Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[dreamingtreeIU]

i dont wanna see ohio st in the final 4......xavier beat em fuckin throw somebody in the stands and its not a flagrant, get out

[justinandimcool]

I can't feel my heart.

[darbini]

two ohh?

[DMBand520]

this game is crazy

EDIT: Yes! Memphis won and by bracket is still looking good. Plus all those people who picked A&M to go to the Final Four or farther are screwed.

[justinandimcool]

Are you fucking kidding me.

[SoRight24]

A&M got screwed....

With that said, they had PLENTY of chances.

Giving Memphis 4 shots at it???

Missing a layup?

[UNC41]

I don't know how they got 2.0, but great defense at the end there. A&M got a horrible shot.

Law goes 1-4 late and the Aggies lose. Coincidence? No way. He's been so clutch all year I thought they'd pull it out.

[dreamingtreeIU]

go tennessee then

[UNLTrpt]

law didn't show up.

[unccrombie]

what a fuckin joke

[SoRight24]

If Pitt loses tonight, I'm officially finished in the bracket.

[justinandimcool]

I wash my hands of A&M. What a fantastic year though. But 2.0?! And yeah, Acie did fold down the stretch, but I just feel like they should've won that game no matter how you cut it.


Chalk up some cash after this loss as well. Too bad.










Oh and, GO PITT!

[UNC41]

I wash my hands of A&M. What a fantastic year though. But 2.0?! And yeah, Acie did fold down the stretch, but I just feel like they should've won that game no matter how you cut it.


Chalk up some cash after this loss as well. Too bad.










Oh and, GO PITT!

Who's your avatar going to be after tomorrow night?

[SoRight24]

Who's your avatar going to be after tomorrow night?

:lol :lol

[justinandimcool]

Who's your avatar going to be after tomorrow night?

:lorraine

[dreamingtreeIU]

theres always the dodgers

[seekupig]

Bill Self can eat a dick.

:lol :lol :lol

it was only two years ago that Illinois fans were bragging about getting the better end of the coaching changes...... :lol :lol :lol

[justinandimcool]

How can Pitt fans stand this shit offense? Hopefully they'll start hitting some...but damn. It's not just UCLA's defense either, it seems like they shoot like this every game.

[seekupig]

How can Pitt fans stand this shit offense? Hopefully they'll start hitting some...but damn. It's not just UCLA's defense either, it seems like they shoot like this every game.

i want Pitt to win this game sooooooooooooooooo bad.......... :lol :lol :D

[justinandimcool]

Holy shit Pitt sucks. :BANG

WIDE OPEN FROM 10 FEET

[DMBCubs25]

fuck memphis they suck, refs definetely fucked it up at the end, how the hell are you able to take off 1.1 seconds i cant understand that, and then a 64% free throw shooter somehow makes 2 out of 2 under pressure. this tournament sucks compared to previous years, no upsets, all higher seeds win, and every idiot in america who picks the high seed for every game looks good:BANG :BANG :BANG

[unccrombie]

who blows a 17pt lead in 10 min

[justinandimcool]

:BANG

:lorraine

[justinandimcool]

I hate this game. I hate OSU. I hate basketball. I hate march madness. I hate UCLA. I hate Pitt. I hate everyone.


It was a fabulous game, but

WTF TENNESSEE!?!?!?!?!?

[unccrombie]

ohio state is such a shit team, how the fuck do you blow a 20pt lead. that's beyond belief.

[UNLTrpt]

who blows a 17pt lead in 10 min

Tennessee does.

I'm sure Nebraska has done it a couple times too.

[chiznaz]

Just got back from the Riverwalk where I was drowning my sorrows away with margaritas and mexican food.

What a day I had. Woke up at 8am. Went to my Operations Mgmt and Tax class. Drove from College Station to San Antonio. Met up with the family and headed down to the Alamodome to pick up my student tickets at Will Call (no clue what section I'm in). I get my ticket and split up with my group to go sit down. Well turns out A&M got unsold MEMPHIS tickets and there's a small group of like 50 students inside the Memphis section. It sure was interesting being in there.

What can I say about the game. Sure there were some crappy calls, but it went that way for both teams. Sure the FT attempts were heavy towards Memphis, but if way either make ours, box out, or make layups then we win the game. Can't say enough about Memphis. The played a TOUGH road game. They earned it. One thing for sure is Memphis surprised me with their size. I new they were fast and athletic, but they have some quality bruisers in there.

I also talked with some really cool Memphis people after the game, and during timeouts. I met some really classy people who couldn't say enough about A&M and our team. Wish it would have gone our way, but memphis earned it.

Now I have to wake up and make the drive back to school tomorrow. It blows, but I am so proud of this team! We have some great talent coming in.

What's left for the tourny now? Rock Chalk Jayhawk and Go Tigers. I'll be pulling for these teams to make it to the big game. I'm pulling for the BigXII Champion to win it all though:)


Edit: The NCAA Tourny is by far the greatest sporting event(s)! Nothing comes close.

And oh yeah. Penny Hardaway(sp?) was a couple rows back. The was way cool. Couldn't find Lil' Penny though;)

[thestand]

4 for 4 last night.

[DMBand520]

So I just checked the updated stats on my pool today. I have Kansas winning it all and only 2 other people ahead of me have Kansas winning also. They both have them playing Ohio State in the finals though and I have them playing Memphis. So IF Kansas beats Memphis in the finals I will be $700 richer! of course if Kansas doesnt win the whole thing I have no shot :lol ... Hopefully they can at least beat UCLA tomorrow.

Today I've got Florida, Oregon, Georgetown, and I don't care about the last game b/c I had Texas upsetting UNC and they lost last weekend.

[UNC41]

fuck memphis they suck, refs definetely fucked it up at the end, how the hell are you able to take off 1.1 seconds i cant understand that, and then a 64% free throw shooter somehow makes 2 out of 2 under pressure. this tournament sucks compared to previous years, no upsets, all higher seeds win, and every idiot in america who picks the high seed for every game looks good:BANG :BANG :BANG

It was the right call at the end of the Memphis game. The ball bounced inbounds after the Memphis player touched it. And I don't know about you, but I find it awesome to see an average shooter step to the line and win it with some incredibly clutch free throws.

Also, I like how you are bitch about the tournament after last night. It was an absolutely fantastic night of basketball. There were three very good games, including two that came down to the final play. One of those was a 17-point halftime deficit. If you think upsets are the only thing that can make a tournament great I feel sorry for you.

This has nothing to do with you, but we got the "live look in" at UCLA/Pitt for the first 5 or so minutes of the second half. That was absolutely horrible basketball. It honestly looked like they were playing for a spot in the Women's Final Four. I don't know if the whole game was like that, but what I saw was ugly, ugly, ugly.

[Trippin4136]

ohio state is such a shit team, how the fuck do you blow a 20pt lead. that's beyond belief.

Hahahaha

Yea shit teams overcome 20 point deficits and score 52 points in a half to flip the scoreboard around. The hate is hilarious.

Stat of the night:

Free Throws - UT: 8/17 (47%) OSU: 23-35 (66%)

Oden and Hunter may have been on the bench all night, but Tennessee couldn't keep us off the line.

A damn good team just pulled off the biggest regulation comeback in the history of the tournament. Total shit though. Absolute shit.

Ron Lewis is playing like a man possessed.

"In this tournament, the two most important words are `survive' and `advance,' - Thad Matta

Tennessee is however a damn good team.

[Davenumber40]

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!!!!

He's not ready for the job.

[SteelerMan]

Is it just me, or does anyone else get the impression that Ohio State couldn't care less about this tournament?

[Trippin4136]

Is it just me, or does anyone else get the impression that Ohio State couldn't care less about this tournament?

Are they winning?

Keep bringing the hate

[UNC41]

Are they winning?

Keep bringing the hate

An observation, and one that looked like may be true during the first half yesterday, is hate? Ohio St. fans are getting pretty defensive.

[Trippin4136]

An observation, and one that looked like may be true during the first half yesterday, is hate? Ohio St. fans are getting pretty defensive.

No, it was just more a general response to "OSU is shit" "OSU doesn't care" "OSU can't keep it up" etc. comments that I've seen on many outlets.

But props for taking my comment and generalizing a whole fanbase.

[SteelerMan]

Are they winning?

Keep bringing the hate

It's not hate, it was a great comeback. The fact that they were able to pull that off without really seeming to care is a testament to their talent. I just wish they'd show a little more passion. I don't think I'm alone here.

[Trippin4136]

It's not hate, it was a great comeback. The fact that they were able to pull that off without really seeming to care is a testament to their talent. I just wish they'd show a little more passion. I don't think I'm alone here.

No, you're not alone. I wish they would show more emotion too, shit even Matta would like it. But they play with ice in their veins and are cool customers when it comes to pressure. If they are going to express this kind of emotion and still win, I'll take it.

[UNC41]

No, it was just more a general response to "OSU is shit" "OSU doesn't care" "OSU can't keep it up" etc. comments that I've seen on many outlets.

But props for taking my comment and generalizing a whole fanbase.

Honestly, the majority of Ohio St. players didn't look like they cared in the first half. They played a hell of a second half, but against better teams they'll need to start stringing full games together.

And props to you for taking my comment and generalizing it about just your post when it's come from your post, other boards and friends of mine who are OSU fans. :)

[Trippin4136]

I mean its just crazy how tight these games are. 1 point. That's it. A free throw and UT was 8-17.

Ohio State goes down 17 at half, and needs to outscore Tennessee by 18 in the 2nd half to win, and that's exactly what the Buckeyes did. Unbelievable.

[GavMan33]

Hm. So now this room is starting to look like all the other sport threads around this site. Why?? I liked it here much better when people are just giving opinions, and then if someone doesn't agree, so be it.

As for me, I (like most) knew Ohio St. had a run in them. Every good team does. They had one against Xavier, and they had one against Tennessee. I wasn't able to see most of it because I was stuck with that goddamn Pitt game that every was hatin on (and I agree) :BANG That said, Ohio St. is a quality ballclub. Those two guards, Conley and Lewis, are SO good. SO good. And that's not even mentioning Oden. So no, not surprised they made a comeback, nobody should be.

And as far as hating on the games; there have been GREAT games. Maybe not in the first round; I think the best two were Duke/VCU and BYU/Xavier (am I missing any?). But that second round man. EVERY game was a great game. The OSU/Xavier game was the first of the day, and it was GREAT game (and a gut-wrenching game :lorraine ). Then, if possible, the games after it were BETTER! So sure, the high seed is winning games. But they are winning VERY tight games, great fun to watch.

[willthethrill]

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.
So basically, nobody will fit the job?

I really am not sure if there's an available coach out there that will do any better than Tubby. He won 76% of his games!

As for the games, Law laid a turd, but Memphis played really well. And I knew TN would start missing shots at some point, I just didn't think they'd lose that big ass lead. Oh well, go Heels!

[UNC41]

I'm not excited at all about the possibility of playing without Reyshawn tonight. Danny and Marcus are more than capable of picking up the load at the 3, but he's been so clutch late in games recently.

[SoRight24]

I sure hope he does play though.

[Davenumber40]

So basically, nobody will fit the job?

I really am not sure if there's an available coach out there that will do any better than Tubby. He won 76% of his games!


His tournement performance has been lackluster, 2-14 against ranked opponents in the last 2 years, and 18-14 in the SEC in the last 2 years. What if UNC, Duke, or Kansas had back to back years as an 8 seed in the tournement and were getting progressively worse? And he wasn't fired, at most he was being pressured to let his assistants go.

As far as finding a coach, it'll be tough but I'm pretty confident there are a lot of coaches who can at least go 23-12 and win 9 games in the SEC.

[SoRight24]

Okay, I'm pretty much done in the bracket challenge.

Now I'm back to putting my interest totally on the Heels winning the Championship!

[UNC41]

Okay, I'm pretty much done in the bracket challenge.

Now I'm back to putting my interest totally on the Heels winning the Championship!

UNC >>>>>> Brackets

Any day of the week. It's not even close.

[willthethrill]

I can win some pools if a few things happen:

1. Heels win it all (!)
2. Florida reaches the final
3. OSU loses to Memphis
4. KU beats UCLA

Otherwise, I'm at about 75% for the tournament. On ESPN I entered a bracket that had all the top seeds winning every game. As you might guess, it's like 93% right.

[SoRight24]

UNC >>>>>> Brackets

Any day of the week. It's not even close.

Oh I know this, UNC has been first the whole time, I'm just saying I have no interest really in the other games as much.

[GavMan33]

His tournement performance has been lackluster, 2-14 against ranked opponents in the last 2 years, and 18-14 in the SEC in the last 2 years. What if UNC, Duke, or Kansas had back to back years as an 8 seed in the tournement and were getting progressively worse? And he wasn't fired, at most he was being pressured to let his assistants go.

As far as finding a coach, it'll be tough but I'm pretty confident there are a lot of coaches who can at least go 23-12 and win 9 games in the SEC.

Something tells me it'd be very difficult for Roy Williams, Coach K, or Bill Self to be fired from their perspective schools, regardless of what they were doing lately....

[willthethrill]

Ugghhhh I'm ready for basketball. Enough with this work shit. What are ya'lls' picks tonight? I'm saying right now, not your bracket.

I'll pick all the top seeds, it's that kind of tournament, but the Oregon/UNLV game is intriguing. (as is the UNC/USC matchup)

[dreamingtreeIU]

butler , unc, oregon, georgetown

[willthethrill]

Butler would kill my bracket, but I'd kill for Butler. :D

[UNC41]

Something tells me it'd be very difficult for Roy Williams, Coach K, or Bill Self to be fired from their perspective schools, regardless of what they were doing lately....

Bill Self losing in the first round this year would have caused an uproar in Lawrence.

[Davenumber40]

Something tells me it'd be very difficult for Roy Williams, Coach K, or Bill Self to be fired from their perspective schools, regardless of what they were doing lately....

I agree. It would have been difficult to fire Tubby too.

[willthethrill]

Bill Self losing in the first round this year would have caused an uproar in Lawrence.

Well, yea. 16 over a 1??

I understand what you mean, though, if KU was perhaps a 3 or 4 seed.

[Davenumber40]

Bill Self losing in the first round this year would have caused an uproar in Lawrence.

Or losing to UK in the 2nd round would have caused a stir.

[UNC41]

My point with the little swipe at Self was to point out that he is nowhere near Roy or Coach K status yet. Coach K is Duke basketball and Williams is essentially Dean's right hand man. Self is in a situation similar to Tubby's in Kentucky 9 years ago. Yes, Self and Tubby coach at the Kansas and Kentucky, but I don't think their ties were as strong as Roy's, who spent a much longer time under Dean.

[thestand]

Wow, I just checked the Yahoo/ESPN groups for the first time since last Saturday. I could get used to this whole first place thing :lol

[dreamingtreeIU]

any team can win back to back titles if the refs give em a foul every time they get it on the block..... a little rediculous

[41ravens]

i now officially hate florida. they're a cocky bunch of fuckers. well, hate to break it to ya gators, but i think the tourney is out of jackson st./purdue/butler type teams.


yes, i'm aware that butler is good. you know what i mean, though.

[clayj41]

Just so you know Justin, for the next 2 hours (and longer is USC wins), I hate you.:p

[GavMan33]

Just so you know Justin, for the next 2 hours (and longer is USC wins), I hate you.:p

Oh shit! It's gonna be on between Clay and Justin!!! OK, I got my money on Clay and Roy....:lol

Justin, that's a dig at you. Yeah, you heard me. Picking a BYU victory in the first round, you big jerk :lol

[thehoss]

hey bob, how've you been? i just got back from the federation games at the civic center. i hung out with coach boeheim and coach norm roberts for abit, autographs, pictures, they were both looking at the same kids. mookie jones from peekskill high school, and kevin jones from mount vernon. remember those names, oh my god

[Trippin4136]

i now officially hate florida. they're a cocky bunch of fuckers. well, hate to break it to ya gators, but i think the tourney is out of jackson st./purdue/butler type teams.


yes, i'm aware that butler is good. you know what i mean, though.

I agree. I mean do we really need to see Al Horford flex after making a shot, putting his team up all of 2 points! with 90 seconds left?

[UNLTrpt]

don't you blow this game Oregon

:mad

[UNLTrpt]

the common fan is probably killing their office pools...

1 vs. 2
1 vs. 2
1 vs. 2
1 vs. 3

wow.

[clayj41]

Well Justin, let me congratulate you on how well USC played. The really grinded it out with that tenacious defense, and put up one hell of a fight. In the end, UNC's depth and talent just proved too much for them. That teams got one hell of a future though, especially with Mayo coming in next year.

As for my bracket, 7/8 on the Elite 8 and I've lost one final four team (damn you A&M!)

[clayj41]

the common fan is probably killing their office pools...

1 vs. 2
1 vs. 2
1 vs. 2
1 vs. 3

wow.

:thumbsup My best friend's girlfriend had all four #1 seeds making it to the Final Four...I just laughed at her. Looks like I could owe her an apology.:lol

[UNLTrpt]

I could have really used that Vandy win today. I'd be within striking distance in the ants competition.

[GavMan33]

hey bob, how've you been? i just got back from the federation games at the civic center. i hung out with coach boeheim and coach norm roberts for abit, autographs, pictures, they were both looking at the same kids. mookie jones from peekskill high school, and kevin jones from mount vernon. remember those names, oh my god

Yeah I feel you on both those names. Both gonna be bigtime players. I hope you told Boheim off. Mount Vernon also has a kid going to Rutgers next year, and the Junior, Kevin Jones, will be even better. They got quite a program going on down there....

[seekupig]

My point with the little swipe at Self was to point out that he is nowhere near Roy or Coach K status yet. Coach K is Duke basketball and Williams is essentially Dean's right hand man. Self is in a situation similar to Tubby's in Kentucky 9 years ago. Yes, Self and Tubby coach at the Kansas and Kentucky, but I don't think their ties were as strong as Roy's, who spent a much longer time under Dean.

i have a very long reply to this, but i'll save it for another day. not a Roy bashing statement at all, but i think it'll make sense coming from me.... :)

[willthethrill]

I'm wasted and i'm happy as hell! Go heeels!!!

[HolyCow]

My girlfriend hit 7/8 Elite 8 teams.

She is dominating the bracket pool.

[justinandimcool]

So UNC played the whole game. USC played 34 minutes. That's what it came down to. So many games were lost in the last 5-10 minutes this March, and the same old story rings here. UNC was too stacked. Congrats boys :)

[thestand]

Oregon got a little sloppy at the end. But in the end, my avatar is all you need to know.

[clayj41]

So UNC played the whole game. USC played 34 minutes. That's what it came down to. So many games were lost in the last 5-10 minutes this March, and the same old story rings here. UNC was too stacked. Congrats boys :)

Classy...:)

[clayj41]

Woohoo, up to second in the Ants pool! Watch out Brendan...:evil

I really need Kansas and Memphis (even though I had A&M making it) to win tomorrow!

[thehoss]

Yeah I feel you on both those names. Both gonna be bigtime players. I hope you told Boheim off. Mount Vernon also has a kid going to Rutgers next year, and the Junior, Kevin Jones, will be even better. They got quite a program going on down there....

yup, mike colburn is off to rutgers next year. vernon and peekskill are going to be a force for the next 3 years. although, vernon lost to rice last night, what a game that was

[UNC41]

So UNC played the whole game. USC played 34 minutes. That's what it came down to. So many games were lost in the last 5-10 minutes this March, and the same old story rings here. UNC was too stacked. Congrats boys :)

I'm not going to rub it in at all because you were classy in defeat, but he Heels did not play well the whole game by any means. USC put up a tough fight though. Good game.

[SoRight24]

Noah is probably my least favorite player ever.

Its close between him and Laettner.

[SteelerMan]

Noah is probably my least favorite player ever.

Its close between him and Laettner.

For me, Reddick is almost untouchable in that category. But yeah, I hate Noah.

[SteelerMan]

I'm 3rd in the pool on Yahoo... according to the scenario generator, if UNC wins it all, I'm pretty much guaranteed to win the pool.

[thestand]

I'm 3rd in the pool on Yahoo... according to the scenario generator, if UNC wins it all, I'm pretty much guaranteed to win the pool.Technically your second. #2 is my friend who's not a member of Ants :lol

[willthethrill]

What a game. I never really got too worried though, for some reason. Reyshawn was amazing, when he came out on fire I thought it might end up being a Jordanesque performance. Good to know we can have an off night from our two biggest contributors and still beat an excellent team (well played Justin).

[darbini]

i now officially hate florida. they're a cocky bunch of fuckers. well, hate to break it to ya gators, but i think the tourney is out of jackson st./purdue/butler type teams.


yes, i'm aware that butler is good. you know what i mean, though.

The Gators must be expecting nothing but easy teams from here on out. If there's any team that takes advantage of what they have and think they're the best team it's Florida:rolleyes

I agree. I mean do we really need to see Al Horford flex after making a shot, putting his team up all of 2 points! with 90 seconds left?


Yes, yes we do:D



Oh, and Vandy should be in the Elite 8 also b/c that guy fucking walked and it was a bullshit non-call.

[justinandimcool]

Everyone's so nice in here. Thanks yall. You bet I'll be rooting for UNC to get to the final.

So looking back at the tape, you could truly sense when the game slipped out of USC's hands. When UNC cut it to 59-54 USC started to run with them, causing them to pressure differently, and UNC just ran away with it. Albeit we missed TONS of shots towards the end that would've brought us back, it was that whole run of 6 or 8 points that sucked the heart out of the Trojans. Then it became 12 then 16. That's an unreachable deficit when a team like UNC gets hot.

[willthethrill]

Oh, and Vandy should be in the Elite 8 also b/c that guy fucking walked and it was a bullshit non-call.

It's called a pivot foot. You're allowed to leave the floor with it and make one step with the other foot. Pretty great play if you ask me.

[justinandimcool]

So, are we gonna see an all #1 Final Four?

[Davenumber40]

Oh, and Vandy should be in the Elite 8 also b/c that guy fucking walked and it was a bullshit non-call.

Yeah and Neltner walked on the play where he drew a foul call with about 2 minutes left. I loved seeing that shot go in over him.

Call a time out for christ sake. That was the most pitiful final shot I've ever seen.

[darbini]

It's called a pivot foot. You're allowed to leave the floor with it and make one step with the other foot. Pretty great play if you ask me.

It's the Elite 7 + Georgetown

[clayj41]

So, are we gonna see an all #1 Final Four?

Nope, go Memphis!!!:rolleyes

[SmoothD41]

please say somebody saw the end of the division II championship about 20 minutes ago, holy shit...one of the best endings to a game i've ever seen in my life.

in other news...This tournament has had so many unbelievable games, just no real upsets to speak of. I think we'll have all four #1's in the final 4, and I still stand by my original pick of Ohio State.

[justinandimcool]

^ What happened in the Division II game?

[justinandimcool]

I really hope Memphis can pull this one off. If they turn it into a track meet the whole game they have a good shot. Key words: the WHOLE GAME

[SmoothD41]

^ What happened in the Division II game?

barton was down 2 to winona state with about 15 seconds left....barton went down and made a lay up to tie it, winona threw it in and dribbled to half court, guy gets his pocket picked, barton guy lays in a fast break lay up as time expired.

i dont know, words don't do it justice. It was incredible, you'll see it a lot over the next few days.

[UNLTrpt]

:(

UNC student mascot in critical condition after car accident

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The student who wears the North Carolina mascot uniform was in critical condition Friday after being hit by a car while walking outside a hotel.

Jason Ray, a senior from Concord, N.C., was to have performed inside the Rameses costume during Friday night's East Regional semifinal between the Tar Heels and Southern California. He was injured while walking in the afternoon in Fort Lee, N.J., a few miles from the Meadowlands complex where the game was played.

Ray was taken to Hackensack Medical Center, the school said. His parents were en route to the hospital.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour said. "Our hearts go out to Jason and his family and our prayers are with them."

[dreamingtreeIU]

damn georgetown kids tryin to take him out

[clayj41]

:(

UNC student mascot in critical condition after car accident

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - The student who wears the North Carolina mascot uniform was in critical condition Friday after being hit by a car while walking outside a hotel.

Jason Ray, a senior from Concord, N.C., was to have performed inside the Rameses costume during Friday night's East Regional semifinal between the Tar Heels and Southern California. He was injured while walking in the afternoon in Fort Lee, N.J., a few miles from the Meadowlands complex where the game was played.

Ray was taken to Hackensack Medical Center, the school said. His parents were en route to the hospital.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour said. "Our hearts go out to Jason and his family and our prayers are with them."


Yeah, they announced this last night during the game...sad news.:(


On a brighter note, it looks like the Duke women's team may be going down!:multi

[clayj41]

Duke gets fouled with .1 seconds left with a chance to hit 2 free throws to win!:eek

[clayj41]

SHE MISSES THEM BOTH!!!!!:multi

[darbini]

Holy crapoli

[willthethrill]

That was absolutely awesome. dook's All-Everything has a chance to win or lose the game and absolutely tanks.

[unccrombie]

billy packer is SO ANOOYING! TO THE HOOP!

[SteelerMan]

Memphis is getting screwed. Oden's block that was clearly goaltending, the intentional foul in which they gave Oden the basket AND the free throws when the Memphis player was hugging him before he took the shot, and the blocking foul against Memphis that should've been a charge... and this was all within two minutes! Hopefully it gets better down the stretch.

[thestand]

Never thought I'd say this... c'mon UCLA!

[willthethrill]

Joakim Noah, what a gheigh.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0323/ncb_a_green3_195.jpg

[86dmbal]

Joakim Noah, what a gheigh.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0323/ncb_a_green3_195.jpg

piihb :ggoat :hump

[SteelerMan]

My bracket says UCLA, but my heart says Kansas.

[86dmbal]

My bracket says UCLA, but my heart says Kansas.

Your bracket and my bracket are right. My bracket is also saying UCLA is gonna win it all.

[justinandimcool]

I fucking hate UCLA. But Kansas GAVE this game away, as well as the ball 492 times. They should also get a whoop upside the head with their inability to penetrate, and then still FORCING penetration with 4 or 5 blue jerseys ready to jump them (cough Collins). Horrible execution happens. But horrible decision-making is what really killed Kansas.

[darbini]

That game was so damn sloppy. I know they counted alot of those to's as 'steals', but really it was just noone could handle, dribble, or pass the damn ball. I think there was one point where the ball had seriously changed possesion about 9 times back and forth, it was like a tennis match out there.

Well all I need now is Florida and UNC to win and I have my Final Four set:)

[kydmb99]

There is no excuse for Kansas to have not gotten to a Final 4 in the last few years with the talent they've had. Bill Self is a great recruiter, but I'm not convinced he can take Kansas to the promise land.

[justinandimcool]

WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA.

Why did I just see an image of UCLA players holding up the championship trophy?

[willthethrill]

There is no excuse for Kansas to have not gotten to a Final 4 in the last few years with the talent they've had. Bill Self is a great recruiter, but I'm not convinced he can take Kansas to the promise land.

That last sentence sounds awfully familiar. :rolleyes

[willthethrill]

WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA.

Why did I just see an image of UCLA players holding up the championship trophy?

I dunno, I didn't see it. Maybe they now have trophies for each region as well? Kinda dumb, but I dunno.

[86dmbal]

WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA.

Why did I just see an image of UCLA players holding up the championship trophy?

You're my enemy now but once the season of all seasons kicks off we will be on the same side.

Bruins and Dodgers in '07

[HolyCow]

Man Kansas was worthless tonight.

They finally get a stop, they lose all composure and can't even get up a shot.
UCLA scores, they go and hit a big shot.

They couldn't make a move on the Bruins all night. Frustrating to watch.

[clayj41]

Kansas losing deeply saddens me...

[UNLTrpt]

i kinda feel bad for kansas fans. they just must be absolutely be tortured.

[kydmb99]

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070325/COLUMNISTS0306/703250334/1065/SPORTS

Interesting column about Billy Donovan and Kentucky.

[SoRight24]

I read somewhere where Florida had already contacted Gonzaga to talk with Mark Few.

That must mean that Donavan is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered to UK.

Not saying that I put all my trust into that article though.

[darbini]

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070325/COLUMNISTS0306/703250334/1065/SPORTS

Interesting column about Billy Donovan and Kentucky.

What is so interesting about it? Why would he leave a tradition he has built just to follow someone elses? Why did the writer say that the O'Connell Center was ancient? They just had a bunch of renovations done including the addition of huge screens in each of the arena's corners. Why does Billy bleed blue? He was just an assistant coach in Kentucky, if anything he should go back to Providence. More pressure at Kentucky? More like impatient fans that think they're the best regardless of how hard they try. Also, Billy was around when Steve Spurrier was "winning SEC football championships for UF with alarming efficiency", Spurrier only won an SEC title in 1996(Billy's 1st year) and 2000. There is plenty of pressure at Florida, there is pressure for every sports team. There was pressure for Donovan to make UF a national contender, and now there is more pressure to stay there! Whatever Kentucky offers Billy, Florida can match without a problem. I don't see him leaving, he would be stupid to. Look what happened to Spurrier, probably the biggest mistake of his life. It would probably be the biggest bonehead decision to leave Florida for Kentucky but we'll have to wait and see I guess.


Also, all this stuff coming up right at the Elite 8 round is pretty pathetic, can't people wait one week?



That was a pretty poor written article with no real substance at all, anyone else agree? It was based on absolutely nothing really.

[darbini]

I read somewhere where Florida had already contacted Gonzaga to talk with Mark Few.

That must mean that Donavan is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered to UK.

Not saying that I put all my trust into that article though.

Where is that article?

[SoRight24]

Where is that article?

I was going to add it to my post, but now I can't find it!

[darbini]

I like this article the best, it would seem about right. Nothing going on, it's all hearsay, yadda yadda yadda:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006834484
Billy Donovan Tops Kentucky's Wish List Of Potential Successors To Tubby Smith

March 23, 2007 12:42 p.m. EST


Matthew Smith - All Headline News Sports Reporter
St. Louis, MO (AHN) - The possibility of Florida's Billy Donovan taking over the reins at Kentucky in the wake of Tubby Smith's departure appears to be only hearsay. At least for now.

Donovan would barely comment Thursday as he prepared the Gators for Friday night's NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional semifinal versus Butler.

"I know you have to ask me that, but right now I'm here to coach my team and win a national championship."

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley also addressed the media briefly.

''We're trying to win a national championship and beat Butler,'' he said. "Anything else right now would be highly inappropriate.''

Foley told reporters earlier that he is confident that Donovan will remain loyal to Florida, but understands Kentucky wanting to contact the coach.

Donovan did not accept a contract extension at the end of last season in order to set an example for players who opted to return for another year at school rather than declare themselves eligible for the NBA draft.

Donovan began his coaching career in Lexington as a graduate assistant and stayed at UK for five years. He's since moved on to Gainesville where he's transformed the Gators into one of the premier college basketball programs in the country and he's done so without the intense scrutiny that accompanies a position like the one in Kentucky.

Among the other potential candidates are Marquette coach Tom Crean, Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Memphis coach John Calipari, Gonzaga's Mark Few, Notre Dame's Mike Brey, Texas' Rick Barnes, Texas A and M's Billy Gillispie and Villanova's Jay Wright.

[darbini]

From another article:
Donovan turned down a contract extension in August that reportedly would have paid him $2 million a year. Donovan said at the time that he didn't want to profit off the team's national championship after several of his players turned down guaranteed NBA riches to return to Gainesville for another season.

"I'm going to sign a long-term contract, but I'm going to do it at the right time," Donovan said in August.





--This is why I think he will stay. It's not about the money, it's about the kids he has coached, and the program that is his.

[willthethrill]

From another article:
Donovan turned down a contract extension in August that reportedly would have paid him $2 million a year. Donovan said at the time that he didn't want to profit off the team's national championship after several of his players turned down guaranteed NBA riches to return to Gainesville for another season.

"I'm going to sign a long-term contract, but I'm going to do it at the right time," Donovan said in August.


--This is why I think he will stay. It's not about the money, it's about the kids he has coached, and the program that is his.
And when the '04's leave......?

[darbini]

The '04's are there because of the '00's, and the '00's were there b/c of the '96's. The '08's won't be any different. Billy Donovan has started a tradition at Florida and if he left, that would be a poor decision. What if it takes 5 years for a Donovan led Kentucky team to get to the Final Four, what then? Florida has had patience with Billy, and that's exactly why he went there. They gave him the time and support to do what he had planned.

[willthethrill]

Speaking of Horford getting dunked on in that other thread, DAMN! This is an athletic game.

[kydmb99]

What is so interesting about it? Why would he leave a tradition he has built just to follow someone elses? Why did the writer say that the O'Connell Center was ancient? They just had a bunch of renovations done including the addition of huge screens in each of the arena's corners. Why does Billy bleed blue? He was just an assistant coach in Kentucky, if anything he should go back to Providence. More pressure at Kentucky? More like impatient fans that think they're the best regardless of how hard they try. Also, Billy was around when Steve Spurrier was "winning SEC football championships for UF with alarming efficiency", Spurrier only won an SEC title in 1996(Billy's 1st year) and 2000. There is plenty of pressure at Florida, there is pressure for every sports team. There was pressure for Donovan to make UF a national contender, and now there is more pressure to stay there! Whatever Kentucky offers Billy, Florida can match without a problem. I don't see him leaving, he would be stupid to. Look what happened to Spurrier, probably the biggest mistake of his life. It would probably be the biggest bonehead decision to leave Florida for Kentucky but we'll have to wait and see I guess.


Also, all this stuff coming up right at the Elite 8 round is pretty pathetic, can't people wait one week?



That was a pretty poor written article with no real substance at all, anyone else agree? It was based on absolutely nothing really.

Look, I'm not saying I really expect BD to go to UK. However, you would be naive not to admit that Kentucky is one of the most prestigious places to coach in all of basketball. Donovan was an assistant there under Pitino, when Pitino was almost a god in Kentucky. Billy D has an ego, no question...that isn't a bad thing. He knows he'll always be second best to Urban Meyer at Florida because it's a football school like Kentucky is a basketball school.

Also, "impatient fans who think they are the best no matter how hard they try"??? That doesn't even make sense. Kentucky fans are passionate no doubt, but we do NOT expect a Final 4 every year. That's just ludicrous. The problems with Tubby Smith ran so much deeper than people outside of Kentucky saw. His terrible recruiting, team turmoils, transfers out of the program, players getting in fights, and the fact that we were totally reliant on one player last year to even get into the tournament is what caused angst against Tubby Smith. He just couldn't handle that caliber of a program, and he acted as if nothing was wrong. That's why Kentucky fans were upset, not because we expect a Final 4 every year.

[willthethrill]

Wow, who can actually say they have stripped a net before? That was crazy.

Anybody else think this might be the most awkward commentary duo ever? James Brown?!? Why?

[thestand]

We're within two, and Porter's done nothing. If he lights up in the second half, I think we can at least stay close, and I don't want to jinx it, but...

[SoRight24]

Wow, who can actually say they have stripped a net before? That was crazy.

Anybody else think this might be the most awkward commentary duo ever? James Brown?!? Why?

Yeah, JB should stick to football...

And he's not even an announcer for football. He just does the pregame show.

[willthethrill]

Yeah, JB should stick to football...

And he's not even an announcer for football. He just does the pregame show.

Exactly. Such a random ass move by random ass CBS.

As for the game, I think it just matters who makes the shots. They're playing about equally well on defense with some stars not producing on offense.

[eric311]

I read somewhere where Florida had already contacted Gonzaga to talk with Mark Few.



Wow, really? You dont happen to have a link to this do you?

[justinandimcool]

UNC is so deep it's disgusting. Wearing out Georgetown so easily. Hopefully the Hoyas can make it close, they're holding pretty well defensively. Foul trouble looks to be killing them though.



Oh and I fucking hate Florida. :BANG Valiant effort by the Ducks. Horrible decision-making by Porter towards the end. Just did not show up. Credit the defense.

[darbini]

Look, I'm not saying I really expect BD to go to UK. However, you would be naive not to admit that Kentucky is one of the most prestigious places to coach in all of basketball. Donovan was an assistant there under Pitino, when Pitino was almost a god in Kentucky. Billy D has an ego, no question...that isn't a bad thing. He knows he'll always be second best to Urban Meyer at Florida because it's a football school like Kentucky is a basketball school.

Also, "impatient fans who think they are the best no matter how hard they try"??? That doesn't even make sense. Kentucky fans are passionate no doubt, but we do NOT expect a Final 4 every year. That's just ludicrous. The problems with Tubby Smith ran so much deeper than people outside of Kentucky saw. His terrible recruiting, team turmoils, transfers out of the program, players getting in fights, and the fact that we were totally reliant on one player last year to even get into the tournament is what caused angst against Tubby Smith. He just couldn't handle that caliber of a program, and he acted as if nothing was wrong. That's why Kentucky fans were upset, not because we expect a Final 4 every year.


Whoah there buddy. Kentucky IS one of the most prestigious places to coach, and yes Billy WAS an assistant under Pitino, and yes he HAS an ego. How will he always be 2nd best to Meyer when Billy won the title first? The teams are equal, but the overall advantage will go to football of course, especially since the title. IMO it is even between bball and football. If Kentucky had a football team that won the national title then it would rule at Kentucky also, just like it would at any other school. I really don't understand where that whole first paragraph came from but whatever.


I'm sorry but Kentucky fans do want a Final 4 every year, if not a championship. It's Kentucky, they have nothing else, no major league teams or the like. If a guy is really good now(Brewer or Lofton) then people think Tubby Smith recruited bad b/c they're playing for other teams. Yes, maybe Brewer wanted to play for Kentucky, but who the hell doesn't? "Things that ran deeper at Kentucky that noone outside of Kentucky saw", well I can't really say anything to that except "ok". I think he handled the caliber of the program fine, but not the way the fans wanted him to. How many SEC titles did he win? Didn't he win a national title also? Yes it comes with the territory but come on, he had to take too much. If they win, the coach is a God, but if they don't win then there are deep problems. Think about how many players left Kentucky early for the NBA. Maybe he needs the players to run the system instead of the system to run the players, I don't know, Go Gators.

[justinandimcool]

Uh oh. Hoyas got a shot of adrenaline here. UNC settling for outside jumpers. Uh oh...

[clayj41]

Come on guys! Don't blow this!

[clayj41]

:BANG :BANG :BANG

Come on!!!

[justinandimcool]

What a shot.


Settle for a 3? Man...

[eric311]

I'm sorry but Kentucky fans do want a Final 4 every year, if not a championship.

What fans don't want this? If you don't then you're just not that interested.

[dmbinchicago]

I have G-town winning it all. Figured this would be an awesome game. Overtime!

[justinandimcool]

Overtime. Good golly.


lolz to the Kentucky talk during one of the biggest days of college basketball. It's all good though :)

[clayj41]

I'm seriously sick to my stomach right now! That's why I'm on Ants, I can't focus all my attention on this game...:(

[dmbinchicago]

Love it.

[emu513]

This is one of the bigger choke jobs I've seen.

[emu513]

Jesus. Great idea with 67 threes in a row.

[SmoothD41]

wow, North Carolina had some of the worst shot selection down the stretch I think I've ever seen. What'd they shoot, like one 2 point FG in the last 8 minutes of regulation? And they were winning the whole time? I'm not going to say that North Carolina gave this game to Georgetown by horrible shot selection.....but North Carolina gave this game to Georgetown by horrible shot selection. Why were they firing up 3 after 3 after 3 without killing any clock?

Georgetown battled back and played some great ball in the last 6 minutes of overtime and just flat out dominated and outhussled UNC in overtime. They deserved to win.

edit: WOW, fouling down 11 with 5 seconds left. This was one of the biggest collapses I have ever seen in sports, at least in recent memory.

[clayj41]

I've never been more disappointed...went from being up 10 to being down 10 with 50 seconds to go in overtime!:lorraine

[darbini]

Wow, UNC really shot themselves in the foot. Sucks for my bracket, but oh well.

[darbini]

I've never been more disappointed...went from being up 10 to being down 10 with 50 seconds to go in overtime!:lorraine

Sorry about your team bud

[zdaddy]

ah yes, UNC's youth shows through. If their starters actually stay one more year they will be insane next year. Looks like i picked the whole final four too!

[clayj41]

Well, March Madness is officially over for me...I have nothing to look forward to. Hats off to Georgetown, they just wanted it more and went about doing it in a much smarter way.

Can't say that I really like any of the Final Four teams...go Georgetown I guess?:shrug

[SmoothD41]

I've never been more disappointed...went from being up 10 to being down 10 with 50 seconds to go in overtime!:lorraine

sorry about that.....i would be absolutely irrate if i was a huge UNC fan like you. They just completely crumbled.

[clayj41]

Sorry about your team bud

Thanks, I'm gonna go drink my troubles a way. This has seriously been the worst weekend ever for several reasons, and this just topped it off!

[darbini]

I had UNC in the Final Four, that would've given me all four:(

[emu513]

Well I guess I don't have to worry about picking one of UNC or Ohio State over the other next week.

[darbini]

Thanks, I'm gonna go drink my troubles a way. This has seriously been the worst weekend ever for several reasons, and this just topped it off!

Be safe:thumbsup

[clayj41]

sorry about that.....i would be absolutely irrate if i was a huge UNC fan like you. They just completely crumbled.

Yeah, I've never seen anything like it. The weird thing is that I was expecting it the whole time....they just play so lax when they have a lead. I'd much rather they had been the team attempting to make the comeback, like it was during the USC game. Oh well, hopefully most of the guys will come back next year. Wright's probably gone though.:(

[darbini]

What fans don't want this? If you don't then you're just not that interested.

exactly

[SoRight24]

Fucking Bullshit!

[clayj41]

I have to say that besides this total collapse, I really loved watching this team play all season and I'm really sad it's over. This was really one of the most fun UNC teams to watch my last 12 years as a fan. They gave me a great season...ranked in the top 10 all year, winning the ACC tournament, and sweeping Duke. Any other year, that would have been more than enough...I just thought they had a serious shot at the title.:(

[RJ2kWJ]

Well I got 3 out of my final 4 correct... missing out on Kansas.

[dmbinchicago]

I think the decisions will be made before the Big Ten championship is finished. Also, they will not give #1 seeds to two teams from the Big Ten. It will probably be Georgetown, OSU, Florida and Kansas. If Kansas loses tomorrow, UNC may get a 1 seed. I personally don't think it matters that much. The difference between playing the 8/9 winner or the 7/10 winner is not that great.


i don't think Georgetown should even be in the discussion....

Yea, sounds like somebody just got done watching their first basketball game of the season, the Big East Championship.
Well, I just got done watching the East Regional. :lol

[SteelerMan]

Yeah, I've never seen anything like it. The weird thing is that I was expecting it the whole time....they just play so lax when they have a lead. I'd much rather they had been the team attempting to make the comeback, like it was during the USC game. Oh well, hopefully most of the guys will come back next year. Wright's probably gone though.:(

I think Thompson will step in as a decent replacement for Wright. I don't see anyone else leaving early though. We're really going to miss Reyshawn Terry next year.

Man, that was a tough loss. I don't really feel like doing anything the rest of the day.

[willthethrill]

:devil :BANG :BANG :BANG :BANG :freak :confused :lorraine

[clayj41]

I think Thompson will step in as a decent replacement for Wright. I don't see anyone else leaving early though. We're really going to miss Reyshawn Terry next year.

Man, that was a tough loss. I don't really feel like doing anything the rest of the day.

Thompson's gonna shape up to be a really good player, but he'll never be Wright. That said, the team has a bright future. I agree about losing Terry though, he's irreplaceable...I expect Ginyard to step up even more next year though.

[UNC41]

Dur.

That's all I've got.

[clayj41]

Dur.

That's all I've got.

Yeah, there's really nothing to say. Words can't really express what I'm feeling right now...I'm just trying to be optimistic about next year and grateful for this tremendous season.:shrug

[justinandimcool]

Sorry boys :(


So the Final Four. 3 teams I despise (FL, UCLA, OSU, they'll entertain for sure and I'm sure they'll put on a good show, but I simply don't like them :lol). And Georgetown, a team I don't really care for at all because I've seen only about 5 full games of theirs all year. Hopefully FANTASTIC games will make up for it :)


I'm watching a Laker game for the first time in a month. If Kobe doesn't score 50 again, I'm back to not watching the NBA :lol

[clayj41]

So the Final Four. 3 teams I despise (FL, UCLA, OSU, they'll entertain for sure and I'm sure they'll put on a good show, but I simply don't like them :lol). And Georgetown, a team I don't really care for at all because I've seen only about 5 full games of theirs all year. Hopefully FANTASTIC games will make up for it :)

I have the exact same feelings as you about the Final Four, I'm really just hoping for some great games. I guess if I had to root for someone, it'd be Georgetown.:shrug

[SmoothD41]

i like Ohio State, and that's about it. I wish Florida and UCLA could somehow both lose to eachother and OSU and Georgetown were playing for the title.

[kydmb99]

Whoah there buddy. Kentucky IS one of the most prestigious places to coach, and yes Billy WAS an assistant under Pitino, and yes he HAS an ego. How will he always be 2nd best to Meyer when Billy won the title first? The teams are equal, but the overall advantage will go to football of course, especially since the title. IMO it is even between bball and football. If Kentucky had a football team that won the national title then it would rule at Kentucky also, just like it would at any other school. I really don't understand where that whole first paragraph came from but whatever.


I'm sorry but Kentucky fans do want a Final 4 every year, if not a championship. It's Kentucky, they have nothing else, no major league teams or the like. If a guy is really good now(Brewer or Lofton) then people think Tubby Smith recruited bad b/c they're playing for other teams. Yes, maybe Brewer wanted to play for Kentucky, but who the hell doesn't? "Things that ran deeper at Kentucky that noone outside of Kentucky saw", well I can't really say anything to that except "ok". I think he handled the caliber of the program fine, but not the way the fans wanted him to. How many SEC titles did he win? Didn't he win a national title also? Yes it comes with the territory but come on, he had to take too much. If they win, the coach is a God, but if they don't win then there are deep problems. Think about how many players left Kentucky early for the NBA. Maybe he needs the players to run the system instead of the system to run the players, I don't know, Go Gators.

He will always be second best to Urban Meyer because Football is king at Florida. At Kentucky, he would be THE MAN. Also, what else can he do at Florida? He's already a legend there. Now, with the core group of this team likely leaving next year they will be in a bit of a rebuilding mode. Perhaps he'll want a new challenge. Look at Roy Williams. The guy went to back to back Final 4's at Kansas, one of the great jobs in America, and still went to North Carolina when they were down. Again, I wouldn't be suprised one bit if Billy stayed at Florida, but there also isn't any doubt in my mind he will seriously consider the offer to coach at Kentucky.

Well, I don't mean to be a prick, but Tubby Smith was a terrible manager of UK's program. He did fine with Pitino's players at first and was still able to recruit off the legacy he left for a few years but there is no doubt the program started declining after his system was put in place. I can't name all the stories I've read about top level recruits who wanted to go to Kentucky but didn't because they talked about how Tubby Smith wouldn't contact them, or he didn't believe they were right for "his system" which is terribly outdated IMO. He was a good X's and O's coach but it takes more than that at Kentucky.

Hmmm.... name a school that doesn't want to go to the Final 4 every year..

[dmbmuskie]

I'm looking forward to Oden vs Hibbert.

Florida is a program that has had recent success, but it's a football school. If any coach has the opportunity to go to UNC, Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, Indiana, or Duke, then they have to strongly consider it.

[UNLTrpt]

Roy was a different story. He played at UNC. He coached under Dean for 10 years. He turned down the job once when Guthridge left. He couldn't turn down Dean twice. Billy doesn't have near the history with Kentucky that Roy had with UNC.

[seekupig]

another season, another disappointing ending....... and i can't wait for next year. :lol

hopefully we don't lose anyone to the NBA, and hopefully if we end up as a #1 seed next year, they don't make us play a road game at the #2..... :BANG

[seekupig]

and the first NBA mock draft i looked at has Julian Wright projected at #5 overall..... he'd be stupid not to go. :shrug

[Trippin4136]

I'm looking forward to Oden vs Hibbert.



Oh yea. It's going to be something fierce given Oden stays out of trouble. how often do we get to see two true 7-footers square off in college?

Despite how shockingly poor UNC finished the game, I'm still pleased the Buckeyes do not have to face them.

I also hope our boys do not get caught looking ahead to what could be another showdown of Ohio State-Florida. :violent

[SteelerMan]

hopefully we don't lose anyone to the NBA, and hopefully if we end up as a #1 seed next year, they don't make us play a road game at the #2..... :BANG

:thumbsup

Strongly agree. Kansas got screwed in the same way by having to play UCLA in San Jose.

[seekupig]

:thumbsup

Strongly agree. Kansas got screwed in the same way by having to play UCLA in San Jose.

the Kansas game is the one i was talking about. i guess my season ending avatar change has thrown some people off...... :lol

rock, chalk.... :)

[SoRight24]

the Kansas game is the one i was talking about. i guess my season ending avatar change has thrown some people off...... :lol

rock, chalk.... :)

It took me a minute to realize it was you. :lol :lol

Btw, what part of Raleigh do you live in?

[Davenumber40]

What is so interesting about it? Why would he leave a tradition he has built just to follow someone elses? Why did the writer say that the O'Connell Center was ancient? They just had a bunch of renovations done including the addition of huge screens in each of the arena's corners. Why does Billy bleed blue? He was just an assistant coach in Kentucky, if anything he should go back to Providence. More pressure at Kentucky?

Rupp > McConnell- By about 10,000 seats
$32 million practice facility > $10 million practice facility
Kentucky's salary > Florida's - for Donovan
Kentucky's tradition > Florida's
Kentucky's program prestige > Florida's

There are definite perks for coming to Kentucky. Billy Donovan is Florida's basketball tradition. Players want to play for him because they see the way his teams run, score, and have fun.
I think he would consider it, especially depending on what happens in the next two weeks. If it wasn't an option for him, why wouldn't he just say no? H

On a related note, on why fans didn't like tubby:
This year's Mr. basketball in Kentucky, who averaged 33 points a game, came out and said he was glad Tubby's gone. He said he hopes now maybe UK will return his phone calls about coming here.
There are a handful of Kentucky players that would have made this a much better team, but Tubby didn't recruit them. Lofton, Ross Neltner (Vandy), and Justin Doleman (XU), all could have made UK a much better basketball team.

[Davenumber40]

:thumbsup

Strongly agree. Kansas got screwed in the same way by having to play UCLA in San Jose.

This is a problem the NCAA needs to deal with. Kentucky dealt with it in the
'03 regional finals playing Wisconsin then Marquette in Milwaukee. I don't think better seeds should get home games, but if you're going to reward anyone, you reward better seeds. KU shouldn't be playing UCLA in California and A&M shouldn't be playing Louisville in Lexington. I know it's about selling tickets, but why even play the season?

[thestand]

UNC is so deep it's disgusting. Wearing out Georgetown so easily. Hopefully the Hoyas can make it close, they're holding pretty well defensively. Foul trouble looks to be killing them though.



Oh and I fucking hate Florida. :BANG Valiant effort by the Ducks. Horrible decision-making by Porter towards the end. Just did not show up. Credit the defense.Really, Porter through the whole game. He was ice cold, but didn't want to accept it. He can be an amazing setup man, because if he drives, he draws a crowd. But he didn't want to take that role, and settled for putting up horrible threes.

[seekupig]

This is a problem the NCAA needs to deal with. Kentucky dealt with it in the
'03 regional finals playing Wisconsin then Marquette in Milwaukee. I don't think better seeds should get home games, but if you're going to reward anyone, you reward better seeds. KU shouldn't be playing UCLA in California and A&M shouldn't be playing Louisville in Lexington. I know it's about selling tickets, but why even play the season?

that bothered me a bit when i first saw the brackets. after thinking about it, i figured one of them would be upset before the game happened and it wouldn't matter. i was wrong.... and it sucks. :BANG

[siserilla]

that bothered me a bit when i first saw the brackets. after thinking about it, i figured one of them would be upset before the game happened and it wouldn't matter. i was wrong.... and it sucks. :BANG

psssst. hi dustin :p

[UNC41]

This is a problem the NCAA needs to deal with. Kentucky dealt with it in the
'03 regional finals playing Wisconsin then Marquette in Milwaukee. I don't think better seeds should get home games, but if you're going to reward anyone, you reward better seeds. KU shouldn't be playing UCLA in California and A&M shouldn't be playing Louisville in Lexington. I know it's about selling tickets, but why even play the season?

I was at that game where D-Wade single-handedly beat Kentucky. It was easily the most impressive performance I've ever seen in person.

[Davenumber40]

I was at that game where D-Wade single-handedly beat Kentucky. It was easily the most impressive performance I've ever seen in person.

There were a lot of things that hurt UK in that game including fatigue, Bogans' ankle, and playing in Milwaukee. D-Wade certainly didn't help.

[UNC41]

There were a lot of things that hurt UK in that game including fatigue, Bogans' ankle, and playing in Milwaukee. D-Wade certainly didn't help.

The game was in Minneapolis.

[Davenumber40]

The game was in Minneapolis.

That's right sorry.

[UNC41]

Durant, Tucker, Law, Afflalo and Oden are AP First Team All-Americans. All are deserving except for Oden IMO. Fazekas hands down deserved that spot. Also, Horford and Green were far more deserving of Second Team than Noah.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2812975

[clayj41]

Durant, Tucker, Law, Afflalo and Oden are AP First Team All-Americans. All are deserving except for Oden IMO. Fazekas hands down deserved that spot. Also, Horford and Green were far more deserving of Second Team than Noah.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2812975

:thumbsup Fazekas should've been on the 1st team.

[Trippin4136]

Durant, Tucker, Law, Afflalo and Oden are AP First Team All-Americans. All are deserving except for Oden IMO. Fazekas hands down deserved that spot. Also, Horford and Green were far more deserving of Second Team than Noah.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2812975

Really Oden was first team? That's very surprising. I would agree he shouldn't be on there.

[Trippin4136]

Eh, after I look at it, I change my mind. Oden made teams effectively change the way they played. Although I wouldn't have been surprised had him and Hansborough been flipped. But Horford or Noah over Oden? Give me a break. He's better than both of them. Noah is vastly overrated IMO.

[SteelerMan]

Eh, after I look at it, I change my mind. Oden made teams effectively change the way they played. Although I wouldn't have been surprised had him and Hansborough been flipped. But Horford or Noah over Oden? Give me a break. He's better than both of them. Noah is vastly overrated IMO.

I don't think anyone said Horford or Noah should've been 1st team over Oden...

[Trippin4136]

I don't think anyone said Horford or Noah should've been 1st team over Oden...

You're right, my bad, I read it wrong.

I guess I just glossed over the post. It happens when you're trying to multi-task in the office. :shrug

[UNC41]

Eh, after I look at it, I change my mind. Oden made teams effectively change the way they played. Although I wouldn't have been surprised had him and Hansborough been flipped. But Horford or Noah over Oden? Give me a break. He's better than both of them. Noah is vastly overrated IMO.

Nick Fazekas should have been on the First Team. After that arguments could be made for Hansbrough and Horford, along with Oden, for post spots on the Second Team. I don't think Noah belongs on the First, Second or Third Team. Corey Brewer is Florida's second best player and I think Taureen Green is more valuable than Noah.

[Trippin4136]

You hear that kid who was the UNC mascot died? Horrible.

Although, if you are familiar with Route 4 in NJ, I don't know how he ended up walking along Route 4 in Fort Lee. That's right near the George Washington Bridge. It's not you can just accidentally step off a sidewalk really in that area.

The driver of the truck hasn't been charged with anything yet. Right now, its just a horrific accident. Though, I would imagine some sort of involuntary manslaughter charge could come if the kid's parents wish to pursue it.

[clayj41]

You hear that kid who was the UNC mascot died? Horrible.

Although, if you are familiar with Route 4 in NJ, I don't know how he ended up walking along Route 4 in Fort Lee. That's right near the George Washington Bridge. It's not you can just accidentally step off a sidewalk really in that area.

The driver of the truck hasn't been charged with anything yet. Right now, its just a horrific accident. Though, I would imagine some sort of involuntary manslaughter charge could come if the kid's parents wish to pursue it.

Yeah, we discussed it in the UNC basketball thread...really sad.:(

[GavMan33]

On a related note, on why fans didn't like tubby:
This year's Mr. basketball in Kentucky, who averaged 33 points a game, came out and said he was glad Tubby's gone. He said he hopes now maybe UK will return his phone calls about coming here.
There are a handful of Kentucky players that would have made this a much better team, but Tubby didn't recruit them. Lofton, Ross Neltner (Vandy), and Justin Doleman (XU), all could have made UK a much better basketball team.

I'll jump in here. I know Doellman wasn't really highly recruited out of Ryle High School in Union, KY. Wasn't highly recruited by anyone, and he was very disappointed that Kentucky didn't want him. Judging by what this Mr. Basketball of Kentucky is saying, it seems that all kids who grow up in Kentucky want to play for the Wildcats. Isn't it true that Lofton wanted to be a Wildcat?

[GavMan33]

Eh, after I look at it, I change my mind. Oden made teams effectively change the way they played. Although I wouldn't have been surprised had him and Hansborough been flipped. But Horford or Noah over Oden? Give me a break. He's better than both of them. Noah is vastly overrated IMO.

I'm with you Jon. Personally, I think Oden needs AT LEAST another year in college. And I'm not sure he's one of the Top 5 players in the country. But if for no other reason than his sheer size, he absolutely changes the way teams play. Scary thing is, I think OSU is just as good, maybe better, when he's not in the game vs. when he is. Oden struggles getting up and down the floor; if they go smaller, they all get up the floor, and Conley is just so good at finding people.

I gotta say, when I started going to school at Xavier, my frosh year roommate was from Toledo, and a big Michigan football fan. Being from the Northeast, I really didn't give a shit about college football. So we made a pact right there, which I abide by to this day; I never root for OSU football, and he never roots for Syracuse hoop. Well, I didn't particularly care for OSU in general. But I gotta say, this basketball team. Wow they are fun to watch. I find myself rooting for them to win games, and not because Xavier lost to them. They are just so good. I can gush all day about Lewis and Conley. Ron Lewis has played himself into the NBA Draft with this run in the NCAA Tourney, very similar to the way Lionel Chalmers did three years ago at X. The two are very similar players.

Anybody (maybe Jon?). How is it possible that the kid started his career at BG? How is it possible that whoever recruited him missed so badly? Bowling Green and Ohio State are pretty different. Why was he only a MAC player early, and turned NCAA Final 4 kid? Anybody help me out?

And just because I said so many nice things about him, FUCK Ron Lewis. Damn you. Why you gotta be hatin and hit that jumper to force OT? :lol

[willthethrill]

Great article by Adam Lucas, we just lost a great Tar Heel and a great person.

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032407aaf.html

[SoRight24]

Great article by Adam Lucas, we just lost a great Tar Heel and a great person.

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032407aaf.html

Agreed, such a sad sad story.

My prayers are with Jason's family.

[Davenumber40]

I'll jump in here. I know Doellman wasn't really highly recruited out of Ryle High School in Union, KY. Wasn't highly recruited by anyone, and he was very disappointed that Kentucky didn't want him. Judging by what this Mr. Basketball of Kentucky is saying, it seems that all kids who grow up in Kentucky want to play for the Wildcats. Isn't it true that Lofton wanted to be a Wildcat?

Yeah I was honestly suprised he wasn't recruited. I played against him a couple of times in high school and he was a great player. I guess the thinking was a 7'0'' had more upside. Watching him play and watching Orbzut play, I think it's pretty clear that Doellman would have been a better choice. Kentucky has been desperate for another strong post player who could spell Morris (which would mean splitting time with all he's sat out the last three years) and someone who could play alongside him in a big lineup.

And yes Lofton wanted to come here but Tubby wouldn't give him a scholarship. When you have a 2nd team all-American come to you, and you don't give him the time of day, you don't have a recruiting problem, you have a coaching problem.

[justinandimcool]

I don't think Oden's the best player on his team. Come on. Give me Fazekas.

[gbs3769]

Interesting factoid about the Final Four from Camille Powell's article in the Washington Post today.

"The only time a Big East team has lost in the national semifinals is when it has played another conference team (St. John's lost to Georgetown in 1985 and Providence lost to Syracuse in 1987); Big East teams are 9-0 against other conferences in the national semifinals."

- Primo

[eric311]

Interesting factoid about the Final Four from Camille Powell's article in the Washington Post today.

"The only time a Big East team has lost in the national semifinals is when it has played another conference team (St. John's lost to Georgetown in 1985 and Providence lost to Syracuse in 1987); Big East teams are 9-0 against other conferences in the national semifinals."

- Primo

Wow, that is interesting. And I like Georgetowns chances. Has the big man to offset Oden and any other big in the Final Four, but can the guards keep up?

[willthethrill]

Wow, that is interesting. And I like Georgetowns chances. Has the big man to offset Oden and any other big in the Final Four, but can the guards keep up?

They kept up with UNC. Doesn't hurt to shoot 57% for the game though.

[UNC41]

Anyone going to watch the McDonald's All-American game tonight? I read some practice reports and apparently Mayo is tearing it up. Also, scouts are starting to call Donte Green a poor man's Kevin Durant.

[clayj41]

Anyone going to watch the McDonald's All-American game tonight? I read some practice reports and apparently Mayo is tearing it up. Also, scouts are starting to call Donte Green a poor man's Kevin Durant.

:thumbsup I'm very excited for it...I've got a bunch of papers due next week that I have to start tonight, so it's the only thing I'm looking forward to. That and Lost of course...:cool

[gbs3769]

Anyone going to watch the McDonald's All-American game tonight? I read some practice reports and apparently Mayo is tearing it up. Also, scouts are starting to call Donte Green a poor man's Kevin Durant.
Damn straight I'll be watching.

I can't wait to see Donte Green and Jonny Flynn tear it up. According to Rivals.com, Jonny was the only defender on the East squad that could hang with OJ Mayo in practice.

Only 199 days until October 15.

- Primo

[SmoothD41]

i'll be watching for eric gordon.

[UNLTrpt]

I'll be watching for...

...nobody.

That's what I don't get. Why would a McDonalds all american go to a school where you're going to sit for one or two years.

come to Nebraska and you'll play right away.

[gbs3769]

I'll be watching for...

...nobody.

That's what I don't get. Why would a McDonalds all american go to a school where you're going to sit for one or two years.

come to Nebraska and you'll play right away.
Donte Green will start right away at Syracuse and Jonny Flynn will make the starting rotation by mid-season. Book it.

- Primo

[SmoothD41]

I'll be watching for...

...nobody.

That's what I don't get. Why would a McDonalds all american go to a school where you're going to sit for one or two years.

come to Nebraska and you'll play right away.

there's quite a few players this year that are going to make immediate impacts for their team, and many will start the first game of the season.

[emu513]

there's quite a few players this year that are going to make immediate impacts for their team, and many will start the first game of the season.

True. True.

Koufos will start for Ohio State next year . . .

[SoRight24]

10 bucks says OJ Mayo has pictures of himself all over his room.

[emu513]

10 bucks says OJ Mayo has pictures of himself all over his room.

Pictures? I was thinking more along the lines of Fatheads.

[gbs3769]

Jonny Flynn is sick. Just sick.

- Primo

[SoRight24]

Sorrycuse. ;)

[UNLTrpt]

If anybody cares these are the final final standings of the NIT Pick 'em:

mizzoudmbfan- 53pts
UNLTrpt- 47pts
gbs3769- 47pts
justinandimcool- 25pts
HolyCow- 22pts
41ravens- 20pts
clayj41- 18pts
Davenumber40- 18pts
Willthethrill- 14pts
GavMan33- 14pts

Top 3 picked the champion. Thanks everybody for picking. Of course mizzoudmbfan was declared the winner before the Final 4 started.

[willthethrill]

Wow I suck.

[UNLTrpt]

Wow I suck.

you only had 2 of the final 8 correct.

the top 3 are kinda inflated because I put a lot more weight on the later rounds than I did the earlier rounds. I should have scaled back the semi and finals points but it still wouldn't have made a difference.

[Third Floor]

hoya saxa. that is all.

also congrats to west virgina

[unccrombie]

hoya saxa. that is all.

also congrats to west virgina
arent you a GT fan?

[chiznaz]

^^^ Third Floor is a Wake Forest grad/student if I remember right.

[unccrombie]

^^^ Third Floor is a Wake Forest grad/student if I remember right.
ah yes, i knew it was one of the two :thumbsup

[justinandimcool]

Nice to see this thread is alive and kicking on Final Four day.


GIGGITY GIGGITY :multi :multi :multi

I'm rooting for a Florida/Georgetown final. I think the FL/UCLA game will be just as much of an inside battle in Mata/Horford as Hibbert/Oden is cut out to be. Whoever consistently controls the paint defensively in these games is gonna win.

[SoRight24]

Go Buckeyes and Bruins!

I hate UCLA, but I just can't pull for Florida, I've grown to hate them as well.

Pulling for tOSU to win it all!

[86dmbal]

Go Bruins all the way!

[kydmb99]

Lorenzo Matta = Missing link

[Trippin4136]

BUCKEYES!

Conley is just filthy. Simply unbelievable.

[clayj41]

Well...go Ohio State, I guess?

[thestand]

I was top 20k in the country this morning... :lorraine

Now I'm top 620k :lorraine :BANG :lorraine

[SmoothD41]

hate to brag, but regardless of the outcome of Monday's game ( I have OSU winning) it looks like I'm going to take the Ants tournament challenge championship.

Nice try ladies :)

[clayj41]

hate to brag, but regardless of the outcome of Monday's game ( I have OSU winning) it looks like I'm going to take the Ants tournament challenge championship.

Nice try ladies :)

Yeah, my bracket looked good until the Elite 8.:(

[dmbmuskie]

hate to brag, but regardless of the outcome of Monday's game ( I have OSU winning) it looks like I'm going to take the Ants