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.
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Showing posts with label UConn Huskies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UConn Huskies. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Michigan State-UConn Preview
Need to slipt this up into two articles because I have many thoughts about the four teams. You should only be so lucky.
(2) Michigan State vs. (1) UConn- Maybe I should change this to the Huskies at the Spartans which the Final Four being 70 miles away from the East Lansing campus. I must admit I chuckled a bit when I saw my friend Pat take the Spartans to win it all this year at the beginning of the tourney but now he is looking like the tourney guru at this point.
The big matchup of the night is to see the Goran Suton versus Hasheem Thabeet battle. I think Suton has the oppertunity to dominate Thabeet because of his mobility and passing. Suton has faced enough tough big guys inside throughout his four years and is the type of player that Thabeet doesnt show up against. Doz has also mentioned to me about Tom Herzog a seldomly used seven footer who could help out.
The other thing I really like about Michigan State is their depth. When teams are deep, they become very dangerous. Take Durrell Summer for example last Sunday who hit multiple big three pointers and I really like Draymond Green off the bench for them too.
UConn needs to have a good day out of A.J. Price who has failed to show up in the last couple of games and has needed the help of Kemba Walker/Craig Austrie to bail him out like the Federal Government. I also think Stanley Robinson needs to be explosive and be a spark plug like he has since the Marquette game in late February.
When all thats said and done, I think Michigan State continues their run with big time defense and great bench play. MSU 67-60
-Charlie
(2) Michigan State vs. (1) UConn- Maybe I should change this to the Huskies at the Spartans which the Final Four being 70 miles away from the East Lansing campus. I must admit I chuckled a bit when I saw my friend Pat take the Spartans to win it all this year at the beginning of the tourney but now he is looking like the tourney guru at this point.
The big matchup of the night is to see the Goran Suton versus Hasheem Thabeet battle. I think Suton has the oppertunity to dominate Thabeet because of his mobility and passing. Suton has faced enough tough big guys inside throughout his four years and is the type of player that Thabeet doesnt show up against. Doz has also mentioned to me about Tom Herzog a seldomly used seven footer who could help out.
The other thing I really like about Michigan State is their depth. When teams are deep, they become very dangerous. Take Durrell Summer for example last Sunday who hit multiple big three pointers and I really like Draymond Green off the bench for them too.
UConn needs to have a good day out of A.J. Price who has failed to show up in the last couple of games and has needed the help of Kemba Walker/Craig Austrie to bail him out like the Federal Government. I also think Stanley Robinson needs to be explosive and be a spark plug like he has since the Marquette game in late February.
When all thats said and done, I think Michigan State continues their run with big time defense and great bench play. MSU 67-60
-Charlie
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Elite Eight Wrap Up
Once again, I am sorry for not getting predictions out the last two days because my computer decided to die on me Saturday afternoon but I watched all of the games for the most part so I will dissect them.
UConn 82 Missouri 75- This game was back and forth all game long although the Huskies should their teeth by defeating the Tigers. UConn struggled with the press defense of Missouri who frustrated them the entire game and the Tigers virtually shut down A.J. Price. But this game was a coming-out party for the former McDonald All-American Kemba Walker who dropped 17 and could prove to be very big for the Huskies on Saturday night. Hasheem Thabeet once again had huge blocks but really nothing impressive on the offensive end. Dont get me wrong I like Blake Griffin but people go nuts for a simple dunk by Griffin; I feel they do the same way when Thabeet gets a block.
Villanova 78 Pittsburgh 76- This was an awful decision made by Eric and I last night. Both of us had already ate but the Chinese Buffet named Jade Garden was calling our name. But as the basketball Gods held out for us to see the final shot only to have Brett lock us out before it, I was just livid. From what I heard on the radio, Dwayne Anderson for Nova was the difference maker and Levance Fields was once-again clutch for the Panthers. Good for coach Jay Wright whose had some really good teams in the past and this wasnt his best squad although its the only one on the Final Four.
Michigan State 64 Louisville 52- I am shocked and stunned my good friend Dozer who hates the Big East and loves the Big Ten, I didnt get a text message about how the Big Ten's best beat the Big East's best today handily. Terrence Williams proved why he isnt a top-tier player as the Spartans put a big body on him. The Cardinals havent had a bad game since Notre Dame thirty point beating and today was their next one. Goran Suton 17 points in the first half plus three from behind the arc was demoralizing as anything for the Cardinals. Durrell Summers' three point shooting also had alot to do with the win today.
North Carolina 72 Oklahoma 60- This was the matchup I was excited for all season long and it sucked worse than the second Dumb and Dumber. North Carolina goes wire-to-wire after starting off the game 7-0. Blake Griffin was allowed to have a typical game with 23 points and 16 rebounds but no one else on his team stepped up. Austin Johnson, Tony Crocker, and Willie Warren (minus four minutes) didnt step up the whole game. In addition, once again no one had a guard to keep up with Ty Lawson. I think I said it before the Gonzaga game that the reason North Carolina wins is because their bench is so deep. Danny Green was also the reason they had an eleven point lead going into the half with 14 points in the first half.
I will cover the Final Four probably Thursday with a wrap-up Sunday and an overall season wrap-up Tuesday/Wednesday.
-Charlie.
UConn 82 Missouri 75- This game was back and forth all game long although the Huskies should their teeth by defeating the Tigers. UConn struggled with the press defense of Missouri who frustrated them the entire game and the Tigers virtually shut down A.J. Price. But this game was a coming-out party for the former McDonald All-American Kemba Walker who dropped 17 and could prove to be very big for the Huskies on Saturday night. Hasheem Thabeet once again had huge blocks but really nothing impressive on the offensive end. Dont get me wrong I like Blake Griffin but people go nuts for a simple dunk by Griffin; I feel they do the same way when Thabeet gets a block.
Villanova 78 Pittsburgh 76- This was an awful decision made by Eric and I last night. Both of us had already ate but the Chinese Buffet named Jade Garden was calling our name. But as the basketball Gods held out for us to see the final shot only to have Brett lock us out before it, I was just livid. From what I heard on the radio, Dwayne Anderson for Nova was the difference maker and Levance Fields was once-again clutch for the Panthers. Good for coach Jay Wright whose had some really good teams in the past and this wasnt his best squad although its the only one on the Final Four.
Michigan State 64 Louisville 52- I am shocked and stunned my good friend Dozer who hates the Big East and loves the Big Ten, I didnt get a text message about how the Big Ten's best beat the Big East's best today handily. Terrence Williams proved why he isnt a top-tier player as the Spartans put a big body on him. The Cardinals havent had a bad game since Notre Dame thirty point beating and today was their next one. Goran Suton 17 points in the first half plus three from behind the arc was demoralizing as anything for the Cardinals. Durrell Summers' three point shooting also had alot to do with the win today.
North Carolina 72 Oklahoma 60- This was the matchup I was excited for all season long and it sucked worse than the second Dumb and Dumber. North Carolina goes wire-to-wire after starting off the game 7-0. Blake Griffin was allowed to have a typical game with 23 points and 16 rebounds but no one else on his team stepped up. Austin Johnson, Tony Crocker, and Willie Warren (minus four minutes) didnt step up the whole game. In addition, once again no one had a guard to keep up with Ty Lawson. I think I said it before the Gonzaga game that the reason North Carolina wins is because their bench is so deep. Danny Green was also the reason they had an eleven point lead going into the half with 14 points in the first half.
I will cover the Final Four probably Thursday with a wrap-up Sunday and an overall season wrap-up Tuesday/Wednesday.
-Charlie.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rut-Roh UConn
I know I am a couple days late on this story but like always, it has been a busy week for me. You already know that I am not that fond of UConn so the Nate Miles story did put a smirk on my face.
If you didnt hear about this then you live under a rock but I will break it down for you via the Hartford Courant... •The relationship between Nate Miles, former student manager-turned-agent Josh Nochimson and UConn. The key is what UConn knew of the Miles-Nochimson relationship. As a alum and former manager, the NCAA considers Nochimson a representative of UConn's athletic interests and can have no involvement in recruiting. Five UConn coaches traded at least 1,565 calls and text messages with Nochimson, including 16 from Jim Calhoun.
Also there have been new reports that Nochimson was present when current UConn Alter Majak was getting recruited at a Kentucky tournament by another UConn assistant. In addition, a surgery Miles had in 2007 claims that Nochimson paid for the surgery. This all means that UConn is in a pile of shit
I dont see how UConn gets out of this one. They violated many recruiting rules and they should be on probation for at least five years plus possibly some tournament implications with money being exchanged like that. Even though Miles was a great player out of high school was a head case with five high schools four different states.
If I am Jim Calhoun, I get out now. You have 800 wins but if all this turns out true, he is just as worse as Jerry Tarkanian. During the BS Report, they were called "UNLV East" so I am right. You just have to step down at this point but knowing the arrogance of Calhoun, he will keep going unless UConn decided to let Calhoun go because thats the right thing to do. Ask him to retire or give him boot. He violated the same rules Kelvin Sampson did so I see no reason to not do the same thing bar him from coaching.
I really hope the Huskies dont win the National Championship because that will be probably the most bittersweet moment in the NCAA.
-Charlie.
If you didnt hear about this then you live under a rock but I will break it down for you via the Hartford Courant... •The relationship between Nate Miles, former student manager-turned-agent Josh Nochimson and UConn. The key is what UConn knew of the Miles-Nochimson relationship. As a alum and former manager, the NCAA considers Nochimson a representative of UConn's athletic interests and can have no involvement in recruiting. Five UConn coaches traded at least 1,565 calls and text messages with Nochimson, including 16 from Jim Calhoun.
Also there have been new reports that Nochimson was present when current UConn Alter Majak was getting recruited at a Kentucky tournament by another UConn assistant. In addition, a surgery Miles had in 2007 claims that Nochimson paid for the surgery. This all means that UConn is in a pile of shit
I dont see how UConn gets out of this one. They violated many recruiting rules and they should be on probation for at least five years plus possibly some tournament implications with money being exchanged like that. Even though Miles was a great player out of high school was a head case with five high schools four different states.
If I am Jim Calhoun, I get out now. You have 800 wins but if all this turns out true, he is just as worse as Jerry Tarkanian. During the BS Report, they were called "UNLV East" so I am right. You just have to step down at this point but knowing the arrogance of Calhoun, he will keep going unless UConn decided to let Calhoun go because thats the right thing to do. Ask him to retire or give him boot. He violated the same rules Kelvin Sampson did so I see no reason to not do the same thing bar him from coaching.
I really hope the Huskies dont win the National Championship because that will be probably the most bittersweet moment in the NCAA.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Picks for Thursday
I decided that a wrap-up really wasnt necessary because I watched one full game (USC-Michigan State) throughout the four day span from being excommunicated from college basketball. I will say this my bracket fell vitcim to the sexy upset (VCU), faith in Illinois (so sorry Big Red), way too much faith in Jon Brockman and Wisconsin/Cleveland State destroying brackets one by one. So I just decided to give you the Thursday Night Picks.
EAST:
(1) Pittsburgh vs. (4) Xavier- This game to me is the least exciting game of the next two days. According to the experts, the Panthers were not very impressive in their first two games. I still like Pitt's chances to get to the Final Four but the Musketeers have to know if they can get DeJuan Blair in foul trouble, they could pull off the upset. Jason Love for Xavier is their only real big man threat but he isnt known to go off for anything special. Also if the Musketeers hit their threes, they could prove to be lethal. When it all boils down to it, Sam Young really cannot be stopped and Xavier doesnt have enough for Blair. PITT 78-71
(2) Duke vs. (3) Villanova- One of my favorite games for the Sweet 16 games because both teams match up so well with each other due to they both have no inside game. The matchup between Kyle Singler and Dante Cunningham. I am convinced whoever wins this battle, will win the game in general. Although Nova is one of those teams that if they cool off, the Wildcats are in big time trouble and that tends to happened to them. I dont see Scottie Reynolds being a factor with the defense of Elliot Williams. Another huge aspect could be which three-point assassin (Corey Fisher, Jon Scheyer) is on target. I will take the Cats to keep the Big East going but it will be very close. NOVA 83-81
WEST
(1) UCONN vs. (5) Purdue- Well there is more to come about UConn in the next article which will probably be tomorrow so they now have a heap of distractions to deal with it. Doz is trying to convinced me that the Boilermarkers can keep up with any team in the nation and I can see it with JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel seems to be fine with his back problems. People are riding the Huskies harder than most secretaries on their CEOs right now because the world got introduced to Stanley Robinson, the screaming extraordinaire. He is a game breaker and if A.J. Price is on fire, it could be a long night for Purdue. I think this will be one of those games where it will be close until the Huskies pull away late. UCONN 84-72
(2) Memphis vs. (3) Missouri- The Tiger battle in Arizona. The Memphis side has looked very good so far by the improved play of Tyreke Evans and the consistency of Antonio Anderson/Shawn Taggert. They are my West Final Four team and I am a bit concerned about this game. The Missouri side has such a strong defense unit which their full court press. In addition, J.T. Tiller has been a man so far in this tournament. I dont think Memphis has seen a defense like this in a long time but in general, this will be up/down game which the scores coming close to the hundreds. Evans hits a shot late for the win. MEMP 97-95
-Charlie.
EAST:
(1) Pittsburgh vs. (4) Xavier- This game to me is the least exciting game of the next two days. According to the experts, the Panthers were not very impressive in their first two games. I still like Pitt's chances to get to the Final Four but the Musketeers have to know if they can get DeJuan Blair in foul trouble, they could pull off the upset. Jason Love for Xavier is their only real big man threat but he isnt known to go off for anything special. Also if the Musketeers hit their threes, they could prove to be lethal. When it all boils down to it, Sam Young really cannot be stopped and Xavier doesnt have enough for Blair. PITT 78-71
(2) Duke vs. (3) Villanova- One of my favorite games for the Sweet 16 games because both teams match up so well with each other due to they both have no inside game. The matchup between Kyle Singler and Dante Cunningham. I am convinced whoever wins this battle, will win the game in general. Although Nova is one of those teams that if they cool off, the Wildcats are in big time trouble and that tends to happened to them. I dont see Scottie Reynolds being a factor with the defense of Elliot Williams. Another huge aspect could be which three-point assassin (Corey Fisher, Jon Scheyer) is on target. I will take the Cats to keep the Big East going but it will be very close. NOVA 83-81
WEST
(1) UCONN vs. (5) Purdue- Well there is more to come about UConn in the next article which will probably be tomorrow so they now have a heap of distractions to deal with it. Doz is trying to convinced me that the Boilermarkers can keep up with any team in the nation and I can see it with JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel seems to be fine with his back problems. People are riding the Huskies harder than most secretaries on their CEOs right now because the world got introduced to Stanley Robinson, the screaming extraordinaire. He is a game breaker and if A.J. Price is on fire, it could be a long night for Purdue. I think this will be one of those games where it will be close until the Huskies pull away late. UCONN 84-72
(2) Memphis vs. (3) Missouri- The Tiger battle in Arizona. The Memphis side has looked very good so far by the improved play of Tyreke Evans and the consistency of Antonio Anderson/Shawn Taggert. They are my West Final Four team and I am a bit concerned about this game. The Missouri side has such a strong defense unit which their full court press. In addition, J.T. Tiller has been a man so far in this tournament. I dont think Memphis has seen a defense like this in a long time but in general, this will be up/down game which the scores coming close to the hundreds. Evans hits a shot late for the win. MEMP 97-95
-Charlie.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Jim Calhoun Needs a Public Relations Class
I have debated with covering this topic for a couple days now but since we are a day away from the biggest Marquette game of the year against Connecticut. I have decided to disect the comments of Jim Calhoun made on Saturday after a win against South Florida. Here are his comments from the New York Times...
Considering that you are the state’s highest-paid employee, and there is a $2 billion budget deficit, do you think…,” began Ken Krayeske, an activist who had somehow wangled a press pass to the game. But before he could get any further, Mr. Calhoun cut him off.
“Not a dime back,” the UConn coach replied testily.
Krayeske: “$1.5 million is enough?”
Calhoun: “I make a lot more than that. What’s the take tonight?”
When Mr. Krayeske said he didn’t know, Mr. Calhoun told him to “shut up,” Heres the video if you are visual learner....
I do have to give credit to Doz on this one who asked me if I had seen this on Sunday afternoon and his feelings were the same. In my opinion, yes Jim Calhoun had every reason to mad about the fact a reporter was talking about the economy instead of the victory against South Florida (I hate when Politics and Sports mesh, just stupid). But he handled that completely the wrong way, he could of said "I coach basketball, I am not an economist so your thoughts on the game." If theres no comment, then Calhoun can just say "Shut up and next question."
Yes I do believe that Calhoun has deserved the contract he has just like Roy Williams, Bill Self, and Billy Donovan so there is no reason why Calhoun shouldnt be in the top ten of highest paid coaches. Once again, I do feel that he just acts so brash and arrogant therefore coming off like an asshole.
Stay Classy Jimbo.
-Charlie.
Considering that you are the state’s highest-paid employee, and there is a $2 billion budget deficit, do you think…,” began Ken Krayeske, an activist who had somehow wangled a press pass to the game. But before he could get any further, Mr. Calhoun cut him off.
“Not a dime back,” the UConn coach replied testily.
Krayeske: “$1.5 million is enough?”
Calhoun: “I make a lot more than that. What’s the take tonight?”
When Mr. Krayeske said he didn’t know, Mr. Calhoun told him to “shut up,” Heres the video if you are visual learner....
I do have to give credit to Doz on this one who asked me if I had seen this on Sunday afternoon and his feelings were the same. In my opinion, yes Jim Calhoun had every reason to mad about the fact a reporter was talking about the economy instead of the victory against South Florida (I hate when Politics and Sports mesh, just stupid). But he handled that completely the wrong way, he could of said "I coach basketball, I am not an economist so your thoughts on the game." If theres no comment, then Calhoun can just say "Shut up and next question."
Yes I do believe that Calhoun has deserved the contract he has just like Roy Williams, Bill Self, and Billy Donovan so there is no reason why Calhoun shouldnt be in the top ten of highest paid coaches. Once again, I do feel that he just acts so brash and arrogant therefore coming off like an asshole.
Stay Classy Jimbo.
-Charlie.
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