I know a couple of guys who really having a dying love for Rasheed Wallace. My love for Sheed isn't at their level so I had to have one of those guys, Minkley do a post honoring Rasheed.
With the news of Rasheed Wallace’s retirement comes much reflection and remembrance of a captivating and charismatic career. We have watched the self-proclaimed “Dirty 30” get rowdy, trash talk, yell and complain, drain threes, and most often…get ‘T’ed up…and again…and again
Over 15 years of an NBA career, “Sheed” has made it to the playoffs 14 times, been an All-Star four times, won one NBA championship ring (with the Pistons in ’04), and apparently has yet to commit a foul.
After game seven of the 2010 NBA Finals, Wallace’s last game (unless he pulls out a Jordan-esque return), Rasheed gave us a fitting night cap on his career when he waited outside the referees locker room, banging on the door while still in his game jersey. He had to be coerced back onto the bus, and God only knows what would’ve happened if the Crawford boys had opened up that door. Perhaps a little “ball doesn’t lie” and a quick game of “HORSE” were in order. Sadly, we will never know.
Sheed, you were always one to entertain. To the best of my knowledge, Wallace is the only player to ever have been ejected from the McDonald’s All American game for the top high school players in the country. From there, he terrorized collegiate officials for two years at North Carolina under Dean Smith before heading off to become the NBA’s most entertaining bad boy.
“Roscoe” had his best personal years playing for the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of his career, after his first (and only) playoff-less season with the Washington Bullets in ’95-’96. With career highs of 19.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG, Rasheed Wallace may have never realized his full potential as a basketball player, but as he holds both the single season (41) and all-time (306) records for technical fouls by a player, he never lacked enthusiasm and passion. He may have to come back at some point as a coach to chase down Jerry Sloan’s mark of 413 combined technicals as both a coach and a player.
There was the time Wallace was ejected for staring down the ref. There was the season after the Pistons won the title that he wore a WWF Championship Belt to every single game. There was his crazy Carlton dancing in the huddle prior to each game. There was his beat-boxing rendition of jingle bells; his creep behind Reggie Miller broadcasting; his lion’s roar at UNC’s Midnight Madness during his freshman year; and, of course, the classic “both teams played hard” press conference with the Blazers.
Rasheed just has the entertainment value that no other NBA player, save maybe Ron Artest, can match. It comes from his on-court tirades (Ball don’t lie!), off-court antics (2010 playoff karate chop), and strange appearance. Back in his Portland days, Sheed and his boys (Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, etc…) started the headband fad that never seemed to fade in his mind. He also loved to grow out a nappy mini-fro from time to time, supplemented nicely by his classic beard. Whether you like him or not, it’s impossible not to chuckle at his appearance.
So next time you’re down at the bar with your buddies, or in my case, just chuggin’ brews wherever possible, I ask that you raise your glass one last time for the man who disguised his receding hairline with his headband, but could never hide that incredible bald spot; the man who was legitimately shocked and would sprint down the court with hands high above his head if a foul was ever called on him; the man who screamed in pain with his mouth wide open any time he was fouled; the man who will be forever known by one name: SHEED.
-Andy Minkley
If I am not covering something that you are interested in writing a guest post email me at tritscca@uwec.edu
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Showing posts with label North Carolina Tar Heels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Carolina Tar Heels. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Carolina Blues
The days that Duke and North Carolina met up in this classic rivalry where one of those great days to look forward to because the teams always bring it and usually, they are really good teams in at least the top twenty. You have Dickie V acting like an absolute maniac and seems to be at home when this game is going on. But this game tonight is not one that I am looking forward to for the first time in several years because the Tar Heels are a bad team.
In the past, I liked Carolina more than the Dukies because simply, they had more exciting players when I grew up in the late 90s watching guys like Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, Joe Forte, and Ed Cota. Duke just seemed boring to me and made them the enemy for a long time. Now, as years past I leaned more towards Marquette because that is my hometown team and didn't want to be like others I know who just loved the good teams.
I still follow the Tar Heels and cheer them on when they are on television but even I am completely stunned with what has happened to Carolina this season. Even though, they lost some great players in Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington but they had some great recruits filtering into the Tar Heel system. In my opinion, Roy Williams' system isn't like John Calipari where you can have a revolving door and still be successful. Williams needs guys to stay there and develop into his system to make things work.
I also think that the Tar Heels are suffering from the same complex that Marquette has dealt with all year and that's having a team of completely role players with no player to step up in the clutch when they need it. Granted, MU has seemed to figure that out in the coming weeks with the good late game play of Darius-Johnson Odom and Lazar Hayward. Ed Davis, the supposed star of this Tar Heel team needs to prove that he is worth a top ten pick right now because all I see is a guy who has uber-potential and is not living up to it. Davis' play will be huge tonight in the game this evening.
Do I believe that Williams poorly recruited some of these guys? No doubt about it, I think there is no excuse for the Heels giving up 80-plus points in most games. I think Williams didn't look at his players in defensive aspects as well as he probably needed to. Coach K had some down years but he never was at the level of what is happening to North Carolina right now.
Like I said earlier this week, I am taking Duke but expect a close game, even with Duke had their one awful year and Carolina went on to win the National Championship, it went to double overtime. There is no doubt in my mind that you will see a blowout tonight, but if the Heels don't show up on the defensive end could spell trouble.
-Charlie.
In the past, I liked Carolina more than the Dukies because simply, they had more exciting players when I grew up in the late 90s watching guys like Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, Joe Forte, and Ed Cota. Duke just seemed boring to me and made them the enemy for a long time. Now, as years past I leaned more towards Marquette because that is my hometown team and didn't want to be like others I know who just loved the good teams.
I still follow the Tar Heels and cheer them on when they are on television but even I am completely stunned with what has happened to Carolina this season. Even though, they lost some great players in Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, and Wayne Ellington but they had some great recruits filtering into the Tar Heel system. In my opinion, Roy Williams' system isn't like John Calipari where you can have a revolving door and still be successful. Williams needs guys to stay there and develop into his system to make things work.
I also think that the Tar Heels are suffering from the same complex that Marquette has dealt with all year and that's having a team of completely role players with no player to step up in the clutch when they need it. Granted, MU has seemed to figure that out in the coming weeks with the good late game play of Darius-Johnson Odom and Lazar Hayward. Ed Davis, the supposed star of this Tar Heel team needs to prove that he is worth a top ten pick right now because all I see is a guy who has uber-potential and is not living up to it. Davis' play will be huge tonight in the game this evening.
Do I believe that Williams poorly recruited some of these guys? No doubt about it, I think there is no excuse for the Heels giving up 80-plus points in most games. I think Williams didn't look at his players in defensive aspects as well as he probably needed to. Coach K had some down years but he never was at the level of what is happening to North Carolina right now.
Like I said earlier this week, I am taking Duke but expect a close game, even with Duke had their one awful year and Carolina went on to win the National Championship, it went to double overtime. There is no doubt in my mind that you will see a blowout tonight, but if the Heels don't show up on the defensive end could spell trouble.
-Charlie.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The State of North Carolina Loses Three Guards
Today was a big day for the NBA Draft as three of the best guards in the nation decided to go pro.
First, Stephen Curry decided to forgo his senior year and go to the NBA. Smart move by Curry because he has hit the ceiling and its a weak draft so he should be able to be a top 15 pick. I compared him to a smaller Reggie Miller with the way he comes off screens and such but I do not believe he has enough skills to be at the level of Miller. He could be alot like his father and any other great three point shooter that stays in the league because of his shooting. I hope that Curry goes to a team who realizes this instead of JJ Redick who could be used that way but Stan Van Gundy chooses not to.
Next player to come out today was Wayne Ellington who out of the three players that did come out today should be the best player. The reasons why.... He can shoot the three better than most, he also can get to the lane, plays good defense, and is very clutch. Ellington should be a top 15 pick too and I have heard comparison of Ray Allen which I could totally see.
Ty Lawson also entered his name and for me, he is the biggest risk. Guards that under six feet are always hit and miss because they need to adapt to bigger players guarding them plus multiple other reasons. He needs to go to the team where Lawson can start out on the bench as an energy player then move into the starting role if successful.
I hope the best for all of them.
-Charlie.
First, Stephen Curry decided to forgo his senior year and go to the NBA. Smart move by Curry because he has hit the ceiling and its a weak draft so he should be able to be a top 15 pick. I compared him to a smaller Reggie Miller with the way he comes off screens and such but I do not believe he has enough skills to be at the level of Miller. He could be alot like his father and any other great three point shooter that stays in the league because of his shooting. I hope that Curry goes to a team who realizes this instead of JJ Redick who could be used that way but Stan Van Gundy chooses not to.
Next player to come out today was Wayne Ellington who out of the three players that did come out today should be the best player. The reasons why.... He can shoot the three better than most, he also can get to the lane, plays good defense, and is very clutch. Ellington should be a top 15 pick too and I have heard comparison of Ray Allen which I could totally see.
Ty Lawson also entered his name and for me, he is the biggest risk. Guards that under six feet are always hit and miss because they need to adapt to bigger players guarding them plus multiple other reasons. He needs to go to the team where Lawson can start out on the bench as an energy player then move into the starting role if successful.
I hope the best for all of them.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I am an Idiot
Silly Chuck.
I should have realized that a Big Ten would fail to show up when they are "trying to do it for Detroit." Which became the most nauseating thing watching all of the pre-game coverage or the rehashing of Magic Johnson-Larry Bird which has been on overkill since the NBA Finals last year.
I told someone that I would rather have no Big East team in the final than put an embarrassment like that. They looked scared the entire game and they couldnt stop the three point shooters especially Wayne Ellington who was making it rain more than PacMan Jones at Scores Strip Club. Goran Suton failed to show up in the second straight game and they got an fail out of Chris Allen whose been key down the stretch. At least the Milwaukee product Korie Lucious had a big game for the Spartans.
I think when we look at back at the season North Carolina had, it wasnt one of the best ever but is this in the top 10 best tourney teams ever? Absolutely. They beat every team by 10+ and there wasnt one game where they looked like they had a legitimate shot to lose the game in the second half. Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, and Danny Green were all excellent. In addition, obviously Hansbrough is gone but I expect the rest of them to leave.
The future is still very bright with Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, and Larry Drew all returning to create a formidable team that should be in the Top 15 to start off the season. Well I said at the end of the year I would do a Marquette review and look ahead which is possible although dont be surprised if it doesnt happen.
-Charlie.
I should have realized that a Big Ten would fail to show up when they are "trying to do it for Detroit." Which became the most nauseating thing watching all of the pre-game coverage or the rehashing of Magic Johnson-Larry Bird which has been on overkill since the NBA Finals last year.
I told someone that I would rather have no Big East team in the final than put an embarrassment like that. They looked scared the entire game and they couldnt stop the three point shooters especially Wayne Ellington who was making it rain more than PacMan Jones at Scores Strip Club. Goran Suton failed to show up in the second straight game and they got an fail out of Chris Allen whose been key down the stretch. At least the Milwaukee product Korie Lucious had a big game for the Spartans.
I think when we look at back at the season North Carolina had, it wasnt one of the best ever but is this in the top 10 best tourney teams ever? Absolutely. They beat every team by 10+ and there wasnt one game where they looked like they had a legitimate shot to lose the game in the second half. Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, and Danny Green were all excellent. In addition, obviously Hansbrough is gone but I expect the rest of them to leave.
The future is still very bright with Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, and Larry Drew all returning to create a formidable team that should be in the Top 15 to start off the season. Well I said at the end of the year I would do a Marquette review and look ahead which is possible although dont be surprised if it doesnt happen.
-Charlie.
Monday, April 6, 2009
NCCA Championship Preview
Well before we start talking National Championship, I have a new blog that if you dont have a brain and like Chicago sports teams, this is a blog for you. Its called Man Up by my friend Mike.
Final day of college basketball which is always a sad day for me and the question is will this final game be entertaining? Last year was the first in a long while that was exciting for all parties to watch. I think it should be a good one as Michigan State takes on North Carolina.
-To start with State, they need a big night out of Goran Suton who faces the same daunting task as Dante Cunningham did on Saturday night by dealing with the gauntlet known as Tyler Hansbrough, Ed Davis, and Deon Thompson. He needs to have a great performance.
-The matchup of the night has to be Kalin Lucus vs. Ty Lawson. You could argue that these were the two best players in the NCCA Tournament this year and now they get to go up against each other which should be a fantastic cat/mouse game all night long. Watch out if one of these guys ends up in foul trouble.
-Another great battle should be Danny Green versus Raymar Morgan. Green who has been the catalyst throughout the tournament making big shots when needed and Morgan looked like last year version on Saturday night.
-I think if North Carolina doesnt want it close at the end, Wayne Ellington will need to be on point if he is making shots I feel no one in America can stop North Carolina.
-The bench play has been the reason these are the final two teams left and to be honest, nobody is deeper than North Carolina. Despite having the Dancing Bear-Draymond Green and Durrell Summers, they dont compare to Larry Drew, Tyler Zeller, and Ed Davis.
-I have a feeling this one we will be talking about all week but I think Carolina pulls it out in the very end. UNC 82-80
Final day of college basketball which is always a sad day for me and the question is will this final game be entertaining? Last year was the first in a long while that was exciting for all parties to watch. I think it should be a good one as Michigan State takes on North Carolina.
-To start with State, they need a big night out of Goran Suton who faces the same daunting task as Dante Cunningham did on Saturday night by dealing with the gauntlet known as Tyler Hansbrough, Ed Davis, and Deon Thompson. He needs to have a great performance.
-The matchup of the night has to be Kalin Lucus vs. Ty Lawson. You could argue that these were the two best players in the NCCA Tournament this year and now they get to go up against each other which should be a fantastic cat/mouse game all night long. Watch out if one of these guys ends up in foul trouble.
-Another great battle should be Danny Green versus Raymar Morgan. Green who has been the catalyst throughout the tournament making big shots when needed and Morgan looked like last year version on Saturday night.
-I think if North Carolina doesnt want it close at the end, Wayne Ellington will need to be on point if he is making shots I feel no one in America can stop North Carolina.
-The bench play has been the reason these are the final two teams left and to be honest, nobody is deeper than North Carolina. Despite having the Dancing Bear-Draymond Green and Durrell Summers, they dont compare to Larry Drew, Tyler Zeller, and Ed Davis.
-I have a feeling this one we will be talking about all week but I think Carolina pulls it out in the very end. UNC 82-80
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Villanova-North Carolina Preview
Here is the second half of the Final Four for all of those that cares.
(3) Villanova vs. (1) North Carolina- This is a game that intrigues because I like both teams alot from a fan perspective and I love the fact that Nova is the hot team in the tournament right now with Scottie Reynolds big shot. Add to the fact of the screw job that happened in 2005 tournament which featured two of my favorite overall teams in the last 10 years with the Allen Ray-Randy Foye versus Rashard McCants-Sean May-Raymond Felton team. This should be a good one.
Starting off with the Wildcats, they have great guard play featuring Reynolds whose one of the best leaders in the NCAA. The matchup of him and Ty Lawson will be great although heres the thing whenever Dominic James went up against Reynolds, he neutralized Reynolds by his speed.
The one thing that can win the Wildcats the game is their three point shooting. If they are lights out, look out. Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes, and Dwayne Anderson dropped 17 points basically being the key to keep the Wildcats in the game on Saturday.
Another huge question that looms for the Wildcats will Dante Cunningham be able to stop the North Carolina big men? My answer probably not. He is a good player but putting up with the punishment of going up on Deon Thompson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Ed Davis will either put Cunningham in foul trouble or will not handle those three.
On to Carolina, they have Lawson who has been the best player in the NCAA Tournament so far. He has been so dynamic and is the best point guard in the nation right now. As I said above there is no reason why he will not contain Reynolds.
I said this about Michigan State and the Tar Heels have the same sort of bench although it was deeper. Davis is a monster, Larry Drew is another guy who can give you 10 and Tyler Zeller can be very good defensively.
Danny Green is one of the most versatile player and really can do anything for the Heels. In addition, he is another guy who could contain Cunningham as well and frustrate him. He is the glue of the North Carolina team and if he doesnt go, the Tar Heels are in big trouble.
With that said, Cunningham/Reynolds struggle and this dooms the Wildcats. It could be as ugly as Marquette-Kansas but I think they keep it within twenty. UNC 87-72
(3) Villanova vs. (1) North Carolina- This is a game that intrigues because I like both teams alot from a fan perspective and I love the fact that Nova is the hot team in the tournament right now with Scottie Reynolds big shot. Add to the fact of the screw job that happened in 2005 tournament which featured two of my favorite overall teams in the last 10 years with the Allen Ray-Randy Foye versus Rashard McCants-Sean May-Raymond Felton team. This should be a good one.
Starting off with the Wildcats, they have great guard play featuring Reynolds whose one of the best leaders in the NCAA. The matchup of him and Ty Lawson will be great although heres the thing whenever Dominic James went up against Reynolds, he neutralized Reynolds by his speed.
The one thing that can win the Wildcats the game is their three point shooting. If they are lights out, look out. Corey Fisher, Corey Stokes, and Dwayne Anderson dropped 17 points basically being the key to keep the Wildcats in the game on Saturday.
Another huge question that looms for the Wildcats will Dante Cunningham be able to stop the North Carolina big men? My answer probably not. He is a good player but putting up with the punishment of going up on Deon Thompson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Ed Davis will either put Cunningham in foul trouble or will not handle those three.
On to Carolina, they have Lawson who has been the best player in the NCAA Tournament so far. He has been so dynamic and is the best point guard in the nation right now. As I said above there is no reason why he will not contain Reynolds.
I said this about Michigan State and the Tar Heels have the same sort of bench although it was deeper. Davis is a monster, Larry Drew is another guy who can give you 10 and Tyler Zeller can be very good defensively.
Danny Green is one of the most versatile player and really can do anything for the Heels. In addition, he is another guy who could contain Cunningham as well and frustrate him. He is the glue of the North Carolina team and if he doesnt go, the Tar Heels are in big trouble.
With that said, Cunningham/Reynolds struggle and this dooms the Wildcats. It could be as ugly as Marquette-Kansas but I think they keep it within twenty. UNC 87-72
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Elite Eight Wrap Up
Once again, I am sorry for not getting predictions out the last two days because my computer decided to die on me Saturday afternoon but I watched all of the games for the most part so I will dissect them.
UConn 82 Missouri 75- This game was back and forth all game long although the Huskies should their teeth by defeating the Tigers. UConn struggled with the press defense of Missouri who frustrated them the entire game and the Tigers virtually shut down A.J. Price. But this game was a coming-out party for the former McDonald All-American Kemba Walker who dropped 17 and could prove to be very big for the Huskies on Saturday night. Hasheem Thabeet once again had huge blocks but really nothing impressive on the offensive end. Dont get me wrong I like Blake Griffin but people go nuts for a simple dunk by Griffin; I feel they do the same way when Thabeet gets a block.
Villanova 78 Pittsburgh 76- This was an awful decision made by Eric and I last night. Both of us had already ate but the Chinese Buffet named Jade Garden was calling our name. But as the basketball Gods held out for us to see the final shot only to have Brett lock us out before it, I was just livid. From what I heard on the radio, Dwayne Anderson for Nova was the difference maker and Levance Fields was once-again clutch for the Panthers. Good for coach Jay Wright whose had some really good teams in the past and this wasnt his best squad although its the only one on the Final Four.
Michigan State 64 Louisville 52- I am shocked and stunned my good friend Dozer who hates the Big East and loves the Big Ten, I didnt get a text message about how the Big Ten's best beat the Big East's best today handily. Terrence Williams proved why he isnt a top-tier player as the Spartans put a big body on him. The Cardinals havent had a bad game since Notre Dame thirty point beating and today was their next one. Goran Suton 17 points in the first half plus three from behind the arc was demoralizing as anything for the Cardinals. Durrell Summers' three point shooting also had alot to do with the win today.
North Carolina 72 Oklahoma 60- This was the matchup I was excited for all season long and it sucked worse than the second Dumb and Dumber. North Carolina goes wire-to-wire after starting off the game 7-0. Blake Griffin was allowed to have a typical game with 23 points and 16 rebounds but no one else on his team stepped up. Austin Johnson, Tony Crocker, and Willie Warren (minus four minutes) didnt step up the whole game. In addition, once again no one had a guard to keep up with Ty Lawson. I think I said it before the Gonzaga game that the reason North Carolina wins is because their bench is so deep. Danny Green was also the reason they had an eleven point lead going into the half with 14 points in the first half.
I will cover the Final Four probably Thursday with a wrap-up Sunday and an overall season wrap-up Tuesday/Wednesday.
-Charlie.
UConn 82 Missouri 75- This game was back and forth all game long although the Huskies should their teeth by defeating the Tigers. UConn struggled with the press defense of Missouri who frustrated them the entire game and the Tigers virtually shut down A.J. Price. But this game was a coming-out party for the former McDonald All-American Kemba Walker who dropped 17 and could prove to be very big for the Huskies on Saturday night. Hasheem Thabeet once again had huge blocks but really nothing impressive on the offensive end. Dont get me wrong I like Blake Griffin but people go nuts for a simple dunk by Griffin; I feel they do the same way when Thabeet gets a block.
Villanova 78 Pittsburgh 76- This was an awful decision made by Eric and I last night. Both of us had already ate but the Chinese Buffet named Jade Garden was calling our name. But as the basketball Gods held out for us to see the final shot only to have Brett lock us out before it, I was just livid. From what I heard on the radio, Dwayne Anderson for Nova was the difference maker and Levance Fields was once-again clutch for the Panthers. Good for coach Jay Wright whose had some really good teams in the past and this wasnt his best squad although its the only one on the Final Four.
Michigan State 64 Louisville 52- I am shocked and stunned my good friend Dozer who hates the Big East and loves the Big Ten, I didnt get a text message about how the Big Ten's best beat the Big East's best today handily. Terrence Williams proved why he isnt a top-tier player as the Spartans put a big body on him. The Cardinals havent had a bad game since Notre Dame thirty point beating and today was their next one. Goran Suton 17 points in the first half plus three from behind the arc was demoralizing as anything for the Cardinals. Durrell Summers' three point shooting also had alot to do with the win today.
North Carolina 72 Oklahoma 60- This was the matchup I was excited for all season long and it sucked worse than the second Dumb and Dumber. North Carolina goes wire-to-wire after starting off the game 7-0. Blake Griffin was allowed to have a typical game with 23 points and 16 rebounds but no one else on his team stepped up. Austin Johnson, Tony Crocker, and Willie Warren (minus four minutes) didnt step up the whole game. In addition, once again no one had a guard to keep up with Ty Lawson. I think I said it before the Gonzaga game that the reason North Carolina wins is because their bench is so deep. Danny Green was also the reason they had an eleven point lead going into the half with 14 points in the first half.
I will cover the Final Four probably Thursday with a wrap-up Sunday and an overall season wrap-up Tuesday/Wednesday.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday Picks
Well I am making it a goal to actually make it through the games tonight and not pass out early like last night. I was surprised to see how Missouri played last night and the three Big East schools won flexing their muscle.
MIDWEST:
(1) Louisville vs. (12) Arizona- I think this game is going to be a lot better than people expect it to be. Arizona was a team that underachieved all year and have picked the right time to find their step. I like how they matchup with the Cardinals tonight and the big factor will be if Chase Bundiger can stop Terrence Williams. I am not a huge fan of Williams but I guess I have to give him credit for his play in the recent weeks, it seems like no one can stop him. Jordan Hill vs. Samardo Samuels will be another key match up in the game. Edgar Sosa always seems to come up clutch in big games so look out for him. I think the run for Arizona ends tonight because I think Louisville is too tough for them to keep up with. LOUIS 79-75
(2) Michigan State vs. (3) Kansas- This game is a rematch from earlier on this season where in the previous matchup, the Spartans got the best of the Jayhawks in Breslin. This is a new Kansas team though with the improved play of Cole Aldrich. I watched Michigan State on Sunday and I never realized how smooth their offense runs plus Kalin Lucus is an absolute stud for them. I think a key factor will be if the Jayhawks can find a third scorer because if not, it could be a long night. I think the Spartans are too much for Kansas tonight with good play from Lucus, Goran Suton, and Travis Walton. MSU 69-63
SOUTH
(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Gonzaga- This game has interested me more in the past couple of days because I feel like the Zags have the formula to beat North Carolina if they put their best effort. Jeremy Pargo can keep up with Ty Lawson and Josh Heytvelt can neutralize Tyler Hansbrough. Although when it comes down to it, the bench of North Carolina is the reason they are going to win this game with the improved play of Ed Davis and others. It will be close but the Tar Heels pull it out. UNC 84-78
(2) Oklahoma vs. (3) Syracuse- The best game of the night by far. Both teams matchup so well with each other, it will be hard to pick a winner. The question of the night will be if Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will be able to neutralize Blake Griffin. On the outside, I think Johnny Flynn can contain Willie Warren but I would watch out for Austin Johnson when he is on, its lights out for other teams. The same could be said about Andy Rautins. Look for a close battle with the Orange coming out victoriously. CUSE 86-83
-Charlie.
MIDWEST:
(1) Louisville vs. (12) Arizona- I think this game is going to be a lot better than people expect it to be. Arizona was a team that underachieved all year and have picked the right time to find their step. I like how they matchup with the Cardinals tonight and the big factor will be if Chase Bundiger can stop Terrence Williams. I am not a huge fan of Williams but I guess I have to give him credit for his play in the recent weeks, it seems like no one can stop him. Jordan Hill vs. Samardo Samuels will be another key match up in the game. Edgar Sosa always seems to come up clutch in big games so look out for him. I think the run for Arizona ends tonight because I think Louisville is too tough for them to keep up with. LOUIS 79-75
(2) Michigan State vs. (3) Kansas- This game is a rematch from earlier on this season where in the previous matchup, the Spartans got the best of the Jayhawks in Breslin. This is a new Kansas team though with the improved play of Cole Aldrich. I watched Michigan State on Sunday and I never realized how smooth their offense runs plus Kalin Lucus is an absolute stud for them. I think a key factor will be if the Jayhawks can find a third scorer because if not, it could be a long night. I think the Spartans are too much for Kansas tonight with good play from Lucus, Goran Suton, and Travis Walton. MSU 69-63
SOUTH
(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Gonzaga- This game has interested me more in the past couple of days because I feel like the Zags have the formula to beat North Carolina if they put their best effort. Jeremy Pargo can keep up with Ty Lawson and Josh Heytvelt can neutralize Tyler Hansbrough. Although when it comes down to it, the bench of North Carolina is the reason they are going to win this game with the improved play of Ed Davis and others. It will be close but the Tar Heels pull it out. UNC 84-78
(2) Oklahoma vs. (3) Syracuse- The best game of the night by far. Both teams matchup so well with each other, it will be hard to pick a winner. The question of the night will be if Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will be able to neutralize Blake Griffin. On the outside, I think Johnny Flynn can contain Willie Warren but I would watch out for Austin Johnson when he is on, its lights out for other teams. The same could be said about Andy Rautins. Look for a close battle with the Orange coming out victoriously. CUSE 86-83
-Charlie.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tar Heels Make a Statement
I am not going to give you my usual song/dance about the game but there are a couple things in the larger scheme of things that should be address things that every one of us learned watching that game.
1. Ty Lawson is the fastest man with a basketball. I am convinced that only Darren Collison of UCLA would be able to slow down a guy like Lawson and maybe Sheron Collins from Kansas has the same sort of speed. I think Lawson starting to realize that he is one of those guys that can take over a game and he really needs to keep doing things like he did in the second half. When he and Wayne Ellington are on, North Carolina is so hard to beat.
2. Tyler Hansbrough isnt the go-to-guy anymore. I am not knocking everyone's most hated player but I do believe that the Tar Heels are so deep this year with experience that Hansbrough isnt needed as much as the last two years. I think thats why you arent seeing the fist pumping and the emotion out of Hansbrough. I thought for sure after he nailed that dagger at the shot-clock buzzer, we would of seen some fire but really nothing. I think he has accepted a leadership position and wants to look the part.
3. Duke falls into the "Well if they face a big team, they are in trouble..." There are alot of teams who fit into this category such as Marquette, Villanova, and UCLA. Duke fits right in there with them if they see a DeJuan Blair or a combo like Hansbrough/Deon Thompson; they simply dont have the inside power to stop a great big man. Granted, Duke does a good job sweltering the pass to the paint but still good big men find a way to the basket.
4. If the 2nd half UNC team comes to play, no one beats them. Its pretty much plain and simple statement. I think the Tar Heels looked like the best team in the nation last night in the second half. Everything was working and thats really what needs to happen for Carolina to be at their best. When two of the big three are on, its going to be real tough for teams to contained them. In addition, if they get 10-15 a game from Thompson too, they suddenly become even better.
-Charlie.
1. Ty Lawson is the fastest man with a basketball. I am convinced that only Darren Collison of UCLA would be able to slow down a guy like Lawson and maybe Sheron Collins from Kansas has the same sort of speed. I think Lawson starting to realize that he is one of those guys that can take over a game and he really needs to keep doing things like he did in the second half. When he and Wayne Ellington are on, North Carolina is so hard to beat.
2. Tyler Hansbrough isnt the go-to-guy anymore. I am not knocking everyone's most hated player but I do believe that the Tar Heels are so deep this year with experience that Hansbrough isnt needed as much as the last two years. I think thats why you arent seeing the fist pumping and the emotion out of Hansbrough. I thought for sure after he nailed that dagger at the shot-clock buzzer, we would of seen some fire but really nothing. I think he has accepted a leadership position and wants to look the part.
3. Duke falls into the "Well if they face a big team, they are in trouble..." There are alot of teams who fit into this category such as Marquette, Villanova, and UCLA. Duke fits right in there with them if they see a DeJuan Blair or a combo like Hansbrough/Deon Thompson; they simply dont have the inside power to stop a great big man. Granted, Duke does a good job sweltering the pass to the paint but still good big men find a way to the basket.
4. If the 2nd half UNC team comes to play, no one beats them. Its pretty much plain and simple statement. I think the Tar Heels looked like the best team in the nation last night in the second half. Everything was working and thats really what needs to happen for Carolina to be at their best. When two of the big three are on, its going to be real tough for teams to contained them. In addition, if they get 10-15 a game from Thompson too, they suddenly become even better.
-Charlie.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
So Much for Being Unbeaten
My dad and I were discussing the upcoming conference season for college basketball on Saturday; we both agreed that the "Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-10 all had a legitimate chance of having four-five teams winning the conference and the ACC is good although no one would come close to North Carolina." So much for that thought...
I was enjoying the Wild Card weekend, so I was unable to watch much of the game. When I saw the final score, I couldn't believe that a Boston College team, who only has one senior (a damn good one in that, Tyrese Rice is baller), came into Chapel Hill and knocked off North Carolina 85-77. I think it proves that no one is perfect in college basketball.
Also, I think its a good kick in the ass for the Tar Heels. They could head several directions for the ACC season; they might not lose a game the rest of the year and become a number one seed, or they could lose a couple games in the ACC. A big test will be next weekend when they play 6. Wake Forest who despite being a young team have shown some real promise after beating Brigham Young on the road who had a fifty-three game winning streak at home before the lost.
-Charlie.
I was enjoying the Wild Card weekend, so I was unable to watch much of the game. When I saw the final score, I couldn't believe that a Boston College team, who only has one senior (a damn good one in that, Tyrese Rice is baller), came into Chapel Hill and knocked off North Carolina 85-77. I think it proves that no one is perfect in college basketball.
Also, I think its a good kick in the ass for the Tar Heels. They could head several directions for the ACC season; they might not lose a game the rest of the year and become a number one seed, or they could lose a couple games in the ACC. A big test will be next weekend when they play 6. Wake Forest who despite being a young team have shown some real promise after beating Brigham Young on the road who had a fifty-three game winning streak at home before the lost.
-Charlie.
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