, when you got time please breakdown my favorite Carolina...Coastal Carolina. Thanks!
Carolina Rising
Brian highlighted them as a potential sleeper come March, so let's take a closer look at the under-the-radar Tar Heels.
At 16-5 (6-1), Carolina finds itself in position to challenge for an ACC regular season title. On Sunday, they play Florida State at home and go to Duke on Tuesday. Their RPI is 16 and the SOS is 16. Non-conference wasn't very kind to the Tar Heels. They lost a close home game to Texas (Hardly a bad loss at this moment) and on the road to Illinois. Neutral court losses were to Vanderbilt and Minnesota (Both should make the dance). The only conference loss is an inexplicable one to a terrible Georgia Tech team. They have only one significant win, a win over a Kentucky team who is similar to UNC in some ways.
KenPom likes them offensively, 6th in the land but they have issues on the other end, 51st in AdjD. I think the last number bares watching as we move through the remainder of the ACC schedule.
On defense, Carolina boards well (25th), blocks shots (14th) and committs few(er) fouls (35th). Scoring defense is middle of the pack (153rd) but FG% is a very respectable 46th (40.3%). Surprisingly, the FG defense is better than the scoring % which is 96th. They score plenty (33rd) but have issues. Long ball ranks are 277th in makes, a paltry 5.1 ppg and 210th in % made. Coupled with bad FT%, 64.5% (278th) and we can see why they can lay a Georgia Tech stinker.
The hype was Harrison Barnes to begin the season but the glue has been John enson and Tyler Zeller. Henson has been an inside menace, grabbing 8.5 RPG, blocking 3.1 SPG and scoring 11 ppg. His one LARGE flaw is a 39% FT. That'll bring that team number down. Zeller continues to steadily improve, averaging 14 & 7 while adding a block pg as well. Barnes is coming off two dynamic games after a so-so start. Interestingly enough, his numbers have improved with Kendall Marshall starting at PG instead of Larry Drew II. Sound familiar, Duke fans?
Carolina looks to be a on the right track and with a mediocore ACC, they'll probably make some noise heading into March Madness. But there are red flags everywhere at this point. They'll need to clean those up before March but if Huckleberry Roy has found something pairing Marshall and Barnes, maybe they can correct those issues and make some noise in March.
At 16-5 (6-1), Carolina finds itself in position to challenge for an ACC regular season title. On Sunday, they play Florida State at home and go to Duke on Tuesday. Their RPI is 16 and the SOS is 16. Non-conference wasn't very kind to the Tar Heels. They lost a close home game to Texas (Hardly a bad loss at this moment) and on the road to Illinois. Neutral court losses were to Vanderbilt and Minnesota (Both should make the dance). The only conference loss is an inexplicable one to a terrible Georgia Tech team. They have only one significant win, a win over a Kentucky team who is similar to UNC in some ways.
KenPom likes them offensively, 6th in the land but they have issues on the other end, 51st in AdjD. I think the last number bares watching as we move through the remainder of the ACC schedule.
On defense, Carolina boards well (25th), blocks shots (14th) and committs few(er) fouls (35th). Scoring defense is middle of the pack (153rd) but FG% is a very respectable 46th (40.3%). Surprisingly, the FG defense is better than the scoring % which is 96th. They score plenty (33rd) but have issues. Long ball ranks are 277th in makes, a paltry 5.1 ppg and 210th in % made. Coupled with bad FT%, 64.5% (278th) and we can see why they can lay a Georgia Tech stinker.
The hype was Harrison Barnes to begin the season but the glue has been John enson and Tyler Zeller. Henson has been an inside menace, grabbing 8.5 RPG, blocking 3.1 SPG and scoring 11 ppg. His one LARGE flaw is a 39% FT. That'll bring that team number down. Zeller continues to steadily improve, averaging 14 & 7 while adding a block pg as well. Barnes is coming off two dynamic games after a so-so start. Interestingly enough, his numbers have improved with Kendall Marshall starting at PG instead of Larry Drew II. Sound familiar, Duke fans?
Carolina looks to be a on the right track and with a mediocore ACC, they'll probably make some noise heading into March Madness. But there are red flags everywhere at this point. They'll need to clean those up before March but if Huckleberry Roy has found something pairing Marshall and Barnes, maybe they can correct those issues and make some noise in March.
Green and Yellow
I want to stop listening but I can't. Lyrical genius - I'm a Cheesehead, y'all niggas Cheez Wiz. And he gets in a Pop Tart reference, too.
http://m.youtube.com/?dc=organic&source=mog&hl=en#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=K2Y8Rh24V_Q
http://m.youtube.com/?dc=organic&source=mog&hl=en#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=K2Y8Rh24V_Q
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Duke Tonight
They are starting Tyler Thornton, a freshman at point tonight. Love the move, as it moves Nolan Smith to the 2. I look for Mason Plumlee to get more into the game just like when Irving was healthy. This could be the turning point for the season. Love it. Plumlee should have a double-double and Smith with 25+. Either Curry or Dawkins will have a solid game off the bench. It's time for the stretch run and Coach K again proves his brillance.
Let's Look At A Couple Under/Over Ranked Teams
Top 15 Teams who might not be as good as they seem
BYU - Ranked #8 but they really are a 1 man show. Slow Jimmer down and you are almost guaranteed a win. Defensive Efficiency is currently 36th which as you recall is outside of the magically top 25 to make a final four.
Pittsburgh - Ranked #4 and a team I really like. The Big East grind will wear them down and they will be susceptible to an upset come March. Offensive Efficiency is #1 but Defense is a common man like 37th. Can't see them doing it this year
Georgetown - Ranked #13 they've gone up and then down and are now back up. Defensive Efficiency is #47. They will keep winning in February but March is looming
Teams outside the top 15 who may be better than they seem
Louisville - ranked #16 they've had some battles with the above teams. Defensively they are #19 and offensively they sit at 39th. This team will go as far as Peyton Siva takes them.
Illinois - Not ranked; they just lost at Indiana. I see this as a wake up call as they pounded Penn State last night. Ranked 23rd in Offensive and 24th in Defense they have a chance at a deep March run
North Carolina - Ranked #23 and this hurts to type but they really are under the radar right now. Harrison Barnes is starting to come around and that will help their 51st offensive rank. Combined that with the 7th best defense and there's the making of a tough March out.
BYU - Ranked #8 but they really are a 1 man show. Slow Jimmer down and you are almost guaranteed a win. Defensive Efficiency is currently 36th which as you recall is outside of the magically top 25 to make a final four.
Pittsburgh - Ranked #4 and a team I really like. The Big East grind will wear them down and they will be susceptible to an upset come March. Offensive Efficiency is #1 but Defense is a common man like 37th. Can't see them doing it this year
Georgetown - Ranked #13 they've gone up and then down and are now back up. Defensive Efficiency is #47. They will keep winning in February but March is looming
Teams outside the top 15 who may be better than they seem
Louisville - ranked #16 they've had some battles with the above teams. Defensively they are #19 and offensively they sit at 39th. This team will go as far as Peyton Siva takes them.
Illinois - Not ranked; they just lost at Indiana. I see this as a wake up call as they pounded Penn State last night. Ranked 23rd in Offensive and 24th in Defense they have a chance at a deep March run
North Carolina - Ranked #23 and this hurts to type but they really are under the radar right now. Harrison Barnes is starting to come around and that will help their 51st offensive rank. Combined that with the 7th best defense and there's the making of a tough March out.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The B1G
Brian - When talking about the B1G, please use the logo at all times, B1G. It makes me laugh every time.
Tuesday Night Matchups
There's going to way too much snow to do anything but watch Basketball. Here's what I'll have on:
Purdue at Wisconsin
Can Wisky bounce back from the road loss to Penn State? This game could be for a #4 seed
Penn State at Illinois
PSU needs to follow up the Wisky win with a good showing on the road. They are in but it's not firm
North Carolina at Boston College
BC was hot early but is starting to cool. Meanwhile UNC has, sigh, showed signs of life. BC's room for error is closing quickly and they need to defend their home court
Vanderbilt at Florida
Both teams are looking to be the class of the SEC. Winner here would be second in my mind to Kentucky and potential #4 seed.
Enjoy the games and the snow tonight.
Purdue at Wisconsin
Can Wisky bounce back from the road loss to Penn State? This game could be for a #4 seed
Penn State at Illinois
PSU needs to follow up the Wisky win with a good showing on the road. They are in but it's not firm
North Carolina at Boston College
BC was hot early but is starting to cool. Meanwhile UNC has, sigh, showed signs of life. BC's room for error is closing quickly and they need to defend their home court
Vanderbilt at Florida
Both teams are looking to be the class of the SEC. Winner here would be second in my mind to Kentucky and potential #4 seed.
Enjoy the games and the snow tonight.
More Dos Equis Quotes!
His personality is so magnetic, he is unable to carry credit cards.
He speaks fluent French, in Russian
He’s a lover… Not a fighter, but he’s also a fighter, so Don’t get any ideas.
He once visited a Psychic…to warn her.”
He has won the lifetime achievement award...twice.
His parents were named after him
He once traveled to and explored the Virgin Islands, when he left they were just "The Islands."
He has found Waldo several times, but has released him because he enjoys the hunt.
He once sent $2000 to a Nigerian scammer, and actually received his $2.7 million inheritance.
He can speak Braille
He is the only person Chuck Norris has apologized to.
He was once pulled over for speeding, but he let the officer go with just a warning
He has crossed the point of no return - on several occasions.
If at first he does not succeed, then it is impossible.
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