We have now moved to the AL Central, a division that I feel will be up and down, with three teams battling all year. Let's get it.
1. Minnesota Twins- KEY ACQ: 2B Orlando Hudson, SS JJ Hardy I LIKE: Francisco Lirano- Everything that I am hearing about him has been fantastic. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a huge year like he did a couple years back. I HATE: Closer by Committee- Honestly, there isn't a guy on the Twins I hate but I do not like Gardy's idea of going with CbC because it never seems to work, trust me Ned Yost tried a couple times leading to epic fails. PREDICTION: The Twins will win because I think they have a good nucleus of good players and they have enough starting pitching to win the average AL Central. I do not expect the Twins to make any noise in the postseason unless they get a closer.
2. Chicago White Sox- KEY ACQ: DH Andruw Jones 3B Mark Teahan I LIKE: Gordon Beckham- Most people would know that Becks is a big time prospect and with his feet offically wet in the big leagues could lead to a big year. I HATE: Jake Peavy- I think this was a horrible trade to begin with, injury prone plus NL to AL is not a positive sign, and to add he pitched in a very friendly pitchers' park. PREDICTION: If Peavy doesn't disappoint, the Sox have four go-to-guys that can win games and that will propel them in some ways. But I do not feel that their offense has enough to do it.
3. Detroit Tigers- KEY ACQ: OF Johnny Damon OF Austin Jackson RP Jose Valverde I LIKE: Rick Porcello- I believe he is 21, and last year I saw a ton of promise from him, I expect him to continue to grow and be in the convo for Cy Young. I HATE: Valverde/Damon- I think this was horrible offseason for the Tigers, I think both of their big guns will do little for them... Damon was awesome at a left-handed friendly Yankee Stadium and Valverde never pitched in the American League, which scares me. PREDICTION: They could contend for the AL Central title, but I think relying on Dontrelle Willis and Max Schrezer to carry your staff at certain points worries me.
4. Kansas City Royals- KEY ACQ: C Jason Kendall (yikes!) OF Scot Posednik OF Rick Ankiel SS Yuniesky Betancourt I LIKE: Billy Butler- He seems to be coming into his own as a hitter and I like the chances of him having a great season. I HATE: Trey Hillman batting Kendall second- Are you kidding me?! I would be so disappointed if I was a Royal fan. That is atrocious and a running joke for the first two months. PREDICTION: Zach Greinke will gain some victories for this team and they have a promising young staff that will probably earn some wins as well. It will all depend if the Royals are able to hit the baseball. Also watch for Joakim Soria to probably be on the move.
5. Cleveland Indians- KEY ACQ: OF LeBron James... oops actually they acquired practically no one. I LIKE: Fausto Carmona- Everything that I have read out of Spring Training says that he will have a big year for the Indians like he did 2008. I think he will be a small glimmer for the Indians this year. I HATE: Travis Hafner- He hasn't done anything in about two years and now just seems like a DH who probably will not withstand the entire season. PREDICTION: It could be an ugly one for the Indians comparable to the early Major League team and I could see Grady Sizemore on the move come July.
-Charlie.
The New Logo
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
800th Post
Celebrating the 800 post on the Corner. I never really thought about writing a blog for this long, I figured I would get bored and move on to greener pastures. I do not know really know what's coming next for the blog, I would just ask you keep reading for daily takes on various things among sports.
I will say this about my blog, if you are expecting up-to-the-minute updates about everything that is happening in sports, well that isn't happening. I do not have the time or the will power to do that, what I do have is opinions and I would like to give them on as many things as possible. This week I believe we will just cover the beginning of Major League Baseball with Final Four Predictions on Saturday. I toyed with doing something about Donovan McNabb, crisis mode in Pittsburgh, and the Steve Lavin hiring at St. John's but to me none of that stuff is truly important to spend time on until it becomes concrete in the case of the first two. I don't want to write about what if's, rather the impact once something goes down.
I contacted a guy about web design, so we might see some mega changes on the blog. The one thing this blog hasn't had is stability with different things I have tried.... Top 5, Man of the Week, Links, and Interviews. I would love to bring back MOW and Top 5 every week if I can starting next weekend. Any other suggestions, feel free to comment or email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
-Charlie.
I will say this about my blog, if you are expecting up-to-the-minute updates about everything that is happening in sports, well that isn't happening. I do not have the time or the will power to do that, what I do have is opinions and I would like to give them on as many things as possible. This week I believe we will just cover the beginning of Major League Baseball with Final Four Predictions on Saturday. I toyed with doing something about Donovan McNabb, crisis mode in Pittsburgh, and the Steve Lavin hiring at St. John's but to me none of that stuff is truly important to spend time on until it becomes concrete in the case of the first two. I don't want to write about what if's, rather the impact once something goes down.
I contacted a guy about web design, so we might see some mega changes on the blog. The one thing this blog hasn't had is stability with different things I have tried.... Top 5, Man of the Week, Links, and Interviews. I would love to bring back MOW and Top 5 every week if I can starting next weekend. Any other suggestions, feel free to comment or email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
-Charlie.
AL East Preview
I am now beginning the previews of all the divisions and then an overall look at the Milwaukee Brewers pitchers/position players. I will highlight their key acquisitions, a player I like, player I hate, and finally a prediction for the upcoming season.
1. New York Yankees- KEY ACQ: OF Curtis Granderson, DH Nick Johnson, SP Javier Vasquez I LIKE: Granderson: Numbers were down last year, but now gets the benefits of playing at Yankee Stadium I HATE: A.J. Burnett: Ton of innings last year and the year before, are we all ready for the headline "Burnett Goes Down with an Elbow Injury." PREDICTION: The Yanks will win the AL East by a small margin, but I think they will find themselves in the World Series for a second straight year.
2. Boston Red Sox- KEY ACQ: SP John Lackey, OF Mike Cameron, 3B Adrian Beltre, SS Marco Scutero I LIKE: Victor Martinez: He has been a consistent player for years, he will benefit being in-between Pedoria/Youk. I HATE: Lackey: Everything I am hearing about him doesn't sound good, risky arm, and poor stats in Fenway. PREDICTION: The Sox will be the Wild Card and the second best team in American League. They will fall to the Yankees in a seven-game classic this coming October.
3. Tampa Bay Rays- KEY ACQ: RP Rafael Soriano I LIKE: David Price- Now a main stay in the rotation, I think there is no stopping him from having a great season. I HATE: Pat Burrell- Obvious choice, but seriously he doesn't belong in a lineup. PREDICTION: They will push the Sox for that Wild Card and fall off just slightly. In my opinion, the three best teams in the American League reside in the AL East.
4. Baltimore Orioles- KEY ACQ: 3B Miguel Tejada SP Kevin Millwood RP Mike Gonzalez I LIKE: Matt Wieters- I think he will live up to the hype and have a great season, I bet he hits three or four by July I HATE: Tejada- I like the fact he moved to third but let's face it, hasn't been the same since roids'. PREDICTION: I think they could finish as high as third in another division and they have a ton of young talent who will grow. This is a team I think will be tougher come August/September.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- KEY ACQ: SP Brendan Morrow I LIKE: Ricky Romero- Young guy who had a pretty strong rookie campaign, will get better. I HATE: Vernon Wells- Might be in some trade rumors come July, but I think he will have a sub-par year. PREDICTION: It will not be a pretty one for the Jays as A.H. (After Halladay) begins and they have somewhat of an offense, but I would expect a 10 to 15 win drop off at least.
-Charlie.
1. New York Yankees- KEY ACQ: OF Curtis Granderson, DH Nick Johnson, SP Javier Vasquez I LIKE: Granderson: Numbers were down last year, but now gets the benefits of playing at Yankee Stadium I HATE: A.J. Burnett: Ton of innings last year and the year before, are we all ready for the headline "Burnett Goes Down with an Elbow Injury." PREDICTION: The Yanks will win the AL East by a small margin, but I think they will find themselves in the World Series for a second straight year.
2. Boston Red Sox- KEY ACQ: SP John Lackey, OF Mike Cameron, 3B Adrian Beltre, SS Marco Scutero I LIKE: Victor Martinez: He has been a consistent player for years, he will benefit being in-between Pedoria/Youk. I HATE: Lackey: Everything I am hearing about him doesn't sound good, risky arm, and poor stats in Fenway. PREDICTION: The Sox will be the Wild Card and the second best team in American League. They will fall to the Yankees in a seven-game classic this coming October.
3. Tampa Bay Rays- KEY ACQ: RP Rafael Soriano I LIKE: David Price- Now a main stay in the rotation, I think there is no stopping him from having a great season. I HATE: Pat Burrell- Obvious choice, but seriously he doesn't belong in a lineup. PREDICTION: They will push the Sox for that Wild Card and fall off just slightly. In my opinion, the three best teams in the American League reside in the AL East.
4. Baltimore Orioles- KEY ACQ: 3B Miguel Tejada SP Kevin Millwood RP Mike Gonzalez I LIKE: Matt Wieters- I think he will live up to the hype and have a great season, I bet he hits three or four by July I HATE: Tejada- I like the fact he moved to third but let's face it, hasn't been the same since roids'. PREDICTION: I think they could finish as high as third in another division and they have a ton of young talent who will grow. This is a team I think will be tougher come August/September.
5. Toronto Blue Jays- KEY ACQ: SP Brendan Morrow I LIKE: Ricky Romero- Young guy who had a pretty strong rookie campaign, will get better. I HATE: Vernon Wells- Might be in some trade rumors come July, but I think he will have a sub-par year. PREDICTION: It will not be a pretty one for the Jays as A.H. (After Halladay) begins and they have somewhat of an offense, but I would expect a 10 to 15 win drop off at least.
-Charlie.
Dukies... Back to Hater Status
If you polled America, and had them listed of teams of you hate... More times than not, you will list the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Red Wings, Notre Dame Fightin' Irish Football, and Duke Basketball. These teams always incite Facebook and Twitter updates about how much they hate _____ or the notable bandwagon fans saying GOOOO ________. I have friends who like these teams and I personally like the Lakers/Irish... so I do not call out fans for liking these teams.
I personally am not fond of Duke and when I was a teenager, I really hated Duke and talked a lot of shit to Duke fans. If you ask my dad, whenever I say something bad about Duke, he references the school picture of me rocking a Duke sweater, boom roasted. Now, I respect Duke and Coach K, I do not cheer for them but I still recognize them as a top five program in America.
At the beginning of the tournament, I picked the Dukies to the National Championship Game Final because I felt they had everything you need to make a deep run. They had the experienced leadership in Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler,and Jon Scheyer making them intimidating big three, they had size inside with the Plumlee Brothers/Brian Zoubek, and they are very deep off the bench. All of those qualties tend to result in a successful March.
The size inside got so much better when Zoubek discovered how to play college basketball in late January and start dominating inside for the Blue Devils. He can go off for a double-double any time he wants it seems now and if he stays out of foul trouble, he comes a real threat. He will provide mega problems for both West Virginia and winner of Butler/Michigan State because both teams have lack of size inside to get physical with Zoubek.
I also think the fact of the matter that Kyle Singler did not have one field goal against Baylor and the Dukies still won the basketball game. I would argue that Singler's play is more valuable to their team than Scheyer just because he can spread the floor and also take it inside more so than the basketball version of the Hebrew Hammer.
The Dukies are obviously the favorite heading into the weekend and I wouldn't doubt if the one team that no one who isn't a Blue Devil fan wants to win takes it back to Tobacco Road.
-Charlie.
I personally am not fond of Duke and when I was a teenager, I really hated Duke and talked a lot of shit to Duke fans. If you ask my dad, whenever I say something bad about Duke, he references the school picture of me rocking a Duke sweater, boom roasted. Now, I respect Duke and Coach K, I do not cheer for them but I still recognize them as a top five program in America.
At the beginning of the tournament, I picked the Dukies to the National Championship Game Final because I felt they had everything you need to make a deep run. They had the experienced leadership in Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler,and Jon Scheyer making them intimidating big three, they had size inside with the Plumlee Brothers/Brian Zoubek, and they are very deep off the bench. All of those qualties tend to result in a successful March.
The size inside got so much better when Zoubek discovered how to play college basketball in late January and start dominating inside for the Blue Devils. He can go off for a double-double any time he wants it seems now and if he stays out of foul trouble, he comes a real threat. He will provide mega problems for both West Virginia and winner of Butler/Michigan State because both teams have lack of size inside to get physical with Zoubek.
I also think the fact of the matter that Kyle Singler did not have one field goal against Baylor and the Dukies still won the basketball game. I would argue that Singler's play is more valuable to their team than Scheyer just because he can spread the floor and also take it inside more so than the basketball version of the Hebrew Hammer.
The Dukies are obviously the favorite heading into the weekend and I wouldn't doubt if the one team that no one who isn't a Blue Devil fan wants to win takes it back to Tobacco Road.
-Charlie.
Tom Izzo: The Best Coach This Decade
Once again, I am probably going to piss off a ton of Wisconsin Badger fans by the title of this blog post because Bo Ryan has shown dominance over Michigan State's Tom Izzo in the regular season. Badgers fans would have to correct me but I think the record is something like 10-3 against Izzo. Then again, they never faced each other in the NCAA Tournament.
Izzo helped guide his Spartans to their second-straight Final Four and this is his sixth Final Four in twelve years. Let that sink in with you... That is a crazy stat if you really think about and only Coach K's run through the late 80s into the mid 90s could compare with that in modern day time. No way, no how can you put anyone with John Wooden's run with UCLA so I didn't even mention him because he is in a league of his own.
Unlike the coaches I mentioned in my argument with Doz, Izzo knows how to win in the late month of March. Somehow, someway he finds a way to win. I would argue that only Izzo's National Championship team in 2000 was the best team in the tournament. The Flintsone legacy in those three years cannot be overlooked, they were a one seed three straight years and made it to the Final Four all three times. Also let me mention that this is the second time, they have gotten into the Final Four as a fifth seed, this year you could say it was a lucky draw but Northern Iowa, in my opinion was a damn good team.
To the B-Squared's of the world, do not hate on Izzo for "just making the Final Four." Like I said in the previous paragraph, rarely is Izzo's team the one favored to win it out of the four remaining. The fact that he gets to what people would consider the Super Bowl of the NCAA College Basketball because there is so much build-up to it and excitement, rarely do people look forward more to Monday (For me, 2003 and 2005, only years that stand out). Izzo is a mainstay in the second weekend of the tourney and I am beating myself up for not riding Izzo to the Sweet 16 (c'mon who would believe they beat Kansas).
On to their actual team, I feel this team has a ton of heart. Especially after two close games, the Spartans knows how to win without Kalin Lucas. I love the late game heroics of various guys from Korie Lucious, Delvon Roe, Durrell Summers, and Draymond Green (also let me add the Dancing Bear will be awesome next year). People forget that they have veteran leadership from Raymar Morgan that got buried in this whole season with all the hype building on Lucas. I wouldn't be shocked if the Spartans finished the deal for Izzo's second crown.
-Charlie.
Izzo helped guide his Spartans to their second-straight Final Four and this is his sixth Final Four in twelve years. Let that sink in with you... That is a crazy stat if you really think about and only Coach K's run through the late 80s into the mid 90s could compare with that in modern day time. No way, no how can you put anyone with John Wooden's run with UCLA so I didn't even mention him because he is in a league of his own.
Unlike the coaches I mentioned in my argument with Doz, Izzo knows how to win in the late month of March. Somehow, someway he finds a way to win. I would argue that only Izzo's National Championship team in 2000 was the best team in the tournament. The Flintsone legacy in those three years cannot be overlooked, they were a one seed three straight years and made it to the Final Four all three times. Also let me mention that this is the second time, they have gotten into the Final Four as a fifth seed, this year you could say it was a lucky draw but Northern Iowa, in my opinion was a damn good team.
To the B-Squared's of the world, do not hate on Izzo for "just making the Final Four." Like I said in the previous paragraph, rarely is Izzo's team the one favored to win it out of the four remaining. The fact that he gets to what people would consider the Super Bowl of the NCAA College Basketball because there is so much build-up to it and excitement, rarely do people look forward more to Monday (For me, 2003 and 2005, only years that stand out). Izzo is a mainstay in the second weekend of the tourney and I am beating myself up for not riding Izzo to the Sweet 16 (c'mon who would believe they beat Kansas).
On to their actual team, I feel this team has a ton of heart. Especially after two close games, the Spartans knows how to win without Kalin Lucas. I love the late game heroics of various guys from Korie Lucious, Delvon Roe, Durrell Summers, and Draymond Green (also let me add the Dancing Bear will be awesome next year). People forget that they have veteran leadership from Raymar Morgan that got buried in this whole season with all the hype building on Lucas. I wouldn't be shocked if the Spartans finished the deal for Izzo's second crown.
-Charlie.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Mountaineers Conquer... and the Wildcats Falter
I realize that I am a couple days late but consider this your Monday reaction for the Elite Eight games or even just a post about the team. Anyways, here we go with the East regional featuring the only game with a one and a two seed.
West Virginia did the one thing that they weren't able to do all year on Saturday and that was hitting threes like nobody's business. Da'Sean Butler kept them in the game by raining threes in the first half and the Mountaineers needed the three point basket to keep them in the game against Kentucky. If West Virginia doesn't hit three pointers in the first half, they get blown out and we are talking about this pseudo-rivalry of Kentucky-Duke.
A quick note about Kentucky, I had them losing in the Elite Eight even though they had the most talent in the field of 65, why you ask? Simple, John Calipari's teams seem to never be able to seal the deal. He has never won a National Championship, only got to the Final Four twice. I really believe the fact Calipari preaches the "one and done" system and encourages kids to leave after a year (if you think I'm crazy look at an interview he did with Dan Patrick, where he said he would be in a fight with John Wall if he decided to stay). It ruins chemistry, and despite having some great players like Wall/DeMarcus Cousins/Derrick Rose/Marcus Camby/Tyreke Evans it hasn't resulted in a National Championship.
I will admit something to you, I hated... deeply hated Bob Huggins at Cincinnati because he seemed like an asshole and he rolled out a bunch of guys who belonged in community college with their smarts, yet they dominated Marquette for years. Now my mind has changed on Huggins, I mean he has the 'Bobby Knight' fire that is missing somewhat from college basketball and he truly seems to care about his players. I like the idea that he is back coaching at his alma mater even though it was a snake move to bounce from Kansas State. I think these guys get Huggy Bear and that might be reason why they will be able to beat Duke.
Last thoughts on the Mountaineers, I hate the idea of bringing back Truck Bryant for the Final Four. I understand the addition of Bryant would help them for depth reasons and probably not give them the situation of the semi-collapse late on Saturday. But will he be able to keep up with Nolan Smith among others? I don't think so even with a cool new shoe that protects his foot, I think he will be slow and it might hinder the Mountaineers' chances.
-Charlie.
West Virginia did the one thing that they weren't able to do all year on Saturday and that was hitting threes like nobody's business. Da'Sean Butler kept them in the game by raining threes in the first half and the Mountaineers needed the three point basket to keep them in the game against Kentucky. If West Virginia doesn't hit three pointers in the first half, they get blown out and we are talking about this pseudo-rivalry of Kentucky-Duke.
A quick note about Kentucky, I had them losing in the Elite Eight even though they had the most talent in the field of 65, why you ask? Simple, John Calipari's teams seem to never be able to seal the deal. He has never won a National Championship, only got to the Final Four twice. I really believe the fact Calipari preaches the "one and done" system and encourages kids to leave after a year (if you think I'm crazy look at an interview he did with Dan Patrick, where he said he would be in a fight with John Wall if he decided to stay). It ruins chemistry, and despite having some great players like Wall/DeMarcus Cousins/Derrick Rose/Marcus Camby/Tyreke Evans it hasn't resulted in a National Championship.
I will admit something to you, I hated... deeply hated Bob Huggins at Cincinnati because he seemed like an asshole and he rolled out a bunch of guys who belonged in community college with their smarts, yet they dominated Marquette for years. Now my mind has changed on Huggins, I mean he has the 'Bobby Knight' fire that is missing somewhat from college basketball and he truly seems to care about his players. I like the idea that he is back coaching at his alma mater even though it was a snake move to bounce from Kansas State. I think these guys get Huggy Bear and that might be reason why they will be able to beat Duke.
Last thoughts on the Mountaineers, I hate the idea of bringing back Truck Bryant for the Final Four. I understand the addition of Bryant would help them for depth reasons and probably not give them the situation of the semi-collapse late on Saturday. But will he be able to keep up with Nolan Smith among others? I don't think so even with a cool new shoe that protects his foot, I think he will be slow and it might hinder the Mountaineers' chances.
-Charlie.
The Real Life Hoosiers
One team that I completely disregarded was the Butler Bulldogs. I thought no way could this team make a run in the NCAA Tournament because they were playing a good UTEP team in the first round, they played in a pretty weak Horizon League, and when they went up against the big boys in Syracuse, I felt they had no chance. Well this whole tournament they proved me wrong and now I wonder can they win it all?
They have some things going for them in the right direction. Butler University is in Indianapolis so the Bulldogs will not have to travel to the Final Four location. Which I learned today was only six minutes away from the Butler campus. In addition, you have to believe because they are now America's team with everyone on their bandwagon who isn't a fan of the other three teams, they will have the crowd with them.
The reason why the Bulldogs could win it all is their defense. Even with having a lack of size, they collapse the lane better than most teams and I believe they play the best helpside defense in the remaining teams. I thought their defense of Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen on Saturday was tremendous and even though, the Wildcats probably were tired from their exhausting double-overtime game. You can never discount a team who can play good defense.
I am also a big fan of Gordon Hayward, not only is he from Brownsburg, Indiana, a place that plays host to the best college basketball players in the nation. But he also is probably one of the most versatile players in the country with the ability to get to the lane off the dribble and rain the three like nobody's business. Hayward is a guy that I think could play for almost any team in the country and be a contributor for that team. I know that I have learned to not sleep on the Bulldogs
They have some things going for them in the right direction. Butler University is in Indianapolis so the Bulldogs will not have to travel to the Final Four location. Which I learned today was only six minutes away from the Butler campus. In addition, you have to believe because they are now America's team with everyone on their bandwagon who isn't a fan of the other three teams, they will have the crowd with them.
The reason why the Bulldogs could win it all is their defense. Even with having a lack of size, they collapse the lane better than most teams and I believe they play the best helpside defense in the remaining teams. I thought their defense of Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen on Saturday was tremendous and even though, the Wildcats probably were tired from their exhausting double-overtime game. You can never discount a team who can play good defense.
I am also a big fan of Gordon Hayward, not only is he from Brownsburg, Indiana, a place that plays host to the best college basketball players in the nation. But he also is probably one of the most versatile players in the country with the ability to get to the lane off the dribble and rain the three like nobody's business. Hayward is a guy that I think could play for almost any team in the country and be a contributor for that team. I know that I have learned to not sleep on the Bulldogs
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Arguments With Friends
Well guys I am not allowed to talk about the Wisconsin Badger basketball. I have not said one bad thing all year and I make one small comment about their coach, the world goes crazy. I stand by my comments about Bo Ryan and I really didn't want to make this a pissing match between Marquette/Wisconsin, Big East/Big Ten, Bo Ryan/Buzz Williams debate. I just pointed out something that needed to be mentioned by someone and was planning to answer a few comments then move on. But nope, I have to keep writing about it. This is my last post regarding it, I will not comment nor write about anything about said topic. But before I let this die, I am going to do a rapid response with a comment left from one of the biggest Badger fans I know.
Hey good choice picking Syracuse as National Champion... maybe you should write a column about how Big East fans should expect more out of their conference instead of worrying about what Badger fans expect. Face the facts...
Well Doz thanks for joining us! Great friend of mine, never has said anything on this blog until the Badgers and my supposed inabilities as a blogger were needed to be called out. The world picked Kansas, didn't like Kentucky enough with their young guys, and couldn't trust Duke, so I wound up with Syracuse. Honestly, I wanted to ride Ohio State the whole way but I worried that Kansas might win so I didn't have the balls to do it. I said it before and will say it again, it was an outsider's perspective and began questioning things. I got curious, and I guess that kills that cat sometimes. I couldn't figure out why especially in the UNLV/Cornell defeats maybe even Davidson, why the Badgers looked so tired out there. It's mindboggling to me. I have called this year the Big East Massacre many of times and hold to that title, we sucked as a conference, simple as that.
Since the Big East expanded they havn't had a team even appear in a National Championship game. Oh and out of the 37 teams that they have sent to the tournament, only two have made the Final 4 since expansion(That includes 6 #1 seeds and numerous other teams that were seeded higher than 4 btw.) Talk about a conference underachieving as a whole
Let me remind you before they did expand, they won National Championships in 2003 and 2004 (UConn's second in five years). I believe the Big East has three notorious underachievers in the NCAA Tournament with Georgetown, Syracuse, and UConn. Honestly looking at the careers of John Thompson, Jim Boeheim, and Jim Calhoun, they should have more than 3 titles between them. The worst offender had to be 2006 Husky team that seemed unstoppable at the beginning of the year and lost to George Mason. But if we all feel that Elite 8 is a successful accomplishment, then... (UConn 2006, Georgetown 2007, Louisville 2008, Pittsburgh/Villanova/UConn/Louisville 2009 that's half of the field, 2010 West Virginia). In addition, I am criticizing a nine-year period rather than a four year window, to me that seems unfair.
you had 8 teams in the tournament this year who were given 6 seeds or better and only one team is still in the tournament. Argue that all you want, but you know it's a huge embarrassment as much as I do. Big East fans are just too ignorant to face the facts, that their super-conference hasn't lived up to the hype in the NCAA tournament. Great regular season conference I have ever seen for sure though. So focus on something that you actually follow, know your facts, and don't write about a team you really don't know that much about.
A point I would like to make is the Big East is so brutal during the regular season that teams get beat up come tournament time. I realize that same argument could probably be made for the Badgers. This year probably was one of the worst to date for the Big East and to be honest, no conference has really flexed their muscles in the NCAA Tournament. I mean the SEC could look the best if Tennessee and Kentucky both make the Final Four. Our best team losing to a Horizon team Butler who is now in the Final Four doesn't seem as bad of a loss. The Bulldogs I think could play in any conference in America and come close to making the tournament.
Take care America.
-Charlie.
Hey good choice picking Syracuse as National Champion... maybe you should write a column about how Big East fans should expect more out of their conference instead of worrying about what Badger fans expect. Face the facts...
Well Doz thanks for joining us! Great friend of mine, never has said anything on this blog until the Badgers and my supposed inabilities as a blogger were needed to be called out. The world picked Kansas, didn't like Kentucky enough with their young guys, and couldn't trust Duke, so I wound up with Syracuse. Honestly, I wanted to ride Ohio State the whole way but I worried that Kansas might win so I didn't have the balls to do it. I said it before and will say it again, it was an outsider's perspective and began questioning things. I got curious, and I guess that kills that cat sometimes. I couldn't figure out why especially in the UNLV/Cornell defeats maybe even Davidson, why the Badgers looked so tired out there. It's mindboggling to me. I have called this year the Big East Massacre many of times and hold to that title, we sucked as a conference, simple as that.
Since the Big East expanded they havn't had a team even appear in a National Championship game. Oh and out of the 37 teams that they have sent to the tournament, only two have made the Final 4 since expansion(That includes 6 #1 seeds and numerous other teams that were seeded higher than 4 btw.) Talk about a conference underachieving as a whole
Let me remind you before they did expand, they won National Championships in 2003 and 2004 (UConn's second in five years). I believe the Big East has three notorious underachievers in the NCAA Tournament with Georgetown, Syracuse, and UConn. Honestly looking at the careers of John Thompson, Jim Boeheim, and Jim Calhoun, they should have more than 3 titles between them. The worst offender had to be 2006 Husky team that seemed unstoppable at the beginning of the year and lost to George Mason. But if we all feel that Elite 8 is a successful accomplishment, then... (UConn 2006, Georgetown 2007, Louisville 2008, Pittsburgh/Villanova/UConn/Louisville 2009 that's half of the field, 2010 West Virginia). In addition, I am criticizing a nine-year period rather than a four year window, to me that seems unfair.
you had 8 teams in the tournament this year who were given 6 seeds or better and only one team is still in the tournament. Argue that all you want, but you know it's a huge embarrassment as much as I do. Big East fans are just too ignorant to face the facts, that their super-conference hasn't lived up to the hype in the NCAA tournament. Great regular season conference I have ever seen for sure though. So focus on something that you actually follow, know your facts, and don't write about a team you really don't know that much about.
A point I would like to make is the Big East is so brutal during the regular season that teams get beat up come tournament time. I realize that same argument could probably be made for the Badgers. This year probably was one of the worst to date for the Big East and to be honest, no conference has really flexed their muscles in the NCAA Tournament. I mean the SEC could look the best if Tennessee and Kentucky both make the Final Four. Our best team losing to a Horizon team Butler who is now in the Final Four doesn't seem as bad of a loss. The Bulldogs I think could play in any conference in America and come close to making the tournament.
Take care America.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 26, 2010
A Wonderful Night of Basketball/Friday's Picks
Well I was going to give you picks for tonight and tomorrow's games but didn't make it in time. I came down with some strange cold leading to me completely forgetting about doing it right before class. Anyways, I would have been wrong on two of this evening's game both out west so lets go there.
West
Butler stuns Syracuse- A game that I believed wouldn't have been close because I felt even without Arinze Onuaku, the inside game of Syracuse would propel them. But they lost their heads, just a complete lack of focus. Here's looking at you Andy Rautins, Scoop Jardine (biggest offender), and Brandon Triche. The Big East continues their poor performance and the worst lost of them all (I will get to this in the next blog post). Hopefully, West Virigina can save face and lead to them to the Final Four.
Kansas State survives Xavier- Is their tougher team that Kansas State? I thought it would be a down to the wire game and a bad coaching mistake would cost one team. No coach screwed it up and honestly, the Wildcats had a little bit left in the tank for that overtime especially Jacob Pullen. I think Pullen could have played five overtimes with that three he hit in the second OT, I mean that thing was pure and looked like a first half shot. Big ups to Jordan Crawford, a guy I rode off because I saw him shoot 2/18 against Marquette in November and saw him as a selfish player. Totally wrong, didn't play well for most of the game yet stepped it up when it mattered the most. He hit big shot after big shot in regulation, overtime, and then you could tell ran out of gas in second overtime. He is a hell of a player and will be an NBA player.
Midwest
9. Northern Iowa vs. 5. Michigan State- The game I would argue everyone is talking about right now... the Panthers who are riding high with the cover of Sports Illustrated and all the media attention they could possibly ask for. The Spartans are figuring out how they deal without Kalin Lucas, but that game-winner could give Korie Lucious the confidence he needed to be a great player for the Spartans the rest of the way. The Panthers outsize the Spartans and that works to their advantage in terms of rebounding. I know people are high as Cheech on UNI but I cannot bet against Tom Izzo in these types of situations. MSU 65-62
6. Tennessee vs. 2. Ohio State- Two coaches that are familiar with being in the Sweet 16 and the Vols have been giant killers this year knocking off Kansas/Kentucky without four of their players including their best player, Tyler Smith. Guys like J.P. Prince and Wayne Chism have been able to shoulder the load of the team and I personally feel the Vols believe they are can beat anybody. On the other hand, Ohio State keeps motoring along with one of the best starting fives in the NCAA and Evan Turner will need one of the supporting guys (Buford/Diebler/Lighty) to win this game. I can't see Turner doing it alone, this comes down to what team stays out of foul trouble, both have depth issues big time. I will take Fightin' Titus in a classic. OSU 73-71
South
1.Duke vs. 5. Purdue- Interesting matchup of a two styles that are quite similar and the "Ewing Theorists" have begun with saying the Boilermakers are fine without Robbie Hummel. I think people are forgetting the eggs that Purdue has laid without Hummel this season and usually it's against teams who have more than one threat. The arsenal that the Blue Devils will shell out is pretty deep and I have no idea with their lack of depth how Purdue keeps up with the all the sudden double-double man Brian Zoubek inside. DUKE 73-60
3. Baylor vs. 10. St. Mary's- A couple of basic unknowns in this deep in the NCAA Tournament and to be honest, I think this game will come down to whoever has the last shot. The Gaels have a strong outside shooting force that can keep them in any game plus Omar Samhan has been the star of the tournament. Baylor can out run pretty much anyone in the tournament right now, but have they really been challenged yet? I like the athletic style of Baylor too much to think that the Gaels will have enough firepower to keep up with them the entire game. BAY 79-71
-Charlie.
West
Butler stuns Syracuse- A game that I believed wouldn't have been close because I felt even without Arinze Onuaku, the inside game of Syracuse would propel them. But they lost their heads, just a complete lack of focus. Here's looking at you Andy Rautins, Scoop Jardine (biggest offender), and Brandon Triche. The Big East continues their poor performance and the worst lost of them all (I will get to this in the next blog post). Hopefully, West Virigina can save face and lead to them to the Final Four.
Kansas State survives Xavier- Is their tougher team that Kansas State? I thought it would be a down to the wire game and a bad coaching mistake would cost one team. No coach screwed it up and honestly, the Wildcats had a little bit left in the tank for that overtime especially Jacob Pullen. I think Pullen could have played five overtimes with that three he hit in the second OT, I mean that thing was pure and looked like a first half shot. Big ups to Jordan Crawford, a guy I rode off because I saw him shoot 2/18 against Marquette in November and saw him as a selfish player. Totally wrong, didn't play well for most of the game yet stepped it up when it mattered the most. He hit big shot after big shot in regulation, overtime, and then you could tell ran out of gas in second overtime. He is a hell of a player and will be an NBA player.
Midwest
9. Northern Iowa vs. 5. Michigan State- The game I would argue everyone is talking about right now... the Panthers who are riding high with the cover of Sports Illustrated and all the media attention they could possibly ask for. The Spartans are figuring out how they deal without Kalin Lucas, but that game-winner could give Korie Lucious the confidence he needed to be a great player for the Spartans the rest of the way. The Panthers outsize the Spartans and that works to their advantage in terms of rebounding. I know people are high as Cheech on UNI but I cannot bet against Tom Izzo in these types of situations. MSU 65-62
6. Tennessee vs. 2. Ohio State- Two coaches that are familiar with being in the Sweet 16 and the Vols have been giant killers this year knocking off Kansas/Kentucky without four of their players including their best player, Tyler Smith. Guys like J.P. Prince and Wayne Chism have been able to shoulder the load of the team and I personally feel the Vols believe they are can beat anybody. On the other hand, Ohio State keeps motoring along with one of the best starting fives in the NCAA and Evan Turner will need one of the supporting guys (Buford/Diebler/Lighty) to win this game. I can't see Turner doing it alone, this comes down to what team stays out of foul trouble, both have depth issues big time. I will take Fightin' Titus in a classic. OSU 73-71
South
1.Duke vs. 5. Purdue- Interesting matchup of a two styles that are quite similar and the "Ewing Theorists" have begun with saying the Boilermakers are fine without Robbie Hummel. I think people are forgetting the eggs that Purdue has laid without Hummel this season and usually it's against teams who have more than one threat. The arsenal that the Blue Devils will shell out is pretty deep and I have no idea with their lack of depth how Purdue keeps up with the all the sudden double-double man Brian Zoubek inside. DUKE 73-60
3. Baylor vs. 10. St. Mary's- A couple of basic unknowns in this deep in the NCAA Tournament and to be honest, I think this game will come down to whoever has the last shot. The Gaels have a strong outside shooting force that can keep them in any game plus Omar Samhan has been the star of the tournament. Baylor can out run pretty much anyone in the tournament right now, but have they really been challenged yet? I like the athletic style of Baylor too much to think that the Gaels will have enough firepower to keep up with them the entire game. BAY 79-71
-Charlie.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday Observations: Love Lucious, Hate for Kramer, and a Perfect Final Four
Welcome back to the observations, I could not do it yesterday because I went on a complete Badger tangent that people decided was worthwhile enough to comment on. Thanks for the criticism, I love it and use it, but comment on other things that are less controversal! Call me out on my BS again if you would like, I would try to defend it!
I watched the finish of the Maryland-Michigan State game with B-Squared and honestly, we both were pulling hard for the Maryland Terps. First, I wanted to help save my bracket and second, to not give Eric the joy of seeing Tom Izzo in another Sweet 16. Grevis Vasquez, I realize most of you hate him but seriously, you have to give the guy credit for leading this amazing comeback in the last two minutes. Then Korie Lucious, pride and joy of Milwaukee, Wisconsin took the final shot and I wanted him so bad to make the final shot. It's pretty cool seeing a guy who played the same year that you graduate and knew all about his ballyhooed career starting in his freshman year of high school. I thought it was a great moment and hope that Lucious can lead his team far without Kalin Lucus.
I know Badger fans that we disagree on many things, but can we agree that Chris Kramer of Purdue is the biggest tool this side of the Mississippi? There are so many reasons why I hate this guy... first of all, he doesn't look like a basketball player rather a country-club kid who found a basketball court. Second of all, the way he carries himself bothers me probably the most, which I agree is somewhat weird since I usually love the cocky pricks on the court yet he seems to be worst than most. Third, he gels his hair, there should be a rule that no player non-foreign should ever gel their hair on the basketball court, it's not needed. Finally, the reason for the rant is he nailed the game-winner against Texas A&M knocking out another Sweet 16 team.
Finally I am close to last in both of my brackets BUT I have the entire Final Four correct so far and all of them looked damn good on Sunday. Syracuse (my champion) is showing why their 2-3 zone may break the balls of every team they play and if they rain threes like Sunday... rut roh. Ohio State just doing work in two games, nothing more nothing less. West Virginia is excelling from the play of Da'Sean Bulter who had 30 on Sunday keep winning too. The last team is the team no one is talking about... Duke. Brian Zoubek is a beast inside now and the Big 3 is hard to contain.
-Charlie.
I watched the finish of the Maryland-Michigan State game with B-Squared and honestly, we both were pulling hard for the Maryland Terps. First, I wanted to help save my bracket and second, to not give Eric the joy of seeing Tom Izzo in another Sweet 16. Grevis Vasquez, I realize most of you hate him but seriously, you have to give the guy credit for leading this amazing comeback in the last two minutes. Then Korie Lucious, pride and joy of Milwaukee, Wisconsin took the final shot and I wanted him so bad to make the final shot. It's pretty cool seeing a guy who played the same year that you graduate and knew all about his ballyhooed career starting in his freshman year of high school. I thought it was a great moment and hope that Lucious can lead his team far without Kalin Lucus.
I know Badger fans that we disagree on many things, but can we agree that Chris Kramer of Purdue is the biggest tool this side of the Mississippi? There are so many reasons why I hate this guy... first of all, he doesn't look like a basketball player rather a country-club kid who found a basketball court. Second of all, the way he carries himself bothers me probably the most, which I agree is somewhat weird since I usually love the cocky pricks on the court yet he seems to be worst than most. Third, he gels his hair, there should be a rule that no player non-foreign should ever gel their hair on the basketball court, it's not needed. Finally, the reason for the rant is he nailed the game-winner against Texas A&M knocking out another Sweet 16 team.
Finally I am close to last in both of my brackets BUT I have the entire Final Four correct so far and all of them looked damn good on Sunday. Syracuse (my champion) is showing why their 2-3 zone may break the balls of every team they play and if they rain threes like Sunday... rut roh. Ohio State just doing work in two games, nothing more nothing less. West Virginia is excelling from the play of Da'Sean Bulter who had 30 on Sunday keep winning too. The last team is the team no one is talking about... Duke. Brian Zoubek is a beast inside now and the Big 3 is hard to contain.
-Charlie.
Joe Mauer Helping or Hurting Prince's Stay in Milwaukee?
One of the things that I noticed in the past couple of days was Joe Mauer, arguably the best catcher in my generation and your older brother generation signing a monstrous eight year, 183 million dollar deal with the Minnesota Twins. I, for one am applauding this decision by both sides of the spectrum.
The Twins side of things I am glad that they realized that even though the money is pretty steep, they knew they had to mortgage the future on Mauer. They didn't go cheap on him and they went for it. The city would have burned down had Mauer left because the Twins didn't give him enough. I believe personally that Minnesota would probably rank baseball second in professional sports fandom (1. Hockey 2. Baseball 3. Football 4. Basketball).
I praise Mauer for staying in his home town of Minneapolis/St. Paul and staying with his best buddy Justin Morneau is just awesome. I love that Mauer said "I could get 10 years 250 million this summer on the open market, but this has always been my home so screw it, I will be okay with making 23 million a year." To me that speaks volumes of the type of person that Mauer really is. But the subsection of this story for me as a Milwaukee Brewer fans, does this now put pressure on the Brewers to get Prince Fielder to a long term deal?
Tom Hardicourt, the Prince of Darkness wrote a blog post asking the same sort of questions but I never really think it covered whether this helped the Brewers' chances or hurt them. For Hardicourt, it's hard for him to ask that question because you are going to get the politically correct answer rather than the real answer.
I feel like the extension depends on how the season goes honestly. My Brewer stuff will not come out until right before the season by the way so I really do not want to let you in on what I am predicting for the upcoming year. I really want to believe that Fielder doesn't buy into the bullshit that Scott Boras is selling right now about how he will make x amount of dollars from the big markets if he has a mega-year. Am I probably naive for thinking this way? Absolutely, but do I think Mauer saying "I like where I am, and I don't need to leave this place for more money" gets into Prince's head a bit? Yeah it does.
He sees the dollar signs that Mauer made and it would be shocked if it's over 135 million dollars for multiple reasons... The sudden influx of so many good first basemen, the weight issue, and the perceived attitude that people feel Fielder has. In my opinion, Prince knows if he has a huge year like he has done the last two years, the money increases. He knows that, I know that, you know that, Scott Boras knows that. I just worry (sad I have to think this way) that maybe Fielder wants his own spotlight.
No one can argue that Fielder/Braun share the spotlight like Manny/Big Papi did for a bunch of years. When will Fielder say, "Hey I want my own spotlight in Baltimore, or some other average team" or hopefully that never is the case. To me, I think the Fielder contract will show the true colors of Prince himself.
-Charlie.
The Twins side of things I am glad that they realized that even though the money is pretty steep, they knew they had to mortgage the future on Mauer. They didn't go cheap on him and they went for it. The city would have burned down had Mauer left because the Twins didn't give him enough. I believe personally that Minnesota would probably rank baseball second in professional sports fandom (1. Hockey 2. Baseball 3. Football 4. Basketball).
I praise Mauer for staying in his home town of Minneapolis/St. Paul and staying with his best buddy Justin Morneau is just awesome. I love that Mauer said "I could get 10 years 250 million this summer on the open market, but this has always been my home so screw it, I will be okay with making 23 million a year." To me that speaks volumes of the type of person that Mauer really is. But the subsection of this story for me as a Milwaukee Brewer fans, does this now put pressure on the Brewers to get Prince Fielder to a long term deal?
Tom Hardicourt, the Prince of Darkness wrote a blog post asking the same sort of questions but I never really think it covered whether this helped the Brewers' chances or hurt them. For Hardicourt, it's hard for him to ask that question because you are going to get the politically correct answer rather than the real answer.
I feel like the extension depends on how the season goes honestly. My Brewer stuff will not come out until right before the season by the way so I really do not want to let you in on what I am predicting for the upcoming year. I really want to believe that Fielder doesn't buy into the bullshit that Scott Boras is selling right now about how he will make x amount of dollars from the big markets if he has a mega-year. Am I probably naive for thinking this way? Absolutely, but do I think Mauer saying "I like where I am, and I don't need to leave this place for more money" gets into Prince's head a bit? Yeah it does.
He sees the dollar signs that Mauer made and it would be shocked if it's over 135 million dollars for multiple reasons... The sudden influx of so many good first basemen, the weight issue, and the perceived attitude that people feel Fielder has. In my opinion, Prince knows if he has a huge year like he has done the last two years, the money increases. He knows that, I know that, you know that, Scott Boras knows that. I just worry (sad I have to think this way) that maybe Fielder wants his own spotlight.
No one can argue that Fielder/Braun share the spotlight like Manny/Big Papi did for a bunch of years. When will Fielder say, "Hey I want my own spotlight in Baltimore, or some other average team" or hopefully that never is the case. To me, I think the Fielder contract will show the true colors of Prince himself.
-Charlie.
Bo Ryan: The Best Regular Season Coach You've Ever Met
I didn't want to write it because I know the hellstorm will come shortly but I had to. I could not live with myself if I didn't mention it. The Badgers are a lousy NCAA Tournament team. Every year under Bo Ryan they seem to have a team that could be built for a deep run. Hell, I said it this year with the growing play of Jon Leuer and the deep bench. But like every year, the Badgers picked the NCAA tournament to lay their biggest egg of the season.
The ever faithful Wisconsin Badgers got beat by 22 by an Ivy League school. A team that has no athletic scholarships, rather academic all-stars. Only my fail bringing a girl from the bar was worse than the Badgers performance today. They didn't play defense, made silly turnovers, and Jason Bohannon's disappearing act was better than ever before. Cornell did shoot very well, but I would argue the Badgers' half-ass defense was the cause of the hot shooting, many times the Fightin' Nard Dogs were wide open. I said it when the Badgers won... I mean Wofford gave the game to Wisconsin. But can we all finally say that Bo Ryan is a great coach in the regular season but his teams/offense is not built for the postseason? I mean if you want me to bust out the statistics... well you ask for it.
2001-2002: Share of the Big Ten Title in a fairly weak season earned Wisconsin an 8 seed. The Badgers went on to win game one against St. John's and then blown out by the eventual National Champion Maryland.
2002-2003: Won the Big Ten Title outright, got a five seed where they beat a 12 seed and a 13 seed in Weber State/Tulsa. The Sweet 16 turns out bitter as they lose a close one to the overall number one Kentucky (then beat by Marquette.. whoops how did that get there!)
2003-2004: Won the Big Ten Conference Tournament but got screwed by the NCAA officials somewhat (people fail to point out they played in Milwaukee for the first two rounds, a 80 minute drive from Madison). They get beat at their own game by Pittsburgh.
2004-2005: Wisconsin finishes third in the Big Ten, still gives a six seed based on good conference tourney play. The Badgers cakewalk to the Elite Eight by beating 11 seed Northern Iowa, 14 Bucknell, 10 NC State then get beat by much much more athletic North Carolina team (EDIT: I read the score wrong, I apologize for the screw up, no they did have a lead on UNC late to my remembering the game clearer but still doesn't take away from their defeat) Face it, they get beat by Kansas or UConn had they won.
2005-2006: A down year for the program that leads to nine seed plus a twenty-point defeat in the NCAA Tournament to the Arizona Wildcats (Grandpa Dan tells me they don't get blown out... Child Please.)
2006-2007: Wisconsin gets their first number one ranking in history and get a two seed only to fall in the second round to UNLV in Chicago where it was likely 98% Badger fans. They couldn't score to save their souls, played asleep the entire game. I remember people telling me how this was their year and how bad they played against the Rebels.
2007-2008: Wisconsin earns another high seed and this appeared to be their year. They destroyed a much more athletic team in Kansas State with Michael Beasley/Bill Walker, then ran into a train known as Stephen Curry losing 73-56. I wouldn't expect Wisconsin to win that game but the defensive coaching of Ryan, I would have expected a closer game.
2008-2009: The Badgers sneak into the tourney as a 12 seed and advance with Trevon Hughes hitting a three at the buzzer which oddly enough was Ryan's first win in the NCAA against a seed 10 or higher. Then they lost to Xavier who had a great team.
I know people love the Swing Offense, a trademark of Bo Ryan but it doesn't work in the tournament. The pseudo Big 10 style that Michigan State and Ohio State run is the perfect example of why both of these teams find themselves in the Sweet 16 fairly often. As damning as it might be for Ryan, changes need to happen in the swing offense to make them work for the tournament. I know many Badger fans are okay with winning Big Ten titles and making the tournament every year, but when does that become just a standard and start expecting more? I assume that time is coming in the next two or three years. Once Bo Ryan makes it to the Final Four or a convincing deep run is the day I shut up regarding this topic.
-Charlie.
The ever faithful Wisconsin Badgers got beat by 22 by an Ivy League school. A team that has no athletic scholarships, rather academic all-stars. Only my fail bringing a girl from the bar was worse than the Badgers performance today. They didn't play defense, made silly turnovers, and Jason Bohannon's disappearing act was better than ever before. Cornell did shoot very well, but I would argue the Badgers' half-ass defense was the cause of the hot shooting, many times the Fightin' Nard Dogs were wide open. I said it when the Badgers won... I mean Wofford gave the game to Wisconsin. But can we all finally say that Bo Ryan is a great coach in the regular season but his teams/offense is not built for the postseason? I mean if you want me to bust out the statistics... well you ask for it.
2001-2002: Share of the Big Ten Title in a fairly weak season earned Wisconsin an 8 seed. The Badgers went on to win game one against St. John's and then blown out by the eventual National Champion Maryland.
2002-2003: Won the Big Ten Title outright, got a five seed where they beat a 12 seed and a 13 seed in Weber State/Tulsa. The Sweet 16 turns out bitter as they lose a close one to the overall number one Kentucky (then beat by Marquette.. whoops how did that get there!)
2003-2004: Won the Big Ten Conference Tournament but got screwed by the NCAA officials somewhat (people fail to point out they played in Milwaukee for the first two rounds, a 80 minute drive from Madison). They get beat at their own game by Pittsburgh.
2004-2005: Wisconsin finishes third in the Big Ten, still gives a six seed based on good conference tourney play. The Badgers cakewalk to the Elite Eight by beating 11 seed Northern Iowa, 14 Bucknell, 10 NC State then get beat by much much more athletic North Carolina team (EDIT: I read the score wrong, I apologize for the screw up, no they did have a lead on UNC late to my remembering the game clearer but still doesn't take away from their defeat) Face it, they get beat by Kansas or UConn had they won.
2005-2006: A down year for the program that leads to nine seed plus a twenty-point defeat in the NCAA Tournament to the Arizona Wildcats (Grandpa Dan tells me they don't get blown out... Child Please.)
2006-2007: Wisconsin gets their first number one ranking in history and get a two seed only to fall in the second round to UNLV in Chicago where it was likely 98% Badger fans. They couldn't score to save their souls, played asleep the entire game. I remember people telling me how this was their year and how bad they played against the Rebels.
2007-2008: Wisconsin earns another high seed and this appeared to be their year. They destroyed a much more athletic team in Kansas State with Michael Beasley/Bill Walker, then ran into a train known as Stephen Curry losing 73-56. I wouldn't expect Wisconsin to win that game but the defensive coaching of Ryan, I would have expected a closer game.
2008-2009: The Badgers sneak into the tourney as a 12 seed and advance with Trevon Hughes hitting a three at the buzzer which oddly enough was Ryan's first win in the NCAA against a seed 10 or higher. Then they lost to Xavier who had a great team.
I know people love the Swing Offense, a trademark of Bo Ryan but it doesn't work in the tournament. The pseudo Big 10 style that Michigan State and Ohio State run is the perfect example of why both of these teams find themselves in the Sweet 16 fairly often. As damning as it might be for Ryan, changes need to happen in the swing offense to make them work for the tournament. I know many Badger fans are okay with winning Big Ten titles and making the tournament every year, but when does that become just a standard and start expecting more? I assume that time is coming in the next two or three years. Once Bo Ryan makes it to the Final Four or a convincing deep run is the day I shut up regarding this topic.
-Charlie.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Seriously, Fear the Deer
A week ago or so, I covered the Bucks and said basically how proud I was of this team plus how I expect the city of Milwaukee to rally behind them. But I never really discussed how well this team is playing right now and they are getting lots of love because of it.
At least to me, it appeared the Bucks made a simple cost cutting move dropping some salary and in turn getting John Salmons. I had no idea that he would be the difference maker that the Bucks needed. Salmons seems to have everything going for him since he became a Buck. He is making shots, playing tough defense, and rocking a gnarly goatee. Salmons does frustrate with his shot selection at times because some shots are comparable to the greedy guy in the pick up game who thinks he can make it consistently yet nothing seems to fall. If he keeps playing D in the same way, he can do whatever he wants on the court.
I could not say enough about the defense of the Bucks. Luc Richard Mbah Moute is a natural lockdown defender for any guy 6'5 and above, Kevin Durant said on Twitter, the Prince was "one of the hardest defenders he faced all year." The Prince isn't the only fearless defender on the team, I think I have seen Ersan Iilyasova take more charges then I did in my days of playing basketball. I cannot call out one guy for poor defensive play which shocks me because usually in every level you have that one guy who sucks on the defensive end.
Now on to another topic, I know people have said Tyreke Evans, Darren Collison, and others deserve Rookie of the Year but let me ask you a question... Are any of those guys leading their team to the playoffs? Forget that the stats are better for the other guys, Brandon Jennings deserves Rookie of the Year. He looked cool under pressure last night facing "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups and I feel come playoff time maybe Rajon Rando of the Boston Celtics is the only guy who can keep the same pace as BJ3 the entire game.
I feel the Bucks can play with anybody in the Eastern Conference right now. Yes even the Cleveland Cavaliers. I actually feel the Orlando Magic is a worst matchup for the Bucks rather than the Cavs. Now, I could not see the Bucks winning a series against a team like Cavs but it wouldn't shock me if the Bucks pushed the series to seven games. Nobody in the Eastern Conference should feel they will walk over the Bucks, because if they do, the Bucks will hit them in the mouth.
-Charlie.
At least to me, it appeared the Bucks made a simple cost cutting move dropping some salary and in turn getting John Salmons. I had no idea that he would be the difference maker that the Bucks needed. Salmons seems to have everything going for him since he became a Buck. He is making shots, playing tough defense, and rocking a gnarly goatee. Salmons does frustrate with his shot selection at times because some shots are comparable to the greedy guy in the pick up game who thinks he can make it consistently yet nothing seems to fall. If he keeps playing D in the same way, he can do whatever he wants on the court.
I could not say enough about the defense of the Bucks. Luc Richard Mbah Moute is a natural lockdown defender for any guy 6'5 and above, Kevin Durant said on Twitter, the Prince was "one of the hardest defenders he faced all year." The Prince isn't the only fearless defender on the team, I think I have seen Ersan Iilyasova take more charges then I did in my days of playing basketball. I cannot call out one guy for poor defensive play which shocks me because usually in every level you have that one guy who sucks on the defensive end.
Now on to another topic, I know people have said Tyreke Evans, Darren Collison, and others deserve Rookie of the Year but let me ask you a question... Are any of those guys leading their team to the playoffs? Forget that the stats are better for the other guys, Brandon Jennings deserves Rookie of the Year. He looked cool under pressure last night facing "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups and I feel come playoff time maybe Rajon Rando of the Boston Celtics is the only guy who can keep the same pace as BJ3 the entire game.
I feel the Bucks can play with anybody in the Eastern Conference right now. Yes even the Cleveland Cavaliers. I actually feel the Orlando Magic is a worst matchup for the Bucks rather than the Cavs. Now, I could not see the Bucks winning a series against a team like Cavs but it wouldn't shock me if the Bucks pushed the series to seven games. Nobody in the Eastern Conference should feel they will walk over the Bucks, because if they do, the Bucks will hit them in the mouth.
-Charlie.
Da Ali F Show, the Sandman, and Other Observations From Saturday
The slate of games Friday seemed like the hangover most of us suffer on the weekends, nothing compared to the day we had before and just sort of boring. Saturday was another great day of basketball that brought us some new heroes, and new Cinderellas.
In one of my brackets, I went with Richmond over Villanova because I felt the Cats had peaked mid-way through the season and I never thought Jay Wright's prized recruiting class really fit in with the old guns of Corey Fisher, Scottie Reynolds, and Reggie Redding. Well, I was wrong about Richmond but right about Nova riding off into the sunset in the second round. For how good Reynolds played last season in the tournament, he looked like the fifth man off the bench for both games. Despite having 15 against Bob Morris, almost all of that was earned at the line.
The St. Mary Gaels proved that there was another good WCC team other than Gonzaga led by their big man Omar Samhan. He dropped 32 in the second round game and looked like a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the tournament. He impressed me with his multiple post moves, and the energy he brings to the game on the offensive and defensive. I wouldn't doubt them against Baylor next weekend.
The St. Mary's-Nova game was the beginning of an awesome day of basketball when the Panthers of Northern Iowa pulled off the mammoth upset against Kansas. We were cleaning the tornado that was our house when the first half was happening. My buddy Eric informed me UNI was up early and I shrugged it off because I knew Kansas seemingly played down to their opponents then find a way to turn it on leading them to victory. The utter opposite happened as the Panthers continued their dominance over the Jayhawks. Ali Farokhmanesh displayed the biggest set of grapefruits as Vince McMahon once said hitting that three from the corner up 1, plenty of time on shot clock, late in the game... I screamed what was he doing and went nuts after he made the shot. I am not doubting the Panthers couldn't go further than Sweet 16, they seem poised, calm, and that belief they can beat anyone.
A lot like Nova, none of their primetime players showed up when it mattered the most. Sheron Collins was less than steller, Xavier Henry did nothing from the outside, and Cole Aldrich played okay but none of the great Kansas players tried to be the man. Can we agree that Bill Self might be a choke come tournament time? Yes, I understand he won a national championship two years ago, but defeats to Bucknell, Bradley, and UNI speak volumes to me personally. I regret even thinking, pondering that this team could have been as good as 2005 North Carolina... not even close.
Final observation of Saturday is Kentucky overall play. I understand they have beat two scrubs in Wake Forest, and East Tennessee State yet who expects Darius Miller to have the best game of the day? I will be honest with you, I never heard of Miller on UK come Saturday night. He dropped 20 in the first half leading them to victory. The three-headed monster inside of Daniel Orton-Patrick Patterson-DeMarcus Cousins is unlike anything in the tournament. I wish I took the Wildcats further but I believed their youth would get in the way of making a deep run. It's too early to compare them to the Fab Five of Michigan or even mention them together because the FF never had a guy like Patterson who has a ton of experience. I am starting to believe there isn't a team who can stop the Wildcats.
-Charlie.
In one of my brackets, I went with Richmond over Villanova because I felt the Cats had peaked mid-way through the season and I never thought Jay Wright's prized recruiting class really fit in with the old guns of Corey Fisher, Scottie Reynolds, and Reggie Redding. Well, I was wrong about Richmond but right about Nova riding off into the sunset in the second round. For how good Reynolds played last season in the tournament, he looked like the fifth man off the bench for both games. Despite having 15 against Bob Morris, almost all of that was earned at the line.
The St. Mary Gaels proved that there was another good WCC team other than Gonzaga led by their big man Omar Samhan. He dropped 32 in the second round game and looked like a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the tournament. He impressed me with his multiple post moves, and the energy he brings to the game on the offensive and defensive. I wouldn't doubt them against Baylor next weekend.
The St. Mary's-Nova game was the beginning of an awesome day of basketball when the Panthers of Northern Iowa pulled off the mammoth upset against Kansas. We were cleaning the tornado that was our house when the first half was happening. My buddy Eric informed me UNI was up early and I shrugged it off because I knew Kansas seemingly played down to their opponents then find a way to turn it on leading them to victory. The utter opposite happened as the Panthers continued their dominance over the Jayhawks. Ali Farokhmanesh displayed the biggest set of grapefruits as Vince McMahon once said hitting that three from the corner up 1, plenty of time on shot clock, late in the game... I screamed what was he doing and went nuts after he made the shot. I am not doubting the Panthers couldn't go further than Sweet 16, they seem poised, calm, and that belief they can beat anyone.
A lot like Nova, none of their primetime players showed up when it mattered the most. Sheron Collins was less than steller, Xavier Henry did nothing from the outside, and Cole Aldrich played okay but none of the great Kansas players tried to be the man. Can we agree that Bill Self might be a choke come tournament time? Yes, I understand he won a national championship two years ago, but defeats to Bucknell, Bradley, and UNI speak volumes to me personally. I regret even thinking, pondering that this team could have been as good as 2005 North Carolina... not even close.
Final observation of Saturday is Kentucky overall play. I understand they have beat two scrubs in Wake Forest, and East Tennessee State yet who expects Darius Miller to have the best game of the day? I will be honest with you, I never heard of Miller on UK come Saturday night. He dropped 20 in the first half leading them to victory. The three-headed monster inside of Daniel Orton-Patrick Patterson-DeMarcus Cousins is unlike anything in the tournament. I wish I took the Wildcats further but I believed their youth would get in the way of making a deep run. It's too early to compare them to the Fab Five of Michigan or even mention them together because the FF never had a guy like Patterson who has a ton of experience. I am starting to believe there isn't a team who can stop the Wildcats.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Half-Ass Friday Afternoon Session II
Sorry for all of the delays, I feel no one is probably reading but it's fun for me to look back on this. Hopefully, I will get some compliments and maybe do it again next year. I enjoyed some Taco Bell feast the last hour, so delicous. I am going to be five pounds bigger this weekend.
2:46 Having an agrument about why Evan Anderson will suck... Trust me, he is the next J.P. Gavinski and will not have anything to contribute mark my words.
2:47 The ones joining us are Eric, Fant, Gpa Dan, and B-Squared. Another argument has been started regarding guarantee contracts in the NBA.
2:49 Eric is starting to get into "This would happen to me" mode. Eric believe he will not win a game today, nothing going right for him.
2:51 At halftime of the Wofford-Wisconsin game, quite boring... Not surprising though because it's the Big 10.
2:54 A tweet from our friend Ted... "If you took hundreds of people, cocaine, and the remaining stock of mid-90's beverage, Surge, you'd have oakland fans. Outstandingly crazy."
2:57 Why didn't I take Purdue? Siena was the sexy pick for everybody to pull the uspet and the Boilermakers are just giving him the business
2:59 Oh great, we are reading an excerpt of a person who hates America from an International Student. This should be epic, can't wait to hear this...
3:01 This girl sucks worst than the Wofford's cheerleaders, wow unbelievable. I might have to write her drunk and call her some bad names.
3:06 Nate has to leave for work, cannot say he's happy. I think I am going to start drinking soon, the Badgers game needs to be more enjoyable.
3:10 Debbie Downer with his first comment of the day. "We could of watch two episodes of The Office by now."
3:11 Eric and Seet are sexting from the opposite ends from the living room. Seet is also using rolled-up paper as some sort of a megaphone.
3:15 Wofford down two now... Inspired Eric to give a THIS IS MARCH MADNESS!! I respond with a HA-HA!!!
3:17 How many Wofford players does it take to get a ball out of the rafters... Answer- 3
3:18 Tie ball game in Jacksonville, Wofford made just a great second half run.
3:19 Siena is down to seven and Mizzou has the lead. Wofford cannot miss right now, just hitting everything imangiable.
3:25 Please take us out the Siena game.... Wofford takes the lead, I cannot believe this right now.
3:26 The Buzzcuts cannot stop the backcuts right now by Wofford, this might come down to the wire. Take us out ot the Siena game! Eric is beginning to start his rant!
3:27 Siena gets a foul called on them.... first shot is good (down 4) second shot is good (down 5)
3:30 Fant: "You know what grinds my gears? "Guys that have gelled hair who play basketball." Yes I would cosign that statement.
3:31 Kramer to the line shooting two... Hate Kramer more than most in the NCAA makes them both.
3:32 Siena goes one of two from the line, I highly doubt that they win this game. I will pencil in it for Purdue, even though I have UW in the sweet sixteen. Cheering Wofford hard.
3:37 "I did not pick them because their mascot is a Spider"-B-Squared. Welcome everyone the Lady in the office pool.
3:40 Tied up right now with 8 minutes left and gpa Dan thinks they can pull away and win this won right now. I think they are coming down to the wire.
3:43 Gotta. Make. Your. Free. Throws.
3:44 When are we going to start saying that Bo Ryan's teams are not tourney built teams? I mean seriously, they kick ass during the year but minus the Elite Eight run which was very lucky if you reflect on that.
3:46 Wofford up one right now with six minutes left. I would like to see Wofford win but seriously, how bad would the Wofford-Cornell game be>
3:47 Free Throws missed again by the Badgers but nothing from Wofford on the other end.
3:48 My God, Wofford named the Terriers. What an awful name for a team, that's just poor with a lucky tip by Keaton Nankivil
3:49 Ill-advised shot by the Buzzcuts, same with the Terriers. Under four left, this should be a good one. Bad call with the charge.
3:54 I do have to check Tosa to see if the Parulski house is on suicide alert. A lot of nervous Badger fans there.
3:55 You could tell that Wofford realized that they are within two minutes of beating Wisconsin... Another bad shot by the Badgers.
3:57 The free throws! Then a nasty block then a Trevon Hughes lay up.
3:59 This guy cannot make free throws to save his soul... I do not like this situation for the Terriers.
4:00 "Betcha he fucked everyone of us those cheerleaders."-Eric
4:01 Terry Martin talking shit to Trevon Hughes on the free-throw line in a close game... Gotta love Terry Martin.
4:02 Pass the ball... Trevon.
4:02 Leuer from the corner, I could of told you that was good before it even went in.
4:04 Let's see if the NBA refs are in the building for this one.... Yup you bet... Actually that was a good call.
4:06 Leuer hits the first one with 4.2 and the second... welp see ya later Wofford.
And we have our Oprah break.... Sadly I will not being doing it tonight because drinking and playing beer pong is more important.
2:46 Having an agrument about why Evan Anderson will suck... Trust me, he is the next J.P. Gavinski and will not have anything to contribute mark my words.
2:47 The ones joining us are Eric, Fant, Gpa Dan, and B-Squared. Another argument has been started regarding guarantee contracts in the NBA.
2:49 Eric is starting to get into "This would happen to me" mode. Eric believe he will not win a game today, nothing going right for him.
2:51 At halftime of the Wofford-Wisconsin game, quite boring... Not surprising though because it's the Big 10.
2:54 A tweet from our friend Ted... "If you took hundreds of people, cocaine, and the remaining stock of mid-90's beverage, Surge, you'd have oakland fans. Outstandingly crazy."
2:57 Why didn't I take Purdue? Siena was the sexy pick for everybody to pull the uspet and the Boilermakers are just giving him the business
2:59 Oh great, we are reading an excerpt of a person who hates America from an International Student. This should be epic, can't wait to hear this...
3:01 This girl sucks worst than the Wofford's cheerleaders, wow unbelievable. I might have to write her drunk and call her some bad names.
3:06 Nate has to leave for work, cannot say he's happy. I think I am going to start drinking soon, the Badgers game needs to be more enjoyable.
3:10 Debbie Downer with his first comment of the day. "We could of watch two episodes of The Office by now."
3:11 Eric and Seet are sexting from the opposite ends from the living room. Seet is also using rolled-up paper as some sort of a megaphone.
3:15 Wofford down two now... Inspired Eric to give a THIS IS MARCH MADNESS!! I respond with a HA-HA!!!
3:17 How many Wofford players does it take to get a ball out of the rafters... Answer- 3
3:18 Tie ball game in Jacksonville, Wofford made just a great second half run.
3:19 Siena is down to seven and Mizzou has the lead. Wofford cannot miss right now, just hitting everything imangiable.
3:25 Please take us out the Siena game.... Wofford takes the lead, I cannot believe this right now.
3:26 The Buzzcuts cannot stop the backcuts right now by Wofford, this might come down to the wire. Take us out ot the Siena game! Eric is beginning to start his rant!
3:27 Siena gets a foul called on them.... first shot is good (down 4) second shot is good (down 5)
3:30 Fant: "You know what grinds my gears? "Guys that have gelled hair who play basketball." Yes I would cosign that statement.
3:31 Kramer to the line shooting two... Hate Kramer more than most in the NCAA makes them both.
3:32 Siena goes one of two from the line, I highly doubt that they win this game. I will pencil in it for Purdue, even though I have UW in the sweet sixteen. Cheering Wofford hard.
3:37 "I did not pick them because their mascot is a Spider"-B-Squared. Welcome everyone the Lady in the office pool.
3:40 Tied up right now with 8 minutes left and gpa Dan thinks they can pull away and win this won right now. I think they are coming down to the wire.
3:43 Gotta. Make. Your. Free. Throws.
3:44 When are we going to start saying that Bo Ryan's teams are not tourney built teams? I mean seriously, they kick ass during the year but minus the Elite Eight run which was very lucky if you reflect on that.
3:46 Wofford up one right now with six minutes left. I would like to see Wofford win but seriously, how bad would the Wofford-Cornell game be>
3:47 Free Throws missed again by the Badgers but nothing from Wofford on the other end.
3:48 My God, Wofford named the Terriers. What an awful name for a team, that's just poor with a lucky tip by Keaton Nankivil
3:49 Ill-advised shot by the Buzzcuts, same with the Terriers. Under four left, this should be a good one. Bad call with the charge.
3:54 I do have to check Tosa to see if the Parulski house is on suicide alert. A lot of nervous Badger fans there.
3:55 You could tell that Wofford realized that they are within two minutes of beating Wisconsin... Another bad shot by the Badgers.
3:57 The free throws! Then a nasty block then a Trevon Hughes lay up.
3:59 This guy cannot make free throws to save his soul... I do not like this situation for the Terriers.
4:00 "Betcha he fucked everyone of us those cheerleaders."-Eric
4:01 Terry Martin talking shit to Trevon Hughes on the free-throw line in a close game... Gotta love Terry Martin.
4:02 Pass the ball... Trevon.
4:02 Leuer from the corner, I could of told you that was good before it even went in.
4:04 Let's see if the NBA refs are in the building for this one.... Yup you bet... Actually that was a good call.
4:06 Leuer hits the first one with 4.2 and the second... welp see ya later Wofford.
And we have our Oprah break.... Sadly I will not being doing it tonight because drinking and playing beer pong is more important.
Live Blog: Friday Afternoon Part I
Sorry for the delay, just haven't feel the need to get on the computer yet and enjoy blogging with you guys today. I hope a couple of you are reading, feel free to ask me any questions on Facebook and Twitter.
11:51 The Mountaineers were trying to keep up the Big East Massacre and they finally woke up a half n hour later. Now they have a lead on the Todd Bozmans
11:52 Todd Bozman for those who dont know was banned by the NCAA in the 90s for many illegal things, there is hope for Kelvin Sampson.
11:53 Updates on the scores.. WVU up 2 Cornell up 11 (NARD DOG) Minnesota on a big run up 2.
11:54 People here with us right now are B-Squared (Debbie Downer), and Fant. Eric will be joinin us shortly.
12:07 On the phone with the banks, odds that I am on here for thirty minutes is a good bet
12:13 Seet has now joining us but he has his headphones on like Warren from There's Something About Mary
12:16 "Why are my porn videos so much better than regular videos on my computer?" B-Squared, classice coment. Love it.
12:29 God I hate Capital One. I just do not understand how I got robbed 39 dollars, what a bunch of jokesters.
12:30 Got a call from TO, Benny VDubs, and Con they claim they are bringing a bottle of Kesslers over for the Badger game, good God.
12:45 Looks as if the Xavier game might start getting ugly, Jordan Crawford is having a good day... thats a problem.
12:49 THEY SHOWED LEBRON GETTING DUNKED ON!!!!!! HAHAHAHHAHAAHAHA
12:52 Fant and Eric are discussing D3 basketball right now, no one seems to care.
12:53 We have a guy on the Gophers whose a Wisconsinite. And the Fightin' Nard Dogs have been up the entire game against Temple.
1:00 I am already calling this one for Xavier, I think I have took Minnesota the last two years only to lead me in disappointment. I am glad I am not like some who took them to the Sweet 16
1:01 Jay Bilas looks like a genius right now with that Nard Dog pick. They are up 15 as we speak. WVU is just destroying Morgan State
1:09 God Minnesota just went to sleep in the second half, now the discussion about Wisconsin-Kentucky possibility in Sweet 16... I would bet against the spread in that one personally.
1:13 So many racist jokes right now in the house, cannot speak exactly about what people are discussing.
1:16 It appears we are not getting close games, all pretty much snoozers but we do get an uspet with the Fightin' Nard Dogs.
1:20 Tubby Smith might head to Auburn? I read the report and this started a rant about Charles Barkely from Eric... priceless.
1:22 Minnesota only down seven now with 2:30 left, maybe we will have one who knows...
1:24 It's too bad that the college basketball did not have a continuation because that would have counted. Good put back, the lead is down to six with a minute twelve left.
1:27 As Wayne Larraivee would say... THERE IS YOUR DAGGER! Crawford just nailed the three in the deep corner.
1:31 Cornell gives us the usual 5/12 upset that we all expected. Not a surprise, they will be a tough out for Wisconsin/Wofford.
1:33 We will back after a booze and Tbell run.
11:51 The Mountaineers were trying to keep up the Big East Massacre and they finally woke up a half n hour later. Now they have a lead on the Todd Bozmans
11:52 Todd Bozman for those who dont know was banned by the NCAA in the 90s for many illegal things, there is hope for Kelvin Sampson.
11:53 Updates on the scores.. WVU up 2 Cornell up 11 (NARD DOG) Minnesota on a big run up 2.
11:54 People here with us right now are B-Squared (Debbie Downer), and Fant. Eric will be joinin us shortly.
12:07 On the phone with the banks, odds that I am on here for thirty minutes is a good bet
12:13 Seet has now joining us but he has his headphones on like Warren from There's Something About Mary
12:16 "Why are my porn videos so much better than regular videos on my computer?" B-Squared, classice coment. Love it.
12:29 God I hate Capital One. I just do not understand how I got robbed 39 dollars, what a bunch of jokesters.
12:30 Got a call from TO, Benny VDubs, and Con they claim they are bringing a bottle of Kesslers over for the Badger game, good God.
12:45 Looks as if the Xavier game might start getting ugly, Jordan Crawford is having a good day... thats a problem.
12:49 THEY SHOWED LEBRON GETTING DUNKED ON!!!!!! HAHAHAHHAHAAHAHA
12:52 Fant and Eric are discussing D3 basketball right now, no one seems to care.
12:53 We have a guy on the Gophers whose a Wisconsinite. And the Fightin' Nard Dogs have been up the entire game against Temple.
1:00 I am already calling this one for Xavier, I think I have took Minnesota the last two years only to lead me in disappointment. I am glad I am not like some who took them to the Sweet 16
1:01 Jay Bilas looks like a genius right now with that Nard Dog pick. They are up 15 as we speak. WVU is just destroying Morgan State
1:09 God Minnesota just went to sleep in the second half, now the discussion about Wisconsin-Kentucky possibility in Sweet 16... I would bet against the spread in that one personally.
1:13 So many racist jokes right now in the house, cannot speak exactly about what people are discussing.
1:16 It appears we are not getting close games, all pretty much snoozers but we do get an uspet with the Fightin' Nard Dogs.
1:20 Tubby Smith might head to Auburn? I read the report and this started a rant about Charles Barkely from Eric... priceless.
1:22 Minnesota only down seven now with 2:30 left, maybe we will have one who knows...
1:24 It's too bad that the college basketball did not have a continuation because that would have counted. Good put back, the lead is down to six with a minute twelve left.
1:27 As Wayne Larraivee would say... THERE IS YOUR DAGGER! Crawford just nailed the three in the deep corner.
1:31 Cornell gives us the usual 5/12 upset that we all expected. Not a surprise, they will be a tough out for Wisconsin/Wofford.
1:33 We will back after a booze and Tbell run.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday Night Part II
Welcome to the last part of the night... No worries, no Big East team to fuck our brackets. Just an awful loss, Marquette was on everybody bandwagon and they let us all down. Pretty upset to say the least.
9:12 We get Lehigh vs. Kansas, the Jayhawks are off to a slow start but does it really matter? They will win by 20 at least trust me.
9:16 I am only getting by, because I know that Tom Crean has a vat of STDS. Cures the pain.
9:29 Sorry I am slow on this, but the emotion has been thoroughly sucked out of me. Just really do not care, couldn't believe that they lose that game. They had a 15 point lead and just got comfy, mother fuckers. I cannot believe this is how had to end for the third straight year.
9:34 We are going on Chatroulette, this cures the pain somewhat.
9:40 It didn't. We discovered it before everyone else did and now it sucks
9:44 Why do we have to watch a 1 vs. 16 even though it's close. I could care less, we know Kansas will win. I would much rather see SDSU-Tennessee.
9:56 Tennessee up by 8 at the break, Kansas only up 2, and New Mexico up 1 . Cant say any of these games excite me
10:14 Well Kansas is finally starting to pull away, I lost my sidekick Eric as he mending a few fences... understandable. Also update on Wake Forest-Texas, the Deacs are up six.
10:18 If we learned one thing today, this just means that Marquette can never be a six seed again. Lehigh is hanging in there. but Cole Adrich says not so fast my friends
10:20 Kevin Harlan is bit too excited about that throwdown, Kansas should have been doing this the enitre game.
10:47 Sorry not much from me. I ran out of steam after the Marquette game. I am ready and willing for the final run of the day. Tennessee up 1 Wake up 7 Kansas finally pulled away
10:49 Couldn't begin to explain how many people had Texas in that game, just an unreal collapse from January on.
10:53: San Diego State is still fightin and scrapin' I think the Aztecs will need a big time effort to win this ball game. Wake lead is down to four.
10:58 Doris Davis might top Shrek's mom as scariest Mom in America. Woof.
10:59 Please Tennessee do not implode here. New Mexico, you can implode.
11:01 Whoa we got switched out super quick! Good job CBS, I have no idea why there isn't a foul there. Oh wait, Ron Washington is out there!
11:03 J'Von Brown rattles in the three, coming down to the wire again. Tied up with minute left then get switched out to SDSU/TENN where the Vols are up three.
11:04 That's not a bad foul at all by Tennessee, I mean look they are a bad free throw shooting team. Good foul.
11:06 Cue Grandpa's rendition of Rocky Top after hearing the band playing, never fails... he will sing it for three days straight. Debbie started singing from his room too.. fuck
11:06 Gary Johnson got stuffed like a turkey on Thanksgiving and then they lose possession on a jump ball. It's like watching women's basketball.
11:07 Nothing grinds Papa Tritschler's gears then not boxing out on free throws. Then add in the three-point foul, he must be beside himself
11:09 Tennessee up 1 with say 11 secs differential and Gpa goes "Well why would they drain the clock down there?" "I mean seriously, why wouldn't they get the points?" I didn't even bother explain it.
11:10 Damon James hits the first to tie the game and for the lead........................miss.
11:11 James almost makes it but WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN NEW ORLEANS
11:14 Chism makes a great play on the defensive end and hits his free throw. Never doubt Bruce Pearl.
11:16 Hold on here Texas and another big three from Jordan Hamilton. Six point lead and almost show time for Damon (or is it Damion) James.
11:23 ***J'Covan Brown, sorry for the mess up. Texas is trying their best to screw this game up.
11:27 We might as well have another double overtime.
11:29 Montana has closed the gap to 1 and Gary Johnson cannot hit a free throw. Misses them both. Wake wins this.
11:30 ME: "Wake's winning this.... That was a pretty shot.
11:32 I cannot believe that Texas blew an eight-point lead in overtime. They had it sealed up and had the foot on their throats. Marquette fans with me are nodding their heads right now.
11:33 Out to San Jose, New Mexico is up three against Montana with 2:57 who misses a free throw... rut roh.
11:35 This white guy for Montana has 17 rebounds tonight and I believe 26 points. He ranks second to Jimmer in terms of White guy performances.
11:37 Of course the two guys at the top of the table would have Wake Forest, the only two. Who does that honestly?
11:39 Three point game with 1:18 left.... the Grizz give it to Johnson, and he is stripped.
11:42 Grandpa Dan just asked me how Marquette did? And I caught him in a Snake lie today? I win..
11:45 New Mexico cannot hit a free throw, its like being a faithful boy in college... just doesnt happen.
11:46 Wow what a bad attempt at the layup, I like the idea but just a horrible attempt at a lay-up.
11:48 Magical day in San Jose, Bob is a rhymesmith. But New Mexico gets out there with a win to play... ugh Washington.
I am done for the day but back for probably 10 more hours, I will be back.
9:12 We get Lehigh vs. Kansas, the Jayhawks are off to a slow start but does it really matter? They will win by 20 at least trust me.
9:16 I am only getting by, because I know that Tom Crean has a vat of STDS. Cures the pain.
9:29 Sorry I am slow on this, but the emotion has been thoroughly sucked out of me. Just really do not care, couldn't believe that they lose that game. They had a 15 point lead and just got comfy, mother fuckers. I cannot believe this is how had to end for the third straight year.
9:34 We are going on Chatroulette, this cures the pain somewhat.
9:40 It didn't. We discovered it before everyone else did and now it sucks
9:44 Why do we have to watch a 1 vs. 16 even though it's close. I could care less, we know Kansas will win. I would much rather see SDSU-Tennessee.
9:56 Tennessee up by 8 at the break, Kansas only up 2, and New Mexico up 1 . Cant say any of these games excite me
10:14 Well Kansas is finally starting to pull away, I lost my sidekick Eric as he mending a few fences... understandable. Also update on Wake Forest-Texas, the Deacs are up six.
10:18 If we learned one thing today, this just means that Marquette can never be a six seed again. Lehigh is hanging in there. but Cole Adrich says not so fast my friends
10:20 Kevin Harlan is bit too excited about that throwdown, Kansas should have been doing this the enitre game.
10:47 Sorry not much from me. I ran out of steam after the Marquette game. I am ready and willing for the final run of the day. Tennessee up 1 Wake up 7 Kansas finally pulled away
10:49 Couldn't begin to explain how many people had Texas in that game, just an unreal collapse from January on.
10:53: San Diego State is still fightin and scrapin' I think the Aztecs will need a big time effort to win this ball game. Wake lead is down to four.
10:58 Doris Davis might top Shrek's mom as scariest Mom in America. Woof.
10:59 Please Tennessee do not implode here. New Mexico, you can implode.
11:01 Whoa we got switched out super quick! Good job CBS, I have no idea why there isn't a foul there. Oh wait, Ron Washington is out there!
11:03 J'Von Brown rattles in the three, coming down to the wire again. Tied up with minute left then get switched out to SDSU/TENN where the Vols are up three.
11:04 That's not a bad foul at all by Tennessee, I mean look they are a bad free throw shooting team. Good foul.
11:06 Cue Grandpa's rendition of Rocky Top after hearing the band playing, never fails... he will sing it for three days straight. Debbie started singing from his room too.. fuck
11:06 Gary Johnson got stuffed like a turkey on Thanksgiving and then they lose possession on a jump ball. It's like watching women's basketball.
11:07 Nothing grinds Papa Tritschler's gears then not boxing out on free throws. Then add in the three-point foul, he must be beside himself
11:09 Tennessee up 1 with say 11 secs differential and Gpa goes "Well why would they drain the clock down there?" "I mean seriously, why wouldn't they get the points?" I didn't even bother explain it.
11:10 Damon James hits the first to tie the game and for the lead........................miss.
11:11 James almost makes it but WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN NEW ORLEANS
11:14 Chism makes a great play on the defensive end and hits his free throw. Never doubt Bruce Pearl.
11:16 Hold on here Texas and another big three from Jordan Hamilton. Six point lead and almost show time for Damon (or is it Damion) James.
11:23 ***J'Covan Brown, sorry for the mess up. Texas is trying their best to screw this game up.
11:27 We might as well have another double overtime.
11:29 Montana has closed the gap to 1 and Gary Johnson cannot hit a free throw. Misses them both. Wake wins this.
11:30 ME: "Wake's winning this.... That was a pretty shot.
11:32 I cannot believe that Texas blew an eight-point lead in overtime. They had it sealed up and had the foot on their throats. Marquette fans with me are nodding their heads right now.
11:33 Out to San Jose, New Mexico is up three against Montana with 2:57 who misses a free throw... rut roh.
11:35 This white guy for Montana has 17 rebounds tonight and I believe 26 points. He ranks second to Jimmer in terms of White guy performances.
11:37 Of course the two guys at the top of the table would have Wake Forest, the only two. Who does that honestly?
11:39 Three point game with 1:18 left.... the Grizz give it to Johnson, and he is stripped.
11:42 Grandpa Dan just asked me how Marquette did? And I caught him in a Snake lie today? I win..
11:45 New Mexico cannot hit a free throw, its like being a faithful boy in college... just doesnt happen.
11:46 Wow what a bad attempt at the layup, I like the idea but just a horrible attempt at a lay-up.
11:48 Magical day in San Jose, Bob is a rhymesmith. But New Mexico gets out there with a win to play... ugh Washington.
I am done for the day but back for probably 10 more hours, I will be back.
Thursday Night Part I
Sorry being late but me and Eric decided to get booze then Dominos. Let me tell you those commercials about their pizza being much improved is a fact. So good, wish I had another one for the late night session.
6:36: We have Nate Dawg, Eric, and Seet joining us this evening so far. No signs of Grandpa Dan, people believe he may have tipped his walker.
6:37: Still waiting for Marquette to tip off, but we have Northern Iowa-UNLV. The Runnin' Rebs up 5 so far and Kentucky is up 14, Ohio up 3 way early
6:38: Does Northern Iowa led the nation in white guys with horrible tats? Michelle Bombshell approves this messege and probably would gangbang the entire team.
6:42: We are all still in amazement on Seet's new found cooking skills. It's like watching a small child growing up, we are all proud.
6:48 New agrument/discussion... The favorite cut of meat... Me: Ribs Seet/Eric: Prime Rib Nate Dawg: T-Bone. Seet suggested a Brazilian restaurant for all your can meat for 50 dollars, had that at NYC 10 years ago and need to do it again.
6:50 What did I tell you about Ohio? I knew Georgetown had the opportunity to underachieve. Bobcats up seven with 8 minutes left. MU game in 5 minutes, beer needs to get in the fridge.
6:55 Just like Sandra Bullock's movies' she is overrated in terms of being good looking. Marquette is rocking the golds tonight. How many times Johnson-Odom gets mispronounced? Odds are at 7 to 1
6:56 Looking at Tiger's sext mistress whose a porn star. Nate Dawg looks at her pic, "Hey is that Brazzers pic?"
6:58 Nate Dawg has also met porn stars. Low level at the Mall of America. Marquette game high scoring like i had expected... ZAAAR
7:00 Georgetown down 12 with 5 minutes left. I told ya sooo. This could be the Big East Massacre, look out Mo
7:02 This game might go to 100, the way its on. I think it will be a bunch of runs. Great charge by Lazar.
7:07 Like I said, this game is going to a hundred. No one is playing defense, no surprise that DJO cannot hit both of them.
7:13 Ohio up twelve at the break. As Eric would say, OHHHHHHHH WOOOOOOOOOOOOW. The bad Hoya team showed up guys, not good at all
7:14 Need to finish your three point play Jimmy. By the way, if both MU and Gtown lost the Big East goes 1-4 I believe. DJO drills a three.
7:18 Erase the memories? Child please, we beat the number two seed Nova in the second round. Cubi nails a three, I said that this game will be two teams who live and die by the three.
7:19 People seem upset about the officating from the Washington side... I like it, finally a game where the other team bitches about the calls.
7:25 A random bag of chips around house during tourney time. Might as well consider it gone. We think it's Grandpas' he will not be happy.
7:27 This game has the down to the wire feel already, I just know it. I will be a wreck in about hour and fifteen.
7:31 B-Squared criticized us for this decision. We just change his name to Debbie Downer the rest of the day. He is now known as Debbie Downer
7:33 Weak attempt at a charge by DJO. Never thought I would say this but Marquette needs to slow things down. I think they need a controlled track meet not just a tracket meet.
7:37 Over/Under Kentucky gets 110 points, they just are pouring it on right now and the Bobcats have a player named Armon Bassett. Great name. I think I am naming my kid Armon.
7:39 Isiah Thomas is just murkin the Warriors right now, Mo seems slow as does Cubi with him. Gotta stop him if Marquette wants to win.
7:40 Now I will start bitching about the refs, would someone like to tell me how thats a foul? I call that good defense, but that's just me.
7:42 Asking Debbie about the a possible non-foul, He goes "I'm bored" with a disappointing sigh well then.
7:44 So everyone has designs in their hair on Marquette? Unbelieveable, just like that non-make from Thomas... great shot.
7:47 Bad Hoyas are out to play and Greg Monroe is showing why it will take a year in D-League plus two years on the bench before he is worth a damn.
7:48 Thomas almost makes another one, I seriously do not want Washington to have the last shot or I might die in this spot.
7:51 Lucus O'Rear might be my hero with that Irish tat plus those mutton chops. I am sure he is mad that he wasn't able to celebrate St. Patty Day.
7:58 Two notable quotes: Nate Dawg, "Ever since I read about that racoon biting off that guy's dick, I am scared to piss outside, i feel like a squirrel is going get my dick." Eric "My shit was literally black, what the fuck." -Classic.
8:01 Continued asking Nate Dawg, "What if I pissed on the squirrel? "Then it comes up and bites me in the dick." I am glad he is here for something.
8:04 Debbie is trying to start an argument and I shot it down faster than the idea to dress up as clowns on Water Street.
8:11 My cousin reminds me that Washington started as a top 15 team and MU was predicted 12th in the Big East.. Yet Marquette is better seeded, who knows anymore.
8:12 I hope the Nova refs have been flown in so that the Big East can get two wins at least. ZAAAAARRRRRR. Gtown cut the lead to seven with 5 left.
8:14 8 point lead for the Warriors and the UNLV/UNI looks like it's coming down to the wire. Picked both in two different brackets, I want the Panthers though.
8:18 Hate to channel Eric but you what grinds my gears? When players get the timeouts when there is a scrum on the ground, no one has the ball. It's an obvious time for the possession arrow.
8:21 Really poor possession by UNI, just threw one up there.
8:23 FROM THE PARKING LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a shot. Can't spell his name, my apologies. What a great day. Why Gus Johnson one game today?
8:27 UNLV goes down... Marquette is up 11 with 12 left and Georgetown lays a complete egg. Classic start ot the evening.
8:31 Georgetown gives up 95 points to a 9th best MAC team. What. A. Diss. Usually, I cheer for the Big East but I knew this was coming. My dad and I discussed in great detail
8:35 We got comfortable like Debbie does on the couch on the weekends in refusal to go to the bars on the weekends.
8:37 Great play by Lazar. Would love to see the MU lead at about six to eight by about six minutes left.
8:38 Huskies are knocking on the door, we didn't put the foot on their throat when we had the chance.
8:39 Worried Level is at about 8.5
8:41 Gpa Dan comes in sooooooooooooooo hot. "So this pharamcist who used to work in Milwaukee told me today that Tom Crean had the most STDs I have ever seen."
8:43 Unreal cannot believe it. They are just playing like complete shit, they have just shit the bed.
8:47 Gave a lets go with that three pointer than a horrible call. Tied up 4:15 left, no Gus lines for me. Just neverous.
8:49 Washington is shooting 61% what? That is unbelievable. I am guessing I should be more impressed with Marquette's performance right now.
8:52 Down to wire again, good to be back being nervous thinking I am going to have a heart attack. A couple of threes and just pull away please.
8:54 What the hell just happened there? It's not a wet spot, they just lose their fucking feet Bob.
8:55 Cant get a fuckin rebound. Jesus cmon man. No excuses for not winning this game.
8:56 After playing very good defense by all parties, Mo decided to try to steal the ball, setting up two free throws.
8:57 Overton makes the first, makes the second teid with 2 minutes left. Here we go...
8:58 Why do you jack that Zar? Seriously, made no sense whatsoever. Thanks for stealing the ball tho, that helped.
9:02 Unreal, this horrible. I would rather be Georgetown than this shit happen to us. Mother fucker, no way this will go in. I have no doubts. The curse of the live blogs.
9:07 Not much more to say, just the Big East Massacre reared its ugly head tonight.
-Charlie
6:36: We have Nate Dawg, Eric, and Seet joining us this evening so far. No signs of Grandpa Dan, people believe he may have tipped his walker.
6:37: Still waiting for Marquette to tip off, but we have Northern Iowa-UNLV. The Runnin' Rebs up 5 so far and Kentucky is up 14, Ohio up 3 way early
6:38: Does Northern Iowa led the nation in white guys with horrible tats? Michelle Bombshell approves this messege and probably would gangbang the entire team.
6:42: We are all still in amazement on Seet's new found cooking skills. It's like watching a small child growing up, we are all proud.
6:48 New agrument/discussion... The favorite cut of meat... Me: Ribs Seet/Eric: Prime Rib Nate Dawg: T-Bone. Seet suggested a Brazilian restaurant for all your can meat for 50 dollars, had that at NYC 10 years ago and need to do it again.
6:50 What did I tell you about Ohio? I knew Georgetown had the opportunity to underachieve. Bobcats up seven with 8 minutes left. MU game in 5 minutes, beer needs to get in the fridge.
6:55 Just like Sandra Bullock's movies' she is overrated in terms of being good looking. Marquette is rocking the golds tonight. How many times Johnson-Odom gets mispronounced? Odds are at 7 to 1
6:56 Looking at Tiger's sext mistress whose a porn star. Nate Dawg looks at her pic, "Hey is that Brazzers pic?"
6:58 Nate Dawg has also met porn stars. Low level at the Mall of America. Marquette game high scoring like i had expected... ZAAAR
7:00 Georgetown down 12 with 5 minutes left. I told ya sooo. This could be the Big East Massacre, look out Mo
7:02 This game might go to 100, the way its on. I think it will be a bunch of runs. Great charge by Lazar.
7:07 Like I said, this game is going to a hundred. No one is playing defense, no surprise that DJO cannot hit both of them.
7:13 Ohio up twelve at the break. As Eric would say, OHHHHHHHH WOOOOOOOOOOOOW. The bad Hoya team showed up guys, not good at all
7:14 Need to finish your three point play Jimmy. By the way, if both MU and Gtown lost the Big East goes 1-4 I believe. DJO drills a three.
7:18 Erase the memories? Child please, we beat the number two seed Nova in the second round. Cubi nails a three, I said that this game will be two teams who live and die by the three.
7:19 People seem upset about the officating from the Washington side... I like it, finally a game where the other team bitches about the calls.
7:25 A random bag of chips around house during tourney time. Might as well consider it gone. We think it's Grandpas' he will not be happy.
7:27 This game has the down to the wire feel already, I just know it. I will be a wreck in about hour and fifteen.
7:31 B-Squared criticized us for this decision. We just change his name to Debbie Downer the rest of the day. He is now known as Debbie Downer
7:33 Weak attempt at a charge by DJO. Never thought I would say this but Marquette needs to slow things down. I think they need a controlled track meet not just a tracket meet.
7:37 Over/Under Kentucky gets 110 points, they just are pouring it on right now and the Bobcats have a player named Armon Bassett. Great name. I think I am naming my kid Armon.
7:39 Isiah Thomas is just murkin the Warriors right now, Mo seems slow as does Cubi with him. Gotta stop him if Marquette wants to win.
7:40 Now I will start bitching about the refs, would someone like to tell me how thats a foul? I call that good defense, but that's just me.
7:42 Asking Debbie about the a possible non-foul, He goes "I'm bored" with a disappointing sigh well then.
7:44 So everyone has designs in their hair on Marquette? Unbelieveable, just like that non-make from Thomas... great shot.
7:47 Bad Hoyas are out to play and Greg Monroe is showing why it will take a year in D-League plus two years on the bench before he is worth a damn.
7:48 Thomas almost makes another one, I seriously do not want Washington to have the last shot or I might die in this spot.
7:51 Lucus O'Rear might be my hero with that Irish tat plus those mutton chops. I am sure he is mad that he wasn't able to celebrate St. Patty Day.
7:58 Two notable quotes: Nate Dawg, "Ever since I read about that racoon biting off that guy's dick, I am scared to piss outside, i feel like a squirrel is going get my dick." Eric "My shit was literally black, what the fuck." -Classic.
8:01 Continued asking Nate Dawg, "What if I pissed on the squirrel? "Then it comes up and bites me in the dick." I am glad he is here for something.
8:04 Debbie is trying to start an argument and I shot it down faster than the idea to dress up as clowns on Water Street.
8:11 My cousin reminds me that Washington started as a top 15 team and MU was predicted 12th in the Big East.. Yet Marquette is better seeded, who knows anymore.
8:12 I hope the Nova refs have been flown in so that the Big East can get two wins at least. ZAAAAARRRRRR. Gtown cut the lead to seven with 5 left.
8:14 8 point lead for the Warriors and the UNLV/UNI looks like it's coming down to the wire. Picked both in two different brackets, I want the Panthers though.
8:18 Hate to channel Eric but you what grinds my gears? When players get the timeouts when there is a scrum on the ground, no one has the ball. It's an obvious time for the possession arrow.
8:21 Really poor possession by UNI, just threw one up there.
8:23 FROM THE PARKING LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a shot. Can't spell his name, my apologies. What a great day. Why Gus Johnson one game today?
8:27 UNLV goes down... Marquette is up 11 with 12 left and Georgetown lays a complete egg. Classic start ot the evening.
8:31 Georgetown gives up 95 points to a 9th best MAC team. What. A. Diss. Usually, I cheer for the Big East but I knew this was coming. My dad and I discussed in great detail
8:35 We got comfortable like Debbie does on the couch on the weekends in refusal to go to the bars on the weekends.
8:37 Great play by Lazar. Would love to see the MU lead at about six to eight by about six minutes left.
8:38 Huskies are knocking on the door, we didn't put the foot on their throat when we had the chance.
8:39 Worried Level is at about 8.5
8:41 Gpa Dan comes in sooooooooooooooo hot. "So this pharamcist who used to work in Milwaukee told me today that Tom Crean had the most STDs I have ever seen."
8:43 Unreal cannot believe it. They are just playing like complete shit, they have just shit the bed.
8:47 Gave a lets go with that three pointer than a horrible call. Tied up 4:15 left, no Gus lines for me. Just neverous.
8:49 Washington is shooting 61% what? That is unbelievable. I am guessing I should be more impressed with Marquette's performance right now.
8:52 Down to wire again, good to be back being nervous thinking I am going to have a heart attack. A couple of threes and just pull away please.
8:54 What the hell just happened there? It's not a wet spot, they just lose their fucking feet Bob.
8:55 Cant get a fuckin rebound. Jesus cmon man. No excuses for not winning this game.
8:56 After playing very good defense by all parties, Mo decided to try to steal the ball, setting up two free throws.
8:57 Overton makes the first, makes the second teid with 2 minutes left. Here we go...
8:58 Why do you jack that Zar? Seriously, made no sense whatsoever. Thanks for stealing the ball tho, that helped.
9:02 Unreal, this horrible. I would rather be Georgetown than this shit happen to us. Mother fucker, no way this will go in. I have no doubts. The curse of the live blogs.
9:07 Not much more to say, just the Big East Massacre reared its ugly head tonight.
-Charlie
Live Blog: Thursday Afternoon Session Part II
I decided this has to be split up into four parts because I write a lot of random shit. Anyways, what a first round of games. Everything you could ask for. I went 2/3, thanks Notre Dame and I thought Bob Morris was hitting that final shot.
2:20: Sam Houston State-Baylor we are at, there is a player for the Bearkats that has some sweet Kurt Rambis' goggles.
2:22: Anthony Johnson for Baylor is a BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAN POOLE
2:23: I might have to cheer on the Bearkats in honor of those glasses, so great. Also why do they use a k instead of a c, dont know many cats that start with k.
2:30: Clemente drills a three to lead off our second game. Mitchy from the Daily Dose will be taking over for an hour or so.
2:31: Baylor off to a slow start, anyone think they were reading the clippings about everybody loving their chances.
2:32: Jacob Pullen is the man. He has a great beard and Frank Martin is an intense man. I wouldn't want to piss him off.
2:35: Of course, Mitch wouldn't answer his phone. Looking for volunteers right now. Take that back, he answered... we are good to go. The blog will never die!!!!
2:38: Pretty poor slate of games, Vanderbilt down at halftime which I am not surprised by one bit, North Texas-KState close early, same with the BearKats and Baylor.
2:49: Charlie's out for a beezy ass lab or some bull. It's a ya boy Mitch from the Daily Dose. So far I'm 2/3 in the games that have gone final. Gal darn Old Dominion is killin' me.
3:05: Naturally my computer decides to act funny, but we should be alright now. St. Mary's and Richmond are underway and SMC is getting a great effort from big man Omar Samhan thus far. K-State hasn't had a whole lot of trouble from North Texas yet either.
3:09: Vandy can't seem to get it going against Murray State. That could mean a second loss for me. Meanwhile, K-State is on its way to our first blowout of the tourney. I've been waiting. Curly thinks he's cool by "calling" this one. Problem is he probably didn't even know KSU was in the Big Dance.
3:23: Halftime of the KState/N. Texas game. KState by a comfortable margin. Vanderbilt has just taken the lead over Murray State on the wings of a Brad Tinsley 3-pointer.
3:27: Check that. Murray State is back on top after a couple real quick buckets. Shucky darns. Richmond and SMC is going to turn out to be a nice one.
3:34: A.J. Ogilvy misses the second of two free throws. Vandy trails by one with 1:36 to go. Going to be a great finish.
3:41: This is going to be an epic finish in this Vandy/Murray State game. Go Vandy!
3:45: We get our first buzzer-beater of the year. Had I picked Murray State, it would have the other way around. FML. Murray State wins it 66-65 in the most dramatic of fashions.
3:52: I now shift my full and undivided to the Baylor/SHSU game. Baylor has a four point lead with 2 minutes to go. Another tight one in N'awlins.
4:00: Well, for the sake of the residents of 223 Broadway it's a good thing Baylor hung on. Now it's almost time for the annual Oprah break. Don't get me started on that. We're probably going to miss the finish of a great SMC/Richmond game because of it.
4:08: Charlie should be returning momentarily. We saw some great action in the past hour together. May there be many more great moments. I hope SMC is able to hold on here against Richmond that would help me out. God bless.
4:39: Well I am screwed. Two of my sweet 16 team looks like they are out of there. Vandy's end ran out on a buzzer-beater and Richmond is getting beat.
4:47: I would like to echo Mitchell on the fact I do not get to watch UTEP-Butler because we have to watch the news, kinda pulling for Butler now knowing that people had the 12/13 combination. By the way, the road for Syracuse got even easier.
4:48: The only reason why its a good thing, I can get a case of beer, handle of cheap vodka, and some grub for tonight/tomorrow.
4:49: Pumped for Marquette tonight, this thing will be updated a lot and also watch out for Ohio tonight. I dont know just have a feeling.
2:20: Sam Houston State-Baylor we are at, there is a player for the Bearkats that has some sweet Kurt Rambis' goggles.
2:22: Anthony Johnson for Baylor is a BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAN POOLE
2:23: I might have to cheer on the Bearkats in honor of those glasses, so great. Also why do they use a k instead of a c, dont know many cats that start with k.
2:30: Clemente drills a three to lead off our second game. Mitchy from the Daily Dose will be taking over for an hour or so.
2:31: Baylor off to a slow start, anyone think they were reading the clippings about everybody loving their chances.
2:32: Jacob Pullen is the man. He has a great beard and Frank Martin is an intense man. I wouldn't want to piss him off.
2:35: Of course, Mitch wouldn't answer his phone. Looking for volunteers right now. Take that back, he answered... we are good to go. The blog will never die!!!!
2:38: Pretty poor slate of games, Vanderbilt down at halftime which I am not surprised by one bit, North Texas-KState close early, same with the BearKats and Baylor.
2:49: Charlie's out for a beezy ass lab or some bull. It's a ya boy Mitch from the Daily Dose. So far I'm 2/3 in the games that have gone final. Gal darn Old Dominion is killin' me.
3:05: Naturally my computer decides to act funny, but we should be alright now. St. Mary's and Richmond are underway and SMC is getting a great effort from big man Omar Samhan thus far. K-State hasn't had a whole lot of trouble from North Texas yet either.
3:09: Vandy can't seem to get it going against Murray State. That could mean a second loss for me. Meanwhile, K-State is on its way to our first blowout of the tourney. I've been waiting. Curly thinks he's cool by "calling" this one. Problem is he probably didn't even know KSU was in the Big Dance.
3:23: Halftime of the KState/N. Texas game. KState by a comfortable margin. Vanderbilt has just taken the lead over Murray State on the wings of a Brad Tinsley 3-pointer.
3:27: Check that. Murray State is back on top after a couple real quick buckets. Shucky darns. Richmond and SMC is going to turn out to be a nice one.
3:34: A.J. Ogilvy misses the second of two free throws. Vandy trails by one with 1:36 to go. Going to be a great finish.
3:41: This is going to be an epic finish in this Vandy/Murray State game. Go Vandy!
3:45: We get our first buzzer-beater of the year. Had I picked Murray State, it would have the other way around. FML. Murray State wins it 66-65 in the most dramatic of fashions.
3:52: I now shift my full and undivided to the Baylor/SHSU game. Baylor has a four point lead with 2 minutes to go. Another tight one in N'awlins.
4:00: Well, for the sake of the residents of 223 Broadway it's a good thing Baylor hung on. Now it's almost time for the annual Oprah break. Don't get me started on that. We're probably going to miss the finish of a great SMC/Richmond game because of it.
4:08: Charlie should be returning momentarily. We saw some great action in the past hour together. May there be many more great moments. I hope SMC is able to hold on here against Richmond that would help me out. God bless.
4:39: Well I am screwed. Two of my sweet 16 team looks like they are out of there. Vandy's end ran out on a buzzer-beater and Richmond is getting beat.
4:47: I would like to echo Mitchell on the fact I do not get to watch UTEP-Butler because we have to watch the news, kinda pulling for Butler now knowing that people had the 12/13 combination. By the way, the road for Syracuse got even easier.
4:48: The only reason why its a good thing, I can get a case of beer, handle of cheap vodka, and some grub for tonight/tomorrow.
4:49: Pumped for Marquette tonight, this thing will be updated a lot and also watch out for Ohio tonight. I dont know just have a feeling.
Live Blog: Thursday Afternoon Session Part I
Hey everyone we are live from the 715, the house is cleaned and the HD is looking beautiful, ready to go.
11:16: The men joining us today right now, Eric-BSqaured-Nate Dawg-Seet. BSquared hates the first two rounds of the tournament... I feel he should be excommunicated from America.
11:17: "These first two days of the tournament, top five days of the year."-Eric Couldn't agree more with this statement. Now this has sprung our first argument between Seet/Eric.
11:21: First game, Florida-BYU with my man Jimmer Fredette. Just for all you wondering, BYU has two black guys.
11:28: We got switched out to the Notre Dame-Old Dominion game. Not complaining and Carlton Scott just threw down nasty, I am hoping Dick Enberg doesn't die while announcing.
11:36: Sorry I am enjoying some lunch... hot dogs/cheese/yogurt. Yes, I am American.
11:37: Another nasty throwdown from Scott, and also anyone else feel like Tim Abromaitis sounds like an STD you dont want?
11:48: The Fightin' Mormons are struggling so far but the Irish are doing well so far. Scott is trying to become the second-famous Carlton in 21 years of my lifetime.
11:49: Just proposed the idea of buying mass quantitys of beers tomorrow, rut roh.
11:51: Florida has a guy named Eric Murphy, I wonder if Vinnie, Turtle, and Drama are in attendance. Hopefully Sloan is there as well.
11:53: Second agrument of the day: Mine and Eric obsession of Bill Simmons versus Nate Dawg's Dave Matthews' obesssion. I am going with Nate Dawg's on this one. He would let Dave do naughty things to anyone he loves, and would just smile while Dave gets whoever the business.
11:55: Will the UPS guy ever cut his hair? The odds are 100 to 1
11:59: Upset alert, Robert Morris up six early on Nova. I told you they peaked early this year, I don't know if Morris can pull it off but still worth noting.
12:03: Blaine Taylor, coach of ODU... Awesome mustache sir. I might have picked you guys to win if I knew you were rocking a great stache. True American.
12:09: Seet, classicly known for fast food purchases has now fallen to number two in the BCS Standings with the latest two week run with B-Squared. Proud of Seet.
12:12: We are out to Bob Morris-Nova and Bill Raftery.. Gotta love Raft, easily my favorite color guy. Verne it looks like they're in a man-to-man!
12:16: If you know me, I like to yell out SIR!! When I foul needs to be called, the first one happened just now.
12:18: If I went to Bob Morris, I would tell people that I go to Bob Morris, not Robert. Bob means that I like to party.
12:21: Taylor King, Nova's token white guy hits a three in the corner... It never fails that if you leave a white guy open in the corner, he will knock it down.
12:25: What the hell with all these local commercials. Is Ron Washington running the control boards? Oh good, Ron's day is done. Thank God.
12:30: Just showed Harangody who scored no points with two fouls. Sounds like a first team Big East player to me... Please for the love of America, don't show his mom.
12:31: Updates for those in class or work.. Bob Morris up 6 at half, Fightin' Mormons up 2 with 17 left, and the Irish up three.
12:32: A moment of silence for Mach losing cable at his house. It's sad day for us all. ND has went cold, ODU is heating up... not good.
12:39: Sorry just got in an argument with an unknown person about how great the tournament was... things were said that shouldnt of been but I apologize for loving the NCAA tournament, not wanting to watch Call of Duty.
12:40: ND-ODU is shaping up to be a classic right now, just back and forth. A lot of defense being played so far.
12:45: Question of the house right now... Do you have to be a Morman to go to BYU? Seet's answer "They have a strict honor code, no sex outside marriage, no coffee, no swearing, clean haircut, sandels, etc." Seet: Soooo that's why they don't have many black guys.
12:46: Seet continued on this rant, "DOH, no cursing thats like taking our fuckin' freedom of speech." "I would be out in a day."
12:51: BYU is on a run again. Jimmer is just dominating right now, I still believe they could beat Kansas State, dont have the balls to pick it. Up 10.
12:55: Shay texted me that "Xavier is at the UWM Rec Center" I asked him to talk to Jordan Crawford about dunking on LeBron.
12:59: Turns out his girlfriend is there so he told her the same thing. We are tied in NO with 5 left and BYU is pulling away. Bob Morris still up three.
1:00: WHAT ARE YOU DOING SHREK
1:03: Such an ugly game in New Orleans, comparable to a Snorlax flashin' her boobs at Mardi Gras. I have no idea why Shrek is in the game, he isn't playing well. Brey, the offense is better without him. Know this.
1:08: We are tied in New Orleans, Florida has pulled within four. All have the opportunties to be buzzer beaters... Could be fun
1:11: ND down three with .29 left... ODU to the line. This could be the developments of a Big East Massacre today and I don't like it one bit . Rut roh front end missed.
1:12: I would go for the quick basket, then foul. ODU seems shaky at the line.
1:13: Now the fightin' Jimmers are down to Florida. Good chance I go 0-3
1:15: Carlton Scott, almost was the goat of the game. ND down one with 12.8 left
1:17: ODU at the line for two, Papa Enberg tells me that they are not a good FT shooting team. 64 percent at the line, first.. good. second...good. Didnt look like 64 percent.. fuck fuck fuck.
1:18: "I immediatly regret my decision to put Notre Dame in my Elite Eight."- text from Doz.
1:20: A three rattles out... screw you Notre Dame. Now out to BYU-Florida who are tied with 18.8 left. Holy shit here we go out.
1:21: Odds I go 0-3 this afternoon? Even, because the brackets hate me and I hate them. Yet I still invest a ton of money in them
1:23: Parsons misses, looks like overtime in Okalhoma City.
1:24: "Is it safe to say that the phrase 'the luck of the Irish' is an oxymoron?- Doz, I hope he makes it up here tomorrow.
1:25: BYU needs D-Fish in this one, nope. WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN OKLAHOMA CITY HA-HA
1:26: "First Overtime, First Game, the Madness is Back in March."- Kevin Harlan. Awesome.
1:28: BYU allows a bucket, misses a three. Not good so far.
1:31: Finally, BYU has an opportunity to make a basket but sadly, he looks like Beetlejuice from the Howard Stern Show.
1:32: Makes em both, need a stand from the Mormons!!!
1:33: Beetlejuice is headed to the line again after forcing the turnover. 1:32 left... Bob Morris up eight with four left. Tied up
1:34: Someone needs to teach these Mormons how to rebound but tied up right now with .51 secs. What a classic.
1:37: JIMMER NOOOOOO! Tied up with 28 left UF gets last shot again.
1:39: The only thing worse than that last possession by Florida, has been the last three years of Lindsey Lohan's life. Please don't sue me Lindsey!
1:41: WE ARE GOING TO DOUBLE OVERTIME IN OKLAHOMA CITY
1:42: "I'm pissed, fuck school i'm dropping out."-Eric sitting in class
1:43: BEETLEJUICE for three. He has been on fire for the Mormons today, 25 points. Fightin Bobs go up one on Nova.
1:44: According to Simmons, the Bobby Morris-Nova officating is awful. Somewhere David Stern is in the building.
1:45: Mormons up three in double overtime. Bobby Morris up two with a minute left. A great slate of first games, so happy I didn't have class again until three. BYU is choking at the line right now. I can hear Greg Norman.
1:46: For the love of God CBS, take us out to the Nova game. I care much more about that one, c'mon son.
1:47: Thank God, we are back for the Robert Morris-Nova game. B-Squared is very nervous, this will make or break his bracket.
1:49: Reynolds with a poor poor miss. Wow that was bad, watch for Antonio Pena for the tip-in.
1:50: JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMER
1:51: WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN PROVIDENCE!!!!
1:56: Bob Morris is losing steam, down four with 3 mins left and Jimmer has 37. He might be the next Steph Curry. Can't wait to watch them against KState/North Texas
2:00: Bob Morris down four, they looked tired, wore down. Not good for them
2:03: ONIONS! Reynolds just hit a stone-cold stunner to Bob Morris. Looks like their run is over, sad to see.
2:07: Awful shot by Bob Morris, but a great make-up call by the officals. They are on the line shooting two, made them both. Need a stop. BOOOOOBOB MORRRISSSSSSSSS
2:09: Down one after the steal, prompting Eric and I to bust out the Gus Johnson' THIS IS MARCH MADNESS!!
2:10: Great foul by Bob Morris, big time effort play. Yarou at the line shooting two... the first=good. The second=good.
2:11: Quick two if you get the chance, but if you go for three if have to... BLOCKED then a run out but you don't dunk it down, cmon.
2:12 Misses the first one, rut roh... but saves his ass with a make
2:12: FROM THE PARKING LOT!!!!! HOLY SHIT. Reynolds at the line for two.... makes the first. "Scottie miss one you little bitch."-Eric. Makes the second.
2:13: Down three with .09 secs left, I am willing to bet that Nova pussies out and fouls them to not allow the three pointer.
2:15: RISE AND FIRE!!!!!!!- Misses the final three. Great effort by Robert Morris, I feel great about my Richmond pick to the Sweet 16. That should be the same sentiment if you picked St. Marys/
On to the next session, LETS GOOOOO!
11:16: The men joining us today right now, Eric-BSqaured-Nate Dawg-Seet. BSquared hates the first two rounds of the tournament... I feel he should be excommunicated from America.
11:17: "These first two days of the tournament, top five days of the year."-Eric Couldn't agree more with this statement. Now this has sprung our first argument between Seet/Eric.
11:21: First game, Florida-BYU with my man Jimmer Fredette. Just for all you wondering, BYU has two black guys.
11:28: We got switched out to the Notre Dame-Old Dominion game. Not complaining and Carlton Scott just threw down nasty, I am hoping Dick Enberg doesn't die while announcing.
11:36: Sorry I am enjoying some lunch... hot dogs/cheese/yogurt. Yes, I am American.
11:37: Another nasty throwdown from Scott, and also anyone else feel like Tim Abromaitis sounds like an STD you dont want?
11:48: The Fightin' Mormons are struggling so far but the Irish are doing well so far. Scott is trying to become the second-famous Carlton in 21 years of my lifetime.
11:49: Just proposed the idea of buying mass quantitys of beers tomorrow, rut roh.
11:51: Florida has a guy named Eric Murphy, I wonder if Vinnie, Turtle, and Drama are in attendance. Hopefully Sloan is there as well.
11:53: Second agrument of the day: Mine and Eric obsession of Bill Simmons versus Nate Dawg's Dave Matthews' obesssion. I am going with Nate Dawg's on this one. He would let Dave do naughty things to anyone he loves, and would just smile while Dave gets whoever the business.
11:55: Will the UPS guy ever cut his hair? The odds are 100 to 1
11:59: Upset alert, Robert Morris up six early on Nova. I told you they peaked early this year, I don't know if Morris can pull it off but still worth noting.
12:03: Blaine Taylor, coach of ODU... Awesome mustache sir. I might have picked you guys to win if I knew you were rocking a great stache. True American.
12:09: Seet, classicly known for fast food purchases has now fallen to number two in the BCS Standings with the latest two week run with B-Squared. Proud of Seet.
12:12: We are out to Bob Morris-Nova and Bill Raftery.. Gotta love Raft, easily my favorite color guy. Verne it looks like they're in a man-to-man!
12:16: If you know me, I like to yell out SIR!! When I foul needs to be called, the first one happened just now.
12:18: If I went to Bob Morris, I would tell people that I go to Bob Morris, not Robert. Bob means that I like to party.
12:21: Taylor King, Nova's token white guy hits a three in the corner... It never fails that if you leave a white guy open in the corner, he will knock it down.
12:25: What the hell with all these local commercials. Is Ron Washington running the control boards? Oh good, Ron's day is done. Thank God.
12:30: Just showed Harangody who scored no points with two fouls. Sounds like a first team Big East player to me... Please for the love of America, don't show his mom.
12:31: Updates for those in class or work.. Bob Morris up 6 at half, Fightin' Mormons up 2 with 17 left, and the Irish up three.
12:32: A moment of silence for Mach losing cable at his house. It's sad day for us all. ND has went cold, ODU is heating up... not good.
12:39: Sorry just got in an argument with an unknown person about how great the tournament was... things were said that shouldnt of been but I apologize for loving the NCAA tournament, not wanting to watch Call of Duty.
12:40: ND-ODU is shaping up to be a classic right now, just back and forth. A lot of defense being played so far.
12:45: Question of the house right now... Do you have to be a Morman to go to BYU? Seet's answer "They have a strict honor code, no sex outside marriage, no coffee, no swearing, clean haircut, sandels, etc." Seet: Soooo that's why they don't have many black guys.
12:46: Seet continued on this rant, "DOH, no cursing thats like taking our fuckin' freedom of speech." "I would be out in a day."
12:51: BYU is on a run again. Jimmer is just dominating right now, I still believe they could beat Kansas State, dont have the balls to pick it. Up 10.
12:55: Shay texted me that "Xavier is at the UWM Rec Center" I asked him to talk to Jordan Crawford about dunking on LeBron.
12:59: Turns out his girlfriend is there so he told her the same thing. We are tied in NO with 5 left and BYU is pulling away. Bob Morris still up three.
1:00: WHAT ARE YOU DOING SHREK
1:03: Such an ugly game in New Orleans, comparable to a Snorlax flashin' her boobs at Mardi Gras. I have no idea why Shrek is in the game, he isn't playing well. Brey, the offense is better without him. Know this.
1:08: We are tied in New Orleans, Florida has pulled within four. All have the opportunties to be buzzer beaters... Could be fun
1:11: ND down three with .29 left... ODU to the line. This could be the developments of a Big East Massacre today and I don't like it one bit . Rut roh front end missed.
1:12: I would go for the quick basket, then foul. ODU seems shaky at the line.
1:13: Now the fightin' Jimmers are down to Florida. Good chance I go 0-3
1:15: Carlton Scott, almost was the goat of the game. ND down one with 12.8 left
1:17: ODU at the line for two, Papa Enberg tells me that they are not a good FT shooting team. 64 percent at the line, first.. good. second...good. Didnt look like 64 percent.. fuck fuck fuck.
1:18: "I immediatly regret my decision to put Notre Dame in my Elite Eight."- text from Doz.
1:20: A three rattles out... screw you Notre Dame. Now out to BYU-Florida who are tied with 18.8 left. Holy shit here we go out.
1:21: Odds I go 0-3 this afternoon? Even, because the brackets hate me and I hate them. Yet I still invest a ton of money in them
1:23: Parsons misses, looks like overtime in Okalhoma City.
1:24: "Is it safe to say that the phrase 'the luck of the Irish' is an oxymoron?- Doz, I hope he makes it up here tomorrow.
1:25: BYU needs D-Fish in this one, nope. WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN OKLAHOMA CITY HA-HA
1:26: "First Overtime, First Game, the Madness is Back in March."- Kevin Harlan. Awesome.
1:28: BYU allows a bucket, misses a three. Not good so far.
1:31: Finally, BYU has an opportunity to make a basket but sadly, he looks like Beetlejuice from the Howard Stern Show.
1:32: Makes em both, need a stand from the Mormons!!!
1:33: Beetlejuice is headed to the line again after forcing the turnover. 1:32 left... Bob Morris up eight with four left. Tied up
1:34: Someone needs to teach these Mormons how to rebound but tied up right now with .51 secs. What a classic.
1:37: JIMMER NOOOOOO! Tied up with 28 left UF gets last shot again.
1:39: The only thing worse than that last possession by Florida, has been the last three years of Lindsey Lohan's life. Please don't sue me Lindsey!
1:41: WE ARE GOING TO DOUBLE OVERTIME IN OKLAHOMA CITY
1:42: "I'm pissed, fuck school i'm dropping out."-Eric sitting in class
1:43: BEETLEJUICE for three. He has been on fire for the Mormons today, 25 points. Fightin Bobs go up one on Nova.
1:44: According to Simmons, the Bobby Morris-Nova officating is awful. Somewhere David Stern is in the building.
1:45: Mormons up three in double overtime. Bobby Morris up two with a minute left. A great slate of first games, so happy I didn't have class again until three. BYU is choking at the line right now. I can hear Greg Norman.
1:46: For the love of God CBS, take us out to the Nova game. I care much more about that one, c'mon son.
1:47: Thank God, we are back for the Robert Morris-Nova game. B-Squared is very nervous, this will make or break his bracket.
1:49: Reynolds with a poor poor miss. Wow that was bad, watch for Antonio Pena for the tip-in.
1:50: JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMER
1:51: WE'RE GOIN TO OVERTIME IN PROVIDENCE!!!!
1:56: Bob Morris is losing steam, down four with 3 mins left and Jimmer has 37. He might be the next Steph Curry. Can't wait to watch them against KState/North Texas
2:00: Bob Morris down four, they looked tired, wore down. Not good for them
2:03: ONIONS! Reynolds just hit a stone-cold stunner to Bob Morris. Looks like their run is over, sad to see.
2:07: Awful shot by Bob Morris, but a great make-up call by the officals. They are on the line shooting two, made them both. Need a stop. BOOOOOBOB MORRRISSSSSSSSS
2:09: Down one after the steal, prompting Eric and I to bust out the Gus Johnson' THIS IS MARCH MADNESS!!
2:10: Great foul by Bob Morris, big time effort play. Yarou at the line shooting two... the first=good. The second=good.
2:11: Quick two if you get the chance, but if you go for three if have to... BLOCKED then a run out but you don't dunk it down, cmon.
2:12 Misses the first one, rut roh... but saves his ass with a make
2:12: FROM THE PARKING LOT!!!!! HOLY SHIT. Reynolds at the line for two.... makes the first. "Scottie miss one you little bitch."-Eric. Makes the second.
2:13: Down three with .09 secs left, I am willing to bet that Nova pussies out and fouls them to not allow the three pointer.
2:15: RISE AND FIRE!!!!!!!- Misses the final three. Great effort by Robert Morris, I feel great about my Richmond pick to the Sweet 16. That should be the same sentiment if you picked St. Marys/
On to the next session, LETS GOOOOO!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
South Bracket Picks
So here is the final set of bracket picks... My Final Four is Ohio State, Syracuse, Duke, and West Virginia. The National Champion is the Orange. Anyways here we go for our final picks.
Jacksonville
1. Duke vs. 16. Arkansas Pine-Bluff- I wonder how Pine Bluff can get a D1 School and UW-Eau Claire cannot be a D1 basketball school, make it happen! DUKE 90-65
8. California vs. 9. Louisville- Interesting matchup between two teams that have been up and down all year. The Bears did win the Pac-10 but that's like winning a three-legged race against midgets. Everyone feels that Louisville could go far and I agree yet I feel this will take them a lot out of them. UL 71-63
1. Duke vs. 9. Louisville-The reason people think the Cards can win is because of the way Louisville played against Syracuse twice this season. I doubt that Duke will lose this game because they have multiple big men that can attack Samardo Samuels. DUKE 75-65
Spokane
5. Texas A&M vs. 12. Utah State- The Aggie Bowl! Texas A&M is a team I think could be tricky with guys like Donald Sloan, Bryan Davis, and Dash Harris who could do some big things inside/outside. Utah State lives and dies by the three point basket, if they go in then the boys from Texas are in trouble. I think the Big 12 pulls it out in a close one. A&M 69-64
4. Purdue vs. 13. Siena- A lot of people like Siena because the Boilermakers are without Robbie Hummel. I would agree and use Cincinnati as an example who lost Kenyon Martin for the NCAA Tournament losing to UCLA in the second round. I think Siena gets this one. SIE 63-59
5. Texas A&M vs. 13. Siena- The Aggies face a challenge but Siena isn't good enough to advance to past the second round. The Aggies big three should be able to take care of business. A&M 74-58
New Orleans
6. Notre Dame vs. 11. Old Dominion- I had trouble with this game because I like the Monarchs from the CAA and the Fightin' Irish from the Big East. But I looked at both rosters and ODU has no size whatsoever, which will be exposed. ND 58-51
3. Baylor vs. 14. Sam Houston St.- Everybody loves Baylor this year. That is the sexy sleeper and I can see why, they have an unreal team with Tweedy Carter and LaceDarius Dunn who make things happen. For some reason they remind me of Memphis with Calipari. BAY 91-64
3. Baylor vs. 6. Notre Dame- This will probably be one of the best second round games between two contrasting styles, one being a up/down consistantly and the Irish who like to slow it down. I think the Bears will be able to wear out the Irish. BAY 72-69
Providence
7. Richmond vs. 10. St. Marys- An interesting 7-10 that features two teams that are right outside the Power Six conference. I called this game boring at first glance but I think it could be very exciting to watch. The Spiders three point shooting pulls this one for them. RICH 74-73
2. Villanova vs. 15. Robert Morris- Hard to beat a team when you are only one man. NOVA 94-69
2. Villanova vs. 7. Richmond- You are sooo boring, never the upset. Well here is the secret, I think the Wildcats have peaked and they will not do much therefore, I have the Spiders in this one. RICH 68-64
Read the live blog tomorrow, all day/night long.
-Charlie.
Jacksonville
1. Duke vs. 16. Arkansas Pine-Bluff- I wonder how Pine Bluff can get a D1 School and UW-Eau Claire cannot be a D1 basketball school, make it happen! DUKE 90-65
8. California vs. 9. Louisville- Interesting matchup between two teams that have been up and down all year. The Bears did win the Pac-10 but that's like winning a three-legged race against midgets. Everyone feels that Louisville could go far and I agree yet I feel this will take them a lot out of them. UL 71-63
1. Duke vs. 9. Louisville-The reason people think the Cards can win is because of the way Louisville played against Syracuse twice this season. I doubt that Duke will lose this game because they have multiple big men that can attack Samardo Samuels. DUKE 75-65
Spokane
5. Texas A&M vs. 12. Utah State- The Aggie Bowl! Texas A&M is a team I think could be tricky with guys like Donald Sloan, Bryan Davis, and Dash Harris who could do some big things inside/outside. Utah State lives and dies by the three point basket, if they go in then the boys from Texas are in trouble. I think the Big 12 pulls it out in a close one. A&M 69-64
4. Purdue vs. 13. Siena- A lot of people like Siena because the Boilermakers are without Robbie Hummel. I would agree and use Cincinnati as an example who lost Kenyon Martin for the NCAA Tournament losing to UCLA in the second round. I think Siena gets this one. SIE 63-59
5. Texas A&M vs. 13. Siena- The Aggies face a challenge but Siena isn't good enough to advance to past the second round. The Aggies big three should be able to take care of business. A&M 74-58
New Orleans
6. Notre Dame vs. 11. Old Dominion- I had trouble with this game because I like the Monarchs from the CAA and the Fightin' Irish from the Big East. But I looked at both rosters and ODU has no size whatsoever, which will be exposed. ND 58-51
3. Baylor vs. 14. Sam Houston St.- Everybody loves Baylor this year. That is the sexy sleeper and I can see why, they have an unreal team with Tweedy Carter and LaceDarius Dunn who make things happen. For some reason they remind me of Memphis with Calipari. BAY 91-64
3. Baylor vs. 6. Notre Dame- This will probably be one of the best second round games between two contrasting styles, one being a up/down consistantly and the Irish who like to slow it down. I think the Bears will be able to wear out the Irish. BAY 72-69
Providence
7. Richmond vs. 10. St. Marys- An interesting 7-10 that features two teams that are right outside the Power Six conference. I called this game boring at first glance but I think it could be very exciting to watch. The Spiders three point shooting pulls this one for them. RICH 74-73
2. Villanova vs. 15. Robert Morris- Hard to beat a team when you are only one man. NOVA 94-69
2. Villanova vs. 7. Richmond- You are sooo boring, never the upset. Well here is the secret, I think the Wildcats have peaked and they will not do much therefore, I have the Spiders in this one. RICH 68-64
Read the live blog tomorrow, all day/night long.
-Charlie.
East Bracket Picks
Well we are half-way there and I am making a bunch of chalk picks. I am sorry this isn't usually my style but seriously, it appears to be a year where there are chances for upsets all over the place. Yet everyone has a reason that would say that will not happened. I am telling you there is a part of me that wants to put OSU-SYR-WVA-BAY but I cannot convince myself to do it.
New Orleans
1. Kentucky vs. 16. East Tennessee St.- I just hope John Wall does his dance and a 360. UK 89-61
8. Texas vs. 9. Wake Forest- Both teams struggled down the stretch and we all remember that Texas was number one in the nation at one point of the season. The difference is Wake has been playing awful in the last three weeks which spells bad news. TEXAS 78-72
Jacksonville
5. Temple vs. 12. Cornell- This game I have trouble deciding on because I like the sexy pick of the Bears and alma mater of Andy Bernard, yet Temple has been damn impressive all year. I think Jay Bilas may have jixed their chances, but I will take the Ivy league bunch. CORN 59-55
4. Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford- Would someone tell me why Wofford got a 13 seed? Anyways the Buzzcuts will take care of business in a big way. UW 67-51
4. Wisconsin vs. 12. Cornell- A battle of the white guys! This game will bring us back to the sixties and maybe a clan rally will break out as well. I cannot see Wisconsin dropping this game, I think they will only get better as Jon Leuer continues to get healthy. UW 69-58
San Jose
6. Marquette vs. 11. Washington- This game scares me more than if MU were to advance and I haven't picked a single MU game this year so I am worried this will jinx them. But I think Marquette will be able to hold them defensively on the perimeter better than the Huskies will. MU 82-71
3. New Mexico vs. 14. Montana- I haven't see either team this year, I have some friends who are from New Mexico and tell me that they can rain the three. They are coached by Steve Alford and I wish he would bring back that Tank Top from the 1988 NBA Draft. NM 82-61
6. Marquette vs. 3. New Mexico- Another game that features two teams who run up and down the court and the Golden Eagles I believe still have a chip on their shoulder about the whole season. I think Lazar Hayward will be able to get the Warriors in their first sweet 16 since 2003. MU 77-73
Buffalo
7. Clemson vs. 10. Missouri- This could be a complete up and down type of game that will be very exciting. I am going straight off conference bias to make this selection. I like the fact the Tigers play in the Big 12 and they can frustrate the Tigers. MIZZOU 85-77
2. West Virginia vs. 15. Morgan State- The Bears are coached by Todd Bozeman who once got booted from the NCAA for Kelvin Sampson like practices... thats all, they will lose. WVA 89-64
2. West Virginia vs. 10 Missouri- Never sleep on the Tigers, their pressing style makes things tough for any team but the Mountaineers have that killer instict that not many teams have this year. I think Da'Shan Butler might be the best late game player, the Mountaineers pull away late. WVA 84-76
-Charlie.
New Orleans
1. Kentucky vs. 16. East Tennessee St.- I just hope John Wall does his dance and a 360. UK 89-61
8. Texas vs. 9. Wake Forest- Both teams struggled down the stretch and we all remember that Texas was number one in the nation at one point of the season. The difference is Wake has been playing awful in the last three weeks which spells bad news. TEXAS 78-72
Jacksonville
5. Temple vs. 12. Cornell- This game I have trouble deciding on because I like the sexy pick of the Bears and alma mater of Andy Bernard, yet Temple has been damn impressive all year. I think Jay Bilas may have jixed their chances, but I will take the Ivy league bunch. CORN 59-55
4. Wisconsin vs. 13 Wofford- Would someone tell me why Wofford got a 13 seed? Anyways the Buzzcuts will take care of business in a big way. UW 67-51
4. Wisconsin vs. 12. Cornell- A battle of the white guys! This game will bring us back to the sixties and maybe a clan rally will break out as well. I cannot see Wisconsin dropping this game, I think they will only get better as Jon Leuer continues to get healthy. UW 69-58
San Jose
6. Marquette vs. 11. Washington- This game scares me more than if MU were to advance and I haven't picked a single MU game this year so I am worried this will jinx them. But I think Marquette will be able to hold them defensively on the perimeter better than the Huskies will. MU 82-71
3. New Mexico vs. 14. Montana- I haven't see either team this year, I have some friends who are from New Mexico and tell me that they can rain the three. They are coached by Steve Alford and I wish he would bring back that Tank Top from the 1988 NBA Draft. NM 82-61
6. Marquette vs. 3. New Mexico- Another game that features two teams who run up and down the court and the Golden Eagles I believe still have a chip on their shoulder about the whole season. I think Lazar Hayward will be able to get the Warriors in their first sweet 16 since 2003. MU 77-73
Buffalo
7. Clemson vs. 10. Missouri- This could be a complete up and down type of game that will be very exciting. I am going straight off conference bias to make this selection. I like the fact the Tigers play in the Big 12 and they can frustrate the Tigers. MIZZOU 85-77
2. West Virginia vs. 15. Morgan State- The Bears are coached by Todd Bozeman who once got booted from the NCAA for Kelvin Sampson like practices... thats all, they will lose. WVA 89-64
2. West Virginia vs. 10 Missouri- Never sleep on the Tigers, their pressing style makes things tough for any team but the Mountaineers have that killer instict that not many teams have this year. I think Da'Shan Butler might be the best late game player, the Mountaineers pull away late. WVA 84-76
-Charlie.
West Bracket Picks
On to the West, I have went complete chalk for the the Sweet 16 and who knows really what I will do here. It may be a little chalky as well.
Buffalo
1. Syracuse vs. 16. Vermont- Hate to do this to Shannon but remember this FROM THE PARKING LOT. Gus Johnson also has this game, maybe a chance at happening again? Child Please. This will be close for a bit but the Cuse pulls away. CUSE 81-65
8. Gonzaga vs. 9. Florida State- The Zags were a top 10 team at different points of the season and Matt Bouldin could be a major threat to take over the game. The Seminoles have a lot of size inside and they could create some problems. But I think Zags wins it late. ZAGA 73-67
San Jose
5. Butler vs. 12. UTEP- I feel this game's seed should be flip-flopped. I mean Butler hasn't played tough times well this season and UTEP has a legit power six guy in Derrick Caracter plus Randy Culpepper is very good. The Miners have enough to get in the Sweet 16. UTEP 79-70
4. Vanderbilt vs. 13. Murray St.- The Commodores was a team that I liked all year and thought they had a nice inside/outside game with Beals/A.J. Oglivy. The Racers I said earlier they got underseeded and I think this game will go down to the wire. Vandy pulls it out barely. VANDY 75-72
Milwaukee
6. Xavier vs. 11. Minnesota- The Gophers got into the Tournament faced to great play in the Big Ten Conference Championship plus I also called the Gophers one of the most unpredictable team in America. I like the Musketeers inside man Jason Love but hate Jordan Crawford. I feel he can shoot his team out of the game, which will happen. MINN 67-63
3. Pittsburgh vs. 14. Oakland- No matter what year it is, I cannot be interested in watching Pittsburgh. There is something about them that just bothers me and hate it. They will not have a problem with Oakland. PITT 62-47
Oklahoma City
7. BYU vs. 10. Florida- I think BYU is a team who can rain threes like no other and Florida has some great players in Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons. Honestly, I would take the Cougars for a deep run if I wasn't worry about the athleticism of the Gators. BYU 77-73
2. Kansas St. vs. 15. North Texas- Oklahoma City should be renamed Kansas City this weekend with both Kansas teams in the city this year. Jacob Pullen and his beard shouldn't have a problem in this one. KSTATE 78-65
2. Kansas St. vs. 7. BYU- This will be an awesome game but Kansas State despite a late struggle have played very well all year. Pullen and Curtis Kelly should be enough to win the game for the Wildcats. KSU 79-73
-Charlie.
Buffalo
1. Syracuse vs. 16. Vermont- Hate to do this to Shannon but remember this FROM THE PARKING LOT. Gus Johnson also has this game, maybe a chance at happening again? Child Please. This will be close for a bit but the Cuse pulls away. CUSE 81-65
8. Gonzaga vs. 9. Florida State- The Zags were a top 10 team at different points of the season and Matt Bouldin could be a major threat to take over the game. The Seminoles have a lot of size inside and they could create some problems. But I think Zags wins it late. ZAGA 73-67
San Jose
5. Butler vs. 12. UTEP- I feel this game's seed should be flip-flopped. I mean Butler hasn't played tough times well this season and UTEP has a legit power six guy in Derrick Caracter plus Randy Culpepper is very good. The Miners have enough to get in the Sweet 16. UTEP 79-70
4. Vanderbilt vs. 13. Murray St.- The Commodores was a team that I liked all year and thought they had a nice inside/outside game with Beals/A.J. Oglivy. The Racers I said earlier they got underseeded and I think this game will go down to the wire. Vandy pulls it out barely. VANDY 75-72
Milwaukee
6. Xavier vs. 11. Minnesota- The Gophers got into the Tournament faced to great play in the Big Ten Conference Championship plus I also called the Gophers one of the most unpredictable team in America. I like the Musketeers inside man Jason Love but hate Jordan Crawford. I feel he can shoot his team out of the game, which will happen. MINN 67-63
3. Pittsburgh vs. 14. Oakland- No matter what year it is, I cannot be interested in watching Pittsburgh. There is something about them that just bothers me and hate it. They will not have a problem with Oakland. PITT 62-47
Oklahoma City
7. BYU vs. 10. Florida- I think BYU is a team who can rain threes like no other and Florida has some great players in Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons. Honestly, I would take the Cougars for a deep run if I wasn't worry about the athleticism of the Gators. BYU 77-73
2. Kansas St. vs. 15. North Texas- Oklahoma City should be renamed Kansas City this weekend with both Kansas teams in the city this year. Jacob Pullen and his beard shouldn't have a problem in this one. KSTATE 78-65
2. Kansas St. vs. 7. BYU- This will be an awesome game but Kansas State despite a late struggle have played very well all year. Pullen and Curtis Kelly should be enough to win the game for the Wildcats. KSU 79-73
-Charlie.
Midwest Bracket Picks...
So here we go, I will give the picks for the first weekend for the Midwest, West, East, and South. At the end of the South picks, I will give you my final four without really any explanation. So here we gooooo....
Oklahoma City (Thursday/Saturday)
1. Kansas vs. 16. Lehigh- This deserves a big Child Please. This game will not even be close. KU 91-57
8. UNLV vs. 9. Northern Iowa- Usually the 8-9 games tend to be the best we will see on the weekend and this one will be a battle of contrasting styles. I saw UNI play last year versus Marquette and the Golden Eagles exposed their slow down style of basketball pretty easily. Tre'Von Mills will be the difference in this one for the Runnin' Rebels. UNLV 72-64
1. Kansas vs. 8. UNLV- The Runnin' Rebs have been known to pull off the upset in the second round (Badgers fans all drive their heads through the wall) but there is little chance that they give the Jayhawks a run for their money, Sheron Collins and Cole Aldrich too tough. KU 78-63
Spokane (Friday/Sunday)
5. Michigan State vs. 12 New Mexico St.- The Spartans haven't been playing well as of late but I think they overseeded an Aggie team who really only beat Utah State in the final game, feels like Murray State belonged here instead, Sparty should roll. MSU 84-65
4. Maryland vs. 13. Houston- I think this game is very interesting and no one seems to be talking about it. The Cougars have an experienced coach and the nation's leading scorer Aubrey Coleman. I think they give the Terps a run for thier money but Greivis Vasquez and company is too much to handle. MARY 78-71
4. Maryland vs. 5. Michigan State- Tough game to pick, two very good teams, and experienced coaching staffs. It's hard to pick against Sparty in the postseason but their late season swoon worries me. Maryland has won the last 9 of 11 and Vasquez can take over a game at any moment. MARY 69-66
Providence (Thursday/Saturday)
6. Tennessee vs. 11. San Diego State- A tough game with many people liking the Aztecs in an upset. The Vols always seem to be a threat to make run with Bruce Pearl at the helm, but their depth worries me. Aztecs did win the Mountain West Conference Tournament and have had a great last two months. I think their size will wear down the Vols. SDSU 69-62
3. Georgetown vs. 14. Ohio- The Bobcats got in after being a hot run in the MAC and the Hoyas seeding improvement from a hot run as well. I don't trust the Hoyas that much, some days they look like world beaters and other days they look like a bottom-feeder. Still doesn't mean they won't win. GTOWN 73-61
3. Georgetown vs. 11. San Diego State- The Hoya Paranoia will be back in the Sweet 16, the Aztecs I don't think have enough to keep up with the speed and size of Georgetown. GTOWN 71-62
Milwaukee
7. Oklahoma State vs. 10. Georgia Tech- This game has the opportunity to be interesting but I feel it will be somewhat of a dud. The reason? The Yellow Jacket guard play is woeful and they turn the ball over more than a lower level City Conference team. Also the Cowboys have a great guard in James Anderson. OSU 75-62
2. Ohio State vs. 15. UC Santa Barbara- The Villian first game in the tournament, it shouldn't be too difficult. Ted is going to try to shake Titus' hand... we can only hope that happens.
2. Ohio State vs. 7. Oklahoma State- I am taking the Buckeyes to the Final Four but this game worries me so much. Anderson could carry the Cowboys deep in the tournament but I think the starting five of the Buckeyes will power them through it. OSU 72-68
on to the West...
Oklahoma City (Thursday/Saturday)
1. Kansas vs. 16. Lehigh- This deserves a big Child Please. This game will not even be close. KU 91-57
8. UNLV vs. 9. Northern Iowa- Usually the 8-9 games tend to be the best we will see on the weekend and this one will be a battle of contrasting styles. I saw UNI play last year versus Marquette and the Golden Eagles exposed their slow down style of basketball pretty easily. Tre'Von Mills will be the difference in this one for the Runnin' Rebels. UNLV 72-64
1. Kansas vs. 8. UNLV- The Runnin' Rebs have been known to pull off the upset in the second round (Badgers fans all drive their heads through the wall) but there is little chance that they give the Jayhawks a run for their money, Sheron Collins and Cole Aldrich too tough. KU 78-63
Spokane (Friday/Sunday)
5. Michigan State vs. 12 New Mexico St.- The Spartans haven't been playing well as of late but I think they overseeded an Aggie team who really only beat Utah State in the final game, feels like Murray State belonged here instead, Sparty should roll. MSU 84-65
4. Maryland vs. 13. Houston- I think this game is very interesting and no one seems to be talking about it. The Cougars have an experienced coach and the nation's leading scorer Aubrey Coleman. I think they give the Terps a run for thier money but Greivis Vasquez and company is too much to handle. MARY 78-71
4. Maryland vs. 5. Michigan State- Tough game to pick, two very good teams, and experienced coaching staffs. It's hard to pick against Sparty in the postseason but their late season swoon worries me. Maryland has won the last 9 of 11 and Vasquez can take over a game at any moment. MARY 69-66
Providence (Thursday/Saturday)
6. Tennessee vs. 11. San Diego State- A tough game with many people liking the Aztecs in an upset. The Vols always seem to be a threat to make run with Bruce Pearl at the helm, but their depth worries me. Aztecs did win the Mountain West Conference Tournament and have had a great last two months. I think their size will wear down the Vols. SDSU 69-62
3. Georgetown vs. 14. Ohio- The Bobcats got in after being a hot run in the MAC and the Hoyas seeding improvement from a hot run as well. I don't trust the Hoyas that much, some days they look like world beaters and other days they look like a bottom-feeder. Still doesn't mean they won't win. GTOWN 73-61
3. Georgetown vs. 11. San Diego State- The Hoya Paranoia will be back in the Sweet 16, the Aztecs I don't think have enough to keep up with the speed and size of Georgetown. GTOWN 71-62
Milwaukee
7. Oklahoma State vs. 10. Georgia Tech- This game has the opportunity to be interesting but I feel it will be somewhat of a dud. The reason? The Yellow Jacket guard play is woeful and they turn the ball over more than a lower level City Conference team. Also the Cowboys have a great guard in James Anderson. OSU 75-62
2. Ohio State vs. 15. UC Santa Barbara- The Villian first game in the tournament, it shouldn't be too difficult. Ted is going to try to shake Titus' hand... we can only hope that happens.
2. Ohio State vs. 7. Oklahoma State- I am taking the Buckeyes to the Final Four but this game worries me so much. Anderson could carry the Cowboys deep in the tournament but I think the starting five of the Buckeyes will power them through it. OSU 72-68
on to the West...
Chuck's Corner Madness
I have been having trouble deciding what I wanted to do with the NCAA Tournament because last year my hands were tied being in the Dominican Republic for the first two rounds of the tournament. This first post will be some general thoughts on the tournament this season with my Final Four, then picks for all of the regions, and then the big one... a live blog all weekend.
I will update as much as it's needed with day sessions and night sessions until drinking takes precedence. People who plan to be apart of the live blog... Eric, Fant, Seet, B-Squared, Doz, Gpa Dan, and Nate Dawg plus anyone who decides to comment, tweet, or talk to me on Facebook with different questions. I cannot wait to try it out and see it works, who knows.
This has been the first time in a long time that I haven't spent the first two days of the week overthinking every move comparable to me talking to a fine young lady on a Saturday night. I also think this has something to do with that I am scared making any picks because I can make arguments for both teams. There are not many slam dunk games.
I think the committee this year screwed up the seeding with giving Kansas the tough as nails Midwest bracket. Ohio State and Georgetown to many people were considered to be possible picks for the Final Four. Not to mention, there were guys like me who really liked Maryland's chances. Guess what, they are all in the same bracket.
Then you bless Duke with Villanova who has been subpar down the stretch and I worry that have peaked already. Also the blessing extended to Syracuse who got Kansas State who hasn't played well minus the conference tournament. Many teams seemed upset with the way things went down and I think this shakeup will lead to a few more upsets than expected.
There is a part of me that sees no one seeds could make the Final Four. I think there is not one clear cut team like 2005, 2008 North Carolina, 2005 Illinois (would have won the National Champioship any other year, 2000 Michigan State, and many others. I would compare this to the year MSU won it all when you had two 8 seeds and 5 seed make the Final Four. I feel like something nuts like that could happen this year.
My final four... I don't have it. I want to say Ohio State makes it but here's the thing in no way I can crown the Buckeyes my National Champion, nor can I make the Kentucky Wildcats, my National Champion. Ohio State is the only team I have really liked all year and Kansas is the safe pick to win it all, I don't want to go safely.
I am sure after I make my picks I will know for certain.
-Charlie.
I will update as much as it's needed with day sessions and night sessions until drinking takes precedence. People who plan to be apart of the live blog... Eric, Fant, Seet, B-Squared, Doz, Gpa Dan, and Nate Dawg plus anyone who decides to comment, tweet, or talk to me on Facebook with different questions. I cannot wait to try it out and see it works, who knows.
This has been the first time in a long time that I haven't spent the first two days of the week overthinking every move comparable to me talking to a fine young lady on a Saturday night. I also think this has something to do with that I am scared making any picks because I can make arguments for both teams. There are not many slam dunk games.
I think the committee this year screwed up the seeding with giving Kansas the tough as nails Midwest bracket. Ohio State and Georgetown to many people were considered to be possible picks for the Final Four. Not to mention, there were guys like me who really liked Maryland's chances. Guess what, they are all in the same bracket.
Then you bless Duke with Villanova who has been subpar down the stretch and I worry that have peaked already. Also the blessing extended to Syracuse who got Kansas State who hasn't played well minus the conference tournament. Many teams seemed upset with the way things went down and I think this shakeup will lead to a few more upsets than expected.
There is a part of me that sees no one seeds could make the Final Four. I think there is not one clear cut team like 2005, 2008 North Carolina, 2005 Illinois (would have won the National Champioship any other year, 2000 Michigan State, and many others. I would compare this to the year MSU won it all when you had two 8 seeds and 5 seed make the Final Four. I feel like something nuts like that could happen this year.
My final four... I don't have it. I want to say Ohio State makes it but here's the thing in no way I can crown the Buckeyes my National Champion, nor can I make the Kentucky Wildcats, my National Champion. Ohio State is the only team I have really liked all year and Kansas is the safe pick to win it all, I don't want to go safely.
I am sure after I make my picks I will know for certain.
-Charlie.
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