Amid (probably true) allegations that UConn broke NCAA recruiting rules with their pursuit of Nate Miles, the Huskies have made the Final Four for the third time in school history out of the West Regionals, winning the title in each of their first two appearances. But the coverage on UConn hasn't focused on the fact that the Huskies have been playing their best ball of the season, it has been all about the recruiting violations and first-round dehydration, fair or not.
As for the dehydration, it's no longer an issue clearly as it didn't slow UConn at all. Calhoun has had a series of health issues over his career, so let's move on to the recruiting allegations.
First of all, just incase you weren't aware, true or not, UConn won't have to forfeit any wins because of said violations. This is because Miles never suited up for UConn as he was kicked out of school before the season started. Not all that surprising considering Miles played for five different schools in his high school career.
It's also no surprise that Calhoun went after a player like him. Incredible talent but a little thug criminal. The only thing is, most of those players have worked out for Calhoun as they've proven that their ill ways were in the past. Just look at players like Caron Butler, Taliek Brown, and AJ Price as examples of kids who have had tough pasts but moved on from them. I could list more, but I'm trying to keep this post on the shorter side...
But Calhoun makes an excellent point in his defense of himself and his program. I haven't nor do I plan on reading the rules and regulations on recruiting NCAA players (that is until Kentucky changes their mind on Callipari and choses to hire me...) but I would believe that they change every season. It is entirely possible that a mistake was made. Now wether it was an honest mistake or an intentional mistake, that is where the investigation comes into play.
I was discussing this with a friend at work and he made an excellent point about all of this. In the world of Blackberrys and iPhones, what's the difference between getting an email and a text? Point of origin? Length? The fact that those who are cheap can't get emails on their phone because their phone cost them $10? (That may or may not be in reference to me spending $10 on my new phone because I don't care about my phone.)
I ask this because there is no limit on the amount of texts an athlete can receive from a coach or program yet there is on emails and calls. Things like this are why the mistake may have been of the honest variety as that seems like a random set of rules from the NCAA, especially since texts have come to dominate modern communication.
I'm not saying it was or wasn't an honest mistake, just that it could be. And besides, I'm sure every school breaks recruiting rules at times, it's just that most of them don't get caught. Everyone cheats to some degree in every sport. The Patriots aren't the only team that tapes other teams signals, they're just the ones that got caught. Why else would every coach and co-ordinator cover their mouth while calling every play?
And do you think college athletes really aren't paid? I've heard stories of athletes getting $5,000 a semester from the school for books. I spent about $3000 over eight semesters through my college career, and I wasn't a communications major. Not to mention all the athletes get "college housing" which probably consists of a plush, huge apartment that's fully furnished and probably 10 times nicer then my apartment.
The same friend I have at work always jokes with me that Calhoun has made such a great program because he pays his players enough. But he just does that to bust my chops because he knows how much of a UConn fan I am. He knows everyone gets paid, he just likes picking on UConn to bust my balls.
Again, Calhoun or another UConn official probably broke some rules. I just am annoyed that for the second year in a row, a team I support is getting attacked while pursuing a championship when allegations could be made at any time. Remember how Randy Moss beat some woman last year and the allegations came out right before the Super Bowl? Remember how they tuned out to be made up? Glad that came out right when it did. Marvin Harrison though, and the possibility that he was involved in a shooting, nah, let's just sweep that under the rug and deal with it after the season. After all, it was just a shooting right?
But because of these allegations, combined with the season UConn has had, I wouldn't be surprised to see Jim Calhoun retire after this season. The man has nothing left to prove in the coaching world. He's already in the Hall of Fame. He has pumped out NBA All Stars, champions, and future HoF'ers. He recorded his 800th win earlier this season (imagine if Miles had played and he had to give back his 800th win). He turned a small, Yankee-conference team into a national power. The man is a god in Connecticut. But most importantly, he has coached two national champions and has a shot as a third. I'd say Calhoun's legacy is secure.
But he has also had his issues. He has yelled and sworn at the press. I mean, you can just look back a couple of months for one example, when Calhoun tells a reporter to "just shut up" when being asked about being the highest paid state employee in Connecticut. Calhoun has also had many health issues over his tenure at UConn including a few bouts with cancer. As I alluded to earlier, he missed the first round of the NCAA's this year while being in the hospital because of dehydration. Calhoun may be the model of coaching, but not so much in the health department.
So how surprising would it be to see Calhoun retire after this season? His contract has a couple years left on it, but with everything swirling around him, how nice would it be for him to go out on top? In talking with my dad and college room mate, both die-hard UConn fans, they both see it happening if UConn wins it all, and maybe even if they don't. I'm not 100% sure on it, mainly because of how competitive Calhoun is, but I sure wouldn't be surprised to see it happen.
Only time will tell if he actually leaves, but if he leaves, he could take the success of UConn with him. The man who replaces Calhoun will be under enormous pressure in the Northeast to repeat Calhoun's success. They will need to be able to recruit all those great New York guards Calhoun has been able to continuously get to come to Storrs.
But that is in the future, the Final Four is right now. The bad thing for MSU, UNC, and Nova fans is this. UConn now has the biggest 'we gotta win this for coach' chip on their shoulder in recent memory because of all that Calhoun and the program have gone through in just the last four games. But they play the games for a reason, and a chip on your shoulder doesn't mean anything if you can't execute.
And just for the fun of it, here's some great Calhoun press conferences.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thoughts on the Sweet 16
Two rounds are in the books in the NCAA Men's basketball tournament. And what a two rounds it's been. We've seen a double-overtime thriller between Ohio State and Siena (probably the best game so far), thirteen-seed Cleveland State upsetting the four-seed Wake Forest in the first round, and three of the four 12-seeds upsetting the five-seed they were paired with in their first round with one of those 12-seeds (Arizona) making it all the way to the Sweet 16.
What have we learned so far in the tournament? First off, it's good to be a top seed this year. For the first time ever, all 12 teams with a one-, two-, or three-seed made it to the Sweet 16. Of the two four-seeds not to make the second weekend, one was beaten by a five-seed, which isn't exactly a major upset. However, all the top-seeds haven't looked invincible, but they have won their games which will give them time to return to form.
Pittsburgh, everyone's trendy pick to win it all, hasn't looked good at all. Levance Fields' injury has to be way worse then anyone at Pitt thought it was or revealed to the press because he has looked terrible. His stats haven't looked too bad, but he just hasn't looked the player that helped lead the Panthers to their first ever #1 ranking in the polls.
It hasn't helped the Panthers that Fields' backcourt mate Jermaine Dixon has been terrible, shooting just 1-7 from the field in two games while racking up as many turnovers as assists. Not exactly what one would hope for from a player who averaged 8.7 ppg and 2.1 apg. Luckily for the Panthers, Blair has been his usual dominant self and Sam Young has been a stud in the first two games. That being said, the Panthers will need Fields to get better in a hurry and for Dixon to remember how to play ball if they want to cut the nets down in the Banknorth Garden and move on to Detroit.
UNC and Louisville have both looked impressive but somewhat vulnerable. UNC is still obviously hurting from Lawson's injury, but they've been able to overcome it. With Gonzaga on their plate however, they will need Lawson to return to form. They might have enough in them to beat the Zags with Lawson at less then his normal self, but they'll need him against the winner of Oklahoma and Syracuse.
Both Oklahoma and 'Cuse have looked pretty good in their weekend of games, but in different ways, or more, because of spectacular play from opposite positions. Blake Griffin doesn't look to be showing any lingering effects from his concussion (though that is one hard foul or dive after a loose ball from changing) and Johnny Flynn has played like he always does, great. Too bad 'Cuse still have Devendorf, otherwise I could really get behind this team.
And don't think I'm just a jaded UConn fan bashing Devendorf. In asking any of my friends what they think of Devendorf, I get one of two responses. The first is "I hate him" and the second is "Who's he? I don't care about college basketball at all. Why are you asking me this?" The second group actually I can't consider friends until March ends... I'm only half kidding. But included in the first group of Devendorf haters are Syracuse alumni. If the alumni even hate him, what chance does the nation have? Sorry Devendorf, but that's what you get for being a drug-dealer who beats women.
Duke still has yet to impress me. They were very close to being upset by Texas, and probably should have been. They have won the same way they have all year, being money from deep, but that won't last. It can't last. Can it?
I mean, Duke has gotten absolutely nothing from their front court except for foul trouble. If they go cold on a given night, their run will end. The one question remaining is, will they be able to stay hot? They've done it all season long, so how hard would it be to believe that they could keep hitting for four more games? They're still the hardest team for me to figure out because even more so then usual for a Duke team, this year's squad is entirely reliant on the deep ball.
I'm sticking with UConn, Louisville, Oklahoma, and Villanova to meet in Detroit though. You may have noticed it took me this long to mention UConn, even though they have become the clear favorites to win it all based on their domination of Chatanooga and Texas A&M. Frankly, I'm not surprised as even without Dyson I liked them to win it all, but that was before Stanley Robinson started playing to a level he is capable of athletically but has never really achieved. Plus, AJ Price has been down right nasty and is my new co-favorite to win the tournament MOP with Jeff Adrien.
But the reason I won't further discuss UConn beating Oklahoma in the finals is because UConn has already dominated the tournament, and not just because of their play. Between Jim Calhoun being in the hospital during the Chatanooga game because of dehydration and now the recruiting scandal, UConn has gotten enough publicity. Anyways, I'll probably add to that publicity anyways tomorrow...
But that's where we stand, about the same as we were a week ago. But what do you expect to happen in a tournament so devoid of upsets? The teams that were the best at the beginning are still the best (except Pitt which has lost its luster, which helps Duke, even if I don't know how they are winning) since they're all still in it. The door didn't open up randomly for anyone because all the better teams are still there.
After all, the only upset in the second round was #5 Purdue over #4 Washington. Arizona is the highest seeded team remaining at #12, but they beat #13 Cleveland State in round two. Still some great basketball being played, but the higher seeds have kept winning the nail biters. So, as this tournament advances to its second weekend with the clock past midnight on Cinderella, I still look forward to the last two weeks of the best month in sports. I suggest you do too.
What have we learned so far in the tournament? First off, it's good to be a top seed this year. For the first time ever, all 12 teams with a one-, two-, or three-seed made it to the Sweet 16. Of the two four-seeds not to make the second weekend, one was beaten by a five-seed, which isn't exactly a major upset. However, all the top-seeds haven't looked invincible, but they have won their games which will give them time to return to form.
Pittsburgh, everyone's trendy pick to win it all, hasn't looked good at all. Levance Fields' injury has to be way worse then anyone at Pitt thought it was or revealed to the press because he has looked terrible. His stats haven't looked too bad, but he just hasn't looked the player that helped lead the Panthers to their first ever #1 ranking in the polls.
It hasn't helped the Panthers that Fields' backcourt mate Jermaine Dixon has been terrible, shooting just 1-7 from the field in two games while racking up as many turnovers as assists. Not exactly what one would hope for from a player who averaged 8.7 ppg and 2.1 apg. Luckily for the Panthers, Blair has been his usual dominant self and Sam Young has been a stud in the first two games. That being said, the Panthers will need Fields to get better in a hurry and for Dixon to remember how to play ball if they want to cut the nets down in the Banknorth Garden and move on to Detroit.
UNC and Louisville have both looked impressive but somewhat vulnerable. UNC is still obviously hurting from Lawson's injury, but they've been able to overcome it. With Gonzaga on their plate however, they will need Lawson to return to form. They might have enough in them to beat the Zags with Lawson at less then his normal self, but they'll need him against the winner of Oklahoma and Syracuse.
Both Oklahoma and 'Cuse have looked pretty good in their weekend of games, but in different ways, or more, because of spectacular play from opposite positions. Blake Griffin doesn't look to be showing any lingering effects from his concussion (though that is one hard foul or dive after a loose ball from changing) and Johnny Flynn has played like he always does, great. Too bad 'Cuse still have Devendorf, otherwise I could really get behind this team.
And don't think I'm just a jaded UConn fan bashing Devendorf. In asking any of my friends what they think of Devendorf, I get one of two responses. The first is "I hate him" and the second is "Who's he? I don't care about college basketball at all. Why are you asking me this?" The second group actually I can't consider friends until March ends... I'm only half kidding. But included in the first group of Devendorf haters are Syracuse alumni. If the alumni even hate him, what chance does the nation have? Sorry Devendorf, but that's what you get for being a drug-dealer who beats women.
Duke still has yet to impress me. They were very close to being upset by Texas, and probably should have been. They have won the same way they have all year, being money from deep, but that won't last. It can't last. Can it?
I mean, Duke has gotten absolutely nothing from their front court except for foul trouble. If they go cold on a given night, their run will end. The one question remaining is, will they be able to stay hot? They've done it all season long, so how hard would it be to believe that they could keep hitting for four more games? They're still the hardest team for me to figure out because even more so then usual for a Duke team, this year's squad is entirely reliant on the deep ball.
I'm sticking with UConn, Louisville, Oklahoma, and Villanova to meet in Detroit though. You may have noticed it took me this long to mention UConn, even though they have become the clear favorites to win it all based on their domination of Chatanooga and Texas A&M. Frankly, I'm not surprised as even without Dyson I liked them to win it all, but that was before Stanley Robinson started playing to a level he is capable of athletically but has never really achieved. Plus, AJ Price has been down right nasty and is my new co-favorite to win the tournament MOP with Jeff Adrien.
But the reason I won't further discuss UConn beating Oklahoma in the finals is because UConn has already dominated the tournament, and not just because of their play. Between Jim Calhoun being in the hospital during the Chatanooga game because of dehydration and now the recruiting scandal, UConn has gotten enough publicity. Anyways, I'll probably add to that publicity anyways tomorrow...
But that's where we stand, about the same as we were a week ago. But what do you expect to happen in a tournament so devoid of upsets? The teams that were the best at the beginning are still the best (except Pitt which has lost its luster, which helps Duke, even if I don't know how they are winning) since they're all still in it. The door didn't open up randomly for anyone because all the better teams are still there.
After all, the only upset in the second round was #5 Purdue over #4 Washington. Arizona is the highest seeded team remaining at #12, but they beat #13 Cleveland State in round two. Still some great basketball being played, but the higher seeds have kept winning the nail biters. So, as this tournament advances to its second weekend with the clock past midnight on Cinderella, I still look forward to the last two weeks of the best month in sports. I suggest you do too.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March Madness
Tomorrow marks the start of my favorite sporting event of the year; the NCAA Basketball tournament. Cinderella will stay at the dance just a little bit too long before her ride becomes a pumpkin. The mighty will fall and their fans will be left to ponder what might have been. Some are already concerned they will fall into that category because they lost key players for the season. I'm looking at you UNC (Lawson), Marquette (James), and, sigh, you UConn (Dyson).
Actually, before Dominic James went out with a broken foot, Marquette was my dark horse national champion. Between Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, and James, Marquette had an incredible back court. It's still pretty good, which is why I still think they'll make some noise, but they can't fully recover without James. UNC and UConn still have enough talent even without Lawson and Dyson, plus Lawson should be back by the second weekend, which is about when UNC should need him anyways.
EAST REGION
This is a pretty top heavy bracket. After Louisville and Michigan State, I'm not all that impressed with the rest of the region. Kansas may have won the Big 12, but I don't feel like the Big 12 is all that great this season. Plus, if Blake Griffin doesn't miss games (including the Kansas game) with a concussion, Oklahoma wins the Big 12. Wake is the type of team that really annoys me come March.
Wake is hit or miss. I mean, they beat UNC, Duke, and Clemson twice. They also lost to Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, NC State, and got knocked out of the ACC tourney by Maryland in their first game. Which Wake Forest will show up? I have no idea, but I always seem to pick teams like this the wrong way. I'd rather just err on the side of caution because even if they make it a bit further then I thought, they will still throw up a stinker sooner or later and get bounced.
I like Louisville to win this bracket. They won both the regular season and tournament in by far the best conference in America in the Big East. That counts for a lot. Against most teams in the bracket also they have a coach who's been there in Rick Pitino, but Tom Izzo at MSU negates that edge. I like Louisville to beat MSU in the Elite 8 to bring Pitino to yet another Final 4. After all, Magic Johnson and Mateen Cleaves aren't walking through the door for MSU.
1st round winners: Louisville, Siena, Arizona, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, USC, Michigan State
Sweet 16: Louisville, 'Zona, WVU, MSU
Elite 8: Louisville, MSU
Net Cutters: Louisville
WEST REGION
This bracket is UConn's bracket to lose. In fact, it's Calhoun's bracket to lose. For some reason, Calhoun keeps staying with his normal offense and keeps the balls in the hands of the guards. This is all well and good because UConn has some great guards, but they have Thabeat and Adrien down low. These two bigs should be unstoppable but they don't get the ball enough to dominate.
Just look at the 6 overtime game UConn and Syracuse played. 'Cuse's bigs had fouled out, yet Thabeat and Adrien weren't getting the ball. No one on the Orange could stop them, yet the guards were dominating the ball. If UConn gets the ball down low, no team in the nation can stop them, but if they don't, the Huskies are looking at another disappointing finish.
That's the thing that scares me the most about this UConn team. Jeff Adrien is the only player on the roster who has won a post season game. Adrien made it to the Elite 8 as a freshman and lost to George Mason when Denham Brown's 3 rattled out. The next year, UConn lost to Syracuse in the Big East tourney and didn't make the NCAA. Last year, UConn again lost in the first round of the Big East tourney, and got upset but San Diego State in the NCAA's after AJ Price tore his ACL.
But then, sometimes experience is over rated. How many games did that George Mason Final Four team win before those ones? How about OSU making the finals two years ago lead by freshmen? And UConn does have Jim Calhoun, who has been there before, both times coming out of the West, and beating Duke in the Final 4. I know beating Duke doesn't mean he has any more experience then if UConn had beaten someone like UNC, Texas, Michigan State, Louisville, etc, but I just like remembering they beat Duke.
But UConn should be able to ride Thabeast and Adrien all the way to the Final Four this season. No one in the region has anything special down low, and somehow UConn got the weakest bracket. I mean seriously, Memphis? When's the last time they played someone good? Though bringing up Memphis does scare me a little bit as UConn's biggest weakness is their free throw shooting. Oh well, they won it in 2004 with their point guard and best player (Taliek Brown and Okafor) both being 50-something free throw percentage shooters.
1st round winners: UConn, BYU, Purdue, Washington, Marquette, Mizzou, Cal, Memphis
Sweet 16: UConn, Washington, Marquette, Memphis
Elite 8: UConn, Marquette
Net Cutters: UConn
EAST REGION
This has to be the toughest region. Pittsburgh, Villanova, Texas, and a very hot FSU team make this division filled with tough outs. You might've noticed I skipped Duke and Xavier. Xavier has lost two of its last three games which isn't a good. Yes, I know UConn has lost its last two games, but they were in the Big East to a fellow #1 seed and in 6 overtimes. It's not quite the same as losing in the A-10.
Yeah, I know Duke is a 2 seed. Yes, I know they beat FSU twice in the last few weeks. And yes, I know they won the ACC tournament, but honestly, I don't think they are very good. I have seen parts of at least five Duke games this season and not once did I think they looked very impressive. They can hit threes, but that's about it. I honestly don't know how they keep winning games.
I know it was December, but when I watched Texas play someone earlier this year I thought one thing to myself. "Holy crap, this team could win it all." I don't think that as much anymore because they have underperformed all season, but on a talent level, they are a top-10 team, certainly better then Duke. I just see them playing two really good games and knocking out Duke in the second round, then losing their focus in their off days and losing to Nova.
Here's the thing about Pittsburgh. I think in a format like the NBA, they win the title. I can't see a team beating them in a best of seven series, but thats why March is so much fun. One game and your out. End of story. And that's all it will take for Pitt, is one game. More specifically, one game where the refs are calling ticky-tack fouls. If Blair gets in foul trouble in a latter round, Pitt will get knocked out. It's going to happen before the Panthers can win six games, there's no way around it.
I like Nova in this region. You may be noticing a little bit of a Big East Bias here, and I can accept that. But let's be honest, the Big East is the best basketball conference. Sure, it helps when you have over 200 teams in your conference, but the top teams are really the best in the country. I mean, it's tough to argue with having three #1 seeds (first conference to ever do this) and two #3 seeds. The top teams in the mega-conference that is the Big East are sick and battle tested, end of story.
1st round winners: Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Portland State, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke
Sweet 16: Pitt, FSU, Nova, Texas
Elite 8: Pitt, Nova
Net Cutters: Nova
SOUTH REGION
I hope hope hope that this region goes how I think it will. I would love to see an Elite 8 game with Blake Griffin playing against Tyler Hansborough. I also hope that Lawson is fully healed by then so UNC lovers won't have that "What if?" to fall back on when they lose to Griffin. You know Lawson will play, but to what level will he be back? I'm guessing somewhere 85%, which will be just a bit less then they need him to be.
There's something different about Hansborough this year to me this year too. I don't know exactly what it is, but its there. I mean, he'll still get his stats, but I just feel like this year, that's all he'll get. Last year I felt like he would just go off for 35 and 15 if everyone else was terrible on a night to keep UNC winning. This year, I'm not as convinced. I dunno, it could just have been that in the games I saw UNC play they didn't need those performances they needed last year, but something is a little different to me.
I've liked Griffin and Oklahoma all year to make the FInal Four. The only reason their not a 1 seed is because of those games they lost without Griffin, and the unexplainable loss to Ok. State in the Big 12 tourney. Still, this team is pretty stacked, and I like Griffin to lead the Sooners to the Final Four this year.
And hey, at least I didn't go with 'Cuse to give an all Big East Final Four. But then, how can you get behind a team with Eric Devendorf on it, even if Johnny Flynn is a stud?
1st round winners: UNC, Butler, Western Kentucky, Gonzaga, ASU, Syracuse, Clemson, Oklahoma
Sweet 16: UNC, Zaga, 'Cuse, Oklahoma
Elite 8: UNC, Oklahoma
Net Cutters: Oklahoma
FINAL FOUR
I like UConn and Oklahoma to make it to the championship game. UConn handled Louisville in Louisville earlier this year and again, Blake Griffin.
The championship game however is where Griffin's magic runs out. UConn has the bigs to slow him just enough. I see some foul trouble for Griffin plus him having trouble handling Adrien and Thabeet. And don't sleep on Gavin Edwards, who will get his time next season when Adrien and Thabeet are both gone. Kid always comes to play and makes some huge plays.
Also, the only big who has given Thabeet trouble is Blair. Blair does the one thing that troubles Thabeet. Blair is incredible physical. Griffin can be physical, but it's not the only thing he does. He's more of a finesse player, or at least, he tries to be. You can make up for a lot of mistakes against finesse when you're 7'3". Plus it's hard to play finesse when you're sitting on the bench.
Back in 2004 Calhoun took Okafor out of the Duke game because he had two fouls in the first and didn't let him back in. Then all of the Duke bigs got their 3rd foul in the first half and all fouled out so Okafor could dominate that game and get UConn to the title game. I see the same thing happening again.
The pick: UConn
MOP: Jeff Adrien
Actually, before Dominic James went out with a broken foot, Marquette was my dark horse national champion. Between Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, and James, Marquette had an incredible back court. It's still pretty good, which is why I still think they'll make some noise, but they can't fully recover without James. UNC and UConn still have enough talent even without Lawson and Dyson, plus Lawson should be back by the second weekend, which is about when UNC should need him anyways.
EAST REGION
This is a pretty top heavy bracket. After Louisville and Michigan State, I'm not all that impressed with the rest of the region. Kansas may have won the Big 12, but I don't feel like the Big 12 is all that great this season. Plus, if Blake Griffin doesn't miss games (including the Kansas game) with a concussion, Oklahoma wins the Big 12. Wake is the type of team that really annoys me come March.
Wake is hit or miss. I mean, they beat UNC, Duke, and Clemson twice. They also lost to Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami, NC State, and got knocked out of the ACC tourney by Maryland in their first game. Which Wake Forest will show up? I have no idea, but I always seem to pick teams like this the wrong way. I'd rather just err on the side of caution because even if they make it a bit further then I thought, they will still throw up a stinker sooner or later and get bounced.
I like Louisville to win this bracket. They won both the regular season and tournament in by far the best conference in America in the Big East. That counts for a lot. Against most teams in the bracket also they have a coach who's been there in Rick Pitino, but Tom Izzo at MSU negates that edge. I like Louisville to beat MSU in the Elite 8 to bring Pitino to yet another Final 4. After all, Magic Johnson and Mateen Cleaves aren't walking through the door for MSU.
1st round winners: Louisville, Siena, Arizona, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, USC, Michigan State
Sweet 16: Louisville, 'Zona, WVU, MSU
Elite 8: Louisville, MSU
Net Cutters: Louisville
WEST REGION
This bracket is UConn's bracket to lose. In fact, it's Calhoun's bracket to lose. For some reason, Calhoun keeps staying with his normal offense and keeps the balls in the hands of the guards. This is all well and good because UConn has some great guards, but they have Thabeat and Adrien down low. These two bigs should be unstoppable but they don't get the ball enough to dominate.
Just look at the 6 overtime game UConn and Syracuse played. 'Cuse's bigs had fouled out, yet Thabeat and Adrien weren't getting the ball. No one on the Orange could stop them, yet the guards were dominating the ball. If UConn gets the ball down low, no team in the nation can stop them, but if they don't, the Huskies are looking at another disappointing finish.
That's the thing that scares me the most about this UConn team. Jeff Adrien is the only player on the roster who has won a post season game. Adrien made it to the Elite 8 as a freshman and lost to George Mason when Denham Brown's 3 rattled out. The next year, UConn lost to Syracuse in the Big East tourney and didn't make the NCAA. Last year, UConn again lost in the first round of the Big East tourney, and got upset but San Diego State in the NCAA's after AJ Price tore his ACL.
But then, sometimes experience is over rated. How many games did that George Mason Final Four team win before those ones? How about OSU making the finals two years ago lead by freshmen? And UConn does have Jim Calhoun, who has been there before, both times coming out of the West, and beating Duke in the Final 4. I know beating Duke doesn't mean he has any more experience then if UConn had beaten someone like UNC, Texas, Michigan State, Louisville, etc, but I just like remembering they beat Duke.
But UConn should be able to ride Thabeast and Adrien all the way to the Final Four this season. No one in the region has anything special down low, and somehow UConn got the weakest bracket. I mean seriously, Memphis? When's the last time they played someone good? Though bringing up Memphis does scare me a little bit as UConn's biggest weakness is their free throw shooting. Oh well, they won it in 2004 with their point guard and best player (Taliek Brown and Okafor) both being 50-something free throw percentage shooters.
1st round winners: UConn, BYU, Purdue, Washington, Marquette, Mizzou, Cal, Memphis
Sweet 16: UConn, Washington, Marquette, Memphis
Elite 8: UConn, Marquette
Net Cutters: UConn
EAST REGION
This has to be the toughest region. Pittsburgh, Villanova, Texas, and a very hot FSU team make this division filled with tough outs. You might've noticed I skipped Duke and Xavier. Xavier has lost two of its last three games which isn't a good. Yes, I know UConn has lost its last two games, but they were in the Big East to a fellow #1 seed and in 6 overtimes. It's not quite the same as losing in the A-10.
Yeah, I know Duke is a 2 seed. Yes, I know they beat FSU twice in the last few weeks. And yes, I know they won the ACC tournament, but honestly, I don't think they are very good. I have seen parts of at least five Duke games this season and not once did I think they looked very impressive. They can hit threes, but that's about it. I honestly don't know how they keep winning games.
I know it was December, but when I watched Texas play someone earlier this year I thought one thing to myself. "Holy crap, this team could win it all." I don't think that as much anymore because they have underperformed all season, but on a talent level, they are a top-10 team, certainly better then Duke. I just see them playing two really good games and knocking out Duke in the second round, then losing their focus in their off days and losing to Nova.
Here's the thing about Pittsburgh. I think in a format like the NBA, they win the title. I can't see a team beating them in a best of seven series, but thats why March is so much fun. One game and your out. End of story. And that's all it will take for Pitt, is one game. More specifically, one game where the refs are calling ticky-tack fouls. If Blair gets in foul trouble in a latter round, Pitt will get knocked out. It's going to happen before the Panthers can win six games, there's no way around it.
I like Nova in this region. You may be noticing a little bit of a Big East Bias here, and I can accept that. But let's be honest, the Big East is the best basketball conference. Sure, it helps when you have over 200 teams in your conference, but the top teams are really the best in the country. I mean, it's tough to argue with having three #1 seeds (first conference to ever do this) and two #3 seeds. The top teams in the mega-conference that is the Big East are sick and battle tested, end of story.
1st round winners: Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, Florida State, Portland State, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke
Sweet 16: Pitt, FSU, Nova, Texas
Elite 8: Pitt, Nova
Net Cutters: Nova
SOUTH REGION
I hope hope hope that this region goes how I think it will. I would love to see an Elite 8 game with Blake Griffin playing against Tyler Hansborough. I also hope that Lawson is fully healed by then so UNC lovers won't have that "What if?" to fall back on when they lose to Griffin. You know Lawson will play, but to what level will he be back? I'm guessing somewhere 85%, which will be just a bit less then they need him to be.
There's something different about Hansborough this year to me this year too. I don't know exactly what it is, but its there. I mean, he'll still get his stats, but I just feel like this year, that's all he'll get. Last year I felt like he would just go off for 35 and 15 if everyone else was terrible on a night to keep UNC winning. This year, I'm not as convinced. I dunno, it could just have been that in the games I saw UNC play they didn't need those performances they needed last year, but something is a little different to me.
I've liked Griffin and Oklahoma all year to make the FInal Four. The only reason their not a 1 seed is because of those games they lost without Griffin, and the unexplainable loss to Ok. State in the Big 12 tourney. Still, this team is pretty stacked, and I like Griffin to lead the Sooners to the Final Four this year.
And hey, at least I didn't go with 'Cuse to give an all Big East Final Four. But then, how can you get behind a team with Eric Devendorf on it, even if Johnny Flynn is a stud?
1st round winners: UNC, Butler, Western Kentucky, Gonzaga, ASU, Syracuse, Clemson, Oklahoma
Sweet 16: UNC, Zaga, 'Cuse, Oklahoma
Elite 8: UNC, Oklahoma
Net Cutters: Oklahoma
FINAL FOUR
I like UConn and Oklahoma to make it to the championship game. UConn handled Louisville in Louisville earlier this year and again, Blake Griffin.
The championship game however is where Griffin's magic runs out. UConn has the bigs to slow him just enough. I see some foul trouble for Griffin plus him having trouble handling Adrien and Thabeet. And don't sleep on Gavin Edwards, who will get his time next season when Adrien and Thabeet are both gone. Kid always comes to play and makes some huge plays.
Also, the only big who has given Thabeet trouble is Blair. Blair does the one thing that troubles Thabeet. Blair is incredible physical. Griffin can be physical, but it's not the only thing he does. He's more of a finesse player, or at least, he tries to be. You can make up for a lot of mistakes against finesse when you're 7'3". Plus it's hard to play finesse when you're sitting on the bench.
Back in 2004 Calhoun took Okafor out of the Duke game because he had two fouls in the first and didn't let him back in. Then all of the Duke bigs got their 3rd foul in the first half and all fouled out so Okafor could dominate that game and get UConn to the title game. I see the same thing happening again.
The pick: UConn
MOP: Jeff Adrien
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Courtney Paris out $64K
Oklahoma All-American Courtney Paris had a bit to say during the #3 Oklahoma Sooners senior night. Paris gave a guarantee that Oklahoma will not only win the title this year, but if they don't, she will pay back her scholarship for this year, which is said to be around $64,000.
"When you're good enough and don't do something, then you have to take accountability for that and that's your own fault. We can win a national championship. If we don't, I'll feel like I didn't earn my scholarship." Paris is quoted as saying.
There is just one little problem for Paris: UConn. The Huskies are 31-0, the unanimous #1 team in the country, and are head and shoulders above everyone else in the land. They beat Oklahoma by 28 back in November. They won by 30 in UNC when the Tar Heels were #2 in the nation. As I am writing this, UConn is up 50-24 in the championship of the Big East at the half, against the #5 team in the country.
UConn isn't getting stopped this season. Maya Moore, a sophomore, is the two-time reigning Big East player of the year, and will likely win national player of the year honors. UConn has the best players, one of the best coaches in the country, and they will not be denied this season.
Paris was bold but stupid in her prediction. Also, now her dad is backing up her claim, saying that with all the talent Oklahoma has had the past 4 years with the Paris sisters, that the coaches should be ashamed if they can't bring a title. Too bad for Oklahoma that they decided to put all this extra pressure on themselves when it's clearly UConn's year.
UConn is going to party like it's 1995 and 2002 this season as they go undefeated. And women's basketball should be afraid, Moore is going to be around for two more seasons. And oh, Louisville has only scored one point this half against UConn, a free throw, and over 10 minutes have passed. Good try Courtney Paris. Joe Namith you're not, which is probably a good thing, because then you might do this...
"When you're good enough and don't do something, then you have to take accountability for that and that's your own fault. We can win a national championship. If we don't, I'll feel like I didn't earn my scholarship." Paris is quoted as saying.
There is just one little problem for Paris: UConn. The Huskies are 31-0, the unanimous #1 team in the country, and are head and shoulders above everyone else in the land. They beat Oklahoma by 28 back in November. They won by 30 in UNC when the Tar Heels were #2 in the nation. As I am writing this, UConn is up 50-24 in the championship of the Big East at the half, against the #5 team in the country.
UConn isn't getting stopped this season. Maya Moore, a sophomore, is the two-time reigning Big East player of the year, and will likely win national player of the year honors. UConn has the best players, one of the best coaches in the country, and they will not be denied this season.
Paris was bold but stupid in her prediction. Also, now her dad is backing up her claim, saying that with all the talent Oklahoma has had the past 4 years with the Paris sisters, that the coaches should be ashamed if they can't bring a title. Too bad for Oklahoma that they decided to put all this extra pressure on themselves when it's clearly UConn's year.
UConn is going to party like it's 1995 and 2002 this season as they go undefeated. And women's basketball should be afraid, Moore is going to be around for two more seasons. And oh, Louisville has only scored one point this half against UConn, a free throw, and over 10 minutes have passed. Good try Courtney Paris. Joe Namith you're not, which is probably a good thing, because then you might do this...
TO to the Bills
Another post, another talented and troubled player finds a new home. This move kind of surprised me from TO's standpoint. Saying he has had trouble with drops would be an understatement as he has led the league in drops over the past two seasons. Here's a thought TO, instead of blaming Tony Romo for not getting you the ball enough, why not blame your own mitts? Just a thought.
Buffalo's offense should get a huge boost from this move as TO will still get his catches, and drops, but his presence will also open up the field for Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch. The only thing is, how long will it be before TO opens up something else, specifically, the Bills locker room?
Everyone knows that TO is a terrible locker room presence, to say the least. But he has usually been at his best in his first year with a new team. Also, TO has some extra incentive to be on his best behavior as this is just a one year deal and he will be playing for his next payday.
That being said, I still see TO being a problem. From running his mouth twice a year before Patriots games (not exactly the team you want to give bulletin board material to), to having trouble getting deep routes thrown to him (due to Edwards arm strength, Buffalo's offense, and the weather in Buffalo), to eventually throwing some team mate under the bus (sorry Trent Edwards), TO will cause an issue at some point next season.
I thought it made more sense for TO to sign with Baltimore or Kansas City. Granted I have no way of knowing what teams had interest in TO, but those teams seemed to make sense to me. Kansas City already made a gigantic splash this offseason in getting Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round pick, but having TO would make them a force to reckon with in the weak AFC West next year, probably the favorites.
Baltimore needs more on offense to compliment their dominant defense. The Ravens have the reigning Super Bowl champs in their division, they need something to get them over the hump against the Steelers, who they lost to three times last year. TO might just be that missing piece.
But, by that logic, you could argue TO signing in Buffalo is just what the Bills need to get over the hump in the AFC East. Miami is the reigning champ, the Jets are only going to get better with a new coach and sans Brett Favre (not even kidding), and the 11-5 Patriots are only getting back a HoF quarterback this year. Buffalo needed something to get them over the hump in the AFC East, and TO has the talent to get them over said hump. But based on TO's track record, I just don't see it happening. It was a risk the Bills felt they had to make, I just don't see it working out in Buffalo.
Buffalo's offense should get a huge boost from this move as TO will still get his catches, and drops, but his presence will also open up the field for Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch. The only thing is, how long will it be before TO opens up something else, specifically, the Bills locker room?
Everyone knows that TO is a terrible locker room presence, to say the least. But he has usually been at his best in his first year with a new team. Also, TO has some extra incentive to be on his best behavior as this is just a one year deal and he will be playing for his next payday.
That being said, I still see TO being a problem. From running his mouth twice a year before Patriots games (not exactly the team you want to give bulletin board material to), to having trouble getting deep routes thrown to him (due to Edwards arm strength, Buffalo's offense, and the weather in Buffalo), to eventually throwing some team mate under the bus (sorry Trent Edwards), TO will cause an issue at some point next season.
I thought it made more sense for TO to sign with Baltimore or Kansas City. Granted I have no way of knowing what teams had interest in TO, but those teams seemed to make sense to me. Kansas City already made a gigantic splash this offseason in getting Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel for a 2nd round pick, but having TO would make them a force to reckon with in the weak AFC West next year, probably the favorites.
Baltimore needs more on offense to compliment their dominant defense. The Ravens have the reigning Super Bowl champs in their division, they need something to get them over the hump against the Steelers, who they lost to three times last year. TO might just be that missing piece.
But, by that logic, you could argue TO signing in Buffalo is just what the Bills need to get over the hump in the AFC East. Miami is the reigning champ, the Jets are only going to get better with a new coach and sans Brett Favre (not even kidding), and the 11-5 Patriots are only getting back a HoF quarterback this year. Buffalo needed something to get them over the hump in the AFC East, and TO has the talent to get them over said hump. But based on TO's track record, I just don't see it happening. It was a risk the Bills felt they had to make, I just don't see it working out in Buffalo.
Back at it...
I recently switched up what I do at work, which also meant my schedule has completely changed. Because of this, some things have fallen through the cracks, and unfortunately, theZarbReport was one of those. So, in an effort to get back into this, here are a few random thoughts on the events of the past couple of weeks. Hopefully I can find a good working schedule again for theZarbReport around my actual job.
STARBURY TO BOSTON
I still can't believe this happened. On a talent level, this move should help the Celtics. From what I understand about his contract, the C's can cut Starbury at any point, so he'll have to be on his best behavior so he can win a ring and have a job next year. I guess that is why the Celtics signed him, minimal financial risk while picking up a former two-time all-star.
So far, Marbury hasn't looked like anything special in Celtic Green. That is largely in part because his timing is off (since he hasn't played in forever) and he is playing with a new team. Part of it is also because Boston hasn't been whole in a while, ever since KG got hurt. It's tough to assess the impact of Starbury (and Mikki Moore for that matter) until the end of the season and the playoffs.
This move has the potential to make the Celtics bench dominant, but I am still not sold. Let's see how he fits in with the Boston Three-Party and how he accepts being a backup to both Rajon Rondo and possibly Eddie House. Let's see how he plays defense. In a game of NBA Live, this move would be spectacular, but in real life, there are adjustments, egos, defensive and offensive schemes and sets, all kinds of things that can derail any player, especially one with the history of Starbury. Let's see how Starbury helps the C's come playoff time, you know, when it matters.
STARBURY TO BOSTON
I still can't believe this happened. On a talent level, this move should help the Celtics. From what I understand about his contract, the C's can cut Starbury at any point, so he'll have to be on his best behavior so he can win a ring and have a job next year. I guess that is why the Celtics signed him, minimal financial risk while picking up a former two-time all-star.
So far, Marbury hasn't looked like anything special in Celtic Green. That is largely in part because his timing is off (since he hasn't played in forever) and he is playing with a new team. Part of it is also because Boston hasn't been whole in a while, ever since KG got hurt. It's tough to assess the impact of Starbury (and Mikki Moore for that matter) until the end of the season and the playoffs.
This move has the potential to make the Celtics bench dominant, but I am still not sold. Let's see how he fits in with the Boston Three-Party and how he accepts being a backup to both Rajon Rondo and possibly Eddie House. Let's see how he plays defense. In a game of NBA Live, this move would be spectacular, but in real life, there are adjustments, egos, defensive and offensive schemes and sets, all kinds of things that can derail any player, especially one with the history of Starbury. Let's see how Starbury helps the C's come playoff time, you know, when it matters.
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