Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[dmbmuskie]

Why the hell am I forced to watch the VT game just starting the 2nd half?

[clayj41]

Why the hell am I forced to watch the VT game just starting the 2nd half?

Ew...:lol

Florida is gonna pull this out, Oregon is looking good...but I need Wisconsin and Va. Tech to pull their head's out of their asses!!!

[dmbmuskie]

Ew...:lol

Florida is gonna pull this out, Oregon is looking good...but I need Wisconsin and Va. Tech to pull their head's out of their asses!!!

The worst thing is I get two CBS stations, and they have shown the same games all 4 days. I can understand them both showing the Pitt and OSU games, but I, nor anyone else in my are gives a shit about most of the games they have shown. I want to see the best games.

[thestand]

To everyone who had Winthrop as the obvious upset pick for today, I laugh at you, and spit in your general direction.

[clayj41]

Wisconsin goes down...the Big Ten is dropping like flies.

Oh well, doesn't hurt me too badly. I had Oregon beating them in the next round anyways...

[SoRight24]

So far I've lost UVA and Wisconsin.

On the verge of losing Va Tech as well.

My bracket is taking a tumble.....

[clayj41]

So far I've lost UVA and Wisconsin.

On the verge of losing Va Tech as well.

My bracket is taking a tumble.....

I had Tennessee beating UVA, but I did lose Wisconsin and it looks like Va. Tech.

My Sweet 16 isn't looking great, but at least I haven't lost an Elite 8 team yet.:shrug

[raid24]

whats your scoring system??

[clayj41]

whats your scoring system??

In what, the ESPN league? I'm not sure, it's just set on the default setting...

[SoRight24]

All of my Elite 8 teams are alive as well.

Glad I didnt put Wisconsin over Oregon in the Elite 8.

[raid24]

ahh espn......yeah i dont know what it is either- we did one with all our friends but for some reason still do it manually- and you cant really win it without your champ winning- and you have the right champ - but your playin against a lot more people than i am(we only have 25) so i guess just havin the champ wouldnt be enough for you........im sad to admit this but im a duke fan with carolina winning

[clayj41]

I'm really pulling for Nevada to beat Memphis...

I also wouldn't mind seeing USC beating Texas, even though I have Texas winning the game...

[clayj41]

ahh espn......yeah i dont know what it is either- we did one with all our friends but for some reason still do it manually- and you cant really win it without your champ winning- and you have the right champ - but your playin against a lot more people than i am(we only have 25) so i guess just havin the champ wouldnt be enough for you........im sad to admit this but im a duke fan with carolina winning

Yeah, I'm doing one with friends where there's a manual scroring system. I believe it's 1 point for the 1st round, 2 for the 2nd, 5 for the Sweet 16, 10 for the Elite 8, 20 for the Final Four, and 50 for picking the National Champion. Basically, if you pick the champ correctly it's almost impossible to lose unless someone nails the Elite 8 and Final 4 but picks the wrong champ.

im sad to admit this but im a duke fan with carolina winning

:lol :D :lol :D

[HolyCow]

Well fart. I have hit a very bad stretch.

This is normally about the point of the tourney I quit caring about my bracket, and start caring about watching some great basketball games.

[dmbmuskie]

:BANG Texas in the Final 4:BANG

[darbini]

I have 7/8 Elite 8 teams remaining, that's my only hope.

I had Texas losing to Arkansas, so losing to USC wouldn't be bad. Now UNC can beat them and advance.

[unccrombie]

fuckin texas, ugh

[SoRight24]

fuckin texas, ugh

Hey, at least we don't have to play them Friday...

[unccrombie]

Hey, at least we don't have to play them Friday...
someone had them winning friday

[SoRight24]

someone had them winning friday

Ahh....tough luck my man.

[41ravens]

hey justin...

how bout them trojans?

[justinandimcool]

That was fucking beautiful























I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE IN THE SWEET MOTHAFUCKIN SIXTEEN!!!!! :multi :multi :multi

[SoRight24]

That was fucking beautiful























I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE IN THE SWEET MOTHAFUCKIN SIXTEEN!!!!! :multi :multi :multi

And hopefully your journey will end at the Sweet 16. ;)

[UNC41]

Glad to see the Heels are still alive. My brackets are doing ok, although my dark horse Final Four team was bouned yesterday. Impressive win by USC today, but I kind of wanted to take down Durant.

[GavMan33]

Well fart. I have hit a very bad stretch.

This is normally about the point of the tourney I quit caring about my bracket, and start caring about watching some great basketball games.

Ehhh I am in such a funk. I have absolutely taken a turn to negative town. Not good.

On another note, I quit caring about my bracket on Friday night when I lost 3 out of the 4 late games :lol Even though I'm completely devastated by the X loss yesterday, I must say that these second round games were very fun to watch....

That said, Bob still on suicide watch :violent

[unccrombie]

i still have my final 4: kansas,gtown,a&m, and florida. so im in good shape

[DMBCubs25]

still have 7 of 8 elite 8 teams only losing washington state, i have no problem though with usc beating texas even though i had texas since it takes out everyone that thought texas was another version of melo's syracuse team :lol

still like florida out of the midwest, unc out of the east, hopefully playing in san antonio will give A&M the path to the final 4, and kinda of doubting still putting ucla in the final 4 from out west

[UNC41]

i still have my final 4: kansas,gtown,a&m, and florida. so im in good shape

I disagree. You do not have North Carolina winning it all, let alone in the Final Four, so you are not in good shape. :D

[SoRight24]

i still have my final 4: kansas,gtown,a&m, and florida. so im in good shape

Yeah wtf!

Closet dookie? ;)

[justinandimcool]

And hopefully your journey will end at the Sweet 16. ;)


I promise not to trash talk until tomorrow, since I am still celebrating like mad after today's victory.




But fuck it.


















Travis, Bryan, Clay, John and all you other UNC poopnuggets are all goin down Friday :evil :evil :evil

:multi :multi :multi :multi SWEET SIXTEEN!!

[unccrombie]

I disagree. You do not have North Carolina winning it all, let alone in the Final Four, so you are not in good shape. :D
:lol they way texas played against KU was my determinant for taking texas. kansas is a quick, more athletic team (imo) than unc and if texas could play them like that i figured they could beat unc. well that theory didn't pan out :lol so now im torn between $100 and unc headin to the final 4 :haha

[chiznaz]

Who would have thought... Pac-10 and SEC holding up STRONG in the tourny.

Thurs. night can't get here fast enough. I'm bolting after class from College Station and I'm speeding back to San Antonio. I'm convinced it'll be a good outcome for the aggies, and if so, I'll be hitting the Riverwalk hard afterwards.



and how about your team justin. USC topping texas to get to the sweet 16:)

[41ravens]

so after the weekend, i only have 9 out of my sweet 16. good thing 8 of them are my elite 8. don't know how that worked out, but here's to hoping i have a better weekend next week.

[HolyCow]

Who would have thought... Pac-10 and SEC holding up STRONG in the tourny.

Thurs. night can't get here fast enough. I'm bolting after class from College Station and I'm speeding back to San Antonio. I'm convinced it'll be a good outcome for the aggies, and if so, I'll be hitting the Riverwalk hard afterwards.



and how about your team justin. USC topping texas to get to the sweet 16:)
I would be shocked if you guys lost to Memphis. They are super athletic, but they just seem so raw and disjointed.

Plus, the shoot like 60% from the stripe, and against A&M you are gonna get grinder, and free throws are huge.

[justinandimcool]

Who would have thought... Pac-10 and SEC holding up STRONG in the tourny.

Thurs. night can't get here fast enough. I'm bolting after class from College Station and I'm speeding back to San Antonio. I'm convinced it'll be a good outcome for the aggies, and if so, I'll be hitting the Riverwalk hard afterwards.



and how about your team justin. USC topping texas to get to the sweet 16:)


Haha. Now I'm in a dilemma. Who do I go for now? The team I chose with my heart or the team I chose with my brain? Eh. Hope to see you in the Final Four ;)

I love how we went from Lakers/Spurs war to a potential USC/A&M matchup :lol

[chiznaz]

I would be shocked if you guys lost to Memphis. They are super athletic, but they just seem so raw and disjointed.

Plus, the shoot like 60% from the stripe, and against A&M you are gonna get grinder, and free throws are huge.

I know this has nothing really to do with what you said, but rather the fact that you are a Sooner.

How awesome is the BigXII becoming at basketball? We have Bobby Knight, Self, Gillispie, Capel is growing into a very good coach, Barnes, and now Huggins(even though his teams act like they just got out of state prison). I would venture to say in 5 years or less, the BigXII is going to be stacked with the talent these guys can bring in.

[UNLTrpt]

Sorry boys, I was out of town all weekend but there wasn't a lot of NIT action to follow. And everybody has been busy with the big dance anyway.

Here is the latest standings for the NIT Pick 'em:
mizzoudmbfan- 19pts
HolyCow- 16pts
gbs3769- 15pts
justinandimcool- 15pts
41ravens- 14pts
clayj41- 14pts
UNLTrpt- 13pts
Davenumber40- 12pts
Willthethrill- 10pts
GavMan33- 10pts

[justinandimcool]

If only I was as good in the men's as I am in the women's tourney.

30/32 :lol

[HolyCow]

Justin. I never thought I would root for USC, but I really like Tim Floyd. Maybe because of his Big 12 connection...


But come on USC. I would love to see them make a Final Four run.

[justinandimcool]

Justin. I never thought I would root for USC, but I really like Tim Floyd. Maybe because of his Big 12 connection...


But come on USC. I would love to see them make a Final Four run.

I never thought he'd be able to do anything when we brought him in last year. Of course I knew nothing about him besides his NBA jobs with the Bulls and Hornets. I think it's amazing what he's done with this group of "plain young athletic guys that can sometimes shoot". He's transformed them into a team that knows how to run an offense as a team and play disciplined defense. I haven't been following college for that long at all, but this is the first time I've seen a great team that's great solely because of its coach.

[clayj41]

Congrats on the Trojans Justin...too bad their run is gonna end Friday.:D



As for my bracket, I've got 9/16 teams for the Sweet 16 and all of my Elite 8 teams are still alive...so not too bad.

Go Florida, Oregon, UNC, Georgetown, Ohio St., Texas A&M, Kansas, and UCLA!!!:lol

[justinandimcool]

Congrats on the Trojans Justin...too bad their run is gonna end Friday.:D



As for my bracket, I've got 9/16 teams for the Sweet 16 and all of my Elite 8 teams are still alive...so not too bad.

Go Florida, Oregon, UNC, Georgetown, Ohio St., Texas A&M, Kansas, and UCLA!!!:lol


God I hate these teams. I wish they'd just die already.

Oh and on Friday, I'll hate you Clay. :violent

[clayj41]

God I hate these teams. I wish they'd just die already.

Oh and on Friday, I'll hate you Clay. :violent

Well, I'd hate you but my team is favored to win.:D


As for those teams, I hope Ohio St. and UCLA each win one more game before they bow out. Florida needs to make it to the Final Four and lose to Kansas.:D

[justinandimcool]

Well, I'd hate you but my team is favored to win.:D


As for those teams, I hope Ohio St. and UCLA each win one more game before they bow out. Florida needs to make it to the Final Four and lose to Kansas.:D

Hah. Is that what you have in your bracket? I nearly broke my living room window with my fist when Lewis hit that three to tie it. I want em out ASAP. tOSU = the most boring good team I've seen in my life.

As for UCLA, you know the deal. I just want them to go home so badly more than ever before. If I ever hear the name Luc Richard Mbah Mboute one more time I'll think I'll punch a baby. And Lorenzo Mata = :lorraine

I have no problem with Florida at all, but who the hell wants to see a repeat?

[clayj41]

Hah. Is that what you have in your bracket? I nearly broke my living room window with my fist when Lewis hit that three to tie it. I want em out ASAP. tOSU = the most boring good team I've seen in my life.

As for UCLA, you know the deal. I just want them to go home so badly more than ever before. If I ever hear the name Luc Richard Mbah Mboute one more time I'll think I'll punch a baby. And Lorenzo Mata = :lorraine

I have no problem with Florida at all, but who the hell wants to see a repeat?

Yeah, as I said my entire Elite 8 is still alive so it might as well play out that way...especially if it ends with UNC winning it all anyway.:D

As for Mata, he's the biggest piece of white trash I've ever seen!:lol

[justinandimcool]

Yeah, as I said my entire Elite 8 is still alive so it might as well play out that way...especially if it ends with UNC winning it all anyway.:D

As for Mata, he's the biggest piece of white trash I've ever seen!:lol

Um...Clay....Mata's Mexican.


And fuck UNC winning it all ;)

[clayj41]

Um...Clay....Mata's Mexican.


And fuck UNC winning it all ;)

Well, for a Mexican he's pretty white trashy...:lol

[justinandimcool]

:lol Indeed. My point is: he's damn ugly.

[clayj41]

:lol Indeed. My point is: he's damn ugly.

:thumbsup Agreed!:lol

[justinandimcool]

Anyways, back to basketball.

Butler has an EXTREME lack of power in the middle, which will lead to their demise. They need a huge collapse in defense on Florida's part and they must be absolutely on fire to have a chance. I really hope they can pull this one off.

I haven't seen much of So Ill, what do you guys think?

From what I've seen from Vandy and from what I know from Tennessee, they need to go by way of Butler. 3 point maniacs. It'll be fun. Making free throws would help too. coughXavierIndianacough

[clayj41]

Anyways, back to basketball.

Butler has an EXTREME lack of power in the middle, which will lead to their demise. They need a huge collapse in defense on Florida's part and they must be absolutely on fire to have a chance. I really hope they can pull this one off.

I haven't seen much of So Ill, what do you guys think?

From what I've seen from Vandy and from what I know from Tennessee, they need to go by way of Butler. 3 point maniacs. It'll be fun. Making free throws would help too. coughXavierIndianacough

I don't really like Butler or SIU's chances...:shrug

[UNLTrpt]

If only I was as good in the men's as I am in the women's tourney.

30/32 :lol

the womens tourney is so easy to pick compared to the mens tourney. The difference between a 1 and a 16 is so much bigger in the womens game than it is in the mens. Hell the difference between a 1 and a 4 is just huge. In previous years, the highest seed got to host 1st and 2nd round games so there was even a bigger disadvantage for the low seeds. They've gone away from the home court advantage and making it a bit more regional. I did the same thing you did in the womens pick em a couple of years ago and its basically picking the favorites in the 1st and 2nd round. 3 #1's undoubtedly make the final 4. In the mens tourney what...20ish teams have final 4 chances? In the womens, its about 10. The level of competitiveness just isn't up to snuff of the mens tourney.

Nebraska got bounced in the 1st round :lorraine

[SoRight24]

I have a deep hatred for UCLA.

I hope Howland gets waxed by his old team. That would be funny.

[SteelerMan]

I like Tennessee's chances against Ohio State. Of all the Sweet 16 matchups, I think they have the best chance of pulling off a big upset.

[UNC41]

I like Tennessee's chances against Ohio State. Of all the Sweet 16 matchups, I think they have the best chance of pulling off a big upset.

My bracket agrees with you.

[GavMan33]

OK all, I've now given it two days, so I'm trying to get up off of suicide watch and get back to some March Madness basketball the way it was meant to be....

Justin, as all have said before, congrats on the Sweet 16. And since my bracket is shot to hell anyway, I'm rooting for a Southern Cal victory over UNC. Anybody remember Mike Miller having to hit the game-winner vs. Butler the year they lost in the National Championship to Mateen Cleeves? Four mid-majors in the Sweet 16; what the hell's that about? Mid-majors are good? I was only able to see a few of their games all year, but I do think the PAC-10 was the best conference in college basketball this season, and it's showing. The other would be the Big XII, but Texas panned out early.

You all know my hatred for the SEC, but every year, they have multiple teams go deep in the tournament. How is that? This year it's Tennessee, Florida, and Vanderbilt. I think they're playing Georgetown, is that right? Tennessee has a very good shot at beating the Buckeyes I think :BANG Dammit!

OK, that's enough for me. Back to the corner for me, where I continue to sulk....

[UNC41]

Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are announcing the East Regional this weekend.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! :BANG :BANG :BANG

[neumdogg]

Good to see my Trojans back in the Sweet 16. Too bad we have to play UNC.

Personally, I'm just glad we showed the nation that we can actually play! BEST DEFENSE IN THE TOURNEY, BABY!

[gbs3769]

Apparently the record for NIT attendance will probably be broken this evening and Jim Boeheim is coaching for his 750th career win.

- Primo

[GavMan33]

Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are announcing the East Regional this weekend.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! :BANG :BANG :BANG

Hey, CBS has gotta make sure Billy's happy for some reason. And North Carolina is the only ACC team left. What a tool. I don't even remember what game I was watching (one of the Second round games in Chicago) and there was a guy who went up for a layup, and he was partially blocked, but he got a lot of the guy's arm also. I coulda sworn I was listening to the sound clip of the "Psycho T Incident": "Now that is clearly not a foul. I think the officials made an awful call there, and I don't agree with it at all." (show replay again, showing the clear contact of the two players) "Yup, just as I thought. Clearly not a foul, that's a horrible call." What a jerk. And I was lucky enough to hear Billy call the Kansas vs. Niagara game as well. That was even worse. "Jim, Niagara hasn't seen athleticism like they're seeing right now in years." :BANG

[unccrombie]

Jim Nantz and Billy Packer are announcing the East Regional this weekend.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! :BANG :BANG :BANG
i think we should force gus johnson to do them all...chain him to a pair of headphones or something

[UNLTrpt]

Nantz is good. But Packer is awful.

[HolyCow]

Nantz is good. But Packer is awful.
:thumbsup

Packer thinks he should be coaching every team.

"I think Tubby needs a timeout here. He didn't take one... that's a bad move."

And on and on all game long.

[UNC41]

ABP - Anybody But Packer

The man seriously hates North Carolina.

[Trippin4136]

:thumbsup

Packer thinks he should be coaching every team.

"I think Tubby needs a timeout here. He didn't take one... that's a bad move."

And on and on all game long.

Yes. That is absolutely the worst part about his announcing. He announces like he's on the bench. As ridiculous and annoying as Dick Vitale can be, I'll take him ANYDAY over Billy Packer. Horrendous.

[UNC41]

Ty Lawson is playing fantastic, and with him playing at this level UNC does have a shot to win it all. He's playing as good as any PG not named Acie Law.

[unccrombie]

Ty Lawson is playing fantastic, and with him playing at this level UNC does have a shot to win it all. He's playing as good as any PG not named Acie Law.
a kansas/unc national championship would be entertaining for a whole host of reasons

[SteelerMan]

Yes. That is absolutely the worst part about his announcing. He announces like he's on the bench. As ridiculous and annoying as Dick Vitale can be, I'll take him ANYDAY over Billy Packer. Horrendous.

:thumbsup

I seem to be one of the few people who really likes Vitale. He can be annoying to listen to at times, but I love his passion. I wish he were doing tournament games.

[UNC41]

a kansas/unc national championship would be entertaining for a whole host of reasons

The game would be the most appealing even without the whole Roy side story.

[clayj41]

a kansas/unc national championship would be entertaining for a whole host of reasons

:thumbsup I hope it happens...

[SteelerMan]

The game would be the most appealing even without the whole Roy side story.

I don't know... I think UNC vs. Florida would be equally as entertaining. Throw in the Roy story though, and I think most people would be more interested in UNC vs. Kansas.

I just hope they make it past USC Friday.

[unccrombie]

The game would be the most appealing even without the whole Roy side story.
well florida would match up against unc well too, but no one likes them

[unccrombie]

:thumbsup I hope it happens...
for the sake of my brackets i dont, but from a personal standpoint :thumbsup

[UNC41]

Don't get me wrong, I think Florida and UNC would be a fantastic basketball game, but UNC and Kansas running up and down the court for 40 minutes would be the most exciting.

That being said, they've got to beat USC first.

[clayj41]

for the sake of my brackets i dont, but from a personal standpoint :thumbsup

It's my championship game pick...:D

Like Bryan said though, they've got to get past USC first...then most likely Georgetown.

[seekupig]

a kansas/unc national championship would be entertaining for a whole host of reasons

other than me not being to watch the game in public, i really want this game to happen.... :lol

[darbini]

well florida would match up against unc well too, but no one likes them

I like them :)

[DMBCubs25]

still hopin for my title game of Florida vs. Texas A&M

by the way what arena are the games in San Jose being played at?

[willthethrill]

someone had them winning friday
Told you. 'tis not good to pick against one's own team, unless that team is dook.

[clayj41]

other than me not being to watch the game in public, i really want this game to happen.... :lol

Yeah, I wouldn't be able to watch it in public either...I'd being punching holes in walls and breaking anything in sight.:lol

[willthethrill]

Yeah, I wouldn't be able to watch it in public either...I'd being punching holes in walls and breaking anything in sight.:lol
Yeah, I was pretty ridiculous in '05. Good thing I only had pillows within my reach and my mom was in the same room. That, and UNC played kinda well. :D

[clayj41]

Yeah, I was pretty ridiculous in '05. Good thing I only had pillows within my reach and my mom was in the same room. That, and UNC played kinda well. :D

Yeah, I was watching the game with a bunch of my friends who also happen to be Big Ten basketball fans...you can only imagine how well that went over. I ended up watching the second half alone in my room...I've never been happier!:D

[willthethrill]

Yeah, I was watching the game with a bunch of my friends who also happen to be Big Ten basketball fans...you can only imagine how well that went over. I ended up watching the second half alone in my room...I've never been happier!:D
Couldn't have been easy to root for Sean May in Hooiser-country.

[clayj41]

Couldn't have been easy to root for Sean May in Hooiser-country.

It sure wasn't...you should've seen the reaction at the ACC-Big Ten Challenge game that year when I wore a May jersey to the game. I almost got my head ripped off!

[SoRight24]

Bring it phoggers!

;)

[seekupig]

by the way what arena are the games in San Jose being played at?

HP Pavillion

[justinandimcool]

T minus 96 hours until Tar Heel annhialation.

[UNC41]

This is why Duke sucks ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYOgC2Qbqh4

[SoRight24]

T minus 96 hours until Tar Heel annhialation.

:banned

[UNC41]

T minus 96 hours until Tar Heel annhialation.

You best be ready to back that up. That and hope USC doesn't try and run with the Heels.

[UNLTrpt]

This is why Duke sucks ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYOgC2Qbqh4

yeah its been posted before and its still an awful video.

[UNC41]

yeah its been posted before and its still an awful video.

Duke and sucks in the same sentence never equals awful.

[seekupig]

This is why Duke sucks ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYOgC2Qbqh4

:lol :lol :lol :thumbsup

[willthethrill]

My friend told me about that video today. Glad you reminded me.:thumbsup

[SoRight24]

Fu-ku

;)

[seekupig]

Fu-uk

;)

fixed. :)

[SoRight24]

That works too! ;)

[SoRight24]

I really want a shot at Georgetown!

Nobody is giving us a chance!

[justinandimcool]

You best be ready to back that up. That and hope USC doesn't try and run with the Heels.

I'm sure Floyd knows that. It's gonna come down to who plays better defense IMO.



And that video is amazing :lol

[UNLTrpt]

Here are the standings in the NIT Pick 'em as we move into quarterfinal action:

mizzoudmbfan- 25pts
HolyCow- 22pts
justinandimcool- 21pts
41ravens- 20pts
UNLTrpt- 19pts
gbs3769- 19pts
clayj41- 18pts
Davenumber40- 14pts
Willthethrill- 14pts
GavMan33- 14pts

[UNLTrpt]

Folks, mizzoudmbfan is running away with this one. Not only is he leading but he has the most of the final 8 left (7) He hasn't lost a final 4 participant either. Only two people (gbs3769 and justinandimcool) have 3 final 4 participants left. Everybody else has one or two. 3 people have lost their champions.

Here is now how your points will look if you collect the maximum amount of points left on your bracket (now you'll see why mizzoudmbfan is running away with it):

mizzoudmbfan- 73
HolyCow- 38
justinandimcool- 65
41ravens- 32
UNLTrpt- 59
gbs3769- 55
clayj41- 58
Davenumber40- 22
Willthethrill- 32
GavMan33- 32

[UNLTrpt]

2 NIT games tomorrow...I know you're all just sitting on the edge of your seats.

[seekupig]

That works too! ;)

something in particular that you don't like about Kansas? just curious.... :)

[SoRight24]

Mizzou is getting pretty used to the NIT these days.

It doesn't surprise me that he's winning. ;)

[SoRight24]

something in particular that you don't like about Kansas? just curious.... :)

Naw man, I just like having fun with KU fans.

If I had to choose another program to like, it would probably be them.

:thumbsup

[UNC41]

I'm sure Floyd knows that. It's gonna come down to who plays better defense IMO.



And that video is amazing :lol

I don't think that's all it comes down to, but if it does I'd feel fairly comfortable. UNC is the 4th most efficient defense in the nation if you use adjusted ratings. USC is the 25th.

[justinandimcool]

Oh yeah. Well. We have prettier colors!!!!!!!!

[justinandimcool]

Seriously, the USC defense can be quite unpredictable. The best they can hope for is to give up only have the transition points UNC usually gets. And shut down everyone except Pyscho T. If we double him, you guys have too many weapons unless your guards go Augustin on us.

[SoRight24]

Edited out.

[seekupig]

Oh yeah. Well. We have prettier colors!!!!!!!!

"then why did God make the sky Carolina blue?" - Tar Heel fan :lol

[mizzoudmbfan]

Mizzou is getting pretty used to the NIT these days.

It doesn't surprise me that he's winning. ;)

Beat me to it.

Actually we havnt even made the NIT in the last two season.

edit: 1000th

[unccrombie]

"then why did God make the sky Carolina blue?" - Tar Heel fan :lol
:thumbsup

[willthethrill]

Oh yeah. Well. We have prettier cheerleaders (especially in those sweaters)!!!!!!!!

Fixed. :haha

[clayj41]

Well, it's officially my birthday...hopefully UNC will give me a great present this weekend.:D

[UNLTrpt]

Oh and after watching all of the basketball this weekend and all of the teams...my national champion?

The Texas A&M dance squad.

*drool*

tell me you people caught them during the Louisville game?

[gbs3769]

Hell of a game last night!

- Primo

[thestand]

Someone on Around the Horn last night has Oregon beating Florida to get to the Final Four :lol I'd love to see it happen, but... c'mon.

[UNLTrpt]

Someone on Around the Horn last night has Oregon beating Florida to get to the Final Four :lol I'd love to see it happen, but... c'mon.

actually a lot more people have Oregon going to the final 4 than you might think.

[seekupig]

If the Sweet Sixteen were reseeded based on it's first two games of the tourney......

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2805390&sportCat=ncb

[SteelerMan]

I really want a shot at Georgetown!

Nobody is giving us a chance!

:thumbsup

Agreed. Georgetown is good, but I still think they're overrated. I wouldn't put them on the same level with Florida/Ohio State/Kansas/UNC.

[DMBCubs25]

Oh and after watching all of the basketball this weekend and all of the teams...my national champion?

The Texas A&M dance squad.

*drool*

tell me you people caught them during the Louisville game?

ya that was a great game, for them to be able to come out on top in basically a road game for them says a lot about that team, i see no reason why they shouldnt be able to reach the final 4 and maybe even the finals

[unccrombie]

:thumbsup

Agreed. Georgetown is good, but I still think they're overrated. I wouldn't put them on the same level with Florida/Ohio State/Kansas/UNC.
really? cuz i think ohio state is over rated

[willthethrill]

:thumbsup

Agreed. Georgetown is good, but I still think they're overrated. I wouldn't put them on the same level with Florida/Ohio State/Kansas/UNC.

really? cuz i think ohio state is over rated
Agreed. I might put G'town ahead of them right now, definitely as far as playing like a basketball TEAM.

[GavMan33]

"Would you penalize Ohio State for needing three Act of God moments (the officials not calling an intentional foul on Buckeyes center Greg Oden (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=31545), Xavier subsequently missing the second of two free throws with 9.3 seconds left in regulation, OSU's Ron Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=11168) hitting a trey with two seconds remaining to send the game into overtime) to beat the ninth-seeded Musketeers?"

I just can't get away from it can I? Unfortunately, I've accepted that the Ohio St./Xavier game is going to go down like Christian Lattener and Duke: timeless. I'm just going to have to get used to it. If there's one good thing to come from this, Xavier is getting a lot of press for a loss, and good press because most people are saying it was an intentional foul on Oden and it cost X the game. There were many other things that we did wrong that contributed to the loss, not the least of which our 11/16 from the FT line. But maybe all this press will make everyone know who Xavier is....

[Trippin4136]

Good God. Yes, it was an intentional foul. No denying it.

BUT, Xavier had at least 4 different situations where they could have prevented Ohio State from taking that game.

1. Obviously, he makes the back end of the free throws.
2. PUT SOMEONE ON THE LINE! Goodness, why did Xavier put NO ONE on the line to contest a possible miss? It gave OSU half the court completely uncontested. If there is a scrum for the rebound maybe Lewis never even gets the shot off.
3. FOUL! FOUL! FOUL! Tennessee did it against UVA - although UVA did still get a buzzer beater of - it certainly helped them win the game. You foul the rebounder or anyone else, it puts Ohio State in a situation where they must intentionally miss the 2nd shot, another scrum ensues, chances are the clock expires.
4. Xavier still had an Oden-less OT period where they could have won the game. Granted, the Lewis 3-pointer probably deflated Xavier, but they still had a shot.

Enough of this opining that the non-call cost them the game. It didn't. The talking heads who say it DID cost them the game are fools and can't get over the blown opportunity at a Cinderella storyline. Xavier still had plenty of chances to end it in the following 9+ seconds that came after Oden's foul.

[HolyCow]

Am I the only one that didn't think it was an intentional foul?

Oden chested him, the guy went flying (obvious, obvious flop) and Oden extended his arms to grab the ball for a tie-up. He wasn't shoving him at all.

[Trippin4136]

Am I the only one that didn't think it was an intentional foul?

Oden chested him, the guy went flying (obvious, obvious flop) and Oden extended his arms to grab the ball for a tie-up. He wasn't shoving him at all.

I agree, it wasn't the bodyslam it's made out to be. Oden did in fact reach for the ball, but he extended his forearms. When a guy who is 7', 280+ pounds extends his forearms into you, even a guy who is 6'4" is going to fall down hard. But in the world of basketball contact, it was certainly pretty damn forceful.

Let's also not overlook how much Oden's gets freaking mugged all game every game in the interior and how many calls don't go his way.

[willthethrill]

Good God. Yes, it was an intentional foul. No denying it.

BUT, Xavier had at least 4 different situations where they could have prevented Ohio State from taking that game.

1. Obviously, he makes the back end of the free throws.
2. PUT SOMEONE ON THE LINE! Goodness, why did Xavier put NO ONE on the line to contest a possible miss? It gave OSU half the court completely uncontested. If there is a scrum for the rebound maybe Lewis never even gets the shot off.
3. FOUL! FOUL! FOUL! Tennessee did it against UVA - although UVA did still get a buzzer beater of - it certainly helped them win the game. You foul the rebounder or anyone else, it puts Ohio State in a situation where they must intentionally miss the 2nd shot, another scrum ensues, chances are the clock expires.
4. Xavier still had an Oden-less OT period where they could have won the game. Granted, the Lewis 3-pointer probably deflated Xavier, but they still had a shot.

Enough of this opining that the non-call cost them the game. It didn't. The talking heads who say it DID cost them the game are fools and can't get over the blown opportunity at a Cinderella storyline. Xavier still had plenty of chances to end it in the following 9+ seconds that came after Oden's foul.
Pretty good case made right there that OSU might be looking more vulnerable than the other 1 seeds.

[emu513]

So how about the SI "What If" tournament bracket this year. Things are really interesting.

UNC w/ Marvin Williams, Dwight Howard, JR Smith
Ohio State w/ Lebron James

I have no clue who would win that game. Those two teams would be well equipped to take on many NBA teams.

[Trippin4136]

Pretty good case made right there that OSU might be looking more vulnerable than the other 1 seeds.

Man, the whole tournament is a crapshoot anyways. IMO, it doesn't matter who looks vulnerable - survive and advance - especially now in the later rounds.

[unccrombie]

Man, the whole tournament is a crapshoot anyways. IMO, it doesn't matter who looks vulnerable - survive and advance - especially now in the later rounds.
it does too matter, just look at wisconsin

[Trippin4136]

it does too matter, just look at wisconsin

Yes but a team who doesn't look "vulnerable" can still have a bad game and lose unexpectedly. It's still can be a total coinflip. Additionally, Wisconsin had been on a steadly decline ever since that game @ Michigan State prior to the game @ Ohio State.

Also, the Xavier coaching staff couldn't possibly know any better exactly what we were going to do given their players and the history of their coaches and OSU's head coach. Had we played BYU and performed as such, yes, I would have been surprised. But Xavier? No I wasn't. They wanted us BADLY and it showed. I was expecting everything they had, and frankly I was expecting us to really have to fight to win that game.

It doesn't matter who looks vulnerable because in a one-and-done, anything can happen. Vulnerability is for talking heads and commentators.

[unccrombie]

Yes but a team who doesn't look "vulnerable" can still have a bad game and lose unexpectedly. It's still can be a total coinflip. Additionally, Wisconsin had been on a steadly decline ever since that game @ Michigan State prior to the game @ Ohio State.

Also, the Xavier coaching staff couldn't possibly know any better exactly what we were going to do given their players and the history of their coaches and OSU's head coach. Had we played BYU and performed as such, yes, I would have been surprised. But Xavier? No I wasn't. They wanted us BADLY and it showed. I was expecting everything they had, and frankly I was expecting us to really have to fight to win that game.

It doesn't matter who looks vulnerable because in a one-and-done, anything can happen. Vulnerability is for talking heads and commentators.
vulnerability is in the player's heads as well. you can chalk it up to a bad game if you want but i think the majority of people out there will agree your team is the weakest of the number ones and they have 2 tough games against teams that, in theory, should beat you. as for unc, they should lose to gtown if they control the tempo, kansas and ucla is a toss up but the high flyers from kansas will wear them down and florida should have it made

[Trippin4136]

vulnerability is in the player's heads as well. you can chalk it up to a bad game if you want but i think the majority of people out there will agree your team is the weakest of the number ones and they have 2 tough games against teams that, in theory, should beat you. as for unc, they should lose to gtown if they control the tempo, kansas and ucla is a toss up but the high flyers from kansas will wear them down and florida should have it made

How in "theory" should Tennessee and A&M/Memphis should beat us? What does that even mean?

I also believe people's opinions don't play basketball.

EDIT: I also love this idea of us being vulnerable. One close game and we're weak, despite winning 19 games in a row. If/when we lose, c'est la vie. It happens. But if we continue to win, then what? Are we no longer vulnerable? Once a team is "vulnerable" is there going back from that? We're only "vulnerable" because TV heads say it, so it must be true.

[darbini]

If Oden doesn't show up then the pressure is on the outside shooters to hit their shots, therefore making them vulnerable, which is the same as one dimensional. Any team that doesn't show up from here on out will be going home. Every team has it's own weakness and strength, it's just a matter of how well they can adjust and execute. I believe Florida and Kansas are the two most balanced teams in the tournament, but that doesn't mean anything if they don't execute. I don't know why people are even talking about other teams than Florida b/c they're going to win it all again!!!! :) :) :)

[unccrombie]

How in "theory" should Tennessee and A&M/Memphis should beat us? What does that even mean?

I also believe people's opinions don't play basketball.

EDIT: I also love this idea of us being vulnerable. One close game and we're weak, despite winning 19 games in a row. If/when we lose, c'est la vie. It happens. But if we continue to win, then what? Are we no longer vulnerable? Once a team is "vulnerable" is there going back from that? We're only "vulnerable" because TV heads say it, so it must be true.
tennessee played played you within 2 pts at your place and the a&m game will be in texas and texas a&m is a better overall team then tenn, i just feel one of those teams should beat you

[seekupig]

tennessee played played you within 2 pts at your place and the a&m game will be in texas and texas a&m is a better overall team then tenn, i just feel one of those teams should beat you

:thumbsup i've got Tennessee beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and i'm sticking to it.

[GavMan33]

Good God. Yes, it was an intentional foul. No denying it.

BUT, Xavier had at least 4 different situations where they could have prevented Ohio State from taking that game.

1. Obviously, he makes the back end of the free throws.
2. PUT SOMEONE ON THE LINE! Goodness, why did Xavier put NO ONE on the line to contest a possible miss? It gave OSU half the court completely uncontested. If there is a scrum for the rebound maybe Lewis never even gets the shot off.
3. FOUL! FOUL! FOUL! Tennessee did it against UVA - although UVA did still get a buzzer beater of - it certainly helped them win the game. You foul the rebounder or anyone else, it puts Ohio State in a situation where they must intentionally miss the 2nd shot, another scrum ensues, chances are the clock expires.
4. Xavier still had an Oden-less OT period where they could have won the game. Granted, the Lewis 3-pointer probably deflated Xavier, but they still had a shot.

Enough of this opining that the non-call cost them the game. It didn't. The talking heads who say it DID cost them the game are fools and can't get over the blown opportunity at a Cinderella storyline. Xavier still had plenty of chances to end it in the following 9+ seconds that came after Oden's foul.

I've been waitin for you to come around. What's up Jon? How was Spring Training? You back up in the north now? Gearing up for baseball season? I know you gotta be pretty excited, even if you are covering the hated Mets....

Don't get it twisted; I do think it was an intentional foul, but I am a realist. I've been around basketball for a long time (like you and baseball). I have a very big ego for only one thing in life, and it's my knowledge of hoop. So don't get it twisted; I do think it was intentional, but I don't think it was directly responsible for the outcome of the game.

I strive to be a head coach at some point in my life, but at this point in time, I'm not. Sean Miller is the Xavier head coach, and a good one at that. I think he's a great coach, and I will never second-guess my coach, ever. If you do that, then you're not doing what's best for the team. So, let me tell you the rationale behind his decision....

He said that he did think about fouling, and putting an Ohio St. player on the free throw line for 2 FTs up by 3 points. Here's why he didn't. He said that if there was less time on the clock, 4-5 seconds, he would have. However there was 9 seconds. He said that when a foul was committed when getting the ball over halfcourt, there'd be about 5 seconds left. The other part of that is that if you foul right when he goes up, you leave it up to the possibility that you foul a 3-point shooter.

Now, there are 5 seconds left. Let's say we foul Conley, and he goes and makes two FTs. Now Xavier has a 1-point lead, 62-61. Now, we have to successfully inbound the ball. Given we do that, then there's a foul. Let's say that foul occurs at 4 seconds. So we go down to the other FT line. We make 1 out of 2 FTs, and it's 63-61. Four seconds is plenty of time to get the ball down the floor and get a good shot off. Now, we're in a position to lose the game on a 3-point shot. I'd much rather take my chances on Lewis knocking down a 23-footer. Unfortunately for Xavier, the shot went in.

The same situation did happen in the UVA/Tennessee game, but I don't understand why everyone is saying Bruce Pearl is "right" and Sean Miller is "wrong". Neither is "right" or "wrong". Each coach had a different strategy; Pearl's worked, Miller's didn't. But Singletary was still able to get a decent shot off at the end of that game. If TN misses a FT, and Singletary makes his shot, then the situation Coach Miller put forward happens. If Lewis misses his 3-pointer, there's nothing to talk about. It just so happened that Lewis made a shot, and Singletary didn't.

During the last five minutes of that basketball game, we really started to wear down. We had a 9-point lead with 3 minutes left, and it took all of our collective energy's to get that lead. When that shot went in, it was demoralizing for everybody. We had nothing left, and it showed in OT. All kinds of open 3s, missed assignments, the whole bit. Ohio St. totally and completely outplayed us for all 5 of those minutes.

So disappointing, it was so big. Ohio St. is a great squad with a great coach. I thought we did a great job defending Greg Oden. We were able to get him frustrated, and I think the 5th foul was the culmination of his frustrations. This may be a misquote, but it was very close to "If they're going to call all these bullcrap fouls, then I wanted to get a good hard one in." As said, I think it was intentional, but at that point in the ballgame, it really doesn't matter. We were still going to the line for two FTs to win the game.

The worst thing about it is that Justin Cage will be remembered for missing the 2nd of two free throws. He won't be remembered for 8-for-8 shooting, and 25 points. It's such a shame....

[GavMan33]

:thumbsup i've got Tennessee beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and i'm sticking to it.

I've got Xavier beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and I'd do it again :thumbsup

[seekupig]

I've got Xavier beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and I'd do it again :thumbsup

i almost did, but didn't pull the trigger to hedge my bracket a bit. i felt it could happen, but also felt that OSU could make it to the final four. picking a team to lose early and them making a run really screws things up.....:lol

[seekupig]

Tar Heel fans...... ran across this picture on ESPN.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/flash/zoomGallery?section=gen&photoGalleryId=2803370

[UNC41]

Tar Heel fans...... ran across this picture on ESPN.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/flash/zoomGallery?section=gen&photoGalleryId=2803370

What a beast.

[seekupig]

this is NC State v. WVU game is pretty good..... :thumbsup

[UNLTrpt]

Here are the current standings of the NIT Pick 'em challenge:

mizzoudmbfan- 29pts
UNLTrpt- 23pts
gbs3769- 23pts
HolyCow- 22pts
justinandimcool- 21pts
41ravens- 20pts
clayj41- 18pts
Davenumber40- 14pts
Willthethrill- 14pts
GavMan33- 14pts

Only 3 people picked WV moving onto the Final 4 and it reflects because they are the Top 3 in the current standings.

[unccrombie]

:thumbsup i've got Tennessee beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and i'm sticking to it.
i have a&m putting the nail in the coffin myself, but i think tenn will wound the beast

[HolyCow]

Here are the current standings of the NIT Pick 'em challenge:

mizzoudmbfan- 29pts
UNLTrpt- 23pts
gbs3769- 23pts
HolyCow- 22pts
justinandimcool- 21pts
41ravens- 20pts
clayj41- 18pts
Davenumber40- 14pts
Willthethrill- 14pts
GavMan33- 14pts

Only 3 people picked WV moving onto the Final 4 and it reflects because they are the Top 3 in the current standings.
Dang. I've got no chance.

[dreamingtreeIU]

yea so who do you think will win this week, Xavier or Tennessee?


I've got Xavier beating Ohio St. in my bracket, and I'd do it again :thumbsup

[UNLTrpt]

Dang. I've got no chance.

pretty much the top 3 are the only ones who've got a shot.

[GavMan33]

yea so who do you think will win this week, Xavier or Tennessee?

:lol I know I shouldn't, but I think this is kinda funny :lol

[gbs3769]

Huge game tonight.

- Primo

[thestand]

I like how whoever Oregon is playing this year has been the upset pick :lol First round, a lot of people had Miami OH beating us and making a run. Then we got Winthrop, and they were going to be the Cinderellas, and walk over us to the Sweet 16. Now we've got UNLV, and they're everyone's favorite upset pick this round. I swear to god, no matter how far the Ducks go, they're always going to be the underdog in this tourney :lol

[Trippin4136]

I've been waitin for you to come around. What's up Jon? How was Spring Training? You back up in the north now? Gearing up for baseball season? I know you gotta be pretty excited, even if you are covering the hated Mets....



Hey man, it was a blast. I was just down there for basically 8 days. I bounced back and forth between the Mets and Yankees camps. I posted a brief run down/review of what I saw in Tampa in the Yankees thread.

[UNC41]

I like how whoever Oregon is playing this year has been the upset pick :lol First round, a lot of people had Miami OH beating us and making a run. Then we got Winthrop, and they were going to be the Cinderellas, and walk over us to the Sweet 16. Now we've got UNLV, and they're everyone's favorite upset pick this round. I swear to god, no matter how far the Ducks go, they're always going to be the underdog in this tourney :lol

I think a lot of this is in your head. This is the first I've heard of Miami making a run. Oral Roberts was clearly the trendy pick for an upset as a 14 seed. Winthrop was going to be a popular possible Cinderella team regardless of who they faced because they played UNC, Maryland and A&M tough early in the season. Right now, Oregon's the lowest seed that is a favorite left in the tournament, so it shouldn't be too suprising that many think UNLV stands a chance as the Rebels played very well last weekend.

[seekupig]

I like how whoever Oregon is playing this year has been the upset pick :lol First round, a lot of people had Miami OH beating us and making a run. Then we got Winthrop, and they were going to be the Cinderellas, and walk over us to the Sweet 16. Now we've got UNLV, and they're everyone's favorite upset pick this round. I swear to god, no matter how far the Ducks go, they're always going to be the underdog in this tourney :lol

that's the way it goes. people want upsets, and they want to say that they called it. trust me, beat UNLV and the Ducks will be the team that people are picking to pull the upset. i've seen a lot of people calling for them to beat UF already. after the UNLV game this week, Oregon won't be the favorite for the rest of the tourney.........

[UNC41]

The Heels are the most popular college basketball team in the nation, topping dook.

A Harris Poll of 2,223 U.S. adults, 565 of whom follow college basketball, found that more people named North Carolina than any other school as their favorite team, according to a Harris Interactive news release.

The poll was conducted online from March 6 to 13. Duke, which had been No. 1 the past four years, dropped to No. 2. Ohio State was No. 3.

http://www.charlotte.com/129/story/58166.html

[RJ2kWJ]

The Heels are the most popular college basketball team in the nation, topping dook.

A Harris Poll of 2,223 U.S. adults, 565 of whom follow college basketball, found that more people named North Carolina than any other school as their favorite team, according to a Harris Interactive news release.

The poll was conducted online from March 6 to 13. Duke, which had been No. 1 the past four years, dropped to No. 2. Ohio State was No. 3.

http://www.charlotte.com/129/story/58166.html

Sweet, one less thing all the anti-Duke kids I know can hassle me about.

"I hate them so much because everybody loves them. They are the most popular team out."

Not anymoreeeeee

[Trippin4136]

Interesting that Ohio State is #3 considering NOBODY likes Ohio State except Ohioans and alumni. At least that's my belief.

[SteelerMan]

Sweet, one less thing all the anti-Duke kids I know can hassle me about.

"I hate them so much because everybody loves them. They are the most popular team out."

Not anymoreeeeee

"Duke, which had been No. 1 the past four years..."

Now we just hate them because they have bandwagon fans. :D

[UNLTrpt]

The Heels are the most popular college basketball team in the nation, topping dook.

A Harris Poll of 2,223 U.S. adults, 565 of whom follow college basketball, found that more people named North Carolina than any other school as their favorite team, according to a Harris Interactive news release.

The poll was conducted online from March 6 to 13. Duke, which had been No. 1 the past four years, dropped to No. 2. Ohio State was No. 3.

http://www.charlotte.com/129/story/58166.html

So does that mean its time to start hating on UNC?

DONE!

[UNLTrpt]

I know we have tons of Billy Packer fans here:

good article bashing him here:http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070321&sportCat=ncb&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2

[RJ2kWJ]

"Duke, which had been No. 1 the past four years..."

Now we just hate them because they have bandwagon fans. :D

I mean I hate teams for that too. But besides the Yankees Im pretty sure UNC has the most bandwagon fans of any team in this country. How many guys do you see walking around with 5950 Duke hats with flat bills patterned out in Gucci lettering? Not a damn one but I see hundreds of people wearing crazy ass UNC gear everywhere.

[unccrombie]

Interesting that Ohio State is #3 considering NOBODY likes Ohio State except Ohioans and alumni. At least that's my belief.
seriously, i thought osu got popular like 2 years ago, but that was about it

[gbs3769]

http://www.charlotte.com/129/story/58166.html
Cool. 'Cuse made the list. I am surprised that we made it the past three years.

- Primo

[clayj41]

seriously, i thought osu got popular like 2 years ago, but that was about it

Eh, I remember the Scoonie Penn and Michael Redd days of the late 90's...:lol

[willthethrill]

I mean I hate teams for that too. But besides the Yankees Im pretty sure UNC has the most bandwagon fans of any team in this country. How many guys do you see walking around with 5950 Duke hats with flat bills patterned out in Gucci lettering? Not a damn one but I see hundreds of people wearing crazy ass UNC gear everywhere.
MJ doesn't hurt.

But I'm not a big fan of bandwagon fans either. However, I'm not sure that theres's a ton of bandwagon UNC fans. I think a bandwagon fan is someone who picks up or switches an allegiance after watching sports for 10+ years. If somebody doesn't have anything to do with the school, but decides to pull for them as their first and only team after watching them win a nat'l championship, I don't think that's a bandwagon fan.

There's plenty of people wearing "flat bills patterned out in Gucci lettering", but I wouldn't call that a 'fan'.

EDIT: I also think that a bunch of people jumped on the bandwagon in the 80s and 90s, and their kids picked up their allegiance. That's a good fan too, and maybe the reason for the popularity. dook only got crazy popularity after dominating in the first part of the decade, kinda bandwagonish, which might have happened for the heels when Dean started winning championships.

[RJ2kWJ]

MJ doesn't hurt.

But I'm not a big fan of bandwagon fans either. However, I'm not sure that theres's a ton of bandwagon UNC fans. I think a bandwagon fan is someone who picks up or switches an allegiance after watching sports for 10+ years. If somebody doesn't have anything to do with the school, but decides to pull for them as their first and only team after watching them win a nat'l championship, I don't think that's a bandwagon fan.

There's plenty of people wearing "flat bills patterned out in Gucci lettering", but I wouldn't call that a 'fan'.

EDIT: I also think that a bunch of people jumped on the bandwagon in the 80s and 90s, and their kids picked up their allegiance. That's a good fan too, and maybe the reason for the popularity. dook only got crazy popularity after dominating in the first part of the decade, kinda bandwagonish, which might have happened for the heels when Dean started winning championships.

Good post and great way to put it. :thumbsup

[UNLTrpt]

Well with Syracuse losing, we know a lot more about how the Ants NIT pick 'em is going to pan out.

mizzoudmbfan- 29pts +
UNLTrpt- 23pts
gbs3769- 23pts
HolyCow- 22pts *
justinandimcool- 21pts +
41ravens- 20pts *
clayj41- 18pts *
Davenumber40- 14pts
Willthethrill- 14pts *
GavMan33- 14pts *

(* indicates all teams have been eliminated and no more points to accumulate)
(+ indicates still eligible for the championship)

justinandimcool & mizzoudmbfan are the only two eligible for the championship. If Air Force wins tonight then Justin still has a chance, if Drexel wins tonight mizzoudmbfan will take the title before we start the final 4. gbs3769 can't win because his bracket is identical to what mizzoudmbfan has left. I have Air Force losing in this round and the same champion as mizzoudmbfan.

If Drexel wins tonight and West Virginia doesn't win their semifinal game, it will come down to tiebreakers.

[SmoothD41]

Interesting that Ohio State is #3 considering NOBODY likes Ohio State except Ohioans and alumni. At least that's my belief.

i like Ohio State

they're my second favorite big ten team

[UNLTrpt]

Sorry guys, I was mistaken in my previous post. The 2007 antsmarching.org NIT Pick 'em Challenge is over. Since Syracuse lost it eliminated a lot of players. I forgot that the 3rd round was 4pts instead of 8pts on my last post.

The only two with participants left is myself and mizzoudmbfan. And since we both have West Virginia winning it all, I can't catch up.

mizzoudmbfan- 29pts
justinandimcool- 25pts
UNLTrpt- 23pts
gbs3769- 23pts
HolyCow- 22pts
41ravens- 20pts
clayj41- 18pts
Davenumber40- 18pts
Willthethrill- 14pts
GavMan33- 14pts


So lets congratulate mizzoudmbfan for winning the 2nd best Pick 'em challenge you'll ever enter. Now he can proudly place this in his signature in the color of his choice.

"2007 antsmarching.org NIT Pick 'em Challenge Champion"

and that's right folks...Missouri finally won something. We should be ashamed of ourselves for letting a state like missourah winning.

[justinandimcool]

Wow. That was lame.

















We lost to Missouri :lorraine

[UNLTrpt]

didn't mean to get your hopes up Justin. I forgot that we were still in the 4pt bracket, semis are 8 pt.

[UNLTrpt]

Wow. That was lame.

















We lost to Missouri :lorraine

Wow. That's two for the midwest. You left and right coast people are falling behind.

[mizzoudmbfan]

Apparently all you people bagging on the state of Missouri seem to have forgotten about a little franchise called THE St. Louis Cardinals.

Not to mention a young man by the name of Ben Askern (http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/mtt/askren_ben00.html) who just won his second straight NCAA wrestling national championship!

Fear the 'fro!!!

[gbs3769]

I had to laugh last night after the game. The Clemson fans actually rushed the court. Seriously?

- Primo

[Trippin4136]

Apparently all you people bagging on the state of Missouri seem to have forgotten about a little franchise called THE St. Louis Cardinals.



Whose manager just got popped for a DUI last night. La Russa was found blacked out, slumped over his steering wheel at a traffic light in Jupiter, Florida.

[unccrombie]

I had to laugh last night after the game. The Clemson fans actually rushed the court. Seriously?

- Primo
so did air force fans :weak

[GavMan33]

I had to laugh last night after the game. The Clemson fans actually rushed the court. Seriously?

- Primo

Yeah did you see it though? It was like 20 students :lol Usually when schools rush the floor, it's EVERYBODY and it fills up almost the whole court. Last night at Clemson, there were like MAYBE enough people to fill the center-jump circle. That's funny to me, good call Primo :lol

[GavMan33]

Whose manager just got popped for a DUI last night. La Russa was found blacked out, slumped over his steering wheel at a traffic light in Jupiter, Florida.

:eek Wow I didn't hear that. Well I'm glad they found him OK. He must really be stressin about his squad this season....

[UNC41]

It's not like Southern Illinois needs any extra motivation, but this couldn't hurt ...

After beating Kentucky on Sunday, Collins turned to Robinson to repeat a question he had been asked.

"Russell,'' he said. "Do you think we're the best set of guards in the country?''

"Oh, yeah,'' Robinson said. "By far.''

And if that didn't rate as good bulletin board material for the Salukis, Robinson took it one step further when discussing the days he was recruited by some Missouri Valley Conference schools, among others.

"When you get letters from Kentucky, Kansas, Georgia Tech, I didn't even look at those (MVC) schools,'' he said. "I saw Southern Illinois and all those and said, 'Nah.' ''


http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/ncaatournament/story/F9F9EAD74E637ED5862572A50011A726?OpenDocument

[unccrombie]

accoring to espn.com and the ticker josh mcroberts has declared for the draft. dumb, dumb, dumber

[Trippin4136]

accoring to espn.com and the ticker josh mcroberts has declared for the draft. dumb, dumb, dumber

who cares? consider the amount of Duke players that actually turn into anything worthwhile in the NBA, chances are he would suck even if he stayed another year.

[SteelerMan]

accoring to espn.com and the ticker josh mcroberts has declared for the draft. dumb, dumb, dumber

Hilarious. McBobs is crazy. Where you think he'll go? I think he could be late 1st round/early 2nd based on potential.

[unccrombie]

Hilarious. McBobs is crazy. Where you think he'll go? I think he could be late 1st round/early 2nd based on potential.
depends on if oden/durant go. im thinking early second

[unccrombie]

who cares? consider the amount of Duke players that actually turn into anything worthwhile in the NBA, chances are he would suck even if he stayed another year.
most people with any sense of intelligence no not to enter the draft when they aren't at there maximum ability or can earn the most money. why enter a draft with horford, noah, possibly oden/durant/wright, etc

[clayj41]

accoring to espn.com and the ticker josh mcroberts has declared for the draft. dumb, dumb, dumber

:lol :lol :lol

[UNC41]

I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think McSobberts is making a horrible move. He's projected between 10 and 20 from everywhere I've seen recently, and despite this being a deep draft, who knows if he'll ever go higher. Out of high school he would have been a top 5 pick. Last year he would have been a top 10 pick. Now he's slid even further. Another year at dook could easily drop his stock even further, especially when he showed he doesn't have what it takes to be a go-to-guy this year and Kyle Singler will be the one dook looks to next year.

[Trippin4136]

most people with any sense of intelligence no not to enter the draft when they aren't at there maximum ability or can earn the most money. why enter a draft with horford, noah, possibly oden/durant/wright, etc

I agree man. I guess my point is, I don't think he'll be all that good regardless of when he comes out.

[UNC41]

This thread bashing McRoberts is hillarious. Why do UNC fans do it? Because it's McFun. :lol :lol :lol

http://mb19.scout.com/finsidecarolinafrm6.showMessageRange?topicID=12996 6.topic&start=1&stop=20

[UNC41]

Tubby to Minnesota.

[HolyCow]

Alford to New Mexico.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2807516

[willthethrill]

Tubby to Minnesota.

Talk about downgrading pressure and expectations. This is huge. Good luck at getting a decent coach UK. :thumbsup

[UNLTrpt]

Tubby to Minnesota.

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS!?!?!?

holy crap!

what a fuckin steal by the gophers. WOW.

[clayj41]

Tubby to Minnesota.

Wow, Tubby in the Big Ten!!!:eek

[willthethrill]

I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think McSobberts is making a horrible move. He's projected between 10 and 20 from everywhere I've seen recently, and despite this being a deep draft, who knows if he'll ever go higher. Out of high school he would have been a top 5 pick. Last year he would have been a top 10 pick. Now he's slid even further. Another year at dook could easily drop his stock even further, especially when he showed he doesn't have what it takes to be a go-to-guy this year and Kyle Singler will be the one dook looks to next year.
I highly doubt he's a 10 to 20, even as stupid as the NBA is. Anybody who has watched him play during the last month has seen an absolutely terrible pro prospect.

[unccrombie]

Tubby to Minnesota.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2808406

[clayj41]

I highly doubt he's a 10 to 20, even as stupid as the NBA is. Anybody who has watched him play during the last month has seen an absolutely terrible pro prospect.

I've also heard that his likely draft position is in the 10-20 range, and like Bryan said, if he had gone straight to the NBA rather than Duke, he would've been a top 5 pick. The kid is very athletic and has a lot of talent.

[Davenumber40]

Talk about downgrading pressure and expectations. This is huge. Good luck at getting a decent coach UK. :thumbsup

He went 22-12, 9-7 in the SEC and got an 8 seed. He had a similar season last year. I think they'll be able to get someone who can at least match that. However, I don't like the idea of Mitch Barnhart hiring a basketball coach. He's probably trying to call Phil Jackson right now.

[UNLTrpt]

replacements for Tubby...

anybody?

[UNC41]

I highly doubt he's a 10 to 20, even as stupid as the NBA is. Anybody who has watched him play during the last month has seen an absolutely terrible pro prospect.

That's where scouts think he'll go. Don't ask me why.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2808406

I had no link at the time, only a report from our local radio station.

[unccrombie]

That's where scouts think he'll go. Don't ask me why.



I had no link at the time, only a report from our local radio station.
thats why i hooked you up ;)

[UNLTrpt]

If I were a Minnesota fan right now (and I am kinda, I'd have to say they're my favorite big 10 team) I'd be fuckin stoked.

[Davenumber40]

Here are a few names that I've heard tossed around in Lexington. I'm well aware that some of these are ridiculous but this is what people are saying:

Dave Leitao
Thad Matta
Bo Ryan
Mark Few
Billy Donovan
Bruce Pearl
Andy Kennedy

*edit*
Also, Jamie Dixon is a big one

[SmoothD41]

Here are a few names that I've heard tossed around in Lexington. I'm well aware that some of these are ridiculous but this is what people are saying:

Dave Leitao
Thad Matta
Bo Ryan
Mark Few
Billy Donovan
Bruce Pearl
Andy Kennedy

*edit*
Also, Jamie Dixon is a big one

only ones I could possibly see are Mark Few, Dixon, Kennedy, and Leitao

I can't see those other guys leaving their programs for Kentucky. I think it's still a big time program, but those other guys are pretty well set up and I doubt they would jump ship. Who knows though. I heard Doug Gotlieb throwing out Tom Izzo and even Rick Pitino (wow) on the radio. I couldn't believe those two.

[UNC41]

Here are a few names that I've heard tossed around in Lexington. I'm well aware that some of these are ridiculous but this is what people are saying:

Dave Leitao
Thad Matta
Bo Ryan
Mark Few
Billy Donovan
Bruce Pearl
Andy Kennedy

*edit*
Also, Jamie Dixon is a big one

Leitao, Few and Dixon are the ones that make the most sense from that list. It's just so hard to see someone changing jobs within the conference without previous ties to the school. I don't see Matta leaving the elite program he's building. Ryan could be a choice, but I don't know how well his style fits in the SEC. They should really take a look at Tony Bennett.

[Trippin4136]

Here are a few names that I've heard tossed around in Lexington. I'm well aware that some of these are ridiculous but this is what people are saying:

Dave Leitao
Thad Matta
Bo Ryan
Mark Few
Billy Donovan
Bruce Pearl
Andy Kennedy

*edit*
Also, Jamie Dixon is a big one

:lol Matta, Pearl, Donovan and Ryan are going NOWHERE. All their programs are ahead of UK right now.

[UNC41]

only ones I could possibly see are Mark Few, Dixon, Kennedy, and Leitao

I can't see those other guys leaving their programs for Kentucky. I think it's still a big time program, but those other guys are pretty well set up and I doubt they would jump ship. Who knows though. I heard Doug Gotlieb throwing out Tom Izzo and even Rick Pitino (wow) on the radio. I couldn't believe those two.

You do realize Doug Gotlieb is a fucking idiot, right? I'm not saying there's zero chance of those happening. I'm just saying he's an idiot.

[willthethrill]

You do realize Doug Gotlieb is a fucking idiot, right? I'm not saying there's zero chance of those happening. I'm just saying he's an idiot.

Exactly what I thought. Tom Izzo and Pitino??? I hate him even more now. Sounds like he's just picking random coaches who are successful.

[SmoothD41]

You do realize Doug Gotlieb is a fucking idiot, right? I'm not saying there's zero chance of those happening. I'm just saying he's an idiot.

i didn't say it would happen, i was simply relaying what he said...relax

[willthethrill]

That's where scouts think he'll go. Don't ask me why.

Dumbass NBA scouts. Do they watch college ball? I swear that should be my career path.

[willthethrill]

i didn't say it would happen, i was simply relaying what he said...relax

I don't think he was mad at you so much as he just hates Gottlieb. I feel it too.

[UNC41]

i didn't say it would happen, i was simply relaying what he said...relax

Gotlieb's a boner. I meant nothing personal toward you.

[SmoothD41]

Gotlieb's a boner. I meant nothing personal toward you.

gotcha

he really is a schmuck, i agree.

[willthethrill]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/21/sports/ncaabasketball/21usc.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

Article about the EgoMachine that is OJ Mayo. Glad to know Roy wouldn't give this kind of attitude the time of day.

[SoRight24]

Wow....I'm shocked that Tubby stepped down.

[SoRight24]

Dave Leitao would be a quality hire IMO.

So would Mark Few, but I don't think he is leaving Spokane.

[SmoothD41]

OJ Mayo's last high school game ended with a dunk, a technical foul, and then an ejection. Fitting end for him.

[Davenumber40]

:lol Matta, Pearl, Donovan and Ryan are going NOWHERE. All their programs are ahead of UK right now.

I'm not so sure about that. Here's what I think about them:


Dave Leitao- Would probably come, I think he's a decent coach but a little inexperienced for the job

Thad Matta- Yeah, right

Bo Ryan- He might take it, but I don't really want him

Mark Few- I doubt it since he passed up UCLA a few years ago, but maybe his recent experiences in the WCC have shown him he can't make a final four with that team.

Billy Donovan- I actually think he might take the job depending on how this year goes. He could lose a lot of his team and Florida is a football school (ex. the O'Connell Center only seats about 11,000). I wouldn't be thrilled with him though. His been at Florida for 11 years and only made the sweet 16 4 times, twice with his current group. This group of players have been spectacular, but look at what he did in the 9 seasons before he got this group.

Bruce Pearl- Probably not. He's got a great set up at UT. Why would he want the expectations of UK

Andy Kennedy- This is about bottom of the barrel. If he gets hired, we'd probably wish Tubby was back

Jamie Dixon- Maybe. He's one of my favorites from this group.

[RJ2kWJ]

Here are a few names that I've heard tossed around in Lexington. I'm well aware that some of these are ridiculous but this is what people are saying:

Dave Leitao
Thad Matta
Bo Ryan
Mark Few
Billy Donovan
Bruce Pearl
Andy Kennedy

*edit*
Also, Jamie Dixon is a big one

Why dont you throw Coach K and Roy Williams out there while you're at it? Maybe even Phil Jackson? Avery Johnson? Joe Torre? Bill Belichick??

[UNLTrpt]

OH!

take altman out of Creighton and I can laugh when he falls on his face. *PUMPS FIST* that would kick ass.

[Trippin4136]

"Billy Donovan- I actually think he might take the job depending on how this year goes. He could lose a lot of his team and Florida is a football school (ex. the O'Connell Center only seats about 11,000). I wouldn't be thrilled with him though. His been at Florida for 11 years and only made the sweet 16 4 times, twice with his current group. This group of players have been spectacular, but look at what he did in the 9 seasons before he got this group."

Dude, Florida was NOTHING before Billy Donovan. That program is HIS. Sweet 16 only 4 times in his tenure? So what? That program is skyrocketing at an all-time high. And so what if its a "football school", so is Ohio State isn't it? And you have Matta pegged as "yea, right".

[UNC41]

Why dont you throw Coach K and Roy Williams out there while you're at it? Maybe even Phil Jackson? Avery Johnson? Joe Torre? Bill Belichick??

Why don't they just dig up Rupp's grave?

[Davenumber40]

I think you can make some arguement for these coaches stepping up to a bigger basketball school. I think Matta and Donovan would probably turn it down. But Virginia, Ole Miss, Pitt, Gonzaga, and UT aren't the pinnacles of coaching in college basketball.

Also, a few people have mentioned Rick Barnes.

[RJ2kWJ]

Why don't they just dig up Rupp's grave?

:lol :lol

With Coach K or Roy using puppet strings from the rafters.

[UNLTrpt]

I think you can make some arguement for these coaches stepping up to a bigger basketball school. I think Matta and Donovan would probably turn it down. But Virginia, Ole Miss, Pitt, Gonzaga, and UT aren't the pinnacles of coaching in college basketball.

Also, a few people have mentioned Rick Barnes.

Barnes would be stupid to leave. He's got it made in Texas. No matter how good he does, Texas is a football school first and foremost. Huge athletic budget.

[UNLTrpt]

Why don't they just dig up Rupp's grave?

just like Bama wants to dig up "the Bear"

[Davenumber40]

Dude, Florida was NOTHING before Billy Donovan. That program is HIS. Sweet 16 only 4 times in his tenure? So what? That program is skyrocketing at an all-time high. And so what if its a "football school", so is Ohio State isn't it? And you have Matta pegged as "yea, right".

Yeah he is Florida basketball. But would any Kentucky fan be happy with 4 sweet 16's in 11 years? Tubby Smith's coaching record in two years a piece at Tulsa and Georgia is more impressive than Donovan's first 4 years at Florida. His record at UK is comparable to Donovan's at Florida. If we hired him I wouldn't be disappointed, but I don't know that I would pick him.

As for Matta, I just don't see him leaving Ohio for UK. Donovon on the other hand, got his first coaching job at UK under Pitino.

[SoRight24]

I hope Pitt beats the hell out of UCLA tonight.

[justinandimcool]

^ :thumbsup




But wow. Kansas needs to wake up.

[UNLTrpt]

Kansas is playing like shite

[UNLTrpt]

I hope Pitt beats the hell out of UCLA tonight.

booooooooooo :thumbsdow

[cwsrule88]

come kansas, and texas a&m, i got both these teams in the final 4 and i can lose 2 of them in the next hour :mad

[justinandimcool]

:BANG


Miss 2 layups?!?!?!?!?!?!

[GavMan33]

So I read through the whole thread, and saw no one mention this name. So I will mention it now. You don't know who he is now, but you will know him very soon. Oh, and by the way, he is a Kentucky Wildcat born and raised.

Travis Ford.

You heard it here first :thumbsup

EDIT: YAHOO!!!!!!!! My first post not mentioning Xavier or Ohio St. in like 5 days!!!! YAHOO!!!!

[Tiduwho]

Salukis have been getting hosed this game hardcore ref-wise. Kansas gets to live at the line this entire half, it's a joke...

2 point game...

[justinandimcool]

I can't take my mind off that dunk in the first half, you know, with zero on the shot clock.

[justinandimcool]

Here we go, they need a 3. I'm getting chills.

[justinandimcool]

If I were a Salukis fan, I'd shoot myself. What a boneheaded play.