You know what really grinds my gears? That Gus Johnson, easily the best college basketball announcer out there today, was not given a regional for this year's tournament. It's an absolute travesty that Gus didn't get a region this year. Last year, he got the West region with Memphis, Bradley, UCLA, and Gonzaga. And, we all remember his classic call from that UCLA/Gonzaga game that led Greg Gumbel to say "Don't worry, Gus will be out of the hospital for tomorrow's game."
The job he did this year for both the Ohio State/Xavier game and the Louisville/ Texas A&M was as good as it gets. That Ron Lewis game-tying 3-pointer call will be played over and over again especially if Ohio State wins it all. So, why doesn't this man have a region this year? One reason: James Brown. No, not "Play that funky music white boy" or "Living in America" James Brown but the scrub that defected from Fox's NFL Pregame. Supposedly, he has it in his contract that he must do a regional for the tournament every year. That's an absolute joke. There are clearly two announcers that are the best around that are nowhere to be found after the first weekend: Johnson and Ian Eagle, who is spectacular.
Listen, I understand Gus Johnson can't do the Final 4 because Nantz and the disgruntled Billy Packer have been doing it for years. I understand that but do I have to see Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas doing a region? First, Bilas works for ESPN and then for 2 weeks out of the year, he works for CBS? What the hell is that? Anyone close to BRB knows how much I detest Bilas, surprisingly so considering he is "Duke Boy." Keep criticizing Duke and saying Coach K botched up the Gerald Henderson fiasco just to save face with your buddies at ESPN Jay. You're dead to me and any Duke fan who is keeping their eyes open. From now on, treat the Duke family as if it were the Corleone family, NEVER GO AGAINST THE FAMILY AGAIN JAY! Sorry for the Bilas digression. Can CBS buyout Enberg and send him into an early retirement? He's putrid, dreadful, and just plain old horrible. Down 61-58, Southern Illinois attempted a 3 and Enberg proclaims "For the win...no wait, I mean for the tie" Are you kidding me? You're not getting that from poor old Gus. Sure, his "El Tigre" bit on Edgar Sosa was a bit overblown but the passion and enthusiasm is there and he makes you want to watch college basketball.
He gives off the impression that he would announce these games for free and that's what you want from an announcer. All politics and seniority aside, this should be the lineup for the regions next year:
Nantz/Packer - I dread Packer but he knows basketball and Nantz is very accomplished
Lundquist/Rafferty - good chemistry, Rafferty is a much better version of Dickie V
Gus Johnson/Dan Bonner or Len Elmore - You know how I feel about Gus
Ian Eagle/Jim Spanarkel - Another guy who would do games for free
From today, March 29th, until next year, we need to find a way to get Gus back into the regionals. How? I have no idea...
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
No JJ on All-Duke Team?
Many people have gotten on me for JJ Redick's lack of success and one person said something to me that really stuck in my head: "Coach K never produces NBA talent, just look the best player in Duke's history, JJ, cant even sniff the court."
At first I got defensive but then I though, is he really the best player in Duke history? In fact, would he even be on my All-Duke team? I would have to say no. How often does that happen? Where a player who is your all-time leading scorer isn't even in your top players of all-time?
So, let's take a look at this and for all intent and purposes, let's limit this to the Coach K ERA because I never got to see Dick Groat or even Mike Gminski play.
There are two locks on this team right away: Johnny Dawkins and Christian Laettner. Laettner is arguably one of the greatest college players of all-time so obviously he ranks as one of the highest in Duke history. Dawkins, for really getting the program started as well scoring over 2,600 points in a ERA without a 3-point line.
So, we have a center and a point guard/shooting guard so far. How on Earth can leave off players like Danny Ferry, Shane Battier, and Grant Hill? I will leave Ferry off of the list because he never won a championship. The only player who can make this team without a championship is Dawkins and let's be fair, he almost carried his team to one only losing by 4 to Louisville in the 1986 Title Game. To me, you can't leave Grant Hill off of this team because of how versatile he was for the Blue Devils throughout his whole career. He almost single-handily carried a non-vintage Duke team to a championship against Arkansas in the 1994 Championship Game.
So, now we have Dawkins, Hill, and Laettner. No one else in the 80's really deserves any consideration. Sure, Amaker and Snyder were good players and Billy King was a National Defensive POY but they arent on the same level as these Duke immortals.
Also, for purposes of a All-Duke team, any player who didn't play a full 4-years cannot and will not be considered except for Jason Williams and Carlos Boozer who both graduated in 3 years. Boozer, although he's a man child in the NBA, will not receive any recognition from me.
To me, the battle for the PG position in between Bobby Hurley and Jason Williams. Williams was probably the most talented player outside of Hill that Duke ever had. He got to the rim at will and shot the 3-ball with incredible efficiency. However, his inability to hit free throws in his Junior Year, which culminated with the biggest missed free throw in Duke history coupled with his lack luster performance in the Title Game against Zona the year before, leaves me a bit skeptical about Williams' position among the All-Duke team. Now, Bobby Hurley went to 3 Final 4's but once Laettner left, Hurley went out in the 2nd Round to a better PG, Jason Kidd from Cal who I hear is pretty good now. In the end, Hurley will beat out Williams because of the Final 4's and the fact that Hurley hit one of the biggest shots in Duke history that sparked the upset win over UNLV in 1991.
So, now we have 4 spots filled with Hurley running the point, Dawkins as the off guard, Hill at either forward position and Laettner as the center. To me, that last spot is wide open and could go to Battier, Redick, Shelden Williams or Danny Ferry. Well, I already ruled out Ferry because of the lack of a title so shouldn't I just use the same criteria for Redick and Williams? Well, I probably should but let's look at their resumes. At first glance, Battier gets the edge to me: 3-time National Defensive POY, 2 Final 4's, 2 National Championship Games, National POY, Final 4 MVP, and most of all, he led his team to a championship in 2001. Also, two nights before the title, he sparked a 22-point come from behind victory over Maryland. Take Battier's accomplishments and the fact that Redick and Williams both played poorly in their only Final 4 against UCONN (Redick turned the ball over down 1 and missed a 3 down 3) and Shelden Williams, at least back then, couldn't go a game without fouling out. He had two fouls during the national anthem.
So, here's the All-Duke Team (at least under Coach K excluding early departures):
PG: Bobby Hurley
SG: Johnny Dawkins
SF: Grant Hill
PF: Shane Battier
C: Christian Laettner
Sorry JJ...
At first I got defensive but then I though, is he really the best player in Duke history? In fact, would he even be on my All-Duke team? I would have to say no. How often does that happen? Where a player who is your all-time leading scorer isn't even in your top players of all-time?
So, let's take a look at this and for all intent and purposes, let's limit this to the Coach K ERA because I never got to see Dick Groat or even Mike Gminski play.
There are two locks on this team right away: Johnny Dawkins and Christian Laettner. Laettner is arguably one of the greatest college players of all-time so obviously he ranks as one of the highest in Duke history. Dawkins, for really getting the program started as well scoring over 2,600 points in a ERA without a 3-point line.
So, we have a center and a point guard/shooting guard so far. How on Earth can leave off players like Danny Ferry, Shane Battier, and Grant Hill? I will leave Ferry off of the list because he never won a championship. The only player who can make this team without a championship is Dawkins and let's be fair, he almost carried his team to one only losing by 4 to Louisville in the 1986 Title Game. To me, you can't leave Grant Hill off of this team because of how versatile he was for the Blue Devils throughout his whole career. He almost single-handily carried a non-vintage Duke team to a championship against Arkansas in the 1994 Championship Game.
So, now we have Dawkins, Hill, and Laettner. No one else in the 80's really deserves any consideration. Sure, Amaker and Snyder were good players and Billy King was a National Defensive POY but they arent on the same level as these Duke immortals.
Also, for purposes of a All-Duke team, any player who didn't play a full 4-years cannot and will not be considered except for Jason Williams and Carlos Boozer who both graduated in 3 years. Boozer, although he's a man child in the NBA, will not receive any recognition from me.
To me, the battle for the PG position in between Bobby Hurley and Jason Williams. Williams was probably the most talented player outside of Hill that Duke ever had. He got to the rim at will and shot the 3-ball with incredible efficiency. However, his inability to hit free throws in his Junior Year, which culminated with the biggest missed free throw in Duke history coupled with his lack luster performance in the Title Game against Zona the year before, leaves me a bit skeptical about Williams' position among the All-Duke team. Now, Bobby Hurley went to 3 Final 4's but once Laettner left, Hurley went out in the 2nd Round to a better PG, Jason Kidd from Cal who I hear is pretty good now. In the end, Hurley will beat out Williams because of the Final 4's and the fact that Hurley hit one of the biggest shots in Duke history that sparked the upset win over UNLV in 1991.
So, now we have 4 spots filled with Hurley running the point, Dawkins as the off guard, Hill at either forward position and Laettner as the center. To me, that last spot is wide open and could go to Battier, Redick, Shelden Williams or Danny Ferry. Well, I already ruled out Ferry because of the lack of a title so shouldn't I just use the same criteria for Redick and Williams? Well, I probably should but let's look at their resumes. At first glance, Battier gets the edge to me: 3-time National Defensive POY, 2 Final 4's, 2 National Championship Games, National POY, Final 4 MVP, and most of all, he led his team to a championship in 2001. Also, two nights before the title, he sparked a 22-point come from behind victory over Maryland. Take Battier's accomplishments and the fact that Redick and Williams both played poorly in their only Final 4 against UCONN (Redick turned the ball over down 1 and missed a 3 down 3) and Shelden Williams, at least back then, couldn't go a game without fouling out. He had two fouls during the national anthem.
So, here's the All-Duke Team (at least under Coach K excluding early departures):
PG: Bobby Hurley
SG: Johnny Dawkins
SF: Grant Hill
PF: Shane Battier
C: Christian Laettner
Sorry JJ...
Happy Anniversary
I cant believe this happened 15 years ago already. Without a doubt, the greatest shot not only in Duke history but probably college basketball history.
Coach K: Christian can you make the shot?
Christian: If Grant makes the pass, I'll make the shot.
Just the most arrogant quote ever and I love it.
Coach K: Christian can you make the shot?
Christian: If Grant makes the pass, I'll make the shot.
Just the most arrogant quote ever and I love it.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Billy The Kid On The Move (You Hear That Patterson?)
It's been reported all over ESPN today that Billy Donovan will not take the Kentucky job. That doesn't mean he's staying at Florida. It's been reported that the Miami Heat will offer Donovan the job at season's end because Pat Riley will retire. Think about it, it's a good move. Donovan lives in Florida so he wouldn't have to worry about relocating. Also, he may go the NBA fresh off of back-to-back titles, something Coach K almost did after the 1992 season.
So, here it is Patrick Patterson, this is why you should come to Duke:
1) You will be the featured post presence the moment you step on campus
2) Duke is still the best program in America (A 22 win season and NCAA birth was a failure)
3) You'll be on national television all the time
4) Coach K has produced more NBA Draft selections in his time than anyone else
5) Look at the other schools you may go to: THEY DON'T WANT YOU! I mean, if Kentucky wanted you so bad then why would they push out Tubby knowing he had a good relationship with you? Billy Donovan will most likely bounce at the end of the season and the team will most likely lose all of their stars and fall out of the national spotlight. Wake Forest is a young team and if you're going to pack for Carolina, Durham is the only place to be. Virginia, to me, is a one-hit wonder with or without Sean Singletary. He most likely will go and JR Reynolds is gone and their supporting cast is very weak. That leaves West Virginia, your hometown. Sure, it'd be nice for you to stay home but that system doesn't produce low post players (i.e. Pittsnoggle).
6) Duke is the only program out of those that presents stability at the coaching and player position.
7) We need you, the moment you step on campus, we will be in the Top 10 no matter what the elite teams lose to the pros. In fact, the only team that I can see right now that will definitely be ranked higher initially is UCLA because they will return pretty much everyone and add Kevin Love, a very talented center.
Patrick, I know you're weighing all of your options but the above is all you need. See you next Fall...
So, here it is Patrick Patterson, this is why you should come to Duke:
1) You will be the featured post presence the moment you step on campus
2) Duke is still the best program in America (A 22 win season and NCAA birth was a failure)
3) You'll be on national television all the time
4) Coach K has produced more NBA Draft selections in his time than anyone else
5) Look at the other schools you may go to: THEY DON'T WANT YOU! I mean, if Kentucky wanted you so bad then why would they push out Tubby knowing he had a good relationship with you? Billy Donovan will most likely bounce at the end of the season and the team will most likely lose all of their stars and fall out of the national spotlight. Wake Forest is a young team and if you're going to pack for Carolina, Durham is the only place to be. Virginia, to me, is a one-hit wonder with or without Sean Singletary. He most likely will go and JR Reynolds is gone and their supporting cast is very weak. That leaves West Virginia, your hometown. Sure, it'd be nice for you to stay home but that system doesn't produce low post players (i.e. Pittsnoggle).
6) Duke is the only program out of those that presents stability at the coaching and player position.
7) We need you, the moment you step on campus, we will be in the Top 10 no matter what the elite teams lose to the pros. In fact, the only team that I can see right now that will definitely be ranked higher initially is UCLA because they will return pretty much everyone and add Kevin Love, a very talented center.
Patrick, I know you're weighing all of your options but the above is all you need. See you next Fall...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Serious Note...
As pointed on Friday night, the North Carolina mascot was hit by a car on his way back to the hotel only hours before the game started. This morning, he died. Put being a Duke fan/UNC hater aside, this is a tragedy and my heart goes out to his family. It really puts life into perspective. I mean two weeks ago, I'm feeling sorry for myself because Duke lost in the NCAA Tournament. We don't know how lucky we have it.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Let The HEELing Begin...
Ohhh baby!!! 6 minutes to go in the game, Carolina up big, I'm depressed and then all of a sudden, Carolina collapses in Duke-esque fashion and it felt like I got a B-12 shot. What a terrible job by the Heels and they went ice cold, at one point missing 23 of 24 shots. What's better is that Heels fans should say goodbye to Ty Lawson and Brandon Wright, since most sources say they have already stopped going to classes in anticipation of going pro. Jonathan Wallace is to Duke fans right now like Eric Maynor is to Carolina fans. Only thing is that Duke fans knew they were a year or two away from something special. North Carolina had it all and they choked. Their second team off the bench had enough talent to go to a Final 4 and they got spanked in the OT.
In a year where all of my teams have lost in brutal fashion (see Mets Game 7, NY Giants FG as time expired, Eric Maynor with 1.8 left), this gives me a little bit of solace. Congratulations to the Hoyas who were on my shit list after knocking off my undefeated Blue Devils last year but certainly redeemed themselves with a victory today.
As for the other game, Oregon played Florida tough but the Gators are much too talented up front and Oregon had 3 guys foul out and I think 2 other guys had 4 fouls. They wore down the Ducks and despite Aaron Brooks going off, the Gators will be headed to Atlanta. They are the odds on favorites to win this thing even though I will be rooting really hard for UCLA with $2,600 on the line. Go Bruins!
One other note. I don't really like Florida but if they are going win the whole thing, I better see some Noah dancing. That dance he did at the end of the SEC Championship was hysterical.
Preview later this week and hopefully some good Patrick Patterson news...
In a year where all of my teams have lost in brutal fashion (see Mets Game 7, NY Giants FG as time expired, Eric Maynor with 1.8 left), this gives me a little bit of solace. Congratulations to the Hoyas who were on my shit list after knocking off my undefeated Blue Devils last year but certainly redeemed themselves with a victory today.
As for the other game, Oregon played Florida tough but the Gators are much too talented up front and Oregon had 3 guys foul out and I think 2 other guys had 4 fouls. They wore down the Ducks and despite Aaron Brooks going off, the Gators will be headed to Atlanta. They are the odds on favorites to win this thing even though I will be rooting really hard for UCLA with $2,600 on the line. Go Bruins!
One other note. I don't really like Florida but if they are going win the whole thing, I better see some Noah dancing. That dance he did at the end of the SEC Championship was hysterical.
Preview later this week and hopefully some good Patrick Patterson news...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Something's BRUIN
UCLA absolutely spanked Kansas in the 2nd Half and now they are headed to their 2nd straight Final 4. Two more wins and BRB will be rolling in the cash, $2,600 to be exact baby. Go Bruins!
Also, Ohio State used a late surge to defeat the dumbest team in the history of college basketball, Memphis to punch their ticket to the Final 4. Mr. Awesome, as Gus Johnson called him, Ron Lewis was spectacular again today and what the hell is Joey Dorsey thinking calling Oden overrated before the game. Joey keep your mouth shut especially since you backed your words up by scoring no points and grabbing three lousy rebounds. You're an ass...
Tomorrow's games should be good. I like North Carolina over G'Town but nothing would please more than a Jeff Green elbow to the maskless Hansbrough's nose. Also, Florida should have too much down low for Oregon but don't sleep on the Ducks. They can flat out shoot the ball. Just ask UNLV?
Recap tomorrow...
Also, Ohio State used a late surge to defeat the dumbest team in the history of college basketball, Memphis to punch their ticket to the Final 4. Mr. Awesome, as Gus Johnson called him, Ron Lewis was spectacular again today and what the hell is Joey Dorsey thinking calling Oden overrated before the game. Joey keep your mouth shut especially since you backed your words up by scoring no points and grabbing three lousy rebounds. You're an ass...
Tomorrow's games should be good. I like North Carolina over G'Town but nothing would please more than a Jeff Green elbow to the maskless Hansbrough's nose. Also, Florida should have too much down low for Oregon but don't sleep on the Ducks. They can flat out shoot the ball. Just ask UNLV?
Recap tomorrow...
HARD Loss
This blog is usually dedicated to men's college basketball but after today, I have to mention this. Lindsay Harding, probably the National POY this year in womens college basketball, ended her career as brutally as anyone could end their career: she missed two free throws with .1 seconds left that would've sent her team to the Elite 8 but instead send the Lady Devils packing.
You have to feel bad for this girl but if she needs some support, she needs to seek the counsel of one Jason Williams. Although I only saw the end of this game, this seemed to mirror the ending of the 2002 Regional Semi v. Indiana for the Men.
The girls were all but dead when Rutgers foolishly through a baseball pass down the court that Harding intercepted. She rushed down the court and was fouled taking an off balance prayer. Sound familar? Remember, Duke was dead with 10 seconds left in the Indiana game. They were down 74-70 when Daniel Ewing missed a 3 and it bounced out to Jay Williams who hit a 3 and was foolishly fouled by a Hoosier. All Jay had to do was hit a free throw and it would go into OT. We all know the result. He missed the free throw, Boozer got the rebound, missed a point blank layup, the game was over and hence so was Jay Williams' career.
Fast forward to today, Lindsay missed the first. You could see it in her face that she was going to miss the second. Can you blame her in such a pressurized situation? She missed the second and a desperation tip just missed and the game was over and now so is Harding's career.
In both cases, Duke was clearly the best team and for some reason not only did they have an early exit to the tournament but they both lost in the most excrutiating fashion. Keep your head up Lindsay, not many would've hit those either.
You have to feel bad for this girl but if she needs some support, she needs to seek the counsel of one Jason Williams. Although I only saw the end of this game, this seemed to mirror the ending of the 2002 Regional Semi v. Indiana for the Men.
The girls were all but dead when Rutgers foolishly through a baseball pass down the court that Harding intercepted. She rushed down the court and was fouled taking an off balance prayer. Sound familar? Remember, Duke was dead with 10 seconds left in the Indiana game. They were down 74-70 when Daniel Ewing missed a 3 and it bounced out to Jay Williams who hit a 3 and was foolishly fouled by a Hoosier. All Jay had to do was hit a free throw and it would go into OT. We all know the result. He missed the free throw, Boozer got the rebound, missed a point blank layup, the game was over and hence so was Jay Williams' career.
Fast forward to today, Lindsay missed the first. You could see it in her face that she was going to miss the second. Can you blame her in such a pressurized situation? She missed the second and a desperation tip just missed and the game was over and now so is Harding's career.
In both cases, Duke was clearly the best team and for some reason not only did they have an early exit to the tournament but they both lost in the most excrutiating fashion. Keep your head up Lindsay, not many would've hit those either.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Deja Vu
Ohio State looked grim death in the face again tonight and came away with a pulse yet again as they beat Tennessee 85-84. Tennessee had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but Greg Oden came up with a man block to keep his collegiate career alive as well as the Buckeyes title hopes. I think Bruce Pearl is an excellent coach who had an excellent game plan. But, do I need to hear him crying in the press conference that Mike Conley went to the free throw line 14 times and Chris Lofton didn't shoot one free throw. Bruce, pay attention, your guy shoots from 35 feet away from the basket. Conley constantly penetrates. That sounds very similar to those who used to complain that Duke shot more free throws than everyone else. They did! But because they penetrated constantly just like Conley did tonight. Anyways, what an amazing comeback by Ohio State coming back from 20 down. I'm starting to think this team may have something going here but they better stop playing with fire or they will get burned.
UCLA held off Pitt in what must of been the most boring game in the history of basketball. Both teams are mirror images of each other but UCLA has a little bit more talent and experience. Three more UCLA wins gets me a whole lot of cash so go Bruins.
I didn't see the other two games because I was at school but how about Memphis, who has gotten no love all year long because of that conference, beating Texas A&M basically on the road. AND, how about Acie Law, who most thought was the clutchest player in college basketball, missing a layup that most likely would've sealed the game.
In the other game, I was hoping the Salukis would take down Kansas but I hear it was too much Brandon Rush. Bill Self is lucky. Another loss to a Missouri Valley team could've gotten him canned. Beating UCLA in Cali will be a tall order.
Predictions for Friday:
Florida easy
UNC in a surprisingly close game
Oregon over UNLV
Vandy is my upset special over the overhyped G'Town
UCLA held off Pitt in what must of been the most boring game in the history of basketball. Both teams are mirror images of each other but UCLA has a little bit more talent and experience. Three more UCLA wins gets me a whole lot of cash so go Bruins.
I didn't see the other two games because I was at school but how about Memphis, who has gotten no love all year long because of that conference, beating Texas A&M basically on the road. AND, how about Acie Law, who most thought was the clutchest player in college basketball, missing a layup that most likely would've sealed the game.
In the other game, I was hoping the Salukis would take down Kansas but I hear it was too much Brandon Rush. Bill Self is lucky. Another loss to a Missouri Valley team could've gotten him canned. Beating UCLA in Cali will be a tall order.
Predictions for Friday:
Florida easy
UNC in a surprisingly close game
Oregon over UNLV
Vandy is my upset special over the overhyped G'Town
Thursday, March 22, 2007
And Then There Was Two?
Tubby Smith is out as Kentucky head coach and is headed to Minnesota. To me, this leaves Patrick Patterson with 2 options: Duke or Florida. Billy Guillespe, one of the sexiest coaching prospects around right now, is rumored to be Kentucky's prime target. That would be a good move for both considering Guillespe is losing Acie Law at the end of the year and Kentucky is a much better job. Considering they don't have a prior relationship though, I can't see Patterson even considering Kentucky now. Good job Kentucky, you just forced out your coach and cost yourselves a prospect.
Mass Exodus?
I am hearing now that the Lance Thomas transfer rumors may be more than just that. I don't know how valid the sources are but supposedly a relative close to the family has contacted Rutgers, Seton Hall, and Louisville about a possible transfer. Word of advice Lance, don't do it. I can maybe see going to Louisville and playing for Pitino but Rutgers and St. John's would be a huge mistake. I know his buddy Eugene Harvey is the PG at Seton Hall but give me a break, Bobby Gonzalez or Coach K? I know you're upset about playing time and your role this year but with McRoberts gone and Patterson 50/50 at best of coming to Duke, your role will be increased dramatically. In fact, as we speak right now, Lance is the starting center next season. Yeah, he's a little undersized but if he adds a little more muscle, he can build himself into that Elton Brand/Carlos Boozer type center Duke has had over the years. If Lance goes, don't be surprised to see Marty Pocius playing center at times next year, that may be the only way he gets playing time. Right now, Duke is the oreo cookie team: tough on the outside and soft on the inside. The fate of next year could depend on Patterson's decision.
No JOSHing, He's Gone
Sources close to the Duke program have confirmed that Josh McRoberts will leave Duke and enter the NBA Draft after only two years in Durham. As Feinstein claimed last week "he's as ready for the NBA as he is for broadway but he's still probably going to enter the draft." I have to believe his stock is down from last year but he will probably land between picks 13-21, which is pretty damn good considering the type of talent that will be in this draft.
The early announcement makes me think that Coach K demanded an early decision from Josh to help the recruitment of Patrick Patterson. Hopefully, it works just as it did when Carlos Boozer went to Duke after Elton Brand declared for the draft. More on this later on...
If we don't get Patterson, I will be a little bitter about Josh. If we get Patterson, McRoberts is forgiven and BRB wishes him all the luck at the next level.
The early announcement makes me think that Coach K demanded an early decision from Josh to help the recruitment of Patrick Patterson. Hopefully, it works just as it did when Carlos Boozer went to Duke after Elton Brand declared for the draft. More on this later on...
If we don't get Patterson, I will be a little bitter about Josh. If we get Patterson, McRoberts is forgiven and BRB wishes him all the luck at the next level.
Can The Butler Do It?
Looking at this years Florida Gators team, they look very similar to the 2002 Duke team and if that's the case, the Gators better bring their 'A' game on Friday night. In 2002, Duke appeared to have a cake walk to the Final 4. In fact, the experts believed the only real team that could give them a run for their money was USC, who had played Duke very tough in the Elite 8 the year before. Fortunately, at least at the moment, USC was picked off by that pesky Colonial again in the form of UNC Wilmington. Once USC went down, the Iron Dukes began to search for Final 4 tickets. In the 2nd Round, the Blue Devils went up against an up and coming coach Mike Brey, who had been an assistant at Duke before he got canned after the 1995 disaster, and his Notre Dame Fighting Irish took the Devils to the brink before Daniel Ewing, the freshman, bailed the Devils out late.
Duke would then face Indiana in the Sweet 16 coached by Mike Davis, hardly the intimidating coaching figure that Bob Knight was. Before the game, Davis heard some of the Duke press people asking what time the game was on Saturday, meaning that Duke would dismantle Indiana and play in the Elite 8 on Saturday. He would use that as motivation for his team. Early on, that clearly didn't work. Duke built a substantial lead and led by 17 points with 16 minutes to go. However, Dahntay Jones fouled out with 8 minutes left and all of a sudden the tide swung rapidly and the Devils couldn't get the momentum back. Sure, they had a chance to tie and then win the game in the final seconds in the sequence that I refer to as the worst 10 seconds in Blue Devil history but they should have never been in such a situation to begin with. After that game, Duke would lose 3 Juniors to the NBA Draft: Williams, Boozer, and Dunleavy. What seemed like a cake walk to the Final 4 and National Championship fell apart in the blink of an eye.
Looking at Florida, you see some similarities. They too were a #1 seed and were in, what experts thought, the easiest bracket of the four. The only real competition for the Gators was a streaking Maryland team who had the athleticism and experience to run with Florida. However, in the 2nd Round, Butler picked Maryland off and everyone punched Florida's ticket to the Final 4. In the 2nd Round game, Florida ran into an up and coming coach as well, Matt Painter, who had his Purdue team in position to win the game with 5 minutes left until Noah and Horford took over. Florida, like Duke had done against Notre Dame 5 years earlier, had escaped the possibility of an early exit.
Now, I'm not sure if Butler has the fire power to do what Indiana did to Duke but it's certainly possible and Florida shouldn't take the game lightly. Butler doesn't have a lottery pick on their roster like Indiana had in Jared Jeffries but they are very well coached, they play defense, and they can flat out shoot the ball.
Beware of the Bulldogs...
Duke would then face Indiana in the Sweet 16 coached by Mike Davis, hardly the intimidating coaching figure that Bob Knight was. Before the game, Davis heard some of the Duke press people asking what time the game was on Saturday, meaning that Duke would dismantle Indiana and play in the Elite 8 on Saturday. He would use that as motivation for his team. Early on, that clearly didn't work. Duke built a substantial lead and led by 17 points with 16 minutes to go. However, Dahntay Jones fouled out with 8 minutes left and all of a sudden the tide swung rapidly and the Devils couldn't get the momentum back. Sure, they had a chance to tie and then win the game in the final seconds in the sequence that I refer to as the worst 10 seconds in Blue Devil history but they should have never been in such a situation to begin with. After that game, Duke would lose 3 Juniors to the NBA Draft: Williams, Boozer, and Dunleavy. What seemed like a cake walk to the Final 4 and National Championship fell apart in the blink of an eye.
Looking at Florida, you see some similarities. They too were a #1 seed and were in, what experts thought, the easiest bracket of the four. The only real competition for the Gators was a streaking Maryland team who had the athleticism and experience to run with Florida. However, in the 2nd Round, Butler picked Maryland off and everyone punched Florida's ticket to the Final 4. In the 2nd Round game, Florida ran into an up and coming coach as well, Matt Painter, who had his Purdue team in position to win the game with 5 minutes left until Noah and Horford took over. Florida, like Duke had done against Notre Dame 5 years earlier, had escaped the possibility of an early exit.
Now, I'm not sure if Butler has the fire power to do what Indiana did to Duke but it's certainly possible and Florida shouldn't take the game lightly. Butler doesn't have a lottery pick on their roster like Indiana had in Jared Jeffries but they are very well coached, they play defense, and they can flat out shoot the ball.
Beware of the Bulldogs...
Monday, March 19, 2007
2006-07 Season Recap
It's very weird and unusual for me to be recapping the Duke season with so much of the college basketball season yet to be decided but let's face it, it was a weird and unusual season. Duke finished the season 22-11, which is a big-time year for most programs but it was considered a "down" year by Duke standards. Face it, Duke is the Yankees of college basketball and with the glory of all their success comes hating and rejoicing in their misery.
Even during last season, I was telling anyone who would listen that Duke would struggle this year. I figured they would lose 8-10 games this year, make the NCAA Tournament, and win a few games in the tournament before bowing out. The season actually went pretty much according to plan but yet, I still feel disappointed by an outcome that seemed more inevitable than it was surprising.
From watching various high school all-star games, including the Jordan Classic that I saw in person at MSG, I actually felt like Gerald Henderson and Brian Zoubek would be instant stars and fit right into the Duke system. Seeing Jon Sheyer up close, I figured he'd be a nice little player off the bench that could give them offense. From all the hype, I was giddy when I heard Lance Thomas was coming to Durham.
Ironically, the only real impact freshman throughout the entire season was Jon Sheyer. Maybe, it was because the Paulus injury made him play the point but he had much more of an impact than I thought he would this year. At times, he carried Duke with his hot shooting and heady play and at times, he struggled the find his shot and really shot them out of games. I think his small, unimposing body really wore down at the end of the year and that hurt the Blue Devils immensely.
Gerald Henderson had a very up and down year. I felt that he would be the go-to perimeter guy from day one but injuries halted his progress and it really took him a few months to start asserting himself into the system. At times, especially against North Carolina, he looked amazing and at times, he deferred way too much to his teammates. Unfortunately, his entire year has a black mark on it because of the whole Hansbrough incident.
Lance Thomas had a very disappointing first season in Durham. He began the season starting at the PF position and he really looked tremendous early on. Then, came a string of bad practices, a benching in front of his friends and family, and he never really recovered after that. Throughout the season, there were rumors that he would leave Duke at the end of the season because he was unhappy. He swore otherwise but I'm not so sure I believe him. People close to the program say he was one of the vocal leaders for this team but he play on the court never lived up to the hype.
Brian Zoubek was clearly the most disappointing of the four freshmen this season. After hearing about him throughout last season and seeing him dominate early on, it was shocking to see what little impact Zoubek had this season. He struggled adapting to the man-to-man defense, he struggled with traveling calls, and he struggled with confidence. Many games he didn't play more than 5 minutes because teams in the ACC had more athletic centers that could run up and down the court. He didn't even play against VCU because of their quickness and athleticism.
As for the returning players, they all had up and down years. Greg Paulus came into Duke tauted as one of the purest point guards to come into Durham since Bobby Hurley. Ironically, his point guard skills have been shaky at best but his shooting over the course of the season was incredible. If they can use Nolan Smith as the PG next year, I think Paulus would be better suited as an off guard. Paulus really showed me some grit and toughness this season. He was being absolutely mauled by the national media, including Duke fans, saying that he was no good and rightfully so. He had a two game stretch that was borderline putrid against VA Tech and Georgia Tech. Then, he started looking for his shot, which really helped the rest of his game. His turnovers were still very high but he was unquestionaly the leader of this team and he always tried to hold this team together even when times were really hard. I love how he didn't back down to Toney Douglas or Eric Maynor, he will be an excellent upper classmen for Duke the next two years. He does need to work on his defense though.
Josh McRoberts had a disappointing season from the point of view of points production but he was Mr. Versatile for them all season. At times, he seemed like he wasn't on Planet Earth and he does get on his teammates a little too much when times get hard but this team would've been NIT bound without him. People killed his lack of assertiveness and his inability to finish around the basket but overall, he filled Shelden Williams shoes pretty adequately considering the circumstances. I would love to see Josh stick around another season but those close to the program say he has already made up his mind to jump to the NBA. From what you hear, this year actually hurt his stock and with quite possibly the deepest draft of all time taking place this year, he would be wise to stay one more year. If he comes back, works on his shot and his ability to finish around the basket, and works on some post moves, he will lead Duke to great things next season and then he can bounce to the NBA as a lottery pick. Stay one more year Josh.
DeMarcus Nelson stayed healthy this season for the first time since he has been at Duke and at times, he was the best player and athlete on the floor and at times, he was a disaster. His problem is that he doesn't handle the ball well for a guy his size and he wants to play down low, which he can't do because he is so short. He is built like a man but treated like a red-headed stepchild down low in the paint. He was Duke's leading scorer this year and that may have been the problem. He is not a number one option on a big-time program. He is at best a 3rd option who is a defensive stopper.
Marty Pocius really puzzles me. Last season, he showed great offensive potential against Drexel and Memphis when DeMarcus went down and then he was never heard from. After rumors swirled that he would transfer and follow his buddy Eric Boateng, he came back and received virtually no playing time again this year. At the end of the year, he gave the Devils a huge lift and showed he could provide instant offense. To me, he was much too valuable an offensive weaon on a team that was putrid on offense to sit on the bench and collect dust. With Singler, Smith, and King coming in next season, the smart move for Marty is to bounce to another program. If he stays, K has to get this guy some PT.
David McClure was a very nice compliment to this team. I was uncertain with how he would play this season after missing all of last season because of two knee surgeries. At times, he did everything this team needed to win. He hit the winning shot against Clemson and played great defense all year. His lack of offense down the stretch really hurt Duke. At times, he would pass up open jump shots and it was like playing 4 v. 5. It also looked like he wore down at the end of the year. He will be a solid contributor next season.
Duke was ranked as high as 5 this season and as low as 26. They will inevitably finish much lower than that with their early exit in the NCAA Tournament. Duke gutted out a number of close games but let's face it, whenever they played a team with athletic backcourts, they struggled immensely. Nolan Smith should help them with that next season. Duke was the ultimate stock exchange team this season, very up and down. They won in spurts and they uncharacteristically lost in spurts. After they started the season 4-1 ending with a loss to Marquette, they then won 9 straight games only lose their first two in ACC play. They then came back to win 5 straight ending with an impressive home victory against BC, who led the conference at the time. Then, the season basically crumbled in front of our eyes with 4 straight losses, including losses at the buzzer against Virginia and Florida State. After talk that they would miss the tournament for the first time since 1995, the K-less year, they responded by winning four straight games ending with an absolute demoliion of St. John's at MSG in front of yours truly. That game was on February 25th. Little did we know that Duke wouldn't win another game for the rest of the year. Duke then proceeded to close the season on yet another four game losing streak, which included a tough loss to Maryland, a loss at UNC which was much more crippling than just an L in the loss column because Gerald Henderson was suspended and now has a bad reputation that will follow him for the rest of his career, a OT loss to ACC Tourney darling NC State who almost shocked the world and obviously a heartbreaking loss to a very underrated VCU team at the buzzer.
The year ended in heartbreaking fashion. Although they made you want to pull out your hair at times, I loved watching this team grow and learn over the course of the year. Hopefully, there will be no defections from this team and they will bring back everyone including Patrick Patterson. However, if that's the case, Duke would have 13 legitimate players on their team and we know K doesn't deal with depth very well. My prediction is that Patrick Patterson will come to Duke next season after he hears that McRoberts has defected for the NBA. Then, I see either Lance Thomas or Brian Zoubek, not both, considering a transfer because they feel like they will never play. I also see Marty Pocius leaving this team because of a log jam at the guard position. That would leave the following starting lineup I would love to see next season:
G: Nolan Smith
G: Greg Paulus
G: Gerald Henderson
F: Kyle Singler
F: Patrick Patterson
Bench:
Sheyer: backup point guard, shooting guard, give them shooting off the bench
Nelson: defensive stopper, takes a seat because Henderson is the better offensive threat
King: comes in as a pure shooter, will need to learn how to play defense
McClure: strictly for defensive intensity, until he learns an offensive game, he will be a bench player
Thomas/Zoubek: Whoever hangs around, will backup Patterson and when K wants two bigs, will play if they improve offensively
See you next season! I will continue to cover the NCAA Tournament and post about any relevant Duke news during the offseason. Go Devils!
Even during last season, I was telling anyone who would listen that Duke would struggle this year. I figured they would lose 8-10 games this year, make the NCAA Tournament, and win a few games in the tournament before bowing out. The season actually went pretty much according to plan but yet, I still feel disappointed by an outcome that seemed more inevitable than it was surprising.
From watching various high school all-star games, including the Jordan Classic that I saw in person at MSG, I actually felt like Gerald Henderson and Brian Zoubek would be instant stars and fit right into the Duke system. Seeing Jon Sheyer up close, I figured he'd be a nice little player off the bench that could give them offense. From all the hype, I was giddy when I heard Lance Thomas was coming to Durham.
Ironically, the only real impact freshman throughout the entire season was Jon Sheyer. Maybe, it was because the Paulus injury made him play the point but he had much more of an impact than I thought he would this year. At times, he carried Duke with his hot shooting and heady play and at times, he struggled the find his shot and really shot them out of games. I think his small, unimposing body really wore down at the end of the year and that hurt the Blue Devils immensely.
Gerald Henderson had a very up and down year. I felt that he would be the go-to perimeter guy from day one but injuries halted his progress and it really took him a few months to start asserting himself into the system. At times, especially against North Carolina, he looked amazing and at times, he deferred way too much to his teammates. Unfortunately, his entire year has a black mark on it because of the whole Hansbrough incident.
Lance Thomas had a very disappointing first season in Durham. He began the season starting at the PF position and he really looked tremendous early on. Then, came a string of bad practices, a benching in front of his friends and family, and he never really recovered after that. Throughout the season, there were rumors that he would leave Duke at the end of the season because he was unhappy. He swore otherwise but I'm not so sure I believe him. People close to the program say he was one of the vocal leaders for this team but he play on the court never lived up to the hype.
Brian Zoubek was clearly the most disappointing of the four freshmen this season. After hearing about him throughout last season and seeing him dominate early on, it was shocking to see what little impact Zoubek had this season. He struggled adapting to the man-to-man defense, he struggled with traveling calls, and he struggled with confidence. Many games he didn't play more than 5 minutes because teams in the ACC had more athletic centers that could run up and down the court. He didn't even play against VCU because of their quickness and athleticism.
As for the returning players, they all had up and down years. Greg Paulus came into Duke tauted as one of the purest point guards to come into Durham since Bobby Hurley. Ironically, his point guard skills have been shaky at best but his shooting over the course of the season was incredible. If they can use Nolan Smith as the PG next year, I think Paulus would be better suited as an off guard. Paulus really showed me some grit and toughness this season. He was being absolutely mauled by the national media, including Duke fans, saying that he was no good and rightfully so. He had a two game stretch that was borderline putrid against VA Tech and Georgia Tech. Then, he started looking for his shot, which really helped the rest of his game. His turnovers were still very high but he was unquestionaly the leader of this team and he always tried to hold this team together even when times were really hard. I love how he didn't back down to Toney Douglas or Eric Maynor, he will be an excellent upper classmen for Duke the next two years. He does need to work on his defense though.
Josh McRoberts had a disappointing season from the point of view of points production but he was Mr. Versatile for them all season. At times, he seemed like he wasn't on Planet Earth and he does get on his teammates a little too much when times get hard but this team would've been NIT bound without him. People killed his lack of assertiveness and his inability to finish around the basket but overall, he filled Shelden Williams shoes pretty adequately considering the circumstances. I would love to see Josh stick around another season but those close to the program say he has already made up his mind to jump to the NBA. From what you hear, this year actually hurt his stock and with quite possibly the deepest draft of all time taking place this year, he would be wise to stay one more year. If he comes back, works on his shot and his ability to finish around the basket, and works on some post moves, he will lead Duke to great things next season and then he can bounce to the NBA as a lottery pick. Stay one more year Josh.
DeMarcus Nelson stayed healthy this season for the first time since he has been at Duke and at times, he was the best player and athlete on the floor and at times, he was a disaster. His problem is that he doesn't handle the ball well for a guy his size and he wants to play down low, which he can't do because he is so short. He is built like a man but treated like a red-headed stepchild down low in the paint. He was Duke's leading scorer this year and that may have been the problem. He is not a number one option on a big-time program. He is at best a 3rd option who is a defensive stopper.
Marty Pocius really puzzles me. Last season, he showed great offensive potential against Drexel and Memphis when DeMarcus went down and then he was never heard from. After rumors swirled that he would transfer and follow his buddy Eric Boateng, he came back and received virtually no playing time again this year. At the end of the year, he gave the Devils a huge lift and showed he could provide instant offense. To me, he was much too valuable an offensive weaon on a team that was putrid on offense to sit on the bench and collect dust. With Singler, Smith, and King coming in next season, the smart move for Marty is to bounce to another program. If he stays, K has to get this guy some PT.
David McClure was a very nice compliment to this team. I was uncertain with how he would play this season after missing all of last season because of two knee surgeries. At times, he did everything this team needed to win. He hit the winning shot against Clemson and played great defense all year. His lack of offense down the stretch really hurt Duke. At times, he would pass up open jump shots and it was like playing 4 v. 5. It also looked like he wore down at the end of the year. He will be a solid contributor next season.
Duke was ranked as high as 5 this season and as low as 26. They will inevitably finish much lower than that with their early exit in the NCAA Tournament. Duke gutted out a number of close games but let's face it, whenever they played a team with athletic backcourts, they struggled immensely. Nolan Smith should help them with that next season. Duke was the ultimate stock exchange team this season, very up and down. They won in spurts and they uncharacteristically lost in spurts. After they started the season 4-1 ending with a loss to Marquette, they then won 9 straight games only lose their first two in ACC play. They then came back to win 5 straight ending with an impressive home victory against BC, who led the conference at the time. Then, the season basically crumbled in front of our eyes with 4 straight losses, including losses at the buzzer against Virginia and Florida State. After talk that they would miss the tournament for the first time since 1995, the K-less year, they responded by winning four straight games ending with an absolute demoliion of St. John's at MSG in front of yours truly. That game was on February 25th. Little did we know that Duke wouldn't win another game for the rest of the year. Duke then proceeded to close the season on yet another four game losing streak, which included a tough loss to Maryland, a loss at UNC which was much more crippling than just an L in the loss column because Gerald Henderson was suspended and now has a bad reputation that will follow him for the rest of his career, a OT loss to ACC Tourney darling NC State who almost shocked the world and obviously a heartbreaking loss to a very underrated VCU team at the buzzer.
The year ended in heartbreaking fashion. Although they made you want to pull out your hair at times, I loved watching this team grow and learn over the course of the year. Hopefully, there will be no defections from this team and they will bring back everyone including Patrick Patterson. However, if that's the case, Duke would have 13 legitimate players on their team and we know K doesn't deal with depth very well. My prediction is that Patrick Patterson will come to Duke next season after he hears that McRoberts has defected for the NBA. Then, I see either Lance Thomas or Brian Zoubek, not both, considering a transfer because they feel like they will never play. I also see Marty Pocius leaving this team because of a log jam at the guard position. That would leave the following starting lineup I would love to see next season:
G: Nolan Smith
G: Greg Paulus
G: Gerald Henderson
F: Kyle Singler
F: Patrick Patterson
Bench:
Sheyer: backup point guard, shooting guard, give them shooting off the bench
Nelson: defensive stopper, takes a seat because Henderson is the better offensive threat
King: comes in as a pure shooter, will need to learn how to play defense
McClure: strictly for defensive intensity, until he learns an offensive game, he will be a bench player
Thomas/Zoubek: Whoever hangs around, will backup Patterson and when K wants two bigs, will play if they improve offensively
See you next season! I will continue to cover the NCAA Tournament and post about any relevant Duke news during the offseason. Go Devils!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hard Knock Life?
It's been a tough week for Coach K and everyone related to him. First, Coach K loses a heart breaker to VCU on a last second shot. Earlier in the day, his mentor, Bobby Knight went out in the 1st Round as well to BC. On Selection Sunday, his good friend, Jim Boeheim and Syracuse were the biggest snub from the NCAA Tournament. Then, yesterday, Tommy Amaker got the ax at Michigan after 6 unsuccessful seasons as head coach. Hopefully his luck and everyone around him will change...
Let's start with keeping McRoberts in Durham and convincing Patrick Patterson to play inside next to Josh next season.
Recap later this week as well as recruiting updates throughout the next few weeks...
Let's start with keeping McRoberts in Durham and convincing Patrick Patterson to play inside next to Josh next season.
Recap later this week as well as recruiting updates throughout the next few weeks...
Sweet 16
Sundays games were dull to say the least, well in comparison to Saturdays. Tennessee/Virginia came down to the wire but no one seemed like they wanted to win the game. There were missed free throws and if JR Reynolds doesn't get hurt, Virginia is on its way to San Antonio. But, an ankle injury to the Senior and missed desperation 3-pointer by Sean Singletary spelled disaster for the Cavs.
The biggest upset of the day was UNLV over Wisconsin. In my pool, I thought Georgia Tech would take out Wisconsin this round but UNLV did it instead. Wisconsin really had a disappointing end to a very promising season. The Brian Butch injury really killed their interior and essentially ended their title hopes.
So, the Sweet 16 is set and most of the games should be good ones. That's the advantage of having the better teams avoid the upsets in the 1st and 2nd Rounds. Last season, Bradley was a 13 seed and in the Sweet 16. This year, the highest seed is a 7, which is absolutely unbelievable considering the unpredictability of this tourney.
Previews & Predictions:
Florida v. Butler: The Bulldogs are very similar to that moth that gets inside your house and you cant catch. They are annoying. AJ Graves looks like one of those kids who had an ant farm in high school. However, they execute better than any team in college basketball and that has allowed them to take down Notre Dame, Indiana, Tennessee, Gonzaga and now Maryland this season. Having said that, they will not beat Florida. The dancing queen, Joakim Noah and Al Horford will be too much down low for the perimeter happy Bulldogs. If Butler can control the tempo, it could be close but it would be an upset of epic proportions.
Oregon v. UNLV: This is an intriguing matchup. Oregon has one of the best backcourts in the country but UNLV is Senior-laden and has the coaching edge with Lon Kruger, who took Florida to the Final 4 in 1994. I like Oregon to win a nail biter and advancing to play Florida for the right to go to Atlanta.
Kansas v. Southern Illinois: The Salukis really bit me in the ass this season. I didn't like the way they played in the MVC Championship against Creighton and I loved the Seniors on VA Tech. Boy, was I wrong. The Salukis play suffocating defense and could legitimately beat Kansas if they can get the Jayhawks to play their tempo. With that said, Kansas should have too much athleticism and length for Southern Illinois and should move on to the Elite 8.
UCLA v. Pitt: This is the sexy matchup of the Sweet 16. Ben Howland v. his old team and his protigee, Jamie Dixon. Pitt struggled at the end of the VCU game but showed great character in OT to pull it out. UCLA manhandled Indiana for 35 minutes but allowed Indiana to make a huge comeback to tie it in the final minute. However, Aaron Affalo showed why he is the clutchest player in the college game not named Acie Law by putting his team on his back to pull it out. Both teams play the same style but this will be a virtual home game for UCLA and Pitt will have to go across country. I like UCLA and of course, I have them cutting down the nets in Atlanta so I have to pick that.
UNC v. USC: Before the tourney started, I told my brother that if USC got to this game they could beat North Carolina. The Trojans have amazing athleticism and is the most under publicized defensive juggernaut in college basketball. They will need Nick Young to be a star. Carolina struggled with Michigan State but pulled away late. I look for their depth to put them over the top and I dont like that USC has to go across country to New Jersey to play this game. NOTE: USC could be on an emotional mission though considering their PG was shot to death last year, this could be a tribute. Either way, USC will be nasty next year with the addition of the troubled but highly talented OJ Mayo.
Vandy v. Georgetown: Georgetown struggled with BC but the Eagles were familiar with their style of play from their days in the Big East. Vandy won a classic 2OT thriller against Washington State. If Georgetown defends the 3, this wont be close. If Vandy can get up and down and limit the backdoor cuts, this could be a good one. Advantage: Hoyas
Ohio State v. Tennessee: Ohio State showed their vulnerability against Xavier and needed a miraculous shot to get them here. These two teams played earlier in the year in Columbus and it went down to the wire with the Buckeyes pulling it out late. To me, this has upset alert written all over it. If Ohio State establishes Oden inside and then uses his success inside to kick the ball out to the 3-point shooters, the Buckeyes will advance. If Tennessee can contain either Oden or the 3-point shooting and they can get Chris Lofton some open looks, they have a chance to pull the upset. I have Ohio State in the Final 4 so my pick is Ohio State.
Memphis v. Texas A&M: The Aggies showed their grit by winning a practical road game against Louisville. Acie Law is the clutchest player in America and with the game being in San Antonio, the advantage is clearly with the Aggies. Say whatever you want about Memphis and their softer than Charmin schedule within Conference USA, they can flat out play and have amazing athleticism. However, Chris Douglas-Roberts hurt his ankle at the end of the Nevada game today. He is their leading scorer and if he cant go, they will need contributions off the bench. I love the Aggies in this one.
The biggest upset of the day was UNLV over Wisconsin. In my pool, I thought Georgia Tech would take out Wisconsin this round but UNLV did it instead. Wisconsin really had a disappointing end to a very promising season. The Brian Butch injury really killed their interior and essentially ended their title hopes.
So, the Sweet 16 is set and most of the games should be good ones. That's the advantage of having the better teams avoid the upsets in the 1st and 2nd Rounds. Last season, Bradley was a 13 seed and in the Sweet 16. This year, the highest seed is a 7, which is absolutely unbelievable considering the unpredictability of this tourney.
Previews & Predictions:
Florida v. Butler: The Bulldogs are very similar to that moth that gets inside your house and you cant catch. They are annoying. AJ Graves looks like one of those kids who had an ant farm in high school. However, they execute better than any team in college basketball and that has allowed them to take down Notre Dame, Indiana, Tennessee, Gonzaga and now Maryland this season. Having said that, they will not beat Florida. The dancing queen, Joakim Noah and Al Horford will be too much down low for the perimeter happy Bulldogs. If Butler can control the tempo, it could be close but it would be an upset of epic proportions.
Oregon v. UNLV: This is an intriguing matchup. Oregon has one of the best backcourts in the country but UNLV is Senior-laden and has the coaching edge with Lon Kruger, who took Florida to the Final 4 in 1994. I like Oregon to win a nail biter and advancing to play Florida for the right to go to Atlanta.
Kansas v. Southern Illinois: The Salukis really bit me in the ass this season. I didn't like the way they played in the MVC Championship against Creighton and I loved the Seniors on VA Tech. Boy, was I wrong. The Salukis play suffocating defense and could legitimately beat Kansas if they can get the Jayhawks to play their tempo. With that said, Kansas should have too much athleticism and length for Southern Illinois and should move on to the Elite 8.
UCLA v. Pitt: This is the sexy matchup of the Sweet 16. Ben Howland v. his old team and his protigee, Jamie Dixon. Pitt struggled at the end of the VCU game but showed great character in OT to pull it out. UCLA manhandled Indiana for 35 minutes but allowed Indiana to make a huge comeback to tie it in the final minute. However, Aaron Affalo showed why he is the clutchest player in the college game not named Acie Law by putting his team on his back to pull it out. Both teams play the same style but this will be a virtual home game for UCLA and Pitt will have to go across country. I like UCLA and of course, I have them cutting down the nets in Atlanta so I have to pick that.
UNC v. USC: Before the tourney started, I told my brother that if USC got to this game they could beat North Carolina. The Trojans have amazing athleticism and is the most under publicized defensive juggernaut in college basketball. They will need Nick Young to be a star. Carolina struggled with Michigan State but pulled away late. I look for their depth to put them over the top and I dont like that USC has to go across country to New Jersey to play this game. NOTE: USC could be on an emotional mission though considering their PG was shot to death last year, this could be a tribute. Either way, USC will be nasty next year with the addition of the troubled but highly talented OJ Mayo.
Vandy v. Georgetown: Georgetown struggled with BC but the Eagles were familiar with their style of play from their days in the Big East. Vandy won a classic 2OT thriller against Washington State. If Georgetown defends the 3, this wont be close. If Vandy can get up and down and limit the backdoor cuts, this could be a good one. Advantage: Hoyas
Ohio State v. Tennessee: Ohio State showed their vulnerability against Xavier and needed a miraculous shot to get them here. These two teams played earlier in the year in Columbus and it went down to the wire with the Buckeyes pulling it out late. To me, this has upset alert written all over it. If Ohio State establishes Oden inside and then uses his success inside to kick the ball out to the 3-point shooters, the Buckeyes will advance. If Tennessee can contain either Oden or the 3-point shooting and they can get Chris Lofton some open looks, they have a chance to pull the upset. I have Ohio State in the Final 4 so my pick is Ohio State.
Memphis v. Texas A&M: The Aggies showed their grit by winning a practical road game against Louisville. Acie Law is the clutchest player in America and with the game being in San Antonio, the advantage is clearly with the Aggies. Say whatever you want about Memphis and their softer than Charmin schedule within Conference USA, they can flat out play and have amazing athleticism. However, Chris Douglas-Roberts hurt his ankle at the end of the Nevada game today. He is their leading scorer and if he cant go, they will need contributions off the bench. I love the Aggies in this one.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
1st is the Worst, 2nd is the Best...
The 1st Round of this years tourney was a little bit boring with most of the high seeds winning. Of course, except for my beloved Dukies. I couldn't watch the games yesterday, it just hurt too much for me to look at the TV. BUT, today, Ohio State/Xavier revitalized my passion for this tournament.
Ohio State, who had going to the Final 4, looked horrible against the Musketeers. I was sitting there at 59-50 kicking myself for picking the young Buckeyes. It was obvious that Xavier wanted nothing more than to hurt Thad Matta who abruptly left them 3 years ago. With 4 minutes left, it looked like they would. Then, they started the Duke offense. You can't take the air out of the ball with 4 minutes left and little by little, Ohio State chipped away. Then, after Greg Oden fouled out down 2 with 9 seconds left on a foul that should've been called an intentional foul, Justin Cage, one of those kids recruited by Matta had a chance to ice it and missed the second free throw. Ron Lewis hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game and Gus Johnson just reaffirmed why he is the greatest announcer out there right now with the "He's been fantasssssssssstic!" as Lewis hit the shot. Mike Conley took over in OT and Xavier had choked up their chance at taking down an in-state rival.
Maryland and Butler was another great game. Maryland really kicked me in the groin this year. First, they manhandle my Dukies twice this year and then I buy into the team and they lose to Butler. Now, I will admit Butler got every single break in this game including a horrible charge call on DJ Strawberry with 30 seconds left that would've tied the game. Then, Gary Williams had a brain freeze. He let Butler dribble the clock down to 5 seconds on the game clock down 2, which was an asinine move to say the least. In the NBA, you can get away with that because you can advance the ball to half court on a timeout. In college, you would have to get the rebound, call timeout, and then go 94 feet in 3 or 4 seconds just to tie the game. Horrible performance. Bye Mike Jones. Who? Bye DJ Strawberry. Bye Ekene Ibekwe. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. All I have to say is: Darryl, Darryl, Darryl!!
Texas A&M held on for dear life against a very talented but young Louisville team who inexplicable as a 6 seed was awarded 2 home games. Acie Law is the clutchest player in American and he was the difference. He, the senior came through at the end and Edgar "Don't call me Sammy" Sosa, the freshman, did not. Now, Texas A&M essentially gets two home games in San Antonio for a right to play in the Final 4. I like their chances...
BC as Steve Lavin would say are the Tinmen because they have no heart. All they do is complain and they blew a golden opportunity to take down a very over hyped Georgetown team that is getting significant press for a team that has a loss at home against Old Dominion.
The Vandy/Washington State game was an absolute classic and CBS did a great job going from this game to VCU/Pitt and then back to the Vandy game for Double OT. There was some questionable officiating in this game but in the end, Vandy's ability to hit the perimeter shot really hurt Washington State. State had a chance to win it but they missed a 3 and Vandy got a fast break layup to seal it. Great game!
During this game, I check the scoreboard and VCU is down 19 and I'm thinking, Duke could have done this. Then, all of a sudden the lead started to shrink and rapidly might I add. VCU comes all the way back to tie it and then Levance Fields on Pitt was fouled with 2 seconds left. All he had to do was hit 1 free throw and he missed both. At that point, I felt VCU just had some magic. They ran out of gas in OT, took some ill advised shots and Levance Fields redeemed himself by hitting a huge 3-pointer. I'll admit I was rooting for VCU. I'm one of those guys who likes the team, unless it's Maryland or UNC, to advance far to validate the loss. In fact, until VCU lost today, Duke had lost in the tournament since 1998 to only teams that advanced to the Final 4:
1998: Kentucky (National Champ)
1999: UCONN (National Champ)
2000: Florida (Title Game)
2001: They didn't lose
2002: Indiana (Title Game)
2003: Kansas (Title Game)
2004: UCONN (National Champ)
2005: Michigan State (Final 4)
2006: LSU (Final 4)
Carolina struggled for about 34 minutes with Drew Neitzel and Michigan State but Hansbrough coupled with their ridiculous depth was too much for the Spartans. They will face the winner of Texas/USC in East Rutherford next week.
In the final game of the night, UCLA and Indiana appeared to be in a snoozer and an offensive struggle. Despite the lack of scoring, it felt like UCLA was in control of the game until Indiana went on a furious run to overcome a double-digit deficit to tie the game in the final minute. BUT, Aaron Affalo, say whatever you want about him and his putrid performance against Florida last season, but the team on his back and hit two big free throws that essentially sealed the win for the Bruins.
Hopefully, the good games will continue tomorrow. They were tremendous today. Probably, the best 2nd Round of the Tourney in a while that I can remember. Hopefully, Florida will go down tomorrow but I can't see it happening.
Again, Duke season recap will come later on as well as recruiting blogs and if anything on McRoberts breaks, I will be there...
Patrick Patterson, if you're reading this, we need you. Come to Duke, become the next Elton Brand and lead this team back to the Final 4 next year. Virginia will lose Reynolds and who knows about Singletary. That team will blow without them. Kentucky is bad fit for you. Tubby may get fired and Randolph Morris is the guy there. Florida is attractive but who will come back and who will leave? Finally, Wake Forest is an awful fit for you. They are too young and they won't be competing in the upper echelon of the ACC for a while. Go to Duke, they win national championships.
Ohio State, who had going to the Final 4, looked horrible against the Musketeers. I was sitting there at 59-50 kicking myself for picking the young Buckeyes. It was obvious that Xavier wanted nothing more than to hurt Thad Matta who abruptly left them 3 years ago. With 4 minutes left, it looked like they would. Then, they started the Duke offense. You can't take the air out of the ball with 4 minutes left and little by little, Ohio State chipped away. Then, after Greg Oden fouled out down 2 with 9 seconds left on a foul that should've been called an intentional foul, Justin Cage, one of those kids recruited by Matta had a chance to ice it and missed the second free throw. Ron Lewis hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game and Gus Johnson just reaffirmed why he is the greatest announcer out there right now with the "He's been fantasssssssssstic!" as Lewis hit the shot. Mike Conley took over in OT and Xavier had choked up their chance at taking down an in-state rival.
Maryland and Butler was another great game. Maryland really kicked me in the groin this year. First, they manhandle my Dukies twice this year and then I buy into the team and they lose to Butler. Now, I will admit Butler got every single break in this game including a horrible charge call on DJ Strawberry with 30 seconds left that would've tied the game. Then, Gary Williams had a brain freeze. He let Butler dribble the clock down to 5 seconds on the game clock down 2, which was an asinine move to say the least. In the NBA, you can get away with that because you can advance the ball to half court on a timeout. In college, you would have to get the rebound, call timeout, and then go 94 feet in 3 or 4 seconds just to tie the game. Horrible performance. Bye Mike Jones. Who? Bye DJ Strawberry. Bye Ekene Ibekwe. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. All I have to say is: Darryl, Darryl, Darryl!!
Texas A&M held on for dear life against a very talented but young Louisville team who inexplicable as a 6 seed was awarded 2 home games. Acie Law is the clutchest player in American and he was the difference. He, the senior came through at the end and Edgar "Don't call me Sammy" Sosa, the freshman, did not. Now, Texas A&M essentially gets two home games in San Antonio for a right to play in the Final 4. I like their chances...
BC as Steve Lavin would say are the Tinmen because they have no heart. All they do is complain and they blew a golden opportunity to take down a very over hyped Georgetown team that is getting significant press for a team that has a loss at home against Old Dominion.
The Vandy/Washington State game was an absolute classic and CBS did a great job going from this game to VCU/Pitt and then back to the Vandy game for Double OT. There was some questionable officiating in this game but in the end, Vandy's ability to hit the perimeter shot really hurt Washington State. State had a chance to win it but they missed a 3 and Vandy got a fast break layup to seal it. Great game!
During this game, I check the scoreboard and VCU is down 19 and I'm thinking, Duke could have done this. Then, all of a sudden the lead started to shrink and rapidly might I add. VCU comes all the way back to tie it and then Levance Fields on Pitt was fouled with 2 seconds left. All he had to do was hit 1 free throw and he missed both. At that point, I felt VCU just had some magic. They ran out of gas in OT, took some ill advised shots and Levance Fields redeemed himself by hitting a huge 3-pointer. I'll admit I was rooting for VCU. I'm one of those guys who likes the team, unless it's Maryland or UNC, to advance far to validate the loss. In fact, until VCU lost today, Duke had lost in the tournament since 1998 to only teams that advanced to the Final 4:
1998: Kentucky (National Champ)
1999: UCONN (National Champ)
2000: Florida (Title Game)
2001: They didn't lose
2002: Indiana (Title Game)
2003: Kansas (Title Game)
2004: UCONN (National Champ)
2005: Michigan State (Final 4)
2006: LSU (Final 4)
Carolina struggled for about 34 minutes with Drew Neitzel and Michigan State but Hansbrough coupled with their ridiculous depth was too much for the Spartans. They will face the winner of Texas/USC in East Rutherford next week.
In the final game of the night, UCLA and Indiana appeared to be in a snoozer and an offensive struggle. Despite the lack of scoring, it felt like UCLA was in control of the game until Indiana went on a furious run to overcome a double-digit deficit to tie the game in the final minute. BUT, Aaron Affalo, say whatever you want about him and his putrid performance against Florida last season, but the team on his back and hit two big free throws that essentially sealed the win for the Bruins.
Hopefully, the good games will continue tomorrow. They were tremendous today. Probably, the best 2nd Round of the Tourney in a while that I can remember. Hopefully, Florida will go down tomorrow but I can't see it happening.
Again, Duke season recap will come later on as well as recruiting blogs and if anything on McRoberts breaks, I will be there...
Patrick Patterson, if you're reading this, we need you. Come to Duke, become the next Elton Brand and lead this team back to the Final 4 next year. Virginia will lose Reynolds and who knows about Singletary. That team will blow without them. Kentucky is bad fit for you. Tubby may get fired and Randolph Morris is the guy there. Florida is attractive but who will come back and who will leave? Finally, Wake Forest is an awful fit for you. They are too young and they won't be competing in the upper echelon of the ACC for a while. Go to Duke, they win national championships.
Rammed!
Duke did make a deal with the devil when they won that Clemson game at the buzzer? Ever since that game, the Dukies have lost 3 games at the buzzer and another in OT. Last night had to be the worst though. Eric Maynor hit a jumper with 1.8 seconds left to seal the Blue Devils fate and end their rollercoaster season.
To me, this was the worst loss I've endured as a Duke fan since the 2004 National Semifinal game against UCONN when the Devils blew an 8-point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. However, at least then, there was only one game left in the college basketball season. Now, with Duke losing on the first day of the tournament, an event that is like Christmas for me, has lost most of its juice and it justs hurts to watch.
Let's face it though, if Duke was Superman then VCU was their kryptonite. They had the recipe to beat Duke: quick, athletic guards who could press. I know they beat my team but that team was the best mid-major I've seen all year. Sure, they were like any other mid-major with a lack of size in the middle but their guards were all major conference-type guards. They were skilled, they played defense, and they hit 3's. They were a championship team from that pesky Colonial and they showed it on Thursday night.
Now, to the complaining portion of the post, which always comes from me. Let's face it, if those officials call the game the way it's usually called, Duke wins that game. The officials let VCU hit and grab Duke and then after the whistle, let them take cheap shots after the whistle. The only one with any type of balls was Paulus who went right back at Maynor and then Maynor gave an elbow to Paulus' throat, which if a Duke player did that, the national media would be looking for a suspension. Then, Sheyer is bleeding from his eye and the entire VCU bench is laughing their asses off. With that said, Duke just ran into a team that had strengths could expose their weaknesses.
Greg Paulus, despite 5 turnovers, was tremendous scoring a career high 25 points. Josh McRoberts had the best game of his Duke career, which may have ended on Thursday night. I believe he will bounce to the NBA even though I think it would be wise for him to get another year to develop his outside shot and develop some sort of efficient post moves.
So, the season is over. It hurts just watching the games now but Duke will be back, as soon as next year. If Singler, King, and Smith are as good as advertised, they will be in the Top 5 next year. If Patrick Patterson picks Duke, they will get that low post presence that they so lacked this year.
However, there are some question marks going into next season. As of now, these are the players you can count on having back:
Greg Paulus
Jon Sheyer
DeMarcus Nelson
Gerald Henderson
David McClure
Now, I understand that more than that will come back but those are the definites. Here are the question marks:
Josh McRoberts: Will he jump to the NBA. Some around the program say he's already gone. Can Coach K convince him he needs another year? Will he stay because the draft will be loaded this year?
Lance Thomas: Rumors have been all over the place that Lance isn't happy at Duke and even though he denies it, I'm not sure I believe him. Ever since he was basically benched against Gonzaga in front of his hometown, I think he started having his doubts about his place at Duke. He could go to Rutgers and they would welcome him with open arms. I think he has the chance to an excellent player at Duke. Go back to the tape against Air Force. He was tremendous. He hit jump shots, he finished around the basket and he was on his way to becoming a star.
Brian Zoubek: Zoubek struggled all year with grasping the concept of man-to-man defense. Despite dominating McRoberts in the Blue-White scrimmage, Zoubek never showed how dominate we all thought he could be. He was called for traveling before he even got the ball sometimes. If McRoberts makes the jump and/or Patrick Patterson doesn't arrive in Durham, I expect him to hang around. If both stay, Zoubek will most likely transfer.
Martynas Pocius: He's a personal favorite of mine so this would hurt if he goes but let's face it, he is much too talented to be sitting at the end of the bench collecting dust. Sure, his minutes increased at the end of the year but with nothing but perimeter recruits coming in, he can't expect to his playing time increase. Pretty much every mid-major program in the nation would love to have him.
Season recap later this week...
To me, this was the worst loss I've endured as a Duke fan since the 2004 National Semifinal game against UCONN when the Devils blew an 8-point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. However, at least then, there was only one game left in the college basketball season. Now, with Duke losing on the first day of the tournament, an event that is like Christmas for me, has lost most of its juice and it justs hurts to watch.
Let's face it though, if Duke was Superman then VCU was their kryptonite. They had the recipe to beat Duke: quick, athletic guards who could press. I know they beat my team but that team was the best mid-major I've seen all year. Sure, they were like any other mid-major with a lack of size in the middle but their guards were all major conference-type guards. They were skilled, they played defense, and they hit 3's. They were a championship team from that pesky Colonial and they showed it on Thursday night.
Now, to the complaining portion of the post, which always comes from me. Let's face it, if those officials call the game the way it's usually called, Duke wins that game. The officials let VCU hit and grab Duke and then after the whistle, let them take cheap shots after the whistle. The only one with any type of balls was Paulus who went right back at Maynor and then Maynor gave an elbow to Paulus' throat, which if a Duke player did that, the national media would be looking for a suspension. Then, Sheyer is bleeding from his eye and the entire VCU bench is laughing their asses off. With that said, Duke just ran into a team that had strengths could expose their weaknesses.
Greg Paulus, despite 5 turnovers, was tremendous scoring a career high 25 points. Josh McRoberts had the best game of his Duke career, which may have ended on Thursday night. I believe he will bounce to the NBA even though I think it would be wise for him to get another year to develop his outside shot and develop some sort of efficient post moves.
So, the season is over. It hurts just watching the games now but Duke will be back, as soon as next year. If Singler, King, and Smith are as good as advertised, they will be in the Top 5 next year. If Patrick Patterson picks Duke, they will get that low post presence that they so lacked this year.
However, there are some question marks going into next season. As of now, these are the players you can count on having back:
Greg Paulus
Jon Sheyer
DeMarcus Nelson
Gerald Henderson
David McClure
Now, I understand that more than that will come back but those are the definites. Here are the question marks:
Josh McRoberts: Will he jump to the NBA. Some around the program say he's already gone. Can Coach K convince him he needs another year? Will he stay because the draft will be loaded this year?
Lance Thomas: Rumors have been all over the place that Lance isn't happy at Duke and even though he denies it, I'm not sure I believe him. Ever since he was basically benched against Gonzaga in front of his hometown, I think he started having his doubts about his place at Duke. He could go to Rutgers and they would welcome him with open arms. I think he has the chance to an excellent player at Duke. Go back to the tape against Air Force. He was tremendous. He hit jump shots, he finished around the basket and he was on his way to becoming a star.
Brian Zoubek: Zoubek struggled all year with grasping the concept of man-to-man defense. Despite dominating McRoberts in the Blue-White scrimmage, Zoubek never showed how dominate we all thought he could be. He was called for traveling before he even got the ball sometimes. If McRoberts makes the jump and/or Patrick Patterson doesn't arrive in Durham, I expect him to hang around. If both stay, Zoubek will most likely transfer.
Martynas Pocius: He's a personal favorite of mine so this would hurt if he goes but let's face it, he is much too talented to be sitting at the end of the bench collecting dust. Sure, his minutes increased at the end of the year but with nothing but perimeter recruits coming in, he can't expect to his playing time increase. Pretty much every mid-major program in the nation would love to have him.
Season recap later this week...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Let The Games Begin...
Why isn't this a national holiday? The most wonderful time of the year is back and better than ever. This year there are more national title contenders than ever and although the favorites seem to be defending champion Florida and upstart Ohio State, my bracket shows neither in the Championship game.
Since November, I've been telling anyone who would listen that Florida would not repeat. I still have the same feeling but I believe if they get to the Final 4, they will win it. So, that leaves them getting upset inside what most consider the easiest bracket. My upset of the tournament will be Maryland over Florida in the Sweet 16 because they can match their athleticism.
My Sweet 16 predictions are as followed:
Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Georgia Tech
Kansas, Virginia Tech, Duke, UCLA
Ohio St, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Memphis
UNC, Texas, Vandy, Georgetown
Elite 8:
Maryland, Oregon
Kansas, UCLA (sorry I cant see Duke pulling it out in Cali)
Ohio State, Texas A&M
UNC, Georgetown
Final 4:
Maryland
UCLA
Ohio State
North Carolina
Championship Game:
UCLA
North Carolina
National Champion:
UCLA
*Note* I believe if UNC gets to the title game, they will win it because of their superior depth but as a big Dukie, I couldn't do it. UCLA is a long shot but I believe they can win and not that many people will have it so if it happens, I will be golden in some pools.
Enjoy the games, recaps throughout the day...
Go Duke!
Since November, I've been telling anyone who would listen that Florida would not repeat. I still have the same feeling but I believe if they get to the Final 4, they will win it. So, that leaves them getting upset inside what most consider the easiest bracket. My upset of the tournament will be Maryland over Florida in the Sweet 16 because they can match their athleticism.
My Sweet 16 predictions are as followed:
Florida, Maryland, Oregon, Georgia Tech
Kansas, Virginia Tech, Duke, UCLA
Ohio St, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Memphis
UNC, Texas, Vandy, Georgetown
Elite 8:
Maryland, Oregon
Kansas, UCLA (sorry I cant see Duke pulling it out in Cali)
Ohio State, Texas A&M
UNC, Georgetown
Final 4:
Maryland
UCLA
Ohio State
North Carolina
Championship Game:
UCLA
North Carolina
National Champion:
UCLA
*Note* I believe if UNC gets to the title game, they will win it because of their superior depth but as a big Dukie, I couldn't do it. UCLA is a long shot but I believe they can win and not that many people will have it so if it happens, I will be golden in some pools.
Enjoy the games, recaps throughout the day...
Go Duke!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Can Duke Silence The Rams?
The brackets are out...Duke is a 6 seed in the West and play the VCU Rams in the 1st Round. I have seen a few VCU games since I'm a closet Colonial backer being a Hofstra alum. They are good, especially at the guard position. They have a guard Maynard, who could give Paulus a load of trouble.
If Duke can get by the Rams, look for them to play Pittsburgh even though the Panthers shouldn't sleep on Wright State who won the Horizon. Considering the way the Devils finished the year, this is a pretty good draw. They have a really good chance to advance to the 2nd weekend. After that, could be lights out with UCLA and Kansas looming.
BRB is very busy with midterms coming up but look for predictions around Wednesday night before the tournament. Go Devils!
If Duke can get by the Rams, look for them to play Pittsburgh even though the Panthers shouldn't sleep on Wright State who won the Horizon. Considering the way the Devils finished the year, this is a pretty good draw. They have a really good chance to advance to the 2nd weekend. After that, could be lights out with UCLA and Kansas looming.
BRB is very busy with midterms coming up but look for predictions around Wednesday night before the tournament. Go Devils!
Wolfpack Feeling Blue...
Baby Blue that is. Carolina held off a furious rally late by NC State to win the ACC Tournament Championship. Pretty fitting considering this was the best team in the ACC all year long. This victory should give UNC a #1 in the East Rutherford bracket.
After a gallant 4-day effort, NC State is NIT bound and now some bubble teams can breathe a little easier.
After a gallant 4-day effort, NC State is NIT bound and now some bubble teams can breathe a little easier.
Bubble Trouble...
I know it is said almost every year but I don't envy the committees job this year. To me, there are about 10 teams that could either be in or out, it's that close. I would love for Florida State to get in but I think the only way the ACC gets 8 bids is if NC State beats Carolina and earns the automatic bid.
Predictions (don't hold me to this)
Last 4 in:
Old Dominion- 2nd in CAA, 9-1 last 10, wins over Top 3 of CAA, win at Georgetown
Drexel - 14 road wins, wins at Nova, Cuse, Creighton, win over VCU
Purdue - Why? win over UVA, killed Illinois in only matchup, good showing yest v. Ohio St
Stanford - Why? 10 conf. wins, win at UVA, win over UCLA
Last 4 out:
Kansas State
Florida State
Illinois
West Virginia
*I doubt I'll be right but we'll see baby! College basketball, it's awesome baby with a Capital A!
Predictions (don't hold me to this)
Last 4 in:
Old Dominion- 2nd in CAA, 9-1 last 10, wins over Top 3 of CAA, win at Georgetown
Drexel - 14 road wins, wins at Nova, Cuse, Creighton, win over VCU
Purdue - Why? win over UVA, killed Illinois in only matchup, good showing yest v. Ohio St
Stanford - Why? 10 conf. wins, win at UVA, win over UCLA
Last 4 out:
Kansas State
Florida State
Illinois
West Virginia
*I doubt I'll be right but we'll see baby! College basketball, it's awesome baby with a Capital A!
PACKing For The NCAA?
The Wolfpack did it again by beating Virginia Tech last night. NC State will play North Carolina tomorrow for a right to make an improbable run to the NCAA Tournament. Pretty amazing considering if they lost to Duke on Thursday, they wouldn't have qualified for the NIT. 3 days makes a huge difference...
The Wolfpack suffered a blow on Saturday though when Atsur, their leader, re injured his hamstring and could really only go at about 50%.
Prediction: Even though they run a slow, deliberate pace, NC State will come up short. They won't be able to keep up with Carolina. It could stay close for a half or so but look for Carolina to win by 10-15 and take the ACC Title.
The Wolfpack suffered a blow on Saturday though when Atsur, their leader, re injured his hamstring and could really only go at about 50%.
Prediction: Even though they run a slow, deliberate pace, NC State will come up short. They won't be able to keep up with Carolina. It could stay close for a half or so but look for Carolina to win by 10-15 and take the ACC Title.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
BC Lays A DUD...
BC had no chance from the opening tip and Carolina is cruising through this tournament with relative ease. A team with this kind of depth is perfect for a tournament like this. The winner of VA Tech/NC State will struggle...
Hokie Dokie...
VA Tech blew out Wake Forest in the 2nd Half. This team could be dangerous come the Madness because of their Senior leadership. Even though they beat my Dukies, this is the feel good story of the year in the ACC after a tragic 2005-06 season. If everything goes according to plan tomorrow, we should see a third meeting between the Hokies and Carolina. Remember, VA Tech has beaten Carolina twice already this year and seems to have their number...
Even though it hurts to not see my Dukies, it really has been a great tournament so far.
Predictions for Saturday:
UNC by 12 over BC
VA Tech by 5 over NC State
Even though it hurts to not see my Dukies, it really has been a great tournament so far.
Predictions for Saturday:
UNC by 12 over BC
VA Tech by 5 over NC State
Enemy of the STATE?
NC State shocked the ACC again by beating Virginia. Bubble teams are hoping the Pack's run ends soon especially with Nevada and Xavier losing, essentially stealing two bids. Florida State could be on the outside looking in now...The NCAA Tournament will be the loser if they don't have Al Thorton to showcase.
Friday, March 9, 2007
BC-Ya Miami...
Miami gave another gallant effort today before running out of gas against BC 74-71. Studly Dudley was actually a non-factor today and the Eagles were saved by the hot shooting of Tyrese Rice. This game was very important for BC. A loss would have gotten them an 8 or a 9 seed, possibly a 10. If they can pull off the upset tomorrow against Carolina, who knows they could jump as high as a 5 or 6. Excellent effort by Miami, they will be a dangerous team next year if they can avoid the injury bug...
Swann Song?
Al Thorton and Isiah Swann picked a bad game to come up small as they were blown out by a much deeper North Carolina team. However, who's to blame? How about Coach Leonard Hamilton who just lost his mind at the end of the 1st Half leading to a technical foul, which completely shifted the momentum of the game.
In my opinion, FSU needs to get a bid here. They have 4 Top 25 wins. There is no other team on the bubble that can state that claim. If they get in, they could be dangerous...
In my opinion, FSU needs to get a bid here. They have 4 Top 25 wins. There is no other team on the bubble that can state that claim. If they get in, they could be dangerous...
WAKE Me Up Before You Go-Go
Wake Forest won an incredible 2OT thriller last night on a crazy first day of the ACC Tournament that saw all four lower seeds move onto the next round. This game was a pleasure to watch and this guy Hale was unbelievable scoring 22 points in OT. As for Georgia Tech, the talent is there but if they don't start D'ing up, they will be going home early as well...Don't believe this nonsense that they are on the bubble...
STATEment of Affairs
The NC State win over Duke last night just symbolized the whole season in a nutshell. Duke is too inexperienced and lacks a go-to guy. NC State, despite their struggles, looked to their Senior Atsur to step up in the 2nd Half and he did and Brandon Costner is one of the best players, not just freshmen, in the ACC.
This loss hurts. This probably drops Duke to at least a #7 seed in the tournament but maybe even a #8 or #9. That would mean that the Blue Devils would have to go through a #1 or #2 to make it to the 2nd weekend of the tournament, something they've done every year since 1997 when they lost to Providence in the 2nd Round. Even though I expect they will correct some of their defensive woes before the tournament, I can't see the Blue Devils making a big run in the tournament. Depending on their draw, they could easily get bounced in the 1st Round.
The loss of Gerald Henderson killed Duke because the foul trouble eventually caught up to them and cost them the game. However, their defense or lack there of, was more of the issue. They let NC State go up and down the floor as if they were Loyola Marymount from the early 90's.
What else can I say? I am disappointed with the way the season is winding down but there is still time to salvage it. Get back to basics on the defensive end, have a few guys step up and who knows...I'm not going to feel bad for this team because they are inexperienced. They still have 6 McDonalds All-Americans, a 7 footer, a guy who scores 20 a game for his Lithuanian team, and David McClure.
To be continued...
This loss hurts. This probably drops Duke to at least a #7 seed in the tournament but maybe even a #8 or #9. That would mean that the Blue Devils would have to go through a #1 or #2 to make it to the 2nd weekend of the tournament, something they've done every year since 1997 when they lost to Providence in the 2nd Round. Even though I expect they will correct some of their defensive woes before the tournament, I can't see the Blue Devils making a big run in the tournament. Depending on their draw, they could easily get bounced in the 1st Round.
The loss of Gerald Henderson killed Duke because the foul trouble eventually caught up to them and cost them the game. However, their defense or lack there of, was more of the issue. They let NC State go up and down the floor as if they were Loyola Marymount from the early 90's.
What else can I say? I am disappointed with the way the season is winding down but there is still time to salvage it. Get back to basics on the defensive end, have a few guys step up and who knows...I'm not going to feel bad for this team because they are inexperienced. They still have 6 McDonalds All-Americans, a 7 footer, a guy who scores 20 a game for his Lithuanian team, and David McClure.
To be continued...
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Miami Nice...
Miami shocked the ACC by beating Maryland. Give the Hurricanes credit but this is more because the Terps didn't show up. They were never mentally in the game. At one point, out of a timeout, Maryland came onto the floor with only 4 players. Just never mentally into it...That's two losses to last place Miami. Maryland now goes from a possible 3 seed to probably a 5 or a 6.
Questionable Call Buries Clemson
A phantom foul call with 1 second left, sent Al Thorton to the line. He made one of two free throws and Clemson loses another heart breaker. Clemson had a chance to hold for the final shot but Cliff Hammonds bounced the ball off his knee and the Tigers got called for a backcourt violation. Brutal loss...
Impressions of ACC Awards
Excuse me if I sound like Dickie V here but Christmas came early baby for Virginia Coach Dave Leitto when the ACC gave him Coach of the Year. How is he COY? Why, because they tied for first in the ACC when they had the weakest schedule in the conference. I'm sorry but a Coach that doesn't get his team up to beat Appalachian State and Purdue is not a very good coach not to mention losing to a very young Wake Forest team on the last day of the year when they had the title in their grasp. Also, don't forget, Singletary and Reynolds are NOT his guys. Pete Guillen, who got the ax at UVA, recruited those studs.
I know this is a Duke blog but how can you not give the award to Seth Greenberg from Virginia Tech. They had two wins over powerhouse Carolina and a win at Duke, the site of the heartbreaking Sean Dockery shot that probably doomed their season even if it was in early December. Seth has taken a football school and made it into a legitimate Final 4 contender in a very short period of time. His backcourt tandem is tremendous and their wing players are very underrated. He's built a solid program and this team finished 3rd in the ACC with all of Seth's players. Considering what happened to this program last season with all of the deaths, illnesses, and even having a player come down with cancer, this guy deserved the award and it sickens me that a man who abandoned his kids at Depaul (Leitto) could win this award.
As for the 1st team, I was dead on but the selections were pretty obvious. Maybe, DJ Strawberry and JR Reynolds deserved some consideration but they got the team right. As for POY, Dudley deserved it because he's been the heart and soul of that BC team. However, Al Thorton is clearly the best player in the ACC and he is by far the best pro prospect on that 1st-team list. Maybe, only Brandon Wright is a better pro prospect in the ACC altogether.
This Clemson/FSU game has been epic and you can see Thorton is trying to carry his team. The winner has a pulse, the loser flatlines. This is what March is all about.
Go Duke!
I know this is a Duke blog but how can you not give the award to Seth Greenberg from Virginia Tech. They had two wins over powerhouse Carolina and a win at Duke, the site of the heartbreaking Sean Dockery shot that probably doomed their season even if it was in early December. Seth has taken a football school and made it into a legitimate Final 4 contender in a very short period of time. His backcourt tandem is tremendous and their wing players are very underrated. He's built a solid program and this team finished 3rd in the ACC with all of Seth's players. Considering what happened to this program last season with all of the deaths, illnesses, and even having a player come down with cancer, this guy deserved the award and it sickens me that a man who abandoned his kids at Depaul (Leitto) could win this award.
As for the 1st team, I was dead on but the selections were pretty obvious. Maybe, DJ Strawberry and JR Reynolds deserved some consideration but they got the team right. As for POY, Dudley deserved it because he's been the heart and soul of that BC team. However, Al Thorton is clearly the best player in the ACC and he is by far the best pro prospect on that 1st-team list. Maybe, only Brandon Wright is a better pro prospect in the ACC altogether.
This Clemson/FSU game has been epic and you can see Thorton is trying to carry his team. The winner has a pulse, the loser flatlines. This is what March is all about.
Go Duke!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
ACC Tournament Preview/Predictions
The most wonderful time of the year is about to begin and the ACC Tournament is sort of like the cocktail hour before the main event. There are a number of storylines heading into this tournament such as how many bids will this league get, can Duke win without an athletic Henderson, will UNC show up and win the title, etc...
Thursday
Game #1: Clemson v. Florida State - This is essentially the most important game of the tournament. The winner keeps their NCAA hopes on life support while the loser packs their bags for the NIT. To me, since Clemson has struggled so much down the stretch, I think they need two wins over FSU and then North Carolina, which I can't see happening. For Florida State, they definitely need the one over Clemson but I think even a competitive showing against Carolina could put them in the dance. It all depends on these conference tournaments as well. So far, no one from these major conferences have stolen a bid from the majors but there is still time. Take a look at the Horizon Championship. If Wright State wins tonight, that's a two bid league. FSU will be rooting for Butler.
Game #2: Maryland v. Miami - Even though Miami actually beat Maryland on the road earlier in the year, this is a much different Maryland team that is clicking on all cylinders. Miami just isn't big enough or strong enough to compete with them. This will be a snoozer and Miami will finally be out of their misery after getting trounced in ACC play.
Game #3: Duke v. NC State - An interesting game considering these teams are much different than they were when they met on Januar 20th. Atsur makes NC State a much better team and Duke used his absence in the 1st game to force 20 turnovers. Conventional wisdom tells us to pick Duke in this tournament since they've dominated it in previous years but the task is this, beat NC State and end their season. If NC State wins, they qualify for the NIT, which is a pretty decent season considering their early departures, lack of depth, change of system.
Game #4: Georgia Tech v. Wake Forest - Some "experts" claim Tech still has work to do. They are dead wrong. A .500 in the ACC coupled with wins over BC, Duke, UNC, and a huge non-conference win over Memphis gets them in. However, it would serve them right to beat Wake because a loss to Wake would be considered a "bad loss". Wake Forest is young and they are still a year or two away. Getting Patrick Patterson could help them immensely but hopefully Duke gets him.
Predictions
FSU beats Clemson, Al Thorton doesn't want his career to end without ever making the dance.
Maryland blows out Miami
Duke edges NC State in a very tough game. Look for McRoberts to exploit their lack of size.
Georgia Tech blows out Wake
UNC edges a determined Florida State team
Maryland beats BC despite 35 from Jared Dudley
Georgia Tech uses their front court athleticism to beat Virginia Tech
Duke gets revenge over Virginia and exploits their soft middle
UNC avenges a late loss to Maryland by using their superior depth to wear down the Terps who had to play 3 straight days
Tech's athleticism coupled with an anti-Duke crowd proves to be too much and Tech wins it late
UNC wins the ACC Championship
Projected Seeds in the NCAA Tournament
UNC #1
Maryland #3
Virginia Tech #4
Georgia Tech #5
Duke #5
Virginia #6
BC #7
Florida State gets in and gets a #11
Thursday
Game #1: Clemson v. Florida State - This is essentially the most important game of the tournament. The winner keeps their NCAA hopes on life support while the loser packs their bags for the NIT. To me, since Clemson has struggled so much down the stretch, I think they need two wins over FSU and then North Carolina, which I can't see happening. For Florida State, they definitely need the one over Clemson but I think even a competitive showing against Carolina could put them in the dance. It all depends on these conference tournaments as well. So far, no one from these major conferences have stolen a bid from the majors but there is still time. Take a look at the Horizon Championship. If Wright State wins tonight, that's a two bid league. FSU will be rooting for Butler.
Game #2: Maryland v. Miami - Even though Miami actually beat Maryland on the road earlier in the year, this is a much different Maryland team that is clicking on all cylinders. Miami just isn't big enough or strong enough to compete with them. This will be a snoozer and Miami will finally be out of their misery after getting trounced in ACC play.
Game #3: Duke v. NC State - An interesting game considering these teams are much different than they were when they met on Januar 20th. Atsur makes NC State a much better team and Duke used his absence in the 1st game to force 20 turnovers. Conventional wisdom tells us to pick Duke in this tournament since they've dominated it in previous years but the task is this, beat NC State and end their season. If NC State wins, they qualify for the NIT, which is a pretty decent season considering their early departures, lack of depth, change of system.
Game #4: Georgia Tech v. Wake Forest - Some "experts" claim Tech still has work to do. They are dead wrong. A .500 in the ACC coupled with wins over BC, Duke, UNC, and a huge non-conference win over Memphis gets them in. However, it would serve them right to beat Wake because a loss to Wake would be considered a "bad loss". Wake Forest is young and they are still a year or two away. Getting Patrick Patterson could help them immensely but hopefully Duke gets him.
Predictions
FSU beats Clemson, Al Thorton doesn't want his career to end without ever making the dance.
Maryland blows out Miami
Duke edges NC State in a very tough game. Look for McRoberts to exploit their lack of size.
Georgia Tech blows out Wake
UNC edges a determined Florida State team
Maryland beats BC despite 35 from Jared Dudley
Georgia Tech uses their front court athleticism to beat Virginia Tech
Duke gets revenge over Virginia and exploits their soft middle
UNC avenges a late loss to Maryland by using their superior depth to wear down the Terps who had to play 3 straight days
Tech's athleticism coupled with an anti-Duke crowd proves to be too much and Tech wins it late
UNC wins the ACC Championship
Projected Seeds in the NCAA Tournament
UNC #1
Maryland #3
Virginia Tech #4
Georgia Tech #5
Duke #5
Virginia #6
BC #7
Florida State gets in and gets a #11
Monday, March 5, 2007
Shut Up Doyel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's amazing that Greg Doyel has a job at CBS Sportsline. Whatever happened to the media trying to maintain objectivity? I guess that notion never really exists. I mean just look at every news broadcast that's so blatantly slanted liberal or FoxNews that has a conservative agenda.
Coach K has won over 700 games in his career, he's went to 10 Final Four's, won 3 National Championships not to mention he is a humanitarian off the court. He built the Emily K Center to help underprivileged kids, look what he's done for the Jimmy V Fund, look how he took care of Jason Williams after the crash but yet, this prick Doyel has the nerve to be disrespectful to K in the ACC Teleconference. Go to Watson's site to hear the conference. He asks K why he didn't suspend Christian Laetneer for "stomping" on Timberlake in the Kentucky game that would later end in a Laetneer buzzer beater.
First, I'm not sure if it was really a stomp. Even if it was, there was no foul called on the play!!! Are you really going to suspend a player after he just went 10 for 10 from the line and a perfect 10 for 10 from the field and just sent your team to the Final Four? There isn't a coach in America that would've done it. Ask Jim Calhoun what he did when AJ Price and Marcus Williams stole those laptops. He suspended Price for the whole year (knowing he wouldn't play much coming back from a brain hemorrhage) but only suspended Williams until January 2nd, which so happened to be the start of conference play. Why the different suspension? Because he knew his team would've sucked without Williams and the suspension was total BS considering UCONN's weak non-conference schedule early on outside of a trip to Maui in November.
Why can't everyone just leave this Henderson thing alone? He didn't do it on purpose. Reyshawn Terry and Bobby Frasor don't think he did along with Roy Williams. I'm so sick of this talk already. Amazingly, this incident took away from Henderson's great game and emergence as a go-to guy for Duke down the stretch. But, this post isn't about the game. It's about this Doyel who has always had an axe to grind when it has come to Duke. He openly criticized K for telling McRoberts to stay last year. He claims it cost him millions of dollars. Yes, temporarily it did but have you seen how raw McRoberts really is? He would've played sparingly or not at all in the pros this year. He needs college to develop a jumper, some post moves, and add some muscle. He'll do that and when he goes to the pros, he'll be more equipped than last year where he barely was the 4th option on Duke's team.
FU Doyel!
Coach K has won over 700 games in his career, he's went to 10 Final Four's, won 3 National Championships not to mention he is a humanitarian off the court. He built the Emily K Center to help underprivileged kids, look what he's done for the Jimmy V Fund, look how he took care of Jason Williams after the crash but yet, this prick Doyel has the nerve to be disrespectful to K in the ACC Teleconference. Go to Watson's site to hear the conference. He asks K why he didn't suspend Christian Laetneer for "stomping" on Timberlake in the Kentucky game that would later end in a Laetneer buzzer beater.
First, I'm not sure if it was really a stomp. Even if it was, there was no foul called on the play!!! Are you really going to suspend a player after he just went 10 for 10 from the line and a perfect 10 for 10 from the field and just sent your team to the Final Four? There isn't a coach in America that would've done it. Ask Jim Calhoun what he did when AJ Price and Marcus Williams stole those laptops. He suspended Price for the whole year (knowing he wouldn't play much coming back from a brain hemorrhage) but only suspended Williams until January 2nd, which so happened to be the start of conference play. Why the different suspension? Because he knew his team would've sucked without Williams and the suspension was total BS considering UCONN's weak non-conference schedule early on outside of a trip to Maui in November.
Why can't everyone just leave this Henderson thing alone? He didn't do it on purpose. Reyshawn Terry and Bobby Frasor don't think he did along with Roy Williams. I'm so sick of this talk already. Amazingly, this incident took away from Henderson's great game and emergence as a go-to guy for Duke down the stretch. But, this post isn't about the game. It's about this Doyel who has always had an axe to grind when it has come to Duke. He openly criticized K for telling McRoberts to stay last year. He claims it cost him millions of dollars. Yes, temporarily it did but have you seen how raw McRoberts really is? He would've played sparingly or not at all in the pros this year. He needs college to develop a jumper, some post moves, and add some muscle. He'll do that and when he goes to the pros, he'll be more equipped than last year where he barely was the 4th option on Duke's team.
FU Doyel!
Psycho G?
After watching this fouled heard around the world by Gerald Henderson over and over again, I have concluded that he, in no possible way, did that on purpose. Yes, of course, I am biased but believe it or not, my first reaction to the first replay CBS showed was that it may have been done intentionally. That was in normal motion. BUT, in slow motion, you can tell that he didn't do intentionally and that once Psycho T lost the ball he tried to change his motion and his elbow got in the way of Hansbrough's face. A few thoughts on the foul:
1) It should've been called a flagrant foul.
2) I don't like this garbage that it warrants an automatic suspension. I mean can you compare that foul to the groin punch Chris Paul gave Julius Hodge a few years ago? No, you can't but they both got 1 game suspensions. Where is the justice there?
3) Psycho T had it coming. Not that I wanted him to get hurt because believe it or not, I like the energy he plays with. BUT, you miss a free throw, up 12, with 15 seconds and you run and grab your own rebound? Then, to boot, you try to go up and throw down an emphatic dunk to rub it in Duke's face? What did he expect? Duke has pride and I know exactly what Henderson was trying to do. He went up as hard as he could and he was going to block that ball as hard as he could right back in his face but obviously that didn't happen.
For anyone to come on TV and say this is a black eye for Duke is an absolute joke. It was unfortunate but why didn't anyone say that about David Noel's foul on Luol Deng a few years back that knocked him unconscious and was done blatantly on purpose? Why wasn't that a black eye for UNC basketball? Or what about Matt Doherty dropping the "N" bomb towards Andre Buckner in 2003, which caused Johnny Dawkins to not shake his hand in the following game? Why wasn't that a black eye? This incident is the latest attempt for all the Duke haters to take aim at a rarely vulnerable Duke team. I'm going to say this once and one time only, GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM NOW BECAUSE THIS TEAM, NO NO NO WAIT, THIS PROGRAM WILL BE BACK TO POWERHOUSE STATUS AS SOON AS NEXT YEAR!!!
This season North Carolina is a much better, much deeper team than Duke and I believe they have a great shot at winning the national title. This season Duke should just tip their cap to Carolina and call them their daddy but don't get used to it. With nobody leaving this years team, (if McRoberts leaves, he has a brain tumor), then add 3, possibly 4 five-star recruits and next year you have a team to be reckoned with.
Believe it or not, there actually was a game. I'm not so sure I stand by the statements the media is making that Carolina kicked their ass. To me, the game was closer than the final score, it just got away from Duke in the last 8 minutes or so. I thought Greg Paulus was terrific...again. Given the number of attempts he gets during the game, he's really starting to shoot the ball with Redick-like efficiency. He hit one fade away from behind the basket that was beautiful and cut the lead to 50-48. Duke had a chance to tie the game on the next possession but David McClure couldn't handle the pass Greg Paulus and Hansbrough got a 3-point play on the other side of the floor. Speaking of Hansbrough, he was like Sean May out there. He was spectacular and that performance may give him the POY Award in the ACC considering Dudley, Singletary, and Dowdell all lost games they should've won this weekend. What can I say? I loved Duke's effort yesterday. You can't blame their effort but lets face it, they don't have the front court depth to stay with Carolina for a full 40 minutes.
Also, let's admit Duke had a lot of things working against them yesterday:
1) UNC is better and more talented
2) A win would give Roy his 100th win at Carolina
3) It was their Senior Day
4) UNC had lost two straight games
5) A #1 seed and actually a bye in the ACC Tourney was on the line
Next up for Duke is NC State in the ACC Tournament on Thursday. Even without Henderson, I look for Duke to win the game. BUT, this game won't be as easy as the first and only meeting this season when Duke absolutely hosed NC State at home. Atsur is back in the lineup, they run a pro-style offense and they have the capability to beat anyone in the nation, just ask Carolina. I do think Duke will bounce back though in a big way and I also like how their bracket shaped up for the Tourney. I can certainly envision a scenario where Duke goes to the Championship Game on Sunday. If they beat NC State, they would play Virginia and I know Duke is dying for a rematch after they let that game get away that essentially started their downfall this season. If they get by UVA, they would play wither GA Tech or VA Tech, which is certainly a winnable game as well. But, first thing is first. Beat NC State.
Prediction: Duke 70 NC State 61
1) It should've been called a flagrant foul.
2) I don't like this garbage that it warrants an automatic suspension. I mean can you compare that foul to the groin punch Chris Paul gave Julius Hodge a few years ago? No, you can't but they both got 1 game suspensions. Where is the justice there?
3) Psycho T had it coming. Not that I wanted him to get hurt because believe it or not, I like the energy he plays with. BUT, you miss a free throw, up 12, with 15 seconds and you run and grab your own rebound? Then, to boot, you try to go up and throw down an emphatic dunk to rub it in Duke's face? What did he expect? Duke has pride and I know exactly what Henderson was trying to do. He went up as hard as he could and he was going to block that ball as hard as he could right back in his face but obviously that didn't happen.
For anyone to come on TV and say this is a black eye for Duke is an absolute joke. It was unfortunate but why didn't anyone say that about David Noel's foul on Luol Deng a few years back that knocked him unconscious and was done blatantly on purpose? Why wasn't that a black eye for UNC basketball? Or what about Matt Doherty dropping the "N" bomb towards Andre Buckner in 2003, which caused Johnny Dawkins to not shake his hand in the following game? Why wasn't that a black eye? This incident is the latest attempt for all the Duke haters to take aim at a rarely vulnerable Duke team. I'm going to say this once and one time only, GET IT OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM NOW BECAUSE THIS TEAM, NO NO NO WAIT, THIS PROGRAM WILL BE BACK TO POWERHOUSE STATUS AS SOON AS NEXT YEAR!!!
This season North Carolina is a much better, much deeper team than Duke and I believe they have a great shot at winning the national title. This season Duke should just tip their cap to Carolina and call them their daddy but don't get used to it. With nobody leaving this years team, (if McRoberts leaves, he has a brain tumor), then add 3, possibly 4 five-star recruits and next year you have a team to be reckoned with.
Believe it or not, there actually was a game. I'm not so sure I stand by the statements the media is making that Carolina kicked their ass. To me, the game was closer than the final score, it just got away from Duke in the last 8 minutes or so. I thought Greg Paulus was terrific...again. Given the number of attempts he gets during the game, he's really starting to shoot the ball with Redick-like efficiency. He hit one fade away from behind the basket that was beautiful and cut the lead to 50-48. Duke had a chance to tie the game on the next possession but David McClure couldn't handle the pass Greg Paulus and Hansbrough got a 3-point play on the other side of the floor. Speaking of Hansbrough, he was like Sean May out there. He was spectacular and that performance may give him the POY Award in the ACC considering Dudley, Singletary, and Dowdell all lost games they should've won this weekend. What can I say? I loved Duke's effort yesterday. You can't blame their effort but lets face it, they don't have the front court depth to stay with Carolina for a full 40 minutes.
Also, let's admit Duke had a lot of things working against them yesterday:
1) UNC is better and more talented
2) A win would give Roy his 100th win at Carolina
3) It was their Senior Day
4) UNC had lost two straight games
5) A #1 seed and actually a bye in the ACC Tourney was on the line
Next up for Duke is NC State in the ACC Tournament on Thursday. Even without Henderson, I look for Duke to win the game. BUT, this game won't be as easy as the first and only meeting this season when Duke absolutely hosed NC State at home. Atsur is back in the lineup, they run a pro-style offense and they have the capability to beat anyone in the nation, just ask Carolina. I do think Duke will bounce back though in a big way and I also like how their bracket shaped up for the Tourney. I can certainly envision a scenario where Duke goes to the Championship Game on Sunday. If they beat NC State, they would play Virginia and I know Duke is dying for a rematch after they let that game get away that essentially started their downfall this season. If they get by UVA, they would play wither GA Tech or VA Tech, which is certainly a winnable game as well. But, first thing is first. Beat NC State.
Prediction: Duke 70 NC State 61
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Critically ACC-laimed?
I'm glad Georgia Tech beat Carolina tonight. Why? Because without that W, this league was going to get royally screwed come Tournament Selection time. I have watched college basketball all year long and although I am slightly biased, the ACC is by far and away the best conference in the nation. Don't give me this nonsense about the PAC-10, please. And, pleaseeeee don't get me started with the Big LEast. I don't care if they expand to 24 teams by the end of the year, for them to get more bids than the ACC is a flat out joke. Their schedule is so unbalanced that teams don't even play each other during a given year. How ridiculous is that? So, what, some teams can beat up on South Florida and Seton Hall twice while others don't even get the chance to? That's a load of garbage.
Out of 12 teams, 9 of them have an RPI inside 45, which is astounding. Take a look at a team like Clemson for example. This team breezed to a 17-0 record beating a number of solid opponents even though I will say some of them were cupcakes and now they are 20-9, on the outside looking in. Newsflash: this team is one of the best 65 teams in the country and they will get left out because the conference beat the Hell out of them not to mention they got a couple of unlucky breaks.
As it stands right now, I have a feeling with the Tech win tonight, the ACC will grab 7 teams but I think it would be a travesty if they didn't at least send 8 to the Tourney. If Florida State gets Toney Douglas back and they win two games in the ACC Tournament then they could get in with big wins at Duke and Florida.
What's amazing about the way it stands in the ACC right now, I think Florida State has a great chance to get there. If they get by Clemson, by the way the ACC Tournament is in Florida so there you go, which I think they would because they matchup very well against them, they would play Virginia the next day and I will go out on a limb and say not only could they beat them but they should beat them because they are the better team. I know what you're saying: How can FSU be better than first place UVA? Same thing as I said before but at a much smaller scale with the Big LEast, UVA got a chance to play NC State, Wake, and Miami all twice.
Here are the matchups if the season ended today. Note UNC would win the 3 way tiebreaker over VA Tech and BC because of overall record. If UNC and Va Tech end the season tied only, VA Tech takes the tiebreaker because of the two wins.
1. Virginia (Bye)
2. UNC (Bye)
3. VA Tech (Bye)
4. BC (Bye)
5. Maryland v. 12. Miami
6. Duke v. 11. Wake Forest
7. Georgia Tech v. 10. NC State
8. Clemson v. 9. FSU
Predictions (Remember this could change)
1. Virginia v. 9. FSU (essentially booting Clemson to the NIT)
2. UNC v. 7. Georgia Tech
3. VA Tech v. 6. Duke (You know Paulus is dying for that rematch after that pitiful performance)
4. BC v. 5. Maryland
Predictions:
9. FSU (that puts them in the tourney, I dont care that UVA lost to Appalachian State) v. 5. Maryland (eventually they will throw out a dud but how can you bet against them right now)
6. Duke v. 2. UNC (With a #1 on the line for UNC, you would expect a solid effort but can they beat Duke 3 times in one year?)
Predictions:
5. Maryland v. 2. UNC (FSU and Duke run out of gas)
Champion: 2. UNC avenges an 89-87 loss earlier in the year and ends Marylands winning streak
*NOTE* If this scenario plays out, there is no way this conference doesn't land 8 teams in the big dance. It would be a crime if they got anything less.
END OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
ACC POY: Slight edge to Jared Dudley because he put the team on his back after they lost Sean Williams to a suspension. Even though I would love to give it to Dowdell or Singletary because they are two of the most explosive guards in the country.
ACC Coach of the Year: Without a doubt, it has to be Seth Greenberg. Two wins over Carolina and at Duke earns you the award. Not to mention keeping this team together after all of the tragedy it went through last year. Sorry Dave Leitto, did you really think I would give it to you after losing to Appalachian State?
ACC Rookie of the Year: Coming into the year, the consensus was that it would be either Thaddeus Young or Brandon Wright. My pick is a bit of a darkhorse and I hate to do it: Vasquez from Maryland, he makes them go and ever since he started playing well, they have looked unbeatable. I wish I could give it to Jon Sheyer but I cant.
First-Team All ACC:
G- Sean Singletary (UVA)
G- Zabien Dowdell (VA Tech)
F- Jared Dudley (BC)
F- Al Thorton (FSU)
C- Tyler Hansbrough (UNC, and vastly overrated)
*Let me know who you would choose over these guys.
Out of 12 teams, 9 of them have an RPI inside 45, which is astounding. Take a look at a team like Clemson for example. This team breezed to a 17-0 record beating a number of solid opponents even though I will say some of them were cupcakes and now they are 20-9, on the outside looking in. Newsflash: this team is one of the best 65 teams in the country and they will get left out because the conference beat the Hell out of them not to mention they got a couple of unlucky breaks.
As it stands right now, I have a feeling with the Tech win tonight, the ACC will grab 7 teams but I think it would be a travesty if they didn't at least send 8 to the Tourney. If Florida State gets Toney Douglas back and they win two games in the ACC Tournament then they could get in with big wins at Duke and Florida.
What's amazing about the way it stands in the ACC right now, I think Florida State has a great chance to get there. If they get by Clemson, by the way the ACC Tournament is in Florida so there you go, which I think they would because they matchup very well against them, they would play Virginia the next day and I will go out on a limb and say not only could they beat them but they should beat them because they are the better team. I know what you're saying: How can FSU be better than first place UVA? Same thing as I said before but at a much smaller scale with the Big LEast, UVA got a chance to play NC State, Wake, and Miami all twice.
Here are the matchups if the season ended today. Note UNC would win the 3 way tiebreaker over VA Tech and BC because of overall record. If UNC and Va Tech end the season tied only, VA Tech takes the tiebreaker because of the two wins.
1. Virginia (Bye)
2. UNC (Bye)
3. VA Tech (Bye)
4. BC (Bye)
5. Maryland v. 12. Miami
6. Duke v. 11. Wake Forest
7. Georgia Tech v. 10. NC State
8. Clemson v. 9. FSU
Predictions (Remember this could change)
1. Virginia v. 9. FSU (essentially booting Clemson to the NIT)
2. UNC v. 7. Georgia Tech
3. VA Tech v. 6. Duke (You know Paulus is dying for that rematch after that pitiful performance)
4. BC v. 5. Maryland
Predictions:
9. FSU (that puts them in the tourney, I dont care that UVA lost to Appalachian State) v. 5. Maryland (eventually they will throw out a dud but how can you bet against them right now)
6. Duke v. 2. UNC (With a #1 on the line for UNC, you would expect a solid effort but can they beat Duke 3 times in one year?)
Predictions:
5. Maryland v. 2. UNC (FSU and Duke run out of gas)
Champion: 2. UNC avenges an 89-87 loss earlier in the year and ends Marylands winning streak
*NOTE* If this scenario plays out, there is no way this conference doesn't land 8 teams in the big dance. It would be a crime if they got anything less.
END OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
ACC POY: Slight edge to Jared Dudley because he put the team on his back after they lost Sean Williams to a suspension. Even though I would love to give it to Dowdell or Singletary because they are two of the most explosive guards in the country.
ACC Coach of the Year: Without a doubt, it has to be Seth Greenberg. Two wins over Carolina and at Duke earns you the award. Not to mention keeping this team together after all of the tragedy it went through last year. Sorry Dave Leitto, did you really think I would give it to you after losing to Appalachian State?
ACC Rookie of the Year: Coming into the year, the consensus was that it would be either Thaddeus Young or Brandon Wright. My pick is a bit of a darkhorse and I hate to do it: Vasquez from Maryland, he makes them go and ever since he started playing well, they have looked unbeatable. I wish I could give it to Jon Sheyer but I cant.
First-Team All ACC:
G- Sean Singletary (UVA)
G- Zabien Dowdell (VA Tech)
F- Jared Dudley (BC)
F- Al Thorton (FSU)
C- Tyler Hansbrough (UNC, and vastly overrated)
*Let me know who you would choose over these guys.
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