I know we are a couple days late, but give me a break I had much more to do for school. I believe this 2010 NCAA Tournament was the best tourney that I have seen in my 21 years. I enjoyed it so much and thought about how saddened I am that there is no basketball this weekend.
The tournament had everything that you want when you go into March Madness... People always love upsets, which we had plenty of them. The runs that Northern Iowa, St. Mary's, and Cornell made into the Sweet 16 were the reason why we all collectively jump on the bandwagon in hopes that maybe this team can make a George Mason-type run. The fact is we got that team in Butler.
Now, some will argue because they were in the top ten during the season therefore they shouldn't be considered part of that fraternity. I would agrue the fact they play in the Horizon League seeing the level of competition they play for two months is pretty weak and doesn't prepare them in the way for March like the six power conferences receive. Gonzaga is basically the same type of team like Butler who always seems to get in the tournament but can never make it to the Final Four. What the Bulldogs knocking off Syracuse, Kansas State, and Michigan State plus almost a half-court shot falling in to beat Duke. They proved that they can play with any team in the nation with their fearless attitude.
While Duke was the last 1 seed standing, I loved that they were the only ones in the Final Four. Anyone can predict all four ones getting into the Final Four and while those games would probably have been exciting, I would much rather watch two teams playing above expectations. The fact that a team that can get hot at the right now and create a deep dent makes this tournament so fun. I think the TV ratings of the final game would prove that I am not only one who enjoys these versions of the NCAA Touranment.
Quickly, my thoughts on Duke's National Championship season. I said in November how impressed I was with Duke early on (but I also dissed Butler pretty hard, yikes). So I always kept a close eye on Duke because I thought they had enough to win the National Championship this year. They dominated the ACC for the most part and then getting probably the easiest bracket out of the four, it almost felt like this tournament was made for the Dukies.
The play of Kyle Singler was unmatched by anyone else because not only did he play excellent on the offensive end, but the defense end as well, which sometimes you do not see from the star player. I think Singler should go pro with the chance of an NBA lockout in 2011, but who knows the opportunity playing again with Smith (expect him to come back), Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, and the Plumlee Brothers.. that is a team with the abilty of compete for another National Championship.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Butler Bulldogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Butler Bulldogs. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Final Four Picks
I had to make sure I got my picks in and surprised that I am even writing to you as I am pulling it out while hungover. I will put it to you this way, I met a guy from Djibouti which was something on my bucket lists of things to do.
Butler vs. Michigan State- People including myself have called the Bulldogs the "real life Hoosiers" and now the question is can they carry this run into the final game? I feel they aren't scared of anyone especially after knocking off Syracuse/Kansas State. Gordan Hayward could be a mismatch disaster for the Spartans as they really don't have a player his size to compete with. Also Matt Howard's foul trouble problems probably will not be as much of worry with the Spartans due to the lack of size of their big men. Now for Michigan State I feel they have that same sort of never scared attitude because they know they can win without Kalin Lucas. Korie Lucious played fantastic in last year's Final Four and he played a great tournament so far. Also do not sleep on Durrell Summers because he hits key shots and always seems to have the ball at the end of the game. I haven't picked Butler the entire year, and I want them to win tonight although I do not think they enough... so I will continue to doubt them. MSU 65-60
West Virginia vs. Duke- Some people in the media think that this should be the National Championship game and people have pointed out the inabilities of the Dukies against Big East teams (lost the last four times they have seen Big East opponents in the tourney, they have lost). I think Nolan Smith is the key individual in this game because the only guy that can guard him is Joe Mazzulla and if he gets in foul trouble, the Mountaineers are in trouble with Smith. The Mountaineers have the ability inside to beat Duke which I do not think I could say about a lot of the teams they faced. The one thing that should concern Blue Devil fans is Da'Sean Butler's big time moments. I do not think Duke has that guy who can make take over the game, but I think the overall depth of Duke pulls them to victories late in the game. I could see this game going down to the wire and somebody making the difference. I am going with Jon Scheyer hitting a big three with under twenty seconds. DUKE 75-73
Butler vs. Michigan State- People including myself have called the Bulldogs the "real life Hoosiers" and now the question is can they carry this run into the final game? I feel they aren't scared of anyone especially after knocking off Syracuse/Kansas State. Gordan Hayward could be a mismatch disaster for the Spartans as they really don't have a player his size to compete with. Also Matt Howard's foul trouble problems probably will not be as much of worry with the Spartans due to the lack of size of their big men. Now for Michigan State I feel they have that same sort of never scared attitude because they know they can win without Kalin Lucas. Korie Lucious played fantastic in last year's Final Four and he played a great tournament so far. Also do not sleep on Durrell Summers because he hits key shots and always seems to have the ball at the end of the game. I haven't picked Butler the entire year, and I want them to win tonight although I do not think they enough... so I will continue to doubt them. MSU 65-60
West Virginia vs. Duke- Some people in the media think that this should be the National Championship game and people have pointed out the inabilities of the Dukies against Big East teams (lost the last four times they have seen Big East opponents in the tourney, they have lost). I think Nolan Smith is the key individual in this game because the only guy that can guard him is Joe Mazzulla and if he gets in foul trouble, the Mountaineers are in trouble with Smith. The Mountaineers have the ability inside to beat Duke which I do not think I could say about a lot of the teams they faced. The one thing that should concern Blue Devil fans is Da'Sean Butler's big time moments. I do not think Duke has that guy who can make take over the game, but I think the overall depth of Duke pulls them to victories late in the game. I could see this game going down to the wire and somebody making the difference. I am going with Jon Scheyer hitting a big three with under twenty seconds. DUKE 75-73
Monday, March 29, 2010
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
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.
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