Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[JimiThang1]

gatech wins. i mean when you dont have to deal with acc refs.
honeslty, im just trying to badmouth the refs so i can post this
www.prism.gatech.edu/~ds325/bought.mpeg
the only foul that i could see being called is for jj pushing off, not on jack.
but even more so, FIRE KARL HESS. i threw things at the tv at both state games when i saw he was the one calling the game
Hell yea that call was a bunch of bullshit!

[greenpepper7]

then youre gonna die alot real soon. ga tech is not a 5 seed. they have been playing alot better as of late, meaing since elder returned.

now for the conspiracy thoery. washington being a 1 seed is a joke, theyre a good squad, but not a 1, wake should be a 1. louisville as a 4, another huge joke. gonzaga as a 3, also not really that fair, especially above lousville. so heres the conspiracy. the committee didnt want 3 #1 seeds from the acc. so they give wake a 2, but should wake be punished by this? no, gonzaga is really the 4 seed, louisville the 3, washington the 2, and wake the 1. they screwed the seeding but kept the matchups the same. its just a thoery ive heard.

I completely disagree. As for Washington, they are #3 in the RPI (the most unbiased rating system) they boast the best record against top 25 teams except for Illinois which is 5-2 (and only one of those came at home). Washington has won both of the tournaments (Alaska Shootout and Pac-10) they have entered, making them a perfect 6-0 on neutral courts. All 6 of those teams had a positive season record and 5 of those teams are in the NCAA tournament this year (the 6th is in the NIT). They also won the PAC-10 tournament beating Arizona in the Final.



As much as I hate to lobby for the Zags, Gonzaga should be a #3. They beat GT (and it wasn't during GT's slump), and Oklahoma state @ Oklahoma. They also have a win over Washington as well as well as a conference title. They have proved they are both consistent and can beat the top caliber teams.

I do agree that Louisville should be a #3 team though; Oklahoma (who is one of the five top 25 teams UW beat, this one was on a neutral court) should be a #4.

[gbs3769]

So I'm back from the City and the Big East Tournament. What a great time! I always forget just how much I love New York until I visit. I really should just move there one of these days.

We had tickets to the Semifinals and the Finals. Seats were up in the rafters, but in the Garden pretty much every seat is good. 'Nova got robbed at the end of their Semifinal. There certainly was a push there that could have been called, however it shouldn't have been called with .2 seconds left. The scary thing is that I was with my Aunt who was telling me about how they lost to Georgetown on a last second foul call that sent a guy to the foul line to win the game. Pretty wierd that we were talking about that and then the same thing happened. She was pretty heart-broken. Both her and my mom played for Nova in the days of the Big 5, but at least we have converted my mom to being a Syracuse fan.

'Cuse looked sloppy letting the lead slip against UConn. I just hate it when we try and slow things down. It's not the way we play ball. We are a faced pace, high-energy offense that likes to run on you and when we slow things down we get sloppy. However, there were some very impressive things that we did. The fact that we were only outrebounded by 1 was very impressive. If we can continue to do that against teams in the tournament we have the ability to go deep.

Against West Virginia the same thing happened. We looked sloppy in the second half when we slowed things down. We really got on the glass again and our foul shooting was improved from the game against UConn.

And with that we accomplished something we hadn't done since 1992. It was an exciting event to attend and if I hadn't been feeling lousy throughout the game I probably would have enjoyed throwing back a few pints at some of the pubs around the Garden with the other 'Cuse fans. The best part of the Big East Tournament was happened when we were leaving the game on Saturday. There were some UConn fans who were still doing their U-C-O-N-N chant so some Syracuse fans on the escalator started chanting C-U-S-E, 'Cuse, 'Cuse, 'Cuse. It certainly shut the UConn fans up real quick.

All season long I have been telling my friends that there are three problems with Syracuse. The fist being that we don't rebound, the second that we don't shoot foul shots, and the final being that we really don't have a 3rd of 4th option. You could say that Josh Pace is our third option, but I don't see him being the scoring threat that we really need. He is our utility guy and that is what we need him for, but we need guys like Roberts and Nichols to step up and be that third or fourth option. If we can consistantly take care of two of those three problems we will be a force in the Tournament.

I don't like our first round draw against Vermont. Coppenrath is going to be tough for our big men to handle. I knew going into the selection show that we were going to be a 4 and for some reason I thought we would draw Vermont and I was not looking forward to it. I could just be crazy, but I think they could give us a run for our money. But we have players on this team who have battled back from being 18 points down in the second round of the Tournament so they know how to win in the big games.

I'll be getting my picks in soon for the various leagues and I'll be sure and post back with my thoughts.

And finally, they showed some quick advertisements in the Garden for the new Big East logo. I was not impressed. I don't know if they have shown it elsewhere, but it looks terrible. It's very old school Conference USA like.

- Matt

[seekupig]

Oklahoma St. should have gotten the last #1 seed over Washington and Wake Forest.

[Snipper007]

did anyone start a ants bracket on ESPN.com? if not I will start one.

[haildmb]

Oklahoma St. should have gotten the last #1 seed over Washington and Wake Forest.


stirring the pot! :D

[Snipper007]

Oklahoma St. should have gotten the last #1 seed over Washington and Wake Forest.
I thought the same thing! I think OK. st. ahould be the forth number one and Wash. should take there place as the #2 seed. I also think that Gonzaga should have gotten a 2# seed not Uconn.

[SatelliteEyes]

What is up with the disrespect for Louisville? Arent they like #4 in the country this week?

[seekupig]

stirring the pot! :D

:lol
actually, i just woke up and read the last few post from last night. i'm to tired to put together a full argument about it, so i just threw it out there. once i get through this coffee i'll lay it out my case a little stronger.;)

[seekupig]

What is up with the disrespect for Louisville? Arent they like #4 in the country this week?

yeah, but they're #11 in the RPI with a #73 strength of schedule.

they got ranked that high in the human polls because people around them lost tough games in tough conferences. the selection comittee was able to see through that and placed them closer to what they deserve. i think they should have been a #3 seed, but no higher.

[rcarlsn612]

What is up with the disrespect for Louisville? Arent they like #4 in the country this week?
I have them in the final four :multi

[bdb23]

I have them in the final four :multi
I have them in the Elite 8 but getting knocked out by Gonzaga.

[seekupig]

i think i've narrowed down my Elite Eight........for now.......

AUSTIN REGION

Syracuse
Oklahoma

SYRACUSE REGION

UNC
Kansas

CHICAGO REGION

Illinois
Oklahoma St.

ALBUQUERQUE REGION

Georgia Tech
Gonzaga

[bdb23]

i think i've narrowed down my Elite Eight........for now.......

AUSTIN REGION

Syracuse
Oklahoma

SYRACUSE REGION

UNC
Kansas

CHICAGO REGION

Illinois
Oklahoma St.

ALBUQUERQUE REGION

Georgia Tech
Gonzaga
I see you finally went with the UNC/KU match-up. :thumbsup

[seekupig]

I see you finally went with the UNC/KU match-up. :thumbsup

it's tough. everyone want to see it, everyone except KU and UNC fans anyways. i'll have to lock myself in the bedroom with a case of beer to watch that game. in some of my mock brackets that i've filled out, i've got KU losing to Wisconsin and UConn as well as UNC losing to Floridia or 'Nova. i think i've settled on a KU / UNC matchup though.

[trippingbilly12]

it's tough. everyone want to see it, everyone except KU and UNC fans anyways. i'll have to lock myself in the bedroom with a case of beer to watch that game. in some of my mock brackets that i've filled out, i've got KU losing to Wisconsin and UConn as well as UNC losing to Floridia or 'Nova. i think i've settled on a KU / UNC matchup though.

That KU-UCONN matchup will be a hell of a game. I just can't believe how hard that bracket is and how difficult it will be for KU to get anywhere deep.

[seekupig]

i just finished my first bracket and can't believe what i came up with. i went through it without a Final Four in mind just picking each game by itself. i ended up with NO #1 seeds in the Final Four. i came up with......

Kansas
Georgia Tech
Syracuse
Oklahoma St.


this may be the toughest year ever for filling out brackets. there are so many teams that can make it to the Final Four that could also be gone by this time next week.:BANG

[trippingbilly12]

i just finished my first bracket and can't believe what i came up with. i went through it without a Final Four in mind just picking each game by itself. i ended up with NO #1 seeds in the Final Four. i came up with......

Kansas
Georgia Tech
Syracuse
Oklahoma St.


this may be the toughest year ever for filling out brackets. there are so many teams that can make it to the Final Four that could also be gone by this time next week.:BANG

I agree with Kansas and Ok. State. I see Syracuse doing well in the tourney, but I don't know about them being a Final 4 Team.

[bustdstuff]

I completely disagree. As for Washington, they are #3 in the RPI (the most unbiased rating system) they boast the best record against top 25 teams except for Illinois which is 5-2 (and only one of those came at home).


If the RPI is the most unbiased why did the commitee have three different versions of it in the room?

[gbs3769]

i just finished my first bracket and can't believe what i came up with. i went through it without a Final Four in mind just picking each game by itself. i ended up with NO #1 seeds in the Final Four.

I also have no #1 seeds in the Final Four.

My Final Four is:

Syracuse (for selfish reasons)
UConn
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech

Many will hate on it, but I think it's a winnner.

- Matt

[watchtower41]

What a weekend, got into the Big X final yesterday for 20$


quite possibly one of the worst jobs the committee has ever done.....why can mid-majors only play other mid-majors?? Ehhh, smallest of complaints.... I'm just not thrilled about any of the first round matchups like I usually am.

[DMBfan41]

Oklahoma St.
Georgia Tech
Duke
North Carolina

[Snipper007]

Go Dawgs!!

[unccrombie]

draft one of my brackets gives me this

elite 8: Illi/OK state, Louisville/Wake, UNC/Kansas, Duke/Oklahoma
Final 4: OK State/Wake, UNC/Duke

I really dont like the UNC matchup, i probably end up taking the cuse over duke. not sure. im big on my 5/12s this year too. ODU over Mich St. and pitt will knock off washinton in the 2nd round, mark it down boys

[DMBfan41]

Syracuse/Duke match will decide the region

[unccrombie]

agreed

[rcarlsn612]

looks like i'll be heading to the cuse for easter weekend for the games, can't wait
6 hour drive will be worth it

[unccrombie]

i'll be there as well, dont know my seats yet, probably shit 300s, but i wont miss these games

[gbs3769]

I'll be there as well. We've got some good games coming up.

- Matt

[rcarlsn612]

i'll be there as well, dont know my seats yet, probably shit 300s, but i wont miss these games
i'll either be 6th row or if we can't get those we'll just buy the 300 level seats, doesn't mnatter to me as long as i'm there
pm me and we'll get together when i'm up there

[bustdstuff]

I just saw this in an article at ESPN. Thought it was interesting, didn't realize it was about to happen.

With first-round victory, Coach K ties Dean Smith for most tournament victories (65).

Here's the article. It's one of those "by the numbers" things.
http://sports-att.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney05/news/story?id=2011869

[seekupig]

im big on my 5/12s this year too. ODU over Mich St. and pitt will knock off washinton in the 2nd round, mark it down boys

:lol

i've got the same thing.

ODU over Mich St.
UAB over LSU and Arizona
UW-Milwaukee over Alabama and Boston College
Cincinnati over Jelly in the second round
Pittsburgh over Washington in the second round

some of these are subject to change, but there will be some upsets. it's just a matter of finding the right matchups.

[unccrombie]

i'll either be 6th row or if we can't get those we'll just buy the 300 level seats, doesn't mnatter to me as long as i'm there
pm me and we'll get together when i'm up there
6th row bastard. i'll probably end up moving around if i can find some open seats in the 312's maybe, or something center court

[seekupig]

If the RPI is the most unbiased why did the commitee have three different versions of it in the room?

:thumbsup good point.

and, why is Kansas STILL #1?

being unbiased doesn't make it right.

[seekupig]

anyone have a 13 seed or lower winning a game in the first round?

[clayj41]

anyone have a 13 seed or lower winning a game in the first round?

No, I'm not brave enough to do that.

[Snipper007]

In one of mine I got Penn over BC in round one

[seekupig]

i keep debating Syracuse / Vermont, but if it doesn't happen the 'Cuse are capable of going to the Final Four. i don't like picking upsets that can hurt me for more than one or two rounds.

[bustdstuff]

anyone have a 13 seed or lower winning a game in the first round?


I'm not that bold.

[clayj41]

Yeah, I really like the way that Vermont plays. It's just to bad they got matched up with Syracuse in the first round.

[bustdstuff]

i keep debating Syracuse / Vermont, but if it doesn't happen the 'Cuse are capable of going to the Final Four. i don't like picking upsets that can hurt me for more than one or two rounds.

I really don't know about the 'Cuse. It's not out of disrespect, it's a gut feeling.

[gbs3769]

I'm more than a little concerned about the matchup with Vermont. Although I think in the end our experience will win out.

- Matt

[seekupig]

I really don't know about the 'Cuse. It's not out of disrespect, it's a gut feeling.

that's kind of where i keep finding myself with Duke. i know they're good enough, but i just don't see it this year. but, they've been proving me wrong all year so i'm sure you'll be happy if i keep picking them to lose.;)

[seekupig]

I'm more than a little concerned about the matchup with Vermont. Although I think in the end our experience will win out.

- Matt

so much emotional stuff involved in that game. Their coach is retiring, it's Copenrath's last game, it's basically the end of an era for Vermont and they know it. very dangerous game for the Orange. good luck.

[bustdstuff]

that's kind of where i keep finding myself with Duke. i know they're good enough, but i just don't see it this year. but, they've been proving me wrong all year so i'm sure you'll be happy if i keep picking them to lose.;)

The one thing I do like about Duke out of this region is matchups. There are teams that can beat the Devils, but I don't think they'll get out of their early matchups to get to them. There aren't many teams out of the Austin bracket that can defend Williams in the paint, and if they can do that they can't defend JJ on the perimeter. This is why I've got Duke to the FF vs. UNC.

[seekupig]

The one thing I do like about Duke out of this region is matchups. There are teams that can beat the Devils, but I don't think they'll get out of their early matchups to get to them. There aren't many teams out of the Austin bracket that can defend Williams in the paint, and if they can do that they can't defend JJ on the perimeter. This is why I've got Duke to the FF vs. UNC.

i think Syracuse and Oklahoma will get a shot at them, but i'm sure you're chomping at the bit for a matchup with Jelly.:D

[Dave G]

I'm more than a little concerned about the matchup with Vermont. Although I think in the end our experience will win out.

- Matt

If they play like they did against UConn you have nothing to worry about

[jermtheworm]

hey guys, i don't know where to begin, this could be one of the best tourneys ever. looking at the matchups the parody in college b-ball is becoming increasingly evident. you could make an argument for any 6-8 teams making a run and having a legit chance. missed ya'll over the weekend so i need to do some back reading to catch up.

[bustdstuff]

i think Syracuse and Oklahoma will get a shot at them, but i'm sure you're chomping at the bit for a matchup with Jelly.:D

Didn't you see my post about mt initial feeling upsets? I've got Jelly losing to Cinci first weekend. :angel


P.S. Right now I'm really really wanting to take Vermont over 'Cuse.

[gbs3769]

It's honestly not a bad pick on taking Vermont over 'Cuse. There is a lot of potential there for an upset.

There have been plenty of reasons mentioned as to why the 'Cuse could falter. My three faults: rebounding, foul shots, 3rd + 4th option. The emotional side of things for Vermont. The fact that Coppenrath really is that good and we don't have a real quality center.

The one thing that gives me hope is that I think that we can contain everyone else on their team. Obviously Sorrentine is a good shooter, but I think that the zone can contain him much like they did an excellent job against both the WVU and UConn shooters. I do think that the 'Cuse are hungry again and our Sophomores are starting to actually play well, especially Roberts who can be a force inside. As long as the Sophomores roll we will be in good shape.

- Matt

[seekupig]

missed ya'll over the weekend so i need to do some back reading to catch up.

i'll save you the time.......

EVERYONE ELSE - intelligent conversation.....blah blah blah......

dmbants41 - fuck you fat motherfuckers, go wildcats, huh huh:lol :lol

EVERYONE ELSE - What was that? back to basketball....

dmbants41 - it's me against a bunch of assholes and a bitch, you'll see when this young Kentucky team beats Floridia hahaha LOL :lol

EVEYONE ELSE - ok, Julie, whatever you say....

dmbants41 - fuck off, you'll see huh huh huh:lol :lol

EVERYONE ELSE - what happen to Jelly?

dmbants41 - we can't rebound and we made fun of floridia too much when they came to Lexington but we'll win it all still huh huh

[seekupig]

It's honestly not a bad pick on taking Vermont over 'Cuse. There is a lot of potential there for an upset.


- Matt

it's a bad pick because of what Syracuse can do if they win that game. nothing sucks more than a team you have losing in the first round making it to the Final Four. bracket. killer.

[watchtower41]

it's a bad pick because of what Syracuse can do if they win that game. nothing sucks more than a team you have losing in the first round making it to the Final Four. bracket. killer.



granted, I was the one giving them the hype, saying they were due for a run before the brackets were selected, but now it seems like everyone is jumping on the Orange's back.....almost as a favorite for the Final 4 out of that region. Theyre dangerous, but it's still a 2 man team..... and the first ranked opponent theyve beat was Friday agasint UConn (again, near impossible to beat a team 3 times in one season) Unless the oppenent is Wisconsin

[gbs3769]

Oh, and I am looking forward to the Austin matchup between the Dookies and the 'Cuse. They really need to bring back the Big East/ACC Challenge. Especially with the new Big East. We would trounce the new ACC...

- Matt

[bdb23]

i'll save you the time.......

EVERYONE ELSE - intelligent conversation.....blah blah blah......

dmbants41 - fuck you fat motherfuckers, go wildcats, huh huh:lol :lol

EVERYONE ELSE - What was that? back to basketball....

dmbants41 - it's me against a bunch of assholes and a bitch, you'll see when this young Kentucky team beats Floridia hahaha LOL :lol

EVEYONE ELSE - ok, Julie, whatever you say....

dmbants41 - fuck off, you'll see huh huh huh:lol :lol

EVERYONE ELSE - what happen to Jelly?

dmbants41 - we can't rebound and we made fun of floridia too much when they came to Lexington but we'll win it all still huh huh
:lol :lol But remember, she picked the Illini to win it all. :BANG

[gbs3769]

and the first ranked opponent theyve beat was Friday agasint UConn (again, near impossible to beat a team 3 times in one season)

We did beat Memphis when they were ranked and Villanova immediately proceeding their being ranked. So it isn't the first ranked team we beat.

With that being said, I'm not really sure how everyone is jumping on the 'Cuse bandwagon. I think we are good. But we aren't as good as everyone seems to be thinking. It's as if we were the #1 seed in the region instead of Duke.

- Matt

[Snipper007]

I think the albuquerque region is the Toughest to pick. Because you have the posibility of upsets. If you pick the upsets you'll be ok but what if louisville gets Georgia tech'ed in the second round then you're fucked! I just don't like what I see posibility happening there. Depending on how the games come out I think you have a posibility of any of 5 different schools coming out on top there.

[seekupig]

I think the albuquerque region is the Toughest to pick. Because you have the posibility of upsets. If you pick the upsets you'll be ok but what if louisville gets Georgia tech'ed in the second round then you're fucked! I just don't like what I see posibility happening there. Depending on how the games come out I think you have a posibility of any of 5 different schools coming out on top there.

Syracuse is the toughest region to pick.

every region has the possibility of upsets. the only sure thing Albuqueque has going for it is that the #1 seed will not make it out.

[watchtower41]

We did beat Memphis when they were ranked and Villanova immediately proceeding their being ranked. So it isn't the first ranked team we beat.

With that being said, I'm not really sure how everyone is jumping on the 'Cuse bandwagon. I think we are good. But we aren't as good as everyone seems to be thinking. It's as if we were the #1 seed in the region instead of Duke.

- Matt


I thought it sounded a little off when I heard it on one of the shows.... but it sounds like you know where I'm coming from, I thought Syracuse would come into the tourney with little hype or expectation, the Big East tourney squashed that.... Ive seen twice as many people pick the Orange instead of Duke or KY in that region

[gbs3769]

Ive seen twice as many people pick the Orange instead of Duke or KY in that region

I'm noticing the same thing. But I'm not exactly the best source on things. I picked Oklahoma State to beat us two years ago.

- Matt

[seekupig]

I thought it sounded a little off when I heard it on one of the shows.... but it sounds like you know where I'm coming from, I thought Syracuse would come into the tourney with little hype or expectation, the Big East tourney squashed that.... Ive seen twice as many people pick the Orange instead of Duke or KY in that region

tourney tested teams that peak at the right time are tough to pick against. they dominated the conference tourney that could have been won by five or six different teams. i'm not sure about them yet, but they'll be a tough out.

[Snipper007]

Syracuse is the toughest region to pick.

every region has the possibility of upsets. the only sure thing Albuqueque has going for it is that the #1 seed will not make it out.
in the Syracuse region Its going to be North Carolina, and Either Kansas or U-Conn. with NC coming out on top. As for Wash. not making it out, I don't think they will either, but When they get beat is the Question? Then you have to figure out who is going to come out on top after that. I think it will be Wake but after the ACC tourny I'm not to confident in that either. If you look at what Wake has done in the past it's really hard to see them coming out on top.

[seekupig]

in the Syracuse region Its going to be North Carolina, and Either Kansas or U-Conn. with NC coming out on top. As for Wash. not making it out, I don't think they will either, but When they get beat is the Question. Then you have to figure out who is going to come out on top after that. I think it will be Wake but after the ACC tourny I'm not to confident in that either. If you look at what Wake has done in the past it's really hard to see them coming out on top.

the winner of Pitt / Pacific (i'm taking Pitt) will beat the Huskies in round two.

[Snipper007]

the winner of Pitt / Pacific (i'm taking Pitt) will beat the Huskies in round two. I don't see that happening. Wash. wont have a very hard first round so they will be very rested for game two. Pacific and Pitt. are going to have very hard game and whoever wins is going to be very tired and I don't think they will be able to beat Wash. because Wash. is so fast it will be hard for the other team to keep up after a while. I think they will get Knocked out by Gonzaga In the elite Eight.

[seekupig]

Pete Gillen, the man who made the famous "duke is on tv more than leave it to beaver reruns" quote has been fired as Virginia head coach.:lol


steph, i know this brings a tear to your eye.......;)

[watchtower41]

tourney tested teams that peak at the right time are tough to pick against. they dominated the conference tourney that could have been won by five or six different teams. i'm not sure about them yet, but they'll be a tough out.


true, true.... Syracuse will go as far as Warrick can take them, which is a long way if he keeps on putting up these ridicoulous numbers.

What do you think about KU's seeding?? I would have much preferred the Chicago region as a No2 obviously, and I can't see how UConn deserves a NO 2 over the Jayhawks (theyre ranked below us and RPI isnt even on the same map) but I do love how we match-up with the Huskies. Simien would eat Villenueva for brekfast and shit him out for lunch. Obviously the chance for redemption at Roy, I truly beg for.... Seeing the way that UNC played in the tourney however...... theyre gonna have their hands more than full against Villanova. An upset that nobody is talking about............that team plays great D and gan play the transititon game right with the 'Heels

[gbs3769]

theyre gonna have their hands more than full against Villanova.

If no one jumps early, they will win the Championship next year. The only big contributor they lose is Marcus Austin to graduation.

- Matt

[tyler1389]

Washington really lucked out. I'm not an ACC fan, but Wake deserved that last #1. But, if anyone got screwed it was Louisville by far.

[watchtower41]

Washington really lucked out. I'm not an ACC fan, but Wake deserved that last #1. But, if anyone got screwed it was Louisville by far.



3 No. 1 seeds for the 2nd best conf in the nation??? :thumbsdow No.

[seekupig]

Washington really lucked out. I'm not an ACC fan, but Wake deserved that last #1. But, if anyone got screwed it was Louisville by far.

Oklahoma St. should have got the last #1 in my opinion.

[seekupig]

If no one jumps early, they will win the Championship next year. The only big contributor they lose is Marcus Austin to graduation.

- Matt

the same could be said for UNC, only problem being players are going to jump early there.

[Third Floor]

3 No. 1 seeds for the 2nd best conf in the nation??? :thumbsdow No.
2nd best? wake duke and unc arent in the pac 10.

[watchtower41]

2nd best? wake duke and unc arent in the pac 10.



according to who the Pac 10 is the 2nd best conf?? It's not my fault Wake can't win an ACC tourney game without Childress. You truly think that Wake deserves a No 1 after getting housed by a bubble team???

[clayj41]

Is anyone else watching the 2002 Duke-Indiana game on ESPN Classic right now?

[unccrombie]

so my dad tells me today he can only get tickets for the 25th (sweet 16) and not both rounds. so now im stuck with that, grrrrrrr

[unc1242]

Is anyone else watching the 2002 Duke-Indiana game on ESPN Classic right now?

hell yeh man... what an amazing game...

unc goin all the way baby

[tyler1389]

Oklahoma St. should have got the last #1 in my opinion.

i am a huge oklahoma state fan, and we didn't deserve it. You can't lose to nebraska and texas. Maybe one or the other, but those two losses look really bad.

[clayj41]

hell yeh man... what an amazing game...

unc goin all the way baby

:thumbsup to all of that!

[watchtower41]

BTW, Joe Lunardi had 64 out of 65 teams that made it in........

He Had Buffalo in and UAB NIT bound.,

[haildmb]

They really need to bring back the Big East/ACC Challenge. Especially with the new Big East. We would trounce the new ACC...

- Matt


It's not like the ACC wanted to end it, the big least pussed out cause they couldn't stand getting thumped year after year. I'm surprised the big 11 hasn't done the same yet :D

[haildmb]

I'm extremely tempted to pick Vermont over syracuse. Then again, I almost picked Manhattan to beat them 2 years ago in the opening round, but ended up picking syracuse to win the National title. Go me :D

I love how, even starting with the selection show, everyone grabbed hold of syracuse's jock and has been riding ever since. They WILL not beat Duke, if they make it that far. JJ will light it up. It's become a very common pick, but I see no chance.

[haildmb]

Pete Gillen, the man who made the famous "duke is on tv more than leave it to beaver reruns" quote has been fired as Virginia head coach.:lol


steph, i know this brings a tear to your eye.......;)


Gillen has been great for a laugh during his tenure (plus his Virginia team his inaugural year was so so so so much fun to watch). My favorite Gillenism was when he called Darius Songaila "a mangler," my dad and I have referred to him as the Mangler ever since :lol

[unccrombie]

I'm extremely tempted to pick Vermont over syracuse. Then again, I almost picked Manhattan to beat them 2 years ago in the opening round, but ended up picking syracuse to win the National title. Go me :D

I love how, even starting with the selection show, everyone grabbed hold of syracuse's jock and has been riding ever since. They WILL not beat Duke, if they make it that far. JJ will light it up. It's become a very common pick, but I see no chance.
that 2-3 seemed to stop WVU's 3 point abilities :)

[greenpepper7]

I'm getting kind of tired of everybody ignoring the facts and saying Oklahoma State deserves Washington's #1 seed. I know it will be hard to put your east coast bias down for a while and think clearly but please try. Here is the comparison of those 2 by the FACTS:

"Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632) unquestionably earned its No. 1 seed in the Albuquerque region. The Huskies finished No. 3 in the Ratings Percentage Index standings. They own a better record against the RPI top 25 (5-2) than any team save for Illinois (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71644). They won the championship of their conference tournament, which only Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881) matched among the teams that earned No. 2 seeds.

Compared directly to Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881), UW has more overall wins and fewer losses, and more victories against the RPI top 50. The teams have the same number of top 100 wins. Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632) was 9-4 against teams that made the field; Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881) was 8-5. Six of OSU's wins were against teams seeded in the top half of the bracket; the Huskies had seven.

Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632)'s victims included: Arizona (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71630) twice, Oklahoma (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71870), Alabama (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71686), Utah (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71930), Stanford (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71633) twice, NC State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71662) and UCLA (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71631). Ok. State defeated Kansas (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71879), Oklahoma (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71870), Syracuse (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71859), Texas Tech (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71872) three times, UAB (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71625) and Iowa State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71880).

It's close in every category, but every category favors UW's overall accomplishments."



-Mike Decourcy



I couldn't have said it better myself. Who am I kidding actually I could have, but why waste the time. After all, the favorite past time of east coast fans is ignoring the west.

[haildmb]

that 2-3 seemed to stop WVU's 3 point abilities :)


Does JJ play for WVU? ;)

[ryguy178]

Gillen has been great for a laugh during his tenure (plus his Virginia team his inaugural year was so so so so much fun to watch). My favorite Gillenism was when he called Darius Songaila "a mangler," my dad and I have referred to him as the Mangler ever since :lol

I love Pete..he's a great guy, a character to watch, but he just couldn't get the job done at UVA. They should be such a great bball school...watching a game at U-Hall is awesome...but the truth is he just couldn't win. And thats the bottom line...no NCAA appearances...only 4 NIT appearences...something just isn't working there. I'll miss him, but I can only hope the next coach will be able to turn the program around

[unccrombie]

Does JJ play for WVU? ;)
he'll suffer the same fate

[haildmb]

After all, the favorite past time of east coast fans is ignoring the west.


Nah, it's not like we make a conscious effort to ignore you guys. The Pac 10 is so mundane, we usually aren't even aware it exists.

[tyler1389]

Snipper, I was wondering if you had room for another bracket in your ESPN bracket challenge?

[bdb23]

I don't think I'm going to make one change to my bracket from last night. I'll sink or swim with my gut.

[unccrombie]

I don't think I'm going to make one change to my bracket from last night. I'll sink or swim with my gut.
illi past ok state? illi is my saint joes of 05 :)

[bdb23]

illi past ok state? illi is my saint joes of 05 :)
I think they have a pretty easy trip to the Elite 8 for sure. I think the Chicago bracket was the easiest for me to pick.

[unccrombie]

I think they have a pretty easy trip to the Elite 8 for sure. I think the Chicago bracket was the easiest for me to pick.
yeah, im really having trouble with the syracuse and austin brackets

[bdb23]

yeah, im really having trouble with the syracuse and austin brackets
I think I went a little nuts in Alburquerque, but I like it. The middle of the Austin and Syracuse brackets are tough. Anybody's guess.

[ryguy178]

I think I went a little nuts in Alburquerque, but I like it. The middle of the Austin and Syracuse brackets are tough. Anybody's guess.
i think these are some of the hardest, most competetive brackets we've seen in a while

[trippingbilly12]

Stillll looking for tickets to the games in Oklahoma City this weekend. If anyone knows anyone who knows anyone, let me know please.

[seekupig]

here's a little food for thought i came across while researching for my brackets..... call it the NCAA Tournament Leap Year Theory. i'm well aware that we're not in a leap year, but this has to do with a four year trend.

1993 - #15 Santa Clara beat #2 Arizona

4 years later.....

1997 - #15 Coppin St. beat #2 South Carolina

4 years later.....

2001 - #15 Hampton beat #2 Iowa State

4 years later.....

2005 - who's it going to be?

looking at the brackets, it's easy to say "there's no way it's going to happen." but i'm sure the same thing was said all of the above mentioned years as well.

Oklahoma St. vs. SE Louisiana
Wake Forest vs. Chattanooga
UConn vs. Central Florida
Kentucky vs. E. Kentucky

[clayj41]

Wow, that's some great info. I don't foresee a #2 seed going down, but I think that Kentucky would be the most susceptible.

[seekupig]

I'm getting kind of tired of everybody ignoring the facts and saying Oklahoma State deserves Washington's #1 seed. I know it will be hard to put your east coast bias down for a while and think clearly but please try. Here is the comparison of those 2 by the FACTS:

"Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632) unquestionably earned its No. 1 seed in the Albuquerque region. The Huskies finished No. 3 in the Ratings Percentage Index standings. They own a better record against the RPI top 25 (5-2) than any team save for Illinois (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71644). They won the championship of their conference tournament, which only Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881) matched among the teams that earned No. 2 seeds.

Compared directly to Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881), UW has more overall wins and fewer losses, and more victories against the RPI top 50. The teams have the same number of top 100 wins. Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632) was 9-4 against teams that made the field; Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881) was 8-5. Six of OSU's wins were against teams seeded in the top half of the bracket; the Huskies had seven.

Washington (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71632)'s victims included: Arizona (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71630) twice, Oklahoma (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71870), Alabama (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71686), Utah (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71930), Stanford (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71633) twice, NC State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71662) and UCLA (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71631). Ok. State defeated Kansas (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71879), Oklahoma (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71870), Syracuse (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71859), Texas Tech (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71872) three times, UAB (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71625) and Iowa State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71880).





-Mike Decourcy



I couldn't have said it better myself. Who am I kidding actually I could have, but why waste the time. After all, the favorite past time of east coast fans is ignoring the west.

1. last time i checked Oklahoma St. was not on the east coast, so the "bias" doesn't apply.

2. the RPI as of today has OSU at #4 and Washinton at #7.

3. all of the great stats you pasted in that post about Washington's schedule vs. OSU's schedule left out one thing. STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE. Oklahoma State, #5. Washington, #23.

4. the writer of this article uses a little non-information to make his case as well. "Compared directly to Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881), UW has more overall wins and fewer losses." he says this while failing to mention that they've also played more games.:rolleyes

here's the link if you care to fact check me.....
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/polls/rpi/index1

[haildmb]

1. last time i checked Oklahoma St. was not on the east coast, so the "bias" doesn't apply.

2. the RPI as of today has OSU at #4 and Washinton at #7.

3. all of the great stats you pasted in that post about Washington's schedule vs. OSU's schedule left out one thing. STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE. Oklahoma State, #5. Washington, #23.

4. the writer of this article uses a little non-information to make his case as well. "Compared directly to Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881), UW has more overall wins and fewer losses." he says this while failing to mention that they've also played more games.:rolleyes

here's the link if you care to fact check me.....
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/polls/rpi/index1


stop ignoring the west, huh huh huh!

[unccrombie]

here's my bracket, www.itypical.com/john/bracket.jpg , open for scrutiny :)

[ousooner]

Stillll looking for tickets to the games in Oklahoma City this weekend. If anyone knows anyone who knows anyone, let me know please.

Probably not what your looking for, but they are available if you want them

http://search.ebay.com/oklahoma-city-tickets_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ0QQfrppZ25QQfromZR 10QQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfposZQ5AIPQ2FPostalQ QfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQco entrypageZsearch

[clayj41]

here's my bracket, www.itypical.com/john/bracket.jpg , open for scrutiny :)

Wow, you really put a lot of thought into that.

[seekupig]

here's my bracket, www.itypical.com/john/bracket.jpg (http://www.itypical.com/john/bracket.jpg) , open for scrutiny :)

:lol :lol

reminds me of when i first started doing these things about 15 years ago. thank God for easy access to computers. i used to hate having to rewrite my entire bracket when i changed my mind on something. i hate pencils and i'm a neat freak when it comes to my brackets. all tournament long i keep all of my brackets in a folder, have a red pen and a yellow highlighter to mark the results for easy score calculation while i'm at the bar. (it's a lot easier to count after 1 or 20 beers when it's color coded.:D )

[unccrombie]

thats 3 drafts on 1 sheet of paper, new one will be much cleaner :)

[seekupig]

thats 3 drafts on 1 sheet of paper, new one will be much cleaner :)

i noticed you went back and forth on the KU / UNC game.;)

i've done it a million times already, but i'm doing it with KU / Wisconsin, UConn, 'Nova, Florida, UNC, NC State, Bucknell............. i'm just not feeling good about that region. not Kansas in particular, but just that region as a whole. there are so many question marks and possibilities that i just can't sort through. i know you're supposed to go with your first instinct, but when it's my team, they're automatically my first instinct so i try to think about it, then i over analyze, and now i'm rambling. this sucks.

[unccrombie]

i hear ya, we got until thursday though. the way i see it, i got the syracuse region the way i like it, just that duke/su with a floating alabama/uk is what scares me

[greenpepper7]

1. last time i checked Oklahoma St. was not on the east coast, so the "bias" doesn't apply.

2. the RPI as of today has OSU at #4 and Washinton at #7.

3. all of the great stats you pasted in that post about Washington's schedule vs. OSU's schedule left out one thing. STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE. Oklahoma State, #5. Washington, #23.

4. the writer of this article uses a little non-information to make his case as well. "Compared directly to Oklahoma State (http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/team/71881), UW has more overall wins and fewer losses." he says this while failing to mention that they've also played more games.:rolleyes

here's the link if you care to fact check me.....
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/polls/rpi/index1

1) Well Oklahoma is much further east than Washington (2 time zones I believe). The "east coast bias" is a phrase it doesn’t apply only to the schools on the eastern coastline. The phrase addresses how the West coast has gotten screwed historically in the rankings because people don't stay up late enough to watch enough of their games.



2) You are looking at the Sportsline RPI, it is different than the RPI used this year by the selection committee. They changed the RPI this year which gives a greater weight to whether the games were played at home or away. Here is a link that will show you the RPI as the selection committee considered: http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2005/rpi (http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2005/rpi)



3) Yes by the overall Strength of Schedule Oklahoma State edges out Washington barely. Oklahoma State is #2, while Washington is #5 in terms of strength of schedule; what it boiled down to was the bad teams Washington played were a little bit worse than the bad teams Oklahoma State played.



4) I fail to see how the fact that UW has played more games and lost fewer works in Oklahoma States' favor. Here are their records against D1 teams: Washington 26-5; Oklahoma State 23-6. It appears that you were the one who used a little "non-information” to make your case.

[gbs3769]

The phrase addresses how the West coast has gotten screwed historically in the rankings because people don't stay up late enough to watch enough of their games.

The West Coast does poorly in the rankings because East Coast basketball is better than West Coast basketball.

- Matt

[seekupig]

The West Coast does poorly in the rankings because East Coast basketball is better than West Coast basketball.

- Matt

now the Washington players are popping off on how they "want" the ACC, how they're being so disrespected, etc.. am i the only one that remembers them needing a non-called foul while Julius Hodge was going to the basket to beat NC State?

we'll see how good they are when Washington gets beat up by a tough Big East team in the second round. (Pitt.)

[Dave G]

Uconn’s road just got a little tougher.
UConn guard Antonio Kellogg has been suspended for for a violation of team policy and will not play in the NCAA tournament. There has been times this season when I would cringe when he entered the game. But he has been better of late and at least gave Marcus Williams a chance to get a rest.

[seekupig]

Uconn’s road just got a little tougher.
UConn guard Antonio Kellogg has been suspended for for a violation of team policy and will not play in the NCAA tournament. There has been times this season when I would cringe when he entered the game. But he has been better of late and at least gave Marcus Williams a chance to get a rest.

i heard that yesterday and i can't say i was disappointed.:D

[unccrombie]

kellog sucked anyways. everytime he went in for williams he turned it over :lol

[seekupig]

kellog sucked anyways. everytime he went in for williams he turned it over :lol

foul trouble and fatigue may become more of a factor now though.

[unccrombie]

duke pulls that off nicely :rolleyes

[seekupig]

duke pulls that off nicely :rolleyes

Duke has JJ, UConn has no such equalizer. JJ is capable of single handedly keeping his team in games they have no business hanging around in, i don't see that player on UConn's team.

[gbs3769]

Duke has JJ, UConn has no such equalizer. JJ is capable of single handedly keeping his team in games they have no business hanging around in, i don't see that player on UConn's team.

Mr. Clean gets it done.

- Matt

[seekupig]

Mr. Clean gets it done.

- Matt

Mr. Clean can not bring the ball up the court and drain three's at will. he's good, but he's not the type of player that can will his team to a win with his shooting. besides, he takes nights off from time to time.

[gbs3769]

Mr. Clean can not bring the ball up the court and drain three's at will. he's good, but he's not the type of player that can will his team to a win with his shooting. besides, he takes nights off from time to time.

But his presence on defense is so intimidating and the fact that he is so explosive going to the hole means that he can take over the low post.

I agree that he isn't the ball handler and shooter that JJ is. But each do their jobs in a way that make them dangerous and able to carry their teams when needed.

- Matt

[seekupig]

But his presence on defense is so intimidating

i thought it was the way he looked that intimidated people.:eek

[bdb23]

i thought it was the way he looked that intimidated people.:eek
huh huh huh :lol

[gbs3769]

We just got our balloons at work for the tournament. You draw a name out of a hat and whichever school you get, you put on a balloon and put them up at your desk. When your team loses your balloon gets popped. Winner takes all.

I drew two balloons: UAB and Kansas.

- Matt

[kgoedman]

This is hilarious...

Rick Telander's thoughts on Vermonts chances against 'Cuse...


Duke-Illinois would be a dream, especially for Illini

March 14, 2005

BY RICK TELANDER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST


I doubt you recall, but last year's NCAA men's basketball championship game drew the lowest TV rating since CBS began broadcasting the event in 1982.

Connecticut (remember the collegiate Ben Gordon?) took an early double-digit lead against Georgia Tech, en route to an easy 82-73 win, and maybe that was enough to turn viewers off.

Still, the overall ratings for the three-week tournament were way up. In fact, by 24 percent from 2003.

Folks simply love the bracket racket.

They love the way the entire USA map comes into play, hunches, prejudices, coaches, mascots.

And here's what I'm thinking now that this year's selection is done: if Duke plays Illinois in the final game on April 4 in St. Louis, it might be one of the highest-rated matches of all time.

In my mind, that's the dream matchup.

OK, I take that back.

Vermont against Illinois would top it all.

To see homegrown Taylor Coppenrath and his shaggy-haired Green Mountain Boys come from deep inside Pfish country, all the way from their 13th-seed in the Austin Regional, to a showdown against the No. 1 team in the country -- that would be something.

But I think Vermont is going to get smoked in its opener against Syracuse like a doobie at a Trey Anastasio concert.



http://www.suntimes.com/output/telander/spx-news-rick14.html

[RJ2kWJ]

Ill poop on myself if a Duke/Illinois matchup occurs.

[seekupig]

We just got our balloons at work for the tournament. You draw a name out of a hat and whichever school you get, you put on a balloon and put them up at your desk. When your team loses your balloon gets popped. Winner takes all.

I drew two balloons: UAB and Kansas.

- Matt

i like your chances.;)

[trippingbilly12]

i like your chances.;)

So do I, and I am not talking about UAB ;)

[watchtower41]

I figure the Jayhawks can never finish the deal as a favorite coming into the tourney, lets see what they can do with no pressure on them. Though they did get a kiss of death last night, Digger changed his UNC pick for the Final Four to Kansas. He picked Florida to upset UNC. :thumbsdow

[clayj41]

I figure the Jayhawks can never finish the deal as a favorite coming into the tourney, lets see what they can do with no pressure on them. Though they did get a kiss of death last night, Digger changed his UNC pick for the Final Four to Kansas. He picked Florida to upset UNC. :thumbsdow

On Sunday night, he had Florida going all the way to the National Championship game.

[clayj41]

I'm watching the Colorado-UNC game from 1997 on ESPN Classic right now. God, it's good to relive the days of Jamison, Cota, Carter, and Williams.

[jermtheworm]

digger and vitale pissed me off when they went off about nd not getting in. nd has no business/gripe for not getting in.

[jermtheworm]

I'm watching the Colorado-UNC game from 1997 on ESPN Classic right now. God, it's good to relive the days of Jamison, Cota, Carter, and Williams.


that was a fun team to watch, why are they showing that game on classic, i forgot the significance/ why is it a classic?

[clayj41]

I honestly don't remember the game myself. I think it's just a good,close game.

[jermtheworm]

call me crazy but i like ou's chances of getting deep into the tourney, if they get past the first weekend they would most likely play kentucky, our defense would shut them down,that would set a possible rematch with duke, and i gotta tell. i like another shot at them.

[jermtheworm]

I honestly don't remember the game myself. I think it's just a good,close game.

it's like seeing it for the first time:)

[clayj41]

Well, UNC is up 21 points with only 6:25 to play. It sure doesn't look like a classic.

[jermtheworm]

Well, UNC is up 21 points with only 6:25 to play. It sure doesn't look like a classic.




:confused weird

[clayj41]

Ah, I understand now. It is Dean Smith's record breaking win.

[jermtheworm]

i'm filling out yet another bracket, i just can't get comfortable with any of them this year,having the same problem?

[jermtheworm]

Ah, I understand now. It is Dean Smith's record breaking win.



:thumbsup

[clayj41]

The Kansas-Syracuse National Championship game is on next!

[jermtheworm]

The Kansas-Syracuse National Championship game is on next!


:lol your'e killing me

[clayj41]

I keep switching the channel between ESPN Classic and Bio-Dome which is on Encore. God, my spring break sucks!!!

[watchtower41]

The Kansas-Syracuse National Championship game is on next!



:thumbsdow

No need to define the significence of this game. Except Roy's :monkey Damn Carmello.....damn him

[jermtheworm]

how did stanford with a 18-12 record get in?

[clayj41]

:thumbsdow

No need to define the significence of this game. Except Roy's :monkey Damn Carmello.....damn him

Oh, you know you're gonna watch it just to see Hinrich's dunk near the end of the game. :p

[seekupig]

the only reason i'd watch that game is to hear Roy's post game interview when he expresses his feelings for Carolina. since that won't be shown, i'm not watching.

[clayj41]

how did stanford with a 18-12 record get in?

Well they're not the most deserving team, but they did have an 11-7 conference record in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. They also beat both Washington and Arizona once a piece.

[greenpepper7]

now the Washington players are popping off on how they "want" the ACC, how they're being so disrespected, etc.. am i the only one that remembers them needing a non-called foul while Julius Hodge was going to the basket to beat NC State?

we'll see how good they are when Washington gets beat up by a tough Big East team in the second round. (Pitt.)

That is a possibility; Pitt was one of the teams I didn't want them to play, because they can pound it inside and kick out to their guards. UW does lack size, I think Pitt has a better chance against Washington than Louisville does for that reason. Louisville and UW are pretty much the same team, but having watched both teams I believe UW is better. I've seen Pitt play incredible and awful, if Pitt is on one of their good days and the huskies hit a dry spell at shooting then they could find themselves a second round loss. Lets hope that doesn't happen though.

[jermtheworm]

Washington isn't getting beat by Pitt in the second round....They're gonna get beat by Pacific in the second round.

[bustdstuff]

Washington is gonna get beat by Arizona in the third round.

[Third Floor]

washington is getting beat by gatech.

[clayj41]

washington is getting beat by gatech.

:thumbsup

[unccrombie]

i never remembered su being up by 16

[watchtower41]

"How to Win Your Office Pool"

NCAA tourney by the numbers
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/3462404

[bdb23]

"How to Win Your Office Pool"

NCAA tourney by the numbers
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/3462404
Very interesting read.

[Third Floor]

you wanna know how to win your office pool? since the last rounds count more, pick no upsets, except wake overwhoever they face in the elite 8. honestly, every that i enter a pool someone who doesnt know shit about basketball enters, pickes everything according to seed and wins. the only year that i won my pool was the year i picked Chattanooga to go to the elite 8 and they almost did (94ish), but they're not gonna do that this year.

[katedid81]

"How to Win Your Office Pool"

NCAA tourney by the numbers
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/3462404
I filled out my brackets this morning and holy crap I did really well according to that little article

I need to forward that to my stepdad.

very interesting

[RJ2kWJ]

So seriously whats everyones prediction on my boys?

You think they will go down or do you think they have a chance of actually getting into the Final 4?

[unccrombie]

So seriously whats everyones prediction on my boys?

You think they will go down or do you think they have a chance of actually getting into the Final 4?
everytime we said they would lose they didnt. i think if they beat su they will go to the final 4, and thats the game ive been stuck on for the last day

[Third Floor]

i dont think duke will make the final 4, but i wont be surprised if they do. now that duke will be without the acc refs (see end acc championship game) i hope they find things foul calling to be different than theyve seen. at the same time, JJ can shoot and can keep them in games. but if he has an off night (see 2nd half of UNC game this year or game at wake last year) theyre out.

[jermtheworm]

So seriously whats everyones prediction on my boys?

You think they will go down or do you think they have a chance of actually getting into the Final 4?


I'm hoping them and OU get to the Elite 8, we want another crack at ya'll. I hope OU can get that far. But Duke should get that far.

[RJ2kWJ]

everytime we said they would lose they didnt. i think if they beat su they will go to the final 4, and thats the game ive been stuck on for the last day

Yea thats the game Im stuck on too!!!

I think Ill put Duke just cuz of me being biased. If they get to the Final 4 though, with this years squad with no depth, then Coach K is a God haha.

[seekupig]

i'm stuck on

Duke / Syracuse
Kansas / UNC
Illinois / Oklahoma St.

[watchtower41]

Kansas / UNC



If this dream matchup comes true, I think I'd have to take the following week off of work before hand for percausionary measures. That being said, no way in hell Roy walks out of that battle with a smile on his face. Payback is a biotch you know :hump , and certianly Roy can attest... all of us Jayhawk faithful could give a shit about North Carolina. :monkey

[unccrombie]

i'm stuck on

Duke / Syracuse
Kansas / UNC
Illinois / Oklahoma St.
i have unc over ku because i think may is the only player capable of guaring simien. mcc`nts and miles/langford match up nicely same with felton in there. plus the way ku has been playin makes me take unc too. illionois is this year's saint joes so im taking ok state. as for duke su. the su zone stopped wvu's 3 point shot, i bet it can stop jj. sheldon dominates forth, but with the zone it may not matter. who on duke can guard warrick?

[jermtheworm]

i think ok state matches up well with illinois but the game in chicago hurts osu. i'm still picking osu

[haildmb]

now the Washington players are popping off on how they "want" the ACC, how they're being so disrespected, etc.. am i the only one that remembers them needing a non-called foul while Julius Hodge was going to the basket to beat NC State?

we'll see how good they are when Washington gets beat up by a tough Big East team in the second round. (Pitt.)


No no, you're not the only one who remembers :mad

[haildmb]

Dan Wetzel on yahoo (yes, very significant figure), not only picked Kentucky to win the Austin region, but in a brilliant display of idiocy, said tubby is the best coach in the region.

Did this jackass graduate from kenfucky or did Julie hack his site?

[seekupig]

Dan Wetzel on yahoo (yes, very significant figure), not only picked Kentucky to win the Austin region, but in a brilliant display of idiocy, said tubby is the best coach in the region.

Did this jackass graduate from kenfucky or did Julie hack his site?

the only reason for saying something like that is a blowjob from Ashley Judd.

[seekupig]

not sure if this has been brought up yet, but Sean Dockery is practicing with Duke again and is expected to play in the tournament. that made my Austin region a little easier to pick.

[unccrombie]

not sure if this has been brought up yet, but Sean Dockery is practicing with Duke again and is expected to play in the tournament. that made my Austin region a little easier to pick.
he said last week he was going to play

[RJ2kWJ]

not sure if this has been brought up yet, but Sean Dockery is practicing with Duke again and is expected to play in the tournament. that made my Austin region a little easier to pick.

Yea I heard this Saturday I think. Cant wait. :D

[unc1242]

the only reason for saying something like that is a blowjob from Ashley Judd.

id say just about anyhting for that

[haildmb]

not sure if this has been brought up yet, but Sean Dockery is practicing with Duke again and is expected to play in the tournament. that made my Austin region a little easier to pick.

:thumbsup

Excellent. Go Devils

[seekupig]

id say just about anyhting for that

you and me both.


ASHLEY JUDD:hump

[unccrombie]

Yea I heard this Saturday I think. Cant wait. :D
tournament champs, last time i checked we won the acc ;)

[haildmb]

alrighty, so hopefully any ND supporters/fans will shut up for the rest of the year now. No, you didn't deserve to be in the tourney, and you proved it.

[greenpepper7]

Washington is gonna get beat by Arizona in the third round.

If only that were posible, if only.

[bdb23]

alrighty, so hopefully any ND supporters/fans will shut up for the rest of the year now. No, you didn't deserve to be in the tourney, and you proved it.
Yeah. I don't see Digger wearing his green tie tonight.

[gbs3769]

call me crazy but i like ou's chances of getting deep into the tourney, if they get past the first weekend they would most likely play kentucky, our defense would shut them down,that would set a possible rematch with duke, and i gotta tell. i like another shot at them.

As one Syracuse fan put it in Albany two years ago...

"It sucks. To Be. An Oklahoma Sooner."

But I wouldn't mind a Regional rematch.

- Matt

[gbs3769]

The Kansas-Syracuse National Championship game is on next!

I'm sad I missed it. But I may just have to put the DVD in tonight to fall asleep to Gerry knocking down his sweet jumpers.

i never remembered su being up by 16

Yeah. And they were down by 17 or something against Oklahoma State.

- Matt

[watchtower41]

Random fact of the day......

NIT Basketball is still 10x better than anything the NBA can offer.

[gbs3769]

Random fact of the day......

NIT Basketball is still 10x better than anything the NBA can offer.

That's accurate.

- Matt

[ousooner]

As one Syracuse fan put it in Albany two years ago...

"It sucks. To Be. An Oklahoma Sooner."

But I wouldn't mind a Regional rematch.

- Matt

Key words being: "in Albany"

[unccrombie]

i have syr/oka i swear to god this duke game is driving me nuts

[gbs3769]

Key words being: "in Albany"

I'd take you guys at a neutral site anyday.

- Matt

[DMBfan41]

in about 48 hours from now, FDU will shock the world and upset Illinois!

[trippingbilly12]

in about 48 hours from now, FDU will shock the world and upset Illinois!

now that would be incredible. Imagine the chaos that would occur in peoples brackets. :lol

I'm pulling for FDU :thumbsup

[ousooner]

I'd take you guys at a neutral site anyday.

- Matt

That game never should have taken place in Albany. OU was a 1 seed, Syracuse a 3. Syracuse should have been shipped out of the East, not given a home court advantage as a 3 seed.

My Final 4
Illinois
Wake Forest
UNC
Oklahoma

Ya, I know, I'm a homer. I picked OU in every game that I thought they were good enough to win. I don't think they are good enough to beat UNC.

My Final
UNC over Illinois

I know, way to go out on a limb there.

[gbs3769]

That game never should have taken place in Albany. OU was a 1 seed, Syracuse a 3. Syracuse should have been shipped out of the East, not given a home court advantage as a 3 seed.

The same could be said of Michigan State in 1999-2000. Or Illinois this year, or so many other teams in previous years. However I don't think it makes sense to ship teams far from their region just because the games are played close to their home stadium.

Ya, I know, I'm a homer. I picked OU in every game that I thought they were good enough to win.

I did the same thing, with Syracuse of course.

- Matt

[unccrombie]

That game never should have taken place in Albany. OU was a 1 seed, Syracuse a 3. Syracuse should have been shipped out of the East, not given a home court advantage as a 3 seed.

My Final 4
Illinois
Wake Forest
UNC
Oklahoma

Ya, I know, I'm a homer. I picked OU in every game that I thought they were good enough to win. I don't think they are good enough to beat UNC.

My Final
UNC over Illinois

I know, way to go out on a limb there.
i have su beating oklahoma. unc over ok state in the finals. i think im going to stick with su in my final 4, upset nation :(

[ousooner]

The same could be said of Michigan State in 1999-2000. Or Illinois this year, or so many other teams in previous years. However I don't think it makes sense to ship teams far from their region just because the games are played close to their home stadium.



I did the same thing, with Syracuse of course.

- Matt

The difference between Michigan St, Illinois, and Syracuse is that Michigan St. and Illinois were one seeds that had a home court advantage not a three seed (Syracuse) that had a home court advantage against a one seed. In my opinion, a three seed should not be left in a region that would give it an advantage over a one seed in an Elite Eight game.

[seekupig]

The difference between Michigan St, Illinois, and Syracuse is that Michigan St. and Illinois were one seeds that had a home court advantage not a three seed (Syracuse) that had a home court advantage against a one seed. In my opinion, a three seed should not be left in a region that would give it an advantage over a one seed in an Elite Eight game.

i agree.

it's possible that UNC will have to play UConn in Syracuse.

it's possible that Duke will have to play Oklahoma in Austin.


both of those games will be played in cities / arenas of the lower seeds conference.

[bustdstuff]

That game never should have taken place in Albany. OU was a 1 seed, Syracuse a 3. Syracuse should have been shipped out of the East, not given a home court advantage as a 3 seed.

My Final 4
Illinois
Wake Forest
UNC
Oklahoma

Ya, I know, I'm a homer. I picked OU in every game that I thought they were good enough to win. I don't think they are good enough to beat UNC.

My Final
UNC over Illinois

I know, way to go out on a limb there.


I agree that at a 3 seed you should get shipped out of your "home" region. Especially since usually if a team is in the ACC and a 3 seed they're going out west because another team from the conference is a 1.

Moving on. My Final Four:
Illinois-they're simply going to St Louis
Ga. Tech-they know what it takes and have the talent
UNC-the only iffy one to me because of the region
Duke-I simply like the matchup situation in the region

My final:
Duke over Illinois- I too am a homer. And, they really do have a shot.

I like Duke over UNC mostly because we lost the last one, and they'll be hungry to beat them (especially for a chance at the championship). Illinois will just be to good for GT.

[bdb23]

I agree that at a 3 seed you should get shipped out of your "home" region. Especially since usually if a team is in the ACC and a 3 seed they're going out west because another team from the conference is a 1.

Moving on. My Final Four:
Illinois-they're simply going to St Louis
Ga. Tech-they know what it takes and have the talent
UNC-the only iffy one to me because of the region
Duke-I simply like the matchup situation in the region

My final:
Duke over Illinois- I too am a homer. And, they really do have a shot.

I like Duke over UNC mostly because we lost the last one, and they'll be hungry to beat them (especially for a chance at the championship). Illinois will just be to good for GT.
I like part of it. :D

[Snipper007]

I just changed everything around and now I have

UNC
Syracuse
Wake
OK ST

In my final I have OK ST over UNC.

[RJ2kWJ]

I agree that at a 3 seed you should get shipped out of your "home" region. Especially since usually if a team is in the ACC and a 3 seed they're going out west because another team from the conference is a 1.

Moving on. My Final Four:
Illinois-they're simply going to St Louis
Ga. Tech-they know what it takes and have the talent
UNC-the only iffy one to me because of the region
Duke-I simply like the matchup situation in the region

My final:
Duke over Illinois- I too am a homer. And, they really do have a shot.

I like Duke over UNC mostly because we lost the last one, and they'll be hungry to beat them (especially for a chance at the championship). Illinois will just be to good for GT.

Exact same except Illinois over Wake.

[unccrombie]

I just changed everything around and now I have

UNC
Syracuse
Wake
OK ST

In my final I have OK ST over UNC.
i got unc over ok st :lol we shall see

[Third Floor]

and dont forget after okst beats unc, JamesOn hits roy williams in the mouth for dropping his scholarship

[unccrombie]

i wish my name was JohnOn

[seekupig]

any bracket that has three teams from one conference in the Final Four is destined to lose.

[seekupig]

i just completely revised my bracket......again. now my Final Four looks like this:

Illinois vs. Wake Forest
Kansas vs. Duke


Kansas vs. Illinois , championship game.........i'll leave the rest up to your imagination.:D

[bdb23]

i just completely revised my bracket......again. now my Final Four looks like this:

Illinois vs. Wake Forest
Kansas vs. Duke


Kansas vs. Illinois , championship game.........i'll leave the rest up to your imagination.:D
Hmmm.....

[unccrombie]

with how inconsistant kansas has been all year, i commend your balls

[seekupig]

with how inconsistant kansas has been all year, i commend your balls

their inconsistency can be attributed to their injuries. it's not like one person got injured for the whole season and you just learned to play without them. Simien for four games, Moody for three games, Langford for three games. 3 different players at three different times, really fucks up your team chemistry. everyone is back now and i don't think after all these seniors have been through together that they're just going to mail it in. Look for a prepared, focused, energized team that's ready to play. not to mention they want a shot at Roy.;)

they usually play better without expectations, and with UNC, UConn, and Florida getting all the publicity, KU is poised to make a quiet run.

[Third Floor]

any bracket that has three teams from one conference in the Final Four is destined to lose.
yeah, dont pick duke

[unccrombie]

their inconsistency can be attributed to their injuries. it's not like one person got injured for the whole season and you just learned to play without them. Simien for four games, Moody for three games, Langford for three games. 3 different players at three different times, really fucks up your team chemistry. everyone is back now and i don't think after all these seniors have been through together that they're just going to mail it in. Look for a prepared, focused, energized team that's ready to play. not to mention they want a shot at Roy.;)

they usually play better without expectations, and with UNC, UConn, and Florida getting all the publicity, KU is poised to make a quiet run.
i don't doubt that. but i think the possibility of playing uconn/unc/duke/illi ALL IN A ROW hinders their chances

[Third Floor]

i don't doubt that. but i think the possibility of playing uconn/unc/duke/illi ALL IN A ROW hinders their chances
i think you mean uconn/unc/duke/WAKE

[bdb23]

i think you mean uconn/unc/duke/WAKE
Nope. ;)

[DMBfan41]

Wake never does good in the tournament.

[unccrombie]

i think you mean uconn/unc/duke/WAKE
in his case, no i dont. in my case i have wake, but i was referring to his picks

[seekupig]

i don't doubt that. but i think the possibility of playing uconn/unc/duke/illi ALL IN A ROW hinders their chances

yes, if that was to happen. but it is unlikely that none of the above mentioned teams will be upset along the way. they can't get caught up in who's lying down the road. they've got to beat the team in front of them. they are capable of beating every one of those teams. if they stay healthy and focused, i think you'll be suprised. don't forget this is the same team that won at Kentucky and beat G. Tech without their best player. this is the same team that lost their first game at the end of January. don't let a rough stretch without a starter in 4 of 6 losses that included a double OT buzzer beater and another OT loss to fool you into thinking this teams isn't as good as it was two months ago.

[trippingbilly12]

The year of the JAYHAWK my friends


(but seriously, has anyone picked my Hawks to win it all? I don't think I have seen one bracket on here, or at school, with them winning it all)

[seekupig]

The year of the JAYHAWK my friends


(but seriously, has anyone picked my Hawks to win it all? I don't think I have seen one bracket on here, or at school, with them winning it all)

that's the way i like it. hey, at least we can't choke this year.:lol

[unccrombie]

yes, if that was to happen. but it is unlikely that none of the above mentioned teams will be upset along the way. they can't get caught up in who's lying down the road. they've got to beat the team in front of them. they are capable of beating every one of those teams. if they stay healthy and focused, i think you'll be suprised. don't forget this is the same team that won at Kentucky and beat G. Tech without their best player. this is the same team that lost their first game at the end of January. don't let a rough stretch without a starter in 4 of 6 losses that included a double OT buzzer beater and another OT loss to fool you into thinking this teams isn't as good as it was two months ago.
thats why i have duke and illi going down :) sadly roy will deny his old players another national championship

[seekupig]

sadly roy will deny his old players another national championship

if you look at history, he's much more effective at denying his current players.

[unccrombie]

if you look at history, he's much more effective at denying his current players.
we shall see, now won't we. muahahaha

[seekupig]

i just heard on another message board that Keith Langford tweaked his ankle in practice today. i'm not sure if this is true or just somebody trying to stir the pot, but if anyone in the Oklahoma or Kansas area here's anything on local radio to confirm, please let me know. if his playing status is uncertain i need to do some major overhauls on my bracket.

[jermtheworm]

i just heard on another message board that Keith Langford tweaked his ankle in practice today. i'm not sure if this is true or just somebody trying to stir the pot, but if anyone in the Oklahoma or Kansas area here's anything on local radio to confirm, please let me know. if his playing status is uncertain i need to do some major overhauls on my bracket.



nobody in this market has said anything, i've been listening to the radio all day.

[seekupig]

nobody in this market has said anything, i've been listening to the radio all day.

i hate people fucking with my emotions.:violent

[jermtheworm]

some guy just called in and picked nc state to get to the final four.

[seekupig]

some guy just called in and picked nc state to get to the final four.

sounds like a jackass. they're pretty good and they MIGHT make it to the sweet sixteen if they get lucky. no way in hell they beat UConn, Kansas, UNC (who owns them) all in a row.

[unccrombie]

i hate people fucking with my emotions.:violent
so you wont like felton knockin down a 3 to send our game in OT? :lol

[tyler1389]

some guy just called in and picked nc state to get to the final four.

are you listening to the sports animal?

[jermtheworm]

did anyone see the end of the half in the oakland game last night? the funniest thing i've seen a while happened when there was a scrum for the ball on the court, an oakland player grabbed the ball while laying on the court and raised the ball in the air over his head, an alabama a&m guy grabbed it right out of his hands like it was being handed to him and made a 3 ptr as time ran out. funny stuff

[watchtower41]

i just heard on another message board that Keith Langford tweaked his ankle in practice today. i'm not sure if this is true or just somebody trying to stir the pot, but if anyone in the Oklahoma or Kansas area here's anything on local radio to confirm, please let me know. if his playing status is uncertain i need to do some major overhauls on my bracket.

He'll be fine.... I think he';d risk the rest of his career to play in the tournament


http://www.kusports.com/news/05ncaas/story/113695

[seekupig]

so you wont like felton knockin down a 3 to send our game in OT? :lol

i've already got an ulcer, don't help it along. i had a nightmare two nights ago that Kansas lost to Bucknell. I woke up in a cold sweat nearly in tears. I had to drink a glass of milk, eat some Tums, and drop a deuce just to go back to sleep.

[jermtheworm]

are you listening to the sports animal?



:thumbsup all day every day

[unccrombie]

i've already got an ulcer, don't help it along. i had a nightmare two nights ago that Kansas lost to Bucknell. I woke up in a cold sweat nearly in tears. I had to drink a glass of milk, eat some Tums, and drop a deuce just to go back to sleep.
:lol i think you need a visit to the doctors, quick

[watchtower41]

Williams not looking forward to possible meeting with Kansas..... :lol

http://www.kusports.com/news/05ncaas/story/113694


cause he knows he doesnt have the better team. :p