Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[GavMan33]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LsGCItJ7q4I :lol

The fact that somebody put this on YouTube just made my night :lol

How about her interview with him after the game? He told her that it was great to have her on board, or something to that effect. Props to Bruce Pearl for thinking about his personal life in the middle of the biggest game of the year :thumbsup

[whygohome?]

The fact that somebody put this on YouTube just made my night :lol

How about her interview with him after the game? He told her that it was great to have her on board, or something to that effect. Props to Bruce Pearl for thinking about his personal life in the middle of the biggest game of the year :thumbsup

how does saying that have anything to do with his personal life?

[secretlysmiling]

Damn, that game was lame.

Honestly... who travels??? And moving picks are just about as bad. Dayton needs to win out to even get to the A-10 tournament. Big Dance is out of the question unless they win the tourney which isn't going to happen. Way to suck, guys.

[Darksideofoz]

Anyone want to speculate on the rankings coming out tomorrow?

1. Tenn
2. Memphis or UNC ?
3. see above
4. UCLA
5. Kansas, Texas, Dook..

[whygohome?]

uh yeah, if duke is still in the top 10 after 2 LOSSES TO UNRANKED TEAMS then i...well i dont know what ill do but ill be pissed.

[JRod1229]

yah saying duke will be top 5 means you didn't watch any basketball the past week except for Saturday...

[Darksideofoz]

Oh I wasn't trying to say dook would be ranked fifth, just throwing names out there.

I will say they will still be ranked in the top 10. The Wake loss is (should have been) already accounted for when dook went from 2 to 5/4 this week. Without going all the way conspiracy theory, writers/voters love dook and won't knock them that much for losing to Miami on the road.

Only Tenn, UNC, UCLA, Texas and Xavier have been perfect this week. Stanford in progress now with a nine point lead.

[JamesM]

20 hours and 30 minutes until I see what Villanova is made of!

[clayj41]

Good to see UNC hitting their stride. Hopefully Lawson can get in some practice this week and play against BC.

[willthethrill]

Anyone want to speculate on the rankings coming out tomorrow?

1. Tenn
2. Memphis or UNC ?
3. see above
4. UCLA
5. Kansas, Texas, Dook..

1. UT
2. UNC
3. Memphis
4. UCLA
5. Texas
6. Kansas
7. Stanford
8. Duke
9. Xavier
10. Wisconsin

uh yeah, if duke is still in the top 10 after 2 LOSSES TO UNRANKED TEAMS then i...well i dont know what ill do but ill be pissed.
Name 10 teams better than Duke. Before those two games they were ranked #2. They still only have 3 losses. Who's better, Georgetown? Indiana?

I hate to defend Duke, but they are a top 10 team.

[HolyCow]

Boy, we got manhandled yesterday.

[UNLTrpt]

Boy, we got manhandled yesterday.

here's hoping that continues on wednesday.

[clayj41]

Just sent Bryan a PM of my top 25 for the week. This is just a reminder for anyone wishing to submit a poll to him, he likes to have them by noon on Mondays.

[GavMan33]

1. UT
2. UNC
3. Memphis
4. UCLA
5. Texas
6. Kansas
7. Stanford
8. Duke
9. Xavier
10. Wisconsin


Name 10 teams better than Duke. Before those two games they were ranked #2. They still only have 3 losses. Who's better, Georgetown? Indiana?

I hate to defend Duke, but they are a top 10 team.

Damn Will. Only giving me 1 spot after a 3-0 week?! We won 2 road games against two of the better teams in the league (except not really apparently, fuckin Dayton :rolleyes ). And then we beat a very improved and tough Duquesne team at home.

To answer your next question, you can't name 10 teams better than Duke. Indiana definitely is not better than Duke (at this point), and Georgetown probably not also. Xavier's not even in the same arena as Duke. Will I'm with you that your Top 10 looks good, except maybe not Wisconsin (you know I hate the Big 10).

[UNC41]

Attaboy Clay. Polls are flooding in after your post. Maybe I should have you do it from now on, rather than me. :D

[seekupig]

anyone that's been on here long enough knows that i'm not one to make excuses after losses.... it is what it is. but, i just found out about this story from over the weekend..... sad, sad stuff.... :(

STILLWATER, Okla. | The Kansas men’s basketball team will be playing with heavy hearts today. Two seniors — Rodrick Stewart and Darnell Jackson — lost family members to shooting deaths this week.
Stewart’s cousin and adopted brother, Allen, 21, was murdered on Wednesday in Seattle. Jackson’s cousin, 19-year-old Kascey Corie McClellan, also died on Wednesday from gunshot wounds sustained last week at an Oklahoma City nightclub.
Allen Stewart was sitting at a stoplight alone on Wednesday night when a man pulled up next to him and opened fire. The Stewart family adopted Allen when he was a sixth-grader. His mother had been in prison since he was 4 and his father was absent, so the Stewarts made him their sixth child. He graduated high school the same year as Rodrick.
“It’s tough for (Rodrick),” said Bull Stewart, Rodrick’s father. “He wanted to come (home) immediately, but I told him there was nothing he could do here right now.”
Stewart will fly to Seattle after today’s game. The funeral is set for Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., so Stewart will miss Kansas’ game against Iowa State later that night.
For Jackson, McClellan’s death is just the latest tragedy to befall his family. Jackson already lost his grandmother, Evon, in a 2005 car accident. His uncle was beaten to death with a hammer. McClellan is the second cousin that he’s lost in a shooting.
“He’s keeping it together,” said Shawn Jackson, Darnell’s mother. “The family is trying to be really positive for him.”
Thirty or so friends and family of Jackson’s will be at today’s game to support him. The family is trying to schedule the funeral around Jackson’s basketball obligations. It will likely be Tuesday.

[GavMan33]

anyone that's been on here long enough knows that i'm not one to make excuses after losses.... it is what it is. but, i just found out about this story from over the weekend..... sad, sad stuff.... :(

:shrug Life is full of trials and tribulations. What a horrible thing to deal with, in a season where it seems like several teams in the country are having to deal with numerous tragedies. Prayers are with both of them and their families, along with the rest of the Kansas Basketball family....

[GavMan33]

This week's ESPN Poll is out. Notables?

Tennessee up to #1, Memphis down to #3, UNC at #2.

Duke only falls to #6, but as pointed out above, despite the 2 straight Ls this week, are absolutely that good....

Texas up to #5, fighting for a 1-seed

Xavier up one spot to #11, Butler down to #13 after losing to Drake, IU between them at #12

Louisville up 5 spots to #18 (I think I had them at like 12 or 13 after the W @ Pitt)

Interesting how Purdue is in that 3-way tie for 1st in the Big Ten, but a 10-4 Michigan St. team is ranked ahead of them

Washington St. continues moving down, this week at #22, and with Kent State's big W over the weekend, debuts at #24....

[UNC41]

Week 16 Ants NCAA Basketball Poll

1. Tennessee (6) 150, 1/1
2. North Carolina 142, 2/3
3. Memphis 140, 2/3
4. UCLA 130, 4/5
5. Texas 126, 4/6
6. Kansas 121, 4/7
7. Stanford 111, 6/8
8. Xavier 106, 7/10
9. Duke 104, 8/11
10. Wisconsin 92, 9/12
11. (tie) Indiana 86, 8/14
Georgetown 86, 10/13
13. Louisville 75, 10/19
14. Purdue 63, 14/
15. Notre Dame 60, 10/19
16. Connecticut 58, 13/20
17. Drake 55, 15/19
18. Butler 54, 11/21
19. Vanderbilt 50, 14/21
20. Michigan State 45, 15/21
21. Marquette 31, 16/23
22. Washington State 23, 19/NR
23. St. Mary's 13, 21/NR
24. Miami (FL) 6, 23/NR
25. Gonzaga 4, 24/NR

Also Receiving Votes: BYU 3, Pittsburgh 3, Kent State 3, Clemson 2, USC 2

Participating Voters: UNC41, willthethrill, clayj41, justinandimcool, GavMan33, seekupig

[amoore624426]

just a matter of time until unc is at the top again.

[clayj41]

Week 16 Ants NCAA Basketball Poll

1. Tennessee (6) 150, 1/1
2. North Carolina 142, 2/3
3. Memphis 140, 2/3
4. UCLA 130, 4/5
5. Texas 126, 4/6
6. Kansas 121, 4/7
7. Stanford 111, 6/8
8. Xavier 106, 7/10
9. Duke 104, 8/11
10. Wisconsin 92, 9/12
11. (tie) Indiana 86, 8/14
Georgetown 86, 10/13
13. Louisville 75, 10/19
14. Purdue 63, 14/
15. Notre Dame 60, 10/19
16. Connecticut 58, 13/20
17. Drake 55, 15/19
18. Butler 54, 11/21
19. Vanderbilt 50, 14/21
20. Michigan State 45, 15/21
21. Marquette 31, 16/23
22. Washington State 23, 19/NR
23. St. Mary's 13, 21/NR
24. Miami (FL) 6, 23/NR
25. Gonzaga 4, 24/NR

Also Receiving Votes: BYU 3, Pittsburgh 3, Kent State 3, Clemson 2, USC 2

Participating Voters: UNC41, willthethrill, clayj41, justinandimcool, GavMan33, seekupig

I think we did a pretty good job, although I think Kent State should be in there.

[GavMan33]

Don't worry Clay, they're in the Top 25 in both polls this week, they got their due. Last game of the year for them is @ Akron, should be a good one.

I read today that Xavier, now at #9 in the AP, is their highest ranking ever after January 1. If I remember right, the Muskies were ranked as high as #7 very early in the 96-97 season, and maybe again in the very first poll of the 02-03 campaign. It is important to note that in that 2002-2003 season, when DWest won POY, the 3rd-seeded Musketeers had to play 6th-seeded and defending champion Maryland in the 2nd round. Xavier never gave themselves a chance in that, falling behind early and never making a serious run, I think losing by 13. If anybody remembers, that's the same Maryland team that in the 1st round beat UNC-Wilmington on a corner 3-ball to beat the buzzer. I remember the dude shot the ball drifting out of bounds, made it, and promptly ran in the tunnel right behind him :lol

[clayj41]

If anybody remembers, that's the same Maryland team that in the 1st round beat UNC-Wilmington on a corner 3-ball to beat the buzzer. I remember the dude shot the ball drifting out of bounds, made it, and promptly ran in the tunnel right behind him :lol

:thumbsup Drew Nicholas

[JamesM]

1 hour and 36 minutes till game time.

Nova vs. Marquette.

[JamesM]

It's go time!

N-O-V-A Go Nova Go!

[whygohome?]

the refs are not gonna let you win, man. dont get your hopes up

[JamesM]

......... Go Nova!

[JamesM]

That was the worst goal tending call I've ever seen.

[GavMan33]

Well. Looks like the Cats are gonna have to win @ Louisville, and get by South Florida and Providence to have a chance. I'd say get those 3 to be 10-8, 20-10 overall. Then 2 games in the tourney (Big East semis) would be 22-11. Now that I look at it, it's gonna be tough. Looks like the best conference wins are vs. Pitt and UConn. And then since we're assuming they win it, Louisville.

It's sketchy. As of this morning, the RPI was 50. Only 7-7 vs. the Top 100. I guess bad losses would be DePaul and Rutgers. Nova gets to 10-8, and they need to get to the Big East final to get in....

[seekupig]

looks like K-State has managed to play themselves from a tourney lock to a bubble team in a matter of three weeks....

[clayj41]

looks like K-State has managed to play themselves from a tourney lock to a bubble team in a matter of three weeks....

:thumbsup Excellent *laughs maniacally and twiddles his fingers*

[RJ2kWJ]

uh yeah, if duke is still in the top 10 after 2 LOSSES TO UNRANKED TEAMS then i...well i dont know what ill do but ill be pissed.

Those two unranked teams are ACC road games. Well I hate to say, BUT... #6. Name 10 better teams than us and please, please send Jelly(throwback) our way. I might predict a score of 97-58.

I apologize but I'm waiting to hear "what you will do" outside of being pissed. :bounce

[seekupig]

Duke dropped to about where they should have....

they didn't lose two games in one week. they were #2 when they lost to Wake Forest, then dropped to #4. they were #4 when they lost to Miami and beat St. John's, then dropped to #6. other teams in the top ten were losing that week as well, so they could only drop so far. not to mention it was only their 3rd loss on the season..... i think #6 or #7 is about right.

[JRod1229]

my only argument is losing to unranked teams and only dropping a total of 4 spots... I get the idea of dropping 2 spots per loss if you play highly ranked teams... but unranked teams in a row deserves a harsher 7-10 spot drop...

[RJ2kWJ]

Duke dropped to about where they should have....

they didn't lose two games in one week. they were #2 when they lost to Wake Forest, then dropped to #4. they were #4 when they lost to Miami and beat St. John's, then dropped to #6. other teams in the top ten were losing that week as well, so they could only drop so far. not to mention it was only their 3rd loss on the season..... i think #6 or #7 is about right.

I agree. Just hope we can win out this week. Anyone think theres a good chance Vandy takes down the Vols?

[seekupig]

my only argument is losing to unranked teams and only dropping a total of 4 spots... I get the idea of dropping 2 spots per loss if you play highly ranked teams... but unranked teams in a row deserves a harsher 7-10 spot drop...

if they had been home losses, i'd agree with you.

[clayj41]

if they had been home losses, i'd agree with you.

:thumbsup Not to mention that Miami is now a ranked team...turning around and beating Maryland right after they beat Duke.

[JRod1229]

I agree. Just hope we can win out this week. Anyone think theres a good chance Vandy takes down the Vols?

I used to think Vandy was way overrated... but then they dropped 41 on UK... now I don't know what to think... I think the Vols will win, but one player for Vandy (forget hsi name, not Ogivly) will go for like 30-35.

[whygohome?]

I used to think Vandy was way overrated... but then they dropped 41 on UK... now I don't know what to think... I think the Vols will win, but one player for Vandy (forget hsi name, not Ogivly) will go for like 30-35.

Shan. Foster.

dude is unreal.

[whygohome?]

cant wait for the game tonight. i see vandy winning honestly but ill be rooting for tennessee..just so we can match up agains #1, and if Tennessee wins we have #2 in the east almost locked (if we can take care of business the rest of the regular season)

[GavMan33]

my only argument is losing to unranked teams and only dropping a total of 4 spots... I get the idea of dropping 2 spots per loss if you play highly ranked teams... but unranked teams in a row deserves a harsher 7-10 spot drop...

Just jumping in on the whole Duke to #6 discussion. Remember, the voters are supposed to vote on who they believe are the Top 25 teams in the country, and in what order. So if you drop Duke from say, #4 to #10, and that would put a team like Xavier at #8, then that is saying that according to the polls, Xavier is a better team than Duke is. That's horrible. There's no way in the world Xavier is better than Duke (I didn't say Xavier couldn't beat Duke though :thumbsup )

[willthethrill]

Just jumping in on the whole Duke to #6 discussion. Remember, the voters are supposed to vote on who they believe are the Top 25 teams in the country, and in what order. So if you drop Duke from say, #4 to #10, and that would put a team like Xavier at #8, then that is saying that according to the polls, Xavier is a better team than Duke is. That's horrible. There's no way in the world Xavier is better than Duke (I didn't say Xavier couldn't beat Duke though :thumbsup )
I've always hated the way the polls work in that regard. Just because you lose, doesn't mean you're not better than the teams behind you. That's why the BCS is so fucked. Thank God there's an NCAA tournament.

[BreakFree27]

I've always hated the way the polls work in that regard. Just because you lose, doesn't mean you're not better than the teams behind you. That's why the BCS is so fucked. Thank God there's an NCAA tournament.

:bounce Best Time of the year! and it's only weeks away! :monkey

[willthethrill]

gooooOOOOOO Vandy! You and your weird ass court.

[JRod1229]

wow... I've only been watching the game since the 2nd half... but the refs are flat blowing a load vs. Indiana

[HolyCow]

Dan Dakich just needs to let his hair go. He looks like a mini-Gene Keady. It's pathetic. You lost your hair. It's over. Just shave it.

[JRod1229]

anybody else just think it weird to see a bunch of fans at a Vandy game? I mean really... I dont think they had a sell out before this year... their arena place used to be a ghost town

[kydmb99]

Man, maybe that UK loss at Vandy wasn't THAT bad.

[SmoothD41]

jesus christ

i guess a win is a win, but that was hard to watch. Gordon played like complete shit. Kid could definitely use another year, but that won't happen.

and yes, lolz at coach Dakich's hair.

[JRod1229]

and just in case you didn't hear it... first sell out in 15 years... yah Vandy isn't used to using the word athletics

[UNC41]

This quote from Roy Williams' radio show last night pretty much exemplifies Tyler Hansbrough ...

"The players had [Monday] off, but I’ll tell you something that will everybody just shake their heads. We’ve had a tough stretch of games and travel and it’s been tough with guys getting beat up. And [Monday] at 3 p.m., I go down to the locker room to pick something up – think I had left my coat – and I started to head back upstairs, and I heard the ball bouncing. I walked into the gym, [and] Tyler Hansbrough is in there with a manager working on his shot. That’s the most unbelievable young man that I’ve ever been around.”

[GavMan33]

This quote from Roy Williams' radio show last night pretty much exemplifies Tyler Hansbrough ...

"The players had [Monday] off, but I’ll tell you something that will everybody just shake their heads. We’ve had a tough stretch of games and travel and it’s been tough with guys getting beat up. And [Monday] at 3 p.m., I go down to the locker room to pick something up – think I had left my coat – and I started to head back upstairs, and I heard the ball bouncing. I walked into the gym, [and] Tyler Hansbrough is in there with a manager working on his shot. That’s the most unbelievable young man that I’ve ever been around.”

Bryan-Not to burst your bubble, but you'll find guys in every program in the country (programs serious about winning anyway) that work out on their off-days....

[UNC41]

Bryan-Not to burst your bubble, but you'll find guys in every program in the country (programs serious about winning anyway) that work out on their off-days....

I understand this. The biggest thing in that statement that gets me is I still find it hard to believe Roy has more Man Love for someone than Collison and Hinrich. I thought what Roy said about Marcus Ginyard last night was even more complementary.

[seekupig]

I understand this. The biggest thing in that statement that gets me is I still find it hard to believe Roy has more Man Love for someone than Collison and Hinrich. I thought what Roy said about Marcus Ginyard last night was even more complementary.

he's always been a very emotional now-loving person.... not that that's a bad thing. but keep in mind that he's also the one that said Wayne Ellington is the best scorer he's ever recruited.... coming from a man that recruited Paul Pierce.

[GavMan33]

he's always been a very emotional now-loving person.... not that that's a bad thing. but keep in mind that he's also the one that said Wayne Ellington is the best scorer he's ever recruited.... coming from a man that recruited Paul Pierce.

:thumbsup

Man Love. Good way to describe it :thumbsup

[UNC41]

he's always been a very emotional now-loving person.... not that that's a bad thing. but keep in mind that he's also the one that said Wayne Ellington is the best scorer he's ever recruited.... coming from a man that recruited Paul Pierce.

:lol

That was awesome when he said that about Ellington. Not correct, but awesome.

A part of me thinks the only reason Roy didn't go to North Carolina the first time around is because he still had three years with Collison and Hinrich. Still, I think Hansbrough might have eclipsed those two in Roy Man Love. He was asked about no practice on Monday and went off on that rant, and things like that happen all of the time.

[seekupig]

:lol

That was awesome when he said that about Ellington. Not correct, but awesome.

A part of me thinks the only reason Roy didn't go to North Carolina the first time around is because he still had three years with Collison and Hinrich. Still, I think Hansbrough might have eclipsed those two in Roy Man Love. He was asked about no practice on Monday and went off on that rant, and things like that happen all of the time.

that's exactly what it was...

in his "i'm stayin'" press conference, he said the main reason was that he had promised the young kids on the team when he recruited them that he'd be there to see them graduate.... the last game he coached for Kansas was also the last game that Heinrich and Collison played at Kansas...

two players that played all four years and never lost a game at Allen Fieldhouse

[BreakFree27]

did anyone else just hear Jimmy Dykes singing? :banned

[RJ2kWJ]

Cop: "You will make my life so much easier if you all dont rush the court. PLEASE dont rush the court, I'm begging you!"

[clayj41]

Cop: "You will make my life so much easier if you all dont rush the court. PLEASE dont rush the court, I'm begging you!"

:lol :lol :lol

Well the Vols had a nice run at #1. :rolleyes

[justinandimcool]

What a FUCKING game. They're not rushing either. So awesome. Kudos to Vandy. I have to admit, they barely squeaked this one out, and that court is a HUGE advantage. But damn what a game.

[seekupig]

well, i guess being #1 for the first time is a lot like having sex for the first time. you always think you'll be able to handle it like a man..... but 14 seconds later you realize you had no idea what you were in for....

[willthethrill]

I used to think Vandy was way overrated... but then they dropped 41 on UK... now I don't know what to think... I think the Vols will win, but one player for Vandy (forget hsi name, not Ogivly) will go for like 30-35.
Homeboy called it. Foster was deadly.

#1 seed in the East is UNC's to lose. Raleigh to Charlotte to San Antonio.
:bounce

[UNC41]

Homeboy called it. Foster was deadly.

#1 seed in the East is UNC's to lose. Raleigh to Charlotte to San Antonio.
:bounce

I haven't started counting my chickens yet, but that would be oh so sweet.

[GavMan33]

What a FUCKING game. They're not rushing either. So awesome. Kudos to Vandy. I have to admit, they barely squeaked this one out, and that court is a HUGE advantage. But damn what a game.

well, i guess being #1 for the first time is a lot like having sex for the first time. you always think you'll be able to handle it like a man..... but 14 seconds later you realize you had no idea what you were in for....

Yeah they're not rushing; may have something to do with all those cops there....

I'll liken to that. I figure it could be like havin sex for the first time, and thinkin now that you've cracked your way into it, you'll get it all the time. Sure doesn't happen that way either....

[RJ2kWJ]

Homeboy called it. Foster was deadly.

#1 seed in the East is UNC's to lose. Raleigh to Charlotte to San Antonio.
:bounce
I want that also... So SO SOOOOOO bad.

[GavMan33]

I want that also... So SO SOOOOOO bad.

I don't know about you still. Anybody wanna say the Duke/Carolina game upcoming is for the Charlotte Region, barring an early ACC Tourney exit for either? I'll buy it....

[willthethrill]

I want that also... So SO SOOOOOO bad.
If UNC wins out, it'll be interesting. The ACC tourney is going to be very important for that I think. I think UNC might need to win out including the ACC final, as long as it's Duke they're playing. If they beat Duke in March, and face another team in the finals, then maybe they don't have to win that. I think if Duke wins out in the regular season, it's probably theirs. But then again, you could make a case for UT earning it over Duke then because of Duke's two recent losses.

[RJ2kWJ]

If UNC wins out, it'll be interesting. The ACC tourney is going to be very important for that I think. I think UNC might need to win out including the ACC final, as long as it's Duke they're playing. If they beat Duke in March, and face another team in the finals, then maybe they don't have to win that. I think if Duke wins out in the regular season, it's probably theirs. But then again, you could make a case for UT earning it over Duke then because of Duke's two recent losses.

Gonna be very interesting how it all plays out. UT has three losses also now.

[GavMan33]

So, a little bubble comparison?

Team A

Record: 17-12
RPI: 49
Key Wins: Drake, St. Mary's, Mississippi St.
Key Losses: St. Louis, Missouri St.

Team B

Record: 15-10
RPI: 66
Key Wins: Vanderbilt, Tennessee
Key Losses: Gardner-Webb, San Diego

[justinandimcool]

So I'm pretty much the College basketball buff at my high school, and I was summoned by the journalism class to write an article for the school paper. I had to keep it to 600 words, and keep in mind I'm writing for a public school of 4,000 kids in Lakerland, so what do you guys think?


It’s that time of year again, as March brings us the annual phenomenon that is the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness. Those familiar with the term know that this event consists of 64 (technically 65) teams from schools around the country, all of which earned their way into the tournament by winning their conference championship or by invitation via the NCAA Selection Committee. These teams are divided into four groups (known as “regions”), seeded 1 through 16, and placed in a large tournament bracket. The matchups are single elimination, and the marathon of games occur at the end of every week beginning on March 20 until 64 teams are shrunk to 2 in the National Championship game in San Antonio on April 7, all of which are broadcast on CBS.

The popularity of March Madness among basketball fans and non-sports fans alike is the unpredictability, as TV touted big name schools clash with underdog small-schools, and every year an unlikely “upset” is almost guaranteed, thus attracting betting pools among friends and co-workers.

However, other than the excitement of rooting for the underdogs or winning money from your friends, there are many other incentives for someone to watch. Basketball-lovers would enjoy the variety of playing styles- the up-tempo, perimeter teams such as Duke or Tennessee, the physical, hard-nosed defense of Purdue and Georgetown, or the well-balanced powerhouses from North Carolina or Kansas. The countless distinguishable styles are sure to entertain any fan who enjoys team basketball.

Perhaps you’re looking for the big names that immortalized themselves in past tournaments; the next Michael Jordan, Christian Laettner, or Carmelo Anthony. This year’s season offers plenty of stars you can expect to see in an NBA uniform sometime soon, such as the dominant swingman Michael Beasley of Kansas State, the dynamic duo of D.J. White and Eric Gordon from Indiana, or the array of quick and dangerous point guards: Derrick Rose of Memphis, Jerryd Bayless of Arizona, and D.J. Augustin of Texas.

You may be the type who can’t watch a game without a hometown team to root for, but this year has you covered. Both UCLA and USC are among the nation’s best teams this year, each led by mega-talented freshmen. Kevin Love of the Bruins is a dominant inside force, while #1 recruit O.J. Mayo’s sharp shooting and excellent passing leads the way for the Trojans. Those with ties to former ECR Basketball coach and teacher Alex Lopez may be pleased to see his younger twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez, a pair of dominant 7 footers helping Stanford become one of the top teams in basketball. Believe it or not, Cal-State Northridge is looking to make a rare tournament appearance, their first since 2001. Their status is not guaranteed, however, as small schools such as CSUN must almost always rely on winning their conference tournament to earn a trip to “The Big Dance”.

The number one attraction, however, is watching college basketball players play with heart, passion, and love of the game. It may not have the razzle-dazzle moves or the individual 50-point performances of the NBA, but the college game offers the true aspects of basketball: well-coached, fundamentally sound students of the game, playing as a team for nothing more than pride, joy, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment under the spotlight. Whether you love basketball or you’re looking to make a few bucks, March Madness is a tradition that should be appreciated not only for its excitement, but its representation of the enthusiastic, fundamental spirit of sports.

[clayj41]

So, a little bubble comparison?

Team A

Record: 17-12
RPI: 49
Key Wins: Drake, St. Mary's, Mississippi St.
Key Losses: St. Louis, Missouri St.

Team B

Record: 15-10
RPI: 66
Key Wins: Vanderbilt, Tennessee
Key Losses: Gardner-Webb, San Diego

The bottom one is obvious. I'm sure Team A is some A-10 school. :p

[kydmb99]

So, a little bubble comparison?

Team A

Record: 17-12
RPI: 49
Key Wins: Drake, St. Mary's, Mississippi St.
Key Losses: St. Louis, Missouri St.

Team B

Record: 15-10
RPI: 66
Key Wins: Vanderbilt, Tennessee
Key Losses: Gardner-Webb, San Diego

Hmmm... I wonder who that could be. :lol

If Kentucky goes 11-5 or 12-4 in the SEC and gets a win in the SECT, which would mean they'll have at least 4 Top 50 wins, I don't see anyway they get left out of the tourney. Obviously, they had some TERRIBLE losses early, but there's no doubt in my mind that if they go 11-5 or 12-4 in the SEC with a win in the SECT, they deserve to be in.... and will get in.

[Rockhound18]

Hey just got back from the Vandy/UT game (front row baby)!

Some things I have to say after reading this:

1) Memorial sells out a lot. Last year when we took down #1 Florida was obviously a sellout. This year they sold out for the entire season after the team was something like 5-0. The students here take basketball pretty damn seriously.

2) We didn't rush the court for a few reasons. The first is that we've beaten a #1 team two years in a row now, and while this was a huge win, it wasn't an absolutely huge upset, especially since we always play so well here at home (UK game cough). More importantly, SEC has two strikes on us for rushing the court, and the school was told that if we do it again, they'll move the student section from the lower tier up to the balcony above so we cant rush again.

Also, dont know if you could see on tv, but the cops had video cameras taping everyone in the first few rows making sure that they had video evidence to find out who specifically went on the court. LAME. Oh well, we all talked about it for awhile before the game even started and never had any intention of rushing if we won.

Anyways, GO DORES. Still hoping for a #3-4 seed.

[JRod1229]

^ while I don't doubt you since you go to the school.. they announced they haven't sold out the place in 15 years.. it's a real small gym so I wouldn't think it'd be too difficult...
also... at no time were we #1 in the nation last year... while beating us is a big deal (because we own the conference, literally, own it) you didn't be a #1 team

[GavMan33]

The bottom one is obvious. I'm sure Team A is some A-10 school. :p

^ while I don't doubt you since you go to the school.. they announced they haven't sold out the place in 15 years.. it's a real small gym so I wouldn't think it'd be too difficult...
also... at no time were we #1 in the nation last year... while beating us is a big deal (because we own the conference, literally, own it) you didn't be a #1 team

Hey, douchebag Clay :lol Team B, as everyone knows, is Kentucky. Team A? Southern Illinois. What do you think now?

JRod, who's we? It seems, apparently, that you make yourself look like a Georgia Bulldog, but something tells me that's not right. So can you please identify yourself so I can feel better?

I don't believe I've ever actually introduced myself. So since none of you know who I am or who I root for :rolleyes

Hello all. My name is Bob. And I root for Xavier :thumbsup

[gbs3769]

the last game he coached for Kansas was also the last game that Heinrich and Collison played at Kansas...
And wasn't that a great game?

- Primo

[JRod1229]

JRod, who's we? It seems, apparently, that you make yourself look like a Georgia Bulldog, but something tells me that's not right. So can you please identify yourself so I can feel better?



stated it before... but again... Graduated from UGA last year... grew up in Lexington, KY... don't give this bandwagon shit either... I rooted for UK every single time they played basketball against UGA... wearing blue in a sea of red... but I absolutely root for UGA during football season... because football is the south.... it's just convienant that my two teams are damn good at what they do

[vogz32]

:freak I'm counting on St. Bonaventure to win big at the A10 tourney and wrek havoc at the big dance....What..it could happen GO BONNIES!

[smeritt]

:freak I'm counting on St. Bonaventure to win big at the A10 tourney and wrek havoc at the big dance....What..it could happen GO BONNIES!Bonnies hasnt been that good in a real long time

[GavMan33]

stated it before... but again... Graduated from UGA last year... grew up in Lexington, KY... don't give this bandwagon shit either... I rooted for UK every single time they played basketball against UGA... wearing blue in a sea of red... but I absolutely root for UGA during football season... because football is the south.... it's just convienant that my two teams are damn good at what they do

:freak I'm counting on St. Bonaventure to win big at the A10 tourney and wrek havoc at the big dance....What..it could happen GO BONNIES!

Damn baby, relax kid. Must've missed it back when you identified yourself. I didn't give you any bandwagon trash, just wanted to know. But you sure got awful defensive....

Buddy, I was brought up a Brown Indian, always have a special place in my heart. But Bonaventure won't even be making the trip to Atlantic City; the bottom two in the A-10 don't make the tourney....

[vogz32]

Damn baby, relax kid. Must've missed it back when you identified yourself. I didn't give you any bandwagon trash, just wanted to know. But you sure got awful defensive....

Buddy, I was brought up a Brown Indian, always have a special place in my heart. But Bonaventure won't even be making the trip to Atlantic City; the bottom two in the A-10 don't make the tourney....

Ahhh...sorry for the confusion..I was thinking next years tourney! GO BONNIES! ( Did you attentd st. bonas? Im a proud 93 graduate)

[JRod1229]

I actualy wasn't even angry... but, there is always the bandwagon talk because it happens to be my basketball team is the best ever (pun intended) and my football team is about to be #1 to start the season.. so you can see where people would think I just picked teams...

[HolyCow]

Geez Oregon...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/02/26/abusive.fans0303/index.html?eref=T1

I think there's definitely a line, but some stuff doesn't come close. Duke's jab at Maryland is no biggie but stuff like Oregon pulled is way too far.

[GavMan33]

Ahhh...sorry for the confusion..I was thinking next years tourney! GO BONNIES! ( Did you attentd st. bonas? Im a proud 93 graduate)

I did not attend Bona. My father is Class of 1974. 93 huh? I'm 22. My earliest memories of Bonnies basketball is David Vanderpool and that crowd; is that while you were in school? It might be. My first game out in Olean was in 1996 vs. UMass; it was actually the game, if you remember, when Marcus Camby collapsed before the game started. He didn't start the game, and no one could figure out why :lol

My Dad and I went to Cleveland in 2000 for the NCAA game vs. UK, one of the best games I've ever been to. It's too bad it wasn't to be.

I'm from Albany. Back in the day, my dad and a bunch of other people would go down to Fordham for the Bonnies game. One of the guys was a Fordham grad, so it was always a hell of a trip. Saw Rashaun Palmer play there; met guys like Tom and Sam Stith at the alumni event. Of course saw those teams with Tim Winn and Caswell Cyrus (or Cyrus Caswell, I can never remember which came first :lol ). Coach Baron was always a nice guy too; wouldn't it be nice to have him in Olean still?

I nearly went to St. Bonaventure, even to the point where the check was written. But then that weekend, I went on an overnight down to Xavier. Coincidentally, my overnight, on a Sunday into a Monday, was the day after Xavier won the 2004 A-10 Tournament, and the place was just rocking with hoop. I was hooked.

But be sure, Bonaventure will always hold a special place with me. Not many people understand it. As I'm sure you do too, every Bona alumnus I've ever met cannot stop talking about it. They rave about it, and I'd recommend the school to anybody. I haven't been to a game at the Reilly Center since whenever Kevin Houston was there (2001 maybe?), and haven't been on-campus since 2004; I can't wait to go back.

From a basketball standpoint, many things have to happen to get that thing back on its feet. First off, Coach Soloman did an admirable job there. He guided the program through the darkest days that school has ever experienced, and although he did a whole lot of losing, he should be commended for his efforts. Now they're in a new regime. Sister Margaret Carney is turning the whole deal around, it starts with her. AD Watson, and Coach Schmidt should get it done. What they need is a kid to say "OK, I want to turn around a program. I may not get all the glory, but I'm gonna be one of the building blocks to return a program back to what it once was." They need a kid to embrace the solitude of Olean, NY. Hopefully it happens soon....

And I'll stop rambling now....

[GavMan33]

I actualy wasn't even angry... but, there is always the bandwagon talk because it happens to be my basketball team is the best ever (pun intended) and my football team is about to be #1 to start the season.. so you can see where people would think I just picked teams...

Don't worry bro, I see you. And I'm not gonna buy into the UK vs. Carolina bullshit game, I don't know enough about the history of either program to make an educated response to whose "the best ever." Back in the day, my high school team played your boy Sundiata Gaines; he put about 75 points on us :lol

[UNLTrpt]

Wow. What a solid win.

This is the first time in a while that I've seen a Nebraska team step up and beat a team that might be more talented than Nebraska, but a winnable game.

You know...those toss up games. I'm really happy how this team is playing

[seekupig]

Wow. What a solid win.

This is the first time in a while that I've seen a Nebraska team step up and beat a team that might be more talented than Nebraska, but a winnable game.

You know...those toss up games. I'm really happy how this team is playing

i'm really happy you managed to post that in the right thread..... :lol ;)

[UNLTrpt]

i'm really happy you managed to post that in the right thread..... :lol ;)

yeah yeah

<---pwnd

[HolyCow]

Wow. What a solid win.

This is the first time in a while that I've seen a Nebraska team step up and beat a team that might be more talented than Nebraska, but a winnable game.

You know...those toss up games. I'm really happy how this team is playingYeah. That was a major beat down.

I'm starting to question Capel. Sure he can string together some wins but this team looks a lot like last year's did. They're just folding like a poker table down the stretch when they have a shot at the tourney. He just can't get them to play consistently. I'm sick of blaming it on bad players. Because they've played good at times.

[clayj41]

So I talked to my cousin and if our former high school loses their sectional game on Friday night, we're going to go watch Tyler Zeller play in his sectional championship on Saturday night.



Gotta love Indiana high school basketball! :multi



...and of course UNC stealing Indiana recruits! :multi

[willthethrill]

Awesome, give him a shoutout, and wear some blue.

[clayj41]

Awesome, give him a shoutout, and wear some blue.

:thumbsup I'll be sporting a UNC franchise cap. I think a Hansbrough jersey would be a little over the top. :lol

[Rockhound18]

Hey just got back from the Vandy/UT game (front row baby)!

Some things I have to say after reading this:

1) Memorial sells out a lot. Last year when we took down #1 Florida was obviously a sellout. This year they sold out for the entire season after the team was something like 5-0. The students here take basketball pretty damn seriously.

2) We didn't rush the court for a few reasons. The first is that we've beaten a #1 team two years in a row now, and while this was a huge win, it wasn't an absolutely huge upset, especially since we always play so well here at home (UK game cough). More importantly, SEC has two strikes on us for rushing the court, and the school was told that if we do it again, they'll move the student section from the lower tier up to the balcony above so we cant rush again.

Also, dont know if you could see on tv, but the cops had video cameras taping everyone in the first few rows making sure that they had video evidence to find out who specifically went on the court. LAME. Oh well, we all talked about it for awhile before the game even started and never had any intention of rushing if we won.

Anyways, GO DORES. Still hoping for a #3-4 seed.

^ while I don't doubt you since you go to the school.. they announced they haven't sold out the place in 15 years.. it's a real small gym so I wouldn't think it'd be too difficult...
also... at no time were we #1 in the nation last year... while beating us is a big deal (because we own the conference, literally, own it) you didn't be a #1 team

#1 team we beat from last year was Florida. I said we play well at home and referenced UK because we absolutely slaughtered them here in Nashville like 2 weeks ago. It was 41-11 at halftime... it was absolutely insane.

And the whole thing about selling out... I think they may have meant the student section. Students dont have to buy tickets, you just show up with your ID and walk in and go to the student section with unassigned seats, first come, first serve. Usually they let you in no matter what, but it was so full at the UT game that they had to stop letting students in about an hour before tip off which almost never happens. The actual tickets that the public have to buy have all been sold out this season since the second week of play. The student section is usually not closed off before the game though.

[GavMan33]

And the whole thing about selling out... I think they may have meant the student section. Students dont have to buy tickets, you just show up with your ID and walk in and go to the student section with unassigned seats, first come, first serve. Usually they let you in no matter what, but it was so full at the UT game that they had to stop letting students in about an hour before tip off which almost never happens. The actual tickets that the public have to buy have all been sold out this season since the second week of play. The student section is usually not closed off before the game though.

Out of curiosity, why not? Do students not care about hoop all that much? I mean Vandy always has a decent team down there don't they? I mean they're not always ranked #14 or whatever it is, but they're definitely never BAD. So do students just not feel like going? Does Vandy have a TV contract down there where you can watch all the games on TV anyway?

[JRod1229]

^ no they dont always... the last couple years they've been better... but that didn't use to be the case

[smeritt]

Geez Oregon...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/02/26/abusive.fans0303/index.html?eref=T1

I think there's definitely a line, but some stuff doesn't come close. Duke's jab at Maryland is no biggie but stuff like Oregon pulled is way too far.I agree once you issue death threats and attack a players family you have crossed the line, but heckling players is part of sports. I've always been for good chants and heckling a player, hey if someone has some stupid picture on facebook he is fair game. But to call a kids cell phone and tell him youre going to kill him and call his grandmother a whore you just got issues.


Edit: Teabag Paulus chants are hilarious by the way.

[UNLTrpt]

Does this thread load slow for anybody?

I think it might be time for it to be trimmed.

[clayj41]

Does this thread load slow for anybody?


I think it might be time for it to be trimmed.


:thumbsup It takes awhile. A trim wouldn't be a bad idea.

[SmoothD41]

Does this thread load slow for anybody?

I think it might be time for it to be trimmed.

it's weird...sometimes it takes FOREVER, sometimes it loads right away though :confused

[seekupig]

it's going to get slower in a couple of weeks when the March Madness fans join the basketball fans.....

unless someone starts a March Madness thread which is pretty likely....

[SmoothD41]

robert montgomery knight is going to be a guest analyst for ESPN during the tournament....should be awesome.

[seekupig]

robert montgomery knight is going to be a guest analyst for ESPN during the tournament....should be awesome.

as long as they have a 5 second delay on any live spots he does...... :lol

[seekupig]

great article by Andy Glockner on ESPN about Xavier's chances in the tourney and whether or not their balanced scoring attack is good or bad for them......

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?id=3267369

[willthethrill]

it's going to get slower in a couple of weeks when the March Madness fans join the basketball fans.....

unless someone starts a March Madness thread which is pretty likely....
That's what happened last year. But yea, this thread does take a long ass time to load.

[RJ2kWJ]

I blame it on the Big 10 fans and their lack of speed that slow this thread down.

[UNLTrpt]

I put in a request to a mod to trim it up.

[UNLTrpt]

I blame it on the Big 10 fans and their lack of speed that slow this thread down.

I dunno, I think it might be Duke sucking so much which is keeping this thread from speeding up.

[RJ2kWJ]

Man I remember the days when 3 losses wasn't considered sucking so much.

[seekupig]

Man I remember the days when 3 losses wasn't considered sucking so much.

Duke and Kansas seem to be in the same boat lately..... three losses and suddenly all of their weaknesses have been exposed and they're considered long shots to win it all..... :rolleyes

[UNLTrpt]

Man I remember the days when 3 losses wasn't considered sucking so much.

just a joke.

[UNC41]

Chris Webber suited up for Notre Dame tonight.

[SmoothD41]

I blame it on the Big 10 fans and their lack of speed that slow this thread down.

HEY!!!!
:violent

[justinandimcool]

Notre Dame, wow. Fierce comeback, Harangody can hit the 3-ball now. Watch out. Louisville impressive as always as of late though.

USC playing well, although that's mostly Arizona's defense abhorrently sucking, but I love the ball movement and pounding it inside, just like a Pac-10 team should.

[clayj41]

Notre Dame, wow. Fierce comeback, Harangody can hit the 3-ball now. Watch out. Louisville impressive as always as of late though.

USC playing well, although that's mostly Arizona's defense abhorrently sucking, but I love the ball movement and pounding it inside, just like a Pac-10 team should.

Harangody is the real deal. Louisville continue to show that they are the best team in the Big East though.





Go Zona! :p

[UNC41]

Big wins for USC and Maryland tonight. Those are the ones you need as teams who aren't locks.

Props to Kevin O'Neill for calling that kid out and apologizing to Tim Floyd and USC. That's exactly the kind of guy I'd like to see replace Lute if he is done.

[seekupig]

and thanks to the Arizona loss, Kansas is one step closer to being #1 in consecutive tournaments made......

and yes, i'm aware that there are 0 national titles in that run..... so save it, assholes. ;) :D

[kydmb99]

and thanks to the Arizona loss, Kansas is one step closer to being #1 in consecutive tournaments made......

and yes, i'm aware that there are 0 national titles in that run..... so save it, assholes. ;) :D

I'm just curious, but would you say Kansas has underachieved in say, the last 15 years or so? I'm not trying to bash, I just can't believe that with all of the talent that has gone through there, they only have a couple of final 4's.

[clayj41]

and yes, i'm aware that there are 0 national titles in that run..... so save it, assholes. ;) :D

Yet so many opportunities...:p

[justinandimcool]

Arizona has too many quality wins (and losses). at Kansas State, a sweep of Washington State, at USC, at Houston, at UNLV. Face it Dustin, they're in. They also have a shot of getting more quality wins against UCLA and Oregon coming up, not to mention a snoozer against Oregon St. No way they miss the tourney, IMO.

As for USC, that was probably the best game of the season. The difference between this and the win at UCLA is the fluidness of the offense. They made better decisions- lots more ball movement, easier feeds to the post, more open shots. I rag on Daniel Hackett alot, but I realize we're 5x better with him on the floor. Defensively, we shut down Bayless and Budinger- what more could you ask for? Pretty much takes us off the bubble. 3 games left- ASU, Stanford, Cal. I would think we'd only need one of those to get in.

[justinandimcool]

Big wins for USC and Maryland tonight. Those are the ones you need as teams who aren't locks.

Props to Kevin O'Neill for calling that kid out and apologizing to Tim Floyd and USC. That's exactly the kind of guy I'd like to see replace Lute if he is done.

That was shitty of the Arizona fan, but that doesn't damper my image of UofA fans, yet. What a terrible way to represent that great fanbase.

Great job to Kevin though :thumbsup

[kydmb99]

I haven't been impressed by Arizona at all.

[justinandimcool]

I haven't been impressed by Arizona at all.

That's mainly because of their lack of interior and defensive efficiency. They're a good enough team for the tourney, resume-wise and offensive-wise (but no Nic-Wise, LOLZ). Like I said they've had quality wins. They'd have more if they actually stayed consistent down the stretch.

[seekupig]

I'm just curious, but would you say Kansas has underachieved in say, the last 15 years or so? I'm not trying to bash, I just can't believe that with all of the talent that has gone through there, they only have a couple of final 4's.

if your definition of underachieving is not winning a National Title, then yes they have. since 1991, they've made four Final Fours and two National Championship games. the NCAA tournament is such a crapshoot, that quite often the best team doesn't win it.... that's just the way it goes i guess. but i can rest easy knowing that we'll always be good next year and have a chance to win it.... there really are no down years at KU.

that being said, i think this year is our best chance to win it over the next couple of years.

[UNC41]

That was shitty of the Arizona fan, but that doesn't damper my image of UofA fans, yet. What a terrible way to represent that great fanbase.

Great job to Kevin though :thumbsup

My favorite part was that not only did he tell the fans to knock it off, but apologized to USC right there. The perfect way to handle the situation. I've heard he's a great defensive coach, although it didn't show tonight, but who knows if he can recruit worth a damn.

I haven't been impressed by Arizona at all.

Arizona is a very thin team. Six out of their 11 losses have come without Bayless or Wise on the court. If Wise is healthy soon I think the committee looks at that.

[justinandimcool]

My favorite part was that not only did he tell the fans to knock it off, but apologized to USC right there. The perfect way to handle the situation. I've heard he's a great defensive coach, although it didn't show tonight, but who knows if he can recruit worth a damn.



Yeah, just a classy organization all around. They know how to handle fuckups. I never really heard he's a great defensive coach as much as he is a discipline guy. Then again he's an NBA coach, so how much defense are we talking here :lol j to the k





Arizona is a very thin team. Six out of their 11 losses have come without Bayless or Wise on the court. If Wise is healthy soon I think the committee looks at that.

Another main reason they're a lock. :thumbsup

[kydmb99]

if your definition of underachieving is not winning a National Title, then yes they have. since 1991, they've made four Final Fours and two National Championship games. the NCAA tournament is such a crapshoot, that quite often the best team doesn't win it.... that's just the way it goes i guess. but i can rest easy knowing that we'll always be good next year and have a chance to win it.... there really are no down years at KU.

that being said, i think this year is our best chance to win it over the next couple of years.

Yeah, I mean I'm not bashing KU at all, I respect the fuck out of the program, it just seems to me they've had some absolutely loaded teams but haven't really maximized the potential of some of those teams... but yeah the NCAA tourney is a crapshoot.

[justinandimcool]

If anyone's out of the tourney in the Pac-10, it's Arizona State. Jesus, what a terrible reversal of fortunes. I also think Oregon's out at the moment. Washington is actually making a stronger case than either of those schools.

[seekupig]

Arizona has too many quality wins (and losses). at Kansas State, a sweep of Washington State, at USC, at Houston, at UNLV. Face it Dustin, they're in. They also have a shot of getting more quality wins against UCLA and Oregon coming up, not to mention a snoozer against Oregon St. No way they miss the tourney, IMO.



it's debatable....

right now they sit at 7-8 in the Pac-10, and 16-11 overall. let's say they lose to UCLA and @ Oregon, and beat Oregon State. that puts them at 8-10 in the Pac-10 and 17-13 overall. and now the committee is looking at the last 12 games of the season for the "how are they playing now" factor... if those games go as i listed, that would put them in 5-7 over their last 12 games. you can have a great RPI and SOS all day long, but first and foremost you have to have a legit overall record. not saying they couldn't make it with those numbers, but it's closer than you think.

[justinandimcool]

So are you guys down for another Conference Tournament Pick'Em this year for Dan to defend his title (and once again win consolation for another failed Nebraska season :p)?

[seekupig]

Yeah, I mean I'm not bashing KU at all, I respect the fuck out of the program, it just seems to me they've had some absolutely loaded teams but haven't really maximized the potential of some of those teams... but yeah the NCAA tourney is a crapshoot.

another thing that's frustrating for me as well..... look at some of the teams that they've been knocked out by over the years with their "loaded" teams. Arizona comes out of nowhere in '97 with a couple of freshman, Syracuse does the sams thing in '03. it seems like they've always run into the hot team that wasn't on their radar until it was too late..... :lol

[justinandimcool]

it's debatable....

right now they sit at 7-8 in the Pac-10, and 16-11 overall. let's say they lose to UCLA and @ Oregon, and beat Oregon State. that puts them at 8-10 in the Pac-10 and 17-13 overall. and now the committee is looking at the last 12 games of the season for the "how are they playing now" factor... if those games go as i listed, that would put them in 5-7 over their last 12 games. you can have a great RPI and SOS all day long, but first and foremost you have to have a legit overall record. not saying they couldn't make it with those numbers, but it's closer than you think.

Yeah, it's closer with the numbers you presented. I do think it's most fair for the committee to note that Zona has a significantly better record when Bayless is on the floor as opposed to being injured. It could go both ways, but if I were on the committee they'd be an at-large in a heartbeat (but I'm not, so poo)

[UNC41]

that being said, i think this year is our best chance to win it over the next couple of years.

Don't think all those JUCOs coming in are going to win a title? :)

Yeah, just a classy organization all around. They know how to handle fuckups. I never really heard he's a great defensive coach as much as he is a discipline guy. Then again he's an NBA coach, so how much defense are we talking here :lol j to the k

Another main reason they're a lock. :thumbsup

It's just what I've read. I haven't watched enough NBA basketball over the past 5 years to know for sure.

As for the injury thing, we know the committee takes it into account. The one instance comes to mind is when Cinci was dropped from a 1 to a 2 when K-Mart broke his leg. A healthy Arizona team is definitely one of the 34 best at-large teams, so if they're healthy, I think they are in.

[justinandimcool]

Anyone know how Bradley or Bucknell's doing this year?

[seekupig]

Anyone know how Bradley or Bucknell's doing this year?

fuck off. :D

[UNC41]

Anyone know how Bradley or Bucknell's doing this year?

They say bad things come in threes. If I were Kansas I'd be worried of Butler, BYU, Bdrake, Bdavidson or Bkent State.

[kydmb99]

another thing that's frustrating for me as well..... look at some of the teams that they've been knocked out by over the years with their "loaded" teams. Arizona comes out of nowhere in '97 with a couple of freshman, Syracuse does the sams thing in '03. it seems like they've always run into the hot team that wasn't on their radar until it was too late..... :lol

Shit, don't remind me of that Arizona 97 team.... :shrug

Yeah, it's a shitty feeling... UK's done the same shit this decade. Lost to a RED HOT USC team in 02, a RED HOT Marquette team in 03 after winning 26 in a row, a RED HOT UAB team in 04, then a RED HOT MSU team in 05. Fuck. I guess the last two years have been a little better because they've just sucked. :lol

I have high hopes that this trend will change with Gillispie at the helm though. Also, I think this KU team is built for a Final 4. If they can't do it this year, Self's got a problem.

[justinandimcool]

Bucknell: 11-17 (6-7) RPI: 209
Bradley: 17-13 (9-8) RPI: 90


Barring any Championship Week miracles, looks like KU's a lock for the Elite 8 this year.

[justinandimcool]

They say bad things come in threes. If I were Kansas I'd be worried of Butler, BYU, Bdrake, Bdavidson or Bkent State.

:lol :lol :lol

[smeritt]

Justin you suck

[seekupig]

They say bad things come in threes. If I were Kansas I'd be worried of Butler, BYU, Bdrake, Bdavidson or Bkent State.

and all the TarHeels have to worry about is Bdefense State...... asshole. :p

[clayj41]

and all the TarHeels have to worry about is Bdefense State...... asshole. :p

How many national championships does UNC have during Kansas' consecutive tournaments stretch? :D

[seekupig]

Bryan, you've left me no choice.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Iiq3LQBRl1g

on a side note, i saw Serge Zwicker at a local bar a few weeks ago getting tanked. it's amazing that a man that could barely walk sober was able to make it out of an upstairs sports bar.... :lol

EDIT - Bryan AND CLAY!!

[clayj41]

So are you guys down for another Conference Tournament Pick'Em this year for Dan to defend his title (and once again win consolation for another failed Nebraska season :p)?

Down like a clown Charlie Brown...

[kydmb99]

Alright, just curious from outside observers...

A) Thoughts on the Billy Gillispie era thus far at UK.

B) As of now, does UK deserve to be in the tourney.

[seekupig]

Alright, just curious from outside observers...

A) Thoughts on the Billy Gillispie era thus far at UK.

B) As of now, does UK deserve to be in the tourney.

A) i think now what i've always thought.... great hire, but it's going to take some time to turn things around. he's got it going the right direction, but the UK fanbase isn't used to having to be patient which is what's making a tough situation seem a lot worse than it really is.

B) if today was selection Sunday, no they don't. but for the first time all season, i can say that they control their own destiny which is a good feeling to have for the Wildcats given the way the season started....

[UNC41]

Bryan, you've left me no choice.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Iiq3LQBRl1g

on a side note, i saw Serge Zwicker at a local bar a few weeks ago getting tanked. it's amazing that a man that could barely walk sober was able to make it out of an upstairs sports bar.... :lol

EDIT - Bryan AND CLAY!!

If you had no choice, then I definitely do not either.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=omDVDBvBIYU

I just watched that, and it was one of the best tournaments in recent memory. Both the Illinois/Zona and Kentucky/Michigan St. games were absolute classics. My favorite moment of the video was Felton's bounce pass to Noel at about 2:30. Ty Lawson is a great point guard, but I really hearted Raymond.

Finally, gotta love Serge. I'm still convinced Coke named that failed pop after him.

[UNC41]

Alright, just curious from outside observers...

A) Thoughts on the Billy Gillispie era thus far at UK.

B) As of now, does UK deserve to be in the tourney.

A.) Fantastic hire. People made too many judgments far too quick. However, I think it could be two years from now until Kentucky is contending as they could easily lose Patterson along with Bradley and Crawford.

B.) Right now, probably not, but they've got time to make their case. The Cats are more than capable of doing it. The SEC is so bad this year that they are getting a max of four, could easily be three in, and Kentucky is fighting with Mississippi State and Florida.

[kydmb99]

A) i think now what i've always thought.... great hire, but it's going to take some time to turn things around. he's got it going the right direction, but the UK fanbase isn't used to having to be patient which is what's making a tough situation seem a lot worse than it really is.

B) if today was selection Sunday, no they don't. but for the first time all season, i can say that they control their own destiny which is a good feeling to have for the Wildcats given the way the season started....

You know, to be honest, people love Gillispie here. ESPN would have you think otherwise, but just from talking to people here locally, and from the infamous message boards, Gillispie is become a VERY popular figure. To be honest, I've actually been surprised at how UK fans have acted thus far... although one loss could change that. :lol

Yeah, I don't know, they're a tough team to decide on. TERRIBLE non-conference but very impressive, definite tourney team in-conference. RPI is up to the 50's, and definitely being 10-3 in the SEC is nice. If they lose to Tennesee, not a huge deal as long as they beat USC and Florida.

[clayj41]

Alright, just curious from outside observers...

A) Thoughts on the Billy Gillispie era thus far at UK.

B) As of now, does UK deserve to be in the tourney.

Gillispie will be alright, just wait until he has a team full of his own recruits. I'll agree with Dustin that as of right now, no they wouldn't be in. I expect them to keep playing well though and end up making it. They'd be a dangerous team to face.

[smeritt]

Just so everyone understands that kid does not represent the U of A. Although there are alot of douchebags here I know our fans are smarter than that. That is just crazy and is why some many seats are going to get taken away from fan sections.

[justinandimcool]

I've watched every single One Shining Moment about 10 times. :lol I can't believe what I've missed out on all those years. I remember watching some of the classic highlights live, but as a measly casual fan.

It'll will probably me graduation/wedding/funeral song :lol

Come to think of it, this year will only be my 2nd tournament where I actually followed the regular season the whole year. Damn.

[smeritt]

I've watched every single One Shining Moment about 10 times. :lol I can't believe what I've missed out on all those years. I remember watching some of the classic highlights live, but as a measly casual fan.

It'll will probably me graduation/wedding/funeral song :lol

Come to think of it, this year will only be my 2nd tournament where I actually followed the regular season the whole year. Damn.Hey you and USC still suck :D

[kydmb99]

A.) Fantastic hire. People made too many judgments far too quick. However, I think it could be two years from now until Kentucky is contending as they could easily lose Patterson along with Bradley and Crawford.

B.) Right now, probably not, but they've got time to make their case. The Cats are more than capable of doing it. The SEC is so bad this year that they are getting a max of four, could easily be three in, and Kentucky is fighting with Mississippi State and Florida.

Patterson came out and said he isn't going pro next year... but obviously who knows? He does seem to be one of those kind of kids that WANTS to dominate college which is a good thing obviously... We have two stud recruits coming in next year but Scotty Hopson is the Big X factor... De-committed from Miss St, and UK has started recruiting him lately... Get him and we could definitely be a top 20 team next year.

Regardles... I'm excited, and that's something I haven't been for a while.

[justinandimcool]

Just so everyone understands that kid does not represent the U of A. Although there are alot of douchebags here I know our fans are smarter than that. That is just crazy and is why some many seats are going to get taken away from fan sections.

We know :thumbsup

U of A is as classy as it gets. When I attended the first game in LA this season I was surrounded by a swarm of Wildcat fans. All nice people.



Hey you and USC still suck :D


Edit: U of A has the shittiest, most pompous ass-fans in the history of sports.

[smeritt]

We know :thumbsup

U of A is as classy as it gets. When I attended the first game in LA this season I was surrounded by a swarm of Wildcat fans. All nice people.I went to thhe ASU football game and you shouldve seen the amount of U of A fans, not even in the nice seats those bleeds. All packed together and all nice as can be.Me n my buddies were kind of in the middle of ASU fans so we just moved over and plopped ourselves in and no one gave a damn. It was a cold but great night. And yes in the desert it was cold!

[seekupig]

Patterson came out and said he isn't going pro next year... but obviously who knows? He does seem to be one of those kind of kids that WANTS to dominate college which is a good thing obviously... We have two stud recruits coming in next year but Scotty Hopson is the Big X factor... De-committed from Miss St, and UK has started recruiting him lately... Get him and we could definitely be a top 20 team next year.

Regardles... I'm excited, and that's something I haven't been for a while.

Julian Wright said that last year, and two days later he was at pre-draft workouts with his agent. i've learned not to believe anything a college kid says until the day to declare has passed..... :lol

[smeritt]

Edit: U of A has the shittiest, most pompous ass-fans in the history of sports.
Its only because I'm a Yankee fan ;):lol. But you guys proved if Bayless doesn't score we don't win. He can't handle having to do the ball handling and the scoring. They are a completely different team without Wise. I do like that Oneill is going 9 guys deep. They need to be prepared to come in and contribute in tight spots. However Hill is still young, Breillmier and Walters are not an anwser and Zane Johnson and Daniel Dillion just plain cant score. So it will be up to McClellan to step when Chase and Jerryd have off nights. With wise though this is a completely different team

[smeritt]

Julian Wright said that last year, and two days later he was at pre-draft workouts with his agent. i've learned not to believe anything a college kid says until the day to declare has passed..... :lol:thumbsupHave someone come up to you with 6-7 figures and see how your outlook on life changes

[clayj41]

It'll will probably me graduation/wedding/funeral song :lol

The ball is tipped and there you are...:lol

[UNC41]

Patterson came out and said he isn't going pro next year... but obviously who knows? He does seem to be one of those kind of kids that WANTS to dominate college which is a good thing obviously... We have two stud recruits coming in next year but Scotty Hopson is the Big X factor... De-committed from Miss St, and UK has started recruiting him lately... Get him and we could definitely be a top 20 team next year.

Regardles... I'm excited, and that's something I haven't been for a while.

Sean May said that too AFTER North Carolina won the title in '05, so take it for what its worth. Although I'm banking on the same thing with Hansbrough as you are. Either way, I think Patterson stays a max of two years.

Kentucky has a couple very solid wings coming in, but Hopson would make a huge splash. I don't think Kentucky is the favorite for him right now though.

[kydmb99]

Sean May said that too AFTER North Carolina won the title in '05, so take it for what its worth. Although I'm banking on the same thing with Hansbrough as you are. Either way, I think Patterson stays a max of two years.

Kentucky has a couple very solid wings coming in, but Hopson would make a huge splash. I don't think Kentucky is the favorite for him right now though.

Honestly, I think Patterson stays 2-3 years...maybe wishful thinking, but that's the feeling I get.

Yeah, but I don't think it's coincidence that he de-committed when Gillispie said he wouldn't recruit committed players... Also, a Kentucky kid with a chance to possibly start as a Freshman during a new, exciting period in UK history... you never know.

[seekupig]

:thumbsupHave someone come up to you with 6-7 figures and see how your outlook on life changes

combine that with the fact that they always ask that question in the media room immediately following a tournament exit..... what else do you expect a teenager to say after losing on that stage? i know.... the same thing Roy Williams said to Bonnie Bernstein a few years ago.... :lol

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KvW0SGEqC5k

[clayj41]

combine that with the fact that they always ask that question in the media room immediately following a tournament exit..... what else do you expect a teenager to say after losing on that stage? i know.... the same thing Roy Williams said to Bonnie Bernstein a few years ago.... :lol

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KvW0SGEqC5k

He made up for his remarks by winning a national championship. :D

[seekupig]

He made up for his remarks by winning a national championship. :D

kind of makes me wish that he'd not given a shit about Kansas for the 14 years prior...... :lol

[justinandimcool]

Its only because I'm a Yankee fan ;):lol. But you guys proved if Bayless doesn't score we don't win. He can't handle having to do the ball handling and the scoring. They are a completely different team without Wise. I do like that Oneill is going 9 guys deep. They need to be prepared to come in and contribute in tight spots. However Hill is still young, Breillmier and Walters are not an anwser and Zane Johnson and Daniel Dillion just plain cant score. So it will be up to McClellan to step when Chase and Jerryd have off nights. With wise though this is a completely different team

:thumbsup

He can't handle it. He has his best scoring night against Stanford, and they still lose. Budinger has to take incentive and make it his team, scoring-wise. Bayless and Budinger have to be on for this team to work, not one or the other. It doesn't help that other guys don't step up, ever.

[justinandimcool]

The ball is tipped and there you are...:lol

It works figuratively :lol

[clayj41]

kind of makes me wish that he'd not given a shit about Kansas for the 14 years prior...... :lol

Don't worry, he doesn't now....:lol

[seekupig]

damn, i meant to do this earlier..... i guess an hour late isn't too bad....

Happy 77th Birthday, Dean Smith...... :thumbsup

[clayj41]

damn, i meant to do this earlier..... i guess an hour late isn't too bad....

Happy 77th Birthday, Dean Smith...... :thumbsup

:thumbsup You're not all that bad after all...:p

[seekupig]

:thumbsup You're not all that bad after all...:p

i only know that because one of the sports talk radio stations had the Future Farmers of America club from Chapel Hill present him with a birthday cake made of cow shit.....

[clayj41]

i only know that because one of the sports talk radio stations had the Future Farmers of America club from Chapel Hill present him with a birthday cake made of cow shit.....

Was the cow shit a list of Kansas' tournament achievements over the last 20 years? :D

[dreamingtreeIU]

Was the cow shit a list of Kansas' tournament achievements over the last 20 years? :D

hahahaha ..... it's been longer than that since the last IU national championship :lorraine:lorraine:lorraine

[clayj41]

hahahaha ..... it's been longer than that since the last IU national championship :lorraine:lorraine:lorraine

Eh, only a one year difference...1987 vs 1988.

[kydmb99]

hahahaha ..... it's been longer than that since the last IU national championship :lorraine:lorraine:lorraine

Well, I hear Verizon awards their own national title every year so....

[ShotgunDMB]

I think North Carolina has the inside track to the national title...I haven't seen anyone that I think can beat them when it counts. UNC/Duke should be a good one, coming up.

[smeritt]

:thumbsup

He can't handle it. He has his best scoring night against Stanford, and they still lose. Budinger has to take incentive and make it his team, scoring-wise. Bayless and Budinger have to be on for this team to work, not one or the other. It doesn't help that other guys don't step up, ever.The problem is they are just not that good. Daniel Dillion and Zane Johnson are not good answers. The starting 5 is it and if they aren't on they are screwed. Buddinger wanted to go to the league this year and he can't even do well in NCAA. He needs to learn to post up on smaller guys who cover him as opposed to only shooting mid to long range shots. Bayless cant score 30 everynight. But I say when Bayless Buddinger and Hill are on with Wise running the point they can compete with top tier teams . they showed that by taking Kansas to overtime and Should have beat Stanford.

[Rockhound18]

Out of curiosity, why not? Do students not care about hoop all that much? I mean Vandy always has a decent team down there don't they? I mean they're not always ranked #14 or whatever it is, but they're definitely never BAD. So do students just not feel like going? Does Vandy have a TV contract down there where you can watch all the games on TV anyway?

^ no they dont always... the last couple years they've been better... but that didn't use to be the case

Combine some weak years with the fact that we have an undergrad student body of something like 4,000 (not all of which would obviously be into sports/bball) and a student section that probably holds close to 1500-2000 its usually filled up but a squeeze. However, they actually had to close off the student section and stop letting students in which id never heard of them doing.

[Rockhound18]

Man I remember the days when 3 losses wasn't considered sucking so much.

Duke and Kansas seem to be in the same boat lately..... three losses and suddenly all of their weaknesses have been exposed and they're considered long shots to win it all..... :rolleyes

Vandy only has 4 and no one really talks about us much. Im fine with that too. Were ready for another tourney run.

[seekupig]

The problem is they are just not that good. Daniel Dillion and Zane Johnson are not good answers. The starting 5 is it and if they aren't on they are screwed. Buddinger wanted to go to the league this year and he can't even do well in NCAA. He needs to learn to post up on smaller guys who cover him as opposed to only shooting mid to long range shots. Bayless cant score 30 everynight. But I say when Bayless Buddinger and Hill are on with Wise running the point they can compete with top tier teams . they showed that by taking Kansas to overtime and Should have beat Stanford.

since we're talking about playing at full strength, that game was played with Rush just coming back off of ACL surgery and Sheron Collins not playing at all with a foot injury.

[GavMan33]

k I just spent about an hour and a half backreading :lol

Yes, I'm down for Conference Tourney Pick'Ems. How does it work again? The Big 6 and the A-10 is what we did, yes?

Are we hanging out in here for the NCAAs? We stay home, not in some shit March Madness thread right?

And Dustin, good find on the Xavier article :thumbsup

[seekupig]

Are we hanging out in here for the NCAAs? We stay home, not in some shit March Madness thread right?

stay here.... but DON'T go in the March Madness thread telling people to search and posting the link to this thread. :lol

let them have their fun, we'll have ours. :D

[seekupig]

I think North Carolina has the inside track to the national title...I haven't seen anyone that I think can beat them when it counts.

no offense, but have you watched much basketball this year? UNC has just as good a shot as anyone else, but i wouldn't say they have the inside track. like the other top tier teams, they have nights where they look unbeatable but also have nights that make you scratch your head and say WTF?....

i don't think there's a clear cut favorite at all this year.... you could probably take the top 7 teams in the country, throw them in a hat and pick a winner and nobody would be suprised at the end of the tournament if it happened.

[UNC41]

I think North Carolina has the inside track to the national title...I haven't seen anyone that I think can beat them when it counts. UNC/Duke should be a good one, coming up.

I wish I thought they did, but right now I think there are six teams with a great shot to win it all. If UNC keeps up the improvements they've made on defense and in the halfcourt recently when Ty Lawson returns I could see them emerging as a favorite, but not a big one.

[nhl123_2000]

Big week coming up for us heels. Hopefully ty will return tomorrow and show everyone what the team is truly capable.

and just for all the videos:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=anGObXiQr8c&feature=related
a much better one

[unccrombie]

k I just spent about an hour and a half backreading :lol

Yes, I'm down for Conference Tourney Pick'Ems. How does it work again? The Big 6 and the A-10 is what we did, yes?

Are we hanging out in here for the NCAAs? We stay home, not in some shit March Madness thread right?

And Dustin, good find on the Xavier article :thumbsup
me and conference tourneys never pan out well :eek

[seekupig]

another TarHole? this is going to be unbearable in a couple of weeks.....

[nhl123_2000]

I've been on here plenty long - and I'm an actual Tar Heel so no bandwagon name calling for me... cough lives in Raleigh but cheers for KU cough

[nhl123_2000]

On second thought - maybe KU is better to cheer for than your local farmers (NCSU).

[JRod1229]

Yah the person who starts the March Madness thread won't even be someone who posts in here reguarly... it'll be some "I started a big thread" troll... blah.. or me

[DMBnick15]

any news on lawson? look at all these damn injuries and stuff for the tarheels: Point guard Ty Lawson is expected to miss his fifth straight game Wednesday due to a sprained left ankle, while Deon Thompson played just 9 minutes in Saturday's win against Virginia Tech due to a hyperextended left knee and could be limited again. Backup point guard Quentin Thomas (flu-like symptoms), forward Danny Green (flu) and swingman Marcus Ginyard (sprained right ankle, injured left big toe) are also playing through ailments.




and i'm not sure if this has been talked about, but did anyoen see the comments from roy williams about what coach k said regarding talking about injuries? http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3253829

[seekupig]

I've been on here plenty long - and I'm an actual Tar Heel so no bandwagon name calling for me... cough lives in Raleigh but cheers for KU cough

i never said anything about bandwagon....

and i'll leave the "cough lives in Raleigh but cheers for KU cough" comment alone.... you've been here plenty long, you don't need it explained to you. :)

[UNC41]

Yah the person who starts the March Madness thread won't even be someone who posts in here reguarly... it'll be some "I started a big thread" troll... blah.. or me

Just to let you know, if you start the thread I've got a feeling many of the regular of this thread will boycott it and keep the good discussion in here. If I were you I would stay with the good guys in here come March. :)

[seekupig]

Yah the person who starts the March Madness thread won't even be someone who posts in here reguarly...

it'll be a Duke fan from New Jersey.... book it.

[nhl123_2000]

The comments between Roy and Coach K have already been talked up and blown over (at least for a few more days before the pre-game tension heats up).

Seekup - no hard feelings, just giving you a hard time. But I was just out in Raleigh for the first time last week - a bit different than it is here on the hill

[DMBnick15]

OJ Mayo is ridiculous.

And I do not think Notre Dame is as good as they are ranked. Not just because of last night

[nhl123_2000]

Damn - there are a lot of heels on here. DMBnick - did you make it to the finals in 2005? I see you're from St. Louis

[seekupig]

Seekup - no hard feelings, just giving you a hard time. But I was just out in Raleigh for the first time last week - a bit different than it is here on the hill

no problem, i'm used to people questioning my "fanhood" of KU since i live in the college basketball capital of the country. my family is from Kansas, my dad was military so i moved around my whole life but ended up here about nine years ago. i was raised a Jayhawks, Chiefs and Royals fan and have never switched teams just because me location changed.

i go out in Chapel Hill once in a while, and it's definately different than Raleigh. i like both but it depends what you're in the mood for. Raleigh has more places for the older crowd (i'm 32) and Chapel Hill has more of a college town feel to it. i'm more familiar with Raleigh so the parking problems i run into in Chapel Hill don't happen when i'm here. not to mention the weekly roadblocks on 15-501 trying to get home from the Hill...:lol

[seekupig]

the fan breakdown in this thread is pretty lopsided, but fun....

Kansas - 1
USC - 1
Xavier - 1
Arizona - 1 or 2
Oregon - 1
Nebraska -1
Villanova - 1
Georgetown - 1
Indiana -