New Mexico is in trouble.

(Also, how did we not get an NCAA tourney thread for this year and just tack it on the NCAA thread)?

SI

I dont consider it trolling when he pimps Mizzou the entire year like when they made that "statement" against South Carolina. Its fine and all to root for your team but a guy needs a little perspective about his/her team. Kind of sets himself up for it. They are who we thought they were;)

If you knew Phil Pressey was going to piss this season away contrary to nearly all pre-season predictions, you have a home in Vegas waiting for you.

(Also, how did we not get an NCAA tourney thread for this year and just tack it on the NCAA thread)?

I just noticed the problem: :redface:

2012 NCAA Tournament Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&highlight=ncaa+tournament) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 2 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=2&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 3 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=3&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 4 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=4&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 5 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=5&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 6 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=6&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 7 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=7&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 8 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=8&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 9 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=9&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 10 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=10&highlight=ncaa+tournament) ... Last Page (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=83637&page=35&highlight=ncaa+tournament)) sterlingice

2011 NCAA Basketball Tournament Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&highlight=ncaa+tournament) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 2 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=2&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 3 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=3&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 4 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=4&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 5 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=5&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 6 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=6&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 7 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=7&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 8 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=8&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 9 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=9&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 10 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=10&highlight=ncaa+tournament) ... Last Page (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=80894&page=32&highlight=ncaa+tournament)) sterlingice

2010 NCAA Tournament (and NIT) Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&highlight=ncaa+tournament) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 2 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=2&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 3 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=3&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 4 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=4&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 5 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=5&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 6 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=6&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 7 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=7&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 8 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=8&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 9 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=9&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 10 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=10&highlight=ncaa+tournament) ... Last Page (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=77054&page=51&highlight=ncaa+tournament)) sterlingice

2009 NCAA Tournament Thread (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&highlight=ncaa+tournament) (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 2 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=2&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 3 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=3&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 4 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=4&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 5 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=5&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 6 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=6&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 7 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=7&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 8 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=8&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 9 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=9&highlight=ncaa+tournament) 10 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=10&highlight=ncaa+tournament) ... Last Page (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=71323&page=38&highlight=ncaa+tournament)) sterlingice


SI

Harvard seems to be stagnant on offense. Little too much delay.

If you knew Phil Pressey was going to piss this season away contrary to nearly all pre-season predictions, you have a home in Vegas waiting for you.

They lost 4 starters(whether you want to count the other Pressey or not) and their 6th man. 3 of them were all conference level/and or draft picks. Of course they were going to be down this year. Teams go in cycles unless of course you are bringing in top 10 classes every year in which you still have some peaks and valleys such as Kentucky this year. They finished the season exactly how I would have predicted in November.

"Average" tends to mean a team that may or may not win an opening-round NCAA game.


It's funny as I was just reading that page in the thread and I even defended Mizzou whereas this gem was nicely dropped in there: Whoops.

SI

Wow.....big mistake by Harvard there. Hopefully it doesn't come back to haunt them.

We've seen 2 or 3 lower-seeded teams implode in the last 2 minutes already.

We've seen 2 or 3 lower-seeded teams implode in the last 2 minutes already.

I was more bummed out by Davidson than if New Mexico would come back :(

I was listening to that game on my phone on the way home

SI

Things are unraveling here a bit.

Geez, Amaker. How about a pick on the in-bounds play?

Buh bye New Mexico St.

Montana: 1 assist, 13 Turnovers

Buh bye New Mexico St.

Didn't they get eliminated this afternoon?

I guess there is no rule in college where that player was on a clear break to give them two and the ball?

A look back at MBBF's predictions for Mizzou this season:

Awful early, but the excitement can only grow after seeing that ESPN is picking Mizzou to win the SEC. Really unbelievable to see how the talent level has grown so quickly under Haith.

Ranking the 2012-13 SEC teams from best to worst - NCB - ESPN (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/story?id=8201141&_slug_=ranking-2012-13-sec-teams-best-worst-ncb&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2fstory%3fid%3d8201141%26_slug_%3dranking-2012-13-sec-teams-best-worst-ncb)


I'll ignore the comparison (best to agree to disagree) and simply focus on Mizzou. Mizzou has averaged over 25 wins over the past three seasons. While I certainly realize that NCAA results play a big factor, 95% of the other schools would sell their soul for those results.

Mizzou is stacked with talent this year. Pressey has already been selected on a 1st team AA team (see previous post I made). Dixon should step right into Marcus Denmon's scorer role without any issues. Bowers returns from his injury and should be a great force in the post. Transfers Keion Bell and Earnest Ross were both the leading scorers for their old team (note that Ross won't even be starting for Mizzou). Oriachi won a national championship at UConn and should help Bowers find space. Jabari Brown is a 5 star recruit who has had a year to learn under last's year's senior-laden team (he'll be available in December).

Here's the schedule for this year for Mizzou with my prediction:



27-4 is what I have there. The three possible swing games that picked as a win that may swing the other way are @Arkansas, @Texas A&M, and @Tennessee. Even with all of them going away, that's still a 24-7 mark (with likely a couple more wins available in the SEC tourney). That prediction isn't out of line with the media selections I've seen thus far, with Mizzou and Kentucky being the only two teams even considered as a SEC champion selection option.

This. Obviously I'm a much bigger basketball fan than a football fan. While the discussion on the SEC was mostly focused on football, I was pretty excited for basketball. There's a lot more room to stack up some wins and getting a top 3 spot consistently in the SEC conference than in the Big 12. The B12 is a very competitive conference (if not the best) in basketball. The prediction I laid out in the previous post is very doable in the SEC, especially since we only play UK and UF once each.

Honestly a bit disappointed with #17 for Mizzou, but I think that is a ranking that involves the uncertainty of how all the talent will gel as a unit more than any concern about the talent level at MU.

SEC pre-season all-conference teams and finish predictions are out. A bit surprised that Florida was picked in front of Mizzou. Phil Pressey was selected pre-season Player of the Year.

http://www.secdigitalnetwork.com/NEWS/tabid/473/Article/238204/media-tabs-kentucky-as-sec-mens-basketball-champion.aspx

We'll have more than one ranked team on our non-conference. It will be three most likely if we include the tournament. The scheduling of low majors is mostly still residual scheduling from the Anderson staff. That should change after this year. And those games only come into play if you're a 19-20 win team in a major conference. Mizzou should have no issues winning 25+ on this schedule in a major conference, so it's not a big deal.

Now had you argued a similar argument about our overall schedule, then your argument at least has some merit. The bottom 75% of the SEC has some issues. With that said, the SEC has posted three National Championships in the last seven years, which is more than our previous conference has posted in the last 60 years. So it all depends on how you quantify weakness.

Didn't they get eliminated this afternoon?

Lol. Whoops.

Booyah!

I'm think it's safe to head to sleep and risk missing the greatest comeback ever as Montana is down 40 points to Syracuse.

SI

Compare that with my predictions for the Longhorns before the season started:

I have no clue about Texas. No upperclassmen at all on the team, the entire roster is freshmen and sophomores.

A look back at MBBF's predictions for Mizzou this season:

I would guess a Texas fan is in a position to mock a team who failed by only winning 23 games.

Start the spring football thread already and let us know whether you're rooting for the white or orange team this year.

I hate the full commercial time outs every time there's a time out on the court. It must be maddening for the players as well.

Neat to see an Ivy win. I've never really understood the whole RPI thing and I can accept that, but given the UNLV loss and this one, it seems odd that the Mountain West would be considered the top conference in the country.

I'm just not as excited when a high seed from a smaller conference falls like New Mexico just did. I'd rather this have been the aforementioned Syracuse or someone from the Big Ten or whatnot.

SI

Not mocking the team, merely the idiot that hyped them up to unsustainable levels.

gratz, digamma!

I'm just not as excited when a high seed from a smaller conference falls like New Mexico just did. I'd rather this have been Syracuse or someone from the Big Ten or whatnot.

SI

Let's see Harvard beat Arizona now!

Not mocking the team, merely the idiot that hyped them up to unsustainable levels.

Given Mizzou's results this year and how they went down, 25+ wasn't even remotely close to unsustainable. In fact, it likely should have happened. But shit happens and we move on.

The Harvard win really screwed my bracket.

HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY DIGAMMA!!!!! :mad:

:D

Maybe we can go rest of the year without reading idiotic posts about mizzou?

Maybe we can go rest of the year without reading idiotic posts about mizzou?

Agreed. Cartman has worn out his welcome at this point.

Agreed. Cartman has worn out his welcome at this point.

http://wonkette.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/diagnosis-butthurt-1-250x279.jpg

Texas is like the Royals. They're relevant for about a month.

I'm waiting for the "I'm rubber, you're glue. " insult next

It's funny as I was just reading that page in the thread and I even defended Mizzou whereas this gem was nicely dropped in there: Whoops.

SI

:thumbsup:

Grats Digamma.

I'm glad I decided not to stay up for the 'Cuse game

Maybe we can go rest of the year without reading idiotic posts about mizzou?

I was kinda hoping to get a "suitcase Frank" joke in here, but I guess I'll just let it go.

OTOH, woo Harvard!

I also called the complete failings by the MWC (except for Colorado State's win, which I also called), but I whiffed on a couple of other picks (freaking Marquette) so am still in the middle of the pack in my CBS picks.

Wasn't it Barkley who said the MWC was better than the Big Ten?

Texas is like the Royals. They're relevant for about a month.

You can bad mouth the Royals all you want, but DO NOT compare them to Texas.

Agreed. Cartman has worn out his welcome at this point.

Maybe you didn't get the message but you are/were the most ignored poster and has worned out your welcome some time ago. If you want to hype and post idiocy about Mizzou, do it so at some Mizzou boards or dial it way down here.

Let's not turn this into another fucking Mizzou-fest. They laid an egg, their season is over, let's move on and enjoy the teams that are actually still IN the fucking tournament. I'm as guilty of it as anyone, but I am as sick of it as anyone also. Let's all sign the moratorium and enjoy some actual hoops today.

Wasn't it Barkley who said the MWC was better than the Big Ten?

Yes. Mike and Mike in the morning just played his clip. Its pretty funny. He also said he only did 20 mins of research though.

The Harvard win really screwed my bracket.

HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY DIGAMMA!!!!! :mad:

:D

I really thought New Mexico was going to be able to make some noise this year. Big disappointment, and yes they screwed my bracket as well :mad:

I'm only down two sweet 16 picks right now. 8+ is intact.

That's better than I usually do on day 1, which totally says how awful I am at brackets.

Yes. Mike and Mike in the morning just played his clip. Its pretty funny. He also said he only did 20 mins of research though.

Glad he is getting paid for this. Barkley is my favorite all-time NBA player, but he is worthless as an analyst.

In a similar vein, Dan Marino was my all-time favorite NFL player, but he is also worthless as an analyst. And since his love-child came to light, he's no longer my favorite NFL player.

Glad he is getting paid for this. Barkley is my favorite all-time NBA player, but he is worthless as an analyst.

In a similar vein, Dan Marino was my all-time favorite NFL player, but he is also worthless as an analyst. And since his love-child came to light, he's no longer my favorite NFL player.


I do question why they put him on the air. You cant have him go out there and make picks but then say he only did 20 mins of research on college ball all year. I guess people like hearing all the dumb stuff he says??

I do question why they put him on the air. You cant have him go out there and make picks but then say he only did 20 mins of research on college ball all year. I guess people like hearing all the dumb stuff he says??

I think he appeals to casual fans that can relate to doing a bracket with no research.

Really. If you don't actually follow a sport, don't try to give insight on that sport. Hopefully he at least follows the NBA.

I think he appeals to casual fans that can relate to doing a bracket with no research.

Sadly, those people frequently win the brackets. :)

They probably have research that shows people are more likely to stick around and watch a little longer if fans seem someone they recognize instead of "really smart analyst with glasses."

Nate Silver would be a much more interesting analyst.

What does 20 minutes of research look like? Not enough time to watch any games. Maybe highlights? If that's the case, he might as well have spent zero minutes. Maybe a look at the RPI for each team, and their schedules? And is that 20 minutes on just comparing the MWC and the B1G, or 20 minutes research on the entire NCAA tourney? I mean, I'm not looking for insightful comments from Barkley, I always thought he was on as more of a comedian anyway, so whatever.

Let's not turn this into another fucking Mizzou-fest. They laid an egg, their season is over, let's move on and enjoy the teams that are actually still IN the fucking tournament. I'm as guilty of it as anyone, but I am as sick of it as anyone also. Let's all sign the moratorium and enjoy some actual hoops today.

Thank you.

If you look at the most chosen upsets, it's Belmont (over AZ), Minnesota (over UCLA) and Bucknell (over Butler). IMO, this is the best way to get a leg up on your bracket as I feel atleast 2 (and maybe all 3) of the favorites win these games.

Arizona was dreadful defending the 3 early in the conference, but settled down in their last 8 games (34% 3, 41% opp FG). In their conference loss against UCLA, the Bruins shot just 1-12 from 3 and 39% overall. In Belmont's 3 games against somewhat talented teams with length (Kansas, VCU, Stanford), they combined to shoot 21-81 from 3 (26%). One final point, Arizona is 19th in the country in preventing offensive boards and Belmont is 229th in getting offensive rebounds. If Belmont shoots 27-30 3s against Arizona, they will get run out of the gym in transition if they hit 25-30% (as they have against better teams this year). They basically need to go 45-50% from 3 to have a chance with their size mismatch.

Minnesota and UCLA are similar, but UCLA has slightly more talent (even without Adams). Minnesota doesn't shoot the 3 well, had an average FG%, but really good offensive efficiency. How? they lived on the FT line (42 FT rate). The problem - UCLA is the 3rd best team in the nation in limiting FTAs (24.2 rate). That means Minnesota is going to have to make jumpers to beat them - I don't see it.

Butler has really only struggled against pressure defenses like St. Louis and VCU. They tend to turn the ball over on 20% of their possessions. The problem is Bucknell is 346/347 Div I teams in forcing turnovers. Bucknell also has been bit by teams hitting 3s in their losses (Princeton hit 11 3s) and I can see Butler hitting 8-10 3s as Bucknell focuses more on interior defense and rebounding.
All I need is UCLA to come through for me here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but c'mon Bruins!

All I need is UCLA to come through for me here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but c'mon Bruins!

Yup! UCLA is a tricky one, though, because of losing Adams. That really hurts them. But I am not sure Minnesota has the mental fortitude to stick to the gameplan and make the upset happen. I feel like UCLA, with its talent, can really get it going if it is motivated, and Howland is an excellent game planner. He has had five days to prep for Minnesota.

But UCLA has significant issues in its roster composition and very little depth. I feel like they will need to be carried to the win, and that means Shabazz needs to step it up.

gratz, digamma!

The Harvard win really screwed my bracket.

HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY DIGAMMA!!!!! :mad:

:D

Grats Digamma.

I'm glad I decided not to stay up for the 'Cuse game

Thanks. That was....awesome.

I was surprised how much we were able to control the tempo. And Rivard and Webster were on from the outside. So much fun to watch.

My best friend from school also lives in LA. He played hoops when we were in college. He also has 4 week old twin girls (and a 2 year old daughter). Needless to say, getting out to watch the game last night was not realistic. At half time he sent me a text saying, "if we win, I am NOT meeting you for a drink."

Text at the end of the game: "Where? Now!"

We had fun.

Awesome :)

March Madness... bringing people together.

Uncharacteristic Badgers so far. Lots of turnovers and dumb basketball.

Keep forcing Henderson to shoot off balance crap and keep the big guy in check.

Keep forcing Henderson to shoot off balance crap
Not sure anyone needs to force him. I think Ricky Davis and Antoine Walker just tweeted that Henderson shoots a lot of bad jumpers ;)

Let's not turn this into another fucking Mizzou-fest. They laid an egg, their season is over, let's move on and enjoy the teams that are actually still IN the fucking tournament. I'm as guilty of it as anyone, but I am as sick of it as anyone also. Let's all sign the moratorium and enjoy some actual hoops today.

Less Mizzou, MORE SLU!

Not sure anyone needs to force him. I think Ricky Davis and Antoine Walker just tweeted that Henderson shoots a lot of bad jumpers ;)

He'll shoot a ton of shots in balance and miss them and then throw up prayers that are answered. You just never know with him.

Dear NCAA,

Can we stop calling this the second round of the tournament?

plz k thx

Dear NCAA,

Can we stop calling this the second round of the tournament?

plz k thx

+1

SI

Admittedly, I'm not a huge follower of college basketball, but I knew the name involved here. Just weird.


Shabazz Muhammad's father caught lying about his son's age - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21932441/shabazz-muhammads-father-caught-lying-about-his-sons-age)

NC State imploding early, they barely look interested.

Henderson finally gets a 3 for Ole Miss to pull within 3.

Anyone actually watching Duke-Albany? Duke seems to be keeping them at arm's length but just can't put them away yet.

SI

Albany blew a golden opportunity down 8 to get a rebound off a miss, but gave up a Duke layup instead. I think it's over.

Fuckin moving screens and now a foul for boxing out. Load of shit. Big stop now Badgers. Fuck I'm going to punch a hole in the wall soon. Badgers look awful today.

Congrats to the Wisconsin seniors for going out this way(hopefully not). You guys fucking suck.

Ryan Evans, Mike Bruesiwitz, Jared Berggren. What's it gonna be?

Jackson, you were terrible today.

Step up the last two minutes or its over..

so far so bad for games today...

Holy shit. How did Old Miss get a foul called for standing there? Guess they're evening up the fouls to make Bo happy on his way out the door.

sorry Mau, really seemed like a year Wisconsin could make some noise/

Things setting up nicely for the Zags

That was depressing.

Good job to Ole Miss for playing a lot better defense than I thought they would.

Holy shit. How did Old Miss get a foul called for standing there? Guess they're evening up the fouls to make Bo happy on his way out the door.

Ya, that was a total charge, but ref that called it was watching the inbounds and not the tackle.

I've now got a pair of 5/12 upsets right...and my bracket is still garbage.
Go figure.

Doug McDermott is about to find out what a good defense is like.

Doug McDermott is about to find out what a good defense is like.

yeah but will Cinci be able to score enough points?

Doug McDermott is about to find out what a good defense is like.

High "Raiders looking good in preseason" potential in this post.

NC St. woke up.

2 ridiculous 3s to start the game for Wright ...

That's no fluke. Cash shoots threes from 25 feet out all day. An alarming number of them go in- but every time he shoots 'em, it's the classic "WTF???? Yes?" kind of shot.

And yes, I know. UC can't score. But hopefully we'll have enough juice to get by the 'jays.

What's the adage? 12 always beat 5?

Admittedly, I'm not a huge follower of college basketball, but I knew the name involved here. Just weird.


Shabazz Muhammad's father caught lying about his son's age - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21932441/shabazz-muhammads-father-caught-lying-about-his-sons-age)

This is crazy nuts.

Question I have: did Shabazz know? How crazy if he did not? If you started telling your two year old he is one, or three year old he is two, would he remember that, or just accept what his dad says as the truth?

That would be more acceptable to me as a UCLA fan--but it's mor elikely Shabazz knew quite well how old he is and has for a long time, and so he was complicit in this little dishonesty. Interesting that the article doesn't ever really seem to delve into Shabazz's own role in this, focusing on just his father.

I think I'm rooting for Temple here...

Terrible call on that block by NC State.

These games are a bit less exciting on the Yahoo scoreboard...

Kansas State needs a Frank Martin stare to get them woken up.

Kansas State is in my Final Four. Just sayin'

McDermott with 14 and 6 at the break. They're not exactly shutting him down.

Exxxxxxcellent.

NC State.....this is why you never go anywhere: C.J. Leslie stares at the guy when its inbounded, because he doesn't want to foul out. 5 seconds run off, helping temple seal it. Winners sell out like Suarez against Ghana in the world cup

LaSalle threatening to push the A10 to 6-0 with a giant lead on K-State approaching halftime.

One does not simply show up for the final bit of an 8/9 game and win very often. Another upset (technically) that was pretty predictable.

I love how Kenny Smith keeps on harping on Teams not knowing their scouting report with Barkley sitting there ;)

Obama picked Indiana. This means something!

This is crazy nuts.

Question I have: did Shabazz know? How crazy if he did not? If you started telling your two year old he is one, or three year old he is two, would he remember that, or just accept what his dad says as the truth?

That would be more acceptable to me as a UCLA fan--but it's mor elikely Shabazz knew quite well how old he is and has for a long time, and so he was complicit in this little dishonesty. Interesting that the article doesn't ever really seem to delve into Shabazz's own role in this, focusing on just his father.

So do colleges just not do background checks or anything? If he put the wrong date on his application, surely that's some sore of NCAA violation?

Cincy sure is making it look easy inside in the last few minutes

La Salle falling apart in the 2nd half.

La Salle cannot defend inside. They are simply incapable of doing so. Kansas State should not take another perimeter shot in the entire game.

So do colleges just not do background checks or anything? If he put the wrong date on his application, surely that's some sore of NCAA violation?

Not if you can play. Considering how many players from schools that have later been found to be diploma mills have played in the NCAA, I don't think the NCAA's background checks are the most thorough.

I don't really get the "this makes him overrated because he got to physically overwhelm younger players angle," because players reclassify in high school so often, and nobody bats an eye. He still would have been ranked up there with anyone from the class of 2011 except for Anthony Davis once he burst onto the scene. To me, the age thing is only alarming in the context of the Marinovitch-like upbringing he's had.

How many times are these teams going to foul a scorer with a 4+ point lead and under 2 min left?

Seeding be damned, this Creighton over Cincy feels like an upset afaic.

LaSalle pulls it out. K-State's final possession was a clusterfuck. Bruce Weber strikes again.

If KU loses tonight, Kansas City will implode. What a disaster so far with MU and KSU both going down.

Colorado leading Illinois by 5 due to 21 straight points after the half ! (before the half Illinois had like a 16-0 run)

Colorado leading Illinois by 5 after a 23-2 run since the start of the 2nd half :eek:

I was gonna say, I started watching just after half and went to eat dinner when Illinois was up 39-30. Came back a while later and they still have 39 points.

Longtime New Mexico sports reporter is so distraught over the Lobos' loss he quits (or maybe he was going to quit anyway but he utilized this opportunity to throw a tantrum on the way out).

Loboland.com - Longtime sportswriter says farewell (http://newmexico.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1486756)

Just for those who had not seen, Illini were up 37-21 at halftime. Sadly, these kind of scoring droughts are part of what this team brings to the table this year.

Good news is that there is time to recover, Colorado probably could have gone up more, etc, etc. But what a buzzkill watching your team melt like this.

This Illinois team is insane to watch. 0-15 from the field to start the 2nd - then 3 straight unanswered 3s.

Seeding be damned, this Creighton over Cincy feels like an upset afaic.

I don't know, the MVC is no joke. Creighton's had some battles over the last couple seasons with the Wichita State team that made Pitt (a better Big East team) look pretty bad yesterday.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge follower of college basketball, but I knew the name involved here. Just weird.


Shabazz Muhammad's father caught lying about his son's age - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/21932441/shabazz-muhammads-father-caught-lying-about-his-sons-age)

Not the first 19 year old freshman in college sports, won't be the last.

The bigger quote in there is the Shabazz wants to win one game to prove he's a winner

If Tarcone squints, he can pretend Iowa is playing Ohio State. Go Hawks!


Edit: friggin autocorrect

Not the first 19 year old freshman in college sports, won't be the last.

The bigger quote in there is the Shabazz wants to win one game to prove he's a winner

Exactly. If you wanted to question his upside at the next level, it's much more warranted to bring up the fact that he's already benefitted from playing for big-time high school/AAU programs and working with personal trainers over the years. Whether he's 19 or 20 is a lesser concern.

Exactly. If you wanted to question his upside at the next level, it's much more warranted to bring up the fact that he's already benefitted from playing for big-time high school/AAU programs and working with personal trainers over the years. Whether he's 19 or 20 is a lesser concern.

Age is the biggest indicator of future ceiling at the next level. It definitely puts a bit of a dent in his draft stock; especially in an age where 29 of the 30 teams were represented at the Sloan Conference this year.

Quite a few of the floors have that black border with the city name in blue. Is that some sort of NCAA standard if you're not cool enough to have a "recognizable" floor?

SI

Iona trying to make a game of it with Ohio State

SI

One of the current mysteries of the universe is how did Aaron Craft not end up at Duke.

SI

Florida Gulf Coast opening up a lead here. Georgetown can't buy a bucket.

how the fuck is Florida Gulf Coast even in this thing. One of my best friends graduated from there a couple years back. I didn't even know they had a basketball program.

Let's go Florida Gulf Coast! Up 8

One of the current mysteries of the universe is how did Aaron Craft not end up at Duke.

SI

He grew up in Ohio and wanted to go to Ohio St. all of his life.

how the fuck is Florida Gulf Coast even in this thing. One of my best friends graduated from there a couple years back. I didn't even know they had a basketball program.

This was the only 15/2 people were making noise about

SI

That dunk was awesome. Great patience by FGC.

Weeeee fgc up 13

Holy crap. Georgetown needs to get some points here.

Dumb foul lmaao

Quite a few of the floors have that black border with the city name in blue. Is that some sort of NCAA standard if you're not cool enough to have a "recognizable" floor?

SI

All the floors are the same, has been this way for 3-4 years now, I believe.

I told a guy at work that Marquette and Georgetown never go deep in the tourney, but I didn't take my own advice in the brackets. Go FGCU!

Man, even when offensive rebounds fall into their lap, they can't keep a handle on it. Wow.

Georgetown losing is really going to fuck my bracket.

Forget coming back from down this much, is Georgetown even able to score 17 points in 12 minutes?

Uh oh. Should have dished that to the corner.

Forget coming back from down this much, is Georgetown even able to score 17 points in 12 minutes?

That's the thing about these grind-y teams: hard to come back if down. Then again, if you're that grindy, you should never be down like that.

SI

What a chickenshit technical foul.

Wow, up 17 with less than 10 left... If they just keep playing defense they probably don't have to score another point.

If I were Oklahoma or SD State fans, I'm not sure I'd be excited about facing Florida Gulf Coast

SI

I see Nova's made a run. Provided KU wins tonight, I think I want North Carolina more than I want to face them.

SI

I can't go upstairs to my son's room. He picked FGCU in his bracket and his head swelling up to the size of the room.

I see Nova's made a run. Provided KU wins tonight, I think I want North Carolina more than I want to face them.

SI

either one is a brutal second round game for a one seed.

FGC looks like they could fall apart at any moment. Then their PG makes an insane pass or splits the defense.

I wonder if they have enough of a lead.

Georgetown isn't doing anything to show they want to win. I think they are stunned.

The pregame locker room scene of FGCU they just showed, the guy pretty clearly said "if you're with me, then get them mu'fuckin hands up", and no one noticed. Good job, game director.

Doesn't Georgetown need to keep the press up? They don't have time to be Georgetown offense. They need their D to force O

SI

It looked like they were taking the momentum back when they went to the press, but they've completely stopped. Not sure why.

either one is a brutal second round game for a one seed.

I'm not keen on either and we still need to win tonight. But your team can only play the games that are in front of them

SI

There have been some really weird calls in this game. Georgetown and FGC getting screwed equally, it seems.

I just don't see Georgetown making a run. They are not an explosive offense in any sense.

Is there any loss as bad as G-Town's is going to be?

There have been some really weird calls in this game. Georgetown and FGC getting screwed equally, it seems.

It keeps changing from everything goes to ticky tack about every 5 minutes. It doesn't make sense. And that's for both teams.

SI

It keeps changing from everything goes to ticky tack about every 5 minutes. It doesn't make sense. And that's for both teams.

SI

Yeah, I wouldn't mind either end of the spectrum as long as they were consistent, I don't think. It's weird.

I just don't see Georgetown making a run. They are not an explosive offense in any sense.

Unless their defense creates offense

White boy can ELEVATE !

go white boy go white boy go white boy go

FGCU going showtime! Awesome!

Brent Musburger saw the segment about Florida Gulf Coast's coach's wife being a former model and has asked CBS to join the broadcast crew for their second round game.

Holy crap. That was an amazing feed and finish.

That was NASTY!

Now it's time to make sure you practiced from the line. They make their free throws this game is over.

Starks not getting that foul might be a bit huge.

And Georgetown is done

SI

What a game.

http://i.imgur.com/Z3qyjSI.gif

So... North Carolina-Villanova or Florida-NW State?

SI

I love it. My son is going nuts and I am ecstatic that f'n Georgetown got beat. Since Kentucky is not in the tournament, they became my one team to see beaten to make it all worthwhile. Woohoo!

http://i.imgur.com/Z3qyjSI.gif

One of the best GIFs of all time.

Age is the biggest indicator of future ceiling at the next level. It definitely puts a bit of a dent in his draft stock; especially in an age where 29 of the 30 teams were represented at the Sloan Conference this year.

Correlation isn't causation. Of course the younger players in a draft are going to be more talented than the older players. If the older players were better, they would have entered the draft earlier.

I think you have to look at it on a case-by-case basis. Even in high school, the hype on Shabazz wasn't really about his physical upside, but the fact that he had this Kobe-like ferocity that served as a stark contrast to guys in 2012 like Andre Drummond and Isaiah Austin, who had lots of physical tools but not necessarily the mentality to dominate their competition.

edit: and that was incredibly ballsy of the FGCU point guard to throw the lob in that situation. Their second-round game is going to be a must-watch.

Comer with a great performance at PG in that game.

These games are going way too long. I will barely be able to stqy up past halftime of the Ucla Minnesota game.

Yep, one of the best gifs of all time.

So... North Carolina-Villanova or Florida-NW State?

SI

What is it, 1998? The answer is both, bro!

What is it, 1998? The answer is both, bro!

:D

UNC-Villanova is getting chippy.

Loving the results today. Lots to smile about.

All the floors are the same, has been this way for 3-4 years now, I believe.

I hadn't noticed that it was all of them- just thought it was a few of them. Clearly I'm observant. :p

SI

What is it, 1998? The answer is both, bro!

It was more: which one on the tv and which one on the laptop, laptop, or tablet in front of me? :D

SI

Big XII with their last chance to not fall on their face. The other two high seeds are gone so it's Kansas along with lower seeded Iowa State and Oklahoma.

SI

(I think I'm going to catch up on 2 months of missed posts in 4 days in this thread)

SI

Georgetown losing is really going to fuck my bracket.

My bracket is el fucko sucko now

My bracket is el fucko sucko now

Picking Michigan State to win it all and picking the higher seed to win every other game has me in 9th place in my pool right now.

Hadn't joined any competitions but a friend started on with no entry fee and $50 to the winner so I figured I'd join but not spend more than two minutes filling it out. Then decided to pick a winner from a high seed that wouldn't be a common pick was about my only chance to win.

It's a bit late to ask this question so maybe I'll do it next season before the tourney:

Let’s say your at BW3s and an odd looking fellow sits down next to you. He says he’s a genie but a somewhat ineffective one. He says: “I see you like basketball and I’d like to grant your wish of {insert your team} winning it all but I am not that powerful.” But he continues: “I can make you this offer: if you agree, {your team} will play to one level above their seed." So, for instance, any lower half seed would win their first game but loser their second. A #2 seed would make the Final Four but then they will lose in the semifinal. And any 1 seed would be guaranteed to lose in the title game.

Take out all the factors like “it wouldn’t make the tourney fun because I know the results” or “I’d wish for more wishes”. For the good of all other fans of your team, would you take the deal?

SI

Absolutely not.

Oh, and good luck to Kansas tonight. My wife went there, so I have to root for them. :)

Absolutely not.

I would think Indiana and Louisville would be a couple of the teams not to take that bet

SI

I would take the deal and pick a team that wasn't my favorite.

Oh, and good luck to Kansas tonight. My wife went there, so I have to root for them. :)

That's funny. My wife went to Mizzou and I wasn't cheering for them last night ;)

SI

That's the thing about these grind-y teams: hard to come back if down. Then again, if you're that grindy, you should never be down like that.

SI

Yep, and I heard that expressed locally before the tourney. I can't recall which hosts/guessed called G'Town bowing out early, but it was definitely thrown out there (considering FGCU had beaten Miami, too).

The Irish look very, very green

SI

The Irish look very, very green

SI

Those uniforms should lead to a DQ.

Those uniforms should lead to a DQ.

At the very least start off each half with a bench technical.

Look at the Florida Gulf Coast numbers. They only hit 43%. This wasn't Norfolk State hitting like 55% from 2s and 3s last year against Mizzou. They just imposed their will on Georgetown and played a solid game

SI

Those uniforms should lead to a DQ.

I was thinking more of a shamrock shake than a blizzard.

SI

I was thinking more of a shamrock shake than a blizzard.

I predict this post will not get the love that it deserves. Well played indeed.

I predict this post will not get the love that it deserves. Well played indeed.

It was the type of thing that would have earned a slap from my wife. :D

SI

Game time!

SI

So, every time I see a lower seed clinging to a late lead, the song "Hanging Tough" starts running through my head. It's ... deeply unfortunate.

Kansas playing this close to home might actually be good for WKU. IF they hang around, Kansas' collective rear-iris may clench, and the fans will get restless. They have to keep hitting shots, though. They go cold, they could be down 18 in the blink of an eye.

A Kansas loss would help the heartache od the Badgers losing. Gooooo WKU

Looks like we brought our "don't give a shit" game today. For a team with 4 seniors starting, that happens way too often.

SI

I wish there were more TV timeouts and I wish they were longer.

And perhaps the refs could blow their fucking whistles a bit more.

And perhaps the refs could blow their fucking whistles a bit more.

Which game?

It's funny watching some of the Big East and Big Ten teams get surprised when they actually, you know, call fouls.

SI

Well, so that was fun. Someone want to tell Kansas that the game started at the half?

SI

Minnesota-UCLA. I say let them play, especially the big guys.

Minnesota just needs to play an entirely out of conference schedule.

Minnesota just needs to play an entirely out of conference schedule.

And a new coach that can recruit and help them play to their strengths.

Iowa beats Stony Brook 75-63.
Tough game.
Iowa plays at Virginia or hosts St Johns. Or St. John. Whichever. But iM hoping for a home game.

Playing well. Go Hawks!

WKU starting to misfire, which allows Kansas to run and gun. That needs to end.

4 minute tv timeout increments are ridiculous. At least during regular season they're typically 2.5 minutes long now they're 4+. Then add in the bullshit 4+ minute breaks on timeouts right after tv timeouts.

4 minute tv timeout increments are ridiculous. At least during regular season they're typically 2.5 minutes long now they're 4+. Then add in the bullshit 4+ minute breaks on timeouts right after tv timeouts.

Enjoy the fact that there are 4 games on at once. After that, the breaks get really long

I think coaches should be allowes 3 tmeouts per game. Only when on TV. Otherwise 5. Stupid to call a TO at 12:30 then 45 seconds later get another.

Watching almost everything on the DVR has its benefits.

Ugh. Bad EJ is like Bad Rex :(

SI

Bad BJ is like Bad Sex?

Oh, man...he makes that layup and we have a fun finish

Missouri losing as a 2 and Kansas winning as a 1 just proves that if God gives a shit about college basketball, He has terrible taste in teams.

Big Ten is doing pretty well so far. Only Wisky blew it.

Take that, Sir Charles.

Good enough to survive

SI

Hopefully the Kansas fans give WKU a nice ovation

We'll have to wait another year for a 16 to beat a 1.

There was a reason everyone was saying this was the year for a 16 to beat a 1. Easily could have happened. You rarely see two 1s challenged this heavily in one year.

The amazing thing is that it's happened in the women's tournament and not the men's. There's zero parity in women's basketball and their 1 seeds play on their homecourts. How the hell did that ever happen?

Easy.

One of the current mysteries of the universe is how did Aaron Craft not end up at Duke.

SI

I have this thought quite often. (I know it's been answered in the thread, but still.) A college friend of mine asked me what college basketball player (past or present) that did _not_ play for Duke I hated the most, and I settled on Craft very quickly.

I see Nova's made a run. Provided KU wins tonight, I think I want North Carolina more than I want to face them.

SI

Quoted for posterity. :devil:

There was a reason everyone was saying this was the year for a 16 to beat a 1. Easily could have happened. You rarely see two 1s challenged this heavily in one year.

The amazing thing is that it's happened in the women's tournament and not the men's. There's zero parity in women's basketball and their 1 seeds play on their homecourts. How the hell did that ever happen?

Random trivia: I was at the game the first time a 16 beat a 1 in Women's NCAA Tournament (Harvard at Stanford. Was there because Arkansas played Hawaii in the game right after it and was in the Hogwild Band at the time).

Was actually really cool.

There's a rumor that Floyd Mayweather put 7 million on the Bruins. lol

Well Ben, it was a great run! Have fun at Pitt or Northwestern next year!

Quoted for posterity. :devil:

I don't really want to face either and we'd lose to both the way we played tonight. However, I think we'll be more up for a North Carolina game than Nova and I think their defense would eat us alive whereas we've shown this season that if you get us into a track meet, we can hang with that.

SI

Heard Bilas say on Sportscenter that this is 4th straight year Georgetown has been knocked out by a double digit seed. Ouch.

Apologize if this is something that was discussed repeatedly during the actual game. Didn't have sound on that one where I was at.

Yeah, there were a few graphics on it during the game as well. That's brutal when you think of it in terms of a senior class graduating with a 1-4 record in NCAA tournament games despite being the higher seed in all five matchups. Another team whose tournament history surprised me was Notre Dame. 2003 was the last time they made it out of the first weekend (and the only time under Mike Brey). Now that I look more closely, they haven't been a high seed all that often, so they just be a victim of people often picking them to pull upsets due to the whole playing around Saint Patty's Day/wearing green uniforms/luck of the Irish thing.

Now I see why fans cheer for their team's conference opponents in the Big Dance and invest so much time in debating which conference is the strongest - you really do tend to turn a blind eye to certain teams' lack of postseason success if they play in a reputable conference :D

Actually Craft verbally committed to Tennessee then later decided to stay closer to home at the urging of his family.

I really don't understand the hatred. I can see why opposing fans would be frustrated by him but the guy goes at 100% effort 40 minutes a night.

Thought this post might generate a few comments on FOFC:
Why I Am Rooting for Duke: An Argument in Seven Ascending Steps - The Triangle Blog - Grantland (http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/55210/why-i-am-rooting-for-duke-an-argument-in-seven-ascending-steps)

I really don't understand the hatred. I can see why opposing fans would be frustrated by him but the guy goes at 100% effort 40 minutes a night.

I think many of us think he gets away with a lot of fouls.

The amazing thing is that it's happened in the women's tournament and not the men's. There's zero parity in women's basketball and their 1 seeds play on their homecourts. How the hell did that ever happen?

I had to look it up to remember the details myself. Harvard over Stanford 71-67 in 1988. Stanford lost two starters to ACL injuries shortly before the tournament & Harvard had the nation's leading scorer Allison Feaster. Harvard was also underseeded & played with a chip on their shoulder about it.

The Only Time a No. 16 Beat a Top-Seeded Team - New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/sports/ncaabasketball/23harvard.html?_r=0)

I think many of us think he gets away with a lot of fouls.

And he really has perfected that whiny "what? me?" face.

SI

As far as Craft goes, I think the underrated part of hating him has to do with his flushed cheeks for 39.5 minutes of the game.

Let's go "Future UCLA coach"!

Can someone please get a pump for the basketball in the Enterprise commercial with all the people who played college sports? K, thx.

I would be really impressed if VCU can impose their will on this Michigan team. Basically a road game against a team who doesn't turn the ball over much. Not sure what Bilas was talking about when he suggested VCU had a great draw.

I know that if Kansas wins on Sunday, I'd rather see Michigan. Could you imagine that press against our turnover prone PGs?

That said, I'm enjoying this game- fun back and forth.

SI

I'e been impressed with the Wolverines' defense so far this game. VCU has hit some very tough shots in the half court offense, gotten almost nothing in transition even with forcing some turnovers.

The choirboy looks, whining to the refs, and the fouling defense have been covered, and what adds to it for Craft is that he gets all the coded terms from the announcers about how he's a hard-working player who loves the game, and so forth. My personal favorite is that he's a "coach's son." Has anyone mentioned that Marshall Henderson is a coach's son too?

McGary has now annihilated two VCU guys on screens, in addition to being a real factor on the glass.

Why does a 4 seed get two home games to start? Has it always been like this?

Why does a 4 seed get two home games to start? Has it always been like this?

California got their two first games even closer to home than Michigan did and they're a 12 seed.

California got their two first games even closer to home than Michigan did and they're a 12 seed.

This started with the whole "pod" system, no? Neutral sites my ass

This started with the whole "pod" system, no? Neutral sites my ass

I think that's true. I think most years they've done better at avoiding those things though.

This started with the whole "pod" system, no? Neutral sites my ass

Gotta sell tickets -_-

Tho, the Cal one is a joke. Typically they give the home court edge to higher seeds. UNLV got hosed

SI

Gotta sell tickets -_-

Tho, the Cal one is a joke. Typically they give the home court edge to higher seeds. UNLV got hosed

SI

Ditto Syracuse, who now gets the Cal/San Jose experience.

Only thing UCLA did was start the clock ticking - latimes.com (http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0323-plaschke-ucla-20130323,0,1330115.column) - wonder where Howland might end up if (when?) he is let go from UCLA?

Only thing UCLA did was start the clock ticking - latimes.com (http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/basketball/la-sp-0323-plaschke-ucla-20130323,0,1330115.column) - wonder where Howland might end up if (when?) he is let go from UCLA?

Speculation is Pitt. I think Northwestern would be a good spot too

McGary is killing 'em.