The NCAA College Hoops/ *MARCH MADNESS* Discussion Thread

[PapaJupe2k]

Well the season is about to get underway for some people in about two weeks or so. So post your ranting and ravings about college basketball right here.

I wont be as vocal here as I am in the college football thread, because simply my enthusiasm has been diminished alot since Alford took over the Hawks. They have taken several steps backward since uncerimoniously dumping Tom Davis. Missing the Big Dance 3 out of 4 years since he came to Iowa City. Alford's teams are about as exciting to watch as watching the corn grow. I could turn this into a good rant but I don't have the energy right now. After five years these are fianlly all his recruits, and expectations are low(sigh).

Go Drake and Dr. Tom Davis.:cool: I haven't even picked up a pre-season college basketball mag yet, and have no idea what the Hawks schedule is, that is how interested I am.:(

Well talk amongst yourselves.

[Morgana]

Well, I would like to express my disappointment over Luke Ridnour turning pro after his third year in college. Eugene doesn't have much going for it sports-wise, I was really looking forwards to one last year of Luke Ridnour and Luke Jackson basketball. It's the one thing that got me really excited about the local sports here. But now Ridnour is with the Sonics, I don't think the Ducks have much of chance without him. So Ridnour...piss on YOU! :mad:

[Doc Holliday]

I am a die-hard Tar Heel's fan and am really excited about Roy Williams making his way back home. We have a ton of talent, at least the first 8 guys, and can compete with almost anyone in the country. Raymond Felton is going to open some eyes this year. Watch out, the Heels are back on the rise! :D

[bmain77]

Much like Papajupe my participation on this board will be in direct proportion to how well UM does this year.

Actually on paper it looks like they could do very well. Daniel Horton is back after a spectacular freshman season. Bernard Robinson Jr. is back somehow after yet another eventful off season. We have two decent big sophmores coming back as well, Graham and Hunter. Plus some good recruits are coming in. Better yet the NCAA is going to let us get some post season run this year.

The friggin Spartans are back this year. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but ever since the blasted FlintStone years Flint has been transformed into East Lansing North and I get the spend the year puking green and white from all the coverage they get around here. Thank god for detroit's talk radio.

[S. PLISSKEN]

Already a couple of Big Ten guys on this thread. Like what I see.

I'm telling you watch out for my Wisconsin Badgers again. Back to back Big Ten Champs. Only loss, while sizable, is Kirk Penney. Bo Ryan has elevated this program in a very short time. Props to Dick Bennett before him too.

Look forward to talking some trash with you other Big Ten guys through out the season.

[Grebdron]

Ummmmmmm...GO BRUINS!!

I'm not even sure who's on our team this year, but I am ecstatic that Steve Loser Lavin was fired.

Now maybe UCLA can begin its climb back from mediocrity.

[bmain77]

Oh my god the only thing more painful than being kicked in the balls is watching Wisconsin play. That system may work well, but even Wisconsin fans have to admit its boring as hell to watch.

[Benny]

(Cue CBS NCAA Theme Song) As many of you know, I go crazy over college hoops. This season will probably be no different, especially in March, when I skipped school last year to stay home and watch games on TV. This year again looks to be very promising. UNC will be decent again, now that they have a real coac in Roy Williams. Kansas will miss him, but they should still be a powerhouse, especially with Bill Self as coach. Also, I'm looking forward to see how UCLA does this year with a new coach as well. Expect a HUGE drop from Syracuse too. Carmelo carried the team, without him it will take a while for the team to rebuild.

As for Big Ten, I can't do any bragging, since my team of choice, Penn State, is lousy and will always be (except for that one year when they made the sweet 16 as a 7-seed, that was pretty cool).

Also, this is the final year or PURE ACC Hoops before pagans Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College join the league. :mad:

[Moviefan1234]

As a Canes fan, college basketball is often disappointing, but one of these years we'll make a series run at it. Until then, the NIT isn't bad. UCONN looks to be the team to beat right now, but I think Izzo will have Michigan State with a number one seed again. North Carolina should be much improved too.

[S. PLISSKEN]

Originally posted by bmain77
Oh my god the only thing more painful than being kicked in the balls is watching Wisconsin play. That system may work well, but even Wisconsin fans have to admit its boring as hell to watch.

You apparently haven't been watching the last couple of seasons. You know the two seasons after Dick Bennett had left Wisconsin. There has been a new coach there by the name of Bo Ryan; he is way more up-tempo than Bennett was. I do agree that Bennett’s system (again 2+ years ago) was slow and methodical. However, winning is never boring.

[Munson]

This will be a very young but very talented Terps team. I expect there to be some bumps in the road this year. But, I expect them to improve as the year goes on and continue their NCAA tournament streak.

[Ripper1888]

Being a University Of Michigan grad I'm more into the football and hockey programs more so than basketball of late but this year the Wolverines have a young team with talent they could be the suprise team of the Big Ten this year though they still are the states second son when it comes to basketball god damn MSU.

[PapaJupe2k]

Well the season has officially tipped off. The Hawks don't play until next Sunday (NC Asheville), I could see them going down, Asheville made the Big Dance last year. St. Joe/Gonzaga are playing on ESPN2 right now. Wow the Zags are ranked 12th in the polls!:eek: That may be a little ambitious, I guess they wont be sneaking up on anyone in the NCAA tourney this year.

The Zags are down right now, I'm sure they will take a tumble in the polls if they lose, down to where they rightfully should be.

[screamer581]

Well, as usual I will be rooting anything Michigan, and basketball is no exception. They should be a lot of fun to watch this year, and who knows...maybe we will surprise a few people. But hey, if they suck...I still always have my Arizona Wildcats. Go Zona! :)

[The Delfonics]

Im mega pumped

Go Buffalo Bulls
Go Canisus Griffs
Go Niagara Purple Eagles
Go Syracuse Orangeman
Go St Bonaventure Bonnies
Go Buffalo State Bengals

These are all my area teams

[Benny]

Wow, the stuff they're smoking at Sports Illustrated must be pretty powerful, get me some of that! Gonzaga ranked #3? Yeah the Zags are a perennially good team, but to call them third best in the nation (especially after losing to St Joe's) is insane.

Right now I'm looking ahead to Feb. 5, when UNC matches up against Duke for the first time under Roy Williams.

[PapaJupe2k]

Yeah, #3 that was pretty ridiculous. They are a good team, but c'mon. Hey Benny you know what? I don't know exactly what there schedule is, but I would bet St. Joe is probably one of the best teams they'll play this year before the NCAA tourney too. They are certainly better than anyone in there conference.

I was reading a story in the Iowa City Press Citizen today and wow are tickets sales dropping. Student season tickets are down from over 6,000 three years ago, to under 1,000 this year.:eek: You cant ignore those numbers Bob Bowlsby!

Note to Steve Alford: Your time is running short, produce a winner now!

[James Logan]

Folks...hate to be painful, but I'm an European Schmoe, and even though I love basketball, I don't know much about NCAA Hoops except the basics. But this thread caught my interest, so I was wondering if anyone would give me the run through on the teams and the way the season works (pretty much the program or schedule or what kind of divisions, conferences, playoffs and the likes take place)? Please? It'd be much appreciated. That way I'll be able to read through this topic without going :confused: every other post.

Mucho thanks. :)

[Grebdron]

Originally posted by James Logan
Folks...hate to be painful, but I'm an European Schmoe, and even though I love basketball, I don't know much about NCAA Hoops except the basics. But this thread caught my interest, so I was wondering if anyone would give me the run through on the teams and the way the season works (pretty much the program or schedule or what kind of divisions, conferences, playoffs and the likes take place)? Please? It'd be much appreciated. That way I'll be able to read through this topic without going :confused: every other post.

Mucho thanks. :)

Well, it would take a while to explain a whole lot, James, but a basic rundown is...

The conferences are the same as NCAA Football. The major conferences are the ACC, SEC, Atlantic !0, Pac-10, etc. They obviously (usually) have the stronger players, and better teams. But less so than in football. A lot of good players come out of some of the smaller schools.

IMO, the main difference between NCAA Football and Basketball is the tournament, or March Madness. 65 teams, in a win or go home format. The first round has 32 games, with 32 teams being eliminated. Second round has 16 games, with 16 teams going home. And so on and so on...

Creates a much more exciting environment than the ridiculously stupid BCS standings in football.

If you want more info, I'll be glad to bring you up to speed via PM.

[Morgana]

Originally posted by James Logan
Folks...hate to be painful, but I'm an European Schmoe, and even though I love basketball, I don't know much about NCAA Hoops except the basics. But this thread caught my interest, so I was wondering if anyone would give me the run through on the teams and the way the season works (pretty much the program or schedule or what kind of divisions, conferences, playoffs and the likes take place)? Please? It'd be much appreciated. That way I'll be able to read through this topic without going :confused: every other post.

Mucho thanks. :)

Greb can fill you in on all the details much better than I can, but all I can say is March Madness is one of the most exciting and thrilling tournaments I can think of. College hoops are fast, exciting, and unlike pro hoops, very unrefined. That's what makes it so thrilling for me. I highly recommend. :)

[PapaJupe2k]

Duke 108 Elon 26:eek:

Did I see that score right? My god take a knee Coach K.:D

Ooops, I think that was womens basketball.:eek: I've only had two beers tonight too. My bad. That still doesn't make an 82 point win right though.:)

[Moviefan1234]

I can't believe how Michigan State almost lost to Bucknell. The Spartans won by 12, but Bucknell missed 16 of 17 free throws! :eek:

[James Logan]

Morgana, Greb (ladies first)...thanks for the replies. :) I've been lookin' around the Internet too, and I think I got a pretty good idea of how things go now. Sounds fun to me...I'll be following the news. :)

[bmain77]

One thing about college basketball which is a blessing and a curse is that is it still largely a coaches game. A very good coach can take a less talented, but disciplined team far while crappy coaches can have all the talent and the world and do nothing with it.

The blessing is usually you get better teamwork in college, but on the other hand some coach's systems slow the game down to make it a complete bore or rely only on three pointers and things like that. For example I really do enjoy watching Bobby Knight coached teams, but I can't stand RIck Pitino coached teams. Bobby Knight preaches teamwork, passing the ball, etc...but his teams still fill up the basket. Rick Pitino's full court press can be exciting, but all his teams seem to jack up the three every other shot.

But thats just my opinion.

UM beat Oakland U....next stop final four
:D

[Munson]

The Big East had a rough night last night with Syracuse and UConn losing to unranked teams.

[PapaJupe2k]

It was a very emotional and heart warming return for Dr. Tom Davis at Carver Hawkeye Arena Tuesday night. The all-time winningest coach was greeted to a standing ovation by the crowd, and well deserved I might add. Alford presented him with a special autographed basketball with his accomplishments on them, very nice touch Steve.:cool:

The game was almost secondary, the scrappy Drake team kept it close for a half, but fell to the Hawks 74-56.

Iowa has their work cut out for them Saturday against Louisville and Rick Pitino, it could get ugly. We will see though.

[screamer581]

Hey, U Of M is 3-0 now, and they even beat a decent team, Butler! They play ranked NC State next, let's see what happens. :)

[PackBacker]

Ranked NC State. Well, they were. We continued our tradition of rolling over on the road. This could be a really long year for NCSU given the somewhat surprising strength of the ACC so far.

Wake Forest looks incredible and is my choice to take the conference title this year. Dook is up and down...but when they are on fire they cannot be stopped. Keraliner is showing a lot-- I'm not completely sold yet but they have a heckuva coach. GT has seemed unbeatable. Maryland will be OK- looks like the Zags gave them a bump. F$U is improved. Klempson is waiting for the Peach Bowl and Pete Gillen is wondering how his team is consistently ranked in the top 10 each year only to miss the Big Dance.

[PapaJupe2k]

They are expecting 75,000 fans at Ford Field for the MSU/Kentucky game!:eek: Largest crowd to ever watch a b-ball game. Should be an exciting game and an awesome visual to boot. MSU would like to get this one, they are racking up some losses against stiff competition, but they should be expected to win at least of couple of these tough games.

How would the fans on the outer reaches be able to see anything? Hope they brought their bi-noculars.

[PapaJupe2k]

Wow awesome slate of games today! We got Kentucky/Indiana & Duke/Texas going on right now, and it isn't even noon yet. More great games later this afternoon and tonight. But... I've got to go buy X-Mas presents, leave it to me to procrastinate and wait until the last minute. I'm looking for a one stop shopping adventure.

Is it considered thoughtless to give your parents cash?:confused:

[PackBacker]

Watch SportsCenter for highlights of the WFU vs unc-ch sheep game. One of the best regular season games I have ever seen. WFU wins in triple overtime. Sorry Roy Boy, you're 0-1 in the ACC :)

[Munson]

Yes, Welcome to the ACC Roy.

[Moviefan1234]

Anyone else surprised at how poorly Michigan State is doing? They have been playing a brutal schedule, but you'd think they'd win a few of these games. They have a lot of talent on that team, but Izzo needs to get them playing better ball.

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
Anyone else surprised at how poorly Michigan State is doing? They have been playing a brutal schedule, but you'd think they'd win a few of these games. They have a lot of talent on that team, but Izzo needs to get them playing better ball. That is one of the things that irritates me about college basketball. The NCAA selection committee and so called experts from all over the land don't seem to care if you win these tough games that schedule.:rolleyes: People seem to think it is enough that you just play these games, if you play and lose them all, what does that prove? I'm not here to bash Michigan State, I think they'll be fine in the long run, but it was just a general rant I had to get off my chest. God I get tired of the term "strength of schedule".

[Munson]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
That is one of the things that irritates me about college basketball. The NCAA selection committee and so called experts from all over the land don't seem to care if you win these tough games that schedule.:rolleyes: People seem to think it is enough that you just play these games, if you play and lose them all, what does that prove? I'm not here to bash Michigan State, I think they'll be fine in the long run, but it was just a general rant I had to get off my chest. God I get tired of the term "strength of schedule".
Dude, I know what you're saying. It's great that they played such a tough OOC schedule, but they still have to win some of the games. If they lose to Syracuse, than they won't have one quality OOC win. That to me would mean they would have to have an outstanding record in the Big Ten to make the NCAA tournament. 8-8 or 9-7 conference record should not get them in the tourney. Heck, a 10-6 record should at best put them on the bubble.

[Benny]

Wow, the ACC is incredible this year! Wake, UNC, Duke, and Ga. Tech all have great teams. And I'm sure PackBacker will point out that NC State has a good team too. The ACC is my favorite college hoops conference; too bad Miami, BC, and Virginia Tech will ruin it next year...

[PackBacker]

The ACC is loaded...on what some thought would be an "off" year. At this point I'd put F$U and Maryland above NCSU in the ACC. NC State is way too up and down. Live by the three, die by the three. You are most likely going to see an implosion this year by our team and fanbase. I hope I'm wrong but all the signs are pointing that way.

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Benny
too bad Miami, BC, and Virginia Tech will ruin it next year...

*Sigh*

They may do more respectable than you think in the coming years.

[PackBacker]

Moviefan- I think Benny might be alluding to the conference identity rather than their performances. I remember F$U shocking the league in basketball their first year.

Personally I'm going to miss home and home games against rivals. Those were special. It's hard to watch tradition beaten and broken for some $.

[PapaJupe2k]

Whee, Iowa loses at home to Northwestern by 9.:( The Big Ten is sooooo weak this year. First win in Iowa City in 10 years, congrats Wildcats. That Princeton offense they run just couldn't be stopped. Not to mention Northwestern seems to have some pipeline to Croatia with 3 guys that stand about 6 foot 9 and can all shoot 3 pointers. Hell if they play like this the rest of the year they could make some noise in the weakened Big Ten, I hope they do, they are well coached.

I need a (((hug))) and some booze. Glug... glug... glug.:D

[Benny]

PackBacker is right. I read a great book about the ACC a couple years ago (A March to Madness by John Feinstein) and I've loved the league ever since. The administrators in the league seem to be ruining the conference's basketball tradition by adding the new teams and putting more empahasis on football, because that is where the money is. The home-and-home games made the conference unique up next to the other behemouth conferences of 12 or more teams.

Anyone else check out Bracketology guy on ESPN.com? I've always enjoyed his rankings, it's good stuff...

[ukcats]

My UK Wildacts aren't getting a whole lot of love on this thread. How about a 21 games SEC winning streak. Beat that Duke, UNC, or Louisville. Tubby knows what he is doing and has started an entire revolution in college basketball recruiting. Just watch and see.

[PapaJupe2k]

Echo... echo... anyone there?:D Man I can't believe how down the Big Ten is this year, there is just no denying it, no way, no how! I can never remember a time in my lifetime where there has only been two ranked Big Ten teams, not to mention this low (Wisconsin- 19, Purdue- 23). It's hard to pinpoint why, I know everything seems to be circular in college hoops, but I have to point to all the underclassmen lost to the NBA. But this is a bad year, no matter what execuses you make. I'm only seeing three teams getting into the NCAA tourney unless someone besides the two mentioned above and Illinois steps up or wins the conference tourney. I know that would be an all time low since the field expanded to 64.

Geez my Hawkeyes are down to six players that have really ever seen any floor time.:eek: The big guy Reiner is out for year with a stress fracture in his foot and two guys off the bench have been dismissed for academic reasons. This is looking like the team from Hoosiers more every day. Oh well, there is the big grudge match with Iowa State tomorrow, I'm sure they'll lose that one too, being it's at Hilton.

I'm interested to see these silver anniversary teams that are being selected by ESPN.com. Geez it would be impossible to put a ballot together for that, but I can't believe not one Hawkeye made the voting. I would have thought maybe Ronnie Lester or Roy Marble might have snuck in. I'm interested to see who makes it just the same though.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Just noticed this thread so indulge me if you will, I am a big time hoops guru myself, this is my 20th anniversary of being a Duke fan, and even though I didn't attend the school (Springfield College Class of 93) I consider myself as part of the Family.

I've had my shares of ups and downs with my man K, all those Final Fours and nothing to show for it, Never Nervous getting my man Johhny Dawkins in '86, that was a tough one. But jubiliation soon followed those dark years with the arrival of Bobby Hurley, the greatest college basketball point guard of all time and Christian Laettner, the WINNER. BACK TO BACK was sweet!!

But nothing was harder than '99 when we lost to them damn Huskies!! Living in Connecticut I've had to deal with them since C Laet took them down in their dream season back in '89. We got them a couple other times, but they got us when it counted. And though that Langdon, Maggette, Avery, Brand, Carawell & Battier team is my least favorite team of all time ( Avery & Magette were not Duke type players) UCONN still got the best of us. With North Carolina just another game now, after 6-7 years of DOMINATION, enough to the point that Maryland is now our big rival and they're even down this year, I am looking to celebrate my 20th Anniversary by taking down them DAMN HUSKIES THIS YEAR AND RUIN THEIR RUN TO CALHOUNS SECOND TITLE -- NOT GONNA HAPPEN, NOT GONNA HAPPEN, NOT GONNA HAPPEN , NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

THE DUKE MASTER
AWESOME J

[ukcats]

Iowa and the Big Ten stink. SEC basketball is where it is right now. Strong from top to bottom. And, UK pulling off another big win last night. Classic.

[bmain77]

Here's ESPN's Big 10 team:

C-Kevin Mchale (no complaints there)

F-Glenn Robinson (ahem...Glen Rice....Big Ten career scoring record and a national championship...pretty much tops anything Big Dog did...and I'm not wearing my Michigan goggles on this one)

F-Jimmy Jackson (had a good career, but a few people come to mind ahead of him)

G-Mateen Cleaves (don't even get me started....I think someone named Isiah Thomas comes to mind way before Mateen freaking Cleaves)

G-Steve Alford (I don't like him, but its a hard choice to argue with...again not just looking out for my michigan boys but Rumeal Robinson comes to mind)


I'm shocked they didn't throw Webbe, Jalen, or Juwan Howard up there. Thats not to say I have a problem with it. I just thought it'd come down to more of a popularity contest than it did.

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by bmain77
Here's ESPN's Big 10 team:
G-Mateen Cleaves (don't even get me started....I think someone named Isiah Thomas comes to mind way before Mateen freaking Cleaves)

My thoughts exactly. How does Mateen Cleaves even get on the ballot?:confused: I mean he was an excellent player, but the best point guard in the Big Ten in the last 25 years?? You've got to be kidding me! I don't know his career stats, but from what I remember he wasn't a great shooter (good shooter?). Everyone loved him for his leadership and intagibles I guess, but really.

I cant really argue with the other four, I know it's virtually impossible to select.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Mark Price over Bobby Hurley???

BLASPHEMY!!!!!

[Benny]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
My thoughts exactly. How does Mateen Cleaves even get on the ballot?:confused: I mean he was an excellent player, but the best point guard in the Big Ten in the last 25 years?? You've got to be kidding me! I don't know his career stats, but from what I remember he wasn't a great shooter (good shooter?). Everyone loved him for his leadership and intagibles I guess, but really.

I cant really argue with the other four, I know it's virtually impossible to select.

And NO ONE from the Michigan Fab Five on that list? That in my opinion is one of the best college starting fives in history.

[bmain77]

ESPN has said on these teams they are releasing that are placing a heavy emphasis on players who stayed in school 3 and 4 years. Thats why I wasn't suprised to see Chris Webber not make it. I would have liked to see either Jalen or Juwan make since they bothed stayed 3 years. Ray Jackson and Jimmy King definitly didn't deserve it. In my mind Glenn RIce and Isiah Thomas were screwed.

I haven't seen the ACC team yet, but if Mark Price made it over Bobby Hurly, that really is horrible. I don't even like Duke, but come on. I thought for sure pothead Laetnerd and Hurly were shoe ins.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Great Job Chris Duhon! Way to go out in your last game at the DeanDome.

[PackBacker]

How bout that Wolfpack? :eek:

[TheElephants]

Okay, i'm a huge college basketball fan so i'm sorry if this runs really long..

First off, I originally picked Cincinnati to win the NCAA Championship..but I was wrong. They aren't winning, they just aren't ready for the tournament..it's the same way every damn year. Same thing goes for Kentucky. I may like Tubby, but there's no way that they're gonna win a championship if they lost TWICE to Georgia. Then again, Dennis Felton is just the man. 3-0 against Kentucky, he just has their number. Still don't thnk Kentucky has much of a chance to win at this point.

Who DO I think could win? There's this little team named Stanford that is just awesome this year. They aren't invulnerable(no team is), but they are very close. I don't know if any team can honestly beat them.

Then again..there's the DOOKIES! First off, note this: I love Coach K, he's one of the greatest coaches ever..but I HATE Duke. Hate hate hate. But I must admit that they are looking very strong this year. I think they're the only team that can stop Stanford..but only if they don't get stopped earlier in the tourney. And god, I want March Madness to COME already. I'm dying here just waiting for it to come. When it actually does come, i'll probably die. MM can't come soon enough.

[Munson]

Originally posted by TheElephants

Who DO I think could win? There's this little team named Stanford that is just awesome this year. They aren't invulnerable(no team is), but they are very close. I don't know if any team can honestly beat them.


Stanford is a very good team. But, you honestly don't know if any team can beat them? Come on dude, the Pac 10 is crap this year. Not to take anything away from Stanford, but they are far from unbeatable.

[horror maniac]

Can the #2 team in the nation get just a little bit of love. I'm talking about the St. Joseph's Hawks. They're getting a little bit of respect now. They might even finish undefeated going into March Madness. Is there a better backcourt than St. Joesph's has with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West?

[Moviefan1234]

You heard it from me first: Be weary of the Spartans in the tourney. They seem to be peaking at the right time. I'm not completely convinced of St. Joes because their schedule is pretty fluffy, they haven't been challanged a whole lot.

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
You heard it from me first: Be weary of the Spartans in the tourney. They seem to be peaking at the right time. I'm not completely convinced of St. Joes because their schedule is pretty fluffy, they haven't been challanged a whole lot.

Granted, the Spartans are playing pretty well right now, but I think they better just worry about getting enough wins to get to the tourney, as opposed to how much damage they can do in it. They only have I believe 5 non-conference wins, and none of them quality. This is as weak as I can ever remember the Big Ten in my twenty or so years of following it. They aren't a lock by any means. I don't see any more than 4 teams going from the Big Ten.

As for the Pac-10, you are right Munson. I was listening to the Alford call in show the other night and according to the RPI ratings, the Pac-10 is ninth among conferences.:eek: Several mid-majors have passed them, that is astounding. The jury is still out on Stanford. This thing is really up for grabs which will make a very exciting tourney, I cant wait.

I'll probably be having a contest on picking the brackets for the schmoes when it gets here, so everyone keep an eye out.:cool:

[Darth Dzikowski]

Them darn Wolfpack will give some BIG time team some problems in March, they "D"'d up Duke like no one else has this year, that's for sure.

But, this is my 20th year anniversary of becoming a Dookie so I still think this years squad will bring me home title numero 4.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Can't wait to see Melvin grauduate, that dude has hit so many 3's against Duke the past few years, he's killing me, always from the top of the key, ALWAYS!!!!

[Munson]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
they "D"'d up Duke like no one else has this year, that's for sure.

I definately wouldn't say that's for sure. The Terps held Duke to 68 points and .338 shooting percentage. Both are season lows for Duke. The Terps just can't put together two consistant halves of offense though.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Been a Duke fan longer since before you were born, saw both Maryland games, State & Wake played the best D on Reddick and Duke this year no matter what your numbers say. Maryland will be Real Good next year, then we can get back to the Duke Maryland rivalry. Not now.

[ukcats]

Duke is half okay if you get rid of the D and the E. Go Cats!

[Darth Dzikowski]

To that, I just have to say 2 words: Christian Laettner 10-10 from the floor, 11-11 from the line, send my regards to Richie Farmer and the boys.

[MarkItZero]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
To that, I just have to say 2 words: Christian Laettner 10-10 from the floor, 11-11 from the line, send my regards to Richie Farmer and the boys.

Ouch. Thats cold. :D


I know they are flying low under the radar for the national audience, but Southern Illinois is quietly having a hell of a season. They have only lost 2 games the whole year and are 16-0 in conference play. And remeber, this is a team that has been to the big dance the last 2 years and advanced, they wont have any stage fright. The only thing that hurts them is the lack of real quality opponents, but they are stepping up their games at the right time. Look out for the Saluki's!!

[Darth Dzikowski]

Agreed. SIU sweet sixteen.

[Munson]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
Been a Duke fan longer since before you were born

That's pretty amazing considering I'm older than you are. I bet you're one of those Duke fans that have never even stepped a foot on the campus.


saw both Maryland games, State & Wake played the best D on Reddick and Duke this year no matter what your numbers say.
Wow, way to back up your statement with facts. :rolleyes:
BTW, my numbers don't lie.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Here's a fact for you Munson, I been to 15 Duke games in my life, been to a NCAA games & ACC tourney, but alas never in cameron so I must not be a fan. Second, about you being older than me? Congrats on that as well. Now about you having 1/10 of the basketball I.Q that I have -- don't think so pal. You must still be sore about my boy Jay Williams scoring in your eye in that shit house the used to be Cole Field House, or perhaps it's blowing that 20 point lead in the Fian Four, anywho, take your smack some where else jack, cause after that embarassing loss at Cameron last week I'd be getting ready for the Not Important Tournament, that's the NIT to terp fans.

So to my boys Gary "I sweat alot, but not as much as I sweat Coach K" Williams and my new boy Munson, Size me up for ring number 4!!

[Darth Dzikowski]

Sorry bout the spelling, when speaking to Maryland fans my IQ drops about a dozen points.

[Indiana Sev]

Darth and Munson, I remind you to keep it clean. You can talk smack about a team all you want but you must refrain on the personal attacks.

- Moderator

[Munson]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
You must still be sore about my boy Jay Williams scoring in your eye in that shit house the used to be Cole Field House
You forgot about Steve Blake's steal of Williams. How about William's incredible choke job against Indiana.
Remember any clown can get on the interent and call themselves a Duke fan. I bet the Yankees are your team also. Any other bandwagons you jumped on.

With that incredible basketball IQ, I figured you would have backed your original statement with some facts. I guess that IQ isn't so high afterall.

[Munson]

How can I forget about Shane Battier's senior night. That didn't turn out too well did it?

[Darth Dzikowski]

Like Rambo, John J once said, he drew first blood not me (that's for the moderator). Now for you clown, since you are a man who demands the facts, well where you are Joe Friday.

1. Fact: Been a Duke fan since 84-85, Johnny Dawkins, Tommy Amaker, David Henderson, Danny Maeghar(sp), Jay Bilas, Mark Alarie, so yeah I guess I did jump on the bandwagon, 20 years ago, saw them play for the first time in 86 in the first ever preseason NIT defeating Kansas, before going on to lose to Milt Wagner, Pervous Ellison, Jeff Hall and those jerks at Louisville.

1A: Have seen them play Arizona, Kentucky twice Indiana, Uconn, Stanford, Texas, St. Johns, Syracuse, St. Joe's and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head.

2. Fact: I hate the Yankees and all their fans, don't worry though, Maryland have a long way to go before they reach that level of animosity. Not nearly on that level, you've been only a thorn for a few years now.

3. Gary Williams was a loser at BC, he was a loser at Ohio State and he sweats and swears way too much and had one lucky year.

4. Fact: Bob Wade was a real winner. Did wonders with the program.

5. 03-04 - 0-2
02-03 - 1-1
01-02 - 1-1
00-01 - 1-3 ( and they quit on themselves all 3 times)
99-00 - 1-2
98-99 - 0-2
97-98 - 0-2
96-97 -1-1
95-96 -1-2

Last nine years 6-16, THAT IS A FACT!!!!!!!

And most of those teams were not my favorite Duke squads, I'm more partial to my Laettner/Hurley/ T-Hill/G. Hill/ teams. The 84-94 years meant more to me then the 94-04 teams because I was young, in Grammer & High School and found in Duke something that became more than just a favorite team thing, over the years I have been on Campus and at every East Coast game they play.

Your feelings of inadequacy are not uncommon in Duke hater nation, I've dealt with North Carolina & Uconn fans my whole life. And now that we're making you our red headed step child, you're angry. Well don't be, it's okay, get used to it, because K ain't going anywhere and things are going to get remain status quo around here, you'll name call and be all ignorant, and I'll be rubber and have that stuff be bouncin off of me and back onto to you Sucka.

Fact: you couldn't even beat Duke when Pete Gaudett was coaching, and we had the worst Duke team ever.

You drew first blood, not me
Have fun watching the NIT.

Question my knowledge & integrity, better recognize.

[Darth Dzikowski]

It's just sad that you aren't a company guy, I root for whatever ACC is still alive after the Devils get bounced in March or April (except for when the Dean was around, hate the man), actually won my office pool by picking the Terps in their title run.
Your heart runs black with hatred.

Go ACC

[Munson]

LOL, what does any of that have to do with your original statement? Like I said, any clown can get on the internet, look up stats, and call themselves a Dook fan. As for you "first blood" comment. Grow up. Maybe you need to learn some social skills if you think that's true.

[Darth Dzikowski]

This is now becoming beyond comical, YOU look at back at the posts, I stated Duke got "D"'ed up by NC State, then you come chimming in saying the FACTS are Maryland held Duke to 38% blah blah blah blah.

Then you start claiming I'm just some teen age kid who sits on the net all day looking at stats and "pretending to be a Duke fan", claiming "I'm older than you" blah blah blah

Bottom line is you're a bunch of Blah Blah's

reread all the posts in this page and I would like for somebody , anybody to tell me differently. Am a Duke fan and never made a snide comment about anyone in any forums. Period the end.

Listen Dude, you don't know me and I don't know you, I have been a duke fan and that's the end of it, I was there from Dawkins sophomore year on, they got beat by Detlef Shrempf and Chistian Welp at Washington. I don't need no internet to tell me this. The next year BC beat us in the sweet 16. Two years before I was A kentucky fan in 6th grade loved Sam Bowie & Melvin Turpin, after the Hoyas killed em in the second half, I was a Hoya hater and looking for a new team, being that basketball was always the sport I played up through college, college hoops has always been big in my life. From 84-85 on I've been a die hard and that's that.

You give Munsons a bad name, loved Thurman when I was a kid and liked Woody in Kingpin, you on the other hand are just as bitter as you were when Joe Smith got beat by Uconn that year, then left school to be a bust (like most Dukies actually).

I've got nothing left to say on the subject, moderators if you must comment, please reread all posts to see where this started, Now on with the meaningful games, unless you're Maryland.

[Indiana Sev]

You've both said your piece now and we'll leave it at that. You can feel free to continue this with one another via e-mail or pm, but NOT HERE.

Please don't make me take more drastic action.

Thank you.

- Moderator

[Darth Dzikowski]

So who do you schmoe's see as sleepers in the tourney?

Personally I think Michigan St, North Carolina & NC State are teams seeded higher than 4 that can do some damage.

[RicochetShaw]

Duke - 2
NC - 0

Woohoo!







My FSU Noles may be Tournament eligible. OH YEAH! :eek:

[The Delfonics]

MY Buffalo Bulls out of the MAC con are on a 9 game win streak, youll see us upsetting Duke in the tourney.

[Benny]

My dream school & avatar lost to friggin' Washington by 13 last night! How pathetic is that!

Darth- I'm pretty sure UNC and NC State will be seeded around 4 come tournament time. I like the Michigan St. call though, and I'd add Seton Hall and Marquette as teams who could possibly do damage as well.

I hate to say it, because I'm a big fan of theirs, but St. Joe's won't get past the Sweet 16...

RicShaw- unless FSU does major damage in the ACC tourney, expect the NIT for the Noles this season. 6-10 Conference record, even in the ACC, won't cut it.

[PackBacker]

RIP to the old ACC.

The tourney this year should be interesting to say the least. The Friday of the tournament is basically a holiday down this way...we used to watch the games during school instead of doing any work. Ahh the memories!

[Benny]

Originally posted by PackBacker
RIP to the old ACC.

The tourney this year should be interesting to say the least. The Friday of the tournament is basically a holiday down this way...we used to watch the games during school instead of doing any work. Ahh the memories!

I skipped school last year to watch the first day of NCAA Tournament games. No one in my family caught my bluff till months after I did it too. At lunch I always rush to the library computers at school and check the scroes of all the games.

I'd personally love to see N.C. State play Princeton in the First Round, as a 3-14 or 4-13 matchup, since both teams use the same offense. Damn the final score would only be something like 40-35!

[Benny]

Where are the hoops fans! Let's get a tourney pick'em together on Yahoo or something! It's Selection Sunday, baby, and here are my predictions for how every team will be seeded:

EAST (E. Rutherford, NJ):
1. St. Joe's
2. Oklahoma St.
3. Cincinnati
4. Georgia Tech
5. Kansas
6. Providence
7. Vanderbilt
8. Washington
9. Western Mich.
10. Michigan St.
11. Utah St.
12. BYU
13. Princeton
14. Vermont
15. LA-Lafayette
16. Florida A&M/Alabama St.

SOUTH (Atlanta):
1. Duke
2. Pittsburgh
3. Illinois
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Maryland
7. DePaul
8. Seton Hall
9. Charlotte
10. Nevada
11. Richmond
12. Manhattan
13. E. Tennessee St.
14. Va. Comm.
15. Lehigh
16. Liberty

WEST (Phoenix):
1. Stanford
2. Mississippi St.
3. Gonzaga
4. Syracuse
5. North Carolina
6. Boston College
7. Texas Tech
8. Louisville
9. South Carolina
10. Dayton
11. Utah
12. Pacific
13. Murray St.
14. Central Florida
15. Monmouth
16. E. Washington

MIDWEST (St. Louis):

1. Kentucky
2. UConn
3. N.C. State
4. Wake Forest
5. Wisconsin
6. Memphis
7. Xavier
8. Southern Illinois
9. AL-Birmingham
10. Arizona
11. Alabama
12. Air Force
13. Northern Iowa
14. IL-Chicago
15. Valparaiso
16. TX-San Antonio

We'll see how I do tonight @ 6!

[Munson]

LOL @ Duke

Terps ACC Champs

[PackBacker]

Lord knows I loathe Maryland, Gary Williams, and their fans....but they did one helluva job in this tournament. Maryland has come together after a lot of early struggles this year. They could be real trouble in the dance.

[PapaJupe2k]

Well no big shocks with the selections really in my mind. It was surprising that Wisconsin was seeded so low at 6th.:confused: Weren't they ranked like 10th in the country? Looked impressive against Illinois today too... strange.

I wasn't sure if St. Joe's would get the 1 seed after the huge loss, but I can't really argue either way, they did go unbeaten in the regular season. I don't think that coach likes Billy Packer too much, good it's about time someone put that pompous ass in his place, I loved it. What kind of dirt must he be holding over the bigwigs at CBS to keep his number one color commentator job? I like Jim Nantz alot, but I have to mute the sound, Packer just irritates me.

Who are your guys sleeper teams. I've seen Manhatten play a couple times this year and they could do a little damage, I forget who do they have, Florida? Air Force could be pesky too, they play that Princeton slow down style I believe and could cause a few problems.

And of course... the Northern Iowa Panthers. Hey they beat Missouri one year in the tournament, it could happen.

[Benny]

Billy Packer annoyed the hell out of me tonight on the Selection Special. All he could talk about was how much he thought St. Joe's sucked! But yeah, I really like how the brackets turned out this year. It's not like last year, where all the best teams were stuck in the West region, there's more parity this year, but the South (Atlanta) Region will be a beast, I can tell. Wisconsin should be higher than a 6 though, and should Maryland really be a 4 when they didn't even go .500 in their conference?

For sleepers, I like Charlotte, Manhattan, Pacific, and Western Mich. as teams who MIGHT do some damage.

[bmain77]

I'm pinning my hopes on Arizona making a long tournament run. I've watched them a couple of times. They have as much talent as anyone. They're just young, but athletic and fun as hell to watch. Sort of reminds of a certain team from about 10 or 11 years ago...(shedding a tear....fuck you Chris Webber) :D

Obviously Duke is a great team, but I'm just not feeling it from them at all this season. So you heard it here first, Duke goes down in the second round to Arizona.

[Darth Dzikowski]

We'll get Maryland back next year for their victory yesterday.

[Munson]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
We'll get Maryland back next year for their victory yesterday.
What position do you play for Dook?

[RicochetShaw]

Man, my bracket is soooo screwed already, I can't believe I picked Florida over Manhattan, and Charlotte over Texas Tech. But on the bright side Michigan St is losing to Nevada by two points with 2:15 left, I predicted Nevada in my bracket. Come on Nevada!

[Tweaky]

I had Charlotte, Michgan St., and S. Illinois winning. I had Michigan St. going to the Elite Eight :(

[bmain77]

Florida's loss really killed me too. They and Michigan State were both hurt by not having a true point guard out there for them at the end of the game.

MSU just had nothing once Paul Davis had to sit with his 4th and were dead in the water when he followed out. He should have absolutely dominated Nevada's front line, but like I said they need a true point guard that can get him the ball consistently in the post.

Gonzaga and Valpo is looking to be another good game, but I'm going to bounce my tv out the house if the Zags lose. I'm really screwed if both them and MSU go down.

[Gregorious8]

I'm doing well right now. The only miss pick of mine is South Ill.

[PapaJupe2k]

Well day 1 is complete schmoes. I had a feeling about Manhatten and hadn't really been impressed with Florida, so that isn't really that big of an upset to me. They haven't accomplished anything yet though, if they beat Wake on Saturday and go the sweet 16, then I'll get excited. I think they will by the way, Jaspers march on!

Too bad about your Florida and Arizona picks bmain. PAC-10 is weak. I guess if the Hall takes down Duke it will be a bit of a consolation though huh?

I also thought Michigan St could do a little damage, I didn't get to see that game but I was a little surprised. I guess I shouldn't have been though, they couldn't beat any of the heavyweights early in the year, I guess I don't know what I thought had changed.

Too bad about your Vermont team Benny. They were a long shot. I noticed by your team name in the Yahoo pool that you must be a Catamounts fan.

Well the only session of games I wont get to see tomorrow is the late afternoon tilts, and wouldn't you know that's when Northern Iowa plays. I may not want to see that one anyway.

Could Wisconsin and Illinois both go out tomorrow too. That Wisconsin/Richmond game should be interesting. Well until then, enjoy tomorrow's games and have a cold PBR if the urge hits you.

[Darth Dzikowski]

My position is going to be at half court next Thursday & Saturday in Atlanta SUCKAAAAAA!!!!!!

[Darth Dzikowski]

Actually I'm leaving Thursday -- oops Friday & Sunday Sucka!!!!

and the ticks are free to boot, tends to have friends in the Georgia World Congress Center. Maybe you'll see me on the tube Munny. I'll be holding the where's Maryland now sign. And congrats on winning the ACC tourney by the way, let's hope you don't have to wait another 20 years.

14-2 in brackets, yesterday, Nevada & Utep only losses, yeah UTEP.

[Morgana]

I didn't get to see St. Joe's or Stanford play yesterday because my local channel just HAD to show fucking Oprah and Dr. Phill. AAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGG!!!

However, I saw some other games, and so far I'm liking (and rooting for) UConn and Gonzaga. And my UW Huskies are playing tonight, I hope Katz from ESPN is right, I hope they win. At least in the first round, pretty please?

Seton Hall... what is with those hideous outfits? Those are easily the most hideous unis I've seen in at least a decade. Please, someone eliminate them just so I don't have to look at those atrocities again! :eek:

Team I most miss in the Big Dance this year - Missouri. Quin Snyder is the hottest looking coach in all of NCAA b-ball. He'll be dearly missed by yours truly.

[Benny]

Well I had an alright first round. I was 24-8, and managed to lose every single 8/9 game (because Washington is the dumbest team on the planet). However all my Sweet 16 teams are still in it, so that's a good sign. I'm in a three way tie for 2nd on the Yahoo pool, haven't checked ESPN yet though. I correctly picked both 5/12 upsets, so I'm proud of that too. I really was hoping my East Tenn. St. pick would follow through though. The team put in such a good effort the entire game just to come up short in the end, it was really sad, plus it was my upset special of the tournament. I also wish UCF had pulled out the victory over Pitt, because I have the Panthers going down against Wisconsin. I'm feeling confident about that game since Pitt looked horrible tonight against a 14-seed who didnt play that great either. Kentucky also looked solid tonight, a good pick to win so far! :D

Darth/Munson- please stop with the smack-talking. It's gotten totally out of hand, save for an e-mail or something. :rolleyes:

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by Morgana
I didn't get to see St. Joe's or Stanford play yesterday because my local channel just HAD to show fucking Oprah and Dr. Phill. AAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGG

Oh my god! I think I would have bombed the station... or at least called up and complained.:) That's unbelievable.:rolleyes:

The Manhatten/Wake game is the one I want to see, they probably wont show that one here though, but maybe. Texas/No Carolina should be good too. Good call on Pacific there Benny, I would have never picked them.

I'm sure Duke will take care of Seton Hall today Morgs so you wont have to see those uni's again after today... geez leave it to a girl to come up with something like that.:D Call the fashion police!

Let the games begin!


Here's a pic of Quin Snyder for you Morgs, since they didn't make it.
http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-baskbl/auto_action/a-7QSnyder032003150.jpg

For me I'm kind of upset that Temple didn't make it. That John Chaney is quite the hottie, no?:D

http://www.hoophall.com/halloffamers/img/chaney.jpg

OK enough of this silliness, time for some serious hoops.:)

[Moviefan1234]

Right now I'm watching Nevada dominating the Zags. I'm literally sitting here and shaking my head in disbelief. Unless we see a miracle, Gonzaga is done dancing and Nevada will be wearing the glass slipper. I'm not liking what I see, but this is why I LOVE college basketball.

[Morgana]

Wow, Gonzaga is out. I don't believe it, I'm just stunned. I think I'm going to cry... whaaaaaa-whaaaaaa.
Ok, I'm done crying, I'm gonna have to find another team to root for now. Think I'll go with Wake Forest as they are a small school, and they have just advanced.

I'm watching the Stanford-Alabama game right now, I'm almost wanting Stanford to lose (as I normally don't like them much), but they're the only team from the Pac-10 who are still dancing, so I can't wish for them to lose.

[PapaJupe2k]

Bobby Knight's team is out, that's a shame. I'm liking this St. Joe's coach, he seems like a cool guy, I guess I'm rooting for them. They aren't normally in a position like this and it would be fun to see them go a ways.

Nevada was impressive, wow! That was domination. Funny a few years ago Gonzaga was in that role and everyone was rooting for them, now they fell victim to an underdog themselves.

Stanford's lead looks pretty safe, Bama's shooting is pretty poor. So it looks like the PAC-10 might have one team advance anyway. Wow Blake Stepp really choked again for the Zag's today, I don't know if him playing well would have even been enough though.

I hope DePaul pulls the upset over UConn tonight. They used to be my mom and I second favorite team because years ago all their games were televised on WGN and we always watched them.

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
Stanford's lead looks pretty safe,

D'oh! A 15-0 run after I print this and they are behind, hehe. I must have jinxed them. Looking to be an exciting finish. Morgs may need a hug if they blow this one.

[Morgana]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
D'oh! A 15-0 run after I print this and they are behind, hehe. I must have jinxed them. Looking to be an exciting finish. Morgs may need a hug if they blow this one.

You know what PJ, to hell with Stanford, I'm rooting for Alabama now. That would be so sweet if we saw this upset. (I know, I'm a traitor to the Pac-10.) 1.5 mins to go, if they win, I'll crap myself with glee. :D

This suspense is KILLING me!


Update: Alabama did it. Who- hoo!!

Damn, my former home Seattle is not kind to the faves today. But I don't care about Stanford, I like them only a little better than I like Princeton, and I hate Princeton.

Glad to see Syracuse advance.

[PapaJupe2k]

Wow two great finishes within seconds of each other! I've got to give it up to CBS, they cut away perfectly and showed each of them in the entirerty, in my region anyway.

Morgs is crapping herself with glee as we speak.:)

[daddiefatsacks]

wow my pool went to shit today

gone manhattan
gone stanford
gone maryland

[Morgana]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k


Morgs is crapping herself with glee as we speak.:)

Oh no... I made a mess in my pants. Have to go change. :( :D :D

Now UConn has to win, and then Texas, and my day is complete.

I'm still sobbing over Gonzaga though. :(

[Munson]

Originally posted by Benny

Darth/Munson- please stop with the smack-talking. It's gotten totally out of hand, save for an e-mail or something. :rolleyes:
Who's trash talking. Besides, who are you? :rolleyes:

[Benny]

Crap! I had Maryland, UNC, and Gonzaga in the Elite 8! My Final 4 is still in tact though, and I'm tied for 1st in the Yahoo pool. I NEED Pitt to lose today to vindicate my other losses. That would just be excellent if they did.

[James Logan]

One question to y'all:

I've been following Gonzaga's games because they have one of my favorite French players, Ronny Turiaf. Everybody over here is praising the man for what he's doing, and his stats look nice, but as I'm suspicious of the usual French-reporter bias, I wanted to ask you connaisseurs:

How good do you think Ronny Turiaf is? :)

[RicochetShaw]

Sorry Logan, can't answer that because I haven't seen a single Gonzaga game all year..



But man, is anyone else really impressed by Oklahoma State? Holy moly! :eek: I have them in my final four for in one of my brackets, and by the looks of how they're playing now they'll make it.

[Morgana]

Originally posted by James Logan
One question to y'all:

I've been following Gonzaga's games because they have one of my favorite French players, Ronny Turiaf. Everybody over here is praising the man for what he's doing, and his stats look nice, but as I'm suspicious of the usual French-reporter bias, I wanted to ask you connaisseurs:

How good do you think Ronny Turiaf is? :)

It's really hard to say... although I was rooting for Gonzaga in the tournament, that is really the only time I get to see them play. I live in the Pac-10 region, so unless Gonzaga is playing the local U of O Ducks, I never get to see the Zags play during the regular season being they're from a different conference. What I WAS able to see (during the tournament, at least) was that Turiaf is one of the key players on the Gonzaga team. I think his best opportunity to shine will be next year though when he is a senior. Half of Gonzaga's players are graduating this year, so I would expect Turiaf to play a major role next year.

I'm not of much help, but I'd look for how well he does next year.

[RicochetShaw]

Yes, Georgia Tech wins! They're my pick to win it all in my bracket... yeah, I know I'm crazy. :)

[PapaJupe2k]

Ga. Tech hangs on. That could have been a poor decision to go for the dunk instead of dribbling out the clock, but it didn't cost them. I didn't expect Illinois to dominate Cincy like are, wow!

It will be hard to match the exciting games of yesterday, a few more blowouts today. I do want to see how Pacific can match up against Kansas though.

Glad to see Morgana is back today... with a clean pair of pants I hope.:D

[RicochetShaw]

Vandy comes back to beat NC State!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:eek: :eek:


Darn, I had them in my final four. :(

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
It will be hard to match the exciting games of yesterday, a few more blowouts today. Yeesh, every time I say something the opposite happens, just like yesterday and Stanford's "comfortable lead". Wouldn't you know it, a nailbiting Vandy/NC State finish, hehe. I thought Vandy was dead in the water.

Let's try something. I don't think Iowa will win a single game next year, Hmmm.;)

Wisconsin will dominate Pittsburgh and Harris will score 40.

I took Pitt to go to the Final 4

[Tweaky]

Kentucky lost and I had them winning the tournament. UAB is one of the dirtiest teams I've ever seen play.

[Darth Dzikowski]

I have 8 of the Sweet Sixteen, Going to see my Dukie's on Friday Night and all my final Four picks (G.Tech, St.Joe's, Duke, Uconn) are still alive and kicking.

Life is good.

And all you posters who don't like or understand Mine and Munsons relationship obviously weren't raised on the juggernaut that is ACC basketball. I'm sorry you all take umbrage to the fact that we take our hoops seriously. But being that most of you seem to be Pac 10 and Big Ten fans or SEC fans it is easy to understand. Without winning, their cannot be any rivalries, thus you fear what you do not understand. I mean we're ( the ACC) in the final four every year and seem to win it once every three years, so ease up on your concerns.

Munson, to you I have to say Gary did a great job with those kids this year, played some great ball and are going to beat a monster on the National scene for the next three years. Congrats on your ACC title and now lets go get the big one with Tech, Wake or yes, The Blue Devils.

Peace Out.

[Morgana]

While Munson, Darth, and Benny get themselves sorted out, here's my question...

Nevada...contenders or pretenders?

They've beaten Gonzaga by nearly 20 points. Could they be the winning dark horse this year?

I think they're probably like Marquette last year, they'll go far, but not far enough. I don't see them winning the championship. Talk amongst yourselves.

[PapaJupe2k]

Well Kentucky is knocked out of that region now, it's up for grabs. There is a possibility. Goergia Tech hasn't looked great, but they've won and they are the next opponent. If Nevada continues to shoot as well as they have it is going to be tough for any team to slow them down. They are in the best bracket to try to make a run at it, it would be fun to see them do it.

I think they are even more of an underdog than Marquette was last year, they are higher seeded I think. I can't remember what Marquette was seeded, but I think it was better than 10.

Tune in this weekend and see Nevada's fate. They are the furthest west team I think still alive, so I guess you are rooting for them now.:)

[bmain77]

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michigan has outlasted Michigan State in the post season. The NIT title is all theirs.!!!!!!!! :D

Brad Daugherty said UM is going to be a force next season, so you can take your NCAA tournament titles and stick em up your ass!:D

So how is everybody doing on their women's NCAA bracket?

[Darth Dzikowski]

There are only 2 teams west of the Rockies left, yet 2 teams from the state of Alabama, who'd a thunk it? You gotta figure Kansas as the favorite in their region, however, Nevada had four players who can start on any team in the country and UAB with my man Squeeky and the wonder twins can surprise, still I have Tech and ACC ties so go Tech. East Rutherford with all four seeds holding, is by far the toughest to call, wouldn't be surprised if any of those teams advance. And you have to Love Uconn and almost love Duke.

My predictions: Tech, Wake, Duke, Uconn

[PapaJupe2k]

I didn't get to see the games tonight, just caught bits and pieces on radio. No big surprises I guess, except for Alabama being in the Eilte 8, wow! I never would have guessed that. Does anyone care though? I'm sure their fans are more concerned with spring football workouts.:)

The interesting games are tomorrow though anyway, and I'll see those. Can Nevada keeps it's cinderella ride going? Can UAB upset Kansas? Can Illinois hang with Duke? Tune in and find out, same bat time, same bat channel.

[free]

Originally posted by PapaJupe2k
Does anyone care though? I'm sure their fans are more concerned with spring football workouts.:)

No, and that is truly sad.

Sure, some folks are very excited, but when we beat Stanford to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 91, some one called in our sports show the next day and ask about fucking recruits from Redneck Tech High. :rolleyes:

[bmain77]

Am I the only one who isn't really excited about all these smaller "Cinderella" schools advancing so far into the tournamen? I'm sorry but I'd just rather see a blockbuster match up of like Kentucky vs. Duke or Uconn-TExas etc... than I am seeing them playing the likes of UAB, Nevada, and all that.

I suppose thats partly the snobbish UM fan that is in me, but still. Where some people are thrilled about the parity I see how the NBA policy about high school and undergrad players going pro is sapping the talent of the NCAA. Thats why all these mid major programs are able to compete so well. The top schools are no longer getting the elite talents and those that do are only on campus for a year or two tops. You are almost better off recruiting good, but not great players that arent likely to leave school early instead of the elite star players. Where's the fun in that?

I know many and probably most disagree with this point of view, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

[PapaJupe2k]

Originally posted by bmain77
You are almost better off recruiting good, but not great players that arent likely to leave school early instead of the elite star players. Absolutely right. That is a sign of the times I guess, but you can almost be assured when recruting a blue chip player that he isn't going to stick around 4 years anymore. The power schools can just keep reloading these players though, I don't think things have evened up THAT much between the mid-majors, but the gap has certainly closed. I guess I just get tired of seeing the same teams every year, but I can understand your point. That being said, GO NEVADA! I hope Illinois takes down Duke as well.

To answer your question... yes you are the only one who doesn't want to see these cinderella teams advance.

Well the final four matchups are set now. I guess you got your wish, no cinderella teams have advanced. Should be great b-ball but no real compelling stories have developed, oh well maybe something will come up this week. I guess other schmoes agree since no one is saying much in this thread.

[Darth Dzikowski]

Got back from Atlanta yesterday morning after a great weekend of ball down south, with Tech winning as well, the place was rocking. Duke survives and escapes, the name of the game this time of year. Still have 3 of 4 final four teams in my three pools. The bid dilemma being the one I can win the most $$$ in I have Uconn winning it all. I've been salivating at the mouth all year for this chance and now it's here, saturday night. Vengeance will be mine Calhoun, you potty mouth stutterin jerk.

[James Logan]

Originally posted by Morgana


I'm not of much help, but I'd look for how well he does next year.

Thanks, babe.

[PapaJupe2k]

Well the games should be good this weekend, no doubt about that, but there is just no regional interest or compelling stories for me to get excited about this time. Oooh boy three east coast teams and Okie State. So I'll talk about something else that has been on my mind.

Anyone else think they should do away with the "super bonus" foul shooting rule after the tenth foul?

I say go back to making teams shoot one and one's after the 7th foul. I mean the point of the rule was to try to deter teams from fouling so much at the end of games, and this hasn't really declined at all. Anyway, foul shooting is an important part of the game, I say put teams to the test. If they can't make them, hey that's your own fault, start stressing it more in practice. Jimmy V knew this and won a national championship doing it.

[bmain77]

I'm really geeked to watch Duke-Uconn. I love Duhon for Duke. I really hope he finds a way to stick in the NBA. Okafor is a beast. These are the kind of match ups I like to see. Like I said earlier the David vs. Goliath matchups don't get me nearly as geeked as seeing two heavyweights duking it out for 40 mintues.

But other than this matchup I think the tournament as a whole has lacked any really exciting match ups. Don't get me wrong there has been some great games, but none that had me excited going in. Even putting my Michigan bias aside, I seriously think tonights UM-Oregon NIT semi-final is more attractive than most of the big dance games have been up to now. And UM has the lead right now. I must say I like watch Luke Jackson playing for Oregon. Curious to see what he can do on the next level

But while on the topic of UM they are going to be a force over the next two years. Bernard Robinson Jr. who is graduating this year will be the only signifcant loss for Michigan over the next two years unless someone gets stupid and goes pro early and I honestly don't see anyone on Michigan who is capable of doing so. They've been better off making this run in the NIT than they would have had if they were one and done in the Big Dance. The prospect of having a front court rotation of Courtney Sims, Graham Brown, Chris Hunter, and Petway with Daniel Horton, Lester Abrams, and Dion Harris in the back court is truly scarey. I say in all honesty this is the most talented team I've seen in Ann Arbor since the Fab Five days. Thats not to mention the good recruiting class they have coming in next year.

[RicochetShaw]

Well, after almost a completely dismal first 2 rounds in my bracket picks, my final four isn't bad.


I chose the following:

Oklahoma State
North Carolina
UConn
Georgia Tech


Georgia Tech was my pick to win it all, and I'm sticking with it.

[Benny]

Well the Final Four is set... and I'm psyched for Saturday night! In the early game, I will go on a limb and say that Tech will pull off the upset over a very strong OSU team. Also I like Uconn over Duke. The Huskies have looked unstoppable this entire tournament. It's gonna be an awesome game though.

Hey bmain, my Latin teacher asked us if anyone knew the motto of the University of Michigan (it's artes, scientia, veritas), and I guessed "Football players get a free ride!" That got a good laugh out of everyone, good luck in the NIT tomorrow night.

I'm kinda pissed that the Stanford Laides lost last night. I mean, if 7-seed Minnesota can get into the Final Four, then so can they! A Tennessee-Uconn final would be fun I guess. (By the way, women's college hoops is fun to watch, all you chauvinists! It's only the WNBA that sucks...)

[Darth Dzikowski]

March 29, 1999 was a day that will live in infamy.

Saturday night Duke will settle the score.

[Jim Law]

Originally posted by Darth Dzikowski
March 29, 1999 was a day that will live in infamy.

Saturday night Duke will settle the score.

Guess not.

[Ripper1888]

YES DUKE LOST! I can't stand Duke then again for some reason I hate all NC teams except Wake...anyway I'm glad the Blue Devils went down.

The Georgia Tech vs Connecticut final should be a good one I think UConn will win a close one.

As for the woman's side of things I'm rooting for Minnesota to pull it off it be nice if someone other than Connecticut or Tennessee won this thing for once.

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Jim Law
Guess not.

:D


I second that. It was nice to see Duke take a fall again. The game between Georgia Tech and UConn is going to be a good one. I'd like to see the Yellow Jackets win, this is the first time they're in the championship game, I believe.

[Benny]

Darth- as those silly Red Sox fans say every year: There's always next year!

I'll be rooting for Tech tomorrow night, but I think Uconn will win. Espeically if Okefor isn't on the bench for the entire first half! By the way, I was convince Duke had won it last night. I switched away from the game with 5 minuttes to go and just by chance happened to flip back a few minutes later and amazingly, UConn had pulled it within three again. Both games were for the ages last night, it will hard to top tomorrow.

In the early game, I will go on a limb and say that Tech will pull off the upset over a very strong OSU team. Also I like Uconn over Duke. The Huskies have looked unstoppable this entire tournament. It's gonna be an awesome game though.

I'm a genius. :p Nevermind I picked UK in to win it all! :mad:

[screamer581]

And U Conn is the 2004 NCAA Basketball champs! Pretty boring game sadly. GA Tech made a little run, but it was too little, too late. All of a sudden my bracket looks much better. :)

[Darth Dzikowski]

Won my pool with Tech/Uconn final ( also had a Duke/OSU)
but lost to the huskies again.

6 years
2 Final Four games
3 points
2 losses

I'm starting to wish Laettner missed that shot in '89.

[RicochetShaw]

I finished in the 98.9 percentile on the ESPN NCAA Tournament Challenge!

:D

[screamer581]

Originally posted by RicochetShaw
I finished in the 98.9 percentile on the ESPN NCAA Tournament Challenge!

:D


That's awesome Shaw! I finished in the 90 percentile on the yahoo NCAA Tourney Challenge this year. Not too bad, but last year I finished in the 94 percentile, and the year before that I finished in the 99.9...yes that's right. :)

[Indiana Sev]

Bump!

For those who love their college hoop tournaments...

[brodeurnumber1]

I think Utah is the sleeper team to win it all this year. They have one of the best players in the nation in Bogut, which never hurts. And I think Illionois will actually lose to Michigan State in the finals of the Big Ten tournament, but hell, what do I know.

EDIT: Well, I guess I was wrong, OSU upsets Illinois.

[AwesomeJ33]

Nice to see the thread brought back from the dead. I was Darth Dzikowski last year so it was fun to get to reread the battles I had with Munson last year. And what does Maryland do this year...... Beat us twice!!!

Having lost Chris Duhon & Luol Deng & incoming freshman Shaun Livingston coming into this year, my hopes for this years squad were realistic, they would be good but nothing great. Nice to see J.J and Sheldon step up and improve there games to All Acc 1st team status. Possibly K's greatest coaching ever this year. Thin bench, injuries and Shav Randolph still being a bum can't stop us from being a solid 2 seed and a threat to go deep.

Can't wait for these next few weeks.

Okie St.
UNC
Wake

one of them will cut down the nets in St. Louis.

[AwesomeJ33]

My bad, we're a number one seed AGAIN!

[daddiefatsacks]

big upset prediction:

Niagara (14) over Oklahoma (3)

[brodeurnumber1]

The biggest matchup of the weekend should be Georgia Tech/Louisville, pending an upset. I personally think Tech will win, but whoever does could go all the way to the final four and maybe even upset Illini or Okie State or Arizona up top.

[Jimmy"The Gent"]

I gotta root for my underdog favorite, Vermont, in the first round. They're a great story this year and their star player, Tyler Copenrath, will definitely be a first round pick. But, if Syracuse wins, which they most likely will, I'll root for them to go far.

Pittsburgh and Utah are also two sleeper teams that could screw up a lot of people's brackets, so beware.

[brodeurnumber1]

One of my final four picks just lost in the first round. DAMN YOU SYRACUSE!

[ChemicalRomance]

GO BISONS OF BUCKNELL!

My brother just graduated from their last year and they had an awesome year this year. Their up 3 right now on Kansas with 4:19 left in the game. Go Bisons!

[ChemicalRomance]

YEAH BUCKNELL! I TOLD EVERYONE ALL WEEK THIS WAS GONNA HAPPENE AND THEY ALL LAUGHED!

WOOOOOOOOOOO! BUCKNELL BISONS!