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 College Basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label College Basketball. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Marquette Madness
Once again, I was planning on doing something about Marquette heartbreaking defeat to the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish at home this weekend. My thoughts on the game, the Warriors didn't do enough on the defensive end in terms of rebounding and I felt it was one of those games where Marquette had "the foot on the throat but didn't step down". Multiple times, the Warriors had seven or nine points leads and they couldn't seal the deal.
Anyways, that isn't what I wanted to talk about more so discussing the Lazar Hayward snub and the worry I have about the Big East Conference tournament because I feel there is too much hype surrounding Marquette.
I cannot believe that the Big East voters went with Luke Harangody as a first team Big East instead of Hayward. Let me remind you that Hayward scored double-digits in 28 out of the 30 games for Marquette. Not to mention if Hayward didn't play in multiple games like Harangody did, the Golden Eagles would be barely hanging on the bubble instead of being pretty much in the tournament right now. Lazar helped take a team that was expected to be a 12th place team this year in the Big East to a fifth place team with a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.
I just find it mesmerizing that the Big East would give the first team glory to a guy whose team actually played BETTER without him. I hope that he plays in the Figthin' Irish first Big East conference championship game only to lose to Seton Hall/Providence. My other hope is that Zar shows all those Big East people why they made a big time mistake.
On to our second topic, I am worried about all the hype about Marquette because it appears this season especially that this team doesn't like the spotlight. They would rather hang out under the radar and have nobody really care about them. When it seemed to be at all-time high heading into the Pittsburgh game, which was on ESPN... they completely choked. There is a part of me that feels like the Golden Eagles could lay a complete egg this week. I think they will beat St. Johns tomorrow and I believe they can beat Syracuse if the chips fall right. Although, let's remember Madison Square Garden is the Johnnies home part of the year and they took MU to the buzzer.
Should be a fun week, more to come on Championship Week.
-Charlie.
Anyways, that isn't what I wanted to talk about more so discussing the Lazar Hayward snub and the worry I have about the Big East Conference tournament because I feel there is too much hype surrounding Marquette.
I cannot believe that the Big East voters went with Luke Harangody as a first team Big East instead of Hayward. Let me remind you that Hayward scored double-digits in 28 out of the 30 games for Marquette. Not to mention if Hayward didn't play in multiple games like Harangody did, the Golden Eagles would be barely hanging on the bubble instead of being pretty much in the tournament right now. Lazar helped take a team that was expected to be a 12th place team this year in the Big East to a fifth place team with a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.
I just find it mesmerizing that the Big East would give the first team glory to a guy whose team actually played BETTER without him. I hope that he plays in the Figthin' Irish first Big East conference championship game only to lose to Seton Hall/Providence. My other hope is that Zar shows all those Big East people why they made a big time mistake.
On to our second topic, I am worried about all the hype about Marquette because it appears this season especially that this team doesn't like the spotlight. They would rather hang out under the radar and have nobody really care about them. When it seemed to be at all-time high heading into the Pittsburgh game, which was on ESPN... they completely choked. There is a part of me that feels like the Golden Eagles could lay a complete egg this week. I think they will beat St. Johns tomorrow and I believe they can beat Syracuse if the chips fall right. Although, let's remember Madison Square Garden is the Johnnies home part of the year and they took MU to the buzzer.
Should be a fun week, more to come on Championship Week.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Rushing the Court: A Part of the College Lifestyle
All over the place, I have seen people forget their fun pants like my buddy Jared, Mach's older brother Dan, and Rick Reilly to name a few. They are getting all upset about fans rushing the court like if they were in the stands of the Maryland-Duke game last night, they wouldn't have rushed. This earns a big Chad Ochocinco Child please.
I love rushing the court. I think it's an awesome sight to see all the fans on the court with a player or two hoisted on top of the shoulders of the fans. I think it's worth doing when you win a share of a conference title like Maryland and Ohio State did the last two nights, you beat a rival for the first time in awhile, or it's a monumental upset. Are there times when the student sections probably shouldn't have rushed the court? Oh yeah, but thats like saying are there times when I wished I didn't take five shots of vodka. You are in the moment, really not caring about what people think about your decision making, rather just having a good time.
Another thing to add about the Maryland charge in particular, people were stunned the Terps charged because "They won a National Championship in 2003, they are better than that!" C'mon, these kids were not even close to sniffing college and they won a share of an ACC title, which if you look at the history is hard to come by with the likes of the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels.
Reilly major point today in his column and on the Scott Van Pelt Show was the safety of these kids. "MY GOD, ONE PERSON MAY DIE OMFG!!!!!" Listen, these college kids put enough crazy shit in their body to kill themselves so why not risk it again by charging the court? No one is thinking in the crowd... "Shit I might die if I rush... I better not man, so scared.." Hell no, they are running faster than Frank the Tank to center court to greet their fearless leader. Like I said above, you live in the moment.
Because I go to a D3 college atmosphere, I will probably never have the experience to rush the court and I wish I went to a bigger school to have that on my resume of cool things I have done. I hope that every college kid who goes to a big school gets a chance once to rush the court in celebration of their great basketball.
-Charlie.
I love rushing the court. I think it's an awesome sight to see all the fans on the court with a player or two hoisted on top of the shoulders of the fans. I think it's worth doing when you win a share of a conference title like Maryland and Ohio State did the last two nights, you beat a rival for the first time in awhile, or it's a monumental upset. Are there times when the student sections probably shouldn't have rushed the court? Oh yeah, but thats like saying are there times when I wished I didn't take five shots of vodka. You are in the moment, really not caring about what people think about your decision making, rather just having a good time.
Another thing to add about the Maryland charge in particular, people were stunned the Terps charged because "They won a National Championship in 2003, they are better than that!" C'mon, these kids were not even close to sniffing college and they won a share of an ACC title, which if you look at the history is hard to come by with the likes of the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels.
Reilly major point today in his column and on the Scott Van Pelt Show was the safety of these kids. "MY GOD, ONE PERSON MAY DIE OMFG!!!!!" Listen, these college kids put enough crazy shit in their body to kill themselves so why not risk it again by charging the court? No one is thinking in the crowd... "Shit I might die if I rush... I better not man, so scared.." Hell no, they are running faster than Frank the Tank to center court to greet their fearless leader. Like I said above, you live in the moment.
Because I go to a D3 college atmosphere, I will probably never have the experience to rush the court and I wish I went to a bigger school to have that on my resume of cool things I have done. I hope that every college kid who goes to a big school gets a chance once to rush the court in celebration of their great basketball.
-Charlie.
The Love, Hate and Under Radar for the NCAA Tournament
I am pretty pumped for the month of March. It has to be way up there in terms of favorite months because of basketball, baseball starting, and St. Patrick's Day. Honestly, I think this might be the best NCAA tournament we have seen in the past couple of years. I am dead serious about this because I think there is so much uncertainty compared to years' past.
I mean I thought two weeks ago that it was the Kansas Jayhawks and everybody else then they got embarrassed by Oklahoma State on the road plus coach Bill Self benched Cole Aldrich to get his mind right. Which is something that I wouldn't like happen at the end of February personally as a Jayhawk fan. Now I do not know who to ride to the final four but what I am going to do for the blog is my Top 8 likes overall, top 5 don't likes, and top 5 sleepers
To explain how this works, my likes are teams that I believe will be in the Sweet 16 and pending on their matchup should be in the Elite Eight. My don't likes are teams who may sneak into the Sweet 16 but I would proceed with caution. My sleepers are any team below a five seed I would consider a sleeper.
Eight likes... (in no certain order)
1.) Kansas- No question about it, the Jayhawks are a team who I think you can pencil into the Final Four. I would be stunned to see them out prior to the Elite Eight, they have all the tools to be the best team in the field of 65.
2.) Kentucky- I am starting to shy away from the Cats' a bit because I hate picking teams with inexperience but I do not believe there is a scarier human being than DeMarcus Cousins inside for the Wildcats. Also a concern is the amount of turnovers John Wall is accustomed to lately.
3.) Syracuse- The Orange is the sexy pick right now, people want this team to succeed and like their big men in the middle with the game-changer in Andy Rautins but remember, they have been prone to not being able to hold a big lead. Not buying as much stock as most.
4.) Ohio State- The Buckeyes are the most intriguing team of the tourney because they have that game-changer in Evan Turner who could carry his team to a National Championship like Carmelo Anthony and Danny Manning did.
5.) Vanderbilt- What I really like about the Commodores is the inside power of A.J. Oglivy and the outside shooting of the perimeter players of Vandy. I think they have all the makings of a deep run.
6.) Duke- Say what you want about the Dukies, I still think the combination of Smith/Singler/Scheyer can will this team deep into the tournament and I believe that Brian Zoubek will be the reason why this team either falters or goes deep.
7.) Villanova- The Cats' have been struggling lately somewhat, but if this team doesn't face a big men into the deep rounds watch out. I think the Orange exposed them somewhat for what they are but if they get the right draw, they could reap the benefits.
8.) Maryland- Maybe I am sipping the kool-aid right now but Greveis Vasquez is a playmaker in the same way Turner is and I think he could do some big things with the team around him. They seemed fearless on Wednesday and this is one team I am watching this week.
Dont Likes
1.) Georgetown- I feel horrible about Austin Freeman getting diganosed with diabetes but this puts the Hoyas who were not playing well before this news at an even bigger disadvantage, big time stay away.
2.) Pittsburgh- Two Big East teams to start but the Panthers right now are seeded third, which I think is way too high for this team and could lead to disaster come two weeks. The Panthers are inexperience and seem to have mental lapses.
3.) Michigan State- The Spartans just seem lost at times and I would be worried if I were a fan of Sparty. It appears Kalin Lucus isn't really 100 percent out there and they haven't got any inside production all year.
4.) Tennessee- I understand they beat Kansas and Kentucky, but they are playing at a severe disadvantage with the lack of players, I just do not know when Bruce Pearl's upbeat style tires out the team.
5.) Any highly ranked A-10/MWC team- I am telling you either BYU, New Mexico, or Temple is going out in the first round. I understand how deep these leagues are this year but I am not convinced these teams are poised to beat the big boys.
Sleepers
1.) Marquette- BIAS!?!?! Okay it's true but right now, they are an 8 playing Cal then move on to play Kansas State. I have talked myself into a Sweet 16 berth but I would like to avoid the 8/9, hopefully they can keep moving up the ladder.
2.) Oklahoma State- Another 8 right now, but I wouldn't want any part of James Anderson in this tournament. Another guy who can change a game by himself and they are well-coached. If I am a one seed, I would be in the fetal position for this second round game.
3.) Baylor- They are currently a six right now and this might be one of the most athletic teams in the tourney. I hate to think what it will be like to play these guys in the second round.
4.) Virginia Tech- A team who has done well in the ACC and played a cupcake schedule in the non-conference so they are going to get seeded low but the Hokies could do some major work with Malcolm Downey
5.) Cornell- You gotta love the Ivy league team and the fundamentals that come with it. Remember the Bears were once in the Top 25 this year... could be lethal. One team I wouldn't want to see in the first round.
I am willing to bet these teams will be changed around before the tourney but expect big things on the blog for the next two weeks.
-Charlie.
I mean I thought two weeks ago that it was the Kansas Jayhawks and everybody else then they got embarrassed by Oklahoma State on the road plus coach Bill Self benched Cole Aldrich to get his mind right. Which is something that I wouldn't like happen at the end of February personally as a Jayhawk fan. Now I do not know who to ride to the final four but what I am going to do for the blog is my Top 8 likes overall, top 5 don't likes, and top 5 sleepers
To explain how this works, my likes are teams that I believe will be in the Sweet 16 and pending on their matchup should be in the Elite Eight. My don't likes are teams who may sneak into the Sweet 16 but I would proceed with caution. My sleepers are any team below a five seed I would consider a sleeper.
Eight likes... (in no certain order)
1.) Kansas- No question about it, the Jayhawks are a team who I think you can pencil into the Final Four. I would be stunned to see them out prior to the Elite Eight, they have all the tools to be the best team in the field of 65.
2.) Kentucky- I am starting to shy away from the Cats' a bit because I hate picking teams with inexperience but I do not believe there is a scarier human being than DeMarcus Cousins inside for the Wildcats. Also a concern is the amount of turnovers John Wall is accustomed to lately.
3.) Syracuse- The Orange is the sexy pick right now, people want this team to succeed and like their big men in the middle with the game-changer in Andy Rautins but remember, they have been prone to not being able to hold a big lead. Not buying as much stock as most.
4.) Ohio State- The Buckeyes are the most intriguing team of the tourney because they have that game-changer in Evan Turner who could carry his team to a National Championship like Carmelo Anthony and Danny Manning did.
5.) Vanderbilt- What I really like about the Commodores is the inside power of A.J. Oglivy and the outside shooting of the perimeter players of Vandy. I think they have all the makings of a deep run.
6.) Duke- Say what you want about the Dukies, I still think the combination of Smith/Singler/Scheyer can will this team deep into the tournament and I believe that Brian Zoubek will be the reason why this team either falters or goes deep.
7.) Villanova- The Cats' have been struggling lately somewhat, but if this team doesn't face a big men into the deep rounds watch out. I think the Orange exposed them somewhat for what they are but if they get the right draw, they could reap the benefits.
8.) Maryland- Maybe I am sipping the kool-aid right now but Greveis Vasquez is a playmaker in the same way Turner is and I think he could do some big things with the team around him. They seemed fearless on Wednesday and this is one team I am watching this week.
Dont Likes
1.) Georgetown- I feel horrible about Austin Freeman getting diganosed with diabetes but this puts the Hoyas who were not playing well before this news at an even bigger disadvantage, big time stay away.
2.) Pittsburgh- Two Big East teams to start but the Panthers right now are seeded third, which I think is way too high for this team and could lead to disaster come two weeks. The Panthers are inexperience and seem to have mental lapses.
3.) Michigan State- The Spartans just seem lost at times and I would be worried if I were a fan of Sparty. It appears Kalin Lucus isn't really 100 percent out there and they haven't got any inside production all year.
4.) Tennessee- I understand they beat Kansas and Kentucky, but they are playing at a severe disadvantage with the lack of players, I just do not know when Bruce Pearl's upbeat style tires out the team.
5.) Any highly ranked A-10/MWC team- I am telling you either BYU, New Mexico, or Temple is going out in the first round. I understand how deep these leagues are this year but I am not convinced these teams are poised to beat the big boys.
Sleepers
1.) Marquette- BIAS!?!?! Okay it's true but right now, they are an 8 playing Cal then move on to play Kansas State. I have talked myself into a Sweet 16 berth but I would like to avoid the 8/9, hopefully they can keep moving up the ladder.
2.) Oklahoma State- Another 8 right now, but I wouldn't want any part of James Anderson in this tournament. Another guy who can change a game by himself and they are well-coached. If I am a one seed, I would be in the fetal position for this second round game.
3.) Baylor- They are currently a six right now and this might be one of the most athletic teams in the tourney. I hate to think what it will be like to play these guys in the second round.
4.) Virginia Tech- A team who has done well in the ACC and played a cupcake schedule in the non-conference so they are going to get seeded low but the Hokies could do some major work with Malcolm Downey
5.) Cornell- You gotta love the Ivy league team and the fundamentals that come with it. Remember the Bears were once in the Top 25 this year... could be lethal. One team I wouldn't want to see in the first round.
I am willing to bet these teams will be changed around before the tourney but expect big things on the blog for the next two weeks.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Making Up For Effing Smith, Garcia, and Gaines
For tonight's Marquette game against Louisville, I had to go to a local Eau Claire establishment because the game was on ESPNU and like a bunch of communists, the station is not for all of us to see. The worried level, which I described in my last Marquette post was at about 9.5 to start this game. I have seen Reece Gaines, Francisco Garcia, and Jerry Smith hit game-winning three-pointers at the buzzer in the Bradley Center. The Smith three sucked more than the others just because he played for rival high school Tosa East and memories of him destroying Tosa West were still very fresh.
This is probably why the Warriors 68-49 victory felt so sweet today. I love beating the shit out of Rick Pitno who has won the last seven of eight games against Marquette and I love sending Edgar Sosa, a nine year senior with a defeat. Overall, there were a lot of good things I took away from this game.
I love the fact Marquette found a way to keep a huge lead without Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler for long durations of the game. In addition, Zar was only 2/14 and Jimmy was 2/4, poor nights from both of them and they still won by 21! This is something that I do not think the Golden Eagles would have been able to do in the month of January. This something that can prove to be important in the coming weeks. I will also let you know the big reason why this happened?
Defense. Marquette played probably one of their best defense games in the last two to three years. I cannot remember off the top of head when the Golden Eagles played this strong on defense. Some stats for you from the game... shot 37% from the field, only shot 2 free throws all game, 17 turnovers, and NO Cardinal had double-figures. Just a fantastic effort by the boys from Milwaukee.
Player of the game had to be Darius Johnson-Odom who I am starting to get that feeling I got with guys like Dwyane Wade, Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, and Dominic James at certain points of their careers. I feel like every shot is going in and trust he will make the right the decision for the team. DJO has another couple years left at Marquette and the combination of Vander Blue/DJO next year is just scary. Scarier than James and McNeal in terms of potential-wise.
I had to call my buddy Mach after the game and asked how good this Marquette team is? He didn't really have a correct answer for me and I didn't expect him to. But honest to Al McGuire, I think Marquette could make a Sweet 16 run in the tournament with the right formula of teams in the first and second round. I believe they are a lock in the tournament. Even if they lose against Notre Dame, and somehow lay an egg in the first round, it's pretty hard to keep out a top 5 team in the Big East. I personally would like to avoid 8 and 9 seed, rather have them play at either 7 or 10 therefore playing a 2 in the second round. Wherever the pieces fall, I am excited to see Marquette in the round of 64 especially when I never expected them to be there.
-Charlie.
This is probably why the Warriors 68-49 victory felt so sweet today. I love beating the shit out of Rick Pitno who has won the last seven of eight games against Marquette and I love sending Edgar Sosa, a nine year senior with a defeat. Overall, there were a lot of good things I took away from this game.
I love the fact Marquette found a way to keep a huge lead without Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler for long durations of the game. In addition, Zar was only 2/14 and Jimmy was 2/4, poor nights from both of them and they still won by 21! This is something that I do not think the Golden Eagles would have been able to do in the month of January. This something that can prove to be important in the coming weeks. I will also let you know the big reason why this happened?
Defense. Marquette played probably one of their best defense games in the last two to three years. I cannot remember off the top of head when the Golden Eagles played this strong on defense. Some stats for you from the game... shot 37% from the field, only shot 2 free throws all game, 17 turnovers, and NO Cardinal had double-figures. Just a fantastic effort by the boys from Milwaukee.
Player of the game had to be Darius Johnson-Odom who I am starting to get that feeling I got with guys like Dwyane Wade, Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, and Dominic James at certain points of their careers. I feel like every shot is going in and trust he will make the right the decision for the team. DJO has another couple years left at Marquette and the combination of Vander Blue/DJO next year is just scary. Scarier than James and McNeal in terms of potential-wise.
I had to call my buddy Mach after the game and asked how good this Marquette team is? He didn't really have a correct answer for me and I didn't expect him to. But honest to Al McGuire, I think Marquette could make a Sweet 16 run in the tournament with the right formula of teams in the first and second round. I believe they are a lock in the tournament. Even if they lose against Notre Dame, and somehow lay an egg in the first round, it's pretty hard to keep out a top 5 team in the Big East. I personally would like to avoid 8 and 9 seed, rather have them play at either 7 or 10 therefore playing a 2 in the second round. Wherever the pieces fall, I am excited to see Marquette in the round of 64 especially when I never expected them to be there.
-Charlie.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Confessions of an MU Fan and My Twitter Rants
Whew. If you didn't watch the Marquette-St. John's slugfest last night, you missed a buzzer-beater by Small Forward Jimmy Butler to win it for the Warriors in overtime. I have to confess something to all of my fans on Chuck's Corner: I completely forgot about the game until I looked on Twitter to find Cracked Sidewalks, a Marquette blog tweeting about the game. My excuse is I had a test the next day so I was completely lost in the books and needed a break then realized MU was playing.
I would like to tell you why I think the Golden Eagles are doing so well right now, my Twitter page. If you follow me @chuckscorner, you will see that I tweet about 5-8 times during the game and they always seem to come out as victories for Marquette. So for you that do not tweet, I feel that I should share with you those tweets. I never am satisfied, always angry or concerned. It just seems to be that way, here we go...
"The blue jerseys plus my blog post equals all the possibilities for a bad night for MU. Ugly start not good at all"- Honestly, breaking the baby blue curse was a great subplot to the whole buzzer-beating evening. I am so glad we can now wear those uniforms with confidence. Also I seem to jinx the team after praising them on the blog.
"This MU game is as ugly as a Milwaukee 2 at the local bars. Just bad basketball"- I stand by that, it was like that fat girl who thinks she is the hottest thing in the bar and just ruins it for everyone. That's how I felt about watching the Marquette game on Wednesday night.
"Worry level is at a 7 right now, i feel there is no answer for Zar and he needs to get the ball alot in the second half "- Down four at half, I thought if Lazar Hayward stayed in the game, they would win going away. But there was still concern because Zar tends to be a dumbass on the defense.
"Lazar has the record in MU history of most dumb fouls."- Like I said, he is a dumbass. I love him as an offensive threat but he makes horrible decisions with silly hacks.
"How is MU losing to a team that cannot hit a wide open layup. That has to be number one on not top 10."- Just an awful miss, he jumped way too early and totally biffed the lay-up, complete game changer. I think the Red Storm didn't make a shot after that for like three minutes.
"My worried level moved to 9"- At this point, I thought we lost. It was right before Mo Acker came up with a huge three, I would give him more credit but he missed a big one and one down the stretch.
"Yup that asshole whose hit six threes all year would hit one in the corner"- Never fails in a close game that the guy who hasn't hit many threes, drills the big three. This guy was wide open in the corner and just drilled the three to send us to overtime.
JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMY BUUUUUTTTTTLLLEEEEEER!!!!!- Nothing more needs to be said.
So big game again at Seton Hall on Sunday and I played the Pirates in NCAA Basketball 10 last night, half-drunk. Lost by 1, Hazell had 34... Needless to say I am bit worried.
-Charlie.
I would like to tell you why I think the Golden Eagles are doing so well right now, my Twitter page. If you follow me @chuckscorner, you will see that I tweet about 5-8 times during the game and they always seem to come out as victories for Marquette. So for you that do not tweet, I feel that I should share with you those tweets. I never am satisfied, always angry or concerned. It just seems to be that way, here we go...
"The blue jerseys plus my blog post equals all the possibilities for a bad night for MU. Ugly start not good at all"- Honestly, breaking the baby blue curse was a great subplot to the whole buzzer-beating evening. I am so glad we can now wear those uniforms with confidence. Also I seem to jinx the team after praising them on the blog.
"This MU game is as ugly as a Milwaukee 2 at the local bars. Just bad basketball"- I stand by that, it was like that fat girl who thinks she is the hottest thing in the bar and just ruins it for everyone. That's how I felt about watching the Marquette game on Wednesday night.
"Worry level is at a 7 right now, i feel there is no answer for Zar and he needs to get the ball alot in the second half "- Down four at half, I thought if Lazar Hayward stayed in the game, they would win going away. But there was still concern because Zar tends to be a dumbass on the defense.
"Lazar has the record in MU history of most dumb fouls."- Like I said, he is a dumbass. I love him as an offensive threat but he makes horrible decisions with silly hacks.
"How is MU losing to a team that cannot hit a wide open layup. That has to be number one on not top 10."- Just an awful miss, he jumped way too early and totally biffed the lay-up, complete game changer. I think the Red Storm didn't make a shot after that for like three minutes.
"My worried level moved to 9"- At this point, I thought we lost. It was right before Mo Acker came up with a huge three, I would give him more credit but he missed a big one and one down the stretch.
"Yup that asshole whose hit six threes all year would hit one in the corner"- Never fails in a close game that the guy who hasn't hit many threes, drills the big three. This guy was wide open in the corner and just drilled the three to send us to overtime.
JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMY BUUUUUTTTTTLLLEEEEEER!!!!!- Nothing more needs to be said.
So big game again at Seton Hall on Sunday and I played the Pirates in NCAA Basketball 10 last night, half-drunk. Lost by 1, Hazell had 34... Needless to say I am bit worried.
-Charlie.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Is Kansas on 05 Carolina Level?
I personally feel like we are seeing something special right now in college basketball right now. Something that only comes around every couple years, a team that is just too damn good for anyone to beat. I believe that team is the Kansas Jayhawks.
I think the Jayhawks are a special team this year because they have the combination of what it takes to win a championship in one team. They have the seniors, the big men, the deep bench, hit free throws, shoot three pointers and a great point guard. I cannot find one flaw in the Jayhawks' game and if you can, please comment on the post below.
The first big reason why I think the Jayhawks are that good is point guard Sheron Collins. He is an absolute stud for Kansas and your classic example of the stubby point guard who will not probably play in the NBA (see Khalid El-Ahim, Trajan Langdon, or Levance Fields). The other thing Collins does so well if he is very clutch and lives in the big moment every time the game is close.
Another reason why is Cole Aldrich is not your typical white guy in the middle. He can bang with anyone in the league and he can run the court with any team. Yes, even Kentucky. There are not many teams that could compete with Aldrich in the middle. He presents a challenge for any team in America and also I think he needs to find a replacement for his tooth because that shit is getting ridiculous.
The bench is probably the biggest reason why I think they might be on that Carolina level. If you remember, the Tar Heels that year had probably the deepest team since the early 2000s Duke teams. You have guys like Xavier Henry, the Morris brothers, Tyshawn Taylor (screw him too, could be a Golden Eagle right now starting but whatever), Brady Morningstar, and Tyrel Reed. They all could probably put up 10 a game for most teams in Division 1 basketball right now.
Finally, looking at Kansas' bracket right now according to bracketologist Joe Lunardi they probably face Michigan State in the Sweet 16 right now and if you listen to resident Spartan fan, Eric he would tell you this will be a blow out for the Jayhawks. I think they play Vanderbilt in the Elite Eight and A.J. Oglivy would be a problem with Aldrich plus they can shoot threes, that would be a problem. I have no idea who they see in the Final Four or National Championship maybe Kentucky who obviously provides problems with the inside presence of DeMarcus Cousins plus John Wall, nothing else needs to be said.
Kansas isn't my pick to win it all because a lot could happened in the coming weeks so who knows who my pick will be for the National Championship starting in March 18th
-Charlie.
I think the Jayhawks are a special team this year because they have the combination of what it takes to win a championship in one team. They have the seniors, the big men, the deep bench, hit free throws, shoot three pointers and a great point guard. I cannot find one flaw in the Jayhawks' game and if you can, please comment on the post below.
The first big reason why I think the Jayhawks are that good is point guard Sheron Collins. He is an absolute stud for Kansas and your classic example of the stubby point guard who will not probably play in the NBA (see Khalid El-Ahim, Trajan Langdon, or Levance Fields). The other thing Collins does so well if he is very clutch and lives in the big moment every time the game is close.
Another reason why is Cole Aldrich is not your typical white guy in the middle. He can bang with anyone in the league and he can run the court with any team. Yes, even Kentucky. There are not many teams that could compete with Aldrich in the middle. He presents a challenge for any team in America and also I think he needs to find a replacement for his tooth because that shit is getting ridiculous.
The bench is probably the biggest reason why I think they might be on that Carolina level. If you remember, the Tar Heels that year had probably the deepest team since the early 2000s Duke teams. You have guys like Xavier Henry, the Morris brothers, Tyshawn Taylor (screw him too, could be a Golden Eagle right now starting but whatever), Brady Morningstar, and Tyrel Reed. They all could probably put up 10 a game for most teams in Division 1 basketball right now.
Finally, looking at Kansas' bracket right now according to bracketologist Joe Lunardi they probably face Michigan State in the Sweet 16 right now and if you listen to resident Spartan fan, Eric he would tell you this will be a blow out for the Jayhawks. I think they play Vanderbilt in the Elite Eight and A.J. Oglivy would be a problem with Aldrich plus they can shoot threes, that would be a problem. I have no idea who they see in the Final Four or National Championship maybe Kentucky who obviously provides problems with the inside presence of DeMarcus Cousins plus John Wall, nothing else needs to be said.
Kansas isn't my pick to win it all because a lot could happened in the coming weeks so who knows who my pick will be for the National Championship starting in March 18th
-Charlie.
A Bubble Mindset
I cannot begin to tell you how exciting the past three weeks have been for me in terms of college basketball. Every Marquette game is the most meaningful game of the season and it continues every game with the Warriors flirting with the bubble every week.
The last four years I haven't had to worry about making the NCAA Tournament because the Big 3 of Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. It was almost expected that Marquette would make the tournament with those guys and had it not been for James' injury last season, I personally believe that Marquette would have been 3 or 4 seed.
The new bubble thinking leads to me almost having a heart attack every game. It seems like every game is close in the past two months and only the South Florida game last Saturday was the only one that seemed easy for the Golden Eagles. Other than that, I am pulling out my hair, yelling at the computer/TV, and bitching about different players. Even though, anything can happen in those games I personally like those games because they are exciting. I never know what it will bring and yes, there is the chance Marquette could fall flat on their faces.
To add to the close games, have anyone else realized how much more comfortable Marquette feels in late games? If you forgot, they seemed to shit the bed every time it got close the early part of January (see: Villanova (X2), West Virginia, DePaul) This also led for me to write this disappointed post and at the end, I thought the close wins might not even come. Then add the road game against UConn, and Providence, I feel Marquette figured it out in the late portions of the game. In addition, Marquette looked dead in the water against Cincinnati on the road with some very poor possessions late in the game pulled that win out of nowhere in overtime.
With all of this being said, I hope Marquette doesn't lay an egg against St. Johns but like I said early with being a bubble team, it means that everything in a game can happen.
-Charlie.
The last four years I haven't had to worry about making the NCAA Tournament because the Big 3 of Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. It was almost expected that Marquette would make the tournament with those guys and had it not been for James' injury last season, I personally believe that Marquette would have been 3 or 4 seed.
The new bubble thinking leads to me almost having a heart attack every game. It seems like every game is close in the past two months and only the South Florida game last Saturday was the only one that seemed easy for the Golden Eagles. Other than that, I am pulling out my hair, yelling at the computer/TV, and bitching about different players. Even though, anything can happen in those games I personally like those games because they are exciting. I never know what it will bring and yes, there is the chance Marquette could fall flat on their faces.
To add to the close games, have anyone else realized how much more comfortable Marquette feels in late games? If you forgot, they seemed to shit the bed every time it got close the early part of January (see: Villanova (X2), West Virginia, DePaul) This also led for me to write this disappointed post and at the end, I thought the close wins might not even come. Then add the road game against UConn, and Providence, I feel Marquette figured it out in the late portions of the game. In addition, Marquette looked dead in the water against Cincinnati on the road with some very poor possessions late in the game pulled that win out of nowhere in overtime.
With all of this being said, I hope Marquette doesn't lay an egg against St. Johns but like I said early with being a bubble team, it means that everything in a game can happen.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Throwing Water Bottles is a New College Sport
Once upon a time, I was a super fan for a team. Granted, it was only a high school experience but I still had a blast in the stands cheering on my basketball team plus I knew they appreciated my support. I did some things that I probably regret but I never threw anything on to the court like West Virginia, a couple weeks ago and Mississippi State did today.
First of all, I feel bad for anyone who cheers on the Mountaineers and Bulldogs if they are students, alumni, or just overall fans. Because not everyone in the stands is throwing shit onto the courts, rather it's a few drunken individuals who had a few too many drinks. In addition, a fan who cares way too much like the kid I saw playing World of Warcraft for three straight hours. A message to him and the over-the-top fans, get a life. Look, WoW and college basketball doesn't matter that much.
The other thing that is sad about this whole thing is both of these states (West Virginia/Mississippi) are not regarded as "classy states" in the first place. How many jokes about how dumb the people of West Virginia and Mississippi are? (Not saying that people from those states are but if you look up dumb states jokes, they are near the top of the list) No matter if you are a Marshall fan or an Ole Miss fan, it's still an embarrassment to the whole state that something like this had to happen.
Also, I know the refs aren't the greatest. Trust me, I have seen Marquette get screwed over by the bigger team like a Syracuse or UConn but that doesn't give any fan the right to litter the court with water bottles. Bitter rivalries sometimes start fights, but most fans just get jacked up from what happened and now want to kick their asses even more.
I hate to say this but I believe the NCAA should make a rule if this happens once that the students are banned for a game and if happens again, they are banned for the year. For the most part, I feel the alumni and other fans do not start this sort of shit, it is usually the drunken student body. In addition, I have no problems with the fans going drunk to the game, just not to level where you feel it's okay to throw things. I hope some action from the NCAA comes from this entire melee.
-Charlie.
First of all, I feel bad for anyone who cheers on the Mountaineers and Bulldogs if they are students, alumni, or just overall fans. Because not everyone in the stands is throwing shit onto the courts, rather it's a few drunken individuals who had a few too many drinks. In addition, a fan who cares way too much like the kid I saw playing World of Warcraft for three straight hours. A message to him and the over-the-top fans, get a life. Look, WoW and college basketball doesn't matter that much.
The other thing that is sad about this whole thing is both of these states (West Virginia/Mississippi) are not regarded as "classy states" in the first place. How many jokes about how dumb the people of West Virginia and Mississippi are? (Not saying that people from those states are but if you look up dumb states jokes, they are near the top of the list) No matter if you are a Marshall fan or an Ole Miss fan, it's still an embarrassment to the whole state that something like this had to happen.
Also, I know the refs aren't the greatest. Trust me, I have seen Marquette get screwed over by the bigger team like a Syracuse or UConn but that doesn't give any fan the right to litter the court with water bottles. Bitter rivalries sometimes start fights, but most fans just get jacked up from what happened and now want to kick their asses even more.
I hate to say this but I believe the NCAA should make a rule if this happens once that the students are banned for a game and if happens again, they are banned for the year. For the most part, I feel the alumni and other fans do not start this sort of shit, it is usually the drunken student body. In addition, I have no problems with the fans going drunk to the game, just not to level where you feel it's okay to throw things. I hope some action from the NCAA comes from this entire melee.
-Charlie.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Pitno is the College BBall's Version of Pete Carroll
Today, some NBA news came out that was very interesting and about the hapless New Jersey Nets who right now are a stunning 4-47. In addition, they only drew a little over 1000 fans to see the Nets play the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. So what could I possibly write about the Nets? Rick Pitno seems to be interested in the job after the year is done and he denies it although I think its completely plausible. Here is why...
He knows that the hold he had on the state of Kentucky is absolutely gone. John Calipari has came in super hot and stole it away from him in an instant. Pitno is not a guy that wants to play second fiddle, he hasn't anywhere he has coached and I honestly couldn't see him staying at Louisville competing with Calipari all the time.
The reason I mentioned Pete Carroll in my blog title because I think Pitno sees what Carroll did with the Seattle Seahawks and wants to prove something in the NBA. Like Carroll, he had a sub .500 record but he also had two playoff appearances. Pitno knows that it will not take much to win in the Eastern Conference and there is another large factor...
The Russian mega-billionaire is taking over the team soon giving the Nets an influx of money and making any of the popular 2010 free agents a possibility. Although, unless one of the free agents is inspired by the Jersey Shore to live there... zero percent chance they go to Jersey. Like Carroll who went to a team owned by uber-billionaire Paul Allen, Pitno knows damn well that he will make a ton of money if he signs with the Nets.
The final reason why this might be true... Louisville got beat by 19 points tonight by the lowly St. Johns and then have to play at Syracuse on Sunday, rut-roh. It's hard to explain a team getting blown out by a bottom-feeder in the Big East. Is there a chance that the team feels Pitno has given up on the players therefore they have given up on him? The game against the Orange will really show their true colors.
-Charlie
PS I know that Pitno has completely denied this story and compared this to Barack Obama stepping down from office to move to Hawaii. He can say what he wants but when the chips are down, I think there will be some interest.
He knows that the hold he had on the state of Kentucky is absolutely gone. John Calipari has came in super hot and stole it away from him in an instant. Pitno is not a guy that wants to play second fiddle, he hasn't anywhere he has coached and I honestly couldn't see him staying at Louisville competing with Calipari all the time.
The reason I mentioned Pete Carroll in my blog title because I think Pitno sees what Carroll did with the Seattle Seahawks and wants to prove something in the NBA. Like Carroll, he had a sub .500 record but he also had two playoff appearances. Pitno knows that it will not take much to win in the Eastern Conference and there is another large factor...
The Russian mega-billionaire is taking over the team soon giving the Nets an influx of money and making any of the popular 2010 free agents a possibility. Although, unless one of the free agents is inspired by the Jersey Shore to live there... zero percent chance they go to Jersey. Like Carroll who went to a team owned by uber-billionaire Paul Allen, Pitno knows damn well that he will make a ton of money if he signs with the Nets.
The final reason why this might be true... Louisville got beat by 19 points tonight by the lowly St. Johns and then have to play at Syracuse on Sunday, rut-roh. It's hard to explain a team getting blown out by a bottom-feeder in the Big East. Is there a chance that the team feels Pitno has given up on the players therefore they have given up on him? The game against the Orange will really show their true colors.
-Charlie
PS I know that Pitno has completely denied this story and compared this to Barack Obama stepping down from office to move to Hawaii. He can say what he wants but when the chips are down, I think there will be some interest.
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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February Goes to the Big East
I am dedicating the month of February to the Big East because in my opinion, it figures to be the most exciting conference with multiple teams on the bubble or hanging on to tourney hopes by a thread. Now, I am not saying it's the best conference this year (that belongs to the Big 12), but there are many teams who need a big February to be dancing come March. Let's look at these teams.
Marquette Golden Eagles (13-8, 4-5)- Best win: vs. Georgetown, at 19. UConn Worst defeat: at DePaul. Hardest games left: a three-game road trip versus two bubble teams potentially a third. Cincinnati, St. Johns, and Seton Hall. Outlook: I think they will be a solid position going into the Big East Conference Tournament likely needing one win to help their cause and another to solidify it. In addition, they cannot drop a home game to South Florida or DePaul. CHANCES: Probably
Cincinnati Bearcats (14-7, 5-4)- Best win: vs. Vanderbilt, vs. Maryland Worst defeat: at St. Johns Hardest games left: Ending the year at 6. West Virginia, vs. 2. Villanova, and at 8. Georgetown. Outlook: They still have to play Cuse and Nova albeit it both at home, also add in the other two top 10 teams. It could be shaky for the Bearcats come March. If they could win one of two against the Orange or the Cats, they would be in great shape. CHANCES: Maybe
Louisville Cardinals (14-8, 5-4)- Best win: vs. Cincinnati Worst defeat: at Seton Hall Hardest games left: home/away with 4. Syracuse Outlook: Also the Cards have to face Georgetown, UConn, Marquette, and the Orange to end the year. Likely, if they can come out 3-1 in that stretch and win the games they are suppose to, they may become locks for the tourney. CHANCES: Not Likely
Notre Dame Fightin' Irish (15-7, 4-5)- Best win: vs. West Virginia Worst defeat: at Rutgers Hardest games left: at 8. Georgetown Outlook: They have some tough games like Marquette but only two ranked teams left in Gtown/Pittsburgh on their schedule with a variety of road/home games. The Irish cannot afford any more hiccups on the road like last Saturday. CHANCES: Probably
South Florida Bulls (15-7, 5-5)- Best win: at 8. Georgetown Worst defeat: vs. Central Michigan Hardest games left: at 2. Villanova Outlook: The Bulls might be the suprirse team of the season now winning five straight games, they face one ranked team left plus the equal amount of home/road games. I think this team needs to split those four road games for them to be a factor. CHANCES: Maybe
UConn Huskies (13-9, 3-6)- Best win: vs. (then) 1. Texas Worst defeat: at Louisville Hardest games left: at 4. Syracuse, at 2. Villanova Outlook: The Huskies have a ton of tough road games left and with the uncertainty of Jim Calhoun, it doesn't look promising for UConn. CHANCES: Not good.
If you are scoring at home, I think the two teams who can control their own destiny are Marquette and Notre Dame. In addition, I think South Florida and Cincinnati both have chances to make some waves of their own. When it's all said and done I think the Big East only gets seven teams in.
-Charlie.
Marquette Golden Eagles (13-8, 4-5)- Best win: vs. Georgetown, at 19. UConn Worst defeat: at DePaul. Hardest games left: a three-game road trip versus two bubble teams potentially a third. Cincinnati, St. Johns, and Seton Hall. Outlook: I think they will be a solid position going into the Big East Conference Tournament likely needing one win to help their cause and another to solidify it. In addition, they cannot drop a home game to South Florida or DePaul. CHANCES: Probably
Cincinnati Bearcats (14-7, 5-4)- Best win: vs. Vanderbilt, vs. Maryland Worst defeat: at St. Johns Hardest games left: Ending the year at 6. West Virginia, vs. 2. Villanova, and at 8. Georgetown. Outlook: They still have to play Cuse and Nova albeit it both at home, also add in the other two top 10 teams. It could be shaky for the Bearcats come March. If they could win one of two against the Orange or the Cats, they would be in great shape. CHANCES: Maybe
Louisville Cardinals (14-8, 5-4)- Best win: vs. Cincinnati Worst defeat: at Seton Hall Hardest games left: home/away with 4. Syracuse Outlook: Also the Cards have to face Georgetown, UConn, Marquette, and the Orange to end the year. Likely, if they can come out 3-1 in that stretch and win the games they are suppose to, they may become locks for the tourney. CHANCES: Not Likely
Notre Dame Fightin' Irish (15-7, 4-5)- Best win: vs. West Virginia Worst defeat: at Rutgers Hardest games left: at 8. Georgetown Outlook: They have some tough games like Marquette but only two ranked teams left in Gtown/Pittsburgh on their schedule with a variety of road/home games. The Irish cannot afford any more hiccups on the road like last Saturday. CHANCES: Probably
South Florida Bulls (15-7, 5-5)- Best win: at 8. Georgetown Worst defeat: vs. Central Michigan Hardest games left: at 2. Villanova Outlook: The Bulls might be the suprirse team of the season now winning five straight games, they face one ranked team left plus the equal amount of home/road games. I think this team needs to split those four road games for them to be a factor. CHANCES: Maybe
UConn Huskies (13-9, 3-6)- Best win: vs. (then) 1. Texas Worst defeat: at Louisville Hardest games left: at 4. Syracuse, at 2. Villanova Outlook: The Huskies have a ton of tough road games left and with the uncertainty of Jim Calhoun, it doesn't look promising for UConn. CHANCES: Not good.
If you are scoring at home, I think the two teams who can control their own destiny are Marquette and Notre Dame. In addition, I think South Florida and Cincinnati both have chances to make some waves of their own. When it's all said and done I think the Big East only gets seven teams in.
-Charlie.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Oh Marquette
I feel like I have seen this movie before... Watching the Marquette Golden Eagle-DePaul Blue Demon game was the continuous nightmare that is the Marquette season as the Golden Eagles lose 51-50 to a team comparable to Warren from There's Something About Mary. I love the team and stand by the team but I just cannot invest as much emotion as I did the last four years because I will probably be dead by the month of March. The game made me realize a few things and maybe make the season much better.
The first thing is there is no star on this season. I think the last four years, Dominic James was the star for two of them and Jerel McNeal took over that role in the other two while Wes Matthews did so much that you could consider him a star all-around. Lazar Hayward was a nice role player in three of those years but he cannot be a star for this team. He disappears in almost every game for a substantial amount of time and when you are a star of a team, that just cannot happen.
Another thing is I realize not to expect anything to go right in the last minute. My editor Mach would tell you I am probably overly positive with the Golden Eagles, but let's be real, this team's late game free throwing shooting is worse than Jay Leno handling of the Tonight Show. Therefore unless the game is clearly out of reach (let's say 10 points in the final minute), I will forever be nervous about that minute and what will happen will not turn out in Marquette's favor. I hate to be negative but that's the way it has to be.
There is still a chance they can make the tournament, it's still early in the Big East but now because of the DePaul lost, they have to win one of the upcoming road games against Syracuse and UConn to stay in the mix. In addition, in no way possible can they lose to 0-6 Rutgers at home on Tuesday. That's makes the Golden Eagles 4-5 at the end of January with games against Providence, DePaul, USF, and Pittsburgh before a tough make-or-break three game road trip. I think they can win all four making them 8-5 going into that road trip and at worse, 8-6 giving them a viable chance of being a bubble team.
It comes down to a cliche line for Marquette's season... "It is what it is." You will take your punches and maybe hope that luck turns your way finally... Although, it might be one of those years where hard-fought wins are difficult to come by.
-Charlie.
The first thing is there is no star on this season. I think the last four years, Dominic James was the star for two of them and Jerel McNeal took over that role in the other two while Wes Matthews did so much that you could consider him a star all-around. Lazar Hayward was a nice role player in three of those years but he cannot be a star for this team. He disappears in almost every game for a substantial amount of time and when you are a star of a team, that just cannot happen.
Another thing is I realize not to expect anything to go right in the last minute. My editor Mach would tell you I am probably overly positive with the Golden Eagles, but let's be real, this team's late game free throwing shooting is worse than Jay Leno handling of the Tonight Show. Therefore unless the game is clearly out of reach (let's say 10 points in the final minute), I will forever be nervous about that minute and what will happen will not turn out in Marquette's favor. I hate to be negative but that's the way it has to be.
There is still a chance they can make the tournament, it's still early in the Big East but now because of the DePaul lost, they have to win one of the upcoming road games against Syracuse and UConn to stay in the mix. In addition, in no way possible can they lose to 0-6 Rutgers at home on Tuesday. That's makes the Golden Eagles 4-5 at the end of January with games against Providence, DePaul, USF, and Pittsburgh before a tough make-or-break three game road trip. I think they can win all four making them 8-5 going into that road trip and at worse, 8-6 giving them a viable chance of being a bubble team.
It comes down to a cliche line for Marquette's season... "It is what it is." You will take your punches and maybe hope that luck turns your way finally... Although, it might be one of those years where hard-fought wins are difficult to come by.
-Charlie.
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