Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[Bswartz95]

I've never understood rooting against your rival when they are playing an out of conference opponent. You root first and foremost for your team, then your conference and then against your rival.

Do I hate Georgetown with a passion? Absolutely. But until they are playing conference opponents, I want them to be undefeated. That way, when we beat them, it is that much sweeter.

- Primo


:thumbsup

Just like college football bowl games. I even hope Michigan wins to help the Big Ten. In college basketball though, there are so many more games and people love to see Duke go down.

[RJ2kWJ]

I've never understood rooting against your rival when they are playing an out of conference opponent. You root first and foremost for your team, then your conference and then against your rival.

Do I hate Georgetown with a passion? Absolutely. But until they are playing conference opponents, I want them to be undefeated. That way, when we beat them, it is that much sweeter.

- Primo

EXACTLY!

Thats what Im talking about is people that are so hyped up on a Duke loss to someone that isnt even in the ACC. Just because its Duke losing and most people love it.

[UNC41]

I've never understood rooting against your rival when they are playing an out of conference opponent. You root first and foremost for your team, then your conference and then against your rival.

Do I hate Georgetown with a passion? Absolutely. But until they are playing conference opponents, I want them to be undefeated. That way, when we beat them, it is that much sweeter.

- Primo

I'm not a conference type of guy. I'm not concerned about NC State or Maryland winning ACC games. All I care about is UNC winning games. When it comes to rivals, though, I cheer against them at all times.

I don't just dislike Duke whenever they play the Heels, I dislike them all the time. It is not because Duke is successfull like other claim. It is because they are UNC's rival. It is the same reason I always cheer against the Patriots and Gopher hockey team among others.

The one thing that I don't understand is when defeating a rival trumps winning a championship. I remember how many people said Boston beating the Yankees in 2004 was more important than winning the World Series.

[chiznaz]

A&M is still undefeated!!

Look out Duke:lol

[Mustang1]

A&M is still undefeated!!

Look out Duke:lol

I'm interested in seeing how they do against Pacific on the road before the Tech game to start conference.

[paris72]

Damn UCONN, nice 68 point ass thumping

[gbs3769]

Syracuse plays against Towson in Wilkes Barre tonight. We gave up a home game to play in Wilkes Barre which is about 15-20 minutes from Scranton where Gerry McNamara played high school ball. I can't wait to see how full the stands are with McNamara supporters

- Primo

[seekupig]

Syracuse plays against Towson in Wilkes Barre tonight. We gave up a home game to play in Wilkes Barre which is about 15-20 minutes from Scranton where Gerry McNamara played high school ball. I can't wait to see how full the stands are with McNamara supporters

- Primo

i wonder if they would have done the same thing if he'd grown up in Durham, NC.

[bdb23]

What up people??? Illini looking good so far. Conference play will be a challenge, though.

[gbs3769]

i wonder if they would have done the same thing if he'd grown up in Durham, NC.
I'm sure they would have. When you get a player who is going to go down as the most popular player in the history of your program, you do something special for the kid. Boeheim makes it a point to schedule games where his seniors are from. A lot of the time, like with Hakim last year, it ends up that they are from an area where there is a Big East opponent so they just schedule the regular season game there.

- Primo

[SteelerMan]

Just finished my first season of College Hoops 2K6 for the X Box. Maryland beat Indiana for the National Championship. I took my Heels to the Elite 8 before getting trounced by Indiana. The game still has the same problems it had four years ago though... #16 seeds routinely beat #1 seeds (it happened twice in my first season), and two #11 seeds made it to the Final Four. Still, it's a pretty great game.

As far as real basketball goes, did something happen between Morrison and some Memphis players last night? Sportscenter made it look like there was some sort of scuffle, but I fell asleep before the highlights.

[DMBfan41]

Fairleigh Dickinson plays Louisville tonight, after how bad Louisville played against Detroit, i'm smelling upset!

[seekupig]

Fairleigh Dickinson plays Louisville tonight, after how bad Louisville played against Detroit, i'm smelling upset!

i'm not.

good luck, though.

[haildmb]

big game for NCSU tonight


lets go Wolfpack!

[haildmb]

yeah Wolfpack, thump thump thump! big win tonight

[unccrombie]

impressive win i must say

[RJ2kWJ]

12-0... beautiful :D

[seekupig]

12-0... beautiful :D

that ever so tough Coack K scheduling hard at work again. ;)

when was the last time they played a non-conference road game (not neutral court)?

[UNC41]

Duke may be number one, and deservingly so with an undefeated record, but the team in the nation I'd least like to play right now would be Memphis.

[UNC41]

Duke may be number one, and deservingly so with an undefeated record, but the team in the nation I'd least like to play right now would be Memphis.

Horrible timing on this one.

[UNLTrpt]

Oh wow, what a surprise.

Duke is on TV. and at home. Are ALL of there games at home and on TV?

Them and Kansas NEVER play a road game.

[UNLTrpt]

Horrible timing on this one.

nostradamus you ain't

[paris72]

Oh wow, what a surprise.

Duke is on TV. and at home. Are ALL of there games at home and on TV?



:lol

[UNLTrpt]

:lol

what? It's true. Everytime there is a college bb game on TV and it involves Duke it's in Cameron Indoor Stadium and 99% of the time Dickey V is doing the game.

[ousooner]

Finally, a solid win for the Big 12.

[unccrombie]

Duke may be number one, and deservingly so with an undefeated record, but the team in the nation I'd least like to play right now would be Memphis.
i would have questioned that before they lossed. the team to fear is UCONN. mark my words. they will destroy the big east

[Third Floor]

Oh wow, what a surprise.

Duke is on TV. and at home. Are ALL of there games at home and on TV?



no some games are at the far away neutral sites of charlotte, greensboro, and durham (east rutherford), nj in order to help their rpi.
but yes, if you want duke to play a road game before acc season, its gonna happen in the big 10/acc challenge.

[nolan8or]

coach K schedules games at those places because they will be playing there in the ACC / NCAA tournaments....he's smart

all of their games but 2 are on tv...probably because they're the #1 team in the country with the best coach and player in the country


and they destroyed bucknell today by 35

[UNC41]

coach K schedules games at those places because they will be playing there in the ACC / NCAA tournaments....he's smart

all of their games but 2 are on tv...probably because they're the #1 team in the country with the best coach and player in the country


and they destroyed bucknell today by 35

Adam Morrision transfered to Duke? ;)

[nolan8or]

Adam Morrision transfered to Duke? ;)


touche....i love morrison, fun to watch him play but he seems to only be about scoring....jj is the best all around player

he works harder than anyone to get open, is one of duke's best defenders, and is a pretty good passer

[UNLTrpt]

Adam Morrision transfered to Duke? ;)

:lol

I thought I saw him in a Gonzaga uni the other day but Duke does run college BB so maybe the NCAA folded to Coack K and let him.

[Third Floor]

touche....i love morrison, fun to watch him play but he seems to only be about scoring....jj is the best all around player

he works harder than anyone to get open, is one of duke's best defenders, and is a pretty good passerok 1) K schedules those games to boost rpi because they arent home games.

2) jj is the best shooter. he cant make his own shot, cant put the ball on the ground, has completly horrid shot selection, etc. i could go on if necessary. jj has a shot, but dont fall into the pro dook espn/vitale propaganda.

[UNLTrpt]

I guess I'm really not one to talk because Nebraska didn't play a game outside the state of Nebraska until Dec 30th but what Nebraska does in it's non-conference schedule isn't going to exactly make anybody quake in their shoes. And of course Duke plays road games but it just seems like EVERY SINGLE TIME Duke is on TV, they are playing at home.

[UNLTrpt]

ok 1) K schedules those games to boost rpi because they arent home games.

They aren't scheduling Bucknell to boost their RPI

[Third Floor]

was bucknell played at a neutral site? because since it wasnt it has absolutly nothing to do with my post which was a responst to
coach K schedules games at those places because they will be playing there in the ACC / NCAA tournaments....he's a jackass

[nolan8or]

ok 1) K schedules those games to boost rpi because they arent home games.

2) jj is the best shooter. he cant make his own shot, cant put the ball on the ground, has completly horrid shot selection, etc. i could go on if necessary. jj has a shot, but dont fall into the pro dook espn/vitale propaganda.


ok first off, coach K's main reason for scheduling the games is so the players will be familiar to the places they will be playing at during the NCAA tournament


2nd, JJ cant put the ball on the floor? Why do you think he's improved so much over his time at duke? Because he learned how to put the ball on the floor and draw fouls by doing that. Now he can also drive and pull up and hit mid-range jumpers, not just 3's.

As far as "falling into the pro dook espn/vitale propaganda," i've been a duke fan my whole life and have season tickets at cameron....i'll admit that vitale loves duke, but could it possibly be that they are on tv all the time is because they are the best team in the country?

[UNLTrpt]

was bucknell played at a neutral site? because since it wasnt it has absolutly nothing to do with my post which was a responst to

ok I misunderstood the responce then. My fault.

[UNC41]

touche....i love morrison, fun to watch him play but he seems to only be about scoring....jj is the best all around player

he works harder than anyone to get open, is one of duke's best defenders, and is a pretty good passer

Morrison may not be a great defender by any means, but is way more of a versatile scorer than Redick.

[Third Floor]

ok first off, coach K's main reason for scheduling the games is so the players will be familiar to the places they will be playing at during the NCAA tournament


2nd, JJ cant put the ball on the floor? Why do you think he's improved so much over his time at duke? Because he learned how to put the ball on the floor and draw fouls by doing that. Now he can also drive and pull up and hit mid-range jumpers, not just 3's.

As far as "falling into the pro dook espn/vitale propaganda," i've been a duke fan my whole life and have season tickets at cameron....i'll admit that vitale loves duke, but could it possibly be that they are on tv all the time is because they are the best team in the country?
improving on the ability to put the ball on the ground doesnt make him good at it. he still relies on at least 4 screens for 50% of his shots. jj's overall game is inferior to morrison's. not to mention jj doesnt rebound to save his life. jj is not the best college player.

[nolan8or]

Morrison may not be a great defender by any means, but is way more of a versatile scorer than Redick.


yea true because morrison has a couple inches on redick and can play down low....but redick is still the all-round best player because his defense is so much better and morrison isnt that much better offensively than redick

[Third Floor]

defence is that much better? statistically its not- morrison has more steals, more def. rebounds, and more blocks. and morrison may be taller than jj, but they both play the 3, jj just doesnt play down low because you cant set 4 picks for him in the lane.

[nolan8or]

improving on the ability to put the ball on the ground doesnt make him good at it. he still relies on at least 4 screens for 50% of his shots. jj's overall game is inferior to morrison's. not to mention jj doesnt rebound to save his life. jj is not the best college player.

you obviously havent watched jj over the past 4 years to realize how much he has improved and what all he can do on the offensive end to get open and create his shot


and by the way, are you blind? since when does morrison play defense?

[BruceW]

JJ IS GOD...endo story

[UNC41]

defence is that much better? statistically its not- morrison has more steals, more def. rebounds, and more blocks. and morrison may be taller than jj, but they both play the 3, jj just doesnt play down low because you cant set 4 picks for him in the lane.

:thumbsup

[nolan8or]

defence is that much better? statistically its not- morrison has more steals, more def. rebounds, and more blocks. and morrison may be taller than jj, but they both play the 3, jj just doesnt play down low because you cant set 4 picks for him in the lane.


fuck statistics....jj shuts down whoever he is guarding

i realize they both play the 3...jj doesnt play down low because he's not tall enough, whereas morrison is

[UNC41]

you obviously havent watched jj over the past 4 years to realize how much he has improved and what all he can do on the offensive end to get open and create his shot


and by the way, are you blind? since when does morrison play defense?

He has improved on those things, but is by no means great at them.

[nolan8or]

:thumbsup


who the hell are you to talk....unc sucks this year

[BruceW]

Oh wow, what a surprise.

Duke is on TV. and at home. Are ALL of there games at home and on TV?

Them and Kansas NEVER play a road game.

UNC is the bastards who never play away...Duke has beaten 2 top 10 opponents on the road...yea anyone else done that in the nation...nah....gonzaga has lost to 3 of them though

[Third Floor]

you obviously havent watched jj over the past 4 years to realize how much he has improved and what all he can do on the offensive end to get open and create his shot


and by the way, are you blind? since when does morrison play defense?
being that i have a degree from an acc school, ive seen jj enough for a life time. improving is one thing, but his game is 1) run around 4 screens and shot, even if you have to force it 2)run into the lane and wait for the pro-duke refs to give you the call. yes he's improved, but its not hard to improve when your freshman year about 70% of your shots are 3's. he had to improve- he couldnt get worse, and he did. but his ability to put the ball on the floor is still not that great, its just that if you watch a duke game youre forcefed vitale talking about how great it is. what games have you been watching

and i didnt say morrison played defence- im just saying that statistically, hes better than jj in defensive stats.

[UNC41]

UNC is the bastards who never play away...Duke has beaten 2 top 10 opponents on the road...yea anyone else done that in the nation...nah....gonzaga has lost to 3 of them though

Duke has beaten two top 10 opponents at "neutral" sites. I say neutral in quotes because games at MSG and East Rutherford are pretty much homes away from home for Duke.

[BruceW]

and they won at Indiana...and is it my fault that they are loved throughout the country

[Third Floor]

indiana was the only real away game and the only reason it was away was because it was part of the acc/big ten challenge- well maybe uncg was technically away too. duke doesnt play away, just admit it and move on.
neutral sites are not away games. get that clear

[nolan8or]

being that i have a degree from an acc school, ive seen jj enough for a life time. improving is one thing, but his game is 1) run around 4 screens and shot, even if you have to force it 2)run into the lane and wait for the pro-duke refs to give you the call. yes he's improved, but its not hard to improve when your freshman year about 70% of your shots are 3's. he had to improve- he couldnt get worse, and he did. but his ability to put the ball on the floor is still not that great, its just that if you watch a duke game youre forcefed vitale talking about how great it is. what games have you been watching

1. you're supposed to use screens to get open....yea he sometimes forces his shots

2. pro-duke refs -- give me a break....of course hes gonna get more calls than not and thats just because hes so respected because he is a great scorer

no no, youre wrong, jj is great at putting the ball on the floor...im pretty sure vitale has only covered 2 games.....and ive been watching all of the games and have been to all the home games but 1.

[BruceW]

how about you get this clear JJ was player of the year last yr...he may have only won it from one of the like 3 or 4 award givers but he was the ACC leading scorer for the top ACC team...is that once again and will win ACC player of the yr and probably Natl player of the yr...esp if duke wins it all...so i mean hate him all you want hes good....accept it...hes good....and give him the credit bc hes worked his fucking ass off to be the best in shape player in the country...how else could he run around those screens all the time...thats how he scores...wears down his opponents physically and mentally....thats JJ

[UNC41]

and they won at Indiana...and is it my fault that they are loved throughout the country

Not its not your fault. But to saying that neutral site games are away games was your fault.

[Third Floor]

1. you're supposed to use screens to get open....yea he sometimes forces his shots

2. pro-duke refs -- give me a break....of course hes gonna get more calls than not and thats just because hes so respected because he is a great scorer

no no, youre wrong, jj is great at putting the ball on the floor...im pretty sure vitale has only covered 2 games.....and ive been watching all of the games and have been to all the home games but 1.
1) yes- but it just proof of my point that he doesnt make his own shot
2) not jj, duke. they get all the calls. honestly, its not a joke, you dont get a break. its the truth. every coach and team that plays duke knows it. calipari even came out on espn radio and said it. just admit that the refs, especially in the acc are pro-duke.

great? he would be the third option on duke to drive. after paulus and dockery in the starting five. he would be worse except mcroberts and sheldon dont ever drive. he's not great. improved, but not great. its gone from not being part of his game, to starting to become part of his game, but he's not great at it.

[UNC41]

how about you get this clear JJ was player of the year last yr...he may have only won it from one of the like 3 or 4 award givers but he was the ACC leading scorer for the top ACC team...is that once again and will win ACC player of the yr and probably Natl player of the yr...esp if duke wins it all...so i mean hate him all you want hes good....accept it...hes good....and give him the credit bc hes worked his fucking ass off to be the best in shape player in the country...how else could he run around those screens all the time...thats how he scores...wears down his opponents physically and mentally....thats JJ

JJ is a hell of a player. I just don't think he's the best in college basketball. And if you are going to make a logical argument, try not claiming that Duke was the top ACC team last year.

[BruceW]

you know this is a def waste of time and its all a perception and in the eyes of the beholder....and i think JJ is great just look at how smart he is on the court...i think Morrison is great and possibly the best in the country...but morrison doesnt have the other scorers redick has either...he doesnt have a daniel ewing (now gone of course), shelden williams, demarcus nelson, or the other guys who can score in dbl figures

[BruceW]

JJ is a hell of a player. I just don't think he's the best in college basketball. And if you are going to make a logical argument, try not claiming that Duke was the top ACC team last year.

damn i couldve sworn they won the ACC championship and JJ won MVP...yes UNC won National championship but not ACC Championship...yea sorry for being right

[nolan8or]

1) yes- but it just proof of my point that he doesnt make his own shot
2) not jj, duke. they get all the calls. honestly, its not a joke, you dont get a break. its the truth. every coach and team that plays duke knows it. calipari even came out on espn radio and said it. just admit that the refs, especially in the acc are pro-duke.

great? he would be the third option on duke to drive. after paulus and dockery in the starting five. he would be worse except mcroberts and sheldon dont ever drive. he's not great. improved, but not great. its gone from not being part of his game, to starting to become part of his game, but he's not great at it.


i never said driving....i said putting the ball on the floor....maybe this could be a pump fake from behind the arc, take a few dribbles in for the mid-range jumper...and actually he IS great at driving because he gets fouled so much when he does it

paulus is great at driving because he can always find the open man to pass to

dockery is great at finishing when he drives

mcroberts is just nasty....should be rookie of the year over hansbrough

and sheldon is the best big man in the country

[Third Floor]

how about you get this clear JJ was player of the year last yr...he may have only won it from one of the like 3 or 4 award givers but he was the ACC leading scorer for the top ACC team...is that once again and will win ACC player of the yr and probably Natl player of the yr...esp if duke wins it all...so i mean hate him all you want hes good....accept it...hes good....and give him the credit bc hes worked his fucking ass off to be the best in shape player in the country...how else could he run around those screens all the time...thats how he scores...wears down his opponents physically and mentally....thats JJ
wait- i said JJ was the best shooter in college. hes good.
but he's not the best all around player in college basketball.

[BruceW]

who is then?

[Third Floor]

do you even read these threads? or do you just come in and jump on the duke bandwagon?

[nolan8or]

he's obviously not a bandwagon fan if hes been goin to duke games all his life and knows all that about duke

[UNC41]

damn i couldve sworn they won the ACC championship and JJ won MVP...yes UNC won National championship but not ACC Championship...yea sorry for being right

Which makes the top ACC team? Having the best record during a 16 game conference season and winning the national championship or winning the conference tournament. So much for you being right.

[BruceW]

just found this thread....but yea been a duke fan for 17 yrs of my life and go to almost all home games...know JJ Redick personally and coach dawkins and collins personally...and i just hate it when ppl talk bad about my boy JJ like that bc i know what a greta person he is snd hard he has truly workded

[Third Floor]

if working hard is what makes someone the best player in the nation, then its a walkon

[BruceW]

haha ROSS PERKINS!!!!!!

[nolan8or]

Which makes the top ACC team? Having the best record during a 16 game conference season and winning the national championship or winning the conference tournament. So much for you being right.


as far as ACC conference play it was duke...obvious just because they won the tournament

im just tired of unc fans living in the past....before they won it last year yall were all about "aw man when we had rasheed and jamison and vince we were so good"

now its all about "hey we won the national championship LAST year"

unc is not good this year....just face it

[BruceW]

UNC is not bad this yr im not going to lie but i just dont like their lack of team untiy...yr after yr they lack it...even last yr it just happened they were so good it didnt matter...and duke had to come together soooo much and thats why they were good...they werent that great but came together so well and made themselves good...UNC would have to do that this yr...but obviously wont bc theyve got their heads and egos deep into thir asses

[UNC41]

as far as ACC conference play it was duke...obvious just because they won the tournament

im just tired of unc fans living in the past....before they won it last year yall were all about "aw man when we had rasheed and jamison and vince we were so good"

now its all about "hey we won the national championship LAST year"

unc is not good this year....just face it

Have you been in the thread before? I haven't been touting UNC as a top team at all. I don't look back to the days of Sheed and Jamison. Right now, I'm looking forward to next year's recruting class. But if you think Duke was the best team in the ACC least year you are either dumb, ignorant or just don't have a clue about college basketball. It takes a lot more to win a regular season conference title than it does a conference tournament. I wasn't living in the past by typing it, but correcting a statement. I have no problem saying Duke is the best team in the ACC this year.

[nolan8or]

Have you been in the thread before? I haven't been touting UNC as a top team at all. I don't look back to the days of Sheed and Jamison. Right now, I'm looking forward to next year's recruting class. But if you think Duke was the best team in the ACC least year you are either dumb, ignorant or just don't have a clue about college basketball. It takes a lot more to win a regular season conference title than it does a conference tournament. I wasn't living in the past by typing it, but correcting a statement. I have no problem saying Duke is the best team in the ACC this year.


of course unc was the best team in the country last year....mainly at the end of the year...all i said was that duke was the best team as far as conference play goes (they won the acc tourney)

[UNC41]

of course unc was the best team in the country last year....mainly at the end of the year...all i said was that duke was the best team as far as conference play goes (they won the acc tourney)

You do realze that regular season conference games count as conference play, right?

[BruceW]

very respectful post there UNC41 the one before you just posted that is...i like that..i just really did believe that Duke wouldve beaten UNC in the ACC tourny last yr just bc of their determination to win that tournament and they were so into it and all...but it was no way they could win the NCAA last yr...they just didnt have the manpower and i believe the right team won last yr

[nolan8or]

yes i realize it....nobody ever remembers the conference records from the regular season....its all about the tournament

[Third Floor]

very respectful post there UNC41...i like that..i just really did believe that Duke wouldve beaten UNC in the ACC tourny last yr just bc of their determination to win that tournament and they were so into it and all...but it was no way they could win the NCAA last yr...they just didnt have the manpower and i believe the right team won last yr
how was it that last year duke didnt have the manpower? how many mcdonalds all americans did they have last year? 3 or 4? why is that considered rebuilding at duke, while if you give that many high school all americans to any other team its a great team capable of winning a championship.

[BruceW]

same goes for UNC this yr...theyve got 3 or 4 on their team

[nolan8or]

its because they didnt have any depth....if one of the starters got in foul trouble or was having a bad game then who were they gonna put in???

[UNC41]

very respectful post there UNC41 the one before you just posted that is...i like that..i just really did believe that Duke wouldve beaten UNC in the ACC tourny last yr just bc of their determination to win that tournament and they were so into it and all...but it was no way they could win the NCAA last yr...they just didnt have the manpower and i believe the right team won last yr

Duke did have more incentive to win the ACC tournament. UNC knew they had a 1 seed wrapped up. Although they were more of a team than anyone gives them credit for, I think they knew how talented they were and skated by at times. As for this year's team I saw you comment on, I disagree. They play a lot harder than last year's team, and their problem isn't lack of effort or team unity. With so many freshmen on the team the youth shows at times.

[UNC41]

yes i realize it....nobody ever remembers the conference records from the regular season....its all about the tournament

Remember what you will, but 16 games is a much better way of determining the top team in a conference rather than 3.

[nolan8or]

agreed, unc has a tough time offensively this year...which is expected seeing how they lost their top 7 scorers

[nolan8or]

Remember what you will, but 16 games is a much better way of determining the top team in a conference rather than 3.


i think most people remember that duke has won 8 of the last 9 acc tournament championships.....i like to call that a DYNASTY

[BruceW]

Duke did have more incentive to win the ACC tournament. UNC knew they had a 1 seed wrapped up. Although they were more of a team than anyone gives them credit for, I think they knew how talented they were and skated by at times. As for this year's team I saw you comment on, I disagree. They play a lot harder than last year's team, and their problem isn't lack of effort or team unity. With so many freshmen on the team the youth shows at times.

well what i mean is that the freshman are so cocky...they are i know the guys and they are actually wuite rude in public...and i just know ho they interract with each other...its not working wuite right down there right now...but roy is a good coach so i expect him to clean it up but those guys have got to put high school behind them and learn that theyre not th best in the nation anymore its college...this is all true too

[UNC41]

i think most people remember that duke has won 8 of the last 9 acc tournament championships.....i like to call that a DYNASTY

And you said UNC fans live in the past? ;)

[nolan8or]

And you said UNC fans live in the past? ;)


correct, i said that and its true.....you are forgetting that we are still in the DUKE dynasty....it is the past, present, and hopefully future if mcroberts stays for next year

[BruceW]

haha and UNC will be good again next yr so i guess me n noles better live it up while we can

[UNC41]

well what i mean is that the freshman are so cocky...they are i know the guys and they are actually wuite rude in public...and i just know ho they interract with each other...its not working wuite right down there right now...but roy is a good coach so i expect him to clean it up but those guys have got to put high school behind them and learn that theyre not th best in the nation anymore its college...this is all true too

I have no idea how they act other than on the court. It's too bad if that's the case. However, I think there's a good shot Hansbrough is the only current freshman starting next year.

[Third Floor]

because they're 7 players that average decent minutes this year is sooo deep. yes you could say its 8, but pocius doesnt play that much now (avg 10 minutes a game) and once demarcus comes back his minutes will decrease.

[nolan8or]

I have no idea how they act other than on the court. It's too bad if that's the case. However, I think there's a good shot Hansbrough is the only current freshman starting next year.


from what i hear hansbrough is dumb as a brick and will be going pro after this year because he probably couldnt stay in school....and im not just sayin that cuz im a duke fan

[UNC41]

correct, i said that and its true.....you are forgetting that we are still in the DUKE dynasty....it is the past, present, and hopefully future if mcroberts stays for next year

I'm not denying Duke has been dominent lately. Just making the point that pretty much all fans like to discuss the past successes or studs that have played for their teams.

[nolan8or]

because they're 7 players that average decent minutes this year is sooo deep. yes you could say its 8, but pocius doesnt play that much now (avg 10 minutes a game) and once demarcus comes back his minutes will decrease.

depth isnt a problem this year because of their freshmen class


redick, shelden, dockery, melchioni, nelson, paulus, mcroberts, pocius, boykin, boetang

duke is fine depth wise this year

[UNC41]

from what i hear hansbrough is dumb as a brick and will be going pro after this year because he probably couldnt stay in school....and im not just sayin that cuz im a duke fan

You may be right, but everything I've heard points to him staying more than one.

[nolan8or]

You may be right, but everything I've heard points to him staying more than one.

hmm who knows....i just hope mcroberts stays next year


on that note im going to bed

[BruceW]

nolan is correct about hansbrough...he is really dumb...but he can hoop and if he stays the ACC will be in trouble bc he will be a top big man as much as i hate to say it

[Third Floor]

depth isnt a problem this year because of their freshmen class


redick, shelden, dockery, melchioni, nelson, paulus, mcroberts, pocius, boykin, boetang

duke is fine depth wise this year
having players is one thing, but k doesnt play boykin or boetang, and if it wasnt for nelson's injury, hpocius would be in that catagory too.

depth is a problem- they have bodies, but duke only plays really 7 players decent minutes

[UNC41]

Yeah his intelligence isn't what has gotten him to where he is. As for McRoberts, I wish we'd get more of an opportunity to see how good he can be, but that's tough with two first team all-americans on the team.

[BruceW]

id love to stay and chat bt igg sleep boys...night and a pleasant tomorrow

[gbs3769]

One more game before the Big East season starts. UTEP tomorrow at 7:00pm in the Dome. Can't wait!

- Primo

[SteelerMan]

:lol ... at Duke fans talking about UNC fans living in the past. It was LAST SEASON. Should we stop celebrating seconds after the championship game is over because it's in the past now?

As far as Duke being a "dynasty", how is that? Because they've won a conference tournament 8 of the past 9 years? Are the Atlanta Braves a "dynasty" as well because they've won their division the past 13 years?

I honestly haven't seen a single UNC fan on this board say UNC is better than Duke, so why provoke us? Everyone knows this is a rebuilding year.

[nolan8or]

i wasnt provoking...just tellin it how it is

[nolan8or]

and as far as duke being a Dynasty....it's a fact....they have dominated every since coach K has been there (except for his first year and the 95 season), making them a dynasty

UCLA was a dynasty with Wooden....Kentucky was a dynasty with Rupp

and now Duke is the most recent dynasty because of Coach K

[UNC41]

and as far as duke being a Dynasty....it's a fact....they have dominated every since coach K has been there (except for his first year and the 95 season), making them a dynasty

UCLA was a dynasty with Wooden....Kentucky was a dynasty with Rupp

and now Duke is the most recent dynasty because of Coach K

Dynasties include multiple championships over a very, very short time span. Like winning three in four years. Duke has been dominant, but not a dynasty.

[nolan8or]

alright....duke made it to the final four for five straight years....88-92, winning two national championships

thats a pretty short time span



they went to the final four in 99 and won it in 01 then went to the final four in 04 all while winning the acc championship...except in 04

theyve won 8 of the last 9 acc tournaments

and had won 7 in a row


im not making this stuff up.....Coach K has turned Duke into a dynasty....its a fact

[unccrombie]

duke is not a dynasty, successful yes, but theyre nothing like say USC or the Patriots

[gbs3769]

John, going to the 'Cuse game tomorrow?

- Primo

[sk4sports86]

too bad my school (Binghamton) sucks at basketball, i would love to fill out a bracket with them on it.

My vote is for...UNC!
Felton + May = Doom

[UNC41]

alright....duke made it to the final four for five straight years....88-92, winning two national championships

thats a pretty short time span



they went to the final four in 99 and won it in 01 then went to the final four in 04 all while winning the acc championship...except in 04

theyve won 8 of the last 9 acc tournaments

and had won 7 in a row


im not making this stuff up.....Coach K has turned Duke into a dynasty....its a fact

Duke was on its way to becoming a dynasty by winning titles in 91-92, but they didn't win another one until 2001. That is not a dynasty. Winning ACC tournament does not make a dynasty. It's like saying the Braves are one for winning 13 (I think that's the right number) NL East titles in a row.

[paris72]

pocius, boykin, boetang



:confused Whoa, strange names

"Yo, gots some Boetang baby"?

[41ravens]

Huge win on Saturday for my Cats. I was pissing myself the entire game. Roy is one hell of a player. Zona looked really good, though. If they play like that every game, they'll take the Pac 10 no problem. Not that that's very impressive this year, but I'll take it.

[unccrombie]

John, going to the 'Cuse game tomorrow?

- Primo
i never have any tickets :(

[nolan8or]

Duke was on its way to becoming a dynasty by winning titles in 91-92, but they didn't win another one until 2001. That is not a dynasty. Winning ACC tournament does not make a dynasty. It's like saying the Braves are one for winning 13 (I think that's the right number) NL East titles in a row.

alright well, agree to disagree....and i think the braves have won 14 in a row

[twosteppn36]

Marquette 94
UConn 79

:monkey

[twosteppn36]

i never have any tickets :(

i may have extra tickets to the uconn game...they're reserved for someone, but they dont always take them

[nolan8or]

Marquette 94
UConn 79


this makes me very happy....i hate uconn

[unccrombie]

i may have extra tickets to the uconn game...they're reserved for someone, but they dont always take them
keep me in the know, ill drive in. always looking for a trip to the dome ;)

[DMBfan41]

Seton Hall vs St. Johns tomorrow

woo!

[Dave G]

Wow, the wheels really fell off for UConn last night
or as Coach Calhoun aptly put it "This was an old-fashioned butt whippin'"
Gay was a non factor (8 pts) or as Coach Calhoun said "I think Rudy Gay was lousy, L....O....U....S....Y"
17 of 34 free throws?...
The list goes on and on ....
The only bright spot for them last night was Rashad Anderson's 25 points.
I think they will be fine, unfortunately maybe this is what they needed after
a Dec. of blowouts of lesser opponents and reading how good they were by hoard of local press

Congrats. to Marquette and Steve Novak (41 points) they played great last night
my vote for the best Williams signs of the night
"UConn guards lead the nation in steals" and "UConnvicts" :lol

[gbs3769]

I love Big East season. Too bad we have to wait until Sunday for 'Cuse to start Big East play.

- Primo

[UNC41]

I love Big East season. Too bad we have to wait until Sunday for 'Cuse to start Big East play.

- Primo

I love how the conference basketball season coincides with the end of college football.

[rconverse]

I love how the conference basketball season coincides with the end of college football.

That and Zanex are crucial to my mental and emotional stability.

[unccrombie]

I love how the conference basketball season coincides with the end of college football.
i love how texas will shock the nation and kick USC's ass. i saw it in a vision

[seekupig]

been away for a little while, good to see we've got some more Duke fans around here......:rolleyes

[rconverse]

been away for a little while, good to see we've got some more Duke fans around here......:rolleyes

There can never be enough Dukies!! :multi

[UNC41]

been away for a little while, good to see we've got some more Duke fans around here......:rolleyes

They are beginning to show up like random UNC fans did last year, just a little earlier.

[seekupig]

There can never be enough Dukies!! :multi

the two or three we had around last year were plenty.

[seekupig]

They are beginning to show up like random UNC fans did last year, just a little earlier.

it didn't take as long because they only had to go nine miles down the street to pick up the bandwagon.

[rconverse]

the two or three we had around last year were plenty.

You love us.

Hopefully I can stick around in this thread more often now that CFB is over. :cool

[UNC41]

it didn't take as long because they only had to go nine miles down the street to pick up the bandwagon.

:lol

[seekupig]

You love us.



no, i really don't.

[rconverse]

no, i really don't.

KU fans will think what Duke fans tell them to think. :)

[seekupig]

KU fans will think what Duke fans tell them to think. :)

when you tell me that Duke has the biggest bandwagon following in the history of organized sports, then i'll think what you think.:)

[unccrombie]

KU fans will think what Duke fans tell them to think. :)
i'm going to have to disagree with ya on that one marvin. su has that right until further notice :lol

[gbs3769]

i'm going to have to disagree with ya on that one marvin. su has that right until further notice :lol
:lol Accurate!

- Primo

[rconverse]

when you tell me that Duke has the biggest bandwagon following in the history of organized sports, then i'll think what you think.:)

It's not called jumping on the bandwagon, it's called mob mentality. Get with the winning team I always say.

Seriously though, doesn't UNC hold that title? After MJ, everyone is a Tarheel fan.

[seekupig]

i'm going to have to disagree with ya on that one marvin. su has that right until further notice :lol

why the fuck can't you just let that go? :lol

[seekupig]

It's not called jumping on the bandwagon, it's called mob mentality. Get with the winning team I always say.

Seriously though, doesn't UNC hold that title? After MJ, everyone is a Tarheel fan.

no, UNC doesn't hold that title. i have a lot of friends that are fans of UNC and a lot of friends that are fans of Duke. ALL of the people i know that are fans of UNC have some sort of tie to the school. either they or a family member went to school there. they are fans of the school, not just the basketball team. they go to football games, soccer games, baseball games, etc.

I don't know anyone who claims to be a Duke fan, that is a fan of anything other than Coack K and the mens basketball team.

I know both schools have broad national appeal, so there are fans spread out across the country that just like the basketball teams. i get that. but i live IN the triangle. you would think that in all my years here, i would have met a DUKE fan, not just a duke basketball fan. i haven't.

[rconverse]

no, UNC doesn't hold that title. i have a lot of friends that are fans of UNC and a lot of friends that are fans of Duke. ALL of the people i know that are fans of UNC have some sort of tie to the school. either they or a family member went to school there. they are fans of the school, not just the basketball team. they go to football games, soccer games, baseball games, etc.

I don't know anyone who claims to be a Duke fan, that is a fan of anything other than Coack K and the mens basketball team.

I know both schools have broad national appeal, so there are fans spread out across the country that just like the basketball teams. i get that. but i live IN the triangle. you would think that in all my years here, i would have met a DUKE fan, not just a duke basketball fan. i haven't.

Of course more people are going to have an actual tie to UNC. It is a state university. Duke is private and very difficult to get into. It would make sense that more people would have an actual tie to UNC. I guess if that is your criteria for a bandwagon fan, then I will agree with the fact there are more Duke basketball fans than "Duke" fans.

[UNC41]

no, UNC doesn't hold that title. i have a lot of friends that are fans of UNC and a lot of friends that are fans of Duke. ALL of the people i know that are fans of UNC have some sort of tie to the school. either they or a family member went to school there. they are fans of the school, not just the basketball team. they go to football games, soccer games, baseball games, etc.

I don't know anyone who claims to be a Duke fan, that is a fan of anything other than Coack K and the mens basketball team.

I know both schools have broad national appeal, so there are fans spread out across the country that just like the basketball teams. i get that. but i live IN the triangle. you would think that in all my years here, i would have met a DUKE fan, not just a duke basketball fan. i haven't.

I don't have a tie to the school, but am still a UNC fan. I don't consider myself a bandwagon fan though. I became a fan during the 1993 Final Four and started cheering for them because everyone was hopping on the Michigan bandwagon that year.

[gbs3769]

I don't know anyone who claims to be a Duke fan, that is a fan of anything other than Coack K and the mens basketball team.
The only other sport I could see a Dukie liking is Men's Lacrosse.

- Primo

[UNC41]

The only other sport I could see a Dukie liking is Men's Lacrosse.

- Primo

College Bowl Trivia? ;)

[unccrombie]

women's soccer at unc = :thumbsup

[unccrombie]

why the fuck can't you just let that go? :lol
strictly mental tourture, my dear

[seekupig]

Of course more people are going to have an actual tie to UNC. It is a state university. Duke is private and very difficult to get into. It would make sense that more people would have an actual tie to UNC. I guess if that is your criteria for a bandwagon fan, then I will agree with the fact there are more Duke basketball fans than "Duke" fans.

that's my point. more people have a tie to UNC in this area, but Duke has just as many fans.

it's not the fans spread across the country that i consider bandwagon fans, as much as the people that live here and pick Duke as their favorite team just because they win.

[SteelerMan]

I don't have a tie to the school, but am still a UNC fan. I don't consider myself a bandwagon fan though. I became a fan during the 1993 Final Four and started cheering for them because everyone was hopping on the Michigan bandwagon that year.

Same here, although I became a fan a couple years later. The true UNC fans were the ones who weren't ashamed to call themselves Heels fans during the 8-20 season.

[rconverse]

women's soccer at unc = :thumbsup

I went to high school with Debbie Keller. What a bitch. Her mom was one of those scary power broking, living through her daughter bitch moms too. I still wanted to do Debbie though. Did the lawsuit she filed against the soccer coach for sexual harrassment ever get resolved?

[SteelerMan]

it's not the fans spread across the country that i consider bandwagon fans, as much as the people that live here and pick Duke as their favorite team just because they win.

I don't know... I think as long as you pick a team to root for and stick with them through good times and bad, you're not a bandwagon fan.

[seekupig]

I don't know... I think as long as you pick a team to root for and stick with them through good times and bad, you're not a bandwagon fan.

come live here for a month. you'll change your mind.

and until Duke has a down year, we'll never truly know.

[rconverse]

I don't know... I think as long as you pick a team to root for and stick with them through good times and bad, you're not a bandwagon fan.

I agree. I have no ties to Duke but have been a fan since Bobbie Hurley hit the scene.

[unccrombie]

I went to high school with Debbie Keller. What a bitch. Her mom was one of those scary power broking, living through her daughter bitch moms too. I still wanted to do Debbie though. Did the lawsuit she filed against the soccer coach for sexual harrassment ever get resolved?
i'm not too sure on that one, i remember hearing about it. i think i'll google it

[rconverse]

come live here for a month. you'll change your mind.

and until Duke has a down year, we'll never truly know.


I would consider 1995 (I think) a down year. I think they did finish over .500, but it was only by one or two games.

[SteelerMan]

I watched every game of the Heels 8-20 season. Speaking of which... anyone seen Kris Lang lately?

[UNC41]

come live here for a month. you'll change your mind.

and until Duke has a down year, we'll never truly know.

How as 1995 in North Carolina?

[UNC41]

I watched every game of the Heels 8-20 season. Speaking of which... anyone seen Kris Lang lately?

I wonder if him and Capel are still trying to make it.

[seekupig]

How as 1995 in North Carolina?

the only Dukie sightings that year were the five minutes between Jeff Capel hitting the half court shot against the Heels to send it to overtime until the end of the game. i'm not sure those were even Duke fans as much as they were UNC haters.

[seekupig]

the three reasons i really don't like duke........:D

1. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/dukevitale.jpg

2. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/coachk.jpg

3. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/dukemvp.jpg

[SteelerMan]

I did a little research... Kris Lang played for the Blazers in the 2005 Vegas Summer League. It looks like Jason Capel plays for the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBDL.

In a related story, Ed Cota also played in the 2005 Vegas Summer League for the Wizards. He averaged 2.3 points, 1.7 boards, and 2.7 assists per game. That's not the Eazy Ed I know.

[SteelerMan]

the three reasons i really don't like duke........:D

1. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/dukevitale.jpg

2. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/coachk.jpg

3. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/dukemvp.jpg

:lol

Awesome. The Reggie Love teabag pics would've fit in well here.

[UNC41]

I did a little research... Kris Lang played for the Blazers in the 2005 Vegas Summer League. It looks like Jason Capel plays for the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBDL.

In a related story, Ed Cota also played in the 2005 Vegas Summer League for the Wizards. He averaged 2.3 points, 1.7 boards, and 2.7 assists per game. That's not the Eazy Ed I know.

Cota's my favorite UNC player of all-time. He's struggled to make the NBA, but won multiple championships in Europe.

[seekupig]

:lol

Awesome. The Reggie Love teabag pics would've fit in well here.

ask and you shall receive.......

CAUTION - if a picture of a Duke baskeball player getting teabagged makes you upset, DO NOT click on this link.

List of things not to do as a Dook basketball player:

1. Don't get drunk two weeks before the ACC tournament.

2. Definitely, don't go to Chapel Hill and get drunk in a
fraternity house.

3. If you do get drunk in a UNC fraternity house two weeks
before the ACC tournament, do not pass out in the basement of the
fraternity house.

4. If you fail to follow steps 1 through 3, make sure
you bring someone to look out for you.

5. MOST IMPORTANT: If you fail to follow all four of these
steps, try to wake up when you feel nuts in your face.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/seekupig/reggielove.jpg

[SteelerMan]

Cota's my favorite UNC player of all-time. He's struggled to make the NBA, but won multiple championships in Europe.

Cota and Felton are my favorites. I still think if Cota had left after his junior year, he would've been drafted.

[UNC41]

Cota and Felton are my favorites. I still think if Cota had left after his junior year, he would've been drafted.

Felton's No. 2 on my list. I love Tar Heel PGs. I can't wait to see this Lawson guy they have coming in next year play.

[seekupig]

Felton's No. 2 on my list. I love Tar Heel PGs. I can't wait to see this Lawson guy they have coming in next year play.

King Rice and Dante Calabria are my two favorite all time Heels.

[UNC41]

King Rice and Dante Calabria are my two favorite all time Heels.

My favorite Jayhawk would have to be Jeff Boschee. He was like an idol to every 7th grader in North Dakota in high school. That, and he played the game how it should be.

[seekupig]

My favorite Jayhawk would have to be Jeff Boschee. He was like an idol to every 7th grader in North Dakota in high school. That, and he played the game how it should be.

my favorite Jayhawks are (in no particular order....)

Rex Walters
Paul Pierce
Nick Collison
Kirk Heinrich
Adonis Jordan

[DMBfan41]

honestly, who the hell cares what dick vitale says. Maybe that's why I can never understand why everyone thinks he's all Duke Duke Duke. I never listen to what he says cause he annoys me.

[gbs3769]

My favorite Orangemen in no particular order:

Josh Pace
Hakim Warrick
Damone Brown
Jason Hart
Gerry McNamara

And Demitris Nichols is currently climbing my charts.

- Primo

[UNC41]

I wish Nova/Louisville, Illinois/Michigan St and UCLA/Zona were on tomorrow night instead.

[unccrombie]

I wish Nova/Louisville, Illinois/Michigan St and UCLA/Zona were on tomorrow night instead.
they on tonight?

[gbs3769]

No, they are actually on tomorrow night.

- Primo

[gbs3769]

But Notre Dame at Pitt tonight should be pretty good.

- Primo

[UNC41]

No, they are actually on tomorrow night.

- Primo

Doh, I clicked on the scoreboard at ESPN.com and took me to tomorrow night's games. My b.

[41ravens]

yeah, there's some damn good games tomorrow. this whole town is pissing themselves over the mich st. game. and rightfully so. i think illinois may have padded their schedule just a bit too much to start this season off. they may be in for a surprise during the big 10. as for zona, i have no worries after that washington game until they give me reason. and they just may tomorrow night.

[unccrombie]

i still dont think illi is that good, am i alone on this one?

[41ravens]

absolutely not, john. but unlike yourself, i have to put up with all the hype every day. i don't mind them, i've just always been an AZ fan. i have a feeling they're going to lose tomorrow night.

[SteelerMan]

i still dont think illi is that good, am i alone on this one?

Nope. UNC pushed them to the limit when they were even less experienced than they are now.

[41ravens]

IL has some great guards, especially Dee, but they have nothing on the inside. i personally think augustine blows goats and can't play defense. when they have to play a team with a strong interior game, like say indiana, they're screwed. it was their weakness last year and May and UNC exposed the hell out of it.

[unccrombie]

IL has some great guards, especially Dee, but they have nothing on the inside. i personally think augustine blows goats and can't play defense. when they have to play a team with a strong interior game, like say indiana, they're screwed. it was their weakness last year and May and UNC exposed the hell out of it.
indeed, but duke's interior is just a shade above illi's and look what they did to killingsworth

[41ravens]

i'll take mcroberts and williams over augustine and pruitt/whoever is in at the time any day. and killingsworth had a damn good game against duke, i thought.

[unccrombie]

i'll take mcroberts and williams over augustine and pruitt/whoever is in at the time any day. and killingsworth had a damn good game against duke, i thought.
eh, i thought they shut him down for the most part. however duke always has some issues with fouls/the bench during the season so im interested to see how mccroberts handles the full load when sheldon goes down for whatever reason

[UNC41]

eh, i thought they shut him down for the most part. however duke always has some issues with fouls/the bench during the season so im interested to see how mccroberts handles the full load when sheldon goes down for whatever reason

He went for 34 and 10. I thought he was easily the best player on the court that night.

[unccrombie]

He went for 34 and 10. I thought he was easily the best player on the court that night.
am i thinkin of another game?

[41ravens]

you might be. yeah, he had an awesome game against duke.

[haildmb]

am i thinkin of another game?


you must be... killingsworth was a fucking monster against Duke

[DMBfan41]

Went to the Seton Hall/St. Johns game tonight at the meadowlands.

Crazy game! Didn't think the Hall would get back into the game after scoring only 15 points in the first half and being down by 20 points. But they tied it up at the buzzer, forced over time and dominated and got a good win.

[unccrombie]

Went to the Seton Hall/St. Johns game tonight at the meadowlands.

Crazy game! Didn't think the Hall would get back into the game after scoring only 15 points in the first half and being down by 20 points. But they tied it up at the buzzer, forced over time and dominated and got a good win.
sounds crazy

[cityondown5]

I am pumped for MSU/Illini :bounce

[UNC41]

I am pumped for MSU/Illini :bounce

MSU by 12.

[seekupig]

i'm pumped for KU vs. Jelly on saturday. :multi

[Third Floor]

kuvuk- sounds russian.

[chiznaz]

A&M finally lost a game. We are no longer undefeated. For a second there I thought we were the best team in the BigXII:lol

[gbs3769]

'Cuse actually looked decent alst night. That's a good sign moving in to Big East play.

- Primo

[nolan8or]

big game comin up on sunday....duke at wake

[unccrombie]

'Cuse actually looked decent alst night. That's a good sign moving in to Big East play.

- Primo
g-mac is going to need to be a lot more consistent if theyre going to have any chance in the big east this year

[cityondown5]

Michigan State has the hardest conference scheduale out of any team this year. In any conference. It is insane.

[unccrombie]

Michigan State has the hardest conference scheduale out of any team this year. In any conference. It is insane.
eh, SU kinda rivals that, along with any big east team: uconn, nova, su, louisville, marquette, nd, pitt, west virginia

[SteelerMan]

I don't know... Duke twice, Maryland twice, NC State twice, at Wake Forest, and Boston College is pretty tough if you ask me.

[gbs3769]

g-mac is going to need to be a lot more consistent if theyre going to have any chance in the big east this year
He just needs to take fewer shots and start to focus on actually getting the ball to others. He had 10 assists last night and he could have had plenty more if he shot less.

- Primo

[stgeorg3]

Michigan State has the hardest conference scheduale out of any team this year. In any conference. It is insane.

I'm the biggest State out there but there is no way. The Big Ten does have Purdue, Northwestern and Penn State, which are just God awful!

[cityondown5]

The Big Ten does have Purdue, Northwestern and Penn State, which are just God awful!

And they play all those teams once, and thats it. No other team rivals Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa all twice. That, is hard.

[unccrombie]

And they play all those teams once, and thats it. No other team rivals Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa all twice. That, is hard.
su plays nova and uconn twice and they rival illi and indiana and are better IMO. the other teams are decent, and i still say the big east is stronger

[Third Floor]

big game comin up on sunday....duke at wake
ill be in winston, hopefully i can find a ticket to the game.

[unccrombie]

He just needs to take fewer shots and start to focus on actually getting the ball to others. He had 10 assists last night and he could have had plenty more if he shot less.

- Primo
yeah, i see him turning into lebron minus the scoring output

[cityondown5]

Sorry for the long long post, but I figured some people would find it interesting...

No excuses needed this year in Big Ten
Shelman
By Jeff Shelman
Special to ESPN.com
click this

It has become something of an autumn ritual.

The Big Ten men's basketball coaches sit around a hotel ballroom on Halloween weekend and talk about how much better the teams in the conference are going to be in the upcoming season. It's almost immediately followed by a nonconference season that includes bad losses to low- and mid-majors, a loss in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and a brutal record against the other BCS conferences.

Once conference play begins, the league's coaches spend much of January and February explaining that the Big Ten isn't down, that it's filled with difficult places to play and that the league deserves six or seven invitations to the NCAA Tournament.

Never mind the fact that from 2002 through 2005, the Big Ten finished sixth, fifth, sixth and sixth in the Ratings Percentage Index.

Vincent Grier
AP Photo/Andy King
With players like Vincent Grier, the Big Ten has been slammin' all season.

This fall's gathering in suburban Chicago was no different. The league was going to be better. No, the league hasn't been down. Blah, blah, blah.

Admittedly, there was more of a reason for optimism this season. Aside from Illinois, nearly every team in the conference returned several key players from last season. But, at the same time, the ACC has been consistently better top-to-bottom and there was tons of talk that the new Bigger East had the potential to be the deepest and best college basketball conference in the galaxy.

When the Challenge ended with the annual ACC victory, the Big Ten figured to be about what everyone thought. It was a good league, it was improved and there was good depth. But, at the same time, the Big Ten was probably the third-best league in college basketball.

And then something strange happened -- Big Ten schools stopped losing.

After going a combined 39-13 (.750) in November, the Big Ten has gone 66-11 (.857) against nonconference competition since.

The result? The often panned Big Ten entered conference play Tuesday night ranked first in the RPI.

Yes, first.

How did that happen? It's a pretty simple equation: victories against major conference opposition and few bad losses.

After going a combined 83-125 against the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC over the past four seasons, Big Ten is 21-13 against its peer leagues this season. In addition, there haven't been many head-scratching losses, especially for the top eight teams in the league. The worst losses by the top teams? There was Michigan State's cramp-filled loss at Hawaii to start the season, Minnesota's loss to Atlantic Sun favorite Gardner-Webb (in large part because the Gophers were without three starters) and Indiana's loss at Indiana State.

That's it.

The top eight teams -- Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State and Wisconsin -- entered league play a combined 84-12. Of those losses, seven were to ranked opponents. And even each of the three have-nots -- Northwestern, Penn State and Purdue -- have a winning record.

What all of this means is that the Big Ten is as deep or nearly as deep as the Big East. All eight tournament contenders are currently ranked in the RPI's top 75, and it wouldn't be unreasonable if the league ends up with seven teams in the NCAAs.

Minnesota coach Dan Monson is the only Big Ten coach with a vote in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll. For each of the past few weeks, he's had seven Big Ten teams on his ballot.

He's not the only one who is high on the league.

"I'm excited about the Big Ten. It's great to have our league being talked about," said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, whose team opens league play with a very difficult game at undefeated Illinois on Thursday. "I think every team in the league is making some strides, and I still think there are eight teams in the league that could win the Big Ten championship."

So if there's all this depth, who is going to end up winning the conference title? The way things look so far, it doesn't seem likely that anybody will get through league play with fewer than three losses. This might be a season in which there will be several teams at 12-4.

"It's wide open," said Ohio State coach Thad Matta, whose Buckeyes join Illinois as one of the six undefeated teams remaining nationally. "All of the teams have done very well in their nonconference schedule and I think you're getting ready to brace yourself for a two-month war."

The biggest surprise so far this season in the Big Ten has been Illinois. Despite losing Deron Williams, Luther Head and Roger Powell Jr. -- three guys who accounted for more than half of Illinois' offense during the Illini's run to the national championship game -- Illinois again is undefeated.

"Everybody thought they'd be a very, very good team, but it's kind of hard to duplicate what they did a year ago," Iowa coach Steve Alford said. "And yet, here they are going into conference play undefeated again."

Illinois coach Bruce Weber will admit he didn't know whether a team with three new starters could be this impressive this quickly.

"You always think you can be successful, but to be where we're at, it's surprised myself and our staff," Weber said. "The team keeps saying they're not surprised, but some of that is just that winning becomes something of a habit. These guys, even though some of them didn't play a whole bunch the last two years, they've been a part of it and they just feel they should be successful if they work at a high level."

That said, Illinois isn't the offensive freak show it was a year ago. The Illini don't score at will and zip the ball around the court. This Illinois team fits a Big Ten stereotype: They'll guard you into submission.

"They lost so much and they've almost changed their identity," Monson said. "They've gone almost full circle and now we're showing our team some of the things they're doing defensively."

No team has scored more than 65 points against Illinois this season, and 10 of their 14 opponents haven't gotten to the 60-point mark.

Iowa's defense might even be better than Illinois'. The Hawkeyes are giving up only 55.1 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot only 35.9 percent. And if you think the pace at which Iowa plays is a factor, think again -- the Hawkeyes lead the nation in points allowed per 100 possessions (a staggeringly-low 76.6).

Another popular pick to win the league is Indiana, which opened Big Ten play with a victory over Michigan on Tuesday night. The Hoosiers have an amazing frontcourt now that forward D.J. White is healthy enough to join Marco Killingsworth on the lineup. Throw in guards Robert Vaden and A.J. Ratliff and this is easily Mike Davis' most talented team.

In the end, however, the league's unbalanced schedule might play a significant role in determining the champion.

Undefeated Ohio State has a favorable schedule. The Buckeyes are the only team that plays each of the three bottom-feeders twice. That should be six victories -- and not playing at Illinois doesn't hurt either.

The toughest schedule? That easily belongs to Michigan State. Izzo's team has a brutal beginning of the season. Thursday night's game at Illinois is just the beginning. The Spartans follow that up with games at Wisconsin, vs. Indiana, at Ohio State, vs. Iowa and at Michigan. Those six schools are currently a combined 64-9.

"It might be the toughest six-game start in any conference anywhere," Izzo said.

What does he expect? The Big Ten is good. Just like the coaches predicted.

[UNC41]

ESPN.com pretty much has a consensus on its mid-season Final Four picks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2280905

[41ravens]

ESPN.com pretty much has a consensus on its mid-season Final Four picks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2280905

interesting. doug gottlieb seems to be the only one with a decent head on his shoulders. :D

[UNC41]

interesting. doug gottlieb seems to be the only one with a decent head on his shoulders. :D

:lol

Zona to the Final Four and Adams an All-America. You've got to be loving Gottlieb.

[cityondown5]

DEE BROWN :twenty4

[gbs3769]

Villanova is just plain sick. We are going to have a lot of problems hanging with them. The only good thing is that we play much better when we are out and running and that is the style of game that 'Nova plays.

- Primo

[gbs3769]

And Doug Gottlieb is a douchebag. He was a terrible player and is an even more ridiculous analyst. I honestly don't know why they keep him aorund.

- Primo

[cityondown5]

And Doug Gottlieb is a douchebag. He was a terrible player and is an even more ridiculous analyst. I honestly don't know why they keep him aorund.

Seriously, but personally, I really don't like any of the ESPN college basketball personallities. Dick Vitale knows his stuff, but is annoying to listen to. And I HATE Jay Bilas. Every year his all first team would be Duke's starting line-up if he had that option.

[watchtower41]

ESPN.com pretty much has a consensus on its mid-season Final Four picks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2280905


Well isn't that a waste of space....good to see different insight :ugh Its like cheating off the "smart kid" in class only to realize when everybody got their grades back, that was the one time he didnt study.


After watching the games last night, Illinois is clearly not getting enough respect for how good their D really is, granted, I know they are a little rough inside, but Randle is one helluva PF that they didnt have the luxury of last year. They deserve some credit, especially with what they lost. That team can go as far as Dee wants to take them. Along those same lines, plenty of people were ready to write off Villanova for the title once Sumpter went down again. WRONG. This team is the real deal, will be the Big East Champs and headed to the Final Four, no doubt in my mind. With all that being said, KU/UK will be a classic for the year on Saturday. Two of college basketball's elite historic programs trying to get back on track for the stretch run, both of these teams will get more dangerous with every game they play from here on out. Jayhawks' ticket to get back in the polls. Rock Chalk.

[DMBfan41]

Andy Katz is the man, listen to him.

DUKIES!!!

[cityondown5]

Andy Katz is a tool.

[DMBfan41]

Favorite College - (1) Duke (13-0) (1-0) Tied-First Place In ACC
Favorite Local College - Seton Hall (9-3) (1-0) Tied-First Place In Big East
My College - Fairleigh Dickinson (6-6) (3-0) Tied-First Place In NEC

Hopefully, this continues.

[gbs3769]

Favorite College - Syracuse (12-2) (0-0)
Local College - Syracuse (12-2) (0-0)
My College - Syracuse (12-2) (0-0)

Works out. ;)

- Primo

[DMBfan41]

ha, i wish it was that easy for me Primo, but hey, I got no problem cheering for three teams

[gbs3769]

They are also all in different conferences so it is a little easier.

- Primo

[DMBfan41]

damn straight, its been a tough year.

I had to watch Duke destroy Seton Hall, and I had to watch Seton Hall barely beat FDU.

[seekupig]

Kentucky @ Kansas - noon
NC State @ UNC - 3pm

great day for college basketball tomorrow.......:multi

[DMBfan41]

game to watch this weekend


Sunday at 8:00

Duke at Wake!

[haildmb]

Kentucky @ Kansas - noon
NC State @ UNC - 3pm

great day for college basketball tomorrow.......:multi


go Pack, time for us to put a thumpin' on unc.

[bustdstuff]

Kentucky @ Kansas - noon
NC State @ UNC - 3pm

great day for college basketball tomorrow.......:multi

First, what the hell is up? I've missed you guys. Wish I could be around more, but I'm working like mad and don't have a computer at home.

As to the above post. Good games, but does anything really compare to Redskins at BUCS tomorrow (today but who's counting)?

Well that's all I have for now. I could go on and on and on about my Blue Devils, but I have a feeling that it's being done already. Hope to be back soon.

[unccrombie]

go Pack, time for us to put a thumpin' on unc.
dont be crying when we put the upset shocker to your butt-hole ;)

[cityondown5]

I rarely cheer for Wake, but I will.

[bdb23]

I wouldn't mind if Allen Fieldhouse collapsed right now. :shrug

[twosteppn36]

kentucky's lookin good

[unccrombie]

ku ku ca choo

is that the kansas train i hear steam rollin? yup

[twosteppn36]

:lol

[unccrombie]

"hey, what's uk's ranking?"

"#21"

"no, thats how many points their down"

[UNLTrpt]

Nebraskas got Oklahoma today.

We're gonna lose.

[bdb23]

Jelly getting butt fucked. Hope they used some KY.

[UNLTrpt]

Kansas finally figured out how to play basketball

[unccrombie]

hell of a game that iowa/illi game is. unc is holdin their own, should be a barn burner

[UNLTrpt]

Nebraska big win today over Oklahoma.

:multi

[ousooner]

Another terrible loss for the Sooners. Blowing a five point lead allowing two three pointers in the final 20 seconds at Nebraska losing by one. Damn, we haven't played a good game since the Villanova game. I keep thinking we are going to snap out of it, but it's just not happening. Things are going from bad to worse. I don't know if it's the coaching or maybe our players are just way overrated and aren't that good, but this sure is disappointing. I was expecting very big things this year and it doesn't look like it's going to happen :BANG

[UNLTrpt]

Another terrible loss for the Sooners. Blowing a five point lead allowing two three pointers in the final 20 seconds at Nebraska losing by one. Damn, we haven't played a good game since the Villanova game. I keep thinking we are going to snap out of it, but it's just not happening. Things are going from bad to worse. I don't know if it's the coaching or maybe our players are just way overrated and aren't that good, but this sure is disappointing. I was expecting very big things this year and it doesn't look like it's going to happen :BANG

For OU, yeah bad loss. Nebraska HUGE win. We need this one desperatly if we wanted any chance to finish in the top half of the league.

Nebraska has almost always come up on the short stick of those close close games where it comes down to the last shot. I can't remember the last we've had a buzzer beater win and it always seems like when we take the lead like that late, the other team always finds a way to get the win.

Finally got one on you Brian. Now if we could do anything about the screw job we got during FB.....:D

[unccrombie]

car-o-lina

lovin these freshmen, solid win today at home. david noel <3. however i really hate quintin thomas he's starting to seem like a liability

[seekupig]

Kentucky looked good today. :lol

[HolyCow]

gosh. Our guards just piss me off. Terrell Everett needs to pull his head out of his butt and quit trying to score 35 and start letting Bookout and Gray touch once every 5 or 6 possessions. Frustrating.

I thought we looked great against Alabama. Defense finally played well and we looked to be clicking offensively.

[bdb23]

Oh well, poor showing today by the Illini. Road games in any of the big conferences are TOUGH. We're still playing above our preseason ranking, though.

[unccrombie]

Oh well, poor showing today by the Illini. Road games in any of the big conferences are TOUGH. We're still playing above our preseason ranking, though.
i still think you guys are a tad overrated. if d-brown doesnt help out you lose. and that is a bad situation to be in. good d though i'll give ya that, but it doesnt counteract brown's ineffectiveness

[ousooner]

gosh. Our guards just piss me off. Terrell Everett needs to pull his head out of his butt and quit trying to score 35 and start letting Bookout and Gray touch once every 5 or 6 possessions. Frustrating.

I thought we looked great against Alabama. Defense finally played well and we looked to be clicking offensively.
Yeah, I forgot about the Alabama game, but then we went back to crap almost losing to SMU and then today. We get a decent lead and then can't hold it. We almost blew it at Tulsa, we did blow it against ORU and rallied back, we beat SMU by a measly 3, and then blew the lead today. And there were others against inferior competition that were a lot closer then they should have been.

You're right, the guards need to realize who the go to guys are on this team, and it's not them.

[bdb23]

i still think you guys are a tad overrated. if d-brown doesnt help out you lose. and that is a bad situation to be in. good d though i'll give ya that, but it doesnt counteract brown's ineffectiveness
That's why I said we're playing above our ranking. We don't belong at #6 a