Preseason NCAA Basketball Poll is released

[whygohome?]

give me a break. do you guys really think UNC wouldnt be a top 10 team without Hansbrough?? maybe not a championship team but KSU would be absolutely terrible without Beasley. I wish the two teams would play just so beasley would just ball all over tyler and end the debate. He's not better than beasley, he's certainly not more valuable to his team than beasley, but he'll still win POY.

[willthethrill]

YAYGAH BAAHMMS. YAYGAH BAAHMMS. YAYGAH BAAHMMS. Look how jacked and tan I am.

[willthethrill]

Are you people serious? Here.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams/schedule?teamId=2306&year=2008

Look at KSU's record this year. 18-10. 8-6 in the conference. Bubble of the NCAAs.

Now look at what they did last year. Finished at 23-12, 10-6 in conference and made the NCAAs. They lost ONE contributing senior, a guard that scored 7 a game and dished out 3 assists.

Now let me ask you this: what kind of POY doesn't make his team better? You could make the argument that they have actually REGRESSED. Their record looks like it. He hasn't made his team any better. Who the hell does that?

A selfish, arrogant, albeit very talented, player that's gonna get his, but not necessarily push his team to victory.

Seriously, they're barely if at all better than last year. And they lost nobody. And they picked up the supposed NPOY...???

[whygohome?]

Are you people serious? Here.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams/schedule?teamId=2306&year=2008

Look at KSU's record this year. 18-10. 8-6 in the conference. Bubble of the NCAAs.

Now look at what they did last year. Finished at 23-12, 10-6 in conference and made the NCAAs. They lost ONE contributing senior, a guard that scored 7 a game and dished out 3 assists.

Now let me ask you this: what kind of POY doesn't make his team better? You could make the argument that they have actually REGRESSED. Their record looks like it. He hasn't made his team any better. Who the hell does that?

A selfish, arrogant, albeit very talented, player that's gonna get his, but not necessarily push his team to victory.

Seriously, they're barely if at all better than last year. And they lost nobody. And they picked up the supposed NPOY...???

yeah they lost nobody...BUT THEIR COACH.

and have you watched him play?? you sound like such a homer man..you may not like him but he is NOT selfish. their entire offense is built around him, its not like he just jacks up horrible shots from everywhere and gets his 40 points on 14-42 shooting or something. and i dont find him arrogant at all, he's just really fucking good and can back up his trash talk.

[willthethrill]

Suurrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Woooooooooooooood!

[clayj41]

Suurrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Woooooooooooooood!

:thumbsup 2 for 2!

[willthethrill]

yeah they lost nobody...BUT THEIR COACH.

and have you watched him play?? you sound like such a homer man..you may not like him but he is NOT selfish. their entire offense is built around him, its not like he just jacks up horrible shots from everywhere and gets his 40 points on 14-42 shooting or something. and i dont find him arrogant at all, he's just really fucking good and can back up his trash talk.
Ok, so maybe not selfish. That was the wrong word. But he IS arrogant. Sorry, I just enjoy college basketball a lot more than NBA, and it seems like he thinks he's already there.

[willthethrill]

:thumbsup 2 for 2!
What a baller.

[clayj41]

Clay and Dustin are officially on my shit list. I think they know why....

;)

At least I think they're capable of making the Sweet 16...;)

[seekupig]

Are you people serious? Here.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/teams/schedule?teamId=2306&year=2008

Look at KSU's record this year. 18-10. 8-6 in the conference. Bubble of the NCAAs.

Now look at what they did last year. Finished at 23-12, 10-6 in conference and made the NCAAs. They lost ONE contributing senior, a guard that scored 7 a game and dished out 3 assists.

Now let me ask you this: what kind of POY doesn't make his team better? You could make the argument that they have actually REGRESSED. Their record looks like it. He hasn't made his team any better. Who the hell does that?

A selfish, arrogant, albeit very talented, player that's gonna get his, but not necessarily push his team to victory.

Seriously, they're barely if at all better than last year. And they lost nobody. And they picked up the supposed NPOY...???

actually, i believe that they got the shaft last year for the NCAA's. they were one of the big suprises on selection sunday that got shipped off to the NIT.

also, they lost Bob Huggins and now have a coach who's NEVER been a head coach anywhere leading them through the Big XII. their non-conference schedule was a lot tougher this year as well, which has affected their overall record. so while the numbers may not reflect it, they're actually a much better team this year than they were last year.

[whygohome?]

actually, i believe that they got the shaft last year for the NCAA's. they were one of the big suprises on selection sunday that got shipped off to the NIT.

also, they lost Bob Huggins and now have a coach who's NEVER been a head coach anywhere leading them through the Big XII. their non-conference schedule was a lot tougher this year as well, which has affected their overall record. so while the numbers may not reflect it, they're actually a much better team this year than they were last year.

:thumbsup

[seekupig]

the main thing those awards will come down to is each voters intepretation of what Player Of The Year means..... which is why i think it's going to be very close in all of them.

if this was an argument over who the best player was, it wouldn't be close... but the intangibles are what's keeping Tyler in the game.

[willthethrill]

Agree.

[willthethrill]

:lol :lol

i'm just giving you shit. i only knew that because one of my friends and i have a bet for a half gallon of jager and a case of red bull on who takes the majority of the five awards. he has Tyler, i have Beasley. he tried to call me earlier to tell me he was up 1-0, so i had to do some research to prove him wrong. so no, i wasn't posting that to be an ass.... i'd already put in the legwork to be an ass a few hours ago. :lol

YAYGAH BAAHMMS. YAYGAH BAAHMMS. YAYGAH BAAHMMS. Look how jacked and tan I am.

That's what I wanted.

[seekupig]

gotta wanta, needa, gotta hava bojangles.


gotta love watching college basketball games on local tv. :lol



and what's up with the Tar Heels keeping teams in the game way longer than they should? hasn't hurt them yet, but that could be troublesome against stronger teams in the tourney....

[willthethrill]

It's so weird. I wish they could just screw their head on straight for every game like the VT game. I'm affirmed by their ability to win these games, but also perturbed that they do this so frequently.

Gotta love a little Raycom in your life.

[willthethrill]

If Danny Green plays well, UNC doesn't lose.

[clayj41]

If Danny Green plays well, UNC doesn't lose.

:thumbsup He is a huge difference maker!

[willthethrill]

ACC refs suck.

[willthethrill]

Ellington better find his damn shot before the Duke game. I can't take him stinkin' it up again.

[seekupig]

Ellington better find his damn shot before the Duke game. I can't take him stinkin' it up again.

his first step worries me a lot more than his shot does. they have other scorers, but he's obviously not the same on his feet. against Duke that could mean a few extra blocking fouls, because we all know that you'd better be in perfect position to get a charge call in Cameron..... and even that doesn't always work.

EDIT - i was talking about Lawson, not Ellington...... my bad.

[willthethrill]

Yea, Lawson doesn't look "in it." I think that, physically, he's there, but mentally, he's not. There's a big difference in the mental makeup of Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough. Ty just ain't that tough.

[clayj41]

Being that I can't watch the game, I was happy to see that they have a 12 point lead at the half.

[seekupig]

Yea, Lawson doesn't look "in it." I think that, physically, he's there, but mentally, he's not. There's a big difference in the mental makeup of Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough. Ty just ain't that tough.

injuries can do that. Sherron Collins for KU hasn't looked "in it" following his foot surgery all season until the K-State game last weekend and the Tech game last night. something must have gone off in his head following the Oklahoma St. loss to wake his ass up. when he's playing good, KU is very tough to beat.

[willthethrill]

Echefu is playing like he belongs on All-ACC first team.

[willthethrill]

We look like a terd. I hate watching a team play at 70% of their ability. Ugh.

[GavMan33]

I'll chime in on the National Player of the Year debate....

KState, as someone mentioned, is 18-10, 8-6 in the Big 12, should finish up at 20-10, 10-6, just about the same as last year. Three of their wins in the Big 12 are against potential NCAA teams (Kansas, A&M, Oklahoma). The others are Iowa St., Nebraska, Oklahoma St., Missouri, and Colorado. As for the nonconference, for sake of argument, I'll say George Mason, Rider, Oregon, Notre Dame, Cal, and Xavier, going 2-4 in those games. So all year, I'm saying 5 of their 18 wins are what I'd call "good" wins. For RPI purposes, with a 42 RPI, they only have 6 wins against the Top 100.

Last year was the same type deal, only 5 Top 100 wins. So they are very similar teams, in very similar places. I guess Beasley makes them better. Interestingly enough, in 28 games this year, Beasley has had more than 10 field goal attempts only 10 times. At 54% FG, I'd say he's pretty efficient for his 26.7ppg.

But as was said, Hansbrough wills his team to victory. To me, Hansbrough is much more mentally tough than Beasley is. I understand he's only a kid, but that's not what this argument is. I was watching a game earlier this year where KState lost right at the end, and Beasley was throwing a fit late in the game when things weren't going his way. I just think he's not as mentally there as Hansbrough is.

So this will come down to what's more important to the voters. Everyone knows Beasley is far more talented. But is that what POY is? It is in the eye of the beholder. If it's me, it's Hansbrough....

[seekupig]

3 fouls on Hansbrough with 12:19 to play..... could be interesting if they decide to go at him.

[UNLTrpt]

:rolleyes

Nebraska continues to confuse.

Down 16 at the half and they come all the way back and lose by 4 @ Texas.

Where was this team Saturday?

ugh

[whygohome?]

I'll chime in on the National Player of the Year debate....

KState, as someone mentioned, is 18-10, 8-6 in the Big 12, should finish up at 20-10, 10-6, just about the same as last year. Three of their wins in the Big 12 are against potential NCAA teams (Kansas, A&M, Oklahoma). The others are Iowa St., Nebraska, Oklahoma St., Missouri, and Colorado. As for the nonconference, for sake of argument, I'll say George Mason, Rider, Oregon, Notre Dame, Cal, and Xavier, going 2-4 in those games. So all year, I'm saying 5 of their 18 wins are what I'd call "good" wins. For RPI purposes, with a 42 RPI, they only have 6 wins against the Top 100.

Last year was the same type deal, only 5 Top 100 wins. So they are very similar teams, in very similar places. I guess Beasley makes them better. Interestingly enough, in 28 games this year, Beasley has had more than 10 field goal attempts only 10 times. At 54% FG, I'd say he's pretty efficient for his 26.7ppg.

But as was said, Hansbrough wills his team to victory. To me, Hansbrough is much more mentally tough than Beasley is. I understand he's only a kid, but that's not what this argument is. I was watching a game earlier this year where KState lost right at the end, and Beasley was throwing a fit late in the game when things weren't going his way. I just think he's not as mentally there as Hansbrough is.

So this will come down to what's more important to the voters. Everyone knows Beasley is far more talented. But is that what POY is? It is in the eye of the beholder. If it's me, it's Hansbrough....

every time i look at his eyes during the game, the first thing i think is NOT "wow that kid looks like he's mentally stable". kid looks like a rapist.

but dammit can he play ball.

[GavMan33]

every time i look at his eyes during the game, the first thing i think is NOT "wow that kid looks like he's mentally stable". kid looks like a rapist.

but dammit can he play ball.

:lol :thumbsup

[SmoothD41]

ohio state staying alive with a big win against Purdont.

[clayj41]

Shouldn't have to hear some of my annoying friends brag about Purdue winning another Big Ten title now. :lol

[SmoothD41]

Shouldn't have to hear some of my annoying friends brag about Purdue winning another Big Ten title now. :lol

:thumbsup

so pumped about that.

[whygohome?]

ohio state staying alive with a big win against Purdont.

:lol:lol

maybe its cause im an SEC guy, but ive never heard that. made me lol.

[justinandimcool]

ohio state staying alive with a big win against Purdont.

:lol

Great game from start to finish. No knock on Purdue, OSU was just the more determined team. Didn't help that Kramer disappeared defensively towards the end. Great great game, not sure it helps Ohio State in the long run though.

[seekupig]

every time i look at his eyes during the game, the first thing i think is NOT "wow that kid looks like he's mentally stable".

i've always thought he has the look of someone that's knocking down lines of the Columbian Booger Sugar in the locker room before tip off..... that could explain the eyes and why he's constantly able to throw three people off of him at once and still manage to have the strength to get the ball to the basket....

[clayj41]

:thumbsup

so pumped about that.

As much as I hate Wisconsin, at least I don't have to listen to any of their annoying fans.

[GavMan33]

ohio state staying alive with a big win against Purdont.

:lol

Great game from start to finish. No knock on Purdue, OSU was just the more determined team. Didn't help that Kramer disappeared defensively towards the end. Great great game, not sure it helps Ohio State in the long run though.

:thumbsup Nice. My old girlfriend lived in Lafayette, the other side of the river from Purdue. She wasn't a sports fan, but I obviously met some when I was up at a party there once. Interesting stuff; if you're not from Indiana, you don't get it. But there is quite an intense hatred there. How do they not play twice a year in hoop?

Justin, how does the W over Purdue not help? I hope OSU gets left out, I don't think they've done enough. But you can't say it didn't help; if they don't get this one, they're really screwed. Now they gotta get one against Michigan State too. The Big Ten is such a crapshoot. Uh, I'm sorry guys. I can't stand it.

On a separate note, some of you Big Ten guys may or may not have heard of a Freshman guard from Penn State, Talor Battle. The kid is from here in Albany, went to Bishop Maginn High School here. His little brother is a sophomore at Maginn, probably better than Talor. I just gotta get something off my chest. One of the local sports guys around here wrote how nice it'd be if Taran Buie (Talor's brother) followed big bro to Penn State. Well some douchebag wrote in a commentary how wrong he was, and how stupid it'd be for the kid to go to Penn State. I agree, PSU is like college basketball purgatory. That team hasn't been good since the Crispin Brothers knocked out Carolina several years back (OHHHHH! That's a burn!). But a college scholarship is a college scholarship. At a bigtime school. That said, I think he'll get better offers than Penn State. But just saying, Penn St. is not a bad spot to be either....

[justinandimcool]

I'm watching the MVC for the first time this season, and New Mexico looks GOOD.

[justinandimcool]

Justin, how does the W over Purdue not help? I hope OSU gets left out, I don't think they've done enough. But you can't say it didn't help; if they don't get this one, they're really screwed. Now they gotta get one against Michigan State too. The Big Ten is such a crapshoot. Uh, I'm sorry guys. I can't stand it.


Well obviously the win is better than a loss, but it's futile IMO. Losses to Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, no quality wins except this one. I don't think OSU gets in even with a win against MSU. Maybe it's just bad judgment on my part, not knowing the bubble situation as thoroughly. But the Bubble Watch guy says there are realistically 9 at-larges left available if the 1-bid conferences stay 1-bid conferences. At this point I'm not sure you can put OSU in.


Oh and the Big 10 is awesome, go away :lol

[justinandimcool]

Speaking of at-larges, Arkansas is killing their hopes right now if they don't turn the next 12 minutes around.

[seekupig]

Well obviously the win is better than a loss, but it's futile IMO. Losses to Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, no quality wins except this one. I don't think OSU gets in even with a win against MSU. Maybe it's just bad judgment on my part, not knowing the bubble situation as thoroughly. But the Bubble Watch guy says there are realistically 9 at-larges left available if the 1-bid conferences stay 1-bid conferences. At this point I'm not sure you can put OSU in.


Oh and the Big 10 is awesome, go away :lol

i think it's a case of too little, too late for tOSU. there's quite a few teams with better resumes that are still "on the bubble" that will get the nod before the Buckeyes....

[UNLTrpt]

I'm watching the MVC for the first time this season, and New Mexico looks GOOD.

New Mexico isn't in the MVC

[justinandimcool]

New Mexico isn't in the MVC

MWC. Sorry. :lol

[unccrombie]

i think it's a case of too little, too late for tOSU. there's quite a few teams with better resumes that are still "on the bubble" that will get the nod before the Buckeyes....
ditto with SU. aside from running the tourney which they have the potential to do, but they just cant string successive games of good play in row

[UNC41]

yeah they lost nobody...BUT THEIR COACH.

and have you watched him play?? you sound like such a homer man..you may not like him but he is NOT selfish. their entire offense is built around him, its not like he just jacks up horrible shots from everywhere and gets his 40 points on 14-42 shooting or something. and i dont find him arrogant at all, he's just really fucking good and can back up his trash talk.

I don't know if you watched Saturday's game at all, but to me it appeared Beasley appeared to disrupt the flow of K-State's offense at times. Also, there were way too many times where he was the last guy back on defense by a couple of seconds, and it led to more than one easy basket for Kansas.

I wouldn't dare try and argue that Hansbrough is more talented than Beasley. There are, however, things he does that Beasley doesn't. You don't see Beasley stepping in and drawing a charge on a consistent basis, hustling back on defense every play and being the first one to hit the floor for a loose ball. I don't believe for a minute that Hansbrough would let his team lose five out of six down the stretch and fall from a lock to a potential bubble team, and that is why he has a strong argument for POY despite not being the most talented player in college basketball.

[GavMan33]

I don't know if you watched Saturday's game at all, but to me it appeared Beasley appeared to disrupt the flow of K-State's offense at times. Also, there were way too many times where he was the last guy back on defense by a couple of seconds, and it led to more than one easy basket for Kansas.

I wouldn't dare try and argue that Hansbrough is more talented than Beasley. There are, however, things he does that Beasley doesn't. You don't see Beasley stepping in and drawing a charge on a consistent basis, hustling back on defense every play and being the first one to hit the floor for a loose ball. I don't believe for a minute that Hansbrough would let his team lose five out of six down the stretch and fall from a lock to a potential bubble team, and that is why he has a strong argument for POY despite not being the most talented player in college basketball.

That's exactly right. When I say mentally tough it means that the kid knows how to keep his cool (except for that one time red stuff was coming out of his nose last year). He is smart, he does all the basketball things. You're right, he'll take that charge, every time. Hansbrough wouldn't let his team lose 5 of 6, you're right. I just think he's a lot more mentally tough than Beasley is. Obviously I rooted for him during the year because he was the anchor of my fantasy lineup. But I just think there are a lot of things outside of his actual talent that he needs to work on. Of course, he'll be learning those things on the fly, playing for money. For better or for worse....

[seekupig]

I don't know if you watched Saturday's game at all, but to me it appeared Beasley appeared to disrupt the flow of K-State's offense at times. Also, there were way too many times where he was the last guy back on defense by a couple of seconds, and it led to more than one easy basket for Kansas.

I wouldn't dare try and argue that Hansbrough is more talented than Beasley. There are, however, things he does that Beasley doesn't. You don't see Beasley stepping in and drawing a charge on a consistent basis, hustling back on defense every play and being the first one to hit the floor for a loose ball. I don't believe for a minute that Hansbrough would let his team lose five out of six down the stretch and fall from a lock to a potential bubble team, and that is why he has a strong argument for POY despite not being the most talented player in college basketball.

so what you're saying is that Beasley is playing like a NBA player while he's still in college? :lol

[nhl123_2000]

Sorry for the few day absence, my internet has been down.

Anyway - now that the FSU game is over all of my attention is focused on the matchup this Sat. If Green and Ellington show up to play and shoot well it's going to be a great day:multi

For those who have been following my nike shoe saga - it's now over.

Nike is visiting 3 campuses (here, cuse, georgetown) to try and bring the dunk back to its basketball roots. They gave away 75 pairs of Carolina dunks to a select group of people Monday night (where I got mine) and then another 75 pairs at the game last night. these shoes aren't available anywhere else and won't be made again. I think they're pretty badass and I'm attaching a photo of them. (Notice the HEELS across the back)
Let me know what yall think.
:hump

[seekupig]

Sorry for the few day absence, my internet has been down.

Anyway - now that the FSU game is over all of my attention is focused on the matchup this Sat. If Green and Ellington show up to play and shoot well it's going to be a great day:multi

For those who have been following my nike shoe saga - it's now over.

Nike is visiting 3 campuses (here, cuse, georgetown) to try and bring the dunk back to its basketball roots. They gave away 75 pairs of Carolina dunks to a select group of people Monday night (where I got mine) and then another 75 pairs at the game last night. these shoes aren't available anywhere else and won't be made again. I think they're pretty badass and I'm attaching a photo of them. (Notice the HEELS across the back)
Let me know what yall think.
:hump

pretty nice, though i've never been a fan of the dunk. as someone who managed a Finish Line & a Footlocker for ten + years, i saw my fair share of limited edition "school" shoes come and go. i always liked the UNC ones that they did in white and carolina blue w/ navy trim a little better than the other ones.

my favorite pair that i actually still have are replica's of the green and yellow forrest gumps that Steve Prefontaine made famous. i still have mine in the attic, unworn, wrapped in paper in the original box. not something i'd ever wear, but as a former track/x-country runner i had to have them.... :lol

[nhl123_2000]

Yea, I don't know if I will ever wear these. My goal is to get them signed by Roy and Tyler or someone (if possible the whole team - but I'm gonna wait until AFTER the season) and get a nice display case for them. It'd be a nice addition to my 2005 national championship team poster that is signed by everyone.

[UNC41]

That's exactly right. When I say mentally tough it means that the kid knows how to keep his cool (except for that one time red stuff was coming out of his nose last year). He is smart, he does all the basketball things. You're right, he'll take that charge, every time. Hansbrough wouldn't let his team lose 5 of 6, you're right. I just think he's a lot more mentally tough than Beasley is. Obviously I rooted for him during the year because he was the anchor of my fantasy lineup. But I just think there are a lot of things outside of his actual talent that he needs to work on. Of course, he'll be learning those things on the fly, playing for money. For better or for worse....

Don't be slighted about my endorsement of Gonzaga in the mid-major thread Bob. If Xavier was a choice I would have taken them in a heartbeat.

so what you're saying is that Beasley is playing like a NBA player while he's still in college? :lol

That's essentially what I said using 1/10th of the words.

[davehead86]

MWC. Sorry. :lol

U should watch the MVC, we are always strong and underrated in the NCAA.

[seekupig]

Don't be slighted about my endorsement of Gonzaga in the mid-major thread Bob. If Xavier was a choice I would have taken them in a heartbeat.



i think he felt more slighted that some of us actually took the time to mention them by name in a poll in which they weren't an option. we all know how Bob just loves that mid-major tag..... :lol :lol

[nhl123_2000]

Not sure if this has been posted yet - SI picked Tyler as NPOY. Nice!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/grant_wahl/03/04/march.madman0310/index.html?eref=si_writers

[willthethrill]

Well folks, I'm off to South America today, and won't get back for two weeks. You'll have to manage the Conference Tourney Pick'em without me. Here's to hoping I come back on the other side of two championships and a #1 seed in the East.

[nhl123_2000]

Have a good trip man. You know the heels will be looking strong.

[UNC41]

Well folks, I'm off to South America today, and won't get back for two weeks. You'll have to manage the Conference Tourney Pick'em without me. Here's to hoping I come back on the other side of two championships and a #1 seed in the East.

Have a blast Will. I'm going to figure out the fantasy results tonight, so they'll be waiting for you when you get back.

Also, I decided the other day that I am going to Chapel Hill for a game next year no matter what. You still going to be around then?

[nhl123_2000]

Anyway I can get in on some fantasy? Obviously for the tournament - we gonna have a Ants bracket or something?

[UNC41]

Yeah, we'll have an Ants bracket for the NCAA Tournament. We'll also have one for Conference Tournaments and possibly the NIT.

[nhl123_2000]

Awesome - not brining back the avatar yet? Did you check out those kicks above man?

[willthethrill]

Have a blast Will. I'm going to figure out the fantasy results tonight, so they'll be waiting for you when you get back.

Also, I decided the other day that I am going to Chapel Hill for a game next year no matter what. You still going to be around then?
I'm going to be around for the fall semester for sure, and hopefully the spring. I'm graduating a bit early, in December, but I hope to find a job in the Triangle and keep living on the Hill for another 6 months. Definitely hit me up if you come in.

[UNC41]

I've just been busy/lazy with the avatar. However, I am hesitant to change it if/until they lose.

The shoes were sweet. Lucky guy you are, lucky guy.

[HolyCow]

Bedlam tonight. I'm prepared to lose. Tough to win without your best player.

[clayj41]

Yeah, we'll have an Ants bracket for the NCAA Tournament. We'll also have one for Conference Tournaments and possibly the NIT.

:thumbsup Yeah I'll create a private tourney pool on ESPN like I have the last 3 years for all the regulars in this thread. Does anyone remember who won last year?

[SmoothD41]

:thumbsup Yeah I'll create a private tourney pool on ESPN like I have the last 3 years for all the regulars in this thread. Does anyone remember who won last year?

::raises hand::

::shines trophy::

[nhl123_2000]

Well I'll reveal a pick of mine. UNC all the way!

[clayj41]

::raises hand::

::shines trophy::

Nice, at least an Indiana guy won it. I won the very first year we did it...UNC over Illinois. :D

[smeritt]

Wait am I allowed in? I'm semi frequent

[UNC41]

If you are smart enough to know that the best colelge baskeball discussion on Ants is in here, rather than the ensuing March Madness thread that will pop up any day, you are good to go. So, I think you're good.

[UNLTrpt]

Yeah, we'll have an Ants bracket for the NCAA Tournament. We'll also have one for Conference Tournaments and possibly the NIT.

I'll do the NIT bracket. Cause if there's one thing Nebraska knows well, its the NIT.

[UNLTrpt]

Bedlam tonight. I'm prepared to lose. Tough to win without your best player.

That and OSU is white hot right now.

[snow1868]

Bedlam tonight. I'm prepared to lose. Tough to win without your best player.

Also tough to win when OSU is playing as well as they are right now, at home and on senior night. Should still be a hell of a game though. :thumbsup Go Cowboys!!

[GavMan33]

Don't be slighted about my endorsement of Gonzaga in the mid-major thread Bob. If Xavier was a choice I would have taken them in a heartbeat.

Look at this, guy being a suckup to the man. :lol Nah Bryan, I wouldn't want you to mention Xavier in a bullshit thread like that. I think Dustin could attest to that :lol

U should watch the MVC, we are always strong and underrated in the NCAA.

MVC or MWC? The Missouri Valley has been very well received by the NCAA ever since Southern Illinois and Creighton came on the scene several years ago. Even when Bradley made that run the the Sweet 16 a few years ago. Now the Mountain West, I'd say that's a conference that's underrated, what with teams like BYU and UNLV.

i think he felt more slighted that some of us actually took the time to mention them by name in a poll in which they weren't an option. we all know how Bob just loves that mid-major tag..... :lol :lol

This fuckin guy. Unbelievable. He sure knows how to bury himself in loads of shit doesn't he? :lol

Well folks, I'm off to South America today, and won't get back for two weeks. You'll have to manage the Conference Tourney Pick'em without me. Here's to hoping I come back on the other side of two championships and a #1 seed in the East.

Hey Will, even though you prolly won't see this. I didn't realize that you were leaving. Safe travels my man. Looking forward to seeing you again, hopefully with Xavier not in the Tar Heel region (although I definitely think that'd be a fun matchup.

Anyway I can get in on some fantasy? Obviously for the tournament - we gonna have a Ants bracket or something?

I don't know your name. But you'll have to speak with one of the big fellas around here about that. I'm just a visitor, I by no means mean anything in here. You've seen how they treat me with that "mid-major" bullshit. Hell, I even tried to take charge of the Top 25 poll one week when Bryan went MIA. But he came back and pulled that shit right out from under me. Yet a few weeks later, he gave the duties to Will for a week. I'm crying conspiracy against all of the non-Carolina people in here!

[GavMan33]

I've just been busy/lazy with the avatar. However, I am hesitant to change it if/until they lose.

The shoes were sweet. Lucky guy you are, lucky guy.

Bryan, good to hear you'll get down to Chapel Hill next year, that's a great hit for you. Chances you'll see Hansbrough?

::raises hand::

::shines trophy::

:thumbsup

Nice, at least an Indiana guy won it. I won the very first year we did it...UNC over Illinois. :D

Everybody and their mother had UNC over Illinois that year. I picked up something like $600 that year when I won my pool. The only Final Four team I missed is that douchebag Michigan St. team, man I hate those guys. I had them in the Final Four like a year or two before and they lost in the first weekend. In 05 they had an upstart Old Dominion team in the first round, and of course I picked ODU, so that region of my bracket was a shitshow (I'd be surprised if I was .500 in the region). But I was almost perfect everywhere else. Louisville that year was the best 4-seed in the history of college basketball :lol

[clayj41]

Everybody and their mother had UNC over Illinois that year.

Not the supposed experts in this thread. It was down to me and Brian (bdb23) who was a big Illini fan and picked them to beat UNC. We dominated everyone else. :D




BTW, NBA Mock Draft simulator is up on ESPN.com...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraft

[UNC41]

I'll do the NIT bracket. Cause if there's one thing Nebraska knows well, its the NIT.

:lol :lol :lol

That's classic right there.

I don't know your name. But you'll have to speak with one of the big fellas around here about that. I'm just a visitor, I by no means mean anything in here. You've seen how they treat me with that "mid-major" bullshit. Hell, I even tried to take charge of the Top 25 poll one week when Bryan went MIA. But he came back and pulled that shit right out from under me. Yet a few weeks later, he gave the duties to Will for a week. I'm crying conspiracy against all of the non-Carolina people in here!

Only seven people have more posts in this thread as you. Two of those are long gone. It's time to come to terms with the fact that you are a regular Bob. And you just had to play the Carolina card, didn't ya. :violent

Bryan, good to hear you'll get down to Chapel Hill next year, that's a great hit for you. Chances you'll see Hansbrough?

If the Heels win it all this year I could see Hansbrough going. If not, I am almost sure I'll see him play.

[unccrombie]

Not the supposed experts in this thread. It was down to me and Brian (bdb23) who was a big Illini fan and picked them to beat UNC. We dominated everyone else. :D




BTW, NBA Mock Draft simulator is up on ESPN.com...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraft
assuming they all go...which i doubt

[smeritt]

Everybody and their mother had UNC over Illinois that year. I picked up something like $600 that year when I won my pool. The only Final Four team I missed is that douchebag Michigan St. team, man I hate those guys. I had them in the Final Four like a year or two before and they lost in the first weekend. In 05 they had an upstart Old Dominion team in the first round, and of course I picked ODU, so that region of my bracket was a shitshow (I'd be surprised if I was .500 in the region). But I was almost perfect everywhere else. Louisville that year was the best 4-seed in the history of college basketball :lolWas that the year the Illini pulled it out over my wildcats and I almost threw a shoe through the television? That game was all arizona and they fucking blew it. God they cost me lots of dough

[smeritt]

Not the supposed experts in this thread. It was down to me and Brian (bdb23) who was a big Illini fan and picked them to beat UNC. We dominated everyone else. :D




BTW, NBA Mock Draft simulator is up on ESPN.com...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraftChase buddinger 14? Really? Jesus what a wasted pick. Either that or he wasted me watching him play streaky basketball for 2 years. And hopefully bayless stays. Please god Bayless stay.

[unccrombie]

Was that the year the Illini pulled it out over my wildcats and I almost threw a shoe through the television? That game was all arizona and they fucking blew it. God they cost me lots of dough
oh boy do i remember that one...fuckin mini Stoudamire

[smeritt]

oh boy do i remember that one...fuckin mini Stoudamire
i was like 14-15 all my friends downstairs being badasses drinking while the parents were gone while I'm upstairs screaming at the tv. If I remember correctly a foul was either called or not called that cost the fucking game. Grrrr bad memories

[nhl123_2000]

I don't think Ty is gonna go to the draft. At least at this point his draft stock can't be incredibly high and he seems a bit undersized for the NBA. I still love him though!

[clayj41]

I don't think Ty is gonna go to the draft. At least at this point his draft stock can't be incredibly high and he seems a bit undersized for the NBA. I still love him though!

I see him sticking around...his injury really affected his draft stock.

[kydmb99]

Kentucky up on USC 65-57 with about 2 minutes left....

Let's go CATS! :bounce

This would definitely get us back on the right side of the bubble IMO.

[smeritt]

Kentucky up on USC 65-57 with about 2 minutes left....

Let's go CATS! :bounce

This would definitely get us back on the right side of the bubble IMO.wait south carolina line or southern cal......

[kydmb99]

wait south carolina line or southern cal......

Carolina.

[JRod1229]

think about it...

[UNLTrpt]

:lol :lol :lol

That's classic right there.

Hey we won the damn thing in 96.

NIT Tournament appearances (14): 1967, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2006

NCAA Tournament appearances (6): 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998

No wins in the Dance in 6 appearances.

We know it.

[HolyCow]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! BEDLAM SWEEEEEEEP!


HUGE WIN! What a game for Tony Crocker. They aren't called the Chokes for nothing.

[JRod1229]

Shan Foster (Vandy) goes for 41 as Vandy beats Miss. St in OT. He hit a last second 3 to send in to overtime and then a last second three to win the game by one... what a badass...

side note: wish they had lost so UK would of been guaranteed 2nd in the SEC East

[JamesM]

This Baylor - Texas A&M game isn't getting out of control..........sike.

[darbini]

Damn Gators, had the Vols again but couldn't hold on. NIT is probably where they are bound only because they're strength of schedule isn't as good as MANY others. They have to win at Kentucky and at least make the SEC tournament finals in order to have a chance at making the NCAA tournament.

[UNC41]

“It’s at their place and it’s their Senior Night, and I want to ruin that.”
- Ty Lawson

[snow1868]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! BEDLAM SWEEEEEEEP!


HUGE WIN! What a game for Tony Crocker. They aren't called the Chokes for nothing.

Good win for the Sooners, they came to play and we didn't. Sooner d was amazing and Tony Crocker shot lights out. Good win for your boys.

Dammit Cowboys. :BANG

[seekupig]

Good win for the Sooners, they came to play and we didn't. Sooner d was amazing and Tony Crocker shot lights out. Good win for your boys.

Dammit Cowboys. :BANG

any slight chance that Oklahoma St. had of getting into the tourney went away last night..... and Oklahoma is pretty close to a lock now. a win in their final game or one win in the Big XII tourney should do it....

[RJ2kWJ]

Well here we go. Duke/UNC game 2 Saturday.

Im not gonna lie... Im worried. UNC is playing really well right now but who am I kidding? Its DUKE/UNC. No way this game isn't close and hopefully that coupled with us playing really well at home equals a win.

Ty was quoted yesterday saying "It's at their place, and it's their senior night and I want to ruin that". Would not want it any other way. The two best programs in the ACC playing for the regular season chamionship, possible #1 seed in the NCAA tourney and most of all, BRAGGING RIGHTS! :bounce

[seekupig]

Well here we go. Duke/UNC game 2 Saturday.

Im not gonna lie... Im worried. UNC is playing really well right now but who am I kidding? Its DUKE/UNC. No way this game isn't close and hopefully that coupled with us playing really well at home equals a win.

Ty was quoted yesterday saying "It's at their place, and it's their senior night and I want to ruin that". Would not want it any other way. The two best programs in the ACC playing for the regular season chamionship, possible #1 seed in the NCAA tourney and most of all, BRAGGING RIGHTS! :bounce

you have a mistake in your sig..... ;) :D

[RJ2kWJ]

you have a mistake in your sig..... ;) :D

I knew that was coming :lol Here ya go...

[snow1868]

any slight chance that Oklahoma St. had of getting into the tourney went away last night..... and Oklahoma is pretty close to a lock now. a win in their final game or one win in the Big XII tourney should do it....

Yep. That about sums it up. Hello NIT. Again. Maybe. :BANG

[seekupig]

I knew that was coming :lol Here ya go...

i responded to your question about that the other night, but it's been pretty busy in here lately so it would take me a while to find. :lol besides, one way or the other it will be a moot point by next week.

[seekupig]

the new ESPN Power 16 is up..... shows what a crazy tourney this is going to be. if you look at the indiviual ballots, they're all over the place. :lol

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/powerranking?season=2008&week=18&pollId=1

1. UNC
2. UCLA
3. Kansas
4. Memphis
5. Tennessee

[HolyCow]

Good win for the Sooners, they came to play and we didn't. Sooner d was amazing and Tony Crocker shot lights out. Good win for your boys.

Dammit Cowboys. :BANG
Good news is DMB is coming to OKC!

[snow1868]

Good news is DMB is coming to OKC!

No shit. I saw that you're in a delima though. I'm pulling for you getting to see the show.

[HolyCow]

No shit. I saw that you're in a delima though. I'm pulling for you getting to see the show.
Yeah. Freaking wedding. :lol

She's a big time fan just like me so I think she might be up for waiting a week on the honeymoon.

[smeritt]

“It’s at their place and it’s their Senior Night, and I want to ruin that.”
- Ty Lawson:thumbsup

[clayj41]

“It’s at their place and it’s their Senior Night, and I want to ruin that.”
- Ty Lawson

:cool :cool :cool

Ruin it like they did Redick's. :D

[nhl123_2000]

Despite all the hate for duke by us UNCers I must applaud them for providing counselors to UNC students during this incredibly difficult time. See the post in the 24um if you dont know what im talking about.

[clayj41]

Despite all the hate for duke by us UNCers I must applaud them for providing counselors to UNC students during this incredibly difficult time. See the post in the 24um if you dont know what im talking about.

Again, I feel for you Steve. :(

[GavMan33]

Greetings from Philadelphia. The quickest trip ever. I left Albany with my buddy after class, at noon today. Got down here at 4:15, the game is at 9. Leaving here at 7 for the game, the last at Alumni Fieldhouse as is, before construction starts to renovate it. Rumor is Jameer Nelson will be in the house, and Dr. Jack Ramsey. Then we have to go to Temple to pick up some dude we're driving home at midnight, wish me luck that I don't get dead. Then leaving tomorrow morning at 5am so I can get back for 10am class. God Bless.

#8 Xavier @ St. Joseph's, 9pm, ESPN

[JRod1229]

Damn Gators, had the Vols again but couldn't hold on. NIT is probably where they are bound only because they're strength of schedule isn't as good as MANY others. They have to win at Kentucky and at least make the SEC tournament finals in order to have a chance at making the NCAA tournament.

I hope you don't ruin our senior day... for us to win would be huge, and I hope, lock up our NCAA bid.. I just hope we win

[unccrombie]

Greetings from Philadelphia. The quickest trip ever. I left Albany with my buddy after class, at noon today. Got down here at 4:15, the game is at 9. Leaving here at 7 for the game, the last at Alumni Fieldhouse as is, before construction starts to renovate it. Rumor is Jameer Nelson will be in the house, and Dr. Jack Ramsey. Then we have to go to Temple to pick up some dude we're driving home at midnight, wish me luck that I don't get dead. Then leaving tomorrow morning at 5am so I can get back for 10am class. God Bless.

#8 Xavier @ St. Joseph's, 9pm, ESPN
:thumbsup enjoy

[SmoothD41]

Devin Ebanks, #2 SF and #13 overall player in class of 2008, has decommited from IU....thanks again, Kelvin. He was going to be another one and done, but still.

the hits just keep on coming :(.

[justinandimcool]

^ Damn.


Anyways, Clemson and UConn both looking unimpressive. Auditioning for an early round upset I see.

[unccrombie]

^ Damn.


Anyways, Clemson and UConn both looking unimpressive. Auditioning for an early round upset I see.
since when did clemson ever look impressive?

[justinandimcool]

since when did clemson ever look impressive?

Never. Don't put words in my mouth ;)

[UNC41]

Half an hour until UCLA tries to clinch the Pac 10 outright!!

[justinandimcool]

Half an hour until UCLA tries to clinch the Pac 10 outright!!

I'm hoping they won't, but as of last meeting, Love owns both of the twins down low. Look for Stanford to counter whatever inside attack UCLA tries to bring. I believe if Stanford is to lose, it's from the outside/opposing backcourt.

[kydmb99]

2 Observations from tonight....

1) Xavier is not the #11 team in the nation

2) Bruce Weber has destroyed Illinois

[SmoothG]

Arizona got a much needed win tonight. They might need one or two more wins to be a lock, but I think they should be alright with what they've got.

[UNC41]

I'm hoping they won't, but as of last meeting, Love owns both of the twins down low. Look for Stanford to counter whatever inside attack UCLA tries to bring. I believe if Stanford is to lose, it's from the outside/opposing backcourt.

I didn't see the first game, but I love the Lopez twins, especially Robin, defensively down low. It should be a great battle.

[justinandimcool]

I'm not sure what happened, but the first 4 minutes have been the best I've seen Stanford play all year. Execute like that for 40 minutes, oh man. Brook is so smooth.

[justinandimcool]

Brook trying to do much by himself down low. Guards have to step it up and run the offense if they want to succeed. The Lopez's strive in a system, not in a one-on-one post up situation.

[UNC41]

Brook needs to start passing out right when the double comes and then establish position lower in the post. UCLA is doubling way too fast for him to put the ball on the floor like he's trying to do.

[justinandimcool]

Brook needs to start passing out right when the double comes and then establish position lower in the post. UCLA is doubling way too fast for him to put the ball on the floor like he's trying to do.
:thumbsup. It's not like he doesn't have any guys to pass to. I'm pleased by the development of Mitch Johnson. I never saw him as a starter but he's holding his own. Taj Finger and Field I've always liked. This team needs to just keep working together, because the talent is literally right there. They've got good guys that can not only play but are willing to work and be successful.

What I'm most pleased with is the defense. What a great job eh? I'm not sure what's up with UCLA. Just sloppy play overall I guess.

[clayj41]

Devin Ebanks, #2 SF and #13 overall player in class of 2008, has decommited from IU....thanks again, Kelvin. He was going to be another one and done, but still.

the hits just keep on coming :(.

:thumbsup As an alumni I am extremely disappointed.:(

[smeritt]

God Arizona is so much better with Nic Wise, he comes out in the first half and scores 12 points. Such a difference maker.

[justinandimcool]

Me: YES! YES! YES! NO! :lorraine

I hate UCLA.

What a game.

[justinandimcool]

Words cannot express my anger and hatred in seeing UCLA fans happy. I fucking hate them.

Fucking Stanford, can't play down the stretch. This is why many people have them out in the second round. Can't play consistent defense, no hustle, their guards make terrible decisions after what was a promising first half. Shit fuck bitch what a terrible thing to witness. Happy UCLA fans, Stanford just sitting there taking it, they had no 5th gear when it really mattered. Fucking shit. I hope they both perish early in the tournament.

[HolyCow]

Boy Bob, you called that St. Joe's loss.

[seekupig]

God Arizona is so much better with Nic Wise, he comes out in the first half and scores 12 points. Such a difference maker.

:thumbsup

they're definately a better team with him, no doubt about it. playing Oregon St. (6-23, 0-17) probably didn't hurt either.....

[UNC41]

Words cannot express my anger and hatred in seeing UCLA fans happy. I fucking hate them.

Fucking Stanford, can't play down the stretch. This is why many people have them out in the second round. Can't play consistent defense, no hustle, their guards make terrible decisions after what was a promising first half. Shit fuck bitch what a terrible thing to witness. Happy UCLA fans, Stanford just sitting there taking it, they had no 5th gear when it really mattered. Fucking shit. I hope they both perish early in the tournament.

Stanford definitely stalled late in the game, but they got completely jobbed when Collision went to the line with two seconds left. That was as clean of a block as you can get.

[seekupig]

Stanford definitely stalled late in the game, but they got completely jobbed when Collision went to the line with two seconds left. That was as clean of a block as you can get.

:thumbsup i just saw it for the first time...... terrible call. the defender goes straigt up in the air and gets all ball. the incidental body contact should be a no-call at worst if the offensive player initiates the contact and the defender stays straight up.


http://youtube.com/watch?v=iQucR0hGSV8

[SmoothG]

:thumbsup

they're definately a better team with him, no doubt about it. playing Oregon St. (6-23, 0-17) probably didn't hurt either.....

Obviously Oregon State is one of the worst teams in any major conference. But Arizona is a different team when Nic Wise plays. Bayless doesn't have to play point which opens him up more. Frees up Budinger as well. Jordan Hill gets a lot better. And we also had Breilmaier back for a little bit who is just another big body to help Hill. When healthy the Wildcats are a good team. 15-4 with Bayless and Wise, and 3-8 when one of them is injured.

"The committee of players who started in his absence — Jamelle Horne, Daniel Dillon and Fendi Onobun — scored a mere 14 points in those seven games.
They played a composite 196 minutes, or 28 per game, and shot a cumulative 22 percent from the field. That's preposterous.
In seven games, the committee of starters replacing Wise made — total — four field goals. The high point production from any Wise-replacement in those games was four points."

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/wildcats/228610

[seekupig]

Obviously Oregon State is one of the worst teams in any major conference. But Arizona is a different team when Nic Wise plays. Bayless doesn't have to play point which opens him up more. Frees up Budinger as well. Jordan Hill gets a lot better. And we also had Breilmaier back for a little bit who is just another big body to help Hill. When healthy the Wildcats are a good team. 15-4 with Bayless and Wise, and 3-8 when one of them is injured.

"The committee of players who started in his absence — Jamelle Horne, Daniel Dillon and Fendi Onobun — scored a mere 14 points in those seven games.
They played a composite 196 minutes, or 28 per game, and shot a cumulative 22 percent from the field. That's preposterous.
In seven games, the committee of starters replacing Wise made — total — four field goals. The high point production from any Wise-replacement in those games was four points."

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/wildcats/228610

so we agree...... Arizona is a much better team with him in the lineup.

[SmoothG]

so we agree...... Arizona is a much better team with him in the lineup.

Yeah...I was just helping out with some statistics because it could be seen that they only played better because Oregon State is awful.

[41ravens]

zona will be fine. i think they'll win at oregon and then surprise some people in the pac-10 tourney. they lost in OT to kansas, and have two point losses to both stanford and ucla. and like smooth said, they're 15-4 when bayless and wise are both in the lineup. the committee looks at stuff like that. add to that their #1 sos and in the 20's for rpi. i don't think they're as much on the bubble as people think they are.

[UNC41]

Arizona is one of the 20 best teams in the country when healthy. The problem is they have so little depth that odds are it is going to catch up to them this month. I would hate to see them as a No. 1 or 2 seed in the second round. However, with so little depth an injury here or foul trouble there in any game could easily derail them.

[seekupig]

zona will be fine. i think they'll win at oregon and then surprise some people in the pac-10 tourney. they lost in OT to kansas, and have two point losses to both stanford and ucla. and like smooth said, they're 15-4 when bayless and wise are both in the lineup. the committee looks at stuff like that. add to that their #1 sos and in the 20's for rpi. i don't think they're as much on the bubble as people think they are.

why is it that every time that game is brought up, it isn't mentioned that Arizona was the healthy team at full strength while KU was hurting pretty badly? Sherron Collins was out with a foot injury and Brandon Rush had just come back from ACL surgery and wasn't close to full strength. not that i care, a win is a win..... just curious how injuries only seem to go one way when discussing a teams performance.

[41ravens]

why is it that every time that game is brought up, it isn't mentioned that Arizona was the healthy team at full strength while KU was hurting pretty badly? Sherron Collins was out with a foot injury and Brandon Rush had just come back from ACL surgery and wasn't close to full strength. not that i care, a win is a win..... just curious how injuries only seem to go one way when discussing a teams performance.

the big thing for me with that game is that it was @ kansas. and even with the injuries, kansas was still the far superior team. and you know damn well that had zona pulled it out, it would be right at the top of their resume.

[seekupig]

the big thing for me with that game is that it was @ kansas. and even with the injuries, kansas was still the far superior team. and you know damn well that had zona pulled it out, it would be right at the top of their resume.

oh, i agree completely. it's just a bit strange that if a team has losses while not at full strength, the committee takes that into consideration. but you rarely hear about a team that has big wins against a top notch team that wasn't at full strength. and that doesn't apply to the KU game, because they ended up winning, but like you said "had they pulled it out, it would be right at the top of their resume." the Kansas team that squeaked that game out isn't close to the team that they are now.

[seekupig]

the SportsNation poll on ESPN had a vote this morning on who would win the UNC @ Duke game tomorrow night..... the results.....

UNC - 49 states
Duke - 1 state (Alaska)

i guess they still have love for Langdon and Boozer..... :lol

[nhl123_2000]

I've heard UNC will have something on their jerseys for Eve and a moment of silence before the game. hope the heels play through a very tough time here in CH.

Seen a few Duke Facebook groups dedicated to Eve - nice to see people can see past basketball sometimes.

[RJ2kWJ]

the SportsNation poll on ESPN had a vote this morning on who would win the UNC @ Duke game tomorrow night..... the results.....

UNC - 49 states
Duke - 1 state (Alaska)

i guess they still have love for Langdon and Boozer..... :lol

Hopefully we prove 'em all wrong. I just found new love for Alaska. :lol

32 hours!!! :bounce

[RJ2kWJ]

I know there are only a couple Dukies on here... But there is a live chat on ESPN right now with Jon Scheyer. Maybe even the UNC fans on here want to ask him something, or call him a homo, whichever you prefer.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=19608

[seekupig]

I know there are only a couple Dukies on here... But there is a live chat on ESPN right now with Jon Scheyer. Maybe even the UNC fans on here want to ask him something, or call him a homo, whichever you prefer.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=19608

or ask him about this....


http://scheyerface.com/

[HolyCow]

Is it just me or does it seem like refs have blown calls and taken over games inside 20 seconds a lot more than usual this year?

[RJ2kWJ]

Is it just me or does it seem like refs have blown calls and taken over games inside 20 seconds a lot more than usual this year?


Completely Agree. I am so sick of these fat head refs thinking the fans want to see them in action.

[seekupig]

Completely Agree. I am so sick of these fat head refs thinking the fans want to see them in action.

as the saying goes.... "the best ref is the one that you don't notice."

as Royce said, this year more than any i can remember we're spending more time talking about a game changing call with under ten seconds to go that decides a game than we are talking about the game itself. a few that come to mind without searching..... UCLA/Stanford, Georgetown/'Nova, NC State/'Nova and NC State/Duke.

[seekupig]

in happier news, Oklahoma looks to be a lock to make the tourney now....

in unhappier news, Blake Griffin is being projected as a first round pick on a few different sites that i've seen. his injuries may keep him around for another year as happened to Brandon Rush last year....

[seekupig]

new bracketology is out.....
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

KU still a #2, but moved to the South Region...

potential 2nd round matchup with #10 Kentucky for the 2nd year in a row...

[HolyCow]

in happier news, Oklahoma looks to be a lock to make the tourney now....

in unhappier news, Blake Griffin is being projected as a first round pick on a few different sites that i've seen. his injuries may keep him around for another year as happened to Brandon Rush last year....
Oh I think it's a certainty that Blake stays at least one more year. He loves playing with his brother and money is not an issue for his family.

[HolyCow]

as the saying goes.... "the best ref is the one that you don't notice."

as Royce said, this year more than any i can remember we're spending more time talking about a game changing call with under ten seconds to go that decides a game than we are talking about the game itself. a few that come to mind without searching..... UCLA/Stanford, Georgetown/'Nova, NC State/'Nova and NC State/Duke.
Don't forget Georgetown/Marquette. There were some questionable calls that went G-Town's way there.

[41ravens]

if we're making a list, throw on the last stanford/arizona game. that block was clean, damn it! i hate the lopez twins.

[JRod1229]

new bracketology is out.....
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

KU still a #2, but moved to the South Region...

potential 2nd round matchup with #10 Kentucky for the 2nd year in a row...

would much rather us get a 12 seed honestly... figure we can upset a 12 and then have a chance... but a 10 seed makes us play a 2 if we win our next game... and Kansas is prob out of our league w/o Patterson

[GavMan33]

would much rather us get a 12 seed honestly... figure we can upset a 12 and then have a chance... but a 10 seed makes us play a 2 if we win our next game... and Kansas is prob out of our league w/o Patterson

Ehh. I don't think you have to worry about that. A lot of things have to happen for that exact scenario to happen where you get the 10-seed in Kansas's pod in Omaha. You're right though. That 12-seed is never a bad place to be....

I'm exhausted. Somebody decided it was a good idea to go out to the bar after the X/St. Joe's game last night, so we were there till we got kicked out at 2:30, were up at 4:45 and on the road at 5. Quick trip for sure. To answer two people, I think one was the guy that likes Kentucky (I'm sorry I don't know your name, not the guy I quoted, someone else :lol ).

Yeah, I don't know if Xavier is the 11th-ranked team in the country. It really doesn't matter to me. We'll have a good seed in the field of 65, and we're a good ballclub. If you're a good ballclub, and you take care of your business, you'll win games in the NCAAs, which should answer some questions. I will say this though. I would challenge a squad like Kentucky, or any of those other bigtimers, to go to the Fieldhouse and play those guys. You guys say well yeah, but it's St. Joseph's. Yeah, well, I would extend that challenge to most programs in the country. They won't make it easy for you, I promise it won't be a cakewalk.....

I think it was Royce who said about calling the St. Joe's loss. Like I just said, it's just such a difficult place to play. I'm up there, sweat dripping down my face, and I'm just standing. The place is just so damn hot, it's tight, everything's right on top of you. And quite honestly, it gives you an idea of what it used to be like. The way college basketball used to be played, before any of us were around.

Again, I'll use Xavier, with our gorgeous built-in-2000 Cintas Center, practice facility, 10,250 seats, etc. etc. UK has their own separate practice facility, as I'm sure many other schools do. Nice gorgeous locker rooms, coaches rooms, etc. Any of you ever been to the old Boston Garden? I went once when I was very young, don't really remember it, but I wish I did. That place was old, and hot, and just a real shitty place for a visiting team to come in and play. That's how basketball used to be; you had those crazy Boston Irish people coming in off the street in their tanktops and whatnot, ready to go.

I have a real reverence for that stuff, and that's what's gonna be different about the Fieldhouse when it reopens in 2009-2010. The place as is is just lightyears behind where it should be, so it has to be updated, I know. But it'll be missing something....

[JRod1229]

haha... UNC fan in the front row at the pregame for Duke, wonder how those spoiled kids let that happen... man I hate Duke...

[UNC41]

Jackie Manuel!!!!!!!!!!

[JRod1229]

haha... even I have to respect that clip... even though the guy is prob some douchebag wall street guy who watches and tries to re-live American Psycho everyday

[UNC41]

It said he's a pastor in the clip.

HUGE shot. Hopefully it's one of few for the dookies today.

[unccrombie]

so i skipped going to my new apt today so i could watch the game. mind you theres a storm all along the east coast that stopped me, but hey, its a good excuse :)

[GavMan33]

First time I've seen Kenny George play this year, it's funny to watch him....

Not gonna go down to the MAAC today, the games are on tv. I can stay here and get some work done for my classes. You can bet I'll be down there tomorrow, especially if Siena and Rider are still in it....

[unccrombie]

new bracketology is out.....
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

KU still a #2, but moved to the South Region...

potential 2nd round matchup with #10 Kentucky for the 2nd year in a row...
i really dont believe ucla is better than kansas

[GavMan33]

i really dont believe ucla is better than kansas

I haven't really gotten to watch UCLA, save their game against George Washington, but that seems like a year and a half ago. But I know Kansas is damn good :thumbsup

[unccrombie]

I haven't really gotten to watch UCLA, save their game against George Washington, but that seems like a year and a half ago. But I know Kansas is damn good :thumbsup
it seems to me that UCLA seems to pull of wins only because other teams choke and they just capitalize. granted that's ok sometimes but it seems to happen to them a great deal. i don't know why

[UNC41]

After watching how fast and effectively UCLA doubled Brook Lopez in the first half on Thursday I am beginning to think they might be the toughest matchup for UNC.

[JRod1229]

Jay Bilas... what a cock.,.. he still hates Kentucky... I may be wrong, but isn't it some sort of a feel good story when your team starts 6-7, new coach, tons of injuries, and manages to fight back and be in contention for a seed... dbag

[UNC41]

Bilas is the best college basketball analyst there is.

[GavMan33]

Bilas is the best college basketball analyst there is.

Can you imagine Gus Johnson and Jay Bilas calling a game together? I would laugh so hard, there's no way those two could coexist. I'm getting really fond of Hubert Davis; not that he's anywhere on par with the guys that've been doing this for years. But I think since he started a few years ago, he's become very good, and I like his humor and "excitedness" to call the game.

And of course we all remember last year on the ESPN Selection Show when he shit all over Xavier for the first like 30 minutes of the show. Questioning our seed, and questioning our inclusion in the tournament at all. We were a 9-seed Jay, we were comfortably in, and should have been, and I think proved it as well. Are you telling me 12th-seeded Illinois, who we beat during the regular season, deserved to be in more than Xavier? How about 11th-seeded Stanford, who proved how much they didn't deserve it by losing to Louisville by about 90? It really does pain me.

All that said, I still hold true that a loss @ Alumni Fieldhouse is going to hurt us a lot more than it should. The fact is, Coach Miller didn't spend much time talking to his team about it afterward, nor should he have. We knew very well what we were getting ourselves into; we fought at the end, and didn't have enough. But if you lose going out fighting on your own terms, how can you be upset about that?

I'm still saying that we're a lot closer to a 4-seed than we are to a 2-seed. Is it right? I don't think so, but it's hard to judge things like that, especially when the selection committee looks at what could be a 28 or 29-win team going into the NCAAs, but seeing what they consider a big black eye when they see the words Atlantic 10 at the top of it. We'll see what happens in 8 days.

I think there's a cap of 3 teams from the A-10 getting in, but it could be as little as 1 team. UMass has choked before in the A-10 Tourney, losing as a high seed in the Quarters. At this point, the only at-large hopefuls are UMass and St. Joe's, along with Xavier.

It's going to be very difficult for St. Joe's; they still need to win @ Dayton tomorrow, then hope 10-6 in the A-10 is good enough for that 2 or 3-seed (Temple is currently in the 2-spot), to stay out of Xavier's side of the bracket. Then they need to get to the A-10 final, and lose a close one to Xavier.

[unccrombie]

Jay Bilas... what a cock.,.. he still hates Kentucky... I may be wrong, but isn't it some sort of a feel good story when your team starts 6-7, new coach, tons of injuries, and manages to fight back and be in contention for a seed... dbag
i bet he still hates unc too :rolleyes

[unccrombie]

USC is pounding stanford right now...

[justinandimcool]

Thoughts:

Winthrop looks like a solid defensive team, with that Jenkins guy leading the way, I'd give em an outside shot for an upset, but not a significant threat. Matchups will be a major indicator of course. The smaller the opponent, the better chance they have.

GU/Louisville- great game, especially defensively. Louisville hasn't proven they can play down the stretch, where the Hoyas win another close one. I say GU wins the Big East Tourney and goes a round further than the Cardinals. They're both loaded, but to me Georgetown is more complete, more experienced, and better overall.


Nice start for USC, Stanford cut it down which is expected. Gotta keep fronting the big guys, especially Robin. Hustle is key as well, which at this point (9:00 left in the 1st) disappeared. They've got to hit the open shots, since they're actually moving the ball well today.

[bubba40]

What a game!

[JRod1229]

i've gotta root for stanford... no more bubble teams

[kydmb99]

i've gotta root for stanford... no more bubble teams

I don't think USC is a bubble team.

[GavMan33]

Very rough weather in the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky region the last couple of days. Cincinnati doesn't know how to handle snow, so the 8-10 inches that has fallen there has really crippled the city. Dayton is currently playing their game. Xavier has said that Richmond is in town, and they will play their game tonight at 7. However the University of Cincinnati, who is supposed to be playing @ UConn today, is stuck at the airport in Cincinnati, and still hasn't been able to leave. UConn has rescheduled the game for tomorrow evening, when hopefully UC will be in Storrs late tonight....

[GavMan33]

I don't think USC is a bubble team.

I think you're right :thumbsup

[JRod1229]

they say they aren't which surprises me... 19-10? what is impressive about that..

[kydmb99]

they say they aren't which surprises me... 19-10? what is impressive about that..

Well, 19-10 is a pretty decent record IMO...

Top 25 SOS, 10-7 in the toughest conference in the nation, signature win over UCLA, about to beat Stanford, several quality wins over Top 50 teams... They aren't an elite team but definitely deserve to be in the tournament IMO...

[clayj41]

That UCLA loss was really demoralizing for Stanford, not that USC is a slouch or anything.

[kydmb99]

Alright guys, just curious as to your thoughts on some of the bubble teams.... If you're the NCAA Selection Committee, do you let these teams (plus other teams I may leave out) in the tournament?

* NOTE - This doesn't reflect much of what has happened today... Haven't been able to follow much so far.

ACC
Virginia Tech - Out. However, with one more ACC win, they get to 19 wins overall and 10 wins in the conference... One of those teams that's out but could easily play itself in.

Maryland - Out. Blowing a twenty point lead to Clemson at home was pathetic. This team is just too inconsistent for me to put in right now, and just 8 wins in the conference and a sub-60 RPI. Need an impressive performance in the ACC tourney, but are capable of doing it.

Big East
West Virginia - IN. 10 wins in the Big East, 20 wins overall, top 40 RPI, crushed Pitt... Solid team. I think they deserve to be in.

Syracuse - Out. Must beat Marquette to have any prayer, then at least 2 in the Big East tourney. Lot of talent on this team but they just can not put it together. Don't think they deserve to be in.

Villanova - Out. MUST win and Providence to have any chance, get to 9-9 in conference. If they get to conference title game, they have a chance, but probably need to win it to get in. This team has fought hard though.

Big Ten
Ohio State - Out. Big win over Purdue but 1-9 against Top 50 is pathetic. If they beat Michigan State and win 2 games in Big Ten tourney, I'd probably let them in though. SOS in top 25 and winning record in Big 10 help.

Big 12
Oklahoma - IN. Big in-conference wins lately. Top 25 RPI. However, injury to Griffin is not a good thing. But I think this team is solid and with winning record in Big 12 and winning games down the stretch deserve to be in.

Baylor - IN. This is tough though. Epitome of a bubble team. Loss to A&M really hurt this team IMO. Top 40 RPI, big win over Notre Dame. In as of now, but don't lose to TX Tech. Win that game and they are in and deservedly so IMO... Great story by the way.

Texas A&M - IN. Have played absolutely pathetic down the stretch but big win over Baylor probably sealed it. 21-8 overall, top 50 RPI are solid, but if this team loses to KU, then gets bounced in first round of Big 12 tourney, they're squarely back on the bubble IMO... Win over Texas is good.

Kansas State - IN. Have struggled some down the stretch but win over Colorado was big and I think they're in. 9-10 wins in Big 12, top 50 RPI, and let's be honest, they got screwed last year. I think they get in.

Pac-10
Oregon - Out. Big win over ASU but they basically need to win out to get in. Struggled mightily during heart of the season and it's going to take a lot of wins to get over that... but it is possible. Longshot to get in though IMO. RPI of 57 hurts and just 1-7 vs. top 4 teams in PAC-10 isn't going to get it done.

Arizona State - Out. Loss to Oregon was bad. Neither RPI not SOS is in top 60 and they seem to be fading a bit. They are in much the same shape as Oregon.. Only decent non-conference win was Xavier.

SEC
Arkansas - IN. VERY close, but I think with the win over Vanderbilt, this team probably played it's way in. Loss to Ole Miss didn't help though, and this team has struggled some down the stretch. Need to win 1-2 games in SEC tournament. Still could very easily be left out on Selection Sunday, top 40 RPI and SOS help.

Ole Miss - Out. Started off brilliantly but faded badly during play in a weakened SEC. 7-9 (If they win their last game) in the SEC just isn't going to get it done. They need to win their last game and advance to SEC title game to be legit contender IMO. However, 6-3 against top 50 is great... But I think terrible conference play is going to kill this team.

Kentucky - IN. Close call, but as of now, with 11 wins in the SEC, wins over Tennessee and Vanderbilt, and 10 of their last 12, I think UK makes it. RPI is top 50, top 15 SOS help. 4-7 against top 50 isn't great, but doesn't kill them. If they beat Florida, they're in for sure. If they lose, they MUST win at least 1, probably 2, in SECT to be safe. Win over Florida would give another top 100 win, plus 12 wins in SEC.... That will get them in for sure. Injury to Patterson hurts though and this team is far from a lock.

Florida - Out. RPI and SOS outside of top 60, just 8 SEC wins thus far, virtually no quality wins. Best non-conference win was Temple... yeah, that tells you something. However, with win over Kentucky, they could get to 9 SEC wins and get a top 50 win and be back in contention. Florida/Kentucky game Sunday is basically a play-in game.

These are basically just the high-major programs on the bubble that I saw... Feel free to add others.

[unccrombie]

Well, 19-10 is a pretty decent record IMO...

Top 25 SOS, 10-7 in the toughest conference in the nation, signature win over UCLA, about to beat Stanford, several quality wins over Top 50 teams... They aren't an elite team but definitely deserve to be in the tournament IMO...
mhm, more so than miami/maryland :lol

[SmoothD41]

Bilas is the best college basketball analyst there is.

truth.

[kydmb99]

mhm, more so than miami/maryland :lol

Miami is in. Maryland, they don't have as good a resume as either Miami or USC.

[unccrombie]

ucla really sickens me

[unccrombie]

Miami is in. Maryland, they don't have as good a resume as either Miami or USC.
my point was they were a bubble team though

[justinandimcool]

WHAT THE FINGER FUCK WAS THAT SHIT.

Heartbreak city.


I. FUCKING. HATE. UCLA.

[smeritt]

such parody in the Pac-10 and such bullshit shit at FUCLA. Refs gave them two wins. What a joke

[JRod1229]

Jay Bilas says UAB deserves to be in over UK... I think UAB really proved that today

[unccrombie]

Jay Bilas says UAB deserves to be in over UK... I think UAB really proved that today
when did he say that? on gameday? i find that hard to believe, seeing as UAB doesnt have an marquee wins. though they did beat UK ;)

[JRod1229]

yea he said it on gameday... shit Gardner Webb beat us... and San Diego St... our early season victories (or lack their of) isn't what is getting us into the tourney... it's our hopeful 11-4 record since...

[penn darvis]

As far as the fUCLA game goes, the only thing that needs to be said is:

Rule 7, Section 1, Art. 3: The ball shall be out of bounds when it passes over the backboard from any direction.

UCLA lost.

[unccrombie]

As far as the fUCLA game goes, the only thing that needs to be said is:

Rule 7, Section 1, Art. 3: The ball shall be out of bounds when it passes over the backboard from any direction.

UCLA lost.
yeah, but it kinda went over the corner

[justinandimcool]

"So far, I'll be returning," Mayo said with a smile one day after declining comment on the future.




I think he should go, and I think he will go. But dammit, if he stays, that would be the most awesome thing ever.


Great, great win against Stanford. Cardinal showing way too much vulnerability and inconsistency. I had them as a potential Final Four team, but as of now I'm questioning their Sweet Sixteen status. It'll be interesting. As for USC, it really feels like it's coming together. I've never seen Taj Gibson more focused, guys are feeling more comfortable running the offense, and OJ's playing his best ball of the year.


Aside from that horrid UCLA game, this is such a great day for basketball. Syracuse puts itself back in contention, as did Arizona State. Kansas and Georgetown pull off big wins. Winthrop, Austin Peay, and Belmont get their well-deserved bids. I love championship week so much.

[davehead86]

Drake vs. Illinois State University in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship game tomorrow on CBS at 1pm. I guarentee this will be a great game to watch. ISU came close to upsetting Drake twice this year and is due for the win against the overrated Drake team.

[penn darvis]

yeah, but it kinda went over the corner
Doesn't matter. It went over a portion of the backboard.

Not to mention Anderson was fouled, the ball went off UCLA, and after the shot, a UCLA player punched the ball which is illegal:
"Rule 9, Section 6, Art. 1: A player shall not travel or run with the ball, intentionally kick it, strike it with the fist or cause it to enter and pass through the basket from below."

I really can't believe how bad Pac 10 officiating is.

[unccrombie]

Doesn't matter. It went over a portion of the backboard.

Not to mention Anderson was fouled, the ball went off UCLA, and after the shot, a UCLA player punched the ball which is illegal:
"Rule 9, Section 6, Art. 1: A player shall not travel or run with the ball, intentionally kick it, strike it with the fist or cause it to enter and pass through the basket from below."

I really can't believe how bad Pac 10 officiating is.
that i did not know, interesting

[unccrombie]

they just said the head pac-10 guy endorsed the shot, so i don't know what to tell you

[JRod1229]

of course he's not gonna leave his refs out to hang... doesn't mean it still wasn't a shitty ref job

[unccrombie]

of course he's not gonna leave his refs out to hang... doesn't mean it still wasn't a shitty ref job
the nba and nfl do...

[thestand]

Man, it's just hitting me. This is the last time I'm going to have to watch Oregon on TV. 9 months until I'm in the Pit Crew. :lol Mac Court, muh fugs.

[JRod1229]

finally Vitale back on the UK bandwagon...

[thestand]

That's what you get when you try to play Oregon's pace: Buddinger just puked on court. :lol

[unccrombie]

That's what you get when you try to play Oregon's pace: Buddinger just puked on court. :lol
for real? :lol i wanna see a SC clip of that

[thestand]

The coverage was great. The camera guy just randomly whipped the camera away, and the play-by-play guy goes, "'Zona coach needs a time out. Buddinger just... gave up. I'll say that. Buddinger is... yeah, he's out."

:lol

[SmoothG]

So...what's the story with Budiner?? Is he out permanently? That would not be good! Bear Down Arizona!

[41ravens]

since we're bashing pac-10 officiating, if anyone else is watching the zona/oregon game, that third foul on bayless was bullshit. the dude was mugging his ass and then wouldn't let bayless get up off the ground. so what's the call? double foul. nicely done, ref.

[41ravens]

So...what's the story with Budiner?? Is he out permanently? That would not be good! Bear Down Arizona!

no, he's fine. i didn't even see the puking. i'll have to check that out later.

[SmoothG]

no, he's fine. i didn't even see the puking. i'll have to check that out later.

Thanks. Can you keep me posted with an update every now and then? I can check the score every now and then, but a little update would be much appreciated!

[41ravens]

Thanks. Can you keep me posted with an update every now and then? I can check the score every now and then, but a little update would be much appreciated!

sure, i can try.

[unccrombie]

since we're bashing pac-10 officiating, if anyone else is watching the zona/oregon game, that third foul on bayless was bullshit. the dude was mugging his ass and then wouldn't let bayless get up off the ground. so what's the call? double foul. nicely done, ref.
its not on any of the espn's on the east coast sadly

[unccrombie]

oh i found it, fsny, sneaky

[41ravens]

its not on any of the espn's on the east coast sadly

it's on fox sports net here. don't know if you get that channel or not.

edit: nevermind, just see that you found it.

[unccrombie]

it's on fox sports net here. don't know if you get that channel or not.

edit: nevermind, just see that you found it.
yeah, im back home, and i forget on digital cable its higher up after all t